Tag: Jon Klassen

Posted in Preschool Reads, Toddler Reads

Have you seen Jon Klassen’s board books yet???

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Every time Jon Klassen comes out with a new book, it is a cause for celebration. The recently released Your Places board book series, comprised of three books, is a cause for great joy here in Mom Read It Land!

Your Forest, by Jon Klassen, (Feb. 2025, Candlewick Press), $8.99, ISBN: 9781536230833
Ages 2-5

 

Each follows a storytelling rhythm that would be a home run for flannel storytimes and play storytimes, assembling the three scenes – Forest, Farm, and Island – spread by spread. Each story begins with the sun rising; each ends with the sun setting, and an invitation to think about what the reader will do tomorrow. Klassen puts the reader at the center of each story’s universe: “This is your sun. It is coming up for you”; “This is your cabin. It can go in the trees”. Each story includes a classic Klassen playful touch, including the nice forest ghost who “only comes out at night”‘; the “magic fire that never goes out”, and the “good truck that can go in the barn”. All of the components of each story have Klassen’s trademark eyes. Creating a comfortable, safe space for readers, the Your Places series is just perfect for toddlers and pre-readers. Grab some toys and let them assemble their own spaces as they read with you.

Your Farm, by Jon Klassen, (Feb. 2025, Candlewick Press), $8.99, ISBN: 9781536230826
Ages 2-5

The Your Places series has starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus and they are Indie Next picks.

 

Your Island, by Jon Klassen, (Feb. 2025, Candlewick Press), $8.99, ISBN: 9781536230819

Ages 2-5

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Books for your Christmas storytime

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

It’s that time: the Christmas storytime! Here are a few good ones to consider.

 

Socks: A Christmas Kid’s Lament, by JD McPherson/Illustrated by Anika Orrock, (Sept. 2024, Walker Books), $15.99, ISBN: 9781536237023

Ages 3-7

Singer-songwriter McPherson’s picture book debut is about a Christmas present kids dread: SOCKS. A young boy creeps down to his Christmas tree early one Christmas morning, fully expecting any number of toys and discovering a dreaded pair of socks. SOCKS! For Christmas! The rhyming story escalates as the boy searches his home and pleads his case: “No ‘Are we there yet?’ in the car! / I ruined no vacations! / A few coins in the swearing jar, / but for impassioned declarations!” Santa flies over towns all over the world as children appear to exclaim the same disdainful refrain in different languages. But is there more to the grand sock distribution? Keep reading, and you’ll notice that other presents do show up, and that Mrs. Claus feels very differently about her socks. A sweet story about appreciating the meaning behind gift-giving, and a chuckle for anyone who’s received a gift they were less than pleased with. Orrock’s retro digital artwork adds a fun sense of play to the story. Scan a QR code to hear McPherson’s song, “Socks” and try out a few lines during storytime.

 

 

Everett Green: The Not-So Christmas Tree, by Freddy Wexler/Illustrated by Fanny Berthiaume, (Oct. 2024, Random House Books for Young Readers), $14.99, ISBN: 9780593567944

Ages 4-8

“Everett Green was a small palm tree with big dreams”. He’s a singing, dancing palm tree that’s tired of being ignored and knows he’s meant for greater things, and then he sees it: the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, featured on the news. With that, Everett’s off to New York! The only problem? Flights are delayed! Everett’s stuck at an airline gate on Christmas Eve! What’s a tree to do? Well… he’s got a captive audience, so Everett seizes the opportunity, grabs a mic, and starts spreading holiday cheer. One by one, the crowd joins in and before anyone knows it, there’s a dancing and a Christmas sing-along, dancing, and good feelings all around. Everett returns to his old digs at The Sandy Straw, where his Christmas act is embraced and lauded. The moral of the story: joy is where you find it, so spread it where you can. It’s a touching and relevant holiday message that carries meaning beyond the holidays. Photoshop illustrations are bold and bright; endpapers feature beribboned pineapples and Christmas ornaments across a bright yellow background. A fun holiday read that has plenty of opportunities for interaction with a group.

 

 

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett/Illustrated by Jon Klassen, (Sept. 2023, Candlewick Press), $18.99, ISBN: 9781536223767

Ages 4-8

Easily one of my favorite kidlit powerhouse combos, Barnett and Klassen just make great books. This time, they examine the classic question: How does Santa go down the chimney? They admit there are no easy answers, but there are suggestions that go from innocent – “Does he cinch up his belt?” – to the laugh-out-loud hilarious: “Does Santa ever get stuck partway down and need one of the reindeer to give him a kick?” Kids and adults alike have pondered these very same questions for years! Klassen’s graphite and ink illustrations pair perfectly with Barnett’s text, showing Santa and his reindeer in the funniest of situations, including a peek at Santa’s underwear as he goes down the chimney backside first. Ending on a sweet note and preserving the mystery, this is a perfect readaloud for holiday season.

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? has starred reviews from School Library Journal, Kirkus, Booklist, and was an Indie Next pick.

 

Santa Yeti, by Matthew Luhn/Illustrated by Luke Flowers, (Oct. 2023, Kane Miller), $15.99, ISBN: 9781684646036

Ages 3-7

What’s more fun than a cute rhyming story? A cute rhyming story about a yeti who’s tired of being cold! Frank is a yeti who dreams to vacationing somewhere warm, like Brazil. He stumbles upon Santa’s toy factory on Christmas Eve, deciding to stow away in a present bound for Brazil, but things go sideways when the box tears and Frank scares Santa right out of the sled! Santa gets dropped into a warm Brazilian pool, and it’s up to Frank to save Christmas. Thankfully, he’s up to the task and gets a nice reward next Christmas: a vacation in Key West. Luke Flowers’s illustrations are adorable, colorful, and filled with fun details. The endpapers feature postcards from warm climates with drawings of Frank taped into the scenery; back endpapers have drawings of Santa, Mrs. Claus, an elf, and a reindeer joining Frank taped into a postcard from… you guessed it, Brazil. The rhyme scheme is bouncy and light, pairing sweetly with the fun illustrations. Perfect for a Christmas read-aloud, this will become a book you’ll reach for every year.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

The Rock From the Sky is here!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

The Rock from the Sky, by Jon Klassen, (April 2021, Candlewick Press), $18.99, ISBN: 9781536215625

Ages 4-8

Any time Jon Klassen releases a new book is cause for celebration. The Rock from the Sky, his newest, is an hilarious study in dialogue, sight jokes, and a little touch of science fiction. A behatted trio of animals – a turtle, an armadillo, and a snake – touch on that creeping feeling that something’s just not right; feeling like a third wheel, and imagining the future, all with the deadpan humor that makes books like his Hat Trilogy such storytime gold. Klassen’s digital and watercolor artwork sets a sepia-toned stage that works perfectly with the dry humor to create a darkly hilarious story atmosphere. Candlewick has an activity kit, teacher’s guide, and author notes available for free download. You can’t miss with Jon Klassen; The Rock From the Sky is an instabuy for me.

The Rock From the Sky has six starred reviews from School Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, Booklist, The Bulletin for the Center for Children’s Books, and The Horn Book.

Posted in Animal Fiction, Fiction, Middle Grade

Skunk & Badger are an odd couple you’ll love

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Skunk and Badger (Skunk and Badger #1), by Amy Timberlake/Illustrated by Jon Klassen,, (Sept. 2020, Algonquin), $18.95, ISBN: 9781643750057

Ages 8-12

This is an utterly adorable, amusing story of two unlikely friends. Badger, a rock scientist, lives on his own in his aunt’s house, doing very important rock science; when Skunk shows up at his door, he’s a little taken aback – he clearly hasn’t been reading his aunt’s letters, telling him he’ll be getting a roommate! – and he reluctantly lets Skunk into his home, and, slowly but surely, his life. You see, Skunk is much more of a free spirit than Badger: he cooks delicious meals, zings potatoes across the room while he’s cooking, and makes friends with chickens! Badger, who lives a functional and regimented life, is not sure about this whole Skunk business. After a big sleep over with the chickens leads to an incident where Skunk accidentally sprays Badger, the two have a falling and Skunk leaves; as he’s sadly said before, “No one wants a skunk”. Skunk’s departure gets Badger thinking about what makes a good friend – and is determined to find Skunk and makes amends.

Newbery Honor author Amy Timberlake and Caldecott Medal Winner Jon Klassen create an enduring story of compassion, embracing differences, and friendship. Badger is a lovable curmudgeon, paired with idealist, extroverted Skunk – but Skunk knows all too well how he’s perceived by others. When Badger loses his temper and calls him “vermin”, Skunk draws the line between endearing grouchiness and unacceptable treatment. Jon Klassen’s artwork fits perfectly with this sedate, sweet story; he gives memorable scenes life and makes this a book about friendship that kids will turn to again and again. You know what I’m going to say: Frog and Toad fans, this is the book for you. I can’t wait to see what Skunk and Badger get up to next.

Skunk and Badger has starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist.

 

Posted in Fiction, Middle Grade, picture books, Preschool Reads, Realistic Fiction, Tween Reads

Let the Shopping Season commence! First up: Gift Sets!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Can you believe Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK? Where the heck did this year go? Welp, my friends, this means that the holidays are upon us, and that means shopping. But since I *am* that gift-giver that buys books for a good chunk of my shopping list, allow me to share some suggestions with you, to take some of the stress out of your holiday shopping season.

First up is one of my favorite trilogies of all time, next to the vaunted, original, Star Wars saga.  I present to you, The Hat Box.

Jon Klassen’s Hat Box, by Jon Klassen,
(Oct. 2019, Candlewick Press), $59.99, ISBN: 9780763666972
Ages 3-8

Three of the greatest storytime books ever written: This is Not My Hat; I Want My Hat Back, and We Found a Hat, all contained here for your reading enjoyment. The box is gorgeous and sturdy, holding three picture books (This is Not My Hat includes its Caldecott Medal sticker; I Want My Hat Back comes with Geisel Honor sticker) and a print from I Want My Hat Back – I call it “the moment of truth” print. You’ll know what I mean if you’ve read it. For a reader who loves Jon Klassen’s artwork, or a reader you want to introduce to Jon Klassen, you cannot go wrong here. This is a perfect gift, and it’s already in a box. All you need to do is wrap it, or stick it in a gift bag. This is topping my gift shopping list this year.

 

For your middle grade readers and lovers of realistic fiction, there’s the Raymie Nightingale 3-book collection:

Raymie Nightingale 3-book collection, by Kate DiCamillo,
(Oct. 2019, Candlewick Press), $59.97, ISBN: 9781536210385
Ages 9-13

Another beautiful and sturdy box, containing three hardcovers of Kate DiCamillo’s Raymie Nightingale trilogy: Raymie Nightingale (with National Book Award Finalist sticker); Louisiana’s Way Home, and Beverly, Right Here. They’re hardcover books, jacketed and with Amy June Bates’ gorgeous artwork. A note from author Kate DiCamillo will welcome readers and make them feel like these books speak directly to them (which is Kate DiCamillo’s enduring gift as an author).

I remember when I received my first boxed set of books; like many folks of a certain age, I received E.B. White’s trilogy: Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan for a gift one year. I still have my copies, worn with love and many, many, readings. Every time I see a boxed set of books, I still get that warm feeling that I got when I first slipped my E.B. White books out of their casing. Pass this set onto a reader and give them a lifetime of reading.

 

Last but not least for this gift set post, we have the Guess How Much I Love You 25th Anniversary slipcase.

Guess How Much I Love You (Slipcase Edition), by Sam McBratney/Illustrated by Anita Jeram,
(Sept. 2019, Candlewick Press), $33.99, ISBN: 9781536210644
Ages 0-5

Guess How Much I Love You is 25 years old? Yikes, my kid is old; I picked up a copy of this book at my local bookstore back when I was pregnant with him, and curating a library to read to him. (He’s 20 now, and that really hurts to write. Yikes.) The slipcase is as beautiful as the book, with beautiful artwork on the front and back of the box, embossed title and spine, and that quote we still whisper to our children: “I love you right up to the moon–and back” right there, to run your fingers over, time and again. The book is perfect, and the keepsake art print is perfect for framing. Give this to moms-to-be, and let them frame that print for their nurseries. Give it to your 20-year-old who needs to know you love them to the moon and back, even now.

This was a quick kickoff to the holiday shopping season, but there are more books to come! Keep an eye out; I’ve got a mountain of books to talk about, plus some state library antics to dish on. (That’s why I went for a week without posting – sorry!)

 

Posted in Uncategorized

Circle, by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen brings the Shape Trilogy to a sweet close

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Circle, by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen, (March 2019, Candlewick Press), $15.99, ISBN: 9780763696085

Ages 5-10

Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen’s Shape Trilogy has been hilarious reading, and the final book in the trilogy, Circle, wraps things up in a sweet, silly, perfect way. The three shape friends – Triangle, Square, and Circle – play a game of hide and seek; Circle only asks that no one hide behind the waterfall. So, naturally, the second Circle closes her eyes to count, Triangle takes off and hides behind the waterfall. Circle heads off to fetch Triangle, and heads into the deep dark area behind the waterfall, where she vents her frustrations at Triangle: “Why do you always break all the rules? Why do you always spoil our fun? Why are you such a bad friend?” When Triangle doesn’t answer, Circle takes a moment, apologizes for her angry words, and Triangle thanks her – but Triangle isn’t standing where Circle expects her to be! So whose eyes do the shapes see, glimmering in the dark? Not waiting to find out, the two dash back to the safety of the outside, where they ponder what could have been with them in the dark. “It might have been a good shape”, says Circle; “We just could not see it”.

Circle is a story where kid see themselves, and parents and caregivers will see their kids. Who among us hasn’t said, “Okay – you can play ANYWHERE in this area, but don’t go there”, knowing full well that the second you finish that sentence, one of your little ones is charging directly for that one forbidden spot? Kids will understand the frustration of a friend who doesn’t listen to them, and the spillover that can lead to. Circle also has an important message, quietly included in the storyline: don’t make snap judgements without more information. Don’t jump to conclusions or make decisions about others based on fear. (That being said, stranger danger is also worth a mention here.)

Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen can do no wrong in my book. The Hat Trilogy and the previous Shape books are instant storytime go-tos for me, and my son knows that, left to my own devices for at-home reading, those are the books that are likely to get pulled off the shelf. I love the way these two creators work together; the sharp, dry humor that speaks volumes; the spare artwork that communicates so much with a mere shift of a pair of eyes, and the enjoyment I see when the kids reading along with me get the jokes. Finish your collection and get Circle on your shelf.

Posted in Uncategorized

Board Books, Board Books, Board Books!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

There’s a whole bunch of great board books out, and I love it!

Cat & Mouse, by Britta Teckentrup, (March 2019, Prestel Publishing), $14.95, ISBN: 978-3-7913-7374-4

Ages 0-4

This die-cut, rhyming book is adorable! A cat and mouse play a game of hide and seek, with die-cut squares on each page letting little ones find the mouse, and explore with their fingers as well as their eyes and ears, as they go along. Cat and mouse wreak havoc across each spread, upending furniture and running up and down stairs: will the cat catch the mouse? I read this to my storytime group and wiggled fingers through the squares, let the little ones peek through the holes, and stuck my nose through one or two to mimic a cat sniffing for a mouse, all to tremendous giggles. This is an adorable storytime read, and a great pick for sensory and explorative reading. The artwork is loaded with shapes and colors to identify, making this a book you can really engage your little ones with.

 

Who is Afraid of Little Wolf?, by Yayo Kawamura, (Apr. 2019, Prestel Publishing), $12.95, ISBN: 978-3-7913-7381-2

Ages 0-3

Little Wolf is bored and wants to play, but it seems like no one wants to play with him: the squirrel, rabbit, and fox all tell him their moms won’t let them play with wolves! Just when Little Wolf starts to cry, a little bee invites him to play. Seeing Wolf and Bee play together, the other animals realize that there’s nothing to be afraid of, and join the game. At sunset, Little Wolf and his new group of friends sit in a cuddled group, enjoying one another’s company after a big day of playing hide and seek. A sweet, simple story about overcoming prejudice, Who is Afraid of Little Wolf is a story that has a big message for little eyes and ears. Bold, colorful artwork and friendly animal faces make this instantly appealing to young readers and listeners, and gives a face to the fallout of predetermined ideas.

 

I Want My Hat Back, by Jon Klassen, (March 2019, Candlewick Press), $8.99, ISBN: 978-1-5362-0757-6

Ages 2-5

This is one of my favorite picture books of ALL TIME, and now it’s available in board book form! The darkly hysterical tale of a bear, a hare, and a hat is complete here; just in smaller format for littler fingers. The illustrations are beautifully, perfectly recreated here. My 6-year-old asked me if this was a “backpack copy” for him to bring to school, and darned if I didn’t say, “Wow… you may be onto something here”. Start your younger readers off right: give them Jon Klassen board books! (PLEASE say we’ll be getting Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen’s Triangle, Square, and Circle trilogy in board book at some point!)

Do you have crafts after storytime? Use this free, downloadable activity kit to let the kids make their own red hat, recreate their own forest story scene, and more.

 

Wild Bios: Frida Catlo, by Courtney Acampora & Maggie Fischer/Illustrated by Lindsay Dale-Scott, (Jan. 2019, Silver Dolphin Books), $7.99, ISBN: 978-1-68412-558-6

Ages 2-5

This is the cutest new board book series! Wild Bios puts an “animalistic twist” onto famous figure biographies by adding cute animals and wink, nudge puns to the biographical text. Here, we’ve got artist Frida Kahlo’s life with a feline spin: Frida Catlo was born in Meowixco City, painted self-pawtraits, and married fellow artist Doggo Rivera. A sweet way to introduce art to your little ones (I think it’s time for me to revisit my Art Storytime) and the puns will keep older siblings and adult caregivers chuckling at storytime. The bright, festive artwork is fun to look at, and Frida’s even got a little unibrow. Make sure to mention that Friday Kahlo loved animals – display and booktalk Monica Brown’s Friday Kahlo and Her Animalitos handy. Let the little ones draw afterward!

 

The Story of Rock, by the Editors of Caterpillar Books/Illustrated by Lindsey Sagar, (May 2019, Silver Dolphin Books), $8.99, ISBN: 978-1-68412-509-8

Ages 0-5

Perfect for music storytime, this rhyming look at the history of rock music starts – as it should! – with rock’s roots in blues and features some of the most iconic names in rock history, including Chuck Berry, Elvis, Jimi Hendrix, Queen, the Ramones, and more. The blues, through the rockabilly ’50s, the psychadelic ’60s, punk, hair metal, grunge, and ska are all here, with sweetly illustrated, friendly faces and instruments. Add this to your music shelf with board books like What is Punk?, Brandon Stousy’s What is Music? and We Are Music, Amazing Me! Music, by Carol Thompson, and Baby Loves to Rock! by Wednesday Kirwan.

 

The Story of Rap, by the Editors of Caterpillar Books/Illustrated by Lindsey Sagar, (May 2019, Silver Dolphin Books), $8.99, ISBN: 978-1-68412-508-1

Ages 0-5

A companion to The Story of Rock, The Story of Rap starts off with rap’s beginning at a New York house party in 1973 and explains the genre’s sound: big bass, spoken word rhyme. Learn about rap icons, from Grandmaster Flash, Run DMC, and NWA; the protests, the East vs. West battle, and modern figures, including Jay-Z, and Kendrick Lamar. The emphasis on soul and social justice is here, and like the books says: “Rap is for the people, just like from the start, it’s more than music: it’s a work of heart”. The artwork is identical to The Story of Rock, with soft, cute, friendly faces and urban street wear; there’s some breakdancing, mixing and scratching at the turntables, and female representation (Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliott are here, but where’s Queen Latifah?). Add this to your music board books, and keep up your readers’ music education.