HEATHER PIERCE STIGALL
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REVIEW: IT’S SQUIRREL APPRECIATION DAY!

1/21/2023

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When my grandfather was alive and still living in his house, he had a daily lunchtime routine: He would sit outside of his backyard workshop, drink a glass of milk, and eat a sliced apple with peanuts (always in-the-shell) that he kept in a coffee can. His yard was full of creatures like mice and birds and squirrels. Lots of squirrels. Squirrels who loved peanuts, maybe as much as my grandfather. As you can imagine, my grandfather and the squirrels became close friends. Close enough that he hand-fed at least one of them. To extend my, and my grandfather’s, appreciation for squirrels, today I recommend a picture book about a man, a hat, a cat, and squirrels:
Picture
​TITLE: HAT CAT
AUTHOR: Troy Wilson
ILLUSTRATOR: Eve Coy
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press/2022
OPENING LINES: 
 
The old man lived alone.
Every day, he stepped onto the back deck and put some peanuts on his hat.
And sat, as still and welcoming as a grand old tree.
The old man loved the squirrels.
And they knew it.
This sweet story is about a man, a cat named Hat, and a yard full of peanut-loving squirrels. The man loves Hat, but doesn’t let him out, for fear he will leave or chase the squirrels…or worse. But, one day, the man isn’t there to love Hat or feed the squirrels. Then someone new comes along, and Hat gets the chance to go out. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens next, but I promise you will be treated to a heartfelt conclusion. Eve Coy’s charming watercolor and pencil illustrations are perfectly suited for Troy Wilson’s simple, yet heartwarming text. You won’t want to miss this lovely, emotional story about trust and friendship.
 
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REVIEW: IT’S BLUE MONDAY!

1/16/2023

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​The third Monday in January is apparently the saddest day of the year. Are you blue? I know just the book to cheer you up: 
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​TITLE: BELLA & BLUE

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Berrie Torgan-Randall

PUBLISHER: Blue Bronco Books/2022

OPENING LINES: 
 
“Good morning, Gigi. What are you doing?”
“Bonjour, Bella. I’m decorating my hat for the town fair.”
“Maybe I just need a new hat.”
“Do you really need more hats, Gigi?”
“Let’s go shopping!”
“But look at that rain cloud, Gigi!!”
Picture
In the first of this graphic early reader series, we meet Bella and her family. Bella sometimes struggles with anxiety. Her dad and grandmother help with her everyday worrie, but when Bella meets a therapy dog she names Blue, they all quickly discover that the two are a perfect match. When Bella gets the blues, Blue chases them all away! This book is perfect for emergent readers who love the graphic-novel format, kids who are worriers (or know people who are), and dog lovers. I love the charming illustrations in mostly black, white, and shades of gray, but with the signature color of blue featured throughout. The characters and storylines are relatable and fun. As a dog owner, a mom of a worrier, and daughter of someone who loves to shop, I can relate to Bella’s family, and I’m sure many other readers will too. Brava to debut author-illustrator, Berrie Torgan-Randall for this adorable book. I can’t wait to read more!
 
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​
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REVIEW: HAPPY WORLD SNOW DAY!

1/15/2023

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​Did you know the third Sunday in January is World Snow Day? That sounds like the perfect reason to read all about a group of animals who celebrate more than a week of snow:
Picture
​
TITLE: SO MUCH SNOW

AUTHOR: Kristen Schroeder

ILLUSTRATOR: Sarah Jacoby

PUBLISHER: Random House Studio/2022

​OPENING LINES: 
 
On Monday, it starts to snow.
Silent swirling.
How high will it go?

On Tuesday, we get more snow.
Flakes floating.
How high will it go?
This picture book follows a group of woodland creatures who celebrate as snow falls, each wondering, “How high will it go?” Kristen Schroeder’s lyrical and layered text includes an introduction to the days of the week, animals from small to large, circular storytelling structure, and repetition. She expertly weaves a story whose arc rises gently and then descends to a conclusion that will have readers begging to read the book again and again. Sarah Jacoby’s darling, watercolor illustrations capture the magic of snowfall and the joyful expressions of the animal characters as they frolic in the snow. I have a soft spot for bunnies, illustrated end papers, and surprise “undies” covers under the dust jacket, and this book ticks all those boxes, and then some. A perfect read aloud for a group or for a cozy lap-read by the fire, SO MUCH SNOW is a must for your bookshelf!
 
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Did you read and like this book? 
One of the best ways to support authors and illustrators is to post reviews for their books. Support an author/illustrator today by leaving a review on Goodreads or Amazon!
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    About Heather

    Heather is a busy wife and mom of five rambunctious children and one lovable pup They all provide lots of distractions, but oodles of inspiration.  Sometimes the pictures and ideas in her head turn into her own children's stories, but she always makes time to read other people's books. Sometimes she reviews them here.

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  • Books
    • Paisley's Big Birthday
  • About
    • Meet Heather
    • Press Kit
  • Appearances
  • Resources
    • For Writers
    • For Educators & Readers
  • Ramblings & Reviews
  • Contact