Roly Poly by Mem Fox & Jane Dyer

   

     The arrival of a new sibling changes a family forever.  Older children can be filled with a world of uncertainty- who is this new person?  Will this baby replace me? Older siblings can learn to share, (albeit reluctantly at first), as our main character (and title of our tales spotlight), Roly Poly soon learns, but the road to get there is not without it's fair share of bumps along the way.
     As our tale begins, Roly Poly loves being the only one.  His bed is his, and his alone.  He gets to keep and play with all of his toys, most especially his favorite walrus tooth, all by himself.  Life is good in Roly Poly's sweet brown eyes, but one day, this all changes with the arrival of baby Monty.  Roly Poly instantly refuses to accept his new baby brother, adamantly repeating that, "I never asked for a little brother and I don't want one now."  Until, an unexpected event occurs that brings the two brothers together.
     Mem Fox's simple yet charming story is highlighted with three dimensional photographic illustrations by Jane Dyer throughout.  Roly Poly is a sweet, relate able read to share with your little ones to help them prepare for the arrival of a new baby to the family.

Roly Poly
Written by Mem Fox & Illustrated by Jane Dyer
Publisher: Beach Lane Books, a division of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division (2019)
For Ages 4 to 8
www.simonandschuster.com/kids

Calling All Little Illustrators in the Making in Franklin Township, New Jersey!

     For all your little illustrators in the making, if you reside near the Hunterdon Parks Arboretum in Lebanon, New Jersey, you may want to check this out!

http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/programs.html?fbclid=IwAR0JdFmEF0Ih9FVaZq5WiX-rs9cn6Jn1xbgIsewX70Ib8WFf85kfU-tyif8#bloomartists

Celebrating Children's Book Week Spotlight #1- Hibernate With Me by Benjamin Scheuer

     Oftentimes, parents and caregivers may find it very difficult to search for the most fitting words that offer gentle reassurance and guidance for their little ones who may be dealing with worry, anxiety and stress.   
     Thankfully, there are a multitude of tales out there for them to turn to that will not only draw their little ones out of their shell, but can offer simple lessons and coping strategies to pass along that will stay with their little ones as their journey through their childhood. 
     Such is the case with Hibernate With Me, written by Drama Desk Award-Winning singer/songwriter/playwright Benjamin Scheuer.

     As our tale begins, a big bear and a sweet, wide-eyed little bear are gazing over a monarch butterfly flying around them.  Upon seeing the tiny butterfly, big bear remarks that:

Sometimes you feel small.

Sometimes you feel shy.

Sometimes you feel worried,

and you might not know why.

     And, as little bear hides behind a tree, thinking that no one will see his/her fears, big bear comes right along with a reassuring hand and tells little bear that he/she can always hibernate with big bear, where little bear will be welcomed with warm hugs, and a special cozy meadow blanket which will make little bear always feel safe and secure.  The stunning, detailed illustrations of Jemima Williams (an illustrator on the BAFTA Award-Winning animated show, Peppa Pig)  match perfectly alongside Benjamin Scheuer's calming prose.

     The messages found in this eloquent book are simple, yet shine brightly through.  Our little ones should always be told how loved they are, and that there will always be someone and some place that will always take care of and be there for them no matter how they may feel.  

     Hibernate With Me is destined to become one of those treasured books that will last the course of time.

Hibernate With Me
Written by Benjamin Scheuer & Illustrated by Jemima Williams
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division (2019)
For Ages 4 to 8
simonandschuster.com/kids

A Little Book About Colors by Leo Lionni

     There is a wise quote that I've always thought was quite powerful----"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together."  Such is the case, I feel, that reflects the beginnings of the career of the late acclaimed children's author/illustrator, Leo Lionni.  Leo Lionni began his career in children's literature from a simple beginning from a story he made up for his young grandchildren while riding on a train together back in 1959.  He went on to write well over 40 children's books in his lifetime; culminating in winning the prestigious Caldecott Honor four times for his classic tales, Inch By Inch, Frederick, Swimmy (which is one of my own personal favorites) and Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse.

     While Leo Lionni sadly passed away twenty years ago, his beloved works continue to both inspire and be introduced to new generations of children.  Such is the case with A Little Book About Colors. At the turn of the first page of this sturdy board book,  you and your little ones will be greeted with cheerful illustrations of happy little gray mice enticing you to learn more about colors and how easy it is to find them while exploring the world around us.  A Little Book About Colors, and the rest of the Leo Lionni's Friends board books,  would make a welcome addition to your little ones first book collection.

A Little Book About Colors

By Leo Lionni & Illustrated by Leo Lionni & Jan Geradi

Random House Books for Young Readers (2019)

www.rhcbooks.com

For Ages 0-3

    

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Mighty Power of Community and Love of Books Coming Together...

    So happy to have come across this article from The Washington Post on my Facebook news feed this morning.  The love of books and the power of community when brought together can be a mighty force indeed....

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/10/31/about-people-formed-human-chain-move-kids-books-one-library-another/?fbclid=IwAR3OtvBfwAUnNgt4Y2rcf-mx19Rp8gQLW_F0C7aUmD8FJclM4uupJzGJAEE

Share Your Favorite Stories in Honor of Children's Book Week

     In honor of Children's Book Week (November 4th thru 10th), I'll be spotlighting some new, and not so new stories to share and rediscover with your little ones.  Would you all kindly share some of your favorites with me and why they have remained close to your heart?
     
      Here are some favorites shared in a recent informative article by the School Library Journal as well: https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=childrens-book-week-celebrating-stories-and-reading-picture-books&fbclid=IwAR0gyhsgMCWh7aeoVtmrj6837spx9rl6NY62Q6BL0TWfGBKpivA3qALuXDI


    Wishing you and your little ones a Happy Sunday!

Sunny Day: A Celebration of the Sesame Street Theme Song

     There is a certain sense of comfort in those moments when we are able to relieve memories from our childhood.  Especially during times in our lives when they are in flux.  Recently, my husband and I are currently experiencing a rite of passage that numerous parents go through-  our son has recently left our cozy nest to fly with his mighty wings forward to college, and the uncertain feelings that this time brings.  Granted, while our boy is only an hour away from us, and he has been returning home for weekends on a bi-weekly basis, we can't help but notice the new quietness that has filled our home, and the uneasiness that it tends to fill us with.
      So, at night, after long, hectic, and often times, tiring days at work for us both, to break this feeling that we tend to both share, my husband and I find comfort in trips back to our childhood- recently rediscovering old episodes of the classic cartoons and television shows that we both watch when we were small.  However momentary they are, these classic beloved shows provide us with an escape from the day, and help us as we begin a new phase in our life as a family.  They fill the soul with timeless joy, a feeling that came over me when I read Sunny Day: A Celebration of the Sesame Street Theme Song.

   
























     The nostalgic, truly iconic theme song is vivid brought to life through the pages filled with beautifully touching illustrations.  Astute eyes will notice bright yellow rubber duckies, colorful cookies- sweet nods to the beloved series.  You, just like me, will find yourself grinning ear to ear while humming and/or singing along to the words.
     A perfect addition to your home library either for your little one or for those of us still a child at heart, Sunny Day: A Celebration of the Sesame Street Theme Song, is an absolute treasure.



Sunny Day: A Celebration of the Sesame Street Theme Song
Written By Joe Raposo & Illustrated by Various Artists
Random House Books for Young Readers
For Ages 4 thru 8
www.rhcbooks.com

Happy November!!

Happy November!!

I am so happy to be back and start sharing more tales for your little ones with you!  

     Please take a moment to check out the latest news and Fall tales coming straight from our friends in Bear Country!

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