Happy Tuesday, kidlit friends! My daughter and I spent the morning at the library where I caught up with a friend of mine who recently started working as a teen librarian there while my daughter ran around playing at their block table, on the computer, and coloring. We love our library!
Bookish Goods
Diwali Coloring Book by CrispyDoodles
This adorable children’s Diwali coloring book is a perfect accompaniment to the holiday. $10
New Releases
Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork by Constance Lombardo, illustrated by Dan and Jason (picture book)
This is one of my daughter’s most-read picture books of the year. It’s a hilarious story about a spoon and fork arguing over which one is more important to Baby. Then Baby stomps in and promptly throws both. How will the two make it back to Baby? Can they work together? This is a really fun one to read aloud.
Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega, illustrated by Rose Bousamra (middle grade)
This awesome middle grade graphic novel celebrates curly hair and self-love. Now that Marlene is in middle school, her mother Paola wants her to grow up and start straightening her super curly hair. But Marlene hates going to the hair salon. Inspired by her Tía Ruby, who keeps her hair natural, Marlene decides to defy her mother’s expectations and give her curls free reign.
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter!
Riot Recommendations
Diwali is celebrated on October 24th, so I thought I’d recommend some new Diwali picture books!
Diwali in My New Home by Shachi Kaushik, illustrated by Aishwarya Tandon (picture book)
Priya loves Diwali, but this year is different. This year, Priya and her family have moved from India to the United States, and it seems like no one celebrates Diwali here. Priya misses the fireworks and festivities in the streets. However, as she makes rangoli art, her neighbors stop by and ask if they can celebrate Diwali with her. Maybe Diwali looks different in the United States, but it can still be celebrated with friends.
It’s Diwali! by By Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan (picture book)
This vibrantly illustrated picture book follows the tune to “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe.” “One, two, mehndi for you,” the opening pages say. From yummy jalebis to colorful fireworks and zooming rickshaws, this is a super fun Diwali sing-along for younger kids.
My Diwali Light by Raakhee Mirchandani, illustrated by Supriya Kelkar (picture book)
Devi’s favorite holiday is Diwali. This sweet picture book follows Devi through the day as she celebrates with her mama, papa, and nani and visits friends and family who celebrate as well. Every family has a different way of honoring the day, from plentiful samosas to chow down on to hiring a DJ and breaking out in dance. But Devi loves helping with the Diwali puja ritual most of all.
Let’s Celebrate Diwali by Anjali Joshi, illustrated by Tim Palin (picture book)
Harini is excited to share everything she knows about Diwali during circle time at school, but when she arrives at school she’s surprised to find that other kids are dressed up for Diwali too. It turns out that Harini isn’t the only student who celebrates the holiday, and as each student takes turns sharing Diwali history during circle time, Harini learns many things about the holiday. This is a great introduction to the holiday.
Marian started reading last year, but she’s just now started reading completely by herself, as in, she grabs a book, finds a comfy spot (like an upside-down Sesame Street couch), and reads to herself. It’s delightful! I love seeing how much she loves books. I always turn my phone on silent before snapping a picture, so she doesn’t realize I’m snooping on her. 🙂
If you’d like to read more of my kidlit reviews, I’m on Instagram @BabyLibrarians, Twitter @AReaderlyMom, and blog irregularly at Baby Librarians. You can also read my Book Riot posts. If you’d like to drop me a line, my email is kingsbury.margaret@gmail.com.
Until next Tuesday!
Margaret Kingsbury