Some picture books work well without context. Where the Wild Things Are is a classic example. Small in the City is a contemporary example. Taylor […]
First Thoughts on Make Believe
This week, Mac Barnett‘s book Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children came out. I pre-ordered it months ago, and read it yesterday (5/6/2026). However, […]
The Pine Cone’s Secret
Hannah Barnaby’s 2025 picture book The Pine Cone’s Secret: A Life Cycle Poem is useful and pleasant. It educates young readers about nature by following […]
Lizzy and the Cloud
Lizzy and the Cloud is a 2022 picture book by the Fan Brothers (Terry and Eric). It is a book with good, sweeping art, some […]
Do You Remember?
I was recently introduced to Sydney Smith, and am enjoying exploring his work. The first of his work I read, enjoyed, and greatly admired was […]
The Future Book
Mac Barnett is a force in children’s literature. I have several of his picture books on the shelf, and am looking forward to his book […]
Hello Lighthouse
Recently I discussed Farmhouse, a book by Sophie Blackall. I met and was quite impressed by Sophie at the Children’s Literature Conference. Her 2018 picture […]
Small in the City
Sydney Smith’s 2019 picture book Small in the City is sad and beautiful. It starts with several wordless pages. Some are blurry, and the color […]
Stay Angry, Little Girl
My first response to this book was anger and resentment. I got over these feelings, somewhat, but not completely. This 2024 picture book was, as […]
Harriet Tubman, Force of Nature
There have been many books, kids books, and films about Harriet Tubman, and rightly so, given her bravery and historical importance. I’d say that one […]