A new entry in the popular non-fiction series, joining Welcome to the Symphony and Welcome to Jazz, Welcome to the Opera brings readers up close (and right into the music!) of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. As an introduction to opera for children, Carolyn Sloan, in the Author’s Notes, explains that the choice of “Mozart’s beloved classic…was the best option. Its fairy-tale nature, larger-than-life characters, and remarkable score make for an unforgettable experience…/…And the struggle of good vs. evil…is as universal as time itself”.

Author Carolyn Sloan and illustrator Kaly Quarles lead readers through the story via three dogs excitedly attending the opera. Through their dialogues and curious questions with each other, readers learn key terms and concise explanations, while larger rectangles of text provide lengthier and more precise definitions of major terms referred to on the page. For example, as the dogs settle into their balcony seats, they chat about what an “opera” is- “like a play set to music”- while boxes of text outline the historical beginning of opera, as well as terms such as libretto and singspiel. Certain pages also contain a note prompting readers to press corresponding numbers on the musical sounds box (clearly numbered one through twelve). For instance, readers learn that “the flute is the oldest woodwind instrument…”, and “to hear the magic flute” they are asked to press the corresponding number six.

Alongside the dog’s chatter and definitions, there is a through line of text which serves to explain, in brief sentences, the story of The Magic Flute as shown in the book. At times, it can feel slightly frenetic on some pages- there is so much for the eye to behold, what should a reader or listener of the story focus on?- but Welcome to the Opera is ultimately at work on multiple levels. One can enjoy the overarching storytelling via our canine narrators, search for corresponding numbers, and enjoy the beautiful sounds; and in another reading or two (or three), focus on the highlighted vocabulary or details of the play itself and its characters, and replay the music. Or, one might simply (and happily) listen to the sounds on repeat while perusing the pages! Much as with the earlier series titles such as Welcome to the Symphony (which is a book my children and I have read, reread and loved since its publication), the beauty in these interactive books lies in the exploration, the pleasure in hearing and experiencing a multitude of new sounds and voices, and, of course, in the joy of learning.

Welcome to the Opera is a delight to explore and pore over. Sloan and Quarles have created a robust, highly enjoyable book with invitingly warm and lively artwork, that is sure to be enjoyed by children and readers who adore non-fiction titles, as well as by those who enjoy books with an exciting additional interactive component (e.g. music buttons!). Additional material: Back matter includes a Short introductory biography of Mozart, “Opera Words” definitions, credits to characters and musicians, and more!

I received a copy of this titles courtesy of Book Publicity Services in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Welcome to the Opera is published by Workman Publishing and is currently available.

A peanut butter sandwich seems straightforward enough to make, right? Well, for a group of grinning, dedicated animals in Canadian author-illustrator Bambi Edlund’s How to Make a Peanut Butter Sandwich in 17 Easy Steps, the making of peanut butter sandwiches is akin to a grand- and happily wacky!- expedition. Before diving into the story, readers discover precisely what items and which animals needed to make said sandwich. Loaves of bread? Absolutely! But…don’t forget a skunk, a brimmed hat, two crows, a miniature donkey, clogs, an accordion, and much, much more! Readers may wonder how exactly all of these odds and ends and seemingly sideways steps will actually come together to make a sandwich, but fear not! Through brightly coloured, sweetly illustrated spreads and clearly numbered and defined steps, readers will giggle along as our group of new, adorable animal friends get closer and closer to the last, delicious step. For readers who enjoy the awesomely funny vibes of titles such as How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth, If Your Monster Won’t Go to Bed, or How to Give a Cat a Bath in 5 Easy Steps, Bambi Edlund’s debut picture book is a marvellous, giggly pick.

In Maria Birmingham and Raz Latif’s non-fiction title Odd Couples: A Guide to Unlikely Animal Pairs, readers are taken on an exploration of multiple animal pairs who have surprising things in common. Beginning with a look at a bee hummingbird and giraffe, readers are asked to consider: “What could this odd couple have in common?”. On the following pages, we get to learn that both animals hum– and why they do! With descriptive paragraphs of explanation attached to each animal, Odd Couples provides a fuller- yet still concise- dose of engaging learning. Odd Couples carries the same format of ask-and-answer-explanation through the book; and the variety of animals explored is impressive, with everything from wombats and seahorses to great white sharks and snails in the spotlight. The book closes on looking at the similarity between humans and koalas- sure to delight readers!- and also includes a short Glossary of terms. Canadian duo Birmingham and Latif have done a solid job here of blending absorbing, educative text with charming, appealing artwork in this children’s non-fiction offering. Sure to attract readers who enjoy learning cool, new animal facts in an uncomplicated format, Odd Couples: A Guide to Unlikely Animal Pairs is a terrific selection.

I received copies of these titles courtesy of Owlkids Books in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.

“In the pale morning, an iceberg calves – shears from a glacier/and plunges to the ocean in a haze of sparkle-frost. The iceberg is flat-topped, sharp and angular/and carries ancient weather in its layers of ice-clothing/a coat for each year volcanoes blew/and black ash fell like snow.” Aside from general knowledge (and what we may have gleaned from pop culture!), what do we really know and understanding about icebergs? In the transfixing and eye-opening non-fiction children’s book Iceberg: A Life in Seasons, author Claire Saxby and illustrator Jess Racklyeft take readers on an incredible voyage in the Antarctic. Readers follow the life cycle of a iceberg- which starts as it calves away from a glacier- as it makes its way through the four seasons. In crisp cool spreads- wash with blue-green and shades of white- the iceberg, the star of book, remains, while its surroundings change above ice, on ice, and below the water. Informational while beautifully, poignantly poetic, Saxby’s text is wonderfully matched here by Racklyeft’s softly dreamy yet precise, realistic illustrations and cool-leaning colour palette. Iceberg gives full life to an intimidating inanimate object, and readers may find themselves in awe as they watch and follow the iceberg navigate its way through the seasons. Complete with a glossary as well a back matter section titled “More Information About Our Polar Regions”- speaking to climate change and its effects- Iceberg: A Life in Season is highly recommended reading, and would make an excellent addition to a public library or school library’s non-fiction selection.

Boney, written by Cary Fagan and illustrated by Dasha Tolstikova, opens on protagonist Annabelle, her father, and Scoot the dog, walking in the woods one day. As they march and explore the wildlife around them, Annabelle discovers something rather unexpected- a bone! As Annabelle gently peppers her father with questions about what kind of animal this bone could possibly be from, she decides that she will name this bone Boney and take Boney home. While readers may have uncertain feelings about Annabelle’s decision, the story continues following Annabelle as she arguably takes very thoughtful, tender steps to care of Boney (once her father gives Boney a wash). After affixing a clean Boney with a ribbon, she takes Boney on a walk with Scoot, chats with her friend Lorne, rides the swings with Boney in her lap, and does everything she would normally do in day- all with Boney right there. But- something changes that night. As Annabelle drifts off to sleep, she dreams- of a bear, a wolf, and a deer all running through the woods with her. Without giving away too many spoilers, I will say that Annabelle’s perspective on Boney and where Boney might belong shifts significantly the following morning, leading to a great finale. Fagan, a prolific and acclaimed writer of stories for all ages, offers readers a wonderfully unusual and meaningful tale here- singularly poetic and profound and funny. Tolstikova’s particular cool, relaxed and perceptive art style- you may recognize their work from picture books such as The Bad Chair or Friend or Foe?!- is a tremendous match for Fagan’s storytelling. For readers looking for books that explore children’s connections with and respect for wildlife, emotional processing, or more broadly about cycles of life, Boney is a terrific picture book pick.

I received copies of these titles courtesy of Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.

“Viewed from space, Earth’s surface is dominated by water, a vast area of blue…It is because we have water than life can exist…/…Many scientists believe that life on earth began in the ocean, overcoming cataclysmic asteroid strikes and toxic conditions to later emerge on land. From these microbial life-forms evolved every type of creature we see aboveground today.”– from Oceanarium (Welcome to the Museum series) written by Loveday Trinick, illustrated by Teagan White.

Written by marine biologist Loveday Trinick, illustrated by artist-illustrator Teagan White, Oceanarium takes readers on an outstandingly gorgeous and educational dive into the wonders of the ocean. Beginning with a “Welcome to Oceanarium” and an illustrated panel displaying the oceanic zones, their depth of habitats, and a cross-section of species found in each, Oceanarium is divided into nine ”Gallery” chapters. From plankton and cnidaria, arthropods, fish, reptiles (and more), Trinick and White organize each chapter with an introduction to the creatures in each group, a numbered full-page illustrative spread (plate), and a descriptive key to each creature on the plate. The gallery chapters also close with a look at one specific habitiat: for example, the gallery featuring mollusks and echinoderms includes a summarization and illustrative spread of the deep sea habitat. One of the closing chapters is entitled ”One Ocean”, with a concise look at scope of species that can be found in the open ocean; as well as a section called ’Humans and the Ocean’, with an honest yet optimistic ending note on the importance of conservation efforts, whether small or large scale. Back matter includes a “Library” chapter with a detailed Index list; information about our curators (Trinick and White); as well as sources for readers ’To Learn More.

For adults and children alike (…and truly, for curious minds of any age!), Oceanarium is one of the most eye-catching, wondrous and simply beautiful books about the ocean I have had the pleasure of experiencing. The pairing of Loveday Trinick’s engaging, inviting informative voice, with Teagan White’s naturalistic, realistic yet singularly breathtaking illustrations is perfect. (The plates featuring jellyfish, Portugese man-of-war, anemones, bivalves, crustaceans, cephalopods are just some of the particular standouts). For school libraries, for classrooms, home collections, or for readers interested in exploring and learning more about multiple aspects of ocean life, Oceanarium is a highly recommended pick.

I received a copy of this title courtesy of Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Title has been published and is currently available.

Donna Sandstrom and Sarah Burwash’s Orca Rescue! The True Story of an Orphaned Orca Named Springer is a compelling and enlightening children’s non-fiction title documenting the touch-and-go rescue of a lost young orca. Through the inviting narration of Donna Sandstrom, founder and leader of The Whale Trail, and a citizen organizer behind Springer’s rescue, readers are taken along for a close look at an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime event. In 2002, whale researcher Mark Sears is called out to explore the reported sighting of a lone young orca in the Puget Sound area. A very strange report indeed as orcas live in pods and stay with their mothers for their entire lives. Who was this young orca, why was she alone, and could anything be done to help her? Calls to researchers, scientists, and government organizations went out and remarkable findings were put together- including results detailing the young orca’s matriline all the way back to her great-grandmother! Sandstorm offers readers to join her on the gripping journey that follows the discovery of the little orca named Springer: from how painstaking, laborious, joyful the entire process was; how essential the welcome and knowledge of First Nations communities and respective elders were to the process; to how deeply citizen goodwill became central to Springer’s rescue and reunion; and how crucial a solid, working relationships between key organizations of the United States and Canada were to making this the first ever successful orca rescue and reunion in history. Sanstrom’s narrative is nicely paired with informational asides- orca facts and short histories behind such topics as whales in captivity, their culture, a look at Keiko the whale, and much, much more. Sarah Burwash’s watercolour illustrations are gentle, soothingly calm, and provide readers lovely renderings of orcas (whether in close up, in pods, in movement, or in rehabilitation), and of capturing key moments in Sandstrom’s story. For readers interested in exploring real-life animal rescue tellings, or learning fascinating information about orcas, their families, and their behaviours, this is a stellar pick. For readers who have already explored and enjoyed picture book titles such as Dolphin SOS, Birdsong, Sonya’s Chickens, or The Honeybee, and are ready to discover lengthier (but still illustrated) non-fiction, Orca Rescue! perfectly fits the bill. Extras: Back matter includes short sections on human-caused threats to whales and dolphins; avenues to take action and help; suggestions for further reading; a glossary of terms; and more.

For readers endlessly fascinated by sea creatures peculiar and wondrous, Rachel Poliquin and Byron Eggenschwiler’s The Strangest Thing in the Sea (And Other Curious Creatures of the Deep) is recommended reading. An interactive non-fiction title that poses a lyrical (and illustrative!) hint to readers and provides the answer(s) with a full-page open-the-flap reveal, Poliquin and Eggenschwiler’s title is a very cool, skillfully presented read. For every creature featured in Poliquin and Eggenschwiler’s book, readers are treated to an introductory clue and fictitious representation of the animal to be revealed. For example (minor book spoilers here!), before the reveal of a hairy frogfish, readers see an unimpressed rock- complete with a red coif and pink bow!- balancing on tiny sneakers saying: ”I look like a tiptoeing/rock wearing a wig./I even have a bow in my hair, sort of. Am I the strangest thing in the sea?”. Upon opening the flap, readers are treated to an illustration of the actual creature, with a rundown of how the creature subsists, any tricks or sneaky skills they might have, what their key features are, as well as concise notes about their size, prey, habitats, and depth (of typical location). The Strangest Thing in the Sea follows creature to creature- each so striking, unusual and respectively stupendous- that the build up and promise of revealing the strangest creature is surprising and pays off rather well! (And no spoilers here, I promise). Byron Eggenschswiler (who was very recently featured for the beautiful Song for the Snow, with Jon-Erik Lappano!) so wonderfully captures the moodier, murkier feel of the deep sea, with an appropriately atmospheric palette full of greys, browns, greens, with pops of ghostly white and blood red. The interplay between Poliquin’s combination of playful and strictly informational text with Eggenschwiler’s fantastical, shadowy, and factual illustrations are a strong pairing. For readers who have loved non-fiction books such as Jess Keating and David DeGrand’s engrossing The World of Weird Animals, Rachel Poliquin and Kathryn Durst’s How to Promenade with a Python (and Not Get Eaten) (which is so clever and funny!), or any number of great books by the award-winning team of Steve Jenkins and Robin Page, The Strangest Thing in the Sea is an excellent pick.

I received copies of these titles courtesy of Kids Can Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.

Artist, author, and activist Lisa Congdon– who you may recognize from Instagram, as well as the artist behind the picture book Round (with Jennifer Ward)!- brings young readers an exceedingly beautiful and precisely organized rundown of elements in The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Elements: The Powers, Uses, and Histories of Every Atom in the Universe. A non-fiction title that can just as easily be digested and adored by children and teens as it can be by adults, Congdon’s singular artistry and presentation style is on full effect here. Divided by element categories (hydrogen plus ten other categories), the encyclopedia breaks down each element as follows: their atomic number, their symbol, their category, year discovered, who discovered them; as well as information and background on the element. Providing readers with a foundational study of every known atom of the periodic table, Congdon’s book further details: an introduction to what elements, atoms and compounds are; how to read the periodic table; a look at endangered elements; and much more. Included in the encyclopedia are also concise biographies and dives into related subjects such as: a look at Dmitri Mendeleev and Marie and Pierre Curie; Oliver Sack’s fascination with element collection; the ‘Deadliest Elements’; particle accelerators; radioactivity; and ‘Standout Chemists of the Periodic Table’ (Glossary and Index are also included at the book’s end). An exquisite non-fiction book that functions as much as an essential reference guide as it does a beautiful coffee table staple, Lisa Congdon’s The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Elements is a must-read standout. Extras: A foldout of the illustrated periodic table can be found in the front endpapers.

Earth’s Incredible Oceans, written by conservationist and TV host Jess French and illustrated by Claire McElfatrick, is a children’s non-fiction title that offers readers a study of the ocean and all of the creatures that live within it. Opening with a look at what an ocean is and a world map showing the five ocean basins and the difference between an ocean and seas, French and McElfatrick takes readers on a tour of how water moves, a pictorial spread of the ocean floor and its components, as well as a fascinating breakdown of the five zones of the ocean (all the way down to the hadal (trench) zone which is more than 20,000 feet below and mostly unexplored!). A large component of the book focuses upon the animals of the ocean: this includes everything from invertabrates (with a close look at jellyfish and octopuses); sharks, rays, chimaeras; fish and ocean reptiles; seabirds; and ocean mammals. French and McElfatrick also offer readers a look at the connected ocean food web, as well as the complex, often incredible methods of survival- including the use of camouflage and symbiosis- that animals rely on to make their living in such a precarious world. With full-page pictorial spreads, blending nature and wildlife photography and Claire McElfatrick’s appealing illustrations, and Jess French’s concise text presented in an orderly fashion, Earth’s Incredible Oceans is a fantastic non-fiction primer. Simple to browse and offering truly intriguing animal facts and ocean information, Earth’s Incredible Oceans also spends some time looking at sustainability, waste in oceans, and the immediate dangers of climate change. (Glossary and Index are included at the book’s end). A terrific non-fiction title that would likely be well-used in a school or library setting, Earth’s Incredible Oceans is recommended reading.

I received a copy of The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Elements courtesy of Raincoast Books; I received a copy of Earth’s Incredible Oceans courtesy of DK/Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.

“Jop! I think something is wrong with my brain!” 
”Why’s that, Blip?” 
”I’ve been thinking up some really weird questions.” 
”Weird, huh? Like when you asked how far a porcupine can shoot its quills?” …

For readers familiar with the zany, funny work of Jim Benton: get ready for something extra fun in a children’s non-fiction read! And for readers unfamiliar with the zany, funny work of Jim Benton: well, the same applies! Robot friends Jop and Blip have a pretty big undertaking ahead: little robot Blip has quite a lot questions rolling around in his head and is hoping to get Jop’s help in getting to the the bottom of three big questions. In this first series of entry of Jop and Blip Wanna Know: Can You Hear a Penguin Fart on Mars?: And Other Excellent Questions, our two protagonists will find out: the answer to the titular question of whether or not you can hear a penguin fart on mars; whether you can make a dragon sandwich (yes, that’s right, a dragon sandwich!); and lastly, why we need two ears. At just under one hundred pages, the volume is approachable and not intimidating for readers of various comfort levels, while the graphic novel layout is extremely welcoming for readers who enjoy exploring illustrated or unconventional non-fiction. Benton’s sideways humour, use of kooky asides and colourful illustrations- in tandem with scientific facts and scientific explanations- make for lighthearted and informative reading- a win all-around that confirms Jop and Blip’s belief that ”everything is worth knowing!”. Readers who appreciate their informational non-fiction with generous dose of zing and/or humour- along the the lines of the Disgusting Critters series, Science Comics series, Lesser Spotted Animals, or How to Promenade with a Python (And Not Get Eaten)- might especially delight in the learning and laughs to be had with Jop and Blip Wanna Know. I am already looking forward to read about what questions the two friends are going to tackle in the next book!

“Well, this is going to stop! Someone is going to get hurt.” 
”But he’s okay.”
 ”I’m getting tired of this! You should know better…/…I don’t know if it’s on purpose or by accident, but you’re going to hurt him!”

Written by prolific children’s author Charise Mericle Harper and illustrated by Rory Lucey, Bad Sister is a graphic novel memoir that follows the childhood of young Charise from the moment her parents bring home her new baby brother from the hospital. Based on the experiences and memories of Charise Mericle Harper (and her time growing up with her younger brother Daniel), Bad Sister is an intriguing, meaningful story. Charise is an imperfect kid and she is an imperfect big sister- just like siblings can be! She makes errors in judgement, she makes huge mistakes; she is often not very thoughtful and nor considerate about her little brother’s safety; she gets envious and jealous about how thoughtful her little brother can be; and sometimes, her actions lead to her and her little brother getting hurt. But Charise, as she grows up and out of her childhood years, has huge moments of learning, of trying harder to be patient and a good leader to Daniel, and of taking the time to consider what makes a ”bad sister”– and what she might be able to do differently. Charise’s narrative and voice draw readers in immediately, and the quick-pace of the graphic novel, along with Rory Lucey’s bright and clean, retro-feeling artwork make the story’s moments of busy kids’ activity and emotional peaks even more compelling. I do wish the graphic novel has spoken more to Charise’s discovery of having propagnosia (face blindness), as well as the siblings’ parents and their respective personalities- I thought these sections and components of the story were fascinating, but were not covered as deeply as I had hoped. In all, readers who have enjoyed Raina Telgemeier’s Sisters, Jennifer L. Holm’s Sunny series, or Terri Libenson’s Emmie & Friends series might especially enjoy reading Charise’s narrative and the vignette-like dives into the deep complexities of sibling and familial relationships and dynamics. On the receiving end of a starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal, Bad Sister will likely be a tremendously popular pick with eager graphic novel readers.

I received a copy of Jop and Blip Wanna Know #1 courtesy of Benton Arts; I received a copy of Bad Sister courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.

“Outside, you notice things- How after the rain everything smells greener/How lots of little noises- Birds singing/Bees buzzing/Squirrels running- Make up one big quiet”. Written by Erin Alladin and illustrated by Andrea Blinick, Outside, You Notice is a wonderful children’s non-fiction title that highlights the joys and surprises of the outdoors. Each spread features an outdoor location/space, and story text (in larger font), and smaller bubbles of informational text (usually one to two sentences per ‘bubble’). For example, in the spread featuring a child having fun with and exploring soil, readers learn about the process of decomposing, the difference in colours of soil, what soil is a mixture of, and that “scientists have found that getting spill on our skin can make humans feel happier”!. Informative, with short educational (and fascinating!) notes, Outside, You Notice is a lovely read, blending lyrical storytelling with non-fiction material. Andrea Blinick’s art- a mix of chalk pastel, collage, gouache and coloured pencils- is warm, colourful and inviting; a happy match to Erin Alladin’s conversational, friendly text. Whether used as a read aloud for an outdoor/nature theme, or used more specifically as a starting point to learn about nature in city parks, how gardens grow, the magic of soil, or about pollination (and more!), there is so much to explore and enjoy with Outside, You Notice. Back matter includes an index of outside places featured in the story as suggestions for “ways to get outside!”. Extras: Here is a link to a Teaching Guide for Outside, You Notice, available through Pajama Press’s website.

“Blazing sun- summer clothes/Freckles dot my cheeks and nose/Ocean sun: flash and glimmer/Kick and paddle, little swimmer”. Author Deborah Kerbel and illustrator Miki Sato’s Sunny Days is a beautiful follow-up to their earlier picture book collaboration Snow Days. In Sunny Days, readers follow joyful, appealing, and sweet spreads that highlight different kinds of lovely sunny day weather, and the different kinds of activities and fun things that young ones and their adults can enjoy during sunny days. As with Snow Days, Sunny Days features rich and bright short rhyming text, providing generous space for Miki Sato’s gorgeous layered, textured collage artwork to shine. This is a title that I have been sharing for nighttime read aloud with my youngest and he is just fascinated by the children characters featured in the book, and all the sunny day activities that he and they share in common! Readers who love sweet rhyming books or those who enjoy Snow Days will likely adore Sunny Days. Back matter includes sunny-weather experiments for young ones to try as well as a note about sun safety. Extras: Look forward to a new collaboration from Deborah Kerbel and Miki Sato called Windy Days, coming in October 2021!. Note: Sunny Days is published in “Toddler Tough” format: a more compact picture book size and form, with a padded cover and sturdy, slightly thicker glossy pages. Great for exploring little hands!

Canadian author Victoria Allenby’s previous title Shape Up, Construction Trucks! has been a monster hit with our youngest since it first arrived at our household, so you might imagine that we were both delighted when Allenby’s Listen Up! Train Song arrived! Opening with: “Where do the trains go? There and back” and the refrain of “Let’s sing a train song/All down the track”, Listen Up! Train Song is a happy, busy and straightforward read. Each spread features one noise/question (and a different train photo) followed by the modified refrain. For example, “How does the chime sing? Ting-a-ling! Ting-a-ling! Let’s sing a/chime song/All down the track”. The simple text format follows various train noises from a steam engine, a train crossing, an engine and more. Allenby’s book encourages participation and imagination, singing, and practicing rhyming, with detailed back matter that proffers “sound and rhythm” based activities that adults/caregivers/parents can try out with little ones. (My youngest proudly made up his own sweet train song after a few reads of this title!). Listen Up! Train Song is a solid, participatory read, and a highly recommended companion title for any young readers who love transportation or train books, or who have loved Shape Up, Construction Trucks!. Note: Listen Up! Train Song is published in “Toddler Tough” format: a more compact picture book size and form, with a padded cover and sturdy, slightly thicker glossy pages. Great for exploring little hands!

I received copies of these titles courtesy of Pajama Press in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.

Welcome to a very special post, everyone! A sparkling, all-new spotlight post featuring an interview with children’s author and illustrator Maddie Frost! You may know Maddie Frost as the author and/or illustrator behind a number of wonderful board books, picture books, and children’s non-fiction titles: Smug Seagull, Once Upon a Zzzz, Wakey Birds, Animobiles: Animals on the Mooove (one of my three year-old’s favourite read alouds!), Everybody Needs a Buddy (written by Ellen Jackson), So You Want to Be an Owl (written by Jane Porter), and many, many more. Today is also an extra-special day for this spotlight as Maddie has a brand-new picture book out in the world called Just Be Jelly! I hope you read on for our interview, a bit about Just Be Jelly, a peak at a delightful YouTube Channel called “Let’s Draw with Maddie Frost”, and a look at some of Maddie’s books. Please enjoy!

It’s Interview Time!

Hello Maddie! How did you first get into illustration, and how did you first get into illustrating for picture books and board books?

I got into illustration because of animation. I went to art school in Boston and majored in Animation because I loved characters and storytelling.

I got into picture books sort of by accident when I won this freelance project my senior year of college. A Boston-based hotel was looking for an artist to illustrate a bedtime picture book that took place in their hotel to give to families that stayed there. I have no memory of ever submitting my work but apparently I did. And it changed my entire career path.

I worked as an elementary art teacher for a while until I built up a portfolio to get an agent.

I did a lot of board book work and educational books in the beginning of my illustration career. I said yes to anything that came into my inbox. I threw myself into the fire to learn as much as I could to get better. And to eventually have the skill to write and illustrate my own books. I didn’t know what my “voice” was as a storyteller but I had a feeling I would figure it out along the way, I just needed to do the work first.

What’s your favourite thing to draw? And is it the same or different than the most FUN thing to draw?

Animals. I would say it’s my favorite and most fun. Except if I have to draw realistic horses, camels, giraffes or anything with weird legs. (No offense to horses, camels and giraffes).

Can you tell readers a little bit about your new picture book JUST BE JELLY, which is coming out this month? [Note: released today, June 22, 2021!]

Yes! Just Be Jelly came from a very relaxed jellyfish I drew in my sketchbook. As a person who struggles with anxiety I could hear him telling me I needed to chill out. Hey girl, just be jelly. Then I thought of sardines. Sardines must be scared of everything, I mean there could be ANYTHING around the next reef. Sometimes I feel like a sardine! What sardines need are JELLY VIBES. I need JELLY VIBES! And the story evolved from there.

I wrote and did the art for this book the year before the pandemic started, in 2019. It’s all kind of ironic how much “just be jelly” became a mantra for me in 2020 and now. My anxiety was at an all-time high and I had a hard time focusing on anything. Jellyfish was there to remind me to relax, go with the flow, and that everything would be fine. This book is coming out at such a perfect time and I hope it makes readers laugh and feel comforted: to “wiggle your worries away,” as Jellyfish would say.

Can you talk about any future/upcoming projects you are working on? Sometimes authors and artists talk about a ‘dream project’ they would like to work on: do you have a ‘dream project’ in terms of a children’s book or illustration project?

Right now I’m working on a step-by-step drawing book called Let’s Draw Fun Animals (in 7 simple steps!). If you’ve seen my smash hit YouTube channel called, “Let’s Draw with Maddie Frost,” it’s in that style of simple, shape-based drawing. It also has bonus activities AND fun animal facts. I love this project so much and I can’t wait for kids to dive into the book. It comes out next year with HarperCollins. [Be sure to check out two videos from season one of “Let’s Draw with Maddie Frost” below!].

I’m also working on art for a picture book I wrote called Iguana Be a Dragon. It’s about an iguana that doesn’t feel amazing enough to go to a party and tries to disguise himself as a dragon instead, thus leading to a fireball of trouble. It will be out next year with Bloomsbury.

A picture book called Capybara is Friends with Everyone written and illustrated by me comes out next year with HarperCollins. All I will say about this is it’s about a CAPYBARA! And also this book is so funny!

And a picture book called Shine Like a Unicorn, written by Shelli R. Johannes and illustrated by me comes out in September 2021 from HarperCollins.

I have a few more projects in the works that I can’t talk about JUST YET. But hopefully soon! One of them IS a dream project and I still can’t believe it. It rhymes with Shmafic Bovel. 

If you could give aspiring artists- of ANY age!- one nugget of wisdom, what would that be? 

Create stuff that YOU love and that’s in YOUR heart. There’s a lot of people doing a lot of things and that’s great. But invest in your OWN thing and be brave enough to share that with the world. 

Thank you so much for your time, Maddie!

Here’s Looking At Just Be Jelly!

Book Description:

A groovy jellyfish helps a scared-of-everything sardine learn to take its problems in stride in this humorous picture book about wiggling your worries away. When a sardine who’s scared of everything loses its handbook for staying safe in the sea, it goes into total panic mode. But right as big, scary shadows are surrounding it, the sardine runs into a jellyfish preaching the wisdom of wiggling your worries away. Try it! Wiggle up…wiggle down …wiggle all around! When you’re done, your problems might not seem so enormous—and those scary shadows might turn out to be friends! From the creator of Smug Seagull comes a funny, feel-good story about facing your fears (with the help of a few awesome dance moves).

Here are a few videos from Maddie’s YouTube Channel “Let’s Draw with Maddie Frost”, which just wrapped up its first season of ten episodes. There are so many delightful, adorable creatures and animal friends you (and kids of all ages) can learn how to draw:

Not sure what to share for read aloud? For a storytime? For a bedtime read? Or maybe you are looking for something absolutely fun or totally charming to read? Let’s take a look at just some of the children’s books Maddie Frost has authored-and-illustrated and illustrated- there is something for every reader:

• Smug Seagull written and illustrated by Maddie Frost
• Everybody Needs a Buddy written by Ellen Jackson, illustrated by Maddie Frost
• Animobiles: Animals on the Mooove written and illustrated by Maddie Frost
• Stir, Crack, Whisk, Bake: A Little Book About Little Cakes! from America’s Test Kitchen, illustrated by Maddie Frost
• The Littlest Things Give the Loveliest Hugs written by Mark Sperring, illustrated by Maddie Frost
• Once Upon a Zzzz written and illustrated by Maddie Frost
• So You Want to Be an Owl written by Jane Porter, illustrated by Maddie Frost
• Wakey Birds written and illustrated by Maddie Frost
• A Is for Artichoke: A Foodie Alphabet from Artichoke to Zest! from America’s Test Kitchen, illustrated by Maddie Frost

You can connect with Maddie on her website, on Twitter and on Instagram!

Thank you to Maddie Frost for her time and generosity.

Written by Ann Hobbie and illustrated by Olga Baumert, Monarch Butterflies: Explore the Life Journey of One of the Winged Wonders of the World is a large-format children’s non-fiction title that takes readers on a fascinating, informational and gorgeously illustrated deep dive into the life and world of monarch butterflies. Opening with a look at the life cycle of the monarch butterfly, which “begins with a tiny white egg hidden on the underside of a leaf”, Monarch Butterflies takes readers on a step-by-step, highly visual, and clearly marked journey through everything monarch butterfly. Readers see up-close details regarding the anatomy of a caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly (and the stages of metamorphosis); as well as a short study of their diet of milkweed. The book also denotes the difference between summer butterflies (which have a much shorter lifespan) and monarchs born in late summer, who “live for up to nine months” and “migrate south for winter”. Hobbie, accompanied by Baumert’s truly incredible naturalistic illustrations, then details the migration journey of the eastern late summer butterflies to “Mexico’s transvolcanic mountain range”; types of flower nectar consumed; roosting locations; and their final journey back to the north. Readers also learn about the different target migration spots of western versus eastern butterflies, as well as the severe threats- including predators, human-borne destruction of habitat, and pesticides- facing monarch butterflies. Ending on a realistic yet encouraging note regarding the interconnectedness of species, Monarch Butterflies also provides readers with a number of extra materials. Interested readers can: learn about building monarch habitats; how to become a ‘citizen scientist’; how to support organizations that help monarch butterflies (list and links included); as well as steps on “how to rear a monarch butterfly”. Outstanding illustrations by Olga Baumert coupled with Ann Hobbie’s clear, accessible and engaging delivery makes this title a real standout. Wonderfully presented, thorough and readable, Monarch Butterflies is excellent children’s non-fiction that can be enjoyed, reread and appreciated by all ages. Notes: More back matter includes “Fun Facts”, a glossary, and more research links for further investigation

“When David heard this star chatter, his entire body would vibrate with far-out energy. His eyes would FLASH. His legs would SHIMMY-SHAKE, and all ten toes would TIP-TAP. As David danced, he felt connected to the universe and the rhythm of the stars. If only he could share this feeling with someone else.” Jami Gigot, the Vancouver-based author and illustrator of titles such as Seb and the Sun, and Mae and the Moon, brings readers Starboy: Inspired by the Life and Lyrics of David Bowie. A glimpse inside an imagined part of young David Bowie’s life, Starboy tells readers about the intrinsically rhythmic, musical, unique, and ethereal David Bowie. Readers are also shown that, due to his singular musical affinity and connection to the universe humming around him, a young David could also feel quite lonely: while David liked to add “a FLASH of color wherever he went and let his imagination run wild”… “some of the kids didn’t feel the same rhythm. They thought David was strange” and would laugh at him, asking what planet he was from. As Starboy tells us, however, although it was not easy, David does indeed keep listening to “the star chatter” and “rhythm of the stars”. When he feels brave enough to share “his discoveries” again with those around him, it ends up that those around him now share and feel the same joyful, inescapable “star energy” that he does. As a longtime listener and fan of the incomparable David Bowie- who as Gigot writes, “was an otherworldly talent [we were] lucky to have had…on planet Earth…”- I felt so much of the essence and exhilaration of Bowie’s music- Space Oddity and Aladdin Sane in particular- coursing through Starboy. Gigot’s illustrations, depicting a young David in school uniform and pajamas, to snapshots of David as “a pirate, a duke, an astronaut, a goblin king” (what would later become his well-known personas) are beautiful and fluid, culminating in a vibrant, rich spread (also featured on the cover!) featuring young David with Aladdin Sane’s signature bolt. A loving ode to arguably one of the greatest artists of all time, Starboy is a stirring and hopeful story about listening to ourselves and being courageous enough to follow and share the passions of our heart. Bonus: Back matter includes a beautifully warm and informative Note from the Author-Illustrator; Facts About David Bowie; and a Sources list. A special visual treat can also be found under the dusk jacket!

I received a copy of Monarch Butterlies courtesy of Thomas Allen & Son in exchange for an honest review. I received a copy of Starboy courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.