Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads, Toddler Reads

Sesame Street talks LOVE!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Love from Sesame Street, by Sesame Workshop, (Dec. 2018, Sourcebooks), $12.99, ISBN: 9781492677499

Ages 2-6

Leave it to Sesame Street to make it clear: Love is love. It’s been a major part of their message since the show aired almost 50 years ago, and it’s even more relevant and important today. Spreads starring our favorite Sesame Street characters spread the word: Big Bird scrawls, “Love is a sunny day!” in sidewalk chalk, while Super Grover dashes across the sky, leaving the message, “Love is being an everyday hero” in his wake. Count von Count delights in being surrounded by numbers, delivering the message that “Love is infinite – bigger than all of the numbers”. Cookie Monster’s powerful message – “Love is cookies… and then more cookies” comes right before Abby’s nod to the power of love: “Love is magical and full of wonder”. Yes, Bert and Ernie are here, as is Julia, surrounded by her family. The characters gather to deliver the final, beautiful message: “Love is everywhere and all around us”. Get it? It’s all about love, in all of its exciting and unexpected forms.

Ernie Kwiat’s artwork really catches the eye here; less solid outlines, more brushwork, almost making the characters look like they’ve been brush-painted. The characters and the message are the standouts, and are colorful, bright, and bold. The scenery is there, but fades into the white background, letting the characters and their declarations take center stage.

I love this book. I know, I say that about all the Sesame Street books, and it’s true. I’ve grown up with the show; my kids have grown up with the show, and I love its ever-constant, upbeat personality and outlook. Everyone just needs to be nice to one another. That’s it. Kindness wins.

Love from Sesame Street is perfect for toddler and preschooler audiences. There are hundreds of Sesame Street crafts and coloring sheets out there, but I always find myself back at the main site, SesameStreet.org. Enjoy.

Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Tween Reads

The Dragon Pearl takes Korean mythology to the stars

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Dragon Pearl, by Yoon Ha Lee, (Jan. 2019, Disney-Hyperion), $16.99, ISBN: 9781368013352

Ages 8-12

The latest from Disney’s Rick Riordan Presents line gives readers a space opera, Korean mythology, ghosts, nonbinary characters, and moral quandaries! Min is a 13-year-old shapeshifting female fox spirit who lives with her widowed mother and extended family on the planet Jinu. Her older brother, Jun, is part of the Space Force – where Min intends to follow him in a few years, when she hits age 16 – but things change when an investigator shows up at Min’s home, with news that Jun has deserted his post and is rumored to be searching for the Dragon Pearl, a mythical object that could help turn planets into paradises… or destroy them. Determined to find her brother and clear his name, Min runs away from home and finds her way onto a starship; when the ship falls under mercenary attack, she wakes up on the very ship her brother served on: the Pale Lightning. Assuming the form of Jang, a cadet who died during the mercenary attack and subsequent rescue attempt, Min tries to unravel the mystery of Jun’s disappearance, and stumbles onto a plot much bigger than she could have imagined. She joins forces with Jang’s friends: Hanuel, a female dragon spirit, and Sujin, a nonbinary goblin spirit and continues her detective work.

Dragon Pearl is a space opera, complete with space battles, intrigue and shifting loyalties, and a mythos, based on Korean mythology, all of which come together to build an epic adventure that middle grade readers will devour. Min faces racism/species-ism as a fox spirit; she and her family present as humans, because foxes have a bad reputation for trickery being untrustworthy. She has to lie to Jang’s friends to keep her secret; that guilt is with her day in and day out, especially as her own friendship with them grows. She has to break rules for the greater good: to find her brother, who’s also considered a deserter. She’ll deal with the fallout as it comes; Min’s family is her priority. Is she a hero? Is she a traitor? It depends on whose point of view you’re viewing from. The same can be said of the Dragon Pearl, which can create a lush homeworld or destroy a planet. Is it a valuable treasure or a cursed trinket?

Let’s talk about the rich characters Yoon Ha Lee creates. Min and her fellow cadets inhabit a universe where rank and personal pronouns are part of the uniform. Sujin, the goblin cadet, uses “they/their” pronouns and no one has an issue with it. Sujin is a funny, creative character whose gender identity fits seamlessly into the Dragon Pearl universe. They wield a magical spork, for heaven’s sake. That’s the exciting news! Haneul is a dragon spirit who can communicate with the weather; the Pale Lightning’s captain is a tiger spirit who exudes charisma and a more than a wee bit of menace. Min, a fox spirit, exudes Charm to head off potential problems at the pass and is clever, constantly thinking of her next moves to get her to her goal. An exciting adventure, moral conflict, and rich character diversity make this one a nice addition to your fantasy middle grade collections, and yet another hit from Rick Riordan’s Disney imprint.

Dragon Pearl has a starred review from Kirkus.

Posted in Preschool Reads, Tween Reads

The YouTube Kids App makes the holidays merry and bright with playlists and a Gift of the Month!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

‘Tis the seasons to be jolly—especially for families with the YouTube Kids app!

A month-long extravaganza celebrating the holidays kicked off this week, with festive content including playlists from Gordon Ramsay and KIDZ BOP! Little fans and their parents will be able to cuddle up with a mug of hot chocolate and watch some cool playlists they won’t be able to see anywhere else – I mean, come on; where else but the YouTube Kids app are you going to see Gordon Ramsay rocking an elf outfit, while dispensing culinary advice?

The holidays are right around the corner and Gordon is sharing his favorite holiday cooking videos with the YouTube Kids App! You can check out the playlist here, if you have the YouTube Kids app, but if you aren’t viewing from a phone or tablet, fear not! Check it out here.

In the mood for more of a dance party? KIDZ BOPS Holidays has your back with a Winter Wonderland playlist, packed with KIDZ BOP’s favorite music and dance videos.  You can watch their rocking playlist by clicking here on the YouTube Kids app, or here, if you’re not viewing from a phone or tablet.

There’s new, original programming hitting the app this month, too! Do you remember growing up with Woody Woodpecker? Well, he’s back, and the YouTube Kids app has him. Watch the first new season of the beloved show in two decades, reuniting the gang for the first time (Andy Panda, Chilly Willy, Wally Walrus, Buzz Buzzard, Winnie, Splinter, and Knothead).  You can see it here on the app, and here if you aren’t viewing from a tablet or phone.

There are more Oddbods to be had this month, too! Oddbods, the popular preschool show, is returning to YouTube Kids with the exclusive Oddbods: The Festive Menace Holidays Special. One of the hot new preschool shows is returning to YouTube Kids with another exclusive special! T’was the night before Christmas and trouble is brewing, Santa’s gone bad and it’s the Oddbods doing! You can check out the fun and mischief here using the app, or here if you aren’t watching on a phone or tablet.

In Santa’s Apprentice, Santa doesn’t want to retire, but rules are rules and he must train someone to replace him.  The lucky winner, to be chosen from among millions of children, must be named Nicholas, be an orphan and have a pure heart.  On the other side of the planet, there is a little boy who is a perfect match, but his lack of self-confidence and fear of heights make him a poor contestant.  Will Santa agree to step down, and help his apprentice take his place?  Check out Santa’s Apprentice here using the YouTube Kids app, or here if you aren’t watching from a phone or tablet.

As a very special bonus, during their holiday celebration, YouTube Kids will be giving something special to their viewers everyday with their “Gift of the Month.” Until January 1st, the YouTube Kids app will feature a Gift Box icon that kids can click on to see a very special video presented to viewers each day by the YouTube Kids characters.  Each of them chose their videos based on a favorite theme or topic.  Kids can simply click on the Gift Box in the app and enjoy a fun surprise!

The YouTube Kids app is the first Google product built from the ground up with kids in mind. The app makes it easier for children to find videos on topics they want to explore and is available for free on Google Play and the App store. YouTube Kids continues to put parents in the driver’s seat with additional parental controls that allow parents to choose what is right for their family.

Posted in picture books

A pumpkin’s odyssey From Dark to Light

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

From Dark to Light, by Isabella Murphy, (Oct. 2017, Pink Umbrella Books), $9.99, ISBN: 9780998516226

Ages 4-8

Pumpker is a small, white pumpkin seed, dropped into the earth by a farmer’s wife, along with his two sister seeds, Plumpalicious and Plumpilina. Pumpker has a little more anxiety over being underground, and feels like a third wheel among his sisters. He just wants to grow into a big, beautiful pumpkin already, and be adopted by a family that will love him. Luckily, he gets his wish: right before Halloween, he and his sisters are chosen by a family and brought home, where Dad turns them into jack-o-lanterns! As the young daughter sits outside with her jack-o-lanterns at the end of the day, Pumpker glows with joy.

Written when the author was in fifth grade, From Dark to Light is a sweet story of home. Pumpker narrates the story, and brings up moments that kids may find familiar: not fitting in and wanting to just grow up already being two of the big ones. From Dark to Light can be read as an adoption story; it can be read as a story about facing fears and growing up, and it can be read as a fun Halloween story about a pumpkin who finds his perfect family. Isabella Murphy’s gift with words gives readers a likable, sympathetic character that finds a forever home. Natalia Pérez’s artwork has a funky spin; Mrs. Smith doesn’t look like your run-of-the mill farmer’s wife, decked out in a colorful, angular minidress, orange boots, and rocking a grey beehive; Pumpker and his sisters have friendly facial expressions even before they get their Halloween makeover.

From Dark to Light is a sweet story from an on-the-rise young author. It’s a nice additional purchase for collections, and a good gift idea to inspire the young writers in your life.

Author Isabella Murphy’s webpage includes interviews, links to social media, and her blog.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Ahmed’s Journey is a study in mindfulness

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Ahmed’s Journey: A Journey of Self-Discovery, by Jill Apperson Manly, (Jan. 2019, Jabu Books), $16.95, ISBN: 978-0-9980220-0-0

Ages 4-7

Yogi, author, teacher, and award-winning author Jill Apperson Manly creates a quietly eloquent tale of mindfulness against a backdrop of the Arabian peninsula. A boy named Amend and his family have traveled across the desert to race their camel in the famous camel races. As Ahmed feeds the camels, he start to feel anxious about the race. As he meditatively rubs his favorite camel’s ear, he stands still, in the moment, and senses his surroundings, and his place within his surroundings. He senses a sandstorm building, and notices that his anxiety is causing a storm within him, too. He breathes, he takes an inventory of himself and his emotions, and rides out both the inner and outer storms. At the story’s conclusion, Ahmed feels strong, peaceful, patient, and wise; he’s confident that everything he needs within him.

Ahmed’s Journey uses techniques to walk readers through the process of mindfulness and being present. Ms. Manly uses visual and verbal cues to help readers get in touch with all of their senses, even bringing the tactile to life as she describes the grittiness of the sand, the discomfort of anxiety, and the warmth of love. The title refers to both the outer journey Ahmed and his family make to the races, and his internal journey to inner awareness. Gentle, earth-toned watercolor illustrations create a desert landscape and present a calming influence on readers. The text is brief and impactful, making this a wonderful story to read during a yoga or mindfulness storytime. A nice add to multicultural and yoga/mindfulness collections.

 

Award-winning author of Nothando’s Journey, Jill Apperson Manly’s second book, Ahmed’s Journey, deepens the themes of exploring thoughts, emotions and sensations. Manly uses international cultural festivals to educate the reader and teach the importance of  self-love. Jill is a certified iRest® teacher and Somatic Yoga Therapist and loves sharing yoga and meditation with children and adults, coaching girls’ high school basketball, and being a mom to her four children. She lives with her husband and children in Newport Beach, CA.

 

Some questions for Jill, courtesy of JKS Communications:

How important is it for kids to explore and know their own emotions?

Jill: There is nothing more important.  It is essential to learn and value who you are.

Do you think that emotional lessons can be integrated into school studies?

Jill: Yes, Absolutely! Globally and in the U.S. we are seeing this done right now. My first book, Nothando’s Journey, is part of part of an SEL curricula created by Think Equal (www.thinkequal.com) currently in 147 schools across 15 countries. The pilot program is being evaluated by Yale Center for Emotional Learning. Kids live in present. There is no better time to discuss how a child is feeling then when  it is occuring. Of course, you cannot disrupt the class to deal with each emotion so therefore, it is better to have a set time within a lesson, for example in social science, to include a SEL lesson.

How did your experience teaching and studying in Saudi Arabia affect the writing of Ahmed’s Journey?

Jill: My overseas teaching experiences with children gave me great joy. Picking stories from “far-away places” gives a different perspective and we all benefit by learning about others. It’s fun to think about riding a camel. Kids in America don’t get to do that. It is even more fun to think about racing one!

 

 

What aspects of yoga do you bring to writing children’s books?

Jill: Yoga is seen in mainstream America as primarily a form of exercise, in my books, some of the deeper benefits of yoga or any mindful (peaceful) practice are explored.

How were the emotions and sensations that Ahmed experienced in the book reflections of your experiences traveling abroad or those of your own children?

Jill: I hope my experiences do not create experiences for others. I hope they are only a springboard for a discussion of everyone’s self potential. There is SO MUCH in our kids and in ourselves that gets stuffed down or swallowed up or is undervalued. I hope my books encourage and support kids and adults to value who they are on the inside.

Why is it important for kids to experience cultures different from their own?

Jill: We are more alike than different. As we see others, we see ourselves.

What is some advice you can give to parents who have children experiencing fear and anxiety like Ahmed?

Jill: The best advice is to have the conversation around these topics. Our children have lots of anxiety and being able to help them address their anxiety around their fears is very empowering. My website has additional resources both for the child and adult on this topic.

 

How is Ahmed’s Journey a continuation of your first book, Nothando’s Journey?

Jill: It takes kids and parents to another place in the world to learn about others and, at the same time, to learn about themselves.

Posted in Fiction, Fiction, Intermediate, Middle Grade, Tween Reads

Bah! Humbug! is Michael Rosen’s modern-day take on Scrooge

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Bah! Humbug!, by Michael Rosen/Illustrated by Tony Ross, (Sept. 2018, Walker Books), $15.99, ISBN: 9781536204797

Ages 8-12

A Christmas Carol enters a new century with Michael Rosen’s middle grade update, Bah! Humbug! Harry Gruber is so excited to be Scrooge in his school’s production of A Christmas Carol, but he wishes his father, workaholic Ray, would muster even a little bit of interest. Ray sees Harry’s event as one more thing keeping him from work, which keeps everyone in Ray’s family fed and living comfortably, and he never misses a chance to let everyone know it. The family – Harry, his sister, Eva, mom Lisa, and Ray – pile into the car and drive to school, with Ray grumbling all the way. While Harry shines on stage as Scrooge, Ray sneaks off to work – and gets some Christmas visits of his own.

Bah! Humbug! uses the school performance as a parallel to Ray’s own Christmas Carol, where he experiences some ghostly visits – after a fashion – of his own. A Christmas Carol is more relevant than ever in this 24-hour society, where we can all work nonstop and chase after the next big thing: a new PlayStation; a new car; a new vacation. The story moves between the play, letting readers relive Dickens’ holiday classic, and the present, as Harry’s heart breaks time and again over his dad’s seeming ignorance and Ray wrestles with his own demons, past and present. Kids may recognize their own families in this one, but remember: Dickens wrote the story to show readers that there’s always time to change the future.

A section called “Party Like a Fezziwig” has tasty recipes, games, jokes, and Christmas carols. There’s a note about the tradition of Victorian holiday storytelling, and a biographical note about Dickens and A Christmas Carol. Tony Ross’s black and white illustrations throughout the story keep readers engaged in the story and the school play. A nice add to your middle grade holiday collection. Read a sample chapter at Candlewick’s website.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Kwanzaa Books to brighten your holidays!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

I’ve finally got some of my Kwanzaa holds coming in, so this is a short first post for the season, but I’ve got more on the way! Let’s enjoy a couple of books celebrating Kwanzaa, its message of togetherness and peace, and its seven guiding principles.

The Sound of Kwanzaa, by Dimitrea Tokunbo/Illustrated by Lisa Cohen, (Oct. 2009, Scholastic Press), $16.99, ISBN:  978-0-545-01865-4

Ages 3-7

What a wonderful way to welcome the holiday: The Sound of Kwanzaa invites readers to “come close, gather round. Listen to the sound of Kwanzaa” on each page, by introducing the different ways families gather to celebrate the principles of Kwanzaa: “loving words and greeting family” celebrate Umoja (unity); working hands and ancient stories herald Kujichagulia (self-determination); banging hammers and sweeping brooms usher in Ujima (collective work and responsibility); laughter and chants from shoppers and merchants alike announce Ujamaa (cooperative economies); the sounds of sharing dreams and goal-setting get readers ready for Nia (purpose); the rhythm of beating drums and singing voices praise Kuuma (creativity), and the harmony of praying voices and calls of Harambee signal Imani (faith), the concluding principle. Every verse speaks to a night celebrated, providing an example of the sounds, the principle, and the color candle added to the Kinara.

The verse moves through each spread, with the repetitive opening phrase gently encouraging a family or close group reading. Lisa Cohen’s bright illustrations celebrate families and communities working and celebrating together, in barber shops and grocery stores, creating art and singing praises together. Purple endpapers with silhouettes create a feeling of celebration and kinship. In an author’s note, Dimitrea Tokunbo talks about meeting Dr. Maulana Karenga, who began the celebration of Kwanzaa, in 1966, and remembers the “No-Cook Kwanzaa Brownie Bites” created to share at a karamu feast. There’s a recipe, too, perfect to make with the kids and share at your own feast.

Add this one to your holiday collections, and if you can find a copy – it seems to be hard to find a new one, which makes me sad – add this to your gift list.

 

Santa’s Kwanzaa, by Garen Eileen Thomas/Illustrated by Guy Francis, (Sept. 2009, Jump at the Sun), $15.99, ISBN: 978-0-7868-5166-9

Ages 3-7

Santa’s Christmas Eve shift is over, and now the fun begins! Every present’s been placed, all the cookies indulged, and now, Santa heads home to the North Pole where his elves and Mrs. Claus gather to give him gifts: It’s Kwanzaa at the North Pole! Santa takes off his hat to reveal white dreadlocks, and relaxes into his chair as a banner proclaims “Welcome Home, Santa Kwaz!” and Mrs. Claus spreads a comfy kente wrap for him to snuggle in. His seven elves – each named for a Kwanzaa principle – present him with gifts of their own, and gather ’round the table for a tasty feast. Santa bundles everyone back into the sleigh for one last trip, where Santa lights up the sky with Kwanzaa wishes for all.

This is a cute intersection of Christmas and Kwanzaa, told in familiar, comforting rhyme that begins, “‘Twas the night before Christmas. The very last hour”, following Santa on those last few stops before heading home, ushering readers right into the end of one holiday and the beginning of another (Kwanzaa begins Dec. 26, the day after Christmas). Guy Francis’ artwork is engaging and charming, and evokes warmth with his images of Santa getting some pampering for a change: he sits in a comfy chair, soaking his feet, surrounded by his elves and Mrs. Claus in one spread; in another, the elves surround him with hugs and gifts. Children of diverse backgrounds watch his peaceful message unfurl across the skies at the story’s end. Back matter invites readers to celebrate Kwanzaa “just like the Kwazes” and introduces each elf, named after a Kwanzaa principle and exhibits personality traits similar to each one: Umoja’s pride, for instance, unites the family, while Ujamaa cooperates and trades fairly. The cover is equally eye-catching, with Santa’s iconic red and white coat, black belt, and gold buckle are framed by a pair of kente cloth mittens.

Santa’s Kwanzaa is a fun holiday read, perfect for storytimes.

Find Kwanzaa coloring pages and activities at Crayola and DLTK-Kids. Scholastic has a lovely Kwanzaa wreath project, and SheKnows.com has some adorable Kwanzaa craft suggestions for kids.

Posted in picture books

More Hanukkah books to brighten your celebrations!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

I’ve got two modern classics to get into today, both by authors I’m a big fan of. Let’s jump in!

The Story of Hanukkah, by David A. Adler/Illustrated by Jill Weber, (June 2012, Holiday House), $6.99, ISBN: 9780823425471

Ages 5-8

My biography shelves are loaded with books by David A. Adler. He does phenomenal nonfiction writing for kids, and his Story of Hanukkah is a wonderfully comprehensive history of the holiday helped me understand more about the Hanukkah celebration. Adler’s factual text is enhanced by Jill Weber’s acrylic illustrations, portraying life in Biblical Judea, the Greek push to dominate, and Mattathias’ refusal to worship the Greek gods, along with his flight into the hills and subsequent rebellion against the Greeks. The bright, primary color artwork shows an epic battle between the Greek soldiers and the Maccabees, with a spreads featuring charging horsemen and war elephants, and hand-to-hand combat (the combatants look more knocked silly than anything else, for more delicate readers), and there are heart-warming modern family moments to conclude the story, as today’s families celebrate, Adler writes, “one of the first fights for religious freedom”. A tasty latke recipe and instructions on how to play the dreidel game round out the back matter, and blue endpapers with Hanukkah symbols – dreidels, scrolls, menorahs, gelt, and more – make this a lovely addition to your nonfiction holiday collections, and a great gift for your younger celebrants.

 

Zigazak! A Magical Hanukkah Night, by Eric A. Kimmel/Illustrated by Jon Goodell, (Sept. 2001, Doubleday Books for Young Readers), $16.99, ISBN: 978-0385326520

Ages 4-8

A hilarious tale of Hanukkah magic, Zigazak! takes place on the first night of Hanukkah, in the Belarus town of Brisk. Two little devils – they’re more tricksters than flat-out evil – decide to have some fun by starting some trouble around the town. They make dreidels sprout limbs and dance, they make latkes fly, they even make candles explode! The people are up in arms! What can they do? They ask the rabbi for help, and help he does: he finds the fun in the devils’ mischief, and tricks them at their own game. When he offers to free the devils and turn them into spirits of light, they push back: they like being bad! But try as they might, the rabbi will not be intimidated, and manages to convince them to turn themselves into cockroaches. One crunch later, the town of Brisk is back to celebrating Hanukkah, devil-free.

Zigazak! is a story that’s just made for out-loud reading, with the repeated magic titular phrase providing the perfect opportunity for getting the kids involved. Expect squeals and shrieks, because cockroaches are just awful. Eric A. Kimmel (whose similar tale of Hanukkah mischief, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, received a Caldecott Honor in 1990) weaves a masterful tale of mischief and morality, with delightfully goofy goblins illustrated by Jon Goodell. Goodell’s realistic artwork gives readers expressive characters reacting in horror as Hanukkah icons come to life, and a wise rabbi who exudes calm and wisdom. The most important part of Zigazak? Eric A. Kimmel’s belief, via the rabbi of Brisk: “…if we look hard enough, we can find the good in all living creatures”.

If you’ve never enjoyed this tale before, run to your holds list and add it. You’ll be happy you did.

 

 

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Blog Tour Stop and Giveaway: Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

“It’s Christmas Eve morning, and everything’s set. So why hasn’t Santa Claus woken up yet?” Because he’s sick! He’s stuffy, he’s sneezy, it’s gross, you don’t want him around your Christmas gifts. Mrs. Claus has an idea, though – she’s going to go in his place!

Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins, by Sue Fliess/Illustrated by Mark Chambers,
(Sept. 2018, Two Lions), $17.99, ISBN: 978-1503936980
Ages 3-7

Mrs. Claus gets right to work, assembling teams, mapping routes, and checking the weather. The elves help her pack up, and she’s off into the night! Despite some weather mischief and a bird strike, Mrs. Claus has it under control and is having the time of her life, and comes home to a party in her honor!

Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins is a fun, upbeat rhyming tale that’s loaded with humor and a Mrs. Claus who ain’t just home baking cookies. She’s a wild-haired redhead with fabulous cats-eye glasses and a green cardigan (I’m a librarian, I notice these things), and she’s letting Santa know what’s what. When she takes to the skies, she does it in style, rocking an aviator cap, a green plaid coat, and a cup of coffee – no Santa clone here, she’s making Christmas her own! I love this hip departure from tradition.

The digital illustrations are cartoony and colorful,. The pages alternate between full-bleed and white backgrounds, with the artwork popping off the stark background to really draw readers to the action. The digital snow is fantastic, with a real 3-d feel to the flakes as Mrs. Claus navigates through a blizzard, and the rainbow fuel looks is muddled and smoky. Great effects that will get the kids pointing and talking.

Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins is absolute fun holiday reading – add this one to your Christmas Eve story pile.

Sue Fliess is the author of more than twenty children’s books, including Shoes for Me!, A Dress for Me!, and Books for Me!, all illustrated by Mike Laughead; and Let’s Build, illustrated by Miki Sakamoto. Sue loves the holiday season and hopes she made it onto Santa’s “nice” list this year! She lives with her family and their dog in Northern Virginia. Learn more about Sue online at www.suefliess.com.
Mark Chambers is an award-winning author and illustrator of more than thirty-five children’s books. In 2013, Mark won the Sheffield Children’s Picture Book Award and was short-listed for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. In 2017, his artwork entitled “We Will Remember” was short-listed for the AOI World Illustration Awards. Mark lives and works in the United Kingdom and once spent Christmas in the Arctic Circle. Learn more about Mark online at www.markachambers.com.

Want a chance at winning a copy of Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins? Check out the Rafflecopter giveaway!

Posted in Non-Fiction, Teen, Young Adult/New Adult

We Are Here to Stay gives you the real story

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

We Are Here to Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young Adults, by Susan Kuklin, (Jan. 2019, Candlewick Press), $19.99, ISBN: 9780763678845

Ages 12+

Award-winning author and photographer Susan Kuklin conducted extensive interviews with nine undocumented young adults who all came here as children. They come from Colombia, Mexico, Ghana, Independent Samoa, and Korea, and they – and their families – came here for the chance at a better life and education. They fled poverty. They fled violence. They left family behind.

Originally slated for publication in 2017, Susan Kuklin originally planned to feature full-color portraits and the subjects’ names in this book, but the Presidential election and subsequent repeal of DACA, makes it unsafe to identify these young adults. Identified only by a first initial and represented by empty frames, these are hard stories to read. They will move you: they will upset you, they will make you angry, and they will make you feel for the young people who live in the shadows, terrified that at any moment, they’ll be sent away. They’ve crossed through hellish deserts, been taken advantage of by people that were supposed to help them, and turned away by their families in some cases. Working in their communities to bring about positive change, they are here, and they want to be part of the America we know we can be.

We Are Here to Stay offers a lot of food for thought and discussion. These individuals face an uncertain future, and they know it. We Are Here to Stay is a must-read, must-have book for young people everywhere, and it’s a must-read for every person whose lives touch young people: parents, caregivers, educators.

Susan Kuklin is the Stonewall Honor-winning author of Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out.