Meadowlands, written and illustrated by Thomas F Yezerski. Farrar Straus Giroux, Douglas & McIntyre. 2011. $19.95 ages 5 and up

"The Meadowlands had deteriorated into one of the worst places in America, and it was giving New Jersey a bad reputation. The state government decided to turn the wasteland into a center for housing, shopping, and entertainment, while protecting parts of the wetlands."

'So, this is the Meadowlands' is what I thought when I opened this incredibly informative and appealing book. I had heard the name on numerous occasions in reference to horse racing, sports and entertainment. I had no idea about its ecosystem. Thomas Yezerski soon changed that.

He begins by reminding New Yorkers that they can see this amazing wetland from the top of the Empire State Building. That is not all they can see...there is also an airport, shopping malls, sports facilities. I love the tiny images that decorate this page's border...garbage, mosquitoes, New Jersey Turnpike, mall, warehouse, weeds, parking lot, mobsters, swamps, racetrack, chemical dump, rest stop, football fans and the Teterboro Airport. Kids will love them, too.

He uses this wonderful book to trace the history of this environment from earliest times, when the Lenni Lenape lived and flourished within its '20,000 acres of marshes, swamps and bogs that were home to many different plants and animals.'  It sustained their lifestyle; providing food, materials for housing and items for trade.

As he moves from century to century the author aptly describes the changes that the arrival of  Europeans brought about, with their need to clear land for housing and farming, cut trees to build roads for moving materials, build dikes and dams to control the natural vegetation and moisture of the ecosystem, build factories for manufactuirng and refineries to generate power. Each new age had a devastating effect on the natural habitat. The Meadowlands became a 'wasteland' and nothing changed until the government decided to make a change...and one that would improve the whole area. By 1985, only 7,000 acres of the wetlands remained.

But, things are looking up today. One thing we know about humans is that we can destroy things and we can help them heal. Healing is what is happening in this wetland region. Readers will be impressed with the progress made since the government stepped in and sparked the changes needed to turn wanton destruction to something much better. The final page offers this hopeful sign:

"In July 2007, for the first time in fifty years, a young osprey - a bird of prey- leaped out and took flight from a nest its parents had built in the Meadowlands. If a fragile family of ospreys can survive among the reeds and highways, other creatures can return and survive, too."

Thomas Yezerski borders his pages of 'just enough' information with tiny spot illustrations of objects that add importance to what he has shared. His watercolor artwork gives a clear picture of the changes that the Meadowlands has endured over the course of hundreds of years, and gives hope that it will survive for many more. If you are thinking ahead to Earth Day next month, this would be a perfect book to show how devastation and waste can fight its way back to growth and life for the many species indigenous to the habitat being portrayed.

French Ducks in Venice, written by Garret Freymann-Weyr and illustrated by Erin McGuire. Candlewick, Random House. 2011. $19.00 ages 8 and up

"Georges is not actually fond of Sebastian. He believes that Sebastian Sterling does not appreciate how lucky he is to have two French ducks living right outside his door. But Georges knows how much Polina loves Sebastian. When he takes his short trips to meet the people who watch his movies, she is always a little sad."

This is Garret Freymann-Weyr's first picture book and I hope that it will not be her last. She uses her gift for language to tell the story of a young woman, her paramour and two ducks who live in a canal close to her house. This is not 'the' Venice; rather, it is Venice, California. These are not 'French' ducks, they are cormorants. Polina is not as happy as she looks on the front cover of the book; she has just been left behind by her boyfriend Sebastian. The ending is not eternally happy, but the story works for me!

Georges and Cecile, the title's 'French Ducks' are not happy when Sebastian leaves their darling Polina behind, and Georges determines to find her something new to make her happy again:

"Instead of finding Sebastian Sterling, who had to go and is not to be found, Georges decides that he will find a present for Polina. A pretty, perfect present for his princess. It will mean he must fly near and far, and high and low."

He brings the 'pretty, perfect present' to Polina, who remains sad. Cecile admonishes that Polina must be sad before she can be happy once more. Georges is certain that it is the lack of a prince that has her so upset:

""But she has no prince," Georges says. "How will she ever be happy again?"
"Maybe she will find a new prince," Cecile says. "When she is done being sad."
"When will she be done?" Georges asks.
"I don't know," Cecile says.
"I will start looking for her new prince," Georges says. "For when she is happy again."
"Ducks do not find princes," Cecile says. "Princesses find them.""

I like this modern fairy tale that touches on love, loss, and finding happiness. The ducks are loyal and true friends whose concern for Polina is admirable, if a little emotional. They want only what is best for their princess; and learn that it is perhaps her own lot in life to find just that.

It takes time, but Polina does find happiness...and it isn't with a prince.

Never Forgotten, written by Patricia McKissack, with artwork by Leo and Diane Dillon. schwartz & wade, Random House. 2011. $20.99 all ages

"When Dinga invited the
Mother Elements
To help with his son's upbringing
They agreed.
Then he held the baby
Up to the night sky
And named him
"Musafa!
Only the Universe is Greater!""

What a stunning book this is....I am so happy to be sharing it with you!

It is the story of life, love and loss and is told from a loving father's point of view. Dinga is an honored Blacksmith, and a leader in his community. When his wife dies following the birth of their son, Dinga is adamant that he will raise the child himself. There is much advice given against such an undertaking. Dinga is resolute.

In the 21 poems, carefully crafted by noted writer Patricia C. McKissack, we follow Musafa as he grows enveloped in the love and gentle rearing of his father:

"The years passed in a march of seasons.
The boy grew tall and strong
Under the loving eyes of his father
And the protective forces of the Mother Elements,
Who were his teachers,
His counselors,
His friends."

Musafa takes his place beside his father and learns the ways of a master craftsman. But, his heart is not in it. He loves to make beautiful things which his father does not appreciate. Then one day Musafa is sent to gather firewood and does not return. His father is disconsolate, and blames himself for his son's disappearance. Dinga and the villagers search desperately, calling for Musafa and longing for his return. It is Earth who returns with news:

"I watched as he was bound to other captives
Ankle to ankle.
I watched as he was force-marched toward the Big Water -
Tripping, stumbling, falling.
I watched him take a lash
Across his bare back so hard
His body trembled."

Dinga can do nothing. Fire makes an attempt to get him back, but must watch as the boat sails with Musafa aboard. Water brings news that Musafa is defiant and encouraging the other snatched children to be brave and LIVE! Water tells of where the Middle Passage ends and that Musafa's fate is sealed when he is sold as a slave.

It is terrifying and heartbreaking to think of what happened to so many! Patricia McKissack tells their story with passion and compassion for their plight. After three years without his son, and suffering great depression at his loss, Wind brings some solace:

"Our son has truly found the music in his hammer.
His fences, railings, and banisters
Are handsomely decorated with birds, flowers,
And animals inspired by his memories of home."

The news is welcome and the son remains forever in his father's heart:

"Dinga danced and feasted far into the night
With the Mother Elements by his side,
Celebrating the son who was taken,
But never forgotten."

BRAVO!

When I Was Small, written by Sara O'Leary and illustrated by Julie Morstad. Simply Read Books, 2011, $18.95 ages 4 and up .

"When I was small,
says his mother,
I slept in a mitten.
When I was small,
says his mother,
the cat once mistook me
for one of her kittens."
When I was small,
says his mother,
I could wear a daisy
for a sun hat."


There is something so gentle and lovely about this series of books that allow me to enjoy being with Henry and his relentless questions. The first two, When You Were Small and Where You Came From remain some of my favorites for sharing with young readers. This time Henry is more interested in his mother's early life than his own.

He asks for a story about her childhood and she gently obliges. Her series of short snippets of earlier times are as wild and weird as previous stories about Henry. Each one of her when I was small starters is shown on a single page that faces an accompanying illustration by Julie Morstad. It is a great partnership and makes me eager to see what they will do next.

His mother doesn't mean 'when she was young'; rather, she interprets his question literally and tells tall tales about being small enough to wear her doll's shoes, and on it goes! She provides perfect, soft scenarios for her quiet, inquisitive son. She even adds a nod to the story of the three bears with the beds that she tries in the doll house built by her father.

It begins with Henry's observations and question, and ends with his mother's lovely assurance:

"When I was small, says his mother,
I couldn't wait to grow up.
Because I knew one day I would have
a small boy of my own."

The details in Julie Morstad's artwork add to the genuine charm of the telling. She interprets each small remembrance with her subdued palette and gentle warmth. The bonus is that in talking about when a parent was younger, it might also spark true stories of childhood that can be shared and savored.

The 10 p.m. Question, written by Kate De Goldi. Candlewick, Random House. 2010. $19.00 ages 12 and up

"Frankie also worked his way through many books at the City Library, but he did it at a leisurely pace and he mostly chose picture books. He didn’t care what anyone thought about this, but nor did he imagine anyone took the slightest notice. That was the great thing about the library. It was both teeming with people and very private. Everyone was either busy selecting books or returning them or was sprawled in a beanbag, lost in their own reading world."

It took me a while to read this book because I wanted to savor (and read again) the wonderful language chosen to tell it. I greatly admire Kate De Goldi's ability to deal with Frankie and his phobias, a highly eccentric cast of characters and the topic of depression in a way that is full of thoughtful finesse and a delicate touch. It is there, but it is never in your face and always handled in Frankie's terms. He is the youngest in the Parsons family and just coming to the understanding that Ma has some problems that are not easily solved. His father, his siblings and his aunts have come to terms with Ma's illness and her inability to leave the comfort and security of her home. Frankie is just beginning to question why:

"Not once had they ever discussed the startling fact of their family life: that their mother stayed permanently and irrevocably - and, who knows, maybe unnaturally - at home; that she had not left their property for nine years or more; that she seldom left the four safe walls of their house. They had never discussed the extremely odd fact that their mother had not, for nine years, been in a car, a bus, a shop, a movie theater, an airplane. That in this long time, she had never been to the beach, the library, the art gallery, the Aunties', the doctor, the dentist, a cafe, or a kebab house. How could they have never talked about this? Frankie could hardly believe it."

Sydney changes Frankie's world. Everything about her makes her unlike anyone he has ever met. She is perceptive and honest, and given to making Frankie think seriously about his family and his insular world:

"Telling Sydney everything had not magically eliminated, or even quieted, the rodent voice. It had not relieved him of any of the domestic tasks that he longed to hand over, or his great feeling of responsibility for Ma. Nor had it stopped his vigils in Ma's bedroom, his inventory of gnawing worries, brooded over and confessed haltingly during the nightly visits."

The questions she asks are unsettling, her opinions are freely shared. Frankie doesn't quite know what to make of her. It is with Sydney's encouragement and knowledge of everything Parsons that he can ask the ultimate 10 p.m. question.

No matter how eccentric, I loved every single character in this wonderful book. I have a special place in my heart for Frankie, for Ma and for Sydney. Their world is so poignant, yet compelling. The sense of acceptance that comes through in the reading is what will make it memorable in the months to come and I will be recommending it for middle and high school readers who love character driven stories who find happiness despite the odds, and do their best to make their life the best they can make it.

The ending is exactly as it should be, allowing readers time to savor all that has happened and consider what might happen in the future. It is hopeful in a book that is sensitive, smart and oh, so funny at times. It will go on my list of 'forever' favorites !

I'm a scientist...Backyard, by Lisa Burke. DK, Tourmaline Editions. 2010. $13.99 ages 4 and up

"Put the snails back where you found them. Come back at one-hour intervals to see how they're doing. Which one has traveled the farthest? How long has it taken? Make a note of their routes and how they move."

And here's another of those great activity books...and what better place to get kids looking than right in their own backyard? The added bonus is fresh air, being somewhat active and satisfying their scientific need to know.

If you worked together through any of the activities in the Kitchen book, you will know how they work. If you are new to the incredible nonfiction work that DK does, you are in for a fun romp through the pages of a most intriguing and informative edition from the I'm a scientist series. Each one is as good as the rest!

We start with using live flowers, and food coloring. You know where I am going with this, don't you? Each activity is clearly set out for even the youngest reader. There is a list of materials, a numbered method (with numbers large enough to be clearly seen) and helpful photographs that make the observation and recording easy for little scientists.

There are experiments concerning plant growth, bug houses and garden critters, earthworms, windmills, parachutes, and even shower caps to protect fair heads from showers in nature. So much fun, and the added bonus is that children are learning about scientific principles in their real world.

Don't forget to check out the flap on the right side of each double-page spread! They are filled with answers to our questions and encourage further learning. Again, a glossary and a shopping list are most useful additions to this already wonderful book!

I was asked to review these books as part of a contest that DK is running through the month of March. Readers are encouraged to check out this website and enter their names for a chance to win some great prizes:

http://cn.dk.com/static/cs/cn/11/nf/features/march-break-survival-boutique/index.html

GOOD LUCK!

I'm a scientist...Kitchen, by Lisa Burke. DK, Tourmaline Editions. 2010. $13.99 ages 4 and up

"Most of what you need to complete the experiments are commonly found around the house. With adult supervision, the results can be just as exciting as delicious food for a hungry young mind. Science can explain the mystery of our universe and help us build a better future."

Science is all about asking 'why?' and then using that interest to help find the answers to our questions. Inisde this book and behind its many flaps, you will find great fun and memorable learning. Perhaps it will lead your child to a life filled with discovery and excitement about their world.

Take a look at its content, head to the kitchen and make some discoveries on your own while you help little ones experiment with common materials and a sense of wonder. Everyday science using everyday materials, what could be easier?

Learn about density, static electricity, structures, magnets and more...in this guide to help children learn basic science understandings and methodology. The experiments are well designed, giving clear directions and providing brightly colored photographs to help in following the method. Simple explanations are provided for each concept and a lifted flap uncovers the science while offering ideas for follow-up procedures.

Questions are encouraged, supplies are easily found and inexpensive. There is fun to be had by all who share this book, and a lot of learning as well:

"Your goo is sometimes a solid and sometimes a liquid! That's because the corn starch doesn't really dissolve in the water. Instead, it forms a suspension of tiny, solid pieces that hang around in the water. Scientists call this strange stuff a colloid."

As is usual, and so much appreciated with DK nonfiction for the young, the photos make each step in the process easy to follow. Large numbers guide parents and young scientists through each experiment. Bright photos make it very clear what is needed to complete it, and the pattern is similar as readers move from one guided experience to the next. A glossary and useful shopping list add to the value so apparent in this amazing series.

Check this out if you want to be part of DK's WHAT DID YOU MAKE ON SPRING BREAK Contest. It's running until the end of March!

http://cn.dk.com/static/cs/cn/11/nf/features/march-break-survival-boutique/index.html

The Aviary, written by Kathleen O'Dell. Knopf, Random House. 2011. $17.99 ages 10 and up

"She yelped and hopped up on a small wooden crate. Her weight, however, proved too much for the box, and one leg crashed through. The rat skittered off into the shadows, but Clara was stuck. The heart she had just lectured now pumped furiously as she pulled at her knee to free her foot. Her hem ripped before her stocking foot came out - bootless!"

I liked this book! It is historical fiction, while also housing mystery. It has an element of fantasy and magic. It has an old-fashioned feel about it and it has the most interesting characters. The Glendoveer Mansion is home to young Clara; her mother, Harriet; the cook, Ruby, and the owner, Mrs. Cenelia Glendoveer. Mrs. Glendoveer is an ailing older woman who requires much care and assistance:

"Clara almost couldn't bear to watch. The sharp bones of the old woman's spine seemed ready to break through the skin. And her lovely white hair was damp and stringy, showing her naked scalp. After Mrs. Glendoveer coughed into the hankie one last time, Harriet motioned for Clara to bring the bed jacket. She clothed Mrs. Glendoveer and laid her back gently, propping her upright with pillows."

The mansion itself has a presence and takes on a life of its own, with its many rooms, hidden secrets, eerie sounds and found treasures. It is a great setting for this story of a magician, his family and his partner in their magic show, Mr. Woodruff Booth. While their parents are away in Europe performing, the Glendoveer children are kidnapped and later found drowned...all five of the older ones, and the baby Elliott was never found. 

The birds in the backyard aviary are a mystery at the beginning of the story...raucous and upset over company, insistent and strident whenever Clara comes near. It takes time and patience to discover their secrets. The five of them are different species, with distinct personalities and in need of care. When Mrs. Glendoveer dies, Clara promises that she will provide that care. As she does, she makes some amazing discoveries. They lead her to search further and with the help of a new friend and neighbor, she is able to solve the mystery of the kidnapping and the still missing baby:

"Clara stood absorbing all the sound until it resonated in her bones. In her mind, the bits and pieces of everything she had gleaned about the Glendoveers' story held together. She had a picture now! The blue embroidered poem, barely perceptible at the bottom of Mrs. Glendoveer's mourning picture.
None shall fly till all come home..."

This is not an easy read and will be appreciated by those middle graders who love a good story, with multiple characters, many twists, some scares and a touch of magic and deceit. A cast of carefully drawn characters, a hint of mystery and old fashioned intrigue captured my interest and kept me reading late into the night. Blessed be retirement that allows sleep-ins when such things happen!

A House in the Woods, written and illustrated by Inga Moore. Candlewick, Random House. 2011. $19.00 ages 3 and up

"But when the first Little Pig brought her feather home to her den, she discovered that Bear had moved in - which she didnt' mind, because she liked Bear. But Bear was so big that - oh, dear! - the den was wrecked."

Ooooh! I love these illustrations that are so suited to this charming story of great friendship. When the two Little Pigs go for their morning constitutional they have no idea that life as they know it will have changed by the time they return home. We get to watch their discovery!

Returning with a newly found feather for one, and an interesting stick for the other, they find that Bear has moved into one's den and Moose into the other. Even the smallest child will recognize the incongruity of a Bear trying to live in a Pig's wee den...not much different with the Moose. Of course, both dens are now uninhabitable. Poor Pigs!

Nothing to be done but to find a new home. All are amenable to do just that, and it doesn't take long to decide what and where. Moose wants them to consider constructing a building that will house all of them together. Having no skills for design or engineering, they look for the most obvious forest animals to aid in the construction....the Beavers. A quick phone call and a promise to pay their fee in peanut butter sandwiches makes it a done deal!

And so, the work begins with everyone pitching in to create a 'home' for the four:

"Bear made the staircases and chimney stacks, while Moose fitted the windows and doors. Then they both went with the two Little Pigs to the junkyard for furniture and curtains and all the other things that go inside a house."

Building complete, bill turned over, there is only one thing left to do...a trip to the store for bread and peanut butter. Delivery of said payment results in contentment for the builders, and great delight for the new inhabitants. It is a lovely house with all the amenities needed for a lifetime of shared happiness.

No drama here; just a lovely, quiet story of friendship and community. Each illustrated page is filled with the small details that make it just right for a young audience. The earthy tones and soft edges chosen for the art work perfectly with the gentle tone of the tale and will leave listeners satisfied and soothed by the benefits of working as one to create something very special:

"Soon the only sounds to be heard were the soft cheeps of sleepy birds roosting in the rafters, the tiny rustling of wood mice in the fallen leaves outside, and, just now and then, the gentle snoring of Bear."

 Snuggle up with this lovely book on a cool winter night, and enjoy a wonderful family time!

Who Needs a Swamp? Written and illustrated by Karen Patkau. Tundra, 2012. $19.99 ages 7 and up

"The river has done damage. It has washed soil from its own banks. But in the swamp, tree and plant roots cling on to waterlogged earth.
By slowing the river water, the swamp keeps more soil form wearing away."

Tundra has just published the first three books in a new series called the Ecosystem Series. This is the first one that I have read, and found it to be informative and accessible for young readers.

Karen Patkau provides 'just enough' clear information on each double page spread to keep her readers interested and moving forward. She fills her collages with intense color and abundance to show a coherent view of this ecosystem and its many inhabitants. We become aware of the wildlife in her vivid descriptions of the sounds and sights in the swamp and through her carefully constructed artwork.

The constantly changing page designs encourage her audience to search carefully through the text for clues to what is happening in the art, and the art is filled with details that have the child's eyes searching for each new and delightful discovery.

A map that plots wetland areas of the world is useful and an inset shows exactly where this particular swamp is found. Following the map, the author adds a short paragraph of information to further knowledge of the many wetlands inhabitants, such as:

"Duckweed
Duckweed spreads by sending new leaves out from its sides. Its floating roots trap polluted sediment in water flowing into the swamp. Cleaner water trickles out."

and

"Swamp Rabbit
When chased, the swamp rabbit makes zigzag hops right into the water. Here it waits underwater, until it feels safe. Only its nose sticks up into the air."

Fascinating and fun learning, that's the best kind of nonfiction for young readers!

Don't miss the other two books in this brand new series, Who Needs a Jungle? and Who Needs An Iceberg?

With A Name Like Love, written by Tess Hilmo. Farrar Straus Giroux, Douglas & McIntyre, 2011. $18.95 ages 9 and up

"Moody didn't ask Ollie why she wanted to go to the Koppel place. Unlike Sheriff Burton, he didn't warn her against the horrible things that would happen to her precious soul if she befriended the boy. Unlike Mrs. Mahoney, he didn't assume she'd be over her head in trouble. He just pointed out the way and let her go."


Here's a family you won't soon forget! And, the mystery that draws them to the people of the small town of Binder, Arkansas makes it a compelling and quick read.  It's hard to put down once started.

When the Reverend Everlasting Love and his family set up in a farmer's field just outside town for their three day revival meetings, they have no idea that Binder is a town with secrets. It is Olivene (called Ollie) who makes the discovery and asks her father for help in getting Jimmy's mother our of jail. What Ollie has learned from Jimmy is that his mother is not guilty of his abusive father's death and she is wasting away in jail for admitting to it. Why?

That is the mystery. Everyone in town believes she did it. How can the Love family help? Well, there is no excuse for someone being accused unjustly of a murder she did not commit. As Ollie comes to know more about Jimmy and his family, her heart opens and she convinces her own family that they MUST stay longer this time. They must put aside their travelling ways to make a difference in this small town. Perhaps the church with the covered-up windows is the answer. Her father can stay, help the town heal and provide Sunday inspiration to those needing it. It is a difficult decision for the Reverend Love.

"Ollie knew Jimmy was happy and trying to share his joy, but could see her daddy wasn't taking it. It made her sad, and she thought again of what Martha had said, about how you can't change a person's wandering spirit. Maybe asking her daddy to stay was like asking a stream to sit and visit for a while. Nature just wouldn't allow it."

In her debut novel, Tess Hilmo creates a cast of characters worthy of our admiration. Life in the Love family is pretty normal, except for their constant travel. There are five girls and they do not always get along. We catch glimpses of each unique personality with every new encounter. The family works hard to keep food on the table, to move from place to place bringing a positive message of love and peace and they each find solace in helping others. Jimmy is a young boy, struggling to live on his own, visiting his mother daily and using his deep and abiding love of frogs to bring some joy to his life. Moody is a kind and supportive neighbor who helps Jimmy as much as he can, and worries about the hand the young boy and his mother have been dealt. Mrs. Mahoney is wise and generous, offering a home and hope. The Carters, Sheriff Burton and his son, and even the deceased brute who was Jimmy's father are well-drawn and play an integral part in the unfolding drama. The writing is wondrous!

small as an elephant, written by Jennifer Richard Jacobson. Candlewick, Random House. 2011. $18.00 ages 12 and up

"That's what worry did to Jack, made him incredibly tired - tired the way his mom always was after the spinning times. She'd come home and crawl into bed, close the shades, and pull up the covers, and that's where Jack would find her for days - sometimes even weeks - after a spinning time. Tired like that."


Truthfully, I didn't think that I was going to be able to read this book. It begins with Jack who is 11, and his mother. They are in a campground in Maine; arriving late, setting up both tents and going quickly to sleep. Morning finds his Mom, her tent, her car gone. How could that happen? What kind of mother is she? What will he do? Jack is concerned but determined that he will find her. So, he sets off alone with little to sustain him and no real plan in mind.


As we travel the back roads and main streets with Jack, we come to realize that this has happened before, and Jack is wily at keeping secrets. He trusts no one, having learned that lesson well. In previous such episodes, Jack has learned to cover for his mother, thus avoiding being put in the foster care system or having to live with his mother's mother. Anyone he might trust he views with a skeptical eye and avoids spilling his doubts, fears and secrets to them.


No money, no way of contacting his mother, and virtually nothing but what he has on his back, what will he do? What he has always done...stick to himself and find a way to survive on his own. He has never been alone in the wide world before....he has always been at home, in their apartment with neighbors close by. It is a gripping adventure, and often uncomfortable for my mothering instincts. He breaks my heart; but, Jack is a fighter and does his best to take care of himself. He is such a mix of old soul, and young boy. His story is a mixed bag of wanting to be independent and make it on your own and being gripped by the fear of being left alone to fend for himself. You cannot help but cheer him on and hope that when the time comes to make the best decision, he will be able do it.

Through it all, Jack remains intrigued and obsessed by elephants...the reason for the argument that Jack and his mother have at the onset. Jack has loved elephants since a very early age and has spent endless hours learning as much as he can about them. He believes that if he can just see Lydia, a captive elephant who lives in a wild animal park in Maine, he will know the right thing to do. Each chapter begins with a fascinating quote or fact about elephants. My favorite begins chapter one:


"If anyone wants to know what elephants are like, they are like people, only more so.
                                                                                          - Peter Corneille"


Jack learns two life lessons during his journey. One is raw, one is life-altering.


First, he voices his own heartbreak:


"He was so ashamed.
Ashamed of it all, of everything that he had done.
But most of all, ashamed because...
Because she'd left him.
There,
In between sobs, he thought it.
My mother...
My mother left me.
She
left
me."


Then, he realizes:


"...he had never really been alone. He had been part of a makeshift herd, one that spread out for miles. They had communicated heart sounds that were sometimes so soft, they weren't always discernible to the ear. But they had found one another, and they had helped one another. Just like a true herd."

love & leftovers, written by sarah tregay. Harper, 2011. $19.99 ages 13 and up

"I thought it was my fault
because you didn't touch me.
I thought it was Dad's fault
because he wrecked our family.
I thought it was Mom's fault
because she slept all day.
I thought it was Katie's fault
because she chose the Leftovers
over me."


You don't need a lot of words to tell a great story; but, you need wonderful words and form to tell it well. Sarah Tregay knows that. She gets it right the first time!

In her debut novel, she constructs a story in verse that is honest, and filled with all of the uncertainties of being sixteen, dealing with a family break-up, leaving your friends behind, and first love. Marcie and her mother are in Durham, New Hampshire and school is about to start...new school, new year...everything new. They have come to New Hampshire to get away from Boise, Idaho. In Boise, Marcie's Dad is living with his boyfriend, Katie and Linus (her best friend and boyfriend) and the rest of the  Leftovers are starting their own school year and life is going on without her.

Marcie is caring for her depressed mother while living in a family summer house on the Atlantic coast, and not knowing who to blame:

"But I can't hate my dad
just because he's gay.
I love him.

Nor can I leave Mom
when she's so down.
She needs me.

And this
pile of dominoes
is not my fault."

My heart aches for her. As she begins school, she decides she won't worry about new friends. J.D. changes that. He is persistent in his pursuit, he's cute, he's an athlete well-liked by his classmates. When he kisses Marcie, she is confused. She already has a boyfriend, doesn't she? How can she feel like this when it isn't Linus who's kissing her? And she has a wish:

"My Wish

is to fall
cranium over Converse
in dizzy daydream-worthy
love."

I don't remember a lot about being sixteen. I suspect I might have felt exactly that same thing.
J. D. brings her doughnuts, plans a special birthday party and wants to be with her. Linus deserves to know, but she cannot face telling him and she wants to ask her dad about it all:

"Then I'd ask him how he managed
the ping-ponging feelings
that accompany liking
two people at one time.

Because kissing J.D.
felt amazing one minute
and terrible the next."

When her dad visits at Christmas, the decision is made for Marcie to return to Boise with him. Her mother needs time to heal and find new meaning in life, her dad loves her and wants her with him.  Marcie is on the move again. Returning to Boise and seeing Linus boosts her feelings of guilt and she tells him about J.D. The fallout is predictable. Life goes on without Linus, without Katie, and without the Leftovers. Everything has changed, and Marcie is more confused than ever.

Fully-developed characters, first person narrative, honest emotions, relationships, courage and the fragile nature of first love...they are all here and they work at creating a compelling story. Marcie's poetry journal gives us insight into the depth of the emotions she is feeling, and hope for her future.

Wonder, written by R. J. Palacio. Knopf, Randon House. 2012. $17.99 ages 10 and up

 

"“Who we are,” he said, underlining each word as he said it. “Who we are! Us! Right? What kind of people are we? What kind of person are you? Isn’t that the most important thing of all? Isn’t that the kind of question we should be asking ourselves all the time? ‘What kind of person am I?’"

How lucky am I that I keep reading books that yell to be shared? After reading The One and Only Ivan, and fervently wishing that there was a classroom somewhere that I could share it with, Wonder rises to the top of my TBR pile! It is a book that packs a powerful punch and should be read in every fifth grade classroom...and don't stop there. It is a story that should be read and savored by anyone who loves books that will impact the way we live our lives. It is a 'wonder'!

It is August (Auggie) Pullman's story and is brilliantly told. Auggie was born with mandibulofacial dysostosis, a hereditary condition that causes numerous facial defects. He has had many surgeries, been home schooled, and is now entering public school for the first time. He is in fifth grade. That in itself is daunting. Auggie is constantly aware of the reactions of others when they first see him. He has become accustomed to it, which is quite different that being able to understand or harden himself to it.

Making the decision to enrol Auggie has been harrowing for his parents and worrisome for the whole family. The year is difficult but has some amazing and heartwarming moments. The reactions are varied, as should be expected. Readers will find themselves knowing Auggie well and rooting for him. His neighborhood is a safe haven for him. Auggie knows everyone and they all know him. School is a different kettle of fish...here, he knows no one and can only anticipate some of the reaction that his attendance will cause. Still, he faces each day with courage and even humor as his rocky year moves forward. He has an obsession with Star Wars and describes himself in terms of it:

 "Like, it's okay, I know I'm weird looking, take a look, I don't bite. Hey, the truth is, if a Wookie started going to school, I'd probably stare a bit!"

Auggie's voice is compelling, honest and ordinary. He deals with all things fifth grade. He is brave (he has to be given all the surgeries he has faced and the everyday difficulties of eating, hearing and being different), he is funny (luckily) and full of resolve. He is a character to be admired and emulated.

The kids in his school are like all kids in schools everywhere. They have had little experience with a kid like Auggie. They snicker, they point, they ostracize and they show fear. They say mean things when no one is listening, they feel embarrassed by their reactions, and many learn to be better people through understanding and empathy.

Olivia, his older sister, is in grade nine and has her own take on life with Auggie. While she loves him unconditionally, she wants her life in high school uncomplicated by her classmates knowing about her brother. She tells her story with honesty, with compassion and with guilt for self concern. She only made me love her more for voicing some of the frustrations she deals with in having a loved brother who faces great difficulty in life.

Now, get out there and get a copy for yourself, your child, your child's classroom or school library. You will NEVER forget August Pullman, and you won't want to either!

Crouching Tiger, written by Ying Chang Compestine and illustrated by Yan Nascimbene. Candlewick, Random House. 2011. $19.00 ages 5 and up

"I meditated every day and practiced the cat walk while holding the pole up high. I kept hoping Grandpa would teach me to whack things with the pole. But by the time New Year's came, I still hadn't gotten to hit anything."

I was delighted to see this story that celebrates the Chinese New Year, as well as the martial art known as tai chi. Celebrations were held this past weekend and many people were in attendance to learn about the Chinese culture. And, my friend practices the discipline of tai chi weekly to improve mobility and because she has come to enjoy it immensely. So, I read it with personal interest beyond the warm and inviting story it tells.

Vinson is intrigued by his visiting grandfather's morning ritual:

"..., Grandpa was dancing slowly in the garden with his eyes closed. His hands moved like gliding birds. He crouched like a tiger; he drew an invisible bow; he lifted a foot like a rooster and stood still."

When he learns that tai chi is a martial art, Vinson is thrilled. He imagines himself a kung fu artist, with a little help from Grandpa. Unfortunately, when the training begins in earnest, it has none of the flash and panache that Vinson has been expecting. Rather, Grandpa shows him standing meditation. What? Just stand, hold an invisible balloon, and breathe? It is not at all what Vinson had in mind.

As the weeks pass, Vinson becomes even less enamored of the seemingly simple work Grandpa is encouraging. Things change dramatically when he sees how his grandfather uses his skills to protect a young woman from being hit with a flat board, and when he goes with Grandpa to celebrate the Chinese New Year at the annual parade. Grandpa has been training the lion dancers; and, in his visits to Chinatown, he has been singing the praises of his grandson. Vinson feels welcome and very proud when he is asked to take his part in the dragon dance:

"The martial artists led the way. They leaped and whirled about with spears, swords, and other weapons. Grandpa signaled and I marched off, focusing on keeping the cabbage just out of the lions' reach."

The exquisitely detailed, yet contemplative, illustrations have all the grace and peace of the practice of tai chi. On one side of each double page spread is the text and a small captioned demonstration of the positions that Vinson is mastering. Facing that is the warm and lively ink and watercolor artwork that shows a young boy learning about, and from, his patient and revered grandfather.

Subway Story, written and illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach. Knopf, Random House. 2011. $18.99 ages 5 and up

"Sometimes Jessie helped carry unusual things. She made sure to go slower around the curves so everyone - and everything - arrived safe."

Jessie is the biggest baby I have read about:

"When Jessie was born in St. Louis, Missouri, she weighed 75,122 pounds and was 51 1/2 feet long."

Now, that is some auspicious beginning, wouldn't you say? Of course, the fact that Jessie is a subway car explains it. Her home is New York City and she travels  from place to place with a sense of accomplishment and pride. As times change, Jessie does the same...as do her passengers, and the city itself. Always, her job is to move people safely from one stop to another.

As the aging, travel-weary cars are replaced by sleek, silver bullets, Jessie must pass her time in a dusty yard with all the other trains that have been retired. She wonders about her many passengers and if they even notice that she is no longer their transport. It's sad.

Now, admittedly, I have never wondered what happens to old subway cars:

"Instead of fixing her, the people were taking Jessie apart.
Off came her lights, her signs, her brakes, and her horn too!
They they washed Jessie over and over again,
and left her with a group of other cleaned-up subway cars."

I was surprised when they loaded her onto a barge and headed out to sea, and even more so when they dumped her over the side and into the Atlantic Ocean. There she becomes another kind of bustling and vibrant city. As the fish and barnacles, the bigger fish and plants gravitate toward her on the ocean floor, Jessie becomes an artiificial reef.

Based on a true story, Julia Sarcone-Roach has created a charming character whose lot in life is touching to her readers. Her writing is natural and appealing. Her lovely acrylic artwork gives life to Jessie and her environs, above and below the water. Her strong colors and constantly changing perspectives are infused with light and shadow allowing readers a feeling of gentle movement throughout this lovely story. It is interesting to watch as the years pass how the passengers change, and how the subway system itself changes. I absolutely love the mosaics.

An author's note explains the origin of the story, a list for further reading is provided, as well as a bibliography for those who just want to know more.

Dog Loves Books, written and illustrated by Louise Yates. Knopf, Random House. 2010. $19.99 ages 3 and up

"When he read,
her forgot
that he was
waiting.

When he read,
he forgot that
he was alone."

Keeping with the 'love' theme, I want to tell you about this book-loving dog who decides that a owning a bookstore is the course he will set for his immediate future. With experience in doing the same, I knew some of Dog's trials and tribulations when I set out to read his story.

It's a tough go for many! After 12 years of trying, while working full time jobs as well, we decided that we just couldn't do it anymore. Our love of books for children and young adults never waned, our desire to get the right book in the right hands continues; but, the book buyers in our small prairie city could not support our dream of being one of those bookstores that endures. My hat is off to those who do!

When he opens his own bookstore and finds that customers are not beating the door down to get  in, Dog is discouraged. Not being one to wallow in his own misery, he finds himself picking up first one, then another, and still another book to read while he waits for someone to come through the front door.  It takes no time for him to be immersed in story, wandering new worlds, and becoming an expert on the books that fill his shelves.  No matter who comes through the door following these discoveries, Dog always has an apt suggestion.

As librarians, teachers and booksellers know, the more stories we have read, the more easily we find the 'right' book for the 'right' child at the 'right' time. It takes perseverance, a lasting love of the written word and the need to pass on our passion for reading.

Isn't that the best job in the world?

Ivy Loves to Give, written and illustrated by Freya Blackwood. Scholastic, 2009. $18.99 ages 2 and up

"Ivy loves to give,

but sometimes she
would rather keep."


Isn't that true of each one of us? Ivy is a gentle and generous wee girl who loves to share and wants everyone in her family to feel the joy that she gets from giving.

The text is perfect for young readers...just enough for them to master with a lovely story to boot. Ivy is learning about the world and in the first half of the book, she has some difficulty with shoes that fit, glasses and where they belong, food and who likes it, and what to do with the baby's soother. But, practice makes perfect, and soon she has everything back in its place. Well, all except the ever-so-tempting tutu that looks as if it must belong to her older sister. She yearns for that tutu...

Lucky she is to have an older sister who is as kind and thoughtful as Ivy is. When her sister agrees to let her wear the tutu, Ivy gives the best gift of all...her love and a big hug!

I so admire the pencil and watercolor artwork, placed on cream-colored, uncluttered backgrounds. They give full attention to the family doings, and Ivy's sweet nature. Evidently, gift giving is her thing...to the goat, a snail, the dog, a chicken and finally the piece de resistance...the cat gets the baby's soother while Mom is obviously in need of it.

The center spread is wonderful. The family, finger pointing and bewildered, as they note what two family pets are wearing, where the hen laid its latest egg and the cat's new toy. It made me laugh out loud. So we go from 'Sometimes her presents are the wrong size,' back to 'But other times, her presents feel good...'

A lovely gentle story to share with your Valentine!

His Name Was Raoul Wallenberg. Written by Louise Borden. Houghton Mifflin, Thomas Allen. 2012. $22.50 ages 12 and up

"He told Iver Olsen that Raoul
was a man
with energy and intelligence,
who knew the world,
who could lead others,
who respected humanity,
who could speak many languages,
who knew Budapest and its people...
who had a great heart."

Talking about picture book biographies has me very excited these days. First, the number of exceptional books about important people and events is growing exponentially. I have always had an interest, and feel that a picture book is a perfect introduction to some of the most interesting people, well-known and often unknown. They offer revelation and information for young readers, and can lead to a lifelong interest in a particular person and the part they played in shaping our history.

I have heard Raoul Wallenberg's name. To tell you that I knew anything about him would be a lie. I could place him at the time of World War II; but, that would be it. No longer true. After reading this remarkable and brilliantly researched story, I feel that I know him quite well. As any avid student in your classroom might do following reading this fine book about him, I want to know more. I don't think that is unusual. He was a compassionate, caring man whose life and work made a difference in the world!

Raoul Wallenberg was born in the early twentieth century to a eminent Swedish family and would travel the world as a very young man, learning multiple languages, oozing intelligence, charm and great courage. While on a business trip to Hungary during the war, he became aware of the unconscionable treatment being meted out by the Nazis upon the Hungarian people. When he became a member of the Swedish legation in Budapest, he set his mind to arranging special documentation and variious other measures to ensure that Hungarian Jews were under the protection of the Swedish royals. This kept many from deportation and certain death:

"There was little business in the capital,
only wartime worry...
and air raids,
and rationing of food,
and shortages of electricity,
and, still, the abuses against the Jews.
Some were arrested
or dragged off the streets by anti-Jewish street thugs
and shot.
But there were no deportations to Auschwitz."

The text of the book is written in free verse, making it move quickly from Wallenberg's early years of travel, to his work during the war and his constant battle to keep people safe from transport. He won the admiration of many and a grudging respect from others: 

"To the suffering Jews
and to his staff,
he spoke with calm kindness...
but when Raoul confronted evil men,
he used loud words of anger
and indignation.
His presence was felt everywhere in Budapest,
and the name Wallenberg always brought hope."

There is a wealth of personal family history, including archival and contemporary photos, documents, maps and information gleaned from visits with his family over the past twelve years. In an author's note, Louise Borden tells her readers:

"Since then, I've traveled several times to Sweden to meet with Raoul's sister, Nina. We walked the wooded paths at Kappsta on the island where Raoul was born and drove along the "street of the knight" in Stockholm. I've held Raoul's calendar and address book - brought back from Moscow - in my hands."

Tell me that's not impressive, and motivating when crafting the story of one of the world's heroes...a man who made a difference in his world. It is a powerful study...a book about the Holocaust told with honesty and honor.  Don't miss it!

red sled, by Lita Judge. Atheneum, Simon & Schuster, 2011. $18.99 ages 2 and up

"Whoa
Whoa
Whoa
eeeeeeeeee



Looking to warm a cold winter day with conversation and a cuddle? I have just the book for you.

Wordless picture books have such appeal for me, and I love adding to my collection. There is so much to see in them, and to learn from them. I have been encouraging teachers and preservice teachers to think about using them with all students. They will have a special appeal for our students who are learning English as their second (or third) language. Wordless books are stories to be enjoyed in all languages and often offer universal experiences to be shared. Visual literacy is an important aspect of every child's education. What better way to enhance it than with an extraordinary stack of wordless 'stories'?

Red Sled has instant appeal...a small bundle of child watching contemplatively as a brown bear heads somewhere, red sled tucked under its arm. And oh, that smashing red hat! Now, to the story.

A still and frosty day, the chimney smoke rising straight up into the atmosphere, that same small child heading home after a day of sledding. The sled leans sedately against a weathered cottage wall, while night descends and light beams from a snowy window. An inquisitive bear looking for adventure, intrigued by the unternded sled...too much temptation!
Evidently, the forest animals are all looking for adventure. They soon join their pal for an evening of fun on the snowy slopes. No one wants to be left out. Like kids, they ride faster and fuller until they cannot do another run. Bear returns the sled and off they go, tired and ready for slumber. The following morning the child makes a thrilling discovery of his own and is not reluctant to act upon it! Another snowy evening, another visit to the cabin, a new rider...perfect!
The pencil and watercolor artwork is full of wonder and delight as readers watch the expressive and suitably excited animals cavorting on a snowy moonlit hill. I couldn't wait to turn the page and pore over each new scene! The sound effects are perfect and invite excited audience participation. The joy of those many downhill rides is palpable and almost makes me want to try it all over again. Not likely, but it sure evokes strong memories of past family fun.

no two alike, by Keith Baker. Beach Lane, Simon & Schuster. 2011. $18.99 ages 2 and up

"almost, almost...
but not quite."


You need say little when you fill each page with elegant, beautifully crafted illustrations that will have young readers finding new interest on every one of those pages. Keith Baker brings his lovely and lively view of a young child's world to his newest book.

We have always been told that no two snowflakes are exactly alike. Does that apply to everything in nature ? You may know twins who look like carbon copies of each other. It takes little time to discover that there are slight differences that will set one apart from the other. Keith Baker uses that premise in following two wee redbirds as they explore the snowy landscape that is their home.

Off they go, with curiosity and joy, to see their world. Preschoolers are invited to make their journey of discovery with them. Everywhere they look, they see things in pairs. Birds, snowflakes, trees, feathers....they look the same. Look closely and you will see that they are not.

Keith Baker has created artwork that perfectly matches the exuberant exploration of this winter outing. It's lovely to visit the snowy landscape with our tiny guides as they flit from nest to forest floor, from tree to fencepost and from river to sky where snowflakes fall in peaceful quiet on every page.

It is a gentle message for the very young...we are each unique and wondrous. Despite the season, there is warmth and joy as readers and listeners share the antics of two small birds finding that wonder in their world.

MY THANKS TO MY READERS!

I can't believe it! And I am so truly grateful to each and every visitor to my blog. It is just about to flip over to 20,000 visits and I can't tell you how thrilling it is for me to see that. I love books, and I love sharing them with you.  Knowing that there are readers eager to know what I am reading and posting makes working on this blog such a joy! Thank you for your support, your comments and for following what I am posting here. It makes all the difference in the world to me!

Zombie in Love, written by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by Scott Campbell. Atheneum, Simon & Schuster. 2011. $14.99 ages 6 and up

He read books and followed all of the advice. He took his dog for a walk in the park. He worked out at the gym. He even took ballroom dancing lessons. But nothing he did seemed to impress the girls."

It might be the fact that he offered a box of worm-filled chocolates to the girl at the bus stop. Or maybe it was the human heart he gave his mail carrier. Could it be that the diamond ring (displayed on a human finger) for the diner waitress was just a bit gross? No matter...Mortimer just can't seem to catch a break in his search for true love.

Loneliness is his constant companion, and he wants that to change. Perhaps an ad in the paper will do the trick:

"TALL, DEAD, & HANDSOME

If you like taking walks in the
graveyard
and falling down in the rain.
If you're not into cooking,
if you have half a brain.
If you like waking up at midnight,
horror films, and voodoo,
then I'm the guy who you've
looked for
and I'm dying to meet you!"

A come-on if you've ever heard one, right????

No matter what he does at the Cupid's Ball, Mortimer remains a wallflower. The girls just don't seem attracted to his zombie smile....until he meets his made-in-zombie-heaven match. Her name is Mildred and she is perfect.

The puns flow freely and make this a book that the youngest listeners will enjoy for the story told, while older readers and listeners will 'get' the many funny jokes. They will be hooting with the hilarious doings that find a life in the wild and crazy illustrations that Scott Campbell has created to accompany this love story for zombies...eyeballs that dangle, legs and arms that fall off with exercise, a suit purchased at a funeral home, worms that act as escorts for their sad and lonely friend. It's filled with fun, and wit, and love. Perfect for Valentine's Day!

A Stick is an Excellent Thing, written by Marilyn Singer and illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Clarion, Houghton Mifflin. Thomas Allen & Son, 2012. $19.99 ages 4 and up

"JACKS

A flick of the wrist,
a really quick scoop,
a dozen at once
from the top of the stoop.
I'm the boss of the toss,
so you cannot relax.
When you play with me,
I'm the queen of the jacks."

Here we are in the middle of Canada anticipating a dip in the Arctic air mass due to land right on top of us. Now, that can bring very cold temperatures; but, with a strong wind, it can only get worse! The weather service is telling us that by bedtime the wind chill with be -42...and that is COLD in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.

So, I turn to thoughts of summer and watching with delight the many games that kids find to play in warm weather...and outdoors. Each of the poems in Marilyn Singer's wonderful new collection celebrates that play. I chose Jacks because it is a game we loved ourselves as children and I don't often see it being played these days.

The author includes poems about walking on 'edges'...curbs, rims, ledges, about skateboarding, puddle splashing, skipping, bubbles, running through the sprinkler. It makes you want to find a way to share the fun inside, or to think of inside games that you can play and try a poem about them. She is a wonderful mentor for finding the perfect word, phrase, and fun:

"BARRELING

This hill is small. The grass feels fluffy.
Mama says it's called a knoll.
We're glad our clothes are old and scruffy.
When we go down, we never stroll -
we roll!"

We used to do that...I didn't know it had a special name. Barreling seems apt and descriptive for it.
And then the stick...all the games to be played with one. Kids will love to add to the list that she has created for them in her poem about their excellence for magical fun.

The illustrations are filled with bold-colored motion, and constantly changing perspectives. LeYuen Pham peoples her spreads with bright-eyed smiling children who are obviously getting all the outdoor sunshine and exercise needed to keep them healthy and happy. There is so much to see as the poems are shared. A winning collaboration and a most enjoyable read!

Balloons Over Broadway, written and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Houghton Mifflin, Thomas Allen. 2011. $19.99 ages 6 and up

"In the heart of New York City, in Herald Square, was the "biggest store on earth": R. H. Macy's department store. Macy's had heard about Tony's puppets and asked him to design a "puppet parade" for the store's holiday windows."

Melissa Sweet is not the first author to spend a number of years working on a book; but she might be among those who had the most fun while working so hard. In the five years spent researching this imaginative and talented man she visited the Nantucket Historical Society three times. Why? Its collection houses an impressive display of  Tony Sarg's signature work, as well as vintage photos from the early parades. It must have been like being in the 'best' toy shop!

Melissa Sweet has much in common with the subject of this sparkling picture book biography. Her love of toy collections and her ability to design and build them are just two such shared interests. It is obvious as this book is read that she spent hours figuring out the best way to display all that she was learning.

Tony Sarg had an intense infatuation from a very early age, building a chicken feeding system using pulleys when he was only six. This simple machine ensured that his chore was done without ever having to leave his warm and inviting bed in the early morning. The interest never waned. When he was older he went to London to learn how make puppets and used that knowledge to create characters that made his shows smash hits with his audiences. Those shows led to work in New York, attention from Macy's, and a chance to design some spectacular window displays for the holiday season.

Not one to rest on his laurels, and interested in Macy's concern for their immigrant employees who were missing their cultural celebrations, Tony took on the task of helping to stage the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Making it an annual tradition allowed Sarg to use his imagination and ingenuity to create the balloons that are now such a symbol to the 44 million people who watch the parade, not to mention the more than two million who line the streets of New York to be there in person.

In an author's note, Melissa Sweet includes a quote from Tony Sarg that I just love:

"I have never done a stroke of work in my life."

What wonder there is in work that is loved and well done. The author uses her note to give an overview of Tony Sarg's life work, then adds a source list that will be most helpful for anyone interested in knowing more.

Have I mentioned the art? I have not. I cannot possibly do justice to the detail-filled, impeccably designed spreads that grace every single turn of the page. There is so much to see and learn from taking a close look. Of the art, Melissa Sweet has this to say:

"To create the art for this book, I began by making toys and puppets. I played with all sorts of materials, not knowing exactly what the outcome would be. In addition to the watercolor illustrations, my collages are, in part, a mix of paper from old books to make papier-mache puppets, found objects, and fabrics, all painted or altered to illustrate what it may have felt like to be in Sarg's world."

She puts us right there, and makes our lives better for knowing this extraordinary man who may have been virtually unknown to the world until now!

Basketball Belles, written by Sue Macy and illustrated Matt Collins. Holiday House, Thomas Allen. 2011. $19.95 ages 8 and up

"My mother hoped sending me to Stanford University would make me a lady. What would she say if she saw me now, hurrying through the streets of San Francisco to play basketball? I'm sure she'd prefer that I was going to tea on the arm of a handsome gentleman."

My, how things have changed! When Stanford and Berkley played the first-ever women's college basketball game there were five hundred fans in the audience...all women. The men in the building numbered two:

"Out they come, the only men in the building, The assistant stares at us so intently, he almost knocks the janitor off the ladder! When the basket is secured, the two men make a hasty exit."

In 1896, when this first game was played, many people felt that basketball was not meant to be played by women. Adaptations had been made a few years earlier and these young women were determined to bring the sport to a new audience:

"Women's basketball continued to grow in the twentieth century, though early on, intercollegiate play was limited by physical educators who worried that female athletes would push themselves too hard in the quest for victory."

Agnes Morley was sent to Stanford to enhance her 'lady' skills, something that her mother hoped would be a result of a college education for her tomboy, ranch hand daughter. It wasn't long until she discovered  a passion for basketball. She was a member of that historic Stanford team, a skilled athlete and a power passer.  Always in motion, and rarely worrying about the ladylike way of doing things, Agnes is the narrator for this short scene from a life well-lived. This first person narrative makes it emotional and immediate for the reader. It is a piece of women's history and might just encourage some readers (or listeners) to forge further in learning about the the role of women in history.

Matt Collins adds to the motion and emotion of the story with details that enrich the telling. His knowledge of the era is evident in the tunics and bloomers worn by the women, in the gym where the game is played and in glimpses of the women in attendance as spectators. The way he changes perspectives brings readers straight into the action....the cover is first, showing a player sending the ball skyward while another attempts to block it. From pounding feet making their way down the wooden floor to the in-the-stands perspective of watching from above, to the evident joy on every team member's face when the game is finally won, he brings the game to us and adds wonder to the tale.

The back matter is brilliant...with an extensive author's note about Agnes and other team members, a timeline of women's basketball from the invention of the game to the establishment of the WNBA, a list for further reading, two places worthy of a visit if you are in the neighborhoods of Springfield, MA or Knoxville, TN and finally, a team photo from the Stanford archives.

out of my mind, written by Sharon M. Draper. Atheneum, Simon & Schuster, 2010. $21.99 ages 10 and up

""Fifth grade is probably pretty rocky for lots of kids. Homework. Never being quite sure if you're cool enough. Clothes. Parents. Wanting to play with toys and wanting to be grown up all at the same time. Underarm odor."

Here's a book that will stay with me for a long time, and I will be talking about it in classrooms visits. Once started, I just wanted to keep reading. Then, when I had to stop because I could no longer keep my eyes open, it was the first thing I picked up when I opened those eyes this morning.

Melody feels like a new, and unforgettable, friend. She has the most severe form of cerebral palsy, which means that she cannot walk or talk. Think? Now, that's another story and the premise for this wonderful book about the power of language and of the human spirit.

Inclusion makes a marked difference for Melody. She works within her peer group, a fifth grade classroom. The others in her class have a tough time understanding Melody's life and her place in their classroom. What they see are her sounds and jerky movements, her inability to communicate and her wheelchair. What they fail to see is that Melody is brilliant, and full of words and thoughts:

"When people look at me, I guess they see a girl with short, dark, curly hair strapped into a pink wheelchair. By the way, there is nothing cute about a pink wheelchair. Pink doesn't change a thing.

They see a girl with dark brown eyes that are full of curiosity. But one of them is slightly out of whack.

Her head wobbles a bit.

Sometime she drools.

She's really tiny for a girl who is age ten and three quarters.

Her legs are very thin, probably because they've never been used.

Her body tends to move of its own agenda, with feet kicking out unexpectedly and arms emotionally flailing, connecting with whatever is close by -"

A computer that lets her voice her thoughts changes her way of dealing with the world, and allows others to see just how intelligent she really is. As a result of that, she becomes a school team member for a quiz competition. 

Melody allows readers to see the world from inside her head. Her first person narrative is filled with the difficulties that she and her family face on a daily basis, with her resilient spirit that deals with the joys and heartbreaks of being an almost eleven-year-old girl in an often cruel place and with an honesty that is real and touching. Yes,, she is smart. She is also funny and has a charm that will hold her in your heart.

This book would be perfect as a classroom read in intermediate and middle years classrooms. It would also work well for novel study with a small group as there is so much to feel, and discuss about this lovely, labelled girl. Starting a book club? It is due out in paperback in May...if you can wait that long!

A Boy Called Dickens, written by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by John Hendrix. Schwartz & Wade, Random House. 2012. $19.99 ages 6 and up

"Then Dickens walks on, surrounded by pickpockets; ladies with shattered hopes; a miserly old man; a young gentleman with great expectations; a proud, heartless girl. There are lawyers, clerks, convicts, and keepers of old curiosity shops."

It's always interesting and often enlightening when a special anniversary date is near. There have been a number of new and inspiring books about the Titanic as we approach the hundredth anniversary of its sinking. As well, as we near what would be Charles Dickens' 200th birthday, authors and artists are working to tell his story for a new generation.

The first book I received was this picture book invitation to understand the world at the time of his birth. He was born in Portsmouth, England in 1812 and life in his large family was successful. He loved books and reading and his parents could afford school for him while living there. The move to London in 1822 changed that life dramatically. This story begins in London on a cold, winter morning. Charles is twelve:

"...that skinny twelve-year-old, huddled in a doorway, wearing a worn, patched jacket. He is watching the schoolboys with hungry eyes. But though he'd like something to eat, he longs for their books even more. Almost all of his own books, which he loved so well, were lugged to the pawnshop long ago."

He is a factory worker who spends ten hours a day wrapping bottles of blacking to prepare them for sale. He loves to tell stories for the other young boys who work those same long hours in harsh, bleak conditions. At the end of each day he goes home alone to a tiny, barren room. His father has gone to prison, unable to pay his debts. Because his mother and siblings have no means of support, they live there with him. The young Charles is the only wage earner in the Dickens family.

His father's release allows Charles a new lease on life...and he embraces it. While working he gave his imagination free rein with characters and storytelling while trying to overcome the drudgery and monotony of his factory work. Now, at school, he is able to read the books he loves and work toward the man he will become.

The illustrrations that  John Hendrix has created in graphite, pen-and-ink and acrylics clearly evoke the bleak and dim world that is the London that young Dickens experienced. But, there is more to it. As we encounter this world we can see that it has a great influence on Charles Dickens' writing and the books so beloved by readers around the world.  The design changes from the dusty drabness of the city to the characters who people his world, and then to the bits of light that ignite a young boy's imagination. While it is a fictional account, it has a close connection to the truth of the life that he lived.

The House Baba Built, illustrated by Ed Young with text as told to Libby Koponen. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2011. $19.99 all ages

"But the only land for sale there cost far more than my father could pay. So he offered to build a big brick house on it, with courtyards, gardens, a swimming pool, and let the landowner have it all - after we had lived there for twenty years. The owner agreed. "

This incredibly talented artist tells his story to Libby Koponen (who writes the text) and then creates a magical and complex collage homage to family life following the stock market crash that plunged much of the world into turmoil.

He begins at his beginning. The year is 1931, the year of his birth and Ed Young wants his readers to know about his father, his need to keep his family safe and his engineering skills. He builds a huge brick house in the safest part of Shanghai with plans to live there for twenty years. When I say huge, I mean it...it didn't just 'seem' so big to a young boy. It had a swimming pool:

"When we moved in, what excited me most was the swimming pool. Only two other houses in Shanghai had pools. and both belonged to millionaires. Baba got the money to build and maintain ours by forming a swim club with other parents who had been educated abroad. After hours it was our own private pool."

It also had space enough to roller skate on the roof, a number of staircases to slide down, and a multitude of places that encouraged play. There was no end to the fun to be had by the five siblings and their many visitors. As the war raged, the family and many others who sought refuge with them, felt safe and protected inside the walls of 'the house Baba built'. It was three stories of endless playground for Ed, his siblings and their extended family. The family suffered from food shortages and other threats of war as did many others, but they survived and were healthy when the war finally ended:

"I did get braised pork shoulder, plus unimagined fresh fruits from abroad: strawberries, mangoes, bananas so ripe they were almost black, but oh so sweet. Now we realized what we had missed during all those war years."

His story is told in short scenes from childhood, memories where every detail is clear. It is a picture book biography that allows his readers to see what life was like for his family, stressful because of what was happening beyond their walls, but fulfilling and memorable because of what was happening within.

In this inspiring and well-designed book, Ed Young uses foldout pages, vintage photos, maps, and delicate sketched memories to bring his childhood to today's readers. There is so much to see and wonder at; he provides us with a personal and poignant history lesson.

In back matter, there is a timeline, maps placing the house in Shanghai, past and more recent photos that show its survival and the changes it has undergone, a three dimensional house plan and an author's note. There is also an image of Baba writing a letter to his children, and of the letter itself:

"Dear Children,
...You may put down as rule No. 1 that life is not rich not real unless you partake life with your fellow man. A successful life and a happy life is one as measured by how much you have accomplished for others and not one as measured by how much you've done for yourself. love Dad."

Fitting? Yes!