little lit book series: art edition

A happy day.  It’s time for #littlebookseries, the art edition.

Twelve children’s book illustrators answer the question “What’s Your Favorite Animal?” with a collection of funny and insightful drawings, paintings, stories and poetry.  The notable group of illustrators includes Eric Carle, Nick Bruel, Lucy Cousins, Susan Jeffers, Steven Kellogg, Jon Klassen, Tom Lichtenheld, Peter McCarty, Chris Raschka, Peter Sís, Lane Smith, Erin Stead, Rosemary Wells and Mo Willems.  Enjoyable and endearing to read.

Do check out the other children’s art books that are being shared today by this wonderful group on Instagram using #littlelitbookseries.

creativity, free time and open-ended toys

A preview from my post on The Land of Nod’s blog today about free time, open-ended toys and fostering creativity in children.

bonjour camille

The illustrations in Bonjour Camille are not what you would expect—in a good way—and make so much visual sense.  Beautiful, enchanting and innovative use of pattern and collage.  By Catalán writer Felipe Cano and illustrator/designer Laia Aguilar, Bonjour Camille is definitely a breath of fresh air.  

 And here’s to another day of celebrating books—Happy World Book Day, everyone!

once upon an alphabet

I think we might be the last people on earth to buy Oliver Jeffer's Once Upon an Alphabet.  It's as brilliant as I thought it would be.  Hope everyone’s reading something fun and engaging today.  Happy Read Across America Day!

you were the first

I gave Avery this book for her recent birthday because she was our first baby.  If you have children, you know that all of them are special to you.  But your first child is unique and incomparable to the others because they were your very first; they made you a parent.  You went through so many meaningful first milestones and indescribable ups and downs that first year; those first few years.  You transformed into a different person.  Life changed forever (for the good, of course) and was never, never the same.  You Were the First was written by Patricia MacLachlan and illustrated by Stephanie Graegin.  The illustrations were inspired by Park Slope in Brooklyn, New York.