One Boy, written and illustrated by Laura Vaccaro Seeger. Roaring Brook, HB Fenn, 2008. $16.95 ages 2 and up

" ONE BOY
ALL ALONE
TWO SEALS
AT THE SEA"

This small treasure is such a perfect book to share with young children; but especially with those who are just learning to read. Laura Seeger has created one of her trademark books that encourage discovery of language and delight in the way that it works. She begins with one boy, and as the page is flipped, reader and listener discover the cutout feature reveals words which include a word from the previous entry. If you look closely as the quotation above, you will see what I mean.

The colors are bright, the images familiar and the interactive nature of the text is just right for getting kids excited about learning to read, and recognizing that we often find familiar words within new ones. The added bonus is that she has made it a 1-10 counting book.

Brilliantly engineered and an exceptional addition to her growing list of books that I so admire, this lively book provides surefire entertainment and learning for its fans. If you haven't seen other books by this wise author, ask at your school or public library...or check with your local children's bookstore to see what they have in stock. You will not be disappointed...I guarantee it.

Come and Learn with Me, by Sheyenne Jumbo and Mindy Willett. Fifth House, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2009. $16.95 ages 5 and up

"It's fall time now, the season of moose, and I've got lots to learn. The school is closed for the next two weeks for our Cultural Days. Come and learn with me as I take you on a tour of our town and introduce you to some of the experts in my community."

With bright smile and dancing eyes, Sheyenne takes on the role of leader and learner in order to show us life in her small town of Trout Lake in the Northwest Territories. There is much to learn!

We meet her family, her elders, her extended family and learn about many of the daily activities and tasks that the community must undertake to ensure a good life over the winter. It's easy for Sheyenne to lead us, as the town is small and she is acquainted with everyone. She takes great joy in showing us what her daily life entails.

The photos that accompany Sheyenne's tour are clear and helpful. The captions are informative and accessible for interested readers. Stories from her culture are shared. The teaching and learning that permeates the text helps the reader understand the life that the Dene people live in these modern times. She has much to share with us.

Following that, there is a double page spread that includes details concerning some of the language presented and the Dene Laws, alongside a description for making a paper berry basket...then we will be able to go and gather some of our own cranberries which are abundant outside Sheyenne's back door. MMMM!!!

This is the fourth book in a series called The Land is Our Storybook. Each would be a welcome addition to a school or classroom library where honoring other cultures is a goal.

The Scarecrow's Dance, written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. Simon & Schuster, 2009. $21.99 ages 4 and up

"He shrugged his shoulders,
And a grin
Just like a corn row,
And as thin,

Broke out along
His painted face.
He gave a leap -"

When the scarecrow decides to escape his post and dance in the fields one autumn evening he has no idea what is in store for him. The wind is blowing madly and tears at his clothing, inciting him to abandon his place amongst the corn and DANCE! As he frolics, he crosses the cornfield, passes the tractor and the barn and finally arrives in the warm glow of the family abode. Peeking in a bedroom window he spies a small boy at prayer, asking for blessings for the animals, the equipment needed to reap the rewards of the summer's hard work and for the scarecrow, who protects their valuable crop. It gives him pause and helps him realize his true place in the life of the farm and its family. Back he dances with new purpose in mind.

Jane Yolen is an award-winning and prolific author who never ceases to amaze with her words and her stories. Children need to hear the language and the rhythm of that language as this beautiful story is shared. I have been a fan for many years, and am in awe of the scope of her writing. This is a book that I will share again and again, not only as fall sneaks up on us but at anytime that I want to read a story filled with the wonder of her words.

wag, written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell. Little Brown, Hachette. 2009. $19.99 ages 3 and up

"Earl's tail wags when he's eating (FWIP FWIP FWIP) or playing ball (FWIP FWIP FWIP) or just sitting in a field of flowers (FWIP FWIP FWIP). But what makes Earl's tail wag?"

Patrick McDonnell has been writing and drawing about dogs and cats for fifteen years in his comic strip called MUTTS. Much of his inspiration is drawn from a dog who cared for him and loved him for nineteen very happy years. In this story about his dog Earl he intrigues his young readers with the many times that Earl's tail wags. It doesn't seem to matter what is happening; Earl is full of life and endless joy. But, why? Mooch is quite sure he knows. But each time he holds up (of flaps) his arm to respond to the question, he quickly draws back with shyness and uncertainty. Finally after some time and much thought, Mooch seems to have the answer...could it be that simple? Is it love? Can love be the answer?

The boundless energy of Earl is endearingly shared with his audience and the author's great love for his dog (and pets in general) is evident in each inky line drawn for this entertaining story. What a pleasure to share the FWIP FWIP FWIPs with youngsters as the book is read! Or, they can provide the onomatopoeia of the wagging tail with each new instance that causes Earl to show how he truly feels about the world that surrounds him. There is a YouTube video from Little Brown that will allow children to listen in on Patrick McDonnell's reason for writing his newest book. It might lead you to look for the others mentioned.

Not Last Night but the Night Before, written by Colin McNaughton and illustrated by Emma C Clark. Candlewick, Random House. 2009. $20.00 ages 2 and up

"Happy birthday to you,
Squashed tomatoes and stew,
Bread and butter in the gutter,
Happy birthday to you!"

While we are the roll with nursery rhymes, I want to share this new book from Colin McNaughton whose many books have entertained children uproariously. In this one, he uses an old nursery song, with many new verses, to help a young boy celebrate the excitement of his birthday.

As he opens the door to each new visitor, we are reminded of familiar characters and stories of old. First three cats, then the man in the moon, then three little pigs and their very interested and attentive wolf arrive. You get the picture. Each new guest has a gift in hand and a knockdown to provide as they brush past the boy on their way to somewhere! And each time he hauls himself back up again to answer the door and to be knocked down all over again. Eventually his living room looks like a cyclone hit it and the final guests arrive. They have class and manners, and they are welcomed. The knocking stops, a glass is tapped and the celebration and singing are at hand. What joy to party with so many friends and to be the object of their full attention. But, when they are gone...there is nothing to do but catch up on much needed rest. Ahhh!!! The final frame shows three disappointed guests...too late to appreciate all that fun, and disappointed they are.

Billy & Milly Short & Silly written by Eve B Feldman and illustrated by Tuesday Mourning. Putnam's, Penguin Group (Canada) $18.50 ages 2 and up

"Stoops, hoops, scoops, OOPS"

That's what anyone would call a short story, right? If you like them short, you are in for a real treat with this funny book. There are thirteen of them, and the art-filled pages are a needed accessory to the success of the storytelling.

We are told by the experts that rhyming is a necessary skill, if we want competent young readers. Many of our children today rarely hear nursery rhymes...once a staple of reading or talking with babies and toddlers. Often our children are not hearing the rhymes and rhythms of language that make reading more successful as they grow and develop. Mem Fox, writer extraordinaire and teacher of teachers, says that those children who know eight nursery rhymes by heart when they are four often become our most capable readers by the time they are eight. That being said, can you think of a
'funner' way to introduce little ones to the rhythms of our language and to give them the underlying sense of story they will need to help them become capable literacy learners? This book reads like a nursery rhyme and children will find much to keep them interested as they pore over the pages, watching each short story unfold in three or four rhyming words.

The illustrations almost dance off the page as we wander from story to story, and it won't be long until even the youngest is telling the tale to anyone who will listen. Along the way, their vocabulary grows and the fun factor is enhanced. I think it would be fun to share with older readers as a mentor text for their own writing and illustrating. They would have a great time trying to come up with a story that could be told with such brevity, while still making their point. Try it and see what you think.

I'm Number One, written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Bob Graham. Candlewick, Random House, 2009. $20.00 ages 4 and up

"You can laugh at me as much as you like,
but you're no good.
And you, you're so bad.
And you, you're the worst."

A-One rules the toys, and his reign begins as soon as the mother and child are out the door in the morning. He bosses the other toys to do his bidding, then criticizes them for trying to help him. He further makes fun of their clothing, and ends up taking each piece that doesn't find favor with him. As the toys begin to notice how silly they must look doing whatever they tell him, and how silly he looks dressed in their clothes, they whisper together and laugh at their own antics. A-One tries to remain harsh and critical but the others temper his power with their laughter and make him realize that what he really wants is to be 'one of the gang', not alone and in charge.

Bob Graham's artwork adds a parallel story that has no counterpart in the text. It begins on the front endpaper and finishes on the last, as the young girl and her mother return home, the toys return to their previous disarray and the dog welcomes his mistress home with a heartfelt gift. Young astute listeners will not miss that story as it plays itself out alongside the written text. What fun and what a gentle way to get a discussion going about 'bossiness' and how it makes others feel.

Milo Armadillo, written and illustrated by Jan Fearnley.Candlewick, Random House, 2009. $19.00 ages 3 and up

"When it was nearly Tallulah's birthday, her parents asked her what she would like for a present. "I want a pink fluffy rabbit," said Tallulah."

Pink fluffy rabbits should be easy to come by, wouldn't you think? Not so, it seems. There are grey rabbits, and brown rabbits, plnk elephants, and even a pink pelican. But, her parents just can't seem to get the combination right. Grandma to the rescue...she will knit a pink fluffy rabbit...which ends up looking not so much like a rabbit. Instead, when she opens her birthday box, Tallulah finds Milo Armadillo. She doesn't want to hurt her grandmother's feelings, so she professes to love Milo and seems content to spend her time with her new stuffed toy. They play together and share music, adventures and stories but a pink fluffy rabbit Milo is not. Her friends remark on Milo's differences and Milo hears what they are saying. Loving Tallulah and wanting her to be happy causes Milo to make a decision that will change his life. That decision also changes Tallulah's life...for the worse. After making quite a surprising discovery, Tallulah returns home happy.

I always look forward to Jan Fearnley's new books. She has a way of taking the ordinary and making it quite extraordinary. Children love her stories and respond to their subtle messages with quiet perception. Her illustrations for this book are detailed and done in mixed media, which give texture to the story in more than one way. I loved the knit pieces and the the use of fabric. They give the story a homey, soft feeling and are just right for this gentle, easy story of close friendship.

Ways to Live Forever, written by Sally Nicholls. Arthur A Levine, Scholastic. 2008. $18.99 ages 12 and up

“This is my book, started 7th January, finished 12th April. It is a collection of lists, stories, pictures, questions and facts. It is also my story.”

In her first novel, 23 year old British writer Sally Nicholls swings for the stands and scores a grand slam! In first person narrative she shares Sam's voice, filled with a multitude of interests, countless questions and a way with words that is quite impressive. She must have known the difficulty of the task she set for herself; and yet, she writes with the quiet assurance of a seasoned storyteller.

According to Sam there are many questions about death and dying that no one is willing to answer. And Sam needs answers. He has leukemia and he has only a few months to live. Oh, and Sam is 11. He is not obsessed with death, he just wants answers because he knows he is dying.

Lest you think that this might not be a book you want to read, I hope you will take my advice and give it a chance. It takes the form of a diary/journal as he shares all that he is thinking and includes drawings, tickets, lists and many facts. List 3 takes the story to a new level...giving Sam's take on the things that he still wants to do. They range from the likely, to the unlikely, to the not going to happen. It is important to know that all of his wishes do come true, and as a reader you will want to know how that works. While Sam is an seemingly normal boy, he is transformed by his diagnosis and his final months are a worthy achievement.

While I will admit to tear-stained clothing and salty spots on my spectacles, I loved this book and it has found a place on my 'favorite novels' shelf...books I am willing to share, but not to let go. It is polished, smart, moving, and often humorous. It is never overemotional, while always honoring life and the ending is faultless. This is a book for the brave, but it is quite an amazing read.

The Landing, written by John Ibbitson. Kids Can Press, 2008. $7.95 ages 12 and up

“ Every day she would play the piano for an hour or so, reading from the sheet music, and the music was fine enough, Ben thought, old and formal, though her playing seemed correct but sort of dry. She would play while Ben worked away inside or outside, not seeming to mind if he was sawing or hammering.”

John Ibbitson is a deft writer and he here proves that to be true. In this historically accurate portrait of the times in which it is written he creates memorable characters, human and not so. It is Ben's story. He is 15, finished school and working a hard life to provide food and sustenance for the family. That family is his mother and his Uncle Henry who has taken them in following Ben's father's death. The family farm, during the Depression, offered little in the way of a living so Ben and Henry operate Cook's Landing which provides gasoline and groceries for people of the area and those who spend their summers on Lake Muskoka. In Ibbitson's sure hands we can feel the pulse of both Cook's Landing and the Lake. Each has an important part to play in Ben's summer. A rich woman from New York buys a cottage and needs help bringing it back to its original glory. Her offer of a daily salary cannot be refused so Ben spends much of his summer on the island refurbishing it. While there, he learns about the world beyond his own, plays the violin for Ruth and her guests and yearns for a better life. Just when it seems that things are going to change for the better, his world is turned upside down and he wonders if he will ever be able to leave the landing.

His characters are so well drawn and his descriptions so crucial to the impact of the story. He is well deserving of the honor bestowed when John Ibbitson was awarded the 2008 Governor General's prize in Children's Literature for this fine book. It is a story that would especially intrigue boys aged 12 and up who are wondering where their lives might lead them. It has both humor and suspense, anger and love...and so much more!

Waiting for the Owl’s Call, written by Gloria Whelan and illustrated by Pascal Milelli. Sleeping Bear Press, HB Fenn. 2009. $22.95 ages 6 and up

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“We Turkomans have been scattered from one country to another. If we live among our enemies, we live in tents. If we live among our friends, we build houses.”

It is always interesting for children to read stories about other children of the world. It expands our focus and lets us live in another's shoes for one small space in time. Zulviya is an eight-year-Afghani girl who works long hours each day at the loom, between her cousin and her older sister. They continue the tradition of rug weaving that their mothers and grandmothers have also followed. Their days are long and tedious as they follow handed-down patterns. Zulviya is gaining competence with her weaving but has the ability to dream a new pattern while working on the old. She uses the beauty of the colors that surround her as she dreams a new pattern for the rugs being woven. It is in her imagination she is able to escape the drudgery of the long workday, and the endless sameness. She sees beauty in the colors of her world, from the remarkable greens of the trees and foliage to the deep brown of the walnuts used to make the dyes.

The illustrations use the bold, deep colors of the rug designs while also providing the beauty of the surroundings and of the children who work so hard, with no chance to go to school (a word they have only heard). This story brings to the forefront the plight of many children around the world who labor to provide wares for consumers far away. It hopefully will cause us to pause and think about them and, while doing so think about the part we play in such exploitation of youth. Perhaps it will remind us of the goodness in our own lives. In an afterword, the author talks about the world market for the rugs these children are making and our responsibility to help alleviate child labor in the world. It starts with one person, doesn't it?

Where the Steps Were, written by Andrea Chang. Wordsong. 2008. $22.00 ages 8 and up

“Our teacher is so tiny,
I know I weigh more,
and her name’s so long
but she says just call her
Miss D.
Miss D.
my name starts with D too, Dawn,
like the morning. “

When the third graders at Pleasant Valley Elementary School learn that their inner-city school is scheduled for demolition, they are concerned and have much to say. Their teacher, Miss D, is the one who gives them the confidence they will need to move on and find comfort in their new school. The five distinct voices of the students give us a glimpse at their final year and the events that make it special. They are busy at home and at school, each with their own trials and dreams. At school they take roles in a play, make field trip visits, do science experiments and learn about the Civil War and civil rights. When they are kicked out of a theatre through no fault of their own, they have the confidence and skills to send a letter to the theatre manager offering their point of view and asking a pertinent question about his reasoning for the ejection. Bravo!

It is not often that a novel in verse is written for a young audience. The five clear and youthful voices offer snapshots of the lives that these children live, and in succinct, heartfelt text. I think that writing poetry must be one of the most difficult ways to tell a story, while also being the most wonderful way to do it. The word choice needs to be almost perfect in order to give details, to give heart to the characters and to tell that story in the most concise way. In Andrea Chang's adept hands, this story is perfect.

The Graveyard Book, written by Neil Gaiman. Harper Canada, Toronto. 2008. $19.50 ages 10 and up

“There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife.”

Neil Gaiman says that this amazing novel is a book he wanted to read when he was eight. He started writing it when his son was 2 years old in 1987, and did not feel himself a good enough writer to finish it. So, he put it away and left it for 9 years or so and still wasn't good enough to complete the story. A couple of years ago he decided he wasn't going to get any better and he should get it done. Lucky are we that he did!

It began in a graveyard where he took his toddler to ride his bike, there being no yard where they lived. As they looked at gravestones and wandered the area, he thought there must be a story in it. Only in a brilliant mind would that be true.

The Graveyard Book won the 2009 Newbery Award and the Hugo Award, and those are honors well-deserved. It begins in terror as we travel through a house with a man named Jack, who has killed all members of the family, but the toddler who has left through the open door and is headed toward the nearby graveyard. It is the graveyard's inhabitants who save him from Jack's blade and decide to raise him. Thus, Bod finds a new and safe home and a loving family to replace the one he lost.

Bod is an ordinary boy, but for these circumstances. He grows up with love, good counsel, and a growing awareness of the world beyond the graveyard. He is intelligent, compassionate and loving. But, he realizes that the world out there beyond his narrow world is fraught with danger...Jack still has his knife and a need to kill Bod.

It has been described as exciting, and witty, sinister and tender. It is all that!

The tale is told in a series of short stories, as Bod ages from the toddler who finds refuge with the ghosts to the age of about 16. I hope that means we will meet again. I would be delighted! It has found its place on my 'read it again!' shelf and it won't be long until I do just that! A snowy night, the fireplace, a big pot of tea and THE GRAVEYARD BOOK...does it get better than that?

Pop, written by Gordon Korman. Scholastic Canada, 2009. $19.99 ages 12 and up

"The receiver made a wide U-turn and, grinning triumphantly, jogged up to Marcus.
Marcus smiled too. 'Nice catch, bro--'
He was looking at a middle-aged man, probably around fifty years old. He was tall and built like a redwood. But the guy ran like a gazelle and had caught the ball with sure hands, tucking it in tight as he ran. He had definitely played this game before."

When Marcus moves from Kansas to upstate New York, he is nervous. Last year he was the star quarterback on his JV team; this year he is hoping that he will find a spot on his new school's team. During what is left of summer vacation, he finds a deserted park where he can practice throwing the ball and work on his growing skills. There he meets Charlie, an amazing athlete and someone who seems to know a great deal about football. Marcus is impressed and his skills improve exponentially under Charlie's tutelage, but he notices that Charlie is not too dependable. He is also headstrong and able to talk Marcus into mischief for which Charlie takes no resonsibility.

Charlie's son is also on the football team...the star quarterback, in fact. As the story moves forward, a collection of events has Marcus wondering why Charlie's family is so protective and private and why everyone in town is so accepting of Charlie and his antics. It is not long until Marcus realizes who Charlie really is and surmises that Charlie has early onset Alzhiemer's; its cause seems to be repeated head injuries, attributed the hits and plays of his football years.

The story is well told, and has so much more to it than just a football story. Gordon Korman makes us consider the implication of sports injuries, their aftermath and the heartbreaking results for so many. Brain injury is real, and often irreparable. While reading this fast-paced, honest book, I found myself thinking about those people who deal on a daily basis with brain injuries and especially about Charlie, who has lost so much and his daily struggles.

Charlie, A Home Child’s Life in Canada, written by Beryl Young. Key Porter, 2009. $19.95 ages 10 and up

“Charlie Harvey was just thirteen years old when his father died of pneumonia. It was the fall of 1910 and his family was living on Canton Street in Southampton, a large shipping port in the south of England. The Harveys lived in rented rooms about the sweet shop where Charlie’s father worked.”

What a memorable and informative story this was for me! I started out to skim its pages to get an idea about the plight of the home children who came to Canada in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. It was a missing piece of Canadian history for me, and through the fine writing and personal touches constantly evident, I am now much better informed about the children who were sent to Canada.

Charlie came from a large happy family whose circumstances changed drastically upon the death of his father, and the subsequent separation of children from mother, and children from children. Being one of the older ones Charlie was sent to a Barnardo home for orphans and, after a brief stay, was sent to Canada as a farm laborer. There were conditions on the labor and schooling but many placements were not honored as promised. Charlie started in a terrible place and finally moved to a loving family who showed compassion and real love for him. From there he enlisted in the army, fought for his country in the Second World War and came back to join the RCMP. He served well and made many advancements, becoming an integral part of the history of his adopted nation.

His daughter tells his story with love and reverance, and informs both children and many adults of the lives they lived and the part these children played...there are nearly four million of their descendents still living in Canada today. Beryl Young includes sepia photographs and well-documented historical references in her text, and we are better for knowing her father's story.

Singing for Mrs. Pettigrew, written by Michael Morpurgo. Candlewick, Random House. 2006. $22.00 ages 10 and up

“ I don’t remember why my mother had to go to the hospital. I’m not sure she ever told me. She did explain that after the operation she would need a month of complete rest. This was why she had to arrange for me to go and stay with Aunt Mathilde, my mother’s older sister, in her house down in the south, in Provence.”

My friend Don was very excited to see a copy of this book! He heard Michael Morpurgo speak earlier this fall and has so much to share about the wonderful writer that he is, and the truly fine person as well. Don has always loved his writing, but now has even more praises to sing about the former Children's Laureate of Britain.

In this collection which is subtitled, A Story-Maker's Journey, the author shares short stories, essays, and commentaries on his writing life. He talks about all aspects of writing with his audience and even reveals what his inspiration was for the tales included. He shares the 'hows' of his writing life and then includes many of his favorite tales. They are set throughout Europe, from Provence to Venice and to Morpurgo's hometown. What a literary journey it truly is! Enjoy!

Thunder – Boomer! Written by Shutta Crum and illustrated by Carol Thompson. Clarion, Thomas Allen, 2009. $21.95 ages 5 and up

“The day is hot.
Dad plows, his tractor glinting in the sun.
Tom slaps his foot against the surface of the pond.
I sprawl in the shade of the chestnut tree.
Scooter pants with his tongue hanging out.”

I want to share this summer story now...to warm your heart in the midst of all the cold, ice and snow that we are experiencing throughout Canada in the depths of December.

You can feel the steamy, sultry heat of a midwest summer in Shutta Crum's perfect word choice for her newest book about a storm that wreaks havoc on this endearing farm family. It begins in fun, with Mom and the kids lolling by the riverbank, enjoying their toe dipping. When a storm blows up, the world changes and so does their day. As the wind howls and the thunder rolls, they run for the house and cover. Laundry is removed, or blown, from the clothesline. Vehicles are moved to shelter. Even the chickens are brought inside. The skies darken, the winds remain wild and there is incredible noise. At first Maizey, the chicken, seems happy to be inside but she soon becomes very restless and wants her release.

When sharing stories with children, they love the word 'onomatopoeia' and will relish in all the sounds as the family 'swishes' and 'plops' and then the dramatic noise of the storm.

Watercolor washes are the perfect medium for this most enjoyable story. They evoke the power of the storm, the heat and all the fun as the experience is shared. The color change is incredibly dramatic as the story moves from the warmth of the day to the blackening skies and temperature change that the rain brings.

There is an parallel story to follow and kids will love watching it play out, as well as the excitement of the summer storm. To our surprise, this part of the story brings a wonderful gift. What great fun!

As an added bonus, Shutta Crum suggests checking a YouTube video called African Thunderstorm, performed by an acapella group called Perpetuum Jazzile from Slovenia.

Testing the Ice, written by Sharon Robinson and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Scholastic, 2009. $21.99 ages 6 and up

“Earlier that same year, my family moved from Queens in New York City to Cascade Road in Stamford, Connecticut. Our new house sat in the middle of six acres on a narrow, twisted road named for the waterfall at the end of it. The best part, according to my father, was the woods on three sides of the house, which screened us from passing cars and curious strangers.”

I was lucky enough to be watching one of the morning news shows not too long ago when Sharon Robinson was being interviewed about a new book she had written about her father. I found myself intrigued by her story, a true story from her childhood and about a baseball hero...Jackie Robinson.

When Jackie retires, he moves the family to a new and peaceful place where his children can run and play, and enjoy the lake that is the focal point of their new property. As the children romp in the water, their father never does. No one seems to notice! When winter winds and cold cover the lake with ice the children beg to skate on it. Ever the protective father, Jackie will allow no skating until he has tested the ice. He starts tapping it with a stick, and what a noise erupts when he does that. Finally, he makes it to the middle of the ice and declares it safe for his children. It is while she is watching her beloved father walk out on the ice that Sharon makes the connection that she has never seen her father in the water, and the discovery that he cannot swim. But that fear does not keep him from protecting his family.

This, of course, is not the only 'ice testing' that Jackie Robinson did. He was the first African American to play in major league baseball, and the man attributed with breaking the color barrier in 1947 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. We all know the rest of that story!

Kadir Nelson used family photographs to inspire his amazing artwork for this picture book biography. They are so real to their time, and to the Robinson family. It must be such a special blessing to have them be part of this heartfelt and personal story.

A Season of Gifts, written by Richard Peck. Dial, Penguin Group (Canada), 2009. $21.00 ages 12 and up

"So we Barnharts moved in next door to a haunted house, if a house can be haunted by a living being. But the old lady who lived over there had to be just this side of the grave with one foot in it. She looked older than the town. But she was way too solid to be a ghost. You sure couldn’t see through her. You could barely see around her.”

Anyone who has ever met Grandma Dowdel will never forget her! In the third book about this spunky old woman we, once again, enjoy the storytelling brilliance of Richard Peck. He regales us with the trials and tribulations of Bob Barnhart and his family. They are new to their midwest town and struggling to find acceptance. His father is the new preacher in a church with few parishoners, and Bob becomes the target of the town bullies. Grandma Dowdel is their rough and tough nearest neighbor, with a kind heart that few people see. She is not about to let town 'vagrants' harm this new family. Times gone by have never been so much fun! I laughed out loud through much of the reading and will be using this book in upcoming book talks and workshops. I have earmarked many passages to be read again.

The Christmas part of the book does not take place until near the end; but, in the true spirit of the season the gifts are given from the time the family arrives and most come through the kind and generous heart of Grandma Dowdel. If you want to share a real 'gift' of the season, look for this book. It may then lead you to the other wonderful story collections by the prolific and very talented Richard Peck. You are sure to become an ardent fan!

Bella's Tree, written by Janet Russell and illustrated by Jirina Marton. Groundwood, 2009. $19.95 ages 6 and up

""I could get us a tree, Nan."
"Go on. Sure, you're not much bigger than an ax, let alone able to swing one."
"Not so, Nan. I am after gettin' big and strong and smart and well coordinated. You just wouldn't believe how big and strong and smart and well coordinated I am after gettin'."
"Don't worry your little head, Bella. Someone'll bring us a tree."

After some pleading and convincing with her Nan, Bella sets out to find a Christmas tree that she can be proud to show her beloved grandmother. Little does Bella know that she will make three unsucccessful attempts before finding the tree that her Nan describes. Not wanting to be deemed 'frivolous', Nan insists that each tree...first an alder, then a spruce and finally a pine...be decorated so as not to waste them. Each time a new one arrives, Nan sings a tree-identifier song that might help her 'nature-impaired' granddaughter the next time she is sent to find a Christmas tree. When Bella finally finds the perfect fir, there is nothing left to decorate it. It is left in the darkness, obscure amongst the other beautiful trees.

While cutting the trees down, Bella has made promises to the birds whose home she was taking. Imagine the surprise on Christmas morning when the promises must be kept! The final illustration glows with the spirit and peace of the holiday season.

I love the language in this story and its message about the connection between children and their elders. Nan has much to teach her granddaughter and Bella is willing to learn. It has a simple plot, repetitive text and a collection of songs that will be fun to learn. Jirina Marton won the Governor General's Literary Award for illustration in English text. And she is so deserving of this special recognition for her work...she has created a world of wintry stillness both inside and out. It is such fun to watch Nan's house fill with the splendor of the season, and the final page is such a sweet surprise. This is a fine book to be shared at Christmas and for the rest of the year, too. Perhaps it will encourage listeners to share stories about their family and grandparents' teachings.

If I stay, written by gayle forman. Dutton, Penguin Group (Canada), 2009. $21.00 ages 13 and up

“The car is eviscerated. The impact of a four-ton pickup truck going sixty miles an hour plowing straight into the passenger side had the force of an atomic bomb. It tore off the doors, sent the front-side passenger seat through the driver’s-side window. It flipped the chassis, bouncing it across the road and ripped the engine apart as if it were no stronger than a spiderweb. It tossed wheels and hubcaps deep into the forest. It ignited bits of the gas tank, so that now tiny flames lap at the wet road.”

In the relatively short span of twenty-four hours, much can happen...and it does! A light snowstorm cancels school early in the morning and shortly thereafter, the roads clear and Mia and her family decide to take a drive. What then happens is out of a horror movie. Her family is involved in a horrendous car crash, that leaves Mia the only survivor. As the remaining relatives gather round to support her, we watch (from Mia's perspective) what is happening and learn about her life. We also come to realize that she is having an out-of-body experience and trying to make her own decision about whether she should stay, or go...to be with her family.

In listening to her struggle to make that decision, we learn much about her life...that she is a cellist who has a scholarship to Juilliard. Her boyfriend, Adam, is in an up-and-coming band who will have to start travelling now that they are making a move in the music industry. Together, they are dealing with tension about the changes they see ahead of them and wondering how it will affect their relationship. As we watch her family and friends root for her, and offer their love and support, we cannot help but feel the same way.

I have no idea how both Love, Aubrey and if I stay reached the top of my reading pile at the same time, but I can tell you that I spent much of my reading time drying my tears as I got to know two amazing young women faced with the most unbelievable circumstances. What powerful and memorable stories they share!

Love, Aubrey, written by Suzanne LaFleur. Wendy Lamb Books, Random House, 2009. $17.99 ages 10 and up

“It turned out everything I needed had to fit in three bags. One for Gram to carry with her own bag, and two for me to carry. I didn’t have any luggage, just a backpack. Gram said to take something from Mom and Dad’s room. She was busy, for some reason believing the house had to be clean before we left. While she scoured the kitchen counters, I went upstairs to my parents’ room.”

When Aubrey's father and little sister are killed in a car accident, she and her mother must find a new way of living their life together, but alone. As they struggle, her mother slips into a deep depression and is unable to take care of herself, much less her daughter. One day she simply disappears and Aubrey fends for herself...until her grandmother makes the discovery and comes to rescue her and take her to Vermont. In the skilled hands of her loving, stable grandmother and a new friend, Bridget, who love and support her and, with her own willingness to write letters to the important people in her life to help her voice her sorrow and confusion, Aubrey begins to find her way through the abyss. She learns to smile again, to laugh and to find some peace in her world. She also finds out where her mother has gone, and that she is in treatment to help her deal with her problems. In the end, Aubrey must make a momentous decision about how her life will go from here, and she shows great courage as she does just that.

The story is heartbreaking and hopeful...but it wreaked havoc on my tear ducts and my emotions. I cried myself through some of the more poignant moments, and wondered how a mother could ever leave her 11 year old daughter on her own. That also made me aware of the huge price that one pays when dealing with mental health issues, gone untreated. Aubrey's mother needed help, as much as Aubrey did. Luckily, they both found what they needed to help the healing really begin.

Wild Animals, written by Eduardo Bustos and illustrated by Lucho Rodriguez.

"Koala: My home is in Australia. My fur is soft and my ways are gentle. I carry my babies on my back as we feast on the leaves of the eucalyptus tree. Just like hands, my fingers grip the branches to keep me safe."

"Spotted Owl: My enormous eyes rest during the day, but at night, I'm perched up in a tree, scanning the ground beneath me. You'll find me in North America, but don't try to creep up behind me because I will see you. My head can turn almost all the way around."

In the best picture books the words and artwork each add a dimension that alone would not have the same effect. This is such a book! The author describes 11 wild animals of the world in a riddle-like form, using each animal's voice to intrigue and have readers make guesses as to its name. Each is set on a double page spread with minimal text and eye-catching, brilliant-hued illustrations. The author makes note of habitat, place of origin, and special unique attributes. The illustrator shows the animal in profile and in full close-up. They are very striking, while almost geometric in design. If you have, or know, a little one who loves animal books, you would not be remiss in putting this one under the Christmas tree, or in a stocking.

Lulu's Pajamas, written by Lucie Papineau and illustrated by Stephane Jorisch. Kids Can, 2009. $16.95 ages 2 and up

"My name is Lulu. This is Mama and Papa, the best mama and papa in the world. And this, of course, is Lili-Poo, my one and only ladybug."

Simple text, expressive illustrations and a story meant to validate the need for a young child to have a say in clothing choice...this is a story that will be read repeatedly at bedtime for its reassuring and relevant issues. Mama is always willing to share a story and Papa sings a goodnight song, as Lulu snuggles up with Lili-Poo and her favorite pajamas. When Lulu decides that she cannot bear to take them off in the morning, her parents are aghast. But Lulu wins out and off she goes to school in her pjs. A long day and lots of play leave her attire a little worse for wear and not smelling as they once did. In fact, they are quite crusty and delapidated by the end of it. Ah, well! Lulu's happy...her sure voice rings true to the telling and Stephane Jorisch adds another set of just right illustrations to bring this determined daughter to life.

Chester’s Back, written by Melanie Watt. Kids Can Press, Toronto. 2008. $18.95 hardcover ages 4 and up

“Dear admirers,

Due to an OVERWHELMING amount of fan mail, I, Chester, am back with an amazing, brilliant, SMART, SUPER new book! C."

Oh boy, Chester's back with a vengeance and we are the definitely delighted viewers of the return engagement to the duelling that happens between he and his creator, the talented and very funny Melanie Watt. He has such an huge feeling of self-importance and she is bending over backwards to create a story for Chester that will satisfy him. Of course, nothing is likely to do that! He edits almost everything she writes, including the dedication and adds comments to the text, which speak to his character. His fans seem to find it quite endearing, not so his author. He perpetually adds his own spin to the story, billing himself 'the great Chesterdini' in an effort to prove himself the star, which he already is. Driven to distraction by his unending interruptions, the author looks for another star...but that will not work! Bowing to his power, she wonders what he wants and is met with a list that would make any other self-serving star seem tame. There is little subtlety in this cat's demeanor and readers will delight in the diva demands. Just when the table seem to turn on Chester, he takes it to the limit and leaves us in stitches. Hopefully you have the first Chester book (Kids Can, 2007) and you will be able to share the fun of both books (and all the laughs) at one sitting.

The Christmas Magic, written by Lauren Thompson and illustrated by Jon J Muth. Scholastic, 2009. $ 21.99 ages 4 and up

“Every year, just when the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest, Santa feels a tingling in his whiskers. Then he knows that the Christmas magic will soon be here.”

While sitting at the computer working on this post, I have been watching classic Laverne and Shirley episodes with Erin...laughing out loud and excited to watch 'just one more'. The one we are watching at the moment is called "Oh, Hear the Angels' Voices' which aired on December 21, 1976. While Lenny and Squiggy's song in honor of Santa Claus has a distinctly different tone than this beautiful book, it is worth watching!

Now, on to tell you all about this lovely, timeless holiday story. When the nights are the longest and the stars are shining brightest in the north, Santa feels a 'tingling' in his whiskers. He knows that the time is coming and he must make his preparations for the upcoming season. He brings the reindeer home and feeds them well so that they are ready for the long, arduous ride. Santa polishes the jingle bells and the sleigh, and takes care to choose the perfect gift for each child of the world. He loves each one and knows them well enough to know just exactly what it is they want. The gentle words of this tale are perfect for a Christmas Eve bedtime read. It is made more beautiful with Jon Muth's wintry pastel watercolors. They warm the cold evening air and our hearts as it is shared. It might even become a new classic for your holiday season.

A to Z of Animals: An Animal Expedition, written by Rachel Williams and illustrated by Peter David Scott. Key Porter Kids, 2009. $15.95 ages 3 and up

“Discover some fascinating facts about all the different animals you have seen in this book and a few that you might not have spotted…"

What an invitation!

There is never much to say about alphabet books about animals...except that it is a book that follows the alphabet and shows the wild animal being described. That, however, would not give this lavish book the praise that it deserves. On each page one animal is the star, and another the understudy (not so obvious, but also stunning). What a steal of a deal for this gorgeous animal alphabet! You have to see the lovely detailed artwork to believe its authenticity and dramatic power. To add to the value, the author includes fact-filled notes at the end of the book. Kids will love it!

Against the Odds, written by Marjolihn Hof. Groundwood Books, 2009. $$18.95 ages 10 and up

"My mother had been gone for quite awhile. I turned the radio on again. There was only music. I pushed all the buttons until I found a news station. It had already started. The newsperson was saying, “There is concern for his safety.”

It didn't take me long to read this book. The sentences are short and there is much dialogue; but, it has stayed with me over a number of months since reading it. That is a sure sign to me that it was worth the time, and had some very compelling moments.

Kiki's father works in war zones. As a doctor he is much needed and he sees that he has a responsibility to use his skills to help those in need. Kiki, his young daughter does not hold the same view. She wants her father, and not the worrying about him. Kiki's grandmother is furious with him for being away from his family. Now, on his latest trip, his phone calls have stopped and he cannot be contacted.

Kiki does not want anyone worrying about her as she deals with this latest event in her life. She knows she can't change her father's decision or the way the family is dealing with his missing status. It doesn't take long for her to make a plan that will allow her to keep the odds in her favor. Kiki, while intense and fearful, is ingenious and humorous as well. There is much to talk about while reading, or when finished reading, this powerful little book.

Sugar Cookies, written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jane Dyer and Brooke Dyer. Harper, 2009. $17.50 all ages

"ENDEARMENT means, Come here, my sugar, my cookie, my sweet little morsel.”

If you are like me and don't particularly love to bake, but the idea of showing a little love with a gift of cookies appeals to you, run to your nearest bookstore and stock up on this lovely morsel. Amy Krouse Rosenthal has chosen a veritable menu of words associated with feelings of love, Jane and Brooke Dyer have created gentle, appealing illustrations to help the young reader move from the abstract idea to the concrete image in this delectable dictionary of words that are not often part of a young child's vocabulary. When you offer your friend the last cookie, you know what it is to be selfless. If the bowl licking calls for waiting on your friend to start, you are being considerate. And the list goes on.

More little lessons from the author of Cookies (Harper, 2006) and its bite-sized lessons on life and Christmas Cookies (Harper, 2008) with its lessons on etiquette and community, this is sure to appeal to a wide audience and will be shared with the same delicious anticipation as the real sugar cookies which you can make using the recipe at the end of the book.

Me? I think I'll buy some extra copies of the book and put one in a baking basket with a cookie sheet, some parchment paper and a copy of the recipe for future reference. MMMMM! MMMMM! Yummy!!

Long Powwow Nights, by David Bouchard and Pam Aleekuk, paintings by Leonard Paul and music by Buffy Sainte-Marie. Red Deer, 2009. $24.95 ages 6 and up

“Stay with me butterfly, help me to see
Tell me again what you dreamed I would be
You were my teacher – you still are my guide
Iskwesis, sweet butterfly – stay by my side.”

In this poetic homage to the power of the powwow and dancing, a mother is remembered for her dedication to her roots. She and her child travelled hundreds of miles to dance fancy and keep the traditions of her culture alive. Her pride was always evident as she pursued her dream and took part in the powwow. Aging and aching caused her to stop dancing and death took her from her child, but her dreams for the future continue to live on in the heart of her offspring. Her spirit remains and continues to teach as she has always done, with honor and enduring love.

What a celebration of the power of the dance! David tells the story as it was written in poetic, repetitive text with the flute and drum as accompaniement. The text is also written and told in a Mi'kmaq translation; it is lovely to listen to the sure voice of translator Patsy Paul-Martin. Following both readings, we continue the experience with Buffy Sainte Marie's music..a recording of her song, Darling, Don't Cry which is a perfect complement to this text. Leonard Paul's remarkable illustrations give life to the dancers in colorful, dramatic closeups. Their pride is evident on every page. The double page spread of dancers in silhouette is stunning. I especially love the profiles of the mother as the story moves from her youth to maturity.

This is a book to be shared, and then shared again. Having the CD allows the reader the chance to experience it on her own or with a friend.

Perfect Snow, written and illustrated by Barbara Reid. North Winds, Scholastic, 2009. $19.99 ages 4 and up

“Jim watched the clock. “At last! Conditions are perfect to build my totally massive, indestructible Snow Fortress of Doom.”

If you grew up anywhere in Canada (even here in Lotus Land Victoria), you have at one time or another had an encounter with freshly fallen snow and the overwhelming desire to get out there and build a snowman or better yet, a snow fort! I recall many days on the school playground helping, or watching, the construction and cooperative work of any number of children and adults working to get one built before the sun shone down and caused it to melt into a puddle of wet mush. Then, crossing our fingers and hoping against hope it would still be there when the final bell rang at the end of the day.

This story sprang from a family tale about an amazing snow fort built by one of Barbara's daughters. It seemed a 'perfect' start for her newest book. Scott and Jim have been waiting for the first real snow of the season and each has his own idea for what to do with it. They are as different as day and night and so is their vision; but together they are a formidable duo who garner quite the remarkable result. As she tells her story with all the skill and detail we have come to expect, Barbara Reid adds another dimension for the first time. In black and white cartoon-like vignettes, she offers up much additional information about her characters. It is information she could not possibly include in the plasticene artwork needed to tell the tale. In a short video on YouTube she tells the listener that she always draws thumbnail sketches prior to creating her trademark art, so she does not stray far in this book from what is usual to her process. But, what a plus they are to this fun story! Be on the lookout for Scott and Jim as you pore over the illustrations and don't miss the glorious two page spread of all the children doing what kids love to do when 'perfect snow' falls. Looking for a Christmas gift...what could be better?

I is for Inuksuk, written and illustrated by Mary Wallace. Maple Tree Press, Raincoast. 2009. $19.95 ages 4 and up

“Even though the Inuit no longer live as nomads, moving from place to place with the seasons, hunting caribou and seal, and living in igloos as their ancestors did, the Inuksuit remain a symbol of the Arctic.”


For many hundreds of years, the inuksuk has guided and informed the Inuit through the vast northern lands. It has now been selected as the official symbol of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and will come to be known to the peoples of the world. Its many purposes include marking spots for good hunting and fishing, a navigational aid, and s sign of happiness. In Mary Wallace's new book she celebrates the inuksuit with the letters of the alphabet and her writing also takes the form of an acrostic poem. Each entry tells the reader about the traditional way of life for northern People, and adds the offical language (Inuktitut)to its description. A pronunciation guide at the end of the book made me realize how much I needed to have it, and adds dimension to this worthwhile and welcome book. It pays homage to the people and the Arctic landscape. The full color illustrations are reminiscent of the land, using the cool colors of blue, purple and green. There is much movement here and the eye will be drawn across the color filled pages as the book is shared. Be sure to look for the hidden inukshuk on each page, and then see what the author adds concerning their history and uses at the back of the book. If you are looking for books to use while studying this year's Olympic celebrations, this is one that would be most useful and appealing. If you have guests for the Games, what a wonderful remembrance it would make of their visit!

Binky The Space Cat, written and illustrated by Ashley Spires. Kids Can Press, 2009. $7.95 ages 7 and up

"Things I know

1. Always use the litter box.
2. Fish smells yummy.
3. Miniskirts are not meant for everyone.
4. Only aliens can fly.
5. Ted is my friend."

Binky is the constant buffer between his two humans and the aliens...they seem frightened of those flying invaders. Binky has never been able to enjoy 'outer space' and wonders what it must be like. He has watched his humans get dressed in their protective gear so that they might venture away from their own space station. He tries their attire but it is a miserable experiment and he ends up falling down the stairs because of the bulk...oh, that Binky! When he finds an application for training as a space cat, he is enamored and immediately takes up the challenge. As readers follow along in this witty, well-drawn graphic novel, they will laugh at Binky's naivete and roar at the imagination in this first of many adventures, we hope! You don't have to like cats or space travel to enjoy the fun that Binky has while trying to protect his loved ones from flying insects (you know how cats love to snag the little beggars) and aching to get outside into the wild blue yonder. Even his attempt to build and equip a space ship will have you in stitches. He is persistent and is only thwarted for a short time. He has a much bigger plan for the future. You will end the reading, wanting to go back and read it all over again. I'll be on the lookout for the next exploit.

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves, written by Julia Rawlinson and illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke. Greenwillow, Harper. 2006. $7.50 ages 4 and up

"But the wind continued to blow, and the branches still danced. The leaves shivered and shook themselves and began to wiggle free. They tossed and turned and twitched and twirled and tumbled to the ground. They brushed Fletcher's ears and nose and filled his dreams with a whispering sound."

While I am basking in sunshine in Victoria and watching city workers pick up huge piles of fallen leaves, I am thinking about those buried under snow and shivering in below zero temperatures...but not every minute of the day, I have to admit! Fletcher the Fox is distruaght when he sees his tree is sick. In fact, the tree's illness is causing it to lose its leaves. His mother tries to reassure him that it is autumn and a natural phenomenon. Fletcher is not convinced; but, no matter how hard he tries, he cannot get the leaves to stay put. The winds pick up and more leaves fall. As they do, his forest friends are delighted for they use those leaves to line nests, keep themselves warm, and any manner of thing. Admitting defeat Fletcher heads for home, and his mother. When he awakens he makes an early morning visit to his tree, once more wanting to reassure himself. Imagine his surprise when he sees what weather can do to make his tree an amazing spectacle, even in the winter.

Pinkalicious, written and illustrated by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann. HarperCollins, 2006. $11.99 ages 3 and up

"Please, Mummy, can I have JUST ONE MORE?" I begged when I woke up from my nap. "You get what you get, and you don't get upset," she said."

If you like pink bubble gum, pink cotton candy, pink flowers and pink princess duds, you can be Pinkalicious' best friend! When she and her mother make pink cupcakes on a rainy day, nothing stops her from wanting to eat more, more, more. Bedtime is the only thing that stops the gorging...and when she awakens in the morning, she has a real problem. Now she is pink...pink hands, arms, legs, belly button. The craving for pink cupcakes has not faded; but the doctor has a solution. She must stop eating pink and start eating green...that is the cure! When she sneaks out for one last nosh, she has an even more glaring surprise to come. She knows what she must do, and quickly. Peter, her little brother, is not so lucky as his sister.

This is a great readaloud for the early years classroom. Kids will love the zany fun and imagination that conjures up these collage illustrations filled with bright colors and familiar images. All will enjoy the sparkle!

Me and You, written and illustrated by Geneviève Coté. Kids Can Press, 2009. $16.95 ages 3 and up

“My tail would be as curly as a lemon twist. My tail would be as fluffy as cotton candy.”

Me and You is a perfect book about true friends and their great love for each other. They want to be exactly alike. Rabbit wants to be the same color as Pig is and have all the same features. Rabbit wants to brave and noisy. Likewise, Pig wants to be pale white, have long ears, and a fluffed-up tail. Oh, to be so delicate! They make their best efforts to change but only end up looking ridiculous because it is not who they are! They see a resemblance, but seem more suited to be themselves. They love each for who they are, not what they look like. It is an important discovery to make. The story is so simply told, but with rhyme and rhythm that will appeal to its intended audience. It is wonderful to read aloud and again provides a forum for discussion with the youngest listeners. If it is true that the greatest compliment is to want to be just like your friend, these two are truly lucky. The watercolor artwork is a perfect complement to the text, showing two artists with their respective friends ( a blue butterfly and a green frog who are privy to the goings-on) as they struggle to find common ground in their quest to be like one another. Come for the story and stay for the stunning art...or the other way around. Either way you are in for a treat!

Timmerman Was Here, written by Colleen Sydor and illustrated by Nicolas Debon. Tundra, 2009. $21.99 ages 6 and up

“It seems several of our neighbors had seen Timmerman walking around late at night, carrying a spade and an old burlap sack. It didn't take long for the kids at school to fire up their imaginations, and before I knew it, there were rumors flying. Some said Timmerman was a notorious bank robber who had come to town to bury his loot. Others said he'd just gotten out of prison and had come back to dig up the money he had buried years earlier. And when Mrs. Anderson's tabby went missing, they said it wasn't money Timmerman had in his sack at all, but dead cats."

When a boarder comes to take the room that was her grandfather's, she is not happy with her mother. She is missing him and doesn't want anyone to take his place. With time and a chance, Timmerman wins her over. He is quiet and kind and even the dog likes him. He does do some mysterious things and the little girl remains somewhat skeptical; but she likes him well enough to defend his honor and earn herself a black eye. It is worth it! It is her grandfather who convinces her that she should trust herself to know what is true and right. When she takes his advice that trust is rewarded. Everyone is duly surprised by the parting gift that Timmerman leaves the neighbors.

This is a winning, gentle story with an air of mystery. That mysteriousness is evident in the shadowy illustrations created in gouache and colored pencils by Nicolas Debon. You will recognize his art if you know his other work, including Thing-Thing (Tundra, 2008), The Strongest Man in the World (Groundwood, 2007) and Four Pictures by Emily Carr (Groundwood, 2006). Together they have created a story of friendship and mystery from an earlier time. We are all better for sharing such stories with our children and students. They allow a chance to talk about many important issues in life.

When Stella Was Very, Very Small, written and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay. Groundwood, Toronto. $18.95 ages 3 and up

“When Stella was very, very small, she thought she was a turtle. Then she thought she was a goldfish… But being a dog was even better.”

Can this be the eighth book about Stella, and her brother Sam? I can hardly believe it to be so! She remains gutsy, with her red hair, her love of life and her zany humor. Marie-Louise Gay has created the wonderful watercolor illustrations that make Stella so endearing and special. She seems every child in so many ways while remaining her own very spectacular self.

Sam knows his sister to be an authority on everything, understanding the world and its ways while loving it all. She joyfully lets Sam know what she thinks he should. In this book, she remembers what it was like to be very, very small, using her senses to discover that world. She recalls that she loved to imagine herself as a variety of animals...first a turtle, then a goldfish and finally, a dog. Although she couldn’t tie her shoes, and saw words as ants running off the page, she could see the whole world from the top of the couch, and could race her ducks in her huge bathtub. There is so much to appreciate if given the right circumstances in life. As she grows, she experiences things in a different way...now she feeds the goldfish, carries the dog and uses those tiny ants to make words that she can read to Sam.

It is such a delight to watch Stella grow in the brightly colored and detailed artwork, which will have anyone who shares her story looking for more and more. There is much to appreciate in this lovely new book.

You’re Mean, Lily Jean, written by Frieda Wishinsky and illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Scholastic, Toronto. 2009. $19.99 ages 5 and up

“The next day Lily Jean said, "Let's play king and queen. I'll be the king. Sandy will be the queen and Carly will be the dog."
"I don't want to be a dog," said Carly.
"Let's make Carly a lady-in-waiting," suggested Sandy.
"No. We need a dog," said Lily Jean.
"But I don't want to be a dog."
"Then you can't play," said Lily Jean."

When Lily moves in next door to Carly and Sandy, she introduces them to attitude. She has it in spades! She loves holding court over the two sisters and enjoys being the leader in all the make-believe she can conjure up. She tries hard to leave Carly out which makes the sisters determined to teach her a lesson. Lily Jean is one determined young woman, and it takes some work to be her friend. Many readers will see Lily in some of the children they know, especially those they do not particularly like. Without being obvious, Lily Jean gets a little of her own medicine and learns an important lesson. Her bossiness does seem to be an issue; but the girls have the means to keep it at bay, while spending happy hours together with their new neighbor.

Kady MacDonald Denton’s sweet and detailed watercolor illustrations give us young girls who are full of mischief, and yet sensitive and likable. It is so easy to get to know them them as they are expressive and full of life, which is vintage Denton and always such a delight to her many fans.

This lovely story teaches a lesson, but subtly and with compassion.

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas, written by Jane O’Connor and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. Harper, 2009. $19.50 ages 4 and up

“When life gives you cracked eggs, make eggnog,” he says. “What does that mean,” I ask. “It means you improvise – that’s a fancy word for using whatever’s around to make something.”

I always wonder about a new book starring a favorite character. Will the story seem tired? Will the author have run out of things to say about her character? Is there any new occasion left to celebrate? I need not have been concerned! This honored author has created such a sweet and indomitable character in Fancy Nancy. No matter who comes along or what happens, Nancy is true to her nature, her belief in herself and her own personal view of the world. She loves fancy and nothing speaks 'splendiforous' the way that Christmas does. The sparkles, the tinsel, the treetop, the cookies to be decorated, the presents to be wrapped and any number of other holiday needs...what could be fancier? Even when things do not go exactly as planned, Nancy refuses to be deterred. Nothing can spoil the beauty and excitement of this special season. This would be the perfect gift for someone in your life...and if she likes this one, then you might want to check out the rest of Nancy's stories. The artwork is masterful in terms of fancy...there is so much for readers to see and appreciate. What fun you will have sharing it on Christmas Day!

Walking Backward, written by Catherine Austen. Orca Books, 2009. $9.95 ages 12 and up

"I know Mom would want us to be happy, not crying and walking backward and tinkering with the space-time continuum. If she saw us at this present moment - Dad in the basement denying reality, Sam in his room drawing psycho snakes, and me here griping - she'd just shake her head...Sammy can't start kindergarten walking backward and drawing killer snakes. He'd be the weird kid from day one... Dr. Tierney needs to get Sammy on a different path."

When his mother sees a snake in her car, panics and slams into a tree at a high rate of speed, Josh, his brother Sam and their father must deal with her resulting death and their incapacitating loss. Through their psychiatrist they are encouraged to try to journal their thoughts and feelings in personal attempts to help them adjust to the changes they are facing. Dad is in denial and Josh seems to be in charge of the household, as Dad can't cope with his parenting role. Sam has taken to walking backward so that he will always remember the face of those he meets in case they, too, should die. Dad is building a time machine in the basement so that the family might go back to the time before his wife died.

Josh's voice is so strong as he shares his anger, his confusion and his hope for a changed future. We come to realize that time slowly is making their days better. When Sam begins kindergarten he makes new friends, finds new interests and has the support of a teacher he loves. Josh makes the discovery that his former girlfriend is the one who put the snake in the car and that results in some closure for him. In the end we know that all is not perfect and won't be for a long time. But, we can see that the family is on the right course for themselves and the life they are now leading. This is not just a book about death, but about family, enduring love, community support and endless possibilities. I know you will like it.

The Bite of the Mango, written by Mariatu Kamara with Susan McClelland. Annick Press, Toronto. 2008. $12.95 paperback ages 14 and up

"In my culture, every story is told with the purpose of either imparting knowledge, repairing a broken bond, or transforming the listener and the teller. Mariatu's story embodies all of these elements. I have been waiting for such a story, one that reminds us all of the strength and resilience of the human spirit." (Foreword, Ishmael Beah)

I read this very powerful story in my hotel room and on the plane as I traveled to Erin's for our Christmas visit. I suggested it as a worthwhile read for a few of the people who wondered at what I was reading. It is simply told, and accessible to an adolescent audience so long as they know there are some heartbreaking scenes. But, it is not only about the sadness and violence. It is also about the strength that carries Mariatu from the pain and anger she feels when she is captured by the rebel soldiers and tortured, to a refugee's life in Freetown, and finally to Canada where she is a college student and a UNICEF Special Representative to speak about children of war.

In her words we hear of the terror, the pain, and the disgust she feels as her carefree life as an 11 year old turns bad, and she is caught up in the events and the aftermath of the civil war that engulfs her home country. She is not undone by it, but contemplates suicide in the wake of her rape, her baby's death and her attempts to deal with the physical disabilities she must face. In the end it is a story of hope, help and endless support.

The Snow Day, written by Komako Sakai. Scholastic Canada, Toronto. 2009. $18.99 hardcover ages 3 and up

“The snow hadn’t stopped at lunchtime, or later, when I had my snack. Mommy couldn’t go to the grocery store. We played cards instead, just the two of us. Daddy’s flight got canceled, and he couldn’t get home. All of us waited for the snow to stop.”

Well it looks like I got out of Dodge (well, Brandon) just in time! I left home at the very moment that the clouds decided to dump the snow they had been gathering over the past six weeks and now I am enjoying all the sunshine of the west coast. But my aversion to snow (at my advancing age) doesn't, in any way, make me forget the absolute delight we felt when we had a snow day and could stay home from school (and I loved school!). In this soft and gentle snowy book, we meet little bunny and his Mommy as they spend the day together, not able to do anything much but celebrate the quiet that is now theirs.

Even if you don't live where snow is the norm, you will come to realize the beauty of it all as you wander through the pages of this book which uses soft pastel illstrations to show its quiet stillness. Using a grey and white palette on a black background the artist creates a world where there is little sound. It is a perfect setting for this special story to be shared with little ones. At the end of the day, when they are assured that Daddy's plane will return home tomorrow, bedtime becomes its own oasis. Ah,lovely!!!

Ringside, 1925, written by Jen Bryant. Random House Canada, Toronto. 2008. $7.50 paperback ages 12 and up

“He talked for almost an hour
on the virtues of majority rule, on the power
of the taxpayer’s checkbook in the schools,
on the evils of modern science.

I had it in my mind
To raise my hand and
Ask him what he thought about:

modern transportation (like the steam train he rode here
or the nice car he owns at his Florida home)

medicine (like the aspirin his wife takes for her arthritis)

mass communication ( he announced, with great pride,
that our Monkey Trial will be broadcast live by WGN).”

I read Jen Bryant’s RINGSIDE 1925 after reading and loving Pieces of Georgia. In this powerful book she explores the Scopes Trial, one of the most controversial trials in American history. She uses nine characters to tell the story in nine voices, all the while using free verse as her vehicle. Dayton, Tennessee is rarely busy during sleepy summer days; but, that all changes for its 1800 residents when an upstanding, popular school teacher is put on trial for teaching evolution, which has recently been forbidden by state law.

William Jennings Bryan, a brilliant speaker and a preacher, will speak against evolution while Clarence Darrow, a talented and intelligent lawyer, will defend Mr. Scopes. The news spreads like wildfire and soon the town is filled with reporters, scientists, religious leaders and other interested parties. Many of the townspeople see an opportunity to makes some money from all the visitors. They use the evolutionary notion that we are all descended from apes to sell almost any product, including Simian Shakes and monkeys on a rope. It begins in fun and friendship, but the trial continues over a much longer period of time than first thought and soon tempers flare, and many are caught up in the debate and supporting opposite sides. It is very interesting to have the story told by the town's residents and gives those reading this well-researched story a new perspective on a very famous time in history. Personal beliefs cause friends to forsake each other. Opportunity knocks for fledgling entrepreneurs and business booms while the trial lasts. It causes many of the town's residents to begin to think in new and different ways about the world beyond their town's borders.

I hope this book will inform your historical bent, peak your interest in knowing more about the trial and the people involved and best of all, cause you to look for more books by this very capable and talented author. I know it did the same for me.

NO! Written and illustrated by David McPhail. Roaring Brook, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2009. $18.95 ages 6 and up

There is no dialogue to include prior to telling you about this book. There are only three words in it, and they are all the same. It is repeated three times, and very vehemently. The young boy has only one thing to say and that is "NO!" In doing so, he changes his small bit of the world. We meet him first writing to the President, sealing the envelope and adding the stamp. As he journeys through the streets on his way to the mailbox, he notices jets bombing an adjacent town, tanks tearing through the neighborhood where he must walk, troops kicking in the door of a family home, and a police man and his dog in hot pursuit of a felon. When he gets to the post box, he is met by a bully who knocks off his cap and threatens him. That is the final straw...this young man has had enough. NO!

That one word totally shifts the balance of power, and everything changes. We watch him begin the trek home with the bully following along. The police dog has determined that the felon is not so bad and might just need his face licked. The soldiers are providing presents for the occupants of the building, one of the tanks is powering a plow and a jet unloads a parachute with a bicycle attached that is used by the young boy and the bully to take a joy ride together.

Think of all that might happen if we let children, with no ulterior motives or political aspirations, make some of our decisions in all innocence and with the belief that they can change the world...one step at a time!

Don't miss reading what the boy has written to the President!


And be sure not to miss the very end of the story, when we get to read what the young boy has actually written to the President.