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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
  

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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.

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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.

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coming soon!! 

2020 picture book and mg favorites!

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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
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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!

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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!

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I’ve always thought that The Invisible Boy by Trudi Ludwig and llustrated by Patrice Barton is an important book to share with our children. I read it during many story times and recommended it to countless teachers. However, it had slipped my mind until I read this post by Lauren on her delightful site, Happily Ever Elephants. Although she wrote this almost a year ago, it’s a great story to begin your year. I hope you’ll read her post and then add The Invisible Boy to your next library or order list. And most importantly, I hope you’ll curl up with your kids, no matter what their age, and share this story. It will be the perfect opening to a conversation about friendship, kindness and how they can help an invisible child in their class.

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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!

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Here it is, December and the holidays are beginning. Lights are up and the stores are bustling. If you’re like me, you’re looking for some books to add to your shopping list. My plan (I hope it’s not too ambitions!) is to share a book gift guide for picture books, early chapter books and middle grade books over the next few weeks. For the most part, these are my favorites published during the past year. However, I may also slip in some old favorites. Today we’re beginning with picture books. I hope you find some titles you’ll want to share with the children in your lives! Please tell us about any you’re planning on giving in the comments below!

Everything You Need for a Treehouse  

By Carter Higgins; illustrated by Emily Huges

Oh, my! I was so looking forward to this book and I can happily say it was absolutely worth the wait! This delightful story, along with Emily Hughes’ charming illustrations transport us into the woods and to that treehouse we’ve always dreamed of owning. It describes the adventures we’ve always hoped of experiencing and are definitely on our wish list for our children.  more

Outdoor adventures ~ imagination ~ creativity ~ friendship ~ cooperation

The worry box

By Suzanne Chiew; Illustrated by Sean Julian

Murray Bear is afraid to go to the waterfall with his sister, Molly. What if it’s too loud? What if it’s too big? Then Molly shares a secret with him. She has a worry box and whenever she is scared or worried about something, she writes it down and puts her worries in the box. Her worry doesn’t go away, but it doesn’t stop her from having fun. (I’m so glad the story stresses that the worry doesn’t disappear, but rather just become bearable.) When Murray tries her technique, it works! Sure enough, the waterfall turns out to be both big and loud, but also beautiful and so much fun!

This is such a great book to share with kids of all ages, and even adults! We all have worries that prevent us from enjoying our lives. I know I do! This books offers us a strategy for dealing with those worries. Just as Molly advises Murray, I once had a wise friend suggest that the worries I was finding unbearable needed to be put into a box on the shelf. And you know what? It helped then and it still helps me now. I want to give children the power to deal with their worries, big or small, and this book does exactly that! I strongly recommend that it be a part of both your home and classroom libraries so that it’s there to curl up with and share whenever a need arises.

Strategies for dealing with worries ~ dealing with fears ~ courage

Operation Rescue Dog 

Written and Illustrated by Maria Gianferrari 

When I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to review it! We have rescued three greyhounds over the past twelve years. In every case, we feel that we were actually the ones who were rescued. These sweet girls brought so much joy to our lives, as well as companionship, humor and of course, love. Operation Rescue Dog sweetly describes just such a situation, although this time the one who is rescued is a lonely little girl. more

Compassion ~ families ~ animals

The Boy and the Giant

Written and Illustated by David C. Litchfield

Everyone in Billy’s town has been working together to paint a beautiful mural, but Billy is worried. He asks his grandad how they can possibly finish the top since it’s higher than any ladder in the village. Grandad reassures him there is someone who can help, The Secret Giant. However, Billy is convinced the giant is just a legend. That is until Grandad reminds him about so many ways the citizens of the town have been mysteriously helped. It seems as if they have a true guardian angel. more

Kindness ~ community ~ accepting differences

I walk with vanessa: A story about a simple act of kindness

By Kerascoët

This charming wordless picture book won my heart when I saw the cover and after “reading” the story I knew I needed a copy of my own. It tells the story of a young girl who has just moved into the neighborhood and is new at school, a boy who isn’t very kind, and a teacher and classmates who show little empathy to the girl’s plight. No one asks her to join the class basketball game or sit with them. After school she’s left to walk home alone, ignored by all except one little boy who says some unkind things. Since it’s a wordless book, we don’t know what was said, but the colorful and expressive illustrations – especially the interaction of the two children which is contained within a bright red cloud of color, leave us no doubt as to what unkind words might have been said. We quickly realize no one has noticed the altercation, except for one little girl. She is obviously bothered by what she saw and shares her concern with her friends. Overnight she isn’t able to forget, and the sadness lingers during her happy family breakfast. But then she suddenly has an idea about how to help the little girl.  more

Kindness ~ empathy ~ friendship ~  school ~ wordless picture books

all are welcome 

By Alexandra Penfold; Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

This is a picture book that needs to find its way into every preschool and early elementary classroom. It’s the perfect book to share on any day of the year. The vibrantly colored illustrations help to tell the story of the first day of school for many children and their families. It reminds us that all children, no matter the color of their skin, where they are from, what clothes they wear, what religion they practice or who makes up their family, have a place in the school family.  Your children will recognize many familiar moments of their day from circle time, to lunchtime, to recess, to the walk home, to sharing time at dinner. It offers reassurance to children that no matter their differences, they are welcome. Something we all need to think about, wherever we are. All are welcome!

Immigration ~ Acceptance of Differences ~ Windows and Mirrors

I Am human: A book of empathy

By Susan Verde; Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

This amazing author and illustrator team have created another meaningful picture book for all of us to read and thoughtfully share. The colorful, endearing illustrations portray a little boy’s journey as he ponders what being human really means. He learns that not only does he have dreams that are full of possibilities, but he also can make mistakes that hurt those around him. But he realizes that he can learn from these mistakes and make other choices, such as choosing to be kind, compassionate and fair. more

Making choices ~ kindness ~ compassion ~ fairness ~ empathy ~ mindfulness

Accident!

By Andrea Tsurumi

We’ve all had lots of accidents. I know I certainly have! The story begins when Lola, the armadillo, spills orange juice on the living room chair, declares “I’ve ruined everything!” and decides that the only solution is to hide in the library until she’s grown up. But oh, no, on her way she runs right into a friend who has accidentally broken a swing, and quickly joins Lola in the race to the shelter of the library. That is until they encounter ANOTHER friend who has accidentally clipped the water hose when he’s trimming the hedge! This parade continues and adds friend after friend as they rush to get to the security of the library. more

Compassion ~ forgiving other’s mistakes ~ forgiving ourselves for mistakes ~ fixing our mistakes

The dress and the girl

By Camille Andros; Pictures by Julie Morstad

A little girl and her dress, a dress made by her mother on a Greek Island, long to do something “singular, stunning or sensational. For something extraordinary.”  Thus begins this lovely and charming story. It’s a familiar story for so many of us, that memory of a special dress you can’t forget. I have one of those I just can’t part with. It was a “Cinderella” dress chosen in a special shopping trip with my mom. Whenever I see that pink party dress in my memory bin, I’m suddenly once again gathering chocolate Easter eggs with my brother, or bouncing out the door to one of the countless birthday parties I attended. Happily, I can say this story once again brought back those warm memories of a time long ago.  And isn’t that one of the reasons we read stories? more

Immigration, memories, dreams for the future

What do you do with a chance?

By Kobi Yamada; Illustrated by Mae Besom

This is the third book from this creative duo. I loved What Do You Do With an Idea? And What Do You Do With a Problem? However, this is definitely my favorite! This exquisite picture book once again follows a little person as he wanders the countryside and on this adventure is visited by a chance. He wants to grab the chance, but has his doubts. Does he have the courage? What if he misses the chance? Would he feel foolish? more

Courage ~ belief in oneself

There are so many more remarkable picture books I could have added to this post. If you’re still looking for some ideas, please check these posts from the past year.

Two Picture Book Biographies

More Favorite Kids’ Books to Read this Summer

Favorite Books for your tbr list

Look for a post of my favorite middle grade books soon!

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It’s November and in two weeks it is Thanksgiving! How did this happen? The year is passing by so quickly, but I have to admit, autumn is my favorite time of year. I love shuffling through the leaves on my daily walks, seeing all of the pumpkins and gourds at Trader Joe’s, making lots of yummy soups and smelling my spice candles. I’ve been trying to enjoy every moment, although I’ve been a little overwhelmed during the past few months with Kid Lit. I’ve been lucky to have so many books to read and review! I’ve also been really busy with Kid Lit Exchange. We’re a group of kid lit lovers who read, review and exchange new books, many before they’ve been released. Our goal is to support the Kid Lit authors and to help our readers know about the great books that will be coming soon.  In August, the founder, @kate.olson.reads decided to step back and hand over leadership to a team. It’s been a huge project for us, but we’re succeeding. We feature the new releases each week on our blog and have lots of reviews on Instagram #kidlitexchange. I invite you to visit soon.

Now, here are some of my current favorites. I hope some will be your favorites, as well!

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. There is kindness shown toward a new girl desperately searching for a friend in a new school in a new town, toward a boy who is missing his grandma and has a loving, but complicated relationship with his grandpa and with Miles’ quiet understanding and concern about Amy’s disability. ~~~
I loved so many things about this book…
~The narrator, who pops up throughout the book to add just a bit more to the story; especially the page where she writes “A Sad Truth” about losing someone. It is so true and offers comfort and understanding to those of us who are feeling that pain.
~Miles determination to save enough money to take his grandfather to the Bowling Hall of Fame
~Amy’s mom, who is always surprising her with encouraging and loving thoughts, as well as that extra little push that we all need to do the right thing.
~Finally, I loved the epilogue about Miles grandparents and Amy’s mom. I want to think of my parents experiencing the same sweet moments as they watch over all of us. ~~~
This is a book that needs to be in elementary and middle school libraries. I know it’s going to be on my bookshelf!

Middle grade ~ family ~ friendship ~ disabilities ~ kindness ~ grief

Operation Rescue Dog

written by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Luisa Uribe

When I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to review it! We have rescued three greyhounds over the past twelve years. In every case, we feel that we were actually the ones who were rescued. These sweet girls brought so much joy to our lives, as well as companionship, humor and of course, love. Operation Rescue Dog sweetly describes just such a situation, although this time the one who is rescued is a lonely little girl.
🐶
Alma desperately misses her Mami who has been in Iraq for three months. She convinces her Abeula (grandma) that they need to rescue a dog to surprise Mami when she returns. The dog must be the color of Mami’s eyes and have a new yellow leash, Mami’s favorite color. The adoption process proves to be quite an adventure for all of them.
🐶
This engaging story, with heartwarming, colorful illustrations and told from both Alma’s and her new dog, Lulu’s points of view, is a perfect one to share with families who have adopted a dog, or who are pondering the possibility. I must warn you though, after listening to Operation Rescue Dog, your little ones may convince you that an immediate trip to your local humane society for an “operation rescue dog” is absolutely essential for your family.

Picture book ~ families ~ animals

Run Wild Written and Illustrated by David Covel 

It may be November and the winter winds are blowing, but what do so many of us wish for our children and ourselves – one more opportunity to RUN WILD. David Covell’s words and watercolor illustrations encourage you and your little ones to do just that! These pictures leap off the page as the story follows a boy and girl gleefully romping through a forest and wading in a lake. The intriguing vocabulary will initiate lots of conversations and questions as your family’s imaginations soar. You’ll find yourself yearning for one more hike through the park or forest preserve, or maybe even a weekend at a cabin in the woods. This is definitely a title you’ll want to add to your library or shopping list!🌲

Picture book ~ nature

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 simply said goodbye and never returned. Her grandpa also lived in their old farm house until three months ago when his heart simply stopped working. Esme desperately misses Paps and the love, acceptance and attention she only received from him. I found myself wanting to hug Esme for a very long time, to tell her she really will feel better one day and to allow her the freedom to just be a child, rather than the adult everyone expects her to be.
🍑
This story is full of magic, mystery, adventure and family. I loved Esme’s resourcefulness and determination as she worked to solve her family’s financial crisis. I loved her fierce loyalty to her friends and family, including to her beloved dinosaur, Louella Goodbones, who she discovered on the farm. And finally, I loved her courage as she began to understand her gift of finding all things, as well as her ability to see ghosts.
🍑
This is a good choice for students in grades 4-7 who are looking for a magical story, with a lot of love and adventure mixed in. It would be perfect for those students who are looking for a book “just like a Wendy Mass book”! I recommend that it be added to both elementary and middle school libraries.

Middle Grade ~ families ~ magic ~ mystery

Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker: Incognito                       by Shelley Johannes

Beatrice is back in her second book, and I think I may have liked it even more than the first (which is saying a lot)! Beatrice is just beginning third grade and along with her best friend, Lenny, has a secret plan, Operation Upside. They plan to make a lot of people happy by presenting “Award of Recognition” certificates.
🔹
Here are some reasons for you to order Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker: Incognito
TODAY!

🔹The characters are so much fun!
🔹I loved the quiet kindness shown by Wes as he held the school door open for his classmates every single morning, his willingness to share his art supplies, and his thoughtfulness when he handed out kindness rocks to friends who might need them.
🔹Beatrice’s love of animals, her insistence that she thinks much better upside down, her creativity as she stealthily sneaks over to her neighbor’s window and her code names for Operation Upside members all added to this charming story.
🔹Ms.Johannes delightful illustrations bring so much life to the story. I would definitely love to have some of her artwork hanging in my office. You can’t help loving every character when you see their faces!
🔹The central theme of kindness in the story including the certificates, Beatrice’s plan to reward her teacher (even though it’s not too successful!) and the empathy shown by Beatrice and Lenny toward their classmates.
🔹
This is a great book to read aloud to all ages. Those ready for a chapter book are going to devour this latest addition to the Beatrice Zinker series and will be eagerly waiting for the news of her next adventure. I know I will!

Read aloud ~ humor ~ kindness ~ beginning chapter book ~ series

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2018 is proving to be an amazing year for children’s literature. I’ve shared many of my favorites this spring and summer, but my list keeps growing! School may have started, but I hope you’ll still be taking trips to the library. Here are more favorite kids’ books to add to your list, or maybe your children will find them in their school libraries.

be kind by pat Zietlow miller

We need so much more kindness in our world! A great place to start making this happen is during read alouds with our little ones. Be Kind is the perfect conversation starter! It not only tells the story of how kindness in a classroom can happen, but also in the neighborhood and at home. It helps children to understand that kindness is friendliness, patience and working to right a wrong. It can be a small gesture, or something more, that will lead to a greater kindness. I highly recommend this very special book be shared with children 3 – 8 years old, both in classrooms and home. It’s definitely one you’ll want to add to your family library.🌼

Kindness, empathy, friendship, school

I Walk with Vanessa: A story about a simple act of kindness by Kerascoët

This charming wordless picture book won my heart when I saw the cover and after “reading” the story I knew I needed a copy of my own. It tells the story of a young girl who has just moved into the neighborhood and is new at school, a boy who isn’t very kind, and a teacher and classmates who show little empathy to the girl’s plight. No one asks her to join the class basketball game or sit with them. After school she’s left to walk home alone, ignored by all except one little boy who says some unkind things. Since it’s a wordless book, we don’t know what was said, but the colorful and expressive illustrations – especially the interaction of the two children which is contained within a bright red cloud of color, leave us no doubt as to what unkind words might have been said. We quickly realize no one has noticed the altercation, except for one little girl. She is obviously bothered by what she saw and shares her concern with her friends. Overnight she isn’t able to forget, and the sadness lingers during her happy family breakfast. But then she suddenly has an idea about how to help the little girl.

Your little ones will be able to find so many details in this book as you all retell the story over and over again.  The vivid illustrations of the characters’ expressions will leave no doubt in children’s minds about what they are thinking and feeling.They will recognize the familiar situation of a moving truck arriving and a new family moving in, whether they have moved themselves or they have a new neighbor. They will be able to imagine how a new girl feels, and they can theorize why someone might choose to bully a newcomer. The story will provide you with the perfect introduction to talk about what they can do to welcome newcomers to their neighborhood and school, about teasing, about name-calling and about being an ally, and especially about how one small act of kindness can mean so much.

The book offers a useful guide with suggestions about helping someone who is being bullied, as well as some helpful words to use during your discussions. And finally, don’t forget to notice the difference in the end papers from the beginning of the story to the end. Those alone are a wonderful thing to discuss with your children! I recommend this book be added to your home library, as well as to every public and school library for ages 4 – 7.

Kindness, empathy, friendship, school

50 States Fun Facts: celebrate the people, places and food of the usa!

and the 50 states activities book 

by Gabrielle Balkan

Thank you to @kidlitexchange for sharing these books with me. All opinions are my own.
🚘
Are you going to be traveling this fall? If that includes a road trip, a flight or even the possibility of some rainy days, these books should definitely be in your suitcase! Both are exceptionally detailed guide books with colorful illustrations, which will help both you and your kids learn more about the cities or states you’re visiting, as well as plan your trip. You will learn fascinating, and sometimes obscure facts, as well as the usual facts we all learned when we studied the states and cities in elementary school. For example, did you know there is a tiger sanctuary in Missouri or that shark attacks in New Jersey inspired the movie, Jaws? The city guide will also help you find lots of special places to visit, that you might not know about. I especially loved reading the Portland guide which told me about The Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden, Mount Tabor, (an extinct volcano), as well as their Art museum, Museum of Science and Industry and Holocaust Memorial. It makes me want to plan a trip soon! Both books also include detailed indexes to help you easily find what you’re looking for. The activity book even includes a fold-out map/poster and 50 stickers! These books would be great additions to your family library.

Activity books, geography, 

the cure for cold feet: a novel in small moments by beth ain

Thank you to @kidlitexchange for sharing the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
🌺
Izzy is in sixth grade. Not only is she navigating middle school, she’s also adjusting to her parents’ divorce, her father’s new fiance, her mother’s new girlfriend (who just happens to be the mother of one of the FOUR ANNOYING BOYS from elementary school) and her adored older brother who has dyed his hair blue and abandoned her for his own friends. 🌺
Both middle graders and middle school kids will find a lot of themselves in this wonderful novel in verse. They will find much reassurance to learn their struggles with friendship, first crushes and family issues are not unusual, but actually very normal. I especially loved the relationship between Izzy and her mom. It made me think this would be a perfect story to partner read with your daughter. It provides so many opportunities to begin a conversation about the angsts of growing up, as well as to share many laughs. 🌺
I highly recommend The Cure for Cold Feet. This is a book that needs to be added to both elementary and middle school libraries.

Novel in verse, middle school, divorce, friendship, family 

where the watermelon grows by cindy baldwin

Thank you to the author for a review copy of this middle grade book. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this middle grade book! It’s definitely one of my 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. You feel the heat and humidity as they struggle to survive the drought that is threatening their livelihoods. And Baldwin’s vivid descriptions of the characters make them come alive. You feel their kindness and their eagerness to help one another. You know exactly how they look, and what their passions are. This provides a great foundation for the important story about Della and her family.
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Della is twelve years old and yearns to have a “normal” mom who gives her hugs, doesn’t worry that many of her favorite foods will make her sick and isn’t a germ aphobic. However, Della’s mom suffers from schizophrenia, so Della never quite knows what to expect from Mama. Mama has been better for a few years, but Della and her daddy begin to realize, that in addition to their need to deal with the record breaking heat and drought that is threatening their farm, they must also face the fact that she is suffering a relapse; a fact they strive to keep secret from everyone, even Della’s grandparents.
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My heart ached for Della as she blamed herself for Mama’s illness, wondered if she, too, would suffer from schizophrenia when she was older and tried her best to keep the family secret. She felt completely alone, even though many neighbors reached out to help.
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This is such an important story. So many families are living with a similar situation, and they, like Della’s family are keeping it a secret. But as Della’s daddy tells her after her mama returns to the hospital, schizophrenia is an illness like cancer is and they shouldn’t be ashamed. Most importantly, when the secret is shared with friends and loved ones, families will learn they are surrounded by so many caring people who want to help, just as Della learned about the kindness, support and understanding that was right there for her, if she would just accept it. People who not only would give her a hug, but would help her to understand that she was not at fault, that Mama will always have her good and bad days, but that her Mama will always love her. This is a book that should be in every elementary and middle school collection, as well as in the offices of school and hospital counselors. It offers a mirror to the kids in this situation; a mirror they need so badly.

Kindness, mental health, family, community, schizophrenia

what are some favorites you’ve found this summer? Please share them with
all of us in the comments below!

REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON:

INSTAGRAM @REDCANOEREADER

and

TWITTER @REDCANOEREADER

I love trees. Not just in this season when the colors are spectacular, but during any time of year. Even in the winter when all I can see are the stark outlines against the bleak sky. I love the shapes, the hollows and the way they bend in the wind. And I especially love the thought that so many creatures call trees home.

When I do this, I can’t help but think of this page in Berenstain Bears Christmas Tree.  It’s fascinating to think that not only birds depend upon trees to hold their nests, but so many different animals do as well. Then of course, there are all of the reasons kids can tell us why we need to be grateful for trees; for the oxygen, for the shade in the summer and for the erosion that is prevented when their strong roots hold the earth in place. So, when I first heard that Katherine Applegate had written a new book called Wishtree, I thought it would be perfect for me. Until I read it recently, I had no idea how perfect it was

wishtree by katherine applegate – description

Trees can’t tell jokes, but they can certainly tell stories. . . .

Red is an oak tree who is many rings old. Red is the neighborhood “wishtree”—people write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie them to Red’s branches. Along with her crow friend Bongo and other animals who seek refuge in Red’s hollows, this “wishtree” watches over the neighborhood.

You might say Red has seen it all. Until a new family moves in. Not everyone is welcoming, and Red’s experiences as a wishtree are more important than ever.

Review

You see, all through my childhood,  I have always imagined that the trees, the bugs, the animals were having conversations. I was absolutely certain about this. I am delighted to tell you that Wishtree confirms my beliefs! Wishtree is written from the point of view of Red (short for Red Oak), a 216 year old tree who has steadfastly witnessed, cared for and worried about his neighborhood. Not only has he always had great concern for all of the animals who called his giant branches and deep hollows home, he has also cared for the people who surrounded him everyday. He can tell stories about the baby who was left in one of his hollows to be found, loved and raised by his maiden owner. He can tell how his present owner (who doesn’t have a lot of love for him) is that maiden’s great granddaughter. He can tell how neighbors have come and gone and how many of those neighbors have immigrated from foreign countries. He can describe how they have all supported and loved one another with very little strife through the years, at least until now. Until a Muslim family moved into the neighborhood and everything changed. And finally he can tell how many years ago that maiden had tied a wish to his branches asking for “someone to love with all my heart” and from the simple act, Red had become known as the “Wishtree”.

This story is full compassion and humor, and as a bonus, lots of facts about animals I didn’t know! For example, did you know that animals who are active at twilight are called crespuscular animals? I certainly didn’t! Most importantly, it’s about kindness to people and animals, even if they are different than we are. And it’s one of the best read alouds for the ENTIRE family that I have read this year. I hope you’ll share it with your kids and let me know how you all like it in the comments below.

Finally, be sure and visit The Wishtree website. Watch the amazing video and DEFINITELY leave a wish!