A Bear's Life

Ian McAllister is responsible for both writing and the breathtaking photos included in “A Bear’s Life.”  The photos of wildlife in the Great Bear Rainforest and especially the rare spirit bear capture moments in time in the lives of bears.  A map is located on the front cover flap of the dust jacket and I find it helpful, but I think it would be better suited within the context of the book or as part of an author’s note.  Likewise, I think an author’s note with further information about the Great Bear Rainforest would be helpful.  A link is included in the author’s biography on the back cover flap of the dust jacket and I intend to check it out to learn more. 

You can too: www.pacificwild.org 

www.greatbearbooks.com 

As my son LOVES book about animals, this was an instant favorite in our house!

https://pacificwild.org/about/our-team/ian-mcallister 

@pacificwild

Title: A Bear’s Life

Author: Ian McAllister and Nicholas Read

Published 2017 by Orca Book Publishers

ISBN: 978-1-4598-1270-3

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

If You Were the Moon

Jaime Kim’s illustrations seem to glow like the moon, or more accurately, like the moon reflects or catches and throws the sun’s light.  The animated illustrations and descriptions of each trait of the moon make If You Were the Moon a perfect companion to science lessons about the moon, either in introduction or review of these concepts. I love the idea of the moon whispering wisdom from the sky and also holding the earth in balance, a soothing constant reinforcement.

www.LauraSalas.com 

@LauraPSalas

https://www.jaimekim.com/

Water Can Be
A Leaf Can Be

Title: If You Were the Moon

Author: Laura Purdie Salas

Illustrator: Jaime Kim

Published 2017 by Millbrook Press

ISBN: 978-1-4677-8009-4

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

Dazzleships: World War I and the Art of Confusion

Dazzleships: World War I and the Art of Confusion is one of those stories that strikes me as almost fantastical, or even wondering at how this is not more discussed and widely known.  During World War I, German submarines were torpedoing ships but not just military ships, they were torpedoing without regard to the passengers, or cargo.  One such ship, The Lusitania, is the most well known in my measure and carried munitions along with passengers, including 120 Americans.  As a result, the British Royal Navy was ready to try anything, including a new idea proposed by Norman Wilkinson to paint ships in patterns that would be confusing under the water, camouflaging what direction the ship was headed in and therefore wasting torpedo missiles that would miss their mark.  Even King George V was fooled in a demonstration of how the patterning works.  

Chris Barton does a spectacular job of bringing the story to the pages, highlighting events that helped to move this improbable, unlikely idea forward.  As the story itself is artistic, Victo Ngai does a masterful job of bringing the colors and patterns to the reader.  As is noted in the Author’s Note, it is difficult to appreciate the Dazzle Ship designs when viewed in black and white photos, as were taken at the time.  The fact that women helped to get the job done only makes it even more powerful.  At a time when women’s roles were minimized and marginalized, the fact that they were involved seems surprising, but much like early female coders and programmers [who were only noticed when someone looked back at photos and questioned who the women were and that person was told, they were models used for the photo opportunity but I digress], their talents were put to use in the war effort.

Chris Barton writes that the US and British Royal Navy disagreed on the effectiveness of the painting of the ships, some felt that “…at the very least, the sailors on those ships just felt better knowing that something had been tried to keep them from getting torpedoed.”  Isn’t that really the point?  When there is a problem, sometimes doing something, anything, even painting ships in wild, colorful patterns, is better than nothing. 

http://www.chrisbarton.info

@Bartography

http://victo-ngai.com/

@victongai

Title: Dazzleships: World War I and the Art of Confusion

Author: Chris Barton

Illustrator: Victo Ngai

Published 2017 by Millbrook Press

ISBN: 978-1-5124-1014-3

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

Lost in Outer Space: The Incredible Journey of Apollo 13

Citing numerous and varied sources, Tod Olson’s “Lost in Outer Space: The Incredible Journey of Apollo 13” is well researched.  Having watched the movie Apollo 13, I felt pretty comfortable that I knew how this would all turn out.  And yet, reading along with the astronauts and the crew on the ground as they worked the problems, it was stressful moment to moment and having every word, every breath recorded only added to that feeling.  What I found interesting was how much focus Olson put on Barbara Lovell’s perspective.  Barbara, Jim Lovell’s oldest daughter had to grow up quickly being the daughter of an astronaut and having much responsibility for her younger siblings on a regular basis.  I think young readers will relate to the perspective of being a child during the space race and the empathy of imagining a father being blasted into space on multiple occasions.  “Lost in Outer Space” was the unfolding of the best laid plans and what could still go wrong.  Tod Olson’s telling accompanied from photographs from the time help bring this story to a new generation.  I'm excited to check out other books in Tod Olson's "Lost" series!

http://todolson.com/

@tod_olson

Title: Lost in Outer Space: The Incredible Journey of Apollo 13

Author: Tod Olson

Published 2017 by Scholastic, Inc.

ISBN: 978-0-545-92815-1

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

Manjhi Moves a Mountain

In schools, there is currently a focus on grit, resilience, perseverance and what an amazing example of all three in Nancy Churnin’s Manjhi Moves a Mountain.  That it is a true story only makes it more inspiring.  Two villages, separated by a mountain.  One has resources, the other does not.  So why not bring those two worlds together?  That is what Manjhi sets out to do.  With beautiful illustrations, Churnin and Popovici bring this true story across the oceans to readers half a world away.

http://www.nancychurnin.com/about/ 

@nchurnin https://twitter.com/nchurnin 

http://www.dannypopovici.com/ 

@dannypopovici https://twitter.com/dannypopovici 

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

Title: Manjhi Moves a Mountain

Author: Nancy Churnin

Published 2017 by Creston Books

ISBN: 978-1-939547-34-7

Stormy Seas: Stories of Young Boat Refugees

While stories of Syrian refugees have dominated news over the past several years, I haven’t read a compilation quite like “Stormy Seas” before with stories from refugees of many different events.  The overwhelming takeaway for me is that refugees aren’t trying to get somewhere.  But they are trying to get away.  The devastating circumstances that drive people away from their homes often builds over time in the country from which people are fleeing but from the outside global community appears to be both sudden and unexpected.  As a result, countries welcoming (or not so welcoming as reality seems to deem) refugees are often unprepared for the influx of people.  Stormy Seas presents the people behind the gates of the camps who risked everything to make it that far.  Including stories from Germany, Vietnam, Cuba, Afghanistan, and the Ivory Coast, young readers will relate to the stories of the 11 to 18 year old narrator’s of their own experiences.  

“I am not particularly interested in going to America.  I am interested in staying alive.” - Ruth

The book design with quotes pulled out and emphasized will draw the eye of the reader.  The timelines included in each story helps to understand the span of time relative to war or other genocidal catastrophes.  The photographs and consistent color scheme help to connect the dots of our collective history relative to refugees.

http://www.marybethleatherdale.com/ 
@mbleatherdale
http://eleanorshakespeare.com/ 
@eshakespeare

Title: Stormy Seas: Stories of Young Boat Refugees

Author: Mary Beth Leatherdale and Eleanor Shakespeare

Published 2017 by Annick Press

ISBN: 978-1-55451-896-8

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

A Book-Ish Advent Calendar

A couple of years ago, a fellow blogger posted about a bookish advent calendar.  The idea, instead of unwrapping a piece of chocolate each day for the 25 days leading up until Christmas, instead, unwrap a book each day to read before bed (or anytime, really, but bedtime seemed to be our go to).  I did this that first year with some Christmas/holiday/winter books that we had on hand and supplemented with books I borrowed from the public library.  That first year, I followed the blogger’s suggestions as closely as I could as far as which book correlated to which day.  In the years since, I have build up our personal collection but I’m always on the lookout for more holiday books.  Lo and behold, Candlewick Press had a number of holiday books suggested to review and I jumped at the chance.  Rather than wait until closer to the holidays, I’d rather share these NOW so you have an opportunity to get them and prepare your own bookish Advent Calendar.  Or, adapt this idea to make a bookish 8 nights of Hannukah.  I’ll find some good ones for Hannukah too, just putting out the books that have been sent my way so far.  And why stop there?  Let’s do 14 books leading up to Valentine’s Day…the creative juices are flowing now!

 

 

 

 

We're Going on a Bear Hunt: Snowglobe Edition
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Make and Play Christmas
Make and Play Nativity
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Press Out and Color Christmas Ornaments
Gift Boxes to Decorate and Make: Christmas
A Christmas for Bear
Red and Lulu
Elf in the House
The Christmas Fairy
Pick a Pine Tree

Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code

You may have heard the following quote from Grace Hopper, well if you haven’t, I have and I love it: “It’s easier to ask forgiveness than to get permission.”  I’d imagine Grace Hopper didn’t really need to ask forgiveness often but she also didn’t waste time getting permission.  If you’ve ever heard of a computer “bug” that’s because Grace Hopper documented the first, a real moth that found it’s way into the system and wreaked some havoc!  Grace Hopper grew up taking things apart to see what made them tick (literally - it was a clock!).  The following are some new Grace Hopper quotes to add to my repertoire.  

If you’ve got a good idea, and you know it’s going to work, go ahead and do it. - Grace Hopper

The world will be a better place when all agree with me. - Grace Hopper

Every time you solve a problem, another one shows up behind it.  That’s the challenge. - Grace Hopper

One that I thought was Hopper is actually misattributed as The most dangerous phrase in the English language is that it’s always been done this way.  The real quote has more to do with people being allergic to change and stating things have always been done this way.  Either way it’s a good quote, but the actual words don’t roll off the tongue in quite the same way.

Grace is notable for more than just witty remarks, she devoted her life to solving problems and Laurie Wallmark makes her story engaging and fun for young readers.  Katy Wu shows the twinkle in Grace’s eye from her youth to her later years in the Navy.  The timeline, selected bibliography, and further reading will help keep kids digging deeper into reading about Grace and other women in STEM.

www.lauriewallmark.com 
@lauriewallmark 

katycwwu.tumblr.com 
@thewildkat

Title: Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code

Author: Laurie Wallmark

Illustrator: Katy Wu

Published 2017 by Sterling Children’s Books

ISBN: 978-1-4549-2000-7

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

Lighter Than Air

I read Lighter Than Air: Sophie Blanchard, the First Woman Pilot to my daughter at bed and when I first read the title, she said, “No!  Amelia Earhart was the first woman pilot!”  While I’m pleased she knows about Amelia Earhart, I had to let her know she was quite mistaken.  Amelia was very well known, but definitely not the first.  Enter Sophie Blanchard.

As an illustrator, Matt Tavares has an almost magical ability to capture a scene in such a way that it helps the reader identify thematic elements.  Birds, flying free, grace nearly every spread and the newspaper, filled with articles of flying, literally fly off the pages and across the windswept beaches.  A bit of foreshadowing with Sophie lighting fireworks for Napoleon’s wedding.  My daughter, Cecelia, exclaimed, “That’s dangerous!”.  And we both enjoyed her chaise lounge bed dangling from the balloon.  Talk about traveling in style!  The French really knew how to do things right!  And so do Matthew Clark Smith and Matt Tavares!  They have told Sophie Blanchard’s story just right.

http://www.matthewclarksmith.com/ 
http://www.matttavares.com/ 
@tavaresbooks

Title: Lighter than Air: Sophie Blanchard, the First Woman Pilot

Author: Matthew Clark Smith

Illustrator: Matt Tavares

Published 2017 by Candlewick Press

ISBN: 978-0-7636-7732-9

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist

I love how this picture book biography pairs the subject’s subject matter so seamlessly throughout, is this a book about Eugenie Clark or about sharks?  It doesn’t much matter because you will learn about both and they are intertwined in such a way that you won’t want it any other way.  Eugenie Clark’s story is one of not just overcoming but defying the odds.  Looking them straight in the eye and steaming full speed ahead.  Eugenie Clark had several strikes against her in her quest to become a scientist in the 1940’s.  She was a woman and she was and American of Japanese descent.  She received her undergraduate degree, followed by her masters, followed by her doctorate and pursued a career doing exactly what she loved and proving everyone wrong along the way.  Marta Alvarez Miguens’ illustrations are fun and tropically colored, like the underwater treasures that Marta discovered where sharks made their homes.  Jess Keating’s story telling imparts information and lessons of perseverance and knowing oneself.  The “Shark Bites,” Timeline, Author’s Note, and Bibliography all offer more information for curious minds.

@jess_keating

https://jesskeating.com/

http://astound.us/publishing/artists/marta-alvarez-miguens 

Title: Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist

Author: Jess Keating

Illustrator: Marta Alvarez Miguens

Published 2017 by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

ISBN: 978-1-4926-4204-6

This book was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library

Carole Boston Weatherford’s attention to detail leaves no stone unturned in a story of a man who unturned many a stone in his lifetime curating a collection that conveyed a history more “complete from all angles” proving “Africans’ place in world history.”  Sometimes I notice small minutia that I believe makes an impact.  I read this book a few days ago and remembered Carole Boston Weatherford’s note about the book plate found in each of Schomburg’s books and when I opened the book just now, I noted the Ex Libris book plate in the front of this book, then flipped back to the author’s note and was disappointed to realize the opportunity was missed to include a replica of Schomburg’s book plate in this book about his life and his collection.  Absent that, each story could stand on its own but told in chronological order do a masterful job of telling the whole story of Schomburg’s life and motivations for building his collection.  I found myself (personally) annoyed at his organizational style once his collection was acquired and housed at the 135th Street Library.  As a librarian, my goal is not just for me to be able to find items but for anyone to be able to find them.  The idea of access to the collection by others is a lingering question I have.  Schomburg comes across in the passage “Doctor” as being a guardian of the books (which may very well be how he saw himself) instead of a proselytizer of the information (which I’m also confident he was in sharing his findings).  The passage “Home” also points to a significant point that today, Schomburg would probably be featured on an episode of Hoarders.  All in all, I am glad he made it his mission to save texts, letters, documents and artifacts that point out the countless contributions of people of African descent.  From Phyllis Wheatley to Beethoven himself, Arturo Schomburg wrote a new narrative and Carole Boston Weatherford translated that for a new generation.  Eric Velasquez’s bright oil paintings highlight the stories that Arturo brought to life as well as Arturo’s life itself and his beautiful color coordinated collection in the background of many of the spreads.  The bibliography and source notes will prove helpful for anyone who would like to read further about Arturo Schomburg.

https://cbweatherford.com/

http://www.ericvelasquez.com/

@ericvelasquezny

Title: Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library

Author: Carole Boston Weatherford

Illustrator: Eric Velasquez

Published 2017 by Candlewick Press

ISBN: 978-0-7636-8046-6

This book was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

The Wonderling

The Wonderling is the wonder filled story of a one eared fox groundling named “13”, Arthur, or Spike, depending on who you ask.  Living many lives on one journey that ends up bringing Arthur (his preferred name) right back where he started with a new purpose and mission will empower young readers to lose themselves in the story and at the same time connect to finding their own true self.  The theme woven through the story is the importance of the journey and purpose, not the final destination and how we are changed by the people (or groundlings?) we meet along the way.  In the end, we are not alone but supported by the people we choose to surround ourselves with, so surround yourselves with good people.  Young readers will be entranced by Mira Bartok’s The Wonderling.

http://www.mirabartok.com/ 

@mirabartok

Title: The Wonderling

Author: Mira Bartok

Published 2017 by Candlewick Press

ISBN: 978-0-7636-9121-9

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

Martina and Chrissie: The Greatest Rivalry in the History of Sports

Brett Helquist paints the rivals in their own thematic colors.  Chris or Chrissie almost seems to be the golden girl on such a streak with golden hair that she seems to glow.  Martina painted with a fierce face and a blue background hides no emotion.  Phil Bildner lets the story of their rivalry unfold.  Friends off court, spending time together before and after vicious matches seems contrary to what we might understand but Martina’s later training style matches what we know to not be nice to our opponents if you want to win.  I am personally glad for the message that they did become friends again later in life.  In the timeline, it is noted that they played doubles tennis and excelled.  I wish that had been incorporated into the story in a more concrete way.  The inclusion of both the timeline and sources is helpful to the reader.

https://philbildner.com/
@PhilBildner

http://www.bretthelquist.com/ 

@BHelquist

Title: Martina and Chrissie: The Greatest Rivalry in the History of Sports

Author: Phil Bildner

Illustrator: Brett Helquist

Published 2017 by Candlewick Press

ISBN: 978-0-7636-7308-6

This book was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

Pick a Pine Tree

Pick a Pine Tree is a good companion to any of the books from Nosy Crow where you make your own ornaments.  Maybe you are starting (or continuing) a new tradition.  Either way, read aloud Pick a Pine Tree to discuss some of the choices you make when preparing for the holidays.  Do you make cookies?  Sing carols?  Decorate together?  Discuss what the characters are doing together and keep an open mind to starting some new traditions yourself.

http://www.patriciatoht.com/ 
@PatriciaToht

http://www.byjarvis.com/

Title: Pick a Pine Tree

Author: Patricia Toht

Illustrator: Jarvis

Published 2017 by Candlewick Press

ISBN: 978-0-7636-9571-2

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

The Christmas Fairy

Clara wriggles and giggles her way through the story on her quest to be a Christmas fairy in a tree and when all seems lost, she has a chance to save the day for Santa.  Rosalind Beardshaw’s illustrations sparkle on the book cover and inside the leafy accents help the page to pop just as Clara feels she might pop when trying to do the right thing.

http://nosycrow.com/contributors/anne-booth/
@Bridgeanne

http://www.rosalindbeardshaw.com/ 

Title: The Christmas Fairy

Author: Anne Booth

Illustrator: Rosalind Beardshaw

Published 2017 by Nosy Crow, an imprint of Candlewick Press

ISBN: 978-0-7636-9629-0

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

Elf in the House

With rhyming verse throughout and cumulative characters, kids will love Elf in the House.  I’m excited to check out Ammi-Joan Maquette’s other book, Ghost in the House.  To use the phrase, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse would be contrary as a mouse is the first character the girl happens upon in her night time search.

http://www.ajpaquette.com/
@joanpaq

https://dribbble.com/falldowntree
@falldowntree

Title: Elf in the House

Author: Ammi-Joan Paquette

Illustrator: Adam Record

Published 2017 by Candlewick Press

ISBN: 978-0-7636-8132-6

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

Red and Lulu

Matt Tavares weaves a story just as these birds weaved nests in their great tree that was chosen to be the focal point of Rockefeller Center during the holiday months in New York City.  Red, the male cardinal follows the felled tree all the way to New York and finds Lulu who was trapped in its wrapped branches.  This is a story of change, beauty, and resilience.  Rather than despairing over the loss of their habitat, Red and Lulu adapt to city life taking more permanent residence in what I guesstimate to be Central Park and they take place in the tree lighting festivities every year.  The author’s note at the end about the Rockefeller Center Christmas will likely answer questions readers may have upon finishing the story about how the trees are selected and even what happens to them after their time in New York.  Tavares’ spreads with blocks of illustrations tell many stories on each page.  And those that span the expanse demonstrate the journey, like the illustration of Red flying over the bridge.  Red and Lulu give new perspective to traditions we hold dear.

http://www.matttavares.com/
@tavaresbooks

Title: Red and Lulu

Author: Matt Tavares

Published 2017 by Candlewick Press

ISBN: 978-0-7636-7733-6

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

A Christmas for Bear

First, I am having a hard time believing there wasn’t already a Christmas Bear and Mouse book, but apparently I would be mistaken in thinking so.  Other Bonny Becker books include favorite like: 

A Visitor for Bear

A Birthday for Bear

A Bedtime for Bear

The Sniffles for Bear

A Library Book for Bear

I think Bonny Becker sums this book up pretty well in her About the Author page on the jacket flap, “Bear is such a grouch about everything, with Mouse always the generous one.  But Christmas is the time for Bear to show his generous heart.”  Kady MacDonald Denton’s illustrations are gorgeous and soft.  The title page spread feels like serene, untouched snow.  Perhaps my favorite line in this book, “Pickles and Poems!” bellowed Bear. “That is the Christmas Spirit!” and the illustration on this page seems to show the tree itself quaking in fear.  And the final illustration shows the sheer joy of a sled ride.  Such an emotional roller coaster for bear both in words and pictures.  I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy the ride of A Christmas for Bear.

https://bonnybecker.com/ 
@bonnybecker33

http://www.kadymacdonalddenton.ca/

Title:  A Christmas for Bear

Author: Bonny Becker

Illustrator: Kady MacDonald Denton

Published 2017 by Candlewick Press

ISBN: 978-0-7636-4923-4

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

Gift Boxes to Decorate and Make: Christmas

Well, these are just adorable!  Partnering the trends of adult coloring style and maker culture, you can color AND make your own gift boxes for holiday gift giving.  The perfect size for cookies, candy, or gift cards, the real gift will be the fun of making these boxes.  We can’t wait to make some and I even have a family member in mind who I think would really run with this idea.  

Handed to my daughter.  “ooooohhhhh!”

Title: Gift Boxes to Decorate and Make: Christmas

Illustrator: Sarah Walsh

Published 2017 by Nosy Crow, an imprint of Candlewick Press

ISBN: 978-0-7636-9637-5

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

Press Out + Color Christmas Ornaments

Unlike the Make and Play books, this one IS all pop out ornaments.  The difference being that they are also designed to be colored by the user.  Personally, I think a suggestion of a medium to color with would be helpful.  As in, what is ideal for this material - crayon, marker, colored pencil, gel pens? Besides that, I think these make for a great gift and will make for beautiful ornaments on a tree.  These could be for a child to make ornaments to give as gifts to others or they could all adorn one gorgeous, glittering tree.

After being handed to my daughter, she exclaimed, “No, I want this book instead!”  

Title: Press Out + Color Christmas Ornaments

Illustrator: Kate McLelland

Published 2017 by Nosy Crow, an imprint of Candlewick Press

ISBN: 978-0-7636-9618-4

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

The panorama pop of The Twelve Days of Christmas is both a book (sort of) and a decoration in and of itself.  It makes the perfect accent to a mantel and can be turned or one side can be more predominantly displayed.  The “leaping lord” feels upside down.  Well, he is upside down, so it’s really a matter of wondering if that is intentional or not.  Besides that, each illustration is well done and truly “pops” off the page.

Title: The Twelve Days of Christmas 

Illustrator: Grahame Baker-Smith

Published 2016 by Candlewick Press

ISBN: 978-0-7636-9485-2

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

Make and Play Nativity

Just like Make and Play Christmas, but with all the pieces needed to build your own Nativity.  Included is the Nativity Story to read.  The crafts included are to make a Christmas Star, Angel, and Advent Calendar and the songs all correlate to the Nativity Story as well.  Another great Christmas or pre-Christmas gift to take advantage of each of the ideas during the season!

Title: Make and Play Nativity

Author: Joey Chou

Published 2017 by Nosy Crow, an imprint of Candlewick Press

ISBN: 978-0-7636-9617-7

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

Make and Play Christmas

At first glance, I thought this book was only the pop out ornaments or play pieces.  Which are pretty cool by themselves.  Upon closer inspection, there are additional craft instruction pages, recipes, and songs.  Make and Play Christmas has a little bit of everything.  It’s a perfect gift for the holidays in our DIY world.  Actually, I’d suggest it as a pre-holiday gift as there is so much here that could be done to prepare for Christmas.  Get ready to make your own wrapping paper and gingerbread cookies!

After finishing the above review, I handed it to my daughter.  I told her, “Do NOT pop the pieces out.”  She responded, “Why?”.  “Because it’s not yours…yet.”  I had been thinking of paying some of these forward as gifts myself.  And then, “Can I have it?”  “Why?”  “Because I like the crafts, the angel and the reindeer.”  So much for my gift giving plan.  That one got snatched up by Cece.

Title: Make and Play Christmas

Author: Joey Chou

Published 2017 by Nosy Crow, an imprint of Candlewick Press

ISBN: 978-0-7636-9616-0

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

The interactive elements of this sturdy book will make it a favorite in households with young children.  A free version of the song is available to be downloaded via a QR code inside the front cover.  One suggestion would be to add a link that could be typed into a browser for functionality for the QR illiterate among us.  Not me.  But I know a lot of people who still don’t “get it” or have a QR Code reader.  So.  If you want to take advantage of this function, download a QR reader like Qrafter.  That’s just the one I have on my phone, I’m sure there are zillions of great readers but that’s all I’ve got.  But I digress.

As I was typing this review, my son asked me to hand him the book.  So if you were wondering if kids like it.  The answer is simply yes.  I’m watching him look at the pictures and play with the interactive pieces.  I’d say his favorite is on the last page.  It is a wheel on the side with gears that make it easy for little fingers to get a finger hold in there and as you spin the wheel, Santa’s reindeer followed by the big main himself in his sleigh arc across the night sky.  The other pieces might take some more practice but with modeling, kids will get in on the action of making the curtains rise and fall and the characters play peek-a-boo across the pages.  While some interactive books like this get “stuck” or the pieces are difficult to manipulate, these move smoothly, perhaps because of the board book style, or just plain good design.

This book will make a great addition to any holiday library.  Perfect for ages 2-4 independently and as a read aloud from birth.  Enjoy!

Title: We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Illustrator: Yu-hsuan Huang

Published 2016 by Nosy Crow, an imprint of Candlewick Press

ISBN: 978-0-7636-9612-2

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: Snow Globe Edition

I hadn’t previously thought of the classic, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, as a holiday book.  But with the addition of a snow globe to the front and pop up elements, I can’t unseen it as a holiday book.  This updated version will make the perfect gift for a winter holiday or birthday celebration.  My son loved shaking the snow globe cover and experiencing this book anew all over again.

https://www.michaelrosen.co.uk/
@MichaelRosenYes

Title: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: Snow Globe Edition

Author: Michael Rosen

Published 2017 by Candlewick Press 

ISBN: 978-1-5362-0029-4

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes.