Category: Kidlit Reviews

A Review: Tuck and Tina and the Lost Fortune

10/10/2025

How delightful it was to find in my mailbox a package containing Tuck and Tina and the Lost Fortune written by my kidlit agency sibling Jess Brallier, illustrated by Jack Keely, and released by Andrew McMeel Publishing this past March.

It's sure to be a win with kids who enjoy reading on their own. Full-of-fun pictures that accompany a humorous yarn about two mice who are very different from one another--Tina, a free roaming mouse in need of a friend, and Tuck, a classroom pet who just may fill the void.

In this Tuck and Tina adventure, book one of the series, Tuck and Tina do indeed become friends, and in fact they end up joining tails in order to save the historic school they both call home when it faces financial difficulties. Will Tuck and Tina be able to find the treasure hidden by the school's founder in time to save the school from the wrecking ball?

I imagine that kids who love the Dogman series will fall in love with this one featuring Tuck and Tina. Book Two will be out soon!

Learn more about Tuck and Tina and the Lost Fortune HERE. More about Jess HERE. And check out Jack's Instagram account HERE.

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REVIEW: The Great Stink

8/6/2022

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THE GREAT STINK: Nothing Stinky About It!

A Review

The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London's Poop Pollution Problem, written by Colleen Paeff and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter, is kidlit nonfiction at it's best. For one thing, it's an excellent telling of a most-interesting slice of history. What exactly was causing London's river Thames to stink to high heavens in 1858? Could it have been all that POOP floating within it? Could that poopy water, part of London's drinking supply, have been the culprit behind the deadly outbreaks of cholera? Hmmm, you think?

The Great Stink shines the spotlight on an unsung hero--Joseph Bazalgette. Though a civil engineer during a time when people were more apt to believe superstition than science, Joseph was a true detective, digging for the facts. (Sometimes literally!) He was persistent--never gave up in trying to convince the powers that be that clean drinking water was vital to the health and well-being of the city's inhabitants.

(Did you know that some people back then thought it was OK to drink murky, dirty water, so long as they let the gunk settle to the bottom of their glasses before drinking it? That's the kind of stinky stuff you'll discover when reading this book.)

Thankfully, Joseph wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty (in a clean-it-up sort of way). His love for his city and its inhabitants kept him on task for years. He wanted more than anything to clean up London's smelly problem. After Queen Victoria got ill, Joseph was finally given permission, funds, and manpower to solve London's poopy situation. When all was said and done, he created an entirely new thing--a sewage waste disposal system!

People could finally unplug their noses!

"The evidence is too strong to ignore. Doctors and scientists gradually begin to accept that contaminated water--not air--causes cholera. By clearing the Thames of pollution, Joseph's sewers are saving lives."

Kids are sure love this book. They will applaud Joseph's detective skills, tenacity, and his innovative waterworks project that kept the Thames flowing free from raw sewage. In fact, from the back matter, readers will learn that Joseph's method of separating wastewater from people's fresh water supply is still saving lives today.

Joseph created an AHA! moment in history!

Though a little longer than some picture books, The Great Stink is fast paced. Carpenter's illustrations are sobering while at the same time super fun. They add a level of suspense to each spread. When discussing water conservation, teachers will not regret having a copy of this book in their classroom library. Students of any age will find this story as relevant in our COVID world as it was in the 1850 and 60s. Joseph Bazalgette's victory proved that disease and death can be prevented when common sense and science--the facts--prevail.

The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London's Poop Pollution Problem is written by Colleen Paeff, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter, and published by Margaret K. McElderry Books (August 2021). The Great Stink was named a 2022 ALA Robert F. Sibert Award Honor Book, 2022 Cook Prize Finalist, 2022 SCBWI Golden Kite Finalist, a 2021 Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best, and a 2022 CBC-NSTA Best STEM Book. Order your copy from a local indie book store, or from Bookshop.org, HERE.

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A Moving Picture Book That's Sure to Please

12/17/2020

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When I received my copy of EVELYN DEL REY IS MOVING AWAY, a beautiful picture book book written by Meg Medina, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez, and published by Candlewick, I couldn't wait to pour over its pages. It did not disappoint! Immediately, I was transported into Evelyn and Daniela's world, which mirrored my own when I was their age and moving away from the city to the suburbs.
Evelyn's building with its iron staircase railing, the empty rooms of an apartment where friends once spent hours at play, the boxes being moved, Evelyn's afro puffs--all of it reconnected my neurons, causing me to relive a moment I had long forgotten.

The tears that ran on the day I moved and left my best friend behind rolled anew as I read EVELYN DEL REY IS MOVING AWAY.

But I know that tomorrow everything will be different. Evelyn will be in a new home that doesn't match mine.

This story with its lovely text and soft illustrations will move any reader. Why? Because losing something dear always hurts. And haven't we all lost something, especially this year?

I will be surprised if EVELYN DEL REY IS MOVING AWAY doesn't win some of the highest kidlit honors to be handed out in 2021--not just because Meg Medina writes like an award-winning author, and not just because Sonia Sánchez captures the girls' emotions with a vibrant and deft digital paintbrush, but because this book, this story, is worthy. In a word, EVELYN DEL REY IS MOVING AWAY is moving.

It's already garnered starred reviews from the likes of Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, Horn Book, BookPage, and landed on numerous lists naming the best books of 2020. But more important than the praise, the reason every elementary school guidance counselor and parent should have a copy of this book on hand when a child is experiencing grief is because EVELYN DEL REY infuses hope, and shows that change does not have to mean the end of something, not if we cherish it in our hearts.

Purchase your copy today.

Publisher's blurb: Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela’s best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other: Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi, and cat. But not after today—not after Evelyn moves away. Until then, the girls play amid the moving boxes until it’s time to say goodbye, making promises to keep in touch, because they know that their friendship will always be special.

Watch the trailer!

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Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Seven!

8/21/2020

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Animal artwork by Lerato from Malawi

OH MY! Kid Interviewer:
Madeline

Hi, Madeline! So nice of you to join us.

Thank you, Mrs. Mann, for having me!

The pleasure is all mine! Do tell about the interview you had with Moira Donohue, coauthor of LIONS & CHEETAHS & RHINOS! OH MY!

I did a Zoom interview with Ms. Moira Donohue. I liked being on Zoom with her because she is so friendly and paid attention to me when I talked. It makes me know she’s listening to my question and not taking it lightly. I learned a lot from her about animals, good sources, and about her work. I found out we put some of the same information in both our books!

That's cool! So I heard that Moira's publisher mailed you a review copy of LION, CHEETAHS & RHINOS! OH MY!, and that Moira sent you a signed bookplate. Did you enjoy reading the book?

LION, CHEETAHS & RHINOS! OH MY!, her newest book, was AWESOME!!! The writing was well said and I wouldn't change anything. But what really caught my eye was the illustrations. Were those really made by kids!?! Those pictures look professionally done. The artwork is so realistic and the illustrations capture the actions and behaviors of the animals.

So would you recommend the book to your classmates?

I would recommend the book to my classmates because It tells interesting facts about the animals and the pictures are impressive because they are made by kids, just like us.

Pages from Madeline's book, her third-grade school project

I heard you wrote a book for a school project that is similar in scope to John and Moira's book. Do tell a little about it, why you chose African animals as your research area, and what you enjoyed about the process.

This past year at school, I got to make a digital book on any topic as an individual project. I chose to write about African animals because I really like animals and almost all of my favorite animals live in Africa. The research I did about the 11 animals I chose was the hardest part of making my book. It took a long time, but it was neat to find out some facts I didn’t know. As part of my project, I was supposed to illustrate the book because I love art. Since we missed so much school in the spring [because of COVID-19], I ran out of time to do all the artwork for so many animals. I used digital photographs instead. It was still really fun to choose the photos, design the layout of the book and pick lots of different colors. So it was still a big art project and that was my favorite part.

Do you think you might like to be a writer or illustrator of books for younger readers when you grow up? If so, why?

I might like to become a writer and illustrator of books for young readers when I grow up because I enjoy listening to stories and making up new stories and I love to draw and paint. I also like to research and learn about things that happened in history. That would be fun to write about.

You're on your way, Madeline! Thanks again for stopping by. It was great having you!

It was fun!

Madeline is 9 years old and will be in the fourth grade when school starts in the fall. She enjoys learning about many subjects in school. Madeline loves reading, drawing, painting, making crafts, playing soccer, dancing, making I-Movies, and playing with her friends!

Win a chance to receive a signed copy of this book by leaving a comment anytime during the party's duration!

Ten African animals, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and elephants, are brought to life in colorful artwork, accompanied by fun nature facts. Written by John Platt and Moira Rose Donohue, each animal portrait is painted by a student from the How to Draw a Lion program. Established in 2018 by New York artist John Platt, How to Draw a Lion is a nonprofit art education program that provides art classes for children in sub-Saharan Africa (Sleeping Bear Press, August 15, 2020).

"A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today!

All images used with permission from Madeline's mom and Sleeping Bear Press.

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TAG YOUR DREAMS

4/3/2020

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A Review

Written by award-winning children's book author and poet, Jacqueline Jules, and illustrated by award-winning illustrator, Iris Deppe, each free-verse poem in Tag Your Dreams: Poems of Play and Persistence paints a picture of young people persevering while doing what children do best--playing.

One poem shows a girl and boy wanting to play tennis, but alas, they must wait beneath the lights of night for their turn on the courts. In another poem, a girl is called a name that makes fun of her size. Yet, she swims majestically proud despite it. In another poem, a girl joins her Nana and Pops on a slow pace hike along a trail lined with "sycamore trees wrapped in mottled bark."

No matter the mode of play, no matter the season, no matter the child's gender, every poem in Tag Your Dreams shows a young person learning persistence and patience while perspiring.

"Round and round. Faster and faster.
Sometimes I’m on. Sometimes I’m out.
Who cares as long as
the game keeps moving,
and I still have the chance
to jump back in."

One boy, while confidently riding his bike, swerves to keep hitting a squirrel: "Boom! Blood on my lip. Bent wheel. Broken finger. But no cast. No sling." Soon, he's pedaling again. A girl up to bat recalls how her past indecisiveness about whether or not to swing ended up poorly for her. This time, she decides to keep her eye on the ball and "send fear sailing over the fence."

Parents, physical education instructors, and teachers alike will enjoy having this collection of poems on hand, for each poem highlights the internal voice of a child learning persistence while engaging in play. Young readers will also enjoy Iris Deppe's simple illustrative style. Each image shows all kinds of children playing together--whether one participant is sitting in a wheelchair or leaning on crutches, or another is blond-haired or brown-skinned, or whether the player is female or male. That in itself is tagging a dream.

Released by Albert Whitman & Company April 1, 2020. Order your copy HERE.

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Fort Building Time

2/16/2020

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A Review

Forts. I can still see the pattern of my mother's green square sofa cushions that made for a perfectly-sized fort with a roof that fit both myself and my little sister. Then there was the one that Trudy and I built in the woods. Little did we know that we were using poison ivy vines to bind together the branches! (We never revisited it, but it was pretty sweet to look at from the distance.) I also remember how many contented hours my daughter and son had in the small patch of woods in front of our house as they used whatever materials were on hand and designed and redesigned their fort, no matter the weather.
What better activity to capsulize the joy of childhood than building a makeshift fort. And Megan Wagner Lloyd celebrates that simple joy in her picture book illustrated by Abigail Halpin, Fort Building Time.

In the winter, mitten-wearing kids join forces to build a snow fort. In the spring, despite the rain, they build a fort among the trees. In the summer, a driftwood fort makes for a perfect place to dry their beach towels. And in the fall, they go all out with the most-inspiring fort a group of kids could dream up.

"Every season has it's own secret dreaming, cozy keeping, hush-listening, fort-building time."

Kids, ages 3-7, will love both the story and the illustrations in Fort Building Time. Each page is bright and full and indicative of the season. The prose is sparse yet inspiring. Teachers, from pre-k to first grade, who have the four seasons on the curriculum will love using this book to describe the changing weather. And what parent won't love using it as an opportunity to encourage outdoor play and the use of the imagination without electronics.

I loved this book not only because of the story and the fond memories it stirs up, but also because it shows children from all walks of life sharing in an activity that promotes friendship and inclusion with no heavy hand to tell it. It's a simple ode to kids who know how to have fun-filled fort-building times, season after season.

Fort Building Time, was a 2018 Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices selection. It is written by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illustrated by Abigail Halpin, and published by Alfred A. Knopf. Purchase your copy HERE.

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A Big Mooncake for Little Star

9/2/2019

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A Review

A Big Mooncake for Little Star tells the scrumptious story of a celestial little girl who helps her mama bake a mooncake. When it's done, all big and round like a rising orange moon, Mama places it into the nightsky to cool.

There it sits, smelling quite delicious.

Little Star tells her mama she'll wait until it's time to eat it, but then...after falling asleep, she forgets about waiting. She throws off her bed covers, pats her soft feet toward the Big Mooncake and begins to nibble-nibble-nibbles at its edges.

Little mooncake crumbs fall into the darkness and sparkle there like stars.

Night after night, Little Star nibbles, and with each nibble the mooncake wanes like the phases of the moon.

Pat, pat, pat.
Little Star's soft feet tiptoed to the Big Mooncake.
Would her mama notice if she took a tiny nibble?

Will there be any mooncake left for Mama?

A 2019 Caldecott winner, A Big Mooncake for Little Star is a timeless story written and illustrated by Grace Lin and published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers. It is a nod (with a multi-cultural flair) to the beloved book Blueberries for Sal, written and illustrated by Robert McClowskey, published in 1948, also a Caldecott medalist. The sparse yet beautiful text and striking illustrations both make A Big Mooncake for Little Star glow. And it certainly proves true the writing adage "less is more."

Kids, ages 4-7, will delight in having this book read to them. And with a Lexile measure of 430, emergent readers will enjoy reading it by themselves. This book is sure to find a special place in the hearts of all little ones who've had to resist the too-soon nibbling of blueberries in pails or mooncakes glowing warm and smelling delicious in the nightsky.

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Bravo! BRAVE BALLERINA

8/8/2019

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A Review

Text (C) Michelle Meadows, Art (C) Ebony Glenn, Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, 2019

Brave Ballerina brings to life the story of Janet Collins, a woman lesser known in African American history, a woman who refused to hide her identity, a woman who graced the stage of the Metropolitan Opera as the first African American principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera House, despite the closed doors that stood before her.

As a young girl, she and her family were determined not to allow the obstacles of segregation to squelch her love for dance. Her mother sewed costumes to pay for her lessons. Her family and community supported her, attending her recitals. Professionals--both white and black--recognized her talent and propelled her forward.

This is the girl
with a broken heart.
But she bounced right back
and made a new start.

Brave Ballerina is a beautifully told picture book biography published by Henry Holt Books for Young Readers. It is lyrically written by Michelle Meadows and lushly illustrated by Ebony Glenn, one of my favorite up-and-coming illustrators. (Read my interview with Ebony HERE.)

Children from all walks of life will love this book. They will love the simple yet poignant language of the rhyming text. They will love the illustrations with their graceful lines that will remind them of ballet dancers. And they will love the sepia tones that hint of the old photographs from the 1930s and 40s, the book's setting. But the most important reason children should read this book is because Janet Collins was a brave ballerina who had a get-back-up-again determination that will encourage them to do the same.

Click on the book cover, and purchase your copy today!

Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, 2019

Illustrations used by permission of the publisher.

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FLASHLIGHT NIGHT: Where Art and Text Combine--Brilliantly!

7/18/2019

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Boyds Mills & Kane, 2017

Picture book writers are advised to leave room for the illustrator when composing their text. Flashlight Night, written by Matt Forest Esenwine and illustrated by Fred Koehler. shows perfectly how this is accomplished. Koehler's art plus Esenwine's spare text equals a picture book narrative with depth, one that is sure to capture the attention of any young reader.

The illustrations shout what the text whispers.

What happens when kids with imagination turn on a flashlight at night? The illustrations answer!

Adventure lurks in the dark!

For instance, note this text with this illustration:

Brightens deck and mizzenmast,
exposes what you're sailing past.

Notice how the image adds a layer to the story that is not stated in the text. It's like biting into a chocolate cupcake and discovering delicious raspberry cream filling! YUM! The text doesn't try to control the story's narrative by stating every detail. It allows the picture to show what the pool water becomes in the rays of the flashlight--a storm-tossed sea!--and that a toy has become a pirate ship or a flotation device a giant purple squid ready to attack.

What fun!

The author left room for the artist's imagination to unveil scrumptious narrative details.

Picture books like Flashlight Night--ones that marry words and illustrations in such a clever way--are the kinds of books that kids will beg to read, heads beneath bed covers, flashlights in hand. At least, until someone yells, "Lights out!"

Flashlight Night is an ode to the power of imagination and the wonder of books. Three children use a flashlight to light a path around their backyard at night; in the flashlight’s beam another world looms. Our heroes encounter spooky woods, a fearsome tiger, a time-forgotten tomb, an Egyptian god, a sword-fighting pirate, and a giant squid. With ingenuity, they vanquish all, then return to their tree house "braver, closer, and wiser than before” to read the books that inspired their adventure. ~Boyds Mills & Kane description

Illustrations used by permission of publisher.

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SOLO: A YA Novel In Verse

7/3/2018

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A Review

Outsiders might consider that 17-year-old Blade has a perfect life. His family has money--lots of money. He drives a sweet ride, lives in an amazing house, and has a girlfriend, Chapel, who is absolutely gorgeous with those amazing blue eyes. But as far as Blade is concerned the only thing right in his life is Chapel. She's his lifeline to surviving each day. She's his solace, his friend. She completes him.
Still, he can't stand being his father's son. In Blade's eyes, his father is nothing short of a failed human being--a washed-up famous musician who loves nothing else but the limelight and partying hard. Being his father's son, Blade believes, ruins his life. Besides, it seems his father loves music, fame, and drugs more than him. Blade's emptiness intensified after his mother died. He still has nightmares. Nothing besides Chapel seems to make his emptiness subside. But a close relationship with her is off limits because her parents don't approve of his messed up family. They don't even acknowledge that he is making different choices.

It feels
like countless mirrors
crashing around me
in an empty space
where there's
no way in
and no way out.

And then things get worse. His father publicly sabotages his salutatorian speech on his graduation day--ruining his chance to show the world who he is, apart from his father. Blade is told that he's adopted. And he discovers that Chapel is not at all the confidant she purports to be!
Blade decides to go solo in search for his birth mom in far away Ghana. But will he find the inner happiness he's looking for? Will he make peace with his father? Will he forgive Chapel? You'll have to read SOLO, a young-adult novel in verse, with legendary concert references throughout, to find out. SOLO is poetically penned by award-winning authors Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess. It is published by Blink YA Books. Find below a musical video in which Randy Preston sets to music "Excuse Me," an entry found in SOLO.

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COYOTE MOON: Narrative NF at its Best

2/20/2018

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A Review

Roaring Brook Press, 2016

Coyote awakes, the moon shining full above her. She is on the hunt, for she has seven hungry pups to feed. Through a suburban landscape, she prowls, listening for unsuspecting prey. She hears a mouse scuttling beneath a stone wall.
Pounce!
The mouse gets away.
Inside an alder bush, Coyote's nose twitches. She smells geese. The geese, however, will not be had. They hiss, dive, and nip until Coyote turns elsewhere for her family's meal. Next, Coyote's eyes pierce through the darkness, and she spies a rabbit. But Rabbit is quicker than she, and finds safety in a burrow beneath a play set slide. The sun begins to rise. Coyote is yet to catch her prey. Will she return to her den without a meal for her pups? You'll have to read COYOTE MOON to find out!
COYOTE MOON is, in my opinion, so beautifully written by Maria Gianferrari that it is sure to make your toes tremble. The story, narrative nonfiction at its best, rolls off the tongue as a read aloud. The illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline masterfully capture the nuances of evening and build an element of wonder and surprise that perfectly harmonizes with the text.

Coyote looks. Her sharp eyes spy Rabbit. She slinks, silent as a shadow. Twigs crack.. Rabbit freezes. Ears twitch. Coyote lunges.

For example, on the page that reads "POUNCE!", Coyote is leaping into the air, yellow eyes gleaming, teeth bared, and padded paws seconds away from (almost) catching prey. At the sight of the page, a preschooler I read this book to, put his arm over his eyes and said, "He's gonna get me!" (Don't worry, the little chap was smiling when he said it and asked me to read it again and again.)
COYOTE MOON is sure to please young readers of all ages who love both nonfiction and animal books, though it is written for ages 7-9. The excitement and anticipation of Coyote's hunt as the evening unfolds will hold their attention, and will build an anticipation for every page turn. Teachers and librarians in search of books about nocturnal animals will not be disappointed when they purchase COYOTE MOON to add to their collection.
In 2017, COYOTE MOON was listed as a Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year in their STEM, ages 5-9 category. In addition, it was listed by the Committee of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) as a 2017 Notable Children’s Book. COYOTE MOON was published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers, July 19, 2016.

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Zoe In Wonderland

12/1/2017

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A Review

Eleven-year-old Zoe Reindeer loves what her father loves, their home and nursery that's filled with shrubs and plants and trees of all kinds for sale. To Zoe, it is a wonderland, not as her sister calls it, a Weirdland. And Zoe is content with doing little other than learning more about plants, especially the endangered kinds, daydreaming about Imaginary Zoe, and (most of all) spending time with her very, VERY best (and only) friend in the world, Quincy. Quincy loves all thing wonderful just as much as she does, and he never makes her feel like "just Zoe"--ordinary, plain Zoe.

One day, a mysterious man appears in Zoe's Wonderland. He would like to buy a baobab tree, but since her Wonderland does not have one, Zoe and Quincy decide to grow one from seed. They'll even make a movie about it! But when Quincy's mom gets ill and he has to temporarily move away, Zoe is not quite sure how wonderful her world will be.

He was standing in the doorway, same round face and nerd glasses, smiling. Quincy.
I felt like someone was tickling me from the inside. Silly-happy....
I was so happy that I couldn't stop myself. I dropped everything, ran to where he was standing, and hugged him tight. Tight like I'd fallen from a boat into the middle of the ocean and someone had thrown me one of those round life-savers and to keep from drowning I had to squeeze the thing until I almost squished it--that tight."

I loved this book because I saw my younger self in Zoe. I understood her unique view of the world and felt her love for the quieter things of life. As a kid, I liked to use my imagination to experience adventure. I enjoyed the peace and security that was found when alone beneath the thick branches of trees. Zoe's struggles, though small in comparison to the epoch battles that are fought by other book heroines, are the kind many young ones today are confronted with. They feel ugly, weird, like no one gets them but maybe one person out of a thousand. And when that person is removed from the equation, it can be a very scary thing. So I am sure young middle-grade readers will find themselves relating to Zoe and rooting for her, hoping that she will remain wonderful come what may.

Another reason young readers will enjoy this book is the fact that the chapters are short with each page moving steadily along Zoe's journey. Furthermore, this book is very well-written. Zoe's narration is believable and beautiful expressed. Of course, that's no wonder for ZOE IN WONDERLAND is written by Brenda Woods, a Coretta Scott King Honor-winning author, and is edited by the deft hand of Nancy Paulsen, publisher of Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

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Review: Garvey's Choice, A Novel In Verse

6/4/2017

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It's a rare thing for me to find a book that I literally cannot put down. But that is exactly what happened when I checked out from my library GARVEY'S CHOICE. This middle-grade novel-in-verse begs for you to turn the page. For one thing, the words are spun absolutely beautiful. They are sparse, yet packed with emotion. They are simple yet profound. They are placed on the stream of a heartfelt story like stones across a bubbling brook. You simply can't help but to skip across.

Another thing that kept me reading is that I had an immediate connection with Garvey, a young man who struggles to find acceptance at school, at home, and within himself. The main reason, however, I read GARVEY'S CHOICE in one sitting is that I just had to find out how things would turn out for Garvey. I had to see him through to the end.

In between big bites, I hum to the jazz playing on the radio, the melody soothing me wherever words left splinters.

It's no wonder GARVEY's CHOICE, written by an amazing poet and an award-winning author, Nikki Grimes, and published in October 2016 by Wordsong, an imprint of Boyd's Mill's Press, has garnered so much literary praise, being chosen as a Kirkus Review Best Book of the Year, a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, and a ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, among many others.

While GARVEY'S CHOICE is a timeless book for all ages, it is a perfect book for middle-grade readers, for the issues Garvey faces are those many younger teens of today face, too. Like Garvey, they may suffer from a lack of self-worth and use food to compensate. Like Garvey's father who would rather find his son on a basketball court than with his nose inside a book, their parents may unwittingly make them feel like they can never measure up. And like Garvey, they may find that being the popular kid in school may not ever be their reality.

But young ones who read this book will come to appreciate as Garvey did that one or two genuine friends, especially the kind who cheer you on, are better than a hundred superficial ones, and that standing up for yourself and believing in yourself is something within everyone's reach.

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A REVIEW: Return to the Secret Garden

10/21/2016

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Along with the other orphaned children, Emmie marches along reluctantly with her gas mask in hand. She is being led away from London, for it's 1939 and the war has made the city too dangerous of a place to live. So she must board a train for the country and find protection at Misselthwaite Hall, the manor house of the patron of the orphanage, Mrs. Craven.
Emmie wants to take Lucy, the stray cat she'd been feeding, along with her. But Emmie has to leave Lucy behind. (Stray cats do not like being placed in baskets.) Emmie is upset. Who will feed Lucy now? And what if the poisonous gas comes? How will Lucy escape? But Emmie is left no choice. She must follow the matrons to her new home.

Emmie lay in the high, carved wooden bed, watching the nightlight burning in its saucer of water and peering at the room. The night-light hardly gave enough light to see by, so it was half-looking, half remembering in a strange jumble of the day.

Once at Misselthwaite, Emmie begins to discover the secrets of old rooms and passageways, and the freedom of being outdoors. How she loves the smell of the country, the sounds of the country, being in the country! And when a friendly robin takes an interest in her, Emmie can scarcely believe it. Eventually, Emmie follows the bird and ends up beyond a vine-covered door inside a wall and into a well-kept garden. Emmie wonders why this beautiful garden is tucked away. Soon Emmie, from the pages of an old diary, has the answer. This garden once was the secret place of a lonely, little girl named Mary. Perhaps this garden would be Emmie's secret place, too! If only Lucy were there to enjoy it!
Emmie, however, soon realizes that this garden is not so secret after all. Once, while hidden from sight, she sees Mrs. Craven slipping quietly into the garden to tend the roses. And that rude boy of the house, Jack, he knows all about the garden, too. Still, the garden becomes a place where Emmie can truly feel at home. Then one day, terrible news reaches Misselthwaite, and the old gardener tells Emmie she must keep away from the garden. Will Emmie have to stay away from the garden for good? Will she ever see Lucy again? Will the war take all that is good in Emmie's life away--forever? You'll just have to pick up a copy of RETURN TO THE SECRET GARDEN to find out.
Young readers who love the Classics will enjoy this book, a sequel to THE SECRET GARDEN written by, Frances Hodgson Burnett. As a historical-fiction novel for independent middle-grade readers, RETURN TO THE SECRET GARDEN has a timeless quality about it. There is a bit of a mystery interwoven in the tale, and young readers will enjoy unraveling it. RETURN TO THE SECRET GARDEN is written by Holly Webb, and is published by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (November 2016).

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Four Beautiful Biographies for Young Readers

9/2/2016

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My library is--in a word--awesome. In my opinion, one thing that makes it so, is that we have shelves reserved just for newly-published and newly-purchased titles! Each one has a beautiful red NEW label across the spine. How I love NEW!
Every time I visit, there are NEW kidlit titles, too. I so look forward to checking out the NEW nonfiction titles, especially the biographies! It's because I love how kidlit writers use narrative nonfiction to tell their subjects' stories. Kid-friendly facts told in kid-friendly ways equals, to me, a most-delightful read. The text is sometimes lyrical, oftentimes musical, and always informational. And the art! How I love the way publishers marry text and illustrations to bring to life individuals who may have lived over a hundred years ago!
Instead of keeping all this love to myself, I thought I'd share four NEW titles that I checked out during my last library visit. If your library doesn't own copies, I would highly recommend they buy them--NEW.

Jump Back, Paul: The Life & Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar

WHAT I LOVE:
I love the narrator's voice of this title. You'll feel like you're sitting at the feet of a kind great-grandmother who is telling you her family's story. I love how Dunbar's poems are carefully placed within the text in order to complete the historical narrative. (Reading Dunbar's poems aloud is a delight!) It is encouraging and inspiring to learn of Dunbar's determination to accomplish his goal of becoming a published poet, and attaining it with distinction. It is an added bonus to discover that Dunbar and the Wright brothers went to school together, helped each other out, and were friends. The illustrations, too, perfectly capture Dunbar's emotions. JUMP BACK, PAUL is a magnificent biography for middle-grade readers.

TASTE-SAMPLE:
"Well, graduation time came round, and Paul's class asked him to write words for the song they would sing at the ceremony. Those boys and girls had been going to school most of their lives, but now they had to go out and start finding their own way. Don't you think they were a mite scared? And maybe a little sad? Paul had the same feelings as the rest of them. How was he going to put all that in a song? He decided to compare himself and his friends to little boats just beginning their first voyage."

JU MP BACK, PAUL is written by Sally Derby, illustrated by Sean Qualls, and published by Candlewick Press.

Growing Up Pedro

WHAT I LOVE:
To be honest, I'm not a baseball fan. Nonetheless, I love this picture-book biography because of how Tavares weaves throughout the story the brotherly bond that existed between Pedro Martinez and his older brother, Ramón. It is a narrative thread that makes for an emotional telling and some touching illustrations, too. Pedro is younger than Ramón. He is smaller. And at first, he can't play baseball as well as Ramón. But Pedro looks up to his big brother, and his big brother wants him to succeed. He even teaches Pedro all he knows about being a great pitcher. He lets him tag along whenever he is practicing or trying out or playing. Soon, both brothers are pitching in the major leagues. Both are exceptional at what they do. Even when Pedro and Ramón have to pitch against each other on opposing teams, they cheer each other on. After all, that's what brothers who love each other do! GROWING UP PEDRO is a great picture-book biography that kids are sure to love!

TASTE-SAMPLE:
"During games, they sit together in the dug out. They coach each other. With his brother by his side, Pedro is better that ever."

GROWING UP PEDRO is written and illustrated by Matt Tavares, and published by Candlewick Press.

The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch

WHAT I LOVE:
I don't recall hearing the name of John Roy Lynch before reading this beautifully-illustrated picture-book biography. I learned that John Roy had an Irish father, and that when his father died he willed to him, his mother and his brother all that he owned. He gave them their legal freedom. It was heartbreaking to learn that his father's "friend" did not do as his father wished. Instead, he cheated John Roy's family out of their rightful freedom and sold them away from their home. It was exciting to learn that during Reconstruction the townspeople of Natchez, Mississippi elected John Roy to be their Justice of the Peace and later their Congressman. John Roy was hoping that, with slavery abolished, a time of liberty and justice would prevail for all. But of course, the time of Reconstruction was short-lived. His hope did not materialize. I do not love reliving this time period, but I do love learning about individuals like John Roy who managed to hold onto hope even when the promise of it flickered like an oil lamp about to burn out. And of course, I love the illustrations of this book! Tate knows how to illuminate hope on every page of THE AMAZING AGE OF JOHN ROY LYNCH.

TASTE-SAMPLE:
"For John Roy, true emancipation came the summer he turned sixteen. It did not come from the president's pen, or even from the arrival of two hundred blue-clad men on horseback. It came instead when he sold a chicken for a dime to a Yankee soldier and bought himself a boat ride across the river back to Natchez."

THE AMAZING AGE OF JOHN ROY LYNCH is written by Chris Barton, illustrated by Don Tate, and published by Eerdman Books For Young Readers.

Trombone Shorty

WHAT I LOVE:
Imagine a little New Orleans fellow finding himself a beat-up old trombone, one so big he falls beneath the size of it while trying to play. But there's nothing small about his determination. He teaches himself to play that horn. After all, he wants to join his big brother's band! Never mind how young, how small, how short he is. Soon, he is playing his big brother's songs. What's not to love about that image? He even forms his own band with other little guys, never mind that most of them don't have real instruments. They just make their own. He sleeps with his trombone, no doubt dreaming of the music he and his friends will make in the morning. And when he attends a Bo Diddley concert with his mom, he gets right up there on that stage and starts to play! It's a delightful thing when a kid like Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews recognizes what he is passionate about. And Collier's illustrations for this book are truly amazing! His collages remind me of the instruments that Troy and his friends made using a hodge-podge of materials to create music. I love that this story is told by none other than Trombone "Shorty" himself, who is still making music with his trombone today. TROMBONE SHORTY is nothing short of a delightful read!

TASTE-SAMPLE:
"The crowd passed me overhead until I was standing on the stage next to Bo Diddley himself! I walked right up to the microphone and held my trombone high up in the air, ready to blow!

"What do you want to play?" Bo DIddley asked.

"FOLLOW ME," I said.

TROMBONE SHORTY is written by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, illustrated by Bryan Collier, and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers.

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THERESE MAKES A TAPESTRY: A Gorgeously-Woven Picture Book Highlighting Art History

8/16/2016

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When Thérèse's father returns home with a painting for her, she gets an idea to create a gift for him, a tapestry that looks like his painting. Papa will be leaving again, only this time when he returns, he will have King Louis XIV with him! Thérèse hopes to have Papa's gift woven by then! Even though girls like her at the Gobelins Manufactory were not trained as weavers, she is determined to make her gift as beautiful as Papa's painting.

Thérèse's family and friends help her along the way. The dye-makers allow her to collect colorful leftover yarns. Her older brother, Henri, creates a copy or outline of Papa's painting that she will place behind the loom's frame for patterning. Her mother helps, too. But it would be Thérèse's hands that would warp the loom, trace the pattern of Papa's painting on threads, and organize her yarns by color. She would weave Papa's gift all by herself! And soon, after hours of tireless work behind her, it is finished!

"Pleased with her plan, Thérèse went to bed. She dreamed that she wove a palace out of gold yarn for her whole family to live in."

But when Papa returns home with King Louis XIV, what has become of her gift? Thérèse runs into the courtyard to find out. Sure enough, there is her tapestry, and there is Papa and the king staring at it! Her brother Mathieu had placed her tapestry with all the others that the king was to inspect for use in his palace.

Thérèse holds her breath as the king stared. What would the king think of her work? What would he say if he found out a girl had woven it? What would Papa say? And would Papa ever know that this tapestry was her gift to him? Readers will just have to get a copy of Thérèse Makes a Tapestry to find out.

Thérèse Makes a Tapestry weaves art-history as colorfully as the one that inspired its writing--the tapestry that hangs in the J. Paul Getty Museum today. This well-researched picture-book is gorgeously illustrated by Renée Graef, and is beautifully written by Alexandra S. D. Hinrichs. The yarn is so expertly woven that readers will be surprised to discover that the young, female heroine, Thérèse, is fictional. But the journey back to where Thérèse lives and works with her family of weavers--the bustling Gobelins Manufactory of 7th Century Paris--is so real that readers will nonetheless feel transported through time. Elementary-school art teachers everywhere should own a copy of Thérèse Makes a Tapestry for their classroom libraries, for this story is sure to inspire many of today's young artists.

Discover more about the making of this book HERE.

THERESE MAKES A TAPESTRY is a picture-book for ages 6 and up. It is published by The J. Paul Getty Museum of Los Angeles, an imprint of Getty Publications. It is written by Alexandra S. D. Hinrichs and is illustrated by Renée Graef.

Illustrations are used with permission from the publisher and are subject to copyright.

(C) Renée Graef, Getty Publications, 2016

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Towers Falling--A Thoughtful Middle-Grade In Which the Past & Present Collide

3/25/2016

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Dèja had never heard about the day the towers fell, even though she lived in Brooklyn her whole life, even though her father was a first responder. Unbeknownst to her, that day was the thing that placed her family's stability on pause. It is the reason why she and her younger siblings are stuck living at Avalon Family Residence, a homeless shelter. It is why Ma is left to juggle the family's finances with only her wages as a waitress. It is why Pop barely rises from bed, has angry moods, and gets those horrible headaches. Ma has never talked about the day the towers fell. Pop has never talked about it. Her teachers at her old school have never talked about it. So how could she know about 9-11?
But that's about to change.
At her new school, the teachers and the principal will never allow that day to be forgotten. It's etched in the school's collective--for right outside the school's windows and across the water is a clear view of where the towers once stood. Her fifth-grade teacher, Miss Garcia, saw the towers fall. And so, despite Pop's objection to the past being discussed, Dèja is about to discover all about the day the towers fell.

"I turn to go. It's raining. Figures. It's a light, misty rain, and across the river, I see the new sparkly tower. In class, every day, I'm going to be bothered by it. Why did Miss Garcia show us a picture of what used to be?"

Towers Falling is sure to be a read-aloud favorite for teacher's with middle-grade readers for a number of reasons. First, the story contains main characters, preteens from vastly different cultural backgrounds, who get along organically as they work together on a difficult school assignment. Second, it's enjoyable to watch Dèja blossom into a confident young lady as she, along with her friends, Sabeen and Ben, discover that the past is interwoven with the present. Third, award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes's writing is easy off the tongue and sweet on the ears.
Lastly, the ending is satisfying and hopeful. It shows how confronting the past is more empowering than ignoring it. TOWERS FALLING will be released by Little, Brown Books for Younger Readers in July 2016, in time for the fifteenth anniversary of the terrorist attack of 9-11. It is, in my opinion, a must-read--especially for young people, who like Dèja, were not alive when those fateful events unfolded.
TOWERS FALLING, a middle-grade novel for ages 8-12, is published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (July 2016), and written by Jewell Parker Rhodes, author of NINTH WARD, a Coretta Scott King honor book, and SUGAR, winner of the Jane Adams Peace Association book award.

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CRENSHAW: a Middle-Grade with Heart

11/16/2015

Jackson wishes his imaginary feline friend, Crenshaw, would just go away. He wishes the gnawing pain in his stomach would go away. And he sure wishes that cloud of worry that keeps looming over his home would go away. Yet, there they all are: Crenshaw in the bathtub making bubble beards, a stomach churning with two purple jellybeans, and an eviction notice on the way. Jackson is certain that he and his family are headed for a mini-van camping excursion--again. And that's one fact Jackson would rather not deal with. It's no fun being homeless, even if your parents pretend it's just another family outing full of frolicking and mirth.

"When I think about that time, what I remember most of all is Crenshaw, riding on top of our minivan. I'd stare out the window at the world blurring past, and every so often I'd catch a glimpse of his tail, riding the wind like the end of a kite. I'd feel hopeful then, for a while at least, that things would get better, that maybe, just maybe, anything was possible."

What I love about this book is the simple beauty of the text. It flows across the page like music. I could not stop turning pages until the reading was complete. I also love the images the story conjures up. It's fun to imagine a 7-foot, black and white feline doing handstands, somersaulting, and taking bubble baths. And while it may be fun to imagine such an imaginary friend of comfort who first appears using his tail as a windshield wiper, Jackson's reality of being homeless and hungry is no fun at all. Unfortunately, countless children right here in the United States face such worries of homelessness and hunger, and for them their only comfort may be getting a nutritious meal from a soup kitchen or a night's sleep in a warm homeless shelter on a cold night. But Jackson's parents are too proud for that.
When children read this book, I am sure they will find themselves as worried as I was for Jackson, his little sister Robin, their dog Aretha, and their hardworking though carefree "starving-artists" parents. Will they once again become homeless? Or will Crenshaw be real enough to help Jackson help his family out of their situation?

I would recommend this book as a read-to-self title for third-sixth graders, as the chapters are short, the language accessible, and the voice of the main character one younger middle-grades will relate to.

Crenshaw is written by Katherine Applegate and published by Feiwel & Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group, September 2015. To participate or organize your own Crenshaw Food Drive, click here.

Marvelous Cornelius Blog Party!! DAY 1

10/5/2015

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Have you ever fell in love with a book then told anyone who would listen that they should pick up a copy and read it? Have you personally guaranteed that they were going to love it as much as you?
For me, Marvelous Cornelius, a picture-book biography fashioned in the style of an American folktale, is one of those kind of books. From the moment I saw the cover, I knew that love was on the menu. Just look at those vibrant colors and how handsome the main character is! And what a marvelous title!
I love how Cornelius's joyous disposition, no matter his humble occupation, glows on each page. I love how Cornelius's infectious smile and friendly greetings light up his neighborhood just like musical notes played on a New Orleans' street corner. And I absolutely love the brightness of hope that resounds in the story despite the darkness that Hurricane Katrina unleashed. But what I appreciate the most is how Cornelius--a hard working, humble man--joined hands with others, especially those who called the French Quarter their home, to bring the brightness back to their community when the waters of Hurricane Katrina receded.
And because I fell in love with this book, I decided to celebrate it by having a Marvelous Cornelius Blog Party in which everyday this week, save Sunday, I'll be featuring six individuals responsible for creating and sharing a most-marvelous picture-book biography. Please join in the celebration by leaving behind your comments.
Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina & the Spirit of New Orleans is written by Phil Bildner, illustrated by John Parra, and published by Chronicle Books (San Francisco, August 4, 2015). Illustrations (c) John Parra, 2015 used with permission from Chronicle Books, San Francisco. Please visit www.ChronicleBooks.com online.

Day 1
John Parra: A Most-Marvelous KidLit Artist

What was your first response when reading the text for Marvelous Cornelius?

As I first read Marvelous Cornelius, I realized right away how powerful and beautiful the narrative was. The story is set in the incredible city of New Orleans, with all its unique and artistic signatures of music, food, architecture, and celebrations. The main character of Cornelius is impressively showcased with a passion and positive enthusiasm for his work and for his neighborhood. As the story progresses, the narrative challenges us with a message of how love and its spirit can function to address serious events that occur in one’s life and community. I saw elements of everyday heroes and community activism that inspired me. For me, Marvelous Cornelius is a story that works on so many wonderful levels. It creates an emotional experience both powerful and simple. It shows us the good we all are capable of.

How did you go about doing research for the illustrations?

Like most projects, I start by researching online and looking for related references, such as images and text, pertaining to any elements described in the story. Through this technique, I begin to enhance my visualization and feelings for the book. Since this book was about a real person, Cornelius Washington, and a real place, New Orleans, these elements are all examined with great detail in the run up to the drawing and sketch process. In addition to the standard references, I love examining the regional artists and cultural aspects established in the book’s setting. Local renowned New Orleans folk artist, Clementine Hunter, had a big visual inspiration for me when thinking about the book. Once research is done, I begin sketching characters and environments looking for pacing and story arcs. Some pages I see clearly in my mind while others require much more work. My goal is to be as comprehensive as possible so that any reader familiar with the setting would feel it to be true and accurate to its presentation but still be accessible and fun for readers of all ages.

Did you find painting Hurricane Katrina's fury on New Orleans emotionally difficult?

It was difficult working on the Hurricane Katrina scenes. At the time I began the project, Hurricane Sandy was hitting New York and causing much destruction. Many people I knew here lost everything. There are of course differences between the two storms, but there is a connection of empathy and understanding that comes from going through something similar.

Describe your painting process for Marvelous Cornelius.

Many people think I paint on wood because of the texture seen in my paintings, but I am actually working on illustration board. There is a process where I add different layers of color acrylic paint to a board. After about four layers, I sandpaper into it to give it a worn and old fashion look that I use for the background foundation. Once ready, I begin to transfer the sketch to the board through masking out shapes and painting various elements. As characters and scenes take shape, the final aspect is to add all the detail and shading to complete the art.

What do you hope children will take away from reading this marvelous (almost-true) picture-book biography?

I do hope they enjoy the story of Cornelius and learn the history of Hurricane Katrina. I hope they reflect and see that no matter who they are in life, where they come from, or what they do, they too can be the best version of themselves, and be a hero and role model to family, friends, and community. That also when difficult things happen in life, it is okay to be sad or upset but to always try and never give up on it, that life is beautiful in so many diverse ways.

John Parra is an award-winning illustrator, fine artist, designer, and educator best known for his art illustrated Latino-themed children’s books such as Gracias / Thanks, Green is a Chile Pepper, and Waiting for the Biblioburro. He received an SCBWI's Golden Kite Award, Pura Belpré Honor’s Award from The American Library Association, and a Christopher’s Award from The Christopher’s organization. Parra’s original artwork has been showcased in numerous galleries and museums throughout the United States and South America. He has taught illustration and regularly speaks at schools and literary conferences advocating art and reading education. Recently John was invited by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to present a special event about his work and career in art and illustration. He can be found online at JohnParraArt.com and Tweeting @johnparraart.

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Terrible Typhoid Mary: Nonfiction at its Best

9/9/2015

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Terrible Typhoid Mary: A True Story of the Deadliest Cook in America is narrative nonfiction at its best. In its pages we discover the life of Mary Mallon--a fiery Irish woman with a flair for cooking and a temper to match. At first, middle-grade readers may sympathize with our hard-working woman who seems to be unjustly blamed for spreading the sometimes-fatal disease of typhoid. But as evidence mounts against her, readers may change their opinion about Mary, especially as she rejects reason and continues to carry typhoid into her culinary wake.
Imagine this scene. There, in the kitchen where Mary is working, sits George Soper, “a sanitary engineer with an interest in disease prevention.” He has proven to be a most-able medical detective and is sure that he has discovered the cause of numerous unexplained typhoid cases. The suspect is Mary. And there she is, her hands fast at work preparing her employer's supper.
Soper begins to explain to Mary, who remains quite unmoved in her stoic appearance, that her body may be harboring typhoid, that she may be unwittingly passing on the disease through her cooking.
Would Mary be willing to clear up the mystery by providing Soper with specimens that he can send away to a laboratory? If those tests prove she has typhoid germs in her body, would she be willing to be treated? Notice Mary's response:

“Soper forgot the old adage that cooks rule the kitchen. He didn’t notice the anger that flashed across Mary’s face. He certainly didn’t notice the carving fork lying on the table. But Mary did. She swore at Soper, grabbed the carving fork, and lunged…. And he ran.”

For years the struggle between Mary and those involved in her case continued. Medical professionals remained intent on proving to her that she was spreading the disease through her cooking. She remained steadfast in her belief that she was not.
Mary’s story is one volume within the pages of American history in which readers will learn so much. They will hear about the spread of disease that occurred among the many immigrants that flocked to New York City in the 19th Century. They will discover the power that the New York City Board of Health had back in those early years. They will see firsthand how yellow journalism altered the lives of hard-working individuals, individuals like Mary. They will experience the frustration that comes when an uninformed public is slow to accept medical proof and thus ends up harming others. And they will find themselves pondering the question regarding forced quarantines, a question that remains down to this day.
Terrible Typhoid Mary, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers, is middle-grade, non-fiction par excellence, for Susan Campbell Bartoletti has woven together accurately-researched details, quotes from primary sources, and archival photographs like a storytelling master. In my opinion, this book reads as easily as a Robin Cook medical-thriller!

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THE GREAT STINK: Nothing Stinky About It!

A Review

"The evidence is too strong to ignore. Doctors and scientists gradually begin to accept that contaminated water--not air--causes cholera. By clearing the Thames of pollution, Joseph's sewers are saving lives."

But I know that tomorrow everything will be different. Evelyn will be in a new home that doesn't match mine.

OH MY! Kid Interviewer:Madeline

Pages from Madeline's book, her third-grade school project

"A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork." School Library Journal Purchase your copy today!

A Review

"Round and round. Faster and faster.Sometimes I’m on. Sometimes I’m out.Who cares as long asthe game keeps moving,and I still have the chanceto jump back in."

A Review

"Every season has it's own secret dreaming, cozy keeping, hush-listening, fort-building time."

A Review

Pat, pat, pat.Little Star's soft feet tiptoed to the Big Mooncake.​Would her mama notice if she took a tiny nibble?

A Review

This is the girlwith a broken heart.But she bounced right back ​and made a new start.

Click on the book cover, and purchase your copy today!

Brightens deck and mizzenmast,​exposes what you're sailing past.

A Review

It feelslike countless mirrorscrashing around mein an empty spacewhere there's no way inand no way out.

A Review

Coyote looks. Her sharp eyes spy Rabbit. She slinks, silent as a shadow. Twigs crack.. Rabbit freezes. Ears twitch. Coyote lunges.

A Review

In between big bites, I hum to the jazz playing on the radio, the melody soothing me wherever words left splinters.

Emmie lay in the high, carved wooden bed, watching the nightlight burning in its saucer of water and peering at the room. The night-light hardly gave enough light to see by, so it was half-looking, half remembering in a strange jumble of the day.

Jump Back, Paul: The Life & Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar

Growing Up Pedro

The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch

Trombone Shorty

"Pleased with her plan, ​Thérèse went to bed. She dreamed that she wove a palace out of gold yarn for her whole family to live in."

Day 1​John ﻿Parra: A Most-Marvelous KidLit Artist

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OH MY! Kid Interviewer:
Madeline

"A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today!

"Round and round. Faster and faster.
Sometimes I’m on. Sometimes I’m out.
Who cares as long as
the game keeps moving,
and I still have the chance
to jump back in."

Pat, pat, pat.
Little Star's soft feet tiptoed to the Big Mooncake.
Would her mama notice if she took a tiny nibble?

This is the girl
with a broken heart.
But she bounced right back
and made a new start.

Brightens deck and mizzenmast,
exposes what you're sailing past.

It feels
like countless mirrors
crashing around me
in an empty space
where there's
no way in
and no way out.

"Pleased with her plan, Thérèse went to bed. She dreamed that she wove a palace out of gold yarn for her whole family to live in."

Day 1
John Parra: A Most-Marvelous KidLit Artist