Bertolt, by Jacques Goldstyn. Translated from French by Claudia Zoe Bedrick.Enchanted Lion Books, Publishers Group Canada. 2017. $22.95 ages 5 and up

"Most people do things together all the time. Like Mr. Buvard and his friends. Or the Berman brothers. Or Mrs. Brock and her knitting club. Or Ana-Marie and her friends. But me - I'm what you call a loner. I do stuff all by myself, and it doesn't bother me one bit. Just the opposite ... I love doing things by myself, but I love climbing my tree best of all."

Having helped raise an introvert, I love to read stories that honor who they are and how they feel. Jacques Goldstyn seems to know them well. His Bertolt captures the essence of a child who is introverted and seems not to mind at all. Can there be a better place to be than that?

This unnamed boy tells his story with acceptance and acknowledgement that he knows himself, and is not too concerned that others do not.

"My mitten wasn't there, so I took one
that doesn't match. Who cares.
I like it this way. Wearing two
different mittens is kind of funny."

He does have one especially favorite pastime. He loves climbing an old oak he has named Bertolt. Because it is cold in the throes of winter, he likes to imagine that spring will soon change Bertolt's bare branches into 'the coolest hideout ever'. He is the only one who climbs the old oak.

"The first branch must be 15 feet from the ground.
To reach it, you have to go up the trunk,
which is like a wall. But I know all of Bertolt's hollows
and where to put my hands and feet.
It's like climbing up a secret ladder."

And who doesn't love secrets ... and being alone ... and feeling at home? In fact, he is never alone on Bertolt's branches. There are all manner of birds and other creatures for company. All of his imaginings for spring spent in those branches come to a crashing halt when he realizes that Bertolt is not leafing out and must be dead. What can he do before Bertolt is turned into 'firewood, or furniture, or toothpicks'?

No problem!

Ink and colored pencils are used to create the moving and often humorous images. Sweet, but not too sweet, this lovely book honors the quiet, introspective kids born into our families, who are part of our classrooms and communities, who take pleasure from being alone, from playing outside, and from making a special friend of a tree whose branches sustain and protect. The wordless forays are worthy of careful contemplation. The artwork is simply stunning.
Please find a copy for yourself and share it with others.
                                                                          

A Perfect Day, by Lane Smith. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2017. $24.99 ages 3 and up

"The cool of the
water was what
Dog liked best.
When it was hot,
Dog sat in the
wading pool that
his friend Bert
filled for him.

It was a perfect day for Dog."

Bert is the boy in charge of making everything ideal for the animals in his care. On a warm and sunny day, Cat finds a bed of daffodils that provides comfort and beauty. Dog is delighted with the cool water being hosed into the wading pool where he can laze on such a day as this. After he fills the feeder with birdseed, Chickadee is a delighted visitor. Since that feeder is not accessible for squirrel as it protects Chickadee's nourishment, Bert drops a corncob onto the grass for the wily and disgruntled rodent.

It is a perfect day for each one of them!

When Bear lumbers forth into their territory, the scene undergoes a marked change. Now, it is Bear filling the double page spread, a corn cob looking like a new set of dentures in his large maw. The grammar changes. Today was a good day for Squirrel. And so it goes until Bear has managed to scuttle the day for each of the aforementioned creatures. Chickadee's feeder is emptied. Dog's pool provides a cooling off from the warmth of the summer sun. Cat's daffodil patch becomes the perfect place for Bear to create a 'summer angel', not unlike the winter ones that kids so love. Suddenly, the perfection of the day is lost to all but one.

You know who is having a perfect day now, right?

The mixed media illustrations are signature Lane Smith! He works with texture and scale in line and warm colors, and offers much for his readers to contemplate. There are so many places where I just wanted to reach out and touch the images, believing that I might be able to feel what I was seeing. Wouldn't that be sweet?

Lane Smith based the idea for this book on a series of visits made to his schoolhouse studio by a bear who likes to see what was in the feeder just outside Lane's window. 
                                                                       

The Big Book of Canada: Exploring the Provinces and Territories. (Updated Edition) Written by Christopher Moore and illustrated by Bill Slavin. Tundra Books, Random House. 2017. $45.99 ages 10 and up

"2011
The Winnipeg Jets had joined the National Hockey League in 1979, but the team moved away in 1996. Winnipeg kept fighting to get its team back, and in 2011 the Winnipeg Jets were reborn.
2014
The Canadian Museum of Human Rights opened in a spectacular new building near the Forks  ... "

This book was originally published in 2002. It has been updated this year  in celebration of Canada's 150th birthday! It will serve readers well for browsing, and learning more about the country they live in. Perfect for the coffee table, or the classroom bookshelf, it is meant to inform anyone interested in our history, and tells how Canada has grown both regionally and nationally. Being able to concentrate on the provinces and territories one at a time is sure to garner interest for families, too.

Each chapter covers landscapes, special moments, peoples, places on its map, industry, famous and infamous provincial characters, law and order, plus a list of general information and a page that describes something unique about the province itself. It's accessible format and easy style give readers the opportunity to visit a place that may be unfamiliar to them. It's a great way to visit Canada without leaving the comfort of your easy chair.

 Archival photographs, full-color illustrations, maps, and information boxes add to the appeal. Bill Slavin has done a wonderful job of providing details and garnering attention for what is depicted throughout the lengthy text. In back matter there are suggestions for further reading by provincial writers that give further context to life in each of the provinces. For example, Manitoba works include writings by Margaret Laurence, W. D. Valgardson, Arthur Slade, and Chester Brown.

The Alphabet Thief, written by Bill Richardson and illustrated by Roxanna Bikadoroff. Groundwood. 2017. $17.95 ages 8 and up

"The Alphabet Thief
stole all of the M's.
A hockey team turned into tea.
It spilled on the ice - ice that
used to be mice -
And that's not the iced tea
for me!

The Alphabet Thief
stole all of the N's."

Full of fun and zany wordplay, this is an alphabet book that is sure to find fans among kids who love to read something different. It's small format makes it great for sharing with a friend, and its premise will have readers scrambling to come up with some of their own ideas.

Bill Richardson does a commendable job of taking letters from words to make new ones, while also creating a complete transformation for the verse as it began. He makes good on his promise to find a way through the alphabet without losing sight of the wacky idea that set him off. The rhymes are most enjoyable and quirky. Readers will find much here to like.

"CAN NOBODY STOP the Alphabet Thief?
Can nobody end her spree?
Can somebody best her, can someone arrest her
Before she takes all of the G's?"

Repetitive language, terrific rhythms, and well-managed rhyme make it great fun to share. The illustrations that accompany each of the word changes are filled with humor and appealing characters. The thief has a familiar witchy look ... big hat, long nose, striped stockings, buckled boots, a feathered hat and a mask. The little girl, a sleuth-like observer of the actions, is often perturbed by the results of the ever-changing words. Her dog feels much the same. In the end it is up to that young girl to put an end to all of the thievery. Using the letter Y as a slingshot, she pummels the thief with ammo in the form of the letter Z, putting the thief into a state of deep slumber and bringing the Alphabet Thief's spree to a halt! Brava, young lady!

Engaging and detailed, this is a book that will have readers poring over its pages and reading with great exuberance.

The Fox Wish, written by Kimiko Aman and illustrated by Komako Sakai. Chronicle, Raincoast. 2017. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"The foxes were not very
good at jump rope. They
were good jumpers,. but
their tails kept getting
caught in the rope.

It didn't seem polite
to laugh at them, even
though they looked so
funny. But Lukie couldn't
help it."

Oh, what a lovely tale to read with little ones. They will surely see themselves in it - their belief that anything can happen, that wishes do come true, and that new friendships are worth pursuing. Told in Roxie's quiet voice, it is the story of a sister and brother who are sharing a snack when Roxie suddenly remembers the jump rope she left at the park. She invites Lukie along to retrieve it.

When they get there, the rope is gone. But, what is that sound they hear? Can it be their friends still playing? As luck would have it, it is, in fact, a group of fox kits and they are ... wait for it! ... jumping rope! Roxie and Lukie watch in awe from behind a nearby tree, not wanting to frighten the kits or disturb their play. They are just too darn comical! Without meaning to do so, Lukie laughs quietly at their antics. Their sharp ears know that someone is nearby. The children come out from their hiding place and are welcomed warmly. They are also asked for help in this rope jumping endeavor.

Roxie is quick to give instructions and the two join in their raucous romp. When the sky 'becomes peachy', they know their day of play must come to an end. As they prepare to say goodbye, Roxie notices that the rope being used is hers, as it has her name painted on it. That is when she discovers that the littlest fox shares her name and had made a wish for a game to play when they got to the park earlier in the day. The rope is her wish come true. The child Roxie handles the situation with aplomb and generosity.

If you are not familiar with Komako Sakai's artwork, having a close look here will send you to the library or bookstore to find her other books! She is so sensitive to children and their lives. She uses gorgeous acrylic gouache paints, oil pencil and ballpoint pen to bring the children and the kits together in park's warm setting. I loved the peach of the sunset and the pure joy the kits brought to an unfamiliar pursuit.

I know this is going to become a favorite new read for Sicily when I see her next. I am going to take great pleasure in sharing it with her - repeatedly.
                                                                                 

Bird Watcher, by David Burnie. DK Canada. 2015. $10.99 ages 8 and up

"Many birds fly thousands of miles, and some stay airborne around the clock until they are old enough to breed. Even if a bird is far away, you can often tell what kind it is by its silhouette, or by the way it flaps its wings. Birds of prey soar high into the sky, with their wings held out straight. Other birds speed past in straight lines or graceful curves. Some flap their wings in bursts ... "

I haven't posted any books from DK in a while now. I remain in awe of the work they do to get information books into the hands of young and keen nature enthusiasts. They design their books for assured ease of use, and fill the pages with incredibly detailed photographs that help young learners with context for that learning. Each page has short paragraphs of pertinent information that relates to, and improves on what is being shared.

A table of contents is helpful, and ensures that readers will quickly find what most interests them. Double page spreads help interested ornithologists understand what a bird's world is like, the equipment that is essential to make the study of birds accessible. A blind is described for watching from cover so as not to scare them away. A bird buffet is set up to attract hungry birds and includes such foods as mealworms, seeds, bread crumbs, fruit, and even bacon fat. Advice is given on making feeders that will attract birds to your own yard, what to plant in order to attract avian visitors, and
how to tell if birds are visiting your yard from the clues they leave.

There are 30 activities described to help readers learn how best to attract, feed, study, and name the birds they see. The science is explained, and the learning is most enjoyable and reliable. By putting out nesting materials in your yard, you can watch as birds construct their own individual homes. You will see which bird gathers, and which one builds. If you are lucky, they might build it close enough for you to watch them hatch and care for their new babies.

"If you have a nestbox in your yard, you will be able to see just how quickly birds grow up. Most people get by on just three meals a day, but baby songbirds need many more. Their parents have to work to keep them fully fed. By watching them for just 15 minutes, you can estimate how many times they bring food to the nest in a day."

And there's more! It's a great book to give a budding birdwatcher, along with a pair of binoculars and a field guide. They will be off and away.

A Cat Named Swan, by Holly Hobbie. Random House. 2017. $23.99 ages 3 and up

"Yet day by day, he found
enough food to eat.
Day by day, he managed
to elude the threats that
surrounded him.
He survived.

One morning, though,
he did not escape the
peril that came down on him."

Poor little kitten! No family, no home, no way of truly knowing how to live in such a dangerous world. Yet, he manages to survive, though not exactly thrive.  When he gets stuck in a tree, he needs help. Oops! He is saved (or is he?) by an animal control officer.

Food, companions, no danger to avoid, and safety for a little one who has known none of it.

"Boredom was better than misery."
The boredom quickly ends when a forever family scoops him up and takes him home with them.

" ... he learned that the house was his house, the yard was his yard. He learned that the people were his people and he was theirs. He belonged to them and they belonged to him."

Much loved, eager to discover both the inside and outside of his new surroundings, Swan makes the most of every perfect day ... and night.

Holly Hobbie uses pencil and watercolors to bring Swan and his two very different circumstances to glorious life for her readers. From the dull and dirty city we are transported to the joyful colors of a rural landscape. She shows first the terrors, then the joys, in realistic and winsome art. She matches the energy and emotions felt by all and we are lucky to be rapt observers of Swan's transformation.
                                                                        

Grand Canyon, by Jason Chin. A Neal Porter Book, Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2017. $27.99 ages 8 and up

"As you approach the rim of the canyon, the climate becomes cooler and more moist. Vegetation on the sloping Toroweap Formation is more dense than below. Before exiting the canyon, however, there is one more layer to scale: the Kaibab Limestone. The Kaibab cliffs are full of marine fossils that tell us about life here 270 million years ago ... "

It's a father and daughter excursion that leads us to observe the many wonders of the Grand Canyon. Luckily, we have a rocking chair observation station and will not actually feel the rigors of the challenging trek from the South Kaibab Trail up, up, up to the South Rim.

As they go, we have a great view of the geological landscape that has so inspired and intrigued visitors. By reading the accessible text and spending time pondering the incredibly detailed images, we learn a great deal about the creation of this mesmerizing place. From its basement rocks which are as much as 1.84 billion years old to the Ponderosa pine forest above the rim, Jason Chin affords us a most interesting lesson in geology and the passing of time. An illustrated image of the more than twelve rock layers found there is provided near the beginning of our trek, and acts as a guide and a reference as we move up the canyon.

The science lesson here is so beautifully constructed, and most enjoyable for his audience. He fills the borders with the flora and fauna of each habitat, the rock formations, the development of the layers, the fossils found in the various layers, the weathering and erosion, and the climates of each. It is a complex story made easier to comprehend through this stellar presentation. Cutouts at various points along the way peek through and give the child a chance to take a step back in time and experience first-hand the many changes the canyon itself has undergone.

Back matter runs to six pages and expands our knowledge for how the canyon was actually carved through eons. A short discussion of our journey, a look at the human history of this remarkable place, the ecological communities that are prominent in the canyon itself, its geology, formation, the Colorado River and the mystery of its formation are each briefly discussed. He adds a note from himself and then one about his illustrations before providing an extensive list of resources for further study. The man did his research. His art reflects his personal visit. A cross section of the canyon and a glorious four page foldout to give a panoramic view will hold readers in awe of its 'grand'eur.

Jason's author's note voices a wish for his readers:

"This book is my tribute to the canyon and also to the power of the imagination. After all, it's imagination that makes both science and art possible. I hope that this book captures my readers' imaginations, just as Grand Canyon has captured mine."
                                                                   

ida, ALWAYS. Written by Caron Levis and illustrated by Charles Santoso. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Simon and Schuster. 2016. $23.99 ages 5 and up

"Then the two friends flopped onto their favorite rock while the city pulsed around them. "I wish we could see it," Gus sighed. "You don't have to see it to feel it," said Ida. "Listen." They heard buses groan; police whistle; taxis honk; pigeons coo; ... "

In the gentle story of loss and the grief that follows, we meet Ida and Gus. They are two polar bears making a life in a city zoo. Gus is constantly attentive to Ida, loving being with her and sharing happy times and adventures.

"When the sky grew dark, Gus and Ida waved good night and crawled off to their caves. With the subways humming underground, they added their snores to the sounds of their city. Every day was always the same."

Until it wasn't ...

While they love being together, life changes for them. Ida doesn't always have good, happy days. She is tired, and cannot enjoy swimming as she used to do. She sleeps for lengthy periods of time and even coughs often. One day, Ida didn't come out of her cave.

"Keeper Sonya came instead.
Sonya told Gus that Ida was very sick.
Usually, there's a way to make a sick bear better,
but this time was different.
Ida wouldn't hurt, but she would get tired
and too weak to swim and play."

Caron Levis does not shy away from death, wanting her audience to know that it is a part of life. She even allows the two bears a growling, heartbreaking rant for what is going to happen. When it stops, the 'fold' into each other and enjoy the rest of their days together, wondering and guessing and imagining what is to come. As Ida's health declines, Gus is a constant companion. Gus is there when Ida breathes her final breath, and he is heartbroken. That is as it should be. But, he always remembers Ida and knows she is still 'there'.

"He steps into the spot
where Ida liked to soak in the sun.
He listens to their city pulsing around him.
He remembers that Ida said
you don't have to see it to feel it."

Filled with beauty and emotion, this is a story that will resonate with every child and adult who shares it. The digitally rendered artwork is so effective in its moody colors. There is sadness in the love lost,  and joy in the remembering. Their world is most often filled with blue skies, that change dramatically with Ida's death, and return to wonder with acceptance.

                                                                         

Like Bug Juice on a Burger, written by Julie Sternberg and illustrated by Matthew Cordell. Amulet, Abrams. 2013. $8.95 ages 8 and up

"I remembered my whole rotten
day.
My flying fall.
My stinging hands
and knees
and chin.
This stupid, lumpy bed,
which I couldn't even make.
The swim test.
The mosquitoes.
The no-candy rule."

Going to summer camp was a nightmare for someone who got as homesick as I did. The memories are as clear today as they were 53 years ago. Everything that we did was meant to be fun, and educational. For me, it was torture. So, I commiserate with Eleanor's worrying as she prepares to go Camp Wallumwahpuck rather than getting a dog ... some surprise from Grandma Sadie!

"I was just remembering
how much your mother enjoyed
sleepaway camp,
when she was a girl.
I think you'd also enjoy it.
So I'd like to treat you to sleepaway camp
this summer."

Leaving Brooklyn on a huge bus, with one new acquaintance, and arriving at camp is frightening. The surrounding forest is full of whining bugs. It's much too quiet. Her swimming skills leave something to be desired, so she has to wear a life jacket - even when jumping on the trampoline that floats on the lake. The food is unfamiliar and unpalatable. Readers who have experienced some of those same fears and worries will be entirely sympathetic to Eleanor's plight.

As we read from chapter to chapter a new and unique event is described. Told with plentiful dialogue and in first person, it is made more dramatic and accessible for the reader. Gradually, with support from other campers and concerned counselors who are becoming her friends, Eleanor begins to adjust to camp life and to see some of the things that make it special. She does not have the same love for it that her mother remembers so fondly, but she makes the best of it. She does have a new friend, and learns about caring for a goat.

"You see?" I said to them.
"I'm a huge help with animals.
And dogs are animals!
So can we get one?
Please?
My parents looked at each other.
"We'll see," my mom said.
And my heart went flying.
Because I could tell,
I could just tell,
that she really meant
yes."

Matthew Cordell, as he did in Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie (2011) and Like Carrot Juice on a Cupcake (2014), creates detail-filled line drawings that are emotional and telling.  Full of energy and the terrors and joys of camp life, they add humor and sympathy for an earnest and apprehensive new camper.

I love one message that Eleanor reads on the Wall of Feelings, a place where campers share their thoughts about camp. Eleanor has total understanding for its words.

"I don't care what everyone says -
I don't love this camp.
but I don't need to love it.
I just need to survive it."

Amen!

Life on Mars, written and illustrated by Jon Agee. Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin. 2017. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"It's dark. It's cold.
I've brought this gift
of chocolate cupcakes.
I don't think I'll find
anybody to eat them.
Wow. I was wrong.
Mars is nothing but
miles and miles of
rocks and dirt! It's
obvious. Nothing could
possibly live here."

Early years listeners and readers are going to love knowing more than the young boy who shares his observations about Mars. He has always wanted to travel to the planet, firmly believing that he will find proof of life there. Once he arrives, he realizes just how dark and rocky it is. His gift of chocolate cupcakes may be for naught as he wanders aimlessly on the desolate landscape. He begins to have doubts of his own.

Abandoning his gift, he heads back to the spaceship. Wait! Don't give up! As he wanders, he loses his way and is astonished to finally find a living thing  - it is a bright yellow flower. He is ecstatic. Now he will be able to prove to the naysayers that he was right. There is life on Mars! As he continues his search for the spaceship, he is further surprised to see the box of cupcakes in a different location than where he thought he left it. No matter. He picks it up, carries it and the flower to the top of a nearby mountain and sees what he has been looking for - his spaceship. It's time to go home, where a bit of a surprise awaits.

Once again, reading this book for the first time, without benefit of illustrations, will allow kids to put their imaginations to work and also garner many different visual interpretations of the text. Once you read it the second time, while sharing Jon Agee's brilliant and telling artwork, they will see the story as the wonderful joke that it is. Now, they will see what the spaceboy is not seeing - a rather large, orange, pear-shaped Martian who tracks him and apes his sentiments as he explores the red planet. Only one joke, but it will have little ones screaming out warnings and hooting as the creature silently shares his take on the alien visitor and his exploration.

Jon Agee knows how to tickle funny bones and produce terrific books with memorable characters. His illustrations are full of fun, and his text is perfect for kids just learning to read on their own.
                                                                          

Ninja! Attack of the Clan, written and illustrated by Arree Chung. Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2016. $19.50 ages 4 and up

"Papa!
Yes, Maxwell ...
Want to play hide-and-seek
with me?
Yes, Maxwell.
OKAY!!!
I'll hide, you seek.
Yes, Maxwell.

A ninja must be concealed.
Where should I hide?"

Maxwell is ready for combat. All he needs is an opponent. His entire family is busy at their own pursuits. Mom is making dinner. Cassy is playing with blocks. Dad agrees to a game of hide-and-seek even though he is lost in work on his tax return. He immediately forgets that he has made that promise.

It takes Maxwell a long time to find the perfect hiding spot, and he is discouraged by his father's forgetfulness. What can a ninja do? Off he goes to practice an important ninja art - meditation. It doesn't help. When his mother calls him for supper, he is astounded to find no one at the table. We all can see what's in store for him. The wait for results is worth it for every young reader!

There is a surprise attack, captured in bold colors, expressive faces and a wild series of battles. The artwork throughout is full of panels that aptly show all the emotions that our young ninja is feeling. Fine details add depth and understanding. It's comic book style and ever-changing perspectives are full of interest. Be sure to watch how mood changes the colors used to portray the action.

It is a story that will have great appeal for children and the parents who share this second story about Maxwell. (Ninja, Henry Holt, 2014).
                                                                            

My heart is laughing, written by Rose Lagercrantz and illustrated by Eva Eriksson. Gecko Press, Thomas Allen and Son. 2014. $26.50 ages 6 and up

"Ella's mother scolded them and said they couldn't take any more chairs. And Ella's extra father agreed with her. Ella has two fathers. A real one she never talks about and an extra one called Patrick. Except that Ella calls him Paddy. Paddy said that chairs belong at home in the kitchen and not in the park. Dani and Ella stopped playing monkeys and went to play with their hamsters ... "

Ella has gone, and Dani continues to miss her every day. At school she wants to keep Ella's desk free for her, in case she comes back. She lets her classmates know those wishes. Her teacher is not optimistic that Ella will return; Dani is sure she will.

Trying to encourage Dani to reach out and explore other friendships, her teacher places Dani between Vicky and Mickey for lunch. What we, as readers, see is the way the two girls treat their classmate. They bully and pinch her mercilessly. In anger, and to defend herself, Dani uses the sauce at the table to allay their bullying. Some lands on the teacher! Dani can't believe the result of her actions. She runs home. No one is there, which allows her to cry in private about all that is troubling her.

"But most of all she cried because Ella hadn't
come back yet.
She cried so hard that
her eyes went as red as
a white rabbit's."

Things don't get much better when her father does get home. He says she must go to school and apologize. She will not! Left alone, she uses memories of her friendship with Ella to cheer her up. I like that the author uses a flashback to provide back story for those who have not yet met Dani. Finally, ready to talk with her father, she finds him in the kitchen. When everything is finally sorted out and they return to school, they are able to explain what happened and set the wrongs right. All this is due to Dani's very optimistic way of looking at life. It makes her a most worthy protagonist and is sure to garner fans for Rose Lagercrantz's other stories about her.

It is an honest, sad and challenging at times, and yet joyful tale. We learn quickly that Dani is a girl worth knowing better!

Pandora, written and illustrated by Victoria Turnbull. Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Raincoast, 2017. $23.99 ages 3 and up

"So she spent her time
gathering and repairing
what she could, bringing
lost and forgotten things
back to life.

Then one day ...
something fell from the sky.
It was broken, too.,
but Pandora didn't know how
to fix it."

Where Pandora lives there is little beauty. The landscape is filled with junk; things that others have thrown away. Pandora rescues items that have beauty for her, and takes them to her home where she works to make them right again. The home itself is welcoming and quite wonderful. She is happy there, but alone.

One day, outside her window, a tiny bluebird falls from the sky. He is a broken thing. Pandora does not know how to fix him. She can offer comfort, care and safety. Time heals the bird, allowing him to take longer flights and bring gifts to Pandora. All are placed inside the box that was his nest. Then, one day the bird flies and does not return.

Pandora is alone again, and so very sad ... until her world undergoes a magnificent change.

The text is quiet and essential, not wordy by any means. It is through her art that Victoria Turnbull creates a world of wonder. First, in the desolate landscape that does nothing to deter Pandora from her caring manner and willingness to make it better. Then, through friendship and love. The nest she creates to protect and serve the broken bird is dramatically changed by the generous gifts of thanks he brings from his travels. It is quite a miraculous transformation.

Both sadness and hope are at the heart of this charming book. Imaginative and hopeful, this would be a perfect read for Earth Day!
                                                                     

A Squiggly Story, written by Andrew Larsen and illustrated by Mike Lowery. Kids Can Press, 2016. $18.95 ages 4 and up

"You have a BEGINNING. Now we're in the MIDDLE of the story. Something else has to happen so we can get to the END. I'm stuck again. I start doodling. I doodle another V. But this time I doodle it UPSIDE DOWN. OH, NO! It's a SHARK! It's getting CLOSER and CLOSER! I flip the page to get away from the shark."

I like to read books to kids that encourage them to try something new - and that make it feel doable. The little boy who shares his story with us is in awe of his big sister. She loves to read and write, and she loves all kinds of words. Because he doesn't have the same skills, he pretends that he can do the same. In fact, he is doing what most kids do when they are learning the intricacies of literacy.

Every so often, there is a real word or two. They come from his environment, and are special to him - cat, hat, mom, etc. That is how it begins. Watching others, asking questions, copying what you see others do are important first steps. The allure of being like his sister drives the boy to share his dreams of writing, and his sister responds.

"I wish I could
write a STORY.

YOU CAN.
It's EASY.

HOW?
I know my LETTERS,
but I don't know
many WORDS.

Write what you KNOW."
Can he start with a letter? Of course, he can. It's a great way to begin, she assures him. And off he goes to try his hand at making his own story. With her encouragement and guiding questions, it all begins to make sense. He uses symbols, letters, ideas. Soon, he has a beginning. On they go to doodle a middle filled with action.

The story goes to school with him the next day, and he shares it at show-and-tell. His teacher has some pertinent questions, his classmates have suggestions for careful thought. They give him pause to think more carefully about how he wants his story to end. His sister remains helpful, but does not do it for him. Starting with a few illustrations, he is able to construct an ending and even a beginning to his next story. He's off ... just like his rocket ship!

Simple line drawings, speech bubbles, and a growing ability to get his ideas down on paper are shown in Mike Lowery's enjoyable artwork. Backgrounds are filled with print and books. All are sure to encourage listeners in the audience to take a risk and see what they can do. It's a worthy pursuit.

Gone Camping: A Novel in Verse, written by Tamera Will Wissinger and illustrated by Matthew Cordell. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Raincoast. 2017. $21.99 ages 6 and up

"Twinkle, Twinkle, Mighty Mars
In the sky among the stars.

Ruby planet, bold and bright,
Here's my wish this camping night.

Let me be alert and strong.
And keep the bears where they belong."

I really enjoyed reading this companion to Gone Fishing (HMH, 2013). It's another novel in verse. This time around, Sam and Lucy are eagerly anticipating a family camping trip.

"Nighttime Critters
Confessional Poem

Camping in the tent sounds fun -
Until it's time to sleep.
That's when nighttime critters chatter,
Shadows twist and creep.

The tent is one big room
Without a single place to hide,
But Mom and Dad will save us
If a critter crawls inside."

A major glitch changes everything. The morning finds Dad with a terrible cold, and Mom holding down nursing duties. It's Gramp to the rescue, and the kids are wary. Lucy is extremely worried as she is afraid of the dark, and critters that might be out there where she can't really see them. It turns out that Gramp is great fun. Together, they enjoy a campfire, weenie stew and soon the familiar night noises. Not to mention the fun to be had at the nearby lake.

As she did in the first book, Ms.Wissinger fills the pages with variety in poetic form, and an abundance of information for making poetry part of a child's reading and writing experience. She offers up information on rhyme and rhythm as well as a alphabetized list of poetry techniques and poetic forms and stanza patterns, and finally a resource list. All very valuable to teachers or parents wanting to explore poetry with their children.

"Fishing Skills
Quatrain

Wait till we tell Mom and Dad how many fish we caught.
Wait till Dad hears all about our fishing frenzy spot.
Wait till I show Mom my mighty fighting arm.
Wait till we tell Dad that Gramp's our lucky fishing charm."

Matthew Cordell's illustrations add humor and grand expression to the adventure, as he did in the first book. Full of detail and changing emotions, his line drawings offer a much appreciated look at the fun to be had when the three venture into the wild. It's a lot more excitement than anyone might have expected.
                                                                         

 

Meatless? A Fresh Look at What You Eat. Written by Sarah Elton and illustrated by Julie McLaughlin. Owlkids Books, 2017. $18.95 ages 9 and up

"Like meat-eaters, vegetarians also eat eggs and milk and honey. They eat bread and rice and pasta and all sorts of grains. What they don't eat is food made from the flesh of any animal - including fish. (And in case you were wondering, there is a name for someone who doesn't eat meat but does eat fish - pescatarian.)

The world is changing - and in many ways. While people of the world are eating more meat than they ever have, there are also more and more who are choosing a vegetarian diet. It is a conversation that is taking place for many. To eat meat or not?

In this informative and relevant book, Sarah Elton provides a look at vegetarianism and why people are looking toward change. She also includes reasons that explain what motivates people to choose not to eat meat. Her introduction describes a day at a farm where she takes part in the killing of a chicken. While she still eats chicken, the experience did make her more curious about people who choose not to eat meat:

"I wanted to see meat from the
point of view of those who've
thought hard about it. What I
learned is that the question of
whether or not to eat meat is a
whole lot more complicated - and
interesting - than I ever imagined."

We are the readers who benefit from all that Ms. Elton has researched. In four parts, she examines A History of Meat-Eating, Why Go Vegetarian, If Not Meat, Then What, and Becoming a Vegetarian.

It is an in-depth look at health and how growth in meat consumption, the fact that many people have meat at every meal, and the spread of a love for meat are now being felt in countries that have not historically eaten much meat at all.

As she looks at the history of eating meat, she takes us back thousands of years to a time when hunting and gathering was the way of life. As far back as 25 million years animals were eaten. Later, if crops failed, people had to turn to other foods to keep them from starving. They didn't choose animals simply for the meat. Those animals provided other sustenance as well. Traditions have changed throughout the years, and so have beliefs about meat eating. Different religions influence the choices that some people make.

In the second part she discusses the many reasons that people might consider a vegetarian lifestyle, or a move toward it. There are many concerns about the effects of growing meat to feed so many and how we might make a difference. Something as simple as Meatless Monday can have an impact. Others are concerned about animal welfare, and the high cost to the environment as they are raised to feed so many. Can we keep production high enough to accommodate those who eat meat? It is a valid question.

The third part considers what we might eat to replace the consumption of meat. She lists sources where we can find protein, minerals, fats and vitamins that have traditionally been provided through our meat-eating habits. What about plants and their benefits? Many cultures of the world provide needed nutrients through plant-based dishes.

Finally in part four, the author helps us understand choosing vegetarianism as a way of life. She talks about assuring that protein is a part of a daily diet, that there are substitutes to replace meat in a daily diet, the foods we should avoid, and the need to learn to cook from scratch. Thus, we can avoid all the additives that have proven unhealthy for many. She adds a weekly menu for a meat-free diet ... it looks delicious and healthy.  She also talks with five kids who are vegetarian or vegan, bringing their stories to her readers.

 Interesting, impressive and accessible, this book will help kids and their parents to understand a different and perhaps healthier lifestyle.

out, written by Angela May George and illustrated by Owen Swan. Scholastic Canada, 2017. $14.99

"I feel different.
It's the way people stare.
I'm called an asylum
seeker, but that's not my
name.
I've seen horrible things,
and they've shown me
what it is to be brave.
Brave is waiting and
believing in your heart
that everything will be okay."

We are blessed that authors and publishers see the need today for books that share the plight of refugees, and that we have the opportunity to share them with our children. Once again, seeing the world through a window into someone else's life is sure to make us think more clearly about their circumstance.

The young girl, who is our narrator, and her mother have just arrived in a new and unfamiliar place. So much has happened to them as they fled the war that is ravaging their home and homeland. Travelling by boat is dangerous, but safety and a new home drive them to take the risk. Their songs and stories give them peace as they make that journey.

Although they are now in a safe place, their struggles continue. Memories of past terror often leave them scared and speechless. Their family is not together; Dad was left behind and may still be in the refugee camp. The music of the dance is unfamiliar and reminds the child that she has left so much behind to make a new life. New friends make it easier, and help is given when needed.

A special surprise makes everything much better for the whole family!

The watercolor and pencil illustrations add a sense of warmth, especially with the addition of color as the story progresses. The child and mother are the center of attention throughout, with backgrounds fading in importance to their personal plight. It is perfect for sharing with young readers, and will surely help them understand what is becoming a more and more prevalent issue in many communities.

One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance, written by Nikki Grimes. Bloomsbury, Raincoast. $24.99 ages 12 and up

"Less sure than desperate,
I dip my spoon
into the bowl of years,
stir till I reach the Renaissance
and find a few choice lines
to chew on,
and I think:

We'll see.
We'll see."

In the front matter of this new book, Nikki Grimes includes a preface which talks about her love of poetry and her admiration for the poets of the Harlem Renaissance. They all had an influence on the writer she has become. Then, she adds a note about the Harlem Renaissance itself when writing that reflected racial pride began proving 'that there was more to the minds, hearts, and souls of black folk than previously expressed'. They taught people how to stand tall, live their lives and stay positive in trying times. An author's note, and an explanation of the poetic form complete what we need to know before we get started.

That form is called the Golden Shovel. To say it is challenging is surely an understatement! This incomparable writer does an exemplary job of penning poems that ring with truth, beg careful thought, and encourage young readers at a time when strength and hope are much needed. To simplify the way the poetry works is to say that a short poem, a stanza, or a striking line is taken from one of these famed writer's works and used to create a new poem, by ending each line of the new piece with those words on the right margin.

Using a striking line from Georgia Douglas Johnson's Calling Dreams, Ms. Grimes creates her own poem: The right to make my dreams come true

"THE SCULPTOR
by Nikki Grimes

No accident of birth or race or place determines the
                     scope of hope or dreams I have a right
                         to. I inventory my head and heart to
weigh and measure what talents I might use to make
   my own tomorrow. It all depends on the grit at my
disposal. My father says hard work is the clay dreams
  are molded from. Yes. Molded. Dreams do not come.
They are carved, muscled into something solid,
something true."

(I'm sorry I couldn't make it post exactly as it is written.
But, I think you can see how it works.)                                            
      
So much beauty is in her words as she honors the words of those others. I reread my favorites  to marvel at the poems she creates that so closely match the messages from her mentors. She is a remarkably skilled writer, making her work seem effortless despite the confines of the form she chooses to use.

The poems are organized three parts - EMERGENCY MEASURES, CALLING DREAMS and TO A DARK GIRL. So relevant for her intended audience while describing scenes of superheroes, racism, poverty, peer pressure, bullying, community, family, love, and pride. The full color artwork is as stunning as the words of the poets, and all were created by well known African American artists. In back matter, Ms. Grimes includes brief biographies for the poets and the artists, as well as adding a list of sources, and an index. This is a much needed and very important addition for school and classroom libraries.

Preaching to the Chickens: The story of young John Lewis, written by Jabari Asim and illustrated by E. B. Lewis. Penguin, 2016. $23.99 ages 5 and up

"John was excited to be put in charge of the chickens. There were about sixty of them: Rhode Island Reds. Strong-winged bantams. Dominiques with gray stripes as dull as dishwater and legs as yellow as daisies. John loved to see them flutter and strut and flap their wings. Every day, John got up early and fed them dried corn just shelled from the cob ... "

John Lewis is a very serious man. He has good reason to be. Speaking eloquently and powerfully during the civil rights movement required it, if he was to be heard. He continues to speak for his people and as congressman for the 5th district of Georgia. If you are interested in knowing more about this important orator, you can check out a PBS program called John Lewis: Get In The Way. It is available for download on iTunes.

To know just a little bit about his childhood and his training for the life he leads now, you can turn to Jabari Asim's picture book biography. John grew up in a loving farm family where everyone had an important role to play. John was in charge of the chickens, and he loved them one and all. He knew each of them by name, and liked to practice his oratory skills as he went about caring for them. As he watched them bob their heads toward the feed he was distributing, he liked to think they were agreeing with what he had to say. He talked to them of peace and being righteous when they fought over food, or refused to share. He did so much of this talking that his siblings gave him a nickname: Preacher.

John was happy with that nickname. He loved going to church, and listened carefully to the preachers each week. He wanted to be like them, and honed his skills in the chicken yard.

"He knew that  someday he'd speak before thousands. He hoped that his words would stir people's souls and move them to action."

So good to read this happy back story of Mr. Lewis' life. E. B. Lewis uses watercolors to bring the young boy's family and home to life for readers. His light-infused images show a joyful boy filled with love and concern for others, especially for the chickens in his care. What he learned at church and in the chicken yard led to his being one of the most influential and inspiring leaders in the ongoing fight for civil rights and equality.

A brief author's note speaks of the admiration Mr. Asim has for John Lewis, and has always had. That shines through on every page of this fine story, and will hopefully inspire readers to look deeper into the work Mr. Lewis has accomplished throughout his long and venerable career.