tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803912559373501462024-03-16T11:32:07.725-06:00Young Adult Books (MG, Adult and PB, too!)-What We're Reading NowPamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.comBlogger1299125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-40530810989050163562024-03-16T11:31:00.002-06:002024-03-16T11:31:25.881-06:00Bugumentary Pick: In a Patch of Grass <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkigNCHJxfq303JdO45ihYSp3VX96e7Ajyj6qsCaQcuoI5b17OrJSe-oHlKLPikmKnsi_qjL1obZ2L_vCBtWP-yzSK7ilZvQ4GKonXABYyna0bxelqp1J2QhjNkpOCuSDg596oUJJ8q5aCDC1pVzpE-TyHJS-6B0o5LbjSjXkqTZrnelSwF3ZVjsypsARz/s1200/61404156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1034" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkigNCHJxfq303JdO45ihYSp3VX96e7Ajyj6qsCaQcuoI5b17OrJSe-oHlKLPikmKnsi_qjL1obZ2L_vCBtWP-yzSK7ilZvQ4GKonXABYyna0bxelqp1J2QhjNkpOCuSDg596oUJJ8q5aCDC1pVzpE-TyHJS-6B0o5LbjSjXkqTZrnelSwF3ZVjsypsARz/s320/61404156.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>In a Patch of Grass <p></p><p>by Fran Hodgkins</p><p>Illustrated by Dan Tavis</p><p>directed by Steven Spielbug</p><p>starring David Antenborough</p><p>Tilbury House Publishers </p><p>2023 </p><p>32 pages </p><p>ISBN: 9780884484639</p><p><br /></p><p><i>In a Patch of Grass </i>is a clever "bugumentary" directed by Steven Spielbug and starring David Antborough. The two bug stars direct and narrate the makings of a small ecosystem populated by grasshoppers, ants, worms, spiders and other insects and creatures. </p><p>Steven Spielbug directs the action of each bug actor and David Antenborough hosts the film shoot until a nosy, friendly dog interrupts and breaks up the set, sending bugs scurrying hither and yon. </p><p>The bug actors are featured on the front cover giving readers a hint what they'll discover inside. The endpapers are lively and buggy, The cast and crew are explained in detail in order of appearance. The quotes from various "publications" on the back cover are from the <i>International Film Crickets Society</i>, <i>The Daily Mantis, The Hollywood Rolypoly</i> and <i>The New York Treehopper. </i></p><p>Comic relief, silly puns, Hollywood movie making, cartoon speech bubbles and captivating illustrations make this whimsical picture book a must have. For insect lovers everywhere ages 2 and up. </p><p>Highly, highly recommended. </p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-12840711535728454312024-03-14T10:08:00.003-06:002024-03-14T10:21:19.087-06:00LOL Alphabet Board Book Pick: G Is for Gross <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAskks6Cl1KsvgwPG6W97OjuYw2qMX8APXLJWbZCPpHUhq3OC_2OFbKjrTeyvT3xlEgsm-47Eja7ATmT22NWot5AgoYXqdkVjOXcQJeYfEStjcZ4EinHqLHomcD8MmMymPNPRAJtqpSchhN7hIvXTeiTqPbMFBLJOrGnpz9Nt-AsAuECpmDhyphenhyphenYnw9BvJDH/s400/9781423664963.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="304" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAskks6Cl1KsvgwPG6W97OjuYw2qMX8APXLJWbZCPpHUhq3OC_2OFbKjrTeyvT3xlEgsm-47Eja7ATmT22NWot5AgoYXqdkVjOXcQJeYfEStjcZ4EinHqLHomcD8MmMymPNPRAJtqpSchhN7hIvXTeiTqPbMFBLJOrGnpz9Nt-AsAuECpmDhyphenhyphenYnw9BvJDH/s320/9781423664963.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>G Is for Gross<p></p><p>A BabyLit Book </p><p>by Greg Paprocki</p><p>Illustrated by the author </p><p>BabyLit</p><p>2023</p><p>32 pages </p><p>ISBN: 9781423664963</p><p><br /></p><p>Hilarious illustrations and giggle-worthy text will delight both toddlers and adults. Author/illustrator Paprocki uses mid-century modern colorful illustrations in a throwback nod to cartoons and <i>Mad Magazine</i> comics. </p><p>Some of the gross whimsy included are: "D is for dirty diaper," "F is for fart," "O is for outhouse," and of course, "V is for vomit," In almost every page spread, characters are seen holding their nose, looking a little queasy, screaming and/or running. </p><p>Pages include the trusty pet dog or cat, and even one pet octopus peering out of a fish tank. What a fun read-aloud! Young readers will laugh and love saying the words out loud: poop, vomit, toxic, and zombie are lovely examples. </p><p>If only Paprocki had written this decades ago! Today's toddlers get to have all the fun, but their parents and adults can have fun reading this uproariously clever book. Sturdy board design will last hours (years) for little hands turning the pages. Kids will probably memorize their favorite page spreads and shout out, "P is for poop!" for example, whenever this book is opened. </p><p>Highly, highly recommended. If you buy one alphabet book, G Is for Gross needs to be the book. Never have I ever had this much fun reading an alphabet book. </p><p>ages 18 months to 3 years. </p><p><br /></p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-6498261672350521922024-03-12T10:16:00.000-06:002024-03-12T10:16:19.376-06:00Clever Non-Fiction Board Book Pick: Copy That, Copy Cat! <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbHVA_kGWhva67IUPflIuNLHuk05LV8mSVHZMT0XN6IYPR3X68N2-GLGu0UQpoD0JhzR9O5kG4HzTqeGQqMGBkuaH-IFf13D3tb8pFdLqGMnmy3FkMTMTnwLXV20ryJolfGEeTPkJt5RCydj3vZNEOlIIPe9qXc57bas3zXth8oQtFV8qGWDERPAzA61E/s200/copy-that-copy-cat-inventions-inspired-by-animals-6-1700437567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbHVA_kGWhva67IUPflIuNLHuk05LV8mSVHZMT0XN6IYPR3X68N2-GLGu0UQpoD0JhzR9O5kG4HzTqeGQqMGBkuaH-IFf13D3tb8pFdLqGMnmy3FkMTMTnwLXV20ryJolfGEeTPkJt5RCydj3vZNEOlIIPe9qXc57bas3zXth8oQtFV8qGWDERPAzA61E/s1600/copy-that-copy-cat-inventions-inspired-by-animals-6-1700437567.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Copy That, Copy Cat! Inventions Inspired by Animals <p></p><p>By Katrina Tangen</p><p>Illustrations by Giulia Orecchia</p><p>Barefoot Books</p><p>2023</p><p>34 pages </p><p>ISBN: 9781646869992</p><p> Copy That, Copy Cat! will entertain and delight young readers. With its clever lift-the-flap interactive design and fun facts, kids will have a great time guessing the answer to each rhyming riddle. The science behind each invention inspired by animals is concise and easy to understand. </p><p>This sturdy board book will stand up to hours of love and learning in little hands. Although the design is for much younger kids, the information inside will appeal to all levels of elementary school through middle school. Lifting the flap on each invention reveals fascinating details about how scientists use biomimicry to design new inventions. The term biomimicry gets a full page of information. The animals featured on the cover appear again on the last page with their own flap. Readers lift the flap to reveal how animals inspired inventions such as robot arms and better light bulbs.</p><p>Fun rhyming text and colorful illustrations make this book a sure winner. Highly recommended for any reader who loves non-fiction and science. Beginning readers will love lifting the flaps and figuring out each riddle. </p><p>Ages 2-middle school. </p><p> </p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-87421340041185792162024-03-10T12:36:00.002-06:002024-03-10T12:36:48.456-06:00Board Book Pick: Sneak! A Slide-and-See Book!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpGCta1rY_lge2tuW6aehg0IqRKwJvD8KtAuFow6WQ7_h2qSbtk45-9gKAkS72Ch8zOtEquJuYFT26Iy9e34q7qVFe88cloTJ-QGg4eFQLITMoR1r5yGKxSNI0lIRslNvDIBWN6eI78Isra9hX-u6RJG6PYWtm01AsrrA3dNUHMo71i4wqtqp1c4sMuca/s400/9798888590195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpGCta1rY_lge2tuW6aehg0IqRKwJvD8KtAuFow6WQ7_h2qSbtk45-9gKAkS72Ch8zOtEquJuYFT26Iy9e34q7qVFe88cloTJ-QGg4eFQLITMoR1r5yGKxSNI0lIRslNvDIBWN6eI78Isra9hX-u6RJG6PYWtm01AsrrA3dNUHMo71i4wqtqp1c4sMuca/s320/9798888590195.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sneak! <p></p><p>A Slide-and-See book!</p><p>by Beatriz Gimenez de Ory</p><p>Illustrated by P:aloma Valdivia</p><p>English translation by Lisa Rosinsky</p><p>Barefoot Books</p><p>2023</p><p>18 pages </p><p>ISBN: 978888590195</p><p>What a fun book! Interactive pages "hide" animals. As the readers turn the page, each animal is revealed. The creative slide-and-see design is a genius design in engineering. A chameleon becomes a leaf. a leopard hides in a tree, a sea dragon looks like seaweed until readers turn the page, and an owl butterfly looks like a pair of eyes until young readers discover it is the markings on the butterfly's wings. </p><p>New animals kids may not have seen before include: an arctic fox hiding in the pristine snow, a patoo, a bird that looks like a dead tree branch. and a leaf insect looks exactly like the plants it hides in. </p><p>A page is included with a description of each animal and how they use camouflage to hide and survive. Sneak! is the cutest and most brilliant board book in recent memory. You must buy this for every tiny reader you know. </p><p>Highly, highly recommended 10 months and up. If you're a school librarian at an elementary that has preK or K, you must buy several copies. One for check-out (which may not age well) and one to share at story time. Kids will love to guess what animal is hiding. The text gives clues to help them out. </p><p><br /></p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-21496797122696216282024-03-09T10:57:00.001-07:002024-03-09T10:57:50.473-07:00Breathtaking Picture Book: Brindlefox <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMxxuK8voWTxNMgSgKhCXg39Ef4Jx4Aj4zcOV4s4uDFI9ReUNB7PMbqNYldUx3UDzunRAeyLA4GdI-VRJqHOOlIpSA2Pwx0QHONFNlNDJrW8DDA5OFaJ3O4YPj91r5E_EN8JwanshhMp2g5EcU_af3bA66xZuHvsoVaflD0a3hyKckzai3aAmA3NpvgRu/s400/9781546003724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="381" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMxxuK8voWTxNMgSgKhCXg39Ef4Jx4Aj4zcOV4s4uDFI9ReUNB7PMbqNYldUx3UDzunRAeyLA4GdI-VRJqHOOlIpSA2Pwx0QHONFNlNDJrW8DDA5OFaJ3O4YPj91r5E_EN8JwanshhMp2g5EcU_af3bA66xZuHvsoVaflD0a3hyKckzai3aAmA3NpvgRu/s320/9781546003724.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>Brindlefox<p></p><p>by John Sanford</p><p>Illustrations by the author </p><p>Worthy Kids</p><p>a trademark of Hachette Book Group, Inc.</p><p>2023</p><p>32 pages</p><p>ISBN: 9781546003724</p><p><br /></p><p>"To have a friend, one must be a friend." </p><p>Brindlefox lives alone and likes it. He does not like company or noise, so he lives a hermit's existence in his messy house. He never has guests, so he does nor clean or tidy his house. Soon, leaves, vines, plants and limbs are growing into his house. In fact, one day, a sapling sprouts from Brindlefox's own back! </p><p>The sapling grows exponentially in a few days until Brindlefox is aware of a rustling in his leaves. It's a heron! And not only that, a noisy, nosy heron. He scares the bird away, but is surprised to see it gathering berries from his limbs. The next day, a tasty pie appears on his windowsill. Brindlefox is surprised. Why would a bird leave him, a mean fox, a pie? The heron explains she made it "to eat." The fox is flummoxed. He goes to work on his house and cleans himself up. He invites the bird to his newly made dining table to share pie, and the two become fast friends who eat and visit together. </p><p>One simple act of unexpected kindness turns around the fox's life and outlook. How simple is that? Focusing on friendship and loneliness, young readers will feel empathy for the lonely fox and love the kind heron. They will cheer the unlikely duo's friendship and revel in the gorgeous illustrations evocative of children's fairy tale books like Mother Goose and Grimms' Fairy Tales. </p><p>A must have for every collection. This is one of the most beautiful picture books I've ever encountered. </p><p>Ages 18 months and up. Simply lovely. </p><p><br /></p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-81745691924402765302024-02-27T12:10:00.002-07:002024-03-06T10:44:01.557-07:00Ecosystems Picture Book: Log Life <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmZjbFjyekttlNG0TkE3CUj1vgZcyyaUem-XCeCQ4w2W4TX0lqfNZ7Ho1FVRkvA3QbUbiAYJQ9tSZwP-IGnOi5kraI8eoyR3DojgraHIXk3HnjqVvh25s6KW4-qk5P60Vp77pFiAyujKhmrykSxcQRCeADtt1rCEMaRs3cvv4FviZhHGZrR6kxPMsXCdy/s400/log-life-9781665934985_lg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="303" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmZjbFjyekttlNG0TkE3CUj1vgZcyyaUem-XCeCQ4w2W4TX0lqfNZ7Ho1FVRkvA3QbUbiAYJQ9tSZwP-IGnOi5kraI8eoyR3DojgraHIXk3HnjqVvh25s6KW4-qk5P60Vp77pFiAyujKhmrykSxcQRCeADtt1rCEMaRs3cvv4FviZhHGZrR6kxPMsXCdy/s320/log-life-9781665934985_lg.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>Log Life <p></p><p>A Tiny Habitats Book </p><p>by Amy Hevron</p><p>Illustrations by the author </p><p>Beach Lane Books</p><p>An imprint of Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing Division</p><p>2024</p><p>48 pages</p><p>ISBN: 9781665934985</p><p><br /></p><p>Log life introduces readers to tiny habitats in the Pacific Northwest where giant evergreen trees can live up to 1,000 years before they fall in the forest. It takes hundreds of years for these trees to decompose, but while decomposing they become habitats for a number of plants and animals. They will become nurse logs. </p><p>Nurse logs feed and house creatures from insects to birds and rodents, snails, frogs and salamanders. One giant tree feeds an entire system for decades. </p><p>Illustrations entertain and educate about plant and animal life. It is a hopeful book as it shows how one tree can fall, but still offer so much life. In fact, new fir trees can sprout and begin their cycle for the next thousand years. Various animals are featured at the end in a two-page spread that readers will study again and again. Young readers may play at finding and identifying each type of animal in the early pages. </p><p>A page about nurse-log habitats is included. Complete with selected sources and additional reading sources, this is a non-fiction treasure to own! </p><p>Highly recommended for any fan of non-fiction books and kids who love ecology, animals and forests. </p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-48174964050730971192024-02-25T10:47:00.000-07:002024-02-25T10:47:14.801-07:00Middle Grade Pick: Middle School and other Disasters: Worst Love Spell Ever!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf25kNix8ZMQfmxhFgrlyQ7Z-yME0mQuzsJMJhX0sBwKIduhPkphasT5bCgicXn5LO6mTshF8VArjdlBhEmGLvYpRcpCLfHIsQFVHy0IuxdaSvlp7ZMYZkZM6-yk-xlET7hsodvbSmiCayvGLPHKoqIBzJz1sbZ0oySmJCPYBj2YfWcNRriMTXt-Tgh1Fk/s400/worst-love-spell-ever-9781665937207_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="272" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf25kNix8ZMQfmxhFgrlyQ7Z-yME0mQuzsJMJhX0sBwKIduhPkphasT5bCgicXn5LO6mTshF8VArjdlBhEmGLvYpRcpCLfHIsQFVHy0IuxdaSvlp7ZMYZkZM6-yk-xlET7hsodvbSmiCayvGLPHKoqIBzJz1sbZ0oySmJCPYBj2YfWcNRriMTXt-Tgh1Fk/s320/worst-love-spell-ever-9781665937207_lg.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>Middle School and Other Disasters: Worst Love Spell Ever! (Book 2) <p></p><p>by Wanda Coven</p><p>Illustrated by Anna Abramskaya</p><p>Simon Spotlight </p><p>An imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division</p><p>2023</p><p>352 pages</p><p>ISBN: 9781665937207</p><p>Book Two in the <i>Middle School and Other Disasters </i>series features our friend Heidi Hecklebeck as she settles into her new school, Broomsfield Academy, a school for witches-in-training. Heidi crushes on a cute boy named Hunter, but there's just one problem. Hunter is super popular and girls surround him at all times, including frenemy and now roommate Melanie! </p><p>How will Heidi ever get Hunter to notice her with all these other girls around? It's time to get creative and, yes, magical. Heidi goes to work to find the perfect spell to make Hunter not only notice her, but fall in love with her. First, it's her magical hair potion which gives her glorious, beautiful shampoo ad-worthy hair, but it backfires when her hair won't stop growing. It's out of control! </p><p>Heidi tries various spells to get Hunter's attention and undying devotion until it becomes obvious she's thinking only of herself. She never stops to think how she's affecting Hunter or her best friends. When they point it out to her, Heidi finally understands that she's been a selfish witch and vows to set things right. </p><p>Illustrations by Anna Abramskaya bring Heidi and her friends to life. Middle school worthy prose and all the "feels" are captured by the author with a magical touch. Wanda Coven is clearly a witch who channels every middle school girl and her first crush. Heidi is cringe-worthy in many cases, but it's adorable and funny. Middle school has never been funnier nor sadder. </p><p>Readers will be waiting for book three. It's not necessary to read book one to understand this book, but readers will likely read the entire series. Once they've stepped into the hypnotic world of Heidi Hecklebeck, they'll never want to leave. </p><p>Easy to read with illustrations and tween friendly format with a font used to imitate a child's handwriting (similar to Wimpy Kid books) Worst Love Spell Ever! casts a powerful spell. </p><p>Highly recommended grades 4 and up. </p><p><br /></p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-85016519501260582872024-02-13T10:07:00.002-07:002024-02-13T10:13:32.718-07:00Beautiful Picture Book: The Thing To Remember About Stargazing <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsiJDvONQ-sNYS1VeBhxB66yfhBQKH0LvJtkvzKXcMRbtrAaJbtFTeMr5r1UVHydmPP_0yc0TNjRhTlXhz8JgFSODO1AMrIUIiehdPWBAlfw8c_WtEuA8mg-sH2ey6wfqtJ0TZ0qqrLnhM6l9V090TKSBsP0HHna3Nt9fc4xld1DG6C3kplH8gH231-51/s400/9780884489405.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="361" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsiJDvONQ-sNYS1VeBhxB66yfhBQKH0LvJtkvzKXcMRbtrAaJbtFTeMr5r1UVHydmPP_0yc0TNjRhTlXhz8JgFSODO1AMrIUIiehdPWBAlfw8c_WtEuA8mg-sH2ey6wfqtJ0TZ0qqrLnhM6l9V090TKSBsP0HHna3Nt9fc4xld1DG6C3kplH8gH231-51/s320/9780884489405.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> The Thing To Remember About Stargazing<p></p><p>by Matt Forrest Esenwine</p><p>Illustrated by Sonia Possentini</p><p>Tilbury House Publishers</p><p>2023</p><p>32 pages</p><p>ISBN: 9780884489405</p><p><br /></p><p>Breathtaking illustrations by Sonia Possentini capture the joy and beauty of nature and the galaxy we live in. The art of stargazing is celebrated around the world by children, adults, and animals as they revel in the sculpture of the heavens.</p><p>The sky is laid out like a tapestry of pictures that ancient civilizations looked up at in awe the same way we do today. The Thing To Remember About Stargazing is to gaze with a friend or a pet or no one at all. You can stargaze all alone and contemplate "connecting the dots" of the stars. </p><p>Gorgeous hues of muted blue, violet and purple depict the skies and surroundings for a calming palette for the poetic text. As polar bears gaze at the stars, whales swim to the surface to take in the quiet night sky. Children look up to locate constellations named centuries before they were born. The one thing to remember about stargazing, the most important thing, "...is to do it." </p><p>This mesmerizing picture book is must have for every collection and a great first book to introduce astronomy to young children. A note about stars follows the story and urges readers to go outside and see what pictures, or asterisms, they find. Maybe they will see images they haven't spotted before. </p><p>Highly recommended ages 18 months and up. </p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-18623475466140660122024-02-07T12:13:00.001-07:002024-02-07T12:13:18.219-07:00Picture Book Pick: Empty and Me (Bilingual Persian-English picture book)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mO97AU-7NLFIotkdytY_AlcvnzjnF2L8_TFMQXL6dWTgdMkiEQWn0OkhvOQxBoPZlqpp2HcYU8UyBAGOWXyq5NRitqL69Rof-1QvYPUYehEh-8sLYMc2QM6gJZulCvlc8R5MyDuRzpWA0SA5IN_MFZKc10V2eVoMyRY52NxCQgGIcdvqzVSEKLdDI120/s148/download-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="148" data-original-width="148" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mO97AU-7NLFIotkdytY_AlcvnzjnF2L8_TFMQXL6dWTgdMkiEQWn0OkhvOQxBoPZlqpp2HcYU8UyBAGOWXyq5NRitqL69Rof-1QvYPUYehEh-8sLYMc2QM6gJZulCvlc8R5MyDuRzpWA0SA5IN_MFZKc10V2eVoMyRY52NxCQgGIcdvqzVSEKLdDI120/s1600/download-6.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>Empty and Me<p></p><p>by Azam Mahdavi</p><p>Illustrated by Maryam Tahmasebi</p><p>Translated by Parisa Saranj</p><p>Lee & Low Books </p><p>48 pages</p><p>2023</p><p>ISBN: 9781643796222</p><p>Originally published in Iran, Empty and Me is the story of a little girl dealing with her mother's death. When her mother dies, the girl turns to Empty, her constant companion and only friend. Empty goes everywhere with the little girl: to school, to the playground, and at home. Empty is shown as a huge </p><p>The girl remembers her mother when she sees a photo of them together, potting a plant. Later, the plant blooms and the girl begins to see things a little brighter. She finds a small kitten and she and Empty take it home. Now the kitten and Empty and the girl are together. Soon, she plays with another child at school. </p><p>Illustrations match the girl's journey throughout her grief: in the beginning, gray is the main color. After the plant blooms, the girl gives Empty a yellow flower. In the pages that follow, Empty is seen with more and more yellow flowers. In the final layout, a picture of the girl, her father, the kitten and Empty are bathed in yellow sunlight coming in from a window.</p><p>The text is in Persian with the English translation below it on each page. Young readers may have never experienced a bilingual book before, especially one in Persian and English. The Persian text offers a novel nuance of the print American readers may have not encountered and it adds to the beauty of the pages.</p><p>Empty and Me is that rare book that deals with a painful subject in a graceful, poignant manner. Empty is the silent, sweet companion the little girl needs throughout her grief and hopeful healing. </p><p>This book is must have read which is the perfect opening for young children to ask questions about death, dying and loss. While the subject matter is dark, Empty and Me is a testament to bright. </p><p>Ages 3 and up. Especially helpful for anyone who has lost a close relative or parent. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-56061628308375237102024-02-06T10:56:00.006-07:002024-02-26T11:48:13.369-07:00Picture Book Pick: Real to Me <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHW-h1HyT9vdSUnWyuTr8npApSHb9hhC9F82YnXCdixEwhLlfJp9dPuXV22gLHpq93Qfn9lDCOXh6qsQufXZo-iM0YULcFGjpVad9rOOWiKxbS5yU1Ab9osGmDW_HkADsta3_ycSTW_U6cW3PCzpxGY6e1xzNbn0ynq1Y6VTyy6B07ebLNDtLrcVlKjsYS/s450/9780593377499.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="450" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHW-h1HyT9vdSUnWyuTr8npApSHb9hhC9F82YnXCdixEwhLlfJp9dPuXV22gLHpq93Qfn9lDCOXh6qsQufXZo-iM0YULcFGjpVad9rOOWiKxbS5yU1Ab9osGmDW_HkADsta3_ycSTW_U6cW3PCzpxGY6e1xzNbn0ynq1Y6VTyy6B07ebLNDtLrcVlKjsYS/s320/9780593377499.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Real To Me<p></p><p>by Mingh Le</p><p>Illustrated by Raissa Figueroa</p><p>Knopf Books for Young Readers</p><p>Random House Kids</p><p>2023</p><p>40 pages </p><p>ISBN: 9780593377499</p><p>Sometimes your first friend is imaginary to everyone. Everyone but you, that is. A first friend laughs with you, is brave with you, is there for you and that makes them real. A young girl loves her first friend who is her constant companion until one day, her friend is not there. She looks for her friend everywhere and is sad without them. </p><p>After time, she begins to make new friends who laugh with her and are brave with her, but that cannot erase her first, beloved friend: her friend is real to her. </p><p>A beautiful book about a child who dreams and laughs and thinks. A child who is an introvert and who may not feel like she belongs. Her "friend" fills the void in her life, and no one can convince her that her friend is not real. Simply a lovely book full of heart and hopefulness. </p><p>Highly recommended for all young readers. </p><p><br /></p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-87314686392146263922024-02-04T11:37:00.001-07:002024-02-04T11:37:12.736-07:00MG Pick: Bite Risk<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFGPAHK8mdNjqEa1gqnxiFpvques4kEuAU7FGSccuvB6D4AW1abEhPrZR2SRfzoLq4jxnhByI097MDP_3n0RhURDs2HDlS897cFrHA6xd6EeSKZzswEAbZVQAUvEfH8QWL5J1SNV6XZNVEZbUdEl8AlwLpmxeSi8At0IuJ-Qmrpu9Ta7ZO0MrlmHZJBUx/s400/bite-risk-9781665938006_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFGPAHK8mdNjqEa1gqnxiFpvques4kEuAU7FGSccuvB6D4AW1abEhPrZR2SRfzoLq4jxnhByI097MDP_3n0RhURDs2HDlS897cFrHA6xd6EeSKZzswEAbZVQAUvEfH8QWL5J1SNV6XZNVEZbUdEl8AlwLpmxeSi8At0IuJ-Qmrpu9Ta7ZO0MrlmHZJBUx/s320/bite-risk-9781665938006_lg.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Bite Risk<p></p><p>by S.J. Wills</p><p>Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers</p><p>2023</p><p>320 pages</p><p>ISBN: 9781665938006</p><p><br /></p><p>"It's hard to spot the monster..."</p><p>Middle grade readers are in for a real treat: this BITING lupine story has it all! </p><p>Set in a small town aptly named Tremorglade, thirteeen-year old Sel suspects there's something up in his town where nothing ever happens...unless of course you count the night of the full moon when all teens must lock up their parents, fearing their parents will rip them to pieces because one night per month, all kids are on alert for bite risk. Since the Disruption, years before Sel was born, adults turn to werewolves on nights when there is a full moon. </p><p>When adults begin escaping their cages and spy drones start to appear, Sel and his friends decide to investigate. Just what is happening in their town and why is it that no one seems to ever leave? There's an underground conspiracy, a shady scientific company, an elderly friend who seems way too helpful, an online network that begins to feel sketchy, and too many weird circumstances that can't be explained. </p><p>The kids find themselves on the run from not only the werewolves but some much more dangerous threats. Can they escape Tremorglade before it destroys them or do they stay and fight? </p><p>Exciting and entertaining, Bite Risk will keep readers enthralled and guessing until the last pages. A quick read for even reluctant readers. this book will appeal to fans of paranormal, government conspiracies and mysteries. </p><p>Recommended grades 6 and up. No sex. Some gore.</p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-36751384642539736352024-01-30T10:45:00.000-07:002024-01-30T10:45:35.148-07:00Picture Book Pick: These Olive Trees: A Palestinian Family's Story <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjqMIsgCo9lirczrT0Y672zv-oZM_m_MBhXMM6eC8sgN9Q9hyphenhyphenQ3d6fsm5BhL9d9dMqLuku5aeWqrEE5Hg0FDJfbhxRJDQKDVRu_MOaqaVyOpaMkZTwcSAu_nd58tsYgplUp2Cfiy5fny5Exz2ELb9zuIuqplSZcwSIE-NZCeG2dY5-7bY0ys_SAGWXRN1/s450/9780593525180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="450" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjqMIsgCo9lirczrT0Y672zv-oZM_m_MBhXMM6eC8sgN9Q9hyphenhyphenQ3d6fsm5BhL9d9dMqLuku5aeWqrEE5Hg0FDJfbhxRJDQKDVRu_MOaqaVyOpaMkZTwcSAu_nd58tsYgplUp2Cfiy5fny5Exz2ELb9zuIuqplSZcwSIE-NZCeG2dY5-7bY0ys_SAGWXRN1/s320/9780593525180.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>These Olive Trees<p></p><p>by Aya Ghanameh</p><p>Illustrations by the author</p><p>Viking</p><p>An imprint of Penguin Random House LLC</p><p>2023</p><p>40 pages </p><p>ISBN: 9780593525180</p><p>A beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking story of one girl's memories in a refugee camp and having to flee war, These Olive Trees embrace family, dedication and hope for the future. As her family flees one part of Palestine to yet another area, Oraib plants an olive pit, promising that one day when she's older she will return to visit the tree she planted. </p><p>The olive trees are more than trees to Oraib's family: they signify growth, life, food and tradition. War, refugees, and relocation seen through a child's eyes is powerful, yet mindful of child readers. Most children probably have not been affected by war, but they can understand having to leave their homes. They can understand that the family must stay together. They can understand the sadness of leaving all they've ever known to go to somewhere unknown. </p><p>A powerful book and a must have for every library. Highly recommended. </p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-81167669374091138872024-01-30T10:20:00.000-07:002024-01-30T10:20:47.665-07:00Opposites Pick: Kitty & Cat: Opposites Attract<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYl6Vw897Yqxeh47uHA3iLXpSgqKwpkGtEzkt0GXUPYIKBjeLwRxsgVslW7kRMvq6biMYAURlPje0gL9Kc1CH9Qtfl_y_zYt8LtYzmpcBwTTmlyuUfn4yv0Zojzu1KOmmc1JQONK562wmEBcypfK7CjG8gSzFUOhPZ_NjYhpCBS0HyRkojY5BCJbpBiRz/s450/9781536223675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="450" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYl6Vw897Yqxeh47uHA3iLXpSgqKwpkGtEzkt0GXUPYIKBjeLwRxsgVslW7kRMvq6biMYAURlPje0gL9Kc1CH9Qtfl_y_zYt8LtYzmpcBwTTmlyuUfn4yv0Zojzu1KOmmc1JQONK562wmEBcypfK7CjG8gSzFUOhPZ_NjYhpCBS0HyRkojY5BCJbpBiRz/s320/9781536223675.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Kitty & Cat: Opposites Attract<p></p><p>by Mirka Hokkanen</p><p>Illustrrations by the author</p><p>Candlewick Press</p><p>2023</p><p>40 pages</p><p>ISBN: 9781536223675</p><p>Fall in love with this pair of lovable cats. Cat is older; Kitty is brand new. Kitty wants to play, but Cat wants to laze the day away. Cat, the curmudgeon, puts up of Kitty, barely. Cat begins to seek out Kitty's adorable antics, watching as Kitty plays, secretly hoping for a chance to join in. </p><p>When Kitty gets outside in the rain, Cat rescues her, bringing her inside to get warm and dry. Early pages show Cat distancing herself from the new invader. Later pages, Cat relaxes, sharing her toys and even her food bowl! </p><p>Readers will learn opposites as the story progresses. Opposites include: old, new, over, under, energetic, exhausted and finally apart and together. A surprise endpaper of a new arrival will delight kid readers and shake up the entire household! </p><p>Highly, highly recommended for teaching opposites in a fun, sneaky way! Ages 18 months and older. Delightful illustrations are colorful and laugh out loud cute. </p><p>Likely to be awarded this season, Kitty & Cat is a must have, must read for every child! </p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-31711544189209668522024-01-22T10:54:00.001-07:002024-01-22T10:54:00.133-07:00PicutePicture Book Pick: Treasure Chest of Kisses <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEHf-ilr4w0L5brMIiUbiJM5y3EJ8wOqtBExW1WvARvJwjB9udIP-vh0waJdjIC2RZG4t8ryyfdTa-tajOnloc8Lw8I4VUwp7nKZuiDeF1ePWRv21474_rm2zwpkd1ojsG6989BwSq2BMSfcYZSErcO2ZOLw3YvbmkNmKb38UBBoGGvbJhWXdhPx1yxFb/s400/9798986970417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEHf-ilr4w0L5brMIiUbiJM5y3EJ8wOqtBExW1WvARvJwjB9udIP-vh0waJdjIC2RZG4t8ryyfdTa-tajOnloc8Lw8I4VUwp7nKZuiDeF1ePWRv21474_rm2zwpkd1ojsG6989BwSq2BMSfcYZSErcO2ZOLw3YvbmkNmKb38UBBoGGvbJhWXdhPx1yxFb/s320/9798986970417.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Treasure Chest of Kisses<p></p><p>by Sky Eiko</p><p>Illustrated by Pham Thuy Mai Thy</p><p>Henrietta Publishing</p><p>2022</p><p>39 pages</p><p>ISBN: 97889986970400</p><p>A sweet picture book full of love and inspiration, Treasure Chest of Kisses will become an every night read aloud for children. Rhyming and whimsical, this gem of a book explains that every kiss comes from a treasure chest deep inside of each one of us. </p><p>Children can embrace the love they have in their chest (treasure chest) and feel comforted knowing that they are loved and they can give love. Uplifting and joyous, Treasure Chest of Kisses will bring smiles to everyone who reads it. </p><p>Highly recommended ages 18 months and up. Simply lovely! </p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-57410067660723178932024-01-21T10:44:00.000-07:002024-01-21T10:44:46.858-07:00Tween Series Pick: Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So-Posh Paris Adventure (Book 15) <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UA56VOvPlTyS2H7wH_PE2yz0nvkJHdLz40xusF7vdkwJmEdMka5NMh_jS0cAGzani1uTHjLAMkM65zxLaH605uC5FpQwfgA5olzcHsvEXT7st1qNUDE1I7ZqxyoRRRLAxFl6mbwo8U_fZOS_dPqkC6tPECuOs35mYvMZz4lfcg6HNtd2jUWKULxl9T5r/s1025/dork-diaries-15-702.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="702" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UA56VOvPlTyS2H7wH_PE2yz0nvkJHdLz40xusF7vdkwJmEdMka5NMh_jS0cAGzani1uTHjLAMkM65zxLaH605uC5FpQwfgA5olzcHsvEXT7st1qNUDE1I7ZqxyoRRRLAxFl6mbwo8U_fZOS_dPqkC6tPECuOs35mYvMZz4lfcg6HNtd2jUWKULxl9T5r/s320/dork-diaries-15-702.png" width="219" /></a></div>Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So-Posh Paris Adventure<p></p><p>Book 15 </p><p>by Rachel Renee Russell</p><p>Illustrated by Nikki Russell</p><p>Aladdin</p><p>An imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division</p><p>2023</p><p>333 pages</p><p>ISBN: 9781534480483 </p><p><br /></p><p>Fans of the series will love this new installment of the tres chic Nikki Maxwell and her adventures as she visits Paris with her bandmates BFFs Chloe and Zoey and frenemy mean girl MacKenzie. </p><p>Twelve days in Paris take readers on a Parisian adventure to the catacombs, the Louvre, tres chic shops, the Arc de Triumphe and cafes. The girls drink in their experiences and learn just a little about true friendship. Nikki learns a lot about her younger sister Brianna and ends up loving her even more than ever. But the best lesson yet, is "never, ever stop believing in magic." </p><p>Dorks everywhere will read this book in one sitting and be on tenterhooks waiting for the next adventure of Nikki, Brandon, MacKenzie, Chloe and Zoey. </p><p>Recommended for tweens and fans of the series. It's best to read the books in order, but you could read book 1 and this one if you don't have access to the entire series. It's likely to be found in every elementary and middle school library, but you may have to wait on a list for your chance to grab it. </p><p><br /></p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-2825838141690222022024-01-13T10:33:00.000-07:002024-01-13T10:33:01.396-07:00Own Voices Pick: Heart Berry Bling <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyUhqvS2ed9_c5MgFD8eERmtekhYAZ2rr7fkG1doL3Bim5jjxNiIbXe09AkceB32_Q2vOeLNGMl_csoB6DOv8wshToIUvABQZQFhtVz6bu7Es4nGWcTpQBBkxJze2sNnukF8fjkNcGHV5YwSd8EDsFCV6fAMyAfDUlqGsJ5udL88tYESKcb7NvgYfm5JE/s360/Image-front-cover_rb_fullcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyUhqvS2ed9_c5MgFD8eERmtekhYAZ2rr7fkG1doL3Bim5jjxNiIbXe09AkceB32_Q2vOeLNGMl_csoB6DOv8wshToIUvABQZQFhtVz6bu7Es4nGWcTpQBBkxJze2sNnukF8fjkNcGHV5YwSd8EDsFCV6fAMyAfDUlqGsJ5udL88tYESKcb7NvgYfm5JE/s320/Image-front-cover_rb_fullcover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Heart Berry Bling <p></p><p>by Jenny Kay Dupuis</p><p>Illustrations by Eve Campbell </p><p>HighWater Press</p><p>2023</p><p>48 pages</p><p>ISBN: 9781774920558</p><p><br /></p><p>Maggie is excited to visit her granny and bead with her. Granny always has stories and does beautiful beading work. Granny tells Jenny of a time when she was discriminated against by her own people because she married a man who wasn't First Nations. Even though men could marry outside their community, women were discriminated due to gender discrimination in the Indian Act. </p><p>As they bead, Maggie learns about the Anishinaabe people and their lands in Canada. She loves to hear how Granny overcame hardship by keeping close to her roots through traditions and beading. With Granny at her side, Maggie makes beautiful strawberry earrings. </p><p>Heart Berry Bling is a quiet picture book with a huge heart. What a lovely celebration of tradition and family! Jenny Kay Dupuis captures the love of a grandmother and her granddaughter. Illustrations by Eve Campbell are compelling and timeless. </p><p>This Own Voices pick is a must have for every collection. Highly recommended ages 3 and up. </p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-75762132791147947962024-01-09T10:35:00.002-07:002024-01-09T10:35:25.001-07:00Own Voices Pick: Picture Book Who Am I? <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmh-FN7JzJBrU6vyZYCKJhq2qnLu3qZc_qLFuOYNlxallF6SQQcB7HNpfUFyuj3sEOE3iBgTNowzginZONktPOCK2-rf-9IsHeVzzVaE0Xle2C-KD1WICrdaHuMRJx_IaBHWkoLXHOQRa48v3YVTJftVeD3mCgqzMfq5iq7Ne9u7q1iMZHhdFssGhFuoy/s204/download.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="204" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmh-FN7JzJBrU6vyZYCKJhq2qnLu3qZc_qLFuOYNlxallF6SQQcB7HNpfUFyuj3sEOE3iBgTNowzginZONktPOCK2-rf-9IsHeVzzVaE0Xle2C-KD1WICrdaHuMRJx_IaBHWkoLXHOQRa48v3YVTJftVeD3mCgqzMfq5iq7Ne9u7q1iMZHhdFssGhFuoy/s1600/download.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>Who Am I? <p></p><p>by Julie Burcholz</p><p>Illustrations Aliya Ghare</p><p>Sleeping Bear Press </p><p>2023 </p><p>32 pages </p><p>ISBN: 9781534111813</p><p><br /></p><p>Winner Own Voices, Own Stories Prize</p><p>A young girl asks her mother "Who am I?" Her mother explains their family's background and ties to nature and the world. The author is a member of the Bay Mills Tribe of the Chippewa Indians and embraces her ancestor's beliefs and love of the land. </p><p>Who Am I? is a remarkable, poetic picture book with warmth and gentleness. The illustrations by Aliya Ghare are beautiful and explode off the pages. </p><p>Ages 5 and up. A lovely book to share! </p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-36301513102144436842023-12-30T10:14:00.001-07:002023-12-30T10:17:46.493-07:00Wordless Picture Book Excellence: Yellow Butterfly: A Story From Ukraine <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3_dzpOKqflLxQp-YGMhnovk1R1fiKnB1TCAIt7RcpLXSOyJGlt7GDtaOdMNSefUajjMg-pFrNt0wX-gMozr1vbc-m2UQ-pMxJvKwzpHSAxzCvv2zkzVDSaNKXCMByF_HzmNESBdG9_Jni7IRqRoAPHrpR-urY5iNwbLPYrpho48VHuRRIbU-g7mwzuw-/s414/9781636550640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3_dzpOKqflLxQp-YGMhnovk1R1fiKnB1TCAIt7RcpLXSOyJGlt7GDtaOdMNSefUajjMg-pFrNt0wX-gMozr1vbc-m2UQ-pMxJvKwzpHSAxzCvv2zkzVDSaNKXCMByF_HzmNESBdG9_Jni7IRqRoAPHrpR-urY5iNwbLPYrpho48VHuRRIbU-g7mwzuw-/s320/9781636550640.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>Yellow Butterfly: A Story From Ukraine<p></p><p>by Oleksandr Shatokhin</p><p>Red Comet Press </p><p>2022</p><p>72 pages</p><p>ISBN: 9781636550640</p><p>From Ukrainian artist Oledsandr Shatokhin this beautifully imagined wordless picture book captures the story of home and war from a child's perspective. Evocative, compelling, heart-breaking, Yellow Butterfly is an inspirational story of hope conquering despair. </p><p>Images of barbed wire, burned out holes, and destroyed neighborhoods give way to first a yellow butterfly, then a few more, until finally a kaleidoscope (yes, a group of butterflies is called a kaleidoscope) of butterflies becomes the child's wings lifting her above the destruction up to the sun, to hope, to peace and to the future. </p><p>The colors at the beginning of the book are gray, white and black. The two page spread showing the wings unfurling behind the child is glorious yellow. </p><p>Yellow Butterfly is the best children's book about the desolation and destruction of war, yet it manages to handle the topic in a way child readers can understand and empathize with the plight of the Ukrainian people. </p><p>Ages 4 and up. </p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-31128941028267114622023-12-30T09:38:00.002-07:002024-02-13T10:25:53.694-07:00Innovative Picture Book Pick: Some of These Are Snails <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiUddgAsfdY59cSje_rbYGW_WvcpjTuwuFauwAKkrRX1K5TdNXj8oBiWWKWjTo_GoBSstUqgX-J5PZMZhaSxJbkuAU2DT7Qf4zcUN6oXCj4NKNo7Mxxn_TjP9mZmmgsr8XncOQ9MqZcAgOHzp51lujFlAluqys3FDhoPsec4q3aw9cDRQfjSzoZkJxHni/s1000/9781797220185_1_a0f456a2-1560-4162-bf83-87c578363f32_1000x.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiUddgAsfdY59cSje_rbYGW_WvcpjTuwuFauwAKkrRX1K5TdNXj8oBiWWKWjTo_GoBSstUqgX-J5PZMZhaSxJbkuAU2DT7Qf4zcUN6oXCj4NKNo7Mxxn_TjP9mZmmgsr8XncOQ9MqZcAgOHzp51lujFlAluqys3FDhoPsec4q3aw9cDRQfjSzoZkJxHni/s320/9781797220185_1_a0f456a2-1560-4162-bf83-87c578363f32_1000x.webp" width="320" /></a></div>Some of These Are Snails<p></p><p>by Carter Higgins</p><p>Illustrations by the author</p><p>Chronicle Kids</p><p>2023 </p><p>52 pages</p><p>ISBN: 9781797220185</p><p><br /></p><p>This seemingly simple concept book has unlimited possibilities. Not only creative and artistic, Some of These Are Snails will encourage readers to see shapes, colors, spatial design, and patterns in nature and in their normal environment. </p><p><br /></p><p>A circle can become a turtle or a snail; a square can become an elephant. The first reading seems simple enough, but as a child reads it numerous times, patterns emerge and/or no patterns emerge. Their mind is the only limit. </p><p><br /></p><p>Carter Higgins has an artistic masterpiece here. Furthermore, entire semesters of art and design classes could revolve around this one picture book. </p><p>Some of These Are Snals is award worthy this year. One of the best of the year! </p><p>A must-have for creative minds. </p><p>young readers of all ages! </p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-6659356787103108282023-12-17T10:00:00.001-07:002023-12-17T10:00:12.953-07:00Board Book Pick: Some Dogs <span id="docs-internal-guid-34b55e1a-7fff-92eb-d77e-d96796e44f52"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWT-V68rKRsFCA6RtaoCqKzPD2qin0ov1VF2T_jj13GPMw0d3WSWAlIKBigkHAvhyphenhyphen2Rgv0YkXKCfZwHoTHey1eSeBJenf0_S80M5n1oPlKcEXCe7QuMiZqh-ETnBMD7AXBVQytPIVRj5HFnrs4QIpwn3hxdtuRahbckT_VA84TfPZHTI_vdU2onfCOafX3/s1200/GUEST_f266379a-c5f9-4ce7-b6b4-6ac29f6abf17.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWT-V68rKRsFCA6RtaoCqKzPD2qin0ov1VF2T_jj13GPMw0d3WSWAlIKBigkHAvhyphenhyphen2Rgv0YkXKCfZwHoTHey1eSeBJenf0_S80M5n1oPlKcEXCe7QuMiZqh-ETnBMD7AXBVQytPIVRj5HFnrs4QIpwn3hxdtuRahbckT_VA84TfPZHTI_vdU2onfCOafX3/s320/GUEST_f266379a-c5f9-4ce7-b6b4-6ac29f6abf17.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Some Dogs</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">by Lydia Nichols</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Illustrations by the author</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Gibbs Smith Publishing</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2023</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">12 pages </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">ISBN: 9871423663706</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In this adorable layered view board book, rhyming text and cute illustrations at a dog park capture the unique personalities and wagging tails of dogs who are shaggy or sleek, big or small, thin or round.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Young readers will love all the playful canines and learn that dogs recognize each other and accept each other no matter their differences. It doesn’t matter if their dog pal is tall or fat, big or small, sleek or shaggy. Dogs all have huge doggy hearts. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The board quality is heavier than most board books making this a solid choice for shoppers and little readers’ hands. Each page is cut and layered on top of the next double fold and the book is taller and wider than other board books. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A must read, must have for every baby. </span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><p> </p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-5699929016440003922023-11-19T11:31:00.002-07:002023-11-19T11:31:49.320-07:00Picture Book Pick: Ups and Downs: A Book of Emotions <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eOtFWwd67p0Qz98luOZaRIMyNc_hFLWTxrZGASuStwTLWFXYBGHjGrSgCr0sIvaiDl_BLrCPKNmpDW56_YdFnlWgMg2bVPWh6bnlzaMdqoaJk7C8aE6CR-MMfs1Lvqv02snrxYc-HqGHEsCv5w6jn727m33COeawHUgetKAk3gIgRBaA3udLq_9USTtw/s450/9781536227376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="384" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eOtFWwd67p0Qz98luOZaRIMyNc_hFLWTxrZGASuStwTLWFXYBGHjGrSgCr0sIvaiDl_BLrCPKNmpDW56_YdFnlWgMg2bVPWh6bnlzaMdqoaJk7C8aE6CR-MMfs1Lvqv02snrxYc-HqGHEsCv5w6jn727m33COeawHUgetKAk3gIgRBaA3udLq_9USTtw/s320/9781536227376.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>Ups And Downs: A Book of Emotions <p></p><p>by Mike Wohnoutka</p><p>Illustrations by the author </p><p>Candlewick Press</p><p>2023</p><p>32 pages</p><p>ISBN: 9781536227376</p><p>Ups and Downs allows young readers to see what emotions look like through gorgeous illustrations by the author. From lonely to hopeful and shy and awkward to friendly, children will recognize feelings they have and how to identify these feelings in other people. </p><p>The illustrations bring each feeling to life as Wohnoutka deftly handles tough feelings like disappointment as well as happy feelings like curious and joyful. This is a must have book for read for every young child. Ups and Downs would make a lovely gift for young readers and their families. </p><p>Highly, highly recommended. Ups and Downs will likely be in the running for children's book awards as Mike Wohnoutka is a Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Winner, and this gem of a book deserves mass recognition. </p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-86419709651158302452023-11-16T09:50:00.002-07:002023-12-05T11:18:19.210-07:00Funny Picture Book Pick: Toby Tootles <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYojxdN-usZKWtqiEtwgEh868za2GZhhP6wKavW2Pmkh_7IDzJocLx089mLaWkRbtaNO6V68nP1Ek3n54nVTiRNjG8WE5Wrdrhwcq3O_L64XhC-k2f-ze-XvOuEarb2mtG_AovzsuAR0KO9R4PCspVX05rsq-0lIQoIdyK2w_JmGnzlvd7bKEOKvafQ1rN/s1078/l_9781534111790_fc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1078" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYojxdN-usZKWtqiEtwgEh868za2GZhhP6wKavW2Pmkh_7IDzJocLx089mLaWkRbtaNO6V68nP1Ek3n54nVTiRNjG8WE5Wrdrhwcq3O_L64XhC-k2f-ze-XvOuEarb2mtG_AovzsuAR0KO9R4PCspVX05rsq-0lIQoIdyK2w_JmGnzlvd7bKEOKvafQ1rN/s320/l_9781534111790_fc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Toby Tootles<p></p><p>by Stephanie Gibeault </p><p>Illustrations by Mary Sullivan </p><p>Sleeping Bear Press</p><p>32 pages </p><p>2023</p><p>ISBN: 9781534111790</p><p><br /></p><p>Poor Toby Tootles! He was having the best birthday party ever...until he farts! His guests laugh and Toby is embarrassed. </p><p>When he visits his grandmother, she toots. Toby is shocked. Grandmother says, "gas happens." Later, Toby toots again. He agrees gas happens and shares a laugh with his grandmother. An embarrassing moment doesn't have to be so awful. It's natural. </p><p>The author's note includes a personal experience about embarrassing moments, but how you handle those moments makes the difference. </p><p>Toby Tootles is a cute book about a normal experience. </p><p>Ages 18 months and up. </p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-55871852387176178582023-11-16T09:46:00.002-07:002023-11-16T10:04:56.071-07:00Board Book Pick: Whose Prints? <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaKuEl4AxIsrqoEeoh-tGr7YNm1WDPLJnldLYnohhv6Kw32f_J5WjcGBUdTJtmTJ2q6T0vwXyZYG2gdfIBgwu-lSP4BTMFit-OG3SbTnw-D0eo6zhfWgCIx2-HylB8P0S1UXEb_ldNNGpnNjy0lekKhexO-9i0Z2q-U_Y2Thng2wiLqMmdZwBKnbYKVS2/s400/whose-prints-9781665929592_lg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="400" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaKuEl4AxIsrqoEeoh-tGr7YNm1WDPLJnldLYnohhv6Kw32f_J5WjcGBUdTJtmTJ2q6T0vwXyZYG2gdfIBgwu-lSP4BTMFit-OG3SbTnw-D0eo6zhfWgCIx2-HylB8P0S1UXEb_ldNNGpnNjy0lekKhexO-9i0Z2q-U_Y2Thng2wiLqMmdZwBKnbYKVS2/s320/whose-prints-9781665929592_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Whose Prints?<p></p><p>by Kari Allen </p><p>Illustrations by Kim Smith </p><p>Little Simon</p><p>an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division </p><p>2023</p><p>20 pages </p><p>ISBN: 9781665929592</p><p>If you buy one board book this year, make it Whose Prints? </p><p>Whose Prints? has interactive die-cuts for toddlers to guess what animals left which prints before they turn the page and reveal the answer. Who is that scurrying? Slinking? Swooping? </p><p>Woodland animals featured include fox, deer, an owl, mice, rabbits and even surprise footprints at the ending. Beautifully illustrated by Kim Smith, Whose Prints is bound to be a bedtime favorite. </p><p>Highly, highly recommended 6 months and up. </p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-24923940893477794852023-11-12T09:37:00.001-07:002023-11-12T09:37:15.631-07:00Beautiful Picture Book Pick: Full Moon Pups <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlGht7FfCDNMQYvSamCfeglVBlDlktIZVQXyG2-OzzqawQ82-HC93JUXDdcP9Wnji3W_aDDik1QgAh0w02fj6TEAj6cTYvtpjHC7Q4aLXtln6rHRAG1uaksfxcPF9uonOkqvSY8S4GEWFxaglzlqNJxw8YHJZmU8XDPnvasRzqMQj-sEgtNacAN4T0z95/s450/9780525514558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="429" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlGht7FfCDNMQYvSamCfeglVBlDlktIZVQXyG2-OzzqawQ82-HC93JUXDdcP9Wnji3W_aDDik1QgAh0w02fj6TEAj6cTYvtpjHC7Q4aLXtln6rHRAG1uaksfxcPF9uonOkqvSY8S4GEWFxaglzlqNJxw8YHJZmU8XDPnvasRzqMQj-sEgtNacAN4T0z95/s320/9780525514558.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>Full Moon Pups<p></p><p>by Liz Garton Scanlon</p><p>Illustrations by Chuck Groenink</p><p>G.P. Putnam's Sons</p><p>an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC</p><p>2023</p><p>40 pages</p><p>ISBN: 9780525514558</p><p>Rhyming text with gorgeous illustratons by Chuck Groenink make Full Moon Pups a must have for every child's bookshelf. </p><p>A litter of wolf pups are born just before a storm. Mama Wolf has to move her pups to higher ground and the wolf pack members pitch in and help her, each of them transporting a precious bundle. The pups grow and play, venturing outside to the wide wonders of the world. Soon, a new full moon lights the sky, but it'll take many full moons for the pups to become adults. </p><p>The author's note and a page about phases of the moon is included. Readers are introduced to the Yellowstone Wolf Project and other sources for more information on wolves. </p><p>Highly recommended. This is one BEAUTIFUL children's book! ages 3 and up. </p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-580391255937350146.post-57710967602537184292023-11-12T09:21:00.001-07:002023-11-12T09:25:01.008-07:00Picture Book Pick: Baller Ina <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBp60PP3dXuzdtc4VbqbRESAunud_lhFYOFLYawNo51FY6cwukjeb232SfupJp244wvHy3FxSy2gPASbn1dtsuY4GIwtM_vSQ-iHnqAQ6bkd-Vp-W3KatvFmHHJ2VwCOoNpbBjZeEdBgAVjqTQ4xXtOXkycxBdt7lejnBAnWfz1WQh4jdWXoFAtLkrVXgH/s450/9780593567098.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="410" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBp60PP3dXuzdtc4VbqbRESAunud_lhFYOFLYawNo51FY6cwukjeb232SfupJp244wvHy3FxSy2gPASbn1dtsuY4GIwtM_vSQ-iHnqAQ6bkd-Vp-W3KatvFmHHJ2VwCOoNpbBjZeEdBgAVjqTQ4xXtOXkycxBdt7lejnBAnWfz1WQh4jdWXoFAtLkrVXgH/s320/9780593567098.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>Baller Ina<p></p><p>by Liz Casal</p><p>Illustrations by the author</p><p>Alfred A. Knopf</p><p>an imprint of Random House Children's Books</p><p>Penguin Random House</p><p>2023</p><p>40 pages</p><p>ISBN: 9780593567098</p><p>Baller Ina is for every child who plays sports or dances or dreams of joining any team. Ina has the dance moves, but her team doubts she can play basketball. She can't wait to prove them wrong. Step back, watch her fly! </p><p>Rhyming text is fun to read aloud and kids will love Ina's courage and moxie. She is one determined athlete who knows if given the chance, she can lead her team to victory. </p><p>A lovely, positive book about a determined dancer who won't back down, Baller Ina proves herself as her team wins. Readers will cheer for Ina!</p><p>Highly recommended ages 3 and up. </p><p>Whether she plays basketball or dances ballet, Ina soars with confidence and grace. Tahe play on the word "ballerina" to Baller Ina is genius! </p><p>ISBN: 9780593567098</p>Pamela Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14919270922866199788noreply@blogger.com0