Recently, one of my critique partners suggested I read Crunch The Shy Dinosaur written by Cirocco Dunlap, illustrated by Greg Pizzoli. I was taken with this book before I even opened it up. I love that a dinosaur is shy. A dinosaur! I mean if a DINOSAUR can be shy, …
Hello, Picture Book Builders people. To celebrate the start of a brand new school year, my friend and critique partner, Catherine Bailey, thought we could use a back-to-school book around here. As usual, that smartypants pal of mine is RIGHT. Please welcome Catherine and her thoughts on a book that …
Oh, people. Who doesn’t enjoy a day at the playground with a good friend? You Go First, written by Ariel Bernstein and illustrated by Marc Rosenthal, stars two good friends, Cat and Duck, who discover a brand new slide on the playground. Duck can’t wait to try it out. And …
Hello, Picture Book Builders people! If you have ever attended one of my presentations at a school or conference, you have probably heard me say, “Celebrate the weird stuff in life. It’s good material for stories.” Sometimes I even post about it online. Evidence. Imagine my joy when Abi Cushman …
Hello, Picture Book Builders people! Today, my friend (and superstar critique buddy) Dianne White is taking over this post. I had asked Dianne if there was a picture book that she would like to feature and right away she said, “COOLER THAN LEMONADE!” Isn’t this the perfect book for a …
Oh, people. I am happier than a little girl with a mango tree to introduce you to All Kinds of Special AND illustrator Fernando Martin. The whole idea for this book came from a text conversation with my very first writer friend–Flora Doone. Flora is the owner of an overzealous …
Hello, picture book people. I have a confession. Before today, I have never posted about a Maddie Frost book. This makes me very disappointed in myself because Maddie’s books bring me JOY. Let me share the opening spreads from just one of her little treasures. Look at that bright and …
Hello, picture book people. Let me introduce Matt Myers’ The Longest Licorice Rope to you by way of the publisher’s description: When Ben buys a bag of licorice for just one nickel, he gets more than just a sweet treat. His search for the end of this long, long licorice …
Hello, people. Have you ever had a best friend…until you didn’t? Deborah Underwood and Sergio Ruzzier explore this experience in their heartfelt book Walter Had a Best Friend. Behold the opening spreads: This delightful opening establishes the friendship between Walter and Xavier. Then something occurs. And that something occurs slowly…and …