To say this year, 2020, has taken the world by surprise is a vast understatement, perhaps the largest understatement in the last 100 years. People are suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic, continued, and escalated social, economic, and racial injustices, and the horrific effects of climate change. The sparks of hope, the lights, in this darkness are the creators of books for children. These people continue to write and illustrate with their whole hearts, brightening our souls.
On January 2, 2020 and on January 3, 2020, I selected books from 2019 I had not previously discussed, but wanted to highlight before diving into the new year's books. For each of the twenty-four books, I selected One Little Word as designed for the original 2006 project by Ali Edwards. In that spirit, I wish to feature over two separate blog posts, on August 25, 2020 and September 1, 2020, eighteen books from the first six months of 2020 not previously showcased here. For each title I will provide links when available to the publisher's website, the author's website, the illustrator's website, educational extras, books trailers, a short summary, and the introductory text. I sincerely hope you will discover new titles to enjoy personally or professionally.
PEACE
Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale With A Tail (Charlesbridge, January 28, 2020) written by Leslea Newman with illustrations by Susan Gal
Additional image views Penguin Random House
In a rhythm of contrasts between inside a family's home on the first night of Passover and outside with a homeless kitten, readers are introduced to Jewish celebratory traditions. A boy and the kitten are connected through the waiting each one is experiencing. Both are surprised at the outcome. An author's note supplies further information.
Inside, there was light.
Outside, there was darkness.
Inside, it was warm.
Outside, it was windy.
Inside, there was laughter.
Outside, there was silence.
SAVOR
Straw (Disney Hyperion, February 4, 2020) written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal with illustrations by Scott Magoon
Four Questions for Scott Magoon at Publisher's Weekly about his collaboration with Amy Krouse Rosenthal on this series of books
This third title, following Spoon and Chopsticks, focuses on Straw, a fellow with a need for speed. He, along with readers, finally understands the value of moving slower. You see much more in each day if you stop to enjoy each sensory moment.
This is Straw's story.
Straw has a great big family of all stripes and colors.
Straw has a great bunch of friends.
And Straw has a great thirst for being first.
HILARITY
NIGHT ANIMALS need sleep too (Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, February 25, 2020) written and illustrated by Gianna Marino
The crew of creatures we fell in love with from NIGHT ANIMALS returns prompting laughter with every page turn. Possum can't sleep. In his search for someplace dark to doze, he manages to wake up all his nighttime friends amid a series of too-close encounters.
Hey, Possum, what's wrong?
It's too bright. I need somewhere dark and quiet to sleep.
LIGHT
ACCEPTANCE (HILARITY #2)
The Society of Distinguished Lemmings (Peachtree Publishing Company Inc., March 1, 2020) written and illustrated by Julie Colombet
Publisher's website includes discussion guide, excerpt, and personality quiz
Who knew lemmings had so many rules? Each page reveals not only rules, but an excess of comedic commentary by the mass of lemmings. Bert has had enough and meets a bear. It isn't until a drastic situation ensues that the lemmings understand there is a place for rules, and a time to bend them.
This is the society of distinguished lemmings.
Deep in their underground burrow, the lemmings follow a strict set of rules and are always busy with social events.
They perform long and serious plays.
Whose skull is that?
That has to be a wig.
To be or not to be, that is the question.
FRIEND
My Best Friend (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Division, March 3, 2020) written by Julie Fogliano with illustrations by Jillian Tamaki
Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast hosted by author, reviewer, and blogger Julie Danielson This is an extensive post about the book.
Watch. Connect. Read. hosted by Scholastic's Ambassador of School Libraries, John Schumacher This is a cover reveal and a chat with both the author and the illustrator.
Experience for the first time or relive your first true blue friendship, through the words and artwork expressing the heart of a child.
i have a new friend
and her hair is black
and it shines
and it shines
and she always laughs at everything
she is so smart
and when
i say la la la
she says
la la la
They are chatting with a trio of children about all the endeavors in which each of them excels. As the story moves along, they realize the children (with whom they are camping) want them to do something else. You'll be cheering amid your laughter with the children at the end.
Wonderful!
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