I'm happy to share with you 14 more newly published picture books. Also, don't miss my other recent picture book lists that I grouped into the categories of friendship and bedtime. Some really good read aloud choices!! By the way, did you see when I shared P is for Pterodactyl on Instagram and Facebook? It's gone crazy viral on FB. It's on this list, too! :) New Picture Books A Parade … [Read more...]
4 Meaningful Picture Books About Friendships
I can't wait to tell you about these picture books! They'll spark important conversations -- and I hope be helpful in teaching about communication, prejudice, and self-worth. 5 New Picture Books About Friendships Oliver: The Second-Largest Living Thing on Earth by Josh Crute, illustrated by John Taesoo Kim BELONGING, TOGETHERNESS, SELF-WORTH / Best of 2018 My daughter and I LOVE this book so … [Read more...]
Inspiring Children’s Books for Art Loving Kids
Do you have an art loving kid? These books celebrate many aspects of art whether you're an artist or just like to know about art, your kids will love these inspiring picture books and chapter books about trips to the museum, famous artists, and making your own art. Inspiring Children's Books for Art Lovers PICTURE BOOKS The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds Vashti is discouraged -- she is no artist. … [Read more...]
Hook Tweens on Magical Realism with These Incredible Books
Magical realism books aren't like fantasy -- there are no magicians or magical creatures -- this is a genre of realistic stories containing just a little bit of magic. Like the story of a girl on a farm with chickens who have powers. Or a tree in an orchard who grows things that the child most needs. I fell in love with magical realism in college when I read Isabel Allende's House of … [Read more...]
11 Must-Read Middle Grade Books of Fall 2018
Want to know about the best new middle grade books? These will draw in tween readers with their compelling characters, important themes, and emotionally resonating stories. 11 Must-Read Middle Grade Books of Fall 2018 Sweep by Jonathan Auxier HISTORICAL FICTION / MAGICAL REALISM Set in Victorian London, this is a beautiful, bittersweet story about a plucky girl and her protector … [Read more...]
12 Novels in Verse (That Get Kids Reading)
Have your tween kids tried reading novels in verse, stories written in free verse or prose? The text looks easy to read which often entices reluctant readers but dive deeper and you'll find compelling stories filled with heart, important themes, and precise language. I first fell in love with novels written in verse as an elementary fifth-grade teacher reading Love That Dog by Sharon Creech … [Read more...]
New in Picture Books, Summer 2018
What are you reading this summer? Here are some newly published picture books that I think you'll enjoy. (I put the latest funny picture books in a separate post here.) New in Picture Books, Summer 2018 Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang, illustrated by Max Lang FEELINGS This is one of the best, most healthy emotional intelligence children's books I've ever read about feeling your … [Read more...]
If You Like to Laugh, Read These 5 New Funny Picture Books
Kids love all sorts of books, especially ones with funny stories. Here are five newly published picture books that will get your kids laughing with delight. ENJOY! If You Like to Laugh, Read These New Funny Picture Books Walrus in the Bathtub by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Matt Hunt FUNNY Things I love about this story: illustrations humorous story handwriting … [Read more...]
8 New Middle-Grade Books, July 2018
If you're looking for new middle-grade books for your kids or students, these eight won't disappoint. I particularly want to highlight The Rhino in Right Field, The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle and The Jigsaw Jungle. But all the books on this list are great! 8 New Middle-Grade Books, July 2018 The Rhino In Right Field by Stacy DeKeyser HISTORICAL FICTION I loved this … [Read more...]
7 New Middle Grade Books You Should Know About
I'm excited to share these 7 titles with you -- for your kids, students, and you. Ghost Boys and Captain Superlative both are incredibly thought-provoking. Bob, The Endling, and The Lost Books are well-written, can't-put-em-down fantasy stories. Hardscrabble is a fascinating historical slice-of-life look at life in sod houses around the turn of the century. I think you may just find your next book … [Read more...]
Spring 2018 Picture Books About Identity, Inclusion, & Diverse Cultures
I'm so happy to see books about different cultures and stories with non-white faces! Little by little, children's picture books are starting to more accurately represent the world we live in! The books I'm sharing today are all spring 2018 titles about the themes of identity and inclusion or from a specific culture. Spring 2018 Picture Books About Identity, Inclusion, & Diverse … [Read more...]
(Even More) Must Read Picture Books from 2017
2017 wraps up with even more great picture books and a few I missed earlier in the year. You're going to love these... Even More Must Read Picture Books from 2017 This Is Not a Normal Animal Book by Julie Segal-Walters, illustrated by Brian Biggs HILARIOUS. Wacky humor ("if a cat laid an egg . . . it would be a HEN") and a goofy conflict of ideas between the author and illustrator will crack … [Read more...]