Poetry Friday - A review of Dear Hot Dog

Yesterday I had the ill fortune to be sick. Really sick. As I lay in bed, I came to realize how much I appreciated really simple things at that moment. I loved the coziness of the quilt that I lay under, the one that my mother bought me. I felt less alone because my two cats were curled around me. I was grateful for the gorgeous view that I could see outside my bedroom window. I was thankful for the telephone calls I received from people who were checking up on me.

Today's picture poetry book explores a few everyday things as seen through the eyes of three children, and it is a celebration of those simple things that make life better and happier.

Dear Hot Dog

Mordicai Gerstein

Poetry Picture book

For ages

Abrams, 2011, 978-0-8109-9732-5

   Throughout the day, we have these little moments when we use or encounter everyday objects and things, and we don’t even think about the experience. When was the last time that you thought about your toothbrush and what it does for you? Have you ever considered how useful your cup is as it conveys your breakfast juice to your mouth? Have you ever contemplated the perfection of a hotdog in its bun, dressed with mustard, relish, and ketchup? Probably not.

   In this book, you can follow three friends as they play, run, swim, and make their way through a day. You are there when they wake up, and you are there when they finally fall asleep. Best of all, you will connect with these children as they talk about some of the simple things that make their lives better. Their words come to us in the form of poems, each one being written as if the girl or one of the two boys is speaking to us.

   The day begins with a little boy brushing his teeth. As he brushes, he ‘converses’ with his toothbrush. The boy talks about how he gives the toothbrush “toothpaste / for breakfast,” and how in turn, the toothbrush works hard “scouring and scrubbing” his teeth.

   Next, we meet a little boy who loves his pants. After all, the little boy and his pants “go everywhere / together.” The pants carry the little boy’s “treasures” in pockets, and together they share all kinds of adventures. Of course, it is very hard for the pants to endure being washed, but as soon as the clean “limp and lifeless” garment is worn again, it comes back to life.

   The poems that follow look at toes, socks, shoes, water, summer sun, rain, books, and many other things that we connect with and experience on a typical day. Each poem is rich with images that children will recognize and enjoy, and each one celebrates those simple yet precious everyday moments.

   Paired with his delightful artwork, Mordecai Gerstein’s collection of poems is a treat to read and to look at, and children will enjoy dipping into the book to see what new treasures they can find.

  

  

   

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book two hundred and seventy-three

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes the most unlikely looking characters turn out to be the only ones who can save the day when something goes horribly wrong. In today's picture book, you will meet a cat who does not look like he can do much of anything, except raid the nearest garbage can. Thankfully, it turns out that he has inner resources that are very valuable indeed. 

Warduff and the corncob caper

Mat Head

Picture Book

For ages

Andersen Press USA, 2011, 978-0-7613-8095-5

   One evening Warduff the cat is having a post snack snooze when he is woken up by a telephone call. Fefferflap the goose from Corncob Farm is on the other end of the line, and he is in a flap because the local fox is apparently coming to dinner. Fefferflap and the other animals at the farm don’t want to be on the menu.

   Warduff is large and not exactly beautiful, but he is loyal to his friends, and soon he is at the farm, listening to the farm animals who desperately need his help. Warduff tells the animals to calm down, and then he goes into one of the fields where he thinks and thinks until a cunning plan comes into his head. Soon Operation Corncob is under way.

   Young readers will greatly enjoy seeing how Warduff the cat works on finding a way to save his farm friends from a hungry fox. They will see how important it is to cooperate with others when there is danger ahead. Even the smallest and weakest amongst us can defeat a bigger foe if we work together.

   With wonderfully expressive illustrations and a clever story, this is a picture book that is sure to become a firm favorite with children who like a happy ending.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book two hundred and seventy-two

This is banned books week, and in honor of this important week, I have a review of Americus, a graphic novel that shows, in a fictional setting, how banning some books affects young readers. This is an extraordinary book, one that readers of all ages should read.

Americus

MK Reed

Illustrated by Jonathan Hill

Graphic Novel

For ages 12 and up

First Second Books, 2011, 978-1-59643-601-5

For Neil Barton and his friend Danny Burns, life in the little town of Americus is not much fun. Neil and Danny just want to be left alone, and one of the few things that they can do to escape their lives it to read. In particular, the boys share a love of a fantasy series, which is about a character called Apathea Ravenchilde.

   The boys are coping pretty well considering, when Danny’s mother Nancy decides that the newest Apathea book is “wicked.” She takes the book back to the library and rips it up in front of Charlotte, the librarian. Back at home, Danny and his mother have a blazing row, which causes Danny’s parents to send him to military school camp. Neil is now friendless and he is going to have to navigate the perils of junior high alone.

   Following the removal of her son, Nancy Burns declares war on the Apathea Ravenchilde books. She wants them removed from the public library because she thinks that they glorify witchcraft, violence, and countless other immoral beliefs and behaviors. Neil is appalled and angry. He feels helpless against Mrs. Burns’ religious tirades and her virulent indignation. How can he, a shy, withdrawn, and unpopular boy, do anything to stop the library board from banning the books?

   In this powerful and sometimes disturbing book, MK Reed and Jonathan Hill explore a very explosive issue, the banning of books in public libraries. Through the eyes of Neil and Danny, we see how the banning of books affects young readers, and we see how important it is to stand up for what you believe in, even if it scares you to do so.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book two hundred and seventy-one

I remember many years ago I celebrated my birthday in India. Though I was surrounded by good friends and they certainly arranged a wonderful celebration for me, I could not help missing my family. Today's book is about a little witch who cannot find her dearest companion, just when she is about to celebrate her birthday. Though the little witch has her cake and her decorations, she cannot imagine celebrating her birthday if her best friend is not there with her. 

Happy Birthday, Little Witch

Lieve Baeten

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 7

NorthSouth, 2011, 978-0-7358-4043-0

   It is Lizzy the Little Witch’s birthday, and she is planning a little celebration. When her cake conjuring spell fails to work, she flies out on her broom to buy a cake. Back at home, she puts the cake on the table and calls Cat, but Cat does not respond.

   Lizzy cannot celebrate without Cat, so she goes to look for her. She asks some witches in the Witch Village Market if they have seen Cat, but they haven’t. The witches in the Witch This-n’-That Shop tell Lizzy that they haven’t seen Cat either. Even the witch in the Witch Pet Store hasn’t seen Cat. Poor Lizzy. How can she have her birthday party without Cat for company.

   In this delightful Little Witch title, children will enjoy a story that is full of surprises, cunning pictures with doors that open, and that has the perfect happy ending. They will appreciate why Lizzy feels that her birthday celebration cannot be complete if Cat is not there with her.

   This is one of a series of books about Lizzy the Little Witch.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book two hundred and seventy

There are some children who think having a bath or a shower is a form of torture. They have to be bribed or threatened before they will reluctantly agree to get clean. Many readers will be amused by today's picture book, but children who are apposed to getting clean will especially appreciate it. 

Hogwash!

Karma Wilson

Illustrated by Jim McMullan

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 6

Little Brown, 2011, 978-0-316-98840-7

   It is a warm day in May and Farmer has decided that he is going “spring-clean all his animals.” With water and soap, Farmer scrubs the ducks, horses, cows, goats, cats, and dogs. Then it is the pig’s turn to get clean, and Farmer encounters a problem. The pigs board up their pen and they make is absolutely clear that they do not want a “hogwash.”

   Farmer is a very determined sort of man, so he decides to spray some water through a hole in the pig’s pen. If they won’t let him give them a bath, he will give then a shower instead. Unfortunately, the plan backfires. The water makes a ton of mud inside the pen and the pigs get dirtier than ever. Farmer is furious. “You oikers get me riled!” he says in frustration, and he sets about trying to trick his wily pigs into getting clean.

   With a delicious rhyming text and amusing illustrations, this book is perfect for children who are bathaphobic. They are sure to appreciate this clever and outrageously funny story, and will surely find themselves rooting for the pigs.

In Memoriam - Wangari Maathai

Yesterday Wangari Muta Maathai passed away at the age of 71. Wangari is famous for being the woman who sought to find new ways to help her people and preserve the environment at the same time. In 2004 she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for “her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace.” 
   Over the years I have reviewed several wonderful picture books about this resourceful and exceptional woman. You can read my reviews of these books here. You can find out more about Wangari on her Wikipedia page, and do check out the Green Belt Movement website. The Green Belt Movement is a non-profit NGO that Wangai founded 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book two hundred and sixty-nine

Many of us have wishes that we wish would come true. We drop pennies into wells, wish on rainbows and on the first star that we see in the evening, and we hope that we will find the lucky coin in the Christmas pudding. Most of the time our wishes don't come true, but every so often they do.

In today's picture book you will meet two little children who really do need to have a few of their wishes granted,  and you will meet a cat who likes nothing better than to grant wishes.

Amazing Mr. Zooty

Emma Chichester Clark

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Andersen Press, 2006, 978-1842705926

   Mr. Zooty is a rather extraordinary cat who goes around looking “for people to help out.” One day he is in the park when he sees two small children who are trying to catch falling leaves “for luck.” The children, Sam and Lucy, take the three leaves that they catch to their mother, who praises the children saying “We could do with some luck.”

   When he hears this, Mr. Zooty gets to work. He takes a shabby coat out of his red suitcase and pretends to be a poor elderly cat who is down on his luck. Though they don’t have any pennies to spare, Lucy does not hesitate to give Mr. Zooty the three lucky leaves, and when he collapses, Lucy, Sam, and their mother take the cat home. After all, “everybody needs a little help sometimes.” Little do they know that Mr. Zooty is going to return their kindnesses in many wonderful ways.

   Every so often one needs to read a feel-good book, and this picture book is just that. Children will be delighted to see how Mr. Zooty helps the two children and their mother, and they will love the delightfully unique way in which the cat grants wishes.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book two hundred and sixty-eight

Just before I was born, my parents got a puppy, so I was lucky enough to grow up with a dog in the house. Balloo was a wonderful canine person who taught me a great deal about courage, patience, and unselfish love, and because of her I have never really been afraid of dogs. I do have some friends who are terrified of them, and it is painful to see how afraid they get when a dog walks towards them.

Today's picture book tells the story of one little boy who is afraid of dogs, and who discovers something really important about fear.

Not afraid of dogs

Susanna Pitzer

Illustrations by Larry Day

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Walker, 2006, 0-8027-8067-9

   Daniel is not afraid of spiders, or snakes, or thunderstorms, but he is afraid of dogs. Of course, Daniel won’t admit that he is afraid of dogs. He insists that he simply doesn’t like them.

   Everywhere he goes, Daniel avoids dogs. He climbs the stairs if there is a dog in the elevator, he crosses the street if a dog is walking down the sidewalk, and he leaves the park if a dog is there.

   One day he comes home to find out that his mother has agreed to take care of Aunt Rose’s dog Bandit. Daniel is furious, and he refuses to come out of his room, even for dinner. That night Daniel has to go to the bathroom. How can he be sure that he won’t encounter Bandit, and what should he do if he does come nose to nose with the little dog?

   In this charming and sensitively written book, Susanna Pitzer shows her readers how our fears can be crippling, and how they often doesn’t make any sense. Sometimes the thing that we are afraid of is actually not a threat at all.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book two hundred and sixty-seven

Though it is still warm here in southern Oregon, it is officially fall, so today I have a fall-ish book for you to enjoy.  It may be eighty something degrees outside, but in the pages of this book I can experience a day that is cold, blustery, and stormy. How nice!

Nuts

Paula Gerritsen

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Lemniscaat, 2005, 978-1-932425-66-6

   It is fall, and it is time for Mouse to collect nuts so that she has food during the winter months that lie ahead. Wearing her red coat with the big pockets and her warm scarf, Mouse heads across the big field towards the big nut tree that stands near the farm.

   As Mouse approaches the furrowed field, Gull warns her that a storm is on its way, but his warning is blown away by the wind. In the field, Hare tells Mouse to “Get out of here” or she will get run over by the tractor. Mouse cannot hear Hare’s warning because of the “roar” of the tractor’s engine. In the meadow, Sheep warns Mouse that there is a dog behind her, but the dog’s barking is so loud that Mouse does not hear what Sheep says.

   When Mouse gets to the nut tree, the storm is so fierce that she takes refuge in a hole at the base of the tree. Snug and safe, she falls asleep. Little does she know that she is going to get a dreadful surprise when she wakes up.

   In this visually stunning picture book, Paula Gerritsen gives her readers a picture of a blustery autumn day in the country. Children get to meet some animals, and they get to follow the adventures of a plucky little mouse, whose plans are greatly upset by a sudden storm.

Poetry Friday - A review of the Cuckoo's Haiku

Many people get a lot of pleasure from watching birds. They set up feeders in their gardens or in front of a window, and some people keep a list of all the bird species that they have seen. In today's poetry title, Michael Rosen brings together his love of poetry and his enthusiasm for bird-watching to give readers a delightful reading experience. This is the kind of book that children and adults alike will enjoy.

The Cuckoo’s Haiku and other birding poems

Michael J. Rosen

Illustrated by Stan Fellows

Poetry Picture Book

For ages 7 and up

Candlewick Press, 2009, 978-0-7636-3049-2

For many of us poems are synonymous with rhymes. We are familiar with poems that have a bouncing rhythm, stanzas, and rhyming words. The thing is that poetry comes in a wide variety of forms. Some don’t rhyme at all, and some, like haikus, are only three lines long.

   For this book, Michael Rosen has written a collection of beautiful and evocative haikus that look at twenty-four commonly seen American birds. He has organized the haikus by season, showing us the species that we are most likely to see at that time of year.

   In spring there is the eastern bluebird, a pretty little bird that sings “spring’s first song” while it sits on “a staff of wires.” Then there are Northern Cardinals, bright red birds that are the “first feeders at dawn” and the “last feeders at dusk.”

   In the summer you are likely to hear the northern mockingbird, that “one man bird band” that can create so many sounds. This is also the time when common grackles can be seen taking sips of water from potholes in the road.

   For each poem Stan Fellows has created a double page spread pencil and watercolor illustration. There are notes about the bird species on the pages as well. These short notes are expanded on at the back of the book where readers will find “Notes for Birdwatchers and Haiku Lovers.”

   This book would make a splendid gift for readers who likes poetry, and for bird lovers of all ages.