As a child, my two favorite things were ballet and books so I am excited to discover a book that combines both. Best of all, it is the true story of a dancer who inspires others to persist in fulfilling their dreams. Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina By Lea Lyon […]
picture books
Help Wanted – Must Love Books – Our new favorite bedtime book
Every family has a bedtime routine and most include books. We have our stack of favorites but after the zillionth time reading certain (ahem – I’m looking at you, Good Night, Moon) it is wonderful to discover a new one. Today we’re celebrating the release of our new favorite bedtime book: HELP WANTED: Must […]
The Arabic Quilt – An Immigrant Story
I am a quilt lover and a collector of the stories behind each homemade quilt. The book I’d like to share today features a lovingly made quilt and a story that will make your heart happy. THE ARABIC QUILT – An Immigrant Story By Aya Khalil (author) and Anait Semirdzhyan (illustrator) Tilbury House Publishers 2020 […]
A Pirate’s Mother Goose
Everyone is familiar with Mother Goose Rhymes but they are overly familiar and rather outdated. There are a number of revised versions and today I’d like to share my new favorite: A PIRATE’S MOTHER GOOSE by Nancy I Sanders (author) and Colin Jack (illustrator) Albert Whitman Publishing Poetry for ages 4-8 Setting – […]
THE LITTLE GREEN MONSTER: CANCER MAGIC – a review for Multicultural Children’s Book Day
Welcome to my annual MCCBD – Multicultural Children’s Book Day post where I join other book bloggers to celebrate and showcase diverse children’s books. All children need to see children like themselves in the pages of a book and to learn about children who live in other places, speak different languages, look different, or […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]