Smooth stones, crisp air and a rosy horizon beckon children outside to explore at twilight. They wander amongst the dark, light, silent and still sky, flora and fauna of a nearby forest, and revel in wonders and contrasts that can only be revealed during dusk, which later unfolds into an inky evening. A beautiful, poetic meditation on this magical time of day.
Dark on Light was written by Dianne White, illustrated by Felicita Sala and published by Beach Lane Books.
Otto is so excited — his friend Ruthie’s birthday is coming up! He helps pick out the perfect gift for her, and his sister shows him pictures of past birthday parties to help him get ready for the big day. At the party, Otto has a blast. He experiences the festivities in different ways than others because he’s autistic, and SLP/author Meg Raby does a wonderful job explaining his sensory differences in a meaningful and accessible way. This beautiful celebration of neurodiversity absolutely belongs in every home and school library!
My Brother Otto and the Birthday Party was written by Meg Raby, illustrated by Elisa Pallmer and published by Gibbs Smith Books.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out this team’s lovely first book, My Brother Otto.
Emma Straub and Blanca Gómez turn the notion of a hat on its head with their new book Very Good Hats. In it, they explore intriguing ideas about what can constitute a hat. Other queries are answered throughout the book’s charming pages. When is a hat filled with ice cream? Which two hats can you wear whilst riding a scooter? And is a soup hat as fun to wear as it sounds? A whimsical and delightfully refreshing ode to creativity, hats and their wearers.
Very Good Hats was written by Emma Straub, illustrated by Blanca Gómez and published by Rocky Pond Books.
Bagels, bagels…how do you like your bagels? This alphabet primer will give readers new ways to enjoy bagels in all flavors and forms, along with more familiar ways of eating their beloved round and chewy carb. Details about bagel baking included! This book is deliciously dense, just like its namesake.
B Is for Bagel was written by Rachel Teichman, photographed by Rebecca Wright and published by The Collective Book Studio.
Make a red lantern and have fun coloring little Ren in this free printable for Lunar New Year!
Little Ren looks forward to the preparation for and festivities of Lunar New Year, but she is always too little to help make the delicious pineapple cakes that are her favorite. She watches family members rolling out the dough and loves the mouth-watering smell. Watching and waiting, when will Ren be old enough?
These Lunar New Year craft and activity sheets were created by Simon & Schuster for A Sweet New Year for Ren, written by Michelle Sterling and illustrated by Dung Ho. Click here to download the free printable for Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year.
A recipe for pineapple cakes is included in the book. Watch recipe creator Bonnie Eng make pineapple cakes in this video!