(My spooky Baby; photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

Welcome back to the World of Books, folks, where we read and read and then read some more.

• “Drawing Deena” is an outstanding new book from author Hena Khan (“Amina’s Voice,” “Amina’s Song”). When it comes to mental health-themed books for children, there are some great non-fiction, fiction and picture books on the shelves now. (And all I can say to this is… thank you.) Authors address anxiety, LGBTQ+ issues, PTSD, suicide and ideations, drug/alcohol issues, grief, family stuff, any and all topics you can think of. “Drawing Deena” does a great job of dealing with what worry and anxiety looks like for Deena, a Pakistani middle-school student whose family is struggling with bills and life. (Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster, 2024, grade 4 and up, 232 pages, $17.99). Great cast of supporting characters, too, including Deena’s parents, aunties, little brother and cousins. This is an extraordinary book, with believable dialogue and settings.
• “A Bite Above the Rest” isn’t scheduled for release until August of this year, but add it to your list if you’re a fan of Halloween, books about weirdos and vampires, and off-kilter, fun reads. (Aladdin/Simon & Schuster; scheduled release date Aug. 6, 2024; grades 3-7.) After losing his father, Caleb and his mom move to Samhain, Wisconsin, her hometown, for a fresh start. Awww… I like do-overs, don’t you? Only wait, yikes. The mayor of the town keeps City Hall open only from sundown to sun-up. Because he might be a vampire? And the kids dress in costume for school every day, because it’s always Halloween… OK. Slow down, folks. This doesn’t look like Hometown, U.S.A., at all. This is Virnig’s debut novel, and is a great read.
• I happened upon “me me me me me,” M.E. Kerr’s memoir, on my bookshelf, and went on a beautiful trip down Memory Lane. No, I’m not coming back. Speaking of dealing with real kids, and real issues — M.E. Kerr introduced readers to kids of all sizes and shapes, ethnic and economic backgrounds, all of it. Kids who loved school, kids who didn’t, kids whose families were there for them, kids who were so alone. Teen sexuality, violent parents, unrequited love, no topic was off limits, and as a teen? You know I needed this and loved it. Judy Blume, S.E. Hinton, Norma Klein and M.E. Kerr were my A-Team.  I never knew Kerr’s back story, I just knew I loved her books. Go look her up and read about her illustrious and somewhat wild writing career. (“The Son of Someone Famous,” “Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack!”, and “If I Love You, Am I Trapped Forever?” are my top faves, and there are so many excellent other titles under her various pen names.) She was the only queer kid she knew, and what she created from her loneliness and fierce and gorgeous nature? MARIJANE MEAKER FOREVER. Peace. (And yes, Louise Fitzhugh swiped the name/character “Harriet the Spy” from her — they were BFFs.)

All titles used by permission.

Have a superfine day, talk soon, now get out of here.

WM

(Photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

Emily Kate Moon’s new science-themed picture book, “Puff: All About Air,” is a fun one. (Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House, scheduled for release March 19, 2024, all ages, $18.99.) Puff and his friends surround our planet with air:

“Like tiny shields, they protect us from dangerous things, like space rocks and radiation. And like puffy little blankets, they hold in heat and keep out cold.”

Great illustrations and an approachable, deft style. Moon also wrote “Drop: An Adventure Through the Water Cycle.”

“The Great Puptective” hits the shelves on March 19, too. (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, ages 6-9, $12.99.) Author and illustrator Alina Tysoe brings the kids a fun pair of adversaries in Truffles the cat and Poppy the Puptective. Truffles wants her “me time” back, but what will she do to retain the status quo? Sweet illustrations and a frolic of a tale.

And now one for the big kids: “Daughters of the Lamp,” a new book by Nedda Lewers, is book one of two of a new series. (G.P. Putnam’s Sons/ Penguin Random House, 2024, ages 8 and up, 336 pages, $18.99.) Cool mystery starring Sahara Rashad, who travels to Cairo with her dad for a family wedding. A bride-to-be (who might be a witch? What?), a glowing necklace, and Ali Baba’s treasure… and that’s just a little bit of what readers can expect with this well-written and entertaining novel.

And now for one of my favorite subjects: Mariposas. There are so many lovely words in Spanish, but mariposa (butterfly) is one of the best. “A Flicker of Hope: A Story of Migration,” was written by Cynthia Harmony, with illustrations from Devon Holzwarth (Viking, 2024, ages 4 and up, $18.99). Las monarcas (the monarchs) are traveling north, as they do every year, and so is Lucia’s papa, to look for work. This is a sweet, wistful story that will speak to anyone who is anxious, hopeful, and struggling with change.

Great new reads, and more to come. What are you reading this week? Talk soon. All titles used by permission.

WM

(Pic by Rawley, use with permission only)

“Sleepy Sheepy and the Sheepover” is kinda a great title ever, eh? I love it. Say it five times fast, woot! (Written by Lucy Ruth Cummins, illustrations by Pete Oswald, Flamingo Books/Penguin Random House, 2024, ages 3 and up, $18.99.) Sweet little picture book that helps kids get used to the idea of staying over at someone else’s house. It can be a little much, aight?

You know what’s cool? Sleepovers are fun, sure. Well, unless you don’t want to stay anywhere but in your very own bed, which is the case for a lot of us. Copyright laws! Yeah, you never saw that coming, did ya? Many publishers are now including copyright notes in with their Library of Congress info. Here is Peguin’s (used with permission, of course):

“Penguin supports copyright. Copyright fuels creativity, encourages diverse voices, promotes free speech, and creates a vibrant culture. Thank you for buying an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright laws by not reproducing, scanning, or distributing any part of it in any form without permission. You are supporting writers and allowing Penguin to continue to publish books for every reader.”

And now, for five brand-new board books:

“One,” an awesome little book, was written by Ruth Forman (“Curls,” “Glow,” “Bloom” and “Ours,”… I love this series) with beautiful illustrations by Katura Gaines. (Little Simon; 2023; ages infant and up; $8.99.) Counting/friends/community/love, perfection.

“My Little Lamb” is a puffy little board book from writer Hannah Eliot and illustrator Jennifer A. Bell. (Little Simon; 2024; ages infant and up; $7.99.) Vintage feel to this one, which stars a wee lamb who is happy to venture out… and happy to return home to mama, too.

“’90s Baby” is a second cute new release from Hannah Eliot, this time with art by Alyssa Nassner (Little Simon, 2024, ages babies and big kids, $6.99). Wicked, fly, iconic as can be, as the kids used to say. (I’m not old, you’re old. Now get off my dang lawn and get out of here.)

“Hey, Little Night Owl” was written by Jeffrey Burton, with illustrations from Joy Hwang Ruiz (Little Simon, 2023, ages baby-baby and up, $8.99). “Hey, little night owl, up with the stars. These hours are perfect, all quiet and ours.” Awwww… and the art is warm, amber-colored and happy. Sweet.

Double-down! “Easter Bunny, Where Are You?” is another darling one from Jeffrey Burton, with art by Juliana Motzko (Little Simon, 2024, for babes in arms and older, $8.99). Get a copy of this lift-the-flap book for the Easter baskets, and remember… “Easter Bunny, here we come hopping down the trail. I think I see some bunny ears behind the shiny pail.” Now I’m ready for spring. And candy.

Bon appetit, babies. The titles in this post were all reviewed with permission.

WM

For the Anniversary of My Death

BY W. S. MERWIN

“Every year without knowing it I have passed the day   

When the last fires will wave to me

And the silence will set out

Tireless traveler

Like the beam of a lightless star

Then I will no longer

Find myself in life as in a strange garment

Surprised at the earth

And the love of one woman

And the shamelessness of men

As today writing after three days of rain

Hearing the wren sing and the falling cease

And bowing not knowing to what”

W. S. Merwin, “For the Anniversary of My Death” from The Second Four Books of Poems (Port Townsend, Washington: Copper Canyon Press, 1993). Copyright © 1993 by W. S. Merwin. Reprinted with the permission of The Wylie Agency, Inc.

Source: The Second Four Books of Poems (Copper Canyon Press, 1993)

• Chickens! Bok. “Family is Family,” written by Melissa Marr, with lovely, vibrant art by Marcos Almada Rivero, is a sweet delight about Little Chick, who is becoming aware of other families. (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House; skedded for release 3/5/2024; picture book for all ages, $18.99.) He’s confused when the first-day-of-school-letter from Miss Walrus says to have your mom/dad/big brother or/big sister walk you to school. “First days can seem scary!” But all Little Chick has is his two moms? No dad, no siblings, hmmm… Thoughtfully written and most definitely inclusive.
• “Wild Places: The Life of Naturalist David Attenborough,” is a new gorgeous picture book from the author-illustrator team of Hayley Rocco and John Rocco. (G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Random House; scheduled for release 2/27/2024; all ages; $19.99.) “If we take care of nature, nature will take care of us,” Attenborough said. This British biologist, naturalist, broadcaster and documentarian has been doing the astounding work he does for seven (7) decades. SEVEN DECADES. This is thrilling. Here’s some more info about him. Happy reading, happy viewing, and what a great story. “We must rewild the world,” he said, “If we act now, we can yet put it right.” Please, and thank you. (Includes author’s note, photos, bibliography and more. Peace.)
• Hello, beauties. “Sourgrass” is a sweet and delightful book about the friendship between two little girls, Sofia and May, who share a love for each other, their homes, playtime and sourgrass. (Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster; skedded for release 3/26/2024; $18.99.) Written by Hope Lim, with illustrations by Shahrzad Maydani, this is an ethereal, delicate and powerful picture book. Highly recommend all three of these titles.

Bon appetit, babies. Enjoy your weekend.

WM

“A time it was, and what a time it was, it was/ a time of innocence/ a time of confidences…” — “Old Friends/Bookends,” Simon & Garfunkel

Steve and I split up a few years ago and I still can’t really write about it, wrap my head around it. So I won’t.

(All photos by Steve P. Rawley/use with permission only, please)

“Miaow” (Photo by Nancy Ellen Row Rawley/2023/use with permission only, por favor)

…I just want to read, not review. So that’s what I’m doing. What’s on the coffee table today?

• “No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering,” by Teacher Thai, aka Thich Nhat Hanh. (Parallex Press, 2014, 124 pages, $14.95.)
• “Tomb Sweeping,” short stories by Alexandra Chang. (Ecco/HarperCollins, 2023, 239 pages.)
• “The Four Winds,” a novel about the Dust Bowl migration by my girl Kristin Hannah. (St. Martin’s Press, 2021, 454 pages, $28.99.)
• “Astor: The Rise and Fall of An American Fortune,” by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe. (Harper/HarperCollins, 2023, 322 pages, $32.99.)

Bon appetit and have a superfine weekend.

wm

• I reviewed “Mazie’s Amazing Machines” awhile back, and wanted to give it another shout-out. It’s a heck of a picture book. (Written by Sheryl Haft, with illustrations by Jeremy Holmes; Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House; 2023, all ages, $18.99.) Whether she’s building a Roly-Ramp, a Pulley-Lifter, or a supercool Waker-Upper Rocket Machine, Mazie McGear is always getting creative and helping others at the same time. Woof, Doodle! Love this one for bringing STEM and STEAM to life. (In honor of National Engineering Week, Feb. 18-24.)
• “God’s Little Astronomer,” is science and theology from writer/elementary teacher Tina Cho, with sweet drawings by Spanish illustrator Marta Alvarez Miguens. The littles are given Bible verses along with info on the constellations, dwarf planets, and all 100 billion galaxies in the universe. (WaterBrook, scheduled for release Feb. 20, 2024, 40 pages, all ages, $12.99.)
• “Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller,” is the newest release from Breanna J. McDaniel and April Harrison. Augusta Baker’s story needs to go in all the school libraries, asap. You know how I feel about librarians, especially the ones with big personalities and huge spirits. This was Baker, who was the first Black coordinator of children’s services at all branches of the New York Public Library, and a champion of books, always. Beautiful work from McDaniel, who also wrote “Hands Up!” and “Impossible Moon,” and Harrison, who is a 2023 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award winner.
• “Algo, algun dia” (“Something, Someday”) is a lovely new book by Amanda Gorman, author, and Christian Robinson (Viking/Penguin Random House, 2024, ages 4 and up, $18.99). The translation was done by Jasminne Mendez, and the book is also available in English. The Presidential Inaugural Poet has a done a deft job, with a light hand and confidence, in giving us this tale of a child, who with the help of his friends, sees hope and growth where others see brokenness and trash.

(“Happy Winter,” photo by Nancy Ellen Row Rawley/use with permission only)

I can almost see the dining room table now, I’ve been reviewing so many books. It’s funny cuz it is true, dear readers. Lots of great titles for 2023-2024. It’s a great time to be a book reviewer. Happy 2024, y’all.

• “Be My ValenSlime” is a new, gooey and heartfelt (see what I did there?) book by Kris Tarantino, with big, beautiful illustrations by Cori Doerrfeld (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2023, ages 3 and up, $13.99). This is a Christian book about monsters, valentines, and a happy little monster named Snoodle who really loves candy hearts, sparkly stickers and fun stuff. Will they be able to win the others over? I love the enthusiasm and sweetness of this picture book. Highly recommend.
•  Now comes Flubby in another new release in the Flubby series. This one is “Flubby Does Not Like Valentine’s Day,” by J.E. Morris (Penguin Workshop, 2023, all ages, $9.99). Cute illustrations, simple sentences, and our hero, Flubby, shines.
• “Cupig: The Valentine’s Day Pig,” by Claire Tattersfield, with illustrations by Rob Sayegh Jr. (Flamingo Books, 2023, all ages, $14.99). Cupig, flying around the world in heart-patterned undies, loves her work. But sometimes? She makes some mistakes. Funny, rhyming story that the kids will get a kick out of.
• “Lola and the Troll,” by Connie Schultz (author) and Sandy Rodriguez (illustrator) is another good read. Fun books this week! This debut picture book (Razorbill, 2024, all ages, $18.99) gives us a creative take on how to deal with bullies.
• “Grumpy Monkey Spring Fever” (with stickers, yes, stickers and hidden eggs included), is a new read in the Grumpy Monkey series from Suzanne Lang and Max Lang. This is the ninth title, and they’re all pretty funny. And, you know, kids like monkeys. Great illustrations, very lively and bright.

Bon appetit, babies. It will be spring soon.

Love,

Wacky Mommy

(Photo by Nancy Ellen Row Rawley/use with permission only, please)

Year of the Dragon, kids, my year!! is coming right up. I think I’ll skip whatever holidays are between now and Lunar New Year, thank you. (Just kidding. I’ll be cooking, cleaning and remembering to inhale/exhale from now ’til then.)

More reviews, coming up!

“Snow Leopard,” by Jackie Morris (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books/Publishers Group West, 2007, all ages, $30). This magical, beautifully illustrated picture book came out 16 years ago and is a lovely one for collectors and anyone who likes a fairy tale.

“High in the mountains the sacred cat walked alone, cloaked in her shadow-dappled fur. Crisp snow sparkled in icy stars beneath her huge paws, and all the while she sang.

“Down in the valley the Child slept, and in her dreams she heard the ghost cat’s secret music and saw the shadow of her dappled coat.”

• “El Proyecto 1619: Nacieron sobre el agua,” escrito por Nikole Hannah-Jones y Renee Watson, illustrado por Nikkolas Smith, traducido por Jasminne Mendez (Kokila/Penguin Random House, 2023, $18.99). The illustrations, and story, are nothing short of astounding. This is the new release of the Spanish language version of the picture book, originally released as “The 1619 Project: Born on the Water.” The picture book is based on Nikole Hannah-Jones acclaimed book, “The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story.” Highly recommended.

Also highly recommended: “Small-Girl Toni and the Quest for Gold,” a brilliant, golden new picture book, based on the early life of writer Toni Morrison. It was written by Giselle Anatol, with illustrations by Raissa Figueroa. (Viking/Penguin Random House, 2023, $18.99.) The drawings are ethereal, bright and happy. I appreciate the way the author took Morrison’s back story — growing up in Lorain, Ohio, with one sister and three brothers, during the Great Depression — and wove it into historical fiction. The book includes references to Morrison’s work, with lots of details and encouragement for young readers to check out the novels when they are older. Nice job on this one. (I love Morrison, by the way. “Song of Solomon,” which I read when I was a freshman in college, changed my life, along with the lives of many others, of course. All of her writing is genius. If you haven’t read her, or re-read her, please do.)

•   Ah! Good. More outstanding illustrations by Raissa Figueroa are showcased in “Like So,” a lovely new picture book written by Ruth Forman. (Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, 2024, all ages, $18.99.) Golds and yellows for the Toni Morrison book; greens, purples and other colors of nature for this story of a little girl, her grandmother and her family. So much love. “I hug you like so/you hug me like so/we got love/like so.” This is one you will want to read with the kids over and over again.

“The Masjid Kamal Loves” is a new picture book from writer Ashley Franklin and illustrator Aaliya Jaleel (Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster, 2023, all ages, $18.99). This introduction to Islam introduces us to Kamal, who loves Fridays because he gets to worship and meet with his friends and community leaders.

• Learn about climate change with “As the Seas Rise: Nicole Hernandez Hammer and the Fight for Climate Justice.” This book by is by Angela Quezada Padron, a Latina author/illustrator. (Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster, scheduled for release June of 2024, all ages, $18.99.)