Picture Book of the Day - Wolfie the Bunny by Ame Dyckman

I'm always on the lookout for picture books about adoption and transracial families. Sometimes that means digging below the obvious choices -- many of which are overly sentimental, to be totally honest -- and seeking out titles that might not be instantly recognizable as fitting the bill for us. Fortunately that search paid off with our most recent read, and Sprout's current favorite, Wolfie the Bunny.

To tell the truth, we've been looking forward to Wolfie the Bunny for quite some time, as we were huge fans of author Ame Dyckman's first book Boy + Bot, a can't-miss choice if your kiddos love robots. Also we already knew illustrator Zachariah Ohora from No Fits, Nilson, about a gorilla with a real penchant for temper tantrums (super fun). So any project with the combined talents of these two wunderkinds was automatically on our TBR list. And luckily, Wolfie the Bunny not only lived up to our expectations, it far exceeded them - I had no idea that Wolfie was going to be such a great choice for its themes about sibling relationships, adoption, and families that don't exactly match.

The real star of Wolfie the Bunny isn't the title character, but his big sister Dot. Dot and her family, a respectable rabbit clan, are stunned when a baby wolf ends up on their doorstep. Dot's parents are totally enchanted from the get-go, but Dot's not convinced. Hello, he's a WOLF! Yet try as she might, Dot can't get anyone to listen to her concerns. Then one day, there's a showdown - will Dot's worst fears be realized??!?

I won't spoil the ending for you, but let's just say that this buck-toothed wolf baby is not the big villain of the story. Though they are rabbit and wolf, the relationship between these two kiddos mirrors any sibling relationship that humans have ever had. (Of course, being that he's an only, that dynamic mostly went over Sprout's head, but Hubs and I found it all-too-familiar.) As with Boy + Bot, Dyckman was clearly in her element writing Wolfie, because the humor throughout is totally spot-on. And bless the editorial hand that matched up this author and illustrator - Ohora's style matches Dyckman's lively narrative like the two were born to create picture books. So many great touches here, particularly the character development of the lovably-bescowled Dot. (Confession: she's my super-fave.)

If you're looking for a sibling story with just a bit of bite, look no further than Wolfie the Bunny. This family may not match on the outside, but when it all comes down to it, they're perfectly paired!

Wolfie the Bunny by Ame Dyckman, published by Little, Brown and Company

Picture Book Review - Imani's Moon by JaNay Brown-Wood

Oh my word, such a stack of books to blog about! I've been reading and loving so many books lately - it seems like a great season for multicultural and diverse titles, at long last. Lots of these titles are by authors or illustrators whose work I've previously enjoyed, but every once in a while a new artist sneaks in and captures my heart. I *love* when that happens!

Today's pick is just such a title - one that I saw the cover for and instantly knew I had to read it. Take a look at this image and tell me Imani's Moon isn't going on your TBR list for that picture alone:

I'm quite happy to say that the book delivers nicely on the promise of that cover. Author JaNay Brown-Wood based Imani's Moon on the legends and culture of the Maasai people, who can be found in Kenya and Tanzania. Sprinkling in a bit of Maasai tribal dancing and a good dose of traditional Maasai storytelling, Brown-Wood created the story of Imani, a tiny girl who is mocked by others for her small stature. Imani is captivated by her mother's stories of Olapa, the moon goddess, and longs to touch the moon in honor of her heroine. But the task seems impossible, and Imani's initial efforts fail, garnering more jeers from the children in her village. Should Imani give up her unachievable dream?

Brown-Wood does an excellent job of blending mystical and realistic in Imani's Moon. Talking animals and feats of the fantastic are key components of her story. While kids aren't likely to believe that (spoiler alert) Imani really touches the moon, they will internalize the message that Imani's mama tells her: "(a) challenge is only impossible until someone accomplishes it." Those are powerful words, just the kind of thing I want Sprout to have implanted firmly in his head as he goes forth in the world.

I can't close out this review without mentioning the illustrations by Hazel Mitchell, because they really tremendous. Brown-Wood's text pays honor to the Maasai, as do Mitchell's illustrations, showing them as a joyous and soulful people who live close to the land and revere their traditions. Sprout especially enjoyed the spread showing the Maasai warriors dancing - it's an arresting image that evokes the spirit of this gathering, a celebration and a ritual that is deeply embedded in Maasai culture. Mitchell uses color to evoke emotions as well, keeping the moon a focal point as it is for Imani herself.

Don't miss Imani's Moon, a great addition to collections for its focus on bravery, honoring oneself and never giving up. Let the magic sweep you up, as it does Imani, to touch the moon.

Imani's Moon by JaNay Brown-Wood, published by Mackinac Island Press
Ages 4-6
Source: Library
Recommended

Bonus: read more about author JaNay Brown-Wood in the Multicultural Children's Book Day Spotlight

Review and GIVEAWAY! - Hissy Fitz by Patrick Jennings

Hello my lovelies, and welcome to 2015! We've had a wonderful winter break (until today that is, when Hubs succumbed to one of the bugs that's been floating around - luckily Sprout & I are as yet in the clear!). I hope you were able to enjoy some relaxation time around the holidays, whether or not you celebrate. It's really nice to just take a breath and recharge before the new year.

We're starting 2015 off with a bang here at the Bookshelf, with a review and GIVEAWAY of the new book Hissy Fitz by Patrick Jennings. This is a signed copy friends - you won't want to miss adding this hilarious chapter book to your collection!

Hissy Fitz couldn't have come along at a better time for us. Sprout's been in full learning-to-read mode, so we are gobbling up the easy readers, and our chapter book read-aloud time has been seriously extended. It's so exciting to see him really loving books in a whole new way, and nearly every night he tells me how he can't wait to read chapter books on his own. Because of that, I've been making it a point to choose books that he'll really love, which usually means funny books with vivid characters. Check and double check for Hissy Fitz.

This is the story of Hissy, a cat who just wants a decent days' sleep. Not so much to ask, right? Well it is in a household that includes one chatty grade-schooler, twin three-year-olds (one of whom just does not understand cats *at all*), and a carpenter dad. Add in barking dogs, a neighbor who fixes cars and all the noise that comes when the family is together, and you have one cranky, sleep-deprived Hissy. And he's going to do whatever it takes to get some peace and quiet - no matter what that might be. 'Cause this cat is ex-haus-ted!

We received an advance copy of Hissy Fitz to review, but even if we hadn't gotten a complimentary book, this still would have been a big hit in our household. Hissy's high jinks are seriously hilarious, as is his cranky demeanor. Jenkins clearly knows his audience -- he keeps the story moving at a perfect pace, and ratchets up the humor at just the right points throughout the plot. Sprout seriously cannot stop laughing every time we read a chapter, and in fact he was just begging me to finish the book before bedtime tonight. "I can't wait, Mom! I have to find out what happens!" were his exact words. Coming from a kid, you know that's high praise.

Hissy Fitz is perfect for kiddos just beginning to enjoy chapter books on their own. The language is simple but the action keeps them turning pages - definitely not a boring early chapter title! Hissy is the first book we've read by Patrick Jennings but I'm sure it won't be the last - Sprout's already begging me to get a copy of Guinea Dog, Jennings' award-winning title for middle graders, to read aloud soon. Can't wait!

Hissy Fitz by Patrick Jennings, published by Egmont Publishing
Ages 7-9
Source: review copy received from publisher
Sample: "I hiss at dogs. Swat at cats. Scream at children. Growl at old people. They call me crazy. Mad. Insane. Wild. And they're right. I'm everybody's worst nightmare, and I will continue to be until everybody gets quiet and lets me sleep."

If you'd like to have Hissy Fitz on your kiddo's reading list this year, maybe you'd like your very own copy?? You can win a signed copy!

(Prize provided by Egmont Publishing. Review is our honest opinion, 'cause we can't be bought, haha!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out these other great blogs, for more chances to win!

Enter to Win Signed Copies of HISSY FITZ on These Blogs!

Sunday, January 04, 2015

Cat Wisdom 101

Monday, January 05, 2015

Pamela Thompson’s Blog

Book Sp(l)ot Reviews

Boys and Literacy

Tuesday, January 06, 2015

Curling Up with a Good Book

Ms. Yingling Reads

Sprouts Bookshelf

Sebastian the Sensitive Soul

Wednesday, January 07, 2015

Batch of Books

Traveling Cats

Book Buddies PH

Genuine Jenn

Thursday, January 08, 2015

Geo Librarian

From the Mixed Up Files

Pinky Pollock Kids

Friday, January 09, 2015

A Dream within a Dream

The Children’s Book Review

Jean Book Nerd

Later

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Rockin’ Book Reviews

To Be Announced

This Kid Reviews Books

Cat Chat with Caren and Cody

Thoughts Fur Paws

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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - I Know a Lot! by Stephen Krensky

It's Day 9 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. What's your favorite thing about picture books? At the top of my list has to be the closeness that they engender. When you read a picture book to a young child, you are building memories and relationships that will last a lifetime.

Tonight's pick is a board book that I absolutely love -- I Know a Lot! by Stephen Krensky. I first saw this title on a cart of new materials at work; the cover jumped right out at me, for the colors and retro feel as well as the adorable braided girl on the front cover. Sara Gillingham did the illustrations and they are terrific, the feel of classics updated for a new generation.

The other thing I really love about I Know a Lot! is the confidence-building aspect. The heroine is a preschooler, and she's proud of what she knows, sharing many facts with readers as she goes through her day with family and friends. Krensky works in opposites and other concepts quite cleverly, for an added bonus. And the diverse cast plus comforting rhythms of the text make this a winner for babies on up through preschool.

Put I Know a Lot! in a bin or on a shelf at eye level and little ones will be reaching for it every time. Look for more in Krensky and Gillingham's Empowerment Series (I Am So Brave! is another favorite of ours) for high-quality board books you and your kiddos will adore!

I Know a Lot! by Stephen Krensky, published by Abrams Appleseed

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - The Change Your Name Store by Leanne Shirtliffe

One week gone already! It's Day 8 of our 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books series. We're still building the list for the rest of the month, so if you have a favorite diverse picture book that you haven't yet seen here on the Bookshelf, let us know about it in the comments!

Tonight's pick is The Change Your Name Store by Leanne Shirtliffe. This one resonated with us because we've already had the conversation with Sprout about wanting his name to be different. Honestly, I'd imagine most kids go through this feeling at some point or another - I sure did, and so does the protagonist of this book, Wilma Lee Wu. So Wilma visits the Change Your Name Store, where she tries on a bunch of different names, from other kids around the globe, to decide what the best fit is for her. (You might be able to guess what she ends up with, but it doesn't feel like a forced lesson.)

I love that this book takes Wilma to several different countries, and also that the scenes in the Change Your Name Store feature a diverse cross-section of names on the lists pinned to the walls. One minor quibble: I wish the author had somehow acknowledged that while Wilma doesn't feel at home in Belize or Paris, these are perfectly wonderful places to live, just not right for our main character. But that's an easy talking point with your kiddos when you read, so not a reason to pass this colorful, lively story by!

From the pictures bursting with small details (courtesy of illustrator Tina Kügler) to the affirming message, The Change Your Name Store is a great way to diversify your bookshelf!

The Change Your Name Store by Leanne Shirtliffe, published by Sky Pony Press

(full disclosure: we received a copy of this book in exchange for our honest review).

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn

It's Day 7 of 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. The cool thing about reading lots of picture books is that you begin to narrow down your favorite authors and illustrators. Even Sprout has quite a list going by now, and loves to look for them whenever we go to the library.

Tonight's pick is by an author and illustrator team that Sprout and I both adore. Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn is the latest entry in the series featuring Lola and her family, including brother Leo. We have loved every single book in this series, and I'm happy to report that this latest is just as awesome as all the rest!

One thing I love about Lola Plants a Garden is that it teaches kids how to work through a project from beginning to end. Lola gets the idea for a garden from reading a poem; she tells her mom and they work on the project together, from designing to planting to decorating the garden and then throwing a party to show it off. Winsome illustrations by Rosalind Beardshaw are the perfect touch to complement McQuinn's storytelling.

Add Lola Plants a Garden to your list -- this is a sweet celebration of flowers, friends and books, and what could be better than that?

Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn, published by Charlesbridge

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - 100 Things that Make Me Happy by Amy Schwartz

It's Day 5 of 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. Hope you are finding some new titles to add to your reading list through this series. Remember, diverse books flourish when we support them with our dollars and our checkouts...so get thee to a library or bookstore, 'kay?

Tonight's pick is a book that just makes me smile -- 100 Things That Make Me Happy by Amy Schwartz. On the surface this may not look like a diverse picture book, but crack the cover and you'll see why I'm including it. Schwartz populates her pages with people of all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages, though of course cute kiddies take the prize in this one.

This diverse cast is playing together and enjoying some truly stupendous things. You might not enjoy all 100 things yourself, but I'll bet more of them than not wind up on your awesome list. I mean, "chocolate chips / camping trips / goldfish / birthday wish / red bow / tic-tac-toe / hula-hoops / double scoops". What's not to love there? And I really appreciate that on this one spread, Schwartz has characters of at least four different skin colors, including one little boy who looks pretty much like Sprout (with his favorite, chocolate chips!).

Read 100 Things that Make Me Happy and then make up your own happy list. On the top of mine? Picture books and crochet hooks! :)

100 Things that Make Me Happy by Amy Schwartz, published by Abrams Appleseed

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn Russell-Brown

It's Day 3 of 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. We're having a great time rereading some old favorites and checking out new books in order to select the titles for our 30 Days. Terrific stuff is coming your way!

Today's pick is a new title by debut picture book author Katheryn Russell-Brown -- Little Melba and Her Big Trombone. Russell-Brown joins the ranks of a number of authors who have turned the lives of Black Americans into engaging picture book material. In this case, Russell-Brown tells the story of Melba Liston, the first woman to achieve prominence in the jazz scene for her trombone playing.

And what playing it was! The book takes us back to Melba's youth, growing up in Kansas City "where you could reach out and feel the music". Melba longed to play an instrument, so her mother bought her a trombone. Melba set about teaching herself everything there was to know about that horn, achieving prominence as a composer and performer who worked with famous musicians of all sorts.

Melba Liston was a trailblazer, and it's wonderful to see her story brought so vividly to life (we especially love the jazz-infused style of illustrator Frank Morrison). Read this one with your kiddos and get ready to dance - 'cause Melba's story won't keep you in your seat for long!

Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn Russell-Brown, published by Lee & Low

30 Days of Diverse Picture Books - Little Humans by Brandon Stanton

Put down that leftover Halloween candy and get ready for something even sweeter! It's November, and you know what that means!

Woot woot! It's one of my favorite things that happens all year long - Picture Book Month, a 30 day celebration of the books that speak to all ages. If you need convincing as to why picture books are important, you'll find a new reason each day on the official Picture Book Month website. But I know you're all believers, just as we are, of the power of picture books to change lives young and old!

AND this year, with all the attention swirling around the call for diversity in children's literature, I decided this year would be 30 Days of Diverse Picture Books. That means books that celebrate difference in all its forms - because, after all, there is nothing so beautiful as literature that includes everyone.

On to our first pick!

For Day 1, I'm choosing a brand-new title that's written by blogger Brandon Stanton, best known for his blog Humans of New York. It's an incredible site, full of humanity and laughter and heartache. Stanton includes kids on his blog quite a bit, and has compiled a cross-section of fantastic photographs into his new picture book, Little Humans.

If you've followed Stanton's blog, you'll recognize many of the photos, but it's really fun to see them in an entirely new context. Stanton's added some text to tie the images together, though that seems unnecessary - honestly, I think he could just have had his incredibly winning photography stand on its own, and young readers would have been equally charmed. But it is loads of fun, and a great way to include diversity in a collection, demonstrating all the ways in which humans are both alike and different.

It's a brave new diverse world out there - and we love the way Little Humans celebrates it!

Little Humans by Brandon Stanton, published by Farrar Straus Giroux