tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64903988861485035412024-03-13T11:14:13.223-07:00readertotzCelebrating quality board books for the very youngLorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.comBlogger1117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-91693474349482407332022-12-12T08:20:00.001-08:002022-12-12T08:39:16.177-08:00Farewell for Now, Totz! <p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRbFDkGN1HONc0wqmPHNMo-v4cuvPlOipMiSxVLkY3HYaWMfuahsLIQib3uCc31BCf8sArJ78zFn9JA6VAsN-3ot8VoLcT9hyxpuQwKF412epoDfvrGY8hdNic-c-KGQdcIuizNOOdkcEjmG2DHRFZMhJLicD4LX67ORDbtQoLH9d-mcb5gmRIUaSTtQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="261" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRbFDkGN1HONc0wqmPHNMo-v4cuvPlOipMiSxVLkY3HYaWMfuahsLIQib3uCc31BCf8sArJ78zFn9JA6VAsN-3ot8VoLcT9hyxpuQwKF412epoDfvrGY8hdNic-c-KGQdcIuizNOOdkcEjmG2DHRFZMhJLicD4LX67ORDbtQoLH9d-mcb5gmRIUaSTtQ=w261-h320" width="261" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">illustration by Lorie Ann Grover</span></div><br />Hello beloved readertotz, first readers, older sibs of totz, parents, and educators!<p></p><p>After fourteen years of posting recommends for the most excellent board books and an occasional exceptional picture book, I believe it is time to end our effort for now. Thankfully, the esteem for and quality of board books has risen in the industry. We still hope that <a href="https://www.ala.org/">ALA</a> will begin to award the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DorothyKunhardtAward">Dorothy Kunhardt Award</a> yearly to the very best in the novelty/board book format. </p><p>Joan and I continue to write our own books. You can follow the links below to keep up on our news and releases if you like. Thanks so much for your interest, encouragement, and support over the years. Yay for the books we have gathered around! I hope you have discovered joy and fun from authors, illustrators, and publishers. </p><p>For now, farewell! May your next snuggled book be a rich delight for you and yours. Love to each,</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg575I3YBvqcKe89jcfIKjBN1np9ObBZTA8hxf9lBqpuIvBw__UzW5CXO0Jhen0EqWJ7itMF67aQ_y13rre5NblFDPwDXCFNtYes65KCPi95LwWrey1l6dM0-4sVIwnIHXsd1QcKQ6IKx4IcD7DXfusPhv21aWTz_AGq4kvmUW5AQ3bKLaebJpnaumkTQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2769" data-original-width="1832" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg575I3YBvqcKe89jcfIKjBN1np9ObBZTA8hxf9lBqpuIvBw__UzW5CXO0Jhen0EqWJ7itMF67aQ_y13rre5NblFDPwDXCFNtYes65KCPi95LwWrey1l6dM0-4sVIwnIHXsd1QcKQ6IKx4IcD7DXfusPhv21aWTz_AGq4kvmUW5AQ3bKLaebJpnaumkTQ=w212-h320" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lorieanngrover.blogspot.com/"></a><a href="https://lorieanngrover.blogspot.com/">Lorie Ann Grover</a> </div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">and <a href="https://www.joanholub.com/">Joan Holub </a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhE3E69WGLolPPawqWKx-RdpgJ4COYwScYHtaxJOw_cwrQb6XsjhoBH44gx4k0u6-Gv7_Qx4fJ0wHz1HxfiUJ6TQ2PNkDxH8J8mWDagsm1yI2D6fVPfzuXnaxD_2p1mMZKzGna_pC_N-rBxvb94nsrtPITo8aBu0bXHGI-4ymFuMOCA_yltGnOw_Q1flQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhE3E69WGLolPPawqWKx-RdpgJ4COYwScYHtaxJOw_cwrQb6XsjhoBH44gx4k0u6-Gv7_Qx4fJ0wHz1HxfiUJ6TQ2PNkDxH8J8mWDagsm1yI2D6fVPfzuXnaxD_2p1mMZKzGna_pC_N-rBxvb94nsrtPITo8aBu0bXHGI-4ymFuMOCA_yltGnOw_Q1flQ" width="263" /></a></div><p></p>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-75228411495150475492022-08-24T09:37:00.002-07:002022-08-24T09:37:52.384-07:00More, more, more: A Bear Far from Home: Susan Fletcher<p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTueDoIz_xLg_vZME6DIewoJ4798dM6pP82q6H_mCOKSCh60A2Fle2O2Wc1FIhk0vKPmgTWcEbnT7E_KzsJmBnpvdabNacLKIIrUa2yFb3hzxAKeXCPcKpPE0iLLujE_zY3VqiBUbGHYyUOFzcLqYYNkJr0oWFRLcgjxN1fA7AVw1opr2O9Hj2bkJs_w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="486" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTueDoIz_xLg_vZME6DIewoJ4798dM6pP82q6H_mCOKSCh60A2Fle2O2Wc1FIhk0vKPmgTWcEbnT7E_KzsJmBnpvdabNacLKIIrUa2yFb3hzxAKeXCPcKpPE0iLLujE_zY3VqiBUbGHYyUOFzcLqYYNkJr0oWFRLcgjxN1fA7AVw1opr2O9Hj2bkJs_w=w400-h329" width="400" /></a></i></div><i><br />A Bear Far From Home</i> is an historical incident, plus beautiful writing filled with wonder, and illustrations inspired by medieval tapestries. For the older siblings of your readertotz, Susan Fletcher's imagined recounting of a white bear finding itself relocated in England is a beautiful tribute to beginning again. As well, the door will be opened to discuss oppression, zoos, slavery, and the rights of all. The bear finds a new home; yet, it is chained and in a foreign environment. Fletcher brings the readers' empathy alongside the bear, as she imagines how it feels throughout the entire experience. <p></p><div style="text-align: left;">"Imagine</div><div style="text-align: left;">how strange and loud and lonely</div><div style="text-align: left;">the world must have seemed </div><div style="text-align: left;">to the bear--" </div><p>Rebecca Green's illustrations pay homage to the time and space. The Tower of London, the King's Menagerie and King Henry III are featured. Layouts and perspectives vary and increase the emotional impact of the work. </p><p>This exquisitely rendered book will provoke thoughts and emotions in readers. Just imagine. Let the connections rise and discussions begin!</p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593181898">A Bear Far From Home</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Susan Fletcher</div><div style="text-align: left;">illustrated by Rebecca Green</div><div style="text-align: left;">Anne Schwartz Books, 9/27/2022</div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-35266175286359670262022-07-18T14:28:00.018-07:002022-07-18T14:28:00.207-07:00Drum City: Thea Guidone<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJe--GZkRS0ocfR8oSXWvw4lBwjRiK0RRJDhtm5caq6Y2vg69tmSplBe3wmJg7Fk6rGdI7fG0YOjvmUuU9ig5wX4iI16An-bH2SHQveUTdrXXAzzpxNk8Pk_THcXFDeXUR_XnWchQdC6Ix02XORIU3zmngHMdbSG6yKgfCujzOSS1tL9xHxgQGPVl7mw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="446" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJe--GZkRS0ocfR8oSXWvw4lBwjRiK0RRJDhtm5caq6Y2vg69tmSplBe3wmJg7Fk6rGdI7fG0YOjvmUuU9ig5wX4iI16An-bH2SHQveUTdrXXAzzpxNk8Pk_THcXFDeXUR_XnWchQdC6Ix02XORIU3zmngHMdbSG6yKgfCujzOSS1tL9xHxgQGPVl7mw=w400-h358" width="400" /></a></div><br />In the universal language of drumming, children gather and impact their community by drumming on anything at hand. They influence each other, everyone on Main Street, and down on the docks. Whether you are drumming happily or sadly, there's room for your sound around the world. "Together we drum," says author Thea Guidone.<p></p><div style="text-align: left;">"Drum.</div><div style="text-align: left;">People in traffic keeping the beat</div><div style="text-align: left;">on the hood and the trunk</div><div style="text-align: left;">and the bicycle seat.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mamas in rollers</div><div style="text-align: left;">rock babies in strollers,</div><div style="text-align: left;">clapping and stomping and</div><div style="text-align: left;">stamping their feet to the </div><div style="text-align: left;">drums." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Vanessa Brantley-Newton's illustrations have a satirical line and retro rendering. Compositions convey the gathering, infectious drumbeats. Strong diagonals contrast with horizontals. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Get a drumbeat rolling with your readertotz. Rat-a-tat-tat! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593378090">Drum City</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Thea Guidone</div><div style="text-align: left;">illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton</div><div style="text-align: left;">Knopf, 2022</div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-71277681858376895762022-07-11T07:29:00.008-07:002022-07-11T07:29:00.196-07:00Tarot for Baby: Abigail Samoun<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJcA7ZBiR3D4PoOxK99rfzmsgeR1KW8Rn4vOsDpQSq4ZiD7Kf_nF3mD9njNZULqgWY4DLUp1n4JVYVrRCh93jYg44uUpiMbFDnF9xfbx3_MIoHNK2oWjTW-Ksp4WkF_uUsWKBnl1BUO0FkbbkZTbaVMTDdcyZeDpXaaf6oSkOt3i-XGA0zuoIuHG6KVQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJcA7ZBiR3D4PoOxK99rfzmsgeR1KW8Rn4vOsDpQSq4ZiD7Kf_nF3mD9njNZULqgWY4DLUp1n4JVYVrRCh93jYg44uUpiMbFDnF9xfbx3_MIoHNK2oWjTW-Ksp4WkF_uUsWKBnl1BUO0FkbbkZTbaVMTDdcyZeDpXaaf6oSkOt3i-XGA0zuoIuHG6KVQ=w320-h400" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>How? How would you bring the 22 mystical archetypes to readertotz? Author Abigail Samoun has done so with her beautiful affirmations for every child. </p><div style="text-align: left;">"Fear not, brave one--</div><div style="text-align: left;">you have everything you need!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You have wisdom behind you.</div><div style="text-align: left;">You are cared for. </div><div style="text-align: left;">You are safe."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Each statement is connected to a numbered archetype. The above is: The Magician, The High Priestess, The Empress, and The Emperor. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Illustrator Kelly Anne Dalton's single page images capture the sentiment of the archetype and text in a child-centric way. A trusted friend, for The Lovers, is a stuffed lion with the toddler. The quiet place to hear your inner voice, The Hermit, is the child potty training. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you'd like to introduce your first readers to the tarot, and affirm who they are, <i>Tarot for Baby</i> is a lovely place to begin. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593486122"><br /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593486122">Tarot for Baby</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Abigail Samoun</div><div style="text-align: left;">illustrated by Kelly Anne Dalton</div><div style="text-align: left;">Rodale Kids, 2022</div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-44859116355687397252022-07-04T09:13:00.001-07:002022-07-04T09:13:00.198-07:00Let's Look at Opposites: Marion Deuchars<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYn2OmVNUP09niI0SZIX-m0EhaYyMm214_YrnWXZqfDEJ3dDV4lP_8sqUe67PSqowoQCrZioFCIr-NqNFy54wjCLa-9gicNhGFu5Rl_imiHu3DD_0qH2e5qUjbbTKWsnYu1TLjZh7Mog_T2leMvFgJvfzAN_Ac54PLcNB1Dvjf4X_bgyUmr-5HZQyoKA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYn2OmVNUP09niI0SZIX-m0EhaYyMm214_YrnWXZqfDEJ3dDV4lP_8sqUe67PSqowoQCrZioFCIr-NqNFy54wjCLa-9gicNhGFu5Rl_imiHu3DD_0qH2e5qUjbbTKWsnYu1TLjZh7Mog_T2leMvFgJvfzAN_Ac54PLcNB1Dvjf4X_bgyUmr-5HZQyoKA=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiHBj_pBCQu98d2zRvhKvZ8bu1oq0y304QuQwrOURsznclBpMW1r7RbbzLkBXTY67V_0Jy6JG37eUKxLxaKZrJhK27BofAwVdFd95lCO4pQkQa7K_VD2rqIZlgayeX0-1VZHdq837PdwY6314qBLOiQyYk_skVGcH0ubQ44G9pTKtY2cRp0NFXWZzDzw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiHBj_pBCQu98d2zRvhKvZ8bu1oq0y304QuQwrOURsznclBpMW1r7RbbzLkBXTY67V_0Jy6JG37eUKxLxaKZrJhK27BofAwVdFd95lCO4pQkQa7K_VD2rqIZlgayeX0-1VZHdq837PdwY6314qBLOiQyYk_skVGcH0ubQ44G9pTKtY2cRp0NFXWZzDzw=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><p></p><p>My go-to-favorites for readertotz are concept books. That foundational teaching can always be brought with energy and freshness from gifted creators. Best-selling author/illustrator Marion Deuchars offers her take in a series from Laurence King Publishing: <i>Let's Look At.</i> Here's an opportunity to see the world through Marion's hand, with a bit of wry humor. </p><p><i>Let's Look at Nature </i>presents flowers, leaves, the sun, and more. Little creatures accompany the featured item on each page, and everyone seems to be curious or friendly. The bold, painterly shapes and text are eye-catching for the youngest readers. </p><p><i>Let's Look at Opposites</i> is adorable in its creative license. A mouse climbs a ladder beside a giraffe: tall and short. An empty fish tank sits beside a content cat with fish bones on his lap: empty and full. </p><p>Often, white backgrounds in both books support the featured concepts. Each book also ends with all the representations on the last spread for review. </p><p>This series is fresh and fun. Enjoy introducing these concepts to your first readers. </p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781510230019">Let's Look at Opposites</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781510230170">Let's Look at Nature</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Marion Deuchars</div><div style="text-align: left;">Laurence King Publishing, 2022</div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-33786317106296711872022-06-30T09:42:00.001-07:002022-06-30T09:42:00.191-07:00More, more, more: Most Perfect You<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirl-BTmjg1kQtnUMcKpBeBOgZte6NJ7P1kXNjVUF-JXI2qcc7K1xY_W6_Jo92F2bJSUWexhuxmHnhHYsgfSXvp6e54OOC6JfPEquH4o66YsxkmCFBYWsEDgDFZHmtECD9znirnEp8WzKy4pVXzmB3dLPOrUu63REq1f6Y9NbmklAG5bIfFmT8hYeptVw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="362" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirl-BTmjg1kQtnUMcKpBeBOgZte6NJ7P1kXNjVUF-JXI2qcc7K1xY_W6_Jo92F2bJSUWexhuxmHnhHYsgfSXvp6e54OOC6JfPEquH4o66YsxkmCFBYWsEDgDFZHmtECD9znirnEp8WzKy4pVXzmB3dLPOrUu63REq1f6Y9NbmklAG5bIfFmT8hYeptVw=w362-h400" width="362" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>What if your mother asked God specifically for each of your physical characteristics? What if she chose your skin color, your spectacular hair, and the exact shape of your sparkling eyes? Jazmyn Simon's <i>Most Perfect You</i> creates that setting for a young girl to accept and love the body she's been given. Including her big, kind heart. </p><p>Tamisha Anthony's imaginative, sweeping illustrations carry us from the child's home into the atmosphere of possibility and back home again. A reader gains an additional appreciation for the multitude of beautiful options through Anthony's beautiful paintings. </p><p>Help your child to look in the mirror and see their most perfect self. Find many to share this picture book with to appreciate the beauty we've each been given. </p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593426944">Most Perfect You</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Jazmyn Simon</div><div style="text-align: left;">illustrated by Tamisha Anthony</div><div style="text-align: left;">Random House, 2022</div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-29233975564578841682022-06-21T07:00:00.004-07:002022-06-21T07:00:00.201-07:00I Just Want to Say Good Night: Rachel Isadora<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1pXpk4QgeWLSn46-nDeRMJAeYO09pjn0H7pfzOKONGpDzzifULI349oQqgltZfrcBHvbkO51QZh_m3D3b-mnxN9_B9bccyXZlhJhkIXXaSP91-GC40ECRaneAjuhWODVD7HqUgNp1iNUR1OhtgFc40aqp2zFz02vYXRvirMqTn5JmFyptAoljVs72eg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1pXpk4QgeWLSn46-nDeRMJAeYO09pjn0H7pfzOKONGpDzzifULI349oQqgltZfrcBHvbkO51QZh_m3D3b-mnxN9_B9bccyXZlhJhkIXXaSP91-GC40ECRaneAjuhWODVD7HqUgNp1iNUR1OhtgFc40aqp2zFz02vYXRvirMqTn5JmFyptAoljVs72eg=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br />In a small village on the African veld, it's time for Lala to go to bed. But before she does, she must say goodnight to so many. There is the goat, the dog, the monkey, the ants, and more. All must be wished well by Lala before she goes to sleep.<p></p><p>The sun sets in Rachel Isadora's sweeping, painterly illustrations, and the spreads shift from warm to cool. The book is full of atmosphere. My personal favorite is the dedication page. </p><p>In a sweet homage to Margaret Wise Brown, Lala says goodnight to her book and the full moon out of her window. Add this beautiful, bedtime book to your goodnight ritual. After saying goodnight to all. </p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593462034">I Just Want to Say Good Night</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rachel Isadora</div><div style="text-align: left;">Nancy Paulsen Books, 2022</div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-60210613310900274522022-06-18T12:50:00.000-07:002022-06-18T12:50:32.368-07:00More, more, more: Heckadeck, Travis Nichols<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtTLRfg8GEG_Zq92t_1eIjqiXe-YTESCyHGCeRj-DtNIh43PZ4iAkOjhoaCqMUDhhttg_tEGc53ZFZrWG_MdzZFTq9Rl9-O0UNEN7sVh36YOVj1TbeoILluzFNV4l2uNP-m2rRgXVAZeRm8qaq8E-7MUdvmFsiqExojl9Iz2GfD2GolLqdtnFNx3GN_g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtTLRfg8GEG_Zq92t_1eIjqiXe-YTESCyHGCeRj-DtNIh43PZ4iAkOjhoaCqMUDhhttg_tEGc53ZFZrWG_MdzZFTq9Rl9-O0UNEN7sVh36YOVj1TbeoILluzFNV4l2uNP-m2rRgXVAZeRm8qaq8E-7MUdvmFsiqExojl9Iz2GfD2GolLqdtnFNx3GN_g=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlZJv1kQ2fNtFpEWPPdA-XU2XqX__FPjaKgQxoktoPvhle8nVxUgCbQNlbN9QA15pC805q3rmb3wW_4Kbe0oa1XYwsb5oLjosU9fpgQlNXCQcGrvQ6KmcCJPcVheOXSz-5kZpfXbJieC59McOd1HKQmDACOb3D7tOxju309I_k058ooWrBkPbRqfnBPw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="680" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlZJv1kQ2fNtFpEWPPdA-XU2XqX__FPjaKgQxoktoPvhle8nVxUgCbQNlbN9QA15pC805q3rmb3wW_4Kbe0oa1XYwsb5oLjosU9fpgQlNXCQcGrvQ6KmcCJPcVheOXSz-5kZpfXbJieC59McOd1HKQmDACOb3D7tOxju309I_k058ooWrBkPbRqfnBPw" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br />How about instead of 52 cards, you have 160 to play with? Imagine being able to play <i>Go Fish</i> with your totz and then maybe <i>Hearts </i>with your older children, with the same deck of cards. <i>Heckadeck</i> offers you 8 suits of 16 cards. You can also anticipate new ranks, visual shapes, and more. What might your family create with Clouds, Zeroes, Beasts, and Travelers? <p></p><p>An accompanying game booklet offers up the rules for old games and new. There's even a section for reading cards, if you're interested. The power is yours as you and your loved ones sit down for some fun card playing. </p><p>Creator, illustrator Travis Nichols' imagery is both adorable and intriguing. The palette is softly muted. The box says for ages 6 and up, but I see you might use the Heckadeck with younger children in many ways. They might match cards, learn colors and numbers, spot imagery, and play memory games. </p><p>With an opportunity to invent your own games, and the extra cards for further creativity, this deck is fun for all. Shuffle away! </p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.chroniclebooks.com/products/heckadeck?currency=USD&variant=39366199214173&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjw77WVBhBuEiwAJ-YoJJnlzgr-y0E22iC-baSm5-KOJ1G3-x8GtcO4Dqup_OVyyFSCCcHGCBoCgxsQAvD_BwE">Heckadeck</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Travis Nichols</div><div style="text-align: left;">Chronicle Books, 2022</div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-60057949845046016312022-05-29T14:19:00.002-07:002022-05-29T14:19:19.502-07:00More, more, more: Out of a Jar, Deborah Marcero<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhYhrC0O-XuN6qVh8YzuGU_TFAq7W_SHuGUpDZt0etrX8conPRpsvbv5ziCEClrGMDoXTUM-xI3UARTNErvXWZ-bZiFCTOGdhKDjp46E48j4VhkwkVWsE8w9yOqAE9ezcQydRU3HceD4XO6lqKzFsuUFEfEMjPGIMBvTRdSpibBzvgBCQNn-H1Al-fUw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="312" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhYhrC0O-XuN6qVh8YzuGU_TFAq7W_SHuGUpDZt0etrX8conPRpsvbv5ziCEClrGMDoXTUM-xI3UARTNErvXWZ-bZiFCTOGdhKDjp46E48j4VhkwkVWsE8w9yOqAE9ezcQydRU3HceD4XO6lqKzFsuUFEfEMjPGIMBvTRdSpibBzvgBCQNn-H1Al-fUw=w312-h400" width="312" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As feelings are strong, and we search for answers, meaning, and peace, <i>Out of a Jar</i> by Deborah Marcero might be a perfect place to begin with your readertotz. Llewellyn the bunny likes all things scary, but he does not like to be scared. Other feelings, too, can't be ignored and continue to come around, but all is well when Llewellyn discovers they can be tucked inside jars. Even pleasant feelings can be bottled. It's not until they are all released that he is able to finally feel relieved. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This adorable bunny with long ears, who lives in a subtly patterned world, will win hearts. The fresh exploration may help your first readers to identify emotions and assist them in witnessing and expressing their feelings in healthy ways. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593326374">Out of a Jar</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Deborah Marcero</div><div style="text-align: left;">G. P. Putnam, 2022</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b1c;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">deborahmarcero.com</span></span></div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-8986652372858354172022-05-25T09:28:00.000-07:002022-05-25T09:28:33.069-07:00Around the Block with Sesame Street: Speaking with Children About Violence<p> Our love to Texas. We mourn with you. May we act. </p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6so2L0f_wzo" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-85532803216550717392022-05-15T09:08:00.000-07:002022-05-15T09:08:29.041-07:00My First Book of Beards, My First Book of Tattoos: Robyn Wall<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzRl6TcVpdQxKQEp_2bw87NhkdO43uN_Og_Uhwi1bFWYDaXUA1hTSmb8U1CyqGJ0FRhqCbz2h2rhhwW6vRqRWBtBl4JMCDWiQiDANilO8TUxhKmQOqgPAr2HEK1ydE9CGlUYgPRTizycDLqibDVxpL0vQXBY_zBZruC4UYHRhS4P2VIr2W6mjUSb8wwA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzRl6TcVpdQxKQEp_2bw87NhkdO43uN_Og_Uhwi1bFWYDaXUA1hTSmb8U1CyqGJ0FRhqCbz2h2rhhwW6vRqRWBtBl4JMCDWiQiDANilO8TUxhKmQOqgPAr2HEK1ydE9CGlUYgPRTizycDLqibDVxpL0vQXBY_zBZruC4UYHRhS4P2VIr2W6mjUSb8wwA=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYbAyk1xOqwJFMJcIM4zxzvXuW46yn3VYHpxY9Dd_pKWwrKqW4cghBfcDJhUmji3fSJA41By3rwKyod7whZXYHcb9Sc47yPx6Ef1d7vhGOzDgbECYqs6ezyjJVo5dSXYhjPCi-g_fX0xcSH7KTqMTvmlbvZhBlRrjNdDGtHq2w5iXaRrjxirhtiZmzyw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYbAyk1xOqwJFMJcIM4zxzvXuW46yn3VYHpxY9Dd_pKWwrKqW4cghBfcDJhUmji3fSJA41By3rwKyod7whZXYHcb9Sc47yPx6Ef1d7vhGOzDgbECYqs6ezyjJVo5dSXYhjPCi-g_fX0xcSH7KTqMTvmlbvZhBlRrjNdDGtHq2w5iXaRrjxirhtiZmzyw=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br />Here we go with two fresh books in a series titled My Cool Family from Doubleday's author Robyn Wall and illustrator Lydia Nichols: <i>My First Book of Beards</i> and <i>My First Book of Tattoos</i>. Quick rhyme accompanies clean illustrations with a subdued palette and beautiful black, varied and expressive lines. <p></p><p><i>My First Book of Beards</i> describes beards via the tasks the characters are doing and transitions to physical descriptions of beards:</p><div style="text-align: left;">Merry beard</div><div style="text-align: left;">Share-y beard</div><div style="text-align: left;">Glitter princess fairy beard</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>My First Book of Tattoos</i> describes the tattoo imagery and the physical expression of that choice:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rock it tat </div><div style="text-align: left;">Chalk it tat</div><div style="text-align: left;">Catch it, pass it, block it tat </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Both of the best beards and tats come with love for the child. What a fun addition to our shelves for first readers. Brava! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593481936">My First Book of Beards</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593481950">My First Book of Tattoos</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Robyn Wall</div><div style="text-align: left;">illustrated by Lydia Nichols</div><div style="text-align: left;">Doubleday, 2022</div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-70820475614050839822022-03-28T07:54:00.000-07:002022-03-28T07:54:46.697-07:00I Want to Be...a Ballerina: Becky Davies<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLOCk1hbye5_dugdXounQvdZwNu5DPTPR2FDToREm9xmWFyV0SDc0rO-6BEF2WjSzdV0yPXW9QxozK9oyzvWGFXLKDjnxXd47amoMjwIXWvQ5MpVXaeI9vDxo5qhVqzRgMu69gbh1lAK4TvjrUcqcrDNfG0AZ37FovGGhyZvNGaduoHR7uV6s5BZpmlA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="379" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLOCk1hbye5_dugdXounQvdZwNu5DPTPR2FDToREm9xmWFyV0SDc0rO-6BEF2WjSzdV0yPXW9QxozK9oyzvWGFXLKDjnxXd47amoMjwIXWvQ5MpVXaeI9vDxo5qhVqzRgMu69gbh1lAK4TvjrUcqcrDNfG0AZ37FovGGhyZvNGaduoHR7uV6s5BZpmlA=w378-h400" width="378" /></a></div><br />Our first readers can dream big, and the <i>I Want to Be</i> series from Random House can help visualize the accomplishment. <i>I Want to be...a Ballerina</i> illustrates and labels the journey of a young girl from getting ready for her first lesson to performing onstage as an adult. Vocabulary is rich and identifies clothing, steps, and parts of the studio and stage. <p></p><p>Text is tight and Richard Merritt's flat, colorful illustrations pop but don't overwhelm. They carry the information in a creative way, even turning the layout for impact. </p><p>You can help your own first reader into ballet with this board book. Whether a career ensues or not, they can dance with joy. </p><p>For your teen readers, I, of course, recommend my own novel, On Pointe. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pointe-Lorie-Ann-Grover/dp/0689865252/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ZL55QQGGYQ79&keywords=On+Pointe+Lorie&qid=1648478796&sprefix=on+pointe+lorie%2Caps%2C416&sr=8-1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="355" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-bPZntl53uz1Nmy71enliTEYPRxJeR6i4GdpTsDeAhstAuWvUqMIIjrgMEsgIniDWL__5Crg4BkGkZYSw0JXyBZ8X00mL-oBVf43e3UNkECuSPpPPnDpUPdk8MRX9FAV3TrlhARXFxMrkLyu2yDVBqbSx_jsZ3bLTIGBH5yyOQlVGPwx5Ht92DlF5Dg" width="171" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593428801">I Want to Be...a Ballerina</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Becky Davies</div><div style="text-align: left;">illustrated by Richard Merritt</div><div style="text-align: left;">Random House, Little Tiger Press Ltd 2022 </div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-21236762904246750112022-02-16T11:03:00.000-08:002022-02-16T11:03:33.382-08:00Black Heroes, a Go Fish Card Game: Magali Attiogbé<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWqF7mnyoUy6qbWQo24v6qEj2lUm_M3O08Cfpq7K_MdjqiEOWH-cX1kOfjhNknO5AQJ0BIzs2gLuEGcsDnOwGIpkx4uj2Pd8-X9BqNVJXWYnCXKXZ-nPNmxlgusN2xj9GuIDwM_6PGzuXHMGsjuUMsHHfaIUmNnYecaqXCz-zWQSL30n-9xeYrtCdaUw" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="362" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWqF7mnyoUy6qbWQo24v6qEj2lUm_M3O08Cfpq7K_MdjqiEOWH-cX1kOfjhNknO5AQJ0BIzs2gLuEGcsDnOwGIpkx4uj2Pd8-X9BqNVJXWYnCXKXZ-nPNmxlgusN2xj9GuIDwM_6PGzuXHMGsjuUMsHHfaIUmNnYecaqXCz-zWQSL30n-9xeYrtCdaUw=w290-h400" width="290" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Black History Month! I ran across this most excellent Go Fish card game titled <i>Black Heroes</i>. It features 44 inspirational black figures throughout time. Your totz can group explorers, sports players, stars, activists, politicians, and artists. An accompanying booklet elaborates on each hero featured in the game. From Kamala Harris to Abu Bakr II, Queen Anna Nzinga to Chadwick Boseman, there is much to learn. So much inspiration awaits! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Paintings by Magali Attiogb<span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px;">é</span> are bold and bright. Text in the booklet is by Dr. Kimberly Brown Pellum. The game is recommended for 8 and up, but the cards could be used educationally for younger totz. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Find this little gem and celebrate our <i>Black Heroes</i>. Go Fish! </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/black-heroes-a-go-fish-card-game/9781913947415"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Black Heroes, a Go Fish Card Game</span></a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">text by Dr. Kimberly Brown Pellum</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">illustrations by Magali Attiogb<span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px;">é</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lawence King, Orion Publishing Group Ltd.</span></div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-67739514431371973732022-01-29T15:28:00.001-08:002022-01-29T15:31:38.905-08:00Women in Art: Rachel Ignotofsky<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh56zoSByrLjodAmN0esXEeRoPTc4kwiDcSyen-tgvDaF3Et4hOi0QrMpbojFo2E-8aVTlwNdBRB2Fj2B22t7f-2Lc8VVnqjIc91c1Fl_VMvj8TtoR2KJULDEDe0s86CRFjUZZvUjI_eFRqmmLXF9duJ9pciVJv-mD5Ub7J2cesW3-3sd9O8Kv6MWd1ug" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="319" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh56zoSByrLjodAmN0esXEeRoPTc4kwiDcSyen-tgvDaF3Et4hOi0QrMpbojFo2E-8aVTlwNdBRB2Fj2B22t7f-2Lc8VVnqjIc91c1Fl_VMvj8TtoR2KJULDEDe0s86CRFjUZZvUjI_eFRqmmLXF9duJ9pciVJv-mD5Ub7J2cesW3-3sd9O8Kv6MWd1ug=w318-h400" width="318" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yay for each board book added in an effort to balance the shelves. <i>Women in Art</i> does so for our first readers, and it's now in a board book format. Diverse women through time are featured and celebrated. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">New York Times bestseller, Rachel Ignotofsky's stylized imagery of artists and their variety of mediums inspires along with its simple text. Find Maya Lin, Faith Ringgold, Yayoi Kusama and more.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">As Ignotofsky says in the introduction: "Art is more than something beautiful. <span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">With each brushstroke, chisel of stone, and line drawn, these women artists used their talents to tell truths, to talk about injustice, and even to heal. Today, we celebrate their art and their stories."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's fill our shelves with quality board books such as those created by Rachel Ignotofsky. Brava! </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593377666">Women in Art</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Rachel Ignotofsky</div><div style="text-align: left;">Crown Books</div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-70910851240941126632022-01-17T15:50:00.001-08:002022-01-17T15:50:36.263-08:00Hot Cocoa Calm: Kira Willey<p> <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm9zCvtAigzNqKnqpRXoHqu87hpobmGaBlWxofqYw8ODywAGk5IdC7ZZi8mpOxRTSyGVxBlc1rQBFGU3_gn_YkajOiP0ZlGPsJdLau512NSmQ2WryZCxTtvk2ByHLBUybtviyCkZevG_F/" style="clear: left; color: #cc6611; display: inline; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm9zCvtAigzNqKnqpRXoHqu87hpobmGaBlWxofqYw8ODywAGk5IdC7ZZi8mpOxRTSyGVxBlc1rQBFGU3_gn_YkajOiP0ZlGPsJdLau512NSmQ2WryZCxTtvk2ByHLBUybtviyCkZevG_F/w400-h400/image.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1631675456712136359" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 570px;"><p><br /></p><p>Cozy up this winter with <i>Hot Cocoa Calm</i> and your beloved readertotz. Author Kira Willey walks the reader through mindfulness exercises to help us regulate our emotions. What a perfect joining of winter chill; friendly, stylized animals illustrated by Anni Betts; and instructions nested around a warm, sweet drink that needs a little time to cool. </p><div>Maybe we could all use a cup of cocoa and calm at the start of our new year. Happy reading in 2022 with peace and joy to you and yours!</div><div><br /></div><div><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593119877" style="color: #cc6611; text-decoration-line: none;">Hot Cocoa Calm</a></i></div><div>Mindfulness Moments for Kids Series</div><div>by Kira Willey</div><div>illustrations by Anni Betts</div><div>Rodale Kids, 2021</div></div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-48737717188141327602022-01-02T13:12:00.002-08:002022-01-02T13:13:20.861-08:00Change Starts With Us: Sophie Beer<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqEBCrQ-tuOTFJcgA8HUzSNKINrtepnIBIDY5G1SIe6wr6xbQ1EkHy1qS0hrJ2vHRMwFdjhDaOb1rHxZvIszh2eOiKHhTTRLJY4tcSz-fTBnBKV_1AqZI37Qv2uIcLx0nT1SijCtEZJLY/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="399" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqEBCrQ-tuOTFJcgA8HUzSNKINrtepnIBIDY5G1SIe6wr6xbQ1EkHy1qS0hrJ2vHRMwFdjhDaOb1rHxZvIszh2eOiKHhTTRLJY4tcSz-fTBnBKV_1AqZI37Qv2uIcLx0nT1SijCtEZJLY/w398-h400/image.png" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Beginning our new year, it's good to be reminded <i>Change Starts With Us</i>! With straightforward text, author/illustrator Sophie Beer illustrates how even the smallest hands can create change. We all can save water, pick up litter, and plant trees. We can recycle, save power, and shop local. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Adorable, flat, vibrant illustrations bring youthfulness to the imagery as children assist adults and each other in affecting change. Together we can care for our beloved world. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy new year to you and your readertotz! Happy reading and learning! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593406106"><br /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593406106">Change Starts With Us</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">by Sophie Beer</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dial Books, 2021</div><p></p>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-46118139312817891502021-11-14T08:31:00.004-08:002021-11-14T08:32:48.169-08:00More, more, more: On Wings of Words<p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2TqsCb7Wqofbx50OayoAgHAj1Dp5UQ3fYgy48H1f_EfPK63x9qmYzGcLAqiVbwXKjnRfSzuE1GA2x-j63emr1RJGyrx7IYase71PeOlpIHlq_bb-aQszJenqXDpiT5FnipVckt03zH5v/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="419" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2TqsCb7Wqofbx50OayoAgHAj1Dp5UQ3fYgy48H1f_EfPK63x9qmYzGcLAqiVbwXKjnRfSzuE1GA2x-j63emr1RJGyrx7IYase71PeOlpIHlq_bb-aQszJenqXDpiT5FnipVckt03zH5v/w400-h382/image.png" width="400" /></a></i></div><i><br /><br /></i><p></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>On Wings of Words, the Extraordinary Life of Emily Dickinson</i> is a beautiful presentation of the poet's life and words. Jennifer Berne captures Emily's experiences, and Becca Stadtlander's art sets a perfect tone for the setting. At times, illustrations are historically accurate, but the work flies even farther when she is free to render Emily's thoughts and emotions. </p><p>The weaving of portions of poems with the author's text is organic and well-weighted: </p><div style="text-align: left;">"But everywhere she looked,</div><div style="text-align: left;">she was told to obey without asking,</div><div style="text-align: left;">to believe without knowing why. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> So she began to put her faith in</div><div style="text-align: left;"> what she could see and understand.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <i> In the name of the Bee-</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> And of the Butterfly-</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> And of the Breeze-Amen!"</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Add this tribute to our beloved poet to your library for your totz. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"The World is sleeping...we must</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>be crowing cocks, and singing larks,</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and a rising sun to awake her." </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781452142975">On Wings of Words, The Extraordinary Life of Emily Dickinson</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Jennifer Berne</div><div style="text-align: left;">illustrated by Becca Stadtlander</div><div style="text-align: left;">Chronicle Books, 2020</div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-65307615478742139712021-10-25T13:00:00.002-07:002021-10-25T13:00:28.902-07:00Readertotz Read Aloud: The Beatryce Prophecy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXcT4FQfPxcebEpCss_FYk_E8WUsaGlqB-gAVTX4VVHGRzH5w2mlSOKM54q34bGP5g1UaPmnElaF3JFd6IBUp_db6wo9qAqQGxTBT9wQ2vnWeqXsZFW_lx8u9LNk0PXWwShrqBJCTzoQK/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="286" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXcT4FQfPxcebEpCss_FYk_E8WUsaGlqB-gAVTX4VVHGRzH5w2mlSOKM54q34bGP5g1UaPmnElaF3JFd6IBUp_db6wo9qAqQGxTBT9wQ2vnWeqXsZFW_lx8u9LNk0PXWwShrqBJCTzoQK/w287-h400/image.png" width="287" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>For the older siblings of your readertotz, you might read aloud Kate DiCamillo's latest work: <i>The Beatryce Prophecy</i>. Every time I begin a work of Kate's, I get first-page chills. You know you are taking her hand and journeying into a narrative, lyrical circle which will weave a community together through the eyes of an endearing, strong protagonist. You and yours will love Beatryce, Answelica the goat, Brother Edik, and Jack Dory. </p><p>Sophie Blackall's pencil drawings illuminate the text throughout. She brings half-page images, flourishes, and spot illustrations to the reader. The two time Caldecott Medalist dedicates her work to Kate, herself. </p><p>Listen in to NPR's Talking Volumes, 2021, interview of Kate about this new classic taking its place on our shelves and in our hearts. </p> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t8p863brjiI" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">"<i>That is not a book I would care to read. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;">As if she <i>could</i> read.</div><div style="text-align: left;">As if such a thing were possible.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Which, of course, it was not.</div><div style="text-align: left;">But still, a shiver of wonder and fear went through him at the possibility of a girl who could read." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781536213614">The Beatryce Prophecy</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Kate DiCamillo</div><div style="text-align: left;">illustrated by Sophie Blackall</div><div style="text-align: left;">Candlewick Press, 2021</div></div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-66542707380285944832021-10-11T17:25:00.001-07:002021-10-11T17:26:24.180-07:00More, more, more: When We Say Black Lives Matter<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRu1vxggGXcSkhf8zQwKW_R3sR2UrS8RIBxM0loYOcRCpFUNCjCq9zHY8inuoznPr_ya7pDbTlD9EBffIwcT1ztj2id_z3aYZtfc8cdou2aZpzIG9aguQswOi01AIU8rLgdgJOmPu42UvO/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="305" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRu1vxggGXcSkhf8zQwKW_R3sR2UrS8RIBxM0loYOcRCpFUNCjCq9zHY8inuoznPr_ya7pDbTlD9EBffIwcT1ztj2id_z3aYZtfc8cdou2aZpzIG9aguQswOi01AIU8rLgdgJOmPu42UvO/w305-h400/image.png" width="305" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Here is a must find, must purchase, must share! <i>When We Say Black Lives Matter</i> is the poetic, spot-on answer for our readertotz when they ask, "What does Black Lives Matter mean?" </p><p>Maxine Beneba Clarke's direct, compassionate beauty fills this picture book as black parents speak to their black child. Clarke's watercolor pencil and collage resembles chalk drawings which glow like stained glass over the large format. Verbs illuminate what this powerful statement means, whether it is screamed, danced, or laughed. </p><div style="text-align: left;">"When we smile</div><div style="text-align: left;">Black Lives Matter,</div><div style="text-align: left;">we're raising our spirits high.</div><div style="text-align: left;">We're saying</div><div style="text-align: left;">we are here,</div><div style="text-align: left;">and we are enough.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Black-beautiful-brave, </div><div style="text-align: left;">my child."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Let Clarke, who is speaking to her own beloved family around the world, fill your home with affirmations of truth and joy. Black Lives Matter. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781536222388">When We Say Black Lives Matter</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Maxine Beneba Clarke</div><div style="text-align: left;">Candlewick Press, 2021</div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-92197193613194589372021-10-08T13:06:00.000-07:002021-10-08T13:06:07.988-07:00Happy Halloween from The Very Busy Spider: Eric Carle<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZdTxjF5Rs93u1L33OM7Yb-so86ERTWKQW_27eMXTiZSa1MeXsvi3mOjb-MeTdmNr-Jl4aBATySTGxwhamxDZSmLimX78_bLFI4Yn2czbG-iwuU-LRRH3Rpt7nQP-QLERy10BZo_-U8ma/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="402" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZdTxjF5Rs93u1L33OM7Yb-so86ERTWKQW_27eMXTiZSa1MeXsvi3mOjb-MeTdmNr-Jl4aBATySTGxwhamxDZSmLimX78_bLFI4Yn2czbG-iwuU-LRRH3Rpt7nQP-QLERy10BZo_-U8ma/w400-h398/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Get Halloween ready with the Very Busy Spider who is looking for all of her friends. Your totz can solve riddles and lift the flaps to help her. </p><div style="text-align: left;">"Who does she see</div><div style="text-align: left;">smiling up at the moon</div><div style="text-align: left;">hoping to join his friends</div><div style="text-align: left;">very soon? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A kind fox!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Of course she has to find the Very Hungry Caterpillar munching inside a pumpkin. Once everyone is gathered, it's time for fun. Trick or treat! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you, Eric Carle. We miss you dearly! <3</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593097106">Happy Halloween from the Very Busy Spider</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Eric Carle</div><div style="text-align: left;">World of Eric Carle, Illustrated Edition, 2020</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-2156433819570306512021-10-04T10:02:00.002-07:002021-10-04T10:02:54.766-07:00The Wheels on the Bus at Halloween: Sarah Kieley<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8OQAUET6XyHk0SKQT4pkY7FEVS8amett0q1e-BkNK_OduyfKi-xb2IDTzeGy_4bRoI3cqNP_cSoaQlAZvGrh402CR4Dcoen6e5bgYlmQ54hTfHyJkAjsrAw4oXyi-2LP2tutb76EdvUd/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="465" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8OQAUET6XyHk0SKQT4pkY7FEVS8amett0q1e-BkNK_OduyfKi-xb2IDTzeGy_4bRoI3cqNP_cSoaQlAZvGrh402CR4Dcoen6e5bgYlmQ54hTfHyJkAjsrAw4oXyi-2LP2tutb76EdvUd/w400-h344/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Just in time for Halloween, your totz can sing "The Wheels on the Bus" for magical creatures who happen to need a ride. Beginning with a map of the upcoming journey, Sarah Kieley's vivid illustration pops across the board book double spread as we anticipate who will ride the bus on Halloween. <p></p><p>Riders include witches, bats, ghosts, candies, and more. </p><div style="text-align: left;">The pumpkins on the bus go "Trick or treat!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Trick or treat! </div><div style="text-align: left;">Trick or treat!"</div><div style="text-align: left;">The pumpkins on the bus go, "Trick or treat!"</div><div style="text-align: left;">on a spooky Halloween!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When everyone's gathered on the bus, of course the next stop is your house! Enjoy this joy-packed take on "The Wheels on the Bus!" </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593174883">The Wheels on the Bus at Halloween</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Sarah Kieley</div><div style="text-align: left;">Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2021</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-32132702458587311572021-09-28T10:17:00.001-07:002021-09-28T10:17:22.590-07:00More, more, more: Goodnight Ganesha<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRgQoijVCAuF4_VkP6_ZEKBtO_bM7bpcPOvj0nthepHACaW7_QtRtdWJcUz22r3lQk0vLepw8EbNd9mU6es5V9q-H_2TvWGNYDXaZMBxWvAQmddSy1ABCVUjdb3rIQEQyCIV4043eWKtN/" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="283" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRgQoijVCAuF4_VkP6_ZEKBtO_bM7bpcPOvj0nthepHACaW7_QtRtdWJcUz22r3lQk0vLepw8EbNd9mU6es5V9q-H_2TvWGNYDXaZMBxWvAQmddSy1ABCVUjdb3rIQEQyCIV4043eWKtN/w283-h400/image.png" width="283" /></a><br /><br /></p><p>There is so much beauty in this work from Nadia Salomon, illustrated by Poonam Mistry. With a nod to <i>Goodnight Moon</i>, two children say goodnight to Ganesha, as they visit their grandparents in India. The evening includes stories and rituals which set a beautiful tone. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rbOt5uYS_hadBxvROvyaaOq4BFKOQYRu6Cf6l9TJiNzNMaUEUXIykFfPZ7eNebYYhEhCS96kUEzewwZcTRw4arVHUw28JvfEJr7jZuJHGCpfMuSM8PLbjuseXuGdq65aoByBtLgeG8Mq/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1546" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rbOt5uYS_hadBxvROvyaaOq4BFKOQYRu6Cf6l9TJiNzNMaUEUXIykFfPZ7eNebYYhEhCS96kUEzewwZcTRw4arVHUw28JvfEJr7jZuJHGCpfMuSM8PLbjuseXuGdq65aoByBtLgeG8Mq/w400-h285/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Mistry's tapestry style artwork brings mystery, warmth, and awe. You can look long at the intricate patterns and stylizations which accompany Salomon's rhyming text. </p><div style="text-align: left;">Goodnight, thali.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Goodnight, kumkum. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Goodnight, deepam--and wafts of perfume. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Visit this beauty with your totz before they drift to sleep. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593203613">Goodnight Ganesha</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Nadia Salomon</div><div style="text-align: left;">illustrated by Poonam Mistry</div><div style="text-align: left;">Philomel Books, 2021</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-50736819248074578522021-09-19T13:46:00.000-07:002021-09-19T13:46:09.781-07:00More, more, more: ABC of Feelings<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFY8dF1yQkLcKxKzcSDx1rxZmq75OBxPE1Gdqv-QfaEICfTDUVrPUFVKa1fKmKgkc2y_ZM9eK6-5EuhC3sKcd60e9b3RD94vli1xbyBqrP8TDkJm3oT0k8mjPuzmc5nUUI35VGqPBXMD1U/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="399" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFY8dF1yQkLcKxKzcSDx1rxZmq75OBxPE1Gdqv-QfaEICfTDUVrPUFVKa1fKmKgkc2y_ZM9eK6-5EuhC3sKcd60e9b3RD94vli1xbyBqrP8TDkJm3oT0k8mjPuzmc5nUUI35VGqPBXMD1U/w398-h400/image.png" width="398" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>How many of us could benefit from this new picture book? I can! Author/illustrator Bonnie Lui brings a range of emotions to young readers by walking through the alphabet. Short definitions and expressive illustrations aid in the teaching. A background painter for Dreamworks and WB, Lui has created beauty in another format for all to enjoy. </p><p>A is for anxious. Anxious is feeling really worried about something. </p><p>B is for brave. Brave is being nervous about something...and doing it anyway!</p><p>or</p><p>N is for needy. Needy is wanting someone you love to pay attention to you. </p><p>O is for overwhelmed. Overwhelmed is having too many thoughts and feelings all at once. </p><p>I can imagine reaching for this book over and over as your readertotz gain self-awareness and learn to identify emotions. Get ready to spot those feelings!</p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593205198">ABC of Feelings</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Bonnie Lui</div><div style="text-align: left;">Philomel, 2021</div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-20680361857760164482021-09-11T14:26:00.000-07:002021-09-11T14:26:25.624-07:00Celebrations: Margaret Wise Brown Board Book Award<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyhYWJm1ZHvJwsffEgPqkbIk63KE5asCoJXIjL_yAU2t0SarkVdn53XzedDHkyTtqEerbcgk0cmTJrWbYfN6JghtsZm3Mj6iK8V92a3UO44eGfbj8x6JD3IIiPBvUi3ZZ5fMp1aHKdfPW/" style="color: #88bb21; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img alt="" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="460" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyhYWJm1ZHvJwsffEgPqkbIk63KE5asCoJXIjL_yAU2t0SarkVdn53XzedDHkyTtqEerbcgk0cmTJrWbYfN6JghtsZm3Mj6iK8V92a3UO44eGfbj8x6JD3IIiPBvUi3ZZ5fMp1aHKdfPW/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="315" /></a></p><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">It's official! </span><a href="https://www.bankstreet.edu/" style="background-color: white; color: #88bb21; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration-line: none;">Bank Street College of Education</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> has decided to begin acknowledging and awarding board books! My editor just zipped me the press release as she and I talked about this need in 2010. The award will be named: the </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Margaret Wise Brown Board Book Award</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> for excellence in literature for very young children. Wonderful!</span><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Here is a press release excerpt: </p><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The first prize will be awarded in the spring of 2023 for board books published or picture books adapted to board book format in 2021 and 2022. The award will be given every two years to a board book for infants and toddlers (ages 0-3).</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br />“Criteria for selection will include books that promote interplay and engagement, incorporate rich<br />language, demonstrate a consideration for childhood development, and are constructed to withstand multiple encounters with little hands,” said Dr. Cynthia Weill, Director, Center for Children’s Literature, Bank Street College of Education.</span></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://www.joanholub.com/" style="color: #88bb21; text-decoration-line: none;">Joan Holub</a> and I, both board book author/illustrators, have been calling for a recognition of the board book format since 2009. Our aim at the <a href="http://readertotz.blogspot.com/" style="color: #88bb21; text-decoration-line: none;">readertotz blog</a> has always been to raise the profile of board books for our first readers. We make a call to authors, illustrators, and publishers to create the best possible works as they introduce reading to our youngest ones. </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">We have envisioned the <a href="https://www.ala.org/" style="color: #88bb21; text-decoration-line: none;">American Library Association</a> creating the <b>Dorothy Kunhardt Award for the Outstanding Board or Novelty Book</b>. Click<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DorothyKunhardtAward/?notif_id=1630445583948979&notif_t=page_user_activity&ref=notif" style="color: #88bb21; text-decoration-line: none;"> here</a> to see our facebook page. We would love to see Dorothy named as the creator of the beloved, first novelty book still in print: <i><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780307120007" style="color: #88bb21; text-decoration-line: none;">Pat the Bunny</a>. </i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Joan and I are thrilled Bank Street College is lifting this important format for all to see! Here's to future award recipients, the wee ones who will hold the works, and Bank Street College for their efforts. Bravo! </p>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490398886148503541.post-77252022008516569102021-09-11T14:17:00.000-07:002021-09-11T14:17:51.461-07:00What is Fall? Genie Espinosa <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwAwlSH_DHxKLQ15ZwA4tQKpvSX-q1yAwEzKs3T0Vx7_EbcqbCHkB8_zusZt0Mp9jrk5JKf0AqZXlST2PZpc1xhN0Q3X-UwgfjhQh-U4sj6b6cWqVZ4nfA62oVs0HT3CxMm06KL35EMXs/" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="405" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwAwlSH_DHxKLQ15ZwA4tQKpvSX-q1yAwEzKs3T0Vx7_EbcqbCHkB8_zusZt0Mp9jrk5JKf0AqZXlST2PZpc1xhN0Q3X-UwgfjhQh-U4sj6b6cWqVZ4nfA62oVs0HT3CxMm06KL35EMXs/w400-h395/image.png" width="400" /></a><br /><br /></p><p><i>What is Fall? </i>gives a cut-out, shaped experience of the season nearly upon us. </p><div style="text-align: left;">"The days are shorter. Summer is done.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now FALL is here....</div><div style="text-align: left;">Let's have</div><div style="text-align: left;">SOME FUN!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rhymes continue to accompany author/illustrator Genie Espinosa's rounded illustrations created with a soft fall palette. You might need a scarf, or want an apple, or enjoy a bright sunflower this season. Readertotz can explore the cut shapes, be introduced to autumn, and anticipate the coming rhyme. This is a delightful addition to season books for first readers. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>What is Fall?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Genie Espinosa</div><div style="text-align: left;">Random House, 2021</div>Lorie Ann Groverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07894901682181719593noreply@blogger.com0