All the Basements on Blackberry Street

The Robinsons have just moved into their house on Blackberry Street. They've been getting to know all its many lovely spaces. And then they head down to the basement. It's, well ... weird. The tiled walls. The trunks full of divers' suits. The giant drain stopper in the floor. What could it all mean? Luckily, their neighbors arrive just then, and soon everything becomes crystal clear. You see, all the basements on Blackberry Street are weird, each in its own way. The Robinsons' basement just happens to be the weirdest of them all!

Children will be delighted to discover what's just below the surface in this wildly imaginative picture book. Author Kate Jenks Landry's story is sure to pique the interest of young children for whom basements can be alluring and mysterious. The basements on Blackberry Street contain curiosities that range from jarred pickled armadillo feet (yum!) to a gigantic cardboard city. The cast of neighborhood characters are just as intriguing as the marvels in their basements. Gorgeous, whimsical artwork in deep saturated colors by award-winning illustrator Marie Lafrance perfectly sets the quirky tone of the book. The story makes an excellent read-aloud. It can spark inventive exercises in imagining what surprises might be discovered in other parts of a house - or even at school!

-From Bookshop.org

All the Basements on Blackberry Street is available NOW for pre-order, wherever books are sold!*

*But please consider supporting your local independant bookshop!

A Summer Without Anna

Junie misses her sister – and their summers together before Anna got sick.

When Junie’s mum and dad leave her with Nan and Pop for the summer, they promise they’ll be back to get her “the minute Anna’s well enough.” Then they hand her Anna’s camera with a note that reads, “In case you find Edmund.” Over the course of the long summer, Junie spends her days floating in the lake, fishing with Pop and taking lots of pictures – though none of Edmund, the elusive giant turtle. Edmund will have to wait, just like Junie’s waiting to finally see her sister again.

A heartfelt tribute to the love between siblings, this poignant exploration of a child’s inner world during uncertain times is perfect for any young person dealing with an ill family member or any type of uncertainty.

A Summer Without Anna is available wherever books are sold.

Beatrice and Barb

  • Illustrated by Vivian Mineker

  • Published by Kids Can Press (2023)

In this heartfelt story of friendship, a young girl is determined to save her most unlikely pet.

Beatrice desperately wants a pet of her own. Her mom has other ideas. No dog. No cat. No hedgehog. They finally reach a compromise, and Beatrice gets … a Venus flytrap. Being a good sport, Beatrice makes the best of things. She gives her new friend a name, Barb. She does all the things with Barb that good pet owners do, such as taking walks and playing fetch. Only, now, despite all the love and care, Barb is starting to look sick, with black spots on her leaves and some parts of her turning mushy. Beatrice knows she has to find a way to save Barb. But how?

The debut picture book from author Kate Jenks Landry offers a universal and powerful message about how to take care of those we love. It also celebrates differences, unique friendships and what makes each of us special (like how Barb needs to eat bugs to survive!). This story has strong curriculum connections to social-emotional learning and offers excellent character education lessons on caring, perseverance and responsibility. Vivian Mineker’s illustrations are imbued with the soft greens of plant life and beautifully convey the warmth and affection at the heart of the story.

Beatrice and Barb is available at your local library, and wherever books are sold!