FROM SARAH:

A funny, quick read-aloud that will delight parents and children alike. Lighthearted and sweet! One of my favorites.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Nine-year-old Sam loves fishing with his dad. So when his pesky little sister, Lucy, horns in on their fishing trip, he’s none too pleased. All ends well in this winsome book of poems—each labeled with its proper poetic form. Together the poems build a dawn-to-dusk story of a father-son bond, of sibling harmony lost and found—and, most of all, of delicious anticipation. Charming line drawings animate the poetry with humor and drama, and the extensive Poet’s Tackle Box at the end makes this the perfect primer to hook aspiring poets of all ages.

FROM SARAH:

What do *you* see, when you see a cat? This is a fun read-aloud any time of year, but especially just before a stroll around the neighborhood, where you might just see . . . well, you know. :)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears, and paws . . . In this glorious celebration of observation, curiosity, and imagination, author and illustrator Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see. When you see a cat, what do you see?

FROM SARAH:

A luminous book that captures the life of a family of owls through haiku. Definitely worth tracking this one down!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Watch as a pair of great horned owlets peep and squeak in their feathered nest. Mama and Papa hunt for food and fend off predators while the chicks grow strong enough to hop and flap between the branches of their tree, then leap and fly away, ready to explore the wild world around them.

FROM SARAH:

A rollicking picture book that follows a soba noodle deliveryman through the streets of Tokyo! This book is all kinds of fun, and the real pictures of soba deliverymen on the endpages are not to be missed.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When the deliverymen set off in the morning, the children wait for the flicker of pedal and wheel. It's the demae-- delivery men-- setting off to deliver steaming trays of noodles to hungry customers all over the city. They are acrobats: whizzing past other bicycles, soaring around curves, avoiding the black smoke of motorcycles. When the children see them, they want to be them. And so they practice with bowls of wobbling water stacked on trays. The day passes, and, finally, exhausted, the demae return home, to their families, and, yes, to steaming bowls of noodles.

FROM SARAH:

I bet you’ve never seen a travel journal like this one! As Basho explores the world of ancient Japan, he records all of his adventures in hand-painted illustrations and masterful haiku poetry. Each haiku is like a small treasure, revealing how magical everyday moments can be when you slow down and take the time to notice.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This delightful volume—composed entirely in haiku based on the poet's written travelogues and illustrated with vibrant hand-painted scenes—tells the true story of Basho's decision to abandon his comfortable city life and of the five great journeys he then took across the length and breadth of Japan.

FROM SARAH:

Perfect for children (and grown-ups!) who are just learning the art of patience. This stunning picture book is filled with spectacular art and poetic, lyrical text. Patience, Miyuki is a calming, hopeful reminder that some of the most beautiful things in life take time, and good things can’t be rushed.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Miyuki is excited for the first day of spring—she can’t wait to rush outside and greet the cherry trees, the sweet grass, and all the garden flowers. But one little flower has yet to bloom. Miyuki is impatient for it to awaken, but her wise and understanding grandfather encourages her to slow down, watch, and wait.

FROM SARAH:

This absolutely delicious novel in verse will make anyone want to grab their tent and head to the woods. The easily decodable text and short chapters make it perfect for early readers, and the charming story and spirited characters make it a fantastic read-aloud for kids of all ages.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
A "playful, delightfully illustrated verse narrative" (Kirkus) about two siblings who take on the great outdoors with their young-at-heart grandfather. Exuberantly illustrated by Caldecott Medal winner Matthew Cordell and filled with a variety of poetic forms, this camping romp is packed with family humor and adventure.