7 Days of Books, Day 3 Nature in its many forms

The Night Walk by Marie Dorleans (Floris Books 2021). Illustrated in navy-blues, black, and spots of yellow and white, this story follows a family on a walk in the middle of the night to a surprise destination. Lyrical, beautiful, and (in my eyes) an instant classic with many starred reviews to show for it.

She Leads, The Elephant Matriarch by June Smalls (Familius 2020). This empowering book for young readers follows the elephant matriarch as she leads her herd through events and to resources in Africa. Given the ongoing struggle of elephants, and the fact that they are a favorite animal of mine, I'm drawn to this story and a desire to share it. Be on the lookout for He Leads, Mountain Gorilla, The Gentle Giant, which is coming soon from the same publishing team.

Night Becomes Day, Transitions in Nature by Cynthia Argentine (Millbrook Press 2021). This absolutely gorgeous book shows a variety of ways that change occurs in nature. The clear and beautiful photographs invite the reader to explore the details, while the text flows and pulses with a rhythm that eases the reader to a deeper understanding of the concepts with lovely, poetic explanations. I imagine this book will be experienced as a visual and auditory feast for young readers and inspire them to get outside and discover their own observations of transformation in the natural world.

Secrets of the Sea. The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist by Evan Griffith, illustrated by Joanie Stone (Clarion Books, 2021). This story of a unique life that was well-lived will inspire young readers to look at the opportunities around them and pursue their interests. The beautiful language and writing of this book will also inspire kids to look deeper at living organisms and show them how to be their own young naturalist! Because so much remains to be learned about our oceans, while at the same time they face massive threats from warming temperatures and pollution, this book instantly won my heart. Read it, share it!

If Bees Disappeared by Lily Williams (Roaring Brook Press 2021). This eye-opening book is a great companion to others in the series, like If Sharks Disappeared and If Elephants Disappeared. What I love about this book is the connections that it shows for bees to other components of their ecosystems and their importance in our world. This book and the other titles by Lily Williams offer great insights and conversation starters.

What's In Your Pocket? Collecting Nature's Treasures by Heather Montgomery, illustrated by Maribel Luchuga (Charlesbridge 2021). This book with gorgeous illustrations speaks to a child's curiosity in a perfect balance of wonder and inspiration by showing that the smallest discoveries or investigations can lead to a path of success and achievement. There is so much to love about this book--most importantly, that it puts the power of discovery and learning in the hands of a child -- where everything begins! 

Wave by Suzy Lee (Chronicle Books 2008). An Oldie but goodie. In this wordless picture book a girl at the beach takes on the ocean and its teasing waves. This slice of life about a girl overcoming her fears is a delight for the humor that shines in just the right places. A heart-warming surprise seals the ending in knowing that another was enjoying the day as much!

7 Days of Books, Day 2. Humor - Share the laughter

Welcome to Day 2 of Seven Days of Books. I hope you'll take a chance to win one of three great prizes: a $25 Visa Gift card!, a $Starbuck gift card, and a PB critique! You can find details on how to play along and get chances to win 7 Days of Books, Day 1 .

Today I'm sharing children's books that pack a poke at the funny bone. These are some of my recent favorites, along with an oldie but goodie. When my kids were young, there was nothing better than reading a book together that we could laugh over. 

As you look at the list, what am I missing? Share your favorites in the comments! I can't wait to add them to the list of requests for my local library.

Are You a Cheeseburger? by Monica Arnaldo (Katherine Tegan Books 2021) When Grub finds Seed in the garbage, friendship forms as the two wait to see if the seed will grow hamburgers. Not only is this book packed with humor, it's full of heart!

Don't Feed the Bear! by Kathleen Doherty, illustrated by Chip Wass (Sterling Children's Books 2018). In this hilarious show-down and clever war-of-words ensues in the battle for being hand-fed by park visitors! This tale brings to mind the lovable, classic Yogi bear, but spins it to a whole new level by focusing the competition for food to one between Bear and Park Ranger! What a hoot! Definitely add this book to your collection!

Something's Wrong! A Bear, a Hare, and Some Underwear by Jory John, illustrated by Erin Kroan (FSG 2021) After Jeff the bear wakes up and opens a gift from Grandma, he can't figure out what is wrong as he goes about his day. He's not sure what it is until he finds his good friend Anders who finds a clever way to set things right.

On Account of the Gum by Adam Rex (Chronicle Books, 2021) The humor in this book is not only funny, but over-the-top. Yet, at the same time the story is completely relatable. In sum, this is one read not to be missed!

The Missing Pairs by Yvonne Ivinson (Greenwillow Books 2021).  Humor with homophones (pair/pear) and a reassuring repeated phrase of "Bear knows where to go," keeps this story moving along in anticipation. But is Bear really on track to a resolution? Fans of Fox and the Box will recognize the return of adorable illustration and story elements in this fantastic and fulfilling tale.

Over Bear, Under Where? by Julie Hedlund, illustrated by Michael Slack (Philomel Books 2021). This clever picture book is full of puns that will keep readers laughing and thinking, and thinking and laughing as their hearts warm as a newfound friendship forms after fears are overcome. A must-have for homes and classrooms.

The Day that Dinosaurs Came with Everything by Elise Broach, illustrated by David Small (Atheneum 2007) A usual day of shopping turns into an unexpected romp when dinosaurs are given away for free at every establishment. Will these out of place creatures find a place to fit in? 

And of course, I'd be silly not to mention my debut Chicken Frank, Dinosaur! illustrated by Jojo Ensslin (Albert Whitman 2021). In this quirky tales with a STEM foundation, Chicken Frank wants to convince his doubting barnyard friends that he is a dinosaur. But when results of a DNA test inspire Frank to hold a reunion with toothy distant relatives, will Frank become a tasty chicken nugget? 

7 Days of Books, Day 1 Culture through food and traditions, plus giveaway alert!

I've been meaning to post this series for a while. Since the holidays are upon us and we tend to gather with family and friends around food, I'm super excited to share some special children's books on the topic for Day 1.

In the spirit of the season, I'm adding something new!! A giveaway for the chance for 3 winners to win 1 0f 3 prizes - 

a $25 visa gift card,

a $10 Starbucks gift card, 

and a critique of a PB manuscript from me! 

All you need to do is drop a comment on at least three of the posts over the next 7 days - including the last post for Day 7, share the posts on social media, and then let me know that you did. How do you let me know? Tag me with a link to this blog! I'm @SKWenger on Twitter, @skwenger_books on Instagram, and @SKWengerChildrensAuthor on Facebook.

Each comment/share gets you an entry. Winners will be announced by Dec 28th.

And now for Day 1's dive into books!

Let Me Fix You a Plate, A Tale of Two Kitchens by Elizabeth Lily (Neal Porter Books 2021).

I loved this book for the lyrical quality of the language combined with perfect word choice that wonderfully conveyed the cultural differences between families that gathered in two different kitchens in two different states. Readers are treated to the combined multicultural influences of a father's white roots from rural West Virginia and a mother's Latinx roots from Florida. I wasn't surprised to see this book included in the Publisher's Weekly best books of the year for 2021. It's a winner. Find it, read it, enjoy it, share it!

May Your Life Be Deliciosa by Michael Genhart, illustrated by Loris Lora (Harry N. Abrams 2021). 

Take a wonderful journey into the heart of a warm kitchen filled with love as Rosie and her family gather at Christmas to make tamales with abuela. This lyrical picture book earned starred reviews from both Kirkus and Booklist. 

Bella's Recipe for Success by Ana Siqueira, illustrated by Geraldine Rodgriguez (Beaming Books 2021) This story of sticking with something you want to be good at and not giving up until you've met your goal is spot on. Kids will delight in the humor and flow with the Spanish words threaded through the English text. A beat won't be missed, especially with the surprise twist on the last spread. I highly recommend this book for any young reader who is trying something new -- which means . . . all of them!

Watch out for the Chicken Feet in Your Soup by Tomie De Paola (Simon & Schuster 1985). An oldie but goodie, this picture book is full of voice with Tomie's Italian grandmother shining from the page to page as she makes two boys feel special and makes special bread before dinner. My boys couldn't get enough of this book when they were younger. We read it numerous times at their request, and it wasn't for lack of other books to choose from. I suppose grandmas and wayward chicken feet are big hooks for young readers!

Soul Food Sunday by Winsome Bingham, illustrated by C. G. Esperanza (Harry N. Abrams 2021). This story not only rolls with voice and rhythm, it will inspire young readers to step into the kitchen to try the macaroni and cheese recipe found in the back of the book! What can be better than time spent reading together followed by time spent cooking together. This was another book on "best" lists for 2021. 

Dumpling Day by Meera Sriram, illustrated by Ins De Antuano (Barefoot Books 2021) This book combines rhymes, diverse cultures, and counting all in one book as it explores different dumplings from 10 different regions of the world as they are prepared before all gather for a picnic. Inspirational yumminess! 

Spread the love. Please share titles in the comments that fall with today's theme!