A Voice Demands From The Deep Dark Depths

If you want to discover treasures on any shoreline, the best time is after a raging storm.  The combination of wild wind gusts and crazy currents stirs up a blended brew of newly fallen objects and those buried for decades.  There will be discoveries you expect and others which will leave you baffled or even, a little bit afraid. 

More startling than any found item is an eerie sound echoing from the depths after such a weather event.  In a newer release, Give Me Back My Bones! (Candlewick Press, July 16, 2019) written by Kim Norman with illustrations by Bob Kolar, a voice is requesting the return of its most prized possessions---its bones!  Who or what could be creating such a commotion?

A stormy night has passed here
and toppled every mast here.
The ocean, flowing fast here,
has scattered all my bones!

The first thing needed is the skull, the protector of the deliverer of thoughts and actions.  Not much can be done without the jawbone attached to the skull.  It makes eating and speaking much more difficult without it.

In subsequent appeals the voice is working its way from one essential bone to the next essential bone, now that the skull and mandible are in place.  What might be a

handy parrot-hauler bone?

We are told it's a clavicle.

Where is the bone to which the ribs attach?  Where are the bones which lift to offer protection to the face in times of danger?  Where are the bones used to grasp, wave and dig?

Many more bones are desired to bring this being back to its former glory (as much as it can be as a skeleton). For mobility's sake, three particular parts must be in place.  Can you guess the reason only one set of phalanges are required?   For this individual now commanding critters of the sea, there is one more cherished fundamental item to be found.  Ahoy, Me Hearties!  All Hands Hoay!


With the boisterous beat of a rousing sea chantey, Kim Norman pens a tale of a pirate who has had the misfortune to be spread across the sandy bottom of his watery grave after a tumultuous storm.  Readers will delight in the four-line poetic phrases with the next to last word in the first three rhyming and the last word in those three a repetition of the same word.  The verb (action) in the final phrase refers to the first three.  What makes this even more wonderful is Kim Norman gives the proper name of the sought-after bone in that fourth line.  Readers will also note the use of alliteration which accentuates the cadence.  Here is a passage.

Help me find my head bone,
my pillowed-on-the-bed bone,
the pirate's flag-of-dread bone---
I'm scouting out my skull.


The view at the bottom of the sea seen on the front of the matching dust jacket and book case extends over the spine and to the flap edges of the jacket.  Illustrator Bob Kolar includes elements associated with a pirate or sailor, the spyglass, compass, cutlass and gold ring hanging on the letter S.  Readers will enjoy looking at the variety of fish, and the crab and jellyfish featured to the left, on the back.  The scattered bones will make an appearance later in the story.  The expressions on the fish are curious rather than afraid, making this skeletal tale fun.  The wide-eyed look on the skull is ever present, but by moving the black dots in the center the emotional state of mind of the pirate is known to readers.

On the opening endpapers the bones named in the poetic interludes are placed across both pages on a sandy background.  They are labeled with their correct anatomical term.  There is one addition to this image that is not a bone.  On the closing endpapers readers are treated to a vertical view of the assembled bones.  The tools of his trade have been added to the pirate; who is ready to sail the seas.

On the title page bony arms and hands reach from the bottom of the page toward the text as currents swirl above and below in the water.  Rendered digitally the illustrations mirror locations beneath the waves but are mindful of the intended audience.  (I can visualize readers pausing to name as many of the sea creatures as they can in each place.)

All the images are double-page pictures.  Bob Kolar adds clever details; a seahorse tail curled around a bit of bone, shoulder blades hidden inside a large clam, a squid carrying something other than bones to the pirate and a single boot ready to cover a foot.  He alters his perspective from page turn to page turn in keeping with the pacing, bringing us close to the skull or giving us a larger view.  Everything is always in motion.

One of my many favorite illustrations is when the voice is asking for his

sturdy sternum.

Above the slightly rolling sandy bottom murky shades of blue gray provide a canvas.  On the left a sea anemone waves its tousled top as orange and white striped fish watch the skull, with its mandible and clavicle attached, as it moves quickly toward the right.  Pinkish seaweed floats around the sternum and ribs placed on a small mound.  The orange and white striped fish glide in and out of the bony cage.  A spyglass lays in the sand in front of the bones.


Comically chilling, informative and a read aloud treasure, Give Me Back My Bones! written by Kim Norman with illustrations by Bob Kolar is one readers will want to hear again and again.  It invites listener participation on the final word of the first three phrases.  Don't be surprised if your storytime crowd starts to move to the music of the words and images.  Wonderful for this spooky season or anytime you want to draw attention to our body's bones or focus on pirate stories.  You'll want to have a copy in your personal and professional collections, Mateys!

To discover more about Kim Norman and Bob Kolar and their other work, please visit their respective websites by following the links attached to their names.  Kim Norman has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.  Bob Kolar maintains an account on Instagram.  At the publisher's website and at Penguin Random House, you can view interior illustrations.  Kim Norman chats with author Tammi Sauer at Picture Book Builders about this book and her writing process.

Food For Thought---Frank And Bean Blog Tour

Two words with similar sounds have completely different meanings.  Being alone is empowering, reminding us to seek and experience our best qualities in silence, contemplation and creativeness.  It's energizing.  In some respects, lonely is the opposite of alone.  It's a feeling of being lost, unsure and out of balance.  It's an unwelcome weight.

When people see someone alone, they might believe they are lonely but a verbal exchange, a short conversation, can reveal the truth.  Sometimes in this conversation the two individuals discover wonderful attributes about each other.  Two perfect personalities exhibiting this possibility are being introduced to the children's literature realm soon.

Frank And Bean (Candlewick Press, October 8, 2019) written by Jamie Michalak with illustrations by Bob Kolar will have readers nodding their heads in agreement between bouts of laughter.  Humans generally consume these two items of food together, finding them to complement each other.  Frank and Bean, as fictional characters in this early reader, are complete opposites.  In four concise charming chapters, we meet this duo and join them as a friendship forms.

Chapter 1
Frank
This is Frank.
This is Frank's tent.
This is Frank's pencil.
This is Frank's spork.
This is Frank's secret notebook.
Everything here is Frank's.

Being alone is exactly what Franks wants so he can write his private thoughts in his notebook.  He moves from the croaking frog and the hooting owl and even startles himself when he wanders into a pond.  Seeking solitude and quiet is not as easy as he thought.  None of the night creatures respond to his wishes for a good night, so lying in his tent he tells himself good night.

The next morning quietly eating his breakfast Frank is surprised by a loud honking.  It's a bus, Bean's bus.  It's loaded with all sorts of things to generate noises, loud noises.  Bean has a trumpet, a drum, a triangle, a motorbike and a gong.  He plays more than one of those instruments.  He rides his motorbike.  Frank is frustrated and keeps trying to get Bean to stop.  Bean is so loud he misunderstands Frank's requests, substituting words.  Before Frank's knows what's happening, Bean is at his tent expecting pie.  (Frank said goodbye.)

As the two chat Bean discloses the nature of his quest to Frank.  Frank, in turn, explains to Bean, the shortest and easiest way to complete his search.  Of course, Bean being Bean, interrupts repeatedly with noise, antics and his own request of Frank.  Frank must eat a jelly doughnut hole.

SQUIRT!
SPLAT!

As the final chapter begins Frank is snuggled in his tent attempting to sleep when Ben's trumpet echoes through the campsite.  Frank, going to Bean's bus, implores him to be quiet.  After a second endeavor for silence, Bean shows up at Frank's tent.  Remember the word lonely.  This is Bean on this night.  A frank discussion takes the best of both these beings and supplies readers with a perfect complementary resolution.


As you read through the narrative and the dialogue, you can't help but wonder how much fun Jamie Michalak had writing this book.  She gives us very clear descriptions of the personalities of both Frank and Bean through examples.  The contrast in their traits is a source of comedy.  Repetition of sentence structure provides a cadence for readers.  It is in the fourth chapter, Jamie Michalak gets to more profound statements, statements ringing true for readers of all ages.  Here is a passage.

"I am Frank," says Frank.  "What are you doing here?"
"YOU WANT ME TO CHEER?" yells Bean.  "OK. HOORAY FOR FRANK!"
"I did not say cheer," says Frank.
"Turn off your bike so I can talk with you."
"MOO?" Bean shouts.  "DO I HEAR A COW?"


I don't know about you, but when I look at Frank and Bean on the matching and open dust jacket and book case, I can't help but grin. Their facial expressions here (and throughout the book) reflect their true natures.  Frank looks quiet and studious.  Bean looks boisterous and ready to romp.

The sky filled with a few clouds, the evergreens and forest trees continue on the other side of the spine.  The frog mentioned in the story is sitting on a rock in the lower left-hand corner of the back.  The text framed by the clouds reads:

Some friendships are
just meant to be.

The opening and closing endpapers are striped in two hues of golden yellow.  The stripes are similar in size to the stripes on Frank's tent.  On the title page Frank's secret notebook and Bean's hat are featured between the text.  Under the Contents text Frank is pulling a tiny wagon loaded with his goodies.  It is labeled Frank Furter.  This is one of the many humorous details illustrator Bob Kolar includes in his images for this title.

Frank's tent is a mini version of a circus tent with an initial "F" on the roof with a red circle, knob, on the tip of the top.  Bean's bus has large windows on all its sides.  The lettering reads Bean The Musical Fruit.  There is a "B" on the front of it.

The illustration sizes vary according to the text, pacing and emphasis on the activities of the characters.  They alternate between full-page pictures, insets on crisp white backgrounds, and double-page pictures.  It's guaranteed readers will be giggling and guffawing.

One of my many, many favorite pictures is a double-page picture.  It's Frank's first night in the forest.  A few clouds remain in the darker sky, but stars frame the top and curve down the sides.  There are several evergreen trees, one large tree for the owl and a pink tree in full bloom.  The frog is sitting on his rock.  A few crickets surround the area.  Frank's hat with the head lamp, his secret notebook, pencil and spork are laying on the ground right outside the tent.  Frank, due to his height, is mostly outside the tent.  He is wearing a striped nightcap and his glasses.


Excellent for the intended audience but certain to be enjoyed by readers of all ages, Frank And Bean written by Jamie Michalak with illustrations by Bob Kolar is a topnotch early reader.  The use of language and the lively, joyous images work a special kind of spell.  You'll want a copy of this for your personal and professional collections.

To learn more about Jamie Michalak and Bob Kolar and their other work, please visit their respective websites by following the links attached to their names.  Jamie Michalak has accounts on Instagram and Twitter.  The link to her blog is here.  Bob Kolar has an account on Instagram.  At Candlewick Press and at Penguin Random House you can view interior images.  I was honored to host the cover reveal for Frank And Bean.  Both Jamie Michalak and Bob Kolar discuss their work and this book.

Here are two interior images provided by author Jamie Michalak done with skill and hilarity by Bob Kolar.

Jamie Michalak has a guest post on author Jarrett Lerner's site as part of this blog tour.

Frank And Bean Cover Reveal

For many residents of the United States, especially those experiencing blizzards less than a week ago, it’s hard to think of the arrival of the vernal equinox.  Regardless of the mounds of snow observed around our homes, a shift in seasons is coming in two days. This means winter’s rest is ending, albeit slowly.

It’s a time of fresh new beginnings.  Birdsong swells as many return to their seasonal homes.  Tiny bumps of fuzz pop out on pussy willow branches. Once the snow completely recedes bulbs nestled in the cool, dark earth push shoots upward revealing their brilliant greenness.  To further herald spring it’s a distinct pleasure to host children’s literature creators Jamie Michalak and Bob Kolar at Librarian’s Quest. They are collaborating on a new early reader title, Frank & Bean.  We are excited to reveal the cover but first let’s get to know Jamie and Bob and their work on this book a little bit better.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jamie and Bob.

From your previous titles, Jamie, I know humor plays a big part in your books.  How did you decide on these characters and their names? Would you tell us a little bit about their personalities?

I didn’t have to look far for inspiration when it came to the characters — I live with them! My youngest is chatty, like Bean, and obsessed with donuts, drums, and anything loud. My oldest is more like the quiet, outdoorsy, oatmeal-loving Frank. I’d wanted to write a book starring food, and once I hit on the names, Frank and Bean popped into my head.

As keen observers of life, I realize author’s glean ideas for their books just about anywhere. How was the focus of this story formed? Did a single incident supply the spark?

I was inspired to write this book after seeing many children, including my own, on phones and other devices. I wondered how they’d cultivate their imagination and create when they’re never bored. At its heart, Frank and Bean is about sparking creativity by carving out the quiet space needed to hear the stories within. I hope this book will inspire kids to write their own story, poem, or maybe even a song like Frank and Bean’s!

Reading the title, Bob, without any images, readers initially will have no idea of the physical characteristics of Frank and Bean.  Would you tell us how they developed? Which one did you visualize first, Frank or Bean?

Frank came first. A walking talking hotdog seemed pretty normal in my world. I had to decide whether he would have a bun or not.  He just seemed naked without it. Bean was a little more difficult. The size relationship was throwing me. A bean is usually much smaller than a hotdog. I guess a bean doesn’t usually go camping, ride a motorcycle, eat donut holes, and play the trumpet either. He ended up being a really huge bean.

Did the manuscript dictate the setting shown on the cover?  

Yes, it’s a camping in the woods adventure story.

What medium did you use for the cover and the artwork within the book, Bob?

Artwork was created digitally. I do most of my stuff on the computer now. I spent most of my childhood watching cartoons. Maybe working on the computer just reminds me of watching TV.

Are you more like Frank or Bean, Bob?

Oh, I’m totally a Bean. I’m loud and annoying. I spend most of my time having fun or thinking about how to have more fun. I have a short attention.... hey look, a squirrel!! What was the question?

Which character resembles you, Jaime?

Frank. I have a secret notebook and love the outdoors and quiet time, too. But my good friends are wild and crazy Beans, and I never pass up karaoke.

Just for fun, what is your favorite comfort food, Jamie?

Like Mercy Watson, I love hot toast with a great deal of butter on it. Some of my all-time favorite memories are of eating freshly baked bread. (Oh my gosh, I really am a Frank!)

Bob?

I really like food.  I like almost all of it.  Breakfast foods are all definitely in my comfort category. If I had to pick one, it would be a piece of sourdough toast. (only because I just had one and I have that short attention span)

Thank you, Jamie and Bob, for taking the time to chat with me about this brand-new book you are making together.  I have been waiting to reveal this cover so I can hear peals of laughter resonating around the planet. I can’t even think about it without laughing.

Here’s to the arrival of spring in two days.

Here’s to Jamie Michalak and Bob Kolar and

Frank and Bean

This title published by Candlewick Press is set to be released on October 8, 2019.

To learn more about Jamie Michalak and Bob Kolar and their other work, please follow the links attached to their names to access their websites.  Jamie Michalak has accounts on Instagram and Twitter.  Bob Kolar has an account on Instagram.

Jamie Michalak is the author of many children's books, including the highly acclaimed Joe and Sparky early readers series: Joe and Sparky, Party Animals!, Joe and Sparky Get New Wheels; Joe and Sparky Go to School; and Joe and Sparky, Superstars!, which Kirkus Reviews called a "little treasure" in a starred review. All are illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz. Jamie Michalak lives in Rhode Island.

Bob Kolar is from Cleveland, and now lives in Kansas City with his wife Lisa. As a kid, his big dream was to be a jungle guide, astronaut, or a farmer. So, naturally he went to art school and became an illustrator, designer, and writer. He did a corporate job there for a while, but now he just creates books, toys and fun stuff for kids. Bob also teaches a little bit at the Kansas City Art Institute.