Tomorrow Most Likely by Dave Eggers illustrated by Lane Smith

What a strange world we are living in today.  A year ago who would have thought that the world would be in lockdown a year later?  It is hard to imagine the world going back to the way we were. While this is a new normal, we will hopefully have a newer normal soon.

Tomorrow Most Likely by Dave Eggers, illustrated by Lane Smith and published by Chronicle Books came out one year ago.  It is categorized  as a bedtime story but not a typical bedtime story.  I think it makes a perfect book for kids in this new world we live in.  The little boy in the story is tasked with thinking of what "tomorrow" can bring,  how it can bring adventure and wonder with the promise of a new day.  In todays environment it is important for children to realize that things will get better and that at some point they will be able to go out and have adventures with their friends. They will once again laugh and play and learn. I was struck by the simple text and whimsical thoughts plus I have always loved Lane Smith's illustrations. He never disappoints.
I know it is be a spoiler but the meaning and message of the book can be wrapped up in the final thoughts of the story: "Tomorrow most likely/will be a great day/because you are in it".


Again during these unsettling times this is a message we all need---that every day is great because you are in it and we shouldn't give up on dreams of a wondrous tomorrow!

Daniel Finds a Poem by Micha Archer

I love Poetry Month...especially when I find find new books to read and uncover.  This one jumped out at me because one of my favorite people is my nephew and godson Daniel.  He is a bit old for this book as he is in college but it still reminds me of him when he was a little boy.  I remember our walks with his constant monologue and questions about all that we encountered....from cars to the pond and animals we met along the way.

Daniel Finds a Poem written and illustrated by Micha Archer is a wonderful introduction of poetry for a child.  What is Poetry? This sweet book is the story of a little boy who wants the answer to that question.  He discovers it all around him as he walks through the park from the animals and creatures that he meets.  At the end of the book Daniel presents all he has discovered in the form of a poem.  This book is not only an introduction to poetry but to nature as well.  I love the lyrical way in which it is written alongside it's sweet illustrations.  This is a perfect book for a classroom, library or a child's bookshelf.  A great book to be read again and again.

All We Know by Linda Ashman illustrated by Jane Dyer

I love Springtime!The days are longer and the earth smells sweet. Spring brings the promise of new things.

All We Know by Linda Ashman and illustrated by Jane Dyer shows that same promise of the beauty of Spring.  Jane Dyer's illustrations always touch my heart and make me feel warm and fuzzy. They also remind me of my niece when she was little.  My niece has a little boy of her own now and so they remind me of him too.  The sweet illustrations combined with Linda Ashman's tender prose make a perfect match.  I love this new book.  It is the perfect read aloud for either a story time or bedtime.  It is more than just a story of a mother's love for her child but it is the story of the beauty of the natural world around us.  A perfect new baby gift.

Me....Jane by Patrick McDonnell

While unpacking books yesterday at the bookstore I came across today's title. I have already written of my love for all things Patrick McDonnell before but I can't help writing about him again.  

Me...Jane written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell is one of the sweetest picture book biography's I have ever read.  I think this is the perfect book to share with a child especially during Women's History Month.  Patrick McDonnell sweetly and simply tells the story of young Jane and her stuffed chimp named Jubilee.  He tells of her love of nature and helping animals.  She dreams of  "a life living with and helping all animals" --which she she eventually does. 

I love love love the illustrations in this book and the simple text makes it a perfect read aloud too. This is a must have for every child's bookcase....oh and for the classroom.  The lessons are bountiful from loving nature to following your dreams....a good lesson for anyone...no matter what age!  

Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson

Ahh Autumn...well technically it is still summer but it is back to school time--which means Autumn to me.  I hope everyone had a great summer.  It really did seem to go by really quickly.  Here on the East Coast the weather has been up and down but not today...today is a beautiful day with perfect weather.

Enjoy today's book.

Tap the Magic Tree written and illustrated by Christie Matheson is a new book that is sure to become a classic at home and in the classroom.  This is a sweet interactive book that prompts the child to turn the page by tapping or shaking or patting the pages.  I love the soft pallet and the simplicity of the words and illustrations.  A wonderful new book to add to a child's library.


From the book:

There is magic in every tree.
The tall, silent one in the woods.
The small, bumpy one in the park.
Even the bare brown tree in your backyard.

As the seasons change, trees change, too.
They sprout leaves. The leaves change color.
Sometimes flowers bloom. Sometimes apples grow.
Trees shelter birds and feed squirrels and bees.

There is magic in every tree.
And in this book, you become the magician.
How?
Tap, clap, wiggle, jiggle,
and then . . .
turn the page.

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....

Reference Sunday: Step Gently Out by Helen Frost photographs by Rick Lieder

I was so happy the other day to discover the local library by my office.   It was a beautiful day and I wanted to go out.   I have been neglecting my blog and thought it was time to refresh it.   The Mahwah Public Library is beautiful.  I was not expecting such a large building with a wonderful children's section. The librarians were so nice and helpful too.  I got there just as a story time was a about to start....I really wished I could join in.  I checked out a number of books that I thought would be interesting.

Step Gently Out poems by Helen Frost and photographs by Rick Lieder, published by Candlewick Press was recommended to me by one of the librarians.   She said she loves to read it at story time because the children are fascinated by the photographs of insects and the natural world.   They like to trace the photos and touch the insects....it is so realistic and exquisite.   I am not a bug or insect person.   As a matter of fact I tend to run away from them.   That being said even I was drawn to these photographs....Rick Lieder is truly one of the best nature photographers I have ever seen.   I love Helen Frost's lyrical poems too....so simple but expressive.   This is the perfect book for ages 2 and up....(I say "and up" because I think any age can appreciate this book).   This is a great book for a child who loves to explore the outdoors and a great way to show children the wonder and beauty of the world around them.  I would have loved to give this to my nephews, I always marveled at my sister-in-law Theresa because she never hesitated to pick up creepy crawly things to show her boys when they were little.

Oh and as far as being a "reference" book, there is a fantastic glossary in the back filled with information about each insect with an accompanying photograph.

Flashback Tuesday: Fireflies by Julie Brinckloe

I have been dog sitting my brother's dog for the past few days.  He is very cute and I love taking care of him but I forget that he needs to go out at night.    Last night as I took him out I saw something I had forgotten about~ an abundance of fireflies blinking in the night.   I was immediately sent back in time to childhood summers of staying out late and chasing fireflies.   I can still see my Dad punching holes in jar lids so we could catch the fireflies.   All night long I tried to remember a book I used to read to kids during the summer when I came across today's book.

Fireflies by Julie Brinckloe is definitely a flashback to another time.   I love the soft illustrations and sweet easy to read story of catching fireflies.   It is a sweet sentimental story that is soothing to read on a warm summer night.   The cover is what I remember and what I saw last night while the fireflies flew~

Here are some other books on fireflies that are also great to read....

Ten Flashing Fireflies by Philemon Sturges and illustrated by Ann Vojtech--sweet illustrations
The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle ----it's Eric Carle, what more can I say!
Sam and the Firefly by PD Eastman (a personal favorite)
Firefly Named Torchy by Benard Waber ---a fun book if you can find a copy....

These are just a few titles I like...gotta run and go find a jar to poke holes in....just in case....

Reference Sunday: Harmony Children's Edition: A Vision for Our Future by Charles HRH The Prince of Wales

Today is  Prince Charles birthday.    I was just reading about his new adult book called Harmony: A New Way of Looking at Our World.  In it he talks about how we must work with nature to help our planet.    I admire his passion and commitment to changing the way we view our world.

Harmony Children's Edition: A Vision for Our Future by HRH The Prince of Wales takes all the information of his adult book and makes it accessible to children.   It was very smart of him to do a children's version as they should also be taught to save our world.   It is a beautifully produced book with wonderful photographs.  It is a good book to help start conversations about the environment and why we should care about what is happening to our planet.

Reference Sunday: Face to Face with Whales by Flip Nicklin

I was trying to decide what to write about today when I came across the fact that today is Herman Melville's birthday.   I didn't think I could write about Moby Dick because even though it is a classic, it is a bit old for my audience.   His birthday did get me thinking about 'whales'....and I remembered that a whale had recently crashed into a boat.   The images were awesome...especially because no one got hurt.   I thought then I would recommend a book about whales.

Face to Face with Whales by Flip Nicklin seems like the perfect book to talk about on Herman Melville's birthday.   The cover image for the paperback edition coming out in a few weeks is so reminiscent of the whale incident and the boat a few weeks ago that I couldn't pass it up.    I don't usually recommend a book that is not out yet but as this is out in hardcover I thought I could make an exception.  This is a truly wonderful book that really illustrates the beauty that is a whale.   The photographs are incredible.   National Geographic books always have spectacular photographs but this book takes it up a notch. This is a great book for the explorer in your life....the images are wonderful.  

Walking with Henry: Based on the Life and Works of Henry David Thoreau by Thomas Locker

Today is Henry David Thoreau's birth anniversary.   I always found his life fascinating...I would wonder what he would think of the world today.   So much of what he did and said during his lifetime reflects what  the feelings of so many people today.  

Walking with Henry by Thomas Locker is a perfect introduction of his life for children.   I actually think it is a great way for any one, young or old, to appreciate this renaissance man.   It is also my favorite book by Thomas Locker.   Mr Locker's illustrations are so beautiful that I feel so relaxed looking at them.   There are other great books for kids about Henry David Thoreau but I find this one to be a collectors dream....the best of both worlds....something for everyone.