A Moose That Says MOOOOOOOOOOOO, written by Jennifer Hamburg and illustrated by Sue Truesdell. Farrar Straus Giroux, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2013. $ 18.99 ages 3 and up

"And how would the animals
celebrate night?
With pj's and milk and a zoo
pillow fight!
Feathers would flit!
Feathers would float!
Feathers would wake up
a sound-asleep goat!
The goat would get mad
and throw handfuls of dough..."

For this animal-loving, book-reading little girl, there is nothing so satisfying as imagining her own personal menagerie of zoo animals with very special and specific talents. Have you heard about the shark that is a bibliophile? Or the ox that loves working in the kitchen so much he takes a job as a short-order cook? How about skunks that jump rope? No??? Why, you need to read this book!

This rhyming text is great fun for all, and sparks the imagination of those who read it! There is so much to contemplate as the words are read and reread. It is sure to inspire young readers to try some of their own rhymes with familiar animals who can do extraordinary things:

"Otters would oink!
Chipmunks would chirp!
Rabbits would ribbet and hiccup and burp!

The turtle would trip and land in a pie,
while trying to calm a hysterical fly."

There is surprise with every turn of the page. Sue Truesdell interprets the wild antics in images that are constantly moving, filled with expression and sure to inspire giggles and guffaws. She helps young readers to see all the possibilities for the imagined denizens of this very wild and wacky zoo using watercolors with black ink outlines. The silly signs, a cluttered background and charming animals are just what the doctor might order when considering an entirely unique environment for the imagination. 

Mooncakes, written by Loretta Seto and illustrated by Renne Benoit. Orca Book Publishers, 2013. $19.95 ages 4 and up

"Outside, we light paper
lanterns. I made one all by
myself, using my favorite
colors. The lanterns and
stars light up the sky.
The moon makes
everything shine like
silver and water. In our
backyard, we sit together
in a big chair."

I like books that help us understand other cultures of the world. While the Moon Festival celebrated by Chinese families happens in the summertime, now seems a good time to be talking about special family times.

Our narrator is a small girl and she helps us understand the joys of the festival itself...looking at the moon, paper lanterns lit by tiny candles, tasty mooncakes and stories told with love. She is happy to share her family's traditions.

Hers is a lovely story told with all the gentleness that family times evoke. Included in her narration are three traditional folktales from China: they concern a cruel man who mistreats his wife until she finds a means of escape, a sluggish lumberjack who can't cut down a cinnamon tree for the life of him, a selfless rabbit who offers to save three magicians from certain death.

The paintings that accompany are just right...they are equally quiet, using soft colors and moonlit images of the family sharing the spirit of the festival. The feeling changes as the story switches from the traditional tales to the food being shared. It is magical and touching, and very exciting for our young narrator.

A cozy chair, a cup of tea and a mooncake to share with a loving family!

Nat the Cat Can Sleep Like That, wirtten by Victoria Allenby and illustrated by Tara Anderson. Pajama Press, 2013. $19.95 ages 3 and up

"Nat can sleep in
dresser drawers,
Or in front of
bedroom doors.
Under blankets,
on a stair,
upside-down on
someone's chair -
Nat the cat
can sleep like that!"

While I make no bones about cats not being my pet of choice, I have often voiced the wish to come back in my next life as just that...a cat! I would love to lie in glorious sunshine and bask in the care people give to keep their finicky feline content.

If you know cats, you know that they can sleep almost anywhere that seems just a little bit cozy! But, what happens when a new and irritating kitten arrives on the scene. Intent on having company, the little one is relentless in waking Nat, all the while hoping to share good times. When Nat awakens (which he does every night when the house and its inhabitants are sleeping), he plays his part in schooling the young 'un. That only lasts as long as the little one has the energy to play. After that, there is only energy for napping.

The text is just right for little ones, and for those wanting to read books on their own. It evokes movement, and typical feline behaviors. The mixed media artwork (pencil crayon, watercolor, gouache, acrylics and glaze) adds charm and delight to the reading. The bright colors and textured images are sure to interest young listeners, while adding a parallel story to the one told in words.

They are sure to want to hear it again and again. So, be prepared!

Deep in the Sahara, written by Kelly Cunnane and illustrated by Hoda Hadadi. Schwartz & Wade, Random House. 2013. $19.99 ages 4 and up

"Boys in turbans on donkeys go.
Men in white boubou stroll.
Your sister, Selma, in a malafa
glows.
Nothing but dark eyes show.
More than all the camels in the
land,
you want a malafa so you can
be mysterious too."

Well-written and beautifully illustrated, this is one of those books that allows those who listen to learn about other children of the world,  their culture and customs. We are better for sharing it, and made more aware of  the Muslim faith. It is a celebration!

Lalla is just like any other young girl in our world. She wants to look like the women she admires. So, she tells her mother that she wants to be as beautiful as she is, and that means wearing a malafa.
While her mother agrees that the malafa is a thing of beauty, she assures her beloved daughter that it is so much more than that.

Lalla visits the other women in her family. In turn, they tell her that a malafa is not about beauty, or mystery, or being the same, or even traditional. It is about prayer. Lalla returns home to share what she has learned during those visits. Nodding in agreement, her mother gathers a malafa for Lalla:

"slips it over your head,
under your arm,
round and round _
as blue as the Sahara sky,
as blue as the ink in the Koran,
as blue as a stranger's eye."

Now, she is ready to share the evening prayer with her mother.

This is a lovely look at Mauritania, the people who live there and the bonds they share through their faith. The writing is descriptive and warm. Lalla is free to wander throughout her village with family, learning what her elders have to teach. The second person voice allows us to learn right along with her. The illustrations celebrate the beauty that is there for all to see...in jewelled tones and detailed community life. Using cut paper, and a knowledge of the beauty in the fabric, Hoda Hadadi gives us a loving look at the young Lalla's daily routines. 
                                                                             

How To Train a Train, written by Jason Carter Eaton and illustrated by John Rocco. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2013. $19.00 ages 3 and up

"It's only natural that you'll
want to take home all the trains,
but don't just grab the first one
you see.
Take your time and choose the
one that's right for you.
Got one? Time to make your
move: send a puff of smoke
high into the air.
Perfect!
You've got the train's attention!"

We have seen a number of books about trains this publishing season, and every single one I have read is worthy of your attention. To add to the delight of the holiday hijinks, a train might be just the right kind of pet for your family!

Did you know that you can train a train? I did not. So, Jason Carter Eaton sets out to show me (and his readers) just exactly what to do to get that train to do what you want it to do! In this 'handy guidebook' he presents every conceivable means for choosing, tracking and training one. If you have never considered such a thing, you may find yourself changing your mind.

It depends on the type of train you want, of course. Once that absolutely essential question is considered, you have to catch one! There are many ways...some tried and true, some not so. But, you have to start early and be very, very patient. When you know it is the right one (and you will know!), lead it home.

There will be no way to call your pet train, unless you give it a name. Once you have spent some time together, you are sure to find a name that suits its personality...some suggested ones are Little Miss Muffinhead, Milo, Smokey or even Pushkin. You're sure to find the perfect name after careful thought.

Remember...change is difficult for anyone. Be sure your train has the time and the space to adjust to life with you and your family. Then, just imagine the things that you will be able to do together! The choices are limitless...

It takes a lot of training. It is possible. So, give it a try!

If that doesn't yet entice you into checking for this new book at your local bookstore or library, let me tell you a bit about John Rocco's artwork. You know I love it. This just ups the love! His digitally colored graphite illustrations add wonder to the whole idea. His trains are created to scale; they maintain their immensity while also showing winning expressions that keep our focus on their propensity to meet the many guidelines that make them good pets.  The pages are filled with images that are sure to have those who love trains dreaming of owning one.

The author had something to say about John Rocco's role in the evolution of this appealing new book:

"Then John Rocco got involved. And the rest is beautifully-drawn history. We were all huge fans of John’s work already, so to see his vision of my words was not only an honor but a real thrill. He also made it easy for me to slip my kids into the book...That man knows how to bring anything to life in the warmest and most striking way possible. His is exactly the right style for this story—whimsically realistic and larger-than-life—"

                                                                      

the Christmas Wish, story by Lori Evert and photographs by Per Breiehagen. Random House, 2013. $19.99 ages 4 and up

"So Anja skied after the patient bird, who led slowly so the child could make her way through the deep snow. When they came to a mountainside, Anja flew so fast over the sparkling powder that the bird could barely keep up with her! At the foot of the mountain the bird whistled, and they were greeted by a giant horse."

Anja will need her friends to help her on her quest to be one of Santa's Elves. She has always dreamed of being able to assist Santa, and lives in the perfect place for it. It is a winter wonderland outside, but cold and even a bit dangerous. With a careful plan in mind, Anja will try to find Santa.

Before she goes, she ensures that her elderly neighbor has what she needs, and that all of Anja's gifts are delivered to her family and friends. So that no one worries, she leaves a note of explanation and promises to visit when the work is complete. She knows the route to take; and so, she sets off.

A tiny bird soothes any worry about losing her way when it promises guidance and company. The going gets tougher, and a giant horse offers a ride for a day and a night. Following a night filled with the wonder of the northern sky, Anja must say farewell to her trusty companion. He, too, has a friend who can be of assistance in the quest. A musk ox has promised safe passage 'under the glacier to the tundra'. On they go. Time is running out, and Christmas beckons.

From the ox, she is given into the giant paws of a majestic polar bear. Together they travel over the tundra, resting and reading when the need arises.

                                                                       

 

On the final leg of her journey, a reindeer gives help. He tugs her along on her skis when she cannot keep up, and ultimately flies her to a sleigh filled with toys...and Santa who has kind words to share:

"I have been waiting for you. You are an extraordinary little girl. While there are many children who wish to be one of Santa's Elves, you are the first to have come this far, and you are already my most important helper. You bring kindness and joy to those around you all year long. Thank you."

Isn't that the magic of Christmas?

This is a lovely family project. Dad is the photographer, Mom is the writer and their lovely wee daughter Anja is the focus of their story. 

Gifts of the Heart, written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco. G. P. Putnam's, Penguin. 2013. $19.00 ages 5 and up

"Kay Lamity made us a fine dinner that night. All the cooking had fallen on Grampa after Gramma died, and now Momma didn't get home till late. We'd been living on scrambled eggs! Kay Lamity made fried chicken, gravy and mashed potatoes, with some corn that Gramma had canned last spring. Dessert was best of all -scrumptious bread pudding!"

There will be no more Christmases at the farm. Grampa won't stay now that Gramma has died. The family is missing her presence, and no one wants her replaced by Kay Lamity, the new housekeeper. Kay is, however, pretty good at what she does...cooking, caring for and comforting with wise words:

"And I play the meanest game of checkers this side of the sweet Mason-Dixon Line!"
"Bet you can't beat me," Richie whispered.
"Can too!" she countered.
"Can not!" he challenged with a slight smile.
"Well, slap my face to the side of a hog and let him roll in the mud.
Let's go on downstairs and see if'n you can." That was the beginning
of one sweet friendship."

Missing Gramma doesn't change. The children, their mother and Grampa ache their way through each and every day; but Kay Lamity brings a sense of order and strength when it is most needed. Richie and Trisha are familiar characters for fans, and it is good to see their spirits intact despite their loss.
Christmas traditions rise to the forefront as the children happily anticipate Santa's arrival and the gifts he'll bring. Kay has something to say about that, too:

"A gift of the heart ain't opened by pullin' on a fancy bow or rippin'  pretty paper off a box. It's about openin' your heart...and givin' what's inside. That's the greatest gift of all!"

Of course, there is turmoil. Richie is the big brother after all. He knows much more about Santa than Trisha does, and he's willing to spill the beans. It takes some careful thought and quiet guidance to figure out how he can make amends.

I am such a fan of Patricia Polacco's family stories. Her art is quickly recognized in the scenes she creates showing the siblings peeking in the toy store window, wrapped in Kay Lamity's warm embrace, together in the snow and star watching. She creates perfect winter scenes, shining at night and in daytime light. Her characters are familiar and wear their emotions on their sleeves. Kay brings a calming spirit to the household and wraps each of its members in a warmth that helps to soothe their aching hearts.

The magic of Christmas? I think so!

Bogart and Vinnie, written by Audrey Vernick and illustrated by Henry Cole. Bloomsbury, Penguin. 2013. $18.00 ages 3 and up

"Way in back, rarely
visited, stood Bogart,
a square-lipped
rhinoceros.
He breathed in the
grassy peace of the rhino
range - his alone.
He cherished the quiet,
his tail curled with happiness."

Oh boy, Vinnie is one of those characters who make you tired just watching him! He is intensely happy, and cannot contain his joy when he meets Bogart, a lumbering introvert. There could not be two animals more opposite in nature. Vinnie is oblivious to Bogart's obvious reluctance in the face of Vinnie's exuberance.

It's tough to know what draws the dog to the rhino, but it is clear that Vinnie loves his new best friend right from first spying him standing alone at the top of a small hill. Bogart has no such initial feelings of joy when he hears Vinnie chattering happily, and has no need for response.

As so often happens, Vinnie wears well on Bogart. It isn't long until they have managed to find camaraderie, one with the other. They do have something in common: a love of playing 'follow the leader'. It is not the only game in town. They also play hide and seek. Their friendship attracts media attention; soon many are enamoured of their relationship. Fame is fleeting:

"That was okay with Bogart and Vinnie. Because they had formed the kind of family where one member loves the other and one wants nothing more than to be left alone. But, still, a family."

The surprise ending is the perfect touch!

Henry Cole puts acrylic paints, colored pencil and ink to good use when creating these most charming characters. Their expression-filled faces are 'spot on!' Every page insists that attention be paid to the parallel story as Vinnie talk, talk, talks to anyone and everyone. There is so much going on...filled with humor and delight. I can hardly wait to get into a classroom to share it...there are sure to be giggles and guffaws.

                                                                        

            

Red Knit Cap Girl to the Rescue, written and illustrated by Naoko Stoop. Little. Brown and Company, Hachette. 2013. $19.00 ages 3 and up

"That evening, Red Knit Cap Girl calls out gently to the Moon. "Moon, we are trying to find Polar Bear Cub's family. Can you help us?" Moon smiles and says, "Polar Bear Cub doesn't belong in our forest. You must take him to the North, where there is ice and snow and it is cold all year round."

I trust that you met Red Knit Cap Girl in her first book...she is a charmer. In that story she spent time with her forest animal friends and her fondest wish was to talk to the Moon. Luckily, she did that.

So, in this story, she counts on that friendship to help her with a dilemma. In the beginning, she is busy with White Rabbit, Bear and Squirrel creating kites, boats and telescopes from recycled papers. They are having great fun. Then, they spot an SOS, and spy a stranded polar bear cub floating by on a small bit of ice floe.

Using her wit and the materials at hand, she and White Bunny tug Polar Bear Cub to shore, a much safer place for him. Knowing that his family will be frantic to find him, Red Knit Cap Girl turns to her friend Moon for guidance. Moon is quick to respond.

With disarming ingenuity, the friends design a boat on a much grander scale than the ones they had played with earlier, and give it a sail to help with the long journey. They all climb aboard and, using the moon as their beacon, they sail through stormy seas to the land the Moon had described for them.
The end result is certainly worth the effort!

Using acrylic, pencil and ink on plywood, Naoko Stoop treats us to a world that is simple and subtle. Yet, there is depth, and you can almost feel the textures on the lovingly designed pages. If I had to choose a favorite, I would choose the wonder of the northern lights; but that is a very difficult choice, since each page has its own special appeal.

Animals Upside Down, by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Thomas Allen & Son. 2013. $27.99 ages 4 and up

"The armored pangolin coils
its tail around a branch,
reaches out with powerful claws...
...and rips open a termite nest.
It will slurp up the insects with
its long, sticky tongue.
A net-casting spider dangles.
holding its web by the corners.
When an unwary insect passes
below, the spider thrusts a  silken
net over its victim."

Yes, I have sung their praises before today, and not too long ago it seems. Adding to the already stellar list of books they have created to entertain and enlighten children, Robin Page and Steve Jenkins bring a selection of 26 animals to our attention. It seems each likes to turn or hang themselves upside down for a wide variety of reasons. The blood rushes to my head just thinking about it!

They use pop-ups, wheels, flips and pull tabs to help us understand what is so special about life in such a state. You  know about the pangolin and the net-casting spider. That is only a taste of what is included in these detailed, fact-filled pages. They come from  all over the world, and their antics are of great interest. Their acrobatics are sure to entice. It is a lively collection.

The design changes on every page, and assures return engagements with the animals included here. While you move from forest to ocean, and from ceilings to ponds, you will learn a great deal about why birds and animals find themselves looking at the world from an entirely different perspective than most of their species.

The hog-nosed snake has quite the ritual:

"The hog-nosed snake puts on quite a show if it feels threatened. (Flip the flap and...)
It flops over, sticks out its tongue, and lies still.
An unpleasant smelling liquid seeps from its rear end.
Sometimes a little blood even trickles out of its mouth."

It certainly sends a message.

Steve Jenkins astounds with his accurate cut and torn paper collage images. The captions add to the interest as they curve and wobble, always capturing the movement of the animal they are describing.
There is further information added as the book closes, concerning habitat, size and sustenance.

http://youtu.be/ZhI8pFLWi4A

The Smallest Gift of Christmas, written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2013. $16.00 ages 3 and up

"You call THAT big?"
Roland asked. He had
been wishing for something
MUCH bigger. He closed his
eyes and wished a little harder.
"Ha! That one isn't much
bigger than me," Roland said.
"And I'm not very big!"  

For many people today, bigger and more expensive does seem to make everything better! There is no time when that is more evident  than when it comes to buying gifts for Christmas. No longer content with 40 inch television sets, people battle huge crowds for a great deal on a 70 inch one to replace that less appealing one!

Roland has learned that lesson from somewhere. Filled with excitement, he bounds down the stairs on Christmas morning, and is stopped short when he sees a very tiny present with his name on it. It is definitely not what he is expecting. Not content to accept the slight, he promptly closes his eyes and wishes for something 'more'. With each successive 'bigger' gift, he remains discontent.

"I WANT A BIGGER GIFT!"

Nothing on earth is good enough for him now. That means a rocket ship and a search through the universe! When he realizes how far he is from home, he is overcome with emotion and wants nothing more than to be back where he was before all the wishing began. There, he receives the best gift of all...home and family.

There is something so appealing about Peter Reynolds' signature visuals and hand printed books. I fall in love with them every time I read one. He is able to capture feelings and character with little details, and his use of white space is spot on, allowing what is most important to be front and center at all times. This new Christmas tale is a heartwarming and welcome addition to my collection of books from this fine artist!

The Stowaways, written by Meghan Marentette and illustrated by Dean Griffiths. Pajama Press. 2013. $19.95 ages 8 and up

"The cart seemed to rattle along for hours, as the Human stopped at every recycling bin by the road. Rory began to feel hungry. He was about to dip inside his pouch for a snack, when he suddenly picked up the scent of something better. He stuck his nose out from under the cardboard. Human shoes clacked loudly on the sidewalk as they rushed..."

The Stowaways are something special...we learn that right away! They are  brilliant members of the mouse family; but, they are not just the same as any other mouse. They are rare in the world. They have striped tails that are furry. And, their ears are huge (for a mouse, that is!).  

We meet Rory at the get-go and learn that he has the future in mind:

"He knew his own life was meant for adventure, and that's where his thoughts always roamed. After all, the Stowaways had always been known as great explorers and he was sure that one day he would become a brave adventurer like his ancestors. Only one thing stood in his way - their father."

Mice are in constant danger, and Papa is concerned for the well-being of his family. After all, Grampa is no longer with them. Gran is sure that he is alive somewhere, telling the family that he is too smart to be eaten by a cat while on another adventure. Papa wishes his mother would just let go of all hope. Rory wants to know what really happened to his grandfather and his Aunty Hazel. They were together when they disappeared.

It's summer and Rory is set for adventure. He gets just what he wants, in a series of events that lead him to find his grandfather and his great aunt, and to make a number of discoveries that will surprise and delight his family and yours. It is such great fun to see the world through the eyes of these tiny creatures. Young readers will be captivated by their ways, the dangers they face, and the methods used to get themselves out of trouble. It's especially fun to hitch rides on car bumpers, and the axles of carts...all the while keeping out of sight. Or, to find yourself in a science lab facility where the captured denizens get to have their say about what is happening to them. Dean Griffiths adds dramatic visuals that help us see their world through his expressive sketches. 

It's a great read for the family or for the classroom. There is certainly fun involved, and excitement, and even a bit of tension. What more can we ask?   Long winter nights or January afternoons at school just beg for a fitting story to share. This could be it!

The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit, written by Emma Thompson and illustrated by Eleanor Taylor. Frederick Warne, Penguin. 2013. $21.00 ages 3 and up

"The cousins set about playing
rabbit cricket with holly-berries
and fir cones when William
sauntered by.
WILLIAM was a turkey.
He was a puffed-up person,
full of his own importance.
Nothing made him happier that
his bold, brave fan of tail feathers
which rattled upon the cobbles
as he strutted about."

Apparently, rabbits are 'uppity' as Christmas nears. Or, so says Emma Thompson in her second book about Peter Rabbit. To keep out of their respective mother's hair, Peter and Benjamin Bunny find themselves outside, each running an errand for their mother. ( I know that ploy!)

That is how they come to meet William, who struts like a peacock and is quick to share the wonder of living with the McGregors. They never ask him to run errands; instead, they offer treats every day and 'nothing is too good' for William. He even lets the young rabbits know that the McGregors are going to have him for dinner very soon. Appalled that the turkey doesn't know that the farmer means on the table, not at the table, the two bunnies decide that they must tell William what he will not be pleased to hear...no, not at all!

William, as any smug gobbler worth his salt would, does not believe a word they say until Peter surprises him with news of his own father's fate at the hands of the McGregors. William is desolate. The bunnies return home, worry etched on their faces concerning their new friend who is about to come to a gruesome end. While serving a time-out for forgetting to complete their assigned tasks, they make a plan. Will it work?

Listening to Emma Thompson read this story on the included CD (as I am writing this post) makes my heart sing. She is brilliant at it! I am sure she couldn't possibly be happier with the result. The story itself is such a lovely new Christmas tale. It's wonderful to welcome these familiar and beloved characters, originally created by Beatrix Potter, back. In Ms. Thompson's deft hands they continue their adventures and I, for one, am delighted to join them.

I do hope there is another on the horizon!

If you would like to meet the real William, be sure to check this out: http://youtu.be/THSEWtET5cQ

My Mother Goose: A Collection of Favorite Rhymes, Songs and Concepts, illustrated by David McPhail. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2103. $22.99 all ages

"Ride away, ride away,
Johnny shall ride,
He shall have a pussy cat
Tied to one side;
He shall have a little dog
Tied to the other.
And Johnny shall ride
To see his grandmother."

Oh, I know who's going to get this book in her Christmas bag...Miss Kaya! It is a perfect size, and is filled with so many of the memorable traditional verses that I knew as a child, and then shared with our own children. What a  collection it is!

To have David McPhail choose and then design the accompanying artwork for this new anthology of rhymes, songs and concepts is the icing on the cake for me! In his introduction he explains that these  Mother Goose rhymes have been a family tradition throughout his life. He says that his mother did not have to read them to him, she knew them by heart. He went on to share them with his children and:

"the rhymes are still important to me. They are lodged deep in my consciousness. From them I learned about play and about work; about joy and sorrow; about manners, ethics, and dreams. These lessons do not grow old."

Today, he shares them with his grandchildren! And now, he shares them with us...lucky we are!

His familiar strong black lines, his expressive characters, his use of light and shadow, and his ever-changing design will have listeners begging for more. Those who are familiar with the rhymes will recognize favorite characters, whether human or animal, and will soon be able to chant the rhymes on their own. There is so much energy and delight on its pages!

I love that he has chosen to include some 'concept' pages which are sure to garner further interest from young readers: Getting Dressed, My ABCs, Going Places with Henry and Bear, My 123s, action words, Shapes, Colors. They invite for rapt attention and encourage conversations when sharing.

He ends with lullabies and verses that encourage slumber. His final poem is for his brother, to whom this book is dedicated:

"I love you well,
my little brother,
And you are fond of me;
Let us be kind to one another,
As brothers ought to be.

You shall learn to play with me,
And you can use my toys;
And then I think that we shall be
Two happy little boys."

Captivating,  and what a charming and memorable gift for someone you love.

                                                                 

Just So Stories for Little Children, Volume 1. Written by Rudyard Kipling and illustrated by Ian Wallace. Groundwood Books, 2013. $19.95 ages 6 and up

"But just as he was going to eat it there came down to the beach from the Altogether Uninhabited Interior one Rhinoceros with a horn on his nose, two piggy eyes, and few manners. In those days the Rhinoceros's skin fitted him quite tight. There were no wrinkles in it anywhere. He looked exactly like a Noah's Ark Rhinoceros, but of course much bigger."

The stories are old, and their appeal is just as strong as it has always been. The difference can be found in the brand new illustrations. Of them, Ian Wallace has this to say:
"When I sat down to read them as an adult, I understood why she held them in such high regard. They are simply remarkable - magical and mythic, replete with stunning word play, vocabulary, wit, poetry and prose; global in their reach; and, as important for an artist, ripe with visual images. I was hooked. I couldn't wait to put my mark on Kipling's fertile imagination, which opened up a treasure trove of possibilities."

Ian Wallace's invitation to us to share these classic tales comes on the remarkably designed cover. It wraps around the book and, in the beauty of the sunset and its transformation to the dark of night, gives us a visual hint at the stories to be shared in this first volume. I love that the reflections reveal the animals' transformations. If you are as observant as young children tend to be, you will take note that there are six tales to be told.

For each of the six stories, the artist has created four full-color, full page illustrations, using watercolour, pencil crayon, pastel pencil and chalk. Each scene is full of detail and light. The palette for each story is impeccably matched to the setting. The colors are bold when needed, and softened when the story calls for it. (Interesting to see what the whale has swallowed from trash-laden waters, and I love that the toys are in keeping with the times the stories were originally told!) In every case, one of the four is accompanied by a text selection. Don't miss reading the illustrator's note that follows the final tale. It is very enlightening concerning the process used for creating this luminous work.

There is little to be said about the stories themselves. They are have been honored over the past more than one hundred years. It is wonderful to have a newly illustrated and very impressive collection of some of the tales. It is my understanding that Volume 2 will be on bookshelves in the spring of 2014. I will look forward to that with high regard for Mr. Wallace's work and anticipation of reading those marvelous stories one more time! 

Knife, written by R J Anderson. Orchard Books. 2009. $10.99 ages 10 and up

"When she did look back, she saw Paul bow his head, then slowly unfold his hand to reveal the photograph he had torn from the album. With surprising gentleness he smoothed it out upon his lap and gazed down at his younger self, while Knife watched, her anger melting into perplexity. Why that picture, she wondered, of all the pictures they had seen?"

I did not set out to love this book. It is not a book that I would generally choose to read. But, it is on the list of juvenile intermediate fiction that our jury is currently reading for the Canadian Children's Book Centre and their upcoming spring issue of Best Books for Kids and Teens. That is what I truly love about being on the jury...I read books that I might have missed.

I am certainly happy that I spent time reading about a family of faeries who live in a huge old oak tree called Oakenwyld. They no longer have the magic they once had, and their numbers are quickly dwindling. Knife is the lead character, a brave and capable hunter within her faerie family. That honored role allows her to be outside and she rejoices in it, as she has spent too many years wishing she could be away from the confinements of her quiet room within the tree. She has been warned often about the dangers from natural predators and of contact with humans. Yet, when she meets Paul, a man confined to a wheelchair following an accident, she feels no concern for her own safety.
She enjoys the time they spend together, and learns much about the outside world during their conversations.

The characters are equally compelling and entirely unique , the world created is elaborate and intriguing, all of the secrets kept enrage,  and the winding path toward discovering the mysterious events that have brought the faeries to this place in time kept me reading long into the night,  and always eager to see what might happen next.

Can Knife trust Paul to help her find the answers to her many questions? In this classically traditional tale of faerie lore, readers will find secrets, mystery, friendship, great love and romance. There is little kindness within the faeries' world until Knife breaks the mold: she disobeys the Queen, she shows daring and bravery in the face of obstacles and sadness, she makes friends with a human who is as much in need of her as she is of him, and she is dogged in her search for the truth that will ensure the future of her faerie world.

It is a story worth reading. Now, I am off to read the sequel, Rebel. LUCKY ME!

Santa Claus and the Three Bears, written by Maria Modugno and illustrated by Jane Dyer and Brooke Dyer. Harper, 2013. $23.99 ages 3 and up

"Papa Bear was bringing
in a tree from the forest,
Mama Bear was preparing
Christmas pudding,
and Baby Bear was busy
getting in the way.
Even though he was a baby,
he was still pretty big."

Before sharing this inventive fractured fairy tale, ensure that young children have heard the traditional version. It will make the reading so much more meaningful.

The story is pretty much untouched...there are three bears, they do leave the house for a walk while food is cooling, and they do return to find an intruder. The similarities end there. These three bears are of the polar kind, totally in keeping with the time of year. Mama is making Christmas pudding. No surprise there. While it is cooling, they venture over to the nearby village to take in all the twinkling Christmas lights. Papa carries a lantern, Mama has a walking stick, and Baby Bear tugs on a sleigh.

While they are out, Santa is delivering the evening's gifts to the northern hemisphere. He is on the lookout for the bears' house as he has presents for them all. It's been a long night. Santa needs a breather. So, he has a look around and...you guessed it, he finds the cooling puddings and is delighted (he's had enough milk and cookies for one night). He tastes the puddings, sits to rest on the assembled chairs, and finally succumbs to fatigue when he discovers the upstairs bedrooms.

He doesn't mean to sleep so long! The bears arrive home to discover that someone has been, and still is, in their house. Imagine their surprise when they see who it is:

"They saw lots of white hair, a red jacket covered with soot, and, sticking out from the bottom of the blanket, two black boots."

We know exactly who it is! Not resorting to Goldilocks' method of departure, Santa does what he is there to do and off the goes to finish his night's work. Young children will love to see the size of Baby Bear's gift...and are sure to hope for some of the same!

Jane and Brooke Dyer use watercolor and gouache to create 'just right' art for this delightful edition. There is a lot to see, and little ones are sure to notice the many tiny details that grace this book's pages. I think you'll like it. I know I certainly do!
                                                                           

The Tiny King, written and illustrated by Taro Miura. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2013. $17.00 ages 2 and up

"The Tiny King had a big,
big bathtub.
It even had a water fountain.
But splishing and splashing
all by himself was never much
fun.
The Tiny King's bed was a big,
big bed.
But he slept in it all alone
every night."

This tiny king will immediately capture the attention of the children who share his story. He looks a bit like he's made from Lego. But, not quite! We can easily see just how tiny he really is. In fact, the front cover encourages us to consider it with a note posted beside his green leg (This is the actual size of the Tiny King). On we go!

His castle is enormous, his army numbers many and the soldiers are huge, his dinner table is overwhelming, even his horse is so big that he cannot possibly ride it without incident. The poor guy!
Sleeping alone is no fun either; but, when he falls in love, his troubles dissipate. Happiness reigns when the contented couple welcomes a menagerie of TEN children!

The soldiers are sent home on vacation. Laughter spills from castle windows, stairwells, and the outdoors. Now that he has someone to share his life with, the Tiny King enjoys that life as he has never done previously. All is well!

I love the graphic geometric shapes, the bright colors, and the sense of perspective that preschoolers will discover as this book is shared. Be sure to note the changes in background color as the king's life changes. The stellar design uses digital collage that is sure to attract just the right amount of attention...deservedly so! Full of heart and offering a commendable life lesson, it is bound to be enjoyed by all.

                                                                         

                    

Once Upon a Memory, written by Nina Laden and illustrated by Renata Liwska. Little Brown and Company, Hachette. 2013. $19.00 all ages

"Does a book remember
it once was...
...a word?

Does a chair remember
it once was...
...a tree?

Does a garden remember
it once was...
...a pea?"

I have a friend who leads workshops in writing for all ages. Borrowing ideas from the brilliant Lynda Barry and her equally brilliant What It Is (Drawn & Quarterly, 2008), Don encourages those who attend to mine the details of a memory for writing workshop, or for their own purpose.  I have been at three of those workshops, and I even surprise myself with the topics I can walk around to find a memory for writing.

Nina Laden uses the concept of memory to create this lovely, quiet poem that is sure to trigger deep thoughts for many. She encourages us to think about familiar objects in our environment and to consider what their memories might be. I found myself thinking imaginatively about the origins of a number of  objects once I had read this beautiful book. What a concept!

Renata Liwska's art is described in front matter: 'The art was initially sketched by hand in the artist's journal. It was then scanned and colored in Adobe Photoshop. The animal characters were inspired
by the artist's experiences with nature, from her worldwide travels to her own backyard." Each image created is a perfect accompaniment to the warmth and charm of the questions themselves. As the small boy asks the question, the artist provides a tiny scene showing familiar gentle animals that perfectly depict the notion he has expressed.

Take perfect words, add exceptional illustrations and you have the recipe for a book to love and cherish. I LOVE this little treasure.  

Also, I wanted to share with you a talk given by Lynda Barry. It may give you pause!

http://youtu.be/hmT4wLWksOw                                                                       

Little Santa, written and illustrated by Jon Agee. Dial Books, Penguin. 2013. $19.00 ages 3 and up

"Except for Santa.
He loved the North Pole.
He liked making snow angels,
and snowmen,
decorating pine trees,
and baking gingerbread cookies
in the shape of people.
Most of all, he liked sliding
down the chimney."

As we wake up this week to wind chills that hover in the -40 range, I understand why the Claus family was not content with life at the North Pole. I mean, it is even colder  there than it is here! So, when they decide that life in Florida is much more appealing, a move in imminent. Santa, the youngest of the Claus's seven children, is the only one who seems put off by their choice for a new life. 

While the members of his family hate the snow, the shovelling, the fire building, the snow, the cold, ice fishing, Santa loves it all! He has some special talents, sliding down the chimney being the most notable. So, he is definitely unhappy when the family starts packing for their move south.  Luckily for him, that very night a terrible blizzard blows in and traps the family under drifts that bury the house. Santa has the solution...he loves the chimney and is sure that he can get out:

"I can shimmy up the chimney!"

He does just that. As he wanders about in a winter wonderland, he manages to dig a very cold reindeer out of a snowbank. The reindeer can fly! Soon they find a house with a light shining from a second floor window. Inside, Santa discovers a group of elves, just itching to help him rescue his family. It's off to work they go, and soon have fashioned shovels and a sleigh. Their mission to find Santa's house begins. The Claus family are patiently waiting for rescue when the dog hears a noise in the fireplace. Can it be Santa? What do you think?

This is a wonderful new picture book that will be enjoyed throughout the year, and for many years to come. Jon Agee uses his very distinct and considerable artistic skills to bring us an explanation for how Santa chose the perfect profession for himself.  Using watercolors, outlined in thick black lines, he creates a family and setting that is sure to capture attention. He is a master in the use of white space, droll characters, and perfect timing for each turn of the page. It's a wonderful story and worthy of your attention.
                                                                     

The Night Before Christmas, written by Clement C Moore with art by Barbara Reid. North Winds Press, Scholastic. 2013. $19.99 ages 3 and up

"He was dressed all in fur,
from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all
tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys he had
flung on his back,
And he looked like a
peddler just opening his pack."

Do you think it's true that everything old can be new again? I can't tell you how many different versions of Clement C Moore's Christmas classic  I have read and shared. I can tell you that I am a dedicated fan of Barbara Reid's extraordinary art. Put the two together, and you definitely have something old made brand new!

You are in for a truly wondrous time when you share her new book with your loved ones! From the shooting star in the deep blue winter sky that graces the endpapers, to the many charming details found on each and every page you will be captivated and in awe of her talent to take Plasticine and work her own kind of magic for this well-known poem.

There is nothing I can tell you about the poem itself, as you are sure to be familiar with it. I hesitate to tell you much about the illustrations because I cannot possibly do them justice. You have to see them for yourselves to really appreciate the impeccable work that goes into their design. I will tell you this: Ms. Reid has reimagined the story using mice as the characters who welcome St. Nick on Christmas Eve. They are exuberant as they hang their familiar gray work socks and trim a tiny tree which is set in a thimble. They giggle and cavort. Their home is a cozy wooden log, and their house is full.

Every tiny detail is intricately designed to delight her audience. I found myself going back again and then again to see what I had missed the first time. There is so much to see and savor!

Don't miss it!                                                                  

Dusk, written and illustrated by Uri Shulevitz. Margaret Ferguson Books, Farrar Straus Giroux, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2013. $19.99 ages 3 and up

"I swear I declare
I'll search here and there.
I'll search till I find
the best of its kind.
Toys for my girls
and toys for my boys,"
said man with cravat."

Master storyteller and artist Uri Shulevitz begins his story simply. It's winter and a grandfather, his grandson and dog are out for a stroll on another of winter's short days. At the river, their eyes are drawn to the brilliant beauty of the sun's light as it says farewell to that short day. The boy is sad.

Their walk takes them back to the city, where the hustle and bustle of its residents is evident on streets and sidewalks. We meet some of the shoppers as they appear to be making important preparations for toys, food, desserts and alien gobbledy-gook:

"Dusky musky, dusky zdat,
Kholidaysky ikla zat,
sveet candoosky ikla
bloosky,
bedy funnye ikla zdat,"
said visitor from planet
Zataplat."

As the natural light of the sunny day ebbs, the city lights takes it place, glimmering and glittering as the three continue their walk. More and more lights brighten the sidewalks, storefronts and window displays. As we catch a glimpse of three windows set side by side, we are suddenly aware, for the first time, that this book celebrates the holiday lights as well...a menorah, a Christmas tree and a kinara promise celebrations for many. There is light everywhere we look! The boy is no longer so sad at the loss of sunlight; he appreciates the beauty of the city light that now surrounds him,

The quiet moments of the earlier walk are contrasted with the energy of the city as they stroll amiably along its brightly-lit streets and avenues. Mr. Shulevitz's art is breathtaking. He fills the pages with light and shadow, spectacular color which is both warm and cool, and details that are sure to inspire conversations about what is happening at every turn.

It is a worthy companion book to Snow (Farrar, 2004). If you want to experience the magic that light can bring to a winter landscape, you need to see this wondrous book! It is a journey you will want to make in order to truly appreciate the beauty of this holiday season.

                                                                       

                   

Little Chicken Duck, written by Tim Beiser and illustrated by Bill Slavin. Tundra, 2013. 19.99 ages 4 and up

"Don't just stand there,
where it's sandy. Jump
on in! The water's dandy!"
Said our frog, but Ducky
only shook her head.
Ducky's mother never taught her
how to paddle in the water.
"I don't want to! I'm afraid to
swim!" she said."

Poor Little Chicken Duck...she has a fear, just as so many of us do. Frog tries to convince her to give the water a try, but she is scared and doesn't understand Frog's love for the cool of the pool. He's persuasive, but she is adamant she won't go in.

Off they go into the forest, with a reassurance from Frog that others of her species also fear what they do not know. When they meet Owl they learn that, despite the fact that owls are nocturnal, his fear was the dark:

"Every night, I started screaming
when the goblins' eyes were gleaming -
Till I learned that they were only fireflies.
Since they light my way so brightly,
I enjoy their friendship nightly
As I bravely fly through moon-and-starlit skies."

The lark has something to say about not fearing the dark, but what about singing? The robin, cuckoo, some quails, and even the American eagle voice their own fears and how they faced them. It's enough to give the little duckling the courage to go right back to the pond with Frog and see what happens.

Kids are sure to get a kick from the surprise ending!

This is a book that will generate discussion about those things we fear and what we must do to deal with each one. It will be most interesting to hear what children have to say and to listen to ways in which they encourage their friends. Bill Slavin, once again, creates soft-edged acrylic artwork that has great appeal for those who love varying perspectives, vulnerable and lovable characters, and lively action. It's sure to be a hit!

                                                                   

The Animal Book, by Steve Jenkins. Houghton MIfflin Books for Children, Thomas Allen & Son, 2013. $24.99 all ages

"FAMILY

A termite queen may
produce 1,200 eggs an
hour, laying them around
the clock for 30 years or
more. Over her lifetime,
she'll have hundreds of
millions of offspring."

I have such admiration for Steve Jenkins' work! I have often wondered when he sleeps. He is a prolific author and truly remarkable artist. I have joked when using his books in workshop presentations that he must lie awake at night thinking about new questions to ask concerning the animal world. Hmm...'what do you do with a tail like this?' or how many beetles are there in the world? or 'just a second', what can be done in that tiny amount of time?  What a fascinating man!

He has authored, or co-authored with his wife Robin Page, more than thirty books about the world of nature, and in his introduction to this wonderful new book, he says:

"Reading and writing about animals over the years has introduced me to some extraordinary creatures. And I've learned that many familiar animals have extraordinary abilities. This book brings together more than 300 of these animals - the exotic and the everyday - and describes some of the amazing things they can do."

We should thank our lucky stars for writers whose passion for a subject makes our reading lives so engaging and enlightened. I have been poring over this book since it arrived in the mail, and cannot help but share some of the truly wondrous things I have learned in a very short time. I would love to regale you with these tiny tidbits, but you can read it for yourselves. It is brilliant!

His love for this fascinating world is evident on every page. The images are so authentic, and are organized in a way that will keep readers turning pages and returning to favorite images. The design of each page has been given careful thought and has immediate appeal for anyone sharing this book.
As is the case with exemplary nonfiction, readers of all ages can pick and choose the pages and sections that most interest them. Those sections include family, animal senses, predators, defenses, animal extremes, and the story of life. The title page for family has an image of an ostrich and its egg, with tiny, circular focused images along the bottom to guide readers to the various subject headings comprising it. I went straight to 'bringing up baby' and discovered that:

"A family of shrews makes its way across the forest floor at night. A baby shrew could easily get lost, so the group forms a line. The mother leads and each little shrew holds on to the brother or sister in front with its teeth."

Each section ends with a double page spread that is sure to delight and inform...and perhaps even astonish, and a chart of further information about the topic explored.

He ends his book, as he often does, with 'more animal facts', using thumbnail images and additional information. They are presented in alphabetic order and contain page numbers so that a reader might return to a favorite page easily. Length, habitat, diet and a specific fact makes up the text for each inclusion. As if that weren't enough, he then shares ideas, research, his art, and a timeline for a new book from idea to publication. BRAVO, Steve Jenkins!

Don't miss Steve at work:  http://youtu.be/hhJ1wtHSPc4
                                                                       

Snowflakes Fall, written by Patricia MacLachlan and illustrated by Steven Kellogg. Random House, 2013. $19.99 ages 3 and up

"After the flowers are gone
Snowflakes fall.
Flake
    After flake
         After flake
Each one a pattern
All its own -
     No two the same -
     All beautiful."


As we mark the year that has passed since the tragedy in Sandy Hook, I wanted you to know about this first collaboration between long-time friends, Patricia MacLachlan and Steven Kellogg. Mr. Kellogg lived in Sandy Hook for a number of years and was touched deeply by the death of so many children. He speaks of his time there, in his dedication:

"...and was followed by a hundred more books that were created in the attic studio of our old farmhouse. The changing seasons in the woodlands, fields, and streams that surround the Sandy Hook village provided an idyllic environment for raising a family. Those scenes and memories inspired these illustrations."

As she so often does, Patricia MacLachlan creates a story that resonates with comfort and family times. She uses the image of the snowflake to speak to her readers about the special qualities of every child and how no two are the same. Her hope is that through her story children everywhere will find peace and inspiration. The fact that the shootings took place in December, and that the CPTSA
encouraged others to create paper snowflakes to bring hope to the students as they returned to school, had a huge impact on her decisions lyrical story she tells.

Creating the beautifully compelling illustrations to match his friend's soft and lovely words helped Mr. Kellogg begin to deal with the overwhelming sense of loss so many were sharing. Patricia MacLachlan had the words, Steven Kellogg the art...together they have created a story that helps to restore the joy that is innate in children when snow falls and the seasons change. We sense a renewal of our belief in the cycles of our lifetimes and the great joy that memories eventually bring.

"Snowflakes fall
To quilt meadows
So we see the wandering prints
                Of birds
                               Rabbits
                                                   The bobcat at dawn
And the footprints of small red boots -
Making sled paths
And snowmen
And forts
And fields of snow angels."

May the angels that died that day know they live in the hearts of so many....all beautiful, and missed.
                                                                      

Xander's Panda Party, written by Linda Sue Park and illustrated by Matt Phelan. Clarion, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Thomas Allen & Son, 2013. $18.99 ages 4 and up

"Koala is a little dozy,
likes her tree
all leafy-cozy.
I will ask her anyway.
Surely she will want to
play!"

It starts as a little celebration. Xander wants to have a party for pandas, until he realizes he is the only panda in the zoo. Not much of a party, is it? It is time to rethink the criteria. So, Xander plans a 'bear affair'. The planning takes time and much thought. The menu is designed to accommodate the taste buds of all guests and includes:

"Menu

Berries
Honey
Fish
Grubs
Eucalyptus leaves
Bamboo"

You might want to guess who eats what. Nothing is left out. He hands out his invitations, and is promptly stopped in his tracks:

"From her tree, Koala hollered, "Xander, I am not a bear."
Xander didn't understand her. "Koala Bear, you're not a
bear?" He stared at her in consternation.
"Sorry for the complication. I know I'm called Koala Bear,
but I am not a bear, I swear. I am a marsupial. Marsupials -
we're rather rare. Will I not be welcome there?"

I love the lilt of the language! Matt Phelan's accompanying ink and watercolor art bursts with expression and changing mood on every page. The loose lines and many added details (Xander shaking hands with the tiny orange Amanda Salamander) give each of the animals depicted a singular personality. I have too many favorites to mention, and you are sure to find your own!

Deep thinking keeps cropping up as Xander is faced with one complication after another, while trying to be sure that no zoo denizen is left out. The rhino throws in a little wrench, and Xander must think yet again. Lucky there is bamboo to chew and a pacing place! He amends his plan and thus, his invitation:
"Calling all mammals and birds:
A celebration invitation _
Food and fun and jubilation!"

Thankfully that will be the end of the stumbling blocks, or will it? In fact, the story ends perfectly! Oh, please get this book to share with your kids at home and at school. They will love it, and want to hear it repeatedly. You won't mind!


                                                                     

IT CAN'T BE TRUE! Dorling Kindersley Limited, Tourmaline Editions. 2013. $19.99 all ages

"The biggest-ever
iceberg began its life
when it broke free
from an ice shelf
off Antarctica
in 1956. It was
208 miles (335 km)
long and 60 miles
(100 km) wide."

Here's another of those remarkable books from DK that teach you what you didn't know you wanted to know! From front to back it astonishes with little known (or considered) facts that will have you opening your eyes wide and wanting to share that new knowledge. I can just hear young readers at the dinner table offering the fact that a blue whale's heart is as large as a car, that the number of people killed by the Black Death would fill 827 Rose Bowl stadiums, or that the average human body contains approximately 100 trillion cells, and 10 times that number of bacteria. Did you know that you wanted to know that?

The book is divided into sections for quick reference, and they include 'out of this world', 'astounding earth', 'humans and other life-forms', and 'feats of engineering'. Each section is then divided into questions and data. Having just celebrated another birthday, I went straight to "How old are the oldest animals?"

"Ocean quahog clams are known to live for more than 400 years. Scientists think some sponges may live even longer."

Okay, you're safe. I have no intention of living that long! A timeline at the bottom of the page shows hourglass timers that range from an elephant (86 years)) to the quahog (405 years). It's a great graphic.

You'll be saying 'WOW!' and you will be wanting to share what you have learned. It will be the same for kids who read this book.  Isn't that what we want for them?