REVIEWBen and Scout by Denise Minnerly is the story of two dogs that are best friends and are always together, despite the greatest olds. It is a story about loss written for young children. Ben is old and sick. Scout is young and has only a superficial understanding of Ben’s condition, so when Ben dies, Scout… Continue reading BEN AND SCOUT: A Review by Guest Blogger, Janelle Ekpo
I wouldn't have believed that a book about matter and energy would be read by the picture book crowd, except that my third-grade and kindergarten grandkids are studying physics at school right now. Go figure. At their age, I would have had no idea that a catapult uses a fulcrum---or even what a fulcrum was--let alone build… Continue reading PUSH-PULL MORNING: Dog Powered Poems About Matter and Energy
The calendar tells me it's October, but before you know it, December will be here and it'll be time for the holidays. I'm getting ahead of the game with today's book review. Many of you are familiar with the multi-talented award-winning children's author Nikki Grimes. I've featured her books in verse for middle-grade students and young… Continue reading LULLABY FOR THE KING by Nikki Grimes: A Picture Book Review and ARC Giveaway
This must be the season for new picture books because my email box is full of books waiting to be reviewed. I'm happy to share one by author and self-proclaimed backyard explorer, Sue Heavenrich. The Pie That Molly Grew (Sleeping Bear Press: 2023) combines the rhythm of the nursery rhyme, This is the House that Jack Built with the… Continue reading THE PIE THAT MOLLY GREW: A Picture Book Review and Mini-Author Interview
Marsha Diane Arnold's lovely friendship/nature picture books are no strangers to my blog. I've had the privilege of sharing several: May I Come In?, Badger's Perfect Garden, Mine. Yours Lights Out and Galapagos Girl. She's back again with her newest book, One Small Thing (Beaming Books) which comes out next week! You can find the story behind this story on her website where… Continue reading ONE SMALL THING: A Picture Book Review and Giveaway
Following up on last week's blog, I have two more picture books for you from Sleeping Bear Press for presents for a little reader in your life. Enjoy!REVIEWSMISS MARY'S CHRISTMAS MITTENS Written by Trinka Hakes Noble and illustrated (so very colorfully!) by Renee Andriani. This opening page sets the tone for the entire book:Just before Christmas vacation,… Continue reading TWO CHRISTMAS PICTURE BOOKS, TWO GIVEAWAYS
If you're like me, you give books as presents. On today's blog, I have two fun books published by Sleeping Bear Press that will make great presents for a young pirate or sailor in your life. Both books use great wordplay which will tickle the ears of both kids and adults.REVIEWSPIRATES DON'T DANCEWhat happens when a… Continue reading TWO SPLENDID SEAFARING PICTURE BOOKS + 2 GIVEAWAYS
Last May I reviewed Annette Whipple's fourth book in the "Truth About Series," RIBBIT! Reycraft Books has just released the fifth book in the series, MEOW! I'm delighted to share some snippets and a brief interview with author, Annette Whipple. REVIEWIn keeping with the kid-friendly format that Annette began with SCURRY! The Truth About Spiders, MEOW! answers the… Continue reading MEOW! The Truth About Cats a STEM Picture Book Review, Mini-Author Interview, and Giveaway!
When I saw on Facebook that Kelly Starling Lyons had a new picture book out with Reycraft Books, I knew I had to review it here. My Hands Tell a Story is a lovely lyrical book with wonderful illustrations by Tonya Engel.REVIEWZoe is spending the day baking with her grandmother. After washing her hands (a prerequisite in… Continue reading MY HANDS TELL A STORY: A Picture Book Review, Giveaway, and Mini-Author Interview
Sounds All Around: The Science of How Sound Works (Kids Can Press, 2021) written by Susan Hughes and illustrated by Ellen Rooney, is exactly what the title says it is: an accessible STEM book for young readers about the science of sound. An unnamed protagonist and his dog guide the reader through the book.Here is the opening… Continue reading SOUNDS ALL AROUND: A Nonfiction Picture Book and Giveaway