Sponsored by Snapdragon by Kat Leyh with First Second.
Snap’s town has a witch. At least, that’s how the rumor goes. But in reality, Jacks is just a crocks-wearing, internet-savvy old lady who sells roadkill skeletons online—after doing a little ritual to put their spirits to rest. They make a deal: Jacks will teach Snap how to take care of the baby opossums that Snap rescued, and Snap will help Jacks with her work. But as Snap starts to get to know Jacks, she realizes that Jacks may in fact have real magic—and a connection with Snap’s family’s past.
Hello readers!
We’re all about the girls this week at TKAAR towers. I’ve picked out a mixture of new releases written by women and which celebrate everything great about being a girl. Whether your small readers are political activists, passionate readers, environmental warriors, or inventive young minds that won’t sit still, there’s a book here for them and their dreams. Who run the world? Girls! [insert Beyoncé gif here…]
Help Wanted, Must Love Books by Janet Sumner Johnson, illustrations Courtney Dawson
Shailey loves her bedtime routine, but her dad’s new job is getting in the way – so she posts a Help Wanted sign! Some very familiar faces apply – but they all come with problems and none of them are as good as her dad. Soft, rich artwork underscores this fun look at daddy / daughter bonds (and also the unsuitability of giants for bedtime stories…).
Wood, Wire, Wings: Emma Lilian Todd Invents An Airplane by Kirsten W. Larson, illustrations Tracy Subisak
Meet Emma Lilian Todd, inventor. Her story towards inventing an airplane is told in this charming non-fiction biography. It gets bonus points for those intensely evocative illustrations, and also for telling the little-heard story of a remarkable woman. This is perfect for all your little inventors!
My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrations by Francesca Sanna
Start your Earth Day 2020 (22nd April) preparation now with this love letter to our planet. It comes from the author of Sarah, Plain and Tall and the author / illustrator of The Journey, so that’s a great team to begin with. Coupled with the fact that it’s a beautiful read and beautifully produced, this is an absolute winner.
Fight of the Century: Alice Paul Battles Woodrow Wilson for the Vote by Barb Rosenstock, illustrations Sarah Green
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment with this potent, fierce book. It uses the metaphor of a boxing match to explore the battle for women’s suffrage – merging a vintage aesthetic with some pointed political commentary.
Yusra Swims by Julie Abery, illustrations Sally Deng
Yusra Mardini is a swimmer who competed in the 2016 Olympic Games as part of the Refugee Olympic Athletes Team after having to leave her home country of Syria. This is the story of that journey – and all it entailed. It’s told with restraint and eloquence in a series of rhyming couplets alongside some beautiful and moving artwork.
Okay, that’s all for this week! Don’t forget that you can say hello to me on social media @chaletfan. and also elsewhere on Book Riot co-hosting the biweekly litfic podcast Novel Gazing. And of course, I’ll always be found in the nearest book store accidentally on purpose buying something new to read.
Louise.