Having a hard time explaining the new normal to your youngsters? Striking the right balance between informative without causing panic is essential, and Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and LeUyen Pham–the children’s book trio behind the bestselling The Princess in Black series–recently completed a child-friendly coronoavirus public service announcement to help make that task a littleContinue reading “Covid PSA from the Princess in Black”
Category Archives: Book Reviews
Abby Reviews The Good Hawk, the First in the Shadow Skye Trilogy
Great fantasy set in mythical Scotland by debut author. Abby reviews.
I Need a Hero: Abby Reviews “Willow the Armadillo”
Good Friday, readers! In Willow the Armadillo by Marilou Reeder and Dave Mottram (Abrams, $16.99), our bespectacled purple armored protagonist wants nothing more than to become a hero just like the ones she reads about in her books. Does she succeed? Well, I’m not going to spoil it–but clearly, heroes are born in the most unexpectedContinue reading “I Need a Hero: Abby Reviews “Willow the Armadillo””
Kirkus Star for “Cross of Snow,” a New Biography of Henry Longfellow
Well, here’s a nice little diversion to start another quarantined day, especially for those among us who have been considering their reading lists in these sequestered times: the first advance review to come in for “Cross of Snow,” earning a “Kirkus Star,” no less, for “exceptional literary merit.” Read the review here: https://bit.ly/2WRUbdd. In lightContinue reading “Kirkus Star for “Cross of Snow,” a New Biography of Henry Longfellow”
Poster House commissions COVID-19 PSAs
New York’s Poster House may be closed to the public, but it’s teamed up with artists and activists to fight the virus.
Thank You for Being a Friend: Abby Reviews Two Picture Books for Kids and Adults
Abby looks at two titles today: a new picture book for grown-ups set to the lyrics of Andrew Gold’s theme song for The Golden Girls, and Castle of Books, Alessandro Sanna’s joyous introduction to the worlds waiting to be unlocked by the gift of reading. Both are uplifting celebrations of friendships and a reminder thatContinue reading “Thank You for Being a Friend: Abby Reviews Two Picture Books for Kids and Adults”
Abby Shares Her (Current) Favorites
Today, Abby selected her current favorites–no, they’re not new–Restart and The Bitter Side of Sweet came out in 2017–but she’s reading them purely for pleasure. Sometimes, old favorites provide the best comfort.
Abby Reviews Just Bunny
Good Monday to everyone out there. Here’s Abby’s latest review of Just Bunny and the Great Fire Rescue, by Jean LaSala Taylor and illustrated by Ana Sebastian (Mascott Books, $15.95). It’s a sweet reminder that we owe a hearty thank you to all the first responders out there, especially at this moment.
A Little Levity for Friday
It’s been a week. Abby made this video today. It’s not a book review, but a look at books from a different perspective. A sampling, if you will, of some of the books she’s been reading these past few days. Be well. Stay safe.
Images from Intima Press Edition of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Minotaur”
Intima Press recently published a new illustrated edition of “The Minotaur” by Nathaniel Hawthorne–you can read the story at the Fine Books Blog–and we’re sharing below a sampling of this exquisite piece of letterpress printing and design. All images courtesy of Mindy Belloff.
