Since I have a stack of picture books by my desk waiting to find good homes, I thought this was a good time of year to offer them as giveaways. Each one would make a special gift to a young reader in your life, to a library, or to a school. SALAMANDER SONG by Ginny… Continue reading Book Giveaways on Music and Voice: Enrich Young Readers’ Lives
REVIEW Tallulah the Mermaid and the Great Lakes Pledge (Sleeping Bear Press, 2025) is a sweet story about Tallulah, a mermaid who takes a pledge to serve the Great Lakes. Throughout the story, Tallulah faces challenges but faces them with bravery and even joy at the responsibility of preserving the lakes. One of the best parts is… Continue reading Tallulah the Mermaid: A Great Lakes Adventure
How do you tackle something as complicated as gravity in a picture book? Author Henry Herz (author of I am Smoke) and Illustrator Mercè López did just that in another impressive picture book published by Sleeping Bear Press. Because it tackles an advanced scientific concept, I recommend this book for middle-grade classrooms as well as… Continue reading I AM GRAVITY- How’s That For An Intriguing Picture Book Title? A STEM Review and Giveaway
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
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
REVIEW The River That Wolves Moved written by Mary Kay Carson and illustrated by David Hohn, (Sleeping Bear Press) is a beautiful story that intertwines nature and adventure, bringing to life an incredible journey of wolves and the changing landscape they traverse. Carson's fun and educational storytelling, paired with Hohn's lovely illustrations, transports readers into a world where… Continue reading The River That Wolves Moved: An Outstanding STEM Picture Book Reviewed by Lori Keating. Plus a Giveaway!