Outside the Box: A Book of Poems by Karma Wilson illustrated by Diane Goode

I was looking for something new to write about for Poetry Month that was fun to read.  There are so many new and wonderful poetry books but nothing was striking my fancy.  That is until I came across today's book.  At first I thought it was a new Shel Silverstein but on closer look I saw that it was by one of my favorite Picture book authors Karma Wilson.  She writes all those cute Bear books.  

Outside the Box: A Book of Poems by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Caldecott Honor recipient Diane Goode is a homage to the great Shel Silverstein.  They even dedicate the book to him.  While the illustrations might look like a Shel Silverstein book on closer examination they reminded me more of Dr Seuss. The poems  are quirky and refreshing.  They range from funny to poignant and back again. This is the kind of book that can be given to a family that has children of different ages.  The poems are great for grown ups too. This is a must have new poetry book for a child's bookshelf or a teacher's classroom.  

These Seas Count! by Alison Formento illustrated by Sarah Snow

Yesterday at the annual BookNJ event I finally got a chance to meet Alison Formento an award winning author of popular nature picture books.  I have seen her books for awhile and heard such wonderful things about her.  She does phenomenal school and store visits that always enthrall the children she talks to.   I realized that even though she had been on my list of authors to suggest I never wrote about her.

These Seas Count by Alison Formento and illustrated by Sarah Snow is a wonderful picture book for children to help them learn how important the ocean and beaches are to our world.  It is the perfect book to read to children before they start their summer vacation--especially if they are going to the beach.  I love how Ms Formento doesn't talk down to the reader and tells her story simply and sweetly.  I also love Ms Snow's beautiful collage paintings which perfectly match the gentle text.  These are perfect a nature loving child's bookshelf and they make great gifts for a teacher's classroom.

Other books in the series are just as wonderful:

This Tree Counts

These Bees Count


In this environmentally conscience age these are must have books to own....

Flashback Tuesday: Books about Autumn

There is a definite chill in the air and since Autumn starts this week I thought I would suggest some of my favorite books Fall books.   For some reason Fall or Autumn  titles always sold better in than other season.   Winter books seem to do well but mostly if it has a holiday theme.   Like I said today's books represent books I would put out on display....I always liked to mix fun books with informative book....basically something for everyone. 

  

I Love Fall by Alison Inches and illustrated by Hiroe Nakata great little touch and feel board book for the littlest hands.  

Count Down to Fall by Fran Hawk and illustrated by Sherry Neidigh this is a sweet book for ages 4-8. 

Ready for Autumn by Martha Jocelyn is another board book that shows children what to wear in the crisp air....for ages 2-5.

Why Do Leaves Change Color by Betsey Maestro is a classic read and find out book that tells children in a fun way how the leaves on the trees change color.   It includes great activities to do this time of year with leaves etc.  Ages 4-8

Red Leaf Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert is a perennial favorite that should be on every child's bookshelf.  Click on it to read my original post from last year.   

Clifford's First Autumn by Norman Bridwell  is a no brainer for a story time about Autumn....children love Clifford.  It is a fun and easy read.  Ages 2-6  

When Autumn Comes by Robert Maass uses wonderful photos to simply tell the story of Fall.  Ages 4-7

The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z by Kate Messner is for the older child ages 9-12.   I wrote about it when it first came out and still feel it is the perfect read for this time of year.   

These are just a few classic titles and newer/older titles to read this fall....tomorrow some brand new Autumn books to try....