Make Your Own Art Gallery: A Coloring Book-ish, by Peter H. Reynolds. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House, 2020. $12.99 ages 4 and up

Draw. Frame. Share!
With pages of possibilities,
the creator of the dot and ish
inspires us to make our mark
and see where it takes us.





When I opened the new box to discover this book under the bubble wrap, I knew exactly what to do!

I immediately ordered two copies to be sent to my granddaughters. I hope they arrive in time for an upcoming 6th birthday! Schooling for them will be at home for the near future. They are young and their parents do not want them to be part of an experiment to see what happens when you put a group of young children together in the face of a worldwide pandemic. School is not a safe place to be right now for anyone. Their parents will ensure that learning together remains fun and educational.

To fully participate in the joy of creating, they will need some supplies - crayons, markers, pencil crayons. Peter Reynolds knows that children are artists until someone else tells them are not. They often lose their creative spirit when they are asked to focus on product, not process. Thus, he has created a book that invites young ones to let their imaginations be the inspiration for a coloring book-ish that features frames on the recto and an lined box on the verso that provides a space for the artist's name, the date and the title of their masterpiece. Some frames offer an idea, others do not.

A perforated edge allows removal if the child wants to present the work of art as a gift.

Reading the dot and ish ahead of letting them loose to create their own showpieces would be motivating. Try the library or your favorite bookstore! 

I Talk Like A River, written by Jordan Scott and illustrated by Sydney Smith. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2020. $24.99 ages 5 and p

"My dad takes me to the river.

We walk along the shore
looking for colorful rocks
and water bugs.

It feels good to be quiet
and alone with my dad.

But I can't stop thinking
about my bad speech day: "

As this autobiographical tale begins, the pain and fear the young child feels are palpable. He knows the words of objects that are part of his surroundings; he can't say them. Every single one of them sticks in his mouth and gets tangled up. It causes him to remain quiet as he wakens, starts his day with teeth brushing and breakfast oatmeal. He doesn't need words to start his day.

That all changes when he gets to school. There, he tries to avoid questions presented to him, and the staring eyes and strident voices that remind him he sounds different.

"My mouth isn't working.
It's full with words
of the morning."

When he is reminded that it is his turn to talk about his favorite place, he freezes. He can't do it; he wants to go home. Soon, his father is there with understanding and just the thing he needs to make the day better. They go to the river. As they walk, his father provides the support and gentle words that soothe his soul and allow him to see himself in a different light. It is all he needs.

Sydney Smith provides stunning spreads that begin in the moody light of sadness and worry. When he and his dad visit the river, readers are made aware of the sense of peace that comes when his dad explains that the boy 'talks like the river'; it is a good thing. Light changes with the boy's mood, and the open gatefold at the center shimmers with the beauty of the river itself. His artwork is as expressive as the writing.

Jordan Scott is uniquely equipped to provide a close look at the boy's difficulties with his speaking voice, as he also stutters. Just as the father in the story does, Jordan's dad helped him see that nature does some stuttering of its own. In his debut book for children he has written an admirable book sure to garner attention and awards - deservedly so. This is a stunning picture book.

Peter Reynolds might call it 'wisdom dipped in words and art'. I would absolutely agree.

Pirate Nell's Tale to Tell: A Storybook Adventure, by Helen Docherty and Thomas Docherty. Sourcebooks, Jabberwocky. Raincoast, 2020. $23.99 ages 3 and up

"What's this?" he ordered,
with a frown.
"I think," said Nell,
"it's upside down."

"Don't tell me how to
read a map,
you good-for-nothing
whippersnap!
There's treasure here,
that's plain to see ... "

Nell can hardly believe it when her dream of being a pirate comes to fruition! She has always longed for adventure. In preparation for her time at sea, she includes an almanac with her gear, and carries stories in her head. The crew loves her daring tales.

Her days aboard the pirate ship bring reality to the fore as she scrubs pots and mops floors ... the plight of the youngest and newest crew member. Captain Gnash is full of orders, and little praise. On a sleepless night when Nell is gazing out to sea, she spies a bottle floating on the waves. Lo and behold, it has a map inside. The map sports an X on a flag-shaped island. It spurs even more dreams of adventure and treasure hunting.

It takes little time for Captain Gnash to claim the map for his own, and set sail to discover the treasure he reasons to be his own. Countless snafus and solutions along the way show Nell's innate ability to take her rightful place on the crew.

"She led them safely through the storm.
The sea grew calm; the air grew warm.
The treasure map was barely dry
when something distant caught Nell's eye.
Some craggy cliffs, a sandy shore ...

The island they'd
been searching for!"

And a treasure that is a complete surprise!

Enjoyable rhyming text keeps the story moving forward, and makes for a fun readaloud. The acrylic ink illustrations add to the fun, with action-filled, detailed spreads sure to be appreciated by kids who love pirate adventure. Librarians and early years teachers, rejoice!                                                                             

Tiny Bird: A Hummingbird's Amazing Journey, written by Robert Burleigh and illustrated by Wendell Minor. Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2020. $25.99 ages 6 and up

"Flower to flower,
backward, forward, under, over,
like an acrobat of the air!

Radiant green feathers glimmering, ruby throat shimmering,
Tiny Bird delicately dips its beak into the heart of each flower, extracting precious nectar.

The endpapers are a delightful invitation to readers of all ages to learn about the hummingbird in this tale of one bird's remarkable journey ... one that is taken every year as these tiny, brilliantly-colored birds migrate 1500 miles from the northeastern United States to their winter home in Mexico. Captioned images provide data comparing its tiny size to familiar objects, and a map that plots that migratory feat.

First spreads are given to its preparation for what is to come. Its whirring wings, acrobatic moves from flower to flower, and its need to feed is captured in beautiful close-up images created in gouache watercolors. Autumn is just around the corner, and the bird is feeling the pull that marks the beginning of its long, solitary journey. It will not be easy. Many obstacles will stand in its way, as they will for all other hummingbirds heading for a warmer climate.

It fuels itself with nectar and insects while also doing its very best maneuvering to keep out of the reaches of its predators - a hawk first and then the Gulf of Mexico, a non-stop flight from one side to the other of more than twenty hours. Keeping close to the water's surface provides protection from the winds, while also putting it very close to leaping fish. Then, a sudden storm adds danger and results in exhaustion.

"Slower. Slower.
Tiny Bird begins to falter.
Its wings grow heavy as it dips
ever closer to the dangerous water."

It finds reprieve on fishing boat, and the strength to go on. Worn out and thin from lack of food, it finally arrives at its destination. There's food and comfort in this winter home. In the spring, it will make an equally arduous return trip. What wonder is that?

The final two pages are given to Fun Facts About Hummingbirds and How To Become a Member of the Hummingbird Helper Club, as well as a suggestion from Mr. Burleigh.

"The author especially recommends one online source that contains well-organized information about hummingbirds: worldofhummingbirds.com. The site is divided into many small and easy-to-understand sections that cover every aspect of hummingbird life."  
                                                                                     

The Paper Kingdom, written by Helena Ku Rhee and illustrated by Pascal Campion. Penguin Random House. 2020. $23.99 ages 5 and up

"Their old car sputtered as they
drove to Mama and Papa's work
downtown.

The big glass building always
looked angry. It seemed to say
"Stay out!" "Can't I just sleep in
the car?" Daniel asked.

But Mama and Papa said no. They
hurried inside and waved at Sam,
the security guard."

In a story based on the author's childhood, we meet Daniel and his parents. Most nights, as Daniel's parents prepared for their job as night janitors, Daniel got ready for bed. On this particular night, a phone call changes that. Auntie Clara is not available to take care of Daniel while his parents work. Daniel, tired and already in bed, must get up and accompany them to their work.

He begs to stay on his own. Not an option. Into the car they get, and head downtown to begin their night's work. Daniel offers to sleep in the car. Again, not an option. They wave to the security guard Sam as they enter the office building. Daniel is impatient as his parents get the things they will need to complete their work.

As they go, they tell Daniel a story about the Paper Kingdom.

"Didn't we tell you before? This is the land of the Paper King!
"The Paper King?" Now Daniel felt awake. "How come I
never saw him? Where is he?"

When they look for him in the throne room, all they see is the paper left behind. They suggest that he must be sleeping, and they will clean up for him. Daniel wonders why they have to do it. They whisper to him about the queen, who is responsible for paper being sent to everyone in the kingdom. As the story is shared and the cleaning done, Daniel is entertained and forgets he is tired.

Imagination reigns. Soon it is time for the family to return home for a good night's sleep ... Daniel to dream of a future where people clean up after themselves so Mama and Papa don't have to do it. Storytelling, humor and imagination wins out, just as it did for Helena Ku Rhee when she went to work with her parents.

Pascal Campion's digital artwork clearly depicts a hardworking family who find a way to keep their son entertained as they carefully clean every inch of the Paper Kingdom. Expressive and emotional, they show readers tight family bonds, as well as what happens at night in some buildings when most people are in bed.
                                                                                     

Amphibian Acrobats, written by Leslie Bulion and illustrated by Robert Meganck. Peachtree, Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2020. $10.99 ages 10 and up

"This small warty father,
Nose pointed and slender,
Takes tadpole care further
Than any (frog) other.
With no help from mother,
He guards eggs on litter,
Until larvae quiver
Through jelly-clear covers.

Then trusty Dad gathers
His egg sons and daughters,
And gulp! provides shelter ... "

The last book I read by this very accomplished pair was Superlative Birds (2019). It was one of my favorite books of the year. As someone who loves poetry, I was in awe of the literary acumen and the amount of research done to provide so much information concerning the birds chosen. 

I was, then, not surprised to find that this book is also quite stunning. This collaborative team manages to perfectly match art and text in a book that is sure to satisfy a young person's need to know more about the featured amphibians (caecilians, salamanders, toads, and frogs). Ms. Bulion describes where they are found, how they move, the differences between them, their life cycles, and their young.

Each entertaining entry is accompanied by a fantastic digital image, and a comprehensive description that provides a scientific name, where they live in the world, and what is unique about each one.  She has this to say about the Star-Fingered Toad, that lives in South America and Trinidad and spends most of its life moving about underwater. The mother frog's back provides a perfect environment for 60 to 100 eggs.

“Her skin grows pockets, capped with lids,
to shield her embryonic kids,
whose tails shrink as they sprout four legs,
no tadpoles hatch—they stay in eggs,
til star-shaped toe and pointy snout
poke through Mom’s skin…pop, pop they’re out!”

Robert Meganck's artwork adds to the humor of the descriptive and entertaining text. He helps readers see and understand that these amazing creatures can alter their shapes, change their colors, and execute some pretty amazing feats.

Back matter includes a useful glossary, poetry notes for each poem included, acknowledgements, a section concerning the help that is needed for all amphibians and how everyone can play a role in saving their habitats and self-education. A list of resources, a world map to show where they can be found and a key to their size and endangered status brings this wonderful book to an end.                                                                                 

Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist. Words by Linda Skeers and pictures by Marta Alvarez Miguens. Sourcebooks, Raincoast. 2020. $23.99 ages 5 and up

"Day after day, Mary scrambled over the cliffs. Week after she searched, Month after month. After almost a year, Mother Nature lent Mary a helping hand. The powerful wind and pounding rain from a devastating storm caused several landslides. In one night, the cliff's long buried ancient layers were exposed."

Mary Anning needed a hammer, a chisel, and an inquisitive mind to do the work she so loved. With tools in hand, and a sense of wonder for the world near the cliffs where she lived, she spent her days searching and bringing to earth the bones of an enormous, never-before-seen creature. Her discoveries were not appreciated at the time because of her gender.

Unafraid and fiercely independent, Mary accomplished many things that were not expected of the women of her time. She learned to read and write, studied hard, and kept notes about her many discoveries. Her brother often accompanied her on her searches and was there when she discovered
'a four-foot-long head with a pointed snout'. Unperturbed by the size of the discovery, Mary and her brother persuaded villagers to help them bring it to their home. Now, where would she find the strange creature's other parts?

She searched through days and months. Finally, nearly a year later she got help from a storm. Landslides led to visible bones. Mary now knew exactly where to spend her time. When it was fully exposed, the villagers were aghast. A collector offered a sum of money that would support Mary's family during hard times, so she sold it. Donated to a London museum, it garnered attention and a name - ichthyosaurus - meaning fish lizard.

Mary's discovery made scientific history. Mary continued working while others discussed what she had found. When she discovered 'poop', she was mocked. She did not let what scientists said dissuade from the work she loved.

"Even though Mary could identify a species from one
single bone and rebuild entire skeletons like a jigsaw
puzzle, she couldn't join the Geological Society of
London. Women were not allowed."

She knew her work was important, as did many others. Today, her accomplishments are well known. Thanks to excellent picture book biographies like this one, a new generation of readers will soon know more about her, too.

Back matter includes a section called Bone Bits and Fossil Facts, a Mary Anning timeline, and an author's note.
                                                                               

The One Day House, written by Julila Durango and illustrated by Bianca Diaz. Charlesbridge, Penguin Random House. 2020. $9.99 ages 5 and up

"One day," said Wilson, " I will
fix the chimney so you can make
a fire to keep you cozy."
"I will like that," said Gigi. "But
today, you are all the warmth I
need."

"One day," said Wilson, "I will
fix the roof on Gigi's house to
keep out the wind and snow."
"That's a smart idea," said the
librarian."

Wilson is a caring child in his community. He loves his friend, Gigi. He wants to do whatever he can to make his elderly friend's life better for her. In front matter, we learn from a poster he sees that there is a neighborhood program called Build Up Neighbors. It encourages neighbors to work together to help one another. Wilson is quick to take a slip with a phone number as he heads toward his daily visit with Gigi. He tells her that one day he will paint her house 'orange and yellow like the sun.'  Gigi smiles and offers a compliment.

As Wilson travels throughout his community, he mentions to others the things that he will do to make Gigi's house more comfortable. Every person he meets encourages his dream of a better life for his friend. Gigi loves his ideas, and always lets him know she is happy with his being with her. He is more important to her than home repairs.

And then, one day ...

What a surprise when the community steps up to ensure that all the things Wilson has noticed will happen!

The colorful mixed media artwork shows a multicultural community where neighbors greet neighbors warmly and with interest. Readers will appreciate Wilson's child-like drawings of what he will do to change things for his beloved friend. This is a warm and engaging look at the way communities work together for the greater good. It is a perfect read for those wanting to encourage children to be kind, and to make the world a better place through generous and volunteerism.

An author's note talks about a local project in her own community, and encourages readers to see if they can a way to help others.

Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer, written and illustrated by Gillian Goerz. Dial, Penguin Random House. 2020. $14.99 ages 8 and up

"I couldn't make sense of my
new companion.
Some times she was chatty
enough and would tell me
all kinds of things. And some
times she didn't walk to talk.
She seemed to be thinking
really hard.
Or not at all.
But I was there to play ball.
So I tried to accept I might
never know more about her."

Oh, my! I can't wait for the next book about Shirley and Jamila. Following this incredible debut, I can only hope there will be one. To say they are impressive and fascinating is definitely an understatement.

The two meet at a garage sale. Jamila is new to the neighborhood; she and her mother have come to check things out and meet the new neighbors. Shirley has coerced her mother into attendng with her need for various and intriguing items. It turns out that they are the same age, and this is about all they have in common. Jamila Waheed is obsessed with basketball. Shirley Bones is obsessed with observation. Her very astute comments about Jamila without knowing her at all are befuddling to Jamila, because they are true. As they get to talking, they realize that they have another thing in common ... their parents are intent on enrolling them in summer camps, deemed to keep them involved and out of trouble. Shirley is headed to dance camp, and Jamila is off to a science camp that both of her older brothers have attended. Neither is keen.

They strike up a friendship, convince their parents that together they will be safe. Jamila will get to play basketball at a nearby court, while Shirley will accompany her and stay with her every day.

“I’ll go with you to the basketball court on Robert Street every day. As long as we’re together, our mothers should let us go out on our own.”

What's in it for Shirley? We know she is very vigilant, and that is what she likes to do ... observe people and quietly watch what is going on around her. It turns out that Shirley is quite the sleuth; other kids come to her with problems they hope she can solve. The two girls get involved in a case of stolen objects and end up solving a complicated mystery, while helping other children. Jamila is not sure what to think about the trench coat-wearing Shirley. As they work together to solve the mystery, they learn much about the other and come to an understanding concerning their relationship.

Gillian Goerz has created credible characters whose story rings absolutely true. Kids who love mysteries will be charmed by the story, and fully involved in their working things out between them. The artwork is brimming with details of summer life. The constant movement, the setting, and the connections from one character to another are attention-getting and very satisfying.

There is no mystery to this new friendship. It takes work, and it is so worth it!
                                                                       

Son of Happy, written by Cary Fagan and illustrated by Milan Pavlovic. Groundwood, 2020. $18.95 ages 7 and up

"But this Halloween, I didn't
want to go out as a clown.
So I made my own costume.
I became a vampire with
blood dripping from my fangs.
"Hey, Dad, look!" I made scary noises and gnashed my teeth. Dad swiveled in his easy chair. He looked at me over his glasses and sighed. Very nice," he said and went back to reading the Clown Times."

Our narrator is not thrilled when invited to his friend Teddy's birthday party. There is a clown. That clown is named Happy and is astute with creating balloon creatures. The party goers love the things he makes. The surprise comes when we learn that the clown is the boy's father.

Not keen that his father doesn't have a 'regular job', the boy decides he isn't enamored of clowns or the life they live. It wasn't so when he was a younger child. Then, he liked watching his dad prepare for his work, and considered himself lucky to have a dad who was also a clown. In fact, the boy often dressed just like his dad for Halloween. But things are changing.

Business has slowed right down for a working clown. When his father puts a sign on their lawn offering his services, the boy is embarrassed.

"But the sign didn't bring in any new business.
At dinner one day, Dad made an announcement.
"There's just not enough work for a clown anymore.
I'm going to have to go back to my old job."
"You had an old job?" I asked.
"Before you were born, son."
"What was it?"
"I was a lawyer."

His son is astonished. He tries to tell his friend Teddy that having a lawyer for a dad, not a clown, feels weird. Teddy is asleep and doesn't hear him. He begins to worry about whether his dad is truly happy anymore. Can he turn things around, and make his dad's world a happier place?

This story warms my heart. Readers will enjoy the mixed media images created by Milan Pavlovic. The colors are bright, the expressions clear, and the setting effective at every turn. This is perfect fare for kids who want a longer book to read. Well told, and illustrated to help with context, they will like the success they feel when reading it independently.

The final spread offers a chuckle.

Act, by Kayla Miller. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Raincoast. 2020. $18.99 ages 10 and up

"Is this what sit-ins are 
supposed to look like? 

Well, in the videos I
watched, the protesters
all held signs and would
sing or chant ... and ideally,
we'd have more people.

I didn't have the time to
come up with a song or
slogan or make more signs."

This is the third graphic novel in a series, following Click (2019) and Camp (2019). Olive is pretty excited to be starting her grade six year. She looks forward to meeting new friends, new teachers and finally getting to go on a field trip to the theater in the city. When they get back Olive is surprised to find her friend Beth crying in the washroom, and learns that she was not able to go on the trip because her mom did not have enough money to send her.

At the same time, the sixth-grade classes has been asked to name, by election, two student representatives to the student council. Trent and Sawyer, two of Olive's best friends, decide to run together on a platform to bring chocolate pudding back to the cafeteria lunch program. They are loud, funny, and almost obnoxious about it. Olive, having thought carefully about those students who cannot afford to go on field trips, decides that she will run with hopes of changing school policy to fund all students.

As the competition heats up, Olive begins to listen to other students about their particular issues and feels she should take a stand for them. Can she run in the election without losing her friends? She decides that she must do something if she can. Emotional and uplifting, this is a terrific story about taking a stand and making a difference for her classmates.

Olive is a great character, inspiring and thoughtful. Her family supports her, as do her friends. Her new story is a welcome addition to a very popular series.

In the Odds and Ends that follow, Ms. Miller includes a recipe for the Mint Chocolate Chip-Ins cookies the students make for the bake sale held to fund all student field trips. As well, she briefly describes Protests of the Past and offers a list of suggested reading materials.

https://youtu.be/Z1-NH5Q1bQ8

Finding Narnia: The Story of C.S. Lewis and His Brother. Written by Caroline McAlister and illustrated by Jessica Lanan. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2019. $25.99 ages 6 and up

"Upstairs Jack made his own
imaginary world, and Warnie
joined him. They called it Boxen.
Jack drew a map of Boxen's teeming capital city. He sketched the parliament house, the stock exchange, shipyards, a train station, and a music hall.
Warnie designed a steamship to travel from Boxen to India and back."

Here is yet another excellent picture book biography that offers a window into the lives of two brothers whose imaginative and adventurous childhood led to the creation of a series of books long loved by generations of children.

Jack and Warnie Lewis were each other's best friend. While Warnie saw the world around him through a nearby window, Jack saw a completely world in his imagination as he read book after book after book. They pretended to live other lives than their own, spending countless hours drawing; Warnie envisioned reality while Jack sketched imaginary adventure.

The family's new house in Ireland provided opportunity for Jack to create his own new world ... called Boxen. Warnie helped design it. Their mother ill, and their father consumed with worry, allowed the two boys much leeway for their own respective talents. Jack drew the map, while Warnie designed a ship. Together, they made themselves 'kings' of this new land. It would have been wonderful to live there. It was not to be.

Too much time at boarding school was followed by military service during WWI. They were not in the same regiment, and worried endlessly about each other. Upon their return home, Jack chose teaching at Oxford, while Warnie continued with his army work. Upon retirement, they lived together in a house similar to their old home in Ireland. During WWII, they chose to help young children displaced by the war. When the two girls found a wardrobe with creaky hinges and asked a pertinent question about it, Jack knew just what to do ...

Boxen is gone, Narnia is born!

Beautifully written, and brilliantly illustrated to show readers both the world the boys grew up in, their many worthy works, and the magical world named Narnia make for a fascinating read. Notes from both author and illustrator add wonder to the evolution of this picture book biography through discoveries made while doing their research.

Fans of the series will love it; those who have never read the seven books may just feel the pull to find out more about them.
                                                                               

 

All Together Now, written and illustrated by Hope Larson. Farrar Straus Giroux, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2020. $17.50 ages 10 and up

"Ugh. Maybe I should have 
tried harder to make it work 
with them. 

"I thought the idea was to see
and be seen."
Koff
koff 
koff! 

"I know. I didn't think I'd feel
so weird about this."

This follow-up graphic novel to All Summer Long (2018) has been long anticipated. It is a fan's chance to catch up with Bina and her love of music. She's in grade eight now, and still very interested in creating and playing music in a band. Her new friend Darcy is excited to play keyboards. When they realize that a drummer is what they need to improve their sound, they find Enzo.

Darcy and Enzo begin dating and quickly decide they need a new sound; Bina is out. Austin, Bina's neighbor and best friend, provides sympathy while also seeking support following a break-up with his girlfriend. After spending time together, Austin shows a romantic interest in Bina. Her interest lies only in music, not dating. How weird would it be to date your best friend? she worries.

It is tough for Bina to prove herself as her own person. She is bright and capable, and finds a way to make new relationships work while also following her own path. Written and drawn by Ms. Larson, then colored by Hilary Sycamore and Karina Edwards, this is a worthy novel that offers strong characters in familiar circumstances and will be appreciated by fans, old and new.

Readers will welcome back matter that includes Ms. Larson's explanation of her work as this story evolved. Useful and very interesting to read.

https://youtu.be/AN5E4MS58dQ

Follow The Recipe: Poems About Imagination, Celebration & Cake. Written by Marilyn Singer and illustrated by Marjorie Priceman. 2020. Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2020. $22.99 ages 5 and up

"Smidgen, pinch, dash,
drop, jigger, gill.
How much to put in?
How much to fill?
Scant, rounded, heaping,
level, sifted, packed
(firmly or lightly).
Must you be exact?
Grams, drams, and ounces,
a soupcon, a cup.
You need to use a glossary
so you don't mess things up."

Gifted poets amaze me! Marilyn Singer is one of my favorites. In this new collection, she proves her mettle once again. Using variety in poetic form she has created 'recipes' for a plethora of scenarios, including a disaster, a bit of magic, nature, reading, patience, and even social situations.

"He's the apple of your eye.
He's a sugarplum.
She is such a peach,
makes you want to hum.
He's the cherry on top
of your favorite ice cream.
You go bananas
when you see her.
She's a honey, she's a dream.

School lunches now are
no longer pallid.
Love makes the most
delicious fruit salad!"

Whether it's haiku poetry to help readers enjoy the seasons, making a connection between writing and cooking or considering memories, Ms. Singer draws her audience in and offers thoughtful musings on a wide variety of questions and important concerns in today's world.

Ms. Priceman wows with artwork created in gouache, printmaking and collage. Her images flow seamelssly around the poetic text creating a true feast for the eyes. An imaginative book that will be enjoyed for its exuberant, colorful art and its wonderful words.

"Summer 

Lemonade, if I
      had a butterfly's tongue, I'd
never need a straw."

Readers are sure to enjoy it more than one time!
                                                                             

Whoo-Ku Haiku: A Great Horned Owl Story. Written by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Jonathan Voss. G.P. Putnam's Sons, Penguin Random House. 2020. $22.99 ages 4 and up

"Mama calls her mate
Papa delivers a snake
Belly full, she preens.

Mama lays an egg
In the starlight it glistens
A moon of its own.

Today there are three
Papa hunts and Mama broods
Wind whips; eggs are warm."

When I was presenting poetry workshops in schools, I was always surprised at how easy teachers thought it was for their students to write haiku poems. It is not. There are many rules to writing such a poem, not the least of which is that science is often the impetus for its theme.

Choosing the right words is a gift, and Maria Gianferrari rises to the occasion in this poetic tribute to the most common of North American owls: the great horned one. The author has an admitted penchant for raptors, and she shares her knowledge and admiration in this brilliant new book. Having Jonathan Voss join her as collaborator makes for a pretty perfect picture book. He uses sepia ink and watercolors, with color added digitally, to provide a stunning look at the life cycle of this proud and fearless predator.

Readers watch as the two mates choose a squirrel's nest for their new home. Mama lays three eggs, loses one when crows attack, and the two nuture the other owlets that do hatch. The words chosen for describing this rearing of their young allows readers a close look at the nature of the bird itself, and the threats to bringing the babies to independence and a home of their own.

The stunning images of these imposing birds bring nature and its tensions to fully realized life. The dark of the forest and the light of the moon are always evident. Occasional panels are inset in the double-page spreads to accentuate drama.

End notes offer further facts and suggest worthwhile resources to show readers just how unique and fascinating these raptors are.
                                                                             

Clover Kitty Goes to Kittygarten, written by Laura Purdie Salas and illustrated by Hiroe Nakata. two lions, Thomas Allen & Son. 2020. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"It took Clover furever to reach
home. "You look like you had an
exciting day!" said Mama. Then
her whiskers drooped. "Are you
okay, Clover?"

Without a meow, Clover curled
into a circle. Mama rubbed just
behind Clover's left ear until
Clover fell asleep."

Clover's first day at kittygarten does not go as well as her mother might have wanted. For a small kitty with sensitivity to noise, sunshine, colorful wall displays, and the hubbub of a very busy group of kittens, it is overwhelming. She already has some reservations, and it's even worse than she thought it might be. Poor Clover.

One of the other kittens does his best to make Clover feel at home. Oliver welcomes her, sits beside her, notices her discomfort when the class gathers on the story time mat. Outside is no better. An invitation from Oliver to sit quietly and enjoy the seesaw is waylaid by the enthusiasm of all the other kittens wanting Clover to participate in their boisterous play. Lunch is unbearable. Even nap time is too much for her.

When she can't take anymore, Clover bolts out the door and heads for home. Her Mama is happy to see her and excited for school news. Clover says nothing, curls up, and is soon fast asleep. Tuesday is a day of rest at home. Oliver brings greetings from the class. Mama promises a Wednesday return. It doesn't happen.

Oliver is persistent in wanting to let Clover know how much he misses her. Clover avoids his Wednesday visit, but begins to feel uneasy about her decision. Being on the seesaw at home alone is not much fun. Oliver does not return on Thursday. Is Clover missing him? She wonders.

On Friday, she makes the decision to return. This time she will be better prepared.

"Clover stuffed her backpack with survival gear. She used sunglasses when Ms. Snappytail flashed the spotlights. Earmuffs to soften the circle time gong. And her own silky knitted rug for story time."

Friday is much better. Having 'calm, kind,' Oliver there helps makes a big difference. Expressive watercolor artwork shows readers that school can be overwhelming for some students, and allows them to see the emotions Clover exhibits in the midst of it all.

Bringing Back the Wolves: How A Predator Restored An Ecosystem. Written by Jude Isabella and illustrated by Kim Smith. Kids Can Press. 2020. $19.99 ages 8 and up

"Nothing is as it should be
in Yellowstone National Park:
the spindly trees have trouble
standing up, grasses have spread
across the landscape, and the
streams are deep and straight
instead of meandering and
shallow. The landscape looks
ill.

BUT THINGS ARE ABOUT
TO CHANGE IN THE PARK ... "

Yellowstone National Park existed for too many years without the presence of wolves, a fundamental
predator in balancing the entire ecosystem that had once existed. Without the wolf, the elk herds had become a detriment to the balance needed to sustain a healthy environment.

"Wolves are top or apex predators. When such an
important member of an ecosystem goes missing, many
other living things are indirectly affected, causing a chain
reaction of events. This is called a trophic cascade. 

A trophic cascade works in the opposite direction, too.
Reinstating the missing link can also cause a chain reaction."

In 1995, work began to bring the wolves back to Yellowstone. The author relates her text to the changes that affected the park, and adds sidebars called It's Elemental to show how natural forces impact those changes as well. She provides clear information about the wolf, its pack, and its effect on the overpopulation of elk.

The content is easy-to-understand for readers because of its design and exceptional research. As the wolves reduced the elk population, the park was allowed to return to its former glory. Plants grew and provided berries for bears, and offered homes to insects and birds. On and on it went, changing the pastoral environment in every way. This is a book that will give readers a close look at how ecosystems work, and a better understanding of the need to ensure their future. It is just one example of ecosystem recovery that clearly shows interdependence and adaptation.

"Twenty-five years after their reintroduction, about 500 wolves roam the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, staking their claim in the food web. Wolves have balanced the ecosystem just by being themselves, apex predators."

Readers will enjoy the illustrations done in Photoshop. They provide context for each step along the way to success and help celebrate the welcome return of a vital component to the park itself.  A glossary, a list of resources and an index bring this excellent piece of nonfiction to a close.

Don't Worry, Little Crab. Written and illustrated by Chris Haughton. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2019. $23.99 ages 3 and up

"Maybe it's better if
we don't go in the
ocean," says Little Crab.

"Don't worry,"
says Very Big Crab.
"It will be OK."

But the waves are
getting bigger ...

Look! A huge wave!"

We have all been where Little Crab is, in this very special story of overcoming fears. As happens with many young children and others, trying something new has Little Crab feeling very frightened. Very Big Crab is intent on providing a new experience for the little one.

The two live in a small tide pool, and they know there is a completely different world out there. The adventure begins with a positive attitude on Little Crab's part, following Very Big Crab across the pools of water and through the 'slimy, slippery seaweed'. The expanse of the ocean and the sight of the crashing waves give Little Crab pause.

Preferring to cut the journey short as the waves get bigger and wash over the two, Little Crab needs the constant reassurance and friendship that Very Big Crab provides. The waves wash ashore, the two creep closer and closer to the water's edge. Very Big Crab stays the course until they are IN the ocean and washed underwater by a final huge wave. What wonder awaits!

Chris Haughton's visuals capture attention at every turn, despite their simplicity. Expressions of fear and humor are evident throughout the reading. He manages to capture both with perfectly designed spreads. In a recent interview with Travis Jonker at 100 Scope Notes, Chris talked about his art:

"I use collage to work out poses to make sure they are the simplest they can be. I just try to make everything very simple and clear so that it can communicate well to the youngest children. I also try to make it as colourful and eye-catching as possible so I think those two things give it a distinct look."

Brilliantly done, I say!
                                                                                 

Henry and Bea, written and illustrated by Jessixa Bagley. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House, Penguin Random House. 2019. $24.99 ages 5 and up

"They always had
fun together.

It's as if they could
tell what the other
was thinking without
saying a word.

Except for one day,
when Henry seemed
quiet and sad."

Jessixa Bagley certainly knows the ways of children; she proves it every time she writes a new book. Lucky we are to be able to share them.

Henry and Bea are best friends, each understanding what is important to the other. That relationship changes when Henry becomes unusually quiet and obviously sad. Bea does not know why. Though she does her best to sort it out, Henry refuses to spend time with her. She misses their friendship and doesn't know how to make it better.

When a field trip to the farm is announced at school, Bea shares her excitement with Henry. Henry remains glum and brooding. Bea does not give up on being a friend, even though Henry offers no real response to her.

"The class was given a tour
of how the farm was run.

But Henry was still having a tough time
and went off on his own again."

Bea seeks him out, and discovers what is making him so sad. Finding an old cat collar in the barn is a poignant reminder of his cat Buddy. Henry tells her that Buddy has died. Bea responds as best friends do. She listens; she offers sympathy, understanding, and respect for keeping his pain private.

Ms. Bagley's watercolor and pencil images allow all emotions to be shown. Through her use of white space and perspective, she keeps the attention on the two friends throughout their story. Readers know the depth of the feelings shared through both text and illustration.
                                                                                   

The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon: The True Story of Alan Bean, written by Dean Robbins and illustated by Sean Rubin. Orchard Books, Scholastic 2019. $23.99 ages 6 and up

"The Moon was barren, but also beautiful in its own way. Gray dust as far as he could see. Thousands of black craters. Hard white sunlight. and everything perfectly still. Alan and Pete pushed a red, white, and blue American flag into the dust."

Others may have known that Alan Bean was an artist. I did not. That is what impresses me about the range of picture book biographies being published for our children and students. Through them, we learn about people we may not have known previously. I know that, once again, I am late posting this as the anniversary of the moon landing was celebrated last year. It does not make the book any less worthy of our attention; it is, in fact, quite fascinating.

Alan Bean was the fourth man to walk on the moon; he was also the only man to paint what it looked like when he took his first steps there.

"My paintings record the beginning of a quest
never to end, our journey out among the stars."

Alan had always dreamed of this moment, training for many years and studying as a scientist to take his turn at space travel. His love of model airplanes and his dreams of being a pilot led to navy flight training. He also loved to paint, crafting images that were often unlike what other artists were creating.

As the astronauts got closer to the moon, Alan prepared to step out of the hatch. The two took many photos of the strange environment, and made many discoveries about personal movement and strength in a brand-new atmosphere. Once back to earth, people asked many questions that he could not answer with words. He used his artistic talent to try to show what he had seen, and how he felt while there.

"The only artist ever to see the moon up close.
Maybe a painting could show how it felt to be in outer space?"

He did just that, affording new dreams for children who saw his work. Alan Bean died in 2018; his artistic legacy continues to inspire others. Back matter includes an author's note about the astronaut/artist, and pairs his paintings with photographs taken on the moon. All are accompanied by quotes from the artist himself. A timeline for space exploration, and a bibliography are also included.

Text and art work brilliantly together in bringing Alan Bean's life as a scientist and an artist to life for young readers.