Readers won’t be surprised to see that same lively spirit in Busy Betty, the vibrant children’s book character created by the award-winning actress and brought to life by the brilliant illustrations of Xindi Yan. With a big heart and even bigger ideas, there’s much to love about Betty.

no no 9780593525128 Busy Betty & the Circus Surprise by Reese Witherspoon, illustrated by Xindi Yan

The exuberant Busy Betty is back in her second adventure, where she throws a surprise party for her mother. But Betty gets a surprise of her own!

Brightly had the opportunity to speak with Reese about her new book, teaching kids adaptability, and finding time to read as a busy parent.

Jennifer Clare, Sr. Editor: You are a storyteller in many ways. What made you want to create something for kids specifically?

Reese Witherspoon: This character started occurring to me when I was looking at pictures. I was going through my old archives of pictures of me when I was a kid, realizing I had this crazy energy, high-spirited, full of ideas. And I was always building businesses with my brother in the backyard. We were interested in being entrepreneurs from the very beginning of our lives, and I thought, wouldn’t it be kind of fun to, first of all, showcase this character who’s larger than life, and also give caregivers ideas about how to create imaginative play for kids who have a lot of energy.

Busy Betty is a wonderfully positive portrayal of a spirited, highly energetic kid whose body and mind are constantly in movement. And I love that she’s based on you as a kid! What can we expect from Betty in The Circus Surprise?

Betty, her best friend Mae, and her other friend Jeffrey want to throw a party for her mother’s birthday, and they decide to focus on a circus theme. They build the costumes, and they do their clown makeup themselves, they use Betty’s mom’s tablecloth as the tent, and they train her dog to be a lion. But inevitably, disaster ensues, and a mess happens. And Betty just figures all is lost. She can’t pull herself out of the feeling that she’s failed. So her mother and her friends encourage her to take her mess and turn it into success. It’s about redirection and resilience. That is what I love about the Busy Betty stories.

Learning to switch gears and find new solutions to problems is an important skill for kids (and adults). Do you have advice for teaching kids to be flexible?

I think working with humor is really important. Kids can get really stuck and be kind of hard on themselves, but if you can redirect with humor, it really helps. So, you know, if you bake a cake and it burns, it’s really about how you fix it and make it edible. Those skills of learning how to make the best of a project that went wrong, I learned a lot from that. Being adaptable is a really important life skill.

And when in doubt, add glitter!

You are obviously a very busy person! What advice would you give for busy parents like myself who love books, but struggle to find time to read?

Oh gosh. It’s so hard when kids are little. Just give yourself a break. You don’t have to be the most well-read person. Anybody who has toddlers knows it’s impossible to be able to chase a kid and focus at night after they go to bed. Your reading will come back when your life clears up a little bit.

Also, kids become readers when they watch their parents read. My dad read a lot and my grandma read a lot, so watching them read all the time was a really important part of my life.

Any tips for creating an engaging read-aloud experience?

I think doing different voices for each character really helps. Try and modulate your voice because it keeps the reader interested.

I’ve tried the voices, and then halfway through the book, I forget which voice I was doing for which character.

I can show you my techniques!

I’ve found my daughter likes sound effects. So like, if there’s a car in the story I’ll add a “Vroom vroom” sound. Those are a little easier for me.

Oh yeah. Or like books that have a melody to them. Like the Pete the Cat books or books like Click-Clack Moo that have words that create a percussive sound really help kids read more.

What was the book that turned you into a reader as a child? And what are the books your kids love to read?

I just read and read. I read every book that I could get my hands on … I just loved it. I read a lot of Ramona Quinby when I was little. I loved mysteries too. I loved The Chronicles of Narnia.

The boys really liked Encyclopedia Brown. My daughter, we read the Judy Moody series. The Magic Tree House series was popular in my house. My daughter would read a lot of Gail Carson Levine, the Ella Enchanted books. Kate de Camillo’s Mercy Watson series is really cute and funny.

Can we expect more stories from Busy Betty?

I’m working on another one right now. I just have endless ideas. So yeah, next year I think we’re going to have another one out that has a holiday theme, which I’m really excited about.

The post Keeping Busy With Reese Witherspoon appeared first on Brightly.

no no 9780593969090 XO Ballerina Big Sis by Tiler Peck

We took the opportunity to ask Tiler a few questions about what inspires her, the secret sauce for success, and her best advice for young people. Read on to learn more about this incredible dancer and her new book in this exclusive interview.

Brightly: You’re best known as a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet — what inspired you to step into the world of writing for kids?

Tiler Peck: The idea really grew out of an Instagram series I started, where I’d share advice and always sign off with “XO, Ballerina Big Sis.” Almost immediately, I saw how much people connected with those little notes of encouragement, and I loved being able to support them by answering their questions. As dancers, so much of our lives are spent doing what we’re told, without always using our own voices. Writing this book was a way for me to be that “big sis” dancers might not even know they needed, and to pass down what I’ve learned over the years, and hopefully help the next generation of dancers grow with confidence.

In XO Ballerina Big Sis, you share a lot of helpful advice about ballet. What are some of the skills learned through dance that you think are important for kids to apply to everyday life?

One of my favorite lessons in the book is something I call Talent+. To me, talent is never enough on its own. What really matters is the work you put in. The combination of effort and passion is what leads to growth. It’s a lesson I carry into everything I do, not just ballet. I truly believe that if you’re willing to work hard and allow yourself the space to flourish, you can become the best version of yourself.

Were there any parts of the book that felt especially meaningful to write?

Yes, there are two subjects that I think are so important, but are not always easy to talk about: competition and injuries. Both are part of dance, but they’re also part of life. With competition, my advice is always to focus on yourself. The more energy you spend comparing, the less you have to invest in your own growth. Competition can be healthy when it pushes you to be your best, but if it starts to consume you, it’s time to shift the focus back to what really matters: taking care of yourself.

As for injuries, the best part of enduring a hardship is that you will always grow from that experience. Sometimes it is hard to remind yourself of that while you are down, but you will reemerge a different and more beautiful dancer because you will have learned more about yourself.

One of the things that makes ballet so special is how it tells a story without saying a word. How do you think dance helps young people express emotions and tell their own stories?

Dance is such a gift because it allows you to express yourself without speaking. Some people are shy or quiet, but when they dance, their emotions come alive. It’s really a universal language that everyone can understand.

What’s the one thing you think every ballet student should always have on hand?

A ballerina big sis

What kinds of books did you love to read when you were a young girl? Were there any stories that helped shape you as a person?

I loved mystery novels, the kind of books that kept me turning the pages, wondering what would happen next. But one book that really stayed with me as a little girl was Dance, Tanya.

What advice would you give to kids who dream of being dancers — or writers — someday?

I would say: Go for it! The sky truly is the limit, and you won’t know how far you can go unless you try. A dance career takes discipline and hard work, but if you put in the effort, it is worth every single moment. And whether it’s dancing, writing, or anything else you dream of, believe in yourself, stay curious, and never be afraid to take that first step.

The post Tiler Peck on Ballet, Big Dreams, and Her New Book <i>XO Ballerina Big Sis</i> appeared first on Brightly.

While dealing with earth-shattering tantrums can often be frustrating, I take comfort in knowing this is normal toddler behavior. And I’m versed in gentle parenting techniques enough to realize this wasn’t really about the cereal.

You see, she has a new little sister who often takes up more of my attention than she would like. She’s dealing with some big emotions around this transition and, at almost three years old, doesn’t yet have the skills to express or manage those feelings.

Feelings can be confusing, overwhelming, and tricky to talk about as a child. Even as an adult, I sometimes struggle with understanding how I’m feeling and why. Emotions are messy, and it’s my job as a parent to help my daughter work through them. Books can be excellent tools for helping do just that.

What does it mean to feel happy, sad, or mad? To feel scared, surprised, silly, or shy? Reading books rich in emotional vocabulary aids in emotional development, allowing kids to better connect with their thoughts and feelings. Picture books, especially, are perfect for this. Within their pages, you can point out clues such as facial expressions or behaviors that show what a character might be feeling. This helps encourage conversations with your child about why that character might feel the way they do and why those feelings are okay.

Likewise, books help children process and work through their emotional responses to change. Books were immensely helpful in introducing my daughter to the idea of becoming a big sister. I’ll turn to books again when we tackle other big changes, like potty training and starting school. I can use books to help teach her about more complex emotions like gratitude, forgiveness, and love. And books aren’t just there to help younger kids understand and express their emotions. They’ll still be there when she’s older to help her work through her emotions when dealing with bullies, peer pressure, friendship, first love, and more. To paraphrase Roald Dahl’s Matilda, books offer comfort to kids by showing them they are not alone.

Books are also magical in how they make us feel. Not just in the way we share the emotions of the characters in a story, but the very act of reading itself. That’s part of the reason they can make such exceptional gifts.

I still recall how safe I felt snuggled up against my dad as he read my sister and me a story before bed, and I see those same connections happening with my daughter when we read together. I see how she looks to me to react when something surprising or silly happens in the story. How she’ll interrupt to make some connection to her own life, giving me a window into her mind. How the tone of my voice guides her into understanding moments of sadness and scenes of joy. I love how her little body relaxes as it leans into mine, her little hands helping to turn the page. Reading is good for our relationship too.

Let books be a cozy place for kids to land when they need help understanding how they are feeling, need to work through a big change in their life, or just want to escape.

There’s truly nothing better.

The post Books and Big Feelings: <br>Using Books To Help Kids Explore Emotions appeared first on Brightly.

Luckily, the former Saturday Night Live star’s delightful new picture book, Not All Sheep Are Boring!, proves that sheep don’t have to be dull. They can be silly, secretive, coffee addicts, pickle lovers, and so much more!

no no 9780593407035 Not All Sheep Are Boring! by Bobby Moynihan, illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch

We caught up with Moynihan to talk about his new book, bedtime, and the book character he’d love to voice.

Brightly: Reframing the idea of counting sheep is so clever! Did the idea arrive from a moment in your childhood? Or a moment with your daughter?

Bobby Moynihan: A moment with my daughter before bed. Counting sheep was not something I really did as a kid, so when my daughter brought it up I was surprised. It made me start to think, “Why sheep?” And then I realized sheep are VERY boring. Well, some. Not all. Hence the title.

Walk us through your daughter’s bedtime routine. When not counting not-boring sheep, how do you help her wind down for the night?

Bath and clean up time. Brushing teeth time. Reading time. Get too loud with Dada and have to start calming down time. 10 minutes of giggling. Dead asleep out of nowhere.

What about yourself?

I haven’t slept in 16 years.

The sheep are so fun and Julie Rowan-Zoch’s adorably, goofy illustrations make them that much more lovable! Do you have a favorite?

I have many! They change. Right now [my favorites are] Julie, Alice, Mike H, Quinn, and Pierre. Ask me again in a week. Julie Rowan-Zoch is super talented and knocked it out of the park.

You’ve been the voice for several animated kids’ characters for film and TV. If you could voice one children’s book character, who would it be?

Easy. Lowly Worm in Richard Scarry’s Please and Thank You Book.

Or … the Toad Boy in Not All Sheep Are Boring! I know the author. He’s fun and kind.

I love the way you write comedy that appeals to adults, and I’m wondering if you could talk a little bit about how that differs from what kids may find funny. I have a feeling that’s not an easy thing to do — to find that in-between that appeals to both — but I’m curious about what your process is like!

Thanks! Kids are smart and they WILL tell you “that’s not funny.” Even if they are wrong! I think growing up on the Muppets set that tone in my head where it’s technically for kids but adults love it too. No one is talking down to anyone. I like to live in that world.

The post Counting Sheep With Bobby Moynihan appeared first on Brightly.

Needless to say, we were usually left with a lot of left-over candy. Coming home after a night of collecting more candy than we could ever eat, my sister and I were delighted to add the leftovers to our already ridiculous stash (with a few pieces taken by our chocolate-loving mom).

Flash forward to the present: I am now the chocolate-loving mom (one does not survive having a new baby at the height of the pandemic without becoming addicted to sweets). Naturally, I’ve been looking forward to taking my little pumpkin trick-or-treating and claiming the candy for myself, but for those who choose to opt out of the traditional candy collection, here are some fresh and festive ways to celebrate Halloween. 

Books for Treats

Gather up your little ghosts and ghouls for 13 nights of Halloween storytime, complete with snacks, cozy blankets, and a new book every day. From fright-free stories for little readers to twisted tales for tweens to suspenseful stories for teens, books can be just as sweet a treat as candy!

Have a Ghostly Candy Hunt

Fill glow-in-the-dark plastic eggs with candy and hide them around the house. Turn out the lights and set your kids loose for a Halloween candy hunt. You can also use flashlights and candy if you don’t have plastic eggs at home.  

Decorate Your Own Haunted House

Skulls, bats, and spiders — oh my! Decorating this sweet and tasty Haunted Manor Cookie Kit will have your family screaming with fright, er… I mean delight.

Host a Family Pumpkin Carving Party

Gather up the carving tools, ready your pumpkin, turn up the Halloween tunes, and carve away! Instead of the traditional triangle eyes and toothy grin, find inspiration from your family’s bookshelves with these stencils featuring beloved children’s book characters. Painting pumpkins is a fun alternative for kids too young to handle sharp tools. And don’t forget to roast those pumpkin seeds for a delicious seasonal snack.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt

Print out this fun outdoor activity, and have fun walking around the neighborhood searching for items on the list. Add in flashlights and play at night for an extra dose of ghostly fun. 

BOO Your Neighbors

Secretly leave a goodie bag filled with treats on your neighbor’s doorstep. Be sure to include a cute poem and instructions on how to keep the fun going. Kids love the treats and the mystery of it all, but being the one who gets to “BOO” is so fun!

Visit a Drive-Thru Haunted House

For older kids who love a good scare, drive-thru, contact-free haunted houses are a novel approach to scary hayrides. Encounter frightening creatures, menacing characters, and terrifying special effects — all from the comfort of your family car.

Host a Whodunit Mystery Game Night

Purchase and print out one of these kid-friendly whodunnit games, have your kids get into character (bonus points if they dress the part), and prepare for a night of mystery and intrigue. Your family will love this immersive experience that fosters creativity and imagination. 

Trunk or Treat

During trunk-or-treat events, families decorate the back of their cars for Halloween and gather in a parking lot for kids to trick-or-treat from car to car. Check out your local school websites and town newspaper to see if there will be any in your area.

The post 9 Fun Halloween Ideas for Kids That Go Beyond Trick-or-Treating appeared first on Brightly.

It was such a small thing for her to do – loading us up with treats – but the fact that this moment holds strong in my memory shows that what we do, no matter how seemingly insignificant, affects somebody, somehow. Those simple acts of kindness and service to others can be so powerful, and it’s important that we teach kids to recognize these harbingers for good as role models.

These kids’ books celebrate those everyday heroes who have touched our lives, be they community helpers risking their personal safety for others or influential leaders actively working for change. Use them to inspire your reader to be a force for good themselves. Their future acts of bravery and kindness could transform the world in ways big and small.

no no 9781984837493 Superheroes Are Everywhere https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/607814/superheroes-are-everywhere-by-kamala-harris/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Kamala Harris, illustrated by Mechal Renee Roe

Written by Kamala Harris herself, Superheroes Are Everywhere reflects on the individuals who inspired the first Black female VP-elect as a young girl: the ordinary, everyday people in her life. This wonderful picture book teaches kids to recognize everyday heroes while encouraging them to be their best selves.
(Ages 3 – 7)

9780593373385 Thank You, Helpers https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/667817/thank-you-helpers-by-patricia-hegarty-illustrated-by-michael-emmerson/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Patricia Hegarty, illustrated by Michael Emmerson

This rhyming read-aloud is a wonderful way to honor the many kinds of helpers within a community, and the work they do to keep us all safe, fed, educated, and healthy. Featuring teachers, healthcare workers, delivery drivers, and grocery store employees, Thank You, Helpers is a joyous celebration of these everyday heroes.
(Ages 4 – 8)

9780803730892 Shirley Chisholm Is a Verb https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/296335/shirley-chisholm-is-a-verb-by-veronica-chambers-illustrated-by-rachelle-baker/ by Veronica Chambers, illustrated by Rachelle Baker

This picture book-biography is about Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman in Congress who sought the democratic nomination for president in 1972. Chisholm was a doer, famously saying: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” This inspiring biography gives young readers a look at her early life, time as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, presidential candidacy, and lasting legacy.
(Ages 4 – 8)

9781580897853 Malala: Activist for Girls’ Education https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/544623/malala-activist-for-girls-education-by-raphaele-frier-author-aurelia-fronty-illustrator/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Raphaële Frier, illustrated by Aurélia Fronty

This Pakistani teen won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work advocating for the education of girls, work that led to her attempted murder by the Taliban. Her bravery and conviction are sure to inspire young readers in this beautifully-illustrated biography.
(Ages 6 – 9)

9780593093351 Who Was Ida B. Wells? https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/607759/who-was-ida-b-wells-by-sarah-fabiny-illustrated-by-ted-hammond/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Sarah Fabiny and Who HQ, illustrated by Ted Hammond

This title in the Who Was? series dives into the inspiring life of Ida B. Wells, who used her voice to speak out against racism and prejudice. As one of the most prominent Black female journalists of her time, she fought for gender equality and civil rights.
(Ages 8 – 12)

9780525646303 The Hero Next Door https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/586001/the-hero-next-door-by-olugbemisola-rhuday-perkovich/9780525646303/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 edited by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

This delightful collection of short stories for middle grade readers features a diverse group of award-winning kid-lit authors. Their tales showcase ordinary people doing the extraordinary — changing the world through small acts of kindness — and inspire readers to become everyday heroes, too.
(Ages 8 – 12)

9781524793531 Who Is Ruth Bader Ginsburg? https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/606884/who-is-ruth-bader-ginsburg-by-patricia-brennan-demuth-illustrated-by-jake-murray/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Patricia Brennan Demuth and Who HQ, illustrated by Jake Murray

There’s so much to admire about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Having served on the federal bench for over 25 years, she continues to be a leading voice for gender equality, civil rights, and other liberties.
(Ages 8 – 12)

The post Inspiring Kids’ Books That Celebrate Everyday Heroes appeared first on Brightly.

If you have a Sesame Street-obsessed toddler, here are a few titles that will give your little one a screen-free Elmo fix.

no no 9780449810668 My Name is Elmo https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/2217/my-name-is-elmo-sesame-street-by-constance-allen-illustrated-by-maggie-swanson/9780449810668/ by Constance Allen, illustrated by Maggie Swanson

Think you know everything there is to know about Elmo? Tiny tots will love discovering just how much they have in common with their favorite little red monster in this bright and cheerful Little Golden Book all about Elmo.

9780449817407 Elmo’s Little Library https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/224703/elmos-little-library-sesame-street-by-sarah-albee-constance-allen-deborah-november-illustrated-by-maggie-swanson-tom-leigh-carol-nicklaus/ by Sarah Albee, Constance Allen, and Deborah November, illustrated by Maggie Swanson and Tom Leigh

This four-pack of fun little stories is the perfect gift for Elmo lovers. Toddlers will get a kick out of Elmo’s Tricky Tongue Twisters, join the game in Elmo Says…, and giggle over the clever nursery rhymes in Elmo’s Mother Goose. It’s also great for on-the-go reading.

9781524767181 K Is for Kindness https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/553691/k-is-for-kindness-sesame-street-by-jodie-shepherd-illustrated-by-tom-brannon/ by Jodie Shepherd, illustrated by Tom Brannon

Elmo is working to earn his Monster Scout “K Is for Kindness” Badge! Join Elmo as he does good deeds around the neighborhood and learns what it means to be a kind person.

9781524766214 We’re Amazing 1, 2, 3! https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/555253/were-amazing-123-a-story-about-friendship-and-autism-sesame-street-by-leslie-kimmelman-illustrated-by-marybeth-nelson/ by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by MaryBeth Nelson

When Elmo and Julia meet Abby on the playground, Elmo helps Abby to understand why Julia, who is autistic, communicates a little differently. This story is a wonderful introduction to autism for kids and a lovely lesson in acceptance and inclusion.

9780385383691 P Is for Potty https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/235130/p-is-for-potty-sesame-street-by-naomi-kleinberg-illustrated-by-christopher-moroney/ by Naomi Kleinberg, illustrated by Christopher Moroney

When Elmo’s little cousin Albie comes to visit, he wants to do everything just like big boy Elmo — including use the potty. Filled with fun flaps to peek under, this encouraging little book also keeps potty-training kiddos entertained while sitting on the toilet.

9780385371384 Time for Bed, Elmo! https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/1537/time-for-bed-elmo-sesame-street-by-sarah-albee-illustrated-by-maggie-swanson/ by Sarah Albee, illustrated by Maggie Swanson

One more drink of water and one more story too! Just like your own little one, Elmo has all kinds of tricks for avoiding bedtime. Fun rhymes that slow to a gentle rhythm once Elmo — and your own kiddo — is tucked in bed make this book a sweet and silly way to end the day.

The post The Best Books for Little Elmo Fanatics appeared first on Brightly.

Better known by her online persona IISuperwomanII, Lilly Singh is a popular YouTube personality, vlogger, comedian, and actress. With more than ten million subscribers, almost two billion views, and two world tours under her belt, Singh certainly knows how to hustle. Now she adds the title “author” to her extensive list of accomplishments with the release of her new book, How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life.

What’s a bawse, you ask? Someone who isn’t just surviving life, but completely and totally conquering it. A bawse exudes confidence, stands out in a crowd, learns from every experience, and works hard to achieve greatness. In short, they are constantly striving to be the absolute best version of themselves.

Whether gearing up for exams, preparing to go off to college, or just looking to make some life changes, Singh’s great advice (and beautiful success story) is the perfect motivation for the young adults in your life. Here are just a few of our favorite tips from How to Be a Bawse to help soon-to-be adults not just live life, but take charge of it.

1. Expect a climb. 

According to Singh, there are no shortcuts, quick tips, or wishing on shooting stars when it comes to being a bawse. It’s all about hard work and dedication. Set goals for yourself, feel rewarded when you reach them, and then challenge yourself to go even further.

2. Find your focus.  

Figure out your priorities, hustle toward them, and forget the rest.

3. Believe it can be done.

When looking for a place to shoot the music video for her song “IVIVI,” Singh had her sights set on the Toronto Raptors’ basketball court, an idea that seemed next to impossible with the video team’s tight deadline and limited budget. But she refused to just assume that it couldn’t happen and instead pushed to make it happen. Singh got her time on the court and, by aiming high with her asks, got even more than she needed. Bottom line, don’t believe something is unrealistic until you’re flat-out told it can’t be done.

4. Give it your all.

Life isn’t about just going through the motions. If you’re going to do something, put everything you have into it.

5. Be kind. 

Singh’s keys to success? Work hard and be nice to people. You may be super diligent and determined, but no one is going to want to work with, present opportunities to, or support someone who isn’t a nice person. Even more important than success, a bawse’s mission in life is to make the world a better place. A little kindness can go a long way toward making that happen.

6. Embrace your hardships. 

Pain and struggle are a part of life. You will experience heartache from a breakup, disappointment over a bad grade, anger over friendship drama, and so much more. Allow yourself to feel these emotions, but don’t let them consume you. Learn from your pain so you can look forward to a stronger you tomorrow. The hustle and the struggles that come with it are opportunities to grow.

7. Be grateful.

Singh recounts once being annoyed at not having Wi-Fi on a 14-hour flight only to realize her privilege a few hours later in Kenya. Seeing little kids playing outside their huts in tattered clothes and shabby shoes was a reality check for Singh and a reminder of all she had to be grateful for. It’s important to see the bigger picture that is your life and remember how truly blessed you are.

no no 9780425286463 Learn More About the Book:
How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/548582/how-to-be-a-bawse-by-lilly-singh/9780425286463/ by Lilly Singh

We’re celebrating the release of Lilly Singh’s new book with a book giveaway! Three lucky readers will win a copy of  How to Be a Bawse and a Brightly tote bag. Comment below to be entered to win!

The post How to Be a Bawse: <br>7 No-Nonsense Tips for Teens to Conquer the Road Ahead appeared first on Brightly.

yes no Burgeoning Bookworms 9780736434416 Quiet Time with Belle http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/252977/quiet-time-with-belle-disney-princess-by-andrea-posner-sanchez-illustrated-by-sue-dicicco/ by Andrea Posner-Sanchez, illustrated by Sue DiCicco

This board book is great for helping the littlest of readers settle in for some down time. Follow along as Belle relates the many ways she — and you! — can still have fun while being quiet.
(Ages 0 – 3)

9780736435031 Belle Is My Babysitter http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/533162/belle-is-my-babysitter-disney-princess-by-victoria-saxon-and-andrea-posner-sanchez-illustrated-by-fabio-laguna-and-meritxell-andreu/ by Victoria Saxon and Andrea Posner-Sanchez, illustrated by Fabio Laguna and Meritxell Andreu

Mrs. Potts asks Belle to look after Chip while she works in the kitchen. Chip is sad because he can’t participate in field day with the other village children (on account of the fact that he’s a teacup), so Belle plans her own field day for the two of them. They spend the day catching sugar cubes, running obstacles courses, and having fun together.
(Ages 2 – 5)

9781423119814 Beauty and the Beast http://books.disney.com/book/beauty-and-the-beast/ by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Meg Park

This version of the story is closer to the original version of the tale. Beauty’s father is heading into the city to try to salvage a ship and asks his daughters what they would like him to bring back for them. Her two older sisters greedily request jewels while Beauty asks only for a rose. After taking the last rose from the Beast’s garden Beauty’s father must become his servant, but Beauty convinces him to let her go in his place. Beautifully soft, pastel illustrations perfectly compliment this poetic retelling.
(Ages 3 – 5)

yes no Early Readers 9780736435758 Beauty and the Beast Big Golden Book http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/541445/beauty-and-the-beast-big-golden-book-disney-beauty-and-the-beast-by-melissa-lagonegro-illustrated-by-rh-disney by Melissa Lagonegro, illustrated by RH Disney

Young fans of Disney’s animated film will love this Big Golden Book version of Beauty and the Beast. Colorful illustrations from the movie and simple text make it easy for beginner readers to follow along with a story they already know and love.
(Ages 3 – 6)

9780399257315 Beauty and the Beast http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/309886/beauty-and-the-beast-by-jan-brett-illustrated-by-jan-brett/ by Jan Brett

Following the original French fairy tale, it’s Jan Brett’s richly drawn illustrations that bring this version to life. An 18th century setting, exotic animals that replace teacups and candlesticks as servants, a beautiful woman, and a boar-ish beast are all brilliantly rendered in pastel shades done with colored pencils and watercolors. Pay close attention to the details, especially the tapestries in the background, as they reveal the true identities of the Beast and his servants.
(Ages 5 – 8)

yes no Middle Grade Readers 9781484780985 Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book http://books.disney.com/book/beauty-and-the-beast-lost-in-a-book/ by Jennifer Donnelly

The tale of Beauty and the Beast takes on added dimension with this imaginative story within a story. Conflicted over wanting to return to her father and her emerging feelings for Beast, Belle decides to forget her troubles by getting lost in a good book. When she comes upon Nevermore, a mysterious book that grants her access to a different world, Belle’s offered an escape from the castle and an invitation to a life of sophistication she’s only dreamed of. But Nevermore is not quite what it seems. Will Belle find out the truth before it’s too late or be trapped within its pages forever?
(Ages 9 – 12)

9781484707289 As Old as Time: A Twisted Tale http://books.disney.com/book/as-old-as-time/ by Liz Braswell

As Old as Time takes Disney’s classic story a step further, adding an element of horror and a few surprising twists. Belle discovers that her mother is the enchantress that cursed the Beast and his castle. It isn’t love that will break this curse, but rather unraveling a dark secret about their two families. Alternating between Belle and Beast’s present efforts to break the curse and her parents’ past, this book delves further into the characters and creates a much deeper story of a tale we already know and love.
(Ages 12+)

yes no YA 9780062422286 Hunted https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062422286/hunted by Meagan Spooner

Hunted is a beautiful addition to the many treasured YA fairy tale retellings. Spooner honors the original Beauty and the Beast fairy tale while also weaving in touches of Russian folklore that add depth to the story. When Yeva’s father loses his fortune and moves the family into the forest, she is relieved to be back in nature and hunting again. One day her father goes missing in the woods and Yeva sets out to find him. Her search leads her to a land she’s only heard about in her father’s stories, the Beast’s land.

9781101937167 Beast http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/532244/beast-by-brie-spangler/ by Brie Spangler

This YA retelling only lightly borrows from the original fairy tale. Huge, hairy, and with horrid features, life has not been easy for 15-year-old Dylan. Even his best friends call him The Beast. When he one day falls off the roof and breaks his leg, Dylan finds himself in group therapy for self-harmers. There he meets Jamie, the Beauty to his Beast. But had Dylan been paying attention, he would know that Jamie is a transgender woman. Will finding out be the end of their relationship? This modern day twist on the old tale reminds readers that appearances don’t always match what’s on the inside.

The post Tales as Old as Time: <br><i>Beauty and the Beast</i> Books <br>for Kids of All Ages appeared first on Brightly.