August 7 – National Dog Month

About the Holiday

Established in 2020 by Milk-Bone and the J.M. Smucker Company, National Dog Month celebrates those special companions that give us so much love and enjoyment every day and encourages dog owners to show their pets extra attention during the leisurely days of August. Dogs love being with their humans, so why not give your pet a special treat or take them for a longer than usual walk? If you’re contemplating adding a pet to your family, this month may be a good time to make the move and visit your local shelter to adopt a new family member!

Thanks to Margaret K. McElderry Books for sending me a copy of this book for review!

Milton Makes a Move (Noodle and Jonathan)

Written by Jonathan Graziano | Illustrated by Dan Tavis

Milton enjoyed his home with it’s big yard and lots of other dogs to play with. These other dogs all dreamed of finding a permanent home of their own, and while “Milton liked most adventures”—as any pug would—he thought having a family was “too good to be true.” But one day he learned that he was moving in with a new family. The idea made him nervous. His mind swirled with so many “what ifs.”

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Dan Tavis. Text copyright © 2026 by Jonathan Graziano. Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books.

Still, he was soon on a plane and despite his worries, he was determined to be brave. He was met at his destination by a man named Jonathan, who seemed excited—as well as a bit nervous—to meet him. “Milton offered his head up for pats,” and Jonathan obliged, smiling. Milton felt better. As Milton explored his new home, he found many comforting and familiar things—like his favorite snacks and a welcoming bed. He also saw lots of pictures of Jonathan’s last pug, Noodle, having amazing adventures. When a sudden thunderstorm frightened Milton, Jonathan was right there with his comforting lap to snooze on.

The next day while making friends in his new backyard, Milton noticed that Jonathan seemed nervous about one particular black-and-white striped friend. He “boofed” at it until it ran off and then comforted Jonathan just as Jonathan had done for him the day before. Jonathan praised him as “the Very Best Boy,” and Milton felt proud. The longer Milton was with Jonathan, the braver he became. He and Jonathan had fun at home as well as many outdoor adventures, always taking care of each other and learning to be brave together no matter what.

Whether you and your kids are already fans or followers of Jonathan Graziano and his love for pugs (Noodle and the No Bones Day and Noodle Conquers Comfy Mountain) or are new to their sweet relationships, you will delight in Milton Makes a Move. Kids will cheer on the endearing pug Milton as he overcomes his worries about leaving the rescue home he knows for a forever home with Jonathan. Children who feel similarly anxious about change and trying new things or are sensitive to sensory issues will relate to Graziano’s straightforward and emotionally resonant storytelling.

A welcome theme in this story embraces the idea that the adventure of life is a collaboration between friends who truly care about each other, accepting their fears and worries and bolstering them when needed. Both Milton and Jonathan demonstrate that the courage to be brave is found within each person, giving young readers support and understanding as they face new challenges. Children will appreciate Graziano’s honest and uplifting ending that also reassures them that they are not alone in their feelings.

Dan Tavis combines whimsical and realistic imagery in his energetic and emotionally expressive pages that show Milton and Jonathan’s growing friendship and reliance on each other. Children will love pointing out all of Milton’s new friends and “boof, boofing” along with him as he finds his voice and happiness with Jonathan.

A sweet, uplifting, and confidence-building story, Milton Makes a Move will cheer young readers and is highly recommended for all library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2026 | ISBN 979-8347108947

About the Author

Jonathan Graziano is a Rochester native who currently resides in New York City. His eternal muse, Noodle, continues to inspire him each and every day. It is Jonathan’s hope that through this story he can continue Noodle’s legacy of spreading joy and kindness and encourage others to adopt and/or rescue a senior pet next time they’re looking to add a new member to their family. You can find Jonathan on TikTok and Instagram at @JonGraz.

About the Illustrator

Dan Tavis is illustrator living in New Hampshire. He has been doodling ever since his first math class in elementary school! He is the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Noodle and the No Bones Day, Common Critters,and Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion, among other projects. Learn more at DanTavis.com.

National Dog Month Activity

Find a Friend Matching Puzzle

Dogs and their humans often have personalities or even their appearance in common. Can you match up these sweet pups with their new best friend in this Find a Friend Matching Puzzle?

Find a Friend Matching Puzzle with Light Green Border | Find a Friend Matching Puzzle with No Border

You can purchase Milton Makes a Move from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

June 8 – National Raspberry Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

What is summer without the luscious taste of raspberries? These little berries are perfect for breakfast in your yogurt, for lunch as an upgrade for a usual peanut butter and jam sandwich, and for dinner in a special sauce or salad. And of course there are so many ways raspberries can elevate dessert! Raspberries can even make an outing with friends so much better, as you’ll see in today’s book. So while these favorite treats are in season, plan a trip to a farmers market or a pick-your-own field for a berry fun day!

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

Just for Today (A Maybe Tomorrow Book)

Written by Charlotte Agell | Illustrated by Ana Ramírez González

As soon as Norris sees Elba, he can tell that she’s been up all night worrying. He offers to talk about it with her, but she declines. Norris tries another tack, telling Elba “‘sometimes worry is when you tell yourself the wrong story'” and suggesting that “‘just for today'” she tries telling herself “‘a different story.'” Elba is game to try. To start off, Norris decides on a happy ending to aim for then prompts a story with Elba’s help about two good friends who sail off on their boat.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Ana Ramírez González. Text copyright © 2026 by Charlotte Agell. Courtesy of Scholastic.

Elba is excited to hear they have a boat, which inspires Norris to actually build a boat with wood and nails he has lying around. Elba helps, and soon they have the Adventure to float down the river to have a picnic. On shore, Norris unpacks their basket to find lots of goodies. . . but no Elba? Where could she be? Norris was “having too many thoughts. All those thoughts were turning into worries!”

Suddenly, Elba finds herself sailing off with the current and then, with a bump, she’s in the water. Realizing Norris can’t hear her cries for help, she finds her way to shore and clambers onto dry land. There, in front of her, is a raspberry thicket full of luscious fruit—her and Norris’s favorite! She nibbles a red raspberry while singing a comforting song to herself then sets off up the riverbank to find her friend. When she’s greeted by one of the butterflies that always hovers around Norris, Elba knows she is on the right path.

Norris, meanwhile, is full of worries that only grow as he tries not to worry. But then, he hears a voice he recognizes, and soon Elba appears. She’s surprised to learn that Norris was worried and that “everyone worries sometimes.” Elba pulls Norris along to see the raspberries she found, as they talk about how their worries actually helped them. They list the things they’ve lost as well as the things they haven’t and celebrate the raspberries they can have for lunch. They finish the story they were telling—short and sweet and all about their friendship—and it will always be their favorite.

Charlotte Agell’s Just for Today, the second book in her Maybe Tomorrow series brings best friends Elba and Norris back together to reassure young readers when they feel worried or overwhelmed. Through her gentle storytelling, Agell lets children know that they are not alone in experiencing the physical jitters and swirling thoughts that can feel paralyzing while giving them a concrete way to reframe the ideas in their mind. Her advice to concentrate on “just today” or simply a task at hand helps kids manage their emotions which fosters self-confidence. This lesson is clearly demonstrated through Elba and Norris’s close friendship, Elba’s uplifting internal dialogue, and the way Elba counters Norris’s regrets on losing their boat and food with positive aspects of the day.

Ana Ramírez González’s vibrant mixed-media illustrations engage readers with lovely landscapes and sweetly drawn depictions of Elba and Norris together. Norris and Elba’s changing emotions are evident and realistic, subtly moving between worry, fear, happiness, and contentment and giving children and adults a range of feelings to talk about.

Comforting and affirming, Just for Today is a balm for the worries and uncertainties of daily life and a book that children and adults will love to share.

Ages 4 – 8

Scholastic Press, 2026 | ISBN 978-1546181323

About the Author

Charlotte Agell was born in Norsjo, Sweden, and grew up in Montreal, Canada. She is the mother of two grown children and is a retired public-school teacher living in Maine. Charlotte is the author and illustrator of several picture books, chapter books, and young adult fiction published in Canada and abroad. Her Scholastic Press debut, Maybe Tomorrow? was hailed by School Library Journal as a story that offers “hope that the world can be a beautiful place.” Learn more at charlotteagell.com.

About the Illustrator

Ana Ramírez González is a New York Times bestselling illustrator, as well as a film director, production designer, and visual development artist who has worked on many high-profile films, including Pixar’s Academy Award-winning Coco. Ana grew up in Guanajuato, Mexico, and lives in San Francisco, California. Learn more about her work at anaramirezgonzalez.com.

National Raspberry Day Activity

Just for Today Activity Pages

Kids can help Elba get together with Norris for a day of fun and write their own story in these two Just for Today Activity Pages from Scholastic!

You can purchase Just for Today from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

February 11 – National Inventors’ Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today’s holiday was established in 1983 and is celebrated on February 11 to honor the birthday of Thomas Edison. The day recognizes the spirit of inventors who look at life a little differently, let their imagination fly, and create a new . . . something! While we often think of inventions that change the world on a day like today, simple ideas implemented at home also make a big impact—or just lead to lots of fun. If you and/or your kids enjoy being creative, today’s the day to tinker around with your ideas.

Thanks to Eerdman’s Books for Young Readers for sharing a digital copy of The Quiet One with me!

The Quiet One

By Yiting Lee

In her noisy classroom, Milly was the quiet one. She wasn’t exactly sure why she didn’t join in with her talkative classmates or why she especially dreaded Show and Tell, which was coming up on Friday. She most liked hanging out in her “secret place”—a shed filled with all sorts of things people didn’t need anymore or had forgotten. Milly was happy in her own company and liked to entertain herself by transforming other people’s old junk into amazing inventions like a running wheel for the shed’s mice and a working train from unused roller skates.

Then Milly found a broken cleaning robot. Getting out her toolbox, two caster wheels, and other supplies, Milly went to work. When she was finished and rebooted the robot, she was astonished to discover that it could talk—”Hi, I’m Arnold,” it said. Milly told Arnold her name. All afternoon Milly and Arnold worked to turn Milly’s secret place into a playground. Then as Milly explained what she wanted to build next, she “realized it was the first time she ever really enjoyed talking.”

Milly was still nervous about Show and Tell, but Arnold told her he would go with her and she could talk about him. On Friday, under the gaze of her classmates who seemed to loom above her, Milly froze. Arnold came to the rescue. He introduced himself and began: “Milly made me out of . . . of . . .”. He stopped, not knowing what came next. But Milly found her voice and finished the story, becoming more passionate about her subject as she went along. In fact, “she was so caught up in the moment that she forgot all about her fear.” Her classmates thought Milly was amazing, and Milly, later playing with her new friends on the playground she and Arnold had built, “was happy that she had been heard.”

Yiting Lee’s story offers reassurance to quiet, introspective children as well as to those who feel anxious when talking in or to a group. Through Milly’s experience, such children may feel encouraged to talk about a special skill, experience, or talent or to share the “stage” with a supportive friend who can help them overcome their fear. Lee also reminds readers that—as a favorite teacher of mine liked to say—”still waters run deep”, and that beneath a quiet exterior often bubbles unique perspectives, creativity, and loyal friendship.

Lee’s charming, cartoon illustrations contrast how Milly shrinks in her raucous classroom with how she comes alive in the junk shed—for her, a lab full of exploration, inspiration, and energy. Readers will enjoy stopping to look over all the images of Milly’s inventions and be inspired to create a few themselves.

A fast-paced, multilayered and inspiring story to spark confidence, foster understanding, and build connections among kids of all talents, The Quiet One offers a valuable resource for classrooms and school libraries and is a heartening choice for home and library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Eerdman’s Books for Young Readers, 2025 | ISBN 978-0802856418

About the Author/illustrator

Yiting Lee was once the quiet one in class, much like Milly. She followed her love of art to earn her MA in children’s book illustration at the University of Cambridge. Originally from Taiwan, Yiting currently lives in Surrey, England, where she has illustrated books like What’s the Rush? (Princeton Architectural) and Little Dinosaurs, Big Feelings (Magic Cat). Follow her on Instagram @yitinglee_art and visit her website at yitinglee.com.

National Inventors’ Day Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-inventor's-box

Inventor’s Box

For young inventors or tinkerers, having bits and pieces of this and that as well as some tools to work with all stored in one place encourages creative thinking. Filling the drawers of a tool case, a tool box, or a tackle box with items like springs, brads, wheels, hinges, plastic piping, pieces of wood, glue, tape, and simple tools can spark a child’s imagination. Take your child along to the craft or hardware store and choose items together!

You can purchase The Quiet One at these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

January 15 – It’s International Creativity Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Are you an artist, a writer, a decorator, a chef? How about a floral arranger, a woodworker, a fashion designer, or a gardener? Inside almost every heart lies a desire to create. Whether you use your ingenuity in your job or as an escape from the routine, this month celebrates all that is innovative. Sometimes this comes not in something you can see or touch but in a new thought or novel way of solving a problem—as seen in today’s book!

Thanks to Carolrhoda Books and Barb Fisch at Blue Slip Media for sharing a copy of Bear’s Big Idea with me! All opinions on the book are my own.

Bear’s Big Idea

Written by Sandra Nickel | Illustrated by Il Sung Na

Fish and Bear were best friends. They did everything together, and usually—well, always—Fish was the one with the ideas. “Every morning, Fish would wake up, put on her glasses, and just like that, she would know the perfect thing to do.” Every day of the week, Fish found something—a rope, a sled, an umbrella, and a blanket—and dreamed up an innovative way to have fun with it.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-bear's-big-idea-Monday

Image copyright Il Sung Na, 2024, text copyright Sandra Nickel, 2024. Courtesy of Carolrhoda Books.

But Fish didn’t want Bear to feel left out, so on Thursday she said that the next day they could do Bear’s idea, “‘Of course, said Bear. ‘My brand-new big idea.'” But Bear was worried. She “didn’t have an idea, not even an old and small idea.” Bear tried to sleep that night, but she was afraid that not having an idea meant she wasn’t a good friend. Would Fish take her bowl and leave? Anxiety muddled Bear’s brain, and all she could think of were now-old ideas.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-bear's-big-idea-Wednesday

Image copyright Il Sung Na, 2024, text copyright Sandra Nickel, 2024. Courtesy of Carolrhoda Books.

The next morning it was the same. Bear looked everywhere for a brand-new big idea but found nothing. She kept checking in with Fish, asking if she was still there. “‘Always and forever,’ said Fish” with added reassurance. At last, Bear confessed that she couldn’t see an idea anywhere. “‘Don’t worry,’ Fish said. ‘Just because you can’t see something, doesn’t mean it’s not there.'”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-bear's-big-idea-no-idea

Image copyright Il Sung Na, 2024, text copyright Sandra Nickel, 2024. Courtesy of Carolrhoda Books.

So Bear thought some more, she listened, and she felt the wind whipping up. Suddenly, the air was filled with all of the old things from the past week. As Bear watched the things flying by, she saw it! Her brand-new big idea! She quickly gathered the items together and grabbed Fish’s bowl then rode the sled down to the beach, where she turned those individual items into an ingenious brand-new big idea that even impressed Fish! As pleased as Bear was with her idea, though, she was even happier to discover that good friends were “always and forever there.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-bear's-big-idea-sleepless-night

Image copyright Il Sung Na, 2024, text copyright Sandra Nickel, 2024. Courtesy of Carolrhoda Books.

The second book in Sandra Nickel’s Bear and Fish series is a charming story that gently addresses children’s common fears about performance and pressure as well as the nature of friendship itself. Throughout the story, Nickel presents Bear’s conundrum realistically as she first alludes to having a big idea and then worries through the night and part of the next day that she will let down and maybe even lose her bestie because she has no idea at all.

Nickel—through Fish’s encouraging comments and confidence in Bear’s abilities—is always right there, though, with reassurance that children will find comforting in their own life. Nickel’s excellent pacing as well as her metaphorical dark and fog that stymies Bear until her approaching idea clears it away adds depth to the story and shows kids that things such as ideas, learning, self-confidence, and growth come to each person in their own time.

Children will be happy to see Il Sung Na’s fast friends back again in a new adventure. Il Sung’s soft-hued illustrations place Bear and Fish in a whimsically surreal mashup of vegetation from Bear’s forest and Fish’s underwater worlds. Bespectacled, ever-faithful Fish regales Bear with reassuring philosophy from her bowl, but also enjoys a madcap experience of her own thanks to Bear’s big idea. Through Il Sung’s clear depictions of Bear’s emotions, children can empathize with and cheer on Bear while gaining their own sense of self-confidence.

An uplifting, reassuring, and confidence boosting story, Bear’s Big Idea is sure to prompt requests for multiple readings and can spark discussions about feelings of fear, external and internal pressure, true friendship, and using one’s imagination. Bear’s Big Idea would make a valuable addition to home, library, and classroom collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Carolrhoda Books, 2024 | ISBN 979-8765610176

About the Author

Sandra Nickel is a writer of nonfiction picture books for children. Her work includes The Stuff Between Stars, Nacho’s Nachos, and Breaking Through the Clouds. She is the winner of a Christopher Award and holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. When at home in Switzerland, Sandra loves ambling and rambling and eating carrot muffins just as much as Bear and Fish do.

About the Illustrator

Il Sung Na was born in Seoul, South Korea. In 2001, he moved to London to pursue a BFA in Illustration and Animation at Kingston University, where he discovered a passion for children’s books. He completed his MFA Illustration Practice at MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art) in 2015. Il Sung has illustrated several books including Wild Peace, My Tree, and ZZZZ: A Book of Sleep. Currently based in Kansas City, Il Sung teaches illustration courses at KCAI (Kansas City Art Institute) and works on new books.

International Creativity Month Activity

Expressive Bear

You can talk about different emotions and feelings or make up your own stories with this Expressive Bear Craft! Use the templates and/or make your own expressive eyes, eyebrows, and nose and mouths. You can also play a game in which the first person to collect all the parts of the bear’s face is the winner.

Supplies

Printable Bear Head Template
Printable Eyes and Noses Template
Printable Eyebrows and Ears Template
Light brown felt or fleece (or color of your choice), 8 ½ x 11 inch piece
Dark brown felt or fleece(or color of your choice), 8 ½ x 11 inch piece
White felt or fleece, 8 ½ x 11 inch piece
Black felt or fleece, for pupils
Scissors
Glue
1 playing die (optional)

Directions

Print templates
Cut bear head from light felt or fleece
Cut eyes from white felt or fleece
Cut nose and inner ears from dark brown felt or fleece
Cut pupils from black felt or fleece
Glue pupils onto white eyes

Alternatively: Color and play with the paper set

For a Fun Story Time

Give the bear different faces and make up stories of why he looks that way!

To Play a Game

Supplies

1 plastic playing die. Or print this playing die template and draw one of the six facial features on each side.
Pencil, pen, or markers (if using printed die template)
Cut out, fold, and tape the die together

Directions

Roll the die and follow the instructions below to collect parts of the bear’s face.
The first player to create a full face is the winner.

Die dots correspond to:
1—one eyebrow
2—second eyebrow
3—one eye
4—second eye
5—nose
6—inner ears

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-bear's-big-idea-cover

You can purchase Bear’s Big Idea from these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

November 16 – It’s Picture Book Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

If you love picture books, you know the thrill of holding a new or a new-to-you book in your hands and opening up to that very first page. The children’s sections of bookstores and libraries draw you in with humor, fairy tales, poetry, biographies, science, and so much more—a whole universe of creativity, thought, knowledge, and imagination—that enlightens and entertains. This month take time to indulge your passion for picture books!

I’d like to thank Knopf Books for Young Readers for sending me a copy of Gift & Box for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Gift & Box

Written by Ellen Mayer | Illustrated by Brizida Magro

“Gift was a gift. Box was a box,” and when Grandma lovingly placed Gift inside Box, they became “a package.” Gift couldn’t wait to delight. Box was ready to protect. Grandma took the package to the post office, and Gift and Box “were on their way.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-gift-and-box-wrapping-gift

Illustration copyright Brizida Magro, 2023, text copyright Ellen Mayer, 2023. Courtesy of Knopf Books for Young Readers.

“They were not Priority Mail,” making the journey long and with many ups and downs. ‘”When will we be there?’ asked Gift.” Sometimes they waited and waited; sometimes they were tossed this way and that. Gift had lots of questions, a few complaints, and a moment of disappointment when the wrapping tore a bit. But Box always answered and comforted even though it could be “challenging.”

Being a package could be fun—like when they rode the conveyor belt. But the fun could turn scary, too—like when the big shipping container they were in was transferred to another ship. ‘”Don’t worry!'” shouted Box” when Gift was afraid. ‘”I’ve got you!'” As they got closer to their destination, each admitted they would miss one another. And then with a “Thunk!” they landed on a door step. Mama opened the door. Sofia rushed to see what had come.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-gift-and-box-conveyor-belt

Illustration copyright Brizida Magro, 2023, text copyright Ellen Mayer, 2023. Courtesy of Knopf Books for Young Readers.

Sofia opened Box and lovingly lifted Gift out. “Gift and Box were no longer a package.” Sofia unwrapped Gift and was delighted. Box was happy to have protected Gift, but now their time together had ended. Mama came over to flatten Box for recycling. Sofia, however, had other ideas—lots of ideas. Sofia got out tape and scissors; crayons, markers, and glue. When she was finished creating, Sofia and Gift and Box were ready for another adventure—together!

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-gift-and-box-package-delivered

Illustration copyright Brizida Magro, 2023, text copyright Ellen Mayer, 2023. Courtesy of Knopf Books for Young Readers.

What child doesn’t love getting a package in the mail? But who is it come from? How does it get to them? And Oh, the joy when the gift is revealed! Rooted in objects, emotions, ideas, and questions familiar to kids, Ellen Mayer’s story will delight readers of all ages with its fresh and innovative twists and turns. Together Gift and Box mirror the most appealing kinds of relationships—best friends; parent or caregiver and child; teacher and student. Children will love learning how a package navigates its way through the postal system, and adults and kids may even like to speculate on where Grandma and Sofia live since Gift and Box cross an ocean.

Mayer’s realistic dialogue creates a wonderful read-aloud story that can give adults and kids a fun way to interact while reading. The story also could easily be staged as a play in classrooms or libraries. The details of their journey make perfect prompts to discuss patience, fear, anxiety, and disappointment as well as new experiences, teamwork, excitement, growing friendships, and imaginative, creative play. Young readers will be delighted by the sweet and surprising ending.

On the very first page, kids will fall in love with Brizida Magro’s adorable Gift and Box. Their bright eyes, sweet, simple smiles (which cleverly register a full range of emotions) and creatively placed tape make them expressive and beloved characters to root for. Magro’s vivid collage-style illustrations play with repeating patterns, colors, and textures to create a charming and cohesive sense of movement as Gift and Box (and readers) follow the story’s journey. Magro’s final illustration is sure to inspire a child’s own creativity.

A Special Note: Readers will be well-rewarded by unwrapping the book from it’s jacket to meet Gift and Box in person!

An exciting, multi-layered story that kids will ask for again and again, Gift & Box makes a perfect addition to anyone’s gift list for holidays, birthdays, and “just because” days. Public and school libraries can be sure Gift & Box, with it’s bright, enticing cover and “read again!” appeal, will be a welcome addition to their collection and enjoy continuous rotation.

Ages 3 – 7

Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2023 | ISBN 978-0593377611

About the Author

Ellen Mayer is an award-winning author of lively children’s books that help build language and math skills. She has a background in early childhood education, as a researcher and early literacy home visitor. Ellen lives with her husband in Cambridge, Massachusetts. And while her grandchildren all live close by, she still mails them gifts in boxes they can open with delight.

Visit Ellen on Her Website | Instagram | Twitter

About the Illustrator

Brizida Magro is an illustrator and educator based in Boulder, Colorado, who grew up in Portugal. She teaches illustration at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. Brizida is also the illustrator of Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O’Neill and Let Me Call You Sweetheart by Mary Lee Donovan. She is passionate about rock climbing and wandering the world. She enjoys simplicity, wee characters, collecting vintage papers, and bringing stories to life.

Visit Brizida on Her Website | Instagram

Picture Book Month Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-shaving-cream-wrapping-paper-newer-best-2

Shaving Cream Wrapping Paper

Kids will love wrapping any birthday, holiday, or even surprise gift in unique wrapping paper they’ve made themselves! This simple creative craft is fun for the whole family!

Supplies

1 can of shaving cream
Food coloring
Shallow baking tray
Frosting spatula or regular spatula
Toothpicks or skewer for swirling food coloring
White paper, computer paper works well

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-shaving-cream

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-shaving-cream-colors

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-shaving-cream-wrapping-paper-drying

Directions

Squirt the shaving cream onto the tray in small amounts and spread into a thin layer with the spatula
Squeeze a few drops of different colored food coloring onto the shaving cream
With the toothpick or skewer gently swirl the colors. Alternately, gently smooth the colors around and together with the icing spatula.
Lay a piece of white paper on top of the shaving cream
Gently pat the paper all over. Do not submerge the paper in the shaving cream.
Lift the paper up and place on the table
Let sit for a few minutes
Scrape the shaving cream off the paper and let the paper dry

Order from Bookshop to support your local independent bookstore.

**You can also find Gift & Box at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

Picture Book Review

August 16 – Celebrating the Book Birthday of A Case of the Zaps

Posted by Kath Carroll

Thanks to Abrams Books for Young Readers for sending me a copy of A Case of the Zaps for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

A Case of the Zaps

Written by Alex Boniella and April Lavalle | Illustrated by James Kwan

On Robot-Earth there lived a robot named 3.14159… (“or Pi, for short”). Pi liked doing things most young robots did, like “playing music, walking their dog, and hanging out with their Parental Units and friends. Pi also liked sports, science, camping, and exploring, and their favorite food was DW-40. One day at school, their teacher announced that in a month the class would be going on a field trip to Olde Silicon Valley.