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
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
I’m popping in with a “perfect picture book” on Saturday. I’ve found a history sister in Sarah Jane Marsh. Her energetic writing brings fascinating detail and humor to the page, bringing to life a nugget from history. And I love that she’s found a way to share historical tales in a longer form of picture … More Most Wanted: The Revolutionary Partnership of John Hancock and Samuel Adams
Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! Here’s an irresistible new fiction picture book that will dig deeper into your heart every time you read it. Title: When the Babies Came to Stay Written by: Christine McDonnell Illustrated by: Jeanette Bradley Viking, PRH 2020, fiction Suitable for ages: 2-5 Themes/topics: adoption, acceptance, community Opening: The first … More When the Babies Came to Stay
What child hasn’t pretended to be a circus performer? Taming lions! Walking tightropes! Flying on the trapeze! Today, for Perfect Picture Book Friday, in the center ring, all the way from France, in the midst of a revolution, with captivating illustrations and the wonder of well-chosen words….I give you Madame Saqui! Title: Madame Saqui: Revolutionary … More Madame Saqui: Revolutionary Rope Dancer
Here’s another Perfect Picture Book for Black History Month and Women’s History Month. Laura Wheeler Waring spoke through her art, painting people she saw in her life but absent from galleries. Nancy Churnin’s latest picture book, gorgeously illustrated by Felicia Marshall, tells how Waring persevered to find her place in the art world. NANCY CHURNIN … More Beautiful Shades of Brown
Today’s Perfect Picture Book is the story behind a photograph, a great example of how “a picture is worth a thousand words.” After seeing a photograph of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe, author Vivian Kirkfield dug into the story of a special friendship and found a way to share that with kids. Title: Making Their … More Making Their Voices Heard
Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! Here’s a refreshingly fun tale that turns the usual upside down. Next week author Michael Sussman will be back to share his take on the heart of humor! Title: Duckworth the Difficult Child Written by: Michael Sussman Illustrated by: Júlia Sardá Simon & Schuster 2019 Suitable for ages: 4-8 Themes/topics: … More Duckworth the Difficult Child
I’m back for Perfect Picture Book Friday with a lovely tale about nature, commitment, and the impact of a single person. As a tree-lover, this story hit home, and it’s chock full of food for thought for all of us. Don’t miss it! Reminder: If you missed Heather Gale’s Mining for Heart post earlier this week, … More The Boy Who Grew a Forest
Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! I never knew how Title IX came to be until I read GIRLS WITH GUTS: THE ROAD TO BREAKING BARRIERS AND BASHING RECORDS by Debbie Gonzales. What better way to tell about the landmark legislation that opened the door to girls’ athletics than to start with some history and highlights … More Girls With Guts!
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 