Book Room

Lolo’s Light

Chronicle Books | 978-1797212944   Days before school is to begin, 12 year old Millie Donally’s neighbors – the Acostas – ask Millie to babysit their 4 1/2 month-old daughter, Lolo. This is a first, a milestone that is both exciting and daunting. Millie’s older sister, Tess, is the one who usually watches Lolo. But Tess… Read more »

From the Tops of the Trees

Carolrhoda Books | 978-1541581302   What does the world look like beyond the fences of the Ban Vinai Refugee Camp? This is the question young Kalia asks her father. She hears the aunties talk about the little-known Secret War in Laos and the river they crossed as Hmong refugees fleeing to Thailand. But Kalia, having… Read more »

Twinkle, Twinkle Winter Night

  Clarion Books | 978-0358572046   Stars shimmering, lights glimmering, snowflakes “dressing trees in coats of lace. ” Is there anything quite as magical as a sparkly winter night? Megan Litwin‘s gorgeous poem and picture book debut,Twinkle, Twinkle, Winter Night, (a lovely twist on the nursery rhyme), brings the season into focus, reminding readers of the warmth… Read more »

My Paati’s Saris

978-0593324608 | Kokila   My Paati’s Saris is a vibrant expression of the special relationship between a grandmother and her grandchild. But it is so much more! It is colors – bold blues, muted tones – scents – jasmine and musky rose -and tastes and sounds – laddoos and spices, peddlers selling their wares, and… Read more »

The Dark Was Done by Lauren Stringer

S&S/ Beach Lane Books | 978-1534462922   A world without dark is hard for us to imagine because we’re always surrounded by light. Not only during the day. But, also, at night. Our cities and towns, homes and bedrooms are ablaze. “Nightlights, streetlights, flashlights, and table lamps…” All push the Dark away. Often, we don’t appreciate… Read more »

The Underpants by Tammi Sauer

Scholastic Press | 978-1338740271   Put the word “underpants” in a picture book and you’re guaranteed laughs – lots of laughs. Put the word in the title and it’s as good as finding the golden ticket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 🙂 Tammi Sauer is a master picture book author with over thirty books… Read more »

Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, A Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion

978-0593109694 | Dial Books     This is a story of music. Of obstacles. Of strength and hard work. Of all you can accomplish when you dream. If you only… shhhh…                               listen.  From the time world-renowned percussionist Evelyn Glennie heard… Read more »