Who loves octopuses? Please raise your eight arms! * In this endearing and inventively-illustrated new book about first-day school jitters, a little girl is in charge of getting her octopus to school. From the time the school's announcement letter arrives... Text ©Becky Scharnhurst. Illustration ©Jaclyn Sinquett to the last hug good-bye, this story will bring … Continue reading How to Get Your Octopus to School – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Who knew that zombie worms, aka bone-eating snot flower worms, could lead to something gloriously beautiful? Melissa Stewart was doing research for her book called Ick! Delightfully, Disgusting Animal Dinners, Dwellings, and Defenses, when she came upon these critters. And the rest, as they say, turned into another book. Let's take a moment to admire … Continue reading Whale Fall – Perfect Picture Book Friday
One of the things I often love about books not published in the U.S. is how they clearly put an author and/or illustrator's obsessions on display. In contrast, U.S. picture books can feel a little too similar or too familiar. BUT, surprise!!! This book WAS written and published in the U.S. and is a testament … Continue reading Woven of the World – Perfect Picture Book Friday
There's something about Yevgenia Nayberg's illustration style that speaks to my heart. I can recognize one of her books from 50 paces, and I'm nearsighted. I think it's her color palette and surrealist bent. The minute I walked by the library display last week, I knew this book would be coming home with me. But … Continue reading I Hate Borsch! – Perfect Picture Book Friday
If you're looking for a hilarious read aloud that also plucks the heart strings, one filled with vibrant and playful illustrations, and one that simultaneously does and doesn't take itself seriously— This is your book. If you're looking to be seen as the favorite auntie or uncle by the under age10 set, gift this book … Continue reading Blurp’s Book of Manners – Perfect Picture Book Friday
I don't think I've ever reviewed a wordless picture book for PPBF, so this is a first! The front end paper shows a solitary stick lying in sand. Then, in a spread before the title page, a shadow falls over the stick. What could it be? Page turn. A funny-shaped creature (the one making the … Continue reading The Line in the Sand – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Hello everyone! Interrupting your regularly scheduled Monday for a perfect picture book that's fitting for Halloween day! The author, Donna Washington, is a professional storyteller, and her skills shine in this narrative. There were always Scares in Toadsuck Swamp, but Curly Locks didn't pay 'em much mind. The Scares kept to themselves. They only woke … Continue reading Boo Stew – Belated Perfect Picture Book Friday
I usually try to review the latest and greatest or upcoming picture books here, but someone told me about this book awhile back, and, well, it's published by Neal Porter/Holiday House, and that usually means the reader is in for a treat. I missed this one when it came out in 2019, so I'm rectifying … Continue reading Hum and Swish – Perfect Picture Book Friday
I'm sorry to do this to you all, but I just have to share a preview of this book, even though it's not due out until September! It's gorgeous! It's glorious! It's lyrical and inviting and informative and deep. Literally. Gorgeous, translucent illustrations accompany this lyrical exploration of the seasons and wildlife in the Antarctic. … Continue reading Iceberg: A Life in Seasons – Perfect Picture Book Friday
For the longest time, I've been in love with Nancy Vo's fictional stories, my two favorites being The Ranger and The Outlaw, the first two in the Crow trilogy. The third is slated for publication in 2024. I had planned on waiting until July to feature this nonfiction book, but I love it so much, … Continue reading Boobies – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Jilanne Hoffmann 