African Proverbs for All Ages, collected by Johnnetta Betsch Cole and Nelda LaTeef, with illustrations by Nelda LaTeef. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2021. $26.99 ages

 

"A. "Tomorrow belongs to the people 
who prepare for it today."

B. "A single bracelet does not jingle." 

C. "Instruction in youth is like 
engraving in stone." 

D.  "It is not what you call me but 
what I answer to that matters."

“A proverb is a short sentence based on long experience. Whether you are young or old, proverbs can open your mind to a whole new way of seeing the world.”

Proverbs often help those reading them to look at the world in a different way. Growing children understand that, even if they are not sure what a proverb is. They are able to process the message in unique and important ways. While they do not walk a linear path to understanding, they do imagine the world in ways that suit them best. They use their senses and those astonishing imaginations to listen, process, and come to terms with who they are, what they believe, and how they look at others, the world, and their families. It isn't easy; it is doable. 

Proverbs are small bits of language that have come from the experiences of many. They make readers think, respond, and consider their meaning. The proverbs chosen for this lovely book encourage people of all ages to have a quiet look, and return to the reading often. Chosen by noted anthropologist Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole and Nelda LaTeef, with illustrations by Ms. LaTeef, they offer four proverbs on each colorful double-page spread. Their purpose in being placed together is due to their complimentary premise for living a best life. These scenes of daily life in Africa are sure to spark conversation, and perhaps to encourage all who read it to look more closely at writing personal proverbs. 

"A. "It does no harm to be grateful. 

B. "If you think your are too small to 
make a difference, you haven't spent 
a night with a mosquito."

C. "The one who forgives ends the 
argument." 

D. "If you close your eyes to facts, 
 you will learn through accidents." 

Amos McGee Misses the Bus, written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2021. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 

"SO WHILE AMOS SLEPT: 

The elephant borrowed a broom 
and began to tidy up. 
The penguin gave friendly reminders
not to wake the zookeeper. 
The rhinocerous made sure all the 
littlest creatures were fed. 
The owl instructed visitors on the 
importance of animal conservation ... "

       Happy New Year 2022 

Let's begin this brand-new year with kindness. We surely need more of it. 

Amos and his animal friends set a good example for all. In this return visit to the zoo and its genial caretaker, we are reminded of our introduction in A Sick Day for Amos McGhee (Roaring Book, 2010). What a worthy crew they are! 

I love Amos. So, apparently, do the denizens of his workplace. Like many of us as we grow older, Amos does not always sleep well. The reason is evident; he is planning an adventure for his friends for the next day. Morning arrives, and Amos begins in a befuddled state. While waiting for the kettle to boil on an unlit stove, he falls fast asleep at the table. He wakes with a start, knowing that he is likely to be late for work. 

The number five bus is long gone, and Amos begins the long trek to the zoo, knowing that his plan for his friends later in the day is not likely to happen. He is quick to apologize to his many friends as he explains his reason for being late. The hardworking keeper is soon fast asleep on a park bench. Knowing the empathy of animals, readers will not be surprised to see what is happening in the zoo while Amos rests. When he awakes, the work is done and Amos is able to follow through on the plan he made so excitedly. 

The Steads have again created a world filled with patience, kindness, and love. The pencil and woodblock artwork that graces the book's pages are an absolutely perfect match to the quiet joy that emanates from the calm found in the carefully worded telling. Savor every tiny detail!

Such a distinct pleasure to join Amos and his insightful friends in this second charmer. This love and kindess makes the heart beat faster.                                                                                    

                                                                                             

Loving Kindness, written by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Tim Hopgood. Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2021. $23.99 ages 2 and up

 

"She is a blessing. 

She is 
beautiful
just as 
she is. 

She is 
loved, 
and she
loves. 

As we turn the calendar to a new year tomorrow, let us hope that we can begin to find peace and contentment. It has been a year of strife and confusion for many. We need to honor all who share our world with us. 

This lovely new book begins with a blessing ... a tiny, beautiful baby to love and be loved. Mistakes made while growing are expected, as is the ability to dream, dance, and breathe. All the beauty of the earth that connects each one is right in front of us. That baby is nurtured by family in every way. 

Following that baby, the text turns to another blessing - a girl who is also allowed to make mistakes, to learn from them, and to grow in the warmth of the sun and all that the earth offers. Then, horses. They live their lives as the two children do. 

"They touch the earth, 
the earth that connects us all."

Ms. Underwood turns finally to all who inhabit the earth and find connections in living here. ALL have the same importance in finding worth. The goal is a peaceable kingdom where kindness is the great motivator. How's that for a universal goal for 2022?  Bright and colorful, Tim Hopgood's mixed-media artwork is soothing, affirming, full of grace and peace.                                                                                       

                                                                     

Where the Wee Ones Go: A Bedtime Wish for Endangered Animals, written by Karen Jameson and illustrated by Zosienka. Chronicle Books, Raincoast. 2022. $23.99 ages 3 and up

 

"On Yangtze River, heading south, 
riding in their mama's mouth, 
       young may snooze
       aboard their cruise. 

That's where alligators go."

If you have little ones, you will know their love for animals. Karen Jameson brings attention to endangered animal babies and their sleeping habits here. The language is rhythmic, and begins with a question. She wants to know where little ones go when it is dark and time for bed. 

With each turn of the page, she introduces a new animal, their habitat and country, and completes each entry with a repetitive statement. By doing so, she brings an awareness of the environment that is their home. These babies are found around the world, and each finds safety and warmth when the time comes for settling down. 

Zosienka's mixed-media, digital spreads are rich in color and setting, allowing young readers to enjoy scenes from around the world. The soothing words and bedtime habits inform while encouraging a peaceful slumber. 

"In nests or trees, on land or seas, 
wee ones sleep just as they please, 
       in Earth's embrace
       with nature's grace. 

That's where wee ones go."

CLASH, written and illustrated by Kayla Miller. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Raincoast. 2021. $17.99 ages 10 and up

"Next time, I'll REALLY show
 you a thing or two.
Olive's board is cute, but I 
built mine completely custom 
and I'm WAY more comfortable 
doing tricks on it. 

Thanks for the loan, Olive. 
You're a real pal. 

No problem." 

Kayla Miller's new graphic novel is the fourth in the Click series, following Click, Camp and Act. All have proved very popular with a middle grade audience. I continue to be amazed at the quality of stories being told in graphic form. 

Olive is excited to be showing the new kid around as a new year begins. It is true to her character to be friendly, and accommodating to others. She makes friends easily and is prepared to be one to Nat, the new girl. Nat, on the other hand, is quick to make it known that she is not thrilled with Olive. She is great at making herself interesting to other classmates, and declaring things to be 'dorky' or 'old news' to her. It isn't long until Olive is worrying that her friends might like Nat more than they like her. It is a familiar situation in middle school. 

The characters are many, and Ms. Miller does a great job of making sure that readers get to know them. In her deft hands, she is able to show rather than tell through meaningful silent moments. As happens, this story shows that not all adolescents are assured of becoming friends or treating others as they are being treated. It is the truth and the author handles it well. 

Much of the action is centered on the preparation for Olive's well-planned Halloween party. Nat steps in to ruin it. Finally, Olive makes her feelings known to Nat. Nat faces the wrath of her new classmates for what she has done. Can Olive change that? Though this story stands on its own, it will likely lead readers to look for the earlier ones. 

Egg Marks the Spot: A Skunk and Badger Story, written by Amy Timberlake and illustrated by Jon Klassen. Harper, 2021. $18.99 ages 8 and up

 

"This was hardly the trip to Endless Lake 
Badger had imagined. Worse, it could have
been the perfect walk! Friday's storm had 
left a world tossed and dazzling in emeralds, 
jades and turquoise. The sun shone. Two 
clouds drifted across a blue sky. Skunk 
should have been shouting hellos to the goats
in that field. And that knotted apple tree?
Skunk should have picked an apple."

Since I read their first adventure last year, I have been waiting to meet up with Skunk and Badger once more. They do not disappoint. They remain as quirky as they were in that book, and prove to be very good friends, despite their oddities. Poor Skunk! When he discovers that an old neighbor is prepared to keep stealing his New Yak Times Book Review, Skunk wants to get away. He invites Badger to accompany him on a quest to find important rocks, especially one to replace Badger's letter A rock which has been missing from Badger's Wall of Rocks. Organized alphabetically, Skunk is bothered by the hole left when Badger's cousin Fisher stole his Spider Eye Agate. 

The journey begins well. It leads them to a waterfall in the woods that seems exactly perfect for Important Rock Work ... at least until Fisher shows up to mock Badger's research. It isn't long until they discover Fisher has made an important discovery, and is planning on stealing a dinosaur egg that he has found in a nearby cave. Skunk and Badger will not let that happen.  

Full of heart and humor, this book makes for a perfect read aloud in grades 3 to 5. The action, the quirky twists, and the admirable characters and their strong friendship will keep listeners fully entertained. Witty and joyful, it is an adventure not to be missed. 

Jon Klassen's artwork, as we have come to expect, perfectly complements the entire escapade. 

Bring on Number 3! 

I'm Trying to Love Garbage, written and illustrated by Bethany Barton. Viking, Penguin Random House. 2021. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Planet Earth is a big, busy place.
One study says there are over 
eight million different species of 
living things on planet earth. 

WHOA.

Thankfully, nature has a pretty 
sweet system going on, with food 
chains making sure living organisms
use each other for food and energy."

Do you know the difference between scavengers, decomposers and detritivores? Pardon? Can you say that again, please? I am quite sure I had not heard the term detritivore before I read this book. I know the word 'detritus'. I should have been able to figure it out, I guess. 

Thanks to Bethany Barton, I only had to keep reading. She explains it all in this marvelous book about garbage. The garbage collectors are quick to introduce themselves to the neighborhood narrator, and to do a great job of explaining how they get rid of nature's garbage. A captioned page about the food chain is helpful. There is a caution that there is more to it than that. 

"Because every living thing creates waste ... "

Garbage in nature has to go somewhere. You will know about scavengers (vultures, rats, cockroaches, termites) and maybe even decomposers ('organisms that break down the waste of and remains of living things'). Turns out that a detritivore eats trash. They do their work on land, and in the oceans. They do not help with inorganic waste. They are NOT designed for that. 

The author goes on to describe what happens to human trash, and the landfills that can be overwhelmed, in both size and stench. There is a solution. She uses the last few pages to explain what readers can do to make a difference where they live. All that is needed is to think about what we do with our garbage. What did you do with all the garbage that collects at Christmas time? 

Chatty dialogue, cartoon-like illustrations and a clear message assure this to be a worthwhile addition to classroom, public and home libraries. It is a worthy introduction to an important topic, and will surely lead interested children to find out more.   

                                                                                       

You Are a Reader/You Are a Writer, written by April Jones Prince and illustrated by Christine Davenier. Holiday House, Penguin Random House. 2021. $24.99 ages 5 and up

"Storybooks aren't quite your speed?
So many other things to read!

Labels, 
programs, 
comic books. 

A recipe that you can cook. 

Magazines! 
Maps, directions. 
Menus full of sweet selections."

This book is perfect for readers, for writers, for listeners, and for those who love to tell stories. The narrator speaks to the process it takes for a child to become a reader. It is not easy, but the work is worth it. No matter how a child gets there, it is a worthy journey. Learning to love reading comes with finding the 'just right' book ... one that speaks to a reader's heart, interests, and begs to be read again and again. Taking the steps to get to that point is what literacy is all about, and what makes hearts sing. 

The list of reading materials is extensive; it is in no way connected only to storybooks and novels. Stop to think what you have read today. You might be surprised at how much reading is done to gather information, and to make life easier. The places for reading are countless. Living a life within the books read is ever-changing, constantly allowing readers to live with empathy and kindness for others, with travels around the world, and with pleasure for the task itself.

"Reading is like milk and bread - 
 feeds your thirsty, hungry head. 
You can dream! Imagine! Muse! 
Slip on someone else's shoes."

A quick turn to the back of the book, and the reader becomes a writer. 

Here, the narrator describes all those things that writers can do. The two are mutually important in being literate. Writers know how stories work, based on their reading experiences. Using their senses, enjoying experiences wherever they find them, and honing skills through asking questions, pondering points, and hard work encourage children to take a chance at writing their own works. As with reading, there are many ways to find a writing voice ... banners, journals, thank-you notes, poetry. 

"Hear the stories in your head, 
bake them into epic bread. 
Write to share your hopes and notions
or to sort out tough emotions."

A clever design, rhyming text, and loads of encouragement to try reading and writing as empowering ways to communicate with others assure that this book will be a perennial favorite for young learners. Christine Davenier brings her signature joy and energy to the diverse characters who people its pages. They fulfill their roles as readers and writers with emotion and wonder at all they accomplish.  

Bravo!                             

 

Santa Jaws, written by Bridget Heos and illustrated by Galia Bernstein. Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2021. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Horn sharks trim the Christmas kelp
And top it (with a little help).

Finally, it's the special night. 
Families sing by lantern light. 

Cookiecutter sharks make treats
For Santa and his Christmas fleet.

Had you any idea that there was a Christmas book for your shark-loving child? Well, here you are. What a splendid way to spend a gift certificate! 

In a rhyming holiday story from the sea, Ms. Heos entertains her readers this story of sharks lining up to have a visit with Santa Jaws, just as children line up to see Santa Claus. Santa Jaws, a great white, is as accommodating to ocean creatures as he can be. Elfin sharks provide help with toy requests while horn sharks decorate kelp trees. Lantern sharks provide light in the depths for carolling. When Santa Jaws is ready to roll, the prow of a shipwreck provides the sleigh to carry the gifts, and is pulled by hammerheads. 

Together, they make visits to all underwater creatures while awed by the cheery sights that surround them on their journey. As Christmas morning dawns and tiny shark pups wake for the day to begin, Santa Jaws makes the return trip home for a much-needed rest. 

Rhyming couplets and the notion that Santa Jaws has an insatiable appetite for the toys he is leaving keep little ones listening as the story is shared. In a final double-page spread the author adds a quick note about the sharks that made an appearance here. 

The colorful, action-filled illustrations create an ocean environment that is sure to attract attention. Filling the pages with jolly, smiling sharks, shells and seaweed, while also creating lots of energy, makes for a Christmas story that will become a favorite of the shark enthusiast in your family.  

It's a romp! 

"FISHY CHRISTMAS TO ALL,
AND TO ALL A GOOD BITE!"
                                                                                   

'Twas the Night Before Christmas, written by Clement C. Moore and illustrated by P.J. Lynch. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House, 2021. $22.99 ages 4 and up

"As leaves that before 
the wild hurricane fly, 
When they meet with an obstacle,
mount to the sky;

So up to the housetop
the coursers they flew
With a sleigh full of toys,
and St. Nicholas, too - "

Words are not the draw here. I am sure you have heard these many, many times before now. This poem has been regularly read on Christmas Eve in homes around the world. It has been reinterpreted year after year by many wonderful artists. Last year, I shared Loren Long's wondrous work about four different families and how they spend their time awaiting Santa's visit.   

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7130079189010543417/1217955271112323991

This year the timeless tale is complemented by P. J. Lynch's wondrous watercolor and gouache artwork. It is not the first time I have been amazed at this man's talents. The title page shows a sleepy village scene, lightposts providing soft light as snow falls gently. Does that bare tree in the foreground resemble a set of reindeer antlers? 

The first scene depicts a dark corner filled with a straw bed for a mouse family, all cuddled up and sound asleep ... and not stirring. The next spread glitters with the muted light of the dying embers of a fireplace where stockings are hung, and the hearth offers cupcakes and a mug. The family is tucked up under cozy quilts in adjacent bedrooms; they, too, sleep soundly. 

Hearing an unfamiliar noise, the father rushes to the window just in time to see unexpected visitors. So the story goes, with listeners often able to recite the familiar words without pause. Each spread is filled with the wonder and magic of the season, with tiny details tucked in to draw attention. A warm glow surrounds Santa as he gets to his work, then leaves as he arrived. The final image of a smiling, generous youngster offering a gift-wrapped packet of cheese to the mouse family is a precious reminder of the joy to be found in this celebration of the season. 

Classic, and most enjoyable. Add this to your collection of other artful interpretations previously published. It is always fun to compare one with the other.                                                                                     

                     

Pax, Journey Home, written by Sara Pennypacker and illustrated by Jon Klassen. Balzer & Bray, Harper. 2021. $21.99 ages 10 and up

 

"Bristle was licking three squirming bodies.
The kits were dark and slick. As his eyes
adjusted, Paw saw tiny legs stretch out from
the pile. Tiny pink paws curled, tiny pink
noses wriggled, and tiny pink ears flicked
with new life."

The moment I started reading this awesome new story about Peter and Pax, I gave in to the many memorable scenes from the first part of their lives together. I can't imagine how hard it must be to take the same beloved characters and write a sequel that so brilliantly gets back to the joy and the loss the two experienced in Pax (Harper, 2019). 

They remain separated a year later, with both being affected in very different ways by postwar rebuilding. Peter has found a home with Vola, a reclusive former soldier. He plans to join the Junior Water Warriors, a group of young people tasked with travelling to reclaim the rivers and reservoirs after the poisons of the war. Once done his work with them, he is determined to return to the home of his childhood. Despite his very young age, he is sure he is ready to live on his own and fend for himself. Vola is impressed with his workmanship in the cabin he has built on her property. She would love for him to stay. Wracked with guilt over the loss of Pax, he feels living alone is the price he must pay for abandoning him.  

The narrative moves back and forth from chapter to chapter; from Pax, an adult fox and attentive, protective mate to Bristle and father to three young kits, to Peter on his path to redemption. Their lives intersect when Pax and his young daughter end up too close to one of the poisoned reservoirs which lies near Peter's home. Their new connection is as strong as the original one. The need for Peter's help with the young kit sets Peter on a path toward a better future.  

This moving sequel is as fine and compelling as the first. Ms. Pennypacker fills it with poignant scenes of hopelessness, determination, fear, connection, loss, love, and family. I so hope to meet these remarkable characters at some future time. 

the Tiny Star, written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Freya Blackwood. Alfred A.Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2019. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 

" ... it was all grown up. 

It was caring and kind, 
and loving and wise, 
and was loved and adored in return. 

It has family and friends, 
and hopes and dreams."

The narrator who tells this moving and joyous story comforts readers with the fact that tiny stars often fall to earth. This very special one becomes a baby. Imagine! The couple who finds it takes it home in a star-covered quilt. The baby is loved and admired by all who lay eyes on it. It grows rounder and taller with each passing year until it is fully grown. 

Honored by family and friends, and filled with hopeful dreams, it grows older and older. The longer the life, the more the love garnered. As the family circle grows wider, the care given is always attentive and gentle. Years pass; the body begins to diminish until it is as tiny as it was in the beginning. One day, it simply disappears, leaving only the starry quilt in its place. 

"No one could believe it.
They ran to each other
and clung to each other
to comfort each other 
and cry with each other."

But it was not gone; it had merely returned to its original place in the sky - to be there and celebrated for all time.  

 "Every heart was lightened. 
Every heart began to mend.” 

This wondrous multicultural community finds unconditional love in the company of that one person who brings joy to all, and whose life has great meaning for each one of them. Freya Blackwood's glorious art gives life to each of the book's many characters and cozy warmth to its setting. Her illustrations speak to the heart at every page turn. If you need a break from the world's mayhem, take time to sit, read, and wonder at the beauty to be found in these forty pages. It will be worth it, I promise. 

A keeper, in the best sense of the word. I love it! 

https://youtu.be/t9HwQ16qfT0                                                                                     

                                                                                

If You Want to Knit Some Mittens, written by Laura Purdie Salas and illustrated by Angela Matteson. Boyds Mills Press, Penguin Random House. 2021. $23.99 ages

 

"6. Once it is dry, pick the 
fleece into pieces.
Then, use bristly paddles 
to card them. 
This untangles the fibers.

It does not work 
on people hair! 

If you are planning on knitting mittens, Ms. Salas has some advice to offer. It will take 18 steps, and begins with finding a sheep. Luckily, there is one for sale at the apple stand our young narrator and her father visit. Then, there is work to be done. Keeping the sheep fed and comfortable through the winter means that it will be ready for shearing in the spring. Once sheared, the fleece needs careful cleaning, carding, spinning, and dyeing. 

Marigold is the color the sheep chooses for the mittens. So, seeds must be planted and tended. Wait time is tedious. Finally, the marigolds are ready to be dried, then soaked to be cooked with the yarn. What a gorgeous color. All that is left is to learn how to knit! Patience pays off. The arrival of winter means mittens for the knitter, and a new golden toque for the provider of the wool. 

Charming illustrations 'painted with acyrlics, gouache, and a touch of colored pencil on wood board' provide a gentle, cozy softness for this affable, tongue-in-cheek instruction manual. 
                                                                                  

Barkus, The Most Fun, written by Patricia Maclachlan and illustrated by Marc Boutavant. Chronicle Books, Raincoast. 2021. $19.99 ages 6 and up

 

"Barkus knows something! 
I hear Jess go out the door. 
Baby and I go out to see what
Barkus knows. 

"Dora has a calf!" says Jess 
happily. Barkus woofs softly, 
as if telling us "hush."

Fans of Barkus will be plenty excited to get their hands on his new tale. Beginning readers love to meet up with familiar characters. This is the third book in the series. It follows Barkus (2017) and Barkus Dog Dreams (2018), and is written with the same charm and perfection that made the first two so popular. 

In this book, there are four seasonal adventures. They begin with a summer camping trip. Barkus is one smart dog, and is familiar with grills, tents and sleeping bags. His excitement is clear, and so is his need to have the family kitten make the trip ... it is his secret until the family begins to unpack. Baby should NOT be with them. Turns that Baby likes camping, and water, and unfamiliar nighttime sounds. Who knew? 

The book goes on to describe a family farm visit in the spring and an adventure with runaway cattle; a fall parade of animals; and finally, a winter trip to the cabin.  

"We'll make up a story after dinner,"
says my mother. "What will be call it?"
"A Winter's Tale," says my father. 
"The story will be about us," I say. 
"And Barkus and Baby."

And, that is exactly what they do. 

The Barkus books are just right for readers ready for a longer book with a few chapters. Illustrations help with comprehension; clear language assures the stories are accessible; the characters are engaging; and each chapter reads like a short story which has a beginning and an end.  

Let Me Fix You a Plate: A Tale of Two Kitchens, written and illustrated by Elizabeth Lilly. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2021. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Mamaw's midnight kitchen is warm and light, 
with blue tiles on the floor and cat plates on the wall. 

Mamaw's morning kitchen is clean and bright, 
with sausage sizzling in the skillet, blackberry 
jam on toast, and tractors on cups. 

My Papaw drinks his coffee with cream but no sugar,
and Daddy does too. My dad and his dad ... "

Have you been thinking of sharing holiday meals for the past month? It is one of the most anticipated events for a family, there is no doubt. Although these celebrations have been curtailed for almost two years, and might be again, just thinking about the fun times spent with families and food brings happy memories of times past. I thought this book might encourage readers and listeners to sit back, relax, and explore the many memories they have of similar times. 

On a family road trip that leads to two very different kitchens, our young narrator shares her observations and opinions about visiting two sets of grandparents. Once a year, they head out to the West Virginia mountains to spend time with Mamaw and Papaw. It is a long trip, and it is late when they arrive. They are warmly welcomed with food before it is time for bed.  

After spending three days enjoying the love, the food, and all that West Virginia has to offer, the family is on the road again. This time, they are headed south to Florida where they are welcomed by Abuela and Abuelo. They arrive just in time to partake of food with family and friends in Abuela's midnight kitchen. 

"In Abuela's midnight kitchen,
white tiles feel cool
under my feet. 
Aunts and cousins 
and uncles and neighbors
talk over each other
above my head. 

I crunch tostones
and scoop arroz 
and slurp flan and fall asleep
at the table ... " 

Their days are spent preparing food, learning new Spanish words, and doing their best to keep out of the sticky heat. Too soon, it is time to get back in the car and head for home ... tummies full of amazing food, and hearts full of love and memories. They arrrive in time for Mom and Dad to open their own midnight kitchen, filled with the warm and delicious smell of waffles. Time for bed ... 

The story told is filled with heart. The pen-and-ink, colored pencil and markers are filled with the many details of their visits, and are rich with culture, love, and wonderful foods. 

What stories do you have to tell? 
                                                                                   

                                                                                  

Norman Didn't Do It! (Yes, he did.) Written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins. Disney-Hyperion, 2021. $22.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Suddenly, it was no longer
just Norman and Mildred. 

Now it was Norman and Mildred
and the other tree. 

This did not sit well with Norman. 

Norman began to worry. 

What if the other tree wanted 
to be friends with Mildred?"

Ryan T. Higgins fans will be in their glory with his new book about friendship. Norman, a porcupine, is best friends with Mildred, a tree. Unusual? Yes. Even more unusual is the fact that the two do everything together. They play one-sided baseball; watch birds with one pair of binoculars; model tall, majestic trees; and even play the occasional game of checkers. Funny? Oh, yes! 

Norman is not pleased with change. He likes things to be just the way they are. When another tree pops up close by, he is truly disturbed by the interloper. Now, there are three of them. For days, Norman watches the two closely. Everything keeps changing. When they finally touch, Norman is done! 

"It was the last straw. 

This is the 
last straw! 

Even though, in this case, 
there were no straws. 
Just branches." 

The situation demands that a plan be made. What Norman does is a bit startling. Now, nothing will come between the friends again. But things do not return to normal. Norman tries to talk to Mildred about it, and to assure her that their friendship remains unchanged. The guilt builds, with Norman becoming more and more anxious over what he has done. Norman 'hits rock bottom' when he falls into the hole where the young tree had been. Another plan must rectify the situation. Snap! Just like that, the two become three once more. 

Inviting illustrations, clever dialogue, and extremely funny scenes demand more than one visit with this book, as is so true of all books penned by Mr. Higgins. He knows kids, and he knows exactly how to engage them in a love for reading. The final illustration is not to be missed! 

One Smart Sheep, written by Gary D. Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney, with illustrations by Jane Manning. Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Raincoast. 2021. $23.99 ages 8 and up

"He moved farther into the warm pen and looked around.

No Tippy. 
No Abigail. 
No woodstove, either. 
Wilson began to wonder if a friendly, woolly,
smart sheep belonged here after all. 

Then the two deliverymen lifted the ramp
into the truck."

Abigail Atwood and her border collie, Tippy, work hard every day to keep their 27 sheep happy and healthy. Abigail is aware that there is something very special about Wilson. In fact, she notes that he is the “friendliest, woolliest, smartest sheep” of the flock. As a young lamb, Abigail had kept him in a box near the woodstove, and fed him with a bottle. Now, Wilson is an important member of her flock. 

Abigail has a neighbor named Jeremiah Jefferson. He is a bit of a curmudgeon, who is handy with tools and fixing things; he is not keen on sheep. He has much to say about them that Abigail does not appreciate. After an annoying encounter with Jeremiah one day, Abigail and Tippy are upset enough not to check the gate as they head back to the house. As luck would have it, a series of ill-timed events create a real dilemma. 

Abigail has a piano delivered; Wilson discovers the gate unlatched; Wilson makes his way to the house, and then into the back of the delivery truck. Only Tippy notices there is something amiss. Tippy tries to warn Abigail, to no avail. The scenes created for Wilson's wild ride to the city, and his subsequent escape will have readers chortling. Abigail recruits Jeremiah to help with the search. After many attempts to find Wilson, the search is ended. Inadvertently following the path that is leading Wilson home, the team finds him heading straight for the pasture that is his home. What a smart sheep! 

Large print, easy-reading text, and short chapters make this action-filled book perfect for kids wanting to read chapter books on their own. It has everything to attract them: action, suspense, great characters, humor, and excellent illustrations that engage and entertain. 

Birds on Wishbone Street, written and illustrated by Suzanne Del Rizzo. Pajama Press, 2021. $22.95 ages 5 and up

 

"Our parkette is awesome for bird watching, 
epic snow fort-building, and treasure-finding. 
Just last week we found two cardinal feathers
and a robin's eggshell."

Wishbone Street is a very interesting place to live for those who live there. They come from many different countries, with unique histories and languages. Their stories reflect their lives before they moved there. Maureen, called Moe, has an Irish background. When a new family moves in nearby, Moe wonders about the boy she sees outside her window. 

The children of Wishbone Street often meet in their parkette to share treats, time, and discoveries. To welcome the new boy, Moe places a gift on his front step; it includes mitts, hot chocolate, and a feather. She wonders if he likes the same things that she does. But she is not sure how to approach him. Birdsong and gently-falling snowflakes provide just the impetus she needs to introduce herself. He tells her that his name is Sami, and he is from Syria. 

Because they are cold, Sami invites Moe in for hot cocoa. Sami shares the drawings of birds that he has been unpacking. (Those who have read Ms. Del Rizzo's My Beautiful Birds, 2017 will have met Sami there). Sami is a Syrian refugee now, and the two find they have a strong mutual interest in birds. Together they share all the fun of winter with others from the neighborhood. In the flurry of excitement, they come upon a female cardinal, motionless from the cold. The children gather what they need to rescue it; then, they do their best to provide the warmth and rest it needs to recover. In sharing his knowledge about birds, Sami also suggests they make roosting pockets and suet feeders to help all birds make it through the cold. Their wonderful community shares in their effort. 

Following the story, Ms. Del Rizzo provides careful instructions for making the treats and pockets that Sami and Moe make. The illustrations, made using polymer clay and acrylics, will have readers in awe of the details, the ever-changing perspectives, and the wonders of the season as the two friends learn more about each other and how much they are alike. An author's note about real-life events in her life adds interest.  

This is a truly wonderful story about friendship, community and being kind. It should be shared in all early and upper elementary classrooms.                                                                                   

Mr. Watson's Chickens, written by Jarrett Dapier and illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi. Chronicle, Raincoast. 2021. $23.99 ages 5 and up

"So the next day, the two men
gathered up the chickens in 
cages, boxes, and crates. 

They loaded them onto 
wagons all tied together 
in a line and set off for 
the county fair to find 
the chicks a loving home."

 Kids love books where pandemonium is the name of the game ... especially if there are animals involved. Mr. Watson's Chickens is a book that will hit all the right notes for those readers. It is chaotic from start to finish, and makes a great read aloud that demands attention and hoots of laughter at the antics created by a love of chickens. 

The number of eggs that fill the front endpapers offers a hint for what is about to happen. A series of spot illustrations provides an excellent lead-up for the story's opening page. Two men are carrying planks and wire, opening an instruction sheet, and building a pen that leads to one of the men (Mr. Watson) picking up a small animal carrier from a smiling woman and biking home with it. 

As the story begins we see that same man, who lives in a tall, lime-green house with a very tiny yard, showing his partner their three new arrivals. They already have two dogs and three cats. Mr. Watson loves those new chickens and they love them. With each new day, their numbers grow all the way up to 456 chickens! The house is overrun; the chaos is evident. Birds everywhere! 

"Chickens in the sink, 
    chickens on the bed, 
        chickens in the bread box, 
              chickens on their heads!"

Because Mr. Nelson loves cooking eggs, he seems okay with the noise and bedlam. Then comes the day when four chickens ruin his brand-new boots. He is no longer happy with the arrangement. The problems get even more annoying. Mr. Watson says he is thinking about what he can do. Finally, Mr. Nelson issues an ultimatum. 

The following day, the chickens are crated up and being hauled away. All is well until Mr. Watson trips, sending the chickens hither and yon. They are found in every stall at the county fair, much to the chagrin of every operator there. Eventually, the two men find every chicken, save one. Turns out that Aunt Agnes, the singer of the flock, and her singing are a draw for their sale to a new owner. Off they ALL go! 

The final scenes are full of emotion ... and result in a change.  

Andrea Tsurumi's comedic artwork is a joy to behold. Her spreads are filled with chickens here, chickens there, chickens everywhere. The scenes are hilarious, detailed and will absolutely delight the little ones who share this book, especially while sitting on a loved one's lap. The full page spread that provides an aerial view of the fair will have readers searching obsessively to find the one chicken that is missing.  

Love the storytelling, and the art.                                                                            

Super Santa: The Science of Christmas, written by Bruce Hale and illustrated by Guy Francis. Harper, 2021. $13.50 ages 7 and up

 

"Well, Santa visits about 200 million
homes on Christmas (depending on
who's been naughty or nice), and if
you figure two nice kids per house 
getting presents each -jumpin' Jack 
Frost! That's over a billion presents.
Line them up and they could stretch
three times around the Earth. Luckily,
Santa has designed his workshop to
handle this crazy workload."

As Santa makes preparations for a very long and tiring Christmas Eve, there are those children just beginning to question the impossibility of that monumental task. Our narrator Holly invites us into the workshop to see the logistics of making good on the promise to deliver gifts for children all over the world one night each year. 

A delightfully designed double-page spread allows readers to see a multitude of elves at work on conveyor belts in a remarkably busy workshop. In the garage, Mrs. Santa is working with her elves to ensure Santa's sled in ready to make the 20-million-mile trip (to the moon and back five times) again this year. Each looks capable and competent as they add the finishing touches that are needed. 

The enormity of the load the sled must carry is compared to 'carrying around three Empire State Buildings', and the speed at which it moves requires a good deal of preparation concerning each rooftop landing. Once the sleigh is safety-checked and ready to go, it's Santa's turn to get into his specially-designed suit. After a slight conveyor belt malfunction, Santa is ready with no time to spare. In fact, he is running a touch late. 

"Will he go fast enough? Will the sleigh hold up 
under all the weight? Will he be able to hit the 
brakes perfectly on every rooftop? Don't worry. 
We all know he will. Santa has it all figured out. 
Kris Kringle is a Christmas superhero!" 

Luckily for Santa, children and their families leave cookies and milk wherever he stops. It provides the much-needed energy to get the job done. At the end of the night, he is home at last. Isn't all that work on a child's behalf worth taking time to send a thank-you note once presents are opened and enjoyed on Christmas morning? Santa is sure to welcome every note. 

Some readers will appreciate both the science and math of the telling, while others will be content to consider the pure magic of Santa's trip as the explanation for it. It's a tale that requires thoughtful consideration of its validity while the detailed artwork helps to keep the magic alive.