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Beautifully Illustrated Books 2020

January 21, 2021January 21, 2021rdurso Comment

At the end of January, the American Library Association announces the most prestigious books from the year before. While I love all of the awards […]

New Books That Empower Kids To Love Themselves

January 7, 2021rdurso Comment

Books can hold so much power for children and stories like those in the books listed below are essential for helping children find a representation […]

Picture Book Biographies of 2020

January 7, 2021rdurso Comment

Between scientists, advocates, poets, performers, and athletes, our kids have learned about so many courageous trailblazers through picture book biographies. With their child-friendly format and […]

New Winter Books 2020

December 20, 2020January 11, 2021rdurso Comment

Happy first day of winter! We are celebrating with brand-new stories that are perfect for cozying up with in front of a fire. With heartfelt […]

Best Picture Books Picked By Kids 2020

December 17, 2020rdurso Comment

Drum roll please……presenting my FAVORITE book list of the year, the Best Books of 2020 picked by kids! These are the books my children asked […]

Funny Christmas Books

December 14, 2020January 4, 2021rdurso Comment

Our family loves to laugh and finding funny holiday stories always puts my kids in the best mood. We’ve collected our favorites below to spread […]

Best Picture Books of 2020

December 3, 2020January 19, 2021rdurso 1

2020 has been quite a year! It’s hard to capture in words the emotional rollercoaster many of us have experienced over the last twelve months. […]

New Books for Christmas 2020

November 19, 2020January 4, 2021rdurso 2

Who’s ready for some brand-new holiday books??? This year there are some real standout stories about the spirit of giving, tender tales of family and […]

Hanukkah Books

November 19, 2020January 4, 2021rdurso Comment

Lights, latkes, and love are all elements of Hanukkah that are found in these engaging stories. Children will delight in hearing tales of the the […]

Holiday Gift Guide for Ages 3 – 5

November 12, 2020January 4, 2021rdurso Comment

With the many benefits of reading to children, books make the best gifts! To help you find that perfect picture book for a child in […]

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Welcome! I’m Rosie and I’m excited to help you discover the best books for children.

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Hope. While only four letters, this word holds inf Hope. While only four letters, this word holds infinite power. I am normally a very joyful, optimistic person, but our family has been hit hard with loss this January and I’ve been really struggling. I know picture books aren’t the cure to everything, but I do believe they have the ability to move us and look at things with a new perspective. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ RAIN BEFORE RAINBOWS eloquently reminds readers that while there will be dark times, we will persevere and overcome our troubles to find a better tomorrow. The reassuring lyrical text is enriched with gorgeous illustrations. I am a huge fan of David Litchfield and his lush artwork never ceases to amaze me. He is well-known for his ability to play with light and this talent particularly shines in this book as it induces feelings of hope. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This stunning story has a timeless message that is sure to resonate with both children and adults.❤️🌈 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss RAIN BEFORE RAINBOWS by Smriti Prasadam-Halls @smriti_halls_author; illustrated by David Litchfield @david_c_litchfield; published Candlewick @candlewickpress, 2021
The countdown to the Caldecott is on!!! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ On Monday, January 25th, the American Library Association will announce the Youth Media Awards honoring the most prestigious books from the year before. While I love all of the awards that focus on children’s literature, the Caldecott is my favorite. This annual award is presented to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ With so many stunning books created in 2020, there are several serious Caldecott contenders this year. I’ve put together a list of my favorite beautifully illustrated books and can’t wait to find out if any of my predictions are correct. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio) for my new list of BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED BOOKS for 2020. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What do you think? Are there any gems that stood out to you this year? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This one is for all the reluctant readers out ther This one is for all the reluctant readers out there! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Henley does not like reading, so when he is tasked with bringing his favorite book to school, he is stumped. After trying a variety of books on different topics with no luck, he ultimately decides to write his own story that represents himself and his interests. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Reluctant readers will find a kindred spirit in Henley and teachers and librarians will be excited to discover a read aloud that reminds children that there is a book out there for everyone. It is also a perfect prompt for children to share their own stories. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When I think about my favorite books growing up, the first two that come to mind are Where the Red Fern Grows and Bridge to Terabithia. I like to think of myself as a joyful person, but apparently, I love sad books! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What books have stayed with you over the years? Please comment below with your favorites! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ MY FAVORITE BOOK IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD by Michael Robertson @mrobo57; published by @scholasticinc, 2020 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to @scholasticinc for sharing this book with me in exchange for an honest review.
Today Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn in Today Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn in their new offices of President and Vice President of the United States. It is an emotional day for many, and one that is making history as we inaugurate our FIRST female Vice President!!! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ You can introduce children to these important figures by reading these beautifully illustrated picture book biographies that highlight their achievements, struggles, and, best of all, their inspirational character. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ JOEY: THE STORY OF JOE BIDEN by Jill Biden @drbiden; illustrated by Amy June Bates @amyjunebates; published by @simonkids, 2020 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ KAMALA HARRIS: ROOTED IN JUSTICE by Nikki Grimes; illustrated by Laura Freeman @laurafreemanart; published by @simonkids, 2020 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
THIS book…this book… is really special. ⠀⠀ THIS book…this book… is really special. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In her author’s note, Angela Joy writes that “Black is not just a color, but a culture.” This is a sentiment that is skillfully presented in the book BLACK IS A RAINBOW COLOR. The poetic text begins by describing familiar items such as feathers, hair, and bicycle tires that are black and then expertly connects the color black with iconic historical and cultural events. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The stunning mixed media artwork is truly outstanding. The rich colors are made even more vibrant with bold black outlines while well-chosen newspaper articles and maps are intertwined complimenting the historical references in the text. This phenomenal book is also enriched by its robust backmatter including a playlist, an explanation of many of the references in the text, poetry, and a timeline of Black ethnonyms used in America. This joyful, empowering celebration of Black culture is truly sensational and is a must have! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss BLACK IS A RAINBOW COLOR by Angela Joy @angelajoybooks; illustrated by Ekua Holmes @ekuaholmes; published by Roaring Brook Press, 2020 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Feeling inspired and hopeful today from these two Feeling inspired and hopeful today from these two remarkable books illustrated by the talented Kadir Nelson. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Featuring the Caldecott Medal winning THE UNDEFEATED by Kwame Alexander @kwamealexander; illustrated by Kadir Nelson @kadirnelson ; published by Versify @versifybooks and I HAVE A DREAM by Martin Luther King Jr.; illustrated by by Kadir Nelson; published by Schwartz & Wade @penguinkids ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I know it’s only mid January, but I feel like wi I know it’s only mid January, but I feel like winter is flying by and it will be spring before we know it. I’m excited for warmer temperatures, but I’m relishing in all the splendor these winter tales hold while I can. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Spot any of your favorites? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I am ecstatic to bring you a little sneak preview I am ecstatic to bring you a little sneak preview of two highly anticipated books being published this year. Mark your calendars because you are definitely not going to want to miss these gems from @scholasticinc. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ THE LITTLE BUTTERFLY THAT COULD by Ross Burach, 2021 Our family absolutely loves the hilarious story of THE VERY IMPATIENT CATERPILLAR, so we were thrilled to discover a sequel is coming out this spring. When an exasperated butterfly struggles to find his way on his migration route, he is reassured by an optimistic whale who encourages him to keep going. Ross Burach cleverly mixes in humor with important scientific elements and a lesson in perseverance in this entertaining story. ON SALE MARCH 2nd, 2021. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ THE LITTLE BLUE BRIDGE by @brendadmaier; illustrated by Sonia Sánchez @soniasillustration, 2021 With its flowing rhymes and lesson in self-reliance, this modern adaptation of THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF is sure to be a hit with kids and adults. Ruby is a smart, spirited, resourceful girl whose brothers leave her behind when they decide to go berry picking. As the brothers attempt to cross a creek to reach the berries, they are stopped by an intimidating boy named Santiago who demands they give him snacks in order to pass. When Ruby is also turned away, she gathers supplies to build her own bridge. She even kindly includes Santiago making a new friend in the process. Different bridge designs are included in the back to inspire little builders. ON SALE APRIL 6th, 2021 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to Scholastic for sharing these special books with our family in exchange for an honest review.
Any other picture book biography lovers out there? Any other picture book biography lovers out there? Between scientists, advocates, poets, performers, and athletes, our kids have learned about so many courageous trailblazers through picture book biographies. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ With their child-friendly format and fascinating stories, these nonfiction wonders have been a great way to bring history alive to our kids. Last year, there were a plethora of remarkable biographies that I just had to share. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio) for my new list of PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHIES FROM 2020. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Before you go, I’d love to hear your favorite picture book biography. Please comment below! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Are you a fan of winter or do you prefer the glow Are you a fan of winter or do you prefer the glow of summer? As someone who is freezing whenever the temperature drops below 70 degrees, I was immediately attracted to the new book, IF WINTER COMES, TELL IT I’M NOT HERE. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When a young boy’s sister teases him about the approaching cold, dark days of winter, the summer-loving lad grumpily waits for the inevitable. When fall and winter arrive, however, he discovers that each season has its benefits. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I often try to guide my children to find the good in undesirable situations and I love how that message is reinforced in this entertaining and uplifting story. This is a new favorite that I’m adding to my list of NEW WINTER BOOKS (link in bio)💙❄️. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Growing up in Florida, I always thought that I would live in a place where I could bask in eternal summer. But life has its own way of working things out and I ended up in New Jersey where I now I enjoy all four seasons and couldn’t be happier. If you could choose, would you prefer to live with seasons or somewhere where it is always warm? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss IF WINTER COMES, TELL IT I’M NOT HERE by Simona Ciraolo @simonaciraolo; published by Candlewick @candlewickpress, 2020
Books can hold so much power for children and stor Books can hold so much power for children and stories like the ones pictured here are beneficial for helping children find a representation of themselves, expand their world view, and promote inclusivity. My newest book list is full of uplifting, empowering stories that will help kids build their self-confidence by accepting, appreciating, and celebrating themselves. Visit LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio) for my list of NEW BOOKS THAT EMPOWER KIDS TO LOVE THEMSELVES. Spot any favorites on the list?
Last night I turned on the news and was at a compl Last night I turned on the news and was at a complete and utter loss. My children immediately noticed a shift in me and asked what was going on and I had no idea what to say to them. I was immediately reminded of the book, THE BREAKING NEWS by Sarah Lynne Reul @thereul. Just like the children in the book, my kids noticed something was wrong and tried their best to cheer me up. It helped me realize that while so much is out of our control, all we can do is our best each day to make this world a better place. While small acts of kindness may seem trivial, they may, in fact, have larger effects that span out farther than we can imagine. I don’t have all the answers, but I know that by being our best, kind selves, only good things can happen.
There can never be enough books about kindness and There can never be enough books about kindness and these two treasures have risen to the top of my list of favorites on this important subject. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Both of these gems use the metaphor of a growing plant to demonstrate how kind acts and words can flourish into something truly beautiful. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Just as she did in THE INVISIBLE BOY, Trudy Ludwig has created another impactful story in THE POWER OF ONE that shows readers how each of us has the ability to positively impact someone else’s life even with the smallest act of kindness. The simple, but powerful text is complimented by eye-catching illustrations that showcase a flower that grows as a group of diverse children nurture their friendships. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ KINDNESS GROWS uses lyrical, rhyming language to describe how hurtful actions can create distance between people while kind acts blossom into something beautiful. Die-cuts are brilliantly integrated to demonstrate the widening crack created by upsetting actions set opposite a stunning tree growing from caring deeds. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I particularly love how each of these books has a hopeful message and emphasizes that even if we make mistakes, it is never too late to show kindness. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit LIBRARYMOM.COM for my full list of BOOKS TO TEACH KINDNESS AND EMPATHY (link in bio) . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss THE POWER OF ONE: EVERY ACT OF KINDNESS COUNTS by Trudy Ludwig @trudyludwig; illustrated by Mike Curato @mike_curato; published by Knopf Books for Young Readers @knopfkids, 2020 and KINDNESS GROWS by Britta Teckentrup @britta_teckentrup; published by Caterpillar Books @caterpillar_books, 2019
Winter is here and we are embracing it with our la Winter is here and we are embracing it with our latest library book haul of our favorite picture books celebrating the stark beauty and snow-filled playfulness that our coldest season brings! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Spot any that you love here? Which of your favorites am I missing? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio) for our list of BEST BOOKS FOR WINTER. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
When I was deciding which book to share as my firs When I was deciding which book to share as my first post of 2021, I knew it had to be EYES THAT KISS IN THE CORNERS. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This impactful story follows a young girl who uses beautifully descriptive language to share how the shape of her eyes is one of her favorite family traits that define her in the best way. Radiant illustrations highlight the poetic text bringing in elements of whimsy as the girl describes aspects of her culture. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The girl’s self-confidence in infectious and the empowering text celebrating heritage and family paired with the luscious illustrations, makes this book a real standout. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss EYES THAT KISS IN THE CORNERS by Joanna Ho @joannahowrites; illustrated by Dung Ho @dunghanhho; published by HarperCollins @harperkids ON SALE TOMORROW, JANUARY 5th 2021 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to @gosparkpoint for sharing a copy of this special book in exchange for an honest review.
While I CANNOT wait to start 2021, it is fun to ta While I CANNOT wait to start 2021, it is fun to take a look back and see what posts were a hit with you all. So here it is, my Top 9 of 2020! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Looks like many of you enjoy book lists, so I’d like to make that a priority for the upcoming year. Please comment below with what lists you would like to see! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Thank you again for being here and giving me the honor of sharing reviews with you. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year!!!🎉 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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