What school librarian doesn’t love a first day of book? BIG KIDS by K.L. Going and Reggie Brown is one of my favorites to come out this back-to-school season. Let’s take a look. I just love how the lettering of the title stretches to the very edges of the cover. …
Hello, Picture Book Builder people. Are you wanting to read and/or write a great read aloud? Well, I have the book for you. Please get your paws on Cats in Construction Hats by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Leeza Hernandez. This book had me sold on the dedication: “To our agent, Rachel: …
THE BOY WHO BECAME A PARROT, A Foolish Biography of Edward Lear, Who Invented Nonsense Well, who wouldn’t want to read a book written by Wolverton Hill, and learn about the person who invented nonsense? What does that even mean? And, if you add absolutely stunning illustrations by Laura Carlin …
It’s publication day for my latest book, a story born on the seat of a tractor, It’s Corn Picking Time! (Neal Porter), stunningly illustrated by Melissa Crowton. Here’s the eye-catching cover! And here’s Kirkus’s starred review of our book: “A rhyming introduction to an essential but often-invisible agricultural process. Dawn …
Today I am extremely excited to be chatting with an incredibly talented UK-based illustrator whose work I’ve admired for a very long time, Diana Mayo! I was so thrilled when Diana agreed to illustrate my latest picture book, FINDING FORGIVENESS, which releases from Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers …
The American Library Association Annual Conference is a joyful long weekend of lively reunions and insightful panels, library advocacy and celebrations of outstanding books. A highlight is walking the exhibition hall, arms full of FREE books. My school library hosts an annual Free Book FAIR and the ALA giveaways, often …
Hi, friends! I’m currently attending a family reunion in Taiwan, so I’ve invited Sue Soltis to share about her and illustrator Sonia Sánchez’s new book, The Moon Moved In. Thank you, Sue! Here is a snippet from the publisher’s description: What would happen if the moon moved in next door? …
Hello, Picture Book Builders people. I’m here with a warning…THE BEAR IS OUT THERE. This picture book, written and illustrated by Jess Hannigan, is a delight. I’m not the only one who thinks so. These are a couple of the reviews: ‘Kids will be drawn in by the friendly, colorful …
Codebreaker Charlotte, by Cedar Wang is a fascinating educational historical picture book— and is lots of fun at the same time! Win-win-WIN! Every year on her birthday, Charlotte looks forward to her gift from her Nana because it always involves solving a code. Kids will be intrigued, and enjoy going …
It’s a happy day when two of my favorite things come together: 1) seeing a story I wrote become an actual book, and 2) giving away a copy to one of our fellow picture book lovers! This time it’s the third book in my and illustrator Bob Shea’s informational fiction …