The Little Crooked Bookshelf

When Green Becomes Tomatoes
Poems for All Seasons
by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Julie Morstad 

This week's pick is from Cottager Jamie Michalak.

What it's all about ...
A celebration of the seasons -- from the "tiny, blue hello" of a crocus blooming in the snow to "berry hands and berry knees," from "waiting for sweaters" to cozy, snowy days when "the house sounds like slippers."

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf … 
Because it's a swoon-worthy picture book. Julie Fogliano's spare, child-friendly poems are sprinkled with gentle humor and pair perfectly with Julie Morstad's inviting art. You'll want to linger on every page.

My favorite lines …
and if a firefly
should one night appear
suddenly in your bedroom
flickering you out of awake
and well into dreaming
don't forget 
that even small things
lost but still glowing
love a small, whispered thank you

My favorite illustrations …

From WHEN GREEN BECOMES TOMATOES by Julie Fogliano. Illustration copyright 2016 by Julie Morstad.

From WHEN GREEN BECOMES TOMATOES by Julie Fogliano. Illustration copyright 2016 by Julie Morstad.

Why kids will love it …
They'll recognize themselves in every poem and find lots to look forward to all year long.

Why grown-ups will love it …
The poems celebrate nature and the joy of simple moments. They're also organized by date, so you can read aloud one at a time according to the calendar, if you're the organized sort -- or all in one sitting. Perhaps at the beach with plums and peanut butter sandwiches a "bit salty and warm from the sun?"