The Letter, written by Irene Verdu and illustrated by Veronica Aranda. Tranlated by Luisana Duarte Armendariz. Charlesbridge, Penguin Random House. 2024. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

"He was excited. He 
hurried to offer his help, 
and he carefully brought 
the youngling down. 

"Cluck, cluck!" The hen was so 
distracted by her chick's stunt that 
she took her baby by the wing and 
they both walked away without even
thanking Mr. Cat.

Mr. Cat felt very disappointed."

When was the last time you received a letter in the mail? It doesn't happen often, does it? It is a thing of the past, I fear. 

A letter carrier doesn't realize he has lost a letter while delivering mail during a rainstorm. That letter lands in a puddle that erases the address. There is no way now of knowing who sent it, or who was meant to receive it. The wind blows it open and reads the I love you message inside. 

Lifting the letter high allows for it to forge its own destiny. It glides down the chimney and onto Mr. Cat's head. Being a sourpuss has ensured that Mr. Cat has no visitors, friends, or uplifting mail. He likes being lonely, rather than disappointed. His reaction to the letter's arrival is a surprise. It makes him happy, and sets him on course for finding the sender. 

His walk in the neighborhood has him meeting neighbors, and wondering who sent it. Thinking that each might be, he offers his assistance with their errands and help with their problems. His kindnesses are not much appreciated; not one offers thanks. It is a great disappointment to him. Off he goes home where, to his surprise, he finds his neighbors on the doorstep. They have all arrived with apologies, and gifts of thanks for his thoughtfulness. It's time to take it inside his house to enjoy each other's company. 

The letter? That sneaky wind makes a return visit, picks it up, and lifts it into the sky once more. Where might it go this time? 

Beanie the Bansheenie, written by Eoin Colfer and illustrated by Steve McCarthy. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $23.99 ages 5 and up

 

"And day by day, Beanie grew to love Rose more
and more, which was not how bansheenies usually
felt about their humans. Normally, being a 
bansheenie was just a job, and Beanie was not 
supposed to care about Rose herself.  

But she did care. She cared a lot."

I am not of Irish heritage. I did know a little about banshees; I did not understand their job was to let a human know when they were going to die. There is much to know about the bansheenie itself. They grow in pods on the underside of a fairy bridge. Once transparent, they will form an attachment with the first person they see, and will know when that human will die. Prior to that date, the bansheenie will howl a banshee howl giving them time to say their goodbyes. 

Before bonding with Rose for the first time, Beanie was the victim of an unfortunate circumstance; she was knocked loose from the bridge and fell into a water-filled ditch. Stuck there for weeks while she grew to hatching size, she met the 'teeny-tiny atom fish' who lived in the water. They taught her much,  gave her a happy name, and loved her, in keeping with their own personalities. 

When Beanie finally got a good look at Rose, she realized she did not know when Rose would die. It was her only purpose on earth. She decided to learn more about Rose, and learn she did by watching and listening to Rose and her family.  Knowing that Rose would not see her until it was her turn to die, Beanie could watch closely and enjoy the days. She grew to love Rose.  

When disaster threatens Rose and her family, Beanie does her best to save them. How will she help when Rose cannot see her, or hear her banshee howl? 

Dramatic and original, this is a story that could frighten readers with its talk about banshees. It does not. The marvelous storytelling that we have come to expect from Mr. Colfer is on clear display here. Digital artwork by Steve McCarthy is awash with color and action, and uses expressive visual details to bring characters and their story to life. 
                                                                                   

Whale Song: The True Story of the Musician Who Talked to Orcas, written and illustrated by Zachariah Ohora. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 5 and up

"Marlen and Robin held their breath and sat very still. 
Haida and Chimo surfaced and swam over. 
When Paul played some more notes, the orcas began 
bobbing and moving to the sounds. 
The whales were definitely responding to the music!"

A bit of a surprise begins this inspiring story that involves "two whales, two boys and two Pauls". Paul Horn is a flute player and has two sons, Marlen and Robin. The family moved to Vancouver Island in the early 1970s, and lived close to Sealand. Visits there were many as the boys loved the aquatic animals that were housed there. Haida and Chimo, Sealand's Orcas, were their favorites. They weren't so keen on the fact that these amazing mammals lived in a fairly small pool, instead of the nearby ocean. 

At the same time that they made the move to the island, scientists were using the two orcas to learn more about them. These apex predators had not been studied. On one of their frequent visits, the Horn family met Dr. Paul Spong who was playing classical music, knowing that Haida and Chimo liked it, and that they 'sang in their own way'. 

Their father didn't like the huge whales as much as his sons did. Still, they convinced him to play his flute near the pool. The whales loved the music! On one of their daily visits, Mr. Horn played a note that Haida matched. What a breakthrough it was! Joyful days were spent in song. 

Paul Horn's new music tour meant he spent no time at Sealand for weeks. He was sorely missed. A return to Sealand revealed that Chimo had recently died from an incurable disease, and Haida was mourning the loss. Would Paul's flute playing make a difference again? Apparently not ... until the boys suggested trying happy notes. It worked. 

Soon after that, they saw no sign of Haida in the pool. Only Paul's music soon had Haida leaping in the air close to them. Learning how badly orcas needed the freedom to be with other orcas was a most important lesson to learn.   

Back matter includes further learning about Paul Horn, Orcas, and Dr. Spong and the OrcaLab. 
                                                                                          

Don't Think of Tigers, written and illustrated by Alex Latimer. Random House, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"ANOTHER TIGER? 

We all make mistakes. 

Just look how many mistakes 
I made drawing that tiger. 

IT'S GOT EIGHT LEGS! 

But enough tigers, all right? 

You'll get it this time." 

This is one of those books! I know very well that reading it just once will never satisfy listeners. Even the jacket flap is an invitation to fun when it describes what readers are not to be doing while reading the book. So, don't think of tigers! 

The narrator explains early that the book is all about MAGIC. It will only work with the reader's imagination. To start, try thinking of a 'cow doing ballet'. It works like a charm! There's only one warning: Don't think of tigers! The artist cannot draw tigers. 

The proof is in the pudding. As the next drawing shows, the first attempt at a recognizable tiger leaves much to be desired. Time to try again ... and this result is even worse than the last. The reminder is repeated, resulting in yet another hard-to-describe tiger-looking image. After repeating the word tiger a good number of times, the listener is asked to try again. Still hopeless! 

Tiring of the endless refusals to follow instructions, the artist shows just how adept his talent for drawing tigers is. Egad, the deconstructed tiger image that follows is interesting to say the least. What about asking the person who is reading the book to not think about tigers. Nope! They are no help at all. 

The book is coming to an end.  You will have to read it yourself to see the solution ... and a grand one it is! 

A final suggestion only ups the fun for all involved. 

"Find a piece of paper and a pencil. 
Okay. I'm going to close my eyes and 
think of something for YOU to draw. 

Can you guess what I'm thinking of?"         

An absolute winner!                                                                               

Zoom In On Zombies, written by Kari-Lynn Winters and Catherine Rondina. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2024. $26.95 ages 9 and up

"A gecko will arch its back when another 
gecko comes close in order to show
dominance. This sign means "BACK OFF!"

A cat will curve its back when it stretches, 
but also when it is afraid."

The two examples above are mentioned on a page named The Zombie Shuffle Dance. Four other examples are mentioned. The suggestion is then made to 'mix and match the different zombie-like 
movements to create your own dance'. Fun times! 

A table of contents invites readers to take a look at 9 chapters: Zombies Among Us, Lame Brains and Other Zombie-Like Traits, Feeding Frenzy, Zombified, Dirty Rotters, Brain Dead, Zombie Moves, Survival of the Fittest, and Zombie Allies. This leaves keen readers to choose what they are most interested in as they open the book. They are likely to be surprised at what they learn! 

We have missed World Zombie Day this year; it happened on October 8. Having this book to read over the months to come should make for enough time to really be able to celebrate when the date rolls around once again. Zombophiles may not have much to learn, but who knows? 

This book is new to a series that includes Buzz About Bees, Lowdown on Earthworms, and Bite Into Bloodsuckers. It won't take long it to find fans in many middle years classrooms. Teachers will know the kids who are likely to pore over its pages. As they read, they will learn about some of the natural zombies in our world. One page lists, from A to Z, zombies in nature that are smelly, carnivorous, or parasitic ... similar to the zombies imagined or presented as entertainment. 

There are quizzes, questionnaires, jokes, food webs, a babysitter job posting, games, sidebars, experiments and so much more to keep readers active and engaged in the learning. Once a reader has finished reading the book, they are declared a ZOMBIE SURVIVOR. Back matter includes an index, an extensive glossary, and a list of YouTube videos, books and magazines.  

It may be too late for this year's Halloween, but having it in your collection will certainly up the learning before the zombies appear at this time next year. 

The Book of Ant Records: Amazing Facts and Feats, written by Katja Bargum and illustrated by Jenny Lucander. Translated by B.J. Woodstein.Orca Books, 2024. $24.95 ages 7 and up

"When an ant finds food, she releases 
a scent trail with her bottom as she 
returns to the colony. The ant rubs 
her bottom against the ground so the 
scent sticks. That way, other ants can 
follow the trail to find the food. 

Ants have fuzzier vision 
than we humans do. Some 
have no eyes at all but 
manage with just their 
sense of smell."

When Katja Bargum first thought about writing this book, she asked kids what they wanted to know about ants. Most inquisitive kids are interested in the answers their 'est' questions: laziest, smartest, scariest, fastest, strongest. The fact that Ms. Bargum worked as an ant researcher for a number of years, and has written about the social life of ants certainly held her in good stead for answering the questions the children asked, and so much more. 

An introductory world map shows that ants can live anywhere in the world. 

"They can live in the desert at 120 degrees (50 degrees Celsius), 
inside an acorn, under the ground, in the treetops or in your 
home." 

In 19 double-page sections, readers learn a great deal about the nearly 20 million billion ants that share our planet, and have been here for millions of years. It's a pretty impressive notion. 

Each of the sections is introduced with a title, and the facts provided relate to it. The two pages are filled with relevant connections to the subject itself; a section on the best sense of smell includes finding food, guiding other ants to it, how they smell, and scent glands. The prize for the best sense of smell goes to the DESERT ANT.  

This is a most enjoyable read for its intended audience, always including just enough material in bite-sized pieces to keep them moving from one section to the next. It is one of those books that readers will want to share with whoever happens to be in close proximity. There is a lot here to grab attention and pass along. Dinner table discussions will be enhanced by the excitement of new learning, and the wonder of the things these tiny creatures accomplish.

Readers are sure to pore over the cartoon-like images created by Jenny Lucander. Speech bubbles add humor, and the natural settings give context to the information. Are there any other questions that need answers? I wonder what they might be. 

In a section concerning ants in North America, Ms. Bargum tells her audience: 

"The little cornfield ant is a softy. She 
doesn't sting or bite, but she does love 
jam sandwiches. That's why she sometimes 
comes into homes in the spring, when there 
isn't as much to eat outdoors. Cornfield 
ants are one of the most abundant ants on
the continent."   
                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                                                                                

The Mango Monster, written by Derek Mascarenhas and illustrated by Meneka Repka. Owlkids, 2024. 21.95 ages 4 and up

There is great excitement for Marianne when her father's nose tells him the mangoes will be ready to pick tomorrow. It's been a long wait. Her father wonders what she will do with them. Easy, eat them! 

Awaking to the sweet smell of mangoes in the morning, she rushes outside. She and her cousin Zoe make a disturbing discovery; someone has picked all the mangoes from the lower branches. Her neighbor, Mr. Cruz, suggests that the blame should rest with 'a mango monster'. The worry is intense as Mr. Cruz explains the stealing has been happening since he was a boy. 

The girls admit they don't like monsters; catching it could prevent further theft. Mr. Cruz offers help. Spreading ash from the firepit around the tree might help. The girls have a mystery on their hands. They begin to imagine how the mango monster might look. The tracks in the ash lead them to the pigs; they can only eat the mangoes that fall from the trees. Besides, pigs are not what they imagined. 

They try tying bells to the branches, which are rung by a squirrel. Not the squirrel! Next, they try big pots on the branches. The pots scare monkeys away and make a huge noise. Until now, nothing has met their criteria for the mango monster: big and purple, long, sharp claws, an orange tongue. The animals are eating the mangoes, but none are the monster! 

When they find purple fur, they are sure they're onto something. Three traps are what they need: ash, bells and pots filled with water. The morning brings a terrible noise. The mystery is solved! The Mango Monster is Marianne's dad who has been sharing mangoes with neighbors, and the food bank. There are plenty left. 

Marianne comes up with a perfect plan. Two mango monsters ... or is it three? 

I'm Afraid, Said the Leaf, written by Danielle Daniel and illustrated by Matt James. Tundra, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"I'm so hungry, said the squirrel. 
I will feed you, said the nut. 

I'm so shy, said the turtle. 
I am too, said the rock." 

This gentle reminder that we are connected, the world over, provides inspiration to those who read it. A child awakens from a quiet sleep under the shade of a leafy tree, as the sun rises. A wolf companion wanders off. The sun spreads its glow across the surface of a nearby body of water. A single leaf, carried on a gust of air, lands near the child and expresses its fear. 

As the child watches, the tree reminds the leaf that it is not alone. The child listens to the tree, and notices a bird in a nest on one of its branches. The bird worries it might fall; the wind comforts with a promise to provide the lift it needs. As the day moves forward, the child is aware of the emotions described from spread to spread, and the support provided. She drinks from the stream, swims with sea creatures, runs in the sunshine with a horse, and enjoys every single part of her adventure.

Young listeners are sure to respond to the call and response design of the text, and imagine themselves enjoying all the simple pleasures of the child's day. Each worry is met with kindness and understanding. Matt James' illustrations share the emotions clearly in vibrant color and a natural setting. They comfort the worriers, while also encouraging conversation. As the story comes to a close, the child voices a personal wish. The answer consoles. 

Home in a Lunchbox, written and illustrated by Cherry Mo. Penguin Workshop, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Hello! 

Hel ... lo!

What's your name? 

Th ... ank
you ..." 

This heartfelt immigration story begins and ends with telling endpapers. At the front, readers see the energy and bustle that is Hong Kong on the verso. Crossing the gutter brings attention to a street in the suburbs, where an international moving van is making its way along that street. The title page shows a loving mother kissing her smiling child goodbye as she heads off to school. 

It's Monday at the bus stop. The girl is waiting when another girl walks up. They say hello and she is asked her name. Jun, who does not speak English, checks her palm where three phrases are written in Chinese script with an English translation beside each. To the girl's question, she replies 'Th ... ank you ...' It is a mystifying response. 

Problems with communication and understanding endure, leaving Jun unhappy and unsettled. The only thing that brings peace during the school day happens when she opens her lunch box, which is filled with her favorite foods. After the first few difficult days, the girl from the bus stop shows interest in her lunch. This leads to some sharing with the kids around her. It is a new beginning for Jun and her classmates. A final spread shows her arrival home, with friends in tow. What a difference comes with kindness. 

This warm tale is told primarily in sensitive artwork that is varied in perspective. Changes in color reflect how Jun is feeling as she deals with the anxiety of being the new kid, and the family memories her lunches inspire. A glossary of Cantonese words is much appreciated, as is a captioned look at and description of what is in Jun's lunchbox. 

The final endpapers allow a look at Jun's framed artwork that shows her memories from before the move and, on the recto, the happiness found in her new life. 
                                                                          

I Am Wind: An Autobiography, written by Rachel Poliquin and illustrated by Rachel Wada. Tundra, Penguin Random House. 2024. $26.99 ages 9 and up

 

"When I rush hot down the Rocky Mountains into the 
Great Plains below, they call me Chinook. I come in 
winter like a summer wind, melting icicles, turning 
snowmen into puddles. People say I bring joy and 
headaches too, but I don't know about that. 

Then, snap! I'm gone. And the bitter chill returns."

Ms. Poliquin's decision to write about the wind, and the power that it has over nature and humans, in both first person narrative and in prose that often blurs the line between fiction and fact is inspired. It captures the reader's attention from the first page until the last, switching between the essential voice of the wind itself and prose that offers information and imagination about how wind works and the many different types of winds found around the world. 

In sections dubbed WIND CHRONICLES, she describes Maori Winds, Odysseus and the Bag of Winds, The Great Storm of 1703, The Deadliest Tornado, The Kamikaze Winds, and finally Migrating Dust. All are equally fascinating. There is so much here I knew nothing about. The entries that deal with how the wind works, and the force that it exerts are filled with facts that inform and often surprise. It also explains how humans have used the wind in many ways to make life better. There is much to learn. 

I was stunned to learn that: 

"The biggest migration in the world isn't done by
wildebeests or butterflies; it's done by dust." 

In fact, readers are told that "Every year winds pick up millions of tons of dust and sand from the Saharan desert and blow it across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas', affecting different ecosystems as they blow. Detailed images explain the Enhanced Fujita Scale, the Santa Ana winds, the Beaufort Scale, and sailing winds. Mixed-media artwork is full of movement and power that stuns. An index and a list for further reading will encourage those looking to know more. 

Informative, engaging, and beautifully designed.                                                                                     

Kiss Me! (I'm a Prince), written by Heather McLeod and illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2024. $14.95 ages 4 and up

"Ella stopped and took him out of her pocket. 
"Didn't you hear what I said? If you kiss me, 
I'll turn into a prince!"
He puckered up his wide froggy lips and squeezed 
shut his big froggy eyes.
Ella put him back in her pocket and continued 
walking." 

I don't remember reading this book when it was first published in 2010. I am delighted that it has been reissued in paperback for a new audience. I had great fun reading it, and then reading it again yesterday. It's a lively story of friendship, humor, and persistence. 

A frog with a crown offers an invitation to Ella as she passes by, clad in a red baseball cap, blue jeans and basketball in hand. He thinks he's making an offer she cannot possibly refuse. After all, he's a prince; he just looks like a frog. What girl would refuse a chance to kiss a prince? It turns out that Ella is that girl. She has no interest in his puckered lips and closed eyes. She's happier having a frog in her pocket. 

The frog is extremely persistent about the kiss. Ella wants to know the advantages should she kiss him and return him to his princely status. He is keen to explain to her just exactly what princes and princesses are allowed to do: study, ride horses, and wear suits and gowns. Not much appeal for Ella; she prefers a talking frog,

The frog grows tired of trying to persuade her to kiss him. The two play games, swim in the pond, and get dirty. The frog likes it. When a courtier comes to Ella's house to return the frog to the castle, Ella must wave goodbye. Two weeks later, the frog returns. He has been kissed by many, but the curse will only be broken with the kiss of a true friend. 

Ella wants to be sure a kiss is what he wants. He explains that his parents have made promises to make his life less princely. He wants to be able to do what Ella can do. As the story comes to an end, Ella gives him a kiss. We can only assume they 'live happily ever after' as good friends. 

Fun Facts about Frogs follow. 

What Do We Eat? How Humans Find, Grow and Share Food. Written by Megan Clendenan and illustrated by Meegan Lim. Orca Book Publishers. 2024. $29.95 ages 10 and up

 

"In 1900 all the mayors of France gathered for a
feast - 22,695 people attended! They were seated 
at long tables that stretched more than four miles 
(seven kilometers). Researchers believe that 
sharing meals as a group has helped people bond
with people throughout history, and that communal 
meals act as "social glue." Research from the 
University of Oxford found that the more often 
people eat with others, the more likely they are to 
feel happy and included within their family networks." 

This newest book in the Orca Timeline series offers a continuing style for the book's design. It begins with an introduction that explains our daily need for food. Where we have it will be varied, as will what we eat. What happened in the past, or is happening in war zones today, or on a spaceship?  Although it may be very difficult at times, there are ways to work together to put food in many hands. Scientists and others are working tirelessly to try to help find innovative solutions and create new resources for the future. 

The table of contents shows five chapters: Food on the Go, Under Attack, Grow It, Raise It, Find It, Catch It, Let's Eat Together, and Enough for Everyone. A glossary, list of resources, acknowledgments, and an index are provided in back matter. 

The opening illustration for Food on the Go has a timeline that begins with Polynesian explorers (1477-977 BCE), and moves on to Chinese sailing ships in the 14002, Amelia Earhart in 1932, early astronauts eating in space in the 1960s, food deliveries to the International Space Station in 2023 and a wonder about a future Journey to Mars. The chapter is filled with information concerning each of the different scenarios presented in that timeline. Questions are asked and answered, text boxes offer specific facts concerning foods eaten, challenges, menus, and captioned illustrations, photographs (present day and archival) provide answers to questions that might arise. 

Each succeeding chapter offers a similar style and content. The questions asked provide 'food for thought' for middle grade readers and offer some of the solutions that have been developed. A Cautionary Tale is presented in each chapter and range from skiing hungry to the South Pole, a lack of needed nutrition during the Crimean War, the problems created when only one variety of banana is grown,  sharing food after a disaster, and finally, dumping food when so many are hungry.  

The author leaves her readers to consider wasting less, being more efficient with what we already have and seriously seeking different food sources that have been little explored. Food inequity is being felt worldwide, and the effects of climate change are with us on a daily basis. A concentrated effort to learn more and do more can start by reading books like this one. 

a face is a poem, written and illustrated by julie morstad. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"What if the parts of our faces were rearranged? 
Or if they were different shapes? 

Would we still know each other? 

What if you could change faces every morning, 
just to see through someone else's eyes?" 

Julie Morstad reminds readers that, no matter where they go, faces are a part of their collective experiences. They might be the people they see on the street, at the mall, and in school, or the faces of flowers in gardens and images in the clouds. 

She fills the book with images that are varying shapes, colors, and with their own unique look. One spread shows a group of people looking at and commenting on a large green sculpture of a head. Two pairs of children in the group are looking at each other with wonder and interest, oblivious to what the others are saying. 

Each turn of the page offers opportunities to react to the faces presented. I found myself imagining their stories, connections, and thoughts. The rearranged faces are sure to inspire conversation and further exploration. What might your face look like if you rearranged it? Our faces are part of a wide world where different languages are spoken, where the color and shape of our eyes are numerous, and where faces show secrets and emotions. It is all quite remarkable. 

This book is a lovely exploration of what makes faces exceptional in life and in nature. 

“Have you ever stopped and looked,
 really looked…
 at a face?” 
                                                                               

Fox Is Coming. Co-written by James Patterson and co-written and illustrated by Joe Kukla. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2024. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Racing, racing! 
Steal a glance. 

Fox is trailing. 
Now's our chance!"

Fox is definitely interested in the goings-on at the farm. The wee chicks are aware of his presence, and are keen to find a place to hide. First, they hide by the cows. Fox can't see them, but is keen to find where they have gone. Attaching his neckerchief to a long stick, and throwing it over his shoulder, he continues his search. 

The other animals don't seem bothered by Fox being in their environs; the chicks are certainly concerned. It isn't long before Fox catches up with one little chicken. It is captured and stuffed in his hobo sack. Suitably scared, the others race away.  A hollow log offers no protection, nor does the pigs' mud bath. Fox continues gathering them up, despite their best efforts to escape. 

No matter where they hide, Fox seems to have special radar for hunting them down. The last one is headed straight for the chicken coop. 

"Last one! Last one!
To my pen! 

Almost there ... 
almost.
But then ... 

Fox picks the last one up. It's too late, or is it? I'll leave the last laugh for a captivated audience to discover. 

Simple rhyming couplets keep the action moving forward, while colorful artwork keeps up the suspense. Full of expression and action for both fox and chicks, the ever-changing perspectives assure careful attention and gleeful shouts for caution as the chase ensues. 

My Antarctica: True Adventures in the Land of Mummified Seals, Space Robots, and So Much More, written by G. Neri and illustrated by Corban Wilkin. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 8 and up

 

"Looks can be deceiving. One woman who seems 
like a cheerful librarian turns out to be the Indiana 
Jones of the Ice. She's a mechanical engineer for ice
structures and is part of the South Pole traverse  
team. Her job: searching for hidden crevasses. She 
sometimes has to climb down into them to blow 
them up so her team can safely pass! 

The dream of being an explorer began when G. Neri was a young boy. He had grand wishes for a future filled with adventure and travel. It didn't happen when he was young; as a writer of books for kids, his chance came when he convinced the National Science Foundation to fund a trip to Antarctica so that he could write about it for a young audience. 

It took a year of planning before he boarded a commercial plane that took him from Florida to New Zealand. From there he flew in a military cargo plane to the icy continent. It was hard to wrap his head around being among scientists whose task was almost beyond his understanding. Being there was all that he had ever hoped. What a 'strange and beautiful place' to share with his readers! 

His wonder at all that he sees is shared in well-documented text and digital artwork by Corban Wilkin, that includes clear and telling photos of the author's explorations. While living at McMurdo Station, he is able to share his sightings, encounters, and thoughts on all he was seeing. His humorous comments and ability to capture the barren nature of his surroundings are informative and entertaining. 

Included maps, a list of places he might visit on any day, captioned images of how to dress for the extreme cold, archival and present-day photos of the work being done, descriptions of the people living at McMurdo Station, a list of things you will, and will not, find in Antarctica, photos of the vehicles used, and a plethora of other lists will capture attention and inspire discussion. 

An author's note, an impressive list of other facts about the continent, the answers to some big questions about Antarctica, a list of recommended source material, and the inclusion of films/TV and websites are found in back matter, upping the learning for those readers interested in knowing more. 

This is some terrific book, and defintely worth reading. 

Ode to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found His Voice, written by Kari Lavelle and illustrated by Bryan Collier. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2024. $26.99 ages 7 and up

 

"The entire poem presented, 
    without pause or repetition. 
His resonant voice heard 
    for the first time at school. 
The students cascaded into applause!"

Reading aloud at school was James' worst nightmare. Although he knew he could read the words on the page, his words got stuck inside and he found it impossible to speak. His memories of other times when his classmates laughed did not help make it any easier. 

When he spent time in the barn at home, 'his words flowed'. The animals loved to listen to his voice. As he grew older, nothing much changed. His stuttering made it uncomfortable when meeting visitors. Urged by his parents to be polite, James could not force the words out of his mouth. Those encounters led to James making the decision to just stop talking. 

"No more sharing ideas. 
His emotions stuck inside. 
If he didn't talk, 
           he wouldn't stutter. 
So James listened."

That listening led to much learning and less anguish for the young James. In high school he met Professor Crouch, a teacher who loved poetry. James loved listening to him recite his favorite poems, while encouraging his students to memorize poems and say them out loud. That was not going to happen with James. 

In a surprising twist, the story turns to the arrival of grapefruit during one winter. It was the inspiration for James to put pen to paper and write a poem, Ode to Grapefruit. When Professor Crouch read it, he encouraged James to say it aloud to the class. For the first time, James spoke clearly and without pause. His classmates honored his effort with a round of applause. 

It was the beginning of a long and celebrated life, and an almost seventy-year acting career.

Striking illustrations, done in collage and watercolor, assure understanding and compassion for James' struggles and successes. Notes from both author and illustrator, information about stuttering, and a list of selected resources are included in back matter.  

James Earl Jones died in September this year. His legacy lives on in Mustafa, Darth Vader, and his many other important roles and accomplishments. 

Spider in the Well, written and illustrated by Jess Hannigan. Katherine Tegen Books, Harper. 2024. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"He was also the chimney sweep, 
the shoe shiner, 
and the milkman. 

He was assured by the townspeople
that this was a fair arrangement."

First up: meet the newsboy. He is tasked with delivering the daily news to the good people of Bad Goodsburg. His other jobs are mentioned above. When the news breaks that the town's wishing well is damaged, there is much distress among the townspeople. The baker, the shopkeeper, and the doctor are particularly perplexed. The news boy is interested to discover whether the wishes were important ones. 

The doctor explains that his wish was to cure every illness; the shopkeeper wished for perpetual happiness for all; the baker wanted fresh bread for everyone, always. What generosity of spirit the three show! As the bearer of bad tidings, the newsboy is now taxed with investigating the problem with the well. No one else wanted the job. 

With great admiration for the people whose wishes were for the good of all, he is happy to help. Arriving at the well, he finds himself face to face with a spider at its bottom. The spider wants to explain why the well isn't working. The spider tells the newsboy it just did what spiders do: find a 'damp, dark, and musty' place to spin a web. It has become rich because of the wishes. The newsboy should know the baker, the shopkeeper, and the doctor lied about the wishes they made. 

Knowing what he now knows, the newsboy makes a plan to create some havoc for the liars. The three are willing to follow him back to the well, and are not pleased when they find a spider is causing the chaos. The spider pleads for understanding. 

"I would never steal gold or overhear any secret wishes
or tell those wishes to a nosy little boy." 

Knowing the truth certainly works in the boy's favor. He is able to give up his extra jobs to the guilty parties, make a deal with the spider for half of the gold coins at present and going forward, and realize his dream of retiring early. What a coup! 

Jess Hannigan’s playful mixed-media illustrations enrich the story and capture the full attention of the reader. The three sections of the tale (The Newsboy, The Well, and finally Justice) are filled with drama and humor. There's great fun here for all. 
                                                                               

                                                                               

This Land is a Lullaby, written by Tonya Simpson and illustrated by Delree Dumont. Orca Book Publishers, 2024. $21.95 ages 4 and up

 

"Just as the last of the day starts to fade ...
hoots of owls and coyote howl! A twilight serenade. 

Wild horses race mighty clouds soaring by. 
Rolling thunder drums across the flickering sky."

A mother and her child stand on prairie grasses and listen to the 'sweet song of your home'. Descriptive couplets pay homage to the child's homeland. The lullaby shared refers to the geese that fly in prairie skies, the ponds that sing with frog song, fireflies and dragonflies that glow in the evening light of the plains, home to this Indigenous family. 

All speak to the wonder that is nature, and that same wonder that is the child whose ancestors 'sing just for you'. The peaceful beauty found in the sights and sounds of her surroundings is there as the child slips into slumber each evening. Captured in dramatic images created by Delree Dumont, using acrylic paints in a pointillism style, they fill double-page spreads with the intense beauty of flower-filled meadows, reedy ponds, golden grasses, and northern lights. 

Little ones ready for sleep will find comfort in the words as they speak to the bond that exists between Indigenous people and the land they call home. A mother's warmth and love are reflected in the words she speaks as her child snuggles in for welcome rest. 

"Now all is quiet, but for the loon 
trading holy secrets with Grandmother Moon."
                                                                                 

My Lost Freedom: A Japanese American World War II Story, written by George Takei and illustrated by Michelle Lee. Crown Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2024. $26.99 ages 8 and up

 

"One afternoon Henry and I saw a shaggy black dog 
behind a pile of vegetable crates. He looked so hungry
we convinced our cook Mr. Kikutani to give him a 
piece of wiener teriyaki. 
The dog gobbled it up so quickly we knew he was 
still hungry. We took him to our unit and begged 
Mama for cookies."

I am constantly amazed at what I learn from books designed for children! There seems no end to the topics, the points of view, or the importance of what has been written to spark interest and to augment learning. Children learn about key issues in books that help them understand their world. They become more empathetic. When parents, teachers, and caregivers create a sense of community by choosing and reading meaningful stories, they inspire their listeners to think beyond themselves and to put themselves in someone else's shoes. 

In the foreword to his book, George Takei describes how being different resulted in great pain and a devastating loss for his family when they were taken, although American, from their home following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Being of Japanese descent was all that was needed to declare his family enemies of the American people, and to allow them to be 'imprisoned behind barbed wire fences'.  

Geroge was 4 in 1941 when the bombs dropped on Pearl Harbor. In February 1942 all Japanese Americans were forced into prison camps. With courage and determination, his parents were able to keep their three children safe. They were first assigned to a germ-infested horse barn. Their next move was to Arkansas; conditions were not a lot better there. Working tirelessly and with help from neighbors, they made a home for themselves.  

Mr. Takei's forthright portrayal of life in the camps, from a child's point-of-view, informs his readers of what it was like to live under guard of armed soldiers. He also wants them to know that they were moments to be enjoyed. They had movie nights and baseball games, a snowball fight and Santa Claus, singalongs and dances. 

Their parents did their best at all times to make the conditions as good as they could be. They worked hard creating community for all, and comfort for their children. After their parents refused to sign papers that would have them drafted to fight for America in the war, they were called disloyal and sent to Tule Lake in northern California. 

"Tule Lake was the largest of the ten prison camps and held 
the most inmates - more than 18,000 people. Half were 
children like Henry, Reiko, and me." 

Once more, they made a home there, and found a dog they named Blackie. Life was better with him near. When the atomic bombs fell in Japan and the war was finally over, the inmates were released with $25 each to make a new life. It took time; George's father finally found work in Los Angeles and the family rushed to join him there.  

Mixed-media artwork captures attention, and gives life to the many Japanese Americans who inhabited the camps. Fine details add to the visual appeal of the illustrations and provide context for the events described. An author’s note speaks to the fact that the time following their release did not end their struggles; only perseverance and hard work helped them find their way back to a good life and much success. Archival photographs are included. 

What About An Octopus: A Fact-Filled Underwater Adventure, written by Deborah Kerbel and illustrated by Dawn Lo. Owlkids, 2024. $21.95 ages 4 and up

 

"You'll want to give the octopus 
lots of space to swim around. 
Then when it gets tired from 
all that exercise, you can sing 
it a lullaby and wait for it to 
fall asleep. 

FACT: Like humans, octopuses have two 
stages of sleep. For octopuses, the first is a 
quiet stage, when they remain very still 
and pale. The second is an active stage, 
where their skin darkens and their muscles 
twitch." 

This book, designed for young readers, offers advice for a visit to the ocean. A young girl is the recipient of that advice as she snorkels in ocean waters looking for a seashell. Imagine her surprise when she encounters an octopus. While wanting to be friendly by shaking one of its arms, she learns that it is better simply to wave at it. The octopus, if sensing danger, can detach that arm. Worry not, it will grow back.

Each page turn suggests a friendly idea on the left-hand side, and a related FACT box on the right. She learns about sleep patterns, sensitivity, and its three hearts. Upon awakening, the octopus is hungry, and is well-equipped to take care of its own needs. A meal is sure to remind the octopus that it needs the bathroom, and privacy. Luckily, it can squeeze itself into small, dark spaces. 

If she is interested in having some fun, the octopus is likely to want to play. 

"FACT: Octopuses are extremely smart animals. 
They've been known to figure out mazes, do tasks 
for rewards, and even play games."

Readers are sure to be fascinated by all of the information provided here. The watery illustrations invite careful observation concerning the ocean habitat, and the sea life that lives below the surface. A bulleted list of Extra Octopus Facts follows. 

If you know someone who loves to learn about various animals, this would be a great gift.