Mr. Pig's Summer Reading Picks -- and a Giveaway!

It's here, it's here! Summer has arrived and the Cottagers — Kara LaReau, Jamie Michalak, Anika Denise, and moi — are ready to kick up our hooves, erm, feet and relax. Here's a list of books we're looking forward to packing in our beach bags.

And we have a special smorange treat for you — a GIVEAWAY!

Leave a comment below for a chance to win Adam Rex's new picture book, 
NOTHING RHYMES WITH ORANGE! 

Kara Recommends ...

JABARI JUMPS

by Gaia Cornwall

Set on a summer’s day at the pool, this gorgeous ode to bravery and trying new things is written and illustrated by FOC (Friend of the Cottage) Gaia Cornwall, and it’s already a favorite in our house!

ORPHAN ISLAND 

by Laurel Snyder

Every year on Orphan Island a new orphan arrives on a green boat and the oldest orphan leaves the island for good. A moving story about growing up and letting go by one of the masters of middle grade fiction, Laurel Snyder.

THE FRIEND SHIP

by Kat Yeh
Illustrated by Chuck Groenink

A solitary little hedgehog sets off in search of a rumored “Friend Ship,” and ends up meeting a menagerie of lonely animals along the way. A sweet story (and a fun read-aloud) by Kat Yeh, with lovely illustrations by Chuck Groenink.

JASMINE TOGUCHI, MOCHI QUEEN 

by Debbi Michiko Florence
Illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic

I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of this chapter book, the first in a wonderful, funny new series starring eight-year-old Jasmine. In this story, Jasmine longs to do something first before her big sister, Sophie — and that something may or may not have something to do with pounding mochi rice!

Jamie Recommends ...

TIMMY FAILURE: THE BOOK YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE

by Stephan Pastis

My 10-year-old son is not a fan of any activity that requires sitting quietly. However, he took this book to his room and read it cover to cover. He wasn't supposed to have this private record of Timmy Failure's sensitive time as a detective, but my son is also not a fan of following rules. So he read it anyway — and fell off his bed laughing. 

Perfect for reluctant sitters and fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

NOTHING RHYMES WITH ORANGE

by Adam Rex

When a cast of fruit makes up a rhyming ditty about themselves, even the lowly Kumquat gets his own verse. But nothing rhymes with Orange. How will he ever join the fun? Find out in this totally smorange picture book about celebrating difference!

LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER TO WIN A COPY!

TOAD ON THE ROAD: A CAUTIONARY TALE

by Stephen Shaskan

This rhyming romp, with humorous illustrations and fun-to-say sound effects, is a can't-miss storytime hit! Toadally adorable. 

Anika Recommends ...

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist 

by Jess Keating

Illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns

(Ages 4-8 years)

Critically acclaimed zoologist and author Jess Keating tells the life story of Eugenie Clark, a.k.a. the “Shark Lady,” who daringly dove the deep to study creatures many  considered “ugly" and “scary.” In devoting her life to proving them wrong, Clark broke gender barriers — charting a channel for future female scientists — while illuminating the true nature and majestic beauty of sharks.

Packed with fin-tastic shark facts in the back matter, this book is the perfect reading ramp-up to Discovery Channel’s Shark Week: starting on Sunday, July 23rd!

Shackles from the Deep: Tracing the Path of a Sunken Slave Ship, a Bitter Past, and a Rich Legacy
by Michael H. Cottman

(Ages 10 and up)

Continuing with a deep sea exploration theme, but for a slightly older reader, this is the riveting (formerly unknown) true story of a slave ship wrecked off the coast of Florida at the turn of the 18th Century, the Henrietta Marie. In what is part history lesson, part page-turning adventure, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Michael H. Cotter weaves the narrative in a deeply personal way, to deliver a fascinating and important story young readers will connect to. 

7 Ate 9: The Untold Story

by Tara Lazar
Illustrated by Ross MacDonald

(Ages 4-8)

Who doesn’t love a good detective story for a summer read? This one just happens to be a picture book starring digits (and a "Private I”)! Perfectly punny and delightful, this is one of the wittiest, most enjoyable picture books I’ve had the pleasure to read. Kids will giggle. Grown-ups will chuckle. A new classic perfect for any season, but particularly readable (and re-readable) during the carefree days of summer vacation.

Heartwood Hotel: A True Home 

by Kallie George 

Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin

(Pub date: 7/4/17; Ages 7-10)

We love reading chapter books aloud on summer nights in our house. Kallie George’s heartwarming first book in the Heartwood Hotel series is a perfect chapter-a-night read. Young readers will enjoy being be transported to the tiny woodland world where Mona the Mouse discovers the Heartwood Hotel while seeking shelter from a rainstorm. Mona is quickly welcomed into the fold—where a cast of characters, soft moss-lined beds, and a little adventure (and danger!) awaits.