Hi Kid Lit Friends,
The holiday season is upon us, and no matter how often I tell myself I will get ahead of the chaos, it always feels as if it sneaks up on me. On top of that, we have family birthdays in November and December, so it seems like I’m baking nonstop these two months. How are you all feeling as we get into the holidays?
Bookish Goods
Book Locket Necklace by SilkPurseSowsEar
This is a sweet gift for the booklover in your family. Not only does it hold two photos, you can include a short message or quote that is folded up and tucked inside. $27+
New Releases
Dadaji’s Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Ruchi Mhasane
This gorgeous picture book is set in a tiny village in India where a boy and his grandfather spend their days painting. I love the dreamy illustrative quality paired with the clear affection between the two main characters.
Operation Final Notice by Matthew Landis
I am a huge fan of Matthew Landis’s middle grade books (my favorite being The Not So Boring Letters of Private Nobody). This book, set in the months leading to the start of the new year, is told in alternating perspectives between Ronny and his best friend Jo. They are both dealing with very different problems but find that the only way they can get through this is with each other.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Today’s book recommendations are all about gratitude!
Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten, illustrated by Garry Meeches Sr.
When the pilgrims arrived in North America, they were given the gift of the Wampanoag’s care. Without the Wampanoag, the pilgrims would not have made it through their first winter. In particular, the Wampanoag’s cultivation of Weeâchumun (corn) was integral to their thanksgiving story. This book comes with a pronunciation key and definitions.
Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
This is one of my favorite picture books by one of my favorite author/illustrators! In this story, a young child watches as their grandmother prepares an aromatic stew that has everyone knocking on their door for a taste! With Omu giving away all of their food, will there be anything left for them?
What Is Given From the Heart by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by April Harrison
This is one of my absolute favorite picture books about giving generously even when it’s difficult. When a neighbor loses everything in a fire, the community comes together to provide for their neighbor’s needs. But what does James have that is worth giving?
Our Little Kitchen by Jillian Tamaki
As someone who volunteers regularly at a soup kitchen, I really appreciated this book and how it shows all the ways people come together to use what they have to make meals for people who might be hungry.
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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