The Little Crooked Bookshelf and A GIVEAWAY!!!*

BIKES FOR SALE
by Carter Higgins

Illustrated by Zachariah OHora

(This week’s pick is from Cottager Jamie Michalak, who once had a sparkly gold bike with a banana seat and misses it every day. -->)  

What it’s all about …
Maurice rides his bike to his lemonade shop every day. Lotta rides her bike to collect sticks every day. One day, a branch and a lemon peel leads to the end of their bikes. Or do they? BIKES FOR SALE is a sweet story about friends who were meant to meet.

Why I love it …
Maurice and Lotta's tale keeps the reader guessing, and the meet-cute ending is satisfying. OHora's art is as fresh and funny as ever.

Favorite illustration …

From BIKES FOR SALE by Carter Higgins. Illustration copyright 2019 by Zachariah OHora.

Favorite lines ...
Sid knew all about the bikes.
The satchel told stories of sugar.
The bell ding-a-linged of a ditch.
The sprocket remembered lemons, twigs, and mint.

Why will kids love it?

Higgins sees the world through a child's eyes, and offers a relatable experience. Plus, kids will spot lots of humorous details in OHora's exuberant art -- even the endpaper's map is engaging.

After you read the book . . .

Ask your child to describe and draw their dream bike. What does it look like? What makes it special? Where will they ride it?

Where to find/buy …

Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

ENTER WIN A COPY BY LEAVING A COMMENT BELOW! DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST BIKE?
Winner announced on twitter on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

About the Author
Carter Higgins is an elementary school librarian and the author of Everything You Need for a Treehouse and This Is Not a Valentine. She lives in Los Angeles, California. Visit her at Design of the Picture Book. 

About the Illustrator

Zachariah OHora is the illustrator of the New York Times bestseller Wolfie the Bunny, among many other beloved books for kids. He lives and works in Narberth, Pennsylvania. Visit him at his website.

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

THIS IS NOT A VALENTINE

by Carter Higgins

Illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins

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

What it's all about...

A little boy gives his friend a series of small gifts--a lucky rock, a ring from the gumball machine, and more. But make no mistake: these are NOT Valentines. Or are they?

Why I love it...

This ode to a best friend is full of love, but in the most un-cornball of ways. The specific details the boy shares about his friend, from the color of her best shoelaces to her favorite hiding place, shows how much he's smitten.

Favorite lines...

This is not a valentine,

since those things have

fancy cursive and swoopy spins

on words that sounds like mush.

This one is scraps and rips

and drippy glue that dried funny

and the green marker that was the

only one that worked.

Besides,

the teacher

made us

make these.

Sample illustration...

From This is Not a Valentine by Carter Higgins. Illustration copyright 2017 by  Lucy Ruth Cummins. Published by Chronicle Books. 

What's the kid-appeal?

Most kids are not huge fans of "words that sound like mush," so this clever and sweet twist on Valentine's Day hits just the right note.

What's the grownup appeal?

This Is Not a Valentine is actually the perfect Valentine's gift for friends and crushes of any age.

Where to find/buy This is Not a Valentine:

Indie Booksellers

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Carter Higgins is an elementary school librarian, book blogger, and graphic designer. She is the creator of the Design of the Picture Book blog. This is her first picture book. She lives in Los Angeles, California.

Lucy Ruth Cummins is an author and illustrator, and also and art director of children's books. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay

Main Street Magic

by Ingela P Arrhenius

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

What it's all about...
On this Main Street, nothing is as it seems. Kids can explore more than 30 lift-the-flaps and pop-ups to discover lots of strange surprises!

Why I love it...
The striking, graphic art is enormously appealing, and the mini mysteries illustrated on each page double as fun story starters. Who is peeking out of the hole in the bakery wall?

Favorite line...
Elephants never forget eternal love! 

Sample illustration...

From MAIN STREET MAGIC by Ingela P. Arrhenius. Copyright 2017 Chronicle Books.

What's the kid-appeal?

The unexpected details hiding under the flaps will keep little ones guessing until the grand finale -- a magical circus.

What's the grownup appeal?
The illustrations stir the imagination. Grown-ups can ask children to offer up their own explanations as to what's happening on Main Street.

Where to find/buy Main Street Magic!
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Ingela P Arrhenius is a Sweden-based illustrator. She says, "I have quite a naive style and love the design of the 50s and 60s. To learn more about her work, visit www.ingelaparrhenius.com.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

Pete With No Pants
by Rowboat Watkins

This week's pick is from Cottager Anika Denise.  

What it's all about...
Pete is on mission to answer life's oldest question: Why do I have to wear pants? And the second oldest: Who am I? In his quest for answers, Pete considers that he might be a boulder, a squirrel, a cloud, or perhaps a giant pigeon? (All of whom flout customary pants-wearing traditions.)

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf...
Rowboat Watkins is at his quirky finest in this silly tale, which perfectly captures a little kid's penchant for nakey-ness, knock-knock jokes, and a blissful freedom from modesty — before pesky pants-wearing adults interfere.

My favorite line(s)...
Let's see...
I'm GRAY
Check.
I'm NUTS about acorns.
Check.
And I'm NOT wearing pants.
YUP!
I'm a squirrel!

My favorite illustration(s)...

Why kids will love it...
For its unabashed silliness! The naked truth? Pantlessness is just plain funny. Especially when you're three.

Why grown-ups will love it...
If you have ever chased down a toddler streaking bare-bummed through the backyard while you are entertaining guests, or trying to get him or her to bed, or on a video conference call with your boss in Indonesia, you will appreciate this book. And even if you haven't, Watkins' adorable illustrations and hilarious banter will charm the pants off ya'.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

CURIOUS CONSTRUCTIONS

by Michael Hearst, illustrated by Matt Johnstone

This week's pick is from cottager Jamie Michalak.

What it's all about ...
Curious Constructions features fascinating and humorous accounts of 50 incredible structures, including a fire-breathing octopus, a whole community of tree houses in Costa Rica, and a lifesize X-Wing Starfighter made of Legos.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf …
This is not your average book about buildings. It's full of weird and wonderful, off-the-beaten path constructions, as well as favorite and familiar structures.

A sample illustration…

From Curious Creations by Michael Hearst. Illustration copyright 2017 by Matt Johnstone

Why kids will love it …
So many quotable facts! Did you know there's secret room known as M42 in the basement of Grand Central Terminal? Or that you can eat in an underwater restaurant in the Maldives? Or that in California, you can find the skateboard ramp you'd need to jump the Great Wall of China?

Why grown-ups will love it …
Makes a great gift for aspiring engineers and trivia-loving kids who are ready to move beyond The Guinness World Book of Records and Ripley's Believe or Not.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

THE FOX WISH

by Kimiko Aman, illustrated by Komako Sakai

This week's pick is from Cottager Jamie Michalak.

What it's all about . . .
What's a little girl to do when she finds a family of foxes playing with her jump rope? Teach them how to use it, of course. But when one of the foxes says she wished for a jump rope of her own, the girl must make a tough decision.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
Kindness wins in this magical tale, beautifully rendered by the talented Komako Sakai. 

My favorite illustration . . .

From THE FOX WISH by Kimiko Aman. Illustration copyright 2003 by Komako Sakai.

Why kids will love it . . .

Because it feels like anything can happen in this sweet story about talking, jump-roping foxes. 

Why grown-ups will love it . . .
THE FOX WISH imparts a gentle lesson about the joy found in helping others and making their wishes come true.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

PRESENTS THROUGH THE WINDOW
A Taro Gomi Christmas Book

This week's pick is from Cottager Jamie Michalak.

What it's all about ...
When Santa has so many presents to deliver, and so little time, he makes snap decisions and chucks a gift into each recipient's window. The trouble is he's moving too quickly to see who really lives in each house!

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf …
This is no ordinary Santa. He's a cool, mustached dude in pink--and he flies a helicopter! Also, Taro Gomi is the creator of Everyone Poops, one of my favorites. Presents Through the Window is just as surprising, adorable, and funny. 

My favorite lines …
Ohh, look at those scary crocodile teeth!
I'll just toss him this extra-large sweater. 

My favorite illustration…

From PRESENTS THROUGH THE WINDOW. Illustration copyright 2016 by Taro Gomi.

Why kids will love it ...
Because they'll be in the know, unlike Santa! Die-cut windows frame who Santa thinks he sees inside of each room, but when kids turn the pages, they'll discover the hilarious true identities of the gifts' recipients. 


Why grown-ups will love it ...
An unusual Christmas book promising lots of laughs and a gentle lesson in slowing down this holiday season.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

The Superhero Comic Kit
by Jason Ford

This week's pick is from Cottager Jamie Michalak. 

What it's all about . . .

Kids will learn how to create their own superheroes and comics with this EPIC, oversized, step-by-step activity book. Includes drawing tips, ten eight-page guided comic templates, scenario prompts to storylines, and 100 full-color stickers.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
Boom! Bam! Kapow! Sure to spark the imagination, The Superhero Comic Kit is action-packed and contains all budding comic strip creators need to make their very own comics.

Our favorite lines . . .
Our hero arrives at the skate park. HOLY MOLY! What's going on here? A SPACESHIP, ALIENS, A STRANGE RAY GUN, AND ZOMBIES!

Our favorite illustration . . .

From THE SUPERHERO COMIC KIT. Illustration copyright 2015 by Jason Ford.

Why kids will love it . . .

Our nine-year-old assistant couldn't get his hands on this book fast enough. He dove right in and spent hours creating his own superheroes, villains, and comics.

  
Why grown-ups will love it . . .
For the many hours of creativity and quiet time. (Thank you, Jason Ford!)

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

Leo: A Ghost Story
by Mac Barnett
illustrated by Christian Robinson

This week's bookshelf pick is from Cottager Jamie Michalak.

What it's all about . . .
For many years, Leo the ghost lived by himself in a large house on the edge of the city. But when a family moves in, Leo finds himself unwanted. So he roams the city, where nobody sees him. Until . . . he meets a girl named Jane, and becomes her "imaginary friend." Leo loves his new pal. But if he tells her he's a ghost, will he scare her away?

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
Dream team Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson weave together favorite storytime ingredients -- ghosts, imaginary friends, robbers! -- for a spellbinding read-aloud. Leo is humorous, suspenseful, and touching.

Our favorite lines . . .
"I said I was your imaginary friend, but I'm not. I am just your real friend."

Our favorite illustration . . . 

From LEO: A GHOST STORY by Mac Barnett. Illustration copyright 2015 by Christian Robinson.

Why kids will love it . . . 
Christian Robinson's atmospheric art, rendered in shades of blue and black, is enormously appealing, and the story's twists and turns will keep kids' attention until its dramatic conclusion.

Why grown-ups will love it . . .
Those looking for the perfect Halloween or bedtime read-aloud will love Leo. Serve it with a cup of mint tea and honey toast.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

Swan, the Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova
by Laurel Snyder
illustrated by Julie Morstad

This week's bookshelf pick is from cottager Anika Denise

What it's all about...
Swan is a picture book biography of Anna Pavlova, one of the most famous and gifted prima ballerinas of all time.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf...
Because it’s exquisite. The language is spare and delicate; the illustrations, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Like a classic ballet, it builds steadily to the dramatic transformation of Anna into the Swan, then recedes gracefully through her later career and tragic early death.

Our favorite line(s)
Finally,
she steps into the stage alone. . .
and sprouts white wings, a swan.
She weaves the notes, the very air
into a story.
All those sitting see.
They stare—
Anna is a bird in flight,
a whim of wind and water.
Quiet feathers in a big loud world.
Anna is the swan.

Our favorite illustration...

From Swan, by Laurel Snyder, © 2015 by Julie Morstad

Why kids will love it...
Any child interested in dance or the arts will be drawn to Swan. But all children can take something from this tale of modest beginnings, rise, triumph and tragedy. The essence of Pavlova’s unique life and talent is captured here, and children will respond to the transcendent spirit of it.

Why grown-ups will love it...
While truly a lovely stand-alone read, it also begs further conversation about life in a Czar-ruled Russia, class struggles, hope, dreams, determination, artistic expression, and the role of art in society. Snyder writes a lovely author’s note at the end about the lasting impact Pavolva made on the ballet world. Parents, teachers and librarians can use Swan, and Snyder’s closing essay, to spark an inspiring discussion in young readers.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

STAR WARS EPIC YARNS
by Jack & Holman Wang

May the 4th be with you!

What it's all about...
The Holman twins take on Star Wars in three board books featuring their handcrafted fuzzy felt characters. These eye-popping books features twelve iconic scenes, each summarized in one word.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf... 
These books had us at Star Wars, and the illustrations are incredible! Just check out that Chewbacca.

Our favorite line...
father 

Our favorite illustrations... 

From STAR WARS EPIC YARNS: RETURN OF THE JEDI. Illustration copyright 2015 by Jack and Holman Wang.

From STAR WARS EPIC YARNS: A NEW HOPE. Illustration copyright 2015 by Jack and Holman Wang.

Why kids will love it...  
Light sabers! Ewoks! Droids! Yoda! Even those unfamiliar with Star Wars will find lots to pore over in these illustrations.

Why grown-ups will love it... 
Epic Yarns will be a hit with Star Wars fans of any age.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

RUDE CAKES

by Rowboat Watkins

(Chronicle, June 2, 2015)

This week's pick is from Cottager, Anika Denise

What it's all about...

Who knew that cakes were so rude?! In this deliciously entertaining book, a not-so-sweet cake—who never says please or thank you or listens to its parents—gets its just desserts.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf...
Because it's funny, original and the story takes a quirky, unexpected turn. (Full disclosure: I received an advance copy from the publisher, but this book stood out among the stack. I just had to read it—and then my kids had to read it, and then we all read it again and again.)

Our favorite line…
"They also think baths are dumb

Seriously, I'm a cake, how dirty can I be?

and that bedtime is for donut holes."

Our favorite illustrations…

Why kids will love it... 
Super-cute illustrations, quirky humor and a surprise twist will have kids giggling from the words "rude cakes." Like Drew Daywalt's lovable, irreverent Crayons, we predict Watkins' canny confections will capture the hearts of kids around the world.

Why grown-ups will love it…
It's a totally fresh and funny take on a manners book, fun to read aloud, and charming. Plus, we like that the author goes by his nickname, Rowboat. Anyone named Rowboat must be a cool dude.