picture book review

March 5 – It’s International Ideas Month

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About the Holiday

This month we celebrate something that you can’t see or hold but which is real all the same. What is it? An idea! Ideas are amazing things. Sometimes seemingly conjured up out of thin air; sometimes borne out of necessity; and sometimes the “Eureka!” result of long, hard work, ideas fuel our arts, sciences, education, and home life. So today, write down those ideas you have while driving or commuting to work, while in the shower, when you’re daydreaming, or just as you turn off the light to go to sleep. You never know what they might become!

Write Here, Write Now

Written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington | Illustrated by Andrea Boatta

Opening the book, readers are met by a child who looks right at them and makes a very astute observation: “You’re a writer. Did you know?” And before the reader can think “Who, me? nah!” the boy has whisked them off for a trip through the amazing world of writing, offering “Here’s a tip for how to start. / Think of things that spark your heart. / Dreams and wishes, people, places—ANYTHING your mind embraces.”

Illustration © 2025 Andrea Boatta, text © 2025 Rebecca Gardyn Levington. Courtesy of Capstone Editions.

But there can be so many niggling questions that can make the idea of writing intimidating! Like where should I write? What should I write with? What if I like to draw or just tell my stories? The narrator puts all these doubts to rest with the simplest of answers: write wherever and however is best for you! The narrator even addresses the fear that what you write has to be perfect with the encouraging advice to “Scribble fast, or take it slow. / Play with words and let them flow.”

But, a would-be writer might think, is there a type of writing that’s better than others? Nope, the narrator assures. All writing is good writing. “Write a poem, play, or song / Write a note to right a wrong. / Write a joke, a script, a speech. Can’t decide? Write one of each.”

Illustration © 2025 Andrea Boatta, text © 2025 Rebecca Gardyn Levington. Courtesy of Capstone Editions.

So are there any rules to writing? Maybe just this one: to “let imagination lead!” The narrator leaves young writers with one more note of encouragement, reminding them that their writing is as unique as they are, and that their words or pictures or voice will find a place to flourish.

Following her story, Rebecca Gardyn Levington offers advice and encouragement to young writers in answers to those six proverbial writerly questions: Who? What? Where? Why? When? and How? 

Illustration © 2025 Andrea Boatta, text © 2025 Rebecca Gardyn Levington. Courtesy of Capstone Editions.

Rebecca Gardyn Levington’s enthusiastic ode to the wonders of writing is sure to spark any child to embrace their own personal method of creative expression. Her perfectly flowing, uplifting verses melt away any doubt or hesitance about putting pencil to paper or fingers to keyboard. Levington gives children freedom, inspiration, and encouragment. In short, she makes writing fun!

Andrea Boatta’s vivid, soft-hued illustrations sparkle with imagination and the flow of ideas as diverse children happily engage in writing wherever they are and whenever inspiration strikes. Children, whether new to writing or more experienced will find themselves right at home in Boatta’s dynamic imagery. Readers will also like following the little golden star that eagerly guides them from spread to spread. 

Write Here, Write Now is a joyful celebration of imagination and writing as well as a lively read aloud that kids will want to hear again and again. The book is highly recommended for classrooms, homeschoolers, school and public libraries, and family bookshelves. 

Ages 5 – 8

Capstone Publishing, 2025 | ISBN 978-1684469611

About the Author

Rebecca Gardyn Levington is a children’s book author, poet, and journalist with a particular penchant for penning both playful and poignant picture books and poems—primarily in rhyme. She is the author of BRAINSTORM!, WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW, and many other incredible picture books. Rebecca’s award-winning poems and articles have appeared in numerous anthologies, newspapers, and magazines. She lives in New Jersey with her family. Visit her at rebeccagardynlevington.com.

About the Illustrator

Andrea Boatta was born in a seaside town in southern Italy and grew up around vibrant colors and nature. After graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts, she came to love illustration and animation and continued her post-graduate studies at the National School of Cinema. Today she works in Naples, Italy, as a freelance illustrator and concept and background artist in the world of animation. You can follow Andrea on Instagram.

International Ideas Month Activity

CPB - Fairy Tale box

Treasure Box of Imagination

Writers often collect bits of imagination, wisps of dreams, snatches of memory, and treasures found along the way to use in their writing. With this craft, kids can make a treasure box to jot down and save ideas and tidbits to spark their own writing, drawing, and other creative endeavors.

Supplies

  • 1 small wooden box, available at craft stores
  • Acrylic craft paint – I used gold
  • Craft gems
  • Paint brush
  • Hot glue gun or strong glue

Directions

  1. Paint your wooden box 
  2. After the paint dries, decorate your Treasure Box of Imagination with gems

You can purchase Write Here, Write Now at these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

March 4 – It’s National Reading Month

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About the Holiday

National Reading Month was designed to  encourage children and adults to read every day and celebrates the joys and benefits that reading together can bring. Reading with your child can be fun and frivolous, but it can also offer ways for children to share their feelings about serious or poignant topics and begin discussions that can lead to understanding or healing.  As the month progresses, look for books to share for all the aspects of your life. 

I’d like to thank Kokila Books/Penguin Random House for sharing a digital copy of Our Lake with me to review. 

Our Lake

By Angie Kang

 

A young boy follows his older brother up a “long and steep” hill to the tip of a boulder overlooking a glistening lake, where their father, now gone, used to take them swimming. He mimics his brother, who has taken on the mantel of responsibility, in their old traditions—taking off his shirt, stretching. But while his brother approaches the lip of the rock, he hangs back, watching him “press his arms tight to his head and slip neatly into the lake.” The water ripples, and then his brother shoots upward, “triumphant.”

Illustration and text © 2025 by Angie Kang. Courtesy of Kokila/Penguin Random House.

His brother calls for him to jump, but his nerves overtake him and he closes his eyes. “On the insides of my eyelids,” he says, “I see Father.” He recalls their routine, the way his father soared before splashing down, and the sound of his laugh as he beckoned his sons to follow.

“When I open my eyes, he joy is still there, humming in my limbs,” the boy says. He hears his brother call to him again and shakes off his fear. As he nears the water, he sees his father meet him, arms outstretched. His brother cheers as he splashes in. They embrace, both feeling the presence of the father they miss.

Illustration and text © 2025 by Angie Kang. Courtesy of Kokila/Penguin Random House.

Angie Kang’s lyrical storytelling soars on the openhearted voice of her young narrator and the caring guidance of his big brother. The boys’ uplifting memories of their father and their joyful embrace of returning to one of their favorite places are moving and comforting, and ultimately inspire reassurance that the spirit of loved ones lives on within the heart. 

Kang’s gloriously rich gouache, crayon, and colored pencil illustrations illuminate the close relationship between the brothers and, individually, with their father, as exemplified by a red hat the older brother is wearing as the story begins. Later, readers learn—in a symbolic image—that this hat belonged to the boys’ father. Each boy’s facial expressions and stances also carry the story forward. Kang’s saturated paintings also offer metaphorical undertones that resonate with the truth of life’s sometimes difficult climbs as well as the wonders of shaking off fear and diving into it headfirst.

A beautiful and poignant story to help any child affected by grief or loss to find peace and joy again, Our Lake is highly recommended for families and is a must for school and public library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Kokila/Penguin Random House, 2025 | ISBN 978-0593698235

About the Author/Illustrator

Angie Kang is a Chinese American writer and illustrator living in LA. Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, Narrative, The Believer, and elsewhere, and has been generously supported by MacDowell and other organizations. Angie graduated from the Brown-RISD Dual Degree Program with a BFA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design and a BA in Literary Arts from Brown University. She enjoys painting places she remembers and places she would like to go. Learn more about Angie’s writing and art at AngieKang.net and @anqiekanq on Instagram.

You can purchase Our Lake at these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

March 3 – World Wildlife Day

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About the Holiday

In December of 2013 the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 3rd as World Wildlife Day to promote awareness of our environment and the dangers to it. Every year a different theme is chosen to spotlight an area of the world, a particular species, or a group of activists. This year’s theme is “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet” and focuses on innovative ideas for financing can contribute to halting biodiversity loss, raising the interest of private sector stakeholders to invest in wildlife conservation, and creating a sustainable future. The day also celebrates successful conservation and sustainability initiatives. To learn more about the day, special events, and how you and your kids can get involved today and throughout the year, visit the World Wildlife Day website.

Thanks to Eerdman’s Books for Young Readers for gifting us a copy of Kingdoms of Life for review.

Reviewed by Dorothy Levine

Kingdoms of Life

By Carly Allen-Fletcher

 

“Life is all around us…In the sky, the sea, and the soil, life exists in millions of different incredible ways.” 

Jump into Carly Allen-Fletcher’s vibrant fact-filled guidebook for kids for a deep-dive exploration of the kingdoms of life. Each Kingdom rules over its own color-coded section, jam-packed with information on how the classified organisms feed, grow, and reproduce. Information also includes the ways in which the organisms across Kingdoms are related or work together with other lifeforms. The pages are royally packed with vibrant illustrations that appear to burst out from the very edges of the book. 

Allen-Fletcher begins with an explanation of how all life is formed—from tiny building blocks called cells. These cells can join to create complex multicellular life forms or just exist on their own as unicellular forms of life. She then zooms out to examine the six biggest categories of life. Allen-Fletcher makes sure to note that these categories are not fixed; they change as scientists learn more and arrange beings in different ways. 

Illustration and text © 2025 Carly Allen-Fletcher. Courtesy of Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

The first category investigated in depth is the most complex of the life-form groups—animals. The animal pages are filled with a diverse range of species, each numerated to a corresponding key at the back. Allen-Fletcher shows the wide range of animals by comparing the smallest species (fairy wasps) to the largest (blue whales), while also explaining how even within one species (dogs) there can be glorious variety. Examples of animals that don’t quite fit in the animal category, such as a sea slug that can make energy from the sun, as well as animals that can survive extreme conditions or are thought to be practically immortal, are also discussed.

In addition to the animals, plants, fungi, protists, bacteria, and archaea are each given equal attention in their respective kingdom sections. From protists like giant kelp and slime mold to bacteria in our gut and bioluminescent bacteria found in squid, each kingdom is filled with fascinating examples of life and interesting facts on specific organisms. 

Illustration and text © 2025 Carly Allen-Fletcher. Courtesy of Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

Kingdoms, Allen-Fletcher explains, can also be broken down further, into smaller and smaller groups such as family, genus, and species. A few taxonomists (scientists who study and sort lifeforms into categories) from around the world and throughout many different centuries are highlighted for their contributions to the field.

The book ends with a last dose of wonder: “We know more about the moon than we do about the deepest parts of our oceans. / Every year, we learn more about our home and the incredible life-forms we share it with. / What will we discover next?” The inclusion of “we” in this ending invites readers to feel welcome in this process of study and discovery. Taxonomy need not be only for adult scientists, but anyone who shares a passion for nature and careful observation. 

Back matter features each of the categories taxonomists use to sort life into groups as well as all the names of the featured life-forms throughout the book. The science is detailed while also distributed into easy-to-read bite-sized chunks.

Illustration and text © 2025 Carly Allen-Fletcher. Courtesy of Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

Carly Allen-Fletcher illuminates a topic that is usually reserved for upper-level biology courses making it accessible and intriguing for young learners. The facts from her book will inspire a passion for all species—large or small, animal or bacteria—and help children to understand where in this big wide world we as humans stand and the symbiotic relationships that exist between creatures. Mini scientists dot the lusciously illustrated pages, comically examining life-forms in all the kingdoms up close.

Kingdoms of Life would make a valuable addition to home, school and library collections.

Ages 6 – 10

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2025 | ISBN 978-0802855916

About the Author/Illustrator

Carly Allen-Fletcher is a British illustrator and author whose books include Goodnight Forest (Muddy Boots), Beastly Biomes (Creston), and Animal Antipodes (Creston). Inspired by nature and science, she creates her art by combining hand-drawn elements, painted textures, and graphic shapes. Carly loves reading about the latest biological discoveries, and if she hadn’t become a professional illustrator, she would have become a scientist instead. Follow Carly on Instagram or visit her website at carlydraws.com.

World Wildlife Day Activity

It Takes All Kinds game illustration courtesy of Science Trek.

 

Kingdoms of Life Fun

 

Watch a Kingdoms of Life Classification Video with Science Trek

  • As Allen-Fletcher notes in Kingdoms of Life, scientists are constantly evolving the categories for living organisms as they learn more. Do you notice any differences between the book and video kingdom categories? Since this video was published, scientists have started using the kingdom names bacteria and archaea instead of the previously used term, monera!

You can also explore their Online Games on kingdoms of life and animal classification, and practice sorting with Generation Genius’s Candy Classification Activity

You can purchase Kingdoms of Life at these booksellers

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

Picture Book Revie

February 27 – It’s National Laugh-Friendly Month

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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.

Illustration © 2025 Tim Miller, text © 2025 Ame Dyckman. Courtesy of Orchard Books/Scholastic.

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?

Illustration © 2025 Tim Miller, text © 2025 Ame Dyckman. Courtesy of Orchard Books/Scholastic.

Loaded with laugh-out-loud dialogue and turn-the-tables antics, Duckie & Snaps: We 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 25 – Get Ready for Passover

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About the Holiday

Passover is the Jewish spring festival that celebrates the Jews’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. The holiday begins on the fourteenth day of the Hebrew month Nisan, which is the first ecclesiastical month and occurs in March or April. Passover is observed for seven days in Israel and for eight days for Jewish people living outside of Israel. The holiday begins with a seder meal, at which family and friends gather to remember their history, eat symbolic dishes, and celebrate the joy of freedom. This year Passover is celebrated from April 12 – 20.

Thank you to Kar-Ben Publishing for sharing a digital copy of Zayde Babysits before Passover with me.

Zayde Babysits before Passover

Written by Jane Sutton | Illustrated by Kate Chappell

 

While Ruthie’s mommy and daddy go to Bubbe’s house to prepare for Passover, Zayde is staying with Ruthie at her house. It’s the first time Zayde has ever babysat Ruthie, but he doesn’t have to devise fun activities, or think up places to take her because there’s a long list of tasks to be accomplished stuck to the refrigerator.

First on the list is to make a few Passover decorations for Zayde and Bubbe’s house. Ruthie’s mommy has suggested finger painting. “Oy!” exclaims Zayde, as the paint escapes the paper onto the tablecloth and Ruthie’s shirt, and even the cat, who joins the fun with some paw painting. The next chores on the list take Ruthie and Zayde into town—to the grocery store for parsley and to the playground “so Ruthie can use up energy” and sit still at the seder later that night. But who’s riding in the cart and who’s slipping down the slide?

Illustration © 2025 Kate Chappell, text © 2025 Jane Sutton. Courtesy of Kar-Ben Publishing.

Back home, Zayde’s been instructed to use up more of Ruthie’s energy, but here, too, who’s doing what is topsy-turvy. Even sweeping up any missed breadcrumbs in the kitchen finds Ruthie pulling Zayde out from under the cupboard. And when Mommy said they should eat a big lunch because dinner will be late, did she really mean that mountain of food? 

Following nap time and bath time, Ruthie and Zayde leave to meet up with the rest of the family. With Zayde leading the seder, it comes off without a hitch. “Ruthie asks the Four Questions. She sings ‘Dayenu’ and hums along with the other songs.” Bubbe’s matzah ball soup is yummy, and Ruthie even “finds the afikomen. Yay!” After everyone leaves, Ruthie tells Zayde she had fun that day and asks if he’ll babysit again. Of course Zayde’s answer is “‘I can’t wait!'”

Illustration © 2025 Kate Chappell, text © 2025 Jane Sutton. Courtesy of Kar-Ben Publishing.

Jane Sutton’s endearing, family Passover story is riotous fun as first-time babysitter Zayde goes all in while fulfilling his pre-Passover seder chores. Kids will enjoy chiming in with Zayde’s exclamations of “Oy!” as things go amiss and will love learning Passover traditions as they spend time with Ruthie and Zayde around town and at home. The burgeoning relationship between Zayde and Ruthie warms the heart.

Kate Chappell’s charming illustrations, juxtaposed with Sutton’s straightforward storytelling, bring to life Zayde and Ruthie’s playful antics and will have kids giggling from page to page. Images of the family’s Passover celebration are uplifting and tender.

A madcap and joyful story for families to share at Passover and whenever grandparents and grandkids get together, Zayde Babysits before Passover would make a wonderful gift and addition to home bookshelves as well as a delightful choice for school and public libraries.

Ages 4 – 9

Kar-Ben Publishing, 2025 | ISBN 979-8765619889

A Chat with Jane Sutton

Jane Sutton is an award-winning author of picture books, including Gracie Brings Back Bubbe’s Smile, Paulie’s Passover Predicament, and Esther’s Hanukkah Disaster as well as novels for children. She grew up on Long Island and attended Brandeis University. Jane lives with her husband in the Boston area, as do their grown children and families. She is grateful to get lots of chances to babysit her grandchildren and hopes she makes fewer mistakes than Ruthie’s Zayde. You can visit Jane at jane-sutton.com.

I’m so excited to be chatting with you again about a new book, Jane! The last time we did an interview, it was for What’s Up with this Chicken? and you were a new grandmother to Caleb. So much has happened in the years since! You and your husband are grandparents to four grandchildren now who all live close to you. Has becoming a grandmother influenced the way you write or the subjects you write about?

Come to think of it, my last 2 books have been about a grandparent and a grandchild. And my next book was inspired by a grandchild. I guess it’s natural that I would write about my favorite subject, my grandchildren!

Kate Chappell’s illustrations are so whimsical and really highlight the humor in the story. Kate lives in London. Did you have much interaction with her during the publishing process? Do you have a favorite spread? Which one and what do you like best about it?

I agree. Her whimsical illustrations do just what you said! We didn’t interact directly. My suggestions for art went through the publisher. My favorite spread is also the cover, with Zayde sitting in the shopping cart as Ruthie pushes. It’s so silly and funny, and I love the details Kate includes. It’s my grandchildren’s favorite too!

The images on your blog from your family vacations and other fun times you have together are so infused with love and joy and really make me smile. They made me wonder—does it appear that any of your grandkids have inherited your sense of humor? If so can you share a story?

They’re all funny and witty in their individual ways. One joke that the oldest three grandchildren and I share started on a week-long family vacation. Each morning, we’d greet each other with big smiles while saying, “Not you again!”

How did you get started writing for children? When did you know that this is what you wanted to pursue?

In college I had an assignment in a sociology class to do something we’d always wanted to do and keep a journal about our experience as we did it. I chose to write a series of children’s stories and found that I enjoyed the writing immensely.

Not only do you write picture books, but you’ve written three middle-grade novels and a young-adult novel. You’ve recently revised and published a new edition of your popular middle grade novel, Me and the Weirdos, after it was turned into a musical by two high school seniors in Utah. I understand you attended the premiere of the play. Tell me more about this book and the experience of seeing it transformed into a musical.

In Me and the Weirdos, Cindy Krinkle feels like the only normal person in her family. She kind of has a point. Some examples: Her father rides a bike with an umbrella on it as he sings opera loudly and off-key. Her mother gargles with orange juice, and her sister has a pet sea urchin. Cindy’s plans to “un-weird” the rest of her family all backfire in amusing ways, and she eventually comes to appreciate them the way they are. Attending the musical was amazing. The lovely students who created it were so talented. They wrote the script and lyrics, composed the music, and directed the play with a middle school cast. The show was both entertaining and true to the book’s humor and message that it’s OK to be different.

It’s clear that you love sharing your love of writing and your books with kids through programs at schools and libraries. Can you give us a peek at what one of your presentations is like? Do you have an anecdote from any program that you’d like to share?

I share my writing process, including more or fewer details depending on the age group. I emphasize the importance of revision, something I strongly believe in and which makes teachers nod and smile. And lest writing seem like too much work, I make sure I express my joy in writing.

I believe young readers have another book to look forward to in 2026! Would you like to give them a little glimpse of what’s to come?

It will be my first board book, one I hope that will make people of all ages smile.

Thanks so much, Jane for this wonderful chat! It’s been terrific catching up! I wish you all the best with Zayde Babysits before Passover and can’t wait to see your board book. I’m sure it will bring a smile!

You can purchase Zayde Babysits before Passover at these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

 

February 24 – It’s Bake for Family Fun Month

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About the Holiday

This time of year is perfect for gathering with family and friends and spending those cold, indoor days making sweet treats and savory dishes! Baking together is a great way to teach valuable cooking skills and a little math. Talking with kids while baking is fun too! Tell old family stories, talk about favorite recipes, and share funny or memorable culinary experiences. Of course, the best part of baking together is eating the delicious meals or treats afterward!

10 Gulub Jamuns: Counting with an Indian Sweet Treat

Written by Sandhya Acharya | Illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre

 

Idu and his little brother Adu were excited to help their mom get ready for their friends Dia and Mia and their parents who would be coming later that evening for dinner. The delicious aroma of spices Mamma’s cooking already perfumed the house. At last it was time for Mamma to make the dessert: gulab jamuns! Idu and Adu tried to imagine what gulab jamuns were. “‘They are little round sweets that look like doughnuts,'” their mother explained. “‘They are soaked in sugary syrup so when you bite into one, they melt in your mouth.'” Idu and Adu thought they sounded yummy.

After the treats were finished, Idu counted them in the bowl. “‘1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. 10 gulab jamuns!'” Adu echoed his big brother: “’10 gulab jamuns!'” Mamma sent the boys off to play, but the bowl of sweets was too enticing. Adu climbed onto the table and ate one. Then he stuffed his cheeks with two more.

Illustration © 2022 Vanessa Alexandre, text © 2022 Sandhya Acharya.

Idu thought his brother was funny until Mamma caught them. She asked Idu to tell her how many gulab jamuns she had made and then count how many were left. “‘1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. 7 gulab jamuns,'” he answered. “‘Swa gua amoons,’ Adu repeated” through his full mouth. When Mamma asked what had happened to the other three, Idu told her. Then she wanted to know how it had happened.

Idu obliged, exactly imitating Adu’s actions. Adu then turned and gave Mamma a big sweet-treat smile. Mamma laughed, then grabbed one gulab jamun for herself and handed one each to her sons. That left just one more for . . . Daddy, who was just coming home from work. But what would they serve their special guests for dessert now? Idu and Adu enthusiastically offered to help their mother make more. Later, after dinner, Idu and Adu helped pass out the gulab jamuns, but there were two left over. Why? Idu’s and Adu’s bellies were already full of their new favorite dessert!

A recipe for gulab jamuns follows the story.

Illustration © 2022 Vanessa Alexandre, text © 2022 Sandhya Acharya.

Sandhya Acharya’s humorous counting story is the recipe for an entertaining read aloud the whole family will enjoy. Adu and Idu’s sibling shenanigans will have young readers giggling, and the naturally occurring opportunities for kids to count the gulab jamuns offer a fun way for them to engage with math. The exercise can even be extended at home or in classrooms as children add or subtract treats or other foods from their own plates. A multilayered story, 10 Gulab Jamuns also contains gentle lessons in honesty, taking responsibility, and making amends for one’s behavior, 

Vanessa Alexandre’s vivid and expressive illustrations bring out all the comical fun as Adu and Idu sneak the sweet treats, get caught, and ultimately help their mother make more. Children will especially like images of the brothers’ playful mischief-making, the bright kitchen and table laden with delicious Indian foods, and the cheerful depictions of a traditional Indian home and clothing.

A heartwarming, dialogue-rich story you can count on to become a favorite, 10 Gulab Jamuns would be a delightful addition to home, classroom, and library collections.

Ages 2 – 7

Sandhya Acharya, 2022 | ISBN 979-8985609516

About the Author

Sandhya Acharya grew up in Mumbai, India and now lives in the Bay Area. She is a mother to two young boys from whom she often draws inspiration for her writing. She worked in corporate finance and is a dance enthusiast as well. She hopes her readers have as much fun as she did with this story.

Bake for Family Fun Month Activity

celebrate-pictureb-books-picture-book-review-Kids-Baking-Cake-in-Cooking-Show-Bakery-Coloring-Pages

Let’s Bake Together Coloring Page

 

It’s fun for friends or siblings to create new recipes or just cook up some favorite treats! Have fun with this sweet coloring page!

You can purchase 10 Gulab Jamuns at these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

February 21 – It’s National Nest Box Week

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About the Holiday

National Nest Box Week was established in the United Kingdom in 1997 to highlight how birds are often displaced from their natural nesting places with the destruction of the woodlands and fields birds call home. The holiday encourages people to pay attention to their local nesting birds and put up nest boxes to support the conservation of breeding birds. No matter where you live, birds’ ecosystems are fragile. You can make a big difference in the survival of your local bird population by building and maintaining nesting boxes for the spring and summer months. To learn how more about the holiday and how you can help, visit nestboxweek.com.

A Terrible Place for a Nest

Written by Sara Levine | Illustrated by Erika Meza

 

Displaced from their home, a mother and her son, Juno, move to a new place in a new neighborhood. Juno’s mother takes solace in the mourning doves that greet them, but Juno hears sadness and fear in their whistling coos. Nothing about the move feels right to Juno. He can’t get his favorite cereal at the grocery store, and he tells his mama that he’s “‘never going to fall asleep'” in his new room. 

At school he sits alone with no one to talk to. When he gets home he yells, “‘This is a terrible place!,'” frightening the mourning doves from their nest on the gate. The next day, when the movers come, they knock the nest from its perch, breaking the eggs and confirming to Juno his feelings about their new home.

Illustration © 2024, Erika Meza; text © 2024 Sara Levine. Courtesy of Roaring Brook Press.

Later, Juno tries to rebuild the nest, and he and his mom buy millet seed to feed them. They’re happy to see the birds return to the yard—although the nest sits empty for days and weeks. Meanwhile, at school, Juno makes a friend of the girl who sits in front of him, talking and drawing and making paper birds together.

Still, no birds occupy the nest. At night in his unfamiliar room, where unpacked boxes of books and art supplies stand stacked against the wall, Juno thinks “maybe it didn’t feel safe to them.” But then one day, Juno notices with excitement that, just as he and his mom are settling into their new home, a dove is snugged into the nest. “Mama said this meant there were eggs.”

Illustration © 2024, Erika Meza; text © 2024 Sara Levine. Courtesy of Roaring Brook Press.

Juno and his new friend go to the school library to learn everything they can about mourning doves. On colored paper they write facts and draw pictures of adult and baby birds. And most importantly they make signs for the fence and gate, alerting people to the fragile nest and baby doves.

Then one bright, sunny morning, Juno looks out his window and sees babies! In their protected nest, the small mourning doves grow until one afternoon as Juno, his friend, and his mom enjoy a picnic in the yard, he watches as the fledglings fly from their nest. “‘I told them it wasn’t a great place for a nest,'” Juno says, but later that night, happily cuddled up with his mom, they agree, “But we made it work.”

Illustration © 2024, Erika Meza; text © 2024 Sara Levine. Courtesy of Roaring Brook Press.

In her honest and poignant story, Sara Levine allows her young protagonist to give vent to his true feelings. While he first reproaches the mourning doves for their poor choice of nesting place, his own deep disappointment, sorrow, and loneliness spill out when the eggs break. As weeks pass, however, Levine shows that just as Juno repairs the nest and makes his yard inviting for the doves again, he also makes a new friend, assimilates into school, and finds comfort in books and creating once more. Levine’s child-centered story is all the stronger for the quiet support Juno’s mother gives him, allowing him the space, time, and freedom to feel his emotions and work them out in his own way. Her final line, “‘But we made it work,'” offers optimism, camaraderie, and confidence in the face of change—the type of powerful spirit that can sustain us all.

In her affecting illustrations, Erika Meza uses color, facial expressions, and visual metaphors to compellingly show readers Juno’s transition as he navigates his way to acceptance of his new home. As the story begins, Meza uses darker and muted colors on the house and gate. As the doves accept Juno’s help, the colors brighten. Likewise, in the beginning, Juno and his mother appear sad and at a loss. Meza portrays Juno’s brown-painted room from above, as if readers are peering into a cardboard moving box. But as Juno makes friends, regains his love of learning, and the doves return, Meza’s color palette turns vivid, smiles return to Juno’s and Mama’s faces, and even the dark of night is dispelled by the dazzling light of the bedroom lamp as Juno and his mom snuggle together.

A candid story about moving away from home that is also applicable for other types of unexpected changes, A Terrible Place for a Nest validates the emotions children can experience when adjusting to new surroundings. For children struggling with change, especially, the story’s focus on taking time to adapt offers comfort and reassurance.

A Terrible Place for a Nest is highly recommended for families with a child or children who have difficulty with change and a must for school and public library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Roaring Brook Press, 2024 | ISBN 978-1250861221

About the Author

Sara Levine is an award-winning picture book author, veterinarian and science educator. Her books, which include Bone by Bone, Tooth by Tooth, Flower Talk, Sensitive, and The Animals Would Not Sleep!, have received the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize, Bank Street College Best Book of the Year, Beehive Book Award, Cook Prize and the Mathical Book Prize. She loves doing school and library programs. Visit Sara at saralevinebooks.com.

About the Illustrator

Erika Meza grew up in Mexico and moved houses more often than she had birthdays. Having studied illustration in Paris, she now lives in London―her thirty-sixth address―where she paints, writes her own stories, and practices her uncanny ability to pack efficiently. Erika loves exploring, learning about many different places and cultures, and finding joy in the people who allow you to be yourself. Visit Erica at ericameza.com.

National Nest Box Week Activity

Baby Mourning Doves Video

Watch a pair of mourning doves raise their nestlings from hatching to leaving the nest in this sweet video from Gary’s Backyard.

You can purchase A Terrible Place for a Nest at these booksellers

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