I am excited to share a debut trade picture book that not only takes us around the world but was written by my Cardinal Rule Press publishing sibling. I’ve had a front row seat watching the process from illustrations to cover reveal to book launch. I’m so happy to see it being enjoyed by young […]
The Voice of Liberty – a story that needs to be told
As people surge to the polls this week, let’s not forget women’s hard-won fight for the right to vote. Today I am sharing a picture book that shines a light on three relatively unknown suffragists whose story needs to be better known. THE VOICE OF LIBERTY By Angelica Shirley Carpenter (author) and Edwin Fotheringham (illustrator) […]
That Monster on the Block – the beginning of a beautiful friendship
This is the time of year when a walk around the block has a person (and their dog) coming face to face with skeletons, zombies, and other assorted monsters set up in front yards. I have the perfect book to share with my neighbors! THAT MONSTER ON THE BLOCK by Sue Ganz- Schmitt (author) and […]
LUNA LOVES ART – A Friendship Field Trip Story for Art lovers
It seems like it has been a long time since I’ve been to an art museum. I drove by the Norton Simon Museum yesterday and was sad to see it closed. Fortunately, I read a new book set in an art gallery and had fun exploring the art within the pages. LUNA LOVES ART By […]
Fall Writing Frenzy!
The calendar says it’s fall but here in California we’re having another heat wave with Santa Ana winds and fires! The air is filled with smoke and we are hoping for rain which is not in the forecast. But, we can all have cozy fall thoughts as we eat all of Trader Joe’s seasonal pumpkin […]
Seasons For Stones – a timely picture book for all seasons
Have you taken up any new hobbies or activities since the pandemic began six months ago? Our household certainly has and, in most cases, it has been books that have started us on new adventures. Our new endeavor is rock painting inspired by A SEASON FOR STONES By Nikki Bergstresser (author) and Kelly O’Neill […]
Are your kids experiencing big feelings? It’s time to read Fred’s Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers
This has been a year of big emotions for everyone. Confusion, sadness, and anger come to mind but there have also been joyful, playful, and even silly times. Children need to understand that experiencing different emotions is okay. We all need FRED’S BIG FEELINGS: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers By Laura Renauld […]
The Very Oldest Pear Tree
In these days of quarantine, the best way to travel is through books. While I read, I make a list of places to go when it is safe to travel again. I am sharing a book today that has definitely piqued my curiosity and I’m already planning a future trip to Massachusetts. THE VERY […]
Let’s Start the Day with “My Breakfast with Jesus”
My Breakfast with Jesus: Worshipping God Around the World by Tina Cho (author) and Guy Wolek (illustrator) Harvest House 2020 picture book ages 4-8 Setting – The World! Themes – Prayer, breakfast, diversity Are you dreaming of traveling somewhere? I am and fortunately can still go places with books. Today we’re taking a field […]
Tulip and Doug Friends for (almost) ever – A Spud-tacular Friendship Story
TULIP AND DOUG: A Spud-tacular Friendship Story By Emma Wood (author) and Carla Martell (illustrator) Scholastic New Zealand 2020 Picture book for ages 3-8 Themes: friendship, imagination, loss Setting: home and the great outdoors The story begins- Tulip was famous in her neighborhood, for two reasons: She was a fearless adventurer. […]
LONE WOLF – a picture book for those who love dogs
I love dogs and for me, the next best thing to spending time with a dog is reading picture books about them. I am always excited to add a new book to our collection and I have found a new favorite: LONE WOLF By Sarah Kurpiel (author and illustrator) Greenwillow Books 2020 Picture book: ages […]
My Language During Mealtime Podcast Interview
Hi Friends, I hope you are all well and finding ways to enjoy your summer while staying safe. I began blogging a number of years ago because I wanted to share kid lit books, places, and books that take you places. We certainly need to travel by book these days! Over the years I […]
HELLO, LITTLE ONE, A Monarch Butterfly Story
One of my favorite times of year is when the monarch butterflies flutter across our deck. Their migration is one of the most magical events to witness and you can’t watch without a sense of wonder and awe. I am so happy to introduce a lovely picture book that captures the beauty of these incredible […]
Bedtime Daddy! – a new book to add to your bedtime routine
In our house bedtime was a marathon. What should have been an easy, calm routine became, shall we say, wild. It’s a challenge getting four kids to bed but, my husband was really the instigator. He took his role as the official bedtime reader seriously and liked to dramatize every story in the pile. Finally, […]
The Case for Loving – a review
The Case for Loving – the Fight for Interracial Marriage written by Selina Alko. Illustrated by Selina Alko and her husband Sean Qualls Arthur A. Levine Books 2015. June 12th is officially Loving Day but do you know why? In 1958, Richard Loving and Mildred Jeter fell in love. Of course they wanted to be married […]