This is a delightfully clever and well-executed approach that reveals parallels between a chorus of nighttime critters and the instruments in an orcheThis is a delightfully clever and well-executed approach that reveals parallels between a chorus of nighttime critters and the instruments in an orchestra. Stunning and appealing photography is used to allow even the youngest audiences to recognize animals (both familiar and surprising!) and mimic the onomatopoetic sounds integrated into the fluid and masterful rhymed text. Nature sounds and the creatures who produce them are figuratively compared to instrumentalists and their music tools. Back matter provides brief and appealing descriptions and details about the featured animals, then another double spread about the instruments named, including suggestions for readers to try to make similar instruments. Science elements reference ways vibrations are creating sound, making this a superb STEAM choice. The illustrations are darkly lush, making the contrasting text easy to read and part of a fluid page design that adds to the musicality of the full effect. The nightfall is introduced with a metaphorical curtain rising and night thrush, with the symphony's close at dawn as the curtain drops on a robin's morning rise-and-shine song. Highly recommended. ...more
This is a charming new picture book that appeals on many levels: minimal,mrhymed text that is arranged organically on then page rather than in stanzasThis is a charming new picture book that appeals on many levels: minimal,mrhymed text that is arranged organically on then page rather than in stanzas, an array of living things that blend the familiar with surprising critters, and assemblage/collage art that portrays very natural scenes and accurate animal qualities using cut pieces with artifacts and materials. The many appeals are undeniable, and the layers of useful content will make this an asset in families, classrooms, and libraries. ...more
As you likely know, prairie dogs live in extensive communities, often called prairie dog towns. Whether the extended group is small (as this one is) oAs you likely know, prairie dogs live in extensive communities, often called prairie dog towns. Whether the extended group is small (as this one is) or massive, their interactions can make a lively and appealing model for many human relationships. In this case, the story unfolds with speech bubble narratives, delightful perspectives, and one prairie dog, Earl, who is afraid of going outside. He prefers dig-dig-digging underground where he feels safe. His above-ground buddies are on the look out for predators, but Earl fears rain. Earl's fears (of several kinds) play a role in his rescue of the group. Even so, despite their safe survival, Earl relies on his peer support to find security within himself and among his community. OUTSIDE!
This is an excellent offering for young readers to encourage social/emotional learning and discussion, to empathize with characters, to identify/predict storyline, and to flat-out enjoy a funny story.
The double spread back matter includes labeled illustrations of the ways prairie dogs dig complex intentional underground spaces to survive and thrive. I found Earl & Company to be unforgettable, and I hope you will, too....more
I've sung the praises of Schaffer's books in the past, HERE and HERE, with an interview HERE. Her ongoing success, and the outstanding output of illusI've sung the praises of Schaffer's books in the past, HERE and HERE, with an interview HERE. Her ongoing success, and the outstanding output of illustrator Neal can be found easily with a search of their names. In this case, their pairing has produced a delightfully creative nonfiction version of a food chain, including those who consume, and those who are eaten... or escape! My delight in this title is not only in Schaffer's fluent, lyrical rhymed text that naturally reflects the rhyme and rhythm schemes of THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY. (Click on that to hear Judy Collins sing the song with the muppets!) The original is a silly-sort-of food chain verse, but Schaffer's take is an authentic approach in a nature scene including familiar animals and inserting a realistic but exciting twist at the conclusion. Another aspect I adore (absolutely adore) is her successful adherence to this structure that honors the source of all of Earth's food in her opening spread. This is repeated throughout (instead of the old lady's "perhaps I'll die"):
"There was a blue sky with a bright shining sun,
a glorious, life-giving, fiery sun.
The day had begun."
From that introductory verse the patterns of life and food move to plants and trees then to plant-eating insects, celebrating that global gift before any predators appear:
"The cricket munched grass
far beneath the tall trees
that blew in the cool
of a blustery breeze.
They made their food
with the help of the sun,
the glorious, life-giving, fiery sun.
The day had begun."
I don't usually include such extensive quotes, and won't do so again for this book or the others. (Maybe just a little.) This example felt important to demonstrate the joy of ready text in this style that appears effortless and yet must have involved countless hours of adjusting and modifying words and syllables to remove any stumbles or stutters or clunkers. I've reread this book multiple times, silently and aloud, and never encountered a single stumble to disrupt the meaning or the flow or the magical bouncing beauty of the narrative.
Shaffer's food cycle is confined to a meadow/deciduous woodland habitat that will be familiar to many readers, from the glorious, food-producing sun-source through to an apex predator, a black bear. The back pages include a glossary that sustains the large open font in accessible vocabulary with full-sized illustrations, including not just the animals but a description of a food chain and reference to the reality that many prey do escape, living on to sustain their species and the stability of the food chain. This is a "take-off" title that stands fully on its own, including the language, the information, and the illustrations that delight and inform. Please devour it!...more
My first awareness of this book, including praise from other reviewers, left me eager to read it. I've now renewed my library copy and re-read it multMy first awareness of this book, including praise from other reviewers, left me eager to read it. I've now renewed my library copy and re-read it multiple times, preparing to share it with you at this special calendar timing in celebration of fathers. That was not my original intention. I imagined it would fit well among anyone's collection of bedtime books, portrayed by an appealing little bunny in need of yet another story or other delay to the inevitability of sleep.
The images are warmly sleepy and comforting despite the cool colors filling each page. As the story unfolds, the drama increases. Readers share Bunny's worrying concern and mission yet travel within Bunny's safe and secure home, habits, and thoughts. The text assures us of Bunny's soft blanket and warm toes while the glowing moon offers a haven from full darkness. Even so, Bunny lies awake, revealing his remaining need:
"Come on, Dad! Check on me, check on me, check on me!"
Waiting is hard, and Bunny must take action. Once he collects the necessary items in his wagon, he takes them to Dad's room, who is asleep under that same glowing moon. When Bunny offers each of the comfort items from their prior routines, Dad sleeps on. Bunny's next move is more direct. The pages that follow are as tender and perfect as you might imagine, and utterly satisfying in the simplicity and power of the text and the images. Don't imagine that it is predictably "sweet", it is also surprising in wonderful ways.
Whether your Fathers Day dad (defined however you feel at home with that title) is still in this young-child stage of life or long past it, I imagine many who would love this story and the appreciation and recognition it implies. The responsibilities of fatherhood/parenthood are immeasurable and often overwhelming, but this recognizes that "the little things" really do matter, and always will. ...more
In this delightful story-in-rhyme, it's the boots that star. Revealed in short couplets and brightly illustrated pages, the many ways that boots are In this delightful story-in-rhyme, it's the boots that star. Revealed in short couplets and brightly illustrated pages, the many ways that boots are part of life on the farm throughout the year are celebrated through a year's seasons. These certainly involve work of many kinds, but also reveal the types and variations of fun and adventure that can be had in footwear that we rightly label boots. The end papers are a visual glossary of the variety of boots (and related farm elements) that can be spotted within the pages. In repeated readings (which both the story/concept and the rhymes will invite) young audiences may try using that array inside the covers to play a find-and-search game in the illustrations. ...more
STANLEY's LIBRARY is one of many in the STANLEY series. Stanley (hamster) stars in an ongoing series of delightful books for young audiences. Just as STANLEY's LIBRARY is one of many in the STANLEY series. Stanley (hamster) stars in an ongoing series of delightful books for young audiences. Just as early chapter books offer a transition from beginning readers to actual youth novels, STANLEY's stories, though appealing to even the youngest eyes and ears, offers a set of stories and characters with enough substance to engage longer conversations, questions, reactions,, and connections that reach beyond the basic naming concepts in most board books. The colorful, graphic, but detailed images focus on the topic-related materials and their purposes for each of the many topics. Though seemingly simplistic, Stanley takes young minds on journeys into the world around them, reflecting things they know and extending their awareness to think and absorb more while having a grand journey through the day. The impact of a template or pattern that carries through each story/Stanley structure builds confidence and connection, including not-quite-identical end of day pages. Side note, for anyone bemoaning the lack of analog clock faces in young lives, Stanley's bedtime clock is set each night, and the times are not the same. In fact, it's worth noting that the particular career he holds for that title is reflected in the time he is expecting to get up. I found that to be a wonderful example of the ways these seemingly simple books will transcend a few readings or even a few years. ...more
A delightful depiction of a young family celebrating a special moment- their infant's naming day at the synagogue. Through the ambling walk there, theA delightful depiction of a young family celebrating a special moment- their infant's naming day at the synagogue. Through the ambling walk there, thenoilder sibling responds to friendly neighbors, reminded by his Mama or Mommy to use their loving-nicknames until the ceremony makes it all official. This community based celebration and natural; acceptance of particular religious traditions as well as same-sex parents and families is a welcome, gentle story that it itself a joyous song! ...more
Illustrations by this award-winning creator are a rich resource to take a seemingly simple concept book (the colors of a festival) to the next level. Illustrations by this award-winning creator are a rich resource to take a seemingly simple concept book (the colors of a festival) to the next level. The cumulative pages revealing and connecting colors to familiar objects (bi-lingual) serve well to those from toddlers to ELL school age learners. Within those images readers across those ages will note and enjoy the emergence of a colorful fiesta! This notable approach, including a double gatefold spread, encourages extending the story using the featured vocabulary and related familiar words and experiences. Outstanding!...more
**spoiler alert** The text/narrative in this delightful picture book feels perfect- a "just right" selection of statements that reach deep into our he**spoiler alert** The text/narrative in this delightful picture book feels perfect- a "just right" selection of statements that reach deep into our hearts and connects with what we all know to be true. When something REALLY matters to us,meven something we've actually never know before, there is a truth to it that can't be denied. In this case, Joy had ALWAYS wanted dog, and somehow, in her heart, she knew WHICH dog it would be- or rather that she would recognize the right dog when it came into her life. JUMP, in the other hand (paw) was a dog who also knew what he most needed. A KID. But not just any kid. JUMP knew that the right kid would present him/herself, and when that happened, there would be no doubt. This seemingly simple premise strikes a deeply-rooted awareness in me that some things, some longings, are so much a part of our lives that they are worth waiting for, confident that we will be completed at some point. Multi-award-winning illustrator Chris Raschka depicts the emotional content and the diligent efforts of JUMP and JOY with a distinct approach: As each moves through life on their quest, Both JUMP and JOY are softly rendered in a glowing brown/gold, soft-edged style we recognize from many of Raschka's other picture books. Everything else, every detailed spread, places our little heroes on intently rendered back-and-white line drawings, nearly pixilated, but allow us to sense the distance JUMP and JOY feel from their (so far) unsuccessful efforts. Even when the longterm outcomes of their daily designs brings some happiness and satisfaction, those blooming flowers and ferns appear in fine line detail in black and white. Their enthusiasm calls attention to each other and Raschka reveals their thrilling connection, providing one full spread of celebratory nature with those refined lines but splashed with a rainbow of color. The pairing of the two techniques is clearly perfect, just as the original story line and art are perfect at confirming the delayed but persistent efforts to complete themselves by finding each other. Brilliance. ...more
Each haiku offering is one "chapter" in the life of a great horned owl pair/family, each syllable as luminous as is the cover moon that silhouette's tEach haiku offering is one "chapter" in the life of a great horned owl pair/family, each syllable as luminous as is the cover moon that silhouette's this tender and tenacious family. From flap jacket images throughout each turn, the evocation of nature's brilliance and subtlety and power are evident. In this case her word choices and phrasing echo the murmurations of owl feathers, unique in then bird world for being able to move across the skies silently. Things that might generate negative reactions (a snake or skunk dinner) are instead as natural and necessary as starlight and food chains. The direct and un-tempered events that comprise the few months of the life of a GREAT HORNED OWL egg/chick/hatchling/fledgling are both heart-wrenching and heart-swelling. Scenes throughout reveal the ways in which Nature's predators and prey interact from beginning (making use of an abandoned squirrel nest) to end (leaving home to survive on their own). Those ages and stages offer opportunities to share glowing light, intense drama, reassuring resolves, and invitations to examine our apparently "dull" surroundings as we discover magnificent reality. Each word choice and syllable is an equally impressive blend of simple onamotopoetia with evocative figurative phrases:
"In the rain they wait
Beneath umbrella wings
Safe and warm and snug."
* * *
"Slipping to the ground
Keeping, flapping, fluttering
Nest far, far away."
As is characteristic of Gianferrari's nonfiction picture books, back matter allows readers (and their families) to learn even more in concise and accessible text about the li vis of GREAT HORNED OWLS as depicted in this account. Poet/author Gianferrari is widely-acclaimed for depth and sensitivity of the research behind her interpretations of the magically mysterious lives of creatures that surround us.
In the spirit of poetic brevity, simplicity, and celebration, I leave you with this beauty and encourage you to info and share poetry every day this month. Then continue on with that daily pursuit all year long. ...more
How can you take even a quick look at that face and not long to read more about EVERGREEN? I couldn't ignore the cover, nor its author/illustrator/Ca How can you take even a quick look at that face and not long to read more about EVERGREEN? I couldn't ignore the cover, nor its author/illustrator/Caldecott medalist creator MATTHEW CORDELL. As someone who is besotted by birds, especially those in the wild, I've met plenty of outdoorsy folk who resent squirrels as "tree rats" and "piggies" who disrupt feeding stations intended for critters with feathers. I've never had that reaction, instead enjoying the antics of squirrels and recognizing distinctive personalities among those who do, in fact, consume the seed I intended for birds. During the first year of writing this blog I featured the CHRISTMAS edition of Melanie Watt's SCAREDY SQUIRREL, a deeply nervous critter whose many topic-titles entertain with humor and elicit empathy from countless timid young readers. In that series, Scaredy's worries center on very childlike concerns and are portrayed with cartoon-style, colorful images on white backgrounds to enhance the connections with the real world of young children. EVERGREEN, however, manages to incorporate human elements within subdued, nature-toned full spreads and spot illustrations that place kitchens and clothing and a little acorn-adapted soup container within seemingly realistic squirrel settings. Evergreen's adventures are depicted with pen drawings and watercolor, reminiscent of old-style folk tale illustrations. Keeping with that traditional approach, Evergreen's tale uses more extensive text than has been common in recent picture book publications, and the story unfolds in five parts, not unlike a classic dramatic arc for plays and novels. Each part sets up the next and presents challenges and obstacles for young Evergreen, resident of Buckthorn Forrest near Burr Valley. Most things make Evergreen afraid (heights, swimming, germs, thunderstorms - similar to Scaredy!). What comforts Evergreen is her mother's soup!
What troubles Evergreen is her mother asking for HELP. The first response of "I can't do it, Mama!" is met with Mama's confidence in her, and explaining a compelling need. My first and ongoing thought in this first part was that this would be a squirrel version of Little Red Riding Hood, and there actually is a bit of that throughout. Soon though, as readers meet Briar the Rabbit (not a wolf in sight in this story), then Ember the Hawk (Yikes!), then Sprig and Squirt (toads), we realize that nature does provide threats or challenges, but also invites kindness and willingness to help those in need. If you've been keeping count, part FIVE is up next, and it brings the conclusion of the story. Will Evergreen arrive at Granny Oak's with Mama's healing soup? Will it help? And will that short resolve in Part Six allow Evergreen to arrive home safely? If so, will she be more confident or still frightened by everything?
This is a pure treasure as a picture book, but also lays a template for next-stage reading of short chapter books with more complex problems and characters, challenging simplified predictions, inviting compare/contrast discussions, and constructing complex character-development charts and cause/effect chains. I picked up my library copy of this book more than a month ago and have read it and examined it a dozen times or more before writing this post. Evergreen is wonderfully modern in its adventurous and intricate situations and character portrayals. It is also richly retro in format, style, and evocative narrative and illustrations/design, giving me a "comfort food" reaction just as effectively as Mama's soup comforted Evergreen. I really enjoyed this on every level and believe readers of many ages will, too. ...more
In this story a young family visits relatives on their farm, having a family-centered experience with the aunt and uncle. It also engages with the sprIn this story a young family visits relatives on their farm, having a family-centered experience with the aunt and uncle. It also engages with the springtime symbols of new life, from piglets to fuzzy catkins on the pussy willow plants. Released March 5, this is available now to share with families, friends, and schools before the traditional Easter date arrives
This is most definitely a Christian-centric, western-tradition Easter book, but it also encompasses solid science, including the moon phase, sprouting and planting vegetables, preserving and using prior crops, seasonal changes (with a find and count suggestion on one spread), and shared community experiences. This is the fourth of the holiday series by this team and does not disappoint.
Within the actual narrative and in back matter the author includes a variety of kid-friendly art/craft activities, with a strong reliance on natural materials and everyday objects for those not living on or visiting a farm. Make this one of the many seasonal picture books on your family, library, or classroom shelves. ...more
Loads of fun in the first of a new beginning reader series that will become a favorite with kids and families. Humor is a bonus and it has the lightheLoads of fun in the first of a new beginning reader series that will become a favorite with kids and families. Humor is a bonus and it has the lighthearted quality of silliness and realism that author Dyckman has mastered. The illustrations are equally delightful and make these three characters feel like new and lasting friends....more
Stars of this show would seem to be seagulls, one in particular. But, upon a second glance, it must be the jacket, right?
That's a reasonable responseStars of this show would seem to be seagulls, one in particular. But, upon a second glance, it must be the jacket, right?
That's a reasonable response, until you read the book. Then you'll realize that the "star" of this story is a very real but abstract one we can all have, give away, and still have even more for ourselves. Obviously, I'm not talking French fries!
You've probably heard that description about love, and that's certainly true. Our hearts grow in capacity for love the more of it we give away. Yet this "star" doesn't require you to be as invested as loving others. We can change the lives of strangers, even casual acquaintances. If you doubt that, read this entertaining, delightfully ageless picture book. Creator Holt clarifies that in his dedication, but saves it for the end of the book so as not to be a spoiler.
How does someone create such a picture book that can soak to any age? Plenty have accomplished this, but THE RED JACKET uses a terrific blend of image and text and universal experiences. The illustration talent is evident from the cover, and does not disappoint throughout. Despite its vibrant, comic-style approach, every detail counts, including the most minimal gestures, body language, and facial expressions (on seagulls, crabs, turtles, and more). This visual narrative success allows Holt to combine wordless spreads with others that include speech-bubble minimal text, while relying on common-knowledge awareness of the risks of living beachside. There, massive waves can sneak up on you and change your life. The very youngest will "get" every page, and audiences of every age will read themselves into this situation, the relationships among the characters, and the inner life of central character, Seagull BOB.
In the opening spread Bob stands a few steps away from a squabble (one of several collective nouns for seagulls) on a seashore, where his face and posture reveal his belief that he is neither known nor welcomed as he'd like to be. Right there, it is easy to feel empathy, isn't iit? Perhaps it triggers similar emotional reactions within our adult selves. (Think: first time attendee at a conference of "your people", or at a new school, or even at a social event to which you were invited. Or am I alone in this?) Kids feel all of the above, even a first day at a preschool. Tears are not all about separation anxiety, but include feelings about not belonging there. Within a day or two of breaking that wall to feel welcome, the worried kiddo races into class enthusiastically.
That's the way this humorous and appealing story catches each of us where we are. A random act of kindness from a bird wearing a red coat helps Bob feel "seen", giving him the confidence to speak out, resulting in many surprise discoveries about his community, and about himself!
This story carries readers (again, of any age) on an emotional journey allowing self-reflection, developing empathy, and encouragement to notice "others" whose facial and body expressions suggest they might need to hear they are welcome. This doesn't burden each of us with being the endless "door-front greeter", but rather builds communities in which everyone sees themselves as empowered and having a voice.
The RED JACKET was the adaptive device that gave Bob his own voice. If all of this sounds heavy handed or didactic, that's unfortunate, because it is neither. It's a lively romp, layered with authentic emotions and humor, while inviting readers along for the ride. The SEL (social and emotional learning) potential of THE RED JACKET is boundless, but so is the re-again-potential. I hope you'll give this one a try and share it widely....more
With a a repeating phrase within lyrical, rhyming narrative: "The secret of a plant lies in every ittle seed..." the author leads readers into a snow-meWith a a repeating phrase within lyrical, rhyming narrative: "The secret of a plant lies in every ittle seed..." the author leads readers into a snow-melting garden with family in order to share in the magic of a blooming season. From those early preparatory scenes though the growth and harvest season, simple text pairs with naturally-toned illustrations from above and below ground perspectives sprinkled with labeled garden tools and elements of the garden. I appreciated the attention to life on many levels, from microbes and larvae to moles, birds, chipmunks, and plant names. The sense that gardening nis a family tradition is also treasured in the refrain: "Grandpa told Mom and Mom told me..." If gardening wasn't your family's tradition, this book could start a new pattern. This is an excellent addition to any collection of picture books on the subject....more
This board book fully meets expectations for the target age and purpose of the content. Familiar garden foods are given a fun expansion by revealing tThis board book fully meets expectations for the target age and purpose of the content. Familiar garden foods are given a fun expansion by revealing that they can, in fact, come in a wide variety of colors and forms. the added layer of a little dandelion to be found in every spread will be a bonus on re-readings and joining in on text. Delightful....more
As a lifelong fan of wild birds, especially those in urban settings, IU'll readily admit that chickadees are among my favorites. I enjoyed this very mAs a lifelong fan of wild birds, especially those in urban settings, IU'll readily admit that chickadees are among my favorites. I enjoyed this very much, and both the main text and back matter included multiple age-appropriate facts and insights to this widely known, easily identified species. The main text does so through a fanciful first person narrative by chickadee, while the back matter provides several common questions with accessible, brief, spot-illustrated responses as wells some useful resources....more
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