Hi Kid Lit Friends,
I hope everyone is having good weather and getting some sun. It’s been a pretty soggy couple of weeks where I am in NYC, but the sun is out today and I’m grateful. Things I am enjoying right now: azaleas, peonies, and impromptu dance parties. Things I am not enjoying right now: running in high humidity and COVID outbreaks. How are you all doing these days?
Personalized Bookends
These adorable bookends can be customized with your preferred color as well as personalized with a loved one’s name! These would be adorable in a nursery or children’s bedroom!
New Releases
One Sun and Countless Stars: A Muslim Book of Numbers by Hena Khan, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini
I love this collection of books by author Hena Khan and illustrator Mehrdokht Amini which celebrates the many diverse traditions of the Muslim world. Their previous book collaborations include Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns and Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets. This one focuses on counting and numbers.
Juna and Appa by Jane Park, illustrated by Felicia Hoshino
This sweet picture book story is set in Juna’s father’s dry cleaning store where Juna helps every Saturday. When an expensive jacket goes missing, Juna tries to help her father locate it and ends up embarking on fantastical adventures along the way. I found the watercolor illustrations beautifully reminiscent of picture books I loved growing up.
My Own Lightning by Lauren Wolk
This sequel to the Newbery Honor Winner Wolf Hollow follows life after the tragic events set in motion by bully Betty Glengarry. When searching for her brother’s missing dog, Annabelle is reunited with Andy Woodberry, who was complicit in Betty’s most terrible acts. This coming of age story is all about learning that life is always more complicated than it seems.
Riot Recommendations
I’d Like to Be a Window for a Wise Old Dog by Philip Stead
I am a huge fan of all the books that Philip Stead creates, and this one is no exception. This book really sets your heart on an adventure of imagination and delight as the author poses questions such as, “Will I ever be the dawdle of a penguin? Will I ever be the waddle of a snail? Will I ever be the tumble of a honeybee? Will I ever be the bumble of a whale?” A great read aloud!
Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey by Erin Entrada Kelly
In this delightful chapter book by Erin Entrada Kelly, Marisol Rainey attempts to confront her fears, enjoy her summer with her best friend Jada, get annoying Evie Smythe to leave her alone, and get the courage to climb a tree she has named Peppina. This is a great first chapter book for young readers with delightful illustrations on nearly every page.
What are you reading these days? Let me know! Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at KarinaBookRiot@gmail.com.
Until next time,
Karina
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