Happy Monday! This week, I shared something pretty exciting that I want to make sure you know about: KidLit Love: Inside the Book! It’s a reading and writing subscription box experience for anyone interested in writing children’s literature or simply appreciating it even more. In other words…YOU! The box features one carefully chosen children’s book, one writerly surprise and a live Zoom conversation with the author focused on the writing process and writer’s craft. Together, we’ll read like writers, look closely at how the story works, hear the behind-the-book story, and gather inspiration for our own writing. Click here to learn more and see who the author is! Keep scrolling to press play on that episode and to see other new books that have made their way into my reading life! Stephanie Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉 Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed: 🎉MOMMA’S CHRISTMAS GIFT by Kao Kalia Yang (Amazon / Bookshop) This book is a modern Gift of the Magi tale of a poor Hmong family celebrating Christmas and the love, sacrifice, and generosity that holds them close. A mother in her red coat truly captures the spirit of the holiday. I absolutely adore this author’s writing and she’s been on the podcast THREE times! Listen to us talk about CAGED, THE DIAMOND EXPLORER and THE BLUE HOUSE I LOVED. 🎉Ruth Muskrat and the So-Called Indian Problem: The Fight for Native American Civil Rights by Jen Loren (Amazon / Bookshop) From Caldecott Medalist Rebecca Lee Kunz and award-winning filmmaker and TV host Jen Loren comes a sweeping biography of a singular woman at the heart of the movement for Native American civil rights in the 20th century. I adore narrative non-fiction and this book is moving to the top of the list. 🎉A Forest, A Family, A Harbor, A Home by Nikki McClure (Amazon / Bookshop) This is a lyrical and lovely picture book about a child exploring the world as he grows. Gorgeously handcrafted, rooted in the nature and landscape of the Northwest, and threaded with the experience of child- and parenthood, it’s a deeply felt meditation on the intimacy of home, the wonder of the world, and the magic of discovery. 🎉Up from the Ashes by Sharon Cameron (Amazon / Bookshop) The #1 New York Times bestselling author Sharon Cameron returns with a stunning story about the fight to survive and find love in the face of the ugliest of nightmares, based on the true story of two heroes and their resistance in the Sobibor death camp during the Holocaust. It’s incredibly powerful and moving. 🎉I am Wishing Every Minute for Christmas by Lauren Child (Amazon / Bookshop) I adored watching Charlie and Lola with my own children and now, we can celebrate Christmas with them, too! I was wrapped in the spirit of the holiday INSTANTLY. 🎉Dragonborn: The Twilight Child by Struan Murray (Amazon / Bookshop) When tragedy strikes the island of Skralla, Alex and her friends journey north to the heart of Scotland, where dark plots are in motion, and humans and dragons fight side-by-side against a rising storm of ancient demons. Sinister forces are growing stronger every day, and as friendships fall apart and enemies old and new strike from the shadows, Alex must master her own fearsome power, and unravel a mystery that might just be the key to victory: the legend of the Twilight Child. 🎉Wide Eye by Jennifer Liss (Amazon / Bookshop) This is a whimsical middle-grade adventure about a young girl, a wacky museum, and a local monster, exploring the transformative power of imagination. It’s quintessential middle grade enjoyment. 🎉The Tiny Thing by Ellen Tarlow (Amazon / Bookshop) A mole stumbles upon a tiny thing and finds his life forever changed by the power of imagination and finding self-confidence in this tender and enchanting picture book. Oh, this one has my heart! E250: HERE COMES THE BAND by Shadra Strickland On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Shadra Strickland about her newest picture book: HERE COMES THE BAND. This delightful picture book is about a young child who watches in awe as a historically black college and University (HBCU) band takes the field and works its magic. It’s completely immersive and you can literally feel the musical energy on the page. Come listen as we talk about the shift that changed everything in Shadra’s career, the ways she gathers language and dives deep into the topic of her book and her hopes for readers around fun, music and creativity. You’re sure to feel the energy of the book AND this conversation. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! HERE COMES THE BAND by Shadra Strickland (Amazon / Bookshop) Here’s where you can find Shadra online: Website: https://www.jumpin.shadrastrickland.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadrieka I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! 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