Sometimes authors stumble upon their stories. And even though that story takes time to write, that initial connection remains strong when the book is brought into the world. As you'll read in the book journey below, that was the case for Carolyn Fraiser's debut STEM picture book, MOON TREE: The Story of One Extraordinary Tree (Reycraft Books,… Continue reading MOON TREE: The Story of One Extraordinary Tree– A Review, Book Journey, and Giveaway
Here is Elliott Kurta's first foray into reviewing nonfiction. He wants more opportunities--so I'm on the lookout for books to recommend to him. If you have a favorite nonfiction middle-grade, please leave the title in the comments.REVIEWIf you could have any superpower, what would it be? In Elaine Kachala’s debut book, Superpower?, (Orca Books: 2022) kids learn about… Continue reading SUPERPOWER? A MIDDLE-GRADE STEM BOOK REVIEW by ELLIOTT KURTA, AUTHOR INTERVIEW, and GIVEAWAY!
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!
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
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
Tina Cho's book, THE OCEAN CALLS, (Penguin Random House, 2020) about the Korean Haenyeo scuba divers is informative, beautiful, and engaging. The illustrations by Jess X. Snow carry readers through this story of a young girl learning to face her fears and dive into a new adventure. As Tina explains in the back matter, the story was inspired when she watched the… Continue reading THE OCEAN CALLS: A Picture Book Review and Giveaway
What do you think of when you hear the word, "footprint"? If your name is Jennifer Swanson, then it means many things. This simple yet eloquent text is accompanied by amazing photographs which convey that definition onto every page. Take a peek at Footprints Across the Planet (Reycraft Books, August 2022) and discover some amazing footprints.REVIEWThe book opens… Continue reading FOOTPRINTS ACROSS THE PLANET: A Nonfiction Picture Book Review and Giveaway
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
I'm always impressed with the scope of picture books that Sleeping Bear Press publishes. Today's book is no exception. SAGUARO's GIFTS should adorn elementary school classrooms and family bookshelves with its evocative yet child-friendly poetry by Kurt Cyrus and gorgeous illustrations by Andy Atkins. REVIEWThat opening page is followed by The world is dark. The bloom is white.A bat emerges from… Continue reading SAGUARO'S GIFTS: A Informational PIcture Book Review and Giveaway
Have you ever wondered what the difference was between toads and frogs? Or, maybe as a child you were curious about how frogs ate. Or, maybe your kid wants to know the different sounds that frogs make.Whatever your question is about frogs, Annette Whipple's new "Truth About" book from Reycraft Books will answer it. With… Continue reading RIBBIT! THE TRUTH ABOUT FROGS: A Nonfiction Picture Book Review and Mini- Author Interview