'Twas the Night Before Christmas: Sandra Magsamen

Here's a tiny tale from the classic poem by Clement Clarke Moore, "A Visit from St. Nicholas." Shortened for first readers, Sandra Magsamen's work, which is illustrated to look like stitched cloth pieces, illustrates phrases from the quiet mouse to the reindeer pulling Santa through the sky, the night before Christmas. 

"Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,

everyone was quiet, including the mouse! 

Join this little community of animals ready to celebrate Christmas!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas!

by Sandra Magsamen

Scholastic

Pre-sale: I Say a Little Prayer for You at Bedtime

I'm so happy to announce my next upcoming board book with Olivia Chin Mueller! Pre-sale orders are available for I Say a Little Prayer for You at Bedtime. I hope this comforting lullaby offers peace to your wee ones in this difficult time. 

One note: you might see a former cover still appearing on bookseller sites. No worries. The interior is the same, and the bears will make their way to your home. Thanks so much for your support! 

I Say a Little Prayer for You at Bedtime

by Lorie Ann Grover

illustrated by Olivia Chin Mueller

Indiebound

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Scholastic, Little Shepherd, September 1, 2020

Future Astronaut: Lori Alexander

How like an astronaut is a baby? Both are physically fit, enjoy small spaces, and eat snacks from plastic packs. Future Astronaut Baby emboldens first readers to see themselves as astronauts. Maybe with a little more training...in the future.

" Astronauts say goodbye to their families
and travel to far-off places.

It's okay, Baby. There is plenty of
time to complete your training."

Fun facts close out the book while flat renderings in bold colors fill all the pages of inner and outer space. Find this work for your little space adventurer!

Future Astronaut
by Lori Alexander
illustrated by Allison Black
Cartwheel, Scholastic

Happy Book Birthday: I Believe in Me

He's here! He's born! The second book of the Wonderful Me series launches today.



Do you believe in yourself? Find out in this sweet padded storybook full of wonder, self-esteem, and love!

I can stand, clap my hands.
I can zoom 'round the room.
I can dance. Underpants!

When you believe in yourself, you open up a world of possibility! That's because you cherish and value the wild, wonderful ways that make you, you! With charming illustrations and a sweet, bouncy text that begs to be read aloud, this padded board book is a joyous reminder to little ones that no matter who they are, they can become the awesome, loving, and helpful people who can change the world -- one step at a time. A glorious celebration of self-esteem and self-reliance filled with an inclusive range of kid characters that's full of humor, love, and heart.

"This rhyming text is a joyous celebration of all the things that very young children can do as they grow from babies into toddlers....Joy abounds." 
Kirkus Reviews

I Believe in Me

I Love All of Me

by Lorie Ann Grover

illustrated by Carolina Búzio

Scholastic, Cartwheel, January 7, 2020

Teeny Tiny Santa: Rachel Matson

Oh, this little Christmas book from Rachel Matson and Joey Chou is endearing and engaging. The teeny tiny fox fears he's too little to catch Santa's notice. However, a teeny tiny whisper leads to this beautiful spread:

The teeny fox's heart
Did a dance of pure delight
As a teeny tiny SANTA
Appeared on this special night.

Teeny Tiny Santa and Fox will find their way into your heart this Christmas season.

Teeny Tiny Santa
by Rachel Matson
illustrated by Joey Chou
Cartwheel, Scholastic, 2019

Happy Book Birthday: I Love All of Me

• 
  
• Today! She's born! Celebrations!

Happy book birthday to I Love All of Me! Thank you for sharing the joy in this virtual launch party. Feel free to spread the word. May she be held by many tiny hands who know they are worthy, wonderful, and welcome in our world. Huzzah!

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

a Best Board Book of the Season

From “wiggle toes” and “smelly nose” to “blinky eyes” and “bendy knees,” this is a delightful, affirming ode to toddler parts. The smile-inducing rhymes beg to be repeated again and again, while the bold palette and cheery images heighten the book’s enthusiastic tone. 

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

Grover’s rhyming text soars, and reading the words aloud almost feels like singing a song...a vibrant and lyrical ode to bodies ideal for those learning to explore their own. 

KIRKUS REVIEWS

Grover’s book gets right to the point in an unfussy and streamlined way; it’s a breath of fresh air and just right for sharing with the toddlers in your life....With a book like Grover’s at the ready, that grownup can say to a child: I love you just the way you are, and I want you to do the same. What a powerful and compassionate sentiment.
KIRKUS REVIEWS, Julie Danielson

Full Article

I Love All of Me

by Lorie Ann Grover

Cartwheel Books, Scholastic, September 17, 2019

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Local Store

Poetry Friday: Peek-A-Boo Zoo

Lift-the-flaps to see who is playing peek-a-boo this Poetry Friday!

"I am a cool bird.
I waddle and slide.
In the ice-cold sea,
I swim and glide.

Guess who?"

Look for Peek-A-Boo Farm as well. Happy reading!

Peek-A-Boo Zoo
by Joyce Wan
Cartwheel Books

Beep! Beep! by Sam Hearn

After a short break, we are back with a board book revving up for summer vacation. Beep! Beep! has graduating pages which bring vehicles of color out for a race. The work nests in a shallow box for added durability.

Male and female animals race out of the city in colorful cars, vans, and trucks. The surprise on the final page shows everyone was driving to a foot race.

Teaching on several topics, totz will enjoy choosing their own winners. Beep! Beep!

Beep! Beep!
by Sam Hearn
Cartwheel, 2016

Sleepy Toes: Kelli McNeil

Are your totz ready for bed? Are toes, tummy, fingers, and eyes sleepy? There's been a day of wiggling, gurgles, touching, and seeing. Now what?

Kelli McNeil's Sleepy Toes accompanied with Cori Doerrfeld's illustrations will help your first reader settle down for the night.

Is your mouth getting sleepy?
So very, very sleepy?
All day long it sings a song-
sing-song, happy mouth.
And now it's time for lullabies,
nice long yawns, and bedtime sighs.

Enjoy this padded board book with your totz before bed.

Sleepy Toes
by Kelli McNeil
illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld
Cartwheel Books, Scholastic, 2017

Poetry Friday: Are You My Cuddle Bunny?

New from Cartwheel Books, with thick flannel arms and ears is Are You My Cuddle Bunny? Sandra Magsamen's short poem illustrates a mother bunny asking her little one a series of questions. This is a great book for Poetry Friday.

Do you like to snuggle in the rain?
Do you like to nuzzle on a train?

Do you like to hug in the breeze?
Do you like a squeeze under the trees?

Illustrations are drawn like stitched fabric. The colors are bold and flat. Cuddle your bunny and this book.

Are you my Cuddle Bunny?
by Sandra Magsamen
Cartwheel Books, 2017

Poetry Friday: I Love You, Honey Bunny

A sweet first board book for readertotz is I Love You, Honey Bunny. With perky, soft ears which poke out of the top, this is a sure cuddle.

"You're sweeter than the sweetest little honeybee.
You fill the world with love--you're amazing to me."

Happy Poetry Friday to you and your bunny!

I love you, Honey Bunny
by Sandra Magsamen
Scholastic

Please, Mr. Panda: by Steve Antony

How often do we wish there was an award for the very best in books for first readers? Often! This is why readertotz proposes The Dorothy Kunhardt Award for Outstanding Board or Novelty Book be awarded by ALA. Today's recommend would have been a contender for 2015. Please, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony is unique and adorable and unexpected.

Various black and white animals approach Mr. Panda who is offering a colorful donut from his box. To each he changes his mind: "No, you cannot have a doughnut. I have changed my mind." Penguin, skunk, ostrich, and orca are offered donuts but then denied. Your readertotz will be delighted when the lemur arrives on scene.

Don't miss this wonderful release from Cartwheel Books. Please?

Please, Mr. Panda
by Steve Antony
Cartwheel Books, 2015

Poetry Friday: My Snow Globe

Here's a board/novelty book perfect for a snowy Poetry Friday! The cut-aways, use of transparency, and textures are clever invitations into a snow globe world.

"Shake, shake. Swish, swish.
Close your eyes and make a wish.

Follow the footprints in the snow
to find out where the animals go."

My Snow Globe
by Megan E. Bryant
illustrated by Melissa Iwai
Cartwheel Books, 2016

Poetry Friday: I Love Hugs and Kisses

So many occasions for hugs and kisses. Especially with panda, felt, flap arms and ears on this board book cover. Happy Poetry Friday to you and yours!

Hug me when we take a walk.
Kiss me when we quack and talk!

Hug me when we go to the zoo.
Kiss me when I have a boo-boo.

I Love Hugs and Kisses
by Sandra Magsamen
Scholastic, 2016

Poetry Friday: I Will Love You Forever

There's always room for a mother's declaration of love for her totz. Enjoy this dear board book. Happy Poetry Friday!

When I saw you for
the very first time
I was filled with joy
that you were mine.

I knew I would
love you forever.

I Will Love You Forever
by Caroline Jayne Church
Cartwheel Books, Scholastic

I Love Music: Marion Billet

I Love Music, My First Sound Book introduces your readertotz to six instruments. The ever important on/off switch allows the pig to play the recorder while the cat can play the violin. The real sounds and song bits are incredible, and the musical artists are credited. Included are Brahms and Mozart.

At readertotz, we aim to raise the profile of board books and encourage the best quality publications for first readers. Author/illustrator Marion Billet has done so with Cartwheel Scholastic's creative team. Brava! Somebody hit those drums!

I Love Music, My First Sound Book
by Marion Billet
Cartwheel, Scholastic, 2016

You are My Cupcake: Joyce Wan

Here's a soft and squishy first book for your wee readertotz. Joyce Wan's adorable imagery of tasty treats will engage little eyes. The various textures and crinkles will appeal to little hands and ears. This one will be snuggled through naptime, no doubt!

You are My Cupcake
by Joyce Wan
Cartwheel Books, 2016

The Ants Go Marching: Priscilla Burris

Count-and-Sing, The Ants Go Marching is a catchy introduction to the numbers one through five. The group of ants is diligent to move the picnic food below the blanket as the foil rain has begun to fall. There will be a feast for the well-dressed violet ants because of everyone's cooperation.

Aside from a parent enjoying the book/tune with their totz, this board book will be of interest to a young music class. Boom! Boom! Boom!

Count-and-Sing, The Ants Go Marching
by Priscilla Burris
Scholastic, Cartwheel Books, 2016

Carry and Learn, Numbers: Sarah Ward

Why not a book you can Carry and Learn? How about Numbers and much more. With a handle at the top, just the right size for readertotz, your toddler can carry, touch-and-feel, lift-a-flap, and respond to the requested call on each page. They might stomp like one elephant, stand tall like two giraffes, and growl like three lions.

Adjectives are introduced as well: furry, wet, and spotted. Numbers are repeated for repetition and occupy the left side of every spread. Finally, readertotz are asked what is their favorite animal numbered at the zoo. The glossy paper seems especially durable, along with the raised dots on the cover which make an easy-to-grip book.

Cartwheel knows how to create for the littlest readers. I'm happy they are my publisher as well!


Big Hug for Little Cub

Carry and Learn, Numbers
Illustrated by Sarah Ward
Cartwheel Books, 2015

Poetry Friday: You Mean the World to Me

Here's a cute entry for Poetry Friday, in case you missed it near Mother's Day. It's perfect for any day. Enjoy!



We will spin and twirl
round and round,
tickle each other
and then fall down.

I'll wake you up
in the morning light,
and tuck you in
to dream at night.

You Mean the World to Me
by Bayne Gibby
illustrated by David Walker
Scholastic, Cartwheel Books