Yesterday I wrote at length in my post “let’s talk about race” giving some context for today’s titles. If you haven’t read that, I’d encourage you to do that before diving into today’s collection. I’ve got about a dozen titles …
a trio of sweets for valentines
Looking for a sweet book for a Valentine’s gift? Or just an affectionate tale for a cuddly storytime? Try these new and old winners: I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home, written by Kathryn Cristaldi, illustrated by Kristyna Litten …
black history is American history
Welcome to February, also known as Black History Month… …a designation reminding us that American history is a diverse, color-full history. To understand our story and society accurately, we listen to diverse voices and views. There are extraordinary people to …
welcome to The Year of the Pig!
Chinese New Year festivities are just around the corner, extending from February 5-19. We’re embarking on The Year of the Pig! Today I’ve got a set of books to introduce some of the elaborate traditions that have come to be …
just imagine!
Today’s five books are an exuberant celebration of imagination! Check out these fizzing titles! Imagine! a wordless book by Raúl Colón published in 2018, a Paula Wiseman Book, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers With his drop-dead gorgeous illustrations, …
never stop being curious!
I love children’s non-fiction! Through it, I’ve learned a whale of a lot about a vast number of things. About a chef who fed England’s upper crust as well as her desperately poor. About the African American fashion designer who …
jump into a year-ful of poetry!
I’ve been waiting to get my hands on this poetry compendium: Sing a Song of Seasons: A Nature Poem for Each Day of the Year, selected by Fiona Waters, illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon published in 2018 by Nosy Crow/Candlewick And …
still dreaming that dream…MLK Day 2019
One of the great benefits for me in writing Orange Marmalade has been a greater exposure to children’s literature covering Black History and the Civil Rights Movement. I’ve learned a lot about these tremendously important subjects, compellingly addressed by talented …
fancy some fantasy?
One of my goals for Orange Marmalade in 2019 is to delve a bit into fantasy — which sounds very dwarf-like, this delving. Partly in order to keep expanding my own reading menu; partly because I recognize that for many …
a Dickensian tale of golems and chimney sweeps
Presenting another piece of middle-grade fiction that I couldn’t put down 🙂 Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster, by Jonathan Auxier published in 2018 by Amulet Books 344 pages + Author’s and Historical Notes Masterful storyteller Jonathan …
a jumble of jolliness
Today we’re leaning into silliness and razzle-dazzle, rambunctiousness and wagging tails, books that’ll spread a ray of sunshine in your little reading circle! Our Car, written J.M. Brum, illustrated by Jan Bajtlik published in 2018, a Neal Porter Book, Roaring …
