I recently had the opportunity to interview Chris Van Dusen, the fabulous author/illustrator of King Hugo’s Huge Ego. This is definitely one of my favorite children’s picture books of 2011, and I am so happy to get to introduce you to him! Chris was kind enough to answer some of my questions, and I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I did. If you haven’t already checked out the book, you can see my full review here.
King Hugo’s Huge Ego is a fantastic book. My three boys and I …

 
Chris van Dusen has written and illustrated an adorable book! This is a 2011 best picture book of the year for me. My children love it. I love it. I think you will love it too. Published by Candlewick Press, King Hugo’s Huge Ego comes out this Tuesday, July 26th, 2011.

Perfect for the child that is just about to enter school, and just in time for school to start with a release date of September 1, 2011, Back-to-School Rules by Laurie Friedman is an adorable read. While most back-to-school books focus on what to do, this children’s picture book takes the opposite approach and teaches children what not to do. The main character, Percy Isaac Gifford, is more than happy to share his wisdom with your children, which he imparts by giving ten simple things every child should know not …

 
Well, it has been a few weeks since I returned from New York City and BEA 2011. It was overwhelming and awe-inspiring all at the same time. I realized throughout the entire week that I am exactly where I am suppose to be. I am meant to be in this crazy, up and down, topsy-turvy literary world. I felt alive with every step I took while at BEA whether it dealt with my own children’s picture book, Bookshelf Banter, or another author’s books and life. I loved every bit of …

The Leaf That Wouldn’t Leave is a wonderful story about a sweet leaf named Luigi who doesn’t want to let go of his branch and fall like the others. Luigi is afraid of change and those things he isn’t familiar with. A kind evergreen, Evelyn, guides him past his fears, and, eventually, Luigi lets go and flies free. Written by Trish Trinco, The Leaf That Wouldn’t Leave continues by taking us along on Luigi’s adventures.
This story is perfect for during those times when a child might be having to face …

 
Fall Mixed Up by Bob Raczka is a delightfully funny children’s picture book. The cover is bright and fun and proves that, in this case, you CAN judge a book by it’s cover. While the text is simplistic enough to hold the youngest of readers’ attentions, it is also vibrant and descriptive enough to please older children. Boys and girls alike will love reading this book repeatedly while trying to find all of the “mistakes” presented throughout the book.
Chad Cameron illustrated this beautiful story, and the illustrations have a softness …

Mustache! by Mac Barnett is an adorable children’s picture book about a king and his subjects. King Duncan is handsome, but he is not a good ruler. He cares more about how he looks and promoting himself then he does taking care of and connecting with his subjects. Because of this attitude, King Duncan’s subjects take matters into their own hands, quite literally. Barnett’s book takes the reader on a journey of self-realization, in a sense, as King Duncan comes to realize what is more important in life.
Children and adults …