June 9 – Pride Month

About the Holiday

Brenda Howard instituted Gay Pride Week in 1970 to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, which took place in Manhattan beginning on June 28, 1969 and lasted six days as protesters demanded the establishment of places where LGBTQ+ people could be open about their sexual orientation without fear of arrest. These events later inspired the New York City Pride March, which became a catalyst for the formation of similar parades and marches across the world. Pride Month was officially recognized in 1999 by President Bill Clinton. During the month of June the LGBTQ+ community celebrates diversity, cultural accomplishments and influence, and the strides that have been made politically and socially.

The month also highlights the need for renewed vigilance to protect hard-won rights while moving forward to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community achieves full equality and acceptance. Globally, activists work year-round to end abuses and advocate for laws and policies to protect all. Around the world, the rainbow flag, designed in 1978 by American artist, gay rights activist, and U.S. Army veteran Gilbert Baker, flies proudly over a variety of events, including parades, marches, concerts, book readings, parties, and workshops.

Thank you to Nosy Crow for sending me a copy of this book for review!

The Perfect Match

Written by Chris Becker | Illustrated by Dan Taylor

Every night Jack asked his dad to tell him his favorite bedtime story, and every night his dad began with that well-loved phrase, “Once upon a time . . . .” In this story “there was a boy named Leo” who loved soccer, but while his two older brothers kicked the ball around in the yard, they made him do all the chores. Leo diligently did each one while also finding ways to turn them into weaving-and-bobbing, ball-kicking soccer practice.

When Leo unexpectedly received an invitation to play in Prince Ollie’s Royal Soccer Match against the Red Dragons that very night, Leo was excited. But his brothers unfurled a long, long list of chores he had to finish before he could go. Leo felt deflated; he’d never get all that work done. As he was washing piles of pots and pans and dishes, an itty-bitty man with “tiny wings and glowing silvery hair appeared.” He introduced himself as Leo’s Hairy Squadfather, and with several tweets of his whistle Leo was dressed in the uniform of the Purple Knights, and his skuffed soccer ball was transformed into a shiny race car.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Dan Taylor. Text copyright © 2026 by Chris Becker. Courtesy of Nosy Crow.

With the admonition to be home before the winner’s trophy was hoisted, Leo was on his way. He made it to the field just in the nick of time. Leo’s brothers, part of the Red Dragons team, thought this newcomer looked familiar, but it couldn’t be . . . Leo was back at home, right? The game commenced, and Prince Ollie made a quick goal. Then, just before halftime, one of Leo’s brothers scored. The rest of the game was fiercely played, but with almost no time left and the score tied, Prince Ollie passed to Leo. He kicked . . . his cleat went flying . . . he scored!

As Leo and Prince Ollie lifted the trophy, Leo’s magic was beginning to fade. He rushed out of the stadium as his uniform and race car began disappearing. The next day Prince Ollie appeared at the door, holding the magic cleat. He’d tried every house in town to find the owner. He wanted the player who had worn that shoe to join his team. Both of Leo’s brothers laid claim to the shoe, but it didn’t fit either of them. Then Leo tried it on. It was a perfect fit!

Jack smiled. “‘That’s my favorite part, Dad,'” he said. It was his dad Leo’s favorite part too. Jack was growing sleepy when his dad Ollie came in to echo their sentiments. “‘Without that missing cleat, your dad and I would never have found each other, and we wouldn’t be a family!'” he said. Then both dads kissed Jack goodnight, telling him “‘We love you.'”

Chris Becker’s creative take on the Cinderella tale—framed by the sweet bedtime routine of a loving and supportive family—will enchant kids as the traditional folk tale is updated with mean older brothers, a soccer match, a race car, and a Hairy Squadfather coach, who’s sure to bring a giggle when he first appears. Readers will be charmed to discover that the true origins of Jack’s favorite bedtime story is one they also love to hear again and again—how their parents met.

Kids will love exploring Dan Taylor’s homey and magical illustrations as they empathize with Leo’s plight, cheer when his kindly Hairy Squadfather saves the day, and get caught up in the action and suspense of the royal soccer match. Taylor decorates Jack’s room with reminders from Leo and Ollie’s memorable first meeting, and alert readers will enjoy spying a special guest who also comes by to say goodnight.

Inventive and heartwarming, The Perfect Match is a must for any public and school library collection and will become a quick favorite on home bookshelves as well.

Ages 4 – 8

Nosy Crow, 2026 | ISBN 979-8887772707

A QR Code on the back of the book provides a free Nosy Crow Stories Aloud® Audiobook.

Chris Becker is a second grade teacher from New York who spends his days reading silly stories, tying shoelaces, answering endless questions, and helping kids discover a love of books. He’s passionate about storytelling, both in and out of the classroom, and believes there’s nothing better than a read-aloud that makes everyone laugh. When he’s not teaching, Chris loves running (he’s finished a few marathons), hanging with friends and family, and spending time with his dog Oliver and cat Jasper.
His debut picture book, The Perfect Match, is just the beginning—he’s excited to keep writing stories that connect with kids and spark joy. You can visit Chris at chrisbeckerauthor.com.

Dan Taylor was born in Staffordshire UK and has been working as children’s illustrator for over 15 years. Dan’s most recently illustrated book Papa’s Coming Home written by Chasten Buttigieg and published by Penguin made it to the New York Times Bestseller list. Dan finds much of his inspiration from 1950’s and 60’s design and creates his illustrations digitally combining hand painted textures and elements and putting it all together using his trusty iPad. When not illustrating, Dan also teaches art to children with special educational needs – and when he’s not teaching, he can be found napping, trying to stay healthy and enjoying his time with family and friends. Follow him on Instagram.

Pride Month Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-soccer-maze

Kick It In!

Use some fancy footwork to move the soccer ball down the field and score in this printable puzzle!

Kick It In Maze Puzzle | Kick It In Maze Solution

You can purchase The Perfect Match from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

February 19 – Random Acts of Kindness Week

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Random Acts of Kindness Week may be ending, but that only means it’s time to extend the spirit of the holiday day after day until it rolls around again next February! Today, I’m celebrating with one of my favorite stories about a little girl who sees someone in need of help or kindness and generously offers the comforts of tea and treats with a smile. Children are particularly good at offering such caring gestures that can have far-reaching effects. Adults can foster a child’s natural kindness by supporting their ideas and actions for helping their community.

Thanks to Sleeping Bear Press for sharing a copy of The Princess and the Café on the Moat with me!

The Princess and the Café on the Moat

Written by Margie Markarian | Illustrated by Chloe Douglass

There once was a little princess who lived in a very busy castle. Every morning knights brought news of “enemies defeated, dragons seized, and citizens rescued.” Upstairs, ladies-in-waiting were given their duties for “silks to sew, invitations to ink, and chandeliers to shine.” The princess wanted a special job too, but her voice was never heard above the din, so she went in search of something to occupy her time.

The court jester was too busy to teach her how to juggle. The wandering minstrel said her fingers were too delicate to pluck the wiry strings of a mandolin, and the wizard banished her from the tower, saying his potions were too dangerous. Even the royal baker thought her kitchen was no place for a princess. “The princess’s kind heart and eager spirit were not easily discouraged.” She wondered if there were people beyond the castle who could use her help. Just then the drawbridge descended, and the princess crept by the guard and ran outside.

Right outside the castle, she met a sad old man who had gotten a letter from his far-away son, but because of his weak eyesight couldn’t read it. “‘I have time to read your letter and sit awhile,’ said the princess, happy to have found a task so quickly.” Next, she met a worried widow who had no one to watch her children as she traveled to the village market. The princess happily offered to watch them. And when a brave squire came limping by with an injured knee, she quickly bandaged.

Back at the castle, though, everything was in an uproar as everyone was hunting everywhere for the princess. When the king suddenly heard laughter and singing and saw through the window that it was the princess, everyone paraded out through the drawbridge to join her and her new friends.

The princess ran to her mother and father and told them about all the things she had done for the old man, the widow, and the squire. The king and queen “were proud to have such a kindhearted daughter.” The king suggested that they “all celebrate together with treats and refreshments.” From that day on in the afternoon, the drawbridge was dropped and tables and chairs set up. Then the “princess welcomed townspeople and travelers from far and wide to her café on the moat.” The café welcomed everyone, and “indeed, they all lived happily and busily ever after.”

An Afterword about fairy tales and a kindness activity for children follow the story.

Margie Markarian’s sweet story is an enchanting fairy tale for today’s socially conscious and active kids. Instead of needing rescue, this princess looks for opportunities to help others. When she’s turned away from helping inside the castle, she leaves the comfort of home and reaches out to her community, an idea that children will embrace. Through her cheerful storytelling, Markarian also shows readers that in their talents and kind hearts they already have what it takes to make a difference to others. As the princess opens her café on the moat, both children and adult readers will be inspired to find ways to support each other in planned—or random—acts of kindness. Markarian’s language is charmingly “medieval,” making the story a fun read aloud. The story would also lend itself well to dramatic play for classrooms, child-centered organizations, or enterprising groups of friends and families.

Chloe Douglass’s adorable princess is a terrific role model for young readers. Her eagerness to help and positive spirit are evident in her smiles and persistent requests for a job to do. When she ventures out of the castle, she displays obvious empathy for the people she meets, and children will recognize her joy at being able to brighten the townspeople’s day. Despite their busy days, the king and queen are happy and supportive of their daughter. Children will love the bright and detailed images of the castle and town, where the crest of love rules.

The Princess and the Café on the Moat is a charming flip on the traditional fairy tale—one that children will want to hear again and again. It would make an inspiring spring gift and an enriching addition to home, classroom, and library collections.

Ages 5 – 8

Sleeping Bear Press, 2018 | ISBN 978-1585363971

To discover more about Margie Markarian and her picture book and to find fun activities, visit her website.

Learn more about Chloe Douglass, her books, and her art on her website.

Random Acts of Kindness Week Activity

The Princess and the Café on the Moat Activities

The Princess likes to help people relax and have fun together! You can help her too with these four The Princess and the Café Activity Pages!

You can purchase The Princess and the Café on the Moat at these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

November 1 – Happy Book Birthday Celebration for It’s Not the Three Little Pigs

Posted by Kath Carroll

I’m excited to be a stop on the book tour for Josh Funk and Edwardian Taylor’s latest, It’s Not the Three Little Pigs. November is the perfect time to celebrate this fourth book in the It’s Not a Fairy Tale series as this month we celebrate Picture Book Month, Family Stories Month, and Family Literacy Month. And today is National Author’s Day, a day that one character in today’s book will definitely be interested in! You’ll see!

Thanks to Two Lions and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for sharing a copy of It’s Not the Three Little Pigs with me for review consideration. All opinions about the book are my own.

It’s Not the Three Little Pigs

Written by Josh Funk | Illustrated by Edwardian Taylor

“Once upon a time, a little pig family lived in a little pig house.” You know how this story goes, right? And even though one of the pigs objects to being called “little,” it still has their mom sending her three sons “out into the world to seek their fortune.” Sure, the young pigs don’t know what this means, but the roving, and apparently insightful, narrator explains the realities of life – that they need to find their own place to live and get a job. It seems these three aren’t entirely clueless, though, as Alan wants to be a builder, Alfred has his sights set on winning an Oscar, and Alvin… well, two out of three isn’t bad… dreams of being a pumpkin.

Wait! Alan, Alfred, and Alvin have a sister?! (Who knew?) And she wants to be a storyteller. The narrator is surprised to meet this interloper, but offers to let her tag along. Alison is an enterprising pig and jumps at the chance to help tell the story. And so she begins: “It was a dark and stormy night. The three intrepid pigs began their quest to the magical land of—”

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Image copyright Edwardian Taylor, 2022, text copyright Josh Funk, 2022. Courtesy of Two Lions.

But the narrator, the real storyteller here, rejects this version of events and sets Alison straight: she can add bits here and there, but she can’t tell the whole story. So the pigs go their separate ways, and … finally … we’ve come to the part you know, where the first little pig builds a house of straw. But what do you think of these days when you hear the word “straw?’ Yeah, that’s what Alan thought too, so he designed a beautiful, sturdy cottage from plastic drinking straws he found littering the environment.

The narrator wants to stick to the original story, though, and builds the haystack straw house himself—even, as Alan points out it “isn’t structurally sound at” and “there’s no bathroom.” He finishes it just a moment before the wolf comes knocking at his door with the familiar “Little pig, little pig, let me come in.” Unsuspecting Alan’s ready to invite him in until the narrator warns him about the wolf’s true intentions and tells him he’s supposed to say “Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin.” Alison finds this rejoinder completely ridiculous, and by the time she’s done schooling Alan on the reasons, the wolf has disappeared.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-it's-not-the-three-little-pigs-hot-air-balloon

Image copyright Edwardian Taylor, 2022, text copyright Josh Funk, 2022. Courtesy of Two Lions.

Hearing that the wolf is no doubt on his way to Alfred’s house, Alan and Alison hop into a hot-air balloon and take off. They find Alfred on a stage made of sticks, singing, dancing, and acting. Seems a stage is as far as his building inclinations will take him, so Alan gets to work again, and, before the wolf even appears on the road, he’s constructed a topnotch cabin. When the wolf does come nosing around, Alfred, the consummate professional actor, follows the script and says the “chinny chin chin” line, but he can’t figure out how the wolf is going to blow the house down without magic or fairies or anything this fairytale is supposed to have. In fact, Alison finds this whole story boring and repetitive and without any kind of coherent lesson.

But now it’s time to rush off again to save Alvin, who they find living next door to Cinderella’s castle in a pumpkin house, magicked into existence by Cindy’s fairy godmother. At last, the wolf catches up to them. But who wins out in the end: the retro-loving narrator? Alison and her quest for magic and fairies? Or readers who get to ham it up with some very familiar friends?

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-it's-not-the-three-little-pigs-engineering

Image copyright Edwardian Taylor, 2022, text copyright Josh Funk, 2022. Courtesy of Two Lions.

In a welcome return to fairytale land, Josh Funk brings mayhem and a modern touch to the traditional The Three Little Pigs by adding a welcome fourth little pig who updates the story while pointing out the nonsensical silliness of the original with opinionated asides and giddy improvements that will have kids huffing and puffing with laughter. Funk’s freewheeling imagination conjures up an alternative countryside universe full of fun gadgets that move he story along at jetpack speed. Snappy dialogue full of wit and personality make It’s Not the Three Little Pigs a rollicking read aloud, and older kids may enjoy taking Alfred’s lead and turning the whole tale into a play. As with the other stories in the series, Funk ends his fable embracing friendship, cooperation, and just plain magical fun.

Edwardian Taylor imbues Alan, Alfred, and Alvin with just the right mix of cluelessness and competency to bring out all the comedy in Funk’s writing, while Alison exhibits enough confidence for all of them. Kids will love giggling and poring over Alan’s blueprints for his house designs, which Taylor has loaded with puns, hilarious comments on the materials used, and references to other fairytales. Small details add even more humor and interest to the vibrant, action-packed pages, and dialogue color-coded to each character’s outfit makes it easy for readers to follow who’s saying what. Fans of the It’s Not a Fairy Tale series know that a true showstopper awaits them on the final spread, and here, as the stars twinkle, kids will be hooked on picking out old friends who have come to celebrate these four little pigs.

Whether your child is a fan of the It’s Not a Fairy Tale series or just discovering it, It’s Not the Three Little Pigs is a hilarious fractured fairy and parody that both kids and adults will want on their home bookshelves and is a must addition to school and public library collections. The book would also be a hit for writing workshops as well as lessons on fairytales and analyzing and comparing literature.

Ages 4 – 8

Two Lions, 2022 | ISBN 978-1542032438

About the Author

Like the characters in his books, Josh Funk doesn’t like being told how stories should go―so he writes his own. He is the author of a bunch of picture books, including My Pet Feet, illustrated by Billy Yong; the popular Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series, illustrated by Brendan Kearney; How to Code a Sandcastle, illustrated by Sara Palacios; and Lost in the Library: A Story of Patience & Fortitude, illustrated by Stevie Lewis. He lives in New England with his wife and children. Learn more about him at www.joshfunkbooks.com and follow him on Facebook: Josh Funk Books | Instagram: @joshfunkbooks | Twitter: @joshfunkbooks.

About the Illustrator

Edwardian Taylor is the illustrator of multiple children’s books, including Hey, You’re Not Santa!, written by Ethan T. Berlin; Goldibooks and the Wee Bear, written by Troy Wilson; the Toy Academy chapter books, written by Brian Lynch; and the It’s Not a Fairy Tale books, written by Josh Funk, among other titles. He lives in Texas with his partner and their three dogs. Learn more about him at www.edwardiantaylor.com and follow him on Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter @edwardiantaylor.

It’s Not the Three Little Pigs Book Birthday Activity

CPB - Pig Day pigs

Spool Pig and Piglets

Ham it up with your own pig and piglets that are easy to make with this fun craft!

Supplies

Printable Pigs Ears Template
2 ½-inch wooden spoon, available from craft stores
1-inch wooden spool, available from craft stores
Pink yarn, I used a wide-strand yarn
Pink fleece or felt
Pink craft paint
Pink 5/8-inch or 1-inch flat button with two holes
Pink 3/8-inch flat button with two holes
Paint brush
Scissors
Glue
Black marker

CPB - Pig Day with spools (2)

Directions

Print Pigs Ears Template
Trace the ears onto the fleece or felt and cut them out
Paint the spool with the pink paint
Let spool dry
Glue the ears to the spool, letting them stick up over the rim of the spool
Wrap yarn in straight layers around spool until the body of the pig is a little bigger than the end of the spool, which will be the face
Cut yarn off skein and glue the end to the body
To make the nose, glue the button over the hole in the middle of the spool
Mark the eyes and mouth with a marker
To make the tail for the large pig, cut a 4-inch long piece of yarn. Tie a triple knot in the yarn (or a knot big enough to fill the hole in the spool). Then tie a single knot about 1/2 inch below the first knot. Insert the large knot into the spool’s hole at the back of the pig. Trim the yarn behind the second knot as needed.
To make the tail for the piglets, tie a single knot in the yarn and another single knot about 1/4 inch below the first. Insert one of the single knots into the hole. Trim yarn behind the second knot as needed.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-it's-not-the-three-little-pigs-cover

**You can find It’s Not the Three Little Pigs at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

February 14 – International Book Giving Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

It’s been a terrific month of celebrating the joys of reading at home, in the classroom, and at the library! Every book read to and with a child enriches their life and helps to foster a life-long love of learning. Whether your child likes books that are fiction or nonfiction, stories or poetry, funny or poignant, there are a vast array of new and old books to teach them about the world and get them excited about being part of it. There really is a book for every child—as you’ll see in today’s review!

Thanks to Macmillan for sending me a copy of Everybody’s Favorite Book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Everybody’s Favorite Book

Written by Mike Allegra | Illustrated by Claire Almon

You are quite lucky, the narrator greets you, to be holding the world’s most favorite book. What makes it everybody’s favorite? Well, “lots of great books have cool heroes.” But these are heroes with just one talent—“like spacemen! Or ninjas! Or cowgirls!” In this book, though, the hero multitasks! What is he? “A space ninja cow!” and “his name is Bob.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-everybody's-favorite-book-opening

Image copyright Claire Almon, 2018, text copyright Mike Allegra, 2018. Courtesy of Imprint at Macmillan Publishing.

Of course, a hero needs a villain to vanquish, and Bob is lucky because instead of a one-dimensional bad guy, he gets to pit himself against a fierce mash up of a robot, a dragon, and a pirate. What’s this horrible marauder’s name?. Are you ready? It’s Corky! So Bob and Corky fight. It’s thrilling…it’s dangerous…it’s stopped? Ah, the narrator sees now— “everybody doesn’t like violent books” and since this is Everybody’s Favorite Book, the story needs to be a bit more… Well, let’s see if Princess Glittersprinkles can help!

Yes! A tea party would be splendid. Bob and Corky and the princess sit down to a lovely spread with the adorable but really, really, really, really BIG guinea pig, Snuggy. But, wait! We’re forgetting about babies. Baby’s love books too, right? Now might be a good time to offer a bit of ABC fun. “A is for Apple. B is for Bob.” By the way…where is Bob? Is that a suspicious bulge in Snuggy’s cheeks?

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-everybody's-favorite-book-tea-party

Image copyright Claire Almon, 2018, text copyright Mike Allegra, 2018. Courtesy of Imprint at Macmillan Publishing.

Finding Bob’s going to require spies, especially cool ones. Now, while they’re out spying, let’s give it up for those teachers and librarians who love big, educational words like “Gallimaufry, Codswallop, and Frippery.” Sure, the narrator knows the definitions, but the book will be more fun and educational if you read them for yourself. Oh, dear! Are those words too educational? Then maybe a poop jok…wait a minute! Do you see a suspicious bump in Snuggy’s belly? No, me either.

If this really is Everybody’s Favorite Book, it seems that “we are still missing so many things that everybody likes. Things like wizards! And a fairy tale!” And so many other characters and things to do…. Hey! Why is everyone fighting? There’s plenty of room for everybody, but right now “this is nobody’s favorite book.” What’s needed is a hero. “Oh wait! There’s Bob,” launching from Snuggy’s HUGE burp just in time! “Maybe he has an idea.” Bob suggests a “sweet ending.” This is more like it! All the hugs and smiles and cooperation is so sweet. Sweet, Snuggy. Not sweets! Oh dear….

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-everybody's-favorite-book-stop

Image copyright Claire Almon, 2018, text copyright Mike Allegra, 2018. Courtesy of Imprint at Macmillan Publishing.

Mike Allegra will have kids laughing out loud with every page turn in his riotously clever genre mash-up. Allegra’s well-meaning narrator offers up droll juxtapositions of characters and situations while riffing on favorite books and movies, fads and fantasies with some crafts, coloring, and craziness to boot. The fast pace, abrupt interruptions, and zigzagging storyline keep kids guessing and eager to find out what comes next. As the action devolves into a free-for-all, the promise of a book for everybody is fulfilled with inclusive hugs and teamwork.

Claire Almon’s cartoon-inspired illustrations are bold, dynamic, and full of action with plenty of humor thrown in. Ingenious details, comically used tropes, and familiar styles of graphics from kids favorite TV shows and movies give young readers a feeling of shared experiences and culture that underline the theme of friendship. Readers will love following Bob’s journey to escape from Snuggy’s belly, and cutaways and character involvement from page to page keeps everybody reacting to the narrator’s directions until the big finale.

For book lovers of all stripes, Everybody’s Favorite Book will be a much-asked for addition to home, classroom, and library bookshelves. The book makes a terrific gift for all those readers on your list.

Ages 3 – 7

Imprint, 2018 | ISBN 978-1250132765

Discover more about Mike Allegra, his books, and other projects on his website.

To learn more about Claire Almon, her books, and her art, visit her tumblr.

International Book Giving Day Activity

Book Love! Word Search

What kind of book would you like to be given – or to give? Is your favorite in this printable puzzle? Search and find out!

Book Love! Word Search Puzzle | Book Love! Word Search Solution

**You can find Everybody’s Favorite Book at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

February 26 – National Tell a Fairy Tale Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today we celebrate the long tradition of oral and written stories that have captivated both children and adults since earliest times. While many of the fairy tales we love began as lessons in good manners or avoiding danger, they have remained popular and a part of our culture that we pass down to children through the generations. These tales stand up to traditional treatments as well as variations that turn the familiar plots on their heads.

Twinderella, A Fractioned Fairy Tale

Written by Corey Rosen Schwartz | Illustrated by Deborah Marcero

You, of course, know the story of Cinderella, but did you know that she had a twin named Tinderella? Here’s how the whole story goes…. When the two girls were given their long list of chores by their wicked stepmother, “Tinderella split each task / exactly down the middle. / Twelve to fix? / That’s six and six. / She’d solve it like a riddle.” And, thus, Cinderella and Tinderella went to work on fixing the household’s clocks.

The girls also split the mopping, shopping, baking, mending, and “the mean stepsister tending.” Left with only leftovers to eat at the end of the day, the two even shared half a piece of bread and half the scraps before collapsing into their half of the bed. In their dreams, Cinderella kept her eye on marriage while Tinderella calculated what having twice the room would be.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-twinderella-chores

Image Copyright Deborah Marcero, 2017, text copyright Corey Rosen Schwartz, 2017. Courtesy of G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

Then one day, the sisters saw an open invitation by the prince to a ball where he hoped to find his princess. Cinderella was excited that her dream could come true, but her stepmother told them they had to stay home to clean. “So Cinderella grabbed a broom, / but as she started sweeping, / she felt her dreams all turn to dust / and couldn’t keep from weeping.” But suddenly their fairy godmother appeared, and with her magic wand she created two beautiful gowns, two pairs of slippers, and lots of other bling. Tinderella split all of this between them, and as they each climbed into their half of a fabulous car, they listened to the fairy godmother’s warning to be back by midnight.

As soon as the prince saw Cinderella and Tinderella, he was enchanted. “No other girl stood half a chance—he danced with them all night.” Taking turns with the Prince, the girls danced the night away until they heard the clock begin to chime. They ran away from the ball, leaving the saddened prince—and a shoe—behind. He tried the shoe on all the girls in the village until he found that it fit Cinderella and Tinderella.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-twinderella-half-the-chores

Image Copyright Deborah Marcero, 2017, text copyright Corey Rosen Schwartz, 2017. Courtesy of G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

The prince didn’t know what to do and told the girls they had to choose. But Tinderella had a brilliant idea. She summoned their fairy godmother and asked if she could make the prince a twin. Before she did, though, Cinderella reminded the prince that he’d have to share his kingdom and all its wealth. “Prince Charming crossed his heart and swore / to split things even steven. / ‘I’d gladly give up all my stuff. / It’s love that I believe in.’”

With that the fairy godmother waved her wand and Whoosh! an exact double of the prince appeared. It turned out that he was just as much a whiz at math as Tinderella, and within moments he had neatly “divvied up the royal wealth” and won Tinderella’s heart. While Cinderella and Prince Charming ruled the kingdom, Tinderella and her prince ruled the math world. Later, Cinderella had a baby boy. And Tinderella? Well, “against all odds” she “delivered quads,” and everyone lived “happ’ly ever half-ter.”

An included poster allows kids and teachers to extend the math learning with entertaining activities on the back.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-twinderella-prince-charming

Image Copyright Deborah Marcero, 2017, text copyright Corey Rosen Schwartz, 2017. Courtesy of G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

Fans of Corey Rosen Schwartz and her fractured fairy tales know all about her awesome storytelling and rhyming abilities. In Twinderella, A Fractioned Fairy Tale, she uses her multiple talents to give a favorite fairy tale a double dose of magic while engaging kids in a bit of math fun. Her always-clever verses shine with evocative vocabulary that gives the two girls distinct personalities while also ingeniously introducing the concept of one half and division. Schwartz doesn’t stop at a purely mathematical definition of these ideas, though. When Tinderella suggests making a double of the prince, Cinderella ensures Prince Charming is up to splitting his kingdom, in this way passing on her well-earned sense of empathy and sharing to readers. The sweet ending offers quadruple the delight of the original tale and prompts readers to dip into the story again to see how the girls’ fancy dress accessories and the princes’ kingdom along with other items in the story could be divided into fourths.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-twinderella-castle

Deborah Marcero’s mixed media illustrations are as charming as the prince himself. As red-haired Cinderella and Tinderella go about their copious chores, thumbnail portraits of the girls splitting the work demonstrate the idea of one half. A larger image of the girls baking reveals the opportunities for math learning in this everyday activity. A pie chart that Tinderella draws on a chalkboard is clearly labeled and corresponds to the clocks on the table, introducing kids to this graphing system and allowing them to make connections. Similarly, the concept of area is portrayed as Tinderella dreams of a bigger bed. A careful look on every page will reward readers with many chances for counting and dividing at various levels depending on the age of the reader. Marcero’s color palette is fresh and vibrant while infusing the pages with a royal ambience that hints at the girls’ enriched future.

A joy to read aloud, Twinderella, A Fractioned Fairy Tale is an enchanting story that doubles as inspired math learning. The book would be a favorite addition to any home, classroom, and public library collection.

Ages 4 – 8

P. Putnam’s Sons, 2017 | ISBN 978-0399176333

You’ll discover more about Corey Rosen Schwartz and her books plus Twinderella activities to download on her website.

To learn more about Deborah Marcero, her books, and her art, visit her website.

National Tell a Fairy Tale Day Activity

CPB - Fairy Tale box

Treasure Box of Imagination

Fairy tales are treasure troves of imagination and dreams. With this craft, kids can make a treasure box to save the ideas and tidbits that spark their own imaginations.

Supplies

1 small wooden box, available at craft stores
Gold acrylic craft paint
Craft gems
Paint brush
Hot glue gun or strong glue

Directions

Paint your wooden box with the gold paint
Let the box dry
Decorate your Treasure Box of Imagination with gems

**You can find Twinderella: A Fractioned Fairy Tale at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | Indiebound

December 19 – Look for an Evergreen Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today’s holiday gives people an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the variety of evergreen trees that grow locally and around the world. During the winter these giants stand out against snowy landscapes with their deep-green needles that retain their color all year around and always offer the hope of spring. For those who celebrate Christmas, the evergreen is a highlight of the celebration. Decorated with lights and sparkly ornaments, the tree is where family and friends gather to exchange gifts and share time together. Look for an Evergreen Day was created by the National Arborist Association to encourage people to enjoy the beauty of these special trees.

Why Evergreens Keep Their Leaves

Written by Annemarie Riley Guertin | Illustrated by Helena Pérez Garcia

Little Redbird was taking her last sleep before flying south for the winter when she was thrown from her nest onto the hard ground by a strong gust of wind. When she got up, the pain in her wing told her she would not be able to fly. “‘How will I survive the long, harsh winter winds? Surely I will perish,’” she thought. But then she saw all the trees in the forest and “chirped with relief.” She could build a new nest on a low branch of one of them and find shelter.