#WorldKidLit Wednesday: It’s Just Skin, Silly!

Meet Epi Dermis! Who is Epi Dermis, you might ask? Your skin, of course! Forthcoming July 2023 from South Africa based Catalyst Press, It's Just Skin, Silly! is a friendly and accessible introduction to the evolution of skin color. Anthropologist Nina Jablonski and historian Holly McGee draw upon their more than 40 years of combined … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: It’s Just Skin, Silly!

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Pina

The world can be a frightening and overwhelming place. Pina, an orange cat-like character with large, soulful eyes, prefers to stay at home. In his little abode, Pina is surrounded by creature comforts and familiar objects. He can snuggle under a soft blanket and read a book, sit by the open fire with a cup … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Pina

#TasmanianLitMonth – Summing Up a Month of Tasmanian Titles

Written by guest curator, Bec Taylor Celebrating Tasmanian Literature Month has allowed me the privilege of connecting my past to my present and future. I have luxuriated in my precious memories of a wild and free childhood, shed tears over the dark and horrifying acts inflicted upon and by our ancestors, discovered incredible new-to-me creators, … Continue reading #TasmanianLitMonth – Summing Up a Month of Tasmanian Titles

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Yellow Butterfly

My library colleagues and I are big proponents of wordless picture books. They are accessible to readers no matter their age, literacy level, or primary language. They impart vital narrative skills, and are ideal for practicing dialogic reading with young children. Wordless books are not less than for their lack of text; they are important … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Yellow Butterfly

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Chirri & Chirra, In the Night

If you are familiar with Japanese picture books, you may know that Chirri and Chirra, In the Night is merely the latest (eighth!) entry in the delightful series from author and illustrator Kaya Doi. Translated by David Boyd, this sweet little book is an ode to the magic that nighttime can bring. Chirri and Chirra … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Chirri & Chirra, In the Night

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Penguin Who Was Cold

Sometimes you are searching your library catalog for books for a winter-themed storytime, and you come across the perfect book not only for storytime, but also for your next GLLI book review! The Penguin Who Was Cold is an absolutely charming picture book about a penguin who does not fit the mold. Written and illustrated … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Penguin Who Was Cold

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: We Would Pretend

As someone who works in early literacy, I am a huge advocate of pretend play for young children. Pretend play, also known as imaginative play or dramatic play, imparts a host of developmental benefits. Through pretend play, children develop language and vocabulary skills, cultivate their social and emotional intelligence, grow their problem-solving and other thinking … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: We Would Pretend

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Box

“What was that box doing there in the middle of the forest? It was a mystery.” It’s not every day that a strange box, large enough for someone to hide in, arrives in the woods. And it has the local animals wondering from the moment they wake. They are full of questions, and then anticipation, … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Box

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: What Feelings Do When No One’s Looking

Joy, anger, worry, courage . . . we all experience a vast array of feelings. They influence our thoughts and actions every day. But they’re intangible and invisible, making feelings a difficult concept to grasp, especially for the very young. So, what if feelings were re-imagined as hairy little creatures? What Feelings Do When No … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: What Feelings Do When No One’s Looking

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Elephant Island

Elephants are not generally considered to be seafaring animals although they do come with built-in snorkels. When Arnold the elephant’s boat sinks, his snorkel proves very useful. He ends up on a tiny island, which, hilariously, is no larger than one of his legs. Some might despair at this situation; not so Arnold! His snorkel … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Elephant Island