The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book one hundred and thirty

Every so often I come across a picture book in which the text and artwork combine perfectly to create a book that is a true work of art. Today's picture book is just such a title, and it would make a great gift for readers of all ages because its message is truly timeless and ageless.

The Dancing tiger

Malachy Doyle

Illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 7

Penguin, 2005, 0-670-06020-8

One night, when the summer moon is full, a little girl sees a tiger dancing in the woods near her house. She goes to investigate, and when he realizes that she is watching him the big and beautiful animal “gasp in fright.” The girl is also afraid but the “laughter in his lightening eyes” makes her realize that the tiger is not a danger to her. The tiger invites her to join him on the nights of the full moon as long as she keeps him a secret.

   The girl is glad to keep the dancing tiger a secret, and every month, for just one night, she joins her friend in the woods to dance in the moonlight. They dance through spring flowers, autumn leaves, and in the snow, for year after year. Then there comes a time when the girl is no longer a girl, and her secret has to be passed on.

   This magical book will take young readers into a moonlit world where two friends enjoy precious hours in each other’s company. The rhyming text is perfectly paired with Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher’s gorgeous and softly colored paintings. 

Anniversary - The birthday of Roger Hargreaves, creator of the Mr. Men books

On this day in 1935 Charles Roger Hargreaves was born. Hargreaves  was an English author and illustrator of children's books, notably the Mr. Men and Little Miss series, intended for very young readers. The simple and humorous stories, with brightly-colored, boldly drawn illustrations, have been part of popular culture for over 25 years, with sales of over 85 million copies worldwide in 20 languages.

Hargreaves was born in a private hospital at 201 Bath Road, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire to Alfred Reginald and Ethel Mary Hargreaves. He grew up in High Lees at 703 Halifax Road, Cleckheaton, outside of which there now is a commemorative plaque.

Hargreaves spent a year working in his father's laundry and dry-cleaning business before starting out in advertising. His original ambition was to be a cartoonist, and in 1971, while working as the creative director at a London firm, he wrote the first Mr. Men book, Mr. Tickle. Initially he had difficulty finding a publisher, but once he did the books became an instant success, selling over one million copies within three years. In 1975 it spawned a BBC animated television series called the Mr. Men Show, Mr. Tickle being voiced by Arthur Lowe.

By 1976, Hargreaves had quit his day job. In 1981 the Little Miss series of books was launched, and in 1983 it also was made into a television series, narrated by John Alderton. He voiced the Men and Pauline Collins voiced the Misses. Although Hargreaves wrote many other children's stories—including the Timbuctoo series of 25 books, John Mouse and the Roundy and Squarey books—he is best known for his 46 Mr. Men and 33 Little Miss books.

Between 1979 and 1982 Hargreaves lived with his family in Guernsey. Then they settled at Sussex House Farm near Cowden, Kent. Hargreaves died in 1988 at the Kent and Sussex Hospital in Royal Tunbridge Wells following a stroke. After his death, his son Adam continued writing and drawing the Mr. Men and Little Miss characters with new stories. However, in April 2004 Hargreaves's wife Christine sold the rights to the Mr. Men characters to the UK entertainment group Chorion, for £28 million.

Hargreaves and his wife had four children: Adam, Giles and twins Sophie and Amelia. The first of the Mr. Men characters is reported to have been created when Adam, at age 6, asked his father what a tickle looked like. Hargreaves drew a figure with a round orange body and long rubbery arms, which became Mr. Tickle.

In honor of Hargreaves' wonderful books, Google has released "tons of doodles" featuring the now famous Mr. Men and Little Miss characters.To find out more about the books, you can visit the Mr. Men and Little Miss website.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book One hundred and twenty-nine

There is no doubt that there are times when my dogs drive me crazy. Sometimes they bark too much. Sometimes their shedding makes it impossible to keep the house clean. Then there are those days when they roll in something nasty or get sprayed by a skunk. Why would any sane person put up with all this aggravation. If you don't know the answer to that question, then you haven't been lucky enough to have a dog in your life. 

Today's book is a tribute to all dogs, who have so much to give, and who are such wonderful friends and companions.

Wag!

Patrick McDonnell

Picture Book

For ages 5 and up

Little Brown, 2009, 978-0-316-04548-3

   Earl is a little black and white dog whose tail is forever wagging. It goes “Fwip Fwip Fwip” all the time. It wags when Earl is eating, or when he is playing ball. It wags for “belly rubs, chewy toys, snacky-snacks, and snowflakes.” That tail wags when Earl sees his old friends and when he sees potential new ones. Why does Earl’s tail wag though? Does anyone know?

   Mooch the cat tries to tell us the answer to this question, but he forgets what he wants to say. Jules the littler cat doesn’t know. Mooch then decides that the answer is a secret. Finally, Mooch decides that he knows the answer.

   In this charming picture book, Patrick McDonnell the creator of the much loved Mutts cartoon strip, celebrates the secret that lies in the heart of every dog. He reminds us that there is one thing that we can share and give that is more important than anything else in the world. Dogs, of course, are perfect candidates to show us poor humans what this secret is because they are so good at sharing it.

   With his minimal art and text, and his loveable dog and cat characters, Patrick McDonnell gives readers of all ages a book that they will be able to appreciate and savor for the rest of their lives. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book One hundred and twenty-eight

Once, when I was traveling with my parents in Europe, I left my beloved half bald pink teddy bear in a hotel. When I realized that Pinky was missing, I had a major melt down. Luckily the people at the hotel saved Pinky, and they kindly mailed him to us. After a all long snuggle session, Pinky and I had a long discussion about the adventures that we had had when we were apart.

Today's picture book is about another little child whose favorite toy goes missing and what happens.

Raf

Anke de Vries

Illustrated by Charlotte Dematons

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 6

Lemniscaat, 2008, 978-1-59078-749-6

   Ben is a little boy who never goes anywhere without Raf, his stuffed giraffe. Then one day Ben cannot find Raf anywhere, and he goes to bed feeling very sad indeed. The next morning it is snowing, and Ben gets an unexpected postcard from Africa. Imagine how he feels when he reads the postcard and discovers that it is from Raf. Apparently, Raf has been found and now he is traveling across the desert.

   In his second postcard, Raf tells Ben that he is now visiting a big lake. A lot of pink birds live there and unfortunately they are pooping on Raf’s nose. Raf is much relieved when the birds fly away and some elephants arrive on the scene. Raf is not in the least bit frightened of the elephant. In fact he is happy that the elephants helped him have a “nice shower,” even though he has shrunk a little after drying off in the sun.

   In this charming picture book, we meet an intrepid little traveler who has all kinds of adventures and who sends postcards to his little boy describing his experiences. Children will enjoy sharing Raf’s adventures, reading his postcards with Ben as they turn the pages. They will also sympathize with the little boy whose world is a much less enjoyable place when Raf isn’t in it. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book One hundred and twenty-seven

For some years now, Arthur Geisert has been creating fabulous picture books whose characters are all pigs. Often the pigs build extraordinary buildings or machines, and the stories in the books are always unique and memorable. Here is a wordless picture book that recently came out.

Ice

Arthur Geisert

Wordless Picture Book

For ages 4 to 7

Enchanted Lion Books, 2011, 978-1-59270-098-1

   There is a community of pigs who live on a little desert island that is surrounded by open ocean. Unfortunately, the island is a very dry and hot place, and all the pigs are feeling the heat. To make matters worse, their water supply is dangerously low. The pigs gather together one evening and after consulting their globe, they decide that they are going to have to travel north to get some ice to bring home.

   The pigs don’t have any fast technologically advanced vehicles at their disposal, but they do have a ship, and when they make a few adjustments to this vessel, they create a ship that can sail through the air as well as on the water. Now they can travel north to get the ice they need, but how will they get their ice home?

   In this wonderfully entertaining wordless picture book, Arthur Geisert gives readers another look into the piggy world that he created for his book Oops. Young readers will enjoy following the adventures of these brave and resourceful pigs, and they will be delighted to find out that these porcine characters find a creative way to solve their problems.

Poetry Friday - A review of Spinster Goose: Twisted Rhymes for Naughty Children

The Mother Goose thymes have entertained children from all over the world for many generations now. Parents enjoy sharing their favorite Mother Goose rhymes with their children, and they often punctuate their readings with tickles, clapping games, and more. For today's Poetry Friday review I have a book that offers a very different take on the Mother Goose rhymes. Here the rhymes are considerably darker than the original ones, and they offer an amusing story to follow that has a clever cautionary element.

Spinster Goose: Twisted Rhymes for Naughty Children

Lisa Wheeler

Illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Poetry Picture Book

For ages 7 to 9

Simon and Schuster, 2011, 978-1-4169-2541-5

   Mother Goose is a kindly soul who loves children, but sometimes the children in her care are “far beyond my expertise.” When this happens, Mother Goose sends the children to her sister who has a school that is perfect for “uncouth urchins.” So, if you are considering being naughty, read this book and you will be find out what could await you in Spinster Goose’s school.

   Spinster Goose, not wanting “to wander,” built a school where “Her rules and her staff / keep the children in line.” If you are a pincher you are pinched. If you are a biter, you get bitten. In short this is a place where brats are sent, and where they get a taste of their own medicine.

   For example there is Bobby Shaftoe who was a “Thieving little gopher” who tries to steal some treats from the teachers lounge. Little does he know that his actions are being observed and that punishment awaits him.

   Jack and Jill sneak out of school “to ditch a boring class.” Jack falls down and hurts his head and Jill goes to the nurse. Unfortunately the nurse is “the spinster’s spy” and she turns the two children in and “Jack and Jill are busted.”

   This wonderful take on some of the Mother Goose rhymes will thoroughly delight readers who like books that are a little unusual. The rhymes are often wickedly funny, and they certainly give readers an altogether different poetry experience.  

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book One hundred and twenty-six

I consider myself to be lucky because my daughter is very musical. She chose to play the piano when she was five, and then she chose to learn how to play the violin when she was seven. Now we play little duets together.

In today's picture book you will meet a little boy who is forced to play the piano, even though he really does not like the instrument. Thankfully there is a happy ending to this particular musical tale.

Piano Piano

Davide Cali

IllustratedPiano Piano by Eric Heliot

Picture book

For ages 5 to 7

Charlesbridge, 2007, 978-1-58089-191-2

   Every day at 3:00, except on Fridays, Marcolino sits in front of the piano and he practices his scales. By 3:13 Marcolino has had enough, and he switches on the TV to watch cartoons, which is when his mother comes in and tells him to “Get back to the piano now!” Marcolino hates to practice the piano, but he does it to please his mother. She wanted to be a “grand pianist,” and now she wants Marcolino to practice so that he can be a “grand pianist.” The problem is that Marcolino does not want to be a grand pianist at all.

   On Fridays, Marcolino’s grandfather takes him to the science museum, and on this Friday Grandpa asks Marcolino why he likes going to the same museum week after week. Marcolino explains the museum is better than being at home because at home he has to practice so that he can become a “grand pianist.” Marcolino explains that he has to fulfill his mother’s dream, which is when Grandpa decides that he needs to set the record straight once and for all.

   This picture book is the kind of title that speaks to both children and adults. Young readers will love the way Marcolino’s piano problem is solved, and parents will receive a gentle reminder of the danger of forcing their children to do something that they really hate doing. Wonderfully quirky multimedia illustrations compliment the meaningful and often amusing story.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book One hundred and twenty-five

I grew up on the other side of the world from where I live now, literally, which means that I am far away from the people that I grew up with. At times this bothers me because the people I know here do not know my story. We do not have those shared memories. Over time, we will build new ones I am sure.

Today's picture book is about two children who are the best of friends and who are deeply upset when one of them moves far away.

Half a world Away

Libby Gleeson

Illustrated by Freya Blackwood

Picture Book

For ages

Scholastic, 2006, 978-0-439-88977-3

   Amy and Louie are the best of friends. Together they have “dug holes deep enough to bury bears,” and they have seen “magical creatures in the clouds.” Every time Amy wants Louis to join her in a game, she calls out to him using her special call. “Coo-ee, Lou-ee!” she says, and Louie always comes over to join her. Similarly, when Louie would like Amy to share in his game, he calls out “Coo-ee, Am-ee!” and the little girl is soon at this side.

   Then one day Amy moves away “to the other side of the world,” and poor Louie doesn’t feel like doing any of the things that he used to do with Amy. Far apart, the two friends think about each other, “Every night and every day.” The two children are so far apart that when Louie is awake, Amy is asleep. If Louie calls Amy really loudly she will not hear him because he is so far away and because she is asleep in her bed. Or maybe not.

   In this beautifully illustrated picture book, Libby Gleeson explores the nature of friendship, and she celebrates the magical connection that a pair of children share. Freya Blackwood’s beautifully atmospheric illustrations compliment the text perfectly, capturing the warmth of the children’s friendship and the special relationship that unites them, even when they are many many miles apart.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book One hundred and twenty-four

In my family, so many celebrations are associated with feasts and food. Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without the cake, and the Fourth of July would feel all wrong if we didn't cook something delicious on the grill. In today's story, a girl and her family are preparing a special meal in honor of her grandparents, and things are not going as planned.

Three Scoops and a Fig

Sara Laux Akin

Illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Peachtree Publishers, 2010, 978-1-56145-522-5

   Sofia’s grandparents are coming over today, and Sofia’s father is cooking up a storm in the kitchen of his restaurant. Sofia is eager to help cook, but when she pushes the button of the blender (without putting the top on the machine) everything in the kitchen gets splattered with tomato sauce. Sofia’s father tells her that she is just too little to help.

   Later Sofia smells bread baking, and when she goes into the kitchen, she sees that mama is putting some breadsticks into the oven. Once again, Sofia wants to help, and once again something goes terribly wrong. Then, when Sofia tries to help her brother make pizza, she manages to get her dough on the ceiling fan! Poor Sofia wants so much to contribute to the celebration. Is there anything that she do that won’t go horribly wrong?

   In this simple yet warming picture book, the author celebrates the food traditions and close ties that family members share, and she shows young readers how their own creativity can make their wishes come true.

   Kathleen Hartung’s expressive illustrations beautifully capture the close family ties that run like threads through the story.

   

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book One hundred and twenty-three

Last week, as per usual, I got several packets and boxes of books from publishers. When I opened one from Simon and Schuster, I pulled out a book that immediately caught my attention. The name of the book was endearing and the cat character on the cover looked funny. Right there and then I began to read the book out loud to myself and my daughter. In no time we were captivated by the hilarious story of Fuddles, a cat who has no idea that you need real survival skills to cope in the big world outside.

I would like to present...

Fuddles

Frans Vischer

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Simon and Schuster, 2011, 978-1-4169-9155-7

   Fuddles is a house cat who is fat, spoiled, and “pampered.” All he does is eat, sleep, and go to the litter box, and his every need is provided for. One day Fuddles decides that perhaps he needs to do more with his life. Perhaps the time has come to go outside - to answer the call of the wild.

   With great determination, Fuddles prepares for his adventure by exercising, practicing climbing, and sharpening “his hunting skills.” Fuddles is sure that he is going to do very well out there in the wild world.

   At last Fuddles gets his chance, and he manages to escape from the house when none of the people are looking. He quickly gets down to work. Carefully he stalks some birds, but when he leaps into the air with feline grace to catch his prey, the pork chops that he ate last night weigh him down and he ends up taking an unintended bath in the bird bath.

   Wet and feeling decidedly grumpy, Fuddles hears some squirrels laughing at him. Fuddles is going to teach those squirrels a lesson that they will never forget; he will climb that tree and show them. Or perhaps not. Trees are rather hard to climb when you have never done it before.

   In this delightfully amusing picture book, we meet a cat who discovers, the hard way, that life in the great outdoors might not be as fun as it looks. Who knew that the outdoors could be so confusing, complicated, and dangerous.

   With deliciously funny illustrations and a main character who is wonderfully lovable, this picture book is sure to amuse and entertain young readers.