Picture Book Review: Big

One little girl grew up happy- until something changed. She was shamed for her body. It finally became too much for her. She took back her confidence and found herself again outside of the opinions of others. 

WOW! This is an impressive and important book. I love the message of looking at yourself and finding self-worth through your own eyes. The illustrations are amazing (Vashti Harrison is one of my favorite illustrators. 

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school or public library's collection. 

Board Books (7): People from History

 

We just bought a bunch of new board books for our library.

I'll be talking about a few favorites over the next couple months

This week, it's all about famous people:

This is Amelia Earhart's story - about her dreams and how she persisted. I like how they ask the readers to follow the trail with their fingers.

* If you like this book, there is a series of both board books and picture books called Ordinary People Change the World

Famous people said NO and then they helped change the world. Lots of history in this one little book - lots of important people. I like how they include a small biography at the end of everyone mentioned. Great pictures. Great diversity. 

Women helped change the world and you can too! A small introduction to women who persisted - lots of diverse women. And this one even include Jane Austen. I love the message of this book. The illustrations are fantastic. 

Lots of people here to talk about - each one as a mini biography. This is for a little bit older children because there is so much text. I love the bright colors and the illustrations. And even I learned about some heroes of color from around the world.

I loved this book - from the message to the illustrations. Vashti Harrison is one my favorite illustrators. If you haven't read her books, pick one up today.

Nonfiction Review: Little Legends

Mini biographies of 35 exceptional men in Black History - ranging from John Lewis to Bill Russell to Langston Hughes.

Another great book from Vashti Harrison highlighting important men in Black History. This book is similar to her Little Leaders book with amazing art work, mini biographies, and the spotlight on men who made a difference in this world. 

Library Recommendation: A must have book for school and public libraries.

Picture Book Wednesday: Sulwe

Sulwe has darker skin than anyone she knows; she wants to be beautiful.

I loved this book with it's amazing illustrations and sweet message. I love what Sulwe's name means. It was heartbreaking to see how she wanted to lighten her skin to be more like everyone else, but I love how learned about her own beauty. I enjoyed learning that this picture book is based off the actress's own life.

CLA Conference

This Monday and Tuesday, I'll be at the Connecticut Library Conference. 

It's a special one this year because I was the co-chair for the conference. And it takes a LOT of planning. But it's almost here and I'm excited because I think it's going to be a great conference.

The keynotes are going to be amazing:

I really can't wait to hear them!

Plus I'm co-presenting a session on Core Modern Romance Authors for the library and helping out at Children's and Teen Book Buzz where I'm talking about upcoming middle grade and children's books.

It's going to be a busy two days, but it will be great.

Review: Little Dreamers

Showcasing more amazing women from around the globe.

I loved this book - for the women it mentioned and for the amazing artwork.

I loved learning about awesome women from various races and who had a multitude of interests. I love how all of them made a difference. And of course as a librarian, I loved the shout out to research at the end of the book.

Library Recommendation: This book is a must have for both schools and public libraries.

Just a few picture book biographies of some of the women mentioned:

Maya Lin

Ada Lovelace

Mary Blair

Hedy Lamarr

Review: Little Leaders

Mini biographies of 40 African American Women who broke boundaries and achieved greatness.

There's a mix of women everyone's heard of and some lesser known (but no less important) women.

My Thoughts: I adored this book - for the variety of women and the knowledge it shared. But mostly I loved it for the art work. Vashti Harrison art work is stunning. I can't wait to see what she does next and I'm so happy more Little Leader books are in the works.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Library Recommendation: A must have for school and public libraries!