The Word Collector

Jerome has an affinity for words.  He collects them and cherishes them—all sorts.  Short and sweet words, medium-sized words, mellifluous multisyllabic words.  He revels in their idiosyncrasies.  He’s a kind of word maven.  One thing he learned over time—“some of his simplest words were his most powerful.” He also realized that he found the most happiness when he shared his most valued possessions.  In Jerome’s words, this story and its art are “blissful” and “effervescent.” And we’re savoring each and every carefully selected word on its pages.

The Word Collector was written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds and published by Orchard Books.

Petra

Petra considers herself the solid, immovable type.  She’s pretty sure she’s a mountain, until she gets thrown into a bird’s nest.  It’s not the last place she’ll end up, but her ever optimistic nature sees the bright side of every situation.  Charming illustrations and a clever, fresh take on an old adage.

Petra was written and illustrated by Marianna Coppo and published by Tundra Books.  It'll be out soon on February 6!

The Digger and the Flower

While hard at work constructing buildings with his crew, a digger finds something in the rubble that gives him pause.  A tiny and beautiful flower.  He starts to care for it every day, and sings it a bedtime song just before switching off for the night.  One day, an abrupt event changes the digger’s life and when the sadness clears, he takes meaningful action.  Joseph Kuefler’s simple forms, patterns and minimal use of color create a poignant and impactful setting for this beautiful narrative and message.

The Digger and the Flower was written and illustrated by Joseph Kuefler and published by Balzer + Bray.

Irelandopedia

It all started 20 years ago when John Burke would take cycling trips through Ireland and discover its many curiosities, beauties and oddities.  Many years and trips with his children later, Irelandopedia was born—a visual encyclopedia about the 32 counties of Ireland and their geography, history, culture, famous personalities, landmarks, plants and animals, illustrated by his daughter Fatti Burke.  We loved learning words in Foclóir, reading about the ten wonders of Ireland, Irish gastronomy, pastimes, holidays and traditions such as madcap swims and drinking flat 7 up.  So much to learn and appreciate on this special journey around the little green island of Ireland.

Irelandopedia: A Compendium of Maps, Facts and Knowledge was written by John Burke, illustrated by Fatti Burke and published by Gill & Macmillan.

Snow Sisters

It’s been unseasonably hot here—80 and 90 degree heat in the last couple of days—which inspired us to read Snow Sisters today.  Its simple text and sweet illustrations tell the story of a pair of sisters who have two very different ideas about how to spend a frigid snow day.  Its warmth and coziness have us pining for colder weather.

Snow Sisters was written by Kerri Kokias, Illustrated by Teagan White and published by Knopf Books for Young Readers.