I admit I was skeptical. Yes, the sketchy pen and ink pictures popping up all over my Instagram feed were charming and reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh and The Little Prince. Yes, several friends whose opinion I trust were glowing in their praise of the book.
Read moreThe Hundred Dresses
My friend Jonathan Rogers and I were just talking about this book a few weeks ago, so I pulled it off my shelf for a reread and was struck again both by how beautiful it is and by how relevant it remains.
Read moreA Faerie Wind: George MacDonald's "The Light Princess"
Recently I had the great pleasure of writing the foreword to Rabbit Room Press's new edition of MacDonald's classic fairy tale.
Read moreThe Search for Delicious
Natalie Babbitt is the author of one of my favorite children's books of all time, Tuck Everlasting, but here's another book of hers you may not know.
Read moreCharlotte's Web
This past week I reread and wrote about Charlotte's Web for a yet-to-be-announced project, and I was reminded once again what a Perfect Children's Book it is.
Read moreLeroy Ninker Saddles Up
Everyone who knows me knows that Kate DiCamillo is my favorite writer, but I'm usually talking about her many wonderful middle-grade novels, like Because of Winn-Dixie or The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.
Read moreThe Lost Words
I don't remember the last time I was so excited about recommending a book. I just discovered this masterpiece and now it's sitting propped up on my desk, partly because it's too big to fit any of my bookshelves (!) but also because Oh. My. Goodness. It's beautiful.
Read moreMiss Rumphius
This beloved, classic picture book by Barbara Cooney sits right beside my desk and probably needs no introduction for many of you!
Read moreSmelling Flowers in the Dark
I think we all have memories of finishing a favorite childhood book—of turning the final page and feeling as if we’ve lived a lifetime in the space between those two covers.
Read moreBecause of Winn-Dixie
An oldie but a goodie. There are few perfect books in the world, but in my opinion this is one of them.
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