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

2019 Favs – Book 7: The Piano Recital

A delightful story about a little girl’s first recital and her exciting, dare I say magical, discovery that helps to calm her nerves. Take a peek at The Piano Recital by Akiko Miyakoshi, 2019.
2019 Favs – Book 6: Saturday

A book about plans, anticipation, dealing with change, and ultimately just being together. Come along for Saturday by Oge Mora, 2019.
2019 Favs – Book 5: Our Favorite Day

A heartwarming, simple, and beautiful story about a grandfather’s routine and his favorite day of the week spent with his granddaughter. Come and see Our Favorite Day by Joowon Oh, 2019.
2019 Favs – Book 4: A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

A collection of 75 songs from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and The Children’s Corner, this vibrantly illustrated book is such a delight! Enjoy A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood with lyrics by Fred Rogers and illustrations by Luke Flowers, 2019.
2019 Favs – Book 3: You Are My Friend

It is apparently the year of Mister Rogers, and I’m completely OK with it. Two new picture books this year celebrating this wonderful man and the legacy of an amazing show he created. First up today is a sweet biography about Rogers from his childhood and some of the inspiration that led him to create his famous show. Take a peek at You Are My Friend by Aimee Reid, pictures by Matt Phelan, 2019.
2019 Favs – Book 2: just in case you want to fly

A book in rhyme that feels like a gift. A book that encourages and equips. A book for a laugh and comfort. A book for when you need to take a risk or act on a big dream; or when you are just thinking about a risk or a dream. A book that gives you that soft landing and the assurance for coming home. A book Just In Case You Want To Fly by Julie Fogliano and Christian Robinson.
2019 Favs – Book 1: Truman

If I had to choose a favorite from the year, this would be it. A story about a little girl’s pet tortoise and a seemingly impossible endeavor he undertakes. Be charmed by Truman by Jean Reidy, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins, 2019.