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
Time for a little winter respite. In the meantime, here's a little otter happiness from our trip to pick up our son from his university last week. May you all roll into the new year with such grace. https://videopress.com/v/U26vsLc6?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true And maybe a little cocoa if you're feeling chilly..... Happy New Year!!!
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
At last! A book that seeks to answer the burning question: What do you do with a grumpy kraken?Crabby, cranky, crusty kraken?What do you do with a grumpy kraken?Kraken in the briny. Text ©Lynn Becker Illustration ©Scott Brundage (My apologies for the washed out colors. The pages are quite glossy and do not photograph well.) … Continue reading Monsters in the Briny – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Ladies and gentlemen! Please silence your cell phones and keep those crinkly candy wrappers in your pockets. For your viewing pleasure, I present to you The Crab Ballet!! Sea creatures spring to life in this lyrical, rhyming performance of a picture book, complete with French classical ballet terminology. But first! First! the announcer must make … Continue reading The Crab Ballet – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Taking a break for July. Will return refreshed and full of vim, vigor, and vitality in mid-August! Ready to talk about all kinds of new releases and maybe a few from the past as well. While you're waiting, here are a handful of random photos from a few of my favorite places. My apologies for … Continue reading Summer Hiatus Photos
I don't know about you all, but I'm desperately feeling the need for a little sweetness of spirit and connection. When this book arrived this week, it felt like it could help heal a tiny part of what's broken in our world. Swashby's an old salt, a curmudgeon, a grumpy old man who has no … Continue reading Swashby and the Sea – Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF
Barb Rosenstock is my nonfiction picture book author idol for several reasons: She always makes me care about the story/person/event. She uses a repetitive and lyrical line that pulses throughout the story. (In this case, she uses two.) She's a meticulous researcher. She includes fascinating back matter. In OTIS AND WILL DISCOVER THE DEEP, we … Continue reading Otis and Will Discover the Deep – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Jilanne Hoffmann 