These are some books that we are looking forward to reading and sharing with Marian and Tilly in February. For most we have review copies and give brief reviews, but there are a couple we give the publisher’s description of only.
Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 12 February 2019)
Publisher description: A joyful picture book that celebrates every kid’s favourite day of the year, full of adorable art from the illustrator of Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site and I Wish You More. The most important rule is #1: It must be your birthday. After that’s been established, a crew of hilarious animals help picture book pros Tom Lichtenheld and Beth Ferry take readers through a joyous romp that covers the most important elements of every year’s most essential holiday, including singing; closing your eyes and making a wish; blowing out candles on a cake, then settling into bed and dreaming of your wish coming true.
Jen’s review: I adore this book. The voice is warm and filled with humour and there are lots of little details and jokes for the parents. The story is as much in the pictures as it is in the words and this is one I would happily read over and over.
Press Here by Herve Tullet (Chronicle Books, 19 February, 2019).
Publisher description:Â Press the yellow dot on the cover of this book, follow the instructions within, and embark upon a magical journey! Each page of this surprising book instructs the reader to press the dots, shake the pages, tilt the book, and who knows what will happen next! Children and adults alike will giggle with delight as the dots multiply, change direction, and grow in size! Especially remarkable because the adventure occurs on the flat surface of the simple, printed page, this unique picture book about the power of imagination and interactivity will provide read-aloud fun for all ages!
Jen’s review: I loved the picture book and I’m so happy it’s finally being released as a board book! This is a really fun interactive board book that is great now that Tilly is getting older and her comprehension of language is getting better.
Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds (Orchard Books, 26 February, 2019).
Publisher description:Â In this empowering new picture book, beloved author Peter H. Reynolds explores the many ways that a single voice can make a difference. Each of us, each and every day, have the chance to say something: with our actions, our words, and our voices. Perfect for kid activists everywhere, this timely story reminds readers of the undeniable importance and power of their voice. There are so many ways to tell the world who you are…what you are thinking…and what you believe. And how you’ll make it better. The time is now: SAY SOMETHING!
Jen’s review: There seem to have been quite a few activist children’s books coming out in recent years (perhaps understandably so), and this is a worthy addition to that sub-genre. The book covers the various times when you should speak up, but not only for activism purposes — some examples include if you’re angry you should explain why, and if you see something beautiful you should share that. It also talks about different ways you can say something, like by making a painting or planting a garden. Perfect for the world-changers of tomorrow.
All Tucked In on Sesame Street! (My First Big Storybook)
 by the Sesame Workshop (Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky, 5 February, 2019).
Publisher’s Description:Â Join Elmo, Oscar, Cookie Monster, and the rest of the Sesame Street friends as they get cozy and comfy for bed. Sweet dreams!
You don’t need to be an avid reader, a performer or an expert with children to relax and enjoy new fun ways to engage with the little ones during story time. This brand new and unique approach to children’s books allows anyone who is shy or slightly discouraged at the thought of the perfect reading aloud experience. My First Big Storybook has subtle prompts, questions and guides to make sure that story time and that precious bonding experience is magical.
Example of prompts:
- Elmo and his friends are hiding. Let’s play peek-a-boo and pretend we’re hiding, too!
- Let’s count the number of stars in Elmo’s window!
- Can you find a rectangle?
Margaret’s review:Â Marian loves Sesame Street. I mean, LOVES. Each page depicts a different character and part of their bedtime routine. Then on both sides, there are prompts for parents to interact with their child. This is a bit old for Marian now, but it will be great when she’s 3-5. She’ll still enjoy looking at it and pretending to read it right now. I like books with prompts because I know a lot of parents have difficulty with making books interactive, and books must be interactive for kids! You can’t expect a one-year-old to sit calmly and listen to a book.
Just One You! (My First Big Storybook)
 by the Sesame Workshop (Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky, 05 February, 2019)
Publisher’s description:Â There’s nobody else in the whole world just like you! Elmo, Big Bird, and all the rest of the Sesame Street friends invite readers into their world, providing a uniquely personal experience that teaches kids how special they truly are.
You don’t need to be an avid reader, a performer or an expert with children to relax and enjoy new fun ways to engage with the little ones during story time. This brand new and unique approach to children’s books allows anyone who is shy or slightly discouraged at the thought of the perfect reading aloud experience. My First Big Storybook has subtle prompts, questions and guides to make sure that story time and that precious bonding experience is magical.
Example of prompts:
- Elmo and his friends are hiding. Let’s play peek-a-boo and pretend we’re hiding, too!
- Let’s count the number of stars in Elmo’s window!
- Can you find a rectangle?
Margaret’s review:Â A wonderful book about self-acceptance. I love the Cookie Monster page where he is literally drowning in cookies. Ha! It’s interactive like All Tucked In on Sesame Street.
A Is for Awesome!: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World
 by Eva Chen, Illustrated by Derek Desierto (Feiwel and Friends, 5 February, 2019)
Publisher’s description: Why stick with plain old A, B, C when you can have Amelia (Earhart), Malala, Tina (Turner), Ruth (Bader Ginsburg), all the way to eXtraordinary You—and the Zillion of adventures you will go on?
Instagram superstar Eva Chen, author of Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes, is back with an alphabet board book depicting feminist icons in A Is for Awesome: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World, featuring spirited illustrations by Derek Desierto.
Margaret’s review: Marian and I will be reviewing this on the website, but suffice it to say that it’s a must for any feminist board book collections out there. And Marian loves looking at herself in the mirror on the last page, ha!
Good Night, Wind: A Yiddish Folktale by Linda Elovitz Marshall, Illustrated by Maelle Doliveux
Publisher’s description:Â When the exhausted winter wind throws a snowy tantrum, it finds comfort in the friendship of two young children in this lyrical retelling of a Yiddish folktale illustrated with stunning collage.
In this retelling of a Yiddish folktale, “Winter Wind worked hard all season long / blowing away leaves, / preparing trees for coats of snow and ice.” Now, Wind is tired and needs a place to rest. But no one wants to shelter so cold and blustery a Wind–not the townspeople, not the country innkeeper, not even the gnarled tree who is worried about frozen roots. Finally, Wind does what any of us do when we are overtired: Wind has a tantrum. And it is only with the help of two small children brave enough to weather the storm that Wind finally finds the perfect place to sleep. Gentle language coupled with intricate photo-illustrations of collage dioramas tell this sweet tale about empathy and friendship. The visuals in this book are striking for their vibrancy, palette, and movement.
The Girl and the Wolf by Katherena Vermette, Illustrated by Julie Flett
Publisher description: While picking berries with her mother, a little girl wanders too far into the woods. When she realizes she is lost, she begins to panic. A large grey wolf makes a sudden appearance between some distant trees. Using his sense of smell, he determines where she came from and decides to help her. Through a series of questions from the wolf, the little girl realizes she had the knowledge and skill to navigate herself—she just needed to remember that those abilities were there all along.
Any books you’re looking forward to in February?