Hi Kid Lit Friends,
I am writing this newsletter in the aftermath of the Monterey Park shooting in California that killed 10 people and wounded 10 others. I went to a school in Monterey Park when I was in first grade. It was there where I learned how to read my first words — a truly magical time. My teacher taught us how to wrap wontons for the Lunar New Year. My heart goes out to that community and to everyone who has been affected by gun violence.
Bookish Goods
Bookish Neon Light by atinyleaf
A sweet light that changes color by remote control. It also looks wonderful on the wall when it’s not lit up! $48
New Releases
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
The Folio Society produces some of the most beautiful editions of books, such as The Neverending Story that comes with metallic printed endpapers (!), eight full-page illustrations (!), and a gorgeous slipcase (!). This is a perfect gift book, and be sure to check out The Folio Society’s other gorgeous children’s books such as Grimm’s Fairy Tales, A Christmas Carol, and A Wizard of Earthsea.
Hello, Opportunity by Shaelyn McDaniel, illustrated by Cornelia Li
There is something so charming about the Mars rovers, and Opportunity in particular has won the hearts of millions of people around the world. I teared up when reading this book about the creation, launch, and mission of the Opportunity Mars Rover! Expected to fulfill a three month mission, Oppy explored Mars for 15 years.
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
I think it’s a good day to talk about picture books where love is at the center.
Keyana Loves Her Family by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
Keyana wants to plan a backyard soiree…all by herself! But things keep going wrong no matter how hard she tries, and she realizes that getting help from others is a gift, especially when she has a family who loves her and wants to support her.
The Love Letter by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
I love this cheerful, fun book about a hedgehog who comes across a letter. But it’s not just any letter, it’s a love letter! He goes about his business feeling oddly cheerful, and the letter somehow gets into the hands of Bunny, and then Squirrel finds it…you see where this is going? I adore these delightful illustrations and the humor.
How to Send a Hug by Hayley Rocco and John Rocco
Hayley loves giving hugs, and she is darn good at it, too. But the one person she can’t hug all she wants is her grandma, and that is why she has to send her hugs through the mail. This sweet book is right up my alley because it involves mail, and you all know how much I love mail…
A Pinch of Love by Barry Timms and Tisha Lee
Baking is a joy, especially when you’re always taught to add a pinch of love to the cookies you’re making. Giving out those cookies can brighten anyone’s day, and it can even be a powerful way to make change in your community.
Speaking of love, if you’re looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift, try Tailored Book Recommendations. Tell our professional booknerds about what your loved ones enjoy and what they don’t, what they’re reading goals are, and what they need more of in their bookish life. Then, they sit back while our Bibliologists go to work selecting books just for them. TBR has plans for every budget. Visit mytbr.co/gift.
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.
I am pet sitting my neighbor’s cats for a couple of weeks while she’s in Japan. This is Shiroi!
Happy reading!
Karina
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