• Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards

    Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards

    written by Emma Bland Smith, illustrated by Becca Stadtlander

    40 pages, 7–10 years; published 2022 by Calkins Creek/Astra Books for Young Readers

    This biography about the author/illustrator Robert McCloskey will likely surprise young readers. It’s hard to believe his artwork for Make Way for Ducklings referenced live ducks. Kids will chuckle when viewing Stadtlander’s paintings of silly duck antics paired with Smith’s tales of the havoc they caused in McCloskey’s apartment. What an impressive effort to ensure his illustrations were authentic. The success of that award-winning picture book gives readers a wonderful example of how doing your best can make a difference. Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards: The Making of MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS contains interesting back matter that includes a note from McCloskey’s daughter along with a few original sketches and photos. 

  • “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.”

    — C.S. Lewis

  • How to Write a Poem

    How to Write a Poem

    written by Kwame Alexander and Deanna Nikaido,
    illustrated by Melissa Sweet

    32 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Quill Tree Books

    How to Write a Poem holds the charm of being both a short story and an imaginative poem. It contains layers of meaning mirrored in the illustrations by Melissa Sweet. Her collages engage your senses with hand-drawn type, organic shapes, and pops of color. Children’s ears and eyes will want to read this picture book over and over again. There is so much to take in, interpret, and explore. Kwame Alexander sums it up in the author’s note when he says he and Deanna Nikaido, “wrote this poem to remind us all that words are fun….” 

  • “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”

    — Joseph Addison

  • Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone

    Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone

    written & illustrated by Airlie Anderson

    40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

    Some may say Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone by Airlie Anderson is quiet, but this picture book is also bursting with colorful illustrations and charming birds. Sometimes when the other birds are noisy and playing games, Only flys off on their own to sit and read. This story does a great job of showing how some of us need downtime, quiet time, or alone time. Despite this fact, no one actually wants to be lonely. Kids will see ways you can enjoy friendship in a low-key manner and how empowering it can be to identify what your personality needs and ask for it from others. Readers will also love analyzing the unique details in Anderson’s adorable paintings—something often done quietly. 

  • “Children have limited power to shape their own lives, but when they can experiment with possibilities through books, their optimism can be recharged and kept alive.”

    — Morris Gleitzman

  • Wombats Are Pretty Weird

    Wombats Are Pretty Weird

    written & illustrated by Abi Cushman

    40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Greenwillow Books

    Wombats Are Pretty Weird: A (Not So) Serious Guide packs loads of humor around its non-fiction text (which includes back matter). Kids won’t realize how much they’re learning! Abi Cushman possesses incredible skill at drawing animals with both cute and expressive faces. She pairs her illustrations with hilarious dialogue and somehow gets animal facts in there too. The mystery of square poop is laid to rest thanks to Cushman’s relatable science speak. Turns out wombats are indeed pretty weird, and a whole lot of fun.

  • “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

    ― Oscar Wilde

  • Grandmother’s Galore!

    Grandmother’s Galore!

    written by Judith Henderson and Ellen Yeomans,
    illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh

    32 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Abrams Books for Young Readers

    I love how Henderson and Yeomans built their story around something as simple as a mysterious yellow envelope arriving in the mail. This humorous story is full of spunky grandmas and bright colors courtesy of Kheiriyeh’s detailed artwork. The highlight is the birthday bash, for no one and everyone, that shows how we all simply crave each other’s company—no reason needed. Grandmother’s Galore! has a Grammy, Abuela, Nana, Nonna, Bibi, Nai Nai, Bubbie, and even a Bubbie Two-Two, plus a whole lot of heart.

  • “Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.”

    ― Rudyard Kipling

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