Category: Blog Tour

Bella and I are honored to be part of the blog tour for Being a Cat: A Tail of Curiosity written by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Pete Oswald.  This energetic picture book celebrated its book birthday on April 4, 2023.  Thanks to author Maria Gianferrari and Harper Collins for sharing a eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review:

I am a big fan of Gianferrari’s books because not only do children learn facts about a topic, but also they are always exposed to vivid verbs (lurk, inspect, scout, twine, bunt) which enhances their oral and written vocabulary.  I love that even as an adult, I learn from reading the back matter which share facts about cats’ tongues, their smelling superpowers, their “seeing” whiskers, and sharp and curved claws. I never knew that a group of cats is called a clowder or a clutter.

Gianferrari’s love for animals is at the heart of all her books.   She always highlights how we can learn from our furry friends.  I love the page spreads explaining how cats communicate their love, for they show their affection through both actions and sounds.    At the end of the book, the cat and its human peer inside a box delivered to their door which makes me wonder…What is making them smile? 

With a melodic text and expressive artwork, Being a Cat is a tale that gives kids “paw-sitive” advice to “purr-fect” their probing skills.

About the Author:

Maria Gianferrari is a picture book reader/writer, tea-drinker, dog-lover, and birdwatcher. Maria writes books that honor our bonds with creatures both domestic and wild, and that celebrate the wonders of the natural world around us. Curiously, though an unabashed dog lover, this is Maria’s third book featuring cats as main characters, most recently Bobcat Prowling, as well as Officer Katz and Houndini. She lives in Massachusetts with her inquisitive scientist husband. You can learn more about Maria at her website: www.mariagianferrari.com.

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• Follow me @lauramossa on Twitter and retweet my Being a Cat giveaway tweet.

                   
                                              

About the Book:
Title: A Dream of Birds
Author: Shenaz Patel
Illustrator: Emmanuelle Tchoukriel
Translator: Edwige-Renée Dro
Pub. Date: August 16, 2022

Review:

As Sara walks to school on the island of Mauritus, she notices something new in one of the yards-small house with a red roof.  Curious, she gets closer and sees parakeets who begin to flap and sing alerting the owner of her presence.  Scared, she runs away but can’t stop thinking about the birds which bring back memories of her grandfather. 

Each afternoon, birds would pay a visit to her grandfather’s yard performing a concert with their melodic sounds.  At precisely four o’clock, her grandfather would return the favor by throwing rice into air. This gorgeous illustration shows the tranquility that the birds brought to Sara and her grandfather. 

When Sara past by the birdhouse the next morning, she recalled the sheer joy of the birds flapping their wings in the air to catch their treat.  This time when she approaches the parakeets, she sees that the door is not locked.  Without hesitation, Sara opens the door letting the birds go free. Her actions are met with punishment by her parents.  Would the birds survive in the wild?  

Translated from French, A Dream of Birds is a story that gave me pause.  While I understand Sara’s motivation for freeing the birds, it is clear her actions were wrong. The birds did not belong to her and captive animals may find it difficult to live in the wild.  Sara’s conduct promotes an opportunity to discuss with kids how to deal with situations, opinions, and/or decisions in which they disagree.  Clearly, Sara’s grandfather had instilled in her that birds deserve to be free but releasing the birds was not a noble action.  Kids can benefit from stories when characters makes errors in judgment eliciting an honest conversation what they could have done differently.  

About the Author, Illustrator and Translator: 

Shenaz Patel was born and lives on Mauritius Island. She has several jobs: journalist, playwright, novelist, and translator, and she is also a comics and children’s book author. She has written nine books for children, including A Dream of Birds, which was first published in French and English in Mauritius and France. She was named Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in 2013, a high honor given by the French minister of culture.

Emmanuelle Tchoukriel was born and lives in France. Passionate about nature, she studied visual communication before entering the Estienne School in Paris. She specialized in scientific drawing, and she excels in illustrating flora and fauna. On Instagram: @emanuelle_tchoukriel

Edwige-Renée Dro is a writer, translator, and literary activist from the Ivory Coast, in Africa. Her writings have been published in anthologies such as New Daughters of Africa and Africa39, among others. She has judged many literary prizes, including the PEN International New Voices Award and the Etisalat Prize for Literature. She was awarded the Miles Morland Writing Scholarship in 2018 and is a 2021 resident of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa. Learn more at edwigedro.wordpress.com.

Twitter: @DroEdwige

Facebook: Renée Edwige Dro

About the Book:
Title: Pink is Not a Color
Author/Illustrator: Lindsay Ward
Pub. Date: July 1, 2022

Review:

When Pink discovers that the Primaries and the Secondaries are planning for the Rainbow Extravaganza, she wants to lend a hand.  But she wonders why hasn’t she ever heard of this event before?  

The Rainbow Extravaganza celebrates all the colors in the rainbow and sadly, Pink is not one of them. The colors still invite Pink to come, but she feels awkward and begins to question her identity.  Is she still a color if she is not in the rainbow? I love Ward’s format for Pink speaks directly to the reader sharing her inner thoughts in speech bubbles and the illustrations show Pink’s range of emotions as she grapples with this question.  

A confused Pink meets up with other colors and learns that colors mixed with white are called Tints.  So is she a color or a tint?  Fortunately, Gray sets her straight by taking Pink on a stroll around town to show her how all things pink such as ice cream, art, and toys bring joy.  And best of all, pink is a color in the sunrise and sunset.  Can’t get any better than that! 

The message of Pink is Not a Color is sometimes it takes a friend to help you see your true self-worth.  Pink forgot that others don’t decide who she is; she is bubble gum, cotton candy, tutus, bunny slippers, cupcakes, and sprinkles which all bring happiness. 

As in Ward, This Book is Gray, Ward’s artwork and page layout is visually appealing to young readers.  The colors are adorably drawn adorned with hats, headbands, and rosy cheeks.  The witty dialogue is written in speech bubbles.  Be sure to visit the front endpapers again, for Ward has included a color glossary defining types of colors and the author’s note explaining the inspiration for the story. 

Praise for Pink is Not a Color!

Ward’s cast of colors, pink-cheeked and wearing accessories, speak in color-coded speech bubbles; appropriately, pink hues dominate the exuberant art. A rosy take on selfhood.” 
―Kirkus Reviews

About the Author/Illustrator: 

Lindsay Ward is the creator of the Dexter T. Rexter series as well as Between the Lines, Scooper and Dumper, Rosie: Stronger than Steel, This Book Is Gray, Brobarians, Rosco vs. the Baby, and The Importance of Being 3. Her book Please Bring Balloons was also made into a play. Lindsay lives with her family in Peninsula, Ohio with her husband, three boys, one dog, and eight ducks. When she’s not drawing, Lindsay loves to bake. Pink-frosted cupcakes are her favorite. Learn more about her online at www.lindsaymward.com.

Twitter: @lindsaymward
Instagram: lindsaymward

Check out activities and more here on Lindsay Ward’s website!

                   
                                               

About the Book:
Title: I Am Able to Shine
Author: Korey Watari
Illustrator: Mike Wu
Pub. Date: May 1, 2022

Review:

Keiko has one wish-to change the world and shine. She is enthusiastic and passionate about making a difference. While there are times she feels invisible, Keiko does not wallow in her sorrows. She persists to be noticed. From Watari’s uplifting text and Wu’s rich illustrations, readers see that Keiko’s endurance is fueled by her family who love and support her.  She exudes strength eating sushi at lunch, starting an origami club. and teaching traditional Japanese dance with her ballet class. I love this illustration showing Keiko’s confidence being the leader. 

Once Keiko finds a force inside her, she is invincible. This illustration moves me because Keiko sees herself in the future recognizing that she can do anything she sets her mind to. 

With Watari’s affirming text and Wu’s expressive illustrations, I Am Able to Shine is a story that teaches kids to embrace their identity. Back matter includes an author’s note sharing the inspiration for the story as well as a glossary of Japanese terms. After reading it aloud to kindergarten students, they had these thoughts about what they learned from Keiko. 

• Be kind and helpful.
• Stand up for others and yourself.
• Share what you like to do with your friends.

About the Author & Illustrator: 

Husband-and-wife team Korey Watari and Mike Wu live in the San Francisco Bay Area in California with their two lively daughters. This is their first picture book together. Korey is a sansei, or third generation Japanese American, born and raised in Los Angeles. She played basketball for a Japanese American League, graduated from the University of California Riverside, and studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Korey has worked in the animation and fashion industries for companies such as Disney and the Gap. This is her first picture book. Learn more at www.koreywatari.com or on Twitter at @tinyteru.Mike is the author and illustrator of the acclaimed, bestselling Ellie series, the first picture book of which was named one of NPR’s best books of the year. He is also a Pixar artist and has worked on films including The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Up, Toy Story 3, Coco, and Soul. His illustrations have been hailed as “reminiscent of classics like Harry the Dirty Dog and Curious George.” Visit him at www.theartofmikewu.com or on Instagram at @wudog23.

Bella and I are honored to be part of the blog tour for Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness written by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Pete Oswald.  This playful picture book celebrated its book birthday this week on April 5, 2022.  Thanks to author Maria Gianferrari and Harper Collins for sharing a F & G in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review:

Dogs have countless wonderful qualities including the ability to live in the present moment.  Being a Dog introduces children to mindfulness with an adorable dog as their guide.  On the very first page, Gianferrari engages in word play with the following text:

Being like a dog 
is BE-ing.
Right now.

Oswald’s cheerful pup with its wagging tail and a ball in its mouth helps children visualize what being in the moment means.  

As the sun rises, the dog greets its young person, and the two stretch to begin their day.  This page spread is touching because Oswald shows the pair’s close relationship with the child’s artwork of the dog adorning the bedroom.

The dog and child spend time together outside. As the pup engages in lively behaviors such as sniffing and playing, Gianferrari invites readers to join in.  Feelings are also explored with canine sounds to match like barking when worried and yowling if sad.  Children are encouraged to mirror the cute dog’s actions as a means to remain mindful of their present thoughts and emotions.   

Gianferrari’s love and respect for dogs shines through in the text.  She admires their ability to enjoy the present and be in touch with their feelings.  I especially loved this page spread inviting readers to sleep like a dog.  My favorite is ” Circle before you sleep,” for Bella religiously makes a loop before settling.  Oswald’s rendition of the dog’s actions is perfect.  The crossed paws when dreaming are endearing.

If you are looking for a picture book to support social emotional learning, I highly recommend Being a Dog.  Children not only get to learn mindful strategies, but also are exposed to vivid verbs (munch, romp, ruffle, wade, whirl) which enhances their oral and written vocabulary.  The back matter includes directions on how to take a mindful nature walk with a canine friend in all four seasons as well as instructions on a mindful breathing exercise. 

With rhythmic, concise text, and warm, expressive artwork, Being a Dog is a tale that gives children the “oppawtunity” to learn how to mindful of their feelings in order to reach their full “pet-tential.”  

About the Author:

Maria Gianferrari is a community scientist, self-taught naturalist, and bird nerd who holds an M.A. in Creative Writing and a Ph.D. in English. She is the author of narrative nonfiction picture books which celebrate urban ecosystems, the natural world and our wild neighbors. She also writes engaging expository nonfiction. And as a lover of dogs, Maria’s fiction picture books star dogs as main characters and explore the human-canine bond. She writes from her light-filled, book-lined study in Massachusetts with rescue dog, Maple at her side.

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About the Book:
Title: Pruett and Soo
Author: Nancy Viau
Illustrator: Jorge Lacera
Pub. Date: March 22, 2022

Review:

On Planet Monochrome, the home rules are pretty black and white. 

Blend in.
Wear only black, gray or white.
Be calm. 

Now, at his house, Pruett may have let loose to music when alone, but he adhered to the school rules without fail.  

A new student, Soo, joins Pruett’s class and she brings color to his world (literally). Unlike Pruett and his classmates, Soo is full of vibrant hues, immediately asks questions, and uses bright crayons.  When Soo befriends Pruett, he desperately wants to reciprocate, but he is worried about breaking the school rules.  Color crept into his face but he couldn’t bring himself to join her. 

A lonely Soo begins to lose her bright colors and spirit which prompts Pruett to take action.  With just one question, Soo’s color returns and Pruett’s color emerges.  Feeling confident, Pruett starts asking questions not concerned about the rules.  His bravery propels other classmates to join in, and the result is so brilliant, readers may need sunglasses to read the last few pages. 

Pruett and Soo is an uplifting story about friendship and finding your voice. I appreciate how Viau shows Pruett’s conflict between following the rules and doing what was right in his heart.  Both Pruett and Soo are characters that kids will cheer for because they both have big feelings they can relate to. Lacera’s energetic and vibrant illustrations will captivate kids and truly bring Pruett and Soo to life.   What I love most about the story is the message to be true to yourself.  Pruett’s friendship with Soo gave him the courage to speak up and take action.

Praise for Pruett and Soo!

“The unlikely friendship at the heart of this allegorical picture book is touching. Viau’s writing is engaging.” –Kirkus Reviews

“Highlighting the value of asserting one’s individuality in the face of pressures to conform, this vivid episode can stand alone or fit neatly into a storytime.” –Booklist

About the Author:

Nancy Viau is the author of a number of books for children including Storm Song, illustrated by Gynux; Today Is a Beach Day!, illustrated by Charlie Alder; First Snow, illustrated by Talitha Shipman; and the Samantha Hansen series. A former teacher, she currently lives in New Jersey and travels around the solar system in her imagination. Learn more at nancyviau.com.

Twitter: @NancyViau1

Instagram: @nancyviau1

Facebook: Nancy Viau

About the Illustrator: 

Jorge Lacera was born in Colombia and grew up in Florida. He attended Ringling College of Art and Design and has worked as an artist or art director at major gaming studios and entertainment companies. He is the illustrator of Zombies Don’t Eat Veggies by Megan Lacera and XO, Exoplanet by Deborah Underwood. He lives in Canada with his family. Learn more at studiolacera.com.

Twitter: jlacera

Instagram: jlacera