Karen GoatKeeper's Blog, page 17
March 15, 2024
"Togo" and "The Mitten"
One of these books taught me something new. Picture books are not just light, fun reading.
Togo
5 stars
Author/Illustrator: Robert J. Blake
Every year sled dog teams run the Iditarod. Why?
It goes back to 1925 when an outbreak of diphtheria began in Nome. This was before a vaccine was available, but after a serum to save people, especially the hundreds of thousands of children, doomed by the disease to a death by asphyxiation.
Serum was taken from Anchorage to Nome, mostly by dog sled in the dead of winter. Baldo, the most famous of the dogs and given a statue in Central Park, New York, was the last leader of the last team.
This book is the story of Togo, another of the heroic dogs making that run. Togo led his team for 350 miles, an amazing feat.
The book includes a map of the run. The illustrations are beautiful, slightly out of focus as though seen through falling snow.
The Mitten
5 stars
Author/Illustrator: Jan Brett
Based on an Ukrainian folktale, this fantastic tale is really fun to read. It takes a real stretch of the imagination which lends a humorous touch to the tale.
The illustrations are exquisite. Each page has a sidebar so that there are two tales going on through much of the book.
Togo
5 stars
Author/Illustrator: Robert J. Blake
Every year sled dog teams run the Iditarod. Why?
It goes back to 1925 when an outbreak of diphtheria began in Nome. This was before a vaccine was available, but after a serum to save people, especially the hundreds of thousands of children, doomed by the disease to a death by asphyxiation.
Serum was taken from Anchorage to Nome, mostly by dog sled in the dead of winter. Baldo, the most famous of the dogs and given a statue in Central Park, New York, was the last leader of the last team.
This book is the story of Togo, another of the heroic dogs making that run. Togo led his team for 350 miles, an amazing feat.
The book includes a map of the run. The illustrations are beautiful, slightly out of focus as though seen through falling snow.
The Mitten
5 stars
Author/Illustrator: Jan Brett
Based on an Ukrainian folktale, this fantastic tale is really fun to read. It takes a real stretch of the imagination which lends a humorous touch to the tale.
The illustrations are exquisite. Each page has a sidebar so that there are two tales going on through much of the book.
March 12, 2024
"Hurry, Hurry, Mary Dear" and "Town Mouse, Country Mouse"
My selection method is to walk over to a shelf of picture books and grab any two. So far this has introduced me to some very nice books.
"Hurry, Hurry, Mary Dear"
5 stars, a favorite book
Author N.M. Bodecker
Illustrator: Erik Blegvad
It is fall. Winter is coming. There are so many preparations for country people to make before the snow flies. Mary is hard at work getting these done.
This is using a rhymed poem. The illustrations are so bold and in fall colors. Her black cat is an interested spectator.
The book is fun to read. It introduces children to a way of life now unfamiliar to most. However, this book made me laugh at the end, a joke children may not understand.
"Town Mouse, Country Mouse"
Author/Illustrator: Jan Brett
5 stars
A pair of town mice want a vacation from the cares and worries of their house in town. They go on a picnic in the country.
A pair of country mice are tired of dodging a hungry owl and dream of living in the town.
They trade places and find their dreams are not reality.
This is an English book with exquisite, intricate, detailed drawings. The text follows the main story. However, each page has a side panel relating to the story. And the edgings are another set of details to explore.
The story may take only one reading. Discovering all the details in the drawings will take many other readings.
"Hurry, Hurry, Mary Dear"
5 stars, a favorite book
Author N.M. Bodecker
Illustrator: Erik Blegvad
It is fall. Winter is coming. There are so many preparations for country people to make before the snow flies. Mary is hard at work getting these done.
This is using a rhymed poem. The illustrations are so bold and in fall colors. Her black cat is an interested spectator.
The book is fun to read. It introduces children to a way of life now unfamiliar to most. However, this book made me laugh at the end, a joke children may not understand.
"Town Mouse, Country Mouse"
Author/Illustrator: Jan Brett
5 stars
A pair of town mice want a vacation from the cares and worries of their house in town. They go on a picnic in the country.
A pair of country mice are tired of dodging a hungry owl and dream of living in the town.
They trade places and find their dreams are not reality.
This is an English book with exquisite, intricate, detailed drawings. The text follows the main story. However, each page has a side panel relating to the story. And the edgings are another set of details to explore.
The story may take only one reading. Discovering all the details in the drawings will take many other readings.
March 8, 2024
Hero Cat and Kitten's First Full Moon
I was contacted about reviewing picture books for other authors. This is an option only if I can obtain a copy through my local library. My library does have arrangements with many other libraries in Missouri so I can access their stacks as well.
At one time I loved to go to used books sales and bring home books. This has led me to have several 4' x 6' bookcases full of books along with four 3' piles of books on the floor waiting to be read. I no longer purchase more books. Instead I try to read 40 or more books from my home shelves every year and pass them on to others to read.
Hero Cat
5 stars
Author: Eileen Spinelli
Illustrator: Jo Ellen McAllister Stammen
This story is based on a true account of a brave mother cat. She was a stray and had her kittens in an abandoned building. When the building caught fire, she rescued her five kittens.
The illustrations have a soft quality to them that well suits especially the fiery ending. they also make you feel like petting the soft fur of a cat or kitten.
Kitten's First Full Moon
5 stars
Author/Illustrator: Kevin Henkes
Caldecott Medal
What does a full moon look like to a kitten? Perhaps it looks like a bowl of milk. And kitten would like to enjoy this bowl of milk. It's adventures are humorous.
The illustrations are monochromatic, all in blacks, grays and whites. Shapes have a thick, black outline. The kitten is stylized, but it's movements, attitudes and poses are so like a kitten. The lack of color is very appropriate as the book is set at night.
At one time I loved to go to used books sales and bring home books. This has led me to have several 4' x 6' bookcases full of books along with four 3' piles of books on the floor waiting to be read. I no longer purchase more books. Instead I try to read 40 or more books from my home shelves every year and pass them on to others to read.
Hero Cat
5 stars
Author: Eileen Spinelli
Illustrator: Jo Ellen McAllister Stammen
This story is based on a true account of a brave mother cat. She was a stray and had her kittens in an abandoned building. When the building caught fire, she rescued her five kittens.
The illustrations have a soft quality to them that well suits especially the fiery ending. they also make you feel like petting the soft fur of a cat or kitten.
Kitten's First Full Moon
5 stars
Author/Illustrator: Kevin Henkes
Caldecott Medal
What does a full moon look like to a kitten? Perhaps it looks like a bowl of milk. And kitten would like to enjoy this bowl of milk. It's adventures are humorous.
The illustrations are monochromatic, all in blacks, grays and whites. Shapes have a thick, black outline. The kitten is stylized, but it's movements, attitudes and poses are so like a kitten. The lack of color is very appropriate as the book is set at night.
March 5, 2024
Traffic Pups, If You Lived When There Was Slavery in America, Pequena the Burro
If You Lived When There Was Slavery in America
4 stars
Author: Anne Kamma
Illustrator: Pamela Johnson
This is not really a picture book for very young children, but one to read with those kindergarten to 1st or 2nd grade.
The text has much of interest and gives a good basic view of the subject. It talks about many of the people involved adding photographs of many. There are quotes from slaves adding depth to the text. It takes care to emphasize that this happened before 1865.
The illustrations are deceptively simple with lots of details inviting the reader to explore them to find out the many activities and things in the pictures.
Traffic Pups
4 stars
Author: Michelle Meadows
Illustrator: Dan Andreasen
This book is written for those who love motorcycles and the sounds they make. It is in the tradition of toys coming to life when left alone.
The pups are traffic cops patrolling for speeders, helping at accidents and more. All of the illustrations are bold, smooth and geared to show speed. It is a fun frolic through traffic until their owner shows up.
Pequena the Burro
5 stars
Author: Jami Parkison
Illustrator: Itoko Maeno
Pequena is only a burro, small and gray, quietly doing her various jobs. She finds she is part of a great past as burros helped build Mexico. And, although she is still not convinced she is any thing more than just a burro, she discovers sometimes that is enough.
There is much in this book about Mexican history and customs. The illustrations take a long time to explore all the various details as of the park, the birthday party and other settings as so much activity goes on in each illustration.
I do rate this as a favorite book.
4 stars
Author: Anne Kamma
Illustrator: Pamela Johnson
This is not really a picture book for very young children, but one to read with those kindergarten to 1st or 2nd grade.
The text has much of interest and gives a good basic view of the subject. It talks about many of the people involved adding photographs of many. There are quotes from slaves adding depth to the text. It takes care to emphasize that this happened before 1865.
The illustrations are deceptively simple with lots of details inviting the reader to explore them to find out the many activities and things in the pictures.
Traffic Pups
4 stars
Author: Michelle Meadows
Illustrator: Dan Andreasen
This book is written for those who love motorcycles and the sounds they make. It is in the tradition of toys coming to life when left alone.
The pups are traffic cops patrolling for speeders, helping at accidents and more. All of the illustrations are bold, smooth and geared to show speed. It is a fun frolic through traffic until their owner shows up.
Pequena the Burro
5 stars
Author: Jami Parkison
Illustrator: Itoko Maeno
Pequena is only a burro, small and gray, quietly doing her various jobs. She finds she is part of a great past as burros helped build Mexico. And, although she is still not convinced she is any thing more than just a burro, she discovers sometimes that is enough.
There is much in this book about Mexican history and customs. The illustrations take a long time to explore all the various details as of the park, the birthday party and other settings as so much activity goes on in each illustration.
I do rate this as a favorite book.
March 1, 2024
"Ribbit" and "The Shell Woman & the King"
Perhaps someone will find these reviews soon. I do enjoy having an excuse to enjoy reading the picture books.
The Shell Woman & the King
5 stars
Author: Laurence Yep
Illustrator: Yang Ming-Yi
This is a retold Chinese Folktale. It has a magical element and is a story of love an evil king tries to destroy. The woman must face and defeat the king.
The illustrations have the look and feel of Chinese painting. The lines flow. The colors are beautiful and enhance the text well.
Ribbit
5 stars
Author: Rodrigo Folgueira
Illustrator: Poly Bernatene
The frogs are stylized, but so expressive as they contemplate a pig sitting on a stone in their pond saying "Ribbit". They can't understand what this pig thinks it is doing. The answer is surprising and so fitting.
The illustrations are busy with little things going on such as frogs catching insects, talking, scratching their heads. The pig is so confident and determined.
This is a charming book.
The Shell Woman & the King
5 stars
Author: Laurence Yep
Illustrator: Yang Ming-Yi
This is a retold Chinese Folktale. It has a magical element and is a story of love an evil king tries to destroy. The woman must face and defeat the king.
The illustrations have the look and feel of Chinese painting. The lines flow. The colors are beautiful and enhance the text well.
Ribbit
5 stars
Author: Rodrigo Folgueira
Illustrator: Poly Bernatene
The frogs are stylized, but so expressive as they contemplate a pig sitting on a stone in their pond saying "Ribbit". They can't understand what this pig thinks it is doing. The answer is surprising and so fitting.
The illustrations are busy with little things going on such as frogs catching insects, talking, scratching their heads. The pig is so confident and determined.
This is a charming book.
February 27, 2024
A Seed is the Start and Me, All Alone, at the End of the World
"A Seed is the Start"
4 stars
Author: Melissa Stewart
Plants produce seeds that, if they get the chance, grow into new plants. Each plant needs enough room to get the water, light and nutrients it needs to grow. That leaves seeds needing to have ways to move to new areas before growing. This book is mostly about the various ways seeds move from one place to another, some of them unexpected.
The book is filled with excellent photographs. These are professional ones from various professional sources.
"Me, All Alone, at the End of the World"
5 stars
Author: M.T. Anderson
Illustrator: Kevin Hawkes
In the beginning a boy lives all alone out in the wilderness. He keeps busy listening to nature, finding fossils and riding his mule.
Then the promoter arrives with his plans for a hotel, activities, tourists and more. These amaze the boy who now has friends.
But, is this new life the one he wants?
The illustrations capture the essence of both the quiet life the boy lives and the frenetic pace the promoter brings later on.
4 stars
Author: Melissa Stewart
Plants produce seeds that, if they get the chance, grow into new plants. Each plant needs enough room to get the water, light and nutrients it needs to grow. That leaves seeds needing to have ways to move to new areas before growing. This book is mostly about the various ways seeds move from one place to another, some of them unexpected.
The book is filled with excellent photographs. These are professional ones from various professional sources.
"Me, All Alone, at the End of the World"
5 stars
Author: M.T. Anderson
Illustrator: Kevin Hawkes
In the beginning a boy lives all alone out in the wilderness. He keeps busy listening to nature, finding fossils and riding his mule.
Then the promoter arrives with his plans for a hotel, activities, tourists and more. These amaze the boy who now has friends.
But, is this new life the one he wants?
The illustrations capture the essence of both the quiet life the boy lives and the frenetic pace the promoter brings later on.
February 23, 2024
Landed and They All Saw a Cat
4 Stars
Landed
Author: Milly Lee
Illustrator: Yangsook Choi
Many Chinese wanted to come the the United States. The United States didn't want them.
This is the story of twelve-year-old Sun, the son of a merchant with a business in San Francisco, and how he comes to the United States.
Although placed on the picture book shelf, this isn't really a picture book, but an illustrated book. The subject matter is for older children and informative for adults as well. It is easy reading.
As with "Rice Is Life", Yangsook Choi's illustrations are excellent.
4 Stars
They All Saw a Cat
Author/Illustrator: Brendan Wenzel
A cat walks through the world. Many see this cat. Yet everyone sees a different cat.
This picture book brings out how different people and creatures seeing the same cat see it in different ways reflecting how they regard cats or see in different ways. The illustrations are bold, colorful, a bit impressionistic and suit the text very well.
Landed
Author: Milly Lee
Illustrator: Yangsook Choi
Many Chinese wanted to come the the United States. The United States didn't want them.
This is the story of twelve-year-old Sun, the son of a merchant with a business in San Francisco, and how he comes to the United States.
Although placed on the picture book shelf, this isn't really a picture book, but an illustrated book. The subject matter is for older children and informative for adults as well. It is easy reading.
As with "Rice Is Life", Yangsook Choi's illustrations are excellent.
4 Stars
They All Saw a Cat
Author/Illustrator: Brendan Wenzel
A cat walks through the world. Many see this cat. Yet everyone sees a different cat.
This picture book brings out how different people and creatures seeing the same cat see it in different ways reflecting how they regard cats or see in different ways. The illustrations are bold, colorful, a bit impressionistic and suit the text very well.
February 20, 2024
3 reviews
"Rice Is Life"
Author: Rita Golden Gelman
Illustrator: Yangsook Choi
5 Stars
This book tells about raising rice in Bali where it is the main source of food for many people. The main story is simple. The extra text is well done too. The illustrations, oil paintings by Yangsook Choi, are so vibrant, beautifully detailed needing special attention to see everything in them, that they make the book really special.
"Frisky, Brisky, Hippity Hop"
Author: Susan Lurie / Poem: Alexina B. White
Photographs: Murray Head
5 Stars
The squirrels in Central Park, New York City, are very photogenic. Still, the photographs took a lot of time and expertise to get. They are close up encounters of gray squirrels and their lives in the Park.
The original poem is from 1871 and is mostly words describing the antics of the squirrels. The author added some more of these to complete the book. They compliment the photographs and make the antics fun.
"Bubba and Beau: Best Friends"
Author: Kathi Appelt
Illustrator: Arthur Howard
3 Stars
Once the pages go past the introductions, the story is cute. It is about the friendship between a baby and a hound dog puppy and their love of their blanket.
What hurts the book is the stereotypical parents with names straight from The Grand Ole Opry and actions from red neck caricature.
Author: Rita Golden Gelman
Illustrator: Yangsook Choi
5 Stars
This book tells about raising rice in Bali where it is the main source of food for many people. The main story is simple. The extra text is well done too. The illustrations, oil paintings by Yangsook Choi, are so vibrant, beautifully detailed needing special attention to see everything in them, that they make the book really special.
"Frisky, Brisky, Hippity Hop"
Author: Susan Lurie / Poem: Alexina B. White
Photographs: Murray Head
5 Stars
The squirrels in Central Park, New York City, are very photogenic. Still, the photographs took a lot of time and expertise to get. They are close up encounters of gray squirrels and their lives in the Park.
The original poem is from 1871 and is mostly words describing the antics of the squirrels. The author added some more of these to complete the book. They compliment the photographs and make the antics fun.
"Bubba and Beau: Best Friends"
Author: Kathi Appelt
Illustrator: Arthur Howard
3 Stars
Once the pages go past the introductions, the story is cute. It is about the friendship between a baby and a hound dog puppy and their love of their blanket.
What hurts the book is the stereotypical parents with names straight from The Grand Ole Opry and actions from red neck caricature.
February 17, 2024
Picture Book Reviews
I enjoy looking through and reading picture books. This is even more so now that I am trying to write and illustrate my own picture books.
If I list picture books on my reading list, the short page counts wreck havoc with the reading stats. But I still would like to recommend some of the many beautiful picture books I come across.
Although I considered putting another page on my website for picture book reviews, few people would come across them. So I will use this blog space for picture book reviews.
In case you have avoided such books as they are 'baby' books, you've missed some good stories and fantastic illustrations. The best part is that you can enjoy one in an odd ten minutes here or there, even just take that time to thumb through one before leaving the library the next time you visit. You may get hooked on them too.
If I list picture books on my reading list, the short page counts wreck havoc with the reading stats. But I still would like to recommend some of the many beautiful picture books I come across.
Although I considered putting another page on my website for picture book reviews, few people would come across them. So I will use this blog space for picture book reviews.
In case you have avoided such books as they are 'baby' books, you've missed some good stories and fantastic illustrations. The best part is that you can enjoy one in an odd ten minutes here or there, even just take that time to thumb through one before leaving the library the next time you visit. You may get hooked on them too.
October 11, 2019
In Praise of Illustrators
I am trying to be an illustrator to supply the illustrations for a fun goat book. As I struggle to learn to do the sketches and add the ink and/or watercolor to them, I gain a new respect for illustrators.
Long an admirer of picture books and lover of illustrations in other books, I still only looked at them. Some were so like paintings I’ve seen in galleries. Others were bold and brassy. Some were precise. Others were freer. Each reflected the tone of the book they illustrated.
For some years I would end the year by reading and commenting on picture books. Unfortunately these are short and make a mess of my other reading specs. I asked, but they can’t be separated unless I open a second account.
Ever since digital cameras, I’ve enjoyed taking pictures. Autofocus is a blessing as I have a great deal of trouble focusing a camera. The play back is great too as I can check each picture for focus before moving on.
My book illustrations have been mostly photographs up until this book. Even my paint shop can’t alter the photographs enough to suit this book. This meant facing my fear of art.
I grew up thinking I was no writer. I faced that delusion. I love to write. Some people even think I’m good at it.
I also grew up thinking I was no artist. But this book had to be illustrated with drawings, lots of drawings, more than I could afford even if I could find an artist familiar enough with goats to do the drawings. So I’m facing that delusion and finding I can draw a little.
First and foremost is knowing your limitations. I dearly love the beautiful botanical drawings from years past. The precise drawings of nature and wildlife fascinate me. They take such skill and patience. I have neither.
Color matters to me. I prefer illustrations in color, although I’ve seen some books with wonderful black and white drawings that fit perfectly. There are several ways of adding color: oils which dry very slowly; oil pastels which smear easily; acrylics which dry quickly; and watercolor which forgives no mistakes. I like watercolor.
Again I had to consider my limitations. I will not sit down and do one complete picture for each page. Doing backgrounds drives me crazy.
So I’m doing the figures and using paint shop to put them on previously done backgrounds. Is this really being an illustrator? I don’t know. What I do know from doing this is that illustrators spend hours and hours on those illustrations we flip past so carelessly. From now on I plan to take more time to admire the work they’ve done.
Long an admirer of picture books and lover of illustrations in other books, I still only looked at them. Some were so like paintings I’ve seen in galleries. Others were bold and brassy. Some were precise. Others were freer. Each reflected the tone of the book they illustrated.
For some years I would end the year by reading and commenting on picture books. Unfortunately these are short and make a mess of my other reading specs. I asked, but they can’t be separated unless I open a second account.
Ever since digital cameras, I’ve enjoyed taking pictures. Autofocus is a blessing as I have a great deal of trouble focusing a camera. The play back is great too as I can check each picture for focus before moving on.
My book illustrations have been mostly photographs up until this book. Even my paint shop can’t alter the photographs enough to suit this book. This meant facing my fear of art.
I grew up thinking I was no writer. I faced that delusion. I love to write. Some people even think I’m good at it.
I also grew up thinking I was no artist. But this book had to be illustrated with drawings, lots of drawings, more than I could afford even if I could find an artist familiar enough with goats to do the drawings. So I’m facing that delusion and finding I can draw a little.
First and foremost is knowing your limitations. I dearly love the beautiful botanical drawings from years past. The precise drawings of nature and wildlife fascinate me. They take such skill and patience. I have neither.
Color matters to me. I prefer illustrations in color, although I’ve seen some books with wonderful black and white drawings that fit perfectly. There are several ways of adding color: oils which dry very slowly; oil pastels which smear easily; acrylics which dry quickly; and watercolor which forgives no mistakes. I like watercolor.
Again I had to consider my limitations. I will not sit down and do one complete picture for each page. Doing backgrounds drives me crazy.
So I’m doing the figures and using paint shop to put them on previously done backgrounds. Is this really being an illustrator? I don’t know. What I do know from doing this is that illustrators spend hours and hours on those illustrations we flip past so carelessly. From now on I plan to take more time to admire the work they’ve done.
