I love picture books! I always have a few on my coffee table and friends never fail to pick them up and begin reading (at once upon a time when we were able to have friends come for dinner!). Every year, I find more and more favorites and this year was no different. These books will bring back memories of long ago, will teach you a bit about remarkable people from history, bring a giggle and tug at your heartstrings. I hope you find some you’ll want to share with your children and perhaps add to your family library. 

I want to close by thanking you for allowing me to share my love of children’s books with you. Please remember I post frequently on Instagram @redcanoereader. I hope to see you there. 

Finally, I wish you a December full of cozy times with your family. May 2021 be a year of peace.

the old truck

By Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey

The gentle, muted illustrations in this story took me back to my childhood. It was a time when I lived in a small Indiana town surrounded by old farms. These were farms passed down through multiple generations; usually a bit worn with multiple buildings surrounding an old farmhouse and very often old trucks scattered around on the property. We would pass by these farms as we made the trek to visit both sets of grandparents on almost a weekly basis. I sat in the front seat because I was always hopelessly carsick, which gave me the perfect view of the countryside and gave me the opportunity to daydream about the scenery we passed. I had questions flying through my mind. Who lived there? How long had the farm been there? Did children live on the farm?

The authors of this story must have had similar experiences, because this lovely story strives to answer some of these questions. It follows a farming family through the years, working hard and always using an old red truck to help them achieve their dreams. And there’s always a little girl there to help and to love the old red truck. That is until the red truck doesn’t run anymore. That’s the time it’s parked in the barnyard and forgotten about by almost everyone, except the little girl. Time passed and they both dreamed and rested and grew older, until a new farmer came a long. It’s a new farmer who looks amazingly like the little girl from long ago; it’s a little girl who grew up, became a farmer and rescued the old red truck to help her achieve HER dreams.

Thank you, @jpumphrey and @wjpumphrey for taking me back to my childhood and bringing some of my daydreams to life. Your charming book felt like a warm blanket and is one I want to read over and over. It’s going to be one of my “coffee table” books (high praise!). Those are the special ones I leave out so anyone and everyone who visits will have the opportunity to be wrapped up in that warm blanket, just as I was.

if you come to earth

By Sophie Blackall

Have you ever thought how you might introduce a visitor from outer space to our world? This exquisite picture book from two-time Caldecott Award winner @sophieblackall offers so many suggestions about what you can share. As you experience this book with your little ones, you’ll find yourself pausing on every page to have a conversation. You might talk about the expressions and the feelings on the diverse children’s faces. You might discuss how families can be different or how kids wear different clothes depending upon their climate. You might ask about the occupations of the characters or their modes of transportation or their homes. In fact every time you read this book, I promise you, you’ll find more details sprinkled throughout the pages you’ll want to talk about.
🌺
The endearing illustrations with their softness and the sweet expressions on the children’s faces will give you a cozy feeling from beginning to end. And please take time to peak beneath the book jacket and to linger on the end papers. They are completely charming!
🌺
This is a book you’ll want to put on hold at the library, however I’m quite certain you’ll want to add it to your forever family bookcase. It’s going on my coffee table, because once we can open our house to friends again, I know they’ll love this as much as I do. It’s that special!

It began with a page

By Kyo Maclear; illustrated by Julie Morstad

When my son was a baby, we discovered some remarkable board books. They were charming stories full of sweet animals, diverse children with angelic expressions and gentle words that were perfect to hear before I tucked him in each night. I always remembered the author, Gyo Fujikawa, and her special books, which have been my “go to” baby shower gift for 25 years. So I was delighted when I learned there was a new picture book biography about her, and even more excited when I learned it was illustrated by Julie Morstad, one of my favorite illustrators.

Gyo Fujikawa was a Japanese American girl who loved to draw. Unfortunately, she was also a girl who was invisible to the white students in her school and to most of her teachers. Happily though, one teacher recognized her talent and gave Gyo the money to attend art school. This changed her life. It gave her the courage to face the discrimination she would encounter for years to come, because she was Asian American, as well as because she was a woman. It gave her the courage to write a children’s book with multiracial children in the 1960’s and to insist her publisher break the rules and publish it. When the publisher finally agreed, Babies became a bestseller and is still in print today. She went on to create 50 more picture books for children.

This story of courage and determination gives you a peak into not only Gyo’s life, but also into the lives of Asian Americans during the last century. Julie Morstad’s illustrations will give you a glimpse into the charm you’ll find in all of Gyo’s books. You’ll see the rainbow of faces of naughty, nice and very busy babies which are similar to the little ones you’ll find in so many of Gyo’s books. And you’ll begin to understand why I’m such an admirer of Gyo Fujikawa, and why I’ll continue to tuck her books into every baby shower gift I give.

green on green

By Dianne White; illustrated by Felicta Sala

This is a gentle story about the seasons of a family’s quiet country life in the rolling hills by the sea. We are offered a glimpse of the wonders and joys of their everyday world.
🌳
The richly colored illustrations add depth to the lovely words of Dianne White’s poem. Beginning with the lush end papers, you follow this young family through the seasons of their year. You’ll see the colors, feel the air and hear the sounds. You’ll want to join the young boy as he jumps in rain puddles, runs on the beach and tastes the apples from the tree. You, too, will marvel at the beauty of the snow and feel the amazement of the first flowers of spring. In fact, everytime you read this story, you and your little one will find something new to talk about. This is one you’ll remember!

one girl

By Andrea Beaty; illustrated by Dom Phuminruk

Andrea Beaty’s lyrical text and Dom Phumiruk’s gentle, muted illustrations in One Girl help us understand how books and education can change a child’s life. From the first page we are invited to go along on one young girl’s journey as she discovers the magic of a book. When she is given the opportunity to attend school, she not only shares the wonder of stories with her classmates, but is given the encouragement to write her own books. She  goes on to share her books with the children of the world, inspiring them to catch the spark of reading and shine their own lights into our world.

This touching story shows the importance of education and how one person can inspire change. It’s one that reminds us how vitally important it is that ALL children have the opportunity to receive an education. Finally, it’s one for the book lovers in your life, no matter what their age.

i am every good thing

By Derrick Barnes

Illustrated by Gordon C. James

A young black boy shares all that is good about himself.  He begins by telling us, “I am good to the core, like the center of a cinnamon roll. Yeah that good.” And then we’re off, following him through his life. He’s a ball of energy, ready to discover the world. He’s a daredevil and scientist. He’s courteous and respectful to friends and strangers alike. He’s full of curiosity and lots of humor. He’s a sportsman, he’s a brother, son, nephew, grandson, friend. He can give tight hugs and offer a hand to hold. He is brave and only answers to his name, whatever name he may be called. He is worthy of “respect, of safety, of kindness, of happiness… and to be loved.” He’s like children everywhere who have a right to be safe, successful and happy. 

The rich illustrations perfectly capture the mood of this story which will touch your heart, and if you read the dedication, bring tears.  It’s a book to share and discuss with your children now, and as they grow older. It’s one for all ages.

in a jar

Written and illustrated by Deborah Marcero

Oh, I’m simply in love. This picture book is a pure delight. I requested it be ordered at my library months ago. As the release date came and went, I impatiently waited for the library copy to be ready. I was thrilled when I picked it up and saw it was just as special as I hoped. When you open IN A JAR you’ll first notice the gentle colors exploding on every page. I absolutely want to cover the walls of my office with Marcero’s paintings! Then you’ll meet the characters in her story and they will steal your heart. It is a joy to be a part of their happiness and friendship as they discover and savor the beauty of their world. Every joy is saved in a jar, until the walls are covered with shelves full of jars. All of this sadly ends when Evelyn moves away. And with Evelyn gone, “Llewellyn’s heart felt like an empty jar.” When I saw the image of Evelyn driving away and turned the page to see the empty jar, I was immediately taken back to the time my best friend moved away; a best friend I still miss so many years later. Perhaps if I had been as wise as Llewellyn, I wouldn’t have been so heart broken. 

This is a story that reminds us to savor the joys and the beauty we see and experience everyday: the wonders we glimpse, the sounds we hear, the adventures large and small and most of all the love of the friends and family who surround us. It’s truly a story for all ages. It’s going to be a part of my library and will be a gift to those dear to me.

my brother the duck

By Pat Zietlow Miller; Illustrated by Daniel Wiseman

Oh how I love this book! I read it to my nephews and their mom and aunt, and I think the adults liked it as much, or even more than the kids! Here are some of the reasons why.

• The vocabulary: fledgling scientist, research, waddling, evidence, scrawny and hypothesis, to mention a few. These fun words give you lots of opportunities to pause and have a conversation with your little ones
• The colorful illustrations and the facial expressions add so much to the story. For example, when you look at the picture with the family, you immediately understand the dad’s stress and Stella’s seriousness.
• The introduction of the scientific method
• The diverse characters
• Finally caregivers are going to have so much fun reading it, and will find so many things to talk about, they won’t mind reading it at least a hundred times!
  This book is available now and would make a great addition to your family’s library. It’s also the perfect gift for a family who will shortly be adding a new sibling.
  

  ---

the keeper of wild words

By Brooke Smith; illustrated by Madeline Kloepper

This gorgeous, gentle story is one you will long remember. It’s a story of a grandma, Mimi, and her young granddaughter, Brooke. It’s a story of nature, of memories and words. It’s a story about a grandma’s fear that words of nature are being forgotten and of her determination to help Brooke become THE KEEPER OF WILD WORDS. 

The illustrations are full of color and full of joy. The story inspires us to make certain the words and wonders of nature are shared with our children. It will inspire parents and grandparents (or even aunts and uncles) to take our children out into the world to view the beauty that surrounds us. It’s a wonderful gift for a new grandparent or even for parents to be. It’s one I am giving to my sister so she can share the wonders of the world with her grandchildren. And it even has a pocket in the back for you and your little ones to collect your wild words. It’s available now.

What we’ll build: plans for our together future

By Oliver Jeffers

This charming story is a love letter from Oliver Jeffers to his daughter. It’s the story of a parent’s boundless love for their child. It’s a story about their magical journey as they build their future together. It’s a story told in rhyming text with illustrations that simply take your breath away. It’s a story that will surround you with love as you read it to your child. It’s a must for every home library shelf.

marjory saves the everglades

By Sandra Neil Wallace; illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon

Oh, how I love picture book biographies. They offer fascinating stories about nspiring individuals I know little about. This is a perfect example. I’ve never visited the Everglades, but it is on my list. In fact, my husband and I had hoped to go this spring and add it to our growing list of National Parks we’ve visited, but with Covid we decided to stay close to home. After reading this book, I’m glad we still have our first visit to the Everglades to look forward to. I know so much more about the history and the ecological importance of the glades. I know the animals, the birds, the insects and the flora and fauna we might see. All of that is there thanks to a determined, brave woman who made a difference and saved the Everglades.

The truly remarkable illustrations help us to see the beauty and the tranquility of the Everglades, as we watch spunky Marjory Stoneman Douglas grow from a young girl into a 108 year old woman who made it her life’s work to save an ecosystem. They help us feel the sunshine, the oppressive heat and the mosquito bites Marjory experienced during her explorations of the park.

The story inspires kids to understand how they can make a difference, just as Marjory did. It explains the importance of research, perseverance and courage. It teaches them to speak up without being a nuisance and to never give up, just as she did when the Everglades were threatened. We learn because of Marjory’s determination to save the ecosystem, the government was finally convinced to restore the Everglades to its original state, after allowing almost one hundred years of destruction.

The book includes several pages of back matter, including a page of illustrations of animals of the Everglades, Marjory’s “tips for protecting the environment” and a timeline of her life.  It’s one you’ll want to share with your children about another inspiring woman in U.S. history.

Did you like this post? Would you like to read more?

If so, please sign up on the form on the right hand side of this post to follow Red Canoe Reader. 

When you do, you’ll receive an email every time there’s a new post! 

There are so many children’s books about the problems Black kids face in their day to day lives. It’s vitally important to share these with our children to allow them to see themselves in a book or to give children a window into children’s lives which are different from their own. However, Black kids are just like all children who try to find joy with their families everyday. These stories are about kindness, fears, family outings and joy. You’ll smile, you’ll laugh and you’ll discover loving, diverse families who are finding happiness in their daily lives.

Jabari Jumps

By Gaia Cornwall @gaiacornwall

Published by Candlewick Press

Jabari reminds me so much of myself when I was his age. I was terrified of jumping into a pool, even though my mother had sent me to countless swim lessons. To stand on the side of a pool, let alone a diving board as everyone was expecting me to jump, was completely overwhelming. Even though Jabari feels the same, he announces to his dad “I’m jumping off the diving board today.” Of course, though, that’s a little easier said than done! Gaia Cornwall’s illustrations capture his fear, but also his determination and courage. I loved that every page included “pool turquoise” in some way, whether it was the sky, the water or the surrounding trees. This helped me feel like I was standing right there on the board with Jabari as he curled his toes around the edge. If you have a little one who may be wondering if they have the courage to jump in, this is a wonderful book that might provide just the encouragement they need to succeed.

Saturday

Written and illustrated by Oge Mora @oge_mora

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

First of all, look at this cover. Do you see the pure love and delight between Ava and her mother? After a long week of being apart, they get to spend one entire day together, just the two of them without interruptions. But one disappointment after another greets them as they move through their day. First, story time was canceled, then an exploding puddle ruins their new hairstyles, the park is too noisy and finally Mommy loses the tickets for the puppet show. But as the long day draws to a close and they return to their apartment, they realize something rather amazing. Their day was truly splendid because they were together.

This small moment story will draw you in with it’s vibrantly colored collage illustrations, as you feel the warmth and love of Ava and Mommy’s day. It’s a true joy to read and you’ll want to share it with someone special in your life.

The Thing about Bees: A Love Letter

Written and illustrated by Shabazz Larkin @shabazzlarkin

Published by Readers to Eaters @readerstoeaters

This delightful journey describes a day in the life of a black family when they go on a picnic in the park. You see the joy on the faces of Dad and his sons as they chase a balloon and fly a kite, as well as their distress when they encounter some bees. Yes, dad says, there are bees in the park, and they can be annoying and their sting can hurt, but he points out without the bees all of the yummy food on their overflowing picnic table wouldn’t exist; no strawberries, no watermelon, no apples for pies, no cucumbers for pickles, no fruit for smoothies. And then he makes my favorite observation in the book. He lovingly compares his boys to bees, reminding them they can be a bit annoying, too, but he never stops loving them. 

This book came to be because the author always had a “ridiculous fear of bees.” When his sons were born he was determined NOT to pass his fear along to his children. To accomplish this, he learned all he could about bees, and as he did the less scary they seemed. Not only did he create this sweet story, but he also included simple drawings illustrating what happens when “a bee and a flower love each other,” which are perfect for teaching your little one the importance of bees in our world. Finally, he has included lots of information in the back matter including bee etiquette and types of bees from “kind to kinda mean”.

Me and Mama

By Cozbi A. Cabrera

Published by Denene Millner Books/Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers

One rainy morning a little girl creeps down the stairs to find her mama. She’s hoping for some quiet time just with mama, while her brother and Papa are still asleep. The word choice and the vibrant, expressive illustrations immediately invite you into the little girl’s world. You feel the coziness of the home and the smell of cinnamon in the air. You hear Mama’s cheerful voice as she calls out good morning and then optimistically finds joy in the rainy day, when she declares “the perfect day for boots and puddles”. You understand the little girl’s joy in their familiar everyday rituals they do together. You see her happiness when they help each other choose their clothes and dress, eat breakfast together, brush their teeth, take their dog for a walk and splash in the puddles. 

All in all, it’s a book about joy and family. It’s a book your little ones will find familiar and comforting as you share it together.

hair love

By Matthew A. Cherry      @matthewacherry  

Illustrated by Vashti Harrison @vashtiharrison

Published by @kokilabooks

It’s a very special day and Zuri’s hair needs to be perfect. There are only two problems. First, her curly, kinky hair has a mind of it’s own. Secondly, her daddy is exhausted from getting her to school, working, bringing her home, going on a bike ride and fixing her dinner, so Zuri really doesn’t want to disturb him. Soooo, Zuri and Rocky (her faithful cat) decide to take care of it themselves. All is well, until she drops her tablet and wakes Daddy. That’s when Daddy swoops into to save the day. After MANY attempts and some online help, Zuri has the perfect hairdo.

The love between this little girl and her daddy is a joy to see. Even though Zuri has doubts about her hair, Daddy assures her it is truly beautiful making her beam with pride.This reminded me of some everyday moments with my daddy very long ago. When I was doubting myself and lacking confidence, he assured me I truly was beautiful and I just needed to be myself. It’s a reminder that these small moments are so important to our children. 

You will love the illustrations, too. The love between Zuri and Daddy pours out of every page. Their eyes, especially, are full of adoration and joy. These, along with the sweet story, will speak to all children and make lots of little girls think of special times with their daddy.

you matter

Written and Illustrated by Christian Robinson @theartoffun

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

This gentle book is for all of us, young or old, any color, any gender. The lovely diverse illustrations, along with the simple text remind all of us that we matter. Even if we fall down, even if we need to start over, even if we feel lost or alone, even if we are small or old, we matter. It’s a story that will touch your heart and make you pause. It’s a story to share with your children and discuss with your children as you remind them, they do indeed matter.

Did you like this post? Would you like to read more?

If so, please sign up on the form on the right hand side of this post to follow Red Canoe Reader. 

When you do, you’ll receive an email every time there’s a new post!

coming soon!! 

2020 picture book and mg favorites!

REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON:

INSTAGRAM @REDCANOEREADER

and

TWITTER @REDCANOEREADER

This post all began when my son gave me It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way for Christmas. It had special meaning to us because I read Gyo Fujikawa books to him almost every night for years. There was something about her sweet, calming stories and illustrations we both loved. As I was reading the biography on Christmas day, an idea was forming. I had read so many wonderful picture book biographies recently and learned the life stories of so many people I knew of, but didn’t really know. I decided I wanted to share these remarkable people with you. In these books you’ll learn the stories behind some famous people and some not so famous, but all fascinating.

It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way

By Kyo Maclear @kyomaclear

Illustrated by Julie Morstad @juliemorstad

Published by Harper Collins @harpercollins @harperkids

When my son was a baby, we discovered some remarkable board books. They were charming stories full of sweet animals, diverse children with angelic expressions and gentle words that were perfect to hear before I tucked him in each night. I always remembered the author, Gyo Fujikawa, and her special books, which have been my “go to” baby shower gift for 25 years. So I was delighted when I learned there was a new picture book biography about her, and even more excited when I learned it was illustrated by Julie Morstad, one of my favorite illustrators.

Gyo Fujikawa was a Japanese American girl who loved to draw. Unfortunately, she was also a girl who was invisible to the white students in her school and to most of her teachers. Happily though, one teacher recognized her talent and gave Gyo the money to attend art school. This changed her life. It gave her the courage to face the discrimination she would encounter for years to come because she was Asian American, as well as because she was a woman. It gave her the courage to write a children’s book with multiracial children in the 1960’s and to insist her publisher break the rules and publish it. When the publisher finally agreed, Babies became a bestseller and is still in print today.  She went on to create 50 more picture books for children. 

This story of courage and determination gives you a glimpse into not only Gyo’s life, but also into the lives of Asian Americans during the last century. Julie Morstad’s illustrations will give you a glimpse into the charm you’ll find in all of Gyo’s books. You’ll see the rainbow of faces of naughty, nice and very busy babies which are similar to the little ones you’ll find in so many of Gyo’s books. And you’ll begin to understand why I’m such an admirer of Gyo Fujikawa, and why I’ll continue to tuck her books into every baby shower gift I give.

The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown

By Mac Barnett @macbarnett

Illustrated by Sarah Jacoby 

Published by Balzer and Bray @balzerandbray @harpercollins_publishing

You may end your days tucking your little one in by reading Goodnight Moon or The Important Book, but do you really know anything about the author, Margaret Wise Brown? I certainly didn’t before I read this delightful picture book biography by award winning author, Mac Barnett. 

There are so many things I loved about this book. 

• I love how the author and the illustrator skillfully interweave the theme of The Important Book, as well as the covers of so many of her books into their story. 
• I loved learning that the New York Public Library, as well as many others, stamped Margaret Wise Brown’s books “NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PURCHASE BY EXPERT”!!
• I loved Sarah Jacoby’s gentle illustrations that filled every page, especially the fact that the children in the library circle are rabbits, the librarian is a rabbit and every book is being held by a rabbit!
• And most of all I loved that I learned a little bit more about the quirky, fascinating person who wrote some of our most beloved children’s books.
  

  ---

Prairie Boy: Frank Lloyd Wright Turns the Hearland into a Home

By Barb Rosenstock @brosenstock

Art by Christopher Silas Neal @csilasneal

Published by Calkins Creek #calkinscreek

I’ve been fascinated with Frank LLoyd Wright since I was in grade school. it began when my parents explained why my classmate’s house was so very different than the usual suburban ranches that filled our neighborhood. The reason the house was so unique was that it was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. When I was nine years old, I didn’t realize how special that was. All I knew was that I loved that house, wished it was my house. and from that moment on loved mid century design and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Barb Rosenstock’s story guides us on a tour through Wright’s life, beginning with his childhood on the Wisconsin Prairie and throughout his career as an architect; an architect who went against the norm of designing Victorian style mansions and rather chose to design houses to fit the modern family inside and out. Christopher Silas Neal’s illustrations, which utilize the shapes of the prairie landscape and reflect Frank Lloyd Wright’s style, further help the reader gain a better understanding of the prairie houses. 

I wish my nine year old self had this wonderful book so many years ago. I would have loved to understand more about Frank Lloyd Wright and the reason his houses were so unique.  I, too had a love of shapes and creating structures with wooden blocks. Perhaps I would have been inspired to study architecture. Maybe a child who reads this book today will be inspired to follow in Frank Lloyd Wright’s footsteps!

Little Libraries, Big Heroes 

By Miranda Paul #mirandapaul

Illustrated by John Parra @johnparaart

Published by Clarion Books #clarionbooks @hmhkids

Have you ever wondered about the Little Free Library @littlefreelibrary (LFB) phenomenon like I did? Well for myself, who always seems to make up stories every time I take a walk through my hometown, these are the questions bouncing around in my head. Where do all of these unique little houses come from? Why are there more and more of them? Who makes them? How did it begin? When I discovered this inspirational story, I was delighted to find the answers to my questions, plus a few more, too!

It all began with an ordinary hero who wanted to honor his mom’s memory and her love of reading. And it spread with the help of other ordinary heroes who worked together to spread their love of reading by building the little houses, filling them with books, labeling the containers with this motto “Take a Book, Share a Book” and placing them in yards throughout the U.S. And the phenomenon didn’t stop at the U.S. borders. Soon there were LFLibraries all around the world, such as at a hospital in Ireland, on a street corner in Pakistan and in a schoolyard in South Sudan.

This is a story of the amazing things that can happen when ordinary people work together to make a dream come true; a dream to help people across the world. This story offers a wonderful starting point for conversations and brainstorming with students about their dreams to help the world, and planning to make their dreams come true.

Just Like Rube Goldberg:

The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines

Written by Sarah Aronson 

Illustrated by Robert Neubecker 

Published by Simon & Schuster Kids  @simonkids

Every year Purdue (my Alma Mater) has a Rube Goldberg competition. It’s always fascinating to see what imaginative contraptions the teams create. But even though I’ve followed this for years, I never knew Rube Goldberg’s story. Happily, after reading this, I now do! I know that his true aspiration was to be a “great cartoonist for a big-time newspaper.” Unfortunately, his family had other ideas, so to please them he became an engineer. But since he was an engineer who dreamed of drawing, he soon quit his job and became a laborer at the San Francisco Chronicle. During the day he emptied wastebaskets and filed photos, and at night he drew cartoons. Finally a few were published. This gave him the courage to move to New York City where everything changed. He became a cartoonist, a political commentator and most importantly, a creator and illustrator of an alter ego, Professor Butts, who created crazy contraptions that solved problems in ridiculous and totally unexpected ways.

This story illustrates the success one can have, if you persevere and follow your dream. It also introduces the reader to the fun and creativity of inventing, whether it be a serious invention or a ridiculous one that has loads of surprises.

The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons

By Natascha Biebow 

Illustrated by Steven Salerno

Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt @houghtonmifflinharcourt

Do you remember opening a new box of crayons? If you were lucky, you got a new box every school year. If you were EXTRA lucky, it was a box of 64 shiny new crayons with pointy ends that had never touched a piece of paper.  That beginning of the school year excitement came back to me whenever my kids and I used to watch Mr. Roger’s segment on a trip to a crayon factory. We always wished we could be right there with him watching the thousands of crayons coming off the assembly line. But we never knew where crayons originated, or who invented them, or why? This delightful book answers all of those questions and more.  

Edwin Benny loved colors and knew children did, too. Sadly, though, most children couldn’t afford the dull, clumsy crayons, which were available in the late 1800s. Edwin Benny listened to what children wanted and began experimenting in his lab to create a strong, colorful, safe crayon. It took years of work, but at the 1904 World’s Fair the familiar green and yellow box of Crayola Crayons was introduced and children’s lives were never quite the same. 

I like this book so much because it shows what can be accomplished with perseverance, creativity and hard work. When Edwin Benny’s wife described a problem to him – crayons were expensive, dully colored, breakable and clumsy, he became determined to solve it, even though a solution wasn’t readily apparent. I also like the back material in the book including captioned photographs of a crayon factory, a brief biography and a list of websites and videos. 

If your children are fans of crayons (who isn’t?!), please add this to your list. It will be so much fun for all of you.

Did you like this post? Would you like to read more?

If so, please sign up on the form on the right hand side of this post to follow Red Canoe Reader. 

When you do, you’ll receive an email every time there’s a new post! 

REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON:

INSTAGRAM @REDCANOEREADER

and

TWITTER @REDCANOEREADER

Last week I shared my favorite middle grade books from 2019. I promised to share my favorite picture books from 2019, so here they are! Remember, these may not have been published in 2019, but I discovered them this year and loved every one. These are the ones I can’t stop thinking about. Also, please keep in mind, picture books are for EVERYBODY! They will teach you so much, give you so much enjoyment and possibly most importantly, touch your heart.  I hope you’ll find some titles to add to your shopping list. These special books deserve to be in your kids’ stockings. Happy Holidays to all of you!

a House that Once Was

By Julie Fogliano @juliefogliano

Illustrated by Lane Smith #lanesmith

I’ve always loved making up stories about something I discover as I’m out walking, so when I first learned of this book, I was quite certain this intriguing and mysterious story would be a perfect choice for me. I wasn’t disappointed! This picture book gets all the stars!! On the first page, we meet a pair of children who discover an obviously long ago abandoned house, as they wander through the woods. They immediately begin to create stories about the house and it’s occupants after they crawl through the window to explore. (more)  

big cat, little cat

Written and Illustrated by Elisha Cooper

So many times I’ve received text from a friend with the sad news that a dear family pet has died. Understandably, they, along with their children are devastated. After all, the beloved pet has always been a part of their children’s lives, so now how do they face the emptiness they all feel; how do they move on? And then because many of my friends believe just as I do, that the answers to life’s really hard questions can often be found in books, they ask for one that will help their young children understand. This gentle book is a perfect choice. (more)

rosie and crayon

Written and illustrated by Deborah Marcero

First of all, I have to write about the illustrations. Oh, my!! I’ll begin by describing the title page. Deborah Marcero has created the words of the title completely out of drawings of crayons! And then we move onto the story. Rosie and her dog, Crayon, are utterly charming. Their love for each other and their appreciation for the world is immediately apparent. On each page they joyfully discover another color and in the process introduce us to some fascinating vocabulary. There are fluttering yellows, simmering reds and and smoldering pinks. You and your little one will delight in their happiness as you talk about each new description. (more)

i used to be famous

By Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie

Illustrated by Joanne Lew Vriethoff

Many thanks to Blue Slip Media for sharing this book with me. I very much appreciate it!

I loved the author’s first book, I AM FAMOUS. It reminded me of so many families who simply can’t get enough of the new star in the family, especially if it’s child number one! The camera is never still and every move is recorded for all of posterity in the memory book. But then… baby number two arrives and nothing is quite the same for child number one. Where are the cameras, the accolades, the personal attention?! Where is the fame? This is the story of I USED TO BE FAMOUS.  (more)

because

By Mo Willems

Illustrated by Amber Ren

This remarkable picture book will touch your heart, especially if you’re a music lover. It made me think about my own children who both became music lovers at a very young age, just as it happened to the little girl in Because. I always wondered what prompted my boys to pursue music. Was it my constant singing when they were small? Was it their aunt’s piano playing? Was it the intriguing piano at Grandma and Grandpa’s house that was like a magnet to them when they walked through their door?  (more)

we are (not) friends

By Anna Kang @annakangbooks

Illustrated by Christopher Weyant @christopherweyant

Again, many thanks to Blue Slip Media for sharing this book with me. I very much appreciate it!

All of us knows how it feels when you and a friend are having a great time, just the two of you, until suddenly someone else joins in. This can happen if you’re 3 or 73, or anywhere in between! Once the third friend appears, things are just not quite the same. 🔸
Our two fuzzy bear friends encounter the same problem when a new friend bounces in and wants to play. They soon discover three’s a crowd! Feelings are hurt, tears are shed and voices are raised as alternating twosomes face off against the third. The imaginative bears create game after game, but each one is only for two friends. This continues until they finally realize MAYBE exciting games can be imagined for three players instead of two, so three bears CAN actually be friends. (more)

max attacks

Words by Kathi Appelt @kathi5cats
Pictures by Penelope Dullaghan @penelope_dullaghan

Again, many thanks to Blue Slip Media for sharing this book with me. I very much appreciate it!

Meet Max! He’s full of curiosity and mischief as he prowls through the house making one discovery after another, even though his main objective is, and always will be, the fish bowl! BUT there are just so many tempting things to grab his attention first. Can Max really be expected to ignore a lizard crawling up a window screen, a dangling shoe lace or a basket of dirty socks? They are calling his name and then there is that fish bowl… (more)   

the day you begin

By Jacqueline Woodson @jacqueline_woodson

Illustrated by Rafael Lopez

This book tells the story of how hard it is to walk through the door into someplace new; a place where everyone is a stranger; a place where no one is quite like you. It can be a lonely experience, especially if everyone in that room knows each other and has a lot in common. If everyone thinks your accent is different and the food in your lunch box is strange. But hopefully, there will be a caring teacher who will want to hear your stories and learn more about you; who will help your classmates understand that different is okay. (more) 

truman

Written by Jean Reidy
🐢
Illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins

I absolutely loved this book. First, I fell in love with the cover and then with the charming story. When I studied the cover, I immediately felt the love between Sarah and her tortoise, Truman. Their faces told me they were completely absorbed in listening to one another and were obviously best friends. When I opened the book, I found many more of Lucy Ruth Cummins sweet illustrations which make Jean Reidy’s gentle story come alive. The soft colors in the details of their apartment and the busy city streets, as well as the expressions on their faces invite you into their quiet, everyday world full of friendship and fun. (more)   

will you miss us if we go?

By Paige Jaeger

Illustrated by Carol Hill Quirk

This beautifully illustrated nonfiction book is the second in the series by @authorpaigjaeger. The book, which is told in verse, introduces us to 14 endangered species who are asking for our help. This engaging story, with a challenging vocabulary, introduces us to the animals’ geographic locations, descriptions of their habitats, their physical descriptions, and the reasons they are threatened, all of which I’m sure will lead to many heartfelt discussions when the book is shared. (more)

goodbye, friend! Hello, friend!

Written and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld

One of my favorite books from last year was Cori Doerrfeld’s THE RABBIT LISTENED. Her latest picture book doesn’t disappoint. In fact it is a delightful look at goodbyes and hellos in our lives. It will make you pause and think about how many of those we face everyday. We not only greet our friends and families, but we also greet new seasons, new situations, new places and new activities throughout our day. We may be sad to say goodbye to snowmen, but we love saying hello to spring; we’re disappointed our day at the beach is ending, but it’s so much fun to say hello to campfires and marshmallows; we say goodbye to hesitating to try something new and hello to jumping in and giving it a try. (more) 

the scarecrow 

By Beth Ferry

Illustrated by The Fan Brothers

Autumn may be fading away, but please don’t let it go before sharing  The Scarecrow with everyone in your family. As always, the illustrations by Eric and Terry Fan are amazing. The soft autumn colors and and even the tiniest details add so much to the story. I loved the gentleness of the snow, the quietness of the spring night and the joy on the scarecrow’s face as he makes a friend. And then there is Beth Ferry’s lyrical text that tells the story of the lonely, but respected scarecrow. The scarecrow who breaks his pole to save a baby crow; the scarecrow who cheers the baby as he learns to fly, despite knowing it means his friend will soon be gone. The scarecrow whose kindness leads to so much joy.

This memorable book about friendship and kindness is one of my favorites of 2019. I’m sure you’ll love it too!

dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever

By Matt Tavares

This magical book, created by Matt Tavares, who is also the author-illustrator of one of my favorites, Red & Lulu, has once again mesmerized me with his latest book, Dasher! The gorgeous, dreamy illustrations in Dasher will first capture your attention and then the story will delight you. Dasher, a young doe, who along with her beloved family, spends her days trekking through the countryside with a traveling circus. Their life is not an easy one as they endure long days crammed together under the relentless sun, but there are happy times too. The children are kind to her and Dasher gets to be with her family. And at night Dasher’s mama shares stories about a faraway, dreamy place beneath the North Star where she and Papa once lived; a place where “the air was crisp and cold and the ground was always covered with a cool blanket of white snow”. Dasher loves these stories and dreams of actually feeling the crisp air and walking on the cool snow, even if it would mean leaving her family. One blustery night when the gate of the pen blows open, Dasher gets her chance. She runs away, flying like the wind through the forest, all the while following the North Star. Just as she realizes she is lost, she encounters a kind man dressed in red with a sparkling sleigh, a tired horse both in need of help. And the story of Christmas changes forever. 

This enchanting story is sure to become a family Christmas favorite you will look forward to bringing out each year. It’s one for young and old alike; for anyone who would like a little bit of magic in their lives this month. I know it’s going to be added to my holiday book collection!

Did you like this post? Would you like to read more?

If so, please sign up on the form on the right hand side of this post to follow Red Canoe Reader. 

When you do, you’ll receive an email every time there’s a new post! 

REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON:

INSTAGRAM @REDCANOEREADER

and

TWITTER @REDCANOEREADER

Here is my annual list of favorite middle grade books. These weren’t necessarily published in 2019, but I read each of them this year and loved them all! There are so many titles, because it was a great year for MG fiction. Happily, 2020 also promises to bring us many more memorable MG stories.

I’m hoping you’ll find some to suggest to your middle grade reader or some to tuck into their stocking. And keep this list handy when you’re at the library over the break or next summer, looking for a memorable book and your middle grader doesn’t know what to choose. It might come in handy!

My list of favorite picture books will be coming soon. I promise you, you’ll find the perfect gift on one of these lists!

all the impossible things

By Lindsay Lackey

Oh, this is a book I will remember for a very long time. I was so caught up in this tender, wondrous story, I didn’t want it to end. Although at times, it was difficult to read about the cruelty of some of Red’s foster homes, about the mother Red adored ignoring her and about the hopelessness of her mom’s addiction, at other times it was a joy to sink into every page. (more)

TO NIGHT OWL FROM DOGFISH

By Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer

This story was absolutely delightful. It’s told in a series of emails mostly between two girls who didn’t even know each other existed at the beginning of the book. Avery and Bett are two random twelve year olds living on opposite sides of the country with absolutely nothing in common. That is until their dads fall in love and decide the girls need to go to a primitive sleep away camp in Michigan to meet and bond.(more)

anthem

By Deborah Wiles

Molly is 14 and her family is in turmoil. Her beloved older brother, her hero, disappeared a year ago after a huge fight with their father about the Vietnam War. And now Barry’s draft notice has arrived demanding he report for his physical in five weeks. Molly’s mom and her mom’s best friend, Pam (who happens to be Molly’s aunt and the mom of her cousin and close friend, Norman) are desperate to find Barry to make certain he reports on time. They concoct a crazy plan for 14 year old Molly and 16 year old Norman to drive Norman’s rattletrap school bus across the country to San Francisco to retrieve Barry in time for his physical. Alone! (more)

The Echo Park Castaways

By M.G. Hennessey

This story broke my heart, but also left me a little bit hopeful. You will learn about the stark realities of the foster system through the stories told by the four children living together in a foster home. It’s a foster home that is better than many, because there is no hitting and there is food to eat. However, there’s little adult supervision, very few hot meals, just the barest amount of clothing and supply essentials and very little love. (more)

The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue

By Karina Yan Glaser

Very often I am asked for book recommendations. The Vanderbeeker series is always my go to choice for kids of any age! In addition to being a great book to read to yourself, it’s also a perfect family read aloud or the ideal choice if you’re looking for an audio book to please everyone in the car. So I was delighted when the third book in the series landed in my mailbox. (more)

Summer of a Thousand Pies

By Margaret Dilloway

Oh, this book! A book about summer, baking, The Great British Bake Off, dessert and most of all finding your family. What could be better?! 🥧
Ok, let’s start with the cover. First of all, it prompted me to move Summer of a Thousand Pies to the top of my TBR pile! I knew with one glance I was in for a summer treat. For a lover of flowers and pie, as I am, the artwork says it all. It made me want to curl up with a glass of lemonade, OF COURSE a slice of pie, and dive into this lovely story. I was delighted that I did! (more)
the class

Extraordinary Birds

By Sandy Stark-McGinnis

This tender, beautiful story will touch your heart and stay with you for a very long time. You’ll remember December’s strength and her steadfast belief she’ll soon become a bird. You’ll remember Eleanor’s thoughtfulness, insight and patience. You’ll remember Cheryllynn’s kindness, love of pink and purple and her decision to no longer be Charlie. Your heart will break when you realize December’s certainty she is truly a bird, is actually because of the awful scar on her back; the scar she has convinced herself conceals her wings and wasn’t really caused by her mother’s abuse. And finally you’ll learn more about birds than you could have ever imagined! (more)

The Benefits of Being an Octopus

By Ann Braden

This is one of those books you won’t forget. You won’t forget seventh grader, Zoey’s bravery and determination to rescue her family from her mom’s abusive boyfriend and extreme poverty. You won’t forget her kindness and patience toward her younger brothers and sister when her mom is either working or exhausted. You’ll remember her struggles to complete her homework, and cry for her when she forgets it, because she was rushing to make sure her 5 year old twin siblings have their shoes for school. (more) 

the Lost Boy’s gift

By Kimberly Willis Holt

This sweet story is full of heart, magic, endearing characters and talking animals. It takes place on a storybook street lined with rainbow colored houses full of caring neighbors who notice the world. In one of those houses you’ll find Tilda Butter, who has lived there since her parents dropped her off when she was seven years old and never returned to take her home. Soon after Tilda arrived Aunt Sippy said something rather remarkable. She told Tilda that everyone has a special gift and it’s up to us to discover it and use it. “For a gift should never be wasted.” (more)   

the class

By Francis O’Roark Dowell

Oh, how I loved this MG book! The story is told from the point of view of everyone in a sixth grade class. Each chapter is told by a different student in the class. You learn about their families, their background and their insecurities. You gain so much insight into their thoughts about themselves and about each other. The teacher is a very caring person who always puts her students first, even though it might result in bending the rules a bit. She’s the teacher we would all want to have; demanding, caring, fair and patient. (more)   

Fish in a Tree

By Lynda Mullaly Hunt

This story of a girl desperately trying to fit in as she hides her disability from the world will break your heart. But the friendship, the caring family and most of all the understanding and supportive teacher will have you cheering as you read each chapter. (more)

the true history of lyndie b. hawkins

By Gail Shepherd

Lyndie has a very happy life. She loves history, her dog, the library and her best friend, Dawn. She lives in a perfect white cottage with her mom and dad and they go on lots of adventures together researching the history that surrounds their small town of Love Forge TN in 1985. But this all suddenly changes when her daddy loses his job. They quickly sell their house, move in with grandpa and her very strict grandmother, Lady, and leave her beloved library and favorite librarian behind.(more)

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

By Dan Gemeinhart

Coyote and her story captivated my heart from the first page. She and her dad, Rodeo, are on a road trip zigzagging around the country in a yellow school bus, as they try to run away from the memories that broke their hearts five years earlier. 🚌 From the moment Coyote bought a slushy for a very hot little boy in a gas station, I knew she was a kind soul with a huge heart. (more)

operation frog effect

By Sarah Scheerger

It’s the first day of fifth grade and the kids in Miss Graham’s room are feeling hopeful and quite pleased with themselves, because they’re the top kids at White Oak Elementary.
We quickly meet eight of them. They’re an assorted bunch; lots of ethnicities, lots of different home lives…They learn to be leaders, to be creative problem solvers and to think for themselves. And most importantly she teaches them about “the butterfly effect”, which they quickly paraphrase as “the frog effect” in honor of their class frog. (more)

drop of hope

By Keith  Calabrese

This heart print story reminds us that the small kindnesses we encounter everyday make our lives worth living. You’ll also read about friendship and caring teachers, as you begin to understand the struggles and repercussions suffered by a small midwestern town when their factories close one by one until there is only one left. You’ll begin to understand how this stress affects everyone, adults and children, in so many ways. But most of all, you’ll read about how a small kindness can blossom into so much more; how it can lead to another and another. And you will wonder, could this really happen or is it just a story? (more)

Revenge OF THE ENGINERDS

By Jarrett Lerner

The Enginerds are back! I loved meeting this group of middle school boys, who have been friends since kindergarten, who share a love of science and inventions and who agreed they should absolutely NEVER eat lunch in the cafeteria in Enginerds. In that book, they sent the 18 robots they invented out into the world, with disastrous results. Luckily, they captured 17 of them, but what about number 18? And since it’s been gone, VERY strange things have been happening. (more)

the eleventh trade

By Alyssa Hollingsworth

When a family leaves their home to immigrate to a new country or to seek asylum, they very seldom want to leave. Don’t we all find comfort in the familiar; whether it be the familiar sights, familiar foods, friends or family? Immigrants and refugees have the same feelings, just as we do. However, those who flee war torn countries in pursuit of a safe place to live and raise a family, have no choice. They are simply choosing to survive and to be safe. ⚽️ We learn about one of these families in The Eleventh Trade. This story tells the heartbreaking story of a young Afghan refugee.(more)

right as rain

By Lindsey Stoddard

🌼Rain lives in a BEFORE and AFTER life. BEFORE is her life when her older brother was still alive. When he protected her, joked with her and played his guitar; when her family was happy and loving. AFTER has been every day since that awful night when she and her parents received the phone call all parents dred. The one that says “come quickly; your child has been in an accident”. 🌼 (more)

planet earth is blue

By Nicole Panteleakos

This story, set in 1986, is about the fierce love between two sisters who are all alone in the world. Nova doesn’t speak, so her case worker, her teachers and most of her foster parents all assume she “Cannot read. Cannot speak. Severely mentally retarded”. But Bridget knows that’s not true. As she tells all who will listen, “Nova is not dumb. She’s a thinker, not a talker.” Even as they are bounced from foster home to foster home and school to school, they have one thing to look forward to – the launch of the Challenger.  (more)

wish

By Barbara O’Connor

I listened to this story this summer and I didn’t want Charlie’s story to end. I was immediately transported to her aunt and uncle’s porch on the side of a mountain watching the sunset. I felt the warmth and caring of her aunt and uncle, the support of a new friend and his family and the love of her dog, Wishbone. This is the dog Charlie finds after wishing every day since fourth grade for a dog of her own. This story has been out for awhile, but if you haven’t read this gem, promise me you will!

roll with it

By Jamie Sumner

I couldn’t have loved this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ story more! I smiled, I cheered, I clinched my fists in frustration and I felt a warm cozy feeling as I read this sweet story about a spunky, determined girl. Not only did Ellie have to deal with the usual middle school angst (lunch table drama, living on the “wrong” side of the tracks, giving a how-to speech) she also had to deal with CP and spending her life in a wheelchair. (more)

Disaster Days

By Rebecca Behrens

Oh, it’s been a really long time since I read a MG book that kept me on the edge of my seat like this one did. And I loved it! I loved the suspense, the adventure, the ingenuity and the love that filled every page. Hannah is 13 and lives on a small, sleepy Seattle island. Her day begins like any other; she misses the bus (not unusual), her mom is over protective when Hannah realizes she forgot her inhaler, she feels a nagging worry her best friend is slipping away. Looking back, Hannah so wishes she’d let her mom hug her when she dropped her off at school, she hadn’t picked a fight with her best friend and she’d told her dad “love you” when he called from his business trip. But Hannah had no idea what would happen later that day… (more)

pay attention, carter jones

By Gary M. Schmidt

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. The story of Mary Poppins was fresh in my mind and I thought this might be a similar story. Oh, I was so wrong! It is much, much more. This sweet story stole my heart. and in the process taught me more about cricket than I ever dreamed I’d know! 🏏
It is the first day of school and the Jones household is in an uproar. Not surprising with four kids, one crazy dog and a single mom! (more)

Did you like this post? Would you like to read more?

If so, please sign up on the form on the right hand side of this post to follow Red Canoe Reader. 

When you do, you’ll receive an email every time there’s a new post! 

REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON:

INSTAGRAM @REDCANOEREADER

and

TWITTER @REDCANOEREADER

We all know reading aloud to children is important. Many studies have proven this time and time again. One of my reading heroes, Jennie Fitzkee, preschool teacher and the author of the blog Teacher’s Reflections: 30 Years of Wonder, has written post after post about the importance of read alouds. Many of those posts have given me chills and some have brought tears, because they share her stories of how that daily time of sharing chapter books inspires the children in her classes to become lifelong readers. In fact, children don’t need to be preschoolers or even elementary age, they can be any age. In fact, as Donlyn Miller, author of The Book Whisperer and another one of my reading heroes, recently said “We do not age out of read alouds. (If we did the audiobook industry would not be thriving)”!

With summer coming (you can tell I’m dreaming about it from my picture!) there’s more time for family read alouds. With our busy lives, though, you just might need to be a little creative to find that time! Here are a few suggestions:

• In the sandbox
• On a swing
• During play dough time on a rainy day.
• During breakfast or lunch
• Audio books as you drive to one of the kids’ summer activities. Your library has lots of titles for downloading or books on CD. It might make those traffic jams a little more bearable for all of you!
• Audio books as you cook dinner together
• And of course, bedtime.

Now, I want to offer some titles I’m sure your entire family will enjoy. That means mom, dad and kids of all ages! Jennie Fitzkee offers some great suggestions in her post, Chapter Reading.  Here are mine!

the lost boy’s gift – by kimberly willis holt 

This sweet story is full of heart, magic, endearing characters and talking animals. It takes place on a storybook street lined with rainbow colored houses full of caring neighbors who notice the world. In one of those houses you’ll find Tilda Butter, who has lived there since her parents dropped her off when she was seven years old and never returned to take her home. Soon after Tilda arrived Aunt Sippy said something rather remarkable. She told Tilda that everyone has a special gift and it’s up to us to discover it and use it. “For a gift should never be wasted.” Shortly after that conversation, Tilda learned about her special gift. She realized she can talk to animals and bugs, and in fact has delightful conversations every day.

Now Tilda is getting new neighbors. Daniel and his mother are moving in next door, but Daniel’s dad is not coming with them. He stayed in their old townhome across the county. Daniel is very sad about his dad staying behind and about moving to a new house. He doesn’t share his mother’s feelings, or his neighbors that he is very fortunate to be living on While-a-Way Lane. He explores the neighborhood and discovers the local pond, lots of animals and lots of trees. He also makes some special friends – the lightning bugs who give him a hug when he needs it the most. And he begins to notice things about his neighbors, the animals and most of all about his mother. Maybe Daniel is learning what it means to live on While-a-Way Lane.

This warm, loving story is one you will remember for a long time. It’s one you will want to read aloud to all ages as you snuggle up together and marvel at the magic you’ll find together on While-a-Way Lane. Teachers, please read it to your class (preschool – grade 3). Librarians, please order it for your elementary library.

wishtree – by Katherine applegate

Just like almost everyone else who has reviewed this beautiful book, I truly loved it. It is such a gentle story full of empathy, compassion and friendship. It would make a wonderful read aloud from preschool through middle school. The narrator is the 253 year old red oak, Red, who has grown old, strong and beautiful while he watched his neighborhood evolve around him. He has watched immigrants from all over the world live in harmony in the houses on his street.  He is close friends with all of the animals who call him home. And most importantly he is the neighborhood Wishtree. Every year on May 1, and some other days as well, his branches are adorned with wishes from young and old. They might be silly wishes like “I wish for chocolate spaghetti”, but they also might be heartfelt wishes, such as “I wish for a friend.” This was the wish from Samar, a Muslim girl who had recently moved to the neighborhood. Unfortunately, her family had not been welcomed. Red decided he would change that. He would help Samar get a friend.

This book deserves to be on every family’s forever bookshelf and shared with everyone you know.. It’s definitely going to be on mine!

the vanderbeekers of 141st street – by karina yan glaser

When I finished this book I realized I had fallen in love with the Vanderbeeker family on the very first page! I wanted to slip right into their cozy Harlem brownstone and join one of their rousing neighborhood get-togethers. I loved every member of this caring family from Laney, the 4 ¾ year old who goes through life handing out huge hugs, to 6 year old creative animal lover Hyacinth, to 9 year old book loving Oliver, to 12 year old twins, Isa and Jessie, and of course mom and dad. This is a story about community, diversity, city living and love. It’s a perfect read aloud for the entire family. I highly recommend gathering all the kids, whatever age, cuddling up under a fuzzy blanket and reading this delightful story together. You’ll find yourself yearning for a large caring family, lots of caring neighbors and wishing you could move to 141st Street in Harlem! This is just book one. Happily there is a book 2, and you’ll get to visit them with them again in September when a third Vanderbeekers will be published. I can’t wait!

the penderwicks – by jeanne birdsall

This delightful story introduces you to the four Penderwick sisters, their loving father who sometimes speaks to them in Latin, their neighbor, Jeffrey, two pet rabbits, Hound and finally Jeffrey’s stern, high society mother. The descriptions of their adventures in a run down summer rental on the shores of Massachusetts will have your kids laughing and begging for “just one more chapter.” And the great thing is there are four books in this series!

the unlikely story of a pig in the city – by jodi kimball

This is a charming story about family, friendship, teamwork and of course, animals. Josie is one of five children in a loving, lively family living in a small townhouse in an Ohio city, who often feels overlooked. When her brother brings home a piglet on Thanksgiving, the runt of the litter from a nearby farm, Josie falls in love and knows in her heart she was meant to save Hamlet.

I especially loved the relationships the five children had with each other, as well as with their loving parents, while they struggled to happily live together in a 3 bedroom city townhome. Each of the kids tries to find his or her place in the family, where there is a lot of competition, but also a lot of support and love for one another. The teamwork among the kids when they are down to the deadline for finding a new home for Hamlet, is heartwarming and brought tears to my eyes, as well as a big smile. This is great family read aloud and a special one for Charlotte’s Web fans and Penderwick fans! And don’t miss the second book in the series, Dog Days in the City.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate Dicamillo

This book was shared at my school with all ages and was loved universally. I’m sure your family will agree!

From Good Reads: “Someone will come for you, but first you must open your heart. . . .”

Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good reason: he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who treated him with the utmost care and adored him completely.

And then, one day, he was lost.

Kate DiCamillo takes us on an extraordinary journey, from the depths of the ocean to the net of a fisherman, from the top of a garbage heap to the fireside of a hoboes’ camp, from the bedside of an ailing child to the bustling streets of Memphis. And along the way, we are shown a true miracle — that even a heart of the most breakable kind can learn to love, to lose, and to love again.”

These are just a few of my ideas for read alouds. I’m sure you have lots more. I’d love to hear about them in the comments!

REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON:

INSTAGRAM @REDCANOEREADER

and

TWITTER @REDCANOEREADER

When I published my post Picture Book Gift Guide 2018 last week, I promised a middle grade version and here it is! These aren’t necessarily the best books of 2018, but these are the books that touched my heart, and even though I may have read them months ago, their stories are still there. Some of them may not have even been published this year, but I was lucky enough to discover them, read them and love them in 2018. The links are to the Good Reads listing of each book, where you will also find a link to purchase them at many different venues. Many were shared with me by the authors, publishers and Kid Lit Exchange. I am very grateful to all! So here we go in no particular order!

On Christmas Eve by Ann Martin

We’ll begin with this lovely book, because this is one of my favorite middle grade December books to reread each year!

Tess truly believes in magic and that includes Santa Claus. And she has a secret. She’s going to meet him at midnight on Christmas Eve and thank him for all of the special gifts he has given her through the years. Her sister, who is in 6th grade,?cautions her that this can’t happen, but it must, because Tess has a very special Christmas wish. She wants Santa to help her best friend’s dad get well. This is a story about wishes, dreams, hope and friendship that gives you a very warm and cozy feeling. You’ll want to make it a family read aloud, if your little ones are a bit older. More

The Reckless Club by Beth Vrabel

Do you fondly recall the movie, The Breakfast Club, from many years ago? If so, The Reckless Club, will bring those memories flooding back! more

No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen 

Felix’s story will grab you from the very first page. We immediately feel his fear about being in a police station and being questioned by a kind, but nonetheless a police officer, about his iffy living arrangements and about his quirky, but loving mom. We learn about his astute P.O.O. (powers of observation) that help him to better understand the world around him. More

Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson

Oh, my! This is a book we all need to read. It’s a book that’s perfect for reading aloud to classes from grades 4-12. It’s a book for adults to share in book clubs. It’s both a heartbreaking and joyful story that tells us about six kids who come together, and despite so many hardships and differences, grow to fiercely love, respect and support each other. More

In Your Shoes by Donna Gephart 

This is a story I will remember for a long time. It’s a story about twelve year olds, grandparents, grief, disabilities, anxiety, friendship and most of all love. More

Finding Esme by Suzanne Crowley

Esme is twelve years old and lives on a peach farm in Texas with her stoic grandmother, her mother, who isn’t really aware of her or anything else, and her little brother. Until three years ago, her dad lived there, too, but then one day he said goodbye and never returned. Her grandpa also lived in their old farm house until three months ago when his heart simply stopped working. More

Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate Dicamillo 

When you see the cover of Louisiana’s Way Home, created by Amy June Bates, you know you’re in for a treat. And then you see it’s written by Kate Dicamillo, so of course you know it’s going to be a book you’ll remember for a very long time. And it is! More

DOG DAYS IN THE CITY BY JoDi KENDALL

I was so looking forward to visiting Josie and the Schilling family in their too small townhouse that’s full of love (when they aren’t in the midst of the usual sibling bickering) again and I wasn’t disappointed. This time all the familiar neighborhood characters return, including Josie’s best friends in The Three Stoops crew. More

The truth as told by mason buttle by leslie connor 

Mason is in seventh grade, lives in a “tumbledown” with his grandma and his uncle (his mom died in a traffic accident years before), is very large for his age, has dyslexia and lost his best friend a little over a year ago. Mason and Benny were inseparable and stood together against the neighborhood bullies. More 

where the watermelons grow BY CINDY BALDWIN

I absolutely loved this middle grade book! It’s definitely one of 2018 favorites! The imagery and the sense of place shines through on every page. The reader is transported to the small, close knit, coastal North Carolina town which is full of caring people who have known each other for most of their lives. More

the vanderbeekers and the hidden garden by karina yan glaser 

Oh, I simply DID NOT want this book to end! From page one I was transported to a cozy brownstone in Harlem and entered the world of the Vanderbeeker’s. I felt the love and support all five kids have for one another, as well as the love they have for their neighbors who share their brownstone. More

the right hook of devin velma by jake burt

Oh, my, Jake Burt, who wrote one of my favorite MG novels from 2017, Witness Protection, has done it again! This book definitely gets five stars! He has written a beautiful story about friendship, extended families and the impact that social media has on our lives. More 

counting thyme by melanie conklin 

This is a heartfelt and important middle grade novel with a great sense of place that I can’t stop thinking about.✨
The Owens family left their home, their beloved grandma and their friends in San Diego, and abruptly moved to the very strange and unfamiliar world of New York City. The plan is to go home once Thyme’s beloved 5 year old brother, Val, completes his trial treatment for neuroblastoma at Memorial Sloane Kettering, but Mom and Dad are making no promises. More

the last grand adventure by rebecca behrens

First of all, when I was growing up I always loved Amelia Earhart’s story and I always had the secret hope that she survived and was living happily somewhere on a desert island. When I began my freshman year at Purdue (where Amelia was a professor) and I found myself living in Amelia Earhart Hall, I was convinced it was a sign that my secret wish was true. So when I learned about The Last Grand Adventure, I knew I had to read it, and I wasn’t disappointed. More

smart cookie by ellie swartz 

Frankie is a 6th grader with a best friend, Elliott, a dad, a gram, a beagle and a hedgehog who lives in her family’s B&B in Vermont. She and her dad are terrified of thunder and lightning, because her mom died while driving home one night during a storm. So since that time when Frankie was four years old, she, her dad and her gram have been living in and running the B&B. More 

breakout by kate messner

It’s just two weeks until summer vacation and Nora and Lizzie can’t wait. That means just two weeks of homework and morning announcements until they can celebrate the last day of school with the annual field day. It also means the new girl to Wolf Creek Middle School, Elidee, only has to endure two weeks in this awful place, which is nothing like her old school in New York City. More

rebound by kwame alexander 

Oh, my! This was my first Kwame Alexander book (I’m not certain why that is!), but it certainly won’t be my last. It’s another one of those stories you can’t stop reading, but you also don’t want to end. It is the prequel to the Newberry Award Winner, Crossover, and opens in 1988. More

Finally I want to add a link to a great post about some books you’ll want to know about it!

Gift Guide: 18 Inspiring Books Young Girls Should Read in 2018

I could include so many more titles, but I’ll stop here. Check on my Instagram account to find more of my favorites. And watch for one more post this year about chapter books and series suggestions, which is coming soon!

REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON:

INSTAGRAM @REDCANOEREADER

and

TWITTER @REDCANOEREADER

I’m so excited to share my big news! I have a post on Nerdy Book Club Blog!  It is titled TEN BOOKS TO HELP YOUR CHILD BECOME MORE COMPASSIONATE.  It describes ten books about compassion, kindness, acceptance of differences, empathy and caring. Hopefully, some of these title might lead your children to, as R.J. Palacio describes in her middle grade novel, Wonder, “choose kind”.

I would love for you to pop over and read my post! Then, while you’re there, explore The Nerdy Book Club. You’ll find lots of titles to add to your kids’ TBR lists, interesting information about children’s book authors and some books to use in your classrooms. I have gained so much from reading the articles on this website, and I’m very honored to be posting on it today! And finally, I’d really appreciate it, if you would both, “like” the post and share the post on Facebook or Twitter! Thank you for all of your support!

First of all, you may be wondering about the flowers.  These were a special gift from my son-in-law that brightened my day! Even though we’ve had unusually warm weather, my garden is a long way from blooming. These are helping me wait! Now, on to what I want to share today. There are so many picture books published every week. I follow lots of publisher websites and Twitter accounts, as well as Instagram accounts to help me learn about all of these. I often add the titles to my reserve list at the library, and thankfully I have a great local library which usually has every one. And if they don’t, they are happy to order it! Once I get the books, if I like them, I share them on Instagram. If you’d like to see my favorites, be sure and follow me there. The link is toward the bottom of this page on the right hand side. Or another option is to wait for me to share them on Red Canoe Reader. That’s what I’m doing today! Here are seven picture books you don’t want to miss!

MY WASHINGTON, D.C.

BY KATHY JAKOBSEN

Are you planning a family trip to Washington, DC this spring to see the cherry blossoms and visit some of the museums and monuments? If so, My Washington, DC, is a great book to prepare your kids for the experience. Kathy Jakobsen’s lavish paintings illustrate each stop that the two characters, Becky and Martin, make along their way as they explore our capital. The kids learn lots of little known facts, as well as a lot about history. The book ends with some fun facts about Washington, along with a seek and find throughout the pages in the book. The paintings contain so many details, that your kids will pour over the book for hours. It might even keep them occupied during your travels!

Washington, D.C.; history

the unexpected love story of alfred fiddleduckling

by timothy basil ering

I was completely enthralled by this story. The illustrations are exquisite from the first endpaper to the last. Timothy Basil Ering’s words and paintings draw you into the story as you find yourself rooting for Alfred Fiddleduckling, Captain Alfred, his dog and his wife.  You are hoping they can all find each other in the end, and the magical conclusion on the final pages of the book convinces you this will happen. In between, Ering uses his beautiful words and colorful illustrations to describe Alfred Fiddleduckling’s voyage, his love for the violin and the beautiful music Alfred creates as he drifts through the sea. I heartily recommend this story, that will warm your heart as you cozy up with your kiddos and get to know Alfred.

Caring; friendship; family; perseverance 

that’s me loving you

by amy rosenthal

This sweet book is the perfect one to share with your little one before his or her first day of school, or anytime the two of you will be separated. Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s reassuring text promises that “wherever you are, wherever you go, … that feeling you always have in your heart? That’s me loving you.” I could see this as a graduation gift for your child before they leave for college, or a book that will help your little ones as they struggle to work through their grief over losing a loved one. The simple, muted and whimsical illustrations add to this tender family story. Be sure and look for this on your next trip to the library!

Families; love.; grief

teacup

by rebecca young

Rebecca Young’s lyrical text and Matt Ottley’s magical illustrations tell the story of a young boy who is forced to leave his home and everything he has ever known to find another. All he carries with him is a backpack filled with a water bottle, a book and a blanket, along with a teacup filled with a speck of soil and a few seeds. Sometimes his days are peaceful and sometimes they are filled with peril. But as he travels, the seeds begin to grow, and grow, until he has an apple tree to protect him from the sun, to give him food to eat and to provide a cozy nook for reading. This beautiful story reminds us of what it must be like for the children who are currently fleeing their homelands in search of safety. And of how, even though we all face hardships, with bravery and determination we can succeed.

Determination; bravery; immigration; refugees.

the friend ship

by Kat Yeh

The Friend Ship ✨by Kat Yeh ✨illustrated by Chuck Groenink. Hedgehog is lonely and craves to be surrounded by friends, so he bravely sets sail in search of The Friend Ship. As he and a curious beaver sail along, they encounter animal after animal who also would love to find some friends, but no one has seen The Friend Ship. After sailing the world, Hedgehog’s boat is full of animals, but he’s so sad that he hasn’t found The Friend Ship. He’s instantly surrounded by his shipmates who offer encouragement “you can count on me”, we’ll stick with you till the end!”, and “don’t give up!” He vows to sail on, after all of the reassurances that he will indeed find The Friend Ship, until he meets an elephant on a very small island, who asks “isn’t that it right there?” This tender story will lead to a discussion with your little ones about friendship and the fact that friends are out there waiting for us. We just need to be a friend and to remember to keep looking!

Friendship; kindness; perseverance.

barefoot book of children

BY tessa strickland, kate depalma and david dean

Barefoot Book of Children will help your kiddos better understand the diversity of our world. It reminds us, that although children live in many different places and in many different situations, they all need a home to live in and people to teach them about the world. Barefoot Book of Children will help your little ones understand that there are many different families in our country and in our world. Some may be large, some may have a mom and dad, some may have two dads, some may be a foster family or some families may be yearning for someone who is very far away. The colorful illustrations will lead to a better understanding of our differences and to the fact that even though we eat different foods, play different games, speak different languages and worship differently, we all have love to give and we all have our own story to share.

Families; diversity; differences.

found

BY salina yoon

After reading and loving Salina Yoon’s, Be a Friend last fall, I decided to look for more of her books and I wasn’t disappointed after reading Found. Bear finds a lost bunny in the forest and decides to help the sad little rabbit find it’s home. He posts flyers all over the forest, by the pond and even on the top of the highest tree on the mountain. Sadly, he doesn’t get a response, so he decides to take the sad bunny on a picnic. They have an absolutely perfect day, until…they encounter Moose who is thrilled to find his long lost Floppy. However, Moose knows that sometimes passing along a special toy to someone who will love it very much is the kind thing to do. This heart warming book is full of empathy and kindness messages to share with your little ones.

Empathy; kindness.

That’s all for this time, but look for a post about more of my favorite picture books next month. Meanwhile, have you found some picture books lately that have become family favorites, old or new? We’d love to hear about them in the comments!

Well, February has arrived and that means we’re one week closer to spring! However with our warmer than average temperatures and our below average snowfall, I’m not feeling quite as anxious as I usually am. In fact, we were able to walk downtown for lunch yesterday (a four mile round trip) on February 9th. That’s amazing! Usually, even if the temperatures warm up, the sidewalks are a sheet of ice, so we’re trapped at home. This has been great! I hope you and your families have also had a chance to spend sometime outside this week, to prevent the usual February cabin fever!

I haven’t spent all of my time outside, though. For one thing, I just baked a heart shaped cake, a family Valentine tradition for us, as well as when I was growing up. It’s something I love to do. It brings back so many happy memories! And after a trip to the library, I’ve been able to find several good titles for this week’s Kids’ Books to Remember. Finally I found some links to articles that I think you’ll find very interesting. So here we go!

kids’ books to remember: read aloud

These are great choices for read alouds for all ages, or for the independent reader. 

Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes

The Moffats by Eleanor Estes

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: picture books

The picture books this week are all about strong, courageous girls who are not afraid to work hard to achieve their goals.

Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio

Miss Rumphius Barbara Cooney

Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: chapter books

Back in Time with Thomas Edison: Qwerty Stevens Adventure by Dan Gutman, time travel and historical fiction.

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt, fantasy.

Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Giff, realistic fiction.

links for mom and dad

Books to Help Kids Understand What It’s like to be a Refuge

These choices are for all ages including picture books, chapter books and young adult.

For Girls and Their Besties (A Valentine’s Day Post)

This is a great one for Betsy Tacy fans or for those of you looking for your next family read aloud.

spreading kindness

Here are some more picture books about kindness, which are perfect for Valentine’s Day week or any week of the year.

life is good when there is love

A truly lovely post that will make you think about the love in your lives.

I want to thank you for inviting me into your inbox today! I’m always looking for links to share with you and remembering books I don’t want you to miss. Have a wonderful week and Happy Valentine’s Day!