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Children and Families at Night in Picture Books

Cover art for THE INSOMNIACS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 16, 2012
Kirkus Star THE INSOMNIACS
by Karina Wolf, illustrated by the Brothers Hilts
"What first seems an eerie, baby-goth vibe is held steady by the stable, close-knit family and lack of crisis in this atmospheric, calmly splendid piece. (Picture book. 4-7)"
A quietly magnificent paean to the wonder of nighttime and the solidity of a family unit. Read full book review >
Cover art for LUCY CAN'T SLEEP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 7, 2012
Kirkus Star LUCY CAN'T SLEEP
by Amy Schwartz, illustrated by Amy Schwartz

Restless, sleepless Lucy decides to climb out of bed and wander through her hushed house.Meandering rhyme bobs up and down in this nocturnal tale, rocking readers with its subtle irregularity and soft tonality. Read full book review >
Cover art for BLACKOUT
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 24, 2011
Kirkus Star BLACKOUT
by John Rocco, illustrated by John Rocco
"Not all young readers will have experienced a blackout, but this engaging snapshot could easily have them wishing for one. (Picture book. 5-8)"
"It started out as a normal summer night"--until the lights go out, citywide. Read full book review >
Cover art for THANKING THE MOON
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 14, 2010
THANKING THE MOON: CELEBRATING THE MID-AUTUMN MOON FESTIVAL
by Grace Lin, illustrated by Grace Lin
"An endnote further describes the festival, emphasizing families coming together, just like the moon returning to its fullness. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Opposing the exuberant energy found by this same Chinese-American family in Bringing in the New Year (2008), the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is a much more contemplative and quiet observance. Read full book review >
Cover art for KITCHEN DANCE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 6, 2008
Kirkus Star KITCHEN DANCE
by Maurie J. Manning, illustrated by Maurie J. Manning
"Their joyful inclusion of the kids makes this book read like one long, wonderful hug—as the narrator says, after being tucked back into bed with a couple extra besitos, "Umm, hmm." (Picture book. 3-7)"
"Scrape! Splash! Read full book review >
Cover art for ABUELOS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2008
ABUELOS
by Pat Mora, illustrated by Amelia Lau Carling, translated by Elena Iribarren
"Also available in a Spanish edition (ISBN: 978-0-88899-717-3). (Picture book. 4-8)"
Lovely watercolors contribute to the charm of this story about a wintertime tradition in northern New Mexico, when the abuelos, or grandfathers, disguised as frightening old men, swoop down from the mountains on cold winter nights to scare the children into good behavior. Read full book review >