HOLIDAY SHOWCASE OF BOOKS

 GIFT  IDEAS  FOR  YOUNG  FRIENDS  AND  FAMILY

Books are always a happy surprise!

Here are some fun children’s picture books by some of my favorite authors

(and a few by yours truly) for you to consider.

Click on the titles to go to Amazon to learn more or buy books.

Click on the author's name to visit their website.

When Nana Dances – Jane Yolen and Maddison Stemple-Piatt 

Each Nana in this story has a wide experience in moving to music from ballet and tap to salsa and swing. She can dance to any music and with most anything. But her best dancing happens when she shares the fun with her grandchildren.

    

 The Gingerbread Cowboy – Janet Squires

The Gingerbread Cowboy can run from the rancher's wife, he can dash past the javalinas and he can giddy-up right by the cattle grazing on the mesa.  But what happens when he meets a coyote sleeping in the sun? A lively Western version of the classic read-aloud tale. (Ages 4-8)

There's a Dodo on the Wedding Cake – Wade Bradford 

Bradford’s gift for imaginative story telling takes readers back to the Sharemore Hotel where a wedding party becomes the victim of Mr. Snore’s well-intentioned bumbling.

Definitely too much fun not to share.  (Ages 4-8)

Gracie Jane – Janet Squires

Gracie Jane has a heart as big as the Western sky, and she's always ready to lend a helping hand. So, she doesn't think twice about rescuing Fifi La Rue and taking the lost pup home. After all, how much trouble could one little dog be on a great big ranch? It's nonstop fun and excitement when one good deed turns this cowgirl's life upside down! (Ages 4-8)

Just Like Gulliver – Janet Squires

The adventure of a young groundhog who is frightened of his shadow until a fun-filled journey through the woods and farms surrounding his burrow allows him to discover his courage on Groundhog Day. An author's note provides factual information about Groundhogs. (Ages 4-8)

Ten Cuddly Pandas… –  Paula D. Golden

This is a delightful countdown quest built around subtraction. Ten pandas go on a playful journey through the mountains of China where curiosity lures each into an adventure until only one remains. Written in rhyme, this story introduces young readers to simple subtraction word problems with matching numerical equations. (Ages 3-5)

    I Am NOT A Scaredy-Cat – Paula D. Golden

Here is a playful look at the way in which children boldly confront common fears — darkness, creatures, or sounds — and an acknowledgement that no matter how brave we are — we each have fears to face. An Author's Note at the end provides thoughtful questions for opening conversations about fears. (Ages 4-8)

Me and Ms. Too – Laura Ruby

Young Molly can’t recall a time when family wasn’t just her and her father.  They were always together. Suddenly, that all changes when he marries Molly’s favorite librarian. A thoughtful, empathetic story that is reassuring and hopeful as it reminds us that families can come in many forms. (Ages 4-8)

They All Saw A Cat – Brendan Wenzel

“The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears and paws…” and so begins the cat’s journey through a series of encounters with a diverse collection of creatures – from bee to bat, fox to flea. In each instance, Wenzel treats readers to an imaginative impression of what those creatures might observe from their varied points of view: a bird in flight, the blurry distortion of a fish bowl. This 2017 Caldecott Medal Honor book would be a great introduction to a conversation about observation and perception.

Picture Book Friday

 

Allow me to introduce you to Bella’s Fall Coat by Lynn Plourde.

 

Bella’s Fall Coat is a charming look at one of childhood’s dilemmas -- the desire to have the joys of our youth remain unchanged. This is a perfect time for this heart-warming story that celebrates the marvels of fall and invites us to experience this special time of year through the eyes of an adorable little girl.

The language is as crisp and bright as a fall morning. The illustrations by Susan Gal are rich with autumn’s colors and fill the pages with warmth and movement.

Sure to become a read-aloud favorite.

NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY JULY 23rd

 THE NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY IS JULY 23

Celebrate with one of these fun picture books: 

Mom’s Choice Awards® honoring Excellence Gold Seal recipients 2019

THE GINGERBREAD COWBOY –

The Gingerbread Cowboy -- can run from the rancher's wife, he can dash past the javalinas and he can giddyup right by the cattle grazing on the mesa.  

But what happens when he meets a coyote sleeping in the sun?

 

GRACIE JANE has a heart as big as the Western sky, and she's always ready to lend a helping hand. So, she doesn't think twice about rescuing Fifi La Rue and taking the lost pup home After all, how much trouble could one little dog be on a great big ranch?

It's nonstop fun and excitement when one good deed turns this cowgirl's life upside down.

 

 

 

 

Payson Book Festival July 23rd

Two of my books featured at the Seventh Annual Payson Book Festival

Book lovers of all ages are invited to attend the annual Payson Book Festival for a day filled with books, authors, prizes and surprises. The festival will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino in Payson, Ariz.

Gracie Jane and Just Like Gulliver will be among the over 30 featured titles that attendees can request to review as part of a co-op book display at the Story Monsters Booth. There will be prizes and a special surprise for young readers, too.

For more information about the Payson Book Festival, visit: paysonbookfestival.org.

GRACIE JANE has a heart as big as

the Western sky, and she's always ready to lend a helping hand.

So, she doesn't think twice about rescuing Fifi La Rue and taking the lost pup home. After all, how much trouble could one little dog be on a great big ranch.

It's nonstop fun and excitement when one good deed turns this cowgirl's life upside down.

The adventure of a young groundhog

who is frightened of his shadow until a fun-filled journey through the woods and farms surrounding his burrow allows him to discover his courage on Groundhog Day.
An author's note provides factual information about Groundhogs.
Cross curriculum connections for: Folklore, Shadows, Groundhog Day, and Groundhogs.

Picture Book Friday

 

Lettuce Get In Trouble by Linda Kao with illustrations by Mariana Rio is the first in a series of children’s picture books that explore the life of Sara Little through her impact on the concept of design.

In this instance, the story focuses on her influence on the eating habits of children in New York City when the Ministry of Food asks for help in encouraging youngsters to eat more vegetables. Her imaginative solution is to bring children together to experiment and discover the miraculous wonders of vegetables when she declares, “The children will cook, and we shall allow them to play with their food!”

Some important themes weave throughout – the importance of asking “why,” problem solving through smart design, and using those designs to create beauty and fun – all of which are great for childhood growth.

The narrative is an entertaining mix of narrative and dialogue highlighted by Rio’s imaginative illustrations that combine clean lines and strong colors.

An author’s note at the conclusion of the story offers a thoughtful biography of Sara Little Turnball (1917-2015) that includes several vintage photos of this talented woman.

For Ages 4-9

Recommended for home and school libraries.

Picture Book Friday

WHITNEY WINS EVERYTHING is the second Tiny Ninja Book by Sasha Graham. 

 Whitney is a talented, determined little girl who sees every experience as a competition – eating the most mac and cheese, brushing her teeth, getting picked first at school. After all, if you can’t be the BEST, then what’s the point?

Whitney soon discovers that winning isn’t everything. First, she doesn’t get invited to a special birthday party because everyone knows she’ll win all the party games.  Then, her new soccer coach suggests they not keep score and just play for fun during practice. Ridiculous!

As with Graham’s first book, there’s a tiny ninja present to act as a subtle voice of conscience in this story about teamwork. That subtlety is a quality that is particularly appealing in Graham’s writing. The tiny ninja doesn’t lecture, but provides an opportunity for conversation that allows Whitney to discover answers for herself as she talks out her disappointment and confusion.

The lively, humorous text is a delightful read and touches on important themes of teamwork, kindness, and friendship.

Valieva’s colorful artwork is action-packed and includes a seek-and-find component challenging young readers ages 4-8 to locate the tiny ninjas hidden in the illustrations.

The press release for WHITNEY WINS EVERYTHING indicates that a portion of each book sale will be donated to Phoenix Rising FC Youth Soccer Foundation to fund soccer scholarships. 

Recommended for home and school libraries. 

And be sure to check out MILO DOES NOT LIKE MORNINGS, the first in a series that is sure to be a hit with young readers and parents. 

Picture Book Friday

 

They All Saw A Cat by Brendan Wenzel

“The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears and paws…” and so begins the cat’s journey through a series of encounters with a diverse collection of creatures – from bee to bat, fox to flea.

 In each instance, Wenzel treats readers to an imaginative impression of what those creatures might observe from their varied points of view: a bird in flight, the blurry distortion of a fish bowl.  He also explores the emotional impact of the encounters in the frenzied red and black terror of a mouse who sees only danger and the contented cat’s smile at the touch of a child’s hand.

Wenzel uses multiple artistic styles and techniques to represent a host of responses as the cat is perceived as friend, prey, predator or a simple object of curiosity.

The language is simple with only a handful of words per page. That, combined with the repetition of the opening phrase at intervals throughout, allows even young listeners to connect with the narrative.

This 2017 Caldecott Medal Honor book would be a great introduction to a conversation about observation and perception.

Recommended for home and school libraries.

Picture Book Friday

 

Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld

This seemingly simple story challenges readers to answer the question posed by the well-known visual illusion of duck vs rabbit. Which is it? 

The narrative flows through two voices that offer opposing arguments –

Is it a duck hiding in the swamp or a rabbit hiding in the grass?

A duck flying or a rabbit hopping?

A duck getting a drink or a rabbit cooling its ears?

Each voice tries to make a case for a particular point of view.

In the end the speakers begin to see the other’s position and discover there is no absolute “right” or “wrong” conclusion.

The answer, of course, depends on your perspective!

Rosenthal’s clever dialogue is right on point and pairs perfectly with Lichtenheld’s strong lines and bold colors. 

Here is a fun board book with a subtle message and a surprise twist at the end. Entertaining to read on its own. It has the added bonus of being a perfect conversation starter for a discussion about recognizing and respecting differing points of view.

Kindergarten-Grade 2 Recommended for home libraries.

 

Picture Book Friday

 Me and Ms. Too written by Laura Ruby and illustrated by Dung Ho

Young Molly can’t recall a time when family wasn’t just her and her father.  They were always together – to splash in the pool, bake treats, play at the park.

Suddenly, that all changes when he marries Molly’s favorite librarian. Ms. Blue was great at reading stories and helping find just the right book. But she doesn’t like to get wet. She’s no good at making muffins. She can’t even cut the kiwis correctly. Everything has changed!

Laura Ruby has created a thoughtful, empathetic story that is reassuring and hopeful as it reminds us that families can come in many forms. Both Molly and young readers discover that difficult as change sometimes is, it can also create wonderful opportunities.

The colorful, richly detailed illustrations pair beautifully with the text. 

For Ages 4-8.

Recommended for home and school libraries.

Picture Book Friday

 

There's a Dodo on the Wedding Cake – by Wade Bradford with illustrations by Kevin Hawkes

 Bradford’s gift for imaginative story telling takes readers back to the Sharemore Hotel where a wedding party becomes the victim of Mr. Snore’s well-intentioned bumbling.

Mr. Snore is hired to play his violin at a wedding, but arrives early – just in time to chase away the dodo he finds nibbling the wedding cake roses. Hilarious chaos ensues as Mr. Snore races from room to room with the cake as he’s pursued by a whacky collection of creatures – bats, boa constrictor, beavers – even a T Rex. In the end, as improbable as it seems, Mr. Snore appears to have saved the day…until Bradford surprises readers with an unexpected twist.

Hawkes piles on the laughs with his vivid drawings and bold colors. Clearly, this was a perfect combination of author and illustrator talents.

Definitely too much fun not to share.  An enjoyable read aloud or read alone for ages 4-8.

Picture Book Friday

 

When Nana Dances                     

The prolific Jane Yolen has teamed up with Maddison Stemple-Piatt (Jane’s first grandchild, now a successful adult) to create this delightful story illustrated by Priscilla Burris.

 Inspired perhaps by Yolen’s and Stemple-Piatt’s background in dance, the Nana in this story has a wide experience in moving to music from ballet and tap to salsa and swing. She can dance to any music and with most anything. But her best dancing happens when she shares the fun with her grandchildren.

The lively rhyming text engages readers as it celebrates the joy of dance in its many forms embodied in a diverse community of Nanas and their grandchildren. Burris’ vivid colors and bold images fill the pages with movement to mirror the buoyant language.

 A delightful read-aloud that will have children and adults smiling…and maybe even dancing, too.

Ages 4-8 Recommended for home and school libraries.

Picture Book Friday

 

The Seed of Compassion: Lessons from the Life and Teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama by His Holiness The Dalai Lama with illustrations by Bao Luu  

 

The Dali Lama tells a story of gentle honesty as he relates the path he traveled from childhood to present day learning the lessons and values of compassion. Born into a farming family in Tibet, his childhood was spent helping his mother with chores and watching her share the little that they had with others in need. Describing himself as an “often naughty boy” he remembers she was always kind and patient in response. It was in those early years that her example set in him the seed of compassion.

          He goes on to speak of how the creatures of the animal world have special abilities – strength, speed, acute senses – far beyond ours, but it is only humans who can learn to offer compassion to one another.  Compassion, he assures us, is a sign of strength. It is this compassion, he continues, that can bring joy to humanity through kindness and warm-heartedness.

          The Dalai Lama adds, nurturing this seed is not easy; it takes practice. And he offers some basic questions we can ask to aid us in helping compassion to grow in our life. It almost seems too easy. However, the Dali Lama knows the struggle because he has lived it. Like any other ability, we don’t always succeed in making the compassionate choice. But he reminds us, “tomorrow presents the opportunity for you to try again.”

          This lovely book addresses readers ages 4-8. The language is simple and straight forward with thoughtful attention to the comprehension and interests of its audience. Younger readers will enjoy hearing the story read aloud. Independent readers will find the story easily accessible and appealing.  Soft, warm colors in the illustrations by Bao Luu enhance the text with charming detail.

Recommended for home and school libraries.