Ten Favorite Community Picture Books

May 7, 2024 Stefanie Hohl

If there’s one thing we all crave, it’s connection! No matter what age, connection to family, to friends, and to community can help people find joy and strength, even in the most difficult circumstances. We’ve listed some of our favorite picture books about community below—including many true stories about people whose ideas and efforts made a huge difference to the world around them. If that’s not the kind of courage we want to instill in our kids, we don’t know what is! Enjoy!

Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell, illustrated by Rafael López

Even though her neighborhood is plain and gray, Mira loves adding color by giving hand-drawn notes to friends and drawing pictures. Then she meets the muralist, a seemingly magical man with paintbrushes, big ideas, and an invitation to join in the fun. Before she knows it, her entire community is painting the walls, sidewalks, and even the utility boxes in her neighborhood! Based on the true story of San Diego’s Urban Art Trail, this story is infused with a sense of community and love of the arts—and tells the true story in the end pages!

We’re Better Together: A Book About Community by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Ekaterina Trukhan

This sweet story reminds us that we’re better together in most aspects of our lives: when we help our neighbors, clean up a park, play on the playground, and even when we stay safe during a storm! With colorful illustrations and simple text, this book gives great examples of the power of community in our everyday lives.

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson

CJ’s not particularly happy as he and his Nana ride the Sunday bus to the last stop on Market Street. Why don’t they have a car? He asks. Why can’t he have earphones? Why can’t a blind man see? Why do they have to go at all? But the more questions he asks, the more CJ’s Nana and fellow passengers show him that the most beautiful things are often found in places CJ never thought to look. Winner of the Newbery medal, this book inspires readers to find goodness and beauty all around them!

Hey, Wall: A Story of Art and Community by Susan Verde, illustrated by John Parra

“Hey Wall!” says the narrator to the big blank wall in the community. Although neighborhood children cheer for spring flowers in sidewalk cracks, eat treats from the ice cream truck, and listen to family stories, no one notices, cares for, or appreciates the empty wall. Not until the narrator, along with his friends and family, transform it into a memory-filled community art piece that can’t be overlooked. With its bright and engaging illustrations, this book will draw you in and inspire you to bring joy to your community!

Thank You, Omu by Oge Mora

After Omu makes thick red stew in her big fat pot for a nice evening meal, she is surprised by a knock at her door. First a little boy, then a police officer, a hot dog vendor, and many others stop to ask about the delicious smell! With every knock, Omu shares her stew, but when it’s time for Omu to eat, the thick red stew is all gone! Just as she worries she has nothing left to share, her grateful community arrives with a wonderful surprise! Grab this heart-warming story with Oge Mora’s wonderful text and colorful collage illustrations.

111 Trees: How One Village Celebrates the Birth of Every Girl by Rina Singh, illustrated by Marianne Ferrer

When his mother dies, young Sundar wraps his arms around a tree in his grief. Later, when his oldest daughter also dies, he honors her memory by planting trees. As he does so, he realizes that planting trees is the key to saving his small village from destruction by a nearby mine, hunger, and lack of education. He proposes a plan to plant 111 trees for every baby girl—even though girls are not valued among his community members. Will the villagers agree to his crazy plan? Based on the true story of Sundar Paliwal, this book reminds readers that one voice can make a huge difference.

Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay by Susan Hood, illustrated by Sally Wern Comport

When Ada’s grandmother sees a flyer for Mr. Chavez’s music lessons, she signs her granddaughters up right away. But in a city built on trash, there aren’t enough instruments to go around. In this true story, Mr. Chavez searches the trash heap for scraps to make into instruments. Thanks to his ingenuity and a lot of hard work, Ada and over thirty children in her neighborhood become the Recycled Orchestra, creating beautiful music despite difficult circumstances. Their story celebrates the power of music as it transforms communities and people.

Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood by Tony Hillery, illustrated by Jessie Hartland

Across from Neveah’s school is “the haunted garden,” a vacant lot filled with all kinds of trash. But when Mr. Tony comes to P.S. 175, all that changes. With the help of Neveah and her classmates, Mr. Tony clears the lot, dumps soil, and plants all kinds of seeds! Thanks to Mr. Tony’s big idea, Neveah’s haunted garden becomes an actual garden, growing healthy food to feed her community. Written by Mr. Tony himself, this is another true story of building community in small but mighty ways.

Blackout by John Rocco

In this almost-wordless picture book, a boy wants to play a board game, but his family members are all too busy—until the power goes out! During the blackout, he and his family head up to the roof, where stars shine, music plays, and neighbors gather for an unexpected block party. Then they head down to the street, where even more neighbors are relax, eat ice cream, and play in the water from the fire hydrant. But when the lights go back on, the boy still wants to play! Can he convince his family to share even more family time? Gorgeous illustrations tell this story of family, community, and the importance of quality time.

Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen, illustrated by Sandie Sonke

In this sweet book, we’re reminded that family can be more than the people related to us. Even a school class can be a family! With simple, rhyming text and colorful illustrations, this story reminds us of all the ways that the members of a classroom can also be like family.

I hope you enjoyed these Ten Favorite Community Picture Books!

For more great ideas, feel free to check out 10 Favorite Environmental Picture Books or 10 Favorite Mindfulness Picture Books!

And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss more great ideas and future blog posts!

Picture Books That Expand a Child Reader’s Concept of Community with Christy Chase

May 1, 2024 Stefanie Hohl

We are so excited to have Christy Chase join us today to share information about Community Picture Books!

Christy earned her MFA from the Writing for Children and Young Adults program at Vermont College of Fine Arts in July, 2023. Before that, she taught grades 4-8 in a variety of elementary and middle schools. She has a lifelong love of children’s literature, particularly picture books. She is currently writing picture books, chapter books, a middle grade novel-in-verse, and poetry. She lives in Pawtucket, RI, where she stares out the window thinking really hard, and where she teaches Iyengar yoga.

There are many types of picture books for kids on the theme of community. And rightly so; feeling connected to the people and places around you is an essential part of being a healthy human.

Sometimes this theme is interpreted as looking at the different roles people have, such as police officer, firefighter, baker, nurse, etc. In kidlit, these might be nonfiction, and can be part of a series.

We can also look at geographic communities, such as a suburban neighborhood, city block, or rural town, to see what makes them tick. Or, some books compare geographic traits with similar communities around the world.

Another interpretation of a community-themed book is to tell a story about groups of people; for example, within extended families, faith congregations, or school settings. Some look at groups that share similar physical traits, identities, or culturally-connected customs.

Finally, some picture books highlight individual characters who help their community, discover their ability to create positive change, and bring people together.

I’m sharing a handful out of the giant pile of books you can find about communities. Hopefully, you’ll find at least one that makes you laugh, tugs at your heart-strings, or inspires you.

In the Neighborhood by Rocio Bonilla

I fell in love with this humorous, animal-filled tale about neighbors who are strangers. Each makes an incorrect assumption about the neighbor next door, until one day, the owl’s internet goes out and Matilda, the very handy robot designer, is able to help her. A domino effect occurs, and in the end, you can guess, a happy community is created. The roles held by – and the personalities of – the animals are ones often seen within a child reader’s own community. Very clever, detailed, beautiful watercolor illustrations.

Hey, Wall: A Story of Art and Community by Susan Verde, illustrated by John Parra

Told through the voice of a boy, this book features diverse characters in an urban setting. Colorful community members share food, dancing, memories, laughter, but the wall is just a plain concrete nothing. The boy has a dream of how to change it, and gathers folks to design the transformation. “Hey, Wall! Look at you now. You are beautiful. Now you tell the real story of us. And together we are somethin’ to see!”

Hey, Wall honors a child’s dream to create beauty out of drab concrete with the help of his community. Vibrantly illustrated by John Parra.

Everybody in the Red Brick Building by Anne Wynter, illustrated by Oge Mora

This book is a visual and aural feast. Wynter uses onomatopoeia and repetition in a circular format to show how a diverse community of families who share an apartment building are awakened in the night, and then go back to sleep. This is a great read aloud if you’re into making fun sounds, and there is the opportunity for a wide variety of kids to see themselves in the cutout illustrations done by the fabulous Oge Mora.

Dear Street by Lindsay Zier-Vogel, illustrated Caroline Bonne-Müller

I think you will be inspired to go out and write love letters to your community after reading this heartwarming picture book. As the text cycles through the seasons, Alice hears neighbors grumbling about the usual things: the weather, chores, construction, etc. She spreads positivity by leaving love letters around the neighborhood for those who might need an attitude adjustment.

In real life, the author created the Love Lettering Project, which then inspired her to write this book for children.

Steve the Dung Beetle: On a Roll by Susan R. Stolz, illustrated by Melissa Bailey

Don’t be thrown off by the very funny title: this book is about how an individual can positively impact the flora and fauna of their community. In this case, the helpful individual is a dung beetle who bumps into other animals of the savannah as he rolls poo around. Readers will learn how not gross this is. Plenty of backmatter about all the animals and beautiful illustrations make this an interesting, laugh-out-loud choice for kids!

The Walk by Winsome Bingham, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

A Black girl and her grandmother take a long walk through their neighborhood, gathering friends along the way. The reader isn’t told their destination, but a few hints are given in the dialogue and illustrations as their group builds in number. The walk brings together a community which finally arrives at the girl’s school to vote. When the girl asks, “Why do people vote?” the grandmother responds, “For HOPE, baby.”

Bingham’s lyrical text uses rhythm and slant rhyme masterfully, making this a great read-aloud with lots of heart. It can prompt meaningful conversations with kids about subjects like history, intergenerational relationships, and how important voting is for a community.

One of my favorite illustrators is E.B. Lewis, who captures setting and characters’ emotions so well. He depicts characters of a variety of abilities, colors, ages, and shapes. Personally, I’m a little burnt out on the overly-digital artwork that prevails these days, so his watercolor paintings here are a feast for my eyes. This story deserves his artwork.

Thanks for joining us, Christy!

You can find Christy on Instagram @2ndChase or on Facebook at

https://www.facebook.com/christy.chase.5.

Environmental Picture Books with Frank Murphy

April 22, 2024 Stefanie Hohl

We are so excited to have Frank Murphy join us today to share information about Environmental Picture Books!

Frank Murphy has taught various grades at the elementary level for 32 years. He has published several award-winning picture books and easy readers for over 23 years. He loves traveling with his wife and co-author, Carla. He roots on the Philadelphia 76ers and UFC matches with his sons. He loves the hobby of collecting and trading sports cards - he has two of the biggest Tyrese Maxey and Bo Nickal collections in the hobby. Two of his own favorite books are Heroic Heart and A Boy Like You. His all-time favorite kids' book is When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. He's most proud of the accomplishments his kids are making - Griffin (marketing), Chase (filmmaking), and Haley (teaching).

“If not us, then who?” - that’s the quote from A Planet Like Ours that matters the most to me. It’s a rallying call to readers, young and adult, to care for our world - and all that lives in it. And it’s why Charnaie Gordon and I wrote the text.

A Planet Like Ours is the fifth book in the “like You” series. After writing the first book, A Boy Like You, I didn’t imagine that the book would turn into a whole series of picture books. After A Girl Like You, A Teacher Like You, and A Friend Like You - our team wanted to take a little bit of a different path. We arrived at the idea of taking care of our planet. It was the first book in the series where the title didn’t end with “You”. I had already co-authored A Friend Like You with Charnaie Gordon. I really really love collaborating with Charnaie – we have great chemistry together and we just get each other; it’s always a seamless and smooth writing experience with Charnaie.

There is so much happening in our world that is about division. We have hoped all along that this book would relate to everyone - no matter what. Even though politics and its inherent divisions (now more than ever) make their way into debates about climate change, global warming, and the ways we use and abuse natural resources – we think everyone can agree that we can all contribute to caring for Earth. From eliminating littering to caring for animals we wanted to give readers gentle reminders and inspiration to remember that we’re all sharing the same home – our Earth.

Kayla Harren, the books’ illustrator, is the driving force in illuminating our words. Her art ignites everything we write and she is the one who actually creates the story with her illustrations - in each book. With A Planet Like Ours, Kayla created some memorable and dramatic images. My favorite piece of art is the full spread of the child sitting in a boat, attempting to clean the waters below; the way Kayla put the readers underneath the water, looking above is powerful. Also, the scene of barren land with only tree stumps remaining is stunning - and so sad. Additionally, Kayla is skilled at representing the vast diversity we have as humans. With each “like You” book we hope that every kid sees a part of themself in the art.

Another hope we have is that teachers, librarians, and caregivers share the book year-round, not just on and around Earth Day. The messages in this book need to be taught and acted upon daily. The last message I wanted readers to notice and remember is that caring for each other is incredibly important – maybe now more than ever. Charnaie and I were very intentional about having that message in this book.

Thanks for joining us, Frank!

You can find Frank’s book here and you can also check him out his website at www.frankmurphybooks.com.

Writing Picture Books to Appreciate and Inspire Nature by Bridgitte Rodguez

April 15, 2024 Stefanie Hohl

We are so excited to have Bridgitte Rodguez join us today to share information about Environmental Picture Books!

Bridgitte Rodguez was born in Puerto Rico, grew up in sunny San Diego, and now writes books from her New York City apartment. She has a BA in Anthropology from UC Santa Cruz and an MA in Anthropology from The George Washington University. When she isn’t writing or reading or wandering, you can find her hanging out with her nieces and nephews who inspire many of her stories.

You can find her online at www.BridgitteRodguez.com . On social media @KidsBookWriting and on Substack at Everyday Creative and Books and Bread.

I’ve always been a fan of the environment. Ever since the third grade when we learned about the Amazon and the ozone layer. I immediately jumped on the reduce, reuse, recycle bandwagon. That doing all these things would then work to protect the environment and the plants and animals that join us in calling Earth home.

Now that I write books for kids, I realize that I tend to almost always write on topics concerning nature. If it isn’t the focal point of the story, it is certainly a theme or layer throughout. The stories take place outside and/or display a variety of plants and animals. They explore a new environment, appreciate nature and leave the reader with a feeling of awe about the world around them.

My debut picture book, A Walk Through the Redwoods, illustrated by Natalia Bruno, takes readers on a journey through a redwood forest. My goal in writing the story was to take readers to a place they may not be familiar with— the redwoods. I wanted the book to feel as if they were going on a walk through the redwoods. A takeaway I often hear from readers is that the book gives you an appreciation for nature, for our environment and gives you a reason to care, without telling you to care. And I love this. As someone who doesn’t like to be told what to do, I don’t want to tell others that they should care and want to protect the environment but rather, show them why it’s important and let them come to their own conclusion.

Books provide a great opportunity to be subtle in their teachings. I can’t recall if I read any environmentally themed books as a child, but I was a reader. Books leave imprints whether intentional or not in our minds. We may not remember exactly what or where but we remember the feeling. Books can expose kids to the environment and nature and get them to care. Give them a reason to care. And they can do so in a fictional way. Where they aren’t thinking they are learning anything. They are reading a fun story about a real place or real animals or real plants. Objects they can find around them.

Kate Messner’s Over and Under series, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal takes us to many different environments: the forest in winter, the pond, the ocean, the rainforest, etc. Becoming familiar with the different plants and animals that call these places home. But also puts children in these places in relationship to the environment.

The City Tree by Shira Boss and illustrated by Lorena Alvarez, takes readers through the life of a newly planted street tree and all the benefits that a tree provides in an urban environment. I love the theme that nature can be anywhere and an appreciation for nature and the environment can happen even when living in a city.

In the Palm of My Hand, written by Jennifer Raudenbush and illustrated by Isabella Conti, provides a lyrical exploration of the small parts of nature and the wonder and inspiration they provide. Leaving the reader to want to take a closer look at the tiny objects they may encounter in their environment and what they may mean.

There are many ways to tell stories about nature, about the environment, about its inspiration and about appreciating it. I find it easiest to start with what I know and go from there. Either a place that I have enjoyed visiting, a favorite outside spot, or a plant or animal that I find fascinating. Once I have that, I determine if I want the story to be about the experience and interaction with nature or about the nature. In either case, I always want the informational parts to be factual and sometimes this requires a bit of research. Light research, it isn’t non-fiction, but enough to make sure that the real plants and animals described are accurate.

Our youngest readers are inspired by just about anything and everything! The world is brand new to them and nature provides endless possibilities for exploration. Even for grown ups— books about inspiring and appreciating nature can open up new worlds to them and provide opportunities to further their own connection to the environment.

Thanks for joining us, Bridgitte!

You can find Bridgitte online at www.BridgitteRodguez.com, on social media @KidsBookWriting, and on Substack at Everyday Creative and Books and Bread.

Ten Favorite Environmental Picture Books

April 8, 2024 Stefanie Hohl

From the tiniest mushrooms to expansive cloud formations, our earth is full of beauty and wonder. Feeding that wonder helps us not only connect with our children, but it also draws us closer to the incredible world around us. From activism to appreciation, environmental picture books celebrate our natural world in so many beautiful—and important— ways. Check out some of our favorites here!

A Planet Like Ours by Frank Murphy & Charnaie Gordon, illustrated by Kayla Harren

There is no other planet like Earth, which means it’s up to us to protect it. If not us, then who? Colorful illustrations and simple text remind readers that the air, animals, water, and people, among other elements, not only belong to our earth, but to us, too. And each one of us can make a difference when it comes to keeping our planet clean and inviting for all its creatures.

One Little Bag: An Amazing Journey by Henry Cole

In this wordless picture book, gorgeous illustrations follow the life of a little boy and a paper bag. The bag begins its journey as a tree, transforms to a lunch sack, then shifts over time as it’s used in various ways: as a bag for collecting seashells, for holding rose petals in the boy’s wedding ceremony, for eating popcorn as a newlywed, and even for spinning in a mobile above a new baby’s crib. This beautiful book helps us appreciate the many ways in which humans incorporate the natural world into daily life.

Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

As a boy and his mother paddle a boat through a lake, they marvel at the activity taking place over and under the pond. A moose eats waterlilies, turtles plop into the water, and a dragonfly lands on the boy’s knee. Under the pond, dragonfly larvae catch minnows, beavers swim, and tadpoles transform into frogs. With beautiful imagery, illustrations, and gentle repetition, this story is a celebration of the natural life that teems before our eyes and just beyond our vision. The backmatter also includes descriptions of each creature mentioned in the story!

Amara and the Bats by Emma Reynolds

Amara loves bats, but when she moves to a new town, a park ranger tells her that bats have stopped coming to the local park. So Amara and her new friends get to work to bring the bats back. They hold a bake sale to raise money for bat houses and spread the word about the loss of bats in the park. They enlist community help to create a bat-friendly habitat. When their work is complete, it’s time to wait and see if all their efforts will pay off! This is a great story about the difference even one person can make to help our world.

My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Francesca Sanna

With gorgeous cutout illustrations, this book follows “my friend Earth” as she guides each element and creature on our planet, from baby zebras and parrot fish to rains, rivers, and autumn winds. She sees moles beneath the soil, oversees the tundra with its polar bears and reindeer, and sprinkles snow that protects even more creatures. With its simple, lyrical imagery and engaging illustrations, this story offers a beautiful introduction to a respect for the beauty of the earth, its seasons, and its creatures.

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

Even though he lives in a city with no greenery, Liam loves to go outside and explore. When he unexpectedly finds flowers that need tending on the railroad bridge, he realizes that his new garden is just as curious as he is! Together, Liam and his garden explore the city, and as they do, greenery spreads everywhere! Intricate illustrations accompany this wonderful story.

Busy Spring: Nature Wakes Up by Sean Taylor & Alex Morss, illustrated by Cinyee Chiu

When Dad wears his sweater with the hole in it, the narrator and her little sister know that it’s time to work in the garden! They follow Dad to the pond, the compost heap, and finally the garden, making spring discoveries—and having plenty of fun!— all along the way. This fun story is a perfect way to welcome in spring!

The Mess That We Made by Michelle Lord, illustrated by Julia Blattman

This cumulative story begins with an illustration of the mess that humans have made in our oceans. Each element builds on that mess—seals caught in nets, turtles in plastic, and a growing landfill that spills into the bay, until we’re ultimately reminded that there are things we can do to help. No matter what’s been done in the past, we still have power to clean our messes and save the day!

Thank You Earth, A Love Letter to Our Planet by April Pulley Sayre

In a love letter written to Earth, the narrator uses poetic language to thank Earth for its growing things, its patterns, its struggles, beauty, and creatures. Beautiful photographs highlight each phrase, illustrating our gratitude for everything from expansive sunsets to the intricate patterns of overlapping ferns. This book provides a meaningful way to express thanks for the natural world in which we live.

We Are Water Protectors by Carol Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade

With lyrical language and gorgeous illustrations, this story introduces the ancient legend of the black snake, now the Dakota Access pipeline, which will eventually destroy water in the traditional lands of the Dakotas region. The narrator vows to fight for her people as she defends the land, the water, and the many creatures without voices to speak up.

I hope you enjoyed these Ten Favorite Environmental Picture Books!

For more great ideas, feel free to check out 10 Favorite Mindfulness Picture Books or 10 Favorite Chronological Picture Books!

And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss more great ideas and future blog posts!

Environmental Picture Books with Sam Smith

April 1, 2024 Stefanie Hohl

We are so excited to have Sam Smith join us today to share information about Environmental Picture Books!

Sam Smith is a freelance commercial writer and children’s book author. Her first picture book, Cate’s Magic Garden, celebrates the power of positivity and how words can change worlds, especially when it comes to protecting the environment. Sam has served on the SCBWI PA WEST Leadership Team, participates in two writing critique groups, and is active with LeboGreen, a citizen conservation group. She is always interested in helping the planet so if you have ideas, please reach out: smithofwords@me.com. Sam lives with her husband and their two sons near Pittsburgh, where the Neighborhood of Make-Believe is always close at heart.

How to Write Picture Books that Make the World a Greener (and Better) Place

First, I’d like to say that I’m thrilled to be here with you today! Thank you, Stef, for welcoming me into your amazing community.

We’re about to celebrate the 54th anniversary of Earth Day. But it’s not just a day, it’s a global movement that has enlisted billions of people across the globe in acts of green that help the planet—on Earth Day and every day.

I Have Been Moved by that Mission

I have wanted to find ways to help the earth by doing what I love most—writing for children and their families. The good news is I’m not alone. Bookstore bookshelves overflow with picture books that educate, entertain, and inspire kids. They ask these young environmental stewards (and those that may be reading to them) to not only enjoy the world we inhabit, but to help keep it happy and healthy. It’s a tall task, but if everyone does their little part, many hands make light work.

And that’s the beauty of children’s books. They have a magic that can change the world. They are where passion is planted, ideas nurture growth, and dreams come alive.

Let’s dive into the world of children’s picture books that are devoted to environmentalism. We’ll look at a few great examples of well-written, well-thought out, and well-illustrated stories, and then we’ll discuss how you can write an environmental picture book that makes a difference.

Just one book in one kid’s hands can change the world—and help to save it. There’s no time like now to do it!

Picture Books with a Passion for Our Planet:

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Also made larger-than-life through a popular animated movie, this timeless Seuss classic is credited with starting a real movement among young environmentalists. “I’m the Lorax, and I speak for the trees,” is the line that most people remember with respect and urgency. In his battle against the greedy Once-ler, whose name reflects the throwaway consumer culture that has taken hold, the Lorax shows us how important it is to stand up to those who harm the planet. While this story was first published in 1971, its truths reverberate now more than ever. The imaginative colorful illustrations and rhythmic language make it engaging for young readers while still conveying an important environmental message.

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

This New York Times bestselling modern classic book follows the story of Liam, who transforms a dreary cityscape on abandoned elevated train tracks into a lush garden, highlighting the beauty of nature and the impact of individual actions on the environment. His work encourages a city’s-worth of gardeners to take up shears and water cans, and the results are amazing—and incredibly inspiring. Whimsically vivid illustrations capture the transformation beautifully, moving readers to nurture green (and not so green) spaces for future generations.

One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia by Isatou Ceesay and Miranda Paul; illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon

This award- winning book follows the true story about how Isatou Ceesay and her community in Njau, Gambia turned dirty and dangerous plastic waste along the roadside into beautiful woven purses—and a lasting livelihood. Ceesay earned the name “Queen of Recycling in the Gambia” when a new documentary showcasing her work was released by the group Climate Heroes. The book emphasizes the importance of recycling and sustainable practices. It’s a compelling example of environmental activism for young readers, an inspiring story about the joys of upcycling, and a beacon of hope that shows how young people can make a difference in their community.

From speaking for the trees, to bringing a garden to life, to turning dirty plastic into a meaningful craft, these stories enlighten children and their families and encourage them to act. So how can you achieve a book like this?

Tips for Writing Picture Books that Make a Difference:

There’s good news. Writing inspiring environmental picture books is not that different from writing inspiring children’s books, period. However there are some important ways you can imbue your story with an extra eco-friendly layer.

Pick a Compelling Theme: This part is probably easy. You can choose an environmental topic near to your heart or something that first sparked your interest. It can center on recycling, cleaning the ocean, reducing fossil fuels, protecting wildlife, or whatever moves you most. The best stories come from meaning. This theme will drive the narrative and message of your story.

Create Memorable Characters: Just like with other great stories, it’s important to develop characters that children can relate to and root for, such as animals or children passionate about environmental causes. Give them distinct personalities and motivations that align with your theme. Let the child really get to know them through how they speak and what they do.

Get Sensory: Paint a vivid picture of the natural world through descriptive language that appeals to all five senses, if possible. Show (don’t tell) the beauty of landscapes, the sounds of wildlife, and the colors of flora and fauna so they become immersed in the enveloping environmental setting. This is a powerful way to draw readers into your world and is especially important for books celebrating the environment and its natural beauty.

Integrate Educational Elements: Make it fun! Seamlessly weave educational facts and information into your story, making learning about the environment interesting and engaging. Use simple language and age-appropriate explanations to ensure understanding. Consider having more detailed information in the back matter so kids can continue reading about the subject after they finish the story, and even have a dialogue with their reader.

Incorporate Interactive Elements: For little ones, movement matters. Consider interactive elements like lift-the-flap pages, pop-ups, or activities related to the environmental theme. This adds a hands-on dimension to the reading experience and reinforces key concepts. It also makes it memorable and exciting to read. You’ll have a book that kids clamor to “read again!”

End with a Call to Action: Since there are many steps we can take to help the planet, concluding your story with a call to action will go a long way. You can encourage readers to take small steps towards environmental stewardship, such as planting trees, reducing waste, conserving water, composting, or turning off the lights and other energy-users when possible. Empower them to make a positive impact.

Collaborate with Illustrators: While it’s not always possible to work closely with illustrators to bring your environmental story to life visually, if you have the opportunity, embrace it (and if you are an author-illustrator you are already there)! Ensure that the illustrations complement the narrative, are environmentally accurate, and enhance the reader’s understanding of the environmental themes.

Make a Difference! By following these tips and drawing inspiration from impactful environmental picture books, you can create compelling and meaningful stories that resonate with young readers and help inspire in them a love for nature and conservation.

My first picture book, Cate’s Magic Garden, explored the theme of treating the environment with kindness; the grumpy garden creatures didn’t just water and weed their dried up garden, but they showered it with love and positivity. This turned it into a lush and happy place.

I believe we can do the same. I am always hopeful that many hands make weighty work lighter, and I encourage you to be the change you want to see by writing for our youngest environmentalists. We all love this planet we call home and we’re all environmentalists at heart. Let’s write together for a happy ending!

Thanks for joining us, Sam!

You can find Sam’s book here and here and you can also check her out on Twitter @samsmithofwords or on her website www.smithofwords.com.

Mindfulness, Empowerment, and Picture Books with Joy Givens

March 11, 2024 Stefanie Hohl

We are so excited to have Joy Givens join us today to share information about Mindfulness Picture Books!

Joy Givens is the author of several award-winning short stories and the lucky mother of four young superheroes, including her son Joshua, who inspired The Unstoppable Jamie. She also leads after-school programs that serve refugee and immigrant youth throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. Joy lives in Pittsburgh with her family. Follow her @joyeilene on Instagram or visit her at www.joygivens.com.

Joy's debut picture book, The Unstoppable Jamie has been called "Heartwarming and reassuring" by Kirkus Reviews and "A wonderful and educational story" by Midwest Book Review. Find it online HERE or at your favorite local bookstore!

Huge thanks to my gracious friend Stefanie Hohl for hosting me on her gorgeous blog today—and huge thanks to you for reading! I’d like to tell you a little about my debut picture book, The Unstoppable Jamie (illustrated by Courtney Dawson), and how I approach the intersections of mindfulness, empowerment, and children’s literature.

The Unstoppable Jamie is dedicated to and inspired by my oldest child, Joshua, who is 11 now and has Down syndrome. Ever since he was born (even before, since we had a prenatal diagnosis), I have wished for a book that stars a kid with Down syndrome but isn’t about having Down syndrome—a book that tells a story specific to a kid with Down syndrome but that is also relatable to any kid, and a book that saves the (important) educational content for the back pages and just lets the kid be the star of the show.

Jamie is a self-proclaimed superhero who travels to New York City with his family to see his picture in Times Square for the NDSS Buddy Walk. When his noise-controlling headphones get lost upon arrival, though (and his superhero cape “stops working”), Jamie quickly experiences sensory overload and shuts down. With the help of mindfulness exercises and some tight hugs from his family, he realizes that he is super not because of his cape or super gadgets, but just as he is. The last few pages are full of information for kids and caregivers who want to learn more about Down syndrome, genetic differences, and the Buddy Walk.

When I’m not writing children’s books (or chasing Joshua and his three younger siblings around), I also work for JFCS Pittsburgh as an Immigrant and Refugee Youth Services Specialist. One of my primary responsibilities is leading the Bridge Builders program, a mentoring and enrichment program for resettled refugee youth ages 5 and up. In other words, I spend time with a lot of young superheroes, and mindfulness and restoring autonomy are at the forefront of what I do.

When we talk about mindfulness, we are talking about developing the ability to be aware of experiences without judgment. That is a powerful—and empowering—experience for a kid. When we can invite young readers to develop awareness of their own feelings, and not code them as “good” or “bad,” we are giving them space to sort through their experiences. Even in the static medium of a picture book like The Unstoppable Jamie, a child can join a character through the experience of sensory overload and choose to breathe through it alongside them.

A picture book is a safe environment to try out feelings and process them. When my book shows New York City overwhelming Jamie, the reader doesn’t have to experience sensory overload firsthand in order to understand it better. They (or their caregiver) can read the siren aloud with a blaring “WEE-YOO WEE-YOO” or take it quieter. They can use the printed, comic-style words or focus on the faces. They can skip or repeat. And they can try out the focused breathing in the illustrations to find calm alongside Jamie, and the restored confidence that empowers him to feel unstoppable. All of that active reading is a mindfulness exercise in itself.

The last reflection I want to share about The Unstoppable Jamie and my approach to writing it focuses on empowerment. It’s a book starring a kid with Down syndrome—and as the mom of a child with Down syndrome, I wanted to make sure that the kid was the star, not the chromosomes. I had always wanted to see a book (or multiple books!), featuring kids like mine, in which Down syndrome was a key part of the story but wasn’t the point or plot. I didn’t want to swoop in like a superhero and blare to the reader, “This kid has Down syndrome, but he doesn’t let that stop him!”

I specifically wanted to get out of the way so Jamie could be the hero, and the reader could be right there alongside him—to set a stage on which he can star not in spite of who he is, not even because of who he is, but just as he is. Jamie isn’t a superhero because of his speed or strength, or any other stereotypical “power,” but because he doesn’t give up. He uses his mindfulness skills and the support of trusted loved ones to regain his focus, and then he gets back to being super, just as he is.

After all, what could be more empowering than being a superhero just as you are?

…But you know what they say:

“Always be yourself. Unless you can be Batman. Then always be Batman.”

Thanks so much for joining us, Joy!

You can find find Joy on Instagram @joyeilene on Instagram or visit her at www.joygivens.com. You can also find her book HERE or at your favorite local bookstore!

Ten Favorite Mindfulness Picture Books

March 4, 2024 Stefanie Hohl

We live in a world full of noise, movement, and emotion. Finding calm and quiet, both physically and emotionally, can be challenging. Yet such skills are increasingly needed, as they lead to healthier emotional regulation, resilience, and greater meaning for both children and adults. In these books, children will learn skills to help them center their thoughts and find peace, even in their noisy world!

Breathe Like a Bear by Kira Willey, illustrated by Anni Betts

Bear is looking for a cave to take a good, long rest. When he finds one, he breathes in slowly, and then he lets all the air out. As he prepares for his rest, he continues to breathe in and out, and readers can, too! This is a perfect book to help a child relax before a good, long rest.

Hurry Up by Kate Dopirak, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

In this sweet story, a girl hurries through her day, from waking up to taking the bus and getting through school. But she also remembers to slow down. She makes a wish, listens, and explores. This beautiful rhyming story with its light and airy illustrations reminds us that what’s really important is worth slowing down to enjoy.

I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

As the narrator breathes in and out, they realize that they don’t have to feel like a boat without an anchor, being carried away by the sea. They ground themselves by connecting with earth, with nature, and with themself. And once they are filled with peace, they share their peace with others! This simple story has simple text and colorful illustrations that help to guide readers to greater inner–and outer!—peace.

Quiet by Tomie DePaola

As a grandfather takes his grandchildren for a nature walk, they realize that from dragonflies to frogs, everything is in a hurry! Then Grandfather invites the children to sit still. As they are quiet, they see, listen, and notice the things that are also at rest. This simple story is a perfect reminder to breathe and enjoy the beauty of quiet stillness.

Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing by Christopher Willard & Daniel Rechtschaffen, illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown

In this wonderful ABC book, readers are guided through all kinds of mindfulness activities that will help them slow down, breathe deeply, and tap into their senses. From Alligator Breath to Ice Breath, Mountain Breath, and Zzzz Breath, there are all kinds of ways to have fun while breathing in and out! With its cheerful illustrations, this book provides a fantastic resource for individuals and class groups to learn literacy and mindfulness.

The Lemonade Hurricane by Licia Morelli, illustrated by Jennifer Morris

Emma wants to play with her little brother, but Henry is a lemonade-loving hurricane! Emma tries to teach him how to stop, listen, bow, and breathe—will Henry be able to slow down enough to give it a shot and connect with his sister? This sweet book includes notes by the author on mindfulness and incorporating the techniques described in the text.

The Unstoppable Jamie by Joy Givens

When Jamie wears his cape, nothing can stop him! But when he travels to New York City for the Buddy Walk at Times Square, there is so much noise, so many honking cars, so many people—even Jamie’s cape shuts down. Jamie must focus on breathing to remember what really makes him a superhero. This beautiful story is based on the author’s experience with her son, who has Downs Syndrome. Packed with colorful illustrations and end pages with extra information about Downs Syndrome, this book it perfect for all kinds of kids!

Moon by Alison Oliver

Moon always has a list of responsible things to do, but she wonders what it would like to be free and wild. One evening, she meets a wolf in her backyard. The wolf takes her to his pack, and they teach her all the wild, wolfy ways– from how to howl to how to be still and listen. And when Moon returns home, she will never be the same. With beautiful illustrations and simple text, this story gives a beautiful perspective on what it means to be wild and free, even in the midst of everyday life.

Meddy Teddy by Apple Jordan, illustrated by Nicholas Hong

While his parents sleep, Meddy takes a morning walk through the forest. As he meets with friends along the way, he practices mindfulness and multiple authentic yoga poses! With engaging, easy-to-follow text, colorful illustrations, and specific illustrations of Meddy as he performs each yoga pose, this is a perfect book to begin (or end) the day!

My Magic Breath by Nick Ortner

This story describes how to use your breath to help regulate emotions. When the magic breath goes in, it can help to focus on happy thoughts and then blow sad thoughts away. Color watercolor illustrations accompany the story!

I hope you enjoyed these Ten Favorite Mindfulness Picture Books!

For more great ideas, feel free to check out 10 Favorite Activism Picture Books or 10 Favorite Chronological Picture Books!

And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss more great ideas and future blog posts!

Mindfulness Picture Books with Gaylene Wilson

March 1, 2024 Stefanie Hohl

We are so excited to have Gaylene Wilson join us today to share information about Mindfulness Picture Books!

Gaylene Wilson has a B.S. in community health education, with a minor in journalism. After working in genetic research and then as a journalist for a local newspaper, she found her niche in children’s literature and has been studying and writing kidlit for nearly twenty years. She loves writing suspenseful YA, as well as humorous middle grade and quirky picture book manuscripts. Gaylene has recently taken up illustration, and is currently designing several middle grade book covers while working on a few picture books.

We all deal with occasional stormy thoughts that toss us around like tiny boats in the ocean, making us feel alone or worried. It can be overwhelming enough as adults, but when kids deal with stormy feelings, it can cause anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues.

Finding inner peace is one of the most popular themes of mindfulness picture books. Reading these stories and practicing the ideas together can be a wonderful way to teach kids how to manage emotions, be fully present in a moment, and look at themselves and the world around them with curiosity instead of fear.

In the gorgeous picture book, Alphabreaths, Authors Christopher Willard and Daniel Rechtschaffen offer children breathing techniques that can help them be more aware of what is happening inside and outside of their bodies. Focusing on playful ways to inhale and exhale is a simple and fun way to introduce kids to mindfulness.

I adore Susan Verde’s beautiful book, I Am Peace. In brief, flowing words, she shows kids how they can ground themselves when they feel the waves of life are about to sink their little boats. My favorite line is, “I can hug a tree and thank it for its beauty and strength.” Connecting to the physical world can help children feel love and appreciation for nature and other people, which encourages them to view problems and situations in new ways.

Kira Willey’s picture book, Breathe like a Bear, offers thirty concrete things kids can do to learn how to be more mindful. A few of her ideas include things like listening to noises around them, stretching or clapping to release energy, and making a positive goal for something simple, like being more thankful for a day. These tools can help kids feel more confident as they navigate their turbulent feelings or thoughts.

Not all mindfulness picture books are written by therapists and doctors. Many of them are written by people who think about the skills they wish they had when they were younger, and how they could have managed the stressful parts of childhood in a healthier way.

Becoming more mindful has been important to me over the past decade, and I have fallen in love with these books. If we read and practice the simple little techniques with our kids, we can show them how to find a safe harbor in their minds and hearts, so they can find a calm place to park their little boats and wait out the storm.

Thanks so much for joining us, Gaylene!

You can find Gaylene her website at gaylenewilson.com and her instagram @gaylene.wilson

Movement Picture Books with Kara Navolio

February 19, 2024 Stefanie Hohl

We are so excited to have Kara Navolio join us today to share information about Movement Picture Books!

Kara Navolio is a children’s book author and freelance writer. Her debut picture book “Everybody Can Dance!” celebrates the joy of dance with a message of inclusion and shows children that no matter what you look like, your physical ability or style, everybody can dance! 

Her second book, "Maggie Discovers the Rainbow" was released on March 21, 2023. It's a magical adventure through the rainbow that will help kids feel empowered to try new things and learn how colors can help us express our emotions.

When she isn’t writing for children, Kara tells stories of real-life heroes, artists, and writers for local newspapers and a local magazine, Northgate Living. Kara has been working with children since her college days. Even as she was earning a degree in Business from UC Berkeley, she was volunteering in a local school helping children learn to read. When she had her own two children she volunteered in their classrooms and at their schools for 16 years. Currently she is a docent at The Bedford Gallery where she takes school children on tours and teaches art in local schools.

She loves to read, travel, take photographs, paint, hike, dance, cook, and spend time with her family, especially her new granddaughter. She lives in Walnut Creek, California with her husband and everyday makes it a goal to learn something new.

"Everybody Can Dance!" was a book I was meant to write. Many things in my life led up to the creation of it. Let's start with the summer of 1980 when I was 16. I traveled to Spain as a foreign exchange student and was placed with the Olavide family in Madrid. The parents, Isabel and Javier, had 5 children: Bela and 4 boys. I spent most of the summer following Bela around to her dance classes, get-togethers with friends and cousins, sight- seeing and shopping. Bela went on to become a professional Flamenco dancer, traveling around the world. She returned to Madrid and opened her own dance studio. Although I stayed in touch with the Olavides through yearly Christmas cards, I would not see Bela again until 2016, 36 years later!

When my husband and I decided to take a trip to Spain in 2016, it was a blissful reunion. Bela invited us to see her students dance. I didn't know until I arrived at the show that Bela's students were young adults with Down Syndrome. Seeing the joy in their faces and the pride Bela had in her students made my heart burst. It was beautiful.

Yet, the idea for a children's book was nowhere in my thoughts at that time. I was working on two other manuscripts not related to dance. It was not until 2017, when I was revisiting my memories of that trip, that the idea came to me in a flash. With thoughts of Bela's students combined with my experience watching my daughter dance for 15 years and seeing my niece Jenna, who is a Little Person, dance when she was younger, the idea was born in my mind that every person has this desire to express themselves. I knew then that I wanted to write a children’s book that showed kids that dance is one way we can all come together. No matter what we look like or what our skill level is, dance is unifying. I wanted to write a book that could do its small part to show kids that we are all more alike than different.

I knew that a book about dance needed to have a good beat. I had never written in rhyme before, and it is not easy to do. I soon learned that it is more than just two words that have a similar ending sound. I studied online resources for days learning about the beats of words, and how to create blocks of text with not just the right syllables but also the right hard and soft beats. It took many, many revisions to get it right.

I was thrilled to have the book featured on the BBC’s CBeeBies bedtime stories show in Oct. 2022 where it was read and signed by deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, winner of Britain’s dance reality show “Strictly Come Dancing.” It was also chosen for a Storybook Walk in Northeastern New York by the CEF Library. I love bringing this book to classrooms where we read and dance together.

Thanks so much for joining us, Kara!

You can find Kara at www.karanavolio.com, Youtube, and you can find her books here and here.

Movement Picture Books with Rachelle Burk

February 12, 2024 Stefanie Hohl

We are so excited to have Rachelle Burk join us today to share information about Movement Picture Books!

Rachelle writes fiction and nonfiction for kids 2-12. She is a council member and mentor for the Rutgers One-On-One Conference, and is a freelance picture book editor. She loves to visit schools across the country with her dynamic author visit program. Find out more at: www.RachelleBurk.com. Or email: rachelleburk@gmail.com. Need writing/publishing/marketing resources? You can find pretty much everything you need on Rachelle’s award-winning kidlit resources site: www.ResourcesForChildrensWriters.com.

STOMP, WIGGLE, CLAP, AND TAP (Callisto Kids) by Rachelle Burk, Illustrated by Alyssa De Asis. Written in perfect read-aloud rhyme, with gentle prompts and lively illustrations that will encourage kids to move and make some noise.

To be honest, writing this book was not my idea. Stop, Wiggle, Clap, and Tap: My First Book of Dance was a work-for-hire project for an educational publisher (Rockridge Press, now Callisto Kids—an imprint of Sourcebooks). They reached out and offered me the project. Writing the book was a challenge for several reasons, one being that I had never written for the toddler-age audience.

The bigger challenge was that I’m not a dancer. This probably makes me a total fraud. In fact, anyone who knows me will tell you that I’m a complete klutz with a tendancy to trip or twist in ways that break and tear body parts. Yet, even though “they” say to write what you know, I don’t agree. I believe you should write what interests you. I’ve written about all kinds of things with no background in the subjects, including science, music, and bios of people I’d never heard of. You just have to be enthusiastic and willing to do the research.

My daughters, now adults, watched an insane amount of baby dance videos back during the VHS era, which tends to imprint itself on a mother’s brain forever. The outline for Stop, Wiggle, Clap, and Tap had me isolating different body parts in a progressive format… a stanza focusing on hands and fingers, the next on arms, followed by feet and toes, then legs, and finally putting them all together. Because the target audience is between the ages of one and three, I had to reach way back in my memory to remember what children of those ages can do developmentally. I wrote and then nixed several ideas for being a bit too complicated.

I also considered what most intrigues toddlers and worked those things into the little movement poems. That’s why animals appear on several pages—a flapping bird, a prancing pony, a hopping frog, a wagging dog, and an elephant swaying its trunk. This creates a additional layer of learning and adds a fun aspect to the illustrations as well.

I found myself crawling, wiggling, twirling, and doing all kinds of weird movements around my family room as I worked to develop the movements and figure out how to describe them. I couldn’t help wondering what my neighbors would think if they happened to see me though the window.

The text needed to have a musical feel that would inspire kids to move. For this young age, the sing-song quality that rhyme adds is a big plus. For an older audience, a good rhyming text usually entails unpredictable, complex, and multi-syllable rhymes. But for a toddler book, it was better to aim for the opposite:simple, predictable, and repetitious rhymes, with a rhythm that toddlers and caregivers can easily chant and clap to. For inspiration, I read a lot of classic nursery rhymes and watched YouTube videos with simple movement songs for toddlers.

The amazing illustrator, Alyssa De Asis did a brilliant job bringing the book to life and giving it a joyous party atmosphere. I love how, once an animal character is introduced, it sticks around in all the following illustrations, dancing along with the human characters.

Stop, Wiggle, Clap, and Tap will soon be coming out as a board book as well.

Thanks so much for joining us, Rachelle!

You can find Rachelle at www.RachelleBurk.com, Facebook @ facebook.com/rachelleburk, X (Twitter) @Rachelleburk, or Instagram @ instagram.com/rachelleburk/.

Ten Favorite Movement Picture Books

February 5, 2024 Stefanie Hohl

If there’s anything we love at ABC See, Hear, Do, it’s an excuse to combine learning with MOVEMENT! Research consistently proves that when learning is linked with movement, the brain not only retains the information more deeply, but the added movement actually helps to grow young brains! These fun picture books will get your little one bouncing, wiggling, and taking deep, calming yoga breaths. Check out ten of our favorites here!

Everybunny Dance by Ellie Sandall

Multi-colored bunnies gather to dance, play, and sing—until a fox shows up! This fun story will inspire kids to move, move, move! And the surprising ending will make everyone smile. With bright illustrations and minimal text, this story will be a hit with kids and parents alike.

Duck Sock Hop by Jane Kohuth, illustrated by Jane Porter

Ducks wear all kinds of socks to the Duck Sock Hop! But as they boogie and wiggle, their socks pay the price—will the ducks and their socks make it to the end of the sock hop? This delightful story includes colorful illustrations, lots of shapes and patterns, and a storyline that will make your little one giggle as they get up and move!

Farmyard Beat by Lindsey Craig, illustrated by Marc Brown

Peep, peep! Meow! Moo! From chicks to cats, dogs, and cows, everyone adds to the farmyard beat—even when it wakes up one of the farmers! This story is packed with rhythmic beat, bright colors, and lots of onomatopoeic sound—a perfect read-aloud for young readers!

Baby Loves to Boogie by Wednesday Kirwan

Sloths love to slow dance, hippos crave a hip hop dance, and flamingos can flamenco. But who loves to BOOGIE? This adorable book is full of alliteration, puns, and playful engagement. It’s perfect for the youngest listeners!

Good Morning Yoga by Mariam Gates, illustrated by Sarah Jane Hinder

Breathe in and breathe out with child-centered yoga poses that reflect natural elements and give your child a calm center to start the day. This book’s calming illustrations and gentle repetition guides parents and children through a simple morning yoga routine.

Wiggle by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Scott Menchin

There are so many ways to wiggle! Join Dog as he wiggles his way from dawn to dark— alongside waffles, fish, gorillas, and even the moon! With its bright illustrations and fun rhymes—good luck getting through this story without jumping up to get your own wiggles out!

Move! By Robin Page, illustrated by Steve Jenkins

In this clever picture book, each creature’s highlighted movement is linked to the movements of the next creature, until the final spread links movement to you, the reader! With creative formatting, even the text seems to move on each page. As single words weave with prose, this book allows readers to dive into vocabulary, animals, and the beauty and connectivity of nature.

Spunky Little Monkey by Bill Martin Jr. & Michael Sampson, illustrated by Brian Wong

When Monkey won’t get out of bed, Mama gets the doctor’s advice—he needs to move! Once Monkey gets the rhythm of the head, the feet, the hips—he starts feeling better right away! Playing on rhythms of classic kids’ songs, this jaunty rhyming book will have you moving and grooving in no time at all!

Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton

Who’s ready to prance with the horses, bow to the cows, and spin with the chickens? With rhyming call-outs and Boynton’s delightful illustrations, this book is perfect for wiggle time, as it calls out each dance move from the beginning to the end of the story!

Stomp by Uncle Ian Aurora, illustrated by Natalia Moore

It’s time for a Stomp! The narrator calls out stomp moves—left and right, fast and slow, then stomp like you’re riding a horse! The colorful illustrations and engaging text in this story will get everybody up and moving!

I hope you enjoyed these Ten Favorite Movement Picture Books!

For more great ideas, feel free to check out 10 Favorite Activism Picture Books or 10 Favorite Chronological Picture Books!

And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss more great ideas and future blog posts!

Movement Picture Books with Kelly Conroy

February 1, 2024 Stefanie Hohl

We are so excited to have Kelly Conroy join us today to share information about Movement Picture Books!

Picture book writer and poet Kelly Conroy is a 50% silly, fun-loving, never-grow-up big kid and a 50% hard-working, focused, analytical former actuary. She loves all things magical, whimsical, and numerical, and her goal in life is to make people smile.

She was initially inspired to write by her cousins, Stan and Jan Berenstain, creators of the Berenstain Bears, and continues to be inspired by her two rambunctious sons and mini goldendoodle, Chewy.

Hello. It’s me again! Avid readers of this blog may remember that I was here in November to discuss all the fun celebrations occurring between Halloween and New Year’s Day. Well, now it is February. The parties are over, and the decorations have been packed away. And if you are anything like me, you are currently wearing your favorite sweats while drinking something warm under a cozy blanket.

Completely… utterly… sedentary.

But what your body REALLY wants you to do is… MOVE. Imagine how much better you would feel after a short walk. Now, imagine you are five years old and haven’t been to a playground without risking hypothermia for weeks. What do you need to do? MOVE!

This month, I’m excited to dive into Movement picture books with you, which will hopefully spark some new manuscript ideas as well as a little break from the couch.

***

A few months ago, I attended Story time with Mimi at Station No. 5, a fantastic local store. Mimi started by reading the book CLAP YOUR HANDS by Lorinda Bryan Cauley. GENIUS. Did I take my teenagers with me? No. Did I sit on the floor with the rest of the kiddos? Yes. Did I join in to, “Clap your hands, stomp your feet. Shake your arms, then take a seat?” Don’t judge.

My FAVORITE read-aloud book of all is CLICK, CLACK MOO: COWS THAT TYPE by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin. So, it is no surprise that I love WIGGLE by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Scott Menchin. If the word “wiggle” doesn’t make you smile, the hula-hooping dog on the cover ought to do the trick. The fun and lively text and illustrations continue throughout with a very satisfying ending. WIGGLE is also now one of my favorite read-alouds.

DANCING FEET! By Lindsey Craig and illustrated by Marc Brown, is all about moving your feet. This book features a simple rhythmic repetition that is very fun and effective.

Ducks are dancing

on slappity feet.

Slappity! Slappity!

Happy feet.

This book reminds me that we do not need a ton going on text-wise to have a fabulous book. However, do not be deceived. The sparest texts can be the hardest to write, but lots of fun to try!

STOMP, WIGGLE, CLAP, AND TAP by Rachelle Burk and illustrated by Alyssa De Asis, goes through a variety of different types of motion and imaginative play, like marching in a band, prancing on ponies, and doing the chicken dance. This book could certainly conjure up an active afternoon stuck indoors.

Let’s not forget about gentler movement. GOOD MORNING YOGA by Mariam Gates and illustrated by Sarah Jane Hinder, is wonderful. It covers several common yoga poses and ties them to illustrations and activities kids will latch on to and remember. For example, the pose I know as “chair pose” is called Lightning Pose and shows a girl stretching under an electric sky.

Finally, HOW TO BE A ROCK STAR by Lisa Tolin and illustrated by Daniel Duncan, is an excellent book to get kids pumped up! They’ll play the air guitar. They’ll play the air drums. They’ll pick a band name, strike a pop star pose, and moonwalk! And by the time they take their final bow, they might just have worked up a sweat.

***

So, think about what you’d want to do if you were a kid cooped up inside. Or a way to get all the sillies out before having to sit still. Or a fun way to burn energy on a car trip. Or alternatives to going to the gym. Or…

Happy writing!

Kelly

Thanks so much for joining us, Kelly!

You can find Kelly on Instagram @kellyconroybooks and on her website at www.kellyconroy.com.

Ten Favorite Fable Picture Books

January 8, 2024 Stefanie Hohl

Fables, myths,and folktales have existed for more than a thousand years, creating shared history and cultural connectivity among numerous groups of people throughout time. Even today, such tales remind us to focus on the beauty in small things, including our shared human values and experiences, even while we take note of the large things, such as the timeless regularity and patterns of the night sky. In both cases, reading these kinds of stories allows us to connect with a global humanity that transcends even time itself. Dive into some our favorites below!

A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin

When Little Star’s mama hangs the big mooncake in the sky, she reminds Little Star not to eat it. But how can Little Star resist such a tasty treat? Night after night, she nibbles at the mooncake until one night—it’s all gone! This sweet story, complete with beautiful illustrations, creates a clever origin myth about why the moon changes its shape. It’s a perfect bedtime story for little ones!

Town Mouse, Country Mouse by Jan Brett

When two town mice and two country mice decide to trade places, each realizes that there’s more to be grateful for at home than they originally expected. This classic fable comes to life with Jan Brett’s iconic illustrations and wonderful storytelling. And the clever ending will make even the littlest readers giggle!

When Turtle Grew Feathers by Tim Tingle, illustrated by Stacey Schuett

In this Choctaw version of the Tortoise & the Hare fable, Rabbit isn’t racing a turtle at all—but a turkey in a turtle shell! How this silly situation came to be is a fun story about friendship, forgiveness, and doing what’s right. Definitely a fun read!

How Raven Got His Crooked Nose by Barbara & Ethan J. Atwater, illustrated by Mindy Dwyer

This Alaskan folktale adaptation tells the story of Chulyen, an ancient raven that originally boasted a very straight nose. Thanks to his mischief, he lost his perfect nose on the shoreline, where it was found by Chida, a local villager. Though Chida finds the nose to be a useful tool, Chulyen is not willing to give it up and must use magic trickery to get it back!

The Frog with the Big Mouth by Teresa Bateman, illustrated by Will Terry

When Frog swallows a giant fly, he can’t wait to tell everyone that he’s the frog with the Big Mouth! Not satisfied with the disinterest of his fellow frogs, he travels into the jungle to brag to everyone he sees—that is, until he comes face-to-face with a jaguar! This fun fable has delightful illustrations and lots to discuss after its surprising ending!

The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

When Lion unexpectedly allows Mouse to go free, he doesn’t realize that his good deed will ultimately save his life. This wordless picture book tells the traditional fable of the lion and the mouse with intricate illustrations from the celebrated, award-winning illustrator Jerry Pinkney.

The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper, illustrated by Carson Ellis

A poetic celebration of the ancient traditions that commemorate winter solstice, this book reminds readers of global elements of nature and culture that connect humanity across time. With simple, rich illustrations and lyrical prose, this is a beautiful read-aloud book for chilly winter evenings.

The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac by Christopher Corr

This fun origin story details the ancient Great Race that created the order of the Chinese zodiac. Organized by the ancient Jade Emperor, ruler of the heavens, each animal must race across a great river. The order in which they completed the race marked their order in the Chinese zodiac calendar. With bright illustrations and surprising twists, find out which animal won the race—and which contestant never even made it to the finish line!

Fables by Arnold Lobel

Ducks and foxes, wolves dressed as apple trees, and a crocodile with an insatiable hunger for order… These are just a few of the delightful characters in this collection of fables, written and illustrated by the author of the beloved Frog and Toad series. Each fable is one page long, with a gorgeous matching illustration and stated moral. Grab this collection for a quick bedtime story or to spark an interesting family discussion!

Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth

When Addy, Michael, and Karl find a huge, umbrella-holding panda in their backyard, an unlikely friendship with their new friend, Stillwater, begins. As each child spends an afternoon with Stillwater, the peaceful panda tells them each a “Zen short,” or short story designed to inspire meditation. Weaving ancient tales into this modern retelling, Zen Shorts inspires kindness, seeking the good, and letting go of hard feelings. A perfect read-aloud for inquisitive young people and their parents alike!

I hope you enjoyed these Ten Favorite Fable Picture Books!

For more great ideas, feel free to check out 10 Favorite Family Tradition Picture Books or 10 Favorite Memoiristic Picture Books!

And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss more great ideas and future blog posts!

Fable Retellings Picture Books with Susan Claus

January 2, 2024 Stefanie Hohl

We are so excited to have Susan Claus join us today to share information about Fable Retellings!

Susan Claus is a children’s librarian, writer, and illustrator from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is happiest outside on slightly rainy days. Susan makes sure to let her inner child out every day to play.

Short and sweet, or long and lush. There is no wrong way to serve them up.

“The Fox and the Grapes… The Boy Who Cried Wolf… The Grasshopper and the Ant” Chances are you could list a dozen Aesop Fables without much effort. You are in good company, since these stories have been delighting and teaching children since at least 400 BCE; long enough to have soaked into every corner of Western literature.

Children in Colonial America read the fables in chapbooks with simple woodcut illustrations, or heard them told as stories attributed to Uncle Remus. Aesop stories were some of the earliest picture books printed especially for children.

Was Aesop a real storyteller? Possibly, or maybe just a story himself. Legend has it he was an enslaved Greek, who managed to finagle his freedom by using his stories to solve his owner’s problems, and went on to council kings

[If you are interested in getting into the weeds of the real-or-imagined enslaved storyteller Aesop and his tales, I recommend Aesop & Company: With Scenes from His Legendary Life by Barbara Bader, illustrated by Arthur Geisert (Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA, 1991). ]

Fables are short stories, sometimes no more than a paragraph or two. They are most often populated by animals (but not always). The animals display their animal natures, but are stand-ins for humans and human nature and foibles.

Fables are meant to be instructive, and while aimed at children, have resonance for adults. Fables generally include a “moral” at the end, a tidy summoning up, just in case you missed the point of the story.

The Aesop tales, being so concise, make them endlessly re-tellable. And conveniently, they’ve been in the public domain since before English was a written language.

An author can convey the lesson of the Tortoise and the Hare in fewer than 50 words, but enrich that summary by adding sensory elements- the smell of the forest, the sounds of the animals cheering for tortoise, the sunshine that lures the hare to sleep while the stalwart tortoise plods along the muddy path, and the story takes on lively depth and color.

Beautiful picture books versions have been done through the years by Arthur Rackham, Milo Winter, Brian Wildsmith, and Eric Carle. Here follows a list of some recent re-tellings of one familiar tale. They range from traditional, to literal out-of-this-world reimagining.

Jerry Pinkney’s retelling of The Tortoise & the Hare relies on the pictures to tell the story. The word count in this book? Twenty-seven.

The Tortoise & the Hare by Alison Ritchie and Nahta Noj has cut-out pages that add an element of suspense, as readers peep at the tortoise drawing closer and closer to the finish line.

Hare and Tortoise by Alison Murray keeps the traditional race intact, but serves up a side of good sportsmanship at the finish.

Tortoise and Hare: a Fairy Tale to Help you Find Balance by Susan Verde and Jay Fleck, part of the “Feel Good Fairytales” series, takes a turn for social/emotional learning with the moral that being too extreme in any direction isn’t healthy.

The Tortoise and the Jackrabbit by Susan Lowell and Jim Harris drops the story into the desert and gives us delightfully different supporting characters like tarantulas, javelinas, and roadrunners. There is a bilingual edition, too.

The Tortoise OR the Hare by Toni Morrison, Slade Morrison, and Joe Cepeda. The Morrisons turn the story on its head by having the hare win the race. Toni Morrison retold several Aesop tales in collaboration with her son in a series called “Who’s Got Game”.

HIP & HOP In The House! A Free-Flowing Tortoise and the Hare Collection by Jef Czekaj. One friend raps slowly, one friend raps fast; leaving the competition in, but the footrace out. Some retellings traveling farther and farther from earth: The titles probably tell you everything you need to know about these iterations of the fable.

The Tortoise and the Hare and the Jet Pack by Steven Novak.

Hare and Tortoise Race to the Moon by Oliver J. Corwin

The Tortoise and the Hare Space Race: Aesop’s Fables in Space by C. Carlyle McCullough

The Robo-Battle of Mega Tortoise vs. Hazard Hare (part of the Far Out Fables series) by Stephanie True Peters and Fernando Cano.

I could not resist adding :

Tortoise Vs. Hare: a children’s book on Tort Law by Jessica Barnhart Stackhouse. This book proves there are no limits to retelling this Aesop tale. If you need inspiration to do your own retelling of these classic fables, search out a copy of The Aesop for Children by Milo Winter. Originally published in 1919, it has been a staple of library shelves ever since. The illustrations are lovely, and you get a banquet of 126 bite-size Aesop fables to choose from.

Thanks so much for joining us, Susan!

You can find Susan on Instagram @fernpondart, on Facebook @fernpondstories, or on her website: https://susanclauswriter.wixsite.com/writer.

2024 Picture Book Writing Challenge

January 1, 2024 Stefanie Hohl

Our 2023 Picture Book Writing Challenge was a great success! About 35 of you participated as we tried new genres, flexed our creative muscles, and grew as writers! I ended up writing nine of the ten genres, plus three other picture books. Even if none of these books ever get published, I love trying new things, challenging myself creatively, and getting stories down on paper. I 100% believe it’s worth every minute!

Who’s in for 2024? We’ve already covered the main picture book genres, so we’ll be digging a little deeper to explore some new, fascinating topics. Remember, anyone can join the challenge—and no one needs to read what you write! We’ve designed this experience to inspire you to learn and grow as a writer and creator, not to pressure you for results.

How it Works:

Register by commenting on this blog post.
Read the blog posts posted throughout the month for inspiration: an intro to the genre, ten favorite picture books in that genre, and author blog posts.
Write a picture book manuscript in the prescribed genre!

Remember—the Picture Book Writing Challenge is designed as a personal challenge for yourself—no critiquing or sharing manuscripts is needed!

Let the World Know:

Save this image and post to your social media—let the world know you are participating! Tag me at @stefaniehohl so I can like and share your post!

And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for… Here’s the 2024 Picture Book Writing Challenge genre list!

Can’t wait to have you join us! Happy writing!

Jewish Holiday Picture Books with Alan Silberberg (Plus a Giveaway!)

November 13, 2023 Stefanie Hohl

We are so excited to have Alan Silberberg join us today to share information about Jewish Holiday Picture Books!

Alan is the author and illustrator of three Jewish holiday picture books; MEET THE LATKES, MEET THE MATZAH and MEET THE HAMANTASHEN (Viking/ Penguin Random House). His newest book, LATKES FIRST HANUKKAH is a simple, silly board book for the tiniest readers who are ready to laugh and learn. Up next is P IS FOR PASTRAMI, an ABC board book of Jewish foods coming out in February, 2024.

I am the author/illustrator behind four Jewish holiday books published by Viking/Penguin Random House. MEET THE LATKES was my first book, and to be honest, it is the one that happened by accident. Let me explain:

I had already published three middle grade novels and even though I had been cartooning and drawing for decades, never thought about picture books. I did however love to make little silly animations for fun and for my online book brand. MEET THE LATKES began as an animated holiday card that I would send out every December.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFHuBa0-C3I

After receiving this goofy greeting for a few holiday seasons, it was my agent Jill Grinberg who suggested there was a picture book with my potato pancake family. I figured why not – and then set out to write a Hanukkah book based on my latkes. The only problem was, no editor was interested – perhaps because in my initial draft I had a Latke family hosting a Latke Party, which meant it was more of a cannibal story than a celebration of light.

But there was one editor, Leila Sales at Viking, who saw beyond my initial odd take and thought there was a funny and charming holiday story to be told with my latkes. Thanks to her insight, we shaped my first attempt into a warm, funny book that actually tells the Hanukkah story (without eating any latkes). MEET THE LATKES was published in 2018.

The book got great reviews and kids and families laughed along with Grandpa Latke, who insists on telling a wrong version of the Hanukkah story only to be corrected by the “latke” family dog named Applesauce. It’s funny and warm and I loved making it.

And it hit me: MEET THE LATKES was a format. Anthropomorphic Jewish food who tell a Jewish Holiday story. I started thinking about Passover and knew the title would be MEET THE MATZAH. But I didn’t want to create another “family” story and came up with the idea of using the story of the Jewish people’s persecution under the Pharoah and turning it into a “school bully story”. Again, I used the approach of telling the “wrong” story. In a school filled with bread characters, the antagonist is Loaf, a sourdough who is such a bully he insists he knows the Passover story better than the student assigned to tell it; my hero, a piece of matzah named Alfie Koman. (note: at a Passover seder, one ritual is to break a matzah in half and then hide it for the kids to find later – this matzah is called the AFIKOMAN.) Thanks to Alfie Koman finally standing up for himself and correcting the bully, MEET THE MATZAH also uses a mis told version of the holiday story to tell the actual one.

I followed up with the 3rd book in the series, MEET THE HAMENTASCHEN, which tells the story of Purim using the same mis told story format – but instead of a family or a school setting I created 3 Detectives, who are hamentaschen (triangle-shaped Purim pastries). The trio is hired to solve a problem at the Purim Party and based on being bungling sleuths, they get the clues all wrong and it is up to the characters of the Purim play to set the story straight.

Three holidays; three foods; three stories told wrong and then corrected.

My new holiday book. LATKE’S FIRST HANUKKAH grew out of my desire to make a book for younger kids. The bright and silly story uses anthropomorphic holiday symbols in a counting book format with the eight nights of Hanukkah. Each turn of the page is a new night for Latke to celebrate – with new Hanukkah characters to count.

I never intended to be “the funny Jewish food Holiday book” guy – but am thankful to the readers and educators and families who have embraced my way of celebrating Jewish stories.

Thanks so much for joining us, Alan!

You can find Alan on instagram @alan_silberberg and on his website at www.silberbooks.com.

Make sure to check out Stef’s Instagram @stefaniehohl to enter the giveaway!

One lucky winner will win a copy of Latke’s First Hanukkah!

10 Favorite Holiday Books

November 6, 2023 Stefanie Hohl

Holidays mean more than gifts, foods, and decorations. They’re rich with tradition, nostalgia, family, and friends. Whether or not you grew up with fond holiday memories, incorporating special books into the holiday season can inspire children with nostalgic memory, a love of literacy, and lasting feelings of love and belonging—the best gifts of all!

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman

As the weather cools, Bear wants to host a feast for his friends. But his cupboards are all empty! One by one, his woodland friends stop by, each with treats and food to share. But Bear has nothing to contribute to the feast. Will his friends understand? This sweet, rhyming story is a wonderful read-aloud, especially in the days before Thanksgiving!

The People Remember: A Kwanzaa Holiday Book for Kids by Ibi Zoboi, illustrated by Loveis Wise

With rhythmic beauty centered around the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, The People Remember recounts the history of the African American experience in America. From the people who worshiped and lived in Africa to those who sacrificed for freedom, expanded the power of words and music, and continue to work for social justice, this story is a powerful ode to humanity, justice, and freedom. WIth its colorful and emotive illustrations, this incredible story is a must-read for increased understanding of the deep roots and rich meaning of Kwanzaa.

Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka

When Old Bear follows his nose to Bubba Brayna’s cabin in the woods, her failing eyes think Old Bear is the rabbi, come early for a dinner of latkes! Bubba Brayna treats Old Bear to a traditional Hanukkah evening, complete with the lighting of the menorah, a game of dreidel, and a plateful of hot latkes. After sending him into the night with the gift of a red scarf, imagine Bubba Brayna’s surprise when the actual rabbi comes knocking! This sweet tale is perfect for a cozy winter evening.

Meet the Latkes by Alan Silberberg

While Mama and Papa Latke make sufganiyot, or fried jelly doughnuts, Grandpa Latke tells Lucy the story of Hanukkah—or rather, Chhhhanukkah! According to Grandpa, the ancient story involved Judas Mega-bee, who protected his hive from a swarm of alien invaders! Despite Grandpa’s enthusiasm, Lucy’s dog, Applesauce, claims the ancient story involved a group of Maccabees who actually saved their people from the Greek King Antiochus. This delightful story will have your kids laughing, learning, and arguing over the best way to pronounce Hannukkah, er… Chanukah!

A Sweet New Year for Ren by Michelle Sterling, illustrated by Dung Ho

It’s Lunar New Year—but is Ren finally old enough to help make pineapple cakes? Baba says she’s too little to help hang decorations, and Mama’s in a hurry preparing dumplings. When Ren’s older brother Charlie gets home, Ren is determined to prove that she’s big enough for pineapple cakes—but everything goes wrong! Will she ever be able to help? This fun story focuses on the joy of traditions, gathering, and mouth-watering foods!

Dasher by Matt Tavares

Before Santa met Dasher, a reindeer in a traveling circus, his sleigh was pulled by a single horse named Silverbell. But more and more gift-giving—and a heavier and heavier sleigh—was taking its toll on Santa’s old horse. Little did he and Silverbell know that Dasher dreamed of escaping the circus to return to the North Pole, where her mother grew up. Thanks to a handful of wishes and plenty of courage, Dasher changes both Santa’s life and the life of her seven (now very famous!) family members! This is the perfect story for a snuggly read-aloud beneath the Christmas tree.

Dia de Los Muertos by Roseanne Greenfield Thong, illustrated by Carles Ballesteros

The Dia de Los Muertos festivities have begun! Colorful illustrations and rhyming text bring the reader through a day of Dia de Los Muertos preparations, decorations, and celebrations! Cheerful illustrations, extra Dia de Los Muertos information in the endpages, and a glossary of the many Spanish terms referenced throughout the story make this book a delight!

My Diwali Light by Raakhee Mirchandani, illustrated by Supriya Kelkar

As Devi and her family prepare for the Diwali celebration, Devi revels in the smells, clothes, traditions, and symbolism of the holiday. But her favorite part of all is spending time with the people she loves. This fun story describes the many facets of Diwali in a joyous, colorful way, just like the holiday itself!

What Do You Celebrate??? Holidays and Festivals around the World by Whitney Stewart, illustrated by Christiane Engel

In this wonderful nonfiction picture book, readers travel to fourteen different countries to learn about a holiday or festival that is unique to that country. Each two-page spread includes contextual information about each holiday, colorful illustrations, photos, and even related crafts or activities to do at home! From Bastille Day to Chinese New Year to Fastelavn, this book is a perfect way to introduce global cultures and traditions to kids (and adults!).

The Remember Tree by Stefanie Hohl, illustrated by Wes Wheeler

In this beautiful Christmas story, Grandma unwraps a special decoration that her father carved: a small wooden tree with six ornaments. As Grandma unwraps each ornament, the granddaughter must solve a riddle to guess what it will be: a gingerbread house, a star, a candy cane, a candle, and more, before Grandma explains how each shape relates to the Biblical story of Christ. Then the granddaughter is finally ready to receive the most special gift of all! With its rich illustrations, riddles, & timeless message, this book is a must-have for any Christmas morning!

I hope you enjoyed these top 10 Favorite Holiday Picture Books!

For more great ideas, feel free to check out 10 Favorite Family Tradition Picture Books or 10 Favorite Memoiristic Picture Books!

And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss more great ideas and future blog posts!

Holiday Picture Books with Kelly Conroy

November 1, 2023 Stefanie Hohl

We are so excited to have Kelly Conroy join us today to share information about Holiday Picture Books!

Children's book writer and poet, Kelly Conroy, is 50% silly, fun-loving, never-grow-up big kid and 50% hard-working, focused, analytical former actuary. She loves all things magical, whimsical, and numerical, and her goal in life is to make people smile.

She was initially inspired to write by her cousins, Stan and Jan Berenstain, creators of the Berenstain Bears, and continues to be inspired by her two rambunctious sons and mini goldendoodle, Chewy.

It’s November in America! Which means:

Sayonara, Halloween,
Hello there, Christmas and Hanukkah, and
Best of luck, Thanksgiving!

But who can resist the glittering lights of Christmas or the glowing candles of Hanukkah in early November when the days are getting dark, the air is getting cold, and yet another year is ending — reminding us that as time marches on, we are that much closer to the end…

Oops, sorry about that. You know what else shines a bright light in the darkness? Picture books!

Yes, there are a LOT of picture books about the winter holidays. But there are even more stories and traditions to share. I bet each and every one of us celebrates winter differently. For example, here’s my backstory. I grew up “Christian,” but really, what it boiled down to was – we liked Christmas and celebrated all things Santa —hard.

We baked cookies, sang songs, shopped, wrapped, decked the halls, and decorated trees (though, in fairness, this was not my favorite part. I was one of those kids who placed all of the ornaments on a single branch of the Christmas tree, and my mom was one of those mothers who preferred we decorate the whole thing. Conversations were had.)

But the grand finale occurred between December 24th and 26th. Our Christmas Eve consisted of spending the night with the Jewish quarter of my family, who visited during their winter break. My cousins were SO COOL. We played and laughed and shared pieces of our different religions. I loved that night.

On the 25th, we went gaga for Santa with the rest of my family. Then, on the 26 th, we reconvened with the Christmas Eve crew for a day of skiing.

Those were my favorite days of the year, and I love that I learned from a very young age that even if we have different religions, ethnicities… we are all family.

So, this month, write about your own family traditions and read about others. Sharing stories makes the light in the darkness glow even brighter.

Here are some examples. I’ll review various hooks that make each one unique:

THE REMEMBER TREE by our fearless leader Stefanie Hohl and illustrated by Wes Wheeler

This timeless book about the birth of Jesus is both a game and an activity! Learn about popular holiday symbols by reading the riddles, guessing the answers, and building your own Christmas Tree.

LARRY’S LATKES by Jenna Waldman and illustrated by Ben Whitehouse

This Hanukkah tale, told in perfect rhythm and rhyme, is about a food truck driving alligator, family recipes, expanding your horizons, and potato pancakes. Yum!

THE CHRISTMASSY CACTUS by Beth Ferry and illustrated by A.N. Kang

This story doesn’t mention Jesus or Santa but celebrates the magic of Christmas and the power we have within ourselves to be special.

HANUKKAH UPSIDE DOWN by Elissa Brent Weissman and illustrated by Omer Hoffmann

Sometimes, you have to spin an idea on its head, which is exactly what this book is about. Cousins, one in America and one in Australia, compare and contrast how they celebrate Hanukkah.

DASHER CAN’T WAIT FOR CHRISTMAS by Matt Tavares

This new twist on a classic reindeer tale celebrates the kindness of children.

HAPPY LLAMAKKAH! by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Lydia Nichols

This sweet book mixes two fun hooks together. I bet you can tell what they are from the title.

SANTA’S GOTTA GO by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Courtney Lovett

In this fractured fairytale, we get to ponder: When it comes to being a houseguest, is Santa naughty or nice?

EIGHT NIGHTS OF LIGHTS: A CELEBRATION OF HANUKKAH by Leslie Kimmelman and illustrated by Hilli Kushnir

This book is just genius. Opening the cover reveals a menorah with nine candle-shaped mini books that tell a story across the eight nights of Hanukkah.

UNICORN CHRISTMAS: A SPARKLY HOLIDAY ADVENTURE by Diana Murray and illustrated by Luke Flowers

You had me a sparkly! This book is pure fun and joy— until Santa gets sick — but not to worry, the ending is even happier than the beginning.

THE BEARS’ CHRISTMAS by Stan and Jan Berenstain

This was one of my favorite books as a kid. So, yes, it’s old. This character-driven story has silly Papa Bear teaching Brother Bear about a variety of winter sports — while failing miserably. It’s funny, the language is bouncy, it has a heartwarming ending and… it’s by my cousins. Yes, the Christmas Eve crew is my mother’s father’s side of the family: The Berenstains. And although Stan and Jan didn’t attend our festivities, they are the reason I started writing in the first place.

And that, my friends, is a full-circle holiday story.

Good luck writing yours!

Kelly

Thanks so much for joining us, Kelly!

You can find Kelly on Instagram @kellyconroybooks and on her website at www.kellyconroy.com.

Activism Picture Books with Robin Hall

October 16, 2023 Stefanie Hohl

We are so excited to have Robin Hall join us today to share information about Activism Picture Books!

Robin Hall holds an MFA in the Writing for Children and Young Adults program at Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her debut picture book, THE LITTLEST WEAVER, will release Fall 2023 from Familius, distributed by Abrams Publishing.

She believes we are all born with an innate need to create, whether it be the best bread on the planet, a cozy quilt to keep our loved ones warm, or words on a page.

She teaches creative writing to children, yoga to all ages, and lives in North Carolina on a tiny farm with one husband, five children, four dogs, three weaving looms, and too many chickens to count.

Today I’m excited to talk about my debut picture book that released earlier this month. The Littlest Weaver is about Laurel, the littlest weaver, who sees a need in her community and responds.

Laurel feels a call to action and works to make a difference after a sad, displaced man moves to Laurel’s small Appalachian town. She recognizes loss in him, the same loss she experienced when she lost her mother. Even though she is small, Laurel understands cloudy days, pain, and the slow process of healing.

As Jen Krarr says, the main character of an activism picture book needs “a personal connection to the … cause that is at the heart of the story. This character’s journey is fueled by a cause they care about deeply.” Because Laurel suffered loss, she is the right person to help the sad man heal.

Even though the sad man initially turns her away, Laurel keeps finding different ways to help, from preparing and planting a garden to bringing fresh eggs and cleaning the cobwebs in his windows.

The most powerful thing Laurel does is use her gift of weaving. She realizes the man doesn’t need a happy story rug (her family specialty), but one that recognizes and honors his loss to help with the healing process. Laurel designs and weaves the rug with her father. I don’t want to spoil it here, so you’ll have to check out The Littlest Weaver for the big reveal.

My hope is that readers will see that even if they feel small and alone, they, like the littlest weaver, can make a big difference in their community.