This minimal text, in a novel with free verse/drop down lines and powerful illustrations, impressively captures the middle-grade angst of "fitting in"This minimal text, in a novel with free verse/drop down lines and powerful illustrations, impressively captures the middle-grade angst of "fitting in". In this case, quite literally, the inner life of Will is raw and realistic. This is a very important book with many opportunities for layered discussions about bullying and friendships and mental illness and obsessive/addictive patterns of escape. Central to the value of this book, though, is that the author captures WIll's trajectory from self-hate through to self-preservation, including the origin of his pain and the processes through which actual events and inner turmoil twist him into a self-destructive solution. Please read this. Do not avoid it based on my comments, since it is ultimately resolved in positive and encouraging ways. Nothing in this will cause anyone to behavior with less control than they arlaready to, but might well offer a once-removed reality similar to their won that sets a template for recovery....more
A seemingly simple story is elevated by the graceful, lyrical language, the sensitive empathy this scarecrow inspires, and the colorful, satisfying ilA seemingly simple story is elevated by the graceful, lyrical language, the sensitive empathy this scarecrow inspires, and the colorful, satisfying illustrations that are simple and subtly informative. Picture books shine in their ability to portray a concrete, direct storytelling approach while revealing layers of important themes: friendship, humor, the power of story, emotional connection, word play, and internalizing truths from books. HOPEFULLY, you'll enjoy everything about this book, as I did, and share it often....more
I'd like to say that learning to swim is a universal experience, since it is skill more vital to a long life/survival than bike riding and does not r I'd like to say that learning to swim is a universal experience, since it is skill more vital to a long life/survival than bike riding and does not require much equipment. Sadly, some recent statistics indicate that about 70% of all Black Americans DO NOT know how to swim. (Check article here.) Before my praise/raves for this book begins, I'll mention the dedications.
From the author:
"For every child who's learned to swim and for those who one day will."
And from the illustrator:
"To Black mothers, aunties, grandmothers, and guardians. We celebrate the entirety of you."
These captured some of my favorite aspects of this new offering. The portrayals of a new-learning child in a family of successful swimmers is ideal, especially in his ambivalence of eagerness and anxious concern. It is the mom, in this case, who does the direct instructing and provides hands-on support that allows the child to take that first dip, to grip and eventually release, to risk and trust, to succeed. The rest of his supportive family notices, cheers, and welcomes him to their world of confidence and joy in the watery world, a second happy habitat for life and joy.
All that can be found in images, including expressive features and body language, watery effects that begin and end on end papers, and a resolve that extends the learning of new things into a family bonding moment that stays with you.
But that visual narrative only enhances Bolling's brilliant rhymed text. Those of us who write picture book text often hear (and repeat) only a slice of the message we receive from agents and publishers: "not interested in rhymed text". The ENTIRE message is actually more true, and Bolling's crisp, creative, compelling rhymed titles prove the rule: No one wants to read attempted rhymed text unless it is precisely written in rhyme and meter, unless it tells the story better than prose would, unless it reads well aloud and in natural language. Bolling is not an exception to a rule, she proves it. Rhymed picture book text that was well done is ALWAYS welcome, especially in families with young children. Since her first picture book was published a few years ago she continues to create lively language, gaining fans among readers and those who MAKE books.. ...more
A delightful new character and her squirrel/park family launch a semi-plausible world of adventure, excitement, and caring support. Looking forward toA delightful new character and her squirrel/park family launch a semi-plausible world of adventure, excitement, and caring support. Looking forward too more from this....more
This is not a new book, and it garnered awards and "best of" designations in many categories. That's not unusual for books by either of its creators, This is not a new book, and it garnered awards and "best of" designations in many categories. That's not unusual for books by either of its creators, but this one certainly merits our attention even a few decades later. A combination of factors called it to mind to share now: my new residence/office space allows me to observe my feeder space many more hours of the day, Audubon's public status continues to shift, and undeniable changes in climate are affecting patterns for bird migration and survival. This last factor means some of what Audubon recorded will, or already has, changed and newer resources are the most reliable.There are ever-growing numbers of hobby-birders of all ages and backgrounds relying on Audubon resources for their study. They remain reliable starting points.
The straightforward but eloquent text reveals that young Audubon was raised in England by a bird/nature-loving father. In early adulthood, still called a boy, he was sent to live in America. He was obviously from a family of means, allowed to live without working by that benefit and the labor of enslaved people. That was not mentioned in the text, published in 2004. John James Audubon disdained school but immersed himself in nature, noticing, collecting, and sketching everything in his new environment. The text follows him through those early years in which he developed his art and observational skills. His questions, field study, patience, and gentle experiments helped to answer centuries-old debates about patterns of migration and "wintering" of the millions of small birds on both continents. His simple experiment with banding baby phoebes (then known as peewees) provided irrefutable answers.
The illustrations are equally researched and rendered in a mix of collage simulation, sketches and painting. the assemblages are also informative in the relationships and labeling among objects included. The results on the page enhance the informational content and also bring to life the thoroughness and depth of commitment for this man who grew to be the ultimate resource for everything involving birds. His status in that regard is solid, and remains breathtaking in many cases. The same can be said for the details of content of text and images. Author and illustrator notes are also helpful. It is a picture book that merits many close looks and rereads, and a fine example of alerting older readers to ways in which content changes over time by referencing the publication date and current concerns. ...more
Whether you've read Sharon Creech's earlier FINE FINE SCHOOL or not (but I hope you have), this companion/sequel book features a wiser principal, Mr. Whether you've read Sharon Creech's earlier FINE FINE SCHOOL or not (but I hope you have), this companion/sequel book features a wiser principal, Mr. Keane, and the irrepressible TILLIE (student) in the same mine school. In fact, the opening lines reference that it is, indeed, a FINE FINE SCHOOL, with several spreads revealing that this involves creativity, imagination, and collaborative learning. In this title, though, that now-beloved principal is rushed to the hospital for an appendectomy. His replacement views such frivolous, indirect activity as foolishness, requiring testing, testing, testing. All day. All week. No cards or banners or song-writing may continue under his thumb, even though the students are all eager to deliver them to the hospital to present to Mr. Keane. After school time is loaded with more study for the many tests to come. In this case, Tillie is not the single-handed spokes-girl, instead the entire school, exhausted students and teachers alike, use their Saturday morning to visit and stage a Mr. Keane greeting on the lawn outside his ward. Certainly, the ending is satisfying and fun, and that fine school is both fine and SMART once Mr. Keane resumes the reins. This makes a brilliant parent night book for back-to-school, for all grades and ages. My experience tell some that these crafts, songs, poems, banners, and other initiatives are not wasting time, not are they simply "break" activities. Using creative processes in the course of day actually elevates learning,mmotivation, and understanding, reflected in occasionally necessary test scores. Love it. Note that the original book had illustrations from Harry Bliss, but these illustrations are charmingly effective in capturing the scenes and moods of the first book along with second-look-worthy details on many pages....more
Long-time favorite of mine, and of the kids who share it. This sense of what makes a school a FINE school is authored by the talented award-winning ShLong-time favorite of mine, and of the kids who share it. This sense of what makes a school a FINE school is authored by the talented award-winning Sharon Creech, and illustrated with delightful detail and humor by the unequaled talent of Harry Bliss. The premise is that a principal longs to have his/their school be FINE, but in the process he squelches anything not related to purely academic, homework-laden, fun-killing direct instruction sessions, eliminating from both school and home life into nonstop WORK! I love the accurate portrayal of the impact of stress and testing and demanding "proof" of highest possible academic achievement along side the sincere suffering of kids who lose their own play time and also time with siblings and pets. I particularly admired the way student Tillie took a stand and insisted that the principal had gone overboard! A balance is restored with good-natured grace. Watch for 2023 release of sequel/companion book, A SMART SMART SCHOOL, again featuring Principal Keane and young Tillie....more
A lively, colorful approach to the mixed joys of reading: immersing yourself in the text (pun intended) and sharing a good book with others. In this cA lively, colorful approach to the mixed joys of reading: immersing yourself in the text (pun intended) and sharing a good book with others. In this case the account underwater adds depth by having the bookworm-fish diving deeper and deeper into the ranges of the less-explored ocean frontiers, still finding that everywhere Anglerfish goes to read, other story/book lovers can be found. Kids will learn indirectly about the depths of the ocean while enjoying the lively personalities and visual delight of these underwater booklovers....more
The narrative and illustrations will entrance readers of any age. The cover itself is an invitation to immerse ourselves in the incomparable home of fThe narrative and illustrations will entrance readers of any age. The cover itself is an invitation to immerse ourselves in the incomparable home of flora, fauna, and a young character who is wise beyond his years. Readers first meet Armando as he breaks the fourth wall by aiming his gaze at YOU, the reader, who has found him in his home. Arnold's direct yet lyrical text incorporates accurate rainforest terms and descriptions, nestled within a heart-tugging fictional tale about the power of purpose in Armando's life. By connecting so strongly with readers through text and images, they, too, will experience that purpose. Rich with sensory detail, even though written as a third person narrative, the unfolding text channels Armando's daily life so intimately that it opens readers to sensing "the leaves crunching beneath him", "mud squishing between toes", and the intimate connection he feels to this leafy refuge.
From the pre-narrative note about Armando's responsibility for a specific small tract within the rainforest, to the title page art which gently frames his home in a heart-shaped form, the mood is set to fall in love with the rainforest and root for everything Armando loves. Even before the main text begins.
Within the first few page turns we note that Armando has grown from a boy to a young man who treasures those early years of his life and the ways in which the rainforest continues to offer him peace and security. He (through the high-stakes text) perceives whirring chainsaws, rumbling trucks, flames, and other ominous signs closing in from all directions. This raises the stakes for him and for readers. Within single lines of text, various creatures "no longer..." (text describes typical behaviors), providing information about rainforest inhabitants while sustaining emotional investment and growing concern for their welfare.
In a classic "storymagician" approach, three sets of "others" make their ways to Armando to offer every conceivable option in exchange for his increasingly isolated "island" of rainforest. In each case Armando considers, respectfully, but declines. In each case, surrounding parcels that are lost to development lead creatures from those areas to take refuge within Armando's territory. The conclusion does not surprise, in terms of Armando's choices or the resulting effect on the wildlife. Instead it affirms and reassures readers. If anything manages to suspend belief it is that his rights and wishes prevailed, since that is so seldom the case when money and power are involved. This, though, merits our trust and confidence, since a single read-through will leave us with shock and chagrin that ANYONE would destroy such a treasure. I can't imagine anyone reading this book only once. EVERYONE must move through cynicism to believe, and HOPE, as Armando does, that the siren song of rainforest awareness might one day reawaken in those who have lost sight of what has real value.
Back matter provides brief paragraphs about some of the animals whose presence and behaviors appear within the narrative.
I can't resist spending some moments on the incredibly skilled and beguiling illustrations of Anne Yvonne Gilbert. The intricate details, layered lives, emotional energy, and delightful demeanors that weave themselves into each scene invite readers to experience indirectly as many elements of a rainforest habitat as those who live within it. Any single spread could be displayed as a work of art, yet the shifting perspectives, maturing Armando, distressed and desperate animals, and determined intruders contribute immensely to the page-turning power of this story. Although I often insist on not having favorites among many decades of picture book loves, I will always include Lynne Cherry's THE GREAT KAPOK TREE: A Tale of the Rainforest among my "Best of ALL Time" listings. (Clarion Books, 2000). If you haven't read it, please do, and consider "voicing" the animals who speak in the boy's dream in ways that mirror their natural sounds. Feel the urgency of those desperate KAPOK TREE residents as they beg for protection of their singular, remarkable home. It, too, is a sort of island of survival within a rainforest.
ARMANDO'S ISLAND stands strong and proud in the long wake of this classic picture book. It offers just as much allure and emotional depth while informing and inviting participation by the reader in important decisions about the preservation of the rainforest. In this case, the animals speak only through their compelling expressions and natural impulse to seek survival within a shrinking habitat. Armando is wide awake to the reality of what is being offered to him and what the consequences of his choices would mean. This new offering, like Cherry's more fanciful account, is informational fiction at its best. ...more
Both text and illustrations are delightful and evoke familiar garden experiences. The fist person voice of the dog captures the point of view of a belBoth text and illustrations are delightful and evoke familiar garden experiences. The fist person voice of the dog captures the point of view of a beloved and quite happy dog and its person with clarity but without becoming cloying or annoying. A very satisfying read. ...more
Stirring, and touching, in images throughout, this is a bit of a hybrid wordless book and bedtime story. The relationship between the boy and a remarkStirring, and touching, in images throughout, this is a bit of a hybrid wordless book and bedtime story. The relationship between the boy and a remarkably unique character that's a blend of owlet, friendly giant, and imaginary friend. In many ways it is a sort of embodiment of summer, was lived by a loved-but-lonely boy. Much to love about this gentle story....more
It was my pleasure to read and offer an endorsement on this offering from an author who gets to the heart of any story she writes. In this case a simpIt was my pleasure to read and offer an endorsement on this offering from an author who gets to the heart of any story she writes. In this case a simple news report inspired an idea that now provides universal meaning and appeal across many ages. There are many kinds of lonely, but surely one of the most painful kinds of lonely is riding a school bus alone, new, knowing none of the other kids. In this case a passing wave from a 'grandma" in a window launches connections on the busman the schools and within a community. This has SEL, cause/effect, and appealing/diverse characters. Don't miss it....more
This offers a tree-mendous way to introduce significant global history to young readers through their connection with trees that might have borne witnThis offers a tree-mendous way to introduce significant global history to young readers through their connection with trees that might have borne witness to the moments in those significant events. It is a grand intention that is executed really well. THE WITNESS TREES: Historic Moments and the Trees Who Watched Them Happen is written by Ryan G. Van Cleave and illustrated by (new to me) Dom Dom. Side note, but not an unimportant one, this publishing company dedicates its work to youth literacy and has pledged that for each book purchased they will donate a book to children in need.
Van Cleave is a poet by career, as well as helping celebrities to write and revise picture book text for children. In this case he has written through the voice of "celebrities" we can all respect, the various trees that have stood watch on human history over time. His precise, unrhymed-but-lyrical main text assumes the voices of trees (r descendants of trees) to provide objective insights to the ways in which human events and decisions have taken place. One line on the opening spread that reveals that voice well is this:
"Our roots run deep--/ they grip history/ a restless forever."
In addition, double spreads featuring specific moments in history, like the one below, provide brief smaller -font passages about the event pictured. This first one suggests King john of England conducting an emergency session of parliament under a massive thousand-year-old oak in nSherwood Forest in the year 1212.
The times and places are not chronological nor dothey trace a geographic path around the globe. Ranging widely, including scenes off Gettysburg, Anne Frank in hiding, Hiroshima, the 9/11 attack, and so many more. A few pages at the back provide concise notes about each species of tree noted, and the endpapers include even more valuable content. Opening endpapers feature a global map with icons for each tree/passage, with a map key naming the type of tree and whether the original tee(s) are still there it only their descendants. The closing endpapers include a timeline, bibliography, and brief notes about the dangers to existing trees from climate change or direct human intervention. I highly recommend this book for young readers and the adults in their lives....more
Author Tameka Fryer Brown and illustrator Nikkolas Smith provide a message on the title page: "We hope the words and images in this story foster transAuthor Tameka Fryer Brown and illustrator Nikkolas Smith provide a message on the title page: "We hope the words and images in this story foster transformative conversations that lead to change." "This story" features neighbor/best firiend/almost twins Keira and Bianca, pictured on the cover. Kera, the Black friend, is allowed to interact in every place except Bianca's home, where a confederate flag flies. Keira's mom calls it a hate flag, but Bianca insists tthat it is a heritage flag. I will not subvert any more of this well-told and powerful story by providing further details or summarizing. Please, though, trust my recommendation that this story about this seldom-presented contemporary issue is worthy of everyone's time, of any age. Classrooms, libraries, homes, clubs,msports teams, and in every imaginable situation calls out to you to share and launch these discussions that the creators request....more
This soon-to-be-classic account about talent and injustice will resonate with anyone, school age or adult, who has ever attempted to take part in a spThis soon-to-be-classic account about talent and injustice will resonate with anyone, school age or adult, who has ever attempted to take part in a spelling bee. Veteran poet/author and illustrator, Carol Boston Weatherford and Frank Morrison respectively, have provided a historically accurate account in How Do You Spell Unfair?: Macnolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee. This important and little-known story rises to the level of classic storytelling in their masterful hands. With each word and visual detail revealing layered aspects of the time, place, events, and emotional power of this, somehow recalling to me the dignity and bravery that resonate on every page of the original picture book on the topic, THE STORY of RUBY BRIDGES, written by poet Robert Coles and illustrated by George Ford. Macnolia Cox deserves to become as well known for her role in breaking barriers as Ruby does, not competing for a spotlight of awareness but expanding that general public attention by magnitudes. Please take my advice and read this new release, soon, with attention to the front matter and back matter, as well as to every element on every page. History comes alive there, and it is a story we ALL should know. Learn it, then share it, gift item talk about it with young and old. ...more
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