What Do You Do With a Chance?

New year, new perspectives.  Ideas, problems and chances are all things we encounter every day in life and sometimes we get mired in the same patterns of dealing with each.  But what’s great about the start of each new year is that we naturally crave change and we make more of a conscious effort to clear our minds and reset our ways and habits.  Anyone have any resolutions to share?  A lot of the time I find myself carrying over some of the same resolutions from year to year — two of my ongoing ones are to be a better listener and to ask better questions.

What Do You Do With an Idea?, What Do You Do With a Problem? and What Do You Do With a Chance? were written by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom and published by Compendium.  What Do You Do With a Chance? will be out on February 6, 2018.

the noisy book

A noisy onomatopoetic classic by Margaret Wise Brown, reissued as a board book for a new generation of young readers.

The Noisy Book was written by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Leonard Weisgard and published by HarperFestival.

cinnamon

Despondent and desperate to hear their silent princess speak, the Rajah and the Rani put out word and offer a reward (which includes a green parrot and a field of mango trees) to anyone in the kingdom who can get Cinnamon talk.  Many come to the palace and make attempts—futile though thy are.  Along comes a talking tiger, huge and fierce, who brazenly claims he’s up for the task.  A clever, captivating and enchanting tale perfect for a read-aloud.

Cinnamon was written by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Divya Srinivasan and published by HarperCollins.

Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living

Reading about lagom this last week-end of the year.  Meaning “not too little, not too much, but just enough,” lagom is the Swedish concept of balanced living.  Happy almost New Year’s Eve, everyone, and here’s to a thoughtful 2018. ✨

Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living was written by Linnea Dunne and published by Running Press.

ruby's chinese new year

When Grandmother can’t make the trip to the family’s annual Chinese New Year family gathering, Ruby decides to come to her.  With a special homemade gift in tow, she sets off on a adventure to Grandmother’s house, meeting different Chinese zodiac animals on the way.  We’re loving the bold, bright illustrations and this lively story about traditions, family and new friends.

Ruby’s Chinese New Year was written by Vickie Lee, illustrated by Joey Chou and published by Henry Holt and Co.