passionately sharing, discussing and admiring children's picture books
Just heard about a fun book coming out from Enchanted Lion Books. I’m aching to get my hands on a copy and see its book + jacket cover combo in person. I applaud when people use book jackets for good use rather than just duplicating book and cover. Sounds like a sweet plot and the illustrations have me intrigued. Check out the trailer for The Jacket by Kirsten Hall, illustrated by Dasha Tolstikova.
It’s time for another quick picture book trio! Today’s grouping is in appreciation of all things aeronautical. It seems that nearly every child goes through an airplane phase and the plethora of plane picture books seems to support my observation. In honor of that, I’ve put together three of my favorite airplane picture books that work well together and are a mixture of old and new as well as short and long. So let’s read three books about airplanes!
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Sometimes I receive or discover a book and I fall immediately head over heels in love with it. Other times I hate it right off the bat. And occasionally the book sticks in my head and grows on me over time. Today’s book doesn’t fit any of those scenarios. This book is sneaky and stole its way into a review by route of my daughter. An imported equine story has captured the affection of our toddler and thus I find myself examining it, and pondering over it, and vainly trying to deduce what it is that my child is so obsessed about. It’s not that there is anything wrong with this book and perhaps I am just missing the grandness somehow, but upon first read I found myself somewhat ambivalent to it. I like Albertine’s work and the storyline is quirky to match, well-paced and quite European in tone and style. I rather enjoy reading it, but it didn’t really jump out to me. It does thrill me though that my daughter is developing a taste of her own in literature. I gladly encourage her endearment in lovely books even if it decides not to woo me. So without further ado, take a peek at a humorous tale about a horse and his jockey, the terribly disastrous turn of their career, and the silly solution. This is Jumping Jack by Germano Zullo, illustrated by Albertine, 2014.
Continue reading “Book Review: Jumping Jack by Zullo & Albertine”
Even though I have yet to secure a copy for myself as it came out during my bleary-eyed first couple weeks with new baby, I want to make sure and alert all to the existence of a new Greg Pizzoli book: Number One Sam! His book, The Watermelon Seed, from last year is a reigning favorite for me and I cannot wait to see this new one.
(I have yet to mention that Greg was one of the first authors I’ve been able to meet since moving to NYC. He even kindly signed my book with a belated birthday note since my husband gave it to me last September.)
Our house is obviously a bit baby crazy right now. Given our recent penchant towards new baby and big sister books, I was ecstatic to get my hands on a brand new book written and illustrated by the amazing illustrator, Sophie Blackall. I have admired her style for some time now and especially her unique perspective and twist to the work she does. Her newest book is both humorous and adorable. Abounding with cute babies, the story follows a little boy who, upon hearing about his sibling’s impending arrival, is determined to find out where babies come from. It is a classic question – parodied, joked about, and dreaded often – yet Ms. Blackall handles it with gentility, humor, and not even a hint of embarrassment. Be delighted in The Baby Tree by Sophie Blackall, May 1, 2014.
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Well I’m back, from a very unexpected hiatus of sorts. My sincerest apologies to those who read and missed this space as I disappeared for over two months with no explanation. I’m here now to start it up again and to offer my excuses. I cannot wait to share a marvelous new book from March of this year that perfectly fits my current situation and title for this post. I am in New York friends! Long story short, after over a year of waiting for the right job, we have relocated our little family to the amazing borough of Manhattan. We have longed for this change and are taking the city by storm. Can I just tell you how many incredible children’s book events, venues, and even just picture books revolve around NYC! The process however of getting us moved in a short amount of time took up all spare moments and this blog suffered the most I’m afraid. Family came first.
Continue reading “Book Review: In New York By Marc Brown”
Three Books a Night 