Refugees are an important issue right now that’s on many people’s mind, an issue that may be difficult for parents to explain to children. In order to help with these complex issues, many books for children and teens have been released. The New York Times shone a spotlight on this trend this week, featuring two articles focused on books for children about refugees. Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey, written by Doug Kuntz and Amy Shrodes and illustrated by Sue Cornelison, was included in both of these articles. Lost and Found Cat tells the true and heart warming tale of a family of refugees who became separated from their beloved family pet, only to be reunited a year later. The cover of Lost and Found Cat was included in the Times’s feature story in which they interviewed the authors of some stories about refugees. Lost and Found Cat was also included in a guide to some of the new picture books about refugees, entitled “Reading, Writing and Refugees.” The Times described it as “a rare war story with a happy ending,” and praised it for being a non-frightening way to approach a difficult topic. The Times’s two articles […]
You might not expect American Girl to publish a book for boys going through puberty, but that’s exactly what they’ve done with Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys. Written by pediatrician Cara Natterson and illustrated by Micah Player, Guy Stuff is a fact-filled non-fiction to help guide boys through adolescence and puberty. Guy Stuff was released as of yesterday, and already praise is pouring in. Both Bustle and the Chicago Tribune have written reviews praising Guy Stuff. Bustle praises Guy Stuff for its gender inclusivity. As Cara Natterson points out, multiple great books have been published (many by American Girl!) to help guide young women through puberty, but far fewer exist for boys. Not only that, but Guy Stuff makes an effort to encourage young men to understand and express their emotions in a healthy way. Bustle’s full review is available here. The Chicago Tribune also appreciates the emphasis on healthy emotional development in boys. They compliment the conversational, casual tone of the prose. They also praise Micah’s illustrations, which they call “fabulous” and “irreverent.” The Tribune’s full review can be found here. Guy Stuff was published August 8th and can now be purchased here.
Everywhere I Go, God Is With Me, a religious board book for children, was only released yesterday, but it’s already receiving praise! Written by Mikal Keefer and illustrated by Nomar Perez, the picture book follows the adventures of a blue whale as he learns about God’s love. Publishers Weekly wrote a review of the book and had nothing but praise! A stand out feature was Nomar’s cute and ridiculous illustrations of the whale protagonist. PW writes, “Perez’s gently textured, Golden Books–retro images bring a welcome dose of absurdity to the book’s comforting message.” Publishers Weekly’s review is available here. Everywhere I Go, God Is With Me is available for purchase here.
Not one but two new children’s books illustrated by Nomar Perez are out today! All Day Long, God Loves Me, written by Mikal Keefer, is the story of a cute little bird as he goes about his day feeling God’s love. Everywhere I Go, God Is With Me, also written by Mikal Keefer, centers on a whale learning about God. Part of the Best of Li’l Buddies series, these two sweet board books for preschoolers are perfect for the Christian family. All Day Long, God Loves Me can be purchased online here. Everywhere I Go, God Is With Me is available here.
On Wednesday, August 9th, Sarah Dillard will be reading from her early chapter book Mouse Scouts. The reading will take place at the Unlikely Story Bookstore and Cafe in Plainville, Massachusetts. From 3 to 5 pm, there will be reading, book signing, and the opportunity to earn your very own Mouse Scouts badge! If you’re a fan of the series or looking for a way to brighten up your Wednesday, Sarah would love for you to drop by! More information about the event is available at Unlikely Story’s website here. The first book in the Mouse Scouts series can be purchased here.
Coming out in October, Trucks Galore is a gleeful celebration of all things truck related, silly and serious. Written by Peter Stein and illustrated by Bob Staake, Trucks Galore is the newest in the duo’s Galore series. Kirkus recently reviewed this new picture book. They praised the silly compilation of various kinds of trucks, commenting on Peter’s, “seemingly impossible descriptions,” and Staake’s “highly original” illustrations. According to Kirkus, Trucks Galore “is sure to lure in both hardcore preschool truck enthusiasts and their truck-curious compatriots as they pore over the details on every page.” Kirkus’s full review is available here. Trucks Galore can be pre-ordered online here.
