Book Inspired Play
  • Main
    • Search by title
    • Search by theme
  • Blog
  • About
    • Contact
    • Disclosure
  • Parents
    • Phonics
    • Downloads
  • Teachers

Fall Releases from Annick Press

9/8/2019

0 Comments

 
New kids books from Annick Press including Robert Munsch
When Annick Press, an independent publisher based in Toronto, approached us with their new fall catalogue we were pretty excited. My kids meticulously scrolled through the list of new books and argued about which ones to pick. We've reviewed our choices below but please head over to their website to see the whole selection (a few others  new releases are pictured above). Many thanks to Annick Press for the books!
Picture
Moods
Written by Robert Munsch and Illustrated by Michael Martchenko
Release date: September 3, 2019


My kids were immediately drawn to this book since they are so familiar with the work of Munsch (aren't all Canadians?). This is quite a different book though, as it isn't a story in the traditional sense.  In 'Moods', each page has a picture from one of Munsch's classic stories and a single word to match it. An emotion or mood (see photo below). It was perfectly timed for us leading up to the start of school. My youngest just started kindergarten last week and he was a little unsure of his feelings about it. We spent time during the summer reading through this slowly and thinking about what the characters were doing in each picture and where the feelings might have come from.

We do a lot of talking about our feelings in this house and I'm always happy to find a new tool to spark discussion. Using characters and stories that we are all so familiar with really helps my kids relate to what they are going through. I also love using his books in class because he represents our beautifully diverse population and kids can see themselves represented in the pages. This book would be an asset to any early elementary classroom or family working on emotional intelligence.
Picture

Picture
Why Don't Cars Run on Apple Juice?
Real Science Questions from Real Kids

Written by Kira Vermond and Illustrated by Suharu Ogawa
Release date: September 10, 2019


This book was my 7 year old's top choice. He loves asking questions and finding out new facts. He could have easily written the title. It was the first book he picked up when they arrived and he is still working his way through it daily. It is absolutely packed full of information. Each topic/question has a long page or two of details including beautiful illustrations that help illuminate the given answers.

It is recommended for ages 7-11 (grades 2-6). I would definitely have this in my classroom library and can see kids returning to it again and again to discover fun new information. Some of the questions/answers covered are "How do people think without language?" or "Why do we have different faces and ants do not?". Adults will enjoy reading this just as much as children (I certainly have!). 

This book is an excellent tool for anyone looking to increase or enhance an interest in STEM (science, technology and maths) themes.

Picture

Picture
Our Big Little Place
Written by James A. Conan and Illustrated by Nicolle Lalonde
Release date: September 10, 2019


This is a sweet story told from a child's perspective, about life in an apartment building. It opens with our little narrator explaining that he hears his parents talking sometimes about their space being too small. He can't understand this because it feels so big to him! He talks about the feeling of being part of a community, part of the city and enjoying the view. He explains what he likes to play both inside (his apartment and the hallways) and outside at the park with his friends. 

The story uses the simple idea of how children often see so much more beauty around them then adults do. More importantly though, the story normalises life in an apartment building. As a teacher in an urban environment, it is extremely important to me that my students can relate to and see themselves in the texts we read together. More often than not, characters in children's stories live in detached houses. Not many (if any at all!) of my kids can relate to that. 

The book is recommended for ages 4-7 (grades Pre-K-2).
​

Picture
Power Up!
A Visual Exploration of Energy
Written by Shaker Paleja and Illustrated by Glenda Tse


We already own and love Eat Up! (see our previous review of it by clicking here), so were more than happy to explore a book with a similar format but focusing on energy. These books are great transition books for kids who enjoy reading on their own but can sometimes be overwhelmed by chapter books. There is a ton of writing in here, but the layout and info-graphic style makes it much less intimidating. 

I happen to have a son who loves all things science related and seemed to be born an eco-warrior, so this book has fascinated him. It helps me as a parents when I can't answer all the questions that come at me and also gives us a lot to talk about and expand on. The text explains what energy is and where is comes from. It breaks it down into renewable and non-renewable. It reviews emissions and climate effects as well as discussing future possibilities for energy. 

Whether or not this topic would be your child's first choice, I think it is a wonderful book to have as a socially responsible parent. I have always reminded my kids to turn lights off when leaving their room or not to stand with the fridge door open. After reading this, they seem to remember on their own and are more motivated to do so. As with most non-fiction books, I also think it would benefit any classroom. 


Picture
50 Underwear Questions
A Bare-All History

Written by Tanya Lloyd Kyi and Illustrated by Ross Kinnaird


My 4 year old chose this book for obvious reasons. I wouldn't normally say a book of this length (105 pages) would be suitable for his age, but with a topic like underwear it is perfect. Adults and kids will all learn something new from this detailed history of undies. While my 4 year old will only listen to a page or two at a time, the funny illustrations keep him flipping through the pages even when his attention span is waning. 

The chapters, which are surprisingly detailed, cover everything from what underwear was like in ancient times (Egypt and Rome) to how they did laundry in Medieval times. They review fashion trends like corsets, codpieces and petticoats. An exploration of different fabrics used will make you feel itchy all over (imagine sweating into burlap all day?). 

This book is a fun way to sneak in a bit of historical learning without it feeling like some heavier history topics. Anyone with a reluctant history learner (or a lover of unusual historical facts!) should pick up a copy.

Fall 2019 New children's book releases from Annick Press
Fall 2019 New children's book releases by Robert Munsch from Annick Press
0 Comments

Caldecott MedalWinners 2019

2/18/2019

0 Comments

 
2019 Caldecott Medal winners for children's picture books
Today we are taking a quick glance at both the winner of the Caldecott Medal and the shortlist. We want a copy of each and every one of them! Below is the publisher's description of the story.
Cover of Hello Lighthouse
Hello Lighthouse,
Illustrated and written by Sophie Blackall,
Published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.


Masterful ink and watercolor illustrations illuminate the story of a lighthouse and the family inside. Stunning images of the lighthouse in all kinds of weather alternate with views of intimate interior detail and circular motifs. Blackall’s skill with composition, line and close attention to detail have created an exquisite book. 
“Children will delight in immersing themselves in the captivating discoveries each new look at Hello Lighthouse will bring,” said Caldecott Medal Committee Chair Mary Fellows.
Cover of the book Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
Alma and How She Got Her Name,
Illustrated and written by Juana Martinez-Neal,
Published by Candlewick Press

​
​What’s in a name? For one little girl, her very long name tells the vibrant story of where she came from — and who she may one day be.

If you ask her, Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has way too many names: six! How did such a small person wind up with such a large name? Alma turns to Daddy for an answer and learns of Sofia, the grandmother who loved books and flowers; Esperanza, the great-grandmother who longed to travel; José, the grandfather who was an artist; and other namesakes, too. As she hears the story of her name, Alma starts to think it might be a perfect fit after all — and realizes that she will one day have her own story to tell. In her author-illustrator debut, Juana Martinez-Neal opens a treasure box of discovery for children who may be curious about their own origin stories or names.
Cover of the book A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin
A Big Mooncake for Little Star,
Illustrated and written by Grace Lin
Published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
​

Pat, pat, pat…
Little Star’s soft feet tiptoed to the Big Mooncake.

Little Star loves the delicious Mooncake that she bakes with her mama. But she’s not supposed to eat any yet! What happens when she can’t resist a nibble?

In this stunning picture book that shines as bright as the stars in the sky, Newbery Honor author Grace Lin creates a heartwarming original story that explains phases of the moon.
Cover of the book The Rough Patch by Brian Lies
The Rough Patch
Illustrated and written by Brian Lies
Published by Greenwillow Books, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers


Evan and his dog do everything together, from eating ice cream to caring for their prize-winning garden, which grows big and beautiful. One day the unthinkable happens: Evan’s dog dies. Heartbroken, Evan destroys the garden and everything in it. The ground becomes overgrown with prickly weeds and thorns, and Evan embraces the chaos.
​
But beauty grows in the darkest of places, and when a twisting vine turns into an immense pumpkin, Evan is drawn out of his isolation and back to the county fair, where friendships—old and new—await.
Cover of the book Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
Thank You, Omu!,
Illustrated and written by Oge Mora
Published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.


Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu’s delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And
 one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself?

Debut author-illustrator Oge Mora brings to life a heartwarming story of sharing and community in colorful cut-paper designs as luscious as Omu’s stew, with an extra serving of love. An author’s note explains that “Omu” (pronounced AH-moo) means “queen” in the Igbo language of her parents, but growing up, she used it to mean “Grandma.” This book was inspired by the strong female role models in Oge Mora’s life.
0 Comments

Love Chronicle Books? So do we!

9/29/2018

0 Comments

 
Children's book covers from Chronicle Books new releases autumn 2018
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you choose to purchase anything via a link, I may receive a small percentage at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping support our site this way!

​Kids' books and new releases are two of our favourite phrases! How about you? We thought we would jump on the holiday gift list bandwagon and start looking at some upcoming book releases (I'm pretty sure stores will soon be advertising for Christmas ALL YEAR LONG). Usually we present a selection from different publishers but Chronicle Books just have too many to choose from at the moment.  They also happen to be one of our favourite publishers. Just seeing their little glasses logo on the side of a book's spine is enough for me to whip our my credit card. So here are just a few of the books that will be released within the next month, presented in order of publication date. 
Cover of the book 'Door' by JiHyeon Lee
Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
Door by JiHyeon Lee
​

We absolutely loved Lee's first book, Pool, which has no words but let's the mesmerising illustrations lead you on a journey. I'm sure Door will not fail to deliver a similarly enchanting world. 

Publisher's description:
What's on the other side of the door? There's only one way to find out: You'll have to go through it. JiHyeon Lee's debut book, Pool, was lauded as a wordless masterpiece. Here she takes readers on another journey into an unexpected world. Delicate drawings transform from grays to vivid color as a curious child goes through a mysterious door and discovers that open-mindedness is the key to adventure and friendship.

​
Release Date: October 2, 2018
Cover of the book 'Everything & Everywhere - A fact filled adventure for curious globe trotters' by Marc Martin
Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
Everything & Everywhere - A Fact-Filled Adventure for Curious Globe-Trotters by Marc Martin
​

Last year Martin's A River was one of our favourite library finds. His illustrations are full of details that keep busy little eyes occupied for ages. His newest book looks like it will follow in that tradition. Our family are also proud globe-trotters, so are pretty excited about this release!

Publisher's description:
​From Hong Kong to Reykjavík, Ulaanbaatar to New York City, enjoy a lush and unexpected journey around the world to discover what makes each place unique. Sleepy sloths, colorful cows, staggering skylines, terrible traffic—countless surprises await! All you need is a good guide and a little curiosity . . . so, what are you waiting for? Let's go! From award-winning author and illustrator Marc Martin comes a quirky, fact-filled adventure for curious globe-trotters, young and old.

Release Date: October 9, 2018
Cover of the book
Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
Little Bear's Big House by Benjamin Chaud

I don't like to admit this, but I haven't read any of Chaud's books yet. I love the illustration style though and since looking up his collection and the previous books in this Bear series, I have put a number of them on hold at the library. Looking forward to getting my hands on any of his work!

Publisher's description:
​This follow-up to Benjamin Chaud's critically acclaimed The Bear's Song and its sequels is graced with richly detailed art, immersive scenes, and an irresistibly sweet story! Little Bear is embarking on his biggest adventure yet. After discovering an empty house, his wish is granted: He can play all day and stay up as late as he wants! But he also gets a big scare. There are mysterious noises downstairs—could there be monsters . . . or ghosts?! Will Little Bear be able to brave the big house all by himself? In step with the previous books in the series, Little Bear may venture far and wide, but his loving family is never far behind!

Release Date: October 9, 2018
Cover of the book
Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
Seeing Science: An Illustrated Guide to the Wonders of the Universe by Iris Gottlieb

While the description certainly makes this book out to be more appropriate for older children, I can see my 6 year old plopped in my lap asking a thousand questions after perusing the pages of it. I love to read more challenging books with my little ones because they invoke such great conversations. I can't wait for this one to come out!

Publisher's description:

​Science is really beautiful. With original illustrations that deftly explain the strange-but-true world of science, Seeing Science offers a curated ride through the great mysteries of the universe. Artist and lay scientist Iris Gottlieb explains among other things: neap tides, naked mole rats, whale falls, the human heart, the Uncertainty Principle, the ten dimensions of string theory, and how glaciers are like Snickers bars. With quirky visual metaphors and concise factual explanations, she offers just the right amount of information to stoke the curious mind with a desire to know more about the life forces that animate both the smallest cell and the biggest black hole. Seeing Science illustrates, explicates, and celebrates the marvels of science as only art can.

Release Date: ​October 30, 2018
Cover of the book
Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
Night Play by Lizi Boyd

Boyd's Flashlight  is another one of our favourites. Any book that inspires us to go out and investigate or copy the character is an instant hit for me. I can't wait to see if her new book gets my little people up on stage!

Publishers description:
It's time for bed. Everyone is asleep. Or are they? Arlo and his stuffed animal friends like to put on pretend plays. But after Arlo falls asleep, his friends don't want to stop. Can they work together to put on their play? Through fanciful paintings and a lively text, Lizi Boyd has once again tapped into the imaginary world of children. Her hallmark use of die-cut pages, along with a showstopping gatefold, will have readers of all ages shouting "Bravo!"

Release Date: November 6, 2018
Cover of the book Animal City by Joan Negrescolor
Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
Animal City by Joan Negrescolor

Having discovered this Spanish artist's work a few years ago, I was very excited to read about his latest project! If the book cover appeals to you, please visit his website HERE because it is full of colourful illustrations that will make you smile.

Publishers description:
Nina journeys to a secret jungle city populated by animals, plants, and lost objects. The reason for her visit: story hour, where a book's power holds the wild in thrall. The animals are eager for stories about space, the sea, and other worlds. But their favorite story of all is the one told here: a story about a mysterious place, laden with legend and lore, and now overtaken by nature. Five Pantone colors infuse each illustrated spread with a vibrant, electric energy, making this powerful celebration of nature—and stories—as vivid visually as its narrative is engrossing.

​Release Date: November 6, 2018
New kids book releases from Chronicle Books. Autumn 2018
New kids book releases from Chronicle Books. Autumn 2018
New kids book releases from Chronicle Books. Autumn 2018
New kids book releases from Chronicle Books. Autumn 2018
0 Comments

Kate Greenway Medal Shortlist 2018

3/17/2018

5 Comments

 
Selection of books that have been shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenway Medal 2018
The British picture book awards announced their shortlist this past week. While the actual award winners of the CILIP Kate Greenway Medal are not revealed until this June, I almost think that the short and long lists are more exciting. They give us a sort of checklist of quality books to look out for. I've only come across one of the seven so far but will certainly be ordering them at the library and then trying to guess the winner. A couple of the selections are graphic novels, which I'm really exctied about since my eldest is finally getting into longer books. 

Have you read any of them? What are your thoughts?

Below you will find descriptions of the books directly from the publisher's websites.
Picture
Book cover for King of the Sky by Nicola Davies
Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
King of the Sky
Written by Nicola Davies
Illustrated by Laura Carlin

A powerful and beautifully illustrated story about migration and the meaning of home, from the award-winning team behind The Promise.  Starting a new life in a new country, a young boy feels lost and alone – until he meets an old man who keeps racing pigeons. Together they pin their hopes on a race across Europe and the special bird they believe can win it: King of the Sky. Nicola Davies’ beautiful story – an immigrant’s tale with a powerful resonance in our troubled times – is illustrated by an artist who makes the world anew with every picture. 
​
Book cover for Night Shift by Debi Gliori
Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
 Night Shift
Written and Illustrated by Debi Gliori

From beloved author and illustrator Debi Gliori (No Matter What) comes Night Shift, a groundbreaking lushly illustrated picture book based on Gliori’s own personal history with depression. Fighting dragons is one way of fighting depression. This book is another.     

Through stunning black and white illustration and deceptively simple text, author and illustrator Debi Gliori provides a fascinating and absorbing portrait of depression and hope in Night Shift, a moving picture book about a young girl haunted by dragons. The young girl battles the dragons using ‘night skills’: skills that give her both the ability to survive inside her own darkness and the knowledge that nothing—not even long, dark nights filled with monsters—will last forever. A brave and powerful book, give Night Shift to dragon fighters young and old, and any reader who needs to know they’re not alone.
Book cover for A First Book of Animals by Nicola Davies
​Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
A First Book of Animals
Written by Nicola Davies
Illustrated by Petr Horacek

The award-winning author of A First Book of Nature, presents a spellbinding treasury of poems about the animal world, illustrated in breathtaking detail by Petr Horacek. Polar bears playing on the ice, tigers hunting in the jungle, fireflies twinkling in the evening sky and nightingales singing in the heart of the woods – there are animals everywhere. From blue whales to bumblebee bats and everything in between, A First Book of Animals takes you all over the planet to visit all kinds of different creatures. This book is a glorious celebration of life in the wild in all its variety and splendour, and belongs on every child's bookshelf.

Book cover for The Song from Somewhere Else by AF Harrold
Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
The Song from Somewhere Else
Written by A.F. Harrold
Illustrated by Levi Pinfold

Frank doesn't know how to feel when Nick Underbridge rescues her from bullies one afternoon. No one likes Nick. He's big, he's weird and he smells – or so everyone in Frank's class thinks. And yet, there's something nice about Nick's house. There's strange music playing there, and it feels light and good and makes Frank feel happy for the first time in forever.

But there's more to Nick, and to his house, than meets the eye, and soon Frank realises she isn't the only one keeping secrets. Or the only one who needs help …

A poignant, darkly comic and deeply moving story about the power of the extraordinary, and finding friendship where you least expect it. Written by the author of the critically acclaimed The Imaginary and illustrated by award-winning illustrator Levi Pinfold, this is perfect for fans of Roald Dahl and Neil Gaiman
Book cover for Town is by the Sea by Joanne Schwartz
Get your hands on this book here:
Book Despository
Town is by the Sea
Written by Joanne Schwartz
Illustrated by Sydney Smith

​A young boy wakes up to the sound of the sea, visits his grandfather’s grave after lunch and comes home to a simple family dinner with his family, but all the while his mind strays to his father digging for coal deep down under the sea. Stunning illustrations by Sydney Smith, the award-winning illustrator of Sidewalk Flowers, show the striking contrast between a sparkling seaside day and the darkness underground where the miners dig.

With curriculum connections to communities and the history of mining, this beautifully understated and haunting story brings a piece of Canadian history to life. The ever-present ocean and inevitable pattern of life in a Cape Breton mining town will enthrall children and move adult readers.
Book cover for Thornhill by Pam Smy
Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
Thornhill
Written and Illustrated by Pam Smy

​Parallel stories set in different times, one told in prose and one in pictures, converge as a girl unravels the mystery of the abandoned Thornhill Institute next door.

1982: Mary is a lonely orphan at the Thornhill Institute For Children at the very moment that it's shutting its doors. When her few friends are all adopted or re-homed and she’s left to face a volatile bully alone, her revenge will have a lasting effect on the bully, on Mary, and on Thornhill itself.

2017: Ella has just moved to a new town where she knows no one. From her room on the top floor of her new home, she has a perfect view of the dilapidated, abandoned Thornhill Institute across the way, where she glimpses a girl in the window. Determined to befriend the girl and solidify the link between them, Ella resolves to unravel Thornhill's shadowy past.

Told in alternating, interwoven plotlines—Mary’s through intimate diary entries and Ella’s in bold, striking art—Pam Smy’s Thornhill is a haunting exploration of human connection, filled with suspense.

Book cover for Under the same Sky by Britta Teckentrup
Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
Under the Same Sky
Written and Illustrated by Britta Teckentrup

We sing the same songs, caught on the breeze... We sing the same songs, across the same seas. Written and illustrated by the award-winning Britta Teckentrup, this beautiful and heart-warming peek-through picture book celebrates the closeness of the world's communities through their shared hopes and dreams.
​
Night Shift is shortlisted for the Greenway Medal 2018
King of the Sky is shortlisted for the Greenway Medal 2018
A First Book of Animals is shortlisted for the Greenway Medal 2018
The Song From Somewhere Else is shortlisted for the Greenway Medal 2018
Town is by the Sea is shortlisted for the Greenway Medal 2018
Under the Same Sky is shortlisted for the Greenway Medal 2018
Thornhill is shortlisted for the Greenway Medal 2018
5 Comments

Spring 2018 Children's Book Releases

2/19/2018

42 Comments

 
Spring 2018 Kids' book releases
New children's books! What could be better? While we love to stumble upon new books at the library or in the shops, it is also nice to anticipate those soon to be released. So we perused a few of the popular publishing company websites for their 'Coming Soon' titles. It is really exciting to see publishers making more effort to ensure better representation of people and cultures in kids' books. It is still very imbalanced but it is definitely getting better. Here are a few of our favourites! 

All descriptions below are from publisher's sites directly and not written by us. 
Picture
Book cover for Trampoline Boy by Nan Forler
Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
Trampoline Boy
Author: Nan Forler
Illustrator: Marion Arbona

A lyrical picture book about the joy of jumping -- and a springboard for discussion about unique perspectives. Through the eyes of a character we only know as Trampoline Boy, we are invited to understand how he sees the world. His favourite thing to do is jump up and down, up and down on his trampoline. Kids walk by and tease him, but he remains steadfast and calm. One day, a quietly exuberant girl, Peaches, is fascinated by his jumping. Trampoline Boy wordlessly invites her to jump with him, and by spending this time with him, Peaches and readers get to see how important and valuable different perspectives are. 

Publisher: Penguin Random House
Release date: March 8, 2018

​
Book cover for My Hair is a Garden by Cozbi A. Cabrera
​Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
My Hair is a Garden
Author & Illustrator: Cozbi A. Cabrera

After a day of being taunted by classmates about her unruly hair, Mackenzie can’t take any more and she seeks guidance from her wise and comforting neighbor, Miss Tillie. Using the beautiful garden in the backyard as a metaphor, Miss Tillie shows Mackenzie that maintaining healthy hair is not a chore nor is it something to fear. Most importantly, Mackenzie learns that natural black hair is beautiful.

​
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co
Release date: April 1, 2018

Book cover for Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets by Hena Khan
Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets:
​A Muslim Book of Shapes

Author: Hena Khan
Illustrator: Mehrdokht Amini

From a crescent moon to a square garden to an octagonal fountain, this breathtaking picture book celebrates the shapes—and traditions—of the Muslim world. Sure to inspire questions and observations about world religions and cultures, Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets is equally at home in a classroom reading circle and on a parent's lap being read to a child.

​
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Release date: April 10, 2018
Book cover for Aquarium by Cynthia Alonso
Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
Aquarium
Author & Illustrator: 
Cynthia Alonso

A girl ventures to the water's edge, dreaming of a new friend. And, just like that, a beguiling red fish leaps into her life. But is friendship a sea these two can navigate together? From debut Argentinian author-illustrator Cynthia Alonso comes a wordless picture book about the timeless beauty of nature, the transcendent power of connection, and the importance of letting go. 

​Publisher: Chronicle Books

Release date: April 1, 2018
Book cover for Ocean Meets Sky by The Fan Brothers
​Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
Ocean Meets Sky
Author & Illustrator: The Fan Brothers

From the creators of the gorgeous bestseller The Night Gardener, comes a stunning new picture book about a young boy who sets sail to find a place his grandfather told him about...the spot where the ocean meets the sky. It's a good day for sailing. Finn lives by the sea and the sea lives by him. Every time he looks out his window it's a constant reminder of the stories his grandfather told him about the place where the ocean meets the sky. Where whales and jellyfish soar and birds and castles float. Finn's grandfather is gone now but Finn knows the perfect way to honor him. He'll build his own ship and sail out to find this magical place himself! And when he arrives, maybe, just maybe, he'll find something he didn't know he was looking for. 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Release date: May 15, 2018
​
Book cover for Iqbal and His Ingenious Idea by Elizabeth Suneby
​Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
Iqbal and His Ingenious Idea
Author: Elizabeth Suneby
Illustrator: Rebecca Green

It's monsoon season in Bangladesh, which means Iqbal's mother must cook the family's meals indoors, over an open fire. The smoke from the fire makes breathing difficult for his mother and baby sister, and it's even making them sick. Hearing them coughing at night worries Iqbal. So when he learns that his school's upcoming science fair has the theme of sustainability, Iqbal comes up with the perfect idea for his entry: he'll design a stove that doesn't produce smoke! With help from his teacher, Iqbal learns all about solar energy cooking, which uses heat from the sun to cook --- ingenious! Has Iqbal found a way to win first prize in the science fair while providing cleaner air and better health for his family at the same time?

Publisher: Kids Can Press
Release Date: May 1, 2018


Book cover for My Magic Breath by Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor
​Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
My Magic Breath
Author: Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor
Illustrator: Michelle Polizzi

From New York Times bestselling author Nick Ortner comes a beautiful picture book that will help children discover calm through the magic of mindful breathing:
Do YOU have the magic breath? Let's see...Take a deeeeeep breath in...and BLOW it out...
​

...and like magic, you can feel better just by breathing! Sometimes it's hard to feel happy. But with this interactive picture book, children breathe along as they learn how to make angry or sad thoughts disappear. In a world that is sometimes too busy, with too many things going on, My Magic Breath will help steer children into a serene space of mindfulness, self-awareness, and balance.

​
Publisher: Harper Collins
Release date: May 15, 2018
Book cover for All of Us by Carin Berger
Get your hands on this book here:
Book Depository
All of Us
Author & Illustrator: Carin Berger

Acclaimed and award-winning picture book creator Carin Berger shares a moving story of community, empathy, and the power of love.
 With a universal message and stunning paper collage art, this striking book is just right for fans of Matt de la Pena's Love and Emily Winfield Martin's The Wonderful Things You Will Be.  Award-winning illustrator Carin Berger's beautiful and timely picture book celebrates the power of community, family, and most of all, love. Her beautiful collage art and lyrical text offer a message of hope in the face of adversity. 

​Publisher: Harper Collins

Release date: May 8, 2018
Spring 2018 Children's Book Releases on the Blog  www.bookinspiredplay.com
New kids books for 2018 on the Blog  www.bookinspiredplay.com
2018 New Books on the Blog  www.bookinspiredplay.com
 See our favourite new books on  www.bookinspiredplay.com
New children's books for 2018
Book releases for Spring 2018
42 Comments

Caldecott Medal Winner and Honors 2018

2/14/2018

8 Comments

 
Picture
The winners of two prestigious literary awards were announced a few days ago and we are taking a quick look at the books given honours. You might not know much about these awards but you've likely noticed the stickers on many book covers you've picked up. I'll be honest, when I'm at the library I almost always pop the book in my bag if without a second glance if it has one of the winner labels on it. It's (almost) always bound to be great.

What I didn't know before, was the different between the Caldecott Medal and the Newbery Medal. Well, they are both awarded by Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC) which is a division of the American Library Association.

The ALSC states, "The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually . . . to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children." So in other words it is awarded to beautiful children's picture books.

The Newbery on the other hand, ". . . was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually . . . to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children." So more of a focus on longer books for children. 


I'm going to try and keep our focus on picture books today (although I will be heading out tomorrow to pick up some of those Newbery titles), so here are the descriptions from publishers of both the winner and honor winners. 
Picture
Picture

Get your hands on it here:
Book Depository

​Caldecott Winner - Wolf in the Snow
Author and Illustrator: Matthew Cordell 
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

A girl is lost in a snowstorm. A wolf cub is lost, too. How will they find their way home?

Paintings rich with feeling tell this satisfying story of friendship and trust. Here is a book set on a wintry night that will spark imaginations and warm hearts, from Matthew Cordell, author of Trouble Gum and Another Brother.
​
Picture
Get your hands on it here:
Book Depository
Caldecott Honor - A Different Pond
Author: Bao Phi
Illustrator: Thi Bui

Publisher: Coughlan Publishing

Acclaimed poet Bao Phi delivers a powerful, honest glimpse into a relationship between father and son - and between cultures, old and new. A Different Pond is an unforgettable story about a simple event - a long-ago fishing trip. As a young boy, Bao Phi awoke early, hours before his father's long workday began, to fish on the shores of a small pond in Minneapolis. Unlike many other anglers, Bao and his father fished for food, not recreation. A successful catch meant a fed family. Between hope-filled casts, Bao's father told him about a different pond in their homeland of Vietnam. The New York Times has said that Bao Phi's poetry "rhymes with the truth." Kirkus Reviews calls A Different Pond "a must-read for our times." Thi Bui's striking, evocative art paired with Phi's expertly crafted prose has earned this powerful picture books six starred reviews. ​
​​
Picture
Get your hands on it here:
Book Depository
Caldecott Honor - Big Cat, Little Cat
Author and Illustrator: Elisha Cooper
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

There was a cat 
who lived alone. 
Until the day 
a new cat came . . . 

And so a story of friendship begins, following two cats through their days, months, and years until one day, the older cat has to go. And he doesn't come back. 

This is a poignant story, told in measured text and bold black-and-white illustrations about life and the act of moving on. ​
​
Picture
Get your hands on it here:
Book Depository
Caldecott Honor - Crown : An ode to the fresh cut
Author: Derrick Barnes
Illustrator: Gordon C. James

Publisher: Agate Bolden

Derrick Barnes’s smooth, fresh words and Gordon C. James’s lush, vibrant illustrations capture the confidence, pride, and magic black and brown boys feel the moment they get a new haircut and admire their own beautiful reflections in the mirror. The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys sharper, more visible, more aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good: lesser grades turn into As; girls take notice; even a mother’s hug gets a little tighter. Everyone notices.

A fresh cut makes boys fly.

This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber’s chair—a tradition that places on their heads a figurative crown, beaming with jewels, that confirms their brilliance and worth and helps them not only love and accept themselves but also take a giant step toward caring how they present themselves to the world. The fresh cuts. That’s where it all begins.

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is a high-spirited, engaging salute to the beautiful, raw, assured humanity of black boys and how they see themselves when they approve of their reflections in the mirror.
Picture
Get your hands on it here:
Book Depository
Caldecott Honor - Grand Canyon
Author and Illustrator: Jason Chin 
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Rivers wind through earth, cutting down and eroding the soil for millions of years, creating a cavity in the ground 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and more than a mile deep known as the Grand Canyon.
Home to an astonishing variety of plants and animals that have lived and evolved within its walls for millennia, the Grand Canyon is much more than just a hole in the ground. Follow a father and daughter as they make their way through the cavernous wonder, discovering life both present and past.
Weave in and out of time as perfectly placed die cuts show you that a fossil today was a creature much long ago, perhaps in a completely different environment. Complete with a spectacular double gatefold, an intricate map and extensive back matter.
​
2018 Caldecott Medal Winner
8 Comments

New books! Things to look forward to this autumn

10/10/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
New book alert! Who isn't a sucker for new children's books? We sure are. Especially in this day and age when they are finally starting to represent so many more people in this world (who have previously been absent!). 

There are really too many to choose from, so here is just a little round up of some of the books we can't wait to get our hands on. All book descriptions come directly from publishers and were not written by us. Let us know if you pick any up and how you enjoy them!
Picture

After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again)
​by Dan Santat

Everyone knows that when Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. But what happened after?

Follow Humpty Dumpty, an avid bird watcher whose favorite place to be is high up on the city wall―that is, until after his famous fall. Now terrified of heights, Humpty can longer do many of the things he loves most.

Will he summon the courage to face his fear?
​
​Release date 10/03/2017 by Macmillian Publishers​​
Picture

That is My Dream! ​by Langston Hughes

Follow one African-American boy through the course of his day as the harsh reality of segregation and racial prejudice comes into vivid focus. But the boy dreams of a different life--one full of freedom, hope, and wild possibility, where he can fling his arms wide in the face of the sun.

Release date 10/03/2017 by Penguin Random House 
Picture

The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse by Mac Barnett

This is a story about a mouse and a duck who get swallowed by a wolf.

Early one morning a mouse met a wolf
and was quickly gobbled up. 

When a woeful mouse is swallowed by a wolf, he quickly learns he is not alone: a duck has already set up digs, and, boy, has that duck got it figured out! Turns out it’s pretty nice in there, with delicious food and elegant table settings, courtesy of the wolf’s unchecked gluttony. And there’s something even better: no more fear of being eaten by a wolf! In fact, life is pretty good, until a hunter shows up. . . . With a nod to traditional fables and a wink to the reader, the award-winning Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen offer a tale of cooperation and creative cuisine that is sure to go down easy.

 Release date 10/10/2017 by Penguin Random House​
Picture

Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai

Malala's first picture book will inspire young readers everywhere to find the magic all around them.

As a child in Pakistan, Malala made a wish for a magic pencil. She would use it to make everyone happy, to erase the smell of garbage from her city, to sleep an extra hour in the morning. But as she grew older, Malala saw that there were more important things to wish for. She saw a world that needed fixing. And even if she never found a magic pencil, Malala realized that she could still work hard every day to make her wishes come true. 

This beautifully illustrated volume tells Malala's story for a younger audience and shows them the worldview that allowed Malala to hold on to hope even in the most difficult of times.
​
Release date 10/17/2017 by  Hachette Book Group
Picture

Here We Are, Notes for Living on Planet Earth
by Oliver Jeffers

Oliver Jeffers offers a personal look inside his own hopes and wishes for his child--a missive about our world and those who call it home.

Release date 11/14/2017 by Penguin Random House
Picture

Hortense and the Shadow by Lauren O'Hara

Hortense is a kind and brave girl, but she is sad--even angry--that her shadow follows her everywhere she goes. She hates her shadow, and thinks her shadow must hate her too. But one cold, dark night, when bandits surprise her in the woods, Hortense discovers that her shadow is the very thing she needs most.

This stunningly illustrated story stirs the soul with its compelling, subtle exploration of self-esteem, self-identity, and finding inner strength.

Release date 11/07/2017 by Hatchett Book Group
0 Comments
    Picture

    Hello! I'm Deb,

    a book-toting mother of two and an elementary (primary) school teacher. I love making stories engaging and interactive for kids. 

    I wanted to share all the fun we have in our house, so I started this blog and website.

    ​Read more here.

    Find us here too:

    Archives

    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017

    Categories

    All
    Activities
    Activity Books
    Authentic Learning
    Autumn
    Books
    Design
    Halloween
    Homeschooling
    Kindergarten
    Kindness
    Learning
    Letters
    Library
    Mindfulness
    New Books
    Organising
    Ownership
    Picture Books
    Play
    Preschool
    Publishers
    Questions
    Reading
    Role Play
    Screen-free
    Singing
    Story
    Time
    Toddler
    Travel
    Trucks
    T-shirts
    Vocabulary
    Writing
    Yoga

    RSS Feed

    Picture
    Picture
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Main
    • Search by title
    • Search by theme
  • Blog
  • About
    • Contact
    • Disclosure
  • Parents
    • Phonics
    • Downloads
  • Teachers