Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes, written by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Emily Sutton. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2014. $18.00 ages 6 and up

"And a teaspoon of soil can have as many as a billion microbes. That's about the same as the number of people in the whole of India. Microbes live everywhere - in the sea, on land, in the soil, and in the air. They live in places where nothing else does, like in volcanoes, or inside rocks, or at the back of your fridge."

In a book meant to help young children understand just how tiny a microbe is, and what it is, Nicola Davies uses all of her incredible talent to bring that world to her readers. Her size comparisons even helped me to put it all in perspective. Each is a pretty amazing creature!

"Right now there are more microbes living on your skin than there are people on Earth, and there are ten or even a hundred times as many as that in your stomach."

EWWWWW!

"(Don't worry! Although some microbes make you sick, the ones that live in you and on you all the time help to keep you well.)"

OK...that's encouraging, right? They may be small, but they have a huge impact in our world. We need to know about them so that we can be thankful for all that they do for us. As you may know, if you are a regular reader of this blog, I do not consider myself scientific in any way. I believe that my brain goes sideways whenever talk turns to science. In books like these, I begin to think that even I can learn scientific material without overextending my brain. Thanks to such informative text, and to a writer who knows how to share it with her audience, I have a sense of the immensity of the job these microbes do and a better understanding of what they are!

Emily Sutton's winning illustrations perfectly complement Ms. Davies' words. I love the way she shows how the E. coli microbe reproduces so quickly, giving children a real sense of that growth over a twelve-hour period. Astounding! The book's design is very appealing and is sure to garner second looks.

They may be invisible to the human eye, but there is no doubt that they have a tremendous impact. This book is sure to be useful when trying to help young readers understand germs, fermentation and composting for enhanced garden growth. It is not a subject often discussed with this age group. Now, teachers and parents have help in bringing it to a child's attention. Well done!
                                                          

7

The Ultimate Construction Site Book, by Anne-Sophie Baumann and Didier Balicevic. Editions Tourbillon, Chronicle. Raincoast, 2014. $21.99 ages 9 and up

"To make the ground beneath the road more stable, the workers add lime and cement. The road reclaimer pulverizes the material into an even layer.

When a busy road is built through an area that is filled with wildlife, the animals need a safe place to cross to the other side. Sometimes a special tunnel is built..."

I opened the cover to the title page and made a complete stop to take a look at the many different building materials the children pictured were using in their own special constructions...blocks of all kinds, a wagon, a dump truck, a crane, hard hats, even a barrier for safety. I can hear the talk as young listeners share stories of the things that they build when they have the chance; and they haven't even begun to explore this stellar book!

Moving beyond that, we have access to a variety of sites...from start to finish we watch as a building goes up, view a nighttime scene of cranes at work, see all the work that goes into building a brand new road, a subway, bridges, a roller coaster, an airplane, a ship and finally, to a child's great delight, a traveling circus tent.

The spreads take up two pages, and are filled with so many details they will never all be seen at one sitting. That just ensures it will not be a book that is pushed aside for something more interesting. If that should happen, a child will miss the delight of lifting flaps, opening folds, helping things rise up and come down, pulling tabs and going back to do it all again. All of those actions bring life to the sites being explored, and are not to be missed.

It won't take long to find a favorite page and set yourself to exploring each and every interactive bit of it. Many young children will spend endless time outside watching those places where new things are being built. Here there are more than 60 interactive parts to help them see what happens behind the scenes of some of the best and most fascinating construction sites. There's color, there's action and many questions will be asked and answered in an exploration of its ten incredible spreads.

You might also want to check out its companion book,  The Ultimate Book of Vehicles, which was published earlier this year.  

http://youtu.be/PVSBq72zuR0

Giant Vehicles, written by Rod Green and illustrated by Stephen Biesty. templar books, Candlewick Press, Random House. 2014. $18.00 ages 5 and up

"The biggest type of submarine ever built was called the Typhoon, and six of them were made for the Russian navy in the 1980s. Ten times as wide as a bus, the Typhoon was as long as a 17-bus traffic jam..."

Take a good look at that cover, and you are sure to start thinking about the readers who will want to have it in their hands. Giant vehicles is right...eight of them!

The coal car is the first to make an appearance, in its place behind a locomotive on the super-train. The two page spread stretches from corner diagonally to the opposite corner and shows readers all the parts of the train that is wending its way across the two pages. The train cars are endless, and all contain coal. It takes three engines to haul the attached cars:

"One locomotive is strong enough to pull a normal train, but some trains are so huge they need seven! The locomotives are not always grouped together, a train might have some at the front, some in the middle, and some at the back."

Other vehicles described are the giant jumbo, the whopper chopper, rocket to the moon, the mighty dumper, the floating hotel, and finally a sub sandwich (as described above). Each of these mammoth means of transport were designed to haul huge loads on land, in the sea and through air and space. You cannot help but be impressed.

Stephen Biesty does his usual incredible job when illustrating these amazing machines. The details are precise enough that we are able to see workers and passengers. The captions and labels provide just enough information to intrigue without overwhelming readers, and the cross-sections and small flaps offer a close look at their inner workings. The extra small images that surround the main illustration provide for further study.

Accessible and endlessly fascinating, this is a book that will long be appreciated for those who have a love for engineering and immensity. WOW!
                                                                            

Voices From the Wild, written by David Bouchard and illustrated by Ron Parker. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2014. $24.95 ages 6 and up

"We are drifters in the night.
You have trembled at our moon call.
In a pack we roam the woods,
And we know that you are present,
Yes, we know you by your scent.

If you're looking for the proof,
Our sense of smell is legendary.
There are those who could convince you
Who aren't hear to tell the tale."

I am thrilled to see a re-issue of this marvellous book, aptly subtitled An Animal Sensagoria. I still have my original, well-loved and somewhat tattered copy. While I was teaching, I shared it often in classrooms and in a library setting. Children were blown away by the discoveries they made about animals they clearly recognized, and were often astounded by the true nature of their powerful senses.

I first heard it read when David came to our school to share his love and excitement for reading. It was great fun to listen, and to guess along with those eager listeners the animal he was describing in his poems. David held their attention time after time. He also worked hard to keep them from shouting out their guesses until he had finished reading the poem. The excitement to share ideas would build, and he would ask them what they thought. Every child was immersed in the experience as they paid close attention to the words of each of the poems.

This new smaller format will be much appreciated, as it is easier to hold for reading to a group, and easier for young hands to carry home. Ron Parker's impressive wildlife paintings of  twenty-five international animals won a new fan for him the first time I saw them. They are quite extraordinary, allowing readers a chance to see each of the animals in their natural environment, and close-up. The book is divided into five sections, one for each of the senses. The animals vie for the artist's attention by touting their own brilliance in their quest to be included here. Their voices are compelling and telling.

A question about humans is asked at the end of each section, concerning that particular sense:

"What about us? What's the reason
That we've not been featured here?

What's happened to our sense of touch,
That doesn't seem to serve too much,
Unless we're seeking comfort
In a world that's filled with things?

What about us as you see it?
What happened to our touch?"

An appendix includes thumbnail sketches and additional useful information to help readers learn more about these animals, and page numbers offer a quick trip back to reread their plea for acknowledgement as the most unique in this verbal battle of senses.

What's So Yummy? All About Eating Well and Feeling Good. Written by Robie Harris and illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2014. $18.00 ages 3 and up

"Eating many kinds of food helps us feel healthy and good. So each day it's important to eat plenty of vegetables and fruit. It's also important to eat some fish, or eggs, or chicken or other meat - or tofu, beans, peas or nuts. Some brown rice, or whole-grain breads, cereal or pasta..."

This is the fourth in the series called Let's Talk About You and Me, and its format follows a winning pattern. Meant to serve up information for young children, it is plain talking and provides information about staying healthy because of the foods eaten and the activities enjoyed.

On the first page a bold statement is shared, and the two kids comment by way of speech balloons:

Everybody everywhere needs to eat and drink.

Hey, Gus, it's picnic day! What I love about picnics is all the good food we get to eat. It's so yummy!

Nellie, what I love is running all around the park with our puppy, who loves to run, too. It's so fun!"

Cartoon art allows readers to journey along with the family as they set about visiting their community garden plot, add to their purchases at a farmer's market and make their final stop at the grocery store to get the rest of the items on their list.

As they make these stops, they also take time to have a healthy snack and some much needed water. At home, they unpack their many foods. All the while the two are providing a running commentary on the benefits of eating the right foods and getting enough exercise. They also discuss those foods that do not provide for healthy living. They talk about their likes and dislikes, not always agreeing:

"I never liked green peppers, but I tasted one every day this week. Now I think they're delish!

I love food, Nellie. But only SOME kinds of food. So I eat red peppers every day, but never green."

The children talk, the author explains, and the illustrator creates colorful, appealing digital visuals to help young children understand the connections between shopping for good foods, creating wholesome and delicious meals and sharing them at a picnic in the park. It's all good!

                          

True or False: The Book of Big Questions and Unbelievable Answers.Written by Andrea Mills. DK Publishing, Tourmaline Editions, Inc. 2014. $20.99 ages 10 and up

"True or False? Robots will take over the world. The modern world has been revolutionized by robots - automated machines programmed to perform tasks. At least 10 million robots exist, but world domination is beyond them. Robots cannot show initiative or react spontaneously. They are always ultimately following human instructions."


Here's another of those books from DK Publishing that is sure to keep kids reading for hours, in an attempt to find out what is true or false about their world and some of the strange and funny things they have been told.

The table of contents tells us that the book is divided into 6 sections - human body, nature, science and technology, space, earth, and history and culture. Readers can skip straight to the page that holds the most interest for them, and just read on. I found myself reading through the statements and heading to the one that I had not heard, or that I wanted to see if what I thought was right. There were many statements I had never even considered.

The format is familiar, and satisfying. The section is introduced and followed up with double page spreads that open with a true or false banner, the statement is made, and then answered with the real deal about it. The spread also includes other facts that have to do with each of the parts of that section. We are left with a question to consider. For instance, the robot page asks: "How many car production workers are robots?" Just prior to the index, the answer is given: 'One in every 10 car production workers is a robot."

Of course, there are the trademark colorful photos, clear illustrations and credible infographics we have come to expect that this exemplary publisher. There is much to learn here. You will know exactly the reader who will benefit from finding this book in the classroom or home library.

The Farmer and the Clown, by Marla Frazee. Beach Lane Books, Simon & Schuster, 2014. $21.99 ages 3 and up

"Home.

You know where it is
when you're there.

But sometimes you
get separated from home,
and you may need a little
help finding your way back."

In this tender story of community and connection, and without a word being said, Marla Frazee will open your heart to the possibilities of new friendships. In a recent interview at Horn Book magazine, she talked about 'emotional engagement'.

"I try to play it out in my mind to see whether there's something there to follow - what I would call the beating heart of that idea. If I can't find it, I won't be engaged in the idea anymore."

The heart of this idea is brilliantly portrayed in the engagement that comes when a stern, hardworking farmer stops his work to watch a circus train pass on nearby railway tracks. As he watches, he is surprised to see a small form fall from the back of the train. He goes to investigate and finds a tiny clown, sitting and holding his toes. In pantomime, the clown shows the farmer what has happened and ends his pantomime clinging to the farmer's thin legs.

Standoffish, but not unreasonable, the farmer grasps the little one's hand and they walk off together. A farmhouse offers conversation, food, washing up and a dilemma. Bedtime is fraught with worry for the unmasked clown. The farmer sits with him through the night. Morning brings unfettered delight, a sustaining meal and much work. They do it together!

When a lunchtime picnic is in order, the two take their rest under a shady tree - just in time to see the circus train's return. Off they go! We are left with conflicted feelings about the reunion...and a very funny and satisfying ending.

Black Prismacolor pencil and gouache are used with great skill to show readers a lot about changing mood, about the characters themselves, and the real pleasure to be found in new friends. I love the trade they make at the end. It is sure to provide a constant and happy reminder of their day together.

This book is an outstanding work of art...and story! So much is conveyed without saying a word. Its many nuances are carefully constructed to ensure that readers have full access to its timeless tale of friendship. Surely it will be a Caldecott contender. Bravo, Ms. Frazee!
                                                                          

BEFORE AFTER, by Anne-Margot Ramstein & matthias Aregui. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2014. $23.00 ages 4 and up

"Everyone knows that a tiny acorn grows into a mighty oak and a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. But in this clever, visually enchanting volume, it's also true that a cow can result in both a bottle of milk and a painting of a cow, and an ape in the jungle may become an urban King Kong. No words are necessary... (from the back cover)"

There is not much to tell you about this new book from two French artists...but to say that I think it just beautiful, and thought-provoking, and that the words related to it will come fast and furiously from those who share it!

It is a study in two words only...before, and after. They are only shared on the front cover. The conversations that it will spark are sure to be countless and inspired. As you turn  from one digital image to the next, you will note their connections; you will be entertained; you will laugh; and you may even stop to carefully reflect on what is being presented to you and those who are looking at it with you.

What happens over time to pink spring blossoms that invite and welcome bees, and a bird looking to build a nest, to their tree? Could it be that tree grows larger leaves, its blossoms turn to apples, and the parent bird feeds its young fledglings a worm from one of those apples? It could be!

Not every pair (or more) of images conjures an easy answer. There are times when careful consideration must be given to the passing of time, and its results. The images are simply constructed to make it accessible for young readers, while also being inviting enough for older readers to take the time to investigate its many natural and seasonal changes.

There are few humans in sight. But, there are connections made that are sure to evoke talk about how they relate to familiar tales. It is not an ongoing story. The artists have just provided an invitation to talk and honor memories for the parents and children who share it.
                                                                     

The Cat at the Wall, by Deborah Ellis. Groundwood Books, 2014. $9.95 ages 10 and up

"...although no one calls me Clare anymore. No one calls me anything anymore. I died when I was thirteen and came back as a cat. A stray cat in a strange place, very far from home. One moment I was walking out of my middle school in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. There there was a period of darkness, like being asleep. When I woke up, I was in Bethlehem - the real one. And I was a cat."

This is a most interesting book to read. It is unlike any that I have read from Deborah Ellis; and yet, it is not. It is a compelling story from Bethlehem, Israel about a sly and vocal cat, two soldiers, a young boy and a mission. The cat speaks because it was once a girl named Clare. Its voice is unique and totally believable due to Ms. Ellis' impressive writing skill. As she has so capably done before, she is able to introduce her readers to an ongoing war that they may know only from news headlines.

The girl Clare died (while texting) when hit by a truck as she left her middle school. Reincarnation came in the form of a cat, and in a land far from her Pennsylvania home. Today, she forages for food, always wary of other cats and only wanting a place to rest. Tensions are high for all who live in the West Bank. Clare is not immune to the conflict.

The underlying theme of the entire book is conflict...and is shared by Clare from both perspectives. Chapters move back and forth from her previous life to her present one. In both places, Clare is mostly concerned with herself, and only learns to care about others due to the circumstances of the story. Her wry sense of humor offers readers an occasional respite from the ongoing and escalating disputes between student and teacher, and between soldiers and civilians.

Clare the cat escapes certain death when two Israeli Defense soldiers enter a Palestinian home. She is in the right place at exactly the right time, and scrambles indoors with them. She learns that they are using the home to spy on others. They do not know that a child is hiding inside. Clare discovers Omar first, and listens to him as he relentlessly recites the poem Desiderata. The words bring back memories of Clare's former life and a teacher whose detention assignment was to write the words of that same poem...once for every detention. Clare, the middle grader, is adept at putting herself in spots where detention is the result. As she writes and rewrites the poem, she pays no attention to its meaning. There is power in its words for both the young lady and the cat.

I think that the best thing about this book is that Deborah Ellis quietly and with the greatest care nudges us to realize that we can make a difference in our world. Her dedication 'to those who bring kindness to chaos' is a reminder that I want to be in that procession!

Sam & Dave Dig a Hole, written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2014. $19.00 ages 4 and up

"When should we stop
digging?" asked Sam.

"We are on a mission,"
said Dave.

"We won't stop digging
until we find something
spectacular."

To complete today's trifecta of stunning new picture books, I want to tell you about the newest collaboration from this stellar team. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole is a wonder, and sure to spawn conversation and repeated readings.

Lucky we are to get so much more than the two boys get in their quest to find something 'spectacular'! Their story begins with an apple tree, placed carefully in front matter and then shown again on the title page, as the boys set out on a new adventure. Their dog accompanies them while the cat watches furtively from the porch step. It's Monday, and the two have a plan.

The digging is tedious, and slow going. But, Dave reminds that they are 'on a mission.' Deepening the hole results in no great discovery. As we in the listening audience look on, we can see just how close they are to success. Their dog seems to sense it, too. They just keep digging! Determined in their quest, they have no idea how close they come before they veer off in another direction. Can you hear your young listeners giving unscripted advice to where they should be looking?

When they run out of food and drink, they make the decision to rest. Luckily, that resting spot is very close to 'something spectacular' for their intrepid companion. While they sleep, he digs down and unwittingly causes a rupture in the ground beneath them. They all take a tumble down, down, down...back to where they started. Or is it?

Full of wry humor, and accompanied by mischievous artwork in the restrained color palette we have come to expect from Jon Klassen, this lively new book is sure to attract the attention of the Caldecott committee...again!

http://youtu.be/uRZU4uXPCLQ

Once Upon An Alphabet: Short Stories for all the LETTERS, written and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. Harper, 2014. $26.99 ages 5 and up

"You can do all sorts

of things with jelly.

You can eat it.

You can throw it.

You can make stuff out of it.

That's what Jemima did.

She made her front door

out of jelly. That way, if she

ever left home without her

keys, she could just reach

in and grab them."

 

As is typical of Oliver Jeffers, this is not your conventional look at the 26 letters that make up our alphabet! He loves to surprise, and takes pleasure (I hope) in creating books that are remarkable in their nonconformity. This time he uses the letters of the alphabet to create short stories:

"If WORDS make up STORIES, and LETTERS make up WORDS, then  stories are made of letters. In this menagerie we have stories, made of words, made for all the LETTERS."

Got that? On we go then. In this brilliant collection we read tales that tell of wishes and dreams, of anger and angst, of accidents and danger. They are sure to make you smile as you recognize familiar faces from earlier books, and find delight in the recurring characters found within. I love that Edmund the astronaut is first up, and last as well; while we've been reading, he has found the spot-on solution to his acrophobia. 

Funny, well paced and exuding charm, this is a book that ups my admiration for the work that Oliver Jeffers is doing. His illustrations are recognizable, loose and full of humor. Black and white with bits of color and some collage, they perfectly match the tone of each of the stories and add to the pure delight of sharing them with anyone who will listen. I have read some pages over the phone to my daughter, ensuring that a copy has been added to her ever-growing wish list of books for her five-week-old daughter. Ah, the pleasures of the alphabet will not escape that wee sweet girl!

I do not YET have a favorite, but I hope you will indulge me in sharing a few with you!

"I i

There once lived an ingenious
inventor who invented many
ingenious things.

His latest invention allowed
him to observe iguanas in their
natural habitat...

incognito."

Your imagination is not likely to take you to the island, that spot in the ocean where a periscope might be placed, or the covert operation that allows the inventor to spy on the island iguanas. Trust me, it's a hoot!

Or:

Q q

"This story is supposed
to be about a question.

But I can't find it anywhere.

Do you know where it is?"

Typical? Not in the least! Whimsical? You betcha! Intelligent and imaginative? Oh my, YES!

 

Thanks to Oliver, and to Oliver's Dad to whom the book is dedicated: Thanks for never making us get a real job. Love Oliver and Rory"                                                                 

Shh! WE HAVE A PLAN, by Chris Haughton. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2014. $18.00 ages 3 and up

"LOOK!
up there

hello, birdie

shh

SHH!

we have a plan."

Oh my! What a truly delightful book this is...I can't wait to share it in a classroom! Kids will be skulking along with the 'planners', and helping me read it in no time flat! It is one terrific picture book.

Three hunters (and a much smaller tagalong), dressed in dark clothing and sporting nets, make their way along a forest path. When their keen (and googly) eyes spot a brightly colored bird on a nearby branch, the tiny follower offers a warm hello. He is told, in whispered threats, to be quiet as they have a plan!

Staying behind, he watches as the three tiptoe toward their prey, nets at the ready. At the moment of capture each falls over the other in a jumble of arms and legs; the bird flies off. Rats! Next, they spot that same bird on a much higher branch, leading to the need for a ladder. The little one is again happy to just say hello. The ladder gets them to a more realistic height for success...but, you guessed it. Foiled again, by their own ineptitude. Still, they are ready for a third attempt.

What do YOU think...a log on a stream and a bird in the water? Nope! The bird flies to shore where the fourth 'hunter' is waiting with a tiny bread crumb, and then more. The tender morsels attract a gathering flock. The hunters are tempted, and intent on capture. They do not see the strength in bird numbers until it's too late. Off they run, empty nets in hand. They do not, however, know the word defeat. NEVAH! 

Distinctive, graphically rendered, and humorous artwork is what I have come to expect from the very talented Chris Haughton. He does not disappoint! In bold blues and blacks, with touches of brilliant color for the birds, he has created a perfect picture book for young readers. The words are spare and repetitive, creating the tension needed. It is a book that must be added to your ever-expanding shelf of anytime readalouds. 

Goodnight, Darth Vader, by Jeffrey Brown. Chronicle Books, Raincoast. 2014. $17.95 ages 5 and up

"When Jar Jar puts on
his PJs for bed
He always ends up
with a bonk on the head.

`Dexter's diner is quiet,
with few patrons in sight
Soon it'll be time
to turn off the light.

I'm on a roll with graphica today! In his latest book for Star Wars fans, Jeffrey Brown shows his readers just how tough it is to get little ones to bed...even for the great Darth Vader! He may rule the galaxy, but putting his young twins to bed proves an almost impossible task.

"Luke! Leia! Join me,
and I will complete your
bedtime!
No!
Why do we have to go to bed?
If only you knew the power of sleep...
Read us a story.
Yeah.
As you wish."

As they enjoy their  bedtime story, many familiar characters from the Star Wars series are also preparing for sleep. Three of our favorite movies when the kids were young were the Star Wars trilogy. We watched them numerous times, collected figurines, spaceships, and every other bit of paraphernalia that was available. Our family shares wonderful memories of that time. So, I was happy to read this new book from Mr. Brown that includes many of the iconic figures that played a very important role in our lives. It helps if you know some of the characters to get the most from this humorous, rhyming tale of the need for a restful sleep. But, it is not essential. Each scene is full of fun, and sure to entertain. In the end, Darth succumbs to sleep before his children, as happens in so many houses worldwide. Good night, Darth!

It is not the first book about these characters. Be sure to look for the others...Darth Vader and Son (2012), Vader's Little Princess (2013), Jedi Academy Books 1 and 2 (2013 and 2014). You won't want to miss them!
                                                                        

Benny and Penny in LOST and FOUND! a TOON BOOK by Geoffrey Hayes. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2014. $15.00 ages 4 and up

"In this fog?
You'll get LOST!

GOOD! Then Mommy
will be sorry!

What if it's in the house?

I looked ten times! I bet
it's in the sandbox."

I'm so happy to welcome Benny and Penny back to the blog. They are off on another adventure, and you know that things will not always go well for the two at-odds sibling mice. This time, Benny is on a quest to find his pirate hat! He has looked everywhere...or so he says! I lived with two men for a long time, and know how often what they are looking for is right in front of their noses. Never mind!

Benny's BAD mood is a direct result of losing his pirate hat...again! Mommy sends him outside until the grumpiness passes, and Penny decides to join him. The fogginess of their backyard is the perfect place for two young mice to get lost. It doesn't take long. Penny manages to find her 'lost' jump rope, while Benny worries that he has lost his little sister. Admonishing her to stay close, they are soon off in search of the errant hat.

As Penny becomes more wary in their foggy environs, Benny shows bravery and even sends his bad mood packing. The ploy works, as soon they are home and all is well. Emotional and funny, this is an early reader that is sure to warm the hearts of those who have met Benny and Penny prior to this new tale. They manage to evoke many of the feelings felt by young children. I only hope that Geoffrey Hayes has many more adventures in mind and that his wonderful characters never grow up!

Sisters, by Raina Telgemeier. Scholastic, 2014. $11.99 ages 8 and up

"Ha Ha! I love this creepy elf!
Look, I made this one at school!
Girls?
You know we can't afford to buy
too many presents this year,
right?
It's okay, Dad.
Yeah.

Just have SANTA
bring them all!"

For fans of Smile and Drama (and anyone else who has sister issues, loves graphic novels, or just longs for a good story), Raina Telgemeier has returned with a realistic and entertaining autobiographical tale about a three week family road trip from California to Colorado,  and back home again...with three kids, a mother, and a snake that is presumed dead or just lost in their van! It's full out fun for those who are reading their story...a nightmare if you have experienced anywhere close to the same thing!

I was very happy that I didn't have a sister when I was younger than I am now. I watched my friends fight with their sisters day after day...always at odds over clothes, hair, boys...you name it, they fought about it. Raina and Amara are not much different from those memories I have from childhood. Raina was sure she wanted a sister when she learned that her mother was going to have a baby. Amara did not live up to the expectations of her older sister.

They are very different, love to bicker about almost every little thing and are not looking forward to time spent in the car on their way to a family reunion. Raina loves the solitude of listening to music, headphones on and the world at bay. Amara is gregarious, loves animals and can't wait to be on the road. The trip is long, with some unforeseen difficulties. In the end, the two are able to take care of themselves when the car breaks down and their mother goes in search of help, young brother in tow. Together, they deal with some serious questions and a surprise visit from the much dreaded snake!

Their tale is both funny and serious...told in present and past. The yellowed frames for the time changes make the transitions easy to follow, and the scenarios play out well. Memories play a huge role in the storytelling, giving it a charm that we have come to expect from this talented artist. It is an honest account of the many highs and lows of family life, looking carefully at the challenges families face...together.

It's a story that doesn't take long to read; readers will, however, linger over the many details drawn on every page. Her family life is familiar, and uncomfortable in places. It's a very true depiction of life when you share the ups and downs of everyday living.
 

 Now, what's your story?
 

Night Sky Dragons, written by Mal Peet and Elspeth Graham, and illustrated by Patrick Benson. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2014. $18.00 ages 6 and up

"Each kite had a long, long tail of black twine soaked in oil. Threaded onto these tails were slender sections of bamboo the length of Yazul's hand. "Will it work, Grandpa? Will they burn?" "Hmm," his grandfather murmured, twiddling his beard. "I'm not sure." Yazul waited anxiously while a long minute passed."

In a story that is set in medieval Mongolia, we meet Yazul. He is a young boy, the son of the remote and inflexible lord of the han. Nothing that Yazul does seems to impress his father. There is much sadness in the boy's life...he is still missing his dead mother, and he cannot seem to reach his father. He spends his day working his grandfather, a kite maker.

Together, they build and fly kites that Yazul hopes will help him let go of the sadness that accompanies his waking hours. The two work together well, talking and perfecting their kites. His father disapproves of the time spent doing what he considers work of no importance. Yazul has learned his grandfather's lessons well, building and flying kites of great beauty.

Yazul is a bit of a prankster. He likes to scare his grandfather. One day, his mischief making ends in an explosion that causes his grandmother to drop a big dish she is carrying:

"The dish was - or had been - no ordinary dish. It was the history of his people. Coiling around its edge and into the center were delicate pictures in blue and brown and white. They told the story of his ancestors. The stories of the old ones who had been swallowed up by time. Their troubles and travels, their marriages and great moments, had been painted onto the dish. Many hands whose bones were now dust had worked on it."

Yazul cannot believe that he has done such a thing, and that it cannot be mended. Yazul's father is furious. That anger brings an end to the days spent at kite-making. Work begins in earnest for him, first in the kitchen. Not long after he begins this drudgery, a caravan arrives. It is being followed by a band of hooligans who threaten the han, and cause a great deal of concern for the safety of all. The bandits show no worry about their inability to enter the enclosure, and refuse to attack. Instead, they will wait it out. Soon, the han will have no food or water, and Yazul's father will be forced to open the gates and surrender. How will they save themselves. Yazul shares a plan with his grandfather.

Will Yazul's brilliant idea work?

It's up to you to find out. This terrific tale is accompanied by pen and watercolor art that transports readers to a different place and time, with careful attention to the details of setting and dress. In an author's note we learn a bit about the Silk Road and the hans that provided safe rest for those travelling it. 

Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain, written by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman & Company, Thomas Allen & Son. 2014. $17.99 ages 6 and up

"Lulu pointed to where the hedgehog was busy snuffling under a rabbit hutch, and all three boys at once scrambled over their fences and into the garden. "I've always wanted to meet an actual hedgehog!" said Henry excitedly. "I don't believe they're as prickly as they look!" "They are," said Mellie, who had said the same thing the day before..."

Lulu loves animals and she knows a lot about them. When she rescues a hedgehog from the swirling waters of a rainstorm, she knows that the hedgehog is not meant to be a pet. Lulu loves to collect pets in much the same way that others collect baseball cards, or stamps, or book series.

Hopefully you have an early reader who is collecting this and the other stellar stories about Lulu. So far, she's met up with a duck, a dog, a cat and a rabbit. In this fifth adventure, she must enlist the help of her friends and neighbors to ensure that the hedgehog finds safety and room to roam as it is meant to do. The Hedgehog Club is formed to help this happen by talking with everyone on the street. If each house provides a safe environment for the hedgehog, Lulu is sure that all will be well.

Gates are kept locked, food choices are made to ensure that there is no chance of making the hedgehog sick, snails and slugs are collected, and a small house is set up for protection from weather and danger. A book is helpful...Lulu ensures that everyone knows as much as they can about their new guest. Summer and fall pass without undue concern.

When winter arrives, the hedgehog is gone:

""I can't hear a thing. And where else could he be?"
Lulu didn't answer, but she thought of the Bossy Man's
trash-bagged leaves. She thought of the pond with the ramp
out of place, and she thought of Charlie's gate. "

It  isn't until spring brings sunshine and a need to clean up the yard that the Hedgehog Club makes a heartwarming discovery...and the work begins again in earnest.

This is a perfect series for young readers wanting to read a longer book. The characters are familiar, the dialogue adds interest, and the pace is quick. If  you haven't read the earlier books, they are worth your time. If you have, here is another terrific title to add to your shelf!

Half a World Away, by Cynthia Kadohata. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Simon & Schuster. 2014. $19.99 ages 10 and up

"Because Penni and Steve hadn't actually traveled to Romania, his adoption was somehow less legitimate to Jaden. He couldn't remember the Romanian guy's name who'd brought him over on the plane. All he remembered was that a number of times during the flight the man had yelled at him."

In this powerful story of family love, we meet Jaden. Born in Romania to a mother who cannot keep him, he is placed in an orphanage at 4 and then in a series of foster homes, prior to being adopted at 8 by an American couple, Penni and Steve. They hoped to adopt a baby; instead, Jaden arrives at the airport with issues that are clearly conveyed as his heartbreaking story is shared. In a book that  is new territory for middle grade readers, they will learn about some of the difficulties of international adoption for both parents and their children, and of the strength to be found in love and acceptance.

Jaden is certain that his parents are disappointed in him. He is not what they were expecting. He exhibits feelings of rage that result in setting fires, hoarding food, stealing money; and he is obsessed with electricity. He feels little else. He does not bond with his parents, and is seeing  therapists who are trying to help him sort out his feelings and behaviors. His parents are doing everything they can to make him feel accepted and loved. Not much helps.

Now, the family is in the throes of adopting a baby from Kazakhstan. That is proof positive to Jaden that they are replacing him. He has been such a burden to them, and the new baby will change that. International adoption can be trying. When the family arrives for a long stay before they can bring their baby home, they discover that the baby they thought they were adopting has already been adopted. The new baby chosen has no interest in or ability to bond with them. Jaden is frustrated, as are his parents.

One day while waiting outside for them, Jaden's attention is drawn to a young child named Dimash. He is three years old, and unable to communicate. Jaden feels an immediate bond with him, and an emotion that is not rage. He wants his parents to adopt Dimash. They are very reluctant. No amount of cajoling on his part sways them from their desire to adopt a baby, not a toddler.

Jaden is a captivating character, fully human and troubled. His world is changing in ways he could never imagine. As we watch him deal with the events of his life, we also see him grow.  

"He felt sorry for this adopted baby - and he got up and went to the other bedroom, where Penni and Steve were trying futilely to make Ramazan stop crying. "I can hold him for a while," he told them. It surprised even himself when he said that. But it was just that he thought he understood the baby. Penni and Steve looked at him doubtfully but also hopefully. Their hair and their clothes were disheveled, and Penni had a dirt streak across her face. She handed Ramazan to him, and Jaden held tight as the baby arched his back to get away. Jaden squeezed him and walked into the living room. Then he circled the border of the living room, his bedroom, and the kitchen. After thirty minutes, he switched directions, just for a change. He made figure eights. He walked. And walked. Hours passed. Penni and Steve were sleeping. His arms were exhausted and his back hurt, and Ramazan didn't stop crying. But Jaden kept going because he understood the baby and knew he was the only one who did."

Each of the characters is well drawn. I particularly like Sam their driver, who becomes a mentor of sorts to Jaden, and who provides some comic relief in a story that needs that at times:

"Jaden got into the car with Sam. As he started the car, Sam said, "Do not lie to your wife. Even if she does not find out, you will be mistaken to lie to her. Listen to me - I am teaching you well, as I promised your mother."
" I think she meant to teach me about eagles."
"The eagle may you about herself. It is my duty to teach you about your wife. this in one lesson of today."

It is brilliantly written, heartbreaking and heartwarming, and meant to be read in middle years classrooms and book-filled homes. Don't miss your chance to share Jaden's story.

Say What You Will, by Cammie McGovern. Harper Teen, 2014. $21.99 ages 14 and up

"Amy wondered if that was really true, or if other kids with disabilities felt the way she did when she went to that camp and was surrounded by other kids with disabilities. Amy liked the idea of inspiring a community she didn't know very well. She wanted to feel a bond with them. The problem was, she didn't."

 There is so much to love about this fine debut novel, not the least of which are its unique, exasperating, worthy, and memorable lead characters. Amy is a very bright, high-achieving high school student. Oh yes, and she has cerebral palsy, uses a walker and talks with the aid of a computer. Matthew is one of Amy's peers, hired by her overprotective mother to act as an assistant to Amy for one day each week at school. Oh yes, and Matthew has OCD which often limits his ability to deal with the worries and demands of high school life.

It is at Amy's insistence that her mother hires these helpers from her senior class. Amy has spent far too much time with professional help, while making no friends and having no one close to her age to interact with on a daily basis. Matthew loves his work with Amy, feeling a connection that is strong and real. Amy finds being with Matthew easier than with her other peer assistants; she also appreciates the many small things that he does without being asked. They are strong individuals, and their difficulties are real. Their concerns for each other and their questions about their present and future relationship are sure to surprise, concern, and move those who read their very sincere story.

Amy's mother is not pleased with the feelings that Amy has for Matthew, and encourages her to spend her time with another of her more accomplished, college-bound assistants. Her interference, as usual, infuriates Amy. The resultant rebellion has a catastrophic impact on everyone. It takes time, patience and understanding to move forward.

As in any teenage friendship veering toward romance, there are ups and downs. Their friendship is at the heart of their story; and, they are honest with each other for the most part. There is balance between the two. That balance does not happen with the other teens hired to be her helpers. The underlying romantic feelings are not always voiced; their relationship is at times messy, and at times very distant. In the end they find their way to their own best place and a new footing: 

"Of course it made Matthew nervous. Everyone watching a jokey version of his own terrible struggles a year ago. That panic attack in yearbook. And later at prom. Then it was interesting - the actor didn't play the panicky part. He didn't sweat or shake. He simply sat on the sofa and refused to move. "I'm not ready," he said. "I'll let you know when I am." The more the girl pleaded, the more she seemed like the crazy one. "This is my life, not yours," he said. "I'm allowed to make the choices I want to make."

Bravo, Cammie McGovern! This is a terrific book.

Lion, written by Miriam Busch and illustrated by Larry Day. Balzer + Bray, Harper. 2014. $21.99 ages 4 and up

"How about seeds?

No.

Well, then.
Flowers?

No!

No!

What a terrific book by this wife-husband team! Readers and listeners will have to make a concerted effort to keep their attention on every detail, at every turn of the page, to fully grasp the humor and great delight of its witty storyline.

We meet the main characters on the title page, and know right then and there a little bit about who they are. The forbidding lion peers from behind a three story house at a young and resolute boy who is on his way somewhere, armed with a flashlight. The opening line is 'Lion!' It is echoed (in much smaller font) by the boy's mouse companion. The lion is confused when told that the boy is looking for Lion. Hasn't he already found him? The lion informs that he is 'looking for lunch'.

Unconcerned, the young man makes some logical suggestions...grass? mushroom? berries? Each is refused. It is here where astute observers will begin to chuckle...and you will, too. The lion remains persnickety about every food suggested, and finally offers up the fact that feathers make him sneeze. Aha! That may be the solution to the boy's dilemma. Hastily, he enlists the help of a nectar-seeking hummingbird.

The boy, the bird and the ever-present mouse set out to see if they can make the lion sneeze. Only then do we know the reason! Sly plotting and a surprise ending are sure to demand additional readings. I will admit that my first run-through did not do it justice...only when I went back and took a very close look did I recognize how truly appealing the whole thing is!

The art is done in watercolor, gouache, Wolff pencil and pencil. The images and details (along with clues given) match the book's back and forth dialogue. Expressions change, as do perspectives, and all ensure that this will be a favorite new story with many young listeners.
                                                                                  

Also Known as Elvis, by James Howe. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Simon & Schuster. 2014. $19.99 ages 10 and up

"Steffi carries my float over to the booth I normally share with the Gang of Five, and I slide in after it, slumping down and slurping up the frosty goodness through double straws, wondering for the first time if what my dad wants is the same thing Jessie wishes for: to come back home, to be a dad again."

I've missed the Gang of Five. My last visit with them was in Addie's book, Addie on the Inside (2011) which I posted previously. It has been ten years in their lives (and 13 in ours) since we were introduced to each of these outstanding young people that James Howe dubbed The Misfits (2001). In more recent books, each has been able to tell their own personal story. Skeezie is the last; this book is his turn.

Seventh grade is over. While his friends scatter for family vacations, Skeezie's summer looks bleak. He assumes care of his two younger, annoying sisters and is being pushed by his mother to get a job that will supplement what she earns at her two jobs. Skeezie has never shared stories about his home life with his friends, wanting to keep it private and not wanting pity. His friends are doing well; he doesn't want them to worry about him.

Landing a job at the Candy Kitchen, and working with Steffi, allows him to open up and share some of his concerns about his deadbeat dad (who has suddenly returned to seek a connection with the family he long ago abandoned) and to listen to Steffi's advice. He, in turn, is able to help her with some boyfriend issues. Does he want his father back? How will that change the family dynamic?

I think his readers will like that James Howe tells his story from two different times in Skeezie's life. It begins with a letter from Skeezie's older self:

"Man, how did I get to be twenty-five and having a kid? It's crazy! It seems like yesterday that I was hanging out at the Candy Kitchen and got called Elvis for the first time because of my slicked-back hair and black leather jacket."

Occasionally he returns to his present self; most of his reflections have to do with when he was thirteen, waiting for his friends' return and a return to school for eighth grade. James Howe concludes his Misfits series with a pensive recollection of an earlier time. It is a series that is full of compassion,, engaging friendships and a reminder that each one of us should be free to be who we are, and to live in a world of acceptance and warm understanding. Each of the four books stands on its own merits, but is made stronger by our chance to get to know these remarkable young adolescents. Thank you, Mr. Howe!

Nuts to You, by Lynne Rae Perkins. Greenwillow Books, Harper. 2014. $21.00 ages 7 and up

"It could have been worse. It could have been - it could have been - there were any number of foul things it could have been. Still, when a squirrel tries to feel grateful to have landed in sick owl barf, he is not having his best day. When he had cleaned his fur as well as he could, Chai stood up. Ready to go again. Which was when he felt he was being observed."

I have often wondered what the squirrels are thinking as they cross back and forth on the 'buzz-paths' (power lines) in the lane behind my house. They scurry from one place to another, cheek pockets filled with peanuts from my neighbor's stash and disappear. Some time sooner or later, they pop back up on the lines and do it all over again. Do they talk to each other as the squirrels in Lynne Rae Perkins' Nuts to You do? I like to think that they do.

Ms. Perkins makes a case for squirrel communication in an author's note at the beginning of her new, and very captivating, tale:

"I was watching the carefree squirrels when, all at once, one of them jumped onto the end of the bench where I was sitting and looked with interest at me, and then, meaningfully, at my sandwich. Quite calmly, he stepped closer. That's bold, I thought. A little too bold. I tore off a bit of my sandwich and was about to chuck it as far as I could, figuring he would take off after it, when he spoke."

Imagine the surprise! That burst of imagination, I suspect, was the impetus for a story about Jed, the lead squirrel in this humorous and entertaining account. One day, without warning, Jed is scooped up by a hawk and carried away. Quick thinking on his part leads to his release and a tumble into a parts unknown, and a long way from home. Luckily, his descent is seen and its location taken note of by an observant friend:

"I saw him fall, Chai," she said. "The hawk dropped him. Just past the unnatural shape."

It turns out that the 'unnatural shape' is the third  'tall frozen spiderweb' (the electric tower that connects the 'buzz paths'). Since they know the direction they need to go to save their friend, they are off! So begins an adventure that is sure to captivate, and have listeners wanting 'just one more chapter' until the reading is done. They will savor the story and its humor long after that first reading, and might even want to read it all over again. It's a great family, and classroom, read!

When Jed is found, with some of his own stories to tell and a need to get back home, the group sets out only to be hampered by a bit of an environmental crisis that has them scampering from the imminent danger. Will they get their friends and neightbors to safety in time, and how will they do it?

These are wonderful characters, captured with such sincerity that you can almost imagine yourself speaking to any squirrels you might happen to meet in your backyard in coming days. You will know just what to say! Footnotes are shared wherever needed, to explain what we might not understand of squirrel communication and thought. The author's book cover and internal artwork are just as appealing and witty as her story. Don't miss it...

A Fish Named Glub, written by Dan Bar-El and illustrated by Josee Bisaillon. Kids Can Press, 2014. $16.95 ages 5 and up

"I've been working this diner my whole life," whispered Foster, a reef knot in his throat. "But I wanted to be a sailor when I was a kid. Did you know that, fish? That was my dream, to sail the seven seas." Glub shakes his head. this was news to him. "You and me, fish, we're kind of alike..."

Glub is a small fish. His life could be banal...swimming around in a glass bowl all day. In fact, it is not. The fish bowl finds its home on a diner counter. Glub's view of the world is philosophical and full of questions: "What do I need?" "What is a home?" "Where do I belong?"

Glub finds the answers to his many questions through careful study of his surroundings and the conversation of the people who make the diner a stopping place in their lives:

"Glub in bowl, all alone, but understanding home. Well-fed,
not dead and and still not quite in bed.
"Hey, fish," says Foster with a tired voice. "Can't sleep either?"
"I am Glub." Glub smiles.
Shake, shake, shake. Food falls from the sky."

As days pass, and customers share their days with Foster and Glub in the welcoming atmosphere of the diner, Glub develops a very special talent for bubbles and hopeful dreams. He helps to awaken his friends to life's possibilities if only they are open to pursuing them. In the end, it works for Glub himself. Charming for the adults that will share this story, and satisfying for all those who listen.

Dan Bar-el's text is poetic and thoughtful. Using mixed media to create her offbeat characters, and gentle humor to show the daily 'doings' at the diner, Josee Bisaillon keeps the story moving forward with a joyful spirit in the face of such important life questions.
                                                                         

Creature Features, by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Thomas Allen & Son. 2014. $22.99 ages 5 and up

"Dear giant panda:

Who gave you
those black eyes?

No one. We pandas all have them. The dark fur around my eyes makes me look bigger and fiercer to a predator. I hope."

It's all about adaptation and survival when questioning the 25 animals whose odd and sometimes scary features are discussed in a format that invites their first person responses. The animals included come from many different parts of the world. Readers will be familiar with some, and not with others.

Each single page spread is constructed in the same pattern.  A greeting to the animal is accompanied by a question concerning its most noticeable feature. The answer is direct, and gives readers a sense of what makes that particular attribute so special for the creature featured. Often their survival comes as a direct result of the adaptation mentioned.

Of course, as he is wont to do, Steve Jenkins uses his remarkable talent for working with paper collage to tear and cut pieces to fashion bold, authentic animal heads that stare out from the page at a rapt audience. The features dominate each of the impressive images, which are placed on bold colored backgrounds.

"Dear babirusa:

Your tusks look
dangerous - do you
fight with them?

Sometimes. I battle
other males for
territory or mates,
and it can get pretty
rough."

I looked it up: a babirusa is a wild pig from Indonesia. (FYI...in case you didn't know, as I didn't!)

As if they don't up our knowledge enough with their thoughtful and direct, Mr. Jenkins and Ms. Page add a double page spread following the book's text to show each of the 25 creatures as silhouettes, and to scale. In this way, we can compare their size to that of an adult human. Their diet is also shared, as well as a globe for each which shows exactly where they can be found; on land or in the water. 
                                                                                   

Shackleton, by Nick Bertozzi. First Second, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2014. $18.99 ages 12 and up

"Listen, you sad excuse
for a sea lawyer...
...There is a clause in your
contract that states that you are
under my command until we
have returned to civilization!
But...
Mr. Wild, the team will halt
here for a quick rest, and Mr.
Green will ready some milk
for the pullers."

What a terrific way to bring a page from history to a young adult audience! So many of these readers have a fascination with stories told in a graphic format. Nick Bertozzi has done an exemplary job of artfully composing the story of Ernest Shackleton's trek to the South Pole.

The years were 1914 and 1915, and the journey arduous, as you might imagine, when you consider the elements and the earlier failures to reach the pole. They were a brave lot, and it took a terrible toll.
The bleak isolation that they faced together to make history surely inspired others to follow in their footsteps. Their icebreaker, Endurance, was immobilized by ice, and finally crushed when that ice thawed. Their journey by land measured more than 350 miles, and it was only their unbreakable spirit and their faith in one another that kept them going in such terrible conditions. The author infuses his adventure tale with hints of the humor that must have been a godsend to the men who bore their burdens with great humanity and uncommon 'endurance' to a successful end.

The inclusion of maps and dates make the drama personal for those reading about this truly incredible feat. The earlier treks are mentioned, and the entire crew introduced, including each of the dogs and one cat. When the ship succumbs to the crushing ice, the men must make their way to a place from which they can be rescued. The story of how they get there makes for a compelling read, and is sure to raise interest for some readers to find out more than is presented in this terrific graphic novel.

Shackleton proves himself to be a leader of the best kind, keeping the men moving on and full of concern for each other through long, nearly impossible days. The fact that they survived to tell their story is sure to inspire readers. Their determination and grit made leading them a less difficult task.
 

The visual storytelling is sure to keep its audience totally focused on this piece of history. Once started, I just could not stop reading. As we always hope when introducing readers to a story that may be unfamiliar to them, there is more than enough here to encourage further research if one is so inclined. The author adds a list of book, museum and online resources that will certainly feed the need to know more. The tale told is inspiring from start to finish, and is sure to add to their knowledge of the history of the early twentieth century. It also is reminder of how far we have come in terms of communication and technology when compared to the time being presented.

 

They are men to be admired, led by a stubborn and capable leader.     

 

                                                                       

    

VIVA Frida, written and illustrated by Yuyi Morales. Photography by Tim O'Meara. A Neal Porter Book, Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2014. $19.99 ages 5 and up

"I wasn't always taken by Frida. When I was younger, I often found her paintings tortuous and difficult to understand. The more I learned about Frida's life, the more her paintings began to take on new light for me. I finally saw what had terrified me..."

You need to know that 'the art for this book was made with stop-motion puppets made from steel, polymer clay, and wool, acrylic paints, photography, and digital manipulation.' The description is in itself inspiring; you cannot likely imagine how spectacular the artwork itself is. Some of the media used is seen on the title page; colorful and displayed to inspire careful consideration before opening to the book's first page. The photography is exceptional. That is exactly why you need this book for your collection!

The text is spare. Written in two languages, the English words stand out in a bold black text while the Spanish ones are faint and quietly elegant. If you have read anything about Frida Kahlo, or are familiar with her art (including her many self portraits), you will recognize her from the moment she appears on the first page. Her quiet smile, the stunning bold colors of Mexico, the silver jewellery, a tiny bright parrot. They are perfectly placed on each spread, inviting readers to move from page to page.

Frida holds a golden yellow box that is locked. Her monkey has the key to its secrets. When the key is passed to the artist, the monkey is her partner in discovery. What they find makes for great entertainment, and then the need for a sleep to dream. That dream helps Frida realize that it is her art, her life's work, that makes that life worthwhile.

In a dual language author's note, Ms. Morales speaks of her admiration for Frida. She gives a short biographical glimpse at an artist whose work expressed 'the things she felt, feared, and wanted.' She was a prolific artist:

"It is thought that during her lifetime, Frida created 143 paintings, 55 of which were self-portraits. She would study her reflection in the mirror and paint herself wearing elaborate jewelry or crowned with enormous braids, ribbons, and flowers."

This homage to the artist is a lovely entry point for a young audience into a life that was fraught with tragedy, but also with much laughter and delight.

 http://youtu.be/8mu8mZLmewI

Very Little Red Riding Hood, by Teresa Heapy and Sue Heap. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Thomas Allen & Son, 2014. $19.99 ages 3 and up

"So Very Little Red
Riding Hood set off
for Grandmama's house.
She hadn't gotten far
when she met a Wolf.
"A Foxie!" said Very
Little Red Riding Hood.
She gave him a big hug."

Has Little Red Riding Hood ever been sweeter? She is so tiny! She is also headstrong and opinionated. It takes only minutes for that to be evident to everyone sharing this twist on the original. In fact, it's a very unique retelling.

Little Red is little indeed...she is likely not much more than three, and she definitely has the demeanor of a three-year-old. Her mother sends her off for a sleepover at Grandmama's house. She's taking cakes, and she's pretty happy about it all. When she meets a tree hugging Wolf (who may fancy himself hiding from view) she is unconcerned. As you can see from the above quote, she has her way with him right from the start.

Showing no fear, and lots of chutzpah, Little Red will not share the cakes and doesn't want a tagalong. She doesn't want his help with anything else either. Wolf is nothing if not accommodating. He gathers red flowers when it is strongly suggested, and chases her all the way to Grandmama's house!

Grandmama is having none of it. She is terrified of wolves. Little Red convinces her to invite her new friend inside for tea. An afternoon of fun is followed by a bout of homesickness, which is only assuaged by a ferocious tickle. Mr. Wolf has found the perfect antidote for her tears. Soon, Red is sound asleep. That seems the solution to exhaustion for he and Grandmama, as well.

Lively contemporary images done in brightly fashioned watercolor and ink are sure to have young listeners keeping careful watch on the action, while commiserating with their counterpart. Keep YOUR eyes open for a clue to the next book in this brand new series!

Clara and Davie, written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco. Scholastic, 2014. $19.99 ages 6 and up

"Clara cried all the way to the barn. "I'm trying hard to talk right, Davie. But my tongue won't do what Dolly wants it to," Clara sputtered. Davie led her to one of the mangers. He parted the straw. That's when Clara say the newborn puppy."

Patricia Polacco has crafted another family story that will give her readers pause to think about the way they treat others, and to learn about the effects of gentle, nurturing care in the course of healing.

Clara and Davie come from a supportive family, but they have a special connection. Davie loves her from the moment he first holds her in his big brother arms. He just knows that she will be strong and courageous. They do everything together:

"Davie taught Clara to climb trees, chase fireflies, jump deep furrows, and throw clods of earth. She would charge up hills as steep as a cow's face and push through bundles of standing wheat. Davie was always at her side."

When she is old enough to go to school, Clara faces teasing about her speech...she has a lisp. She is so upset about being there and the center of such persistent attention that finally she is allowed to learn at home. There she prospers, reading everything medical that she can get in her hands and learning as much as she can. Soon, she is taking care of their family's animal menagerie, and others, with her 'healing hands'.

When Davie falls and breaks both legs badly, her medical knowledge comes in handy. She is quick to give instructions:

"Clara knew exactly what to do. She ordered Davie's bed be brought down to the parlor. She understood that he'd need warmth from the stove and light from the windows."

When the doctor finally arrives he is suitably impressed by Clara's skills. No one is sure that Davie will survive; no one, except Clara. As he has done for her, Clara spends all her time helping her brother. It takes an enormous amount of time and encouragement to ensure complete healing and finally, the ability to walk again. Davie is depressed and reluctant to try until Clara is so distraught she runs from him. Only then does Davie rouse himself to show Clara that her healing gift is real, and loving.

In an author's note, Patricia Polacco tells her audience that young Clara grows up to become 'one of the greatest women of medicine in history - Clara Barton!' She mentions that she is related through marriage to Clara. Archival photos and a skillfully drawn likeness of Clara as an older woman accompany this note. Readers are left to find further information on their own.
 

Filled with Ms. Polacco's familiar mixed media artwork, her audience is sure to find joy in the siblings and their relationship. The pages are filled with expression and detail, and an understanding of the early life of a medical pioneer who would become the founder of the American Red Cross.