This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Dover Publications. All opinions are my own.

This post is in partnership with The Children's Book Review and Jeanne Walker Harvey. All opinions are my own. 

~Ali Dunn, Me Two Books

Dressing Up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head
​Written by Jeanne Walker Harvey
Illustrated by Diana Toledano
Ages 3-8 | 40 Pages
Publisher: Beach Lane Books 
ISBN-13: 9781534451056
About the Book: Discover the true story of how a shy miner’s daughter became one of the most legendary costume designers in Hollywood in this inspiring nonfiction picture book biography.
As a child in the small mining town of Searchlight, Nevada, Edith Head had few friends and spent most of her time dressing up her toys and pets and even wild animals using fabric scraps. She always knew she wanted to move somewhere full of people and excitement. She set her sights on Hollywood and talked her way into a job sketching costumes for a movie studio.
Did she know how to draw or sew costumes? No. But that didn’t stop her!
Edith taught herself and tirelessly worked her way up until she was dressing some of the biggest stars of the day, from Audrey Hepburn to Grace Kelly to Ginger Rogers. She became the first woman to head a major Hollywood movie studio costume department and went on to win eight Academy Awards for best costume design—and she defined the style of an era.

Jeanne Walker Harvey studied literature and psychology at Stanford University and has worn many job hats, ranging from being a roller coaster ride operator to an attorney, a middle school language arts teacher, and a long-time docent for school groups at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. She is the author of several books for young readers, including the picture book biographies Dressing up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head, Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas, and Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines. Jeanne lives in Northern California.
Visit her online at www.jeanneharvey.com.

Themes: real-life story, careers, determination

How does a young, shy girl living near a mine in Nevada become an Oscar winning costume designer? Dressing Up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head is a biographical picture book that beautifully answers this question.  Edith spent her early life making costumes for her stuffed animals, pets, and friends.
After attending college and becoming a teacher, her passion for movies landed her a job in the costume department of a movie studio. She couldn't draw, and her early career was wrought with mistakes and failures. But she never gave up. She became a well-respected, highly sought after designer winning 8 Oscars for her work.  Whether you already knew of costume designer Edith Head or are learning of her story for the first time, this inspiring true story is a celebration of fashion, grit and determination.

Enter for a chance to win a set of five copies of Dressing Up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head!
Five (5) winners receive:
     A set of five copies of Dressing Up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Amy Flanagan. All opinions are my own.

~Amy Flanagan, author of Mrs. R Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law
Written by Amy Flanagan
Illustrated by Jon Davis
Ages 5+ | 90 Pages

Publisher: Whitefox
ISBN-13: 9781915036094
About the Book: Mrs. R Snugglesworth is 70 pounds of low-to-the-ground PRECIOUS. She is the Best at Finding Slightly-Used Sandwiches and the Best at Loving Ham—and now she’s looking for her next big challenge. To her surprise, she finds it at the local Bark Park, when she discovers a passion for the law. Dog law, that is.
In two wags of a tail, she enrolls at Wagsworth Legal Academy, eager to become a lawyer. Turns out, it’s not that easy learning to be the Best at Law School. But when Mrs. R. learns that her friend Pitter-Patter needs help, she can’t wait to take on her first case. Only one small issue: she hasn’t quite finished her law degree. Some dogs might consider this a problem, but not Mrs. R! After all, Pitter-Patter needs a lawyer, and she is ALMOST a lawyer. Which everyone knows is practically as good as being a lawyer, right?
She’ll just juggle her law classes, naps, walks, power naps, chasing tennis balls, snacks, naps, and work on Pitter-Patter’s case at the same time! What could possibly go wrong?

I'm excited to share my interview with Amy Flanagan. She is an Instructional Designer and children’s author living with her family in the Chicago suburb of Batavia. She began writing Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law in early 2021 to stay busy during the long pandemic winter. She wanted to create something that would make kids (and adults) laugh out loud. She is already working on the second book in the “Mrs. R.” series. Like you, she wonders what the ‘R’ stands for.
Visit her online at https://www.mrsrsnugglesworth.com/.

Where did you get the inspiration for the character Mrs. R. Snugglesworth?
You will not be surprised to learn that we have a female, yellow English lab. She is delightfully stocky and we have entertained ourselves through the years imagining what she is thinking. Despite her size, she considers herself a lap dog. One morning several years ago, she was snugglier than usual, and my husband remarked “Aren’t you a Mrs. Snugglesworth this morning?” This struck me as funny, and I made a point to share it with our kids so we could add it to the long list of nicknames we had for the dog. (Sweet Pea, Baked Potato. . . etc). When I shared the new nickname with my daughter, who was 8 or 9, she informed me that the dog’s name was actually “Mrs. R. Snugglesworth” and she was also my daughter’s new attorney. (Previously, her fish had been her attorney). 
Meanwhile, I had been toying with the idea of writing a book for years. I had a few false starts on books for adults before I realized that I was probably better suited to writing something for kids.  I had the perfect idea right in front of me. . .and that was that!

What was your writing process like for Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law?
In my day job, I’m an Instructional Designer for mainframe software products. Prior to that, I was a technical writer in the same space — so I knew how to write. But I certainly didn’t know how to write a children’s book. I started with an online class via one of our local community colleges. While the class was ongoing, I began writing the book — typically between 30-90 minutes most evenings. After about four months, I felt what I had was solid enough to share — I recruited friends and family to review the story. I also had a friend of a friend who had been a children’s book editor at one of the big publishing houses before becoming an agent, and she
generously provided feedback too. After collecting all of the feedback, I effectively rewrote the entire book. I used the same methodology — working on it for an hour or so in the evenings. Not surprisingly, 4 months later I had a much stronger story. I originally planned to pursue a traditional publisher, but after doing my research, determined that hybrid publishing was the best route for me. I ultimately decided on Whitefox Publishing in the UK, who connected me with all the other players in the process — structural editing, copy editing, cover design, illustration, proofreading, etc. (All of which I continued doing, an hour at a time, evening after evening.) :)

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
It’s an opportunity to be silly, and carefree, even for just a little while. I wanted to provide that experience for young readers too. That said, it was also very important for me to write something that would be entertaining for adults too. Some of the books my kids loved as children. . .were very tough on mom and dad.:)

What are you working on now?
I’ve outlined the second “Mrs. R” book and have plot lines for others in the works. I wrote the story so it could become a series, if there’s enough audience interest. 

What is your favorite book?
All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr.  Sometimes though, I just need a light read —then I turn to an Agatha Raisin.

Enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law, and a $50 gift card to bookshop.org*.

One (1) grand prize winner receives:
An autographed copy of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law
A $50 Bookshop.org or typebooks.ca gift card*

Four (4) winners receive:
An autographed copy of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law
​

This post is in partnership with The Children's Book Review and Purple Butterfly Press. All opinions are my own. 

~Ali Dunn, Me Two Books

The Crystal Beads, Lalka’s Journey
Written by Pat Black-Gould
Illustrated by Katya Royz
Ages 8+ | 40 Pages
Publisher: Purple Butterfly Press 
ISBN-13: 9781955119207
Publisher’s Synopsis: A Star of David necklace or a rosary?

In 1939 Poland, a young girl is asked to give up one of these and accept the other without understanding why. However, what she must part with happens to be her most prized possession—a precious gift given to her by her father before he died.
The child’s mother then teaches the girl a “game” to prepare her for what is to come. As the Nazis invade the country, the mother is forced to make a heartbreaking sacrifice.

Pat Black-Gould, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and an author. Her short stories have appeared in several literary journals and anthologies.
Pat’s writing explores topics such as compassion, tolerance, and diversity. She continues to examine these themes in her upcoming novel, Limbo of the Moon, written with her co-writer, Steve Hardiman.

Themes: Holocaust, religious freedom, empathy, compassion, bravery

I'm always looking for wonderful children's books that can help parents talk to their children about difficult subjects, and The Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey is one! This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a young Jewish girl. At her mother's urging, she removes her Star of David necklace and replaces it with a rosary of crystal beads. She moves into a Catholic school in order to survive the Holocaust. Written from the girl's point of view, this book is a must read for people of all ages. From Mama who sacrifices herself so her daughter may live, to Sister Teresa who shows religious tolerance and love to the scared Lalka, the characters in this picture book are examples of compassion and empathy. 

Following the reading of this book, use the included question/ study guides to start a meaningful and important conversation with your children about the Holocaust and how this horrible event in history in important to discuss today. 

Enter for a chance to win a copy of The Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey!
Four (4) winners receive:
A signed copy of The Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey
Giveaway ends August 11, 2022, at 11:59 P.M. MT

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Riverlet Press. All opinions are my own.

My Old Friend, Then
Written by Katherine Davis-Gibbon
Illustrated by Allie Daigle
Ages 4 and up | 40 Pages
Publisher: Riverlet Press LLC
​ISBN-13: 9781737957607
Publisher’s Synopsis: A child ponders … who is her best, most loyal friend? Is it her constant companion, Then, who regales her with extravagant stories of their shared past and imagined future? Or is it precious, patient Now, with whom she sensitively explores each new moment that unfolds?

My Old Friend, Then explores mindfulness the same way that kids approach life: with curiosity, humor, and unspoiled sincerity. Pairing accessible and relatable language with vivid, quirky illustrations, this book invites readers to share in a young girl’s journey as she grapples with the trappings—and delights in the boundless potential—of her own brilliant mind.

Katherine Davis-Gibbon is a yoga teacher, a longtime practitioner of Vipassana meditation, and most importantly a mother of two. She is also the founder of Riverlet Press, a children’s book company for conscious parents raising mindful kids.
For more information, visit www.riverletpress.com
​​
Allie Daigle is an illustrator who strives to create immersive and expressive images that stimulate the imagination. Whether for a children’s book, a product label, or her original pieces, Daigle’s works implore the viewer to linger and explore the details within. Allie primarily works with traditional watercolor & ink as well as digital mediums.
For more information, visit www.alliedaigle.com.

No matter where a child’s mind might go—and goodness knows they go a lot of places—their body is always here. It physically exists in this space at this moment. Fortunately (if they’re enjoying some ice cream) or unfortunately (if they’re having a cavity filled), it cannot be anyplace else.

The body continuously informs us about the present through the portals of our five senses. If our thoughts tip us off balance—propelling us towards an uncertain future or dragging us back to the ruminative past—we can rely on the anchors of our senses to moor us safely in the here and now.

Each of our senses is a miraculous tool, but we are so accustomed to using them for mundane purposes that we all too easily take them for granted. It takes effort to dial the volume down on our thoughts, and up on our senses, but doing so builds a strong foundation for mindfulness.

A great way to hone one sense is through the deprivation of another. This is part of the reason why meditators often close their eyes: because removing sight heightens our awareness of smell, taste, touch, and hearing (hearing not only the birds outside our window, but also the thoughts that flow through our minds).

ACTIVITY: Isolating and exploring individual senses can be an extremely luxurious experience. Fortunately, it is also something that kids find fun! I can think of no better place to play with this than the sumptuous environment of a warm, silky bath, which naturally engenders relaxed attention (and is also very useful for getting kids clean).

Invite your child to lay back in the tub. You can support the weight of their head with one hand, if that helps (this tender act will instantly tune you into each other and highlight the collaborative nature of this exercise). As warm water fills your child’s ears, it will muffle their hearing, therefore heightening their four other senses. There are so many directions you can go from here, so follow your child’s lead.

Which sense do they seem most interested in?
If your child comments on how things sound underwater, then give them something interesting to listen to! Try tapping, scratching, or rubbing your fingers against the tub. Waft the surface of the water to make waves, or drip water into the tub from the tips of your fingers. Lower your mouth into the water to speak, sing, or blow bubbles. Be creative, spontaneous, and collaborative, but don’t rush. Allow your child plenty of time to experience and comment on one sound, before trying another.

If your child is staring upwards with a bemused expression, they might be enjoying the way that their sight seemed to sharpen when their hearing went dull. Offer something to look at—a sponge or toy up close, or a finger, hand, or elbow. They may find that their own familiar body parts look funny from this perspective or observe how the water alters or magnifies the texture of their skin. Encourage them to close one eye at a time or squint with both--or to turn their head, watching the play of the water’s surface from a zoomed in perspective.

If your child is comfortable closing both eyes, then focus on how things feel. Encourage them to notice every single spot where the water contacts or leaves their skin, and what happens when you create gentle waves with your free hand. You can dip your fingers into the water and release a single drop on different parts of their body. Or invite them to take some deep, belly breaths, so the water floods onto their abdomen and then flows away.

Noticing is the first step in mindfulness practice, and naming is the second. You can model this by naming body parts (“forehead,” “tummy,” “foot”) or qualities (“rough,” “warm,” “squeaky”), but keep your contributions sparse and simple. Alternatively, you can embrace the silence. If your child seems captivated and content, they are already observing deeply and well. Let them bask in their own rich awareness, trusting that they will comment when they’re ready.

Listen with interest to whatever your child shares. If a more extensive, fantastical narrative arises, then name it--as accurately as you can. For example: a toddler who dislikes the sights and sounds of water whirling down the drain will benefit from sharing the fantasy this sparks in their mind. Listen and empathize first, before framing this experience as “a scary story:” so you validate emotions, while clicking the details into clearer perspective. Afterwards, key them back into the present by making eye contact and appealing to their senses (“warm towel,” “slippery feet”).
    
If at any point your child wants to switch roles, by all means welcome this. Close your eyes while they guide your hand through the water or tickle your nose with the rough fibers of a washcloth. When your child takes the lead, it means they are eager to assimilate what they’ve learned.

Final Thoughts: Take these suggestions as loosely and liberally as you can: they are not offered as steps to replicate, but ideas to inspire your own creativity. Be in the moment and embrace what comes up! Remember: mindfulness is not an activity, but a mindset to bring to whatever you’re doing. Eating can be a mindful activity. Waiting in line at the store can be a mindful activity. Having a disagreement can be a mindful activity, if approached with good will and careful attention (yes, this one’s trickier). Any time your child accurately notices something that is happening inside or outside of themselves in real time rather than hindsight, they are already doing it. And every time you attune to your little one—whether in play, conversation, or in simple, sweet silence—you are doing it with them.   

This post is in partnership with The Children's Book Review and Kelly Tills. All opinions are my own. 

~ Ali Dunn, Me Two Books

Meow Is Not a Cat
Written by Kelly Tills
Illustrated by Max Saladrigas
Ages 4+ | 44 Pages
Publisher: FDI Publishing LLC
​ISBN-13: 9781736700488
Publisher’s Synopsis: Meow is definitely not a cat. Cats lick their butts. Follow along as this wild child’s unique way of following instructions ends up going a little bananas.
Meow Is Not Cat is a completely goofy story, guaranteed to make kids laugh. With a cynical cat, wild monkeys, butt jokes, and a banana cannon, even pre-readers will love shouting out their favorite parts as you read aloud. Nestled among the laughs is a lesson about how embracing a person’s different way of interpreting the world can lead to surprisingly good results —and bananas, lots of bananas.

Kelly Tills is the creator of her own uniquely shaped family. Kindness, neurodiversity, and potty humor are her jam. She writes silly stories for kids and believes even the smallest hat-tip, in the simplest of books, can teach our kids how to approach the world. Kelly’s children’s stories are perfect to read aloud to your little humans or to have your older kids read to you (hey, let them flex those new reading skills!). Either way, you’ll enjoy the giggles.

Themes: humor, neurodiversity, embracing differences

Meow is a child who sees the world differently. Sometimes those differences cause her teacher to lose patience. But during a trip to the zoo, Meow's unique ideas save the day. 
This book is a wonderful introduction to neurodiversity and reminds us all that being different should be celebrated. The humor in the story is just right for kids, and it's sure to make your littles laugh while they learn important lessons about acceptance.

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Meow Is Not a Cat!
Five (5) winners receive:

• A copy of Meow Is Not a Cat

Giveaway ends May 13, 2022 11:59pm MT.

 April 30, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT. Enter for a chance to win a Pega Sisters Goes to Camp or The Littlest Airplane prize pack!
One (1) winner receives:
The Pega Sisters Prize Pack!
Includes a signed copy of Pega Sisters Go to Camp by Brooke Hartman and MacKenzie Haley, your own pegasus plushy, Pega Sisters activities, stickers, and accessories to “glam up” just like Lilly and Filly!
One (1) winner receives:
The Littlest Airplane Prize Pack!
Includes a signed copy of The  Littlest Airplane by Brooke Hartman and John Joseph, a “build your own wings” craft activity, Littlest Airplane word search and maze, Littlest  Airplane stickers, a set of markers, and your own fox plush to take with you on all your flights!
One (1) winner receives:
A copy of Pega Sisters Go to Camp and The Littlest Airplane
Giveaway ends April 30, 2022, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

​ 

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and David Horn. All opinions are my own.

~David Horn, author of Eudora Space Kid

Eudora Space Kid: The Lobster Tale
Written by David Horn
Illustrated by Deven Hoover
Ages 6-10 | 88 Pages

Publisher: David Horn
ISBN-13: 9781736677421
Publisher’s Synopsis: Freedom for lobsters! The second in the Eudora Space Kid series: a hilariously funny, early reader sci-fi chapter book perfect for elementary-aged kids. Can Eudora and her best friend, Arnold, rescue her favorite lobsters from becoming the next meal at the spaceship’s New Year’s buffet?
Eudora is a normal third-grader who just happens to live on a 36 deck AstroLiner. In SPACE! As a math and science whiz who’s been adopted by what you might call . . . aliens, she has normal ambitions—like being the chief engineer on an AstroLiner. But when her favorite lobsters on board appear on the menu at Chef Franklin’s dinner buffet, Eudora and her best friend, Arnold, hatch a plan to break them out. Will they save their crustacean friends? Or will they end up locked in the ship’s brig? Again . . .​

 I'm excited to share my interview with David Horn. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, two daughters, and a funny dog named Trixie. He is a huge science fiction fan and loves reading science fiction books from both the old and new greats. His daughters inherited his love of science fiction and love watching sci-fi shows like Star Trek, Babylon 5, Stargate, and Star Wars. The Eudora Space Kid early reader chapter book series started as funny stories he told his daughters at dinner to get milk to come out of their noses. He hopes your children love Eudora’s silly antics in space too and milk comes out of their noses too! For more information, visit https://www.eudoraspacekid.com/

​Where did you get the inspiration for the Eudora series?
It all started because one day at dinner, for some unknown reason, my kids asked me to tell them a story. They love books and reading, so maybe they thought they could get stories from me too? I’m not really sure. I’ve always been a science fiction fan, so I just started telling them a story about a girl their age living on this weird, but fun, spaceship with alien parents. I wanted the girl to be a positive role model, so the girl loved learning, but I also had to make them laugh. So… Eudora and her cunning plans!
​
What was your writing process like for this book?
The writing process for The Lobster Tale started during a subsequent dinner time. My kids asked me to tell a Eudora story again, but by then they would suggest things to me to include in the stories (kind of like writing prompts). And that night they suggested lobster.  So… The Lobster Tale.  Both Eudora books so far started out as storytelling improv comedy.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
I like the optimistic feel of children’s books. And I like making my kids laugh. I hope I can make lots of kids laugh and interested in reading.

What are you working on now?
I’m actually getting the art started for Book 3.  That will be exciting!  We’ll get to meet some new shipmates in that one.

What is your favorite book?
The most fun and exciting book I have ever read is a Star Trek: The Next Generation young adult novel called Capture the Flag by John Vornholt. I thought that book was so exciting and the characters were so real, emotional, and colorful. My kids loved it too.

Enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Eudora Space Kid: The Lobster Tale and a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card!
One (1) grand prize winner receives

• A signed copy of  Eudora Space Kid: The Lobster Tale and a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card.

Two (2) winners receive:

• A signed copy of Eudora Space Kid: The Lobster Tale

Giveaway ends May 11, 2022, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Bright Lights Books. All opinions are my own.

~Ali Dunn, Me Two Books

Oi Gets Lost
Written by Lorna Likiza
Illustrated by Yevheniia Melnyk
Ages 6+ | 124 Pages
Publisher: Bright Lights Books 
ISBN-13: 9781739985318
Publisher’s Synopsis: Set in Kenya, Oi is a naughty kitten who lives with his Mummy and siblings in an outdoor shed. Despite Mummy’s warnings, Oi has a tendency of wandering off and exploring. But one day, after nearly being attacked by a dog, Oi ends up in an unfamiliar neighborhood. And this time, he’s not sure he’ll be able to find his way back home…

Lorna Likiza is a Kenyan writer, tutor of French, and Founder of the Heroe Book Fair. Oi Gets Lost is her first published book. She considers literature as one of her passions and lives in Mombasa.

Themes: travel, adventure, friendship, celebrating differences

Get ready to set out on an African adventure with an adorable little kitten named Oi, who gets lost but finds friendship!

Even though Oi's mother cautions him about leaving the safety of the shed where he and his brothers and sisters live, the draw of the food at the local market is too strong. But one day, an angry dog turns his usual market trip into an exciting and sometimes scary adventure. During this time he learns how to hunt for himself, gains a better understanding of humans and even makes a new friend.

It's an excellent early chapter book with an interesting but gentle story perfect for the budding reader. Oi Gets Lost teaches that you can be friends with someone who is different than you, which is a wonderful lesson for all. It also gives a glimpse into the culture and daily life in Kenya. 

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Oi Gets Lost!
Ten (10) winners receive:

• A copy of Oi Gets Lost

Giveaway ends April 30, 2022, at 11:59 P.M. MT

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Purple Butterfly Press . All opinions are my own.

Enter for a chance to win!
One (1) winner receives:
A classroom set (30 copies) of The Kindness Machine will be sent directly to the winners' school of choice, along with autographed bookplates personalized for each student and the teacher.
Five (5) winners receive:
A copy of The Kindness Machine, with bookplates autographed by author Christina Dankert
The giveaway ends April 22, 2022, at 11:59 P.M. MT.