In our eclectic town of educators, professionals and artists, a book that would be appreciated by young and mature alike is none other than a child’s picture book, Magritte’s Marvelous Hat by D.B. Johnson. The surrealist, René Magritte (1898-1967) is known for painting odd depictions like produce and flowers masking faces, nature in unnatural states,…
Category: book review
Old Book for New Year: Discover Poetry
To ring in the new year I wanted to celebrate an older book with even older content: “A Poem for Every Day! An Anthology of 180 Poems…” By Susan Moger. There are many similar types of books, but this particular one is for kids in grades 3-5, so it’s perfect for me, a self-proclaimed poetry simpleton….
Picture Book Review: Ferdinand is Still Fiercely Good
Some spoilers ahead. One of my top 10 favorite picture books of all time is celebrating its 75th birthday! The Story of Ferdinand was written by Munro Leaf, beautifully and comically illustrated by Robert Lawson. There is something endearing and timeless about this well-told story with a universally common theme. I know this, not because it…
Sniffing Out A Great Read — Middle Grade Chapter Book Review: Breaking Stalin’s Nose
Once in a blue moon, I read a book that takes my breath away. I read (in one sitting) one such children’s historical fiction recently – Breaking Stalin’s Nose by Eugene Yelchin. I first knew Yelchin as a talented illustrator, so was glad to see his drawings illuminate his story here. In this simple chapter…
Back to School with “E-mergency”
Spoilers ahead… School is back in session! And the books I like to take out for my kids (okay, for me, too) usually involve letters, numbers, and anything having to do with a school setting… in a fun context, of course. One of our favorite picks these days is E-mergency by Tom Lichtenheld and Ezra…
Picture Book Review: Wave
As summer comes to a rapid end, may I suggest a final hurrah… Wave, by Suzy Lee. It’s a story with no words, but full of warmth as a girl and a wave befriend each other and produce, as friendships often do, a surprise. Being a person of words, I imagine it’s challenging to tell…
Picture Book Review: A Place to Call Home
Warning: Spoilers ahead Seven siblings stick together through thick and thin to find a new dwelling place. The adorable and very funny hamsters learn through their adventures, that teamwork, perseverance, and loyal courage can take them far. They may be small and fluffy, but there’s nothing they can’t overcome. And in the end, they are…
Ann Suk Wang, Author 