Robin Heald

The light from a menorah takes a young boy on a fantastical journey around the world to experience different festivals of light, and the people who celebrate them. Nothing brings communities together like the warm glow of a lamp or candle flame, illuminating people and the stories they tell. In The Light from My Menorah, a young boy celebrating Hannukah follows his menorah’s light as it twists and turns in the night sky, carrying him to mountains, deserts, and even into space. On his journey he sees families from around the world sharing food and togetherness as they celebrate their own special holidays, lighting diya for Diwali, kinara for Kwanzaa, crowns of candles for St. Lucia Day, krathongs for Loy Krathong, and strings of lights for Christmas. Illustrator Andrea Blinick’s luminous mixed-media art creates a dazzling world filled with sparkling light and warmth, while Robin Heald’s beautiful free-verse text evokes the quiet wonder of a holiday night. An author’s note offers further information about Hanukkah, Diwali, Christmas, Kwanzaa, St. Lucia Day, and Loy Krathong. “The Light From My Menorah, is a new book by Robin Heald, which lyrically emphasizes not only the light of her menorah, but how our world is filled with light, traveling from day into night and back again…as well as into the worship or celebration of other religions and countries.”—Jane Yolen, author of Owl Moon, the How Do Dinosaur picture books, and 400+ other books

Eight-year-old Mason writes and illustrates his own superhero series, "Invincible Igor." Tonight his goal is to finish book six in the series. But with all the interruptions, how can he? His six-year-old sister, animal-loving Alicia, needs Mason's drawing and spelling skills to make a sign that will keep her "pooping machine" guinea pig safe. And now there is a racket coming from the bathroom, thanks to his youngest siblings - four-year-old twins, Jackson and Jillian. It's a big responsibility being the oldest kid in the family. Will Mason ever be able to finish his book? Or maybe something will happen that will inspire the ending. "Mason and Invincible Igor" is written for read-aloud and for early readers. An art activity, and interactive questions to promote memory recall and emotional intelligence are included. ABOUT THE THREE BOOK SERIES: I was in my classroom when a student asked, "I wonder what my sister is doing right now?" The student's question made me think about a child's emerging concept of time: that of being aware of life happening elsewhere, outside of the child's own experience. Each book in the Sapphire Family Series is told from a different point of view: that of the twins, in "Jackson and Jillian," their older sister, Alicia in "Alicia and Annie," and big brother, Mason in "Mason and Invincible Igor." All three books take place during the same period of time, early evening. Although the books can stand alone, read together they offer a three-dimensional exploration of sibling interactions and family dynamics. Reading a story from different points of view is a first step in thinking beyond oneself. My intention is that the Sapphire Family Series will offer children compelling characters with whom they can identify and grow, and present positive, realistic family dynamics that will delight them.

Daniel is preparing a special gift for his new baby sister, but will it be ready by the time they go to the adoption centre? To show baby Angela how much she is loved by her new family, Daniel wants to whistle for her like the songbirds he loves so much. But will she smile for him? When they arrive at the adoption center and Daniel still hasn’t got the knack of whistling, it’s Jessie, Angela’s birthmother, who knows just what to do. Whistling for Angela celebrates the familial bonds formed through the act of adoption. Illustrator Peggy Collins’ heartwarming close-ups of the families’ loving interactions create an intimate atmosphere throughout all the emotions of the day. In her author’s note Robin Heald shares the inspiration for the story, which came directly from her own experiences with adoption. She also explores the increasingly common practice of building connections between all three sides of the adoption triangle: the child, the birth family, and the adoptive family.