September 24 – It’s National Dog Week

About the Holiday

In 1928, Captain William Lewis Judy, founder of Dog World magazine National Dog Week established National Dog Week to celebrate the joy and companionship we get from our pups while also reminding people of what it takes to be a responsible dog owner. As members of the family, puppies and older dogs deserve as much love, care, and respect as their humans. To celebrate this week, take your dog for an extra walk or two, get (or make) them a new toy, and don’t forget to give them an extra treat.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sharing a copy of Oodles of Poodles and Doodles with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Oodles of Poodles and Doodles: A Woofing, Wagging Book of Colors

Written by Stephanie Calmenson | Illustrated by Hollie Hibbert

It’s time to celebrate Poodle and Doodle Day! Friends and their dogs eagerly enter the dog park, where “there are oodles of poodles and doodles to meet,” each one sporting their favorite color. First down the path is a “pink-ribboned poodle,” her well-coifed cut accented by a big rose bow. Two more poodles join the fun, one playing with a yellow banana squeaky toy and the other bounding along with her blue bear. Here come two more to join the party. “See the goldendoodle racing past? / His big red wheels help him move fast.” An aussiedoodle carries “a long brown stick” while a sheepadoodle noshes on a cookie that’s black and white.

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Illustration copyright Hollie Hibbert, 2024; text copyright Stephanie Calmenson, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

The party is in full swing when the doodles spy a dachshund in their midst. The pink-ribboned “poodle starts barking, “who are you?” and tells the dachshund he must leave the poodle/doodle-only party. But then a small poodle barks up to tell her friend “that is wrong! This dog must stay. He does belong.” She explains that while he’s not an oodle, he’s her “friend, so he’s a froodle!” She goes on to reveal that a froodle is a “friend + oodle.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-oodles-of-poodles-and-doodles-goldendoodle

Illustration copyright Hollie Hibbert, 2024; text copyright Stephanie Calmenson, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

It turns out that all of the dogs at the party have a froodle, and they invite these pals to join the newly renamed Poodle Doodle Froodle Party. All the dogs agree that “the party is merrier when froodles come too.”

Back matter includes an illustrated page of seven haircuts that are common for poodles and the benefits of the various cuts. Stephanie Calmenson also includes the story of the first-ever doodle dog—a Labrador/poodle mix named Sultan and how he came to be. Illustrations of eight types of doodles invite children to research more about these unique dogs. Kids will also enjoy seeing a photograph of the real Jeeter the poodle and Harry the dachshund that inspired the story.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-oodles-of-poodles-and-doodles-party

Illustration copyright Hollie Hibbert, 2024; text copyright Stephanie Calmenson, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Dog- and pet-loving children will be excited to join the poodles and doodles at the dog park as they learn colors. Stephanie Calmenson’s enthusiastic rhymes not only introduce ten colors but three different poodles and six breeds of doodles. The dogs’ playfulness as they bound around the dog park carrying their favorite toys, getting into mischief, and noshing on treats will delight kids. When one poodle sticks up for her non-doodle friend’s right to come to the party over the objections of another poodle, Calmenson uses straightforward language kids can understand and emulate if they find themselves in similar circumstances. As the rest of the dogs realize they also have “froodles,” readers learn a gently imparted, but still powerful lesson about the hurt and injustice of prejudice and exclusivity.

Hollie Hibbert’s vibrant illustrations put the focus on color, inclusion, and friendship as young children are invited to find, point out, and name a full palette of colors in addition to those featured on the poodles and doodles. Each page of these featured colors also include more examples in surrounding flowers, clothing, toys, and other objects which will encourage kids to find them in their own natural environments.

A kid-pleasing romp through color identification, friendship building, and dogs!, dogs!, dogs!, Oodles of Poodles and Doodles: A Woofing, Wagging Book of Colors is a book that kids and adults will have fun sharing again and again. The book is a top pick for home and library collections.

Ages 3 – 6

Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2024 | ISBN 978-1547612277

About the Author

Stephanie Calmenson’s books have been called “marvelous” (Publishers Weekly), “lyrical” (School Library Journal), “hilarious” (School Library Journal), and “sweet, funny, and right on the mark” (Booklist). With over 100 books to her credit, she writes for babies, toddlers, elementary school kids and, for all ages, books about dogs.

Her picture books include the beloved classic Dinner at the Panda Palace, a PBS Storytime Book; How to Cheer Up a Friend; May I Pet Your Dog?; and Dozens of Dachshunds. Early chapter books include the Our Principal series and The Adventures of Allie and Amy series, written with Magic School Bus author Joanna Cole.

A former teacher and children’s book editor, Stephanie feels privileged to have found work that brings together her love of children, language, and laughter. Visit Stephanie at stephaniecalmenson.com.

About the Illustrator

Hollie Hibbert is a dog-loving digital artist. She earned her BFA from Brigham Young University–Idaho. She has been working full-time in educational software since 2011. She illustrates a range of publishing and editorial projects and enjoys exhibiting at comic conventions and art shows. Her other hobbies include book arts, playing the piano, traveling, reading, indoor cycling, cooking, and online shopping. To learn more about Hollie and see a portfolio of her work, visit her at holliehibbert.com.

National Dog Week Activity

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Paw Print Magnet

Whether you have a dog or a cat, a print of your pet’s paw makes a cute magnet for your fridge or locker to give you a paw . . . I mean hand . . . holding those important messages and pictures. Here’s how to do this easy craft with your pet.

Supplies

1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1/4 cup water
Cookie cutter (optional)
Bowl
Wax paper
Multi-surface glue or hot glue gun
Strong magnet, available at craft stores
Paint (optional)

Directions

Mix the flour and salt in the bowl
Slowly add the water and mix the dough, kneading it until it is smooth and soft. Add more water if necessary.
Roll out the dough until it is about 1/4 – 1/2 inch thick
Place the dough on the wax paper
Carefully press your pet’s paw into the dough.
Place the cookie cutter over the print and cut out or shape the dough by hand
Bake the paw print at 250 degrees for 1 to 2 hours depending on thickness of dough
If desired, paint the print, the background, or both
Attach the magnet with the glue

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You can purchase Oodles of Poodles and Doodles: A Woofing, Wagging Book of Colors at these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

August 30 – Toasted Marshmallow Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

It doesn’t matter if the weather is warm or cold, toasted marshmallows taste the same—scrumptious! Whether you like your marshmallows just lightly browned or blackened to a crisp, these ooey-gooey delights are fun to make and fun to eat! Why not make a campfire, get out the tabletop marshmallow toaster, or start up the fire pit or grill and toast up some marshmallows with your family or friends today?

Thank you to Eerdmans Books for Young Readers for sharing a digital copy of Hiro, Winter, and Marshmallows with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Hiro, Winter, and Marshmallows

By Marine Schneider | Translated by Vineet Lal

While the rest of her family dozes in quiet hibernation, Hiro lies awake, reading the cave wall in the glow of her flashlight. “Her stomach rumbles and her heart longs for adventure.” She decides to go for a walk. Her mother’s warning about how “‘winter can bite'” whispers in her mind as she packs up the things she wants to take along.

Hiro Winter and Marshmallows-around the table

Hiro goes out into the white, icy world. “Tiny white confetti falls on her snout. She thinks it’s so beautiful.” Soon she finds tracks in the snow. She follows them until she hears unfamiliar noises and smells a wood fire burning and “the sweet, gooey scent of toasted marshmallows.” She thinks it is a party and runs toward it.

Hiro Winter and Marshmallows-children around campfire

Seeing Hiro, the children around the campfire scatter. Now Hiro is alone again. “Her heart sinks a little. She feels so far from home.” She picks up one of the sticks of marshmallows abandoned by the children. She sighs, rekindling the fire. Her marshmallows begin to soften. One of the children—Émile—is hiding behind a tree, watching. He would like to talk to Hiro and whispers to her that her marshmallows are most likely ready. By way of explanation and introduction, he adds “‘I’m a marshmallow expert.'”

Gently, Hiro asks if the child is Winter. Giggling, Émile says no and slowly moves closer “until he joins Hiro on her tree trunk.” He asks, “‘What’s it like, being a bear?'” Hiro describes her feelings and ends with the conclusion that she likes being a bear. Hiro then asks, “‘What’s it like, being an Émile?'” They then share stories about eating and playing, running and hiding, and “making up scary tales.” Émile decides they are much the same. They toast marshmallows, and Hiro teaches Émile bear songs. They celebrate late into the night until “Émile hears his mom calling” and they both head home.

Each in their beds, the new friends think about each other, and as Hiro drifts off to sleep, she hears her mom murmur, “‘Goodness, it smells like marshmallows in here!'”

Hiro Winter and Marshmallows-hiro and emile around campfire

Marine Schneider’s gentle tale follows a simple storyline that reveals profound truths about the nature of discovery—both of the self and the world around us. Kids will appreciate Hiro’s restlessness at the thought of hibernation and her desire to see for herself what Winter is like. When Hiro comes upon evidence of a party, she’s eager to join in, but only brave Émile—his curiosity matching Hiro’s—remains to forge a new friendship. Through their conversation over shared toasted marshmallows, Hiro and Émile discover that despite their differences, they and their lives are very similar, giving them each new perspectives and understanding to ponder until, we hope, they meet again.

Schnieder’s soft illustrations radiate warmth and whimsy—from the bear family’s close-knit breakfast of blueberries and pastries around the table to Hiro and Émile’s marshmallow-roasting party around the roaring campfire.

A cozy, comforting, and thought-provoking story, Hiro, Winter, and Marshmallows is the perfect antidote to a busy day. The book would be a welcome addition to any home, school, or library collection.

Ages 4 – 8

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2024 | ISBN 978-0802856326

About the Author/Illustrator

Marine Schneider is a Belgian author and illustrator who lives in Brussels. Her works include the picture books Life and I, I Am Life, and The Path (all Little Gestalten) as well as the board books Little Bear, Baby Bear and Big Bear, Little Bear (both Abrams). A traveler at heart, she loves wandering through snowy landscapes—alone or with company. Visit Marine’s website at marine-schneider.com and follow her on Instagram @marineschneider.

About the Translator

Vineet Lal is a translator of books from French to English, including A Perfect Spot, A Head Full of Birds, The Brothers Zzli, and Home (all Eerdmans). He studied French at Princeton University and the University of Edinburgh. Vineet lives in Scotland. Follow him on Twitter @vineet_uk.

Toasted Marshmallow Day Activity

A Fun In-Home Campfire

Kids and their friends and family can enjoy the cozy fun of a campfire in their own family room with this craft that’s easy to make from recycled materials. While the supplies might make the campfire artificial, kids will love it if the marshmallows are the real thing!

Supplies

Three or four paper or cardboard tubes
Cylindrical bread crumbs or oatmeal container
Tissue paper in red, orange, and yellow
Brown craft paint
Brown marker
Brown construction paper or white paper
Strong glue or hot glue gun
Chopsticks (one for each person)
Marshmallows

Directions

To Make the Logs

Cover the ends of the tubes with circles of brown construction paper or white paper and glue into place
Paint the tubes and the ends if needed, let dry
Paint the sides of the cylindrical container with the brown paint, let dry
With the marker draw tree rings on the ends of the tubes. Decorate the sides with wavy lines, adding a few knot holes and swirls.

To Make the Fire

Cut 9 squares from the tissue paper (3 in each color, about 8 to 6-inch square)
Layer the colors and gather them together at one tip. Fold over and hold them together with a rubber band.
To Assemble the Campfire
Stack the tube logs
Put the tissue paper fire in the middle of the logs

To “Roast” Marshmallows

Stick marshmallows on chopsticks for “roasting” and eating!

You can keep your logs and fire in the cylindrical log until the next time!

**You can purchase Hiro, Winter, and Marshmallows at these booksellers**

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

Picture Book Review

August 21 – It’s Family Fun Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

As summer activities transition into going-back-to-school prep and starting a new year of learning, there’s still time to enjoy fun with the family. Whether you plan special events at home, take trips to local attractions, or take a faraway excursion, your shared experiences as a family will make lifelong memories!

Thanks to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sharing a copy of The Quest for a Tangram Dragon with me for review consideration.

The Quest for a Tangram Dragon

Written by Christine Liu-Perkins | Illustrated by Lynn Scurfield

Little Triangle, tired of waiting for rain to quench the thirst of the brown grass and wilted leaves of the countryside, “decided to search for a good, kind dragon.” Along the way, it played around with all of the things it could make and do, but then it fell point over point down a hill and right into another small triangle. “Nǐ hǎo! Hello!” Little Triangle said in greeting. They talked like old friends, and Second Little Triangle agreed to join Little Triangle’s search for a dragon. They needed to cross a vast meadow, so they flipped and flopped and made three shapes: a bigger triangle, a square, and a parallelogram. None of these shapes would help them, though. But when they “bumped heads, they turned into a butterfly” and soared into the sky.

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Illustration copyright Lynn Scurfield, 2024. Text copyright Christine Liu-Perkins, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

They didn’t find a dragon, but they did see a square. Square was happy to help them on their quest, but how? The three new friends “switched, swapped, and swiveled. Soon they hit on just the right configuration and “turned into a bat.” They listened carefully, but instead of a dragon, they heard another shape singing and dancing and found Parallelogram. It didn’t take long for the four shapes to be off again on their adventure.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-quest-for-a tangram-dragon-tent

Illustration copyright Lynn Scurfield, 2024. Text copyright Christine Liu-Perkins, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

While their search resulted in no dragon sightings, they did meet Medium Triangle, Big Triangle and Second Big Triangle. The group continued shape shifting and looked high and low, but they never spotted a dragon. At last, weary and dejected, the shapes were ready to give up their quest, but Little Triangle convinced them to try one more time.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-quest-for-a tangram-dragon-getting-tired

Illustration copyright Lynn Scurfield, 2024. Text copyright Christine Liu-Perkins, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

The shapes chose partners and lined up: Little Triangle, Square, and Parallelogram; Medium Triangle and Second Little Triangle; and Big Triangle and Second Big Triangle. Then they got in position and . . . discovered something amazing! They didn’t need to search for a dragon any longer—they were a dragon! “Triumphant, they soared into the sky, breathing out clouds that showered rain over the thirsty land.”

In an Author’s Note following the story, Christine Liu-Perkins explains how to use tans to create geographical configurations, noting that while traditionally all seven tans are used to make a tangram, with her book she wants to encourage young beginners to experiment with fewer tans while building skills. She also reveals the positive meanings of the animals created throughout her story in Chinese culture. She goes on to explain the history of tangrams as well as their value in teaching problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and a vast array of mathematical concepts.

A colorful set of the seven tans found in the story are included for readers to cut out from a flap on the book’s jacket.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-quest-for-a tangram-dragon-make-a-dragon

Illustration copyright Lynn Scurfield, 2024. Text copyright Christine Liu-Perkins, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Christine Liu-Perkins’ story will excite kids with an engaging and friendship-filled adventure while introducing them to the fun and creative power of tangrams. As the group grows with the addition of tans, Liu-Perkins uses consonance and rhyming to mirror the way tans can be flipped and swiveled to fit together to create different shapes. The mystery of which creatures or objects the friends will experiment with while seeking just the right one to extend their search will keep readers eagerly turning the pages.

Liu-Perkins layers her story with a series of obstacles the tans need to overcome in order to reach their goal. These include physical barriers, accidental mishaps, and even their own disappointment and exhaustion. As the tans work through these obstacles, kids see how cooperation, understanding, and communication build friendships and contribute to the success of any undertaking. Their final discovery of the dragon is a pleasure.

Set against lush natural backgrounds in Lynn Scurfield’s mixed-media illustrations, the colorful tans create a vivid focal point for kids to easily see what shapes they will make next. Simple lines and brushstrokes added to the tans convey emotion and flesh out distinguishing features of wings, ears, tails, and more for each animal created. The end papers and a two-page spread within the story provide plenty more tangram fun and inspiration.

The Quest for a Tangram Dragon offers simple, creative, and challenging fun that families can enjoy on a game night, relaxing afternoon, or even during a spontaneous break between chores or other activities. The book also makes a terrific addition to classrooms across grade levels to enhance math, problem solving, art, and social studies lessons. School and public libraries will also want to add The Quest for a Tangram Dragon to their collections. The book is especially suited for library interactive story times, combined with magnetic tangram tiles in play areas, and for circulating book and toy kits. For gift-giving occasions, you can’t go wrong coupling this book with a set of tangram tiles.

Ages 5 – 8

Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2024 | ISBN 978-1547608058

About the Author

Christine Liu-Perkins is a writer and researcher who specializes in Chinese history and culture. Her book At Home in Her Tomb: Lady Dai and the Ancient Chinese Treasures of Mawangdui unearths one of China’s top archaeological finds of the last century. She has a Ph.D. in educational psychology. Born in Boston and raised near Kansas City, Christine now lives in Colorado. Visit her at christineliuperkins.com.

About the Illustrator

Lynn Scurfield is a mixed media illustrator based just outside of Toronto, Canada, who has worked on a variety of projects in newspapers, magazines, comics, and children’s publishing. Her books include Friends Are Friends, Forever and Hold That Thought! Visit her at lynnscurfield.com.

Family Fun Month Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-dragon-pencil-case-front-eyes-down

Dependable Dragon Pencil Case

You can always depend on a dragon to help out when needed! With this Dependable Dragon Pencil Case you’ll know just where your pencils, pens, markers, and other creative tools are when inspiration hits!

Supplies

Printable Dragon Pencil Case Templates – Wings | Face
Sheets of felt, 8 ½-inch by 11-inch (foam & heavy stock paper could work too)
- 2 Dark green (or color of your choice)
- 1 Light green (or color of your choice)
- 1 white
- 1 black
- 1 yellow (or color of your choice)
- 1 purple (or color of your choice)
Fabric Glue
Scissors
Velcro (optional)
Green Thread and needle (if you would like to sew instead of glue your case)
Glitter glue (optional)

Directions

Print the Dragon Templates
Cut out alternating 7 rows of scales from the dark green felt and 7 rows of light green felt (One row of the template scales is longer so you can tile them as shown on double row of scales the template. You will trim them later.)
To make the top of the head, cut a rounded top (instead of straight across—see picture).
Cut the eyes from the white felt, pupils and nostrils from the black felt, horns from the yellow felt, and wings from the purple felt. Set aside.

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To make the head

Fold one dark piece of felt in half lengthwise to make the pocket for your supplies
Cut a wavy line along the bottom of the felt to make lips (see picture)
Glue or sew the open side and bottom together, leaving the top open

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-dragon-pencil-case-bottom-snout

To add the scales

Starting at the bottom, lay one row of scales a little above the wavy bottom. Glue the top of the row to the folded pocket base.
Overlap an alternating green row of scales on the first row, glue the top to the folded pocket base
Continue alternating dark and light green scales until you reach 9 inches on the folded pocked base
Use the rounded row of scales for the top of the head. See how to insert horns below before attaching the top of head.

To insert the horns

On the rounded row of scales, mark where you want the horns to be
Cut two small slits in the felt where the horns will go
Insert the bottoms of the horns into the slits

To finish the head

Glue the top of the head with horns to the folded pocket base
Trim any longer rows of scales to meet the edges of the folded pocket base
Add the eyes and nostrils to the face

To make a Velcro closure for the case

Cut the base following the line of the rounded row of scales
Glue or sew strips of Velcro along the inside edges

To attach the wings

Turn the dragon case to the back
Glue or sew the wings to the center of the back, attaching them at the center edge
Outline or sprinkle the wings with glitter glue (optional)

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-dragon-pencil-case-back

**You can purchase The Quest for a Tangram Dragon at these booksellers**

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

Picture Book Review

June 20 – Summer Solstice

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today at exactly 4:51 p.m. Eastern time the earth and sun align in just the right way to create the longest day of the year and usher in the official astronomical start of summer. Whether summer to you and your family means spending time outdoors, a special vacation, camping, swimming, or more time to read, read, read, enjoy the longer days, the warm weather, and all the fun and adventure that summer can bring!

Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sending me a copy of Summer Is Here for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Summer is Here

Written by Renée Watson | Illustrated by Bea Jackson

On a perfect summer day, “tickling” rays of sun awaken a child from sleep, calling “Rise and shine.” The narrator wonders what joy summer will bring that day. In the kitchen, the child finds “a feast of fresh fruit” for breakfast, and later it’s time to dive into the pool in her backyard with friends.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-summer-is-here-pool

Summer has so much more in store as the day goes on. “Summer brings me a dance,” the protagonist says. A performance between “two jump ropes” that “leap and move and tap, tap, tap on the pavement.” And, of course, there is food—lush garden fruits and vegetables, family cookouts with sizzling burgers and hot dogs, and dessert from an ice-cream truck that serenades with tinkling music as everyone chooses their favorite sweet treat.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-summer-is-here-jump-rope

Summer brings other games—the cooling splash of water balloons and iridescent soap bubbles that float away with a soft breath, reflecting the colors of the twilight sky. As night falls, the child marvels over more magic summer offers: glittering stars and “her moon, a bright night-light watching over me.” If only this perfect summer could last forever.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-summer-is-here-nighttime

Renée Watson’s glorious paean to a personified summer celebrates all of the best activities and feelings that the long, warm days and outdoor freedom of the season bring. The bounties of friendship, family, and fresh food that Watson highlights on each page will fill readers’ hearts with joy and evoke memories for both adults and kids of summers gone by they’ll want to share.

Bea Jackson’s gorgeous illustrations burst with light, happiness, and the exuberance of childhood. In her stunning, two-page spreads, Jackson perfectly captures not only summer’s activities but the thrill they elicit in facial expressions that give each character their own personality—a touch that will resonate with every reader. Every reader can feel the warm hugs, the cool splash of the pool and water balloons; hear the sizzle of burgers on the grill; and experience the child’s wistfulness at the end of the day. No detail has been overlooked, and every page is a showstopper to linger over.

Summer Is Here is a must for every public and school library and will be a favorite on home bookshelves to read during the summer or to recall the season’s joys during the rest of the year.

Ages 3 – 6

Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2024 | ISBN 978-1547605866

About the Author

Renée Watson is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. Her novel, Piecing Me Together, received a Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award. Her books include the Ryan Hart series, Some Places More Than Others, This Side of Home, What Momma Left Me, and Love Is a Revolution as well as acclaimed picture books Summer Is Here, Maya’s Song, The 1619 Project: Born on the Water, written with Nikole Hannah-Jones, A Place Where Hurricanes Happen, and Harlem’s Little Blackbird, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Renée splits her time between Portland, Oregon and New York City. Visit her at reneewatson.net.

About the Illustrator

Bea Jackson is the award-winning artist of beloved picture books such as Hair Like Mine by Latashia M. Perryand the New York Times bestseller Parker Looks Up by Parker and Jessica Curry. She lives in Detroit, Michigan. Visit her at beagifted.com.

Summer Solstice Activity

How Many Scoops? Ice Cream Stacking Game

How many flavors do you like on your ice cream cone? If you say “All of them!” then this game’s for you!

Supplies

Printable Ice Cream Cone
Printable Ice Cream Scoop Playing Pieces
Printable Playing Die
Heavy paper for printing (optional)
Tape
Crayons

Directions

This game can be played with as many scoops as you like. Younger kids may only want to gather three or four scoops before a winner is declared. Older kids may want to earn six or even more scoops before they’re done.

Print out one ice cream cone and one set of scoop playing pieces for each player. The number of playing pieces you need will depend on how many scoops players determine it will take to win.
Cut out the ice cream cone.
Cut out and color the ice cream scoop playing pieces in your favorite flavors (or make up your own flavors!).
Color the scoops on the die. The scoops on the die must correspond to the colors on the playing pieces. If more than six scoops are needed to win, print and color two die with 12 different colors/flavors. Kids can roll both dice at once or one at a time until all the flavors are gathered.
Tape the playing die together.
Choose a player to go first. That player rolls the die and places the color scoop shown on their cone.
Play continues to the left.
If a player rolls a color/flavor they already have, they lose the turn and play continues with the next player.
Play continues until one person has collected the number of scoop playing pieces decided on to win.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-summer-is-here-cover

**You can purchase Summer is Here at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | Bookshop (support your local independent bookstore)

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

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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

June 12 – It’s Great Outdoors Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Kids of all ages benefit from being outdoors whether they’re playing, helping out with home projects, gardening, or traveling. Simple pleasures and even time to be “bored” spark the imagination and creativity and can help kids learn patience and self-sufficiency. To celebrate Great Outdoors Month, plan an outing with your kids. It may turn into an adventure you never expected!

Thanks to Two Lions and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for sharing a copy of Turkey’s Sandtastic Beach Day with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Turkey’s Sandtastic Beach Day (Turkey Trouble)

Written by Wendi Silvano | Illustrated by Lee Harper

It’s the Summer Children’s Festival on the boardwalk, and Farmer Jake has brought Turkey and all his friends to meet the kids. They’re all happy to be there, except . . . Turkey really wants to be on the beach to feel the soft sand and play in the waves, and he’s determined to sneak down there “‘Just for a few minutes.'” He even knows how he’ll do it—by disguising himself as a crab. When Turkey asks for help, Pig immediately pipes up, “‘I’m shore I can figure something out.”

One life preserver, two beachballs, and two shovel “claws” later, Turkey makes his way to the sand. Pig stands by as a lookout for Farmer Jake and reminds Turkey to walk sideways. Turkey is just settling into his crab-costume-turned-beach-chair and dipping his feet in the water when the lifeguard discovers the ruse and rushes to roust Turkey back to the boardwalk’s petting zoo.

Undeterred, Turkey devises a way to disguise himself as a shell, and although he makes it back to the sand for a little ‘”sea-esta,'” he soon finds himself on the boardwalk again. He’s pretty impressed by the surfers, and with Cow’s encouragement decides to infiltrate a group of surfers with a clever get-up using beach trunks and a seaweed wig for that mop-top look. He paddles out, stands up, and is riding the crest of a monster wave until . . . he isn’t.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-turkey's-sandtastic-beach-day-boardwalk

Image copyright Lee Harper, 2023, text copyright Wendi Silvano, 2023. Courtesy of Two Lions.

Turkey’s about to give up on his dream of enjoying the beach when Horse comes up with another way Turkey can disguise himself and do a little snorkeling—easily accomplished with the fin from the surfboard and a set of false teeth. And it works, for awhile, until a swimmer shouts “‘SHARK!'” and “everyone bolted from the water, including Turkey.”

Farmer Jake is not happy and scoops Turkey into a fishing net, telling him “. . . you’re fin-ished! Get back to the petting zoo.” Farmer Jake keeps careful tabs on his animals now . . . until he falls asleep, and the animals see their chance to join the sandcastle-building contest. Rooster works the crane, Horse carries an array of buckets, shovels, and sifters, Cow and Pig dig even more sand, and Turkey and Sheep pack and mold.

When Farmer Jake wakes up, he can’t find his animals behind the mounds of sand. But when “Turkey Town” is declared the winner of the contest, he’s as proud as can be. And the prize? They all cheer when the judge announces they’ve won “‘. . . a free stay at a house on your own private beach!'” And they know just how to celebrate. They invite everyone at the festival to come along too. “It was the most sandtastic beach day ever!”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-turkey's-sandtastic-beach-day-crab-costume

Image copyright Lee Harper, 2023, text copyright Wendi Silvano, 2023. Courtesy of Two Lions.

What could be better that spending the summer with Turkey and his friends? Wendi Silvano’s beloved poultry pal is sure to delight fans with another adventure full of clever hijinks and lots of laughs on every page. Silvano’s nimble dialogue is not only stuffed with puns that will keep kids giggling and groaning but highlights the camaraderie among the animals and their quick-thinking creativity. Of course, friendship is the theme of all the books in the Turkey Trouble series, and here—in addition to readers—Farmer Jake, the animals, and all the visitors to the Summer Children’s Festival are the beneficiaries of Turkey’s generosity.

Spending time with Lee Harper’s farmyard friends is always a treat, and the seaside setting has inspired some of the goofiest disguises yet as well as that show-stopping winning sand castle that proves this is one talented group of animals. Harper is a master at depicting good-natured mayhem and laugh-inducing facial expressions all backed by the beautiful ocean and scenic boardwalk. Kids will spy lots of humorous shenanigans on the boardwalk and even a nod to the book’s placement in the series on the license plate for Farmer Jake’s wagon.

Whether your kids are fans of Farmer Jake, Turkey, and the crew or just discovering tight-knit group of friends, you’ll want to add Turkey’s Sandtastic Beach Day to your home bookshelves for sunny, laugh-out-loud story times all year round. The book is also a must addition to school and public library collections.

Ages 3 – 7

Two Lions, 2023 | ISBN 978-1662508356

About the Author

Wendi Silvano was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has lived in Oregon, Colorado, and Peru. The author of the Turkey Trouble series, she has a BA in early childhood education and taught preschool and elementary school for eleven years. She is the mother of five children and the owner of an assortment of odd pets that are not nearly as clever as Turkey. She now writes from her home in Colorado, where she enjoys hiking, reading, and playing the piano. Visit her online at http://www.wendisilvano.com.

About the Illustrator

Lee Harper is the author-illustrator of the books Coyote, The Emperor’s Cool Clothes, and Snow! Snow! Snow! In addition to the Turkey Trouble series, Lee is also the illustrator of Looking for the Easy Life by Walter Dean Myers and the Woolbur books by Leslie Helakoski. Lee has four children, a German shepherd, two barn cats, two pigs, eleven chickens, and four sheep…but still no turkeys. Yet. He lives with his wife in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Visit him online at http://www.leeharperart.com.

National Great Outdoors Month Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-bringing-the-outside-in-painted-pails-craft

Personalized Painted Pail

A trip to the beach or park isn’t complete without a pail to collect shells, seaweed, sea glass, pebbles, sticks, nuts, or other things in. But why should all the cool stuff be on the inside? With this craft you can decorate your pail to show your unique personality!

Supplies

Plastic or metal pail
Craft paint in various colors
Crystal Clear Acrylic Coating, for multi-surface use
Paint brush

Directions

Paint designs on the pail
When paint is dry spray with acrylic coating to set paint
Let dry

You can find Turkey’s Sandtastic Beach Day at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop

Picture Book Review

May 18 – It’s National Family Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Established by KidsPeace, a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping children and families since 1882, National Family Month is observed during the five-week period between Mother’s Day in May and Father’s Day in June. It coincides with the usual end of the school year, and raises awareness of the important role mothers and fathers as well as grandparents and extended family play as a support system for their children. To observe the holiday spend time talking with your kids about topics of importance to them and plan activities for fun and to help them achieve their goals.

Thank you to Star Bright Books for sharing a copy of Arletis, Abuel, and the Message in a Bottle for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle

Written by Lea Aschkenas | Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu

Growing up in Cuba, Arletis loved studying maps and wondering about the people and places beyond her island. “Her whole life took place on the long, unnamed street that ran in front of the unnumbered house, where she lived.” Some afternoons, she took the horse-drawn carriage that transported people around town to visit her abuela. While she was there, Abuela told her funny stories about her abuelo, who had died before she was born. Sometimes tears would form in Abuela’s eyes as she talked about her husband. Then “Arletis would suggest they pick the grapefruits that grew like miniature suns in the trees Abuela had planted when she was young” to make her favorite treat cascos de toronja.

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Image copyright Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu, 2023, text copyright Lea Aschkenas, 2023. Courtesy of Star Bright Books.

Arletis’s life was rich with delicious fruit that grew in trees along her street, swimming in the river when the heat became “so heavy and thick it rolled down the street in dizzying waves,” and playing her favorite game: choreographer, in which she, her cousin, and neighborhood kids danced to the music on the radio. Arletis loved her street, but sometimes she wondered if there was more. In another part of the world—off the coast of Sausalito, California—a man named Steve lived alone on the tugboat with which he had once made his living. While Steve was content on his tugboat, he too wondered if there was more.

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Image copyright Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu, 2023, text copyright Lea Aschkenas, 2023. Courtesy of Star Bright Books.

For Arletis’s eighth birthday, her parents rented a beach house for a weekend vacation to Playa Bailén, about 30 miles from home. On the bus ride there, Arletis, for the first time, saw the ocean that surrounded her island. On her birthday, Arletis took a walk along the beach and found a green bottle. The top was sealed with tape, and inside she could see a rolled up piece of paper. The paper turned out to be a letter written in a foreign language. Arletis was excited to realize that the bottle had come from another country.

Even though Arletis couldn’t read the words, she wrote a letter about “her life, about her family and her beautiful street. She asked every question she could think of about life in this other country” and she mailed it to the address provided at the bottom of the message from the bottle. When Steve received the letter, he immediately knew it was a response to his message in the bottle that he had given to a friend who was sailing down the coast and through the Panama Canal. The friend had dropped the bottle into the sea after he’d sailed into the Caribbean Sea.

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Image copyright Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu, 2023, text copyright Lea Aschkenas, 2023. Courtesy of Star Bright Books.

Steve was thrilled to receive Arletis’s letter. He had begun studying Spanish and “had been wishing for someone to practice with.” Two months had gone by since Arletis had sent her letter when she heard the mail carrier call out her name and hand her an envelope. It was the first letter Arletis had ever received, and she handled it with great care. Steve had answered all her questions and even sent a picture of himself and his tugboat. Arletis thought Steve looked “old enough to be a grandfather. Arletis had always wished for a grandfather, so she decided to address her next letter, ‘Querido Abuelo Esteban.’ ‘Dear Grandfather Steve'” and invited him to visit her and her family one day.

Arletis and Abuelo Esteban began writing to each other monthly then in one letter, Abuelo Esteban said he would be coming for a visit. “Arletis couldn’t stop smiling.” When Abuelo Esteban arrived, he brought a gift. It was a map he had drawn “showing the path his bottle had taken, first on his friend’s boat and then on the wide open sea to Arletis’s island. It was the most beautiful map Arletis had ever seen.” During the five days that Abuelo Esteban spent with Arletis’s family, he played baseball with her friends, swam in the river, and enjoyed some of Arletis’s favorite foods.

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Image copyright Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu, 2023, text copyright Lea Aschkenas, 2023. Courtesy of Star Bright Books.

On Abuelo Esteban’s last night visiting, Arletis’s mother and Abuela made a special dinner, complete with Arletis’s favorite dessert, cascos de toronja. Abuelo Esteban loved it too. He showed everyone pictures of his tugboat and the dock where it was moored. Arletis thought the dock looked just like a little island surrounded by water. When she asked Abuelo Esteban if he thought an island was a good place to live, he replied, “‘Yes, I think so. Especially if there is another island where you have family you can visit.'”

Backmatter includes an Author’s Note that outlines how Lea Aschkenas first met Abuelo Esteban at the Sausalito library where she worked and learned about his story. She adds an update to the story about both Arletis, now an adult, and Steve, who has continued to visit his “familia de corazón”— his family of the heart. A recipe for cascos de toronja, glossary of the Spanish words found in the story, and a list of references for further reading, viewing, and listening in both English and Spanish are also included.

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Image copyright Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu, 2023, text copyright Lea Aschkenas, 2023. Courtesy of Star Bright Books.

Lea Aschkenas’s gentle and uplifting story immerses readers in the sights, sounds, flavors, and warm hearts of Cuba. Her comprehensive storytelling is filled with the types of details about Arletis’s life that will captivate readers and resonate with their own love for spontaneous fun, favorite foods, and family relationships. Aschkenas’s lovely descriptive language—Cuba is an “alligator-shaped island,” boiled grapefruit pith for cascos de toronja is as transparent as “a see-through fish,” Arletis and Abuelo Esteban exchange letters “as regularly as the monthly full moon”—and Spanish words and phrases sprinkled throughout the text paint pictures in children’s minds of the special beauty of Cuba.

Through Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu’s stunning watercolor illustrations, readers travel to Cuba to revel in the brilliant colors of the buildings and homes, the luscious hues of tropical fruit, the jewel-like water of the rivers and ocean, and, especially, the sunny smiles of the country’s people. When the story turns to the Sausalito dock where Steve lives, children see that the landscape is similar, with homes and businesses painted in pinks, yellow, red, and blue. Palm trees dot the skyline, and the ocean is as blue as the sky. Van Wright and Hu enchantingly capture Arletis’s wanderlust and her excitement to connect with Steve, with whom she immediately forms a grandfatherly bond. Images of Arletis cooking with her Abuela, dancing and playing baseball with friends, and sitting around the family dinner table with Abuela Esteban will charm children as they take this true story into their heart.

Wonderfully evocative and multilayered, Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle is a remarkable story of family, friendship, pride in one’s country, and the joys to be found in reaching out to others across the world. The book is a heartfelt choice for story times at home and school and would make an impactful addition to any classroom or homeschool geography or social studies curriculum. Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle is highly recommended for all home, school, and public library collections. The book is also available in a Spanish edition: Arletis, abuelo y el mensaje en la botella.

Ages 4 – 8

Star Bright Books, 2023 | ISBN 978-1595729699 (English Hardcover) | ISBN 978-1595729705 (English Paperback) | ISBN 978-1595729729 (Spanish Hardcover) | ISBN 978-1595729712 (Spanish Paperback)

About the Author

LEA ASCHKENAS has written book reviews and articles for Washington Post Book World, Los Angeles Review of Books, and Salon. She is also the author of a travel memoir, Es Cuba: Life and Love on an Illegal Island. She fell in love with Cuba and its people on her first trip to the island in the year 2000 and has been returning nearly every year since. Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle is her first book for children. Lea lives in Northern California where she works as a public librarian and teaches with the California Poets in the Schools program. Visit Lea at: leaaschkenas.com.

About the Illustrators

CORNELIUS VAN WRIGHT and YING-HWA HU are a husband and wife children’s book illustration team. They have worked on many assignments together, but have also illustrated numerous projects and books individually. They have won a number of awards for their books. Their work has been exhibited at the Bologna Book Fair and the Society of Illustrators’ “The Original Art” show. Cornelius and Ying-Hwa live in New York City. You can learn more about Cornelius and Ying-Hwa Hu and their work at pencilmoonstudio.com. Visit Ying-Hwa Hu at yinghwahu.com.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-Arletis-Abuelo-and-the-Message-in-a-Bottle-cover

**You can find Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle or the Spanish Edition, Arletis, abuelo y el mensaje en la botella, at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

Arletis, abuelo y el mensaje en la botella

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop: English Edition | Spanish Edition

Picture Book Review

About the Holiday

Oodles of Poodles and Doodles: A Woofing, Wagging Book of Colors

Written by Stephanie Calmenson | Illustrated by Hollie Hibbert

National Dog Week Activity

Paw Print Magnet

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About the Holiday

Hiro, Winter, and Marshmallows

By Marine Schneider | Translated by Vineet Lal

Toasted Marshmallow Day Activity

A Fun In-Home Campfire

Supplies

Directions

You can purchase Hiro, Winter, and Marshmallows at these booksellers

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About the Holiday

The Quest for a Tangram Dragon

Written by Christine Liu-Perkins | Illustrated by Lynn Scurfield

Family Fun Month Activity

Dependable Dragon Pencil Case

You can purchase The Quest for a Tangram Dragon at these booksellers

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About the Holiday

Summer is Here

Written by Renée Watson | Illustrated by Bea Jackson

About the Author

About the Illustrator

Summer Solstice Activity

How Many Scoops? Ice Cream Stacking Game

You can purchase Summer is Here at these booksellers

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About the Holiday

Gift & Box

Written by Ellen Mayer | Illustrated by Brizida Magro

About the Author

About the Illustrator

Picture Book Month Activity

Shaving Cream Wrapping Paper

Order from Bookshop to support your local independent bookstore.

You can also find Gift & Box at these booksellers

Share this:

About the Holiday

Turkey’s Sandtastic Beach Day (Turkey Trouble)

Written by Wendi Silvano | Illustrated by Lee Harper

National Great Outdoors Month Activity

Personalized Painted Pail

You can find Turkey’s Sandtastic Beach Day at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Share this:

About the Holiday

Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle

Written by Lea Aschkenas | Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu

You can find Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle or the Spanish Edition, Arletis, abuelo y el mensaje en la botella, at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Share this:

**You can purchase Hiro, Winter, and Marshmallows at these booksellers**

**You can purchase The Quest for a Tangram Dragon at these booksellers**

**You can purchase Summer is Here at these booksellers**

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

**You can find Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle or the Spanish Edition, Arletis, abuelo y el mensaje en la botella, at these booksellers**