WAKE, SLEEPY ONE: California Poppies and the Super Bloom by Lisa Kerr Illustrated by Lisa Powell Braun (West Margin Press; $17.99; Ages 4-8)       From seed to “super bloom,” debut author, Lisa Kerr, introduces readers to the California desert poppy in a combination of lyrical and expository nonfiction text. From the publisher: “A lyrical ode to California’s most treasured wildflower, Wake, Sleepy One gently captures the quiet strength of the poppy in all its breathtaking wonder.”     As the sleepy poppy wakes, it “rises” from the ground “reaching” for the sun and “waiting” for her…

THE PATH Written and illustrated by Bob Staake (mineditionUS; $18.99, Ages 4-8)   This is the time of year when many people attend graduations. And not just high school and college graduations. They go to all kinds of graduations from kindergarten to massage school and lots more in between. But the road taken may have been long and winding with obstacles and indecisiveness. And what of the road ahead? That's why it's so lovely to have a book such as The Path by Bob Staake that celebrates the journey as much as the accomplishment. In other words, this book is…

AN INTERVIEW WITH  MOLLY RUTTAN, ILLUSTRATOR OF VIOLET AND THE CRUMBS: A Gluten-Free Adventure Written by Abigail Rayner (North/South Books;  $17.99, Ages 4-8)       PUBLISHER'S SUMMARY Success has never tasted so good! The dynamic duo of I Am a Thief by Abigail Rayner (author) and Molly Ruttan (illustrator) have created a new picture book sure to spark conversations about this timely issue. Violet used to love birthday parties, but now that she has celiac disease, she’s not allowed to eat pizza, cake, or anything else with gluten. Violet feels alone until she discovers that some animals have dietary restrictions as…

    NEVERWOOF: The Dog That Never Barked Written and illustrated by Gabe Jensen (Familius; $16.99, Ages 3-5)     The picture book, Neverwoof: The Dog that Never Barked, by author-illustrator Gabe Jensen is a delight. No matter how often I read this story, it still makes me laugh. Neverwoof, a charming orange mutt, has an interesting life, going through his days without a sound: “He chased a siren—woo woo woo. / He saved a baby—boo hoo hoo. / He got high-fives from the fire crew. / But never did he woof.” Until the day he seemingly must bark. Does…

  MY FIRST BOOK OF FAMOUS JEWS Written by Julie Merberg Illustrated by Julie Wilson (Downtown Bookworks; $11.99, Ages 0-3)       “Can we talk?” If little ones don’t recognize this signature question from the late comedian Joan Rivers, perhaps parents or grandparents reading the board book to them will. Rivers is just one of the more than three dozen famous Jews presented in this board book that I wish I’d written. Told in rhyme, My First Book of Famous Jews written by Julie Merberg and illustrated by Julie Wilson is a fabulous introduction to the talented individuals who…

  MOTHER'S DAY BOOKS  A ROUNDUP OF WHAT'S NEW FOR KIDS     ME AND MY MAMA Written by Carole Boston Weatherford Illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin (Sourcebooks Kids; $7.99, Ages 0-3) I recommend this sweet, satisfying board book that shines a loving light on Black children enjoying various mother/child activities throughout the course of a day. Told in succinct and spry rhyme, the text allows a parent or caregiver to read at a quick pace or stop with each new scene to discuss what's happening in the art. Speaking of art, Corrin's expressive illustrations immediately draw our eyes in so…

∼ BUG ON THE RUG BLOG TOUR ∼   AUTHOR SOPHIA GHOLZ & ILLUSTRATOR SUSAN BATORI DISCUSS THEIR NEW PICTURE  BOOK BUG ON THE RUG (Sleeping Bear Press; $17.99, Ages 4-8)         SUMMARY FROM PUBLISHER: BUG ON THE RUG - Pug is snug on his rug. But what happens when along comes BUG?! With a claim to the rug?! The two engage in a hysterical, rhyming battle of wits and strength until Slug asks the necessary questions and helps them find common ground. Rhyming is an important developmental reading skill. It teaches phonics (decodable text) and helps…