Hello again!
This week is National Book Award Week which focuses on "...future authors, books, and literature in general". It's a time when awards are handed out, the current landscape of the reading world is gazed upon, and what the coming years hold is pondered. This week, I want to focus on not award winners, though bookmarks up to them, but on books in general...the joy they bring, the adventures they hold, and the moments they create.
Today, we're stepping into the bookish arena with Abrams Children's Books and a selection of titles that are either available now, or just about to celebrate their bookish birthdays. So get your wish lists ready and prepare for a variety of adventures through the pages because, after all, that's the beauty of books. There are countless journeys to take, roads to travel, and stars to seek, all in the comfort of your favorite reading spot.
by
Susan Verde
Illustrated by
Peter H. Reynolds
9781419771941
The beauty of this book is in the simplicity in which it begins, and the vibrancy with which it grows. It reminds us that taking time to care for ourselves is just as important as the time we give of ourselves to others because you can't give what you're not already receiving. If you drain your own battery, there's nothing left to share. It's not selfish in any fashion; it's caring to the utmost degree. The illustrations start with individual people, and animals, but build into full color scenes filled with people, places, and life. It might possibly be one of the books many NEED right now considering the condition of our world, and the political climate...but I digress.
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by
Cheryl B. Klein
Illustrated by
Juana Medina
9781419767333
Okay, I thought this one was cute as I was reading because, think about...being a baby doesn't really seem HARD! You get everything you need at any time and have all the attention you could want. Everything is for you or about you. Everyone wants to see the little baby, hold the little baby, love the little baby...but is that what YOU want? I mean, if you were the baby. It's not like anyone consults you. You may have all the attention, but does anyone REALLY know what you're asking for? We really DON'T know...we're all just guessing...but it DOES get better on both sides of the experience. Communication improves, movement expands, and the love still grows. I gotta say though, as much fun as the story was, and how great I think little babies are going to respond to it (even if we can't tell what they're thinking), I adored discovering that the narrator of the story was a an older sibling. It just gave it another level of sweetness, and made my heart smile because they're sharing their own hard earned wisdom with the next generation.
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by
Susan Yoon
Illustrated by
Audrey Helen Weber
9781419763793
A tale of loneliness and friendship. It reminds us that not every connection looks the same, but those that matter will be there through thick and thin, nearness and distance, sun up and sun down. With a peaceful color palette throughout, this gentle story will help little ones towards their own "light".
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by
Paul Fleischman
Illustrated by
Hannah Salyer
9781949480436
This is a story that lets your imagination take flight! It shares factual information as the class studies veery bird migration, while allowing them to see the similarities between themselves and their aviary friends. Both are smaller than other creatures, and have "predators" aplenty, but both have rich, full histories to share, lives they're creating, and futures to soar towards. The student's teacher helps to encourage their exploration of the world that surrounds them, and her classroom exercise of slowing down, listening, and being in the moment, allows them to build healthy habits that will aid them in their journey for knowledge throughout their lives. The subtle use of color in the illustrations really highlights the moments being shared, and draws readers in to explore the scenes before them.
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by
Chris Clarkson
Illustrated by
Julie Jarema
9781419766480
This beautifully told story illustrates the wishes of a young girl's heart as she finally finds her forever home. It shows us the importance of family (not necessarily by blood, but by choice), and how beautiful that kinship can be. It reminds us that new situations may be uncomfortable, and strange, but a positive attitude, and a right proper wish, can set in motion the foundation for a happily-ever-after we'd adore to call our own. I love the nontraditional family that's represented because THAT'S reality. There is no version that is the only version it can be, and the version that is right for us is the perfect fit. A touching tale that will certainly have some readers seeing themselves in the characters, but I hope they are equally feeling the love that shines from each page.
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by
Kelly J. Baptist
Illustrated by
Jenin Mohammed
9781419769078
Release Date: November 12,2024
The jammy session has just begun, but bedtime is the last thing these two little kiddos are focused on. The sweet melody of jazzy tunes floating through the floors and doors is keeping them from reaching dream time status. Does it bother them? No way! In fact, they wish they could join in the fun...and let's just say the temptation to get up close and personal with the notes coming from the basement are too much to bear. What becomes of their nighttime escapade throughout the house? Why, a brilliant accompaniment they didn't see coming, and the chance to paint their dreams in a brilliant shade of their choosing. A great reminder of the power of family relationships, the wonder that a great song can bring to light, and the tranquility that can be found in the every day, if only we take a moment to stop and appreciate the beauty that surrounds.
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Special thanks to the dream team at Abrams Children's for the chance to bring these titles to you and to the publisher for the ecopies for review. (THANKS!) For more information on these titles, the author, illustrators, or publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.
Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
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