In addition to being an author, I am a book reviewer and share my favorite titles for children 0-12 on my Instagram page @picturebookrecommendations. Please feel free to reach out if you are looking for a book on a specific topic for a kiddo in your life!
Please see my current review policy here.
St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner! Are you ready to celebrate? (3/17)
It’s Not Easy Being a Leprechaun
Connor is a squirrel who is not happy being a leprechaun, he doesn’t look the part, and no one wants to be his friend, they just want his gold. He uses his magic to turn himself into others only to find that it is only by being himself that he can get what he wants after all.
@marilynjunesadler
@steph_laberis
@randomhousekids
Why We Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day: Everything to Know about Your Favorite Holiday
Everything your curious kiddo wants to know about the holiday from where it originated to past traditions to ideas for how to celebrate today!
John O’Brien Jr.
Ellen Shi
@callistokids
@sourcebooks
The St. Patrick’s Day Alphabet
This fantastic alphabet book takes you through all your favorite parts of the holiday while sidebars provide more information and history!
Liz Saunders
@lindsaydale.art
#kidsbooks #kidlit #kidsbooks #childrensbooks #readaloud #stembooks #stemlesson #stpatricksday #stpatricksdaybooks #stpatricksdaylesson #stpatricksday #stpattys #stpatricksdaydecor #stpatricksdayideas
Spring is right around the corner! It begins on Thurday March 20th and these beautiful new books are perfect for celebrating!
Beansprout
A class is presented with mystery seeds and they each get to choose one and try to help it grow! We see a young boy choose his seed, which he names bean and imagine what will grow. We see his disappointment when his seed doesn’t grow unlike his classmates and the action he is inspired to take!
@Thereul
@Charlesbridgepublishing
Salamander Song
This lyrical book shows the salamanders who slumber underneath throughout winter waking up with spring and the plight they face. This sweet book reminds us that we share this world with others and to consider all creatures and the effects as the seasons change.
@ginnyneilwrites
@charliv_illustration
@tilburyhousepublishers
Seasons on the Farm
I love that this book shows life on the farm throughout the seasons. It is fun to read aloud and a great reminder of the impacts some of us might not always realize or get to see!
@chelseatornetto
karenbuntingdesign
@sleepingbearpress
#seasons #spring #springbooks
Holi is an ancient Hindu festival that celebrates the arrival of spring and this year it falls on Friday March 14th.
I loved learning about Holi through this vibrant new picture book. The book centers around Maya who loves visiting her grandparents in India – eating fresh rotis, playing outdoors with her cousins and most of all that everyone there looked like her. This year she is there for Holi and gets to celebrate the coming of spring, nature and marking the triumph of good over evil. I adore this warm window into this joyous holiday of dancing, color and connection. Highly recommend!
Maya’s Holi
@thrity_umrigar
@kamala_nair
@scholastic
#holi #holiday #picturebook #tradition
The aftermath of the LA wildfires continues to impact countless people here in our beautiful city long after the flames have left the mainstream news cycle. I am grateful to books like this one for raising awareness of their devastating effects.
This stunning and informative book tells the story of a single pine cone that hangs for 40 years before experiencing the effects of a wildfire. It details the single spark that causes destruction and eventually leads to regrowth while also detailing the pine’s cone that only opens after a fire. I love that this poetic book raises wildfire awareness while also providing additional information in the back of the book.
Pine Cone Regrown: How One Species Thrives After Fire
@boxerelisa
@thebraveunion
@sleepingbearpress
#wildfire #regrowth #pine
Warning tears ahead...
Comment GRIEF for my full resource of books to support you in times of loss.
The Hole
Oh. My. Heart. This book makes my chest ache while also making me want to hug it. This incredibly emotional read tells the story of a little boy whose life has a hole where his brother used to be. It shows how that hole hurts and follows wherever he goes, but it also shows how that hole can be filled with memories that bring some comfort. I adore everything about the way this book is done, from the characters that make me wish I could pull them into my lap, to the emotional illustrations, to the warm comforting feeling the book leaves you with. It would hurt to read this book with a child, but in my humble opinion it would also help healing begin.
@lindsaybonilla.author
@sweetbeyond
@penguinkids
The Lonely Goose
Prepare to have your heart squeezed. This incredibly beautiful book tells the story of two geese and how their “world was the two of them,” and how they raised their young together, until one spring the male died. The book shows the female’s grief, “she did not fly. she did not preen. she did not eat.” and how “the world was just her now.” I know, I know, insert tears here. The book shows though that with time and family nearby she begins to heal and eventually find comfort with another partner who had experienced a similar loss. The back of the book shares information on Canda Geese and how they usually mate for life but will mourn and will “often find a new partner - likely one who also was recently widowed.”
#LelaNargi
@annehunterillustration
@randomhousekids
@randomhousestudio
#grief #loss #siblingloss #widow #picturebook
Are you familiar with the Jewish holiday Purim? Here are some fun books to check out for the holiday that begins on Evening of Thursday March 13th this year.
Kayla and Kugel’s Playful Purim
Kayla and Kugel are back! This time they are celebrating Purim together. We see them baking yummy hamantaschen, choosing their costumes, and retelling the Purim story. A sweet window into the holiday for those unfamiliar and a lovely way to get littles excited for all that is to come.
@annkoffsky
@applesandhoneypress
Max’s Mask: A Purim Story
Max is having a hard time adjusting to his new school and wears a costume to help himself adjust. When Purim arrives and Max learns the story of bravery and standing up to your fears however, he is encouraged to take off his own mask and be brave too.
#HavvahDeevon
itaybekin
@kalaniotbooks
A Persian Princess
Previously reviewed here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CpVqggevE9F/
#BarbaraDiamondGoldin
@stelidoneva
@applesandhoneypress
@pjlibrary
Meet the Hamantaschen A Purim Mystery
Previously reviewed here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CpVqggevE9F/
@alan_silberberg
@vikingbooks
@penguinrandomhouse
#jewish #purim #kaylaandkugel #dog #puppy #jewishholiday #kidlit #picturebook #jewishkidlit
I have been thinking a lot about the importance of voting lately and want to share these brand new books in hopes that we can use them to best equip our children for this essential responsibility.
The Cookie Vote (Mr. Tiffin’s Classroom Series)
Mr. Tiffin’s class is off to the state capitol! In this charming story we see them prepare of their visit by brainstorming ideas of bills that they would like to see passed into law. They research ideas and vote on the best one - proposing an official state cookie. They then have their work cut out for them on agreeing on the best cookie to propose. I love that we get to see the process play out, from campaigning to emotions running high to finding a collective solution. Highly recommend!
#DanielBernstrom
#MargaretMcNamara
@randomhousekids
@randomhousestudio
The Day Madear Voted
Madear is a black woman who finally in 1969, after many years of fighting for her rights, is going to vote for the very first time. I love that this book emphasizes the right of every individual no matter their color having the right to vote while also detailing the process of voting itself. The book then shows how having this right allowed black people to have a voice and to make a difference in having themselves represented - for example, with 44th President Barak Obama! This is a fantastic book for showing the importance and process of voting.
@wadehudsonjr
@devas_t
@penguinclassroom
@penguinkids
#vote #govote #kidsvote #picturebook
Celebrating Bravery in Many Forms
Tiny Bear Goes Missing
A small brave knight and their best friend, tiny bear, love to go on adventures, but when tiny bear goes missing, anxiety monster appears and grows and grows. The knight faces anxiety and is then able to think carefully through his day and find his bear. A wonderful book that shows the importance of having the courage to face your emotions.
@manka_kasha
@mackidsbooks
Brave Buzzy Bee
Buzzy Bee can’t wait to compete in the upcoming race but he isn’t very fast. He practices and practices, but on the day of the race, when the unexpected happens, he finds another way to win by helping a friend in need. I love that this book shows bravery and winning come in many forms.
@Rimafakih
@Theresaalhayek
@Angelaillustration
@pegnuinkids
Nop
This book shows a scruffy bear who has the courage to recognize that what is right for the other toys isn’t right for him. He goes against the grain to choose his own path and find happiness in a way that works for him. I love that this book encourages readers to be brave and follow their heart.
@Carolinemagerl
@walkerbooksaus
Dare to Be Daring
From conquering heights to singing on stage to braving the creepy basement and more, this delightful new book encourages kids to step outside their comfort zones and delight in the upside of facing fears. This book is brilliant to read aloud and encourages readers to be brave!
@chelsealinwallace
@liantomato
@abramskids
Find Your Brave
Coco and Bear are performing in a talent show together but as they get ready for the dress rehearsal, Coco whispers “Bear, I think I’ve lost my brave.” Bear and Coco visit various friends to see what they do when they need help finding their brave. When Bear needs help crossing a bridge, though, it is Coco who helps him find his brave instead. I love that in helping her friend Coco figures out how to be brave herself!
@aprylstott
@simonkids
After the Fall
Okay I know this one came out in 2017 but it is one of my all-time favorite picture books. This one is for ANYONE who has ever fallen down and needs to find the courage to try again. Picture Book Perfection.
@dsantat
@mackidsbooks
Are you an animal lover? Which is your favorite animal?
Hello, I’m an Axolotl
This playful voice-y and informative series is back! This time from the perspective of an Axolotl. Learn all about how they can regrow body parts, including parts of their hearts and brains and the multiple ways they breathe!
@Hayleyroccobooks
@roccoart
@putnambooks
@penguinkids
Papilio
This adorable book shows a caterpillar growing up and transforming to chrysalis to butterfly. I love that this book illustrates the process while showing the complexities of navigating big firsts and finding inner confidence.
@benclantoon
@Coreyrtabor
@vikingbooks
@penguinkids
Don’t Squish a Slug: A Wonderful Celebration of Marvellous Minibeasts!
This book shines a light on some of the smallest of earth’s creatures – the bugs! Read all about your favorite creepy crawlies in this fascinating and engaging new book. I love that this book shows why these creatures are important to our planet!
@yussef.rafik
@Rileyalwayssmiley
@quartokids
Trouble Dog: From Shelter Dog to Conservation Hero
Tucker is a destructive shelter dog who struggles to find a forever home until Laura comes along. She puts his energy to work and trains him as a conservation dog. This is a fascinating and engaging story that informs readers about real like canines working to save wildlife around the world. I love that this book also shows that Tucker doesn’t need to change who he is, he just has to find the right home and work to accept him – a beautiful message for all.
@Carolafootewriter
@larry.day56
@eerdmansyoungreaders
Salamander Song
This lyrical book shows the salamanders who slumber underneath throughout winter waking up with spring and the plight they face. This sweet book reminds us that we share this world with others and to consider all creatures and the effects as the seasons change.
@ginnyneilwrites
@charliv_illustration
@tilburyhousepublishers
Shabbat shalom!
This colorful warm new board book celebrates all that Shabbat encompasses from setting aside our busy week to “pause the doing to enjoy just being.”
I love that this beautiful new book uplifts while encouraging connection and being present.
Shabbat is a day of rest that takes place every week from Friday evening to Saturday evening.
Shabbat Shalom: Let’s Rest and Reset
@Suzyultman
@penguinkids
#boardbook #newbook #shabbat
My kiddos used to be OBSESSED with all things vehicles and construction. The garbage truck was a weekly event, I even took them to the LA Sanitation Open House so they could climb inside one! I was thrilled when there was construction across the street because it provided endless entertainment and quite honestly they still enjoy watching! Here are a few favorites I highly recommend for like-minded children.
Every Monday Mabel
Warning, Mabel will steal your heart. She is beyond adorable and reminds me so much of my own kids who pulled their chairs to the window to watch the garbage truck come to our house each week. I miss these days so much and absolutely LOVE that Jashar celebrated the magic that happens in childhood that adults too easily forget.
@Jasharawan
@simonkids
This Is the Crew That Builds Our School
This fun rhyming read around includes builders, bricklayers, plumbers and painters all working to build a brand new school. This is a fun look at construction and is filled with adorable humorous animal characters.
@sherry_fellores
@samcaldwelldraws
@sleepingbearpress
Little Excavator
A board book version of an old favorite of my kiddos. We read this book over and over and over. The onomopeia, the adorable character, the wonderful message of size not determining your worth all combine in a winning combination!
@Annadewdney
@penguinkids
#construction #vehicles #garbagetruck #school #building