Aimee Reid
Aimee Reid is an author with a background in education and editing. She taught high school English, Music, and Special Education before she began to work full-time as a writer. As a child, Aimee was a voracious reader and could often be found—curled in a corner, tucked in the crook of a tree limb, or crouched by a book rack in the grocery store aisle—carried away to the world of a book. Now Aimee sends her own stories out into the world. It brings her great joy to think of other children nestled on a lap or cuddled on a couch reading good books to share.
Her blog (Good Books to Share):
Reviews
A World of Love
“In an ode to the universal love of parent and child, this book invites readers to explore how members of the animal realm show their love to their young. Richly colored cut-paper collages adorn spreads of various animals in their habitats. . . . Back matter includes more information about how animals care for their young. . . . Detailed illustrations along with the beautiful descriptors make this book a great option to read one-on-one with a child tucked in close. With its rhythmic lines and colorful illustrations, A World of Love is sure to be a bedtime favorite.” —School Library Journal
“Reid and Lyles create a colorful world of parent-child love. Each page turn reveals a different animal and environment, each done in a striking palette. . . . Stunning collages made with hand-painted paper, pencil, and crayon. . . . Easy-to-read rhyming verse. . . . Richly colored, detailed illustrations and short verses brimming with love make this book a good candidate for one-on-one reading (and snuggling). Backmatter offers additional information about each animal’s devoted parenting behavior. . . . Tailor-made for a naptime cuddle.” ― Kirkus Reviews
Animal Snuggles
“An introduction for young children to the world of animal affection. A spare, rhyming text showcases 13 animals and the various ways that they bond through touch. A mother otter and her pup snuggle “belly to belly,” while a young colt nestles a mare “cheek to cheek.” Kangaroos hug “elbow to elbow,” while swans touch “beak to beak.” Each pairing radiates love and comfort between adult and youngster. To widen the audience, the main text appears in large, bold lettering, while a smaller typeface adds supplementary information. For instance, “On a cold snow drift, / toes to toes” sits alongside “Emperor penguin fathers hold their / newborn chicks in a special pouch by their feet.” One could simply read the larger text as a lullaby to the youngest listeners, or expound further for older, curious minds. Appended facts at the end provide additional context on each animal. Braun’s golden highlights shine on sands, forests, ponds, and grasslands. Even the underwater and icy tundra landscapes exude warmth from the cuddles. The final pairing shows humans with a variety of skin tones giving snuggles: “Nothing is sweeter. / Nothing more true. / Heartbeat to / heartbeat. / Me with you.” Readers will no doubt want to practice the adorable nuzzling actions of the animals as well. Love in its most natural state.”― Kirkus Reviews
First Morning Sun: A Book of Firsts
“Via concise rhymes, Reid narrates a series of childhood firsts, beginning with a newborn’s “First morning sun./ First day begun,” in this joyful ode to milestones both mundane and major. Moving chronologically through traditional year-one signposts such as speech, steps, and a birthday, the book quickly ventures into toddler territory and beyond, celebrating events including “First feeling brave” during a seaside dip and “First scraped-up knee” thanks to a scooter tumble, up until the arrival of “First sibling new/ More firsts for two.” In jubilant scenes, Tsong’s digital illustrations layer thickly outlined, rough-hewn figures with largely fanciful skin tones atop vibrant batik-like patterns. When three kids swing gaily on a tire swing (“First taking flight”), they practically fly off the page. Similarly unadorned and emphatic, text and prose aptly focus attention on many affecting moments of early childhood.”― Publishers Weekly
Welcome Home
“Relatives welcome their newest family member in this moving picture book in rhyme. From mother and father to siblings, grandparents, extended family, and neighbors, a jolly crew of friendly faces sociably greet a tan-skinned, rosy-cheeked infant . . . an irresistible picture of community is formed, amplifying the book’s message of earnest affection and welcome.”― Publishers Weekly
“Home is a place where family and friends make someone feel loved. In this sweet and simple story, a new baby is welcomed home for the first time and everyone is there. Greeted by loving grandparents, a doting aunt and uncle, playful siblings and cousins, as well as some friendly neighbors, this baby is embraced with open arms. Throughout the day, whether feeding, napping, or being changed, the child brings joy to the household.”― School Library Journal
You Are My Friend
"Writing with simplicity, emotional clarity, and a sense of purpose, Reid tells Fred Rogers’ story in a meaningful, sometimes moving way. Phelan’s fluid pencil-and-watercolor artwork brings that story to life on the page . . . A beautifully crafted, heartfelt picture-book biography." ― Booklist, Starred Review
"A simply written, thoughtful tribute worthy of the incomparable Mister Rogers." ― Kirkus Reviews
"A graceful, quietly moving biography." ― Publishers Weekly
"The book has a gentle cadence that it’s easy to imagine Fred Rogers’ famous voice into . . . Phelan’s pencil and watercolor art, casually impressionistic in its details, beams with soft warmth." ― Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"A quietly moving picture book biography about the origin story of Mister Rogers . . . it is an ideal time to introduce the next generation to the pure magic of Mister Rogers and his legacy. His enduring message to children of all ages—that you are enough, just as you are—can never be overstated." ― School Library Journal
"The easy-to-read text is just right for those who may no longer watch Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood but who would nevertheless appreciate a reassuring encounter with an old friend." ― Horn Book Magazine