Bonkers about Beetles

 Beetles are some of my very favorite kinds of insects.  I was thrilled to get my hands on this Owen Davey's book all about them!  

Bonkers About Beetles

Owen Davey 2023

Other books by Owen Davey:

Obsessive About Octopuses

Peter Pan

The Picture Story Book of Peter Pan

J.M. Barrie

pictures by Roy Best 1931

From 1931 comes this illustrated storybook of Peter Pan.  Based on the original play (not the Disney version), it's quite fun to read.  

Isn't this just a beautiful picture?!

Nell Plants a Seed

Nell Plants a Tree

Anne Wynter

illustrated by Daniel Miyares 2023

 A sweet reflection of family and time passing and the nurturing of each other through nature and a hope for the future.  As a group of kids (cousins perhaps?) climb and explore a big pecan tree, we are reminded that it all started when "Nell picks up a seed" and "waters the soil" and "plants a tree".  I've always loved books like this, that center on a place and the generations that pass through it.  Both the author and illustrator share their own family remembrances at the end.

The Midnight Panther

 Gorgeous illustrations accompany this story about a panther who wishes he was like the other big cats- fearless like tiger, blazing like lion, dazzling like leopard.  His attempts to adorn himself like the other cats fail.  But one night he climbs high in the trees and the moon helps him to see his own sparkling beauty.  A nice celebration of recognizing what makes you special and uniquely wonderful.  Each page is a stunning work of art!

The Midnight Panther

Poonam Mistry 2022

Baby, Come Out!

Baby, Come Out!
Fran Manushkin
illustrated by Ronald Himler 1972

 This book was in the waiting room at the Birth Center where I had my babies.  It might look odd but it's ultimately a sweet depiction of a pregnant woman and her family eagerly awaiting the birth of her baby.  The baby is content to stay right where she is while her mother goes about her day taking walks and painting.  Her older siblings and grandparents try to entice her out but it's not until her father shows her all the love that is awaiting her that she decides to arrive.  

From Morn to Midnight

 We are in love with Satomi Ichikawa's pretty illustrations that accompany the poetry in this book.  She depicts a cozy and sweet world that makes you feel all warm when you look at the pictures.

From Morn to Midnight

Children's Verses Chosen by Elaine Moss

illustrated by Satomi Ichikawa 1977