Archive for December, 2018
Posted on December 30th, 2018 by pajamapress
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“Rating: E
Nine children’s authors and illustrators have come together to answer the question, “Are you kind?” Their illustrations show children and animals answering that question through their actions….
Every page of this book has a unique style of artwork. Realistic, cartoon, mixed media, plasticine, and pen and ink. The settings and children featured in each scene reflect a diversity of cultures….Every child (and parent) could benefit from this book.“
—Tanya Boudreau
Posted in A World of Kindness | Tagged A World of Kindness, back-to-school-books, book-review, Brian Deines, canlit, Dean Griffiths, diverse-picture-books, francois-thisdale, kidlit, Kim La Fave, kindness, Manon Gauthier, picture-books, Rebecca Bender, Suzanne Del Rizzo, Tara Anderson, Think Kindness, Wallace Edwards
Posted on December 25th, 2018 by pajamapress
Sal’s Fiction Addiction
“I think we can all use inspiration for kindness every day in every way. So, the people at Pajama Press have created this book to inspire kindness when talking with children….
The questions are asked of young readers, and the illustrations inspire quiet conversation about the many ways we can show kindness to others. Nine artists are included, in artwork already published or pieces specifically created for this book. They show young readers some of the many ways they can be kind and helpful.”
Click here for the full review
Posted in A World of Kindness | Tagged A World of Kindness, back-to-school-books, book-review, Brian Deines, canlit, Dean Griffiths, diverse-picture-books, francois-thisdale, kidlit, Kim La Fave, kindness, Manon Gauthier, picture-books, Rebecca Bender, Suzanne Del Rizzo, Tara Anderson, Think Kindness, Wallace Edwards
Posted on December 25th, 2018 by pajamapress
Foreword Reviews **Starred Review**

“Office supplies have never been more entertaining than they are in this punny tale of friendship and ingenuity. Old school and new tech go head to head when Jackson trades his longtime pal Pencil in for a shiny new Tablet. Cheerful illustrations add to the hilarity as Pencil tries a variety of toppers and innovative uses while enlisting the help of everyone from Eraser and Scissors to Sticky Notes and Flashlight in an effort to regain Jackson’s attention.”
—Pallas Gates McCorquodale
Posted in Ann Ingalls, Dean Griffiths | Tagged canlit, conflict-resolution, Dean Griffiths, early-readers, friendship, illustrated-chapter-books, kidlit, pencil
Posted on December 24th, 2018 by pajamapress
BYU Children’s Book & Media Review
“…This book is not just a fun read but is also a marvelous learning tool, as it also introduces synonyms to young children, counts up to ten, and shows many different sea creatures. Anne-Claire Delisle has the most endearing illustrations. With the bright colors and characters’ goofy smiles, Going for a Sea Bath is a visual feast. This father-daughter adventure is one that will bring giggles to little ones and deserves a permanent place in any library.”
Click here to read the full review
Posted in Andrée Poulin, Anne-Claire Delisle, Going for a Sea Bath | Tagged andree-poulin, anne-claire-delisle, canadian-childrens-book-news, going-for-a-sea-bath, Review
Posted on December 23rd, 2018 by pajamapress
Library School Journal

“A strength of this title is the action verbs and rich vocabulary that is introduced….The text and illustrations also work well together….This title lends itself to discussion about friendship and being open to try new things. VERDICT A strong choice for a preschool storytime or a one-on-one sharing.”
–Robin Sofge, Prince William Public Library System, VA
Click here to read the full review
Posted in Giraffe and Bird Together Again, Rebecca Bender, Rebecca Bender | Tagged African-animals, birds, book-review, canlit, friendship, giraffes, kidlit, picture-books, Rebecca Bender
Posted on December 22nd, 2018 by pajamapress
School Library Journal
“This charming story captures the joy of a rainy day….. The tale will resonate with many small children. The ink and watercolor artwork adds to the lighthearted mood….VERDICT A comforting and appealing choice for story-times and one-on-one sharing.”
–Robin Sofge
Click here to read the full review
Posted in A Good Day for Ducks, Jane Whittingham, Noel Tuazon | Tagged book-review, canlit, Jane Whittingham, kidlit, Noel Tuazon, picture-books, rainy-day
Posted on December 21st, 2018 by pajamapress
Kirkus Review
“Move over, Pencil; Tablet’s in town…but what happens when Tablet breaks?….Pencil tries desperately to cheer Jackson up, but nothing works…until he enlists his old companions from the drawer, Scissors, Paper Clip, Flashlight, Tape, and the rest. Jackson finally smiles again, and all the supplies end as friends, with pages full of puns….The illustrations feature expressive, googly-eyed implements and realistic children and animals interacting against a white background….An overload of fun puns will have many readers giggling through to the openly sweet moral at the end.”
Click here to read the full review
Posted in Ann Ingalls, Dean Griffiths | Tagged canlit, conflict-resolution, Dean Griffiths, early-readers, friendship, illustrated-chapter-books, kidlit, pencil
Posted on December 19th, 2018 by pajamapress
Pickle Me This
“In a note inside the book, Pajama Press Publisher Gail Winskill writes that the idea for the book was born when her three-year-old granddaughter asked her one day, ‘Nana, how can I be kind?’….Each page features art by Pajama Press’s acclaimed illustrators, some from previous books and others original (and my children were excited to see illustrations from books they’ve loved before!). Being gentle with animals, saying please and thank you, helping shy friends join in, watching over those who need it.
The ideas are simple, but they’re also transformative and profound, and the depth and diversity of illustrations on this book provide another layer of richness, making A World of Kindness a deeply meaningful read. Even better: royalties from the book will be donated to Think Kindness.”
Click here to read the full review
Posted in A World of Kindness | Tagged A World of Kindness, back-to-school-books, book-review, Brian Deines, canlit, Dean Griffiths, diverse-picture-books, francois-thisdale, kidlit, Kim La Fave, kindness, Manon Gauthier, picture-books, Rebecca Bender, Suzanne Del Rizzo, Tara Anderson, Think Kindness, Wallace Edwards
Posted on December 6th, 2018 by pajamapress
ASLC Litpicks
“Bass does an excellent job of uncovering the layers of many complex emotions: – prejudice toward German prisoners expressed by Canadians at home who had relatives fighting in Europe; – the bullying and hatred experienced by many families and school children who had been born in Canada but were of German heritage; – the emotions of young German soldiers who may have been conscripted to serve their country, but were not necessarily supportive of the Nazi regime….
Mature junior high readers, and senior high students will identify with Bass’s strong male characters whose loyalties are tested and with the complex friendships that develop as the plot unfolds….”
Click here to read the full review
Posted in Karen Bass, Uncertain Soldier | Tagged book-review, Canada, canadian-history, canlit, Geoffrey-Bilson-award-winner, Historical Fiction, karen bass, kidlit, prisoner-of-war, World-War-II, wwii, ya-books, ya-fiction
Posted on December 5th, 2018 by pajamapress
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“With a large font format, plenty of onomatopoeia, and simple watercolour illustrations, this offering is a great read aloud for preschool groups or family time. The lovely depiction of a brother and sister who are close in age, and perfect companions, heartwarmingly shows a wonderful example of being content with simply playing in the rain, sharing a snuggly drink, and quietly drawing together.”
—Nicole Rowlinson
Posted in A Good Day for Ducks, Jane Whittingham, Noel Tuazon | Tagged book-review, canlit, Jane Whittingham, kidlit, Noel Tuazon, picture-books, rainy-day