September 8 – International Literacy Day

About the Holiday

In 1966 UNESCO (United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture) established International Literacy Day on this date to “actively mobilize the international community to promote literacy as an instrument to empower individuals, communities, and societies.” This year, the theme is “Promoting literacy in the digital era” and focuses on the way digitization has changed and is changing the way people learn, live, work and socialize—both positively and negatively.

Today’s observance also shines a light on the importance of engaging children in reading from their earliest ages. It is well-documented that children who are read to from birth develop better reading and communication skills, which leads to better across-the-board performance in school and beyond. While reading together, parents, adults, and caregivers and their children also develop strong bonds that last a lifetime. Today’s two books offer young readers the joy and excitement of reading in interactive formats that adults will love sharing with their kids. To learn more about International Literacy Day, visit unesco.org.

Thank you to Twirl Books and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for send me copies of these books for review!

Animals Everywhere: A Lift, Look, and Find Book

Written by Stéphanie Babin

Illustrated by Sophie Ledesma, Robert Barborini, Marie Caudry, Jessica Das, Marie Kyprianou, and Charlotte Roederer

Take your little ones on an around-the-world tour to six diverse environments in the enchanting Animals Everywhere, a vibrant and fun seek-and-find book that includes flaps for even more surprising discovery. Habitats featured are a rural countryside, a polar region, a forest in autumn, a farm, the rainforest, and a wildlife-welcoming backyard. Each of these habitats are presented with either one or two gatefold pages that open to reveal a panoramic view of beauty and delightful details that invite children to find either 12 or 16 creatures.

Running along the bottom of each page spread, a banner includes a short, easy-to-understand description of the environment as well as small circles containing images of the creatures to be found and their name. To help the youngest readers, each creature is depicted in the exact way and orientation as in the large picture.

This well-conceived book goes far beyond a simple search-and-find concept. Each spread is loaded with action and interactions, animals, people, vegetation, vehicles, objects, and weather events for kids and adults to talk about, point out, and use to create their own seek-and-find fun. These fully realized landscapes make for exciting and challenging searches that kids can enjoy again and again and that will engage children over a wide age range.

Stéphanie Babin’s charming text is enthusiastic and evocative as she welcomes young readers to each habitat and shares a sprinkling of facts just right for little learners. These can lead to discussions about pollinators, camouflage, where we get our food, and even to trips to the backyard or nearby park to search for creatures and plants there.

Each environment is gorgeously illustrated by a different artist, giving the book the feel of walking through an art museum and encountering a stimulating variety of styles. Kids will be transfixed with the bright colors, adorable animals, and all there is to see and do.

Sure to quickly become any young child’s story time favorite, Animals Everywhere: A Lift, Look, and Find Book is a must for home bookshelves and library collections. The book would also make a much-appreciated gift.

Ages 2 – 4+

Twirl, 2025 | ISBN 979-1036381454

About the Author

Stéphanie Babin is an author of books for young children, particularly nonfiction and interactive titles. She lives in Paris, France.

You can purchase Animals Everywhere: A Lift, Look, and Find Book from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

My Animal Sounds (Baby Basics™)

By Xavier Deneux

Babies love books! Babies love animals! How can you combine these two favorites in one fun activity? With the interactive board book My Animal Sounds! Created for the youngest learners, My Animal Sounds combines high-contrast illustrations of ten adorable animals with sound chips that bring the pages to life. High-contrast books engage babies from birth and as their vision develops during their first year by featuring bold, black-and-white images that are easier for them to focus on and see clearly.

Spots of color add cheery notes to each of Xavier Deneux’s charming scenes, as a curious cat roams a rooftop, a bird stops by on an early spring day, a rabbit uncovers a carrot, and a sheep and dog meet on a twilit evening, among other sweet images. And who can resist the endearing giggles that will bubble up from hearing the frog croak and chirp, the rabbit chitter and crunch, and the pig snuffle and snort. Kids will continue to enjoy this book well into toddlerhood as well.

Cuddling with your baby or toddler and My Animal Sounds will become a favorite way to spend quality time together. The book makes a perfect take-along for parents, grandparents, and caregivers, a smart choice for any daycare setting, and a fun addition to a babysitter’s or nanny’s pack. The book would also be terrific new-baby gift.

Ages Baby – 3

Twirl, 2025 | ISBN 979-1036382086

About the Author/Illustrator

Xavier Deneux‘s chic, bold style and insightful grasp of what makes younger children think, connect, and smile has resulted in more than 100 critically lauded books. After graduating from ESAG (École Supérieure d’art graphique) Penninghen, he worked in advertising before becoming a full-time children’s book illustrator. He is the creator of the TouchThinkLearn series. He lives in Paris, France.

You can purchase My Animal Sounds (Baby Basics™) from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

May 8 – National Family Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Observed during the five weeks between Mothers Day and Fathers Day, National Family Month was established by KidsPeace, a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping children and families since 1882. Leading into the school vacation season, the holiday encourages families to spend more time working, playing, talking, reading, and just hanging out together. Having fun or tackling projects together builds strong family bonds and can be a meaningful way for kids to develop or learn important life skills. Today’s book highlights that exciting time when a new baby makes a family bigger—and better!

Thank you to Familius for sending me a copy of I’m a Baby! for review.

I’m a Baby!

Written by Terry Pierce | Illustrated by Volha Kaliaha

There may be nothing babies love more than . . . babies! And new parents? They love babies too! Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins? Babies all the way! It’s this same joy and excitement for babies that Terry Pierce and Volha Kaliaha bring to their adorable story in which a baby enthusiastically shares their day with other babies—specifically, the baby on your lap!

The story begins with a bright-eyed tyke ready to greet the morning! “Wake up, world! / Hello, day! / I’m a baby / all the way!” Out of the crib, this curious kid, accompanied by an attentive kitty, gets a clean diaper, shows off how fast they can “scoot” across the floor, has breakfast, and plays a giggly game with mom and dad. Nap time? “No, no, no!” This active baby still wants to “GO, go, goooo. . . .“

Recharged, Baby’s ready for an afternoon with Sis, a messy meal, and cleaning up—”splishy-splashy in the tub!” Tuckered out, this sweet baby is ready to say “Night-night, world. / Goodbye, day. / I’m a baby! / All the . . . ZZZZzz.”

Exuberant, humorous, and full of love, Terry Pierce’s vivacious rhymes will enchant little ones as they recognize highlights of their day with family. Her jaunty vocabulary invites lively readings that will get babies and toddlers giggling. I’m a Baby! is also a fun way to introduce soon-to-be big sisters or brothers to their new sibling, and gives independent readers a perfect book to share with their new baby.

Volha Kaliaha’s cheerful and charming illustrations not only reflect the action in the story but also include plenty of familiar objects to stimulate a baby’s curiosity as adults or older children point them out and name them. Kaliaha’s baby is darling, and the family’s cat hilariously keeps this new creature company while sometimes good-naturedly taking the brunt of the baby’s messes.

A delightful board book for anyone to share with the new baby or toddler in their life, I’m a Baby! is sure to be a quick favorite for adults and older children to share with their beloved baby again and again. I’m a Baby! would make a perfect gift and is a must for any library’s board book collection.

Ages Baby – 3

Familius, 2025 | ISBN 978-1641709507

About the Author

Terry Pierce is the author of twenty-five children’s books and a lifelong advocate of children and reading. She holds a BA in early childhood education, an International AMI Montessori diploma, an MFA in writing for children and young adults, and teaches for the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program.

About the Illustrator

Volha Kaliaha, a London-based illustrator, has been illustrating on a professional level for seven years. Her illustrations are inspired by laughter and cuteness—the quirkier, the better.

National Family Month Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-sensory-board

Child’s Sensory Board

Toys or objects that provide many opportunities for sensory experimentation and observation stimulate a baby and young child to learn while having fun. You can make a sensory board for your own child using household items and that have a variety of textures, sizes, shapes, and movement. When you create your own sensory board, you can personalize it for your child by adding their name, pictures of family members, and other special items. While you play with your child, take time to talk about all of the objects on the board, what they do, and how they work. Count the objects. If you include words or your child’s name, spell them outloud and say them. There are so many ways to use a sensory board. Even if children can’t yet talk, they are listening and soaking in the rich language learning you are providing!

**When making your board always ensure that you use items that are not a choking hazard or can catch tiny fingers. Make sure that items are firmly attached to the board. Never leave a baby unattended while playing.**

Supplies

A board large enough to hold the items you want to attach. Boards that can be used include: those found at hardware stores or craft stores; large cutting boards; shelves; old table tops; etc.

Sample items for your sensory board can be age appropriate and include:

Large swatches of various textured material. (I used fur, a scrubbing sheet, and a piece of carpeting)
Wooden or thick cardboard letters and numbers, painted in a variety of colors. Letters can be used to add a child’s name to the board.
Figures cut from sheets of foam or wooden figures found at craft stores in a variety of numbers that you can count with your child (I used sets of 1, 2, and 3 fish cut from foam to go along with the numbers 1, 2, and 3)
Mirror
Push button light
Chalk board to write on
Castor or other wheel
Door latches
Door knockers
Mop heads
Paint rollers
Cranks
Drawer handles
Hinges (I attached a tennis ball to a hinge that children can push back and forth)
Pulleys
Paint in various bright colors
Paint brushes
Scissors
Screws
Nuts and bolts
Velcro
Super glue

Directions

Assemble your items
Paint wooden or cardboard items
Arrange item on the board so that your baby or child can easily reach or manipulate each one
Attach items with screws, nuts and bolts, or super glue
Push button lights or other objects that take batteries can be attached with strong Velcro. Ensure items attached with Velcro are large and not a choking hazard.
Set up board where you and your baby or child can enjoy playing with it together

You can purchase I’m a Baby from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (discounted books and support for your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

May 2 – Baby Day + National Pet Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holidays

For today’s book, I’m celebrating two holidays—Baby Day and National Pet Month! Baby Day was established to showcase the importance of a child’s first three years of life and the special bond babies share with their parents, siblings, and the other people in their life. National Pet Month encourages pet owners to ensure that their pets have everything they need to live a long and healthy life. Whether a baby, a pet, or both have found a place in your heart, celebrate today by spending extra time with them and showing them how they make your life and family better.

Thanks to Jamie Michalak for sharing a copy of Hazel the Handful with me!

Hazel the Handful

Written by Jamie Michalak | Illustrated by Matt Myers

Right on the title page a seemingly tiny dog calls “Yoo-hooooo! Up here!” from a second story window, inviting readers to come inside and see her true stature. In the living room Hazel, tail thumping, and dwarfed by the sofa, the throw pillow, and even the chewed-on TV remote, proudly says, “In my home, I look big, no?” This pint-sized pup with a BIG personality is eager to show off her home. She points out her favorite toys, her stroller “ride,” and Bea, her “girl!!!”.

Hazel and Bea like to dance together, and when Bea’s mom declares her daughter “a handful” after crashing into an end table, sending the lamp and mug flying, Hazel adopts this cool moniker herself. Yes, “together, me and Bea are sensational,” she says. Next, Hazel outlines a “sensational day with Bea”—from outdoor adventures like going on a business trip (behind the fire hydrant) to scaring off the big dogs, to showing passersby that she is NOT a cutie patootie but a “Very Important Business Dog.” The rest of the day is spent napping . . . and doing fun things with Bea . . . and napping. Hazel loves Bea and can’t wait for each new day.

That was sensational day before “the baby moved in, with its “loud noises . . . and stinkity stink stinks.” Now there are no games, no stroller rides, and no “cutie patootie” compliments (those go to the baby), and sometimes Hazel even wonders if Bea still loves her. On a particularly non-sensational day, when Hazel inadvertently crashes into the end table, sending things airborne, and gets a scolding from Mom—”‘Oh, Hazel! You are a handful'”—she hides under her blanket in the one room no one checks. Miserable, Hazel falls asleep, but wakes to hear Bea shouting her name and crying.

Hazel runs to Bea, getting a tight hug. For the first time, Hazel recognizes how like a puppy the baby is and appreciates the pets he gives and the crumbs he leaves for Hazel to snack on later. Hazel’s thinking “maybe the baby isn’t so bad” after all.

Jamie Michalak has packed her story of a spirited doggie wrestling with sibling rivalry, with humor, heart, and lots of laughs. Kids will instantly fall in love with teeny-tiny Hazel as she confidently introduces herself, suffers the incredulity of feeling second-best when the baby comes, and happily learns that she’s still loved by Bea. Hazel’s eventual embrace of the baby is comically true to her personality while showing a new perspective and generosity.

Matt Myers’ adorable and exuberant watercolor and ink illustrations capture all the sweetness and self-assurance of tiny Hazel’s larger-than-life personality. As Hazel takes readers on a tour of her home, kids will quickly catch onto the event that will soon change her life and be charmed by Hazel’s love for Bea and all that goes into their special bond. The two spreads showing before- and after-baby photos of Hazel are particularly humorous, as is her ice-skating-worthy slide into the table that sets up her realization that there’s room for both the new baby and her in this loving family.

A funny and endearing read aloud kids will want to share again and again, Hazel the Handful will enjoy continuous rotation at school and public libraries and be a quick favorite on home bookshelves.

Ages 4 – 8

Candlewick, 2025 | ISBN 978-1536231199

Jamie Michalak is the author of the Dakota Crumb books, illustrated by Kelly Murphy; the Frank and Bean books, illustrated by Bob Kolar; the Joe and Sparky series, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz; and many other acclaimed titles for young readers. She lives in Rhode Island. Visit Jamie at jamiemichalakbooks.com.

Matt Myers is the illustrator of the Infamous Ratsos chapter book series by Kara LaReau, Lily Leads the Way by Margi Preus, and E-I-E-I-O: How Old MacDonald Got His Farm (with a Little Help from a Hen) by Judy Sierra, as well as many other books for young readers. Matt Myers lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Visit Matt at myerspaints.com.

Baby Day + National Pet Month Activity

Peppy Puppies Match Up Puzzle

These puppies want to find a friend. Can you match the ones that go together in this printable puzzle? There may be more than one right answer! How many matches can you find?

Peppy Puppies Match Up Puzzle

You can purchase Hazel the Handful from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

May 23 – It’s National Family Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Observed during the five weeks between Mothers Day and Fathers Day, National Family Month was established by KidsPeace, a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping children and families since 1882. Leading into the school vacation season, the holiday encourages families to spend more time working, playing, talking, and just hanging out together. Today’s book highlights that exciting time when a family grows by welcoming a new baby—with a look through a new sibling’s eyes.

Thanks to WaterBrook and Kathleen Long Bostrom for sharing a copy of Since the Baby Came with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Since the Baby Came: A Sibling’s Learning-to-Love Story in 16 Poems

Written by Kathleen Long Bostrom | Illustrated by Janet Samuel

In this insightful, honest, funny, and heartwarming story, a little girl learns that she’s going to be a big sister during a breakfast of blueberry pancakes. To her left is her mama, who surprises her with the announcement, “‘We are having a baby!'” To her right is her daddy with the gift of a “Best Big Sister” T-shirt in hand. She seems dubious as she lets the syrup flow over her stack and onto the table because, she thinks, “Nobody asked me.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-since-the-baby-came-when-will-the-baby-go-away

Image copyright Janet Samuel, 2023, text copyright Kathleen Long Bostrom, 2023. Courtesy of WaterBrook.

In “Mama Is Having a Baby” the girl tries to navigate all the changes that are happening—from her mother’s lap growing smaller to all of her toys being pushed aside for the baby’s crib and necessities to how long it’s taking for the baby to come. She asks God to tell her what happened and to help her to wait. At last her baby brother does arrive, and in “He’s Here! He’s Here!” the little girl expresses her excitement at all the things they can now do together and is sure “We’ll be best friends, the two of us, / and never ever fight or fuss. / He’ll love me more than anyone! / To have him home will be such fun!”

But the reality is different than she imagined, and her emotions begin to ride a rollercoaster from attention-seeking in “Look at Me!” to feelings of neglect and frustration in “When Will This Baby Go Away?” to the horrors of diaper changes in “Diaper Volcano” to dismay about his “bad habits” in “Suppertime.” But then she prays to God. In “Dear God” she says, “Hi, dear God! Remember me? / I need a friend today. / When my thoughts are tangled up, / it helps a lot to pray.” She goes on to explain her mixed feelings about how her life has changed, her brother’s crying, her decreased room space, and how busy her mama is. But she also talks about how she likes to snuggle and sing a lullaby to the baby: “Something happens then dear God. / My heart fills to the brim! / It makes me feel so very glad / to sing my song to him.” She realizes that “with our little baby here, / I’ll never be alone!”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-since-the-baby-came-baby-dreams

Image copyright Janet Samuel, 2023, text copyright Kathleen Long Bostrom, 2023. Courtesy of WaterBrook.

With her change of heart, she looks on her brother with new eyes and heart as he sleeps, wondering what he dreams about; is excited when he smiles at her; and discovers in “Maybe” that his “wiggles and giggles” are as “cute as can be” and that “he is amazing.” Now, she decides that her brother can stay with them and that maybe she’d even be open to having “another new brother—perhaps two or three!”

As Christmas comes, the baby has learned to sit up, and the little girl is showing him the story of the baby Jesus, who “was a baby too. / Just like me and just like you.” Splashing in the bathtub together, all of the little girl’s reservations are gone and she can unequivocally state all the reasons why she loves her baby brother. Soon her brother is standing, and in “Me Too!” he reaches out to touch his sister’s finger, sharing a special bond and ability to communicate. The story ends with “Surprise (Part 2)” in which the girl learns that an earlier wish will be fulfilled while her now toddler brother appears dubious.

An explanation of the fifteen types of poetry used in the book follows the story.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-since-the-baby-came-i-love-my-baby-brother

Image copyright Janet Samuel, 2023, text copyright Kathleen Long Bostrom, 2023. Courtesy of WaterBrook.

With an empathetic and witty child’s-eye (and -heart) view of the upheaval, worries, acceptance, and joys of welcoming a new baby into the family, Kathleen Long Bostrom creates a tender story for parents to share with their child or children while waiting for the baby to come and through the stages and changes that come next. Bostrom’s use of realistic, child-centric language and dialogue makes the situations and feelings expressed in each poem immediately recognizable for kids and adults alike, allowing them to easily discuss these events and emotions together. Bostrom’s use of fifteen different types of poetry introduces young readers to the engaging variety and playfulness of this literary form.

Janet Samuel’s vibrant and animated illustrations clearly show the changing family dynamics as the household prepares for the baby and welcomes him home. Images of home, meals, a crowd of family and friends gathered around the baby, a diaper change, and even the idyllic view the little girl has of what life will be like when her baby brother comes home are lovingly and humorously portrayed while depicting real emotions and a touch of familiar chaos. Over the course of the poems, these scenes segue into a calmer routine as the baby begins to sleep, smile, and play; the house becomes orderly once again, and the little girl discovers she loves her brother.

In Since the Baby Came, the trajectory of Kathleen Long Bostrom’s poems and Janet Samuel’s illustrations work beautifully in tandem to create a moving portrait of a family growing in size and love. The book is one that families can dip into during each stage, from pregnancy to homecoming and through a baby’s first year of development, to help new siblings understand the many changes that come, to navigate their feelings, and to welcome their brother or sister into their heart. Since the Baby Came would make a much-appreciated gift and is highly recommended for home, church and school library, and public library collections.

Ages 3 – 7

WaterBrook, 2023 | ISBN 978-0593577684

About the Author

Kathleen Long Bostrom is an award-winning author of over fifty books for children. Her books are published in over twenty languages. She is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA) who now writes full time. As a middle child, Kathy was both the new baby and the older sister who later became a mother of three herself. She knows whereof she rhymes! Visit her at kathleenlongbostrom.com.

About the Illustrator

Janet Samuel is an illustrator who lives in a small town in Wales with her daughter, Alice, and scruffy terrier, Tilly. Janet has illustrated books for many publishers, including Macmillan, Usbourne, Little Tiger Press, Scholastic, and Lion Hudson. She is happiest with a pencil or paintbrush in hand. You can connect with Janet on Instagram.

National Family Month Activity

Since the Baby Came Parents Resource Guide

You can download this helpful resource guide from Kathleen Long Bostrom’s website. It gives parents age-appropriate tips on preparing a child for a new sibling as well as fun and colorful worksheets adults can share with their child to involve them in choosing a name for the baby; drawing a portrait and album pictures of the family, including the new baby; a “Wheel of Emotions” that provides kids with the vocabulary to describe their feelings; questions adults can ask their older child to begin a discussion; and a fun puzzle.

Videos to Share

You’ll also find two videos of a mom and little girl enjoying two of the poems from the book.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-since-the-baby-came-cover

**You can find Since the Baby Came at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop

Picture Book Review

October 28 – It’s National Eat Better, Eat Together Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

National Eat Better, Eat Together Month encourages families to gather around the table for at least one meal a day. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics the benefits of eating together are wide ranging and can include better grades, better health, and fewer behavioral problems. Studies also show that when families get together for a meal, they tend to make more balanced food choices. This important uninterrupted time together allows each member of the family to share stories about their day or talk about issues that concern them, building stronger bonds.

Tiny Spoon Vs. Little Fork

Written by Constance Lombardo | Illustrated by Dan Abdo & Jason Patterson

The alarm clock on the kitchen wall “Bringgg! Bringgg! Bringggs” waking the baby’s spoon and fork, who pop out of their respective drawers, each raring to start the day. But it seems that these two have never met. “Wait a minute! Who are you?” they say in unison. Turns out Tiny Spoon and Little Fork both have the same job – to feed the baby. Tiny Spoon and Little Fork start to get into it—how Spoon has been there from the beginning and how much Baby loves to slurp, but now Fork reveals, Baby “wants to BITE! And CHOMP!” But time’s ticking away and Spoon and Fork have to get to the table.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-tiny-spoon-vs-little-fork-clock

Image copyright Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson, 2022, text copyright Constance Lombardo, 2022. Courtesy of Hippo Park Books.

They make the daring leap only to continue their brew-ha-ha. Tiny Spoon has lots of great attributes and comes from sturdy stock, as proven by the photo album of “prominent spoons” like Aunt Soup Spoon, Daddy Serving Spoon, Cousin Teaspoon, and Grandpa Scoop. But Little Fork’s not impressed and opens up a photo app to demonstrate some bonafides in Uncle Salad Fork, Mama Carving Fork, Cousin Dinner Fork, and Great Grandma Tuning Fork, who had quite a voice. Tiny Spoon counters with an indisputable fact—”I was there FIRST time Baby ate solid food.”—and regales Little Fork with the fond memory of that day, Vroom, Vroom airplane noises and all.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-tiny-spoon-vs-little-fork-cannonball

Image copyright Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson, 2022, text copyright Constance Lombardo, 2022. Courtesy of Hippo Park Books.

“BORING!” Little Fork says. “I’d like to see you try and twirl spaghetti.” Tiny Spoon volleys, but their pointed (and well-rounded) one-upmanship is interrupted by the “Thump! Thump! Thump! of Baby, who squeals “SPOOD!” and “FROK” as soon as she sees them. And, as she reaches out towards them, the promise of an answer is at hand. Instead, though, both Tiny Spoon and Little Fork are in hand, while Stuffed Bunny is in the other!

Baby raises her arms! This is not eating posture… this is… “WHEEEEEEEEEEE!… NOT fun” to Spoon while “it’s a little fun” for Fork. Through the air Spoon, Fork, and Stuffed Bunny fly, landing with a bump on the floor just as the alarmed Clock warns that Baby’s hungry. This is dire. How will Tiny Spoon and Little Fork get where they are so needed? They try shimmying, climbing, even having Bunny toss them. up, but they clatter back to earth every time.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-tiny-spoon-vs-little-fork-baby

Image copyright Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson, 2022, text copyright Constance Lombardo, 2022. Courtesy of Hippo Park Books.

But Baby’s needs are more important than ranking themselves, and Spoon and Fork find a clever way to work together and propel them to the table top, where Baby reacts with glee and surprise and immediately snatches them—one in each tiny fist—so that Tiny Spoon can scoop up oatmeal and Little Fork can grab the scrambled eggs. And Baby? She can “nom nom nom nom nom…”

Happily food-encrusted and content with a good meal satisfactorily relayed, Tiny Spoon and Little Fork congratulate each other. They don’t have much time to relax, though, as Baby snatches them up again and they take another airborne trip across the kitchen to…could it be?…the dishwasher!

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-tiny-spoon-vs-little-fork-baby-fed

Image copyright Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson, 2022, text copyright Constance Lombardo, 2022. Courtesy of Hippo Park Books.

Constance Lombardo’s madcap romp will have kids laughing out loud as Tiny Spoon and Little Fork try to outdo each other and claim the title of Baby’s favorite utensil. The comical repartee between Spoon and Fork lends itself to dramatic readings that kids will love chiming in on. As Tiny Spoon and Little Fork realize that their responsibility to feed Baby transcends their competition, they work together to ensure Baby’s needs are met, providing a humorous lesson on teamwork and friendship.

Dan and Jason know just what kids think is funny, and they bring all their talent for visual silliness to this rollicking story. Tiny Spoon and Little Fork’s expressive faces that accentuate the competition between them, Clock’s frantic Bringggg-ing, hand waving and alert that “BABY WANTS BREAKFAST NOW!” and baby’s boisterous actions will make any child or older sibling laugh out loud. The vivid, comics-style illustrations, dramatic text, and non-stop action will have kids shouting “again, Again, AGAIN!” for these two tiny superheroes.

A rollicking story that’s pure fun for lively story times, Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork is highly recommended. The book would be an often-asked-for favorite on home bookshelves and is sure to be in constant rotation at school and public libraries. If you’re looking for a gift for any child and especially an older sibling, you can’t go wrong with this book!

Ages 4 – 8

Hippo Park Books, 2022 | ISBN 978-1662640063

About the Author

Constance Lombardo is the author/illustrator of four books, including the three books in the Mr. Puffball series and the picture book, Everybody Says Meow, which was a 2020 Anna Dewdney Read Together Award Honor Book. Her passion for classic movies and classic comedy shines through in her work. She lives in Asheville, North Carolina. You can learn more about her books on her website and connect with her on Instagram and Twitter.

About the Illustrators

For the past 10 years, award-winning duo Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson have developed numerous animated campaigns, network TV and web series, and critically acclaimed commercial work. Their extensive portfolio has garnered them industry-wide recognition, while their humorous sensibility and diverse skill set has landed them jobs for top global brands. Dan and Jason have set up properties at Twentieth Century Fox, Disney, and Nickelodeon as well as a feature animated film through Paramount Pictures. The well-versed storytellers have developed original content for a wide variety of platforms, including print (Nickelodeon Comics, The New Yorker), theater (Pilobolus), and digital. Learn more about their work on their website. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

National Eat Better, Eat Together Month Activity

Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork Printable Placemat

What’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner – or a snack – without a placemat? Messy! And what’s a placemat without fun puzzles to do? Boring! With this printable placemat from Hippo Park, you can spend mealtime with Tiny Spoon, Little Fork, and all their friends! Choose from full-color and black-and-white placemats here:

Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork Super Fun Printable Placemat

**You can find Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

July 18 – Global Hug Your Kids Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

The purpose of today’s holiday is simple: show your child or children that you love them by giving them a hug. And why stop at just one? Such closeness builds strong family bonds and also helps with a child’s brain development and social and emotional learning. Give hugs throughout the day, and tell your kids how much and why you love them!

Thanks to Tundra books for sending me a copy of Baby Squeaks for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Baby Squeaks

By Anne Hunter

In those early days when Mama Mouse held Baby Mouse, Baby was quiet. But then that long-awaited time came, and “Baby said Baby’s first word!” It was long before Baby said another. And then another and another and many, many, many more. In fact, Baby talked all the time. And to anything—even an acorn. Desiring a little peace and quiet, Mama put Baby right outside the door, where a mama bird was about to feed her little bird a nice, juicy dragonfly.

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Baby Mouse squeaked hello. Baby even climbed up to where Mama Bird and Baby Bird were sitting and “talked and talked … and talked.” When Mama Bird spied another dragonfly floating past, she and Baby Bird took off in pursuit. Lucky for Baby Mouse, a rabbit was now munching a small flower at the base of the tree. Baby Mouse squeak, squeak, squeak, squeak, squeak, squeak, squeaked. And squeaked some more until the rabbit hopped away.

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Next, Baby Mouse found a porcupine family and then a fawn. Baby found a seat between the fawn’s ears and “talked and talked … and talked” until the fawn lay down to take a nap. Baby lay down on the fawn’s back and went on talking as the little deer fell asleep. Back at home, Mama Mouse was enjoying the silence until she realized it was “TOO quiet.” She went outside only to discover Baby missing.

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She climbed to the top of the tree to survey her surroundings and then “heard the sound of Baby Mouse talking.” Mama followed the squeak, squeak, squeaks and found her baby. She held Baby in a tight hug, and for a moment all was quiet. But on the way home, Baby “talked and talked … and talked.” But that’s okay, because Mama Mouse and Mama Bird found the perfect solution for when they both need a little quiet time.

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Anne Hunter’s endearing story, infused with love and humor, is made for snuggly story times with plenty of giggles—and maybe some shared memories too. The repeated phrasing is sure to have kids chiming in, and children who are beginning to read independently will enjoy demonstrating their skills. Hunter’s lovely illustrations invite kids into the heartwarming relationship between Mama Mouse and Baby Mouse as lap time, feeding time, play time, and even bed time are carried out to the sound track of Baby’s endless chatter.

Baby’s enthusiasm to meet new friends and discover new things is infectious and may prompt kids and adults to imagine what Baby might be saying in each speech bubble. Adults will no doubt smile in appreciation of Mama Mouse’s and the rabbit’s wide-eyed expressions as Baby Mouse’s squeak bubbles float around them. Looking out for images of Mama and Baby Bird (as well as a beetle) across the pages will reward readers as the story comes to it’s charming conclusion.

A story that parents, grandparents, and other caregivers will love sharing with their kids, Baby Squeaks will become a quick favorite. The book is highly recommended as a gift or addition to home, school, and public library collections.

Ages 3 – 7

Tundra Books, 2022 | ISBN 978-0735269095

Discover more about Anne Hunter, her books, and her art on her website.

National Hug Your Kids Day Activity

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Free Hug Coupons

Everyone needs a hug now and then! With these printable Free Hug Coupons you can extend Global Hug Your Kid day to every day of the year! Why not fill a jar with these coupons and display it so that all your favorite people can get a sweet hug whenever they need it most.

**You can find Baby Squeaks at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

June 22 – It’s National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

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About the Holiday

National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month ushers in a full summer of delicious and nutritious eating with bushels of scrumptious strawberries, blueberries, peppers, squash, lettuce, tomatoes, and so much more. Whether you enjoy the season’s delicacies in a smoothie, as dessert, or as the highlight of a main course, the flavor of locally grown produce can’t be beat. June is also a perfect time to get kids involved in gardening and learning about the growth cycle of plants, fruit, and vegetables from the tiniest seed to ready to pick. Today’s book cleverly combines children’s fascination with this wonder of nature with their own beginnings.

How You Came to Be

Written by Carole Gerber | Illustrated by Sawsan Chalabi

Little ones are always interested in where they came from and how they were born, and parents fondly remember all those months of anticipation and love that led up to the birth of their child. But how can a mom (or dad) relay those special feelings and extraordinary changes in a way that a toddler or preschooler can understand?

In How You Came to Be, a mother talks lovingly to her baby using sweet, conversational language that is straightforward and sure to make both adult and child smile. Carole Gerber begins with the moment of conception when “…a wiggly little cell from another / joined a round little cell from me. … Together these two tiny cells formed / one brand-new cell that would become YOU.” Then with each month, Gerber offers size comparisons to a fruit or a vegetable to help little ones visualize their growth and the developmental changes that came with it, from a pea in the first month to a melon in the ninth.

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Image copyright Sawsan Chalabi, 2022, text copyright Carole Gerber, 2022. Courtesy of Rise x Penguin Workshop.

Along the way, kids discover that in the second month they were the “size of a kidney bean. / Your head was really big, / with lots of room inside / for your brain to grow.” They also learn about how their face was taking shape and the umbilical cord that nourished them. In the fifth month, little ones find out that while they were now the size of a banana, their bones were beginning to develop, their legs were getting longer, and they were able to kick. “Sometimes when I rubbed my belly, / I felt you thump back. / Was that your way of saying hello?” What a wonderful line for a mom to read to show a little one how strong their bond is and how long they’ve been communicating.

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Image copyright Sawsan Chalabi, 2022, text copyright Carole Gerber, 2022. Courtesy of Rise x Penguin Workshop.

“In the ninth month,” the mother narrator says, “you were large enough and strong enough to come out into the world.” She recalls all of the preceding months and ends with this message that every child will want to hear: “I loved you from the beginning / and I always will.”

Back matter includes a glossary of five words that adults can use for extended discussions with their child, a list of stages as a fetus develops the ability to move and the five senses. Two paragraphs also describe a vaginal birth and a C-section birth in language that is age accessible.

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Image copyright Sawsan Chalabi, 2022, text copyright Carole Gerber, 2022. Courtesy of Rise x Penguin Workshop.

It’s easy to imagine a parent and child reading How You Came to Be while snuggling, giggling, and being amazed together. Carole Gerber’s scientifically sound and charming storytelling will make this book a family favorite, and offers a fun way to revitalize grocery shopping as well!

Sawsan Chalabi’s gorgeous illustrations, which juxtapose lush depictions of fruit and vegetables entwined with vines or growing on trees or in gardens with images of mothers thinking about and preparing for their baby’s arrival and are placed on velvety black backgrounds, draw readers of all ages into the marvels of birth. Her two-page spread of a mother cradling her newborn surrounded by wildflowers is as simply beautiful as the expression of love the page’s verse contains.

A tender and evocative way for parents and children to share their exquisite bond and unending love, How You Came to Be will make a much-appreciated baby shower or new baby gift and a favorite addition to family bookshelves as well as public library collections.

Ages 2 – 4

Rise x Penguin Workshop, 2022 | ISBN 978-0593225738

Discover more about Carole Gerber and her books on her website.

To learn more about Sawsan Chalabi, her books, and her artwork, visit her website.

National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month Activity

Play with Your Food Games

Young children will have fun testing their memory and matching these fruits and vegetables from today’s book.

To Play a Memory Game

Print two copies of this Play with Your Food Memory Game Template
Cut the cards apart
Place the cards randomly face down on a table
Turn over one card and try to find it’s match. If the images on the card match, put them aside. If the cards don’t match put them back on the table and try again until a match is made. Continue playing until all the cards are matched.

To Play a Matching Game

Print two copies of this Play with Your Food Matching Game Board Template
Cut one template into individual fruit and vegetable cards
Let toddlers or preschoolers match the individual cards to the fruit and vegetables on the game board

**You can find How You Came to Be at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

About the Holiday

Animals Everywhere: A Lift, Look, and Find Book

Written by Stéphanie Babin

Illustrated by Sophie Ledesma, Robert Barborini, Marie Caudry, Jessica Das, Marie Kyprianou, and Charlotte Roederer

My Animal Sounds (Baby Basics™)

By Xavier Deneux

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About the Holiday

I’m a Baby!

Written by Terry Pierce | Illustrated by Volha Kaliaha

National Family Month Activity

Child’s Sensory Board

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About the Holidays

Hazel the Handful

Written by Jamie Michalak | Illustrated by Matt Myers

Baby Day + National Pet Month Activity

Peppy Puppies Match Up Puzzle

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About the Holiday

Since the Baby Came: A Sibling’s Learning-to-Love Story in 16 Poems

Written by Kathleen Long Bostrom | Illustrated by Janet Samuel

National Family Month Activity

Since the Baby Came Parents Resource Guide

Videos to Share

You can find Since the Baby Came at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

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About the Holiday

Tiny Spoon Vs. Little Fork

Written by Constance Lombardo | Illustrated by Dan Abdo & Jason Patterson

National Eat Better, Eat Together Month Activity

Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork Printable Placemat

You can find Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

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About the Holiday

Baby Squeaks

By Anne Hunter

National Hug Your Kids Day Activity

Free Hug Coupons

You can find Baby Squeaks at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Share this:

About the Holiday

How You Came to Be

Written by Carole Gerber | Illustrated by Sawsan Chalabi

National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month Activity

Play with Your Food Games

You can find How You Came to Be at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Share this:

**You can find Since the Baby Came at these booksellers**

**You can find Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork at these booksellers**

**You can find Baby Squeaks at these booksellers**

**You can find How You Came to Be at these booksellers**