Winter is Wonderful ❄️ by Emma Dodd

Winter Is Wonderful (Emma Dodd's Love You Books) 

ISBN: 9781536243956
Hardcover $17.99
Templar Books

My thoughts:  Bold, stark drawings of winter wilderness captures a mother Red Fox and her two kits in a variety of scenarios. Each is a glimpse into tender care on behalf of the mother and snuggling sweet cuteness of the kits.

Deep shades of blue and red against the stark white of snow with flakes falling capture the essence of cold and serene winter beauty. The sparse sprinkle of silver metalic sheen is an especially nice touch and lends an icey glitter to multiple pages.

Forest School: Moonlit Campout & Big Fort ... books for little ones to learn & enjoy

Forest School: The Big Fort by Ruth Symons

ISBN: 97/1536238709
Templar Books/Candlewick Press
Hardcover $14.99 US

My thoughts:  I'm not a fan of digitally created art, but the Forest School illustrations are cute and definitely get the story or text's point across. I think children will enjoy them.

In The Big Fort forest creatures are gathered for an educational session taught by Owl on construction of a fort. This qualifies as a beginner's survival instruction that a parent might give to his children.

Kids love to build forts. Forts in the living room made out of blankets. Forts in the backyard for camping out or establishing their territory (all fun 'n games stuff). Owl's instructions are good and to the point. This is a fun book that has the overtone of educating children on safe camping or beginning survival in the woods.

About the book: Deep in the woods, the friends are gathering. It's time for Owl’s Forest School!

Join Mouse, Squirrel, Fox, and Rabbit for a forest school adventure. Today, the group is learning how to build a fort! Out in the woods, they can learn about wildlife, try something new, and get creative with a few problem-solving challenges. This book will have little ones itching to get outdoors and have adventures of their own. Embracing the Forest School focus on play and exploration—and written in consultation with a Forest School expert—this series will appeal to readers whether or not they’ve been to Forest School before.

Forest School: The Moonlit Campout by Ruth Symons

ISBN: 9781536241235
Templar Books/Candlewick Press
Hardcover $14.99 US

My thoughts:  This Forest School book, The Moonlit Campout is really good; and while it typifies a "school" outing, I can see a family interpretation with Dad at the reins taking the kids overnight camping in the forest or simply a great backyard campout.

The book teaches with an entertaining story how to build a fire, heat up cocoa and treats over the fire, and see the stars. Lots of information and lots of fun.

About the book: Deep in the woods, the friends are gathering. It's time for Forest School.

Join Mouse, Squirrel, Fox, and Rabbit for a little Forest School adventure. Out in the woods, they can learn about wildlife, try something new, get creative, and—of course—make friends! Today they are learning all about camping. Embracing the Forest School focus on play and exploration, and written with an expert consultant, this series will have little ones itching to get outdoors and have adventures of their own.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Entertaining & educational picture books on families, bravery, & sharing [Review & Giveaway]

Candlewick’s January and February 2024 releases are the perfect additions to any child's collection . These lyrical and beautifully illustrated picture books are educational and entertaining. 

My Mother's Tongues: A Weaving of Languages by Uma Menon & illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell

My thoughts:  Growing up as a child in the southern part of the USA, I spoke, read, knew only one language - American English. In my adult life I have engaged with many people from various countries across the world. The world has become small with travel, communication, and technology so abundant and vast. I truly envy those who know more than one language and especially those who are fluent in them.

In My Mother's Tongues this sweet little girl recounts how her mother, born in Kerala but living in America, fluently speaks both languages. The girl also recounts how she is learning both languages even though she is American born. They travel. They engage many extended family members who are fluent in numerous languages. The girls hopes to one day be fluent in many languages.

This is truly a book to share with children. This is truly a goal to desire - that of learning to speak and understand many more languages than the one which is your "first tongue."

I highly recommend.

About the book: In a sparkling debut authored by a sixteen-year-old daughter of immigrants, this ode to the power of multilingualism gives voice to the lasting benefits of speaking with more than one tongue.

Sumi’s mother can speak two languages, Malayalam and English. And she can switch between them at the speed of sound: one language when talking to Sumi’s grandmother, another when she addresses the cashier. Sometimes with Sumi she speaks a combination of both. Could it be she possesses a superpower? With awe and curiosity, young Sumi recounts the story of her mother’s migration from India and how she came to acquire two tongues, now woven together like fine cloth. Rahele Jomepour Bell’s inviting illustrations make playful use of visual metaphors, while Uma Menon’s lyrical text, told astutely from a child’s perspective, touches lightly on such subjects as linguistic diversity and accent discrimination (“no matter how they speak, every person’s voice is unique and important”). This welcome debut, penned when the author was still a teenager, is an unabashed celebration of the gift of multilingualism—a gift that can transport people across borders and around the world.

How to Be Brave by Karl Newson & illustrated by Clara Anganuzzi

My thoughts: The adorable illustrations show a lone boy engaging with a variety of animals - mostly wild, jungle animals or creatures from the seas. The text flows beautifully and gentle encouraging "you" to try anything. Be brave. Get up when you fall. Make friends.

There's a sun in the sky and a world at your feet; just waiting to be explored...

The illustrations are soft watercolors and beautifully done. Lots of opportunity to engage a young child with seek and find, discussions about what's happening, etc.

I highly recommend.

About the book: Join a child and their animal friends as they learn the importance of trying new things in this heartfelt story from the creators of How to Help a Friend.

Wherever your adventures take you, lead with your heart and your smile!

This uplifting picture book empowers children to explore a world of possibilities. Join a child and their animal friends as they tackle new experiences and discover that it’s OK to try things without knowing how they will turn out. And even though it can be a little scary, trying something new can also be rewarding when it means making memories, and even new friends. The important thing to remember is to always try your best and be yourself.

One Sweet Song by Jyoti Rajan Gopal & illustrated by Sonia Sanchez

My thoughts: Such a sweet story that beautifully captures the community sense of togetherness during the Covid pandemic when "shelter in place" required people to stay at home. Isolated, they opened their windows and sang together or played their instruments together.

In One Sweet Song a little girl sits at her opened window and hears the trill of one-sweet-note. She picks up her musical triangle and joins in the song. Soon another, a violin, joins and there are 3 sweet notes. On the count goes as does the song.

Sweet lyrical rhymes tell the story as the sound builds in the readers mind.

I highly recommend. This is a good opportunity to recall to young children the days of the pandemic and the isolation felt by all. Also, how people still connected via balcony and window musical expression.

About the book: In an ode to the power of music and community, this vibrantly illustrated picture book steps out on the balcony for a shared moment of spontaneous joy and celebration.

In a quiet neighborhood, a single note trills through the air. Another note joins, and then another. One by one, curious people are drawn to their windows, doorways, and balconies to support the medley. Professional musicians play instruments from around the world, while others bang pots and pans. All are welcome as the notes swirl and dip and crescendo, coming together to make one sweet song. And when the music fades and this diverse neighborhood is once again silent, the reverberations of unity remain. Written by a kindergarten teacher and inspired by the balcony singing in Italy during the pandemic—with a countdown from one to ten and back gently woven in—this rhythmic synergy of text and art is a buoyant, global-minded celebration of how music connects us, even in the darkest of times.

GIVEAWAY

Winner may choose 1 book from reviewed.

Begins February 21

Ends March 17 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Giveaway prize is provided by publicist or publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Secret word: Music

✶✦ Orion and the Dark ✦✶by Emma Yarlett [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]

✶✦ Orion and the Dark ✦✶ By Emma Yarlett | Ages 3 to 7 Orion is scared of a lot of things, but most of all he’s scared of the dark. So one night the Dark decides to take Orion on an adventure. Emma Yarlett’s second picture book combines her incredible storytelling and artwork with die-cut pages that bring the Dark to life. My thoughts: I have mixed feelings about giving children books about fears that they are not experiencing. It could perhaps trigger an imagination that gives birth to the fear.... of the dark, of monsters, of whatever. However, much good can also come from light hearted stories that confront the fear. I believe that Orion and the Dark can be a helpful book. That being said, let's look at this delightfully engaging book.

Christmas books for kiddies: "Christmas Street," "Christmas Is Joy," & "Sing Along With Me! Jingle Bells" [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]

Christmas Street by Jonathan Emmett & illustrated by Ingela P Arrhenius (Ages 2-5, ISBN: 9781536227529, $17.99 US/$21.99 CAN)

My thoughts:  This is an absolutely charming, fun alphabet book focusing on Christmas. It is a fold-out book and as it expands it creates a street scene. On each page there are 2 lift-the-flaps that reveal a line of the lilting poem. Nice rhyming and cadence.

The illustrations are absolutely delightful. Cute. Lively. Lots of treasures to  find in the pictures.

The reverse of the fold-out-street scene is a lively snow scene where the children can formulate their own story telling.

A delightful book that has a ribbon closure tie to hold it all together.

I highly recommend.

About the book: This spectacular lift-the-flap Christmas alphabet story is a book, a fold-out play-scene, and a beautiful festive frieze to decorate your room—the perfect Christmas gift!

Everyone is busy on Christmas Street! Who is baking gingerbread? Who is wrapping presents? And who's that coming down the chimney? Find out in this follow-up to Alphabet Street. And after you read the rhyming story, lift the flaps to learn the letters of the alphabet and seasonal words. Then flip the book and have fun with the giant snowy concertina play-scene on the reverse! With two large, sturdy flaps on every spread; bright, cheerful artwork from Ingela P. Arrhenius, illustrator of the best-selling series of lift-the-felt-flap board books and the Peekaboo board book series; and a clever rhyming text from Jonathan Emmett, this is a charming Christmas alphabet book that little ones will return to again and again.

Christmas Is Joy by Emma Dodd (Ages 2-5, ISBN: 9781536215458, $14.99 US/$19.99 CAN)

My thoughts:  Illustrated with snowy scenes of reindeer in various groups with falling snow, evergreens, stars, sun, and a novel sprinkling of silver highlights on the scenes, it is a joy to read.

A simple poem of sweet emotions that often accompany one's Christmas experience, the words flow easily and speak to the heart.

Simple. Lovely. But not outstanding.  

Care should be taken when reading in groups of children as all children do not experience these lovely emotions nor have delightful experiences at Christmas. 

A lovely book for those whose families have lovely Christmas times.

About the book: An enchanting celebration of the true meaning of Christmas, featuring two adorable reindeer

Christmas is love that lasts all year.

It's all of us, together, here.

Christmas is peace, stars twinkling above,

a night of sweet dreams and a heart full of love.

Emma Dodd's joyful celebration of this wonderful time of year, as seen through the eyes of two reindeer, is a pure delight.

Sing Along With Me! Jingle Bells (Ages 0-2, ISBN:9781536227451, $8.99 US/ $11.99 CAN) 

My thoughts:  This is such a cute board book. The words of the song "Jingle Bells" is the text for the cute scenes of wintry time and Santa (bear) and his sleigh. Only this time the sleigh is pulled by a horse and not reindeer.

There are action pull-outs, turns, and fun pieces on each two-page spread providing interaction and fun for the wee ones.

There is a QRcode you can scan to listen to the sing & sing along. Here it is, too, on YouTube.

About the book: An elegant cut-paper edition of the classic Christmas song transforms with each turn of the page and offers a spectacular pop-up finale.

Written by American songwriter James Lord Pierpont for Sunday-school children to perform at an 1857 Thanksgiving concert, “Jingle Bells” is now an irreplaceable part of Christmas traditions around the world. Niroot Puttapipat’s exquisite cut-paper edition, with their silhouetted illustrations at once bold and delicate, follows a sleigh ride across a snowy landscape. Featuring scenes that change on every spread and a stunning 3-D pop-up at the end, this holiday keepsake captures the thrill of a winter adventure and the magic of the season.

🎄🎄GIVEAWAY🎄🎄

Begins October 19

Ends November 14 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA & CANADA addresses

NO P.O.Boxes, Canadian phone required

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCOSURE: I received complimentary books to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Prizes are provided and shipped directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. 

Adorable children's books for winter snuggle reading time [Review & Giveaway - USA/CANADA]

Wild by Sam Usher

My thoughts:  You know how you feel when you consciously think, "Now this is 'done right'!"? That's how I feel and think when I read books "done right" by Sam Usher. They are sweet. They are insightful. They are adorably illustrated. They quietly infuse relationships and personalities in a skillful and nudging manner. In short, "These are 'done right'!

So I'm happy to recommend the second in a quartet of the natural world wonders. This time Wild lets us get a glimpse into the quirky nature of cats. 

Not only do we see how the little boy tries to engage the cat in various manners, we get to see how he and his grandfather interact so flawlessly. A terrific look at a successful multi-generational relationship.

The illustrations are in true "Sam Usher" style using pen and ink and watercolor to flesh out this sweetly told story. Just a few words are needed, but that's fine because it is a picturebook. It is delightful for reading to young children, and perfect for those early readers who need just a few words at a time and lots of pictures. In short, it's a good book and one I can highly recommend.

About the book: The second title in a quartet of imaginative picture books in which a boy and his beloved granddad discover the wonder of the natural world

A boy and his granddad are taking care of someone’s cat for the day. The boy does lots of reading up about what cats like, but this cat doesn’t seem to like anything! And then it runs off into the wild, leading them to a jungle adventure of their own.

Dogs Love Cars by Leda Schubert & illustrated by Paul Meisel

My thoughts:  This delightful book completely captures the essence of joyful, exuberant dogs. As I read the book I could vividly visualize the bouncing, crouching, wiggling, jumping, leaping, tail wagging bundles of energy that is "dog." It doesn't seem to matter what type or breed, dogs just express themselves vibrantly.

The author captures the range of things that dogs love; and yes, we'll all agree. The illustrator enriches the pages with joyful critters that loveable, excitable, caress-able dogs are.

I highly recommend this book especially for the home where dogs abide. 

About the book: For dog people of all ages, a jubilant ode to our canines and the many things they love with wild abandon—especially you-know-who.

From the yard to the park, from school to the market, from one end of the day to the next, dogs are full of joy. Ears flapping out the car window! Tug-of-war rope toy! Sprawling out on the couch! Getting those “good dog” treats! Wherever they go, whatever they see, dogs love it all. But what do they love most? Guess! This delightfully chaotic book from Leda Schubert and Paul Meisel portrays dogs of all shapes and colors in a laugh-out-loud celebration of our very best friends.

Castle Gesundheit by Mark Fearing 

My thoughts:  We've all known someone who sneezes and coughs a lot, but this story takes the case of sneezing to the next level. The poor village (this is during Medieval times) next to Castle Gesundheit can't sleep because the Baron has such a robust sneeze that it keeps the villagers awake.

Then little Fiona decides she's going to do something about it. So into the castle she marches and finds the place over run with cats. After she chats a bit with the Baron, she declares his problem is an allergy to cats. Then she solves the problem.

A real cute book that addresses the need to avoid being around the source of one's allergy. A story about a little girl with a big idea and how she bravely goes about doing something big. A story about how one person's issue can be bothersome to those around him or her.

So other than a real cute book, there are some deeper plusses here - whether intentional by the author or not. 

About the book: The Baron Von Sneeze's coughing and sniffling is keeping the village of Handkerchief awake! Will Fiona be able to help him . . . and his many cats?

The poor villagers of Handkerchief! For as long as they can remember, the Baron Von Sneeze, who lives in Castle Gesundheit, has been sniffling, wheezing, and coughing day and night, and no one can get any rest. Hoping for some sleep, a girl named Fiona finally drums up the courage to visit the castle and find out what’s ailing its noble resident. When she arrives, she discovers that the Baron Von Sneeze is the only human around, and that he’s convinced his itchy eyes and runny nose are incurable. But as Fiona walks through the many rooms amid the baron’s hundreds of cats, she has a suspicion just what (or who) might have him feeling so unwell, and she has the perfect solution! Mark Fearing’s satisfying tale about lending a helping hand will have little listeners joining in a chorus of “ahhhh-chooo!”

The Barn by Leah H. Rogers & illustrated by Barry Root

My thoughts:  I am so in love with this sweet book. Told in the first person, The Barn tells his story of beginning 100 years ago with many hands building him. How he cares for the cows, horses, chickens, and other animals. How he shelters them, and provides a safe, comfortable place for them.

How the animals are secure inside the barn and how this goes on day in and day out. Shelter. Care. Home. Security. Protection.

The repetitive type storytelling will engage and charm young listeners and young readers alike. Parents and grandparents will enjoy reading this book to boys and girls helping them discover a bit of agricultural life.

About the book: A sweet, spare debut offers a barn’s-eye view of life on a farm, illustrated with grace and gentleness by picture-book veteran Barry Root.

I am a barn. All are safe within my walls.

One hundred years ago, many hands raised a red-cedar barn. Now the barn stands tall, smelling of freshly cut hay and dusty horses. As the animals wake and wander through its weathered doors, the barn watches the day unfold. Chickens peck, cows shoo flies with swishing tails, swallows fly in and out, and a cat crouches in the grass to hunt for dinner. When peepers start their evening song and the animals settle in their bedding again—the horses in their stalls, the cows in their pen, the swallows in their nests—the barn settles, too, until morning, when it gets to live the day all over again. Written by a debut author and narrated by the barnyard’s serene sentinel, this lyrical and beautifully illustrated introduction to farm life is also a gentle way to wind down to bedtime.

GIVEAWAY

2 Winners: 4 Books Each

January 6 to February 3 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA & CANADA addresses

NO P.O. Boxes

Canadian winners must provide a phone number

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate reviews. Opinions expressed are mine, alone and are freely given. Winners' prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. 

Winter reading..... "The Wind In the Willows" & "Winter Lullaby" [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]

ISBN: 9781536219999
US $19.99 | CAN $25.99
Grades 2-5

Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame illustrated by Grahame Baker-Smith

My thoughts:  This copy of The Wind In the Willows is an absolutely charming rendition of the classic book that has charmed multitudes of children. The binding is very sturdy, trade edition, that will last through beloved handling by more than one generation of delighted readers.

First printed in 1908, this children's novel has spanned over 100 years of being a favorite. This edition's illustrations by Grahame Baker-Smith capture the essence of the original critters but have a more modern artistic rendering that will appeal to children today. Had this copy been printed in 1908 with Mr. Baker-Smith's illustrations, it would have truly delighted your great-grandparents who might have held it and read it.

As Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger go on picnics, boat rides, visits to Toad Hall, etc. they have a way of straightening each other out,  helping with each other's character flaws, and simply coping with life. For as Toad said, My friends, you shall never have occasion to blush for me again. But, O dear, this is a hard world!"

While I have never read this book in its entirety, it is a classic. The text is longish but makes for a good read-aloud and discussion. I think it ranks along with fairy tales, animal/critter stories, and fantasy. This would make a beautiful, and welcome, Christmas or birthday gift to a child (and his parents). Buy it: Chapters.Indigo.com Amazon Barnes&Noble 

About the book: One of the most beloved classics of all time is updated for a new generation with beautiful illustrations by Grahame Baker-Smith.

There is nothing--absolutely nothing--half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.

From picnics by the river bank to the battle for Toad Hall, the adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger, and the mischievous Mr. Toad have delighted generations of readers. Rediscover Kenneth Grahame's timeless classic in this complete and unabridged edition, illustrated by Kate Greenaway Medal winner Grahame Baker-Smith.

ISBN: 9781536209198
$17.99 | Ages 4-8

Winter Lullaby by Dianne White

My thoughts:   A very sweet book about mama bear and her questioning baby cub bear. The illustrations are beautifully drawn using the colors of fall and winter that tend to help the mind sense the urgency of mama bear's getting little bear to their hibernation den.

Baby bear questions "why" as so many toddlers tend to do. Why do I have to sleep when rabbit or mouse, etc. don't? 

Still meandering along the way, without hesitation mama answers baby but doesn't neglect to continue to pursue putting the toddler to bed. It is a rather lengthy traipse through the woods but they do arrive at their destination and baby is tucked away snuggled beside mama for the long winter sleep.

A sweet book to treasure.

About the book: #1 New Release in Children's Bear Books - Rendered with reassuring words and pastoral scenes, this soothing lullaby of a story is sure to settle even the most restless of cubs.

Mouse is rushing to her nest.
In soft, dry grasses she will rest.

Geese are calling, a chilly wind is blowing, and the sky is turning gray. Winter is on its way. For Mama Bear and Small Bear, that means it’s time to tuck into their den for a long sleep. But Mouse is scurrying by, and Chipmunk is still gathering nuts beside the lake. And look at Hare and Skunk, still romping through the leaves! Why can’t Small Bear stay up, too? To each question, Mama Bear responds with the coziest of answers, finally painting a dreamy picture of the brightening colors and new adventures that will greet Small Bear in the spring. But first comes sleep, in this irresistible invitation to drowsy little cubs everywhere.

GIVEAWAY

Both books to 2 winners!

Begins December 10

Ends January 15 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA & CANADA addresses only.

NO P.O. Boxes

Canadian winners must provide phone number.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I was provided complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prizes are provided and shipped directly to the winners by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

The Robin and the Fir Tree by Hans Christian Andersen & illustrated by Jason Jameson [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]

 My thoughts: A beautiful book. A Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale (or folktale). A treasure to keep and a wonderful addition to stories that the young should be exposed to.

A beautifully written story of a discontented tree and a Robin who pretties up his home (the tree). The cycle of life is also represented in the story.

The illustrations, alone, are a treasure. And this re-telling of an old Hans Christen Andersen story is exquisite. 

Truly a book to add to your collection.

Read a little and view some beautiful illustrations - click here

About the book: An exquisitely illustrated retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen story "The Fir Tree"

In a forest far away from the hustle and bustle of town grows the Fir Tree. The meadow he lives in is beautiful and serene, but the Fir Tree yearns for the excitement of the outside world. His friend the Robin brings him gifts and tells him stories of the places she's been, the people she's flown over, and the many things men construct out of wood. The Fir Tree dreams of adventure and wishes to be something more. He imagines a new life as a ship's mast, traveling the world by sea. When men come to the meadow with axes one day and cut him down, the Fir Tree is eager to be chosen for a new purpose. But the Robin worries. What will become of her strong, beautiful friend? In a lyrical story of friendship and rebirth, Jason Jameson brings a Christmas classic to beautiful new life.

GIVEAWAY

Begins November 6

Ends November 29 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open USA/CANADA addresses.

No P.O. Boxes. Phone required for Canadian winners.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winners' prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Three varied books for the picture book set - A rock falls from the sky, some Midsummer Night's Dreaming, and a bird Free [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]

The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen (Candlewick Press Hardcover ISBN: 9781536215625, Ages 4-8)

My thoughts:  Children and parents alike will enjoy this lengthy (90+ pages) of the author's droll, somewhat dark humor as they contemplate the conversation between turtle, armadillo, and snake. Friends who converse on which spot is best to sit and ponder life. Barely escaping disaster from the rock that falls from the sky, they seem to be completely unaware of circumstances and focused on which spot they are to sit.

This is a "chapter" book that will delight early readers. Again, a sense of unaware foreboding exists and droll subtle happenings. And, yes, the "eyes" have it! 

Set of 5 Picture books from Candlewick Press & imprints Nosy Crow & Templar Books - FLASH GIVEAWAY - 2 winners each 5 books - USA & CANADA

FLASH GIVEAWAY OF A SET OF PICTURE BOOKS FROM CANDLEWICK 
BEGINS Dec. 15 & ENDS Dec. 21.

All of the books are fun to read aloud. Under the Milky Way and Under the Southern Cross are cute informational books.

The Tooth Fairy in Training is a cute imaginary tale about a tooth fairy.

My two favorites of the set of five books are "By the Light of the Moon" are beautifully written rhyming fun story of critters at the pond. And the "Knight Who Said "No!"' is a cute story.

Under the Milky Way https://www.candlewick.com/under-milky-way author/illustrator: Frané Lessac

Beneath a blanket of stars, crowds cheer at Little League games, campers share fireside stories, bull-riders hold on tight, and sled dogs race through falling snow — all under the Milky Way. Vivid artwork, engaging verses, and facts about the United States and Canada will captivate readers of all ages in a joyful offering from Frané Lessac. This celebratory picture book from Frané Lessac shines a light on beloved nighttime traditions under the starry skies of North America.

Under the Southern Cross https://www.candlewick.com/under-southern-cross  author/illustrator: Frané Lessac

After nightfall in Australia, families watch movies as bats flit overhead, mysterious orbs of light bounce across the outback, a staircase to the moon appears reflected at the ocean’s edge, and a Ferris wheel offers a citywide view — all under the Southern Cross. Bright and colorful artwork, fascinating natural phenomena, and shared experiences connect people across the country in Frané Lessac’s fascinating tour of Australia at night. This celebratory picture book from Frané Lessac shines a light on beloved nighttime activities under the starry skies of Australia.

Tooth Fairy in Training https://www.candlewick.com/tooth-fairy=training  author: Michelle Robinson, illustrator: Briony May Smith

Tate’s tooth-fairy training starts today, and her big sister, May, is taking her out on her very first tooth-collecting mission. After practicing at home, Tate is ready to test her skills, and May leads her to their first stop: a herd of hippos in a lake! After all, human children aren’t the only young creatures that lose their teeth. In fact, being a tooth fairy is a dangerous job, and Tate must visit all kinds of toothy predators before the night is up. Will she be able to collect the teeth from narwhals, anacondas, and more — all without waking a single creature? Author Michelle Robinson and illustrator Briony May Smith introduce two brave fairy sisters with a whimsical, rhyming read-aloud. When it’s time for Tate to start her tooth-fairy training, she learns that there’s much more to the job than just leaving coins for sleeping children.

By the Light of the Moon https://www.candlewick.com/Light-of-Moon   author/illustrator: Frann Preston-Gannon

A little frog is singing to himself in the swamp one night. His song doesn’t seem complete, so he invites other animals to join in. Nothing sounds right until they are joined by the littlest voice in the swamp — that of a tiny firefly. This wonderfully illustrated picture book carries the important message that small voices need to be heard, too. A lyrical picture book from renowned U.K. artist Frann Preston-Gannon

The Knight Who Said “No!” https://www.candlewick.com/knight-who-said-no  author: Lucy Rowland, illustrator: Kate Hindley

Ned the knight always does exactly what he’s told. When his parents ask him to pick up his toys, dig up the cabbages, or go to bed on time, he does it all with a smile. And when the dragon swoops into town every night, Ned always runs inside just as he’s asked. But one morning Ned says "NO!" He will not help his dad find his shield, his arrow, or his bow, and that night, he refuses to go inside. After a surprising encounter with the dragon, will he change his tune?

GIVEAWAY

Begins Dec. 15

Ends December 21 at 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA & CANADA addresses 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies of the books. Opinions are mine, alone and freely given. Giveaway prizes are provided and shipped directly to winners by Candlewick Press publicist.

Paper World: Planet Earth by Bomboland from Canlewick Press imprint Big Picture Press [Giveaway USA/CANADA]

ISBN13: 9781536208542
Hardcover $24.99

My thoughts:  Every now and then you find yourself holding a book that captures your interest in every imaginable facet. It is well crafted, sturdy, beautifully illustrated and colored, represents the text of the book in a unique and really attention-getting manner. Then you say to yourself, "Wow! This is So Nice!"

That's how I feel about Paper World: Planet Earth. What the publisher and illustrator have done with paper-craft is uniquely educational. You feel the Earth's terrain or levels of the sea. You see and feel the depth of each layer of the Earth and what each layer is made of.

You learn. Oh yes! You learn in bite-sized pieces tucked away under flaps you lift that are clouds, Earth shelves, or Magma Chambers venting through a volcano. Each lift of a flap is educational and fun.

But what is so impressive as well is the way you can drag your finger tips across the pages and feel the art. Paper World has truly crafted a fun and educational piece that won't soon be forgotten.

I highly recommend.

About the book: This guide to our planet shows paper being engineered like never before.

Paper World: Planet Earth uses ingenious paper cutouts to reveal the amazing details of our planet, from bubbling volcanoes to rushing rivers to the boiling hot interior of the Earth. With detailed art by studio Bomboland, a fact-filled text, and flaps and die-cuts on every spread, this one-of-a-kind novelty book will appeal to readers of all ages.

GIVEAWAY

2 Winners - Each a Copy

Begins November 9

Ends November 30 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA & CANADA

NO P.O. Boxes (Phone # Required for Canada Winners)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winners' copy is provided and shipped directly to the winner by the publisher or publicist.

A beach book.... "Sea Glass Summer" and a bear writing his own story..... "Bear's Book" [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]

Bear’s Book by Claire Freedman and illustrated by Alison Friend - Templar Books, Hardcover ISBN: 9781536205718, Ages 3-7

My thoughts:  A lovely, gentle story of a kindly bear whose favorite book has come apart and he decides to write a new book. His own book. So he begins to meander through the beautiful forest in search of ideas for his story.

He encounters his forest friends, one by one. Each time there is some incident or action that takes place. Toward the end of the book, bear actually sits down to put together his ideas for his story.

The result is charming and is built around his own experiences and knowledge.

Beautifully soft illustrations that are just right for those youngsters to whom you would be reading it. And a grand encouragement for those budding authors who want to write their own story and publish their own book.

I recommend.

About the book: When Bear’s favorite book of stories falls apart, he is determined to write one of his own. He ventures into the forest for inspiration, but writing is harder than he thinks, and he soon discovers that he needs help from his friends. See how Bear transforms their day into a wonderful adventure in this story about creativity and friendship.

Sea Glass Summer by Michelle Houts & illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline - Candlewick Press, Hardcover ISBN: 9780763684433, Ages 4-8

My thoughts:  Beautiful! The illustrations take me back to beloved children's books in the 30s, 40s, and 50s or are reminiscent of a type of Norman Rockwell art. Gentle. Moving. Beautiful. Realistic.

The story is sweet and is one of an easy going summer along the shore where the young boy spends his summer with his grandmother at her cottage by the sea.

As a boy does, he explores and he investigates, and he collects the stuff he finds. The boy finds glass. Beautiful pieces of broken glass that have been polished and imbued with a loveliness that the sea in its churning and tossing has imparted to the piece of glass.

But good things come to an end just as each summer does and the boy leaves. The boy grows up. And then.... well, the inference in the close of the story is lovely.

I recommend.

About the book: One summer, a boy named Thomas visits his grandmother at her seaside cottage. She gives him a magnifying glass that once belonged to his grandfather, and with it Thomas explores the beach, turning grains of sand into rocks and dark clamshells into swirling mazes of black, gray, and white. When his grandmother shows him a piece of sea glass, Thomas is transfixed. That night he dreams of an old shipyard and the breaking of a bottle. Could the very piece of sea glass on his nightstand have come from that bottle? For the rest of the summer, he searches for more sea glass and hopes to have dreams that will reveal more of the sea’s secrets. A stunning ode to stories and the seaside, this picture book invites readers to imagine the ocean of possibility that lives in every small or forgotten treasure.

GIVEAWAY

1 Copy of Each Book to 2 Winners

Begins July 26

Ends August 25 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA & CANADA addresses

NO P.O. Boxes 

(Canadian winners must provided a phone #)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received copies of each book to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and are freely given. Winner's copies are provided and shipped directly to the winner by the publicist or publisher.