July 22 – Wild about Wildlife Month

About the Holiday

Wild about Wildlife Month may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy all that nature has to offer the rest of the summer and all year long. Exploring parks, woodlands, grassy fields, or the shores of lakes, rivers, or the ocean is a fun and educational family activity that’s different each time you visit. Whether you and your kids like plants, animals, insects, or the rocks that hold everything together, a nature walk provides something for everyone. The best way to enjoy the outdoors is with a relaxed pace that lets you decompress, take it all in, and say “Ahhh!”

Thank you to G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sending me a copy of this book for review!

Polecat Has a Superpower

Written by Jill Esbaum | Illustrated by Bob Shea

A spotted skunk, aka Polecat, sits front and center, backlit by a sunset glow, promising to reveal his “DOOZY of a superpower”—but only after divulging all the other relevant information about himself. Things like why he chooses to live in a very particular place while being not that particular about where he lives; when polecats hunt for food, and how they’re “always, always alert for hungry predators.” It’s at this moment when the word “predators” hangs ominously in the air that Porcupine “SPROINGS” into view, frightened by the prospect of being eaten, and mistakes Polecat for a baby skunk.

Polecat is not too pleased and goes on to show just how many things spotted skunks can do that their striped cousins can’t. Things like climbing quickly and sporting camouflaging spots. Porcupine is just warming up to this unusual interloper when Polecat chomps down a cricket, goes on to provide a full menu of foods that would satisfy its munchies, and then demonstrates how he prepares a caterpillar for “yumminny-yum-yum” fine dining. Trying hard not to be sick, Porcupine pleads, “Tell me that isn’t your superpower.”

Reassured that it is not, Porcupine hints at knowing what Polecat’s superpower is. “Bet you don’t,” Polecat answers. The two creep farther into the woods where they spy a gathering of predators attending a program titled “How to Eat a Polecat” while enjoying a variety of snacks. Polecat is just about to disclose his “great trick to discourage enemies” when Porcupine blurts it out. Upset, Polecat blurts out what he thinks Porcupine’s defense is, but instead ends up getting an education about his spiky friend.

Finally, Polecat is ready to demonstrate his real superpower—”something nobody else does, not even my stripy cousins.” Porcupine happily volunteers to assist in the show only to run away screaming when he gets the surprise of his life. Polecat’s glad his superpower is so powerful, but he was hoping he and Porcupine could be friends. Porcupine’s ready to “hug it out”—but Polecat? Maybe a high five will do just as well.

A True or False? quiz about spotted skunks, with answers and explanations, follows the story.

Polecat Has a Superpower, Jill Esbaum’s third book in this entertaining and educational series, sparkles with humor and smart repartee that keeps kids on the edge of their seats for the big reveal. Along the way, readers learn about the unusual spotted skunk and a few surprising tidbits about porcupines, while getting a grasp on some scientific terms as well.

Bob Shea realistically recreates the appearance of a spotted skunk and porcupine while infusing each with personalities that will hook kids. Porcupine’s facial expressions will endear him to young readers, who are also eager to know what Polecat’s secret is. Shea’s nighttime conclave of predators will have kids giggling, and the disclosure of Polecat’s superpower is sure to have them screaming along with Porcupine (but in delight, not fear).

Polecat Has a Superpower is a high-interest book that will be a much-asked-for addition to any home, classroom, and library collection.

Ages 5 – 8

G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 2025 | ISBN 978-0593699997

Check out the other books in the series!

About the Author

Jill Esbaum has written many books for children, including How to Grow a Dinosaur, Frankenbunny, and If a T. Rex Crashes Your Birthday Party. Several of her books have been nominated for state awards, and I Am Cow, Hear Me Moo! won SCBWI’s Crystal Kite Award. She also enjoys writing kooky beginning reader stories like Thunder and Cluck, as well as a variety of nonfiction books. Visit her at jillesbaum.com and follow her on Twitter/X @JEsbaum.

About the Illustrator

Bob Shea is an award-winning author and illustrator of children’s books, including the popular Ballet Cat series, the Dinosaur Vs. series, and the runaway smash hit Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great. He is an Eisner Award nominee and has worked with Comedy Central, PBS Kids, Playhouse Disney, Nick Jr., Google, and other clients. Visit him at bobshea.com and follow him on Instagram @BobSheaBooks.

Wild about Wildlife Month Activity

Eastern Spotted Skunk Coloring Page

If you’re kids are wild about wildlife, they’ll be wild about this Eastern Spotted Skunk Coloring Page! You can find many more educational Critter Sheets and Coloring Pages on the Florida State Parks website.

You can purchase Polecat Has a Superpower at these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

June 9 – National Great Outdoors Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Everyone benefits from spending time outdoors whether they’re playing, helping out with home projects, gardening, traveling, or just enjoying some lazy time. Simple pleasures, breaking the routine, and taking time to recharge all spark the imagination and make memories that last a lifetime. To celebrate National Great Outdoors Month, plan an outing with your kids. It may turn into an adventure you never expected!

Sloth & Squirrel on Vacation

Written by Cathy Ballou Mealey | Illustrated by Kelly Collier

With Sloth & Squirrel’s Pickle Pop stand always hoppin’, the two friends longed for time to do something else. Squirrel yearned for adventure, and Sloth “longed for a l-o-n-g nap.” Then Sloth had an idea: why not close the stand for a vacation? Squirrel was all in, and even got a travel magazine to peruse together on a park bench.

Squirrel was partial to Raging Rapids Rafting and Swoop-dee-Loop Skydiving, while Sloth was eager to check out Lazy Lodge and . . . . Sloth needed a nap! As Squirrel dragged Sloth away, they discovered an advertisement right on the bench that provided the perfect answer: Paradise Park, which promised “Something for Everyone!”

At Paradise Park they hit the beach first, and while Squirrel enjoyed the sand and surf while Sloth slept on a floaty. When Squirrel, trying to skip stones, popped Sloth’s floaty instead, Squirrel scampered off to the gift shop to buy a new one. On the way to the shop, though, Squirrel got sidetracked by rock climbing and then diverted again . . . and again . . . and one more time by all the fun activities before realizing he missed Sloth.

Back at the beach, Sloth had just woken up from his nap and wondered where Squirrel was. As he began his search, Sloth heard two pigs talking about a rock-climbing squirrel. Sloth headed up the mountain, but didn’t find Squirrel. He tried again, taking to the water, but no Squirrel. Sloth always seemed to be a step behind. Perhaps a view from the air would help. At last! “There was Squirrel!” Reunited, the two friends embraced and decided to do something together.

Sloth was ready for an ice cream cone, and Squirrel agreed. But by the time Sloth returned with the cones, there wasn’t anything left to lick. Squirrel knew just what was needed—speed! He zipped to the ice cream stand and zipped back with one “Scooper Bowl Deluxe.” They then “savored every spoonful—the same way they enjoyed the rest of their vacation.”

Cathy Ballou Mealey’s delightful sequel to Sloth & Squirrel in a Pickle is a sweet and funny friendship romp that will steal your heart. This time, Mealey deepens the bonds between Sloth and Squirrel as they collaborate on choosing a vacation spot and after being separated vow to spend the rest of their vacation together. In between readers are treated to a masterclass on being a best friend as Sloth overcomes his natural instincts for snoozing in order to find Squirrel, and Squirrel realizes that time spent with Sloth is more valuable than even the most exciting adventuring alone. Their yummy compromise will satisfy all readers.

Kids will be happy to see Kelly Collier’s fast (and slow) friends back again and discover that their pickle pop stand is still dill-iciously popular. Squirrel’s hijinks as he just can’t stop himself from trying every activity Paradise Park has to offer is sure to whet their appetite for their own summer fun with friends while Sloth’s refreshing downtime will appeal to adults looking for a bit of relaxation.

Sloth & Squirrel on Vacation is a sequel fans of this duo won’t want to miss. It will become a quick favorite read aloud for home and library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Kids Can Press, 2025 | ISBN 978-1525312564

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-sloth-and-squirrel-in-a-pickle-cover

Read my review of Sloth & Squirrel in a Pickle here!

About the Author

Cathy Ballou Mealey enjoys all kinds of fun vacation activities, including swimming, reading and sharing sweet treats. When she is not writing or reading, she volunteers for schools and programs that support individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. Cathy likes dill pickle pops and chocolate ice cream, but not at the same time! She lives with her husband, son and daughter north of Boston, Massachusetts, where she delights in watching silly squirrel antics and is waiting patiently for a sloth to appear. Visit her on Instagram, X/Twitter, and Bluesky.

About the Illustrator

Kelly Collier has been drawing since she was little, and studied illustration in college. She is the author-illustrator of the Steve the Horse series and The Imposter, and the illustrator of the Sloth and Squirrel books, the Izzy series and How to Party Like a Snail. She has an identical twin sister and an older brother and lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and daughter. Visit her on Instagram.

National Great Outdoors Month Activity

Summer Fun Activity Book

Enjoy your summer vacation with the coloring pages and puzzles in this Summer Fun Activity Book!

You can purchase Sloth & Squirrel on Vacation from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

May 2 – Baby Day + National Pet Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holidays

For today’s book, I’m celebrating two holidays—Baby Day and National Pet Month! Baby Day was established to showcase the importance of a child’s first three years of life and the special bond babies share with their parents, siblings, and the other people in their life. National Pet Month encourages pet owners to ensure that their pets have everything they need to live a long and healthy life. Whether a baby, a pet, or both have found a place in your heart, celebrate today by spending extra time with them and showing them how they make your life and family better.

Thanks to Jamie Michalak for sharing a copy of Hazel the Handful with me!

Hazel the Handful

Written by Jamie Michalak | Illustrated by Matt Myers

Right on the title page a seemingly tiny dog calls “Yoo-hooooo! Up here!” from a second story window, inviting readers to come inside and see her true stature. In the living room Hazel, tail thumping, and dwarfed by the sofa, the throw pillow, and even the chewed-on TV remote, proudly says, “In my home, I look big, no?” This pint-sized pup with a BIG personality is eager to show off her home. She points out her favorite toys, her stroller “ride,” and Bea, her “girl!!!”.

Hazel and Bea like to dance together, and when Bea’s mom declares her daughter “a handful” after crashing into an end table, sending the lamp and mug flying, Hazel adopts this cool moniker herself. Yes, “together, me and Bea are sensational,” she says. Next, Hazel outlines a “sensational day with Bea”—from outdoor adventures like going on a business trip (behind the fire hydrant) to scaring off the big dogs, to showing passersby that she is NOT a cutie patootie but a “Very Important Business Dog.” The rest of the day is spent napping . . . and doing fun things with Bea . . . and napping. Hazel loves Bea and can’t wait for each new day.

That was sensational day before “the baby moved in, with its “loud noises . . . and stinkity stink stinks.” Now there are no games, no stroller rides, and no “cutie patootie” compliments (those go to the baby), and sometimes Hazel even wonders if Bea still loves her. On a particularly non-sensational day, when Hazel inadvertently crashes into the end table, sending things airborne, and gets a scolding from Mom—”‘Oh, Hazel! You are a handful'”—she hides under her blanket in the one room no one checks. Miserable, Hazel falls asleep, but wakes to hear Bea shouting her name and crying.

Hazel runs to Bea, getting a tight hug. For the first time, Hazel recognizes how like a puppy the baby is and appreciates the pets he gives and the crumbs he leaves for Hazel to snack on later. Hazel’s thinking “maybe the baby isn’t so bad” after all.

Jamie Michalak has packed her story of a spirited doggie wrestling with sibling rivalry, with humor, heart, and lots of laughs. Kids will instantly fall in love with teeny-tiny Hazel as she confidently introduces herself, suffers the incredulity of feeling second-best when the baby comes, and happily learns that she’s still loved by Bea. Hazel’s eventual embrace of the baby is comically true to her personality while showing a new perspective and generosity.

Matt Myers’ adorable and exuberant watercolor and ink illustrations capture all the sweetness and self-assurance of tiny Hazel’s larger-than-life personality. As Hazel takes readers on a tour of her home, kids will quickly catch onto the event that will soon change her life and be charmed by Hazel’s love for Bea and all that goes into their special bond. The two spreads showing before- and after-baby photos of Hazel are particularly humorous, as is her ice-skating-worthy slide into the table that sets up her realization that there’s room for both the new baby and her in this loving family.

A funny and endearing read aloud kids will want to share again and again, Hazel the Handful will enjoy continuous rotation at school and public libraries and be a quick favorite on home bookshelves.

Ages 4 – 8

Candlewick, 2025 | ISBN 978-1536231199

Jamie Michalak is the author of the Dakota Crumb books, illustrated by Kelly Murphy; the Frank and Bean books, illustrated by Bob Kolar; the Joe and Sparky series, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz; and many other acclaimed titles for young readers. She lives in Rhode Island. Visit Jamie at jamiemichalakbooks.com.

Matt Myers is the illustrator of the Infamous Ratsos chapter book series by Kara LaReau, Lily Leads the Way by Margi Preus, and E-I-E-I-O: How Old MacDonald Got His Farm (with a Little Help from a Hen) by Judy Sierra, as well as many other books for young readers. Matt Myers lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Visit Matt at myerspaints.com.

Baby Day + National Pet Month Activity

Peppy Puppies Match Up Puzzle

These puppies want to find a friend. Can you match the ones that go together in this printable puzzle? There may be more than one right answer! How many matches can you find?

Peppy Puppies Match Up Puzzle

You can purchase Hazel the Handful from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

April 23 – National Picnic Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

It’s said that food always tastes better when eaten outdoors. If you’re having warm early spring weather today, why not test that theory, by packing a basket or cooler and heading out to your favorite outdoor spot! Whether simple or elegant, enjoyed alone or with family or friends, a picnic can be just the respite you need from the routine workweek. The word “picnic” probably gets its origins from the French language, specifically from the word pique-nique: (to pick) + (small thing or trifle). It’s thought that picnics became popular in France after the French Revolution in the mid 1800s and the idea then spread around the world. If you just can’t get away or the weather isn’t cooperating, the month of June hosts National Picnic Day with International Picnic Day celebrated on June 18.

Thank you to Tundra Books for sharing a copy of this book with me!

There Are No Ants in This Book

Written by Rosemary Mosco | Illustrated by Anna Pirolli

A child, picnic basket and tote in hand peeks in from the top-left corner of the first page to find a green field just perfect for a picnic. The child is pretty confident they won’t be disturbed by pesky pests purloining food because it says right on the cover that “there are no ants in this book.” But just as the cake is being placed on the blanket, word comes from nearby: “Wrong! There’s one!” Turns out that acorn lying only inches from the picnic cloth is actually the abode of an acorn ant.

The child can make an exception for just one ant, but then, out of the clear blue sky, comes “Two!” and “Three!” These two reveal that they are opposites of a sort. Number “two” is “one of the largest ants in the world” and as big as a strawberry. Number “three” is the smallest—”as long as six grains of salt.”

The child is just wrapping their head around this book having “. . . more ants than I was expecting” and figuring “three ants can’t eat my whole picnic, right?” when three more show up, including a honeypot ant that explains, “I fill my big round butt with sweet sugar water . . . in case my family gets hungry” then declares, “I am a walking refrigerator.

Kinda freaked out to meet these six interlopers, the child goes into full “ARRRGH!” mode when four more ants drop by. And who can blame them? The book had such promise at the beginning. But now . . . Yeah. Butt! Two of these new ants have positively particular posterior powers! One lives in trees and uses their butt as a kind of nature-made Siri to guide them home, and the other, an acrobat ant, explains “If someone scares me, I stick my butt high up in the air and wave it around.” The third is a clever crafter, and the fourth uses his head (literally) to defend his home.

The child is “shocked.” “Stunned.” Delighted! And invites these ants as well as their “humungous families” to the picnic. But all these tiny pounding feet attract the attention of an anteater. The child, though, does some quick thinking and then points out that the title of the book clearly states, “there are no ants in this book,” which sends the anteater packing. And now? It’s time for the perfect picnic!

Back matter presents realistic illustrations of each of the ten ants found in the book with a bite-sized paragraph revealing what part of the world the ant is native too as well as more about the feature that makes it unique.

In her funny and fast-paced tribute to ants, Rosemary Mosco proves that even the smallest creatures have enormous appeal. As each ant makes an appearance to proudly describe its distinct capability or feature, Mosco’s conversational, easy-to-digest writing style makes it simple for kids to remember the prominent details. Kids will also identify with the narrator, who humorously cycles from certainty in the promise of the title to disillusionment to acceptance to all-out appreciation for these tiny critters.

Vibrant and loaded with personality, Anna Pirolli’s cartoon, graphic-style illustrations use perspective, natural surroundings, and emotive facial expressions to immerse kids in this rollicking educational experience.

If you like a dose of laughter with your science, There Are No Ants in This Book is the ant-idote you’ve been looking for. A perfect addition to any classroom, homeschool, or science educator’s collection, the book will also be an often-asked-for favorite for home story times.

Ages 4 – 8

Tundra Books, 2024 | ISBN 978-1774881163

About the Author

Rosemary Mosco makes books and cartoons that connect people with the natural world. Her nature comics won the National Cartoonist Society’s award for Best Online Short Form Comic and were the subject of an award-winning museum exhibit. She co-wrote the New York Times bestseller The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid, and is the author of the picture books Butterflies Are Pretty . . . Gross! and Flowers Are Pretty . . . Weird! illustrated by Jacob Souva, as well as five other science books. She speaks at birding festivals and looks for cool critters under every rock she can find. Rosemary lives in Massachusetts.

About the Illustrator

Anna Pirolli was born in Genoa and moved to Milan to study illustration at the European Institute of Design. She has worked as a freelance illustrator and art director for companies such as Mondadori, Pearson, Vogue, MTV, Kinder Ferrero, Nickelodeon, Disney and others, following the creative process from concept to creation. She’s also a visiting professor at the Accademia di Brera, where she teaches design applied to the arts. Anna has illustrated the picture books I Hate My Cats: A Love Story by Davide Cali and Anonymouse by Vikki VanSickle, which won the Dilys Evans Founder’s Award at the 2021 Society of Illustrators Original Art Show.

National Picnic Day Activity

A Perfect Day for a Picnic! Maze

Can you lead the ants to the picnic in this printable A Perfect Day for a Picnic! maze?

You can purchase There Are No Ants in This Book from these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

April 11 – National Humor Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

There may be no more infectious sound than the giggle or guffaw of a good laugh. Laughter is therapeutic and can make tough times a little easier. Established in 1976 by comedian and author Larry Wilde, National Humor Month celebrates all things funny and raises awareness of the benefits of laughter and joy. The health benefits of an optimistic outlook are well documented, and lightheartedness also improves communication skills and boosts morale. Kids, it seems, are born with the ability to see and appreciate the silliness and fun in life. Today’s book is sure to keep your kids giggling!

Thanks go to Flamingo Books for sharing a copy of It Started with a P with me!

Review by Dorothy Levine

It Started with a P

Written by Brittany Pomales | Illustrated by Andrew Joyner

When King Liam awakens from a petrifying dream, he protests that a problem starting with the letter P will properly ruin his party. But what was it? King Liam is positively puzzled, so he proclaims, “Everything that starts with the letter P must go.” Thus, his royal advisor Cedric proceeds to “purge the palace of Ps,” pitching pepperoni pizzas from the window, propelling pigeons from the parapet and pronouncing all pants (long, short, old, new, smarty, scaredy, fancy, and even his own) prime lunch for Percival the goat.

Everything is going according to plan when poof—people begin to arrive. “People?! No, that won’t do,” King Liam proclaims, and everyone is hastily pushed off the pier into paddle boats. Finally, it seems the palace is P-free. Or so it seems . . . until the king pops up from his seat crying, “Palace!” and realizes there’s one more P from which to flee.

The king packs and paddles away to a deserted island where there are “No pals. No presents. No party.” Plopped down on his own, King Liam has some time to ponder. It isn’t long before he remembers (and realizes he has become) the P from his dream—a party pooper! He decides it’s time to prove he can pivot from his party-pooping, plundering patterns; there is still time to prepare a pretty playful and peaceful party for all.

With the help of a princess, some piranhas, and his previous party guests, King Liam’s party is once again popping, or puffing one might say, as he blows out the candles on his birthday cake. And when one little candle flame just won’t perish . . . what does he do? Prepare to laugh and groan as the king predictably prompts another rash proceeding that will make you want to say “pfffff!”

It Started with a P punctuates a problem-solving tale with perfect alliteration and perfunctory placed humor. Brittany Pomales packs in the P’s along with a story that will have children and adults laughing aloud. The story playfully pokes at rash decisions that one may feel inclined to make when faced with big emotions and shows the silly consequences of post-tantrum decisions.

Andrew Joyner’s illustrations pack a punch with color, and P-named details for readers to point out (even ones not included in the text). In some scenes the story is portrayed simply through the pictures—like when we see a frame-by-frame recollection of the King’s past “King-size” meltdowns. Red and yellow seethe from the king as he preposterously shouts, and the parrot and royal assistant match with their feathered green-and-orange looks. The silliness of the drawings adds another layer to an already humorous tale.

Ages 4 – 8

Flamingo Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-0593690833

About the Author

Brittany Pomales wrote this book. Unless you didn’t find it funny; in that case, someone else wrote it. When she isn’t writing books, Brittany is often playing with, singing to, or reading to her daughter along with her husband and dog in their Arizona home. She has celebrated over thirty birthdays. Thankfully, none have resulted in a celebration crisis—yet!

About the Illustrator

Andrew Joyner is the illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestseller Dr. Seuss’s Horse Museum as well as Duck and Hippo in the Rainstorm by Jonathan London and Roar for Reading by Beth Ferry. He is also the author and illustrator of The Pink Hat and Stand Up! Speak Up!. He lives with his family on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.

National Humor Month Activities

Plenty of P Activities

Prepare and paint a P-shaped Parrot Picture with instructions from ABCDee Learning and peruse their page for more P-themed craft activities!

You can purchase It Started with a P at these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

April 2 – International Children’s Book Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Each year since 1967 Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday has served as the date for Children’s Book Day. The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), a non-profit organization founded in Zurich, sponsors the day to promote a love of reading. Seventy-five National Sections around the world alternate in hosting the event. The host for 2025 is The Netherlands, and this year’s theme is “The Freedom of Imagination.” Each year a prominent author and illustrator from the sponsoring country prepare materials used to raise awareness of books and reading. Rian Visser wrote this year’s message and the poster was designed by Janneke Ipenburg. To learn more about the initiative, download digital materials, and learn about how children can enter the international drawing competition, visit the IBBY website. Today’s story that tells the tale of a young girl writing a story is a perfect example of the eternal power and influence of children’s books.

Written and Drawn by Henrietta

By Liniers

Henrietta’s mom gives her a new box of colored pencils, which Henrietta says is “as close as you can get to owning a piece of the rainbow.” She sits down to draw her own book and titles it “The Monster with Three Heads and Two Hats.” She begins with an illustration of a little girl, Emily, in bed at night. “I’m scaring myself…,” she thinks. Her thought is played out in her next page which shows Emily asking her stuffed rabbit if it will sleep with her because she’s scared of an unexplained Creak, Creak.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-written-and-drawn-by-henrietta-three-headed-monster

“Hmm…What’s that noise?” ponders the young writer. Her fears make it to the page—Creeak…Creeak…Thump…Crash…Boom. What are those noises, my favorite? Emily asks, her eyes now wide. The Noises! They’re getting closer!!

Henrietta knows that in a good story something always happens “suddenly,” and so she draws a mysterious hand and a mysterious foot emerging from Emily’s wardrobe. The plot thickens and finally the full terrifying monster with three heads pops out of the wardrobe.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-written-and-drawn-by-henrietta-in-bed

They acquire names from Henrietta’s imagination—Huey, Dewey, and Louie Bluie. . She is stuck for a bit as to how to go on, then gives Emily a question: What were you doing inside my wardrobe? The monster answers that it is looking for a hat. Emily joins them in their search, entering her wardrobe. She’s aghast to find that it is full of…clothes! (The wardrobe had been made in Narnia, the well-read Henrietta tells her cat, Fellini).

When the monster and Emily wonder which way to go, they meet a direction-giving mouse, and the story takes off—even Henrietta can’t wait to see what happens. She draws a huge pile of hats (she’s learned about “hat-o-logy” from the encyclopedia—the printed version!). The creature’s two heads with hats begs the third head to choose a hat before “the monster” shows up. Emily is terrified again—Another monster? What has Henrietta concocted this time? A monster with one head and three hats! This horrible beast suddenly appears and chases the crew through the wardrobe. Everyone is shouting Aaaaaaaaaaa—even the author.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-written-and-drawn-by-henrietta-wardrobe

Emily and the first monster lose the tremendous beast, ask the direction-giving mouse how to escape, and burst out of the wardrobe just in time. Henrietta thinks the story should have a happy ending, and before the monster with three heads and now three hats flies out the window, they give Emily a present. What could it be? Henrietta is so curious! It’s a wonderful hat, of course!

The End

“Now,” Henrietta says, “to find a publisher!”

This classic Toon Book by Liniers is a wonder as it reveals the inner-workings of children’s imaginations and the spontaneous nature of their brilliant creativity. Henrietta’s thought process as she conjures up her story is shown in neat comic-style panels with speech bubbles, while her story is depicted in colorful kid-like drawings and dialogue written in all capital letters. This interplay between the young artist/writer and her work enhances the fun, suspense, and surprise of this story-within-a-story.

Ages 5 and up

TOON Books, an imprint of RAW Junior, LLC, 2015 | ISBN 978-1935179900

International Children’s Book Day Activity

CPB - Comic Panel

Create Your Own Story

It’s so much fun to let your imagination fly! Use this printable Comic Style Page to create a story as unique as you are!

You can purchase Written and Drawn by Henrietta from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

April 1 – Reading Is Funny Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Funny stuff abounds on April 1st, so why not share funny books too? Books that elicit giggles are not only entertaining but contribute to a lifelong love of reading and help kids see the world in a new, positive, and even quirky way. To celebrate today, read some laugh-out-loud books with your kids and find new ones to add to your home, classroom, or library shelves. Today’s featured book is a perfect place to start!

Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sending me a copy of We Are the Wibbly!: A Tadpole’s Tail for review.

We Are the Wibbly!: A Tadpole’s Tail

Written by Sarah Tagholm | Illustrated by Jane McGuinness

A sweet, pink-cheeked frog egg heartily addresses whoever is gazing down upon the frogspawn with a warm welcome: “We are eggs.” Then they add a little: “We are egg friends.” They become loquacious: “We float and are all very relaxing. It is niceable.” You can feel it, right? Bobbing along within the pond grass? But suddenly confusion reigns. Our little egg watches the other eggs become “longish,” and then—”What! What! What!”—they become longish. And it’s not even a minute later that—”OH MY CRIKEYS!” everyone is “bursting out of the Wibbly” except them.

They try to call the others back, but it’s too late. Despite not wanting to, they break out of the wibbly too only to find that there’s so much more room now and, instead of relaxing, their friends are “water-flying.” They begin waggling their tale the same as everyone else and jet off too, only not as fast. Perhaps harkening back a moment or so to their younger self, they sharply regret the loss of doing relaxing: “We are too OLD for relaxing.” But they don’t have time for such reminiscences since a “hunger-muncher” is on the prowl. The extra impetus speeds up this little tadpole’s water-flying, and they’re happy to feel at last that “we are the same!”

Always exceedingly alert if but a bit behind, the excitable tadpole suffers and then exults as the group and finally they themselves grow legs and arms. They become smug as they watch the others lose their tails “because now, I am the fasterest and my tail is not doing a shrinking!” They dart away, not realizing that they are also becoming a frog.

When a passing water beetle points the baby frog to “the Up” during their search for their friends, they break the surface of the water only to . . . “OH MY CRIKEYS! The Up is BAD!” . . . come face to face with a “furry danger-monster.” But this intrepid frog musters all their courage to “do a water-flying to get away” and discovers “air-swimming,” much to the astonishment of their friends who are watching nearby. The friends are all so impressed that they want to “do air-swimming” and beg to be taught. Leading the way, our newly minted, rosy-cheeked frog proudly proclaims, “Now we ARE the same! WE ARE FROGS!”

A factual account of the four steps of the frog life cycle follows the story.

Who knew kids and frogs have so much in common? Sarah Tagholm, that’s who! As Tagholm taps into the idiosyncrasies of a frog’s metamorphosis, she also reassures human youngsters that everyone grows and develops at their own pace while encouraging them to accept challenges and embrace new experiences. Tagholm’s quirky and playful language bounces and zips from one unexpected development to the next, compressing time into hilarious juxtapositions as the little egg/tadpole/frog tries to keep up. Both kids and adults will laugh out loud at this young hero’s endearing pronouncements and cheer their eventual full assimilation into the group.

Adorable, expressive, and comical, Jane McGuinness’s lovely mixed-media illustrations, punctuated by her dynamic typography, buoyantly captures all the silly fun of Sarah Tagholm’s story while also clearly and empathetically depicting the emotions of the lovable narrator. Readers will have a blast diving into each frothy page to witness the transformation of these little tadpoles along with the snails and other creatures that call the pond home.

A tremendously joyful and rewarding read aloud that will instantly become an often-requested favorite, We Are the Wibbly! A Tadpole’s Tail is combined entertainment and learning at its best and a must for all home, classroom, and library collections.

Ages 2 – 6

Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1547615742

Reading is Funny Day Activity

Hop Along Matching Game

Hop along now and help these frogs! Each of these fantastic frogs has a twin, but they’ve gotten separated. Can you spot the identical pairs? Print out the Hop Along Matching Game and draw a line between the pairs.

You can purchase We Are the Wibbly!: A Tadpole’s Tail from these booksellers

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

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