* Some picture books are such a visual feast you might not care if the words are less than stellar. This isn't the case for In the Night Garden. The images and words are both lyrical and designed to leave you in quiet contemplation at the end, like a good bedtime book should. The first … Continue reading In the Night Garden – 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
As a country kid at heart, I identify with city-living Frances and her itch to DO THINGS! The problem is Text ©Liz Garton Scanlon. Illustration ©Sean Qualls City walls aren't for climbing and city cats aren't for catching. (Don't you just love that alliteration and assonance?) Text ©Liz Garton Scanlon. Illustration ©Sean Qualls City rooms … Continue reading Frances in the Country – Perfect Picture Book Friday
If you're looking for a picture book that fuels empathy, inclusion, and kindness, add this one to your list. A new girl at school sits alone at a bench. The only color in the image is the violet in the girl's hair. Text ©️Nicholas Solis Illustration ©️Renia Metallinou She was new.She was quiet.I think she … Continue reading The Color Collector – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Occasionally, I read a picture book that makes me wonder how so few words can contain such depth. The answer is often a pesky critter that taps at a dark window, only to disappear when I turn to look. One thing I've noticed is that these kinds of picture books usually come from an author … Continue reading My Bison – Perfect Picture Book Friday
In honor of National Poetry Month and Perfect Picture Book Friday, I'm shining the spotlight on a brilliant Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Award Winner from 1997: "They took to the road in Waycross, Georgia Skipped over the tracks in East St. Louis Took the bus from Holly Springs Hitched a ride from Gee's Bend … Continue reading Harlem: A Poem by Walter Dean Myers
Jilanne Hoffmann 