November 17 – Get Ready for Hanukkah

About the Holiday

For children, preparations for Hanukkah are full of magic and wonder, and finding books that mirror their excitement can make the holiday even more special. Today’s book sparkles with an imaginative spin on the eight nights of Hanukkah and its the traditions of light, remembrance, and giving.

Thank you to Orchard Books for sharing a digital copy of this book with me for review!

A Dragon for Hanukkah

Written by Sarah Mlynowski | Illustrated by Ariel Landy

A girl, excited to be celebrating Hanukkah with her family, invites readers along as she receives gifts on nights one through seven. On the first night of Hanukkah, her parents give her a baby dragon, whom she calls Nerry and allows to sleep on her bed. On the second night, her Bubbie gives her a rainbow that sweeps her from her room and down the stairs, through the kitchen and out the door, where Nerry catches her before she slides away.

She receives a treasure chest full of gold and gems, a merry-go-round from her best friend, and a time machine from her cousin that transports them “back two thousand years” to meet the Maccabees. On the sixth night, her Zaidie gives her rocket boots, and on the seventh night, her younger brother presents her with her very own unicorn. Actually it was three energetic unicorns, including a baby that liked to eat socks.

But it’s the eighth night that the girl has been looking forward to the most. On that night, it’s her turn to give gifts, and she’s cooking up a tasty treat. All finished in the kitchen, she heeds her mother’s call to clean up her room. She places her new stuffed dragon on her bed for nap time, returns a rainbow of crayons to their box, spins her dreidel one more time before placing it next to a bowlful of gelt, slides “The Story of Hanukkah” back onto the bookshelf, stuffs her starry socks in the drawer, and hangs up the unicorn pictures from her brother. Then “because it’s a time for giving,” she fills a Tzedakah donation box with toys and books.

Soon it’s time for dinner and her family and friends gather around the table to “sing songs, play dreidel, and eat latkes, the tasty treat [she] made.” And, she says’ it is doing these things “which makes this last night, the eighth night, the most magical night of Hanukkah.”

Following the story, the girl and Nerry engage in a dialogue about the history of Hanukkah, how to play dreidel, giving gifts, traditional Hanukkah foods, and even where the dragon’s name comes from.

Sarah Mlynowski blends imagination and tradition in her clever and enchanting story that immerses children in the joy, meaning, and excitement of Hanukkah. While readers logically know that a living dragon, full merry-go-round, or unicorn can’t really be a gift, Mlynowski’s twist when the girl begins cleaning her room comes as a delightful surprise. Her inclusion of a tzedakah box extends the idea of giving past the holiday in a way that resonates with children.

Ariel Landy’s exuberant illustrations sweep kids into the story and keep them riveted to see each new gift, from sweet Nerry to those rambunctious unicorns as well as the real gifts that so charm the little girl. Landy’s vibrant colors, warm tones, and wealth of details will keep children lingering over the pages as they celebrate Hanukkah with the young girl who is excitedly taking part in and contributing to the holiday. On subsequent readings, kids may enjoy pointing out clues to the true nature of some of the imaginative gifts.

A Dragon for Hanukkah is sure to be a favorite for those who celebrate Hanukkah, have family or friends who do, or who want to learn more about the holiday. This book would make a much-loved gift and addition to home and library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books, 2024 | ISBN 978-1338897524

About the Author

Sarah Mlynowski is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and coauthor of over fifty books for teens, tweens, kids, and adults, including the Whatever After series, the Best Wishes series, and the Upside-Down Magic series, which was adapted into a Disney Channel movie. Originally from Montreal, Sarah now lives in Los Angeles with her family. Visit her online at sarahm.com.

About the Illustrator

Ariel Landy has been illustrating her whole life, starting with crayon portraits of her cats, dogs, and hamsters. She is the illustrator of the Good Dog series and picture books such as Gitty and Kvetch. Originally from Boston, she currently lives in the south of France with her family. Her favorite Hanukkah song is “I Have a Little Dreidel”. Visit her at ariellandy.com.

Get Ready for Hanukkah Activities

A Dragon for Hanukkah Coloring Page and Puzzle

Children can enjoy these fun activities from Orchard Books/Scholastic while they look forward to celebrating Hanukkah!

A Dragon for Hanukkah Coloring Page | A Dragon for Hanukkah Word Search

You can purchase A Dragon for Hanukkah from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

August 4 – Back to School Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

It may seem like summer vacation just began, but the signs of a new school year are already appearing everywhere. The stores are stocked with clothes, supplies, and plenty of gear to make the new school year the best ever. But all the “stuff” is just part of getting ready for school. Kids are looking forward—eagerly or maybe with a little trepidation—to making new friends, having new teachers, and exploring new subjects and ideas. Preparing kids for all aspects of a new school year easier and more exciting is what National Back to School Month is all about!

Thanks to Orchard Books/Scholastic for sharing a digital copy of this book with me!

To Catch a Ghost

By Rachel Michelle Wilson

At the bus stop, the new girl is noticed right away by a classmate who quickly introduces her to how seriously the kids take show and tell by using Drew—”the only kid who brought nothing last time”—as a cautionary tale. Sam, determined not to suffer Drew’s fate, first signs up to bring “cool rocks” then her “pet brother” and finally a “GHOST.” Sam acknowledges that catching a ghost takes “gumption,” but she has a plan and creates a primer for anyone else who would like to catch their own ghost.

In Part 1: Find, Sam reveals that you must search everywhere and shows how she looked all around at home, in her treehouse, even on the playground—until there, right in front of her, she found her ghost. While finding the ghost was tricky, Part 2: Observe explains that catching it is trickier. Sam explains that the best way to lure a ghost into a trap is to get to know their personality and preferences by spending time with them. When she did this, she says, she discovered a few helpful facts about her mischievous old soul that ultimately led to its capture.

Which brings Sam to Part 3: Catch. She demonstrates how to build “the perfect ghost trap,” how to work quickly and without hesitation when the ghost enters the trap, and posits that “there’s a good reason you need to catch your ghost.” But then the ghost peers through the bars, and Sam has a change of heart. She removes the lock and sheds some tears, knowing she won’t have something extraordinary to share at Show and Tell on Friday.

But then Sam notices something and realizes what a “good ghost” she had caught. All along it had her back. Show and Tell is a rousing success, and friendships follow—one you might not even see coming!

Inventive and endearing, Rachel Michelle Wilson’s To Catch a Ghost will enchant children, whose imaginations often run to such whimsical fancies in concrete ways. The consequences of a poor Show and Tell performance increase the story’s suspense as well as the magnitude of Sam’s ultimate decision, a twist that can lead to discussions about true friendship, doing the right thing for others, and listening to your heart. With her GoPro ready and her determined expression, Sam is a worthy competitor on the chase but also an empathetic and caring friend that readers will embrace.

Delightfully offbeat with lots of read-again appeal, To Catch a Ghost is a spirited and thoughtful story that’s a top pick for home, school, and library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1339031958

About the Author

Rachel Michelle Wilson is a children’s book author-illustrator with a sweet tooth and a dash of sass. When Rachel is not making books, you can find her paddle boarding across a lake, puzzling over a logic problem, or hosting a living room dance party. Visit her at rachelmichelewilson.com.

Back to School Month Activity

To Catch a Ghost Puzzles and Activity Guide for Teachers and Caregivers

Kids can have fun solving the two puzzles in these To Catch a Ghost Fun Pages while teachers, homeschoolers, librarians, and caregivers will appreciate the full Activity Guide that provides questions and activities based on Bloom’s Taxonomy and follow Common Core Standards. You’ll find printable games like Book Chat Bingo, prompts that help children write their own story, creative drawing and imagining activities, and more. Rachel Michelle Wilson even invites kids to send the story they write to her!

To Catch a Ghost Puzzle Pages | To Catch a Ghost Activity Guide

You can purchase To Catch a Ghost from these booksellers

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

Picture Book Reviews

June 20 – Universal Father’s Week

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Universal Father’s Week is celebrated during the third week of June each year. All week long we give a special tribute to all the fathers (and father figures) who work hard, are caring, lovable, and funny, keep us on our toes as well as the right path, and are just awesome dads. To celebrate, make sure the dads in your life know how much they’re loved and needed!

Thank you to Orchard Books for sharing a digital copy of this book with me for review!

You Make the World

Written by Mượn Thị Văn | Illustrated by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huỳnh Kim Liên

As the story begins, a father and his young child share a drink from a single mug outside their simple campsite—a small tent and a lantern, but a roaring campfire ringed by stones. The child’s father reveals the poetry of nature, how “the sun makes the world hum. / The clouds make the world blue. / The wind makes the world wild. / The rain makes the world new.” He then tells his child a secret—“But you know what else makes the world? You.”

The child takes this in, a bit surprised. Dad explains how every “hello,” “smile,” or “hug” creates a ripple effect of joy and love and how acceptance will “make the world grow.” In fact, the child, the world, the entire universe are so entwined that the child’s emotions are felt by all. Not only their feelings, but their actions have consequence. “When you forgive, you make the world kind,” the father says. “When you try, you make the world brave.” But even deeper than these single actions or feelings, the father imparts, the child’s very presence “. . . here where you belong . . . make(s) the world whole.”

Mượn Thị Văn introduces her story with a letter to her readers, revealing that You Make the World was inspired by one of her previous books, Wishes.

Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huỳnh Kim Liên’s stunning, color-saturated illustrations carry the father and child as they leave their campsite on a transformative adventure with familiar animals and fantastical beasts. An enormous yak kneels to accept kindness from the child before rainbow-winged birds transport father and child on a flight over fields and streams. Hippos ride the waves with them as they kayak on a raging sea, and the father and child soar into the twilight sky holding the tip of a breaching blue whale’s fin. Along the way, readers will see the growing gathering of shadowed animals keeping watch. As the sun finally sets, the child fills a lantern with starlight before falling to sleep in their father’s arms.

You Make the World is a book that parents, grandparents, teachers, and other caregivers will want to share again and again and one that children will ask for often. The book is a must addition to any home or library collection. It would make a much-loved gift for any occasion, especially for babies and new siblings.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1338822045

About the Author

Mượn Thị Văn is the author of many acclaimed picture books. From her debut, In a Village by the Sea (2015), to her latest, If You Want to Be a Butterfly (2023), her books have earned many distinctions, including a California Book Award, an Irma Black Honor, and a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her recent book Wishes, with Victo Ngai, won the Margaret Wise Brown Prize and was named the #1 Best Picture Book of 2021 by BookPage. Her books have been translated into multiple languages, including Vietnamese, Nepali, Sepedi, and Tamil. Mượn Thị Văn lives and works in California. Visit her at muonthivan.com.

About the Illustrators

Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huỳnh Kim Liên are book creators who live and work together in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Quang and Liên are currently working on illustrations for a number of children’s titles to be published in Vietnam and Europe. Some of their acclaimed picture book projects include Hundred Years of Happiness and The First Journey. Visit them at kaaillustration.com. You’ll also find Huỳnh Kim Liên at kimlienhuynh.com and Phùng Nguyên Quang at phungnguyenquang.com.

Universal Father’s Day Activity

You Make the World Activity Sheets

Interact with the world around you with these fun activity sheets proved by Scholastic!

You Make the World Dot-to-Dot and Word Search Pages

You can purchase You Make the World from these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

March 18 – National Awkward Moments Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

If you have kids or have ever been a kid, you know that awkward moments abound, especially when you least expect—or want—them. Things like pratfalls, forgetting someone’s name, and falling for practical jokes may make us feel like sinking into the floor, but today’s holiday actually celebrates all of those moments. Why? Because cringe-worthy faux pas happen to everyone; they’re just part of being human. So today, celebrate and even share those small embarrassments—and enjoy a laugh.

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

That’s Not Funny, David!

By David Shannon

David (and without even looking at the cover above, I bet you know who I’m talking about) is back! He may be 5 books older, but the years have not mellowed his rambunctious nature. Whether he’s blowing a volcano of bubbles in his drink at a restaurant or grocery cart surfing into the mountainous fruit display, David just can’t quell his mischievous impulses.

The adults aren’t laughing. In fact, they’re telling him, “Not funny, David,” and in response to a drawing on the classroom whiteboard: “We are not amused, David.” But the kids? They’re very amused. And even though he ends up in the principal’s office, at home he’s still got enough . . . shall we call it . . .spunk? . . . to be tip-toe tempted by the fully decorated birthday cake on the counter and to need a peanut extracted from his nose (“How on earth did this happen?”).

As the day progresses, his parents have to stay on their guard. But when one last silly bedtime antic finally brings a laugh instead of a scolding, hearts soften, and there’s just one thing left to say: “What am I going to do with you?”

Fans of young David’s hijinks will find lots to giggle at in David Shannon’s latest foray into David’s madcap misadventures. In his bright, rollicking illustrations, Shannon’s monster-toothed hero (except when he’s trying to look innocent) sends pool water splashing, fruit airborne, and popcorn flying. David’s expressive face tells readers all they need to know about David’s feelings and the impact he wants to make, even if it’s not the reaction he gets.

A worthy addition to a series that’s a proven winner for silly story times, when relaxing and laughing together are just what’s needed, That’s Not Funny, David! is sure to tickle funny bones of all ages.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books/Scholastic, 2025 | ISBN 978-1546123187

About the Author/Illustrator

David Shannon is the internationally acclaimed creator of more than 40 picture books, including No, David!, a Caldecott Honor Book, and his second New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year, and four more David picture books. Shannon’s bestsellers include A Bad Case of Stripes, Duck on a Bike, and Too Many Toys. He lives in Southern California with his family and Roy, their West Highland white terrier.

National Awkward Moments Day Activity

That’s Not Funny, David! Activities

Go ahead and have some fun with David and these book-inspired That’s Not Funny David! Activities!

You can purchase That’s Not Funny, David! at these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

February 27 – It’s National Laugh-Friendly Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

National Laugh-Friendly Month began in 2008 as a way to focus on friendly, positive humor that lifts your spirit and brings smiles. Humor is a universal language that helps people connect, understand each other, and improve our daily life. To celebrate this month and all year round share friendly jokes, watch funny movies and comedy shows , and read hilarious stories like today’s featured book!

Thanks to Orchard Books/Scholastic for sharing a digital copy of Duckie & Snaps: We Cannot Be Friends with me!

Duckie & Snaps: We Cannot Be Friends

Written by Ame Dyckman | Illustrated by Tim Miller

Even before kids get into the story, from somewhere over the mountains, an egg bounces boing-boing-boing from banana treetop to banana treetop and lands on a boulder where another egg is just cracking open. Out of the newcomer egg pops a duck, fully coifed with a pink bow, and a decisive “I’m HERE!” The other egg shakes a bit before a crocodile pops out. “And YOU’RE here!” Duckie exclaims. It’s all coming together for Duckie that the two are “here TOGETHER!”

Brushing off remnant eggshells, the crocodile is ready to say goodbye, but Duckie pulls him back, calls him Snaps, and imagines all the fun they’re going to have being friends. Snaps’ dad, however, has a bold truth to deliver, one that dissolves Duckie into a puddle of tears. Snaps can’t believe crocodiles eat duckies. Duckie can’t believe she is a duckie. “Nobody told me!” she says. But Snaps’ dad lists off a menu: Fried duckie, duckie smoothy, duckie pie. Fortunately, Snaps’ dad isn’t ready to eat just then.

Unfortunately, Duckie has to put a big NO on all her imagined fun, and she flounces off only to be caught up by Snaps, who declares he doesn’t want to eat her and never will. In fact, when his dad returns with all the supplies for a duckie roast, Snaps lets him and a couple of innocent bystanders know that “nobody is eating Duckie!”

At last, Duckie and Snaps CAN be friends. “We ARE friends!” Snaps assures her. But what is that growl? Snaps is hungry! And suddenly little-yellow-TASTY Duckie sounds pretty enticing. Just then Duckie has an idea, but will Snaps accept her appealing alternative to Duckie Pie?

Loaded with laugh-out-loud dialogue and turn-the-tables antics, Duckie & Snaps Cannot Be Friends will have kids giggling and in suspense with every page turn. Ame Dyckman’s natural talent for humor and acceptance infuses her story with sweetness and gentle lessons in getting along with others and sticking up for friends. Her dialogue-driven storytelling dishes up a perfect read aloud that adults and kids will have a blast sharing as well as a rewarding experience for beginning and independent readers.

Tim Miller’s goofy cartoon illustrations are equal parts droll and action-packed. His minimalist backgrounds paired with slapstick-type zaniness amplifies the humor, and strategically placed details may allow alert readers to be in on the final, funny resolution.

Featuring good-natured hijinks and embraceable characters, Duckie & Snaps: We Cannot Be Friends is a vivacious early reader book with plenty of read-again appeal and is a top choice for family, school, and library story times.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1338837872

About the Author

Ame Dyckman is an award-winning author of many bestselling picture books, including Duckie & Snaps: We Cannot Be Friends, illustrated by Tim Miller; Don’t Blow Your Top!, illustrated by Abhi Alwar; Wolfie the Bunny, illustrated by Zachariah OHora; and the Misunderstood Shark series, illustrated by Scott Magoon. Ame lives in beautiful central New Jersey with her husband and daughter. For book news and fun, follow Ame on Twitter: @AmeDyckman.

About the Illustrator

Tim Miller is the author-illustrator of Moo Moo in a Tutu, What’s Cooking, Moo Moo?, and Izzy Paints. He is also the illustrator of The Chronicles of Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness, Horse Meets Dog by Elliott Kalan, and other books including the middle-grade series Hamstersaurus Rex by Tom O’Donnell. Tim lives in New Jersey with his wife and three rescue cats. Visit Tim at timmillerillustration.com.

National Laugh Friendly Month Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-silly-balloons

Silly Balloons

You can have lots of silly fun with balloons! Try some of these ideas—they’re sure to make you laugh!

Goofy Faces

Blow up a balloon and draw a funny face on it. Rub the balloon on your shirt or a blanket and stick it to the wall, your shirt, or even your mom or dad!

Crazy Hair

Rub a blown-up balloon on your shirt or a blanket (fleece works well) then hold it near your hair and watch it go a little crazy!

Bend Water

This bit of balloon magic will amaze you! Rub a blown-up balloon on a blanket (fleece works well). Turn on a faucet to a thin stream of water. Hold the balloon near the stream of water and watch it bend toward the balloon.

Volleyballoon

This is a fun game for two or more people played like volleyball—but with balloons! All you need is a balloon and a line on the floor. Players form teams and bat the balloon back and forth over the line, keeping it in the air.as long as possible. A team wins a point when the opposing team can’t return the balloon.

You can purchase Duckie & Snaps: We Cannot Be Friends at these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

February 17 – Random Acts of Kindness Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

It’s Random Acts of Kindness Day! Coming mid-way through Random Acts of Kindness Week, today’s holiday offers the perfect time to begin or reconfirm your commitment to doing nice things for those around you. Simple gestures of kindness—like sharing a smile, giving a compliment, or helping out when you see someone struggling—make anyone feel better and create a bond that brings a community closer. To keep the good feelings flowing throughout the year, look for opportunities to help out and share books that encourage kindness, such as today’s book!

Thank you to Orchard Books/Scholastic for sharing a copy of Hop Helps Out with me!

Hop Helps Out

By Marc Brown, Tolon Brown and Peter Hirsch

One morning as Hop and Benny are out exploring their town of Fair Village, they come across a troll named Helga, who’s crying because she’s too afraid to venture out into the world on her own. Hop immediately takes her by the hand and invites her to come adventuring with him and Benny. Hop and Benny are eager to show their new friend Helga some of their favorite places.

First, they visit a meadow, lush with clover, daisies, lupines, daffodils, and wildflowers in a rainbow of colors. Then Benny wants to show Helga the small mobile home he lives in. His yard, strewn with toys and games and sporting a garden, delights Helga, and when they go inside she is treated to a mug of hot chocolate and a story. Next, they take Helga to their friend Hoot’s farm. ‘”She’s as cute as a kitten in a mitten,'” Hoot declares. “‘You can help me milk the cows, Helga,'” Hoot says. Afterward, they’re all treated to homemade ice cream, dress up play, and a ride in Hoot’s talking car, Jinx.

Jinx takes the merry group to see another friend, Filipa. Filipa is just filling the swimming pool underneath her treehouse when they arrive. Helga can’t believe her eyes. There are so many fun things to do here; even a swing! Even though Benny warns Helga not to swing too high, she falls off. But when Hop hurries over, Helga giggles and reveals that trolls “‘can bounce.'” In Filipa’s art studio, Helga gets to try out being creative—with herself as the canvas. Not to worry, though! Filipa fills her pool with bubbles for an impromptu (and colorful) bubble bath. “‘I like bubbles,’ cheered Helga.” “‘Who doesn’t?'” Hop agrees.

Next on the tour is Hop’s Lily Pad Diner, where Hop’s sister, Penny, plays the piano while the others dance. All this activity and excitement is making Helga tired and ready to go home. When they arrive, Helga treats her new friends to a Moon Snack of sassafras twigs and fungus chips. No one wants this fun day to end. Especially Helga, who is happy to be part of the group and to have discovered so much. “‘The world is filled with so many good things.'” she exclaims.

The story is followed by a detailed map of Fair Village with many homes, restaurants, farms, parks, and other landmarks for kids to explore. In an afterword, Marc Brown explains how the world of Hop—a new animated series streaming on MAX—started out as a doodle of a frog with one leg shorter than the other then joined by a host of other characters. Brown, with the help of his son Tolon (a producer on the Arthur series) and Peter Hirsch (the head writer for Arthur), expanded on this inclusive universe for a younger audience.

Brown shares, “It was important to me that Hop’s world introduced characters that were reflective of our communities and friends and inclusive of children who had been underrepresented in the media. In Fair Village, disabilities never define who you are or what you can achieve. Our goal is to create a safe, inviting world that challenges kids to appreciate others who are not like them and to act with understanding and kindness.”

Enthusiasm, kindness, and acceptance radiate from the pages, as Hop and Benny take charge of showing Helga around Fair Village—a name that reflects both the beauty of the town as well as how its residents treat each other—and introducing her to things she’s never seen before. Young readers will find pleasure in sharing so many of these favorites too, such as hot chocolate, bubble baths, ice cream, and playing dress up, with this crew of fast friends. Gentle humor is sprinkled throughout, and the simply stated, heartfelt ending invites readers to look around at their own family, friends, home, and community and find the “many good things” there.

Marc Brown’s illustrations are infused with color and offer children a multitude of familiar things to see and identify. The full-bleed spreads immerse readers in the community of Fair Village and the individual homes of the characters. Detail-oriented children will love lingering over the map to find each of the character’s homes as well as fun additions, such as the crooked house, the haunted castle, and the appropriately shaped Pie Shop, Pizza Palace, and Pet Hospital. As this book and the series are inclusive of children underrepresented in media, Brown depicts Hop’s anisomelia (having one leg shorter than the other) in his two different shoes—one of which has an extra, yellow layer to its sole. Helga is coded as having agoraphobia.

A tie-in to the new MAX series HOP, Hop Helps Out introduces children to some of the characters and the vast Fair Village community in a joyful and empathetic way. The story can stand alone as well, encouraging discussions about meeting new people, being open to new experiences, visiting unfamiliar places, and showing kindness to others.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books/Scholastic, 2025 | ISBN 978-1339035680

About the Creators

Marc Brown is the beloved creator of the bestselling Arthur Adventure book series and creative producer of PBS’s Peabody and Emmy award-winning television series Arthur, now the longest-running children’s animated show in history. He also has illustrated many other books for children, including the New York Times bestseller Wild About Books, as well as The Little Shop of Monsters and Mary McScary, both written by R.L. Stine. For more information, visit marcbrownstudios.com.

Peter Hirsch is the co-creator and head writer of the MAX series, HOP. Before then he was the head writer of the PBS series Arthur for over 20 years. He has won 7 Emmys and a Peabody award, and lives in New York City with his wife, playwright Cusi Cram, and their two overweight cats.

Tolon Brown is an Emmy award-wining producer of culturally significant shows such as Arthur on PBS, and co-creator of the animated series HOP on MAX. Long ago he discovered a fondness for complaining about “good coffee” and people who can’t change a flat tire, which inspired him to split his time between Brooklyn and Baldwin County, Alabama in order to pursue both. Somehow he managed to raise two amazing daughters, yet remains open to the possibility that was purely accidental.

You can purchase Hop Helps Out at these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

June 1 – National Dinosaur Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today, we celebrate dinosaurs—those beasts that, even though they are from the distant past, remain ever present in our hearts. Their size, diversity, and shear awesomeness make them a favorite of kids, and ongoing discoveries continue to fascinate adults as well. Dinosaurs, in fact, are so huge that Dinosaur Day takes place twice—today and on June 1. To celebrate, visit a national history museum, watch your favorite dinosaur movies or TV shows, join your kids in playing with their dinos (you know you want to!), and pick up today’s book!

Everything Awesome about Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Beasts!

By Mike Lowery

If there’s one thing kids can’t get enough of, it’s dinosaurs. And if there’s one thing Mike Lowery knows, it’s how to wow kids. The mash-up of the two has resulted in a wild and wacky book “that’s totally loaded with info, weird facts, and jokes that you will dig!” There are even dinos at the ready to point out these awesome puns. And these facts aren’t just presented like some old, dried-up report, the whole book—every page—is full of eye-popping illustrations and cool typography that will keep kids reading and reading and learning (and, oh yeah, having T-rex size fun).

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-everything-awesome-about-dinosaurs-mammoth

What kinds of things will kids learn? First, there’s a completely captivating prehistoric timeline that lays out the different eras and depicts some of the creatures and vegetation that existed in each. Like jellyfish during the Paleozoic Era, horsetails plants and dicynodonts during the Triassic, stegosaurus and cycads in the Jurassic; bees, birds, and flowering plants along with velociraptors in the Cretaceous; and finally, woolly mammoths and us during the Age of Mammals. Along the way there were also several extinction events. And this all comes even before the Table of Contents!

While kids chew on the fact that “some giant dinos ate up to 12,000 pounds a day,” they can dip into Part One—What Is a Dinosaur? Here, they’ll learn stuff like where the word “dinosaur” came, who coined it, what “prehistoric” means, and who “were some of the first people to keep written records.” They’ll also get to know some animals that weren’t dinosaurs and how dinosaurs are defined. Of course, there are some dino jokes to keep kids chuckling while they read.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-everything-awesome-about-dinosaurs-backbones

Part Two reveals a short history of the earth as well as lots and lots about each era and representative creatures. After learning just how old Earth is, kids will be interested in a Quick Fact about one Jeremy Harper who counted to one million live on the internet. How long did it take him? Longer than you might think. Have you ever tried smooshing the whole history of the earth into just 24 hours? Mike Lowery did and it’s fascinating! Kids will also discover how Earth formed and about early signs of life.

What was going on in the Paleozoic Era? The haikouichthys (one of the first animals to have a skull), tiktaalik (a land and sea creature), and the meganeura (a giant dragonfly) can tell them. It was also the time of the Permian Period, when some pretty weird reptiles roamed the earth and some way-unusual marine life swam the seas. Then came “the Great Permian Extinction” that led into the Mesozoic Era, “aka the age of reptiles.”

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Here, kids learn about the development of dinosaurs, non-dino animals, and bugs. If you think a few stormy days are bad, imagine living during the Triassic Period, when “it once rained for two million years.” What do you wear in weather like that? A “Jurassic parka,” of course. Next up is the Jurassic and then the Cretaceous periods and their gigantic creatures of the land, ocean, and sky.

In Part Three readers get to meet the dinosaurs up close and personal (well, not too close). They’ll learn what dinos really ate, how they really sounded, and this delectable fact: “More time passed between stegosaurus and T. rex than the time between velociraptor and microwavable pizza!” And while kids are digesting that, they’ll want to watch out for the gigantic sauropods (who grew that big partly because “they didn’t chew their food…. Mammals don’t get as big as the sauropods, in part, because chewing requires a lot of energy.” Kids will see who won the “smartest dino award” and who was unfortunate enough to win “the, um, not-so-smartest dinosaur award.” They’ll also learn about horned dinos, armored dinos, fast dinos, and “the weirdest lookin’ dino.”

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Part Four talks about the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event and various theories that have been floated throughout the years. Part Five takes kids on a hunt for bones and other fossils and reveals how paleontologists study them. Part Six offers a tour of post-dinosaur beasts, and Part Seven invites kids to learn how to draw dinosaurs. That’s followed up by a Dino Field Guide, an illustrated list of dinos organized by time periods, and to round it all up, Lowery includes a few more irresistible dinosaur jokes.

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Mike Lowery’s free-wheeling sense of humor, on exhibit in both his text and illustrations, will have kids laughing and learning billions of years’ worth of scientific facts. Funny asides by dinosaurs who just want in on the action put a spotlight on major events and conditions on Earth. Boxed and highlighted facts reveal the science of paleontology and provide explanations of dinosaur and prehistoric animal behavior and comparisons on size that will resonate with kids. Lowery imbues each of his creatures with personality while staying true to their nature and body type. Simply said, if there’s something you want to know about prehistoric creatures, dinosaurs, and the times they lived in, it’s in this book.

A must for home, classroom, and public library collections, you’ll want to put Everything Awesome about Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Beasts! on your shopping list for kids, teachers, and anyone who loves science, dinosaurs, and entertaining ways to learn or teach.

Ages 7 – 10 and up

Orchard Books, 2019 | ISBN 978-1338359725

Discover more about Mike Lowery, his books, and his art on his website.

National Dinosaur Day Activity

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Hatch Your Own Dinosaur Eggs

Think there are no more dinosaur eggs to be found? Think again! You can make your own with this easy craft that will have you hatching some T.-rex-size fun! All you need are a few simple ingredients – and don’t forget to wear an apron or old clothes!

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Supplies

Old clothes or apron
Large box of baking soda (makes between 6 and 8 eggs)
Food coloring
Water
Plastic dinosaur toys
Bowl
Fork
Spoon
Wax paper
Baking sheet
Foil
Vinegar
Spray bottle (optional)
Plastic or metal spoon, stick, popsicle stick, or other implement to chisel with

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Spray the egg with vinegar to hatch your dinosaur

Directions

Wear old clothes or an apron
Cover work surface with wax paper, parchment paper, newspaper, or other protection. Food coloring can stain some surfaces
Pour baking soda into the bowl
Add drops of food coloring in whatever color you’d like your eggs to be. The eggs will darken when baked.
Mix in the food coloring with the fork. You may want to use your hands, too
When the baking soda is the color you want it, begin adding water a little at a time
Add water until the baking soda holds together when you squeeze it in your hand
When the baking soda is the right consistency, spoon some out into your hand or onto wax paper
Push one plastic dinosaur into the middle
Cover the dinosaur with more of the baking soda mixture
Carefully form it into an egg shape
Repeat with other dinosaurs

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-dinosaur-eggs-craft-chiseled -darker

Chisel the egg open to hatch your dinosaur

To Bake the Eggs

Set the oven or toaster oven to 200 to 225 degrees
Set the eggs on a baking sheet lined with foil
Bake the eggs for 15 minutes, check
Turn the eggs over and bake for 10 to 15 more minutes
Remove from oven and let cool

To Hatch the Eggs

Eggs can be hatched by chiseling them with a spoon, stick, or other implement
Eggs can also be hatched by spraying or sprinkling them with vinegar

**You can find Everything Awesome about Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Beasts! at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

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National Dinosaur Day Activity

Hatch Your Own Dinosaur Eggs

You can find Everything Awesome about Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Beasts! at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Share this:

**You can find Everything Awesome about Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Beasts! at these booksellers**