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Debbie’s Reading Journal

Posts about books I’m reading, book recommendations, illustrated book posts. Also see my Bookstagram!


BookADay: THE STAMP COLLECTOR by Jennifer Lanthier and François Thisdale, advice for children’s book writers & illustrators

Today’s #BookADay: THE STAMP COLLECTOR, written by Jennifer Lanthierand illustrated by François Thisdale (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2012). Beautiful story, stunning artwork. A note by Jennifer at the end explains how the story was inspired by two writers. “Jian Weiping is a journalist who spent six years in a Chinese prison for exposing government corruption. . . .





#BookADay: CATS’ NIGHT OUT by Caroline Stutson and Jon Klassen

Today’s #BookADay: CATS’ NIGHT OUT, written by Caroline Stutson and illustrated by Jon Klassen (Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster). Who can resist dancing cats? Love the musical theme in this beautifully illustrated counting book. I swear I can almost hear the music in the background as I read this book.  Jon Klassen . . .



#BookADay: BREATHE by Scott Magoon

I loved BREATHE by Scott Magoon (Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster) soooo much. I found the combination of sparse and lyrical text with gorgeous, airy art irresistible and deeply moving.  I confess it also made me weepy. Have no idea if it’ll affect others the same way, but so much of this . . .



#BookADay: GIFT DAYS, written by Kari-Lynn Winters & illustrated by Stephen Taylor

Today’s #BookADay: GIFT DAYS by Kari-Lynn Winters (author) and Stephen Taylor (illustrator), published by Fitzhenry & Whiteside. The launch of this book raised money for the charity Because I Am A Girl and has already raised enough money to send ten girls to school in Uganda for a full year. More info: Donalyn Miller’s Summer Book-A-Day Challenge | Archives of my #BookADay . . .