Finding Spring by Carin Berger

      The unmistakable signs that Spring is nearing- Trees with newly formed buds; bulbs popping out from the warming earth opening up to the longer lit days ahead; birds beginning their migrating journey back north, these welcome beacons always bring forth renewal and excitement to all from the long, cold winter months. 

     But, for one  impatient little bear named Maurice who lives in the forest, Spring is something that he's heard all about, yet, hasn't had a chance to experience it yet.  And, his natural curiosity sets him out on a journey all about "Finding Spring" in this thoroughly engaging tale from writer/illustrator Carin Berger.

     As our tale begins, Maurice is filled with anticipation about Spring- "Where is it?"  "What is it?" "When will it arrive?" questioning Mama Bear who is trying to gently guide her little cub to their den after filling their tummies with berries in preparation for their hibernation.   "Waiting is hard," says Mama Bear to her cub, as she tries to lull Maurice to his slumber.  As Mama Bear starts to drift off in a deep, snore filled rest, Maurice remains wide awake, determined to find Spring.

    Into the woods Maurice travels, encountering fellow forest friends who are busily preparing themselves for the long winter ahead of them.  For each of the forest friends who question what Maurice is looking for, when he states that he's in search of Spring, they dismiss him, until Maurice wanders off alone, continuing his search.  Suddenly, a beautiful crystal comes out of no where,  cold to the touch on his nose as it bounces off and lands into his paw.  Could this be Spring?  Is this the sign that he has been looking for all along? Will Maurice ever find his Spring? 

     The warm llustrations designed in a cut papered collage style are filled with vibrant colors and textures, the perfect compliment to Berger's inspiring yet gentle story line.  This is a definite pick for your home library shelf for your little one's inquisitiveness about the changing seasons. 

Finding Spring

Written & Illustrated by Carin Berger

Publisher: Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

For Ages 4 to 8 

ISBN: 978-0-06-225019-3

Please Visit the Author's Website at: http://www.carinberger.com/NEWS/Carin_Berger_News.html

Little Butterfly by Laura Logan

     

     Butterflies have long been known to be symbols synonymous of transformation, hope, faith and rebirth, as they, like us, go through so many cycles of life.  From their earliest beginnings as larva, to the caterpillar that enters the chrysalis stage, emerging finally into a beautiful, graceful butterfly.  In essence, through the periods of darkness and uncertainty in our lives, there is always light. This light can also appear to us in many earthly forms, as gentle assurances and reminders, especially from those above us that we loved but lost at some point in our lives that their presence has never left our side.

     Quite like the experiences of many of you during this past year dealing with the pandemic and how things changed our lives, our family too, and those of many of my loved ones, has had it's unfortunate fair share of periods of darkness and uncertainty.  It was during these times that I learned how all together it is easy for one to succumb to the shadows, and started to neglect the things that once brought me great joy and fulfillment, which include writing for you all.  Somehow through it all, I found a new inner strength that helped me to find all those signs of light and hope, like those that butterflies bring to us, lifting me out of the shadows to see the sunshine in life once again.  So, it is no wonder that my first entry back for you all is of an powerful picture book that shares these very same lessons with your little ones in a thoughtful, yet simple way they will be able to understand.

    Little Butterfly is a beautifully illustrated, wordless picture book from Laura Logan,  An engaging, yet profound tale of a young girl, whose simple act of kindness leads her into a magical journey through the wonders that nature brings to us all.  As our tale begins, a little girl arrives back home after a day at school.  As she walks to her home, she is unbeknownst to her, followed by a lovely lithe monarch butterfly.  She greets her pet cat, and begins to play with him, when the cat manages to capture the butterfly in its claws.  The little girl is able to release the butterfly from her cats clutches, only to notice a tear in it's wings. She holds the wounded butterfly tenderly in her hands when it suddenly flies off.  While she is visibly saddened by the actions of her cat, she picks him up, forgives and cradles him as they drift off to a nap.  As she sleeps, the little girl is suddenly awakened from her slumber by hundreds of monarchs, who together, lift her up to join them on a captivating journey, rewarding her kindness in helping a broken butterfly regain it's wings and courage.  

     Your little ones will be able to learn that what appears to be broken doesn't necessarily mean that we should treat it with any lesser value.  When we reach out to help those who are broken, beautiful blessings and results can happen as an end result.  

Little Butterfly

Written & Illustrated by Laura Logan

Publisher: Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

ISBN: 9780062281265

For Ages 4 to 8

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