The first picture book I pick up is rarely nonfiction, whether science, history, biography, nature, whatever. But when I DO pick up a nonfiction picture book, I am usually fascinated. Which kind of makes sense. In high school I avoided classes like history and science because I thought they were …
Sleep is important. Not that anyone needs convincing. The lack of sleep—or not enough sleep—is unhealthy and we are reminded of this often; in the news, online, wherever we get our information. As an adult I know this first hand. I love sleep and celebrate every morning I wake up …
I’m a lot of things, but I’m pretty sure (checking behind me) I’m not a raccoon. However, if I was curious about what it is like to be a raccoon, I’d have this book to look to; You are a Raccoon, by Laurie Thompson (Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of …
I am not a fan of reptiles. Frankly I’m kind of terrified or freaked out by most. I have dreams of snakes every now and then and it is never good. Amphibians? They are not nearly as stress-inducing, but they still give me a low-grade bout of the willies. I …
I come from a large-ish, blended family. There were six of us—that is, six siblings. We got along mostly and eventually all moved out and went in different directions. But we would come back for those large family meals. When we did it was with a pocket full of anticipation …
Rebecca Van Slyke’s new book, THE POWER OF YETI, illustrated by G. Brian Karas, is a nice reminder for us that we are not done learning, not done getting better at things. The story’s protagonist is a young boy who is not as strong or as fast as his friends. …
I am a sucker for art supplies. Like most artists I know, I’m a coveter, a collector, a hoarder of them. Every time I am drawn into an art supply store I am mesmerized. Overwhelmed by a feeling of “must have.” I am beckoned by pencils and paints and papers. …
Under the Blanket Sky is the debut picture book of Tim Fischer, a self-taught portrait and landscape artist. It is a quiet and simple book. It is filled with huge, fully-executed illustrations (which made me pick it up initially.) The text is spare. The story is simple. A boy makes …
The Flamingo, by Guojing, a Chinese artist and writer now living in Vancouver, is not really a picture book. More a graphic novel. But it is a book and it’s full of pictures and it is for picture book-age readers (and the rest of the world) so forgive me stepping …
The pairing of Alison James’ writing and Jennifer K. Mann’s illustration is brilliant. Or exquisite. Or both. I am enamored with their beautiful new collaboration, Maple & Rosemary. Rosemary is a young girl and Maple is…uh, well…a tree. And where better for a friendship to grow? Let’s get this out …