This Reader. (she say "rock on")

Life has a way of throwing us monumental change within seconds and without notice.  A single act by another or us with or without a response can alter our immediate lives.  It can expand to include others, even the world at large.

Some things done are better left without any acknowledgement at all.  Others elicit a reaction triggered by emotion or logic.  A little more than one year ago we were introduced to a boy and his best friend, a woolly mammoth, in this Orq. (he cave boy.)  Readers could not help but feel joyful by the love the two have for each other.  I am happy to announce the return of the duo in this ORQ. (he say "ugh!") (Boyds Mills Press, an imprint of Highlights, September 8, 2015) written by David Elliott with illustrations by Lori Nichols.  Orq and Woma are challenged repeatedly by two new characters.

This Orq.
He cave boy.
Wear skins.
No shoes.
Sometimes say ...
"UGH!"

The cave boy and his woolly mammoth companion enjoy every single day having as much fun as they can.  One of their favorite things to do is to build architectural shapes and forts out of turtles, stacking them like bricks.  We are made aware, nevertheless, of the hardships of dwelling in a cave.  It's chilly, dark and the food is uncooked.

As if this is not enough, Dorq, a bigger, stronger and hairier boy, and his cave bear cohort, Caba, relish making life miserable for Orq and Woma.

UGH! DOUBLE UGH!

Mother's suggestion to ignore them is simply unreasonable.  They're like shadows, spoiling all those activities Orq and Woma delight in doing, fishing, finding and building.

The single advantage the pals have is speed.  They can and do outrun the bullies.  Until ...one day on a hunting expedition a

tremendous turtle

turns out to be trouble.  Dorq and Caba have been practicing their chasing.

It looks as though the terrible twosome have the upper hand.  An egg escalates the encounter.  Anger born out of love and two rocks reverse the course of events.  Heroes, like change, can be created in the blink of an eye.  Everyone wins...well, almost everyone.


As he did in the first title, David Elliott gives readers phrases inviting their participation.  The shortened sentences are playful, humorous and full of rhythm.  The technique of designing events in clusters of three works extremely well; each time leading to a pause or a shift in the narrative.  Elliott demonstrates insight into the thinking of his expected readers with word choices and character interactions.  Here is a sample passage.

But cave life tough.
Cold cave.
Dark night.
Raw bison.
And ...
...DORQ.


Spanning from left to right we are greeted with a two-page spread across the matching dust jacket and book case.  Clearly Woma and Orq are distressed as the dreadful duo, Dorq and Caba, laugh in the background.  The three red-tufted blue birds seen gathered around the ISBN on the first title have returned, joined by jazzy-shelled turtles.  A matte-finish on these as well as the interior pages provides a pleasing tactile experience for readers.

The identical opening and closing endpapers feature a pattern of turtles, snakes, a woolly mammoth puppet and a single egg. With a page turn another double-page picture greets readers.  Everyone will grin at the scene showcasing the title.  A smiling Woma is running toward a singing Orq bathing in a pond joined by the three birds, one floating on its back in the water.  Orq's grass clothing and blue-striped underwear are hanging on a twig.

The next large image on the right holds the publication information plus The Turtle Challenge.  Readers are asked to count the number of turtles Lori Nichols has placed in this title.  Woma, spraying water from his trunk, is now bathing in the pond as Orq struggles to get dressed.  The first lines of the story appear on the right.

Rendered in

#4 pencil on Strathmore drawing paper and colorized digitally

the illustrations vary in size from two-page to single page and smaller visuals grouped on one page to extend and enhance the pacing of the story.  The facial features on all the characters depict the emotional status of each scene perfectly.  Nichols' lines, fine or large, convey setting, mood and motion, taking readers into the moment.

One of my favorite images is the second double-page picture in the story.  On the left Woma is sitting surrounded by turtles.  He holds one in his arms ready to hand it to Orq, who is being held aloft in his trunk.  Orq and Woma have made an arch of smiling turtles on the right.  We are reminded of the shared affection of these two friends.


This ORQ. (he say "ugh!") written by David Elliott with illustrations by Lori Nichols is a heartfelt and witty look at friendship and those who would strive to take away another's joy.  The BIG surprise during the final confrontation with the mean-spirited Dorq and Caba will have everyone cheering.  The change of words in the key phrase and Nichols' final illustration will fill readers with warmth.  This book.  This book great.  Share this book. Happy reader. Third title September 2016.


To discover more about David Elliott and Lori Nichols please visit their websites by following the links attached to their names.  John Schumacher, blogger at Watch. Connect. Read. and the new Scholastic Ambassador of School Libraries, shared a vine of this title. Enjoy.

#Bookaday This Orq. (he say "ugh!") by David Elliott and @lorinicholsbook https://t.co/ogwH1hz6sC There are a lot of turtles in this book!

— John Schu (@MrSchuReads) August 8, 2015

The Power Of The Spoken Word

Over the years when working with students during a storytelling class, I am always deeply moved by their need to share their stories.  Some are more eager to tell than others but the story of one can connect to the memory of a story in another student's mind.  Soon everyone wants to tell their story.

We always sit in a circle; no one person has greater importance than another.  For those shared minutes an unbreakable bond is created.  It is an empowering experience.

Four years ago author Barbara Bottner and illustrator Michael Emberley introduced readers to a first grade student in Miss Brooks Love Books! (and I don't) who had a tough time finding a book for the Book Week celebration, but she did.  When it came to warts, snorting and a particularly dreadful ogre, it was true love.  Missy and her school librarian have returned in Miss Brooks' Story Nook (where tales are told and ogres are welcome!)(Alfred A. Knopf).

Miss Brooks has Story Nook first thing before school, and I don't like to miss it.

As luck (or not) would have it Missy needs to pass by Billy Toomey's house if she uses the short cut.  The problem is Billy Toomey chases her and grabs her hats.  His laughter and overt taunting at her frustration makes the entire situation intolerable.  The long way to avoid him is not an option on this rainy day.

Arriving late Missy joins the group only to be startled with the others when a boisterous boom of thunder makes all the lights go out. Miss Brooks can't continue reading in the dark, so she suggests a round of storytelling straight from her listeners' imaginations.  Missy declares herself to be more of a reader than a teller.  Upbeat Miss Brooks replies

"Good readers make wonderful storytellers."

Missy's mind is a complete blank when it comes to thinking of a tale to tell even when Miss Brooks advises them to think of a problem needing solving or a compelling character.  You know who keeps popping into her mind.  In a flash, not unlike a bolt of lightning, it comes to her.  An ogre.

This particular ogre lives on her street.  This particular ogre has animals, not domestic but wild.  One of Graciela's prized pets, a snake, gets loose.  With interjections from friendly classmates and coaching from a wise book lover, Miss Brooks, Missy becomes a skillful yarn spinner except for one thing.  How will her story, this story, be wrapped up?


Shifting between Missy's narrative, character dialog and the story within the story, Barbara Bottner persuades readers to actively participate in this book. (I can see listeners leaning in closer to not miss a single written line.)  During the telling of Missy's tale, Miss Brooks proposes story parts, introductory details, action, lengthier plot, and an ending which works with the rest of the pieces.  In response to the natural interplay of conversation, these recommendations fit flawlessly with the flow.

Bottner's word choices in Missy's thinking and voice as well as the three students, Wilbur, Plum and Violet, up the funny factor.  I love that Missy uses the phrase

It's vexing.

Missy is a character who knows her mind and displays a special kind of wit.  The repeated remarks of her classmates to add aliens, ghosts and kittens to her story will provoke laughter with ease.  Here is a sample portion of a passage.

"I love stories more than anything," said Miss Brooks.
"So let's close our eyes and let out minds wander.
Everyone has a tale to tell."

"I've got nothing," I said.


When you first glance at the dust jacket and book case, you wonder how the pictured characters connect; lively Miss Brooks, a boy giving someone the raspberries, an animated Missy and a green-skinned, earring-wearing ogre.  The facial features on each are enough to bring on the grins.  Michael Emberley has the gift of infusing the right touch of humor in his illustrations from the beginning, throughout the book and on the final page.  Red and yellow striped endpapers leave no doubt as to the positive outcome.  A two-page illustration spans the title page featuring an animated Miss Brooks reading a pirate story.

There always seems to be a bit of wizardry involved when the picture size, the design and layout of all the elements and the use of white space work to elevate the text.  Emberley's artistry is evident with every page turn.  An excellent example is his visuals for the single sentence,

I slipped into Story Nook.

Four small pictures depict a wet, hatless Missy arriving at school, searching in her backpack, finding her favorite indoor stripped hat and putting it on.  These are a header of sorts for the larger illustration of Miss Brooks reading to the group after Missy finds a seat.

One of my favorite pictures is after the lights have gone out.  Miss Brooks has her back to the reader as she removes her skull-and-crossbones hat, gathering the students near to her.  There is warmth in this scene. Trust has been previously established and a sense of anticipation is prevalent on the students' upturned faces.


Every child needs to have a Miss Brooks in their lives.  Miss Brooks' Story Nook (where tales are told and ogres are welcome!) written by Barbara Bottner with illustrations by Michael Emberley is as entertaining, playful and gratifying as the companion title.  Plan on having more than one copy available (if you don't already) and if you are like me, you and your listeners will be reading it over and over.

To discover more information about Barbara Bottner and Michael Emberley please visit their websites by following the links embedded in their names.  Michael Emberley provides quite a bit of information about his process in making the illustrations for this book.  Here is the link to the publisher's website.  Take a peek inside the book.  Here is a tweet which appeared in my feed today.

Good readers make wonderful storytellers https://t.co/RkePbei2rR
— John Schu (@MrSchuReads) September 18, 2014

P B And J Lead The Way

Without a doubt the peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a classic, favorite food especially for children.  Even the pickiest of eaters will gobble up this delectable delight.  You can hardly think of one (peanut butter or jelly) without the other.  I have even discovered there is a National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day held each year on April the 2nd.

There are certain combinations, legendary duos, friendships, in the world of fiction, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, Batman and Robin, Calvin and Hobbes, Frodo and Sam, Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh, which have and will continue to stand the test of time.  I think a new marvelous match has entered the children's literature community, Peanut Butter and Jellyfish (Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Random House Children's Books) written and illustrated by Jarrett J. Krosoczka.

Peanut Butter and Jellyfish were the best of friends.

No day went by without these pals playfully exploring all the nooks and crannies of their briny habitat.  Unfortunately their blissful bonding was interrupted by the unkind comments of the local curmudgeon, Crabby.  Insult after insult floated through the ocean current as they swam past his rocky station.

Peanut Butter and Jellyfish did what positive people do; they ignored Crabby and his hurtful statements.  Did that stop him?  It did not.  He was a master of meanness.

To their surprise one day Crabby was not at his post.  Distressful cries caught their attention.  Crabby had been caught in a lobster trap.  Uh oh...things are not looking so swell for their tormentor.

A decision must be quickly made.  Will the flick of a tail work?  Will the talented tentacles do the trick?  Will fear be overcome with bravery?  There are indeed many undiscovered riches within the undersea realm.


Within this simple charming story, Jarrett J. Krosoczka defines friendship and taking the high road as well as how to voice one's fears and having the courage to admit your mistakes.  In the characters of Peanut Butter, Jellyfish and Crabby are traits commonly found in people who come and go in our everyday lives.  Readers will easily be able to identify with the circumstances of these three; similar situations are constantly present at home and school.

 A mix of narration and dialogue provides an even flow and a gentle kind of tension.  Krosoczka includes descriptive words like taunt, heckler, relentless, barnacles, invertebrate and excursion to broaden readers' vocabulary and invite discussion.  Here is a single example.

"Should we help?" asked Jellyfish.
The two friends shared a look.
"He is in serious trouble," said Peanut Butter.


Jarrett J. Krosoczka uses both the front and back of his identical dusk jacket and book case to present a cheerful illustration filled with bright, bold colors which calls out to readers inviting them to join in the adventures of Peanut Butter and Jellyfish.  His opening and closing endpapers show layers of ocean in vivid hues of blue, a fishing boat moving along the surface.  There is a noticeable difference in the two, a distinct beginning and ending to the story.  A continuation of the scene on the outside of the book provides on the inside a backdrop for the title and publication information.

A technique of using acrylic paintings manipulated into collages digitally brightens the text with two-page, one page and several half page visuals.  Using dots for eyes, a shift in eyebrows, and altered mouth shapes Krosoczka conveys a range of emotions.  Readers will cheer for the two friends and even feel empathy for their adversary.

The first sentence (shown above) with the joyful companions swimming through the colorful ocean sends an uplifting message that all is right in their world.  It is in direct contrast to another of my favorite designs.  On these two pages Crabby, in four half page illustrations, is shown in different poses shouting out not-so-nice one-liners from his rock.  The interplay of background colors and sea life is genuinely appealing.  (It's interesting that Krosoczka has chosen white for his font color.  I really like it.)


Who wouldn't want to have friends like the sea creatures found in Peanut Butter and Jellyfish written and illustrated by Jarrett J. Krosoczka?  They are cute, lighthearted and have a zest for life; even managing to crack ole' Crabby's shell of crankiness.  They are heroes who don't know they are.  Which in my book are the very best kinds.

Please follow the link embedded in Jarrett J. Krosoczka's name to his website.  He has loads of information and fun things to see and do.  At John Schumacher's blog, Watch. Connect. Read., he celebrates the release of Peanut Butter and Jellyfish with an author illustrator interview.  At the publisher's website more interior views of the book are available. The tweet below is pretty amazing too!

Bucket list item! Weston Woods will be animating Peanut Butter and Jellyfish! And I'll be narrating!… http://t.co/MtvMd7lArJ
— Jarrett J. Krosoczka (@StudioJJK) April 25, 2014

Riding On The Right Road

No matter your age the thrill of a dream come true is unmatched.  It may only take a week or sometimes months, years or even most of a lifetime for it to be realized.  It usually seems children can find great joy in far simpler things than adults unless we remember to keep that child's heart alive as we grow older.

One of the memories many of us have in common is of our first bicycle; the style, color, gears, brakes and wheel size, everything about it, is as fresh as if it happened yesterday. Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, Matt Davies, has written and illustrated his first picture book, Ben Rides On (A Neal Porter Book, Roaring Brook Press) about such a day.  Two boys and one bicycle make for an unforgettable twenty-four hours.

Now that he had the 
bicycle of his dreams,
Ben Lukin loved
going to school.

Truth be told, Ben may have loved going to school, but he was in no hurry to get there.  You might say he took one of the most extensive, most varied routes possible to arrive.  He wanted to move up, down, and all around on his new set of wheels for as long as possible.

Once he rolled into the schoolyard all his joy vanished like a puff of smoke.  Big, bad Adrian Underbite may dislike Ben but he liked his bike.  What Adrian Underbite wanted, he got.

Ben's day passed in a blur, his thoughts alternating between his deep sense of loss and plans for retaliation.  After the final bell rings, trudging home on foot, Ben heard an odd noise.  Running up, down and all around he came upon his bike, hanging from a tree branch.  It was not the only thing hanging either.

Peering over the grassy cliff, Ben saw Adrian dangling by his arms from a branch jutting out from the valley wall.  Now here's the thing, Ben has his stolen property back (in a somewhat mangled state) with his foe in a precarious position.  It was a time for choices.  Three were made.


It's crystal clear from the opening sentence that Matt Davies has not forgotten what it's like to get the bicycle of your dreams.  Not only does does he rekindle those recollections but he does so with heartfelt, youthful vim and vigor and a special kind of humor.  We laugh along with the story because we can identify so well with the events; his telling is true to life.  In some degree or another we've felt Ben's joy, his sadness, his sense of justice served, his moment of indecision, his disbelief and ultimately his sense of hope.  Here are a couple of examples of his word choices and use of language.

After watching Adrian ride off on his
prized possession, Ben was devastated
(and late for class.)

Then suddenly, without warning, he lunged like an airborne walrus toward his rescuer.

It's the pacing of the narrative (text) with the illustrations which sets this title above others.  Opening the front and back jacket and cover readers get a sense of the action about to unfold.  What the back reveals is Ben's crow friend in flight right behind him as Adrian follows in hot pursuit.  The red, green and steely lavender color introduced here are used throughout the title.

Light, lively, sketchy lines and tiny details make the illustrations breathe; details like the logo on Adrian's T-shirt of the thundercloud with a lightning bolt or the bicycle pictures on Ben's wall in his bedroom above a gear-like lamp.  Alternating the size ( full page, double page, smaller insets), perspective (viewing Ben's route to school, the underside of his shoe as a large element on the page as Ben runs and his face looking over the cliff edge), and framing of the visuals, contributes to the reader's sense of participation in this book.  The addition of the crow (as the crow flies?) appearing on his route to school, staying with Ben throughout the entire ordeal, as companion, helper and adviser, is the crowning touch.  One of my favorite illustrations is Ben riding to school over a viaduct, down a sloping hill, crossing water with shark fins circling, charging up a ramp and soaring through the air over the tops of five school buses in a row.  Pure joy!

I sincerely hope this is the first of many picture books by Matt Davies.  If he would bring Ben back for further adventures after Ben Rides On readers (including myself) would clap and cheer loud enough for him to hear in Connecticut.  I will be adding this book to my Mock Caldecott board on Learnist.

Please visit Matt Davies official website by following the link embedded in his name above.  For a peek at more illustrations follow this link to the publisher's website.