Aparna Varma chats about Champion Chompers, Super Stinkers & Other Poems by Extraordinary Animals (+ Giveaway!)

Well, hello again, PBB readers! And thank you, Jill, for the opportunity to share a new book and visit with Aparna Varma, the terrifically talented illustrator of Champion Chompers, Super Stinkers and Other Poems by Extraordinary Creatures, published this month by Kids Can Press.  First, a quick summary: Designed as …

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A WONDER DOGS! chat with the Wonderful Karen Obuhanych (+ Giveaway!)

Hello, all! Jill very kindly invited me back to share a new book, Wonder Dogs!, and a Q&A with its very talented illustrator, Karen Obuhanych. The book, written in the voice of a small rescue mutt, is a celebration of the extraordinary talents of dogs—their agility, sniffing skills, search and …

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A Visit with Tom Lichtenheld (+ MOO-MOO, I LOVE YOU Giveaway!)

Hello, all— I’ve been a fan of Tom Lichtenheld’s books since picking up DUCK! RABBIT! many moons ago, one of his many collaborations with the multitalented and much-missed Amy Krouse Rosenthal, who passed away in 2017. His books are funny, smart, eye-catching, kid-friendly and highly-acclaimed—and more than a few have …

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THE BEAR IN MY FAMILY by Maya Tatsukawa

I like checking out ALA’s Geisel Award winners, given to authors and illustrators of “the most distinguished” books for beginning readers. I’m not exactly sure what the judging criteria are, but—since they’re geared to the newest readers—I figure the books are likely to have engaging stories told in simple language. …

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A Chat with Brandon Reese (plus CAVE DADA Giveaway!)

Hello, all! Today I’m thrilled to welcome Brandon Reese to the blog. Brandon is the author and illustrator of several picture books, including, most recently, CAVE DADA (Chronicle Books, 2020)—a classic bedtime story with a Stone Age twist.  When Baba asks for his favorite book, his weary father resists. But …

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Chatting with Sue Soltis about THE STARS JUST UP THE STREET (+Giveaway!)

Hello! I’m so pleased to have author (and fellow Chapel Hill resident) Sue Soltis here today to chat about her beautiful new book The Stars Just Up the Street, illustrated by Christine Davenier (Candlewick Press, 2020). In the book, young Mabel—with assistance from her grandfather—convinces neighbors and town officials to …

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BECOMING A GOOD CREATURE by Sy Montgomery and Rebecca Green

Welp, here it is—Election Day at long last. If, like me, you’ve found this election—and, well, the last four years—incredibly stressful, disheartening, and often infuriating—here’s a book to soothe your spirits. Two books, actually. Becoming a Good Creature, written by Sy Montgomery and illustrated by Rebecca Green (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt …

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