Hi Kid Lit Friends,
As I’m writing this, I’m helping prepare my dog Lalo for a therapy dog evaluation. By the time this newsletter goes out, we will know whether Lalo has passed the test! It has been a really fun six weeks of learning about therapy animals and training Lalo, and I’m crossing my fingers that he will pass. I’ll include an update next week!
Bookish Goods
Corgi Butt Felted Bookmark by BenMcFuzzylugs
I mean, come on. How can you resist such a cute bookmark? Also, corgi butts are the cutest. $18
New Releases
Puppy Life: The First Eight Weeks of Bonding, Playing, and Growing by Traer Scott
If you need a little pick me up, pick up this book! My daughter and I looked through it when we were both feeling a little tired, and the book definitely woke us up (probably because with every page turn we had to say “Awwwwww!”). This book follows six different breeds of puppies from birth to eight weeks.
PAWS: Gabby Gets It Together by Michele Assarasakorn and Nathan Fairbairn
In this Babysitter’s Club-esque graphic novel, three friends, who for different reasons can’t have their own dogs, decide to start a dog walking business. They’ll get to hang out with dogs everyday after school and make money doing it! What could go wrong?
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
A wonderful poem can evoke the strongest emotions. Here are four picture books that use poetry in creative and beautiful ways.
Awe-some Days: Poems about the Jewish Holidays by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte
This lovely collection follows a family that decides to celebrate all the Jewish holidays within one year — the holidays they know and the ones they aren’t so familiar with. Join them as they explore new traditions and the history behind them.
Hip Hop Speaks to Children: A Celebration of Poetry with a Beat edited by Nikki Giovanni, illustrated by Alicia Vergel de Dios, Damian Ward, Kristen Balouch, Jeremy Tugeau, and Michele Noiset
This wonderful collection, edited by the great Nikki Giovanni and illustrated by a number of incredible artists, is sure to get kids excited by rhythm and rhyme. The included CD is a wonderful way to enjoy the poems and is a reminder that poetry is meant to be shared and spoken.
The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman
I love this book and have given it to many people. It is a story of inspiration and aspiration, written by the now famous Amanda Gorman who delivered this poem at the presidential inauguration of President Joseph Biden.
Poetry for Young People: Langston Hughes edited by David Roessel and Arnold Rampersand, illustrated by Benny Andrews
I adore this collection of Langston Hughes’ poetry combined with the gorgeous illustrations by Benny Andrews. There is also a wonderful forward by acclaimed author Renée Watson.
What are you reading these days?
Let me know! Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at KarinaBookRiot@gmail.com.
Until next time,
Karina
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