(Photo by Nancy Ellen Rawley; use with permission only) Hello, dear Summer Readers. You’re different than rest-of-the-year readers because it’s summer time and that means, Summer Reading Clubs, Book of the Month Club (my sister gave me a subscription for my birthday! Thanks, schwes!), Reading is Fundamental, beach trips, camping trips, out in the hammock reading time… all of it. So here are a few new titles for you. I’ve never played or really understood Dungeons & Dragons, but there is a new movie out, and that means books and toys to go with it, yay! “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” is a junior novelization that is available in hardback or paperback, with color inserts. The hardback includes the color inserts, plus a cool little poster. All kinds of cool stuff to go along with the movie and the books — action figures, a Monopoly game… have fun. My new favorite book (I’m about halfway through reading it) is Jenna Yoon’s “Lia Park and the Heavenly Heirlooms.”  (This is the second book in the adventure/magic/fantasy series.) Our 12-year-old heroine is now attending the International Magic Academy full-time with her best friend Joon, and her magic abilities aren’t exactly going the way she’d like. This is a great, well-written and interesting book. The grown-ups and the kids will all enjoy this one. Enjoy your summer. Put some Otter Pops in the freezer and fill up the kiddie pool. All for now, bon appetit, WM

Oregon Coast (photo by Nancy Ellen Row Rawley)

Today I’m reviewing three awesome picture books about kids and their families:

“Ramen for Everyone,” written by Patricia Tanumihardja, with illustrations by Shiho Pate (Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster, 2023, all ages, $18.99). This sweet picture book tells the story of Hiro and his dad, who makes the most perfect ramen, every Sunday. Nori seaweed, nitamago egg, savory broth, yummy chashu pork… and noodles. (Yes, cooking tips, a recipe, and some history on ramen are included.) Hiro is ready to tackle the recipe himself, but it’s a little trickier than he thought it would be. Luckily, his dad, mom and sister are there to help and lend some support. This lively book reads like an anime — the illustrations are fun and colorful.

“The Best Worst Day Ever,” by Mark Batterson & Summer Batterson Dailey, illustrated by Benedetta Capriotti (Multnomah/Penguin Random House, 2023, $12.99). Capriotti’s illustrations give a cartoon-style flair to this picture book about a son and his father.

You know when it’s one of those days? Your cereal is soggy, your fave shirt is in the wash, you’re still sleepy and you have to go to work? That’s Bert’s story. He’d rather run and play, but he has to head to the flower shop to work with his dad. But when the clouds roll in, and the rain starts, his dad hollers, “You can’t ruin my day, no way!” at the sky. And Bert starts to look at the world a little differently.

“Babajoon’s Treasure,” written by Farnaz Esnaashari, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2023, ages 4 and up, $18.99). Miriam loves spending part of her summer every year with her Babajoon and Mamajoon. The family, originally from Iran, lives for adventures. When Miriam spies a gold coin that is different from her Babjoon’s other coins, she becomes convinced that he’s… a pirate? Maybe the other language he speaks is pirate code? Lovely illustrations and a fun story. Nice way to learn about non-American cultural traditions.

Have a great week, everyone! Hope your adventures bring you magic and joy.

WM  

Peruvian lilies from my yard (photo by moi) Once upon a time, I was lucky enough to land at a K-8 school where a bunch of amazing students, teachers, parents and staff attended, worked, played and learned. That is how I met my friend L*, a person who was great, funny, smart, talented and steady Eddie. She passed away last year and thanks to the generosity of her kids, I inherited a load of her books. Some of the collection is going to the bookstore, for resale; some titles are going to Little Free Libraries; some will go to my students, and friends; some will stay with me. How blessed are all of us, to have books around? #blessed #loved #friends. Here are some lessons L* left behind for not just her students, but her family, neighbors, friends… and me.

1. Breathe. Inhale/exhale, inhala, exhala.
2. You probably can speak more Spanish than you think you can; give it a try.
3. Throw a lot of love around and see what happens.
4. Learn when to keep a secret and learn when to tell someone off. Learn when to hug tightly and learn when to give someone space.
5. Drink tea, stay hydrated, try to eat healthy foods.
6. Start each day with a poem.
7. Turn on the sprinklers for the birds and the critters, especially when the air is smoky and it’s hard to breathe
8. Send letters and be open to receiving letters.
9. Call when you can.
10. Teach people to read.
11. Give away books.
12. Pay attention to the bugs and flowers.
13. Garden and work in your yard.
14. Take your dog(s) for a walk and visit the neighbors.
15. Let your kids know how much you love them.
16. Smile.

She. Was. Amazing. I’m a better person, because of her. I mean that. I’m not including links, but I’ll include a list of some of the books she left me. They’re all pretty cool. Be well, leave a comment if you’d like, and don’t forget to read and write. And write and read, and then to read and write some more. XO WM Dick King Smith’s “Alphabeasts,” illustrated by Quentin Blake Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” “Arctic Memories,” by Normee Ekoomiak “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Joseph Schindelman; “The Roald Dahl Treasury”; and “D is for Dahl: A Gloriumptious A-Z Guide to the World of Roald Dahl,” with illustrations by Quentin Blake “Desert Dog,”  by Tony Johnston, with paintings by Robert Weatherford “Fables,” by Arnold Lobel “Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices,” by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by Eric Beddows (This is one of my favorite books in the universe, I’m happy to say. And my friend L* introduced it to me. We loved to celebrate National Poetry Month every April, and we liked “Poem in Your Pocket” day. You know it? You keep a poem folded up in your pocket, and all day long you read your poem to people you run into, and they, in turn, read their poems to you! Perfecto! My poem is one that my sister and I like. Our great-aunts taught it to us many, many, many years ago. It goes like this… ready? “I love you little/I love you big/I love you like/a little pig.” — anon.) “Little House in the Big Woods,” “On the Banks of Plum Creek,” “By the Shores of Silver Lake” and all the “Little House” titles, written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, pictures by Garth Williams “The Magic Hummingbird: A Hopi Folktale,” collected & translated by Ekkehart Malotki, narrated by Michael Lomatuway’ma, and illustrated by Michael Lacapa Caldecott Medal Winner “Many Moons,” by James Thurber, illustrated by Louis Slobodkin (who also provided the drawings for “The Hundred Dresses,” by Eleanor Estes) “Pizza, Pigs and Poetry: How to Write a Poem,” “The Dragons Are Singing Tonight” (with pictures by Peter Sis) and “If Not for the Cat” (paintings by Ted Rand), by Jack Prelutsky, Children’s Poet Laureate “Salmon Forest,” by David Suzuki & Sarah Ellis, with illustrations by Sheena Lott “Scruffy: A Wolf Finds His Place in the Pack,” by Jim Brandenburg “Thunderfeet: Alaska’s Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Critters,” by Shelley Gill, illustrations by Shannon Cartwright “Where the Buffaloes Begin,” by Olaf Baker, with drawings by Stephen Gammell Books that I found last week in my wanderings: “Across the Stream,” by Mirra Ginsburg, pictures by Nancy Tafuri “Are You My Mother?” written and illustrated by P.D. Eastman, my hero “In My Mother’s House,” by Ann Nolan Clark, illustrated by Velino Herrera “The Little House,” by Virginia Lee Burton “Madeline’s Rescue,” by Ludwig Bemelmans “Love Songs of the Little Bear,” by author Margaret Wise Brown and illustrator Susan Jeffers “Ninja Red Riding Hood,” by Corey Rosen Schwartz, illustrated by Dan Santat “Olivia and the Missing Toy” and “Olivia Forms a Band,” written and illustrated by Ian Falconer Hans Christian Andersen’s “Thumbelina,” retold by Amy Ehrlich, with pictures by Susan Jeffers Grownup books: “Awakening Creativity: Dandelion School Blossoms,” by Lily Yeh “The Book of Delights,” essays by Ross Gay “Emperor of the Air,” stories by Ethan Canin “Messages on Stone: Selections of Native Western Rock Art,” by William Michael Stokes and William Lee Stokes “Pack of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs,” by Caroline Knapp “Rescuing Claire,” by Thomas Johnson “Ten Poems to Change Your Life,” by Roger Housden “To the Nines: A Stephanie Plum Novel,” by Janet Evanovich “Teacher Therapy,” by Karen Katafiasz, illustrated by R.W. Alley

“Elbert in the Air,” is a brand-new picture book by Monica Wesolowska, with art by Jerome Pumphrey (Dial Books for Young Readers, 2023, $18.99). Elbert cannot help it, he has to be up in the air. His mom understands, and together, they make it work.

“Love is Loud: How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights Movement,” written by the gifted and insightful Sandra Neil Wallace, with illustrations by Caldecott Honor Recipient Bryan Collier (2023, A Paula Wiseman Book/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, ages 4 and older, $18.99).

This beautifully illustrated biography tells the story of Chicagoan Diane Nash, an American hero who not everyone knows about. Hoping that with this book, lots of kids and grown-ups know who she is. Nash’s story is extraordinary. After attending Howard University in Washington, D.C., Nash transferred to Fisk University in Nashville. Her political work ignited when she led John Lewis and 122 other students in Nashville in the first of lunch counter sit-ins. The Nashville Student Movement began. The comprehensive timeline in the back of the book, the resources, quotes, bibliography… all of it. This is a meaningful, powerful book. Highly recommend.

“Me and the Boss: A Story About Mending and Love,” written by Michelle Edwards, with illustrations by April Harrison, is a cool book about the big sisters who look out for you even when they’re getting on your nerves. (Anne Schwartz Books/Random House Children’s Books, 2022, $18.99.)

“Little Black Boy: Oh, the Things You Will Do!” written by Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Larry C. Fields III, with illustrations by Paul Davey, is a beautiful, dreamy, empowering picture book. (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House, 2022, $18.99.) A young boy loves marine biology and is inspired by his heroes, Samuel M. Nabrit, Robert K. Trench and Ernest Everett Just. Great title.

“Little Black Girl: Oh, the Things You Can Do!,” by Kirby Howell Baptiste, with more beautiful art by Paul Davey, is a lovely, sweet book about a girl who knows that the sky is the limit. (Or rather, not the limit.) (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House, 2022, $18.99.)

“You have sparks in your brain and fire in your heart. You can decide where to stop and where to start.”

Yes, she would like to become a robotics engineer, she is thinking, and is inspired by some of my favorites: Claudette Colvin, Audre Lord, Toni Morrison… ahhhh. Yes, kid. Go for it. This is a fantastic pair of books. 

“You Gotta Meet Mr. Pierce! The Storied Life of Folk Artist Elijah Pierce,” by Chiquita Mullins Lee and Carmella Van Vleet, with extraordinary illustrations by Jennifer Mack-Watkins. (Kokila/Random House, 2023, all ages, $18.99.) This is a great modern day telling of the true story of a great man and artist.

He really does sound like someone I would have liked to have met. People like Mr. Pierce? We are all better off knowing people like this. He made incredible wood carvings, and as a side job, worked as a barber. His barbershop? Was also an art studio. Man, do I love stories like this. Mr. Pierce’s list of honors is included in the back of the book.

“Your life is a book and every day is a page.” — Mr. Elijah Pierce 

Mr. Pierce passed in 1984, but you can still see his work at the Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, Ohio; High Museum of Art, Atlanta, Georgia; the American Folk Art Museum, New York, New York; Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.; and Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“You Come From Greatness: A Celebration of Black History,” by author Sara Chinakwe and illustrator Ken Daley is a vibrant new picture book from WaterBrook/Random House. (2023, all ages, $13.99.)

“You come from people who spoke with voices as mighty as a lion’s roar. You come from change makers and status shakers, people ready to rally in unity to ensure your future.”

I appreciate the list of names of the powerful people pictured here, the recommended reading list in the back, the added bios, and the enthusiastic nature of this book. It lifts up the reader, the imaginary hero of the book, and all of us.

I’ve got to say… it’s pretty cool to see real-life historical heroes finally get credit where credit is due. Big smiles for all of these titles. Have a great week.

WM

“Wild roses” (photo by Nancy Row Rawley)

You know the history of the phrase, “You So Black”? You’re smart, you probably do, but I didn’t. It started, according to history provided by author/poet/artist Theresa Tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. and illustrator London Ladd, as a “remnant of ‘The Dozens.'”

The Dozens was a game of insults, practiced by enslaved black people, who would ridicule each other on the auction block to discourage potential slave masters. Over the years, it evolved/devolved into an insult competition, to make people feel bad about their skin color.

That’s where the artists picked up, switched it up, and brought us the new picture book (which will be released in January) “You So Black” (Denene Miller Books, Jan. 2023, ages 4-8 — and up — $18.99.) It isn’t just a picture book, it’s a gift. It’s magical. It glows. It takes an old “game” and makes it an affirmation, a joy.

Just a joy, this book.

“You so Black, when you smile, the stars come out. You so black, when you’re born, the god come out.”

London uses a mixed media approach with his work — cut paper, tissue paper, colored pencil and acrylic paint. All of my faves, by the way. Like I said, it glows. And Theresa’s poem has the sweetest rhythm.

Theresa and London will be on tour with the book; please check their websites for details. Peace.

WM

(“Last summer…” photo by Nancy)

Hello, dear friends and readers, how are you today? It’s cold and clear here, but not pouring like it was yesterday. I was out and about, and the roads resembled lakes. The underside of my car is washed clean now.

But today I’m home and rocketing through a list of books for you. Any and all would be great holiday or birthday or no-reason-needed gifts. I’m going to organize it a bit differently, and just throw some great titles at you. I wouldn’t mind uncovering my dining room table, I think it’s there, somewhere, under the stacks and stacks of new titles. So here we go. I’ll give you three categories: All ages, big kids and little kids.

Please support authors, illustrators, book publishers and the work they do, and your local booksellers, too. I always include Amazon links because they’re easy. Check with local booksellers, though, because they often ship or sometimes even deliver in person, or let you do a drive-by pick up.

XO and happy shopping.

WM

For all ages:

“Lunar New Year Mad Libs,” yes, I said Mad Libs. Super fun way to entertain the kids and each other at a gathering or party.

“Give This Book Away!” by Darren Farrell, illustrated by Maya Tatsukawa (Random House Kids, 2022, $18.99). This is a super idea — take this pretty picture book, take the love, take the words, take the kindness, spread it around. Pass it on. Especially love the flyleaves — lines and space to write the names (and cities) of everyone the book has gone to. Aw. Y’all know I live for stuff like this. Share the soup, share the space, share the compassion. Just do it. (Nike didn’t make that up… I did. LOL.)

“Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea,” by Ashley Herring Blake, is a middle grade book, but I’m including it under all ages because it deals with grief (loss of a parent) in such a thoughtful way. I really love this book, which includes a family story, a mystery from the past, a mermaid’s tale, and, of course, the deep blue sea. Highly recommended.

“The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee: Life in Native America,” young readers adaptation, and “The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee,” the grown-up edition will be good additions to your bookshelf. (David Treuer, who is Ojibwe, from the Leech Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota, a New York Times bestselling author and National Book Award finalist; Penguin Young Readers, 2022, ages 12 and up, 275 pages, $19.99.)

For the big kids:

“We Were the Fire: Birmingham 1963,” written by Shelia P. Moses (Penguin Young Readers/Nancy Paulsen Books, 2022, ages 8-12, 159 pages, $17.99), is moving historical fiction about the American Civil Rights Movement. This one should really be included in the all ages list, it’s powerful and needed.

“Core 52 Family Edition,” by Mark E. Moore and Megan Howerton (WaterBrook/Multnomah, 2022, 223 pages, $16.99), is a guide to building kids’ Bible confidence. (There is a “Core 52” for the grownups, too.)

Fairy tales! Always. “Cinderella — with Dogs!” is a great new title from Linda Bailey, with hilarious and sweet illustrations by Freya Hartas (Nancy Paulsen Books, 2022, $18.99). Woof!

For the little kids:

“Chinese New Year,” a Mr. Men Little Miss Book, originated by Roger Hargreaves (written and illustrated by Adam Hargreaves, Grosset & Dunlap, 2018, $4.99). This series, which started in 1971, is just a lot of fun. We catch up with our friends, Little Miss Neat, Mr. Greedy, Little Miss Shy and all the others, trying to celebrate the New Year and messing it up thoroughly. Completely. Is there any hope for this crowd? Haha.

Two more for Lunar New Year, which is coming up early for 2023… Jan. 22nd. Yes! Year of the Rabbit, on of my favorites. Beautiful. * “Alex’s Good Fortune,” by Benson Shum (Penguin Workshop, 2020, $4.99). and… * “Natasha Wing’s The Night Before Lunar New Year,” with Lingfeng Ho, art by Amy Wummer.

Uni the Unicorn is my new best friend, yo. So cute. Hello, “The Haunted Pumpkin Patch,” (with stickers! Sorry. Little late on this title); “How to Say Thank You” (includes punch-out thank you cards) and… “Reindeer Helper.” All titles are written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, with illustrations by Brigette Barrager. (Random House, 2022, $6.99-$10.99.)

“Stealing All the Scratch,” photo by moi, Nancy Ellen Row Rawley

I love the deer, I do.  Look at those spots! (The babies are bigger now, and still not full-sized, but have lost their spots, alas.) Honestly, though, they need to ramble on and find other food sources. The poor chickens. The deer eat all the food I scatter for the birds, then wedge into their coop and eat whatever they can get from the dispenser.

Only… poor chickens nothing! I saw one of the big girls chase off three deer (not these ones — a buck and two does) the other day, and it was pretty funny. I stamped my foot at them, shoo! and the Ameraucana (do you know what they look like? They’re gorgeous, and their eggs are cool) came tearing up behind me, lieutenant chicken, there to aid and assist. The deer fled and the chicken went back to the flock.

We’ve been raising chickens, or they’ve been raising us, pretty much since we moved into this place, five years this month. #thedaysgoslowtheyearsgofast #truth

They have broken my heart, stressed me out, cost me way more money than I ever thought possible. But they’re my friends, they’re sociable, fresh eggs are pretty great (15 hens now and one rooster = anywhere from 2-12 eggs a day) and I love them. I’m a chicken chick now. Would be nice to travel, though… maybe. Someday. Just sayin.

On to the books!

Received a case of books today, all spiritually-based. If you are in search of some new titles on that topic, here are several:

“Brown Baby Jesus,” by written by Dorena Williamson and illustrated by Ronique Ellis (WaterBrook, 2022, all ages, $15.99). Beautiful rendition of the story of Jesus’ birth, weaving in the stories of Adam and Eve, Moses, David and Bathsheba and others. The art is exquisite.

Dorena Williamson also gifts us “Crowned with Glory.” This sweet picture book, illustrated by Shellene Rodney, is a real treat. A little girl’s hair symbolizes a crown, and the glory of community, service, church, friendship and family. (WaterBrook, 2022, $12.99.) The author and her husband Chris founded Strong Tower Bible Church.

“Hues of You” is a super cool new activity book “for learning about the skin you are in.” Lucretia Carter Berry, PhD, wrote the book, with illustrations by Adia Carter (WaterBrook, 2022, 63 pages, all ages, $14.00). I’d like copies of this to gift everyone I know.

“Color-Courageous Discipleship: Follow Jesus, Dismantle Racism, and Build Beloved Community” is a new release from Michelle T. Sanchez, with a foreword by Ed Stetzer and an afterword by Jemar Tisby. (WaterBrook, 2022, 279 pages, $18.00.) Sanchez, the senior discipleship and evangelism leader of the Evangelical Covenant Church, presents a “guidebook grounded in the gospel.”

Michelle T. Sanchez also brings us “God’s Beloved Community,” a new picture book with illustrations by Camila Carrossine, a Brazilian artist who does beautiful work. The book is a companion to “Color-Courageous Discipleship.” (WaterBrook, 2022, ages 3 and up, $14.00.)

“Be the Difference, Serve Others and Change the World,” is a cool new monthly planner with a religious focus (2021, Ink & Willow/WaterBrook, $16.99). It’s my very favorite type of planner, too — undated. (As I tend to buy and misplace my planners, rediscover them, and then use them for a couple of years.) Lots of room for bullet journaling; tips, hints and tricks; and invitations to write, sketch and cut and paste wherever you’d like. Great quotes and scripture, too:

“You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.” — Isaiah 25:4

Talk soon! Keep reading.

WM

(Diamond painting by me, WM)

Yeah, I sometimes start projects and then don’t finish them. Doesn’t everyone? I like that meme that says, Yes, procrastinate! That way you have something to do tomorrow and all of this free time now.

#truth

I do like diamond painting, writing books, gardening, fixing up the house. Blogging and playing the piano, rearranging the furniture. It’s a simple life, overall, and it’s mine. I like it.

So what’s on the nightstand this week? Kids’ books about fall, leaves, pumpkins, all of it, and more books on the way. That means fun and good art. First up…

If you’re looking for a books about fall and leaves, start with these:

“Fletcher and the Falling Leaves: A Fall Book for Kids,” by Julie Rawlinson, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke

“Leaves Falling Down: Learning About Autumn Leaves,” written by Lisa Marie Bullard, illustrated by Nadine Rita Takvorian

“Trees, Leaves, Flowers and Seeds: A Visual Encyclopedia of the Plant Kingdom (DK Our World in Pictures)” (hardcover, illustrated, 2019)

“The Leaf Thief,” by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater

Received a lovely review copy of “If You Find a Leaf,” a new picture book by Aimee Sicuro (Random House Studio, 2022, $17.99). Let’s start with the cover, a little girl, with her doggy, in a boat with a big red leaf for a sail. And the flyleaves: leaves! Of course. Little leaf linden, Japanese cherry and elm, American basswood… just beautiful. The story takes us on an imaginative journey, travelled by our hero and her pup, high up in the air, sailing on the ocean and having a parade with her friends. In the back, you’ll find instructions on how best to preserve leaves. All in all, an amazing book.

Welcome, autumn. Glad to see you again.

WM

What are we reading this week? Let’s take a look…

One of the sweetest picture books ever created, ever, in the history of picture books, showed up in my mailbox: “Brown is Warm, Black is Bright.”

This lovely meditation of a book was written by the gifted and thoughtful Sarah L. Thomson and illustrated by the amazing and talented Keith Mallett.

(Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2022, all ages, but especially ages 4-8, $18.99. Websites: Sarah L. Thomson and Keith Mallett)

A little girl and her father rake leaves, she plays with her puppy, splashes in puddles and lets her imagination run wild. The book follows their day, into the night. It’s autumn, it’s beautiful, it’s wistful and dreamy. So much is conveyed through the poetic words and gorgeous art of this sweet, peaceful, and long-overdue book. Go buy some copies.

Thank you. That’s all for today. Happy equinox and enjoy your fall.

WM

“Lemonade Stand, Sissy & Me,” circa 1970, photo by Dad

When the kids “put on a show,” sometimes that means that the bossiest one drapes herself in all the tutus and beads, pushes to the front, and won’t let anyone else sing. Yes, I’m thinking of a friend from childhood. She wasn’t so fun. Other people know how to sing, too, aight? This is why “Everyone Belongs” is such a change of pace and a delight. The new children’s book, which will be released this week, was written by Heather Avis and illustrated by Sarah Mensinga (Cover design by Annalisa Sheldahl; Waterbrook, 2022, $12.99). (Check the book credits in the back for Mensinga’s illustrations for the author/illustrator bios. Two of the author’s three daughters are included.)

When sisters Macy and Tru put on a show, they find a way to include everyone, which means fun for the entire neighborhood. Sweet story, beautiful illustrations. It’s a “teaching moment” book, but it’s more than just that.

“The Katha Chest,” written by Radhiah Chowdhury and illustrated by Lavanya Naidu, is an exquisite book about beautiful, worn-out saris that are repurposed into light quilts, and the little girl, Asiya, who adores them. (Salaam Reads, 2022, for ages 4-8/or for all ages, $17.99.)

When “Nana the Great Comes to Visit,” you know it will be entertaining. (Written by Lisa Tawn Bergren, illustrated by David Hohn; Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2022, $12.99.) Nana rocks (even though Mom says that she’s a little naughty, “in the best sort of way,” and “That’s why God gave us grandparents.”) Is it a huge mess? Or is Nana a fort-building genius? She won’t change diapers, but she will paint your nails with 20 different bottles of polish.

Thank God for grandparents.

Bon appetit, babies!

WM