Annual Anniversary

There is absolutely no way to stop it. It arrives every year on the same day at the same time and it leaves not a second earlier or later than it should.  A lot of individuals can hardly wait for the date.  A few choose to ignore it

In some households it is a cause for a special event.  It's a time to honor the celebrant. There might be a party.  There might be games.  There might be special food. And there might be gifts.  Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish (G. P. Putnam's Sons, February 12, 2019) written by Beth Ferry with illustrations by Tom Lichtenheld focuses on one of the most significant elements of observing a birthday.

There are,
there most definitely are,
10
very specific, tried and true,
and absolutely essential
Rules For The Making of
a Birthday Wish.

You may think rule number one is stating the obvious but there are some beings who think as long as they blow out birthday candles, they can make a wish.  If it's not actually the date of your birthday or close to it, this is a fruitless endeavor.  To ensure the validity of your wish a party is essential; a party with hats.

A form of light to extinguish is imperative.  Did you know you have to close your eyes when you wish?  Do you know why?  Before eliminating the light, usually candles, most will inhale deeply.  If you don't rule number nine will certainly be impossible.  There is an exception to this rule . . . for camels.  The justification makes perfect sense for sanitary reasons.

There are those who don't follow rule number ten.  Sometimes it's in error.  If this happens, you'll have to hold your wish in your heart until next year.


This is no ordinary list of regulations for those commemorating their special day.  Beth Ferry adds commentary for most of the wishes guaranteeing readers will be grinning from ear to ear in mere minutes.  She gives us an opportunity to ponder exceptions to these birthday wish rules.  What if your life span is less than a year?  Are balloons always a good party accessory? (What if you are a swordfish?)  What kind of wish is acceptable?  Here is a portion from rule number four.

If you are a frog, consider using
fireflies as your candles AND
your dessert.  Combining rules is
completely acceptable.


Rendered in pencil, watercolor, colored pencil, and pastel by Tom Lichtenheld, the illustrations beginning on the matching dust jacket and book case certainly put loads of happiness in this book about birthday wishes.  All the characters are highly animated and smiling or laughing.  The white canvas is ideal for showcasing the brightly colored animals and party items.

To the left, on the back, those creatures shown on the front are now seated around a circular table with the towering cake waiting for someone to make a wish.  On the opening and closing endpapers a royal blue and a light blue create a pattern comprised of streamers, confetti, balloons, party whistles, crowns, food and desserts, especially a piece of cake.  An enthusiastic group is featured on the verso and title pages.  A large purple elephant is joined by three rabbits, a duck and a little bear.  Everyone is wearing party hats.  Tiny print along the elephant's back reads:

Balloons are highly recommended.  Inflation by pachyderm is optional.

Background colors shift according to the subjects shown.  Some of the images span two pages and others are on single pages.  The expressions on the animals are delightful!  Certain animals travel from one portion of the book to another portion.

One of my many favorite illustrations is for rule number five.  This rules begins with
There must be singing.  On a grassy hill arching from the left side to the right side are six dogs of varying species.  Five have their eyes closed and heads lifted to howl a song for their friend.  The friend sits just right of the gutter, holding the string attached to a red balloon in its mouth.  In front of this pooch is a cake with three candles glowing.  A bone with a ribbon around it rests in the grass.



This noted illustration leads splendidly into the next title to be highlighted.  If you recall, not every single soul enjoys a certain kind of birthday bash.  Let's Have a Dog Party! (Viking, March 19, 2019) written and illustrated by Mikela Prevost gives readers a look at how a human learns to listen to her canine companion.

This is Frank's spot.

It's his favorite spot
in Kate's house.
More than his bed, 
more than his bowl.  
Frank's spot is warm
and soft and perfect
for napping.

Before Frank can settle into his perfect napping spot (next to a comfy armchair), Kate and four of her friends, shouting and laughing, run into the room.  They are ready to wish Frank a Happy Birthday.  To get Frank ready for his party, they decorate him with bows, balloons and a party hat.

Everything Frank likes, his bed and his bowl and his spot, are buried under colored wrapping paper, ribbon and tape.  Where is his spot?  It must be here.  One of the children thinks his snooping means he wants to open his presents.  Another uproar ensues.

They sing the Happy Birthday song so loud Frank cringes.  They join hands and dance around Frank.  Frank is frantic.  He leaves as fast as he can.  They think he wants to play hide-and-seek.  He simply wants to hide.

When Kate finally finds Frank, her joyful discovery turns to belated understanding.  Fortunately, the love of a girl for her dog leads to one final birthday surprise which Frank is more than willing to enjoy.  Even though Frank makes no wish, his day ends as if he has.


Throughout this story Mikela Prevost blends the voice of an unseen narrator with the conversations of Kate, his human, and her friends.  This makes the contrast between what Frank desires for his day and what Kate and company are doing even stronger.  It leads beautifully to the big moment of comprehension.  Here is a passage.

Frank watched his bed disappear.

And then his bowl.

Frank really wanted 
his spot now.

It had to be under
these things.

"Hey!
Frank wants to
open his presents!"


Spread across the open and matching dust jacket and book case are signs of a party in progress; the golden balloons on the left, coral and yellow and teal streamers and cascading confetti. You would think the birthday being would be happy but clearly the dog wearing the striped hat is anything but happy.  He's looking decidedly woebegone.  The title and his expression do not match.  Already readers will start to question what will be explored and explained in the body of the book.

On a rich golden background on the opening and closing endpapers are seven party hats in various designs with their strings gently looped near them.  The hats at the close clearly show the efforts of the children.  On the title page a barefoot Kate, carrying three balloons in her right hand, reaches out her left hand to affectionately tap Frank on his nose.  You can tell they adore each other.

Each illustration rendered in watercolor, acrylic gouache, and colored pencils with a bit of collage brings readers into the story through a blend of double-page pictures, single-page images and smaller visuals.  Mikela Prevost alters her perspective to enhance an emotion.  For two of the illustrations the background shifts because of the scene but also because of Frank's distress.  The other technique Mikela employs is to show the mouths of the children wide-open.  They are using outdoor voices inside.  This is crushing to Frank as shown by his body posture.  (For careful readers, Mikela Prevost has inserted a bit of humor made visible on the closing endpapers.  It's very clever.)

One of my many favorite illustrations is a small one, grouped with two other small images.  It's after Kate coaxes Frank from his hiding place.  She is kneeling at his level on her hands and knees.  He comes to her and gives her a doggy kiss on her cheek after she says she is sorry.  It is a time of understanding, forgiveness and love.


Both of these books, Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish written by Beth Ferry with illustrations by Tom Lichtenheld and the debut title, Let's Have a Dog Party!, as both author and illustrator for Mikela Prevost, center on annual anniversaries but each one asks us to ponder completely different points.  For the first one, amid humor, we wonder if there are other rules for making wishes.  In the second one, we are asked to be sensitive to the wishes of someone other than ourselves.  I highly recommend both titles for your professional and personal book collections.

To learn more about Beth Ferry, Tom Lichtenheld and Mikela Prevost and their other work, please follow the links attached to their names to access their websites.  Beth Ferry has an account on Instagram and Twitter.  Tom Lichtenheld has an account on Instagram and Twitter.  Beth and Tom are featured at Publishers Weekly, Four Questions for Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld.  They are also guests on a broadcast, Marginalia.  Mikela Prevost has accounts on Instagram and Twitter.  At the publisher's website you can view the opening endpapers of Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish and Let's Have a Dog Party!

A Conversation with Thyra Heder

Good morning, Thyra.  I am happy to welcome you to Librarian’s Quest and to express my thanks to you for spending time with me and my readers today.  It’s been absolutely gorgeous here in southern Michigan as autumn brings in the cooler temperatures at night, clear blue skies, brisk breezes and a blanket of color in our trees.

Since the focus of our conservation today revolves around an animal companion I thought you might like to take an imaginary hike with me and my one-year-old chocolate Labrador, Mulan.  We enjoy walking through the woods, taking in the sights, sounds and scents.  So put on your comfy shoes or boots, grab a jacket and let’s get started.

Sounds great! My lab/rott mix Toby would like to follow Mulan to the stinkiest spots to roll in.

Mulan would love that! I, of course, might not be too happy with a stinky dog in the house but that's why water hoses and shampoo were invented.

In your Author’s Note at the close of the book, Alfie (The turtle that disappeared), (Abrams Books for Young Readers, October 3, 2017) you inform readers about your Alfie, the length of time Alfie has been a part of your family, your niece’s fascination with this turtle and your friend Nia’s turtle Max that seems to have an affinity for escaping.  Every time I read this book, the brilliance of two perspectives brings the story together flawlessly.  Did you always know you wanted to tell this story from both Nia’s and Alfie’s point of view?

Originally I wrote this story from an omniscient narrator and it wasn’t really working, because neither Nini (Nia’s original name) nor Alfie had much of a personality. Also, in this first idea, the turtle was gone for 30 years which ended up feeling very sad rather than fun.  I went to mope to my agent, Stephen Barr, which is what I often do when I’m stuck, and the two of us spent an hour basically just making each other laugh until suddenly one of us shot the firework of the idea of the change of perspective.  I honestly am not sure I can take credit for it, because I don’t have the memory of how it happened, but the second it was said aloud I knew it was right. All of my favorite novels involve switching character perspectives, so it became my mission to make this work in a picture book.  (In case you are interested, two of my favorites are To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf and Another Country by James Baldwin)

I am curious about whether you did any extra research or if it was pure observation of Alfie and Max so you could channel your inner turtle to write his point of view?

I’ve actually never met Nia’s Max! She’s just told me about his various escapes. I have followed my real Alfie around my parent's house a lot over the years, so mostly this was from memory. (Btw he really does love to hide in my mom’s shoes, get stuck under the radiator, and swim in the backyard koi pond)

How did you arrive at the name Alfie for your turtle and for the title of this book?

When I was five years old, I was obsessed with the book Esio Trot by Roald Dahl, which is about a man in love with his downstairs neighbor who is devoted to her pet tortoise, Alfie.  So for my sixth birthday, I got Alfie!

Your artwork for this book is utterly charming, elevating the text beautifully.  Did you have the text completed prior to the watercolor painting and inking?  Did the illustrations come first?  Or is it a combination of both? I am wondering about your process for this book.  

First of all, thank you! My process for every book begins with an instinct for what I want to paint, and then the writing follows as a way to justify that instinct.  It often is a painfully long process of figuring out how to construct the story with a lot of sketching of different dummies and rewriting and tearing my hair out (any of my friends will tell you that a perennial part of my writing process is wanting to throw the whole thing out).  But yes, I had finalized the text before starting to paint my images.   

However, after painting the final art for Alfie over many months, I reread it with the text and hated it.  I had spent so long creating the world in the art that when I looked at the writing again, it seemed to have zero of the same care and personality.  My editor at Abrams, Erica Finkel, is a saint.  She patiently sat with me in an empty office at 8pm before my book was supposed to be sent to the printer, and worked with me to rewrite every line of Alfie’s perspective.  For that, I am forever grateful, because the book got so much better.

You have included many wonderful extra details in your artwork?  What is one thing you hope readers will notice? (I noticed something entirely new when reading Alfie (The turtle that disappeared) again today.)

That makes me so happy! My favorite thing as an illustrator is to try to build enough into the art that those new surprises can happen.  I hope readers will notice how the walrus wears his pants.

I have an idea of why the rug pattern was chosen for the endpapers but I would love to know your reason for placing it there and for adding a portion of Alfie on the closing endpapers.

Well if I can earnestly and politely answer, “I don’t know, what do you think?” I’d love to hear your idea! To be honest, I was very stumped about the endpapers and they were due the next day and as I was falling asleep I just started talking to myself, I thought “okay, you have the book in your hand, you are looking at the cover, you open the book...what do you want to see?” and the rug popped in my head and felt good, so I did it.  I have spent many hours watching my Alfie crawl across carpets so adding him in the back came naturally and seemed to continue the story in a nice way.

It crossed my mind that the rug was a focal point for the first time Alfie and Nia were together with him roaming free. Also my thoughts on him being on the closing endpapers suggest he might be going on another adventure.

The use of a white canvas with the ink drawings of Nia and Alfie within the book and on the book case (case cover) is marvelous.  Were they always wordless and why or why not? Also, is there a particular reason Alfie is slightly airborne on the front of the book case?

Haha, I can’t help but feel that some of these questions are revealing that I sometimes don’t know why I make my own choices!  Initially I wanted the break to be two blank white pages, but, thankfully, Erica really pushed me to come up with something intentional for that moment. I knew it had to sort of exist outside of the story while relating to it, and I came across an old page of ink doodles in my studio with a little girl's silhouette and felt it click.  Alfie is floating on the case cover because it made me laugh.

I think it's going to make everyone laugh, Thyra.

Is the setting, the home and backyard, from your imagination or is it an actual place?

The setting is a mashup of my apartment in Brooklyn and my childhood home in Cambridge.

I know readers will want to know more about your Alfie, Thyra.  What kind of turtle is Alfie?

Omg, Margie, I AM NOT SURE!  We were told he was a Chinese Pond Turtle at the pet store, but he doesn’t look much like the photos.  It is actually also debateable whether he is, in fact, male.  I figure it doesn’t matter at this point? Alfie is just Alfie.

How old (approximately) is he now?

33 years young!

What is Alfie’s favorite food?

Alfie actually seems to prefer turtle food to the lettuce/carrots/guppies/crickets/grubs/hamburgers I tried to feed him when we were younger.

Thank you for chatting with me today Thyra.  It’s been a pleasure to learn more about Alfie (The turtle that disappeared), your process and the real-life Alfie.  I, and other readers too, certainly hope you have another project in the works.

To learn more about Thyra Heder please take a moment to visit her website and her blog.  You can get a sneak peek at her work space on her blog.  If you want to learn more about Alfie (The turtle that disappeared), the book, please follow the link attached to the title to read my blog post.

Also you can follow me on Facebook.com/thyrahederbooks for behind the scenes process photos and events.

Thyra Heder is the author-illustrator of Fraidyzoo and The Bear Report. In a starred review, Kirkus praised her latest picture book, Alfie, saying, "Heder takes readers on a journey about what it means to be a child with a new pet who sometimes loses its luster but never its worthiness of love." She is also an illustrator and storyboard artist whose clients include Kenneth Cole, Vogue and Coca-Cola. She graduated from Brown University in 2006 with a degree in art semiotics. She lives in Brooklyn.

Slow But Sure And Steady

When your younger sister is obsessed with turtles, they become a part of your life.  You begin to see turtles in every shape and size imaginable wherever you go; made from paper, stone, glass, wood, metal, gems, cloth, plants or a combination of materials.  No turtle is ever left by the side of the road to wander and possibly be hit by a car.  You stop and move it far away before proceeding to your destination.

You also find yourself, as an adult, turtle sitting a large box turtle when said sister goes on a trip.  Before you know it, you become attached to this guy as it follows you around the room.  And contrary to popular belief, they can move quickly when necessary.

Unlike my sister sometimes humans' interest in their turtle companions may not be as constant; having high points and low points in their friendship.  Alfie (The turtle that disappeared) (Abrams Books for Young Readers, October 3, 2017) written by Thyra Heder is a straight-to-your-heart charming story of giving and gifts.  Friendship can and does mean different things to each individual in the relationship.

On my sixth birthday, I got Alfie.

At the shop this little girl is told the turtle is about six years old, too.  They have something in common.  Alfie does not move much even when meeting all of his human's stuffed animal friends and toys or even when she teaches him her dance moves.  He is quiet when she leaves him little presents.  He seems to enjoy being inside his shell.

She continues to talk with him about her day to day activities and shares her most successful jokes with Alfie until she starts to forget about him for a little bit.  It's not until her seventh birthday she remembers him.  She is shocked to discover Alfie is missing.

Nia, as Alfie tells us, is a very special girl.  He feels calm in her home even though it

tickled my toes.

He is thrilled with all her friends and the presents she gives him.  He is determined to make Nia as happy as she makes him.  It's not until before her seventh birthday party when she is talking with him, a plan forms in his mind.  He has to find her the perfect present.

Alfie looks low and low but nothing is to be found.  It isn't until he chats with Toby, the family dog; he realizes he needs to go outside.  This is a whole new adventure filled with tricky feats, explorations and some shocking surprises.  The seasons shift.  Alfie is cold.  He still has not discovered what he needs for Nia.  A friendly snail offers advice as old as time.  It makes all the difference.


When you read the sentences written by Thyra Heder she takes you with intention into the character's point of view.  In the first part of her story the little girl is speaking.  Her observations are beautifully those of a child her age.  Her affection for Alfie is never in doubt regardless of his response.  Each part of her personality and daily activities is shared with him.

In a brilliant piece of storytelling Thyra Heder alters the point of view to Alfie.  All the things Nia talks about doing with him are seen through a turtle's perspective.  We are privy to his reasoning for the grand escape.  What he does in the outside world and the result are sheer wonder and perfectly, magically possible.  Here is a comparison of the two points of view.

I introduced him to everyone.

I taught him my wiggle dance and made him presents,
but he didn't seem to notice.


Nia taught me to dance!  I practiced wiggling inside my shell.
She gave me presents!  I had never been given presents.


Rendered in ink and watercolor all the illustrations are glorious.  On the opened dust jacket the home for Alfie stretches across the spine and to the edge of the back on the left.  There we see several stones, one partially submerged, another totally under water and one with a smiley face drawn on it.  A small seashell has been placed in his tank, too.  On the front the interpretation of Nia and Alfie looking out at readers, both through the glass but one on the outside and the other on the inside, is wonderful.  The homemade lettering made by Nia for his tank gently hangs for the title.

On the book case entirely in white we see a small Alfie in black on the right and the left.  On the first he is being held up by a balloon with the number six.  On the back he is resting on the ground.  Another balloon with a surprising number is tied to him.  The opening and closing endpapers are a close-up of the patterned rug in Nia's home.  The endpapers at the close include an additional element, hinting at Alfie's perspective.

On the title page we are brought near to Alfie as he sits on a rock.  His name hangs above him with the subtitle beneath it.  The images created by Thyra Heder for this title are brimming with delicate details.  Her pictures fill single pages, are grouped together on a single page, or span across two pages to accentuate a particular portion of the plot.  As she did on the book case, white space supplies a canvas for small black visuals at turning points.  Another important item is the heavy, matte-finished paper in this title.  This heightens the illustrative medium bringing softness to the pictures.

When the point of view in the narrative shifts so too does the illustrative perspective.  Readers will want to notice the significance of the balloons.  There is gentle humor and affection in other details; where Toby is looking in the snow and the snow sculpture Nia is making.

There are many, many wonderful images in this book.  One of my favorite pictures is when Alfie sees Nia for the first time.  She is looking through the glass with the label

FRESH WATER TURT

which is backwards to us.  Her beautiful face is framed on the right by a portion of the balloon with the number six.  Her eyes are wide and full of happiness.  Alfie has his back to us.  We only see about half of his shell.  His head is lifted and looking at this new girl.


There are those extraordinary books you love the very first time you read them.  Alfie (The turtle that disappeared) written and illustrated by Thyra Heder is one of them.  This is a book to be enjoyed for the wonderful story of affection seen from two perspectives.  It will fill your heart with total joy.  It will surely be requested as a read aloud again and again.  I highly recommend this for your professional and personal bookshelves.

To learn more about Thyra Heder and her other work, please follow the links attached to her name.  She has a website and a Tumblr account.  At the publisher's website you can scroll through interior images including my favorite one.

Once A Year

It's one day out of three hundred sixty-five days when you (and family and friends, if you are fortunate) celebrate your presence on our planet.  Every year on the day you were born, depending on the customs of your country and traditions within your family or among your friends, it's a time usually filled with gifts, fabulous food and the merry-making of memories.  On this day, for children, their essence seems to glow.

For many gals and guys, they start the countdown to their next birthday on the morning after the previous birthday.  They leave hints about presents they would love to receive.  They repeatedly mention their favorite foods.  And they secretly begin a list of wishes if they know they will have a cake with birthday candles.  When's My Birthday? (A Neal Porter Book, Roaring Brook Press, September 5, 2017) written by Julie Fogliano with illustrations by Christian Robinson is a lively look at a child who can hardly wait for their birthday to arrive.

when's my birthday?
where's my birthday?
how many days until
my birthday?

The questions keep coming from the eager individual.  They want to know the day of the week for their birthday.  They want to know the season of the year when this event is honored.  They want to know exactly what everyone will be doing.

Three children ask for three different kinds of presents.  Another one declares the size, the flavor of frosting and the number of candles on his perfect birthday cake.  A fourth fancies special foods.

With anticipation building invitations are issued.  It seems as though anyone and everyone is coming to the party.  Any attire you choose to wear is welcome.

Sleep is the last thing you desire on your birthday eve but it succeeds in enveloping you.  It's time.  It's morning.  Today is the day.  It's always worth the wait.


Like the word wizard she is Julie Fogliano casts a spell over readers, bringing us into the joy associated with children awaiting their birthdays.  Each phrase builds toward the special day touching on all aspects which contribute to the best birthday ever; the one we all remember.  By repeating the first three questions within the lyrical narrative two more times a cheery rhythm is supplied.  Here is a sample passage.

will my birthday have some singing?
will we sing so happy happy?
will we dance around and round?
will we jump and jump and jump? 


Certain to create a smile in all who view it, the front of the opened dust jacket promises fun within the pages of the book.  The smile on the child's face represents barely concealed bliss.  To the left, on the back, four hands from four children of various ethnic backgrounds reach upward to grab sweet treats thrown in the air.  When you touch the jacket you can feel the raised white text.  Some of the dots and candy on the front and the back are varnished.

Upon removing the jacket, readers will see a book case covered in green paper.  Embossed on the front is a party hat over a bowl.  A fish in copper foil swims in the bowl.  On the opening and closing endpapers a single row of large birthday candles, flames flickering, are presented in an array of colors and patterns.

On the verso a giraffe and a dog, both wearing party hats frame the information.  On the title page the party hat and fish bowl appear again in color.  Rendered using acrylic paint and collage techniques each image spans two pages.

A superb use of white space is evident in many of the pictures drawing our attention to the animated elements. Christian Robinson uses pieces of print, colored and patterned papers, string, realistic pictures of food, and a paper doily with his paints to fashion marvelous illustrations; each providing a unique perspective.  In reference to winter a child, laughing and holding their arms open wide, wearing appropriate clothing and ice skates, is skating on top of a large birthday cake.  In another scene with a black background a little girl is reaching for the end of a string.  It is wrapped around and tied in a bow on a large gift with white paper and golden stars.

One of my many favorite visuals is when the child wonders if their birthday is in spring.  Three stems fan from the gutter; the middle one in the exact center.  On either side are two large jagged leaves.  Two of the blossoms are dandelions ready to fluff.  The third on the right is a fan of yellow, brush-stroked lines.  A butterfly, a grasshopper and a snail, all wearing party hats and smiles, balance out the design and heighten the happiness.


When you read When's My Birthday? written by Julie Fogliano with illustrations by Christian Robinson you'll wish your birthday is not days or weeks or months away.  You will want it to be tomorrow.  There is total elation emanating from these pages.  I highly recommend you have a copy on both your professional and personal bookshelves.  Make sure you have party hats handy when you read it aloud.

To learn more about Julie Fogliano and her other work please visit her Facebook page.  Christian Robinson's website can be accessed by following the link attached to his name.  To view interior images please stop by the publisher's website.  The publishers have also designed a website dedicated to this book.  It includes information and activities.  Both Julie Fogliano and Christian Robinson chat during a podcast at Publishers Weekly about this title.  Christian Robinson is interviewed at Art Of The Picture Book, PBS News Hour, and Brightly.  Author, reviewer, and blogger Julie Danielson highlights this title on her blog, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.

Attitude Adaptation

Some days are harder than others; they are out-and-out challenging.  You are so down; it's hard to see up.  It's been purposed repeatedly developing an attitude of gratitude makes all the difference even if the silver lining you find is the tiniest of slivers.

Anticipation and expectations can also figure into our perceptions of any given moment.  It's tough when you go into a situation believing it will be one way and everything is seemingly contrary to your assumptions.  Birthday parties are supposed to be fun for everyone.  A kitty in Bernice Gets Carried Away (Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, July 14, 2015) written and illustrated by Hannah E. Harrison (Extraordinary Jane, February 6, 2014) is struggling with her current state of affairs.

It was a horrible, dreary day, and it suited Bernice's mood just fine.

Bernice and a group of friends are attending a birthday party.  Adorned in party hats the animals are chatting and waiting for the pieces of cake to be passed to them.  Bernice is the only one to get a piece without a frosted decoration. Humph!

The other six partygoers manage to snag a frosty drink but not Bernice.  She gets an odd flavor and it's definitely not cold.  When pinata time rolls around our increasingly frustrated cat is on the outside looking at the all the goodies gained by the others.  Double humph!

In a determined move, Bernice races toward as a bunch of balloons on strings being carried toward the celebrating creatures.  In a shocking turn of events, after she grabs them all, she is lifted higher, higher and higher.  Before she even has time to think, the balloons are stuck on the grumpy cloud threatening to rain.

As she looks down at everyone looking up and then looks up, her point of view, now a bird's eye view, transforms her thinking and heart.  Slowly but surely Bernice makes one choice after another choice.  Her actions cause a reaction in the bear, rabbit, fox, pig, goose and turtle.  Enlightening!


Using the storytelling technique of three, Hannah E. Harrison creates a rhythm in her narrative.  Bernice dislikes three incidents during the party before she takes action.  She completes three acts of kindness before another major turn toward the conclusion.  As readers we know something is coming but we're not quite sure what will happen.

Readers can see themselves on their worst days in the character of Bernice.  Each disappointment deepens her grouchy mood.  I find it interesting that rather than continuing to pout or stomping off in a snit, Bernice makes a daring decision.


Although Bernice, paws on hips and scowling, is looking rather cranky on the matching dust jacket and book case, readers might feel compelled to smile or laugh because they are well aware of feeling the same way.  Her expression coupled with the title also raises at least one question.  What is Bernice going to do?  The choice of words opens up more than one possibility.  To the left, on the back, we are given a sneak peek at the resolution with a new illustration. The opening and closing endpapers are in the same shade as the title text on the front.

On the title page Hannah E. Harrison begins her story with a row of animals carrying gifts to the party.  Bernice, happy at the moment, brings up the rear.  Their bright colorful clothing and cheerfully wrapped packages herald a joyful beginning.  Everything changes with a page turn.

The verso and first page showcase a gloomy day.  Bernice, arms crossed, is pouting beneath a tree.  The others are chatting near the table.  Careful readers will see the hint as to the reason for the bluebird's sadness.  All the illustrations, rendered in acrylic paint on Bristol board, are rich in detail; the cranky squirrel living in the tree, the signs around his hole, his artificial turf and lawn ornament, are sure to supply laughter.

The facial looks on all the animals' faces along with their body movements but especially those of Bernice convey every mood.  The background scenes also mirror the emotional temperament of the cat.  They are glorious.  Harrison alters her image sizes from two pages, to single pages edge to edge or framed in white and singular illustrations on a background of pure white.

One of my favorite pictures is a single page image, edge to edge.  All of the guests and the birthday bear are seated around the table.  Everyone has received a piece of cake with an icing rose.  Bernice's eyes are alight with anticipation.  Each rose is a different color coordinating with the hues on the party hats and clothing worn by the animals.   You can almost hear the eager chatter.  It's a sharp contrast to the weather and the next picture.


Written and illustrated by Hannah E. Harrison Bernice Gets Carried Away will have readers laughing at the disparity between her experiences and those of the other birthday party participants.  Through words and pictures we come to understand how lessening one's load can bring joy to others.  Unexpected glee is highly contagious.

To discover more about Hannah E. Harrison and her other work please visit her website by following the link attached to her name.  At the publisher's website they share the title page illustration.  Hannah E. Harrison is interviewed at Picture Book Builders by children's book author, Tammi Sauer. Update:  Penguin posted this brand new video on Twitter today (July 30, 2015).  Enjoy.

Persuasion With A Purpose

Over the course of the last three hundred, sixty-five days your excitement has become enormous.  You've hoped.  You've dropped hints discreetly and not so discreetly.  The Happy Birthday Song has been sung.  The candles on the cake have been blown out and a wish was made again.  Now it's time for presents.  Will it be there?

This scenario is played out more times every day of the year than can be counted.  A determined little girl in One Word from Sophia (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, June 16, 2015) written by Jim Averbeck with illustrations by Yasmeen Ismail is going to leave nothing to chance.  Her wish simply has to be fulfilled.

Sophia's birthday was coming up, and she had five things on her mind---
One True Desire and four problems.

Sophia's One True Desire is not what you would expect.  It's as extraordinary as she is.  She wants a pet, a pet giraffe.  Her problems are her family members, a mom, a dad, an uncle and a grandmother.  Each has a focus in their lives which Sophia finds appealing.

To her mother, a judge, Sophia lays out the facts in legalese heavily laden with reason.  Her final argument involves travel to ballet class complete with a map.  Not swayed in the slightest and pointing out a flaw, her mom says no citing her presentation as too lengthy.

Not one to become discouraged, Sophia rallies for problem number two, her dad, the businessman.  Making money involving poop complete with a profit graph is sure to get her father's attention.  As he points out, Sophia forgot to figure in costs.  He comes to an identical conclusion as her mom.  Sophia is using too many words.

Her uncle, a politician, is not convinced by her poll of cherished toys nor her chart.  When he mentions the word loquacious, she knows she needs to change her tactics.  Approaching Grand-mama with resolve, she begins.  Her grandmother quickly utters a resounding

"No"

along with, by this time, familiar firm guidance.

Sophia is going to give one last plea to the entire group.  Her request is refined and defined by nothing more than a single word.  It might also involve kneeling and clasped hands.  Is the perfect pet in her future?


In a book titled about one word, Jim Averbeck uses words to great effect.  Instead of the word wish, he uses One True Desire.  He designates her family as problems, hurdles to be jumped to get the ultimate birthday present.  His heart is aligned with his audience.

We cheer for Sophia because of her bubbling assurance in attaining her goal and her clever mind working to her problems' strengths.  Her proposals are sincere in every respect making us at the very least smile but at other times laugh out loud.  The conversations between Sophia and her mom, dad, uncle and grandmother are appropriately splendid.  The introduction of new vocabulary adds to the authenticity and liveliness of the narrative. (A glossary at the end defines the words in simple terms.)  Here is a sample passage.

Her proposal was accompanied by a compelling graph showing how much money she would make.
"I'm sorry," said Father, "but your business plan is unsound.  You failed to count the cost of care and feeding for your manure producer, not to mention the warehousing of poop.


Looking like laughter perched on top of a giraffe, wearing her every-present tutu, Sophia dances into our hearts on the matching dust jacket and book case.  On the dust jacket little hands will love to feel the embossed portions of the image.  To the left, on the back, an assortment of toys from her room is placed on the page.  They further represent her on-the-move personality.  The opening endpapers are in giraffe yellow with line drawings in black of Sophia in an assortment of activities and moods.  In pure white the closing endpapers feature Sophia riding her new pet on the left pointing at the glossary on the right.

A two-page illustration spans the verso and title page.  Striped ribbon frames the visual of Sophia tying a big, big bow on her pooch pal.  Rendered in watercolor and colored pencil on a white background the pictures' sizes shift from two pages to a series of small vignettes on several pages.  Yasmeen Ismail changes perspective to punctuate the pacing of the story.

The style of the illustrations are altered to depict Sophia's thoughts.  They appear as if drawn by a younger person.  These contribute to the humor and liveliness of the text.  Her portrayal of Sophia is so charming we expect her to leap off the page.

One of my favorite illustrations spreads across two pages.  Sophia is standing in front of her shelves speaking to her favorite stuffed toys.  She is posed on one foot, like a sprightly ballerina, with a checklist and pencil in her hands.  A blue stool and a scattering of toys are spread behind her.


One Word from Sophia written by Jim Averbeck with illustrations by Yasmeen Ismail directs our attention to the power of persuasion and the impact of our word choices. In a completely winsome story with a character you can't help but embrace, you realize the value of less is more especially backed by genuine emotion.  You'll want to add this to your must-read-aloud stack.

To discover more about Jim Averbeck and Yasmeen Ismail please follow the links attached to their names to access their websites.  You can view several images from the book at the publisher's website.   You can view loads of art at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast hosted by author and blogger, Julie Danielson, along with a link to her Q & A with Averbeck and Ismail at Kirkus. Enjoy the book trailer.





In a search on birthday traditions I located this video by John Green for Mental Floss. 

Constructing Memorable Moments

We remember specific days for particular reasons.  Some come every year, others are once in a lifetime treasures.  Time is kind to us, softening the edges of those hurtful days and enhancing those days filled with joy.

Usually those visiting us annually are anticipated with barely contained glee.  Past experiences heighten our eagerness for their arrival.  In the most recent collaboration between Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann, Bulldozer's Big Day (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, May 5, 2015), the little guy is wondering why his co-workers aren't sharing his excitement.

It was Bulldozer's big day.
And he couldn't wait to invite all his friends to his party.

With impressive speed for a bulldozer, he hurried toward his pals at the construction site.  He first met Digger Truck who acknowledged his query about what day it was with a work-related reply.  Digger was busy doing what digger trucks do.

A tad crestfallen Bulldozer next turned to Dump Truck.  Dump Truck's answer made him feel a little bit smaller.  Like a balloon slowly deflating he traveled to Cement Mixer.  Cement Mixer told him today was like every other day.

Bulldozer's pre-party happiness was almost gone especially when Scraper and Grader nonchalantly announced their plans to him. Hoping Roller Truck would certainly know what day it was, he moved over to chat with him.  This time his question was very different; a reflection of his mood change.  The response he received was not what he wanted to hear.

At this point Bulldozer was so dejected his blade was nearly scraping the ground.  Surely Crane Truck would remember.  His first answer lifted Bulldozer's spirits but the surge of expectancy was momentary.

Wooot!

There was the day-end whistle.  Bulldozer slowly left the construction site not believing how this day had ended. Wait a minute!  What were all those different whistle sounds?  When Bulldozer investigated, he understood what his buddies had been doing all day.  Make a wish Bulldozer!


With simple sentences filled with distinctive degrees of emotion Candace Fleming invites readers to share a very important day with Bulldozer.  Verbs used are a reflection of sounds heard at a construction site;

 ...zoomed---bump-vroom, ...rumbled and ...belched.

Each time Bulldozer asks his question the others reply with the repetition of the type of day it is.  This technique coupled with Bulldozer's elation met with their business-as-usual answers makes the conclusion a delightful surprise for Bulldozer and readers.  Here is a sample passage.

"Guess what today is!" whooped Bulldozer when he got
to where Digger Truck was working.
"Guess?" Digger boomed.  "I don't need to guess, kid.
Today is a scooping day. Scooping...scooping...scooping. 


As soon as you seen the matching dust jacket and book case it's like getting to spend the day with your best friend.  The signature artwork of Eric Rohmann exudes rich warmth in its heavy black lines and animated characters.  Truthfully, I can't look at Bulldozer without smiling.  He's the kind of character you want to hug as he chugs along the construction site.  On the back, to the left, Rohmann pictures Scraper and Grader with Bulldozer peeking over the mound.  The opening and closing endpapers are black.

The matte-finished paper is perfect for the illustrations created by

using relief (black) prints.  Three plates were used for each image.  The first two plates were printed in multiple colors, using a relief printmaking process called "reduction printing."  The last plate was the "key" image, which was printed in black over the color. (from the publication page)

The picture seen on the front of the jacket and case is continued on the title page as Bulldozer races to the construction site.  We only see the back portion of him beneath the title text spread across two pages.

Fifteen double-page visuals depict a day from dawn to dusk shown in the background canvas.  A nearby city is shown in a faded skyline in more all-encompassing views.  When Bulldozer's moods change so does our position to his encounters with his friends.  We sense his emotional state through his eyes and "body" language.  The use of speech bubbles for the whistles adds an air of hope as the conclusion gets closer.  This causes the one wordless image to be spectacular.  (I can hear the gasps of readers and listeners already.)

One of my favorite illustrations is the second one in the book.  Bulldozer is so happy he is pictured traveling above the ground; appearing to float.  The rolling hills of the site are like a gentle roller coaster.  As the sunlight glows on the horizon, the city is seen in the background.  Small puffs of smoke come from his stack.  His blade is raised and his eyes are smiling.


Bulldozer's Big Day written by Candace Fleming with artwork by Eric Rohmann is charming from beginning to end.  Every single one of these characters will find a ready audience.  Story time, bedtime or any time, this title is going to be requested over and over.  Friends, true friends, don't forget birthdays or big days.

To learn more about Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann and their other wonderful work, please follow the links embedded in their names to access their websites.  At the publisher's website you can see more images from the book.  Here is a post at Publisher's Weekly, BEA 2015: Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann:  Creative Collaboration about this title.  For the pronunciation of each of their names, Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann, follow the links to TeachingBooks.net  Here is a link to an activity kit.

Simple, Right?

You have a plan.  You have a list.  You have directions to follow.  You have three steps to reach your goal.

A lightning strike during a thunderstorm causes your power to go out so you won't be leaving the house on time.  Looking at your gauge as the needle points dangerously near the E makes you realize stopping at the gas station should have been among your to-do items.  It would have been nice if during the early morning news they had mentioned US-31 would be down to one lane due to painting traffic lines.  It's odd they never mentioned which products not to use when cleaning the spot before placing the new yearly sticker on your license plate.

Even on a good day our best intentions might not turn out as expected.  We begin with one vision in mind only to end with an entirely different scenario.  In A Piece of Cake (Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers) written and illustrated by LeUyen Pham, on Mouse's path to a friend's house surprising encounters create surprising results.

It was Little Bird's birthday.  Mouse, who was a very kind mouse, made her a cake.

In making Little Bird's cake, Mouse has used up everything he has in his pantry.  He is pleased with the delicious outcome as he sets off to deliver his gift.  He's not the only one out and about on this fine day.

Fairly soon he meets another friend, Chicken.  Now Chicken takes one look at the cake and expresses a passion for a piece.  Wanting to be fair, Chicken offers to give Mouse a cork in exchange.  A cork?  Mouse is not sure what Little Bird will do with a cork, but he is, as we know, a very kind mouse.  The trade is made.

Three other cheerful pals, Squirrel, Bear and Cow, crave cake.  They all barter with equally odd items.  Puzzled by the possible use of each, Mouse, with affection overruling common sense, arrives at Little Bird's house with no cake but a curious collection.

Little Bird is pleasantly pleased with the presents.  It would seem Mouse's kindness is equaled by Little Bird's cleverness.  She is sure each will become most useful; asking Mouse to follow her.  The two companions find Cow, Bear, Squirrel and Chicken in a bit of a quandary.  Four problems with four marvelous solutions will astonish readers as much as they do Mouse.  There might be cake involved.


LeUyen Pham tells an original circle story prepared using the best kind of storytelling ingredients.  Each time Mouse meets his four friends the same greeting is used with only a slight alteration.  Like phrases are used in the following conversations which are a direct invitation for participation.  A give-and-take rhythm is established not only between the characters but between the narrative and the reader.

The brilliance of this tale is in the return trip back to Mouse's house.  Pham designs predicaments with obvious answers but Little Bird wittily thinks outside the box generating more fun for everyone.  When Cow needs a stopper, Little Bird gives her bubbles.  Here is a single sample of a conversation.

Next, Mouse met Squirrel, who was gathering nuts.
Hello, Squirrel! said Mouse.
Squirrel said.
Gadzooks, that's one tasty-looking cake!
Mouse, old buddy, how about giving me some?  
If you give me a piece of cake,
I'll trade you...

The smiling faces, cheery colors and warmth in the layout and design greeting readers on the matching dust jacket and book case are a definite attraction.  You know by facial expressions at least four of those characters desire what friends Mouse and Little Bird are holding.  On the title page LeUyen Pham begins her story with Mouse carrying a milk bottle, a small jar of honey and a basket of acorns.

Drawing them in pencil and digitally coloring her illustrations, Pham shifts her backgrounds for her two page pictures using lighter shades of more prominent colors in her characters and their settings.  Her visuals on the following pages are smaller, grouped together and framed with the same hues surrounded by white.  This technique mirrors the cadence created by the text.

Each item given to Mouse in exchange for a piece of cake is taken from an inclusive detail in the illustrations.  The settings of Chicken, Squirrel, Bear and Cow in which Mouse initially finds them also provide the possibility for each of their eventual problems.  Careful readers will also notice Mouse collecting his own items on the return trip home.  All the elements in LeUyen Pham's illustrations have a purpose relative to her story.

The expression on Mouse's face when Little Bird offers Cow a wire in trade for some milk is hilarious.  It reflects the unexpectedness of Little Bird's suggestion.  This illustration is one of my favorite ones.  It introduces readers to exactly how clever Little Bird really is; setting the stage for the story's marvelous twists and turns.


There is much deliciousness between the covers of A Piece of Cake written and illustrated by LeUyen Pham.  Mouse's kindness and Little Bird's cleverness are a sweet treat certain to brighten any day.  This book is perfect for story time, bed time, reader's theater and teaching children how to tell a story without words using props.  Plus it's sheer genius on the part of LeUyen Pham to title her story with those four words considering their meaning other than the obvious.

To learn more about LeUyen Pham please follow the link embedded in her name.  The chance to win one of her handmade characters is still available.  To view more pages from the book follow this link to the publisher's website. Although this video was made for another project, it gives you insight into Pham's process and passion for her work. (I could not get an embed code to appear.)  Author Julie Falatko presents an audio review on Katie Davis' Brain Burps.

I wholeheartedly encourage you to get a copy of this book from your closest indie book seller.  I got my personal copy from McLean & Eakin in Petoskey, Michigan.  Check with your local library too.

A Hare-Raising Episode

Reflecting on the power of creativity, the imagination, oral and written storytelling, the only two words more compelling than "once upon a time" are "what if".  For authors and illustrators who dare to extend their thinking, the results for readers and listeners have been phenomenal.  They have made us gasp in surprise, taken us to the edge in fear, broken our hearts, healed our hearts and made us laugh ourselves silly.  Most important of all, the best of these are favorites, not for the moment but for years.

Back in June, Julie Danielson at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast interviewed Jon Scieszka, Mac Barnett and Matthew Myers about a collaboration of theirs to be released in the fall of 2013.  Needless to say, this post revealed the process for and the creation of a book destined to be gleefully enjoyed by children (and adults) of any age.  One week ago an article was posted on the Publishers Weekly website, Jon Scieszka, Mac Barnett, and Matthew Myers 'Battle' It Out in New Picture Book,  with all three individuals talking about their work on this title.  At this point (even though I had seen an ARC at a bookseller's shop), I could hardly wait to get the finished book in my hands.  Battle Bunny (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers) is definitely not what Gran Gran intended as a gift.

Bunny woke up from a night of pleasant 
dreams.  Today is a very special day, he thought.
Today is my birthday.  Today, I am not just a bunny.
                  attle
I am the Birthday Bunny.

For his birthday, Alexander, Alex, has received, what I would consider the very best kind of present from his grandmother, a book.  Before the narrative even begins, it's obvious Alex's taste in literature does not run parallel to his grandmother's idea of a good story.  Oh, no sirree, Alex has decided this tale will not be filled with sweetness and light but of a raving rabbit on the rampage.  With writing implement in hand, he crosses out, adds words, and doodles all over the pages.  Ta-dah!  A new book is born.

Yes, Battle Bunny, will begin his birthday with a scrumptious breakfast of brain juice and a bowl of greasy guts.  Fortified he sets off into the forest to chop down as many trees as possible on his path to world domination.  First to confront him is Crow who is easily dispatched with a solid swing sending him beyond the clouds in the sky.

It's interesting at this point to note a new character has been added.  His name is none other than Alex; perhaps a superhero of sorts, wearing a capital A on his shirt.  He has just completed a person to person call to the President of the United States.

Badger goes down with a swift kick.  Squirrel's feisty bees are no match for the blistering buzz of Battle Bunny's chain saw.  Alex's second call to the president is rebuffed; after all he is only a boy.

Martial artists fail leaving the horrendous hare free to wreck havoc on mountains and national treasures.  Will the President of the United States change his mind?  Can this madness be stopped?  This is one birthday fated for the annuals of history.


One can only guess as to the boisterous brainstorming between Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett as they drafted and wrote both these stories, the gentle, sweet but predictable Birthday Bunny followed by the maniacal mayhem of Battle Bunny.  Every textual change is a reflection of minds given free rein, to enjoy childhood.  It's like Saturday morning cartoons on the printed page.  The word play is straight from the mind of a nefarious villain, a would-be hero and a world leader in need of saving.  Here are a couple of examples. (These represent the text as re-written.)

"That is so false!" said Battle Bunny. Because
today I am going to whomp on you, birdbrain,
and pluck you like a sick chicken!

Sgt. Squirrel smiled.  "Today is a special day because I
have robot killer bees in my tree and now I am
ready to sting your butt and save the forest!!


Illustrator Matthew Myers jumps into the comic chaos with both feet by altering the front and back cover (and spine) expertly; even the tiny bunnies along the top edge of the back look ready to fight.  Opening and closing endpapers, two-tone cream with darker carrots in rows, are identical except for the back, featuring a disgruntled hand-drawn Battle Bunny striding away.  The title pages and verso with kid-like doodles galore will garner a captive audience.  Little changes like Book design by Dan Potash, a hand drawn pot followed by pot of ash, being included or adding letters to balloons to read, See what happens to bunnies on doomsday.  

Full-color illustrations rendered in oils and pencil provide the superb contrast to the dark drawings.  Some of the pictures are full page, two are double page, edge to edge.  Most are circular in shape allowing for plenty of room to showcase the modified tale.  His characters and their actions are so lively you feel as if you might have to close the book to keep them from jumping off the page.  I have to say the first illustration where I laughed out loud was of Battle Bunny sitting at the breakfast table, looking ready to change the world (in his favor), skull and crossbones drawn on his sippy cup, sporting an eye patch, scarred ear, guts coming from his cereal bowl, an arrow shot into the Hole Sweet Hole sampler on the wall and the world MAY end soon on the calendar.


Get ready to buzz, boom, and trounce your way through the pages of  Battle Bunny written by Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett and Alex with illustrations by Matthew Myers and Alex. Action-packed adventure is an understatement as this bunny is bent on destruction of the highest order.  Your imagination will be ready to run as wild as this rabbit's antics. Guaranteed.  I would plan on getting extra copies.  And cake might be a good idea too.

I invite you to check out the author and illustrator websites by following the links embedded in their names above. A special website for Battle Bunny has been created allowing users to download one or all of the pages of this title, so they make their own changes to the original story.  Submitted alterations are being posted at the site.  A curriculum guide is in place for educators.