Jamie Michalak's Blog, page 17

WELCOME BACK! Our Summer Vacation & a Question for YOU*

Mr. Pig here, back home in the Enchanted Woods after a summer of travel, adventure, and a few mishaps. (Word to the wise: never stay in a b & b made of straw!)
Anyway, my fellow Cottagers--Anika Denise, Kara LaReau, Jamie Michalak--and I are back for another exciting year! We have many celebrity guests lined up. Stay tuned for tours of art studios and writing spaces, my interviews with children's book characters (like, er, Bacon), book recommendations, and more!

Sadly, our fifth Cottager, the talented and hilarious Kristen Tracy, is leaving us to move to California. Sniff! We'll miss you, Kristen!

What did the other Cottagers do over the summer?

ANIKA announced some stellar book news! Abrams acquired her new picture book series STARRING CARMEN, in which Carmen, a thespian extraordinaire, struggles to share the spotlight with her little brother. Lorena Alvarez is on board to illustrate. Publication is slated for spring 2017 for the first volume, with the second to follow in spring 2018. Read the full announcement in PW here! 

In between visits to the Adirondacks, Chesapeake Bay, and various Clam Shacks throughout Rhode Island, Anika plugged away at revisions for a new picture book and continued work on her middle grade novel. She also successfully grew tomatoes, kale and cucumbers in her garden—but had a little trouble with squash. 

Happy as clams -- Anika & Christopher Denise hanging with their family in Warren.
KARA spent her summer finishing two revisions: one for the first book in her new series, THE UNINTENTIONAL ADVENTURES OF THE BLAND SISTERS, and one for the second book in her INFAMOUS RATSOS series. She’s also waiting to hear about several projects out on submission, and has two new picture books and a new chapter book series in the works. Somehow, she managed to find time to relax on the beach with her husband and toddler. 

Kara strolling in Narragansett with her beach-loving cutie.
JAMIE received happy news -- her early reader, JOE AND SPARKY GO TO SCHOOL, is 1 of 52 Great Reads by the Library of Congress at this year's National Book Festival! She spent her summer writing a top-secret project, teaching "The In-Betweeners: Writing Early Readers and First Chapter Books" workshop with Kara at the Highlights Foundation, and revising the forthcoming JOE AND SPARKY, PARTY ANIMALS! (Candlewick Press, 2017), illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz.

Jamie also learned to play darts, read a stack of creepy middle grade mysteries, took the Lays potato chip challenge (New York Reuben FTW), and caught waves with her sons.

A race to the shore. Jamie bodyboarding with her oldest son in Westerly.
* What have YOU been up to this summer? Tell us what we've missed -- and what great books you've read! Write the book title(s) and your name, if you wish to share it, in the Comments section. We'll share your suggestions in a future post.

THANK YOU!

Dear Friends,

The Cottagers are going on a brief summer vacation. We are *temporarily* leaving the Cottage so that we can spend some time with our families, write stories, have a few adventures, and of course, plan our content for the coming 2015/2016 season. (Mr. Pig already has a few surprise guests booked!)
Thank you for making our second year in the Cottage so wonderful! We've thoroughly enjoyed your visits, and our many entertaining chats with fabulous children's book characters--and their creators. 
Thanks for reading, commenting, tweeting, sharing and cheering us on! We'll be back with all-new goodies for you on August 14th. Until then, read lots of books, and have a safe, happy and wonder-filled summer. Be sure to come visit us in August when we reopen the Cottage and gear up for back-to-school!
We'll put the kettle on for you.

With gratitude,~The Cottagers(Jamie Michalak, Anika Denise, Kara LaReau, Kristen Tracy -- and Mr. Pig)


 A big THANK YOU to all of this year's talented contributors . . .

Sarah AlbeeR.W. AlleyZoe B. AlleyMary AmatoKathi AppeltChris Barton Bonny BeckerLizi BoydJeannie Brett Ed Briant Elise BroachKerry O'Malley CerraNancy CastaldoMatthew CordellMike CuratoLisa CloughDrew DaywaltChristopher Denise Kate DiCamilloJory John Nina LadenKelly LightEric LitwinEthan LongJackie Clark MancusoHazel Mitchell Cathy MorrisonZachariah Ohora
Debbie Ridpath OhiElise Primavera Frank RemkiewiczMarsha Riti Rebecca Rupp Jennifer SattlerJudy Schachner Stephanie Shaw Terry ShayElizabeth Rose StantonAnn Stott Matt TavaresJennifer ThermesDeborah Underwood Linda Urban Chris Van Dusen Ellis WeinerMarcia WellsRosemary WellsSalina YoonToni Yuli

Mr. Pig Visits . . . Ethan Long!

Whew! It is SIZZLING here in Orlando, Florida. Perhaps I should have arranged to tour award-winning illustrator Ethan Long's studio in the winter? But I just couldn't wait!

Ethan Long is the popular children's book author-illustrator of more than seventy books. He wrote and illustrated the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award-winning Up! Tall! And High! and the Scribble and Ink books; and he illustrates the Stick Dog series by Tom Watson. Ethan is also the animator of the Emmy-nominated television series, "Tasty Time with Ze Fronk."

Oh, here we are at his house! 

<<knock, knock>>

Hmm. Nobody is answering, but the door is open. I'll just peek inside. . . .



EL: All I need to do is add one more layer to this illustration and I’ll be . . .


EL: Hey, who are you? And how did you get in here? 

Mr. Pig: Um, I'm here for the tour of your studio, Mr. Long?

EL: Oh, right. Normally, I would make my wife and kids show you around, but they went to the movies. I guess I’ll do it this one time.


EL: This is the entry to my home. It is also my studio. Surprised? A lot of artists use their home for a studio. I like it because it eliminates driving time and gives me lots of access to the refrigerator.

MP: I like how you think.



EL: And it also gives me access to our gumball machine, which I have currently filled with a mixture of mm’s, jelly bellies and skittles. It only takes pennies but sometimes a dime will slip through.

MP: Yum! The Cottage needs one of those. Hey, what's in that shelf by the wall?



EL: This shelf? Glad you asked. I know it’s weird, but I can’t give you a tour of my home/studio without showing you my animal skull collection. I have over 40 skulls which range from the very small (rat) to the very large (bison). They are amazing and although I haven’t added many new ones in the past couple of years, I am always on the lookout. 

(Note: No animals were harmed directly or indirectly by Ethan Long in the making of this skull collection.)



EL: Our meals are eaten here. Sometimes it holds placemats, and sometimes we eat on top of a bare table, but the food we serve is usually exquisite. We prepare a lot of our own foods, which includes homemade pizza, sushi, white chicken chili and enchiladas. We also use it as a homework desk, craft table and a gift cutting area.  It has many uses and many scratches.

MP: Mmm, this tour is making me hungry. Is this where you work?
 

EL: No. This is where I do all of my “talented and world-famous Ethan Long” book writing and illustrating. The desk I use was the same desk I had when I was little. It can be a wee bit small when I feel like spreading out, but overall it is very compact. I use a Mac laptop and have all of the necessary features to be a productive and efficient author/illustrator and business man. Adobe Suite, Dropbox, Microsoft Word products, Crashplan. Sometimes I hook up a scanner. What more do I need? (Don’t answer that.)



EL: This is an illustration from the wildly popular Stick Dog books, written by Tom Watson. I labeled Stick Dog with an arrow so you will know who Stick Dog is. Tom sends me sketches and I draw over them as only I can. My style is simple, fun, and quirky, which is a perfect fit for this book series. I also do a lot of other kinds of art. Go to my website to see all of that. (http://www.ethanlong.com)



EL: This is a mixed media painting that hangs in my studio. It is of Scribbles and Ink. My Scribbles and Ink books are being developed into a web/TV series with WGBH and PBS. But until I get the papers to sign I have to wait and see. Animation is fun, but it takes a L-O-N-G time to get things going.

MP: Scribbles and Ink on TV? Wow! Hey, what's on that shelf above your head? 



EL: As part of my contracts, I get 20-25 free books from the publisher for each book that I write. I have a lot of publishers, so . . . I get a lot of books. This is where I keep most of them – up and out of the way. We use them for donations to schools and gifts for teachers, students and friends.



EL: Our mailbox is one of my favorite places. I can’t fit inside or I would spend a lot of my time there. It is where I receive fan mail, magazines, paychecks, birthday cards, and of course, bills. Which reminds me, it’s probably time to get back to work. Those Stick Dogs aren’t going to draw themselves!



EL: Oh, and I also do fine art on the side. This is one of my hand-crafted birds. I call them “Whittle Birds.” Get it? They’re “little” and I “whittle” them, so they’re called “Whittle Birds”. I think the name is funny and I love making them.

MP: Aww. I whove, er . . . love them. 



EL:  Ok. You’ve seen enough. Plus, it’s nap time. Give me a few minutes to catch a snooze.

MP:  Thanks for having me, Mr. Long! Um . . . Mr. Long?

EL: Zzzz. . . . huh? What? . . . Oh! I'm up, I'm up!



EL: And that’s a wrap! Next time please call or email before barging into my studio unannounced. This will give me time to put together a proper tour, complete with a walk-through of my guest cottage, Olympic-sized swimming pool, and the garage where I park my fleet of Rolls Royces. Have a nice day!

MP: You, too! Thanks for the grand tour! I think I'll take some Skittles for the road if you don't mind. It's a L-O-N-G way back to the Cottage.

Ethan Long is a popular, award-winning and internationally recognized children's book author and illustrator with over 70 children's books, a Theodor Seuss Geisel Award and an Emmy-nominated television series to his credit. Just about all of his awake time is spent writing stories, drawing pictures and spending time with his family. Born and raised in Central Pennsylvania, his childhood memories serve as inspiration for many of his drawings and stories. He is good at walking, eating ice cream, and wearing glasses. He currently lives with his wife and three children in beautiful Orlando, Florida.



UP! TALL! AND HIGH!
by Ethan Long
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers (2012)
ISBN 978-0399256110

Winner of the 2013 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award

"A clever cast of avian characters conveys the meaning of several directional terms in this innovative lift-the-flap book that will appeal to babies and toddlers as well as children just beginning to read." 
—Kirkus

"Doubling as a baby book and an early reader, this book about the ups and downs of avian rivalry succeeds abundantly on both fronts."
—The New York Times

HI!by Ethan LongAbrams Appleseed (May 2015)ISBN 978-1419713651
* "A clever, deceptively simple board book introduces animal sounds. Long's board-book debut proves again that he understands children and what appeals to them. With just one animal per page, each with a one-word salutation, this is a board book that will speak to very young children. . . . A completely satisfying, age-appropriate package." —Kirkus (starred review) SCRIBBLES AND INKOUT OF THE BOXby Ethan LongBlue Apple Books (March 2014) ISBN 978-1609053666 "Cardboard boxes may never seem dull again. Back from their last high-energy artistic adventure (The Contest, 2013), best friends Scribbles and Ink go to town with imaginative play, fighting and reconciling along the way. . . . Corrugated cardboard has never looked so alluring. The perfect choice for after a move or whenever boxes are handy." —Kirkus  





Watch TASTY TIME WITH ZEFRONK weekdays 9:25 AM and 3:25 PM EST Mon-Fri and 10:55 AM EST Sat on The Disney Channel!

Quote of the Week

"Fill your house with stacks of books, in all the crannies and all the nooks." — Dr. Seuss




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Summer Reading Picks. . . *Plus a Winner Announcement!*

Picture Books

Sea Rex
by Molly Idle
(Viking Books)

What could that be
down in the sea?

Is it a fish?

A snail?

A mermaid’s tail?

No, it’s bigger than that . . .

a LOT bigger . . .

it’s Sea Rex!

Meet The Dullards
by Sara Pennypacker
illustrated by David Salmieri
(Balzar + Bray)

Meet the Dullards. Their home is boring. Their food is plain. Their lives are monotonous. And Mr. and Mrs. Dullard like it that way.

But their children—Blanda, Borely, and Little Dud—have other ideas. . . .

Never has dullness been so hilarious than in this deadpan, subversive tale.

Edmund Unravels
by Andrew Kolb
(Nancy Paulsen Books)

Edmund is a ball of yarn and a ball of energy! From the time he could roll, he’s been bouncing down his front steps to explore, and his parents have always been right there to reel him in and roll him back up. But now that he’s bigger, Edmund is ready to discover the wonders of the world. Everything is new and exciting—but sometimes, even a little ball of yarn gets lonely, and there’s nothing better than the comfort of being around those he cares about.

The Amazing Hamweenie Escapes!
by Patty Bowman
(Philomel Books)

He's free! The Amazing Hamweenie, legend in his own mind, hero to millions of adoring fans who have yet to meet him, has finally escaped the evil clutches of the little girl who showers him with love and stuffs him full of delectable treats. Where will our tortured star go? To the circus, of course! The spotlight of center ring beckons him -- the elephants, monkeys, and tigers in desperate need of a leader. Hamweenie will gift them with his presence!

Nonfiction Picture Books/ Chapter Books

The Blue Whale
by Jenni Desmond
(Enchanted Lion Books)

A nonfiction picture book, The Blue Whale draws children into the life and world of this enormous whale by situating facts within a familiar context. Illustrations show the actual size of a whale's eye, as well as the whale's body size in relation to trucks, cars, milk bottles, and hippos.



Growing Up Pedro
by Matt Tavares
(Candlewick Press)

Before Pedro Martínez pitched the Red Sox to a World Series championship, before he was named to the All-Star team eight times, before he won the Cy Young three times, he was a kid from a place called Manoguayabo in the Dominican Republic. Pedro loved baseball more than anything, and his older brother Ramon was the best pitcher he’d ever seen. He’d dream of the day he and his brother could play together in the major leagues—and here, Matt Tavares tells the story of how that dream came true. In a fitting homage to a modern day baseball star, the acclaimed author-illustrator examines both Pedro Martínez’s improbable rise to the top of his game and the power that comes from the deep bond between brothers.

Why'd They Wear That?: Fashion as the Mirror of Historyby Sarah Albee(National Geographic Children's Books)
Move over Project Runway. Get ready to chuckle your way through centuries of fashion dos and don'ts! In this humorous and approachable narrative, kids will learn about outrageous, politically-perilous, funky, disgusting, regrettable, and life-threatening creations people have worn throughout the course of human history, all the way up to the present day. From spats and togas to hoop skirts and hair shirts, why people wore what they did is an illuminating way to look at the social, economic, political, and moral climates throughout history.

Tricky Vic: The Impossibly True Story of the Man Who Sold the Eiffel Tower
by Greg Pizzoli
(Viking Books)

In the early 1900s, Robert Miller, a.k.a. “Count Victor Lustig,” moved to Paris hoping to be an artist. A con artist, that is. He used his ingenious scams on unsuspecting marks all over the world, from the Czech Republic, to Atlantic ocean liners, and across America. Tricky Vic pulled off his most daring con in 1925, when he managed to "sell" the Eiffel Tower to one of the city’s most successful scrap metal dealers! Six weeks later, he tried to sell the Eiffel Tower all over again. Vic was never caught. For that particular scam, anyway.

Early Chapter Books 
-
Princess In Black
by Shannon & Dean Hale
illustrated by LeUyen Pham
(Candlewick Press) 

Princess Magnolia is having hot chocolate and scones with Duchess Wigtower when . . . Brring! Brring! The monster alarm! A big blue monster is threatening the goats! Stopping monsters is no job for dainty Princess Magnolia. But luckily Princess Magnolia has a secret —she’s also the Princess in Black, and stopping monsters is the perfect job for her! Can the princess sneak away, transform into her alter ego, and defeat the monster before the nosy duchess discovers her secret? From award-winning writing team of Shannon and Dean Hale and illustrator LeUyen Pham, here is the first in a humorous and action-packed chapter book series for young readers who like their princesses not only prim and perfect, but also dressed in black.

Scribbles and Ink, Out of the Box (Jump-Into-Chapters)  
by Ethan Long 
(Blue Apple Books)

Scribbles the cat and Ink the mouse are buddies and fellow artists. In this adventure, the arrival of a box of cheese brings a yummy snack for Ink and an artistic opportunity for Scribbles--he loves the box! What can he make from it? Everything!

Captain Awesome Goes to Superhero Camp
by Stan Kirby
illustrated by George O'Connor
(Little Simon)

When Eugene goes to sleepaway camp, it’s superheroes—and supervillains—galore in the fourteenth adventure of Captain Awesome and the Sunnyview Superhero Squad!

Eugene’s bags are packed and his Super Dude sleeping bag is rolled up and ready. It’s time to go to sleepaway camp! But this isn’t just any summer camp: it’s Superhero Summer Camp! Captain Awesome and the Sunnyview Superhero Squad can’t wait to venture into the woods and get some real superhero training at Camp Ka-Pow. That is, until they meet the Cloudy Heights Super Crew. Could these campers be supervillains in disguise?

Lulu and the Dog from the Sea
by Hilary McKay
(Albert Whitman & Company)

When Lulu goes on vacation, she finds there's a dog living on the beach. Everyone in the town thinks the dog is trouble. But Lulu is sure he just needs a friend. And that he's been waiting for someone just like her.








Middle Grade Novels
-
The Great Good Summer
by Liz Garton Scanlon
(Beach Lane Books)

Ivy and Paul hatch a secret plan to find Ivy’s missing mom and say good-bye to the space shuttle in this evocative, heartfelt novel reminiscent of Each Little Bird that Sings and Because of Winn-Dixie.

Ivy Green’s mama has gone off with a charismatic preacher called Hallelujah Dave to The Great Good Bible Church of Panhandle Florida. At least that’s where Ivy and her dad think Mama is. But since the church has no website or phone number and Mama left no forwarding address, Ivy’s not entirely sure. She does know she’s missing Mama. And she’s starting to get just a little worried about her, too.

Circus Mirandus
by Cassie Beasley
(Dial Books)

Do you believe in magic?

Micah Tuttle does.

Even though his awful Great-Aunt Gertrudis doesn’t approve, Micah believes in the stories his dying Grandpa Ephraim tells him of the magical Circus Mirandus: the invisible tiger guarding the gates, the beautiful flying birdwoman, and the magician more powerful than any other—the Man Who Bends Light. Finally, Grandpa Ephraim offers proof. The Circus is real. And the Lightbender owes Ephraim a miracle. With his friend Jenny Mendoza in tow, Micah sets out to find the Circus and the man he believes will save his grandfather.

The only problem is, the Lightbender doesn't want to keep his promise. And now it's up to Micah to get the miracle he came for.

Echoby Pam Muñoz Ryan(Scholastic)
Music, magic, and a real-life miracle meld in this genre-defying masterpiece from storytelling maestro Pam Muñoz Ryan.
Lost and alone in a forbidden forest, Otto meets three mysterious sisters and suddenly finds himself entwined in a puzzling quest involving a prophecy, a promise, and a harmonica.Decades later, Friedrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California each, in turn, become interwoven when the very same harmonica lands in their lives. All the children face daunting challenges: rescuing a father, protecting a brother, holding a family together. And ultimately, pulled by the invisible thread of destiny, their suspenseful solo stories converge in an orchestral crescendo. 
Tiger Boyby Mitali Perkinsillustrated by Jamie Hogan(Charlesbridge) 
When a tiger cub goes missing from the reserve, Neel is determined to find her before the greedy Gupta gets his hands on her to kill her and sell her body parts on the black market. Neel's parents, however, are counting on him to study hard and win a prestigious scholarship to study in Kolkata. Neel doesn't want to leave his family or his island home and he struggles with his familial duty and his desire to maintain the beauty and wildness of his island home in West Bengal's Sunderbans.


Graphic Novels- Roller Girlby Victoria Jamieson(Dial Books)
For most of her twelve years, Astrid has done everything with her best friend Nicole. But after Astrid falls in love with roller derby and signs up for derby camp, Nicole decides to go to dance camp instead. And so begins the most difficult summer of Astrid's life as she struggles to keep up with the older girls at camp, hang on to the friend she feels slipping away, and cautiously embark on a new friendship. As the end of summer nears and her first roller derby bout (and junior high!) draws closer, Astrid realizes that maybe she is strong enough to handle the bout, a lost friendship, and middle school… in short, strong enough to be a roller girl.
Lost in NYC: A Subway Adventureby Nadja Spiegelmanillustrated by Sergio García Sánchez
(Toon Graphics)

The sights . . . the sounds . . . the SMELLS! New York's crowded subway system is known for many things, but being easy on a lost kid isn't one of them. When Pablo gets separated from his new schoolmates during his first field trip in New York City, he doesn't know how he'll be able to find them again. Luckily, he has a little knowledge, a new friend, and the surprisingly approachable city itself to guide his way. This story features maps, archival photos, and fascinating facts to help readers explore the subway without ever having to get caught like Pablo in the mob of Times Square. It brings all the bustle and beauty of NYC to young readers around the world.

El Deafo
by Cece Bell
(Abrams)
Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest? That requires superpowers! In this funny, poignant graphic novel memoir, author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss at a young age and her subsequent experiences with the Phonic Ear, a very powerful—and very awkward—hearing aid.

The Phonic Ear gives Cece the ability to hear—sometimes things she shouldn’t—but also isolates her from her classmates. She really just wants to fit in and find a true friend, someone who appreciates her as she is. After some trouble, she is finally able to harness the power of the Phonic Ear and become “El Deafo, Listener for All.” And more importantly, declare a place for herself in the world and find the friend she’s longed for.
Hansel and Gretel by Neil Gaiman & Lorenzo Mattotti (Toon Graphics)

Best-selling author Neil Gaiman and fine artist Lorenzo Mattotti join forces to create Hansel & Gretel, a stunning book that's at once as familiar as a dream and as evocative as a nightmare. Mattotti's sweeping ink illustrations capture the terror and longing found in the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Gaiman crafts an original text filled with his signature wit and pathos that is sure to become a favorite of readers everywhere, young and old.


And speaking of perfect summer reads. . . it's time to draw the winners of Jackie Clark Mancuso's HUDSON IN PROVENCE and PARIS-CHIEN.

The winner of HUDSON IN PROVENCE is. . . CATHERINE! 


Our second winner of PARIS-CHIEN is BETSY DEVANY!



Congrats, Catherine and Betsy! Please email littlecrookedcottage@gmail.com with your shipping address. 

Quote of the Week

"Books put names on big feelings, and then make them familiar and okay. And they tell you you are not alone in feeling them."

--Anne Ursu, author of Breadcrumbs and The Real Boy


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Mr. Pig Live . . . with Bear!

Whoosh, crackle . . . BOOM! 

Oh my! We're having quite a thunderstorm here in the Enchanted Woods. Thank goodness today's guest on my hit talk show, MR. PIG LIVE, knows all about finding comfort in thunderstorms. 

Please welcome the star of Salina Yoon's FOUND and her brand-new picture book, STORMY NIGHT, the cuddly . . .

BEAR! <<applause>>
 
Hello, Bear! What is your full name?
Um, my full name is Ber. No. Bar. No. Bear. Sorry. I’m nervous. I have never been interviewed before, Mr. Pig!

It's OK. Tell me, do you have a belly button?
I do not, but I do have a belly. A big round one, in fact. And I do have buttons. They are just not on my belly.

Oh, interesting. What is the best thing about being you?
I have a best friend that is a soft bunny whose name is Floppy.

What is the worst thing about being you?
Sometimes I get scared.

If you have a pocket, what is in it right now?
A jelly sandwich. Just half. And a button.
  From STORMY NIGHT. Illustration copyright 2015 by Salina Yoon. What is your favorite word?
Igloo. It is fun to say, and makes your mouth move.  

Igloo. Igloo. Igloooooooo. Yes, I see what you mean. What's you least favorite word?
Goodbye.

What is your favorite sound?
Hee-hee, ha-ha! — the sound of laughter.
What is your least favorite sound?
BOOM! —the sound of thunder.

From STORMY NIGHT. Illustration copyright 2015 by Salina Yoon. Share one thing that most of our readers don’t know about you.
I want to be a teacher when I grow up because they are the nicest people in the world, other than Mama and Papa. And Floppy.

Teachers are the best! What one word best describes you?
Friend. 

What is your idea of the perfect day?
Riding my tricycle with Floppy in my basket and going for a picnic!
 
If a genie gave you one wish, what would you wish for?
That all lost toys be FOUND!

 
What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
Pancakes with maple syrup. 

Mmm. If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring?
Floppy.

What are you reading right now?A Perfect Day, by Bear E. Goodbook. (You can see me read it in Stormy Night!)
  From STORMY NIGHT. Illustration copyright 2015 by Salina Yoon. What is your pet peeve?
I don’t have a pet. And I would not name him Peeve.

What was it like working with Salina Yoon?
Ms. Salina is nice. We have picnics in the garden, and we talk about our day. Then she writes them down. I think they become books, but I’m not sure.

Oh, Bear! You're so modest. Thanks for joining us today. Will you please stay for lunch? Our caterer, Nina of Mamabelly's Lunches with Love, has prepared an adorable Bear-and-Floppy bento lunch just for YOU! 

(Psst. Scroll down to see the Stormy Night bento lunch.)

Wow! Thank you beary much, Mr. Pig!
  ________________________ 

Salina Yoon is the award winning author/illustrator of many books for children, including the popular Bear and Penguin picture book series.FOUND and STORMY NIGHT are published by Bloomsbury. Salina is currently writing and illustrating Bear's third book. Salina's forthcoming book, Penguin's Big Adventure, the fifth book in Penguin's series, will be available in September. 
To learn more about Salina, click here to visit her website. 

 





STORMY NIGHT
Bloomsbury, January 2015
HC ISBN 978-0802737809
PB ISBN 978-1408862315

"This comforting story successfully addresses the common fear of storms for a young audience....This storm's impact has no lasting power against a family's love." --School Library Journal

"Readers will appreciate the graduating reassurances that range from self-soothing to group hugs...Youngsters will empathize with Bear and derive comfort from the loving togetherness his family displays while keeping the storm at bay. " --Kirkus Reviews
PENGUIN'S BIG ADVENTURE
Bloomsbury, Coming September 2015!
Board Book ISBN 978-1619637306 
Penguin embarks on his next journey -- becoming the first penguin to explore the North Pole! Along the way, he says hello to all of his old friends. But when he finally reaches his destination, he realizes he's all alone in a strange, foreign place. How will Penguin overcome his fears of the unknown and enjoy this new adventure?

Countless readers and reviewers have already come to love the adorable Penguin, and Salina Yoon continues to expand this still-growing series with a timeless story of firsts and friendship.

FOUND 
Walker Books, April 2014
HC ISBN 978-0802735591
PB ISBN 978-1408854402

"A terrific combination for preschoolers and early readers who will sympathize with Bear's competing desires." --New York Times Book Review

* "A thoughtful, flawlessly executed exploration of theory of mind and emotional intelligence." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

Literary Lunch . . . STORMY NIGHT by Salina Yoon

Meet Bear and Floopy from Salina Yoon 's new book STORMY NIGHT . When Bear can't sleep on a stormy night, Floppy, his toy bunny; Bear's family; and a few tricks help Bear feel less frightened.


Even though Bear is scared of the storm at first, the storm is over before he knows it, thanks to a familiar song, kiss, and tickle.

This is a great book to read to kids during a thunderstorm. Nina's kids loved the beautiful illustrations and all the ways Bear's family tries to make him feel better.


And don't worry, Bear's frown eventually turns back into a big smile. . . .

Nina from Mamabelly's Lunches with Love packed a comforting lunch for any stormy night:
popcorn to snack on while waiting out the storma big fruit leather curtain to hide under and a Bear and Floppy sandwich with chocolate decorations

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

PIPER GREEN AND THE FAIRY TREE 
by Ellen Potter
Illustrated by Qin Leng

This week's pick is by Cottager Jamie Michalak.


What it's all about . . . 
Piper Green lives on an island, takes a lobster boat to school, and has a Fairy Tree growing in her front yard. For a reason that soon becomes clear, she always wears a pair of green earmuffs -- until her new teacher tells her to remove them. Trouble follows, and Piper turns to the Fairy Tree for help. Is it really magic and can it fix Piper's problems?

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
We're big fans of Ellen Potter's OLIVIA KIDNEY series, so we couldn't wait to read PIPER GREEN AND THE FAIRY TREE, the first in Ellen's new series of early chapter books. This book didn't disappoint. Just right for kids transitioning to chapter books, this charming and funny story pairs perfectly with Qin Leng's lively black-and-white illustrations.

Our favorite lines . . .
Sleeping with earmuffs is not easy. Especially if your head is extra round, like a bowling ball, which mine is. I probably have the roundest head you've ever met.

Take a peek inside . . .
From PIPER GREEN AND THE FAIRY TREE. Illustration copyright 2015 by Qin Leng.
Why kids will love it . . . 
So many reasons! Here are four: 
1. an island setting
2. a feisty and likeable heroine
3. lots of laugh-out-loud moments
4. and a hint of magic
Readers will want to follow Piper from book to book.

Why grown-ups will love it . . .
Looking for a crowd-pleasing read-aloud this summer? PIPER GREEN AND THE FAIRY TREE and its sequel, TOO MUCH GOOD LUCK*, are just right for sharing -- and making kids giggle. 

Note: Reviewed from an advance copy sent by the publisher. 

*Check out Book Two!

Quote of the Week

"Everything that got me picked on in high school, gets me paid now." 
—Tim Federle, Author of Better Nate Than Ever












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