The Little Crooked Bookshelf on ReviewsDay!

TERRIFIC TONGUES!
by Maria Gianferrari
illustrated by Jia Liu

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

What it's all about...
A nonfiction ode to tongues! From woodpeckers to frogs to bats — who knew animal tongues could be so much fun? Readers can imagine what it would be like to have a tongue like a sword, a straw, and party blower, among other cool comparisons.

Why I love it...
Because it's packed full of great info but is not bogged down by its facts. Terrific Tongues moves along lickety-split! It's funny, interesting, and the illustrations are marvelous.

Favorite lines...
If you had a 
tongue like a washcloth.
you might be an. . .

OKAPI!

An okapi's tongue is like a 
washcloth. Okapi tongues 
are so long that okapis can use them to 
wash their eyes and ears.

A few of my fave illustrations...

What's the kid-appeal?
Little kids love learning weird and interesting facts. Facts about tongues? Fascinating! In an easy-to-digest, playfully-illustrated format, readers can discover all sorts of tasty tongue tidbits such as: a giant anteater flicks its tongue 160 times a minute.

What's the grownup appeal?
It works beautifully as a read-aloud, and it's also a great choice for kids who like their STEM lessons served up silly.

Where to find/ buy Terrific Tongues
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Or at a school or library near you!

MARIA GIANFERRARI is the author of both fiction and nonfiction picture books, including the Penny and Jelly books, Coyote Moon, and Hello Goodbye Dog. She lives in Virginia. Visit mariagianferrari.com.

JIA LIU received her MFA in Illustration Practice from Maryland Institute College of Art. Terrific Tongues! is her debut picture book. She lives in Baltimore, Maryland. Visit jia-liu-t7ay.squarespace.com.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on ReviewsDay!

Dear oh-so-patient readers,

We apologize for our absence this September. We cottagers (Anika Denise, Kara LaReau, Jamie Michalak and Mr. Pig) have been up to our ears in bookish things, and haven't been able to visit as much as we'd like.

The good news? WE'RE BACK! And we've been doing some redecorating.

In order to accommodate our writing deadlines, appearances, school visits, etc., AND keep hosting kidlit faves in the Cottage—we're changing things up a bit.

With a big nod of thanks to author Jess Keating, we're pleased to join the #ReviewsDay movement, by posting reviews of our favorite picture books, early chapter books, and middle grade novels, every Tuesday. We'll simultaneously post to the Cottage's GOODREADS account, and on AMAZON. This helps readers, by spreading the word about books we think are truly FANTÁSTICO! And helps authors, who rely on reviews to help boost sales and visibility of their titles.

Voila! A win-win.

And guess what? YOU can help, too—by commenting, sharing our reviews on social media, and by  posting Tuesday #ReviewsDay of your own, for books you love.

So... without further ado, our first #ReviewsDay selection is...

HELLO GOODBYE DOG

by Maria Gianferrari

pictures by Patrice Barton

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

What it's all about...
Zara, a little girl in a wheelchair, has a special bond with her lovable dog Moose. Moose loves saying hello to Zara, but isn't so fond of goodbye. So when it's time for Zara to go off to school, Moose figures out a way to pay her a visit.

Why I love it...
Even if I didn't know Maria Gianferrari is a passionate dog-lover (I do), it's abundantly clear from the warmth and humor of her story. As I was reading, I found myself thinking: Yup, that's exactly what a dog would say if he could talk. Patrice Barton's equally expressive illustrations provide a perfect complement to the charming text.

My favorite line(s)...
"Goodbye was a tag without an 'It.'
Goodbye was a tug and no war.
Goodbye was a hide without seek.
Goodbye was being alone.
AAAA-WOOO, yowled Moose."

What's the kid-appeal?
Kids with dogs (or those who desperately want one, like mine) are sure to love this story of a devoted furry friend.

What's the grownup appeal?
Parents and educators will no doubt welcome the addition of this heartwarming story, featuring a diverse main character and a lovable (yet imperfect) pet, to their libraries. An author's note at the end includes information on therapy dogs and their uses in classrooms and libraries—providing a wonderful discussion prompt for ability differences, and how dogs (to quote the author) can have "pawsitive" effects in a variety of environments.

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

Or at a school or library near you!

Maria Gianferrari is the author of several picture books, including Coyote Moon, published by Roaring Brook Press. For Maria, hello is sunshine after a snowstorm, the scent of cinnamon, and happy greetings from her beloved mutt, Becca. Maria lives in northern Virginia with Becca, her scientist husband and her artist daughter. To learn more about Maria, visit her at mariagianferrari.com.

Patrice Barton is the illustrator of over twenty picture and chapter books, including the award-winning MINE! by Shutta Crum and The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig. Her chapter books include Junior Library Guild selections The Year of Three Sisters (An Anna Wang Noel) by Andrea Cheng and The Naming of Tishkin Silk by Glenda Millard. Patrice lives with her husband and her sweet dog, Archer. You can learn more about her at partricebarton.com.

Our Summer Reading List... and a Giveaway!

School's out (or will be soon) for many of us, so that means it's time to share the Cottage's summer reading list — a list of the books we're looking forward to curling up with — on the beach, in a hammock, or tucked into a sleeping bag, with a flashlight.

Plus, we have a special guest in the Cottage, author Maria Gianferrari, to tell us about her new book (perfect for summer reading) Penny & Jelly Slumber Under The Stars, illustrated by Thyra Heder. 

Leave a comment in the comments section below for a chance to win a copy! 

On sale June 14, 2016; HMH Books for Young Readers 

Maria is a favorite guest and frequent visitor to the Cottage, so we asked her to fill in our familiar Crooked Bookshelf questions about Penny & Jelly Slumber Under the Stars. Take it away, Maria!

What it's all about:
"Penny's invited to a sleepover under the stars party at the local recreation center. She's really excited to go, but then she learns no pets are allowed. She tries making pretend Jellys, but when she discovers that there's no substitute for the real Jelly, Penny finds a solution."

My favorite line(s):
"My favorite lines are the last lines of the book: 'Penny slumbered under a constellation of friends, surrounded by a galaxy of Jellys. Even though only one of them was just right.' And Thyra’s art makes them even more meaningful and touching."

My favorite illustration:

"I love Thyra’s art for both Penny & Jelly books, but one of my favorites has to be the bedroom spread early in the book where Penny is pointing out constellations to Jelly. Once again, Thyra has included such lovely details: Penny’s purple pawprint pajamas, the dog star, Sirius in constellation Canis Major, glowing on the ceiling, the bright blue color palette, Penny’s star quilt."

Why kids will love it:
"I hope they will love it! Who wouldn’t want to slumber under some stars with their favorite animal friends? I think they’ll also like the funny Jellys that Penny makes. Thyra outdid herself with these!"

Why grow-ups will love it:
"It’s a sweet friendship story, and Penny is loyal to her canine BFF, Jelly. What I love about Penny is her dogged (ha-ha!) determination—she’s creative, resourceful and a problem solver. These are all admirable qualities that parents would love to see in their own kids."

We can't wait to read it, Maria!  (Readers, don't forget to comment below to enter to win a copy!)

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

Here are a few more books we can't wait to get our hands on this summer.

From Kara . . .

The Blobfish Book by Jessica Olien 

"Because nothing says summer like ocean facts presented by a very ugly (misunderstood) sea creature."

The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner 

"Kate Messner is a master storyteller; I can’t wait to dive into her latest, in which a young girl can’t seem to get her family’s attention…until she manages to catch a magic fish that grants her wishes."

Sea Change by Frank Viva 

"I love Frank Viva’s picture books; looking forward to reading this story for older readers, about a boy sent to spend the summer with family in a remote fishing village in Nova Scotia, and how he eventually finds a place for himself there."

From Jamie . . . 

Monster Trucks by Anika Denise; 
illustrated by Nate Wragg;

The Infamous Ratsos by Kara LaReau; illustrated by Matt Meyers;

Project (Un)Popular by Kristen Tracy

"Because ... duh." 

The Inn Between by Marina Cohen

"My idea of heavenly summer reading is a big stack of dark and creepy middle grade mysteries, such as The Night Gardener, the Lockwood & Co. series, The Greenglass House, and Nooks & Crannies. So this tale about two best friends who stay in a frightening, old Victorian hotel is high on my to-read list."

Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen

"Pax and Peter have been inseparable ever since Peter rescued him as a kit. Until Peter's dad enlists in the military and makes him return the fox to the wild. But Peter rebels, and makes the long trek to find his dear pet. I've been hearing glowing praise for Pax since it pubbed, and am looking forward to reading it—with a box of Kleenex handy."

This is My Dollhouse by Giselle Potter

"This book had me at 'Giselle Potter.' And 'dollhouse.' And descriptions like this one. Yes, please."

From Anika . . .

Finding Wild by Megan Wagner Lloyd; illustrated by Abigail Halpin

"I believe summers were made for long stretches of unstructured time outdoors. Finding Wild beautifully celebrates that spirit."

Swing Sideways by Nanci Turner Steveson

"I was a city kid who went off to my grandma's house in upstate New York every summer, so I'm especially looking forward to reading about Annie, who takes a similar journey from the Big Apple to rural New York, where she meets a free-spirited girl named California. I love a classic friendship story, and this one is told in the perfect summer setting."  

The Shadow Hero by Gene Luen Yang, illustrated by Sonny Liew 

"My daughter and I have been checking out more and more graphic novels from the library recently. This one, by children's literature ambassador Gene Luen Yang, is next on our list. It's a revival of the original 1940's comic book series about The Green Turtle, the first Asian superhero." 

What are you looking forward to reading this summer? We'd love to know. Tell us below for a chance to win Penny & Jelly Slumber Under the Stars by Maria Gianferrari!

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The Little Crooked Bookshelf

COYOTE MOON

by Maria Gianferrari 

illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline

This week's pick is from cottager Jamie Michalak.

What it's all about ...
Moon rises, as Coyote wakes in her den, a hallowed-out pine in a cemetery.... So begins Maria Gianferrari's riveting picture book, masterfully illustrated by Bagram Ibatouliine, about a suburban coyote stalking prey to feed her hungry cubs.  

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf … 
Coyote Moon takes children along on the coyote's nightly adventure, offering kids a rare peek at what might happen in their own neighborhood while they're fast asleep.

My favorite lines …
Twigs crack.
Rabbit freezes.
Ears twitch.
Coyote lunges.
Rabbit leaps.
Shadows blur. 

My favorite illustration …

From COYOTE MOON by Maria Gianferrari. Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline.

Why kids will love it …
Children love learning about nocturnal animals. After reading this story, they'll find a "Coyote Facts" section. (Did you know that coyotes can leap up to twelve feet to pounce on prey? Whoa!) 

Why grown-ups will love it …

Drama, action, thrills, and chills ... Coyote Moon is a delicious read-aloud!
Yeeeep-yip-yip-yoooo!

Mr. Pig Live . . . with Penny and Jelly! And a GIVEAWAY!*

 

Welcome to my hit daytime talk show, Mr. Pig LIVE! I'm your host, Mr. Pig. Today's guests are in show biz, too. They're the stars of a charming new picture book by Maria Gianferrari and Thyra Heder.

With a little help from her dog Jelly, Penny realizes that she and Jelly have a unique talent to share--unlike any other in the school talent show.

Let's give a big round of applause to . . .

PENNY & JELLY!

<<applause>>

Welcome, Penny (and Jelly)! What is your full name?
Penelope Ann Butter.

I love your boa and tee-shirt look. What one word best describes you? Besides "stylish"?
Creative.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring?
Jelly, of course (and some water).

From PENNY AND JELLY: THE SCHOOL SHOW. Illustration copyright 2015 by Maria Gianferrari.

Um, Penny, what's in your pocket?
A toad. Don’t worry—its head is sticking out.

I see! What is your idea of the perfect day?
A picnic with Jelly beside a lake.
  
What are you reading right now?
I’m re-reading my favorite book, Because of Winn Dixie; Jelly’s reading Gaston. 

Two of my favorite characters! What is your favorite word?
Friend.

From PENNY AND JELLY: THE SCHOOL SHOW. Illustration copyright 2015 by Maria Gianferrari.

 
What is your favorite sound?
Jelly singing.

If you could dine with three characters from other books, who would they be?
Could I have a play-date for Jelly instead? With Hound (from The Penderwicks), Winn Dixie, and HMS Beagle? 

Forgive me, but I ask this questions of all my guests. Do you have a belly button?
Of course—it’s an “inny.”

Last question. What was it like working with Maria Gianferrari?
It was fun, but Thyra gives me a lot more freedom. 

Thanks for joining us today, Penny and Jelly! Please stay for a PENNY & JELLY-themed lunch, prepared especially for you by Nina at Mamabelly's Lunches with Love.

(Scroll down to check out today's Literary Lunch!) 

* Win a copy of PENNY & JELLY: THE SCHOOL SHOW! Leave a comment to enter. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, September 23.

* Last week's Back-to-School Giveaway winner of a signed copy of Audrey Vernick and Matthew Cordell's First Grade Dropout is: Lori Alexander! Congrats, Lori! Please email littlecrookedcottage@gmail.com with your mailing info. 


About the book
PENNY & JELLY
THE SCHOOL SHOW
by Maria Gianferrari; illustrated by Thyra Heder
HMH Books for Young Readers, July 2015
ISBN 978-0544230149

"Penny and Jelly are sure to warm the hearts of both future talent-show contestants and readers who have similarly close canine friends." --Kirkus

"Little ones anxious about finding a talent will be reassured by this heartening tale with a cozy conclusion: sometimes the best talent is friendship." --Booklist 
 
PENNY & JELLY
SLUMBER UNDER THE STARS
by Maria Gianferrari; illustrated by Thyra Heder
HMH Books for Young Readers, June 2016
ISBN 978-0544280052

In this young and funny picture book companion to Penny & Jelly: The School Show, Penny is invited to go to a slumber-under-the-stars sleepover—but with no pets allowed, how can Penny enjoy the night? Readers of Pinkalicious and Ladybug Girl will swoon over best friends Penny & Jelly.

About the author

Photo credit: Monogram Arts Photo

Maria Gianferrari writes both fiction and nonfiction picture books from her sunny, book-lined study in northern Virginia, with dog, Becca as her muse. Maria’s debut picture book is Penny & Jelly: The School Show, illustrated by Thyra Heder. A second Penny & Jelly book titled, Penny & Jelly Slumber Under the Stars, will be released in June 2016. Maria has five additional books forthcoming from Roaring Brook and Boyds Mills Presses as well as Aladdin Books for Young Readers in the coming years. To learn more about Maria, visit her website: mariagianferrari.com and on Facebook.

And you can visit Penny & Jelly at their website: pennyandjelly.com, and on Instagram: #pennyandjelly.

About the illustrator

Thyra Heder grew up in the Boston area and now lives in Brooklyn, where she spends a lot of time drawing in the studio with her dog, Toby. She has a special talent for losing things and dancing like a maniac. She has performed in a school show only once, lip-synching to the Grease soundtrack as Danny Zuko. Her first picture book, Fraidyzoo, garnered numerous starred reviews and accolades, and her newest book, The Bear Report, will be released in October 2015.You can learn more about Thyra and her work at www.thyraheder.com.