Book Room

Salat in Secret

Random House Studio | 978-1984848093   On Muhammad’s seventh birthday, his dad gives him a prayer rug called a salat. It’s beautiful, with “fuzzy patterns and gold stitching.” He’ll use the rug five times a day, following the important traditions of his Islamic faith. That evening and the next morning, he whispers his prayers to… Read more »

The Last Stand

Knopf Books for Young Readers | 978-0593480571 Papa has the last stand at the farmer’s market, but the job is hard, and he’s getting older. From week to week, he and his grandson work together to bring in the crops. While Papa gathers peppers, plums, and pumpkins, his grandson collects the eggs. Together they set… Read more »

Between Two Brothers

Balzar and Bray | 978 -0063047297 Today is Isaiah “Ice” Abernathy’s birthday and he’s a bit salty. In his own words he says, “In parts of Texas, it’s illegal to sell Limburger cheese on Sunday or shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel,” but “no one saw fit to make it a… Read more »

A Gift for Nai Nai

Feiwel and Friends | 978-1250871596 Nai Nai is Lyn Lyn’s beloved grandmother. Each year, she crochets a special new hat for Lyn Lyn. Now she wants to return the favor and make a special hat for Nai Nai. But it’s not easy! Every time she tries, her stitches are too tight, too loose, or just… Read more »

SUPERBABY

Neal Porter Books | 978-0823445585 If you’re not already familiar with Stephanie Parsley Ledyard‘s picture books, I’m excited to introduce you to her work, and her newest, SUPERBABY, an adorable and energetic ode to all things baby. The story begins with this sweet introduction: Indeed, she is not! Superbaby is UP! UP! and awake… BOOOOOOOOMING… Read more »

Same Here! The Differences We Share

Owlkids Books | 978-1771473071 In a world where it it can seem like the loudest voices are those that seek to separate and divide us from one another, the truth is that no matter who we are or where we live, we all have the same basic needs and share much in common  – to… Read more »

Fungi Grow

S&S/Beach Lane | 978-1665903653 I’ve admired Maria Gianferrari‘s work for years, and 2023 has been an especially busy time for her as this year Maria released 5 new books! Today, I am thrilled to share her recently published, FUNGI GROW, illustrated by Diana Sudyka. This ode to fungi is a delight to read aloud as… Read more »