Wiggles: Claire Zucchelli-Romer

TouchThinkLearn books released Wiggles from Claire Zucchelli-Romer. Your first reader with be introduced to following directions, left and right, colors, and shapes. Neon pink, green, and yellow recessed areas guide dancing fingers over the blue pages.

Sound prompts reinforce the action and heighten the fun. Whoosh! Swoosh! Clap! Together the reader and listener shout, "The end!" And the call will likely come to begin again. Enjoy this clever, interactive sturdy board book with your readertotz.

Wiggles
by Claire Zucchelli-Romer
A Handprint Book, 2018

Fly! Xavier Deneux

Touch, Think, Learn books are, "Fun for fingers, eyes, and minds," says Publishers Weekly in a starred review. Fly! by Xavier Deneux is a beautiful mix of story, puzzle, and play pieces for first readers.

Bird comes to a tree, concluding her journey. She watches the tree eventually produce apples, and  her mate arrives. After they build a nest, two chicks are born and fly to find their own tree. The graphic, printed quality of the airy illustrations invites the reader to expand the storytelling as they refit shapes into new imagery.

Such a lovely, thoughtful book for your readertotz.

Fly!
by Xavier Deneux
Handprint Books, 2017

More, More, More: Brother Sun, Sister Moon

I thought this work would be exquisite, and it truly is. Katherine Paterson has reimagined the text of Saint Francis of Assisi's hymn of praise, "Canticle of the Creatures." Paired with Pamela Dalton's traditional German/Swiss scissor cuts, the picture book has a symmetrical balance of amazing beauty. The language is just as rich as the detailed watercolored paper cuts set against black backgrounds. Both reverberate truth with elegant simplicity.

"We praise you for our Brother Sun,
who in his radiant dawning
every day reminds us that it was
you who brought forth light."

Publishers Weekly noted the absence of a multicultural cast. I find the depiction of people in keeping and faithful to the heritage of the art form.

The sentiments within Brother Son, Sister Moon are immense and moving in their truths. This work should garner awards and a distinct position on bookshelves. Introduce greatness to your totz through this picture book. Bravo, Handprint Books!


Brother Sun, Sister Moon
Saint Francis of Assisi's "Canticle of the Creatures"
reimagined by Katherine Paterson
illustrated by Pamela Dalton
Handprint Books, Chronicle Books, 2011