Newtons Book News

Childrens Book Reviews

Archive for the Picture Books Category

April is Poetry Month

Poetry is a wonderful way of displaying words artistically, uniquely and with space. I love poetry books that do all three in bright and inventive ways for kids to enjoy and relish. These kinds of books become invaluable as children become enlightened to the beauty of our language and the many creative ways to express [...]

Picture Books That Can Reach and Teach All

Books can teach young and old.  And these picture books are also most enjoyable.

The Day Ray Got Away, by Angela Johnson, and illustrated by Luke LaMarca, is a creatively picturesque book about a bright, yellow balloon as he and other large balloons get ready for a balloon parade.  But he states at the beginning [...]

Creepy Crawly Picture Books

Halloween is the time of year for creepy, crawly, spooky – and fun picture books.    Here are some perfect books full of pumpkins, skeletons and ghosts.
Alpha Oops! H is for Halloween, by Alethea Kontis, and illustrated by Bob Kolar, is the hilarious sequel to “AlphaOops! The Day Z Went First” by the same author and [...]

Creative Picture Books

Pictures, pictures, pictures! That’s what makes a picture book great. Here are some great picture books that promote reading and creativity and help to move the story along.
Let’s begin with three books with longer stories. Fairies and the Quest for Never Land, by Gail Carson Levine, and illustrated by David Christiana, is filled with magic, [...]

Learning Throughout the Summer

Let’s all stay smart and continue to learn throughout the summer months. Here are some amazing books that kids will likely pick up and look through all the way to the back of each book due to the interesting and kid-friendly layout of each book. I’ve categorized these books into three groups: animals, earth and sky.
Let’s begin [...]

Nature in the Summertime

Summertime is full of nature’s surprises. I’ve compiled some great picture books about bugs, small critters, gardens, farm animals and the beautiful summer weather. As with most picture books, all ages can enjoy and benefit from the uplifting messages they portray.
Ubiquitous:  Celebrating Nature’s Survivors, by the Caldecott award duo, Joyce Sidman, and illustrated by Beckie Prange, [...]

Summer Picture Books

Picture books can be fun and quick reading, especially during summer months when outside activities fill family schedules. Here are some great books perfect for those times and good for all ages.
The Pirate Cruncher, by Jonny Duddle, is a story filled with pirates, adventure and of course treasure. This rhyming tale has colorful full page [...]

Graduation Gift Books

Words, or books of advice, are the best kind of graduation present for those who are moving on to the next level. These books are great for all ages except where noted. So take my advice and give a book to that graduate – no matter which level or school they are graduating from.
Fu Finds [...]

Mother’s Day Picture Books

Mom’s big day is right around the corner and the picture books I’ve compiled will make her day. But the great thing about these books is the subject matter will likely keep the celebration on-going throughout the rest of the year.
Did My Mother Do That?, by Sharon Holt, and illustrated by Brian Lovelock, celebrates the [...]

Springtime Books

Springtime brings about a variety of interesting weather. It also brings the renewal season full of blossoms and planting. Here is an assortment of books on this subject that will entice and teach children of all ages.
Science Kids: Weather, by Caroline Harris, has the typical bright photos and teachable illustrations that Kingfisher is so well [...]