I don’t think I’ve ever done this, but since we especially like to talk about ONE element of a picture book that we think is exemplary, I’m giving you a sneak peek at this charming book’s back matter glossary. Take a look: Oh, Jody Jensen Shaffer … I absolutely adore …
One of my favorite things is when I stumble across a picture book I haven’t heard much about and it ends up being practically perfect. (And it also goes well with a book I already know about.) The book: PIECE BY PIECE: ERNESTINE’S GIFT FOR PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT is written by …
Today is the book birthday of author Chelsea Lin Wallace’s newest book, THE BOO-BOOS OF BLUEBERRY ELEMENTARY, illustrated by Alison Farrell. And what better way to celebrate than a fantastic author interview! Let’s get started, shall we? RGL: Welcome to Picture Book Builders, Chelsea! And HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY! What a …
A few years ago, I was walking home to my apartment in Brooklyn, NY, when suddenly I noticed everyone on the block was frozen. I froze too, and then I saw what had made everyone stop in their tracks—a red-tailed hawk, perched on a chainlink fence. It was absolutely majestic, …
Today’s picture book bounty is a double feature of new books by Maria Gianferrari: Thank a Farmer (illustrated by Monica Mikai) and Fungi Grow (illustrated by Diana Sudyka). Before my interview with Maria, here are quotes from a few reviews: “Rooted in gratitude, this educational title explains in simple yet …
Hello, Picture Book Builders people. Are you ready for a warm and wonderful book that celebrates both friendship and community in an entirely unique way? Great! Willow and Bunny, written by Anitra Rowe Schulte and illustrated by Christopher Denise, offers all of that and more. But I’m not the only …
Well, I seem to be following Pat’s post with another grief book recommendation. Could it be that we (as adults and readers) feel we might be needing these right now? Pam Fong’s gorgeous new picture book WHEN THE FOG ROLLS IN is a story about grief, sadness, hardship, loss, and …
Small people can feel big emotions. But, they might not have the skills or life experiences to know how to deal with them. That’s part of the reason Tamara Ellis Smith and Nancy Whitesides created GRIEF IS AN ELEPHANT, a picture book about loss that releases Oct. 24 from Chronicle …
My friend Sarah Glenn Fortson has a new nonfiction book perfect for October. From Sarah, illustrator Kris Aro McLeod, and Peter Pauper Press, I give you: I found this entire book fascinating from cover to cover. It’s geared toward independent readers, but an apple-loving younger kiddo would get lots from …
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 …