Tag: YA/Children’s Books Page 2 of 11

Yeah, this is a quick return to this author. But after the post a couple of weeks ago, I had to give this one a shot, too. And it seemed fitting to tackle it now. I’ll get back to “grown up books” next week, D.V.

Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver:
The History and Legends
of the Real Santa Claus

Written and Illustrated by Ned Bustard

DETAILS: 
Publisher: IVP Kids
Publication Date: October 12, 2021
Format: Hardcover
Length: 29 pg.
Read Date: December 17, 2023

What’s Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver About?

This is all in the title and subtitle, really. This is a Picture Book Biography of Saint Nicholas, covering both the history we have and some of the legends that arose about him to the point he became our Santa Claus.

He covers the life of Nicholas from birth to death pretty well—working in Diocletian’s persecution and how Nicholas was freed by Constantine, a hint of the Arian Controversy, and Nicholas’ work overall—including some of the legends that grew about him during his lifetime (that probably had a basis in truth).

Then he turns to the stories that have grown up about Nicholas as he transformed into Santa Claus with the magical reindeer—with Bustard trying to tie in even that idea of Nicholas to the work of the Savior. How successful he was I’ll leave to the reader to decide.

The Slap

No, I’m not talking about a certain actor at the Oscars in 2022. I’m talking about the legendary time that Nicholas struck (in some form) Arius at Nicea. Bustard skipped it. The most he said was:

he did all he could
to stop that bad pries.

Now, I was curious to see how he’d address it—if only because I think it’d be a real attention grabber for the target audience. But it’s probably wise to skip it, you don’t want to encourage younger readers to start assaulting people.

But c’mon, if you heard that some kid had been inspired by a Picture Book to slap a kid in Sunday School who kept giving bad answers—you’d laugh. You’d feel bad and repent after, but you’d laugh. I’m getting off the point, though.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

First, I really liked the way he made Nicholas have the skin tone of someone who was from Türkiye. Especially as white as Santa is usually depicted (and certain news programs insist on), that was a refreshing choice.

The use of mice throughout was a nice touch (and is explained in Bustard’s author’s note). But the best part was the subtle transformation of his clothing and appearance throughout to more and more look like a figure worthy of being an illustration alongside Clement Clarke Moore.

Basically, everything I’d say about the art is what I said when I talked about his Saint Valentine the Kindhearted book two weeks ago. Feel free to go check that.

There are a couple of Second-Commandment violations that naturally trouble me. But they don’t call attention to themselves and can be glossed over if that’s how you’d like to proceed. I’m honestly not sure if I’ll do that, or consign this one to the “we don’t read that one” pile.

How is it to Read Aloud?

A couple of the rhymes are…well, let’s go with imaginative. I will admit I stumbled on a them as I read it to the Grandcritter. But…other than that, it was fun.

There’s some decent rhythm to it, and the sweetness of a lot of it comes out better when you read aloud. Or maybe that was just me. Anyway, it works really well as a read-aloud.

So, what did I think about Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver?

I liked this—I do think Bustard improved his writing with his next two books, but the promise is there. Some lines—several lines—are great and made me smile. As I said before, the art is great. The two together make this a winner.

For me, I’d have appreciated it more if he’d given us a little more history and a little less explanation of the legend around Nicholas. But I’m not sure he’d have been able to do as nice of a job explaining the legend as he did had he devoted less time to it.

Which does make me think—given the age of the audience for this book, it’s a little risky to wade into anything about Santa Claus for some people. I think he handled that as well as he could, and readers who don’t understand everything about Santa the way that grown-ups do should be okay.

I do have a couple of misgivings about this book, but I’m maybe thinking about this more than I should. I don’t think so, but I imagine others will tell me I am. It’s good enough to think about getting and reading—just know that of the three books that Bustard has written so far, it’s the least successful.

3 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Grandpappy’s Corner: Saint Valentine the Kindhearted by Ned Bustard: …Violets are Blue, I Liked this Book, and You Will, Too.

By HCNewton

On December 10, 2023

In (Auto)Biography, Grandpappy's Corner, History, Theology/Christian Living, YA/MG/Children's Books

Saint Valentine the Kindhearted:
The History and Legends of
God’s Brave and Loving Servant

Written and Illustrated by Ned Bustard

DETAILS: 
Publisher: IVP Kids
Publication Date: January 16, 2024
Format: eARC
Length: 32 pgs.
Read Date: October 5, 2023

What’s Saint Valentine the Kindhearted About?

Why do we call our celebration of love on February 14th (St.) Valentine’s Day? Why do we use February 14th, for that matter?

Ned Bustard brings us another picture book Biography to teach young readers about Valentine, who was martyred under Claudius on February 14.

Granted, we don’t know a lot about Valentine and his work, but we have enough to fill this book (and, as I recall from wordier historical treatments, not much more). We get a touch of his early life, a look at his ministry (and the Roman culture), a notable miracle that’s ascribed to him, and a bit about the events leading to his martyrdom. All told in a child-appropriate rhyme.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

Bustard’s cartoon-y art is as great here as it was in his Saint Patrick the Forgiver. The thing that stands out to me is his inking. (at least that’s what we called it back when I was really into comics and talked about the art, hopefully, it still counts). The way he uses bold lines around his character’s faces/bodies (particularly Valentine’s), really makes them pop off the page and almost look like wooden puppets. (that’s the best I can do as far as describing the pictures)

He’s also able to convey a certain amount of unpleasantness and threat with Roman soldiers without changing the overall feel of the story and its appropriateness for young readers.

Now, in the Patrick book, he worked in a lot of Celtic knots and whatnot to give it a more Irish feel. Here he goes for a lot of differently colored hearts all over the pages. It didn’t even occur to me while reading the book to pay attention to that—it fit the overall Feb. 14th vibe. I should’ve known better—thankfully, he explained it in “A Note from the Author,” so when I read this with the Grandcritter I can seem more knowledgeable. He works in these hearts in different colors to represent the four types of love (eros, storge, philia, and agape) from ancient Greek thought (and a pretty good book by C.S. Lewis), showing how Valentine displayed and interacted with these types of love in various episodes in the book.

You can check out the Publisher’s site for a glimpse at the art and layout as a preview. This will probably give you a better idea than anything I tried to convey.

How is it to Read Aloud?

It’s a nice little bit of rhyming text, and starting off with “Roses are red,” as often as he does, you’re going to get right into the rhythm reflexively, which is a nice touch. Some of the rhymes feel like a stretch to me*, but when you’ve got a good head of steam going as you read you probably won’t notice.

* “ago” and “van Gogh”, really? Also, that only works if you use the American pronunciation—sorry, British readers.

So, what did I think about Saint Valentine the Kindhearted?

I enjoyed this. I do wish we had more history to draw from for Bustard to use here (and, well, other historians writing for older audiences, too), just to fill out some of the details reliably. But this is a good introduction to the figure that’s had such a cultural impact so that even younger readers can know there’s basis to the celebration beyond chalky candies and silly drawings.

I don’t have a lot to say about this beyond that. It’s a fun read for the little folks, it has details and layers that older readers can appreciate and use to talk about bigger ideas with the little ones, too. Color me impressed yet again by Bustard and I’m eager to see what holiday/figure he picks next. Anyone trying to bring Early Church figures to the attention of the pre-K crowd deserves some applause and I’m happy to keep giving it, while gladly recommending you jump on board.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.

3.5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Grandpappy’s Corner: Noodle Conquers Comfy Mountain by Jonathan Graziano, Dan Tavis (Illustrator): A Little Pug Faces a Cozy Challenge

By HCNewton

On November 17, 2023

In Dogs, Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

Grandpappy's Corner Logo

Noodle Conquers Comfy Mountain

by Jonathan Graziano, Dan Tavis (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Series: Noodle and Jonathan
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: November 7, 2023
Format: Hardcover
Length: 32 pg.
Read Date: November 9, 2023

What’s Noodle Conquers Comfy Mountain About?

This is a story about poor Noodle needing to find a place to get comfortable for the day—he needs to be able to smell nice smells, see his Jonathan, watch for a snacking opportunity (or several), but most importantly feel comfy.

After some searching, he finds the perfect place on the top of the couch! But how can a little pug get up to something so tall?

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

I wish I had some samples to show (you can click on the artist’s name above and see his portfolio, which doesn’t have any pages from this, but you can see his skill). So let me say this instead—before I had a chance to read the book, I gave it to my wife and daughter to look at while I went upstairs. Their collective “Ohhhh!!”s and “Awwwwwwwww!!”s were so loud I had to pause my audiobook until they finished.

It is just adorable. I don’t have another word to describe the art—it’s so cute that it’s hard to put into words. Also, there’s one picture that you can practically see the tail wagging. I’m not sure how a cartoonish art style is able to convey that so effectively, but it did.

Consider me a fan of Tavis.

How is it to Read Aloud?

It’s fine—there’s not a lot of wordplay, there’s no rhyming, or anything like that. It’s simple phrasing that you can put whatever kind of emphasis on and read without difficulty.

If you’ve watched enough of Graziano’s videos, you can borrow his style to read it; it works really well. If you haven’t? No big deal, just read it naturally and it’ll be fine.

What did the Little Critter think of It?

He’s still a bit too young to be giving opinions. But he liked the sound it made when he slapped it.

So, what did I think about Noodle Conquers Comfy Mountain?

Like when I was describing the art, I don’t know what else to say but it’s hard-to-describe just how cute this is.

It’s a nice little story that most readers can relate to in some way—I think particularly if they’re on the small side and need assistance getting up to a place to sit, as young children tend to be. The story is a little stronger than the previous book’s–which was primarily about the feeling of a No Bones day, and I appreciate that (without criticizing the first book! I’m not heartless.)

There’s a little life lesson about asking for help that we can all use—no matter our age or size—included. Which is a nice bonus.

Do I recommend this adorable read? Yes. Obviously. Get your hands/eyes/ears (as applicable) on anything about Noodle, it’ll make your day brighter.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Grandpappy’s Corner: Every Dreaming Creature by Brendan Wenzel: This Book Is So Soft and Comfy It Could Be a Pillow

By HCNewton

On September 28, 2023

In Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

Every Dreaming Creature

by Brendan Wenzel

DETAILS:
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 26, 2023
Format: Hardcover
Length: 40 pg.
Read Date: September 28, 2023

I had a dream I was a sleeping salamander.
All the world was safe, snug spaces and a warm, wet blanket of decaying leaves.
Secrets from the soil tickling my hands and soft belly.

What’s Every Dreaming Creature About?

That’s how the book opens—and that “safe, snug spaces”, “warm, wet blanket” and “secrets from the soil” won me over. The “I” there slips from dreaming they’re a salamander, to an octopus, to animal after animal—elephant, falcon, chameleon, and so many others.

There’s no sense or narrative arc to the transitions—like a good dream—but it all works in the moment, sure, why not go from salamander to octopus? (again, like a good dream). The book gives you just enough of an idea of the dream before it goes off to another transition.

Then the morning breaks, the “I” goes out to play before starting the sequence again.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

Like with most books like this, it’s the art that caught my attention.

Okay, not true. My attention was grabbed by the bookstore owner eagerly pointing at it and telling me that it was new and describing the book. But after that, it was the art.

You might as well be looking a photographs or films shot through cotton, they’re so fuzzy and soft. It’s hard to describe, really—but it’s comfy and cozy, and you might as well be looking at warm blankets and downy pillows. I really felt like I was snuggling up with it. Two of the pictures of that salamander in particular (and I could use almost every animal described) looked like they could’ve been made from felt—like they were something that Jim Henson worked on.

Here are a couple of samples. Tell me you can’t practically feel the fuzzy tiger for…(there are more to be found on the Publisher’s page)
Every Dreaming Creature Sample 1

How is it to Read Aloud?

There’s something about this book’s subject, art, and prose that almost requires you to read this in a quiet, hushed tone—not quite a whisper, a little louder, but not much.

Without noticing, you’ll be reading quietly like you’re trying to put someone to sleep. Even if there are no children around and you’re just sitting down to read a couple of lines as a sample. (my dog looked a little dozy as I wrapped up, or at least I’m going to pretend that’s true).

So, what did I think about Every Dreaming Creature?

I came for the art, I stayed for the prose, and the…not quite story. But the atmosphere? The ideas? Eh…whatever the prose is trying to get across.

This is about as close to perfect as you’re going to get for a “snuggle-up with the grandchild and help them slip off to Dreamland” book. It won me over, I think it will win you—and whatever child/grandchild/amped-up lab mix you’re reading to, too.

I’ve never heard of Wenzel before, but I imagine I’ll be grabbing more of his books soon.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Hansel and Gretel by Neil Gaiman, Lorenzo Mattotti (Illustrator): Bill McNeal Gave Us the Word “Adequacivity” for Books Like This

By HCNewton

On September 7, 2023

In Fiction, Neil Gaiman, YA/MG/Children's Books

Hansel and Gretel

by Neil Gaiman, Lorenzo Mattotti (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Toon Books
Publication Date: October 28, 2014
Format: Hardcover
Length: 56 pgs.
Read Date: August 12, 2023

What’s Hansel and Gretel About?

This is the story of Hansel and Gretel almost straight from the Brothers Grimm—given a quick shine by Gaiman. There’s nothing particularly Gaiman-esque about the writing or the approach to the story. It’s a pretty decent and straightforward approach to the story.

The Art

In the spirit of “If you can’t say anything nice….”, I’m tempted to leave a few lines of blank space here and move on. I don’t get it. Really. I just don’t understand what Mattotti was going for here. The pictures are spread over two pages, and most of those pages are black. There are bits of white to help you get an image or the shadow of an image, but again—it’s just black. The kind of black that would’ve threatened to bankrupt printers just a couple of decades ago.

Maybe a quarter to a third of each two-page spread was interesting—but the rest. Ugh.

Call me a Philistine here…but I just don’t see why someone would bother.

I’ve looked at Mattotti’s website, and I like a lot of what I saw there…but this was a swing and a miss.

So, what did I think about Hansel and Gretel?

So, the text was okay. The art was disappointing. Overall, I give this a “meh.” If this were a person’s first exposure to the story—it’d work well. And honestly, if that’s what someone uses it for—I’d probably rate this higher.

But for someone wanting a little bit of that Gaiman magic applied to this familiar tale? It just doesn’t deliver.

2 1/2 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Kay-9 The Robot Dog by J.M. Gulmire

By HCNewton

On September 7, 2023

In YA/MG/Children's Books

I’m very pleased to bring you this spotlight for J.M. Gulmire’s book for younger readers, Kay-9 The Robot Dog this morning. It was just released Tuesday, and I’m looking forward to getting to dive into it soon.

Book Details:

Book Title: Kay-9 The Robot Dog by J.M. Gulmire
Release date: September 5, 2023
Format: Paperback, ebook
Length: 154 pages
Kay-9 The Robot Dog Cover

About the Book

Ryan is lonely. He’s an only child and his dad is away serving in the military. He can’t have pets and all he wants is a dog. So he decides to make one. He loves computers and building things, but everyone thinks he’s just playing around, making a toy. He focuses on creating the best Kay-9 he can but can he prove that his robot dog isn’t just a toy?

Book Trailer

Purchase Link

Amazon

About the Author

J.M. is a kid at heart and private educator with a house full of critters and elves. Also a screenwriter and claymation animator, Gulmire loves inspiring laughs and is the author of “A Vacuum for My Birthday.”

Social Media

YouTube ~ Goodreads

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Catlumbus by Franny Plaia

By HCNewton

On September 5, 2023

In YA/MG/Children's Books

I’m very pleased to bring you this spotlight for Franny Plaia’s cheery-looking children’s book, Catlumbus this morning. This is one for parents and grandparents to be sure to check out.

Book Details:

Book Title: Catlumbus by Franny Plaia
Release date: February 7, 2023
Format: Paperback, hardcover, ebook
Length: 32 pages
Catlumbus Cover

About the Book

Meet Catlumbus, a cat who loves to sail on his ship and go on adventures. When Catlumbus discovers a treasure map, he sets sail on a journey to find buried treasure on a tropical island. What will Catlumbus find on this island? Who will he meet along the way? Join Catlumbus on his adventure!

Purchase Links

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Books-a-Million ~ Magers and Quinn

About the Author

Franny Plaia is the author of the children’s book Catlumbus. From a young age, she has always loved reading books and that love of reading has continued into her adult life as well. Franny also enjoys creating stories for children and has always wanted to publish books of her own. As someone who has a degree in early childhood education and has worked with children of many ages, both in a child care center and in schools, she understands that instilling a love of reading in children from an early age is the key to lifelong learning. She hopes to inspire young children to love reading and continue to enjoy reading for the rest of their lives.

Social Media

Goodreads Author Page

Grandpappy’s Corner: How Did the Hippopotamus Get There? by Sohrab Rezvan, Kyana Mitchell (Illustrator): A Question No Parent Wants to Ask

By HCNewton

On August 2, 2023

In Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

How Did the Hippopotamus Get There?

by Sohrab Rezvan, Kyana Mitchell (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Flat Mountain Publishing
Publication Date: Jun 29, 2023
Format: PDF
Length: 40 pg.
Read Date: July 31, 2023

What’s How Did the Hippopotamus Get There? About?

Sophia is playing outside on the day before her birthday when an escaped Hippopotamus wanders into her yard. Sophia leaps to the only obvious conclusion (for a child)—it’s a birthday gift that appeared a day early. She falls in love immediately—and her dog seems to like him, too—naming him Fred.

Her parents aren’t so sure about this and spend the rest of the book wondering how the hippopotamus got into their treehouse, kitchen, bathroom, fireplace, etc.

And the fun ensues.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

Kyana Mitchell’s characters are adorable. I started to list a few particulars and ended up naming the whole cast—Sophia, Fred, Sophia’s parents, and Sparky (the dog)—all of them are adorable and full of personality. The illustrations leap off the page and are lively and bright, the details are funny (especially for the 5 and under crowd). There’s no way that these drawings don’t hold a young person’s attention.

Sure, sometimes the perspective is a little wonky—always intentionally, to make the story work (Fred changes sizes all the time). But if you’re reading this book and worrying about things like that, you’re missing the point.

Here’s a sample from the Publisher’s page (there are others, there, too)—if you click on it, you’ll be taken to a larger version:

How is it to Read Aloud?

This is great fodder for a parent who enjoys doing voices as they read—the parents in particular seem like a blast. The text is full of excited utterances and emotion, if you’re in the right mood, it’s going to be so much fun to read.

If you’re tired, you’re going to want to suggest that the child you read to finds something else, because this is going to take some effort to match the book (if you ask me).

So, what did I think about How Did the Hippopotamus Get There??

If Norman Bridwell taught us nothing else, he taught us that a little girl with an oversized pet interacting with normal-sized things is funny. And more funny if the parents aren’t necessarily on board with that. Rezvan and Mitchell have captured that spirit here.

There are no life lessons to be found, there’s no message, and there’s exactly 1 sweet line (and it really is sweet). The rest of it is just ridiculous fun. Which is the biggest thing I look for in a book like this, so color me satisfied.

Recommended.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the Author via BookSirens in exchange for this post and my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.

3 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Grandpappy’s Corner: The Biggest Story ABC by Kevin DeYoung, Don Clark (Illustrator): A Swing and a Miss

By HCNewton

On July 30, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living, YA/MG/Children's Books

Grandpappy's Corner Logo The Biggest Story ABC

The Biggest Story ABC

by Kevin DeYoung, Don Clark (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Crossway
Publication Date: August 31, 2017
Format: Board Book
Length: 26 pg.
Read Date: July 16, 2023

What’s The Biggest Story ABC About?

This is an ABC book with a twist—DeYoung uses the alphabet to tell (in an age-appropriate way) to tell the story of Creation and Redemption from

In the beginning, God created Adam and Eve.

One Day we will live forever in Zion, the new world God is preparing for those who love him.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

On the whole, the art was stunning. It’s not at all the typical board book art. It’s not cute or bubbly. I think it’s pretty eye-catching, and striking. I’m not sure exactly how the Board Book-Set would appreciate it, but maybe just because it doesn’t look like every other book they get, they’ll be interested?

Or maybe it’ll be the colors that get them. I’m not sure.

Thankfully, there are examples on Crossway’s site so I don’t have to try to describe this. Here are the K and L pages so you can get an idea:
Biggest story K - L

How is it to Read Aloud?

It’s fine—there are no rhymes, there’s no consistent rhythm or pattern or anything like that. This book isn’t about that kind of thing—it’s simple and straightforward text. Easy to read and easy to understand.

I Have a Problem

The Reformed Confessions and Catechisms are pretty clear—no pictures of members of the Godhead. But, this book contains some images of Jesus. I realize that DeYoung argues against this interpretation in his book on the Heidelberg Catechism (a pretty good, but not great book), so at least he’s consistent.

Given that many of the readers (or at least buyers) of this book are going to be from the Reformed or Presbyterian traditions. Why risk offending them?

So, what did I think about The Biggest Story ABC?

The way DeYoung told the story of redemptive history was great. He had to get inventive (a less charitable take might say that he really stretched things, but he managed) with the way he used a couple of letters to stick with the storyline, but it was really a fantastic job.

The text is great, and I’d eagerly recommend the book based on it. But a board book/picture book for kids is never just about the text. It’s also about the pictures and the way the book looks. And because of the Second Commandment violations, I just can’t recommend it.

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The Irresponsible Reader On…Self-Published Children’s & Picture Books

By HCNewton

On July 24, 2023

In Books, Fiction, Miscellany, News/Misc., YA/MG/Children's Books

(updated 7/24/23)

From the first moment that people did the strange thing of asking me to talk about their books on my blog, I’ve been impressed by the quality of a lot of what’s been published by authors going out on their own, taking all the risks, shouldering all the responsibility and doing all the work to get their words, their dreams, their blood, sweat, and tears. This should be celebrated—it’s definitely appreciated, as we’re trying to show this week.

In addition to the Q&As and Guest Posts I have this week, I’m also continuing my habit of highlighting the self-published works that I’ve blogged about over the last few years—just a sentence or two. Hopefully, this’ll be enough to make you click on the link to the full post. Beyond that, it’d be great if I inspired you to add a few of these to your TBR. Also, be sure you check out the other posts over at the SPAAW Hub.

I don’t know how I ended up on the radar of Children’s and Picture Book authors—particularly so many from Israel. But I’m just glad I did, these are guaranteed dashes of brightness and diversity to my reading schedule. I’ve also started to really dive into Children’s/Picture books on my own lately, so this is a pretty healthy list.

bullet Snobbity Snowman by Maria Bardyukova & Quiet Riley, Jr.—Snobbity is a snowman with an attitude (at least at the beginning). I loved the art. (my post about it)
bullet Elephant Wind by Heather L. Beal, Jubayda Sager (Illustrator)—A scientist explains a tornado to a daycare class. (my post about it)
bullet Hurricane Vacation by Heather L. Beal, Jasmine Mills (Illustrator)—Lily and Niko are visiting their family when a Hurricane Watch is issued, so they join their family in preparing the house for the storm and getting ready to go to a shelter. Along the way, they learn about what a hurricane is as well as all the ways that people can protect themselves, themselves, and so on. (my post about it)
bullet Tummy Rumble Quake by Heather L. Beal, Jubayda Sager (Illustrator)—A daycare class learns about earthquakes and earthquake safety. (my post about it)
bullet Bearded by Jeremy Billups—A Bearded Bear and a Red-Haired Little Girl go on adventures all over the world with an assortment of different animals. I love this art (and have a print of one illustration hanging on my office wall). (my post about it)
bullet Bearded Too by Jeremy Billups—A fun and fitting sequel to the above. (my post about it)
bullet Sea This and Sea That by Jeremy Billups—Set in a “crowded, hectic and gruff” city under the sea, with one quiet spot—The Sea This and Sea That Below the Seashore. Missus Bluffington gives a couple of kids (and the reader) a through her very unusual place, full of all sorts of sea creatures, sea plants, fish, and an octopus that shows up in some unusual places. (my post about it)
bullet Mike Nero and The Superhero School by Natasha Carlow, Kyle Stephen (Illustrator)—It’s Mike’s first day at a new school—he meets his principal and some incredible children and learns a little about the superpower he has within himself—and those inside other students, too. (my post about it)
bullet Little Aiden – A Feelings Book for Toddlers by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)—A parent assures Aiden that the wide range of emotions that he’s feeling throughout a day are okay. It’s okay to be happy or scared or confused. (my post about it)
bullet Little Aiden – A Love Book for Toddlers by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)—A parent assures Aiden of their love for him in various moods and in the midst of a range of activities—not all of which are the kind that a parent likes to see/endure, but none of which changes their love. (my post about it)
bullet Be Brave, Little Puffy by Arline Cooper—A puffer fish gets tired of being a puffer fish and tries out life with other kinds of fish. (my post about it)
bullet Kitties Are Not Good To Eat by Cassandra Gelvin—A board book/electronic equivalent full of cat photos and handy tips like the title. (my post about it)
bullet Vernon the Vegetarian Lion by John Hughson, Ali Smith (Illustrator)—Vernon tries out vegetarianism. It goes as well as you’d think. (my post about it)
bullet Meeting of the Mustangs by Cathy Kennedy—This is for kids older than the rest on this list (7+ was my guess). A story of a wild mustang growing up. (my post about it)
bullet The Fed-up Cow by Peta Lemon, Maria Dasic Todoric (Illustrator)—Hilda the cow tries out the lives of other animals before learning to accept herself. (my post about it)
bullet Noam’s Monsters by Elliott Linker—A graphic novel by a local 3rd grader (probably a 4th grader now, actually) about a crime fighting banana and his sidekick/best friend Elliott. (there’s a very good sequel that I haven’t had the time to write about yet, too) (my post about it)
bullet George the Bannana: Book One by Shai Levinger, Kaustuv Brahmachari (Illustrator), Ephrat Abisror (Translator)—Written by a Clinical Psychologist, this is about a boy struggling with anxieties and fears. Hopeful yet honest. (my post about it)
bullet Moshe Comes to Visit by Tehila Sade Moyal, Fatima Pires (Illustrator)—A young boy discovers that everyone is afraid of something. (my post about it)
bullet Bear with Bear by Hagit R. Oron, Galia Armeland by Hagit R. Oron, Galia Armeland (Illustrator)—A young boy tries to choose a pet. (my post about it)
bullet Bravo and Elphie by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron (Illustrator)—Ephie and her pet have some struggles at the playground. (my post about it)
bullet Elphie and Dad go on an Epic Adventure by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron (Illustrator)—An imaginative dad turns running errands with his son into an epic adventure. (my post about it)
bullet Elphie Goes Trick or Treating by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron (Illustrator)—The title pretty much sums it up. (my post about it)
bullet Elphie Meets the End of The World by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron Misgav (Illustrator)—Elphie is playing hide and seek with Phante and Phante’s older brother comes in talking about how he saw on the news that the world ending. Eliphie doesn’t take the news well and runs home to hide. Mom and Dad try to comfort and assure him. But it doesn’t really take—so they decide that if the world is going to end, they might as well make a party of it. That seems to work, and in the end, drives home the lesson that every day—even our last—ought to be enjoyed as a gift. (my post about it)
bullet Practice Makes Perfect by Michael Portnoy, Adelia Drubetski (Illustrator), Freda Zolty Kovatch (Translator)—Madam Fly’s two sons are musical geniuses, or something like it—because she’s convinced they should put on concerts despite having no experience with playing whatsoever. Experience and the crickets who run the local music shop try to teach them an important lesson when it comes to music (or just about anything). (my post about it)
bullet The Incredible Ordinary Hero or The Brave Bystanderby Aida Rascanu, Beatrice Magrini (Illustrator)—a double-whammy of a lesson for the readers/audience. First, there’s a discussion of what it means to be a hero (doing things that are heroic) and there’s a little first aid lesson—age-appropriate, mind you—to help parents/teachers train up young ones. (my post about it)
bullet Lulu and the Missing Tooth Fairy by S. E. Richey—an incredibly cute story about…well, a missing tooth fairy and tooth fairy-ish creatures all over the world. (I apparently somehow never posted about this, but it’s so good I have to share a link for it)
bullet Trouble With Truffles by S. E. Richey—an incredibly cute and informative story about truffle hunting. (I apparently somehow never posted about this, but it’s so good I have to share a link for it)
bullet Red Stripes VS Miles the Mutant Mouse by Amy Rice and Kyson Rice—5-year-old Kyson came up with the story about a super-powered cat defending his city from a giant (and very hungry) mutant mouse, with an assist from his mother on the illustrations. (my post about it)
bullet The Flying Frog and the Kidnappers by David Yair, Ilana Graf (Illustrator), Natalie Jackson (Illustrator)—4th in a series of 11 (so far, anyway). This series for beginning readers is about Quack, a flying frog, who helps some siblings fight crime. Obviously, in this case, they’re up against some kidnappers. (my post about it)

If you're a self-published author that I've featured on this blog and I didn't mention you in this post and should have. I'm sorry (unless you're this guy). Please drop me a line, and I'll fix this. I want to keep this regularly updated so I keep talking about Self-Published Authors.

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