Never Trumpet with a Crumpet, written by Amy Gibson and illustrated by Jenn Harney. Boyds Mills Press, Highlights. $23.95 ages 3 and up

"Sit up straight.
Don't slump.
Don't slouch.
Lay your napkin
on your pouch.

Have patience.
Let your hostess pour.
One lump or two -
not three or four."

What are the chances of being invited to tea with the Queen? Few, I would guess. So, what happens when the invitation is scooped from a windy sky by an elephant at the zoo. Of course, all of his animal friends are thrilled and delighted to attend. We can see from the young prince's face that the feelings are mutual. The Queen - surprised at their arrival would be an understatement!

Gracious she is, and the expectations for perfect manners are high.

"No wolfing food or snapping jaws.
Use your fork and not your paws.

Resist the urge to lick you chin.
Choose silverware from outside in."

The rhyme is lively, the antics predictable. As the place gets messier and messier, the Queen's response reaches a fever pitch. The prince? Not in the least disturbed by the merriment and chaos, he roars with delight and encourages the animals in their enjoyment of the feast.

"Oh, do sit still. Refrain from spills.
Mind your antlers. Watch your quills.

No reaching, grabbing - mercy me! -
however long your tongue may be."

You can picture it, can't you? If not, you have Jenn Harney to thank for providing the hilarious interpretation of the lack of manners here displayed. In double page spreads, with animals and royalty filling every space, she shows each and every suggestion for behavior in terms of how 'not' to behave when accepting such an invitation. Young readers are sure to enjoy the mayhem, while also learning a lesson in manners.

The advice is delivered, the attempts for proper etiquette clearly shown, and the results too much fun for everyone in attendance. Should all advice be followed, another invitation is likely.

What are their chances now?

Sealed With A Kiss, written by Beth Ferry and illustrated by Olivier Tallec. Harper, 2019. $21.99 ages 3 and up

"She waddled right up to
Rhino, who sniffed, and
snorted, and sneezed.
"Pee-yew!"

She smooched Panda.
"Ewww!" 

She bussed the baboons.
"Blech! Blech! Fish breath!"


Seal is looking to make new friends after her recent arrival from a French zoo. No word of welcome from any of the zoo's denizens is perplexing and disappointing. Then, a sparrow's quick peck is all she needs to give her freedom to make the first overture.

With sardine breath and a purpose, she sets her path to meet rhino, then panda. They have an unexpected reaction. Oblivious, Seal carries on. The kissing, cuddling, canoodling, and slobbering are not appreciated by the others, and they make their feelings known. Seal notices nothing. She uses her French ways to greet new friends, and that is her goal. Finally, Snow Leopard sets her straight:

"Snow Leopard didn't groan or grumble.
He didn't gag. Instead, he growled.

"You stink!"

It is immediately evident that Seal has no idea. Her sad countenance and deflated spirit lead her right back to the water that is her home. Sparrow is not pleased, and reminds the others about being new and alone. It turns the page for the group. Their heartfelt gift of poetry is just the incentive Seal needs to realize that a dietary switch from sardine to shrimp might be just the ticket. Soon, she is feeling the warmth of many new friendships.

Olivier Tallec creates appeal with his expressive, dramatic animals ... an appeal that is sure to delight young listeners. He cleverly matches the fun found in the humorous text. It's a great way to get kids  talking about differences, friendship, and finding a fit within a new group.

Hansel and Gretel, written and illustrated by Bethan Woollvin. Two Hoots, Publishers Group Canada. 2018. $22.99 ages 5 and up

"While Hansel and Gretel made themselves at home, Willow used her best and most delicious spells to cook up a feast for them all. Unluckily for Willow, when she got to the table she found that Hansel and Gretel had already gobbled up all of the food! But Willow did not get angry ... "

Willow is a good witch who lives in the same forest that Hansel and Gretel call home. Using her good magic, she has constructed a gingerbread house and lives there happily.

While on a walk in the woods, she notices a bread crumb trail and meets two children at he end of it. Hansel and Gretel are rude to Willow. Willow's worry is that the bread crumbs might provide the only invitation needed for the mice and birds of the forest to find their way to a gingerbread feast at her house. She asks for help cleaning up. As happened in the story of the Little Red Hen, the brother and sister see no need to help.

"But Willow did not get angry, because Willow was a good witch."

That refrain is repeated throughout this fractured fairy tale. After the work is done, she arrives home to find them eating her house, and promptly invites them in for dinner. (You know what happens then!) When they find her book of spells and use them for mischief, they create a big problem. Not wanting to take any advice from a good witch, they push Willow into the oven and continue creating mayhem.

Willow's alter ego finally takes a stand! Readers will be delighted with the comeuppance for two incredibly nasty children!

This is the third book by Ms. Woollvin that takes a traditional story and gives it a twist. If it sounds appealing to you, look for Little Red (Pan Macmillan, 2016) and Rapunzel (Two Hoots, 2017) at the library or in your local bookstore. They are sure to become favorites with your little ones.

Lucky Me, writtten by Lora Rozler and illustrated by Jan Dolby. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2018. $18.95 ages 4 and up

"For tea parties with
The Queen,
dank je (dank-ya).
        Dutch

For earth and
all its beauty,
kiitos (kee-tose).
        Finnish

Staying with leaning new words in a different language, I want to share this sweet little book about being mannerly and feeling grateful for what we have. The little girl narrator begins in gratitude for each day and the things it brings her way. Her thank you is spoken in her own language - English.

As she moves through her day, she shows thankfulness for many things - questions, pancakes, sidewalk art, playground adventures, moustaches, imaginary playtime, clouds ... her list goes on. Variety in languages ranges from Armenian, Romanian, Greek, Japanese, Tagalog, Hebrew, Cree to Russian, Albanian, Italian, Persian, Cantonese  ... and more. Each thank you is shown in the selected language, followed by a phonetic pronunciation and its country of origin.

Many communities are welcoming immigrants from numerous countries. How lovely for children just beginning to learn a new language to see their own in the pages of a shared book! It is also a wonderful way to get our children thinking about the many 'treasures' of their own days. 

We Found a Hat, written and illustrated by Jon Klassen. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2016. $21.99 ages 4 and up

"How does it look on me?

It looks good on you too.

It looks good on both of us.

But it would not be right
if one of us had a hat
and the other did not.

There is only one thing to do."

If you were looking to learn about the PERFECT last book in the 'hat' trilogy, and by some weird happenstance you haven't read how wonderful it is yet, I am here to tell you it is INSPIRED!
I have shared the first two books so many times they look like my original copy of Where The Sidewalk Ends (Harper, 1974). Much loved and very tattered. I Want My Hat Back (Candlewick, 2011) and This Is Not My Hat (Candlewick, 2012) remain perennial favorites in many classrooms and homes. Deservedly so!

Skip ahead to 2016. I waited with much anticipation to get my hands on this new book - I just knew I would not be disappointed. I WAS NOT! I never get tired of sharing it, of listening to young listeners as they voice their reactions and their plea to read it one more time. "OK! Fine!" I say.

The artwork is familiar, and the characters appealing. The desert, two turtles, and a white hat. Their discovery is shared; there is only one hat and two heads. It looks equally good on each. They make the difficult decision to leave it where they found it. So many emotions are shown in deceptively small movements of the turtles' eyes and bodies. On they go. Part Two has them partaking of a beautiful desert sunset. Their thoughts concern very different things. Finally, sleep comes to both tired terrapins ... or does it?

Full of sly wit and finishing in a warm and wonderful way, this book is sure to become as much a favorite read as the first two have always been. The story is told simply, with emotion and subtlety. Friendship is a wondrous thing!
                                                                               

A Voyage in the Clouds: The (Mostly) True Story of the First International Flight by Balloon in 1785, written by Matthew Olshan and illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Farrar Straus Giroux, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2016. $20.50 ages 8 and up

"Jeffries found Blanchard
at the parade ground. He was
entertaining a large crowd
with a violin, while his dog,
Henri, snoozed at his feet.
A military band was playing
along. Pretty girls were
tossing him flowers. The
balloon was full and
straining at its ropes."

I am endlessly fascinated by the stories authors choose to tell. What motivates them to do the research needed to find out more than they already know, and why is this the story they choose to tell? It is explained in the biographical information provided on the book's back cover:

"A Voyage in the Clouds has its
roots in Matthew's fascination with
manned flight, particularly its humble
beginnings, when every flight could
spell either glory or disaster. (Things
were a lot different when he learned
how to fly an airplane himself.)

This is the same team who gave us The Mighty Lalouche (2013), and I found it just as entertaining and rewarding as I found their first work. Together they tell the story of the very first international balloon voyage. The year is 1785. The balloonists are Dr. John Jeffries from England and Jean-Pierre Blanchard from France. The journey will take them across the English Channel. It is not without its challenges. There is a problem before take-off.

"Bad news? What bad news?
With all our provisions,
the balloon cannot carry
the weight of two men
and two dogs. Only one man.
And only one dog. Henri."

Of course, this is a lie. Blanchard has donned a lead vest to add the needed weight. Once discovered, the flight can go ahead. Soon, they are on their way. The tension remains high, and arguments are rampant. They floats higher, the balloon gets bigger. Jeffries opens a valve to release gas; the needed wrench is accidentally dropped. The balloon continues its downward plunge. Jeffries must enlist help from Blanchard, who manages to stop the gas. Losing altitude, they must rid themselves of weight ... sacks of sand, oars, rudder, violin and bow, thermometer, umbrella, decorations, even the flags. What they do next will have kids hooting.

During the two hour and forty-seven minute flight they experience danger, anger, cooperation and ultimately, success. It's a grand story to tell. Sophie Blackall's detailed artwork holds many surprises, and gives readers a real sense of the time in which the story takes place. She adds to the inherent humor with expressive faces and telling body language. Funny, informative, and worthy of reading during a study of flight, or just for love of reading and entertainment.
                                                                  

Good Night, Baddies. Written by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Juli Kangas. Beach Lane, 2016. $22.99 ages 4 and up

"Poor old troll,
your life is tough:
a muddy wait for
three goats gruff.
You deserve a nice
long scrub,
so add some bubbles
to the tub.
Wolves, today was
not so good."

Halloween seems the perfect time to give some love to the bad guys of fairy tale fame. It rarely happens, does it? Today I am sharing a bedtime story that gives voice to those bad ones ... witch, wolf, giant, troll, gnome, dragon. You know them!

Seems they like to get together at the end of their trying days and talk together before bed. They spend time sharing news of that day, and asking questions of others who tell of their trials and tribulations. It's great for winding down.

"Baddies sit politely dining,
no one throwing food or whining.
All day long they must be vile;
now, at night, they chat and smile."

The characters are tender and kind-hearted, the background is quiet and peaceful. Ms. Underwood's rhymes are matched brilliantly by the watercolor images washed with oils. Readers will have a great deal of fun associating each of the spreads with familiar folks from their favorite fairy tales.

They begin with a chase - a terrified Jack holding the golden goose and running while a sweaty, somber giant follows in his footsteps, crushing all trees in his path. Then, each 'baddie' (including the giant) finds the way home to a cordial castle setting where there is no evident anger or animosity. There will be much discussion of and wonder at the details created by Ms. Kangas.

Strange to learn that we have much in common with those who create chaos and concern within the pages of beloved books. They, too, are tired at the end of long, busy days and seek the pleasures of a delicious meal, a warm bath and a shared story before turning out the lights.
                                                                                  

Loula and Mister the Monster, written and illustrated by Anne Villeneuve. Kids Can Press, 2015. $18.95 ages 4 and up

"That night, Loula is too worried to sleep. She calls a meeting. "Mister, this is a serious matter. If you don't stop with the bad manners, Mama will throw you out, like an old pair of shoes! What would I do without you?" Loula gives Mister a kiss goodnight. "Don't worry, I'll think of something," she tells him as she drifts off to sleep. "I'm going to turn you into ... "

How big a mess do you suppose one Great Dane can make? Loula loves Mister with gusto. They go everywhere together ... and life is good! When Loula overhears a conversation that her mother is having about the MONSTER that is driving her mad, she assumes she must mean  the drooling, messy, bulldozer of a dog that is her best friend.

What can Loula do to make things better? She thinks long and hard, then settles on teaching him
some much-needed manners. How do you think that will go? She bathes him, dresses him in her father's tie, and tries to teach him table manners. Those darn cheese tarts are just too tempting! A lack of cleanliness and eating etiquette lead to disillusionment and a thoughtful sit on the front step.

Of course, Gilbert the chauffeur steps in, offering whatever help he might give. Lesson Three is a disaster, but Four offers promise. Five is impossible. Six is a disaster. A return home and a visit with her mother provides a surprise ending - and a reprieve for Mister and his loving owner.

Once again, Anne Villeneuve uses ink and watercolor to give her readers a real sense of the love shared, and the terror and chaos caused by an exuberant, hilarious dog. She uses every bit of each page to ensure we are thoroughly entertained while also experiencing a sense of dread over what might happen when all attempts to socialize Mister fail. Laugh out loud funny, this is a wonderful addition to this very appealing series.

If you haven't yet met Loula, you are in for a lovely time when you finally do!
                                                                    

Rude Cakes, written and illustrated by Rowboat Watkins. Chronicle Books, Raincoast. 2015. $22.99 ages 3 and up

" Rude cakes never
say please, and they
never say thank you,
and they sometimes
take things that don't
belong to them.
Rude cakes never
listen (especially when
their parents sound
boring) and they
never wait their turn ... "

Rowboat Watkins gives kids a choice in this book about manners ... and it is a choice that they will love! They can choose to be a Rude Cake or a Giant Cyclops. Which might you choose, if you have not yet read this story?

Turns out that Rude Cake is just exactly that ... rude. As you can tell from the opening quote, most of what it does is quite obnoxious, including the way it treats its four-tiered parents. It is a bully toward others, too.

So one night, when taken by a Giant Cyclops to a new and different part of the world,  it is quite astonished to learn that Giant Cyclops are a whole different kettle of fish. The first thing of note is that they think Rude Cake is a hat to be worn and admired. That is not all:

"Giant Cyclops always say thank you.,
and they always say please,
and they love to share."

And as sure as you can say 'please' and 'thank you', Rude Cake learns a lesson that will stand him in good stead with everyone he meets.

The soft gray backgrounds and muted palette of colors used by Rowboat Watkins are the perfect backdrop for a story that sends a message that is gently shared with humor and familiar situations. There are many gags to hold interest and make this memorable for those who share it. While quirky to the max, it is a welcome addition to the books that you might have collected that feature manners as the main theme. Entertaining, and great fun for story time with little ones.