June 24 – International Fairy Day

About the Holiday

Full of sparkle, magic, and mischief, it’s no wonder that fairies captivate the imagination of young and old around the world! Today we celebrate these mythical creatures and all the joy they bring through cultural associations, books, movies, and pretend play. For an interesting look at the history of International Fairy Day, plus lots of ways to celebrate with your family and friends, visit Days of the Year and Punchbowl.

Thank you to Candlewick Press for sharing a copy of Fairy Walk with me!

Fairy Walk

By Gaia Cornwall

As their mothers relax and talk, three children and their curly-haired dog “skip, skip, skip, trip” into the woods behind the house, hopping from stone to stone to cross the little river “into the misty magic” of fairyland. “Where are you, fairies?” they call. Are they among the honey snowdrop flowers on the ground or under the boulder, so heavy it takes all three of them to tip? They don’t see any fairies, but they do find “a dragon!”—an orange salamander.

Are there fairies across the clearing, enjoying a feast on a “cozy, snug” mushroom table? No—or are there? Maybe they’re just a little farther, under the blanket of pixie moss. A peek underneath reveals “Bugs!” that “scramble, scamper, roll, and burrow,” but not a single fairy.

After all this fruitless searching, the kids grow frustrated and exhausted. It’s time for a snack. While they eat their sandwiches, the children decide that perhaps the fairies are shy. They then engage their other senses and can “hear them whisper in the trees.” They feel “thrums” in the ground below and appreciate the “whisper soft” wings of a butterfly.

They reconsider the gifts of flowers, stones, and mushrooms they’ve found, smelling them more deeply, creating a rock cairn, and inspecting them with a magnifying glass. The children leave a present for the fairies as well. The day is waning, and the trio bids goodbye to their fun and to the fairies, with hope for the future: “See you later!”

In her lovely, lyrical story that sings with sumptuous sensory language and the cadence of childhood fancies, Gaia Cornwall invites children into the magical realm of a lush woodland fed by a rocky stream and brimming with glorious flowers, mushrooms, and the kind of creepy crawlies that set the imagination whirling.

While the kids within the pages never see a fairy, the kids reading the pages will be delighted to spy plenty of tiny blue, sparkle-winged fairies hiding in the foliage; perched on the edge of a bird’s nest; enjoying the day among the mushrooms; and flitting playfully here and there with the kids’ charmed dog, who can see them. Eagle-eyed kids will also want to look for the tiny ladybug in each illustration. Cornwall’s soft-hued pencil, watercolor, and collage illustrations are dappled with texture and rich in details of the natural world that children and adults will also want to linger over.

Fairy Walk is an enchanting and clever combination read-aloud and fun I-spy story that children and adults will love sharing again and again. The book is sure to inspire nature walks through the neighborhood, in the backyard, or on hiking trails, where, even if you don’t see fairies, you’ll find lots of the gifts they scatter about. Fairy Walk will enjoy brisk circulation in any library and is highly recommended for home collections.

Ages 3 – 7

Candlewick Press, 2025 | ISBN 978-1536230710

About the Author/Illustrator

Gaia Cornwall loves to write and illustrate for children. She is the author-illustrator of Jabari Jumps, which was a Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book and an American Library Association Notable Children’s Book, and its follow-up, Jabari Tries, as well as The Best Bed for Me. Gaia Cornwall lives in Connecticut. Visit her at gaiacornwall.com.

International Fairy Day Activity

Fairy Walk Activity Kit

Learn how to draw fairies and bugs and go on a nature hunt with this four-page Fairy Walk Activity Kit from Gaia Cornwall and Candlewick Press!

You can purchase Fairy Walk from these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

April 9 – National Unicorn Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

There may be no more beloved magical creature than the unicorn. Unicorns have been part of legend since ancient times, undergoing changes from an image of fierceness and power to a representation of strength and true love to today’s more glittery superstar. To celebrate today, learn more about the history of these mystical animals and check out the latest addition to the wildly popular unicorn-tastic Unicorn Diaries series!

Thank you to Scholastic for sharing a copy of The Secret of the Lost Gold with me.

The Secret of the Lost Gold (Unicorn Diaries #11)

By Rebecca Elliott

As the latest story in the Unicorn Diaries begin, Rainbow Tinseltail (Bo, for short) reveals that dark clouds and lightening foretell a storm, and over night winds, rain, and unipod-shaking thunder do sweep through Sparklegrove Forest, where the unicorns, gnomes, and other magical creatures live. In the morning, everyone wakes to find “a very big mess all across the forest.” It’s then that Mr. Rumptwinkle, the unicorn’s teacher at the Sparklegrove School for Unicorns (S.S.U.), cancels class for the day, instead sending his students out into the forest to see who needs help.

They find that no one—from the fairies to the gnomes to the mermaids, dragons, and trolls—has escaped the storm unscathed. “But the great news was that no one was hurt.” The unicorns bring some friends home for hot tea and buttermoon biscuits as they all talk about how they can help rebuild. Edna Gnome remembers an “old Rebuild and Repair spell” from “long ago” that could restore the entire forest at once, but she needs “special ancient gold nuggets” to make it work.

The next day, the unicorns head out for Queen Juniper’s castle to learn where to get the ancient gold only to discover that the castle has been damaged too. From Princess Greta, the unicorns learn that the gold has always been stored in a cave in the Dark Woods and is protected by a griffin named Edgar and from their werewolf friend Barry, they discover where the cave is: in the most dangerous part of the Dark Woods.

Undaunted (well, maybe a little) and brave, the unicorns continue their quest. Along the way they use their individual powers to outsmart a giant, calm upset night sprites, and cheer up “grumpy talking trees.” When they got to the cave, the unicorns were even able to befriend the griffin and retrieve the gold they needed.

Back at Queen Juniper’s castle, Edna makes the magic rainbow-colored dust and, as Bo writes, “Everyone worked together to rebuild our forest.” Queen Juniper held a royal ball with “scrumptious food, lots of desserts, and golden glitter fireworks” to celebrate. She even honored Edgar with a “majestic golden necklace as a special thank-you for protecting the forest’s gold.” And the unicorns? They earned their Treasure Hunt patches and made a new friend in Edgar!

It’s easy to see why Rebecca Elliot’s Unicorn Diaries is so beloved by early and newly independent readers. Each book in the series is warm and welcoming, beginning with its first chapter, which introduces new readers to the unicorns and world of Sparklegrove Forest with an illustrated map; a fun-facts description of the book’s new featured magical being (the griffin, in this book); surprising details about unicorns (for instance, that their horn is perfect for carrying cotton candy and can be used as a flashlight and that a swish of their tail enacts their secret power); and information about their school.

The Secret of the Lost Gold, the 11th book in the series, is a perfect addition to Elliot’s unicorn lore. Full of imagination; friendship; high-stakes, yet solvable challenges; magic; and humor, the story will captivate readers with its positivity, gentle suspense, and underlying message that they have the power to be brave and to take action to give back to their communities. The diary format of the book allows Elliot to combine larger-size, easy-to-read text with colorful illustrations that provide a natural, confidence-building bridge from picture books to text-only chapter books.

Whether your child is a fan of the Unicorn Diaries series or just discovering this magical world of reading, The Secret of the Lost Gold is a book you’ll want to add to your child’s home bookshelves. For classrooms, school, and public libraries, this latest trip to Sparklegrove Forest is a must.

Ages 5 – 7

Scholastic, 2025 | ISBN 978-1546127161

About the Author/Illustrator

Rebecca Elliott has illustrated many children’s books, including Kiss, Kiss Good Night. She wrote and illustrated the New York Times bestselling Owl Diaries series, the Unicorn Diaries series, Just Because, and Zoo Girl, which was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal. She lives with her family in the countryside of Suffolk, England.

National Unicorn Day Activity

Unicorn Coloring Pages

Kids’ll have fun grabbing some crayons and glitter and making magical moments with these Unicorn Coloring pages!

Happy Unicorn Coloring Page | Unicorn Leaping Over Rainbow | Unicorn Reading a Book

You can purchase The Secret of the Lost Gold from these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

August 4 – International Owl Awareness Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

International Owl Awareness Day raises awareness of these feathered beauties that can be found all over the world in nearly every ecosystem. The day also encourages people to learn more about the owls in their area as well as to consider ways they can make their yards or the surrounding landscape more welcoming and beneficial to owls. To learn more about owls and how you can help these beautiful birds, visit American Eagle Foundation website and the Half-Earth Project.

Knight Owl

By Christopher Denise

“Since the day he was hatched, Owl had one wish. To be a knight.” Armored in his mother’s pot and cookie sheet, he played knight at home, and he watched the awe-inspiring parade of knights and their horses as they passed through the forest. One mighty knight even raised his gauntleted hand in response to Owl’s small wave of his wing. Before falling asleep each morning, he dreamed of being a real knight—brave, clever, and with lots of friends.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-knight-owl-shield

Owl thought it was just wishful thinking until knights began disappearing, and a call went out recruiting new ones. Knighthood was being fast-tracked, the advertisement proclaimed, and trainees could begin living “a life of honor and adventure” in just two weeks. Owl applied… and was accepted. “Owl was an excellent student,” even tutoring the older knights. But the sword, shield, and daytime hours posed challenges. Despite these, Owl “graduated with honor, as all knights do.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-knight-owl-knight-school

Much to his delight, Owl “was assigned to Knight Night Watch.” While the other knights dozed during the long, dark hours, Owl remained vigilant at his parapet. One night, he heard a loud “Whoosh!!! It sounded like a huge bird flapping its wings. ‘Whoooo,’ Owl called.” Suddenly, an enormous dragon landed behind Owl. Despite his fear at learning that the dragon was hungry, Owl “puffed out his feathers and said, ‘I am Owl, and I am a knight of the Night Watch.'”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-knight-owl-dragon

The dragon was ready to gobble him up as a midnight snack, when Owl cleverly convinced him to try something “tastier and more filling.” The dragon was game, and as they sat together eating their (much better) dinner, they talked about hatching from eggs, how much they loved nighttime, and the wonder of flying. It turned out they “had a lot in common.” From that night on, no knights disappeared, and Owl continued to guard the walls. He liked his knightly duties because “he was brave, he was clever…. And he had many friends.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-knight-owl-friends

Christoper Denise’s Knight Owl glows with the magical kind of storytelling that makes kids believe they can do and be anything. While Owl dreams of being a knight, readers will find the qualities of this calling—bravery, cleverness, and having many friend—applies equally to whatever pursuit they dream of. The story is sprinkled with humor, gentle suspense, and Owl’s palpable pride in being a knight—all elements that will keep kids riveted to the pages that are each stunning works of art that play with perspective and lighting and hold details that will charm readers of all ages.

Denise’s absolutely adorable Owl will tug at your heart as he sits devouring a book of knightly tales while surrounded by wooden medieval toy figures; armors up with cookware and kitchen utensils while his father reads a newspaper touting missing knights and his mother readies a pan for the oven; and keeps Knight Night Watch, his eyes barely peeking over the wall (the page turn reveals that Owl is standing on a ladder to reach this height—another detail that will resonate with kids). The size and armor of the knights are nothing short of astounding. You can almost hear the creak and clash of metal as they ride their horses through the forest and mill about at Knight School. Owl’s dream, rendered as a tapestry, is another showstopper. The dragon Denise has conjured is everything a child wants a dragon to be while also amenable to a delicious snack, good conversation, and companionship.

Gifting children with a tiny hero who has big dreams and a bigger heart, Knight Owl is simply a must for all home bookshelves as well as for classroom, school, and public library collections. The book would also make a much-loved gift for the holidays, other special occasions, or “just because.”

Ages 2 – 8

Christy Ottaviano Books, 2022

Discover more about Christopher Denise, his books, and his art, visit his website.

International Owl Appreciation Day Activity

Whooo’s There? Word Search Puzzle

Can you find the nineteen types of owls that call the United States home in this printable puzzle?

Whooo’s There? Word Search Puzzle | Whooo’s There? Word Search Solution

**You can find Knight Owl at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

September 1 – It’s Read a New Book Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

The beginning of a new school year is a terrific time to celebrate Read a New Book Month. Whether the books are recently published or just new to you, there are stories and nonfiction books to fit any subject, to inspire learning, to laugh or cry with, and to share with friends. This month visit your local bookstore and library and stock up on books for everyone in the family!

Dylan’s Dragon

Written by Annie Silvestro | Illustrated by Ben Whitehouse

When Dylan was little, he liked to while away his days “playing, doodling, drawing, daydreaming.” He drew spaceships and race cars, dragons and robots. But as he got older, Dylan found there were many more things to do, like karate, baseball, gymnastics, and swimming. And of course there was lots of homework. There wasn’t a moment when Dylan wasn’t doing something. Then one day Dragon showed up at his door wanting to play. But Dylan was just on his way to school. All day long Dylan thought about Dragon. He seemed vaguely familiar, but Dylan couldn’t remember. Dylan planned on playing with Dragon after school, and when he got home they did fly a few circles around the yard, but then it was time for his piano lesson.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-dylan's-dragon-drawing

Image copyright Ben Whitehouse, 2021, text copyright Annie Silvestro, 2021. Courtesy of Albert Whitman & Company.

The next morning, after he gave Dylan a ride to the kitchen, Dylan asked if Dragon would like to play after school. “Dragon stuck out his tongue and slurped oatmeal off Dylan’s cheek, which felt kind of slimy but seemed like a yes.” But they only had a few short minutes before Dylan had to study and then go to science club. Dylan thought Dragon might be able to help with his homework, but Dragon’s flames singed his test review papers.

On the rest of the days that week, Dylan tried to include Dragon, but it just didn’t work out. Finally, the weekend came and Dylan thought they would be able to play then. Dragon “swatted Dylan with his tail, which felt cold and scaly but had to mean yes.” Saturday morning, Dylan jumped out of bed ready to play with Dragon, but his parents reminded him of his baseball game, piano recital, and Aunt Edith’s 90th birthday party. But “when do I get to play?” Dylan asked.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-dylan's-dragon-activities

Image copyright Ben Whitehouse, 2021, text copyright Annie Silvestro, 2021. Courtesy of Albert Whitman & Company.

When Sunday morning rolled around, Dylan woke up and asked his mom, “‘What do we have to do now?'” Surprisingly, Dylan had nothing planned. “‘Just go out and play,'” his mom told him. Dylan cheered and called for Dragon, but he didn’t come. In fact, he was nowhere to be found. “It seemed like Dragon was draGONE.” Dylan looked everywhere, but no dragon. Dylan began to cry.

When his mom asked him what was wrong, Dylan told her about Dragon and wanting to play and never having enough time. “‘Sounds like we need to cut back,'” his mom said. Then she told him she’d help look for Dragon. As Dylan was drawing a picture of Dragon to show his mom, when he remembered where he’d seen Dragon before – in his old drawings from when he was little.

As he carried his drawing downstairs to show his mom, it began to steam. “It smoked… then POOF popped Dragon, right into the living room. This time when Dylan asked if he wanted to play, Dragon wrapped a wing around him in a hug that “was most definitely a yes!”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-dylan's-dragon-school

Image copyright Ben Whitehouse, 2021, text copyright Annie Silvestro, 2021. Courtesy of Albert Whitman & Company.

Annie Silvestro’s creative storytelling is both whimsical and realistic as she reminds readers about the importance of balance between activities, school, and free time in children’s schedules. When the dragon, a favorite drawing from Dylan’s preschool or kindergarten days, appears to rescue him and his harried family, many kids (and adults) may identify with Dylan’s desire for a more relaxed lifestyle. Silvestro’s dialogue rings true as Dylan’s parents call him from snatched moments of play and Dylan pleads for just ten more minutes. Dylan’s mom’s recognition of the need to cut back on some of her son’s activities sets a good example, and Silvestro’s message that imagination and creativity make beneficial playmates is reassuring.

Ben Whitehouse’s vivid illustrations cleverly depict the dichotomy between Dylan’s desire for playtime and his over-scheduled routine as images of Dylan riding and playing with his Dragon are juxtaposed with his mom and dad indicating that it’s time to go to one activity after another. Well-marked calendars, a tablet, watches and clocks, lots of sticky note reminders, and equipment for various extracurricular activities at the ready crowd the family’s home – fitting images for the dizzying swirl of appointments that must also crowd Dylan and his parents’ minds. While Dylan’s room is decorated with his many interests, Whitehouse shows that it is his long-lost love of drawing and imagination that truly makes him happy.

A clever and engaging story about recapturing the simple pleasures of free time and playtime, Dylan’s Dragon can also spark conversations between adults and kids about how much is too much and finding that happy medium. A perfect book to share at home, especially as the new school year begins, Dylan’s Dragon would be an excellent addition to home bookshelves as well as school and public library collections.

Ages 4 – 7

Albert Whitman & Company, 2021 | ISBN 978-0807517420

Discover more about Annie Silvestro and her books on her website.

To learn more about Ben Whitehouse, his books, and his art, visit his website.

Read a New Book Month Activity

Darling Dragon Matching Puzzle

In this group of darling dragons, each dragon has a twin. Can you help them find each other in this printable puzzle?

Darling Dragon Matching Puzzle

**You can find Dylan’s Dragon at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

July 6 – It’s Wild about Wildlife Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

This month we honor wildlife—all those majestic creatures of the air, land, and sea that share the earth with us. But what about all of the creatures that live through mythology, legends, stories, and our imagination? Today, we celebrate one of these unique and wild beings that has been around for a long, long time. Maybe you’ve seen one?

Have You Ever Zeen a Ziz?

Written by Linda Elovitz Marshall | Illustrated by Kyle Reed

As kids open the cover to this delightful mythologically based story, the narrator asks: “Have you ever zeen a Ziz? Do you wonder what one iz?” Could it be an alien floating through space, or a “giant cat or a prehistoric bat?” It turns out that it’s none of these. A Ziz is a bird with brilliant feathers and a wing span that can block out the sun—or moon.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-have-you-ever-zeen-a-ziz-wings

Image copyright Kyle Reed, 2020, text copyright Linda Elovitz Marshall, 2020. Courtesy of Albert Whitman & Company.

But even though the Ziz is huge, “she’s a kindly, gentle bird. / Big and yellow, sweet…absurd.” She lets children play on her enormous back and helps farmers keep their crops on track. But the Ziz is best know for her lilting zongs, which she zings with great gusto no matter the time or place or who she’s with. But when she sleeps, those zongs turn into loud, LOUD snores.

Now if you happen to see one passing by or you look up and can’t see the sky, you’ll know precisely, exactly why.

An Author’s Note following the story reveals that “the Ziz is a mythological bird found in a collection of ancient Jewish writings” and is even mentioned in the Biblical book of Psalms. Marshall includes more information on this legendary bird as well as a reference work.

Funny and endearing, Have You Ever Zeen a Ziz is a joyful read aloud with many applications for classroom lessons and story times. It would be an entertaining addition to home, school, and public library collections.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-have-you-ever-zeen-a-ziz-absurb

Image copyright Kyle Reed, 2020, text copyright Linda Elovitz Marshall, 2020. Courtesy of Albert Whitman & Company.

Linda Elovitz Marshall’s jaunty, rhyming read aloud is feathered with imagination that will have kids’ own musings soaring. Enchanting in her size, talents, and kindliness, the Ziz will delight readers even as Marshall’s rhythmic storytelling gives teachers and homeschoolers a fun way to interact with language and rhyme schemes, introduce lessons on mythology, and extend story time with an artistic project. After reading, children are sure to want to draw or otherwise create a Ziz or invent a mythological creature of their own. Musical readers may even be inspired to write a song for the Ziz to zing.

Kyle Reed’s collage-style illustrations are whimsical and sweet. As this most unusual bird soars over the ocean, her broad wingspan dwarfs a whale on one side and a crocodile on the other. After seeing a group of friends slide down the Ziz’s loooooong back and neck, kids will wish they had a Ziz at their own playground, and the image of the Ziz standing on the ground with its head in the clouds is a textural beauty. After enjoying Reed’s sightings of the Ziz on mountaintops, skyscrapers, the beach, and anywhere the sky beckons, readers will no doubt be keeping their eyes and ears open for their own view of this spectacular creature.

Ages 4 – 7

Albert Whitman & Company, 2020 | ISBN 978-0807531730

Discover more about Linda Elovitz Marshall and her books on her website.

To learn more about Kyle Reed and see a portfolio of his work, visit his website.

Wild about Wildlife Month Activity

Draw Your Own Wild Creature

With a little imagination, kids can create their own mythological creature to roam the earth under the smiling sun on this printable drawing page.

Wild Creature Drawing Page

**You can find Have You Ever Zeen a Ziz? at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

May 28 – It’s Dental Care Awareness Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

The benefits of good dental hygiene have been recognized since the early 1900s, when Thaddeus P. Hyatt encouraged people to take preventative measures to clean and protect their teeth. The month-long holiday we’re celebrating today was established by Dr. Tim Stirneman and Jim Wojdyla from Compassionate Dentalcare to raise awareness about regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups to keep cavities from forming. Good dental care begins even before babies develop their first tooth and is an important habit to instill in children. After all, the tooth fairy is looking for those shiniest of treasures.

Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO

Written by Dr. Tamara Pizzoli | Illustrated by Federico Fabiani

Tallulah the tooth fairy loves her work so much that she was inspired to start her own company—Teeth Titans Incorporated, which is “the largest tooth-collection organization on the planet.” As the company’s CEO, Tallulah feels many demands on her time, but she handles them by reminding herself of what she calls “the three Ps: her passion, her purpose, and what pays.” Her week is divided into time for herself (coffee or tea and a workout on Mondays, therapy on Wednesdays, “yoga, Pilates, and errands” on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and museum visits on Fridays) and work-related tasks like training new tooth fairies for all of those world-wide collection duties.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-tallulah-the-tooth-fairy-CEO-office

Image copyright Federico Fabiano, 2019, text copyright Dr. Tamara Pizzoli, 2019. Courtesy of us.macmillan.com.

She tells her story on late-night talk shows and scouts for talent at glitzy recruitment events. In addition to all of this, she completes her nightly rounds. “Sure, she could afford to sit around counting teeth and money, but nothing gives Tallulah quite the same thrill as sliding a shiny tooth out from under a child’s pillow and inserting something gleaming and jingly or crisp and easily folded in exchange.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-tallulah-the-tooth-fairy-CEO-museum

Image copyright Federico Fabiano, 2019, text copyright Dr. Tamara Pizzoli, 2019. Courtesy of us.macmillan.com.

Usually, things go as planned, but one night, at Tallulah’s last stop, instead of a tooth under young Ballard Burchell’s pillow, she pulled out a note. She was a bit disappointed to find the typical picture of a tooth fairy drawn at the bottom, but she continued reading and learned that Ballard had well and truly lost his tooth and had nothing to give her. He hoped she would understand.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-tallulah-the-tooth-fairy-CEO-board

Image copyright Federico Fabiano, 2019, text copyright Dr. Tamara Pizzoli, 2019. Courtesy of us.macmillan.com.

This conundrum was a first for Tallulah. She consulted “her Teeth Titans Incorporated Employee Manual for reference,” but found no help there. “Though she’d written the manual herself, Tallulah hadn’t made provisions for such a rare occurrence.” There was only one thing to do. Tallulah quickly met with the seven members of her board of directors and asked for advice. Two members thought Ballard should learn a lesson in responsibility and get nothing. One thought partial payment was in order. Two more thought it was polite of Ballard to leave a note and to give the kid a break since everyone loses things now and again. And Tom, as the only male board member, wanted to talk about diversity on the board.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-tallulah-the-tooth-fairy-CEO-ballard

Image copyright Federico Fabiano, 2019, text copyright Dr. Tamara Pizzoli, 2019. Courtesy of us.macmillan.com.

Later that night, with her decision made, Tallulah returned to Ballard’s room “to leave him a note of her own—and a little something extra.” In the morning Ballard discovered the note letting him off the hook this time for misplacing his tooth plus a “patented Teeth Titans Incorporated tooth compartment lanyard,” which usually “retails for $9.95” and is available on the company website, but is his as a gift. The note is even signed by The Tooth Fairy herself.

Ballard couldn’t believe it. He ran to show his mom, and then when he opened the little tooth box on the end of the lanyard, he discovered “one more surprise from Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO: the shiniest gold coin you ever did see.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-tallulah-the-tooth-fairy-CEO-rappelling

Image copyright Federico Fabiano, 2019, text copyright Dr. Tamara Pizzoli, 2019. Courtesy of us.macmillan,com.

Dr. Tamara Pizzoli gives the tooth fairy a fresh, funny, and sophisticated update for today’s savvy kids. With wry, snappy descriptions of Tallulah’s life in and out of the office, Pizzoli riffs on the topics of self-care, home décor, the media, corporate culture, product placement, and even Mrs. Santa Clause (who finally gets a name—Charlene). Along the way, she shines a spotlight on stereotypes, celebrity, diversity, and kindness. Kids will love this take-charge tooth fairy who’s also not adverse to asking for help and taking advice. And who needs wings when there is rappelling gear and night goggles?

Federico Fabiani’s Tallulah, with her stunning purple-tinged afro, round glasses, and tooth-inspired fashions, is a confident, trend-setting leader with a single focus on excellence. Fabiani’s jazzy color palette lends eye-popping excitement to the illustrations that are stylishly modern with a retro feel. Kids will love finding all the clever references to teeth in Tallulah’s clothing, jewelry, and office and household items. Adults will appreciate with a laugh the nods to today’s culture from veganism to consumerism to media and social media.

A smart, funny book that goes far beyond its tooth fairy roots to offer opportunities to discuss diversity, social movements, and even empathy, Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO would be a favorite addition to home, classroom, and public libraries to share when teeth wiggle out or anytime.

Ages 4 – 8

Farrar, Straus, and Giroux Books for Young Readers, 2019 | ISBN 978-0374309190

You can discover more about Dr. Tamara Pizzoli, her books, and her publishing house on The English Schoolhouse website.

To learn more about Federico Fabiani and see a portfolio of his art, visit his website.

National Tooth Fairy Day Activity

Smile for the Tooth Fairy! Maze

The Tooth Fairy is trying to collect a lost tooth! Can you help her find her way in this printable maze?

Smile for the Tooth Fairy! Maze | Smile for the Tooth Fairy! Maze Solution

**You can find Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

December 15 – International Tea Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

International Tea Day was created in 2005 in New Deli, India to raise awareness within the governments of tea-growing countries of tea workers, their conditions, and their economic contributions. Today, the holiday is commemorated widely in tea-growing nations. Some issues include wages, medical care, and education for women tea workers. Of course, winter is a perfect time to enjoy steaming cups of tea – maybe with a cookie or two!

The Tea Party in the Woods

By Akiko Miyakoshi

Because snow had fallen overnight Kikko’s father was off to her grandmother’s house to shovel the walk. After he left, Kikko noticed that he had forgotten to take the pie her mother had made for Grandma. “‘I can still catch up to him,’” said Kikko. Carefully, carrying the boxed pie, Kikko followed “her father’s tracks in the fresh snow. The woods were very still. And so quiet. Kikko’s footsteps were the only sound.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-tea-party-in-the-woods-kikko-peers-in-window

Spying a coated figure in the distance, Kikko began to run, but she fell in the deep snow, crushing the pie. Still, she picked up the box and hurried on. She watched as her father entered a strange house. “Has it always been here? Kikko wondered. She couldn’t remember having seen it before.” Kikko crept to the window and peered inside, just as her father took off his hat and coat. But—he wasn’t her father at all!” He was a bear!

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-tea-party-in-the-woods-lamb-meets-kikko

A little lamb approaching the house found Kikko looking through the window and asked if she were there for the tea party. Taking Kikko’s hand, the lamb led her into the house. When Kikko saw all of the animals gathered there, she couldn’t believe it. The animals cheered and welcomed Kikko enthusiastically. “‘We’re about to serve the tea,’ said the rabbit. ‘You’re just in time.’” After the animals seated themselves around a long table, a doe stood, thanked everyone for coming, and asked Kikko to introduce herself.

She told then her name and why she was in the forest. The animals thought she was very brave, and Kikko began to feel braver herself. When the animals learned that Kikko’s pie had been ruined, they all contributed a piece of their own pie from the party. “Slice by slice they assembled a new pie on a pretty plate. Each piece had a different filling of seeds and nuts and fruit and other delicious things gathered from the woods.” They found a new box, placed the plate inside, and tied it with a red ribbon.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-tea-party-in-the-woods-animals-meet-kikko

Kikko was so excited to bring her Grandma this gift that she wanted to leave right away. The animals said they would come too. The woods rang with music, talking, laughing, and singing as the group “paraded to Grandma’s house.” When they reached Grandma’s house, the animals encouraged Kikko to go to the door. Grandma and Kikko’s father were surprised to see her. “‘My dear, did you come all this way on your own?’ asked Grandma, stepping inside.” Kikko could not see the animals anywhere. “‘You’re never alone in the woods,’” Kikko answered, smiling. She was sure her new friends were listening.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-tea-party-in-the-woods-parade-in-the-woods

Akiko Miyakoshi’s reassuring story about a little girl venturing out into strange territory on her own for the first time is a delight. The straightforward narrative offers just the right amount of familiarity for young readers to allow them to be fully charmed by the magical elements that provide surprise and suspense. Little ones will be entranced by the warm welcome Kikko receives at the splendid and well-attended tea party. They will also find comfort in realizing that even when travels become hard, they can still discover wondrous things and that friends and help are always available – sometimes where they least expect it.

Miyakoshi’s stunning black-and-white drawings, done in charcoal and pencil, are gorgeous in their portrayal of the woodland animals and their tea party. The long table they crowd around is laden with pies, bowls of fruit, vases of flowers, and of course teapots and teacups. At first Kikko offers the only color on the pages with her red cap and skirt and yellow hair. Later, however, when the animals suggest sharing their pie, the plate dazzles with mouthwatering brilliance, and hints of red and yellow brighten the next page. As the parade marches through the woods, the animals’ red and yellow clothes and musical instruments make a festive party. But as Kikko goes on to her Grandma’s house alone, the color fades from the animals, highlighting her achievement.

Ages 3 – 7

Kids Can Press, 2015 | ISBN 978-177138107

Discover more about Akiko Miyakoshi and a portfolio of her work on her website!

International Tea Day Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-ceramic-mug-craft

Decorate Your Own Mug

It’s fun to drink tea (or hot chocolate—shhh!) from a mug you’ve designed yourself. Personalized mugs also make fantastic presents for friends and family.

Supplies

Plain ceramic mug
Bakeable markers or paint

Directions

Design and color your mug
Follow directions on the markers or paint to properly bake on your decoration and make it permanent.

You can find The Tea Party in the Woods at these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

About the Holiday

Fairy Walk

By Gaia Cornwall

International Fairy Day Activity

Fairy Walk Activity Kit

Share this:

About the Holiday

The Secret of the Lost Gold (Unicorn Diaries #11)

By Rebecca Elliott

National Unicorn Day Activity

Unicorn Coloring Pages

Share this:

About the Holiday

Knight Owl

By Christopher Denise

International Owl Appreciation Day Activity

Whooo’s There? Word Search Puzzle

You can find Knight Owl at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Share this:

About the Holiday

Dylan’s Dragon

Written by Annie Silvestro | Illustrated by Ben Whitehouse

Read a New Book Month Activity

Darling Dragon Matching Puzzle

You can find Dylan’s Dragon at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Share this:

About the Holiday

Have You Ever Zeen a Ziz?

Written by Linda Elovitz Marshall | Illustrated by Kyle Reed

Wild about Wildlife Month Activity

Draw Your Own Wild Creature

You can find Have You Ever Zeen a Ziz? at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Share this:

About the Holiday

Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO

Written by Dr. Tamara Pizzoli | Illustrated by Federico Fabiani

National Tooth Fairy Day Activity

Smile for the Tooth Fairy! Maze

You can find Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Share this:

About the Holiday

The Tea Party in the Woods

By Akiko Miyakoshi

International Tea Day Activity

Decorate Your Own Mug

You can find The Tea Party in the Woods at these booksellers

Share this:

**You can find Knight Owl at these booksellers**

**You can find Dylan’s Dragon at these booksellers**

**You can find Have You Ever Zeen a Ziz? at these booksellers**

**You can find Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO at these booksellers**