Title: Penguinaut! Written by: Marcie Colleen Illustrated by: Emma Yarlett Orchard Books (Scholastic), 2018, fiction For ages: 3-7 Themes/topics: friendship, adventure, independence, persistence First two spreads: Orville was small. His friends were BIG. Summary (from the publisher): Orville lives at the zoo, surrounded by animal pals who go on exciting adventures. A hang gliding rhino! A…
Title: the lost words: A Spell Book Written by: Robert Macfarlane Illustrated by: Jackie Morris Hamish Hamilton (Penguin), 2017, fiction For ages: 8 and up Themes/topics: poetry, words, nature, conservation, spells First page: Once upon a time, words began to vanish from the language of children. They disappeared so quietly that at first almost no one…
This week for Perfect Picture Book Friday I’m featuring the deceptively simple THE FRIEND SHIP. Title: The Friend Ship Written by: Kat Yeh Illustrated by: Chuck Groenink Disney Hyperion, 2016, fiction For ages: 3 and up Themes/topics: friendship, hedgehogs, ships, adventure/quest First spread: Hedgehog was curled up in a prickly little ball in the lonely nook…
This week for Perfect Picture Book Friday, I’m featuring the lovely and lyrical HELLO LIGHTHOUSE. Title: Hello Lighthouse Written and illustrated by: Sophie Blackall Little, Brown and Company, 2018, fiction For ages: 4 and up Themes/topics: lighthouses, family life, nostalgia First spread: On the highest rock of a tiny island at the edge of the world…
After a summer hiatus, I’m happy to be back to Perfect Picture Book Friday. I found this week’s story – or it found me – at Grassroots Bookstore. The title, A House That Once Was, manages to be both inviting and a little spooky. The same is true of the cover image. In the foreground,…
A few months ago, I had the good fortune of hearing Betsy Bird speak about her favorite newly-released and soon-to-be released picture books. When she described the mesmerizing illustrations in Julián Is a Mermaid, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Title: Julián Is a Mermaid Written and illustrated by: Jessica Love Candlewick…
Title: TWO SPECKLED EGGS Written and illustrated by: Jennifer K. Mann Candlewick Press, 2014, fiction For Ages: 4 and up Themes/Topics: friendship, cliques, outsiders, being different/unique First spread: Ginger’s birthday party was in two weeks, and she wanted to invite all the girls in her class... except Lyla Browning. Summary (from the publisher): “It’s Ginger’s birthday,…
It's time for brave brevity. It's time for Vivian Kirkfield's #50PreciousWords writing challenge. Coming in at exactly 50 words, here's my entry: Moose Wants to Play! “Duck.” “Duck.” “Moose!” screeched Owl. “Vamoose! You’re too big for Duck, Duck, Goose.” Moose clumped on. Rabbit and Hedgehog twirled a rope. “Little white rabbit, hop...” “Moose! Stop!…
"I love you, a bushel and a peck...." Hello, there. And Happy Valentine's Day! It's time once again for Susanna Leonard Hill's Valentiny kidlit writing contest. This year, entries must feature someone "hopeful." And, as always, the story must contain no more than 214 words. After reading The Valentine's Rooster, please check out all the…
Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday selection is from one of my favorite authors, Newbery Medal winner, Matt de La Peña. And what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than a celebration of love in its many forms. Title: LOVE Written by: Matt de La Peña Illustrated by: Loren Long G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2018, fiction For Ages:…
