Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Children's Book Day!
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Picture Book Fun
For Christmas, my daughter, Maggie, gifted me with books. Not just any books—picture books. I love picture books. You not only get the story in words, but in illustrations.
I had added four of the books to my Amazon list, so she knew I wanted them. Kevin Henkes and his wife Laura Dronzek created four beautiful books about the four seasons. As a seasonal person, I appreciate the gorgeous paintings and the melodic words. Henkes is in my top five author/illustrators. He often illustrates his own books, like Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. I have to say, his wife’s art fills me with joy. You’ll have to check out, Winter is Here, When Spring Comes, Summer Song, and In the Middle of Fall.
Maggie surprised me with Just Because by Matthew McConaughey.
I had no idea he’d written a picture book. Humorous and thought-provoking, he
talks about having two feelings at the same time and how life is full of
possibilities. There is a video of Matthew and Jimmy Falon reading the book. It’s
great!
Friday, August 9, 2019
National Book Lover's Day!
Happy National Book Lover's Day!
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Two New Children's Picture Books from Boyds Mills Press
If you've ever wanted to write a story, you'll enjoy sharing this book with a child. Every turn of the page reveals a new story with comical, cartoonish illustrations. The little girl in the book is having so much fun, I want to join her. This would be the perfect book to prompt little ones to write or tell their own small tales. If you teach early elementary or have an elementary child at home, this would be a great addition to your library or a wonderful gift.
This companion to This Orq. (He Cave Boy.) pits Orq and Woma against a couple of stone-age bullies. Dorq is big, strong, and mean . . . and his pet, Caba, is even worse. But when Caba smashes a giant egg on Woma, Orq is so incensed he bangs two rocks together over and over, creating a spark. Like all good scientists, Orq recognizes an important discovery when he sees it. As he raises a flaming torch triumphantly, Dorq and Caba flee. Small Orq is the inventor of fire—and is a hero to his beloved Woma. An ode to the power of standing up for oneself, this book is the perfect antidote for any child who has ever felt small.
In a few words, David Elliott shows how to stand up to a bully. Be smart and not cruel. This Orq. (he says "ugh!") is a well written story that addresses a common problem. Orq is frustrated with the meanness of Dorq, but he doesn't become angry until the bullies pick on his friend Woma. The book prompts discussion about treating others with kindness rather than meanness. Lori Nichols delightful drawings are spot on and add great fun to the story. I especially like the turtle fort and the turtle challenge. I read it to my five-year-old grandson. He enjoyed the story and pictures and liked how Orq was able to scare off the bullies.