passionately sharing, discussing and admiring children's picture books

Tomi Ungerer

25 Days – Book 18: Christmas Eve At The Mellops’

Dec 18, 2013 By Caryn in Book Reviews No Comments Tags: 1960s, 25 Days of Christmas in 2013, Christmas, gift giving, holidays, Tomi Ungerer

On this eighth day of December, I bring a pathetic paperback copy of a darling little book. You must meet the Mellop family! This is the Christmas edition from a delightful series of books about a family of pigs with fantastic names, adventurous spirits, and generous hearts. Come have Christmas Eve at the Mellops’ by Tomi Ungerer, 1960.

The story begins with Mr. Mellop sharing an article with his boys about Christmas tree decorations. The pictures spark ideas for each boy and they separately set out to bring a beautiful tree home for Christmas hoping to surprise everyone. On Christmas Eve the home was filled with four trees and many tears. Their father has another brilliant thought and sends the boys out with their lovely trees to find a place that needs cheering. Read the full post…

How To Create A Children’s Book Character Costume, Part 1

Oct 27, 2012 By Caryn in How To's 2 Comments Tags: children's book characters, costumes, Crockett Johnson, Don Freeman, Ezra Jack Keats, Halloween, Jeff Brown, Martin Handford, Tomi Ungerer, vintage characters

Yesterday a dear friend contacted me and asked if I had any suggestions for a children’s book character costume. My mind started racing trying to think of fun and potentially easy characters that could be donned. Here are a few I’ve come up with that I think would be relatively simple to create and unique as well. (Don’t forget to check thrift stores for supplies!) Read the full post…

Archives

25 Days – Book 13: What’s the Difference?

Alligator or crocodile? Clementine or mandarin? Star or planet? Tights or stockings? Anyone who has ever wondered the difference between two similar items – this book is for you: What’s the Difference? 40+ Pairs of the Seemingly Similar by Emma Strack, illustrations by Guillaume Plantevin, 2018.
25 Days – Book 12: Everything & Everywhere

We’re basically half-way to Christmas now! If you haven’t finished your gift buying, it’s go time. Today’s book is an excellent fit for most anyone on your list. An oversized book filled with quirky facts and a unique perspective on places around the world, here is Everything & Everywhere by Marc Martin, 2018.
25 Days – Book 11: Sylvia Long’s Big Book for Small Children

Today’s book is a big book. It’s called that actually. It is thick, full of childhood rhymes, and poems, and stories, and recipes, and everyday things. It is the perfect storybook for little children. A lovely collection of nursery rhymes, even if you already have too many on your shelves. (Is there such a thing(…)
25 Days – Book 10: Hello Lighthouse

One of my very favorite books of the year – another beautiful story, in word and illustration – you’ll ooh and ahh over this one from its size, to every detail that surrounds each illustration. Come say Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall, 2018.
25 Days – Book 9: Stop That Yawn!

This is one of the most fun bedtime books I’ve ever read. A story about a girl who is tired of bedtime and tired of sleeping, so she steals away with her Granny to a city that doesn’t sleep… until that fateful moment when Granny releases a yawn. You’re going to love today’s book! Here is(…)
25 Days – Book 8: Mabel and Sam at Home

What better book gift than a short adventure collection about the wonders of the high seas, rare treasures on display in a museum, and bold exploration of space by two imaginative siblings? This book has it all thanks to Mabel and Sam who cope with the dangers and chaos of moving into a new house(…)
25 Days – Book 7: Can I Touch Your Hair?

Today’s book is one of the most powerful picture books of the year for me. A book of poems, written from the perspective of two classmates – a white girl and a black boy. This book is required reading in my opinion. It will make you uncomfortable, inspire you, make you laugh, and stay with(…)