How to Cook, in consultation with Maggie Mayhew. DK, Tourmaline Editions. 2011. $19.99 ages 12 and up

"If you haven't done it before, cooking can seem a bit daunting, so the recipes in this book explain simply and clearly how to make things."

I don't know exactly how she did it, but my daughter found a wonderful man who loves to cook (and cleans the bathroom). To prove just how smart she really is, she married him this summer...not once, but twice. First in Victoria where they live, then in our backyard so that they could share their happiness with friends here. Most nights, Andrew has supper started before Erin gets home from work. It is a lovely thing!

It can be so much fun to cook together. Why not start with friends when you are in your teens? This book is perfectly set up to help interested teens learn the basics of preparing great foods, and then moves them forward to try adaptations that include their own favorite foods and flavors.

There is a short discussion of the food groups, their benefits and bringing balance to the daily diet. Quickly, the book gets right to the 'meat' of the message. Good food can be made quickly and still be healthy and hearty. Soups are the starter...a wide variety with suggestions for crunch, and accompaniments. Salads are up next, beginning with a filling and tasty Salad Nicoise. All the foods in the first section use familiar ingredients, are made quickly and provide nutritious meals for all.

Then, our attention is turned to 'big food':

"Everyone needs to eat one main meal each day to keep them going, so learn how to cook what you like to eat - a warming stew, a big plate of pasta, or a spicy stir-fry. Be sure to make enough. Hungry people appear from nowhere when there are tempting smells and the sounds of activity from the kitchen!"

Maybe it's because it's just before supper when I am writing this; there are numerous recipes that capture my attention. I like the variety, the clear, closeup photographs, the subtle changes suggested if ingredients are not readily available, or don't suit the cook's taste. Presentation is an important component...we all know how much more appealing a meal can be when it is presented in a pleasing way.

As with meals for many, the last section is 'something sweet' and includes everything from a simple fruit salad and smoothies to a more time-consuming profiterole. Lest you think you are done....why not try some baking magic? Rolls, homemade pizza crust, pies, brownies and delicious looking ginger snaps are suggested as a way to ply your hand at the art of baking.

Finally, tricks and tips are described to help make the cooking experience easier and more productive for those wanting to learn some basics. Pictures of a variety of herbs and spices (and their uses) are displayed. A glossary of common terms and an index add to the usefulness of this book for the amateur cook.

Now, there's a way to talk with your teen!

The Magic Hoop, written and illustrated by Chloe and Mick Inkpen. Harper, 2011. $19.99 ages 3 and up

"Beans chased Zoe all the way around the garden. She was beginning to wish she'd never invented this silly game. She threw the hoop, closed her eyes and hoped for the best...

But she was in for a surprise..."

We call those little dots cliff-hangers! They show us there IS a surprise waiting for us when we turn the page. By the time we get to this pause in the action, kids will be rocking in their seats, just waiting for the next great change. After all, it is a magic hoop!

When Zoe first finds the hoop she does her best to encourage her dog Beans to get some exercise by hopping on through it. Beans is not that energetic. So, Zoe throws Binky Boo in an effort to entice Beans to make his way through to where Binky Boo now lies, looking suspiciously like a rabbit. A handful of Choccy Bears is enough incentive to get Beans up and active. When he gets to the other side of the hoop, Beans has also changed. Zoe is delighted with her new rabbit friend.

With each jump, Beans shape shifts. First a rabbit, then a mouse. When he becomes a jaw-snapping crocodile, Zoe tires of the game and wants her old dog back. But the surprises are not yet complete. As Beans into an elephant, he also faces big trouble. The hoop is too small and Beans is stuck!

OOPS! Now, what? Zoe does her best to help her best friend get free. But nothing seems to work. A diet won't do it. In fact, it encourages ravenous consumption of five additional bags of Choccy Bears, and a sudden spike in weight. What now?

I like the font changes which will help the reader lend great expression and drama to the story. We met these most appealing characters yesterday and apparently we will meet them again. There are four books from this delightful father and daughter team, and they will garner fans with each new story. Appealing artwork, endearing characters and magic...what more could we ask?

My Name Is Elizabeth, written by Annika Dunklee and illustrated by Matthew Forsythe. Kids Can Press, 2011. $16.95 ages 3 and up

"I really like my name.
I like that it is nine letters
long.
And I like all the neat
things my mouth does
when I say it."

I always thought that a great way to start a new year with kids in my class was to share books about names with them. It gave them a chance to talk about their own names, to ask questions about the origin for that name at home, and it gave the other children in the class daily reminders about their classmates, and who they were. So, I am always on the lookout for such books to share in my workshops with teachers, parents and student teachers. Lucky me if I also get to share it with kids when I make a classroom visit.

I love Elizabeth. She is independent, assertive, and she loves her name. As you can see from the opening
quote, there are specific things she likes about it, and she is happy to share her feelings. After all, she has a queen named after her!

What she doesn't particularly appreciate is when people call her the many nicknames that are associated with her given name...Lizzy, Liz, Beth, Betsy. Good grief!! Many of us can relate to those feelings, I am sure. In fact, she wants everyone to know her by her full name:

"My NAME is ELIZABETH Alfreda Roxanne Carmelita Bluebell Jones!!"

and don't you forget it! But, you can call her Elizabeth. Everyone gets the message.


Matthew Forsythe has created wonderful illustrations using only black, orange and blue. The characters have a cartoon feel which a young audience will surely enjoy. The expressions on Elizabeth's face assure our understanding for the way she is feeling, before she makes her declaration and after she has reminded everyone. We don't hear about her constant companion in the text, but the artist makes us keenly aware of the attentive and quite regal duck as it follows her from place to place.
The only person allowed to mess with 'Elizabeth' is her little brother...and she is most understanding of his attempt at such a long and lovely name.

The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man, written by Michael Chabon and illustrated by Jake Parker. Balzer & Bray, Harper. 2011. $19.99 ages 4 and up

"So I fly back to the Fortress of Awesome, deep at the bottom of the deepest, darkest trench under the Arctic Ocean. It's peaceful here. Quiet and calm. I can just lie on the bed and chill for a while. I need to get a grip."

This is Michael Chabon's first picture book, and I would hope it won't be his last. He explained in a recent interview why he chose the language that he did to tell his tale of Awesome Man:

"The words need to have some juice to them, some snap. Children are fascinated by wordplay. If a children's book is any good, the language has verve."

Right you are, Michael. He says he wrote the book specifically for his youngest son, Abe. He wrote it when Abe was five, and based it on some of the issues that his son was dealing with at the time, especially the limits of his strength. He obviously has a listening ear. He has captured the language that a five-year-old will love, but this book will become a favorite for many others as well:

"I can shoot positronic rays out of my eyeballs. And can I tell you something? Giant killer robots just hate that stuff."

There is a lot of invented language here, and I can imagine it becoming part of the talk between fans who have heard the story as many times as they ask for it. They will be numerous! The sound effects will resound as kids eagerly try to channel Awesome Man and his powers. The red cape and black mask add to his mystery. Just as he is about to reveal his secret identity, 'Professor Von Evil in his Antimatter Slimebot' arrives on the scene! A quick change and Professor Von Evil misses him completely. Do you think you can  guess who he is?

Professor Von Evil is not the only threat to Awesome Man and his Awesome Dog Moskowitz. There is also The Flaming Eyeball! The Eyeball is a quick escape artist, and it infuriates Awesome Man....

"See, the thing is, I'm superstrong. I have to be careful. I can't start hitting stuff or kicking stuff or throwing stuff around, even though that's what I want to do so badly. I might hurt somebody, or destroy a city or something."

I guarantee you will love the surprise ending, and enjoy the perfection of it!

If you know The Incredibles, you will recognize Jake Parker's artwork. It is bold and bright, but with a soft edge that is perfect match to the children who are going to love this book. Double page spreads, occasional panels and spot pictures keep the action front and center and promise to keep listeners entertained whenever this book is shared.

And he wrote it with the best intentions in mind. He loves reading bedtime stories to his kids:

"Reading a story creates this bubble around you. It shelters you, protects you, keeps out distractions. The main thing has to be the physical contact between parent and child." Awesome Man is just the guy to create that bubble of  'reading magic'.

Body Works, written by Liza Fromer and Dr. Francine Gerstein and illustrated by Joe Weissman. Tundra, 2011. $14.99 ages 5-9

"The most commonly sprained              

parts of the body are the ankles,

knees, and wrists."

"The speed of a sneeze is over

 90 miles (145 kilometers) per hour."

"To quiet down a noisy stomach, try

eating several small meals throughout

the day instead of a few large ones."

"Fingernails take three to six months

to regrow completely, but toenails

can take twelve to eighteen months."

I think that young readers will find this series informative, and also humorous. The format for each is a match, starting with a page citing the other books in the series, and followed by an author's note. That note suggests that the information provided will help the child understand the body and why it works as it does. It also suggests a yearly visit to the doctor, and an immediate trip if something seems amiss.

The next two pages offer an introduction to the focus 'body' of each new title. In the achy body body, the authors talk about bruises, scrapes, scabs, broken bones, sprains and strains, stomach aches, earaches and sore throats. Each of the aches is accompanied by humorous cartoon art that helps to give a clear picture for the information being shared. As well, there is a 'true or false' question, and a 'doctor says' suggestion. Some of them are funny. My favorite is this one:

"True or false?

The world's largest scab collection belongs to Steve 'Crusty' Smith from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

(False. Collecting scabs is totally gross!)"

My 'messy' body is tears, sweat, earwax, snot, pee, poo, vomit, and pus. It's sure to be a favorite.

My 'noisy' body is voice, burps, hiccups, stomach growls. farts, sneezes, coughs, and the stethoscope that hears all those noises. OK, this might be the most popular!

Finally, my 'stretchy' book is growth, inside vs outside, hair, skin, nails, growing muscles, growing bones and finally, growing teeth.

A glossary is included with each which will help readers find their way back to their favorite pages. Written by a broadcast journalist and a family doctor, these books will add to the knowledge base of those children who have questions about how the body works. The artwork adds a playful tone. The series is sure to be a hit for its target audience.

Zoe and Beans. Where is Binky Boo? Written and illustrated Chloe and Mick Inkpen. Macmillan, Harper. 2011. $9.99 ages 2 and up

"Beans didn't like the new Molly. He wouldn't lick her, or chew her, or slobber on her. He wouldn't have anything to do with her. Where is Binky Boo? he thought."

Beans has Binky Boo and Zoe has Molly. But, when Beans loses Binky Boo, he becomes quite attached to Molly and that causes some heartache.

Beans forgoes all other pursuits in his sadness at losing his special stuffed toy, a mangy old critter who looks much the worse for wear. He won't fetch, or chase, or accept a bone. He is not interested in anything new....now that Binky Boo is gone, Molly is the object of his affection. This is disconcerting for Zoe because once fetched, Bones refuses to return Molly, the wide-eyed, polka-dot pajamas doll. Poor Zoe!

Bones takes Molly to meet his friends and she comes home smelling...well, awful! A hot wash in an abundance of soap should do the trick. Now, Molly has no appeal for Bones! He no longer likes her. The problem is not yet solved...no Binky Boo.

A spirited throw by Zoe lands Molly in the sandbox. It is a fortuitous toss!

There is lots of humor in the watercolor illustrations created for this likable and familiar story for little ones. The colors are bright, the action is fierce and the expressive characters impress. Kids will love it and will look forward to the next adventure. 

Pecan Pie Baby, written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Sophie Blackall. G P Putnam's Sons, Penguin. 2010. $21.00 ages 4 and up

"Even my aunties were baby crazy. When they came over for our weekly Sweet Tea and Toast Party, they both drank their tea in one huge gulp and ate their toast in two bites without either of them saying to me, "Why, isn't the weather marvelous, dear Lady.""

Having a new baby in the house is not going to be all peaches and cream for Gia. She knows that things are going to change; but, she likes them just the way they are right now. Come the first snowfall, her life will be very different.

It's enough to make Gia wish that the snow away this year when her Mom tells her that the new baby's arrival should be at about that time. Haven't she and her Mom been doing just fine on their own? Gia likes life as they are living it.

It is apparent everywhere she goes that the baby is getting a lot of attention. Her friends at school want to talk about it and her teacher is reading books about it. Her aunties no longer have time for the genteel, ladylike tea party that they have been enjoying every week with Gia. Now, they want to rush through it so that they can talk about the 'ding-dang' baby. Gia is very frustrated by it all.

When she even has to share her love of pecan pie with the yet-to-arrive baby, she is sad. Seems pecan pie is it's favorite dessert, too...unlike brussel sprouts. Mama reassures Gia at every step along the way. She lets Grandma that the two of them don't need anything when it comes to help with the baby. Gia remains worried:

"Some days I sat on my stoop thinking about all the years it had been just me and Mama.
About us drinking hot chocolate and telling silly stories.
About the mornings I jumped into her bed when it was still blue-pink outside, snuggling up to her while she tried to keep on sleeping."

Oh, it's going to be different!

After an explosion of anger at the Thanksgiving dinner table and being sent to her home to think, Gia has a visit with her Mama. She is surprised that Mama is going to miss some of the same things that Gia will miss.

"Those were the good old days," I said. Mama smiled. "Guess you're going to have to tell the baby all about it."

It is a fitting end to a lovely, and real, story of the feelings that older siblings harbor when a new addition is imminent. They are astute enough to know that change is coming and to be suspicious of how they will be affected by it. I like the way Jacqueline Woodson allows Gia to voice her insecurities, and I like that the story ends without real resolution. It has snowed yet, and the baby has not arrived. There will be some work to do.

So, you have a new wonderful book about siblings; now you add Sophie Blackall's illustrative genius to the mix. She creates Gia's world with care and concern for the little girl, filling faces with affection and deft expression at every turn. It is easy to see the sadness in Gia's eyes as the leaves fall all around her and the time for the first snowfall nears. You can also see the mischievous joy as she and her Mama share a piece of pecan pie. As the uncles build the new crib, using almost all of the space in Gia's bedroom, you can feel her pain and her sense of being small in a bigger world that seems focused on the new baby. There is such detail. Sophie Blackall adds so much dimension to Jacqueline Woodson's words. It is a lovely example of a perfect match between author and illustrator.

The Book Whisperer, written by Donalyn MIller. Joosey-Bass, Wiley. 2009. $28.99 professional

"We have created a culture of reading poverty in which a vicious cycle of alliteracy has the potential to devolve into illiteracy for many students. By allowing students to pass through our classrooms without learning to love reading, we are creating adults (who then become parents and teachers) who don't read much."

My husband teased me all the time that the professional books I got most passionate about were the ones where I agreed wholeheartedly with the writer. I admitted then, and will admit to you today that he was absolutely right. I love reading books that I wish I had written, both books for children and adolescents and books for teachers.

Donalyn is an incurable reader, and has been for her whole life. Her love of reading has helped make her the person that she is today. It is what drives her teaching, and her life. She brings that obsession to her grade six classroom and creates a community of readers, hoping that their time with her will inspire them to be readers for life as she is.

Donalyn has always had high expectations for her teaching and her careful planning gave her confidence as she made her way to the classroom on that first day. She is quick to admit that 'my plans fell apart when my students showed up.' All too true; until we know the kids who will people our classrooms it's a tough task to plan for them. It is a powerful statement to make, but make it she will. We teach children, not curriculum. We need to know our students before we know what they need.

Donalyn Miller has yet to meet a child who hasn't become a reader in her classroom.  By the end of their sixth grade year with her, most have read 40 to 50 books! That is some legacy. And they come back year after year to talk to her about what they are reading, to borrow books and to spend time with someone who loves what they love. There are no drills and worksheets for her students, but there is always time to read. Her approach is not conventional but it gets amazing results. She helps students find the books that speak to their interests, their abilities and that will keep them reading beyond that first book.

Her writing style is very personal and offers 'whispers' that will help teachers wanting to change practice in their own classrooms. Her students provide an 'ultimate library list' to begin an enviable classroom library. In an appendix Donalyn gives advice on setting up that library to best suit both her needs and those of her students. She has much to offer.

If reading this book does not inspire you to take action and do what's best for kids, I cannot imagine what might do that.

Skippyjon Jones Class Action, written and illustrated by Judy Schachner. Dutton, Penguin. 2011. $21.00 ages 4 and up

"But the kitty boy wasn't the only Chihuahua on board. His old amigos, Los Chimichangos, were going to school, too. "Thank dog you made it, dude!" exclaimed Don Diego, the biggest of the small ones."

As I sit here listening to the CD version of this new Skippyjon Jones story told in the author's own voice, I cannot help but recognize why kids love him so. His bravado, the thumbing of his nose at authority, his aptitude for leadership among his amigos and his insatiable 'bounce' through life make him everyone's favorite Siamese kitten, who perseveres with the notion that he's a chihuahua!

All he wants is to go to school. Mama reacts with an adamant announcement that school is for the dogs and her kitty boy will not be attending. You know about his imagination and the bedroom closet that allows  all manner of adventure for the young man in the Jones family. It isn't long until he's on the bus with his amigos and headed for a day filled with one escapade after another. In school, he meets a poodle principal with high standards, a whistle and a bucket of balls for chasing. (It will take time for your listeners to take note of the many breeds in attendance).

Skippyjon is carried along in the melee that results from ball fetching and lands first in art class. From one classroom to the next, the feline makes an impression, finally helping his amigos find a quiet place (inside the trophy case) to have a much needed rest. And, that's when they hear it:

"The gruesome grumble grew louder, and  along with it came the rattle and plink of the terrible tazalita. It was spinning wildly, right under his nose, circling like a polka-dotted shark."

His friends help him change into his superhero alter ego, donning mask and cape to do battle with the bully. A quick spin in that particular teacup has El Skippito Friskito turning green and wondering about his own sanity at agreeing to battle the bull-ito. What a surprise when they finally meet the wool-clad bully bad guy!

It's such fun to read Skippyjon's stories aloud. Filled with wordplay and a smooth mix of English and Spanish, prose and poetry, it keeps the tongue limber and ears tuned to the tenor of this his sixth full-length story. All the while we appreciate the shenanigans he imagines for himself, and his eventual return to the warmth of family. 

I love the acrylic, pen and ink illustrations! They are filled with as much fun as the story itself. It takes careful observation to see all Judy Schachner includes to delight her fans. I can read it numerous times, and am never sure that I have caught all of the sparkly details she includes to delight her readers. Case in point...did you see the sign-in sheet covered in paw prints or the merit bones earned by first graders?

The Misfits, written by James Howe. Simon & Schuster, 2001. $7.99 ages 10 and up

"Kids who get called the worst names oftentimes find each other. That's how it was with us, Skeezie Tookis and Addie Carle and Joe Bunch and me. We call ourselves the Gang of Five, but there are only four of us. We do it to keep people on their toes. Make 'em wonder. Or maybe we do it because we figure that there's one more kid out there who's going to need a gang to be a part of. A misfit, like us."

“Sticks and stones may break our bones, but names will break our spirits.”

Every teacher in middle school would do well to read this book to their class, at the beginning of the year. It is insightful, heartfelt and meaningful to those navigating that rocky middle years road. The Gang of Five have much to teach us about feelings, name-calling and especially about what being a friend actually means. They are misfits. They are funny, engaging and in our classrooms.

The journey that the four friends take together is fraught with name calling, bullying and the many other ways adolescents choose to treat one another in classrooms, and in schools. When this book was published it inspired a nation wide event in the United States called No Name Calling Week. Imagine a world where such a thing would not even have to be considered, and then think that even one week gives respite to the 'misfits' who are called those names on a daily basis. Despite the impact it had when first published, and the issues that emerged for those on the receiving end of such abuse, I would bet that not much has changed since then. It is an oft-challenged book for subject matter, and that should scare each one of us.

The Gang of Five have been friends for years. They laugh, eat, commiserate with each other. Once a week, they meet at the Candy Kitchen for the Friday Forum (now changed to Floating Forum because of Bobby's new job) to eat ice cream and talk about those issues that have meaning in their lives. Addie acts as secretary and scribes every conversation. We are privy to them. Together, they will survive seventh grade:
.
"What I want to say is that Addie has been my friend my whole life, and Skeezie and Joe, for a long time...
and, well, I think they are the bravest people I know. They are strong enough to be who they are, no matter what names they get called."

When they decide to run in school elections as the No-Name Party, they learn a lot more than they were anticipating. Yes, they learn about politics and popularity. They also learn about love and what it really means to be a misfit. Bobby shares what they know about names:

"Another thing I think about names is that they do hurt. They hurt because we believe them. We think they are telling us something true about ourselves, something other people can see even if we don't.
Lardo fluff fatso faggot fairy dweeb mutant freak ree-tard loser greaser know-it-all beanpole dork...
Is that me? we think. Is that who I am?"

I wanted to include every word of Bobby's speech...that is its power. I hope that you will care enough to find out what he said by reading it yourself! That is the best I can do with this post...encourage you to take the time to read this worthy and wonderful book. Oh, and don't forget the other two... Totally Joe and Addie on the Inside. Now, we just need to wait for Skeezie to tell us his story. I do hope it's in the works! I will be near the front of the line to buy it.

A Place to Call Home, written by Alexis Deacon and illustrated by Viviane Schwarz. Candlewick 2011. $19.99 ages 3 and up

"Is this our new home?
Umm...
It can't be.
It's damp.
But we came so far!
Still...we have to go on."

When their space becomes cramped and the seven hamster brothers decide it is time to move, their journey makes for side-splitting humor of the best kind. A small, dark hole is not the place for these brothers any longer. At one time, it was warm and comforting. Now, with uncontrolled growth, they take up every nook and cranny of the space and more!

A series of panels is able to convey those growth changes dramatically and with growing humor, until we are faced with a scene that has the tiny hole teeming with round bodies, crushed limbs and even a head sticking up out of the top of the hole. NO room at this inn. Off they go into the greater world of the junkyard where an old sofa provided their first hole. From this perspective we can see the whole of the yard; that is going to be important as the action moves forward.  Look carefully!

Speech bubbles offer a sense of the despair they are feeling about the move. There is a back-and-forth conversation offering nonsensical solutions. One suggestion is to find some holes for each one. They turn out to be a paper tube, some old rubber gloves, a cup, a lampshade, an old boot...you know where they are coming from, don't you? As they move on, they continue asking the one brother who can see anything what's in front of them. A mud puddle is misconstrued as the sea. A dog dish offers a raft for the crossing. They are relieved and jubilant when it is crossed safely. That destination doesn't prove worthy of habitation.

On they go, over a mountain, onto the desert, and into an old dryer, which turns out to be dark and cold and hard...not at all suitable. When they get to what they think must be the end of the world, we note that they have attracted the attention of the junkyard's guard dog. And when one of them disappears in the mouth of that critter, it's brothers to the rescue! Think of all they have accomplished; are they going to let a 'beast' get in their way? I think NOT!

Perfect, and totally rereadable...over and over again!

Terezin: Voices from the Holocaust. Written by Ruth Thomson. Candlewick, Random House. 2011. $21.00 ages 12 and up

"No one knew where the transports were headed, only that they went to 'the East'. The Nazis claimed that transports were going to new settlements. To reinforce this deception, they made deportees write postcards back to remaining inmates, saying they were well, just before they were sent to the gas chambers to die."


It is interesting that I received two books about Terezin at almost the same time. The first, Requiem, was posted here in late August and is written in poetic form, voicing the terror through a wide variety of people. The voices in this compelling book about the Terezin ghetto, speak for the thousands of people for whom Terezin was home during World War II. It is written with younger children in mind, but it is a story for everyone.

Terezin was set up by the Nazis as a 'show' camp, a place that would hide the truth of what was really happening in the concentration camps from the rest of the world. Many of the people sent there were artists and other professionals. Many kept secret diaries and painted portraits of life that would tell the world the real truth when they were liberated, or when found following the war. Since they were forced to fabricate stories during their time in Terezin, there was no other way to get their own story told.

Their entries tell of the transfer from their homes to the camp, of the looting of everything by the Nazis once they arrived, and of their courage in taking with them some of the supplies they would need to tell their personal tales. The story they tell in their art is heartbreaking and horrifying. Their living spaces were abhorrent, barren and rife with disease. There was never room for the number of people forced to share the space, so the many pieces of artwork show desperation, emaciation and physical deformity. This was not at all what visitors saw when they came to the camp, or what news reporters were given to believe when their questions were asked and answered. The camp seemed a model of a well-oiled machine, comfortable and efficient.

Always hungry, often sick and living in terror of the next transport, the people of Terezin bore much of their circumstance with dignity and a belief that their story would be told. If their art was discovered, they were summarily sent to one of the death camps and their work was destroyed. When the Nazis were defeated in 1945, they retreated and disappeared. Russian troops freed the prisoners and the camp was renamed.
Today there are 2000 people living there, and many museums are set up to tell the stories of the war years.

I like the design of this book, with archival photographs, reproductions of much of the artwork that survived the Nazi regime, maps, sidebars, the many diary entries included, and the wealth of information provided to help us see what daily life in Terezin was like for those who lived there. There is a timeline, a glossary, a list of sources and an index. The timeline helps readers see the many events in perspective...one to the other. We experience the heartbreak of camp life through the art and writing that was left by the many people housed there. The beauty and happiness of the children pictured on the cover is in stark contrast to everything that we now know about Theresienstadt.

Everything you need to know about FROGS and other slippery creatures, edited by Carrie Love. DK, Tourmaline Editions. 2011. $17.99 ages 8 and up

"Frogs have very special skin. They don't just wear it, they also drink and breathe through it! Frogs don't usually swallow water like we do. Instead, they absorb most of the moisture they need through their skin. They also get water from prey that they eat."



A table of contents invites us in with such descriptive and engaging chapters as 'the glass frog', 'the water-holding frog', 'top ten deadliest'. I mean, who can resist that?

And then there's the cover. Can you help but be impressed with it? It is the first of many amazing photographs that crowd the pages of this exemplary book of information about frogs and other slippery creatures. We are barely inside when we faced with a page full of such creatures, each suggesting the fun to be had when we take our time to wander through the pages of gathered information.

We begin with amphibians and their habitat. We are told that amphibians have soft, moist skin, they live near water and in the rainforest, and that most lay 'soft, jellylike eggs' in water. Moving on to reptiles, we learn that they are quite different from amphibians. Their bodies are covered in dry, horny scales and may lay eggs or give birth to live young. They have backbones and 'vary greatly in shape and size'.

We get a look at their innards and their outer bodies, the life cycle that takes a frog from egg, to tadpole, to emerging frog and finally to a fully formed frog. The variety in color and markings among these creatures is quite remarkable and brilliantly displayed in a series of full color photographs. Where they live, who they are, a comparison of size, how they protect themselves....all are covered in brightly colored pages with useful text boxes, games and information bars.

The glass frog?

"With its amazing see-through body, the glass frog blends in perfectly with its surroundings. This little frog hangs on to leaves with tiny round-ended toes that seem almost to melt into the leaf surface. It lives in Central and South America."

Some of the top ten deadliest include the Australian brown snake, the puff adder, the black mamba, and the komodo dragon. Want to know about the others? You need this book!
I'm only half-way through...there is much more to learn!

Fallen Grace, written by Mary Hooper. Bloomsury, Penguin. 2011. $12.00 ages 12 and up

"By this time, however, they were so hungry that Grace decided they should use two of their precious pennies for a hot potato each. They began eating these in the relative comfort of a pew in Southwark Cathedral, but after being moved on by a verger, ended up sitting on the stone steps that ran from the top to the bottom of London Bridge."


There is something about stories set in Victorian times that really appeals to me. It certainly isn't that life is all rosy and romantic. Rather, it is often rife with poverty and great despair. The characters must deal in conditions that I cannot fathom, and most often prove themselves worthy of admiration for their grit and forbearance.

Grace is one such character. Her life is heartbreaking, full of hardship and great sorrow. She never whines or complains about the circumstances that she faces. Although she finds herself in abject poverty, caring for her older, mentally challenged sister without support from family or friends, she pushes forward doing what she has to do to eke out an existence and keep the two of them from the workhouse. She does this with quiet determination, dignity and a great deal of pluck.

The feeling of being there with Grace and Lily is palpable...the author writes the setting and circumstances with such clarity and compassion. Her extensive description of the funeral trade, its many facets and the various people hired to play roles at those funerals is fascinating. When we meet Grace she is boarding the funeral train, to a cemetery outside London where she can safely hide her deceased baby in the coffin of someone of a higher class, allowing that wee baby a safe resting place and offering its mother some solace:

"May you sleep content and one day may we be reunited."

At the funeral she attracts the attention of two people, the deceased's brother and the wife of the funeral director. One offers help if help is ever needed, the other a job as a mute to stand silent and respectful at upcoming Unwin funerals. She takes a card from each. Each will prove useful as Grace and Lily face even more dire circumstances, when the rooming house where they live is torn down in order to build better housing in the future. They find themselves on the street and in danger of finding refuge only in a workhouse, the one place where they never want to be. Because we have come to care for them, we want life to be better than that, too.

It is a compelling tale and one that grabs at your heartstrings and won't let go. The sisters are treated abominably, bullied and made to work with the Unwins under false pretences. The skulduggery is rampant, and it takes persistence and intelligence for Grace to finally unravel the mystery. I couldn't put it down once I started reading, and I know that it is a story that will remain with me for a long time. It will also lead me to find other stories by Mary Hooper with hopes of finding other strong, resilient characters in historical settings.

Animal Playtime, written by Caroline Bingham and Fleur Star. DK, Tourmaline Editions. 2011. $13.99 ages 4 and up

"What's your favorite time of day? Playtime! Animals like to play, too - but for them, it means more than just having fun. They learn all kinds of important skills through playing."



Animals are just like children when it comes to play! It's how they learn about making friends, running, chasing, climbing and getting themselves from one place to another.

As each new animal becomes the focus of attention, young readers have the opportunity to gather information about them. They may already have some stored knowledge and this will just add to that. Plus, they will enjoy the many photographs that accompany the short bits of text. A hamster holding on for dear life to a ladder rung, or tucked inside a tiny tube will have them 'aahing' as they turn to the next page which features cuddly, inquisitive, playful kittens. On to puppies, then lambs and on it goes.

Each new double page spread brings fun and great delight in watching the many animals, their antics and it also adds vocabulary that may or may not be new to the reading child. There are captions, humorous speech bubbles, and an explanatory sentence at the bottom of each page. 

The writing is personal, as if the author is talking directly to the reader:

"Dolphins are smart. Just like you, they enjoy doing different things so they don't get bored. They play with seaweed, chase turtles, and play-fight with other dolphins."

There is much to learn about the animals of the world here, and as with all great nonfiction, it captures attention while providing new learning. A table of contents, a glossary and an index add to the appeal and help emerging readers discover some of the real pleasures of informational text.

MINE! Written by Shutta Crum and illustrated by Patrice Barton. Knopf, Random House. 2011. $18.99 ages 2 and up

"If you ever said
'MINE!'
this book is for you!

(from the back cover)


It seems I am on a roll with wordless books in the past couple of weeks. I guess that is because there has been a abundance of worthy ones on recent lists.

This delightful book shows the power of illustrations to convey the idea for a very special story. When they are set together next to a pile of toys, we know little about the two youngsters. Are they siblings? Do they know each other? Have they played together at an earlier time? How old is the toddler? It doesn't really matter. Patrice Barton creates an irresistable episode from the real world. As if two kids in such a place is not enough, a dog is added to the mix, and chaos reigns!

The author needs to say little, beyond a questioning 'woof?'and the oft-repeated 'Mine!' that tends to happen when very young children try their hands at sharing. It is the way the word 'mine' is presented that adds such drama to the narrative. As young readers pore over the pages of this energetic and endearing tug-of-war, they will have much to add from their own initial experiences with the hard work of sharing beloved, or new, toys! Their first look is sure to garner much laughter and a repeated reading.

Watching the two interact without adult intervention is pure delight. The older one grabs up everything that can be held, leaving the baby to pick up the last toy. That last toy now holds all of the attraction for the toddler. So real! When a toy lands in the dog's water dish all else is forgotten. Who doesn't love splashing in water? The cherubic baby has the final say at this round of playtime....and it is a charming way to end this very endearing book.

There is such warmth  in the colors used by Patrice Barton. The faces are filled with expression, including that of the playful pup. She uses motion with great skill, showing it in a series of dotted lines that guide the young reader from one incident to the next. The toys are familiar and might offer up stories from those who recognize them. The endpapers give us hope the two will meet for another round of play...one parent picking up a happily waving baby while the other scoops up the soaked socks of her toddler as the happily waving hand is mirrored.

I'll Be Watching, written by Pamela Porter. Groundwood, 2011. $12.95 ages 12 and up

"Nora, you're the strongest of all of us.
Somewhere inside, you know it.
When you come through the door
this afternoon
and stumble upon Jim's tuque just here -
                                     on the floor -

think that it was I looking after you."


Anyone who has lived in a small town will recognize Argue, Saskatchewan. There, everyone knows what's going on with every other single person who lives there. They all know about the Loney family. George, the father, has been on a downhill slide since his wife Margaret died in a car crash. George was driving and it's said he smelled of alcohol at the time. In order to provide care for his four children, George has married Effie. She has no love for the children, for George; in fact, for life in Argue. She makes life miserable to the Loneys.



In a wonderful collection of distinct voices we learn about the lives led by the people of the town, and the Loneys in particular. Margaret, the deceased mother, watches over them and offers advice in any way she can. The three oldest children have widely differing perspectives on their situation, while offering support and love in their own unique ways. When their father also dies, and Effie leaves town, they are left to their own devices. Jim, the twelve year old middle son has something to say about their situation:


"Everyone in town knows what happened to us.

Don't need fire to spread a rumor.
Some already saying we'll be going
to live with relatives. What relatives?
Only one I know about is Mama's sister, Louise.
Lives in Ontario - big brick house - and five children.

I doubt she'll want the likes of us."


Together, they do their best to stay together; it is a bleak existence. The children manage with help from their watchful parents, and a few kindly, concerned neighbors. It is the children themselves, their strength of character and willingness to do anything to stay together, who make their lives work, despite the many hardships.
There are people in town whose self-interest is fueled by deceit and immoral behavior. They make the children pawns in that deceit. Carol Williams, the postmistress, has her finger on the pulse of all townspeople and constantly shares her sanctimonious opinions with pleasure:

"If you ask me, Argue's full of crazy people.
Put Argue on skids and slide it over Weyburn way,
could anybody tell the difference between us here
and the mental?"

Those who are kind and good also have an impact. Dr. John Payne is one of those who care about the courageous and independent Loney children:

"My only requirement is that
the name of the donor
remain anonymous.
She seemed pleased. Speechless, truth be told.
Truth is, I don't want to leave this world
having simply taken from it.

I don't want, at the time of my death,
to have given nothing beyond
that which was expected of me."

Through the trauma of their many dark days,  the Loney children remain a family unit, in the best sense of the word. When they are finally able to leave Argue, they leave together...and that is as it should be. What a powerful and memorable free verse novel this is! Thank you again, Pamela Porter!

the twins' blanket, written and illustrated by Hyewon Yum. Farrar Straus Grioux, Douglas & McIntyre. 2011. $18.95 ages 3 and up

"And we've shared the same
blanket since we were born.
That's what Mommy says.
But we are big girls now."

Identical twin girls who not only look alike, but share everything. Sharing can be a dilemma for anyone. These cherubic children know about sharing from the time they shared space in 'Mommy's belly'. The pictures on the wall illustrate many proud moments.

From the get-go they have shared the same blanket. It covered them as newborns and it continues to keep them warm now, at five. There is a problem:

"I'm five, too. We're twin sisters, silly?
The blanket has gotten too small for both of us."

What are they to do...two girls, one blanket? They have ideas, but those ideas do not include sharing. It leads to anger and a alienation. Twin beds, one blanket...something must be done! Off they go to buy new fabric for their own personal blankets. After help from her daughters in preparing the fabric, Mommy is ready to sew them. Of course, there is an arugument about whose should be done first.

I love the fact that the author has a clear understanding of the dialogue that goes back and forth with five year olds. They are honest and upfront about their insecurities, and their feelings as life begins to change for them. They have a little spat and find a solution, then find something else to cause an argument. In the end, Mommy finds a perfect solution as to who should get the original blanket...and peace reigns.

Hyewon Yum uses white space to perfection in this winsome book about siblings. Because of that every detail stands out for her young audience to enjoy. One twin on one side and one on the other give us a sense of their individual selves, while understanding they share the same space. One on one side of the bed, one on the other; one on one side of the blanket, one on the other; one with her back to the other in the centre of the full page spread...I could go on. There is so much to see and enjoy as you share this with eager listeners.  It is delightful!

The Queen of France, written by Tim Wadham and illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Candlewick, Random House. 2011. $19.00 ages 4 and up

"The Queen of France went to Rose's room. She took off the necklaces. She took off the bracelets. She put them in the jewelery box.
She took off the crown. She put it in the make-believe basket."

I wish you could see the sparkle on the cover!

We had a dress-up cupboard, with drawers filled with a collection of props that lent themselves to days of pretend play. We also had a pair of kids who loved to drag rooms full of toys, and a mixed bag of anything else they could commandeer to build forts, houses, school rooms and Star Wars environments. They just didn't like putting it all back. It was an enormous amount fun to watch their play.

Rose has a 'make-believe basket' and it lends itself to allowing Rose to take on the persona of the Queen of France, which she does with great gusto! Once ready she is off to the garden to visit with Rose's mother and to see if she might know just where Rose is. It seems mom doesn't know, but she hopes that Rose will soon return and get her room cleaned up. When the Queen gets a thorn in her finger, she is off to see the Royal Physician for medical care. On her route she meets Rose's dad. He doesn't know where she is; but he wants the Queen to remind Rose of the pirate story they have planned for bedtime.

Once back in her room, the Queen reverts to Rose. She bandages her own finger and heads for the kitchen. She wonders if Mom has seen the Queen of France. Nope. Back she goes to her room...no Queen there. Because the room is not clean, she works to make it so, with help from a menagerie of stuffed animals. And then becomes Queen again!

The Queen is 'shocked' to see Rose's mother cooking without help. And so it goes with the Queen deciding she will trade places with Rose, until she recognizes how much her mother and father will miss Rose. Off she goes to the royal palace.

It is not long until Rose returns, to the great delight of her parents. She wonders how she keeps missing a visit with the Queen of France. But she is heartened to hear that they won't be trading places. No longer feeling regal, she chooses scary and off she goes...

What a wonderful readaloud this is going to be! Kids will love being in on the joke that Rose is really the Queen and vice versa. It might even encourage some imaginative play of their own. As in the best picture books, the tender and engaging watercolor artwork is the other side of a perfect coin.

Without Kady MacDonald Denton's whimsical characters and lovely backdrops it would not have the same impact. She constantly changes the visual aspect of her images, from full to double page spreads, from spot illustrations to detailed scenes inside and outside the house. There is so much here for readers to see, all adding to the visual impact of this entertaining story. Take a close look at the contents of the 'make-believe basket' to know the scope of Rose's imaginative play.

I love that the demeanor of the two characters is so obvious...The Queen elegant and uppity, Rose confident and caring. The text borders change to reflect the character at hand. My favorite illustration is the clutter that is Rose's room as she prepares for her new role...the stuffed toys, the princessy pink backdrop, and the regal bearing of a young woman about to become queen. Behold, the Queen of France!

Fox and Hen Together, by Beatrice Rodriguez. Enchanted Lion Books, 2011. $17.95 ages 4 and up

What? Another book without words...thus, no real introduction to this second book about Fox and Hen by the very talented Beatrice Rodriguez.

It all started with The Chicken Thief and the surprise that ended that story.  As we begin, we see that Hen has laid an egg, and is coddling it. Fox checks the fridge only to find nothing to eat! It seems it is Hen's job to get out there to 'hunt and gather'. Fox is the caregiver, charged with watching that egg (Hmm...seems suspect to allow a Fox to protect an egg, doesn't it?)

Soon,  Hen and Crab are off, fishing pole in hand and food on her mind. In no time at all, she lands a big one. Well, not quite! Just as she hauls it out of the water, an eagle swoops in for a quick meal. Hen refuses to relinquish dinner and she and Crab are soon seen water skiing behind a disgruntled Eagle. When a tall mountain comes into view, we begin to understand their destination.

Dropped atop the aerie, fish in hand and three hungry mouths to feed, Hen faces a dilemma. With no other option obvious she drops into the sea, safe and with fish in tow. Not so safe it seems. There is another obstacle to face...and face it she does with persistence and courage...oh, and great humor.  A safe shore landing has the two friends heading home with great joy, and without supper.

I will leave it to you to check out the last two double page spreads! Life is not good; oh and then, GOOD!

A wonderful adventure, rife with bright colors and emotion as the story twists and turns its way from one predicament to the next. And guess what? We can expect chapter three later in the year, to be named Rooster's Revenge. I can't wait to see it!

Hallowilloween, written and illustrated by Calef Brown. Houghton Mifflin, Thomas Allen & Son. 2010. $21.50 ages 9 and up

"The Vumpire

He only works night games.
His signals are creepy.
When managers argue,
he makes them feel sleepy.
He never appears
in the photos we snap."

Gosh! Can it be that we are thinking about Halloween already? I have to admit that the last few mornings, when overnight temperatures dipped low enough to make an impact, have me thinking fall, to say the least. It won't be long until the leaves start changing color and the air takes on a new smell. Once children have settled back to school routines, they will start looking ahead to one of their favorite days of the year.

Since I didn't get this book early enough last year to share it with you, I want to start the season leading up to the fun of Halloween with it. It is worth the wait!

You want 'nefariously silly'? You'll get it in spades with this book of poetry that shifts from the tolerably spooky to the very humorous. Kids will love the the scary bits, while they also appreciate the fun that Calef Brown has with language and meaning:

"Jack is a rare wolf.
A covered with hair wolf.
A crouch in the doorway
to give you a scare wolf.
A big as a bear wolf.
A devil may care wolf.
A constantly burping
and fouling the air wolf."

It won't take long for listeners to choose their favorite verses;  they are sure to ask for repeated readings. The wordplay, the tongue twisting rhymes, the collection of spooky characters and the colorful artwork up the appeal the more often it is read. From the ants enjoying holiday entertainment inside a hollow willow tree, to the "Oompachupa Loompacabra" (say that five times fast) who gobbles goats' brains, to Old Napoleon, a raven who gorges on spiders, there is lots here for reader and listener to enjoy.  

I love the back cover flap which provides a description of Calef Brown:

"He wrote these poems
in a moldy mausoleum
on the coast of Maine.
Mr. Brown is mostly sane,
except when he is otherwise -"

The Boys, by Jeff Newman. Simon & Schuster, 2010. $19.99 ages

This book is remarkable without having to breathe so much as a word!


No matter who we are, and how gregariouos, I would venture to say that each of us has some small twinge of doubt when faced with a life event that assures big changes. Such is the case for this young man!

Adept illustrators offer up story in the front matter of their books. And Jeff Newman is incredibly adept...believe me! If you haven't seen his work, don't leave this page without a Google search for his previous book, Hippo! No, Rhino! and his newest, Hand Book.

On the cover page, an observant child will notice the blue truck as it moves past buildings on its way to the copyright page where we see it being unloaded by a young boy and his dad. The tow-headed youngster is glum as he carries a cardboard box which houses a baseball bat.

The only word on the following page is Tuesday. We watch as a baseball-capped boy ties his runners, and surrounded by baseball paraphernalia, in preparation for a visit to the nearby park. He watches from afar as the ballgame between the neighborhood children proceeeds. If we look carefully, we will note a bench to the side and settled by four men. Downhearted, he makes his way to the bench. There is so much to see there...each of the four old codgers who share that bench are distinctive. I had stories in my head about them the moment I met them.

On Wednesday, he packs up his equipment and takes a set of books and returns to the bench, with a personal look quite different from the previous day. Now, there are five 'boys' on the bench...and the men show concern for their newest member. Thursday brings forth even more noticeable change and an ability to attract the pigeons. On Friday, he's alone, but for an errant missile.

A quick glance behind him and he's in for a big surprise! Saturday...the same. He is becoming troubled, and upset! No one seems to mind his mood. The evidence is strong for what the old men are trying to do, and he takes the bait. He wows them with his expertise and gathers up the confidence to make another foray into the neighborhood ball game.

There is so much I could tell you about this book...the art, the characters, the many details that lead us to pore over it again...and then again. Will you please believe me if I tell you that it is BRILLIANT? Now, go and check it out for yourself.

Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake, written by Michael B Kaplan and illustrated by Stephane Jorisch. Dial, Penguin. 2011. $21.00 ages 4 and up

"One day after a healthy dinner of carrots, potatoes, and peas, Mother said, "Who wants dessert? I have chocolate cake." Betty Bunny, who was not very good at trying new things, announced: "I hate chocolate cake. Chocolate cake is yucky.
What's chocolate cake?"


Her mom and dad frequently call Betty a 'handful' and she knows that's a good thing because they love her so much. It is this quirky humor that makes Michael Kaplan's first picture book such a great readaloud. Here is a family who appreciates the young bunny for who she is, what she loves and her growing independence. When asked if she wants dessert, Betty is adamant that she does not. She is picky about what she puts in her mouth.

Her first bite of chocolate cake is a revelation....it might be the yummiest thing in the world. She makes a prediction:

"When I grow up, I am going to marry chocolate cake!"

Her older and wiser brothers and sister make other suggestions for keeping chocolate cake in her life, but she has made her decision. In true big brother fashion, Bill responds:

"Whatever," said Bill. "But you're going to have really weird-looking kids."

Betty is besotted and cannot be deterred from proclaiming her love for this new delicacy...she loves chocolate cake! She loves it at bedtime, at school, on the playground and for dinner. She wants to have it every minute of every day. Her mother explains that dessert comes after dinner, and an appeal to her father gets the same response. Henry, Kate and  Bill try cajoling her into enjoying what's on her plate first, and finally teasing her. Betty has a meltdown.

To bed she goes. Thinking about not having the cake she longed for, she has another tantrum in her room. Her mother is very understanding, but she stands by her rule:

"I am going to put a piece of chocolate cake on a plate in the refrigerator. It will be your piece of cake. And you can eat it tomorrow after a healthy dinner. Maybe if you know it's there waiting for you, it will be easier to be patient."

Sounds good, huh? Betty is an innovator and doesn't have a lot of patience for the long wait. But, she comes up with a solution that keeps her happy all day long. Then, she learns another lesson. Will this one stick?

I am a big fan of Stephane Jorisch and his watercolor artwork. He creates a family of rabbits that is modern, hip and very colorful. He adds wonderful, humorous details that will have young readers come back for more...the clothing worn by the siblings give a clear indication of their differing personalities, little details abound and add humor and delight. Betty is quite the 'handful'...and oh, so charming!

Marshall Armstrong is New to Our School, written and illustrated by David Mackintosh. Harper, 2011. $19.99 ages 5 and up

"Marshall Armstrong can't participate in our Sports Day. His doctor say that he should just sit with the medicine balls and read his book."


It's obvious from the get-go (the title page) that someone is going to be a standout at school this year. Did you see that red bicycle? So, turn the page and let us at this new tale from David Mackintosh.

Ah, it's Marshall Armstrong! Ah, our narrator knows from day one: 'he looks different to me.' Different, he is. He has glasses, wears a blazer, tie, a flat-topped hat and carries a briefcase. Even his school supplies are different.

Thus begins the litany of 'things' that make Marshall Armstrong odd...a double page spread with telescopic miniatures runs the gamut of all those peculiarities. His arm has red spots, his watch doesn't have hands. You must be getting the picture by now. In the cafeteria, on the playground, in the gym, Marshall's differences are obvious. He has no TV and reads the newspaper. Is there anything about him that fits?

When everyone at school is invited to Marshall's birthday party, our narrator is disgruntled at his mother's insistence that he attend and take a present. He is sure it will be an ordeal:

"AND we'll all have to be careful
not to get too hot and bothered...

AND he'll make us read the
newspaper with his dad...

AND EVERYONE WILL
HAVE A TERRIBLE TIME."

It's just too much!

You may have guessed, as many listeners will have, that things are about to change. The birthday party is a blast! There's a train set, a pinata, an obstacle course, monkey bars...you name it, Marshall's got it. Plus, his mom makes time for a power nap; then, the fun continues. Even a party bag for every attendee os proferred!

Quelle surpris! It is obvious to the reader and to our narrator that 'you can't judge a book by its cover' and it leads to a little lesson:

"Elizabeth Bell is new to our school.
I tell Miss Wright that she should sit at the front
with me and Marshall for the first few days,
until she settles in."

Wonderful!  A keeper, that's for sure...and a '10' in my books!

Can We Save the Tigers? Written by Martin Jenkins and illustrated by Vicky White. Candlewick, Random House. 2011. $19.00 ages 8 and up

"So if you were a poor farmer trying to make a living with a couple of cows and a few goats,  you might not be too happy if you found there was a hungry tiger living nearby. And if you knew that someone might pay you more for a tiger skin and some bones than you could earn in three whole months working in the fields, than you might find it very tempting to set a trap or two, even if you knew it was against the law. Perhaps it's not surprising that there aren't that many tigers left."

What a stunning and thought-provoking book this is! It is a wonderful example of the best in nonfiction narrative...once started, I sat mesmerized and read every single word!

Martin Jenkins' personal view and conversational style has much to offer his readers. He makes the information totally engrossing and gives it a real immediacy for those who share his concern. Whether reading it alone, or with another child or adult, time needs to be taken to consider seriously the points he is making. He has an abiding concern and his book shows it clearly:

"Some of the other animals and plants that we share the Earth with have coped with the changes very well. But some haven't.

In fact, some have coped so badly that they're not here anymore.

They're extinct."

The full page pencil illustration of the dodo faces that text and then the author and illustrator fill the following double page spread with other animals no longer seen.  He could go on.

He doesn't. But, he does tell us about some of the earth's animals that are facing just such a fate. He begins with the majestic and splendid tiger. He adds information concerning range, size, life span, habits, breeding, food, and number remaining. He follows that with compelling text about the tiger and its plight.

He moves on to tell of other animals facing the same future, and the space they need to survive. This is a book that needs to be shared...front cover to back and with concern for the predicament that is facing these beautiful creatures. I have been reading it to anyone who will listen, and look forward to sharing it with many more. It is powerful and enlightening. I am always aghast at how much I do not yet know!     

Kids will love the stories that Martin Jenkins tells while imparting the information he has to share. They cannot help but be amazed at the beauty of the illustrations, so detailed and rendered in pencil and oil paints. The images are as powerful as the text.

It is up to the world at large to ensure the survival of these endangered animals. And, it has worked when concern is shown:

"The ranchers who kept the captive bison started breeding from them, and governments set  up reserves to protect the wild herds. Bison numbers began to grow; now there are hundreds of thousands again. Most of them are kept by ranchers, who treat them like cattle, but there are also some wild herds."

It is promising. There are concerns:

"When it comes to looking after all the species that are already endangered, there's such a lot to do that sometimes it might all seem to be too much, especially when there are so many other important things to worry about. But if we stop trying, the chances are that pretty soon we'll end up with a world where there are no tigers or elephants, or sawfishes or whooping cranes, or albatrosses or ground iguanas."

Is that what we want? I hope not. It would be a shame to miss this incredible book...please don't!

Bailey, written and illustrated by Harry Bliss. Scholastic, 2011. $18.99 ages 4 and up

"Bailey is eager to get to school. Some of the other students are not. After the bus ride, Bailey hears the school bell. He gets to the entrance just in time. The principal is greeting all the students."


I have a Harry Bliss cartoon sent to my inbox every morning...it is almost always a 'bliss'ful way to start another day. In his new book about a scholarly mutt named Bailey, young readers have the opportunity to bask in the author's slightly skewed sense of humor.

Bailey loves school. Prior to departure, he grooms himself, selects his coolest collar, and grabs his backpack. Everyone else is on the bus, and Bailey is late. Once they are on their way his enthusiasm surges. The day seems next to normal as he is put through his paces from arrival until dismissal. A message from the principal suggests he keep his licking to himself, his teacher is impressed with his birthday gift for her but not for his what happened to his homework excuse. Seems eating paper is not good for him and a visit to the nurse is required. There, he gets advice about making better food choices.

Back in the classroom, he has a go at sharing time and math problems before lunch. Following lunch, he makes a presentation for history, and a bit of a mess in art class. Recess offers respite, and some great games. And then it's on to the final quarter of his day. Who knew he would be so helpful at gardening or singing in the chorus? A dance lesson and a chance to read before dismissal leads to a quick nap, a gentle wake-up call and a return home...slightly late for the bus again.

Not much removed from regular school fare, until you pore over the illustrations that accompany these seemingly simple events. Kids will laugh out loud at the many sight gags that Harry Bliss includes on every single page. A canine cannot talk; so his thoughts show in speech bubbles. Our first glimpse at his room show a bear-hugging-a-big-fish lamp; abundant books that are perfect fare for a reading dog; an old stick, a ball and a bone all in full sight. That's the first page! On we go and a close look will only add to your admiration for this school-loving, squirrel-chasing, teacher-impressing, most endearing pup!

Bailey is just too much fun!

Blackout, written and illustrated by John Rocco. Disney, Hyperion. Hachette, 2011. $18.50 ages 3 and up

"Nothing worked at all.

The city was dark and quiet.

And still."


Many people who lived in her path and felt Hurricane Irene's wrath last week are still without power. While it is hard to fathom the destruction and the resulting chaos, I am hoping that some have made the same lovely discovery that the family in this wondrous book makes.

A summer night in the city is turned on its ear, following beastly heat.  We have a quick look at the family at work. The older child is on the phone, Mom is on the computer and Dad is cooking dinner. The younger child has hauled a game from a top shelf and is looking for a playing partner. Sister is too busy. Dad is too busy. Mom is also too busy.

The cat and the little one make their way upstairs to watch TV. Then, everything changes. The lights go out! Scared and lonely, they wait for rescue. Mom arrives with a flashlight. Sudden quiet has descended. The flashlight and a candle offer some small bits of comfort and entertainment. The apartment is soon too hot to offer comfort. The roof?

Such beautiful light fills the night sky. All the neighbors make their way to adjoining rooftops...there is much fun to be had. Nothing to keep them so busy anymore. What's a family to do? And what happens when the power is restored. I'll leave that to you.

There are few words and little light, but John Rocco creates a most endearing tale of family and celebration, and of community. His use of light and dark is most effective, creating shadows at every turn and offering warmth in the midst of the 'blackout'. 

So, go get a candle, grab this book and enjoy time spent together!

Nini, written and illustrated by Francois Thisdale. Tundra, 2011. $17.99 ages 3 and up

"The time came when the baby needed to see all those wondrous things
for herself. And so, she was born. The first face she saw was the sweet face that belonged to the voice. The first hands she felt were the soft hands of love."

It is a soft and gentle memory that never leaves Nini.

This is a warm and lovely family story that will have an impact for those who have longed for a child. It is written from the personal perspective of an adoptive parent and it is told with grace and deep emotion, as you might imagine.

We meet Nini while still in the womb, listening with great attention to the voice and other sounds surrounding her. She feels safe and loved. Once born, she must remember the voice for she no longer hears it. Rather, she hears the sound of many voices, belonging to the people of the orphanage who care for her and keep her healthy and happy. She misses that first voice.

A long way from where she is, a couple waits. They long for a baby and share mutual delight when a letter arrives from the other side of the world...there is a child. She is a precious girl. They each must make a long journey to their meeting place. When they meet, Nini hears another soft voice, full of the sounds of love.

This is Francois Thisdale's first picture book. It is fitting that it is such a loving tribute to his daughter and those who made the dream of family come true. The artwork is so beautiful and calming. Always at its heart is the lovely little face, close-up and so charming. The layered style provides such a lovely backdrop for the events described. My favorite is the one where the baby takes center stage on a double page spread, one side showing her snowy house 'with a pointed roof' in Canada, the other side showing 'a little house with a pointed roof' in China. So fitting!

"In their girl's wise eyes, her mother and father see the past joined with the present, like a bridge that connects one place to another."

Watch Me Grow! Written by Deborah Hodge and photographed by Brian Harris. Kids Can Press, 2011. $16.95 ages 4 and up

"Community gardens are good for neighborhoods. Neighbors of all ages and from many backgrounds get to know one another as they grow food side by side. Look for these shared gardens at community centers, parks, schools, apartment complexes or wherever people gather."


What a time to be alive and enjoying the growing movement toward gardening as a way to feed ourselves better, and also to improve our communities! In some places, those growing community gardens are setting aside a 'patch' and sharing their yield with Helping Hands and other programs that feed the hungry and those who cannot afford to feed themselves. Plus, it adds to the beauty of our towns and cities. These gardeners also have a say in how their gardens are grown...often without pesticides.
This informative and beautiful book has been divided into four sections...Growing, Sharing, Eating and Caring. The simple text is accompanied by colorful, enticing photographs of an assortment of delicious and savory foods, and the many delightful spots where they are grown. It might be a conventional garden, a honeycomb, a fenced patch or an apple tree. All contribute to a healthier, earth-friendly environment.  They are all shapes and sizes and offer a veritable bounty for those who help grow them, and others who benefit from those labors.
Tips are given for starting simple, with a herb garden or potted garden vegetables such as tomatoes and lettuce. Chickens and honeybees are some of the animals that can be grown in urban areas, producing eggs and honey for yummy breakfast fare. The sharing part is a lesson is in giving back to the community and learning about being a good and generous citizen.

The eating part is oh, so appealing. One look at the tempting, brilliant colors, and then a quick glance at the many suggestions for preserving, cooking together, enjoying the health benefits of homegrown fruits and vegetables will have readers salivating.
Educational and inspiring, Watch Me Grow! is a commendable companion to Up We Grow! Deborah Hodge encourages her readers to think seriously about the changes they might make and the actions they might take to make the world a better place for all:

"When we garden, we are caring for nature and for the plants and animals of our world. As we watch seeds sprout and grow into plump fruits and vegetables, we are thankful for the soil, sun and rain that give life to our plants and all living things....

What will you grow?"