When my seven year-old Coleman needs a good giggle, I know just what book to give him.  Any book starring beloved character Judy Moody's younger brother Stink is guaranteed to bring a broad grin to my son's face. In fact, he'll take the book and read it cover to cover in one sitting, it's just that good.  Today he slunk down into the sofa and read to himself for at least one half hour (and who can argue with that kind of staying power?) and returned with this review.   Stink-o-pedia: Super Stink-y Stuff from A-Zzzzz by Megan McDonald, illustrated…

Terresa Burgess, a graphic artist here at L.A. Parent and mom to Teagan, aged 16 months, has helped review these two new fun children’s books called Books Are For Reading by Sally Becker and Duck & Goose: How Are You Feeling? by Tad Hills. Terresa says she found Books Are For Reading to be a "clever interactive” book for babies and toddlers. They can even take a bite after they're done reading the book because of the colored textured teethers at every corner. Short and sweet sentences guide little ones on what not to eat (e.g. Toes are for stomping,…

Stitchin' and Pullin' by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera, came out this past October and is one of those special books that all school libraries should have on hand. The women of Gee’s Bend, Alabama have kept more than their quilt making tradition alive. They have kept their culture flowing from generation to generation with the stitch of a needle, creating their own unique fabric of life. Through beautiful, touching poetic vignettes, author Patricia C. McKissack has woven together the history of Gee’s Bend now famous community of quilters whose artful works now grace the walls of…

You may have heard that “Loose lips sink ships,” but what about loose leashes? In a rollicking good read entitled Loose Leashes, husband and wife team Amy and Ron Schmidt explore the possibilities both poetically and photographically. But before I say anymore, I recommend you check out editor Carolyn Graham’s recent blog post on Jan. 22 about her family’s newest member who, at this writing, is yet to be named. The ESCAPE-ades of her Houdini-like Lab is certainly fodder for future posts. I recently sat down with my seven year old son, Coleman, and had such a good time together…

I can’t make it to Santa Monica this Thursday evening, January 22nd, but maybe you can. Head over anytime between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. for your last opportunity to view the exclusive exhibition of Garth Williams' original illustrative art from children's classic, Stuart Little only at Every Picture Tells A Story Gallery. Join them for readings, refreshments, family fun, and your last chance to own one of these unique historic treasures of children's literature. Give a 'Little' bit today Incidentally, another great reason to attend: A portion of all the proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross…

The title inspires. And the subject, Hillary Rodham Clinton – our former First Lady, New York State Senator, Presidential Candidate and Secretary of State designate – simply soars through the pages of this readable children’s book. Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Amy June Bates (Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, $16.99, ages 5-10) shows readers how, spurred on by her father, Clinton started on her path toward shattering the glass ceiling at an early age. Cataloging both the setbacks and successes of her life, the book details her accomplishments, from speaking up for…

Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope - by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Bryan Collier (Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, $16.99, ages 5-10). Barry, as he was once known, always had hope. President Obama’s life story is recounted by a single mother whose hopes for her young son David are the same as any mother’s. We learn about Obama’s journey from Hawaii to Indonesia to Kenya, from New York to Chicago and ultimately Washington, D.C., meet his blended family and all the inspirational individuals he met along the way, and see how his path was molded from…