More, more, more: Heckadeck, Travis Nichols

How about instead of 52 cards, you have 160 to play with? Imagine being able to play Go Fish with your totz and then maybe Hearts with your older children, with the same deck of cards. Heckadeck offers you 8 suits of 16 cards. You can also anticipate new ranks, visual shapes, and more. What might your family create with Clouds, Zeroes, Beasts, and Travelers? 

An accompanying game booklet offers up the rules for old games and new. There's even a section for reading cards, if you're interested. The power is yours as you and your loved ones sit down for some fun card playing.  

Creator, illustrator Travis Nichols' imagery is both adorable and intriguing. The palette is softly muted. The box says for ages 6 and up, but I see you might use the Heckadeck with younger children in many ways. They might match cards, learn colors and numbers, spot imagery, and play memory games. 

With an opportunity to invent your own games, and the extra cards for further creativity, this deck is fun for all. Shuffle away! 

Heckadeck

by Travis Nichols

Chronicle Books, 2022

Ganesha's Sweet Tooth: Sanjay Patel and Emily Haynes

With two authors, Sanjay Patel and Emily Haynes, creating text, and Sanjay illustrating, the Hindu legend of Ganesha and his sweet tooth comes to the board book format with energy and beauty. Already, an Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor book, an IRA Notable in picture book format from 2012, the tale is brought to size for first readers. 

When the Hindu god breaks his tusk on a laddoo, it is only Vyasa the poet who can offer a transforming solution. Ganesha can write with his tusk and record the Mahabharata with understanding. Forgetting sweets, and appearances, Ganesha writes the entire epic poem. 

The graphic illustrations pop with color and pattern. This work is a beauty. We hope you enjoy sharing the modified legend and illustrating to your readertotz how creativity can at times reframe our perceived realities.

Ganesha's Sweet Tooth

by Sanjay Patel and Emily Haynes

illustrated by Sanjay Patel

Chronicle Books, 2021

Mamasaurus and Papasaurus: Stephan Lomp

 

How about a new take on P. D. Eastman's Are You My Mother? but with dinosaurs? Mamasaurus and Papasaurus are both sought after by Babysaurus in this duo of board books from Stephan Lomp. 

Wee ones will enjoy seeing all the baby dinosaurs as Babysaurus is on the hunt. Descriptions and contrasts are plentiful in a game of hide-and-seek with the father and before Mamasaurus finds her lost one. Our beloveds don't possess all the characteristics, physical features, and abilities of others, but they are wonderful, none the less.

Author/illustrator Stephan Lomp's colorful dinosaurs pop against black backgrounds. Papasaurus' environment is purple while Mama's is green. 

Enjoy these first introductions to dinosaurs and the celebration of community and being together.

Mamasaurus

Papasaurus

by Stephan Long

Chronicle Books, 2021

Poetry Friday: Hello Hello, Brendan Wenzel

Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel is a celebration of meeting others and enjoying differences. 

Hello Hello

Black and White

Hello Color

Hello Bright.

Hello Stripes

Hello Spots

Hello Giant

Hello Not. 

Brendan Wenzel's expressive illustrations pop against the consistent white background. Here is a lovely portion of our world in a beautiful board book. 

There is so much to see and treasure of our beloved earth. Let's dance to the poetry all around us! 

Hello Hello

by Brendan Wenzel

Chronicle Books, 2020

Tiny T. Rex and the Perfect Valentine: by Jonathan Stutzman

As you go to create the perfect Valentine's card, remember Tiny T. Rex and the Perfect Valentine. Sometimes our best efforts don't go as planned. But the effort itself is a gift to our beloved. 

"I am sorry, Pointy. I have nothing

to give you for Valentine's Day.

It's okay, Tiny!

I have the perfect

Valentine already.

You."

Hugs and kisses to every little T. Rex crafting and creating for their Valentine. 

Tiny T. Rex and the Perfect Valentine

by Jonathan Stutzman

illustrated by Jay Fleck

Chronicle Books, 2020

Love Can Come in Many Ways: Terry Pierce

 

How do we show love? In many ways. Terry Pierce has created A Heartfelt Book featuring flaps of felt in displays of affection. 

Nose to nose or gaze to gaze,

Love can come in many ways. 

Inside a family, safe and snug.

Within a trunk's twisty hug. 

Suzy Ultman's palette is gentle, and the line is delicate, while patterns depict creatures loving one another. On this Valentine's Day, tell your totz: "you are loved," with this snuggly board book.

Love Can Come in Many Ways

written by Terry Pierce

illustrated by Suzy Ultman

Chronicle Books, 2020 

Baby Raccoon, Finger Puppet Book: Yu-Hsuan Huang

 

There's an absolute zoo of these titles available for your readertotz. The series is from Chronicle Books, and illustrations are by Yu-Hsuan Huang. They are adorable and sturdy and with soft faces of the featured animal. Nonfiction facts accompany the puppet and illustrations.

"When Baby Raccoon and his family have a meal,

they wash their food in the stream.

When Baby Racoon plays,

he romps and rolls with his sister."

You can introduce your first readers to wildlife with this fun series. Expect puppet hugs and kisses.

Baby Raccoon, a Finger Puppet Book

illustrated by Yu-Hsuan Huang

Chronicle Books 

Christmas Cheer: Ingela P. Arrhenius

How about a Bookscape Board Book for the holidays? Christmas Cheer brings a little scene of the holiday to your readertotz. 

"Christmas cheer is everywhere.

Inside, gingerbread cookies are decorated.

Outside, snowmen are built."

The charm of the work is the soft palette of shaped pages. Big-eyed characters celebrate the season together. Happy holidays to all!

Christmas Cheer 

a Bookscape Board Book

by Ingela P. Arrhenius

Chronicle Books, 2020

Tiptop Totz' Toys: Suzy Ultman and Taro Gomi

Chronicle Books has fun for you and your totz. Two items will encourage reading the authors' books, while readertotz play and learn. 

The first is Masha and Her Friends, a Wooden Nesting Doll Puzzle. I've adored Suzy Ultman's board book, Masha and Her Sisters. This puzzle is a natural follow up. Whether little hands reposition the double-sided, graduated pieces or display them in the notched slots, there's imagination to be inspired. Wood toy lovers will be delighted by this version of Masha. 

Taro Gomi's Play Anything Cards are a handy source for card playing enjoyment. An original group of characters fill the cards; yet, wee ones will likely recognize Gomi's distinctive illustration. They might reach for his My Friends to read after the game. 

Happy playing and reading! 

Taro Gomi's Play Anything Playing Cards

Masha and her Friends, Wooden Nesting Doll Puzzle

Chronicle Books

Piece It Together: Owl Aboard!

 As we sit at home together, how about a family puzzle? With large pieces for your totz and smaller pieces for older folks, you can create a story together. Piece It Together, Family Puzzle, Owl Aboard! is available from Chronicle on November 10th. The work is illustrated by Wednesday Kirwan and Petra Hollander. Here's one more way to bond in the midst of our times. One piece at a time. Stay safe, all! 

A Little Zodiac Book Series: Daria Harper

For those with a love of the stars, Chronicle has released A Little Zodiac Book series. Daria Harper's text walks first readers through the traits of the featured zodiac. Observations are tot specific and relatable. Each book begins with the corresponding refrain:

"Hello, baby Taurus,

Who will you be?

Let's look at the stars.

What do you see?"

The nightscape out the nursery window features the associated star pattern. Rhymes continue.

"Only life's finest

will do for you.

The softest of blankets,

the nicest shampoo."

Anna Hurley's simple, graphic shapes and consistent palette unify the collection, beautifully. If you appreciate astrology, these will shine on your readertotz' shelf. The full collection is available. Here are links to three. 

Baby Taurus

Baby Gemini

Baby Aries

by Daria Harper

illustrated by Anna Hurley

Chronicle Books, 2020

Top Shelf: Unstoppable

I LOVE THIS BOOK! Hence, the Top Shelf designation.

Adam Rex, of Nothing Rhymes with Orange, brings a story of cooperation between individuals to the grand scale to include society and the environment. Together, we are unstoppable.

To begin, a bird joins a crab to gain protection from a cat. It's crabbird, birdrab! Desiring the attributes of other species and facing fears, a birdraburtlebear is created. Colloquial language brings even more humor to the text:

"Hey, Steve, I don't know what you're so angry about, but I think maybe it's because you wish you could be a part of this incredible thing we've got going on. I think maybe you're lonely. I think...maybe...you could use some friends?"

The group is unstoppable as they fly through the air, until they discover their environment is threatened. I won't spoil the surprise, but they go and find help. And it's a beautiful thing. Laura Park's fresh illustrations are given a big format, and the white space is filled with hope for everyone. Bravo!

Unstoppable
by Adam Rex
illustrated by Laura Park
Chronicle Books, 2020

A to Z Menagerie: Suzy Ultman

Quirky, clean illustrations bring the pull-the-tab board book, A to Z Menagerie. to life. Referred to as a gleeful gallery and a curated collection, the work will keep little eyes looking.

Among others, F includes a Ferris wheel, flour, a fez, a fern a flounder, fizz, and fireflies. The pullout tab illustrates the fox within the shape of the large cut letter. Printed in all caps, each drawn feature is identified.

Object identification, letter sounds, touch, and remembering are exercised alongside unique representations of things from our world. Here's a fresh A, B, C book for your first readers.

A to Z Menagerie
by Suzy Ultman
Chronicle Books, 2019

Alpha Bit: Juan Carlos Solon

For the nostalgic for 8-bit, you can go on an alphabet quest with your first reader in Alpha Bit. As always, bring back the treasure after pressing Start!

Operating like a hidden picture puzzle, readers follow their hero and find objects in the 8-bit illustrations featuring particular letters:

D: ducks, donkey, dig, dragon, diamond

or

S: snake, spider, skull, sweat, sword, shield.

Midway, there's a choice to continue or Quest on. Enjoy this retro visit with your readertotz!

Alpha Bit, an ABC Quest in 8-bit
by Juan Carlos Solon
Chronicle Books, 2019

Poetry Friday: Like the Moon Loves the Sky

With lines based on verses from the Quran, Like the Moon Loves the Sky is an endearing affirmation of a child loved. Here's beauty for Poetry Friday:

"Inshallah you are all

that is gentle and good. 

Inshallah you feel safe,

like all children should." 

Watch for this in March for your first readers. "Inshalla you are loved, like the moon loves the sky."

Like the Moon Loves the Sky

by Hena Khan

Illustrated by Saffa Khan

Chronicle Books, 2020

A Forest's Seasons: Ingela P. Arrhenius

A Forest's Seasons, a Bookscape Board Book, is a varied shaped, small format for first readers. With the passing of time, the forest changes throughout the year.

"Summer summons
countless shades
of green.

Autumn is
both bright and brown."

A poetic text is accompanied by five spreads of delightful pattern which center around a pear tree. Flora and fauna celebrate change. Uniquely shaped pages engage as this little book is explored and loved.

A Forest's Seasons
by Ingela P. Arrhenius
Chronicle Books

More, more, more: The Hike

What a breath of fresh air The Hike is! Thanks to Chronicle Books for believing a "quiet" picture book can still hold a place on today's shelves. Alison Farrell's work does so beautifully.

Wren, El, and Hattie are off with their pup Bean to enjoy a hike through nature. Illustrations identify the variety of foliage and fauna they pass along the way. Armed with pencils, poems, and feathers, the three enjoy map-reading, sketching, and basket-making. Reaching the top of the hill, they celebrate before returning home.

I love everything about this work: from the text, to the font, to the layout, to the careful illustrations sharing the beauty all around us. Inspire a walk in nature with this picture book. There's so much to see!

The Hike
by Alison Farrell
Chronicle Books, 2019

More, more, more: Rabbit and the Motorbike

"Exhilarating . . . Graceful text and evocative illustrations combine in this story about the rewards of facing fears and trying something new." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

This beautiful work is a treasure as we walk through loss and brave living. Rabbit dreams of going down the road, but it's Dog who travels. When Dog doesn't return from an adventure, his bike is left to Rabbit. Watch as Rabbit nurses his loss and eventually takes to the road himself. Life holds wheat fields of comfort, but it also offers roads, motorbikes, wings, and stories that keep us all together.

Here is a heartfelt text, a wide format to hold the scope of the world, and illustration that echoes beloved John Birmingham. Don't miss this work that bears much truth and is ready to share. 

Rabbit and the Motorcycle
by Kate Hoefler
illustrated by Sarah Jacoby
Chronicle Books, 2019

Hello Honeybees: Hannah Rogge

Give a little love to our precious honeybees with Hello HoneyBees from Chronicle Books. Hannah Rogge's text introduces the life and work of the honeybee, while Emily Dove's illustrations include two puzzle piece bees, attached by ribbons, to play in pages cut in the shape of a hive.

Little fingers can speed the bees about the garden to collect pollen, mimic the wiggle dance, and build the honeycomb. Then, busy bees can begin again.

Lets share our love and appreciation for our bees with our readertotz. This is a beautiful board book that does just that and more.

Hello Honeybees
by Hannah Rogge
illustrated by Emily Dove
Chronicle Books, 2019

Hug Me: Little Bunny, Little Bear

These two little board book, finger puppets will illustrate a parent's love for their tot. Whether taking the wee one dancing, tickling a belly, or sharing a treat, love is shared with a hug at the conclusion of both books.

Digital art is enhanced with soft puppet arms that are easy to manipulate to illustrate the featured spread. The interactive book will offer snuggles to bear, rabbit, and totz alike. 

Hug Me, Finger Puppet Book, Little Bear
Hug Me, Finger Puppet Book, Little Bunny
design by Lydia Ortiz
Chronicle Books, 2019