Picture Books

Welcome back! Summer is flying by and we’ve got a lot of wonderful South Asian Kidlit books coming out in the next few months. It is wonderful to the see the breadth of South Asian books that are coming out from real-world stories, to contemporary, and fantasy. Last week, I was interviewed by Kristi at… Read more »

Hope everyone is keeping warm this winter. Here in California, we’re just trying to stay dry in one of the wettest winters ever. Not that I’m complaining. It’s better than the string of drought years. I am still working away on my picture books and have started working on a YA historical novel. Speaking of… Read more »

Title: They All Saw a Cat Author/Illustrator: Brendan Wenzel Publisher: Chronicle Books, 2016 Editor:  Ginee Seo Book Type: Fiction Ages: 3 and up! (all ages should read it) Themes: Perspective, Subjectivity Opening Lines: The cat walked through the world,  with its whiskers, ears, and paws … and the child saw A CAT, and the dog saw… Read more »

Title: Beautiful Author: Stacy McAnulty Illustrator: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff Publisher: Running Press Kids (September 13, 2016) Editor: Lisa Cheng Book Type: Fiction Ages: 3-6 Themes: Identity, Girl Power, Self-Esteem Opening Line: “Beautiful girls … have the perfect look.” Synopsis (from Amazon’s website): Every girl is unique, talented, and lovable. . . .Every girl is BEAUTIFUL. Much more… Read more »

Welcome! Previously I reviewed Flora and the Penguins. It is my pleasure to bring to you Flora and the Peacocks, the latest addition in the Flora series, from the talented picture book author/illustrator Molly Idle. The Flora books explore the different aspects of friendship through innovative flaps in a wordless format. Check-out my interview with… Read more »

I am thrilled to bring you today’s book review. I first ‘met’ Julie Falatko over the Internet back in 2012. She had just started doing book reviews on the Brain Burps podcast when I recommended Mathew Cordell’s ANOTHER BROTHER to her, hoping she would love it. I am so excited to see her witty, quirky… Read more »

Hope your summer has been relaxing and enjoyable. Can’t believe kids’ school starts in less than three weeks. In light of that I will be reviewing fiction and non-fiction books this month that can be used in classrooms. Enjoy!

Title: I’m My Own Dog Author & Illustrator: David Ezra Stein Publisher: Candlewick Press, 2014 Book Type: Fiction Ages: 4-8 Themes: Friendship, Humor Opening Lines: “I’m my own dog. Nobody owns me. I own myself. I work like a dog all day. When I get home, I fetch my own slippers.” Synopsis: Many dogs have human… Read more »

Can’t believe summer is already over. Where did the time go? Maybe I can find a rift in the space-time continuum, to blast us back to the start of summer. Until I can find that anomaly, I have a new kindergarten book which I think you will love. I have also included my Top Ten Books… Read more »

Welcome! It is my pleasure to review a wonderful series about a warm-hearted penguin from the super-talented picture book author/illustrator Salina Yoon. Also check-out my interview with Salina and Penguin!! The Penguin picture book series involves a cute little penguin that embarks on adventures and experiences new places through the lens of a young child…. Read more »