This has multiple benefits before even opening the cover. Laurie Wallmark is an author who incorporates extensive and deep research into compelling stoThis has multiple benefits before even opening the cover. Laurie Wallmark is an author who incorporates extensive and deep research into compelling storytelling about lives that are inspiring and relatively unknown, or known only to narrow audiences. Yevgenia Nayberg is an illustrator who embeds informative details into intriguing scenes and spreads that pull readers into the lives and emotions of amazing characters. From the cover alone I was eager to meet this obvious clever (and attentive) Sophie, figure out her reactionship to the semi-familiar formulas in the background, and cheer for her journey to becoming QUEEN OF MATHEMATICS! The interior did not disappoint, and I wish that Sophie's story had been available to me as a child who loved and excelled at math, but found no joy in it. With text and information that is targeted at older/established readers, I'm urging families and teachers of earlier ages to read this aloud and share it, laying down a foundation of ways that math (even investigational/experimental math) can offer a fascinating future for everyone of any gender. ...more
Disclaimer: I've been a major meerkat fan since long before the rest of the public was aware of them, thanks to reading a very early research paper aboDisclaimer: I've been a major meerkat fan since long before the rest of the public was aware of them, thanks to reading a very early research paper about them. Also, the critters in this delightful book are old friends, first appearing in MEERKAT MAIL. Now... I LOVE this, and it is a guaranteed winner for kids across many ages and global locations. The first of seven interior flaps sets the challenge- a "perfect" Chistmas, as described in an aspirational magazine every . This sends Sunny Meerkat on a journey around the world to find a place that provided every element of that perfect Christmas, which includes "well-boiled brussels sprouts". You take it from there, and allow plenty of time to note illustration details, including those that fill the endpapers....more
with stunningly egging art, a girl's first days and nights in her new apartment raises questions about who her neighbors might be, where she fits in, with stunningly egging art, a girl's first days and nights in her new apartment raises questions about who her neighbors might be, where she fits in, and how to feel at home in this new home. With unlimited time, readers will pore over the details in the individual apartment, the overall building and community and surroundings. it is a stunning book that addresses a seemingly simple concept with effectiveness and appeal....more
This is an oddly ominous-yet-curious dark-of-the-night story of a young girl who is moving toward growing up, uses a sort of self-talk and other technThis is an oddly ominous-yet-curious dark-of-the-night story of a young girl who is moving toward growing up, uses a sort of self-talk and other techniques to calm and ease her concerns, and then dreams away the night. Some cautions and worries take on a surrealistic tone within an inky black background, but the questions are answered in the final pages with a solidly realistic resolve that kids will appreciate....more
This is an up-close and inspiring story of one Afghanistan family's effort to expand literacy, especially for girls. The language and images are lovelThis is an up-close and inspiring story of one Afghanistan family's effort to expand literacy, especially for girls. The language and images are lovely and uplifting, while exploring aspects of hardship and struggles. The commitment and engagement of both the mother and daughter who bring library and instruction services are remarkable. ...more
This is the nonfiction, human equivalent of the "Energizer Bunny", with an incredible voice and impressive details of a determined and inspiring man. HThis is the nonfiction, human equivalent of the "Energizer Bunny", with an incredible voice and impressive details of a determined and inspiring man. Highly recommend....more
A lively and appealing approach with the potential benefit of its authorship by a very popular actor/performer. Seeing ourselves on the page is an essA lively and appealing approach with the potential benefit of its authorship by a very popular actor/performer. Seeing ourselves on the page is an essential experience for every child, and this charming book adds to that opportunity....more
Reading this was very engaging, but it also triggered me, to some extent. The very well-developed characters and family dynamics were powerfully portrReading this was very engaging, but it also triggered me, to some extent. The very well-developed characters and family dynamics were powerfully portrayed, but the entire framework of the story, all the way to the title, incorporates the actual history of the space shuttle Challenger and its eventual explosion. As the back matter indicates, shuttle missions had become rather routine. With the addition of a "real" person on board, teacher Christa McAulliffe, the Challenger launch rose in the attention of the general public, slightly. NASA arranged to have the live launch broadcast directly to schools. My classroom of fourth grade students had been watching with me, after studying and preparing for several weeks. The story references to the extremely cold weather made me flinch each time I read those passages, knowing that the eventual disaster was tied directly to the malfunction that stunned and horrified all of us observing. Without that personal experience to tighten my shoulders throughout the reading, it will undoubtedly read with heart and should and connections to a variety of personalities and interests. This is a family story I urge all kids to read. I recommend it to parents whose marriage involves frequent bickering to see within this family the impact that home atmosphere can have on their children....more
The day before reading this I finished a lovely book featuring girls this age, yet I didn’t rate or review it. There was nothing wrong with it, but itThe day before reading this I finished a lovely book featuring girls this age, yet I didn’t rate or review it. There was nothing wrong with it, but it left me feeling distant from either of the girls, and also wondering if the author had bundled too many characters and “situations” into the story. Then I picked up Stead’s book and Bea instantly burrowed into my heart. There are even more characters in this story, with less life-threatening stakes than the one I had just finished. Situations and settings and personalities share the stage like a fine-tuned repertoire company. Even so, I felt every word on every page mattered, with a deep connection to the hopes and worries and love and friendships (oh, Angus, what a friend you ARE!). In this story the stakes are internal and authentic and as universal as they are specific to Bea’s life. This book has been in a stack since Christmas, and now the only negative thing I can say is how angry I am at myself for waiting this long to fold these lives into my own. I needed tissues, but in the best ways....more
I was among others who endorsed author Janet Halfmann’s “hidden history”, THE CLOTHESLINE CODE: The Story of CIVIL WAR SPIES LUCY WALKER and DABNEY WAI was among others who endorsed author Janet Halfmann’s “hidden history”, THE CLOTHESLINE CODE: The Story of CIVIL WAR SPIES LUCY WALKER and DABNEY WALKER. before its release. Illustrations by Trisha Mason bring Janet’s heart-pounding story to life and augment understanding of the historical setting and circumstances, making it suited for ages 6-11, but for adult readers, too. Here’s my early endorsement:
“Be prepared for page after page of surprises in this accurate and dramatically written and illustrated profile of Civil War heroes Lucy Ann and Dabney Walker. This is an impressive account of the brilliance, bravery, and boldness of a married couple who escaped enslavement to become spies for Union forces. They were praised while alive but have been overlooked by history—until NOW!”
And here are more details to tide readers over until it releases on February 1, 2021:
Lucy and Dabny are two of the uncounted Black people who risked their lives to fight for and otherwise serve the Union forces during the Civil War. Black men who served in uniform for the North were nearly always segregated into all-Black units and assigned a white leader. In this portrait of heroes we learn that Dabny was assigned to a brand-new intelligence unit, accompanied by his wife. The Walkers were both bright and innovative. Careful observations, questioning, and determination inspired the couple to develop a complex way to adapt the army’s established flag-signal system into a secret clothesline code. If it worked, and if they could remain undiscovered, they could provide information about plans and troop movements from behind Confederate lines.
When they were fully confident in their code, they planned for Lucy to hang laundry in specific colors and positions from the enemy encampment. Dabny and Lucy recognized the risk, from being returned to enslavement or execution. Despite the dangers, both pushed ahead to contribute to the success of the Union Army and help to end both the Civil War and centuries of slavery.
The Walkers had already risked everything in escaping from their own enslavement, yet they continued to serve the wider community, the military, and the nation in which they were finally able to live freely. During their lives and for a few years after, their heroism and contributions were well known in the Washington area where they made their home after the war. Even so, history managed to ignore them for more than a century and half. It’s to the credit of Halfmann, Mason, and Brandylane Publishers that they are finally reaching a wider public.
This publication offers all the advantages of a fully illustrated picture book with images that amplify and enrich a well-told narrative. The word count is more than typical, but every word carries its weight. That includes the supplementary text throughout, from the dedication to introduction to author notes to resource references and quotation sources.
Halfmann has demonstrated a deft touch and craft in digging out the bones of stories from history, people and facts that were long-buried from the population as a whole. She identifies intrepid individuals who have championed and sustained these noble stories, often using primary sources. Then, like constructing a quilt, she transforms neglected and ragged scraps into a work of art that inspires and comforts without distorting the factual content. She showcases real lives and relationships. Janet is not Black, but she has a proven track record of pursuing authentic stories, accessing legitimate voices, and seeking the most reliable “own voices” to consult and provide corrections or validation as her works are developed.
Halfmann’s prior successes in this arena are shining spotlights on rarely reecognized heroes and s/heroes, opening the way for others to explore and share even further. Check out The Story of Civil War Hero ROBERT SMALLS (in picture book and chapter book formats) and multi-award-winning picture book, MIDNIGHT TEACHER: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School.
These, along with the Walker’s story, present colorful and dramatic content that invite screen adaptations. Until that happens, inspire yourself to make the most of your own lives by reading Halfmann’s titles, including THE CLOTHESLINE CODE: The Story of CIVIL WAR SPIES LUCY WALKER and DABNEY WALKER. ...more
This time-shifting approach integrates two stories, threading the dramatic and historically researched story of preteen French girls playing a risky rThis time-shifting approach integrates two stories, threading the dramatic and historically researched story of preteen French girls playing a risky role in the underground resistance against Germany into the lives of New York City residents during SuperStorm Sandy. Each side of this ross-generational story had plenty of dramatic notes and will appeal to middle grade readers....more
So, I being some reviews with a full admission that the subject or specific content of the work had my full attention before ever cracking the cover oSo, I being some reviews with a full admission that the subject or specific content of the work had my full attention before ever cracking the cover of the book. That is likely true for many who adore unicorns. Not for me. I've got nothing against unicorns, but they do not make me swoon. Not in the least. But Margaret's unicorn DOES! The depth of nuance, color, and nature within the illustrations and text, the underlying family relationships, the gently layered details and delicately implied assumption about the mythology of these entirely natural-seeming creatures combined to sweep me into becoming a true believer, min the best possible way. As a reader, and as a writer, I feel like a different person after reading this story than I was before I began. ...more
There is much to love about this recent picture book. Above all, I love the Grandmothers who seized an opportunity to grow beyond the limits their traThere is much to love about this recent picture book. Above all, I love the Grandmothers who seized an opportunity to grow beyond the limits their traditional lives have imposed. The illustrations are a rich resource for appreciating the cultural styles, setting, and patterns specific to this small village in India, but also reveal the universality of human dignity, dismissive attitudes about women, (Grandfather's eyeroll says it all!), and the boundless joy of learning and claiming personal growth. Back matter confirms that this fictional story is rooted in the real events of a particular village, its grandmothers, and one educator who recognized their potential. The bedtime storytelling is also a warmly familiar experience, and the traditional tales of their culture are a welcome change from western stories for young audiences. Grandmother's promise to herself and her little one that she would one day be able to READ those stories to her nearly brought me to tears. Get it. Read it. Share it....more
In this emerging series, science/nature writer Melissa Stewart offers brilliant insights and invitations to observe and appreciate aspects of nature mIn this emerging series, science/nature writer Melissa Stewart offers brilliant insights and invitations to observe and appreciate aspects of nature more fully. In both visuals and text, the depth of science research is evident: endpapers, scientific labeling, simulated field notes, back matter sources, and further prompts. The tone of this book makes it a delight for read aloud for even the youngest. The flowing main narrative provides familiar comparisons of various feather functions to increase survival, and Stewart's figurative language provides a pattern for early language development. The parallel lines and paragraphs of accessible but more detailed content and the accurate but soft-edged specimens are set in natural habitats that explain and expand the meaning of the lyrical lines that float across the top of each page....more
The blend of minimalist but figurative language, effective patterns of threat/recovery, and powerfully sweeping illustrations that are rich with detaiThe blend of minimalist but figurative language, effective patterns of threat/recovery, and powerfully sweeping illustrations that are rich with details and comforting relationships make this a book for readers young and old....more
This is an incredibly engaging, entertaining, and important graphic memoir by a talented Korean-American writer/illustrator. Her storytelling skills mThis is an incredibly engaging, entertaining, and important graphic memoir by a talented Korean-American writer/illustrator. Her storytelling skills match her visual narrative, and those combine to provide readers with something that feels very close to a vicariously "lived experience" within the Korean culture in Seoul, as well as the experiences of an immigrant to the USA. The depictions of Korean cultural patterns reach us through a single lens, but that magnifies the emotional connection....more
This is a rarity among picture books, in that it "breaks the rules" on many fronts, but succeeds beautifully. It also feels limuted ke a winner in itsThis is a rarity among picture books, in that it "breaks the rules" on many fronts, but succeeds beautifully. It also feels limuted ke a winner in its ability to speak sweetly and strongly to very young audiences while bringing adults to tears. The two central characters appear to be teen or near-teen age, which is the most significantly rare aspect of a picture book. Add to that an elder with a much loved pet dog, one that is said to be very smart, and the story is ready to launch. The blend of minimalist figurative language and muted, dark-toned illustrations enhance the story in similar ways. Phrases like "landed on the floor of their hearts", and illustrations whose blurred edges could cloud our attention but instead attract the eye to the smallest, softest, most significant details. The truth that wraps this story from cover to cover is that reality in which we all live- surface differences and isolation could be masking the fact that we share deeply felt connections to the world, and to others. ...more
Any picture book with unicorns will win fans before the cover is cracked, and this one has even more going for it. The twist on the traditional song pAny picture book with unicorns will win fans before the cover is cracked, and this one has even more going for it. The twist on the traditional song provides plenty of openings for counting, and comical developments, while avoiding the typical repetitive verses on page after page. Unicorn personalities are celebrated on each page turn, and my favorite was that unicorns sneeze sprinkles! (I had already heard that unicorns poop Skittles!) So, add this one to your list of stories to share with unicorn fans during the holidays. ...more
I read (and loved) this book at least three times during 2020, but somehow did not record or review it here. Honestly, that's another reason I appreciI read (and loved) this book at least three times during 2020, but somehow did not record or review it here. Honestly, that's another reason I appreciate annual award finalists and winners lists, since they call to my attention such treasures as these. Hurly, burly, curmudgeonly Swashby was entirely happy with his life at the edge of the sea he loved. In fact, he would have called his life perfect, until a girl and her grandma moved nearby and turned his serene beach into a lively playground. This is story that suggests the taming of a wild creature, combined with delightful word play, parallel patterns of multi-generational relationships, and the magical miracles of the sea, whose tides manage to "fiddle with" Swashby's sand-written messages. It is delightful in language, concept, and particularly with the swirling, rounded, and colorful art of the Amazing Juana Martinez-Neal....more
A welcome addition to a series that delights developing readers. This one most explicitly allows "Mystery Reader" to model "sound it out" techniques, aA welcome addition to a series that delights developing readers. This one most explicitly allows "Mystery Reader" to model "sound it out" techniques, as well as a bit of word-chunking and other strategies used by beginning readers. The use of the word underpants as part of the super reader costume will have little ones rereading this dozens of times. It does continue the series patterns of intentional endpapers, table of contents, word-play in a-corny jokes, a short nonfiction section with picture support and strong appeal....more
Developing readers (and their teachers) will appreciate this title in the UNLIMITED SQUIRRELS series. Each title in the series uses consistent patternDeveloping readers (and their teachers) will appreciate this title in the UNLIMITED SQUIRRELS series. Each title in the series uses consistent patterns of a table of contents, extended story with various word play and reading strategies demonstrated, intentionally a-c0rny jokes, and a few well-leveled nonfiction pages on a related topic. Young readers will benefit from the scaffolding of these predictable patterns and controlled vocabulary, while being fully entertained by the humor and word play. ...more
An adult novel ( or mature teen) with fast-paced storytelling that feels perfect for the screen and some cheeky actors. The characters are memorable, An adult novel ( or mature teen) with fast-paced storytelling that feels perfect for the screen and some cheeky actors. The characters are memorable, the voices and language quickly strike a rhythm with the reader, and each time I closed the book I felt as if I could smell the deep fryer oil clinging to my clothes. Both funny and tender....more
This charming little indie picture book is as appealing as Tribbs, the kitten-turned-cat who stars in the story. This is a lovely book addition or gifThis charming little indie picture book is as appealing as Tribbs, the kitten-turned-cat who stars in the story. This is a lovely book addition or gift to those involved with animal rescue or fostering. It also could be used in families or classes for discussion of community animal services and responsible human behaviors. All are important, but Tribbs remains the very sympathetic star of the show. ...more
This is a translation from the original Norwegian, and I sing the praises of the original writer AND the translator! What a wonder Astrid is, and whatThis is a translation from the original Norwegian, and I sing the praises of the original writer AND the translator! What a wonder Astrid is, and what a wonderous world of family, friends, and physical environment surround her. Seriously, this young girl and those in her life (including the mountains and seasons and waters and weirdness) thundered into my life and will stay with me forever. From individual scenes and episodes to the encompassing story and eventual resolution, I was enthralled, with moments of laughter and a few tears. Had I never visited Norway, I believe I would have felt alive in this setting. But, after spending time on mountainsides in Arna, Norway, this was a visceral experience for me. A few things will surprise Amrerican readers, including the "snus" habits (chewing tobacco) of a few, a genuinely Grinchy villain, and some low-surveillance parental attitudes, but that just enriches the story, to me....more
Several extended free verse poems (of few words, as the subtitle indicates) are brilliantly written and graphically displayed on the pages of this shoSeveral extended free verse poems (of few words, as the subtitle indicates) are brilliantly written and graphically displayed on the pages of this short but potent work. Read it. Teach with it. Give it as a gift. Read it again, and again....more
Lee Bennett Hopkins, gifted poet that he was, excelled at showcasing the talents of others and presenting thwie works in a story framework that elevatLee Bennett Hopkins, gifted poet that he was, excelled at showcasing the talents of others and presenting thwie works in a story framework that elevates the total to greater than the sum of the parts. In this case, the collection of poems flips the familiar "Good Night Moon" from the child/parent perspective to the voices of those many bedtime elements that could surround human children as they sleep. Sadly, our country and the world permit too many children to sleep without the security of homes. The featured items, though, are not luxuries. These are elements that every child should be able to realistically have, or remember, appreciate, or hope for in the near-times and ever after. Each addresses a brown-skinned, dark-haired child of nonspecific identity, from bedtime to sunrise, in voices of comfort, delight, charm, and adventure. Based on hair and clothing, this is likely a girl, and yet Child's as exuberance and mindfulness, curiousity and commitment to a big life can apply to every reader. The poets move from BED, to PILLOW, BLANKET, CAT, DOG,CLOCK, ROCKING HORSE, BOOK, TEDDY BEAR, ANGEL, STARS, MOON, NIGHT-LIGHT, and return to BED AGAIN, just as night ends and the child is rising. Each personifies the role and voice and insights of the focus object. None (other than, perhaps, the rocking horse) imply luxury or privilege, so most children and families will identify with the sleeper, addressed as "Child" throughout. Using a variety of figurative language, poetic forms, word play, and tone, each poem and the combined collection provide mentor writing opportunities for kids with established literacy. No offense meant to the incredible Margaret Wise Brown, but I would happily endorse this as an alternative to GOOD NIGHT MOON. The art of Jen Corace is both ethereal and anchored in the details of each poem, from endpapers to the totality of the "story" framing this anthology. Give it a close look and read, won't you?...more
I hear and read many rave review about novels for adults, but I'm very selective about which I choose to read, reserving more of my time for writing aI hear and read many rave review about novels for adults, but I'm very selective about which I choose to read, reserving more of my time for writing and reading works for youth. The voices raised in praise of this are ones I respect deeply, so I waited through a long hold list and read it in a weekend. While I respect Shakespeare's works and have read several novels and sonnets, watched several as plays and films, but I'm not in any way a Shakespeare scholar. The story of his private life was sketchy and not correct in parts, so I came to this as blank slate. Wow. let me assure those who enter form my perspective, this won't overwhelm with references to the works or even the life of Shakespear. His original family, his marriage family, and lives in those medieval days take center stage. His wife Agnes (Anna) deserves every ray of the spotlight and center stage that this work provides. Her character is exquisitely developed and lovingly told in language as precise, evocative, and lyrical as that of the bard. I read so extensively and often that the individuals and details of various narratives, even ones I love, tend to blur into generalities as I move forward. For books like this one, I will return to read again in a few months, and again throughout the years ahead, as I feel those delicious lines and scenes and characters slip into the dusty corners of my mind. Highly recommended. ...more
What a remarkable book this is, and I am a tiny voice among many more empowered ones to say so. They text reveals the injustice and hardship, but alsoWhat a remarkable book this is, and I am a tiny voice among many more empowered ones to say so. They text reveals the injustice and hardship, but also the joyful physicality of the Harlem Globetrotters. The reasons behind their need to take this alternative approach to sharing their talents will be revealing to many. I was aware, and yet the facts left me fuming. Even so, their unequalled talent, their global success, and Don Tate’s illustrations are celebrations of magnificence....more
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