It would be best to read the previous two titles in this, the Peapod Farm series, in order to appreciate the emotions and dynamics of the characters iIt would be best to read the previous two titles in this, the Peapod Farm series, in order to appreciate the emotions and dynamics of the characters in this one [3.5 for me!]. As Jen and Andy continue to struggle a bit with their relationship as sisters as part of a new family, they experience some conflicts, including one about clothing, crushes, responsibility, and their place in the world. The personal drama is interwoven with small but important moments such as maple sugaring, Andy's study of the Torah for her coming of age ceremony, farm tasks, building a snow cave, cutting a Christmas tree, and lighting a menorah. Knisley always somehow manages to blend humor and somber moments perfectly. ...more
While there can never be too many picture books celebrating being unique and staying true to oneself, a message that this one [2.5 for me!] delivers sWhile there can never be too many picture books celebrating being unique and staying true to oneself, a message that this one [2.5 for me!] delivers strongly, I wish there had been more to it. Featuring quotes from famous individuals including Maya Angelou, Mae Jemison, and Dolly Parton, the rest of the text mainly urges readers to own their weirdness and specialness. The words are almost overshadowed by the visually striking artwork, and because so little of the text is original, it made me want to hear more about how to "stay you" (unpaged) as readers are urged on the final pages. This one seems to be more of a scrapbook of quotes and thoughts than anything else. Maybe I'd like it more if there were additional examples of how to be weird, wild, and wonderful. I'd be interested in hearing the reactions of some young readers to this one. ...more
Ah, this picture book should speak to the bored generation. When a power outage thwarts Panda's use of technology, he is bored beyond words, a sentimeAh, this picture book should speak to the bored generation. When a power outage thwarts Panda's use of technology, he is bored beyond words, a sentiment that is depicted effectively in the illustrations and through the repetition of the word "so" in 15 rows across one page, ending in one "bored" in bold-face font. When none of his family members' activities seem alluring, he sets off for a walk in the woods. Although initially he's not impressed with what he encounters, eventually he gains a whole new perspective and sees the world through a different lens, pun intended. There are plenty of youngsters--and older folks too--who might find this picture book and what Panda learns to be rather refreshing. But I'm one of those who's of a mind that a little boredom is good for us since it leads to stepping out of our comfort zones and having to use our imaginations and be creative. The pencil, ink, and Photoshop illustrations are attractive and fit the text well. Kids will giggle at the dung beetle and Panda's reaction to its labors. ...more
It's the summer before seventh grade, and Beatrice's father insists that she attend summer camp for a week in order to branch out and hone her social It's the summer before seventh grade, and Beatrice's father insists that she attend summer camp for a week in order to branch out and hone her social skills. There's nothing she wants to do less, but to provide comfort, she brings along her stuffies. Roger, her stuffed bunny, serves as her guide, comfort, and conscience. But she and Virginia, one of her cabin mates, get off on the wrong foot--and it's on. Virginia embarrasses her by reading part of her diary aloud, revealing her crush, and then Bea retaliates. Roxy, who is Viriginia's friend and the peacemaker, tries to keep both girls happy. Eventually, Bea realizes that Virginia and Roxy both have issues and that she might be braver than she thought. Maybe, just maybe, camp isn't so bad after all. The fact that girls mature at different stages, and that's okay, is encouraging and will make many readers feel seen. This graphic novel is a fast read and oh, so relatable for many middle graders. Once again, the message that making assumptions about others can lead to the wrong conclusions comes through loud and clear. The book's design is refreshing, clean, crisp, with plentiful white space and only a few panels on each page. ...more
I daresay that most creative innovators have faced resistance when they introduced a new idea, a new approach or a new product. While many of those idI daresay that most creative innovators have faced resistance when they introduced a new idea, a new approach or a new product. While many of those ideas don't work out, others do. In this picture book [3.5 for me because I like wry stories!] a penguin named Frank introduces a spot of color in the form of a red knitted hat that he's wearing and showing off to the other penguins. This causes quite a stir since the penguins aren't used to much color. After all, they live on Antarctica where much of the landscape is covered in snow or rocks. When one penguin tries it on and meets a terrible fate, the other penguins refuse to wear the hat. Frank even knits hats of different colors and a hat with all sorts of embellishments. But there are other animals who like those hats, which consoles Frank and inspires him to further creations. The illustrations were created with digital collage and painted and folded papers that were scanned for texture. Those small touches of color really stand out. Observant readers will make note of the first appearance of the walrus when Frank is fishing and his last appearance on the last page. ...more
Hans Christian Andersen's own story seems just as fantastic and magical as the ones he wrote and shared with others. It's safe to say that ours would Hans Christian Andersen's own story seems just as fantastic and magical as the ones he wrote and shared with others. It's safe to say that ours would be a much less delightful world without stories such as "The Ugly Duckling" or "The Snow Queen." And to think that he had very little formal education and that he never found the love he was searching for! This elegant tribute to the man whose fairy tales have been published around the world is a must-read for anyone who enjoys underdog stories or wants to know a little more about Andersen. Young readers might appreciate having some of this background about his formative years and his later ones. Created with watercolor, graphite, and pen and ink, the dreamy, softly colored illustrations evoke a feeling of the past and could easily have been used to complement one of Andersen's fairy tales. The entire book took me back to my own childhood when I was enchanted by these tales, reading them over and over again. ...more
With rhyming lines and a beat similar to the classic "This Is the House That Jack Built," this picture book reminds readers that there are stories behWith rhyming lines and a beat similar to the classic "This Is the House That Jack Built," this picture book reminds readers that there are stories behind those couches and junk cars often seen in yards, especially in the South or in Appalachia. For their owners, they represent possibilities as well as serving of reminds of the past and happy times. The rhyming, lyrical lines will have readers believing that cars can literally fly and dreams can come true. The text and sumptuous illustrations, created with Photoshop, depict a night drive through the mountains perfectly. There are moody double-page spreads that play with the concept of light and dark, pages devoted to the couch, pages highlighting the car, and several double-page spreads that showcase the love between the members of this family, who savor this shared experience that is somehow made more magical and special because it's at night and because it's shared with kin. Their house may be simple, and their car may be old, but they have love and each other. Having ridden through the mountains at night a time or two, I can fully attest to their special splendor during those late hours when the dark, star-filled sky seems to stretch forever, offering endless possibilities. ...more
Dealing with loss and grief, whatever the form, is never easy. It's important that youngsters come to understand that death and/or loss are a part of Dealing with loss and grief, whatever the form, is never easy. It's important that youngsters come to understand that death and/or loss are a part of life, and even adults struggle with the emotions surrounding loss. In this moving picture book, Giselle, the protagonist, is quite observant and can tell that her father is feeling particularly sad on this day. While it could be that her mother is simply missing or has left the family behind for an adventure, it seems clear that she's dead, judging by the items that are on her dressed--earrings, perfume, and rings, all carefully dusted by Giselle. As Giselle thinks about happier times, she remembers how her mother used her imagination to dream and pretend that all the things they planned to do were happening now. Inspired, she drags her father into a series of imaginative adventures, including flying on a plane, attending a concert on the moon, and time traveling through a book, in this case, a scrapbook filled with family photos and mementos. Despite its subject matter, the story is hopeful, offering one path to healing. The luminous, color-drenched, surreal illustrations, including a much larger-than-life turkey sandwich, were created with textures that were painted and then scanned with Photoshop and Procreate. Giselle's shining example offers a way forward for others in similar circumstances. ...more
Despite my advanced age, there's still something about a spooky story that sends delicious tingles up and down my spine and raises goosebumps on my arDespite my advanced age, there's still something about a spooky story that sends delicious tingles up and down my spine and raises goosebumps on my arms. Maybe it's because I prefer my frightening experiences to be vicarious rather than in real time, but I've always loved stories such as this one with its nifty twist and growing tension. The plot concerns two good friends--Fox and Mole--who live in houses that share a wall. They spend autumn evenings reading, and during this particular time, it's a scary story that Fox is sharing with Mole. While readers probably expect a tender story of friendship, over the course of this story, they will realize that Mole is actually rather inconsiderate and selfish, interrupting Fox's reading, sitting in the best chair, and casually dropping cookie crumbs everywhere. Fox's resentment of his friend's treatment toward him is palpable, steadily growing with each page until he gets his revenge in a very apt but spooky fashion. There's a lesson here for everyone, supported in fine fashion by the riveting, scary illustrations, created with watercolors, gouache, pastels, and digital methods. This is a good choice for a dark, bitter night spent indoors....more
Anyone who's read one of this author's previous books will know that she is particularly skilled at immersing readers in her setting through vivid desAnyone who's read one of this author's previous books will know that she is particularly skilled at immersing readers in her setting through vivid description and the use of vocabulary that fits the time period. In this case, it's the summer of 1894 in the Northwest. Having lost her job at a mineral springs hotel in central Oregon, Sally O'Malley, an orphan whose life has contained few moments of joy, decides to head west. Her aim is to see the sea, something she's heard about but never seen. Along the way, she meets Major, who delivers goods to various stores, and is accompanied by her faithful dog, Sarge, and a donkey, Mabel. Seeing something in Sally, 13, that may remind her of herself, she offers a ride to Sally. Along the way, they pick up an unusual package--a standoffish, priggish boy named Lafayette--who needs to be taken to yet another relative after other of his kin washed their hands of him. Sally is as rough around the edges as Lafayette is refined, but slowly, a friendship builds, and just as slowly, Sally realizes that there are individuals who are trustworthy, kind, and those who won't break her heart or take advantage of her. She also starts to see that she, too, is worthy and resilient. An ideal choice for a classroom read aloud, this well-written historical fiction might be predictable in many respects, but Sally's journey [to her best self and to the sea] will speak to middle-grade readers, some of whom will see themselves in her tough as nails exterior that hides a tender interior that emerges by fits and starts. ...more
I liked this historical fiction title even more than the author's previous one, The Secret Life of Sunflowers. Just as the other one follows the life I liked this historical fiction title even more than the author's previous one, The Secret Life of Sunflowers. Just as the other one follows the life paths of two different female characters, so does this one, making the plots quite similar. But that's perfectly okay since we can never have enough stories about strong females with dreams and the determination to succeed and thrive against all odds. Plus, the fact that one of the protagonists is Suzanne Valadon, a half-forgotten artist who grew up in the poor section of Paris in the 1870s, eventually hobnobbing with all the famous artists of her time, including Renoir, van Gogh, and Degas, and even musician Eric Satie. Self-taught, she was a trapeze performer, a wreathe-maker, and a model, becoming the first woman to be named to the Societie Nationale des Beaux-Arts, all fascinating elements that tick all the buttons for what I look for in a book. Ellie, the other protagonist, is interesting in her own respect too since she's in mourning over the loss of her husband, Chris, and the life that they thought they'd have, when unexpected events change everything for her. The loss of her job is disappointing, but she pulls herself together and finds a way forward, finding inspiration in Valadon's life and example. There is plenty of detail about the art world and painting as well as interesting historical tidbits sprinkled throughout the narrative, making readers feel as though they have traveled back in time. It's a fast read, but it's also deeply involving. ...more
With colorful, child friendly artwork, this board book [2.5 for me!] shows Suki, an imaginative purple cat, opening a costume/drama box and playing thWith colorful, child friendly artwork, this board book [2.5 for me!] shows Suki, an imaginative purple cat, opening a costume/drama box and playing the role of a doctor. There are five sliders for youngsters to move as they read the book, each one revealing Suki as a doctor, greeting a waiting room of animal patients, checking x-rays, and sending a patient home to recover. Sharing this book with a youngster might give that child some idea about what doctors do as well as how to roleplay the day in a doctor's life. ...more
When Rita, a young girl, is somehow transformed into a worm, she must go on an adventure that will lead her to a way to change back into her human forWhen Rita, a young girl, is somehow transformed into a worm, she must go on an adventure that will lead her to a way to change back into her human form. This picture book [2.5 for me!] has puzzles and riddles to solve, paths to choose, and buttons to push along the way, all supported by very bright, large depictions of veggies and insects, including Hopper, a helpful grasshopper, and Lu, a black beetle who transports Rita where she needs to go. There are plenty of stops for interaction and engagement for the reader, but I was annoyed at knowing what caused the original transformation. ...more
In this humorous sendup of ninjas, this picture book [2.5 for me!] introduces one young ninja who isn't quite as swift, silent or invisible as they arIn this humorous sendup of ninjas, this picture book [2.5 for me!] introduces one young ninja who isn't quite as swift, silent or invisible as they are known to be. As he stubs his toe and is attacked by a curtain, he proves to be rather vulnerable. Plus, he has an Achilles heel when it comes to Martina, on whom he has a crush although she never seems to see him. When his ninja costume is deemed too tattered and soiled for wear, the boy, whose name is Pablo, must venture out to school in his own skin. Pulling some ninja moves of her own, Martina offers him an invitation since he's never been invisible to her. The colorful artwork shows that there are now two ninjas at large. For me, some of the transitions seem strange although that is probably due to the author's intent of putting readers in Pablo's imagination before revealing that he's just a kid. ...more
There are surely other youngsters just like Ruthie Rose in this picture book [3.5 for me!] who love poetry and have big ideas that they want to share.There are surely other youngsters just like Ruthie Rose in this picture book [3.5 for me!] who love poetry and have big ideas that they want to share. The young girl's ambitious project is supported by her librarian, an artist, her teacher, her best friend, and various classmates. The text is lyrical, filled with possibilities, After all, one never knows what might be created if there's enough space and time to do so and no judgment. Sadly, many school districts these days have shortsightedly cut art programs and even librarians. The digital artwork is filled with images of smiling, engaged youngsters as well as swoops of flashy, sometimes glittering colors blazing across the pages as well as snippets of poetry. This one could be a good read aloud choice at the start of the year or when beginning a new activity. And who knows? Some listener or reader might be inspired by Ruthie Rose's example to share his/her/their "big, bright, beautiful" (unpaged) idea with others. ...more
Originally published in Korea, this wordless picture book may be one of the most exquisite ones I have read in a long time. The artwork, rendered in cOriginally published in Korea, this wordless picture book may be one of the most exquisite ones I have read in a long time. The artwork, rendered in colored pencils and pencil, is filled with delicate sketches, mostly of the woods, but also of an individual tree and the papermill that processes it and others into consumable products. A pencil might seem like a simple object, but as this book shows, step by step, there is so much more to it than meets the eyes. The title page with its slender green unsharpened pencil in the center gives way on the next page to the same pencil, now being sharpened as pencil shavings drip to the bottom of the page artistically, becoming small green buds or leaves on the next page, then part of a tree, and then part of a forest. There's even more to the rest of the story, but I won't spoil it for readers. Suffice to say, this imaginative book will prompt questions and reflection. ...more
Fitting in is never easy, but new girl, Dot, but in her attempts to make friends and seem interesting to her classmates, she exaggerates what her pet Fitting in is never easy, but new girl, Dot, but in her attempts to make friends and seem interesting to her classmates, she exaggerates what her pet is, claiming that she has a tortosaurus. After a few embellishments to make Monty, her tortoise, look fierce and original, Dot brings him to school, and her new classmates are delighted. His fame spreads, but it takes a toll on Monty. Dot, too, realizes that her deception is harmful and hasn't reaped her any true friends. When Monty's real form is revealed at an assembly, Dot, who is angry at her pet at first, decides to make the best of the situation and be true to herself. As it turns out, there is a good friend out there who has similar interests. The digital artwork contains several humorous scenes of Monty as a tortosaurus, but my favorite illustration is the double-page spread where Dot is facing Monty in his natural form; they're eye to eye, larger than life-size, and it's clear that she loves her pet just as he is and that he reciprocates her feelings. This picture book [3.5 for me!] with its clever word play ["shell-ebrity" (unpaged), for instance,] would be a good read aloud for a class at the start of the year or before the arrival of a new student since it promotes empathy and self-acceptance. ...more
Try as he might, Jonathan just can't frighten the members of his family. He puts on some sort of costume, sneaks up on them and pounces out, but apparTry as he might, Jonathan just can't frighten the members of his family. He puts on some sort of costume, sneaks up on them and pounces out, but apparently, they're wise to his tricks. Disappointed, he goes for a walk and comes back with something guaranteed to have them shaking in their boots. As it turns out, trying to scare others runs in the family. The clean, crisp artwork with some close-ups at important points allows the story's simplicity and relatability to shine. ...more
WOW! There are hardly words to do justice to this intense, moving, highly original graphic novel, the follow-up to the previous My Favorite Thing Is MWOW! There are hardly words to do justice to this intense, moving, highly original graphic novel, the follow-up to the previous My Favorite Thing Is Monsters. Picking up where the earlier book left off, this fictional graphic diary written and illustrated by 10-year-old Karen Reyes will keep readers' attention throughout the entire book even though it's a long one. Still missing her mother and trying to make sense of the actions of her brother, Deeze, Karen is determined to figure out who killed her upstairs neighbor, Anka Silverberg, a Holocaust survivor, even while other important events swirl around her. Set in Chicago in 1968, the book takes readers and Karen to Grant Park for the Festival of Life where she sees police violence in action. She also considers her own sexual identity, begins a romantic relationship, and ponders her brother's complex nature, nurturing toward her but violent toward some others. By the time the final page of this resplendently illustrated book is reached, readers will be pretty sure about the identity of the real monsters among us. This book and volume one are the kinds of reading material that require readers to sit with them for a few minutes or hours after finishing them in order to allow some of what has been lived through vicariously to be digested. Others have called these two books masterpieces, and I wouldn't disagree. ...more
Such a sly little story! Best friends Frank, a small fox, and Bert, a large, curly-haired brown bear, love going on picnics. But most of the time, somSuch a sly little story! Best friends Frank, a small fox, and Bert, a large, curly-haired brown bear, love going on picnics. But most of the time, something happens to ruin their outing. Frank is sure that this time will be different. After all, Bert has a big yellow box with a surprise in it. What could possibly go wrong? Well, while Bert is napping, Frank takes a peek at the box's contents. Once he sees what's inside, he can't control himself and gobbles them all up. Embarrassed and not wanting Bert to think poorly of him, he blames the squirrels. Eventually he tells Bert the truth, but the next time they have a picnic, those imaginary squirrels turn out not to be so imaginary, after all. Accessible text and simple drawings that show the characters' expressions perfectly make this one a sure hit with the younger set. And those squirrels really DO look like scary. Hmmm. Maybe the moral of this story is never go to sleep outdoors before eating the dessert. ...more