Elisha Cooper came to my library with an offer. How would we like beautiful, handmade signs for the different sections of the library that also happened to be Evanston-themed? We unpack the results of this generous gift.
Wild in the Streets: A Marilyn Singer Interview + Blog Tour
September 18, 2019 by Leave a Comment
You want something high class and snazzy? You know who to turn to. Today I sit down (virtually) with Marilyn Singer and I pull no punches, people! Good thing I really like today’s book.
Blogger Blitz Cover Reveal: Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai
September 18, 2019 by Leave a Comment
Here’s a new idea. Let’s see what you think of it. We’re all familiar with “blog tours” at the moment. Heck, I’m hosting one today. The “blogger blitz” is a little different. Essentially, a publisher takes a high quality author (say, one Remy Lai of the magnificent 2019 release Pie in the Sky) then, instead of releasing their new cover on a single site, does so across the internet on a plethora of them. Today, I am one of a hoard.
Newbery/Caldecott 2020: Fall Prediction Edition
September 17, 2019 by 12 Comments
Do you hear that grinding and clanking of gears? That’s the ALA YMA prediction machines getting ready to blast us with the full force of their knowledge and expertise. Here then, are thoughts on the Newbery/Caldecott announcements coming this January. Whee!
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Swimmy by Leo Lionni
September 16, 2019 by 1 Comment
In this episode I discover that no one has ever written a fun background story on how Leo Lionni came up with this book, we consider whether or not Lionni was good at making art with cut potatoes, whether fish have eyebrows, and how hard it is to say the term “Mom pun” repeatedly.
Review of the Day: I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day
September 12, 2019 by Leave a Comment
Set in contemporary Seattle with a Suquamish/Duwamish protagonist, Day (Upper Skagit) highlights a historical injustice by writing a book a kid might actually enjoy reading. No mean task. I think I may have devoured it entirely in one sitting.
Why Do We Build the Wall, My Children, My Children?
September 11, 2019 by Leave a Comment
Is there any physical object out there that carries quite as much weight and symbolism as a wall? It’s gotten me to thinking about how walls are being portrayed in children’s books in 2019. Here then is a quick encapsulation of some of the walls I’ve seen, what they’re trying to say, what they’re actually saying, and what they should be saying.
Interview: Mitali Perkins Talks of Between Us and Abuela
September 10, 2019 by Leave a Comment
For 25 years, Mexicans and Americans have celebrated “La Posada Sin Fronteras” (Inn without Borders) in Friendship Park. This is a Christmas tradition, which means that Mitali Perkin’s newest book, BETWEEN US AND ABUELA, is a different kind of Christmas story. I find out why she chose to write it.
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith
September 9, 2019 by Leave a Comment
“Nobody wants your bunny snot cake, buddy.” In this episode Kate decides to take the Wolf at his word and, as you might expect, we find some holes in his defense. This guy would never be able to hold it together if my sister cross-examined him on the stand. As you might imagine, we have a lot of fun with this one.
Review of the Day: Mr. Nogginbody Gets a Hammer by David Shannon
September 6, 2019 by Leave a Comment
I don’t know what it took to make Mr. Nogginbody come into the world, but whatever confluence of the planets allowed this madcap exercise in increasing hijinks to happen, I say let’s have more of it! In a sea of picture books that remain unmemorable five minutes after you’ve read them, Mr. Nogginbody hits the nail on the head. Hard.
Guest Post: Doing Impossible Things: Ideas for Supporting Children in Foster Care by Lindsay Lackey
September 5, 2019 by Leave a Comment
Today I’m bowing out and letting an author with some chops take the reins. Ms. Lindsay Lackey, to be precise. As you may be aware, she has a book out this year called All the Impossible Things. To write this book, Lackey was inspired by her aunt and uncle. Today she talks a bit about them, and about the simple, small acts that you can do to uplift a child in foster care.
In Translation: The Marvelous Translated Picture Books of 2019 (So Far)
September 4, 2019 by 6 Comments
I believe I’ve noticed a significant uptick in translations recently. To what do I owe this marked increase? Whatever the case, I like what I’m seeing. I particularly like what I’m seeing on today’s list of titles so sit back and enjoy some international fare that’s truly worth locating.
Happy Book Birthday, Great Santa Stakeout!
September 3, 2019 by Leave a Comment
Folks, I like self-promotion just about as much as I like yanking hanks of hair out of my head. But look, I can promote a book a lot better when I have someone as magnificent as Dan Santat in my corner. Today, I am pleased as punch to announce the publication of my brand spanking new picture book THE GREAT SANTA STAKEOUT! Is it too early for Christmas?
Cover Reveal of DARING DARLEEN and an Interview with Anne Nesbet
September 3, 2019 by 3 Comments
I can’t just do a cover reveal of a title without getting the lowdown on the book in question. So I shot some questions in Anne Nesbet’s general direction and she was happy enough to oblige me with answers.
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman, ill. Caroline Binch
September 2, 2019 by 3 Comments
A British book just snuck into the pack. When I picked it up from the library for Kate to read, I was positive that what we had on our hands was an American title through and through. Not as such. This book is not without its controversial elements, but in my own personal library the only edition available was the reprinted 2015 edition. And, as you will see, that is probably for the best.
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