What R We Going To Do?

Over the years most of us will enjoy sharing our lives with a pet.  Their companionship is invaluable, even though most of them cannot speak our language.  In fact some of the most peculiar pets are not even alive.  In 1975, Gary Dahl subsequently became a millionaire with his introduction and invention of the Pet Rock.  Cleverly packaged with instructions, it was an instant phenomenon.  In the early 1980s another kind of pet, this one a living plant, skyrocketed to fame.  Chia Pets are still being produced today thanks to Joe Pedott and his company.

Regardless of the kind of pet in your life, you probably would be as shocked as the protagonist in this story when she wakes one morning.  My Pet Feet (Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, August 23, 2022) written by Josh Funk with illustrations by debut picture artist Billy Yong is an alphabetical quest.  Through a laugh-out-loud narrative with equally funny images, we journey to right a wrong realizing we need the total twenty-six member team.

Today I woke up and was about 

to feed my pet when---

"What happened to my pet feet?

I mean my pet feet.  Why can't I say 'FEET'?"

It seems that Doodles, this child's pet ferret has become her pet feet.  Pet feet?!  Scanning her room for possible answers, she notices the letter r is missing from her alphabet mural.  Running to her friend Lucas for help, this girl is in for another series of surprises.

The world minus the letter r has turned into mayhem.  Lucas is no longer her friend but a fiend.  She and Doodles run from a flock of cows (crows) seeking shelter at the doo (door) of the town hall, but they obviously cannot get inside.  In desperation, the girl and Doodles climb to the top of a cane (crane) beside the structure.

From this vantage point, she ponders this problem.  What has happened to all the eighteenth symbols of the alphabet?  In her frustration, she declares she does not want pet feet forever.  At Doodles' hurt expression, she hurries to apologize, but Doodles runs away.  She tries to catch him.  She tries to find him.  Doodles is nowhere to be found.  

Determined not to give up, she finally discovers him at a sandy beach.  Across and on the water, they spy a pirate ship.  Oh, yes my friends, a pirate ship.  Boarding the vessel after a swim, guess what they discover? Quickly, one letter r and a second letter r are given to Doodles.  Back home, everything is normal, or is it? Bedtime supplies the duo with another startling stumper.  

Stellar wordsmith Josh Funk presents readers with an instant dilemma.  It's not every day you wake up to find your pet ferret has been reduced to feet.  With a combination of first person narrative and dialogue, we traverse this mystery with the girl and Doodles.  The tension is heightened when it is apparent no one else notices this travesty except the girl and her furry friend.  Alliteration contributes to the fast-paced cadence.  Here is a passage.

"Come back!" I shouted.

I chased Doodles past a fog and toad,

by the old babbling book, down a tail,

and into a gassy field.

Digitally rendered, the illustrations by Billy Yong are as highly animated throughout the book as we see on the dust jacket.  (I am working with an F & G.)  The bright, light blue canvas spans the entire jacket.  By the wide-eyed expressions on the girl and her ferret we know, even before opening the book, disaster has struck.  To the left of the spine, within a circle we see the girl hugging her beloved pet, her whole pet.  There is a vivid green border around this image.  The first sign of this illustrator's cleverness and attention to detail are four bees buzzing in the lower, right-hand corner just to the left of the spine.  One of the bee's wings covers the letter r in Schuster.

The opening endpapers in a midnight blue feature drawings in a light blue.  They are elements created by the missing letter r.  On the closing endpapers, in a dark rust, the drawings in light brown showcase items after the letter r has been restored.

Billy Yong makes use of every single space to tell his pictorial story.  The double-page picture for the title page is a scene of the child's home with large palm trees to the left.  In one of the windows, she is waking up, stretching her arms, and yawning.  The top of the home's two windows are decorated with the likeness of the top of a ferret's head.  On the first two-page visual we get another hit of the conclusion to the story as we look outside from inside the girl's bedroom.

The images' sizes shift from double-page pictures to single-page illustrations and then to a series of smaller visuals to indicate a thought process.  Readers will enjoy the two-page vertical image when the climb is made to the top of the crane.  White space is used to excellent effect.  Careful readers will notice humorous details.  (I nearly fell out of my chair when I realized what was dragging a bagel across the street.)

One of my many favorite illustrations is the second two-page picture.  This is when the girl first steps outside her home.  On the street winding past her home and through the neighborhood, kids are racing by on go-cats.  These vehicles are pure fun.  The one on the left is close to readers.  The child in the driver's seat is having their best day ever.  Across the street on the right is a park.  Here a policewoman is barely holding onto a wild hose.  Water, in jet mode, shoots out the end as the hose twists and turns.

Author Josh Funk and artist Billy Yong have taken "what if" to hilarious new heights in My Pet Feet.  Certain to generate laughter in readers and listeners as well as promote discussions about the importance of letters, words, and language, this title is a welcome addition to the picture book realm.  You will want to have a copy for your professional collections as well as a spot on your personal bookshelves.

To learn more about Josh Funk and Billy Yong and their other work, please follow the link attached to their names to access their websites.  Josh Funk has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.  Billy Yong has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.  Josh Funk was a guest blogger at Tara Lazar's Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) earlier this year.  Billy Yong was interviewed several years ago at Character Design References.  At the publisher's website you can view interior images including the entire dust jacket.

Be sure to visit other stops on the virtual tour for this title.  You never know what you will learn.

A Tale of Friendship And Food

When the word holiday is spoken many different things spring into many different people's minds.  One word which most will agree is associated with holidays is food.  Special foods are prepared according to cultural customs, family traditions and the desire to try something new.

With the dates of winter celebrations approaching fast, people are gathering recipes and ingredients for recreating or making memorable meals or delicious desserts.  For some the food prepared and served during these festivities are only eaten one or two days during an entire 365 days.  When you think and remember these foods, they bring to mind only this time of year.  Wintercake (Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, October 15, 2019) written and illustrated by Lynne Rae Perkins is a lost and found story.  It's about more than losing items.  It's about losing faith in individuals.

Where can it be? thought Thomas.
Maybe I left it outside.

Thomas looked and looked.  It was gone.  His friend Lucy, a cardinal, asked him what was missing.  His basket of dried fruits, apples, berries, plums, apricots, grapes and cherries is nowhere to be found.  It has vanished.  How is Thomas going to make his Winter's Eve treat, wintercake?  The celebration won't be the same without it.

As a snow squall begins Lucy leaves, hoping Thomas finds his basket.  He hopes Lucy stays safe.  The snow thickens until Lucy can't see anything.  She crashes and falls.  In the middle of a worrying thought, she smells something wondrous, something delicious and promising warmth.  Through the swirling snow, she spots the door to a tea room.

As Lucy sips tea, conversations drift around her.  Most are focused on the weather, except for one.  She hears the words, basket, dried-up fruits and wintercake.  Lucy feels anger rising in her.  She pays for her refreshments and follows the wily thief with Thomas's basket out the door.  Imagine her surprise when this figure arrives at Thomas's home and returns the basket still filled with the fruit.

Lucy quickly goes to Thomas's door and once inside, tells him the entire story.  She is ashamed.  They decide to make the stranger a wintercake.  It is magnificent but they have a dilemma.  Where does this good Samaritan live?  The trail, they discover, is filled with challenges.  As the sky darkens around them, they realize they are lost and far, far away from home.  In the next few moments several incidents forge a new friendship; a friendship with a foundation made of stories . . . and wintercake.



It begins with a mystery, a tantalizing invitation by Lynne Rae Perkins readers will be unable to resist.  With the appearance of Lucy, her chat with Thomas and the snowstorm, the tension increases.  Throughout these opening pages Lynne Rae Perkins uses dialogue with adept skill, giving readers a greater personal involvement.  We also see bits of humor in the words Thomas uses to describe his state of mind.

Along with the narrative and dialogue, from time to time, words, spoken or thought, are included in speech bubbles.  These heighten the strength of the story and the growing humor. We willingly find ourselves more and more a part of this tale.  Here are two passages.

Thomas drizzled the white icing over it, like snow on a lumpy hillside.  He lifted it onto a pretty plate and tied a ribbon around it.
"I've thought of something," said Lucy.
"What?" said Thomas.

"We don't know where this guy lives," said Lucy.  "We don't even know his name."
"Hmm," said Thomas.  "That's true."

The two friends looked at one another.  They looked at the wintercake, on its plate with its ribbon.  They looked down at their shadows, blue shapes on the snow.  A trail of crispy footprints led from where they stood, away through the forest.
"That's it! cried Lucy.  "We can follow his footprints!"
"Yes!" said Thomas.  "Off we go!"
And off they went.  At first, it was easy.


For those living in the northern hemisphere or for those experiencing a wild winter storm tonight, one of many this season, the scene on the front of the dust jacket addresses the weather with a sure knowledge, but notice the three friends skipping merrily through the wind and snow.  To place them on the top of the wintercake, baked, frosted and placed on a pretty plate, is saying with those for whom we hold affection, let us celebrate and enjoy this delectable dessert.  Let us banish the chill and warm our hearts with food and friends.  The contrast of color choices is marvelous.  The frosting and fruits are varnished.

To the left, on the back the canvas is a darker blue.  Framed by a multitude of tiny snowflakes, bare tree branches and small evergreens is a poem speaking about the essence of this story.  It talks of misunderstanding, loss, mistakes and finding a holiday home.

On the book case we are inside Thomas's home.  On the front is an oval window.  Outside we can see Thomas, Lucy and Tobin taking a toboggan ride.  The pretty blue and white plate is empty except for wintercake crumbs.  It is resting on a red and white checked tablecloth patterned in snowflakes.  On the wall of the house is a note numbered 10.  It reads:

Share with friends.

To the left, on the back of the case, are more notes (four) numbered one through nine, plus one extra.  They are placed among ingredients and utensils used for making wintercake.  For eager readers, these notes are the list of ingredients and steps for making wintercake.  These are all on the tablecloth in Thomas's home.

The opening and closing endpapers are a rich royal blue.  On the title page Lynne Rae Perkins begins the story with Thomas setting the basket down to taste the first snowflakes.  On the verso page the stranger (Tobin) is picking up the forgotten basket.  On the dedication page, Lucy is flying through falling leaves and snowflakes.

Lynne Rae Perkins shifts her illustration sizes to enhance and place emphasis on her narrative.  She begins with a series of smaller ones on white as Thomas looks for his basket of fruit.  She follows these with a full-page picture and two smaller horizontal illustrations on the next two pages.  Then readers are treated to a two-page image of the increasing storm, a sad Thomas and Lucy leaving.  Each visual heightens her words and their emotional impact, even her humor.

Lynne Rae Perkins uses white space with excellence to frame many of her illustrations and to increase the chill everyone feels during winter weather.  Also, shades of the royal blue shown on the endpapers finds its way into the interior illustrations, elevating each scene.  Readers will connect with the characters through their thoughts and their actions as displayed by their facial expressions and body postures.

One of my many, many favorite illustrations is on a full page.  Lucy is perched on a bright green rolled blanket on Thomas's red-frame sofa with two-tone blue plaid cushions.  Thomas is seated at the other end.  He is softly smiling.  Lucy is completely upset and talking about her misjudgment of the stranger.  The basket of dried fruit is on a round coffee table.  This is on a round rag rug.  The colors of the fruit and the colors in the rug are nearly identical.  Next to the sofa is a small table.  On it a lamp painted with roses glows.  Thomas has wainscoting in this room and a small circular window.


This is a story to take away the chill on a wintry day, evening or at bedtime.  Wintercake written and illustrated by Lynne Rae Perkins is a gentle tale of how misunderstandings can lead to the best life has to offer us if we reach out and right a wrong, even if the injured party is unaware.  Lynne Rae Perkins's blend of text, dialogue, thoughts and glorious illustrations will make this a much-requested title.  You'll need to have a copy in your personal and professional collections.

To discover more about Lynne Rae Perkins and her other wonderful work, please visit her website by following the link attached to her name.  She has accounts on Facebook and Instagram.  This book is showcased at author, reviewer and blogger Julie Danielson's Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast, at Picture Book Builders in a post by author Pat Zietlow Miller and at Jama's Alphabet Soup by author and blogger, Jama Rattigan.

Loving Advice

It's no easy task to be little in a world of large.  When you stand in an open sunny meadow, wildflowers dancing in the breeze, wander along a path strewn with needles among tall evergreens or gaze at a starry expanse at night, you feel the full power of your size compared to the surrounding vista but in some respects these scenes give us a sense of calm.  These spaces are not by our hands.  Walking among towering skyscrapers along crowded sidewalks with traffic buzzing by at breakneck speeds is an entirely different feeling.  Your size is further diminished somehow.

It's as if you are among giants, animate and inanimate, wandering with obstructed views except for familiar areas at your level, your line of sight.  Small In The City (Neal Porter Books, Holiday House Books, September 3, 2019) written and illustrated by Sydney Smith follows a small child on a mission.  Through his voice we are given a very personal perspective.

I know what it's like
to be small
in the city.

This child understands how the variety of sounds are frightening.  This child realizes how sensory overload can make decisions difficult.  Then, this child, makes it very clear, they are speaking to a specific individual, even though this individual is not present as they walk down the city streets.

Recommendations begin to be offered.  Some areas are okay but only under certain conditions.  Unruly pets are to be avoided.  If you need to hide, you can seek the comfort of certain shrubs or trees.

As snow begins to fall, the child increases suggestions of warmth, food and spaces for rest.  Readers come to comprehend the very intimate nature of the relationship between this child and the unseen being to whom they are speaking.  In several wordless images we are stunned by a revelation and a heartfelt request.  Nothing prepares us, though, for the twist on the final page.


With carefully constructed sentences, author (This is his debut as both author and illustrator.) Sydney Smith supplies us with truthful sentiments held by all who are small moving through an adult or taller world.  After several introductory comments, supportive examples identify exact impressions.  At this point we are curious but when the advice begins our interest, and yes, concern, grows.  We start to mull over in our minds the conversation between this child and someone else.  Who is it?  And this, readers, is stellar storytelling.  Here is the first tip by the child.

Alleys can be good shortcuts.

But don't go down this alley.
It's too dark.


Rendered in

ink, watercolor, and a bit of gouache

all the illustrations beginning on the dust jacket are heavily atmospheric.  The play of light and shadow allow us to feel the gravity of the situation.  The window on the bus featuring the child reveals another passenger when the right flap is opened.  To the left, on the back, the side of the bus fills this space until the opened left flap shows the beginning of another window.  The falling flakes of snow and the clothing worn by the child indicate the season as winter, elevating the emotional mood.

On the book case a brighter red, splashes which are used throughout the book, is used as its canvas.  The boy is embossed and showcased in the lower right-hand corner. Tiny dots, snowflakes, fall across his figure.

On the opening and closing endpapers, the palest blue gray with washes of white covers these pages.  Between the text on the title page, the child is seen walking next to a city bus.  On the dedication page, a flowered cup holds branches of vivid red berries.

For the first four pages there is a series of smaller wordless images. (There are more wordless illustrations within the book.)  They indicate the child inside the city bus until a chord is pulled and a stop is made.  Once the child begins to walk, the text is arranged among or opposite double-page pictures, a grouping of fourteen vignettes, full-page visuals, smaller images and three horizontal pictures on two pages.  Loose black lines frame the smaller illustrations.  Meticulous pacing heightens the mood and our expanding involvement in this wonderful story.

One of my many, many favorite pictures is on a single page, edge to edge.  A double-trunk tree is displayed prominently, its bare branches spread across the top.  Behind the tree, along the lower half of the illustration, are city buildings.  On the left trunk, a vertical row of boards has been nailed creating steps to a v-seat.  The child is there nestled between the two branches, still wearing his backpack.  Caught in a smaller branch on the right is what appears to be a small plastic bag blowing in the wind and snow.  Can you read the words?


Small In The City written and illustrated by Sydney Smith is a book to read and read again and then, to tuck away in your heart.  It's a tale in which all readers can identify; for who among us has not felt too small in a given situation. As a read aloud this invites speculation with every page turn.  And believe me, the farther you get in the book, the more you'll be going back to the beginning.  I highly recommend this title for your personal and professional collections.

To learn more about Sydney Smith and his other work, please follow the link attached to his name to access his website.  Interior images from this book are included on Sydney Smith's website.  Sydney Smith has accounts on Instagram, Tumblr and Twitter.  I believe you'll enjoy these interviews with Sydney Smith at Miss Marple's Musings and Art Of The Picture Book.

UPDATE:  On September 17, 2019 Sydney Smith chats with a host about this book on CBC Radio.

UPDATE:  On November 13, 2019 Sydney Smith and his artwork are featured at author, reviewer and blogger Julie Danielson's Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.

A Fascinating Fellow To Follow . . . Again

There is a fine line in choosing to follow when curiosity beckons.  If we stay, we avoid possible pitfalls, but may miss out on a one-of-a-kind adventure.  If we go, we might be walking into a how-do-we-get-out-of-this disaster or we may experience complete joy.  There's really no predicting what will occur. 

If you happen to be a fearless feline like the one we met in Spot, the Cat (Little Simon, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, March 1, 2016) conceived and illustrated by Henry Cole, there is no weighing of possible outcomes.  You go with gusto.  This cat is back in a companion title, Spot & Dot (Little Simon, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, August 13, 2019).  It's an intricately designed wordless wonder introducing two new characters by Henry Cole.  It's a single story weaving through an entire city brimming with stories.

Spot, the cat, is stretching toward the open window from the back of his boy's chair.  He joins Spot at the window to watch a young girl, a new neighbor, post a lost pet sign.  The boy and girl don't know, but Spot has seen the runaway dog, Dot, and is in pursuit.

As the dog runs through the bustling Antique fair, Spot is not far behind.  When Dot hops on one of several city buses, the cat knows exactly which one to board.  The dog's nose knows a certain shop, Maxine's Bakery, is apt to have treats.  It's loads of fun to watch how people do or don't respond to the duo running through the bakery.

Meanwhile, back near Spot's and Dot's humans' homes, the boy and girl are working together, posting the lost dog flyers everywhere and asking people if they've seen her.  The boy has no idea Spot has vanished again.  At the dog park, Spot is closing the distance to Dot which is a miracle considering the chaos of dozens and dozens of dogs and their humans. They race from one venue to the next, one noisy and the other pleasantly quieter.

Discouraged the boy and his new friend climb the stairs to their respective homes.  Wait a minute! Two wayward pets complete their tour of the city and its multitude of occupants.  Two sets of new friends know home is the ultimate destination.


Eager readers know an escapade is in the offing as they watch Spot and Dot, strategically placed above their names in the title, race down the city street.  Each home in the row of houses, spread across the open and matching dust jacket and book case, offers additional tales of the residents, humans and animals.  Some notice the passing of Spot and Dot, wondering about their wandering.  Readers will enjoy running their hands over the dust jacket to feel the raised portions of the image and text.

On the opening and closing endpapers the purple color used for the street becomes a background.  Henry Cole begins this story without words on his title page with more of his highly intricate artwork.  Each fine line is carefully placed to portray a breathtaking whole.  Single page pictures from varying perspectives start the story building with a gentle tension, moving between the boy and girl and Spot chasing after Dot.  When the focus shifts to the dog and cat alone, readers find themselves dazzled by fabulous double-page illustrations. 

Each of these double-page visuals asks us to pause.  We peer in windows to see movers and painters working inside the neighbor's house, fish swim in two different bowls above the fish market and a dog wishing for the same freedom as he watches Spot race past his door.  In the Antique fair there are thousands of objects displayed by vendors.  The Hot Dog food truck seems to be where Dot is headed, but she's got more important things on her mind.

Readers will be fascinated by the banners hanging on the city buses advertising canine treats and treatments for fleas.  I can almost hear readers gasping when Dot enters the bakery.  You'll can almost smell the wondrous odors of pastries and fresh hot drinks in the air, but then you'll notice a cat running along the counter and a dog running behind the counter.  The expressions and body postures of every living thing, throughout the title, are completely captivating and convey the vibrant life through which this dog and cat are exploring.

One of my many, many favorite illustrations spans two pages.  Dot and Spot are scampering through the public library.  We see Spot entering on the left as Dog runs nearly off the page on the right.  The READ posters on the circulation desk feature dogs.  Many of the patrons are reading dog books.  One of the librarians is reading a dog book aloud for storytelling.  Some of the people don't even realize a cat and dog are present.  The facial features on others range from inquisitiveness to I can't believe what I am seeing.  The upholstery on the comfy chairs is spotted/dotted as is the fabric on a woman's skirt.


With the final three full-page pictures, readers will feel the same contentment seen on the faces of one cat and one dog and two humans in Spot & Dot by Henry Cole.  Stress which delicately built as the animal twosome moved through the city evaporates, but memories of their experiences linger.  This book stands alone wonderfully but pairing it with the first title is a perfect match.  I highly recommend this title for your personal and professional collections.

To learn more about Henry Cole and his other work, please visit his website by following the link attached to his name.  Henry Cole invites you to follow him on his Facebook account.  At the publisher's website you can view interior images from the beginning of the book.  They have also supplied three activity sheets.

Likely Lost, Finally Found

First think of your favorite things; those items you consider priceless.  Surely there are a variety of reasons these are cherished possessions.  They may have sentimental value in their representation of a person or an event.  They may be a reminder of a deeper feeling of security and home.  In this respect, for many children nothing is more important than their treasured stuffed toy. 

This cuddly companion is a constant source of comfort.  Without it in their possession they feel incomplete.  The Backup Bunny (North|South Books, March 6, 2018) written by Abigail Rayner with pictures by Greg Stones presents the perspective of a toy wishing to become beloved.

Psst.
Over here.
The name's Fluffy.

Fluffy is currently in a mother's sock drawer.  He's being saved by a wise parent in preparation for the absence of a well-loved toy.  Her son, Max, loves his Bunny.

One day, Fluffy's hopes are fulfilled.  Bunny is missing and he is removed from the sock drawer.  He finds himself given to a crying Max.  At first all is well, Fluffy feels himself being loved.  That lasts only seconds.

Now on the floor after repeated and valiant attempts by Mom, Fluffy is resigned to spending the night with the family cat.  The next day does not go as Fluffy desires.  Finding himself hanging from the clothesline, his frustration grows.  (From that vantage point he also makes a discovery which he keeps secret.)  Fluffy takes action and lands in Max's mud pie.

Unexpectedly, Max decides to befriend Fluffy until bedtime when he simply has to have Bunny.  Fluffy has a choice to make.  The next day Max makes a choice too.  And Mom is simply full of surprises.


By the time you read the first two phrases in this book, you'll be smiling.  Your grinning and giggling grows page by page.  By telling this story from the point of view of the backup bunny, Abigail Rayner releases large amounts of comedy and charm, enveloping the reader through Fluffy's thoughts and words.  This is heightened further by including Max's exclamations.  Here is a passage.

"That's NOT Bunny!" shouted Max.
"His ears don't feel right!"
Mom put me back in his bed.
Max threw me out.

This went on for a while.

At least the cat liked me.


You can't help but notice on the matching dust jacket and book case the affection Max has for Bunny.  Pure contentment glows on his face.  The patched toy bunny appears to be permanently happy.  You get a hint of the humor found within this book from Fluffy springing forth from the front right edge, waving his paw. 

To the left, on the back, on the same background of pristine white, an interior image of Fluffy dreaming of playing with Max is placed within a loose frame.  Continuing with the white canvas on the opening and closing endpapers illustrator Greg Stones portrays Fluffy first in a series of four alternating poses.  He is less than happy especially when being used as a pillow by the purr machine.  On the closing endpapers Max makes an appearance in the pattern along with a surprise indicative of the story.

Beneath the text on the title page, an illustration of Floppy riding on a bicycle with Max shows him living his dream.  Each page turn shows readers a shifting perspective and image size.  Each showcases and enhances the text.  Greg Stones uses white space as an element in his illustrations to excellent effect.

Careful readers will notice the change in Fluffy's expressions, even though he is a toy.  This increases the impact of his narrative.  The details on the socks in Mom's drawer will have readers laughing out loud.  Max's fondness for Bunny is evident in the pattern on his jammies.

One of my many favorite illustrations is the first night Fluffy spends with Max.  He is finally left on the floor next to Max's bed.  We zoom in on the edge of the bedspread and bed frame.  Fluffy is on his side.  His body posture and facial expression depict his exact mood at being a pillow for the family cat.  The cat, curled on top of Fluffy, is sleeping and smiling.


This title, The Backup Bunny written by Abigail Rayner with pictures by Greg Stones, has huge appeal for readers of all ages.  Children never forget the importance of a precious possession.  Adults will applaud the wisdom of this mom.  Everyone will laugh repeatedly at the story spun by Fluffy.  You will want to have a copy of this title on your professional and personal bookshelves.

To learn more about Abigail Rayner and Greg Stones and their work, please follow the links attached to their names.  Abigail has a Facebook page and Greg has a website.  He also maintains an account on Instagram.  At the publisher's website you can download a four page activity guide.  At a publisher's website you can view interior images.  There is a lovely interview with Abigail Rayner and the premiere of the book trailer at Scholastic's Ambassador of School Libraries, John Schumacher's site, Watch. Connect. Read.  On February 28, 2018 an article appeared in the Community News (Mercer County and Central Jersey) about Abigail and this book. 

Small Adventures Of Discovery

When you've been involved in the realm of children's literature for nearly forty-five years there are authors and illustrators whose contributions and creations have been partners with you.  You have had the distinct privilege to read almost every book they've brought into the world, marveling at their singular styles in writing and in their artwork.  Many of their books are your best friends.  You've witnessed how they've touched the hearts of readers.

There is one such author and illustrator whose bears, real and teddy, call out his name.  In his newest title, Baby Bear's Book of Tiny Tales (Little, Brown And Company, February 13, 2018), David McPhail further endears readers to his charming furry characters.  This little guy has a knack for finding what needs to be found.

Baby Bear Finds a Boot
Baby Bear was fishing.  He did not catch a fish.  Instead, he caught a boot.

In this first of four short stories Baby Bear's kindness in returning the boot to its proper owner introduces us to his forest friends.  Timmy Squirrel, Bobby Raccoon and Daisy Skunk all have perfectly good reasons the boot is not their boot.  With a bit of homonymic humor Ollie Owl cannot give Baby Bear a straight answer.  A sleepy Papa Bear finally provides a solution.

One day walking in the woods, Baby Bear finds a flower of exquisite beauty.  His first thought is to pick it for Mama Bear.  Daisy Skunk warns him to not pick the flower due to its rarity.  When Baby Bear learns the meaning of rare he has to agree with Daisy.  In a burst of ingenuity Daisy has a surprisingly excellent idea.

Leaning against a tree trunk in the third story, Baby Bear is startled by the presence of a baby bird that falls out of its nest.  First scaring away a hawk, Baby Bear decides to stay with the tiny creature until the mother returns.  Her plan to get the little bird back in its nest does not work but Baby Bear's method works wonderfully.

As Baby Bear goes from one friend's home to the next he finds himself in the forest alone. No one can play with him.  Suddenly hearing voices he decides to explore.  To his delight a little girl is picnicking with three of her toys, her best buddies.  After sharing sandwiches and tea together the little girl has a secret to share with Baby Bear.  Her revelation leads to four more surprises. 


In each of these four stories readers will be charmed by Baby Bear, his friends and parents.  David McPhail has a gift for knowing what will appeal to his younger readers (and those reading to them). The majority of each tale is told through conversations but when narrative is woven into those chats, it is done so with skill.  Here is a passage.

"What is rare?" asked Baby Bear.
"It means that this flower could be the only one left in the whole wide world," said Daisy.
"Oh dear," said Baby Bear.  "But I wanted to take it home to Mama Bear."
Baby Bear and Daisy Skunk sat down beside the flower.
They were quiet for a long time.


Upon opening the dust jacket, the golden yellow background patterned in tiny stems and leaves extends over the spine to the edge of the back on the left.  Each of the four tales is represented with the eight tiny images of Baby Bear on the circle of leaves surrounding the title text.  The circle of leaves is replicated on the back.  Within the circle we read about the book's contents.  Four new pictures of Baby Bear reflect the contents of each story.  (I am working with an F & G.  To see the book's case cover @LittleBrownYR tweeted out a picture today.)

On the opening and closing endpapers the same intricate pattern of stems and leaves is found in two shades of a sage green.  Beneath the text on the title page within a tiny border of leaves, Baby Bear is leaning over the edge of the stream watching his bobber float in the water.  A lovely frame of branches and leaves surrounds the verso information and the table of contents.  Cupped by branches are a tiny picture of Baby Bear, a red boot, a rare flower (lady's slipper), a baby bird (robin) and a waving little girl.  These branches, leaves and small illustrations head the beginning of each story.

Rendered in pen and ink and watercolor on Strathmore Drawing Paper the illustrations are softly framed in white on single pages.  They are loosely circular.  In each of the tales there is one picture which spans two pages.  The fine lines and delicate details are sure to prompt sighs and attract readers to each depiction.

One of my many favorite illustrations spans two pages.  It is in the first story when Baby Bear is trying to find the owner of the red boot.  Tired from searching, Baby Bear is resting against a tree in the forest next to the stream.  His fishing pole with the bobber attached is leaning against the same tree.  What Baby Bear can't yet see but what readers can see is Papa Bear fast asleep sitting on the bank of the stream.  His feet are dangling in the water as he clasps his fishing pole.  One of his feet is decidedly different than the other.  (I can hear the gasps of readers already.)  The watercolor shading is gorgeous in this picture.  It's breathtaking in all of them.


For a title on friendship and items found, this collection of stories, Baby Bear's Book of Tiny Tales, written and illustrated by David McPhail is happiness you can hold in your hands.  Baby Bear has a huge heart and his ability to extend compassion in any given situation will appeal to all readers.  You will want to add this title to your collections to use during a story time featuring beloved bears.

To learn more about David McPhail and his other work please follow the link attached to his name to access a website featuring him.  You will appreciate his handwritten note with a painting highlighted there.  This is an older but great post about David McPhail at author, reviewer and blogger Julie Danielson's Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.

 

Dino Dilemma

Between more than 230 million and sixty-five million years ago dinosaurs roamed this planet. (It's fairly difficult to wrap your thinking around a time frame in the millions of years.)  For them it was survival of the strongest and cleverest until a significant event caused them to become extinct.  Today many scientists believe they still live on in birds.

The fascination dinosaurs hold for student readers (and many adults) has never lessened.  Their size, power and capabilities continue to captivate.  To have a dinosaur as a pet or personal friend is the ultimate wish of many.  Don't Forget DEXTER! (Two Lions, January 1, 2018) written and illustrated by Lindsay Ward is about a dinosaur, a toy dinosaur, whose human, his best friend, has vanished.

Hello?

Is anyone there?

Dexter T. Rexter, Dexter, has recently noticed Jack, his best buddy, is missing.  They were together at the doctor's office waiting for a checkup.  Dexter has been alone for a long time.  

He asks us if we have seen Jack, even drawing a picture in his likeness with crayons.  When we don't recognize him (he's a stick figure), Dexter has a mini-meltdown.  The fish in the office aquarium and the receptionist have no answer for Dexter.

Dexter needs to take a new tactic so he sings their song.  When Jack doesn't appear in response to the music, he sings. . . er. . . shouts it again.  This dinosaur is starting to panic.  Then a horrible thought pops into his head.  He quickly dismisses it due to his outstanding physical qualities which he enumerates.  Like the worm worry is, another equally horrible thought zaps his mind.  Comparing himself to others is definitely not working until a voice calms him.  

Determined to find Jack, Dexter attempts a daring escape.  His failure and where he falls has him lamenting all the things he won't be able to do with Jack.  A scream echos in the room.  Remembered. 

To relate Dexter's predicament to us in his own voice allows author Lindsay Ward to add vital emotion to the story.  His dialogue is lively, genuine and exactly as one would think when left alone. Humor is supplied in the form of Dexter responding to implied replies from readers.  Here is a passage.

How can you NOT remember him?!

He was just here!

I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to shout.

Please don't go!

Who can resist the orange dinosaur on the pale blue background looking at them on the front of the matching dust jacket and book case?  We already know from the added speech balloons, Dexter will be speaking to us and making us part of his story.  On the other side of the yellow spine, Dexter is standing on a darker blue rug on the blue floor.  He is looking up and saying:

Hello?

Is anyone up

there?

The same orange used to color Dexter covers the opening and closing endpapers.  Similar lines are spoken by Dexter on the title page.  The verso and first pages are a two-page picture of the doctor's office with tiny Dexter wondering why he is minus his best friend, Jack.

Rendered in printmaking ink, colored pencil, and cut paper the images span two pages, single pages or a series of pictures to portray and enhance pacing.  The backgrounds vary between shades of blue, pale yellow, orange and cream.  Interest is peaked in the shift in perspective, placement of text, pointing arrows and descriptive speech balloons.  Dexter's eyebrows, eyes and mouth leave no doubt as to his current state of mind.

One of my many favorite illustrations is the one for the above cited text.  Dexter is standing on the blue rug on the blue floor right next to the low table with crayons and paper on top.  The point of view brings us close to him.  He is holding up the drawing of Jack.  Jack has lots of curly hair and he is drawn in red crayon; the same color as Dexter's spikes.  An arrow from the words

MY FRIEND

points to Jack.  All we see of Dexter is his hands holding the picture, the top portion of his head and his eyes.  You can tell his claws are made from children's writing paper which is a very welcoming illustrative touch.

No dinosaur story time will be complete without Don't Forget DEXTER! written and illustrated by Lindsay Ward.  Children will easily connect with the feeling of being alone or will recall those times when they have forgotten friends.  Get ready to read it with emotion and humor in your voice and expect requests for it to be read again.  You'll enjoy reading the closing flap where Lindsay discloses the inspiration for this book.

To learn more about Lindsay Ward and her other work, please follow the link attached to her name to access her website.  There is a short interview with Lindsay at The Children's Book Review.  Lindsay is the founder of Critter Lit, a place where you can get free one-time critiques.

Heading Toward...

Hats keep us warm by trapping our body heat.  They can also protect our faces from sun and wind.  Hats can make a fashion statement. They can proclaim our loyalty to a particular sport team or cause in which we believe.  They can be a reminder of a momentous event bearing the autograph of a person we admire.

In Jon Klassen's two previous titles, I Want My Hat Back (Candlewick Press, September 27, 2011) (Theodore Seuss Geisel Award Honor winner) and This Is Not My Hat (Candlewick Press, October 9, 2012) (Caldecott Medal winner) the discovery of hats brings out the wild and least favorable characteristics of four members of the critter kingdom.  This year We Found A Hat (Candlewick Press, October 11, 2016) closes out the trilogy with classic Jon Klassen twists.  His writing and illustrations demand we are engaged and thinking.

PART ONE
Finding 
the 
Hat

We found a hat.
We found it together.

Two turtles have indeed found a hat.  They are both complimentary about how the hat looks on each other. The dilemma of one hat and two turtles is a tricky equation with no set answer.

One of the turtles suggests they leave it where they found it.  His companion agrees...reluctantly.  In part two they are enjoying watching the sunset from a rocky perch. This they are doing together in quiet companionship.  They are both thinking about something different; one is focusing on the beauty in the sky, the other says he is thinking about nothing but we readers know better.

As the two terrapins chat and settle in for the night, one keeps asking the other about his state of being asleep.  His pal replies he is fully asleep and dreaming.  Why does the one turtle want to know if the other is asleep?  What dreams fill the mind of the second turtle?  This third part with its marvelous conclusion will have you wondering about kindness, cleverness and truth.


One of the first things readers can appreciate about this narrative is the dividing of it into three parts.  None of us approaches a problem and solves it in one single moment unless it is sheer survival.  We contemplate.  We deliberate. We wait, listen and evaluate.  Jon Klassen's simple sentences are succinct and powerful.  They read well for readers of all ages.  Here are two of his sentences.

But there is only one hat.
And there are two of us.


Readers of Jon Klassen's hat titles are familiar with his limited color palette drawing our attention specifically to his characters.  The two turtles on the front looking at the hat is a definite departure.  To the left, on the back is the hat near desert grass.  On the opening and closing endpapers is a black background studded with white dots; a starry night sky.  On the title page more desert flora frames a single rock placed beneath the text.

Rendered digitally with powdered graphite the images vary in size from single to double page.  Each part heading has a cactus on the right and the hat on the left, alone in the desert.  The text is always placed on white on a single page or along the top of multiple pages.

The two turtles are distinguished by the markings on their shells; a square-shaped design on the one and a series of arrow lines pointing to the middle of the shell on the other.  It's wonderful how much emotion Klassen can convey with the eyes on his turtles, the direction they look and whether they are awake or asleep.  There is subtle humor in the situations he creates when they are trying on the hats or when one is thinking about something he does not want the other one to know.

One of my favorite illustrations is in the early evening.  The turtles are on a rock overlooking the area where the hat rests.  Their heads are facing in the same direction.  All you see is their shells, heads and eyes.  The one is sleepier than the other.  In this picture readers can appreciate how Klassen changes his backgrounds to differentiate between day, sunset and night.


We Found A Hat written and illustrated by Jon Klassen is a stellar conclusion to this series.  I literally stood in the middle of the children's section in a book store hugging it after I read it the first time. Even after multiple readings I still have the urge to give it a hug.

To learn more about Jon Klassen and his work, visit his Tumblr site.  Publishers Weekly has a post about this final book.  The cover reveal and an interview can be viewed at The Guardian.  There is a video and article about Jon Klassen's work at The Sydney Morning Herald.  At the publisher's website there is an activity kit, drawing sheets, and teacher's guide.  Jon Klassen was a guest on All The Wonders, Episode 296 hosted by teacher librarian Matthew Winner. Jon Klassen talks about all three books at PICTUREBOOK MAKERS.  Enjoy the book trailer.

A Fascinating Fellow To Follow

Regardless of how many times it has been attempted, we all continue to try to get as close to something in the natural world as we possibly and safely can.  We know deep down inside that as soon as our nearness makes the creature feel unsafe, it will leave.  Most people who have a sincere respect and affection for all living things in nature try to convey their true intentions of "do no harm" but the need for survival is fortunately a strong instinct.

There is a long standing notion, with good reason, cats can't help but stalk birds and birds will keep their distance.  Spot, the Cat (Little Simon, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, March 1, 2016) conceived and illustrated by Henry Cole begins with a bird and of course, a cat.  It is a quest, a tour, and a search.  Without words readers can see how many stories become parts of a larger story.

Spot, the cat, aptly named for a large spot on his fur, lives in an apartment with his young male human.  Curious about a bird outside one day, and unable to resist the lure of an open window, the cat leaves.  Climbing down a vine and a handrail, the feline finds himself in the thick of the hustle and bustle of city life.  Back at the apartment the boy notices immediately his companion has left.

As the cat wanders the sidewalks and streets, the boy wastes no time in printing flyers about his missing friend, posting them as often as he can along those same sidewalks and streets.  We follow as Spot leaves the residential area with neighborhood shops and crosses a nearby river on a stony bridge.  He and the boy are seen in a park full of people flying kites, bicycling, jogging, lying in the sun, walking their dogs and a wayward child finds a way to play in the fountain, to a caregiver's dismay.

Surely someone at the weekend Farmers Market will have seen Spot but the boy has no luck there.  Running past sightseers at the museum, calling for Spot, leaves the child increasingly disheartened.  Spot, on the other hand, is enjoying people watching.

Outside the arches of two different stations the boy seeks his beloved pal.  Spot, the bird long forgotten, is on a mission.  It seems that all roads do lead to Rome, or is that home?


A panoramic, intricate portrayal of row houses and apartments on the matching dust jacket and book case introduces readers to the wonder awaiting them within the pages of this book.  The first image here extends from edge to edge, left to right, back to front across the spine. (Be sure to run your hands over the embossed dust jacket.  Children really love this added feature.)  We meet Spot, the cat, and his boy.  One is on the roof, peering through a telescope and the other is looking upward from their apartment window.  You simply have to look at every home, inside every window and along the roof tops.  Another hue of blue, a light turquoise rather than the dusty sky blue on the jacket and case, provides the background for the opening and closing endpapers.

On the initial title page, Henry Cole, gives us a close-up view of Spot, curled and sleeping.  I really love the way the title can be read two ways.  It names the cat but also invites us to look for the cat within each image.  Cole starts the story on the more formal title page with Spot staring at the bird perched on the edge of one of their flower pots outside on the ledge.

Most of the illustrations span two pages.  The single page pictures or smaller images grouped together are loosely framed in white space.  The fine lines, hatching, shading and care given to the tiniest of details are impeccable.  You will find yourself more than once reaching out to touch the pages; sure you will be able to feel the fabric on the sofa, the roughness of leaves, the brick on the buildings, the grass in the park or the splash of water from a fire hydrant.

Each scene is vividly depicted to the extent you can almost hear the chatter of people, the sound of cars and honking horns, the clicking of a scooter on a sidewalk, the splash of waves along a river bank as a barge passes, the flap of kites in a stiff breeze or the noises associated with travel within a train station.  Each person, their facial expressions and body movements are the smaller stories within the larger story.  There is potential bursting forth from every illustration.  Careful readers will notice specific writing on the side of a truck or the pictures and words on the banners hanging in the front of the museum.

One of my many favorite illustrations is of the Farmers Market.  All the varied vendors welcome us as readers or as possible shoppers or wanderers in the scene itself.  Fruits, vegetables, flowers, and eggs are plentiful.  All types of people are buying and selling.  Two dogs, one on a leash, are part of the scene.  At this point the boy is very close to Spot as he shows a flyer to a merchant.  Spot casually walks away on the other side of the truck, over boxes of produce.


Each page turn is a work of art worthy of framing in Spot, the Cat by Henry Cole.  I can only imagine the time dedicated to creating each picture, the delicacy of each creating warmth and charm.  By requesting us, without words, to search for Spot along with his boy, we are active participants in this story, making the ending all the sweeter.


To discover more about Henry Cole, his other publications and works of art please visit his website by following the link attached to his name.  He includes his creative process and some fun activities too.  To view interior illustrations (three including one of my favorites) please follow this link to the publisher's website.

For The Love Of A Dog #7

As a free-spirited, energetic canine Xena regarded any attire as intolerable.  Her fur was all she needed. Even in the thick of bitter cold winter she refused to wear booties to protect her paws. I did insist on the wearing of a collar when she left the house insuring people would know she had her rabies vaccine, a license and a phone number to call in case she became lost.  This did change on several occasions.

Between September 22, 2010 and January 20, 2012 Xena was a frequent visitor at my website "chatting" with students about excellent classes, lessons, libraries, books and reading.  Sometimes she would even sneak on the computer without my knowledge.  Here are the only two times in her life she wore extra head gear. For your convenience, in addition to the video below, the links are here and here for the two different videos.  For some reason Blabberize or perhaps Blogger changes the code so I get two videos alike.  If you want to see Xena in bunny ears follow the second link.




Other dogs enjoy or at the very least tolerate the wearing of clothing to assert their individuality or to make their humans happy.  In her picture book debut, A Dog Wearing Shoes (Schwartz & Wade, September 29, 2015), Sangmi Ko uses flashy footwear to draw attention to the plight of a dog.  He's about to get help.

One day, Mini was on her way home from Grandma and
Grandpa's, when suddenly---
Screech!!

Amid the thick of rush hour traffic sits a wee, bitty pooch wearing bright yellow shoes.  Mini and her mom stop in the nick of time.  Kneeling down outside the car, her mom calls to the little fellow who comes running.  No possible companion is in sight.  For the time being he will come with them.  Mini is thrilled.

At home Mini wants to keep playing with him but the dog is clearly upset.  Mom points out the obvious fact of him belonging to someone; he is wearing shoes, yellow shoes.  Mini thinks he needs a walk.  A red leash and collar are placed on the little guy.  His many clever virtues are revealed on their stroll through the park.

Well-meaning and enthusiastic Mini decides to demonstrate one more skill for the other dog lovers who have gathered when the worst possible thing happens.  The canine is on the run again.  A trip to the shelter the next morning raises everyone's spirits.

Mini has experienced first-hand the sense of emptiness when your dog is missing.  She now has a plan.  It works!  Mini and her mom have another plan.  It works too!


As a dog owner Sangmi Ko writes with emotional knowledge.  Based upon the true story of a family member, the events unfold realistically.  The logic of a parent and the eagerness of a child are clearly depicted in the conversations.  The love between the two is obvious as is the kindness in both their hearts.

Mini was so excited!
She sang a song,
took the dog's shoes off
and put them back on,
bonked their heads together,
and took a nap with him. 


Rendered in pencil with digitized spot colors of yellow and red, Sangmi Ko has created a matching dust jacket and book case sure to draw reader attention.  Your eyes go from the title text, to the footwear and then to the wide-eyed look on the dog.  You want to know why a dog is wearing yellow shoes.  You want to know why he is looking bewildered on the side of a city street.  On the back, to the left, Mini is embracing the little pooch on a background of white.  The opening and closing endpapers are in the signature yellow.

Three pages of illustrations and the narrative precede the title page.  On the page to the left sits the dog surrounded by white.  The only illustration to the right with the text is a thrown stick; foreshadowing of Mini's new outlook.

Images range in size reflecting the story line and the ebb and flow of moods.  They may extend from edge to edge across two pages or a single page.  At times Ko will use small insets or half page loosely framed visuals.  They flow perfectly.  It's the eyes on her characters and their exaggerated expressions which will deliver huge amounts of humor.

One of my favorite series of pictures is those accompanying the text referenced above.  Mini and the dog howling mouths open, huge fixed grins on their faces as she takes the shoes off and puts them back on the dog, the wide-eyed look on both their faces as they touch foreheads, and the final two images of them zonked out sleeping and groggily waking up are touching and hilarious at the same time.  These pictures are full of animation.  Much is accomplished with the fine, detailed pencil lines here and throughout the book.


Tales of lost and found, lost and found and found don't get much better than A Dog Wearing Shoes written and illustrated by Sangmi Ko.  On the final page Ko includes five important suggestions regarding the adoption of a dog along with three websites to visit.  Brimming with merriment and warmth this is a must have for anyone with compassion for our furry friends.

Please visit the publisher's website to view more interior images from this title.  Julie Danielson, author, reviewer and blogger at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast includes this title with others about dogs.  There's lots of artwork and her insights.

One...Many...None...Many

Those with keen observation skills and a knack for making something out of nothing will always find treasure.  They may locate an item which no longer has significance to another who willingly gives it away.   Or they may discover a lost possession.

 The absence of this thing leaves a hole of sorts in the heart of the person missing it depending on its real or perceived value.    In their more philosophical moments they hope someone who needs it more than they do have it now.  When these things are spotted by an explorer, a wanderer or someone simply going about their daily business, their past experiences and particular personalities will assign worth and a use to it.  Lost. Found. (A Neal Porter Book, Roaring Brook Press, November 3, 2015) written by Marsha Diane Arnold with pictures by Matthew Cordell begins on a wild, windy, wintry day as a bright red scarf takes flight.

Lost.

Out for a stroll in a wood covered in snow, Bear's scarf is snatched from his neck by a stiff breeze.  Raccoons, one and two, begin to pull on it like contestants in a tug-of-war.  One, more of a trickster than the other, causes them to abandon it in favor of a chase.

A nearby beaver winds and weaves it as heady attire until a low tree branch changes its status to lost once more.  The next forest critter sees it as a timeless form of play to soar skyward until with a snap and splash, it's up for grabs again.  Soggy, much too wet to perform its intended use, a fox sets it in the sun to dry.

Three tiny mice try it out as a trampoline until their jumping sends them tumbling.  Anyone for a game of pine cone volleyball? Or would you prefer a brisk sway on a hammock?  Now loose the wind carries it through the forest.  Each of the animals spies it drifting past them.

A mad dash for ownership creates mayhem in the snowy glen.  When Bear gazes at the state of his scarf his resourcefulness rises to the occasion.  Knit one, purl two, one scarf, meant for many.


Two words, lost and found, tell this tale.  Marsha Diane Arnold gives us a winter day, Bear wearing a bright red scarf and a gust of wind.  She imagines a series of animals finding it, then leaving it, either on purpose, from romping gone wild or through the direct actions of others.  It's wonderful how her mind expands on the original "what if."  It invites us to do the same.


Since the first time I read a book illustrated by Matthew Cordell his style has captured my attention.  Unfolding and opening the matching dust jacket and book case, readers are presented with an entire image; Bear's scarf extends in the wind to the left as two rascally raccoons watch wide-eyed.  Regardless of the brisk breeze and air filled with snowflakes everyone appears happy.

The blue used to designate the snow becomes the color for the opening and closing endpapers.  On the title page Cordell heightens our interest as Bear leans into the ever-increasing gusts.  On the verso and dedication pages the tail of the scarf moves until with a page turn it leaves its owner.

As the scarf is lost and found, the line work of Cordell delightfully displays every enthusiastic nuance in the characters.  Added words conveying sound, many times through onomatopoeia, highlight the comedy found in his illustrations.  Each time the scarf is lost, the next creature is tucked into the picture ready to recover it.

After the initial reading of the story you need to read it over and over to locate all the extra details.  The one raccoon is giving the other the peace sign to set the stage for its trick.  The beaver is so content with his new attire; he is unaware of its loss.  Minks and muskrats known for their playfulness align with the scarf for maximum motion.    The squirrels throwing pine cones may or may not be a nod to Patrick McDonnell's nut-throwing squirrels in his Mutt's cartoons.  Make no mistake Matthew Cordell draws with intention.

One of my favorite illustrations (I love them all.) is the last one.  For this one Cordell leaves his white background with limited color palette in favor of a rich, blue-hued evening sky replete with white and yellow stars.  All the animals are gathered around a cozy fire.  Peace and contentment is mirrored on all their faces.  You'll understand why when you see this for yourself.


It only arrived on my doorstep yesterday but I've read Lost. Found. written by Marsha Diane Arnold with pictures by Matthew Cordell over and over.  With each reading your belief in finding something, anything, no matter the kind of loss is increased.  Sometimes you find a treasure you can't hold in your hand but one which must be held in your heart.

To learn more about Marsha Diane Arnold and Matthew Cordell please follow the links attached to their names to access their respective websites.  Marsha Diane Arnold has a teacher's guide under Fun Activities.  At The Children's Book Academy Blogettes site Marsha Diane Arnold has written about the publication process using this title as an example.  If you stop by Matthew Cordell's blog you can gain more insight about his work.  The publisher provides six interior images from this title at their website.  To gain even more information about this book, Marsha and Matthew please visit these blogs on the tour.

Sharpread
Nerdy Book Club
Kid Lit Frenzy
Read, Write, Reflect
Librarian in Cute Shoes
Watch. Connect. Read. 

Update:  December 10, 2015 Check out the adorable book trailer by following this link to KidLit TV.

The Laughter Side of Life

For several summers days were spent in anticipation of a sighting.  Plans were made to work or read in front of the cottage so the dock on the river was never out of view.  Whenever she (could have been a he) was spotted spirits were immediately lifted.

There was playfulness in every movement.  This otter of the river enjoyed having an audience.  I could have watched for hours.  On April 29, 2014 author illustrator Sam Garton sent I Am Otter (Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers) into the world.

HI!  I am Otter.
No one really knows where I came
from.  Otter Keeper says that he found
me in a box on his doorstep one day.

As is the case with most youngsters Otter is small and slightly frightened of Otter Keeper but this is soon remedied with the formation of a fast friendship.  Teddy, courtesy of Otter Keeper, becomes of member of the household.  The trio has loads of fun together, particularly on Saturday and Sunday.

When Mondays roll around Otter performs every trick in the book to ensure Otter Keeper stays to play instead of going to work.  Constantly on the move and thinking Otter decides he and Teddy need a job too.  They are going to open a toast restaurant.

Soon it is plain to see this business has problems which are obviously Teddy's fault.  Reservations, the cost of toast and incorrect orders lead to customer complaints which in turn lead to customers being forced to leave.  Teddy is out of a job and Giraffe is the new chef.

As if Otter does not have enough worries, Otter Keeper comes home.  Getting everyone out of sight is highly difficult.  There is no time to clean up the mess.  Hide!

Unfortunately Otter Keeper finds Otter, orders a tidying up session and requires all the guests to be returned to their proper places.  In his defense Otter places the blame for this disaster on Teddy.  Where IS Teddy?  Oh, no!  There is no time to rest, Teddy must be found.  A sleepless night tells a tale with more than one ending.


Sam Garton must be part otter as his narrative clearly depicts the frisky nature of these charming creatures.  In the character of Otter we see an inventive personality with endless energy.  By having the story told from Otter's point of view, humor builds as the story progresses.  The disparity between the words and images are sure to generate multiple laugh-out-loud moments.


Digitally created using Adobe Photoshop all the illustrations, beginning with the matching dust jacket and book case, radiate the exuberance of Otter.  We know Otter will be cooking with his pals.  The tie hanging on the "O" signifies his stint as restaurateur.  The pale yellow background draws our attention to the vibrant full color palette.  On the back, to the left, we see other companions, toys, of Otter's along with a sign reading

tost
restrant
open ----->

The blue on Giraffe becomes the background color for the opening and closing endpapers (foreshadowing?).  On the title page Garton begins the story with a box left on the doorstep of Otter Keeper's home.  A crisp white is the canvas for all of the images.

The size of the visuals is a reflection of the text.  They are placed on single pages, two, three, or five to a page, toward the bottom, off to the left or right or for emphasis across two pages, edge to edge.  They are in direct contrast to and enhance the narrative.

Every single detail, of which there are many, heightens the hilarity; Otter wearing a helmet while drive a motorized car with Teddy as a passenger, Otter wearing glasses and a party hat singing karaoke, or Otter throwing Otter Keeper's clock in the goldfish bowl to stop time.   Otter's expressions especially when interacting with the inanimate toys are laughter-inducing.

One of many favorite illustrations is for the phrase

Some of the customers
complained and had to be
asked to leave the restaurant.

We see a window on the outside of Otter Keeper's home open.  Two clay pots are on the sill.  A garbage can, overflowing, is beneath the window along with a broom.  Toys are being tossed out of the window.

This year on May 5th, the second book in the series Otter in Space (Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers) was released to readers.  An outing with Otter Keeper and Teddy does not end with the return home.  Ever creative Otter is ready for a new adventure.

On Sunday, Otter Keeper took me
and Teddy to the museum.
The museum is the best place ever!

A dinosaur skeleton, a large life-like bear, classic artwork and artifacts are all intriguing but the section dedicated to space is Otter's favorite place.  Interactive exhibits are a treat for this on-the-move otter.  At the gift shop an armload of goodies to take home is reduced to a single item by Otter Keeper. The toy space ship is nifty but what's a rocket without a moon rock.

On Monday, Otter, Teddy and Giraffe all agree a moon rock is needed.  Otter thinks and thinks and thinks some more.  Like a blast into outer space, the perfect plan pops into Otter's head.  Teddy and Otter are going to get a moon rock from the moon.

A list of necessary steps is made and followed.  Space suits are fashioned and training is started.  Teddy is having a hard time with keeping the gear on and problem solving but does a smashing job with antigravity (washing machine).  It seems Giraffe is selected to be mission control.

Totally focused and clearly task-oriented Otter builds a spaceship destined to land on the moon or the nearby slide.  The results of the journey are not as expected but our fearless astronaut is not to be deterred.  A moon rock must be secured for the return to Earth.  Otter Keeper in none too happy about this newest discovery but Otter always has a plan.  You'll be triply surprised.


The way the mind of Otter works through the words of Sam Garton is a constant source of comedy.  His viewpoint appreciates the wonder found in everyday things; things others take for granted.  The simple sentence structure will appeal to younger readers (and those fortunate enough to read these aloud).  Here are a couple of sentences.

We saw a huge dinosaur skeleton
and met Teddy's cousin.
We looked at old paintings,
made before crayons were invented.
In a museum, even boring things
become interesting if they are
old enough.


Like the title text on the first book, when you run your fingers over it, you will feel the raised letters.  The shaded blue sky on the matching dust jacket and book case signify a journey in the making.  The attire worn by Otter, Teddy and Giraffe will certainly create smiles and questions.  To the left, on the back, Otter is reading a book titled Outer Space to Teddy as they sit on a hill.  The hue in the word Otter is used as the color for the opening and closing endpapers.

Beneath the title page text, we see Otter's backpack, the toy space ship, crayons, a museum guide and Teddy's backpack.  A charming two-page picture, for the verso and first page, features the museum, surrounding trees and decorated enclosure with Otter Keeper, Otter and Teddy standing in front ready to begin their tour.  Rendered in Adobe Photoshop the placement and size of the images supply pacing to complement and enhance the story.

As in the first title, Otter and Teddy wear attire as if they are small children.  When traveling in the car, Otter has a car seat and Teddy is securely fastened in a seat belt.  This will delight readers of all ages.  Another source of smiles is the writing of Otter.  Words are spelled as they sound but not necessarily correctly.

There are so many illustrations I adore in this title (as in the first one) but one of my favorites is of Otter and Teddy taking a lunch break before making the space suits.  The two are seated together on the floor.  Teddy is propped against the toy space ship with Otter feeding him strawberry jam with a spoon.  Otter is eating slices of toast and snacks while reading a comic book...upside down.  His water cup with a straw is close at paw.

Get ready for giggles and grins when reading I Am Otter and Otter in Space written and illustrated by Sam Garton.  A singular point of view and an ingenious spirit will endear readers to the character of Otter.  Hand these books to readers who love to laugh; life is too short not to enjoy it in the same spirit as this charming creation of Sam Garton.  Otter Loves Halloween hit shelves in book shops on July 21, 2015.  I can hardly wait to get a copy.

To learn more about Sam Garton and his work, please visit his website by following the link attached to this name.  There are two websites dedicated to Otter, I Am Otter, an updated blog and I Am Otter from the publisher. 

Enjoy this video about Sam Garton and some of the gathered tweets from Twitter. 

When I was small, I made a list of 'Things I am really good at'. pic.twitter.com/UzJazampWw

— Otter (@i_am_otter) July 28, 2015

A long time ago I asked Otter Keeper what he thought my parents were like. He drew me this picture! pic.twitter.com/vKEmJjiuoy

— Otter (@i_am_otter) July 22, 2015

Otter Keeper just found these old sketches of me! He still hasn't taken me to the beach... pic.twitter.com/HdWm3IECSN

— Otter (@i_am_otter) July 17, 2015

Otter Keeper has been telling me about space. Turns out there's no oxygen on the moon! I'll need a protection vehicle pic.twitter.com/O2Tp7qPgBH

— Otter (@i_am_otter) July 15, 2015