Let's Say HI to Friends Who Fly! by Mo Willems

I'm so, so happy that our totz can enjoy Mo Willems, along with their older early reader siblings. Balzer + Bray's Cat the Cat collection is perfect with spot-on content and stiff pages for little fingers.

In Let's Say HI to Friends Who Fly!, Cat the Cat asks her friends if they can fly, and then she cheers on their successful soarings. Bee, Duck, and Bat definitely fly. But what about Rhino the Rhino who just happens to be sitting atop a boingy park ride, shaped like Pigeon? Can Rhino fly? Your totz will enjoy the humor which is always delivered by Mo.

Find Cat the Cat, and be ready for a giggle. Totz will memorize the simple text and love Mo's next generation of friends.

Let's Say HI to Friends Who Fly!
by Mo Willems
Balzer + Bray, 2010

Photo Friday: You Look Good Today!

And here's another fun image I created at Polyvore. It's sure to appeal to our totz. Happy Photo Friday!

April: Community Service

Let your totz gather those early dandelion flowers for a neighbor.

April: Around the Block with Sesame Street

My daughter is majoring in geophysics at Western Washington University. I had to share Bert at readertotz!

Bunny Eats Lunch: Michael Dahl

This cover of Bunny Eats Lunch is so appealing that this book practically hopped of the library shelf into my hands! It's a very simple story about a bunny who is very talented at chewing. I really like the design of this book, and the art.

Bunny has big chompers and he shows off his lunch skills by chomping carrots, mashed potatoes, and celery. When he decides to eat them all in quick succession…

BIG, BIG YUM!

And then…

BURP.

A fun, sturdy board book that’s perfect for a springtime or snacktime giggle! Also keep an eye out for Pony Brushes His Teeth and Pig Takes A Bath!

Bunny Eats Lunch

by Michael Dahl

illustrated by Oriol Vidal

Picture Window Books / Captstone Books, 2010

Photo Friday: Totoro!

I've created a few pieces of imagery that I think you might enjoy with your totz. Here's one for this Photo Friday!

April Older Sibling Pick: Rain Brings Frogs

True to the subtitle of this book, Nate--the upbeat hero of the story--is a ray of sunshine, offering a lighthearted dose of much-needed hope. The first spread reads:

When Mom says, I HATE RAIN.
Nate says, RAIN BRINGS FROGS!

Lately, I have considered the maxim that "little pitchers have big ears," and I've wondered how the tragedy and turmoil in the world is affecting young children. There's a lot of angst out there, and this book is a timely reminder that there is good after bad. Totz haven't lived long enough to know that and may need this idea reinforced.

One of my favorite spreads in this books is the one with an illustration of what appears to be the finale of a swim team race. A dejected Casey clutches a 2nd place ribbon, while Nate's waving a 5th place ribbon:

When Casey says, I LOST.
Nate says, I FINISHED!

Rain Brings Frogs reinforces many such instances of "looking on the bright side," yet it's not saccharine. I'm a fan of Maryann Cocca-Leffler's and a friend. When I received this book from her publisher, I was delighted to see that it was already in a 2nd reprinting! You go, Maryann!

Rain Brings Frogs
Author-illustrator: Maryann Cocca-Leffler
HarperCollins, 2011

Little Duck Says Quack! by Judy Dunn

In the Phoebe Dunn Collection from Random House is Little Duck Says Quack! The world-renowned photographer's images have been paired with text written by her daughter, Judy Dunn.

Who isn't captivated by the birth of a duckling, emerging from an egg, drying until his down is fluffy puffy? The imagery of Henry the duck sitting on the family dog's back is precious. The reader watches as Henry grows into a full size duck.

Some may note the 1976 language is dated as Henry doesn't find true companionship until he finds another white duck to befriend. Those animals not like him, the chicken, rabbit, and goat don't care to be his friend. Maybe talk about this subtle message to counter it.

Totz will enjoy pressing the button to hear the duck quack, over and over. You might celebrate spring with this quacking board book.

Little Duck Says Quack!
by Judy Dunn
illustrated by Phoebe Dunn
Random House, 20

Poetry Friday: Hot Cross Buns

HOT-CROSS BUNS
Hot-cross Buns!
Hot cross Buns!
One a penny, two a penny,
Hot-cross Buns!

Hot-cross Buns!
Hot-cross Buns!
If ye have no daughters,
Give them to your sons.

Enjoy a little baking this weekend with your totz! Happy Poetry Friday!

Lorie Ann's Illustrations!

So over on my blog, On Point, I posted a new tab titled, "Illustrations." All the imagery is copyrighted, and it's up there for publisher types; however, I thought you and your totz might enjoy a look. :~)

I heart creating art, don't you?

. 

Lorie Ann Grover, 2011

Follow this link to take a gander. Thank you!

Busy Bunnies: John Schindel

Bunnies, bunnies, bunnies! This is an attractive board book with photographs of black ones, white ones, brown ones, gray ones, and spotted ones. Bunnies with long, floppy ears and bunnies with big fuzzy feet. What are these busy bunnies up to?

Bunny hopping

Bunny plopping

Bunnies bunching

Bunnies munching

I especially enjoyed the two cuddled black bunnies with the text:

Bunnies loving

Totz will enjoy this close-up look at this adorable, fuzzy, furry bunnies in a natural grassland environment. Photographs were a brilliant choice as illustrations for this one. Steven Holt is a widely published photographer specializing in wildlife subjects. John Schindel has written many similar "busy" books.

A perfect springtime book for totz and younger!

Busy Bunnies

by John Schindel

photography by Steven Holt

Tricycle Press, 2008

Poetry Friday: Lucy Locket

How about this adorable purse for your totz? I found it on Etsy. Happy Poetry Friday!

LUCY LOCKET

Lucy Locket lost her pocket,

Kitty Fisher found it;

Nothing in it, nothing in it,

But the binding round it. 

The Tragedy of First Position

Ballet totz are so cute. And perfectionists at times. Enjoy!

Home for a Bunny: Margaret Wise Brown

Golden Classics are now in board book formats! How lovely is that? I found such solace rereading this work by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Gustaf Tenggren. But of course! Here are images and rhythms I held dear as child. And now they are preserved in a sturdy format for your own totz.

As the animals celebrate spring, bunny is looking for a home, "a home of his own." He inquires about staying with the robins, a frog, and a groundhog. None of their dwellings fits the bunny, until he finds a white rabbit who welcomes him to her home. Margaret's beautiful language will mesmerize your totz' ears.

Gustaf's illustrations are precise and light and full of charm. Golden Books has given the board book cover a padded thickness for easy gripping.

Step back in time and bring this treasure into your home!

Home for a Bunny
by Margaret Wise Brown
illustrated by Gustaf Tenggren
Golden Baby, Golden Books, 2011

Poetry Friday: 3 year old performs "Litany"

Here's to sharing poetry with your totz. WOW!

March: Around the Block with Sesame Street

Here's to happy thoughts with your totz!

March: Community Service

Encourage your totz to donate outgrown toys to a local charity!

Preschool Day Hooray! Linda Leopold Strauss

I was attracted to this book because I've been a fan of Hiroe Nakata's illustrations since she illustrated my easy reader The Garden That We Grew. Her watercolor style is simple, expressive, and delightful. Perfect for totz. I really like the rhyming story here, too. It's not stiff and uses words like "drippy" and "painty" as adjectives, as we enjoy a day at preschool with a boy, from from the time he departs home in a rush to the end of school when it's once again "Mommy time!"

Painty hands and gooey glue.
Tricky puzzles I can do.

I think this book will be a comfort to totz contemplating a future in school and will help get them excited about the prospect of the activities they might do, which are portrayed in a breezy, charming style here.

The pages of this 8x8 " book are sturdier than those in a picture book, but are not cardboard-stiff as in a true board book. This book hits the mark in style and substance. Hooray for Linda Strauss and Hiroe Nikata!

Preschool Day Hooray!
Author: Linda Leopold Strauss
Illustrator: Hiroe Nakata
Publisher: Scholastic, Cartwheel Books, 2010

For the Older Sibling: Can We Save the Tiger? Martin Jenkins

I have always, always believed there is room for a virtually black and white picture book. Thank you, Candlewick Press! Can We Save the Tiger? is an honest dialog between author and reader about the state of endangered animals. Which animals are already extinct? Which are running out of space? Which have been harmed by our actions? Which are recovering? Martin is fair in expressing how these difficulties arose. He's compassionate towards both people and animals. I find this a refreshing breath.

Vicky White's illustrations and lettering are exquisite. The larger size of the book is honoring to the animals and allows you to connect with each one. My favorite is the Steller's Sea Cow, so rich in tonal values, it is breathtaking. Predominantly black and white, Vicky occasionally uses oil paint, as well.

Can We Save the Tiger? is my number one pick this month for the Older Sibling of your totz. The whole work is fresh and engaging. This is not just another book about endangered animals. It is the book about endangered animals. Well done! Bravo!


Can We Save the Tiger?
by Martin Jenkins
illustrated by Vicky White
Candlewick Press, 2011

Set aside that book tonight!

EARTH HOUR 2011

Saturday, March 26th, at 8.30 PM, Pacific

Are you turning off your lights for 60 minutes? 

Earth Hour was founded in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, when 2.2 million individuals and 2,000+ businesses turned their lights off for one hour. Last year was the most supported yet: 128 countries participated. Sydney Harbor Bridge, CN Tower in Toronto, Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Coliseum all stood in darkness.

Add to the symbol of hope for our planet! You and your totz can set aside your books, and turn out the lights for 60 minutes tonight!

Poetry Friday: March Winds

I took this photo right outside of San Diego. Gorgeous, yes? Happy Poetry Friday!

MARCH WINDS

March winds and April showers

Bring forth May flowers.

Babies: David Bedford

How can you not fall in love with these meerkat babies? Those enormous eyes caught me right up!

Babies by David Bedford with illustrations by Leonie Worthington is charming and whimsical. Fact and fiction mix to create a fun exploration of baby animals. Sure "Crocodile babies...know how to bite," and "Fox babies...stay up all night," but your tot will enjoy the pacifiers, maracas, and tambourines included in the illustrations. The bit of fancy is fun!

Flaps add another level of intrigue on each stiff-paged spread. I'm just really charmed by the illustrations, and I know you will be, too. Yay for Little Hare Books, Australia, and Trafalgar Square Publishing!

Babies
by David Bedford
illustrated by Leonie Worthington
Little Hare Books, Australia, 2010
dist. by Trafalgar Square Publishing

Poetry Friday: Daffodils

They are blooming here! How about in your town? Our Daffodil Parade is just around the corner!

NY Botanical Garden

DAFFODILS

Daffy-down-dilly has come to town

In a yellow petticoat and a green gown.

DVD: Baby Ballet

We've got something a little different this time. Our first dvd! I watched Baby Ballet at a friend's house with her 4 and 6 year olds (boy and girl respectively). Their mom said they watch it over and over and really enjoy following along. She is delighted that they're getting exercise by doing something that engages their minds and that they enjoy.

The program includes warm-ups, stretches, practice, and across-the-floor combinations, and is taught by Rosemary Boross, who has created other children's ballet programs. The instructor, assistant, and a small group of able, adorable very young dancers go through twenty "chapters" of various movements. The pace is slow and even, and the instructions clear.

Stated ages: four to six
30 minutes

Other ballet videos for totz and kidz, including more by Boross.

Baby Ballet
Kultur

Poetry Friday: The Wise Old Owl

Happy Poetry Friday! Let's be the owl, yes? 

photo by US Department of the Interior

A WISE OLD OWL

A wise old owl sat in an oak,
The more he heard, the less he spoke;

The less he spoke, the more he heard;

Why aren't we all like that wise old bird?

Counting Animals: Jodi Huelin

Are you ready for cute? I mean cute, cute, cute! Fisher Price has published Counting Animals by Jodi Huelin, illustrated by Betsy Veness. As part of their Precious Planet series, this work is recommended for ages 6 months and older. I think the age suggestion is an interesting concept, but I wouldn't let it stop me from sharing this work with younger totz.

Counting Animals does just that on each spread. Whether it be hippos, whales, or kangaroos, totz are given a flap to lift to verify they've counted the characters carefully. Verbs like walk, float, and hop are illustrated as well as locations such as plains, ice, and sand.

Jodi's text is simple and direct while Betsy's computer generated illustrations are filled with dots, stripes, and flat color spaces.

Enjoy Fisher Price books and toys. Count and lift those flaps with your totz!

Counting Animals
by Jodi Huelin
illustrations by Betsy Veness
Fisher-Price, HarperCollins Children's Books, 2010, Mattel, Inc.

Poetry Friday: Bobby Shafto

Since I'm out at sea along the Mexican Riviera, this came to mind. Happy Poetry Friday, totz!

Bobby Shafto's gone to sea,

Silver buckles at his knee;

He'll come back and marry me,

Bonny Bobby Shafto!

Bobby Shafto's bright and fair,

Panning out his yellow hair;

He's my love for evermore,

Bonny Bobby Shafto!

What Does Cow Say? giveaway

In celebration of my spring release, What Does Cow Say? (Scholastic/Cartwheel Books), I'm giving away this cute barn carrying case, small plush cow, and an autographed copy of the book. This rhyming lift-the-large-flap board book is mega-sturdy and bigger than many board books at 7" x 8.5".

To enter: Click here: JOAN'S BLOG POST to drop a comment with a creative (g-rated) guess regarding what a cow might say other than the obvious. The cowments posted so far have been udderly amoosing! Two winners will be randomly chosen March 30th and posted here at readertotz and on Joan's blog. Be sure to leave your contact email, or come back then to see if you've won.


















Story scoop: These farm animals have big mouths! When the sun came up, Duck went Quack which woke his neighbor, Cow, who went MOO, which woke Rooster who went Cock-a-doodle-doo. . . As each animal awakens, totz can guess what it says and open its big-flap beak, snout, or mouth to read its signature sound. The final spread shows a child waking up--with open arms and a final HOORAY! to welcome the day!

Art scoop: Instead of a manuscript, I submitted this 2-page dummy to Scholastic/Cartwheel for consideration. All the mouths had working flaps taped over them, so they'd lift to reveal the animal sound below. A lot goes into creating these seemingly uncomplicated books. For instance, the title and some of the text changed during the editing process. And as you can see, artist Jannie Ho made the book way cuter than my proposal.












Lucky me to have Jannie illustrate this book! She studied illustration at Parsons School of Design in NYC, and was a designer at Nickelodeon, Scholastic, and associate art director at TIME Magazine for Kids before becoming a full-time illustrator. Wow!

~ Joan Holub

What Does Cow Say?
Author: Joan Holub
Illustrator: Jannie Ho
Scholastic, Cartwheel Books, 2011

Poetry Friday: Little Jumping Joan

How did I not think to post this for our own Joan? Happy Poetry Friday!

illustration by Kate Greenaway

LITTLE JUMPING JOAN

Here am I, little jumping Joan,

When nobody’s with me

I’m always alone.

February: Around the Block with Sesame Street

I thought this was adorable, don't you? Enjoy!

Nosh Schlep Schluff, BabYiddish: Laurel Snyder

How fun to have a book for totz of Yiddish! What a find!

I eagerly opened Nosh Schlep Schluff BabYiddish and was charmed to discover words in my own vocabulary that I didn't even know were Yiddish. How about "schmooze," "klutz," and "nosh?" The quaint rhymes on each page introduce the language in a fun way.

"If you want to start a ruckus,
wave your arms and shake your TUCHES!"

The board book takes you through a day of a preschooler, from morning bedside to sleeping at night. Tiphanie Beeke's watercolor illustrations on heavy paper are refreshing in our digital age. There are textures, rough edges, and paint strokes to be enjoyed.

You and your totz are going to enjoy this intro to Yiddish more than a "bissel!"

Nosh Schlep Schluff BabYiddish
by Laurel Snyder
illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke
Random House, 2011

February: Community Service

Why not force a flower bulb with your totz and display the early sign of spring in your window for all to see?

Poetry Friday: The Flying Pig

THE FLYING PIG

Dickory, dickory, dare,

The pig flew up in the air;

The man in brown soon brought him down,

Dickory, dickory, dare. 

Happy Poetry Friday!

February: For the Older Sibling: Dinosaur vs. The Potty

A small red dinosaur is the hero in this dynamic picture book, which taps into totz' notions of their own invincibility. This is a hero that will appeal to girls and boys alike. Dinosaur conquers lemonade, the sprinkler, and juice...yet he proclaims over and over that he still does not need to use the potty. Eventually he does a "potty dance" and totz will breathlessly watch as he makes a dash for the bathroom. Will he make it in time?

I first met Dinosaur in Dinosaur vs. Bedtime, which I also enjoyed. These books are fresh, fun, and address real-life issues that concern totz. I "roar" for more, Bob Shea. I can't wait to see what Dinosaur is up to in the next episode.

Dinosaur vs. The Potty
Author-illustrator: Bob Shea
Disney * Hyperion Books, 2010

The More We Get Together: Caroline Jayne Church

I've enjoyed Caroline Jayne Church's work since Here Comes Halloween. Her art and writing styles in The More We Get Together, and in her other work, are sweet and appealing without being saccharine. There's an economy of line and words here, yet the illustrations are expressive and the stories have heart.

"The more we get together, the happier we'll be."

At six spreads plus cover, this is a true board book with thick pages, which will stand up to many readings and handlings. Church is prolific, so be sure to check out the wealth of her other wonderful books that are available.

The More We Get Together
Author-illustrator: Caroline Jayne Church
Scholastic/Cartwheel Books, 2011

Poetry Friday: A Tot Conductor

Ah, the poetry of this tot'z joy. I LOVE it! Don't you, too?

Busy Bear Cubs: John Schindel

Prepare to be absolutely charmed by these bear cubs, captured by Lisa and Mike Husar along with John Schindel's text. Short rhymes provide the context for the bears to hide, ride, turn, and learn.

Black bears, grizzlies, pandas, and polar bears are all featured. Each page features two actions and bears having tremendous fun.

Whether your totz love bears or enjoy imitating, this is a great addition to your library. And of course, it concludes with, "Bear cub sleeping". Perfect before a nap or bedtime. Note, this is the 11th book in the Tricycle Press Busy series. Yay!

Busy Bear Cubs
by John Schindel
illustrated by Lisa and Mike Husar
Tricycle Press, 2009

Poetry Friday: Come to the Window

Isn't this delightful? Share it with your own totz. :~)

Come to the Window

Come to the window,

My baby, with me,

And look at the stars

That shine on the sea!

There are two little stars

That play bo-peep

With two little fish

Far down in the deep;

And two little frogs

Cry "Neap, neap, neap;"

I see a dear baby

That should be asleep.

Baby's Book Tower: Leslie Patricelli

Baby's Book Tower is a boxed set of four chunky books (each about 2x2x2"), which are all reprints of Leslie Patricelli's best-selling, adorable, can't-find-enough-words-of praise-to-describe-them board books:
Baby Happy Baby Sad
No No Yes yes
Quiet Loud
Yummy Yucky



Yummy Yucky excerpt:
Spaghetti is yummy.
Worms are yucky.

Quiet Loud excerpt:
Crayons are quiet.
Pots and pans are loud.

Baby Happy Baby Sad and No No Yes Yes are stories largely told through the illustrations, which are labeled Baby Happy or Baby Sad; No No or Yes Yes respectively. Baby is happy hugging the cat, but sad when the cat takes off. So true!

These books have heart and universal appeal. Totz will relate and so will parentz. I smile every time I read them. I'm so glad to see them in a set like this!

Baby's Book Tower
Author-illustrator: Leslie Patricelli
Candlewick Press, 2010

January: Around the Block with Sesame Street, Johnny Cash and Nasty Dan

Enjoy!

Photo Friday: Charlie Bit My Finger

Just showed this to my brother and realized it's perfect for totz Photo Friday! Enjoy Charlie once more!

January: Community Service

Have your totz add fresh water to the birdbath when it freezes!

Photo from this album. 

January: For the Older Sibling, The Pixar Treasures

Tim Hauser titled this gem The Pixar Treasures, and he delivers! This is my pick for January for the older sibling of your totz. There's something here for your whole family.

From the company's inspirations and inception through their collected projects, you'll experience the Pixar journey. With a warranted nod to Disney, Hauser walks you through the chronicle of a group which has given us greats such as Up and Finding Nemo.

Included in the book are reproductions of tickets, passes, posters, cards, and brochures. Letters and notes open the backstory further.



The collage layout of the book and fantastic photo endpapers, reveal the fun of Pixar. As Tia Kratter noted, "If the people around you are fun, and, despite the hard work are making it fun, well, then it makes it okay. It's a laughing family." There's no doubt of that!

Find The Pixar Treasures and enjoy the story and treasures with your family. Marketed in a box sleeve, how will you be able to resist it when you remove the book to find Woody on the front cover and Buzz on the back? They're our friends, right?  Thanks, Pixar!

The Pixar Treasures
by Tim Hauser
Disney Enterprises, 2010
Produced by  Becker&Meyer!

A Book of Sleep: Il Sung Na

Here's a shout out for a picture book to board book conversion! I love this new edition of A Book of Sleep.

Il Sung Na's simple text combined with fresh, original art will captivate your totz. Nothing is cuter than the wide-eyed owl watching everyone sleep through the night. Some sleep quietly, others make noise, while some sleep on the move.



The layers of texture combined with flower patterns and whimsical little sketches delight and engage. Knopf nailed the right format by bringing this work to little hands. Bravo! Starred reviews from Booklist, PW, and School Library Journal are well deserved.

A Book of Sleep
by Il Sung Na
Alfred A. Knopf, 2011

Sunday Scene

Sorry I missed our Poetry Friday, everyone! My computer was stolen and that has put a serious kink in my output. Hopefully all will be back to normal soon. In the meantime, enjoy this dear photo from Early Experiences. 

This is exactly what readertotz is about. Here's to you reading to your totz! ~Lorie Ann

Beep! Beep! Jill Ackerman and Michelle Berg

We're going a little young for totz this time, with this interactive stuffed-cloth book for ages 1-3. It's made up of four 2-sided pages and has cars, planes, trains, and trucks as well as a squeaker toy in the front cover and a mirror inside "for busy hands and minds". It's part of Scholastic's developmental publishing program intended to give babies and toddlers a head start in learning. Sounds good to me. Beep! Beep!

Beep! Beep!
Jill Ackerman, author
Michelle Berg, illustrator
Scholastic, 2010

Poetry Friday: Once I Saw a Little Bird

Once I saw a little bird
Come hop, hop, hop;
So I cried, "Little bird,
Will you stop, stop, stop?"
And was going to the window
To say, "How do you do?
But he shook his little tail,
And far way he flew.

Happy Poetry Friday, everyone!

Hugs and Kisses: Sara Miller

Joan and I don't often review licensed character board books, but every now and then, one just grabs our hearts. Disney Baby Hugs and Kisses is my pick for this week. It's from the series "Together Time."

With satin heart cutouts, your totz can count along as favorite Disney characters share their love with precious babies.

"Baby loves hugs and kisses
from three cute kittens.
Can you count three kittens,
Baby?

Cinderella's mice, the Aristocat kittens, and even Baloo share their love. The final spread shows a mother hugging a baby with the assurance, "I love you, Baby!"

How can you not love this board book? Pick it up now or for Valentine's Day. Share a few hugs and kisses.

Hugs and Kisses
by Sara Miller
illustrated by Disney Storybook Artists
photography by Anthony Nex
Disney Enterprises, Inc., 2010

Poetry Friday: Butterfly, Butterfly

BUTTERFLY, BUTTERFLY

Butterfly, butterfly,
Whence do you come?
"I know not, I ask not,
Nor ever had a home."
Butterfly, butterfly,
Where do you go?
"Where the sun shines,
And where the buds grow."

Happy Poetry Friday!

December: Community Service

Just realized we didn't feature December's Community Service. So here it is. Certainly doable for January, don't you think?

Decorate that front window with your totz' cut-out snowflakes. Let everyone be charmed!

Tuck Me In! Dean Hacohen and Sherry Scharschmidt

I think this book is adorable!

Which is why I'm celebrating it even though it is officially a picture book and we usually blog about board and novelty books for totz here on readertotz. But Tuck Me In could so easily become a lift-the-flap board book. The text is simple, the subject is dear and familiar to totz, and the illustrations are young and have eye-appeal. Most of the pages show an animal with a big flap that is to be used as a blanket. I love that this book empowers totz to take the adult action of tucking in a baby--animal babies in this case.

From the back cover:

All the Baby Animals are ready for bed.
Will you help tuck them in?
You will? Great!
Just turn the pages and tuck them in, one by one.
(And don't forget to say "Good night!")

Tuck Me In!
Dean Hacohen and Sherry Scharschmidt
Candlewick Press, 2010

What Does Cow Say? Celebrating a new lift-the-flap book from readertotz co-founder, Joan Holub

I hope you'll join me in celebrating my new rhyming lift-the-large-flap board book from Scholastic/Cartwheel Books, What Does Cow Say?



Story scoop: These farm animals have big mouths! When the sun came up, Duck went Quack which woke his neighbor, Cow, who went MOO, which woke Rooster who went Cock-a-doodle-doo. . . As each animal awakens, totz can guess what it says and open its big-flap beak, snout, or mouth to read its signature sound. The final spread shows a child waking up--with open arms and a final HOORAY! to welcome the day!

Art scoop: Instead of a manuscript, I submitted this 2-page dummy to Scholastic/Cartwheel for consideration. All the mouths had working flaps taped over them, so they'd lift to reveal the animal sound below. A lot goes into creating these seemingly uncomplicated books. For instance, the title and some of the text changed during the editing process. And as you can see, artist Jannie Ho made the book way cuter than my proposal.












Lucky me to have Jannie illustrate this book! She studied illustration at Parsons School of Design in NYC, and was a designer at Nickelodeon, Scholastic, and associate art director at TIME Magazine for Kids before becoming a full-time illustrator. Wow!

~ Joan Holub

What Does Cow Say?
Author: Joan Holub
Illustrator: Jannie Ho
Scholastic, Cartwheel Books, January 2011

Photo Friday: Smelling Books

Hey totz and parents!

Just a fun image I made at Polyvore which celebrates our love of books. Hope it makes you smile and brings a little joy to your own new year. HAPPY 2011!

 

 

Lorie Ann Grover, 2010