The Legend of Momotaro app review

momotaro menu

In Ghost Hand Games’ app The Legend of Momotaro (November 2012), Corey Finkle retells a well-known Japanese legend of a boy who emerges from a huge peach to be adopted by a childless couple. Momotaro exhibits exceptional strength and wisdom for his age very early on. When Momotaro is a teenager, he learns of oni, [...]

March kids’ lit events

warriors sun trail

March is a busy month for children’s literature events! Here’s a selection of happenings in or near Boston: Tonight at 6:00 p.m., Warriors author Erin Hunter will celebrate latest series entry The Sun Trail at the Cambridge Public Library’s main branch. The free event is co-sponsored by Porter Square Books. For more info, see the [...]

I Need My Monster book app review

I Need My Monster menu

Working with developer Pony Tale, Flashlight Press recently released a digital adaptation of their humorous bedtime story I Need My Monster (December 2012). The print picture book, written by Amanda Noll and illustrated by Howard McWilliam, was originally published in April 2009. The young protagonist can’t fall asleep when Gabe, the monster under his bed, [...]

Endless Alphabet app review

endless alphabet menu

I’m glad to see a new addition from Callaway Digital Arts, developer of the well-executed Monster at the End of This Book app. In the educational Endless Alphabet (January 2013), young users explore the alphabet, spelling, and vocabulary. Users may begin the app with any letter of the alphabet by tapping it on the root menu, [...]

Love, sweet love

Paper Valentine

In yesterday’s Notes from the Horn Book newsletter, Shara recommended four brand-new YA romances portraying “young love amid the tumult.” (I started Brenna Yovanoff’s Paper Valentine this morning on the way to work and got immediately sucked in — it was hard to put it down to get off the train!) We’ve got even more [...]

February’s Notes on its way

feb notes

In our special Valentine’s Day issue of Notes from the Horn Book, husband-and-wife writing team Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate talk about their futuristic YA romance Eve & Adam (and their own love story!). You’ll also find – more YA love stories – recommended board and flap books – picture books starring farm animal friends [...]

February children’s lit events

The Future of Us

A selection of children’s literature–related events coming up this month in Boston and beyond: The first of two events taking place tonight is the Brookline Booksmith’s YA Book Club at 5:00 p.m. The club is open to ages twelve to eighteen. This month’s meeting focuses on The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn [...]

Middle-school reading for Black History Month

Zora!

Four nonfiction books on African American history for middle-school readers.

Winter Nonfiction Notes out now

nf notes jan

This afternoon subscribers to our monthly newsletter Notes from the Horn Book receive its quarterly supplement Nonfiction Notes. In the winter 2013 issue, Associate Professor of Science Education (and frequent Horn Book contributor) Danielle Ford considers scientific literacy, science books, and the Common Core. You’ll also find reviews of recommended nonfiction books covering a wide [...]

Concept book favorites

swirl by swirl

We’ve updated our list of recommended concept books for preschool and primary readers. Covering a range of topics from basic (colors, counting, opposites) to complex (Fibonacci numbers, infinity), these titles present information with accessible language and engaging illustrations. All were published within the last few years and recommended by The Horn Book Magazine. Any concept [...]