Friday, December 30, 2016

The Nutcracker: Jack and Holman Wang

Cozy Classics Cover

Did you take your readertotz to The Nutcracker over the holiday? If so, or maybe if you intend to in the future, you might revisit or introduce the ballet with Cozy Classics, E.T.A. Hoffmann's The Nutcracker. Text and felt art are by Jack and Holman Wang.

Your first readers can consider the nutcracker gift, sleep, the mouse, and more. Each half-spread is detailed and memorable. The complexity is there for the older child, the simplicity for the younger.

What a beautiful holiday book to add to your child's collection. Cozy up with Cozy Classics. This season, chose The Nutcracker.

Cozy Classics
E.T.A. Hoffmann's The Nutcracker
by Jack and Holman Wang
Chronicle Books

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Top Shelf: Let's Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout

Let's Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout; Dance, Spin & Turn It Out! Cover

Top Shelf is my new name for the very best that crosses my path. Here is the very best, collected by Patricia C. McKissack and illustrated by Brian Pinkney. Let's Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout; Dance, Spin & Turn It Out! is perfection. The author has compiled stories, songs, and games from her African American childhood. With wonderful research, she shares variations that twirled from person to person.

I found so many verses and chants ringing from my own jump rope days. The variances were fascinating. It is obvious the illustrations were "pure joy" to Brian. He said, "The images danced from my hand onto the page."

This collection preserves history, offers opportunities for growth and development, and brings happiness to readers. Here is beauty and brilliance. Thank you to the author, illustrator, and Schwartz & Wade Books. Bravo!

Let's Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout; Dance, Spin & Turn It Out!
by Patricia C. McKissack
illustrated by Brian Pinkney
Schwartz & Wade Books, 2017

Thursday, December 22, 2016

The Christmas Story: Robert Sabuda

The Christmas Story Cover

Honoring the awe of the Christmas narrative is Robert Sabuda's The Christmas Story. The beautiful text is illustrated with exquisite pop-up art. The work is so intriguing you will likely want to display it. The scene of Bethlehem and the Magi are grand. Actually, the entire work is grand.

Smaller hands will be able to negotiate the page turns, but the illustrations are layered, cut-paper and will need care.

Thank you, Robert and Candlewick. You have brought light into the world.

The Christmas Press
by Robert Sabuda
Candlewick Books, 2016

Friday, December 9, 2016

Poetry Friday: My Snow Globe

My Snow Globe Cover

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

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Love, Happy, Together: Emma Dodd

Love Cover
Happy CoverTogether Cover
I'm giving a shout-out to all things Emma Dodd. Publisher Nosy Crow loves her, as do we, and they invest in her creations with high production quality. Each of her books is a joy to hold and share with readertotz. In Love, Happy, and Together, in perfect rhyme, the parent assures that in every circumstance the child is beloved. With each reading, you will be doing the same.

Find Emma Dodd and build your own library. The added foil embellishments echo the respect that should be given to love and first readers. (Look for Forever and Wish, as well.)

Love
Happy
Together
by Emma Dodd
Nosy Crow

Friday, December 2, 2016

Poetry Friday: Seeking a Santa

Seeking a Santa Cover

You can enjoy a catchy rhyme and introduce your readertotz to Santa in this board book for first readers. Angela Diterlizzi's fast-paced text outlines how to recognize the jolly character in Seeking a Santa. Are you one yourself, maybe? Allie Smith's illustrations pop with strong color and a black outline when contrast is needed.

This is a perfect pick for a holiday Poetry Friday! Take a look:

"Crave milk and cookies
Have a belly that jiggles
Love humming and whistling
and carols and giggles"

Let's all share and spread cheer as we love our children and read to them this season. Happy holidays!

Seeking a Santa
by Angela Diterlizzi
illustrated by Allie Smith
Little Simon, 2016


Friday, November 18, 2016

Poetry Friday: Because of an Acorn

Because of an Acorn Cover

A beautiful poem for the love of the forest which builds upon itself and circles back. Enjoy Because of an Acorn today with your readertotz. Happy Poetry Friday!

Because of an acorn,
a tree.
Because of a tree,
a bird.
Because of a bird,
a seed.

The illustrations are fresh and full. Such beauty!

Because of an Acorn
by Lola M. Schaefer and Adam Schaefer
illustrated by ran Preston-Gannon
Chronicle Books, 2016

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

The Itsy Bitsy Pilgrim: Jeffrey Burton

The Itsy Bitsy Pilgrim Cover

You can celebrate Thanksgiving right alongside the itsy bitsy pilgrim this year. With a rhyming text from Jeffrey Burton and soft illustrations from Sanja Rescek, the mood will be set for a day of thanks.

The Itsy Bitsy Pilgrim board book shares the story of a mouse who sails on the Mayflower to a new home. There he helps build the community and makes new friends. All come together in a thankful meal.

Echoing the nursery rhyme "The Itsy Bitsy Spider," your totz will likely recognize the adjectives and rhythm thereby endearing this book even more. Here's to your Happy Thanksgiving with your itsy bitsy readertotz!

The Itsy Bitsy Pilgrim
by Jeffrey Burton
illustrated by Sanja Rescek
Little Simon, 2016

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Pete the Cat: I Can Draw



James Dean has brought step-by-step instructions for you and your totz to enjoy drawing Pete the Cat. You'll recognize his world and experiences as you learn to draw supporting objects and characters as well. The big 160-page workbook gives plenty of space for practice. You'll want your own copy for the family so you can draw straight in the book. Go have fun with this groovy cat!

Pete the Cat, My First I Can Draw
by James Dean
HarperFestival, 2016

Friday, October 28, 2016

Poetry Friday: I Love Hugs and Kisses

I Love Hugs and Kisses (Heart-Felt Books) Cover

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

Monday, October 24, 2016

Peekaboo Wild: Nat Sims and Night & Day Studios

Peekaboo Wild Cover

We talk about raising the profile of board books at readertotz, and we aim to encourage writers and illustrators to keep the bar high in content and imagery. Peekaboo Wild, A Lift-the-Flap Book does that. Each spread takes a location and illustrates the animals who live there.

Who lives in the bamboo forest?
Red panda
Pandas
Who else lives there?
Pangolin
Tiger

The inclusions aren't restricted to the most common animal. Your totz are given the opportunity to learn more than other animal board books usually present. Corey Lunn's art is flat and graphic, with clear edges. The work was created by Nat Sims and the Night & Day team. Interesting, yes?

We appreciate the bar set high. More, more, more!

Peekaboo Wild, A Lift-the-Flap Book
by Nat Sims and Night & Day Studios
illustrated by Corey Lunn
Candlewick Entertainment

Friday, October 21, 2016

Poetry Friday: I Will Love You Forever

I Will Love You Forever Cover

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

Thursday, October 20, 2016

One Minute till Bedtime: Kenn Nesbitt

Image result for one minute till bedtime image

So excited to be in this upcoming collection! Three starred reviews so far!

KIRKUS REVIEW


A substantial compilation of new poems for children by over 130 poets.
The opening salvo of former Children’s Poet Laureate Nesbitt’s hefty anthology of “60-second” poems designed to send children “off to sleep” lets the cat out of the bag as to what bedtime’s really about. Having performed basic end-of-day tasks (“Had a bath and / brushed my teeth; / those on top / and underneath”) and prepped for a good night’s sleep, Nesbitt’s speaker rejoices: “All that’s done; / at last I’m freed. / Finally, / it’s time to read.” Here, as throughout the collection, Niemann’s boldly inked drawing of a teddy bear’s free-fall dive into the waiting pool of an open book succinctly and suggestively captures the spirit of the accompanying poem—and, in this case, the entire anthology. Presented with over 140 new poems by many of today’s most prominent children’s poets (Mary Ann Hoberman, Margarita Engle, Jack Prelutsky, Ron Koertge, Nikki Grimes), readers are treated to lyric nighttime reflections on topics as disparate as relationships with favorite pets or grandparents, beloved “toasty, warm jammies,” and one’s blankie—“old and manky.” There’s also plenty of nonsense verse sure to inspire wild dreaming “on the road to morning.” These pithy poetic observations and Niemann’s engaging illustrations prove at once antidote and anodyne for the sleep-averse child demanding just one more….
A dreamy collection of bedtime poems and witty illustrations that’s anything but sleepy. (Poetry. 4-10)

"Toasty, warm jammies," is me!

Monday, October 17, 2016

Love You, Hug You, Read to You! Tish Rabe

Love You, Hug You, Read to You! Cover

How about prompting questions for you to ask your totz below the board book text?

What is Little Bunny holding?
Who is sitting with Little Bunny?
What did they all do today?

On each spread, Random House and author Tish Rabe provide further interactions to accompany Frank Endersby's pencil and watercolor paintings. All bears the message:

There are three things I'll always do...
love you,
hug you,
read to you!

What do you think? Are the additional questions helpful? Of course the work can be read straight through without pause. Different totz and readers will approach the book differently. As long as we all continue to read together daily!

Love You, Hug You, Read to You!
by Tish Rabe
illustrated by Frank Endersby
Random House

Friday, October 7, 2016

Poetry Friday: Seeking a Witch

Seeking a Witch Cover

For Poetry Friday and to set the atmosphere with your readertotz, find Seeking a Witch. The bold limited palate, pops for the Halloween theme. Allie Smith's graphic imagery is a fun match to Angela Diterlizzi's rolling rhyme.

"I'm seeking a
witch
and everyone knows
Your skin must
be green
With a wart
on your nose."

The pages will be turned quickly in this new board book from Little Simon. Happy Poetry Friday to youuuuuuu.

Seeking a Witch
by Angela Diterlizzi
illustrated by Allie Smith
Little Simon, 2016

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Art Play: Marion Deuchars

Art Play Cover

It is...as fabulous as I hoped. The off-white paper is inviting; the exercises are fun and interesting. This work-inside-the-book is educational, inspiring, clever, and delightful. Whether they scribble, blow paint, or color a dream, the older siblings of readertotz will be expressing themselves on paper. Pencils, ink, cut paper, and printing are a few of the means for creating. How about pictograph signs, newspaper portraits, tackling perspective, or spinning thaumatropes?

Art Play is aptly titled. Go ahead. You'll want to play right alongside your young artist!

Art Play
by Marion Deuchars
Laurence King Publishing
www.letsmakesomegreatart.com

Baa Baa Smart Sheep and I Love Lemonade: The Sommersets

Baa Baa Smart Sheep Cover

I Love Lemonade Cover

Oh, now. How about a little mischief? You are going to find it with Little Baa Baa. If bored, Quirky Turkey had better watch out. A mysterious pile of brown balls may not exactly be smarty tablets. And sweet revenge with a glass of yellow liquid might actually backfire.

The pacing is brilliant, the line drawings so expressive you will be delighted. Baa Baa Smart Sheep and I Love Lemonade have been the favs of 2016 with totz AND seniors. (#readergrands) My in-laws have shared them with hoots and howls with their retirement community.

Thanks, Mark and Rowan Sommerset. More, more, more!

Baa Baa Smart Sheep
I Love Lemonade
by Mark and Rowan Sommerset
Candlewick Press, 2016

Monday, October 3, 2016

Animals: Ingela P. Arrhenius

Animals Cover

It's HUGE! Likely as big as your totz, the graphic depiction of various animals by children's designer in Sweden, Ingela P. Arrhenius, is captivating. There's no particular order or arrangement in the beasts, but there is a celebration of shapes, including lettering which changes from piece to piece. The palette is subdued. All imagery is caught on the endpapers for comparison.

Consider this for young storytime groups or singular readers who are ready to meet an array of animals and twirling letters. Each is friendly and waits introduction.

Animals
by Ingela P. Arrhenius
Candlewick Press, 2016

Monday, September 26, 2016

My Very First Mother Goose: Iona Opie and Rosemary Wells

My Very First Mother Goose Cover

How wonderful! The Twentieth Anniversary Edition of My Very First Mother Goose, edited by Iona Opie and illustrated by Rosemary Wells, is being released! In four chapters, the rhymes are collected and shared in a large format. Readertotz are going to love falling into the phrases and big imagery.

As Iona notes in her introduction, Mother Goose knows of human nature. She shows us the beautiful world we are all a part of. Her rhymes give us answers and encouragements in so many situations. Rosemary Wells fills the scene, and with a line, she conveys layers of emotion.

I shared this first with my own readertotz. Now, to the next generation...

My Very First Mother Goose
edited by Iona Opie
illustrated by Rosemary Wells
Candlewick Press, 2016

Sunday, September 18, 2016

I Love Music: Marion Billet

I Love Music Cover

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