Not a day goes by without my furry friend, Mulan, stopping multiple times to wait for another walker, runner, or biker to catch up to us on our daily treks throughout the neighborhood. She pauses and sits several times along the sidewalks surrounding the elementary school where I work. It does not matter whether school is in session or not. She is listening for the sound of children.
She has been this way since she was a puppy. Assessing her surroundings and looking for people to greet or welcome into our "pack" is a huge part of her personality. She is one of the most caring dogs to be a part of my life. It is not that my three other Labradors were not people-loving, but Mulan will not budge until she is certain all is well.
It seems that Mulan is not alone in her desire to care for others. In Lita Judge's newest title, Don't Worry, Wuddles (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, September 26, 2023), an exuberant duckling is determined to provide for the other creatures on the farm. The yellow bundle of fluff takes one look at the wooly, wooly sheep, Wuddles, and offers the perfect proposal for an impending problem.
Wuddles, are you asleep?
Wuddles, eyelids barely open, is not asleep, but trying to nap. The duckling is concerned because snow is coming. Would Wuddles share a bit of wool so the duckling can have a scarf?
The now scarf-wearing duckling notices Rooster is not protected from the approaching winter weather. Oh! Rooster needs a hat! The appropriate amount of wool is taken from Wuddles as the title phrase is uttered. Wuddles has so much wool, surely the amount needed for a scarf and hat will not be missed.
Eyes moving around the inside of the barn, the duckling comments about the lack of fur on Rabbit's ears. Earmuffs are the best garb Rabbit can use. Duckling assures Wuddles everything is under control and each creature will be ready for the upcoming chilly temperatures.
Let's see there's Goat, Goose, Dog, Cow . . . Cow!? No, Cow is huge and hairy. There is a passel of Piggies, though. Running around like an spirited, single-minded knitter, Duckling fashions an array of winter attire. Looking out the window, a satisfied duckling sees the snow. In the next second an utter disaster is discovered. Again, the clever clothier has a solution. Two universal words are uttered.
When you read this story penned by Lita Judge, you can feel your mood lightening. The first person narrative of Duckling is like that of a small child discovering something wonderful in abundance. They are so excited their mind is operating like the balls in a pinball machine.
Duckling's ability to connect the right attire to each animal via Wuddles's wool is witty. As each animal is clothed, the banter will likely lead to gales of laughter from readers. Here is a passage.
Wuddles, did we forget anyone?
Oh yes, there is Dog.
He's fine. Furry head,
furry tail.
ACK! Bare feet! Wuddles,
this will never do!
Somehow when you look at the open and matching dust jacket and book case and witness the wooly Wuddles resting comfortably with the fuzzy, yellow duckling already on the run, you get the distinct feeling Wuddles is probably going to be worried sooner rather than later. The duckling is also shown running on the jacket flaps and across the left side (back) of the jacket and book case. It is here readers are introduced to the soft realistic color palette used throughout the book.
On the endpapers is a solid sunny yellow. On the initial title page, Duckling is standing on a wooden box looking up at Wuddles. By the formal title and verso pages, this little being brimming with get-up-and-go is leaping toward Wuddles' head.
This artwork by Lita Judge rendered in watercolor and colored pencil radiates warmth as image sizes shift from double-page pictures to single-page illustrations crossing the gutter and at times pairing with circular designs. Time in quick succession is displayed with visuals on white near full-color illustrations. Lita Judge masterfully manages to separate individual moments while making them a part of a whole.
Readers will appreciate the humor present on every page. The highly animated animals' exact moods and reactions to the duckling clothing them are depicted with wide-eyed looks and exaggerated body postures. It is the growing concern in Wuddles' expressions as the wool is being used that will have readers laughing out loud.
One of my many favorite illustrations is a two-page picture. Wuddles fills most of the lower half of the pages. To the left, Rabbit, now wearing earmuffs, watches Goose, whose neck is stretched out tall. Duckling is seated on Wuddles' right ear, wings to its head in puzzlement. On top of Wuddles are Rooster and Goat, wearing their winter wear. Goat is being especially goat-ish and reaching to nibble on some nearby straw. Wuddles staring at readers is looking slightly aghast. You cannot look at this scene without smiling or giggling.
Written and illustrated by Lita Judge, Don't Worry, Wuddles is sure to have readers begging for it to be read repeatedly. They will fall in love with all the members of the barnyard crew as the passionate little duckling wraps wooly creations around each of them. I have an idea how readers might react to the two-word wisdom of Duckling at the story's conclusion. Be ready. I cannot imagine a personal or professional collection without a copy of this book.
To learn more about Lita Judge and her other work, you can visit her website by following the link attached to her name. Lita Judge has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. At the publisher's website, you can view interior images as well as the open dust jacket. It was with honor that I was able to pose questions to Lita Judge about this title. I know you will be delighted with her answers.
Lita, I have long been an admirer of your creative endeavors. There is a rare blend of warmth, richness, and sincere love of life in your characters and their stories. After having met you briefly last autumn, I have come to believe that there is a little bit of you in each of your characters. Everything they do, their stories, make readers better than they were before they read about them in your books.
Thank you! My husband teases me that my characters are all a little autobiographical. On the outside I can seem a little quiet and shy, but inside, I'm a kid bubbling over with excitement.
With this being said, do you see yourself in either the duckling or Wuddles? Or is there a little bit of you in each of them?
I'm definitely more duckling! Eager to do something and ready to jump in. But I hope my friends also see I have some Wuddles in me. I try to be a safe harbor and a good listener, which is a way of caring for others given I don't have a wooly fleece I can share.
How did you arrive at the name Wuddles?
I was trying to think of a name one day while walking with a close friend. Her cat is named Wuggies, and I've always loved that name. But then I remembered that's a character from a Daniel Pinkwater book. So then I just started playing a word game to think of something that fit my own dear, sweet, over plumped-up sheep and the name Wuddles came to mind. I find names are often really fun to come up with!
Are there real-life animals on which the characters are based?
Duckling was originally a mouse in need of a tail scarf, inspired by my own pet mouse, Pantalaimon. At first I wanted so badly to keep him a mouse (I had all the drawings originally done with him). But Pan has already appeared in a LOT of my books. Then one day I was holding and sketching a baby duck at a farm I often visit and thought how perfect. He had just the right energy. Wuddles is inspired by a big mama sheep that lives on the farm. I have visited her often and sketched during lambing season and always wanted to put her in a story.
Did a weather event inspire this story? We readers are curious as to how this tale started?
This story actually started during a blackout in the first week of Covid lockdown. We had a terrible wind storm which blew hundreds of trees down and left us without power for several days. With that and the beginning of covid, I felt a little bit like duckling in this story. Writing and drawing Wuddles, by headlamp one evening, made me feel like eventually, all would be ok.
Did the list of winter attire come first or did the animals which are finally clothed in the warmth?
Hmmm, neither really. I drew all the animals first without clothes and thought about what they might need and want if they were cold. It took a lot of drawing and experimenting to find the right clothes for each critter. Someone else would have probably just written a list, which would be much more efficient! But I always start stories with pictures before words. They just come to me that way.
For those that follow you on Instagram or Facebook, you are always generous with sharing your artistic processes. Did the animals come first as sketches? Did they ask you to tell a story about them or did the story come first? Would you briefly tell us the order in making the artwork for this book? Colored pencil first, then watercolor? Or perhaps, sketches and then watercolor and colored pencil? We would be grateful to know this.
Stories almost always begin with random sketches for me. I used to try to write first and then draw, but it never worked out. I draw in sketchbooks all the time, producing hundreds and hundreds of sketches. I try to draw nearly every day. Then every once in a while an animal becomes a character that feels like it has a story within. At that point, I rarely have a plot in mind, but I have a character and I can start drawing various things that could happen to that character, and then, little by little a plot develops. My nonfiction books begin with sketches as well, though I'm doing a lot of research to learn about the topic while drawing so that eventually I can organize the material into a book.
The art starts with graphite pencil. I do endless sketches to get the characters just the way I want them. Once they are developed, I paint in watercolor and then I layer colored pencils on top of that to bring out the line work and build in richer colors.
I thank you, dear Lita, for answering these questions. I know readers will love Wuddles, the duckling and other creatures and their story as much as I do.
Thank you so much! I'm so eager to share this with young readers, and older readers who are young at heart!
It's not until you become an adult, or a parent yourself, that you realize all those sayings heard from your mom and dad are true and downright handy. As children their repetition is enough to drive you bonkers. You're sure "Many hands make light work" are words meant to enlist your help when you'd rather be doing something else. You're positive "When in doubt, don't" is a phrase designed to take all the fun out of your life.
Fortunately, at any age, those words and phrases, unbidden, pop into your mind exactly when they are needed. Follow Me, Flo! (Candlewick Press, March 10, 2020) written and illustrated by Jarvis brings readers into a ducky daughter and daddy relationship. The cheerful words and illustrations depict a constant conflict between children and their parents with understanding.
There are certain things that all little duckies must do every day:
Of those three things, eat, bathe and go to bed, Little Flo does not do even one.She devours desserts. She splashes through mud puddles. She is noticeably absent at bedtime.
Her Auntie Jenna has a new nest so Little Flo and Daddy Duck are going to visit. Daddy Duck insists Little Flo follow him. Daddy Duck turns his request into a song which he sings to Little Flo. Much to the bird's dismay, her father does not sing
VERY high and VERY LOUD.
Little Flo, determined to make her own music, sings an original follow me melody. Her voice is high and loud. Intent on her personal tune, she is unaware of a new threat. Roxy Fox is hungry. Where is Daddy Duck?
Little Flo is on the run. Words, singing words, come into her mind. She follows those words. Roxy Fox follows Little Flo. Look at that darling duckie daughter go! A series of surprises conclude this delightful tuneful tale.
On his first page Jarvis uses the storytelling technique of three to engage readers. He also makes the story more intimate by including a little bit more within parentheses. It's like he's whispering additional information to us. He uses this again at the end of the story to create a circle.
When Daddy Duck sings his desires for Little Flo to follow him, it's an open invitation for readers to participate in the story. In this musical interlude a rhythm is supplied in rhyming words and the use of opposites. Little Flo also uses opposites in her melody adding to the fun as well as generating suspense. Here are a few phrases from each of their songs.
"OK, Flo, but listen to me first. We're off to somewhere new. So stick to me like glue. So Flo made up her own song. "Follow, follow, follow me. I'm little duckie FLO! "Follow, follow, follow me. I'M SUPER-FAST, NOT SLOW.
A first glimpse of all the joy within the pages of this book is seen on the matching dust jacket and book case. These, as well as all the interior images, are rendered in
pencil, chalk, and paint and colored digitally.
The spring green canvas on the front is carried over on the other side of the spine, to the left. The colors in the rocks, Little Flo, Daddy Duck and the insects all complement each other. On the back, the left, Little Flo and Daddy Duck are gliding over the turquoise blue water of a pond. A bee and a fly are keeping them company. (I love that the ISBN here is showcased in a smaller version of the sign on the front of the jacket and case.)
The opening and closing endpapers are done in two tones of the palest lavender. Rocks and grasses are placed among pond water. Insects and a tiny bird share the scene. On the title page (with the publication information), the dedication is carved into a heart on a tree truck behind a singing Little Flo and Daddy Duck.
The illustrations range in size from a cluster of three or two on a single page, single page, edge to edge, or double page, edge to edge. Several times during the book, Jarvis supplies readers with a series of vertical panels to provide pacing and the passage of time. Once triangle-shaped panels are used.
These illustrations welcome readers to reach out and touch them. There is plenty of texture. The details focus on the setting, the wide-eyed expressions and the extra creatures in the world of Little Flo and Daddy Duck.
One of my many, many favorite illustrations spans two pages. It is when Little Flo and Daddy Duck are first starting their journey. It is an up-close perspective of the duo. Behind them is the forest, trees, bushes and flowers, in various pastel shades. A bright blue and red butterfly flutters nearby. Another blue and white polka-dotted butterfly rests on a series of vertical leaves on the left. Little Flo and Daddy Duck are swimming along in the pond. A bee follows them. A ladybug pauses on a rock. Musical notes in the same color as Daddy Duck appear above him. This visual is happy, happy, happy.
This book, Follow Me, Flo! written and illustrated by Jarvis is a merry celebration of the affection, and sometimes conflict, between a child and their parent. The inclusion of the songs within the story and lighthearted illustrations equals a superb storytime selection. You can expect to have requests to read this repeatedly. I highly recommend this for your personal and professional collections.
To learn more about Jarvis and his other wonderful work, please follow the link attached to his name to access his website. Jarvis has accounts on Instagram and Twitter. At the publisher's website and at Penguin Random House, you can view interior images. I've also created a Pinterest board with other duck books and a few crafts for storytime fun.
If you've ever read a book aloud requiring audience participation, you know they are a huge hit with the storytime crowd. When you are asked to do or say something by the characters or the narrator, it heightens the feeling of being a part of the tale. Soon listeners will be eagerly calling out their ideas and leaning in, even closer than normal, to see the results of fulfilled requests.
If you've never read a book aloud requiring audience participation, don't hesitate any longer. You and your listeners will enjoy the entreaties and humor found in Abner & Ian Get Right-Side Up (Little, Brown and Company, May 14, 2019) written by Dave Eggers with art by Laura Park. The commentary by the unfortunate duo will have you laughing out loud.
Uh-oh. What?
The duck, Abner, quickly points out their position on their respective pages. Instead of standing on the ground, they are sticking out from the left and right sides. They are hanging sideways. Ian, a prairie dog, is sure his companion will have an idea. Abner does not know how to fix this. He suggests they ask
that kid
to assist them.
Even though Ian thinks the kid smells a little funky, Abner asks him to shake the book and then turn the page. He's confident this will work based on previous practices. Amazingly Ian agrees. Next a first-class dilemma ensues. The friends converse back and forth about who will signal the reader to shake the book. When Abner concedes, Ian keeps saying anything but the appropriate word. He prolongs their situation longer by wondering if the child is ready to participate. Finally, Ian yells
NOW!
Much to their dismay, they are currently hanging from the top of the page. Ian is revealing personal traits which Abner initially finds intriguing. This does nothing to solve their problem. Abner issues new instructions to the kid hoping to end this state of affairs. The outcome is shocking for them and for readers.
Abner is not sure the kid can accomplish what is needed. Ian wants him to try once more. Just when you think it can't get stranger, it does. The kid is asked yet again to shake the book like a wild child. The effect is weirder. Now Abner is sure this is being done intentionally. Ian disagrees.
Shaking and turning and shaking and turning continue until Ian calls a halt. Despite Abner's frustration, Ian has an idea. If it works, it will be a miracle. Do you believe in miracles?
Told entirely in dialogue author Dave Eggershas designed the story like a comedy routine. The personalities of Abner and Ian shine in their attitudes at their predicament. One is ready for action with a let's-get-this-show-on-the-road mindset, the other is more contemplative with an optimistic and calm outlook. This contrast elevates the hilarity. Here is a passage.
The kid said yes. Are you satisfied?
I am. I think reassurances like that are so helpful to the smooth functioning of systems, and greatly increase the probability of success in an endeavor like this. Drawn with pencil and colored with a computer by Laura Park all the illustrations accentuate the discussions and consequences with utmost wit. When we are introduced to the twosome on the front of the book case (I am working with an F & G.) we notice immediately something is amiss. Abner and Ian are both wondering what is wrong. (On the back is information you are likely to find on the front and back flaps of a dust jacket.)
A page turn reveals a stage with curtains on the sides and along the top. A silhouette of a home and tree is seen in the background. This scene is expanded with the first page turn. It is in each illustration. It does not change (usually); only Abner and Ian do.
What raises the humor is the clothing worn by the characters, their facial expressions and body postures. Their hands are very expressive. Ian expresses his confidence in the kid with thumbs up. Every time they move, Abner's scarf points toward the ground. Abner's and Ian's colors appear to remain the same but the background shifts to a variety of solid shades to heighten interest and provide pacing.
One of my many favorite illustrations is for a shocking plight after one of the kid's shakes. The ground stretches left to right as usual; the house and tree on the left and a small mound on the right. Abner and Ian are not sticking out on the left and right sides. They are not hanging from the top of the page. We can only see a portion of their bodies. (And that's all I'm going to say.)
You will find yourself smiling, grinning and giggling over and over again, no matter how many times you read Abner & Ian Get Right-Side Up written by Dave Eggers with art by Laura Park. Trust me when I say you will be reading this more than once per sitting. This is storytime gold. You might want to have more than one copy for your professional collections and certainly a copy of your own for home.
To learn more about Dave Eggers and his other work, please follow the link attached to his name to access his website. Laura Park has accounts on Instagram and Twitter.
Laughter is frequently mentioned on this blog. Its benefits are numerous; reducing stress, providing a physical and mental release, exercising specific areas of our bodies, and changing our mind set and perspective. Perhaps the best benefit is the connections we make, some lasting, with shared laughter. Humans and animals do respond favorably to humor.
Once you've read a book aloud to a group of children with laughter erupting again and again, the experience, the story and the title of the book remain. The memory of how an individual felt in your presence is lasting. With this in mind here are five books, previously not discussed here, guaranteed to generate laughter and requests of "read it again."
Mrs. Mole, I'm Home (Candlewick Press, June 7, 2018) written and illustrated by Jarivs is a journey in the absurd. When a character cannot see what readers can, the results are rip-roaring guffaws. What is lost is found but was it ever lost?
It had been a very long day at work for Morris Mole. His feet were aching, and his eyes were so tired.
This mole could hardly wait to leave the restaurant and spend time with his wife and children. There was one problem. Morris Mole could not find his glasses anywhere. He assumed because he had made the trip so many times, getting home without his glasses would be easy.
After burrowing a bit, he rose up from the tunnel announcing his presence with a happy greeting. He was not at his abode but the home of Mrs. Bunny and a bunch of baby bunnies. After an apology, he left burrowing.
Morris Mole popped up repeatedly with one joyous declaration after another. He arrived at a tree loaded with owls, an iceberg in Antarctica (It was dreadfully chilly there.), and a crocodile swampy haven. How was he ever going to get home without his glasses? Suddenly his sniffer caught a whiff of something he knew well. Morris Mole makes a promise, but a final page reveals the difficulty in keeping it.
With a hilarious blend of text and dialogue, Jarvissteers readers through a tunnel worth traveling. Repetition of key phrases before and after each mistake provides a continued connection. There is an inviting rhythm supplied with his appearance, his greeting, the discovery of his error and his leaving. Here is a passage.
Up he popped. "I'm home, my darlings. And how marvelous! You've run me a bath!" said Morris. "This is our swamp. NOT a bath!" snapped Crocodile. "And you better skedaddle before we have you for dinner!"
Surely by the look of the front of the matching dust jacket and book case, Mole has arrived exactly where he wants to be, but as readers discover it takes multiple attempts for success. The two hat-wearing worms shown here are Morris's companions on every portion of his trip which is a bit funny when you consider the favorite food of Morris. To the left, on the back, with a shift in canvas color from pink to teal the Mole family are shown in all their bespectacled wonder dancing at Morris's place of work.
The opening and closing endpapers are in deep shades of blue showing what Morris tunnels through to get home. Rendered in pencil, chalk, and paint and colored digitally the illustrations by Jarvis are full of comedy. Nearly all the pictures span two pages. His attention to detail is certain to have readers pausing at every page turn; carrots are everywhere in the bunny burrow, nearly all the owls are reading books, and some of the penguins are wearing ice skates.
Careful readers will notice the different hats the worms wear from place to place. When Jarvis shows Morris thinking, the additional dialogue in these scenes is funnier than funny. These are framed like a gallery as his mind moves from incident to incident.
One of my many favorite illustrations is when Morris arrives at Antarctica. As he pops through the ice penguins gather from their cave, some attired in scarfs, hats and one is carrying an umbrella. Another one is eating a popsicle. One is walking and using a cane. A full sun causes a bright light but it's still bitter cold. A penguin is balanced on the top of sign reading SOUTH POLE.
For those readers needing glasses they will easily identify with Morris. Who among us has not misplaced their eyeglasses? Mrs. Mole, I'm Home! written and illustrated by Jarvis is a story time winner. At the publisher's website you can view an interior image. The link attached to Jarvis's name takes you to his website. Jarvis has an account on Twitter.
For those of you who love the roar of engines, this next title will get your heart racing. The Princess And The Pit Stop (Abrams Books For Young Readers, July 10, 2018) written by Tom Angleberger with illustrations by Dan Santat is an unprecedented contest in an other-worldly realm. Fasten your seat belts!
Once upon a time, there was a Princess who made a pit stop. While the Birds and Beasts changed her tires, her Fairy Godmother told her she was in last place!
With only one lap left, most drivers would not have finished. This was no ordinary princess. She put the pedal to the metal.
The announcer could hardly keep up with all the cars and drivers she was passing. Humpty Dumpty and his nursery crew were left in the dust. The Three Bears were forced off the track. A trio of Wicked Witches became specks in the distance.
Drivers, normally found in fairy tales and nursery rhymes, were no match for this determined female champion behind the wheel. No curve was too tight. No hill and dale could stop her speed. No Jack or Jill or Big Bad Wolf or Three Little Pigs could best her.
The end of the race, the finish line, was getting closer and closer.
And the Gingerbread Man admitted. She CAN catch me!
Soon it was the Ugly Stepsisters and The Princess streaming down the final stretch. The crowd stands! The announcer croaks! Will this Princess and her Prince live happily ever after?
Every concise sentence builds tension page by page as author Tom Anglebergercombines terms from automobile racing expertly with known names from fairy tales and nursery rhymes. His word choices reflect the use of alliteration creating an upbeat cadence; roared, running and road. We can hardly sit still. We want to cheer out loud for this princess driving with purpose. Here are several passages.
SHE SPUN OUT RUMPELSTILTSKIN AND BUTTED IN FRONT OF THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF!
SHE LEAPT PAST FLOPSY, MOPSY, and PETER RABBIT!
One look at the open dust jacket is all you need to know about this Princess and the pit stop she makes. Her body stance and facial expression are truly worth more than words can say. The faded background of the frog announcer, her fairy godmother (pit boss), the castle and black and white checkered flags foreshadow events to come. To the left, on the back, a huge question is answered. Readers in the know will understand the meaning of every detail as the Princess stands, arms on her hips, in front of her stopped car. (I love the crown element on her helmet and the car's hood.)
On the book case readers get a real sense of this Princess's attitude. On a nearly white canvas with a slight wash of blue, she strides toward her car. The car is facing the spine and her back is to us. To the left, the back of the case, she faces to the left. It's a portrait of her head done in shades of red and purple. Her facial features form a look of pure determination. Above her head reads:
"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship." ---Louisa May Alcott
On a background of white for the opening and closing endpapers illustrator Dan Santat displays all the race cars, forty-six in total. With a page turn we see a rainbow streak across white on two pages. It is the track of the Princess. A series of six panels follows showing the Princess racing. In the final one her gas gauge is nearly on empty. With a third turn, she is slowing into the pit as the title is being introduced to readers. As she zooms into her spot the text zooms with her on the title page.
In a blend of panels, full-page pictures, and double-page images Dan Santat introduces one humorous moment after the other. Readers won't want to miss a single element included in any of his scenes. The number on the Three Bears car is 3. One of the wicked witches is driving a broom. The dwarfs from Snow White are riding in mining cars.
One of my many favorite illustrations is on a single page. An enormous green truck with humongous wheels is speeding toward readers. There is enough room between the wheels for the Princess to race under and past the Giant. Beneath her the tiny car of Tom Thumb is left behind.
This is a fantastic introduction to fairy tales and nursery rhymes! The Princess And The Pit Stop written by Tom Angleberger with illustrations by Dan Santat will be enjoyed for its sheer entertainment but is sure to start a multitude of questions and a race for research. Links are attached to Tom Angleberger's and Dan Santat's names to access their websites. At the publisher's website you can view interior images. Both Tom and Dan are on Twitter and Instagramhere and here.
Are you ready to leap into more laughter? A frog who never fails to entertain (I Don't Want To Be A Frog, I Don't Want To Be BigandThere's Nothing To Do!)is back. In this book, I Don't Want To Go To Sleep (Doubleday Books For Young Readers, October 16, 2018) written by Dev Petty with illustrations by Mike Boldt, Frog refuses to do what frogs do in winter.
I can't wait for WINTER! Why? The snow! The fun! Pig told me all about it!
Frog is beyond excited about all the wintry activities like skating, drinking warm drinks and of course, the snow. When Owl points out that Frog can't do any of these things because he's a frog and frogs hibernate, he is indignant and confused. What is hibernate?
When Owl further offers an explanation with the statement Frog's dad is already hibernating, Frog starts to understand but he is not giving up yet. Can he get toasty by the fire like Cat? Can he get comfy like Pig in a plaid blanket? No and no, according to Owl. After another question with a less than ideal answer, Owl instructs the reluctant amphibian.
Frog is aghast! How can he have fun when he's buried in mud? He does not want to be like Bear who hibernates. Frog is frustrated, totally and completely. His friends try to help. They want to help but Frog's suggestion is not what they are expecting. Not. At. All. How many days is it until spring?
The happy-go-lucky, persistent-to-a-fault Frog and his quest to stay awake during winter is presented with wit by author Dev Petty. With a story told entirely in dialogue, readers are intimately involved in every aspect. Owl's dry but amusing and truthful replies give us a hint at his personality. In fact, the voices of the other animals, Pig, Cat and Rabbit, give us clear insight into their characteristics. All this input supplies us with comedy. Here is a passage between Frog and Owl.
I want to be like Pig. Pig sleeps in a fluffy plaid blanket.
You can't do that. Why not? First of all, you could get lost in here. Also, plaid isn't your color. Mostly, though, I'm taking his blanket.
How can you look at the front of the matching dust jacket and book case without laughing? The truth is, you can't. How many times have you uttered those exact words or heard them? I'll wager it's too many times to count. Readers identify with Frog. His owl toy is always with him for comfort.
To the left, on the back, Frog exclaims he will go to bed if we read him the three previous books. (Clever with a capital C) Mike Boldt begins and ends his visual interpretation on the opening and closing endpapers. On the first Frog is shouting out
NO SLEEP FOR ME!
as he strides toward the right edge. In the second set we see Frog as he is meant to be in winter.
Mike Boldt's illustrations rendered in vibrant colors make a bold statement as they extend the narrative and heighten the comedic drama. Speech bubbles in alternating colors hold the conversations. One of the double-page pictures with a single word on it will have readers rolling on the floor, laughing.
One of my many favorite pictures shows Frog sitting inside an ice skate and wearing a striped scarf. He is holding a red mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows floating in it. This image nearly fills the entire page. This is what Mike Boldt does very well; changing point of view to accentuate the story.
I Don't Want To Go To Sleep written by Dev Petty with illustrations by Mike Boldt is a charming and lively look at yet another aspect of this lovable frog and his animal companions. This would make a marvelous addition to a story time on frogs, hibernation, winter and bedtime. Links are attached to Dev Petty's and Mike Boldt's names to access their websites. The book trailer premiered at Watch. Connect. Read., the website of Scholastic's Ambassador of School Libraries, John Schumacher. You will enjoy the chat. At PictureBookBuilders Mike Boldt speaks about this book. Dev Petty has an account on Twitter and Instagram. Mike Boldt also has accounts on Twitter and Instagram.
Misconceptions play a large role in Horse Meets Dog (Balzer + Bray, October 30, 2018) written by Elliott Kalan with illustrations by Tim Miller. This is a classic case of what you see is not always what you get. As the argument escalates who do you think will win?
Wow!
You're very big.
In response to dog's statement Horse counters with his vision of the truth. He's not big, he is a regular-sized horse. He also says he was going to tell Dog how small he is for a horse. Believing dog is a baby, Horse cuddling him in his arms, tries to feed him a bottle of hay.
That does not go over well with Dog. He points out the problem with Horse's feet. Has he lost his paws? Horse wonders what is wrong with Dog's hair and his tail.
Deciding to start their relationship over, they exchange presents but it goes from bad to worse when Horse gives Dog a miniature saddle and Dog gifts Horse with a ball for playing fetch. When they expand on the reasons for these items, it gets funnier and funnier.
The conversation escalates with each believing the other is a weird version of themselves. Horse can't figure out what is wrong with Dog. His whinny is off key. Dog does not understand why Horse is such a huge dog. They get louder and louder and more insistent until the arrival of a small bird. Everything changes with the bird's first full sentence.
This meeting of "what-if" between a horse and a dog challenges how human (and animal) perception functions. Elliott Kalan supplies us with hilarity as these two characters try to convince the other of their truth. The story is told through dialogue apart from a few sound effects. This technique involves readers on a more personal level. Here is a passage.
It's a saddle.
In case a tiny person
wants to ride you. Will
you try on your new
saddle? Or would you
rather be rude?
(The saddle is now on Dog.)
Now what happens?
Someone sits on you, and
you take them wherever
they want to go. Fun!
That doesn't sound
like fun to me.
Rendered using brush and ink and digital hocus-pocus the signature illustrations of Tim Miller greet readers on the open and matching dust jacket and book case. By the smiles on the faces of Horse and Dog, readers have no idea what is about to follow. To the left, on the back, Dog is holding a mirror and puzzling over his face. Endorsements are written over this smaller picture. Bright sunny yellow covers the opening and closing endpapers.
On the title page the two characters' heads are positioned on either side looking at each other. On the verso page Horse is blow drying his mane. Dog is leaping with a ball in his mouth on the dedication page.
Thick black lines outline the comical Horse and Dog. Their wide-eyed looks heighten the laughter factor and increase the emphasis on what they are saying. Sometimes Tim Miller brings us close to the duo and other times we see their entire bodies. Some of the visuals extend page edge to page edge and others are framed in thick black lines.
One of my many favorite illustrations is after Dog has been fed the hay in the bottle. On a white canvas he is exclaiming
BLECH!
His eyes are huge. His mouth is wide open with his tongue hanging out. He is
spitting out the hay. The baby bottle is in his right hand.
Readers of all ages will greatly enjoy the exaggerated absurdity of this exchange between these two animals. Horse Meets Dog written by Elliott Kalan with illustrations by Tim Miller is a fabulous addition to any humorous story collection. It is certain to be a hit at story times. The link attached to Tim Miller's name takes you to his website. Both Elliott and Tim have Twitter accounts. For the book trailer premiere Elliot Kalan is a guest writer at Watch. Connect. Read., the site of Scholastic's Ambassador of School Libraries, John Schumacher.
We first met a funny fowl in Duck In The Fridge. He and his friends supply one little boy (now a father) with a nighttime memory he will never forget. In a companion title, Duck On A Disco Ball (Two Lions, November 1, 2018) written and illustrated by Jeff Mack, readers again get to enjoy the crazy antics of not only Duck but his two best friends, a mom and a dad!
Every night, it's the same old story. Why can't I stay up late like you? Because we're grown- ups, kiddo. And little guys need their sleep.
The little boy does not want to go to bed. He's afraid he will miss something fun, something important. All his complaints and excuses don't delay the inevitable. It's good night and sleep tight time. The problem for this child is every morning there are little things out of place. He wants to know what happens.
He speculates. Does his toy duck come alive? Does he paint with his parents? Do they have action adventures in the bath tub? One night he follows sounds and spies. He can't believe what he is seeing.
His parents and his duck are using the sofa for a diving exhibition. The living room is invaded by animals; a dog, cow, pony, elephant, sheep and other ducks. They are consuming mass quantities of food. It is a party beyond his most imaginative dreams. A loud disruptive crash fills the air and then . . . his parents and his duck are defying gravity.
Suddenly silence descends. In the morning the child wonders if it was all a dream. A discovery and a hilarious comment will have readers exploding with laughter.
Oh, the word play and puns are wondrous. You'll hardly be able to keep from continuously laughing (or groaning) once the shenanigans begin. Jeff Mack clearly has a masterful knack for arranging language to tell a humorous story. His combination of narrative by the child plus dialogue is excellent. Here are several passages.
Milkshakes, anyone? I just ordered a pizza. Great! Will it be long? No. It'll be round. Care for a cookie? No thanks. I'm stuffed. (says the boy's duck)
All readers will want to do is dance when they see Duck swinging on the disco ball on the front of the matching dust jacket and book case. His sheer happiness and the glittering ball tell a tale all their own. Similar vibrant colors are used to the left, on the back. Amid pastel rays, a spotted cow is raising her hoof in the air and posing like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. (When an author/illustrator makes these references, it expands the enjoyment to cover a larger age group. I burst out in laughter.)
The opening and closing endpapers are filled with rays and dots as if a disco ball is casting light on walls. Beneath the text on the title page the child, boy, is being swung between his mom and dad. Each illustration rendered in digital media is brimming with details asking readers to pause. They make reference to events to come and when the party starts each page is packed.
Varying in size the images are highly animated. Some span double pages, single pages or look like panels on a single page. The conversations appear in speech bubbles.
One of my many favorite pictures spans two pages. The background is bright yellow. Across the bottom the flower-patterned print sofa is placed with two red-feather pillows. Jumping and somersaulting in the air are the boy's parents and Duck. They are laughing and yelling
BACK- FLIP! BELLY FLOP! CANNON-BALL!!!
Peeking unseen over one of the arms is the boy, wide-eyed with amazement.
Every reader will be wishing for a duck like this duck. Duck On A Disco Ball written and illustrated by Jeff Mack is loads of fun. You might want to have some late seventies music on hand to play before or after reading this title. It's a perfect companion to the first title. To learn more about Jeff Mack and his other work, follow the link attached to his name to access his website. Jeff has accounts on Twitter and Instagram. Jeff Mack wrote an article for The Children's Book Reviewabout his writing and reading life.
Winter is in full swing in northern Michigan. Prior to Christmas five inches of freshly-fallen snow coated our landscape. Although currently switching between rain, snow and freezing rain, by tomorrow night there's supposed to be a temperature drop into the teens. Waking up each morning in this season is full of surprises.
Winter and snow are heartily embraced by some and utterly avoided by others, humans and animals alike. Good Morning, Snowplow! (Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc., October 30, 2018) written by Deborah Bruss with art by Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson depicts a dedicated man and his canine companion hard at work while the rest of the community nestles in for the night. The duo work their magic in the middle of a storm.
Good night, homes, and good night, cars. Clouds move in to hide the stars.
Seeing the snow start to fall, the man and his dog take the snowplow to get ready for its job. As the snow gets deeper and deeper, they push through the city streets moving snow and dropping sand and salt. All through the night they work, sometimes listening to the radio and singing to a tune.
A car driving without regard for the weather is towed. The plow keeps going. A sound and a sight caution the driver. The snowplow stops. A train creating billows of snow, chugs past the crossing and down the track. After hours and hours morning light begins to shine. It's a snow day! It's time for partners in plowing to rest.
The rhythmic writing of Deborah Bruss rings with realism and warmth. Every aspect of the man and the snowplow's labor during the storm from dusk to dawn is beautifully represented with four-line stanzas. The first two lines and second two lines ending with words that rhyme. It's a lovely flawless flow. Here is a stanza.
Waves of white curl off the blade. In its wake, a trail is laid. How's the road? A little slick? Salt and sand mix does the trick.
The artwork of Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson rendered using acrylic paint, colored pencil, pen, and collage is first given to readers on the splendiferous front and back of the open dust jacket. The solitary aspect of the driver and his dog using the snowplow brings us into an important moment. Certain elements are varnished, snowflakes, the windshield, snowdrifts and text. The title text is raised to the touch.
To the left on the back as the morning begins, we see children sledding, and building snowmen. Homes are in the background and along the lower left-hand corner is the plowed roadway. On the book case we see the plowed roadway extending from the back (left) to the front (right) with the snowplow, lights glowing out in front, driving off the upper right-hand corner. A royal purple covers the opening and closing endpapers.
Each two-page image is a stunning depiction, a pictorial interpretation and extension of the author's words. The illustrators alter their perspective to bring readers into the story. It's a rewarding participatory experience.
One of my many favorite illustrations is a close-up of inside the cab of the snowplow. The man is holding the steering wheel with both hands. His dog is next to his right side. Both are staring intently through the windshield as the snow swirls outside.
This title, Good Morning, Snowplow! written by Deborah Bruss with art by Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson, is a perfect book for one on one reading or during a snow/winter theme for story time. At the publisher's website are extra materials to use with the book. You can also get some information about the illustrators here. Deborah's website is linked to her name. Deborah Bruss and Lou Fancher are interviewed by author Deborah Kalb about this title. Author, reviewer and blogger Julie Danielson talks about this title on her blog, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast. Interior images are included. Arthur A. Levine chats about the title in the video below.
In their fourth title together (Goodnight Already!, I Love You Already!, and Come Home Already!) Duck and Bear are still at odds. Their wants and desires never seem to coincide, thus supplying readers with non-stop laughter. In All Right Already! A Snowy Story (Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, November 13, 2018)written by Jory John with illustrations by Benji Davies, the duo tackle whether playing in the snow is a good thing or a horrible idea.
"Ah, another magnificent day. I love my morning routine."
Looking out his window Duck discovers everything is coated in white. It has snowed . . . a lot. Duck can hardly wait to tell Bear.
Duck interrupts Bear taking his bath. There is no way Bear is going outside. It's too cold. It's too bright. For every idea purposed by Duck, Bear replies in the negative.
Duck finally convinces Bear to make snow angels. Duck is not satisfied and wants to have a snowball fight, but Bear is cold and . . . ACHOO! Bear is sick.
For every cure mentioned by Duck, Bear says no. Finally Bear agrees to let Duck help him get well. (With Duck, that's a mistake.) Duck just keeps asking and Bear is too sick to argue. Not able to stand another second of Duck's chatter, Bear orders him home. In a hilarious twist Duck needs care from Bear. Bear issues his signature statement
I must get some new neighbors.
It's the contrast generated by the conversations between Duck and Bear by Jory John which consistently connect with readers. With dialogue telling the entire story we can readily identify with both characters. It's like watching a ping-pong ball tournament with hilarity as the main event. Here is an exchange between the two characters.
"Do you want to play freeze tag?" "No." "Build a fort?" "No." "Make a snowbear?" "No." "Sled over here?" "No." "Sled over there?" "No." "Play freeze tag?" "You already said that."
One look at the open dust jacket will have readers giggling and grinning. You know Duck has finagled Bear into a situation in which he has no desire to participate. And why is his yellow rubber ducky present? To the left, on the back, Duck and Bear are racing down a hill on a toboggan. Bear is wearing his shower cap and his towel has flown off the back. Duck looks sporty in his red hat and scarf. Everything but the blue background is varnished.
On the book case an intricate diamond and square pattern in varying shades of blue covers the front and back. To the left on the back Duck is balancing a huge snowball, ready to throw. On the front, right, Bear is sitting in the snow, wearing a hat and scarf. The opening and closing endpapers are a rusty red.
Benji Davies begins the story, visually, with Duck snuggled in bed on the title page under the text. On the verso and dedication pages we are shown both houses at night with the snow falling in earnest. A candle glows in Duck's window. With each page turn the canvas changes from yellow to orange, winter blue in various hues, pink, red and white. The illustration sizes differ from double-page pictures to full-page visuals and a group of images sharing a page. Some of the illustrations are framed in white and others span page edge to page edge.
One of my favorite illustrations spans two pages. Bear is in the middle of a huge sneeze. His cap has blown off. He is standing in his towel only. The force of the sneeze has Duck off his feet, scarf trailing behind him. Snow is scattered with the breeze of breath. To the left of Bear, who is on the left, is the edge of his house. A giant drift of snow is about ready to fall off the roof. Anticipation builds as readers get ready to turn the page.
Whether you are acquainted with Duck and Bear or not, you will find yourself smiling from beginning to end of All Right Already! A Snowy Story written by Jory John with illustrations by Benji Davies. This is a great title for a theme on winter/snow or a group of humorous books. It would be wonderful with a bear theme unit. There is a chat with Jory John at Brightly. There are links to both the author and illustrator websites attached to their names.
Instinctive behaviors found in nature do appear in domesticated relatives. When walking in the deep snow, my canine companion will freeze. Then she jumps, pounces and sticks her head as far into the snow as possible. During these few seconds, it's as if I am watching a fox in action.
Little Fox In The Snow (Candlewick Press, November 13, 2018) written by Jonathan London with illustrations by Daniel Miyares is a journey in the life of a young red fox on a single day. Through descriptive text and marvelous illustrations, we shadow this wondrous creature. A season alters a lifestyle.
Little foxling, little fox, asleep in your hole, in your halo of warmth--- it's time to wake up!
Raising its nose into the air, the fox walks out into the wintry world. The youngster is hungry. It hears something under the snow. Mouse in mouth, the fox knows this will not suffice.
Over fields blanketed in thick snow, the fox travels, a nearly empty belly as a motive. A snowshoe hare grabs the fox's attention. With practiced leaps it tries to get away. The fox is faster.
With a full stomach and thirst quenched, the fox continues. He catches what he believes is the scent of a vixen. It is not! Run fox run! The hunter becomes the hunted. Quickly, the fox flees to his hole. As a crescent moon rises what are the dreams whirling in a sleeping fox's mind?
With a precise choice of words Jonathan London invites us to accompany this young red fox. It's as if we are one with this beautiful being. He depicts not only the actions of the fox but the other woodland animals he encounters; all within a setting in the wild. The unseen narrator observes and questions. A repetition of a key phrase ties moments together. Here is a passage.
Little foxling, belly full, you make your way down to the snow-patched stream, lap tiny tongue-curls of icy cold water.
Upon opening the matching dust jacket and book case, readers are greeted with a gorgeous double-page image of a woodland in winter with the bright red fox striking a contrast in the snow. Shades of dawn are breaking in the distance. You can sense the silence except for the soft sound of paws on snow.
The opening and closing endpapers focus on a close-up of a snow-covered field. Each is different reflecting the time of day and movement of the fox as he leaves (or not) a trail. A turn to the verso and titles pages gives readers a breathtaking vista of the sky, forest, sunrise and snowy expanse at the bottom.
Each picture rendered by Daniel Miyaresin ink and watercolor on paper heightens and extends the narrative. All of them span two pages but the passage of time measured in mere seconds or minutes is sometimes shown from left to right. The play of light and shadow is fabulous.
In one setting the fox's shadow, to his left, is huge. It enriches the words but asks readers to spring toward a possible future. Within some of the illustrations the point of view changes from one side to the other side; the fox in the distance and the snowshoe hare ready to leap toward us. We are keenly aware of the time of day through the changing hues in the sky.
One of my many favorite illustrations is when the fox stops, leaps and dives into the snow to capture the mouse. Daniel Miyares, from left to right, gives us four images of the fox in one picture. Only the front of the fox leads in from the left. He springs front paws up and back legs steady. His entire body flies through the air and then near the right corner, head and upper body are buried in the snow. Back, back legs and tail extend above the ground. It's a highly animated and realistic portrait.
We become one with this young red fox through the blend of words and illustrations. Little Fox In The Snow written by Jonathan London with illustrations by Daniel Miyares is an excellent collaboration. This would be a stellar selection for a study of winter, animal behavior or foxes. At Candlewick Press and Penguin Random House you can view interior illustrations. Please follow the links attached to the author and illustrator names to access their websites. Jonathan London is interviewed at The Children's Book Council. Daniel Miyares has accounts on Twitter and Instagram.
Enjoy the book trailer.
For some individuals it's an art form perfected over every second of their lives. They are literally a catalogue of seemingly infinite ideas. These beings are schemers and dreamers, daring to imagine and do. They never stop thinking outside the box.
If you are a cow with this marvelous mindset and your best buddy is a duck, it's a guarantee the results will not be as expected. Meeting Moo Moo and Mr. Quackers in Moo Moo & Mr. Quackers present Moo Moo in a Tutu(Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, April 25, 2017) was a reading adventure down a path filled with laughter. The companions have returned in Moo Moo & Mr. Quackers present What's Cooking, Moo Moo? (Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, April 3, 2018). Author illustrator Tim Miller serves readers a memorable meal with heaping helpings of humor and equal measures of friendship.
Great news, Mr. Quackers---I just thought of my best idea ever! What is it this time, Moo Moo?
Assuring her friend this latest pursuit will mean more quality time for them together, Moo Moo grabs Mr. Quackers and heads out the door. In a blink of an eye, the duo is standing in front of a diner with a large sign reading
MOO MOO & MR. QUACKERS'S CHOW HOUSE.
To say Mr. Quackers is stunned would be an understatement.
He's even more flabbergasted when Moo Moo reveals the source of funding for this new endeavor. Moo Moo encourages him with promises of fun times ten. A crowd gathers outside the door as Moo Moo cuts the ribbon at the grand opening. It's a stampede to get inside.
As a waiter Mr. Quackers' techniques are slightly lacking. Filling a water glass with a hose is not the usual practice. Having a single item, the Moo Moo Special, on the menu puts a lot of pressure on Chef Moo Moo. When the contents of this gourmet delight are disclosed, expect to burst out laughing. When it's served to the customers you won't be able to stop your giggles and grins.
Ever the friend, Mr. Quackers steps forward to offer assistance by cooking his
top secret recipe.
When the patrons discover the signature ingredient, they can't leave the restaurant fast enough. It's a stampede in the other direction. With their enterprise in food services at a close, the pals pause to reflect. In this instant Moo Moo gets another brainstorm. How are your yodeling skills?
With the first words out of her mouth, Moo Moo sets the stage for multiple hilarious scenarios. Told entirely in dialogue, this story penned by Tim Milleris a series of back and forth bantering between two characters with opposite expectations. Therein lies the comedy. Hopefully the name of Mr. Quackers'
important ingredient
will not be overlooked by readers. (The innuendo is superb, Mr. Miller.) Here is a portion of dialogue.
You know how you wish we could spend more quality time together? Did I really say that? Well, I figured out the perfect way to make your dream come true! You mean we're going on a vacation?
Using a palette similar to the first title, inside and outside their shared apartment, and infused with splashes of full color, we enter the world of this particular cow and her friend, a duck. Cool colors, in blues and purple are complemented with shades of yellow and Moo Moo's pink. We know by looking at the front of the dust jacket, Moo Moo is blissful about her cooking but Mr. Quackers is decidedly apprehensive. The soft star in the background gives this story the feel of a production we are about to experience.
To the left, on the back of the dust jacket, in a framed image hanging on the wall, Moo Moo is looking at Mr. Quackers seated on a stool in front of an easel. Paintbrush in hand Mr. Quackers is recreating Moo Moo in her favorite pose. The book case will elicit gasps from readers. It is a copy of The Daily Quack. It features, on the right, an article with quotes, about the restaurant opening. The four entries in the Classifieds on the left are huge hints of what is to come and one makes reference to the first book. I dare you not to laugh reading this.
The opening and closing endpapers on the left and right are framed portraits of Mr. Quackers and Moo Moo done in two hues of blue. Both are wearing aprons and chef hats. Beneath the text on the title page Moo Moo at the stove flips food into the air. It lands on Mr. Quackers' head. The verso and dedication pages have funny illustrations of merry Moo Moo and hesitant Mr. Quackers.
Rendered using brush and ink and digital hocus-pocus the illustrations span two pages, single pages and several are grouped on a single page. These variances provide perfect comedic pacing. Most of them are framed in a heavy black line and white space.
What Tim Miller is able to accomplish with two dots for eyes and the mouths on all the characters is fabulous. As you turn the pages your focus first falls on Mr. Quackers and Moo Moo. You then find yourself noticing all the little details included; the sign on the taxi cab, the items in apartment windows, the guy reading while walking his dog, the decor and table settings inside the diner, ingredient labels, and the type of business located next to the diner.
One of my many favorite images is the lower illustration on a page with two horizontal visuals. Moo Moo and Mr. Quackers, wearing their restaurant attire, are lying flat on their backs. Mr. Quackers' body and feet are extended into the air. Ever the optimist Moo Moo utters
I told you this was going to be fun.
And Mr. Quackers replies
Is that what you call it?
This comedic image is a result of the stampede to get inside the restaurant. It clearly delineates the two personalities and their enduring relationship.
Readers sincerely enjoy seeing the return of characters we love in a companion title with a continuation of their escapades. Moo Moo & Mr. Quackers present What's Cooking, Moo Moo? written and illustrated by Tim Miller brings much shared joy to all of us. Readers will want to read this title repeatedly plus I am willing to bet the first book will be added to the mix. There is no better concoction than comedy and Tim Miller stirs up the best. You'll be more than ready to include this title in your professional and personal collections.
To learn more about Tim Miller and his other work, please follow the link attached to his name to access his website. Tim maintains a blog here. At the publisher's website you can get a peek inside the book. There is also a link to an activity guide. The cover for this book is revealed on Watch. Connect. Read. the blog of Scholastic's Ambassador of School Libraries, John Schumacher. I believe you will enjoy their conversation. Tim is featured on KidLit TV's Ready, Set, Draw! On May 9, 2017 Tim visits Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast to chat with author, reviewer and blogger Julie Danielson. There is loads of artwork to see. He also stops by Let's Talk Picture Books on September 19, 2017. Tim is one of The New York Times featured artists who make live art videos. He was showcased on January 3, 2018.
It's here! Today (March 20, 2018) is officially the first day of spring. It's hard to believe it when you look at the National Weather Service map picturing a nasty winter storm for the east coast or when you recently return home from walking your dog through ice and snow in northern Michigan. Mother Nature does things in her own time.
It's as if she is the maestro standing in front of the members of a great symphony orchestra. As soon as she lifts her baton, everything begins anew. I'm a Duck (Candlewick Press, March 13, 2018) written by Eve Bunting with illustrations by Will Hillenbrand follows a newborn uncomfortable with what should come naturally.
When I was just an egg, I'm told, I left my nest and rolled and rolled.
The wayward egg splashed right into the pond. Mother duck wasted not a second and dove into the water. Once nestled in the nest again, the egg, in due time, cracked and revealed one of four baby ducks.
Unlike its siblings this duck did not want to swim in the pond or lake. No amount of encouragement from its three brothers convinced the frightened creature to join them. Drowning was a very real worry.
Friendly Big Frog made it very clear the fearful youngster simply needed to get in the water as quickly as possible. Owl's advice was similar.
" . . .You're a duck. Use common sense and try to get some confidence."
Perhaps this duck needed to ease into the water. Puddle practice and an understanding mother certainly helped but the water terrified this little being. A friend offered a helping hand but a determined spirit made another decision. New wondrous sounds rang out over the pond.
With the heart of a child and the wisdom of an ancient mentor, Eve Bunting reveals profound truths in the words she writes in each and every story. In this book, her most recent release, with a soothing rhythm of rhyming phrases, focus is directed at a fear but solutions are lovingly offered. By giving the duck the role of narrator, readers can identify more intimately with the challenge and rejoice in the resolution. Here is a four-line passage.
The pond is waiting there below. It's whispering, "Come on! Let's go." But even though I'm well prepared. I'm really, really, really scared.
Within the soft hues of blue, green, yellow and brown readers are introduced to the duck. The quiet setting of the pond shown on the front and back of the matching dust jacket and book case sets the tone for the entire book. Who can resist loving this adorable child? With the curve of a wing, the set of webbed feet, large dark eyes and a bill easily conveying emotion, we find ourselves drawn to his story.
A darker shade of his downy feathers covers the opening and closing endpapers. The initial title page begins the story with an egg splashing and sinking into the pond. On a background of crisp white the same image as shown on the front of the jacket and case is replicated beneath the text on the formal title page.
Most of the illustrations rendered by Will Hillenbrandusing mixed media span two pages. They shift from peaceful panoramic water settings to close-ups of the duck in a variety of scenarios. Each picture, regardless of the time of day, creates a sense of calm even in the noisier moments. Each choice by Will Hillenbrand, the color palette, the elements in each image, his use of materials and his lines and details contributes to enhancing the words of Eve Bunting.
One of my many favorite illustrations covers two pages. It accompanies the text already noted. From left to right a pale cream canvas extends. On the far right edge reeds fill the upper corner. Beneath them the pond is placed from the right, across the gutter and into the lower right corner on the left side. The duck is standing on the edge of the shore, looking at its reflection. This visual, like all of them in this title, is brimming with charm.
Winsome in words and pictures, I'm a Duck written by Eve Bunting with illustrations by Will Hillenbrand is certain to resonate with readers of all ages. Who among us has not been afraid to do one important thing? With the encouragement and love of family and friends, the impossible becomes a reality. This title would work wonderfully with the themes of courage, spring or ducks. I highly recommend it for your professional and personal collections.
To learn more about Will Hillenbrand, please follow the link attached to his name to access his website. An older video interview of Eve Bunting at Reading Rockets provides background information. At the publisher's website you can view an interior image. At this publisher's website you can see some of the first pages in the book. In this video Will Hillenbrand chats about his process for this title.
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