It’s January, which means that the Spring 2010 season is upon us! Below, I would like to take a moment to introduce you to our upcoming picture books for the season. Be sure to come back tomorrow to hear about our middle reader and young adult books!

Where Is CatkinWhere is Catkin?
Written by Janet Lord
Illustrated by Julie Paschkis
HC: $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-523-2

February 2010

Sisters Janet Lord and Julie Paschkis team up again to tell the story of a mischievous cat as it stalks around the yard, encountering various other animals. Animal sounds and rhyme are fun to read aloud, and the hide and seek element is engaging for small children. Not to mention, I am partial to Julie’s bright, folk inspired illustrations.

Read the Publisher’s Weekly review here.

Also by Janet Lord and Julie Paschkis:
Albert the Fix-It Man
HC: $15.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-433-4
Be sure to check out Candace’s review of Albert the Fix-It Man over at Beth Fish Reads Blog.

Back to Bed EdBack to Bed, Ed!
Written and Illustrated by Sebastien Braun
HC: $15.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-518-8

February 2010

This is an adorable import from England, by French author/illustrator Sebastien Braun, that always makes me laugh. Getting ready for bed is lots of fun at Ed’s house, but staying there is another story. This is a charming spin on the perennial challenge of getting children to stay in bed. I’m warning you now though, once you read this to your kids, they will want to hear it over and over again at bedtime.

Written by Martin Waddell
Illustrated by Susan Varley
HC: $15.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-519-5
March 2010

Captain Small Pig is another wonderful import from our friends across the pond. Old Goat and Turkey take Small Pig down to Blue Lake to row out in a small red boat. Small Pig is endearing as he tries to fish for whales and steer the boat himself. This is a quiet and unassuming book that still managed to stand out to me with its simple, affectionate story and pen and ink illustrations.


Arbor Day Square
Written by Kathryn O. Galbraith
Illustrated by Cyd Moore
HC: $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-517-1
April 2010

Arbor Day Square tells the story of Katie and her papa as they settle out on the prairie. The trains bring more people and lumber, and buildings are erected. However, the town is missing one crucial thing: trees. The townspeople take a collection to order trees from back east and Katie adds her own pennies to buy a sapling. While set in the past, this is a timeless story of community building, love and ritual.


A Place for FrogsA Place for Frogs
Written by Melissa Stewart
Illustrated by Higgins Bond
HC: $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-521-8
April 2010

In this companion book to Stewart and Bond’s A Place for Butterflies, we learn about the behavior and beauty of frogs. This is a wonderful book for the classroom as it teaches not just fun facts about frogs (like where the live, eat, and how they benefit other animals and plants), but ways that kids can help protect them and their natural habitats. Are you a teacher? Check out the Teachers Guide!

Visit Melissa Stewart’s website, or follow her on twitter! @mstewartscience

Come back tomorrow to see what books we have that will entertain the older kids in your life!