The Little Artists’ Big Book of Activities and Recycle and Play

I’m so, SO excited to see these two books out in the world.  They’re two books I wish I had when my kids were younger, and they were written by some of my favorite creatives on Instagram — @ohcreativeday and @hellowonderful_co!  In a world where every day feels increasingly more digital and digitized, it’s important to continue to interact with tangible objects and traditional forms of art-making which have much to offer in terms of cognitive and linguistic gains, and of course, the enjoyment of creating something with our own hands. Watch this reel for a preview of the interiors.

In The Little Artists’ Big Book of Activities, children are inspired by elements like color, shapes, patterns and feelings to create portraits, sculptures, collages and more.  Shannon shows us the beauty of symmetry and how we can create mini art galleries.  She discusses different artists’ methods and the influence their art bears on the world, in a way that’s accessible and meaningful for young artists.  I love the inspired collaborative paintings à la Helen Frankenthaler, collage cityscapes and plastic toys being transformed into sculptures inspired by Japanese artist and social activist Hiroshi Fuji.  But really, I love it all.  So well done, Shannon!

The Little Artists’ Big Book of Activities was written by Shannon Wong-Nizic and published by Page Street Kids.

In Recycle and Play, everyday materials are cleverly turned into creative projects such as mazes, puzzles, and opportunities to practice early math and reading skills.  I just adore the cardboard box tv, alligator letter feed and threaded egg carton flowers.  These projects are so much more than playthings — they are thoughtful invitations to create, natural lessons in engineering, opportunities for self-expression and wonderful avenues for collaboration between parents and little ones.  Brilliantly written by Agnes Hsu — someone who inspires me endlessly!

Recycle and Play: Awesome DIY Zero-Waste Projects to Make for Kids was written by Agnes Hsu and published by Quarry Books.

The I Wonder Bookstore

Let’s take a minute to judge a book by its cover, shall we?  Yes, this one’s as wondrous and whimsical as it looks.  From book-growing trees to boot camp for bookstore employees to around-the-world-reading trips, these pages will resonate profoundly  with lovers of the written word.  in profound A book for the most devoted of readers, bookstore-dwellers and embracers of tsundoku.

The I Wonder Bookstore was written and illustrated by Shinsuke Yoshitake and published by Chronicle Books.

Creepy Crayon!

Jasper’s curiosity and mischief mire him in yet another creepy dilemma, this one involving a seemingly ordinary purple crayon.  Things are looking up as the crayon intervenes in Jasper’s life and brings him nothing but good things.  But slowly and surely, things spiral out of control.  The third installment in this brilliantly creepy series will be in bookstores on August 23.

Creepy Crayon! was written by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter Brown and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Holding On

For one Filipina girl, her wonderful, indelible memories of summers with her lola are steeped in music-filled days, old Tagalog love songs and pots of brightly savory sinigang stirring on the stove.  But what does the girl do when her lola’s memory wanes and she starts to forget things?  She heeds Lola’s wise advice — “If you want to hold on, you gotta sing your songs” — and reassuringly sings all of Lola’s favorite songs to remind her of all their special times together.  We are so, so excited about this richly layered and poignant story of music, memories and the wisdom and traditions passed on from grandparent to grandchild.

Holding On was written by Sophia N. Lee illustrated by Isabel Roxas and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers.  Out on August 30 and available for preorder now!

KINDergarten: Where Kindness Matters Every Day

Timid Leo is nervous to start kindergarten because it means so many new things and new faces.  In kindergarten, there’s a lot that he doesn’t understand and a lot that he feels he can’t do.  When Leo’s teacher Ms. Perry asks the class to work together to come up with a Kindness Pledge, Leo is reluctant to speak up.  But by the end of the day, with the help of his teacher and classmates, he comes to understand that not only do kind actions speak louder than words, but that he just might be ready for kindergarten after all.  A wonderful celebration of kindness and a perfect read-aloud for the first week of school.

KINDergarten: Where Kindness Matters Every Day was written by Vera Ahiyya, illustrated by Joey Chou and published by Random House Studio.