SNOW HORSES:  A FIRST NIGHT STORY Written by Patricia MacLachlan Illustrated by Micha Archer (Margaret K. McElderry Books; $18.99, Ages 4-8)         ★Starred Reviews - Booklist, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly Visit an enchanting snow-covered country town in Snow Horses: A First Night Story written by late Newberry Medal-winning author, Patricia MacLachlan and illustrated by Caldecott Honor-winning artist, Micha Archer but be sure to have a hot drink at hand while cozy under a blanket.     As you turn the pages you'll be treated to MacLachlan's lyrical prose that set an anticipatory tone for the once-a-year celebration…

BEST NEW CHRISTMAS BOOKS FOR KIDS 2022 ~A ROUNDUP~           CHRISTMAS WITH AUNTIE Written by Helen Foster James Illustrated by Petra Brown (Sleeping Bear Press; $17.99, Ages 0-4) My Aunt Shirley wasn't my real aunt but she treated me as if I were her niece and I loved her the same as all my other aunts. Since Aunties can be blood relations or close family friends, Christmas With Auntie should find a large readership. When Auntie picks up little bunny for the day, preparations for Christmas get underway. "Bunny-kins bunny, we'll make and then bake/gingerbread goodies,…

  BEST NEW HANUKKAH BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS ~A ROUNDUP~     I'm happy to say this year I've received more review copies of new Hanukkah books for children than any previous year! Not only do these books approach the holiday from fresh new angles, but they've made the holiday more accessible for non-Jewish readers who want to learn about this joyful Jewish celebration. Enjoy the super selection and be sure to share these books with family and friends.     HANUKKAH NIGHTS Written and illustrated by Amalia Hoffman (Kar-Ben Publishing; $8.99, Ages 1-5) I had a huge grin…

      ICEBERG: A LIFE IN SEASONS Written by Claire Saxby Illustrated by Jess Racklyeft (Groundwood Books; $19.99; Ages 3-6)         From the Publisher: “An iceberg shears from a glacier and begins a journey through Antarctica’s seasons. In the spring, penguins trek across the ice while krill stir beneath. With summer comes more life…the sun softens its edges and undersea currents wash it from below. When autumn arrives with cooling temperatures, the sea changes and the iceberg is trapped in the ice for the winter freeze. Then spring returns and the iceberg drifts into a sheltered…

THE BLACK HOLE DEBACLE Written by Keri Claiborne Boyle Illustrated by Deborah Melmon (Sleeping Bear Press; $17.99; Ages 4-7)         Written by Keri Claiborne Boyle and illustrated by Deborah Melmon, The Black Hole Debacle is the perfect choice for any child who has a deep wonder for outer space and an appreciation for stories with heart and humor.  An astronomer at heart, Jordie “even name[s] her dog Neptune.” When a literal out-of-this-world incident happens in her class one day, she is more than excited to explore it. A little black hole, “churning in [her] desk” is eating anything…

    THE SMALLEST SNOWFLAKE Written and illustrated by Bernadette Watts (NorthSouth Books; $17.95, Ages 4-8)       English author and illustrator Bernadette Watts brings her inspiration for nature into The Smallest Snowflake, a heartfelt story about a little snowflake who journeys to earth with the other snowflakes while holding her dreams quietly in her heart. Watts’ writing brings life to the small pieces of ice each sharing their excitement about their winter voyage. Flowing from the clouds, they see “fields and the orchards, the red roofs of farms, and the lovely city standing at the end of the…

    KEEPUNUMUK: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story Written by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten Illustrated by Garry Meeches Sr. (Charlesbridge; $16.99, Ages 3-7)       ★Starred Reviews - Booklist, Foreward Reviews, Kirkus A 2022 New England Book Award winner     From the publisher: Four Native American creators weave together the story of Keepunumuk, the time of harvest. In this Wampanoag story told in a Native tradition, two kids from the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe learn the story of Weeâchumun (corn) and the first Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving story that most Americans know celebrates the Pilgrims. But without members of…

    THE GREAT CAPER CAPER Written by Josh Funk Illustrated by Brendan Kearney (Union Square Kids; $17.99, Ages 4-8)         REVIEW: Welcome back to the fridge, home of the popular food pair, Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast. It's an honor to be part of this virtual tour packed with passionate kidlit people helping to promote Josh Funk and Brendan Kearney's latest picture book, The Great Caper Caper, #5 in the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series!     When the story opens (see above illustrations), Sir French Toast awakens during the night only to…