National Dog Month

Bringing home a new puppy! She's so cute! First thing? Buy a book!

Written by: Libby Wilson

Published by: Apex

Here she is! We named her Rosie.

We didn't expect crazy sleeping positions,

hiding wherever she fits,

and waking with very bad hair days!

We also didn't expect such a great first year together...

hanging at the pool,

getting such cute haircuts,

and the playful, fun-loving and well-behaved dog that she's become!

We love our Rosie!

National Sewing Day

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See what problems Little Ghost, who is a cozy but heavy quilt flies into. He wishes he was a light-weight white sheet like his ghost friends so he can zoom through the sky with them. Can being different be ok?  

As a quilter and former teacher and librarian, this is one of my favorites! Now that I have a grandchild on the way...I think I'll have to make a matching quilt to go with it! 

World Baking Day

 

Written by: Lynn Marie

Published by: Mac and Cheese Press

Here is a fun way to celebrate baking AND America!  Wombat is ready to celebrate his first July 4th by baking an apple pie. But where are all the apples?  In this friendship story, Wombat and his friends find a creative way to make a no-bake American pie - recipe included! 

Finley - My Favorite Moose!

                              

Written by: Candace Spizzirri

Published by: Gnome Road Publishing

Finley is back for another dream come true! I love how positive and persistent he is on his second adventure - Paris - for fashion week! With humor, heart, colorful costumes and French words sprinkled throughout, Finley makes a fabulous read-a-loud! I love how he sneaks on board the plane as a nod to the first Finley story. But, that's just the beginning of this one!

In case you forgot about the first Finley... He dreams of riding a caboose!

   

World Poetry Day

 

Written by: Susan Johnston Taylor

Published by: Gnome Road Publishing

What is this?! It looks so fun I have to check it out! It is a collection of poems from the point of view of famous poets pets! What?

This is what Goodreads says about it.

Read about Benjamin Franklin in an ode written by Mungo, his pet squirrel, or a new version of Edgar Allen Poe's The Raven, as imagined by his cat, Catterina. Packed with facts about historical and literary figures and their pets, this collection of poems will have young readers returning for more ... and writing a poem or two of their own. Each spread contains at least one poem from a different poet, written in the unique style of each poet (or, in this case, their pet!), that is sure to have children and caregivers alike enjoying a laugh and looking with new eyes upon their own favorite pets.

Filled with bright, engaging illustrations and a fun assortment of animal characters, this book is the perfect combination of history and poetry that will inspire curiosity and encourage an early love for poetry. It's the perfect addition to elementary school classrooms and libraries, as well as a fun read-aloud for storytime and bedtime.

This is definitely on my shopping list!

Author Copies!

 

Learning Life Skills with Mythical Creatures series was a joy to work on! Jump! Inc. and my editor were amazing. They brought this series to the next level! The illustrator did a fabulous job bringing these characters to life with such vibrant colors. What a surprise when I first saw them online. I saw the griffin cover and literally thought someone stole my idea! Hahaha It was this series, but I hadn't seen the illustrations yet! I jumped on Amazon and bought some paperbacks right away, and then got on the publishing website and purchased some hardcovers. There's no feeling like receiving you author copies. Thanks to Jump! Inc. and my editor and the illustrator and the whole team who brought these into the world!

Gather Grateful by Megan Litwin

 

Book cover from Goodreads

Lyrical prose and luminous illustrations welcome the arrival of fall in a season of community and thanksgiving.

Gather twigs and sticks to nest.
Gather safety, strength, and rest.
Gather up and fly away.
Gather close. Prepare to stay.  
                        *Taken from Goodreads

This is a beautiful fall book. I love that it never actually uses the word Thanksgiving. Starting with the animals gathering to get ready for winter, all the way to people gathering to share a meal (Thanksgiving looking feast). I also love that it includes "gathering apart". With the use of technology, children see a way to gather with family who may be far away.

National Fishing Day - June 18

Skye has such a sweet can-do spirit and her persistence pays off! As Skye tugs on her fishing line, you'll notice she also tugs at your heartstrings. This nostalgic story by Candace Spizzirri is sure to be a good catch for your home or library! 

Book cover from Amazon

Or travel deep into the world of whales with a diver and meet a whale family. This is next on my reading list. It looks amazing, and I've heard so many good things about this one by Michelle Cusolito.

Bookcover from Goodreads