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Read It Now on NetGalley!
Ready to learn something new that will boost your emotional intelligence? This week you can download a free e-galley over on Net Galley of TUG YOUR EARLOBE: A Picture Guide to Body Language published by Albatros Books. For ages 7-10 and yet delightful for adults to brush up on what they see while they listen, School Library Journal is already praising it: “Who knew there was so much to ‘say’ about body language for early elementary readers? This is eye-opening and fun, and we can’t think of another title like it.” Packed with cartoons and concise text, this book is a valuable tool for kids who want to learn the art of reading people without the need for memorizing complex vocabulary or grammar. It’s portable can always be within reach, fitting seamlessly into pockets, backpacks, or purses.
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Our Latest Article
- Global Family Recipes Feed Young Readers
This article was authored by Publisher Spotlight intern Hannah Webster.
For teachers and caregivers who want to strengthen cultural awareness and family bonds, this delicious collection of picture books focuses on the universal joy of cooking together. These stories celebrate diverse family traditions and encourage young readers to explore the kitchen as a space for learning and bonding.
Niam! Cooking with Kids by Kerry McCluskey (Inhabit Media), offers a valuable insight into the kitchen of a Nunavut family, where traditional recipes become bridges between generations. The story naturally incorporates cultural learning as it models how cooking activities strengthen family bonds and build confidence in young chefs.
The inventive story Old Clothes for Dinner?! written by Nathalie Alonso and illustrated by Natalia Rojas Castro (Barefoot Books), turns a confusing title into an engaging exploration of Cuban cuisine, especially ropa vieja and arroz con leche. This clever story opens doors for discussion about how food names can tell cultural stories while making cross-cultural learning accessible to every young reader.
Apple Pie Picnic, written by Alicia Duran and illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald (Red Comet Press), reimagines the classic American dessert as the centerpiece of a family adventure. The story provides natural opportunities for seasonal learning and shows how cooking projects can inspire outdoor exploration and family activities.
Monica Saigal’s Papa’s Butter Chicken, illustrated by Abeeha Tariq (Tiger Tales), adds another rich layer to this cross-cultural cookbook collection, celebrating Indian cuisine through a father-daughter culinary adventure. The story shows how time in the kitchen can strengthen parent-child bonds and introduce children to different culinary traditions and new recipes.
These books offer many learning opportunities, including math skills through measuring and division, vocabulary development through culinary terms, scientific concepts through cooking processes, and understanding different cultures through food traditions. Librarians and teachers, as well as other care providers, can find these titles are ideal starting points for family heritage projects, parent-child activity programs, and food-themed literacy events. And there are plenty more, like Bring Back the Babka!, another one from Barefoot Books, this time by Marilyn Wolpin and illustrated by Madison Safer. Our official “office baker” followed its recipe, as you can see here for inspiration:
When we share these stories in classrooms or homes, they remind us that the kitchen is not just a place to prepare meals; it’s also the place where family stories are created, cultural traditions remembered, and memories are made one recipe at a time.