Construction Site on Christmas Night, written by Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrated by AG Ford. Chronicle Books, Raincoast. 2018. $22.99 ages 3 and up

"Cement mixer has
concrete to pour:
He lays the foundation,
walls and floor.

And then he churns
another load
that will be used
to make a road.

He twirls, he spins ... "

For fans of the Construction Site gang, here's a special Christmas gift. As she did in Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and then again in Mighty, Mighty Construction Site, Sherri Rinker introduces each one of the construction team workers. They have a job to do, and their deadline is Christmas night. It's the last important work for the year.

They are building a 'special house' and their hard work is essential. No need to fear their work ethic. They will do their best as they cooperate to get the work done, and on time. Bulldozer's work must be completed before any other work can start. Done in quick time, he turns to find a spectacular 'thank you' gift left for him. Excavator is next to complete his part. Surprise! Another perfect gift with a thank you card from the crew. Next up ... Cement Mixer, and then Dump Truck, who has seen better days.

"An icy wind blows in his face,
but Dump Truck revs to keep the pace.

His back is sore, his tires are shot,
but Dump Truck gives it all he's got ...

and soon, there's nothing left to haul.
He slows his engine to a crawl."

He, too, receives a personal gift. Crane Truck is the final worker; his hard work completes the task. Now, readers will discover why the work was so important. I will leave it to you to find out how truly important for the community it is.

Expressive artwork from the gifted AG Ford will give young readers great pleasure. He fills his spreads with a crew of happy vehicles whose hustle and bustle assures their work meets expectations. The gifts they receive will bring warm smiles, and the soft snowfall at the end of the day emphasizes Merry Christmas wishes. 
                                                                   

The Dam, written by David Almond and illustrated by Levi Pinfold. Candlewick Studio, Penguin Random House. 2018. $23.99 ages 6 and up

""Archie Dagg the piper
played here. And Gracie
Gray, she of the gorgeous
voice.

"There were dances here.
There were parties. 

"I came as a boy to hear
them ... "

When the father wakes his daughter early in the morning, he asks her to bring along her fiddle. He knows the dam will soon be completed, and their valley will be flooded. There is, of course, no family living within the area anymore . Everyone has been required to leave; each is given a new home.

Walking past the many buildings, the father spots an abandoned cottage. Quickly, he pulls the door away and the two enter . He assures that there is no danger within its walls. But, he has a request for his daughter.

"Now play.
Play for all that are gone
and for all that are still to come.
Play, Kathryn, play."

"Sing, Daddy, sing.
Dance, Daddy, dance."

They know the dam will change everything, and they are not angry. Their adventure takes them from house to house, filling each with music, and offering all who listen a glorious musical tribute to the land they have so loved. When the dam is done and the lake is their new reality, they find beauty in its existence as well. And the music stays.

Using charcoal, ink, pastel and digital imaging, Levi Pinfold evokes an earlier time. His muted palette gives life to a moody landscape and a feeling of reverence for a place that will be no more.
The spreads are varied in perspective and detail. The change in palette once the lake has formed and the people can enjoy its many pleasures is uplifting.

Beautifully told, with music at its heart, this is a story that is wistful and empowering as it shows that change may be hard to take, but it can be equally wondrous.

An author's note tells readers that this is a true story. Unforgettable!
                                                                             

Dad's Camera, written by Ross Watkins and illustrated by Liz Anelli. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2016. $21.99 ages 6 and up

"Mom asked him why he didn't take a photo of us, but he wouldn't say. He just put the camera to his eye, pointed it at his cereal bowl, his coffee cup, and clicked. Dad took photos of the things he didn't want to forget. When Dad finished his first roll of film, he took it to an old store in the city to be developed. He came home with a thick envelope under his arm, went straight into his study, and stuck the photos across the window."

As the agony that is Alzheimer's Disease becomes apparent in the narrator's father, it is apparent to his son and the boy's mother that he is taking photographs of everything but his family. As his memory grows worse, Dad starts putting things away in funny places. The doctor has explained the progression of the memory loss. It doesn't make it any easier for his family that they know that.

As he takes pictures of the minutiae of things that are part of his everyday life, the son assumes his dad wants the photos to help him remember. As the films are developed, Dad places his photos on the window until it is filled with the many pictures he has taken. His wife is angry that there is no family picture among them. When he comes home one day without his camera, they assume he lost it.
Upon his death, they learn what happened to the camera and what Dad had left for them. One photo from one roll of film ... the most important one of all.

Using collage, watercolor and digital coloring, Liz Anelli is able to capture the emotions of the family as they lose their loved one to advancing disease. The endpapers are especially telling and painful. Many families face some of the same effects of memory loss, and do their best to accept its consequences. This honest account is sure to invite discussion concerning family, illness, love and memories. While sadness is at the core of the telling, it is also tender and hopeful.
                                                                           

King Alice, by Matthew Cordell. Feiwel & Friends, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2018. $23.50 ages 4 and up

"CHAPTER 5

Then the pirates came in their
big pirate car! Captain Bellyfish
walked around and said, "I'm
the toughest pirate on Earth!"
And the little pirate said, "No
more cookies? They you will
all eat fish, Knight Princesses,
and I won't say please! Walk the
plank!"

Following up on the theme of imagination, today I want to share a book about Alice and the absolute joy she finds in spending a snow day ordering her father about as they play together. Alice has a regal presence from the moment her tired father arises, scratches his butt and becomes part of the brouhaha.

"Good morning, Sir Dad."
"Y-a-a-a-a-w-n ... Morning, Alice," said Dad.
"No! KING Alice! The First!" shouted Alice.
"You mean ... Queen?" asked Dad.
"No, KING!"
"Umm ... King," Dad said."

Obviously, they have had such days prior to this one. Alice wonders about returning to earlier pursuits ... 'super-sparkly strawberry muffins', a 'super-pretty' makeover for Dad. Dad is not keen. What about making a book together?

The book will be about King Alice, obviously! It's not a very long book ... one short chapter. Encouraged by her parents to expand on the initial premise, and with some added props, the story takes on a new life in a further chapter. Bored following this second chapter, King Alice is on to something else. Wait! An idea produces Chapter 5, skipping 3 and 4, and it's done before lunch! The snow day is continues following that. A bit too much enthusiasm lands her in the 'time-out' chair, followed by a return to calm and additional artwork.

What a family read this is! You will have great fun pouring over the illustrations and perhaps recognizing yourselves in some of its pages. Done with watercolor, colored pencil, markers, and pen and ink, it is indisputably Matthew Cordell having a great deal of fun while presenting what he knows about young children. It so honestly captures the chaos that can be part of the way families spend their days. It also offers humor and the supportive love parents provide when helping a young child toward independence.                                                                         

Imagine, by Raul Colon. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. 2018. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"A boy passes a museum
many times but never goes
in.

Today is 
different ... 

What will it be like
inside?"

I trust that you are fans of the incredible artwork in books illustrated by Raul Colon. In his latest wordless picture book he proves, once again, how imagination has inspired him to think, to create and to honor its power.

A young boy sets off from home, skateboard under his arm and helmet on his head. His journey takes him through New York streets and over the Brooklyn Bridge to the doors of the Museum of Modern Art. As he wanders through and admires all there is to see there, he imagines that characters from the paintings join him in a joyous dance. Following this pied piper of imagination, they follow him outside into the streets, through Times Square, and onto the subway for a visit to some of the most recognizable New York destinations. The ride the Cyclone at Coney Island, stare down at the world from the Statue of Liberty's crown, eat hot dogs from a street vendor, and share a song in Central Park.

When the time comes to return to the museum, they hail a yellow cab and head back to the home of artworks so many admire ... Picasso's Three Musicians, Rousseau's The Sleeping Gypsy and Matisse's Icarus. The boy collects his helmet and board and makes the return trip. On his way, he notices a blank wall that begs for splashes of color. Taking inspiration from the experiences of his wondrous day, he does himself proud. Absolutely breathtaking!

Raul Colon uses watercolors, Prismacolor pencils, and lithograph pencils on Arches paper to fill this book with light, movement, texture, and wonder. In an author's note he explains that he did not visit an art museum until he was an adult. What might have happened had he visited as a child?

"I believe that visiting the art museum and experiencing all the other countless works of art I knew only through reproductions became one the most rewarding experiences in my development as an illustrator. My mind was freed and I felt compelled and confident to express what was inside me and to create what wasn't. Seeing the works of great artists then and now gives me inspiration and stimulates my imagination."
                                                                           

The Day War Came, written by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Rebecca Cobb. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House, 2018. $19.99 ages 6 and up

"I can't say the words that tell you
about the blackened hole
that had been my home.

All I can say is this:
War took everything.
War took everyone.
I was ragged, bloody, all alone."

After hearing a story about a refugee child who could not attend school because there was no chair for her, Nicola was compelled to write this poem. After publication in The Guardian with illustrated images of empty chairs, it influenced many, many people to post their own photos of empty chairs with the hashtag #3000chairs. In this timely and stirring picture book, she reminds us that kindness is at the heart of the human condition and we all have the power to share it with others.

It is not an easy read; it is unquestionably a necessary one. More than half the people forced to leave them homes because of conflict and endless suffering are children ... just like yours, mine, ours. Can you imagine? I doubt it.

The young girl begins her day with her family at breakfast. Mom walks her to school where she spends her morning learning. The afternoon changes everything ... a bomb explodes nearby, destroying everything she knows.

The aftermath is terrifying. Walking, riding, sailing to an unfamiliar destination with people she doesn't know ... alone and scared and with little hope.

"But war had followed me.
It was underneath my skin,
behind my eyes,
and in my dreams.
It had taken possession of my heart."

Accepted by no one, turned away at school when there is no chair, and finally seeing kindness in the face of a young boy with a chair in his hand, she begins to heal. Children come from all around, carrying chairs, offering an invitation and assurance that all children will find a place in their classroom. 

Colored pencil and watercolor artwork by Rebecca Cobb does not sugar-coat the terrible effects of war, and displacement. There is darkness and terror in the face of the bombing, and in the hut she finds for shelter once she arrives in a new place, There is also a hint of hope on the faces of the kind children who help her begin to 'push back' the war that has turned her life upside down.

We all need to be kind, and hopeful. Children often lead the way!

My Father's Words, written by Patricia MacLachlan. Harper, 2018. $19.99 ages 8 and up

"The truth is that we know the dogs need people. But people need the dogs even more sometimes. To teach people how good they really can be. I call it turnabout." I thought about Finn and Emma - helping each other. When I went outside with Jenny and found Luke with Lulu, I saw the bumper sticker on Martha's car. I pointed it out to Luke.

BE THE PERSON YOUR DOG THINKS YOU ARE."

Fiona's father loved words, and shared sayings often with his family. Following his untimely, and accidental, death, Fiona and Finn understand they might never know what they all mean. However, they remember them and they spark those memories of their father that will forever hold him in their hearts.

Declan, a psychiatrist, is on his way to help a patient when a child runs out in front of his car. In avoiding a collision, he drives into the path of another vehicle and is killed. The family is left to deal with the anger, grief, and their dreadful loss.

As they try to move forward, comfort comes in a variety of ways. Fiona begins speaking once a week with one of her father's patients, Thomas. He has insights to share - and the words he remembers from the many visits he has had with their father. The two talk for a short time every Monday, always ending with a promise for next week's visit.

Finn, who is younger than Fiona is having a very tough time processing the loss and his anger with a parent who would let her child run out into the street. Luke, who lives next door, asks both Fiona and Finn if they would like to visit an animal shelter with him. Perhaps, it will help both of them by connecting with the rescue dogs housed there. It does, indeed.

Patricia MacLachlan is a master at making every word count. She creates characters and story in precise and thoughtful language that will live long in the memory of those who share her books . And, she loves dogs! This is a beautiful story of hope and healing - and, as their father often said, "the eternal fitness of things."

Perfect for reading on these cool winter nights - hot chocolate, a cozy blanket, and a family hug.

Saving Winslow, by Sharon Creech. Harper. 2018. $21.00 ages 8 and up

"The first time Louie gave Winslow a shot, he almost fainted. He kept telling himself, I can do this, I can do this, but he didn't truly believe it. He was afraid of getting it wrong and hurting Winslow. He could hardly bear it that Winslow was sick, but it would be even worse if he hurt him more. His father held Winslow while Louie prepared the syringe. For a moment, Louie felt dizzy and queasy. He thought he might vomit as he injected the needle ... "

Louie's experience with raising animals has not been exemplary. At 10, he decides that his love of animals should win out; he is keen to take care of the tiny, feeble donkey his father brings home from his uncle's farm. His mother is concerned that Louie will become too attached to the donkey and take it hard when the donkey doesn't make it. Louie will not hear of it being a lot of work; he is determined to do everything needed to help it survive and thrive.

"Louie's mother bent her head to the donkey,
studying his sweet face. "Go on," she said.
"But I'm warning you both. He may not last
the night. And if he does, he may not last
another day or two. You're going to be so,
so sad." "No!" Louie said. "I will save Winslow."

Thus, the donkey is named, the battle to save him begins.

Already added to my 'keepers' shelf, this is a book that tugs at heartstrings and will have readers or listeners engaged from start to finish. Emotional and heartwarming, it is a tale of love and friendship that has many poignant moments, some humorous ones, and is always uplifting. Louie misses his brother Gus, who is serving in the military. He counts on his best friend Mack for support and cautious optimism. He deals with his eccentric friend Nora's pessimism concerning loss and Winslow's fate, accepts and appreciates her growing love for the tiny donkey, and shares small triumphs with her.

There is so much feeling shared in this story of love and perseverance. I admire the characters ... all of them. Mrs. Tooley gets on my nerves, as she will do for all readers and listeners; in the end, I have empathy for her as well. The ending is perfect.

If this is the first Sharon Creech book you have read to your kids, or your classroom, I hope it won't be your last. Hers is an amazing collection of memorable tales.

Plagues: The Microscopic Battlefield, by Falynn Koch. First Second, Roaring Brook Press. Raincoast. $17.99 ages 11 and up

"Humans can be infected
with viruses in the same
way as bacteria. But once
inside, they act differently.

Unlike bacteria, viruses
cannot replicate on their
own. They need a host cell.

"That's right I like a nice 
healthy cell to get comfy in!"

As I considered this post and what I would say about the four Science Comics I have just finished reading: Plagues, Rockets: Defying Gravity, Coral Reefs: Cities of the Ocean, and The Brain: The Ultimate Thinking Machine, I thought I would tell you I was 'scienced-out'. If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you will know how uncomfortable I often feel when writing about science. I do not, in any way, consider myself scientific, or qualified to review them. But, I can tell you how they make me feel. The first four books I have read in this wonderful series left me feeling 'scienced up'. I know so much more now than I did when I sat down to read them.

As happens with each book in the series, the author/illustrator shares a wealth of information in comic book form, making it appealing and memorable for the audience it is meant to serve. In Plagues, we meet Elena who is a researcher accompanying Bubonic Plague and Yellow Fever through glands and tissues while trying to convince the two infectious diseases to act as vaccines within the body. She shows them how harmful each has been throughout history. The two are delighted with the destruction they have caused. They even laugh at her pleas.

Ms. Koch uses both history and anatomy, adding touches of humor, to create a bit of a lighthearted tone to the teaching. She details how certain plagues originated and how they spread. But, she also informs readers that those plagues helped to improve medicine and the treatment of future outbreaks.
She does not shy away from the terrible things that have happened, while providing facts concerning the variety in pathogens, their ability to attack the body, and the ways the body works to fight off infections of all kinds. Learning about our own bodies was enlightening and surprising to me. White blood cells are pretty amazing! And there are so many different kinds.

There are a lot of superbugs out there. Medical research is making some tremendous progress in  areas of control and understanding clinical care and treatment. We can only hope it will continue. The illustrations help readers to make connections and to begin to understand more about the bacteria that too often take root in our systems.

This is a very complete introduction to the particular subject of plagues, with a glossary, timeline, end notes, and bibliography added to help with further learning.

Besides the four titles mentioned at the beginning of this post, works already published and forthcoming titles include dogs, dinosaurs, the solar system, trees, bats, robots and drones, sharks, flying machines, cats, cars, wild weather, polar bears, and volcanoes. Surely there is a title there to impress someone you know who has a scientific bent.                                                                       

All Right Already! A Snowy Story, written by Jory John and illustrated by Benji Davies. Harper, 2018. ages 3 and up

"Goodness gracious, it
snowed! And not just a
little. It snowed a lot."

"I've got to tell Bear! He
won't believe it. But it's
true, so he'll have to
believe it."

"Bear! Open up! It's Duck!
From next door! It snowed,
ol' buddy!"

While parents who have read the other three books in the Goodnight Already! series might be thinking they have had enough of Bear and Duck, two neighbors of entirely different personality
and passion, their kids are going to be thrilled to be meeting up with them once again. I know I was excited to find this next adventure, and will surely put it in the cupboard that houses the books I love reading to Sicily and Chelsea when they come to visit.

If you have seen the others, you will know Duck to be over-the-top excited about almost anything that happens. Always willing to share that excitement with Bear, he has no filter for the enthusiasm he brings to encounters between the two. Bear is an introvert, happy in his own company and longing for the peace and quiet a warm bath affords on a cold and snowy winter morning.

Duck will have none of Bear being inside when there is so much to do outside.Duck is full of ideas! Bear is not enthralled with any of them. Duck is persuasive and not to be discouraged despite Bear's reticence.

"Come on, Bear. Let's make snow
angels together. Then you can go
back to sitting around."

"Sigh. 

All right already, Duck." 

"Okay! Lean back in the snow and
move your arms and legs back and
forth. Just flap around and ...

Voila!"

"Like this?" 

Drenched and feeling the first signs of a cold, Bear just wants to go inside ... alone. Not going to happen, if you know Duck. He's concerned about his friend and prepared to nurse him back to health. How's a bear to get healthy with constant commotion and care? Disgruntled, Bear sends Duck packing.

What happens next prompts a realization that new neighbors might be in order!

Familiar to fans, this is a book that will be read again and again.

A Boy and A House, written and illustrated by Maja Kastelic. Annick Press, 2018. $12.95 ages 4 and up

"A boy.

A cat.

An adventure.

A mystery undone.

A lovely surprise."

You know about animals and children, don't you?! They are so keen on each other, and seem prepared to follow them anywhere. It's exactly what happens in this exquisitely illustrated adventure.

A young boy heads away from home, enjoying the neighborhood and interested it what surrounds him. Neighbors can be seen at their apartment windows, a man bicycles past while another many walks his dog. A girl looks out from the lighted door at #42.

While mice frolic in the window at #34, a cat peers into the darkening street from another lighted doorway. The boy edges closer, hand held out in hopes of making a new friend. It does not happen. The cat climbs the stairs in the rather dilapidated building; the boy follows. He picks up a drawing as he approaches the staircase. Along the way there is much to see - on the walls, on the staircase. As he goes, he picks up other drawings that have been left behind.

An open, lighted door at the end of a long hallway leads to a room set for a tea party. The two soldier on - past a library, up a spiral staircase, past an art gallery. The pace quickens. First a sitting room, followed by another staircase, all littered with more and more discarded pictures. Does danger await?

I love every detail of his journey to the attic.There is much to see and so many stories to be discovered by paying close attention. I guarantee that you will not 'read' it only one time. Children will find many familiar items as they make the journey with the boy and the cat. While the adults who share it may not see the mice that take part in the adventure, children will see them every time! 

The author uses a sepia-toned palette and makes tremendous use of shadow and light to create a mysterious, and ultimately very satisfying story. No words needed.

Of her book, Maja has this to say:

" ...  is a silent book about a little boy’s morning wandering, and also, or even more, a story about going up and following the light, about curiosity and daring, getting lost and finding, friendship, secrets, and also about hoping for and believing in happy endings. I also wished to make it as an homage to literature, illustration, and to the nostalgic beauty of old times and timeless things.
                                                                       

We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands, written and illustrated by Rafael Lopez. Orchard Books, Scholastic. $23.99 ages 2 and up

"We've got the sun and the rain
in our hands.

We've got the moon and the
stars in our hands.

We've got the whole world
in our hands.

We've got the wind and the
clouds in our hands!"

This celebration begins with a many-colored ball of yarn that moves across the endpapers and stops at the feet of a young girl. She begins to unravel it, and seems tangled in the glory of the brilliant colors. Soon, she is embracing those colors as she releases the ball of yarn to the world and the children therein. As the children follow the yarn over hills and across meadows, they capture the attention of the sun, the rain, and many animals from a wide variety of environments.

On they go to many countries of the world. The yarn connects one child to the next, and all of them to each other. They reach for it, they walk on it, and they welcome many of the animals found throughout the world to their parade. It finally becomes the strings for a hot air balloon that carries them to the night skies and the wonder found there.

Music for this well-known spiritual is provided, as well as a note about its origin, and a note about the inspiration that brings it to book form. That description is wonderful to read:

"Rafael Lopez loves color because it speaks all languages. He uses an array of hues that come in large recycled salsa jars from Mexico, along with mixed media. Using his collection of tools and twigs, he scratches texture on the illustrated surface of wooden boards and watercolor paper. With his favorite pair of scissors, he cuts shapes out of Bristol paper and then plays with pen and ink, watercolor, and Adobe Photoshop to conjure the personalities of clouds and characters."

I would love to know that much about every illustrated book I read. It sends me right back to the pages of this wondrous book to see if I can see how he did it. 

We all need to hear messages that empower us and give us hope. This is a glorious celebration of unity through love for the world we live in and the future that lives in the hands of our children. There is diversity in everything, and we need to embrace it as they do.
                                                                                                                                     

Love Agnes: Postcards From An Octopus. Written by Irene Latham and illustrated by Thea Baker. Millbrook Press, Lerner. Thomas Allen & Son. 2018. $29.99 ages 5 and up

"Agnes rolled her eyes.
She still knew how to do
a thing or two. She jetted
superfast across a current.
When a dogfish followed
too close, she blasted it
with a cloud of ink.

When the color cleared, what
did she see floating by?"

In keeping with yesterday's post about letter writing and using it to express feelings, I want to tell you about Irene Latham's newest book. It is the story of a giant Pacific octopus and is shared in a series of postcards, beginning with one that annoys Agnes. She responds immediately to Andrew's opening shot. It is addressed to him at Above the Waves, California and says:

"Dear Andrew,

Just because I have a beak
that can crush bones and
arms that stretch as wide
as a car does NOT make
me a monster. I'm a mollusk,
okay? Look it up.

Sincerely,
Annoyed Agnes"

It is a while before Agnes hears from Andrew again. In the meantime, she does receive postcards from denizens of the deep who have opinions and observations to share. Another younger octopus is rude and up for a fight. A crab is happy to have avoided her arms and suckers. Then, there is another from Andrew that furthers annoys. Her second response sets them on a new path. Others postcards are written to her eggs, to her babies, and to the world at large.

Through it all, we learn  a great deal about the octopus in an ingenious, informative text that is written alongside the set of postcards. There are clear facts provided concerning the care she provides for her eggs, the changes in her own being as time passes and she awaits the hatching and quick departure of all those babies, and her own gentle demise.

Before she goes, she has a message for the world:

"Dear World,

What a life, what a place! I have friends
above the waves!
And now I must
say goodbye ...
GOODBYE! Don't worry, the end
is not at all like I thought it
would be. (You'll see.)

Gratefully,

Agnes Octopus"

Collage, acrylic paint, and digital illustrations by Thea Baker are filled with the colors of the deep, and are textural and attractive. Children will want to pore over them to be sure they miss nothing about this amazing creature. Backmatter provides engaging facts and offers a list of books for further reading.

This book is one that I classify as faction with young readers: it contains both facts and story. It is also wise in the ways of the world, and a celebration of life! What a gift at Christmas for a reader who loves learning new information mixed with a well-told story, humor, and told in a way that is new and refreshing! Checks a lot of boxes, doesn't it?
                                                                       

Dear Substitute, written by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick. Illustrated by Chris Raschka. Disney/Hyperion, 2018. $18.99 ages 5 and up

"Dear Line, 

Yes, I know I'm supposed
to be line leader this week.

Especially since I was chair
stacker last week.

I'm sorry that You-Know-Who
doesn't know how we do things
in Room 102."

Poor substitutes! It's not an easy pursuit. In the early grades, little ones miss their teacher. Then, they miss routines that make their days easier and more familiar. In older grades, students often do their best to give the 'sub' a go! This would be a perfect book for a substitute teacher to carry in a bookbag to be read at the beginning of every new assignment.

The first letter is directed at the person who replaces Mrs. Giordano.

"Dear Substitute,

Wow. This is a surprise.
What are you doing here?
Where's Mrs. Giordano,
and why didn't she warn us?"

There are sixteen short letters her; the first to the substitute herself and the final one to Mrs. Giordano. The rest are written to the varied events that take place during the school day, including a library visit, the school pet, lunch, and story time. Each is written to show readers how much things are disrupted with someone new is in charge of a classroom. The day certainly seems catawuimpus.

As he does, Chris Raschka uses watercolor and gouache to create his colorful, detailed artwork. His borders and humorous images add charm and interest, and are sure to hold attention. Poor turtle waiting for a clean tank! Lovely world of poetry and imagination! And, I love the spread that shows Miss Pelly with her special powers.

"Dear Miss Pelly, 

Now you care about rules?
How did you even see us swapping?
I think you have what my mom has:
back-of-the-head eyes.
I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking about
people being allergic to things.
I was just thinking about Connor's yummy chips."

Using humor and understanding, the authors pen a story that might just help little ones understand that changes can be welcome, if we look with a new perspective.

For those who spend their days being the 'chaos' in classrooms, you might add the following books to your repertoire (along with a book of fun poetry). Good luck and happy days!

Miss Nelson is Missing (Allard, 2003), and Here Comes Teacher Cat (Underwood, 2017).
                                                                             

Want To Play Trucks? Written by Ann Stott and illustrated by Bob Graham. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2018. $21.99 ages 3 and up

"Want to play trucks?"
asks Jack.

"Let's play dolls ...
that drive trucks,"
says Alex.

So Jack and Alex
play dolls that drive
trucks.

"WEE-HOO! WEE-HOO!"

As happens in real life, you don't have to love the same things to be friends. As happens so often with children, they easily accommodate how to navigate their differences ... especially when left to their own devices.

Ann Stott has written a simple, and important, story focusing on two children who play happily together by compromising and finding comfort in each other's company. Both have a love for toys that are very different. Their decision to assure both are incorporated into their play is heartwarming and a testament to the imagination. In the end, nothing matters more than a shared love for ice cream. Satisfied, and satisfying.

I must admit I got this book because I am such a fan of Bob Graham's work. He is able to make this lovely story even more so with his brilliantly detailed artwork. Every image plays an important role to the importance of the story being told. The gorgeous endpapers provide a perfect start - and finish. In between, he offers an autumn morning filled with action and life. It is a neighborhood brimming with activity, and people, and their pursuits.

The two have created a book worthy of sharing, and then rereading.       

                                                      

                                                                 

You're Snug With Me, by Chitra Soundar and Poonam Mistry. Lantana Publishing, Thomas Allen & Son. 2018. $25.99 ages 4 and up

"When the willows turned
crimson, Mama Bear dug
into the snow drifts not
far from the sea.

She made a den just big
enough for her to turn over,
and waited for the falling
snow to seal it shut.

As the cold set in, she
gave birth to two bear cubs."

Once her cubs are born, Mama Bear turns to the task of keeping them snug, answering their questions and assuring them about their future. The cubs are impatient to know what life will be like for them outside after the long, cold winter. She is endlessly patient, and full of wisdom to help them understand the changes they will face when spring arrives with warmth and sunshine. As they wait, she encourages them with her brave and warm responses.

"Don't be afraid," said Mama
Bear. "The Earth dances on her
toes and when she tilts, our
nights will get shorter
and spring will return."

She teaches lessons about living good lives, about their world and the changing of the seasons, and all those things they will need to know if they are going to live independently. She passes her knowledge along, knowing that her cubs will need it when they move out into the world.

"Will you stay with us always?" they asked.

"Only until you're ready to be
on your own," said Mama Bear.

The cubs whimpered.

"Don't be afraid," said
Mama Bear. "I'll teach you
everything I know
before I leave."

For now, they are 'snug' with their mother ... and safe.

In an author's note, Chitra Soundar further describes the polar bear, and reminds her readers that each of us can contribute to the good health of this world we live in by taking only what we need from it. The beautiful and intricate designs are inspired by the Indian heritage of the two collaborators who bring their story to little ones. There is so much rhythm in the lines, swirls, stars, and backgrounds that adorn its double page spreads. Readers will be in awe of the detailed presentation. So. grab a blanket, bring a cup of hot chocolate and snuggle up before bed for a family read. Reassuring and full of wonder, this is a really lovely book.

Be sure to check for its companion - You're Safe With Me (Lantana, 2018).
                                                                       

The Stuff of Stars, written by Marion Dane Bauer and illustrated by Ekua Holmes. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2018. $23.99 ages 5 and up

"No Earth with soaring hawks,
scuttling beetles,
trees reaching for the sky.
There was no sky.
No you.
No me.
Only the speck,
waiting,
waiting ...
And then
the beginning ... "

What a gorgeous book this is ... it is a harmony of carefully chosen and captivating poetic words complemented by spectacular 'hand-marbled paper and collage assembled digitally' artwork by the remarkable Ekua Holmes. One cannot help spending time reading and rereading, while thoroughly examining every detail of the amazing double page spreads.

It is a book that will find fans of every age. The author helps her readers take a close look at the Big Bang and the creation of our universe. It begins in the deep darkness of space which held nothing but a single speck.

"There was yet no time,
there was yet no space.
No up,
no down,
no edge,
no center."

Only one planet is near enough to its closest star to be not too hot and not too cold to sustain life. As time passes life forms are born and die, until the reader arrives from its own 'stuff of stars'.

"You took a big breath
of the same air
once breathed
by woolly mammoths.
You cried tears
that were once salty seas.
Your hair
once the carbon in a leaf."

We are all made of the 'stuff of stars'. This celebration of the universe, our Earth, and humanity is a remarkable achievement, graced with artwork that cannot accurately be described by me. The beauty  Ms. Holmes creates needs to be seen. This is a magical book, and deserves a place in all libraries and on bookshelves everywhere.
                                                                     

Thank You, Omu! Written and illustrated by Oge Mora. Little Brown and Company, Hachette. 2018. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Omu thought for a moment.
She was saving her stew
for dinner, but she had made
quite a bit. It would not hurt
to share. "Would you like some?"

The little boy nodded.

And so Omu spooned out some
thick red stew from the big fat
pot for her her nice evening meal."

I love stories of community! Goodness knows, we need them now. Everyone in the neighborhood loves Omu, and she loves them back. The smell of her 'thick red stew in a big fat pot' is all the incentive they need today to stop by for a visit. Do you think they are all hoping for the same thing?

 Omu is happily reading while her stew simmers. The scent of it cannot be contained within her apartment walls. Her first visitor is a little boy. - and he's intrigued by the delicious smell. She shares some stew.  It turns out that he is not the only one who wants a taste.. A police officer is next; then,  the hot dog vendor, and more and more people from the neighborhood. Omu shares with each visitor until there is nothing left for her own evening meal.  No matter! She has grand and giving community friends who appreciate her kind and generous nature, and have learned another lovely lesson in generosity.

Though her pot was empty, her heart 'was full of happiness and love'. Isn't that the way it should be?

This is a splendid debut for Oge Mora. The text has rhythm and a structure that will encourage shared reading, and a return to the book for another go. The collage illustrations were created using 'acrylic paint, china markers, pastels, patterned paper, and old-book clippings.' They are filled with expression and diversity in detailed spreads sure to please young readers and encourage discussion concerning Omu's kind and giving heart.

We all want to see more kindness in this world. Books like Thank You, Omu will  make a difference!

FYI: Omu is pronounced Ah-moo, the Igbo word for queen.
                                                         

The Honeybee, written by Kristen Hall and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Simon & Schuster. 2018. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"A dance begins.
Waggle,
wiggle.
The dance is lovely.
Tremble,
jiggle.
The dance goes straight now -
in a line -
a figure eight is the final sign.
OH! NOW WE KNOW!
WE KNOW WHERE TO GO!"

As the world struggles to know what is happening to the honeybee, it's important to be cognizant of their plight and find ways to make sure we better support their well-being, and our future. Ms. Hall wants her readers to know how bees manage to do the work they do, how hard they work, and the great value their bring to our lives.

The honeybee makes its way to the beauty of a floral meadow where it is first heard, then seen. It chooses the perfect flower for this visit and begins its work of the day.

"This is the flower the bee has chosen.
This is the flower the pollen grows in.
This is the flower, its color so bright,
its sweet blooming scent calls the bee from its flight."

The work of gathering nectar begins with a long, satisfying sip. Then, it's off to find another flower, and then another. Once full, it returns to the hive where a dance ensues that tells the next bee swarm where to go to do its own work. While the second wave is gone, the returnees fill the honeycomb with all they have gathered. Ah, sweet honey is capped and sealed, awaiting a hungry day when it will provide sustenance.

Winter's arrival is an occasion for rest.

"Come now, rest.
Join our nest.
Huddle and cuddle,
the winter's our test.'

A test it is, but spring eventually stirs the meadow creatures to a new awakening and a renewal of life. The bees begin again in earnest to find the flowers, drink the nectar, and produce the honey.

The beautiful golden colors that permeate its pages and enhance the rhythmic, accessible language  inspire warmth and comfort through mixed-media illustrations by the exceptional Isabelle Arsenault. She helps readers understand the bee's work and the need to protect these tiny, invaluable creatures. A note from the author following the text provides further information and an appeal to help maintain and care for the amazing honeybee.

If we want to keep putting honey on our toast in the morning, we need to do our best to ensure the bees have what they need to do their work. Charming, and just right for reading aloud to your kids.

                                                                           

The SUPERPOWER Field Guide: BEAVERS. Written by Rachel Poliquin and illustrated by Nicholas John Frith. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Raincoast. 2018. $26.50 ages 9 and up

"I can almost hear you saying, “But aren’t beavers just lumpy rodents with buck teeth and funny flat tails?” Yes, they are! And believe it or not, those buck teeth and funny flat tails are just a few of the things that make beavers extraordinary."

If you thought that you didn't want to know anything about beavers, this fascinating and funny new book will surely change your mind! It is so much fun to spend the time given to learning as much as Rachel Poliquin is willing to contribute to our learning.

Elmer and Irma are life partners, having been together for six years already. The author sees them as real 'superheroes" and is more than happy to offer up compelling reasons when considering the superpowers that make them so.

*CHAINSAW TEETH
*UNSTOPPABLE FUR 
*EVER-TOILING TAIL
*THE INCREDIBLE SCUBA HEAD
*HYDROPOWERED BUILDING BRILLIANCE 
* PAWS OF POWER
*SUBAQUATIC WINTER SIEGE SURVIVAL SKILLS
*SUPERCHARGED SUPERSTINK
*INDUBITABLE DELUGE DOMINATION
  (That means Elmer is King of the Floods!)
* UNBEATABLE BOGMAKER

Ms. Poliquin then goes on to describe each of these superpowers in the most interesting, instructive and inspiring way. The text is chatty, and accessible for its target audience. There are quizzes throughout meant to test the reader's memory and absorption of pertinent facts. Nicholas John Frith adds humor and delight with his illustrations done is black ink, pencil and wax crayon on paper (with digital color).

"A family of beavers can make a small dam overnight. But if you give beavers time, they can make a dam that's visible from space! It's true - the biggest beaver dam on record is 2, 800 feet (850 meters) long. It's in Wood Buffalo National Park in northern Alberta, Canada. If you flipped that dam upright, it would stand as tall as the Great Pyramid of Giza stacked on top of the Eiffel Tower stacked on top of the Empire State Building!"

Bet you didn't know that, did you?

There is a glossary in back matter, and a helpful bibliography for those wanting to learn more.

This is the first book in a planned middle-grade nonfiction Superhero Field Guides series. Full of the facts, and humorous as all get-out, it will have many fans. If it is any indication of what we might expect in the future, bring on MOLES (scheduled for publication in June 2019).