Books

Daddy's Song
written by Lesléa Newman
illustrated by Karen Ritz
Henry Holt, 2007, ISBN 978-0-8050-6975-4

Before I tuck you in tonight,
Kiss your cheek and shut the light,
The last thing left for me to do
Is sing my Daddy’s song to you.

And what a song it is! Ice-cream cones fall from the sky, foxes play baseball, reindeer ride in fancy cars, kangaroos bake birthday cakes, panda bears twirl hula hoops, and rain falls up instead of down.

The imaginative rhythmic text and evocative full-color paintings make this fun and reassuring good-night book ideal for Father’s Day.

Review
Fanciful and lit with whimsy, it begins, "If ice cream cones fall from the sky, / And cats grow wings and start to fly," and soars from there. Joyful, brimming pictures are evocative and intimate. Each illustration shows the creatures in bright, dreamscape colors and doing perfectly impossible things while the little girl, always in her soft pajamas, plays along… Capturing a heartwarming moment as tuck-in time becomes a cozy, loving ritual.

—Kirkus Reviews










	With a constantly growing list of books, I’ve organized them here in categories to make it easier for teachers who might be ordering for a school visit presentation. A chronological list is available on Children's Literature Network, and several of my books have “look inside” capabilities through Amazon.com. Most are also available at your school and public libraries.


		Windows With Birds written and illustrated by Karen Ritz Boyds Mills Press, 2010, ISBN 978-1-59078-656-7 A cat discovers a new world. The cat loves its home, a house with places to climb, places to hide, windows to watch, and a mouse to chase. There’s a boy who fills his water dish and scratches him in just the right spots. Best of all, the windows have birds. One day the boy takes the cat to a strange, new home, high above the ground. The cat hides, and cries, hoping the boy will bring it back to the old house. In time, however, the cat discovers that this new world has wonders of its own.

		Daddy's Song written by Lesléa Newman illustrated by Karen Ritz Henry Holt, 2007, ISBN 978-0-8050-6975-4 Before I tuck you in tonight, Kiss your cheek and shut the light, The last thing left for me to do Is sing my Daddy’s song to you. And what a song it is! Ice-cream cones fall from the sky, foxes play baseball, reindeer ride in fancy cars, kangaroos bake birthday cakes, panda bears twirl hula hoops, and rain falls up instead of down. The imaginative rhythmic text and evocative full-color paintings make this fun and reassuring good-night book ideal for Father’s Day. Review Fanciful and lit with whimsy, it begins, "If ice cream cones fall from the sky, / And cats grow wings and start to fly," and soars from there. Joyful, brimming pictures are evocative and intimate. Each illustration shows the creatures in bright, dreamscape colors and doing perfectly impossible things while the little girl, always in her soft pajamas, plays along… Capturing a heartwarming moment as tuck-in time becomes a cozy, loving ritual. —Kirkus Reviews

		Max Talks To Me written by Claire Buchwald illustrated by Karen Ritz Gryphon Press, 2007, ISBN 978-0-940719-03-3 Alex and his dog, Max, are true friends—the kind that share each other's excitement, comfort each other when they are sad, wait together when parents are away, and have fun wherever they are. Alex is learning that every good relationship is a mutual one. Review "…a story of love and devotion between a child and his beloved furry friend and the caring behaviors that allow such a rich relationship to develop. This heartwarming account, with illustrations that capture the essence of their special friendship, will make a fine addition to any child’s bookshelf!” —Bonnie Jean Flom, educational consultant