I’m surprised I had not really heard about this book before I was on a major Isabelle Follath illustration binge a few months ago. I am mildly obsessed with Follath’s character drawings lately and this one is abounding in them! But, to my and my daughters’ great delight, this book is also super fun. While it is jumping on the “young feminists” bandwagon, which can become a bit trite with the onslaught of products bearing the theme, this book actually does it well and delightfully. A book of fractured nursery rhymes, familiar and yet rewritten and freshly illustrated to hint at the oddness and datedness of the old versions if you know them; but mainly to celebrate the specialness, equality, consent, individuality, and independence of girls (and all humans!) in these new rhymes. Check out What Are Little Girls Made Of? by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Isabelle Follath, 2020.
Continue reading “Review: What Are Little Girls Made Of? By Willis & Follath”Tag: poetry
Review: Papa Is A Poet By Bober & Gibbon
“A poem is ‘a momentary stay against confusion,’ Frost told us. It is a ‘voyage of discovery’ that ‘begins in delight and ends in wisdom.” And in this charming book, we get a small glimpse into the life and family of that poet, Robert Frost. Adapted from Frost’s oldest daughter’s journal and the author’s biography on Frost, is a short story of the Frost family moving back from a two year stint in England. During the trip, Lesley Frost recalls their life on a New Hampshire farm prior to England, where her father found his poetic voice. Take a little peek into the life and poetry of Robert Frost with Papa Is A Poet by Natalie S. Bober, illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon, 2013.
Continue reading “Review: Papa Is A Poet By Bober & Gibbon”2019 Favs – Book 4: A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood
Back quickly today, in an attempt to catch up this week on my book gift ideas; but also because this book is an excellent companion to book 3! A collection of 75 songs from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and The Children’s Corner, this vibrantly illustrated book is such a delight! Enjoy A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood with lyrics by Fred Rogers and illustrations by Luke Flowers, 2019.
Continue reading “2019 Favs – Book 4: A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood”“September” By Updike & Hyman
The summer came and went. Autumn is two days away. I have so many books to share. They are coming.
For today, bask in the beauty of this September poem. One of the beautiful spreads from A Child’s Calendar by John Updike (1965) and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman in 1999. September – the month and this poem will always be a favorite of mine.
Continue reading ““September” By Updike & Hyman”25 Days – Book 21: Bookjoy Wordjoy
Something a little different for the favorite new picture book list today. A poetry book. Specifically about books and words. A collection of poems that speak to and ignite the enthusiasm for reading and writing and loving words. And stunning, vibrant illustrations to captivate the imagination like words capture the tongue and mind. Feel the draw of words with Bookjoy Wordjoy by Pat Mora, illustrations by Raul Colón, 2018.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 21: Bookjoy Wordjoy”25 Days – Book 7: Can I Touch Your Hair?
Today’s book is one of the most powerful picture books of the year for me. A book of poems, written from the perspective of two classmates – a white girl and a black boy. This book is required reading in my opinion. It will make you uncomfortable, inspire you, make you laugh, and stay with you. Take a look at Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship by Irene Latham & Charles Waters, illustrated by Sean Qualls & Selina Alko, 2018.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 7: Can I Touch Your Hair?”