It's hard to resist the very idea of felines who are wearing different colors of construction hats are busy working at a construction site. They are sIt's hard to resist the very idea of felines who are wearing different colors of construction hats are busy working at a construction site. They are so very busy, and readers will be so delighted when they find out what they're up to. Gosh! I wish that my cats could do what these do. They're so cute and clever as shown in the illustrations, created with pencil, paint, and ink elements that have been collaged. Fans of Good Night, Construction Site and the other books set on a construction site or featuring building will enjoy this one. ...more
Moving can be challenging, even for a house that is over a century old. Based on actual events and narrated by a Victorian house, this picture book foMoving can be challenging, even for a house that is over a century old. Based on actual events and narrated by a Victorian house, this picture book follows the building as its family leaves. The house is reluctant to move and leave all that's familiar behind. Streets are closed off, and all the action draws a crowd as the house is lifted off its foundation for transportation. It's not an easy ride as there are steep hills and tree limbs to deal with. Eventually, though, the house reaches just the right spot where its family is waiting. It will take a little while, but soon this spot will feel just like home. The creative artwork, rendered with watercolor and ink, is filled with rich details, abundant color and humorous images, including the house clutching two large red and green floral purses or carpetbags and its tiny feet and shoes beneath the structure as it's transported along the street. Not only is this story unique because of the perspective and personification, but it might bring comfort to youngsters who are having to move. After all, if a house can adjust to being moved, surely, they can. ...more
When an acorn falls from a bluejay’s claws, that lucky nut hits just the right spot on the forest floor, germinating, becoming first a seedling, then When an acorn falls from a bluejay’s claws, that lucky nut hits just the right spot on the forest floor, germinating, becoming first a seedling, then a sapling, and finally, a tree. As it grows taller and stronger, the oak tree attracts various species, including insects, birds, and even chipmunks and flying squirrels. Spreading its branches, it stands tall even while other trees are replaced by homes for humans. As the decades pass, the mighty oak remains stalwart, just as much a part of the town that has grown around it as it once was part of the dense forest. The melodious, descriptive text pays homage to the interconnection of species and the importance of community while noting changes in the tree and its surroundings as well as the passage of time, measured in tree years. Unlike many books about trees, which follow a tree through the four seasons of the year, this picture book depicts the oak tree and its ecosystem over the course of several decades--two centuries, to be exact. The incredibly detailed black-and-white illustrations, created with Micron pens, are shaded, full of depth and movement, so much so that readers will feel as though they, too, are a part of this verdant, bustling ecosystem. Reminiscent in mood and style to Cole’s earlier One Little Bag (2020), Mighty will surely prompt lingering walks in the woods and contemplation of the things that happen by chance. This is yet another impressive work from the always reliable, always insightful Henry Cole. ...more
This picture book is another visually stunning and emotionally stirring offering from the same creative team responsible for The House by the Lake. WhThis picture book is another visually stunning and emotionally stirring offering from the same creative team responsible for The House by the Lake. While it might seem that everything that can be written about Anne Frank has been written, even books about the Chesnut tree in the back yard, this story offers something unique. Tracing the house where Anne, her family, the Van Pels, and Fritz Pfeffer, hid for almost four years to its original builder and even before that, to 1580 when the area was a marshland and 1600 when the canal along which it was built, was dug out, the book showcases the changes in the neighborhood and various tenants, including horses at one time as it fell on hard times, even surviving a fire, all the way up to WWII, the discovery of those hiding in the building's annex and beyond. A small block on the top of some of the pages indicates the year being described in the text. Because the house is personified at various points, readers can experience vicariously its emotions and rejoice that the house has been refurbished, even with a green door like it had originally, so that others can visit it today. The mixed media illustrations that include collage and interesting colors, shapes, and textures make for a visually pleasing backdrop to a moving slice of history. Add this one to a collection dedicated to the Holocaust. ...more
There's just something about a construction site and the machines that can be found there that fascinates youngsters. This one with its layered die-cuThere's just something about a construction site and the machines that can be found there that fascinates youngsters. This one with its layered die-cuts gives them the opportunity to identify the parts of a digger and follow it as it goes to work. Tidbits of interesting information are provided on each double-page spread as well as in a "Did You Know?" feature. If someone is unfamiliar with a digger, they'll be quite impressed with it after reading this sturdy board book. After all, who wouldn't prefer to have the digger do the same work that it would take 20 individuals to do? This one makes a great addition for a preschool classroom or home library since it provides different features that other books on a similar topic. ...more
Ah, what a better world we'd have if more of us remained quiet for a few moments and listened to the trees! Written in haibun, which combines haiku anAh, what a better world we'd have if more of us remained quiet for a few moments and listened to the trees! Written in haibun, which combines haiku and prose, this picture book biography describes the formative years, the inspiration, and the career of George Nakashima, a talented woodworker, eschewing a career in architecture for one involving making furniture. Having traveled widely, Nakashima, a Nisei who was born in the United States, had barely returned to the United States and opened his own shop, when paranoia prompted the U.S. government to incarcerate George and his young family during WWII. But even there, despite the unpleasant conditions, Nakashima continued to hone his craft, learning from others. After the war, they moved to Pennsylvania, where they built their own home and started George's business. The text and illustrations beautifully depict the respect Nakashima had for trees but also for timber, the wood from cut trees. This admiration for the grains of the trees led him to embark on an ambitious project to build massive peace altar tables. As if his life weren't interesting enough, the back matter, which includes descriptions and sketches of the time-consuming woodworking process, also contains photographed examples of his work, leaving readers such as I in awe at the patience, attention to detail, and imagination of this talented man, who clearly listened to the trees throughout his live. The author's text is nimble, expressive, and reflective, and the digital artwork is filled with large shapes and colors, both a stunning tribute to Nakashima whose work is clearly unique. ...more
Imaginatively combining youngsters' fondness for construction machinery and dinosaurs, this board book will fly off the shelves. As they turn the pageImaginatively combining youngsters' fondness for construction machinery and dinosaurs, this board book will fly off the shelves. As they turn the pages, young readers meet a T. Rex, who needs help from his dinosaur friends, on his building projects. As readers pull the sturdy tabs on the right-hand page, the page moves out to reveal the machine that the dinosaur resembles; for instance, the stegosaurus transforms into a cement mixer. There are five nifty transitions depicted here, which will fascinate anyone with their similarities. I wish that the book had included the labels and names of all of the dinosaurs although three are mentioned on the back cover. Perhaps it's expected that curious youngsters will look elsewhere for their names or that they'll already know what types of dinosaurs are featured here. ...more
Although seventh grader Katie is still at the heart of this humorous, timely graphic novel series, the talented cats that live near her--all 217 of thAlthough seventh grader Katie is still at the heart of this humorous, timely graphic novel series, the talented cats that live near her--all 217 of them--add the purr-fect touch to the plot. Readers like me will be looking closely at each page to locate one of those well-trained felines and learn what its special skills are. It could be that one is a Military Expert, Architecture, Remix Specialist or in charge of Publicity. In this, the fourth book in the series, Katie and the Mousestress, who is also Cheesy Justice, become concerned that a horse carriage company now has a monopoly on this tourist attraction and is keeping the horses in crowded conditions. Investigation leads to SlimBuilds, a company that seems intent on filling all the space between apartment buildings with more structures, blocking the sun. It's fun to watch Katie gain confidence and build bonds with her skating crew. There are several subplots that add interest to the book while hinting at various stories yet to be told. The artwork fits the storyline and characters perfectly, both depicting seventh grade and friend and family dynamics and all their ups and downs perfectly. I'll look forward to the next installment in this unique and empowering series that's all about girl power. ...more
While I've heard the term "sustainable" bandied about quite often, I had never really thought much about green or sustainable architecture, which madeWhile I've heard the term "sustainable" bandied about quite often, I had never really thought much about green or sustainable architecture, which made this book enlightening for me. Inside, the author provides 15 examples of sustainable structures from around the world, dividing them into five categories: local materials, adaptability, sustainable construction, clean energy, and optimized space, The incredibly detailed artwork, created with Procreate and Photoshop, enables readers to see the possibilities for each category. Some I like better than others, but all are quite amazing. I'd have loved to have known the cost of the buildings and building process, though, and how financially practical each one is, even though I know that cost isn't the only consideration, especially during these days of dwindling and costly resources. ...more
Surely there's a way for humans and other animals to peacefully coexist on this planet? But as humans destroy more and more habitat and take up more sSurely there's a way for humans and other animals to peacefully coexist on this planet? But as humans destroy more and more habitat and take up more space through urbanization, places for animals seem hard to come by. One useful idea--wildlife corridors or animal crossings, as some prefer to call them--is highlighted in this appealing, hopeful picture book [3.5 for me!]. Inside, the author describes seven different places where countries are building wildlife corridors to help various species get from one place to another; these include elephants in India, hedgehogs in the United Kingdom, and gibbons in China. There are even descriptions of bridges for bears and ladders for fish, all efforts to make those crossings safe for these precious living things. Colorful mixed media illustrations showcase the animals, their habitat, and the pathways humans have built for them. The backmatter features seven more species that are getting a helping hand from humans, and the nifty endpapers are filled with animal tracks. This one is a good addition for an elementary or middle-grade science classroom library. ...more
Adele's plans for winter break are interrupted when she has her first menstrual period, and along with it comes the ability to see ghosts. As it turnsAdele's plans for winter break are interrupted when she has her first menstrual period, and along with it comes the ability to see ghosts. As it turns out, her family has kept this a secret, and now she's the latest medium in a long time of them. While her grandmother wants nothing to do with this particular ability, Adele starts to see its value, becoming immersed in community activism and trying to stop efforts to buy up properties and make it impossible for locals to afford housing in the neighborhood. There's a sweet budding romance between Helen, Adele's older sister, and another character, and the artwork captures the essence of Montreal with its icy streets, snow, and cafes. Fans of the Witches of Brooklyn series will probably enjoy this one as well since it features a medium and a snarky, self-confident protagonist in Adele while also saddling her with worries about her facial breakouts, just like any other middle-grader or adolescent. Part of the plot is over the top, but most readers won't mind. ...more
Encouraging youngsters to think about their own feelings and actions on the left-hand page while also considering how others think and feel on the rigEncouraging youngsters to think about their own feelings and actions on the left-hand page while also considering how others think and feel on the right-hand page, this board book [2.5 for me!] reinforces the importance of teamwork and thinking outside the box. The three youngsters combine their talents to build a small vehicle that actually moves. The simple text and relatable situation give this book kid appeal, but I'm not convinced that the idea of mindfulness plays out fully on its pages. Still, this one provides a starting place for conversations about working together and not allowing the challenges of a task to limit one's ambitions. ...more
This picture book is a 2.5 for me. Once again, the book has an ISBN that has been taken by another book so I am not posting that number. A good companThis picture book is a 2.5 for me. Once again, the book has an ISBN that has been taken by another book so I am not posting that number. A good companion for another picture book paying tribute to mothers--Mommies Make Rainbows--this one celebrates all the great things that daddies do. Using animal characters, including monkeys, rabbits, tigers, bears and rhinos, the illustrations show families enjoying various pastimes and enjoying the time they're spending together. From finding treasure in a garden to storytelling and singing, these daddies are active and ready for adventure, and they manage to make even a dreary day turn out okay. But most of all, as the text and images make clear, fathers are supportive of their children, reassuring them that they can do anything and that the world is full of possibilities even when they're far away and separated from their little ones. It's hard not to feel loved unconditionally and ready for the next challenge after reading a book like this. And the illustrations make it clear that daddies come in different sizes and abilities as there's even a father in a wheel chair. The familiarity of this sort of story prompts me to give it a lower rating than I would otherwise although that doesn't mean the book won't be popular with its intended young audience....more
This one is a 3.5 for me. Although this picture book's illustrations, created with watercolor, ink, and pencil, are too stark and sketchy for older eyThis one is a 3.5 for me. Although this picture book's illustrations, created with watercolor, ink, and pencil, are too stark and sketchy for older eyes, they will have high appeal for their intended young audience, especially since they seem so similar to the drawings seen in many comic strips and graphic novels. Adding to the book's appeal is its protagonist, Max who is easily distracted, has lists to help him stay on track (but lists he forgets to look at closely), sometimes speaks like a robot, and has a very active brain that fills with creative but not always relevant thoughts. Plenty of readers will see themselves in Max, and more than a handful of teachers, including this one, will recognize some of their students, past and present in this irrepressible but admittedly annoying boy. (You know the type--the one who simply cannot stop making squeaky noises with his chair or can't sit still for more than five seconds.) But oh, how much cleverness, creativity, and ability to think outside the box Max possesses, something that comes in handy during a group project involving building a tower out of index cards. The resulting tower, revealed in a page flap that lifts up vertically to show just how massive it is, may elicit gasps from youngsters as well as a renewed appreciation for Max in all his quirky, original way of thinking and his Max-ness. While the ending is a bit abrupt, readers will be pleased that Max seems to be finding his way without changing a thing about himself, a message that is so important today. One of the aspects of the illustrations that pleased me was the different perspectives shown with one image focusing on the hole in a blue paper, another showing Max from behind, from the waist and butt down, sitting in his assigned seat with tennis balls on the chair legs, while still another one shows the concentration on the faces of his other group members. While plenty of things go terribly wrong for Max, sometimes things go perfectly right. ...more
Goodness! If you want to feel old, then consider that the Rubik's Cube turns 50 this year. Those of us of a certain age can remember when this colorfuGoodness! If you want to feel old, then consider that the Rubik's Cube turns 50 this year. Those of us of a certain age can remember when this colorful block puzzle first arrived in stores and how youngsters and adults were obsessed with solving it. I had thought it no longer was sold anywhere, but apparently, it remains popular. This well written biography [3.5 for me!] about its creator, Erno Rubik, describes his formative years and early fascination with shapes as well as how he eventually became a teacher. In order to help his students understand the concept of three-dimensionality, he built models, and then, curious about cubes and whether he could build a big cube out of smaller cubes, he began experimenting. The text and illustrations are particularly effective in depicting his struggles and his many failures. When he finally solved the design puzzle he'd set up for himself, he was inspired by the pebbles along the river. He was 29. Interestingly, the back matter claims that it took him a month to move all the pieces back to their original position. The lively mixed media and digital collage consist of bright colors just like those used in the Rubik's Cube with even the endpapers appropriately honoring this popular puzzle amid tiny sketches of cubes and other relevant objects. Add this one to a classroom collection dedicated to inventions but beware of including a Rubik's Cube among the collection since the puzzle is quite addictive. ...more
It's hard not to think about others like Gabriel, the elephant protagonist in this picture book [3.5 for me!], when reading it. While some might consiIt's hard not to think about others like Gabriel, the elephant protagonist in this picture book [3.5 for me!], when reading it. While some might consider that old folks have nothing to offer, as I myself have grown older, I've come to realize that everyone has stories to tell and many of those stories are tales of adventure while others offer life lessons or examples. In this one, Gabriel is older, living a quiet life with his cat and his aches and pains. He reflects upon his days as a young elephant and tells the listener of his ambition to be part of a lifeboat crew. But even though he worked hard to get stronger and bigger so that he could join the crew, a case of first, he's too small and weak, and next, he's too big for the boat. Not to be denied, Gabriel collects wood, makes his own rescue boat, and even saves the rescuers and a fleet of boats being tossed about during a storm. Afterward, of course, the original rescue crew welcomes him with open arms. Clearly, Gabriel has managed to find a place of his own, carving out a niche despite those who would deny him a place. With a relatable message, this picture book has a strong opening and closing, and Gabriel's secrets are safe with all of us. The artwork is filled with movement and interesting lines and tones that might make those with a sensitive stomach a little queasy. ...more
Although the stylized, cartoonlike artwork underwhelmed me, this picture book's message is important enough to make the book a keeper. There are so maAlthough the stylized, cartoonlike artwork underwhelmed me, this picture book's message is important enough to make the book a keeper. There are so many of us who needed to be reminded that having more is not always the key to happiness. The plot concerns a man who commissions a house to be built. But as his new home is coming together, he insists on extra rooms to be added, until there are finally 100 of them. Thrilled with all this space, he dedicates each room to certain possessions, which seems like a great idea when it comes to organization. However, it's hard for him to remember where anything is, and he grows frustrated. He gathers his important possessions, places them in one room, and reaches out to others in order to find tenants. The idea of connections mattering more than possessions resonates with readers as they finish the story, which is told gently....more
While the message in this picture book, based on teachings from the Talmud, is quite important, I wish the story had been longer and the tension a bitWhile the message in this picture book, based on teachings from the Talmud, is quite important, I wish the story had been longer and the tension a bit more sustained. The plot centers around Hedgehog's selfishness in building his new burrow in an inconvenient spot and leaving debris everywhere. When the other animals are unable to get past the mound and try to hold him accountable, he dismisses them and even threatens them. Later, when a storm threatens his life, the same animals that he rebuffed come to his rescue. Interesting artwork that resembles childlike sketches complements the story, which reminds readers that it's important to be aware of the consequences of actions and consider others when doing anything. Would that many world leaders, especially those in our own country, would read this picture book and internalize its message since it often seems that profit matters more than our planet's health....more
This one is a 3,5 for me. This picture book's clever title, its richly detailed illustrations, and its focus on one Lower East Side building's 100+ yeThis one is a 3,5 for me. This picture book's clever title, its richly detailed illustrations, and its focus on one Lower East Side building's 100+ year history. provides readers a glimpse into that particular New York City neighborhood through the eyes of five youngsters who lived on different floors during different time periods. While their countries of origin, languages, and cultures may be quite different [Russia, Italy, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and China], they share many of the same concerns, hopes and dreams. Beginning in 1910 when Jenny Epstein and her family cross the ocean to live above her uncle's pickled store and concluding with the daily lives of Wei Yei and his family, the book packs in quite a lot of experiences, including how each family brought rich flavors and their own influences to their new neighborhood as well as how the youngsters communicate with the relatives they left back home. It's interesting to note how the neighborhood changes over time and pay attention to snippets of current events or preoccupations as highlighted by the front pages of newspapers placed in the bottom corner of the pages. Arguably, this is a romanticized version of the immigration experience, and while it has value, it should not be read as the definitive story of coming to the United States. While it's somewhat questionable that there would be so many connections from one generation to the next [for instance, one child has her neighbor for a teacher], this particular tale and journey may prompt introspection about what all of us have in common as well as possibly inspiring young readers to interview their own family members about their journeys, stories, and what mattered most to them. The illustrations, created with gouache and Photoshop, are striking and quite detailed, necessitating more than a quick glance. It will fit well in a collection of immigration or family history stories. ...more
It's encouraging that there are more and more picture books featuring diverse families and acknowledging that families come in so many more different It's encouraging that there are more and more picture books featuring diverse families and acknowledging that families come in so many more different shapes, sizes, and configurations than the nuclear family. In this picture book, featuring digital artwork and rhyming text, a young boy dreams of having his very own treehouse which he can claim as a place to dream of castles and dragons. His two mothers agree that having a space of one's own is important, and they help him find just the right tree and then make plans for how to build the structure he wants without hampering the tree's growth. As with most building projects, things don't always go as smoothly as might be desired. Some wood is broken, paint is dropped, and it takes time to get everything, including a roof, in place. Of course, the final product is worth all that labor as it becomes a place where the boy and his friends can gather, and when they go home, a place for the boy, Mommy, and Mom. As seen in the final double-page spread, that's quite a treehouse that nestles amid the tree's sturdy branches. Readers will notice that the boy does part of the work, but also that his two moms have different skills and personalities. ...more