**spoiler alert** I’ve always been particularly drawn to dark, atmospheric books for kids, and this picture book strikes the perfect balance of « spoo**spoiler alert** I’ve always been particularly drawn to dark, atmospheric books for kids, and this picture book strikes the perfect balance of « spooky-not-scary » while delivering an admirable message: Push through until you realize your full potential! Spoiler alert: The main character’s half-finished drawings literally come back to haunt her at every turn until she faces—and finishes—them at last. I enjoyed the intrigue set off by the « haunted mansion » setting and eerie illustrations. Looking forward to seeing what books Wicker comes up with next!...more
Such a wonderful new STEM title for small (but mighty) minds! Packed with fascinating facts, Kinser's book invites us into the tiny but marvelous worlSuch a wonderful new STEM title for small (but mighty) minds! Packed with fascinating facts, Kinser's book invites us into the tiny but marvelous world that lies beyond what we can see with the naked eye. Close-ups of microscopic images throughout the book reveal the the detail hidden in various skins and surfaces of the animal world. In the author's own words: "Could something THAT small even matter at all?" Her book proves the answer is YES, and kids will revel in the special difference that nearly-invisible things actually make in the big world that surrounds them....more
Now there's the perfect story to help schools and libraries reinforce a spirit of respect for books (their protection and preservation) but above all,Now there's the perfect story to help schools and libraries reinforce a spirit of respect for books (their protection and preservation) but above all, the raising up of readers.
Libby loves books and can't STAND to see others harming them in any way. When she's named Deputy Librarian, she whips the children's section into shape, banishing all those guilty of drawing, spilling, or chewing on books. But soon, hard-nosed Libby finds that there's no one left to share books with! She discovers the power of a little leniency when it comes to spreading the joy of reading.
Soft colored pencil and watercolor illustrations accompany this tale that champions gentleness and respect, both towards the books we handle, and the people we try to educate. Leiloglou expresses it best in her Afterword: "While I hope my readers enjoy the fun Western theme in this story, I really hope they realize that libraries aren’t about corralling books. They’re about rounding up readers!"
A great book for rule-followers and rule-breakers alike!...more
This book is the recipe for instant warm fuzzies! More than anything, I love an endearing, character-driven story, and this is definitely that.
LittleThis book is the recipe for instant warm fuzzies! More than anything, I love an endearing, character-driven story, and this is definitely that.
Little Daisy eagerly awaits the arrival of her grandpa who's coming to visit all the way from China. But when they finally meet, she discovers he's mostly a frown-y grumbler. So Daisy sets out on the most honorable of missions--to make her Yeh-Yeh smile before his stay comes to an end. It isn't easy, but Daisy isn't easily deterred, either.
5 Stars because... Xindi Yan's illustrations could be screen shots from an animated feature film, they're so vibrantly alive with color and expression. And Moore's story is a heart-full, cross-cultural exploration of just how we go about loving other people: Do we do so on our own terms, or theirs? And maybe just maybe, bridges can be built when we meet people half-way, and Daisy finds just the right way to connect with her Grandpa Grumps....more
I love a good biography, particularly when it's about one of the unsung heroines of history (there are so many yet to be honored)! I found Larson's "WI love a good biography, particularly when it's about one of the unsung heroines of history (there are so many yet to be honored)! I found Larson's "Wood, Wire, Wings" to be a wonderful addition to children's picture book biographies--inspiring, uplifting, and a testament to the dogged persistence necessary when in pursuit of one's dreams. Throughout the book, inventor Emma Lilian Todd is shown experimenting, facing failure, but always pushing through-undaunted-until she reaches success. Actual quotes from Todd are sprinkled throughout the book--a feature I enjoyed. This very assured debut already has me looking forward to Larson's second biography, THE FIRE OF STARS, out next year....more
In the back matter of this picture book, the author notes, "My prayer is that Brown Sugar Babe will help brown-skinned children love the skin they areIn the back matter of this picture book, the author notes, "My prayer is that Brown Sugar Babe will help brown-skinned children love the skin they are in." Could there be a more beautiful motive behind her writing? The result is a lovely, lyrical ode to all of the rich nuances of the color brown. The poetic text, paired with warm, glowing illustrations, evokes all the most wonderful manifestations of this hue throughout life. Author and illustrator have created a book of affirmation that will nourish brown-skinned children with the message that they are strong, beautiful, precious and should stand proud in their own skin. A sacred addition to a child's library!...more
Five stars for how this story presents meditation in a way that is accessible to the modern-day child. Anu discovers her grandfather meditating one daFive stars for how this story presents meditation in a way that is accessible to the modern-day child. Anu discovers her grandfather meditating one day and asks him about the sound "OM" he is making. Her grandfather invites her into a sort of experiment, to try meditation for herself and to see what sort of sensations, thoughts and emotions it produces inside her. Curiosity is encouraged throughout the story, as is the ability to embrace the mysteries of the universe without necessarily knowing the answers to all our questions. It is refreshing to see a multi-generational home presented in a picture book, not to mention this age-old approach to mindfulness that can help a child to re-center and find peace and focus in the frenzy of everyday life. Complete with non-fiction back matter to help parents and educators, this book is a wonderful blend of science and spirituality....more
This was one of my most anticipated picture books of 2020, and it did not disappoint! I gave it 5 stars for lyrical language, emotional resonance, andThis was one of my most anticipated picture books of 2020, and it did not disappoint! I gave it 5 stars for lyrical language, emotional resonance, and some of the most gorgeous illustrations out there today. (The rich green, blue, and violet hues are so vivid, and the way this author-illustrator portrays light streaming through the ocean is breathtaking). This endearing story of little Lloyd finding his own special whale song will appeal to anyone who love sea animals, the ocean, music, and visually stunning books in general. But it will also appeal to parents and educators for the well-roundedness of its execution: Bonus back matter provides information on how whales sing and the dangers of noise pollution, and even the music to "Lloyd's Song" that can be played on ukulele!...more
This book is wonderfully memorable, for one special reason: It appeals to the senses! How many children's books forget to give kids a sensoriel experiThis book is wonderfully memorable, for one special reason: It appeals to the senses! How many children's books forget to give kids a sensoriel experience as they listen to a tale unfold?
Whatever your opinion on books that deliver "messages," this is a very positive one that kids will find irresistibly delicious. Besides that, it really will make them think about the words that come out of their mouths, and as teacher of 80 little ones, I'm all for that.
Todd Bright's illustrations are just that-- "bright"--and engaging, and very colorfully depict all the flavors mentioned in the book. Amera's face is wonderfully expressive and kids will find her relatable as a main character.
I'm already looking forward to Bonnie Clark's second book--This one certainly left a good taste in my mouth....more
Five stars. Why? A story fresher than a spring rain. Illustrations drenched with expression and humor. This book is the puddle kids will be dying to jFive stars. Why? A story fresher than a spring rain. Illustrations drenched with expression and humor. This book is the puddle kids will be dying to jump into. With snappy text and hilarious visual characterization, there really is nothing else like this out there on the market, and that is high praise....more
This sweetly silly book is the perfect addition to a little one's "goodnight" bookshelf.
Written in second person, from a child's point of view, a litThis sweetly silly book is the perfect addition to a little one's "goodnight" bookshelf.
Written in second person, from a child's point of view, a little bear instructs the reader on how to put one's daddy to bed--As it turns out, daddies aren't so easy to tuck in! Kids will love the reversal of roles here and will certainly relate to all of Daddy bear's tactics to avoid bedtime. Giltrow's humor throughout is well done--just understated enough to ensure a few giggles before lights out.
The darling text is accompanied by goofy, childlike illustrations. Kids will especially love the antics of the two googly-eyed bears. (The child bear is rendered in a gender-neutral style, making this story accessible to all little ones.) A truly fun read, and one to be shared with those who tend to "stall" at bedtime!...more
Halliday's first-ever picture book proves she's a talent to be reckoned with. Told in beautiful verse embellished with birdsong ("...Curlee Curlee CurHalliday's first-ever picture book proves she's a talent to be reckoned with. Told in beautiful verse embellished with birdsong ("...Curlee Curlee Curloo"), Numenia is the dramatic story of a little whimbrel thrown off course amid a raging storm as she tries to make her way along her autumn migration route. Numenia loses sight of the flock, and most importantly, her two sisters, and must bravely find a way back to them.
Halliday's artwork resembles no other's. Her creatures' soft, wise eyes give them a human quality, and the worlds she creates around them are mesmerizing swirls of color and texture. The plunging views and bird's eye perpectives throughout the book will have readers flying right along with Numenia.
This inspiring odyssey, based on a true story, champions the courage of the smallest of creatures. Kids will be spellbound by the imagery and adventure and they'll cheer on little Numenia's bravery. A work of both literary and artistic merit, Numenia and The Hurricane is sure to garner awards this year. It makes a gorgeous gift not only for children, but for educators and bird lovers as well....more
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