Click on the image above to go to the YouTube trailer!

Meander Art’s new release – “BOO!” is a Halloween-themed picture book by Gina Ricci featuring Sophie and Sam. It has also just been released as a PicPocket Books app. Get to know the author, Gina, as she describes the inspiration behind her writing and illustration, and especially her newest picture book, Boo!

"Boo!" picture book by Gina Ricci on the iPad

About Boo!:

Sophie (the little witch in Boo!) and Sam (her cat) have been in my life for years. In fact, Erin, my daughter, was my inspiration for Sophie.

Sophie and Sam celebrate Halloween!

With her cat Sam, tucked under her arm, Sophie made her debut in “Splish! Splash! Splosh!” the first of many adventures Sophie and Sam take together. Their latest story is “BOO!” – a Halloween night full of black cats, bubbling cauldrons, and a haunted house.

Sophie and Sam in "Splish! Splash! Splosh!"

“BOO!’s” richly detailed illustrations bring to life the magic of Halloween and the playful, rhyming adventure, which young children will love to read.
About Gina:

I was born in England, but have lived in America for the last 30 years. I’ve always loved to draw and paint. One Christmas, my sister Louise was visiting, and we had such a bad snowstorm that we were stuck indoors for a week. We sat at the dining room table and decided to make our own Christmas cards. On the back of them we wrote “from Me and ‘er.” And that’s how Meander Art was born.

Each year I designed another card, wrote a poem for the inside, and from those first few cards came my designs and the stories for our children’s books.

At the heart of Meander Art’s books are wonderful childhood memories, splashing in puddles, building sandcastles, trick-or-treating, and more. We want our stories and artwork to make children smile, and for the parents to remember when they were young–those days of endless summers, the first chill of Autumn, memories of building snowmen, and best friends.

Look out for another Sophie and Sam–whimsical tale from Meander Art– coming this winter “Snowflakes are Falling.”

by Deborah Lee Rose

This charming picture book for ages 4-9 is a delightfully fresh take on the traditional 12 Days of Christmas carol. The beautiful spreads of this counting book will delight young readers as they find activities that can be part of their own springtime days.

“The kindergarten gang from The Twelve Days of Kindergarten (2003) and The Twelve Days of Winter (2006, both Abrams) is back in a hilarious counting book that welcomes spring. The text could be sung or acted out. Areas of the primary curriculum are presented within the illustrations showing insect study, plants, and metamorphosis. Many aspects of kindergarten life are revealed through the entertaining illustrations such as a child with her stuffed animal, field trips, music class, and various learning centers. Even the class hamster has fun on the field trip to the farm, rowing a boat in the stream, and riding on a turtle near a pond. [The Twelve Days of Springtime is]…a perfect choice to use with a group.” ~from School Library Journal

Here are some fun picture book themed cakes!

Wild Things cake made by Glenda's Good Witch Goodies

Mother Goose cake made by jaimecakes09

Narnia cake by Rosebud Cakes

Springtime is here (at least in our part of the world), and it’s time to start up the tractor and get plowing and planting. When it comes to plowing, there’s no one better to turn to than good ole Tractor Mac. He’s a hard worker, a true friend, and a great storyteller. Here’s an excerpt from a recent review from Christopher Lay all the way from Beijing, China:

If your children are like Reina [the reviewer's daughter], they churn through storybooks. Whether a paper bound edition or a digital one on the iPad, Reina goes through phases where she reads through everything one week and fixates on one or two stories the next. Here are some reads she has recently been flipping through on screen.

PicPocket Books continues to add to its long list of dependable titles with the Tractor Mac series written and illustrated by Billy Steers. This wonderfully drawn set of stories captures the spirit of farm life as it recounts the exploits of the tractor named Mac and the animals on Farmer Bill’s Stony Meadow Farm. With lessons on fitting in, working hard, patience, winning, and losing, there is much to be gained by reading and exploring these stories with a child.There is added authenticity in Billy Steers’ tales as he is a farmer himself and his voice delights as he narrates Tractor Mac Arrives at the Farm, Tractor Mac You’re a Winner, and Tractor Mac Builds a Barn.These books are rated 4-8, but I enjoyed them too; it’s true, I’m a little bit country.

Download Tractor Mac on iTunes or go to www.picpocketbooks.com to browse our titles.

Every year, April 2nd is a day for schools, libraries and bookstores to celebrate Children’s Book Day. Whether throwing an elaborate shindig or something a little more low-key, the one thing these springtime celebrations have in common is the desire to honor the best of the best kid-lit authors and books. Anyone planning to spend Children’s Book Day with a few good reads may want to browse this list for some suggested authors. By no means neither definitive nor objective (beyond researching award-winners and classics), so please take no offense to any exclusions or inclusions. Thanks to Batchelor’s Degree online for the list!

1. Avi: This highly-decorated author delights children and young adults with historical fiction, animal tales and adventures, with Nothing But the Truth probably considered his most popular work.
2. L. Frank Baum: Parents and children alike still delight in the tales from the whimsical Land of Oz — and not just the one about the iconic wizard, either!
3. Ludwig Bemelmans: As both an artist and an illustrator, Ludwig Bemelmans brought little redheaded Madeline to life and launched her to children’s series stardom.
4. Stan and Jan Berenstain: The Berenstain Bears are a staple of American children’s literature, with their many adventures teaching kids some extremely valuable life lessons.
5. Judy Blume: With plenty of awards and enduring titles such as Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, Blubber and the Fudge series, Judy Blume is an essential author for any Children’s Book Day list or celebration.
6. Marc Brown: For the past 35 years, this beloved author and illustrator has brought the ups and downs of Arthur the aardvark and his amazing anthropomorphic pals to kids and their parents alike.
7. Joseph Bruchac: Joseph Bruchac pulls from his Abenaki background (as well as other Native American cultural traditions) to educate people of all ages about the endangered civilizations. Along with the bestselling Keepers series, he also brings his heritage to schools through musical and poetic performances.
8. Jean de Brunhoff: Babar the Elephant and his gentle exploits came into existence thanks to the storytelling efforts by author and illustrator Jean de Brunhoff, inspired by bedtime stories his wife Cecile would tell their sons.
9. Betsy Byars: Busy Betsy Byars has multiple prestigious awards — including the Newbery — and over 60 publications to her name. The Summer of the Swans is probably her most famous work to date.
10. Eric Carle: The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other books punctuate educational stories with Eric Carle’s signature illustrations, fraught with amazingly vivid colors and textures.
    

    The Very Busy Spider

11. Lewis Carroll: Because Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Jabberwocky‘s clever wordplay and whimsical worlds both left an indelible mark on popular culture, Lewis Carroll certainly earns Children’s Book Day accolades.
12. Sandra Cisneros: Though mostly known for her gorgeous poetry and adult prose, Sandra Cisneros’ fantastic Hairs/Pelitos celebrates diversity found within a family.
13. Beverly Cleary: Ralph Mouse and Beezus and Ramona Quimby are only a couple inhabitants of Bevery Cleary’s veritable zoo of beloved children’s book characters.
14. Roald Dahl: Both adults and kids still laud the quirky, if not downright bizarre, tales by the beloved author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach and plenty more magical classics.
15. Tomie dePaola: This author and illustrator earned amazing honors — like the Caldecott Medal and Newbery Honor Award — for enduring works such as Strega Nona and 26 Fairmont Avenue.
    

    A story to read again and again...

16. Nikki Giovanni: Kids and parents who love poetry as much as prose should pick up the seriously cool collections Hip Hop Speaks to Children, Ego Tripping and Other Poems for Young People and Vacation Time.
17. Kenneth Grahame: The Wind in the Willows embroils readers in the fantastic adventures of fanciful Mr. Toad, gruff Mr. Badger and the other inhabitants of the Wild Wood.
18. Nikki Grimes: All of Nikki Grimes’ prosaic and poetic output for children are great reads, but the Coretta Scott King Award winner Bronx Masquerade makes for the best introduction.
19. E.L. Konigsburg: Earning a Newbery Medal for From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler inspired E.L. Konigsburg to keep writing challenging (but entertaining) fare for children and yong adults.
20. Madeleine L’Engle: Many budding young science fiction aficionados first discovered the genre thanks to the intelligent complexities found in the accessible A Wrinkle in Time series.
21. Paul Fleischman: One of the most decorated authors of children’s and young adult fiction boasts a bibliography bursting with essentials. Seedfolks and its portrayal of a diverse neighborhood’s community garden is probably the best place to start.
22. Jeff Kinney: The series of Diary of a Wimpy Kid cartoonish graphic novels channels many common frustrations children and young adults experience.
23. C.S. Lewis: Regardless of their religious convictions, a diverse number of readers absolutely adore the The Chronicles of Narnia books and keep them flying off library and classroom shelves.
24. Astrid Lindgren: Astrid Lindgren’s vivacious Pippi Longstocking continues to delight both children and adults with her boundless energy, wish-fulfilling lifestyle and utter devotion to her more conventional friends.
25. Lois Lowry: The critically-lauded Lois Lowry won two Newbery Medals for The Giver and Number the Stars, but pretty much everything else she’s written — especially about the quirky Krupnik family — still warrants reading.
26. Betty MacDonald: Kids who never picked up any books featuring Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle and her magical cures for common behavior issues are missing out on some absolutely hilarious stories!
27. L.M. Montgomery: Male and female readers alike enjoy L.M. Montgomery’s tales from Prince Edward Island, particularly intrepid, fiery ingenue Anne Shirley.
28. Walter Dean Myers: Three-time Coretta Scott King Award winner Walter Dean Myers receives both critical praise and plenty of challenges for his fearless depiction of race, class, urban and war issues in young adult novels such as Fallen Angels and Monster.
29. Scott O’Dell: All young readers with a particular love of the adventure genre needs to pick up the beloved novels Island of the Blue Dolphins and The Black Pearl for page-turning good times.
30. Peggy Parish: Not only is the Amelia Bedelia series absolutely hilarious, it also teaches kids the difference between literal and figurative language.
31. Gary Paulsen: Gary Paulsen’s historical works (notably, Nightjohn) and adventures (notably, Hatchet, the Brian series and The Tucket Adventures series) are absolutely essential reads for fans of the genres.
32. A.A. Milne: Though primarily an adult author, A.A. Milne’s Hundred Acre Woods — populated with the likes of Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger and their human pal for life Christopher Robin — rightfully earned him a spot in the kidlit canon.
33. Patricia Polacco: Patricia Polacco’s amazing oeuvre includes stories of Jewish faith, culture and tradition, family, friendship and plenty more. Try Mrs. Katz and Tush, which chronicles a satisfying friendship between an African-American boy and an old widow.
34. Hans Augusto and Margret Rey: Without Curious George, the curious little monkey, the world of children’s literature would certainly sport a giant, gaping yellow hole.
35. Louis Sachar: There exists a distinct tonal difference between the adventurous Holes and completely wacky Wayside School series, young readers certainly find enough space on their shelves for Louis Sachar’s most beloved books.
36. Antoine de Saint-Exupery: The Little Prince continues to enchant kids and their parents as a science fiction-tinged fantasy fully of gentle wonder perfect for sharing.
37. Jon Scieszka: Children tired of the same old fairy tales should pick up Jon Scieszka’s joyfully postmodern collaborations with Lane Smith (most especially The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs and The Stinky Cheese Man (and Other Fairly Stupid Tales) for brand new twists and perspectives.
38. Maurice Sendak: Beloved author and illustrator Maurice Sendak channels tender charm and imagination into every work, but earns particularly generous accolades for In the Night Kitchen and Where the Wild Things are.
39. Dr. Seuss: Without Dr. Seuss, this author must preach, there would be no Lorax, no Horton, no sneech! No Cat in the Hat, nor fish that is blue. Neither Maisey, nor Grinchy, nor ol’ Thing Two! Thankfully life granted him time, so now kids of all ages can enjoy his great rhyme.
40. Shel Silverstein: Through songs, multiple poetry collections and prose works such as the thought-provoking narratives of The Missing Piece and The Giving Tree, this wildly talented individual remained many kids’ favorite writers on into adulthood.
41. Gary Soto: No matter the age bracket or preference towards prose or poetry, the wonderful, prolific Gary Soto has likely published a suitable, interesting read. Try Too Many Tamales and Marisol first!
42. Jerry Spinelli: Maniac Magee earned Jerry Spinelli a Newbery Award, while Wringer garnered a Newbery Honor. Most of his works, however, make for very worthwhile reading.
43. John Steptoe: John Steptoe wrote and illustrated 10 of the 15 children’s books with which he was involved, earning the prestigious Coretta Scott King Award for Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters, Mother Crocodile (written by Rosa Guy) and The Story of Jumping Mouse. Because of his 20-year career, influence and devotion to promoting African and African-American themes, the kidlit community distributes an award in his honor.
44. Mildred D. Taylor: This author fictionalized her family history in the epic novels involving the Logan family, most notably Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.
45. Theodore Taylor: Before his 2006 death, Theodore Taylor earned a staggering 11 literary awards for his children’s and young adult classics. The Cay, Timothy of the Cay and The Trouble with Tuck are probably his most recognizable publications.
46. E.B. White: Stuart Little, Charlotte the spider and Wilbur the pig are only a few of the highly memorable characters populating E.B. White’s persistently popular children’s novels.
47. Laura Ingalls Wilder: The semi-autobiographical, widely-read Little House series is a great way to introduce kids to life in America’s pioneer past.
48. Gene Luen Yang: Sweet-natured graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang produces some amazing art and stories for kids, many of them pulling from Chinese and Chinese-American themes. American Born Chinese rightfully earned him an Eisner Award, a Michael L. Prinz Award and several other prestigious nominations.
49. Laurence Yep: While Laurence Yep’s career boasts plenty of amazing reads for a variety of different age groups, both the Newbery Honors went towards novels in the Golden Mountain Chronicles series. These epics explore the transition of a Chinese family before, during and after some members immigrate to America.
50. Jane Yolen: Sometimes referred to as “The Hans Christian Anderson of America,” prolific author Jane Yolen publishes an eclectic assortment of children’s, science fiction, historical and fantasy literature — titles as diverse as the Commander Toad series and The Devil’s Arithmetic.

March 3rd is World Book Day in the UK and Ireland. World book day is a celebration of books and reading, a partnership of publishers, booksellers and interested parties who work together to promote books and reading for the personal enrichment and enjoyment of all. For more information, visit world book day:worldbbokday.com

PicPocket Books champions books and reading aloud to kids, whether from print books or digital versions while on the go.
To help you discover great book apps for kids, PicPocket Books is pleased to announce:
4 Free Book apps on iPad for a limited time only!

I Can Do It Too!

To a very young person, big people seem so capable! Daddy pours juice and never spills a drop, Grandma bakes a cake effortlessly, and a next door neighbor rides a bike as if he were born on one. Whatever the activity, this little heroine “wants to do it too!”
And so she does – thanks to the love and support of those around her. Is it any surprise that soon she is big enough to pass on loving encouragement to someone even younger?This simple cadence of the words and the direct-to-the-heart art result in a book that recognizes how satisfying growing up surrounded by love can be.

I Can Do It Too! for iPad is available for download via the iTunes App Store – iPad App

Far to the North
“Far to the North” takes young readers on an enchanting journey to the snowy Arctic. Under the magical, starlit sky of the Far North, polar bears roam. This lyrical picture book offers a glimpse of a young polar bear as he learns to swim, fish, and play in his wintry home.

Far to the North for iPad is available for download via the iTunes App Store – iPad App

The Lucky Escape

In an imaginative adventure through the digestive system, Human Body Detectives Merrin and Pearl tackle their first case. The girls’ little brother has swallowed a penny. Now through magic and imagination they find themselves on an adventure through his digestive system where they must grab the penny, save Robbie, and narrowly escape his poopy diaper.

The Human Body Detectives series highlights the girls’ adventures through the different body systems, and teaches kids the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle. If children understand how their bodies work, they are more apt to make healthy food and lifestyle choices.

The Lucky Escape is available for download via the iTunes App Store – iPad App

A, My Name Is Andrew

A My Name is Andrew is a winsome and whimsical, tongue-twisting journey through the alphabet and across the country. Imaginative and artistic illustrations combine with an engaging alliterative verse in this original and refreshingly multi-cultural alphabet picture book. Look out for those happy, hula-loving hamsters!

A, My Name Is Andrew is available for download via the iTunes App Store – iPad App

Special Price offer: 50% off to celebrate reading
from March 2nd to March 5
Books Apps for iPhone and iPod Touch

The Crystal Mountain

When the Fairies of the Crystal Mountain steal Anna’s tapestry, she sends her three sons to get it back. With the help of three magic horses, her youngest son, Perrin, goes through fiery plains and icy seas and at last reaches the Crystal Mountain. Will he succeed in his task?

The Crystal Mountain is available for download via the iTunes App Store – iPhone and iPod Touch

Tractor Mac Arrives

Join the adventures of Tractor Mac and his friends as they work and play at Farmer Bill’s Stony Meadow Farm. Tractor Mac has many friends, including Sibley the workhorse, Margot the cow, Fetch the dog and Sam the ram who all help Tractor Mac learn about friendship, teamwork, the joy of winning, and how to lose gracefully. In this first story of the Tractor Mac series, we meet Sibley the workhorse who can do the work of two horses.

But then Mac, a shiny new tractor, arrives at Stony Meadow Farm. Poor Sibley! Just when he’s worried he’ll be put out to pasture he saves the day when Tractor Mac runs into a big problem.

Tractor Mac Arrives is available for download via the iTunes App Store – iPhone and iPod Touch

Three Blind Mice on Vacation in Africa

Wooleycat is a musical poet who adds inventive twists to the classic Mother Goose rhymes. With this app, you are invited along on Safari in Africa with the three blind mice. Dennis Hysom’s lyrical voice finds perfect accompaniment in Christine Walker’s paintings.

Their award-winning album is now an engaging app. Your ticket to rhyme awaits!

Three Blind Mice is available for download via the iTunes App Store – iPhone and iPod Touch

Mico

Mico the Mouse Who Was Afraid of the Dark: Mico is a little mouse with a big fear. A special friend helps him make discoveries that open up a whole new world for him! Mico’s story encourages kids to take new steps that lead to positive experiences.

Mico is available for download via the iTunes App Store – iPhone and iPod Touch

Sleeping Beauty

The beautiful illustrations in this classic rendition of Sleeping Beauty bring new details and style to this favorite fairy tale. Vibrant watercolors relate the timeless story of the princess who sleeps for one hundred years. From an emerald frog to the cascades of roses that twine their way through the story, the rich colors of these painted pages are bound to please!

Sleeping Beauty is available for download via the iTunes App Store – iPhone and iPod Touch

Wednesday Is Spaghetti Day

Do you ever wonder what your pet cats do when you leave them home alone? Catrina and her cat friends cook, feast, sing and dance the whole day long. No one can remember having so much fun. But all too soon the family returns home. Will the cats get the house back in order without being discovered?

Wednesday Is Spaghetti Day is available for download via the iTunes App Store – iPhone and iPod Touch

Earth Grows Warmer

Eric can’t understand why the polar bears and penguins at the Brookfield Zoo are unhappy. When the animals don’t know what’s wrong, Eric wishes to talk to Sophia, the sky fairy, who first gave him his enchanted leaf.

Sophia takes Eric on a journey from the Arctic to the Antarctic to the Amazon to help him see the effects of Global Warming and the human aspect of the problem. Through the story, young children will see that while no one can do everything, even they can do something to help put less carbon dioxide into the air.

The Earth Grows Warmer is available for download via the iTunes App Store – iPhone and iPod Touch

BlueBeary

Blue Beary is a book about belonging. Everyone needs a primary place of belonging from which to grow. We all need someone who loves us best of all and cleans us up when we fall down. From that place of belonging we wander out and forage through life, discovering the world around us.

Join Samantha and Beary on their first colorful adventure in the Open Eyes series as they grow, learn and explore the world.

BlueBeary is available for download via the iTunes App Store – iPhone and iPod Touch

Happy Reading and enjoy these precious moments with your kids.

Try to build family reading time into your day.

1. Choose books you like.

2. Have a big enough bag to carry the book with you. Sturdy canvas totes are great – also good for hauling picture books to and from the library.

3. Use audio books and/or book apps in the car and while on the go.

4. Hold the book at an angle your kids can comfortably see.

5. Look at and discuss the illustrations, too. They are clues to the story.

6. Involve your kids by asking questions such as, “What was he doing in this picture?”

7. Accept all answers. Don’t say, “No” or “That’s wrong.” Instead ask, “Why do you think that?” The book belongs to the reader’s imagination as well as the creator. Ask questions such as, “Why,” “How” and “What do you think happened after the end of the story?”

8. Sub-text is what goes on underneath the story. Some kids “get” it. Others do later. This is one way books and stories help broaden our horizons. Embrace it.

9. If you have children who are different ages, start a family serial using a junior chapter book. Encourage character voices for the dialogue.

10. Try to build a regular reading time into every day!

Picture books, chapter books...choose ones you like!

(adapted from Elissa Lawrence’s suggestions, published in the Herald Sun)

Melissa Northway, the author of Penelope The Purple Pirate, has taken her app on the road – and straight to school! Miss Kristen’s class from Child’s World Preschool in Irvine, California, gathered eagerly around to see, hear, and play with Penelope on the iPad. Melisa reports that the children inched their way up closer and closer to her – (until they were pretty much on top of her at the end!)  Even the shy children were able to get involved and touch the screen for the sound effects. They really got excited to touch the screen and so they had to take turns.  There were eight children and everyone got a chance to touch the screen.

After the story was finished, Melissa went through the questions at the end of the app about what is Penelope’s favorite color, and what the children’s favorite colors are. Noteworthy answers were “all the colors – except black” and one girl answered “all the colors in the rainbow!”   The children’s  comprehension was really good and they stayed attentive throughout the entire Q&A.

At the end, there was a treasure chest filled with “goodies. ” The children were able to pick out two items and had to leave the rest for the next adventurous pirate.  They thought that was great fun!

If you are looking for some Valentine’s Day inspiration in the form of a children’s picture book, check out A String of Hearts, by Laura Mallone Elliott and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger.  A String of Hearts is lovely Valentine story about the real meaning of friendship.

The story illustrates that popularity isn’t everything and a steady, loyal companion who is there when needed is what we really cherish. A historical note about the origins of Valentine’s Day makes A String of Hearts a clincher for a February fourteenth storytime. (Reading Level: Kindergarten-3rd Grade)

String of Hearts, by Laura Malone Elliot

Fireside Stories, from Barefoot Books. Available from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fireside-Stories-Caitlin-Matthews/dp/1846860652

Even though this beautiful collection of stories is entitled Fireside Stories: Tales for a Winter’s Eve, my son and I can attest to the fact that these are darn good stories for any time of the day. This children’s book is a collection of traditional tales, beautifully illustrated, with handsome borders and colorful images. The eight tales in Fireside Stories, retold by Caitlin Matthews, come from Scotland, Russia, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Canada.

Drawn from countries and cultures around the world, these wonderful wintry stories express the magnificence of the season. From a group of courageous Russian animals to a legend about a bag of warmth that can keep winter away forever, these cozy stories will keep out the winter chill. So next time there’s a snow day, cuddle up and share a story by the fire!