Author Heather Lang recommends A Sick Day for Amos McGee, written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead. “I adore this charming book about friendship and loyalty. The illustrations add so much humor and depth to the gentle story of a warm-hearted zookeeper who has to take a sick day, leaving the … Continued
Photographer Mary Birdsell recommends It’s a Book, written and illustrated by Lane Smith. “It’s a Book is a very entertaining read. It brings simplistic joy to a world overrun with technology. This book will send you running, thankfully, to your local library.” It’s a Book (Roaring Brook Press, 2010) is recommended for ages 6-10. Be … Continued
Author and illustrator Melissa Guion recommends Fables, written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel. “I love Lobel’s contribution to the fable genre, where animals reveal human virtues and weaknesses. His stories of gullible bears and courageous lobsters are funny, kindhearted, and intelligent, and his illustrations are some of my favorites.” Fables (HarperCollins, 1980) is recommended for … Continued
Author Conrad J. Storad recommends Love, Ruby Valentine, written by Laurie Friedman and illustrated by Lynn Avril Cravath. “What is NOT to love about Love, Ruby Valentine? I’ve been a huge fan of Lynn Avril’s illustration work for years. She is spot on bringing Ruby Valentine to life on the pages for Laurie Friedman’s totally … Continued
Author and illustrator José Domingo recommends Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne. “One of my most beloved memories of me as a kid is reading Jules Verne in bed by night, staying awake long hours, mesmerized. In my mind, he’s almost a book character himself.” Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (first published … Continued
Author Stephanie Campisi recommends The Arrival by Shaun Tan. “The Arrival, by fellow Australian Shaun Tan, is a wordless picture book about the immigrant experience. Stunningly illustrated and deeply evocative, it’s a story that will resonate with anyone who has found themselves navigating the waters of a new and unfamiliar place.” The Arrival (Arthur A. … Continued
Illustrator Laurie McGaw recommends Severn and the Day She Silenced the World by Janet Wilson. “This book caught my attention because of its timely subject: the state of our earth’s environment. Twenty-three years ago, 12-year-old Canadian Severn Cullis-Suzuki delivered a speech to leaders from all over the world who had gathered in Rio de Janeiro, … Continued
Illustrator Renée Andriani recommends The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg. “I’ve always loved books that create a story almost entirely through pictures, using minimal text. Storytelling in this manner entices the viewer to come up with their own ideas about the characters, what they’re thinking, and many other nuances . … Continued
Author Eric Ode recommends There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom by Louis Sachar. “I taught fourth grade for eight years, and Louis Sachar’s There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom helped launch each of them. Chapter by chapter, we’d laugh, cheer, cry…Wrapped within the gut-busting humor and the heart-wrenching struggles is a clear message … Continued
Author Carolyn Ahern recommends Top of the World, written and illustrated by Holly Hobbie. “I love this book!” Top of the World (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2008) is recommended for ages 3-7. Be sure to check out Ahern’s book Tino the Tortoise: Adventures in the Grand Canyon, illustrated by Erik Brooks (WestWinds Press, … Continued
