Today's read... In the Holly Jolly North Pole by Joel Stern

When I was offered the chance to take a peek at today's read, I was already smiling before I opened the cover. This isn't only a holiday read for the youngest bookworms out there, which promises the delight of Santa's elves and the North Pole. This one is a pop-up book! I've always adored pop-up books, since they add so much fun to the illustrations. These were my favorite as a kid and are a still a treat today. I can't wait to see little readers around me smile as they open up this one.

Now, let's see if the story and illustrations live up to my expectations.

IN THE HOLLY JOLLY NORTH POLE

A Pop-Up Adventure

by Joel Stern

Illustrated by Nancy Leschnikoff

Little Simon 

Board Book / Holiday

14 pages

Join Santa’s helpers on a journey through his workshop in this cheerful, sturdy holiday pop-up book!

Welcome to the cold North Pole,
where elves are all preparing
gifts for children around the world
for fun, and play, and sharing.

At the North Pole, Santa’s workshop is stuffed with little elves preparing for the holidays with gifts, treats, and fun! A sturdy page-turner, In the Holly Jolly North Pole is an innovative pop-up story with treats for kids of all ages.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

The vibrant hustle and bustle as the North Pole gets ready for the big day comes to life in this fun read.

Santa's elves are extremely busy in the workshop, getting everything ready for children around the world. With gentle rhyme, the text explains what the elves are up to in each scene. The vocabulary encourages a bit of word building while staying understandable and age appropriate. There's just enough detail mentioned to encourage listeners to peer closer at the illustrations...something they'll be eager to do, anyway.

This is a pop-up book, where each 2-page spread turns into a 3-D delight. The illustration is busy, which not only amplifies the desired mood but gives listeners something new to discover each time they visit the book. The colors are bright and bold and they elves have similarities to small children. This lures listeners in and makes the fantastical scenes easy to connect with.

It's a cute book for the holiday season and simply quite a bit of fun to read.

And here they are...

Joel Stern is the bestselling author of many books of paper crafts, including My First Origami Kit, My First Origami Fairy Tales Kit, and Washington Pops!. He conducts paper craft workshops for kids of all ages in camps, schools, community centers, and libraries, and his folded and pop-up paper creations have been exhibited throughout the world.

Nancy Leschnikoff is a freelance illustrator based just outside of London in Kent. Specializing in the illustration and design of children’s books and book covers, she also loves lettering projects that marry her skills of illustration and design. Nancy’s hand-drawn style has been featured in advertising, branding, web design, and publishing. Visit her at NancySchnikoff.com.

Today's read... Addie Ant Goes on an Adventure by Maren Morris

Although it's not Spring (I mean, I'm still trying to process that Thanksgiving is next week), our weather definitely holds warm tones with temperatures in the 70's. I even still harvested peppers two weeks ago. So, today's read somewhat seems to fit...okay, not really, but it still looks like a fun read, and I'm always on the lookout for exciting adventures.

This one circles around an ant as she heads out to discover the great world...or yard...around her. Let's see if it's a winner or not

ADDIE ANT GOES ON AN ADVENTURE

by Maren Morris & Karina Argow

Illustrated by Kelly Anne Dalton

Chronicle Chroma

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

APRIL 9th, 2024!!!

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Maren Morris and former schoolteacher Karina Argow have together written their picture-book debut, Addie Ant Goes on an Adventure. This delightful story of one little ant’s journey for independence while realizing when to ask for help, is set against the backdrop of a vast and abundant garden inhabited by some very helpful insect friends.

Addie Ant travels from one garden bed to another on her first solo adventure. As she forges her own path, she gets lost along the way and finds help from her trusted garden pals, Lewis Ladybug, Beatrix Butterfly, and Cleo Cricket, in finding her way back home.

A celebration of friendship, this sweet book is a collaboration by renowned, musical artist Maren Morris and former schoolteacher and close friend Karina Argow. Artist Kelly Anne Dalton brings the delightfully written characters to life with colorful and charming illustrations.
 
Join Addie Ant in a vast and magical garden adventure full of insect friends, growing vegetables, blooming flowers, and the inspiring abundance of nature.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

With tons of little details and a joyful ant, this is an enjoyable adventure with tons of friends to meet along the way.

Addie Ant has such a lovely home underneath the tomato bed, but that doesn't mean she's not curious to see what might be beyond those tomato plants. So one day, she packs her bag, takes a peek at her sundial, and decides to take a day's adventure to see what she can discover...and she's in for more than a few surprises.

The Spring and Summer tones blossom and bloom on every page as Addie ventures through vegetables to flower beds and more. While the vibrant nature of plants and grass hits every scene, there are so many familiar details tossed into to give it the fantastical touch. The 'human' world is inserted with the insects' lives to make each setting seem cozy, inviting, and whimsical. There's a playful atmosphere with tons of things for listeners to find in each and every illustration. The colorful scenes are busy...very busy...but do invite readers to find new things again and again.

The text is a little heavier, making this a nice read for the mid and upper end of the intended age group. It's a true adventure story and follows Addie each step of the way. Some of the vocabulary stretches reading skills, while remaining entertaining and easy enough to understand. It weaves an inviting tale with subtle messages about forming friendships and learning to go beyond the comfort zone to make new discoveries. Young listeners/readers will be dreaming of the life, which might be taking place in their own yards, and wish that they could jump into the cute adventure themselves.

And here she is...

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Maren Morris and former schoolteacher Karina Argow have together written their picture-book debut, Addie Ant Goes on an Adventure. This delightful story of one little ant’s journey for independence while realizing when to ask for help, is set against the backdrop of a vast and abundant garden inhabited by some very helpful insect friends. Addie Ant travels from one garden bed to another on her first solo adventure. As she forges her own path, she gets lost along the way and finds help from her trusted garden pals, Lewis Ladybug, Beatrix Butterfly, and Cleo Cricket, in finding her way back home.

A celebration of friendship, this sweet book is a collaboration by renowned, musical artist Maren Morris and former schoolteacher and close friend Karina Argow. Artist Kelly Anne Dalton brings the delightfully written characters to life with colorful and charming illustrations.
 
Join Addie Ant in a vast and magical garden adventure full of insect friends, growing vegetables, blooming flowers, and the inspiring abundance of nature. 

Today's read... Love Is My Favorite Color by Nina Laden

LOVE IS MY FAVORITE COLOR

by Nina Laden

Illustrated by Melissa Castrillon

Paula Wiseman Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING...

JANUARY 24th, 2024!!!

A sparkling and tender picture book about all the things that are bright and loving in the world and fill our lives with joy.

From caring to hoping to peace to sharing, there are many ways to find joy in the everyday. Celebrate the things that make life wonderful and each day special. With stunning artwork, readers of all ages will find moments to treasure.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

With illustrations, which dance on the edge of fantasy, this read radiates joy on every page.

This book heads in a poetic direction with a simple, verse flow which packs deeper meanings and positive vibes. Just enough of each verse repeats itself to quickly gain familiarity with young listeners, while the rest takes meaningful terms (hope, love, bravery, etc.) and gives them thoughtful twists. The younger end of the intended age group most likely won't entirely grasp or appreciate the meanings of each phrase, but the older readers will be able to work through them to get food for thought and even open up to lighter discussions. For both, it makes a gentle and enjoyable read. 

The illustrations allow for unique color contrasts, which when combined with the playful style, take familiar scenes and give them an almost fantastical touch. It invites to dream, while spinning familiar settings and situations, which readers/listeners can identify with. The calming and positive atmosphere gives it a relaxing touch, which is wonderful for those quieter moments. It's also an enjoyable way to subtly introduce literary devices and poetry.

And here they are...

Nina Laden is the author-illustrator of many books for kids, including the Peek-a series; Who Loves You, Baby?; The Night I Followed the Dog; Yellow Kayak; Dear Little One; and Love Is My Favorite Color. She lives with her husband on Lummi Island, Washington. Visit her online at NinaLaden.com.

Melissa Castrillon studied at the Cambridge School of Art where she earned a first class honors degree in illustration and a master’s degree in children’s book illustration. She is the illustrator of If I Had a Little Dream by Nina Laden. She is also the author-illustrator of The Balcony, which received the Society of Illustrators Gold Medal. Her book Dear Little One, by Nina Laden, was a School Library Journal best picture book of the year. Her books have been published all over the world. She lives in Cambridge, England, with her husband.

 

Today's read... I Love Everything About Me by Fatima Scipio

I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT ME

by Fatiam Scipio

Illustrated by Paige Mason

Entangled Little Lark

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

There are a million and seven things to love about you!

…your hair, no matter the ’do (or doesn’t do!)

…the colors you wear (from green to tangerine!)

…and the adventures you love (especially birthdays and bikes!)

Delight in all the neat, sweet, and amazingly off-beat things that make your child incredible. Withuncy rhymes by Fatima Scipio and delightful illustrations by Paige Mason, this bright, exuberant picture book is perfect for bedtimes, happy days, or times they need cheer. But most of all, I Love Everything About Me celebrates a child’s sense of adventure, curiosity, and just being their most amazing selves.

https://www.amazon.com/I-Love-Everything-About-Me/dp/1649374380/

MY TIDBITS

Uplifting and full of self-confidence building moments, this books celebrates everything about being you.

The little girl in these pages is adorable and full of energy. More importantly, she is very content with who she is. With light rhyme, the text accompanies her from one activity to the next. Each time, she states (and shows) what she likes about being her. It is inspiring and full of positivity as everything from looks to actions is explored. 

With each page, the encouraging message comes across loud and clear. While this centers around the little girl, readers will have no problem putting themselves into her shoes and find themselves caught up in positive self-imaging. The building thoughts are contagious and, thanks to the broad spectrum shown, offer something which connects with almost any reader. The artistic and inviting images make each moment come across clearly and add visual fun. It's a lovely read not only for groups but individuals, too.

And here they are...

Fatima Scipio

is an educator and author who was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. Fatima studied sociology at Virginia State University and completed her graduate studies at Hunter College. She began writing her debut children’s book after being inspired by her three-year-old niece, Zyla Sylvia McCarter. When she isn’t writing, she can be found working with her nonprofit organization, Young Enterprising Sisters. Fatima currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and son. For more information, visit her at thefatimascipio.com.

Paige Mason is a Central Valley–based freelance illustrator, living back in her hometown of Fresno, where she makes and teaches art for Aspen Meadow Public Schools. Paige earned her bachelor’s degree in fine art, with an illustration emphasis, from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is currently on track to obtain her single subject credential in visual arts. Paige is also the illustrator of Adam Gets Back in the Game, Why Does My Vent Beep, and Shaky Shaky. For more information, visit her at pmillustrations.com.

Today's read... Butterfly Girl by Ashling Kwok

BUTTERFLY GIRL

by Ashling Kwok

Illustrated by Arielle Li

EK Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

Olivia and her butterfly friends spend all of their time together, until one day everything changes, and Olivia and her mother move to an apartment in the city. Olivia is heartbroken because she doesn’t want to leave her butterfly friends behind but her mother assures her that she will make new friends in the city. When Olivia and her mum arrive in the city, it’s so grey and gloomy that everyone is sheltering inside. Olivia waits for new friends to come and play but no -one appears. So Olivia stands on her empty concrete apartment balcony and calls out to her butterfly friends ― because they always come when she needs them. But this time, even her butterfly friends don’t appear. Then Olivia remembers that butterflies need colourful nectar plants, a puddle pool and rocks to rest their wings on, but Olivia doesn’t have a garden anymore so she decides to build a butterfly balcony garden using whatever she can find. Olivia waits and waits and waits but her butterflies stay away. Just as Olivia is about to lose hope, a gust of wind blows flowers from her balcony garden across the grey sky and onto her neighbours’ balconies. People of all ages and cultural ethnicities appear on their balconies to pick up the flowers, and Olivia suddenly knows exactly what she needs to do to attract (human and butterfly) friends.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

The sorrow of moving and leaving friends behind flows in a gentle story with hope and heart.

Olivia is constantly surrounded by butterflies, but when her family moves from the countryside to an apartment in the middle of a city, these beautiful insects are nowhere to be found. Olivia isn't about to give up and decides to create an inviting atmosphere...and maybe, her colorful friends will find her. But instead, everything takes a different and exciting twist.

This story takes a look at the sadness of moving and leaving friends behind, but takes a gentle and playful approach. The first pages open up with Olivia surrounded by a rainbow of butterflies. It presents a natural and carefree atmosphere, which offers a huge contrast to the gray and empty balcony of the apartment, where Olivia spends her time after the family's move. Her sadness touches the heart and young readers will feel the heaviness right along with Olivia. 

My favorite aspect of this read is Olivia's decision to take matters into her own hands. She's determined to give her best to change the gray emptiness into a place of vibrant life and lure her friends back to her. The result of her efforts spread quickly and offer the hope and joy to round everything off nicely. This creates an uplifting message, which can be read time and time again.