February 24 – It’s Bake for Family Fun Month

About the Holiday

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

10 Gulub Jamuns: Counting with an Indian Sweet Treat

Written by Sandhya Acharya | Illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre

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

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

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

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

A recipe for gulab jamuns follows the story.

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

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

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

Ages 2 – 7

Sandhya Acharya, 2022 | ISBN 979-8985609516

About the Author

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

Bake for Family Fun Month Activity

Let’s Bake Together Coloring Page

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

You can purchase 10 Gulab Jamuns at these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

January 9 – National Word Nerd Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Do you love nothing more than finding new words and using them in conversation or in your own writing? Does completing a crossword or word search puzzle make for the perfect day? Is a pun your favorite type of joke? Then you’re a word nerd! Today’s holiday highlights the importance of language and the fun of learning and expressing yourself precisely with new or uncommon words. To celebrate, why not gather friends or family and play a word-based game like Scrabble, Tapple 10, Charades, or—my favorite—Boggle!

Calvin Gets the Last Word

Written by Margo Sorenson | Illustrated by Mike Deas

The moment Calvin wakes up, he grabs his dictionary and heads to the kitchen for breakfast. While Calvin may be well-rested, his dictionary tells readers that it is tired. “Why? Because Calvin loves words—I mean REALLY loves words,” the dictionary says. Calvin won’t rest until he’s found the perfect “word for everything—especially his rascally brother.” At breakfast, Calvin takes a big gulp of milk. It’s just the moment his brother’s been waiting for to tell his super funny joke. You can imagine what happens—and why the dictionary’s page containing the word revenge is soaked.

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Image copyright Mike Deas, 2020, text copyright Margo Sorenson, 2020. Courtesy of Tilbury House Publishers.

But is revenge the right word for Calvin’s brother? Not quite. On the school bus as the kids are tossing a backpack, talking, laughing, and hanging over the seats, Calvin’s dictionary describes it as mayhem, but that word doesn’t completely describe his brother either. As Calvin struggles in geography class and passes notes during library story time, his dictionary helps describe the mood, but the words it chooses don’t really apply to his brother. On the way home, though, Calvin does discover a good word for himself when he stands up to a bully and helps a kindergartener.

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Image copyright Mike Deas, 2020, text copyright Margo Sorenson, 2020. Courtesy of Tilbury House Publishers.

At Little League practice, the dictionary reveals that Calvin “loves to crush the ball during batting practice, sending it over the fence. That’s why the page that reads pulverize has grass stains on it.” Could pulverize be the right word for his brother? While Calvin thinks it could be fun, it’s not exactly right.

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Image copyright Mike Deas, 2020, text copyright Margo Sorenson, 2020. Courtesy of Tilbury House Publishers.

That night dinner turns into a repeat of breakfast—only in broccoli green. When Calvin goes to bed, he sits for a while, thinking. Then he grabs his exhausted dictionary and a glass of water and sneaks into his brother’s room. The dictionary thinks it knows what’s going to happen and riffles through its pages to find the right word, unconcerned whether it stays dry or not. And suddenly it opens to the perfect word! But wait, that word doesn’t fit now because the brothers are laughing. The dictionary tries flipping to another page and a better word, but Calvin has it beat as he turns the pages and discovers the exact right word to describe his brother. What are all of these words? Come flip through Calvin Gets the Last Word yourself to find out!

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Image copyright Mike Deas, 2020, text copyright Margo Sorenson, 2020. Courtesy of Tilbury House Publishers.

Mike Deas’ glasses-wearing and sweat suit-clad Calvin, whose dictionary is always at the ready to define his experiences, is a character readers will respond to. Images of the sprayed milk and broccoli, rockin’ school bus, library story rug, and baseball field are full of familiar details and plenty of action. As Calvin prepares to play his trick on his brother Deas gives kids a cutaway view of the house from above, letting them tiptoe through the maze of rooms with Calvin. The final scenes of the brothers checking out the dictionary together in the light of a bedside lamp is sibling devotion at its best.

A delightful family story that can stir a love of language, Calvin Gets the Last Word would be a favorite addition to home libraries. The book is highly recommended for school and classroom bookshelves to enhance language arts, writing, grammar, and vocabulary lessons and for public library collections as well.

Ages 6 – 8

Tilbury House Publishers, 2020 | ISBN 978-0884488224

Discover more about Margo Sorenson and her books on her website.

To learn more about Mike Deas, his books, and his art, visit his website.

National Word Nerd Day Activity

“Big Words” Word Search

Knowing and using a wide range of words allows you to express yourself in exact—and often—fun ways. Find the 26 “big” words—one for each letter of the alphabet—in this printable word search puzzle.

“Big Words” Word Search Puzzle | “Big Words” Puzzle Solution!

You can purchase Calvin Get’s the Last Word from these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

October 11 – It’s National Book Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

This month-long holiday was established to get families excited about reading. As the weather turns cooler and activities turn indoors, reading together is a wonderful way to spend time having fun and making memories. Small children love being read to—and so do older kids! Sharing board books, picture books, and chapter books with younger kids is always fun, cozy, and cuddly. Taking the journey of a novel together with preteens and teens can provide inspiring, emotional, funny, and bonding moments that last a lifetime.

BroomMates: A Brewing Boundary Battle

Written by Lynne Marie and Brenda Reeves Sturgis | Illustrated by Nico Ecenarro

Moving into a creaky house behind creaky gates, two “witchy mismatched sisters” found they must share a tiny room and one broom. On the way to the shops to buy décor for their room, both Matilda and Malin want to steer the broom, setting up a “bitter mid-air battle.” Finally arriving at “Dead, Goth, and Beyond,” Matilda chose anything pink, with glitter and rainbows while Malin gravitated to black, skulls, and “dead debris.” For pets, Matilda picked songbirds, and Malin was happy with the crow enticed to tag along on the way home.

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Image copyright Nico Ecenarro, 2024; text copyright Lynne Marie and Brenda Reeves Sturgis, 2024. Courtesy of The Little Press.

Back in their room, the sisters bickered about how to decorate, zapping their magic wands to add more and more of their favorite stuff until “finally things got out of hand, / they couldn’t see the floor. / They had to fix the problem, and agree on ONE décor!” With one wave of her magic wand, Matilda turned their room into a pink palace full of unicorns, rainbows, and sparkle. Even Malin sported a big pink bow in her hair.

Not to be outdone, Malin grabbed her wand and the broom and flew around the room turning everything pink to eerie black, green, and gray, decorated with skulls, spiderwebs, and bones. Back and forth the wand battle waged until with a final “KABOOM,” the room lay in tatters, all furnishings had vanished, and their broom was shattered.

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Image copyright Nico Ecenarro, 2024; text copyright Lynne Marie and Brenda Reeves Sturgis, 2024. Courtesy of The Little Press.

Matilda and Malin realized they would have to compromise, even if “just a little.” They divided the room down the middle and learned to “blend their styles” equally. They’ve even solved their transportation and single room issues. “…Now they ride a tandem bike and gladly share a room. / They even run a potion stand, called Glitterade & Gloom.”

Following the story, kids can learn how to draw Matilda and Malin through Nico Ecenarro’s step-by-step illustrations.

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Image copyright Nico Ecenarro, 2024; text copyright Lynne Marie and Brenda Reeves Sturgis, 2024. Courtesy of The Little Press.

Combining ingredients of charm, humor, and family bonds, Lynne Marie and Brenda Reeves Sturgis have brewed up a perfect antidote to sibling squabbles in their fast-paced story that emphasizes ways to compromise while staying true to yourself. As Matilda and Malin come to a solution, kids see that resolving differences doesn’t have to mean “either/or” but that different personalities can happily coexist side-by-side. Seamless rhyming and rhythm make BroomMates a joy to read aloud, and adults will find a cauldron-full of delights to keep them engaged as well.

Nico Ecenarro’s enchanting illustrations will captivate readers with their vibrant colors, expressive sisters, and sprinklings of popular culture. Kids will love pointing out the differences between Matilda and Malin on each page while noticing how even their pets take sides until the final Kaboom when Matilda’s songbirds come to the aid of the distressed crow with hugs and uplifting help. Both kids and adults will cackle at the visual puns.

A magical take on sibling rivalry that works just as well with spats between friends, BroomMates: A Brewing Boundary Battle may be especially applicable at Halloween, but the book will cast its magic spell on kids at any time of year. BroomMates will be a popular pick for home story times and will enjoy consistent circulation for public and school libraries.

Ages 4 – 8

The Little Press, 2024 | ISBN 978-1956378276

About the Authors

Lynne Marie is an award-winning, multi-published author of several picture books including Moldilocks and the Three Scares, with more forthcoming. She’s the Director of RateYourStory.org and ThePictureBookMechanic.com, an Editor/Columnist at writeforkids.org, and a co-host at #SeasonsOfKidlit. She splits her time between New York and Florida. When she’s not writing slightly spooky stories, she’s celebrating holidays — spooky, silly and sweet over at seasonsofkidlit.com.

Brenda Reeves Sturgis is an award-winning, multi-published author of three picture books including Still a Family, a book that was named a top 100 picture book by the NY Public Library. She has three picture books forthcoming. When Brenda is not busy writing (rhyme makes her heart sing) she enjoys spending time with her family in Maine. You can visit her at brendareevessturgis.com.

About the Illustrator

Nico Ecenarro is an illustrator from Rhode Island. He enjoys drawing stories of adventurous kids being their curious selves, from the quiet or odd moments to the world-saving kind. Nico craves drawing; creating stories and developing characters fuels him. He often illustrates in a limited color palette focusing on the design and gesture of his characters. BroomMates: A Brewing Boundary Battle, is Nico’s picture book debut. You can learn more about Nico at www.nicoecenarro.com.

National Book Month Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-sparkle-test-tubes-II

Magical Potion Test Tubes

It’s the witching hour—the time for making magic potions! These sparkle test tubes give kids a fun way to brew up their own concoctions that can also serve as relaxing mindfulness tools for those hectic days.

Supplies

Plastic test tubes with tight-fitting screw cap, available at craft or science supply stores
Glitter glue
Hot water
Fine glitter
Chunky glitter
Small glass beads (optional)
Neon food coloring (optional)
Test tube stand (optional)
Whisk
Mixing bowl
Teaspoon

Directions

Fill a test tube 1/3 full of hot water and pour the water into the mixing bowl
Add 1 – 2 teaspoons of glitter glue (the more glitter glue that is added the thicker the liquid will be and the more the objects will be suspended in the liquid. To allow the objects to flow more freely when the test tube is shaken, add less glue
Whisk the water and glitter glue together
Add chunky glitter, glass beads, or try other small objects
Pour into test tube
Add more water to within a ½ – 1 inch of the top to allow for shaking
Experiment with amount of glitter glue, glitter, and colors

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-broommates-cover

You can purchase BroomMates: A Brewing Boundary Battle at these booksellers

Amazon | Bookshop (to support your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

October 25 – Celebrating the Book Birthday of Herbert on the Slide

Posted by Kath Carroll

Thanks to Hippo Park Books and Deborah Sloan for sending me a copy of Herbert on the Slide for review consideration. All opinions about the book are my own.

Herbert on the Slide (A Hippo Park Pals Book)

By Rilla Alexander

“Herbert loved everything about the slide.” Rilla Alexander’s first sentence speaks directly to the hearts of little ones who fully understand its simple, lovely truth. As Herbert climbs to the top, his teddy bear and truck in tow; settles in on his high perch; launches his “test run” with first Teddy and then truck—”clanky-clank-clank”—and finally counts down to his turn, kids will follow along, entranced by Herbert’s adventure and memories of their own.

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Of course, a slide is never just a slide, and Herbert goes “…again! And again! … sliding down, down, down…into his imagination!” One time, on his belly, “Herbert and Teddy are diving into a deep, purple sea!” Next time, “Herbert is a truck climbing up, up, up a mountain. Chug-chug-chug!” But Herbert isn’t the only one at the playground. His little sister is ready for her turn—and so is mouse and frog and turtle. There’s just one thing to do. “Line up and you can start all over again!”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-herbert-on-the-slide-over-again

Rilla Alexandra’s endearing story for little ones, matched page-by-page by her adorable, “awww”-inspiring art is snuggle-up story time reading at its best. Perfectly reflective of a child’s playfulness and imagination, Herbert on the Slide is not only a story that will captivate them time and time again but a wonderful entry into the world of literature.

A subtle subplot involves Herbert’s younger sister, Fiona (soon to be the star of her own Hippo Park Pals book, Fiona in the Sandbox, coming February 7, 2023). She is at first unidentified and only seen in the distance, heading to the sandbox with her pail, a detail sure to pique kids’ interest. She’s later heard telling Herbert—who, mesmerized by an imagined chase and its successful conclusion, is resting on the bottom of the slide—that it’s her turn. Turning the page, kids see that she’s sitting atop the slide with a line of other wanna-be sliders waiting behind her. Alexander’s encouragement for Herbert to get in line and start again is a gentle and reassuring life lesson.

Sweet smiles and a sunny ambiance welcome readers on every clean, slide-focused page. Each scene is colored with the texture of crayons in bright shades and with the “messy” enthusiasm of children’s art.

A Special Note: The book’s small size (5 1/4-inches by 4 3/4-inches) makes it a perfect take-along, easily slipped into a backpack, diaper bag, or even a pocket for picnics, snack time, or just reading-time fun at the playground, park, beach, farmers market, or anywhere waiting may be required.

Cute as a button and perfectly reflecting the excitement and imagination of children’s free play, Herbert on the Slide is a must for any baby’s or preschooler’s home bookshelf as well as for school and public library collections. The book would be a favorite story time read aloud for daycare, preschool, and kindergarten classrooms as well as for public libraries’ preschool programs. It would also make a much-loved gift for baby showers, new siblings, birthdays, and the holidays.

Ages 2 – 5

Hippo Park Books, 2022 | ISBN 978-1662640117

Discover more about Rilla Alexander, her books, and her art on her website.

Herbert on the Slide Book Birthday Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-herbert-on-the-slide-coloring-page

Herbert on the Slide Coloring Pages

You can find three fun coloring pages from Herbert on the Slide to print on the Hippo Park homepage at Astra Publishing House or here.

**You can find Herbert on the Slide at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

June 28 – It’s National Camping Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

June is the perfect month to explore the great outdoors up close through camping. Whether you enjoy pitching a tent, renting a cabin, or parking an RV, all the enjoyment of hiking, fishing, swimming, and of course toasting marshmallows and singing around the campfire await! If you’re more of a stay-at-home camper, the wilds of the backyard (or even the family room) offer plenty of adventure!

Wild About Camping

Written by Jane Whittingham | Illustrated by Bryanna Chapeskie

Two kids are excited to be “out the door, down the stairs,” and on their way to the woods for a camping trip. Winding roads take this sister and brother into the heart of the forest, but they’re not the only ones who are ready for an adventure. As the little girl secures the guy rope at the front of the tent, two “pulling, tugging moose” assist in the back.

With the tent set up, brother and sister run to the beach and begin building a sandcastle while not far away a pair of industrious “digging, scurrying squirrels” try to hide their piles of acorns before the seagull descends. And, of course, swimming is enjoyed by kids and loons alike!

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Image copyright Bryanna Chapeskie, 2022, text copyright Jane Whittingham, 2022. Courtesy of Nimbus Publishing Limited.

Dinner time is just the beginning of a full night of treats and songs and spooky stories – all echoed by woodland creatures who add their own take on after-dinner snacks, nighttime music, and “eerie sounds.” Too soon, it’s time for sleeping bags for a tired sister and brother as well as a family of “tunnelling, burrowing moles” below.

Of course, summer camping trips aren’t made for turning in early, but for late-night laughs under a star-filled sky for all “wishing, dreaming kids.”

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Image copyright Bryanna Chapeskie, 2022, text copyright Jane Whittingham, 2022. Courtesy of Nimbus Publishing Limited.

Jane Whittingham’s bouncy, rhythmic story delights with surprising and funny juxtapositions that bring kids and forest animals together to enjoy a favorite summer activity. Her short, exuberant sentences will spur kids to read along – and maybe even add their own woodland creatures to the party.

The vivacious kids and lively animals in Bryanna Chapeskie’s vibrant illustrations will entice readers to keep turning the pages to discover who is joining the camping trip next. The brother and sister’s ear-to-ear smiles are infectious, and there are plenty of humorous details to keep the giggles going right up to the starry end, when they can join in with the brother and sister as they “Hee Hee! Ha Ha!” into the night.

A fun and lively read aloud, Wild About Camping is a spirited romp that will get kids excited about camping trips long or short, outdoors or in. A charming addition for home and library bookshelves for summer story times or winter warmups.

Ages 4 – 8

Nimbus Publishing Limited, 2022 | ISBN 978-1774710432

Discover more about Jane Whittingham and her books on her website.

You can connect with Bryanna Chapeskie on Instagram.

National Camping Month Activity

Pretend 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 find Wild About Camping at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support you’re local, independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

June 27 – It’s Pride Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

To commemorate the Stonewall Riots, which took place in Manhattan on June 28, 1969 as a protest demanding the establishment of places where LGBTQ+ people could go and be open about their sexual orientation without fear of arrest, Brenda Howard instituted Gay Pride Week and the Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade in 1970. These events later inspired the New York City Pride March, which became a catalyst for the formation of similar parades and marches across the world. Pride Month was officially recognized in 1999 by President Bill Clinton. During the month of June the LGBTQ+ community celebrates diversity, cultural accomplishments and influence, and the strides that have been made politically and socially.

The month also highlights the need for renewed vigilance to protect hard-won rights while moving forward to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community achieves full equality and acceptance. Globally, activists work year-round to end abuses and advocate for laws and policies to protect all. Around the world, the rainbow flag, designed in 1978 by American artist, gay rights activist, and U.S. Army veteran Gilbert Baker, flies proudly over a variety of events, including parades, marches, concerts, book readings, parties, and workshops.

Sam Is My Sister

Written by Ashley Rhodes-Courter | Illustrated by MacKenzie Haley

All summer long, brothers Evan, Sam, and Finn “played with trains, climbed trees, and fished in the river behind Grandpa’s house.” They made a rocket from a cardboard box and shot into outer space. “‘Zoom! Zoom! Brothers to the moon!’ Evan cheered.” When they went to the library, they gathered all the books about space they could find and headed to the check-out desk. But on the way, Sam spied a “glittery book that had a long-haired princess on the cover.” He took it from the shelf and checked that one out too.

Outside the library, Evan wanted to know why Sam wanted “‘a girl book instead of a space book.'” Their mom said “‘Books are for everyone to enjoy,'” and Sam said that girls could go to space too, but Evan still didn’t understand why Sam wanted that book. Soon it was time to get haircuts before school began. Evan and Finn had their hair cut short, like dad’s, but Sam was happy with long hair. Mom and Dad said okay. Evan quietly asked Dad why Sam didn’t want to look like them anymore. Dad told him that was up to Sam. Evan did see how happy Sam looked.

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Image copyright MacKenzie Haley, 2021, text copyright Ashley Rhodes-Courter, 2021. Courtesy of Albert Whitman & Company.

On the first day of school, Sam asked to wear a dress instead of shorts. Evan protested, saying “‘Dresses are for girls…. Why do you want to dress all wrong?'” Sam answered, “‘I want to wear what I like.'” Instead of a dress, Mom brought Sam a hair bow to wear. Sam loved it. But at school some of the older kids made fun of Sam and tried to grab the bow. One boy asked why Sam was wearing it and another said “‘Boys don’t put stuff in their hair.'” Sam shouted back, “‘Well, I do!'” and went to sit under the climbing dome. Evan chased after Sam and suggested they play spaceship, but Sam didn’t want to.

“Mom and Dad started letting Sam wear dresses after school and on the weekends. … Evan had never seen Sam so happy.” One day while drawing, Evan asked Sam about wanting to look like a girl. Sam explained, “‘Because I am a girl…. On the inside.'” Evan still didn’t understand, so Sam explained that it was like trying to draw with the wrong hand. When Evan tried it, he grew frustrated and understood that it just didn’t feel right. He was glad he didn’t have to do that all the time.

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Image copyright MacKenzie Haley, 2021, text copyright Ashley Rhodes-Courter, 2021. Courtesy of Albert Whitman & Company.

That night Mom and Dad sat down with Evan, Sam, and Finn and said they had talked with some doctors and experts. They explained what they had learned about how even though called a boy at birth, Sam identified as a girl. “‘The word for that is transgender,'” Mom said. “‘Yes, that’s me!’ said Sam.” Dad affirmed Sam’s right to choose what was best for her, and Mom said their job was making sure Sam, Evan, and Finn were “‘happy and healthy.'”

Later, while the kids were playing, Evan asked if they’d still be able to do all the same things they had always done together, and Sam said, “‘of course!'” When Sam began wearing dresses to school, neither the boys nor the girls wanted to play with her. Evan stood up for Sam, telling the kids, “‘Hey, don’t talk like that to my sister!'” Sam was happy to hear Evan call her his sister. That night as the three watched the moon rise, Finn and Evan wondered if Sam would still want to come with them. “‘Princesses can go to the moon,’ Sam whispered back. ‘Yes they can,’ Evan said. ‘Zoom! Zoom! Family to the moon!'”

Back matter includes an Author’s Note about her own family, on whom the story is based. as well as resources for adults looking for more information on organizations that support the LGBTQ community.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-sam-is-my-sister-school

Image copyright MacKenzie Haley, 2021, text copyright Ashley Rhodes-Courter, 2021. Courtesy of Albert Whitman & Company.

In her sweet and thoughtful story, Ashley Rhodes-Courter offers validation and acceptance for transgender children and their families. Through realistic dialogue and Evan’s often pointed questions and observations, Rhodes-Courter invites siblings and other family members, friends, and readers to engage in thinking, discussing, and understanding the feelings and experiences of a transgender child. She also depicts the types of hurtful comments and ostracizing that transgender children experience at school and in their communities. Rhodes-Courter uses these occurrences, however, to also demonstrate how supportive siblings can stand up for their sister or brother. Sam’s family’s strong and loving acceptance is a highlight of the story. As Sam begins to show a preference for long hair, princess books, and dresses, Rhodes-Courter demonstrates the steps, through language and actions, that parents and other adults can take to affirm a child’s autonomy and ultimately build a happy and inclusive family with unbreakable bonds.

MacKenzie Haley’s expressive illustrations will draw readers in with her depictions of imaginative play and the consistency of the siblings’ relationship throughout the changes taking place for Sam and within the family. Portrayals of Evan’s confusion lead into welcome images of his conversations with Mom and/or Dad as well as his unstinting embrace of and support for his sister. Images of the courage that Sam and Evan display in responding to the playground taunts will tug at readers’ hearts, and the family’s unity is inspiring.

An uplifting and heartwarming story that resonates with understanding for transgender children and beautifully depicts the acceptance all children should receive from family and their community. Sam Is My Sister is a must for inclusive family bookshelves and for all school and public library collections.

Ages 4 – 7

Albert Whitman & Company, 2021 | ISBN 978-0807506516

Discover more about Ashley Rhodes-Courter and her books and her advocacy work on the behalf of children on her website.

To learn more about MacKenzie Haley, her books, and her art on her website.

Pride Month Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-rainbow-magnet-craft

Rainbow Magnet

If you’re stuck on rainbows, you can make this mini rainbow to stick on your fridge or locker!

Supplies

7 mini popsicle sticks
Paint in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, Indigo, violet (ROYGBIV)
Adhesive magnet
A little bit of polyfill
Paint brush
Glue or hot glue gun

Directions

Paint one popsicle stick in each color, let dry
Glue the popsicle sticks together side by side in the ROYGBIV order, let dry
Roll a bit of polyfill into a cloud shape and glue to the top of the row of popsicle sticks
Attach the magnet to the back of the rainbow

**You can find Sam Is My Sister at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

May 24 – National Brothers Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today we take time to celebrate brothers! Whether you grew up with one brother or a few or have a friend you love like a brother, today’s holiday gives you a terrific reason to spend time together or get in touch and make some new memories! This year, as we’re spending more time working and playing with family, today’s book is certainly a home run!

Calvin Gets the Last Word

Written by Margo Sorenson | Illustrated by Mike Deas

Calvin’s dictionary is well-positioned to know all about (and describe) Calvin’s life because from the moment he wakes up to the moment he goes to bed, that dictionary is in his hands. “Why? Because Calvin loves words—I mean REALLY loves words,” the dictionary says. And Calvin won’t rest until he’s found the perfect “word for everything—especially his rascally brother.” Take this morning, for example. Calvin grabs his dictionary, as usual, and heads to the kitchen for breakfast. At the table, Calvin takes a big gulp of milk. It’s just the moment his brother’s been waiting for to tell his super funny, nose-snorting joke. You can imagine what happens—and that’s why the dictionary’s page that contains the word revenge is soaked.

Image copyright Mike Deas, 2020, text copyright Margo Sorenson, 2020. Courtesy of Tilbury House Publishers.

But is revenge the right word for Calvin’s brother? Not quite. On the school bus as the kids are tossing a backpack, talking, laughing, and hanging over the seats, Calvin’s dictionary offers up mayhem, but that doesn’t completely describe his brother either. As Calvin struggles in geography class and passes notes during library story time, his dictionary helps describe the mood, but the words it comes up with don’t really apply to his brother. Calvin does discover a good word for himself, though, when, on the way home from school, he stands up to a bully and helps a kindergartener.

Image copyright Mike Deas, 2020, text copyright Margo Sorenson, 2020. Courtesy of Tilbury House Publishers.

At Little League practice, the dictionary tells readers, Calvin “loves to crush the ball during batting practice, sending it over the fence. That’s why the page that reads pulverize has grass stains on it.” Could pulverize be the right word for his brother? While Calvin thinks it could be fun, it’s not exactly right.

Image copyright Mike Deas, 2020, text copyright Margo Sorenson, 2020. Courtesy of Tilbury House Publishers.

That night dinner turns into a repeat of breakfast—only in broccoli green. When Calvin goes to bed, he sits for a while, thinking. Then he grabs his exhausted dictionary and a glass of water and sneaks into his brother’s room. The dictionary thinks it knows what’s going to happen and riffles through its pages to find the right word, unconcerned whether it stays dry or not. And then, there on the page, is the perfect word! But wait, what’s going on? The word the dictionary offered no longer fits because now the brothers are laughing. The dictionary tries flipping to another page and a better word, but Calvin has it beat as he turns the pages and discovers the exact right word to describe his brother. What are all of the words the dictionary and Calvin have found? Come flip through Calvin Gets the Last Word yourself to find out!

Image copyright Mike Deas, 2020, text copyright Margo Sorenson, 2020. Courtesy of Tilbury House Publishers.

In her funny and unique mashup of sibling rivalry and vocabulary, Margo Sorenson offers kids an engaging story of the singular type of love brothers share uncovered little by little through word-building. Calvin’s dictionary makes a sincere and charming guide through high-interest words that lend panache and nuance to events throughout Calvin’s day even if they don’t quite describe his brother. Astute kids may notice that the words the dictionary chooses for Calvin’s brother proves his loyalty to his favorite reader. Calvin’s spewed milk, whispered secrets, and home run batting add up to a real kid that readers will love. The words that the dictionary finds are fun to learn and say and will spark an enthusiasm in readers to do their own flipping through the dictionary and thesaurus. Sorenson’s endearing ending rings true with a word kids are sure to embrace. Mike Deas’ glasses-wearing and sweat suit-clad Calvin, whose dictionary is always at the ready to define his experiences, is a character readers will respond to. Images of the sprayed milk and broccoli, rockin’ school bus, library story rug, and baseball field are full of familiar details and plenty of action. As Calvin prepares to play his trick on his brother Deas gives kids a cutaway view of the house from above, letting them tiptoe through the maze of rooms with Calvin. The final scenes of the brothers checking out the dictionary together in the light of a bedside lamp is sibling devotion at its best. A delightful family story that can stir a love of language, Calvin Gets the Last Word would be a favorite addition to home libraries. The book is highly recommended for school and classroom bookshelves to enhance language arts, writing, grammar, and vocabulary lessons and for public library collections as well. Ages 6 – 8 Tilbury House Publishers, 2020 | ISBN 978-0884488224 Discover more about Margo Sorenson and her books on her website. To learn more about Mike Deas, his books, and his art, visit his website.

National Brother’s Day Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-best-brother-certificate

Best Brother Award Certificate

Today is all about how great your brother is! Print and fill out this Best Brother Award Certificate and give it to your brother—or brothers! And if you’d like an activity to do with your brother (or sister, Mom, and/or Dad), today, here’s a puzzle to do together!

About the Holiday

10 Gulub Jamuns: Counting with an Indian Sweet Treat

Written by Sandhya Acharya | Illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre

Bake for Family Fun Month Activity

Let’s Bake Together Coloring Page

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About the Holiday

Calvin Gets the Last Word

Written by Margo Sorenson | Illustrated by Mike Deas

National Word Nerd Day Activity

“Big Words” Word Search

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About the Holiday

BroomMates: A Brewing Boundary Battle

Written by Lynne Marie and Brenda Reeves Sturgis | Illustrated by Nico Ecenarro

National Book Month Activity

Magical Potion Test Tubes

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Herbert on the Slide (A Hippo Park Pals Book)

By Rilla Alexander

Herbert on the Slide Book Birthday Activity

Herbert on the Slide Coloring Pages

You can find Herbert on the Slide at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

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About the Holiday

Wild About Camping

Written by Jane Whittingham | Illustrated by Bryanna Chapeskie

National Camping Month Activity

Pretend Campfire

Directions

You can find Wild About Camping at these booksellers

To support you’re local, independent bookstore, order from

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About the Holiday

Sam Is My Sister

Written by Ashley Rhodes-Courter | Illustrated by MacKenzie Haley

Pride Month Activity

Rainbow Magnet

You can find Sam Is My Sister at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Share this:

About the Holiday

Calvin Gets the Last Word

Written by Margo Sorenson | Illustrated by Mike Deas

National Brother’s Day Activity

Best Brother Award Certificate

“Big Words” Word Search

You can find Calvin Gets the Last Word at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Share this:

**You can find Herbert on the Slide at these booksellers**

**You can find Wild About Camping at these booksellers**

**You can find Sam Is My Sister at these booksellers**

**You can find Calvin Gets the Last Word at these booksellers**