March 5 – It’s International Ideas Month

About the Holiday

This month we celebrate something that you can’t see or hold but which is real all the same. What is it? An idea! Ideas are amazing things. Sometimes seemingly conjured up out of thin air; sometimes borne out of necessity; and sometimes the “Eureka!” result of long, hard work, ideas fuel our arts, sciences, education, and home life. So today, write down those ideas you have while driving or commuting to work, while in the shower, when you’re daydreaming, or just as you turn off the light to go to sleep. You never know what they might become!

Write Here, Write Now

Written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington | Illustrated by Andrea Boatta

Opening the book, readers are met by a child who looks right at them and makes a very astute observation: “You’re a writer. Did you know?” And before the reader can think “Who, me? nah!” the boy has whisked them off for a trip through the amazing world of writing, offering “Here’s a tip for how to start. / Think of things that spark your heart. / Dreams and wishes, people, places—ANYTHING your mind embraces.”

But there can be so many niggling questions that can make the idea of writing intimidating! Like where should I write? What should I write with? What if I like to draw or just tell my stories? The narrator puts all these doubts to rest with the simplest of answers: write wherever and however is best for you! The narrator even addresses the fear that what you write has to be perfect with the encouraging advice to “Scribble fast, or take it slow. / Play with words and let them flow.”

But, a would-be writer might think, is there a type of writing that’s better than others? Nope, the narrator assures. All writing is good writing. “Write a poem, play, or song / Write a note to right a wrong. / Write a joke, a script, a speech. Can’t decide? Write one of each.”

So are there any rules to writing? Maybe just this one: to “let imagination lead!” The narrator leaves young writers with one more note of encouragement, reminding them that their writing is as unique as they are, and that their words or pictures or voice will find a place to flourish.

Following her story, Rebecca Gardyn Levington offers advice and encouragement to young writers in answers to those six proverbial writerly questions: Who? What? Where? Why? When? and How?

Rebecca Gardyn Levington’s enthusiastic ode to the wonders of writing is sure to spark any child to embrace their own personal method of creative expression. Her perfectly flowing, uplifting verses melt away any doubt or hesitance about putting pencil to paper or fingers to keyboard. Levington gives children freedom, inspiration, and encouragment. In short, she makes writing fun!

Andrea Boatta’s vivid, soft-hued illustrations sparkle with imagination and the flow of ideas as diverse children happily engage in writing wherever they are and whenever inspiration strikes. Children, whether new to writing or more experienced will find themselves right at home in Boatta’s dynamic imagery. Readers will also like following the little golden star that eagerly guides them from spread to spread.

Write Here, Write Now is a joyful celebration of imagination and writing as well as a lively read aloud that kids will want to hear again and again. The book is highly recommended for classrooms, homeschoolers, school and public libraries, and family bookshelves.

Ages 5 – 8

Capstone Publishing, 2025 | ISBN 978-1684469611

About the Author

Rebecca Gardyn Levington is a children’s book author, poet, and journalist with a particular penchant for penning both playful and poignant picture books and poems—primarily in rhyme. She is the author of BRAINSTORM!, WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW, and many other incredible picture books. Rebecca’s award-winning poems and articles have appeared in numerous anthologies, newspapers, and magazines. She lives in New Jersey with her family. Visit her at rebeccagardynlevington.com.

About the Illustrator

Andrea Boatta was born in a seaside town in southern Italy and grew up around vibrant colors and nature. After graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts, she came to love illustration and animation and continued her post-graduate studies at the National School of Cinema. Today she works in Naples, Italy, as a freelance illustrator and concept and background artist in the world of animation. You can follow Andrea on Instagram.

International Ideas Month Activity

CPB - Fairy Tale box

Treasure Box of Imagination

Writers often collect bits of imagination, wisps of dreams, snatches of memory, and treasures found along the way to use in their writing. With this craft, kids can make a treasure box to jot down and save ideas and tidbits to spark their own writing, drawing, and other creative endeavors.

Supplies

1 small wooden box, available at craft stores
Acrylic craft paint – I used gold
Craft gems
Paint brush
Hot glue gun or strong glue

Directions

Paint your wooden box
After the paint dries, decorate your Treasure Box of Imagination with gems

You can purchase Write Here, Write Now at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (to support your local independent bookstore.

Picture Book Review

September 24 – It’s National Dog Week

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

In 1928, Captain William Lewis Judy, founder of Dog World magazine National Dog Week established National Dog Week to celebrate the joy and companionship we get from our pups while also reminding people of what it takes to be a responsible dog owner. As members of the family, puppies and older dogs deserve as much love, care, and respect as their humans. To celebrate this week, take your dog for an extra walk or two, get (or make) them a new toy, and don’t forget to give them an extra treat.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sharing a copy of Oodles of Poodles and Doodles with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Oodles of Poodles and Doodles: A Woofing, Wagging Book of Colors

Written by Stephanie Calmenson | Illustrated by Hollie Hibbert

It’s time to celebrate Poodle and Doodle Day! Friends and their dogs eagerly enter the dog park, where “there are oodles of poodles and doodles to meet,” each one sporting their favorite color. First down the path is a “pink-ribboned poodle,” her well-coifed cut accented by a big rose bow. Two more poodles join the fun, one playing with a yellow banana squeaky toy and the other bounding along with her blue bear. Here come two more to join the party. “See the goldendoodle racing past? / His big red wheels help him move fast.” An aussiedoodle carries “a long brown stick” while a sheepadoodle noshes on a cookie that’s black and white.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-oodles-of-poodles-and-doodles-dog-park

Illustration copyright Hollie Hibbert, 2024; text copyright Stephanie Calmenson, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

The party is in full swing when the doodles spy a dachshund in their midst. The pink-ribboned “poodle starts barking, “who are you?” and tells the dachshund he must leave the poodle/doodle-only party. But then a small poodle barks up to tell her friend “that is wrong! This dog must stay. He does belong.” She explains that while he’s not an oodle, he’s her “friend, so he’s a froodle!” She goes on to reveal that a froodle is a “friend + oodle.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-oodles-of-poodles-and-doodles-goldendoodle

Illustration copyright Hollie Hibbert, 2024; text copyright Stephanie Calmenson, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

It turns out that all of the dogs at the party have a froodle, and they invite these pals to join the newly renamed Poodle Doodle Froodle Party. All the dogs agree that “the party is merrier when froodles come too.”

Back matter includes an illustrated page of seven haircuts that are common for poodles and the benefits of the various cuts. Stephanie Calmenson also includes the story of the first-ever doodle dog—a Labrador/poodle mix named Sultan and how he came to be. Illustrations of eight types of doodles invite children to research more about these unique dogs. Kids will also enjoy seeing a photograph of the real Jeeter the poodle and Harry the dachshund that inspired the story.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-oodles-of-poodles-and-doodles-party

Illustration copyright Hollie Hibbert, 2024; text copyright Stephanie Calmenson, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Dog- and pet-loving children will be excited to join the poodles and doodles at the dog park as they learn colors. Stephanie Calmenson’s enthusiastic rhymes not only introduce ten colors but three different poodles and six breeds of doodles. The dogs’ playfulness as they bound around the dog park carrying their favorite toys, getting into mischief, and noshing on treats will delight kids. When one poodle sticks up for her non-doodle friend’s right to come to the party over the objections of another poodle, Calmenson uses straightforward language kids can understand and emulate if they find themselves in similar circumstances. As the rest of the dogs realize they also have “froodles,” readers learn a gently imparted, but still powerful lesson about the hurt and injustice of prejudice and exclusivity.

Hollie Hibbert’s vibrant illustrations put the focus on color, inclusion, and friendship as young children are invited to find, point out, and name a full palette of colors in addition to those featured on the poodles and doodles. Each page of these featured colors also include more examples in surrounding flowers, clothing, toys, and other objects which will encourage kids to find them in their own natural environments.

A kid-pleasing romp through color identification, friendship building, and dogs!, dogs!, dogs!, Oodles of Poodles and Doodles: A Woofing, Wagging Book of Colors is a book that kids and adults will have fun sharing again and again. The book is a top pick for home and library collections.

Ages 3 – 6

Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2024 | ISBN 978-1547612277

About the Author

Stephanie Calmenson’s books have been called “marvelous” (Publishers Weekly), “lyrical” (School Library Journal), “hilarious” (School Library Journal), and “sweet, funny, and right on the mark” (Booklist). With over 100 books to her credit, she writes for babies, toddlers, elementary school kids and, for all ages, books about dogs.

Her picture books include the beloved classic Dinner at the Panda Palace, a PBS Storytime Book; How to Cheer Up a Friend; May I Pet Your Dog?; and Dozens of Dachshunds. Early chapter books include the Our Principal series and The Adventures of Allie and Amy series, written with Magic School Bus author Joanna Cole.

A former teacher and children’s book editor, Stephanie feels privileged to have found work that brings together her love of children, language, and laughter. Visit Stephanie at stephaniecalmenson.com.

About the Illustrator

Hollie Hibbert is a dog-loving digital artist. She earned her BFA from Brigham Young University–Idaho. She has been working full-time in educational software since 2011. She illustrates a range of publishing and editorial projects and enjoys exhibiting at comic conventions and art shows. Her other hobbies include book arts, playing the piano, traveling, reading, indoor cycling, cooking, and online shopping. To learn more about Hollie and see a portfolio of her work, visit her at holliehibbert.com.

National Dog Week Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-paw-print-magnet-smaller

Paw Print Magnet

Whether you have a dog or a cat, a print of your pet’s paw makes a cute magnet for your fridge or locker to give you a paw . . . I mean hand . . . holding those important messages and pictures. Here’s how to do this easy craft with your pet.

Supplies

1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1/4 cup water
Cookie cutter (optional)
Bowl
Wax paper
Multi-surface glue or hot glue gun
Strong magnet, available at craft stores
Paint (optional)

Directions

Mix the flour and salt in the bowl
Slowly add the water and mix the dough, kneading it until it is smooth and soft. Add more water if necessary.
Roll out the dough until it is about 1/4 – 1/2 inch thick
Place the dough on the wax paper
Carefully press your pet’s paw into the dough.
Place the cookie cutter over the print and cut out or shape the dough by hand
Bake the paw print at 250 degrees for 1 to 2 hours depending on thickness of dough
If desired, paint the print, the background, or both
Attach the magnet with the glue

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-oodles-of-poodles-and-doodles-cover

You can purchase Oodles of Poodles and Doodles: A Woofing, Wagging Book of Colors at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (to support your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

August 30 – Toasted Marshmallow Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

It doesn’t matter if the weather is warm or cold, toasted marshmallows taste the same—scrumptious! Whether you like your marshmallows just lightly browned or blackened to a crisp, these ooey-gooey delights are fun to make and fun to eat! Why not make a campfire, get out the tabletop marshmallow toaster, or start up the fire pit or grill and toast up some marshmallows with your family or friends today?

Thank you to Eerdmans Books for Young Readers for sharing a digital copy of Hiro, Winter, and Marshmallows with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Hiro, Winter, and Marshmallows

By Marine Schneider | Translated by Vineet Lal

While the rest of her family dozes in quiet hibernation, Hiro lies awake, reading the cave wall in the glow of her flashlight. “Her stomach rumbles and her heart longs for adventure.” She decides to go for a walk. Her mother’s warning about how “‘winter can bite'” whispers in her mind as she packs up the things she wants to take along.

Hiro Winter and Marshmallows-around the table

Hiro goes out into the white, icy world. “Tiny white confetti falls on her snout. She thinks it’s so beautiful.” Soon she finds tracks in the snow. She follows them until she hears unfamiliar noises and smells a wood fire burning and “the sweet, gooey scent of toasted marshmallows.” She thinks it is a party and runs toward it.

Hiro Winter and Marshmallows-children around campfire

Seeing Hiro, the children around the campfire scatter. Now Hiro is alone again. “Her heart sinks a little. She feels so far from home.” She picks up one of the sticks of marshmallows abandoned by the children. She sighs, rekindling the fire. Her marshmallows begin to soften. One of the children—Émile—is hiding behind a tree, watching. He would like to talk to Hiro and whispers to her that her marshmallows are most likely ready. By way of explanation and introduction, he adds “‘I’m a marshmallow expert.'”

Gently, Hiro asks if the child is Winter. Giggling, Émile says no and slowly moves closer “until he joins Hiro on her tree trunk.” He asks, “‘What’s it like, being a bear?'” Hiro describes her feelings and ends with the conclusion that she likes being a bear. Hiro then asks, “‘What’s it like, being an Émile?'” They then share stories about eating and playing, running and hiding, and “making up scary tales.” Émile decides they are much the same. They toast marshmallows, and Hiro teaches Émile bear songs. They celebrate late into the night until “Émile hears his mom calling” and they both head home.

Each in their beds, the new friends think about each other, and as Hiro drifts off to sleep, she hears her mom murmur, “‘Goodness, it smells like marshmallows in here!'”

Hiro Winter and Marshmallows-hiro and emile around campfire

Marine Schneider’s gentle tale follows a simple storyline that reveals profound truths about the nature of discovery—both of the self and the world around us. Kids will appreciate Hiro’s restlessness at the thought of hibernation and her desire to see for herself what Winter is like. When Hiro comes upon evidence of a party, she’s eager to join in, but only brave Émile—his curiosity matching Hiro’s—remains to forge a new friendship. Through their conversation over shared toasted marshmallows, Hiro and Émile discover that despite their differences, they and their lives are very similar, giving them each new perspectives and understanding to ponder until, we hope, they meet again.

Schnieder’s soft illustrations radiate warmth and whimsy—from the bear family’s close-knit breakfast of blueberries and pastries around the table to Hiro and Émile’s marshmallow-roasting party around the roaring campfire.

A cozy, comforting, and thought-provoking story, Hiro, Winter, and Marshmallows is the perfect antidote to a busy day. The book would be a welcome addition to any home, school, or library collection.

Ages 4 – 8

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2024 | ISBN 978-0802856326

About the Author/Illustrator

Marine Schneider is a Belgian author and illustrator who lives in Brussels. Her works include the picture books Life and I, I Am Life, and The Path (all Little Gestalten) as well as the board books Little Bear, Baby Bear and Big Bear, Little Bear (both Abrams). A traveler at heart, she loves wandering through snowy landscapes—alone or with company. Visit Marine’s website at marine-schneider.com and follow her on Instagram @marineschneider.

About the Translator

Vineet Lal is a translator of books from French to English, including A Perfect Spot, A Head Full of Birds, The Brothers Zzli, and Home (all Eerdmans). He studied French at Princeton University and the University of Edinburgh. Vineet lives in Scotland. Follow him on Twitter @vineet_uk.

Toasted Marshmallow Day Activity

A Fun In-Home Campfire

Kids and their friends and family can enjoy the cozy fun of a campfire in their own family room with this craft that’s easy to make from recycled materials. While the supplies might make the campfire artificial, kids will love it if the marshmallows are the real thing!

Supplies

Three or four paper or cardboard tubes
Cylindrical bread crumbs or oatmeal container
Tissue paper in red, orange, and yellow
Brown craft paint
Brown marker
Brown construction paper or white paper
Strong glue or hot glue gun
Chopsticks (one for each person)
Marshmallows

Directions

To Make the Logs

Cover the ends of the tubes with circles of brown construction paper or white paper and glue into place
Paint the tubes and the ends if needed, let dry
Paint the sides of the cylindrical container with the brown paint, let dry
With the marker draw tree rings on the ends of the tubes. Decorate the sides with wavy lines, adding a few knot holes and swirls.

To Make the Fire

Cut 9 squares from the tissue paper (3 in each color, about 8 to 6-inch square)
Layer the colors and gather them together at one tip. Fold over and hold them together with a rubber band.
To Assemble the Campfire
Stack the tube logs
Put the tissue paper fire in the middle of the logs

To “Roast” Marshmallows

Stick marshmallows on chopsticks for “roasting” and eating!

You can keep your logs and fire in the cylindrical log until the next time!

**You can purchase Hiro, Winter, and Marshmallows at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (to support your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

August 21 – It’s Family Fun Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

As summer activities transition into going-back-to-school prep and starting a new year of learning, there’s still time to enjoy fun with the family. Whether you plan special events at home, take trips to local attractions, or take a faraway excursion, your shared experiences as a family will make lifelong memories!

Thanks to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sharing a copy of The Quest for a Tangram Dragon with me for review consideration.

The Quest for a Tangram Dragon

Written by Christine Liu-Perkins | Illustrated by Lynn Scurfield

Little Triangle, tired of waiting for rain to quench the thirst of the brown grass and wilted leaves of the countryside, “decided to search for a good, kind dragon.” Along the way, it played around with all of the things it could make and do, but then it fell point over point down a hill and right into another small triangle. “Nǐ hǎo! Hello!” Little Triangle said in greeting. They talked like old friends, and Second Little Triangle agreed to join Little Triangle’s search for a dragon. They needed to cross a vast meadow, so they flipped and flopped and made three shapes: a bigger triangle, a square, and a parallelogram. None of these shapes would help them, though. But when they “bumped heads, they turned into a butterfly” and soared into the sky.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-quest-for-a tangram-dragon-bird

Illustration copyright Lynn Scurfield, 2024. Text copyright Christine Liu-Perkins, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

They didn’t find a dragon, but they did see a square. Square was happy to help them on their quest, but how? The three new friends “switched, swapped, and swiveled. Soon they hit on just the right configuration and “turned into a bat.” They listened carefully, but instead of a dragon, they heard another shape singing and dancing and found Parallelogram. It didn’t take long for the four shapes to be off again on their adventure.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-quest-for-a tangram-dragon-tent

Illustration copyright Lynn Scurfield, 2024. Text copyright Christine Liu-Perkins, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

While their search resulted in no dragon sightings, they did meet Medium Triangle, Big Triangle and Second Big Triangle. The group continued shape shifting and looked high and low, but they never spotted a dragon. At last, weary and dejected, the shapes were ready to give up their quest, but Little Triangle convinced them to try one more time.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-quest-for-a tangram-dragon-getting-tired

Illustration copyright Lynn Scurfield, 2024. Text copyright Christine Liu-Perkins, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

The shapes chose partners and lined up: Little Triangle, Square, and Parallelogram; Medium Triangle and Second Little Triangle; and Big Triangle and Second Big Triangle. Then they got in position and . . . discovered something amazing! They didn’t need to search for a dragon any longer—they were a dragon! “Triumphant, they soared into the sky, breathing out clouds that showered rain over the thirsty land.”

In an Author’s Note following the story, Christine Liu-Perkins explains how to use tans to create geographical configurations, noting that while traditionally all seven tans are used to make a tangram, with her book she wants to encourage young beginners to experiment with fewer tans while building skills. She also reveals the positive meanings of the animals created throughout her story in Chinese culture. She goes on to explain the history of tangrams as well as their value in teaching problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and a vast array of mathematical concepts.

A colorful set of the seven tans found in the story are included for readers to cut out from a flap on the book’s jacket.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-quest-for-a tangram-dragon-make-a-dragon

Illustration copyright Lynn Scurfield, 2024. Text copyright Christine Liu-Perkins, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Christine Liu-Perkins’ story will excite kids with an engaging and friendship-filled adventure while introducing them to the fun and creative power of tangrams. As the group grows with the addition of tans, Liu-Perkins uses consonance and rhyming to mirror the way tans can be flipped and swiveled to fit together to create different shapes. The mystery of which creatures or objects the friends will experiment with while seeking just the right one to extend their search will keep readers eagerly turning the pages.

Liu-Perkins layers her story with a series of obstacles the tans need to overcome in order to reach their goal. These include physical barriers, accidental mishaps, and even their own disappointment and exhaustion. As the tans work through these obstacles, kids see how cooperation, understanding, and communication build friendships and contribute to the success of any undertaking. Their final discovery of the dragon is a pleasure.

Set against lush natural backgrounds in Lynn Scurfield’s mixed-media illustrations, the colorful tans create a vivid focal point for kids to easily see what shapes they will make next. Simple lines and brushstrokes added to the tans convey emotion and flesh out distinguishing features of wings, ears, tails, and more for each animal created. The end papers and a two-page spread within the story provide plenty more tangram fun and inspiration.

The Quest for a Tangram Dragon offers simple, creative, and challenging fun that families can enjoy on a game night, relaxing afternoon, or even during a spontaneous break between chores or other activities. The book also makes a terrific addition to classrooms across grade levels to enhance math, problem solving, art, and social studies lessons. School and public libraries will also want to add The Quest for a Tangram Dragon to their collections. The book is especially suited for library interactive story times, combined with magnetic tangram tiles in play areas, and for circulating book and toy kits. For gift-giving occasions, you can’t go wrong coupling this book with a set of tangram tiles.

Ages 5 – 8

Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2024 | ISBN 978-1547608058

About the Author

Christine Liu-Perkins is a writer and researcher who specializes in Chinese history and culture. Her book At Home in Her Tomb: Lady Dai and the Ancient Chinese Treasures of Mawangdui unearths one of China’s top archaeological finds of the last century. She has a Ph.D. in educational psychology. Born in Boston and raised near Kansas City, Christine now lives in Colorado. Visit her at christineliuperkins.com.

About the Illustrator

Lynn Scurfield is a mixed media illustrator based just outside of Toronto, Canada, who has worked on a variety of projects in newspapers, magazines, comics, and children’s publishing. Her books include Friends Are Friends, Forever and Hold That Thought! Visit her at lynnscurfield.com.

Family Fun Month Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-dragon-pencil-case-front-eyes-down

Dependable Dragon Pencil Case

You can always depend on a dragon to help out when needed! With this Dependable Dragon Pencil Case you’ll know just where your pencils, pens, markers, and other creative tools are when inspiration hits!

Supplies

Printable Dragon Pencil Case Templates – Wings | Face
Sheets of felt, 8 ½-inch by 11-inch (foam & heavy stock paper could work too)
- 2 Dark green (or color of your choice)
- 1 Light green (or color of your choice)
- 1 white
- 1 black
- 1 yellow (or color of your choice)
- 1 purple (or color of your choice)
Fabric Glue
Scissors
Velcro (optional)
Green Thread and needle (if you would like to sew instead of glue your case)
Glitter glue (optional)

Directions

Print the Dragon Templates
Cut out alternating 7 rows of scales from the dark green felt and 7 rows of light green felt (One row of the template scales is longer so you can tile them as shown on double row of scales the template. You will trim them later.)
To make the top of the head, cut a rounded top (instead of straight across—see picture).
Cut the eyes from the white felt, pupils and nostrils from the black felt, horns from the yellow felt, and wings from the purple felt. Set aside.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-dragon-pencil-case-top-of-head

To make the head

Fold one dark piece of felt in half lengthwise to make the pocket for your supplies
Cut a wavy line along the bottom of the felt to make lips (see picture)
Glue or sew the open side and bottom together, leaving the top open

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-dragon-pencil-case-bottom-snout

To add the scales

Starting at the bottom, lay one row of scales a little above the wavy bottom. Glue the top of the row to the folded pocket base.
Overlap an alternating green row of scales on the first row, glue the top to the folded pocket base
Continue alternating dark and light green scales until you reach 9 inches on the folded pocked base
Use the rounded row of scales for the top of the head. See how to insert horns below before attaching the top of head.

To insert the horns

On the rounded row of scales, mark where you want the horns to be
Cut two small slits in the felt where the horns will go
Insert the bottoms of the horns into the slits

To finish the head

Glue the top of the head with horns to the folded pocket base
Trim any longer rows of scales to meet the edges of the folded pocket base
Add the eyes and nostrils to the face

To make a Velcro closure for the case

Cut the base following the line of the rounded row of scales
Glue or sew strips of Velcro along the inside edges

To attach the wings

Turn the dragon case to the back
Glue or sew the wings to the center of the back, attaching them at the center edge
Outline or sprinkle the wings with glitter glue (optional)

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-dragon-pencil-case-back

**You can purchase The Quest for a Tangram Dragon at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (to support your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

April 5 – National Dandelion Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Spring is here and so are those vibrant yellow flowers that spring up on lawns, in gardens, along roadways, and anywhere there’s a bit of soil, sun, and rain. I’m talking, of course, about dandelions! With their gloriously yellow flowers and fly-away seeds, these little plants are part of spring and summer landscapes around the world. While most may consider the dandelion a weed, it is, in fact, much more. Technically, the dandelion is an herb that has many health benefits. Dandelion leaves can be used in salads, soups, and teas, and they provide aid with regulating blood sugar, wound healing, gastrointestinal problems, and even vision. Known for their healthy properties since 659 BCE, dandelions are a staple food for many global cultures. To celebrate, check in your favorite grocery store or farmers market for dandelion leaves and try a new recipe!

Thanks to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sharing a copy of Tiny Wonders with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Tiny Wonders

By Sally Soweol Han

April wished her town wasn’t so… gray. Everyone was always rush, rush, rushing here and there, plugged into their phones, their music, or their podcasts. She never heard laughing or saw anyone “look up at the sky.” She wanted to “help them all slow down” like her grandma, who was never too busy to notice all the wonders in the world. One of her grandma’s favorite wonders was flowers—especially dandelions. “‘Did you know there’s a secret language of flowers?'” she asked April. “‘Dandelions mean happiness,'” she said. That made April think that perhaps dandelions could make the world better.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-tiny-wonders-wish

April went in search of dandelions and dandelion seeds, but found none. The gardener told her they were weeds, and the bus driver said they made him sneeze. The shopkeeper remembered how she used to wish on dandelions when she was little. April thought maybe dandelions were magic. She wished and wished and wished for a dandelion seed all the way home. When she got to her doorstep, she discovered, to her delight, that dandelion seeds had followed her home. She collected them then waited for the perfect time to plant them.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-tiny-wonders-growing

Finally, on a rainy day, April took her jar of seeds outside. Then she watched over them through fall and winter to see what happened. When spring came, the seeds sent up little green shoots. The plants grew and grew until glorious yellow flowers faced the sun, attracting butterflies and ladybugs. The petals turned fluffy and finally released more and more seeds into the world. Soon, the colors of spring were everywhere “and happiness bloomed.” Even the gardener and the bus driver embraced these little flowers, and “everyone made wishes for more tiny wonders to grow.”

A beautifully illustrated double-page spread follows the story and reveals the meanings of thirty-two types of flowers.

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Sally Soweol Han’s sweet and gentle Tiny Wonders perfectly encapsulates not only young children’s capacity for finding joy in the simple aspects of life but also their ability to truly affect change through their boundless optimism and concrete actions. April’s close relationship with her grandma acts as a precious counterpoint to the daily bustle and distractions that have drained vitality from the town.

Soweol Han’s soft, yet vibrant gouache, color pencil, and pastel illustrations are lovely accompaniments to her story. As the somber grays and dull blues of April’s crowded, busy town give way to the balloon-like bouquet of gorgeous flowers floating from Grandma’s hand, April’s idea to bring the color and wish-fulfillment of dandelions back to her community takes root and thrives. In the final spread, gigantic flowers in a riot of colors lift up April and her grandma as well as the gardener, bus driver, and shopkeeper as they tend to the garden and the creatures it attracts.

An endearing read that’s sure to inspire readers to act on their wishes, Tiny Wonders makes a wonderful addition to spring and summer reading and is highly recommended for home bookshelves as well as for school and public libraries.

Ages 4 – 8

Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2024 | ISBN 978-1547614561

About the Author

Sally Soweol Han is an award-winning Korean Australian artist who is passionate about creating stories and illustrating heart-warming picture books for all ages. She is fascinated with traditional techniques and most of her illustrations are hand-drawn and -painted. Sally is devoted to illustrating whimsical work for picture books, in the hope of delivering warmth and joy to all readers. This is her authorial debut. Visit Sally Soweol Han at sallyhanillustration.com.

National Dandelion Day Activity

With this quick and easy craft you can bring a pretty bouquet of flowers into your home with this easy and quick craft! It makes a great gift for friends too!

Supplies

Colorful plastic spoons
Heavy stock paper or construction paper in various colors, including green for leaves
Multi-surface glue or hot glue gun

Directions

Cut petals from the heavy stock paper or construction paper
Glue the petals to the bowl of the spoon
Cut leaves from the green paper (optional)
Glue leaves to the handle of the spoon (optional)

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To support your local independent bookstore, order Tiny Wonders from

Bookshop

You can also find Tiny Wonders at these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

November 16 – It’s Picture Book Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

If you love picture books, you know the thrill of holding a new or a new-to-you book in your hands and opening up to that very first page. The children’s sections of bookstores and libraries draw you in with humor, fairy tales, poetry, biographies, science, and so much more—a whole universe of creativity, thought, knowledge, and imagination—that enlightens and entertains. This month take time to indulge your passion for picture books!

I’d like to thank Knopf Books for Young Readers for sending me a copy of Gift & Box for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Gift & Box

Written by Ellen Mayer | Illustrated by Brizida Magro

“Gift was a gift. Box was a box,” and when Grandma lovingly placed Gift inside Box, they became “a package.” Gift couldn’t wait to delight. Box was ready to protect. Grandma took the package to the post office, and Gift and Box “were on their way.”

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Illustration copyright Brizida Magro, 2023, text copyright Ellen Mayer, 2023. Courtesy of Knopf Books for Young Readers.

“They were not Priority Mail,” making the journey long and with many ups and downs. ‘”When will we be there?’ asked Gift.” Sometimes they waited and waited; sometimes they were tossed this way and that. Gift had lots of questions, a few complaints, and a moment of disappointment when the wrapping tore a bit. But Box always answered and comforted even though it could be “challenging.”

Being a package could be fun—like when they rode the conveyor belt. But the fun could turn scary, too—like when the big shipping container they were in was transferred to another ship. ‘”Don’t worry!'” shouted Box” when Gift was afraid. ‘”I’ve got you!'” As they got closer to their destination, each admitted they would miss one another. And then with a “Thunk!” they landed on a door step. Mama opened the door. Sofia rushed to see what had come.

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Illustration copyright Brizida Magro, 2023, text copyright Ellen Mayer, 2023. Courtesy of Knopf Books for Young Readers.

Sofia opened Box and lovingly lifted Gift out. “Gift and Box were no longer a package.” Sofia unwrapped Gift and was delighted. Box was happy to have protected Gift, but now their time together had ended. Mama came over to flatten Box for recycling. Sofia, however, had other ideas—lots of ideas. Sofia got out tape and scissors; crayons, markers, and glue. When she was finished creating, Sofia and Gift and Box were ready for another adventure—together!

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Illustration copyright Brizida Magro, 2023, text copyright Ellen Mayer, 2023. Courtesy of Knopf Books for Young Readers.

What child doesn’t love getting a package in the mail? But who is it come from? How does it get to them? And Oh, the joy when the gift is revealed! Rooted in objects, emotions, ideas, and questions familiar to kids, Ellen Mayer’s story will delight readers of all ages with its fresh and innovative twists and turns. Together Gift and Box mirror the most appealing kinds of relationships—best friends; parent or caregiver and child; teacher and student. Children will love learning how a package navigates its way through the postal system, and adults and kids may even like to speculate on where Grandma and Sofia live since Gift and Box cross an ocean.

Mayer’s realistic dialogue creates a wonderful read-aloud story that can give adults and kids a fun way to interact while reading. The story also could easily be staged as a play in classrooms or libraries. The details of their journey make perfect prompts to discuss patience, fear, anxiety, and disappointment as well as new experiences, teamwork, excitement, growing friendships, and imaginative, creative play. Young readers will be delighted by the sweet and surprising ending.

On the very first page, kids will fall in love with Brizida Magro’s adorable Gift and Box. Their bright eyes, sweet, simple smiles (which cleverly register a full range of emotions) and creatively placed tape make them expressive and beloved characters to root for. Magro’s vivid collage-style illustrations play with repeating patterns, colors, and textures to create a charming and cohesive sense of movement as Gift and Box (and readers) follow the story’s journey. Magro’s final illustration is sure to inspire a child’s own creativity.

A Special Note: Readers will be well-rewarded by unwrapping the book from it’s jacket to meet Gift and Box in person!

An exciting, multi-layered story that kids will ask for again and again, Gift & Box makes a perfect addition to anyone’s gift list for holidays, birthdays, and “just because” days. Public and school libraries can be sure Gift & Box, with it’s bright, enticing cover and “read again!” appeal, will be a welcome addition to their collection and enjoy continuous rotation.

Ages 3 – 7

Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2023 | ISBN 978-0593377611

About the Author

Ellen Mayer is an award-winning author of lively children’s books that help build language and math skills. She has a background in early childhood education, as a researcher and early literacy home visitor. Ellen lives with her husband in Cambridge, Massachusetts. And while her grandchildren all live close by, she still mails them gifts in boxes they can open with delight.

Visit Ellen on Her Website | Instagram | Twitter

About the Illustrator

Brizida Magro is an illustrator and educator based in Boulder, Colorado, who grew up in Portugal. She teaches illustration at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. Brizida is also the illustrator of Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O’Neill and Let Me Call You Sweetheart by Mary Lee Donovan. She is passionate about rock climbing and wandering the world. She enjoys simplicity, wee characters, collecting vintage papers, and bringing stories to life.

Visit Brizida on Her Website | Instagram

Picture Book Month Activity

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Shaving Cream Wrapping Paper

Kids will love wrapping any birthday, holiday, or even surprise gift in unique wrapping paper they’ve made themselves! This simple creative craft is fun for the whole family!

Supplies

1 can of shaving cream
Food coloring
Shallow baking tray
Frosting spatula or regular spatula
Toothpicks or skewer for swirling food coloring
White paper, computer paper works well

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Directions

Squirt the shaving cream onto the tray in small amounts and spread into a thin layer with the spatula
Squeeze a few drops of different colored food coloring onto the shaving cream
With the toothpick or skewer gently swirl the colors. Alternately, gently smooth the colors around and together with the icing spatula.
Lay a piece of white paper on top of the shaving cream
Gently pat the paper all over. Do not submerge the paper in the shaving cream.
Lift the paper up and place on the table
Let sit for a few minutes
Scrape the shaving cream off the paper and let the paper dry

Order from Bookshop to support your local independent bookstore.

**You can also find Gift & Box at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

Picture Book Review

April 17 – International Haiku Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Small things are amazing—and surprising! We all know good things come in small packages, and just look at the wisdom, humor, and capacity for love of children. The same goes for haiku—the smallest form of poetry in size but never in impact. Coming mid-way through National Poetry Month, today’s holiday shines a spotlight on the haiku. The simple 5-7-5 rule that we all learn in school doesn’t begin to define the complexity of these three-line beauties that distill the world into little nuggets that make readers see life in amazing and surprising ways.

Peek-a-Boo Haiku

Written by Danna Smith | Illustrated by Teagan White

In this beautiful board book, little ones are taken through an auditory and visual wonderland from winter through spring, summer, and fall as two mice visit woodland, meadow, garden, and aquatic creatures to play, discover, and celebrate the changing seasons.

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Children will enjoy predicting what animals are hiding behind the log and boulder. Image copyright Teagan White, 2023, text copyright Danna Smith, 2023. Courtesy of Little Simon.

Each of Danna Smith’s haiku verses surprises, sparkling with lovely alliteration and evocative language that invites young readers to anticipate and predict who will appear when the flaps on the facing page are lifted. Smith’s giggly humor and exceptional imagination elevate readers’ experience as she deftly uses games and experiences familiar to children (hide-and-seek, confetti, splashing in water, and lullabies to name a few) in ways that will spark creative thinking and bond them to the natural world. As late fall with its nighttime frost appears in the last spread, Smith’s gentle, sleepy verse welcomes little ones to drift off to dream along with the two snuggled up mice.

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When the rabbits are revealed, Smith’s verse encourages readers to talk about “long ears” and “short ears.” Image copyright Teagan White, 2023, text copyright Danna Smith, 2023. Courtesy of Little Simon.

Any book illustrated by Teagan White is a treasure, and in Peek-a-Boo Haiku, she populates Smith’s various habitats with adorable, yet realistic animals that will charm little readers and adults alike. White’s glorious colors add breathtaking beauty to her gorgeously detailed pages. Each spread is a tiny masterpiece that gives children and adults much to discover and talk about as they move through the seasons. The final spread, washed in somnolent shades of twilight, puts little ones in the mind for sleep, just as the owl snugged into its tree-trunk nest. Kids will enjoy finding the mice (appearing alone or together, allowing the youngest children to engage with the idea of one and/or two) in each spread, and the variety of creatures, plants, and environments provide a wealth of learning, from vocabulary to math to science, for a wide-range of ages and development.

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When the colorful bird is revealed behind stems of flowers, Danna Smith invites readers to talk about what she has in her beak, where it came from, and what she will do with it. Image copyright Teagan White, 2023, text copyright Danna Smith, 2023. Courtesy of Little Simon.

Exquisite in every way, Peek-a-Boo Haiku is a book adults and children will love to share again and again and is a perfect choice as a gift for special occasions, baby showers, new siblings, or simply to add to a child’s bookshelf. This superlative board book also belongs in all preschool and kindergarten classrooms as well as school and library collections.

Ages Birth to 5

Little Simon, 2023 | ISBN 978-1665926461

About the Author

Danna Smith is a poet and award-winning author of numerous books for children, including One Blue Gnu; Rooftop Garden; Wake Up, Freight Train!; and several Little Golden Books. Her nonfiction picture book, The Hawk of the Castle: A Story of Medieval Falconry, received two starred reviews and is a Junior Library Guild Selection and a Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year. Danna currently lives in northern California, where she is hard at work on her next book. For more information about her books and teaching activities, visit her website at DannaSmithBooks.com.

About the Illustrator

Teagan White is an artist and author who creates playful watercolor scenes of the natural world and the friendly creatures who inhabit it. Teagan lives in Oregon, enjoys visiting seagulls at the beach, and has illustrated nine picture books. Find out more at TinyMothStudios.com.

Take a Peek at this Peek-a-Boo Haiku Book Trailer!

National Haiku Day Activities

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Woodland animals love to play hide-and-seek in trees, behind logs and rocks, under bushes, and in all sorts of places. This Peek-a-Boo Haiku Memory Game lets little ones find matching pairs of animals while building observation skills and having lots of fun!

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Young children will enjoy writing their own haiku from what they see in nature with this adorable Write a Haiku Page that gets them thinking and using their imagination.

**You can find Peek-a-Boo Haiku at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop

Picture Book Review

About the Holiday

Write Here, Write Now

Written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington | Illustrated by Andrea Boatta

International Ideas Month Activity

Treasure Box of Imagination

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About the Holiday

Oodles of Poodles and Doodles: A Woofing, Wagging Book of Colors

Written by Stephanie Calmenson | Illustrated by Hollie Hibbert

National Dog Week Activity

Paw Print Magnet

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About the Holiday

Hiro, Winter, and Marshmallows

By Marine Schneider | Translated by Vineet Lal

Toasted Marshmallow Day Activity

A Fun In-Home Campfire

Supplies

Directions

You can purchase Hiro, Winter, and Marshmallows at these booksellers

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About the Holiday

The Quest for a Tangram Dragon

Written by Christine Liu-Perkins | Illustrated by Lynn Scurfield

Family Fun Month Activity

Dependable Dragon Pencil Case

You can purchase The Quest for a Tangram Dragon at these booksellers

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About the Holiday

Tiny Wonders

By Sally Soweol Han

National Dandelion Day Activity

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About the Holiday

Gift & Box

Written by Ellen Mayer | Illustrated by Brizida Magro

About the Author

About the Illustrator

Picture Book Month Activity

Shaving Cream Wrapping Paper

Order from Bookshop to support your local independent bookstore.

You can also find Gift & Box at these booksellers

Share this:

About the Holiday

Peek-a-Boo Haiku

Written by Danna Smith | Illustrated by Teagan White

National Haiku Day Activities

You can find Peek-a-Boo Haiku at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Share this:

**You can purchase Hiro, Winter, and Marshmallows at these booksellers**

**You can purchase The Quest for a Tangram Dragon at these booksellers**

**You can also find Gift & Box at these booksellers**

**You can find Peek-a-Boo Haiku at these booksellers**