Pajama Press

“Rating: E…Dragonfly Song takes readers on a magical journey back to the Bronze Age when a magnificent civilization called the Minoans prospered on the island of Crete. Legends claim that a half-man, half-bull Minotaur lived in the palace and demanded that surrounding cities send youths each year as tribute for the bull to catch and devour….

This novel is a lyrical account of an ancient civilization. Aissa is a strong and courageous heroine who grows up to become the leader of her small island. Her determination to survive is severely tested throughout the narrative when she is rejected by her family and her community. The novel’s narrative structure is exceptional with sections in poetry revealing Aissa’s thoughts and feelings. The cover graphic is vibrant and innovative showing images which represent the major themes of the novel. Overall, this is simply a beautiful book which will definitely appeal to readers who appreciate a good adventure in a mystical setting!”
—Myra Junyk

Read the full review on page 35 of the December 2017 issue of Resource Links Magazine

“This delightful chapter book is due to be released in March 2018, plenty of time before camping season here in Canada kicks in….

When the trip begins, Timo immediately finds his knowledge useful, helping tie the frying pan to Hedgewick’s pack with the knots he learned about. As the trip progresses, Timo’s knowledge continues to come in handy. There is much teasing from Suki about the mistakes made along the way, and even about Timo’s book-learning until Timo gathers the courage to discuss how teasing can hurt people’s feelings. I liked the opportunity taken for this discussion and the way it came up naturally through the plot. I liked the topic of a typical Canadian pastime such as camping.

Of course, the thing I loved most about this book was how even Suki agreed by the end that every adventure needs a librarian.

This is a good book for kids to introduce the idea of camping and some of the activities involved in such an adventure, the importance of not going into an adventure without some knowledge and preparation, and about ensuring that teasing doesn’t become hurtful. The illustrations are lovely, bringing the animals to life, along with their environment.”
—Shonna Froebel

Click here to read the full review

“Rating: E…Young children will be eager to try out baking in the kitchen after reading this sweet [padded cover] book. Baby Cakes is written in simple and accessible language, and delivered in a sturdy format for young hands. Recipes are included as well as lots of admonitions for baking with an adult.

For both children and adults, Renné Benoit’s adroit and totally appealing illustrations of childhood are another treat and she perfectly captures the fleeting nature of these small familiar moments of curious children… and cats!…[T]his is great for a public library or a parent/grandparent who likes to bake.”

Thematic Links: Baking
—Anne Letain

Read the full review on page 6 of the December 2017 issue of Resource Links Magazine

“In this book for a middle-grade audience (eight to 12 years), the reader readily identifies with Alba’s efforts. Kadarusman also provides plenty of information on hummingbirds, which have such small feet that they only perch, never walk.”

Click here to read the full review

“The Night Lion by German author and artist Sanne Dufft (Pajama Press, 32 pages, $18, hardcover) should make any child who has problems sleeping at night feel easier.”

Click here to read the full review

“We rated this book: [4.5/5]…

Dragonfly Song was definitely a good book….I really like this story, as it was very original and creative. I like the creative story line, as it was intriguing. I also like that the book was partially written in poetry and partially written in prose. Books are usually one or the other, so I like how the author wove them together. I love how this story was very detailed, as I could picture almost everything. Overall, Dragonfly Song was an amazing book.”
—Farrah – Age 11

Click here to read the full review

“Cat person or dog person? Choose your side and hang on for the ride as the Tuna Lubbers and the Frilly Dogs race to find the booty in Best Pirate….When [Augusta Garrick] comes face to face with a pirate kitty, she learns that working together—even if it involves an arch-enemy—is the best way out of a jam and sharing makes us all richer. The richly colored illustrations, dramatic expressions of the characters, and dialogue written on scrolls pull readers into the pirate drama.”

Click here to read the full review

“The elephant and the mouse went to sea … and the rest of the story Woodrow at Sea is up to your interpretation of the cute and colorful watercolor illustrations in this wordless book….If you’re looking for a more interactive reading experience, try taking turns telling the story with your young reading buddy.”

Click here to read the full review

Pajama Press is proud to announce that My Beautiful Birds by award-winning author-illustrator Suzanne Del Rizzo is a 2017 Quill & Quire Books of the Year selection.

Quill & Quire “is the magazine of the Canadian book trade….The magazine reviews around 400 new titles each year, offering the most comprehensive look at Canadian-authored books in the country.” Learn more here.

Pajama Press extends our congratulations to Suzanne Del Rizzo, and our sincerest thanks go to Quill & Quire for their commitment to championing and promoting Canadian publishing.

Other notable acclaim for My Beautiful Birds includes winning the 2017 Malka Penn Award for Human Rights in Children’s Literature, honor book selection for the 2017 Middle Eat Book Award, a New York Times Notable Books selection, a 2017 OneBook for Kids, One San Diego selection, a Junior Library Guild selection, and nomination for the 2017 Cybils Award for Fiction. My Beautiful Birds is also a NECBA Windows & Mirrors Fall 2017 selection, and a selection among Betsy Bird’s “2017 Books I’m Really Looking Forward To”.

“This delightful Princess Pistachio chapter book adventure is deliciously funny and thoroughly satisfying. Pistachio is not daunted when she is presented with a problem, and her optimism is refreshing and inspiring.”
—Marya Jansen-Gruber

Click here to read the full review