Count, Dagmar! 123: J.otto Seibold

Dagmar is ready to throw a party, and he's counting his way through the event. Of course you only need one castle, but how about two bats, five silly monsters, and eight pumpkins? Each piece of the upcoming party hides behind a colorful flap, raising anticipation.

Totz will enjoy this holiday board book concluding with...ten billion pieces of candy. There's a number to explore, especially with candy!

Count, Dagmar! 123
by J.otto Seibold
Chronicle Books, 2011

Photo Friday: Robot Happiness

Here's a fun image I composed for Photo Friday. Enjoy it with your totz!

Mine!: Shutta Crum

Three words can say a lot in this 7x7" sturdy board book: "Mine" (often used); and "Oh!" and "Woof" (each a single use.)

Two siblings--a very young tot and an older tot (pictured on cover)--star along with a puppy co-star. In the first few pages, the older tot claims everything in sight with the word "Mine!" This situation is very true to life and totz will get it and enjoy the realism.

Baby-tot walks for the first time in wobbly baby-steps across a spread. Where's he headed? For his sibling, whom he claims with the single word: "Mine!"

A really sweet book that totz will enjoy.

Mine!
Author: Shutta Crum
Illustrator: Patrice Barton
Knopf/Random House, 2011

Poetry Friday: Sing it, Elmo!

Take it away for Poetry Friday, Elmo!

Star Wars 123

Always count on me to recommend a Star Wars spin off. I can't resist! I mean, how fun is it to count with your totz as you introduce them to Yoda, Han, and Ewoks? Star Wars 123 from Scholastic is a large board book with great visual impact. The reader counts to ten, but extra spreads follow. Don't you want to see 25 different aliens, 50 droids, and the startling image of 100 stormtroopers? It all starts with 1 Jedi Master.

Each and every character is shiny against a matte background, while the cover title is foil. Every number is drawn with a texture from the spread. 8 is white and hairy: "These are the galaxy's eight scariest creatures!"

I want to see the companion Star Wars ABC. I can only imagine...

Star Wars 123
Lucas Books
Scholastic, July 2012

Poetry Friday: Eric Whitacre's Goodnight Moon

Oh, isn't this so gorgeous? Eric Whitacre, thank you! Listen in to Hila Plitmann sing. Happy Poetry Friday!

Duck and Goose Find A Pumpkin: Tad Hills

Duck and Goose Find A Pumpkin is an oversized board book (9 1/2 x 10 1/2") just right for the hands of totz, who are sure to enjoy Duck and Goose's new autumn adventure.The characters are as charming as ever and the art is a feast for the eyes.

When they see that friend, Thistle, has a pumpkin, Goose wants one too. They go in search:

Is our pumpkin in the log, Goose?
No.

Is our pumpkin in the leaf pile, Duck?
No.

Hmm. Where would one find a pumpkin? Take a look at this enjoyable book to find out!

Author-illustrator: Tad Hills
Title: Duck and Goose Find A Pumpkin
Publisher: Schwartz and Wade Books, 2012

Poetry Friday: Eenie, Meenie, Miney Mo

Just visited the zoo, and the tiger was awake! Isn't he glorious? However, I did not catch him by the toe...

photo by Lorie Ann Grover

EENIE, MEENIE, MINEY, MO

Eenie, meeny, miney, mo
Catch a tiger by the toe,
If he hollers, let him go
Eenie, meenie, miney, mo.

One Spotted Giraffe: Petr Horacek

It's a season of pop-ups, it seems! One that stands out from the crowd is One Spotted Giraffe, A Counting Pop-up Book. Petr Horacek's illustrations of animals against simple backgrounds pop, engineering aside! Additionally, however, on each spread the illustrated animal is used to form a pop-up number under a flap. You'll love the panda making the number 8.

I particularly enjoy Petr's rough, free lines running throughout the illustrations. There's a palpable energy in the collages. Because he hasn't disguised his technique, your totz will be mesmerized by rich line, color, and shape as they count to 10 with a group of fun animals. It all starts with one spotted giraffe...

One Spotted Giraffe
by Petr Horacek
concept and paper engineering by Claire Vincent
Candlewick Press, 2012

Poetry Friday: A Board Book

photo by Melissa Walker

A Board Book

From my pen to your

chubby hands, a glow, a smile,

a long-distance hug. 

Lorie Ann Grover, 2012

September Pick for the Older Sibling: Ready for Pumpkins

As a mythology fan, I enjoyed the lead character's name in this picture book: Hercules! Herky for short. Hercules is a guinea pig in a first grade classroom. When he sees the children plant seeds and watch them grow into plants, he longs to do the same.

During summer vacation, he does just that with the help of his friend, rabbit. They prepare the soil, plant the seeds, watch and wait and wait and wait (a good lesson in patience). Even though the pumpkins aren't ready, Herky must return to school in the fall.

When October rolls around, the teacher's dad comes in with one of the pumpkins's Herky grew!

A feel-good story about pumpkin-growing, friendship, and patience rewarded.

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

Ready for Pumpkins
Author-illustrator: Kate Duke
Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012 

More, More, More: Clifford Collection

Let's hear it for the dog! He's 50 years old, and you can see him in all his glory in Norman Bridwell's Clifford Collection! I grew up loving Clifford. How about you? Thanks to Scholastic, you can now enjoy the first six stories together in one volume.

I had a blast revisiting these works by Norman Bridwell. What a joy to return to the original images. In these first stories, even more so in book one, Clifford had a sketchier line and more white spaces in his red coat. Reading through the collection made me feel as if I had found my long lost friend.

Only now do I realize that as a child I spent much time worrying about Clifford: his bad habits; how to feed him; and that new neighbor, Martha, who tried to best Clifford with her own pooch. These were my concerns, I can tell you! I went on to include both the names Emily and Elizabeth in my daughters' names without realizing the nod to Norman.

The collection features a fantastic intro by Norman, followed by the history of Clifford, and a photo of the real Emily Elizabeth. Then it's off into the six stories. What a keepsake! Happy Birthday, Clifford!

Norman Bridwell's Clifford Collection
by Norman Bridwell
Scholastic Inc.

My Little Toolbox: Nathan Reed

Another tool book to celebrate Labor Day month with your totz!

This one is a sturdy board book, complete with handle and Velcro closure. And four touch-and-feel tools your totz can press out and enjoy during play: a wrench, screwdriver, saw, and hammer.


This is my toolbox and I'm going to mend some things.
I've got lots of screws to twist and turn. 
I'm going to use my big screwdriver.

Very cute and interactive!

My Little Toolbox
Author-illustrator: Nathan Reed
Campbell Books/Macmillan, 2004
Ages 3 and up

Poetry Friday: Around the Block with Sesame Street, Nathan Lane

Happy Poetry Friday! Sing it, Nathan!

More, More, More: The Templeton Twins Have an Idea

Ah, how about a fantastic new duo for the older siblings of your totz? The Templeton Twins Have an Idea will keep them laughing, guessing, and reading, let alone talking back to author Ellis Weiner. Think A Series of Unfortunate Events, and you'll be on the right track.

Jeremy Holmes copious illustrations embellish the imaginative text.



The large-headed, thin-bodied protagonists, along with their Ridiculous Dog, have quite the adventure as they protect their father. The snarky narrator though is most endearing of all. He will string you right along, even if he's reluctant to do so. Be ready for a Prologue which begins: The End. Get the picture?

The Templeton Twins Have an Idea
by Ellis Weiner
illustrated by Jeremy Holmes
Chronicle Books, 2012

More, More, More: Pure Vegan

When I saw this coming from Chronicle Books, I knew I had to check it out. I've been a pescatarian for awhile, so not a vegan, but this collection is accessible, brilliant, and beautiful. As the tag for Pure Vegan says, here are  "70 Recipes for Beautiful Meals and Clean Living." Author Joseph Shuldiner, a non-vegan, delivers. There's no political positioning or religious slant, but rather, wonderful recipes you are encouraged to adapt or change to your own taste.

I love how the work is divided into sections: Morning, Afternoon, Evening, Late Night, and Very Late Night. Each portion is printed on a different muted color. The photography by Emily Brooke Sandor and Joseph Shuldiner is artistry itself. The texture of the paper and cover feels wonderful in your hands.

The encouragement to present food beautifully and use pure, fresh ingredients is easy to act upon. I recently cooked the cover dish, Tomato and Three Bean Salad, for an elegant party. It was hard to decide which dish to share, but I can say, this one was very well received. I can't wait to try more, like Garbanzo Bean and Tomato Soup, Pistachio Olive Oil Cake, and Hazelnut Halvah!

Give your totz beautiful, delicious, and healthy vegan food. Pure Vegan will lead the way so easily.

Pure Vegan
by Joseph Shuldiner
photographs by Emily Brooke Sandor and Joseph Shuldiner
Chronicle Books

Playbook Farm: Corina Fletcher

I'm continually impressed by Nosy Crow. Check out Playbook Farm. It's actually a pop-up book and giant board which folds into book shape to store in a box. Animals which stand along with vehicles will delight your totz for hours because, "Everyone is happy, all day, on the busy farm."

On the back of each spread is a nonfiction question to spur discussion.

"What do cows do?
Cows give us milk to drink."



Corina Fletcher's thoughtful text accompanies Britta Teckentrup's endearing illustration, full of textures. The palette in particular just feels perfect. So unpack the box, read the book, be surprised by the delightful and original popups, and answer the questions. Then unfold the mat, unpack the vehicles and characters, and play. Way to go, Nosy Crow!

Playbook Farm
by Corina Fletcher
illustrations by Britta Teckentrup
Nosy Crow, Candlewick Press

Kid Builder: Salina Yoon

Tools seem a perfect way to help totz celebrate Labor Day!

This boxed set from prolific and talented Salina Yoon comes with a toolbelt and four handy dandy tools: screwdriver, hammer, wrench, and pliers. Each tool is a sturdy board book, about five inches tall, which gives the basics about the tool.

The wrench text reads:


Wrenches turn! / Turn that nut. /
Turn right to make it tight. / Turn left to make it loose. /
Now the bike is good as new!
WRENCH

A wonderful blend of book and toy. And at $9.99, this seems like a real deal!

Kid Builder
Author-illustrator: Salina Yoon
Scholastic, 2010
Ages 3 and up

Pumpkin Countdown: readertotz co-founder Joan Holub celebrates a fall release!

Count down from twenty to one on this field trip to the pumpkin patch in my new picture book, Pumpkin Countdown. I’ll give away one autographed copy September 20 (or thereabouts.)

To enter: 

Please mention my book on your blog or on Twitter or on Facebook. Something like: Count down from 20 to 1 with Joan Holub’s new picture book, Pumpkin Countdown!

(Be sure to leave a way I can contact you if you win, here in the readertotz comments.)

Reviews

"Children and teachers alike will enjoy the interactive nature of this story. A cross-curricular choice, it conveys simple information on the growth cycle of pumpkins, a bit about bees, and age-appropriate word problems, making it a great choice for math class or a read-aloud."

School Library Journal

"It's a lively portrait of pumpkin-picking season, whose educational value is boosted by assorted facts about pumpkins that appear on the endpapers."
Publishers Weekly

"Charming, multicultural round-faced characters and lots of detail encourage readers to go back through the book scouring pages for the 16 things the kids guessed they might see. . . .not many books start countdowns from 20. . ."

Kirkus Reviews

Also available: Apple Countdown

~ Joan Holub

Poetry Friday: Who's Hiding

Perfect for Poetry Friday: Who's Hiding? Lift the flap and find out.

"Mamma Owl is oh so blue.
She can't find Baby Owl.
Can you?"

Find Baby Owl with your totz. Weldon Swanson's illustrations are incredibly adorable. You will love every spread!

Skip*Hop, Who's Hiding
illustrated by Weldon Swanson
Scholastic, Cartwheel Books

More, More, More: My Pop-up World Atlas

I'm amazed by My Pop-up World Atlas. This is a work you can introduce to your totz. Their knowledge will only grow as they explore it for years.

With a spread for each continent, so much is illustrated and waits to be discovered. There are file facts, sports notes, products, and landmarks. There are flaps, wheels, and pull outs. When you turn a page, a continent lifts and special features stand tall. Whether it's the pyramids in Egypt or reindeer in the Arctic Circle, your entire family will be engaged.



Here's a perfect first family atlas. Get ready to be amazed by our world.

My Pop-Up World Atlas
by Anita Ganeri
illustrated by Stephen Waterhouse
design and engineering by Andy Mansfield
Templar Books

Big Kid Pick: Where's Waldo, 25 Years

Our Big Kid Pick this month is Where's Waldo? He's 25 years old, an icon of American pop culture, and ready and waiting to be introduced to the older siblings of your totz. It's just as fun now to scan the pages for that fella as it was on his first release. My college grad sat and found Waldo when the anniversary edition arrived.

How can you resist? Plus, isn't he perfect for car rides? Each illustration is full of stories that will elicit giggles. The new edition even has new searches and a poster. So here's the question: Where's Waldo? Go find him!

Where's Waldo, 25th Anniversary Edition
by Martin Handford
Candlewick Press, September 2012

1, 2, 3 in the Sea: Sue DiCicco

I have to recommend 1, 2, 3 in the Sea by Sue DiCicco! I just returned from Hawaii, and this little board book brought the joy right back to me.

Counting to three is done on each spread. A large flap creates the third beat.

1 one fin
2 two eyes
3 three fish

These are things Mommy, Daddy, and I might see when snorkeling. Get ready for the extra large flap for:

1 one hump
2 two tails
3 three whales

Sue DiCicco's cute illustrations will appeal to your totz. So finish the summer with 1, 2, 3 in the Sea!

1, 2, 3 in the Sea
by Sue DiCicco
Scholastic, Cartwheel Books

Poetry Friday: The Balloon

I don't recall this Mother Goose rhyme. Enjoy it with your totz!

photo from militaryphotos.net

The Balloon

“What is the news of the day,

Good neighbor, I pray?”

“They say the balloon

Is gone up to the moon!”

Za-Za's Baby Brother: Lucy Cousins

Lucy Cousins' Za-Za's Baby Brother is not a board book, but it would translate very well into one. I love the bright colors, bold lines, and the story. It's is sure to comfort totz, who have a new baby in the house.

First spread:

My mom is going to have a baby.
She has a big fat tummy. There's not much room for a hug.

Oh, I really feel for this tot already!

One of my favorite spreads comes near the end:

When the baby got tired mom put him to bed. 
Then I got my hug . . . 
and a bedtime story.

The perfect ending--so satisfying!


Za-Za's Baby Brother
Author-illustrator: Lucy Cousins
Candlewick Press, 2012
Ages 2-5

Poetry Friday: Bananas in My Ears

How can nonsense stories, poems, riddles, and rhymes tug your heart? They can from the pen of Michael Rosen, accompanied by the art of Quentin Blake. Perfect for Poetry Friday is Bananas in My Ears!

After Dark

Outside after dark,
trains hum and traffic lights wink,
after dark, after dark.

In here after dark,
curtains shake and closets creak,
after dark, after dark.

Under the covers after dark,
I twiddle my toes and hug my pillow,
after dark, after dark.

I so enjoyed this work with recurring characters Nat and Anna, and the periodic stop spreads which take a beat to note what we say in life. I love this work! Enjoy it with your totz!

Bananas in My Ears
by Michael Rosen
illustrated by Quentin Blake
Candlewick Press, August 28, 2012

1, 2 at the Zoo: Sue DiCicco

Adorable! How cute are pairs at the zoo? Then pair the pairs with big flaps. It's a fun read and guessing game from Sue DiCicco and Cartwheel Books, Scholastic.

one foot
two flippers
two penguins

You are your totz will love these uber cute animals having fun together. Each spread offers 1 and 2 clues for the featured animal. The flap gives the reveal. Just imagine how large the elephant flap must be! The closing strikes a sweet chord between mother and child visiting the zoo as all the previous animals are shown once again.

1, 2 a must read for you.

1, 2 at the Zoo
by Sue Dicicco
Cartwheel Books, Scholastic

Poetry Friday: Around the Block With Sesame Street, Share It Maybe

Happy Poetry Friday! Rock on with Cookie Monster! Share it, maybe...

Readertotz co-founder, Joan Holub, celebrates a new mythology-based adventure series!

Heroes in Training#1: Zeus and The Thunderbolt of Doom

Aladdin paperbacks, ages 6 to 10
by Goddess Girls authors Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
is in stores Tuesday, August 7th!

Buy links: Amazon, BarnesandNoble, Indiebound
Blog tour 

  After pulling a magical thunderbolt from a stone, ten-year-old Zeus goes on the adventure of a lifetime in this thrilling start to a brand-new series! The terrible Titans--merciless giants who enjoy snacking on humans--have dominated the earth and put the world into chaos. But their rule is about to be put to the test as a group of young Olympians discover their powers and prepare to righteously rule the universe....

Next up in the Heroes in Training series:

Poseidon and the Sea of Fury!

Ready, Set, Go: Nina Laden

Ready, Set, GO! has been in my collection ever since I heard talented author-illustrator Nina Laden speak at an Inside Story event in Seattle. It is a small (5"x5") sturdy board book that's just the right size for small hands. The art is bright and bold, and really appealing.

The die cuts are clever, and will keep totz turning the pages.

First spread:

Ready Set ((art of a hand "holding" are round die-cut))

Second spread:

THROW! ((art of hand throwing a ball))

My favorite of all is the last set of spreads:

Ready Set GROW! ((art of a flower will "bloom" when totz turn the tab))

A wonderful interactive board book that stands the test of time and the test of small hands!

Ready, Set, GO!
Author-illustrator: Nina Laden
Chronicle Books, 2000

Apple Pie ABC: Alison Murray

I love introducing the alphabet to totz! Why not start early? And why not start with apple pie? Alison Murray creates a suspenseful story for the youngest readers as she presents the A, B, C's.

E eager for it
F find a crumb of it
G get a taste for it
H have to get a lick of it

Get the picture? The young girl has baked a pie and the dog is eyeing it for certain. Murray's textured print-like imagery offers loose line, hard shapes, and occasional unfinished edges. The retro layout and color pop.

Your totz will love Apple Pie ABC. They'll be asking for another read and another slice.

Apple Pie ABC
by Alison Murray
Disney Hyperion, 2012, US Board Book

Poetry Friday: A Strange Place to Call Home

Pair the poetry of Marilyn Singer with the exquisite torn and cut paper art of Ed Young and you have a masterpiece. Add unusual, dangerous, animal habitats, and you have a book which will intrigue totz and their older siblings. Here's a poem from A Strange Place to Call Home. Watch for its release in September. Happy Poetry Friday!

City Living
urban foxes

They have
quit forests and
fields for sheds, flowerbeds;
forfeited wild berries for shrimp
lo mein.

It seems
an easy life,
but in close quarters, cars,
capture, and contagion take
their toll.

Foxes
adapted to
city living find it
full of plenty-but plentiful
in risk.

A Strange Place to Call Home
by Marilyn Singer
illustrated by Ed Young
Chronicle Books, September 2012

Baby Faces: Mallory Loehr

I'm a Vanessa Brantley Newton fan, so it was fun to find this interactive board book that she illustrated in my mailbox today. Each of the five spreads feature a different baby, who does everyday things that real kids do. Pull the tabs and see the babies' faces change expression.

Baby's tongue is very pink.
[Pull the tab and a pink tongue sticks out.]

These babies also chew, wink, sneeze, and have curly hair that blows in the wind.

This is a simple, clever concept. I know how kids are fascinated by other kids they meet out and about in the world, and I think totz will enjoy seeing these babies doing things they do themselves, in a book format.

Take a look at Vanessa's blog to see more of her awesome art!

Baby Faces
Author: Mallory Loehr
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley Newton
Random House, 2012

Poetry Friday: Eric Witacre, Good Night Moon

This in just a tad late for Poetry Friday. Sometimes the days rush by, don't they? This is Eric Whitacre's proposed project awaiting a full commission. I hope the finances come quickly. How beautiful is this piece created for Good Night Moon? Enjoy!

July Pick for the Older Sibling: Traction Man and the Beach Odyssey

Traction Man is back and he's headed for the beach this summer! I loved Traction Man and Traction Man Meets Turbo Dog, and this one is every bit as good. The Horn Book, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus agree that Mini Grey's original Traction Man rocks, each giving it a starred review.

Traction Man and his faithful pet Scrubbing Brush are heroic to-the-rescue kind of pals. And this time, they're heading for the wide ocean, where they'll defend a picnic, investigate an underwater world, and meet up with a new character, Beach-Time Brenda, who is "excessively packaged in high-quality non-recyclable indestructible plastic...cannot stand alone as shown...[and wears] teeny tottery microshoes."

What I love about Traction Man books is that reading them is a trip back in time to revisit my 6-8  year old childhood mind. Mini Grey perfectly captures the playful spirit and imagination of those days for me. No easy feat for an adult writer.

Verdict: Truly hilarious and enjoyable, for the beach or anytime.

Traction Man and the Beach Odyssey
Author-illustrator: Mini Grey
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012

Baby Listens: Esther Wilkin

How often I wonder what classic work has influenced my own work for children. I found again Baby Listens by Esther Wilkin, illustrated by Eloise Wilkin. First released in 1960, the reissue feels retro fresh. This work would have been for sale in the grocery store as my mother shopped, and I sat in the cart. Was it the one she picked just for me?

BUZZ-Z-Z goes Daddy's razor.
And BUZZ-Z-Z go the bumble bees.
SNAP goes Mommy's pocketbook.
JINGLE go her keys.



Explore what baby hears throughout the day with Eloise's soft watercolor images and Esther's rhymes. This classic may become a touchstone for your totz.

Baby Listens
by Esther Wilkin
illustrated by Eloise Wilkin
Golden Books, 1960, reissued 2012

Happy Birthday Week to Goddess Girls first-ever super special: The Girl Games!

Celebrating my new release this week!

 

Goddess Girls Super Special: The Girl Games.

The Girl Games:
Listen in on what all four goddess girls are thinking as MOA hosts visitors
from many lands at the girls' Herean Games
--including an adorable kitten.
Just in time for the Olympics.

---

 The Goddess Girls series,
by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams, is set at Mount
Olympus Academy, and puts a modern spin on classic Greek myths. 

Follow the ins and outs of divine social life

where the most privileged godboys and goddessgirls 

in the Greek pantheon hone their mythical skills. 

Aladdin paperbacks
ages 8 ~ 12.  
Follow Goddess Girls on Facebook.

Poetry Friday: A Cuddle for Little Duck

Can you find this sweet series from Cartwheel, Scholastic? It's perfect for Poetry Friday. Look for A Cuddle for Little Duck, You're My Little Bunny, and My Precious Little Bear. Claire Freedman's text is so gentle and sweet. Paired with Gavin Scott's and Caroline Pedler's illustrations, your totz will ask for these over and over. Here's an excerpt for today:

The sun is up and so am I.
I've woken Mommy too!
I just can't wait to start our day:
We've lots to see and do!

Don't we? Onward!

A Cuddle for Little Duck
by Claire Freedman
illustrated by Caroline Pedler
Cartwheel, Scholastic, 2008

My Dad Is The Best Playground: Luciana Navarro Powell

Three cheers for dads that make time to play with their kids! In this exuberant, rhyming story:

My dad is the best playground,
the most fun of all.
He's the highest swing
and a great climbing wall.

It's nice to find a book about dads taking an active fun, role in their kids' lives. Many kids will relate to this. A sturdy board book that will hold up to plenty of handling.

My Dad Is The Best Playground
Author-Illustrator: Luciana Navarro Powell
Robin Corey Books (Random House), 2012

Poetry Friday: Around the Block With Sesame Street: Menomena

Maybe this was the original? I remember the bearded fellow and the girls. Menomena!

Poetry Friday: Bell Horses

I'm checking in from a fabulous writing retreat this Friday. Being as I'm "away," I thought this appropriate. Happy Poetry, parents and totz!

Bell horses, bell horses,

What time of day?

One o'clock, two o'clock,

Time to away.

Flaptastic Animals: Charlie Gardner

Don't be fooled by the simple cover with raised, textured animals. DK delivers a board book chock full of imagery for your totz.


The foal, tiger, clownfish, polar bear, and kitten are featured. The reader is asked where each lives, and then a flap lifts to ask what other creatures live in the location as well. It's a great representation of the animal kingdom. Aside from the strange disparity between the cover and interior, this is a beautiful board book from DK.

Flaptastic Animals
text by Charlie Gardner
design by Victoria Harvey
DK, 2010

Poetry Friday: Beautiful Soup by Lewis Carroll

I made soup last night so this jumped to mind for Poetry Friday. Thanks, Lewis Carroll!

Art by Andy Warhol

Beautiful Soup

BEAUTIFUL Soup, so rich and green,
Waiting in a hot tureen!
Who for such dainties would not stoop?
Soup of the evening, beautiful Soup!
Soup of the evening, beautiful Soup!

Beau--ootiful Soo-oop!
Beau--ootiful Soo-oop!
Soo--oop of the e--e--evening,
Beautiful, beautiful Soup!

Beautiful Soup! Who cares for fish,
Game, or any other dish?
Who would not give all else for two
Pennyworth only of Beautiful Soup?
Pennyworth only of beautiful Soup?

Beau--ootiful Soo-oop!
Beau--ootiful Soo-oop!
Soo--oop of the e--e--evening,
Beautiful, beauti--FUL SOUP! 


Lewis Carroll

Bid for a cause, connect with a literary agent

From SCBWI Western Washington: Bid for a cause, connect with a literary agent

Hold the phone! This just in from illustrator Dana Sullivan:

An online auction is afoot, which closes this Friday, June 22.

Literary agent Anna Olswanger, of Liza Dawson Associates, has donated a manuscript consultation via telephone to benefit the international wildlife charity the Born Free Foundation.

To bid on this one-of-a-lifetime opportunity, click here.
http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/Browse.action?categoryId=166170556&auctionId=166170529

The auction closes this Friday, so act fast!

Little Penguin: Chronicle Books

What a wonderful series from Chronicle Books! These chunky board books each have a hole in the center for the attached finger puppet to poke through. The books are sturdy and small enough to fit in a tot'z hands. There are many other titles in the series: Little Bee, Little Bunny (an Easter favorite), and Little Ladybug. The list goes on and on, each one cuter than the last. The text is super-simple and this book has a plot:

All the penguins are going to sneak away and hide.
But who will seek?
Close your eyes and count to four...
Now find your friends!

With totz' help, Little Penguin will find them all!

Little Penguin
Chronicle Books, 2008

Poetry Friday: How Doth the Little Crocodile

Art by me, Lorie Ann Grover, 2012

How's this for Poetry Friday? Thanks, Lewis Carroll!

How doth the little crocodile 

Improve his shining tail, 

And pour the waters of the Nile 

On every golden scale!

How cheerfully he seems to grin 

How neatly spreads his claws, 

And welcomes little fishes in, 

With gently smiling jaws! 

Alice in Wonderland: Jennifer Adams

Another in the BabyLit book series is Alice in Wonderland. If you recall, "BabyLit is a fashionable way to introduce your child to the world of classic literature." This entry does that!

Jennifer Adams' colors primer joined by Alison Oliver's art is exquisite. The right hand side of the spread features an animal or object from the traditional story, while the left side carries the text and a pattern. Even these are beautiful, some being repetitions from the main image. The words "brown hat" are superimposed on a repeated tonal mustache which matches the Mad Hatter's mustache on the right.

Your totz will be primed for their future reading by the White Rabbit, black shoes, and pink flamingos. I'm such a fan of this series. You'll love it!

Alice in Wonderland, a BabyLit book
by Jennifer Adams
art by Alison Oliver
Gibbs Smith, 2012

Poetry Friday: Around the Block with Sesame Street, Elmo and Adam Sandler

Happy Poetry Friday! Sing it, Adam and Elmo!

Noodles Loves to Eat: Marion Billet

Noodle is a panda who loves to eat!

Each item he loves to eat is a touch-and-feel. The bread is soft and the peas are bumpy. In another title in this series, Noodle Loves the Beach, a peach is sticky and the sand is sandpapery. The final page in each title is mirrored, so that totz can see themselves and feel involved in the story.

This is a true board book, with colorful, sturdy pages that will hold up to lots of handling. Additional titles in this series include: Noodle Loves Bedtime, Noodle Loves the Farm, Noodle Loves to Cuddle, Noodle Loves to Drive.

Noodles Loves to Eat
Artist: Marion Billet
Nosy Crow, 2011

Poetry Friday: New York, Baby!

Starting to dream up summer trips with your totz? Check out New York, Baby! and San Francisco, Baby! City highlights are retro-illustrated by Ward Jenkins and accompanied by rhyming text, which makes these works spot on for Poetry Friday. Here's a tease from New York, Baby!

"The SUN is up in N-Y-C.
Come and see the SIGHTS with me.

First, let's have BREAKFAST, please.
I'd like a BAGEL with cream cheese."

Me, too! Happy Poetry Friday.

New York, Baby!
San Francisco, Baby!
illustrated by Ward Jenkins
Chronicle Books, 2012