January 9 – National Word Nerd Day

About the Holiday

Do you love nothing more than finding new words and using them in conversation or in your own writing? Does completing a crossword or word search puzzle make for the perfect day? Is a pun your favorite type of joke? Then you’re a word nerd! Today’s holiday highlights the importance of language and the fun of learning and expressing yourself precisely with new or uncommon words. To celebrate, why not gather friends or family and play a word-based game like Scrabble, Tapple 10, Charades, or—my favorite—Boggle!

Calvin Gets the Last Word

Written by Margo Sorenson | Illustrated by Mike Deas

The moment Calvin wakes up, he grabs his dictionary and heads to the kitchen for breakfast. While Calvin may be well-rested, his dictionary tells readers that it is tired. “Why? Because Calvin loves words—I mean REALLY loves words,” the dictionary says. Calvin won’t rest until he’s found the perfect “word for everything—especially his rascally brother.” At breakfast, Calvin takes a big gulp of milk. It’s just the moment his brother’s been waiting for to tell his super funny joke. You can imagine what happens—and why the dictionary’s page containing the word revenge is soaked.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-calvin-gets-the-last-word-cover

Image copyright Mike Deas, 2020, text copyright Margo Sorenson, 2020. Courtesy of Tilbury House Publishers.

But is revenge the right word for Calvin’s brother? Not quite. On the school bus as the kids are tossing a backpack, talking, laughing, and hanging over the seats, Calvin’s dictionary describes it as mayhem, but that word doesn’t completely describe his brother either. As Calvin struggles in geography class and passes notes during library story time, his dictionary helps describe the mood, but the words it chooses don’t really apply to his brother. On the way home, though, Calvin does discover a good word for himself when he stands up to a bully and helps a kindergartener.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-calvin-gets-the-last-word-breakfast

Image copyright Mike Deas, 2020, text copyright Margo Sorenson, 2020. Courtesy of Tilbury House Publishers.

At Little League practice, the dictionary reveals that Calvin “loves to crush the ball during batting practice, sending it over the fence. That’s why the page that reads pulverize has grass stains on it.” Could pulverize be the right word for his brother? While Calvin thinks it could be fun, it’s not exactly right.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-calvin-gets-the-last-word-bus-milk

Image copyright Mike Deas, 2020, text copyright Margo Sorenson, 2020. Courtesy of Tilbury House Publishers.

That night dinner turns into a repeat of breakfast—only in broccoli green. When Calvin goes to bed, he sits for a while, thinking. Then he grabs his exhausted dictionary and a glass of water and sneaks into his brother’s room. The dictionary thinks it knows what’s going to happen and riffles through its pages to find the right word, unconcerned whether it stays dry or not. And suddenly it opens to the perfect word! But wait, that word doesn’t fit now because the brothers are laughing. The dictionary tries flipping to another page and a better word, but Calvin has it beat as he turns the pages and discovers the exact right word to describe his brother. What are all of these words? Come flip through Calvin Gets the Last Word yourself to find out!

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-calvin-gets-the-last-word-bus-stop

Image copyright Mike Deas, 2020, text copyright Margo Sorenson, 2020. Courtesy of Tilbury House Publishers.

In her funny and unique mashup of sibling rivalry and vocabulary, Margo Sorenson offers kids an engaging story of the singular type of love brothers share uncovered little by little through word-building. Calvin’s dictionary makes a sincere and charming guide through high-interest words that lend panache and nuance to events throughout Calvin’s day even if they don’t quite describe his brother. Astute kids may notice that the words the dictionary chooses for Calvin’s brother proves his loyalty to his favorite reader. Calvin’s spewed milk, whispered secrets, and home run batting add up to a real kid that readers will love. The words that the dictionary finds are fun to learn and say and will spark an enthusiasm in readers to do their own flipping through the dictionary and thesaurus. Sorenson’s endearing ending rings true with a word kids are sure to embrace.

Mike Deas’ glasses-wearing and sweat suit-clad Calvin, whose dictionary is always at the ready to define his experiences, is a character readers will respond to. Images of the sprayed milk and broccoli, rockin’ school bus, library story rug, and baseball field are full of familiar details and plenty of action. As Calvin prepares to play his trick on his brother Deas gives kids a cutaway view of the house from above, letting them tiptoe through the maze of rooms with Calvin. The final scenes of the brothers checking out the dictionary together in the light of a bedside lamp is sibling devotion at its best.

A delightful family story that can stir a love of language, Calvin Gets the Last Word would be a favorite addition to home libraries. The book is highly recommended for school and classroom bookshelves to enhance language arts, writing, grammar, and vocabulary lessons and for public library collections as well.

Ages 6 – 8

Tilbury House Publishers, 2020 | ISBN 978-0884488224

Discover more about Margo Sorenson and her books on her website.

To learn more about Mike Deas, his books, and his art, visit his website.

National Word Nerd Day Activity

“Big Words” Word Search

Knowing and using a wide range of words allows you to express yourself in exact—and often—fun ways. Find the 26 “big” words—one for each letter of the alphabet—in this printable word search puzzle.

“Big Words” Word Search Puzzle | “Big Words” Puzzle Solution!

You can purchase Calvin Get’s the Last Word from these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

January 8 – National JoyGerm Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Believing that joy can spread from person to person on the strength of simple smiles and greetings, acts of kindness, upbeat moods, and general positivity, Joan E. White of Syracuse, New York, founded JoyGerm Day in 1981. The day officially became a national holiday in 1985, and is now celebrated around the world. The holiday inspires people to find ways today and every day to positively impact the lives around us at home, work, school, or even while shopping or going about one’s daily business.

To honor the day and the idea, find ways to start each morning with a positive attitude for the day to come. Need ideas for how to get started? Say “Hello” to those you meet, listen to and encourage others, happily help out where needed, share a special moment with your kids at home, or send a surprise letter, card, or text to a friend or family member far away. And, of course, don’t forget to treat yourself too! When you feel good, those around you will respond in kind. Happiness really is contagious!

Thanks so much to Beach Lane Books for sharing a copy of How to Cheer Up a Friend with me for review consideration!

How to Cheer Up a Friend

Written by Stephanie Calmenson | Illustrated by Shannon McNeill

Little ones have big feelings and even bigger hearts. When they see a friend or family member feeling down, they want to help. But “What do you do / when your friend feels blue?” In her sweet book in which the protagonist attempts to cheer up their elephant friend, Stephanie Calmenson offers refreshingly practical advice on how a child (or an adult) can really approach someone experiencing sadness or anger and help them find happiness again.

Image copyright Shannon McNeill, 2024, text copyright Stephanie Calmenson, 2024. Courtesy of Beach Lane Books.

Writing in rhyming couplets, Calmenson starts out by suggesting a few ideas that will get readers giggling and invested in the story, such as “Do you tickle his trunk / to get him out of his funk?” and “Do something silly to make him laugh? / Give him a scented bubble bath?” Soon, the child opens his arms wide, offering a hug—but ready to happily accept either a “yes” or “no” answer.

Quieter ideas follow, including taking a walk or simply listening if he wants to “talk . . . and talk . . . and talk.” Then—only after all his feelings have been vented does the protagonist offer treats—or that hug, which now feels juuust right.

Image copyright Shannon McNeill, 2024, text copyright Stephanie Calmenson, 2024. Courtesy of Beach Lane Books.

Stephanie Calmenson’s thoughtful look at the underpinnings of sadness or other strong emotions and how friends or family members can best help a loved one shines for its brevity and straightforward take on the issue. This approach will appeal to kids while giving them concrete examples of what to do and say (or not say) to elicit healing time or talk from friends, siblings, or others.

How to Cheer Up a Friend would be equally effective for adults looking for a book to help their own child through periods of sadness or anger as the story validates these emotions and provides a constructive solution for expressing them. The length of the story and its bookended format makes the book a perfect choice for parents, teachers, or other adults to reach for during those times when emotions may be running high or attention spans are short.

Image copyright Shannon McNeill, 2024, text copyright Stephanie Calmenson, 2024. Courtesy of Beach Lane Books.

Shannon McNeill’s adorable elephant and empathetic child immediately win over readers’ hearts with their connection that is clearly based on mutual love and trust. In her soft-hued gouache, pencil, and cut paper illustrations, McNeill’s droopy, sad-eyed elephant is the picture of sadness, stubbornness, and even laugh-inducing perseverance as his friend tries various silly solutions to restore happiness. The image of the elephant hunkered down in its wash tub as it hides from a hug is an effective portrayal for children who prefer body autonomy or for the barrier some people present when experiencing strong emotions.

As the elephant begins to talk, his words and feelings fill the page as colorful shapes, and he begins to gesticulate, He cries, stomps, and flops down in a tirade to demonstrate those emotions he may not have words for. But as the storm abates, he feels better and can happily accept that big hug in a two-page spread that will delight young readers.

An endearing story that provides satisfying help with an emotion we all experience, How to Cheer Up a Friend is a valuable book for families and teachers to have on hand for those times when feelings are strong. The book is highly recommended for home, library, and classroom collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Beach Lane Books, 2024 | ISBN 978-1665910248

About the Author

Stephanie Calmenson is the acclaimed author of many popular books for young readers including Dinner at the Panda Palace; May I Pet Your Dog?; and the Ready, Set, Dogs! and Allie and Amy series written with Magic School Bus author Joanna Cole. A former early childhood teacher and children’s book editor, Stephanie feels fortunate to be able to teach, entertain, and encourage kids through her books. To read more, please visit StephanieCalmenson.com.

About the Illustrator

Shannon McNeill is a Canadian-born, San Diego-based illustrator whose books include Are We There Yet? by Dandi Daley Mackall, Wild & Wooly by Mary Jessie Parker, How to Cheer Up a Friend by Stephanie Calmenson, and her own Wheels, No Wheels. Her work is influenced by local nature, loitering in coffee shops, old books, child art, and long walks around the block. Learn more at LittleDrawings.com.

National JoyGerm Day Activity

Spread Happiness Cards

Kids can spread happiness to their friends, family, teachers, and other people in their lives with these cute Happiness Cards! Just print, cut, and give!

Spread Happiness Cards

You can purchase How to Cheer Up a Friend at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

January 6 – It’s National Be On-Purpose Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

National Be On-Purpose Month emphasizes the importance of reflecting on whether your current actions are aligning with your actual personal and professional aspirations. In today’s busy and noisy world, it can be easy to veer from the real purpose for your life. Today’s holiday encourages those wanting to make a change or enhance their life to reflect on what they really want and begin planning how to make it happen. The beginning of the new year is a perfect time to take stock, put the breaks on autopilot living, and make your goals a reality. You might even want to look to the intentionality of nature as poetically revealed in today’s book for inspiration!

Counting Winter

Written by Nancy White Carlstrom | Illustrated by Claudia McGehee

In very northernly climes—like Alaska, where this book is set—winter is serious business. It also can be mysterious, beautiful, graceful, noisy, quiet, and fun! Animals and people who make their home in such regions and bravely face the elements are captured in their own unique ways through Nancy White Carlstrom’s lovely poetic verses that also invite readers to count from one to twelve.

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Image copyright Claudia McGehee, 2024, text copyright Nancy White Carlstrom, 2024. Courtesy of Eerdmans Children’s Books.

Through Carlstrom’s evocative language, kids meet red squirrels, tiny voles, freewheeling sled dogs, and a flurry of birds, among other animals, that “feast,” “skitter,” “rush through the trees / like wind whipping,” and “hoot,” “hammer,” and “flit” as they interact with Winter—a character in its own right that is tracked, named, tamed, and fed on its way to “meeting spring” as children “slip and slide / on melting ice.”

Carlstrom’s deftly formatted poems are riveting, too, for their portraits of these animals—sometimes majestic, sometimes stealthy, and sometimes seemingly too fragile to survive—that with heart and skill not only do survive, but thrive in this most distinctive season. Each lyrical verse flows with assonance and consonance and once or twice a clever rhyme, making them a joy to read aloud. Children will love Carlstrom’s vocabulary and the opportunity to learn here and there small facts, such as the idea of “forty below” temperatures, squirrels’ habit of building middens with pinecones, and how voles spend their winter.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-counting-winter-voles

Image copyright Claudia McGehee, 2024, text copyright Nancy White Carlstrom, 2024. Courtesy of Eerdmans Children’s Books.

Claudia McGehee’s astounding scratchboard and watercolor illustrations bring these animals and the environment to life with their textured and intricate designs. Every page is a sensory-engaging showstopper. Readers can almost feel the cold, brittle air and sense the depth and weight of the snow as a fox stalks a well-hidden rabbit. Three snowshoe hares bound with unbridled energy as geometric and delicately floral snowflakes fall. Kids will be both awed and charmed by the seven musk oxen that greet them as a shaggy, sturdy wall and be nearly able to hear the clammer and feel the whoosh of the eight sled dogs racing by, their tongues out, tasting the stirred up snow.

McGehee’s stunning designs challenge kids to find the full number of animals on each spread, while making it neither too easy nor too hard for young readers of any age. In several spreads, McGehee offers the promise of the spring to come by including glimpses of what lies below the blanket of snow: seeds, grasses, and roots all await warmer weather, and by the time readers join the twelve children at the skating pond, tender green shoots appear on some trees and the crocus is blooming.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-counting-winter-children

Image copyright Claudia McGehee, 2024, text copyright Nancy White Carlstrom, 2024. Courtesy of Eerdmans Children’s Books.

Back matter includes an illustrated Animal Profiles page that reveals interesting tidbits about the animals featured in the text and would be a terrific jumping off point for nature lovers, teachers, homeschoolers and other educators, and librarians looking for lesson or activity ideas. In an Author’s Note, Nancy White Carlstrom talks about her 19 years living in Alaska and the inspiration for this book. In her Illustrator’s Note, Claudia McGehee discusses the research she did as well as the intricate process of using a scratchboard and watercolors to create the art for Counting Winter.

Counting Winter is sure to be a repeat favorite the whole family will love cozying up with during winter—or even in the throes of summer when a little cool (or cold!) air sounds refreshing—and is highly recommended for home bookshelves. The book is a must for classrooms, school libraries

Ages 4 – 8

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2024 | ISBN 978-0802855701

About the Author

Nancy White Carlstrom has written over sixty books for children, including Before You Were Born (Eerdmans), Mama, Will It Snow Tonight? (Boyds Mills Press), and the bestselling Jesse Bear series (Scholastic). Counting Winter was shaped by the nineteen years Nancy and her family called Alaska home. She currently lives in the Seattle area and enjoys seeing Alaskan wildlife—and her grandchildren—on trips back to the state. Visit her website at nancywhitecarlstrom.com.

About the Illustrator

Claudia McGehee is the illustrator and sometimes author of many picture books, including Begin with a Bee, Creekfinding (both University of Minnesota Press), and My Wilderness (Little Bigfoot). In starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal, Claudia’s scratchboard illustrations have been praised as “meticulous” and “striking.” Raised in the Pacific Northwest, Claudia now lives in Iowa City, Iowa. Visit her website at claudia-mcgehee.com or follow her on Instagram @claudia.mcgehee.

National Be On-Purpose Month Activity

CPB - Polar Bear scarf

Polar Bear Scarf or Banner

Polar bears aren’t cold in the winter—and neither should you be! Here are directions and printable templates for making a cute scarf to keep you warm, or—if you’d rather—a banner to warm up your room.

Supplies

Printable Polar Bear and Igloo Template
1 Strip of blue fleece 4 ½ feet long x 7 inches wide for the scarf
1 Piece of blue scrapbooking paper for a banner
Pieces of white, black, blue, and purple (or other color) fleece or heavy stock paper to make the polar bear, igloo, snowflakes, and ice floes.
String or twine for banner
Scissors
Fabric or paper glue

Directions for Scarf

To make the fringe at each end of the scarf

Make 7 cuts about 4 inches long
Tie a knot at the top of each fringe section

To make the pieces for the scarf or banner

Trace the polar bear and igloo sections onto white fleece and cut out
Trace the two ice floes onto blue fleece and cut out
Trace the door of the igloo onto blue fleece and cut out
Trace the polar bear’s scarf onto purple (or other color) fleece and cut out
Cut out circles for snowflakes
Cut out a small circle from black fleece for the Polar Bear’s nose

On one end of the scarf

Glue the smaller ice floe on one end of the scarf
Tie the bear’s scarf around its neck before gluing the bear to the scarf
Glue the polar bear onto the scarf with its feet on the ice floe
Glue on the polar bear’s nose
Make a small dot for the polar bear’s eye with a marker
Glue snowflakes above polar bear

On the other end of the scarf

Glue the bigger ice floe to the scarf
Glue the three sections of the large igloo to the scarf, leaving a little space between sections
Glue the small white door of the igloo on top of the last two igloo sections
Glue the small blue door onto the white door
Glue snowflakes above the igloo

Directions for Banner

Cut a point at the bottom of your banner
Trace the pieces of the polar bear and igloo from the printable template onto heavy stock paper
Follow the directions above to glue the pieces of the polar bear and igloo to your banner
Attach string or twine to back of banner to make a hanger

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-counting-winter-cover

You can purchase Counting Winter at these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

December 18 – Bake Cookies Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Baking cookies is a wonderful to get the whole family in the holiday spirit! Not only does everyone have fun, but it’s a great time to share traditional family recipes and tell kids the stories that go with them. By baking together children can also learn important skills that translate into future success in school and elsewhere. So, grab your recipes, ingredients, and utensils and bake up a few batches of your favorite scrumptious cookies!

Christmas Cookie Day!

Written by Tara Knudson | Illustrated by Pauline Siewert

Mama bear and her little bear get ready for one of the most fun days of the year. “Cooke day, / Time to bake. / Aprons on, / Lots to make!” The little one cracks an egg into the bowl while the butter, flour, and sugar wait their turn. Mom pours warm melted butter and lets her little bear stir it into dough.

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Image copyright Pauline Siewert, 2018, text copyright Tara Knudson, 2018. Courtesy of Zonderkidz.

With the dough rolled smooth, it’s time to use the cookie cutters to make…”Christmas tree, / Reindeer, bell. / Snowman, star, / Cookie smell.” The pair add angels, candy canes, and drummer boys before sliding the tray into the oven and watching them bake. At last the timer rings but they still must wait. Finally “ready, set… / Decorate!”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-christmas-cookie-day-cookie-shapes

Image copyright Pauline Siewert, 2018, text copyright Tara Knudson, 2018. Courtesy of Zonderkidz.

It’s so much fun spreading the frosting and shaking out sprinkles to create green trees, yellow stars, and red-and-white striped candy canes. Even the bakers can’t resist nibbling a few. But not too many, because these are special “cookie gifts. / Made with care. / Pack them up, / Cooke share!” It’s time to invite friends and family for a yearly treat—“Christmastime, / Spirits bright. / Family hugs, / Cookie night.”

A delectable Christmas Cookie Day Recipe follows the story for all little bakers to try.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-christmas-cookie-day-into-oven

Image copyright Pauline Siewert, 2018, text copyright Tara Knudson, 2018. Courtesy of Zonderkidz.

Tara Knudson’s jaunty rhyming story captures all the giddy anticipation and fun of a day baking Christmas cookies. Short, lively verses follow Mom and her cub step-by-step as they make and decorate special treats for their annual cookie party and invite little ones to join in on repeat readings. Knudson delights in the enjoyment Mom and her little one feel during their day of baking and goes on to celebrate the deeper meaning and joy of Christmas as the two wrap up their cookies and give them to family and friends.

With tender smiles for each other, Pauline Siewert’s Mama bear and her cub spend a snowy day baking cookies in their cozy kitchen accompanied by a helpful mouse. Siewert’s vibrant colors mirror the cheerful companionship mother and child share on this much-loved day, and her engaging details, like a dusting of flour on the cub’s nose, will charm children. A double-spread scattering of the cookies the two make give little ones a chance to show their knowledge of shapes and Christmastime figures. The heartwarming final scene of the cookie party might just inspire a party of your own. Little ones will also be enchanted by the sparkly cover that opens this adorable book.

The absence of personal pronouns and a red apron for the little cub make Christmas Cookie Day! gender neutral.

A sweet story to spark a fun family tradition and share the joy of giving, Christmas Cookie Day! makes an endearing addition to a child’s home library.

Ages 2 – 6

Zonderkidz, 2018 | ISBN 978-0310762898

About the Author

Tara Knudson is a former teacher who has been writing poetry and stories since she was a young girl growing up in Chicago. Her published work can be found in children’s magazines, greeting cards, calendars, and a poetry anthology for teens. Christmas Cookie Day, Easter Egg Day, and Valentine’s Day Treats are all part of Tara’s collected works celebrating a childlike approach to beloved holiday celebrations. Visit Tara at taraknudson.com.

About the Illustrator

Pauline was born in Tanzania, East Africa where she spent the early part of her childhood before moving to the UK. She loved to draw and paint, both alone and in a local children’s art class. After doing a foundation course at Wimbledon School of Art she went on to study graphics and illustration at Kingston Polytechnic. After graduating she worked at a display and exhibitions company before moving on to be a full time visualizer in a small London-based design agency, specializing in brand identity and packaging. Eventually she went on to work freelance as an illustrator and has produced many books for children and greetings cards. When not illustrating, she is usually reading, walking, collecting books, looking at art or listening to music. Visit Pauline on Instagram.

Meet Tara Knudson

CPB - Tara Knudson Interview - head shot

I’m excited to be talking today with Tara Knudson about her sweet book, her favorite cookie, and how being a teacher inspires her work.

Christmas Cookie Day has such a joyous feeling. Do you have any special memories of baking with your family when you were a child? What is your favorite kind of cookie?

I’m so glad that you think CHRISTMAS COOKIE DAY has such a joyous feeling! The story evokes happy memories of baking Christmas cookies with my mom and sisters when I was a child. I remember gathering the cookie cutters from the cabinet, excited to get started! We all stood around the kitchen table and decorated our cookies with sprinkles, frosting, and candy pieces. It was so fun!

CPB - Tara Knudson Interview - decorating cookies

While I do enjoy eating Christmas sugar cookies, my favorite kind of cookie is chocolate chip, especially ones with dark chocolate chips and a little salt. Yum!

As a regular contributor to children’s magazines like Highlights Hello, Highlights High Five, Baby Bug, and Ladybug, you write stories and poetry for the youngest readers, what do you like about writing for this age? What are a few of the most important ingredients in stories for little ones?

I love writing for little ones because they are so curious about everything in the world around them—sights, smells, sounds, tastes, new experiences, and people. They take it all in as they learn, develop, and grow. I like to be a part of that.

My poems and stories for this age group often include short and simple sentences with some fun words added that young readers may not be familiar with.

You’ve said that you loved to write even as a child. Can you describe your journey to becoming a published writer?

My journey as a writer has been a long one. I still have my creative writing stories from second grade. Reading them now makes me laugh! Growing up, the stories were always special to me, but I did not know yet that I wanted to be a writer.

CPB - Tara Knudson Interview - school writing folder

I started writing poetry when I was in high school. As I dealt with the problems and frustrations that adolescence can bring, I often wrote poems to express my feelings. After college, I became a Spanish teacher and I often used children’s picture books in the classroom. I would spend hours at bookstores searching for favorite ones. It was during that time that I fell in love with picture books and decided that I wanted to write them.

In pursuit of my goal, I won a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship that allowed me to take a break from my teaching job and live in Barcelona, Spain for a year and experiment with writing for children. I wrote many poems and rhyming stories for children. I continued to write after my return to the U.S. As years passed, I sold articles and poems to children’s magazines and continued to work on my picture book manuscripts as I worked as a teacher and later took care of my two sons. Finally, I signed with an agent who helped me sell my first book.

Can you talk a little about your work as a teacher? How do your experiences influence your work?

My teaching background is unique because I have taught different subjects to students of many ages. I started my teaching career as a high school Spanish teacher. Then, while in Barcelona, I taught English to middle school students. Upon my return to the U.S., I taught Spanish to grades K-2 and then math to grades 1-4.

Whichever subject I teach, and to whichever grade level, there is always something for me to gain as a writer when I work with students. Whether it be from something that happens in the classroom or something that a student says that sparks a writing idea, being around children gets my creative juices flowing!

What’s your favorite holiday?

My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love the excitement that leads up to it, the beautiful decorations, the spirit of giving, and the true meaning of the season. It’s such a magical and joyous time for people of all ages filled with traditions and love. I’m so happy that CHRISTMAS COOKIE DAY can be a part of it all!

CPB - Tara Knudson Interview - making cookies

Thanks so much for chatting with me, Tara! I wish you a wonderful holiday and much success with all of your writing!

You can connect with Tara Knudson on her website | Instagram | Twitter.

National Cookie Exchange Day Activity

Gingerbread Kids Ornaments

All cookies don’t have to be edible! With this easy craft children can make gingerbread kid ornaments to decorate your tree or windows or to give to family and friends!

Supplies

Printable Gingerbread Girl and Boy Template
2 Brown foam sheets
White paint (or any color you like)
Glitter in two colors
Paint brush
2 Small heart buttons (optional)
Mounting squares (for mounting)
Thread and needle (for optional hanging)

Directions

Trace gingerbread kid templates on brown foam sheets and cut out
Paint around the edges with the white paint then add trim to the edge of the dress and the top of the socks
Add buttons
Add faces
Paint the hands of each figure then sprinkle glitter over the wet paint to make mittens
To use as decoration, attach mountable squares. To use as an ornament, use a threaded needle to make a hole in the top of each figure and tie the thread to create a hanger.

**You can find Christmas Cookie Day at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

December 17 – National Say It Now Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

This brand new holiday, established by National Day Calendar and Legacy+, a branding company, in honor of Walter Green, who was born on December 17 and on his 70th birthday decided to travel for a year to visit those who had been important to him and express his gratitude. For Walter, the result was a book—This is the Moment. For the rest of us, this holiday can inspire us to tell friends and loved ones how important they are and thanking them for all the ways they’ve impacted our lives.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sharing a copy of I’m Always Loving You with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

I’m Always Loving You

Written by Kathy Wolff | Illustrated by Acamy Schleikorn

When you tell your child “I love you,” tousle their hair and say, “love ya, kiddo,” or kiss them on the forehead and whisper, “Goodnight, sweet love,” the “always” of that feeling is understood. But there are times when—struck by a memory, catching sight of a flash of playfulness, or even sharing a struggle over a task or disappointment—you feel an extra squeeze of love come over your heart.

Often these moments go unexpressed; but they shouldn’t! Inherent in times like these is spontaneity, shared experiences, and the details of life. Kids love details, and in I’m Always Loving You Kathy Wolff gives parents and other adults a heartwarming way to share the particulars of those times when their heart bursts with love—from the seemingly mundane to the extra-special.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-I'm-always-loving-you-rise-and-shine

Image copyright Acamy Schleikorn, 2024, text copyright Kathy Wolff, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Wolff begins as the day starts: “I love you when you rise and shine—awake as you can get!” but includes a bit of humor with the adult’s perspective on morning—”I love you when I haven’t even had my coffee yet!” She highlights times of frivolity at home while also reassuring kids that parents, grandparents, and other caregivers are always thinking about and loving them when they’re out in the world—in the car, at the park, at the store, and even “in the longest line we’ve ever seen before!”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-I'm-always-loving-you-when-helping

Image copyright Acamy Schleikorn, 2024, text copyright Kathy Wolff, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Children who are apprehensive about separation will find comfort in the words “I love you when you’re close to me, and also when you’re not, / and no matter what I’m doing, I sure think of you a lot!” Importantly, kids also hear that adults’ love extend to those times when their child is helping out around the house or doing chores, and—maybe more surprising—when the adult must tell them “no.”

Just as adults love their kids at the beginning of the day, as the day wanes a dad reveals, “I love you when we’re snuggled up all cozy with a book, / when you’re feeling kinda yawn-y and you’ve got that droopy look.” Through changing into pajamas, goodnight kisses, and turning out the light, love prevails, allowing children to sleep soundly and awake to another day full of love.

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Image copyright Acamy Schleikorn, 2024, text copyright Kathy Wolff, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Kathy Wolff’s jaunty rhymes that encapsulate so many parts of a child’s and parents’ or caregivers’ day are a joy to read aloud and are sure to lead to fun discussions about specifics in the readers’ lives. Many of the examples Wolff includes are equally applicable for children to say to the adults or siblings in their lives, from getting up in the morning to sharing silly, busy, or quiet moments to when they are near or far away.

Acamy Schleikorn’s bright, active illustrations allow kids to clearly see and recognize experiences and places as well as emotions, such as happy, silly, and serious, that are part of their everyday lives, reinforcing the idea that no matter where, when, or what’s happening they are always loved.

A perfect and reassuring book to snuggle up with, bring out when times are a little more challenging, and talk about all the times your family feels that glow of love, I’m Always Loving You would be an often-asked-for book on home bookshelves and a meaningful addition to school and library collections.

Ages 3 – 6

Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2024 | ISBN 978-1547614202

About the Author

Kathy Wolff lives in Overland Park, Kansas with her husband and her two funny kids. She attempts to balance writing, mom-ing, and greeting-card making . . . all while trying to remember not to forget anything. Visit Kathy at kathywolffbooks.com.

About the Illustrator

Acamy Schleikorn is an illustrator from Las Vegas. She began drawing at a very young age and was encouraged by her grandma to keep going. As an adult, she discovered the magical world of children’s books, and became passionate about creating stories that make a difference in a child’s life and reflect the diverse world that we live in. Anytime she creates art, she wants it to bring some kind of good into a world filled with a lot of hurt. She is inspired by her two children to create work that they will love, enjoy, and see themselves in. Visit Acamy at acamydesigns.com.

National Say It Now Day Activity

CPB - Heart Jar

Jar of Love

With this craft, kids can say “I love you” to parents, siblings, family members, friends, and anyone who fills their heart with joy by giving them a felt heart to express their feelings.

Supplies

A clear jar with a lid—you can up a jar from home, buy a mason jar, or find a decorative jar at a craft store
Red felt
Scissors

Directions

1. Cut red hearts from the felt and add them to the jar.

2. Whenever you feel that special burst of love toward someone, give them a heart to show it!

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You can purchase I’m Always Loving You at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

December 13 – Lost and Found Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Don’t you hate when you lose something? You know . . . you just had it and now it’s nowhere to be seen. Where do eventually find it? The last place you look, of course! But what if you never find it? Perhaps someone else found it and turned it in to a lost and found department. Oh, it’s all very disconcerting. Don’t give up hope! Today’s holiday was established just to give people an opportunity to really stop what they’re doing and look for that long-lost object. Did you know that Napoleon Bonaparte was the mastermind behind the idea of a Lost and Found? In 1805 he opened the world’s first Lost and Found Office in Paris and encouraged people to bring in items they found in the street. From there the idea spread! So if you’ve lost something, take a bit of time today to find it!

Thank you to Ann Schwartz Books for sharing a copy of Lost with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Lost

By Bob Staake

Opening the cover of the nearly wordless Lost, you encounter a sea of white, gray-tone, and blue-tone triangles that dazzle the eyes until they are drawn to a small red curlicue near the bottom right corner, and you wonder . . .. The title page drops you into the middle of a neighborhood, where the mystery isn’t solved, but only seems to grow as four people, sporting puzzled frowns are on the move.

Eager to know what’s up? Turn the page yet again and you’re inside a little girl’s house, where something is definitely amiss. Kitty hasn’t eaten her food. She’s not playing with her yarn or toy mouse, either, so the girl goes in search. Paneled pages show her peeking around a wall, calling up the staircase, checking room to room. But then . . . Eureka! . . . the back door is open. When the girl runs out to the backyard, though, Kitty isn’t there either.

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With a stack of homemade LOST posters in hand, she begins papering the neighborhood and handing out copies to passersby. One of these is the mail carrier, who hasn’t seen Kitty but has, in fact, lost his own pet. He pulls a picture his green bird from his wallet and demonstrates how he flew from its cage and out the window.

In the park, she meets an elderly woman who has lost her dog. She takes a picture from her purse, explaining how it scampered under the gate and was gone. The woman still has a tear in her eye when the two wave goodbye. At the Village Market, a businessman notices one of the girl’s LOST posters and extracts from his wallet a picture of his pet giraffe that simply stepped over the wall around his house one day and disappeared. After commiserating, they smile as they bid each other goodbye. Hungry now, the girl returns to the park for a hotdog and happily carries it to the bench where she had met the woman earlier.

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She’s just about to take a glorious bite when she spies her own lost kitty poster and sinks into sadness. But what’s this? The delicious aroma has attracted the attention of a little blue nose, and from behind a wall appears the woman’s lost dog! The girl begins luring it home with her hotdog when she spots a familiar shadow on the sidewalk. She looks up expecting to find Kitty, but finds the bird, instead. Keeping the bird in tow with a bit of bun, she takes her finds home to make found posters and spread the good news.

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Back out in the neighborhood, a passing boy lets slip his balloon, redirecting the girl’s gaze upward toward a tall tree from where the girl hears a sound. She, the bird, and the dog race into the yard to find Kitty atop the tree. But how to get her down? There’s one lost pet who would know just how to do it—and this delightful story doesn’t disappoint. Just in the knick of time, the giraffe steps over the fence, offers his nose to climb on and bows his long neck to the girl’s outstretched arms.

Meanwhile, the found posters have alerted the mail carrier and the elderly woman, and they take off running toward the girl. The businessman, sad not to see a found poster for his giraffe, at last sees his pet towering into the sky and joins the parade and the joyous reunions full of hugs that follow.

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Clever and charming from beginning to end, Bob Staake’s Lost is a treasure trove of visual humor, emotion, and surprises. So much ingenious storytelling is infused into every panel for readers of all ages to discover, and Staake’s use of facial expressions and gestures makes it easy for readers to follow the action. The hiding places of the pets turn out to be sweet reminders that our loved ones are never far away.

Lost would appeal to both those who love picture books and fans of graphic novels. The book invites multiple readings and makes a terrific canvas for inventing backstories for all of the characters and pets in this enchanting town. If you’re looking for a gift for a child or even an adult who loves comics, cartoon, and whimsical tales, you’ll find Lost to be the perfect present. Lost is also a must for public and school libraries.

Ages 3 – 7

Anne Schwartz Books, 2024 | ISBN 978-0593707029

About the Author-Illustrator

Bob Staake is the prolific illustrator and creator of many books for children, including Bluebird, My Pet Book, The Red Lemon (a New York Times Best Illustrated Book), and The Donut Chef (a Children’s Choice Book Award finalist). He illustrated Jonah Winter’s Welcome to Bobville which Booklist praised as “embracing differences” in a starred review. His most recent book, The Path, was called “extremely inspiring” by School Library Journal in a starred review. Bob’s highly acclaimed commercial illustrations have appeared in the New Yorker, Time, the Washington Post, and The New York Times. He lives in Massachusetts. Visit Bob at bobstaake.com.

Lost and Found Day Activity

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Find the Lost Pets Puzzle

The kids in this puzzle have lost their pets. Unscramble the paths and help them reunite!

Find the Lost Pets Puzzle

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You can purchase Lost at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

December 9 – National Llama Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today we celebrate the llama, that South American long-necked animal in the camel family that has traditionally served as a pack animal and provides both wool and meat. Because of their spirited personality and high cuteness factor, llamas make perfect companions for holiday cheer. To celebrate today, lliven up your holidays with today’s book!

Thanks to Joan Holub and Cartwheel Books for sharing a digital copy of Fa-La-La Llama with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Fa-La-La Llama

Written by Joan Holub | Illustrated by Allison Black

Sure, kids can celebrate Christmas with Santa and elves and reindeer, but wouldn’t it be even more fun to party with llamas? Wild and wooly, llamas lend a cheery vivaciousness to the holidays with their fashion sense, their decorating savvy, and their beautiful singing voices—really!

What do I mean? Well, let’s pick a favorite Christmas song—say, “Deck the Halls” with its catchy chorus. You and the kiddos probably sing it this way: “Deck the halls with boughs of holly. Fa la la la la la la la la!” But the sleighful of llamas gathered together in Joan Holub’s board book sing it this way: “Decorate our hats with holly. Fa la la la la la la Llama.”

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Image copyright Allison Black, 2021, text copyright Joan Holub, 2021. Courtesy of Cartwheel Books.

But these festive llamas aren’t just dressing up for the holidays, they’re going caroling, dancing under a disco ball in silly pants, and ice skating on the pond. How do these lovely llamas keep their hooves from freezing? “Mittens warm in snowy weather. Fa la la la la la la Llama.” And how about gifts? Sure! These llamas are adept at “Juggling presents all together. Fa la la la la la la Llama.”

With all the preparations complete, the hot cocoa poured, and a fire crackling in the hearth, there’s only one thing left to do—and that is to say (or sing), “Merry Christmas! Cozy good cheer. Fa la la la la la la Llama. / Wishing you a Happy New Year! Fa la la la la la la Llaaamaaa!”

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Image copyright Allison Black, 2021, text copyright Joan Holub, 2021. Courtesy of Cartwheel Books.

Get ready to giggle and “La-la-llaaamaaa” with your little ones in Joan Holub’s effervescent take on a favorite holiday song that also includes touch-and-feel elements that begin right on the front cover, where a shiny ribbed foil evergreen is about to be turned into a Christmas tree. Opening the cover, little ones find that a white Christmas is assured as textured glittery snowflakes fall on a cheerful, pink llama. Other enticing treats include a pink tulle tutu ice-skating skirt, a silver rippled foil-wrapped present, and a sparkly bowtie of netting, foil, and glitter. Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa, and he’s here too with a soft and wooly beard to tickle tykes’ fingertips—and fancy!

If you’re looking for a fun, infectious holiday story to share with your little one, you’ve found it! Joan Holub’s catchy rendition of “Deck the Halls” for the youngest readers is sure to have the whole family “Fa la la la la la la Llama-ing” as you decorate the tree, wrap gifts, bake cookies, and, of course, sing carols. Holub’s word choices make the verses easy for kids to remember, inviting them to read or sing (it’s impossible to resist singing!) along.

Allison Black’s adorable llamas decked out in winter’s most cozy hats, scarves, mittens, and sweaters can’t help but make you smile. Their enthusiasm for the season mirrors children’s own excitement, and their holiday activities will be familiar to kids as well. Black’s vibrant backgrounds, colorful fa-la-las, organically integrated touch-and-feel surprises, and sprinkling of humor make this a book little readers will want to put on repeat.

A perfect pre-holiday or advent gift, joyful story time read, or Christmas day stocking stuffer, Fa-La-La Llama is sure to be a hit with little ones and their grown-ups and is a must for any young child’s holiday board book collection at home, school, or public libraries.

Ages 2 – 5

Cartwheel Books, 2021 | ISBN 978-1338681475

Discover more about Joan Holub and her books on her website.

To learn more about Allison Black, her books, and her art, visit her website.

National Llama Day Activity

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Dress Up Llama Coloring Page

This cute llama wants to dress up for the holidays! Just download and print to add a scarf, hat, sweater and all the trappings of winter! And don’t forget to add some glittery snow to the scene!

Dress Up Llama Coloring Page

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**You can find Fa-La-La Llama at these booksellers**

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

Picture Book Review

About the Holiday

Calvin Gets the Last Word

Written by Margo Sorenson | Illustrated by Mike Deas

National Word Nerd Day Activity

“Big Words” Word Search

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About the Holiday

How to Cheer Up a Friend

Written by Stephanie Calmenson | Illustrated by Shannon McNeill

National JoyGerm Day Activity

Spread Happiness Cards

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About the Holiday

Counting Winter

Written by Nancy White Carlstrom | Illustrated by Claudia McGehee

National Be On-Purpose Month Activity

Polar Bear Scarf or Banner

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About the Holiday

Christmas Cookie Day!

Written by Tara Knudson | Illustrated by Pauline Siewert

Meet Tara Knudson

You can connect with Tara Knudson on her website | Instagram | Twitter.

National Cookie Exchange Day Activity

Gingerbread Kids Ornaments

You can find Christmas Cookie Day at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

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About the Holiday

I’m Always Loving You

Written by Kathy Wolff | Illustrated by Acamy Schleikorn

National Say It Now Day Activity

Jar of Love

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About the Holiday

Lost

By Bob Staake

Lost and Found Day Activity

Find the Lost Pets Puzzle

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About the Holiday

Fa-La-La Llama

Written by Joan Holub | Illustrated by Allison Black

National Llama Day Activity

Dress Up Llama Coloring Page

You can find Fa-La-La Llama at these booksellers

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**You can find Christmas Cookie Day at these booksellers**

**You can find Fa-La-La Llama at these booksellers**