October 19, 2016

Trio of treats: Three interactive Halloween picture books (Brief book reviews)

October 19, 2016/ Lisa Carpenter

Little Bee Books offers up a bevy of Halloween-themed books for little (and big) readers. Here are three brief book reviews on treats I recently received from the publisher just in time for sharing this spooky season.

WHERE IS OWL'S SCARF by Brandy Cooke, illustrated by Valentina Belloni

where is owl's scarf

IF YOU'RE SPOOKY AND...

September 30, 2016

Brief book reviews: Two school story series for boys and girls

September 30, 2016/ Lisa Carpenter

Award-winning children's author Rachel Renee Russell — along with daughters, co-writer Erin and illustrator Nikki — offers an update to her bestselling Dork Diaries series and a brand-new series boys will love, too.

Meet Max and the "Super Squee Edition" starring Nikki:

THE MISADVENTURES OF MAX CRUMBLY: LOCKER HERO by Rachel Renee Russell

max crumbly

July 21, 2016

Heat-beater books for readers of all ages, from Candlewick Press

July 21, 2016/ Lisa Carpenter

As sweltering summer temps currently scorch much of the United States, many folks — from babes to boomers and beyond — have staked out spots in the shade or indoors in front of the air conditioner (or fan, for poor souls like myself with no A/C) to while away the hours.

Candlewick Press offers a cool collection of compelling and creative books for readers of all ages to help beat the heat — and boredom — of these hottest days of summer.

Here are some of my recent favorites, courtesy Candlewick:

shaun the sheep

Shaun the Sheep: Pranks A Lot! Tales from Mossy Bottom Farm by Martin Howard, illustrated by Andy Janes ($4.99 paperback, ages 5-8) Shaun the Sheep gives Blitzer the Sheepdog a mustache, and Blitzer reciprocates the prank by painting Shaun pink. But the gags and giggles really get...

April 10, 2016

April is National Poetry Month: Favorites new and newfangled for girls and boys

April 10, 2016/ Lisa Carpenter

Check out these selections from Candlewick Press — some lyrical, some laugh-out-loud fun — sure to please girls and boys interested in reading, writing, and sometimes singing poetry in celebration of National Poetry Month.

candlewick picture book for national poetry month

One, Two, Three Mother Goose edited by Iona Opie and illustrated by Rosemary Wells ($8.99, ages 0-3) Nursery rhymes featuring numbers delight little ones, and you and yours will find bunches here. From One, Two, Buckle My Shoe to Dickory, Dickory, Dock (yeah, I always thought it was Hickory, too) plus...

November 30, 2015

9 Must-Share Picture Books Packed with Christmas Cheer

November 30, 2015/ Lisa Carpenter

Christmas picture books

Can You Say It, Too? Jingle! Jingle! by Sebastien Braun (Ages 0-3, $8.99, board book, Nosy Crow — an imprint of Candlewick Press) A colorful Christmas book for kiddos just beginning to talk. What's by the sleigh? In the cave? Behind the door and more? Little ones repeat...

November 20, 2015

Gifts kids will open again and again: Books to entertain and educate (7 brief book reviews)

November 20, 2015/ Lisa Carpenter

On the lookout for holiday gifts for youngsters? You can't go wrong with these interesting, informative, colorful, and downright delightful options for kids of various ages!

my little book of animals

October 25, 2015

7 stages of scary: Spooky tales for tots to teens

October 25, 2015/ Lisa Carpenter

candlewick press halloween books

Contrary as it may seem considering their concern about monsters under their beds and boogeymen in their closets, kids like to be scared. Proof of that lies in their endless appetite for books about things that go Boo! and bump in the night.

All kids. Of all ages. (And even some grown ups, too. You know...