If you’re new to T.A.A. and missed our earlier posts during Picture Book Month 2013, check them out below-
Picture Book Mania
(Inaugural Post for T.A.A.’s participation in Picture Book Month 2013, and other more writer-centric events)
Picture Book Month Spotlight #1: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Picture Book Month – Author Spotlight #2: Katie Davis
Picture Book Month – Author Spotlight #3: Two Lost Lights of 2013
You can also find our spotlights and more picture book treats and tributes on our Pinterest board-
If you missed Part 1-
http://talkinganimaladdicts.com/picture-book-month-finale-part 1
Today is the last day of Picture Book Month, and T.A.A. wraps up with whetting your appetite for picture books due out in 2014*-
(*As with many things book related, the release dates listed here are subject to change, and not all titles have an eBook version at the time this post was originally written)
A Day with the Animal Mechanics
Publisher: Alison Green Books
Pub. Date: May 1, 2014
For the little “Fixer Upper” in your life.
Sparky!
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade
Pub. Date: March 11th, 2014
Kids with nontraditional pets will get a kick out of Sparky, a sloth that despite being slower than turtles, and more sedate than your eccentric cousin thrice removed after Thanksgiving has more to offer than what the cover image above leads you believe.
DANGEROUS!
Pub. Date: March 1st, 2014
Author-Illustrator Tim Warnes brings us cautionary tale with a twist. The “Old Chestnut” style to the illustration certainly helps my anticipation of this March 2014 release.
Jacob’s New Dress
Pub. Date: March 1st, 2014
As those who know me well know, I’m an advocate for N.T.B.M.
(Non-Traditional Boys and Men)
In the spirit of the song, “William’s Doll” (From “Free to be You and Me“) co-authors Sarah and Ian Hoffman bring readers a story that despite any potential controversy it sparks, touches on something every boy and man who was “Different” has to face, but all too often, in a negative and abusive context.
In a world where girls and women the world over are breaking boundaries and redefining what it means to be a girl or woman today, boys and men have been left behind (And LEFT OUT) of the local and increasingly GLOBAL conversation in this age of redefining their non-standard gender identity.
Even if your son/brother/nephew/etc. isn’t like Jacob, this book might be wise to keep on your eyes on when it launches early next year. Trust your Literary Rat on this one…I’m a non-traditional man and proud of it!
How to Cheer Up Dad
Publisher: Dial
Pub. Date: March 20, 2014
We need more Father-Son Stories in general. Enough said. (Until I review it, of course!)
HERE COMES THE EASTER CAT
Publisher: Dial
Pub. Date: January 28, 2014
It seems dogs aren’t the only rivals for this cat given the title of the latest from author Deborah Underwood, best known for “The Quiet Book” and it’s companion “The Loud Book.” Easter may be many months away (At the time this post is being written) but it never hurts to plan ahead with seasonal titles.
The Driftwood Ball
Pub. Date: January 1st, 2014
Thomas Docherty’s next solo outing continues the grand tradition of “Going Your Own Way” by using the classic setting of a exclusionary social event with a fresh approach. This is one dance off I DON’T want to miss! (Says the Literary Rat with two left hind paws…)
For more on Thomas Docherty (And his author wife, Helen) check the links above for our author spotlight article featuring their previous solo and collaborative work.
Busy Bunny Days: In the Town, On the Farm & At the Port
Pub. Date: February 25, 2014
Think of Richard Scarry’s “Busy Town”
meets Disney’s “BunnyTown” and you have
a rabbit lover’s utopia in picture book form.
(Fun Fact: Your Literary Rat [Though not Chinese] was born in the “Year of the Rabbit” and I’ve had mixed feelings about that…)
WEASELS
Pub. Date: February 25th, 2014
As loyal T.A.A. readers know, I’m working on a fairy tale style novel (Working Title: The Baroque Weasel) but while my weasel is a hero, this picture book by author-illustrator Elys Dolan uses their classic role as a gang trouble making upstarts who try to take over the world.
Will they succeed? We’ll have to wait for February 2014 to find out…
UPDATE: Check Out Our Review!
Babar on Paradise Island
Pub. Date: May 13, 2014
Much like other classic series such as Madeline and The Berenstain Bears, an extended family has carried on where the original creators left off, and the pachyderm who became King is off on yet another adventure, but will paradise turn out to be a foreboding misnomer?
Zubert
by Charlie Sutcliffe
Originally Published: October 3rd, 2013 (U.K.)
(U.S.) Pub. Date: April 1st, 2014
First released in the U.K. in October 2013, Author-Illustrator Charlie Sutcliffe makes his picture book debut in the U.S. in 2014.
FINALLY, a potential male counterpart to Eloise and Madeline. Not sure it’ll rhyme as in the case of the latter…
Fancy Nancy and the Wedding of the Century
Illustrated by
Pub. Date: April 8, 2014
The DIY Diva/Fashionista is back and fancier than ever.
What better than a wedding to bring the appropriate glam and big vocabulary to the table. Nancy may not always “Keep it Simple” but she always keeps things sensational!
I Am Otter (@i_am_otter)
Pub. Date: April 29, 2014
Just like a certain “Wimpy Kid” this character began as a niche online experiment by author-illustrator Sam Garton, and is now entering the print book world in April 2014! Fans of Calvin and Hobbes and Katie Davis (The Latter of which was spotlighted for Picture Book Month 2013) will be in stitches when Otter struts in!
This is only a TASTE of the many picture books we have to look forward to in 2014. They’ll all available for pre-order now. (For those of you early bird shoppers)
If you’ve got an upcoming release that you’re excited for, or any comments on the books mentioned above, please share in the comments below. T.A.A. LOVES hearing from you, our precious readers.
Thanks for spending Picture Book Month with T.A.A. We’ll be back for 2014 and beyond.
Regular blog posts will resume Monday, December 2nd, 2013. Until then, stay safe as Thanksgiving weekend in the U.S. continues, and as always-
May the fantastical fauna be with you.
P.S: Also take time to check out the
OFFICIAL website for
Picture Book Month:http://www.picturebookmonth.com
UPDATE (12/3/13)
I got to 30 IDEAS in
PiBoIdMo 2013!
