Posted by: Kathy Temean | March 18, 2026

Book Giveaway: Will Little Tiger Tell TheTruth? by Carol Roth

Carol Roth has a new picture book, WILL LITTLE TIGER TELL THE TRUTH, illustrated by by Ravan Sader and published by Clavis Publishing. It will hit the book shelves on March 31, 2026. Carol has agreed to send a copy to one lucky winner in the US.

All you have to do to get in the running is leave a comment. Reblog, tweet, or talk about it on Facebook with a link, and you will get additional chances to win. Just let me know what other things you do to share the good news so I can put the correct number of tickets in my basket. Sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or reblogging helps spread the word about a new book. Thanks for helping Carol and Ravan.

If you have signed up to follow my blog and receive it daily, please let me know when you leave a comment, and I will give you an extra ticket. Thanks!

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Will Little Tiger Tell The Truth? is a sweet and familiar story about a little tiger who will do anything to avoid bedtime. It’s made especially for sleepyheads ages 3 years and up who want to stay up just a little bit longer.

Little Tiger is lying in bed, but he doesn’t feel like sleeping. “Mommy!” he calls. “Daddy! There’s a monster in my room!” His parents rush in. But when there’s no monster to be found, Little Tiger has to go back to bed . . . “Mommy! Daddy! Now there are hundreds of them!” … Can you see where this is going? When his parents stop coming to his rescue, he makes the very important decision to tell them the truth. Admitting that he made it all up, Little Tiger is expecting a punishment, but his parents are very proud of him instead for telling the truth, and reward him for being honest.

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BOOK JOURNEY: 

I wrote this book because I had wonderful parents who instilled good values in me, especially how important it is to be honest. Doing so will build good relationships and make others respect and trust you.

Having raised two children and spent time around my seven grandchildren, I have asked myself, “What little child ever WANTS to go to sleep?

“Can I watch more TV? Can you please read me a story? Can I have a glass of water?”

My Little Tiger character is a spunky little guy, and is perfect for inventing a wild story about monsters. I threw in a surprise ending, just for extra fun which I think children will really enjoy.

I choose the topic, except that I know from raising my children that I always instilled upon them the importance of being honest. My parents set a wonderful example of that as well.

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I don’t have an agent. I never did. I have been writing books for 38 years now on my own, sending my manuscript to publishing companies who will accept unsolicited material. Interestingly enough, the first book I had published with kind of happened by accident. My friends had a gift store in Nyack, NY, where they displayed some adorable children’s books that I really liked. I got the name of the publisher and sent them my manuscript. Very shortly after, I got a phone call from them telling me that they wanted to publish it!

However, they told me that they were making an exception for me. It turns out that they did not usually accept any unsolicited material, but when they looked at my story, they loved it so much they decided to take it! I got very lucky indeed. As the years went by, that publishing company took many more of my books, but I always sent out my manuscripts of lots of different places.

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Two years ago, Clavis, a company based in Belgium,  responded that they wanted my manuscript! They asked me to have a meeting online with the head publisher. He was so welcoming, and told me all about their publishing company, and gave me an online tour of his office. At that time the book was called, Tell The Truth Little Tiger, but as the editing process evolved, they suggested a change in the title to, Will Little Tiger Tell The Truth?, which was acceptable to me.

As for the illustrator, Clavis sent me the websites for some they had in mind and asked for my opinion. I told them which one I liked the best, and they agreed. I did have some input with the her. I made some suggestions and she willingly honored them.

I feel that I have become part of the Clavis “family” now, as they have accepted another manuscript to be published next year!

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CAROL’S BIO:

Carol Roth was born in New York. She received her B.A. and Masters degrees in early childhood education from Queens College, NY. After teaching kindergarten for several years, Carol embarked on a new journey 38 years ago where she fell in love with the world of picture books.

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She is now a published author of fifteen children’s books, the most recent being Will Little Tiger Tell The Truth? Other fun filled books include Don’t Be A Bully Little Tiger and Hold Your Temper Tiger, Five Little Ducklings Go To School, Five Little Ducklings Go To Bed, Who Will Tuck Me In Tonight? – a Children’s Choice book for 2005 (IRA-CBC) and a nominee for the 2005 Missouri Building Block Picture Book Awards; The Little School Bus, which won the Missouri Building Block Award for Best Picture Book 2003; and Little Bunny’s Sleepless Night, which won the Parent’s Guide To Children’s Media Award for Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Books in 1999, and was an IRA-CBC book for 2000 and an Honor Book in the 2000 Storytelling World Awards.

Carol is a mother of two and grandmother of seven. When not writing, she enjoys water coloring, and teaching English as a Literacy Volunteer of America. She currently lives in New Jersey with her husband.

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RAVAN’S BIO:

Ravan Sader is an artist and children’s book illustrator based in Amman, Jordan, known for creating fun, adventurous characters and imaginative, colorful worlds. She works across picture books, educational media, and character design, and her illustrations often feature rich details, expressive animals, and a sense of playful storytelling.

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Across her portfolio, Sader describes herself as someone who loves designing imaginary worlds, narrating visual stories, and painting scenes filled with movement and emotion. She is a self‑taught illustrator who has contributed to children’s books, music videos, murals, and educational projects. Her inspirations include nature, animals (especially cats), and the joy of discovering new stories.

Her work has been recognized internationally, including a project shortlisted for the German‑French Children’s Literature Award.

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BOOK REVIEW:

Carol, thank you for sharing your book and journey with us. WILL LITTLE TIGER TELL THE TRUTH? is a sweet, relatable bedtime tale for little “sleepyheads” who aren’t quite ready to be tucked in and shut out the lights. Carol Roth’s newest picture book captures a moment every parent knows well: the bedtime stall. Little Tiger is tucked in, but he’s definitely not ready to drift off. Instead, he calls for Mommy and Daddy with increasingly dramatic claims—first one monster, then a hundred—each time hoping to delay lights‑out just a little longer. The setup is simple, but Carol uses it to explore a gentle, age‑appropriate question: What happens when a little lie grows bigger and bigger?

Parents and families will love adding this book to their bedtime routines and help them navigate  honesty, fears, and big imaginations.

Pre-school teachers will find it perfect for storytime and kids will love animal characters and the humor throughout.

Emotionally true-to-life: Little Tiger’s fibs aren’t malicious—they’re rooted in imagination, bedtime jitters, and the universal desire to stay up “just a little bit longer. It’s a comforting moral: The story nudges children toward honesty without shaming. When the truth finally comes out, the tone remains warm and reassuring.

I love the repetition, call‑and‑response moments, and gentle humor make this a cozy read‑aloud for winding down.

Adults will appreciate how this book is also a great conversation starter: Parents and caregivers can use Little Tiger’s antics to talk about truth‑telling, fears at night, and how imagination can feel very real.

The icing on the whole book is Ravan Sader’s illustrations. Her artwork brings Little Tiger’s nighttime world to life with expressive characters, soft textures, and playful visual storytelling. Her style—rooted in imaginative worlds and adventurous characters—adds warmth and whimsy to every page.

Good luck with the book!

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Posted by: Kathy Temean | March 17, 2026

Happy St. Patty’s Day!

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SUSAN MILLER: Featured on Illustrator Saturday August 25, 2018

Ireland is often referred to as The Emerald Isle, so that played a role in the green stripe in the Irish flag. Traditionally, the green represents the Catholics of Ireland, the orange represents the Protestant population and the white in the middle symbolizes the peace between the two religions.

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WHO IS ST. PATRICK?

According to experts Patrick was not actually Irish. Born in the late fourth century, he was captured as an adolescent and ended up enslaved in Ireland. He escaped to another part of Europe where he was trained as a priest and returned to Ireland in the fifth century to promote the spread of Christianity.

Several centuries later, he was made a saint by the Catholic Church and like other saints had a day dedicated to him, which was March 17th. He became Ireland’s patron saint, and Mike Cronin, historian and academic director of Boston College Dublin says even when religious strife broke out between Catholics and Protestants both claimedSt. Patrick.

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CAROLYN LE: Featured on Illustrator Saturday September 12, 2015

Irish people came to America and brought their culture with them. St. Patrick’s Day observances date back to before the founding of the U.S., in places like Boston and New York City. The first parade was held in Manhattan in 1762.

While the day was marked with more of a religious framing and solemnity in Ireland until well into the 20th century, in America it became the cultural and boisterous celebration it is today, marked by plenty of people without a trace of Irish heritage.

It was because people in Ireland started seeing how the day was marked in the U.S. that it became more of a festival with parades, parties and other festivities rather than strictly a religious observance.

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DAVID THORN WENZEL: Featured on Illustrator Saturday August 24, 2013

WHY DO WE CELEBRATE SAINT PATRICK’S DAY?

Holidays aren’t simply days to watch bands go by, or wear a specific outfit or costume. The spread of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the U.S. was a way for Irish immigrant communities, who in the 19th century faced discrimination and opposition, to stake that ground. Kind of an immigrant Irish way of combating nativist antagonism against them.

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BARBARA DILORENZO: Featured on Illustrator Saturday April 14, 2012

FOUR-LEAF CLOVERS:

A popular sight around the holiday is the shamrock, or three-leaf clover, linked to Ireland and St. Patrick.

The lucky ones, though, come across something that’s harder to find: a four-leaf clover. That’s because it takes a recessive trait or traits in the clover’s genetics for there to be more than the normal 3 leaves. Four-leaf clovers are real, but rare. That is why they are called lucky shamrocks?

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NICOLE STEMLOW MONAHAN: https://www.monahanstudio.com/

The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place not in Ireland but in America. Records show that a St. Patrick’s Day parade was held on March 17, 1601 in a Spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, Florida. The parade, and a St. Patrick’s Day celebration a year earlier were organized by the Spanish Colony’s Irish vicar Ricardo Artur.

More than a century later, homesick Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched in New York City on March 17, 1772 to honor the Irish patron saint. Enthusiasm for the St. Patrick’s Day parades in New York CityBoston and other early American cities only grew from there.

 

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Did you know that the Irish have a summer parade? Every year on the 12th of July the Irish Orangemen have parades. They commemorate the 329-year-old military victory when the last British Catholic monarch King James II was defeated by Protestant King William, formerly Prince of Orange in Holland, at the Battle of the Boyne.  In modern times the Loyal Orange Institution continues to function, with thousands of members in Ireland and many others across the world.

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ANGELA MATTESON: Featured on Illustrator Saturday December 10, 2011

On St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.

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SUSAN MILLER: Featured on Illustrator Saturday August 25, 2018

In 1848, several New York Irish Aid societies decided to unite their parades to form one official New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Today, that parade is the world‘s oldest civilian parade and the largest in the United States, with over 150,000 participants. Each year, nearly 3 million people line the 1.5-mile parade route to watch the procession, which takes more than five hours.

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NATASHA WING: Author – http://natashawing.com/nightbefore/120715

In 1848, several New York Irish Aid societies decided to unite their parades to form one official New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Today, that parade is the world‘s oldest civilian parade and the largest in the United States, with over 150,000 participants. Each year, nearly 3 million people line the 1.5-mile parade route to watch the procession, which takes more than five hours.

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NOEL Ill: Featured on Illustrator Saturday 

One icon of the Irish holiday is the Leprechaun. The original Irish name for these figures of folklore is “lobaircin,” meaning “small-bodied fellow.” Belief in leprechauns probably stems from Celtic belief in fairies, tiny men and women who could use their magical powers to serve good or evil. In Celtic folktales, leprechauns were cranky souls, responsible for mending the shoes of the other fairies.

Though only minor figures in Celtic folklore, leprechauns were known for their trickery, which they often used to protect their much-fabled treasure. Leprechauns have their own holiday on May 13 but are also celebrated on St. Patrick’s, with many dressing up as the wily fairies.

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LENA RALSTON: Featured on Illustrator Saturday 

As Irish immigrants spread out over the United States, other cities developed their own traditions. One of these is Chicago’s annual dyeing of the Chicago River green. The practice started in 1962, when city pollution-control workers used dyes to trace illegal sewage discharges and realized that the green dye might provide a unique way to celebrate the holiday. That year, they released 100 pounds of green vegetable dye into the river–enough to keep it green for a week. Today, in order to minimize environmental damage, only 40 pounds of dye are used, and the river turns green for only several hours.

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CHRISTINA WALD: Featured on Illustrator Saturday March 16, 2019

As for the green beer, that’s an even later addition. In fact, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that Ireland repealed a law that initially kept everything—pubs included—shut down for the day. Since then, thanks to a marketing push from Budweiser in the 1980s, downing beer has become a common way to celebrate, regardless of how closely it’s tied to the actually meaning of St. Patrick himself.

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CHRISTINA WALD: Featured on Illustrator Saturday March 16, 2019

Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and Savannah also celebrate the day with parades involving between 10,000 and 20,000 participants each. In 2020, the New York City parade was one of the first major city events to be canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; it was again canceled in 2021. The parade in New York and others around the country returned in 2022.

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NICOLE TADGELL: Featured on Illustrator Saturday April 2, 2011

May you live a long life,

full of gladness and health,

with a pocket full of gold,

as the least of your wealth.

May the dreams you hold dearest,

be those which come true.

and the kindness you spread,

keep returning to you

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Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Sylvia Rouss has written a new picture book, THE LITTLE ACORN’S BIG ADVENTURE, illustrated by Rick Penn Kraus and published by Dragonfeather Books on November 4the 2025. She has agreed to send a copy to the one lucky winner in the US.

Just leave a comment. Reblog, tweet, or talk about it on Facebook with a link and you will get additional chances to win. Let me know other things you did to share the good news, so I can put the right amount of tickets in my basket for you. Sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or reblogging helps spread the word about a new book. So, thank you for helping Sylvia and Rick.

If you have signed up to follow my blog and it is delivered to you every day, please let me know when you leave a comment and you will receive an extra change to win.

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BOOK DESCIRPTION:

Little acorns can have big adventures too.

The little acorn’s adventure begins when it drops from a huge oak tree in the middle of a great forest. Will it become a meal for a hungry bird or a squirrel? Will it be crushed as it gets trampled by a big burly bear? Will it find moist soil to take root? And once it takes root, will it get enough rain and sunshine to grow?

Throughout the story, we find ourselves “rooting” for the little acorn and hope that nature allows it to complete its journey and grow into a healthy, strong sapling.

The delicate balance of nature is captured in the text by Sylvia Rouss and paired with rich, colorful illustrations by Rick Penn-Kraus, showing how plants, animals and weather-all of nature-work together to help the acorn take root.

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BOOK JOURNEY:

My journey in writing the Little Acorn’s Big Adventure began when I was a preschool teacher.  During the fall I often enjoyed taking my students on “nature walks” and observing the world through their eyes. The children were captivated by the grandeur of trees, noticing details that adults often overlook. Equipped with magnifying glasses, they would closely examine the rough bark, marvel at its cracks and crevices, and get excited when they spotted insects crawling along the trunk. They collected fallen leaves, acorns, and pinecones, fascinated by the colors and patterns of leaves and the textures of acorns and pinecones.

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Their curiosity led us to research trees, where we discovered that trees can live for hundreds or even thousands of years. Additionally, trees are essential to ecosystems, providing food and shelter for both animals and humans. Through our research, we also found that trees hold significant meaning in many cultures and religions.

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One memorable discovery was a Talmudic quote: “There is no plant without an angel in heaven tending it and telling it, ‘Grow!’” Inspired by these experiences and findings, a story began to form in my mind. I wanted to show how nature is self-sustaining by capturing the challenges the little acorn confronts on its journey to become an oak tree. A variety of forest animals are featured in the story. Each unwittingly contributes to the growth of the little acorn. The resulting book uses minimal text and poetic rhythm to capture nature’s subtleties, and it was only recently that I decided to submit it for publication.

ImageI was fortunate to find an Illustrator, Rick Penn-Kraus whose illustrations bring the story to life. I am deeply appreciative of his remarkable talent. The artwork on each page beautifully captures the intricacies and wonders of nature, and his illustrations alone can tell the story. I find myself drawn into his art, making me feel part of the depicted scenes. Rick’s ability to capture the magic of nature allows readers to experience it firsthand, and I am extremely pleased with the result.

I hope children will appreciate the little acorn’s adventure. Hopefully they will be eager to learn more about trees. I’ve added a section at the end of the book featuring interesting facts about oak trees, along with activities that children can enjoy with a parent or teacher.

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SYLVIA’S BIO:

Sylvia Rouss is an award‑winning early childhood educator and the author of more than 30 children’s books, many of which draw on her decades of experience in the classroom. Best known for her beloved Sammy Spider series, which has celebrated its 25th anniversary and sold over half a million copies, and the Littlest books series, both of which are designed to introduce young readers to Jewish holidays and values in a fun and accessible way.

Rouss has a gift for transforming big ideas — from nature and science to cultural traditions and emotional growth — into stories that feel accessible, comforting, and engaging for young readers. Sylvia has received numerous awards as an educator and she conducts seminars for parents and teachers. She is a featured author and lecturer at book fairs throughout the United States and Israel.

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Her work often reflects her background as a preschool teacher, where she learned firsthand how stories can spark curiosity, soothe anxieties, and help children make sense of the world around them. Rouss’s books are widely used in classrooms, libraries, and family storytimes for their gentle humor, clear themes, and natural openings for discussion.

She lives in California, where she continues to write stories that celebrate wonder, resilience, and the small but meaningful moments of childhood.

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RICK’S BIO:

Rick Penn Kraus is a freelance Illustrator and creative director, managing graphics departments at some of the world’s leading marketing, PR and publishing firms. RAND Corporation graphic designer.

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Rick usually creates pencil sketches to start each children’s book he illustrates, but this one was different. This book’s visuals are almost impressionistic, in a thick painterly way. Rick says he found that sketching in pencil first did not help him bring out that quality. He almost had to go backwards in his process, starting with the completed painted piece, then reworking it to fit the story. This allowed him to get the full color and texture impact from the beginning, and that inspired him. My original sample submission pieces to the publisher almost looked like fingerprinting—and they loved it.

All the illustrations were created using Adobe Photoshop and a Wacom Intuos tablet. This gave him the ability to use every media imaginable, as well as brush and pen tips, while also having digital oils, pastels, inks, textures, and so much more and giving him the look of actual paint. With Photoshop he can also paint on separate layers, which gives me incredible control. Often I have separate layers for the animal’s eyes, body, legs, and multiple layers for background trees, foliage, and other environmental elements. He loves how Photoshop give him the freedom to recolor, resize, and continue to rework the pieces without have to start over or mess around with what he already painted.

Rick says, “Sylvia’s text left me lots of room to interpret the scenes and action, which I love. Sometimes I came in close with the illustration, other times much further away. I always want the reader to be surprised and intrigued when they turn the page, but feel the illustration makes perfect sense. If they are eager to turn the page to see what’s next, I’ve done my job.”

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BOOK REVIEW:

Sylvia, thank you for sharing your book and journey with us. The Little Acorn’s Big Adventure is a gentle, hopeful story about growth, courage, and the quiet magic of becoming who you’re meant to be. Sylvia Rouss follows a tiny acorn who dreams of something bigger, and her journey unfolds with a sweetness that young readers will immediately connect to. 

I love how the acorn’s journey mirrors many early‑childhood emotions like feeling small, wondering about the future, and facing change. Children will be drawn to this book not only because they can relate to the text, but also the gorgeous illustrations Rick created are true eye-candy that will have kids coming back to look for all the little details on each page. 

The artwork tends to be soft, earthy, and inviting — the kind of illustrations that make children want to trace the leaves with their fingers. The visuals support the story’s themes beautifully, showing the acorn’s journey with warmth and whimsy.

Once a teacher reads this book, they will want to share its reassuring message about change with their students in their classrooms, The acorn’s transformation into a mighty oak is told with warmth and patience, helping children understand that growth takes time — and that big things often start small.

Everyone will appreciate how this book opens the door to conversations about patience, resilience, and self‑confidence and pairs well  with nature walks, seed‑planting activities, or lessons about trees and life cycles.

The imagery in the book lends itself to hands‑on projects like leaf rubbings, acorn or seed collage art, abd other project like: watercolor trees showing different seasons, “My Big Adventure” drawings where children imagine their own transformation and for older kids, writing their own story.

These activities help students connect emotionally and visually with the story.

Parents will find this gentle calming picture book a perfect bedtime read.

Perfect in helping children who are navigating transitions, like a new school, new sibling, or new routines and families looking for uplifting, values‑centered picture books wondering about the future

Overall: The Little Acorn’s Big Adventure is a tender reminder that every child — like every acorn — carries potential waiting to unfold. It’s a sweet, steadying story that leaves kids feeling encouraged and parents feeling grateful for a book that speaks to both heart and imagination.

Good luck with the book!

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Posted by: Kathy Temean | March 11, 2026

Book Winners – Kudos – Industry Changes

BOOK WINNERS:

Jane Heitman Healy won THE CREATION: A Color-Changing Bible Bath Book! by Amy Houts

Stephanie Wildman won THERE ARE NO DRAGONS IN THIS BOOK by Donna Lambo-Weidner

 Angie Quantrell won HOME COURT by Christ Bhrens

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KUDOS:

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Nancy Conescu takes the Helm at FSG Books for Young Readers

publishersweekly.com 

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Newbery Honoree Rajani LaRocca’s WE ARE THE LIGHT: A STORY OF DIWALI, taking readers through the preparations for the festival of lights and celebrating the holiday’s meaning, illustrated by Sayan Mukherjee, to Alexandra Cooper at Quill Tree, in an exclusive submission, for publication in fall 2026, by Brent Taylor at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).

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Author of THE LITTLEST GRITO and THE COLOR COLLECTOR Nicholas Solis’s THE POETRY OF POO, a collection of humorous and rude poetry, illustrated by Scott Brown, to Sarah Rockett at Sleeping Bear Press, for publication in August 2026, by or the illustrator. The illustrator is now represented Erzsi Deak at Hen&ink for the author, and by Amy Fitzgerald at The Bright Agency fby Justin Rucker at Shannon Associates.

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INDUSTRY CHANGES:

Little, Brown

Julia DeVarti, Liv Ryan, and Morgan Wu have been promoted to associate editor.

Senior editor Chip Fleischer will acquire approximately 10 nonfiction titles per year for Steerforth.

Candlewick Press, Holiday House, and Peachtree.

Eda French has been promoted to art department coordinator, Candlewick Press.

Larsson McSwain has been promoted to assistant art director, Candlewick Press.

Saskia den Boon has been promoted to senior marketing coordinator, school & library.

At Union Square Kids:

Stefanie Chin has been promoted to editor.

Mariana Seibold has been promoted to assistant editor.

Julie Robine has been promoted to associate art director.

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Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Posted by: Kathy Temean | March 10, 2026

Book Giveaway: WILD MOUTAIN IVY by Shannon Hitchcock

Shannon Hitchcock has written a new Middle Grade book, Wild Mountain Ivy, published byCarolrhoda Books on March 3rd. She has agreed to send a copy to the one lucky winner in the US.Just leave a comment. Reblog, tweet, or talk about it on Facebook with a link and you will get additional chances to win. Let me know other things you did to share the good news, so I can put the right amount of tickets in my basket for you. Sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or reblogging helps spread the word about a new book. So, thank you for helping Shannon.

If you have signed up to follow my blog and it is delivered to you every day, please let me know when you leave a comment and you will receive an extra change to win.

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Months after catching a common virus, twelve-year-old Ivy still hasn’t recovered.

Ivy doesn’t even have the energy to play music. Hoping a change of scenery will help, she’s spending the summer in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, where her uncle has converted an old house into a bed and breakfast. The Everly House has a long history―including a stint as a sanatorium, a treatment center for tuberculosis patients, in the 1920s.

Ivy starts having dreams about a girl named Jessie Pearl, a TB patient who stayed at the house a hundred years ago. Like Ivy, Jessie was an adventurous musician who struggled to adapt to her sickness. But at the Everly House, she was able to rest, listen to her body, and find new ways to fill her time.

As Ivy delves into the history of the house, hoping to find out what happened to Jessie, she makes other discoveries that turn her summer in the mountains into a new beginning.

BOOK JOURNEY:

A Two-Book Deal—The Story of THE BALLAD OF JESSIE PEARL & WILD MOUNTAIN IVY

Some books take a long time. The journey for my latest middle grade novel started in 2008. My son was in eighth grade then, and his U.S. History teacher gave him an assignment. Alex had to interview family members and record ten family stories. Each story had to take place during a different decade. Next, Alex had to research what was happening in the U.S during that decade and also what was happening in the larger world. One of the stories he collected was of his great-grandmother. When tuberculosis struck our family in the 1920s, my grandmother’s sister died, leaving behind a ten-month old baby and a letter planning her own funeral. My grandmother, who was only fourteen at the time, had to quit school and raise her sister’s baby. Alex said to me, “Mom, she was my age and somebody gave her a baby. Can you imagine if that happened to me?” That remark caused me to think about all the ways life has changed since the 1920s. Kids were expected to grow up much faster and take on more responsibility, whether they wanted to or not.

An idea took shape—a middle grade novel, based on my grandmother’s story of living through the tuberculosis pandemic and growing up before she was ready. That book become my debut novel, THE BALLAD OF JESSIE PEARL, which was published in 2013. Several friends and school kids asked for a sequel, but honestly, I had no interest in writing one. I was finished with that story, or so I thought.

Fast forward to 2020 and the Covid pandemic. Stuck at home and bored out of my mind, I started thinking about the parallels between my grandmother’s pandemic and my own, roughly a hundred years later. About that same time, I reread my favorite book from childhood, REQUIEM FOR A PRINCESS by Ruth M. Arthur. In REQUIEM, while a young girl is recovering from an illness, her dreams are haunted by a girl who had stayed in her room hundreds of years ago. An idea took shape. A young girl staying in a bed and breakfast that used to be a TB sanatorium, and while staying there, her dreams are haunted by a TB patient who had stayed in her room a hundred years before, that girl was Jessie Pearl from my debut novel.

My latest novel, WILD MOUNTAIN IVY is a standalone book. You don’t have to have read THE BALLAD OF JESSIE PEARL to follow the storyline, but my hope is that once you’ve read WILD MOUNTAIN IVY, you’ll be curious enough to read THE BALLAD OF JESSIE PEARL.

BALLAD had gone out of print, but Lerner has reissued it in e-book form with new cover art as a companion to WILD MOUNTAIN IVY. There’s even a QR code in the back of IVY that will take you to the reissuance of BALLAD. It’s not often that an old novel gets a second chance at life so I feel incredibly fortunate at how this turned out.

SHANNON’S BIO:

Shannon Hitchcock was born in North Carolina and grew up in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She is the author of four middle grade novels, Flying Over Water, One True Way, Ruby Lee & Me, and The Ballad of Jessie Pearl. Her books have been featured on many state award lists and have received acclaimed reviews. Saving Granddaddy’s Stories is Shannon’s debut picture book.

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She recently moved to Asheville, North Carolina, where she can see the mountains every day. For more information, visit her website at shannonhitchcock.com

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Shannon thank you for sharing your book and journey with us. Shannon Hitchcock is known for weaving history into emotionally grounded stories and she continues that reputation with this book Wild Mountain Ivy. Twelve‑year‑old Ivy is recovering from long COVID, months after a “common virus” that leaves her exhausted and unable to play the violin — the thing she loves most. Hoping rest will help, she and her mother spend the summer at her uncle’s bed‑and‑breakfast in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a house with a past life as a 1920s tuberculosis sanatorium.

 

As Ivy settles into the quiet rhythms of mountain life, she begins having vivid dreams about Jessie Pearl, a spirited TB patient who lived in the same room a century earlier. Jessie, also a young musician, becomes a kind of mirror and mentor across time — a girl who once faced her own frightening illness and learned to listen to her body in new ways.

It is perfect middle grade for Kids ages 10 – 14. Because it is gentle enough for the young children in that range, but rich enough with emotional depth for older middle Grade readers. They will love how Shannon blends contemporary with the past.

Teachers will immediately see how the book can open conversations about chronic illness and empathy and spark discussion about historical context of tuberculosis and public health. Could also encourage talk about self – care, boundaries, and resilience.

Jessie Pearl originally appeared in Hitchcock’s earlier novel The Ballad of Jessie Pearl, making this a meaningful companion for readers who enjoy reading interconnected stories.

Good luck with the book!

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

 

Posted by: Kathy Temean | March 3, 2026

Book Giveaway: DISCO DAVE by Jody Jensen Shaffer

Today we have a birthday book. Jody Jensen Shaffer has a new picture book, DISCO DAVE, illustrated by Yana Kozak and published by Magination Press. It has hit the book shelves today. Jody has agreed to send a copy to one lucky winner in the US.

All you have to do to get in the running is leave a comment. Reblog, tweet, or talk about it on Facebook with a link, and you will get additional chances to win. Just let me know what other things you do to share the good news so I can put the correct number of tickets in my basket. Sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or reblogging helps spread the word about a new book. Thanks for helping Jody and Yana.

If you have signed up to follow my blog and receive it daily, please let me know when you leave a comment, and I will give you an extra ticket. Thanks!

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

A Disco-Loving Walrus Learns That There’s More Than One Way to Shine

Dave the walrus loves everything about disco: the sparkling lights, the booming beats, and all the funky dance moves he’s eager to try. But when he finally gets his moment on the dance floor, things do not go well. Crashes, slips, and every kind of tumble leave Dave feeling discouraged and unsure if he will ever keep up with the groove he loves so much.

Just when he is ready to hang up his bell bottoms and platform shoes for good, something unexpected sends the entire disco community into an uproar. Dave realizes there may be another way to join the fun, one that fits him perfectly. This upbeat and humorous story helps children explore problem solving, confidence, and finding creative ways to participate when things don’t go as planned.

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BOOK JOURNEY:

I wrote my first draft of DISCO DAVE in 2018. Back then, I wondered if a story about a disco-loving walrus would have…legs. Over the course of the next six years, I revised and tightened Dave’s story and the story problem, sent my manuscript to critique partners, revised some more, researched 70s slang, music, and bands, sent my story to editors, and revised some more.

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Then in 2024, it landed on the right editor’s desk! Katie Ten Hagen at Magination Press said, “I really love Disco Dave, and I’m happy to be able to make an offer!” I was thrilled! Soon, the very talented Yana Kozak agreed to illustrate, and her adorable sketches and illustrations made the text even funnier. 

DISCO DAVE is about going all-out to chase your dreams and then being willing to change directions if your plans don’t pan out. It’s about perseverance, passion, and pivoting. Learning to be resilient is a skill we can all develop! I hope kids will love Dave’s story, and I hope adults will giggle at all the disco references!

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JODY ‘S BIO:

Jody Jensen Shaffer is an award‑national winning poet and the author of more than eighty books for children, ranging from playful picture books to engaging nonfiction. Her work includes favorites such as Prudence the Part‑Time Cow, A Chip Off the Old Block, Emergency Kittens!, and the beloved Busy Bus! series. Her books have been recognized nationally, including representing Missouri at the National Book Festival and earning nominations for the Show Me Readers Award.

Here are some additional books Jody has written:

CREEP, LEAP, CRUNCH! A FOOD CHAIN STORY (Knopf 2023), SOMETIMES I AM HOT LAVA (Beaming Books 2024), PORCUPINE HAD A FUZZY SWEATER (Magination Press 2024), and THE LAST DAY JULIAN WAS MY BEST FRIEND (Two Lions 2024), as well as  a 2021-22 Iowa Goldfinch Award nominee,  IT’S YOUR FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, BUSY BUS! (Beach Lane), an Amazon best seller, Book Box pick, and AmazonKids+ choice, EMERGENCY KITTENS!, and more.

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Jody has been published in magazines like Highlights, Ladybug, and Clubhouse Jr. She lives in Liberty Missouri with her family.  When she’s not writing, Jody can be found spending time with family and walking her rescue dog, Sophie. You can visit Jody online at jodyjensenshaffer.com and on Twitter @jodywrites4kids.

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YANA’S BIO:

Yana Kozak is a Ukrainian children’s book illustrator whose work is known for its warmth, humor, and expressive characters. She originally earned a degree in journalism and spent several years working in newspapers and television before shifting to the career she had always dreamed of — illustrating children’s books full‑time.

She primarily works digitally in Procreate, creating cute, funny, emotionally rich characters who love to explore the world and often find themselves in amusing situations. Kozak frequently draws inspiration from her daughter, striving to see the world through a child’s eyes.

Yana enjoys creating art that blends charm, humor, and heartfelt emotion.

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Besides being born in Ukraine, Yana has also lived and worked in France.

She has illustrated multiple picture books for publishers including Hachette, Lerner, and others.

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Jody, thank you for sharing DISCO DAVE and journey with us. The whole time I read our book, I thought of John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever and sang Disco Duck. I think kids and parents will love this book. It is so much fun.

Disco Dave is a joyful, toe‑tapping celebration of confidence, rhythm, and being fully yourself — even when the world around you isn’t quite sure what to make of your sparkle. Jody Jensen Shaffer’s playful, musical text follows Dave, a lovable, disco‑obsessed dog who just wants to dance his heart out. Kids will immediately connect with Dave’s enthusiasm, his big feelings, and his determination to shine in his own way.

The story moves with a natural beat, making it a fun read‑aloud for classrooms, libraries, and bedtime.

S0 Mom’s and Dad’s take a page from Jody’s book (after you read it to your kids) and pull up Disco Duck on YouTube and get your kids or students dancing around the house or classroom sing DISCO DAVE. They will want you to read it to them everyday so they can get to wiggle and giggle. Sure to make adults smile, and want to join in the fun. It will burn some calories, and leave you with some pep in your step.

The story moves with a natural beat, making it a fun read‑aloud for classrooms, libraries, and bedtime. Shaffer’s word choices invite kids to join in, wiggle, and giggle, while also offering gentle encouragement to embrace what makes them unique.

The illustrations that Yana Kozak created add to the the joy. Her characters are expressive, warm, and wonderfully animated — every page feels like it’s mid‑groove. The color palette is bright without being overwhelming, and the emotional clarity in each spread helps young readers follow Dave’s journey from self‑doubt to full‑on disco delight.

Even though is perfect for children 3 to 10 years old, making it a natural fit for story time themes like confidence, individuality, music, and movement. It’s also a great pick for kids who love animals, humor, and high‑energy picture books. It is a feel‑good, dance‑worthy read that reminds kids that their join in the fun. A feel‑good, dance‑worthy read that reminds kids that their shine is worth celebrating. And  will remind kids that the adults, parents and teachers can have fun, too.

Good luck with the book!

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Author and Illustrator, Ann Koffsky has a new picture book, THE MIRACLE OF MATZAH PIZZA, published by Intergalactic Afikoman on February 10th 2026.

To enter, leave a comment. Reblog, tweet, or discuss it on Facebook with a link for additional chances to win. Let me know what else you do to share the good news so I can put the correct number of tickets in the basket.

Sharing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or reblogging helps spread the word about a new book. Thanks for helping Ann.

If you have signed up to follow my blog and receive it daily, please let me know when you leave a comment, and I will give you an extra ticket. Thank you!Image

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Matzah pizza is a Passover favorite of kids. After matzah at seder and matzah with cream cheese, it’s time for . . . matzah pizza!

But how did matzah pizza actually come to be? Zaydee tells Sammy a fun and zany version of the traditional Passover story. Did Miriam carry tomatoes on her head as well as matzah on her back while leaving Egypt? Did mozzarella cheese come from talking cows who were moo-ving to Israel? Was there magically enough matzah pizza for all the escaping Israelites? Perhaps Zaydee’s tall tale is “udderly unbelievable” . . . but it sure is fun!

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BOOK JOURNEY:

My journey for THE MIRACLE OF MATZAH PIZZA  began with my BOREDOM. Passover lasts eight long days, and if you’re one of those who celebrates the holiday by eating matzah (a flat, cracker-like unleavened bread) each day, it can start to taste pretty bland by day three! Matzah with melted cheese and tomato sauce smeared on top has always given me a welcome break from the boring, and so it is- for Sammy, the main character in this book too.

Of course, just munching on some matzah pizza is not enough story! I needed some additional ingredients.Image

Since there are so many Bubbie and Grandma cooking stories out there, I thought it would be a nice change-up to give a Zaydie/ Grandpa some kitchen time, too. Here he makes the simple recipe with his grandson.

That could have been enough, (dayeinu! IYKYK) but as I started to think more about matzah pizza, I wondered: how did this Italian/ Jewy recipe come to be? I tried to research who actually invented it, but couldn’t really discover an authentic source.

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So, I took out my artistic license and decided to invent my own origin story:

Matzah pizza came to be exactly when Matzah itself first came on the scene: during the Exodus of the Jewish people from slavery.  Zaydie will tell it over to young Sammy, and pass on this new exciting tale to the next generation.Image

Of course, it was very important to me that Zaydie not deceive little Sammy. To make it clear to young readers that Sammy was in on the joke, we are told that very clearly when Sammy and Zayddie give each other a big wink.

I hope readers enjoy being in on the joke, too.

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ANN’S BIO:

Ann Diament Koffsky is the Ann Diament Koffsky is the award-winning author and illustrator of more than 50 board books, picture books, and chapter books for children, including the Kayla and Kugel series, The Three Little Sheep, and Different Kinds of Minds with Temple Grandin. Shabbat is definitely her favorite day of the week.

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Occasionally, Ann enjoys picking up a paddle and playing pickleball . . . but she’s nowhere near as good as Estee! Find out more at annkoffsky.com.

ImageAnn thank you for sharing your book and journey with us.

The Miracle of Matzah Pizza: A Biblical Tall Tale is a playful, imaginative picture book that blends humor, tradition, and a touch of the miraculous into a story families will enjoy reading together. Rooted in the spirit of Passover and the joy of storytelling, this book takes a familiar holiday food — matzah — and spins it into a whimsical adventure filled with warmth and wonder.

Koffman’s writing has an inviting, conversational tone that makes the story feel like it’s being told around a family table. Young readers will delight in the tall‑tale exaggeration, while adults will appreciate the gentle nods to Jewish tradition and the way the story celebrates creativity, resourcefulness, and community. The pacing is lively, making it a fun read‑aloud for classrooms, libraries, or cozy bedtime moments.

Ann’s illustrations bring the humor to life with expressive characters, energetic scenes, and visual jokes that children will want to revisit. The artwork supports the story’s blend of cultural tradition and imaginative play, making the book feel both meaningful and delightfully silly.

Parents and teachers will love the way the book provides so many entry points for discussion — from Passover customs to the idea of miracles, to how stories grow taller and funnier as they’re retold. It’s a book that invites laughter, curiosity, and connection.

The Miracle of Matzah Pizza is a joyful, imaginative celebration of Passover storytelling — and a reminder that even the simplest traditions can spark the most magical tales.

Good luck with the book!

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Cynthia Harmony has a new picture book, APAPACHO: A Story About Hug from the Heart Illustrated by Erika Mesa and was published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) on January 13, 2026. They have agreed to send a copy to the one lucky winner in the US.

All you have to do to get in the running is leave a comment. Reblog, tweet, or talk about it on Facebook with a link and you will get additional chances to win. Just let me know other things you do to share the good news, so I can put the right amount of tickets in my basket for you. Sharing on Facebook, Twitter or reblogging really helps spread the word for a new book. So, thanks for helping Cynthia and Erica.

If you automatically receive Writing and Illustrating, please let me know when you leave a comment to receive an additional chance to win.

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

A gorgeous picture book featuring a Mexican American family that’s as comforting as a warm embrace―great for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and baby gifts!

Every day for Luna starts and ends with Mami’s apapachos―hugs that come from Mami’s soul. Her warm cuddles fill Luna’s heart, like stars fill the sky. They make her feel safe. They make her feel seen. But, oh no, Mami has to take a trip! What will Luna do without Mami’s hugs?

Maybe…apapachos can come from other people, too.

Like Abue’s, which makes Luna feel brave. And Daddy’s, which makes her giggle. Not to mention her dog, Benito’s wet nuzzle which tells her to rise and shine with a smile. It turns out even when Mami’s far away, her love is all around.

Apapacho love is everywhere!

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BOOK JOURNEY: 

This book began as a collection of special moments of love and shortly after going on submission, it received a couple R&R’s (Revise & Resubmit) invitations from editors. I revised the story from the POV of a little girl named Luna and how her Mami’s apapachos or hugs fill her days like stars fill the sky. But when Mami has to go on a work trip for the first time, Luna has to navigate missing her apapachos. The first short separations for young kids from caregivers is a huge developmental milestone. And I wanted the central element in the story to be centered around apapachos, introducing the concept to readers who might not know about it.

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Apapacho, is a beautiful Nahuatl word, the language of the native people of Mexico, to describe a special hug or cuddle. Nowadays, it’s a word commonly used in Latin America. I wanted to share our understanding of love in the latin community and the ways to make children feel loved and safe. And highlight the very special bond between mother and child. I think Erika’s art captures that magical moment of mutual love perfectly. When it feels like everything is as it should be, stepping out of time as the moon and stars surround them both in their own universe.

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But more importantly, my goal was to empower young readers to know they can create their own moments and spaces of love themselves. To know they have the ability and power to express and create a loving and safe space at any given moment, where they can bring others in too. And that if we look a little closer, we’ll find that love is everywhere. My intention was to make the story feel like an apapacho to all readers in book form. My own apapacho to the world in times when might we feel we need it most.

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CYNTHIA‘S BIO:

Cynthia Harmony is an educational psychologist and author originally from Mexico City. Her bilingual books have received critical acclaim.

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She has made significant contributions to children’s literature  and was awarded the 2020 “We Need Diverse Books” Mentorship highlighting her commitment to promoting diverse voices in literature.

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ERIKA’S BIO:

Erika Meza grew up in Mexico and moved houses more often than she had birthdays. Having studied illustration in Paris, she now lives in London―her thirty-sixth address―where she paints, writes her own stories, and practices her uncanny ability to pack efficiently. Erika loves exploring, learning about many different places and cultures, and finding joy in the people who allow you to be yourself.

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BOOK REVIEW:

Cynthia, thank you for sharing your book and journey with us.

APAPACHO: A Story About Hugs from the Heart is a tender, luminous celebration of connection, culture, and the many ways love wraps around a child — even across distance. Cynthia Harmony introduces young readers to the beautiful Nahuatl‑rooted word apapacho, meaning a hug that comes from the soul, and she builds an entire story around that feeling of deep, heart‑level comfort.

We follow Luna, a young girl whose days begin and end with her Mami’s apapachos — warm, grounding embraces that make her feel safe, seen, and cherished. When Mami must leave on a trip, Luna’s world wobbles. Harmony handles this emotional shift with such gentleness, offering young readers a reassuring truth: love doesn’t disappear when someone is far away. It simply finds new ways to reach us.

As Luna discovers apapachos from Abue, Daddy, and even her dog Benito, the story becomes a soft, steady reminder that a child’s support system is bigger than they may realize. Each hug carries its own flavor — bravery, giggles, morning joy — and together they help Luna feel held until Mami returns.

Erika Meza’s illustrations glow with warmth and movement, capturing the closeness of family life and the emotional arc of missing someone you love. The palette feels like a sunrise wrapped in a blanket — comforting, vibrant, and full of heart.

ages 3–8:

  • Offers emotional reassurance around separation
  • Introduces a culturally rich and meaningful word
  • Celebrates intergenerational love
  • Perfect for bedtime, classroom discussions, or social‑emotional learning
  • A beautiful pick for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or welcoming a new sibling

In short: This picture book feels like a hug you can hold in your hands. Families looking for stories about connection, comfort, and the enduring presence of love will find APAPACHO irresistible.

Good luck with the book.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Posted by: Kathy Temean | February 19, 2026

Book Giveaway: The Ocean’s Heart by Jilanne Hoffmann

I featured Jilanne and Ocean Heart on Tuesday, but I wasn’t finished with the book feature so here is the whole thing.

Jilanne Hoffman has a new non-fiction picture book title The Ocean’s Heart: The Tiny Creatures Essential to Life, and Illustrated by Khol Lee coming out on March 3, 2026 with Millbrook Press.

They have agreed to send a copy to the one lucky winner in the US.

All you have to do to get in the running is leave a comment. Reblog, tweet, or talk about it on Facebook with a link and you will get additional chances to win. Just let me know other things you do to share the good news, so I can put the right amount of tickets in my basket for you. Sharing on Facebook, Twitter or reblogging really helps spread the word for a new book. So, thanks for helping Jilanne and Khol.

If you have signed up to follow my blog and it is delivered to you everyday, please let me know when you leave a comment and I will give you an extra ticket. Thanks!

I have been busy working on the list of winners and hope to get the list up where you can see if I am missing any addresses, so you can check it to make sure you are still living at the same address I found. I hope everyone can forgive me for making everyone wait so long.

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Far below the ocean’s surface live tiny, restless creatures called zooplankton. They are the ocean’s heart.

The largest migration of animals on Earth happens every single night as billions upon billions of microscopic animals―zooplankton―paddle from the ocean’s depths to its surface. On their journey, they swim daunting distances through predator-infested waters in pursuit of a midnight feast. Zooplankton are so small, and they live so deep, that we may never see them―but the entire food web depends upon their survival. Venture into the ocean’s twilight zone with Jilanne Hoffmann’s lyrical, evocative prose and Khoa Le’s luminous illustrations of these tiny yet magnificent creatures.

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BOOK JOURNEY:

How THE OCEAN’S HEART came to be: When I was writing A River of Dust, I discovered that NASA’s CALIPSO satellite not only measured the North African dust that flies across the Atlantic, it also recorded the massive nightly migration of zooplankton in the ocean.

First, I was astounded that a satellite could do this, but then as I learned more about these delicate, beautiful animals, and that they’re in danger, I knew I had to share what I’d learned with kids.

The marine biologist from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) who reviewed THE OCEAN’S HEART at every step, Dr. Steven Haddock, was extraordinarily helpful. He’s taken blackwater photos of many of the creatures shown in the book (some that are so new to scientists, they have not yet been named).

In fact, Khoa Le, the illustrator used MBARI photos and videos extensively to inform her art, since the action of the story is based in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Also, her luminous illustration used on both end papers is based on a satellite view of the bay, a perfect way to open and close the story.

As readers watch this epic race to eat before being eaten, I hope they’ll fall in love with these tiny, gloriously strange and wondrous creatures who are so essential to all life on Earth.

JILANNE’S BIO:

Jilanne Hoffmann has been a zoo train engineer, a waitress, a “real” engineer, a fitness trainer, a tai chi instructor, a freelance writer for nonprofit organizations, and now enjoys writing stories for kids and adults. She has a BS in Engineering and an MFA in creative writing.

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Her picture book, A River of Dust, was an ALA Notable Children’s Book, a Bank Street College Best Children’s Book, a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, and an SCBWI Crystal Kite Winner. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, son, and rescue dog named Wrigley.

KHOA’S BIO:

Khoa Le is a picture book author and illustrator from Vietnam. Alongside her love of reading, art, and music, she draws inspiration from her journeys, discovering the beauty of the world―particularly through her deep love for the ocean and all things connected to it. Accompanied by her beloved cats, Khoa finds peace in her small studio, and she also cherishes the tranquility of nature.

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Illustrator, author and painter based in HCMC, Vietnam.
Exhibition and awards:

  • Solo exhibition “Unravel” (Vietnam) 2010

  • Group exhibition Art Expo Malaysia 2012

  • Asia Contemporary Art Show, group exhibition (Hong Kong) 2012

  • AFCC 2012, Illustration group exhibition (Singapore) 2012

  • Group exhibition, “Saigon Artbook” (Vietnam) 2014

  • Grand prize SAMSUNG KIDSTIME AUTHORS’ AWARD 2015

  • Solo exhibition, Craig Thomas gallery (HCMc, Vietnam) 2016

  • 2nd runner up SCHOLASTIC PICTURE BOOK AWARD (by Scholastic Asia, Singapore) 2017

  • Winner of the Best Illustrator Category – 2020 Northern Lights Book Awards (The Lonely Polar Bear – Publisher: Happy Fox Books)

  • SYDNEY TAYLOR BOOK AWARDS – Picture Book Honor (Miriam at the River – Kar-Ben​ Publishing)

  • TOKA BOX TOP SOUTH ASIAN CHILDREN’S BOOKS – Best Illustration (Sugar in Milk – ​Hachette Book Group)

  • Group exhibition, “SOI The Original Art Show 2023”, New York

  • “Across a wide ocean”, January 27, 2024 – January 5, 2025, Minnesota Marine Art Museum.

*******

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BOOK REVIEW:

Jilanna, thank you for sharing your book and journey with us. I love how this story, Ocean’s Heart glows with wonder and purpose. It is a beautifully told picture book; a visually vibrant book that invites young readers to imagine the ocean as a living breathing presence – one that feels, responds, and needs our care.

Kids will love how this glowing, personified ocean feel friendly
A glowing, personified ocean that feels friendly and alive. children will be drawn to the bright, energetic illustrations full of movement in the dark depths of the sea that emotes a sense of adventure as the child protagonist listens to the ocean’s call.

Parents will appreciate this thoughtful introduction to environmental stewardship. Julianna Hoffmann blends poetic lyrical language with a gentle environmental message, creating a story that feels both magical and meaningful without being heavy, perfect for read‑aloud moments.

Illustrat0r Khol Le’s artwork bursts with blues, corals, and sunlit textures. The pages feel fluid and dynamic, echoing the rhythm of waves. Kids will enjoy spotting small details — swirling currents, expressive sea life, and the ocean’s shifting moods.

Perfect for teachers to use in their classroom to help children listen closely the the world around them and understand that even small actions matter. Spending time emersed in the pages of this book is sure to seep into young minds between ages 4 and 10 letting them understand the interconnectedness of humans and nature.  Ocean’s Heart encourages classroom discussions about oceans and conservation. Perfect for Earth Day story times.

Teacher’s, Parents, will love how easy it is to initiate  conversations about nature, water, and the world around us using this book. And everyone will appreciate the imaginative storytelling.

“A luminous reminder that the ocean speaks — and our children are listening.”

Good luck with the book!

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Posted by: Kathy Temean | February 17, 2026

Book Giveaway: The Oceans Heart by Jilanne Hoffmann

The Ocean’s Heart: The Tiny Creatures Essential to Life Hardcover – Picture Book, March 3, 2026

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Far below the ocean’s surface / live tiny, restless creatures / called zooplankton. / They are the ocean’s heart.

The largest migration of animals on Earth happens every single night as billions upon billions of microscopic animals―zooplankton―paddle from the ocean’s depths to its surface. On their journey, they swim daunting distances through predator-infested waters in pursuit of a midnight feast. Zooplankton are so small, and they live so deep, that we may never see them―but the entire food web depends upon their survival. Venture into the ocean’s twilight zone with Jilanne Hoffmann’s lyrical, evocative prose and Khoa Le’s luminous illustrations of these tiny yet magnificent creatures.

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BOOK JOURNEY:

How THE OCEAN’S HEART came to be: When I was writing A River of Dust, I discovered that NASA’s CALIPSO satellite not only measured the North African dust that flies across the Atlantic, it also recorded the massive nightly migration of zooplankton in the ocean.

First, I was astounded that a satellite could do this, but then as I learned more about these delicate, beautiful animals, and that they’re in danger, I knew I had to share what I’d learned with kids.

The marine biologist from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) who reviewed THE OCEAN’S HEART at every step, Dr. Steven Haddock, was extraordinarily helpful. He’s taken blackwater photos of many of the creatures shown in the book (some that are so new to scientists, they have not yet been named).

In fact, Khoa Le, the illustrator used MBARI photos and videos extensively to inform her art, since the action of the story is based in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Also, her luminous illustration used on both end papers is based on a satellite view of the bay, a perfect way to open and close the story.

As readers watch this epic race to eat before being eaten, I hope they’ll fall in love with these tiny, gloriously strange and wondrous creatures who are so essential to all life on Earth.

JILANNE’S BIO:

Jilanne Hoffmann has been a zoo train engineer, a waitress, a “real” engineer, a fitness trainer, a tai chi instructor, a freelance writer for nonprofit organizations, and now enjoys writing stories for kids and adults. She has a BS in Engineering and an MFA in creative writing.

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Her picture book, A River of Dust, was an ALA Notable Children’s Book, a Bank Street College Best Children’s Book, a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, and an SCBWI Crystal Kite Winner. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, son, and rescue dog named Wrigley.

 

KHOA’S BIO:

Khoa Le is a picture book author and illustrator from Vietnam. Alongside her love of reading, art, and music, she draws inspiration from her journeys, discovering the beauty of the world―particularly through her deep love for the ocean and all things connected to it. Accompanied by her beloved cats, Khoa finds peace in her small studio, and she also cherishes the tranquility of nature.

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Represented by Astound
Illustrator, author and painter based in HCMC, Vietnam.
Exhibition and awards:

  • Solo exhibition “Unravel” (Vietnam) 2010

  • Group exhibition Art Expo Malaysia 2012

  • Asia Contemporary Art Show, group exhibition (Hong Kong) 2012

  • AFCC 2012, Illustration group exhibition (Singapore) 2012

  • Group exhibition, “Saigon Artbook” (Vietnam) 2014

  • Grand prize SAMSUNG KIDSTIME AUTHORS’ AWARD 2015

  • Solo exhibition, Craig Thomas gallery (HCMc, Vietnam) 2016

  • 2nd runner up SCHOLASTIC PICTURE BOOK AWARD (by Scholastic Asia, Singapore) 2017

  • Winner of the Best Illustrator Category – 2020 Northern Lights Book Awards (The Lonely Polar Bear – Publisher: Happy Fox Books)

  • SYDNEY TAYLOR BOOK AWARDS – Picture Book Honor (Miriam at the River – Kar-Ben​ Publishing)

  • TOKA BOX TOP SOUTH ASIAN CHILDREN’S BOOKS – Best Illustration (Sugar in Milk – ​Hachette Book Group)

  • Group exhibition, “SOI The Original Art Show 2023”, New York

  • “Across a wide ocean”, January 27, 2024 – January 5, 2025, Minnesota Marine Art Museum.

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