Melvis and Elvis, written by Dennis Lee and illustrated by Jeremy Tankard. HarperCollinsPublishersLtd., 2015. $19.99 ages 5 and up

"Open this book,
And you will see
A secret path
Called POETRY.

Follow the path,
And you will find
A home for your heart,
And a treat for your mind."

Hooray! Dennis Lee is back, and we are happy to 'hear' his voice once again. Some of the poetry we loved to share when the kids were young were Alligator Pie, Garbage Delight, and Jelly Belly. They still have pride of place on our poetry shelf, and will surely be shared with my sweet granddaughter whenever she visits.

This new collection concerns Melvis (a monster) and Elvis (an elf), how they become friends and then find a book that suits both readers. It's strange; Melvis wants to read about elves while Elvis wants to read about monsters. Guess where they meet? In the library, of course. When they find a book about both elves and monsters, they settle in to share it.

Now, we can move on to page 2. The rest of the book comes directly from that shared book. Each short story is told in verse, and will surely tickle the funny bones of those reading it. Dennis Lee penned many poems before settling on the ones that would perfectly fit together for this brand new book for a young audience. There are more than thirty new verses, including:

To a Bully

We don’t like the measles,
And we don’t like the flu.
We don’t like bullies,
And we can’t stand you.

Each poem is full of fun and sure to entertain all who read them. It won't be long until you hear your little one repeating them endlessly. There are many Canadian references, a real bonus to my mind. They deal with subjects that kids find most charming and compelling: dinosaurs, food, animals, the playground. The rhymes are nonsensical at times, and full of witty wordplay. That makes them as enjoyable to read from the adult perspective as they are to be heard from the listener's.

Jeremy Tankard, as he is wont to do, creates boldly colored images to perfectly match the joy of the poetry. Every single one is illustrated according to its mood, whether quiet or boisterous. It is quite the magical pairing.

                                                                      

Should You Be A River: a poem about love, by Ed Young. Little, Brown & Company, Hachette. 2015. $20.00 ages 5 and up

"Should you be
a great forest,
I'll caress your
branches and make
you sway.

Should you be
a breeze,
I'll be ripples
dancing to
your tunes."

When Ed Young's wife died in 2007, his two daughters were young. In his role as single parent, he was tasked with loving them and learning to let them fly on their own. In this poetic reminder of the power that love has for each of us, he conveys a sense of his protective nature and his ability to let his girls take responsibility for finding themselves as the days and years passed.

The striking collages that accompany his poetic calligraphic text are made from torn paper and placed alongside photographs of trees, water and the sky. Every image is as powerful as the words they are designed to match. It is an engaging and lasting tribute to his wife and to their family, built be penning couplets that evoke the power of nature as it compares to the true power of love. They come from the heart, showing the pain of losing a loved one and honoring her memory.

It  is a brilliant journey, and a treasure to be kept in your own personal library.
                                                                         

Marilyn's Monster, written by Michelle Knudsen and illustrated by Matt Phelan. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2015. $18.00 ages 4 and up

"Marilyn stopped trying to seem pretty and nice and friendly and fun all the time. She stopped looking around in the library and the playground after school. She started feeling mad. Where was her monster? What was taking him so long? She was so mad ... "

Her brother and all her friends have a monster of their own. What about Marilyn? Where is her monster? Why hasn't it found her yet? It's enough to initiate a temper tantrum of sorts!

The title page shows Marilyn trailing behind a line of happy companions ... each set includes a monster and an extremely happy child. Marilyn is all alone.

"Some of the kids in Marilyn's class had monsters. It was the latest thing. Marilyn didn't have a monster. Not yet. You couldn't just go out and get one. Your monster had to find you."

So, there is a rule. That effectively leads Marilyn through a wide range of emotions as she cautiously waits for her very own monster. They arrive in many different ways, and unexpectedly. Since monsters are finding their children in every conceivable place, Marilyn is sure hers will do the same. Unworried, she watches the many arrivals with only cursory glances and a heart full of hopes. As the only child without a monster, she is patient. Following that, she is thoughtful about the need for a monster of her own; then doubtful, and finally both mad and very sad. She likes the idea of having her own.

Instead of just waiting around, Marilyn sets herself a quest: to find her own monster, wherever it may be. She is prepared, and forewarned.

"She didn't just kind of look. She really looked.
She looked as hard as she could.
She searched behind the stone lions
that sat outside the library."

Further and further afield she goes, always on the lookout. Her perseverance pays off when she finds a small, scared, lost bundle of green and yellow, with very useful wings.

Michelle Knudsen's lively text is enhanced in all the best ways by Matt Phelan as he creates a plethora of brilliant monsters sure to capture the attention of eagle-eyed young readers who share this book. All of Marilyn's emotions are perfectly captured in watercolor and ink artwork that assure no child reading this book will fear any of those visions Mr. Phelan conjures up for this witty tale.

This is a book with heart, and I cannot wait to share it!

Marlene, Marlene, Queen of Mean, by Jane Lynch, with Lara Embry and A.E. Mikesell. Illustrated by Tricia Tusa. Random House, 2014. $19.99 ages 4 and up

"Marlene, Marlene,
the queen of
the scene,
of the playground,
the sidewalk,
the school ...
Marlene, Marlene,
the queen of the mean,
was known for being
quite cruel."

If you are looking to add to your selection of books about bullying, you might want to check this one out from the library. Marlene is no one's favorite school girl. She spends her days making life miserable for the other kids there. She enjoys pinching, kicking, scowling, blocking. She has a  power that few are willing to challenge.

Only when Big Freddy takes it upon himself to ask some pertinent questions do the rest of his schoolmates begin to change. As he explains to them how bullying works, they begin to ignore her and diminish her power over them. It makes Marlene furious; that makes no difference to the others. They are no longer afraid.

"So Marlene
stiffened her back
and went on the attack,
unleashing her meanness
quite fully.

Though she kicked
and she pinched,
not a single kid flinched,
and Freddy said,
"You're just a bully."

Can Marlene change? Will that be easy? If she does, will it last?

I like that it is a schoolmate who brings the bullying to the forefront and leads in making change, rather than having teachers and administration step in to try and solve a pretty universal problem. When kids stand together, they can begin to bring their own strength to solutions. Tricia Tusa uses
soft watercolors and a hint of comedy to bring a sense of ease to the story. I love how her pert pink bow distinctively denotes Marlene's sense of power, changing from bold to frazzled to sagging. It's an inspiration!

School Days Around the World, written by Margriet Ruurs and illustrated by Alice Feagan. Kids Can Press, 2015. $19.95 ages 5 and up

"Marta goes to school in Azezo, Ethiopia. I walk along the dusty road to school with my goddegna Ayana. It is early morning, but already the sun is hot on our backs. I am blind so I hold my friend's hand tightly as she helps me around potholes and cow patties. There are 70 students in our class and 500 in our school. But many more students use the same school."

In this companion to a welcome group of books about children and their families around the world, Margriet Ruurs once again introduces us to individual children from all corners of the globe. For each of them, school can be a very different thing. It is a warm and inviting look, accompanied by detailed collage artwork created by Alice Feagan.

"You will meet some children who
live at school and others who have
to walk a long way to get there.
You will see schools with libraries and
computers but also schools with hardly any books at all."

Following her introduction, a map plots the countries that will be visited, and the children who live there. Fourteen countries are visited and the children's stories are based on real children and their school experiences. Each describes in first person voice what is unique about their own schooling.

The carefully created artwork is sure to hold the interest of those sharing the book, and adds context for the stories being told. White space assures that our attention is on the children as they enjoy the many events of their days. You will be surprised at the differences from one school to the next, while also finding that much is the same the world over. Environments surely differ.

It is perfect for provoking questions and careful thought about school life elsewhere, and comparing it to what we know. It is meant to be a starting point, and is sure to encourage some children to continue their exploration of education around the world.

Back matter includes further information about schools and suggests ways of expanding our learning about them. It also has suggestions for making a difference for those not as fortunate as we are, and provides a glossary of unfamiliar words.

Water Rolls, Water Rises, written by Pat Mora and illustrated by Meilo So. Children's Book Press, Lee & Low. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2014. $23.95 ages 3 and up

"Blown by the wind,
water sails high.
Tumbling cloud plumes
curl through the air.

Soplada por el viento,
el agua se remonta.
Volutas nebulosas
ruedan por el aire. "

Do you love to sit and watch young children glory in the joys of water?  Bath time for babies, puddles for toddlers and their caregivers, rainbows and umbrellas for others; each will evoke memories from earlier times or spawn brand new ones. Then, consider water and how it impacts all that we do.

Pat Mora has chosen to pen charming and incredibly simple poems, written in both Spanish and English, to give readers pause and an invitation to join in her celebration of water in its many forms. Not only does she show her readers the variety to be found in life's sustaining liquid, she also varies the settings for each of her poems. She writes about waves, frost, clouds, waterfalls, geysers, rivers and other forms of running water.

This is a lovely and inventive trip around the world which shows us that just as water differs so do the people and places that reap its benefits. Meilo So's perfect watercolors accompany the pleasing rhythms of the poetic text, using beautiful lines and elegant details to explore the movement and grandeur. The design is elegant and eye-catching.

Back matter includes a key to the locations for each spread, and an author's note.

Truly beautiful, and worthy of our attention.

                                                                       

  

Work and More Work, written by Linda Little and illustrated by Oscar T. Perez. A Groundwood Book. $18.95 ages

 "Tom had never seen such
hustle and bustle! Up one
street and down the next -
people and horses and carts,
baskets and barrels and boxes,
dogs underfoot and birds in
cages, everyone hollering and
hurrying.
"Ho, boy!" a woman called out
to Tom. "Run this note up to
the parson."

Tom is not pleased with the drudgery of his daily life. Those days pass him by in a haze of work, and not much else. When he makes the announcement that he has bigger plans, his parents barely acknowledge his departure; they have their work to do. He hitches a ride on a passing hay wagon, and soon finds himself in town. A man in need of a helper gets his attention, and he spends his day working hard loading a barge. He is very happy, despite the hard work.

When the barge leaves in the morning, Tom is aboard. He is excited to see what happens in the city. He is astonished by the noise, the constant chaos, and all of the people needing his help. He runs errands, rolls barrels, and does a lot of carrying. He is very happy, despite the hard work.

Magnificent boats in the harbor encourage his wandering soul, and he decides that he will go to sea on one of them. As a seaman he faces a powerful storm, great fear and constant work as they stop at one port after another to load wares. They make stops in China, India and Ceylon. He is very happy, despite the hard work.

Finally, it is time for Tom to go home:

"When the ship landed, he made his way back through the city, up along the river to the town (that now seemed very tiny and quiet after all his adventures) and out along the winding road to the little cottage."

Rich language and vibrant settings take readers back in time to places they will not necessarily be familiar with, and give a sense of being right there with Tom as he leaves home looking for, and finding, a greater world. If you have an interest in knowing more about the work of the day, the places Tom visits and the riches he encounters, the author has provided a double page filled with such information.           

By Day, By Night, written by Amy Gibson and illustrated by Meilo So. Boyds Mills Press, Publishers Group Canada. 2014. $18.95 ages 3 and up

"We wash.
We brush.
We dress.
We eat.
We greet each other
when we meet.
We buy and sell.
We give and trade.
We offer what
our hands have made."

It is a simple text; it is also sincere and wise. It is a poetic celebration of people around the world. It shows how we do the same things in different ways on a daily basis.

In the reading, we move from rising in the early morning until 'daylight dies' and sleep overtakes us once again. In the pages between the two parts of a day, we meet children of the world. This lovely books was written to raise funds for The Global Orphan Project and is dedicated to all the children who are gifts to the world. The author pledges that the her proceeds from its sale will be invested in those children.

Meilo So's signature pencil and watercolor images show beautiful children occupied with daily living. The things they do are typical. Customs may be slightly different; these are shown brilliantly in double page spreads. Seasons change, as do circumstances. In each and every one, we realize how much we have in common despite those subtle differences. Children love to be with friends, to hope, to dream, to delight in the world around them.

Imagine the learning that will take place when young children closely observe each smiling face, each new experience. Be prepared to learn with them.

Changes: A Child's First Poetry Collection. Poems by Charlotte Zolotow and illustrations by Tiphanie Beeke. Sourcebooks, Raincoast. 2015. $22.50 all ages

"Lying in the Grass
Lying in the grass
looking up through the trees
at the sky,
I saw a small bird
flying over the trees
high high high.
He dipped and he swooped
and flew to rest
on the branch of the tree
far above me."

I am one of those readers whose discovery of a new author often leads to finding and reading every one of their published works. That has happened for me time and time again. When our children were born in the 1970s, I made a concerted effort to find out all I could about the literature that was being written for  young children. One of the authors I discovered and whose work I loved was Charlotte Zolotow. I continued reading and buying as many of her books as I could find. She was a prolific and sensitive writer who helped us look at the beauty of the world and the grace of children in new ways.

I was excited to learn that some of her seasonal poems were being collected for a new publication. I am happy to tell you about this collection today. The poems were originally published from the 1960s through the 1980s. Of  the poems themselves, her daughter, the author Crescent Dragonwagon, says:

"These poems of hers are deceptively simple, transparent and refreshing as a glass of clean, clear, cold spring-water. They follow the turning cycle of a year's seasons, and I think they will introduce
not only the pleasures and surprises of the seasons, but those of poetry itself, to young readers."

Charlotte Zolotow would have been 100 years old this year ... it is a lovely tribute to a woman who gave the world of children's literature such brilliant gifts.

The book begins with:

"Change

This summer
still hangs
heavy and sweet
with sunlight
as it did last year.

The autumn
still comes
showering cold and crimson
as it did last year.

The winter
still stings
clean and cold and white
as it did last year.

The spring
still comes
like a whisper in the dark night.

It is only I
who have changed."

Through the seasons, Ms. Zolotow clearly captures the huge changes that take place in the world of nature over the course of a year. In accompanying textural and detailed images, Tiphanie Beeke shows young readers the scenes created by the poet's personal focus on discovery, the senses and intense observation. Those who share it to are sure to wander back through their memories to small moments of happy times.

Magical and childlike, this is a book that will be shared time and again.

Nobody's Perfect, written by David Elliott and illustrated by Sam Zuppardi. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2015. $19.00 ages 3 and up

"And even my mom.

She gave me a time-out.
That's why I'm
sitting on this step ...

even though it's
not my fault that
Ralphie likes to sleep
on my bed."

Oh, there was a time when I needed the reminder that the title of this book assures. Don't we all work too hard to do the right thing, say the right thing, get everything right at one time or another? We know that we aren't, but we are not always content with that. It's an important lesson to learn ... nobody is perfect. No matter how hard we may work at it.

So, I began this book with a sense of serenity. It's a term oft heard. I no longer worry much about it. But the little boy who sits forlornly on the bottom step might need to be convinced. If he looks around, he knows the adage is correct. His sister may be cute and awfully cuddly, she is not 'perfect'. She is LOUD when she doesn't get what she wants. His best friend wants everyone to be paying attention to him. His mother doesn't fit the bill, either ... she is much too quick with the time-outs, and not apt to listen to excuses.

As he goes about letting us know that he's not perfect, we get to see his room before and after cleaning. What a hoot! His foray into painting will remind many parents of their own experiences with artistic expression. So, messy is his schtick, and that makes him not quite perfect. Is that such a bad thing, really?

I love the loose lines of the acrylic and pencil illustrations created by Sam Zuppardi. The child is an
'every child', and could easily be someone living in your house or mine. The energy displayed on every page has real appeal; my favorite images are the two views of the bedroom. Filled with familiar items, and the disarray that those with children know so well.

 Perfection is not an attainable goal. This book helps us be OK with that!

Spots in a Box, by Helen Ward. templar books, Candlewick, Random House. 2015. $19.00 ages 3 and up

"But instead
of the right kind,
these spots were
all wrong -

a big disappointment:
too tall and too long!

Soon more spots
arrived ... "


Poor guinea fowl! He is missing the white speckles that define him. He wants to make it right. A letter asking to 'please send spots' may be just the ticket. The results of his request are quite astounding!

The variety of spots that arrive in a box tied up with string allows the accomplished and innovative Helen Ward to bring all of her artistic skills to fashioning an abundance of wild and varied spots to be considered. There are spots that are far too big and others that are exceptionally small, spots that don't even seem to be spots, spots that are even striped  ... you know what I mean. It takes time and patience to find exactly what he is looking for, and to become the bird he wants to be.

The watercolor images are intricately detailed, as we have come to expect from this fine artist. They entertain and delight, and are sure to create interest in the glitter that comes from using foil and other sparkly materials. There is even one connect-the-dot illustration that may be just a little too enticing for young readers. The verse is as enjoyable as the illustrations. This book is sure to become a favorite for little ones.

It's funny, and beautiful as well.

                                                                          

Growing Up Pedro, written and illustrated by Matt Tavares. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2015. $19.00 ages 8 and up

"Pedro keeps practicing,
and he starts studying English
every day.
In 1988, when he is sixteen,
Pedro is back at Camp Las Palmas.
He is ready to try out for the Dodgers.
Dozens of other boys are trying out, too."

Baseball has started in earnest, the sun is shining brightly and spring is in the air. Our attention is not only focused on baseball, but on hockey playoffs and soon it will be basketball, too. What watching the Jays did for me today was remind me of Matt Tavares' excellent new picture book biography about the terrifically talented Martinez brothers, Ramon and Pedro.

I have read Matt's other books about Ted Williams, Babe Ruth and Henry Aaron; I have shared them many times. When you are finished reading this newest book, I think you will find that you have developed a much greater respect for the two brothers whose dedication to each other, their family and their sport is evident on every single page.

It is the Dominican Republic and it is 1981:

One sunny day in the
village of Manoguayabo,
Pedro Martinez sits in the shade
and watches the older boys play.
He wants to play, too.
But his big brother, Ramon, says he is too little.
The boys are using a hard ball,
and Ramon says it is too dangerous.
Pedro is mad, but he knows
Ramon is just looking out for him."

Pedro is very proud of his brother, believing that he is the best pitcher in the world. Pedro wants to follow in his big brother's footsteps. To do so, he much work diligently to improve his skills. At 17, Ramon plays his first season with the Dodgers, while trying to navigate the many difficult adjustments of a new culture and language. He passes on everything he learns to his little brother, believing that his baseball dream will also come true.

In 1990 when Pedro gets his first contract, his brother is already the ace for the Dodgers. Pedro has big shoes to fill! Trades and hard work lead to Pedro finding his own place in the spotlight, and the two brothers playing together once more with the Boston Red Sox. An injury leaves Ramon on the sidelines watching his brother play.

"On days when it's not his turn to pitch,
Pedro never stops talking and dancing
and laughing and joking with his teammates.
One night, to get him to settle down,
his teammates tape him to a pole in the dugout.
Pedro loves every minute of it.

But when it is his turn to pitch,
Pedro is very serious.
All day, he is quiet and focused.
When he takes the mound, he imagines
he is a lion fighting for his food."

Every fan of baseball will find much to love in the emotionally charged artwork, done in watercolor, gouache and pencil. We see Pedro's intensity at every point in his life. The focus is on Pedro throughout and, as readers, we can only be awed by his love for family, his outgoing personality, and his love for the game of baseball.

An author's note is much appreciated and heartwarming. Through his research for this book, Matt Tavares made discoveries that makes Pedro even more exceptional to this dedicated fan.

"I learned about all the work he had done for the people of his hometown of Manoguayabo. When he made it to the big leagues and became a millionaire, he could have left the past behind. But he stayed in Manoguayabo and donated his time and money to help improve the lives of people there, especially the children. He convinced the government to pave the main road. He built houses, churches, baseball fields, and a new elementary school, and he started academic programs."

A hero, indeed!
                                                                        

Interstellar Cinderella, written by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Meg Hunt. Chronicle Books, Raincoast. 2015. $22.50 ages 6 and up

"The prince's spaceship
jerked and hissed
and spewed a cloud of grit.
The prince hopped out.
"Oh blast! What now?
My chief mechanic quit!"
But Interstellar Cinderella
knew just what to do.
She zipzapped with her socket
wrench -
the ship was good as new!" -

What fun it was to read this for the first time ... and then, even more fun to read it aloud to others! The language chosen to tell it (after all, this is Deborah Underwood!) is exactly what makes it such a pleasure to share.

The text that enlivens every page has a lilting rhythm to capture attention and a carefully listening ear. At the height of collecting Cinderella stories in our house, we had more than 125 versions. There are many, many more than that! We would happily have added this one to the shelf, and I will be sharing it in workshops and classrooms whenever asked.

The joy that children find in fairy tales is that they offer hope, even when none seems possible. The protagonist often overcomes unbelievable odds to win out. As has happened in those other Cinderella stories, Interstellar Cinderella also battles the odds ... one evil stepmother and her two equally evil daughters. Cinderella has a vocation. She is a mechanic, and she loves feeling that she is making a difference in her world by fixing, building, and being useful.

With an invitation to the ball, her family heads off to enjoy the festivities. Before leaving, her stepmother makes sure that Interstellar has no tools to mend the spaceship that might take her there. A fairy godmother provides new tools that ensure Cinderella's attendance. When she meets the prince, she is less enamored of him than of his spaceship. The ship's problems offer no difficulty for Cinderella; once again, time is her enemy. She must flee before her spaceship stops flying at midnight. The prince is left with a socket wrench from her tool kit.

You may think you know what happens next! I wonder if you will be right. Check it out and see.

This is a terrific modern retelling of a very old and traditional tale. Cinderella has a needed skill, the prince recognizes it and appreciates her talent for mechanical prowess. Meg Hunt's inventive and colorful illustrations add to the allure of words and the imagination of its author. Wonderful!
                                                                                  

Everybody Sleeps (But Not Fred), written and illustrated by Josh Schneider. Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Thomas Allen & Son, 2015. $21.99 ages 4 and up

"On the farm, the chickens doze.
The pigs nod off in stinky rows.
Sheep lie in a woolly heap,
count themselves, and fall asleep.

But not Fred.

Fred is breaking the world
shouting record."

While trying to break that record, Fred lifts the roof off the barn where the pigs, sheep and chickens are slumbering soundly. Everybody needs sleep! That boy Fred would like to think he is the exception to the rule. In sets of four line stanzas, Josh Schneider describes the many beasts and birds of the world who succumb to sleep as a way of rejuvenating themselves. Fred, on the other hand, has far too many things that he must be doing.

"Fred has a to-do list you wouldn't believe."

There are 100 things on that last. The last three are:

"98. Wrestle a bear.
99. Eat 300 cookies.
100. Go to moon."

Fred does all that he can to avoid any needed rest. He knows the best ways to keep himself awake; unfortunately, his antics cause difficulties for those trying to get the benefit of their nightly nap. Even before his story begins, we can see that Fred has the routines down pat ... a bath, teeth brushing. As he prepares, his pets observe their own sleepytime rituals. But, wait! We have no idea what is about to happen.

Every stanza designed to lure little listeners quietly into sleep is messed with by the exuberant Fred. No creature on land or in the sea is safe from his boisterous antics. Each new setting is what every kid dreams of, and each is hinted at in the front matter. Since Fred has no wish to sleep, he is going to ensure that the same is true for everyone else.

If  kids don't succumb to sleep after a few books, do parents turn to poetry in hopes that it will be boring enough to let nature takes its course? It works for some. Will it work for Fred? You will understand how when you read the lines of the book that are so clearly evident at the bottom of the poetry spread:

"Three Sleepy Bunnies

Sleepy bunnies blah blah blah.
Fluffly tummies blah blah blah"

My eyes are closing, my head is nodding. What about Fred? With thumb in mouth and hand securely attached to his stuffed lamb, he is off to slumberland. Please close the book quietly!

What an invitation comes with the warning placed on the final page! If you wake him, it might start all over again ... well???

There is not a chance that this will be the last time you read this zany, incredibly well written and perfectly designed book! With each repeated visit, you will make new discoveries; you are sure to snicker at Fred's antics; you will be even more impressed by the thought, humor, and detail that Josh Schneider has implemented to bring this very special bedtime book to the top of my list for reading with my inquisitive, determined, not-much-interested-in sleep granddaughter. Oh, we are going to have fun!

Lend a Hand, written by John Frank and illustrated by London Ladd. Lee & Low, Fitzhenry and Whiteside. 2014. $19.95 ages 5 and up

"Hair
It took six years
to grow my hair this long.

A few quick snips
and most of it will be gone,
a ponytail
in the US Mail,
off to be part of a wave wig
worn by someone
whose hair sickness stole."

There are many things each of us can do to make a difference in this world ... any difference at all. It doesn't matter the scope and breadth of it. They are simple acts, and they result in changing lives and the world for the better. Look around you every day, and see where you can help.

It might be as simple as saying hello to someone you pass on the street, or taking a neighbor to an appointment when the weather is not great. It might be helping with taking meals to shut-ins or singing carols at Christmas for those who live in nursing homes. No matter what we do, it assures a better day for someone; in doing so, it also makes us feel better as well.

In this book of poems that describe simple acts of kindness, we see that it might be planting a tree, giving up a seat on the bus, extending a hand those in need. There are fourteen poems; each shows its readers the joy that comes from being kind and from giving. They represent voices as different as the circumstance, and offer some heartfelt and unexpected pairings. I love that one good turn can so easily result in another. Each and every poem can provide just the encouragement young readers might need to get out there and make their own difference.

London Ladd's acrylic and pastel artwork allows readers a chance to imagine themselves in the shoes of those whose poems are so clearly depicted. Whether it's sharing lunch with the new kid or helping a senior carry her groceries, the scenes are familiar and inspirational. Take a little time, put on your thinking cap, and consider how you might help others. It's a great starting point for writing a poem of your own. 
                                                                              

The Maine Coon's Haiku and Other Poems for Cat Lovers, written by Michael J. Rosen and illustrated by Lee White. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2015. $20.00 ages 5 and up

"Ragdoll

why today the cat
who sleeps beneath the ivy
halved the blameless hearts

Bombay

paired shadows prowling
in nightfall, but just two lights
pierce that darkness"

I read the first two companion books to this fine new addition to the series. As in The Cuckoo's Haiku (2009) and The Hound Dog's Haiku (2011), Michael J. Rosen presents one poem at a time. This lovely and appealing book 'purrfectly' captures the personalities of the 20 different breeds he has chosen to include here. It is as wonderful as the first two were.

There are four sections that will not surprise those who own a cat. The first is 'Inside', followed by 'Outside. When those are read, we move on to a brand new 'Inside' and then 'Outside'. You know exactly how that goes, don't you? I started this post with two of the haiku included, and each of the others is as clear and descriptive as those are. Lovely, imaginative and very welcome for cat owners everywhere. Each of the poems in this collection is balanced with a beautifully colored illustration, carefully drawn by Lee White. They add context and life to each one.

Backmatter includes some small bit of information about each of the breeds, including their historical significance as well as they ways in which they behave. If you have someone in your life who loves cats, this would make a perfect gift. It's also a great mentor text for aspiring poets. It is absolute proof that the best things can often be said in a very few words. They just need to be succinct!

The Case for Loving, by Selina Alko and illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko. Scholastic, 2015. $20.99 ages 6 and up

"Richard was white: a fair-skinned boy who got quickly sunburned in July. Mildred was what they called "colored" in those days: her skin a creamy caramel. In 1958, they lived in the small town of Central Point, Virginia, where people every shade from the color of chamomile tea to summer midnight made their homes."

A number of young people today are sure to be surprised that there was a time when it was against the law for two people, who loved each other but had different colored skin, to marry. Or maybe not ... as the fight for gay marriage remains an issue in many parts of the world.

When Richard and Mildred fell in love in 1958 in Central Point, Virginia, it was against the law for them to marry. Virginia was one of the seventeen states where interracial marriages were prohibited. They were not prepared to go to jail, so they went to Washington, D. C. to tie the knot. They didn't know that their marriage certificate would not be honored in their home state. One night, the police came to their home and they were arrested. While in jail, they were told they would have to leave Virginia if they wanted to live together.

They moved to Washington; living in the city with a growing family was not what the Lovings wanted for themselves. They wanted to go home. They hired lawyers who would help them fight the laws that kept them from doing so. It was a long battle, and finally made its way to the Supreme Court.

This is a very special story, written with warmth and strength. Sean Qualls and Selina Alko recognize the importance of that court decision because they, too, are an interracial couple whose lives are better because the Lovings worked so hard to have the law changed. Richard and Mildred did what they did for themselves and their family; still, they helped to change history. It is emotionally told, yet absolutely appropriate for the intended audience.

The mixed media illustrations done by both clearly show their great love, the pain of their struggle, and their joy when the Supreme Court decision was made in their favor. Touching and historically important, it is a story that should be shared.

An author's note is an important addition, explaining that today it is difficult to imagine such a thing happening; yet, there is a continuing struggle to legalize same-sex marriage in the United States. We have come a long way and must always work toward equality for all. A source list and suggestions for further reading are also included.

                                                                             

Stick and Stone, written by Beth Ferry and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Thomas Allen & Son. 2015. $21.99 ages 3 and up

"Stick.

Stone.

Lonely.

Alone.

A zero.

A one."

I love these simple rhymes. When we first meet them, Stick and Stone are alone and lonely. Stick stares out at the ocean expanse. Stone gazes forlornly at the full moon. Stick is a one; stone is a zero. Neither likes being alone.

A chance meeting on the playground and an opportunity for Stick to defend Stone from Pinecone's rude laughter and nagging solidifies a new friendship. Stone is duly impressed with the help. Stick says that is what sticks do! Oh, and friends do, too.

Together, they embark on adventures full of fun and friendship. They have a grand time, helping each other when support is needed. When danger threatens to take Stick away, Stone must step up to the plate to find him and bring him home. After much searching, he does what best friends do.

"You rock, Stone," says Stick.
"That's just what stones do.
Best friendship rocks too."

Tom Lichtenheld is adept at creating warm expressions with dots and lines. His characters have great appeal and are sure to bring attention to their plight and their friendship. He also uses color to convey mood. Warm yellows convey feelings of camaraderie and happiness, while blues and deeper tones are used for the darker times ... the storm, the sadness of being alone in the world.

A perfect 10!

                                                                         

Over the Hills and Far Away: A Treasure of Nursery Rhymes. Collected by Elizabeth Hammill and illustrated by more than 70 celebrated artists. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2015. $25.00 all ages

"Miss Lucy had a baby,

She named him Tiny Tim,

She put him in the bathtub

To see if he could swim.

 

He drank up all the water,

He ate a bar of soap,

He tried to eat the bathtub,

But it wouldn't go down his throat."

If you are looking for the perfect baby gift, look no further! This incredible multicultural collection of nursery rhymes is a an exemplary collection. The piece de resistance is that the illustrations are the work of more than 70 illustrators. My first read was concentrated solely on trying to determine the identity of the artist without ever looking for clues. Some were easy; some were more difficult; others were downright impossible. Without going back to read the rhymes, I looked to the back matter to read about each of these exceptionally talented people.

Only then did I read the verses collected here. There is a lot to love about it, about the design, about the ways Elizabeth Hammill found to bring attention to different cultures and world communities by putting them together in brilliant ways. The pairings are unique and captivating.  

I could go on to share the text surprises, and those illustrations that I found especially attractive and engaging. This is not just another Mother Goose book. Instead, it is a celebration of appealing and lasting work from around the world.

This is a must have for new parents. It will provide long hours of entertainment and learning for everyone in the family. It is already on my 'keepers'  shelf to share with Sicily the next time she comes to visit her Nona. I cannot wait to share it with her. 

A glorious production!

                                                                     

Orangutanka: A Story in Poems, written by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Renee Kurilla. Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2015. $19.99 ages 5 and up

"heaps of sweet fruit
are piled up on a platform -
such wild excitement
as forest rangers offer
a feast for orangutans!

towering green trees
shiver, sway, rattle, and shake
when orangutans
clamber toward colorful mounds
of bananas and mangoes"

Aren't we all fascinated by the intelligent, inquisitive faces  of the orangutan? I know that I certainly am. In the engaging story of a family of five orangutans finding refuge and harmony in a wildlife shelter, we learn about the many ways they go about their days.

Margarita Engle uses a set of linked poems to voice their story. She provides a note about this poetry known as tanka.

"Tanka is an ancient Japanese form consisting of five lines,
with a traditional syllable count of 5, 7, 5, 7, 7. Modern tanka
poets rarely count syllables, but do follow a basic line pattern
of short, long, short, long, long."

Using minimal punctuation and capitalization (another descriptor of the form) Ms. Engle introduces us to the family. While humans watch, big sister puts on a show. Juicy fruits provided by the rangers attract immediate attention and provide an intimate look at the eating habits, the joy that the family finds in sharing mutual activities and further proof that big sister is the extrovert in charge of entertainment.

"hip-hop
somersaults and cartwheels,
cha-cha-cha
so many forms of orangudance
with lively arms and legs"

Rain doesn't stop grandma from joining in the dance ... a lesson in rhythm for the watchful children in the audience. Readers are encouraged to join in the fun.

Renee Kurilla works in pencil and ink, and then digitally colors the joyful images that perfectly match the high spirits of Ms. Engle's verse. The setting is clearly displayed in lush greens and browns. The expression filled faces of the orangutan family will ensure careful attention from young readers. The fluid movement in the poetry is reflected in the varied perspectives used to bring these remarkable creatures to vibrant life.

Orangutan facts and an invitation to learn more, both in print and online, follow.
                                                                       

Stella by Starlight, written by Sharon M. Draper. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Simon & Schuster. 2015. $19.99 ages 9 and up

"Every Negro family in Bumblebee knew the unwritten rules - they had to take care of their own problems and take care of one another. Help from the white community was neither expected nor considered. It was as it always had been.

"Are you sure they didn't see you?" Papa asked again brusquely, rubbing a hand over his unshaven chin. "No, they didn't, Papa," ...

I finished this fine middle grade novel in the middle of the night; it is that good! Sharon M. Draper was inspired to write it when she read her grandmother's journal, and learned that school had ended in fifth grade for her when help was needed on the family farm. It is also a tribute to her father who found love and learning in family, and who lived a wise and dignified life, despite its obstacles.

"It was 1932, in the little town of Bumblebee, North Carolina, tucked in the rocky bottom of the Blue Ridge Mountains, miles of stone-clogged farmland and forest all around. Folks on Stella's side of town worked as maids and cooks, janitors and sharecropping farmers. A few lucky men got jobs in the lumber mill., the only real industry in town. But they weren't allowed to handle the saws - only the boards and the sawdust."

 

Stella has a powerful voice and a wonderful storyteller. The third person voice is dominated by Stella and her spirit. She loves to be outside in the dark, where she can write in her own secret journal and avoid the stares that her difficulties with the written word evoke. She and her brother are surprised and frightened one dark night when they see members of the Ku Klux Klan burning a cross on the other side of the pond. They rush home to tell their parents. This event precipitates the pastor, her father and another church member of the black community to make the decision to register to vote in the upcoming national election. Stella goes along; she is once more a witness, this time to the poor and unjust treatment the men must endure for securing their right to vote.

Stella is also an aspiring writer. Each pertinent action throughout the novel is chronicled in short entries, typewritten and consistently showing improvement - a subtle reminder that practice makes perfect. She is an astute observer and a thoughtful young woman. Her stories include her mother's encounter with a poisonous snake and the ensuing drama of recovery, her friend's experience with prejudice and assault, her own meeting with members of the KKK, the burning of a house, segregation, illness and heroism. All of those things pale in comparison to the way the community comes together to support each of its families through good times, and bad.

It is a hard look at the ugly face of racism. It is also a testament to the resilience of those who paved the way to today. It is harrowing and hopeful, allowing readers a look at the past. It shows us that in gentle acts of kindness, love of family and friends, and community strength, good things happen. Stella confidently opens our eyes to life as she lives it. Ugly at times, also exceedingly beautiful, it is a story that should be shared in intermediate and middle years classrooms. 

Flutter & Hum: Animal Poems. Written and illustrated by Julie Paschkis. Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2015. $19.99 ages 4 and up

"Parrot

It's okay
to stare at
the parrot.
Go ahead!
The parrot
is like a flower
that talks:
Pick me!
Pick me!"

There are 12 poems in this quiet, lovely book. Written in both Spanish and English, Julie Paschkis proves herself as adept at using language as she is at observing those animals she includes in its pages. I would love to hear the poems spoken in Spanish. They make me wish I could read them myself.

To prevent my going on to share each and every lovely one, I will tell you about just one of my favorites.

"Snake

Slithering
through the grass
the sinuous snake
is writing
a slippery poem
with his body.
But his alphabet is
too simple.
He only knows
one letter:
ssssssssss."

As if that weren't enough, you must see the gouache illustrations that so uniquely capture the image created by this poem. A snake slithers across a double page spread festooned with waving grasses. The words that adorn those green and brown spikes are subtle, shy, sum, see, swallow, sway, say, serious, so, sip, swivel, sonnet, song, sigh, shush, sly, slow, sibilant, still, serpentine, secret, see, silence, swerve, since. On the facing page, a Spanish translation of the poem and its accompanying grass blade words. Captivating, and a lesson in word gathering that is sure to help budding poets try their hand at creating animal poetry for themselves.

Funny at times, always intriguing, and filled with language that inspires; this is a collection of poems to be savored at home and in classrooms. An author's note adds context and quite an amazing look at the author's process. The colorful artwork is energetic and appealing for all readers, awash with many details that will make you smile with delight.

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music, written by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Rafael Lopez. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Thomas Allen & Son. 2015. $21.99 ages 5 and up

"But everyone
on the island of music
in the city of drumbeats
believed that only boys
should play drums
so the drum dream girl
had to keep dreaming
quiet
secret
drumbeat
dreams"

Oh, I am such an admirer of Margarita Engle's elegant writing and of her beautifully told stories. Using verse to tell this tale of a young Cuban girl is further proof that she shares her passion for her subject in a concise and perfect way ... no superfluous information. The rhythmic text echoes the music that beats through the young girl's body. Yet, we learn about the island nation, the turbulent times and the allure of music for everyone, girls included.

Millo Castro Zaldarriaga was born of Chinese-African-Cuban parentage and lived on the beautiful island with her family in the 1930s, a time when it was taboo for women to play the drums. Her love of music and drumming filled her days with practice on every conceivable surface, and her nights with dreams of drumming.

"Her hands seemed to fly
as they rippled
rapped
and pounded
all the rhythms
of her drum dreams."

She was only 10 when her sisters asked her to a part of their all-girl dance band. Her father refused to let her, saying that girls could not be drummers. Millo returned to drumming in private, and in her dreams. When her father relented and sought a teacher to determine her talent, Millo proved even more talented that anyone might have imagined. She worked hard to improve, amazing her teacher who found her work in a sidewalk café where everyone could hear 'her drum dreams'.

This is an uplifting picture book biography about an extremely talented young girl whose courage and stamina led the way for all who had the talent to play the drums, male or female. A short historical note is included.

Rafael Lopez uses acrylic paint on wood board to give life to Millo's story. He focuses his art on the  brilliance and warmth of the island landscape, the energetic movements of a young girl who wants only to be a drummer, and the vivid, imaginative dreams that give strength to her quest to play the music she loves. A perfect combination of text and visuals, we are blessed to have this story to share with children. 

                                                                      

Sequoia, written by Tony Johnston, with paintings by Wendell Minor. A Neal Porter Book, Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2014. $19.99 ages 5 and up

"Mornings
he stands
with a thin
shawl
of sun upon
his shoulders.

He watches the
grove below ... "

Tony Johnston has penned an homage to the giant sequoia, and how he lives throughout the year. Each new season brings changes; from the owls of the springtime to the snow that covers his branches in winter. As each of these events happen around and on him, he listens with quiet wonder. Using his wisdom and experiences, he shares his stories with the small cedar trees that are his neighbors. Each of his senses helps him experience the many happenings in his surroundings.

"He feels
in his ringed
heart
the earth grow
still.
The birds
depart leaving him alone.

He opens
his ancient, brittle
arms
and gathers
one last crow."

The structure created in the repetition of this beautiful description of the natural world will help young readers see that nature changes throughout the year, in so many ways. Ms. Johnston's imagery is matched by the exceptional gouache watercolor paintings created by Wendell Minor. They allow readers to see the beauty of the landscape, and give perspective to the height of the sequoia. I love the diffused light that bounces off the water, the tree trunks, the animals from dawn until dusk. The changing perspectives add context  and will hold interest as the book is shared. Be sure to take a careful look at the endpapers ... they have their own story to tell.

Endnotes add information and a plea to help protect these beautiful giants.

 Impressive and memorable!
                                                                           

Elvis:The Story of the Rock and Roll King. Written and illustrated by Bonnie Christensen. Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2015. $20.50 ages 6 and up

"But music - it was
everywhere.
Jazz floating between
neighborhoods,
blues chugging up both sides
of the tracks,
spirituals and gospel
pouring out of churches."

Despite the many differences that were a part of the culture of Tupelo, Mississippi when Elvis was born there in 1935, the one thread that spoke to all residents was the music. 'Elvis was born into that music.'

He loved to sing in church. He was very shy, often clinging to his mother. An only child, he and his extremely destitute family had only each other. When things got worse, Elvis and his mother had to sell their house and move, and keep moving. Eking out a living was a very difficult thing to do. Despite their troubles, Elvis continued to love all music, and was encouraged to share his talents.

His mother gave him a guitar for his 11th birthday and he taught himself to play. He was shunned at school, and able to ignore most of it. Once again, the family had to pull up roots and move so that his father might find a job. Memphis was their new home.

"New apartment, new school, new jobs.
Elvis' heart and soul were beating
to the rhythm of Beale Street -
and better things to come."

Suddenly, he had friends. When the other students heard him sing, they were astonished. A further chance came when Sam Phillips of Sun Records asked him to make a record.

"That's All Right" was a Delta blues song,
and Elvis was singing it a whole new way -
ragged, raw Delta blues, with bits of country
and moments of gospel.
Black and white music all mixed up together.
A whole new sound!"

Elvis was on his way ...

Bonnie Christensen does a terrific job of telling Elvis' story with compassion, verve and a genuine admiration for the man and his prodigious talent. From his early childhood to his first record, she offers a clear picture of the young Elvis Presley, who was so loved and admired by so many. Her paintings, rendered in photo collage, then scanned, printed on paper, and painted with oils is a compelling portrait of a vulnerable and extremely talented young man. The verse text says only what it needs to say to help young readers understand the allure and talent of the 'King'.   

An author's note and an extensive timeline follow in back matter.

Sadly, Ms. Christensen died in January this year after a battle with ovarian cancer. Her award winning books and her dedication to bringing the best to her readers will be a continuing legacy in the world of children's literature.

Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress, written by Christine Baldacchino and illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant. A Groundwood Book, 2014. $16.95 ages 5 and up

"Mondays are great, too,
because on Mondays,
Morris goes to school.
Morris likes lots of things
about school.
He likes to paint.
He likes to do puzzles.
He likes the apple juice
at snack time
and singing the loudest
during circle time."

Morris has favorite things at home, and at school. The dress-up centre at school is filled with a multitude of outfits; Morris loves the tangerine dress. There is so much that attracts him to it: the brilliant color, the sounds it makes as he walks and sits down. The children in his class are quick to make fun of his choice. Morris pretends not to hear. Every day there is a new reason for a boy not to wear that beautiful dress, or have painted fingernails. It gives Morris a real ache in his stomach.

Saturday and Sunday provide time for puzzles, books, dreams, and painting. The weekend is just what Morris needs. Returning to school on Monday with his painting in hand, Morris doesn't mind that the boys won't let him travel on their spaceship. He can build his own, and he can decorate it with his artwork. Those friends then have questions that Morris happily answers. Soon, they are all exploring the place in space that comes from his imagination.

"By the time they returned to Earth, Eli and Henry had decided
that it didn't matter if astronauts wore dresses of not.
The best astronauts were the ones who knew
where all the good adventures were hiding.
Morris smiled. He already knew that."

When Becky demands her time with the dress, Morris shares it in a gracious and generous way.

Tender and charming, this a book that honors imagination and individuality in lovely moments. The scenes created by Isabelle Malenfant, using charcoal, watercolor, pastel and Adobe Photoshop, are glorious in both color and design. The scenes she creates will certainly capture the attention of her audience and those who share this uplifting story.

Be yourself, be awesome and allow others to be the same! Morris is, and does.
                                                                            

Wild About Us! Written by Karen Beaumont and illustrated by Janet Stevens. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Thomas Allen & Son. 2015. $21.99 ages 4 and up

"Elephant's confident
nothing is wrong.
He knows that his nose
is supposed to be long.

No one laughs at Giraffe
'cause she's lanky
and tall.
Here at the zoo
there is room for us all."

You know how much kids love the zoo! In this new rhyming story from Karen Beaumont, we get to meet a group of zoo denizens who are perfectly happy to be themselves ... warts, wrinkles, and all.

It is a real celebration of acceptance, and is sure to make you smile. I love it when Warty Warthog announces: : “Can’t be who I’m not. / I am who I am, / and I’ve got what I’ve got.”
And he likes it! Would that we could all feel so free to be happy with who we are. It's a great message, and shines a light on how our differences should never be shameful. As well as Warty, you will meet Crocodile, Rhino, Elephant, Giraffe, Flamingo, Potbellied Pig, Tortoise, Porcupine, Leopard, Hippo, Chimp and Kangaroo. Each is blessed to be something special, and to take pride in it.

"We're glad we're all different!
It would be such a shame
if you came to the zoo ...
and we all looked the same!"

 Janet Stevens uses white space with flair to bring our attention to these animals who are so proud of their differences. She is incredibly adept at presenting each with expressions that will have young readers sitting up to take notice, and loving them from the get-go. The book's design is perfect, always changing our perspective. She has hidden a fly on each of the animals, so be on the lookout for it.

The Popcorn Astronauts And Other Biteable Rhymes, written by Deborah Ruddell and illustrated by Joan Rankin. Margaret K. McElderry, Simon & Schuster. 2015. $21.99 ages 4 and up

"A Smoothie Supreme

This smoothie's a doozie -
you're quite the gourmet!
Your brilliant concoction
just blows me away!

That eye-catching color
of yellowish-brown,
those delicate flavors,
so hard to pin down ... "

The team that gave us poetic pleasure in Today at the Bluebird Cafe and A Whiff of Pine, a Hint of Skunk is reunited. I am thankful; both books remain among my favorites for sharing in poetry workshops and with children. Now, I can add this third one to the set. The subject is food.

In 21 themed poems, Deborah Ruddell presents seasonal favorites, from strawberries in spring to mac and cheese in winter. Each is a tasty delight that is sure to conjure up memories of shared meals in every season.  Spring and the allure of warm weather suggests a picnic:

"Lickety-Split
Picnic

Put a shade tree in the basket
with a baseball and a blanket
and the green grapes and the baked beans
and your bow-wow and your blue jeans
and a hot dog and a hilltop
and the cupcakes and the flip-flops
and a daydream and a drumstick ...
easy-breezy, it's a PICNIC!"

It makes you want the sun to shine brighter, and the robins to keep on singing.

As we pass from one season to the next, the poems entice us with deliciousness and envy. My mouth waters as each of the food items is described, although the watermelon lake does nothing for me (how can you hate watermelon, you might ask). Now apples are a different story altogether, Bring them on, fall:

"21 Things to
Do with an Apple

Wash  it
Dry it
Apple-pie it
Bite it
Gnaw it
Paint it
Draw it
Twirl it
Float it
Caramel-coat it
Lunch it
Crunch it
Sunday-brunch it
Peel it
Slice it
Cinnamon-spice it
Sell it
Spell it
Show-and-tell it
Tug-of-war it
Just ignore it"

Are you hungry yet?

Every poem is accompanied by the delightful watercolor artwork that Joan Rankin has so successfully filled with bright color and the many details that will capture attention and invite discussion of foods, seasons and family meals.

I love lemon bars; this is definitely my favorite from this most welcome book.


"The Big Question

I'm wondering if you would mind
or would you ever be inclined
or is there any outside chance
(because I'm asking in advance)
that it would somehow be okay ...
Well, here's the thing I need to know ...
I hate to ask, but here I go:
Sooo ... do you think that you could share
that yummy-looking lemon square?"

A Poem in Your Pocket, written by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by G. Brian Karas. Schwartz & Wade Books, Random House. 2015. $19.99 ages 8 and up

"Elinor got to work.
All during March, she
studied poetry.
All during April, the
class caught up with
Elinor. They read poetry
books and learned poems
by heart and wrote poems
in their poetry journals.
Every day there was
something new to learn."

It's Poetry Month! I hope you find ways to celebrate the wonders of language by sharing as many books of poetry as you can. We are going to start today with the energetic and always eager teacher wanting to help his students learn new things ... Mr. Tiffin. This is the third book in a terrific series that considers learning in an interactive classroom (How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin, 2007 and The Apple Orchard Riddle, 2013). Mr. Tiffin has it going on ... he knows that children learn best by doing.

In celebration of Poetry Month, he has invited a poet to visit. The purpose of Emmy Crane's visit is to help the students to hone personal poems that they can then carry around in their pockets to share with others. Elinor is going to write six perfect poems, one for each of the pockets in her jeans. She knows she can do it. There is much to learn and they get busy quickly ... reading poetry, memorizing some favorites, writing in their poetry journals.

Mr. Tiffin teaches elements of poetry and affords them the opportunity to practice this new learning.

"Recess is an ice cream cone on a hot day," said Alex. "Even in April."
"Homework is a belt that's too tight," said Jake.
"Do you have a metaphor, Elinor? asked Mr. Tiffin.
"I'm coming up with something amazing," said Elinor. "I'm just not ready
to say anything."
"Elinor is a library," said Tara, "filled with silence."

They read and practice writing haiku, acrostic, concrete, funny poems; on outside walks, they use their 'poet's eyes' to find subjects for their writing. A surprise bag contains a secret for their writing on Friday. A poem about what's inside will help others guess what's there. Along the way, as they try their new skills, Elinor has difficulty. Her struggles continue over the weekend, despite her accumulated knowledge about poetry itself, to write the perfect poem. She has nothing in her pocket when she returns to school on Monday.

Will Emmy Crane be able to help?

G. Brian Karas uses acrylic and pencils to create the sensitive artwork that allows readers to see the joy in a learning classroom, and the despair Elinor feels when she faces writer's block due to her perfectionism. He varies design in the pages, using double page spreads and many spot pictures to give us a clear look at Mr. Tiffin's classroom  community.