INTRODUCTION Today I'm happy to share my friend, Jolene Gutiérrez's picture book, Mamiachi & Me, which she wrote with her son, Dakota (Abrams, 2025). The book is beautifully illustrated by Mirelle Ortega. Jolene and Mirelle at the ALA conference in Philadelphia-- today! Jolene and I met at in 2016 at a Highlights Foundation Writers Workshop.… Continue reading Embracing Culture: ‘Mamiachi & Me’ Review and Giveaway
I have a stack of picture books to review and give away. Today I'm going to start with an autographed copy of Dark on Light written by Dianne White and illustrated by Felicita Sala (Beech Lane Books, 2022). REVIEW This is a quiet story about three siblings who follow their dog out into the evening… Continue reading Enter to Win A Lyrical Nature Picture Book
Introduction Dorothy H. Price and I go way back. She was one of the first members of a SCBWI-Carolinas critique group I organized in Charlotte. Nine years ago I posted about her first picture book, Nana's Favorite Things and more recently about her chapter book series, Jalen's Big City Life which now includes eight books.… Continue reading Daddy Daughter Day: Win an Inspiring Picture Book by Dorothy Price
Introduction What happens when a little girl grows up near train tracks loving the sound of a train whistle? If you're picture book author extraordinaire, Marsha Diane Arnold, that means when you grow up you'll want to write a picture book about one of the legendary 600-ton locomatives who were called Big Boys. And that's… Continue reading BIG BOY 4014 And The STEAM TRAIN: Climb on Board for this Picture Book Review
Congratulations to Gauri Dalvi Pandya (author) who won the Grand Prize Award from Sleeping Bear Press's "Own Voices, Own Stories Award" for this debut picturebook. Illustrator Avani Dweivedi vivid illustrations bring the story to life. Review A little girl has a problem. How can she leave her beloved Aaji and Ajoba--her grandmother and grandfather? Her… Continue reading Gauri Dalvi Pandya’s Picture Book: A Journey of Connection
T is for Trails: A Hiking Alphabet written by Judy Young and Illustrated by Sharisse Steber, (Sleeping Bear Press) is an engaging and educational book that introduces young readers to the wonders of hiking and the natural world through an A-to-Z exploration of hiking-related themes. The structure of the book is fun in that it combines both informational… Continue reading T is for Trails: A Comprehensive Book Review by Lori Keating
Just One Girl: A Fight for Equal Rights, authored by Trinka Hakes Noble and illustrated by Amanda Calatzis (Sleeping Bear Press), is a compelling and uplifting picture book that tackles the powerful themes of gender equality and the importance of standing up for one's rights. The book is set in a world where social structures are still heavily influenced… Continue reading JUST ONE GIRL: An Inspiring Picture Book Review by Lori Keating
REVIEW JUNIA, written by New York Times bestselling author Kim Michele Richardson, and illustrated by David C. Gardner, (Sleeping Bear Press) follows the story of Junia, a mule with the important task of carrying the Pack Horse librarian, Book Woman, through rugged terrains in Kentucky to deliver books to remote communities. Despite challenging conditions, Junia remains steadfast,… Continue reading JUNIA: A Heart-Warming Picture Book Review by Lori Keating
SPLASH! written by Elisa Boxer and illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley, (Sleeping Bear Press) is the story of Ethelda Bleibtrey, a trailblazing swimmer who broke barriers and made waves in the world of sports. Known for her determination and resilience, Ethelda's journey began at a time when women were often discouraged from participating in competitive athletics. Despite societal expectations, she… Continue reading SPLASH! A Picture Book Review by Lori Keating
REVIEW A is for Asian American: An Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Alphabet written by Virginia Loh-Hagan and illustrated by Tracy Nishimura Bishop, (Sleeping Bear Press) is a delightful book packed with facts about Asian culture. Each page features a letter from the alphabet, accompanied by engaging rhyming text and historical, cultural information in the sidebar. In the opening… Continue reading A is For Asian American: Read this Awesome Book Review by Lori Keating