Lauri Fortino's Blog, page 69
March 7, 2015
How Can I Read More Picture Books?
Spreading more library love…
Originally posted on An Awfully big adventure:
Everyone agrees that if you hope to one day craft picture book stories you must start by reading as many stupendous, exciting, and beloved examples of published picture books as you can lay your eager writer hands on.
But averaging $15 a pop for new copies, paying for a pile of PBs might not be the most budget-friendly choice.
So what’s the next best alternative? When it comes to checking out new and popular releases, I like to spend time in the children’s section of book stores flipping through freshly pressed pages and reacquainting my knees and back with the joys of floors and tiny plastic furniture. Don’t judge!
But those big book stores aren’t as plentiful or as near to home as they were only a few years ago. Making time to visit them regularly can be a challenge.
That’s why libraries are my second favorite haunt. Sure, their…
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March 2, 2015
The Peddler’s Bed Is Now Available For Pre-Order On Amazon!
I am pleased as punch to announce that my first picture book The Peddler’s Bed (illustrated by Bong Redila and published by Ripple Grove Press) is available now for pre-order on Amazon! The official release date is not until September 1, 2015, but I couldn’t wait to share my happy news. Please click on the Amazon page below for more information.
Picture Books At The Library
In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a :) to my favorites. Below are a few I’ve cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)
:) Tiger wants to bake a cake. It doesn’t go exactly to plan.
Say hello to the airplane as it takes off on an exciting adventure: gliding through the night sky, skimming above the clouds, and soaring into a bright new morning.
:) Have you ever seen the rabbit-in-the-moon? Folktales from many cultures explain how the rabbit came to be there. This is one such tale.
One autumn morning, Farmer Brown gets on his tractor and heads to town. Along the way, he picks up a cat with a hat, a goat in a coat, an ox in socks, and more!
:) Fritz can’t wait to turn five! His birthday starts off well when he eats all five of his birthday pancakes and gets brand new sneakers that fit perfectly. But when he looks in the mirror, nothing has changed.
This beautiful bedtime poem, written by acclaimed Inuit throat singer Celina Kalluk, describes the gifts given to a newborn baby by all the animals of the Arctic.
:) No matter what kind of messes a little bunny experiences through the day, bath time makes things fresh and new.
The same thing happens every night. After this little boy’s parents say good night and turn off the light, strange creatures descend from the black hole where the ceiling used to be.
Gracie’s special star shines for her every night-but every morning it fades away. If only Gracie could keep her beautiful star with her all the time!
:) Flo promised to take Wendell on a real adventure…
Bugs happily living in an empty lot are in trouble when a gang of rats moves in and takes over, but when a group of volunteers arrives to clean up, not only do the bugs get their lot back, they learn about recycling, composting, and garbage dumps.
This tender story of finding the courage to listen to the creative spirit within is sure to move even the shyest of souls to joyful expression.
February 26, 2015
Caldecott Quick Thoughts 2015
In this annual post, I share my thoughts on the Caldecott medal winner and honor books.
If you are as intrigued by the selection process as I am, you may be interested in the following link that I originally posted back in 2011:
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottcomm/caldecottcommittee.cfm. Everything you ever wanted to know and more about the Caldecott medal and the awards process can be found there at the American Library Association’s extremely comprehensive site.
Congratulations to Dan Santat! His book The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend (Little, Brown and Company) is the recipient of this year’s Caldecott medal. This book proves the power of the imagination, not just because author/illustrator Dan Santat used his awesome imagination to write and illustrate it, but also because main character Beekle is imagination. He’s an imaginary friend who does extraordinary things. Instead of waiting to be imagined by a real child who will be his friend, he embarks upon a quest to find a child. And even though his travels take him far away from the island of imaginary friends, and he must face a scary, new world, he succeeds in the end. Good job Beekle!
Six, that’s right, six honor books were chosen! Looks like the Caldecott committee had an extra difficult time choosing this year.
Nana In The City (Clarion Books) by author/illustrator Lauren Castillo has a beautiful, quiet strength, both in story and illustration. The mix of vibrant and muted watercolors perfectly depict life in a bustling city, as well as a special relationship between a boy and his grandmother. I like how Nana helps her young grandson to feel brave by fashioning him a super hero cape, and how she helps him to appreciate the sights and sounds of the city.
One of three honor books this year that feature famous people, The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art (Alfred A. Knopf) is an interesting look at the life of abstract artist Vasily Kandinsky. Through Barb Rosenstock’s descriptive text and Mary Grandpre’s dazzling, full-page illustrations, we get a window view into what it was like to be a boy growing up with a condition called synesthesia. According to the author’s note, “In people with synesthesia, one sense triggers a different sense, allowing them, for example, to hear colors, see music, taste words, or smell numbers.” Fascinating!
Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen’s book Sam & Dave Dig A Hole (Candlewick Press) is just so much fun! Designed primarily with deceptively simple text on one side and “earthy” illustrations on the other, this book stars two young boys, friends or perhaps brothers, who decide to dig a hole, and they won’t stop digging until they find something “spectacular”. But every time they get close, they decide to change directions, completely missing each successively larger gem. I totally understand why kids love this book. They are in on a secret. They know the gems are there even though our main characters do not. I can picture a classroom of children during story time pointing, yelling, and laughing, and having a great time listening to this story.
Viva Frida (Roaring Brook Press) by Yuyi Morales is lovely. I feel as if Beekle must have edged Frida out by the narrowest of margins for the medal. This book is about well-known Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The super-colorful mixed media illustrations are gorgeous. I especially like the spread that shows a closeup of Frida’s face, along with her monkey and dog friends, peering into a chest. What wonders will she find in there? The text is quite sparse, yet surprisingly, by the end of the book, I felt like I learned a lot about this creative spirit, Frida (in less than 35 words!). But for those who want to learn more, there’s an author’s note in the back.
I don’t talk a lot about nonfiction picture books on my blog, but that may change in the near future thanks to books like The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus (Eerdmans Books) by Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet. Jen and Melissa have presented a book about the life of Peter Roget, and they did so in a manner that feels very story-like and engaging, both in interesting text and eye-catching illustration. This is the kind of book that children will learn from without even realizing they are learning, because it will capture their attention from beginning to end.
This One Summer (First Second) by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki caught me off guard. It’s not a picture book in the traditional sense, that’s because it’s a graphic novel. Although I do occasionally read manga, I’m truly not up on what constitutes a good graphic novel. Based on the art alone, I can see that it’s nicely rendered in black ink with great details and shading. But as I read through the story, though well-written, it struck me as being for an older audience than the other books on the Caldecott list. Despite my vague thoughts on this one, I’m glad that graphic novels are being considered for prestigious awards such as the Caldecott and that they are getting the recognition they deserve. Any and all books that get kids to read are winners!
February 21, 2015
MARCH-ing Books to Kids…Calling all Book Lovers and Authors to Make a Difference to a Child in Need…
I admire Picture Book Pass It On founder Michelle Eastman’s commitment to putting picture books into the hands of children in need. Check out her newest initiative!
Originally posted on Michelle Eastman Books:
According to Reading is Fundamental (RIF), Nearly two-thirds of low-income families in the U.S. DO NOT own books. That is just plain wrong. But, we can help fix it.
I believe that every child’s Bill of Rights should be indelibly inked with the right to have picture books read to him/her and to own their very own books. Many of us take for granted the sacred ritual of cracking open a picture book, and cuddling together while the words and pictures collectively take us away. You can probably recall having been read to by your parents or caregivers. You likely hold a special picture book, from your childhood, close to your heart. And, until now, you’ve probably not given much thought to how profound that experience can be.
Imagine, never having that.
I CAN imagine a child, growing up, never knowing the power of a picture book. I…
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February 15, 2015
3 Beautiful Books by Justin Drazin
Title: Grandma and the Groundhog
Author: Justin Drazin
Illustrator: Genn Lotish
Publisher/Year: Justin Drazin Publishing/2014
Grandma’s garden has attracted an unwanted guest. At first, Grandma is amused by the groundhog’s antics. But then, as more and more of her delicious vegetables disappear, Grandma decides enough is enough. We don’t know exactly what she has in mind, but we do know she wants her garden back. But just when she decides to give the groundhog a piece of her mind, the rascal disappears. The groundhog emerges a few weeks later with four hungry little ones. Told in rollicking rhyme and beaming with lively color, Grandma and the Groundhog is an enjoyable read-aloud that is sure to elicit smiles from young and old alike. Be prepared to read this one over and over; your kids will request it.
Title: It’s Raining Paint
Author: Justin Drazin
Illustrator: Vladimir Ilievski
Publisher/Year: Justin Drazin Publishing/2014
Young Laney has only one speed: fast. She doesn’t notice the beauty that’s all around her. It’s only when, on one very unusual day, paint droplets fall from the sky and cover everything in glorious color, that she finally slows down to look. She is amazed until everything turns to gloomy black and white. But her disappointment is replaced by joyful surprise the next day, after clear rain washed everything clean again during the night. Now Laney sees the world with new eyes; she appreciates the beauty of nature. This rhyming story is gorgeously illustrated in dazzling dabs of paint. I’ve never seen another book illustrated in quite this way. It’s Raining Paint is definitely worth a look.
Title: Albert and the Amazing Pillow Monsters
Author: Justin Drazin
Illustrator: Anita Lester
Publisher/Year: Gorham Publishing/2012
Albert is a young boy who has an amazing dream. He dreams about a land where friendly pillow monsters roam, where he’s always welcome, and where “imagination is the brightest night light”. At first he is confused, but soon realizes there is nothing to fear. The Pillow Monsters, who thrive on sweet dreams, have planned a party for Albert to celebrate his strength and courage. And Albert will no longer be afraid of the dark as long as he uses his powerful imagination. A whimsical, rhyming tale with dreamy illustrations, Albert and the Amazing Pillow Monsters is a perfect bedtime pick.
February 11, 2015
Getting the goods
I’m spreading library love by reblogging Leslie Zampetti’s post. Yay for libraries and librarians!
Originally posted on Z is for Zampetti:
The delivery of my library’s book order is like Christmas all over again – only better. Because the box is always full of books! Glorious new books!
Sometimes I’m not sure who’s more excited – me or the students. After all, they LOVE seeing new titles on the shelves, especially when those titles are ones they suggested I buy. But I LOVE handing new titles to my students and watching them get excited – sometimes about the author, sometimes about the story or the topic, and sometimes, just because they’re the first person to check out that book. EVER.
I used to put many of the new titles out on the displays. Not anymore. Plenty of students grabbed them up, but they were just in it because the book was new. Now I put a few out and I leave the rest to be discovered like gems in a dark…
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February 10, 2015
Go Fast, Goo by Todd Murphy
Title: Go Fast, Goo
Author: Todd Murphy
Illustrator: Rebecca Riffey
Publisher/Year: Tate Publishing/2012
Summary: Goo is a snail on a mission. Tired of taking life at a snail’s pace, he enlists his friends to help him go faster and farther than he ever imagined. It’s every snail’s dream come true. Join Goo as he learns that while fast is fine, slow is the way to go.
Goo the snail longs to be something different from what he is. He wants to fly, jump, and swing like his friends Dart, Skippy, and Iris. He doesn’t like being slow. He wants to be fast. His friends are happy to help him, but nothing works out and Goo is left feeling defeated. It’s only when tragedy strikes and Goo saves the day that he finally realizes that what he perceived as a flaw is really his greatest strength.
I enjoyed this sweet story of friendship and self-acceptance. It’s well-written and moves along at a nice pace, and it employs a level of repetition that kids will like. Children will especially love the cute, colorful insect characters with their expressive faces. Though the message of self-acceptance is clear, it’s also subtle enough not to overpower a fun read-aloud story.
My favorite line from the book: And while going slow gives Goo time to stop, smell, and eat the roses, he has always dreamed of going faster and farther.
February 9, 2015
Picture Books At The Library
In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a :) to my favorites. Below are a few I’ve cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)
:) A tall, strong and well-trained police horse, Bunny is sent overseas at the beginning of World War I.
:) Sometimes when you’re most in need of friends, they will flock to you–or at least to your hat.
:) It’s time for therapy dog Lola’s annual checkup. Can she be big and brave for her examination?
Change isn’t easy for young boys and girls. And when change means moving to a new school, a new house, and away from friends, well that can be downright complicated!
:) A hilarious Scottish twist on a much-loved rhyme.
:) Snowman and his friends are in for an adventure–and then, a surprise.
Bob wanted a dog for his birthday. Instead he got a ghost, and he calls it Fluffy.
Sam has a new pet. It’s a TEMPER, and he found it on the playground.
When Arlo reads about Paris and the one the French call La Dame de Fer, Or Iron Lady, he decides it’s time to strike out on his first adventure.
Join Max in his dreams of being a world-class athlete–and see if he and his friends can win a real tournament too!
When Hana announces that she’ll be playing violin in the school talent show, her brothers laugh so hard they nearly fall out of a tree.
:) This playful farmyard caper about a shortsighted but well-meaning little dog is sure to become a read-aloud favorite.
February 1, 2015
Hoppy Book Birthday to MOMMA DON’T YOU WORRY by Louie Lawent
Hoppy Book Birthday!
Hoppy Book Birthday to Momma Don’t You Worry, written by Louie Lawent and illustrated by Rick Radliff!
The Momma Don’t You Worry Baby Book
Full Name (Title): Momma Don’t You Worry
Parent (Author): Louie Lawent
Parent (Illustrator): Rick Radliff
Obstetrician (Publisher): LadyBee Publishing
Birthdate (Release Date): January 27, 2015
Baby Photo and Vitals (Cover and More Information): http://www.amazon.com/Momma-Dont-Worry-Louie-Lawent-ebook
Physical Characteristics (Format and Summary): Picture eBook/A boy who’s soon to be 6 years old feels he’s too old to have his mom hold his hand in public.
