islandborn

My parents came from not one island, but an archipelago.  That’s one reason why I was drawn to ISLANDBORN.

“Every kid in Lola’s school was from somewhere else.  Hers was the school of faraway places.”  Right out of the gate, the narrative grabs you and tells you that this is a special story.  Everyone in Lola’s class is tasked with drawing the country they’re from; their first homes.  The only problem is that Lola doesn’t remember much of it since she left when she was just a baby.  She decides to interview her neighbors who are always talking about the Island.  As she learns about the Island’s lively music, agua de coco, mangos so sweet they make you cry, poetic beaches and its ubiquitous, splendid color, she sketches.  She learns of the Island’s beauties but also its struggles.  Lola learns from her grandmother, “Just because you don’t remember a place doesn’t mean it’s not in you.”

Lola’s and the Island’s story are told with charm, humor and poignancy.  Leo Espinosa’s bright and buoyant illustrations sing with joy.  They are a true celebration of color and life.  Don’t miss this beautiful and powerful story when it publishes on March 13.

ISLANDBORN was written by Junot Díaz, illustrated by Leo Espinosa and published by Dial Books.

little lit book series: spring

We have spring on our minds this month for #littlelitbookseries.  The Weather Girls know how to welcome each season with style, making the best of every kind of weather, pelting rain or soporific heat.  THE WEATHER GIRLS is a first book of seasons for little ones, with bright and charming pictures by Aki.  Published by Henry Holt & Co. Books for Young Readers.

We’ll be sharing more spring books all month long at @littlelitbookseries.  And don’t miss these spring-y picks today — search the hashtag #littlelitbookseries on Instagram.  Happy almost spring!

Under the Canopy: Trees Around the World

“From their deep roots in the ground to their branches that sway in the wind, trees have held their place on our planet from the earliest of times.  They are the lungs of the world and have inspired our stories, myths and culture.  Every climate, every nation has its tales of trees, true or legendary, and they help us understand ourselves and the beauty of the world around us.”

With a beautiful blend of nature, culture, history, folklore and mythology, Under the Canopy is a celebration of the majestic tree and the significant role it plays in our lives.  Every tree has a story to tell and this verdant volume is filled with them.  We’re really digging Cynthia Alonso’s vivid and playful art.  It’s a bright spot for any gray day.  Her work is brilliant, and she’s definitely one to watch!  You’ll want to add  this one to your library for sure.

Under the Canopy: Trees Around the World was written by Iris Volant, illustrated by Cynthia Alonso and published by Flying Eye Books.  Out on April 3.

Hello Hello

Brendan Wenzel speaks to the uniqueness and diversity of life in his latest picture book Hello Hello.  Its spare text ebbs and flows with an exquisite cadence and meaningful connections throughout.  The creatures in the book are joyfully rendered with a masterful use of color and careful, considered composition.  A beautiful harmony and balance are achieved between word and picture, with a profound ending that instills in its reader awe and wonder about the wonderful complexity of our world, but also the undeniable similarities that we all share.  The book concludes with guide to all of the animals appearing in Hello Hello, along with their endangered status.

Hello Hello was written and illustrated by Brendan Wenzel and published by Chronicle Books.  It's out on March 20 and is available for pre-order now.

The Things That I LOVE About TREES

Definitely some deep roots of nostalgia in this one as most of us have memories of content childhoods spent in and around special trees in our neighborhoods.  There’s something about a tree.  It’s a natural creator of community — people gather around them, kids designate them as meeting spots on summer mornings and they are settings for adventures and hours of imaginative play.  Commitments are carved into their trunks.  Weddings take place at them.  They’re also places where we spend time alone, sitting and connecting with our thoughts, or deeply engaged in a story for the afternoon.

The Things That I LOVE about TREES is the loveliest ode to trees with observations about their many changes throughout the year and reasons why they hold such dear places in our hearts.  In addition, readers learn arboreal habits of each season, such as how trees do most of their growing in spring and early summer.  And how “in hot weather, a big tree can drink as much as bathtubful” of water each day!  Charlotte Voake’s delicate, soft palette and organic, expressive line is a perfect complement to Chris Butterworth’s unique text.

The Things That I LOVE about TREES was written by Chris Butterworth, illustrated by Charlotte Voake and published by Candlewick Press. Out on March 13.