TROMBONE Shorty offers readers a peak into the life of a wonderful jazz musician by the same name. I lived in New Orleans for a couple of years and had the pleasure of hearing Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews play back when he was a teenager. Even at a young age, he was an impressive musician. Trombone Shorty does more than simply tell the story of one … Continue reading Trombone Shorty

In Ghana, West Africa, a baby boy was born: Two bright eyes blinked in the light, two healthy lungs let out a powerful cry, two tiny fists opened and closed, but only one strong leg kicked. SO begins Emmanuel’s Dream, the true story of a young man born with only one leg who biked around Ghana to raise awareness for what those with disabilities can do. This … Continue reading Emmanuel’s Dream

I’VE said it before, and I’ll say it again: There are many more alphabet books in the world than the world needs. Against poor odds, French authors Michaël Escoffier and Kris Di Giacomo have created an alphabet book worthy of adding to any library collection. Take Away the A is a clever and beautifully illustrated alphabet book that does more than simply teach kids the letters of the alphabet; … Continue reading Take Away the A

ON a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein is a picture book biography written by Jennifer Berne and illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky. This book introduces young readers to Albert Einstein and celebrates curiosity in a way that will be appreciated by readers of all ages. Two features make On a Beam of Light stand out from the vast majority of picture book biographies … Continue reading On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein

I am venturing into the world of recommending my favorite newly published picture books. I plan to recommend a select few of my very favorite picture books published with the past year or two. Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet is the first book that I shared with you, and here is the second: Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies and … Continue reading Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature

IN Balloons Over Broadway, Melissa Sweet introduces readers to Tony Sarg – the puppeteer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. I was thrilled to get the opportunity to ask Melissa Sweet a few questions about how she became fascinated with Tony Sarg, how she created the collages for Balloons Over Broadway, and what it was like for her to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in … Continue reading A Conversation With Melissa Sweet