Abrams Books for Young Readers | 978-1419767210 “At Ameena’s school, it was always a play-by-herself day. It had been so ever since she arrived a few months ago. Kids had looked her up and down like she was something strange.” Feeling out of place is an experience many of us have known at one time or another…. Read more »
Hippo Park | 978-1662640049 Sometimes I read a picture book and I’m very curious to know how the author came up with the idea. Such was the case with HOW TO DRAW A HAPPY CAT. What was the inspiration behind a book about drawing when the author didn’t illustrate his words? I have no idea,… Read more »
Rocky Pond Books | 978-0593529812 A friend recently told me about a new picture book — SMALL THINGS MENDED by Casey W. Robinson and Nancy Whitesides – and because there’s something about “small things” that has always appealed to me, I knew I’d need to pick up a copy from the library. This tender book… Read more »
Schwartz & Wade | 978-0375836152 WHAT IS GIVEN FROM THE HEART by Patricia C. McKissack and April Harrison is a beautiful story about finding gratitude in very difficult circumstances and then sharing what little you have with another. Things had been tough for James Otis and his mama, but when Daddy passes, they go from bad… Read more »
Orchard Book | 978-1338849974 “For the longest time, I wondered about the impact of teaching young children that they are descendants of slaves without exploring the rich history that came before their enslavement: a beautiful history of Africans that is too often overlooked in studies of world history.” – Maisha Oso, Author’s Note In writing Before the Ships, Oso… Read more »
Alfred A. Knopf | 978-0593372760 Kids who aren’t familiar with the name James Earl Jones, will definitely recognize the deep, resonant voice behind Mufasa in The Lion King and Darth Vader in the Star Wars series. But did you know that Jones kept his voice mostly to himself for eight years because he struggled with… Read more »
Summer break is officially over and in these early months of school, I wanted to share a few recent picture books to kick off the year. If you’re not familiar with author/illustrator Monica Arnaldo’s newest book, you’re in for a real treat. MR. S. begins on the first day of school as the kids in… Read more »
