Total Pageviews

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Arctic Fox, written by Brian Koonoo and illustrated by Joseph Starkey. Inhabit Media, 2023. $17.95 ages 4 and up

 


"An Arctic fox can pinpoint the exact location of a 
lemming under the snow and jump down with its 
front paws, digging very fast to snatch its prey. 
They also hunt ringed seal pups in late March 
and April. Foxes quickly dig into seal dens to 
catch the pups.
"

I have shared books in the Animals Illustrated series with teachers and children many times. They are filled with just the right amount of information for young readers doing primary research. Their design is consistent; they are written about the animals of the Arctic and the illustrations are clear and helpful. 

The table of contents for this 24-page book tells readers they will learn about the title animal, range, skeleton, claws, ears, diet, babies, predators, fun facts, and traditional uses. Each two-page spread is illustrated with detailed images of the northern landscape and its inhabitants. Children are always interested in taking a close look at the labelled skeleton, and to learn all they can about the animal presented. 

"From 11 to 16 babies are born in a litter.
That is one of the largest litter sizes of any 
mammal in the world! The babies stay with 
their mother in the den for about 3.5 months. 
They drink only their mother's milk for 
about the first 5 or 6 weeks, then they eat 
the meat that their parents bring them.
"

Written by Arctic residents who are familiar with the animals being showcased, they tell stories that come from real experiences. Information about both author and illustrator is provided at the back of each book. Titles include Musk Ox, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Narwhal, Ringed Seal, Arctic Wolf, Polar Bear, Caribou, Wolverine, and Bowhead Whale.   

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Here Are The Seeds, written by JaNay Brown-Wood and illustrated by Olivia Amoah. Kids Can Press, 2024. $23.99 ages 3 and up

 


"Here is the water 
that works with the sun
to feed all the plants
that spring from the earth
that nurtures the seeds
that we have sown
to help our garden grow.
"

Two little ones are excited to be opening seed packets in preparation for planting a garden. Seeds in hand, they are off to the space that will provide a tasty bounty. Days pass and the seeds sprout into plants to be enjoyed in time to come. A sudden OH NO! rings out as the children check their garden to find plants drooping in a patch of shade. 

Bring on the sun! It's easy to see from the other side of the garden that sunshine is having a totally different effect on the seeds planted there. It's a sure sign that sunshine makes all the difference - until it doesn't. Another OH NO! shows evidence of what happens when the sun is strong, and there is a lack of moisture. 

By now, readers will respond to the pattern of events that are being shared here. In cumulative text that grows with each turn of the page, the children recognize what is needed for seeds and their cycle of life. Sun and water are needed if seeds are to produce plants to feed the children. Add to that mushrooms and worms; the result is beautiful and very tasty. The repetitive phrasing and the bright, colorful images, created digitally, make clear the emotions felt with each setback and solution. 

Back matter explains the needs for successful gardening, once the seeds are planted. It's a fun and informative read as spring nears and planting a garden becomes a terrific family pursuit. 

Monday, March 25, 2024

Kaiah's Garden, written by Melanie Florence and illustrated by Karlene Harvey. Scholastic, 2024. $$19.99 ages 4 and up


"Kaiah didn't want to be in this new house on 
a new street in a new town. She wanted to be at 
home, in Grandma's little house that suddenly 
felt very, very far away.
"

Moving from one place to another requires a determined effort to deal with the many changes it brings. Kaiah wakes to a grey morning that reflects exactly how she is feeling being so far away from her beloved grandmother. Her mother is impatient for her to get up for breakfast, despite Kaiah's reluctance to move at all. 

Instead of porridge, Kaiah would have her grandmother's warm pancakes. Instead of this new place, she would be back with her grandmother. As she sulks at the window, she suddenly hears a whispered suggestion from the voice of that same grandmother. 

"Did you forget what's in your treasure box?"

Kaiah races to her bedroom, takes the box from her dresser drawer, and gives it a hug. It is just the incentive she needs to venture outside with the treasures that remind her of days spent learning how to bead with Grandma. A beaded apple reminds her of the apple tree in the yard; a beaded sun warms her; a rose reminds her of the bees who visited the rose bushes there; even a tiny turtle brings memories of a rock in Grandma's garden. Each one soothes her soul with memories of the love and learning. 

"Kaiah looked in her bead box. Red and yellow and pink 
and green and purple and orange and blue. The colours of 
Grandma's garden shone back at her." 

A note on beadwork is appended. 

The Yellow Leaves are Coming, written by James Gladstone and illustrated by Francois Thisdale. Red Deer Press, 2023. $23.95 ages 3 and up

 


"But there is the night, and for a minute
the moonlight tricks me. 
I think the yellow leaves have come 
again to light up the dark winter.
"

While this may be bad timing for sharing a book about the yellow leaves that are long gone, or buried under the snow that remains, I think a book about the seasons can be read at any time of the year. Just for a change and a bit of a surprise, why not start reading this book at the page that describes the coming of spring? 

"Cold days pass and we slop through 
the melting. 
Look! Old leaves float in curb rivers. 
Outside everywhere, inside all of us, 
colours begin their mixing. 

Start here ... halfway through the book, and see if it works! You might be surprised, and so will your listeners be. Any exploration of the seasons as they change encourages children to pay attention to what is happening in nature at any given time. 

As the author moves from one season to the next, beginning with the yellow leaves of autumn, he reminds readers of the changes that happen consistently year after year. The children, shown in realistic illustrations filled with details, are observant of their surroundings. The changes may be big or small; all are worthy of notice. These kids feel the same as most of us are feeling right now with the promise of spring. Bring it on!                                                                        


Sunday, March 24, 2024

The House Before Falling Into the Sea, written by Ann Suk Wang and illustrated by Hanna Cha. Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 


"After crossing 205 miles from the northwestern
shore, Mr. Kim, a fisherman from Incheon,
thanked us for helping him and his daughter, 
Sunhee. 

"With enemies at our backs, yours is the 
house before falling into the sea."
"

In all the years that I have been reading picture books, I cannot remember reading one about the Korean War. It begins near a house close to the sea where a little girl is playing. From that house, her family watches as many travelers make their way to the front door. Her parents welcome the travelers; the young girl hides behind her father. She is told the many guests will be staying. 

When Sunhee and her father arrive, the little one finds a new friend. Sunhee takes her aside to let her know that they are where they are because 'some men from the north' took her father's boat and their family was forced to flee. The chaos grows in the house as more and more people find refuge from the war. Neither girl is happy with all the noise; together, they make their way to the seashore. 

When the sirens blare their loud warnings, the two are terrified and run for an agreed-upon hiding place. Underground, they are safe with the women and children while the men stand watch from above. It is a very difficult time. The child only wants things to be normal again. Her Umma and Appa appease her fears while explaining that they will do what they can to help others when their help is needed. 

Sunhee's father adds to her understanding of the importance of what their family is doing. 

"Because without your umma and appa opening your doors to us, 
we would have had no other place to go. Soldiers might have chased
us further, until we fell into the sea. 

Being here with you, safe, is a gift that Sunhee and I 
will never forget."
"

In an author's note, Anm Suk Wang explains that the idea came from hearing her mother's stories of life during the Korean War when she was just a child. The illustrator reports that she based her artwork on her grandmother's remembrances of the same time. Created with watercolor, sumi ink, water-soluble color pencils, Photoshop, gouache, and poster colors, the stunning illustrations place readers in an historical time and place. Back matter also includes questions for the reader's consideration, a glossary, and a section on names chosen for their meaning in Korean culture. 

"Our visitors are not stones we can toss  
to the sea. They are people, our neighbors, 
to help and to love.
"
                                                                                      

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Squire and Knight, written and illustrated by Scott Chantler. First Second, Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2023. $19.99 ages 9 and up

 


"Do your worst, you stomach-churning 
monstrosity!

I'll have your guts for garters!

For ELDERGARD and VICTORY!

WAIT!"

Here is the story of a knight who assumes he is the stronger and smarter of the two intrepid travelers. Sir Kelton of Eldergard and his dutiful Squire make their stop in a village that has seen better days. They are told that a vicious dragon is the cause of the destruction seen there. Sir Kelton, the overbearing show-off, promises the villagers that he will save them all and sets off to do exactly that. Squire is left to his own devices and makes time to read about curses, the history of the village, and the true cause of the village's demise. Is the dragon the real culprit? 

In truth, the dragon has nothing to do with the bridge's collapse, the fire that destroys the village shop or the many other difficulties faced by the townsfolk. Squire is persistent in his research and his questioning, proving himself to be both intuitive and intelligent. When he discovers the dragon's lair and a caged Sir Kelton, it is his job to negotiate a deal for release that works for all involved. 

In his quest to save the knight, he identifies the cause of the rash of community catastrophes. It is quite the surprise; I won't spoil it for you. Despite the knight's bluster and eventual release, readers know the real truth about his boastful tales as compared to the heroism of a young boy known only as Squire. When all is said and done, the two leave the village behind in a search for further adventure.  

The colors of autumn, variety in perspectives, and changes from light to shadow are sure to appeal to the intended audience. The tale moves quickly with a humorous twist on the knight/page relationship. Adventurous and cleverly presented, readers will keenly anticipate a promised sequel.                                                                                      


Friday, March 22, 2024

Because I Already Loved You, written by Andree - Anne Cyr and illustrated by Berengere Delaporte. Groundwood Books, 2023. $19.99 ages 3 and up


"Grandpa and Grandma explained
that you would never come back. 
When we die, it's forever. 

I gave my stuffie your name to 
remember you.
"

The child's voice that shares this story is real and honest. It begins with the excitement and anticipation while waiting for the birth of a younger sibling. Everyone is busy with preparation for the baby's arrival. There is so much joy for all family members. 

Finally, the day arrives. Grandma and Grandpa are there while all wait together for news from the hospital. When Mommy and Daddy return empty-handed and filled with sadness, there is confusion for the young child. What happened? Where is the baby? 

The parents do their best to explain the stillbirth; the child draws a picture to be there when the baby returns. With help from Grandma and Grandpa about death being a forever thing, the child comes to the realization that there will be no baby now. As days go by, the fog of sadness begins to lift and life becomes a bit better. 

"I never got to know you and play with you, 
but I think of you a lot. 

I've saved you a place in my heart."

Hard to read, but beautifully written for those who have suffered such loss. Perhaps you know a child or family who needs it. 

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider, written and illustrated by Jessica Lanan. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2023. $26.99 ages 4 and up

 


"What if you could jump five times your
body length? You could cross a whole 
garden without a running start. 

That is how Jumper jumps. 

But she is not fast enough today."

Readers absolutely cannot help but be drawn into this remarkable book. The front endpaper beckons the first turn, when children see a tiny spider trailing silk from a nearby leaf and walking directly toward the page's edge. Turn to the title page and readers are welcomed to the Loma Linda Community Garden, lush and green in filtered sunlight and gladly greeting other visitors.

Size and perspective are immediately apparent as the seemingly small girl picks up a tiny bean. We are quickly made aware that this is the world Jumper inhabits. Readers are encouraged to imagine themselves in that world; in fact, as the spider itself. 

"Imagine walking not just on the ground but on the 
walls and ceiling, too. You wouldn't need to be afraid
of heights with your own built-in safety line.

Clear descriptions of Jumper's movements, the dangers faced, and the terror felt from that danger give children a real and appealing look at a day in the life of a gifted hunter, an accomplished jumper, and its enemy invaders. Always attuned to the senses, the author continues to encourage young readers to imagine life as Jumper lives it. 

The absolutely stunning illustrations bring the garden to full life, while also showing its visitors and their actions while there. A young girl jumps from a fence to the ground at the same time we watch the spider make a long and successful jump in the garden. Then again, as the child walks away carrying a food basket Jumper spies a fly that will soon provide a needed meal.  

Ink, watercolor, and gouache artwork attracts full attention at every turn. The gatefold adds further drama when it shows the world as Jumper sees it! 

"If you close one eye, the world becomes flat. 
Imagine if you had eight eyes instead of only two. 
They you could see in every direction at once ...
"

Backmatter offers facts on spider anatomy, life cycle, growth and danger. A glossary, an author's note, spider identification suggestions, and a list of resources are beneficial.  A reminder that most spiders are harmless and help to balance the ecosystem offers advice. 

PLEASE DON'T KILL THAT SPIDER!