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Monster Mania
Monsters have expanded their appeal and come out to scare more often than just Halloween. These new books star monsters that are gentle, frightening and especially funny.
"I Want to Be in a Scary Story" by Sean Taylor; illustrated by Jean Jullien; Candlewick Press; 48 pages; $15.99.
The purple Little Monster agrees to be in a scary story but...Read more
Messages of Peace, Hope and Positivity
Children absorb stress. They know about political uneasiness, weather tragedies and racial issues. One of the best ways to combat their stress is for parents to read empowering, positive, thoughtful books to them. Here are a few.
"Salam Alaikum: A Message of Peace" by Harris J.; pictures by Ward Jenkins; Simon & Schuster; 32 pages; $17.99.
...Read more
Relenting Females Lead By Example
Tales of strong women and girls should be required reading for children. These new books introduce innovative women of medicine, an activist pro-immigrant lady named Jane, a young teen who travels to Cuba in 1961 to teach reading, and soccer star Abby Wambach.
"My Brigadista Year" by Katherine Paterson; Candlewick Press; 208 pages; $15.99.
...Read more
Back to School Books That Make School More Fun Than Play
These new picture books should help young children ease back into a routine and look forward to the first weeks of school.
"Sarabella's Thinking Cap" by Judy Schachner; Dial Books/Penguin; 32 pages; $17.99.
Judy Schachner's magnificent "SkippyJon Jones" series, "The Grannyman," "Bits and Pieces" and "Dewey Bob" are some of the most ...Read more
Picture Books That Capture Summer's Magic
These new reads remind youngsters of the joys of the Fourth of July, the teeming wildlife in ponds and the refreshing feeling of an outdoor nap.
"Blue Sky White Stars" by Sarvinder Naberhaus; illustrated by Kadir Nelson; Dial Books/Penguin; 32 pages; $17.99.
Painted with detailed love by Kadir Nelson, this ode to America's majesty and ...Read more
Graphic and Comic-Style Books Have It All
Graphic and comic-style books are all the rage with kids of all ages. These are a few new innovative tales.
"The Great Art Caper" by Victoria Jamieson; Henry Holt & Co., 63 pages; $15.99.
For early elementary school readers comes "The Great Art Caper," following "The Great Pet Escape." Second-grade class hamster GW slams poetry and does ...Read more
A Fun, New Vacation-Worthy Picture Book Crop for Preschoolers
These new picture books are creative and unique and make for fantastic storytime, even on vacation.
"Max and Bird" by Ed Vere; Puffin; 32 pages; $17.99.
From The New York Times best-selling creator of "Max the Brave" comes kitten Max's latest adventure. This black ball of energy with huge, expressive eyes longs for a friend but also wants a ...Read more
Books for Strength and Empowerment
"Choose to Matter" helps kids be "courageously and fabulously" themselves. Other new children's books offer a few anti-bullying tips and aim to strengthen and empower youngsters in every realm.
"Choose to Matter" by Julie Foudy; espnW/Disney Publishing; 300 pages; $17.99.
Julie Foudy, a 13-year captain of the U.S. women's national soccer ...Read more
From BookDaily.com
The Empty Pulpit
Sandra ArrantsFourteen year old Sherman Thompson has stumbled upon the body of his pastor. Laid out, dead, on the front lawn of the parsonage, Reverend Archibald Temple had a voice of thunder that has been rendered silent forever. Sherman and his sister Grace are determined to find out who killed him and ...
Make Music an Everyday Habit
Music relaxes, inspires and excites. These new children's music CDs are lovely, wacky and fun. Prices vary due to sales outlets and digital downloads versus CD options. All are available on iTunes and Amazon, but I always try to promote smaller vendors, and independent sellers and stores.
"Camp Songs with Ella Jenkins & Friends" from ...Read more
New Empowering and Entertaining Books for Boys
These new chapter books will certainly interest boys ages 8 to 12. They include dog tales, a hiking adventure and a plea from a Navy Seal to work harder. Don't forget how important it is for kids to keep reading, especially during the summer.
"The Trail" by Meika Hashimoto; Scholastic Press; 229 pages; $16.99.
Meika Hashimoto's action-packed...Read more
Preschool Books Cool Enough for Adults
It's pretty nice that many children's book creators have figured out that they can make books to please the palates of both kids and parents. These new books for tots and preschoolers are witty, creative, smart and zesty.
"Triangle" by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen; Candlewick Press; 46 pages; $15.99.
The first in the dynamic duo's new trilogy...Read more
Picture Books That Capture Summer's Magic
These new reads remind youngsters of the joys of the Fourth of July, the teeming wildlife of ponds and the refreshing feeling of an outdoor nap.
"Blue Sky White Stars" by Sarvinder Naberhaus; illustrated by Kadir Nelson; Dial Books/Penguin; 32 pages; $17.99.
Painted with detailed love by Kadir Nelson, this ode to America's majesty and ...Read more
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