Across Generations

Both grandfathers were gone before I was old enough to have any memory of them but they each left me priceless legacies.  My paternal grandfather was in the hospital after a heart attack when he heard me crying.  He told my parents "You'll never be able to keep Margie down.'  Those words have carried me through more than one tough time.  When my mother was four years old her father died as a result of a work-related accident but he handcrafted a wooden rattle, intricately fitted together, for her when she was born.  I still have it.  I use it in telling a particular tale.

Grandparents bring special gifts to the relationships they build with their grandchildren.  Their wisdom and views have stood the test of time.  They have an understanding of the truly important things in life.  A Fire Truck Named Red (Farrar Straus Giroux, May 3, 2016) written by Randall De Seve with pictures by Bob Staake is a story about the power of remembering and passing those memories from one generation to the next.

This is the shiny new fire truck Rowan wanted for his birthday.

It sat front and center in a store window.  It is the next best thing to having a real fire truck.  The ladder, hose, siren and lights are operational; extending, squirting, blinking and screaming "here we come to the rescue."  It moves without a sound down streets like a true hero.

What Rowan gets for his birthday is not the fire truck in the store window.  His grandfather gives him a fire truck named Red he had as a boy.  It has definitely seen better days.  His disappointment is so fierce Rowan barely hears his grandfather's promise to make it as good as new.

Together in his workshop Papa begins the transformation and the storytelling for Rowan.  His recollections are as vivid as if they are happening in the here and now.  As young Papa and Red race to a nearby tree a wayward feline is rescued.  When Papa happens to mention strength and elephants, Rowan's curiosity is piqued.  A trip to the circus results in a two-way waterworks session.

Just in the nick of time, the tanks on Red are refilled as disaster strikes the local library.  Before he knows what is happening Rowan and young Papa are riding on Red, streaming past traffic in less than ideal weather conditions.  Teamwork prevails.  And the fire truck named Red is exactly right for Rowan.


As we read and watch the connection between Papa and Rowan grow we are increasingly mindful of Randall De Seve's very real experiences with listening and reading stories.  She begins by establishing a strong link to Rowan.  At one time or another we have all longed for a special toy.

She then helps us understand the love Papa has for his childhood fire truck and for his grandson.  By blending conversations, reminisces and narration we feel the emotional attachment soar between Rowan, his grandfather and the fire truck named Red.  We become part of Papa's past right along with Rowan.  Readers will sense a rhythm as Rowan prompts each retelling with the words,

"So what did you do?"

Here is a sample passage.

Rowan looked over a Papa's cat, Fritz.
Cats are boring, he thought.
Still, he knew how to be polite.
"So what did you do?"
"Red and I rushed to the scene!
"Red's ladder reached all the way up---
and we got that scared cat down.
Poor thing kicked and clawed the 
whole way. The cat was nearly as
strong as the elephants."


The dust jacket presents Papa's fire truck named Red, a well-loved vehicle.  The stylized lettering on Red makes reference to Papa and his toy racing from one adventure to another.  To the left, on the back an illustration similar to one in the interior shows Rowan dejectedly but respectfully watching his grandfather resurrect the truck in his garage workshop.  Papa is already speaking as a storyteller with eyes closed for the moment in remembrance.

The opening and closing endpapers are bold and bright in fire-engine red.  Tiny visuals of Red pepper the pages.  The image on the front of the jacket is replicated on crisp white for the title page.  As De Seve introduces the story in words, Bob Staake does in cheerful two-pages illustrations, the second a detailed portrait of the fancy new fire truck.  This contrasts sharply with the image of Red as the gift Rowan receives.

For many of the single page pictures Staake uses a thinly striped background in either yellow, blue or red. The real treat for readers is his depiction of Papa's boyhood memories rendered in sepia tones spanning across one and more and sometimes two pages.  They look as though they are pages from a book layered on the present representations with Rowan looking and reading them and eventually whisked away into one of them.

One wonderful thing about the work of Bob Staake endears readers to his books; his characters' round faces and features.  He is able to convey a range of emotions with his clever placement of lines.  I am not sure how he was able to do it, but whenever Red is shown, you expect it to, softly but with purpose and speed, drive right off the page.

One of my favorite illustrations spans two pages.  Across the top in brown tones are Red and young Papa spraying water on the thirsty and hot elephants in the circus.  As several performers and the ringmaster watch, the larger of the elephants is shooting water back at Papa.  Below present-day Papa is speaking to a happy Rowan.  On the workbench a slowly improving Red sits.


Whether they will willingly admit it or not grandchildren love to hear about the adventures their grandparents had as children.  A Fire Truck Named Red written by Randall De Seve with pictures by Bob Staake bridges any gap there might be between generations with love and story.  The text and images pair exquisitely to take us from present to past and back again with ease.  This is a must read title.

To explore the websites and work of Randall De Seve and Bob Staake please follow the links attached to their names.  By accessing the publisher's website you can view seven interior illustrations.  At TeachingBooks.net you can listen to a pronunciation of Randall De Seve's name.   You can read more about this title through guest posts by Randall De Seve at Kid Lit Frenzy hosted by educator Alyson Beecher and Mundie Kids hosted by Katie.  UPDATE:  Randall De Seve wrote a wonderful guest post at the Nerdy Book Club on May 8, 2016.

A Fire Truck Named RED by #Randallde. The original RED model in my studio, the (rusty and Photoshopped) book cover: pic.twitter.com/ZmME45Ko1M

— bobstaake (@bobstaake) May 3, 2016

A Dose of Happy

Standing on the doorstep poised for action, she sniffs the air and glances outward before looking hopefully back at her human.  As the walk begins a prance replaces her usual plodding pace, everywhere she sees a fresh blanket of snow.  It's as if the puppy portion of her fourteen-year-old heart grows larger and larger.  She runs and dips her head into the whiteness gulping huge mouthfuls of icy goodness.


If you want to see joy, try watching a dog, at least my dog, in the snow.  This, like most enjoyed pursuits, starts in puppyhood.  Every dog I have ever known embraces everything they do with enthusiasm.  I Love Dogs! (Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, December 30, 2014) written by Sue Stainton with illustrations by Bob Staake is a cheerful celebration of one boy's complete, one hundred percent affection for dogs.

Dogs,
dogs,
dogs.
I love dogs!

Is there a specific kind of dog this boy likes?  Does he prefer one size over another?  Is there a certain personality quirk he requires in dogs?  Of course not!

He sees strength as a virtue as well as dogs that make comfy cuddlers.  Taking a snooze or running, even around in circles, is perfectly fine dog behavior as far as he is concerned.  Always hungry dogs, taking advantage of every opportunity dogs or patiently waiting dogs are the consummate canine companion.

This boy can't help telling the world how much dogs fill his entire being with happiness. If they have smooth fur, fluffy fur, or fur with polka dots, he simply does not care.  If they sniff or are smelly or if they bark or quietly sneak, he treats them equally.

As he follows signs through the park with a definite destination in mind, everywhere he looks he sees dogs.  Long bodies, tall bodies, short bodies, and tails and noses in motion are traits he treasures.  This boy knows everything about dogs in art, dogs in the news and how they are very smart.  This boy loves dogs with all his heart!  Where is he going on this fine day you ask?  I'll never tell.


If you want exhilaration on every single page, read the words written by Sue Stainton for this title.  Her character, the boy, not only declares his fondness for these four-legged friends but he tells us exactly why he feels the way he does.  Stainton groups at least ten two-word phrases together; the first two and second two rhyming descriptions preceding the word dogs.  When she switches this up with three word phrases the final word rhymes.  Her repetition of the words I love dogs and Dogs, dogs, dogs contributes to the delivery of the beat and helps build toward the finale.  Here is a sample.

Chasing dogs,
racing dogs.
Speedy dogs,
greedy dogs.
Dogs in the snow,
dogs that know.


Looking at the bright colors and facial expressions on the front and back of the dust jacket will make readers want to lift their hands and laugh too.  On the left is a separate single illustration of the boy, eyes closed, nearly lying on the ground as two dogs happily bark at him and lick his face.  This is a portion of an interior two-page picture. As my copy is an F & G I am not sure how the endpapers will appear.

Bob Staake's remarkable, individualistic images begin the story on the title page as the boy walks by a sign which points the way.  The verso and dedication pages hold a single visual of a street surrounding a park with a pathway the boy will follow.  The park is a haven for dogs.

All of the illustrations spanning edge to edge across two pages are rendered digitally.  People's faces and dogs are every shape, hue and age.  Trees and their trunks are striped, plain and variegated.   The architecture of buildings is mixed.  I want to step into this world created by Bob Staake.

I could spend hours (even more than I already have) looking at the details in each illustration.  Some dogs are on leashes, some are being pulled in wagons; some are running free or running after another dog.  Some collars are small, others are big and one is even worn on a tail.  You won't have to look for very long to see burst-out-loud-laughing humor that tops the smile you are already wearing.

One of my favorite illustrations is one of the center portions of the park; four paths branching from a small pool.  Nearly every single being is in motion, except for a newspaper reader on a bench.  Our lover of dogs can be seen on the far left, arms outstretched, head raised proclaiming

I love dogs!

with a single tooth showing in his open mouth.  The hat one of the men is wearing might remind you of another book character.

I love books!  I love reading! And I love dogs!  The narrative written by Sue Stainton paired with the artwork of Bob Staake in I Love Dogs! is a title which welcomes not only readers with my same passions but anyone looking for delight with a capital D.  This is a great read aloud inviting listeners to participate by shouting out repetitious words and would be wonderful to do as a reader's theater production.

Please follow the link embedded in Bob Staake's name to access his website.  I was fortunate to obtain this F & G from my favorite independent book shop, McLean & Eakin Booksellers in Petoskey.  Be sure to visit your nearest indie store to get a copy or your local public library when the end of December appears on your calendar.

Printed Pal

Twice a year there is an overabundance of warm brown dog hair everywhere.  Morning, noon, night and then again late, walks and bathroom breaks are taken outside regardless of the heat, humidity, rain, wind, sleet, snow and bitter cold.  Diet changes, new medications, weekly vet visits and a much slower pace are now routine.  Every second of this is worth moments like now as my chocolate Labrador of almost fourteen years lies across my feet gently snoring.

There are others though who would not be comfortable having a dog choose them.  As a matter of fact, they prefer a pet rich and rare; unique only to them.  Bob Staake's My Pet Book (Random House Books for Young Readers, July 8, 2014) is about such a boy.

Most pets, you know, are cats and dogs.
Go out and take a look.
But there's a boy in Smartytown
Whose pet is...a little book.  

This boy wants a pet with no care.  Mom makes a suggestion and Dad agrees.  It's off for a walk; a chance to explore in a nearby store.  Ceiling to floor, shelves filled left to right and stacks galore, the choices are many.

As is so often the case, this pet presents itself with an outstanding characteristic meant for the eyes of only one.  Now begins the fun.  With a book there is no eating, drinking, playing or ...poop.  With the leash attached, this companion quietly saunters without a single solitary sound.

Least you think this boy bonding with a book is a tad boring, take another look.  Adventures of all sizes and sorts within his mind unfold, stories are told, as the covers open.  A friendship fast and forever is formed until one fateful day.

Arriving home from school, his buddy is missing.  Yikes!  It seems the maid has been a bit over zealous in her cleaning and organizing.  There's not a minute to waste as they speed toward the city center.  They look.  And they look some more.  Is the boy's pet book not in this store?  An extraordinary maid asks an extraordinary boy a question.  The answer is positively ordinary in the most wonderful way.


When a goldfish swims in a pond, a turtle plods over a log, a cat paces across the floor or a dog sniffs and patrols, there is a rhythm.  Silently or aloud, the rhyming words penned by Bob Staake in this title do that very thing.  This pet may be a book but the movements with the boy mesh magically.  There is a distinct pace to each portion of the narrative encouraging reader participation.


When I opened up the dust jacket I smiled and sighed; the red cover is certainly eye-catching.  Bob Staake's digitally created illustrations with the signature body shapes and facial expressions are whimsically charming.  The boy with his pet book glow in pure happiness.  The book case is plain red except for the darling duo alone on the front.  It's as if they are in their own little world.  The opening and closing endpapers, done in a series of diamond frames, highlight the boy with his pet enjoying sixteen different activities from kite flying, to surfing, juggling and more.

Bright and lively, two page and single page spreads cheerfully engage every reader.  Every time I look through the pages I notice another detail; signs reading Curb Your Frog or Breed Limit 35, all the activities between pets and their people, and the colorful faces with a vast array of expressions.  As odd as a pet book may seem, as the story visually progresses, you find it perfectly normal when the final page is turned.

One of my favorite illustrations is when the boy and his new printed pal are first walking home along the street.  Staake has included a potpourri of other people and pets sure to induce gales of laughter along with the strange looks given to the boy, his parents and the book.  Each element has its own set of sights and sounds.  Delightful!


Can you imagine the looks on your children's faces if you were to walk in a room with a book on a leash?  That's exactly what I would do to begin the reading of My Pet Book written and illustrated by Bob Staake.  It's a joyful ode to the friendship found with a pet or a book or both.

To discover more of the books written by Bob Staake or more about him and his work, follow the link to his website embedded in his name.  In addition to the activity sheet found at Watch. Connect. Read. when John Schumacher, teacher librarian extraordinaire, interviewed Bob Staake about this new title, you can follow these links to one of the publisher websites for a maze and letterhead.  By following this link you can view interior pages from this title.

A Rare Sight

Infrequently seen, where I've lived and visited, a brief glimpse as they soar by, is what I've come to label, a cause for a pause.  Their color is so brilliant it's hard not to gasp.  For me the sight of a bluebird has always meant there is magic in the air.

When my copy of Bluebird (Schwartz & Wade Books) written and illustrated by Bob Staake arrived, I could hardly open the box fast enough.  I'd been reading about its reception in the children's literature community but had not read any of the reviews or interviews except for one.  I wanted any impressions of this book to be all my own.

As is my practice I looked over the front and back jacket.  Upon removing the jacket I was delighted to see the cover has another illustration, a double page spread of the bluebird looking over the city from above.  An initial glance at the opening and closing endpapers told me they are an essential part of the story.

The unique framing used throughout begins on the verso, dedication and title pages.  They are all a part of the pictorial narrative. As the bluebird flies from left to right, through four frames, alighting in a tree outside a school, we meet the boy.

Watching, the bluebird sees the sadness of the child, head lowered, silent, as others make fun of him; a new school year is beginning.  Leaving the school at day's end, the boy slowly makes his way home but the bluebird follows, weaving in and out of his path.  Before too long the bluebird's persistence makes the boy smile.

As the two make their way through the city streets to the park, each new scenario further defines each of their personalities and the growing relationship.  Due to the bluebird's guidance the sailing pond yields newfound friends.  Leaving their resting place in the sun, they enter another darker, more wooded part of the park.

Within moments the boy is approached by three other boys wanting his sailboat.  When an act done in anger threatens the boy, his bluebird friend intercedes.  The result has the three running and the boy left, tearful, holding the bluebird.  To the boy's bewilderment a colorful array of birds first one at a time, then in groups, approach with their own plan for him as he still holds his bluebird friend. A strikingly beautiful ending, for the shift in color and the ensuing final pages, will have each reader drawing their own conclusions.


This wordless wonder has readers immediately developing an emotional attachment with the boy and the bluebird.  We experience the loneliness, the light, freely given friendship of one then the other, the happiness of discovering other playmates, the fear, the sadness and ultimately the hope.  With each turn of page we are more deeply involved in the events of the day.

For most of the book Bob Staake uses shades of gray and blue with black and white making the burst of rainbow hues at the end more profoundly felt.  To tell you the truth, after the first few pages the palette choice, unique and definitely appealing, shifts slightly back as the reader intently studies the movements and facial expressions of the bluebird and the boy.  Every nuance of  their developing bond is clearly draw; visible with the line of an eye or mouth, the turn of head, the lift of wings or stature.

Each two page spread with different size square and rectangular frames, carefully placed, defines the speed in which the story is revealed. Inside those frames we might see a larger overview or zoom in for a shift in the story's actions or emotions. The layout and design is brilliant.  One of my favorite double page illustrations is after their adventure at the pond.  You have to wonder how long it's been since the boy has been this happy.


At my first reading of this title I was stunned (and tearful).  With each subsequent reading of Bluebird written and illustrated by Bob Staake I continue to be amazed at the power of storytelling in visuals alone.  The layers in this story, the opportunity for discussion, makes it a book to be read and shared...repeatedly.

The first interview of Bob Staake regarding Bluebird I read can be found at Watch. Connect. Read.  Here is an interview titled Hostile Questions at Booklist.   19 Questions with Author and Illustrator Bob Staake can be found at Random Acts of Reading.  Publishers Weekly conducted a Q & A with Bob Staake.  Be sure to follow the link embedded in Bob Staake's name above to read about the process of creating Bluebird.

 

Bug Me...Number Two

Anywhere you glance casually or carefully this time of year, you will see them in all shapes and sizes, in the air, among the greenery or beneath the dirt.  Sometimes you may hear, feel, smell or taste (yuck) them first but make no mistake they are there, in staggering numbers. Amazing, intriguing, beautiful, pesky, frightful and downright gross, bugs are busy.

The twosome that brought readers the popular Cars Galore (2011) Peter Stein, author and Bob Staake, illustrator,  have thankfully returned in Bugs Galore (Candlewick Press).  Pages literally crawl with the critters as they move among girls and boys and jaunty phrases.

Big bugs, small bugs,
creep bugs, crawl bugs.
Sky bugs, land bugs,
slime-your-hand bugs!

Four line verses create a cadence akin to their buggy voices asking readers to dig and peek, look and seek, with caution and courage.  Stein's poetic text creates a mindful tour through the world of bug emotion (mean bugs, kind bugs, time-to-flee bug), bug habitat (mud safari), bug travel (cruise in groups, swimming skim bug), bug names (love bugs, bedbugs) and the time of day when some bugs shine (nighttime show bugs).  Closing with a question, he requests of readers a pause to ponder, how a bug might view our place in his domain.

With a book jacket the twin of its cover, Bob Staake attracts readers with his highly stylized illustrations; colorful, eccentric, bursting with feeling and life. Creamy endpapers patterned in happy, spring green bugs of every variety will bring smiles.  Each of these double page layouts pictures a boy and a girl done in his delightful depiction of large round faces with expressive wide eyes; curiosity, wonder, hesitation, fear, disgust and the absolute joy of discovery and observation is evident.

Staake's digitally designed denizens populate all the nooks and crannies of his two page spreads.  Readers will recognize many but his added details are guaranteed to elicit exclamations if not explosions of laughter; bugs wearing top hats, ties or crowns, some have checked or plaid bodies, red-and-white striped unicorn like noses, or another deep in a hole lounging while watching BUGZ on a television.  These imaginative visuals not only provide the perfect compliment to Stein's words but are sparks for igniting readers' inventiveness; you have to love the "what-ifs" they generate.

Bugs Galore written by Peter Stein and illustrated by Bob Staake will tease and tickle your senses as pages teeming with motion envelope readers.  Repeat readings are a given; the compulsion to do so can not be ignored.  Start saving your pennies for one of those insect boxes.

Candlewick Press has a very nice Read To Us Story-Hour Kit  for several stories including Bugs Galore.  Julie Danielson at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast has an extensive interview well worth reading with Bob Staake.