I attended a book launch through the Writing Barn last week for this wonderful picture book biography. Sarah McBride is our nation's first openly transgender state senator, but this book is about more than just her rise to political office. It chronicles how, from the time she was a child, she always knew who she … Continue reading Door by Door – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Other reviewers have called this book "luminous," "enchanting," and "ethereal." I agree! And I am compelled to describe the art before the text, as it is such a theatrical part of the story. Although the illustrations were created using acrylic and oil paints and later digitized, they look for all the world like they are … Continue reading Ancient Night – Perfect Picture Book Friday
It's National Poetry Month, so it's time to feature a book of poems that makes me wonder at the creativity and determination of the latest generation of young activists, the movers and shakers, protectors, caretakers, reformers and makers. NO WORLD TOO BIG features youth activists and how they're raising awareness about climate change and making … Continue reading No World Too Big – Perfect Picture Book Friday
What can I say about a book that is so lyrical, so beautifully (and classically) illustrated, and holds up to read after read after read that there is nothing left to say? Well, I do have more to say: This is a story about Ruth Krauss, a child who always finds a way to be … Continue reading A Story Is to Share – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Sometimes I review books because I'm struck by their beauty, their language, or their humor. Other times I review a book because it's an important issue or an exploration of a topic that isn't often seen in picture book form. This is one of those books. But it is also beautifully illustrated and written. The … Continue reading The Big Bad Wolf in My House – Perfect Picture Book Friday
This book may have been written for kids but it is also appropriate for anyone who seeks inspiration and hope for a better future. In this case, hope comes in the form of a tree. Text ©️Marcie Colleen Illustration ©️Aaron Becker A tree stood steel-straight and proudat the foot of the towers that filled the … Continue reading Survivor Tree – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Can you name the blind Black man whose music was recorded on a Golden Record called "The Sounds of Earth," placed in a time capsule in 1977, and sent out of our solar system on Voyager I? No? Here's a book that gives the man, Willie Johnson, his due: Instead of starting off with the … Continue reading Dark Was the Night – Perfect Picture Book Friday
As we consider current election results and the aftermath, I'd like everyone to take a peek at the following: If anyone in Hillary Clinton's campaign had read this book, if any Democrat had read this book 10 or 20 or 30 years ago, we might be in a different place right now. The author, Osha … Continue reading Broken Heartland – An Omen from 1990
Thinking quite a bit about the late 60s right now. So I'm pulling a book from my collection to feature this week, The story opens with an invitation: You are here. Let the map lead the way. Let the dove fly ahead. On the path. To the dream. To the words. And the songs. … Continue reading Martin & Mahalia – Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF
Back when I could eat out and then wander through the depths of San Francisco's many indie bookstores, I found myself browsing the children's section at Green Apple on Clement Street. This book caught my eye. The color palette was unusual for a picture book. The dark stranger on the cover evoked a sense of … Continue reading The Ranger – Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF
Jilanne Hoffmann 