LOVE IT LISTS! And Then Came You
A-one, ace, first-rate, super, tiptop, excellent, don't-pass-this-book-up! In support of the best of the best in kidlit! Exploring KIDLIT LOVE IT Lists are shared via posts on SubStack
Exploring KIDLIT LOVE IT Lists are shared via posts on SubStack with my book-lover opinions in the form of positive vibe reviews and recommendations with my thoughts on topic, theme, target audience, curriculum connections, purchase links, and the reasons the books landed on my LOVE IT LISTS.
Christina Shawn is a reading specialist, literacy coach, and the kidlit author of two picture books out in the world now with a third (NO LOVE POTION, illustrated by Merry Miller-Gass) coming in September of 2026 from The Little Press.
Christina Shawn and Shahrzad Maydani’s AND THEN CAME YOU: When Families Grow, Love Grows Too, published by Chronicle Books, is a love letter that you do not want to miss.
This title! This cover! Both drew me in immediately, but the first line… captured me.
"You and me, me and you, all I need is just us two."
Vital Idea Theme: Change is our only constant. We see the main character begin as an arm-crossed kid. NOPE! This kids is perfectly happy with life as it is now. A quiet move through life’s newness gradually guides the character to slow the resistance toward acceptance. This book, told in kid-relatable storytelling, has that re-readability factor.
And the page turns? They're a collection of artful writing!
Target Audience: Young readers (4-8) will return time after time to look at the adorable illustrations, which are kid-like, heartwarming crayon-like creations. I simply love how the each addition is done through the art and with numbers.
Topic and Curricular Connections: Parents, early childhood educators, and school counselors definitely want this book on their shelves to broach the topic of family change - or change in general. I can see that teachers will use the lyrical text as a mentor text for their students in writers’ workshop. Hmmm… Why is a comma used here? How do the ellipses make you want to turn the page? How come we have a period here when there’s only one word?
No Spoiler ALERT! Adult readers will most likely see the humor and nuances right away. I predict kids will smile and downright laugh out loud at the beautifully crafted page turns. Big reveals. Subtle changes. First two, then three. Readers will be ready for four.
I LOVE IT! A-one, ace, first-rate, super, tiptop, excellent, don't-pass-this-book-up! Add this to your shelf! This book will resonate in each reader as change is our only constant. I highly recommend AND THEN CAME YOU: When Families Grow, Love Grows Too
Do you want to nominate a 2024 or 2025 kidlit book?
I’m looking to read and support poetry anthologies and poetry collections, nonfiction picture books, and/or fiction picture books. If you’d like to nominate book(s) for me to explore, please send me an email with the digital ARC.
If you’ll be in the area, I’d love to meet up!
Registration is open for SCBWI Wisconsin’s in-person conference The Artistry of Craft.
Register HERE All are welcome, but the seats are limited. Join us!
I am a nonfiction picture book author who loves - loves - loves to read and write lyrical nonfiction. I am always searching for kid-relatable nuances about our natural world that make be stop and think. I am a sucker for topics that spark curiosity and questions. This new focused adventure will help me share what I find with you.
Are you in Pennsylvania? STUCK is on the Keystone to Reading Book Award list! I was thrilled to meet the incredible PA teachers and librarians at the American Library Association conference in June. I ask that you spread the word for STUCK! Here is the Keystone to Reading Intermediate level ballot for your students’ votes.
Would you like to participate on uGROnews via an interview with me?
Please send me an email! I have some openings and would love to support you and your book.
#researching #writing #reading I’m into Earth’s natural wonders. What are you reading, writing, … finding?
Thanks for the "Love It List!" So many great books out there.
Thank you so much for including MAMIACHI & ME on your ALA 2025 bookshelf! There were SO many amazing books there! 😍