Welcome!
Dear Book Lovers,
Welcome! I am delighted that you have found The Through the Looking Glass blog. For over twenty years I reviewed children's literature titles for my online journal, which came out six times a year. Every book review written for that publication can be found on the Through the Looking Glass website (the link is below).
I am now moving in a different direction, though the columns that I write are still book-centric. Instead of writing reviews, I'm offering you columns on topics that have been inspired by wonderful books that I have read. I tell you about the books in question, and describe how they have have impacted me. This may sound peculiar to some of you, but the books that I tend to choose are ones that resonate with me on some level. Therefore, when I read the last page and close the covers, I am not quite the same person that I was when first I started reading the book. The shift in my perspective might be miniscule, but it is still there.
The books I am looking are both about adult and children's titles. Some of the children's titles will appeal to adults, while others will not. Some of the adult titles will appeal to younger readers, particularly those who are eager to expand their horizons.
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Friday, December 29, 2017
Poetry Friday with a review of That is my dream
Now that the year is coming to a close, many of us start to think about the year that has been and the year that is in the offing. Will the coming year be 'better' than the last one was? Today I offer you a poetry book that is all about hoping for what could be. Imagine what our world would be like if people could set aside their differences. Imagine the lives our children could lead.
That is my dream
That is my dream
Langston Hughes
Illustrated by Daniel Miyares
Poetry Picture Book
For ages 5 to 7
Random House, 2017, 978-0-399-55017-1
One day a little African American boy sets off for town
on a bus with his mother and sister. They have to sit in the back of the bus,
because this is how it is in the segregated world that he lives in. In town he
watches as a white boy drinks from the “whites only” water fountain. He has to
drinks from the fountain that is labeled “colored only.” Then, as the day fades,
they greet the father of the family whose work day has come to an end. The
family have a picnic “Beneath a tall tree” as the “night comes on gently.”
As he watches
the dark seep across the sky, the little boy dares to dream of the world he
wished he lived in, a world where he and the little white boy he saw in town
could play together and ride on the backs of birds. Together, the little white
boy and his sister, and the little black boy and his sister, would celebrate as
the night appears, “coming tenderly.”
This is a
powerful interpretation of the poem Dream
Variation by Langston Hughes. The illustrator beautifully combines a gorgeously
illustrated pictorial narrative with the poet’s words, to give young readers a picture
book that is timeless. The book celebrates what could be, and dares to hope of
a time when all children can play in a world free of divisions.
Labels:
Children's book reviews,
Poetry books,
Poetry Friday
Monday, December 25, 2017
Picture Book Monday with a review of The Call of Swamp
For many people, today is a day to spend with loved ones. It is a day to look around at the people we love best and give thanks for them. In today's picture book you will meet a charming little creature who is not really sure where he belongs and who he belongs to. He ends up taking a journey, and in the process he figures out something very important about what home is.
The Call of the Swamp
The Call of the Swamp
Davide Cali
Illustrated by Marco Soma
Picture Book
For ages 5 to 7
Eerdmans, 2017, 978-0-8028-5486-5
Before they found him, Boris’ parents tried to have a
baby of their own, but doctors told them that they would not be able to have a
child. They had given up hope that they would be able to become parents, so
when they found Boris on the edge of the swamp they were delighted. They could
not care less that the baby had gills. They did not care where he came from
even. All that mattered was that he was now theirs.
Boris grew up to
be a perfectly normal boy except that he had gills, and eyes that were a little
bigger than usual. His life was happy, or so he thought.
Then one day
Boris picked up the scent of the swamp on the air. The aroma tugged at him and
questions rattled around in his head. Was he really living the life that he was
supposed to be living?
One morning
Boris left home and began to walk, pulled along by the smell that was haunting
him. Finally Boris came to the swamp, and at last he felt complete and at home.
In the swamp he belonged, and he fitted in with the other creatures who were
like him.
Boris was happy
for a while until he began to realize that he was not exactly like his neighbors
in the swamp. He began to feel homesick, and he wondered if he really was in the
right place after all. Should he go home or should he stay in the swamp?
This wonderful,
magical picture book explores the idea of what a home is. The unique artwork
offers a stunning backdrop for a text that is powerful and memorable.
Friday, December 22, 2017
Poetry Friday with a review of B is for Blue Planet: An Earth Science Alphabet
For me, the holiday season is a time to give thanks for all the wonderful things that I have in my life. One of these things is my home, my planet, which is such a beautiful, remarkable, and precious place. I have been lucky enough to see some incredible wild places in my life. I have seen the Himalayas, the Great Rift Valley, the Alps, and the Grand Canyon. I have seen a desert in Jordan, a rain forest in India, and a pristine coral reef in the Indian Ocean. What a diverse and rich planet we live on. In honor of our home, today's poetry book celebrates the Earth, the blue planet.
B is for Blue Planet: An Earth Science Alphabet
B is for Blue Planet: An Earth Science Alphabet
Ruth Strother
Illustrated by Bob Marstall
Poetry and Nonfiction Picture Book
For ages 6 to 10
Sleeping Bear Press, 2011, 978-1-58536-454-1
We live on a remarkable planet, a place where there are
oceans and mountains, where precious gems can be found underground, where
earthquakes shake the earth, and where glaciers creep down valleys. There are
wonders everywhere we look, if we look hard enough. It is a place that is
changing all the time, sometimes in small ways that we don’t even notice, and
sometimes in terrifying ways that turn our lives upside down.
In this
wonderful alphabet book we get to explore some of the features of our planet.
For each letter of the alphabet we explore a topic in verse and in prose, and
these sections of text are presented alongside a wonderful piece of art.
For the letter
C, for example, we visit a coral reef, a place where “Color, shape and size
astounds.” We look at an illustration that captures the diversity of life, and
the rich colors and textures, found on a coral reef. A poem tells us a little
about these marvelous ecosystems; a sidebar full of text gives us a lot more
information about these fragile, and precious places that “provide a rich
habitat for around 25 percent of all ocean life that we know of.”
For the letter H
we find out about hurricanes, those powerful storms that build over warm ocean
water and then, sometimes, come “straight for land – oh what a scare!” The
informational text that accompanies the poem tells us how big hurricanes are,
how they form, and what happens when hurricanes make landfall.
Other topics
that are explored in this book include “A is for Amber,” “D is for Deserts,” “O
is for Oil,” and “T is for Tides.”
This is the kind
of book that a child can grow with. Young readers will enjoy looking at the
pictures and having the poems read to them. An older reader will get a lot out
of the informational text that builds on what the poem tells us.
Alphabet books’
sole purpose used to be to help children learn their ABC’s. Now such titles
help children learn about so many topics that are relevant to their lives. By
combining artwork, nonfiction information, and poetry, the creators of this
book give children a singular reading experience.
Labels:
Children's book reviews,
Poetry books,
Poetry Friday
Monday, December 18, 2017
Picture Book Monday with a review of Santa Calls
In a week it will be Christmas Day. At this time next Monday we will be putting our meal in the oven, and then perhaps we will take the dogs for a walk to build up an appetite for the feast to come. It seems very fitting therefore that today's picture book should be a book about Father Christmas or Santa Claus. It is a wonderful story that I think truly captures the spirit of the season. Plus I cannot resist books by William Joyce. How I love his retro style art.
William Joyce
Picture Book
For ages 5 to 7
Simon and Schuster, 2017, 978-1-4814-8959-1
It was just before Christmas Day when a most mysterious
looking box appeared outside the home belonging to Art Atchinson Aimesworth’s
aunt and uncle. Art and his little sister Esther had been orphaned, and they now
lived with their aunt and uncle on their farm in Abilene, Texas. Art and his
best friend Spaulding examined the box with great interest, and when they poked
it the words, “Open the box. Assemble the contents. Come NORTH. Yours, S.C.”
appeared on it.
Santa Claus
himself had summoned them! No one in their right mind would consider ignoring
an invitation from the great man, and so the boys set about assembling the
machine that they found inside the box. It was not long before the flying
machine that was going to carry them to the North Pole was ready – with one big
modification. At first Art was determined that Esther would not go on the trip,
but in the end he allowed her to join the adventure.
Soon enough the
children arrived at the North Pole, and they were welcomed by the captain of
the Santarian Guard, who came to collect them in a dogless sled. They did not
get far before they were attacked by an army of Dark Elves. The Queen tried to
kidnap the children but all three of them were very handy their sling shots and
snow balls, and Esther even managed to hit the Queen herself.
When they reached
Toyland, and what a wondrous place that was, they met Mrs. Claus and then Santa.
Art was eager to know why Santa had summoned them, but the wonderful man only
said, “Some mysteries are best left unsolved.” He then invited the children to
go on his famous Christmas Eve ride, which they were happy to do. Unfortunately,
they did not get far before the Dark Elves kidnapped Esther and carried her
off.
William Joyce
has a gift for creating delightful stories that have a delicious retro feel.
Children will be thrilled when they see the rich worlds that cover the pages of
this book; worlds that take us back in time, and that also take us to the
fantastical place that Santa calls home. The purpose of Art’s visit to Toyland
is kept from us until the very last moment, when all is revealed. Then we can
smile, knowing that Santa always listens to the hopes of dreams of little
children.
Friday, December 15, 2017
Poetry Friday with a review of Daytime Nighttime: All through the Year
On our farm we get animal visitors all day and all night long. Owls live in our barn and soon after it gets dark they come out to look for food. Skunks also come out at night, and we have to be careful not to get too close to them when they are waddling around. During the day the scrub jays rule the roost, yelling at anyone who wanders into their territory. In today's beautiful poetry picture book we get to explore what are animals are doing during the day and at night. We also get to take a journey, month by month, through the year to see how the lives of animals are impacted by the changing seasons.
Daytime Nighttime: All through the Year
Daytime Nighttime: All through the Year
Diane Lang
Illustrated by Andrea Gabriel
Nonfiction Poetry Picture Book
For ages 5 to 7
Dawn Publications, 2017, 978-1-58469-607-0
When you have a very full life it is so easy to forget
that you are not the only one who is busy. There are little (and sometimes big)
creatures around you who have full days too. Many species of animals have busy
nights instead because they are nocturnal. While we are fast asleep in our
beds, they are out and about looking for food, taking care of their young, and
building their homes. All year long animals are active, day and night.
In this
beautiful book the author takes us through the year, month by month, and she
shows us what animals are up to. We begin in January and we see a bald eagle
“On a clear Winter’s day,” that is diving through the air down towards a
snow-covered landscape. The powerful bird is just about to scoop a fish out of a
river with its talons. In the evening a pack of coyotes make their way to the
top of a ridge, and there they raise their noses into the air to howl into the
sky.
By the time
March comes around the snow is gone, the trees have new leaves, and on a bright
morning we can see the “silken design” that a spider spun. When the sun sets, a
pair of skunks comes out to “Dig for plump worms” in the soft soil.
In July quail
parents, with their small, fluffy babies following them in a line, spend the
daylight hours “searching for grass seeds / On which they will dine.” When the
moon comes up the quail are resting, but the crickets climb up blades of grass
to sing by the light of the full moon.
Throughout this
singular book, beautiful lines of poetry are accompanied by gorgeous
illustrations. Together they take us into the lives of all kinds of creatures.
We marvel at the rich scenes that we are offered, and perhaps seeing these
moments in time will encourage us to look for similar ones in our own wild
places.
Labels:
Children's book reviews,
Poetry books,
Poetry Friday
Monday, December 11, 2017
Picture Book Monday with a review of The Antlered Ship
Taking a leap into the unknown is scary, and yet people all over the world do it every day, and have been doing it for centuries. Explorers have set off to seek out new lands, and inventors have dared to put forward their ideas, not knowing how they would be received. Writers have written books about controversial subjects, and artists and musicians have pushed the boundaries of artistic expression.
In this beautiful picture book we meet a group of animals who embark on an adventure to visit a place they have never been to. They soon discover that adventures can be rather uncomfortable things, and they have to decide if adventuring really is a good fit for them after all
The Antlered Ship
In this beautiful picture book we meet a group of animals who embark on an adventure to visit a place they have never been to. They soon discover that adventures can be rather uncomfortable things, and they have to decide if adventuring really is a good fit for them after all
The Antlered Ship
Dashka Slater
Illustrated by the Fan Brothers
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 6
Simon and Schuster, 2017, 978-1-48145160-4
Marco lives in the Land of the Foxes, and his brain teems
with questions about the world. When he asks the other foxes his questions they
don’t know what to think of Marco. All they care about is their stew. What do
Marco’s questions have to do with that?
Marco decides to
head for the harbor to greet the antlered ship that has just arrived. Three
deer disembark and they freely admit that they need some help. It turns out
that they are not “very good sailors.”
Hoping to find
the answers to his questions, Marco volunteers to join the deers’ crew. A flock
of pigeons would also like to join as they want to have some adventures. The
Captain, Sylvia, explains that they are headed for a wonderful island.
The antlered
ship sets sail and it is not long before they encounter a storm. Everybody on
board is miserable and unhappy about the conditions. The deer begin to think
that they should have stayed in the woods, and the pigeons decide that they
should have stayed in the park. Marco comments on how foxes are not meant to be
vegetarians, and yet he still thinks that they should all do “the best we can.”
That evening he
cooks everyone a warming stew, and then they all consult the charts to figure
out how to get Sweet Tree Island, which is their destination. Finally, the
storm dissipates and they are able to raise the sails under a beautiful full
moon.
In the morning
they come to the Maze of Sharp Rocks. They could easily get wrecked on the rocky
shoal, but the pigeons fly ahead and find a clear path for the ship to follow.
The travelers are getting close to Sweet Tree Island when they are waylaid by a
pirate ship. Adventures seem to be waiting for them around every corner.
Young readers
are going to love this delightful and richly illustrated picture storybook.
They will appreciate the fact that adventures sometimes have uncomfortable and
even frightening moments, but that does not mean that one shouldn’t take them
in the first place.
Friday, December 8, 2017
Poetry Friday with a review of Miguel’s Brave Knight: Young Cervantes and his Dream of Don Quixote
I have been lucky enough to read and review a wide variety of children's books over the last fifteen years or so. During that time I have really enjoyed seeing how authors and illustrators take on new challenges, and present stories and information in fresh and creative ways. Poetry books in particular have come a long way, and I really look forward to seeing the new titles that come out. In today's poetry title the author uses a series of poems to tell us the story of Miguel Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote. The poems are beautifully written and are accompanied by lovely illustrations.
Miguel’s Brave Knight: Young Cervantes and his Dream of Don Quixote
Miguel’s Brave Knight: Young Cervantes and his Dream of Don Quixote
Margarita Engle
Illustrated by Raul Colon
Historical Fiction Poetry Picture Book
For ages 7 to 10
Peachtree Publishers, 2017, 978-1-56145-856-1
Miguel’s father is a barber surgeon who has a nasty
gambling habit, and he is constantly having money problems. Eventually his
debts are so big that he is thrown into a debtor’s prison. Miguel’s poor mother
loses everything, including hope. She and her children have nothing, and they
have no idea where their next meal will come from. In his empty home, Miguel
takes refuge in his imagination, where a brave knight lives. The knight rides
out on his horse to “right / all the wrongs / of this confusing/ world.”
Mama finds work
and she manages to take care of her family until her husband is released from
prison. Then family then travels from place to place, and sometimes Miguel is
able to attend school. The teacher reads to the children and Miguel wishes that
he too could have a book to read, but books are few and far between, and only the
teachers “are allowed to hold the books.”
Knowing how
precious books are Miguel is horrified when he witnesses a book burning. The
books are being destroyed because they contain imagined stories. Miguel knows
that his knight, the one that is hidden away in is imagination, would “rescue
the flaming pages” if he were real.
Papa gets work
cutting hair and trimming beards, pulling teeth and treating wounds, but he
also continues to gamble and so the family has to move again and again to run
away from debt collectors. During the hard times, when they have to move, and
when the plague comes to the land, Miguel turns to his knight for comfort. The
knight rescues those in dire straits, and dashes to the rescue with his “chubby
friend riding beside him / on a clumsy donkey.”
Despite of his
father’s ways, Miguel manages to learn to read and write in one of the schools
he attends. The boy learns to write his own plays and poems, and when he is
older one of his teachers includes four of Miguel’s poems in a book that is
published.
In this
beautifully illustrated book a series of image-rich poems tells the story of
Miguel Cervantes, and it is easy to see how the idea of Don Quixote might have
grown in Miguel’s imagination when he was a child. He needed to believe in
something good when his own life was so hard and so full of uncertainty.
At the back of
the book readers will further information about Miguel Cervantes and his famous
knight character.
Labels:
Children's book reviews,
Poetry books,
Poetry Friday
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Books of Hope - Adventures in Brambly Hedge
When times get hard, people often take a break from their lives so that they can rest and refresh. They go on a trip, go for a run or a hike, get out into nature, and spend time with the people that they love best. They knit or make music, work with wood or sew a quilt. Many of us dive into the pages of a book so that we can take a breather.
One of my favorite series of books that I turn to when I need a pick-me-up are the Brambly Hedge stories. The characters in these tales are mice and voles, and they live in a beautiful countryside world working, playing, and celebrating together. When you enter the world of Brambly Hedge you are immediately wrapped in a cozy blanket of friendship and good cheer. Here problems are solved through hard work, creativity, and cooperation. Life is simple and rich. When your visit is over you will return to the 'real' world warmed through, hopeful, and ready to face what comes next.
In the last few years two collections of these little books have been republished. One box set contains four adventure story picture books, and the other contains four seasonal story picture books. I am lucky enough to have one of these sets and today I bring you a review of one of the stories in the collection. All four of the stories in the set are a joy to read and share.
One of my favorite series of books that I turn to when I need a pick-me-up are the Brambly Hedge stories. The characters in these tales are mice and voles, and they live in a beautiful countryside world working, playing, and celebrating together. When you enter the world of Brambly Hedge you are immediately wrapped in a cozy blanket of friendship and good cheer. Here problems are solved through hard work, creativity, and cooperation. Life is simple and rich. When your visit is over you will return to the 'real' world warmed through, hopeful, and ready to face what comes next.
In the last few years two collections of these little books have been republished. One box set contains four adventure story picture books, and the other contains four seasonal story picture books. I am lucky enough to have one of these sets and today I bring you a review of one of the stories in the collection. All four of the stories in the set are a joy to read and share.
Jill Barklem
Picture Book
Ages 5 and up
HarperCollins, 2014, 978-0-00-746145-5
In just a few short hours the Midwinter
celebration is going to take place. All the Brambley Hedge mice are busy
preparing for this big event. In the Old Oak Palace, Primrose and her friend
Wilfred are trying to find a quiet place where they can practice the recitation
that they are going to give in the evening. They also need to find something to
wear for their performance; something special.
Luckily Primrose’s mother is very
knowledgeable and she advises the little mice to go up into the attics. There
they will be able to practice in peace, and it is very likely that they will
find some good costumes to wear as well.
While they are exploring the attics,
Primrose and Wilfred discover a hidden door, and behind it there is a long
winding staircase. At the top of the staircase the mice children find the most
beautiful and elaborate room. In fact, there are a whole set of rooms up there that
are packed with fascinating things to look at. Wilfred and Primrose have their
very own secret house to play in and to explore.
Young readers will be hard put not to feel
very envious of the young mice friends in
this Brambly Hedge tale; what a delightful adventure they have. With a wonderful
story and beautiful illustrations that are packed with cunning little details,
this is a book that young readers and their families will treasure.
Monday, December 4, 2017
Picture Book Monday with a review of Letters to a Prisoner
We like to think that we live in a world where people can speak out and say what is on their mind whenever they want to. Sometimes, and in some places, this is the case. However, in many countries around the world, too many of them in fact, people are either imprisoned or permanently silenced when they express opinions that governments, regimes, or dictators do not agree with.
Today I bring you a book that is a tribute to the people who dare to speak out against the powers that be. These are people who risk losing their freedom or their lives when they express their opinions. The story is also a tribute to the people and organizations who support the prisoners, who write to them, and who refuse to forget them.
Letters to a prisoner
Today I bring you a book that is a tribute to the people who dare to speak out against the powers that be. These are people who risk losing their freedom or their lives when they express their opinions. The story is also a tribute to the people and organizations who support the prisoners, who write to them, and who refuse to forget them.
Letters to a prisoner
Jacques Goldstyn
Wordless Picture Book
For ages 5 and up
Owlkids, 2017, 978-1-77147-251-7
One day a father and his little girl attend a peaceful
demonstration. Or at least that is what it is supposed to be. The protestors
are peaceful, but the soldiers who confront them are not. They attack and the
father is struck on the head and thrown into a van that drives away. His poor
little daughter witnesses the whole horrific event.
The father is
cast into a prison and there he languishes day after day. He feeds a bird who
comes to his window, and a mouse who visits his cell. He draws a picture of himself
and his daughter on the wall and remembers the good times.
Then the bird he
fed brings him a letter, a letter which makes him weep. Unfortunately, the
guard sees the father reading the letter and he takes it away. He takes away
all the other letters that the bird delivers. The guard burns the letters,
sending smoke and fragments of paper up into the air. Perhaps he imagines that
he has won this battle. But he has not.
This
extraordinary book was inspired by Amnesty International’s Writes for Rights letter-writing
campaign. The human rights organization encouraged people from around the world
to write to people who had “been unjustly imprisoned for his or her ideas.” The
author wrote to prisoners, and being a part of such a meaningful effort made
him want to tell a story; this story.
Children who
follow the story in this book will see how many voices can indeed bring about
change. They will come to appreciate that everyone, anyone, can make the world
a better place if they try.
Thank you
Dear Friends:
I apologize for being silent for so long. I have a chronic illness which, for some reason that I do not understand, has been creating havoc with my health for a while now. The last few weeks have been particularly trying. I coped very well for years, but now the careful balance of work and rest that I have developed for myself no longer seems to be working. Hopefully I will figure out what the new balance is soon and I will be able to bring you posts of reviews consistently and on time. Thank you all for your patience and for your friendship.
With all my love,
Monday, November 6, 2017
Picture Book Monday with a review of The Book Of Gold
On Friday I brought you a poetry book that celebrates books and the written word. Today we have a picture book that also focuses on how marvelous and special books are. Bob Staake tells the story of a boy who, when we first meet him, hates books. In fact, this boy does not like much of anything. He has no interest in the world, and no curiosity. Then someone tells him about a very special book, and something rather magical starts to happen.
The Book of Gold
The Book of Gold
Bob Staake
Picture Book
For ages 5 and up
Random House, 2017, 978-0-553-51077-5
Isaac’s parents love books. They love the way books smell
and how books feel when they are in their hands, and they love all the
fascinating information that books contained. Books are so full of
possibilities.
Unfortunately,
Isaac does not care for books at all. In fact, he is not much interested in
anything and it would not be unfair to say that he is a rather dull child.
One day Isaac’s
parents take him to visit the New York Public Library. The idea of going into a
building full of books thrills them, but Isaac does not feel the same way at
all. He has no interest in books and so it isn’t long before the family heads
for home. On the way they stop to look in a shop that contains all kinds of curios.
Isaac’s parents are hoping that they will find something that will make a
suitable birthday gift for Aunt Sadie. Isaac sits on the cold floor to wait.
Nothing in the fascinating store attracts his almost non-existent curiosity.
The shopkeeper
tries to find something that will interest Isaac and when she fails she tells
Isaac about a book called the Book of Gold. She explains that the book contains
“all the answers to every question ever asked, and when it is opened, it turns
to solid gold.”
The idea of
having a book made of gold really appeals to Isaac and he decides to look for
it. He goes to a bookstore. He picks up a book left in a diner. He picks up a
book that a woman drops, and finds another that is left on a trolley seat. None
of the books he finds turn to gold when it opens them.
For months Isaac
searches and searches. Then, one day, as he is looking at a book that is called
The Seven Wonders of the World, a
question pops into his head. It is the first of many questions that come to him
as he opens books looking for the Book of Gold. Without even meaning to Isaac
begins to discover that books bring forth questions, and they also answer them.
This marvelous
book shows readers that books are more than paper and board covers. They excite
our curiosity in the world, open up our horizons, and they can even lead us on
a voyage of discovery that can last a lifetime. This is a book that will
delight adults and children alike. It is a magical tale that is timeless and
ageless.
Friday, November 3, 2017
Poetry Friday with a review of Read! Read! Read!
Here in southern Oregon it is a grey, wet day and I love it. We had a long Indian summer in October and I was feeling thoroughly sick and tired of warm, sunshiny days. Though sunny days can get wearisome, I never, ever get tired of reading books; it is always always a wonderful thing to do. Today I bring you a poetry book that celebrates the written word. It is a delightful title that will appeal to anyone who has a love for reading.
Read! Read! Read!
Read! Read! Read!
Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
Illustrated by Ryan O’Rourke
Poetry Picture Book
For ages 5 to 7
Wordsong, 2017, 978-1-59078-975-9
Reading is something we do all the time and yet we often
forget what a gift words are. When words are strung together to give us a story,
they “sing / into your soul / like soothing / summer rain.”
Many children
are eager to learn how to read for themselves and they “pretend” to read at
first. They don’t realize that by tracing the letters with their fingers in
their pretend reading, they are actually starting the process of learning. Then
comes that wonderful day when reading is no longer something that other
children do. Finally they too can claim the words that not so long ago were
“confusing.”
Though books are
quite the best vehicle for words, they are also wonderful when they appear on
cereal boxes, on the sports page, on maps, on road signs, cards, magazines, and
other places. In a birthday card one child finds a poem penned by his
grandfather; it is a poem that captures, in just a few words, how loved the
child is. The child treasures the card and puts it, as always, in a box where
“fall leaves / letters / and love” are kept.
Books of course
are the crème de la crème of written materials. They can turn us into explorers,
and take us to marvelous places where we witness extraordinary things. They can
teach us things, and perhaps best of all they help us to have “an open heart /
an open mind;” after all, an “open book / will make you kind” if you are
willing to allow its words to work their magic.
This wonderful
poetry title beautifully captures the joys that reading can bring us in our
everyday lives. Through the eyes of the child characters that we see on the
pages, we are reminded of the fact that books and other written materials
really do enrich our lives.
Labels:
Children's book reviews,
Poetry books,
Poetry Friday
Monday, October 30, 2017
Picture Book Monday with a review of Duck and Goose Honk! Quack! Boo!
As I write this post my seventeen year old daughter is making a witch's broom to go with her Halloween costume. She is going to be Kiki, the character from the film, Kiki's Delivery Service. Halloween was not celebrated in the country that I grew up in, so I did not get to dress up when I was a child. After I moved to the U.S. when I was twenty-one I started participating in Halloween festivities and it has been so much fun.
Since Halloween is tomorrow, today I am offering you a festive picture book title to read. In the story two little birds have an adventure that is funny, with just a little touch of Halloween spookiness to keep young readers guessing and wondering.
Duck and Goose Honk! Quack! Boo!
Since Halloween is tomorrow, today I am offering you a festive picture book title to read. In the story two little birds have an adventure that is funny, with just a little touch of Halloween spookiness to keep young readers guessing and wondering.
Duck and Goose Honk! Quack! Boo!
Tad Hills
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 6
Random House, 2017, 978-1-5247-0175-8
Tomorrow is Halloween and Duck is curious to know what
Goose is going “to be” on the festive day. Goose explains that he is going to
be himself as usual, which is when Duck explains that Halloween is the one day
when you should not be yourself.
Thistle then
appears on the scene and she tells her friends that her Halloween costume is a
secret. They will have to wait until the next day to see what she is going to
dress up as. As she leaves, Thistle tells Duck and Goose to “beware the swamp
monster,” a comment which puzzles them greatly. It also makes both Duck and
Goose feel decidedly worried. Neither of them likes monsters.
The next day
Duck, dressed up as a ghost, and Goose, dressed up as a super hero, go
trick-or-treating together in the forest. They both hope that they are not
going to see a swamp monster on this special night and are very relieved when
all they see are other young animals trick-or-treating.
All goes well
until the moment when an owl dressed up as a daisy says that a swamp monster is
looking for Duck and Goose. The friends are horrified. What are they going to
do?
Children are
going to love this charming little Halloween tale, which features Tad Hills’
wonderful little bird characters.
Friday, October 27, 2017
Poetry Friday with a review of A is for Abraham: A Jewish Family Alphabet
Soon after I started reviewing children's books, I encountered an alphabet book that was created by a small publishing house in Michigan. The book was unique in that in it poetry, artwork, and sections of nonfiction text were brought together and presented in an alphabet book format. When the publishing house, Sleeping Bear Press, brought out more alphabet books using the same format I was delighted. What a wonderful way to engage young readers. Today I bring you one of these alphabet book titles. Readers can read the poems first, and then they can go back to the beginning of the book and read the nonfiction text.
A is for Abraham: A Jewish Family Alphabet
Richard Michelson
Illustrator: Ron Mazellan
Nonfiction and Poetry Picture Book Series
For ages 6 to 12
Sleeping Bear Press, 2013, 978-1585363223
Trying to understand the rules, traditions, and history of a faith is never easy, even if you are of that faith. For people outside the faith, the stories and customs can be confusing, and the nuances of meaning can be lost. In this splendid picture book, Richard Michelson explores the Jewish faith in a new way. Using the format of an alphabet book the author tells his readers about some of the things that make the Jewish faith unique and interesting.
For every letter of the alphabet Richard Michelson focuses on some aspect of Jewish life. For the letter B he tells us about Bar and Bat Mitvahs, the coming of age ceremonies that signify that a young person is no longer a child. For the letter C he tells us about challah, a special bread that Jews eat on the Jewish Sabbath. This braided bread is a just one of the many special foods that Jews make.
This book can be enjoyed on several levels because each topic includes a poem, an illustration, and then a longer section of text. Young children can look at the pictures, and they can either have the poems read to them, or they can read them themselves. Older children will enjoy reading the more involved sidebar text. It is here that they will find out further details about Jewish religious practices, history, and customs.
This is just one in a splendid collection of alphabet book published by Sleeping Bear Press. Other topics covered include cats, poetry, and music.
A is for Abraham: A Jewish Family Alphabet
Richard Michelson
Illustrator: Ron Mazellan
Nonfiction and Poetry Picture Book Series
For ages 6 to 12
Sleeping Bear Press, 2013, 978-1585363223
Trying to understand the rules, traditions, and history of a faith is never easy, even if you are of that faith. For people outside the faith, the stories and customs can be confusing, and the nuances of meaning can be lost. In this splendid picture book, Richard Michelson explores the Jewish faith in a new way. Using the format of an alphabet book the author tells his readers about some of the things that make the Jewish faith unique and interesting.
For every letter of the alphabet Richard Michelson focuses on some aspect of Jewish life. For the letter B he tells us about Bar and Bat Mitvahs, the coming of age ceremonies that signify that a young person is no longer a child. For the letter C he tells us about challah, a special bread that Jews eat on the Jewish Sabbath. This braided bread is a just one of the many special foods that Jews make.
This book can be enjoyed on several levels because each topic includes a poem, an illustration, and then a longer section of text. Young children can look at the pictures, and they can either have the poems read to them, or they can read them themselves. Older children will enjoy reading the more involved sidebar text. It is here that they will find out further details about Jewish religious practices, history, and customs.
This is just one in a splendid collection of alphabet book published by Sleeping Bear Press. Other topics covered include cats, poetry, and music.
Labels:
Children's book reviews,
Poetry books,
Poetry Friday
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Books of Hope - Ruby's Imagine
When I first started reading today's book, I was sure that it was going to be depressing. A story about a young person who is cared for by an unkind family member, and who has to live through a hurricane does not promise to be cheerful. I did not take me long to realize that the main character of the story, Ruby, is not the kind of person who allows life's hardships to put her down. As I read, Ruby's attitude, her voice, and her magic made me feel empowered and hopeful. This was an amazing, amazing book and everyone, teens and adults alike, should read it.
Fiction
For ages 13 and up
Createspace, 2012, 978-1478238379
When Ruby is only five years old her parents are killed
in a car crash and she goes to live with Mamaloose, her maternal grandmother.
Mamaloose is a cold and angry woman, and when Ruby does or says things that she
does not like, Mamaloose beats the child with a leather belt. At first Ruby
does not know what will set Mamaloose off. She talks about remembering her
parents. She speaks of a house in the swamp where she lived with Daddy and Momma
and her two sisters, Opal and Pearl. Mamaloose says that these are just “Ruby’s
imagine,” and that they are not true memories.
After a while
Ruby learns to keep silent about these images that she is sure are from her
past. It is better that way. She also learns to kept silent about the connections
that she has with the creatures and plants around her. On some deep level Ruby
can communicate with butterflies and trees, hummingbirds and other life forms. The
only person who really knows about her gift is her friend JayEl.
The amazing
thing about Ruby is that she has managed to resist Mamaloose’ efforts to turn
her, Ruby, into another angry and cruel person. Ruby isn’t even angry with
Mamaloose. Instead, she feels sorry for her, and steadfastly refuses to take on
the old man’s unhappiness. Instead, she is a warm and loving person who is
close to her neighbors and the people she works with at the bakery. Soon Ruby
will be going to college and then she will be free of Mamaloose for good.
One day a
butterfly conveys a message to Ruby, one that the Big Oaks shared with the
insect. Apparently a Big Spin is on its way and it will soon be time to hunker
down if you are foolish, or to get out of its way if you are sensible. Ruby
shares this message – in an oblique way not mentioning where it came from –
with Mamaloose. The old woman isn’t worried. She has survived countless storms
and hurricanes. Ruby also tells JayEl about the butterfly’s message. JayEl asks
Ruby if she thinks that this is going to be “the one,” the storm that will
“bury us in water.” Ruby says that she gets the sense that this hurricane is
going to rip off “the veil” that lies over the city.
It isn’t long before it becomes clear that
the coming hurricane is indeed going to be a big one. People start boarding up
their homes and businesses, and on the radio the mayor says that “we strongly
advise people to leave at this time.” Some people do pack up and leave, but
others decide to stay. Many of the folks in Ruby’s neighborhood, including
Mamaloose, have no place to go and very little money to spare. They certainly
cannot pay for motel rooms. Ruby tries very hard to convince Mamaloose that
they need to get to higher ground because where they live is below sea level,
but the old lady pays her no heed.
In the end Ruby
and Mamaloose stay put. When they go to bed it is raining and windy. When Ruby
wakes up she goes to check on her grandmother downstairs only to find out that
water has come into the house and it is rising. Ruby and Mamaloose take refuge
upstairs and then they go up into the attic. Part of the roof is ripped away,
and as they huddle together in a corner, not knowing if the next gust of wind
is going to cause the house to collapse, Mamaloose finally tells Ruby the true story
of her family. To say that Ruby is shocked is an understatement. She has always
known that Mamaloose was a hard person, but it turns out that she did things
that were, in Ruby’s eyes, downright cruel.
Monday, October 23, 2017
Picture Book Monday with a review of Out of the Blue
Many of us, when we see someone in trouble, tell ourselves that is not our problem, not our business. We don't want to be inconvenienced; we don't want to have to deal with drama or difficulties that are not our own. This is a very unfortunate state of affairs, to say the least. If we were the one struggling, would we want everyone to turn their heads as they walk by us so that we are left to cope alone? No, probably not.
In this wonderful wordless book we see how the actions of a few good people saves an animal that is in dire need of assistance. We also discover how rich and powerful stories can be when the narrative is presented to the reader through art alone.
Out of the Blue
In this wonderful wordless book we see how the actions of a few good people saves an animal that is in dire need of assistance. We also discover how rich and powerful stories can be when the narrative is presented to the reader through art alone.
Out of the Blue
Wordless picture book
For ages 4 to 7
Barefoot books, 2014, 978-1-78285-042-7
On the coast right next to a sandy shore there is an
island, and on that island there is a lighthouse. A little boy lives in the
lighthouse with his father, a dog, and a cat.
One beautiful
sunny morning the little boy heads out carrying his bucket and spade and soon
he is on the beach. He finds a pretty shell and a little girl comes to look at
his find. Then the two children go off together. They find a fish in a tide
pool, and using the little girl’s net they catch the fish, carry over to the
sea, and let it go. By this time the wind has picked up and so the children,
along with everyone else on the beach and in the sea, head for home. A storm is
on the way.
That night the rain
pours down, lightening forks across the sky, waves crash against the island,
and the little boy and his father are safe and warm in their cozy lighthouse.
In the morning
they find a very large surprise waiting for them outside. The storm has beached
an enormous squid on the sand. The poor creature is all trussed up with a
fishing net and it is still very much alive. The boy and his friends have to do
something to help the poor creature.
This delightful
wordless picture book has a main story that is engaging, and it explores the
idea that we all need to do our part to help others. In addition, there are
several little stories in the artwork to follow, many of which are amusing.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Books of Hope - The Friend Ship
Everyone has days when they feel blue and despondent. Things are not going well for some reason or another, and the future looks far from rosy. At times like these our friends are often the ones who support us. They remind us that bad times don't last forever. and encourage us to hold onto hope and to keep on going. Today's Book of Hope perfectly captures the way in which hope can be kept alive when one has friends by ones side.
The Friend Ship
Kay Yeh
Illustrator: Chuck Groenink
Picture Book
For ages 5 to 7
Disney-Hyperion, 2016, 978-1484707265
One day Hedgehog is lying curled up in a ball in “the lonely little nook of a lonely little tree” when she hears two animals taking about her. One animal tells the other that Hedgehog seems lonely, and then the other animal says that things will be better when Hedgehog finds friendship. All she has to do is to go and look for it.
Hedgehog is inspired by this overheard conversation. The “Friend Ship” is out there waiting for her and now she has to find it. Hedgehog quickly gets to work and builds a boat. A beaver comes a long and asks her what she is doing. Hedgehog explains that she will soon be setting off to find The Friend Ship. The beaver, who wants a friend, asks if he can join Hedgehog in her quest, and she happily agrees.
The two travelers don’t travel far in their boat when they come across four deer. Hedgehog asks the deer if they have seen The Friend Ship. The deer like the idea of being on such a vessel; they would like to have friends too, and so they ask if they can join Hedgehog and the beaver, who are happy to welcome the deer on board.
Hedgehog and her companions sail north and south. The head east as well, and every time they ask someone if they have seen The Friend Ship the answer is no. Every time Hedgehog is asked if an animal can join her quest she (and everyone else) always says yes.
After a few days of searching and asking, Hedgehog begins to lose hope, but the animals on the ship with her don’t let her give up. They support and comfort her, telling her that they will “stick with you till the end.”
This wonderful picture book shows readers, in a sweet and gentle way, how sometimes the one thing that we want the most in life can sometimes be found right under our noses. In company with Hedgehog and her fellow travelers, we go on a wonderful voyage of discovery and hope.
The Friend Ship
Kay Yeh
Illustrator: Chuck Groenink
Picture Book
For ages 5 to 7
Disney-Hyperion, 2016, 978-1484707265
One day Hedgehog is lying curled up in a ball in “the lonely little nook of a lonely little tree” when she hears two animals taking about her. One animal tells the other that Hedgehog seems lonely, and then the other animal says that things will be better when Hedgehog finds friendship. All she has to do is to go and look for it.
Hedgehog is inspired by this overheard conversation. The “Friend Ship” is out there waiting for her and now she has to find it. Hedgehog quickly gets to work and builds a boat. A beaver comes a long and asks her what she is doing. Hedgehog explains that she will soon be setting off to find The Friend Ship. The beaver, who wants a friend, asks if he can join Hedgehog in her quest, and she happily agrees.
The two travelers don’t travel far in their boat when they come across four deer. Hedgehog asks the deer if they have seen The Friend Ship. The deer like the idea of being on such a vessel; they would like to have friends too, and so they ask if they can join Hedgehog and the beaver, who are happy to welcome the deer on board.
Hedgehog and her companions sail north and south. The head east as well, and every time they ask someone if they have seen The Friend Ship the answer is no. Every time Hedgehog is asked if an animal can join her quest she (and everyone else) always says yes.
After a few days of searching and asking, Hedgehog begins to lose hope, but the animals on the ship with her don’t let her give up. They support and comfort her, telling her that they will “stick with you till the end.”
This wonderful picture book shows readers, in a sweet and gentle way, how sometimes the one thing that we want the most in life can sometimes be found right under our noses. In company with Hedgehog and her fellow travelers, we go on a wonderful voyage of discovery and hope.
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