Indie Crushes - July 11, 2018
I have a monthly picture book recap series wherein I share the recently published picture books that I found to be quite outstanding for one reason or another. Some of them stand out for their beauty. Others for doing something new or covering a topic I haven't seen before. And others still just have that inexplicable appeal that makes me feel such strong affinity for the story and its makers.
Some of the most special books I read are from small, independent publishers. I often read these titles several months after their publication dates and I've been searching for a straightforward and effective way to feature them on this site. Thankfully, I needed look no further for inspiration than fellow blogger and friend, Mel Schuit. Mel's be sharing crushes of the week for months now on her Let's Talk Picture Books blog. I highly recommend you check it out.
Following suit, here's my second installment in what I hope will be a long-running series, shedding light on independent publishers around the world and those outstanding books they're publishing for readers of all ages. Check out previous Indie Crushes HERE.
INDIE CRUSHES - July 11th, 2018
CRUSHING ON READING ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, NO EXCUSES
You Can Read by Helaine Becker and Mark Hoffmann (ORCA BOOK PUBLISHERS)
In this fun and funny celebration of literacy, kids of all ages will discover that the act of reading is a daring adventure that can take you anywhere You can read at the playground, under the sea, at the opera and even in outer space It turns out you can read everywhere And when you do, you open yourself to a universe of adventure.
Presented in light-hearted, rib-tickling verse that's perfect for reading aloud, You Can Read sings it loud and proud: Books are awesome. And so are the people who read them.
CRUSHING ON NERDING OUT OVER COLOR DIVERSITY AND SPECIFICITY
Colorama: From Fuchsia to Midnight Blue by Cruschiform (PRESTEL JUNIOR)
When is a blue dress not blue but navy, indigo, denim, or lapiz lazuli? With this fascinating and informative book in hand, young readers will be able to identify the colors that speak to them--and understand the reason there are so many subtle differences between shades.
What is the color white? The serenity of a snowfall? The peace of a dove? The purity of alabaster? This original and captivating exploration of color delves into the nuances of the universal palette while also explaining the history behind some of the terms used to describe certain hues. Elegantly designed it offers two-page spreads for 133 different shades. Each full-page of brilliant color faces a charming explanatory illustration and text of technical, scientific, historic, etymological, or linguistic terms. Two helpful indices present the colors in the order in which they appear in the book and also sorts them thematically in categories such as "Birds," "Cloth," "Modes of Transport," and "Formulas." The book also offers inspiration and guidance to painters and illustrators. Young lovers of art can understand why artists chose a particular shade over another. As fun to peruse as it is informative, this unique, cleverly designed book offers a wealth of surprises about the colors around us.
CRUSHING ON THIS REMINDER THAT READING IS READING IS READING
Read! Read! Read! by Amy Ludwig Vanderwater and Ryan O'Rourke (WORDSONG)
Twenty-three poems capture the joys of reading from that thrilling moment when a child first learns to decipher words to the excitement that follows in reading everything from road signs to field guides to internet articles to stories. These poems also explore what reading does, lyrically celebrating how it opens minds, can make you kind, and allows you to explore the whole world. Ryan O'Rourke's rich artwork beautifully captures the imagination and playfulness in these poems.
CRUSHING ON THESE SIMPLE AFFIRMATIONS OF KINDNESS IN SELF AND OTHERS
I Am Kind by Suzy Capozzi and Eren Unten (RODALE KIDS)
I Am Kind follows a little girl who sees kindness all around her. Her mother is kind when she volunteers in the community, and her neighbor is kind when he gives her strawberries from his garden. Even her nature troop is kind when they take care of the earth The little girl realizes that she, too, has the power to be kind, and that even small actions can have a big impact. In this new installment of the Positive Power early reader series, children will learn the affirmation "I am kind" through an encouraging story of community and everyday kindness. And it includes 2 sheets of stickers.
About the Positive Power Series: Short on words and long on empowerment, the Positive Power early reader series teaches kids and parents alike the power of positive affirmations and how to incorporate them into their daily lives.
CRUSHING ON THE INTERPRETATION OF THE LENGTHS WE GO TO MAKE FRIENDS (WHEN REALLY JUST BEING OURSELVES IS ENOUGH)
The Only Lonely Panda by Jonny Lambert (TIGER TALES)
Panda is lonely. One day, he sees another panda and wants to make friends, but he doesn't know how to do it. He watches the flamingos make friends by dancing together, so he tries dancing but that doesn't work. Then he sees lemurs bouncing and leaping together, so he tries bouncing and leaping that doesn't work, either. Will he ever figure out a way to make a friend?
CRUSHING ON THE DEPTH AND BREADTH OF CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES REPRESENTED
The Barefoot Book of Children by Tessa Strickland, Kate Depalma and David Dean (BAREFOOT BOOKS)
An immersive, multifaceted picture book designed to offer young readers a glimpse into the diversity of the human experience promotes thought through questions about how other children live, what they eat, what games they play, and how are they different and alike.
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