Lauri Fortino's Blog, page 8
April 22, 2023
Celebrating Earth Day with “Tina the First Tooth Fairy” by Bruce F. Scharschmidt, MD
Happy Earth Day, everyone! Please welcome physician, scientist, and children’s book author Dr. Bruce F. Scharschmidt to Frog on a Blog. Bruce’s new picture book Tina the First Tooth Fairy officially launches today. This colorful, rhyming story subtly introduces the concept of environmental sustainability, which you’re never too young to begin learning about. Bruce’s daughter’s curiosity was piqued by a science experiment when she was young, which led her to a scientific career. Now, Bruce en...
April 4, 2023
Interview Alert: Nadia Ali (+ a Giveaway!)
It is my pleasure to welcome freelance writer and children’s book author Nadia Ali to Frog on a Blog. Her brand-new picture book Humphrey the Egg-Splorer officially released today! Just look at that fabulous cover by illustrator Valentí Gubianas! Nadia has several published books, including the recently-released four-book series Animal Societies, which feature animal families, homes, communication, and jobs.
I invited Nadia to share a little about the inspiration for Humphrey the Egg-...
April 1, 2023
Tackling Tough Topics with Humor and STEAM by Kari Gonzalez (+ a Giveaway!)
Please welcome children’s book author Kari Gonzalez to Frog on a Blog! Picture books that encourage a love for books and reading are some of my favorites, and Kari’s debut How to Hatch a Reader, which launches this summer from Gnome Road Publishing with adorable illustrations by Rachel Suzanne, does exactly that. Full of clever puns, How to Hatch a Reader follows a little girl as she shows you, the reader, how to teach your chickens to read. Including the “learning to read” aspect is what ta...
March 14, 2023
Happy Book Birthday to JUST A WORM by Marie Boyd!
Title: Just A Worm
Author: Marie Boyd
Illustrator: Marie Boyd
Publisher: Greenwillow (a HarperCollins imprint)
Release Date: March 14, 2023
Format: Hardcover
Summary: After being called “just a worm” by two children, Worm embarks on a journey around the garden to prove them wrong. Debut author-illustrator Marie Boyd seamlessly incorporates concepts of nature, natural selection, habitats, and interdependence in this picture book beautifully illustrated with a cut-paper techn...
March 10, 2023
Building a Diverse Library: Practical Tips for Families and Educators by Shetal Shah
Please welcome children’s book author Shetal Shah to Frog on a Blog. Her debut Shakti Girls: Poems of Inspiring Indian Women launched just this week and is perfect for Women’s History Month! Through 13 poetic, biographical stories and colorful portraits (by artist Kavita Rajput), the book introduces kids to real Indian women who’ve accomplished incredible things in the fields of science, politics, sports, math, and activism and exemplify Shakti, a Hindi word meaning feminine energy and stren...
March 7, 2023
Happy Book Birthday to WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW by Rebecca Gardyn Levington!
Title: Whatever Comes Tomorrow
Author: Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Illustrator: Mariona Cabassa
Publisher: Barefoot Books
Release Date: March 7, 2023
Format: Hardcover, softcover
Summary: We might not know what the future holds, but the lyrical rhyming text in this beautiful book reassures readers that they have the resilience and strength to face whatever comes their way. Whimsical illustrations make for a captivating read-aloud or bedtime story. Inspired by the author’s own ...
Happy Book Birthday to WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW! by Rebecca Gardyn Levington!
Title: Whatever Comes Tomorrow
Author: Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Illustrator: Mariona Cabassa
Publisher: Barefoot Books
Release Date: March 7, 2023
Format: Hardcover, softcover
Summary: We might not know what the future holds, but the lyrical rhyming text in this beautiful book reassures readers that they have the resilience and strength to face whatever comes their way. Whimsical illustrations make for a captivating read-aloud or bedtime story. Inspired by the author’s own ...
February 20, 2023
Interview Alert: Howard Pearlstein
It’s my pleasure to welcome multi-published children’s author and advertising creative director Howard Pearlstein to Frog On A Blog. Howard has four picture books coming out this year, so this is the perfect time to learn more about him and his books. Howard enjoys collaborating with his daughter Amanda Pearlstein, and two of his upcoming books, Tribeca and The Liebrary, are coauthored with her. Let’s chat a bit with Howard.
How did you begin you picture book writing career?
My picture...
February 7, 2023
Happy Book Birthday to THE WAY WE SAY HELLO by Andrea Denish!
Title: The Way We Say Hello
Author: Andrea Denish
Illustrator: BlueBean
Publisher: Starry Forest Books
Release Date: February 7, 2023
Format: Hardcover
Summary: From author Andrea Denish and illustrator BlueBean comes a touching story about new siblings, greetings, languages, and love.
A young child searches for the best way to greet the newest member of their family as they ask, “A special day. A special place. How will you greet a special face?” With rhyming text, hear...
February 1, 2023
Make Learning Fun with BUSY FEET by Marcia Berneger (+ a Giveaway!)
Please welcome multi-published children’s book author Marcia Berneger to Frog on a Blog. Marcia and I were in a critique group together once upon a time. I’m thrilled that she has a new picture book coming out this month, and I get to share it with you all right here!
As a retired elementary school teacher and now a grandmother, Marcia’s no stranger to the seemingly unending supply of energy that kids have, and her book Busy Feet captures the essence of that energy so perfectly through t...
