RAILWAY JACK – The True Story of an Amazing Baboon A review and chat with debut author KT Johnston RAILWAY JACK The True Story of an Amazing Baboon By KT Johnston (author) and César Samaniego (illustrator) Capstone Publishing 2020 Picture book for grades 3-5 but older and younger children will also find this book fascinating […]
Fry Bread – A Native American Story
Thanksgiving has a difficult history and for many years has certainly been whitewashed with pilgrims taking center stage. Fortunately, the stories of Native Americans are beginning to be told. I’d like to share a book that is filled with truth and heart. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard (author) and […]
DOUGLAS – the story of a swashbuckling mouse for young readers
Our family often chooses old black and white classic movies when we watch television so I was thrilled to read a book that feels like watching an old movie. DOUGLAS By Randy Cecil – author and illustrator Candlewick Press: 2019 Early Chapter Book for ages 5-8 Setting: the city of Bloomville Themes – Friendship and […]
Evie’s Field Day – cover reveal!
Hi Friends, I’m thrilled to share something with you today. I like to write about books that I’m reading but today I’m sharing a picture book that I wrote. It is being published by the fantastic Cardinal Rule Press and will be launched on May 1, 2020. Here is a sneak peek cover reveal. Are […]
Pick a Pumpkin (and visit a pumpkin patch)
October is Pumpkin Patch Month and every year I help my friends at Bettencourt Family Farms welcome children who come to pick out a special pumpkin for a class project. And, every year I treat myself to a new pumpkin-themed book. I’m happy to share my new seasonal favorite on Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture […]
With a Star in My Hand – Rubén Darío , Poetry Hero, a review
Today is the final day of Hispanic Heritage Month which began on September 15th. To celebrate I’d like to share the latest novel-in-verse by Cuban-American author, Margarita Engle. With a Star in My Hand – Rubén Darío, Poetry Hero Margarita Engle Simon and Schuster (release date: 2/28/20) Historical Fiction in verse for ages 12 and […]
DANCING HANDS: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln on Perfect Picture Book Friday
I am excited to share a perfect picture book biography for Perfect Picture Book Friday- DANCING HANDS: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln By Margarita Engle (author) and Rafael López (illustrator) Published by Atheneum/Simon and Schuster August 2019 Nonfiction Picture Book Biography for ages 4-8 Themes: biography, arts, refugees Places: Venezuela, […]
Ruth Asawa- A Sculpting Life on Picture Perfect Friday
I’m excited that Susan Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday link up is back in business. I have a perfect picture book to share today. RUTH ASAWA – A Sculpting Life By Joan Schoettler (author) and Traci Van Wagoner (illustrator) Pelican Publishing 2018 Nonfiction picture book biography for ages 5-10 Themes/ topics: Art, overcoming adversity, creativity, […]
The Last Peach
I love summer – the late setting sun, the warm weather, and most especially the fruit. Life just seems simpler in the summer. According to my calendar, summer isn’t over yet and I’m going to enjoy every last minute of this season. August is National Peach Month and I challenged myself to make a recipe […]
Baby Loves Green Energy – little children can be scientists!
It is never too early to introduce science topics to young children and today I’d like to share a book that is the perfect for budding scientists. BABY LOVES GREEN ENERGY by Ruth Spiro (author) and Irene Chan (illustrator) Charlesbridge 2018 Board book for babies and toddlers I love all of the […]
The Chestnut Challenge – starring The Nocturnals
One of my neighbors recently put a video camera near his dock and recorded all the critters that wandered along the river at night. It turns out that skunks, possums, rats, cats, raccoons, and a coyote all passed by. I began thinking about the nighttime animal activity that goes on and how these animals interact […]
Rainbow Weaver – Perfect Picture Book Friday
RAINBOW WEAVER – Perfect Picture Book Friday Hi Friends, grab your passport and Spanish dictionary– I’m linking up with Perfect Picture Book Friday with a book set in a very special Guatemalan location. Title: Rainbow Weaver Tejedora del Arcoiris Written by: Linda Elovitz Marshall Illustrated by: Elisa Chavarri Translated by: Eida de la Vega Published […]
Hey, Hey, Hay! Perfect Picture Book Friday
Hi Friends, Don’t you love this time of year? Everything is so fresh and green. My daily drive takes me through the countryside and I’ve been watching the hay grow, and grow, and grow! Today I’m joining Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Friday to share a perfect book that’s all about hay! Title: Hey, […]
The Top 5 Things to Consider Before Writing an Alphabet Book
Welcome Abecedarians – those of you fascinated with the alphabet and alphabet books. (I’ve been waiting to use that word!) Are you considering writing one of your own? Why, it’s as easy as ABC, right? Well, here are the top 5 things to think about before you begin: 1. The Market There are hundreds […]
Maybe Something Beautiful – a mural comes to our town
Sometimes you come across a book that is so perfect that you want to share it with everyone you know. This inspiring picture book is the one that I want to put in the hands of every child and the adults who love them. Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood by F. Isabel […]