May 27 – Get Caught Reading Month

About the Holiday

When you love to read, you want to share all the excitement that books contain. The Get Caught Reading campaign was initiated in 1999 by the Association of American Publishers with the idea to promote literacy and language development through reading to children and spurring them to read on their own. All month long, people are encouraged to pass along their love of literature—from board books to Shakespeare and everything in between—by taking pictures of themselves reading and sharing them on social media. Movie and TV celebrities, sports figures, authors, illustrators, teachers, moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, and kids of all ages take part in this favorite annual event. Why don’t you?! For more information, visit the Get Caught Reading website.

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

Little Heroes of Color: I’m a Little Hero

By David Heredia

 

If you’re looking for a book to inspire your little one while introducing them to people of color throughout history who overcame obstacles and broke barriers on their way to becoming an influential leader, inventor, adventurer, artist, scientist, or sports figure, David Heredia’s I’m a Little Hero board book presents ten such role models.

Text and illustration © 2025 by David Heredia. Courtesy of Carwheel Books/Scholastic.

Through short rhymes, kids meet the first Black woman pilot, the first indigenous American to win an Olympic gold medal, an astronaut, an architect, and other inspirational figures from a diverse range of professions. Along with each profile, children receive affirmation that they, too, can be a hero who is just through everyday actions, such as learning new things, helping friends or family, trying their best, and using their imagination.

The most impactful feature of this interactive board book is the included mirror, which folds out so that children can see themselves next to each of these super achievers as an adult reads to them. Such recognition will spark their self-confidence and self-esteem and assure them that they, too, can be and do anything they put their mind to. 

Text and illustration © 2025 by David Heredia. Courtesy of Carwheel Books/Scholastic.

Thoughtfully adapted from the hardcover edition of Little Heroes of Color for older children, David Heredia’s engaging verses and bright, eye-catching illustrations will captivate little ones. Simple details allow them to quickly understand the profession of each of these historical figures of color and how they made the world a better place. 

Little Heroes of Color: I’m a Little Hero is a cheerful and emboldening book that would enhance any home or library collection for the youngest readers.

Ages Baby – 5

Cartwheel Books/Scholastic, 2025 | ISBN 978-1546180364

About the Author/Illustrator

David Heredia has worked for Walt Disney Animation, Warner Bros. Animation, and DC Collectibles. His six-time award-winning education video series “Heroes of Color” has been featured in the New York Times, on NPR, and on PBS Online. He lives in Santa Clarita, California, with his wife and three children. For more information, visit David at heroesofcolor.com.

Get Caught Reading Month Activity

Bessie Coleman Coloring Page

 

Little ones will feel inspired to be a brave hero like Bessie Colman while coloring this page! Get it here!

You can purchase Little Heroes of Color: I’m a Little Hero from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

December 9 – National Llama Day

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-fa-la-la-llama-cover

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.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-fa-la-la-llama-hats

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!”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-fa-la-la-llama-dancing

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

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-llama-coloring-page-2

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

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-fa-la-la-llama-cover

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

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

Picture Book Review

November 21 – Get Ready for Hanukkah

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-little-dreidel-learns-to-spin-cover

About the Holiday

To get into the spin of this eight-day celebration of light and remembrance, we have a book perfect for young ones getting ready to learn a new skill and a bit more about this Jewish holiday. Little Dreidel Learns to Spin takes the stage with a rhythmic, twirling tale packed with Yiddish words and glossary in the back to learn more.

Thank you to Rebecca Gardyn Levington and Cartwheel Books for sharing a digital copy of Little Dreidel Learns to Spin with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Review by Dorothy Levine

Little Dreidel Learns to Spin

Written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington | Illustrated by Taryn Johnson

 

Little Dreidel’s clay body is all dry, so she is ready to start twirling and spinning just like her older cousins. But, when she tries, “she flails and fumble-tumbles. ‘I’m such a klutz! I stink at this’ she mopes and mumble tumbles.” Dreidel’s grandmother, her Bubbie, tries to console her, but to no avail. As the rest of the family gets ready for Hanukkah—cooking up some latkes, setting up the menorah—Little Dreidel collects herself.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-little-dreidel-learns-to-spin-ready-for-party

Image copyright Taryn Johnson, 2024, text copyright Rebecca Gardyn Levington, 2024. Courtesy of Cartwheel Books.

After some careful observation of her cousins’ techniques, she learns about momentum and gains some more of her own. She’s ready to try again. At first too slow, then too fast, Little Dreidel “plotzes on the ground” again and again. But when day turns to night, and Hanukkah is about to begin, a miracle occurs: “dizzy-dazed” Little Dreidel competently joins the rest of the cousin crew spinning into celebration!

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-little-dreidel-learns-to-spin-unsteady

Image copyright Taryn Johnson, 2024, text copyright Rebecca Gardyn Levington, 2024. Courtesy of Cartwheel Books.

The story of Little Dreidel Learns to Spin subtly mirrors the Hanukkah story—a narrative that centers on a miracle of oil lasting to light a lamp for eight days rather than just one and success against all odds. Gardyn Levington takes a simple tale of determination and weaves in Hanukkah charm, rhymes, Yiddish vocabulary and witty puns—like when Little Dreidel spins awry and almost breaks her shin, the Hebrew letter painted on one side of the top and denoting the worst luck of the four facings.

Johnson’s illustrations add layers of humor and context to the story. For example, Little Dreidel’s face is painted on the less lucky shin side, whereas Bubbie’s face is painted on gimel— the luckiest letter of the four dreidel faces. The first page depicts Little Dreidel blow-drying his top half with a hair dryer, as the story shares that Little Dreidel’s clay has just dried. Johnson depicts emotion cleverly and adorably through the expressions and body language of the Dreidel family. The pages are lush with color, with an emphasis on Hanukkah’s classic blues and yellows.

A sweet introduction to the traditions of Hanukkah and a natural way to teach children some common Yiddish words, Little Dreidel Learns to Spin would be the perfect addition to home collections and libraries.

Ages 3 – 5

Cartwheel Books, 2024 | ISBN 978-1338864625

About the Author

Rebecca Gardyn Levington is a children’s book author and poet with a penchant for penning playful picture books and poems. She lives in Summit, New Jersey. You can visit Rebecca at rebeccagardynlevington.com.

About the Illustrator

Taryn Johnson is an illustrator, animator, and designer who loves to bring a playful appreciation of nature to her work with bright colors, patterns, and a little imagination. Visit Taryn at tarynjohnson.com.

Get Ready for Hanukkah Activities

Clay Dreidel Craft from Crayola

Photo courtesy of Crayola

 Homemade Hanukkah Crafts

 

You can teach your very own homemade clay dreidel to spin or make a paper dreidel with these instructions from Crayola! 

To find more Hanukkah themed activities—from making LEGO dreidels to tissue paper stained glass decorations to a creative shamash candle holder and more—visit PJ Library’s Hanukkah activities page!

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-little-dreidel-learns-to-spin-cover

You can purchase Little Dreidel Learns to Spin from these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

February 1 – Wishing a Hoppy Book Birthday to Every Bunny Dance Now!

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-every-bunny-dance-now-cover

About the Holiday

I’m excited to be celebrating the book birthday of Joan Holub’s and Allison Black’s newest seasonal board book for enthusiastic little readers. With touch-and-feel surprises and lively rhymes and rhythms to get kids engaged with every page, this is one spring charmer you’ll want on your child’s library shelf. 

Thanks to Joan Holub for sharing a digital copy of Every Bunny Dance Now! with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Every Bunny Dance Now!

Written by Joan Holub | Illustrated by Allison Black

 

If your kids always have the joys of spring in their heart and a jaunty spring in their step, then they’ll love hoppin’ and boppin’ along with the bundle of bunnies, lambs, ducks, pigs, squirrels, and cows who can’t stop mooovin’ to the groove. Even a skunk and some butterflies join in the fun.

Ready to get started? Then “give your fuzzy tail a wiggle. Twitch your bunny nose and giggle. Skip through flowers in your jammies. Boogie-woogie with the lambies.” Think your kids can resist that invitation? Me neither! 

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-every-bunny-dance-now-party

Image copyright Allison Black, 2022, text copyright Joan Holub, 2022. Courtesy of Scholastic.

Joan Holub’s infectious rhymes will have little ones jumping and laughing, twirling and peeping – and even doing the chicken dance – as they visit a pond, a mud puddle, a patch of clover, and a colorful field of wildflowers. When all the wiggles are out, kids will find more to love with the touch-and-feel elements on each page that make this a terrific lap-time book as well. However you share this book, you and your kids will want to cheer, “What a great day, bright and sunny. Happy springtime, little bunny!” 

Joan Holub’s enchanting romp is the perfect way for kids to celebrate the season of spring as well as to enjoy the wiggly, giggly fun of movement all year around. Holub’s short sentences, punctuated with invitations to join in on the ducks’ “quack-quack,” the pigs’ “oink-oink,” and the cows’ “mooovin’,” will have kids excited to read along. Those who like a little learning during story time will like pointing out or naming and counting the different animals.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-every-bunny-dance-now-clover

Image copyright Allison Black, 2022, text copyright Joan Holub, 2022. Courtesy of Scholastic.

Allison Black infuses every page with loads of color and vivacious, smiling animals enthusiastic to spend time with their friends. As the bunnies come topside to start the party, Black sprinkles her vibrant backgrounds with music notes and surrounds the animals with charming flowers, clover, and butterflies. Kids will love spying the adorable bespectacled moles who pop up to attend the celebration too.

An exhilarating and charm-filled way to spend time with little ones and get them excited about reading, Every Bunny Dance Now! will become a quick favorite for active and snuggly story times. The board book makes a fantastic addition to Easter baskets or gift for springtime celebrations.

Ages 2 – 5

Cartwheel Books, 2022 | ISBN 978-1338795004

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.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-every-bunny-dance-now-cover

You can find Every Bunny Dance Now! at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

December 9 – National Llama Day

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-fa-la-la-llama-cover

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! And be sure to enter my giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of this new holiday favorite! You’ll find the details below.

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.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-fa-la-la-llama-hats

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!”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-fa-la-la-llama-dancing

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

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-llama-coloring-page-2

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

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-fa-la-la-llama-cover

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

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

Picture Book Review

November 11 – Get Ready for Christmas

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-fa-la-la-llama-cover

About the Holiday

Christmas is coming with all of the treats that go with it – including new holiday books to share! Toddlers and preschoolers love to be involved in all the preparations, decorating, and baking, and they love having their own books to snuggle up with as the weather turns chilly and the excitement grows. Today’s book will get kids and adults in the spirit of the holiday!

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.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-fa-la-la-llama-hats

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!”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-fa-la-la-llama-dancing

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.

Get Ready for Christmas Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-gingerbread-kids-craft

Gingerbread Kids Decorations 

 

Way back when gingerbread was new, it was creatively iced and used to decorate windows! Kids can make gingerbread decorations for their home, room, or as gifts without any baking at all with this easy craft!

Supplies

  • Printable Gingerbread Girl and Boy Template or gingerbread boy and girl cookie cutters
  • 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

  1. Cut out gingerbread girl and boy or use cookie cutters
  2. Trace gingerbread girl and boy on brown foam sheets
  3. Cut out gingerbread girl and boy
  4. Paint around the edge of the gingerbread boy and girl with the white paint
  5. Add trim to the edge of the gingerbread girl’s dress
  6. Add socks to the gingerbread boy
  7. Add buttons
  8. Add faces
  9. Paint the hands of each figure with the paint
  10. Sprinkle glitter on the hands to make mittens
  11. To use as decoration attach mountable squares or with a threaded needle make a hole in the top of the figures and tie the thread to create a hanger.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-fa-la-la-llama-cover

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

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

June 25 – It’s National Oceans Month

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-bedtime-for-baby-shark-cover

About the Holiday

The world’s oceans offer beauty, resources, and mystery. This month we celebrate these vast wonders while committing ourselves to their preservation. We also remember the communities that rely on the oceans for economic stability as well as the men and women who work to protect the oceans and their unique creatures.

Bedtime for Baby Shark: Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo

Illustrated by John John Bajet

 

Who doesn’t love Baby Shark with his big smile, bright eyes, and vivacious personality? Baby Shark could play all day—and night—long, and so could his many friends. But everyone needs a good night’s sleep! Just how do you get a little one off to bed? Fortunately, Mama Shark’s there to show him how to brush his teeth…well…tooth, and Daddy Shark helps him “take a bath, doo doo doo doo doo doo. / take a bath, doo doo doo doo doo doo. / take a bath, doo doo doo doo doo doo. / Take a bath!”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-bedtime-for-baby-shark-bath

Image copyright John John Bajet, 2019. Courtesy of Scholastic, Inc.

When Baby Shark is all clean and wet Grandma Shark hands him his cozy jammies, and then it’s time for Grandpa Shark to “read a book doo doo doo doo doo doo. / read a book doo doo doo doo doo doo. / read a book doo doo doo doo doo doo. / Read a book!” When Grandpa closes the book, he turns out the nightlight and the family swims quietly out of his room.

But Baby Shark isn’t tired. He tosses and turns and finally swims out of bed to “run and hide.” Who shows up to stop him? It’s Great White Shark! He waggles his fin and tells Baby Shark, “No more tricks, doo doo doo doo doo doo. / No more tricks, doo doo doo doo doo doo. / No more tricks, doo doo doo doo doo doo. / No more tricks!” Obediently, Baby Shark climbs back into bed. Then with a kiss from Mama Shark, he’s “all tucked in,” and he drifts “off to sleep.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-bedtime-for-baby-shark-grandma-shark

Image copyright John John Bajet, 2019. Courtesy of Scholastic, Inc.

Each verse of the story is accompanied by hand motions that make this book a perfect interactive story time favorite.

Little ones who can’t get enough of Baby Shark and his humorous antics will love going to bed (or delaying it a bit) with Baby Shark, his family, and even Great White Shark who shows up just in time to add a giggle or two to this extended story line of the favorite song. Illustrated in vibrant color by John John Bajet, the pages will capture young readers’ attention with up-close encounters with these beloved characters. Touches of humor highlight the action as Baby Shark brushes his one nubby tooth, Daddy Shark sports a shower cap while giving his baby a bath, and Baby Shark pretends to be asleep with one eye open. Befitting his place in the underwater world, Great White Shark spans two pages and will awe kids. As the whole family gathers to say a final goodnight to Baby Shark, little readers should be ready for sweet dreams too.

A sweet sequel to Baby Shark, Bedtime for Baby Shark: Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo is sure to spark giggle-filled fun for kids and adults be a much-asked-for addition to home bookshelves.

Ages 3 – 5

Cartwheel Books, 2019 | ISBN 978-1338588989

To learn more about John John Bajet, his books, and his art, visit his website.

You can find printable activity sheets and a guide to the Baby Shark Bedtime Dance on the Scholastic website.

National Oceans Month Activity

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Baby Shark Activity Pages

 

Baby Shark loves to play! He even has two printable activity pages for kids to enjoy! Download the Baby Shark Coloring Sheet and Maze from Scholastic and have some fun!

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Baby Shark in His Jammies Coloring Page 

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 Baby Shark Bedtime Maze

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You can find Bedtime for Baby Shark: Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo at these booksellers

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

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