The Nutcracker: Jack and Holman Wang

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

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

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

The Christmas Story: Robert Sabuda

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

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

Love, Happy, Together: Emma Dodd

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

Poetry Friday: Seeking a Santa

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