Journeys: Tales of Travel and Trailblazers

As humans, we’ve been traveling since the dawn of time, “wandering and wondering are way around the planet.”  “People from all nations and generations have had the urge to travel, and our great explorers and voyagers have come from every culture on  Earth.”  JOURNEYS documents many of these epic expeditions, from land to sea, through rivers, ice and snow, and up into space.  We’re still making our way through this fantastic book, but a few journeys that we’re really enjoying are Shackleton’s harrowing polar expedition, The Great Race from Peking to Paris and Thomas Stevens’ trip around the world on a penny farthing.

“This is a book of dreamers and doers, and of the wonderful stories they have brought back from faraway lands.”

Journeys: Tales of Travel and Trailblazers was written by Jonathan Litton, illustrated by Chris Chalik, Dave Shephard, Jon Davis, Leo Hartas and published by 360 Degrees.

international women's day

Happy #internationalwomensday!  Here are some of our favorite #kidlitwomen.

Sorry, I’m down for the count with a cold today (plus we only have so many books in our collection!) and could not include all of the amazing women in kidlit! But you know who you are and I love and am in deep admiration of your genius, your creative minds, your hard work, your persistence, your unique stories, your perspectives, your hearts, and your love for the craft.

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.