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Henry Finds His Word by Lindsay Ward During the early years, when baby begins to babble, parents find themselves eagerly awaiting those first words. That event is what this book celebrates, as Henry tries to discover his first word. Can his animal friends help him? This story’s sweet illustrations will keep your little one engaged as you follow Henry through his journey of discovery.
When the Wind Blows by Linda Booth Sweeney, illustrations by Jana Christy Grandma and her boy revel in the drama of stormy weather. So what better way to enjoy a blustery day than to go fly a kite? This engaging tale captures in rhyme the many things the two notice as the wind blows: “Signs shake. Lights jiggle. Puddles splosh. We giggle.” Christy’s loose, colorful watercolor illustrations convey the wind’s swirling movement, along with the warmth and tranquility of home. Read aloud and chances are you’ll look forward to enjoying a blustery day, too.
Use Your Words, Sophie! by Rosemary Wells A new baby sister has come home with Mama and, suddenly, big sister Sophie isn’t feeling so grown up anymore. She’d much rather talk in Martian or hyena — “Use your words, Sophie!” — and act silly than do what she’s told. Yet when no one else can calm the baby, Sophie finds just the right words. A gently told story that will help older siblings adapt to their new role as a big sister or brother.
Baby Night-Night by Kate Merritt It’s fun to have a book that mirrors baby’s bedtime routine. Here, author/illustrator Kate Merritt labels colorful pictures with each step in the get-ready-for-bed ritual. Best, the Indestructibles book series are just right for little hands: light-weight, small, rip and drool proof. They’re even washable. Night-night.
Rhymoceros by Janik Coat There is so much to like about this well-conceived book: From it’s elegant, graphic illustrations of a blue rhino to the clever rhymes that accompany each page. Some even have tactile examples one can touch, as in “Grumpy/bumpy.” This would be a great read as your child is discovering rhyming words and learning to describe how objects feel. Kudos to French illustrator Janik Coat for a job well done.
Snoozefest at Nuzzledome by Samantha Berger, illustrated by Kristyna Litten What better animal to choose than a sloth when talking about bedtime? Here, Snuggleford Cuddlebun travels to Snoozefest, a cool music fest where everyone arrives in pajamas to listen to music and nap in their coziest bedrolls, “Some of the blankets are in mint condition. Others collectible, rare first editions.” Preschoolers will find plenty to relate to here. Read this aloud and Berger’s clever wordplay and cadence may bring to mind Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. An inventive, silly story destined to become a bedtime favorite.
Congratulations to Novelist Moriah McStay
Moriah McStay’s new book, Everything That Makes You, was released last month by HarperCollins. McStay held a book signing March 17th, at the Booksellers at Laurelwood. Speaking to a standing-room only crowd, the author described how her young adult novel evolved and read a passage from the first chapter. Her story explores the life of a teenage girl, and her two possible lives after surviving a disfiguring accident that has left part of her face disfigured. In these twin stories, McStay explores the idea of those things that shape us, asking, ‘Who would I be if I hadn’t had this accident?’ An engaging story, with subtle references to Memphis woven in as a bonus.
McStay will be also one of three featured authors at the Memphis Parent Writers Panel, part of Bookstock, a celebration of local writers at the Memphis Public Library. The event takes place Saturday, April 18th, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Writers Panel starts at 2:30 p.m. and is open to those interested in learning more about how to write for children and teens. The other guest panelists are award-winning novelist Patricia McKissack and Barry Wolverton, with editor Jane Schneider moderating. Hope to see you there!