Sunday, December 21, 2014

Skippyjon Jones Snow What

A new book in the Skippyjon #1 New York Times bestselling series! 
I haven't done a picture book on readertotz in a while since we largely focus on board books. But here's a new book -- Skippyjon Jones Snow What -- in a series I'd love to see translated into board books one day.
In this one . . . fairy tales are not Skippyjon Jones's cup of tea, but his sister adores Snow White. During a reading of the tale, Skippyjon's mind starts to wander and he winds up as a character in the story! It's more challenging than expected when he is faced with seven little chihuahua dogs and the prospect of kissing the princess in the tale . . . a girl! But it is to save her from an evil queen after all . . . what to do?
I remember reading the first book about this character, Skippyjon Jones, aloud to friends in a brick and mortar bookstore shortly after it first came out. I was so enamored of this cat (who thinks he's a chihuahua) and the playful language in the book that I wanted to share him with anyone who would listen. He's one of those characters that's sure to be enjoyed for many many years to come by future generations of young readers.
Here's hoping for board books!
Skippyjon Jones Snow What
Author-illustrator: Judy Schachner
Publisher: Dutton Children's Books, 2014


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Happy Holidays from Chronicle!

Happy Holidays from beloved Chronicle! The Little Library will be given away in National Library Week, 2015. Don't you love that?

Friday, November 21, 2014

Poetry Friday: On the Wing

Happy Poetry Friday! Take a look at On the Wing by David Elliott and illustrated by Becca Stadtlander. #beautyallaround



The Caribbean Flamingo

Singular...
an ember
waiting
to ignite.

In multitude...
a conflagration!
The sky is set
alight!

On the Wing
by David Elliott
illustrated by Becca Stadtlander
Candlewick Press, 2014

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Roar! Roar! by Sebastien Braun

Can You Say It, Too? Roar! Roar! by Sebastien Braun is another fun entry into the lift-the-flap collection for babies.



On each spread, a wild creature asks a question about someone nearby. Who's in the reeds? Who's beside the log? Behind the flap awaits a cheerful creature ready to sound off. Your totz will enjoy imitating the hippo, gator, and lion. A double flap at the end offers a fun surprise.

Gotta love Nosy Crow. Thanks, Sebastien! You are bringing joy to the smallest readers!

Can You Say It, Too? Roar! Roar!
by Sebastien Braun
Nosy Crow, 2014

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Peekaboo Barn: Night and Day Studios

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/peekaboo-barn-nat-sims/1118476923?ean=9780763675578

Farm books are perennial totz favorites. This one is a simple, sturdy book, with animal sounds on the left pages and the same barn on the right page. On each spread, the doors of the barn can be opened (the double doors are each a flap) to reveal the animal(s) making the sounds. It's simple, but effective and cute. It was originally a very successful app. And, as you can see on the cover, the app is free with the board book, via a scratch-off code. I think this is one totz will enjoy!

Ages 0-3

Peekaboo Barn
Night and Day Studios
Candlewick Entertainment

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Oversized: Mamoko, New York, and Animalium

How about 3 huge books for little hands, all from Big Picture Press? Two are even board books!



The World of Mamoko, In the Time of Dragons will pull your totz into a story they can tell. While searching for characters, introduced right up front, they can read, reread, and tell at least 26 different tales by following their chosen beastie. From Stewart Snowt to Jasper Fuggle-Hop to Alec Ratz, the stories are just waiting to be discovered. They can also watch for hidden objects and find coins and mushrooms on every page. This would be a great book to share in a backseat for a long Thanksgiving roadtrip! The oversize board book will last and last.

OR



how about a visit to New York, by Josh Cochran. I'm headed there myself next month so this is a timely treat. Your totz can explore the city through this big book doubling as a two-sided chart. All the while, the reader can search for 80 objects nested in the cityscape. This work gets me revved up for New York City. I'm sure it will do the same for your family. The stiff pages will hold up to little hands. The graphic imagery reminds me of the seventies and maybe a little of A Yellow Submarine.

AND FINALLY,



Animalium.  Imagine a museum inside a book! Written by Jenny Broom and illustrated by Katie Scott, this is a treasure. Six galleries present everything from invertebrates to mammals. I love this intro:

"This museum is like none you've ever visited before. It's open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and its collection boasts a fascinating catalog of the world's creatures, with each exhibit in immaculate condition and presented in fantastic detail."

From the rich paper it is printed on. to the choices for illustration, to the text, this masterpiece warrants inclusion in homes, school, and libraries. Please find this labor of love and soar into it with your totz.

The World of Mamoko, In the Time of Dragons
by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski
Big Picture Press, 2014

New York
by Josh Cochran
Big Picture Press, 2014

Animalium
by Jenny Broom
illustrated by Katie Scott
Big Picture Press, 2014

Monday, October 27, 2014

A New Chick for Chickies: Janee Trasler

The Chickies are back!



And they...just got a brother who tends to join all their favorite activities, without an invite. But with a pause, the Chickies see they now have a conga line, a beach ball team, and a five-piece band. All is well until, "Craaack...Chickies got a brother. And another. And another. And another. Oh, brother!"

Janee Trasler's wit and art will win giggles from your totz. And be sure to listen in to the free song here. Thank you for another book about the beloved Chickies, Janee and HarperFestival!

A New Chick for Chickies
by Janee Trasler
HarperFestival, 2014

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Boo Who? A Spooky Lift-the-Flap Book celebrates 18 years!

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/boo-who-joan-holub/1111813844?ean=9780590059053
Published book and Joan's original illustrated dummy.

Happy Halloween, totz!
Readertotz co-founder Joan Holub celebrates
Boo Who? A Spooky Lift-the-Flap Book
a Halloween riddle book for totz
published by Scholastic 18 years ago and still in print.

Guess who says boo?
(lift the flap)
A ghost!

Recently spotted by Joan's series co-author Suzanne Williams 
(Goddess Girls; Grimmtastic Girls; and Heroes in Training)
in Barnes and Noble:


Tuesday, October 14, 2014

A Visit to Dr. Duck: Rosemary Wells

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-visit-to-dr-duck-rosemary-wells/1118328687?ean=9780763672294
Felix overdoes it with the chocolate one night and wakes up feeling ill. Mama tries various remedies such as tea and fresh air, but Felix is still "not feeling perkier."

A visit to Dr. Duck is in order. But Felix is afraid.

His fears are soon soothed and the visit goes well with a check of his vitals, including ears and temperature. A dose of "Happy Tummy" does the trick, and by morning, Felix is his old self.

A reassuring book to help sooth totz' fears before a visit to the doctor. Sweet and tender, and just what the doctor ordered!

A Visit to Dr. Duck
Author-illustrator: Rosemary Wells
Candlewick Press (2014 board book edition)

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

TIme for Bed: Petr Horacek

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/time-for-bed-petr-horacek/1118476916?ean=9780763667795 
There's one page for each progressive "time", from playtime to bedtime and everything between for a full totz' day.

Time to play.
Time to put away my toys.

As you move through the book, the pages get smaller and smaller as the day comes to a close:

Time for a story.
And time to say good night.

With a turn of the last page, the covers are in place for a restful sleep.

A realistic comforting look at the "times" of a totz day that will lend comfort and enjoyment at a day's end.

Illustrated by the popular Petr Horacek of Suzy Goose and many other totz favorites.

Author-illustrator: Petr Horacek

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Honk, Honk! Baa, Baa! by Petr Horacek



Love this simple, straightforward lift-the-flap book. With the introduction of smaller and smaller barnyard animals, each page reduces in size (the flaps), until unexpectedly, the final spread utilizes all the previous cutaways to portray a cow. A fun surprise!

Of course Petr's art is fresh with a great, free pencil line, resist work, textured backgrounds, and splotches of bright color. All age totz will respond to this timeless board book.

HEE-HAW,
HEE-HAW,
says
the donkey.

Have fun sounding out each of the animals!

Honk, Honk! Baa, Baa!
by Petr Horacek
Candlewick Press, 2014

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Poetry Friday Classic: Singing, by Mary Blair



Here's a classic from Mary Blair's The Golden Book of Little Verses for Poetry Friday. Enjoy with your "young and round" readertotz.

Singing

When baby birds
Are round and young
Their thoughts like little
Chirps are sung.

And singing has
A bird-like sound
When boys and girls
Are young and round.

The Golden Book of Little Verses
by Mary Blair
Golden Books, 1953

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Color For Baby: Yana Peel

http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Imprint&mode=book&isbn=076367124X&bkview=p&pix=y



Introduce your babiez and totz (recommended ages 0 to 3) to well-known contemporary, modern, and impressionist artists. Four mini fold-out books come inside a box. Each is themed on red, yellow, green, or blue, and features famous works from Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Roy Lichtenstein, Damien Hirst, Henri Matisse, and Yves Klein, among others.

This is the third title in the Art for Baby series. Also check out Art For Baby and Faces For Baby. Love all of these books!

Yana Peel is the CEO of Intelligence Squared. In 2011, she was honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and received the Mont Blanc Award for Arts Patronage.

Color For Baby
Curated by Yana Peel
Big Picture Press (Candlewick Press)

Friday, September 5, 2014

Poetry Friday: Hello, I'm Johnny Cash



Watch for this beauty, lovingly created to honor Johnny Cash. G. Neri's free verse pairs beautifully with A.G. Ford's paintings. Here's an excerpt for Poetry Friday. Don't you hear Johnny's voice?

J.R. didn't know
what to do,
so he just started singing
the spirituals from
Jack's funeral,
and Momma
stopped crying
to listen.
J.R. kept singing
all afternoon,
letting his pain
pour out through
his high strong voice,
which carried for miles
across the fields
to the heavens above.

Hello, I'm Johnny Cash
by G. Neri
illustrated by A. G. Ford
Candlwick Press, 2014

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Bizzy Bear's Big Building Book: Benji Davies

http://nosycrow.com/books/benji-davies/bizzy-bear-s-busy-building-day

Bigger than a typical board book at 9x9 inches (230 mm x 230 mm in the UK where Nosy Crow is located), Bizzy Bear's Big Building Book is super-sturdy with lots of moving parts. There's a wheel to spin which makes the drill appear to be turning. And a pull-tab to make the saw go back and forth. And plenty of flaps, big and small, to lift as bear and his friends build away. What are they making? A tree house that's got the most surprising moving part of all zooming from its top.

An engaging intro to basic tools that's sure to intrigue totz.

Bizzy Bear's Big Building Book
Author-illustrator: Benji Davies
Nosy Crow
September 2014

Friday, August 29, 2014

Photo Friday: Photos Framed by Ruth Thomson



Haven't celebrated Photo Friday lately, so here's a great recommend. Photos Framed by Ruth Thomson is captivating. Think of the world's most memorable photos, and then child appropriate descriptions of the image, the photographer, and general photo thoughts. There are Blow Up and Zoom In notes as well to spur further thought and discussion.

From "Louis Daguerre" photographed by Jean-Baptiste Sabatier-Blot to Steve McCurry's "Afghan Girl" this is a beautiful collection of the world's 27 iconic photographs. Ruth's accompanying text is completely absorbing. Like me, you probably won't be able to put it down. The Older Sibs of your totz will be engaged.

Photos Framed
by Ruth Thomson
Candlewick Press, 2014

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Mini Myths: Joan Holub and Leslie Patricelli

 
 
I've been waiting for this pairing of awesome: our own readertotz' Joan Holub and Leslie Patricelli! It doesn't get better!

Mini Myths is their series collaboration releasing September 16th. Play Nice, Hercules! and Be Patient, Pandora! are the first to pub. Following Joan's hit series with Suzanne Williams, Goddess Girls and Heroes in Training, Joan was primed to translate myths for totz. And she does it so well! Tight language conveys the essence of both Pandora and Hercules. Following a dear concluding truth, each book ends with a short synopsis of the myth itself.

Leslie's illustrations bring new beloved characters to board books, but you will recognize her infectious style from her Baby books. How fun to have more to love.

You will treasure these gems as they bring myths to your totz with heartfelt truths. Wonderful! Thank you, Joan and Leslie!

Be Patient, Pandora!
Play Nice, Hercules!
by Joan Holub
illustrated by Leslie Patricelli
Abrams Appleseed, 2014

Monday, August 4, 2014

Growl! Growl!: Sebastien Braun

http://nosycrow.com/books/can-you-say-it-too-series
A combination "I Spy" and "Say the animal sound" board book that's a hit with two totz on my block. They see part of an animal, then lift the flaps to see the entire creature. Then they make its noise. Oodles of fun for them and they were mesmerized by the bright artwork.

One of four titles in the Can You Say It, Too? series, along with Moo! Moo!, Woof! Woof!, and Roar! Roar!

12 pages, ages 9 months and up.

Growl! Growl!
Author-Publisher: Nosy Crow
Illustrator: Sebastien Braun
2014

Friday, August 1, 2014

Poetry Friday: i haiku you



If you follow my personal blog, you know I am a haiku fan, often writing ekphrastic works. How about a collection of love haikus to share with your totz? I Haiku You by Betsy Snyder is a little gem with quaint, light illustrations. Happy Poetry Friday!

love is in the air-
every time our hearts meet up,
i get butterflies

i haiku you
by Betsy Snyder
Random House, 2012

Monday, July 28, 2014

Daddy Wrong Legs: Nina Laden



Get ready for a giggle with Nina Laden's split board book, Daddy Wrong Legs. There are so many daddies and so many differently shaped legs, how can you not mix-and-match a spider, elephant, frog, and a human daddy?

Nina's gouache renderings continue in the cheerful style of Peek-a Who? and Ready, Set, Go! The rhyming text adds to the fun of this interactive read.

Wrong legs
Long legs
Strong legs
Dog legs

Enjoy a laugh with your totz, Moms and Dads!

Daddy Wrong Legs
by Nina Laden
Chronicle Books, 2014

Monday, July 14, 2014

Diane Muldrow: How Do Lions Say I Love You?

http://www.amazon.com/Lions-Love-Little-Golden-Book/dp/0449812561/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1397934153&sr=1-1&keywords=how+do+lions+say+i+love+you
--> A rhyming book about how animals communicate their love for one another. I like that the author slipped in some nice teaching moments about animal behavior. It’s a soft, sweet story, many totz will enjoy.

Giraffes say I love you

with their necks so long.

The nightingale sings

It in a beautiful song.

I love this wonderful learning moment for totz!:
Horses say I love you

by sharing their air.

A traditional Golden Book with paper pages, but this could definitely be reformatted as a board book.

-->
Author: Diane Muldrow
Illustrator: David Walker

Friday, July 11, 2014

Poetry Friday: It Rains, It Pains



Another from I Saw Esau! Happy Poetry Friday!

It rains, it pains,
It patters, it docks,
It makes little ladies
Take up their white frocks.
The rain is done,
The wind is down;
Put on your best,
And go to town.

 I Saw Esau, The Schoolchild's Pocket Book
Edited by Iona and Peter Opie
Illustrated by Maurice Sendak
Candlewick Press, 1992

Monday, July 7, 2014

What's in Your Purse? by Abigail Samoun



Oh, the fun of looking through Grandma's purse when you are a tot. I remember! Do you? How about What's in Your Purse? by Abigail Samoun? The fresh lift-the-flap let's you peek through Mommy's, Grandma's, Auntie's, Sister's, and a child's purse. The distinguishing items are great, from Sis's cell and diary, to Auntie's passport. Clever questions encourage the reader to explore more. Where has Auntie visited? What's the book Grandma's reading?

My surprise was to look in the child's purse and discover Emily and Sarah's tic tac toe, and sleepover invite. My daughter is named Emily and her bestie is Sarah. I have to recommend this work!

Nathalie Dion's soft illustrations are filled with pattern and detail. The work appears to be watercolor and color pencil. A perfect choice for the subject.

Pick up What's in Your Purse? for your totz and take a peek inside.

What's in Your Purse?
by Abigail Samoun
illustrated by Nathalie Dion
Chronicle Books, 2014

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

For the Older Siblings: The Fourteenth Goldfish



Just back from the ALA Annual Convention, and I brought home Jennifer Holm's new The Fourteenth Goldfish. With a celebration of science and responsibility, I thought the Older Siblings of Readertotz would enjoy the fantasy. Who wouldn't be surprised to discover their grandfather suddenly appearing as a teen?

On a strange note, the main character is named Ellie, like my own daughter, and the book releases on her birthday...

Here's the full description:

Believe in the possible . . . with this brilliantly quirky, thought-provoking novel from New York Times bestseller, three-time Newbery Honor winner Jennifer L. Holm
Galileo. Newton. Salk. Oppenheimer.
Science can change the world . . . but can it go too far?

Eleven-year-old Ellie has never liked change. She misses fifth grade. She misses her old best friend. She even misses her dearly departed goldfish. Then one day a strange boy shows up. He’s bossy. He’s cranky. And weirdly enough . . . he looks a lot like Ellie’s grandfather, a scientist who’s always been slightly obsessed with immortality. Could this pimply boy really be Grandpa Melvin? Has he finally found the secret to eternal youth?

With a lighthearted touch and plenty of humor, Jennifer Holm celebrates the wonder of science and explores fascinating questions about life and death, family and friendship, immortality . . . and possibility.

The Fourteenth Goldfish
by Jennifer Holm
Random House, August 26, 2014

Monday, June 30, 2014

Mary Brigid Barrett: All Fall Down



http://www.amazon.com/Fall-Down-Mary-Brigid-Barrett/dp/0763644307/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1397933794&sr=1-3&keywords=all+fall+down
An energetic take-off on the game: Ring Around the Rosie or One Two Three, We All Fall Down! Totz build things, including a block tower, which they then knock down; a tower of natural objects in a stream, which they then splash down; and finally a version of the above-mentioned game.

With bright, colorful art, this book is lots of totz fun!

A traditionally formatted board book with nice sturdy pages.

Illustrator: LeUyen Pham

Friday, June 27, 2014

Poetry Friday: I Saw Esau



After celebrating it's twenty year anniversary with Maurice Sendak's illustrations, how about a poem for Poetry Friday from the "Nonsense" section of I Saw Esau. Enjoy!

I was in the garden
A-picking of the peas.
I busted out a-laughing
To hear the chickens sneeze.

Oh, I'll be at ALA, signing in the HarperCollins' booth, #508, Saturday, June 28th, at 10 am. Stop by and say hey! We can chat about our love for readertotz!

I Saw Esau, The Schoolchild's Pocket Book
Edited by Iona and Peter Opie
Illustrated by Maurice Sendak
Candlewick Press, 1992

Monday, June 23, 2014

Faces for Baby: Yana Peel



My recommend today is one I've savored on my own for a bit. It is so beautiful. Talk about raising the bar for board books, check out Faces for Baby. The collection of 12 works by well-known artists were curated by Yana Peel. Each image is sure to hold your totz' attention. They can be introduced to faces portrayed by various artists from Pablo Picasso to Paul Klee. Older siblings may be inspired to create in similar fashion.


Chris Ofili and Pablo Picasso

Faces for Baby is a treasure to keep for all ages. Just be sure to share it with your totz, too! Where's the nose? Where are the eyes?

Faces for Baby
curated by Yana Peel
Templar, 2013

Friday, June 20, 2014

Poetry Friday: A Giraffe and a Half



We are celebrating Shel's 50 year anniversary and Poetry Friday today! Remember A Giraffe and a Half? Classic!

and he gave the rose
to a girl he chose...

while the bee on his knee
flew away with a flea...

A Giraffe and a Half
by Shel Silverstein
Harper, 1964

Monday, June 16, 2014

Shane DeRolf: The Crayon Box that that Talked


http://www.amazon.com/Crayon-Box-that-Talked/dp/0679886117/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1397930820&sr=1-1&keywords=they+day+my+crayons

A short rhyming board book that celebrates differences and cooperation. It's a cute idea: Differently colored crayons don’t get along and must learn to work together in order to make a picture.

“I don’t like Red!” said Yellow.
And Green said, “Nor do I.
And no one here likes Orange,
But no one knows just why.”

Pair this one with the bestselling picture book, The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers.

Author: Shane DeRolf
Illustrator: Michael Letzig

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Poetry Friday: Dinnertime for Chickies

 I LOVE THESE CHICKIES! So happy there's another escapade. Celebrate Poetry Friday with Janee Trasler's Dinnertime for Chickies. Here's an enticing taste:

Dinnertime, Chickies.
Let's all eat.
Wash your wings
and take a seat.

We can't eat this.
It's too drippy.
We want something chocolate chippy.

Needless to say, the Chickies' tastes grow, and by the conclusion of the board book, they hardly have room for dessert. Thanks, Janee for these delightful characters. <3 p="">
Dinnertime for Chickies
by Janee Trasler
HarperFestival, 2014

Monday, June 9, 2014

Creature Colors, Creature Numbers: Andrew Zuckerman

Creature Colors

Creature Numbers

Andrew Zuckerman's wildlife photography can be enjoyed by your totz in the Creature collection. In Colors, the hues are rich, intense, almost shocking on the animals against stark white backgrounds. There are 5 birds in the gathering of 10 features, including an elephant, frog, and a bear.

Numbers counts either the number of active animals or a characteristic of the body such as 8 legs creeping or 7 fins paddling. The final spread gathers all 10 creatures in mostly different positions than shown previously.

Even the youngest totz will be entranced by the color and activity of these glorious creatures. Also, look for Baby Animals and Sounds.

Creature Colors
Creature Numbers
by Andrew Zuckerman
Chronicle Books, 2014

Friday, June 6, 2014

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

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Miss J reads Mighty Dads by Joan Holub

Mighty Dads
Scholastic, picture book by readertotz co-founder Joan Holub
illustrated by James Dean, creator of Pete the Cat

Monday, June 2, 2014

Joyce Wan: My Lucky Little Dragon


http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Little-Dragon-Joyce-Wan/dp/0545540461/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1397933257&sr=1-1&keywords=my+lucky+little+dragon
When I see a Joyce Wan book on the shelf, I know immediately who created it. She has that kind of signature style. It’s hip, yet totz-friendly.

You are my lucky little
DRAGON
My clever little 
snake

This book’s simple rhyme and art lends itself to the very young, from babies to younger totz. It’s a quick read, but bright and fun. The way the names of the animals, such as dragon or snake, are illustrated is super snazzy.

And there’s a heart-shaped mirror on the last page with the text:
Baby, I’m
LUCKY
to have you!

A traditionally formatted board book with nice sturdy pages.

Author-illustrator: Joyce Wan

Friday, May 30, 2014

Poetry Friday: Don't Bump the Glump!



On this Happy Poetry Friday, I share a poem from Shel Silverstein's Don't Bump the Glump! and Other Fantasies. Celebrating 50 years, you can find this collection in color for your totz. Enjoy!

About the Bloath

In the undergrowth
There dwells the Bloath
Who feeds upon poets and tea.
Luckily I know this about him,
While he knows almost nothing of me.

Don't Bump the Glump! and Other Fantasies
by Shel Silverstein
HarperCollins Publishers, 1964, 1992

Monday, May 26, 2014

A Tree for All Seasons: Maryse Guittet

A Tree For All Seasons

It's a tree illustrating 4 seasons in your hands. By lifting graduating, shaped pages, totz are shown the life of a tree from spring to winter. Cleverly, the trunk is stationary causing the peeking fox to listen in as the story is read aloud. Each page includes additional flaps where readers can discover hidden animals within the branches and leaves.

Maryse Guittet's illustrations are controlled and open with an occasional stamp of what could be lino block for texture. The shapes are cheery along with the insects, birds, and animal faces.

Watch the tree bloom and the snow fall in A Tree for All Seasons. It will be a hit year round.

A Tree for All Seasons
by Maryse Guittet
Twirl, 2014

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Poetry Friday: Tap Tap Boom Boom

Beautiful pick for text and art this Poetry Friday: Tap Tap Boom Boom.



Tap TAP,
dark clouds.
Tap TAP,
damp air.

Tap TAP,
cold drops
of rain
dot hair.

Street carts appear:
"Umbrellas here!"
Tap TAP
Tap TAP
BOOM
BOOM

This is such a visual treat of sound and sight, texture and rhythm. Find it!

Tap Tap Boom Boom
by Elizabeth Bluemle
illustrated by G. Brian Karas
Candlewick Press, 2014

Monday, May 19, 2014

Karen Katz: Princess Baby Night Night

http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Baby-Night-Night-Karen-Katz/dp/0385378483/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1397932844&sr=1-1&keywords=princess+baby+night-night
-->
It’s bedtime, but this princess is not sleepy. This isn’t a traditional bedtime story. Mischievous Princess Baby is doing what her parents ask in her own unusual way. In short sentences and simple patterned art, Katz manages to give her character personality plus!

Princess Baby,

Are you getting read for bed?



But I’m not tired.
(Princess Baby is bouncing on the bed.)

Did you wash your face?



I’m washing.
(Princess baby is washing her toys’ faces.)

The glittery crown and slippers on this royal baby are sure to please totz princess fans. A traditionally formatted board book with nice sturdy pages.

Author-illustrator: Karen Katz

Monday, May 12, 2014

Anne-Sophie Baumann: The Ultimate Book of Vehicles From Around the World



60 moveable parts! 60! This big book from Twirl had to be titled The Ultimate Book of Vehicles, right? There are flaps, tabs, pop-ups and slides, all portraying locomotion from around the world. Yep. I just checked. There are trains, too.

Didier Balicevic's illustrations provide a happy medium of detail, not too little where credibility would be lost in the discerning vehicle lover, but not too much to overwhelm the vast collection. The first pages, including a few such as Construction, Demolition, and City Maintenance, are illustrated on white backgrounds. The simplicity helps the reader to focus on the many vehicles. Midway, the Rescue page creates a scene, while latter spreads of Fishing, Sea Travel, Air Travel and Space have blue or black backgrounds which are refreshing to the eye.

There is so much to see and learn in this ultimate book. Your totz won't want to miss it! Get those engines humming.

The Ultimate Book of Vehicles From Around the World
by Anne-Sophie Baumann
illustrated by Didier Balicevic
Twirl, 2014

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Monday, May 5, 2014

Peter Panda Melts Down!: Artie Bennett

http://www.amazon.com/Peter-Panda-Melts-Artie-Bennett/dp/1609054113/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394343300&sr=1-1&keywords=peter+panda+melts+down

Meet Peter Panda! He's usually good, but sometimes crabby. Aren't we all? I think totz will see themselves reflected in this panda's frustrations and relate to his occasional meltdowns. Panda grabs another's toy, won't eat his veggies, and won't go to bed. What are panda parents to do? Melt down too! This is a realistic occurrence and I'm glad to see it portrayed in this book. In the end, Peter Panda is sorry and all is well.

I adore this character and this book cover by Jon Nez!

An 8.5 x 8.5 inch picture book that could easily transform into board book format at some future time.

Peter Panda Melts Down!
Author: Artie Bennett
Illustrator: John Nez
Blue Apple Books

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Mighty Dads from James Dean and totz co-founder Joan Holub

http://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Dads-Joan-Holub/dp/0545609682/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389317753&sr=1-1&keywords=mighty+dads
Hey! Big scoop, scoop, scoop: 
A new book from the New York Times bestselling creator of Pete the Cat, James Dean and totz co-founder, Joan Holub, hits stores today!

Mighty dads, strong and tall,
help their children, young and small.

They keep them safe and bolted tight
and show them how to build things right.



"When my editor told me Grady, Dumpy, Boomer, and the rest of the crew that James Dean had agreed to illustrate Mighty Dads, we went roar, roar, ROAR!" ~ Joan Holub

Mighty Dads is dedicated to hardworking fathers and the subtle ways they teach their boys and girls to follow in their tracks. The Dump Trucks learn to get dirty. Crane keeps his little one safe from harm. The busy Cement Mixer gives his daughter a hug. The Forklift cheers his son on. It means so much when Mighty Dads say, "I'm proud of you."

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Author: Joan Holub
Illustrator: James Dean

Monday, April 28, 2014

Bunny Boo Has Lost Her Teddy: Jannie Ho


Bunny Boo Has Lost Her Teddy is a really cool bedtime board book! Part of the "A Tiny Tab Book" series, it's sturdy, durable, and has tabs to pull! Your totz may very well be eager to pull each of these tabs as they help Bunny Boo search for her teddy bear, which she must have before going to bed. There are 4 tabs in all (as shown), but the backside of each tab works to reveal something in most cases as well.

Adorably illustrated by one of my favorite (and prolific) board book artists, Jannie Ho, illustrator of my What Does Cow Say?

Bunny Boo Has Lost Her Teddy
Text: Nosy Crow
Illustrator: Jannie Ho
Nosy Crow, 2014