UrbanBaby Buzz
Like many city dwellers, Little Rabbit had it all, but she was a bit lonely.
But in Moon Rabbit, a story of newfound friendship by Scottish author Natalie Russell, she encounters a kindred spirit during a day at the park. Her brown bunny pal is the companion she was wishing for, and anyone with a BFF will relate this gentle picture book with a loving message.
Friendship is golden.
Available at penguinputnam.com.
You’ve always taken the road less traveled, and hopefully your kids will follow in your pioneering footsteps.
A new edition of The North Star by Peter H. Reynolds encourages readers to observe, wonder and maybe event diverge from the pack to pursue their dreams. Originally published more than ten years ago, this updated version features beautiful illustrations in this universal fable that children and adults will connect to. A kid-friendly version of The Alchemist, the book reinforces the fact that life is a journey — even for those who are just beginning.
Available at amazon.com.
Your entire household has memorized the contents of the bookshelf — time to restock.
One Potato was recently launched by a father of two whose love of children’s picture books turned into an online guide. The site advocates for the lesser-known quality kiddie literature that may not get shelf time at the bigger chain stores. With more than 500 titles currently listed, recommendations range from the foreign or fables and folklore to the familiar and familial. After filling your cart with formerly unknown titles, the site directs your order to Amazon — it couldn’t be easier.
It’s for those times when getting a great new book for bedtime reading feels like finding a needle in a haystack.
Visit onepotato.net.
With so many great children’s books out there, how do you pick one that’s engaging, educational and age-appropriate?
What to Read When: The Books and Stories to Read with Your Child — and All the Best Times to Read Them guides parents through the process of finding that perfect book for any child at any moment. Award-winning educator and literacy advocate Pam Allyn offers an annotated list of more than 300 titles, broken down by childhood themes (from friendship to divorce), age and stage, and type of book (pop-ups, tactile, books for the bath). Family-oriented tips, like how to create a comfortable reading place in the home, will help foster a lifetime love of reading.
Available at whattoreadwhen.com.
This Valentine’s Day, cuddle up with your cutie and read one of these new lovable tales.
Mama’s Kiss by Jane Yolen
Love does make the world go ’round, as a missing kiss slips, slides and sashays around to the author’s warm and witty text. Illustrations by Daniel Baxter seal the deal.
My Penguin Osbert in Love by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
A trip to the South Pole to see the southern lights is in order for this penguin and his pal — of course, one of them falls in love. Throw your own midwinter bash with the book’s recipes for punch and penguin cookies.
Love, Splat by Rob Scotton
Like all good boy-meets-girl stories, Splat pulls out the stops to win the heart of Kitten over his rival Spike. Bestselling author Scotton captures the highs and the humor of a first crush.
Before the costume contest and the trick-or-treating begin, get into the Halloween spirit with a frighteningly good book.
Cat Nights
By Jane Manning
On her 263rd birthday, young witch Felicity must decide if she wants to turn herself into a cat, or stick with her witchy ways.
Where’s My Mummy?
By Carolyn Crimi and John Manders
Little Baby Mummy meets a cast of night creatures during a game of Hide-and-Shriek.
Winnie’s Midnight Dragon
By Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul
Winnie the Witch and her black cat Wilbur encounter a little dragon who causes a big ruckus.
Vunce Upon a Time
By J.otto Seibold and Siobhan Vivian
Dagmar the vegetarian vampire is shy and afraid of humans — until he hears about all the candy he can get on Halloween.
Financial news got you feeling like hiding under the covers? Take the kids with you, curl up with a book and get lost in the world of make-believe.
Oscar and the Cricket (also Oscar and the Bat, Oscar and the Frog) by Geoff Waring
The series by a London-based graphic designer introduces young readers to core science concepts, with engaging illustrations.
Big Words for Little People by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell
The bestselling team returns with a vocab lesson, teaching kids life-important words like responsibility and respect.
The Pencil by Allan Ahlberg and Bruce Ingman
The twosome behind The Runaway Dinner and Previously present the story of a pencil that draws a boy, and the adventure that follows.
Old Bear by Kevin Henkes
The newest title from this Caldecott winner tells the tale of a hibernating bear who dreams he is a cub again.
