Dark on Light, written by Dianne White and illustrated by Felicita Sala. Beach Lane Books, 2022. $25.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Green the sage, nubby and bright.
Garden and stones and dark on light. 

Inviting the trail. Timid the fawn.
Dark the hedge that borders the lawn."

As the sun sets and evening brings muted light and shadows, an adventurous puppy makes its way along the path and away from home. Three children watch from the window, then decide on a pursuit of their own. With flashlight in hand, they are off to find that sneaky pup. As night darkens the sky, they wander out their gate and along the path to places further afield. 

As they search, they also take the time to enjoy the many delights of nature as they pass lavender blooming in the field, an owl searching for prey by the light of the moon, and a variety of other forest creatures who share the natural surroundings they are so enjoying. It takes time; finally, they find that scamp hiding in a shallow burrow. Returning the way they came, they are awed by the height of the surrounding trees and their darkness against the starlit sky. What wonder nature presents for their enjoyment! 

Once home again, they are met with open arms, warm snuggles and a bedtime story meant to soothe and satisfy.     

Ms. Sala's watercolor, gouache and pencil artwork provides a perfect accompaniment to Ms. White's expressive text. Together, they create a world of wonder in the nighttime for their young readers. There is much to discover in the book's pages. Repeated readings will result.                                                                                      

My Fade Is Fresh, written by Shauntay Grant and illustrated by Kitt Thomas. Penguin Workshop, Penguin Random House. 2022. $23.99 ages 5 and up

"How 'bout a trim
that tucks it in?"

"A frizzy "FRO that's 
neat and round."

"Or parted with a parting 
comb and CORNROWS

braided 

to 

the 

ground."

This bright and colorful book opens to a spread of a young girl and her mother on their way to the barber shop. There is excitement in the air, and happy greetings from the other kids on the block. It's a story from yesterday when the two entered the shop, the little one sporting a head full of 'brownish, biggish hair and a plan for change. The stylist wants to know what her plan is. 

"THE FRESHEST FADE 
UP ON THE BLOCK!"

Everyone in the shop has an opinion about numerous traditional hairstyles that she should try. The child is insistent that she wants a fade. The hair gets shorter and shorter; the adults become more and more upset with what is happening right before their eyes. The child will not be deterred. No dyeing, no tapering, no twisting. There is no end to the advice given. Finally, it's done ... and it's perfect. 

Today she's back on the block to walk right past that barbershop and show them all how GOOD she looks! 

The rhyming text works beautifully, the dialogue is filled with suggestions for what she should want, and the illustrations are filled with the warmth of community, the energy of the crowd of customers, the humorous, expressive characters and the suggestions they make. The determination of the child never diminishes despite all the helpful opinions. 

                                                                                       

Where Do Creatures Sleep At Night, written by Steven J. Simmons and illustrated by Ruth E. Harper. Charlesbridge, Penguin Random House. 2021. $19.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Horses gallop with wind in their mane. 
They'll eat from your hand - carrots or grain.
But unlike most animals, they can sleep on their feet, 
and they won't fall over while they are asleep. 

They can do this at night or during the day, 
in a stable or field or wherever they stay."

The animals presented on this book's pages will be familiar to most young readers. How familiar are they with where and how these animal families sleep at night? Both author and illustrator are eager to provide answers to such questions.

In a series of full-page spreads, the animals are introduced one by one. On the left-hand page, they are shown doing what they do in the light of day. A poem accompanies the brightly colored images that place the creatures in their own particular habitats. On the right-hand page, they are shown at night with a focus on what they do when the sun goes down. Poetic languge is again placed there, describing what happens when they need rest. 

"With tiny clawed feet, it hangs upside down, 
making it difficult to be found."

The watercolor artwork is realistic and in keeping with the time of day being described in text. It is defintiely enlightening to discover the many ways creatures find comfort when seeking rest from their busy days. Listeners will be intrigued to learn that golfish have no eyelids, meaning they sleep with their eyes open. Or, that ducklings sleep in a line so that one at each end can keep an eye on what is happening, and sound out a warning if the family is in danger. 

I wonder what other questions might arise when the reading is done? Will they want to do further research to find out about other creatures - perhaps less familiar ones?