Fall Ball, by Peter McCarty, captures the sublimity of fall--its perfect chilliness, the electricity in the air and the beautiful changes of colors in the leaves. It's also about what it's like to be a kid in the fall. I loved this book, but probably because fall is my favorite season. This little story has a cozy ending, the kind you want to read with a hot cup of apple cider or tea in hand.
Andrea Beaty and David Roberts have collaborated again on another enchanting story—Happy Birthday, Madame Chapeau. It’s a sweet story about friendship and reaching out to one another in our community. Madame Chapeau, expert hat maker, crafts amazing headwear for the denizens of Paris. One night out on the town, she loses her beloved bonnet and is surprised by a little girl who comes to her rescue.
Beaty’s lively rhyming text pairs charmingly well with Roberts' striking hats and chic ensembles. It’s no wonder, though, that Roberts’ sartorial renditions are tailored so impeccably—his background includes jobs as a fashion illustrator and milliner previous to becoming a children’s book illustrator. This story is a delight for the eyes as much as it is for the heart.
This was an advance copy sent by Abrams Books. All opinions stated are my own.
Avery absolutely loved this Hello Paper Dolls set that we received some years ago in a giveaway from Hello Hanna. It is the epitome of cute! There is also a set of stencils that you can use to design your own clothes with your favorite paper or prints. You can still find some of their book kits and placemat sets on Amazon—just do a search for “Hello Hanna."
Little Pear Tree, authored by Rachel Williams and illustrated by Jenny Bowers, is a board book with 25 flaps throughout it with hidden elements of nature to explore. Jenny Bowers' art work immerses you into the world of little pear tree, as you follow it through the changing of the seasons. Forms and shapes overlap on the pages, producing a wonderful collage quality. She uses color to masterfully evoke the nostalgic feel and mood of each season--winter in cool blues, whites, taupes and grays; spring in sunny yellows, ochres and greens. Fall, my favorite season, is rendered in deep reds, oranges and auburns. Nate likes the lift-the-flap aspect of the book and finding little surprises, like a snowflake hiding under a winter bloom or the seeds buried in a green pear. Little Pear Tree is such a darling book and a must-have for every early childhood library.
Avery made this necklace to send to one of her cousins (with help from me). Her mother had a great idea to start a correspondence between our girls--not letters, but artwork or crafts that they make for each other. It kind of reminds me of the Happy Mail series on Giver's Log. Love this idea and Avery can’t wait to see what arrives in the mail!