Happy Book Birthday, Wake Up, Moon! by Lita Judge

 It's time to shout-out another book birthday! This picture book releases tomorrow and comes from one of my favorite picture book authors/illustrators. I'm expecting lots of energy and friendship. Telling by the cover, I'm also looking forward to snow-dreaming.

Let's dive in and see if this read takes us on an adventure!

    WAKE UP, MOON!

by Lita Judge

Atheneum Books

Picture Book

ages 4 to 8

An energetic squirrel isn’t ready to give up on winter fun and go to bed in this cozy picture book about animal friends who spend an unforgettable night romping in the snow!

The snowstorm is over. The stars are out. But one little squirrel is not in bed. He’s having far too much fun building snow animals and gliding and skating on glittering ice with his friends Squirrel, Owl, Fox, and Bear…until drowsy eyes and sleepy yawns begin to slow the animals’ steps. Could it finally be time for Squirrel to turn in for the night?

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

The excitement of snow beams from every page with a sense of friendship and fun.

As nighttime comes, the snow storm finally stops, and while everyone should be in bed, Squirrel wants to play out in the fresh white world under the stars. So, off Squirrel goes. Of course, it's no fun to play alone, so he does his best to get some friends to join him as they slide and glide all over the place.

The wonder of fresh snow under a starlit sky sets a beautiful scene, which comes across wonderfully in the illustrations. It's a dreamland and invites to fun. It's hard not to want to join Squirrel as he decides to head out and play. Surprisingly, this book isn't about how irritating Squirrel is by waking his friends up, though. Rather, the sleepy friends readily-ish join in. It keeps a positive attitude the whole way through. There is humor, especially in the illustrations, to mix with the abundant energy these friends have. And it rounds up nicely at the end to create a bedtime read, if desired.

The text is relatively short with only a few lines at most on each page. It makes a nice read-aloud or works for those readers who are pretty sure of their words. The atmosphere invites to dreams, and while I missed a page or so in the beginning to show the storm and falling night so as to make it clear how late it was, the atmosphere invites in and holds the enter way through. 

It's a lovely read for the wintery months and is sure to receive the word 'again'.

And here she is...

Lita Judge is the award-winning author and illustrator of many children’s books, including Flight School, Penguin Flies Home, Red Sled, Red Hat, Good Morning to Me!, Born in the Wild, Even the Smallest Will Grow, When You Need Wings, and her illustrated young adult novel, Mary’s Monster. She lives with her husband, two cats, and a parrot in New Hampshire. You can visit her online at LitaJudge.com.

Happy Book Birthday, Don't Worry, Wuddles by Lita Judge!

DON'T WORRY, WUDDLES

by Lita Judge

Atheneum Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

In this snowy day picture book, a kindhearted but overeager duckling tries to be helpful by sharing Wuddles the sheep’s wool to make sure all their animal friends stay warm—but will there be enough for Wuddles?

Snow is coming, and the barnyard animals are preparing for the cold. Duckling has an excellent idea! Fleecy Wuddles the sheep has plenty of wool to keep everyone nice and toasty. Surely Wuddles doesn’t mind sharing? Soon there’s a goat in legwarmers, piglets in onesies, and more! But will this outpouring of generosity leave Wuddles himself out in the cold? Not to worry—Duckling has one final, absolutely heartwarming idea!

GOODREADS   /    B&N    /    BOOKSHOP   /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Quite a bit of eyebrow-raising silliness snuggles into puffy warmth to create a smile on the face.

It's going to snow, and that means the cold is coming, too. But nobody has to worry because the duckling knows exactly what to do. To make sure Wuddles, the very fluffy, woolly sheep, doesn't feel guilty about its excess access to warmth, the duckling weaves together all sorts of warming accessories for the animals, who might suffer from chilly temperatures. But that's not the only idea this ducky has. 

This is a cute read with enough silliness to guarantee a few snorts and giggles, a bit of ridiculousness to let the reader feel uneasy, and positive vibes demanding for a loving snuggle to match. The duckling's energy runs at high-gear, and while its heart is in the right place, even listeners will quickly catch-on to the slightly-off thought pattern. And yet, its hard not to think that maybe that duckling isn't completely wrong. It's so sweet...in its own way.

The illustrations add to the text in the most delightful way as the humor especially hits the animals' expressions and reactions. Plus, Wuddles has such a fluffy, wonderful wool that it's hard not to want to dive right in. It's fun from beginning to end and wraps off on the perfect note. This is a read for groups and individuals, and will want to be heard more than a few times.

And here she is...

 

Lita Judge is the award-winning author and illustrator of many children’s books, including Flight School, Penguin Flies Home, Red Sled, Red Hat, Good Morning to Me!, Born in the Wild, Even the Smallest Will Grow, When You Need Wings, and her illustrated young adult novel, Mary’s Monster. She lives with her husband, two cats, and a parrot in New Hampshire. You can visit her online at LitaJudge.com.

Today's read and an interview: Something Beautiful by Lita Judge

 Today's post packs so much goodness! (I might just be a tiny-little-bit excited). I have another favorite of the year read, today, and this one falls under my top three. Plus, I've just become a huge fan of this author/illustration. So, I'm over the moon!

I also have an interview with her below because she was so sweet to agree to answer some questions for us. And I have a small surprise for you guys right after the interview (of course, about today's read but it's a special treat). 

So, should we just get on with it?

SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

by Lita Judge

Atheneum Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

A trio of animal pals discover the beauty in making new friends in this tender and adorable picture book from Lita Judge, the beloved author-illustrator of Red Sled and Flight School.

Mouse, Elephant, and Giraffe have so much in common. They like the same games. They eat the same snacks. They don’t need anyone else! Or do they? When the group takes a chance on opening up, they discover that meeting someone new and seeing things from a new perspective can be truly wonderful.

GOODREADS   /   INDIE BOUND   /   B&N   /   AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

This picture book incorporates so much goodness as it calms the heart, embraces the uniqueness every person has to offer, and leaves the reader with a lasting smile.

Mouse loves to play with a ball until he meets Elephant. Then, the two play together until they meet Giraffe. The three friends get along very well, since they have so much in common, but then, Porcupine drops in, and he's so not like them. As he accidentally ruins their ball and does odd things, they find themselves more than a little hesitant to accept him into their group. But when they do, it's only the beginning of an amazing experience.

I am now a Lita Judge fan. Firstly, this book is so uplifting, and that with just the right amount of humor sprinkled around an important lesson. It doesn't feel like a lesson, though, since the tale is simply so wonderful. This one is all about friendship and the magic it brings. It's about playing together, something young readers/listeners can identify with no matter who they are or where they are. And it's about expanding horizons and opening up to new ways at looking at others and the world. 

Secondly, and this is what sends this read soaring, the illustrations are so well done. The aquarelle gives a gentle atmosphere to invite the reader/listener in, and that while holding all the needed details to make each scene and character sit. These characters pack personality. Their emotions and antics grab on every page. I was amazed at the lovely little details, such as the leaves sticking to the porcupine. They add depth to the humor in all the right ways. There are some priceless moments in these scenes, which will have young listeners/readers coming back again and again just to relive them.

I do recommend this read and see it as becoming a favorite. Listeners/readers will wish they could play right along with the animals because being their friend is definitely something special.

INTERVIEW

I was so glad that Lita Judge agreed to take the time...and have the patience...to answer some questions. It's always fun to get to know the authors better, since every book does hold a piece of who they are. 

So, thank you Lita for stopping by!

Something Beautiful is by no means your first picture book, but you have an entire, wonderful parade of reads already under your belt. What draws you to write for this younger audience level?

I love writing for young readers for so many reasons. First of all, I adored the few picture books I had as a child. The art transported me to a place that was happy and filled with wonder. And the pictures invited me into stories in a way that words didn’t at first. I was dyslexic and grew up in a remote area (born on an island in Alaska) and didn’t have a lot of access to books. I fell in love with reading and stories through these few picture books. So I love to create stories for kids who might feel the same.

Picture books is also the perfect means for my work because I always see my stories in my mind before finding the words, and I love creating the art. I love how much emotion, joy, vulnerability, enthusiasm, and mystery can be conveyed with just art.

And I love how picture books is a genre that is shared by all generations in a family. Reading together, snuggled with a book, is one of the most comforting times I think for many people.

That's so true. I can't think of a time I read a picture book with my kids, and they didn't want to sit on my lap during the reading. Even my husband would stop what he was doing and 'sneak' in to listen and see the pages. That doesn't happen with older books.

With two cats and a parrot, you, obviously, have a love for animals. What other pet would you enjoy adding to your family if you could?

I actually have three cats now, a parrot, and an adorable mouse named Pan. I’d have a household more if I could, but reality makes it hard to travel with any more. I was lucky to grow up with eagles, owls, hawks, and two ravens because my grandparents were ornithologists. The birds were part of their research, but I was pretty lucky to get to help care for them. If I could add a family member now, it would be a raven. They were the smartest, funniest family member I’ve ever known. They constantly hid important things like the house keys and played tricks on our dogs, like hiding their dog food. And the calls they make to each other is about the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard. 

I've heard that ravens are quite the animals. What a treat it must have been to grow up like that!

What is your favorite part about writing? And what would you rather eat worms than do?

My favorite part is that it makes your life filled with wonder. You have to have wonder in order to write, so you guard it and nurture it. And then there is that magical moment when you get an idea that you know is the one that will grow full-fledged into a story and it’s the best kind of happiness and excitement.

I’d honestly rather eat worms than sit in traffic or even drive on a car packed road. I love traveling, but I hate the getting there part. It feels like such a waste of time. The one place where I can’t be writing, drawing, painting, sculpting, or working in my garden.

It would be nice to be just zapped to wear we're headed. 

Many authors were avid readers during their childhood. What were your favorite books while growing up?

Honestly, I am not one of those authors. I wish I was. I didn’t have a lot of access to books. I mostly read bird guidebooks. My parents and grandparents had a lot of those. But a book mobile came to our town when I was 11 and I checked out The Witch of Blackberry Pond by Elizabeth George Speare. I loved it so much, I checked it out again and again until the librarian driving the silver Aerostar that served as our library gave me my own copy. I kept it under my pillow and vowed that someday I would move to New England and write children’s books. So here I am in NH, writing and illustrating and wishing I could find that librarian and tell her just how much her kindness meant to me!

It wasn’t till I went to college that I read all the classics and started devouring stories. I was studying geology, but I had my head in wonderful children’s books that helped guide me back to that crazy dream I had when I was a girl.

Wow, geology! I would have never guessed. And now, I am curious how you went from Alaska to New Hampshire, but we'll have to save that one for another day.

What book(s) are you reading right now?

I’m reading a biography on Vanessa Bell (Virginia Wolfes sister). Her art touches me deeply, as well as her life and how she chose to live it.

I also enjoy reading dozens of picture books each month, and getting excited all over again about the genre each time I do.

I wonder what your favorites might be... This interview is, actually, leaving me more curious about several things. How fun!

When you aren’t writing, what do you like to do? 

My favorite thing is to sculpt with clay and then have a big bonfire in the driveway to harden the clay. I can also be found in my garden, either taking care of it, or sketching in my journal. I love travelling when I can and hiking all day and plunking down wherever I find a beautiful spot to paint. And playing with my pets, of course.

Huh, you can harden clay with a bonfire? I would have never guessed. 

What was your biggest wish as a child?

To write and illustrate children’s books! Hooray, that turned out well. I’m so grateful to readers who enjoy my books and are a part of that dream.

I discovered a special treat! If you head over to Youtube, you can see Lita and this wonderful tale, too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HrXDVrwW_I

And here she is...

Lita Judge is the award-winning author and illustrator of many children’s books, including Even the Smallest Will Grow, When You Need Wings, Flight School, Penguin Flies Home, Red Sled, Red Hat, Good Morning to Me!, Born in the Wild, and her illustrated young adult novel, Mary’s Monster. She lives with her husband, two cats, and a parrot in New Hampshire. You can visit her online at LitaJudge.com.

Review: When You Need Wings by Lita Judge

WHEN YOU NEED WINGS

by Lita Judge

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

In the tradition of Where the Wild Things Are, beloved author-illustrator Lita Judge brings us a soaring story about the power of imagination.

On a day when you feel
like no one is listening,
and you wish you could just disappear,
shut your eyes and listen.
Do you hear it?
That isn't your heart.
That is the sound of your very own wings
beating within.

Acclaimed author-illustrator Lita Judge takes readers on a wonder-filled exploration of a child's imagination, thoughtfully weaving in a gentle suggestion of how to explore that bountiful inner world and let it help them shine with courage in the real one.

        

MY TIDBITS

Dreams take flight into a wonderful world of imagination, while bringing words of encouragement and confidence.

Some days, it feels like no one listens or hears you, and you just want to disappear. And that's when the magic can begin....if you simply are brave enough to listen.

This is one of those books, which invites kids to the world of imagination and opens the doors to the wonderful land of pretend. The illustrations are beautiful and, at the same time, are sprinkled with lovely drops of fantasy. Tigers and crocodiles invite to play with rabbits and koalas. All the while, in the natural setting of a forest. It's fun simply to gaze through the pages and dive into the world. And yet, all of this happens on the basis of an important, emotional moment, which readers can identify with.

The book starts with a girl, who feels a little alone and ignored...or at least, a little pushed to the side. Her sadness is clear and strikes sympathy. But these pages don't leave her alone. There's the warm embrace of family (a lovely message) and then, the fantasy takes flight. The ending wraps it up in an unexpected and very meaningful way.



And here she is...

Lita Judge is the award-winning author and illustrator of many children's books, including When you Need Wings; Filight School; Penguin Flie Home; Red Sled; Red Hat; Good Morning to Me; Born in the Wild; and her illustrated young adult novel, Mary's Monster. She lives with her husband, two cats, and a parrot in New Hampshire. Yu can visit her online at LitaJudge.com.

Review: Penguin Flies Home by Lita Judge

PENGUIN FLIES HOME

A Flight School Story

by Lita Judge

Atheneum Books

Picture Book

ages 4 to 7

40 pages

COMING...

JANUARY 15th!!!

Penguin mastered his quest to soar with the eagles in Flight School—now he’s heading home to teach his friends in this sweet and inspiring stand-alone companion story!

Penguin loves everything about flying: the wind beneath his wings, the song that rises from his belly, and the sight of new and wonderful places.

Still, he misses his penguin friends in the South Pole. So, he flips and flaps back home, ready to teach them the magic of flight!

But when he arrives, his enthusiasm for flying doesn’t get quite the reaction he expected. Will Penguin’s friends still like him, even if they don’t share his soaring dreams?

MY TIDBITS

With a breeze of fun, this book soars into the world of adventure and proves that dreams are always worth chasing even when they don't fit in with what's considered normal.

Penguin loves to fly, but even when he glides beneath the stars, a small part of him wonders what his friends up North are doing. Teacher and Flamingo see the problem instantly—Penguin is homesick. Pulling out a surprise, they fly with Penguin up North, and he sees his friends again. But try as he may, he can't convince the other penguins to give flying a try. As the other penguins leave for a swim, he realizes that he might be too different for them to accept.

Penguins are super sweet, especially ones with humongous dreams, and this penguin has not only achieved his dreams, he treasures every moment. The author has created a wonderful character with a huge heart bundle inside a ton of cuteness. Cheering for Penguin as he continues to follow his heart is a must, and that warm fuzzy feeling blooms as he stretches his wings to head North to his friends. But then, Penguin is already surrounded by amazing friends, who support him and show what true friendship is. 

The message in these pages is clear and wrapped into a lovely tale. Even though Penguin runs into doubt, there's never a nasty moment of bullying or spite, which I found refreshing. It's Penguin's own insecurities which step up and cause problems. This self-doubt is something everyone faces, and Penguin and his friends show how to handle it. 

The illustrations are cheerful and a joy to flip through. Penguin and the others' personalities shine through in the gentle lines. There's a touch of whimsical which allows the fun of fantasy to soar right along with the birds. Together with the wonderfully worked text, this is a book to enjoy again and again.


And here she is...

Lita Judge is the award-winning author and illustrator of many children's books, including Flight School; Penguin Flies Home; Red Sled; Red Hat; Good Morning to Me!; Born in the Wild; and her illustrated young adult novel, Mary's Monster. She lives with her husband, two cats, and a parrot in New Hampshire. You can visit her online at LitaJudge.com