we don't eat our CLASSMATES, written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins. Disney Hyperion, Hachette. 2018. $18.99 ages 5 and up

"It as NOT the best way
to start school.

Still, Penelope was determined to have a good first day. She tried hard to make friends at recess. She finger-painted some of her best work."

I am sorry that I didn't have this book for you near the opening of this school year. No worry! It is perfect for reading at any time of the year, as it shares a message of acceptance and understanding that we need our kids to hear.

Penelope Rex is not like the other children. Why? She is a T. Rex! Imagine her surprise when she attends school for the first time and realizes that her classmates are CHILDREN. There is one thing Penelope knows about said kids - they taste delicious!

So, she's not off to a good start. But for eating her classmates, Penelope is pretty much the same as them. She's nervous about starting school, she wonders about the others who will be there, she has a backpack and a lunch.

"Penelope's mom bought her a new backpack
with ponies on it.
Ponies were Penelope's favorites.
Because ponies are delicious.
Penelope's dad packed her a lunch of three hundred
tuna sandwiches
and one apple juice."

Her teacher is not impressed with the disappearance of her students and tells Penelope to spit them out! She does so, leaving the children covered in dinosaur goo .... ewwww! Readers will love it! She spends the rest of the day trying, but finds little acceptance there. Her report to her father at the end of the day results in some gentle parental advice. Try as she does, they are just too tempting. Then, she meets Walter, the class goldfish. Walter teaches the lesson Penelope needs to learn.

Everything changes for the better!

Ryan Higgins' characters are charming in every way. They freely show their feelings, as Penelope struggles to find a way to be a friend. The background colors are muted, while diverse characters are bright spots of color. The tone is humorous and optimistic, and the ending is a wonderful surprise.

The Dinosaur Expert, written by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by G, Brian Karas. Schwartz & Wade, Random House. 2018. $23.99 ages 6 and up

"She's a plant eater. And the small, fierce one is an Allosaurus. The Allosaurus can move very fast. But the Barosaurus has a super-powerful tail," continued Kimmy. "She'd use it to protect her baby." "You know a lot about dinosaurs," said Jake. "I love fossils," Kimmy said. "I want to be a scientist when I grow up." "Girls aren't scientists," Jake said. And Kimmy stopped talking."

This is the fourth book in the Mr. Tiffin series about his classroom and the experiences they share.

Kimmy loves fossils and all there is to learn about them. She is especially fond of dinosaurs and has much to offer when the class goes on a trip to the museum. Kimmy is extremely knowledgeable and more than willing, in a very kind and fitting way, to tell her school mates what she has learned. Jake's unkind treatment and his assertion that 'girls aren't scientists' hurts Kimmy's feelings as one might expect. She makes the decision not to say anything more.

If you have already met Mr. Tiffin, you will know that he is the kind of teacher all children should have at some point in their school life. He quickly realizes that something has gone wrong. He introduces Kimmy to an exhibit which displays the Gasparinisauria, a dinosaur named for famed paleontologist Zulma Nélida Brandoni de Gasparini. Jake is taken aback, but recognizes it as pretty amazing. Kimmy is thus encouraged to share everything else that is pertinent to their visit and the specimens they are seeing. She readily admits that she would like to follow in Ms. Gasparini's footsteps. Mr. Tiffin is certain she will do that.

Brian Karas uses gouache, matte medium, and pencil on paper to create his signature artwork. The pages are filled with expressive, appealing characters and lively action. Dinosaur fans will be thrilled to see some of their favorite creatures up close and personal, and are likely to help Kimmy as she shares her expertise, by adding what they know as well.  The endpapers are sure to garner attention, as will the two-page addition of a list of Kimmy's 'favorite paleontologists', beginning with Mary Anning and all female.

This is a terrific addition to the series that includes: How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? (2010), The Apple Orchard Riddle (2013) and A Poem in Your Pocket (2015).  All are published by Penguin Random House, and worth a close look.

Mary Poppins, written by P. L. Travers and illustrated by Genevieve Godbout. Adapted by Amy Novesky. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Raincoast. 2018. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"At the top of the landing,
the children watched as this
curious visitor flew up the
banister. Jane and Michael
slid down the banister all
the time - much to their
parents' dismay - but never
up!
Despite the wind, she was
neat as a pin."

One of the trailers I saw, when I was last at the movies, was the one announcing the December 2018 release of Mary Poppins Returns, the sequel to the movie I loved so much when I first saw it in 1964. If you are thinking you would like to see it, and perhaps even watch the original with your children before you go, this new picture book is the perfect introduction.

It is an adaptation of the original 1934 novel by P. L. Travers. Of needs, it does not include every character or event. It does do a commendable job of assuring young readers a look at the beloved main characters, and some of the fun Jane and Michael enjoyed under Mary's tutelage.

Mary comes to Number Seventeen Cherry Tree Lane when the children's nanny makes an unexpected departure. It's bedtime and the children can see and hear the wind blowing wildly outside, when they see a strange shape headed toward them. It's Mary Poppins, and she has arrived because of that wind. The children are delighted by her presence, and her no-nonsense care. Immediately they realize they want her to stay.

"Mary Poppins, you'll never leave us, will
you?" asked Michael.
"I'll stay till the wind changes," she said."

That night is just the beginning of many adventures. They meet the Match-Man and admire his work, visit with Mary's uncle, Mr. Wigg, and eat gingerbread with Mrs. Corry and her daughters. They even watch Mrs. Corry, Annie and Fannie paint the sky with glue so Mary can stick their gilt stars up there. Oh, their lives are filled with special days and nights. And then, one day, the wind changes.

Ms. Godbout uses soft pastels and colored pencils to fill the book's pages with lovely charm. Readers will very much like paying attention to the expressive and detailed scenes as they listen to this carefully told story.
                                                                             

Potato Pants, written and illustrated by Laurie Keller. Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2018. $23.50 ages 4 and up

"Hello, Grocery Store?
Do you have any potato pants?

POTATO PANTS? 

Yeah, ya know -
PANTS
that are
made for
POTATOES.
We don't have 
Potato Pants."

You will need a lot of energy to share this book with little ones, and a willingness to read it repeatedly. It is exactly the kind of story that makes them laugh and beg to hear it again.

It is pretty silly, and that is what makes it such fun as a readaloud. It begins with Potato doing the Robot. The reason? He is very excited about a 'one day only' potato pants sale at Lance Vance's Fancy Pants Store. Say that five times as quickly as you can. The language is lively, filled with emotion, and much appreciated humor.

"WHAT'S THIS? POTATO IS UPSET! 
(That's why he stopped doing the Robot.)

He's upset about the eggplant who
just walked into Lance Vance's
Fancy Pants Store.

WHAT'S HE DOING HERE? EGGPLANTS DON'T
EVEN WEAR PANTS!

Yesterday was 
Eggplant Pants Day."

You can hear that wordplay, can't you?

The two have clashed previously, and Potato is determined he will not be outdone by the eggplant in his quest for a pair of potato pants. Still, he does not want to be in the store at the same time as the eggplant. He bides his time, until he can't stand it any longer. What happens next will surprise readers and result in a solution to their dilemma.

The artwork is as much fun as the text is. Kids will patiently give the time it takes to ensure they don't miss a single detail on the action-filled pages.

He's Your Daddy! Ducklings, Joeys, Kits and More. Written by Charline Profiri and illustrated by Andrea Gabriel. Dawn Publications, Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2018. $22.95 ages 3 and up

"If you were a fry,
so teeny tiny,
Your daddy might be a
seahorse that's spiny.

If you were a kit with
teeth like a cleaver,
your daddy might be a
wood-chomping beaver.

If you were a hatchling ... "

As I have often said: kids love books about animals that teach them something new. Here, they will add to their repertoire of understanding the natural world by learning the infant term given to a dozen young animals whose names are not the same as their daddy's name.

Most of the animals presented will be familiar. The repetitive rhythmic text is accompanied by lovely mixed-media artwork that places each pair in familiar surroundings and natural settings. The double- page spreads help readers familiarize themselves with the terms used to describe the baby/daddy match. That pair of names is shown in boldface, italic print, helping keep attention on the new words to be learned. There is a twist at the center of the book that reveals a surprise - much appreciated by many, I am sure. The final spread of the text will please all dads!

Following that the book is enriched by the addition of very useful backmatter. A matching game with an answer key, and thumbnail photographs of each animal presented and accompanied by a short paragraph of additional information are meant to help children explore even more.

"Sugar gliders are small marsupials that live
in Australia. They glide through the trees at
night. Sweet sap is one of their favorite foods.
A joey starts to ride piggyback two weeks
before leaving its mother's pouch."

Following that, suggestions are made for parents and teachers on furthering the learning: how daddies help care for their babies, a chart of other daddies whose babies share the same names, tips for reading aloud, and the science and math connections that might be made while sharing this book. There is even a website code to be scanned that will lead to useful online resources for this book and others from Dawn Publications.
                                                                            

Sloth at the Zoom, written by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Orbie. Owlkids, 2018. $19.95 ages 3 and up

"When she finally looked
around, the sloth was perplexed.
You see, she thought her new
home would be pretty laid-back.

Rest and relax 
at the Zzzzzoo

But this was the Zoom,
not the Zzzzzoo. At the
Zoom, the zebras galloped so
fast they left their stripes ... "

Poor Sloth! Caught up in the rush that is life because of a delivery mistake! A careful look at the endpapers is all that is needed to help readers discover exactly what has happened to Sloth. The Zoom is similar to the Zzzzzoo; it is not the same thing.

In fact, for a leisure-loving sloth, her new home is entirely inappropriate. Little ones will catch on quickly. All of the animals she meets are in constant and humorous motion - from the monkeys who move so quickly they climb above the tops of their trees, to the parrots whose colorful tails draw rainbows as they whiz past.

Once settled in, the sloth makes it her mission to find a friend. No animal is interested in slowing down at all. Each has too much to do, and it must be done in a hurry. If you know anything about the sloth, you will know that speed is not the name of her game.

"The sloth shrugged her shaggy shoulders.
Then she chose a comfy spot where the
sun's golden rays would tickle her belly
all day long."

Sounds perfect to me! But, the sloth is lonely and remains vigilant in looking for a friend. My mother used to tell me that 'all things come to those who wait.' Turns out she was right - again! The sloth finds a friend who is exactly right for her. Can you guess who that might be? I can tell you that the new friendship has an impact on all those who live at the Zoom.

Ms. Becker's rich language and storytelling makes this an excellent choice for a shared read. The appealing, and often humorous, artwork keeps kids' attention focused on the animals and the action.
                                                                               

Do Frogs Drink Hot Chocolate? How Animals Keep Warm, written by Etta Kaner and illustrated by John Martz. Owlkids. 2018. $19.95 ages 4 and up

"Do whales wear snowsuits?

NO!

Whales have blubber under
their skin. This layer of fat
keeps their body heat in and
the cold out. Whale blubber
can be up to 12 inches (30 cm)
thick! It also stores energy, so
whales can keep going for a long
time without eating."

You know how much little ones like books about animals - especially if they have a question and answer component that makes those kids part of the reading experience. They are consistently pose questions about an infinite variety of things they want to know.

Etta Kaner has experience with the kinds of questions kids ask. In her new book, she wonders for them 'how animals keep warm.' Adaptation is a fascinating subject when we consider exactly how animals change to suit their environment and climate. The ones featured here are found throughout the world. Some will be familiar, others will not.

The information is appropriate for a young child, and will add to their knowledge base while also encouraging them to look further concerning those animals that are unfamiliar. Digital illustrations add humor and context. 

"Do monkeys take hot
baths to keep warm?

YES!

Japanese Macaques love to take warm baths!
There are places in Japan where hot water
bubbles up naturally from the ground to form
pools. After playing in the snow, the macaques
will jump into these hot pools to warm up."

Aren't they clever?

A World of Kindness, from the editors and illustrators of Pajama Press. 2018. $$19.95 ages 3 and up

"ARE YOU KIND?

Do you wait 
your turn?

Will you help
someone younger ...

or older?"

I think we can all use inspiration for kindness every day in every way. So, the people at Pajama Press have created this book to inspire kindness when talking with children. Royalties from the proceeds with be donated to Think Kindness, an organization you can find through a Google search. There are ideas there for school children from early years to high school, and some global suggestions as well.

Gail Winskill, Publisher at PP, asked her editors and illustrators to take part in this project which came about through an experience with her granddaughter. Alice had just started school and been treated unkindly. Her mom suggested that she do her best to be kind always. When asked 'how', Gail knew a book would help ... as so often happens.

The questions are asked of young readers, and the illustrations inspire quiet conversation about the many ways we can show kindness to others. Nine artists are included, in artwork already published or pieces specifically created for this book. They show young readers some of the many ways they can be kind and helpful.

A table of contents provides the illustrator's name, and whether the art is original, or the title of the book where it can be found. The endpapers encourage compassion, patience, sympathy, understanding, friendliness, honesty, gentleness, tact, empathy, consideration, care, generosity, tolerance, graciousness, helpfulness, and thoughtfulness - each and every one a worthy pursuit.

Empathy and kindness can be severely lacking in these divisive times, and we can often look to children to show us the way.                         

Everything & Everywhere, by Marc Martin. Chronicle, Raincoast. 2018. $24.95 ages 8 and up

"HONG KONG
An island city in China
with bustling streets and
crowded skylines, and it's
one of the world's most
densely populated
metropolises."

FERRIES
135,000 passengers
a day going to more than
260 outlying islands."

What??? The rest of the two page spread that describes Hong Kong is filled with colorful, iconic scenes and captioned with  absorbing tidbits of information that describe the city, its markets, foods, and signs. I found myself checking out every scene.

"A SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS
The world's longest permanent light and sound show.

MARKETS AND SHOPPING
Computer market
Jade market
Costume market
Goldfish market
Sneakers street
Flower market
Business-card market

It goes on. Fascinating, to be sure.

The author describes his book in the beginning:

"The following pages are a gathering of facts,
thoughts, and observations about our planet
as seen through the eyes of an artist. Some may
intrigue you, some may surprise you, and some may
leave you with more questions than answers."

It is surely an apt description of this guide that includes numerous world sites: Antarctica, Alice Springs and Surrounds, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Ulaanbaatar, New Delhi, Moscow, Cairo, Paris, Reykjavik, New York City, Galapagos Islands, Amazon Rainforest, Rio De Janeiro, and Cape Town,

The front endpapers show a world map with all stops plotted on it. A dotted line leads from beginning to end of the tour. Endpapers at the back show a darkened world, illuminated by dots of light, and the promise that 'there's still so much to explore!" I wonder if we might see a companion book in the future.

Done with watercolor, gouache, pencil and digital collage, the author creates artwork that captures the spirit of each place. There is great variety in the destinations chosen, and much to discover as the book is explored. What a way to travel the world from the comfort of home! Enjoy every minute spent poring over it with interested readers.
                       

Whale in a Fishbowl, written by Troy Howell and illustrated by Richard Jones. Schwartz & Wade, Penguin Random House. 2018. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"Wednesday wondered about it all day long, and all night, too. What did the sea have that her fishbowl didn't have?

Now she couldn't sleep.
She scarcely touched her food. She no longer leaped.

Could Piper have been wrong?"

Readers will be drawn to Wednesday's plight: a whale living in a fishbowl in the center of an urban landscape. Life has always been the same for her. Passersby are too often unaware of her presence as they bustle about their day.

One day she leaps upward and sees a blue she has never seen in her life. It is beyond the city that is her home, and she feels an affinity toward it. She does not know why. She does, however, feel its power and begins breaching more and more often in an effort to keep it in her sights. The people passing by think she is performing tricks for their entertainment. One small child, Piper, is more astute. She knows that Wednesday does not belong where she is, and she tells the whale just exactly that when she visits with her one day. 

What about the sea? Why is it so special? One foggy morning, when Wednesday can no longer see the blue she so loves, she experiences acute sadness. Taking another leap, higher than ever before, her tail tips the bowl and the water carries her past the gray city environs and into the 'glorious, breathtaking blue.'

Wednesday has found 'home'!

"She plunged into it.
She swam and swam and swam.
She skimmed and soared,
spouted and dived.
She turned somersaults.
She swam strong and far and deep."

Beautifully written and illustrated, this is a story for children to love and to listen to again and again.

The Magician's Secret, written by Zachary Hyman and illustrated by Joe Bluhm. Tundra, Penguin Random House. 2018. $21.99 ages 5 and up

"Grandpa's tales all began at his Magic Story Chest. This was a great big wooden trunk hidden in the darkest, most cobwebby corner of the attic. Each time he told me a story, Grandpa would blow the dust off the old chest, open the heavy lid with a bone-rattling creak and reach in for something special he had picked up ... "

Charlie and his grandfather love to spend time together. Charlie, because he is in awe of his Grandpa's stories and imagination; Grandpa, because he allows his imagination full rein, and is thrilled to share his tales with his beloved grandchild. It's a win-win time for both.

Babysitting is filled with adventure for the two. Grandpa is quite the entertainer. Charlie loves his magic, he is even more intrigued by the tales that begin in the 'Magic Story Chest.' Each tale told is sparked by a personal memento Grandpa has brought back from his travels: an hourglass from King Tut's tomb, a long, white scarf that once belonged to the Red Baron, a coconut shell from a tropical beach. As Grandpa tells his stories, Charlie is enthralled with his many adventures.

While Charlie lives vicariously through those stories he hears day after day, his father is not impressed.

"They're just tall tales, Charlie," he said. "Things Grandpa's made up. He's never been to Egypt or flown a warplane or been chased by a dinosaur. He just imagines all those things."

Of course, Charlie doesn't believe what his father is telling him. He goes to his grandfather who shares his wish that grown-ups would never give up on imagination.

"The imagination is the most powerful force in the world. Magic is all around us, kiddo - in me and in you. All you need to do is believe. You know what I like to say? Whatever you believe, you can achieve!"

Then, he gives Charlie a very special gift.

Zachary Hyman listened to his grandfather's tales of triumph and imagination as a youngster, and his Grandpa's assertion that to be able to see something, you had to believe it. Today, Zach plays in the NHL. Joe Bluhm also listened to his grandfather tell stories about building houses in wartime. He loved listening even though they saw each other rarely. He used those memories of their visits to  help him create the light-filled, expressive , and detailed digital artwork that accompanies Zach's most enjoyable text.

https://globalnews.ca/video/rd/1270093891992/?jwsource=cl

Hubots: Real-World Robots Inspired by Humans. Written by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Alex Ries. Kids Can Press. 2018. $18.99 ages 10 and up

""Pepper's name reflects its peppy, likable personality. It's also easy to say in many languages. That's important because Pepper is expected to operate in countries all over the world.  In Japan, Pepper is already being used as a retail clerk in some stores. And it may soon be employed there as a sympathetic caregiver or companion to people who need extra help with day-to-day tasks at home."

Pepper is a 'hubot', already produced and being used; other robots modeled on the human body are described in this follow-up book to Zoobots (2014).
I am thankful that 'roboticists', and capable, inquisitive researchers such as Helaine Becker can tell these stories that are so fascinating, and so beyond my reasoning. I can hardly fathom it while I am reading all about them.

"Imagine a future in which human-like machines live among us. These robotic "people" would walk,  talk, and think. They might sit beside you in the classroom, serve you lunch in the cafeteria or drive the school bus that takes you home each day.  Amazing - and true."

Ms. Becker describes 10 robots in development. or that are already working prototypes. Each two-page spread begins with a catch-our-attention title: KA-POW! FEEL! CHARM! SING! The hubot
is then categorized according to name, team, domain, and realm. Then, in short informative notes, readers are made aware of its mission, superpower, special ops, specifications, applications, and status update. The format is clear and accessible. Kids who have a passion for learning about robots and their future uses have much to digest. Each one is modeled on the human body, and most are being built to help in the event of emergency or to work in industry.

A section at the center of the book describes the 'uncanny valley' - the low point of a graph that tracks human response to the way robots look as they change over time. Following the description of each of the 'bots', the author presents notes that offer a closer look at the  hands, feet, vision being developed. She reminds her readers that these hubots are the current crop; the future holds promise that they will become even more lifelike and find their own place in our world. A glossary and an index follow.

Alex Ries does a great job, using Photoshop, of providing a realistic view of  the way these hubots might eventually look.

It is a book that begs the question: how do you feel about robots taking over some of the jobs humans now do?

Terrific Tongues, written by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Jia Liu. Boyds Mills Press, Highlights. 2018. $23.95 ages 3 and up

"If you had a
tongue like a washcloth,
you might be an ...

OKAPI!

An okapi's tongue is like a
washcloth. Okapi tongues
are so long that okapis can
use them to wash their eyes
and ears."

The format for this book that introduces its audience to twelve tongues belonging to a variety of creatures will appeal while also providing new learning. Readers are invited to guess what owns the tongue being described. As you know, young readers love being involved in solving mysteries, and shouting out their ideas. The book also acts as a perfect mentor text for children who want to share research data about something they are studying. The format is consistent throughout, and results in an effective and satisfying read.

Each turn of the page discloses the animal whose tongue has been described. I was fascinated to learn much about tongues that I did not know. Children are sure to feel the same, even if it is a creature they find familiar.

"If you had a tongue like
an air conditioner, you
might be a ...

DOG!

Dog tongues work like mini-air conditioners. Dogs stick
out their tongues and pant to get rid of heat. Quick
breaths chill blood in the dog's tongue, which circulates,
cooling the rest of the body."

This accessible and instructive text following the reveal is useful and appreciated. The creatures are varied, and backmatter adds to the learning from the main text of the book.

"An okapi's tongue is prehensile, which means it's used for
grabbing things. It's also sticky, so it's perfect for plucking
faraway leaves from their branches. Okapis live in the
rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central
Africa."

Additionally in backmatter, there is a final section called EVEN MORE FUN TONGUES! Here readers will find a select group of creatures and a short description of what is special about their tongues and what they use them to do.

"Like snakes, komodo dragons have long, forked tongues as well as
Jacobson's organs to smell and detect prey from miles away."

Now, where will a reader find a book about komodo dragons?

Do You Believe In Unicorns? Written and illustrated by Bethanie Deeney Murguia. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2018. $19.99 ages 3 and up

"No, I do not think it
could be a unicorn in
disguise. That's ridiculous.

It's just a horse - a horse
who woke up with messy
hair. That's why it's
wearing a hat.

Tell me this - why would
a unicorn want to hide its
horn?"

Is it a horse? Hard to tell, isn't it? It has all the characteristics of a horse when you see it on the cover.
Open the book past the purple, horseshoe-patterned endpapers and you can see it's even housed in a horse's stable. It certainly looks like a horse in a hat.

A monkey wrench is thrown in when the author questions if it might actually be a unicorn? The argument goes in favor of it being a horse with messy hair, who likes the color red, and who needs protection from the sun. Other horses begin to appear on the book's pages, and the conjecture continues. Aren't unicorns hard to find? What is the reader to think?

When the three hats worn by the horses are seen lying beside the river where some splashing is happening, the mystery may be solved. Not quite so fast! As the horses travels on, a spire, a mountain peak and tall grasses are strategically placed to make the answer unclear. Will we ever know?

Wait! What about that lizard? 

I love the straightforward narration, the humorous, appealing pen and ink and watercolor artwork and the interactive nature of the text. It most certainly is a horse. However, there is enough guesswork to make little ones question what they are really seeing. Subtle, and a trifle unsettling, this is a perfect choice for reading aloud with early years students. Little ones appreciate guessing games; this book will be no exception! 

At The Pond, written and illustrated by Werner Zimmermann. North Winds Press, Scholastic. 2018. $19.99 ages 2 and up

"Six fish,

Seven fish,

More?

Eight fish,

Nine fish,

Ten fish, "

You could call this a counting book, and you would be right! You call also call it a concept book, and you would be right about that as well. If you missed  seeing it as a stunning book of art which shows the natural beauty of a pond environment, you would be indifferent to its meditative and peaceful realism. I did read it, and know it was written for Mr. Zimmermann's granddaughter who loves his backyard pond. I appreciate that it will appeal to little ones for the counting experiences it encourages, and the concentration required to look so closely at such a tranquil spot. 

But, there is so much more! For me, it was only through repeated visits that I noticed more than what was evident initially. It gives such a feeling of quiet wonder as the double page spreads are turned to capture attention and provide a clear look at pond life throughout the day.

The water lilies and small log encourage visitors. In the early dawn, the frogs and a salamander make themselves at home there. Soon, sunlight peeks through, as does a single goldfish. Carefully watch the budding lily as it also reacts to the sun. Then, the movement begins in earnest ... one fish after another, more frogs, then insects make their presence known. The lily expands, the sunlight moves across the water's surface and a dragonfly lands. The sudden appearance of a heron sends easy prey to cover. Nothing for the heron here today. The intruder gone, the pond and its wondrous creatures can return to the tranquility once more. And, the counting continues! 

Full of life and light, this is a book to be admired. The final page includes short, informative paragraphs for the water lily and the pond's many featured guests.

Gorgeous! Worthy of its place on the shortlist for the Governor General's Literary Award List for Young People' Literature - Illustrated Books.

Mia Moves Out, written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Paige Keiser. Alfred A Knopf, Random House. 2018. $22.99 ages 3 and up

"The room became
half as big,
and half as bright,
but it also became
TWICE as fun!

"Sharing isn't so bad,"
Mia said.
Then birthdays happened.
Holidays happened.
Growing happened."

Mia is welcomed into her new family with a room of her own, and allowed to give it a personal touch by adding things 'big', 'bright' and 'fun'. Perfect and hers alone ... until Brandon arrives. A baby brother adds some constraints, there is no doubt. The room seems smaller, and often dimmer.

It is all well and good until Brandon starts growing, having birthdays and adding his stuff to 'their' space. There is so much cleaning to do. It's too much! Mia comes up with a natural solution to the dilemma:

"I'm moving out!"

Moving is a grand idea; there are difficulties. Where will she find space for herself? Each new spot chosen seems right at the onset. Each presents a problem. When the final choice seems exactly right, she is content ... not for long! Something's missing.

Readers are sure to enjoy the warm, charming watercolor illustrations that depict the changing family, and its growth from two to four people. They will appreciate the many humorous details, and are sure to recognize on the book's pages much that is familiar to them.

Ah, siblings! Anyone would tell you that life with them can be exhausting. On the other hand, what would we do without them? Choosing to 'move out' is a ritual of childhood and growth, isn't it? Mia and Brandon make the best of their choice.

Daddy, Me, and the Magic Hour, written by Laura Krauss Melmed and illustrated by Sarita Rich. Sky Pony Press, Thomas Allen & Son. 2018. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"Here come the dogs
stepping out with their people
for a Magic Hour parade.

They don't bark at me,
and I am not afraid.

"Good job!" says Daddy,
when I pat a friendly one
who wags his tail a little
and licks my face."

What a truly engaging tale of a daily ritual between father and son!

Supper time is not always easy. It comes at the end of long days for little children and for their parents, and is often frenzied. Energy abounds, noise is at its peak, demands are constant, and still a meal must be prepared. Dad begins cooking while Mom feeds the baby; their young son catapults broccoli and then tries to feed it to the poor cat. Finally, it is time to sit and settle.

Supper consumed, father and son are off on their 'after-supper walk'. It is a time of visiting neighbors, splashing in puddles, enjoying the many dog walkers, and drawing with sticks. A red bucket provides a receptacle for the many treasures offered and collected. As the two watch twilight slowly descend around them, they find joy in each other's company. It is easy to tell they have been this way before as they share adventure in the park, and making new friends.

"The sky is purpling now.
Daddy shows me how things that are white by day,
like his shirt and my shoes,
and that patch of daisies,
glow all silvery as daytime fades away."

A shoulder ride for the final few steps, and they are home.

Time for a quick and quiet recount of the night's adventure with Mommy before it's lights out and a good night's rest.

Sarita Rich ably matches the story's tone in panelled snapshots that provide a detailed look at the many moments shared. There is much to see as they make their way through the neighborhood encountering both familiar and the new experiences. It is a pleasure to be along for the journey.

A Home in the Barn, written by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Harper, 2018. $21.99 ages 3 and up

"The breath of the horses rose like smoke in the cold air. And the winter wind told them it was time to move into the big warm barn. In the big warm barn all the animals were waking up, slowly and hungrily, except for the little mice in the hayloft, who had been up all night and were just going to bed. High up in the rafters of the barn, the swallows began to chirp in their deep, warm nests of mud."

Never before published, this new book by the prolific Margaret Wise Brown is perfect fare for the illustrative genius of Jerry Pinkney. It begins and ends with a repetitive refrain:

"Here is the barn
Hear the wind rattle
Open the door
And see all the cattle."

What a lovely invitation! I am going to take this with me when I go to visit my granddaughters next week. They are currently enthralled with a new farm set and spend endless hours caring for the animals and their housing. I know they enjoy this book as much as I do.

Winter is just around the corner, and it's time for all animals to seek the warmth and safety of the big red barn. Each turn of the page provides new text that evokes the sights, sounds and the urgency for finding shelter. Jerry Pinkney focuses attention fully on the animals and their comfort as they settle into nests in the rafters, soft bundles of straw, cozily-lined pens, and the warmth of a birthing bed for a newly-arrived calf. The farmer and his son are there when needed. As the wind howls and the plethora of animals hunkers down, the warmth spreads and peace falls over their shelter.

The radiant warmth of the pencil, watercolor, gouache and pastel images creates a comfortable, peaceful setting. Young readers will appreciate extra time while reading to note the many captivating details included to hold their attention.
                                                                           

Buddy and Earl meet the neighbors, written by Maureen Fergus and illustrated by Carey Sookocheff. Groundwood, 2018. $16.95 ages 5 and up

"Tell him to back off, Buddy," said Earl in a muffled voice. "Tell him if
he makes one false move, you'll zap him with your laser-beam eyes!" The bulldog looked so alarmed that Buddy quickly said, "Do not worry. I will not zap you with my laser-beam eyes. I do not even know how to turn them on. "Thank goodness," said the bulldog. "My name is Mister. I'm sorry if I scared your little friend."

Earl is quick to report that he was not at all scared, despite the shrieked AHHH! I am so happy to see these adventure-seeking friends again. You may or may not have met them yet. If not, you are missing out on some hijinks, a lot of inspired dialogue, and a continuing series that is sure to become a class and family favorite.

Buddy is a dog, Earl a hedgehog. They are faithful companions in their household, and put up with each other through thick and thin. Their conversations and misunderstandings evoke giggles at every turn, and in each of their, now five, adventures.

This time Earl decides they are superheroes, Wonder Buddy and Super Earl. Their mission, should they choose to accept it, is to recapture The Evil Doctor Stinker. Using the Earl-mobile, they discover a hole in the fence that leads to the neighbor's yard, said to be the secret lair of the escapee. And that is how they meet those neighbors ... a cat named Snowflake, who quickly insults Earl by calling him a mouse and Mister, a bulldog.

The adventure? Well, it turns out that Snowflake is a bit of a braggart. She quickly becomes the victim of her own bravado, and needs rescuing. It's Super Earl to the rescue!

"Super Earl got Wonder Buddy to help him
onto a launching pad.
Then he flapped his arms as hard as he could.
"It's no use," he roared. "My powers
are obviously being blocked by a diabolical
supervillain! We're going to have to try Plan B!"

What is Plan B? Can Earl save Snowflake from certain disaster?

If this is your first book, be sure to look for the others in the series.

Buddy and Earl (2015), Buddy and Earl Go Exploring (2016), Buddy and Earl and the Great Big Baby (2016) and Buddy and Earl Go To School (2017).

LOOK AT ME! : How to Attract Attention in the Animal World. By Steve Jenkins and Robin Page. Houghton MIfflin Harcourt, Raincoast. 2018. $24.99 ages 5 and up

"All dressed up.

Every summer, a colorful
plume of feathers appears
around the neck of the
great crested grebe.
Male and female grebes
show off this decoration
during their mating dance."

Steve Jenkins and his wife Robin Page continue to amaze with the research they do; the careful, clear facts they present on all manner of animals in our world. In this book they tell readers about animals that want to be seen.

"Perhaps it's signalling a mate or warning a predator that it is
poisonous. It might be defending its territory or trying to
lure its prey. Some animals attract attention by being noisy
or smelly. But visual display - flashing a bright color,
performing a dance, glowing in the dark, even blowing up
like a balloon - is the most common way an animal
says, "Look at me!"

Then, we are off to discover the many animals who love to make themselves known by whatever method is inherent to their own species. Each turn of the page introduces two or more animals that have one particular thing in common. The hooded seal and the magnificent frigatebird have a big red balloon, used to attract a mate. The Mediterranean mantis and the male blue-spotted mudskipper dance to threaten predators, or to impress a female.

Thirty-nine different creatures are featured in this fine book that show young readers the many ways they get the attention they seek. The descriptive paragraphs offer just the right amount of text to provide for new learning.

Steve Jenkins’ easily identifiable illustrations are colorful collages placed on white backgrounds, allowing the animal itself to be the focus of attention for those reading this book. Whether it's the brilliant plumage of the great crested grebe and the royal flycatcher, or the brilliant colors of the many poisonous frogs and slugs that grace one double page, there is much here to attract and hold attention as the book is shared.

As they do in most of their books, the authors add final pages that offer a repeated thumbnail image of each included creature, accompanied by additional relevant data.

Always beautiful, and very much admired work.