The long, cold winter days are starting to wear thin around here. Now is when I start grabbing for books that ask more from the reader. I’m calling this grouping “Search Books,” but perhaps that title is a bit lacking still. Each of these are descended in some form from the Where’s Waldo genre of books; but I love these more because they carry a solid storyline as well. You don’t have to search when you read them, but they are exponentially more fun if you do. Grab your magnifying glasses and let’s read three books that make you search!
Continue reading “Let’s Read Three: Search Books!”Tag: 2014
Book Review: Kuma-Kuma Chan, The Little Bear By Kazue Takahashi
Have you met Kuma-Kuma Chan yet? We are quite smitten with this little bear and his simple, adorable book. His story was originally published in Japan in 2001, but he has finally made his way over to the U.S. thanks to Museyon. He is a little bear that keeps quite busy and will delight every reader with this charming look at what a day in his life might possibly look like. Meet Kuma-Kuma Chan, The Little Bear by Kazue Takahashi, 2014.
Continue reading “Book Review: Kuma-Kuma Chan, The Little Bear By Kazue Takahashi”Let’s Read Three: Inventing Books!
Happy New Year friends! It is that time of year where everyone seems to have some kind of refresh on their mind. Be it resolutions, lists, a determined thought – the new year tends to give us some extra gusto to do something. With these new resolves in mind, I think this set of three is perfect to encourage and motivate on whatever project you long to create.
I toyed with calling these “Perseverance Books,” but it sounded too cheesy. I also realized that adults don’t really talk about “inventing” things, unless that is their actual occupation. Children’s books are full of inventors and inventions of all sorts. I think we need to get back to believing we can create a solution to something, no matter our age. So, let’s read three books celebrating the failures and surprising successes of inventing!
Continue reading “Let’s Read Three: Inventing Books!”25 Days – Book 5: The Night Before The Night Before Christmas (& Giveaway)
We are five days into this Christmas picture book journey and I actually have a brand new Christmas book to share. I always find it a little difficult to add a new book to my Christmas collection because the classics are classics for a reason and they edge out all other books, often without competition. Today’s book however, is in the process of making its way out and I think it is worth a look. It is a first picture book from a generous new author and digital illustrator duo who are hoping to push their way into the market. Allow me to introduce you to The Night Before The Night Before Christmas by Jay Dee, illustrated by Darren Geers, 2014.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 5: The Night Before The Night Before Christmas (& Giveaway)”25 Days of Children’s Picture Books for Christmas, 2014
I can hardly believe it is that time of year again. Christmas season has begun! Oh, how things have changed in the past year with our big move, new baby, and even all my new book finds! I’m starting to wonder if I’ll ever run out of books to do a picture book countdown until Christmas. It is hard to believe there are so many lovely Christmas-themed picture books out there, and my goodness, there are so many renditions of “The Night Before Christmas!” Getting this in late on December 1, I’m ready to try my hand at another year. I hope you’ll join along! And if you are looking for more Christmas book ideas, be sure to check out my 2012 countdown and 2013 countdown too! Let the Advent season begin!
Book Trailer: Sam & Dave Dig A Hole By Barnett & Klassen
This book looks excellent and the trailer just makes me laugh. I also keep thinking of the digger kids from that old TV show Recess. Anyone else remember that? I can’t wait to spend time with this new collaboration from these two awesome picture book makers. Check out Sam & Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen, just published in October by Candlewick.