On Being The Oldest Sibling

Being the oldest child in a family has perks.  In the beginning, as the only child you are everything to your parents.  Every single first is documented.  With the arrival of a younger sibling, everything shifts away from you.  This is a bit of a shock.  The shock grows larger when another realization dawns.

You are assigned more responsibilities.  It's safe to say, some are okay.  Others stink, literally and figuratively.  In The Baby-Changing Station (Megan Tingley Books, Little, Brown And Company, August 2, 2022) written by Rhett Miller with illustrations by Dan Santat, older brother James initially believes a wish has been granted.  He learns, as most of us do, to be careful about making wishes.

People have names

And my name is James.

I'm a regular ten-year-old kid.

I always thought

I was nice but I'm not.

I feel bad 'bout this thing that I did.

James is lamenting the fact he is no longer in the spotlight.  Joe, his new baby brother, has taken this from him.  Everything Joe does is adorable, even the gross stuff.  If James commits even the tiniest infraction, in his parent's eyes he is not nice.  James begins to plot how to get rid of Joe. Taking him back to a store or sending him in return mail are out of the equation.

When Thursday rolls around, the family goes to The Magical Pan, the best pizzeria in town.  Mom, Dad, and James are stuffed with this delicious treat, when Joe starts to grimace.  Then, the air fills with a tell-tale odor.  

Dad looks at Mom.  Mom looks at Dad.  They both look at James.  James reluctantly takes Joe to the men's room Baby-Changing Station.  Surprisingly efficient, probably motivated by the smell, James has Joe clean and happy in a jiffy.  It is then that James notices a screen over the table.

The screen offers to make Joe disappear with a push of a button.  In his place, there are three options (cool stuff to own).  A huge plus is all memories of Joe will be erased from the family's minds.  As each choice appears, James has visions of future fun.  A countdown from ten to zero begins on this one time offer.  Will he or won't he push that button?  A single word shouted at the end gives us a warm-hearted answer.

By the time you get to the second six line stanza in this narrative, the cadence captures you to the point you might be ready to dance.  James's first person rhyming words by Rhett Miller speak to the truth a first child feels when a younger brother or sister arrives.  Readers will readily find themselves laughing at the dilemma Joe presents to James.  The screen above the baby-changing station seemingly granting James's fervent wish is sheer genius as are James's thoughts when each option is presented.  The rhyming beat, the first person viewpoint, the humor, and the three choices all build toward a conclusion certain to elicit a sigh of satisfaction from readers.  Here is another passage.

Before I could question

This crazy contention

A picture appeared on the screen.

Some weird-looking glasses

With high-tech attachments,

Camouflage, dark brown and green. 

NIGHT VISION SPECS

TWO COMPLETE SETS

ALLOW YOU TO SEE IN THE DARK

(Page turn completes stanza)

As soon as you see the open dust jacket, with Dan Santat's signature artwork, you know you are in for an interpretive pictorial treat.  In both images, right front and left back, the screen above the changing table holds text.  On the front James and stinky Joe have just entered the men's room.  (Notice the green fumes.)  On the back, Joe sits on the changing table, clean and much less smelly.  He is wide-eyed with his head and eyes raised.  Above him, the sign makes the first verbal announcement.  One look at this and readers will laugh out loud.

On the book case, we zoom in to the changing table, pre-change.  On the right side, Joe down to his diaper seems to be oblivious to the fumes.  On the left, James has laid out all the necessary supplies.  He has wipes, a towel, a clean diaper, pins, and BABY BUTTER.

On the opening and closing endpapers are eight different kinds of diaper folds.  Each one is labeled next to diagrams indicating numbered steps.  Who knew?

These illustrations 

were done in color pencil, watercolor, and Adobe Photoshop.

Each image, single-page or double-page, enhances the text with extra doses of comedy.  The facial expressions are off-the-charts funny.  Usually, we are brought close to the characters and their actions like when Joe is grimacing and loading his diaper as Mom, Dad, and James watch with apprehension.  When James is imagining three different futures with one of the possible selections, readers will wish they could jump into the scene.

One of my many favorite illustrations is a two-page visual.  It is nighttime.  A large dark area with scalloped edging on the corners fills the pages.  There is a sprinkling of stars.  Four boys with flashlights are shining them in the park.  Three are in the background and one is closer to the front on the left.  On most of the right side and with some crossing of the gutter is James and Baby Joe.  Baby Joe is wearing a onesie and carrying a flag.  Both boys are running with mouths wide open and arms spread at their sides.  They are the only two wearing night-vision goggles.  They have captured the flag and a ton of fun.

In this book, The Baby-Changing Station written by Rhett Miller with illustrations by Dan Santat, readers will connect with the family dynamics depicted in exuberant rhyming words and equally rambunctious artwork.  They will knowingly laugh and rejoice at the uplifting ending.  This will be a much requested story time title.  I highly recommend it for your personal and professional collections.

To learn more about Rhett Miller and Dan Santat and their other work, please follow the link attached to their names to access their websites.  Rhett Miller has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Dan Santat has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Rhett Miller and Dan Santat were interviewed about this book at School Library Journal, A Fuse #8 Production by Betsy Bird.

A Letter Tells A Tale

Children enjoy playing with the sounds made by letters and words.  The rhythms made by combinations of the two are like a symphony to them.  If what they are hearing has a melody, they are more likely to remember it. 

When you simply start humming the alphabet song (copyright 1834 by Charles Bradlee), most children with an English language background will easily start to sing the song.  You can see they have a sense of pride in remembering the order of the letters in this alphabet.  Another use of language in which they have fun is alliteration.  B Is for Baby (Candlewick Press, March 12, 2019) written by Atinuke with illustrations by Angela Brooksbank uses a single letter, words beginning with that letter and brings a bonanza of bliss to book lovers.

B is for 
Baby.

This baby is eager to have her mother weave beads into her hair.  A large basket filled with bananas captures her attention.  She crawls inside and eats one for her breakfast.

Her older brother, dancing to tunes heard through his headset attached to a music player, puts the lid on the basket and loads it on the back of his bicycle.  Does he see the baby?  He does not.  He pedals his bike, riding down the less than smooth road.

As they travel toward Baba's home, the baby in the basket with the bananas sees many things along the road starting with the letter "b".  The lid is lost when a curious baboon steals it.  Groups of people on foot and riding in a vehicle wait to cross the bridge over a stream.

Baba's home and the flowers around it use the letter "b" to name them.  Who do you think is more surprised to see the baby inside the basket of bananas?  Baba?  Brother? After a snack, brother and baby sister return home through a bounty of words beginning with the letter "b".


As you read each sentence, B is for  ____, you do so with appreciation for the manner in which author and storyteller Atinuke connects them together.  She takes us through an entire day using only words beginning with a single letter.  We begin at one home, travel down a road, arrive at another home and circle back to the beginning.  It's a brilliant use of a figure of speech.  Supplying punctuation, periods, exclamation points and a question mark, adds to the cadence of the narrative.


How can you look at the front of the matching dust jacket and book case without smiling?  I'm positive I can hear the giggles of a baby.  This adorable child, in her colorful clothes, is downright huggable.  To the left, on the back, her older brother, listening to his music, has grasped her hands and is dancing with her.  The creme canvas showcases the bright, lively hues in the children's clothing.

Shades of red and creme are used in a vibrant pattern on the opening and closing endpapers.  It's an enlarged version of the cloth used in the mother's dress.  With a page turn a double-page illustration spreads across the verso and title pages.  It shows the family's house with the mother holding her baby in the foreground on the right.  The scene, especially with all the people on the porch of the house, reflects a happy home.

Using mixed media on a white background, artist Angela Brooksbank supplies readers with lush images, some double-page pictures and others full-page images.  To supply readers with pacing, several smaller illustrations are also grouped together on a single page.  To give readers a sense of the objects noted, our point of view is close.  For us to appreciate the flora and fauna, Angela Brooksbank gives us a larger perspective, at times at bird's eye view. 

Every picture is fully animated (except for one).  We feel as though we've been invited to join the story.  Readers will pause on many of the pages to further savor the wonderful elements.

One of my many favorite illustrations is for B is for Baboon.  It is a double-page picture.  A single tree trunk extends from the grass on the left with branches arching along the top of both pages.  A troop of baboons are sitting on or hanging from the limbs.  Up close on the left, one baboon is holding the lid for the basket it grabbed as the bicycle passed.  On the right the brother is riding along, listening to his music and smiling, oblivious to his surroundings.  On the back of the bicycle, the baby is looking rather surprised, nestled as she is among the bananas.


B Is for Baby written by Atinuke with illustrations by Angela Brooksbank is a treasure of an alphabet book for its word play and for the revealed story.  For those not familiar with the setting or some of the words, it's a fabulous title to use for expanding vocabulary and knowledge of places unlike your own.  This book is highly recommended for your personal and professional book collections.

To learn more about Atinuke and Angela Brooksbank and their other work, please follow the links attached to their names to access their websites.  Atinuke has an account on Facebook.  Angela Brooksbank has an account on Instagram.  At the publisher's website you can view an interior image.  At Penguin Random House you can view the endpapers, verso and title pages and the first double-page picture.  Author, reviewer and blogger Julie Danielson features this book on her site, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.

Of Poetry, Priorities And Pals

Your siblings can be your best friends.  People who appear to be your exact opposite can be your best friends.  Best friends can be your same age or decades apart in birth dates.  These people (or other creatures) considered best friends have unconditional affection for you; all of you.  They celebrate your triumphs, offer comfort when sadness descends and see your flaws and mistakes as opportunities for change and growth.  

Several years ago readers were introduced to two rats, siblings, Louie and Ralphie Ratso.  In the book The Infamous Ratsos (Candlewick Press, August 2, 2016) written by Kara LaReau with illustrations by Matt Myers, the duo try to demonstrate how tough they are but words like nice, thoughtful, generous and helpful follow every dastardly deed they attempt.  This combination generates hilarity garnering the title a 2017 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book award.  

A year later the brothers, their dad, Big Lou, and a cast of friends return in The Infamous Ratsos Are Not Afraid (Candlewick Press, September 12, 2017).  An incident at school and a huge neighborhood makeover bring the boys' fears into focus.  In this title, Big Lou offers advice which encourages Louie and Ralphie to face what makes them afraid.  We come to understand how the boys can learn from their father just as he learns from them.  The family dynamics are fabulous.  Each of the characters is evolving.  We find ourselves becoming more and more attached to them.

The third book in the series The Infamous Ratsos Project Fluffy (Candlewick Press, October 16, 2018) further cements the relationship between readers and Louie and Ralphie Ratso.  Popularity plays a role in altering priorities.  Being the older brother does not necessarily make you the smarter brother.  

ATTENTION, STUDENTS! Principal Otteriguez announces to the lunchroom.  "In honor of Poetry Month, Peter Rabbit Elementary will be holding its first annual Poetry Contest!"

Friends of Louie and Ralphie seem to have an opinion on this contest.  Chad Badgerton would rather eat, especially chocolate.  Fluffy only wants to work on designing, planting and growing fruits and vegetables in her plot at the community garden.  Eager Louie and not so eager Ralphie decide to work together.  The first prize would give both of them the chance to purchase coveted skateboards.

Immediately after school, plans change.  Popular Chuck Wood needs Louie's help.  (Louie is known as a great planner.)  The first thing Chuck asks is for Louie to work with him privately.  It's a secret.  Ralphie is not happy about this at all.  This is the beginning of Project Fluffy.

Clipboard in hand Louie decides to dedicate all his time to getting Fluffy to notice Chuck.  All thoughts of the Poetry Contest are gone, much to Ralphie's disgust.  Each Phase of the Project fails miserably supplying one humorous episode after the other.  These plans are having the opposite effect.

Finally a disgusted Chuck Wood stalks off leaving Louie friendless for more reasons than one.  On an evening before the Poetry Contest winner announcements, a family dinner provides food for thought and Louie's stomach.  Real friends . . . and brothers can astonish you.

The constant in the story lines in this series is the high quality of Kara LaReau's writing.  In this book ten short, succinct chapters usually revolve around a single incident designated by chapter headings such as SQUEEEEE!, OOPS or LOVE STINKS.  An adept blend of narrative and dialogue between the characters invites readers into the story.  Not only are we intrigued by the unfolding of the plot but we find ourselves respectfully appreciative of the character development.

The use of language is down-to-earth and appropriate for both the characters and readers.  Kara LaReau exhibits a keen knowledge of her audience.  Here are two passages.

"Not bad," Chuck says.  "But my name is Chuck, not Chucky."

"It's called poetic license," Louie informs him.  "Don't worry, Fluffy will love it.  Girls love mushy poetry.  It's, like, a fact." 

"She's better," Chuck says.  I can't take much more of this romance stuff."

"Me, neither," Ralphie grumbles.

"You're going to write a poem about Chuck?  You can't tell a boy you think he's cool," Chad informs Tiny, as he polishes off his second chocolate pudding. "Not if you're a boy."

"Why not?" asks Tiny.

"I don't know," says Chad.  "You just can't."

"I give you my dessert every day because I think you're cool," Tiny informs him.

"You do?" Chad says.  He hesitates . . . then pats Tiny on the back.  "Actually I think you're pretty cool, too."

"Thanks," says Tiny.

Chad takes another bite of pudding.

"Mmm," says Chad.  "Cool, and sweet . . . and chocolatey."

"Why do I think we're not talking about me anymore?" Tiny says.

"I like you a lot, Tiny," says Chad.

"But I love pudding."

From the front of the dust jacket (I'm working with an ARC.) it's clear to see Ralphie is not happy with an oblivious Louie.  We're not sure why but we most definitely want to know.  We are also curious about the individual talking with Fluffy.  Several important scenes take place in the featured park.  On the title page a large tree and grasses on the left cross the gutter to frame the text on the right.  Beneath the dedications a baseball and a strawberry provide a hint to one of the book's conclusions.

Full page and partial page pictures by Matt Myers rendered with ink and watercolor dye on paper supply extra, many times humorous details, to the story.  You need to pause at each illustration to appreciate all the particular elements.  Two of the many book titles Fluffy reads are Soil w/o Toil and The Hole-istic Garden.  When Matt Myers brings us close to the characters, their fully animated features endear us to them.  (I can hardly keep from laughing at Ralphies's oversized eyeglasses.) 

Of my many favorite illustrations one is of Fluffy in the cafeteria at lunch.  It is a partial page picture.  Her rabbit ears are bent on either side of her face.  She is earnestly drawing and writing in her notebook about her garden.  Books are stacked around her.  Her expression reflects her visions and dreams for her garden.  She, too, is wearing large eyeglasses.

From beginning to end The Infamous Ratsos Project Fluffy written by Kara LaReau with illustrations by Matt Myers is captivating and uplifting.  It's guaranteed this book will be read over and over by readers.  (I've read it three times already.)  We are entertained.  We are educated.  This book is a welcome addition to the series.  You will want it on your professional and personal book shelves.  

To discover more about Kara LaReau and Matt Myers, please visit their respective websites by following the links attached to their names.  Both Kara and Matt maintain accounts on Twitter.  Kara stops by Watch. Connect. Read., the site of Scholastic's Ambassador of School Libraries to chat with John Schumacher.  She tells us how many more books are left in this series and this is great news!  Kara is also interviewed at MG Book Village and Bookology.  At the publisher's website you can view an interior illustration, read a sample chapter and download a discussion guide.

Brotherhood And Best Days

Late last night when the temperature fell to eighty degrees, it was more comfortable for dog walking.  The nine month old puppy was eager to race down the road after confinement in the air-conditioned home all day.  All the smells of the neighborhood assaulted her with their messages.  She probably had no idea the sight of the first firefly of late spring was the best part of her human companion's day.

A firefly signaling in the darkness beneath a few stars and the light of the moon is an unpredictable thing but nevertheless a welcome reminder of nothing is better than those things in life which cost nothing and have the appearance of simplicity.  In reading the first title in an early chapter book series, Charlie & Mouse (Chronicle Books, April 11, 2017) written by Laurel Snyder with illustrations by Emily Hughes it is readily apparent how much joy can be found in everyday family life.  You need to choose how you view each part of the day.

LUMPS
Charlie woke up.
There was a lump beside him.
He poked the lump.
The lump moaned.

In this first of four chapters Charlie is trying to get the lump, his brother, to rise and shine.  Charlie can hardly wait to get the day started.  Today is the day of the neighborhood party.  The lump, Mouse, is skeptical but enthusiastically runs to wake up Mom and Dad.

These two lumps are not as willing to wake up.  In fact one lump, Mom, has a final last word.  As the brothers excitedly chat about the neighborhood party in the second chapter, Dad and Mom agree to accompany them bringing cookies, a wagon and Blanket as passenger.  As they parade through the neighborhood their numbers grow as more and more children respond to the neighborhood party invitation.  Their arrival at the appointed place reveals a most wonderful surprise.

Most people will agree on the lure of the combination of rocks and children but Charlie and Mouse devise a scheme to use rocks...to make money.  They are going to take particular rocks from the outside of their home, carry them in the sturdy wagon and sell them to their neighbors.  This, like many things, does not go according to plan.  It has its low points, high points and beginning back at square one.

Readers are asked to join Charlie and Mouse at the close of their day in chapter four.  They are wonderfully normal in their bedtime rituals and desire to prolong the inevitable.  It's when the previously normal routines have been exhausted; Charlie makes a most unexpected request.  With Mouse's support, Mom complies.  After the final good nights are exchanged, the conversation of Charlie and Mouse will have readers smiling if not laughing out loud.  All ends as it began with a lump.


We are introduced to Charlie, Mouse, Mom and Dad and members of their neighborhood through a pleasing, flawless blend of narrative and dialogue.  These superbly written simple sentences by Laurel Snyder are appealing to early readers and those who read aloud to willing listeners.  The thought processes and resulting conversations between the two brothers as they address events in their lives are marvelous. Their realism wraps around you like a comforting, cozy blanket.  Here are two sample passages from ROCKS.

"I wish I had some money," said Charlie.
"Yes," said Mouse.  "I wish I had some money, too."
"How can we get some money?" asked Charlie.
"That is a good question," said Mouse.
"Let me think."

Mouse thought.
"I know," said Mouse.  "We will sell something."
"That is a good idea," said Charlie.  "But what will we sell?"
"Let me think again," said Mouse.
Mouse thought.


There is no denying the smile-inducing illustration on the matching dust jacket and book case.  Who can resist the obvious happiness of the two brothers?  The warmth on their faces, their clothing and tousled hair suggest a loving relationship and casual, what-can-we-do-next outlook on life.  The subdued, more earth tone colors are ideal for these two characters and the stories we read about them.  To the left, on the back, is their wagon, ready for another adventure.

On the opening and closing endpapers, using the hue of the grass on the jacket and case as a canvas, illustrator Emily Hughes fashioned a pattern of bananas, rocks, socks, tree branches, boots with yellow-star spurs, grass and ice cream cones.  Beneath the text on the title page is a portion of an interior image of the brothers walking and pulling their wagon in the parade to the playground for the party.

Rendered by hand in graphite and with Photoshop

the illustrations vary in size throughout each chapter.

They may extend across a single page, edge to edge or appear as small insets on a single page.  They are loosely framed by white space with elements breaking those edges in some of the images.  The looseness of their boundaries is an excellent match with the narrative.

Giving the children and even the adults wide-eyed looks adds to the undercurrent of wonder-is-everywhere throughout this book.  The illustrations complement this theme in the endearing details.  Seeing the children's art on the walls, patchwork quilts, the neighborhood climbing tree, children digging in the dirt, Mom's surprise (more than once) and Charlie patting Mouse's head as they brush their teeth a second time before bed declares to readers all is fine in this world and goodness is right in front of them every single day.

One of my favorite illustrations of many is when Charlie and Mouse are on their way to the playground to celebrate the neighborhood party.  They are wearing special outfits, a cape, party hat, headband with antennas, a fringed vest and tutu.  Is that a magic want in Charlie's hand to conjure more magic? They are looking up at Helen and Lily hanging from a branch in the climbing tree.  Sam, their dog, is looking up too.  Delightful!


For anyone who reads Charlie & Mouse written by Laurel Snyder with illustrations by Emily Hughes, as soon as you finish you will want to read it again...and again.  You simply don't want your time with these two brothers and their family to end.  The affection among the members is mutual as is the kindness everyone extends to each other in the neighborhood.  I can't imagine a professional or personal bookshelf without a copy of this book.  The second title, Charlie & Mouse & Grumpy, is due for release in early October 2017.

To learn more about Laurel Snyder and Emily Hughes and their other work please follow the links attached to their names.  At the publisher's website there are links to a teacher's guide, activity sheets and a poster.  Laurel Snyder talks about these books and the characters at Elizabeth Dulemba's site.  Emily Hughes is featured at Picturebook Makers.  Teacher librarian, author and blogger Travis Jonker wrote an interesting review on 100 Scope Notes.

Why Not?

For those students and teachers who began their summer vacation in May, starting another academic year is becoming a reality.  In the state of Michigan, school, by law, begins after Labor Day.  For guys and gals here more than a month of seasonal bliss remains.

For children (and adults too) the words summer and rules don't seem to go together.  Summer is a signal for requirements followed during the school year to be relaxed; alarm clocks are not set, uniforms or specific clothing are traded in for more comfort, a rigid schedule vanishes and schoolwork deadlines are set aside. In his April 2014 release, Rules of Summer (Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.), author illustrator Shaun Tan sets forth another viewpoint entirely.  What he purposes in text and illustrations will have readers mulling over in their minds for weeks or longer.

This is what I learned last summer:

The first rule begins with the word

Never

followed by a request about leaving a particular article of red colored clothing on the clothesline.  On the opposite page to the right readers can see the results of disobeying said rule.  The older boy and his younger brother are crouching behind a tall fence together.  The first has his hand over the other's mouth.  On the other side of the barrier we see just enough of a gigantic red rabbit with a piercing red eye to give us the heebie-jeebies.

We read about table manners, care with glass, making sure everything is secure for the night, honoring even the tiniest and slowest of creatures, being on time, following a process, questioning authority, behavior around unknown beings, the importance of secrets, explanations, the value of winning and expecting to hear I'm sorry.  Each of these twelve rules is preceded by the word

Never.  

The corresponding visuals reflect the bizarre, the fantastic, extreme adventure, forces of nature, steampunk and stark landscapes.  They unlike the text show a shift in the relationship between the two boys.  The older one is distancing himself from the other; his treatment becoming mean.  Is the elder sibling disgusted?  What is the purpose of his actions?  With the reading of each rule, the questions multiple.

After three two-page illustrations sans text the rules begin again.  The word never has been replaced with the word

Always.

The bond between the two boys changes swiftly.  We are told to carry a specific tool, be sure of the right directions to the right place and to

Never

miss a significant moment in time.  The final two words of this conversation about the dos and don'ts of summer are accompanied by the most puzzling illustration of all.


Shaun Tan's single sentence rules without the illustrations sometimes state the obvious but other times one cannot help but think, Why not?  Regardless of this each paves the way for dynamic discussion.  His switching from the word never to always and back to never is sure to prompt additional inquiries.

Rendered in oil paint all the illustrations, including the matching dust jacket and book case, are open to interpretation.  Where is the field with the town off in the distance located?  Who are these two children?  What kind of place contains large wind-up creatures?  There is so much wonder even before the cover is opened.  The identical opening and closing endpapers show the two boys alone on an empty street cast in darkness either after sunset or prior to sunrise.  The oldest one is whispering something to the other.  The marvelous mystery commences.

The title page is mind-blowing; the oldest brother is taking off in some sort of hovercraft as the other runs across a green field carrying a suitcase.  Again the potential for possibilities is without end.  Each succeeding illustration challenges the limits of each reader's imagination.

Impeccable design and altered perspectives invite readers to pause.  Brush strokes on larger items and fine details are smaller elements contribute to create stunning visuals.  Careful readers will speculate about the presence of the crows in most of the illustrations.


Rules of Summer written and illustrated by Shaun Tan is a true mind-bender.  I would not hesitate to use this with students at the beginning of the school year to promote discussions about expectations, perceptions and of course, rules.  It would be interesting to see what images students would pair with each rule.  Do they agree with those of Shaun Tan?  You could have Rules of _____ as an exercise working in groups or pairs.

Another good point of discussion is the relationship between the brothers.    What would they do or not do if in the same situation as the characters in this book?  How do children feel about their siblings?

By following the link embedded in Shaun Tan's name you can access the page at his website devoted to this book.  He has written commentary about each of the illustrations.  The link embedded in the title leads to a website completely devoted to the book.  There are seven videos and an extensive teacher's guide.

This book is also reviewed by Travis Jonker, teacher librarian and blogger at 100 Scope Notes as well as Elizabeth (Betsy) Bird, New York Public Library's Youth Materials Collections Specialist and blogger at A Fuse #8 Production.

Bedtime Bedlam

Sleep is a tricky thing; evading you when you crave it, pouncing on you without mercy when you really want to stay awake.  There is nothing worse than tossing and turning for hours or waking up suddenly to find the lights on and an open book in your hand.  There are times when it seems as if inside and outside noises or a particular person are conspiring to make sure a good night's sleep is not in your future.

If you've ever shared a bedroom with a sibling growing up, then you are well aware of the problems they can cause when it comes to falling asleep. The chatter, giggles, snorts, noises with a distinct animal quality, not to mention talking in their sleep or snoring, will chase away any chance you have of sweet dreams.  Debut author Heather Long and her husband Ethan Long (Stick Dog, Up! Tall! and High! (but not necessarily in that order), Chamelia) have combined their talents and shared experiences to bring readers the hilarity of  Max & Milo Go to Sleep! (Aladdin, a imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division).

Good night, Max.
Good night, Milo.

What begins as a simple end-of-the-day salutation is the prelude to a series of laugh-out-loud conversational exchanges between the beaver brothers.  Milo is clearly exhausted, asleep on his feet.  Max is wide awake and ready to take on the world.

After about two seconds Max loudly proclaims to Milo his inability to sleep.  Being the kindly brother, Milo suggests he read a book.  After about six rejections Max finds a favorite title only to discover his bed lamp is not working.

The ever patient Milo advises Max to use a flashlight. This works so well peals of laughter echo around the room making it rather difficult for the non-reader to get his much needed rest.  Believe it or not the flashlight causes another problem for the energetic brother.

Milo always has a logical solution for each of Max's troubles which are many, following him like stick-tights.  If it's not one thing it's another until Milo looses his cool.  Frustration accomplishes what nothing else has; leaving another insomniac.


Given the upbeat, true-to-life verbal exchanges between the duo, Heather Long understands and knows the interplay of brotherly relationships, particularly those at bedtime.  The humor is generated between the annoying exuberance of Max, the drowsy, obvious common sense of Milo and the precise pacing. Readers feel as though they are actively "watching and listening" to the complete episode.


You know laughter is not far behind when you look at the matching jacket and cover of this title; superhero-costume, bouncing Max on the right with mostly asleep, droopy-eyed Milo on the left is a pictorial statement of comedic opposites.  On the back a polka-dotted yellow and red paper airplane loop-de-loops toward the front.  Nathan Long's digitally rendered illustrations continue the story on the title page and verso.  Looking at these two pictures leaves no doubt in readers' minds as to who is the night owl and who simply wants to call it a day.

Long makes it clear in his illustrations there are more differences between Max and Milo than shown at bedtime.  Milo's side of the room is as neat as the proverbial pin but Max's side is a touch more creative, open drawer, pieces of origami paper on his bedspread, books scattered on the floor and a lava lamp on his night stand.  The gizmo Max rigs up for holding the flashlight will fill readers with glee.

 The color palette shown on the cover is continued throughout the title in a variety of layout combinations, two page, one page, panels on a single page and a circle inset of Max exclaiming Good idea!  You can feel every emotion through the facial expressions.  With every turn of page it is hard to miss Milo's growing frustration.  Careful readers will notice extra details like a copy of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow next of Milo's bed.


As I mentioned earlier this weekend in conversation, when you are in a book store reading a book and you suddenly laugh out loud, that title will quickly have a place in your home and school library.  Max & Milo Go to Sleep! written by Heather Long with illustrations by Ethan Long is such a book.  I highly recommend it as a bedtime or storytime choice.  Get ready for the pleas of read it again.

Please follow the link embedded in Ethan Long's name to access his website.  By following this link you can see several illustrative spreads inside the book at the publisher website.