the fog

Some of the best endpapers we've seen this year and such a well-crafted story where image and word are in absolute harmony.  One of our favorites this year, for sure.  If you're the thoughtful, observant type, you’ll definitely connect with this small yellow warbler and his new friend.  Seek it out, read it and get lost in  The Fog (preferably on a slightly muggy, overcast evening).  It's made for re-reading and is such a great one for young readers to mull over.

The Fog was written by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Kenard Pak and published by Tundra Books.

i want to be in a scary story

Little Monster wants more than anything to be in a scary story.  Or, at least he THINKS he does.  Turns out that some things are too scary even for a monster.  Be prepared to pull out all the voices with this one—the silly, the funny and the slightly eerie.  Oh yikes and crikes!  Equal doses of fright and hilarity from Sean Taylor and Jean Jullien.  I Want to Be in a Scary Story is out on July 11 from Candlewick Press.

now

NOW speaks to children's ability to live in the present and revel in the moment.  It celebrates childhood and its wonders, feelings, experiences and its favorites.  Children feel strongly; they speak their minds; they express their loves; they seize the day.  Antoinette Portis' beautiful, vibrant and effortless paintings, rendered with sumi ink, brush and bamboo, make us feel like kids again (for those of us readers who are grown-ups) and make us wish that we could love and embrace the moment as freely as children do.

NOW was written and illustrated by Antoinette Portis and is out July 11 from Roaring Brook Press.

little lit book series: landmarks

#littlelitbookseries is all about landmarks this month.

Jason Chin has brought many natural wonders to life in his incredible picture books, and his latest is GRAND CANYON.  He weaves together engaging narrative, history and science to provide a trip back in time through one of the largest canyons in the world.  There is so much packed into this book, and an endless amount to learn with each read.  It was no doubt a huge undertaking with loads of meticulous research and hours upon hours of drafts to put this exceptional book together.  We love Jason Chin’s devotion to his craft, and his amazing contributions to #kidlit.  

GRAND CANYON was published by Roaring Brook Press.  Stop by Little Lit Book Series throughout the month for more books with landmarks.

little wolf's first howling

It’s Little Wolf’s first howling lesson and he’s beside himself in anticipation.  Big Wolf, his father, begins to school him in the “traditional howling form,” the way it’s always been done.  While his son’s first howling is indeed eager and wholehearted, it’s a bit unconventional, and he expresses disapproval until he comes to an important realization.  A sweet story about individuality, creativity and spirit.  Serenely beautiful and eloquent depictions of twilight and the nocturnal forest.

Little Wolf’s First Howling was written by Laura McGee Kvasnosky, and collaboratively illustrated by Laura McGee Kvasnosky and Kate Harvey McGee.  Published by Candlewick Press.