Blog Archives
Wonderful Wishes
Wonderful Wishes is a sweet bedtime story for preschoolers. This magical tale is filled with all sorts of things a little kid could dream about and is told in a fun rhyming style. There are rubber cars, a big red train, waterslides, a trip to the moon and down into the ocean, a dinosaur that loves strawberry cake, a cleaning robot, and even a monkey to keep in the bath. Each page has beautiful artwork done by illustrator Rosy Sale that will transport parents and kids into the imaginative world the narrator has created for readers.
This beautifully written and illustrated picture book will captivate children as they go page by page. The rhyming phrases are fun and silly, making them a joy to read aloud. I love the last lines in the book “I think of all the things I wish / and picture them in my head. / I wonder what your dreams will / bring when it’s time for bed!” It makes me smile looking at the illustrations of all the things the little child has wished for stacked up around their bed.
This delightful story reminds readers of the innocence of childhood and the magic that comes from having an active imagination. Children come up with some fantastic imagery, and the author has captured that trait beautifully. I am reminded of my own children coming up with crazy ‘what if’ questions and turning these thoughts into elaborate stories. This playful book takes that idea and turns it into a memorable bedtime story.
Wonderful Wishes is a lighthearted bedtime story that young preschoolers and kindergarteners can enjoy. Parents will enjoy reading this whimsical bedtime tale as it is not repetitive. The combination of silly situations and incredible artwork will make reading this a joy each night.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B09T76M8MH
A Big Blue Boat
A Big Blue Boat is a whimsical picture book for preschoolers and early readers about a girl captain setting sail. It starts by describing parts of the beautiful blue boat. Next, children learn about the sails, mast, wheel, rudder, and anchor as the story flows from one page to another, adding a new line and fact with each page. Each page gives kids a new vocabulary word that is highlighted in bold letters and color.
The story is told in a repeating rhyme style that will have children singing along with the story as the adventure grows. I love this approach to children’s books as it helps them retain information by repeating things. The end of the book includes a glossary of terms the author has used in this engaging story. After the glossary is a quiz to name the different parts of the boat. The continued repetition of terms is a great educational resource.
Author Susea Spray has created a fun and educational story that will have children learning all about boats and sailing as they move through the pages. Illustrator Lesley Cybulka has captured the exhilarating experience of sailing in her art with bold colors and captivating images. From the captain to the dolphins, each image in this children’s book is clearly drawn with a love for the sea and a desire to capture the magic of dreaming.
A Big Blue Boat is an adventurous picture book for preschool, kindergarten, and early readers about a young girl sailing her boat. It portrays a strong girl as the captain, which shows that girls can captain boats and go on adventures by themselves. This is a great children’s book for teachers and parents to use to teach about sailing, the parts of a boat, and that it is okay to dream big.
Pages: 39 | ASIN : B09SB8K695
THE HEART OF A LION: AND THE BODY OF A CAT
When a young lion cub is often sick, it is hard to stay in on the days when he feels better. One day, the young cub was feeling ok and decided to run out and play. The next day he was sick. It took a long time for him to get better again, but he ran back out to play as soon as he was able to. The cub’s parents have warned him to stay inside when the weather is terrible, but he would not listen. He just knew he had to run and play as hard as he could while he felt good. The next day the cub was sick again. This time it took longer for the cub to get better. Will the little cub, learn how to play safely so he does not keep getting sick?
The Heart of a Lion: and the Body of a Cat is written by Shani Night and illustrated by Reggie Howard. Together they tell the story of a cub that is battling an illness. While the cub’s illness is never stated, the story is inspired by the author and illustrator’s own little girl that has Sickle Cell Anemia Disease. This book is written for all the children that must fight a debilitating disease each day. Knowing the background for this amazing story made it even more emotional to read.
This picture book is filled with images that range from cartoonish to fine line drawings that look like the lions could jump off the page. However, the contrast of illustrations is appealing, and children will find the bold color of the characters accompanying the story to really draw them into the narrative.
The Heart of a Lion: and the Body of a Cat is a heartwarming picture book for children in preschool through elementary school age. It is a fantastic way to open up discussions on disabilities that are not something you can see on the outside. It is an inspirational children’s book that will help kids fighting diseases like Sickle Cell Anemia to know they are not alone and are seen.
Pages: 79 | ASIN : B09R6T6K13
Billy Be Kind: Making A New Friend
Billy Be Kind: Making A New Friend is about a shy girl named Lucy-Lou that wants to make friends at the playground. Each day she plays alone or sits on the bench by herself. One day while Lucy-Lou plays alone on the swings, a mouse named Billy asks for a ride on the swing with her. Together they play, and Lucy-Lou smiles for the first time at the playground. She and Billy become friends. Billy teaches Lucy-Lou how to make new friends so she won’t be alone at the park anymore, and she too can make other shy kids smile.
Author Kim Adams and illustrator Ayesha W. have created a heartwarming picture book that teaches children how to make new friends. The story reads easily with some rhymes, and the illustrations are bright and bold. The book explains that making friends happens in four simple steps: Say hello, Smile, Share, Play nicely and take turns. The simple language is perfect for preschoolers to understand, and when accompanied by vivid illustrations, children will actively engage with this beautiful story.
One thing that stands out in this delightful children’s book is all the diversity that is pictured. For example, children from various ethnic backgrounds and different abilities are pictured playing at the park. This is a great message to show children that you can still make friends and play together no matter what you look like. The message of diversity and inclusion is presented through the pictures and is a great way to open conversations with children about accepting everyone for who they are, no matter how different from you they are.
Billy Be Kind: Making A New Friend is a captivating picture book for preschoolers and kindergarten students. Teachers and parents can use this book to teach kids about making friends and including everyone when playing. It is a wonderful book that would be a great addition to a library.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09PZH8MFJ
Wilbur’s New Home
Wilbur’s New Home: A Surprise for Wilbur, written by author Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is an engaging picture book for toddler and preschool-age children. Wilbur the tractor is getting older, and working on Farmer Jim’s land is getting to be too much for him. Jim is worried about Wilbur and wants him to go to a new home where he won’t have to work so hard and be with people who will love and appreciate him. Jim is more than Wilbur’s owner; he is Wilbur’s best friend. After meeting several people that were not a good fit, Wilbur is afraid to leave Jim. Jim, however, reassures him, washing his wheels, covering him with his favorite blanket, and telling him that he would not let him go somewhere he did not want to go.
This heartwarming story teaches children about friendship, patience, trust, and openness to change and new things in life. Wilbur is happy with Jim but trusts Jim when he says he needs to go to a home where he can still be helpful but not overworked. Change is hard, and Wilbur is anxious as new people come to meet him, especially when they are unkind. Change is hard for many people, especially children. This exceptional book shows children that it is ok to be worried, it is normal, and finding ways to deal with strong emotions is key. Wilber uses his blanket not just to stay warm but for the comfort of something familiar. Jim makes sure to reassure Wilber that the owner will know what he needs to be comfortable in his new home. He also promises to visit him and make sure things are going well. The author includes at the end a list of quiz questions to open up discussions with children on these important topics.
Illustrators Wanda L. Urabazo and Holly Humphrys-Bajaj use strong colors and bold lines to portray the excitement and emotions of the characters. Their creative portrayals will engage children as they listen to this meaningful story.
Wilbur’s New Home: A Surprise for Wilbur is a feel-good picture book for preschoolers and young children that introduces challenging topics in an age-appropriate manner. This is an excellent resource for teachers, parents, and caregivers looking for a fun and lighthearted way to introduce the concept of friendship and change.
Pages: 53 | ASIN : B09N9YZJBD
Porter’s Magic Apple Pie
Porter’s Magic Apple Pie is the story of a young boy making a magical apple pie with his Grandmother. The story starts when Porter spends the day with his Grandma at her house. They decide they want to make a dessert, so Grandma suggests an apple pie. Porter loves this idea, so they get ready to make the pie. Grandma tells Porter there is special magic involved in making the perfect pie. Together they work in the kitchen as Porter learns the magic of the apple pie is the love that goes into making it.
This heartwarming children’s book is filled with beautiful illustrations created by author Debi Moon and illustrator Gennel Marie Sollano. Together their artwork brings the words to life on the page with humor and easily relatable images. Mixed into the sweet story is a learning lesson too. Grandma explains to Porter about kitchen knives and the danger they present. She teaches him how to properly use a knife as well. They also discuss proper handwashing and explain why you wash your hands before touching food. All of this is done with age-appropriate language that young children can comprehend. There is even a moment where Porter sees his Grandma doing something unsafe and she apologizes for setting a bad example. I can envision this scene playing out in kitchens, as it happens organically.
My favorite line in this beautifully written book is, “Magic,” said Grandma, “is in the love that you added to make the pie dough. Every pie should be made with love. Making an apple pie for someone to enjoy is the best kind of magic.”
Porter’s Magic Apple Pie is an extraordinary picture book that will delight readers of all ages. This children’s book would be perfect for reading out loud to a class or as a bedtime story.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B08DTCKSZK
Izza’s Tea Party
Izza’s Tea Party: A Family Guide to Fire Safety and Burn Prevention is an informative picture book with activities to practice the lessons covered. Author Hashmat Effendi takes great care in presenting this important safety information in an approachable and conversational manner. The illustrations by Jack Delany complement the story making it relatable to younger kids.
Izza is excited to go visit her grandparents for a tea party! She wakes up and is full of energy and excitement along with her dog and pet bird. Together they head to Grandmother’s house with Izza’s mom. Izza is excited to help Grandmother make the tea, but she is told she has to stay back. Confused as to why her Grandmother explains that she needs to stay five steps back from the stove at all times. Then, the information is presented using images and words that young children can understand and relate to. The five steps back from the stove images have them numbered, but the colors go from red out to yellow, a color system most children can recognize.
The second big lesson in this important book is that hot liquids can burn skin just like fire. The author does not go into detail about what happens when you get burned; instead, she keeps the information high level so children can understand but not be terrified. The book wraps up with a reminder on stove and hot liquid safety.
Included are a ‘circle the hot liquids’ activity, a True or False quiz, a fun Burn Safety Award and some first aid tips for if you do get burned. This makes this book a fun activity book as well as an educational children’s book.
Izza’s Tea Party: A Family Guide to Fire Safety and Burn Prevention is a great picture book for teachers and families to use to introduce the concept of stove and hot liquid safety to children especially in the preschool and kindergarten age range.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B097DMNM6Q
A Cultural Journey
Know Your Hairitage: Zara’s Wash Day follows a young girl as she learns the history and significance behind the traditional hairstyles her mom puts her hair in each week. What was the inspiration for your story?
Wash days have always been a time for bonding and creating memories with my daughter Zara. When she started asking questions about her coily hair and why I style her hair in braids and twists, adorned with beads, I realized it was an opportunity to dive deeper into the historical context. I knew some of the history, but started doing more research. Reconnecting to our heritage by way of hairitage strengthened our family bond and created a renewed sense of pride that I wanted to share with the rest of the world. Writing this book during such a tough time in our nation’s history was also my way of letting Zara and other young readers know how much they truly matter. So Zara’s Wash Day, which is the first book in the Know Your Hairitage brand, was born.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Princess Karibo?
I researched the top up-and-coming Black illustrators online and Princess Karibo’s name came up in a list of ten other artists. When I saw her art, I knew immediately that I wanted to work with her. I was looking for an artist who could bring textured, afro-hair and black features to life. Her attention to detail and use of bold colors was exactly what I envisioned, so I was delighted when she agreed to work with me. Our biggest challenge was the time difference, as I lived in California at the time and she resides in Nigeria, West Africa. We signed contracts and I sent her the manuscript. We communicated strictly through email, and WhatsApp and managed to finalized images over a four-month time frame.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
This book is meant to take people on a cultural journey that links traditional afro-centric styles and textured hair to our African ancestry. I approached this book with intention. I worked with an incredible book designer, Anthony Foronda, to create a celebratory cultural theme from cover to cover. The print on the front and back cover is recreated artwork from two gele fabrics my aunt gifted me from Ghana and Nigeria. A gele is a head tie or head scarf that is commonly worn in many parts of West and Southern Africa. The artwork that closes out each verse is actually the recreated tribal shield of the ethnic groups that are being celebrated. I even wrote the book in rhythmic prose as a nod to the djembe drum, which is a goblet-shaped drum that is traditionally carved from African wood. I wanted young readers to embrace the musicality and rhythm of the story. The glossary at the end of the book was also my way of empowering adults to dive deeper into the history that is not often included in school history books.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I plan to follow up Zara’s Wash Day with an accompanying coloring/activity book which will include the line art from Princess Karibo. I even use the glossary to create fun crossword puzzle activities and word-finds so the educational purpose of the book is consistent. The coloring activity book will be available at the end of January 2022. The second book in the Know Your Hairitage series is expected to be released closer to May 2022. The Know Your Hairitage brand is committed to diversity and inclusion, so I plan to collaborate with other illustrators and author/educators to celebrate the hairitage of other races as well. Stay tuned.
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