Articles

Branching Out: Family Units in Children’s Books
This article was authored by Publisher Spotlight intern Sophie Morris. Family is one of the most important structures in a young child’s life, but family often looks different for every child. One way to teach kids about the beauty of families is through the beauty of picture books. With the reassurance and humor they provide,… Read more: Branching Out: Family Units in Children’s Books
Hands-On Books: Sign Language and Early Literacy
This article was authored by Publisher Spotlight intern Sophie Morris Looking for some hands-on books for babies and toddlers? Make storytime more engaging with these titles that combine classic children’s rhymes and sign language! Did you know that babies can learn hand gestures before being able to communicate in full words? Teaching babies sign language… Read more: Hands-On Books: Sign Language and Early Literacy
Munching on Math
This is one in our Double Scoop Sundae series featuring a pair of thematically-related books and ideas for teachers and library program developers seeking ways to extend reading from them. Mathematics in its many forms—arithmetic, geometry, algebra, calculus, and more—comes with rules that can seem daunting. In fact, those rules can be both imagination-provoking and fun! In… Read more: Munching on Math
While the World Sleeps: Picture Books About Rest and Night
World Sleep Day, celebrated on March 13, is a perfect invitation to slow down, snuggle up, and talk with children about one of the most important (and often most elusive) parts of their day: sleep. Picture books are uniquely suited to this conversation, offering gentle reassurance, playful humor, and big ideas wrapped in cozy illustrations.… Read more: While the World Sleeps: Picture Books About Rest and Night
Spotlight on Beaming Books
Beaming Books, an imprint of Augsburg Fortress Publishers, launched in 2018, and publishes high-quality children’s books that help kids thrive in every part of who they are–emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Their beautifully illustrated children’s books center on self-esteem, mental health, spirituality, progressive Christianity, and diverse childhood experiences. Beaming Books’ titles take children seriously—while still embracing… Read more: Spotlight on Beaming Books
New Snowball Stories
Cumulative tales build the way a snowball does: they get bigger as each new point in the tale passes to add another layer to the whole. Items (and sometimes people) are collected as the story moves along. “Stone Soup” is such a tale and has various versions in many cultures. Cumulative stories are sometimes rhythmic,… Read more: New Snowball Stories
Reviewer Spotlight: Melissa Taylor
One in an occasional set of interviews with the reviewers who provide critical insights about new books from our client publishers. Melissa Taylor, M.Ed., is a former teacher and literacy trainer as well as a mother of two, blogger, children’s book expert, freelance writer, and author consultant. She created and writes the popular blog Imagination Soup and recently… Read more: Reviewer Spotlight: Melissa Taylor
Big Feelings, Brave Steps
This is one in our Double Scoop Sundae series featuring a pair of thematically-related books and ideas for teachers and library program developers seeking ways to extend storytime with them. As a new year begins, it often offers children and adults a fresh invitation to explore, grow, and try things they may have never done before. For… Read more: Big Feelings, Brave Steps
Spotlight on What On Earth!
One of the first and most exciting ways to spark the curiosity and imaginations of children is through the wonders of the real world around us—a truth that publisher What on Earth! has made their guiding philosophy in each of their wondrous nonfiction books. Founded in 2010 by journalist and author Christopher Lloyd, What on… Read more: Spotlight on What On Earth!
Many Doors, One Home: Apartment Living in Kids’ Books
For many decades, children’s picture books we see in North America that include realistic descriptions and/or illustrations of dwellings have largely featured homes that appear to be single family, often suburban with lawns. Like others around the world, however, many kids here live in homes that are apartments—whether middle class, well-to-do, or economically struggling. What… Read more: Many Doors, One Home: Apartment Living in Kids’ Books
Best of the Year Lists Are the Best!
This article was last updated 16 January 2026 What’s better than a book award? A list of best books! Why? There are more titles to choose among and to compare and contrast. While judges who determine book awards are looking at lots of competing titles critically, with a list of bests, we get to see… Read more: Best of the Year Lists Are the Best!
Uncovering Incredible Library Books
This article was authored by Publisher Spotlight intern Zoe Spangler. Libraries are more than just places filled with dusty books and information databases; they’re vital community centers open to everyone, regardless of status or background. They provide social access for older adults, the wherewithal to enrich child-raising support for parents, language connection for immigrants, and… Read more: Uncovering Incredible Library Books