30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

It's Day 30 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. Wha?? Did that month pass quickly for anyone else?? I can't believe we're at the end of this year's series already. I hope you've enjoyed all the picks we've shared as much as we've enjoyed reading them. When I started the series this month, my husband remarked that he hoped I'd have enough picks to make it -- and I'm pleased to say that there are several I didn't even get to, so look forward to more titles to come! (But maybe a break first. . . )

So, onto today's pick -- Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson. I originally had planned to share this one earlier in the series, but decided to wait, as this seemed like the perfect title to end with. Wilson's story centers around Chloe, who finds it hard to reach out to the new girl in her class. Maya doesn't have as much as some of the other girls, who laugh and make fun of her, and Chloe goes along. Even though Maya desperately wants to a friend, the girls rebuff her - and then Maya is gone from their school, and Chloe's left thinking about kindness, and what might have happened if she'd reached out to this girl who was all alone.

The theme of Each Kindness is a powerful one, one that I feel we all need to read and internalize. It's especially moving for me to read this one now with Sprout, and talk about the importance of understanding others, of walking a mile in their shoes, of demonstrating empathy even if we find it hard to agree. E. B. Lewis did the illustrations, and they are very moving. In particular we like the one that accompanies Chloe's teacher's explanation of kindness, like a ripple moving through a pool of water. It's an image that makes you stop and think in the same way Woodson's text does - quite a message, this.

I encourage you to read Each Kindness yourself, and to your kiddos, and think of it in light of our world today. If you reach out in kindness, to someone unlike yourself, you'll never know how far that kindness can go.

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, published by Nancy Paulsen Books

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - It's a Small World by Richard M. & Robert B. Sherman

It's Day 29 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. Tonight I'm really thankful for good friends. We spent the day with some friends at their annual Thanksgiving feast, which was loads of fun. Sprout got to show off his puzzle-building skills to a crowd. His latest trick is asking to be timed as he builds his 200 piece puzzles - he's going for a personal best. :)

Tonight's pick is also one that was a gift for Sprout from a great book-giving friend, just before our first trip to Disneyland as a family. It's a Small World is of course the recognizable (some might say painfully so) tune written by Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman for Walt Disney's iconic ride. Yep, you know it - the one with all the dolls. Love it or hate it, we bet you know the tune.

In this book, illustrator Joey Chou has re-envisioned the lyrics of the song as a picture book. Now, I will say that it's just about impossible to read this one without singing the song, so don't even try, especially if your kids know the words. But the thing that makes this one just about the best is Chou's illustration style. He brings those familiar dolls of all nations to life, as children playing and laughing and singing together in a fresh way that still pays homage to the ride's origins. Readers see the cherubic youngsters sharing a Mexican fiesta, playing in a jazz club, and enjoying the sights on the African savanna. It's all spirited and full of whimsy.

It's a Small World will bring back memories of many parents' childhood, and is the perfect introduction to the ride for a new generation of readers. And it's a great message for us all to share - it is a small world, and we're all its citizens!

It's a Small World by Richard M. & Robert B. Sherman, published by Disney Press

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Maria Had a Little Llama by Angela Dominguez

It's Day 28 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. Sprout is fortunate that his school starts teaching Spanish in kindergarten. He absolutely adores it! They have class every Monday and I'll tell you, that kid bounces out of bed Monday mornings so thrilled for school and his Spanish class. As a result we've been seeking out bilingual books whenever possible, to give us more exposure and learning opportunities.

And tonight's pick, Maria Had a Little Llama by Angela Dominguez, is one of our favorites! I first heard about this title when it won the Pura Belpré Illustration Honor last year, but it had fallen off my radar for a bit. Then Sprout grabbed it off the shelf at a recent visit to the library and we were both hooked - the illustrations are just so darn cute that you can't help but smile from the cover right on through to the last page!

As you might expect, Maria Had a Little Llama is a spin on the familiar nursery rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb", but freshened up and set in Peru, and with a Spanish text added. Maria's llama loves her so much that he follows her to school, where trouble ensues (naturally) and the llama has to be sent out. But no matter, the two friends are soon reunited and the tale ends on a happy note. The story is simple enough to share with littles, but there are lots of points to talk over with older kids as well -- this would be a great springboard into reading about Peruvian culture, for example.

Maria Had a Little Llama is a terrific example of how to refresh a classic story: add a new location, throw in some cultural details and a second language to make the title accessible to a wider range of readers. Add to that the super adorable pictures, and you've got a title that wins on every level!

Maria Had a Little Llama by Angela Dominguez, published by Henry Holt

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Ruby's School Walk by Kathryn White

It's Day 27 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. You know, sometimes I go along in my little bubble, forgetting how hateful the world can be. And then I'm brought up short by something like social media, where I was informed yesterday that I am "close minded", prejudiced and raising my son to have racial biases. All of which was said "in love". And that reminds me why it's necessary for us to have diverse books - because there are many, many points of view, and intolerance has no place in this world.

So, moving on. Tonight's book is Ruby's School Walk by Kathryn White, part of the series of Ruby books published by Barefoot Books. Sprout saw me preparing to write about Ruby's School Walk and wanted to make sure I mentioned that he likes the pictures best. They really are super adorable, so there wasn't much need for the reminder! Still, he's a fan of illustrator Miriam Latimer's style, as am I - whimsical yet realistic, a great accompaniment to White's story about all the crazy things Ruby sees on her walk to school.

For this is no ordinary school walk, ladies and gentlement. Oh no - Ruby's seeing crocodiles and witches and tigers (where there actually are innocuous, everyday things, of course. Right?). This makes the walk all that more adventurous, but we soon see that Ruby's repeated phrase, "I must be brave, I must be strong" has more to do with the reassurance she needs to get through the school day. Luckily her sweet mama's got Ruby's back, giving her a gentle boost that helps strengthen Ruby's flagging confidence.

Ruby's School Walk is equal parts fun and affirming, a great blend in a package that will make kids smile. And really, in a world that can be unkind, isn't that what we all can use?

Ruby's School Walk by Kathryn White, published by Barefoot Books

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Full, Full, Full of Love by Trish Cooke

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Today is Day 26 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. This post is coming up a bit late tonight because we had a full day of food, family and time to relax. I did intend to get to the blog this morning, but Sprout wanted to do puzzles - and I never turn that down!

Tonight's pick is one that appears on almost every best-of diverse books list out there, and for good reason. Trish Cooke's Full, Full, Full of Love is a colorful, cheerful celebration of a family gathering that's perfect for holiday time or anytime really. The story surrounds Jay Jay's experiences at Grandma's house, getting ready for Sunday dinner. It's a place Jay Jay adores, mostly because it's bursting with delicious smells, family and friends, and a whole lot of love. Jay Jay himself is clearly the apple of Grandma's eye, and both old and young thoroughly enjoy every minute of their day together.

I love these kinds of happy, sweet stories of family sharing and togetherness. The warm world created by Cooke's text sparks to life with illustrations by Paul Howard, particularly that cover image of Grandma holding Jay Jay close to her heart. Sprout has always liked the center spread of Grandma's table groaning under all that food (who can blame him - makes me want to pull a chair right on up and dig in!). The repetitive text makes Full, Full, Full of Love a great choice to share with emergent readers, who will absolutely be clamoring for more by the end.

Whether you wrap up this book for your kiddos, or add it to your library list, find a way to get your hands on Full, Full, Full of Love for the holidays. It'll make your family celebrations, big or small, all the richer!

Full, Full, Full of Love by Trish Cooke, published by Candlewick Press

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Buffalo Song by Joseph Bruchac

It's Day 25 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. Tonight's Thanksgiving Eve, and there's a lot of excitement in our house thanks to a four-day break from work and school. I don't know about you, but these days I feel more pressure and more busy-ness every day - it's exceedingly wonderful to know we have a few days to rest, relax, enjoy one another's company.

Tonight's pick is Joseph Bruchac's Buffalo Song, a title that honors the Native peoples of our land, and commemorates the work they did to rebuild the great buffalo herds that once called North America home. It's important to note that Bruchac is himself Abenaki, which makes him a cultural insider and therefore capable of avoiding all the stereotypes that so frequently surround depictions of Native Americans in children's books. Bruchac's title is one I've been anxious to share, not only because it comes highly recommended by sources I trust, but also because it's sensitive and thoughtfully written.

Expect some questions with Buffalo Song -- after all, in the opening pages, a young calf is orphaned by white hunters who kill her mother and herd. But the story, ultimately, is one of hope and honor, as it tells of Salish tribal member Walking Coyote and his wife Mary, who among others gave much of themselves to foster the then-declining buffalo population in the late 1800s. Bruchac examines the obstacles Walking Coyote faced, and doesn't gloss over the difficulties, which makes this a great title for discussing how we as individuals can remain committed to a vision and follow it through to an ending that really can change the world.

Buffalo Song carries a message that I think we all really need to hear right now. And that it celebrates Native peoples makes it an essential title for any diverse collection.

Buffalo Song by Joseph Bruchac, published by Lee & Low

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Snug by Carol Thompson

It's Day 24 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. I'm struggling today, in the wake of the Ferguson grand jury non-indictment. My heart is heavy for my son and for all the sons and daughters of Black America. But we press on, working for justice, inclusion, representation, equality. So, diverse books - because that's where my hope lies, for the next generation to change this world.

Tonight's pick is a gentle one, because that's what my spirit needs right now. Snug by Carol Thompson is a board book, one that seems the kind of book that a toddler would seize on and need to have read over and over. It makes me a little sad that Sprout's outgrown these types of books - time was, he would have obsessed over Snug, I'm pretty sure. But it's definitely something I'll be giving to friends for their little ones, because it's not only sweet but very inclusive.

With Snug, Thompson describes the snugness of various things in nature, starting of course with the bug in the rug, but then branching out to include a bulb deep in the earth, a mouse in a house, even a slug in the mud (why not?). Thompson juxtaposes the images of nature with adorable chubby-cheeked kiddos exploring the world, whether that's burrowing under a quilt or digging in the soil. And the pictures show a range of ethnicities and genders, plus even abilities, with one girl in a wheelchair. Love!

Check out Snug if you want a simple and sweet title for bedtime with your kiddo. And hold them close as you read it, just as I'll be holding my kiddo tonight.

Snug by Carol Thompson, published by Child's Play

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Beautiful Moon by Tonya Bolden

Here we are at Day 23 of 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. One week left! This has been such a fun series to research and share with all of you - I hope you are enjoying these picks as much as we've been enjoying reading each of them.

Today I'm sharing a new title, Beautiful Moon: A Child's Prayer by Tonya Bolden. I saw the cover of this book online and that was all it took for me to know I had to get a copy on our library list pronto. I mean, just look at it - that is a simply awe-inspiring painting by Eric Velasquez that graces the cover. Plus the kiddo looks a whole lot like Sprout, or at least how he'll look in a few years (good grief, probably before I know it!). And the spreads inside the book are just as stirring. Velasquez is one of the most talented artists working in children's books, in my opinion, and I so enjoy sharing his work with Sprout.

Bolden's premise for the book is a young boy praying at his bedside. She starts the story with the boy waking up, having forgotten his prayers before going to sleep. First we see him praying, then we see images of all the people he's praying for - those with no homes, those who've gone to war, those who are sick. It's a wonderful theme for a book, and Bolden's craft shows through in every line, demonstrating connection and empathy (and, bonus, the boy's dad is black and his mother is white). The best detail is the moon shining down on all, both the boy and those he prays for, a bit that, I'll confess, I didn't even notice, but Sprout picked right up on.

No matter your faith or beliefs, it's nice to have books like Beautiful Moon to share with our kids. Titles that show little ones the importance of caring for others, are so crucial - and when they're as well-done as Beautiful Moon, an absolute joy to read together.

Beautiful Moon by Tonya Bolden, published by Abrams Books for Young Readers

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - At the Same Moment, Around the World by Clotilde Perrin

It's Day 22 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. For those who are new to our blog, Sprout was born in Ethiopia. He feels a deep connection to his country of birth. Sprout's aware that Ethiopia is ten hours ahead of us on the clock - often at his bedtime we talk about how his family will be waking up soon. It comforts him, I think, to be aware that while he is sleeping, he has family awake keeping him in their thoughts.

That's probably why I love books like At the Same Moment, Around the World so much. In this title, author/illustrator Clotilde Perrin connects people around the world by examining the events that are going on in different areas through the construct of time zones. This can be a tricky thing for kids to understand, but Perrin explains it beautifully. Even better, she establishes a personal connection by identifying not just an activity that would be going on in a particular place, but an individual who might be doing it. So readers quickly come to realize that while Sofia in Bulgaria is on her way to school, Abby in Samoa is preparing dinner.

This is kind of mind-blowing; expect it to take a few read-throughs of At the Same Moment before kids really grasp what Perrin is teaching them. It helps that the book features a large fold-out world map at the end, to assist with a visual way of understanding the time zone concept. Also, I must add that the artwork is fantastic - evocative and full of the kind of small details kids love to examine at length. The cover on its own illustrates the book's premise beautifully. I suggest looking that over carefully before you start to read, just to set the tone.

At the Same Moment, Around the World is a delightful tool to help bolster the notion of global citizenship. Think our copy will be going in for show-and-tell -- if, that is, Sprout ever gets done looking at it!

At the Same Moment, Around the World by Clotilde Perrin, published by Chronicle Books

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Firebird by Misty Copeland

It's Day 21 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. Last night we finished rereading Charlotte's Web to Sprout - his kindergarten teacher read it to the class and he loved it so much, he checked it out from the school library and brought it home to reread. I adore seeing Sprout's fondness for books deepen and grow, and to hear him say, as we finished the last chapter, "I just love that story." Melts this mama's heart!

Tonight's pick is one that also melts my heart, because it's such an important example of representation. Firebird is a picture book by acclaimed American ballerina Misty Copeland. Copeland is the third African American soloist in the American Ballet Theatre, the only one in the past twenty years. She's written Firebird as though she's speaking to a young dancer who dreams of being a professional ballerina, but feels her goals are out of reach. Copeland explains in her author's note that she never saw herself in books about ballet when she was a child, and hopes to change that with this book.

Christopher Myers did the illustrations for Firebird, and as you might expect from Myers, the pictures are amazing. Somehow he's captured the fluidity and light and motion of ballet in static images, using color and texture to set off the figures that fly across the pages. Copeland's text is poetic and lyrical, sure to be an inspiration to young ballerinas. And it's lovely to see ballerinas with gorgeous brown skin, their costuming a match for their incredible athleticism. Major points to Copeland for using her fame to increase representation for young ballerinas of color.

Firebird is a stellar title that belongs on every aspiring ballerina's bookshelf -- while celebrity picture books rarely make my must list, this one deserves its place!

Firebird by Misty Copeland, published by G.P. Putnam's Sons

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Ruby's Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges

It's Day 20 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. The National Book Awards were presented last night, and I was thrilled to see Jacqueline Woodson take home the honor for her spectacular memoir Brown Girl Dreaming. It is seriously magnificent, people - review coming when Picture Book Month is at an end.

Tonight's pick is one that often ends up on best-of lists, and for good reason - Ruby's Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges, like Woodson's Brown Girl Dreaming, honors a connection to the past and all those who've paved the way for future generations. Bridges tells the story of her grandmother, Ruby, a little girl growing up in China during a time when education was the province of boys, not girls. Ruby loves the color red, and she loves to learn, even putting in extra hours doing her domestic tasks just so she doesn't have to give up her studies when all the other girls do. And her grandfather sees Ruby's dedication and rewards it in a way that's most unusual for girls of that time period.

Ruby's Wish shines with the pride and love a granddaughter has for her grandmother, a message that young readers will no doubt find inspiring. Sophie Blackall rendered the exquisite watercolors for the book, and her art captures the time and place beautifully, as well as providing a gentle backdrop for the relationship between grandfather and granddaughter. (That cover - just amazing, no?) Modern readers may be surprised to learn of the restrictions on education - it's a great way to talk about how those limits continue in many countries, and discuss what we as global citizens can do to help broaden education worldwide.

Ruby's Wish is a stand-out addition to any home or classroom library. Read it for inspiration and history, in equal measures.

Ruby's Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges, published by Chronicle Books

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Rain! by Linda Ashman

It's Day 19 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. Can't quite believe that the month is going as quickly as it is, but the weather certainly seems like November. We've had some beautiful (but cold) days here in the Pacific Northwest, though I hear rain is not that far off. Sprout's anxious for snow, but I think that's going to be a while yet.

Tonight's pick is a weather-related one: Rain! by Linda Ashman. We seem to find a lot of books about rain in our travels - not sure if that's just because there's a good audience for such titles in our area, or if there really are a lot of them out there. No matter, though, because they've been some of our favorites, and Rain! definitely can be added to that list. This jubilant title is the perfect way to make a dreary day turn around.

Ashman's written a great intergenerational story, and she's done it with the fewest of words, making this a terrific choice for emerging readers. The two main characters are an older gentleman who's in a grumpy mood because of the weather, and a young boy who just loves it, even pretending to be a frog. I love the contrast here, and the way that the boy's infectious attitude manages to turn the grouchy guy completely around. Christian Robinson's art accompanies Ashman's text, and the graphics truly couldn't be better. If the real world looked like Robinson's version, no one could possibly be in a bad mood, even on a rainy day.

Next time the weather turns gray, don't pout - instead, grab a copy of Rain! and figure out how to turn all those puddles into opportunities for play!

Rain! by Linda Ashman, published by Houghton Mifflin

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales

It's Day 18 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. I'm often asked where I find so many great diverse titles to share. The truth is, they are out there but it sometimes takes a little bit of digging to find them! I have an advantage, being that I get paid to spend 40 hours a week working for the library (pinch me!). But I have begun to compile a list of recommended resources -- still a work in progress, so check back often.

Tonight's title is by the incredible artist Yuyi Morales: Viva Frida, a picture book homage to the artist Frida Kahlo. When this book arrived at my library, we really wrestled with where to put it, as it's an unusual take on a biography. We ended up putting it in the picture book section because frankly it's absolutely brilliant and I wanted it to get the widest audience it could, not be buried in biography. So there.

Morales's artwork is on full display here as she pays tribute to Frida Kahlo's life and work. There's an appearance by Diego Rivera, her self-portraits, her mystical realism, all of it. And the arresting imagery is accompanied by snippets of poetry that speak volumes. The final spread merely reads, "Vivo - I live!", but that's all the text that's needed, as Morales's image of Frida surrounded by animals and light and wearing vibrant clothing captures the essence of the artist entirely. It's a tremendous title, and would be the perfect starting place for an art unit inspired by Frida Kahlo's work. (An afterword fills in more details about Frida Kahlo's life.)

Pair Viva Frida with other art-infused picture books like Georgia's Bones or Vincent's Colors for an exploration of life, art and the world at large.

Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales, published by Roaring Brook Press

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Tiger in My Soup by Kashmira Sheth

It's Day 17 in our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. This morning I read a terrific post by Angie at Fat Girl Reading, on Librarians and the #WeNeedDiverseBooks initiative. Bottom line: if you want diverse books, and your library doesn't have them, ASK! (Angie says it much better.)

And now on to tonight's pick, Tiger in My Soup by the ever-terrific Kashmira Sheth. I love this one because it illustrates just how fun diverse books can be - they need not be heavy and lesson-oriented, though those titles have their place, but can be imaginative and full of fancy. And Tiger in My Soup definitely fits that description!

The story revolves around a young boy whose sister is in charge of him. Sis is preoccupied and won't read the book our hero wants, though she will microwave him some soup. And that's where the trouble begins, for out of the steam of the boy's lunch comes one big hungry tiger! Naturally the story spins off from there, and it's a whole lot of crazy adventure that will keep your kiddos scrambling to turn the page. Jeffrey Ebbeler did the illustrations for Tiger in My Soup, and he manages to perfectly capture not only the bored vibe of the older sister, but also the frenetic energy of the boy (and, of course, the tiger!).

Tiger in My Soup is terrific to show kids how exciting reading can be - but don't be surprised if they're looking carefully at the next book you read, to see if the characters are literally leaping off the page!

Tiger in My Soup by Kashmira Sheth, published by Peachtree Publishers

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - What's So Yummy? by Robie H. Harris

Today's Day 16 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. Nope, we haven't run out of picks yet - in fact, as always with this series, I'm starting to wonder if I'll get everything included! 

Tonight's pick is nonfiction, and I chose this one specifically because I think it's important to remember that nonfiction choices should also be inclusive. It's really easy to focus on the topic and worry less about diversity when choosing informative titles, but in my opinion, we need to be just as mindful there, if not more so. Fortunately there are plenty of good choices, such as What's So Yummy? by Robie H. Harris. The latest entry in the Let's Talk About You and Me series by Harris and Nadine Bernard Westcott, this title focuses on healthy eating and exercise, so it's a great choice to share with preschoolers on up!

Harris writes What's So Yummy? with an informative yet never boring tone - including plenty of facts that kids will find intriguing. There's even a discussion of allergies, something Sprout found relevant as two of his best school friends have significant allergies. But for me the icing on the cake with this title is the pictures - the main characters are a transracial family, a huge bonus for us. And the background is populated with folks of different ages, races, genders, and abilities. It's really a lovely recognition of the fact that our world is diverse and books for children should acknowledge that, no matter what their topic.

Teachers, librarians and parents: you can't go wrong with any of the titles by Harris and Westcott, but What's So Yummy? is especially delightful. Hats off to quality, inclusive nonfiction!

What's So Yummy? by Robie H. Harris, published by Candlewick Press

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Faraway Home by Jane Kurtz

It's Day 15 of 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. We're halfway through the series, can you believe it? What's your favorite title so far? I hope you've seen some old favorites as well as some new titles to add to your wish list!

Tonight's pick is one by the amazing author Jane Kurtz - one of her older titles, Faraway Home. We've read many of Jane's picture books and look forward to reading more, but I recently realized that somehow I've never reviewed any of her titles on the blog. (What the what?!? Fixing that now!) We feel a special connection to Jane because she grew up in Ethiopia, and is a fierce advocate for the country and its people. I especially admire her work for Ethiopia Reads.

Faraway Home is about Desta, an American-born girl whose father must return for a visit to Ethiopia because her grandmother is ill. Desta doesn't know Ethiopia and it makes her a little sad to hear the longing her father has for his homeland -- she's afraid her daddy won't return to America. But the more her father talks about the beautiful country, the more Desta is reassured, and the more she feels connected to the Ethiopia that lives in her too. Jane tells the story beautifully, thoughtfully and tenderly, and the breathtaking illustrations by E.B. Lewis evoke the spirit of the tale. This one always makes Sprout thoughtful as well, and I love to read it to reinforce his own ties to the land of his birth, which will always be in his heart.

Include Faraway Home in your collection for many reasons - its gentle reassurance, its exploration of the lives of immigrants, its celebration of family and connection. It's tough to get (come on, let's see this one back in print!) but well worth looking for!

Faraway Home by Jane Kurtz, published by Gulliver Books

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Not Norman by Kelly Bennett

It's Day 14 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. I have had such a great response to this series, so thank you! It's terrific to have so many folks supporting diverse books in general, and sharing the titles with others - love to see more demand being generated for inclusive books!

Today's pick is one we bought as part of our collection before Sprout came home. I ran into a paperback copy of Kelly Bennett's Not Norman very soon after we got Sprout's referral, and knew we had to add this book to our burgeoning bookshelf in the kiddo's room. I love that the little boy in the book is African American, but that his race is completely incidental to the story. That's a really nice touch, in a world where many picture books focus on issues of equality or identity - not that those things aren't important, but sometimes it's nice to have the story be about something entirely different.

Noah Z. Jones did the pictures for Not Norman, and we love their cartoony vibe. The story surrounds a little boy who's given a goldfish as a pet. It's not at ALL what he wanted, and he begins to scheme ways to trade Norman in for something better. But the more time our hero spends with Norman, the more he realizes this goldfish might just be the perfect pet after all. Bennett's upbeat story sneaks in a couple of lessons -- about being satisfied with what you have, and about not judging others -- and it's all so subtle Sprout never realized this was a book with a message!

Not Norman would be a title to include in a storytime or lesson plan about pets. And while cats and dogs get most of the love, Norman shows that goldfish are pretty awesome themselves.

Not Norman by Kelly Bennett, published by Candlewick Press

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Lin Yi's Lantern by Brenda Williams & Benjamin Lacombe

It's lucky Day 13 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. If you have been enjoying our series, you definitely will want to mark your calendars for January 27, 2015 - Multicultural Children's Book Day! This special day is an event that will raise awareness about the need for diverse books and celebrate all the great books already on shelves. Sprout's Bookshelf is proud to be one of the co-hosts of this important event!

Tonight's pick fits right into the spirit of Multicultural Children's Book Day - it's Lin Yi's Lantern by Brenda Williams and Benjamin Lacombe. This gorgeous title is from Barefoot Books, always a great source for high-quality diverse picture books. (Really, you can't go wrong with Barefoot.) And this one is no exception - the story of a young boy tasked to buy supplies for the Moon Festival celebration, who longs for a red rabbit lantern but runs out of money. The choice Lin Yi makes is hard, but he knows it's the right one - and in the end, his love for his family is rewarded.

Everything's beautiful about Lin Yi's Lantern, from the touching storyline to the stunning illustrations. (The Moon Fairy at the end is a special favorite of mine.) I also love the thoughtful touches, from the legend that Lin Yi's Uncle tells, to the explanation of marketing in China, to the activity of making a Chinese lantern. Those are the qualities that help make multicultural literature more relatable to all kids, everywhere, and it's nice to see it so well done in this book!

Pick up Lin Yi's Lantern for the Moon Festival or really any time - it's a story of family and giving that you'll want to read all year round.

Lin Yi's Lantern by Brenda Williams and Benjamin Lacombe, published by Barefoot Books

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Boom Boom by Sarvinder Naberhaus

It's Day 12 of our series of 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books! One thing I really love about the #WeNeedDiverseBooks movement is that by supporting diverse titles, you are often supporting diverse authors as well. It's fantastic when I get to read a book to Sprout and then we can talk about the author's origins - especially great when we can flip to an author photo and he sees someone who looks a lot like him!

Tonight's pick is by Sarvinder Naberhaus, who's from India, and whose debut picture book, Boom Boom, is a celebration of the seasons as seen through the eyes of a multicultural group of kids. The children are all part of a preschool class, and through a series of vignettes taking place in different seasons, readers get to experience the natural world with them.

Naberhaus's text is a terrifically simple poem with spot-on rhyme and rhythm. This would be a serious joy for storytime, with plenty of action words that kids could get up and move to, yet it's elemental enough that even very young ones will have no trouble catching on. The pictures are by Margaret Chodos-Irvine, one of my favorite artists for young children. Her illustration style is bold, energetic and textural, all things that make Boom Boom a standout for any collection.

Next time you're looking for a book on seasons, consider reaching beyond the usual suspects for a more inclusive pick. Books like Boom Boom will make you glad you did!

Boom Boom by Sarvinder Naberhaus, published by Beach Lane Books

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - The Hula-Hoopin' Queen by Thelma Lynne Godin

Today's Day 11 of our 30 Days of Picture Books. As it was Veteran's Day, and gorgeous weather, we spent the day exploring one of the lovely state parks in our area. Hiking, walking the beach, kicking the soccer ball - pretty much a perfect day for Sprout, even though he was disappointed not to be in school!

Tonight's pick is a pretty new book published by one of my favorite publishers, Lee & Low. One of these days I'm going to do a post on the best publishers for multicultural lit and Lee & Low will be at the top of that list. With quality offerings like The Hula-Hoopin' Queen by Thelma Lynne Godin, it's not hard to see why - their books are always very well done and they are some of Sprout's top picks.

Godin's book focuses on Kameeka, who's given some tasks to do for a very special lady's birthday but who's got her mind on hula-hooping instead. Kameeka wants to beat her rival, but in her quest to do so, she almost ruins Miz Adeline's party. There's a surprise twist at the end of this one that makes everything all right, and adds a joyfulness to the story that makes it even better. And the illustrations by Vanessa Brantley-Newton are beautifully exuberant - her renditions of Godin's characters are so expressive they fairly leap off the page. It's absolutely a wonderful title.

The Hula-Hoopin' Queen is full of lessons about putting others first and being thoughtful, but Godin delivers it all in a lighthearted way, making this a sure-fire hit for reading aloud. (You might want to dig out the hula-hoops first though -- pretty sure you'll be needing them after storytime!)

The Hula-Hoopin' Queen by Thelma Lynne Godin, published by Lee & Low Books