It's quite clear that boxes, whether they are empty or full, are an important part of our world today. In this cleverly designed picture book featurinIt's quite clear that boxes, whether they are empty or full, are an important part of our world today. In this cleverly designed picture book featuring mostly photos from Shutterstock and Adobestock, the text begins as something of a tribute to these simple but useful containers, moving forward into clamshells for burgers and then questions that can't be easily answered and stretch the brain; for instance, "If a hangar is a box for a plane, is a head a box for a brain?" (unpaged). These are really worth pondering, as is the book's title itself. Hmmm. It does make sense that a book might be "a box for words," doesn't it? Youngsters are sure to find delight in imagining all the uses for boxes as well as crafting questions related to boxes. ...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
This is such a clever way to introduce 14 big machines, including a dumper, a dredger, and a tractor. The charmingly rendered illustrations, created wThis is such a clever way to introduce 14 big machines, including a dumper, a dredger, and a tractor. The charmingly rendered illustrations, created with fineliner on paper and then digitally colored, are of various sizes, some small sketches, and others stretching across two pages. All of them effectively complement the little stories that are told about different animals and how they make use of those machines in clever and surprising ways; for instance, one character smooths her bumpy bike path with a bulldozer, and another one uses a telescopic crane to move her piano from one place to another. Fans of big machines and construction sites may find this unique one of interest. ...more
Ideal as part of a classroom writer's workshop or writing prompts, this book contains vivid, imaginative art from 21 different illustrators who interpIdeal as part of a classroom writer's workshop or writing prompts, this book contains vivid, imaginative art from 21 different illustrators who interpret the ten-word stories--and yes, they really are only 10 words in length, and there are 21 of them!--in the ways they see fit. There's something for everyone here, even though the tales are stories of love, and there are so many uses for the images and the tales. There are hugs that expand the universe, ghosts that haunt a graveyard, a mummy with red hearts drawn on its bandages, and an eager transporting a human passenger from the airport, among others. The idea behind this book is inspiring, sure to prompt creative responses in the form of more art, more stories or expansion of the tales that are here, and maybe even some musical and dramatic responses. ...more
Movement-filled mixed media artwork with expressive faces set against plentiful white space adds so much to this already-enjoyable picture book [3.5 fMovement-filled mixed media artwork with expressive faces set against plentiful white space adds so much to this already-enjoyable picture book [3.5 for me!]. The plot is simple enough; a girl and her father take the family dog for a walk in the woods. As the father chases the very rambunctious dog, the child is attracted to the pinecones, picking up and admiring first one, then another, and another, each time naming them. She brings her haul inside, where they quickly take over the house. Oh, and those pinecones contain various bugs who gradually make their presence known in the warmth of their new home. The child's enthusiasm is evident in every page, and her patient father doesn't toss the pinecones outside. No, instead, he makes them into ornaments and decorates the house with her new friends, a great example of following his daughter's lead and honoring her newfound passion. The inside of the book jacket offers tips to preparing pinecones BEFORE bringing them into the house. Having gathered more than my share of pinecones for school projects and never having followed these suggestions, I guess I can count myself lucky that I never inadvertently brought any insects inside. This one was a delight from start to finish. ...more
Although Pip and Bun are friends, they don't share the same interests. Bun could care less about reading while Pip loves it. But Bun changes his mind Although Pip and Bun are friends, they don't share the same interests. Bun could care less about reading while Pip loves it. But Bun changes his mind after sneaking a book at Pip's book, which is filled with action, something Bun loves. Interestingly, as Pip begins sharing other books, Bun remains unimpressed with several of them, which is exactly what happens with readers since not every book will appeal to every reader. And even better, once the rabbits finish reading all the books Pip has on her shelves, they start making up their own stories. This tribute to the transformative power of reading is accompanied by softly-colored illustrations that fit the natural setting quite well. The book's title harkens back to the comments that many youngsters say when it's bedtime or story time, and they want "just one more." Because of its content, this might be a good book to share with a reluctant reader or two. ...more
Fans of adventure and survival stories will love this one [3.5 for me!], which features three cousins who must fend for themselves in the Sequoia NatiFans of adventure and survival stories will love this one [3.5 for me!], which features three cousins who must fend for themselves in the Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park in California. The youngsters, Owen, Vivian, and Amy are spending the night all on their own near a lake while their parents--his father and their mother--are camping on the other side of the mountain. What begins as a small step toward independence after the family's hike ends up becoming a struggle for survival after an earthquake closes off the trail. With little food and water but plenty of determination, the youngsters take the long way around the park, facing various challenges, including rugged terrain and a bear, as well as some of their own demons about life back home. While some of the nicknames and encounters grew a bit tiresome, most of the text was riveting, keeping readers guessing about whether the cousins would be able to make it to safety--and at what price? It's a good thing that they knew more than the usual facts about surviving in the wilderness or else the ending could have been quite different. The author's decision to focus on their journey and not go back and forth between the youngsters and the adults makes the book even more suspenseful and appropriate for its intended audience. The inclusion of a map of the area allows readers to see just how treacherous their trek was. ...more
This middle-grade novel [3.5 for me!] has so many quotable passages or golden lines as well as three characters that will touch readers' hearts with tThis middle-grade novel [3.5 for me!] has so many quotable passages or golden lines as well as three characters that will touch readers' hearts with their individual plights. The way the book is structured reminds me in many respects of Louis Sachar's classic Holes although there is no work camp for kids or incarceration or unrequited love in this one. But as is the case with Holes, there are parts of the narrative that seem at first to have no connection until suddenly, they do. Tildy has lost the amber necklace her mother gave her, and fears that her mother will leave once again. Leon fears losing his grandmother after his grandfather died, and he's desperately trying to communicate with the man's spirit to lift her out of the Depths of Despair. (I love how this is capitalized throughout the narrative.) And Nell is on an impromptu road trip with her mother after their house in Florida was destroyed by a hurricane. Nell wants to go home where she has happy memories of times with her other mom. Beneath all these different kinds of losses are raw emotions and complex feelings about safety, belonging, and family as well as attachments to things that seem terribly important. Parts of the story are stronger than others, but this one is certainly worth a read as even older readers will find themselves thinking about what matters most in their own lives. The author effectively balances humor and heartache, and readers will miss these characters and the small town where all this takes place once all the loose ends are tied up. ...more
I'm pleased that youngsters will have the chance to continue to get to know third grader Bibsy Cross while maybe learning more about themselves and hoI'm pleased that youngsters will have the chance to continue to get to know third grader Bibsy Cross while maybe learning more about themselves and how to navigate life's challenges through this chapter book series for young readers. Fans of Junie B. Jones and Clementine will dive right into this, the second book in the series, and feel at home as Bibsy learns to ride a bike, finds out that winning isn't everything, and that sometimes classmates who seem to be mean also deserve a helping hand. The Photoshop illustrations endearingly depict Bibsy, her family, and those around her. The text and scenarios she encounters are relatable for the book's intended audience, similar to those that some of them have faced or will face in the future. Her battle with her teacher, Mrs. Stumper, continues in some respects as Bibsy simply can't help asking questions or sharing. As someone who had a similar predilection when I was growing up, I can certainly identify with Bibsy urges, her love for books and reading, and her competitive nature. And her parents' habit of having her share the sweet and sour of her day is simply precious, allowing the events of the day to be reviewed in perspective. ...more
Part of the Baby Rhyme Time series, this board book contains the lyrics to one of those classic children's songs, "Down by the Station." The musical nPart of the Baby Rhyme Time series, this board book contains the lyrics to one of those classic children's songs, "Down by the Station." The musical notes are included on the back cover for those who might like to play the tune. Crisp, clean, simple artwork consisting of a diverse set of small children and different modes of transportation, all appropriately child-size, accompanies the text. Caregivers who are uncertain about how to foster a love for literacy in their little ones might want to check out this series and tune up their voices for a performance.
Some of the text on a couple of double-page spreads seem clunky and likely to confuse youngsters as they move from page to page, though. ...more
This is such a cool idea for a book. With six full-page folds to lift on the left-hand side of the book, readers see a shadow or outline of a form andThis is such a cool idea for a book. With six full-page folds to lift on the left-hand side of the book, readers see a shadow or outline of a form and try to guess what it actually is. There are possibilities on the right-hand side, but readers should be wary about choosing what seems to be the most obvious answer. Lifting the flap or fold reveals what it actually is. This one tests readers' imagination, critical thinking, and visual and spatial awareness. As anyone who's ever looked at shadows of their own and others' bodies in the back yard knows, shadows can be quite deceiving. The illustrations consist chiefly of soft pastel colors. ...more
Twelve different short stories feature a diverse cast of characters--youngsters living with their families in the Entrada, a six-story apartment buildTwelve different short stories feature a diverse cast of characters--youngsters living with their families in the Entrada, a six-story apartment building. Each protagonist faces some sort of relatable life challenge, including being misunderstood, a first crush, making friends, being heard, and even dealing with an artistic ghost. Not surprisingly, there's even a grouchy neighbor who complains about the cooking smells from someone's kitchen. Since the stories interlock in some surprising ways and some of their parents also face challenges, this collection is rife with discussion possibilities as well as providing avenues toward acceptance, empathy and risk-taking. Because each story is short, readers can consume the stories gradually or educators can share them one story at a time, but they also are interesting enough to hold readers' attention all the way through. These culturally rich accounts are easy to digest, and there isn't a weak one among the entire collection. Refreshingly, there are no troubled teens, addiction or crime mentioned on this particular block. ...more
Yes, there are 26 buttons to push in this board book that takes a child through a busy day. The buttons emit different sounds such as that of a vacuumYes, there are 26 buttons to push in this board book that takes a child through a busy day. The buttons emit different sounds such as that of a vacuum cleaner, birds singing, and a siren screaming, among others, and those sounds are clear and easy to distinguish. To make the book even more engaging, there are questions, some more relevant than others, at the bottom of each double-page spread. The rhyming text and buttons not only help youngsters become familiar with identifying certain common sounds, but they encourage imaginative play. This one is a good choice for a preschool classroom. ...more
As is the case for many youngsters, Suki Cat just loves to dress up. In this sturdy board book [2,5 for me!] with six different sliders, readers can mAs is the case for many youngsters, Suki Cat just loves to dress up. In this sturdy board book [2,5 for me!] with six different sliders, readers can manipulate the sliders in order to see what she wears and how she moves when performing. There's quite a transformation from how she looks during everyday activities and when she dances. Since some sliders require readers to push or pull or even turn them, youngsters who have never encountered this sort of a book might need a little guidance. The artwork consists of plenty of pastels. ...more
Six sliders, including one on the cover and one on the back, allow youngsters to push, pull, and turn part of this board book and reveal Suki Cat as sSix sliders, including one on the cover and one on the back, allow youngsters to push, pull, and turn part of this board book and reveal Suki Cat as she imagines being an astronaut. The colorful artwork and rhyming lines in this interactive board book [2.5 for me!] follow her in her imaginative play, complete with an astronaut's attire, a rocket, and even an alien that she helps escape from a spacecraft. It's encouraging to see an animal character using her imagination as well as her thinking skills to amuse herself and solve problems. ...more
The elegant, lyrical text in this picture book biography about an influential picture book illustrator soars above present-day circumstances, somehow The elegant, lyrical text in this picture book biography about an influential picture book illustrator soars above present-day circumstances, somehow lifting readers' spirits as they consider life's possibilities and the importance of leaving the world more beautiful. In today's tumultuous, fractured times, what could be more important? How wonderful to have such a visually stunning homage to this talented storyteller and winner of two of the early Caldecott [1959, 1980] prizes! I wish the students in my previous years' Children's Literature courses could have had this tribute to hard work, respect for all living things, and being true to oneself, even in one's artistic endeavors. Interestingly, as with Frida Kahlo, it is when she is ill and bedridden that some inspiration comes. The biography also functions as a brief glimpse into the history of picture books and publishing since it was only when she was creating the images for Chanticleer and the Fox that she is allowed to use five different colors for her work. It's noteworthy just how stunning those images are, even compared with modern printing techniques and liberal use of color. The author often refers to her love for color even while describing how necessity forces her to "scratch away in black and white" (unpaged) and uses evocative phrases such as "a landscape that looks like a lullaby" (unpaged) to describe what she sees when she travels to faraway places. And oh, that sumptuous, beautiful double-page spread filled with blues, purples, and greens as water and land meet as she looks on! Preceded as it is by those powerful lines on the previous page, it takes on even more emotional power, leaving readers to contemplate their own brief times on earth: "A life is more than a timeline, dates set down in black and white. There are harsh winters and soft springs, tides that follow the moon, rivers that flow to the sea.... Books close, then open again. We do not always know the next story" (unpaged). The illustrations in this particular book, created with gouache and brimming with nature's beauty, capture her love for art, light, and color. This is an impressive and essential collection for any collection devoted to artists or storytellers. ...more
It's the little things and those small moments that build lasting memories and bonds, a notion that is captured perfectly in this picture book. ReaderIt's the little things and those small moments that build lasting memories and bonds, a notion that is captured perfectly in this picture book. Readers may be misled by the book's title, initially thinking that this will be the story of some famous athlete, rock star, or even a politician or elected official. But as soon as the story begins, they realize that no, that's not the case; this is the story of a ordinary man, a grandfather just like yours, mine or theirs, who eagerly anticipates the weekly Sunday visits from his three grandchildren. They clamor from the family car eagerly, ready to embrace him, behaving as though he's something special. Alas, though, that can't be the case, he thinks to himself. After all, "he's just a simple, ordinary man" (unpaged). Despite his modesty, they love his drawing, his storytelling, his invented games, his leadership, and even his piano playing. With each example, though, he points out his inadequacy or that he's nothing special. Ultimately, though, he realizes that he IS special or feels special because of their love and how great they are. The notion that love makes those around us seem especially special permeates each page of this book with its gentle but affirming text and affectionate and tender illustrations filled with various activities shared by the elderly man and his family. Created with watercolor and gouache, the illustrations seem filled with rosy hopefulness, and, in the end, pride. This picture book is a good choice to share with parents and grandparents--or for them to share with their offspring. It's a vivid reminder that each one of us matters and the time we spend with others is significant and need not be taken for granted. ...more
It has been acknowledged that life is filled with little adventures and small moments that add up to grand experiences and take on significance over tIt has been acknowledged that life is filled with little adventures and small moments that add up to grand experiences and take on significance over time, and this picture book [3.5 for me!] is a good example of that. With carefully chosen words and illustrations that almost need no words, author/illustrator Peter Carnavas tells the oh, so relatable story of six explorers who mount an expedition during the summer heat on August 20. The specificity of their mission--to deliver a parcel--contrasts with the fact that many youngsters like these spend their summer days in a similar fashion. Led by Robert, each member has a responsibility, even Floyd, the dog. Things start off well; the crew has water and a map, and they are eager and fresh to travel. But one by one, members drop off for various reasons, leaving only two explorers to complete their journey. The illustrations are priceless, especially the double-page spread in which the survivors survey the terrain over which they've just passed. It surely took them a long time to travel such a short distance. This picture book needs to be read whenever someone needs a pick-me-up. It left me with a grin on my face at just how well Carnavas knows youngsters. ...more
Almost thirty years after the events described in this particular book, the narrator reflects on the year [1972] she spent in Ashiya, Japan, while herAlmost thirty years after the events described in this particular book, the narrator reflects on the year [1972] she spent in Ashiya, Japan, while her mother works and studies back home in Tokyo. Twelve-year-old Tomoko, the narrator, is impressed by her new dwelling place--a mansion with many rooms--and a pygmy hippopotamus named Pochiko, the beloved pet of her cousin, Mina, once part of a local zoo with a train that transported passengers throughout the area. Mina has asthma and often becomes sick, and the girls become quite close, sharing secrets, dreaming, and weaving stories. Mina collects matchboxes with unique artwork on the cover, from which she draws inspiration for unique stories. Tomoko envies her in many respects as she is far more intellectual, philosophical, and well read than she is but also much less worldly. The author includes many details about the family's simple pleasures and their unique personalities, and over the months, Tomoko starts to wonder about her handsome uncle's frequent absences and her aunt's obsession with finding errors in text, including the coverage of the 1972 Olympics. The girls are preoccupied by volleyball, a sport neither one can play, and root for the Japanese team to take the gold medal. It's interesting to note that while much of what I've described seems rather commonplace, there's a mesmerizing quality to this author's writing and so many abundant details that readers feel immersed in this place and time, coming to care about these girls and their family, even while noting hints of unease and a looming sense that all is not as well as it might seem. Other reviewers have called this a "jewel box of a story," and I would agree since it presents various tiny treasures for readers' senses, nestled in small velvet partitions of their own, some more delectable than others. Certain objects from our past--a hair ribbon, a photo, a note--may have little significance to others, but to us, as we sift through them from the perspective of time passed--remind us of what once was and who we ourselves once were, a concept captured beautifully here. Minutes, hours, days, and years pass, and as this story demonstrates, nothing stays the same, no matter how much we may wish that to be so, and no matter how hard we try to make it so. To say much more would only spoil readers' appreciation for this book, whose pleasures deserve to be discovered on their own. ...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