This is a delightful new series for young readers building stamina and visualization skills. The animal characters are delightfully natural-but-human,This is a delightful new series for young readers building stamina and visualization skills. The animal characters are delightfully natural-but-human, the internal struggles build empathy, predictions, and problem-solving. The Heartwood Hotel's pledge is one we could all consider: We live by PROTECT ANBD RESPECT, not by JAW AND CLAW. Highly recommend it....more
My go-to genre in adult literature is not action/adventure or mystery. When I begin reading a (good) novel in this category I find myself enjoying itMy go-to genre in adult literature is not action/adventure or mystery. When I begin reading a (good) novel in this category I find myself enjoying it and compelled to finish. i will sometimes even recommend particular titles. These are NOT the kinds of books I pursue, since there are so many others in both adult and kid-lit categories that appeal to me more, so it takes a real shove to bring a new book/new author in this category onto my radar. In this case it was a rave review from a trusted reader. I have no regrets. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. it is wholly satisfying in itself and yet I readily recognize the potential for a series, for a script development, and for legions of fans demanding more August Snow stories. The setting is a character, the main characters are complex and engrossing, and the supporting cast is filled with people I felt I knew, even the unlikeable ones. This is a well-crafted, page-turning powerhouse and I add my endorsement to it for readers who, like me, might not imagine it to be their cup of tea. Drink up, and pass it on. ...more
The premise works well, even without reading the original book from which this one emerged asa sequel. There are few books written from "inside" BerliThe premise works well, even without reading the original book from which this one emerged asa sequel. There are few books written from "inside" Berlin/Nazi-Germany for young readers, and those that I know of are told by young people who were raised there and noted the changes in their political climate and social pressures gradually, the way a frog or lobster might be cooked by raising the temperature of the water until the deathly boil catches its victim unaware. IN this case, though, Wendy/Vendy has suddenly been dropped into the boiling water from the comfortable life of a teen in the the USA. I believe that accounts for the tone she portrays- an innocent acceptance but also a challenging questioning of events and statements. Her fluctuations between denial and defiance is telescoped into the short time in which she lives there, and also to her legitimate struggle with who/what can be trusted. The story unfolds with drama and rich details but also incorporates important historic realities that are less widely known by many: the lebensborn, the Bible Students imprisonment, and others. I'm happy this was recommended to me and that I read it. It works for MG readers if they are mature, but also is a strong-but-easy read for YA/teens....more
On the plus side, I adore the art and book design. It has dramatic, red end papers, presents figures that are diverse and expressive, and displays fulOn the plus side, I adore the art and book design. It has dramatic, red end papers, presents figures that are diverse and expressive, and displays full spreads that feature women with notable accomplishments, including short quotations from their bodies of work.Those quotations, the well-suited and distinctive illustration style for each, and the range from familiar to unknown women are all powerful plusses.I particularly enjoyed the decision to feature a baker's dozen of women as having quirky appeal, although I am aware that is likely as much due to book length as to a conscious choice. I'm always curious about dedications, and both Clinton's and Boiger's do not disappoint. As much as I enjoy and admire this book in those ways, I feel compelled to add a few "yes, but" comments. The instructive/narrative text is a compressed introduction, an little more than an invitation to investigate further. It feels a bit old for the youngest readers and a bit young for established readers. It does invite research, reading, and investigation, though. That's the point at which I wondered if one of the more familiar women (Helen Keller, perhaps?) might have been omitted in favor of a spread of accessible recommended resources on the back pages. I also longed for citations for the quotations on the back pages. The power of this appealing book is to incite curiosity about these (and other) American women, and yet there is no readily available option or comparable books suggested to readers. Some reviewers have commented, too, that the profiles, taken as a whole, demonstrates an oppressive system holding a thumb down on the women's success. Yes, that fits well with the conceptual "persistence" or "grit" theme, but it came off as a bit discouraging.
A curious reader can go to Amazon and find comparable books, or Wikipedia to search for more content, but neither is considered a valid research tool. At least not one as reliable as a curated list in the back of a book that could easily have been included by such a reputable publisher. ...more
Ethel the cat is a charmer, confident in her persona: big, old, fat, and black/white. Her routines are firmly set, to the extent that she is unaware oEthel the cat is a charmer, confident in her persona: big, old, fat, and black/white. Her routines are firmly set, to the extent that she is unaware of a potential friend in her richly detailed world. This story incorporates a lovely use of "feeling blue", has a clever and equally charming kitten who comforts and becomes a friend to Ethel, and a delightful conclusion that invites discussion of peer pressure, acceptance, and diversity in an amusingly circular scene. There are so many quirky visual details that young readers will peruse it for hours on end....more
This is an extraordinary resource, compelling in content and useful as later reference. The introductory pages include a timeline of the "boat people"This is an extraordinary resource, compelling in content and useful as later reference. The introductory pages include a timeline of the "boat people" who have attempted escapes to make new homes in an area of North America that eventually became the United States. The chronology continues, beginning with 1930's Jewish refugees turned away from our shores, with each multi-page topic featuring specific history, geography, politics, and consequences. Naturally, our current global refugee crisis is dealt with at the conclusion. This is another of those remarkable picture books that can and should be read and discussed by readers of any age....more
A story set in the 1920's in Minnesota may sound a bit simple, but not in the hands of Mary Casanova. The complexity of the times (manifest destiny/deA story set in the 1920's in Minnesota may sound a bit simple, but not in the hands of Mary Casanova. The complexity of the times (manifest destiny/destruction of resources, prohibition, emerging women's rights-but-not-without-resistance) contributes multi-layered drama to an already intense and absorbing plot. This story unfolds with urgency and anxiety as the the sixteen-year-old Sadie Rose launches herself into her personal mystery and history, only to find answers that may be more frightening and life-changing than she could have imagined. Must read. ...more
This is both difficult to read and impossible to put down. There are wrenching probes of pain and laugh-out-loud passages and descriptions, tempered bThis is both difficult to read and impossible to put down. There are wrenching probes of pain and laugh-out-loud passages and descriptions, tempered by a sense that the most extreme scenes are drawn almost directly from real life.
Lester manages to explore issues of married life, parenthood, adult /parent relationships, life and death. He lays bare the two-sided coin of love/revulsion that must affect any parent at least occasionally. In this case, it is an ongoing reality, as are depression, alcoholism, denial, and desperation. If all of that sounds too overwhelming to read, I've not done the book justice. It is, in fact, a page-turner with a quite satisfying conclusion, on both intellectual and emotional levels. ...more
It's beyond my capacity to describe and raise this book enough. The juxtaposition of prose and poetry, of humor and suffering, of strength and vulneraIt's beyond my capacity to describe and raise this book enough. The juxtaposition of prose and poetry, of humor and suffering, of strength and vulnerability, of raw honesty and confused history and mythical allusions are breathtaking in complexity, irritating while inspiring, and flawlessly written.
I'll read this again and again, but allow time between readings to calm my sense of wonder at such a remarkable piece of writing. ...more
I;'ve never yet read a piccolo book I haven't loved, but this one rises to the top, and is so timely and honest in its exploration of race and racismI;'ve never yet read a piccolo book I haven't loved, but this one rises to the top, and is so timely and honest in its exploration of race and racism that it should be read by everyone- with mandatory discussions! Thoroughly entertaining, but deeply disturbing and distruptive of our assumptions about "others"....more
This is a powerful story, apart from the remarkable and nearly overwhelming nature of the North Atlantic coastal islands and the tales about the "lepeThis is a powerful story, apart from the remarkable and nearly overwhelming nature of the North Atlantic coastal islands and the tales about the "leper island" nearby. Readers are drawn into the emerging curiosity that compels young "Crow" to seek her origins and her "real" parents, despite her undeniable love of and loyalty to her island father, oh, and her guiding female mentor, Miss Maggie. This is a must-read, and will make a "don't stop now" read-aloud in classrooms....more
Many question if there is a place for "quiet" books in current publishing. This book firmly and quietly demonstrates the value and unique effectivenesMany question if there is a place for "quiet" books in current publishing. This book firmly and quietly demonstrates the value and unique effectiveness of a quiet book to share particular stories. The rhythmic repetition, cycles of time, wide-format perspective of the expansive sea, and the subtly dramatic contrast between the water's surface and the mines under the sea combine to produce a living, breathing story....more
The title of this book comes from a quotation b y Lucille Clifton: "Poems come out of wonder, not out of knowing." This collection of work is a wonderThe title of this book comes from a quotation b y Lucille Clifton: "Poems come out of wonder, not out of knowing." This collection of work is a wonder, and encourages readers to learn more about the original poets on whose work these variations are based. Using quality poetry to explore patterns, to attempt similar writing, and to compare with the works of others is a hallmark of quality teaching. This collection will be a must-have title for such teaching, and a "wanna-have" for anyone interested in reading fine poetry....more
This profile of the youngest participant in the Children's March for Civil Rights allows the even early readers to learn about and empathize with a crThis profile of the youngest participant in the Children's March for Civil Rights allows the even early readers to learn about and empathize with a critical time and place in American history. In other works (MARCHING FOR FREEDOM: Walk Together Children and Don't You Grow Weary-by Elizabeth Partridge; TURNING FIFTEEN ON THE ROAD TO FREEDOM: My Story of the Selma Voting Rights March, by Linda Blackman Lowry) the involvement of children in the dangerous work of peaceful protests is described with accuracy and intensity. This picture book reveals the role of young Audrey Faye Hendricks with a child's voice, a family's loving support, and the warmth of a kitchen brimming with comfort food. Vanessa Brantley Newton's illustrations present the harsh reality of jail with a guarded realism and subdued colors. ...more
This truly captures the universal truth... a child's bedtime is determined by the child, not the parent. Little Lala has more than enough reasons to dThis truly captures the universal truth... a child's bedtime is determined by the child, not the parent. Little Lala has more than enough reasons to delay, taking time to say goodnight to all creatures, great and small, including a rock! The repetition is very effective. The gorgeous illustrations, patterns, humor, and gentle storytelling will make this a much-loved book for children from many backgrounds....more
Utterly and completely delightful. This is the ultimate combination of picture book, first "chapter" book, easy reader at the earliest level, and laugUtterly and completely delightful. This is the ultimate combination of picture book, first "chapter" book, easy reader at the earliest level, and laugh-out-loud stories. I was thrilled to see that this is only the first of more adventures to com for the charming friends, Snail and Worm, because kids will love this duo and devour their stories....more
This traditional ale adds a fun twist when the troll's sour/green nature says his life. The dramatic and dense illustrations may overwhelm the very yoThis traditional ale adds a fun twist when the troll's sour/green nature says his life. The dramatic and dense illustrations may overwhelm the very young, but the clever, romping goats save themselves and reach the "grass-is-greener" side of the bridge in a satisfying way....more
Who's up for a party? Who doesn't like delicious candy treats? Who doesn't like full-blown, giggle-inducing silliness? And who doesn't LOVE a blobfish stWho's up for a party? Who doesn't like delicious candy treats? Who doesn't like full-blown, giggle-inducing silliness? And who doesn't LOVE a blobfish story? What's a blobfish, you ask? It's a recently discovered, gelatinous inhabitant of the deepest waters off Australia, and it was voted (in an online poll) the world's ugliest animal! Check out the video on Miranda Paul's website to learn more about it, scientifically, here. Despite that pathetically sad face, the central character in BLOBFISH THROWS A PARTY is one clever fellow. He's not happy with his circumstances: Opening end papers- pretty lonely place, right? "Blobfish lived at the bottom of the ocean. The dark, lonely bottom of the ocean. With no lights. No friends. And no delicious treats." Rather than mope around, Blobfish makes a plan. Two plans, in fact. 1) He can throw a party. If that fails... 2) He can save the world, because heroes always get what they want. But when a fish shouts its invitations from the depths of the ocean, a wildly wacky version of the "telephone game" ensues. His message reaches mermaids, who distort it before their version is heard by shorebirds, whose twisted version moves on to monkeys. Their various comical chants wind their way to sheep and farmers, on to dancers, and kids playing soccer. In each case, though, the the word "PARTY" remains intact. Because, of course, who doesn't love a party? The resulting planet-wide party has everyone smiling, except BLOBFISH, who is still all alone in that dark depths of the ocean. But when alien invaders on a mission to steal delicious Earth treats encounter the convoluted consequences of those shouted invitations, Blobfish's "Plan B" is surprisingly successful. Illustrator Maggie Caton's vibrant colors and energized figures combine with Miranda Paul's cleverly wacky word play, providing laughable layering and entertainment as the story unfolds. ...more
Lots to think about in this one, with levels of fun/teasing/anxiety/stress playing on depending on the point of view. The basic shapes and amorphous tLots to think about in this one, with levels of fun/teasing/anxiety/stress playing on depending on the point of view. The basic shapes and amorphous territory allow it to become a potent allegory for those who surround themselves with mirror images in one way or another but then venture to the territory of those "others". Perhaps the shapeless middle ground could have played a bigger role in this book and in allowing these characters to grow beyond their initial dimensions....more
Loads of fun, humor, but also a familiar stage of life- "Little Louie wasn't all that little. It wasn't like he needed his mom every minute of the dayLoads of fun, humor, but also a familiar stage of life- "Little Louie wasn't all that little. It wasn't like he needed his mom every minute of the day." Until he got a terrible, miserable, cold. The word-distortions and unintended consequences play out in both predictable and surprising ways. ...more
In FLORA and the CHICKS, Idle has provided her irresistible character, FLORA, with a challenge of constrained but comical proportions. Always a fan ofIn FLORA and the CHICKS, Idle has provided her irresistible character, FLORA, with a challenge of constrained but comical proportions. Always a fan of feathered friends (FLORA AND The FLAMINGO, FLORA AND THE PENGUIN, FLORA AND THE PEACOCKS), Flora arrives at the nest, bowl in hand, to collect eggs. Just then Mama Hen strolls away and the chicks begin breaking out of their shells. With her signature grace and emotive expressions, Flora faces the challenge of corralling freshly-hatching chicks without losing a single one. That is accomplished with significant effort and creativity on Flora's part.
On soft-white backgrounds, Idle generates elaborate subplots on each page-turn, including foldouts. Flora's balletic poses and problem solving analysis combine with curious chicks to allow little minds to fill as fully as their little hands. The tiniest details (a cracking shell, an unexpected worm, a foot-first egg-zit) provide rising action, suspense, and empathetic reactions. I can imagine little fingers pointing out escaping chicks while worry and amusement fill their faces. The gently-bold-blue numerals encourage returns for re-readings, allowing young ones to absorb and learn organically and joyfully.
I'm delighted to learn that Flora's foray into the board book audience will continue in September with the release of FLORA AND THE OSTRICH: An Opposites Book. I hope you are as eager as I am to get your hands on it in the fall.
As a side note, I know just enough about art to know my limits, but I do recognize brilliance and balance of form, figures, color tones, and book design. Idle's books are so rich in design and image that adults will welcome those re-readings rather than eye-rolling on the hundredth repeat.
There's no lack of board books dealing with basic concepts (colors, counting, alphabet, size, etc.). There's also an abundance of popular picture books that have been reworked for the tiniest hands, sometimes simplifying storylines and text but retaining their entertainment value and appeal. So, why fuss about a new line of board books?
Because some board books, very special ones like these, will become the ones that are replaced if damaged, become "MY BOOK" when babes begin using words, and are treasured and passed along to the next generation. ...more
In the case of this title, hold on to your brainwave caps and prepare for fun. DU IZ TAK? is written and illustrated by Carson Ellis. In addition to In the case of this title, hold on to your brainwave caps and prepare for fun. DU IZ TAK? is written and illustrated by Carson Ellis. In addition to it's visual appeal and narrative, it's also an homage to communication and communities. In this case it's a community of fanciful, insect-y creatures who share a common language, but not one we would recognize. It works for any language, which I found to be particularly appealing in this image of the cover of the Chinese version, here. This book received a 2016 CALDECOTT HONOR and starred reviews from KIRKUS, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, and HORN BOOK, among many other well-deserved accolades. I hadn't intended to write a post about it because the glowing commentaries from voices more widely circulated than mine were numerous, and they included so many of the points I would have made here. And yet... When I checked it out of the library for a second time, I realized there were so many rich ways to consider the depth of this book. There are sub-plots and visual narrative threads dealing with life cycles of plants and animals, with predator/prey interactions, with collaboration, communication, creative play, cause-effect chains, observation/inquiry models, and habitats in which communities abide.
Young readers (and older ones) come to various conclusions about how the invented language should be "translated". In general, many have arrived at this conclusion:
"Du iz tak?" translates as "What is that?" and "Ma nazoot." translates as "I don't know."
But even the use of traditional punctuation leaves openings for dramatic differences of interpretation. Yes, the little critters' faces and their evolving scenes offer a degree of likelihood as to what they would be saying, but that is minimal.
Let's just try those two lines with various attitudes attached: What is THAT? (surprise? fright? excitement?) What IS that? (revulsion, annoyance, irritation?) WHAT is THAT? (shock, anxiety, demanding?)
and the possible responses: I don't KNOW. (reflecting surprise, frustration, concern?) I don't know. (annoyance, avoidance, confusion, even worry?) I DON'T know. (denial, argument, irritation?)
And each page turn opens up additional options for assigning personalities and attitudes to each speaker. Which is to say, this is book that has a powerful effect on all readers, from the opening green, life-saturated endpapers to the final ones, and including each spread within the covers. The final spread presents the copyright/dedication but includes the dapper, mustachioed little caterpillar uttering his final "ta-ta!". I realized, after repeatedly examining page after page, that it was likely his smugness that drew me back to check it out again. That little dude seemed to know that there is no saying good-bye to this book. I encourage you to read it again, if you are already familiar with this winning book, or discover it for yourself and form your own opinions about these remarkable little chatters. You won't regret it, and if you translate lines differently, I welcome your interpretation in the comments. ...more
Rose applied her extensive writing talent and craft to a picture book that has all the hallmarks of a future classic, OVER IN THE WETLANDS: A HurricanRose applied her extensive writing talent and craft to a picture book that has all the hallmarks of a future classic, OVER IN THE WETLANDS: A Hurricane-on-the-Bayou. It is listed as an informational book for ages 3-8, but it's rhymed verse will appeal far beyond the very young and can serve as mentor text for writers of any age. The author's note in the back matter includes a map of Gulf wetlands, a simple introduction to issues surrounding the value and disappearance of wetlands, and suggested websites for exploring and finding answers to questions. Details about the animals in the narrative text are described in the "More about" page, providing immediate answers for younger readers and for the adults who will read this book to them- again and again. Its lyrical, rhythmic narration is perfectly enhanced by the illustrations of Rob Dunlavey. His website is worth a visit, offering a glimpse of his multi-faceted techniques and his mastery of nature illustration. You can view several spreads of his fluid, dense, and moody art from this book, depicting bayou scenes in various weather conditions and moods, here. I've lived all my life in the part of the country often referred to as "tornado alley", but have no first-hand experiences with hurricanes. Nevertheless, I found the ebb and flow of each page turn provided immersive and emotional insights into the often-described process of hurricane development, destruction, "eye", resumption, and eventual resolution. ...more
This is a testament to the timelessness of picture books, and, most especially, of poetry. Dilys Evans is a noted artist and poet, and she contributedThis is a testament to the timelessness of picture books, and, most especially, of poetry. Dilys Evans is a noted artist and poet, and she contributed her editorial skills to draw poetry from as long ago as 1930 through to contemporary publications. She contributed the launching poem and combined her selections in a story-in-poems that reveals energy, enthusiasm, curiosity, humor, and imagination. Now for a word about the illustrations by Jacqueline Rogers. From the alphabetic-animals used to spell out the title to the comically inadequate leash the boy has tethered to an enormous and curmudgeonly dog(?) on the back cover, every intricate detail matters. The expressions on human and other animals, the elaborate and moody backgrounds, and the complex relationships depicted in each double-page spread all demand exploration and examination. They hold up well in repeated readings, offering new discoveries each time through the book. There is ample justification for the current emphasis on diverse voices and images in all forms of children's literature, spearheaded by WE NEED DIVERSE BOOKS. But a book like this, published twenty years ago, is proof that illustrators like Rogers offered outstanding examples of mainstream books that appeal to and reflect ALL readers. In fact, since this title seems to be out of print, now is perfect time to reintroduce it to a whole new generation of young people. It's available in libraries, so don't wait for that to happen before checking it out for yourself. And, if you don't already have a pet, consider adopting one from a rescue center. Who knows, it might even inspire you to write a poem or two for yourself....more
This has been raved about by readers from every walk of life, and I'm now in that same parade, carrying a banner that says: Don't wait as long as I diThis has been raved about by readers from every walk of life, and I'm now in that same parade, carrying a banner that says: Don't wait as long as I did to read it!
I happen to be a fan of curmudgeonly characters to begin with, but I'm an even bigger fan of writing that sweeps me from page to page but begs me to reread, frequently, to explore the craft employed to build the characters and the relationships that make me feel I'm a player in the story....more
A charming kids-eye-view of exploring Mars, with delightful twists and turns of humorous surprises, right to the final page.
There are plenty of kids wA charming kids-eye-view of exploring Mars, with delightful twists and turns of humorous surprises, right to the final page.
There are plenty of kids who, even at 5-6 years old, all challenge the science of the story. Even so, the very heartfelt and comical storyline will remind them that there is a place in our lives for enjoying the fun of a good "what if" story....more
Jade is unforgettable, and her family (mom and peer-aged uncle) are equally significant. In this story each is a distinct and complex human, someone wJade is unforgettable, and her family (mom and peer-aged uncle) are equally significant. In this story each is a distinct and complex human, someone who will be recognizable to some and a revelation to others, depending on the reader's breadth of life experience and sense of identity. I was riveted, especially so by the well-intentioned and awkwardly executed efforts of so many supporters in Jade's life. To some extent I saw myself in the misdirected supporters and also in the resentful, cautious, conflicted Jade. There is so much meat on the bone in this novel, and it is constructed and delivered with the artistic insight of a talented collagist. I recommend this book for readers, writers, and anyone interested in exploring our American society- which should be EVERYONE....more
The very "slippery" subjects of light and energy are further explored in this series of books on light and energy in ways that intrigue and inform. ThThe very "slippery" subjects of light and energy are further explored in this series of books on light and energy in ways that intrigue and inform. This and the other titles in the series energize learning, investigation, and curiosity....more
Informative, inspiring, and the first of the 3-book series on LIGHT/energy. Takes a very nebulous/potentially confusing science topic and makes it thoInformative, inspiring, and the first of the 3-book series on LIGHT/energy. Takes a very nebulous/potentially confusing science topic and makes it thoroughly accessible and intriguing....more
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