The Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay

DRAWN TOGETHER
by Minh Lê

Illustrated by Dan Santat

(This week’s #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Jamie Michalak.)

What it’s all about …
When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to frustration and silence -- until they discover they share a love of drawing. 

Why I love it …

WOW. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. This book! I love this book! Drawn Together is a stirring picture book about the power of art and storytelling. The boy and his grandfather's struggle to communicate will tug at your heartstrings. But then you're quickly swept up in their epic and action-packed shared creation, breathtakingly illustrated by Dan Santat. 

Sample illustration …

From Drawing Together by Minh Lê. Illustration copyright 2018 by Dan Santat.

Why will kids love it?

Many children will relate to the initial silence between the boy and his grandfather, and the unexpected adventure will knock kids off their feet.

Why will grown-ups love it?

It's easy for both kids and grown-ups to get lost in Dan Santat's dazzling and imaginative illustrations. This cover will likely be wearing a shiny sticker one day.

Where to find/buy …

Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

About the Author
Minh Lê is a writer, but like his grandfather, is a man of few words. He is the author of Let Me Finish! A first-generation Vietnamese-American, he went to Dartmouth College and has a master's in education from Harvard University. Visit Minh at minhlebooks.com or on Twitter @bottomshelfbks

About the Illustrator

Dan Santat is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Award-winning The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, as well as The Cookie Fiasco, After the Fall, and others. He is also the creator of Disney's animated hit, The Replacements. Visit him at dantat. com

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay

OFF & AWAY

by Cale Atkinson

(This week’s #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Jamie Michalak.)

What it’s all about …
Jo lives on an island with her dad, who delivers every message in a bottle to its right home. But when he comes down with a severe sea cold, Jo must face her fear of the sea and cast off by herself to get the job done!

Why I love it …

The detailed, energetic illustrations alternate between warm, humorous, and just the right amount of scary that kids love. 

Sample illustration …

From OFF & AWAY. Illustration copyright 2018 by Cale Atkinson.

Why will kids love it?

Sure to elicit both giggles and gasps, this picture book adventure is a thrilling ride of a read-aloud.

Why will grown-ups love it?

Grown-ups can share this picture book about overcoming fears with their favorite littles who might need a boost of courage.

Where to find/buy …

Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Author-Illustrator bio
Cale Atkinson is an author, illustrator, and animator whose picture books include To the Sea and Explorers of the Wild. He lives and works in Kelowna, British Columbia. Visit him online at www.cale.ca or on Twitter @2dCale.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay

Hello Lighthouse

by Sophie Blackall

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Kara LaReau.)

What it's all about...
On the highest rock of a tiny island at the edge of the world stands a lighthouse, which withstands the elements and the passage of time as it beams its light out to sea. All the while, its keeper works and writes, and changes await.

Why I love it...
Being a New England gal, I have a thing for lighthouses, and Sophie Blackall's latest masterpiece is the ultimate tribute.

Sample illustration...

What's the kid-appeal?
Fascinating illustrations and a detailed narrative reveal the inner workings of the lighthouse and the ins and outs of its keeper's daily life.


What's the grownup appeal?
Like a certain lighthouse, this story's classic, comforting feel offers a steadfast refuge and a happy, hopeful beacon.


Where to find/buy Hello Lighthouse
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Sophie Blackall is the illustrator of many picture books, including Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear, winner of the Caldecott Medal. She lives with her family in Brooklyn, New York.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A TREEHOUSE

by Carter Higgins
Illustrated by Emily Hughes

(This week’s #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Jamie Michalak.)

What it’s all about …
This beautifully illustrated story gives whimsical instructions on how to build a treehouse and what to do once you have.

Why I love it …
This book had me at "treehouse." But then it went and included ALL KINDS OF TREEHOUSES! Like garden treehouses and pirate ship treehouses and high-up-in-the-sky treehouses and (gasp) library treehouses!

Favorite lines ...

You can spill secrets and

whispers in a treehouse

cause the wind keeps them

snug with a rustle

which is a hush you can feel

in your bones

that's how you know it's safe.

Sample illustration …

From WHAT YOU NEED FOR A TREEHOUSE by Carter Higgins. Illustration copyright 2018 by Emily Hughes.

Why will kids love it?
Kids can imagine trying out the different treehouses and choosing their favorite.

Why will grown-ups love it?
Treehouses are for everyone. Even grown-ups dream about escaping the real world and creating a space all their own. Also, some might enjoy how this book calls to mind Andrew Henry's Meadow and the art of Gyo Fujikawa.

Where to find/buy EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A TREEHOUSE …

Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Carter Higgins is the author of This Is Not a Valentine and A Rambler Steals Home. She has worked as both a motion graphics designer and a librarian. She lives in Los Angeles, California.

Emily Hughes is an internationally recognized author and illustrator. She is the author-illustrator of The Little Gardener and Wild, and the illustrator of Charlie & Mouse. Emily was born in Hawaii and now lives and works in the United Kingdom.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay

Search-and-Find Alphabet of Alphabets

by A.J. Wood and Mike Jolley

illustrated by Allan Sanders

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Kara LaReau.)

What it's all about...
It's a compendium of 26 different illustrated alphabets — D is an alphabet of dinosaurs, H is an alphabet of hats, N is an alphabet of a neighborhood, etc etc.

Why I love it...
My kiddo loves anything alphabet-related, and he loves books he can pore over. It's as if this title was made for him!

Sample illustration...

What's the kid-appeal?
It's a book you can read over and over again, and notice fun, new details each time. (And at the back, you can find even more search-and-find prompts!)


What's the grownup appeal?
It's guaranteed to keep your kiddos occupied and engaged, and it doesn't have a screen!


Where to find/buy BE KIND
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

A.J. Wood is a published author, editor, and an illustrator of children's books. Among many other titles, A.J. is the co-author of Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders of Nature, illustrated by Owen Davey.

Mike Jolley has worked as an Art Director in children's books for over 25 years. He also sells artwork made from found objects, under the name 'Box 2'. It was during one of his many junk shop visits that the idea of using midcentury school information charts for Curiositree first took shape. He lives on a cliff overlooking the English Channel.

Allan Sanders is an artist and illustrator based in the UK. His books for children include Perfectly Perilous Math, Little Explorers, and How Machines Work.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay

BE KIND

by Pat Zietlow Miller

illustrated by Jen Hill

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Kara LaReau.)

What it's all about...
A girl watches her classmate, Tanisha, spill grape juice on her dress. How can she make Tanisha feel better?

Why I love it...
This pick was a no-brainer for me — a story celebrating kindness in all its forms, sensitively portrayed by the talented Pat Zietlow Miller, with lovely art from Jen Hill (otherwise known as the illustrator of The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters!).

Favorite lines...
Maybe I can only do small things.
But my small things might join small things other people do.
An together, they could grow into something big.


Sample illustration...

What's the kid-appeal?
The emotions in the story are pitch-perfect for young readers, who will be happy to learn how anyone at any age can make the world better.


What's the grownup appeal?
It's a wonderful read-aloud — and of course, we need engaging stories about kindness and empathy now more than ever.


Where to find/buy BE KIND
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Pat Zietlow Miller is the creative force behind the blog Read, Write, Repeat, where she reviews books for young readers. Her picture books include Sophie's Squash, Sophie's Squash Go To School, Wherever You Go, Sharing the Bread, and The Quickest Kid in Clarksville. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her husband, two daughters, and two pampered cats.

Jen Hill is the illustrator of several picture books, including Diana's White House Garden by Elisa Carbone, Spring for Sophie by Yael Werber, and Doing Her Bit by Erin Hagar; and is also the author and illustrator of Percy and Tumtum: A Tale of Two Dogs. She is a graduate from the Rhode Island School of Design and lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and her intern, Little Bee, who is very helpful for a cat.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

MY PILLOW KEEPS MOVING

by Laura Gehl
illustrated by Christopher Weyant

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Anika Denise.)

What it's all about...
A puppy sneaks into a store and impersonates a pillow for sale... and then a footstool... and then a jacket.

Why I love it...
Um... because a PUPPY sneaks into a STORE and impersonates a PILLOW FOR SALE!! And then a footstool!! And. Then. A. Jacket.

Favorite lines...
I bought a pillow here and I think it is broken.

What seems to be the problem, sir?

My pillow keeps MOVING!

Sir, is your pillow soft?

Yes...

Is your pillow fluffy?

Well, yes...

Then your pillow is not broken, sir.

Would you like a sticker?

Favorite illustrations...

(c) 2018 Christopher Weyant

(c) 2018 Christopher Weyant

(c) 2018 Christopher Weyant

What's the kid-appeal?
Sweet and increasingly silly, this story will have kids giggling the whole way through. Laura Gehl (Peep and Egg) hits a humor home run with fuzzy pets, funny banter, a few poof-toot-burps, and lots of feel-good doggy love. New Yorker cartoonist Christopher Weyant's illustrations pair perfectly with Gehl's giddy text.

What's the grownup appeal?
It's a super-fun book to read again and again, and trust me — you will get repeat requests.

Where to find/ buy My Pillow Keeps Moving!

Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Or at a school or library near you!

Laura Gehl’s previous books include One Big Pair of Underwear, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld, and the Peep and Egg series, illustrated by Joyce Wan. Laura lives in Chevy Chase, Maryland with her husband and four children. Visit her online at www.lauragehl.com.

(c) 2018 Christopher Weyant

A cartoonist for The New Yorker, Christopher Weyant's work has been published worldwide in newspapers, magazines, books, and online. His cartoons are in permanent collection at The Whitney Museum of American Art and The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City. In 2015, he won the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for his first illustrated children's book, You Are (Not) Small, written by his wife, Anna Kang. Chris lives outside New York City with his wife and their two daughters. Find more of his work at http://christopherweyant.com.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay

Tilly & Tank

by Jay Fleck

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Kara LaReau.)

What it's all about...
At first, Tilly thinks Tank is an elephant. Tank thinks Tilly is a tank. After a series of BOOM-ing encounters, the two embark on a blooming friendship.

Why I love it...
I LOVE Jay Fleck's artwork, and my little one loves elephants, so this was a no-brainer — plus, the themes of peace and friendship here are universal and timely.

Favorite lines...
Slowly and carefully,
Tilly tiptoed closer...
and closer...
until she was close enough to...
*BOOP*
...give the green elephant a friendly tap.


Sample illustration...

What's the kid-appeal?
Fans of animals and big machines (and loud noises!) will find a lot of crossover appeal here.


What's the grownup appeal?
A sweet, gentle story with a lovely lesson: Sometimes our enemies are merely friendships waiting to blossom.


Where to find/buy Tilly & Tank
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Jay Fleck is a designer and illustrator based in Shorewood, IL. He is the illustrator of the picture books Double Take!, Black Belt Bunny, and Everything You. His artwork has been featured on products at the GAP, on Threadless and on the front page of Society6.com, as well as a number of other brick-and-mortar and internet stores. Tilly and Tank is the first picture book he has both written and illustrated.

Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay + The Uncanny Giveaway Winner!

Don't Forget Dexter

by Lindsay Ward

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Anika Denise.)

What it's all about...
When Dexter T. Rexter's best friend, Jack, leaves him behind at the doctor's office, he panics. What if Jack never comes back? What if  Dexter is replaced by another toy? Can anybody help him?

Why I love it...
Dexter is hilariously neurotic. Ward's adorable cut-paper, pencil, and ink illustrations further amp up the comedy.

My favorite lines...
Nope. This isn't happening to me,
I'm Dexter T. Rexter.
The toughest, strongest, coolest dinosaur 
there has ever been.
EVER!
Right?
I mean, look at my tail.
See how swishy it is?
SWISH 
SWISH 
SWISH!

My favorite illustrations...

(All images courtesy of Two Lions; (c) 2018 Lindsay Ward)

What's the kid-appeal?
Kids are sure to find Dexter's separation anxiety and neurotic chatter riotously funny and familiar.

What's the grownup appeal?
Parents and educators, too, will relate to Ward's toy's-eye-view tale of abandon and rescue. Plus it's a nice pivot to a reassuring discussion about being apart—but never left behind.

Where to find/ buy Don't Forget Dexter
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Photo courtesy of Michael Haley

Born and raised in sunny California, Lindsay decided to try snow and moved to upstate New York where she received her BFA in Illustration from Syracuse University. Lindsay Ward was inspired to write this book after her husband texted her a photo of a toy dinosaur abandoned at a doctor’s office. The caption read: “Well, they left me here.” Lindsay thought it was so funny that she sat down to write Dexter’s story immediately. She is also the author and illustrator of Brobarians, Henry Finds His Word, and When Blue Met Egg. Her book Please Bring Balloons was also made into a play. Most days you can find Lindsay writing and sketching at her home in Peninsula, Ohio, where she lives with her family. Learn more about her online at www.LindsayMWard.com.

**************************************

And now... last week's UNCANNY GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCED! 

The prize includes signed copies of The Uncanny Express and the new paperback of The Jolly Regina with snazzy bookmarks, a pack of Jolly Regina postcards, and an official Hugo Fromage mustache! We put all who commented or retweeted into Mr. Pig's official prize teacup and pulled a name!

And the winner is...

CHARLOTTE

Congratulations! Please email your mailing info to littlecrookedcottage@gmail.com

or send us a direct message on Instagram or Twitter @CottageCrooked!

The Little Crooked Cottage Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay

Lines

by Suzy Lee

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Jamie Michalak.)

What it's all about...
It starts with a line -- a tip of a pencil and a blade of a skate. At first, this seems to be a simple wordless picture book about an ice skater. But then the real and imagined blur to create magic!

Why I love it...
The art! Whoa. Exquisite. You'll wonder if the pages are made of ice.

Sample illustration...

From LINES. Illustration copyright 2017 by Suzy Lee. Published by Chronicle Books.

What's the kid-appeal?

They'll gasp at the surprising turn the story takes when the skater falls, and -- well, I don't want to give too much away. But they won't see it coming.

What's the grownup appeal?

Beyond the gorgeous visual poetry, Line is a story about picking yourself up when you fall, trying again, and helping others out when they need a hand. This book might also inspire a drawing lesson --- start with a line.


Where to find/buy LINES
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Suzy Lee is the author-illustrator of Wave, Shadow, and Open This Little Book. Her books have been published and lauded around the world. She was nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen medal, and Wave and Shadow were selected as New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the year. Suzy lives in Seoul, Korea. Learn more about her at www.suzylee.com.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay

No More TANTRUMS (a Big Kid Power book) 

by Maria van Lieshout

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Kara LaReau.)

What it's all about...
You thought I was going to pick a holiday book, didn't you? Well, this is a holiday book — or, at least, one that will help you and your little ones get through the winter break, and beyond!

Why I love it...
Every book in this Big Kid Power series spotlights a toddler milestone. Their book I Use the POTTY was indispensable in our house! (My review of it here.)

Favorite lines...
When I was little and I didn't get my way, I cried.
"I want to go home!"
"I DON'T want to go home!"
"I want a CUPCAKE!"


Sample illustration...

What's the kid-appeal?

It conveys all the emotions and details of this milestone experience with gentle humor and bright, fun illustrations. 

What's the grownup appeal?

Um, the title says it all!

Where to find/buy NO MORE TANTRUMS
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Maria van Lieshout is the author-illustrator of several picture books, including Backseat A-B-See, Flight 1-2-3, and the first two titles in the Big Kid Power series, Bye-Bye Binky and I Use the Potty. Born and raised in Holland, she now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay

ELF IN THE HOUSE
by Ammi-Joan Paquette
illustrated by Adam Record

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Anika Denise.)

What it's all about...
On a snowy Christmas Eve, a little girl tip-toes from her bed to find some surprise friends in her house, including a mouse, an elf, and even the big jolly guy himself.

Why I love it...
Paquette's first book in the series, Ghost in the House, is a perennial Halloween favorite my youngest daughter loves. I purchased the new one at a signing I did with Joan back in October. I plan to wrap it up and give it to my daughter on Christmas Eve. She'll no doubt recognize and appreciate the bouncy rhymes and adorable illustrations that echo the first book.

My favorite lines...
And the ELF goes third
on this snowy Christmas Eve,
In a line dance of jingle-bell hop!
Festive friends in a row,
Down the hall they go,
Until suddenly they hear. . .
CLIP-CLOP!
 
My favorite illustrations...

What's the kid-appeal?
The best part of Christmas Eve for those that celebrate is often the anticipation! Elf in the House will ramp up holiday cheer in the countdown to Christmas.

What's the grownup appeal?
Just like the first, this book is simple, sweet, and fun to read aloud. It's the perfect book to tuck  between leaving cookies out for Santa, and that goodnight, see-you-on-Christmas-morning kiss.

Where to find/ buy Elf in The House
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Or at a school or library near you!

Ammi-Joan Paquette is the author of many books for young readers, including the spooky picture book Ghost in the House. In addition to her writing, she is a literary agent representing authors of children's books. She lives outside Boston with her family. Visit her on the web at www.ajpaquette.com.

Adam Record started doodling on a bench in church and now gets inspired by old children's books and vintage posters. He lives in Utah with his wife and three children. See more of Adam's work at www.adamrecord.com.

The Little Cooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay

SMOOT: A Rebellious Shadow

by Michelle Cuevas, illustrated by Sydney Smith

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Kara LaReau.)

What it's all about...
As a shadow to a boy with a "yawn-colored" life, Smoot yearns for "sky blue-colored freedom." Then, one day, with a *pop*, he breaks free, and his adventure begins!

Why I love it...
I can't resist a book with "rebellious" in the title, especially this inspiring tale by Michelle Cuevas, with lovely, lively illustrations by Sydney Smith.

Favorite lines...
Other shadows watched Smoot.
The sight made them brave.
"If he can follow his dreams, we can too."


Sample illustration...

What's the kid-appeal?

What child (of any age!) doesn't yearn to break free like Smoot, and go a little bit wild?

What's the grownup appeal?

It's also a story about being bold and brave, and following your dreams.

Where to find/buy SMOOT!
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Michelle Cuevas graduated from Williams College and holds a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from the University of Virginia. She lives in Massachusetts.

Sydney Smith was born in Nova Scotia and has a BFA in drawing and printmaking from NSCAD University. He is an award-winning children's book illustrator whose work can sometimes also be found in magazines and on festival posters and album covers. Sydney also plays a little banjo, stands on his hands, and can ride his bike really fast. He lives in Toronto, Ontario, with his wife and baby son.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay

TWINDERELLA, A FRACTIONED FAIRY TALE
by Corey Rosen Schwartz
pictures by Deborah Marcero

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Anika Denise.)

What it's all about...
Think you know the true story of Cinderella? Guess what, you don't know the half of it! Turns out Cinderella has a twin sister, Tinderella, who splits the chores.

Why I love it...
In signature Corey Rosen Schwartz style, this fractured "fractioned" fairy tale delivers irresistible wordplay, plenty of girl power, and a unique twist on a beloved classic. Deborah Marcero's charming mixed-media illustrations are perfect for the story.

My favorite lines...
They'd each do:
Half the mopping,
half the raking,
half the shopping,
half the baking.
Half the folding,
half the mending,
Half the mean
stepsister tending.
   
My favorite illustrations...

What's the kid-appeal?
It's a fantastic read-aloud with fun-to-read rhyme and math puns throughout. Young readers love a clever twist on a fairy tale, and this one delivers on every level: humor, relatability, and a satisfying, super-cute ending.

What's the grownup appeal?
Parents and story hour hosts will enjoy its bouncy rhythm and clever concepts. Educators can use it to make STEM connections, and for fairy tale/ creative writing units.

Where to find/ buy Twinderella:
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Corey Rosen Schwartz always longed to write a fractured fairy tale and got the perfect inspiration from her son. When he was three years old, he was asked if he spoke Spanish. His answer was: “No, but I speak a little karate.” Instantly, the idea hit her . . . the three little pigs could go to ninja school! Corey has no true Ninja training, but she can sure kick butt in Scrabble. She is the author of The Three Ninja Pigs; Hansel and Gretel, Ninja Chicks, Ninja Red Riding Hood, What About Moose? and more. She lives in Warren, New Jersey with her family. Learn more about her books at http://www.coreyrosenschwartz.com.

Deborah Marcero grew up in Michigan farm country where from a very young age drawing, writing, and reading filled her time.  She received a BFA in drawing, printmaking, and photography from the University of Michigan, and an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Writing. After teaching in Chicago Public Schools as a Literacy Specialist, Deborah realized that writing and creating books for kids was how she wanted to spend her life. Learn more about her work at http://deborahmarcero.com.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay!

the scariest book ever

by bob shea

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Kara LaReau.)

What it's all about...
A reluctant little ghost encourages readers to go ahead into the "spooky" forest, where it turns out an adorable bunny is hosting a costume party.

Why I love it...
Bob Shea's artwork is as bright, graphic, and inviting as ever, and the funny interactive narrative is scary-good.

Favorite lines...

It's okay, you don't have to go back.

You can stay here and help me with the haunted housework. We'll tell spooky stories and clean the bathroom.

That's scary, right?

Sample illustrations...

What's the kid-appeal?
Kid readers will delight in knowing something the ghost narrator does not — that the story isn't scary at all.

What's the grownup appeal?
It's a terrific read-aloud for Halloween and beyond, and an excellent way to address (however-unfounded) fears.

Where to find/buy the scariest book ever!
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Bob Shea is the author-illustrator of the popular Ballet Cat series, the Dinosaur vs....series, and several other picture books, including The Happiest Book Ever, Buddy and the Bunnies in: Don't Play with Your Food!, and Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great. He's a really nice guy, and he lives with his wife and son in Madison, Connecticut. For more information, visit www.bobshea.com.