Start the new year with a great book. check out these wonderful NAPPA Award winning titles:
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by Elena Epstein
As you begin your holiday shopping, don’t forget that books make a great gift. Here are some of our recent NAPPA Award winners.
The perfect instrument for playful learning through music and sounds, featuring gentle touch contact points for inquisitive little fingers to activate your favorite “ditties” on each page. $16.49, 6 months-3 years, www.dittybird.com
Meet history’s greatest figures in this adorable board book series with an animal twist. Includes famous Meowxican painter Frida Catlo, Baa-rd of Avon William Sheepspeare’s, brave pilot Amelia Harehart and astronaut Neil Armswan. $7.99, Birth-2, www.silverdolphinbooks.com
An adorable 2-part board book series that introduces iconic musicians who have transformed generations, including David Bowie, Janis Joplin, Grandmaster Flash and Kendrick Lamar. $8.99, Birth-2, www.silverdolphinebooks.com
Features a bedtime-friendly singsong rhythm and adorable holiday illustrations. $8.99, Birth+, www.sleepingbearpress.com
Journey “up, up, up, and down, down, down” on this merry train ride to the North Pole. $7.99, Birth+, www.hachettebookgroup.com
Mesmerizing collection of high-contrast books with bold shapes and colors. $9.99, Birth+, www.gakkenbooks.com
A sensitive story about insecurity, hosting and friendship inspired by the author’s own large, diverse family. $17.99, 4-8, www.holidayhouse.com
Meet the toughest cowgirl around. Never mind that this broncobuster is a horsefly. She acts taller than any tall tale. $18.95, 5-9, www.caseyrislovbooks.com
This clever picture book series empowers kids with the understanding that their choices will shape their days. $17.99 each, 4-9, www.whatshoulddannydo.com
In spare, lyrical verse and vibrant images for which she has become legendary, Morales has created a picture book memoir and a testament to the journey that she and her son took together from Mexico to the San Francisco Bay Area. $18.99, 4- 8, www.holidayhouse.com
Grow in understanding, kindness, self-control, resilience, empathy and forgiveness. $10.95, 7+, www.bucketfillers101.com
an Appalachian retelling of The Princess and the Pea, perfect for your rough and tumble royalty. $15.95, 5-10, www.leppstorytelling.com
Vibrant and heartwarming story that also introduces interesting facts about the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. $34.95, 5+,www.GoldenBellDirect.com
An interactive refresh of the classic Sesame Street story where Grover tries everything to keep the reader from turning the pages. $14.99, 3-5, www.indiebound.org
For more gift ideas, visit nappaawards.com
by Elena Epstein
Silver Dolphin Books has two new series that are perfect for your little ones. Wild Bios and the Story of Rock and Rap are filled with colorful illustrations and witty writing that will delight parents along with their kids.
The Wild Bios series introduce four iconic historical figures with a fun animal twist.
Famous Meowxican painter Frida Catlo was a pioneer for female artists. She always painted from the heart, even in the face of health problems and personal struggles. $7.99.
Dive into the life of the eloquent Baa-rd of Avon and the plays that shaped our language today. William Sheepspeare’s human themes have resonated with every generation. $7.99
Learn about the extraordinary life of the brave pilot Amelia Harehart, and the glass ceilings she flew through. Breaking records and always setting new goals to achieve, Amelia Harehart was an inspiration. $7.99.
With wings to the future and beak held high, Neil Armswan was a model astronaut and pioneer in space travel, leaving webbed footprints on the moon. $7.99.
The History of Rock and Rap bring to life the greatest musicians of our time.
From Grandmaster Flash to Kendrick Lamar, rap has shaped generations and brought a voice to the voiceless. Bop along with the greats in The Story of Rap, an adorable baby book that introduces little ones to the rappers that started it all. $8.99.
From Elvis Presley to Beatlemania, from Janis Joplin to David Bowie—rock has transformed through generations while ringing true with passionate sound. Rock along with the greats in The Story of Rock, a delightful baby book that introduces little ones to the rockers that started it all!
For more book and product reviews, visit nappaawards.com.
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Our latest NAPPA Award winning books are full of great information and resources for parents.
As parents, we all seek to have a deep and authentic connection to our children. Deep inside we know that open communication, based on trust and understanding, is key to creating this type connection, but many of us struggle to maintain open communication. The Innovative Parent: Raising Connected, Happy, Successful Kids through Art provides a wonderful guide to build stronger connections and better communication.
The authors, Erica Curtis and Ping Ho, integrate cutting-edge research, years of clinical expertise, and their own parenting experience into a revolutionary yet practical guide to creative parenting. Lots of practical anecdotes bring concepts to life and show art in action with kids and parents.
Erica Curtis is a board-certified art therapist, licensed marriage and family therapist with expertise in parenting and relationships. Ping Ho is founder and director of UCLAarts and Healing, which offers training and community education in the use of creative expression for self-discovery, connection and empowerment. $17.56 / $31.96.
Take mealtimes back with Food Fight for Parents of Picky Eaters. Chef Gigi exposes the habits that inadvertently reinforce picky eating and helps parents navigate the challenging landscape by showing them the science behind flavor and awakening them to the culinary magic of umami–just like professional chefs have done for years. Included are both simple techniques and more advanced tactics to encourage more adventurous eating, as well as over 60 delicious, easy-to-prepare recipes the whole family will enjoy. $18.95.
For more parenting books and other product reviews, visit nappaawards.com
by Elena Epstein
We all want to do fun things with our kids, but sometimes coming up with the ideas is the hardest part. With these recent NAPPA Award-winners, you’ll have tons of inspiration for creative fun.
From the bestselling authors of 101 Kids Activities, 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments and Adorkable Bubble Bath Crafts, 101 Kids Activities That Are the Ooey, Gooey-est Ever! is full of exciting and fantastical recipes that include tips on the science behind the goo, so you can learn too. Whether it’s a slime, a dough or some other moldable creation, you’ll be able to create and become whatever your imagination dreams up. $21.99, ages 6 to 12.
Never before has it been more fun to play with your food! Arena Blake, founder of the blog The Nerd’s Wife, shares exciting crafts that are made out of your favorite things to eat. Awesome Edible Kids Crafts features a variety of projects, each with a difficulty rating that lets you know if you’l need a grownup’s help. All projects use safe, nontoxic ingredients to spark creativity. $21.99, ages 6 to 11 years.
Decorate your life with fun fonts and beautiful quotes made your way. In Express Yourself: A Hand Lettering Workbook for Kids, Amy Latta will show you the basics of hand lettering and beyond. Learn fancy cursive and watercolor lettering. Add adorable details like flowers and animals. In the craft bonus section, you’ll find ideas on how to turn your finished work into fabulous DIY projects. Embellish pillows, notebooks and wall art with your own unique writing. It’s easy to share your art online, and make one-of-a-kind cards and invitations for friends and family. $19.99, ages 10+
by Elena Epstein
We are thrilled to introduce you to our latest NAPPA Award winning author, Mary Amato — sharing childhood memories and how she created Lucy McGee.
My father loved to sing and whenever we would get in the car, we would all sing together. Show tunes, pop songs, folk songs, commercials, TV theme songs . . . anything and everything. I loved it most when we were driving and singing at night. There was something magical about the idea of this car filled with music traveling along a road with darkness on either side. As I was joining my voice with my sisters and parents, I would sometimes be overcome with a joy so big and deep I would start to cry.
Lucy is a fourth grader with a huge heart, lots of energy, and a tendency to make mistakes. Her zest for life gets in the way of her ability to know when she is being manipulated by mean girl Scarlett Tandy. I wanted to explore a character who struggles with her desire to fit in with the “popular” crowd and her desire to be true to herself. Lucy is also a budding songwriter and ukulele player, and I wanted to offer a role model of a child who takes the risk to write and share her own music with her friends and family.
To me, the series packs a three-fold punch. It’s about friendship, family, and the joy of music.
These books are special in that the songs that Lucy writes are available to hear and sing along. I want to encourage families to sing together. Parents can find all the songs and the karaoke versions of the songs on a special page on my site. https://www.maryamato.com/lucy-songs/
My favorite suggestion is to encourage diary writing. Instead of buying a fancy blank book, start with a very small, thin book that your child can feel good about filling up. Encourage your child to write anything and not worry about mistakes. Do your own at the same time. Once a month have a special reading where you each share a page from your diaries.
by Elena Epstein
We’re excited to share two of our newest NAPPA Awards book winners.
Meet Ditty Bird, an adorable bird who loves to sing and will take your little one on a musical journey of playful learning. This charming musical book collection is educational, interactive and fun for inquisitive babies and toddlers. Promotes early language and fine motor skills, auditory development, music appreciation and bonding. Each board book has a “music” button on each page, which triggers one of six captivating tunes, sung by children. $16.49, ages: 1 – 3.
Knights Club: The Bands of Bravery is a middle-grade graphic novel series that makes your child the valiant hero of a fantasy quest—pick your panel, find items, gain abilities, solve puzzles and play through new storylines again and again. This book combines two loved genres: graphic novels and stories that allow readers to choose their own adventures. $9.99, ages: 8 – 12.
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These latest NAPPA Award-winning books make history come alive for young readers. Vibrant illustrations and interesting facts will engage kids sense of curiosity.
Kid Scientists by David Stabler and illustrated by Anoosha Syed is filled with funny and totally true childhood biographies and full-color illustrations that tell the tales from the challenging yet defining growing-up years of Albert Einstein, Jane Goodall, Marie Curie, and 12 other brilliant scientists. $13.95, ages: 8 – 12.
Alexander Hamilton: The Fighting Founding Father! tells the story of one of the most ambitious and controversial figures in American history in a graphic novel format. From a rough childhood on the Caribbean island of Nevis to the highest levels of American politics, Alexander Hamilton’s life was filled with adventure, conflict, and controversy. Full-color illustrations and an entertaining narrative make this graphical biography of America’s first Secretary of the Treasury accessible for readers of all ages. $12.99, ages 8 – 12.
When Amelia Earhart became the first woman to make a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932, she immediately became an American icon and a subject of endless fascination for generations to come. In Amelia Earhart: Pioneer of the Sky!, the story of the bold and daring aviator’s life is presented in graphic novel format, with full-color illustrations and historically accurate details. From her hardscrabble childhood to her final flight—and mysterious disappearance—Earhart’s journey will entertain, captivate, and inspire readers of all ages. $12.99, ages 8 – 12.
This graphical biography tells the story of the most prominent leader of the American civil rights movement. With full-color illustrations and a historically accurate narrative, Martin Luther King Jr.: Voice for Equality! will inform and entertain readers of all ages. From his childhood in Atlanta to his rise as an international icon of human rights and a fiery orator who refused to back down in the face of adversity, King’s life story serves as an ongoing source of inspiration.$12.99, ages 8 – 12.
Considered by many historians to be the greatest American president, Abraham Lincoln led the Union at the greatest turning point in the nation’s history. Abraham Lincoln: Defender of the Union! tells the story of one of America’s most admired figures in graphic novel format. From his childhood on a farm in Kentucky to the battlefields of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln served the United States with resolve, intelligence, and courage unlike that of any other president. Readers of all ages will be entertained and educated by the full-color illustrations and historically accurate narrative of this graphical biography.$12.99, ages 8 – 12.
#books #kids #parenting #booknook #playlearnconnect #welovebooks #read
by Elena Epstein
At NAPPA Awards we are passionate about books and reading, which is why we are super excited about our latest winners. Each one of these books is special in its own way and all would make a great addition to your family book collection.
In spare, lyrical verse and vibrant images for which she has become legendary, Yuyi Morales has created a picture book memoir and a testament to the journey that she and her son took together from Mexico to the San Francisco Bay Area. Dreamers is a beautiful and powerful story that celebrates the gifts that all immigrants bring with them crossing the border into a new country. $18.99, ages 4-8
When the coolest girl in the class invites you to her exclusive after-school club, how can you say no? Soon Lucy McGee realizes she’s been tricked into becoming mean girl Scarlett Tandy’s errand girl. Things get complicated as she tries to balance school, friends, frenemies, songwriting and family expectations. News from Me, Lucy McGee by Mary Amato and illustrated by Jessica Meserve, is a new chapter book series featuring a spunky heroine who matches wits with a mean girl and learns you can’t lose sight of what’s important. $15.99, ages: 7 -10.
Although Mac and Mac are as hollow-headed as, well, noodles, they’re always coming up with brilliant schemes, but kids can use their own noodles to see where the brothers’ ideas go wrong. Noodleheads Find Something Fishy by Tedd Arnold and Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss is a graphic novel, perfect for comic fans and reluctant readers. It offers short, funny chapters following Mac and Mac through ridiculous adventures. This series rooted in world folklore and traditional tales of fools is full of wordplay, jokes and slapstick humor. $15.99, ages: 6-9.
Inspired by the author’s own large, diverse family, When the Cousins Came, by Katie Yamasaki, is a sensitive story about insecurity, hosting and friendship. Katie Yamasaki’s picture book, paired with bright mixed-media art, reminds children that negative thoughts and anxiety over exclusion don’t always translate to reality, and that even when plans go wrong you can still have a good time together. $17.99, ages 4-8.
#booknook #nappaawards #playlearnconnect #welovebooks #read #kids #parenting #books
by Elena Epstein
Our latest NAPPA Award-winning books bring a sense of whimsy and promote well-being. Pick up a copy to enjoy with your family.
Go on a retro adventure with Claire and her special bear, Benny. You’ll learn lots of interesting facts about the World’s Fair and enjoy a sweet story about relationships and kindness. When Claire loses her favorite bear at the 1964 World’s Fair, she finds out what truly matters in life. $34.95, ages 2+.
Take the concept of bucket filling further by adding the idea that we also have an invisible lid that is used to protect and keep the happiness inside our bucket. This concrete concept helps all ages grow in understanding, kindness, self-control, resilience, empathy and forgiveness. $10.95, ages 7+
This is a book for princesses who wear hiking boots and walk around with their hair in a mess, and princes who drive pickup trucks. This Appalachian retelling of The Princess and the Pea is written by PEN Award winning author Bil Lepp, with bright and eclectic illustrations by Lottie Looney. A perfect book for your rough and tumble royalty.$15.95, ages 5-10
For more award-winning books, visit our Book Nook!
#books #WeLoveReading #ReadWithYourKids
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