DJ Corchin’s picture book teaches young readers that even great ideas sometimes receive a NO–but that NO can actually help great ideas become the best ideas! This empowering book shows what amazing things happen when we work with others and don’t give up and is a great message these days for kids. We were excited to have the chance to interview DJ this month, get to know him and learn a little of the back story behind “A Thousand NO’s.” Perseverance and innovation are important topics; even for very young children. Through his wonderful book, he manages to tackle these concepts in a way that works for kids.
My Best Friend is a picture book preschoolers will want to read again and again. Its quirky and somewhat dark humor is unlike most other children’s books and the reason we fell in love with it. What’s not to like about Mouse telling everyone about his best friend, Giant Owl, who may or may not be trying to eat him! The illustrations are wonderful and tell a very different reality than the story we hear from Mouse about his best friend, Giant Owl. Whether the two “friends” are playing chase, eating donuts (fattening up!), or building a house (cage!), the story is unpredictable. The obviousness of Mouse to the true motives of Giant Owl, is touching. We hope you enjoy our interview with Rob Hodgson, an author/illustrator we should all keep our eyes on.
Ella Mae Does It Her Way is a fantastic children’s book about a little girl with her own ideas. We couldn’t wait to interview the author, Mick Jackson, to find out from where this character came. After hearing from her mum that it’s good to try new things, Ella Mae decides “backwards” is the way to go. She walks, reads and even gets into bed backwards. This new way of doing things catches on and soon most of the town is following her lead. Unfortunately for Ella Mae, if everyone is walking backwards, she has to try something new.
Autumn is here, and the season of crunchy leaves on the sidewalk, mugs of warm apple cider, and pumpkin patch visits is upon us! One of the best ways to celebrate as the weather gets chilly and the leaves begin to turn is to snuggle up with a good book. We’ve compiled our list of the very best children’s books about fall that will get you in the spirit for fall festivities.
We all have hopes and dreams for our children and “Dare to Dream Big” captures what all parents or caregivers want for them. Each page presents a positive message in a way that’s understandable for even very young kids. The diversity in the illustration is another reason we fell in love with the book. We had a great time sitting down with Lorna and learning more about her as well as her fabulous book.
“How to Catch A Dinosaur” by Adam Wallace is a wonderful, rhyming tale about a little boy and his diverse group of friends as they try to win their science fair by catching a dinosaur. With bright illustrations, the story comes alive as the children set traps throughout the school. These traps get more and more elaborate as the story unfolds.
The Last Hazelnut by Susanna Isern follows the friendship of two characters who have a misunderstanding about who ate the last hazelnut! A playful and engaging book with colorful, folklore-inspired illustrations by Mariana Ruiz Johnson, this appealing story encourages problem solving and self-awareness. It is a perfect read for encouraging children and to think about how individuals can overcome a disagreement and make amends.
It’s never too early to teach your kids about the joys of discovering nature! Connecting with the natural world is a wonderful way to help your littles learn and grow. Here are some of our favorite books for little readers that will encourage them to act as stewards of the environment, teach them about the cycles of life, and inspire them to explore the great outdoors.
Bianca Schulze has written a wonderful, interactive story, perfect for reading at bedtime. Don’t Wake the Dragon puts your little one in charge of making sure the dragon stays asleep through all the craziness at the castle. They can bang on an illustrated drum, knock on imaginary doors, and shush their way through a party, but also gently rock the book from side to side as they sing the dragon a lullaby to make sure he stays asleep.
We’ve compiled our list of the best board books for baby showers that will help babies learn and grow and— most importantly— will help you share the priceless gift of stories with the precious new addition in your life.
10 Cute Ideas for an Elephant-Themed Baby Shower
What to Write in a Baby Shower Book
26 Tips for Making Reading Fun
23 Best Elephant Books for Kids
20 Favorite Winter-Themed Children’s Books
21 Really Unique Baby Books
20 Best Picture Books Without Words
Best Board Book Ideas for Toddlers
15 Best Children’s Books About Animals
Best Children’s Books about Friendship
21 Classic Children’s Books for Kids Aged 1-6
25 Best Children’s Books about Summer
17 Children’s Books about the Moon
23 Best Books for 2 Year Olds
20 Books About Dogs Your Kids Will Love
20 Wonderful Books about Bears for Kids
25 Phenomenal Fantasy Books for Preschoolers
23 Baby Gift Basket Ideas for Any Occasion
20 Best Children’s Books about Kindness
25 Baby Books New Parents Should Have
