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. […]
2020 Debut Crew
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 […]
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 FORT
If you are like me you are finding yourself in a zoom meeting or two. Our family has started weekly meetings during this time of sheltering at home and someone came up with the great idea of building forts. We planned, constructed, and decorated our forts which had to be large enough to hold two […]
Down Under the Pier – let’s explore!
Isn’t it wonderful when you find a book that you feel personally connected to? I was born in Santa Monica, near the ocean and the famous pier. I was so excited to open DOWN UNDER THE PIER and return to my childhood days filled with sand and salt air breezes. DOWN UNDER THE PIER […]
Small Matters: The Hidden Power of the Unseen
Have you ever watched a child stoop down to examine something tiny? They can be held spellbound by a rock, an ant, or a seashell. Today’s book is one that takes fascination further and opens up a world of wonder. SMALL MATTERS: The Hidden Power of the Unseen By Heather Ferranti Kinser Millbrook Press 2020 […]
At Home Field Day – 10 Ways to Play (plus a bonus)
What day of the school year do children most look forward to celebrating? That’s easy – FIELD DAY! Just because kids are now staying safe at home doesn’t mean that they can’t celebrate the end of the academic school year. Since so much learning is happening online these days, everyone is ready to get […]
Space Mice!
What child hasn’t heard that the moon is made out of cheese? Today’s book takes this fun idea and spins a tale about two resourceful cheese lovers. SPACE MICE By Lori Haskins Houran (author) and Priscilla Alpaugh Albert Whitman 2020 Picture book for ages 4-7 Themes: space travel, resourcefulness, mice Setting: the moon The story […]
After the Rain – a review
It’s spring and perhaps it just finished raining where you are. Today I’d like to share a perfect book for spring day. AFTER THE RAIN By Rebecca Koehn (author) and Simone Krüger (illustrator) Beaming Books 2020 Picture book for ages 3-6 Themes: rainy day play, conflict resolution, friendship Setting: home and yard The story […]
Celebrate EARTH HOUR: A Lights-Out Event for Our Planet
A Field Trip Life is all about travel and celebration but these days, armchair travel is the mode of transportation. If you’re like me, you’re about ready for a celebration. Today I’m sharing a book that features a global celebration that everyone can participate in right where they are. EARTH HOUR: A Lights-Out Event for […]
Where Am I From?
As people around the world are sheltering at home, most travel has come to a standstill. But that doesn’t mean we can’t go somewhere. We just need to travel through books. Today’s selection provides a trip around the world. WHERE AM I FROM? By Elisavet Arkolaki (author) and Graffiti illustration by Platon Faraxa Publishing 2020 […]
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 […]