The new picture book by Dan Richards and illustrated by Shanda McCloskey, Nubby, takes a new look at a familiar old chestnut or two. It is the story of a stuffy that is loved so much and so hard that their mere existence—and survival—is a wonder. The wear and tear …
Time for another self-serving post. Apologies. I’ve written about my Monster a Day October in the past, but feel a need to share again. Because, honestly, I think this may have been my best year yet. Scratch that—it IS my best year yet. As a brief description for those new …
Full disclosure: I have been a birdwatcher for decades. Without giving away how many decades, I’ll tell you I was 16 when I picked up a pair of binoculars and identified my first bird. Over the years, as an enthusiastic but casual birder, adulting limited my opportunities to get out …
Though this book, Chicken Little, The Real and Totally True Tale by Sam Wedelich,| is a couple of years old, I keep going back to it. This retelling is fun, funny and surprisingly relevant. And I love the illustrations. I was going to suggest its timeliness, too, but thinking about …
Hugs are the best, the absolute best. I love them, crave them, and not to brag, but I am renowned for mine. I have letters of reference. The previous 2+ years have made the want and need for hugs much more apparent. In the before times, I would hug most …
Yeah, I know, this blog is about picture books. And though technically not a picture book, this early reader has a LOT of pictures. So, I’m going with it anyway. Written and illustrated by Caldecott Medalist, Matthew Cordell, this enchanting book about two mice, two best friends will be a …
I bought We Give Thanks, by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier, last fall. (It seemed the right time of year for a book about thanks and thought I’d post about it then. Alas.) And because I’m always happy to find a new book from Ruzzier, I didn’t even …
The Creature of Habit is novelist Jennifer E. Smith‘s first picture book. It is illustrated by Leo Espinosa. It was pointed out to me by a very favorite bookstore owner. I was Christmas shopping on Small Business Saturday in November without any real list of what I wanted to buy …
I have an extensive background in graphic design, having had and run a studio for a couple of decades. So, I believe that I have a pretty good understanding of the actual print process and mechanics of designing and sending a book to a printer. All fine and good and …
October is a month full of monsters. And I love ‘em! But not the terrifying, rip your throat out kind of monsters. Please, no! I prefer my monsters to be civil and harmless and with a full range of curiosity and empathy. And it doesn’t hurt if they are easy …