May 2 – Baby Day + National Pet Month

About the Holidays

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

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

Hazel the Handful

Written by Jamie Michalak | Illustrated by Matt Myers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ages 4 – 8

Candlewick, 2025 | ISBN 978-1536231199

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

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

Baby Day + National Pet Month Activity

Peppy Puppies Match Up Puzzle

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

Peppy Puppies Match Up Puzzle

You can purchase Hazel the Handful from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

May 23 – It’s National Family Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Observed during the five weeks between Mothers Day and Fathers Day, National Family Month was established by KidsPeace, a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping children and families since 1882. Leading into the school vacation season, the holiday encourages families to spend more time working, playing, talking, and just hanging out together. Today’s book highlights that exciting time when a family grows by welcoming a new baby—with a look through a new sibling’s eyes.

Thanks to WaterBrook and Kathleen Long Bostrom for sharing a copy of Since the Baby Came with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Since the Baby Came: A Sibling’s Learning-to-Love Story in 16 Poems

Written by Kathleen Long Bostrom | Illustrated by Janet Samuel

In this insightful, honest, funny, and heartwarming story, a little girl learns that she’s going to be a big sister during a breakfast of blueberry pancakes. To her left is her mama, who surprises her with the announcement, “‘We are having a baby!'” To her right is her daddy with the gift of a “Best Big Sister” T-shirt in hand. She seems dubious as she lets the syrup flow over her stack and onto the table because, she thinks, “Nobody asked me.”

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Image copyright Janet Samuel, 2023, text copyright Kathleen Long Bostrom, 2023. Courtesy of WaterBrook.

In “Mama Is Having a Baby” the girl tries to navigate all the changes that are happening—from her mother’s lap growing smaller to all of her toys being pushed aside for the baby’s crib and necessities to how long it’s taking for the baby to come. She asks God to tell her what happened and to help her to wait. At last her baby brother does arrive, and in “He’s Here! He’s Here!” the little girl expresses her excitement at all the things they can now do together and is sure “We’ll be best friends, the two of us, / and never ever fight or fuss. / He’ll love me more than anyone! / To have him home will be such fun!”

But the reality is different than she imagined, and her emotions begin to ride a rollercoaster from attention-seeking in “Look at Me!” to feelings of neglect and frustration in “When Will This Baby Go Away?” to the horrors of diaper changes in “Diaper Volcano” to dismay about his “bad habits” in “Suppertime.” But then she prays to God. In “Dear God” she says, “Hi, dear God! Remember me? / I need a friend today. / When my thoughts are tangled up, / it helps a lot to pray.” She goes on to explain her mixed feelings about how her life has changed, her brother’s crying, her decreased room space, and how busy her mama is. But she also talks about how she likes to snuggle and sing a lullaby to the baby: “Something happens then dear God. / My heart fills to the brim! / It makes me feel so very glad / to sing my song to him.” She realizes that “with our little baby here, / I’ll never be alone!”

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Image copyright Janet Samuel, 2023, text copyright Kathleen Long Bostrom, 2023. Courtesy of WaterBrook.

With her change of heart, she looks on her brother with new eyes and heart as he sleeps, wondering what he dreams about; is excited when he smiles at her; and discovers in “Maybe” that his “wiggles and giggles” are as “cute as can be” and that “he is amazing.” Now, she decides that her brother can stay with them and that maybe she’d even be open to having “another new brother—perhaps two or three!”

As Christmas comes, the baby has learned to sit up, and the little girl is showing him the story of the baby Jesus, who “was a baby too. / Just like me and just like you.” Splashing in the bathtub together, all of the little girl’s reservations are gone and she can unequivocally state all the reasons why she loves her baby brother. Soon her brother is standing, and in “Me Too!” he reaches out to touch his sister’s finger, sharing a special bond and ability to communicate. The story ends with “Surprise (Part 2)” in which the girl learns that an earlier wish will be fulfilled while her now toddler brother appears dubious.

An explanation of the fifteen types of poetry used in the book follows the story.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-since-the-baby-came-i-love-my-baby-brother

Image copyright Janet Samuel, 2023, text copyright Kathleen Long Bostrom, 2023. Courtesy of WaterBrook.

With an empathetic and witty child’s-eye (and -heart) view of the upheaval, worries, acceptance, and joys of welcoming a new baby into the family, Kathleen Long Bostrom creates a tender story for parents to share with their child or children while waiting for the baby to come and through the stages and changes that come next. Bostrom’s use of realistic, child-centric language and dialogue makes the situations and feelings expressed in each poem immediately recognizable for kids and adults alike, allowing them to easily discuss these events and emotions together. Bostrom’s use of fifteen different types of poetry introduces young readers to the engaging variety and playfulness of this literary form.

Janet Samuel’s vibrant and animated illustrations clearly show the changing family dynamics as the household prepares for the baby and welcomes him home. Images of home, meals, a crowd of family and friends gathered around the baby, a diaper change, and even the idyllic view the little girl has of what life will be like when her baby brother comes home are lovingly and humorously portrayed while depicting real emotions and a touch of familiar chaos. Over the course of the poems, these scenes segue into a calmer routine as the baby begins to sleep, smile, and play; the house becomes orderly once again, and the little girl discovers she loves her brother.

In Since the Baby Came, the trajectory of Kathleen Long Bostrom’s poems and Janet Samuel’s illustrations work beautifully in tandem to create a moving portrait of a family growing in size and love. The book is one that families can dip into during each stage, from pregnancy to homecoming and through a baby’s first year of development, to help new siblings understand the many changes that come, to navigate their feelings, and to welcome their brother or sister into their heart. Since the Baby Came would make a much-appreciated gift and is highly recommended for home, church and school library, and public library collections.

Ages 3 – 7

WaterBrook, 2023 | ISBN 978-0593577684

About the Author

Kathleen Long Bostrom is an award-winning author of over fifty books for children. Her books are published in over twenty languages. She is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA) who now writes full time. As a middle child, Kathy was both the new baby and the older sister who later became a mother of three herself. She knows whereof she rhymes! Visit her at kathleenlongbostrom.com.

About the Illustrator

Janet Samuel is an illustrator who lives in a small town in Wales with her daughter, Alice, and scruffy terrier, Tilly. Janet has illustrated books for many publishers, including Macmillan, Usbourne, Little Tiger Press, Scholastic, and Lion Hudson. She is happiest with a pencil or paintbrush in hand. You can connect with Janet on Instagram.

National Family Month Activity

Since the Baby Came Parents Resource Guide

You can download this helpful resource guide from Kathleen Long Bostrom’s website. It gives parents age-appropriate tips on preparing a child for a new sibling as well as fun and colorful worksheets adults can share with their child to involve them in choosing a name for the baby; drawing a portrait and album pictures of the family, including the new baby; a “Wheel of Emotions” that provides kids with the vocabulary to describe their feelings; questions adults can ask their older child to begin a discussion; and a fun puzzle.

Videos to Share

You’ll also find two videos of a mom and little girl enjoying two of the poems from the book.

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**You can find Since the Baby Came at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop

Picture Book Review

October 28 – It’s National Eat Better, Eat Together Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

National Eat Better, Eat Together Month encourages families to gather around the table for at least one meal a day. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics the benefits of eating together are wide ranging and can include better grades, better health, and fewer behavioral problems. Studies also show that when families get together for a meal, they tend to make more balanced food choices. This important uninterrupted time together allows each member of the family to share stories about their day or talk about issues that concern them, building stronger bonds.

Tiny Spoon Vs. Little Fork

Written by Constance Lombardo | Illustrated by Dan Abdo & Jason Patterson

The alarm clock on the kitchen wall “Bringgg! Bringgg! Bringggs” waking the baby’s spoon and fork, who pop out of their respective drawers, each raring to start the day. But it seems that these two have never met. “Wait a minute! Who are you?” they say in unison. Turns out Tiny Spoon and Little Fork both have the same job – to feed the baby. Tiny Spoon and Little Fork start to get into it—how Spoon has been there from the beginning and how much Baby loves to slurp, but now Fork reveals, Baby “wants to BITE! And CHOMP!” But time’s ticking away and Spoon and Fork have to get to the table.

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Image copyright Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson, 2022, text copyright Constance Lombardo, 2022. Courtesy of Hippo Park Books.

They make the daring leap only to continue their brew-ha-ha. Tiny Spoon has lots of great attributes and comes from sturdy stock, as proven by the photo album of “prominent spoons” like Aunt Soup Spoon, Daddy Serving Spoon, Cousin Teaspoon, and Grandpa Scoop. But Little Fork’s not impressed and opens up a photo app to demonstrate some bonafides in Uncle Salad Fork, Mama Carving Fork, Cousin Dinner Fork, and Great Grandma Tuning Fork, who had quite a voice. Tiny Spoon counters with an indisputable fact—”I was there FIRST time Baby ate solid food.”—and regales Little Fork with the fond memory of that day, Vroom, Vroom airplane noises and all.

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Image copyright Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson, 2022, text copyright Constance Lombardo, 2022. Courtesy of Hippo Park Books.

“BORING!” Little Fork says. “I’d like to see you try and twirl spaghetti.” Tiny Spoon volleys, but their pointed (and well-rounded) one-upmanship is interrupted by the “Thump! Thump! Thump! of Baby, who squeals “SPOOD!” and “FROK” as soon as she sees them. And, as she reaches out towards them, the promise of an answer is at hand. Instead, though, both Tiny Spoon and Little Fork are in hand, while Stuffed Bunny is in the other!

Baby raises her arms! This is not eating posture… this is… “WHEEEEEEEEEEE!… NOT fun” to Spoon while “it’s a little fun” for Fork. Through the air Spoon, Fork, and Stuffed Bunny fly, landing with a bump on the floor just as the alarmed Clock warns that Baby’s hungry. This is dire. How will Tiny Spoon and Little Fork get where they are so needed? They try shimmying, climbing, even having Bunny toss them. up, but they clatter back to earth every time.

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Image copyright Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson, 2022, text copyright Constance Lombardo, 2022. Courtesy of Hippo Park Books.

But Baby’s needs are more important than ranking themselves, and Spoon and Fork find a clever way to work together and propel them to the table top, where Baby reacts with glee and surprise and immediately snatches them—one in each tiny fist—so that Tiny Spoon can scoop up oatmeal and Little Fork can grab the scrambled eggs. And Baby? She can “nom nom nom nom nom…”

Happily food-encrusted and content with a good meal satisfactorily relayed, Tiny Spoon and Little Fork congratulate each other. They don’t have much time to relax, though, as Baby snatches them up again and they take another airborne trip across the kitchen to…could it be?…the dishwasher!

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Image copyright Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson, 2022, text copyright Constance Lombardo, 2022. Courtesy of Hippo Park Books.

Constance Lombardo’s madcap romp will have kids laughing out loud as Tiny Spoon and Little Fork try to outdo each other and claim the title of Baby’s favorite utensil. The comical repartee between Spoon and Fork lends itself to dramatic readings that kids will love chiming in on. As Tiny Spoon and Little Fork realize that their responsibility to feed Baby transcends their competition, they work together to ensure Baby’s needs are met, providing a humorous lesson on teamwork and friendship.

Dan and Jason know just what kids think is funny, and they bring all their talent for visual silliness to this rollicking story. Tiny Spoon and Little Fork’s expressive faces that accentuate the competition between them, Clock’s frantic Bringggg-ing, hand waving and alert that “BABY WANTS BREAKFAST NOW!” and baby’s boisterous actions will make any child or older sibling laugh out loud. The vivid, comics-style illustrations, dramatic text, and non-stop action will have kids shouting “again, Again, AGAIN!” for these two tiny superheroes.

A rollicking story that’s pure fun for lively story times, Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork is highly recommended. The book would be an often-asked-for favorite on home bookshelves and is sure to be in constant rotation at school and public libraries. If you’re looking for a gift for any child and especially an older sibling, you can’t go wrong with this book!

Ages 4 – 8

Hippo Park Books, 2022 | ISBN 978-1662640063

About the Author

Constance Lombardo is the author/illustrator of four books, including the three books in the Mr. Puffball series and the picture book, Everybody Says Meow, which was a 2020 Anna Dewdney Read Together Award Honor Book. Her passion for classic movies and classic comedy shines through in her work. She lives in Asheville, North Carolina. You can learn more about her books on her website and connect with her on Instagram and Twitter.

About the Illustrators

For the past 10 years, award-winning duo Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson have developed numerous animated campaigns, network TV and web series, and critically acclaimed commercial work. Their extensive portfolio has garnered them industry-wide recognition, while their humorous sensibility and diverse skill set has landed them jobs for top global brands. Dan and Jason have set up properties at Twentieth Century Fox, Disney, and Nickelodeon as well as a feature animated film through Paramount Pictures. The well-versed storytellers have developed original content for a wide variety of platforms, including print (Nickelodeon Comics, The New Yorker), theater (Pilobolus), and digital. Learn more about their work on their website. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

National Eat Better, Eat Together Month Activity

Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork Printable Placemat

What’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner – or a snack – without a placemat? Messy! And what’s a placemat without fun puzzles to do? Boring! With this printable placemat from Hippo Park, you can spend mealtime with Tiny Spoon, Little Fork, and all their friends! Choose from full-color and black-and-white placemats here:

Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork Super Fun Printable Placemat

**You can find Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

March 19 – National Let’s Laugh Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

There’s nothing better than a good laugh! Today people are encouraged to share jokes and funny stories and to find the humorous side of events. Laughing every day can make you feel better, and it’s good for your health. So, pick out a funny show to watch and, of course, lots of funny books! There are so many out there to discover—like today’s upcoming holiday offering!

Sam’s First Word

Written by Bea Birdsong | Illustrated by Holly Hatam

As a “newish” baby, Sam could do a lot. “She could wave her arms… and clap her hands… and take off her diaper.” Whenever Sam did something new, the adults in her life got excited. They cheered her on and then “wondered what she’d do next.” The thing they were waiting for the most was to hear her first word. And Mama, Papa, Nana, and even their next-door neighbor Mr. Theotopolous all hoped Sam’s first word would be their name.

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Image copyright Holly Hatam, 2021, text copyright Bea Birdsong, 2021. Courtesy of Little Brown Books for Young Readers.

While they were dreaming up ways to influence Sam’s big (announcement), Sam said, “‘POOP.’” But daydreaming as they were, “no one paid any attention.” Mama sang a song for Sam. The lyrics were “Mama Mama Mama Mama” sung sixty-three times. Papa told Sam a story that consisted of “203 words. All of them were Papa.” While all this was going on, Sam was waving her arms and clapping and saying “‘POOP.’” Nana and Mr. Theotopolous also had creative ways to inspire Sam, but Sam was more interested in getting someone to pay attention to her.

She had tried doing almost everything she knew without success. There was only one thing left. Off came the diaper and in her loudest little voice she said, “‘POOP!’” Everyone (well, almost) stopped and gazed at Sam and smiled. “She laughed. She cheered.” And don’t you wonder what she said next?

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Image copyright Holly Hatam, 2021, text copyright Bea Birdsong, 2021. Courtesy of Little Brown Books for Young Readers.

Bea Birdsong wraps up all the anticipation of a baby’s first word in a playful and funny story that will have kids and adults giggling all the way to the pitch-perfect ending. Adults’ sometimes obliviousness gets a gentle ribbing as Mama, Papa, Nana, and even the neighbor do all they can to hear Sam say their name first. Birdsong sets up the pacing just right to enhance the humor and to allow kids to do some predicting if they like. Speech bubbles invite dramatic reading and singing that kids will want to join in on too. The book may elicit sweet reminiscences for families too.

Fresh, fun, and endearing, Holly Hatam’s bright illustrations will charm kids and adults. While the adults may be momentarily focused on being the apple of Sam’s eye, the love and pride they show in Sam’s accomplishments shine through on each page. Appropriately, little Sam steals the show as she makes her declaration, waving leaves for her mom, clapping at her dad, and pointing pointedly for her nana. A two-page spread hilariously shows that necessity makes an invaluable teacher, and Hatam’s adorably determined Sam reminds readers that when it comes to kids, surprises are always right around the corner.

Witty and original, Sam’s First Word is a story kids and adults will love sharing again and again. The book would make a perfect gift for parents, grandparents, and other caregivers and an often-asked-for addition to all young children’s book collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2021 | ISBN 978-0316452441

Discover more about Bea Birdsong and her books on her website.

To learn more about Holly Hatam, her books, and her art, visit her website.

National Let’s Laugh Day Activity

Funny Matching Card Game

Give your memory and your chuckles a workout with this printable game!

Supplies

Printable Funny Game Cards 1
Printable Funny Game Cards 2
Scissors

Directions

Print two copies of each game card
Cut cards apart
Shuffle cards and place them face down on a table
Turn over one card and try to find its match by turning over one other card. If the cards match, pick them up and set them aside
If the cards don’t match, turn them face down again and try again
Keep trying until all cards are matched

**You can find Sam’s First Word at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

March 9 – National Reading Month World So Wide Book Tour

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Starting off with Read across America Day on March 2nd, the month celebrates reading, its joys, and benefits. When you read with your child or children every day you’re helping them develop the language and literacy skills that will promote future success in school and beyond. Even if your child isn’t talking yet, they’re listening and learning about their language as you read to them. Older kids also love being read to, and setting aside time to read together builds strong bonds that can last a lifetime. The month is officially marked with special events in schools, libraries, bookstores, and communities that bring authors, illustrators, and educators together with kids.

I received a copy of World So Wide from Two Lions for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own. I’m happy to be teaming with Two Lions in a giveaway of the book. See details below.

World So Wide

Written by Alison McGhee | Illustrated by Kate Alizadeh

As a new mom and dad welcome their baby into the world, they marvel that somewhere in the world a child is the “youngest person alive” just “opening their eyes” to…what? To something outside or to “the love in someone’s eye?” Will the first thing they hear be tender words, the first touch a warm embrace?

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Image copyright Kate Alizadeh, 2020, text copyright Alison McGhee, 2020. Courtesy of Two Lions.

Then with wonder these new parents address their own new baby—the youngest person in the world whose first sight was their smile. As their baby grows, they tell them there was “so much you wanted to say, / so much we wanted to hear, / so many firsts along the way.” And looking forward into their son’s bright future, they hope that one day the “newest person in the world / will open their eyes to see / a grown-up you smiling back at them.”

This mom and dad, their hearts bursting with love, tell their little one that when he has a baby of his own, he too will “hold that baby tight” and reveal to them a “life that’s bright and true” just as they will do for him—who is their new world.

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Image copyright Kate Alizadeh, 2020, text copyright Alison McGhee, 2020. Courtesy of Two Lions.

Alison McGhee puts into words that heart-swelling awe new parents feel for their babies as they contemplate this new life in the world, all the firsts to come, and the journey they will share with their child into the future. Her lyrical story offers adults gentle assurances of unending love to share with their little ones. As the babies grow into toddlerhood and begin navigating the worlds of school and activities, the open-ended text invites adults and kids to engage in explorations of what they see, hear, feel, and think, creating a new experience with each reading.

Wispy, dreamy, and full of movement, Kate Alizadeh’s vibrant illustrations are moving snapshots of those moments that mean so much—gazing into a newborn’s eyes, cradling that tiny body in your arms, and watching as they become their own person. Lovely spreads of rolling fields dotted with wildflowers mirror the wider world while projections of the baby’s future see a young man with a child of his own living in the city and exploring the seaside.

A warm and gentle hug in a book, World So Wide would make a touching baby shower or new baby gift as well as a sweet addition to home libraries for parents, grandparents, and other caregivers to share their deep love for their child.

Ages Baby – 6

Two Lions, 2020 | ISBN 978-1542006330

About the Author

Alison McGhee is the author of many highly acclaimed works. Her children’s books include the #1 New York Times bestseller Someday, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds; the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award–winning Bink & Gollie, cowritten with Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Tony Fucile; and the Christopher Award–winning Firefly Hollow, illustrated by Christopher Denise. Her novels for adults include Pulitzer Prize nominee Shadow Baby and Never Coming Back. She lives in Minnesota, Vermont, and California. Learn more at www.alisonmcghee.com. You can connect with Alison on Instagram | Twitter

About the Illustrator

Kate Alizadeh is the author-illustrator of Quiet and the illustrator of That Is Actually MY Blanket, Baby! by Angie Morgan. Her distinctive hand lettering appears on the covers of Unboxed and Second Best Friend by Non Pratt, and her black-and-white illustrations are featured in Proud: Stories, Poetry and Art on the Theme of Pride, compiled by Juno Dawson. A graduate of Falmouth University, she is currently based in Northern Ireland. Learn more at www.katealizadeh.net. You can connect with Kate on Instagram | Twitter

**You can find World So Wide at these booksellers**

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

July 31 – National Avocado Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

A fresh delight during the summer and quickly becoming a staple of diets and skin care, the avocado is something of a super fruit. Used by the Aztecs as facial masks to beautify their skin, the avocado was rediscovered in the early 1900s by the cosmetics industry, who began using its oils in creams, lotions, and facial cleansers and continue to do so today. The avocado provides essential Omega-3 fatty acids—which researchers are using in the fight against Alzheimer’s—as well as vitamins E, C, and K that prevent damage to cells and help restore those that are damaged. Of course, avocados are also delicious—by themselves, as guacamole, or in recipes for dishes from breakfast to dessert. To celebrate today, enjoy avocados your favorite way—or try a new recipe!

Avocado Baby

By John Burningham

“Mr. and Mrs. Hargraves and their two children were not very strong.” They were about to add another child to the family, and they all hoped the baby would be not be a weakling too. But when the baby was born, he didn’t like any of the food he was fed, and Mrs. Hargraves cried at how scrawny he looked. Her older children suggested she try giving him the avocado in the fruit bowl. Even though Mrs. Hargraves didn’t know how the avocado had gotten there—they never even bought avocados—she cut it open, mashed it up, and fed it to the baby. He ate it all up!

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“From that day on an amazing thing happened. The baby became very strong.” Every day, Mrs. Hargrave fed the baby avocado. Soon, the baby could get free from the highchair, pull a cart full of children, and rip off the side of the crib. One night when a burglar entered the house, the baby heard him and jumped out of his crib. The baby chased the burglar with a broom. “The burglar was so frightened at being chased by a baby that he dropped his bag and ran out of the house.”

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The next morning Mr. Hargraves put a “Beware of the Baby” sign on the front gate to keep other burglars away. The baby was helpful in other ways too. He carried full bags of groceries, helped move the piano and other furniture, and even pushed the car when it broke down. One day when two bullies began bothering his brother and sister at the park, the baby jumped out of his stroller, “picked up the bullies, and threw them into the pond.”

You will be glad to know that the baby is still getting stronger every day, and, of course, he’s still eating plenty of avocados.

avocado-baby-burglar-celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review

With his wry humor John Burningham is a master at making children laugh. Avocado Baby is a delightfully silly quick read with plenty of kid appeal in the story’s pint-sized superbaby. The gentle nudge to eat healthy makes the book a fun way to introduce new foods to picky eaters. Burningham’s well-known line drawings of the woe-begone Mrs. Hargrave and the baby pushing the car, chasing the burglar, and especially tossing two bullies into the pond at once will have young readers giggling and cheering.

Ages 3 – 7

Red Fox, 2000 | ISBN 978-0099200611

Discover more about John Burningham and his books on his website.

National Avocado Day Activity

Avocado Bagel

A creamy avocado makes a delicious spread for bagels or toast to have with breakfast, lunch, or dinner! The mild flavor will please little ones while the essential vitamins and oils will please health-conscious parents.

Ingredients

1 ripe avocado
1 teaspoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon pepper, or to taste

Directions

Cut the avocado open, remove pit, and scoop out the meat
In a bowl mash the avocado until it is smooth
Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Mix well
Spread on a toasted bagel or bread

Check out this classic story at your local library or find it on Amazon

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Videos to Share

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Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork Printable Placemat

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Sam’s First Word

Written by Bea Birdsong | Illustrated by Holly Hatam

National Let’s Laugh Day Activity

Funny Matching Card Game

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World So Wide

Written by Alison McGhee | Illustrated by Kate Alizadeh

About the Author

About the Illustrator

You can find World So Wide at these booksellers

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About the Holiday

Avocado Baby

By John Burningham

National Avocado Day Activity

Avocado Bagel

Check out this classic story at your local library or find it on Amazon

Share this:

**You can find Since the Baby Came at these booksellers**

**You can find Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork at these booksellers**

**You can find Sam’s First Word at these booksellers**

**You can find World So Wide at these booksellers**