Mixing in science with something akin to a folk tale, Carmen Agra Deedy tells this story of how the moon became "The Children's Moon" when it and the Mixing in science with something akin to a folk tale, Carmen Agra Deedy tells this story of how the moon became "The Children's Moon" when it and the sun became, well, friends. You could even call them cohorts! The sun, quite full of itself, shooed the moon away as children went to bed. They never got to see it nor did the moon see them, but did hear the mysterious laughter, and asked what it was. The sun, in all its glory, finally gave in and Deedy described the beauty of the day. Later, listening to the moon describe the beauty of the night, including STARS (like the sun), the sun relented and what came about during a special time of the month became their compromise. Read this to discover the science in the story and enjoy the gorgeous illustrations by Jim LaMarche and the clever word interplay between the sun and the moon. You will love those facial expressions! Two pages at the back explain the science. ...more
I adore bear books. This is a new favorite, with fantastic illustrations by Dena Seiferling (wait until you see the bear's expressions) and a story abI adore bear books. This is a new favorite, with fantastic illustrations by Dena Seiferling (wait until you see the bear's expressions) and a story about how to be a good friend by Cary Fagan. Bear finds a ukelele in the forest and now proclaims he's a musician and wants to sing a song. Dear Mouse crosses his legs and puts his paws in his lap. "I'm all ears," he said. Bear gets ready but along comes Crow, discovers a tambourine, immediately takes the stage with his own song. Oh, the joy! But as Bear starts again, along comes snake who finds a drum. That's how it goes and with Mouse trying hard to tell everyone it's Bear's turn, but no one listens. How it turns out okay has much to do with little Mouse, a true friend. Kindness matters! The ending gives a big smile! There are double-page spreads showing a lot of happiness!...more
Colleen Rowan Kosinski lets this home tell its tale of a family's love as it grows, all the joy happening as the 'soft pitter-patter turned into loud Colleen Rowan Kosinski lets this home tell its tale of a family's love as it grows, all the joy happening as the 'soft pitter-patter turned into loud clomps" as children grew up. Then, one day they left and the house cried until, once again, though this house tried to defeat them, a new family came. Reading how the house becomes "A Home Again" with Valeria Docampo's detailed beautiful illustrations will bring happy memories to everyone, especially those who've moved and made a house their home!...more
Marked for young readers, it feels like every age will enjoy this beautifully inviting book by Margarita Engle with gorgeous illustrations by Raúl Co Marked for young readers, it feels like every age will enjoy this beautifully inviting book by Margarita Engle with gorgeous illustrations by Raúl Colón. The story focuses on the varied immigrants, including the sad history of those who took land from Native Americans already here and those who came enslaved without choice. Many challenges faced immigrants in the past and do today. They often feel unequal and set apart from the rest of society but at the same time miss their former homes while needing to learn a new language and new ways in a new culture. However, Margarita also shares the love immigrants have for this new country. Surrounding the challenges and the good parts, the Statue of Liberty shines her light for all, the beacon of hope, being "part of the Statue of Liberty's promise." Conversation and questions can happen page by page. Included are the varied ways immigrants bring expertise to America, from doctors to artists, farmers to scientists. Reading the author's and illustrator's notes shows their own immigrant family history. It feels like another invitation to talk with students who can share theirs, too. I enjoyed every part!...more
One can count on Julie Paschkis to create something unique and beautiful and she has again! There are cues when to bark or meow (or other dog or cat One can count on Julie Paschkis to create something unique and beautiful and she has again! There are cues when to bark or meow (or other dog or cat sounds). Julie bases this poetic story of a cat (stray) and then a dog, well, it's a romp as the story of those two characters evolves. The poetic text is a song, actually, though Julie took a step into her poem because she used the fourth stanza of an Oliver Goldsmith poem, "Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog" to inspire. Here's one verse so you can understand the rhythm: The dog lay still with mournful eyes/while kitty worked her ways. At last, he opened up his eyes/And she returned his gaze." It's going to be a terrific read-aloud!...more
This is the cutest story by Julie Falatko with charming illustrations by Gabriel Alboroza is about an Owl T. Fencepost who I think protests too much. This is the cutest story by Julie Falatko with charming illustrations by Gabriel Alboroza is about an Owl T. Fencepost who I think protests too much. All told in letters, Owl keeps sending letters to Bessie Squirrel, a bookstore owner with requests for titles like How to Soundproof Your Forest Dwelling. Bessie replies that it's out of stock, so how about Yes You Do Want to Live in the Woods: Why Life in the Trees Is the Bee's Knees? Change slowly happens as we see Owl continue to be welcoming to young forest animals and they later, in turn, plan a nice surprise. Don't miss the endpapers by Alboroza! ...more
Here is another fine adventure with a boy and his grandfather by Sam Usher. Like Rain, Storm, and Free (There are others!), plans do not quite meet e Here is another fine adventure with a boy and his grandfather by Sam Usher. Like Rain, Storm, and Free (There are others!), plans do not quite meet expectations. It's the day they get to watch the cat that comes to visit. There's no explanation why. Perhaps it's someone's cat they 'catsit'? All the things tried like playing, feeding, cuddling do not work! Then, a window open, the cat is out and the chase is on! From a relatively quiet day with a visiting cat to a real adventure going after her, Sam Usher fills the pages with more action. One double-page spread feels like imagination reigned instead of reality. Usher's illustrations are realistic, even the fantastic page, lovely bright colors! He also adds what looks like draft pages at the beginning with the title page and on the end covers. It, like the others, will make a terrific read-aloud. Thanks to Candlewick Press for the copy!...more
Aw, this is a sweet book by Cat Min that includes a story about shy Willow, a rabbit who lives in an abandoned mailbox. One day a letter arrives, thouAw, this is a sweet book by Cat Min that includes a story about shy Willow, a rabbit who lives in an abandoned mailbox. One day a letter arrives, though it isn't supposed to! Off Willow goes to fulfill a young boy's wish for a big and bright moon for his mom's birthday. She is brave and determined, something all of us wish to be when challenged, right? Be sure to check out the end covers too!...more
If you loved "They All Saw A Cat", now, again poetically, with so, so much that 'Inside Cat' sees through windows, Brendan Wenzel has done it again! If you loved "They All Saw A Cat", now, again poetically, with so, so much that 'Inside Cat' sees through windows, Brendan Wenzel has done it again! It's a book that, like his cat, "Wanders, Wonders" and shows us more than we may never have imagined! And I imagine readers will read and then start all over again! Don't miss the end covers!...more
Written by Traci Sorell who has shared this relatively unknown story of the first, and only, engineer in Lockheed's space program and the first known Written by Traci Sorell who has shared this relatively unknown story of the first, and only, engineer in Lockheed's space program and the first known Cherokee woman engineer. She loved math as a young student and it is told that boys in her class wouldn't sit by her. She was the only girl. Shirley's achievements mostly continue classified as she did work in a secret Lockheed group that worked especially hard after Sputnick launched, a 'hurry-up' for the US space program. Sorell wraps this story around four Cherokee values which are explained in the text and again in the Cherokee language in the backmatter. There is also an author's note, a timeline, source notes, and a bibliography. Natasha Donovan's illustrations show Shirley as she worked and aged, surrounded by math charts and design sketches. This will be a support and inspiration for young girls who love math and, still, see that girls are not supposed to be good at it or like it! And it's great for boys who may need a new opinion! (In my high school, quite a few years ago, one other girl and I were the only girls in our chemistry and higher math classes. The boys did sit with us, however.) ...more
This is the first US edition by Helen Peters and fortunately, Jasmine Green and her animal adoption talents (and love) are back. She and her friend T This is the first US edition by Helen Peters and fortunately, Jasmine Green and her animal adoption talents (and love) are back. She and her friend Tom have discovered that Mr. Hudson, a neighbor, is leaving his home to move to an assisted living facility and has arranged for his beloved donkey Mistletoe to go to a shelter, but far away. Noone will see Mistletoe again! The argument is that she already has too many adoptees and it's too expensive to care for an old donkey. Jasmine won't quit wishing and the annual Christmas play just could be a big help. I've read a few in the past and they bring readers into some adventures, farm life, and kids who do get into trouble but are also kind and thoughtful, and often the trouble is brought by sheer enthusiasm for fun! Ellie Snowdon illustrates a few of the chapters. This, and others, are terrific chapter books for younger readers. Thanks to Candlewick Press for the advanced copy....more
I imagine you know Jonah and Jeannette Winter's beautiful books and this is another, telling the story of that tiny Northern saw-whet owl stuck in he I imagine you know Jonah and Jeannette Winter's beautiful books and this is another, telling the story of that tiny Northern saw-whet owl stuck in her hole as her home was cut down, destined to be the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. She hunts at night, and this time, after that, cozied up asleep, strange sounds happen and the tree falls down. The owl has no idea what's going on, stays in the hole, is transported to NYC. The rest, meeting Jason Ramos, a worker, weak and afraid, she allows him to pick her up. She's taken to a wildlife rehab center for about a week, then released into the wild. The Winters tell the story piece by piece, a tale to celebrate in awe of the happy ending. Be sure to find this tiny creature that's hiding on the pages! There is an author's note that gives all the facts!...more
Momma Bear and her cub make their way home, to sleep! As the jacket flap reads, "Geese are calling, a chilly wind is blowing, and the sky is turning Momma Bear and her cub make their way home, to sleep! As the jacket flap reads, "Geese are calling, a chilly wind is blowing, and the sky is turning gray." They make their way through the woods as Dianne White lets Momma speaks about the need to go to sleep and Baby asks again and again "Why?" In brief rhyming couplets, the story unfolds. Baby sees Mouse scurrying by, Chipmunk gathering nuts, Skunk and Hare romping through the leaves and wonders why he has to go to bed. Here's one example of Mama's replies: In just a while, deep underground,/Skunk will slumber, safe and sound." Ramona Kaulitzki's illustrations show the animals of the wintry landscape in soft grays with a touch of color nestling in their nests, tunnels, or tree hollows. Finally, Mama Bear and cub, too, reach their place for the winter hideaway. It's a lovely tale of introduction to what many animals do in winter. Wouldn't it be nice if children wrote their own couplet for what they do? Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!...more
For those children who don't know about barns, this is a beautiful one, nostalgic, shows all the animals that could live there, but not all. My grand For those children who don't know about barns, this is a beautiful one, nostalgic, shows all the animals that could live there, but not all. My grandfather had such a barn, but sheep and mules were there, too. This time, in her first picture book, Leah H. Rogers lets the barn tells its tale, repeating the line to start each page, "I am a barn." It begins with the old-time barn-raising, moving on to the animals of the barn, and a little of what they do, going out to munch what they wish and returning in the evening for rest and safety. (There is a coyote watching, though we are aware, nothing happens.) One thing I loved is seeing a momma cat leaving her kittens nesting while she leaves to search for her "unsuspecting dinner". Illustrations by Barry Root are so realistic, it feels as if you can almost smell the musty hay, the animals that live there. Details fill up the story too, like the page with the kittens. They lie on a hay bale, near a stack of colorful blankets. A wooden ladder is shown, another post holds a straw hat, and a coil of rope. Nearby is a saddle. Farm talk may be very new to some children. This can be a book to read, enjoy, and learn from. Or, if readers know about barns, it's time for sharing memories. Terrific book!
Kids will love the whimsey in the sixteen steps Laura Purdie Salas describes in her new wonderful book. That little girl on the cover will show you t Kids will love the whimsey in the sixteen steps Laura Purdie Salas describes in her new wonderful book. That little girl on the cover will show you the way. She's stopped at the farmer's market to pick up some apples with her dad, and there's a sheep for sale! Have you ever brought a sheep home with your child? Probably not, but it seems they do have a barn and there happens to be a pig and a chicken in there, too, as they wait through the winter until. . . It's shearing time! In brief text with brightly colored illustrations by Angela Matteson, readers learn all the steps from wool to using a natural dye, this time marigolds, to knitting, YES!, some beautiful mittens, as Laura writes, "Hold the golden sun in your hands." (I bought this for my young granddaughter, now ten, who has been knitting for a few years and loves the book.) It's lots of fun, will be an inspiration, too, to dig deeper into the 'how-to' of each step, from sheep to knitting! ...more
Back with Mean Ant again and with friends Fly and Flea plus a new one, Moth, Arthur Yorinks tells of more shenanigans as they gripe and moan about be Back with Mean Ant again and with friends Fly and Flea plus a new one, Moth, Arthur Yorinks tells of more shenanigans as they gripe and moan about being caged so they can perform in Big Jim's Circus! They, like other prisoners, have little to eat and nowhere to go, but across the cage. Sergio Ruzzier manages to illustrate every emotion from his creative creatures. Amid the silly, but expected, arguments, Ant has a brilliant idea. When Moth performs, it's expected to 'turn into the light' (like all moths, right?). Instead, he'll fly to grab the others so they can fly away. You'll need to read to discover if the idea really works, or if Ant is foiled and mean again. It's a more complicated story than it sounds with jokes and innuendo splattered here and there. (Oops, perhaps I shouldn't have written "splattered".) Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!...more
My poet friend, Irene Latham, has written what feels like a lullaby, this time for pre-K and up, an invitation to enter the forest and find peace in My poet friend, Irene Latham, has written what feels like a lullaby, this time for pre-K and up, an invitation to enter the forest and find peace in the beauty found, a "Wild Peace" of all living things. Il Sung Na carries those words in her illustrations that begin with children playing in what appears to be an 'upset' room, without color. One child pushes through a large drawing of a green, and inviting, forest. She is there! "where peace trills good morning to the sky/and watches the web dry." I imagine reading this with children, perhaps a class, and taking the advice, skipping into "Wild Peace". It's a loving, gentle book....more
Tracey Baptiste delights in her debut picture book telling of young Naya who goes looking for a Jumbie, even though her mother says there's no such t Tracey Baptiste delights in her debut picture book telling of young Naya who goes looking for a Jumbie, even though her mother says there's no such thing. It is explained, that like in other cultures, Jumbies are known to be used to keep children inside after dark, saying a Jumbie will get them if they stay out. She also explained that there are many kinds of Jumbies and some, certainly, are helpful. Naya goes looking. You'll see what amazing creatures she discovers when turning the beautiful 'night' pages illustrated by Amber Ren. There are friendly monsters from Caribbean folklore and other 'expected' creatures from the night. For example, from the book: "Lagahoo" have thick fur and sharp teeth and chains around their necks. . . You can find more here! It was lots of fun reading this with my young granddaughter who's ten. Some may say it's for younger children but she enjoyed it very much....more
It's so good to read about fighting back when bullied! Powerful for young kids! You can find my review on my blog here: https://bit.ly/3qPcrCKIt's so good to read about fighting back when bullied! Powerful for young kids! You can find my review on my blog here: https://bit.ly/3qPcrCK...more
I guess I never wrote a review of this lovely book collection by Lee Bennett Hopkins. I've bought it numerous times for baby gifts and also recommend I guess I never wrote a review of this lovely book collection by Lee Bennett Hopkins. I've bought it numerous times for baby gifts and also recommend it for young readers. When it came out, a young granddaughter was just beginning to read and loved it, found it inviting to try to read. Illustrations by Alyssa Nassner are soft and just right for evening reading....more
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