March 26, 2015 7:00 am
If you read my recent #ReFoReMo reverie, you know that I go out on a lot of dates. No, I’m not trying to relive my college days. I’m taking myself out on these dates…TO THE BOOKSTORE. There I get to sip a half-caff vanilla chai latte with a twist and pore over the newest picture books. Of course, I love the ones with a twist. Twist is the word-o-the-day, boys and girls!
So here are three books that I just had to buy. And, I’ll tell you why. PLUS, I’ll even chat with one of the creators and give away his book. Because it’s just that “special.”
In no particular order…
MY GRANDMA’S A NINJA
by Todd Tarpley and Danny Chatzikonstantinou
Why I love it:
It’s absurd—imagine an elderly lady in pearls and readers with a stealthy, drop-from-the-ceiling approach. Her grandson Ethan is dubbed the cool kid for his zip-lining ninja nana, but her antics begin to wear on him and his friends. However, Grandma has a plan! (Plus there’s a twist!) Humor and heart abound in this tale, which is always a kickin’ combination.
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HOME
by Carson Ellis
Why I love it:
The illustrations evoke the warmth and security of home. The reader travels around the world—real and imaginary—to view the variety of abodes that people, animals, even a Norse god, call their own. Then the author/illustrator circles back to her own home, her studio, the very place she created this charming book. She closes by asking the reader, “Where is your home?” What a heartfelt discussion HOME will elicit. It makes you want to hug the book tight. I can’t think of a better snuggle-up-at-home read right now.
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SPECIAL DELIVERY
by Philip C. Stead and Matthew Cordell
Why I love it:
Oh, the adventure! Oh, the absurdity! Sadie wants to deliver an elephant to her favorite aunt who “lives almost completely alone and could really use the company.” Sadie enlists many methods to get her treasure to Great-Aunt Josephine…by plane, by train, even by alligator. Two surprises come at the end—we finally learn the meaning of “almost” and we also know Sadie is a girl who stays true to her word.
The illustrations by Matthew Cordell are a perfect accompaniment to this quirky tale, like mashed potatoes with gravy. One just makes the other even better. So I asked him about his process for SPECIAL DELIVERY. (Sadly, no mashed potatoes were involved.)
Special Delivery has a very loose, sketchy style. How did you arrive upon that design for the story?
My style in general has always been rather loose and sketchy. Early on I was a bit more timid about it, but as years have passed, I think it’s gotten looser and sketchier, and I’m happy about that. In my conversations with Phil about this, I think he tailored the story a bit to my art style and approach, and I really took it to the brink (or at least as close as I’ve yet come) with my loosey-goosey attack of pen to paper based on his story. The book is very fast-paced and madcap, which goes hand in hand with a very fast-paced and madcap line.
The cover is a clever play on the famous “Inverted Jenny” postage stamp. How did you come up with that idea?
This was really interesting… Usually the creation of a book cover is a long, drawn out, sometimes-grueling process. So many people at the publisher and beyond have to be satisfied with the book cover before it’s given approval. And it usually comes late in the process of making the book (at least it does for me). But I had just finished sharing the first sketch dummy with Phil and Neal Porter (our terrific editor) and the moment I hung up the phone, the cover image zapped into my head. One of the most–if not THE most–famous US postage stamps, the “Inverted Jenny” was the perfect solution to our cover. Not only does Special Delivery feature a wild ride in an old biplane, but it features stamps and other fun things postal. Heck, it’s called SPECIAL DELIVERY! A tip of our hats to this famous stamp was the answer. Roughly and quickly, I sketched up my re-imagining of the Inverted Jenny and emailed it to the guys I’d only just spoken to. And they loved it as much as I did. Thankfully, when we ran it up and up the flagpole at Macmillan, we got thumbs up all the way.
What was your favorite part of the entire project?
I love so much about this book. Its wild, free, and fun spirit. The story. The art and design of it. It is so fast and spontaneous and fearless in many ways. But the thing I love the most about SPECIAL DELIVERY–and I’m about to get sticky sweet here, but so be it–is the bond that formed between Neal and Phil and me during the making of it. There was this synergy happening as the book came together in its various stages, and our heads were always in the same electric place. I enjoyed getting to know them both better in the process and sharing in this thing together and being completely on the same page throughout. There was some weird, good magic at work here.
I’ll say! The story feels absolutely timeless, as if it’s been around a long time and will be a favorite for years to come.
And why don’t you see for yourself, blog readers? I’m giving away a copy of SPECIAL DELIVERY to one random commenter. Please comment only once. I’ll randomly select a winner in two weeks and deliver it right to you! Good luck!
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: Picture Book Review, Picture Books
Tags: Carson Ellis, Danny Chatzikonstantinou, Home, Matthew Cordell, My Grandma's a Ninja, Philip C. Stead, Special Delivery, Todd Tarpley
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Thanks for the great suggestions — they all look inspiring! (And thanks for the chance to win one, too!)
By peonyblue on March 26, 2015 at 7:08 am
I’d love a copy. I’d also love an elephant. So you pick which to send. Xo
By marciecolleen on March 26, 2015 at 7:12 am
The creativity of new books is so inspiring! Thanks for the recommendations.
By robin on March 26, 2015 at 7:18 am
Lots of fun reading out there…thanks for sharing your picks!
By Nadine on March 26, 2015 at 7:26 am
I loved reading about the creation of Special Delivery. Loved the way that editor, illustration and author worked to create something so, well, special!
By cindyjohnson2013 on March 26, 2015 at 7:29 am
Tara, your heartfelt reviews have sold me on all of these books. Thanks for sharing!
By Susan on March 26, 2015 at 7:38 am
Loved this interview. You have a great Blog Tara would n’t miss reading it. Have unsubscribed to many blogs but yours keeps on giving. Thanks so much.
By ritaborg on March 26, 2015 at 7:32 am
Elephants and bi-planes. What’s not to like?
By Pj McIlvaine on March 26, 2015 at 7:35 am
Wow! Special Delivery sounds fantastically inventive and entertaining. Thanks for all your suggestions, Tara. HOME sounds wonderful too.
By ellenramsey on March 26, 2015 at 7:37 am
Thanks for recommending these titles, Tara. All 3 are eye catching. I’d especially love to receive a special delivery of SPECIAL DELIVERY :)!
By Lori Dubbin on March 26, 2015 at 7:37 am
Special Delivery looks wonderful. I can’t wait to read it. Matthew’s energy and enthusiasm about the project are inspiring. And Tara’s creativity shines through again with her ‘special delivery’ prize.
By lmconnors on March 26, 2015 at 7:47 am
Tara,
I go on bookstore dates too. I recently came across “Sebastian and the Balloon” (also written by Phillip Stead) and HAD to buy it. I’m definitely going to check out “Special Delivery” — if I don’t win — of course.
By rlkurstedt on March 26, 2015 at 7:51 am
Love the cover and end papers. When I was little, I used to collect stamps.
By Tina Cho on March 26, 2015 at 7:52 am
Some great books and commentary here Tara – thanks!
I’ll tweet this post out to encourage more readers.
By jamespurlsow on March 26, 2015 at 7:55 am
I can’t wait to read these suggestions!
By kirsticall on March 26, 2015 at 7:57 am
These suggestions are fantastic!! I’m looking forward to checking them out!
By cartwomey on March 26, 2015 at 8:01 am
oh, boy! Thanks for this round-up, Tara! Can’t wait to read them all and discover the twists!
By Jane Heitman Healy on March 26, 2015 at 8:08 am
I spotted the take-off on the Inverted Jenny stamp right away. As someone who wrote a book on Katherine Stinson, who actually flew a Jenny, just seeing the cover intrigued me to no end. Talk about a cover stalking a book–you betcha I’m getting a copy!
By winegarten on March 26, 2015 at 8:15 am
Nice how we can all benefit from Tara’s dates. I’m adding these three to my to-read list.
By Natasha on March 26, 2015 at 8:15 am
Thanks for sharing these lovelies, Tara!
By Hayley B on March 26, 2015 at 8:21 am
I NEED a Special Delivery! But then again, who doesn’t 😉
By Andria on March 26, 2015 at 8:21 am
Great post, Tara. Thank you.
By Aimee Reid on March 26, 2015 at 8:22 am
I’m intrigued by the way Neal Porter seems to operate differently than many other editors. I love his collaborative approach.
By Michelle Cusolito on March 26, 2015 at 8:23 am
Elephants and postage and planes, oh my! Already checking if my library has the book.
By Karen on March 26, 2015 at 8:25 am
Illustrators amaze me with their talent! Thanks for sharing these titles – all new to me.
By Nancy Tandon on March 26, 2015 at 8:27 am
They all look great….thanks for the heads up, Tara!
By Cindy C. on March 26, 2015 at 8:30 am
I love loose, sketchy art and this one looks like a real winner. Looking forward to seeing it in person.
By Kristi Valiant on March 26, 2015 at 8:33 am
What wonderful books to share with us! I can’t wait to see them in person. Love the illustrations!
By kathysdotcom on March 26, 2015 at 8:42 am
Wow! These all look like great stories. Will definitely be looking for these at my local bookstore!
By pathaap on March 26, 2015 at 8:43 am
Love that an antique stamp can spark the imagination. Inspiration is such a gift. Here’s to letting our minds wander. Thanks Tara.
By msmo1958 on March 26, 2015 at 8:44 am
Thanks, Tara, for sharing these! Time for a trip to the bookstore to hunt down these picture books… and for my Vanilla Latte!
By Laurie Theurer on March 26, 2015 at 8:44 am
Mathew Cordell’s loose drawing style reminds me of Quentin Blake, a favorite of mine. All these books peek my interest, thanks!
By Shirley Fadden on March 26, 2015 at 8:44 am
I wish our best coffee shop and our great indie children’s bookstore were in the same neighborhood. I could move in for days. Thanks for letting me know about Special Delivery. Can’t wait to see it.
By sallie wolf on March 26, 2015 at 8:45 am
I love the way this book combines the imagination and determination of a child who has yet to accept the word “impossible.” We need more of these crazy adventure stories! These are the kids who grow up to be world changers. I am going to run over to the bookstore, grab a coffee, and check this one out!
By Carol Cole on March 26, 2015 at 8:51 am
YES! That’s why I always say picture books remind us that anything is possible!
By Tara Lazar on March 26, 2015 at 8:59 am
These all look great! I’d love to read Special Delivery!
By Aimee Isaac on March 26, 2015 at 8:53 am
An elephant on a plane, or special delivery from the post office. What a great idea. Would love to own Special Delivery. Thanks for the suggestions of other book, especially Todd’s. I met him a few years ago at a conference, when we were in the same peer critique group. Congrats to him too!
By gayleckrause on March 26, 2015 at 8:58 am
Running out to check out these books RIGHT NOW! Thanks Tara. Great interview.
By Chana Stiefel on March 26, 2015 at 8:59 am
How sweet, “sticky sweet!” Beautiful work!
By Shena Ashcraft on March 26, 2015 at 9:04 am
Thank you for sharing these books! I am looking forward to getting my hands on all of them! 🙂 Dow Phumiruk
By Dow Phumiruk on March 26, 2015 at 9:04 am
Loved Matthew’s mention of the author, illustrator, editor, bond that developed. It’s a beautiful thing that I think all picture book people wish to experience at some point. I can’t wait to read this book!
By Erin Nowak on March 26, 2015 at 9:10 am
Fortunately, Barnes & Noble has a coupon in today’s email! I collected stamps as a kid, so I immediately “got” the cover of Special Delivery. It’s a rainy day here–perfect for a bookstore trip. Thanks for the trio, Tara!
By Pat Miller on March 26, 2015 at 9:11 am
Haven’t gotten my hands on Special Delivery yet, but I love everything Matthew Cordell does!
By Corey Schwartz on March 26, 2015 at 9:13 am
Absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Special Delivery! The “sketchiness” of the art adds to the fun of the story too. 🙂 Thanks, Tara, for some more great suggestions!
By Beth Gallagher on March 26, 2015 at 9:14 am
Love these reviews and thanks for ‘delivering’ the info!
By Jayne Moraski on March 26, 2015 at 9:14 am
I love the theme of “Special Delivery”. It looks like it has an old fashioned feel to it, which i love. Can’t wait to read it.
By Sylvia Mary Grech on March 26, 2015 at 9:15 am
Brilliant! Several thumbs up for creativity and the absurd! Thank you for sharing. I have an elephant, so please send the book!
By Jeanine Potter on March 26, 2015 at 9:27 am
I love books with twists and these look great!
By lindaschueler on March 26, 2015 at 9:28 am
Can’t wait to read these! Thanks!
By Doreen E. Lepore on March 26, 2015 at 9:36 am
Special Delivery does look timeless. I just reserved it at my library, but would love a copy for my shelf. 🙂
By Rachel Stones on March 26, 2015 at 9:39 am
These all look like great books. I love the idea of the Grandma as a ninja. And the ‘almost completely alone’ has me intrigued. I’ll have to look out for these next time I’m near a good bookstore. Thanks!
By Reena Balding on March 26, 2015 at 9:40 am
Random Comment.
By Josh Funk on March 26, 2015 at 9:40 am
I love that the writer and illustrator collaborate -sounds like wonderful music-making!
By Michael Karg on March 26, 2015 at 9:40 am
What a cute idea and the illustrations are spot on! This will be on my list to purchase for the little ones this Christmas!
By writeknit on March 26, 2015 at 9:43 am
What a great find. I’d be thrilled to read it to my Grandfriends!
By Debby Edwards on March 26, 2015 at 9:47 am
I love HOME. And the others sound fantastic. I hope I get a special delivery! 😉
By Stephanie Geckle (@SPGeckle) on March 26, 2015 at 9:47 am
I love your descriptor, “makes you want to hug the book tight!” I love a book that evokes that feeling. Thanks for these reviews, and for the inside look at Special Delivery!
By Janna Matthies on March 26, 2015 at 9:51 am
Looks like I need to mosey over to my bookstore and have a good read with these books. If I should win the giveaway, I’d love to have the author and/or illustrator sign inside with a short note to my self and my Little Free Library Walnut. Loved this post, Tara!
By Nicole Popel on March 26, 2015 at 9:51 am
I’m feeling lucky! And I would love a copy of Special Delivery. Thanks for the interview.
By Wendy Greenley on March 26, 2015 at 9:53 am
How special! Thank you for the giveaway! My father has worked for the post office for 42 years so Special Delivery would find a great home here! I also love the idea of a Granny Ninja!! Too fun!!
By Amber Hen on March 26, 2015 at 9:56 am
I’m thinking a date to the bookstore is in order really soon!
By kdveiten on March 26, 2015 at 10:01 am
Love the creativity of PBs! The great ideas that make you wish you had thought of them! With a pilot in the family, I will have to have a special a Delivery! And the others sound like keepers too! Thanks Tara.
By Vicki Wilke on March 26, 2015 at 10:10 am
Love all 3 of these books! I enjoyed reading the interview bit – the whole thinking and creating process is amazing. Thanks for sharing with us!
By Angie on March 26, 2015 at 10:11 am
Reblogged this on Love, Laughter, and Life and commented:
The creation of picture books is amazing. Just looking at the process fascinates me. Thanks for sharing, Tara.
By Angie on March 26, 2015 at 10:12 am
This magical story of love and connection in both it s writing and publication is just what I need. If I don t win it I ll buy it. In fact I may buy it right now and when I win I ll have one to share Special Delivery.
By Bridgid on March 26, 2015 at 10:13 am
I’ve been wanting to ask myself on a date for a long time. You’ve inspired me to take the plunge and do it! I doubt I’d rebuff my own advances. Coffee and books sounds like the best date ever!
By Becky P. Hurd on March 26, 2015 at 10:30 am
I was just thinking of blog ideas last night and this same idea came to mind. I take too many trips to the library and bookstore checking old and new books. I wanted to share the ones I loved hoping it would also inspire other writers. Guess what…it does! ha Thank you for this. 🙂 I love the meaning behind each and every book- I must find these asap! 🙂
By Heather Hampton Rhodes on March 26, 2015 at 10:31 am
I used to collect stamps as a kid so this postal theme in interesting. Just have a twinge of “oh, no, not an elephant” since they are the target of poaching and the circus has chosen not to use elephants anymore.
By Natasha Wing on March 26, 2015 at 10:31 am
SPECIAL DELIVERY sounds like so much fun. Please pick me!
By Brenda Huante on March 26, 2015 at 10:35 am
Freedom to be absurd in picture book manuscripts is so important!
By Lauri Meyers on March 26, 2015 at 10:36 am
The illustrations are just lovely for all three! Thank you for the review and Chance!
By Vanessa J on March 26, 2015 at 10:40 am
All three of these look spectacular! But the stamp! yes! My dad worked at the PO and I loved hearing about crazy things that people tried to mail (not an elephant).
By Sue Heavenrich on March 26, 2015 at 10:42 am
All of these books look wonderful, and that giddy elephant is making me laugh. 🙂
By marlainagray on March 26, 2015 at 10:42 am
I really loved this interview, thanks so much! I’m with some of the other folks on here, if I don’t win it I’m going to buy it, along with Matthew’s other recent release, ” Wish”. 🙂
By Paige keiser on March 26, 2015 at 10:45 am
Thanks for sharing Tara! It’s raining on Spring Break… so today’s a great day to spend my squirrel money on some new picture books!
By Jennette Mutolo on March 26, 2015 at 10:49 am
I want to get right down to the bookstore and snap up all three of these books! Thanks for sharing….
By Torild Homstad on March 26, 2015 at 10:50 am
Thanks for the recommendations – they look great. I love the idea of riding with an elephant in an airplane!
By alexiamandoni on March 26, 2015 at 10:55 am
Thanks, Tara! Special Delivery is a sweet & funny story, and I especially6 loved Matthew’s illustrations–they were so perfect for the story.
Thanks so much for the heads up about My Grandma’s a Ninja!! I’m excited to read this one because I’m very lucky that Danny Chatzikonstantinou is illustrating one of my books, Officer Katz & Houndini (Aladdin/summer 2016). I love his zany, quirky, hilarious style–so much fun!
I had heard great things about Home too. I love the cover!
Some new favorites of mine:
*You Nest Here with Me by Jane Yolen & Heidi Stemple with amazing illustrations by none other than the ubiquitous Melissa Sweet!
*Enormous Smallness by Matthew Burgess with fun illustrations by Kris DiGiacomo. Such a perfect title that aptly describes one of my favorite poets, e.e. cummings-it’s wonderful!
🙂
By mariagianferrari on March 26, 2015 at 10:55 am
Oooh! I did not know that about KATZ & HOUNDINI! Yay!
By Tara Lazar on March 26, 2015 at 11:05 am
Can’t wait to read all of these, Tara! I’ll have to have another date with the books at the bookstore…
By Sandy Perlic on March 26, 2015 at 10:57 am
Thanks, Tara. I haven’t seen these books yet. Love the cover – I used to be a stamp collector!
By Janet Smart on March 26, 2015 at 11:04 am
I can see why you bought them! I love picture books and still buy them even tho I have retired from teaching. I read them (carefully!) then give the books away to grandkids or young friends.
By bevbaird on March 26, 2015 at 11:04 am
I can’t wait to add to my “Nana” collection! Thanks, Tara.
By Janny J Johnson on March 26, 2015 at 11:08 am
These look like awesome books! Can’t wait to check them out next time I’m out. 🙂 Thanks!
By Sheri Roloff on March 26, 2015 at 11:09 am
Three more books to add to my MUST HAVE pile!
By marcusewert on March 26, 2015 at 11:15 am
Love the cover concept. I recently learned about the Inverted Jenny through an episode of “Foyle’s War.”
By Melanie Ellsworth on March 26, 2015 at 11:18 am
All look great! Thanks for the giveaway!
By Jennifer Wolfram Rumberger on March 26, 2015 at 11:18 am
Special Delivery sounds like a gem. Can I enter to win it again and again?
By nymediaworks on March 26, 2015 at 11:20 am
What fun books! Special Delivery especially sounds like a fun book to share.
By Heidi Grange on March 26, 2015 at 11:28 am
Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on these new titles! Looking forward to reading them…
By Deb Lund on March 26, 2015 at 11:30 am
I’ll be looking for this! It sounds like just the kind of sweet adventure story we love at our house!
By Teresa Daffern on March 26, 2015 at 11:32 am
Oh, I’d love a special book like SPECIAL DELIVERY! I have to confess, I did not know about the stamp, the Invented Jenny! See what we learn from picture books and Tara?
By kathalsey on March 26, 2015 at 11:33 am
I need to go look at those endpapers. They look fun. I just heard about the inverted jenny stamp this past winter. Interesting. Thanks for adding to my list!
By Mary Worley on March 26, 2015 at 11:43 am
Matthew Cordell is our generation’s Quentin Blake. I always love his art.
By janetmcd on March 26, 2015 at 11:44 am
Ooh, these all sound awesome. I’m adding these to my reading list right now. Thanks, Tara!
By gabisnyder on March 26, 2015 at 11:46 am
I am heading to the book store right now to get grandkiddies basket goodies. I want this book for them and myself. I love the pics and the story line looks soooooo sweet. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
By Karen Lawler on March 26, 2015 at 11:50 am
All 3 of these books look terrific! My clever kindergarten kiddos would love these. I’m glad to see books celebrating relationships with grandmas and great aunts.
By claireannette1 on March 26, 2015 at 11:55 am
Special Delivery looks too much fun so have purchased it. I can’t risk not winning. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
By Elizabeth Martin on March 26, 2015 at 12:07 pm
Great Books! I’m very excited about Special Delivery too!
By pippinmathur on March 26, 2015 at 12:16 pm
Thanks for the ReFoReMo shout out, Tara! I am excited about the three mentor texts mentioned above and would love to win Special Delivery! I am sharing this post in our ReFoReMo group, too.
By Carrie Charley Brown on March 26, 2015 at 12:31 pm
What a fun post, Tara. I enjoyed hearing about all three. Thanks so much for sharing your finds.
By lindamartinandersen on March 26, 2015 at 12:33 pm
Love the Inverted Jenny cover! It looks like a fun and exciting read!
By Danielle Heitmuller on March 26, 2015 at 12:33 pm
Way to turn this rainy day in Alabama into sunshine and laughter!
Thanks for sharing the absurd story lines and wonderfully inspired illustration styles in these 3 gems, Tara!
If I win your giveaway I will make it a Special Delivery to the kjndergarten class that’s working on the Holocaust Stamps Project in Foxboro, MA!
By Charlotte on March 26, 2015 at 12:35 pm
I’ve been checking the book covers hidden under the jackets for a couple years now, and rarely find surprising differences. I can’t wait to delve into SPECIAL DELIVERY to see what other surprises Cordell has built into the story. Thanks for sharing these three books, Tara.
By carolmunrojww on March 26, 2015 at 12:44 pm
With all these recommendations, my library list just keeps growing. Thank you for the introduction to these titles.
By Stacy S. Jensen on March 26, 2015 at 12:45 pm
I had a stamp collection a long time ago… didn’t appreciate it much as a child but oh how I wish I still had it now! Elephants make awesome pets. I’d love to have a copy of Special Delivery.
By inkfootprints on March 26, 2015 at 12:48 pm
Tara, thanks for the extra books to enjoy. What I like is you guide our journey of discovery. Thanks again.
By Deborah Allmand on March 26, 2015 at 12:49 pm
Oh, what a dream come true it would be to be working with a fantastic illustrator and a terrific editor to bring one of MY stories to life as a book!
By Carol Jones on March 26, 2015 at 12:56 pm
All three sound absolutely terrific!
By abigailhicks on March 26, 2015 at 12:59 pm
Enjoyed reading your post. I too love the idea of a grandma who is full of surprises.
By Annina Luck Wildermuth on March 26, 2015 at 1:18 pm
I love Phillip Stead. I ran out of time during my “date” this week. Now I can’t wait til my next one to read this book. Thank you for an amazing interview, too.
By Maria Marshall on March 26, 2015 at 1:28 pm
Thanks for a look at these books, Tara! I listened to Matthew Winner’s conversation with Matthew Cordell on the Let’s Get Busy podcast. They talked about Special Delivery. It was fun to learn even more about it!
By Penny Parker Klostermann on March 26, 2015 at 1:29 pm
I love hearing about the making of Special Delivery–and about your other picture book picks. Thanks, Tara!
By Catherine Urdahl on March 26, 2015 at 1:46 pm
Tara, I just took myself on a date to Barnes and Nobles. It was me and a stack of books next to the play trains. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE special delivery. Thanks for highlighting these engaging, fresh reads!
Matthew, thanks for sharing your process here. Your artwork is whimsical, fun, and inspiring! This book was nothing short of spectacular!
By Katrina Moore on March 26, 2015 at 1:52 pm
Tara, I just took myself on a date to Barnes and Noble! It was me and a stack of books next to the play trains. Thanks for sharing these engaging, fresh reads!
Matthew, thank you for sharing your process. Your illustrations are whimsical, fun, and inspiring. This book is nothing short of spectacular!
By katrinamoorebooks on March 26, 2015 at 1:55 pm
I love Special Delivery! I especially love that in a story so off-the-wall and random there’s still room for a surprise at the end.
By Elizabeth Metz on March 26, 2015 at 1:56 pm
Thanks for sharing these recommendations! I’ve only read one of the three…can’t wait to get my hands on the others.
By Lori Alexander on March 26, 2015 at 1:58 pm
Can’t wait to read this book!
By Angela Turner on March 26, 2015 at 2:08 pm
So excited to see Philip Stead has another book out — I LOVE his work!
By Heather Preusser on March 26, 2015 at 2:12 pm
Thanks for sharing your process – can’t wait to read this book!
By Andrea Allen on March 26, 2015 at 2:14 pm
Thanks for sharing. This looks like a great book. And thanks, Tara, for adding more to my “to read” list!
By Michelle O'Hara Levin on March 26, 2015 at 2:20 pm
The end paper art alone is AMAZING!!! What a great little story. Kudos!
By zebo on March 26, 2015 at 2:21 pm
yay for book giveaways! Thanks Tara!
By Cassandra Federman on March 26, 2015 at 2:22 pm
I LOVE the cover and the illustrations you’ve shown as well. This sounds like a really fun read. Thanks for a chance to win.
By Rosi Hollinbeck on March 26, 2015 at 2:26 pm
How serendipitous! I love it when inspiration sneaks out of the basement and onto the page. Yay! I love, love, love the special delivery cover. It’s fantabulous. Oh, and Grandma as a ninja looks hilarious. Gotta get it. I’ve read the Home book and watched video about the author’s home and the making of the book. Glorious!
By Jilanne Hoffmann on March 26, 2015 at 2:39 pm
Great post. Adding these to my list!
By Jen on March 26, 2015 at 2:40 pm
Ooh. More great suggestions. Looking forward to reading them, Tara!
By Jarm Del Boccio on March 26, 2015 at 2:47 pm
I’m very excited to check out all these new books! Always looking for great inspiration as I try to find my Illustrator voice. Thanks!
By Erika Hitchcock on March 26, 2015 at 3:06 pm
Thanks for the new suggestions, Tara. So many books, so little time–it’s great to have some guidance!
By Tracy Molitors on March 26, 2015 at 3:22 pm
Thank you for your recommendations. I love going to the bookstore and seeing new books that are whimsical but also different.
By Patricia Conway on March 26, 2015 at 3:27 pm
My Grandpa was an avid stamp collector and told us about this one. 🙂 So excited to read it!
By Shari Schwarz on March 26, 2015 at 3:30 pm
We’re all a bit twisted, hmm? Can’t wait to see all three of these!
By Sue Gallion on March 26, 2015 at 3:46 pm
SPECIAL DELIVERY sounds like an adorable story! I sure want to find out what happened to the elephant.
By kathydoherty1 on March 26, 2015 at 3:52 pm
Special Delivery looks special indeed!
I love the book cover!
By Carleen M. Tjader on March 26, 2015 at 4:15 pm
Philip C. Stead and Matthew Cordell are two favorites of mine! I hope I win! I have stars in my eyes 🙂
By laura516 on March 26, 2015 at 4:24 pm
Great post! I’ve seen and loved both Home and Special Delivery. Now I need to check out My Grandma’s a Ninja.
By laurazarrin on March 26, 2015 at 4:51 pm
How sweet of you. And that will be one Special Delivery!
By Keila Dawson on March 26, 2015 at 5:11 pm
Great suggestions – thank you! 🙂
By Didi Wood on March 26, 2015 at 5:33 pm
They look great! THANKS for sharing!!
By Maria J Cuesta on March 26, 2015 at 5:44 pm
Thanks for the recommendations! I’ve been wanting to read HOME since reading that interview with Carson Ellis over at picturebookmakers.com — looks lovely.
By hmmmmm on March 26, 2015 at 6:00 pm
I’ve read Home, though not as a mentor text. I love the background information you shared about the creation of Special Delivery.
By Cassie Bentley on March 26, 2015 at 6:07 pm
Thank you, Tara. I can’t wait to find these gorgeous books.
By Kaye Baillie on March 26, 2015 at 6:31 pm
Fun books – maybe I need a date night here or there, too…
By Stephan Stuecklin on March 26, 2015 at 6:37 pm
I would love to win this book, Tara! Thanks for the opportunity.
By Christie Wright Wild on March 26, 2015 at 6:40 pm
It does sound timeless. And I liked hearing about the synergy at work.
By Ann Kronwald on March 26, 2015 at 7:04 pm
Oohhh! Love these recommendations! Special Delivery has been on my wish list to read!
By Juliann Caveny on March 26, 2015 at 7:16 pm
Great choices! Will check them all out. Thank you, Tara!
By Heather Elizabeth on March 26, 2015 at 7:56 pm
Such great picks Tara and I love the way you generously share other author’s books on your blog.
By Ramona on March 26, 2015 at 8:01 pm
I love the first two books Tara. How can you go wrong with Einstein and a lady who loved trees! Thank you for three books I haven’t read to add to my reading list.
By loriannlevyholm on March 26, 2015 at 8:04 pm
Thanks for sharing! There is nothing like a good twist in a picture book.
By Celeste Bocchicchio-Chaudhri on March 26, 2015 at 8:11 pm
I love you, Matt Cordell!
By Karen Romano YOung on March 26, 2015 at 8:25 pm
Thanks, Tara, for introducing me to these books with a ‘twist’. Your date nights sound delightful!
And thank you, Matthew, for the ‘look inside’ your process…the cover of your book is especially significant because my hubby buys antique pens from someone who mails them using inverted Jenny stamps…so we have a whole collection of them. 😉
By viviankirkfield on March 26, 2015 at 8:42 pm
One random commenter here… Anyone who writes “A Sick Day for Amos McGee” and “A Home for Bird” is going to write something (else) wonderful, I’m sure! I’m curious to find out about Sadie’s aunt who lives almost completely alone and Sadie’s attempts to deliver an elephant to her. Sounds like a fun book.
By Mary McClellan on March 26, 2015 at 8:55 pm
Thanks for the book recommendations. Special Delivery sounds like a fun book. Would love to get a copy.
By Shirley Menendez on March 26, 2015 at 10:00 pm
Can’t wait to read them – sound like fun books!
By Cinzia on March 26, 2015 at 10:07 pm
I’m going to check out all three of these books. Thanks for this column.
By jodelle55 on March 26, 2015 at 10:15 pm
GRANDMA”S A NINJA??? That’s got to be a quirky, funny deal that my grandsons would read over and over. But SPECIAL DELIVERY is a story for many generations, especially in our family of postal workers and collectors. I adore the art, the stamps, the elephant. HOME will begin many conversations. Wonder what my grandchildren will remember about mine.Thanks so much for sharing.
By Pam Miller on March 26, 2015 at 10:19 pm
Totally adding these three to my must have for next year’s school year. I love to teach with picture books!
By Freckled Daisy Creations on March 26, 2015 at 10:53 pm
Hi. All I can say is that I want to read all three of these books, and if I should randomly win one, it would be icing on the cake. (I’m sure my kids would love it too.) Thanks, Tara, for bringing these gems to our attention.
By hethfeth on March 26, 2015 at 11:59 pm
All of these books sound great. And since my dad was a pilot who did actually fly upside down in a biplane (just not with an elephant on the wing), I was totally drawn to that cover!
By Heather Pierce Stigall on March 27, 2015 at 12:28 am
Timeless books are a treasure! I added your book suggestion on my reading list. Haven’t read them yet.
By Romelle Broas on March 27, 2015 at 12:34 am
what great books a ninja nana wish i had thought of that idea classic
By Sharon Giltrow on March 27, 2015 at 1:24 am
Thanks Tara for three irresistible books and a peek at the process for Special Delivery. What a cover! Way to take yourself out, work on craft, and treat others to the experience too.
By imartypoet on March 27, 2015 at 5:28 am
I’m ordering My Grandma is a Ninja now for my kids– my Mom will be delighted!
By mcarthur krishna on March 27, 2015 at 5:47 am
Tara, you do a great job of peeking my interest in books that I may have glanced over in the store. Not that the cover designs aren’t great, but being an illustrator I tend to gravitate towards a certain style of illustration first. Your reviews remind me of how much a great picture book is a perfect merge of illustration and story. Time to make another date with myself at the book store. Thanks.
By Bradley D. Cooper on March 27, 2015 at 6:07 am
These books look great! Thanks for keeping up such a wonderful website! 🙂
By John Strong on March 27, 2015 at 7:27 am
Thank you for sharing these books. I am reading more and more picture books on my quest to get published, and will definitely check these out.
By Jim Chaize on March 27, 2015 at 8:35 am
I love Matthew Cordell’s sketchy pen illustrations and the story sounds wonderfully fun. Great to hear about the process between author, editor and illustrator. Great interview, Tara!
By Diana Delosh on March 27, 2015 at 8:55 am
Special Delivery looks awesome. Can’t wait to read it!
By kpbock on March 27, 2015 at 9:12 am
Oh, boy! More books to peruse–and perhaps buy! Thanks you, Tara!
By jhayslett on March 27, 2015 at 9:22 am
Oh, wow! I can’t wait to read the book AND see the illustrations. I love when they work so well together and the story sounds funny and warm!
By tanyakonerman on March 27, 2015 at 9:39 am
They all sound great! Thanks for introducing them to us.
By Jane Jeffries on March 27, 2015 at 9:48 am
Great list of books, Tara! Thanks for sharing and for the awesome interview!
By Sophia Mallonée (@SophiaMallonee) on March 27, 2015 at 10:22 am
Reblogged this on Miss Bence's Musings.
By Miss Bence's Musings on March 27, 2015 at 11:25 am
thank you for the fine recommendations. i’m on that. and i love the story about the inverted jenny – a fine name for a bi-plane, indeed 🙂
By jennifer mook-sang on March 27, 2015 at 11:26 am
Thanks for this, Tara. I’d love to win one. But…I. Want. Them. All. 😉
By Stacy Couch on March 27, 2015 at 3:16 pm
LOVE!!!
By Lori Belock on March 27, 2015 at 4:00 pm
Love this!
By Lori from Dublin on March 27, 2015 at 4:17 pm
Just read Special Delivery and it was a hoot! Loved hearing how the cover was created. If only someone would send me an elephant (whom I’d re-home in a sanctuary, of course).
By Nancy Furstinger on March 27, 2015 at 5:35 pm
awesome! Thanks for the opportunity! Stead and Cordell’s book seems like it could compete for a caldecott 🙂
By Zach Roush on March 27, 2015 at 5:38 pm
Love these books!
By jenswan90 on March 27, 2015 at 6:15 pm
Great choices and such beautiful illustrations for all of them!
By Jill Tadros on March 27, 2015 at 6:49 pm
Looks like I need to take a trip to the book store. Thanks for the suggestions, Tara!
By doriskstone on March 27, 2015 at 7:12 pm
Pick me! Pick me! 🙂 I also love that you describe taking yourself to the bookstore as a date. I should take myself on more dates…
By sardyhar on March 27, 2015 at 7:19 pm
All three of these books look delightful!
By Carleen M. Tjader on March 27, 2015 at 7:46 pm
Beautiful books. I can’t wait to read them!
By Sandi Lawson on March 27, 2015 at 8:02 pm
I love Philip Stead’s books and would love a copy of “Special Delivery!” Thank you!
By Pat on March 27, 2015 at 8:57 pm
Tara, HOME IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS. I moved all over the world when I was young. My Mom made every home a warm safe place to be.
By waengel2002 on March 27, 2015 at 9:37 pm
I have not read any of these books, but now I want to put them on hold at the library immediately! Thanks for sharing.
By Ashley Bankhead on March 28, 2015 at 12:20 am
Looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the insight on how the illustration and cover art came to be.
By Matt Sproul on March 28, 2015 at 12:27 am
Terrific post. Makes me want to go right out on a bookstore “date.”
By Judy Y on March 28, 2015 at 12:31 am
Oh! All three look fantastic! Thank you for the suggestions! =D
By Alberto Martín "NiñoCactus" on March 28, 2015 at 11:05 am
I need to win the Lottery. So many wonderful books and you just can’t afford to buy them all for your collection. I would definitely love this one. Pick me….pick me……….
By Sherri Jones Rivers on March 28, 2015 at 1:36 pm
I can’t wait to read Home, which looks so very inviting. The others look terrific, too. Tara. Thanks for all your ongoing inspiration!
By Val McCammon on March 28, 2015 at 2:12 pm
I really enjoyed reading the process of the making of “Special Delivery”. It’s wonderful how it all came together (sounds like but probably not) so easily. Thanks for sharing.
By bangersnmashdesign on March 28, 2015 at 4:12 pm
Special Delivery sounds like a fantastic read. What a lucky winner to come. 🙂
By Brenda Harris on March 28, 2015 at 9:25 pm
These all look like great additions to any family library!
By Wehaf on March 29, 2015 at 12:21 am
What a fun book and fantastic cover idea!
By Laurie J. Edwards on March 29, 2015 at 12:30 am
If I don’t win, I know which three books I’ll be buying very soon! Thanks for your great book reviews.
By Ellie on March 29, 2015 at 8:46 am
Awesome giveaway! I love the design of Special Delivery.
By Joseph Miller on March 29, 2015 at 11:08 am
All of these books are now on my “to read” list. I LOVE the end papers in Special Delivery!
By Dana Atnip on March 29, 2015 at 11:15 am
Who wouldn’t want an elephant for a companion? What great suggestions. I’ll be checking them all out.
By Cindy S on March 29, 2015 at 3:41 pm
I can’t wait to check these books out. They sound great!
By Ellen Sirianni on March 29, 2015 at 7:15 pm
Swinebert: Yo Tara! We’ve read “SPECIAL DELIVERY” and LOVE it! It’s so has that timeless factor you touched on. I read it to my nephew Trug yesterday (he’s 9, but he still likes being read to, and doesn’t feel any less a “big kid”) and enjoyed it so much, it inspired him to write a letter to his great grand-hog (piggy way of saying “Grandpa”) my Grand-Hog Wes!
Dempsey: Hi Tara, I read “Special Delivery” to my young nieces when I was kitty-sitting while me sister went to the vet, they loved it, too, I can’t wait to buy my own copy next month.
Hoggishly Yours+All My Anchovies,
Swinebert & Dempsey
By Swinebert & Dempsey on March 29, 2015 at 7:15 pm
I just attended a reading conference in Michigan this weekend and The Book Whisperer, Donalyn Miller, also recommended Home and Special Delivery. 🙂 They must be awesome!
By shannon anderson on March 30, 2015 at 9:54 am
These books look amazing! 🙂
By Lindsay Bonilla on March 30, 2015 at 2:37 pm
Always glad to have new books to look at — for fun, for inspiration, and for all they can teach me. Thanks for bringing these 3 to our attention, Tara.
By Marty McCormick on March 30, 2015 at 3:58 pm
Ooh! More picture books to devour! Thanks, Tara.
By Carol Gordon Ekster on March 30, 2015 at 5:19 pm
This is awesome! I would love to read Special Delivery! It sounds fun! 😀
By ThisKidReviewsBooks on March 30, 2015 at 9:06 pm
Would love to win this,. thanks Tara! @lindsayfouts
By winemama on March 31, 2015 at 10:29 am
I have a student who is obsessed about all things postal. I am definitely going to tell him about this book!
By Mama Librarian on April 1, 2015 at 8:37 am
What a fantastic giveaway! Crossing my fingers 🙂
By laura on April 1, 2015 at 11:42 pm
Tara, thanks for reminding me of the importance of reading books. I’ve been stuck lately within my PB manuscripts and reading more PBs is most likely the missing step.
By Rachel Anderson on April 3, 2015 at 8:15 am
These all look amazing! Being a designer, Im always drawn to the illustrations before I even read the story. Thanks for sharing.
By lidia varesco design (@lsvdesign) on April 3, 2015 at 11:39 pm
I love humorous picture books and will have to read My Grandma is a Ninja. And I love the illustrations in Special Delivery. Thanks for the giveaway and info.
By danielle hammelef on April 6, 2015 at 1:06 pm
Such delightful stories! More added to my never ending list…
By darlenebeckjacobson on April 6, 2015 at 5:36 pm
This is when my words fail me…what kind of unique comment came I come up with to sway your giveaway to me? Uhhh…well, I’ll just say what I ALWAYS say: If I should win the giveaway, please write a note inside the book to Nicole at the Little Free Library Walnut. After multiple reads, I’ll blog about it , then pop it in my box on of on my front lawn and send it on it’s merry way.
By nicolepopel on April 6, 2015 at 7:07 pm
Great post Tara and what wonderful stories! Library dates what fun!!!!!
By Donna Rossman on April 7, 2015 at 12:16 pm
I love the story behind the cover artwork. I also think “Inverted Jenny” would be a good name for “Flat Stanley’s” sister!
By Mike Ryan on April 7, 2015 at 10:45 pm
I love twists… the books look great and I can’t wait to read them. Thanks!
By Deirdre Englehart on April 8, 2015 at 2:46 pm
Thanks for these recommendations. Love the insight on the illustrations.
By Sydney O'Neill on April 10, 2015 at 12:50 am
[…] now, the winner of my March giveaway–Philip C. Stead and Matthew Cordell’s SPECIAL […]
By Wit My Father Says (plus winner announcement!) | Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) on April 21, 2015 at 1:13 pm
Just when we think we have to wait until November to hear from you. . . you pop in
By Carolyn Rohrbaugh on April 21, 2015 at 3:45 pm
My son loves picture books! The better the illustrations the more immersed in the story he is 🙂 Thanks for creating this list and I will definitely add a few of these to his TBR pile at bedtime. I wanted to recommend two FANTASTIC monster books with awesome illustrations. The author is A.J. Cosmo and he is the creative genius behind “The Monster that Ate our Keys” and “The Monster that Ate my Socks” (http://www.ajcosmo.com/). These books are not scary at all (perfect for bedtime reading) and are two very funny stories that teach life lessons and kept my son laughing throughout. I highly recommend!
By Leslie H on April 22, 2015 at 11:04 am
Hi there, I’m new to your blog and love it! I’m also a bit of a picture book fan (thankfully I have two kids that work out as great excuses to keep buying them). Anyway, these three books look fantastic – definitely something to add to the list!
By Nicole on April 23, 2015 at 12:44 am
[…] Last time Matt (hey, we’re on nickname terms now!) visited my blog, he talked about his loosey-goosey illustration style in SPECiAL DELIVERY. Well, FiRST GRADE DROPOUT gets so loose that you’d swear Sir Quentin Blake illustrated it. Yep, it’s that amazing. […]
By FIRST GRADE DROPOUT Drops In (plus a giveaway!) | Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) on July 30, 2015 at 7:01 am