by Kathleen Blasi, illustrated by Petronela Dostalova; Yeehoo Press, 2021.
Young listeners will connect with Milo as he embarks on an adventure with meteors. How he manages to engage his “second-in-command” (Mom) is sure to strike a chord with children who have had to wait while a parent finished a task before getting to the real (fun) mission at hand.
by Nancy Bo Flood, illustrated by Julianna Swaney; Atheneum, 2020.
In the uplifting I Will Dance, readers meet ten year-old Eva who hasn’t the strength to move, but holds fast to a wish and a will to dance. How that dream becomes reality through her determination supported by the caring actions of others, makes for a truly inspirational “teachable moment.”
by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi; Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; 2020.
Years in the making, the eagerly-anticipated Gurple and Preen picture book began with Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s blog, which features broken-crayon art and has grown to enjoy immense popularity. I’m pleased to celebrate the launch of Gurple and Preen, a collaborative effort between Debbie and Newbery Award and New York Times bestselling author Linda Sue Park, with an interview featuring both creators and plenty of ideas for sharing this picture book adventure with children!
This month’s Children’s Book Corner blog post is dedicated to shining a light on outstanding children’s books by people of color and offering resources for sharing their books with readers.
by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Shane W. Evans; HarperCollins Children’s Books, 2020.
Our young narrator is scared. He doesn’t want to go to school. Big Papa understands. He knows a thing or two about being scared, about being brave, and about love. Here, woven between and beyond the being scared is the tender story thoughtful caregiver Big Papa and the time machine (or his beloved car), and the wisdom he imparts to the boy in his care.
by Alice Faye Duncan, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow; A Denene Millner Book/Simon & Schuster, 2020.
Just Like a Mama is a tender tale chronicling a foster child’s every-child activities framed by her relationship with Mama Rose, who is just like a mama to her. Though we do not learn of blood ties (or lack thereof) linking the two characters, readers are left with no doubt of the bond of love they share.