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
Every once in awhile in my "career" as a picture book reviewer, I come across a book and I ask myself, "Why didn't I think of this?" BRAINSTORM! written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and illustrated by Kate Kronreif is one of those books. From the title, to the puns, poetry, and figurative language on every page--there… Continue reading BRAINSTORM! A Word Play Picture Book + A Giveaway
It's time for another double review and giveaway courtesy of Sleeping Bear Press!LUNA'S Green PetThis is a delightful debut picture book by Kirsten Pendreigh and illustrated by Carmen Mok about a girl who feels left out because no pets are allowed in her apartment.Her friends make suggestions but none of them felt right. Until one day Luna… Continue reading TWO FRIENDSHIP PICTURE BOOKS BOOKS + TWO GIVEAWAYS + ONE AUTHOR INTERVIEW
This week I have two very different picture books for you courtesy of Sleeping Bear Press; both are related to Canada's national winter sport--hockey. If you want to win either of these books, make sure to include your name and email address when you leave a comment and let me know which book you're interested in. The… Continue reading TWO CANADIAN STORIES + TWO GIVEAWAYS
I'm happy to share two more picture book giveaways both courtesy of Sleeping Bear Press.THE SNOWMAN'S WALTZThis beautiful winter story by Karen Konnerth and illustrated by Emily Neilson, is a unique friendship story between dancing snow people and penguins. Yes. You heard that right. Snowmen, snow women, and even a snow child learn how they can dance with… Continue reading Two Rhyming,Counting, Dancing Picture Book Review + Two Giveaways
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
Today I am featuring two more picture books published by Sleeping Bear Press. They're as different as STEM is to wordplay, but remarkably, both feature bugs. LIGHT the SKY FIREFLY!Three years ago I featured Sherry Mary Bestor and Jonny Lambert in their book, Soar High, Dragonfly! Today I'm highlighting another one of their collaborative adventures.My co-publisher of Talking Story,… Continue reading 2 Bug Books and 1 Giveaway
My long-time blog readers will recognize the author and illustrator of A PLANET like OURS. I have reviewed other books by author Frank Murphy that are illustrated by Kayla Harren and published by Sleeping Bear Press: A Boy like You, A Girl like You, A Friend like You, and A Teacher like You. Like those other four books, A Planet… Continue reading A PLANET LIKE OURS: A Picture Book Review and Giveaway
I have received so many picture books from Sleeping Bear Press that I decided to double up on some of my reviews. I went through my pile and found these two with the word "Hole" in the title. They're as different as a fantasy/science book can be from a friendship/grief title. But as you'll see,… Continue reading I Read Two "Hole" Books: 2 Picture Book Reviews, 2 Giveaways, and 1 Mini-Author Interview