the nian monster

The ancient legend, the Nian monster who traditionally awakens every year at the start of Lunar New Year, is on the loose in Shanghai.  Can Xingling outwit him before he wreaks havoc and consumes the entire city with his ravenous appetite?  Rich with folklore, tradition and festivity, The Nian Monster is a stunning introduction for young ones learning about Chinese New Year.  We loved reading tidbits about Chinese food, culture and language in the author’s note, like how sticky rice flour is used not only to make desserts, but was once used for building the Great Wall!  A fantastic addition to any library and a timely read for the celebration of Lunar New Year this Saturday.

The Nian Monster was written by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Alina Chau and published by Albert Whitman & Company.  Learn more about her writing and the inspiration for The Nian Monster in this Q&A post.

issun boshi

A retelling of the classic Japanese folktale Issun Boshi.  Vivid and graphic illustrations make a striking backdrop for the beautiful drama of this story.  You would think that there would be no place for a one-inch tall boy amongst people seventy times his size, but with a little courage, ingenuity, tenacity and wit, Issun Boshi finds his way in the world.

Issun Boshi: The One-Inch Boy was written and illustrated by Icinori and published by Little Gestalten.

let's make some great art

“My children’s drawings surprise me all the time.  They break the rules, they inspire, they make me laugh, they shock.  I don’t want that to change for as long as possible.” — Marion Deuchars 

Avery has been absolutely loving going through the pages of Let’s Make Some Great Art.  Marion Deuchars’ intriguing prompts and ideas are inspired by twelve renowned artists—Jackson Pollock and Alexander Calder, to name a couple.  The projects in the book, originally designed for her own sons, explore what art is, its many types and ways, and what it means to people.

Take a look at of some of the fantastic page spreads in the book here.  Let’s Make Some Great Art was written and illustrated by Marion Deuchars and published by Laurence King.