Sue Ann Martin
Host, The Children's BookshelfSue Ann Martin is professor emerita of Communication and Dramatic Arts and the founding and past Dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts at Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. She first became interested in children’s literature when she wrote her PhD thesis on the oral characteristics of the Caldecott Award-winning children’s books. Her PhD is in Speech and Interpretation with a cognate in Early Childhood Education. She went on to review children’s books for the Detroit Free Press, write three popular resource books for teachers regarding children’s books and the creative process. She also reviewed newly-published books for Arts Almanac specials on WCMU Public Radio. Her 2002 children’s books special for WCMU won a Merit Award in Special Interest Programming from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.
“Reading books aloud to young children,” Martin says, “is one of the most satisfying ways to introduce them to the beautiful sounds and lilts of the language, to the wonders of the world, to the excitement of suspense and to the pleasure of concentration, while at the same time, bonding with the child in a genuine, long lasting way. My mother did the same for me as she read hours and hours of Robert Louis Stevenson poems.”
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Books Make Good Friends written by Jane Mount is a delightful picture book about books! Children, mothers and dads and grandparents will all be able to find book titles that they have loved over the years. Young Lotti, who is the storyteller, wants only to read alone. Soon she finds out how wonderful reading can be when others are also involved. The illustrations are special. (Chronicle Books) 2023. -
Island of Whispers is written gorgeously by Frances Hardinge and beautifully illustrated by Emily Gravett. It is a stunning story about a young boy named Milo who must take on his father’s duties as the Ferryman when his father dies suddenly. The story is full of spirits, magic, ghosts, and fairytales! I suggest it for serious readers 12 years of age and up (Two Hoots/an imprint of Pan Macmillan) 2023. -
ZILOT and Other Important Rhymes written by Bob Odenkirk and illustrated by Erin Odenkirk is a cute, clever, creative book of over 70 rhymes for the ears and eyes of children six years of age and up. The illustrations are alive with sounds and actions. (Little, Brown and Company) 2023. -
As The Seas Rise: Nicole Hernandez Hammer and the Fight for Climate Justice is an interesting picture book biography. The pictures are beautiful, and the story is important. It is well told and illustrated by Angela Quezada Padron. (Atheneum/ Simon and Schuster)2024. -
Grandma’s Hair is Ankle Length written by Adriana Camacho-Church and illustrated by Carmen Lop is a beautiful picture book told in both English and Spanish. The story is lovely, and the illustrations are fascinating. It is well designed for readers 4-8 years of age. (Pinata Books/ Arte Publico Press/ 2024. -
My Thoughts Have Wings written by Maggie Smith and illustrated by Leanne Hatch is softly told in both words and pictures. A little girl has trouble sleeping as her mind keeps her awake. Mom reminds her that her mind is a beautiful place and that is why some thoughts stay awhile.This book is perfect for children 4-8 years of age (Balzer and Bray/Harper Collins) 2024. -
K is in Trouble written, designed, and illustrated by Gary Clement is a wonderfully fascinating graphic novel. A young boy named K seems to have one problem after another as he tries to deal with very difficult adults at home, at school and in the neighborhood. It is perfect for readers 8-12 years of age. (Little, Brown and Company) 2024. -
NO CATS IN THE LIBRARY written and gorgeously illustrated in hot orange, spicy yellow and soothing green colors by Lauren Emmons is a sweet story about a cat who loves books. Clarisse, the name of this wonderful cat, is very busy trying to find a way into the local library. It is full of fun for readers 4-7 years of age. (Simon and Schuster/ Paula Wiseman Books) 2024. -
Leafy Landmarks: Travel with Trees is a beautiful road trip for the whole family as 14 wonderful trees are presented for the family to enjoy. Luscious pictures by Anne Lambelet and 14 poetic forms written skillfully by author Michelle Schaub will capture the interests of readers 6-9 years of age (Sleeping Bear Press) 2024. -
Tree House Town is a delightful picture book about creative children and beautiful animals, as they play, cook, and take care of each other and the environment. It is written with a lovely poetic hand by Gideon Sterer and beautifully illustrated by Charlie Mylie. (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) 2024.
