LeUyen Pham

Something strange happened on an unremarkable day just before the season changed. Everybody who was outside . . .went inside. Outside, it was quieter, wilder, and different. Inside, we laughed, we cried, and we grew. We remembered to protect the ones we love and love the ones who protect us. While the world changed outside, we became stronger on the inside and believed that someday soon spring would come again.

Bright illustrations accompany lively poems that celebrate children's imaginations and playing outdoors on warm days. Some games, like 'jacks', may need a bit of explanation but walking on the edges (of sidewalks, curbs, etc.) and hopscotch are perennial favorites. Everyone may be inspired to go outside and play!

Typical in most ways but teased because of her freckles, 7-year-old Helen has red hair and lots of freckles unlike her family. When teased by other kids, she tries to get rid of her freckles in lots of ways but keeps her nickname instead.

Helen (a.k.a. "Freckleface") enjoys attending the early program at school and its outdoor play. Freckleface learns to overcome her fear of dodgeball and a big bully as she discovers her own strong inner resources.

Freckleface is different because of her freckles, red hair and small size; Patrick is different, too. He's large and has been dubbed Windy Pants. Can their unlikely friendship survive grade school expectations of the way boys and girls should play (or not) with each other?

Every month of the year is cause for celebration – from sledding to holidays. Each poem and accompanying illustration (reminiscent of Ezra Jack Keats) for each month of the year reflects a child's joy and interests.

Paul Erdos grew up in Hungary and was always an unusual child. He enjoyed numbers, was inept at everyday activities (like tying his shoes), and hated rules but grew up to be a famous mathematician. Witty illustrations and a fluid narrative (which imbeds mathematical language), and fascinating author and illustrator notes introduce this mathematically gifted man.

Lilting language and bold shapes in flat colors encourage response as the narration asks who do these knees belong to? And in another book by Asim, your child will discover Whose Toes Are Those? The author's background as a poet is evident in the simple and evocative writing.