The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne, written by Jonathan Stroud. Yearling, Penguin Random House. 2021. $12.49 ages 12 and up

 

"The mists parted. There behind the woman, limping
extravagantly: a stocky man in a bowler hat and long 
gray coat, gun held ready at his side. 
"Albert," Scarlett said. "You need to come with me."
There was no response when she grabbed him by the 
sleeve. He was inert, a spent battery, a broken spring. 
He was still staring back toward the woman as Scarlett
wrenched him into action, pulled him with her toward
the arch, sweeping up her bags as she did so."

When I received a copy of The Notorious Scarlett and Browne last year, I spent some time looking for information about the book and its story. It seemed a book I would enjoy reading. But, wait! There was a first book in the promised trilogy, and I hadn't yet read anything about it. So, I got a copy and have just finished it. It has been a terrific incentive for me: I read it every day while pedalling a stationary bike as part of my therapy following knee replacement surgery. The second awaits. I am sure it will be just as compelling! 

First things first. Scarlett McCain is an accomplished bank robber, outrunning the law and keeping to herself as much as possible. When she rescues Albert Browne from a bus crash on the roadside, she has no idea that it will change her life in many ways. As they run from the armed men pursuing them, she realises they are not tracking her. They are after Albert, who has escaped from Stonemoor and Dr. Calloway, an evil woman who uses torture and cruel experiments on children who exhibit unusual powers that she can use for her own diabolical reasons. 

Their flight for freedom and safety for Albert lasts twelve days and is largely spent on a river raft whose pilot is a crochety old man with little charm, but needed and practical knowledge of the journey that will get them to the Free Isles. Joe hires his raft to anyone who can pay the price. He is caregiver for his young mute granddaughter. Just as Albert's unusual mental powers make him an outcast in a dystopian England, Effie is sure to be a target when she is recognized as being unable to speak. They are a motley crew. 

Their journey is wrought with the tension of the endless chase, giant birds, an unexpected meeting with the Tainted (cannibals who inhabit the wilds of this post-apocalyptic world), the social order established by the Faith Houses that have control over towns along the way, and the perils of the river itself. 

The cast of characters is strong, the barbed and often humorous conversations between Scarlett and Albert are engaging, and the constant danger keeps the reader on edge at every turn. The abilities of both Scarlett and Albert, though very different, are integral to the promise of more adventures to come. Readers will very much enjoy the spirited action, the powerful setting, and the relationship established through often laugh-out-loud dialogue.  

If you are looking for adventure and characters to admire, start with this first book and be prepared to move quickly to the next as I have just done. 

https://youtu.be/CmwsZ9q54ck?si=WrnZefKr6C6e7dcB

Partly Cloudy, written and illustrated by Deborah Freedman. Viking, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 6 and up

 

"Look at that one! 
Rapunzel!! Rapunzel!!
Let down your hair!

Those are CIRRUS 
clouds, and they 
are basically a lot of 
microscopic ice crystals.

CIRRUS is the Latin word 
for curl of hair." 

As the sun shines brightly this morning, there is no cloud in the sky. If there were clouds, I would use this quite remarkable and very informative book to help me make an identification! It seems the perfect book to have with you when you are out for a drive, or on a long trip. I would guess the more often you are able to name the type of cloud you are seeing, the more capable you will become at knowing what you are looking at! 

Two tiny rabbits are suitably intrigued by what they see when they look up, while outside playing. The spectacled one has the book needed to help them determine what type of cloud is there. The other is quick to provide a personal observation. The cloud is identified. A small inset note at the bottom of the spread offers further information. 

Similar conversations follow, with dramatic effect provided at every turn until the one in glasses is terrified by a BOOM of thunder, and the other explains:

Well, actually ... CUMULONIMBUS clouds 
are very scary. Because they can bring 
thunder, lightning, wind, hail, and even 
tornadoes, which I learned ... 

from YOU."

In the final spread, the two are enjoying a relaxed swing, while simply determining what the clouds they are seeing look like to them in the moment. The blue-sky watercolor backgrounds allow interested readers a chance to observe a clear look as each type is described, both imaginatively and scientifically. 

An author's note shares that she has always loved to paint clouds, and the learning she did to write a book about them. She follows her note with further back matter that includes how clouds form, the ten main types of clouds, the earth's water cycle, a list of resources for interested kids and a selected bibliography.                                                                                 

Cornbread and Poppy at the Museum, written and illustrated by Matthew Cordell. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2023. $9.99 ages 5 and up

"As everyone had snacks and waited for the big 
announcement, Cornbread took this time to show
Poppy some of his favorite things about the museum.

The Toothbrushes Through Time!

"Um ... that's interesting, Cornbread," said 
Poppy unconvincingly."

Cornbread was also keen to show Poppy The Molds and Fungi! Then, the insect specimens!  Through it all Poppy is less than enthusiastic, and Cornbread is disappointed. He was sure she would love it all, just as he did. In a final attempt to truly impress her, he was about to show her 'the priceless, most delicate, perfumed (it smelled like flowers) porcelain Vase of Bagoo.'

Interrupted by a special announcement as the curtain is opened on The Bagoo Collection, they must focus their attention elsewhere. Amid collective gasps of admiration, Poppy is the only one to express her true opinion ... too fancy, by far. What happens next is a further upset for Cornbread, as Poppy garners the attention of the crowd. Why? You will have to check out this book from the library to find out.                                                                

This is their third book, and is totally in keeping with the tone and design of the first two. There are four chapters, all concerned with the Moonville Museum, Cornbread's favorite haunt. As in previous books, the best friend relationship between the two is paramount. Despite a setback, they find their way to a happy resolution.                                                                                                                                             

The book is full warmth and humor, and Matthew Cordell's expressive and eye-catching pen, ink and watercolor artwork.  Charming, proof positive that you can be fast friends when you don't share the same interests, just right for early readers, and much admired by those kids who love to read series books.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

ninitohtenan We Listen, by Caitlin Dale Nicholson with Leona Morin-Neilson. Groundwood Books, 2024. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 

"nohkom mosahkinam.    Nohkom picks.

nimosahkinenan.   We pick."

This third book in the Nohkom series begins in sunshine at the edge of a lake. The family has arrived and are waiting while Nohkom prepares. They have their own jobs to do before they head out walking with their mother and grandmother, gathering basket in hand. 

When Nohkom stops to listen, everyone stops. After a prayer, Nohkom shows her daughter and young granddaughters where to find the leaves they will need to brew Labrador tea. Together, they pick. Once back at the lake, there is time for rest. As the adults sit, the young ones throw themselves into the cool waters of the lake. 

When the tea is made, it's time for a picnic. Everyone eats, while talking and sharing stories. The girls listen and then do their own talking while they wait in the car to return home. 

Their story is simply told in Cree (including the syllabic form) and English at the bottom of each light-infused and lovely spread. The artwork appeals in every way ... acrylic paintings are textured and give readers a real feeling for the shared outing on a gorgeous summer day. A recipe for Labrador tea and one for an ointment made using Labrador tea leaves are included.   

This book is an exceptional connection to Indigenous culture and love of the land and its many gifts. The first two books in the series are I Wait (2017) and I Help (2008).

Olive, written and illustrated by Jed Alexander. Creston Books, Firefly. 2023. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Who is the real giant in this wordless
story inspired by Jack and the Beanstalk?"

Following up on the first two books in this color series, Red (2018) and Gold (2022), Jed Alexander uses a gorgeous soft green to tell the story of a plucky young girl and her adventures in the sky. 

Her home sits in a field of green, surrounded by flowers and garden beds. A bird with a small green seed in its mouth, flies above the title on said page and dramatically drops it in the flower bed. The next double-page spread shows the growth of that tiny seed into far-reaching roots and a budding plant. Readers can see the immensity of the tree trunk before the page is turned. 

A small girl, dressed in signature green shirt, emerges from the house, looks up; a turn of the book to vertical shows the enormity of the tree. Next images show the child climbing higher and ever-higher, until above her stands a giant in green shorts and t-shirt. Their eyes meet, the child is held carefully by huge hands, and carried from the giant's garden to be placed inside a plate that holds her meal.

As the giant eats, the child sits and watches until encouraged to try a bite. Once her hunger is sated, the two are off on a day of wild adventure. To keep the child from danger, the giant ties her to her with a long strand of  hair. This allows all manner of movement for the two of them. As happens, exhaustion kicks in; the child is tucked under a leaf for the night. Morning sunshine brings a return home for the child, and a warm hello to a tiny mouse found in the flowers there. 

What an incredible perspective change! 

Kids who know the Jack and the Beanstalk story will recognize some similarities and be able to talk about them. They will also be inspired to ponder the concept of giant. Who is the real one in this sensational book? Bravo, Jed Alexander ... you have done it again!                                                                         

They Hold the Line: Wildfires, Wildlands, and the Firefighters Who Brave Them. Written by Dan Paley and illustrated by Molly Mendoza. Chronicle Books, Raincoast. $26.99 ages 8 and up

 

"... It is an elite hotshot handcrew. It
plans and prepares for fire. Crew
members are called hotshots because
they work on the hottest part of a fire. 

They do not slide down poles or ride 
in shiny red trucks. They are hikers
and campers - part lumberjack, part 
mountain goat. They are stewards of 
the land." 

They are in the news already this spring. Wildfires are happening because of the lack of winter snow cover and the drought-like conditions in fall 2023. Firefighters are at work to do their best to protect people, their homes and the vast acres of land that are in the path of the raging fires. 

It seems a very appropriate time to remind readers about the training given and incredible bravery that those who 'hold the line' display as they work for the safety of all threatened by these wildfires. Dan Paley does an impressive job of talking about the many facets of watching for, and fighting fires. A lookout stands in a tall tower, spending the day keeping watch for threatening storms and the wisps of smoke that might signal a fire. 

With each turn of the page, readers learn more about the important work done to discover, fight and control all fires. The teams support each other as they do their best to ensure rapid response and stop the advance of the destruction. It is dangerous and exhausting work. He describes the firefighters themselves, their equipment, their methods, and the support they receive as they get the rest they need to begin their next shift. 

"Wildland firefighters work 16-hour days, 14 days in a row, with 1-hour rest periods for every two hours of work. This is called a roll. In peak season, they might work 18 to 24 hours a day, often straight through the night." 

Molly Mendoza does an incredible job of creating intense scenes that show the action and emotion of firefighting, as well as the special equipment used for the work these brave women and men do. Digitally created details hold attention and pinpoint many distinct features for the breadth of the work undertaken. Most are double-page spreads that are overlaid with text boxes referring to specific additional information, or labeled points of interest. 

Back matter is extensive, describing fire ecology, the history of fire management, and a new approach that teaches how to live with the threat of fire and help develop fire-resilient communities. Further to that, there is a description of the people who choose firefighting as a career, a clear and labeled look at the protective equipment used, lists of 10 standard firefighting orders and 18 watch out situations, and finally, personal fire-related notes from both author and illustrator. 

Extensive and informative, this excellent book is worthy of attention and sharing as another fire season has begun.                                                                            

                                                                                 

The Fastest Drummer: Clap Your Hands for Viola Smith, written by Dean Robbins and illustrated by Susanna Chapman. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $23.99 ages 7 and up

"Thirteen-year-old Viola loved watching 
other bands on stage, especially the drummers. 

After each show, she introduced herself and 
asked for musical advice. 

"How do you make your hands and 
feet work well togethter?""

There were six sisters in the Smith Family Orchestra when Viola was growing up; five already had an instrument to play. Would Viola choose to play the drums? It wasn't easy in the beginning. She made a lot of noise, and had great difficulty keeping the beat as her sisters played. With help from her father and practice, Viola was soon joining in as the family entertained audiences with jazzy sounds in their own hometown ballroom. 

Each girl was given a chance to shine. Viola was always keen to entertain with music that was bold, flashy and fast! By the 1920s eight sisters were part of the group that travelled throughout the Midwest for growing audiences. Viola learned as she went, seeking advice from drummers she admired and persisting with practice to get better and better. When her sisters lost interest, Viola did not. Her love for music never waned. 

It was not a good time for women who wanted to live life as a musician. They were discriminated against in favor of men. So, Viola organized her own women's band: The Coquettes! One sister joined them. In doing so, Viola changed the way drums were played while the Coquettes gained fame and fortune. Viola was a hit, and used her fame to help other women find a life in music. Viola led the way! 

"In 2000, America celebrated Viola 
as a musical legend. 

But she wasn't done yet. 

At the age of 100 [in 2012], she was 
still slamming her snare and socking 
her cymbals." 

Using watercolor, gouache, cut paper and a digital zhuzh, Susanna Chapman created artwork that is as jazzy as the music Viola so loved.  Her spreads are filled with wild movement, endless sound and the expressive emotion that Viola brought to her playing. There is such joy on every page! 

Back matter includes an informative author's note, and lists of musical terms and resources.                                                                                

Wild Places: The Life of Naturalist David Attenborouogh. Written by Hayley Rocco and illustrated by John Rocco. G.P. Putnam's Sons, Penguin Random House. 2024. $26.99 ages 6 and up

 

"When he grew older, David went to a 
university to learn more about the wild 
places and the things that lived there. 
Understanding how the natural world 
worked was more important to him 
than studying politics, languages, or 
the history of queens and kings.

And the more he discovered, the 
more David wanted to share what 
he had learned with others."

Readers are told in the first line of this book that David is one of one type of animal (human) from the 8.7 million types that inhabit our planet. That's a pretty awesome opening statement and certainly focuses attention on a man who has spent most of his life making a difference. At the time of his birth, 'more than two-thirds of our planet was covered in wild places'.  

While still young, Sir David fell in love with these wild places. Throughout his life, he has worked to share that love with many and to teach us what must be done to protect what has not already been destroyed. While telling Sir David's amazing story, Ms. Rocco also expands on the story of our planet and how our actions have had a detrimental impact. 

As a broadcaster, he worked on a television program about nature and introduced viewers to all types of animals, explaining what was so special about them and knowing that the more people knew, the more they would care. If people were excited about what he could share in the studio, imagine what might happen if the programming acturally happened from the wild places! 

"So David started travelling all over the planet,
filming animals in wild places people had never
seen before. He became our connection to the natural world."

This homage to his work invites young readers to see the impact one person can have, and encourages all to look carefully at what has happened to the wild things and wild places whose numbers are shrinking day by day. His worry has led him to work with scientists to discover methods for 'rewilding' Earth. His suggestions make perfect sense. 

"David has spent his lifetime 
showing us how every living thing 
on this planet is connected." 

His hope is that everyone will do their part to make our world a better place for all. 

John Rocco's detailed and compelling artwork, using pencil, watercolor and digital paint, holds attention from the book's cover forward. Readers are able to watch Sir David grow from childhood until today. His visual messages are clear as he places urban landscapes alongside the wild places to show just how much the world has changed. Back matter includes an author's note, a selected bibliography, a section on rewilding with ideas for helping, and a list of the main problems and their solutions. 

If we take care of nature, 
nature will take care of us.

              - David Attenborough
                                                                                 

Listen to the Earth, written and illustrated by Carme Lemniscates. Tilbury House Publishers, Firefly. 2022. $11.95 ages 6 and up

 

"We can find a balance. 
The Earth whispers the way
to hearts that listen. 

To move the date, we need to 
reduce our global footprint.
We need to use fewer resources,
leaving more for future life, 
and generate less waste so that 
the Earth can absorb what we 
produce. And the good news is 
that we already know how."

This is another call to action, not meant to frighten but to encourage using what we already know to make the changes we need to make for a better future. Using the work done and published by the Global Footprint Network, Ms. Lemniscates presents for her readers the concept of Earth Overshoot Day. 

"the date when human demand since the beginning of the year exceeds what the Earth can produce and absorb in an entire year." In 2022, the date was July 28. I think it's a good guess that the date has changed since then. In fact, last year it was August 2. Would you guess that is has changed again for 2024? 

She explains to her readers that what we are doing right now is sure to affect the future of the planet. We, as a global community, already know many of the ways we can help to move the date. As we have been reminded many times, it begins on a personal level. What we do makes a difference, and may encourage others to follow our lead.  Or, if we see others making changes that we see as possible, we can follow theirs. It has to start somewhere. These are valid and doable actions. To expect the whole world to follow some of the suggestions is more unlikely. But ... 

Artwork is created using watercolor, acrylic, and collage. They help encourage interested listeners to consider how children can help. There are plenty of ideas presented; the planet offers warnings. Will we listen? Worthwhile discussions can surely be the result of sharing this book on Earth Day in hopes that some solutions are within reach for all of us. 

Sidebars are created in relation to Earth Overshoot Day. Back matter offers internet connections to the Global Footprint Network and Project Drawdown, which both make suggestions for change. There is also a compiled list of how making these changes can move the date day by day to a much better future. Very informative and comprehensible. 

Check out https://www.earthday.org/ for further ideas and information. 
                                                                             

Go and Get with Rex, written by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House, 2024. $23.99 ages 3 and up

"Great! When I count to three, 

GO and GET 

something that begins with the letter 

                      F!

One ... two ... three! 

ZIP! ZAP! ZOOM!

Back already? That was fast!
Let's see what you found."

That is the premise for this terrific new book by a veteran pair of collaborators. Jack, Jill and Rex (a dog) are taxed with finding something that starts with a given letter of the alphabet. Jack and Jill follow the rules to the 'letter'; Rex, who has a grand love for ducks, is always able to explain why a duck is his go-to answer for each letter provided.

The game continues. Kids will absolutely love the search results. With each new letter, the resulting text becomes wordier and more descriptive. 

"a MOUSE! 
And the way she's making a meal of
that Muenster, she must be hungry!
Mouse does indeed begin with the 
letter M!"

The surprise ending is perfect. Asked to find something that begins with D is certain to lead readers to expect that Rex is sure to return with a duck. Rex, as with every other search, has a perfect explanation (WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!) for the choice he makes. The final spread is a culmination for this apt lesson in the sounds that letters make. 

Mike Wohnoutka's artwork is familiar and exactly right for bringing meaning to the text and providing all that young readers need to make this experience the best it can be. 

When you are looking for books that insert phonics into learning to read in a meaningful way, this is exactly what your kids need. It holds their attention, it is full of energy and enjoyment, it is creative, and it will definitely encourage them to take what they have learned here and try it for themselves.  
                                                                             

Being Home, written by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Michaela Goade. Kokila, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Etsi says we're on a new path. 
One that leads us to
our ancestors' land
and to our people. 
I'm ready." 

The young Indigenous narrator is quick to share her feelings about living in the city. She doesn't like the noise, the rush, the chaos of too many people in one place. It's getting busier with more people, and has less of the natural landscape that she loves. She misses her family who live too far from where she is. 

Not to worry much longer. Moving day is here, and she and her mother are leaving. She says goodbye to house, tree and swing. The time has come to change their tempo. (I love that image!) Mama (Etsi) is as happy as her daughter to be moving back home to family. 

As they go, the child makes a drawing of their route in her notebook and asks the inevitable question: Are we there yet? Very soon, they are! They are met by family members who welcome them with open arms and a willingness to get their belongings inside before settling in for a family picnic, time to explore, a visit with familiar animals, and added time to play together. What joy for all! 

"No more faraway family. 
Close enough to gather, eat, 
laugh, dance, and share."

Being home is something very special for everyone involved. So lovely! 

Michaela Goade used 'watercolor, colored pencils, pencil, gouache and digital techniques' for the brilliant artwork that gives further meaning to Ms. Sorell's meaningful text. She makes the transition from the urban landscape to the friendly happiness of a more natural environment in colors that glow with life. The pages from the child's notebook are a perfect representation of all she anticipates as they travel nearer and nearer to their new home.   

I Want 100 Dogs, written by Stacy McAnulty and illustrated by Claire Keane. Chronicle Books, Raincoast. 2023. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Maybe 50 dogs. 

How would you train 
50 dogs? 

SIT! 

STAY! 

COME!"

The story starts with a huge ask: "I want 100 dogs." Her parents grimace while asking to see where all those dogs might sleep. The little one has an answer, as improbable as it might be.The child reduces the number by 10 each time she makes a new request. Each time the parents offer am answer that is cause for further thought. Her parents admit it might be interesting, but they do have a question about the enormity of the numbers presented ... 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10.

"Okay then, I just want 10 dogs. 

How would you clean up after 10 dogs
when they go number 2? 

You mean I'd have to ...

YEP."

Finally, she resorts to realism, asking for just 1 dog. Her parents are delighted they have avoided catastrophe. Who is smarter in this battle for a much-desired companion? I wonder.   

Digital, detailed illustrations evoke the humor found in the requests and responses. The parents are attentive to the child's wishes and carefully consider the scenarios that would fill their house, pool, yard and life should they fall prey to the demands for an exorbitant number of puppies. The accompanying artwork is filled with humorous expression as each number is considered and dismissed. 

So much fun to read. I read it yesterday to a group of kindergarten and grade two children. They were both attentive and entertained by the idea of such a request and had lots of comments to share. Their many smiles said it all!                                                                                   

What's New, Daniel? Written and illustrated by Micha Archer. Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"He runs to the pond and calls out, 
"What's new?" 

"Winter is over!" Blackbird says, 
landing on the cattails. 
The cattails answer too. "We're 
sending our seeds off in the wind.""

It's so good to see Daniel again. It's spring; he and Grandpa are meeting in the park next door for a grand time spent together. They are very happy to see each other. Grandpa is interested in knowing 'what's new?' Daniel has not done enough exploring to provide an answer. He knows what he must do to be able to share with his grandfather. 

Off he goes. First, he visits his favorite rock. Rock explains that he is soaking up the welcome sunshine. He lets Rock know that he can whistle - pretty impressive. Hearing another distinct whistle from a redwing blackbird, Daniel is off to do more exploring. He finds the birds at the pond, and the cattails, and a mother duck and her ducklings. Wow! There is so much to see in spring. 

The polliwogs are excited to be growing legs. Daniel explains that his legs are growing, too. Off he goes at a run! New leaves for the trees, new skin for the snake, new nest for Squirrel's babies, and a rest for a returning butterfly. Wow! He has so much to share now with Grandpa. He can't wait! Grandpa is duly impressed with all that Daniel has to report. All this is reported before Daniel wonders 'what's new?' for his much- loved companion. 

As was the case in the first books about Daniel (Daniel's Good Day, Daniel Finds a Poem) the illustrations are quite remarkable. Done using acrylic inks and patterned collage papers, they hum with the beauty of the community, the park, and Daniel's adventures. His world is so bright and welcoming; Daniel is fully at home in the park with his grandpa close by.                                                                                

Great Gusts: Winds of the World and the Science Behind Them, written by Melanie Crowder and Megan Benedict, illustrated by Khoa Le. mit KIds Press, Pengun Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 10 and up

"Can you ever really know the wind? 

Lift your face to the breeze - 
let it bathe your cheeks
sift through your hair 
tease your fingertips. 

                      Listen 
while the wind whispers
its name."

Each of the poems that are included in this book about the science of wind is presented in a similar way. The varied poetic forms and expressive descriptions take readers to many different places in the world. While some of the terms will be familiar, there are others that are possibly new and worthy of explanation: katabatic, oroshi, maestro, willy-nilly and ghibli. One poem, accompanied by an informative paragraph about the wind of the world graces each double-page spread.  

Exemplary digital artwork provides windy backgrounds, with undulating lines and an accurate look at the place where these winds occur. Back matter includes further facts about winds, how they are named and that most of the poems are free verse, while a few are written according to local poetic traditions. A world map shows where the winds blow, and a glossary repeats and defines bolded words from the text. Finally, there is a list for further reading for those whose interest is piqued by the book they have just finished. 

Science teachers will appreciate having this book in their collection. 

"Squamish

In the far Northwest, 
where peaks graze the sky
and water runs wild through the land, 
the wind howls, angry, 
funnels through fjords
chasing, diving, ripping 
polar air pushing 
against its mountainous confines 
                                     until ... 
out on the sea 
it's free. 

The Squamish is an intense gap wind that flows out through the fjords of British Columbia over the coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean. It's caused by an arctic weather system with anticyclonic winds that form over Alaska and Canada in the winter. These winds can reach hurricane force and bring blizzard conditions." 

Five Bears: A tale of friendship, written and illustrated by Catherine Rayner. Macmillan, Raincoast. $15.99 ages 3 and up

 

"The Other Bear walked on. 

Bear decided to follow. 

Two bears wandered along at different paces, 
thinking different thoughts, and looking in 
different directions, when they met ... "

Each of the five bears in this welcome book from Catherine Rayner is different from the others. In the beginning, Bear is out for a walk alone before encountering Other Bear. Bear is suspicious of Other Bear's attention. Other Bear is merely saying hello and wishing Bear a nice day. 

As the two walk on together, they meet another bear who is not pleased with their presence. First Bear and Other Bear assure Grunty Bear they want nothing and wish that third bear a nice day. Offering a contrite thanks, the bears on ... differently, but looking in the same direction which allows them to see 'a very big bear! 

Very Big Bear hasn't a good word to say. After all, they are unknown visitors. The three walk on, while wishing Very Big Bear a nice day. Feeling lonely as they walk away, Very Big Bear decides to follow. Now there are four bears walking along, and all starting to think they like the company of others. 

When they see a bear stuck in a large tree, the Stuck Bear is not looking for help. Can that be true? 

"They talked, they planned, and they encouraged the 
Stuck Bear until, at last, they helped that bear down." 

Explaining they helped because sometimes help is needed and wishing Unstuck Bear a nice day, they move on.  It isn't long until Unstuck Bear calls out to them, saying there is no certainty that other bears are friendly. Can different bears be friends? Turns out that each one of them has the same reason for being together! 

This is a wonderful readaloud for an early years classroom. The ability to anticipate what comes next, the repetitive language that connects one meeting to the next, and the thought process as the bears move forward toward lasting friendship has implications for important and relevant conversation. 

 Catherine Rayner’s textured and expressive illustrations are a real delight and will hold attentions from start to finish. Kids will want to identify the bear species and that could easily lend itself to further research and learning.                                                                                        

Narwhal's Sweet Tooth, written and illustrated by Ben Clanton. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2024. $16.99 ages 4 and up

"Huh, I guess not everyone 
shows how they feel in the
same way, Narwhal.
Maybe you just don't 
frown when you're down? 
But then, what do you do?

I'm not 
sure ... "

If you have a fan in your home or classroom, I'm sure they have been waiting with bated breath for this ninth book in the Narwhal and Jelly graphic novel series. 

A strange feeling in his tusk has Narwhal wondering how it looks to his friend Jelly. Jelly's astonished face is enough to get Narwhal thinking how the crack that is there might have happened. Could it have been fencing lessons with a swordfish, or ring toss with an octopus, or using it as a flagpole? Finally, Narwhal mentions the snacks: peanut butter cookies, cakes, ice cream, brownies? All sweet stuff. It turns out that Narwhal has been using his tusk as a snack saver. 

What is that, you ask. Why, it's a place to stack snacks and then leave them for eating when ready. Jelly observes just thinking about all those snacks affords a toothache. Something needs to be done about the state of Narwhal's tusk. And all that snacking.  Shark is well versed in dental hygiene. Of course! Think of all those teeth she has to take care of every day.

The four stories told are full of fun and friendship. Part of the telling involves Jelly and Crab wanting Narwhal, who does nothing but smile, to know it is all right to frown sometimes. If feeling upset about something, he can allow for a bad day sometimes. Narwhal asserts that his mood is mostly a happy one. He makes those around him feel the same way. 

Fun for fans and a worthwhile addition to a very popular series. 

Science Comics: Elephants Living Large. Written by Jason Viola and illustrated by Faylnn Koch. First Second, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2024. $16.99 ages 9 and up

"The biggest threat to our family would be 
Grandmother's death. I don't know what 
we would do. 

If we lost her, it would be as if we lost 
ourselves. 

I worry about what could happen 
without her to guide us."

If you have not read or even seen the Science Comics series books, quick to the library to see what they have! Here are but a few of the titles: Dinosaurs, Coral Reefs, Bats, Robots and Drones, Dogs, The Brain, Birds of Prey, Trees, The Solar System, Cars, Frogs, Wild Weather, Bridges, The Periodic Table of Elements, and the list goes on. I'm sure you can find a title there that would be of interest to someone you know. 

In this terrific addition to the series readers learn in both entertaining and informative ways what living life as an elephant on a day-to-day basis is like. It is narrated by Duni, an eight-year-old elephant whose life within her matriarchal family is described in graphic novel form. She talks about her older brother who remains attached to the herd without being around much. That worries his sister. 

It may be surprising to readers how similar elephants are to humans, in various ways. They live in families, care about the welfare of others, support those in need of support and honor their elders. Readers will also learn about the differences between species, their trunks and tusks and how they are used, those animals that threaten them and their families, their rituals in finding a mate. 

Excellent illustrations, charts, maps, dialogue, humor and constant learning are what make this book a real treat for those kids who want to know more about these amazing mammals and their families. The book follows Duni for several years, always informing readers about survival, threats, and their most endearing characteristics. 

Illustrations by Falynn Koch add context, humor, and great detail to help with the learning. A glossary provides definitions of terms presented throughout the text. 

"Like our home range, 
an elephant family 
follows a cycle ... 

... while also changing, 
growing, and moving. 

Don't worry. 
We're all in this 
together."

Out of the Valley of the Horses, written by Wendy Orr. Pajama Press, 2024. $23.95 ages 9 and up

 

"She grabbed a thick vine growing from a crack 
in the waterfall rocks and swung out to drop into 
the pool below. It was deep and deliciously perfect, 
warm and swirly, because the waterfall kept on 
pouring cold water into the hot. Honey's feet 
touched the bottom and then she was bursting 
up through the surface, laughing and spluttering
with her hair floating around her."

Honey and her family found peace in the enchanted valley of the horses. It is just what they were looking for when they chose to leave their home in search of adventure, because of the terrible sickness that was threatening the world. As they drove over the bridge that led them into the valley, it disappeared behind them. While it offered what they needed in terms of isolation, it also became a prison when they could not find their way out. 

Honey, Nanna, Momma, Papa and her younger brother, Rumi, learned to live off what the valley provides and what they brought with them in the ice cream van that is their home. Honey was four when they arrived; she is now approaching her eleventh birthday. The horses are a constant presence and allow the children to ride them. It is idyllic, for the most part. They spend days riding to various parts of the valley. None allow them to see the bridge that brought them across the river when they first arrived. 

The family is now facing a problem that no one can fix - Papa is sick, and getting sicker. The first aid book tells them that he has appendicitis and that he needs help. On a ride with Midnight and Moongold one day, the children think they see a brown strip they think is the bridge. It allows Honey to consider riding out of the valley in search of an ambulance to get her father to the hospital. 

On her eleventh birthday, she takes a chance at finally finding a way out. She and Moonglow set off on a journey away from the valley. Rumi is the only one who knows where she has gone. Moongold's magic is up to the task. Together they discover an outside world filled with new and unusual people and places for Honey. Through it all, they find what they are looking for, and get the help Papa needs. 

This mix of fantasy and realism is a wonderful family story that reads quickly and appeals throughout the telling. The apt descriptions of both valley and real world are compelling and hold interest from start to finish. Honey is a strong, resourceful, thoughtful character and her journey is worthy. 

The Smallest Owlet, written and illustrated by Georgia Graham. Fitzhenry and Whiteside, 2023. $24.95 ages 5 and up

 

"Each day the owlets grow louder. Today, 
Smallest Owlet squawks, demanding to be 
fed, and the other two owlets join in. 

Father Owl delivers the body of a plump
ground squirrel. Mother Owl tears off tiny
pieces and feeds the owlets one at a time. 
She knows to feed her smallest owlet the 
tiniest pieces."

While relating a family tale based on something that happened in a grove of trees behind Georgia Graham's house, the author also manages to offer up a bundle of information about the great horned owls who nested there. 

Her story begins in winter, when snow is still on the ground and the trees are bare of leaves. A pair of owls are on the lookout for a place to rest and nest while winter turns to spring. They find an old magpie nest and choose it as the place for laying three eggs ... one each day for three days. The female stays with the eggs; the male provides the food she needs. 

The owlets are born one at a time, in the order that they were laid. Each is smaller than the one that comes ahead of them. They are loud, and they are hungry. While the mother feeds them, the father flies back and forth providing all the sustenance they need. Weeks later, all are resting when a visit from crows startles them all, especially Smallest Owl. 

The owlets are growing and both Father and Mother are on a constant hunt for food. One stays with the owlets while the other is off searching. While the owlets cannot yet fly, they can feed themselves when there is food to eat. When crows attack, mother and babies are terrified. Father Owl arrives to chase them away. In his fear Smallest Owlet tumbles from the nest. 

Mother Owl stays with him on the ground, while Father takes care of feeding his entire family. Mother Owl is a formidable protector of her young, from a coyote and an inquisitive family of visitors. Luckily, Smallest Owlet is now capable of climbing up the tree's bark and back to the nest. From there, he and his siblings will soon learn everything they need to know. At nine weeks old, they are flying and feeding themselves.   

Ms. Graham’s brilliant, realistic artwork will have all readers poring over the book's pages. Hers is a remarkable close-up look at the Great Horned Owl. In backmatter, she provides four additional pages of facts, all exceedingly fascinating.  

"Great Horned Owls eat a wide variety of 
prey, but their main food source is small 
mammals, including skunks. They don't 
mind the smell - owls have a very poor 
sense of smell."                                                                                

Benjamin's Thunderstorm, written by Melanie Florence and illustrated by Hawlii Pichette. Kids Can Press, 2024. $21.99 ages 4 and up

"His friend Joe told him that thunder was 
the sound of the thunderbirds beating
their giant wings in the sky. 
Benjamin thought it sounded exactly 
like the drum his grandfather played. 
Like a heartbeat." 

Like most kids, Benjamin loves the rain. Give him some rainboots and big puddles and he is a happy boy! As he jumps and plays, he can hear rolling thunder. Remembering what Joe told him, he imitates thunder's roar to prove he has no fear of it. Of all the beauty to be found in rain, Benjamin loves thunder first. 

When lightning makes a jolting appearance, Benjamin is not so keen. He hears his mother calling; the lure thunder's sounds keep him where he is and stepping in time to the drumbeats he feels in his heart. He dances as he makes his way closer to home. 

"He danced past puddles, nodding to the rainbows inside them. He spun, first one way, then the other. He tapped his feet and lifted his knees like his father had taught him."

When the thunder stops, Benjamin can again hear his mother calling him home. He is safe and warm with her when the storm finally moves in. What joy it is to dance in the rain! Anyone who has done will know exactly how Benjamin feels. 

Ms. Florence does a wonderful job of allowing readers to feel the pure joy Benjamin feels as he experiences a thunderstorm. By comparing it to the joy felt when dancing powwow, those who share this story will feel the power of the drums and the call to dance. Hawlii Pichette's inspired images are full of color and joy. Many Cree words are used throughout the text. A pronunciation guide and translations following the story help with understanding.  

When Rabbit Was a Lion, written and illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes. Owlkids, 2023. $21.95 ages 3 and up

 

"With oodles of things that had to be done, 
the rabbit whispered to himself. 
"One thing at a time, Rabbit. One thing at 
a time."

He mowed the lawn and weeded and raked
and watered the garden and scrubbed and 
baked. He gathered flowers and decorated 
the yard." 

Rabbit is keen on his friends and likes having them near. The little girl, who lives with him and knows him very well, is surprised when he suggests he would like to have a party. Rabbit doesn't like noise or crowds, but he likes those friends. So, she helps him with plans for the costume party. 

Rabbit immediately begins work on his mask, keeping what he plans to be to himself until he is finished his work. It's a busy time for both as they make preparations for a good time. When everything is done and the party is about to begin, Rabbit starts to question himself.. 

"What if I look silly in my costume? 
What if the party is a flop?"

The little girl assures him that it might be very good and a lot of fun. As the guests arrive, Rabbit is impressed with their costumes; the guests are delighted with the party. The air is filled with music, laughter, talk ... all very loud! The rabbit, dressed as a lion, is happy to see his friends having a great time. Then, he isn't. He finds a place to rest as the noise hits a crescendo, covering his ears before landing in a flower bed. Poor rabbit. He is done. 

His friends realize what is happening and very quickly change the tone of the celebration. Speaking softly, choosing quiet pursuits, and having time to paint leads to a happier lion. When asked the following day what he would like to do next week, the rabbit has a surprise in store for his friend. Or is it? 

Warm, softly-colored images fill the pages and offer a story that speaks for those introverted kids who like to party in their own quiet way. Rabbit is lucky to have thoughtful, caring friends who accept him for who he is and honor that.                                                                                       

Just Like Millie, written and illustrated by Lauren Castillo. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Inside a lady met us with a dog in her arms. 
A not too big, not too small dog. 
A just right dog. 
"This is Millie," the lady said. "Would you 
like to pet her?"
I was nervous, but I wanted to pet Millie."

A young girl narrates this family story, telling readers that she and her mom are new to the city and living in a new apartment. It's just the two of them. When Mom works from home, the child entertains herself with blocks, crayons, and books. 

Her mom offers a trip to the park to meet new kids; the child is reluctant. 

"Mom would nod and day, "Okay." 

Meetings with new neighbors result in the same reluctance from the child and acceptance from her mom. A visit to the bookstore for story time gets the same result. Then one day, the two head over to the animal shelter where they meet Millie. Millie changes everything. Millie goes home with them. The two are inseparable as they take walks around the neighborhood. Millie's happy visits along the way provide a feeling of safety for the little girl who begins to feel more comfortable around others. 

A visit to the dog park provides the perfect opportunity for new friendship for all. 

Using colored ink, watercolor and pastels, Ms. Castillo fills her pages with details that are textured and quietly appealing in every way. Millie's tail wagging will be much admired by all who share this gentle tale. I love the endpapers; they add depth to the telling. 
                                                                             

Unicorn Boy, by Dave Roman with color by Heather Mann. First Second, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2024. $19.99 ages 8 and up

 

"My friend Avery has been taken by the 
shadows. And it's probably my fault. 

I need to find them. 
I'll give whatever you want.
Just please help us. 

Ugh. Friendship. More 
trouble than it's worth.
How do you know this friend
is worth risking your own neck over?"

Brian Reyes is just an ordinary kid ... until he sprouts a unicorn horn and is able to do things he has never done! As he tries to ignore the taunts of his classmates, he learns a little about his ability to fly through the air. It is of great use when his best friend Avery is pulled into a whirlpool in the back yard. The tables turn when this happens; Avery has always defended Brian. Now, it is Brian's turn to help Avery.  With help from Maggie Mandrake, a talking muffin, and a black cat he is encouraged to accept his abilities and do something. 

Following Avery, Brian shows the bravery and self-confidence that comes when your friend is more important than anything else. The underworld is populated by shadow creatures controlled by the Skull-King, and other oddball characters, including a gondolier and the Gran Reaper. Will bravery and friendship be all Unicorn Boy needs to prevail? 

This is the first in a new series from Dave Roman, whose previous books include the Astronaut Academy series. He is a great cartoonist and storyteller. The art is bold, immersive and is sure to appeal to many graphic novel fans. There are moments of uncertainty, fear, humor and engaging triumph as Unicorn Boy becomes more confident while doing all he can to help his best friend. This imagined journey is one many middle graders would love to take. 

Walls: The Long History of Human Barriers and Why We Build Them. Written by Gregor Craigie and illustrated by Arden Taylor. Orca Book Publishers, 2024. $29.95 ages 9 and up

"While some walls were built to keep people out, 
others were erected with the sole purpose of 
keeping people inside. Those walls acted like 

giant prisons, trapping the unwilling inside
and making it practically impossible to escape. 
Such walls made possible some of the cruelest 
events in history."

This book is Gregor Craigie's second book written with young people in mind. In it, he discusses the many reasons for having walls. His research dates back to the Great Wall of China and forward to modern fences built at borders today. In ten chapters he offers looks throughout history at the reasons walls have been built: to keep people out, to keep people in, to protect crops and livestock, to defend against the enemy, to control nature, to keep two sides apart, to protect the city, to make money, to set boundaries, and finally, to protect the planet. Each is quite fascinating, even though some are also quite disturbing. 

His introduction concerns a village in Vermont that has a street with a double yellow line. It is the only indication that the village itself sits in two countries; the north side in Canada, the south side in the United States. There are no walls or fences to separate them. That is not the case for many other places in the world where walls have been constructed since very early times. 

Two of the oldest are The Great Wall of China and Ukraine's Ancient Walls, while two more modern are the United States-Mexico Border Wall and the Hungary Border Barrier. As the author explores the many reasons for creating these walls, he introduces his readers to the geography and appeal of many world communities. The book's tone is conducive to learning, and to thinking about the reasons these walls were built. Archival photographs are captioned, and digital illustrations are created to provide further information for an interested audience.  

Building walls and often tearing them down is a part of the world's history. Sometimes they have helped; other times they have been a hindrance. Why do we have them? If you really want to know, this is a grand place to start. 

A table of contents, glossary, further resources, and an index are all included.

Walls is one of seven books that are part of the Orca Timeline series. Other titles include: What Do We Eat? Why We Need Vaccines. Cities. Are We There Yet? Are We Having Fun Yet? and Why Humans Build Up. 

Sora's Seashells, written by Helena Ku Rhee and illustrated by Stella Kim, with Ji-Hyuk Kim. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House, 2023. $23.99 ages 5 and up

 

"When they went back to the beach the next day,
the shell was gone. 
"Halmoni," Sora said, "someone took our shell!"
"It wasn't ours. It was a gift," Halmoni said. 
Sora didn't agree, but she didn't say anything. 

Instead, she decided to hide some seashells 
in her pockets when Halmoni wasn't watching."

Halmoni's annual summer visit to Sora and her family is always full of happy anticipation. The first thing they do following her arrival is to take the bus to the beach in search of seashells. Their finds are lovely.  Halmoni always chooses one special shell to leave on a bench for someone else to find. The next day, the shell is gone. Sora decides she will not leave a seashell; she hides them in her pocket. When it is time for Halmoni to leave again, Sora has a jar full of found shells.

At kindergarten Sora learns a hard lesson about bullying and her name. A few classmates think she should have a proper name: Sara. She tells no one, and the teasing continues. When Sora learns that her grandmother has died, her sadness is even more overwhelming. 

"All the bottled-up tears began flowing. "I want to see Halmoni," 
Sora cried. "And I hate my name. I want to be Sara."

To help ease her pain, her parents take Sora to the beach. Finding an exceptional seashell, her mother reminds Sora of her grandmother's love for these gifts from the sea. Then, she explains to Sora that her name means seashell in Korean. At school, she is now able to share her shells and the reason for her name with all of her classmates.  

Done in watercolor and finished digitally, the warmth of the settings shine, as do the emotions felt.                                                                                

Remembering Rosalind Franklin, written by Tanya Lee Stone and illustrated by Gretchen Ellen Powers. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2024. $24.99 ages 10 and up

"Within a few years, Rosalind was ready to 
get on with becoming a scientist. Even though 
there were very few women in science, this 
didn't stop her. She set her sights on the 
University of Cambridge and scored higher
than anyone else who took the chemistry test." 

I love the dedication for this book from its author Tanya Lee Stone: 'For anyone who did something awesome and didn't feel the love. She follows up with a letter to those who will read her book, telling them there is no happy ending here. 

"But nobody achieves such great things alone. There are usually other people whose hard work made change possible. Stories about those people are just as important. And it's up to us to remember them. 

This story is about remembering Rosalind."

Rosalind Franklin lived from 1920-1958, not a great time for women to be accepted and acknowledged for their work in scientific fields. She grew up in a large family in London, England. She had an abiding interest in the darkroom and loved making images come to life there. She was lucky enough to have parents who believed she could anything she chose, and encouraged her to follow her interests. By 15, she was particularly keen on chemistry and physics. 

Following her time at university she found work helping with the war effort. No matter what Rosalind did, she gave her all to it: hosting dinner guests, riding her bike, climbing a mountain. She continued her scientific research in Paris where she was lauded by other scientists, quite different from the way she was treated at home. While happy there, she missed her family and returned to London where she got a job studying DNA. There was little known about it at the time. 

As others, including Francis Crick and James Watson, worked to create a model for DNA, Rosalind pointed out problems with their thinking. They ignored her concerns; she kept working on her own. 

"In May 1952, she set up her camera. 

The image she captured was superb. And it contained an 
enormous amount of information that would become the key
to understanding the structure of DNA.

She labeled it simply ... 

PHOTO 51."

Bothered by the environment in which she was working Rosalind moved on to other projects, leaving a full report of the work she had done. Within weeks and with Rosalind's report in hand, Watson and Crick were able to create the double helix. Rosalind was given no recognition for the important work she had done to point them in the right direction. In fact, Watson demeaned her character when writing to a colleague. No happy ending is right.

The text of this beautifully written picture book biography, while quite scientific in nature, makes Rosalind's work meaningful. It also shows readers a spirited young woman who loved nature, was highly intelligen,t and uncommonly independent for the time. 

Delicate watercolor scenes show Rosalind at many stages in her life, and provide an historical backdrop for her life and work. An author's note explains the Matilda Effect, describing those women whose work has been credited to men. Other back matter contains quotes attributed to Rosalind, and a list of sources for the author's work. 

Let us not forget Rosalind! 

Animal Minds: What Are They Thinking? Written by Dana L. Church. Orca Book Publishers, 2024. $24.95 ages 10 and up

"When wild animals like gorillas
find fruit or plants that are not 
yet ready to be eaten, they can 
use their spatial memory to return
to them later, when the fruit or 
plants are ripe and juicy."

In her introduction, Dana Church tells readers that she spent a summer working with bumble bees. Her job was to catch and watch them in an enclosed space. The bees were too busy to bother her at all while she was doing her research. One experiment involved fake flowers and water mixed with sugar. It had no scent. 

"... the only way the bees could find the nectar-filled flowers was by memorizing their locations. Well, the bumble bees figured this out fast. Their memories were impressive."

That job, with a professor who studied animal cognition, led Ms. Church to study that same subject and led to her writing this 14th book in the Orca Wild series. It is amazing how much she has to offer readers. Four chapters focus on personality, memory, counting, and puzzle solving. The information is shared in conversational text that encourages readers to think, understand and find answers to their questions. As with most of the terrific nonfiction published by Orca. there are carefully captioned and appealing photographs, charts, idea boxes, study results, and Smart Thinking text boxes. 

Scientist Spotlights focus on specific scientists who work with animals and study particular traits. Each is asked three questions that focus on their work; the third concerns advice to kids who are interested in their field of study. A captioned photo of each is welcome. 

Back matter includes a glossary, a list of print and online resources, acknowledgements, and an index. 

This is an excellent addition to the series, and will certainly find an audience.