Archive for October, 2016

The text is terse and unembellished, leaving the images to capture the emotions through color and perspective—and they do so with compelling immediacy.

This romp of a picture book for very young audiences begs to be read aloud. The plot is fairly simple: a trio of squabbling rhino siblings can’t quite manage to get ready for bed…The rhyming text incorporates numerous exclamations and sound effects. Adult readers should be prepared to harrumph, gripe, snipe, grumble, and roar. The […]

Pajama Press is excited to announce that four of our titles have been nominated for the 2017 Ontario Library Association Forest of Reading Awards. The Hill, written by Karen Bass, is nominated for the Red Maple Award. Click here to view the The Hill classroom discussion guide. Elephant Journey, written by Rob Laidlaw and illustrated […]

In French Toast, Kari-Lynn Winters explores racism in the story of a half-French-Canadian, half -Jamaican girl named Phoebe. While out for a walk with her grandmother, Phoebe cringes when she hears her school nickname, “French Toast.” How can she explain to Nan-ma, who is blind, that the nickname refers to Phoebe’s skin colour?… French Toast […]

“A gentle story, told from the view point of a German girl, of how the war impacted German families. A beautiful, poignant story that subtly introduces humanity during times of war.” Click here to read the full review.

…Sarah Ellis’s haunting language brings the story to life….A gentle story of change is provided in a moving picture book that will be enjoyed by youngsters with basic reading skills or read-aloud parental assistance. Click here to read the full review.

John Spray writes an engaging story that pulls us in from the first page as Arthur and his family attempt to flee to safety. Readers will find themselves cheering for Arthur as he faces one obstacle after another and will enjoy the personal photos that give us an even closer glimpse into the life of […]

Root Beer Candy and Other Miracles by Shari Green is just delightful….Green’s writing has whimsy and heart…It makes you feel that, yes, miracles can happen in this place. Bailey is a narrator I’m sure will resonate with young readers. She’s imaginative, kind and hopeful, and she stands up for what she believes is right…. Whimsical, […]

…Alma Fullerton’s text takes the reader to Malini’s Sri Lankan village of choruses of spurfowls, bright warm colours and an ox-driven cart carrying a load of rice seedlings ready for the important seasonal planting. For Malini, it’s a milestone day because, as little as she is, she would finally learn how to plant those seedlings…. […]

First off, can I just say that I’m in awe of anyone who can write a book in verse. And not just verse, but good verse. So, kudos to Shari Green!… What I Loved: Well, lots of things! In no particular order, I loved the language….I loved how all the conflicts were not favorably resolved. […]