• Spectrum News Segment: "Alithia Ramirez Was an Artist"

    Spectrum News Segment: "Alithia Ramirez Was an Artist"

    Bryan Boes’ piece about the family of Alithia Ramirez and my book “Alithia Ramirez Was an Artist” is just wonderful. Thanks, Spectrum News 1 Texas! 🥹

    Click here to watch.

  • Amazing Kirkus Review: "Alithia Ramirez Was an Artist"

    Amazing Kirkus Review: "Alithia Ramirez Was an Artist"

    Yay! We got a nice review from Kirkus Reviews : "A young artist and her art live on in this tender, heartfelt book. We must remember."

    --Kirkus Reviews

    Click here to read the full review.

  • TV Interview: KDFW Fox 4, Dallas

    TV Interview: KDFW Fox 4, Dallas

    Thanks very much to Lauren Przybyl of KDFW Fox 4 in Dallas for interviewing me about my latest book, Alithia Ramirez Was an Artist.

    Click here to watch the interview.

  • Book-Fest Award for "Let's Be Friends"

    Book-Fest Award for "Let's Be Friends"

    On April 2, 2022, "Let's Be Friends, A Lift-the-Flap Book" by Violet Lemay (Harper Festival/2021) won Book-Fest's first place award in the children's/mulitcultural and diversity division.

  • Reader's Digest Top 100

    Reader's Digest Top 100

    Reader's Digest recently included Babies Around the World in their list, "The 100 Best Children's Books of All Time".

    Written by Puck, illustrated by Violet Lemay, Babies Around the World was pubished by duopress in 2017 and is ranked #4 in this prestigious list. Way to go, Babies Around the World!

    To read why Babies Around the World is near and dear to Violet's heart, click here.

    To read the complete Reader's Digest list, "The 100 Best Children's Books of All Time" (written by Molly Pennington, PhD), click here.

    And to order your copy of Babies Around the World, click here!

  • CBI Kidlit Distancing Social

    CBI Kidlit Distancing Social

    I had such a lovely time chatting with Laura Backes Bard on Children's Book Insider's Kidlit Distancing Social. Check it out on YouTube.

  • Book Week Presentation

    Book Week Presentation

    "Violet Lemay, Illustrator & Author"
    A 30-minute presentation delivered to grades 6-12
    Shattuck-St. Mary's Forest City International School
    Johor, Malaysia
    March 31, 2021

    Click here to view the entire live presentation!

  • John Oliver... and Pringles

    John Oliver... and Pringles

    Will wonders never cease?

    Or, if not wonders... weirdnesses?

    Late one night on a whim, in response to two bits featured in "Last Week Tonight, I tweeted a my octopus illustration from Hello, Ocean Friends! to John Oliver. Well... not the octopus exactly as it was originally created. I pasted the Pringles logo over it's face, and then sent it to John Oliver. And eventually he used it, along with other tweeted images, in a special short segment devoted to Pringles.

    Click here to read the full story: wordpress.com/view/professorviolet.com

    Or just skip that and watch the video!

    www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIUb3bjh42Y&…



  • Across the Avenue

    Across the Avenue

    Oct 15, 2020

    Across the Avenue has included TummyTime®: Happy Baby in their 2020 holiday gift guide.

    From the site:

    TummyTime®: Happy Baby Board Book by Duopress Lab

    This book helps baby make the most of tummy time! Its two-in-one fold-out design shows colorful animals and high-contrast black and white designs. Choose a side and open up this accordion book in a crib or on the floor to entertain baby and develop eye sight while engaging in tummy time to build strength and coordination needed to roll over, crawl, reach, and play. One of Parents magazine's "Best Children's Books" of 2019!

    www.acrosstheavenue.com/2020/10/BabyBoo…

  • Coming Soon: "Healthy, Healthy. Love, Love, Love"

    Healthy, Healthy. Love, Love, Love will be in bookstores on Dec. 15, 2020. (◕‿◕✿) Preorder now!

    bit.ly/2KDvDk2

    This sweet board book for
    toddlers is all about loving
    yourself and your friends
    when you are healthy
    and when you get sick.

    This sturdy 7x7 board book filled with warm and lively illustrations shows toddlers how to love yourself and your friends, both when healthy and when sick.

    This board book teaches toddlers how to stay healthy, including how to wash your hands, cough into a triangle, cover your sneeze, and more. It reinforces a gentle, loving message: Sometimes we all get sick, and that’s okay—you just need to be extra kind to yourself!

    Help make the world a happier and healthier place with this simple toddler board book. Everyone gets sick and, when they do, they need LOVE more than ever!

    Violet Lemay's many charming books for children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers include Library Babies, The Obamas: A Lift-the-Flap Book, and TummyTime: Happy Baby.

  • Chicago Public Library's Best Books of 2020!!

    Chicago Public Library's Best Books of 2020!!

    Happy to report that Library Babies (Puck/Lemay) has been selected as one of the Chicago Public Library's Best Books of 2020!!


    The Best of the Best lists represents the library’s choices for the year’s most outstanding titles, books of exceptional quality for a diverse, city-wide readership. The list is widely promoted throughout Chicago, including local news coverage. Extra copies of these books are ordered in various formats to be promoted throughout the city, give them special labels, and to be featured in branch displays and in the catalog and web site. Titles are also presented to staff as great reading suggestions to promote to patrons.

    bit.ly/3g3JYlp

  • Interview by Sonia Sevek for A Curious Culturalist

    Interview by Sonia Sevek for A Curious Culturalist

    Check out this long-form interview by the amazing Sonia Sevek, for her blog A Curious Culturalist.

    English: acc-2.blogspot.com/2020/11/in-conversat…

    Spanish: acc-2.blogspot.com/2020/11/conversando-…

  • School Library Journal's "Faces of Color" List

    School Library Journal's "Faces of Color" List

    School Library Journal
    50 Board Books Featuring Faces of Color
    by Katy Hershberger
    Jun 04, 2020

    From the blog:

    "These 50 books—many of which are by #OwnVoices creators—show Black, Indigenous, and people of color learning new skills, fighting for justice, and simply living their lives—and they’re all appropriate for ages 0–3. From simple images to more complex narratives, and classics to upcoming titles from Lin, Vashti Harrison, and Ibram X. Kendi, these titles can help grow your board book collection."

    www.slj.com/?detailStory=50-Board-Books…

  • "50 Children's Books that Celebrate Diversity"

    "50 Children's Books that Celebrate Diversity"

    June 1, 2020

    The Everymom included Babies Around the World in their list of "50 Children's Books that Celebrate Diversity."

    From theeverymom.com:
    "Here are 50 of our favorite children’s books that celebrate diversity...

    %Babies Around The World*
    Take your little baby on a tour of the world without ever leaving your house—this book follows babies in many different countries as they adventure through their day."

    theeverymom.com/diverse-childrens-books/

  • "16 Children's Books We Absolutely Love"

    "16 Children's Books We Absolutely Love"

    May 2020

    Babies Around the World is included in Lunita's list of "16 Children's Books We Absolutely Love."

    From the Lunita site:

    "Our favorite children's books we've read with Luna during her first two+ years of life. Great for any family looking to expand their library OR anyone looking for that perfect gift...

    Take a journey around the world, from morning to night, in this gorgeous read that will have your child giggling while they learn.


    This book transports you through several cultures and cities and shares useful greetings and phrases in multiple languages; an all-around lovely experience."

    www.lunita.nyc/post/16-children-s-books…

  • School Library Journal review of "Library Babies"

    School Library Journal review of "Library Babies"

    Lemay’s cheerful artwork depicts a group of babies and adults engaging in a variety of activities during a library visit. The illustrations elaborate on Puck’s enthusiastic text, as on the spread where “The children’s section is a favorite spot . . . where babies and older children have tons of things to do,” showing the tots watching a wall-mounted screen, playing with blocks and manipulative toys, and choosing and reading books. The text celebrates the elements of a library visit, from storytime and puppet shows to checking books out to enjoy at home... VERDICT Recommended for caregivers to use in discussing the steps of a library visit with their little one.”

    www.slj.com/?reviewDetail=library-babies

  • Parents Magazine's Top 20 Books of 2019

    Parents Magazine's Top 20 Books of 2019

    Parents Magazine got a bunch of kids to test out heaps of 2019 titles and choose their favorites. TummyTime: Happy Baby by duopress labs (with art by Violet Lemay) ranked #4! How cool is that?

    www.parents.com/baby/development/intell…

  • Parents Magazine 20 First Baby Books You'll Both Love

    Parents Magazine 20 First Baby Books You'll Both Love

    TummyTime: Happy Baby is #18 in Parents Magazine's list of 20 First Baby Books You'll Both Love.

    www.parents.com/baby/development/intell…

  • Good Housekeeping recommends "TummyTime™: Happy Baby"

    Good Housekeeping recommends "TummyTime™: Happy Baby"

    Good Housekeeping
    goodhousekeeping.com

    25 Best Baby Books for the Ultimate Nursery Library
    These won't get old, even after countless re-reads.


    BY MARISA LASCALA
    Jan 13, 2020

    #1 TummyTime: Happy Baby (duopress labs/Violet Lemay)

    Tummy Time is hard for babies. This book folds out like an accordion, so you can stand it up in front of your baby for some extra motivation to pick that head up. The illustrations are a mix of high-contrast black-and-white patterns, images of smiling babes, and mirrored pages so your baby can gaze at her own reflection.

  • Editorial Love for "TummyTime™: Happy Baby"

    Editorial Love for "TummyTime™: Happy Baby"

    "One of the Best Books of 2019"
    Parents Magazine

    "This is a tummy time game changer!”
    Dream Readers Kids

  • Reader Reviews of "Tummy Time: Happy Baby"

    Reader Reviews of "Tummy Time: Happy Baby"

    Very cute book!
    Awesome book for tummy time and any time! My daughter loves it. (she is 9 months old)
    —Melanie Cleary, amazon.com

    So cute
    My baby loves this!
    —SummerH, amazon.com





  • Chicago Parent celebrates World Book Day with Bookstore Babies

    Chicago Parent celebrates World Book Day with Bookstore Babies

    April 23, 2019
    Celebrate World Book Day with these 6 children's books
    by Hillary Bird
    Chicago Parent

    "World Book Day, designated as April 23, is a great way to promote reading, writing and publishing. What better avenue than to join with young readers or read to even younger ones? These new books honor words, bookstores and poetry.

    Bookstore Babies , by Puck
    Age range: Birth-3

    This board book is full of illustrations by Violet Lemay of babies reading, being read to and playing in a bookstore. There is a list of activities and tips at the end of the book for new parents to engage little ones in words and play for even more learning (like "find the hidden numbers" and "point to the flags")."

    www.chicagoparent.com/shop/stuff-we-lov…

  • Powell's Pick of the Month

    Powell's Pick of the Month

    April, 2019

    Powell's names Bookstore Babies as a book of the month.

  • Editorial Reviews of "Bookstore Babies"

    Editorial Reviews of "Bookstore Babies"

    " Bookstore Babies shows readers 0–4 the joys bookstores hold—including, of course, cats. Babies are depicted enjoying belly time and story time, practicing shapes and eating snacks and a page of text (with an illustration of a slightly stressed cat being chased by a happy toddler) points out that 'playing with the bookstore cat is always a treat!' "
    —Siân Gaetano, children's and YA editor, Shelf Awareness

    "This board book is full of illustrations by Violet Lemay of babies reading, being read to and playing in a bookstore. There is a list of activities and tips at the end of the book for new parents to engage little ones in words and play for even more learning (like 'find the hidden numbers' and 'point to the flags')."
    Chicago Parent

    "A lively love note to bricks-and-mortar bookstores."
    Publishers Weekly

  • Reader Reviews of "Yes I Can!"

    Reader Reviews of "Yes I Can!"

    Teach your child that people with disabilities can do the same things as them only differently

    I love this book. It has interesting dialogue and easy to understand examples of how Carolyn can do the same things as they do. The illustrations were cute and bright. They showed Carolyn’s disability in a light, fun way rather than convey it as a problem.

    —Terrie Case, amazon.com and Goodreads



    This helpful book for children illumines the concept of “gifts differing” though the story of Carolyn, a wheelchair-bound first grader. It shows her abilities and challenges with compassionate text and darling illustrations, and includes a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers that sensitively teaches the topic of inclusion in a way that children can readily grasp. 5 of 5 Stars.

    —Literary Soirée, amazon.com and Goodreads


    The illustrations are bright, animated and full of emotion. This would be a wonderful addition to a classroom and also an elementary school library.

    —Storywraps, Goodreads


    While the book has clearly been written as an educational resource, it’s a fun, uplifting and heart-warming story that children will enjoy because of the many familiar themes and settings such as friendship, family, school and birthday parties. It would undoubtedly help children who have little experience with wheelchair users to understand and feel more comfortable around disabled peers.

    The illustrations are bright, colourful and expressive, complementing the text nicely.

    —Helen Ishmurzin, Goodreads



  • Artists and Their Pets / My Modern Met

    Artists and Their Pets / My Modern Met

    Feb 3, 2018
    Emma Taggart, My Modern Met

    10 Inspiring Children’s Books for Budding Little Artists

    From the blog:

    "Check out our list of the 10 best children’s books that will inspire the little artists in your life...

    For children that delight in both animals and art, the Artists and Their Pets: True Stories of Famous Artists and Their Animal Friends book tells the tales of history’s famous artists and their pets. With colorful illustrations by Violet Lemay and a playful narrative by Susie Hodge, featured artists include Pablo Picasso and his white mouse; Andy Warhol and his beloved dachshunds; and Salvador Dalí along with his leopard-esque pet ocelot."

    mymodernmet.com/10-childrens-art-books/

  • Editorial Review of "Artists and Their Pets"

    Editorial Review of "Artists and Their Pets"

    "A successful survey of art history and a fun reminder of the special relationship between humans and animals."
    —Booklist

  • Reader Reviews of "Artists and Their Pets"

    Reader Reviews of "Artists and Their Pets"

    Love all the interesting stories and information about the artists. It gained the attention of my students as well.
    —Amanda Hamilton, Goodreads


    Don't look now, but we're learning something about art!

    My 9 YO son really enjoyed this book. The pets theme is fun but it's also a great way to introduce kids to a bit of art and cultural history involving a diverse range of individuals. Really accessible storytelling mixed in with fun illustrations. Highly recommended.
    —Big Daddy, amazon.com


    Great

    Did several art lessons around these artists and pets. Kids loved them.
    —Sandee Hannaford, amazon.com


    Great book. It’s a great way to help kids...

    Great book. It's a great way to help kids connect with artist on a different level while letting us get to know the people behind the art.
    —Amazon Customer

  • Reader Reviews of "Babies Around the World: Dancing" from amazon.com

    Reader Reviews of "Babies Around the World: Dancing" from amazon.com

    A little book of diversity for kids!

    Super cute book for babies and kids. I like that the book covers different countries and teaches kids about diversity, highlighting western and non western places around the world. Beautiful colorful pictures as well that captures everyone’s attention. This will be my go to gift book to give kids from now on! Such a fun book!
    —david agbaza

    Daughter's New Favorite

    We love this book so much. My 2 year old loves seeing all of the babies and we have so much fun dancing along with the book. I love that we can have fun while also learning about different cultures and even a few words in many different languages. Your kiddos will no doubt love this colorful and fun trip around the world through traditional dances.
    —JaQuay Bangs

    Perfect Baby Gift!

    A sweet, sweet book that opens up important dialogue about different cultures around the world. Perfect for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers!
    —Bianca Rota

    A Must Buy!

    This book is so cute! I love how diverse it is. It's great to show my kids that there are other children all around the world who like to do the same things they do!
    —Cameron L

    Perfect Gift for Small Children !

    Perfect book for children just learning how to read. It will teach them diversity. It will teach them different cultures and to appreciate the differences and similarities in these cultures. It's cute and fun! Your child will LOVE it !!
    —Terri W

    Short and sweet get wiggles out book :0)

    What a fun book to not only teach kids about other kids around the world but also to get them moving! This is a short and sweet book to read before bed to get some wiggles out! This will definitely be my go to book to gift little ones.
    —Derrick Puckett

    Great For Children

    My daughter loved this book. Such an easy read and great way for kids to learn about other countries and beautiful differences.
    —ERICKA

    Beautiful Book <3

    Baby and I love this book! We love dancing and learning about other cultures.
    —Jasmine Hickey

    Must have for children's collection

    What an well made well written and illustrated book, colourful bright and keeps children’s attention. Absolutely love how the author wrote this. Beyond expectation
    —Kevin.R

    Makes for a Great Gift!

    Great book!! Loved the colours and artwork, kids were very interested in it. It made for a perfect gift to give and read to nieces and nephews.
    —Felicia J. Mickle

    Child's Book

    Loved the book and how it included many ethnicities! Little nephew loved it as well and reads it all the time!
    —Tye Jordan

    Adorable children's book. Kids love it.

    Adorable children's book.
    —Jessica

  • Editorial Reviews of "Babies Around the World"

    Editorial Reviews of "Babies Around the World"

    “A lovely portrait of kindness without borders.”

    Publisher’s Weekly


    "This multilingual board book greets children in eight languages as it makes its way around the globe over the course of a day. Airy lines, a patchwork of patterns, and splashy colors create a mood of carefree energy in each city: 'Bom dia, mundo (Good morning, world),' offers a Brazilian baby as it crawls across a sandy Rio beach, the statue of Christ the Redeemer towering over the landscape in the distance. In Egypt, a woman wearing a Cairo T-shirt and hijab holds up her daughter, as though readers are a guest in their home: 'Marhabaan "asdiqa". (Hello, friends).' Although the languages aren’t identified, only the cities, it’s a lovely portrait of kindness without borders. Up to age 5."

    Publishers Weekly



    "Babies-PreS-Babies and their families greet neighbors and friends throughout the day in New York, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris, Cape Town, Cairo, Beijing, and Tokyo. The final spread has a papa bidding his baby "Nite nite!" in San Francisco. Fun digital collage landscapes grace each spread along with the standard greetings (and translations). A fun way to introduce different parts of the world and the universality of baby love around the globe." —School Library Journal

    "A cheery board book to reinforce the oneness of babykind."

    Kirkus Reviews

  • Reader Reviews of "Babies Around the World" from Goodreads

    Reader Reviews of "Babies Around the World" from Goodreads

    As world citizens this book is perfect for my family. It really fosters a love of different languages and cultures.

    —Amanda


    ...5 stars from the baby. It’s his new favorite. He likes the Cairo baby best, with Paris a close second.

    —CaitlinLeah

  • Reader Reviews of "Babies Around the World" from amazon.com

    Reader Reviews of "Babies Around the World" from amazon.com

    Preschool Homeschooling Favorite!

    Great for open ended conversation about continents and various cultures.

    —SheenaHolder


    Buy it

    Recommended for all families. I think this is an essential for all families. I bought this for my preschool and it was a hit.

    —Erica B


    Great book

    Babys i care for love this book.

    —Mrs J Davis

  • Review of NY Dogs

    Review of NY Dogs

    Such a cute, beautifully illustrated book! I saw this while searching for graphic novels / comics on New York and knew I had to read it! I recommended it to my local library, and to my delight, they bought it and I had it within two weeks! Very fun and funny book!

    —Maria Rowe, Goodreads

  • Review of NY Dogs

    Review of NY Dogs

    ADORABLE! must have little coffee table book for any dog obsessed new yorker! I saw this book at a local indie bookstore and fell in love and had to buy it! Just the kind of fun little read I didn't even know I was looking for. Great art, funny captions!

    —Sassafras Lowrey, Goodreads

  • Editorial Reviews of "100 Pablo Picassos"

    Editorial Reviews of "100 Pablo Picassos"

    From School Library Journal

    Gr 1–3—Readers will appreciate this concise introduction to Pablo Picasso. Each brief snippet about the artist's life is paired with a finely rendered, Picasso-esque cartoon illustration. A gentle sense of humor runs through these images, which also serve to personalize the man, from the cover, in which he walks with his pet dog Lump, to an illustration depicting him painting while in the bath. Each image of the artist (including self-portraits) is numbered, and by the end, children will discover that indeed, true to the book's title, there are 100 Picassos. A short summary of Picasso's life is appended, along with art citations for the works depicted. However, there is no index, making this selection more appropriate as a draw to entice young readers than as a source for research. Pair with Jonah Winter's humorous and vibrantly illustrated Just Behave, Pablo Picasso! (Scholastic, 2012). VERDICT This uniquely designed and well-thought out effort will find an audience among young art lovers.

    —Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI


    "A vivid introduction to the artist's life"

    Publishers Weekly


    "The brisk text and Lemay’s gently humorous images hopscotch across details of Picasso’s professional and personal life, showing the artist creating pieces like Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, morphing into images from his work, conversing with individuals like Gertrude Stein and Henri Matisse, playfully engaging with pets, and more."

    Publishers Weekly


    100 Pablo Picassos is an utterly charming and informative tour through the life and career of Pablo Picasso. Enhanced by the wonderful art of Violet Lemay, this book cleverly introduces the work of the great 20th Century master to a new generation. Absolutely delightful!”

    —Anne Girard, author of Madame Picasso

  • Reader Reviews of "100 Pablo Picassos"

    Reader Reviews of "100 Pablo Picassos"

    Five Stars

    This book is perfect for my 6th grade primary students. Excellent pictures and curiosities about the artist.

    —Patricia


    Granddaughter loved reading it

    My granddaughter loved it. Great way to promote learning about artists with children!

    —SAP


    Women in leotards

    This book is awesome! My kids loved learning about his life. Read with K-2 group and did have to say that one painting had "women in leotards" because it is unedited. Other than that, it was kept Elementary appropriate, and had one full page dedicated to cubism

    —Claire


    I loved this book! It has so much information in it about Picasso. The illustrations are very good and show Picasso throughout his life. They highlight his art style and his most famous works. There are 100 pictures of Picasso in the book. You can keep track with the numbers on the pages or with the abacus on each 2 page spread. I am working towards reading "If Picasso Painted A Snowman" by Amy and Greg Newbold, and this is defiantly a book I will use to introduce Picasso to my students!

    —Jennifer, originally published on Goodreads




  • Blog Love for "100 Pablo Picassos"

    Blog Love for "100 Pablo Picassos"

    Table Life Blog
    May 11, 2017 - Emily
    10 PABLO PICASSO BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

    "100 Pablo Picassos is one of the more unique titles on this list of Picasso books and it’s one of the few titles that isn’t from a series. I especially love this one because the way it combines the details of Picasso’s personal background with his journey as an artist. If I were only going to buy one book on this list, this is the one I’d choose."

    tablelifeblog.com/picasso-books/?fbclid…

  • Publishers Weekly Review of "Hello, Ocean Friends"

    Publishers Weekly Review of "Hello, Ocean Friends"

    April 13, 2015

    Hello, Ocean Friends: A High-Contrast Book
    Illus. by Violet Lemay. Duo Press (Perseus, dist.), $7.95 (20p) ISBN 978-1-938093-41-8

    Readers meet (and greet) 10 aquatic animals including a starfish, crab, jellyfish, and shark in this lighthearted board book. Set against black backdrops, Lemay’s sea creatures have rough, chunky features reminiscent of linoleum prints, while black-and-white patterns of dots, squares, and other shapes on the left-hand pages provide additional high-contrast imagery to catch babies’ attention. The varied greetings range from polite (“Good to see you, dolphin”) to folksy (“What’s up, turtle?”), with Spanish and Hawaiian hellos in the mix, as well. A closing emoticon offers an irreverent reminder that some greetings don’t even require words. Up to age 4. (May)

  • Reader Reviews of "Hello, Ocean Friends" from amazon.com

    Reader Reviews of "Hello, Ocean Friends" from amazon.com

    Best High Contrast Book So Far

    I just got this in the mail, and I am nothing but ecstatic. I bought the Hello, bugs high contrast book recently because of all of the rave reviews. But I've got to say, this book out does the other by a landslide! The quality of the book is MUCH nicer and the pictures and text grab my daughters attention so much better. The book's cover is not just made of a slick black texture, like the other. But it has a higher, almost chalky but not in a "gross too much texture kind of way" quality finish. I'm not sure how to describe it, almost like a Matte finish. And the book came in perfect condition, no indentions. Where as the other came with a few marks around the edges where it almost looked used.
    Five stars. Will be purchasing all of the other books as well *very happy customer!

    —Amazon Customer


    Excellent book for 0-3m

    This book is fantastic! My son is 6w and we’ve been showing him the pictures in this book from when he had just come home. We could see how he would gaze at the pages (board) and as he changed he would really focus on the images and look around. It’s really fun to see him discover and we love showing him this high contrast book!

    Next time I have a baby shower I’ll be sure to include this because I don’t think new parents realize the value of something like this. It’s a must have registry item.

    —Candy B.


    Intriguiging

    My son loved these black and white books. He is 6 months now, and he still enjoys looking at the pictures in them. I don't know what it is about the high contrast that fascinates babies, but it definitely works. We have 3 different books but Ocean Friends is probably his favorite. He just loves the turtle! Definitely recommend if you are trying to find ways to entertain a baby.

    —Shannon Anderson


    5-week old LOVED

    I hadn’t thought about needing a high contrast book. But during a 2am late night feeding/ Amazon shopping spree, I randomly bought this for our little boy. And let me tell ya, it’s his favorite thing ever. Bought it when he was 5 weeks old, and it was seriously the only thing he focused on. He would sit and stare at those pages for like 15 minutes. It was insane. We now give it as baby shower gifts. It’s a great price, and honestly just something you don’t think about needing.

    —Lauren H.


    Newborn loves!

    Our baby is very interested in the excellent high contrast animal shapes and the fun patterns on the opposite page
    Combination of black and white high contrast patterns and animal shapes is excellent!
    Will buy this for other newborns in the future too!

    —Diana Mackie


    Great black and white book for babies

    Our 3 month old loved this book! We bought for Christmas but went ahead and read it a few times when we received it. Good length for babies. She loves the black and white contrast images. I'm already considering buying another by this brand.

    —TRay


    Great for newborns

    Great for newborns. My baby loves looking at these, which she could do from just a few days old. Other books and toys were
    Too advanced for her, so it was great to have something that she could enjoy in those first few weeks home.

    —Leigh Middleton


    Would Highly Recommend for Newborns

    My newborn loved this book. It's really engaging for them. Bought one for me friends newborn too and he loved it. I even bought two other in this series.

    —Larissa Parlabean


    Super Purchase

    Brilliant book - very visually stimulating and a lovely bold design on all pages. Been using it with my newborn and he is very interested. A good purchase.

    —TDR


    Cute and kinds funny.

    I’m an ocean animal lover, so this book is great. My boy loves the contrasting pictures and each page has silly little ways of saying hello to each animal.

    —Tray Vincent


    A great high-contrast book for baby

    Such a cute book for baby! My little one loves this book especially with all the funky shapes on one page and the ocean animals on the other in the black and white contrast it really draws them in!

    —Amazon Customer

  • Reader Reviews of "Hello Ocean Friends" from Goodreads

    Reader Reviews of "Hello Ocean Friends" from Goodreads

    This is another book that I was able to get from the library for Cassie. "Hello, Ocean Friends" by Violet Lemay is different ways to say hello and different type of ocean friends.

    Cassie loved looking at this book and through a whole week she was often flipping the pages on her own looking at them. I loved how they were all in black white which is a huge contrast for even the youngest of babies. I also love how it's very simple text but gets the point across. Also shows the different ways a person can say hello. If you have a little kid be sure to check out this awesome book.

    —Kendra


    Baby loved this high contrast book. Tried to reach out to the pictures.
    —Brittany


    Probably my favorite in the series. I like that these books have very little words so they can be used in any language.

    —Alice Rachel


    Fantastic board book! Black and white patterns on the left side of each page and a picture of an ocean animal on the right. Many ways to say "hello," such as "hola," "hey there," and "aloha." Baby Harris seems to focus on the pages, so the high contract black-and-white is appealing to him.

    —Marie


    3 month old son loved looking at the different pages with the bold colors shapes and patterns

    —Jazmyn

  • Reader Reviews of "Southern Babies" from amazon.com

    Reader Reviews of  "Southern Babies" from amazon.com

    Our baby's favorite book! (Hint: Read it with a Southern Accent!)

    I picked up this cute book for our daughter's 1st birthday and didn't think much more of it, one day I read it to her with my thickest Southern accent and she has been hooked ever since. We read this book every night at her insistence (she is now 18 months old) and when it went missing once we immediately ordered a new one because routine is king, haha! She loves the babies kissing babies part most, and truly just really enjoys all of the little ones like her in the photos. So pick this one up, but be sure to read it in ya bess Suthaaan drawwww.

    —shawn adams




    Love this book!

    Very cute book. Definitely recommend. I have ordered this book for my children and nieces and nephews.

    —Amazon Customer




    Great board book

    Good content for our 16 month old. It should entertain him for the next year +.

    —Will T.




    Cute

    Very cute and cover the south pretty well.

    —Amazon Customer

  • Editorial Reviews of "New York Baby"

    Editorial Reviews of "New York Baby"

    "Babies take center stage in this ode to the youngest residents of New York City, which incorporates local sights, customs, and landmarks." —Publishers Weekly


    "Headed to the Big Apple anytime soon? Even if you're not, this book will delight young world travelers who will learn about what other kids do in a big city. For extra fun on your future trip, the book contains I-spy type activities in the end pages." —Golden Gate Mothers Group magazine


    "This book is positively adorable and must-have for all New York babies . . . and their moms. Highly recommended for all New York babies!" —www.bookingmama.net


    "A great gift to give to someone who lives in the city or dreams of being there." —www.MogulBaby.com

  • Reader Reviews of "New York Baby" from amazon.com

    Reader Reviews of "New York Baby" from amazon.com

    Given to us as a gift and favorite of our toddler. It has been a favorite for almost a year now. Great drawings, fun content, lots to point out as the child gets older. Plus, babies love pictures (or drawings) of other babies.

    —G & L



    Great Baby Gift!

    The book is adorable, the pictures are great! I bought the book as part of a baby gift and the mom loved it!

    —Lady Greystoke



    delightful!

    I like this charming book, but it's a little too sophisticated for my 20-month-old granddaughter. I hope she'll grow into it.

    —Celeste



    Awesome little book for New York babies

    This is a fun book that depicts what life it like for a Manhattan baby in a super cute way. I love that my baby will be able to identify with the story--the strollers covered with plastic, the parks, the busy sidewalks, the apartments.

    —Nick Clarke



    Fabulous read!

    My daughter LOVES this! Two thumbs wayyy up! We read it almost every night before bed. Well worth it and sturdy too.

    —N. Gower



    Five Stars

    My grandson loved it!

    —Blaine W. Tavares




    Cute book to have just for remembering NYC

    Very cute book! Bought it as a farewell message book for a friend and her son who was moving out of NYC.

    —sg


  • Review of Isabella's Shoe Studio

    Review of Isabella's Shoe Studio

    I love how the personal story gets integrated and makes the kids participants (as designers). I think is brilliant.
    I love the illustrations and the colours; The main character, Isabella, is smart and creative. Is a great book to introduce kids to the wonderful world of fashion while teaching them good values. I work in fashion as creative director and this book made me want to design my own shoes.

    —Beatriz Juarez, originally published on amazon.com

  • Review of Isabella's Shoe Studio

    Review of Isabella's Shoe Studio

    Where was this book when I needed it most?

    Whenever I bring out this book and show it to people they do their best "I could have had a V-8" head slap. Why didn't anyone think of this before? This book is the perfect gift for future fashionistas, aspiring illustrators, hands on learners, scribblers, outside of the box thinkers, and especially for all those kids who couldn't stop themselves from drawing in books and got yelled at for it. (Mom, I'm talking to you.) Violet LeMay has created a truly unique book- a book that encourages real interaction.

    —Mrs. Heather, originally posted on amazon.com

  • Review of Isabella's Shoe Studio

    Review of Isabella's Shoe Studio

    This is such a great book. I was surprised by how big it is and how many activities there are in it for artistic expression and fun. It's one of those kinds of books you could easily take with you on a long car trip for the special little girls in your life---you'd never hear an unhappy peep from the back seat the entire trip once the crayons or colored pencils were handed out. I love the pretty shoes displayed in the book, though I'm especially partial to the Coco! This is a book and a game and an introduction to design all in one sweet package. A great gift!

    —Kate Beaumont, originally posted on amazon.com

  • Review of "My Foodie ABC"

    Review of "My Foodie ABC"

    My Foodie ABC: A Little Gourmet’s Guide by Puck, Illustrated by Violet Lemay (Ages 4-8)

    A delightful educational tool that stresses the importance of having a healthy relationship with food, this board book teaches the letters of the alphabet to tots and other gastronomes in training. Stylish and dazzling illustrations that highlight terms such as Kobe beef, pomegranate, ice cream, and farmer’s market pair with fun foodie facts to make learning the alphabet easy and enriching. A complete introduction to the alphabet and gastronomical terms, this unique book also includes a pronunciation guide, making it an ideal companion for food aficionados.

    www.jofrost.com/my-foodie-abc-little-go…

  • Mental Floss: "My Foodie ABC"

    Mental Floss: "My Foodie ABC"

    Jan 11, 2012
    by Andréa Fernandez

    Mental Floss included "My Foodie ABC" (Puck/Lemay, duopress, 2010) in their list of 11 Alternative Ways to Learn Your ABCs.

    "8. My Foodie ABC by Puck and Violet Lemay

    Puck's board book for "gastronomes in training" teaches both the alphabet as well as the foodie terms, with pronunciation guides and descriptions for all the terms and colorful illustrations by Lemay. P is for Pomegranate, Q is for Quinoa, and R is for Radicchio."

    www.mentalfloss.com/article/29710/11-al…