The Gravity Tree

Here’s a book I’ve been wanting to see… And after seeing it, I had to share it for Perfect Picture Book Friday. Anyone who knows me is probably aware that I am a lover of trees. And fascinated by history. So putting those together in a picture book is pretty irresistible! I hope you’ll check … More The Gravity Tree

Freaky, Funky Fish: Odd Facts About Fascinating Fish

If you’ve ever thought that informational nonfiction might be dry….you need to see FREAKY, FUNKY FISH by Debra Shumaker and Claire Powell. My Perfect Picture Book Friday pick, this picture book will surely have your jaw dropping, smiles spreading, and awe popping at the wonders of nature. Come back next week when Debra Shumaker shares … More Freaky, Funky Fish: Odd Facts About Fascinating Fish

Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks

Today, for Perfect Picture Book Friday, I’m sharing another favorite from the “BEST of 2020” lists. EXQUISITE: THE POETRY AND LIFE OF GWENDOLYN BROOKS truly is exquisite! Suzanne Slade is another favorite author who continually teaches me about the craft of writing picture books. Congratulations to Ruthie Kirk! You’ve won a copy of IS IT … More Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks

Dark Was the Night: Blind Willie Johnson’s Journey to the Stars

Popping in with a Perfect Picture Book Friday recommendation. This book is in my top 10 for 2020—a lyrical, gorgeous, important book about the power of music. Don’t miss it!  Title: Dark Was the Night: Blind Willie Johnson’s Journey to the Stars Written by:  Gary Golio Illustrated by: E.B. Lewis Nancy Paulsen Books/PRH 2020, biography … More Dark Was the Night: Blind Willie Johnson’s Journey to the Stars

Swashby and the Sea

Here’s a new picture book that’s really won my heart with it’s word play, timely message, and irresistible illustrations! Author Beth Ferry and illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal have created an endearing and humorous story about not getting what you want, but rather, what you need. Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! Congratulations to the winner of WATERCRESS … More Swashby and the Sea

Behind the Scenes: “Collaborating with an Illustrator” by Andrea Wang

Andrea Wang’s new picture book, WATERCRESS, has been all over the news recently. It’s an outstanding book in every way, a collaboration of skilled, sensitive, extraordinary book creators. I wish I’d had this book when I had a classroom full of English language learners from around the world with their myriad of experiences. Here Andrea … More Behind the Scenes: “Collaborating with an Illustrator” by Andrea Wang

Above the Rim: How Elgin Baylor Changed Basketball

I’m not into basketball, and I’ve never heard of Elgin Baylor, but after seeing this book on so many “BEST of 2020” lists, I took a look. Jen Bryant – stellar! Frank Morrison – amazing! Welcome to a new year and my first Perfect Picture Book Friday recommendation ABOVE THE RIM, winner of the 2021 … More Above the Rim: How Elgin Baylor Changed Basketball

The Day Saida Arrived

Here’s a really special book I’m recommending for Perfect Picture Book Friday about connecting across cultures, respect, empathy, and so much more. This book, a finalist for the Jane Addams award, should not be missed! The winner of the giveaway for Cow Boy is Not a Cowboy by Gregory Barrington is Cathy Ballou Mealey! Congratulations! … More The Day Saida Arrived

Pies from Nowhere

Here’s a book I just became aware of and wanted to share as a Perfect Picture Book Friday recommendation. It’s the story of how one person can make a difference, about an unsung heroine, about the people behind the scenes of social change.  Title: Pies from Nowhere: How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott … More Pies from Nowhere