here we are

Here We Are is a set of notes—a kind of guide to our immense world—that Oliver Jeffers wrote to his son shortly after his birth.  He takes readers from land to sea, to sky, exploring elements of each along the way.  He shares observations about people, animals and the way things work, with sweetness, candor and humor.

“People come in many shapes, sizes and colors.

We may all look different and sound different…

…but don’t be fooled, we are all people.”

Our world, as vast as it is, has so much to it—an overwhelming amount of details.  But Oliver imparts two last pieces of advice to his son at the end, simple and succinct—an encouragement to be kind and a reminder that he is not alone.  With rich, twilight color stories and immersive, gorgeous art throughout, Here We Are is a new classic.

Here We Are, written and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers, was published by Philomel Books and will be out November 14.  Click here to watch a book trailer and to pre-order.  Book tour dates for the US and UK are on Oliver Jeffers’ website.

In honor of the upcoming release of Here We Are, I’m sharing some extraordinary places on earth that I want my kids to visit in their lifetime.

The Algarve in South Portugal — A beautiful place to unwind and breathe in the deep blue Mediterranean.  There are miles of coastline dotted with dramatic cliffs and tiny, hidden beaches.  Some standout local fare — grilled sardines and patéis de nata (incredible custard tarts).

The Alhambra in Granada, Spain — The Alhambra, a sprawling, maze-like palace and fortress built on a rocky hillside in Granada, a enchanting city in the south of Spain.  Plus an amble through the narrow, hilly cobbled streets of the Albaicín, one of the oldest parts of the city, and a stop at one of the neighborhood’s many teterías (tea salons) serving jasmine and rose-scented Mil y Una Noches tea and slices of torta de almendra (almond cake).

Redwood National Park in Northern California — There are countless hikes through the awe-inspiring, majestic redwood trees shrouded in fog and an air of mystery.  There are spots where the forest meets the sea, perfect for sitting on a mound of driftwood or huge, smooth stones for an afternoon of quiet rumination and just taking in the beautiful moment of being there.

Hope you all get a chance to read Here We Are!

Read the Book, Lemmings!

A crew of clueless lemmings strangely jump off their ship, the S.S. Cliff, again and again...and First Mate Foxy and Captain PB are racking their brains trying to figure out why.  Read the Book, Lemmings! is a clever misadventure with a slew of hilarity, riot and word play.  Zachariah OHora’s incredibly fun illustrations have their own story to tell with an unexpected palette that brings the lemmings’ silliness and spontaneity to life.  Also a story about the joys of learning to read.

Read the Book, Lemmings! was written by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Zachariah OHora and published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

malala's magic pencil

“My father had always said, ‘Malala will live free as a bird.’”

The powerful and moving story of Malala, whose young voice has made a tremendous impact in her country and the world.  In Malala’s Magic Pencil, she shares her hopes for equality and eradicating war, poverty and hunger; dreams that started when she was a young girl.  Her bravery and boldness to speak out against the injustices in her country have made her an impetus for change and she has only just begun.

Malala’s Magic Pencil was written by Malala Yousafzai, illustrated by Kerascoët and published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers.  Click here to watch a book trailer.

little lit book series: traditions

This month’s #littlelitbookseries is all about traditions.

“In December, before a single flake has fallen, the cold snap comes.  For a week it is twenty below freezing, and when you walk in the woods, the leaves shatter under your feet like glass.”

When the Moon Comes is about a yearly tradition—a group of friends wait for just the right time of the year in December when the beaver flood freezes into perfect ice.  Wonderful ice.  Magical ice.  They wait until a full moon arrives and head to the frozen lake, sloshing through the snowy terrain.  It’s time for a game of hockey in the cold, blue moonlight, surrounded by silvery trees.  Afterwards, they warm up by the fire with scalding tea and toasty sandwiches.  It is their tradition.  Matt James’ paintings evoke a soft, wintry nostalgia and could not be a more perfect fit for Paul Harbridge’s beautiful prose, story and memories.  A wondrous book and the loveliest tribute to childhood and simpler times.  One of our absolute favorites this year.

When the Moon Comes was written by Paul Harbridge, illustrated by Matt James and published by Tundra Books.

For more books on this month’s theme of traditions, be sure to stop in at @littlelitbookseries throughout the month.  And see what everyone else is sharing today using the hashtag #littlelitbookseries on Instagram.