Go With The Flow

One of the many things you learn from being near or on water for most of your life is, it never stays the same.  Every minute, hour, or day, whether it is a stream, river, inland lake or one of the Great Lakes, it changes.  A difference in temperature, humidity, or wind determines if it is as smooth as glass, rippled, or rocky with waves.  Its fluid moods beckon to a host of flora, fauna, and humans.  A student of watery realms gains essential life insights.

Paddling down creeks or rivers rafting or canoeing, it is easy to observe our feathered friends, either as frequent visitors or residents.  Mel Fell (Balzar + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, February 2, 2021) written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor captures the can-do spirit of young kingfisher.  Determined thinking bolsters bravery.

One day, when Mama was away,

Mel decided it was time to learn to fly. 

Her sister, Pim, and her brother, Pip, were certain this was not the best idea.  Mel, having the good sense to be scared, was nevertheless going to fly.  Today was the day.  Springing up from the branch, she dove.

It was a long way down.  The affectionate squirrels tried to catch her.  Their attempts were not fruitful.  Buzzing bees simply could not stop her.  Down she went.  As you might assume, the efforts of a neighborly spider were unsuccessful.  

Mel fell straight down, plunging into the water.  She caught the right-sized fish in her sharp beak.  Using her wings, she surged from the water.  She was flying!  Up and up and up she went.

As she passed each of the resident tree members, they cheered for the courageous Mel.  When Mel reached the family branch, Mama was home.  Looking at each other, they spoke identical thoughts.  Attitude.

Using dialogue with narrative, author Corey R. Tabor fashions a tale guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat as you applaud the efforts of this young bird.  The tension builds as each of the friends try to prevent what they assume is a disaster.  Yet, Corey R. Tabor builds humor into the story with his word choices and descriptions as Mel whizzes past the tree trunk, on the way down and on the way up.  Here is a passage.

The squirrels tried to catch her.  They

really did.  They'd grown quite fond of

those squeaky little chirpers upstairs.

Blast!

Nuts!

Oof!

Aieeeeeee!

But it was no use.  They

missed her by a whisker.

The position of the text in relation to the spine on the matching dust jacket and book case is your first hint the reading of this book is going to be turned a bit.  To read the title horizontally, left to right, as it appears above, you need to put the spine on top.  The cheerful, full color palette with animated characters on the front, right, is another clue as to the enchanting events unfolding inside the covers.  The title text is raised to the touch.

To the left, on the back, with the spine on top, the textured white canvas continues.  On the left side is Mel's tree.  It stretches from top to bottom.  We can see the three bird siblings and Mama, the owl family, the beehive, the spider's web, and three squirrel tails sticking out from hollows in the trunk.

On the opening and closing endpapers and the first inside page is a vibrant pattern in two hues of spring green.  It features leaf prints like those on Mel's tree.  At the front, the next page is a close-up of the tree with the trunk on the right, branches extending off the top and left side.  At the back, the trunk is still on the right.  A single branch sticks out from the kingfisher home.  Mel is pushing one of her siblings to the edge of that branch.  The other one is holding to the branch with most of their body still in the hole.  This page also contains an author's note, the dedication and publication information.

On the title page (You are still reading this book turned.), the trunk of the tree on the right is shown from the top to the bottom of two pages.  Mama is on a branch above the nest hole in the trunk.  Mel is peering outside.

These illustrations rendered with

pencil, colored pencil, and acrylic paint, and assembled digitally

are vertical two-page pictures on the textured, white canvas on a matte-finished, heavier paper.  The one exception for the background is when we see Mel moving in the water.  At this point we turn the book again, so Mel is flying up.  The tree trunk is always on the right side.  

It's the facial expressions on the animals which elevate the humor as do their physical attempts to stop Mel on her way down.  Mel's eyes are closed all the way down until just before she hits the water.  Her eyes are closed on her way home but this time she spins her body around.

One of my many, many favorite illustrations is when Mel is flying up to her home.  Toward the bottom of the page two branches bleeding off the left side form a large "v".  Inside the "v" the spider has spun a web.  Mel shoots through the web, threads showing her speed upward.  Off to the right the spider spells "yay" and claps with all eight of her hands.  Mel has spun showing us her breast.  The fish in her beak is looking worried.  (There is more humor involving the fish at the end.)

Original in words, design and artwork, this book, Mel Fell written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor, shows the results of adding a dive of faith plus resolve to equal success.  Whether you read this one on one or to a larger group, this is a story time treasure.  I highly recommend you add this title to your personal and professional collections.

To learn more about Corey R. Tabor and his other work, please follow the link attached to his name to access his website.  At the publisher's website you can read a sample.  They also have a book trailer there which supplies an example of how to read this title.

UPDATE:  On April 20, 2021 this title is highlighted by author, reviewer, and blogger, Julie Danielson at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.  Here Corey R. Tabor talks about the spark for this book and his illustrative process.

By canoe, by raft, by fishing boat, by speed boat, by pontoon, by yacht, by houseboat or by sailboat, with every trip this passenger has stories to tell.  It can be a simple sunny day cruise.  It can be the most amazing fish tale every told.  It can be a my-dad-will-never-let-me-drive-the-boat-again-after-I ran-it-up-on-the-dock escapade.  It can be an I-can't-believe-I-survived ocean exploit.  These narratives, when combined with other multiple water travels, are an individual's existence from first to last breath.  In Sail (Little, Brown and Company, March 9, 2021) written and illustrated by Dorien Brouwers, readers explore the wild, wonderful, unpredictable, and sometimes frightening ride called life. 

We all have ships to sail

in life's adventurous tale. 

It does not matter the size or type of vessel.  There is one for each of us.  We release a ship from its moorings and with openness seek that which awaits us.

Regardless of the shape and height of the waves, we bravely welcome them.  If we feel as though we are off course, look to the sails and change direction. Stay sharp as the wind tosses the boat. 

If we tumble into the water, swim.  There are secrets beneath the waves, waiting to be found.  Go down.  Go deep.  Hold those secrets close.

When it is time, we rise to the surface. We do so with more knowledge and understanding.  From there, back in our boat, we go forward knowing there is much more to explore and achieve.  

Reading like a poem, a lullaby, and a loving letter offering encouragement, this book written by Dorien Brouwers asks us to be our best selves regardless of where we go and what we encounter.  Using watery realms analogous to life with us as sailors in a boat of our choosing, rhyming couplets create a comforting narrative.  In each of the couplets, emphasis is placed on a single word.  When those single words are strung together, they make a buoyant ring around the reader.  Here is a passage.

Search the ocean for the light.

Breathe in deep and don't lose sight.

The swirl of blue and white hues seen on the front of the dust jacket moves over the spine to the left, fashioning a vast expanse of water and opportunities.  The school of tiny fish racing in an arc on the front indicate a fast-moving current.  To the left, on the back, a smaller group of fish meander through the ocean.  This setting with the sailboat and its single passenger with a seabird flying nearby is the essence of anticipation.  

A whirlpool spins across the opening and closing endpapers.  It's a wild blend of blues and white.  Fish in both colors swim with the circular currents in constant motion.  On the verso and title pages, a double-page picture of a seascape presents several different kinds of sailboats in a sheltered space, a calm sea, with a red and white lighthouse on a nearby point of land.

Each two-page picture in this book was rendered

with watercolor on 220gsm Daler Rowney paper with monoprinted details added to it.

Their eloquent, textured depictions display sensory scenes.  In a superb mix of light and shadow, a variety of perspectives draws us into each image.

We are standing on a dock next to a row of boats, some large enough to dwarf us.  As our boat moves off the right side of the visual, we reach down to pull a large anchor loose from the bottom.  When a stormy sea surrounds us, we hold tight to the sail lines, trying to follow the right path.  Now in the ocean, we silently swim down and among the colorful creatures and plants.  Each perspective offers an original possibility.

One of my many, many favorite illustrations is in the murky depths.  Starfish, jellyfish, rays, scallops, and fish glide and rest.  Swimming with a school of fish is the child.  They are moving toward a giant vibrant octopus who occupies most of the left side.  In three of its arms, it holds keys.  What do these keys unlock?  I imagine each reader will have an answer, some the same and others strikingly divergent.

This book, Sail written and illustrated by Dorien Brouwers, like the water on which we traverse, will take on fresh meanings each time it is read with readers of all ages.  At the close of the title is a page of six questions with the heading,

Some Things to Think About.

This is a book which needs to be on your personal and professional bookshelves.

To learn more about Dorien Brouwers and her other work, please access her website by following the link attached to her name.  You can see interior illustrations at her website.  Dorien Brouwers has accounts on Instagram and Twitter. At the publisher's website is a marvelous, illustrated chat with the author about the book and her images.

(Note:  I was working with an F & G when writing this post.)

Winging It

To leave that which provides comfort requires a certain kind of bravery and, sometimes, an unintended impetus.  An unplanned incident might place us in a position not of our choosing.  We are faced with choices for which we have no experience.  We are completely unprepared.  This is a frightening feeling.

To alleviate this fear, our first thought is to return to comfort as soon as possible.  In fly! (Beach Lane Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, September 17, 2019) conceived and illustrated by Mark Teague a fledgling is faced with an undesirable dilemma.  Its challenge appears insurmountable.

In this wordless tale a baby bird with a ceaseless need for worms finds itself in an unfortunate situation.  As the day begins, its parent serves up worm after worm.  Tiring of the child's demands the parent makes one of their own.  It wants the bird to come out of the nest, to the branch and be fed the next worm there.

In a fit of frustration and wanting only the next worm, the fledgling furiously leaps out of the nest and tumbles to the ground.  YIKES!  The parent flies down to asses any harm, and then tells the baby bird to fly back to the nest.

This is not at all what the child wants to do.  The baby bird suggests hopping on its parent's back for a ride back to the nest.  To the parent, this is ridiculous.  All kinds of birds fly.  The baby bird proposes a hot air balloon, a hand glider, itself as a superhero or an airplane pilot.  This infuriates the parent.

In an effort to reason with its baby, the parent mentions a journey to be taken toward a southern region in autumn.  The responses from the fledgling are numerous modes of transportation; none of which are flying with its wings.  The baby bird is now laughing uncontrollably.

As nightfall arrives, in a final tactic, the parent describes three more scenarios.  Then the parent does the unthinkable.  As you might expect, the baby bird acts accordingly.  The result is as surprising as it was in the morning.  Sweet dreams.


The baby bird balanced on the edge of the nest on the front of the matching dust jacket and book case has no intention of flying.  It's much too far from the nest to the ground for flying.  The only thing on its mind is worms.  To the left, on the back, on a canvas of white, the baby bird is explaining to its frustrated parent why flying is not an option. The text on the front is varnished.  The image on the back is varnished.

On a sky-blue background on the opening endpapers are five rows of nests.  The baby bird is in or on the nest in a variety of positions.  On the closing endpapers, a similar background is used.  The baby bird is blissfully happy in several different poses after resolving its problem.  On the title page the title is much larger than on the jacket and case.  Beneath it is Mark Teague's name above the nest.  In the nest, the egg has just opened.

Rendered in acrylics by Mark Teague, the illustrations in this title speak the proverbial thousand words every time.  To begin, two full-page pictures set the stage for the hunger of the baby bird and the constant presentation of a worm by the parent.  The first double-page picture introduces the use of speech bubbles, all pictorial.  These conversations begin the conflict between the parent and child and the ultimate quandary for the baby bird.

The use of single-page images, two-page visuals and two double-page vertical displays are brilliant in providing splendid pacing with every page turn.  Mark Teague also places a smaller image on a larger double-page picture.  Sometimes the borders of his pictorial speech bubbles go off a page.  The facial expression on the baby bird and parent elevate the hilarity to laugh-out-loud funny.  We are also privy to masterful use of perspective.

One of my many, many favorite illustrations is a double-page picture.  On a crisp, white background a swirl of blue like a pathway begins in the upper, left-hand side and winds up and down to the upper, right hand side.  The baby bird is positioned on three points on this path.  In its pictorial balloons of speech, it is hurtling off a sky jump, flying like a super bird and piloting a single-seat airplane.  With each revelation it shouts and snickers harder.  In the lower, right-hand corner is the parent bird looking right at readers.  Its mouth is turned down.  Its wings are hugged to its sides.  Squiggles of steam rise from its head.  This contrast is the comedy.


Regardless of the number of times you read fly! written (conceived) and illustrated by Mark Teague, you'll find yourself laughing.  This book will appeal to readers of all ages because of the humor and how many can connect to the reality being depicted.  I highly recommend this title for your professional and personal bookshelves.

At the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature there is an entry for Mark Teague.  This is a video from NCCIL 2016.




There is a Q & A with Mark Teague at Publishers Weekly by Sara Grochowski dated July 13, 2017.  At the publisher's website you can view multiple interior images.  They have a link to a three-page guide about sharing wordless picture books with young readers.  They also have a video with instructions in making Your Own Fly! Bird.

A Rhyming Ritual

When reading aloud the musicality of words will seriously undermine the ability of readers of all ages, but more importantly of younger readers, to sit still.  Once they feel a rhythm made by words they want to move.  They also want to repeat those words, making them into a melodious mantra.  There's been many, many visits to the library with students leaving in a line as they walk down the hallway whispering words as they do their own inventive dance.

In her debut picture book, author Cheryl B. Klein collaborates with artist Tomie dePaola to bring readers Wings (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, March 5, 2019).  A rhyming poetic interlude of twelve single words and various punctuations is enhanced with lively, expressive images.  It's an ode to new life, flight, self-confidence and the sheer pleasure of the sounds made by combinations of letters.

Wings!

Four curious baby birds sit in a nest.  One opens its wings.  This is a first.  Moving from the safety of the group, this brave soul grasps the edge of the nest and gazes at the distance from the nest to the ground.

In a moment of courage, with no instruction or practice, the baby bird jumps.  It does not end as well as it could have.  It hurts.  It's wet.

Something good attracts the bird's attention.  There is a decision to make.  There is an action to take.

Three siblings rejoice at the persistence, ingenuity and generosity of their nestmate.  That baby bird is downright jubilant.  A soul and body soar.


All the emotions felt by this baby bird beat in readers' hearts as the words are read silently or aloud.  Cheryl B. Klein cleverly and with intention strings these words together to tell us a tale of adventure.  All these words rhyme supplying a special cadence.  This beat is enhanced by the insertion of periods, pauses, exclamation points and a single question mark.  This encourages irresistible participation. 


There is not a group of listeners circled around a reader for story time that won't sigh when they see the front of the open and matching dust jacket and book case.  They will readily identify with the baby bird perched on the edge of the nest.  They all know about balancing on the edge of something trying to decide if they should jump or not.  The title text and the baby bird on the edge of the nest on the jacket are raised to the touch.

To the left, on the back, the courageous tiny bird, greets its parents as they rest, side-by-side, on a nearby branch.  A snail seen throughout the book is resting on the ISBN.  Instead of continuing the pale blue seen on the front, a soft lavender is the canvas for the back.  On the opening and closing endpapers is a lighter variation of the bright pink colors used in the baby birds.  A double-page picture for the verso and title pages shows two trees on either side, one holds the nest and on the other the parents rest and watch.

Rendered by collage using Avery full-sheet labels with markers for the color and the background paper was painted using acrylics, these illustrations are a departure from the usual technique in the artwork of Tomie dePaola.  Nevertheless, readers can see hues associated with his work in these images.  The backgrounds alternate between pale yellow, light orange, light pink, pale lavender, pale green and a pale bird's egg blue.  These canvases highlight the vibrant pink, blue, green, brown, orange and purple hues in the palette.

Readers will delight in the perspectives presented by Tomie dePaola.  For the first few pages we are close to the nest and the actions of the baby bird.  At one point, for maximum effect we move closer to the baby bird's face full of discouragement.  For one of the words only a portion of the baby bird is shown.

Wordless illustrations bridge between one word and the next placing emphasis on the pacing.  The book closes with the final of four visuals without words.  Careful readers will note the emotions shown in the eyes of the baby bird throughout the book.

One of my many favorite illustrations is for the word Wrings.  On a pale lavender two-page canvas bright spring green stretches along the bottom.  A blue puddle takes up half of the space.  On the left readers will notice something special moving into the scene.  On the right the curious snail watches the bird, shaking droplets out of its feathers.  You can almost hear the combination of water and wings.


For a theme on rhyming, spring, poetry or birds I highly recommend Wings written by Cheryl B. Klein with illustrations by Tomie dePaola.  I can see this story expanding into creative dramatics with listeners acting out each word.  It would be a wonderful readers' theater.  You could have children expand the list of rhyming words.  You will want to have a copy for your personal and professional collections.  With this book, the theory of less-is-more takes flight.

To discover more about Cheryl B. Klein and Tomie dePaola and their other work, please follow the links attached to their names to access their websites.  Cheryl's website is highly informative.  She offers thoughtful extensions for her books and her other skills.  Tomie dePaola has a blog linked to his name, too.  Cheryl B. Klein has accounts on Instagram and Twitter.  Tomie dePaola has an account on Facebook. On October 22, 2018 Tomie dePaola was the featured illustrator at The New York Times Books with a video on Facebook.  This is a lovely look at Tomie dePaola's work.  He reads from a previous title.  Cheryl B. Klein and Tomie dePaola are interviewed by Elizabeth Bird at A Fuse #8 Production, School Library Journal for the cover reveal.  To view interior images please visit the publisher's website.

Stay The Course

We count down the days, weeks, and months.  Our anticipation continues to grow.  Others have worked far longer to ensure a promise filled with possibilities becomes something we can hold in our hands.

When the expected date arrives, we can hardly contain our excitement.  We read it first, consuming it with care, savoring the words and pausing at the illustrations.  We read it a second time to experience the joy it brings, again.  This is how readers feel when characters we enjoy, those who have captured our hearts, return in a companion book.  The positive, can-do attitude of Penguin in Flight School (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, April 15, 2014) is an inspiration to all.  Today he's back in Penguin Flies Home: a Flight School story (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, January 15, 2018) written and illustrated by his talented creator Lita Judge.

Penguin loved to fly.

It was true he needed a little help with
the technical parts---but that's why he
worked hard as a student at flight school.

Penguin had the most important characteristic needed to fly; he had heart.  There was nothing Penguin did not like about flying except at the end of the day.  It was then he thought about his home and the penguins there.  He wanted his friends to feel the same exhilaration he felt when flying.

His teacher and Flamingo knew Penguin needed to go home.  This next morning a normal take off turned into a field trip . . . a long, long field trip.  Penguin was happy to be home with his penguin friends.  He presented Teacher, Flamingo and Egret with pride.  Next on his agenda was to teach all those penguins to fly.  Fly?

It's safe to say his exuberance was not reciprocated.  He tried his best to demonstrate the basics, flapping, jumping, going up and landing, but one by one his penguin pals dove into the water for a swim.  His usually energetic manner was crushed.  Alone, he wandered to a snowy peak watching darkness descend and the aurora begin.

Penguin thought and thought and knew he had to hold fast to his dreams.  In the morning he wanted to tell his friends he was going back to Flight School with Teacher, Flamingo and Egret.  Penguin had no idea of the surprise awaiting him.  It was a victory for love.


Within the first two pages, even without reading the first Penguin book, readers will know of this bird's passion for flying.  Through the writing of Lita Judge he continues to acquaint us with all the explicit sensations he has when high above the landscape beneath him.  Our appreciation for his mentors grows with their acute observations.

With intention and care Lita Judge inserts little bits of humor in the side comments of Penguin's pals at home.  In his desire to pass on his love of flying to them, he does not hear what they are saying which makes his heartbreak more profound.  It also contributes to the elation Penguin (and readers) have at the end.  Here is a passage.

I don't think so!

I think we heard wrong.

Penguins don't fly.

"Follow me birdies!"
Penguin said.
"It's time for class to begin."


On the front of the dust jacket you simply can't resist smiling when seeing the happy grin on Penguin's face as he glides away from his gathered penguin pals.  His colorful red goggles, spread wings and fluttering feather embellishments are sure to lift readers' spirits and send them soaring, too.  If you are questioning the lines around his body disappearing off the top of the page, an answer will be revealed.  Certain elements in this image are varnished and raised.

To the left, on the back, within a circular picture, we see Teacher, Flamingo, Penguin and Egret flying over the water to Penguin's home.  This illustration is framed by a white canvas.  On the opening endpapers with a pale blue background we are presented with the Flight School Yearbook.  It is a collection of ten framed drawings of notable characters and two of Penguin's memorable moments.  It is first here we note Penguin has become the Flight School Mascot.  Labels and captions provide further explanations.  In contrast on the closing endpapers with a rich black canvas, we have Penguin's Scrapbook. This collection of ten images captures fun-filled activities during the visit home.  As in the first endpapers, comments in the scrapbook increase readers' connection to the characters.

A light wash of blue and yellow begin the pictorial story on the verso and title pages.  A pelican wearing a mailbag (starting on the far left) flies over Penguin (on the right) perched on a wooden piling.  The pelican drops him a postcard from the South Pole wishing Penguin well at Flight School. 

The illustrations rendered in watercolor by Lita Judge are double-page pictures, full page visuals, loosely framed circles on single pages or a series of small images on two pages.  Their size is dictated by the narrative.  The shift in perspectives will have readers gasping in admiration.  Readers will delight in the details in the characters' facial expressions and body postures.  Whether we are at Flight School, the South Pole, on land, in the air or beneath the water, these illustrations are alive with emotion.  They glow with a special essence straight from this artist's soul.

One of my many favorite illustrations spans two pages.  Across most of the background is a night sky at the South Pole.  It pulses with the aurora Australis; a few stars shining against the darker sky.  Along the bottom a still ocean rests.  To the far right are two icebergs.  Taking up most of the bottom half on the left is a curved high jut of ice.  Penguin prints move to the top.  There stands Penguin with his back to us; feathers and line streaming behind him.  His red goggles make for a striking comparison.


Penguin Flies Home: a Flight School story written and illustrated by Lita Judge is a book you will be asked to read again as soon as it is finished.  Readers welcome the warmth radiating from the characters.  In Penguin with his round body, soul of an eagle and cheerful mind-set, there is a hero they can embrace.  I highly recommend this title for your personal and professional bookshelves.

To discover more about Lita Judge and her other work, please visit her website by following the link attached to her name.  At the publisher's website you can view interior images.  They are also found at Lita Judge's website, but she includes numerous concept sketches, too.  The book trailer with an interview is premiered at Watch. Connect. Read., the blog of Scholastic's Ambassador of School Libraries, John Schumacher.  Lita Judge maintains accounts on Instagram and Twitter.

Taking Wing . . .

We were traveling from northern Michigan back downstate to our homes.  The views from the two-seat airplane were spectacular.  Riding with a pilot known for his excellent flying abilities provided a sense of safety until . . . he did a loop-de-loop. YIKES!  Who knew your legs could turn into cooked noodles in a matter of seconds.  For a girl with no fear of heights, this was an epic moment.

Safely back on the runway at a nearby small town airport, my self-assurance at being above ground was shattered and replaced with unease. There were times in the following years when this was set aside to help others with a greater fear than mine or when a foot of snow needed to be shoveled off a roof.  The confidence and courage were still present but the distress at being up was stronger.  Little Iffy Learns To Fly (Two Lions, October 17, 2017) written and illustrated by Aaron Zenz is certain to strike a chord with anyone fearful of taking the first step (or flap) in realizing their full potential. 

Little Iffy is a bitty griffin.

       Griffins are part lion   
       and part eagle.

The eagle part of Little Iffy prefers to have both feet planted on the ground.  The slightest sound startles this gentle soul.  As he watches his red balloon drift away, he knows he won't fly.  He knows he won't go up to get it.

Down is Little Iffy's favorite word.  Down feels safe.  Down is rock solid.

Little Iffy's friends have other ideas.  They want him to fly.  Eggs Pegasus is full of plans.  It's one of her best qualities.  A swing set, a long slide and a tower of friends are essential to possible success.  With each suggestion Little Iffy has the same reply.  He finally sits at

the down-est 
place he can find. 

Suddenly, through no part of any plan, Little Iffy is in the up-est place he was avoiding.  Grabbing hold of that which he lost, an earlier fright places him in even greater jeopardy.  Down takes on a whole new meaning.  So does up.


The simple sentences in the narrative and conversations penned by Aaron Zenz leave no doubt as to Little Iffy's whole attitude on flying.  With a few more page turns we are also aware of the support Little Iffy has in his group of friends.  They recognize his fear but offer encouragement whenever they can.

A repetition of key words and phrases welcomes reader participation.  Aaron interjects humor in the unexpected element during the last of three plans.  It's guaranteed to trigger laughter.


Upon opening the book case the scene on the front extends over the spine to the left on the back.  Little Iffy's three additional friends are smiling and talking as they lean in from the left edge.  Clearly Eggs Pegasus wants her friend to fly but he's certainly not ready.  His fearful look is in direct contrast to the expressions on his friends' faces.  The cheerful pastel colors on the case are found throughout the title.  A rich purple covers the opening and closing endpapers.

Digitally rendered the illustrations begin to tell their story on the title page with a happy Little Iffy holding a red balloon.  Aaron alters the picture sizes from two pages to single pages to assist with the pacing of his narrative.  A crisp white, pale blue or pale yellow background is perfect to draw our attention to his characters.

Readers will readily identify with Little Iffy.  I'll bet younger gals and guys have been in many of the shown body postures at one time or another.  What's really wonderful is the way Aaron uses a balloon and bee several times to enhance his story.

One of my favorite of many illustrations is when the unplanned element is introduced into the story.  As our eyes move from left to right, even before seeing what happens to Little Iffy, we know a huge surprise is coming. The looks on the three friends' faces are anything but happy.  Aaron Zenz cleverly leaves it to readers to guess what Little Iffy is thinking and feeling.


Little Iffy Learns To Fly written and illustrated by Aaron Zenz expresses with utter charm the joy found when we do the thing we think we can't do.  Young readers are going to want to hear this story read to them repeatedly.  And you will gladly comply.  You will want to have a copy on your professional and personal shelves.

To discover more about Aaron Zenz and his other work, please visit his website by following the link attached to his name. Aaron maintains an Instagram account filled with his delightful artwork.  Aaron wrote a guest post for the Nerdy Book Club, The Family Who Reads.  School Library Journal hosts The Yarn podcast when Aaron visited Travis Jonker's school for an author visit, Anatomy of an Author Visit with Aaron Zenz.  Author and educator extraordinaire, Colby Sharp, showcases Aaron at one of his 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 interviews on SHARPREAD.  Aaron visits All The Wonders, Episode 280 with librarian Matthew Winner.  I know you will enjoy reading about Aaron's spectacular project at Artprize.


Be sure to visit the other stops on this blog tour.  You'll read some fantastic interviews, book reviews and get to see loads of artwork in the process of creating this book.  Have fun!

Monday December 4: Mile High Reading
Tuesday December 5: Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
Wednesday December 6:  100 Scope Notes
Thursday December 7:  Everead
Friday December 8:  Librarian's Quest
Saturday December 9: Amanda's Pile of Books
Sunday December 10:  Kids Talk Kid Lit
Tuesday December 19:  Nerdy Book Club
Monday January 1: Picturebooking Podcast

To Follow Your Heart

Some decisions require lengthy deliberations, vocal or mental, accompanied by a list of pros and cons.  Other decisions need to be made in a split second.  There are also those choices despite the reasoning in your mind; you go with the convictions in your heart.

As a young bird, any bird, your first thoughts after food might turn toward the art of flying.  After all, it provides you with a means of transportation, safety and gaining a view of the world few ever see.  Whether they are fiction or nonfiction there is an uplifting joyfulness to the work of author illustrator Lita Judge.  Her newest release, Flight School (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, April 15, 2014)) will send the hearts of readers soaring.

"I was hatched to fly," said Penguin.
"When do classes start?"

Penguin has zipped by outboard motor and rowboat from his home in the South Pole to the nearest flight school.  It's here that birds are given lessons allowing them to take to the air.  When Teacher gently reminds him he is a penguin he responds---

"Undeniable," said Penguin, "but I have the soul of an eagle."

Reluctantly the instructors allow Penguin to participate in the lessons.  First there is much flapping to gain heights.  This is followed by running starts.  Weeks pass with Penguin as eager as the next bird.

The big day arrives when the pupils are given permission to make their first flight.  When others lift and glide on the air currents, Penguin plunges into the depths of the water.  Dreams crushed, Penguin realizes the only thing to do is head home.

He really believed with the soul of an eagle he could rise into the wild blue yonder.  A shout brings Penguin back to the shore.  A cheerful heart is contagious encouraging the most glorious ideas.  Happy with the outcome, Penguin, a little later, comes back with a big surprise.


With the first conversational exchange between Penguin and Teacher Lita Judge introduces three elements into her story, hope, compassion and gentle humor.  Regardless of his body's characteristics Penguin chooses to pursue his dream.  Teacher and Flamingo even knowing Penguin's chances of flight are impossible allow him to be a part of their class.  We readers know without even turning a page the outcome.

Lita Judge, in this story, has created characters we view with affection.  They mirror those best parts in all of us.  Like a warm hug, the optimism in this narrative envelopes readers.


In this title, rendered in Judge's masterful watercolor and pencil illustrations, we initially feel drawn to the penguin on the matching dust jacket and book case wrapped in fishing line and feathers, sporting a pair of red goggles. The edge-to-edge illustration on the verso and title page begin the story as Penguin speeds away in his boat, riding in the bow toward flight school. Most of the remaining pictures cover both pages similarly but to accentuate a portion of the story she uses single pages or frames a visual in a loose line.

A pale glowing golden background adds to the joyous spirit in this tale.  Warm shades of brown, cream, orange, and yellow with a splash of red continue the sense of charming comfort.  Even her blues and greens shine.  Altered perspective draws the reader into each scene; flight practice, Penguin plunging into the water, and Flamingo's reaction to his return.

My favorite illustration is Penguin running down the beach decked out in the fishing line, feathers and his red goggles.  The jubilation on his face and in his body posture is endearing.  The legs of Flamingo, Teacher and the small friend in pursuit say a great deal about the tenderhearted bond which has grown between him and them.


If you are looking for a title about dreaming the impossible dream look no further than Flight School written and illustrated by Lita Judge.  It presents readers with a cast of lovable characters who look on the bright side of life.  Sometimes we truly need the help of our friends to keep our heart full; we gladly extend this goodness to others.

For more about his book and Lita Judge please follow the link embedded in her name to her official website.  She is asking educators to help her with ideas for using this book in the classroom.  Here is a link to an earlier interview at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast hosted by Julie Danielson.