We’re already well into National Poetry Month, a world-wide celebration of all things poetry! Established by the Academy of American Poets in April of 1996, this annual celebration sets aside a small part of each year to remind us all – students, teachers, librarians, booksellers, readers, and writers from all around the globe – of… Read more »
Dianne White
Storytime Singalong with Emily Arrow
Songs have many of the same attributes as picture books – rhythm, repetition, rhyme. Like picture books, they’re written to be sang (read) and performed (shared aloud). Which is one of the reasons that Emily Arrow’s new CD of Kid-lit tunes is such a treat. A collection of picture book-inspired and kid-friendly songs, Storytime Singalong… Read more »
Paper Wishes
Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban It is quiet and peaceful walking along the shore with Grandfather and Yujiin, Manami’s beloved dog. But the quiet won’t last. Things are normal. Grandfather tells stories Manami knows well. They walk on the beach. Yujin cocks his head, perches beside them, licks their hands. Things are not normal. Each day new ships arrive. Warships. Soldiers are… Read more »
All things GREEN
Here are some of my favorite books about nature and all things GREEN! When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Julie Morstad (Neal Porter Books, 2016) Julie Fogliano is one of my favorite picture book authors. Her newest, just out this month, is a collection of poems that capture seasonal moments… Read more »
Robin Yardi on The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez
It’s a pleasure to welcome Robin back to ReaderKidZ! DIANNE: Hey, Robin! You’ve had quite a year. Your first picture book, They Just Know: Animal Instincts (Arbordale, 2015) came out last September, and now, we get to celebrate the publication of your first middle grade novel, The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez. Congratulations! In… Read more »
The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez
The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez by Robin Yardi (Carolrhoda Books, 2016) is the story of Mateo, a boy who thinks of himself as a knight with magical powers, his new best friend, Ashwin, and a couple of … shall we say… interesting skunks. Mateo swears that the skunks not only stole his beloved, old trike, but… Read more »
Bears, Buddies, and Author Carmen Oliver
Photograph by Sam Bond Photography Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies by Carmen Oliver, illustrated by Jean Claude DIANNE: Congratulations on your debut, BEARS MAKE THE BEST READING BUDDIES. What a fun book! Having spent so many years teaching kids how to read, I appreciate how you’ve nailed all the details – slipping in “buddy… Read more »
