Mamafox Books

Children's Author Phoebe Fox

Mama Fox Books

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Grandpa’s Cigar Box by Barbara Renner: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

“Grandpa has a special cigar box, and Jamie can’t wait to open it! Inside she knows are clues to another wonderful adventure Grandpa has planned for them. Sometimes it’s splashing in the pool, sometimes it’s carving jack-o-lanterns, or maybe it’s planting flowers. Whatever it is, Jamie knows it will be fun . . . and there’s always a joke to share.” Written by Barbara Renner and illustrated by Michael Hale, this endearing picture book is sure to warm your heart. This is Storytime Saturday, Episode #103, with Children’s Author & Librarian, Phoebe Fox.

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Barbara Renner.

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Bathtime Fun! by Kathleen Gauer: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

Bathtime Fun! was written by Kathleen Gauer and illustrated by Sari Richter. “With bright, bold, and playful illustrations, diverse characters, and an engaging, rhythmic text, this delightful book is sure to spark the imagination of young readers everywhere. When you combine adventure with getting clean, bath time is a fun time!” This is Storytime Saturday, Episode #101, with Children’s Author & Librarian, Phoebe Fox. 

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Kathleen Gauer.

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Cookiesaurus Rex by Amy Fellner Dominy: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

https://youtu.be/arrGJT7lJVk

Cookiesaurus Rex* was written by Amy Fellner Dominy and Nate Evans and illustrated by AG Ford. “As soon as Cookiesaurus Rex comes out of the oven, he declares that he is King of All Cookies. He should be frosted before all of the standard-shaped cookies, in a nice bright green. But the other cookies are getting sprinkles, or shiny stars, or even gumdrops…” Watch Storytime Saturday Episode #101, with Children’s Author & Librarian, Phoebe Fox, to find out how Cookiesaurus Rex handles his dino dilemma. This picture book is full of rip-roarin’ fun!

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Amy Fellner Dominy.

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Children’s Book, Starry’s New Friend, Book Launch!

Fun was had by all at the book launch for the third book in the Starry the Sheep Series – Starry’s New Friend. What a wonderful way to spend World Kindness Day. (Starry and Luna are terrific examples of kindness in action.) There were delicious cookies, a face painting station, wool carding, and of course, Storytime with Mamafox!

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Hey, That’s My Monster! by Amanda Noll: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

Hey, That’s My Monster!* written by Amanda Noll, with illustrations by Howard McWilliam is the sequel to the widely popular “I Need My Monster” (also a Storytime Saturday episode). What will Ethan do when he finds out his monster Gabe has moved to his little sister’s room? Ethan still needs Gabe to help him stay in bed! Watch Storytime Saturday, Episode #100, with Children’s Author & Librarian, Phoebe Fox to find out! 

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by Flashlight Press.

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I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

I Need My Monster* written by Amanda Noll with illustrations by Howard McWilliam is all at the same time creepy, spooky, endearing, and hilarious! It’s a monster-under-the-bed story full of imagination and surprise. When Ethan checks under his bed for his regular monster (Gabe) one evening, he discovers in a note that Gabe has “gone fishing.” Ethan knows he has to have a monster in order to keep him from getting out of bed, so he knocks on the floor and waits… Suddenly he is interviewing a whole host of other monsters, but none of them is quite right for Ethan. Will Ethan’s monster ever return, or will he have to settle for a monster with painted claws, one with a pink bow (clearly a “girl monster”), or a silly one with a long, slurpy-tongue? Enjoy Storytime Saturday, Episode #99, with Children’s Author & Librarian, Phoebe Fox and find out!

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by Flashlight Press.

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Pterodactyl Show and Tell by Thad Krasnesky: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

“Pterodactyl Show and Tell” was written by Thad Krasnesky and illustrated by Tanya Leonello. “A stuffed animal, a favorite book, a new toy… that’s what most kids bring for show-and-tell. But when one boy brings his pet pterodactyl into class, prehistoric pandemonium prevails. Kids who dig dinosaurs will devour this preposterous pterodactyl tale.”

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by Flashlight Press.

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Hammer and Nails by Josh Bledsoe: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

“Hammer and Nails” was written by Josh Bledsoe and illustrated by Jessica Warrick. “Darcy has plans. She and her friend are going to play dress up, do each other’s hair, and polish their nails. Daddy has plans too. He’s going to read the paper, mow the lawn, and fix the fence. When Darcy’s friend cancels and she’s sure her day is ruined, Daddy suggests Darcy-Daddy Day. But will Daddy play dress up? Will Darcy like yard work? Join the fun as Darcy and Daddy tackle their to-do lists together.

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by Flashlight Press.

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My First Science Textbook, Protons and Neutrons: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

Today’s Storytime Saturday is the third and final book in the My First Science Textbook series. “Protons and Neutrons” was created by John J. Coveyo, written by Mary Wissinger, and illustrated by Harriet Kim Anh Rodis. It’s the story of an important friendship between subatomic particles Pete the Proton and Ned the Neutron. With its simple story and bright, colorful illustrations, this book makes chemistry interesting for even the youngest readers! 

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by Platypus Media.

 

 

 

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Animal Orchestra, Little Golden Book: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

Originally published in 1958, Animal Orchestra is by Ilo Orleans, with pictures by Tibor Gergely. This story gives children the opportunity to be a part of the audience, as a variety of animals celebrate music by performing in an animal orchestra. The rhyming text of this Little Golden Book provides the perfect rhythm for an exuberant read-aloud!

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The Elephants Come Home by Kim Tomsic: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

“The Elephants Come Home ~ A True Story of Seven Elephants, Two People, and One Extraordinary Friendship” was written by Kim Tomsic and illustrated by Hadley Hooper. “One day in 1999, Lawrence Anthony and Françoise Malby hear that a herd of wild African elephants need a new home. They welcome the elephants to their wildlife sanctuary—Thula Thula—with open arms. But the elephants are much less sure they want to stay. How will Lawrence prove to them that they are safe and loved? What follows is a gorgeously illustrated real-life story of a friendship . . . and the story of the miraculous way that love given freely will return—greater and more wonderful than it began.” This is Storytime Saturdays Episode #92 with Children’s Author & Librarian, Phoebe Fox.

Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Kim Tomsic.

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Pantaloon, Little Golden Book: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

“Pantaloon” is a Little Golden Book written by Kathryn Jackson and illustrated by Leonard Weisgard. This is the story of a bicycle-riding, hat-wearing Poodle with a sweet tooth. Pantaloon loves to eat cakes and cookies and believes he’s quite capable of making them. So when the baker in his town posts a “Help Wanted” sign, Pantaloon applies for the job. Will he be chosen to be the baker he has always dreamed of being? My Doodle, Hank (who looks an awful lot like Pantaloon), helped me with this deliciously fun read-aloud! Won’t you join us?

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Ajax, Bound for Glory: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox, Plus How to Draw Ajax!

Let’s celebrate Armed Forces Day with a reading of the children’s book, “Ajax, Bound for Glory,” and a demo of how to draw the main character with the illustrator herself! This picture book was written by Sarah E. Dautel and illustrated by her sister, Hannah E. Dautel. Ajax, the rabbit, has high hopes of being a valiant warrior, but tragedy strikes. With his new prosthetic leg, Ajax realizes he will never hop again. He must find a new way to contribute to the military he has always dreamed of being a part of. “Ajax, Bound for Glory” is a story of ambition and perseverance that celebrates the power of music! Following the reading of this book, Hannah E. Dautel demonstrates how to draw rabbits using a simple circles and shows her process for creating Ajax.

Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Sarah E. Dautel.

 

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The Light in Me Sees the Light in You by Lori Nichols: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

The Light in Me Sees the Light in You, a newly released picture book, written and illustrated by Lori Nichols, has made its debut at the perfect time. Last year was, sadly, a year of loss for many children. (There has been much to grieve for all of us during this pandemic.) With its simple, sweet story of friendship and beautiful watercolor and colored pencil illustrations, this book is a gentle introduction to the subject of loss. I am honored to share it as a Storytime Saturdays book and hope that it helps children everywhere.

Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the publisher, Nancy Paulsen Books.

 

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10 Ballet Dancers by Amanda Malek-Ahmadi: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

This unique counting book by Amanda Malek-Ahmadi is beautifully illustrated by Katherine Gutkovskiy. It is a perfect fit for young children interested in ballet, dance, and/or the performing arts. Authentic ballet terms are used throughout, and each one is explained in the book’s glossary, complete with pictures. Educational and fun, this book is a delight! 

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Amanda Malek-Ahmadi.

 

 

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Sofia’s Stoop Story, 18th Street, Brooklyn by Maria Leplaca Bohrer: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

Sofia’s Stoop Story, 18th Street, Brooklyn was written by Teacher, Reading Specialist and Children’s Author, Maria LaPlaca Bohrer, who lives on Long Island in New York. The book’s illustrations were created by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher, who have collaborated on over 50 books for children. “On a stoop in Brooklyn, in the 1960s, Uncle Frankie begins telling Sofia and her cousins a story about the day he met Carl Furillo. Meanwhile, Sofia’s Nana is next-door, preparing the Italian family’s Sunday dinner. Nana calls Sofia and sends her on errands to buy cheese, bread, and cannelloni. Sofia returns to the stoop, only to discover that Uncle Frankie’s story is over, and it’s time to eat. When uncle Frankie realizes Sofia is upset because she only heard bits and pieces of his story, he shares his historic tale from beginning to end, and he gives her keepsake that he’s saved since 1947.”
*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author,Maria LaPlaca Bohrer.

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Grand Canyon Reader Award 2022 Picture Book Nominees!

The Grand Canyon Reader Award is a reader award program for students in Arizona. Students vote annually on their favorite book in the following categories: Picture, Non-Fiction, Intermediate, Tween and Teen. In this video, you will get a glimpse of the 2022 picture book nominees, which include the following: Between Us and Abuela: a Family Story From the Border by Mitali Perkins, Dozens of Doughnuts by Carrie Finison, Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, How I Trained My Dog in 10 Days by Norma Lewis, Jasper and Ollie Build a Fort by Alex Willan, No More Naps!: a Story For When You’re Wide-Awake and Definitely Not Tired by Chris Grabenstein, Otis P. Oliver Protests by Keri Boyle, Ronan the Librarian by Tara Luebbe, There Are No Bears in This Bakery by Julia Sarcone-Roach, and Tomorrow Most Likely by Dave Eggers. Voting concludes April 1, 2022.

 

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Picture Book Gift-Away on Instagram!

Tomorrow is my birthday, and I’m hosting a Picture Book Gift-Away to celebrate! Watch this short video to see the 15 wonderful books (signed by the authors!) that you could win! The contest rules are posted @ Mamafoxbooks on Instagram. Simply go to my most recent post to play along! Good luck!

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Three Billy-Goats Gruff: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

According to American Literature dot com, “The Three Billy Goat’s Gruff is a famous Norwegian folktale that will charm any child. A mean and hungry troll lives under a bridge. He’s hungry for a meal and would love to snatch and eat any goat attempting to cross his bridge. How can the three goats get across safely? They must be clever! A wonderful children’s story to read out loud in a classroom or before bedtime.” The retelling of this story in today’s Storytime Saturday was illustrated by Ellen Appleby and is “An Easy-to-Read Folktale” published by Scholastic Inc.

 

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Fast Freddie by Michael Hale: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

Fast Freddie, The Legend in a Shell, was written and illustrated by Michael Hale. Fast Freddie is the story of Federico, a desert tortoise who decides that he does not want to live a slow and boring existence. Longing to explore his home in the Sonoran Desert, he does what no other tortoise has ever dared to do… He stands up and runs away. Able to run at incredible speeds, Fast Freddie, as he becomes known, encounters and befriends many of the residents of the desert and has wonderful adventures along the way. Once he has seen and done everything he wanted to do, he races toward the setting sun with buckets of paint that enable him to paint the vivid colors of the Arizona Sunset across the sky.” 

Here’s a fun art project to do with kids after reading this story!

Sunset Art

Supplies: squares of colored tissue paper, glue, unsharpened pencil or dry paintbrush, piece of construction paper or foam board

Instructions: Pour some glue on a paper plate. Using the pencil or paintbrush, twist the tissue squares around the end and dip into the glue one at a time. Place the squares on the construction paper or foam board so that the tissue sticks up like a flower. Create rows of different colors to look like the sky or a sunset!

This project is easy, good practice for fine motor skills, and yields a beautiful piece of artwork!

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by Michael Hale.

 

 

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Little Red Riding Hood: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

“Little Red Riding Hood” is a classic folk tale. This retelling of the story was illustrated and adapted from the original, written by the Brothers Grimm in 1812, by Caldecott Award-winner Paul Galdone. Despite her mother’s warning to go straight to Grandmother’s house, Little Red Riding Hood stops along the way to converse with a wolf, who seems kind and suggests she pick some flowers for her sick grandmother. When Little Red Riding Hood finally arrives at her grandmother’s cottage, she discovers the sneaky wolf is dressed as Grandmother and lying in bed, just waiting to gobble her up! A warning to all children to be wary of strangers, this folk tale has been enjoyed by families for over two hundred years.

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Bad Monkey Business by Michael Hale: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

“Bad Monkey Business” was written and illustrated by Michael Hale. “It’s a rainy, rainy day and Mrs. J.C. McGoody has just finished cleaning her house. She is about to have a cup of tea when she hears a faint knock on her door. When she opens the door, she finds a wet little monkey sitting on her doorstep. And he means business… Bad Monkey Business. Will Mrs. McGoody be able to stop this Bad Monkey from ruining her clean house or is there something else going on that she does not understand? This illustrated story, told in rhyme, is a humorous tale about an unsuspecting woman and monkey on a mission. A reminder as to why it is important to get all of the facts before you rush to judgement.”

*Permission for the reading of the book was granted by the author/illustrator, Michael Hale.

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Blue on Blue by Dianne White: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

“Blue on Blue” was written by Dianne White and illustrated by Beth Krommes (winner of the Caldecott Medal). “It’s a bright, beautiful, blue-on-blue day, but a storm is on its way, and soon… Thunder! Lightning! Raging, roaring! Rain on rain on rain is pouring. Will the sun ever be back?”

*Permission for the reading of the book was granted by the author, Dianne White.