The Picture Book Buzz - A Few Fun October Books

There was NO way I could highlight all the wonderful authors and illustrators and their amazing books which have released this month. So I decided to do a quick shout out for a few of the books I wish I had space for. Each of these books is absolutely worth a read.

The Littlest Yak by Lu Fraser, illustrated by Kate Hindley (Peachtree 10/1/2021) - With a fun rhyme, reminiscent of Clement Moore, debut author Lu Fraser introduces Gertie, the most adorable little yak who longs to be big. A sentiment that will appeal to many kids. It's gorgeously illustrated and perfectly child-like in Gertie's frustrations and "solutions." This is a great book!

"Gertie is the littlest yak in her whole herd, and she's feeling stuck in her smallness - she wants to grow UP and have bigness and tallness! But when it turns out that there are some things that only Gertie can do, might she come to see that she's perfect, just the way she is?"

A Voice For The Everglades: Marjory Stoneman Douglas by Vicki Conrad, illustrated by Ibon Adarne and Rachel Yew (Albert Whitman 10/1/2021) - Loosely based on The House That Jack Built, this beautiful nonfiction biography explores the bounty and connectedness of the Florida everglades, the careless destruction and abuse by developers, and Marjory's efforts to create a national park to protect this important treasure. Definitely educational, but also inspirational. A wonderful biography.

"The Florida Everglades are made up of nine different ecosystems supporting an astonishing variety of wildlife―panthers, manatees, snails, frogs, and a rainbow of bird species. But for years, the Everglades were threatened. They needed a voice to speak up for them. Marjory Stoneman Douglas became that voice. Her book "A River of Grass" helped the world see the irreplaceable beauty and value of the Everglades. Marjory’s activism led to the creation of a national park and dedicated conservation efforts, and throughout her long life she inspired countless people to use their voices to make a difference."

Spidernaut: Arabella, the Spider in Space by Jodie Parachini, illustrated by Dragan Kordić (Albert Whitman 10/1/2021) - This unusual nonfiction about the first spiders who weaved webs in space, is told by the spider, Arabella, herself. Beautiful illustrations, a "Web diary," tons of information about the experiments created by a kid, and fun "spider facts" makes this a great book even for those not fond of spiders.

"Told in the first person as if written by Arabella herself, she describes how she was the first spider to spin a web in space in 1973, and even made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. Reading Arabella's diary and the story, we learn how spiders spin webs and why this experiment, suggested by a high school student, was important."

Little Narwhal, Not Alone by Tiffany Stone, illustrated by Ashlyn Anstee (Greystone Kids 10/12/2021) - This sweet, rhyming book about a lost young narwhal who is befriended by a pod of beluga whales is a great introduction for young readers to these two species of whales. Colorful and actually based on a true event, it's a fun book about a special friendship.

" When little narwhal sets off on an adventure to see new sights, he finds himself far from home, too far to return on his own. Scared and alone, narwhal looks for other narwhals but finds a pod of belugas instead. They don’t speak his language or eat the same foods, but when the belugas begin to play—little narwhal knows exactly what to do!"

Grand Jete and Me by Allegra Kent, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser (Harper Collins 10/19/2021) - I love this book witten by "the legendary ballerina and muse of George Balanchine and Joseph Cornell" from the New York City Ballet. It shows a very special grandmother-grandchild relationship as they get prepared for an adventure to see the Nutcracker's perfomance. I adore this cover and the joy, excitement, energy, and interconnection with ballet radiates throughout the entire book. This is one you shouldn't miss.

"Grand Jeté is an expert on everything elegant and makes sure to always model the proper etiquette of a poised ballerina. Her granddaughter wants to be just like her one day.

Take a bow!

Straight spine.

Look your best.

And always carry flowers!

Follow the pair as they embark on an unforgettable trip to their favorite theater to see The Nutcracker—sharing the spirit of ballet wherever they go."