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 …
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 …