Gifted With . . .

When we enter this world, we have undiscovered potential.  Those closest to us, our family members, may try to steer us toward a generational family tradition or occupation.  They may see us as the next great beekeeper, politician, educator, doctor, grocer, carpenter, chef, clothing designer, gardener, or musher.  Even though the choices seem limitless, the path we follow, according to them, is already defined.

Our gift or gifts do not always align with their desires.  Sometimes, they are the exact opposite of family expectations.  If we are fortunate, we will be supported regardless of which direction we take.  As the monster in Anzu The Great Kaiju (Roaring Brook Press, January 11, 2022) written and illustrated by Benson Shum discovers, sometimes such approval is not quickly or easily earned.

All great kaiju are born with a superpower

to strike fear in the heart of their given city.

Anzu desires to follow in his family's footsteps.  He does have a conspicuous dilemma.  It is hard to 

strike fear in the heart of 

your city when your superpower is of the floral variety.  Yes, Anzu has flower power!  He sees and summons loveliness everywhere.

When Anzu reaches a certain age, he is assigned a city.  He can hardly wait to cause chaos.  His mother and father decide to first demonstrate by example what he needs to do.  He must unleash wild weather and earthly upheaval.

Alas, Anzu conjures up wreaths and necklaces of flowers and a playground appears when he uproots a huge tree.  The residents in his city are wildy ecstatic.  No matter what he does, they get happier and happier.  There is a contrast in the air between  the despondency of some and the pure bliss of others.  What is Anzu to do?

Now, Grandmother steps on the scene.  She tells him to dig deep into the powers passed to him from those of his past.  Anzu does this and there is an enormous resonating sound.  No one is more surprised than Anzu at this result.  Anzu has a decision to make.  Only his heart has the best answer.

With his first sentence, author Benson Shum fills us with anticipation.  When we learn of Anzu's superpower, in light of this statement, we are struck by the incongruity of this monster's situation.  It is a bit humorous, and a lot wonderful.

Anzu's story is told with a mix of added sound effects, conversation, and narrative.  Benson Shum's word choices not only convey the mood of the moment, but bring us into the action with their welcoming cadence.  Each of the family members speaks their truth with affection for one another.  In keeping with the back and forth between rumble-tumble turmoil and flower-power glee, we are privy to the conflict facing Anzu between pleasing one's family and staying true to yourself.  Here is a passage.

SHWACK!

Vines and flowers erupted,

twirled and swirled into a

jungle of seesaws and slides.

"A great kaiju should unleash havoc," Dad said.

"NOT happiness."

How can you not want to reach out and hug bold yellow and orange Anzu when seeing him perched on the framed title on the dust jacket?  His happiness is contagious to everything around him as color bursts forth in the form of flowers and butterflies while the tiny residents of his city enjoy the effects of his superpower.  Anzu and the title text box are varnished on the front of the dust jacket.

To the left of the open dust jacket, on the back, is white space.  Above the ISBN at the bottom, two teeny residents are laughing as they balance on a seesaw.  Above them a cascade of flowers spin from left to right.  Toward the top Anzu is placed in a rectangular frame with a teal background.  He is exclaiming 

PEW PEW PEW 

as flowers come from his mouth.

The book case is a vibrant spring green.  Covering the back and a large portion of the front is an array of flowers in shades of red, purple, pink and yellow with glossy green leaves.  On the front Anzu is lying on his back, smiling and looking at the wonder his superpower has created.

The opening and closing endpapers appear to be an open guidebook on monster superpowers.  Opposite each depiction of the monster is a list of their superpowers.  There are circles around some of the superpowers.  Throughout the pages are hand-drawn stars, hearts and other doodles.

Rendered

with watercolor and ink and compiled digitally

these illustrations are as spirited as Anzu.  Colorful backgrounds showcase the other cheerful hues.  Black lines accent the glorious selected shades.  Sometimes, on a crisp white background wider lines will frame the text and an image.  A smaller framed visual and text are placed on a double-page picture for maximum effect.  The image sizes reflect the text and focus on the facial expressions and body postures of the characters superbly.  The final two-page picture is wordless and represents the marvelous conclusion.

One of my many favorite illustrations is after Anzu's first attempt at terrifying the citizens of his newly acquired city.  The background is sky blue.  There is a dirt and grassy dirt mounds along the bottom.  Garlands of flowers are floating from the sky in bright colors.  The tiny beings are dancing.  One shouts Hula!  Garlands are on the ground and hanging from the mounds.  Anzu's mother stands to the right of all this merriment, holding a garland and looking distressed.  She is a lot taller and thinner than Anzu, a light teal in color with large white spiny plates down her back.

There comes a time, many times, in our lives when we have to decide what is best for us and best for those around us.  This title, Anzu The Great Kaiju written and illustrated by Benson Shum, shows readers with great joy how to be guided by your heart and to stay true to yourself.  I highly recommend you place a copy in both your personal and professional collections.  This is to be shared often and widely especially as a read aloud.  

To learn more about Benson Shum, please follow the link attached to his name to access his website.  Benson Shum has accounts on multiple social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Benson Shum wrote a guest post this month on author Tara Lazar's Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) during Storystorm.  Benson Shum is interviewed about his work and this title on author Erin Daley's site, author illustrator Jena Benton's site, writer Vivian Kirkfield's site, and Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez's Math is Everywhere.  At the publisher's website you can view multiple interior images.

Countdown To 2019 #3 Bears

There are eight surviving species.  Of these eight, six are in trouble and facing possible extinction.  One of them can smell prey more than one-half mile away and more than three feet under the snow.  Another spends half their time in trees, even building platforms on which to rest. A third can exist for at least six months without eating or drinking or eliminating body waste. They have been known to run at least forty miles per hour.  They are clever enough to wipe away their trail to evade hunters and can spring a trap without hurting themselves to eat the bait.

When formed into toys they've comforted countless children for generations. They are beloved characters in classic and current children's literature.  We humans have an affinity for bears.

Little Bear's Big House (Chronicle Books, October 9, 2018) written and illustrated by Benjamin Chaud is the fourth companion title in a delightfully detailed series (The Bear's Song, The Bear's Sea Escape, and The Bear's Surprise).  This small guy is off and running on another adventure.

The sun streams through the pines, melting the snow and warming Teeny Tiny Bear as he naps.  Mama and Papa Bear are careful not to disturb their slumbering cub.  They don't see the frown on Little Bear's face or the restless twitch of his tail.

Little Bear is bored with life in the forest.  He seeks excitement other than among the trees.  He wonders what a little boy would do.  As he passes by other animals in his search, they all want him to stop and play or eat or hunt.  He keeps on walking until sunset.

Before him is a clearing he has never seen.  A tall many-windowed, many-floored estate rises in front of his eyes.  The open front door is an invitation he can't resist.

Running from room to room Little Bear sings, plays and explores galore.  He loves doing what he wants to do when he wants to do it.  In the middle of all this fun, a loud

BANG!

freezes him.

It must be monsters, lots of monsters.  He wonders what a little boy would do.  He bravely walks toward the sound, whispering a mantra to give himself courage.  He stops. Terrified.  It IS a monster, a three-headed monster!  There are roars.  There is running.  There are tales to tell in the morning.  

Amid the elaborate descriptions of setting and actions by Benjamin Chaud runs an impish thread of humor.  He inserts just enough dialogue in his story to give us a better idea of Little Bear's thoughts.  Piece by piece the anticipation grows until Little Bear knows he is not alone.  What readers know, and Little Bear does not, is a perfect hilarious twist.  Here are two passages.

Monsters!  Little Bear hides under the covers.  And, just like a little boy, his imagination takes flight.  The monsters probably have long fangs and large claws and black eyes, not to mention grumbling stomachs!

Thump, CRASH, thu-thump, CRASH! What should a little boy do?  What should a little bear do?

When readers open the matching dust jacket and book case the night scene before them is brimming with questions.  Why is Little Bear running and carrying a floor lamp?  Why is he wearing that polka-dotted frock?  Where is he?  

To the left, on the back the image extends to show his family walking toward the clearing.  Teeny Tiny Bear is followed by Mama Bear and Papa Bear.  The local animals are on high alert.  The red opening and closing endpapers are patterned in a repeat of three plants found in the forest.  Beneath the text on the title page stands Little Bear posing like a hero attired in a cap, cape and stockings.  

With the exception of five pages all the images are double-page pictures.  With intricate details every single one tells an ever-expanding story of its own.  The smaller images on single pages accentuate the pacing and increase the comedy.  Readers will be unable to contain their laughter when Little Bear is visiting every room or playing in a series of eighteen small visuals.

One of my many favorite illustrations spans two pages.  It is a cut-away of the large red house in the clearing.  It shows us three floors of rooms and stairways.  In each room we can see what Little Bear is doing.  It's funnier than funny at how much he is enjoying all this freedom.  

Little Bear's Big House written and illustrated by Benjamin Chaud is another fabulous title in this set of books.  I highly recommend it for your professional and personal collections.  At this link the publisher gives us an inside view of Benjamin Chaud's studio.  Here is an interview with Benjamin Chaud at PictureBook Makers.

One of children's literature's favorite bears is back. In the season of winter it's a widely known fact, certain species of bears engage in a form of hibernation but a beloved bear is having problems.  Bear Can't Sleep (Margaret K. McElderry Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, October 23, 2018) written by Karma Wilson with illustrations by Jane Chapman is a precious presentation of exemplary friendship.

In his home in the forest,

while the cold wind blows,

Bear snuggles in his quilt

from his nose to his toes.  

We all have those nights when falling asleep is a struggle.  With snow falling and drifts getting deeper and deeper, Bear should be having sweet thoughts of summer honey.  Instead he flips from side to side under his cozy quilt.  He is wide awake!

His friend Mouse scampers inside to make sure Bear's fire is going.  He's shocked to see Bear not sleeping.  Even a cup of fresh mint tea does not help Bear drift into dreamland.  Badger and Hare stroll into Bear's den, each doing their best to help him sleep but nothing works.

Other animal friends, Mole, Gopher, Wren, Owl and Raven check on Bear.  A soothing lullaby might work.  It does not.  Finally Bear roars the truth.  He's awake and completely bored so he decides to entertain his best pals.  

As he tells a tale, they lean in, comfortable and warm.  It's a new one, never heard by any of them.  Just as he gets to the end . . .

When Karma Wilson weaves words together in this book, she fashions a gentle fabric to envelope her readers in peace and calm.  A beat is formed by the entrance of Bear's friends, their attempts to help him rest and the repeating phrase of

And the bear can't sleep. 

Lines two and four of each group of sentences rhyme like a soothing song.  Here is a passage.

"Ho, Mouse!" says Hare.

"We were just out walking.

Bear should be asleep,

but we both heard talking!"

The image on the front of the matching dust jacket and book case extends over the spine to reveal more of Bear's den.  Even though we understand by the title he is unable to sleep, he is also surrounded by all his friends.  Their concern is obvious as is his frustration.  The colors used in this illustration, throughout the book, radiate congeniality.  

The opening and closing endpapers show us the wintry woods as snow falls and wind blows.  A small opening in a drift reveals Bear in his glowing den.  There is a distinct difference in his face between the first and second double-page visuals.

Rendered in acrylic paint Jane Chapman's pictures alternate in size from small spot illustrations, to full-page images to double-page visuals.  She gives us a variety of inside views of Bear, his cave and his friends.  The size of the pictures pairs beautifully with the cadence of the story.

One of my favorite illustrations spans two pages.  On the left we can see the snowy woods through the opening in Bear's abode.  He is stretched across the center covered in his patchwork quilt.  Badger and Hare are standing on either side of him.  Mouse is placed in front of his nose, deep in mint leaves.  In the right-hand corner, the fire burns with a tea kettle hanging over it.

Readers will come to understand this story, Bear Can't Sleep written by Karma Wilson with illustrations by Jane Chapman, ties in marvelously with another of Bear's books.  It is a must-have title for those who enjoy the series, for those who love a good story and for those who need to fall fast asleep.  Links are attached to both Karma Wilson's and Jane Chapman's names for accessing their websites.  Karma Wilson maintains an account on Twitter.

A friend in need is a friend indeed.

When a call for help is answered, it's a sign of friendship or friendship in the making.  Got to Get to BEARS! (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, October 30, 2018) written and illustrated by Brian Lies is an action-packed adventure of forest friends intent on reaching someone in need. Nothing will stop them.

When Izzy read the note, she knew she had to go.

Izzy was a chipmunk.  The sky looked like bad weather was coming but if Bear asked her to come as soon as possible, that was all she needed to know.  It started to snow.  Soon it was so deep, she was stuck.

Scritch, a squirrel, asked where Izzy was going.  He offered to help her by leaping from tree top to tree top with her on his back. They finally reached a point where they were unable to keep going.  Bingle, a duck, was more than willing to fly the duo.

The snow storm turned into a blizzard and Bingle was blinded.  They tumbled onto a snow-covered roof.  They each decided walking should be tried again.  The duck was moving slower and slower.  When a raccoon came along, they were more than ready to ride on his back.  Snaffie kept going.  Soon only Izzy was above the snow now, guiding the raccoon.

A glow in the distance gives them hope.  Are they too late?  What Bear and all her friends do next is the very best kind of surprise.

As a storyteller Brian Lies has a gift for engaging his readers immediately.  With the note Izzy receives from Bear, a mystery begins.  To have this call for assistance come at the same time as the beginning of the snow storm heightens the tension.  We become further involved as each animal makes an appearance and offers support.  This tension and tempo increase in tandem with the depth of the snow and intensity of the blizzard.  This is why the surprise is pure perfection.  Here is a passage.

As they went, the sky darkened, the wind grew

wild, and snow stung their faces like tiny bees.

"Can't see!" Bingle screeched.  "Can't see!"

Rendered in acrylic paint on Strathmore paper the illustrations reach out to readers as soon as we see the double-page picture featured on the matching and open dust jacket and book case.  Tall trees and the forest floor are fully blanketed in snow.  A huge mound provides a placeholder for the ISBN on the back.  A lantern glows above it.  The four friends lean into the wind, determination etched on their faces.  The text and friends are varnished on the jacket.

The same shade of red in the title text is used to cover the opening and closing endpapers.  On the initial title page Bear is leaning against her window looking out into the snow.  On the formal title and verso pages, a note is delivered to Izzy with a bear paw print sealing it closed.  It flutters down from a retreating bird who seems to be carrying a mail bag on its back.  (These are the kind of wonderful details Brian includes in his artwork.)

Each illustration speaks to and enhances the narrative.  Some of the pictures are full-page, others are small loosely framed circles.  A series of four horizontal panels extend over a double-page visual.  And then we are treated to a large image over two pages.  Brian also has four vertical panels on two pages.  Layer by layer, image by image we become more a part of this story.  You will cherish the realistic portraits of the animals and their facial expressions.

One of my many favorite illustrations is when Bingle is flying straight into the blizzard.  All around the duck is dark blue and snow.  She is streaking toward us on the right side of a double-page picture.  Her right wing crosses the gutter.  The squirrel and chipmunk are hanging on for their lives with their eyes closed.  

Without a doubt readers are going to love Got to Get to BEARS! written and illustrated by Brian Lies.  They will be captivated by the mystery and adventure . . . and shocked at the surprise.  I know they will ask to have the story read to them again.  If you follow the link attached to Brian Lies' name, you can access his website.  Brian has an account on Twitter and Instagram.

Girl Power Graphic Novels---The Blog Tour

Being asked to participate in the First Second week long event showcasing graphic novels championing female characters is indeed an honor.  During this five day tour twenty sites are offering posts about one or more individual titles or new titles in a current series.  All readers will find something to like about these stories and the lively individuals coming to life within the pages.

Machine parts, candles, Jell-O and desserts are made using molds.  This does not work well when applied to people.  In fact the idiom, they broke the mold, implies uniqueness in characteristics.  Certainly when one follows their passion, building on their gifts, and loves doing this, they have probably stepped outside any predetermined role for them.

In the spring of 2012 readers were introduced to a young girl, a character, who most definitely does not conform to expectations.  She, her brother and best friend burst on the children's literature scene in Giants Beware! (First Second, April 10) written by Jorge Aguirre with illustrations by Rafael Rosado.  The entire crew plus royalty numbering seven returned in Dragons Beware! (First Second, May 12, 2015) written by Jorge Aguirre, illustrations by Rafael Rosado, story by Jorge Aguirre and Rafael Rosado and color by John Novak.

The third book, Monsters Beware! (First Second, March 13, 2018) written by Jorge Aguirre, art by Rafael Rosado, story by Jorge Aguirre and Rafael Rosado and color by John Novak continues The Chronicles of Claudette with a powerful edge-of-your-seat adventure.  Claudette, her brother Gaston, who loves almost nothing more than cooking and Marie, the daughter of the Marquis who does not want to go to finishing school, are selected to represent Mont Petit Pierre in the Warrior Games due to Claudette's clever and quick thinking.  No one at this time is aware of the extreme danger the entire kingdom is facing.

A long time ago,
in a town not too 
far away . . .
A young girl from the Mountain Citadel
moved to Mont Petit Pierre.

Because of her undeniable battle skills . . .
. . . she was chosen to represent the town
in the elite WARRIOR GAMES, along with a
boy named Augustine and a young marquis.

Gaston is reciting this story of his mother who through saving the lives of the two boys gets Mont Petit Pierre banned from the Warrior Games until now.  What the reader will learn is she married Augustine, Claudette's and Gaston's father, but later was lost.  Eight teams are competing in the games.  All the members of the teams appear to be ready, willing and able except for Gaston and Marie.  Claudette, on the other hand, is brimming with confidence, enough for all three.

Hilarity begins on the first day when instead of battling monsters the event is butter churning. The Marquis's wife has persuaded him to change the events due to their daughter's participation.  As the day closes the mystery begins.  It seems the team from The Great Lakes Kingdom has vanished.  That night Gaston (and readers) witnesses a horror.

The next day during truffle hunting the danger to everyone escalates at top speed.  No one, not even Claudette, believes what Gaston and now Marie have seen.  Evil is lurking under disguise.

A final competition changes everything for the trio after Claudette makes a hard choice.  But oh, readers this is not the end.  The captivating conclusion will leave you breathless and cheering.


From beginning to end, every single conversation, every piece of dialogue, crackles with excitement, humor and the strength of friendship and family (good and evil).  Jorge Aguirre writes with the sure knowledge of his audience weaving his story to reach as many readers (and listeners) as possible.  You can't help but feel as though you have been invited to participate in the tale.  This third book, full of unexpected twists and turns, will find a special place in your heart.  Here is a passage.

Can't you convince the Marquis to pick me for the Warrior Team?
Please, Poppa! Please!!!
I could win the games
for our town.
I'm a winner.
Winning is my 
thing.
  
There are more
important things than
winning, Claudette.

Sure...
There's also
honor, glory,
and bashing
monsters for
the fun of it.
But winning is 
my main thing.


There's no doubt about the personality of Claudette and her determination to be a champion when you view the front of the cover.  We know evil is lurking in the foreground but we're not sure what (or who) is there yet.  Marie, Gaston and Valiant, the dog, let us know whatever it is; we might want to think about running.  This is what illustrator Rafael Rosado conveys with excellence.

The panels range in size to depict superb pacing.  Sometimes smaller images are placed within a larger picture.  Speech bubbles contribute to the emotions of the characters in each sequence.  Point of view enhances those moods.  We move from humorous to absolute fear in seconds.

One of my favorite illustrations of many is a small panel among four on a single page.  Claudette is looking completely aghast at the fact they are looking for truffles instead of battling monsters.  She is wide-eyed and downcast sitting next to an overturned wooden bucket.  She is leaning on the top.  Valiant is on top next to her arm.  It's her expression which will have readers laughing out loud.  Rafael Rosado is a genius with facial features.


Once you start Monsters Beware! written by Jorge Aguirre with art by Rafael Rosado, story by Jorge Aguirre and Rafael Rosado and color by John Novak you won't be able to stop.  These characters and their adventures are like family.  I highly recommend this title and this series for both your professional and personal collections.

To learn more about Jorge Aguirre and Rafael Rosado please visit the series website by following the link embedded in Jorge Aguirre's name.  At the publisher's website you can view interior pages. There are many others links in the blog post about the second book referenced above but this interview at The Beat Comics Culture is not included.




If you thought you might be through with monsters, you are most certainly not. Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter (First Second, April 3, 2018) written by Marcus Sedgwick with art by Thomas Taylor is about an orphan girl whose famous monster hunter parents were killed in action.  Her problem is she is not allowed by decree of the Royal Academy for the Pursuit and Eradication of Zoological Eccentricities to hunt for monsters.  She is too young.

Midnight . . .
The Academy has announced that another monster is on the loose.

I really think you ought to put your seat belt on, Miss Hart.

Scarlett is riding in a car affectionately called Dorothy with her butler named Napoleon.  He resides with her and Mrs. White the housekeeper and cook at Ravenwood Hall.  They do indeed encounter a monster who favors gulping down humans but before they can nab it and claim the reward, their nemesis, The Count, gets a picture of the monster claiming the kill.  Why didn't Scarlett get it first?  She saves a human child at the scene.

If Scarlett is caught hunting by the Watch (police) they could lose everything.  Does that stop her from hunting or Napoleon from going to T. R. A. P. E. Z. E to get word on the next monster?  It does not.  Each time they track down a monster, they know it could be their last time.

One evening Napoleon mentions a secret book called The Codex Monstrorum which explains why the monsters came.  The story hints it might offer an explanation about Scarlett's parents' deaths.  What Scarlett discovers about the book and the dastardly person who possess it, could spell disaster for their entire city.  There's more than one kind of monster.

Marcus Sedgwick does not disappoint as a graphic novelist.  At his website, a link which is attached to his name, you can access a micro-site for Scarlett Hart Monster Hunter which is wonderful.  Don't miss the site of illustrator Thomas Taylor.  He has lots of links relative to the artwork for this title.  You will be leaping from your seat at seeing some of the scenes.  At the publisher's website you can view interior images. 

This title is full of non-stop action from the first page as a monster gulps down an unsuspecting sailor on the docks and it rarely stops until the surprising ending.  You will read the final word and smile and hope there is a sequel being written.  Readers are going to gobble this up like monsters.




More than half way through The City on the Other Side (First Second, April 24, 2018) written by Mairghread Scott with art by Robin Robinson I can safely say I might stay up all night to finish it.  The time is not long after the huge earthquake in San Francisco on April 18, 1906.  We humans attribute it to scientific causes BUT . . .

There is a war being fought in the land of fairies between the Seelie and the Unseelie Courts.  It is quickly easy to understand why one side needs to win over the other.  It is the timeless battle between good and evil.

A girl, a human, discovers she has the ability to pass through the veil from her world into the realm of fairy.  She is the key to stopping the war.  She has a quest to complete.  She has allies, one unexpected but she also has powerful enemies.

Readers won't want to miss this title.

Please follow the links embedded in the creators' names to access their websites.  At the publisher's website you can view interior images.  Mairghread Scott and Robin Robinson are interviewed at Book Riot, Comicosity, and The Beat Comics Culture. 

Odd Couple Kalinka and Grakkle Blog Tour

Living beings act in surprising ways.  Time and again there will be stories of animals, sometimes enemies, who pair for survival.  People, total opposites, will spend lifetimes together.  Somehow they are able to overlook their differences and find small windows of togetherness. 

Sometimes those small windows of togetherness open when the two are experiencing their worst moments. Kalinka and Grakkle (Peachtree, April 1, 2018) written and illustrated by Julie Paschkis (Flutter & Hum: Animal Poems, Aleteo y Zumbido: Poemas de Animales Henry Holt and Company, August 18, 2015) is about a decidedly odd couple.  They give new meaning to the word opposites.

Kalinka was a little yellow bird with a neat cap of red feathers.  
"I'm such a good bird", she said to herself.
"Good as gold, with a cherry on top."

Her neighbor, Grakkle, was big, green, hairy, cranky and an all-around messy kind of monster.  Kalinka took it upon herself, after flying in Grakkle's open window, to begin to put the chaos in his home in order.  All Grakkle said over and over was:

"Grakk!" 

Grakkle wanted no help at all.  He did want his Auntie Grumble's homemade ginger cookies.  He did want to rest his feet in a bucket of pickle juice.  He did want to snooze in his best chair, his only chair.
The problem was Kalinka.

Eating every single one of Grakkle's cookies except for crumbs was not a good idea.  She picked up his stuff but was clueless as to where it should go.  Putting pencils in a box of spaghetti and mail in a toaster was not wise at all.  You had better believe there was a whole bunch of

"Grakk!" 

being said by a very frustrated monster.

Finally Kalinka did the one thing which sent this monster into a frenzy.  He had a fit.  She ended up in a dire situation.  Her tidiness wouldn't save her now.

"Grakk!"


On the first page Julie Paschkis clearly defines the two characters in appearance and demeanor.  Before you even turn to the next page, you know there will be tension.  What you do not know is Kalinka will misunderstand every single one of Grakkle's Grakk! exclamations.  She thinks he's perfectly happy with everything she does. 

The narrative blends well with Kalinka's happy chatter and Grakkle's angry mumbles.  This supplies humor and leads us wonderfully to a startling twist.  Here is a passage.

Grakkle swatted at the bag.  He belched and scratched his head in confusion.  His hair stood out every which way.
"This beast's appearance is appalling," said Kalinka.
"Luckily for him, I do have a way with hair."
She perched on his head and got to work.
"Gr-r-r-r-rakk," grumbled Grakkle.
"You're welcome," said Kalinka, tying a bow in his matted hair.


It will be interesting to see what readers believe they are seeing on the opened, matching dust jacket and book case.  What is all that curly green?  Are those the outlines of hands on the right and the left on the spine?  Kalinka is already busy speaking.  To the left, on the back, within a white background (on the green) and gracefully framed in signature Julie Paschkis lines and flowers are words spoken right before Grakkle's temper explodes.

The opening and closing endpapers are a soft white with larger yellow dots. (Grakkle's wallpaper)  On the initial title page Julie includes a dedication and features Kalinka and the hands of Grakkle.  She continues with this design but uses Grakkle's tail as a perch for Kalinka on the formal title page.

Rendered in ink and gouache the illustrations, most of them on two pages, employ delicate lines but also manage to convey Grakkle in all his monster glory.  He is indeed a monster and his home is a mess. His expressions as Kalinka goes about her merry way are a huge signal of events to come.  Julie Paschkis uses lines and dots, flowers and leaves to separate text and wonderful patterns on items in Grakkle's house, even if they are patched.  The inclusion of the black pot-bellied stove with a tea kettle simmering adds a bit of old-world charm.

One of my many favorite illustrations is on a single page.  It shows the kitchen table covered in a beautiful patterned cloth.  Chairs are placed to the left and right.  In the upper right-hand corner a bit of curtain billows out.  Kalinka is perched in the center of the table.  She has nearly finished consuming all of the ginger cookies.  Grakkle wearing his vest and belt and with arms upraised is about to go crazy.  He's horrified and angry at the blissful unawareness of Kalinka.


Kalinka and Grakkle written and illustrated by Julie Paschkis will promote all kinds of discussions about what binds friends together.  Readers will see that sometimes the wrong kind of help can make matters worse.  They will also see that even the grumpiest grump has a soft spot.  This title would be an excellent addition with other odd couple books at story time and of course, books about friendship.  Julie's artwork will endear readers to the characters.

To learn more about Julie Paschkis and her other work, please follow the link attached to her name to access her website.  On the Peachtree blog, here and here, Julie talks about this book. Julie chats about the evolution of this title on the Books Around The Table site.

In The Middle

Family dynamics are constantly shifting to accommodate the ebb and flow of the personalities of individual members.  No two family dynamics are the same.  With that being said, sometimes the middle child in more than one family struggles to be noticed.  It seems the majority of favorable attention is given to the oldest and youngest siblings.

Most children would rather not be invisible.  A little bit of love can make all the difference.  Bub (A Paula Wiseman Book, Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, January 16, 2018) written and illustrated by Elizabeth Rose Stanton is about a little monster in the middle of an older sister and a new baby.

This is Bub.

His real name is Bob.

Unfortunately for Bob when writing his name on the first day of school, he didn't close up the o.  (It's surprising how a tiny error like that can have a lasting effect.)  Bub's family consists of Maw, Paw, his sister Bernice and The Baby.

In case you're wondering why the baby is called The Baby, it's because Maw and Paw still have not selected a name.  They shout and argue about names too much.  This loudness makes Bub cranky.  He knows they can be quiet because when Bernice is practicing her violin, they shush him.

The Baby demands constant consideration.  It is freely given by Maw and Paw regardless of Bub's presence.  One day, one day when Bub is already cranky, Bernice and The Baby say the wrong things to Bub.  This little middle monster makes a decision. 

A necessary change goes unnoticed for nearly an entire day.  When attention is finally given in the form of a written message, a reply arcs and loops through the air.  Love finds a way.


Straightforward and succinct sentences written by Elizabeth Rose Stanton appeal to readers of all ages.  The descriptions of the baby-naming campaign, the praise given to Bernice and affection showered on The Baby strike a collective chord in siblings' hearts.  When Elizabeth Rose Stanton introduces little bits of dialogue, we are endeared further to Bub.  Here is a passage.

And when Maw and Paw could
not agree, they could be extra LOUD.
GERTRUDE!
GISELLE!
GABRIELLA!
GLADYS!
This made Bub feel grumpy.

How about Bea?  (Bub)


One of the first things you notice when unfolding the dust jacket is the soft white canvas.  Elizabeth Rose Stanton uses white space masterfully here and all through the title.  It is an essential element on every page allowing her fine lines, delicate colors and pops of red to radiate a certain charm.  The significance of Bub holding the purple crayon will become apparent.  The same hue used in the title text covers the spine.  When our eyes move to the back, the left, Bub's family including the cat, greets readers with smiles and open arms.  (I am working with an F & G.)

On the opening and closing endpapers two colors appear; first pale green and then white.  They are reversed at the conclusion.  On the opening endpapers a small folded paper airplane is at rest in the lower right-hand corner.  An A+ mathematics paper for Bob is placed in the center of the left-hand side of the closing endpapers.  Bub stands amid crayons, papers, a pencil and his whistle beneath the text on the title page.

Rendered in pencil and watercolor the illustrations vary from single page pictures to two page images.  The attire of the characters and their facial expressions are comical and winsome.  That single tooth peeking out from each smile is grin-worthy.  What readers need to notice are the six portraits hanging on the wall in the living room.  From left to right are a space alien, Frankenstein, Henny and Peddles from Elizabeth's first two books, a monster family member and a one-eyed purple guy (The Purple People Eater?).  Their expressions change as the climate in the family changes.  You'll laugh out loud when the parents are shouting.

One of my many favorite illustrations is on a single page.  Paw is standing behind Maw.  Maw is holding The Baby.  Bernice is blowing Bub's whistle.  Her violin and its bow are on the floor next to her.  Bernice is blowing on the whistle so hard, the ribbons on her dress are falling off the fabric.  Hearts are coming out from the whistle.  The others are shouting BUB!!


This book, Bub written and illustrated by Elizabeth Rose Stanton, is for every child who feels invisible in their family.  It is also for those who have never felt lost as a family member.  It reminds them of the importance of each individual.  We need to be aware of each other exercising empathy.  This book will resonate with all of your readers.  I believe it will generate the best kind of discussions.

To learn more about Elizabeth Rose Stanton and her other work, please follow the link attached to her name to access her website.  Elizabeth has a blog here.  You can find her on Instagram and Twitter.  To view interior illustrations please visit the publisher's website.  Elizabeth is interviewed about her work at Dani Duck Artist Obscure.

A Courageous Climb--Mighty Jack And The Goblin King Blog Tour

We've all experienced those moments when the end result of a situation is in question.  A ball is pitched, the batter swings and hits.  The ball soars, seemingly suspended in the air.  Everyone in those few seconds wonders if it is a home run.  Dark clouds swiftly move across the sky, wind whips weeds, leaves and branches, thunder rumbles and there is a flash of lightning.  With a pounding heart you wonder if you will reach shelter in time.  These and numerous other circumstances happen every single day.  And usually we don't have to stand by for long to get an answer.

In works of fiction these cliffhanger scenarios can be particularly tense because readers may have to wait until a sequel or companion title is published.  You are so caught up in the action you don't realize you have come to the last page until astonished you stare at the final words.  You simply can't believe it!  This is exactly what happens in Mighty Jack (First Second, September 6, 2016) written and illustrated by Ben Hatke.  This wild variation on Jack and the Beanstalk leaves you wanting more as soon as possible.  Let me tell you, the second title, Mighty Jack And The Goblin King (First Second, September 5, 2017), is an equally rip-roaring ride in the unexpected.  It is worth every second of the wait.

RMPH!
Climb!
I'm trying!
Use my shoulder
to--That's it, now--
HRRGH!
OW!
GASP!
HUFF!
I wonder-
HUP!
I wonder where we are?
Let's find out. 

Jack and his friend Lilly are in pursuit of the ogre who captured Jack's little sister Maddy.  They have been climbing a beanstalk but where it goes is out of this world...literally.  This beanstalk acts as a bridge between worlds suspended in space.

Before they can even catch up with the ogre, a mischief of evil rats causes the separation of Lilly and Jack.  Against all instincts, Jack has to leave Lilly, injured and lying hundreds of feet beneath him.  Saved and healed by goblins ousted from their castle by giants and those rats, Lilly realizes the goblins expect her to marry their king.

Finding a way into the castle with assistance from ones he saves, Jack is horrified by the fate in store for his sister.  Her blood and bones will serve to help the giants maintain control of the castle, a nexus point between worlds.  If the device being heated is not feed a human when it is ready, it will explode.  Even Phelix, a dragon friend whose appearance is timely and uncanny, can't help Jack save Maddy.

Beneath the castle, in the sewers, a battle wages, with a spectacular and surprising result.  Laws governing goblins are strange and wonderful. Within the castle, Jack faces seemingly insurmountable obstacles.  A din grows and a machine growls.

There are battles, physical, mental and emotional, choices and sacrifices.  Nothing will ever be exactly normal for the trio again.  Adventure is there waiting...and needing their presence.


There is nary a doubt about the heart of Ben Hatke.  With each beat his gift as a storyteller is made visible through his words (and his art).  His characters reside in worlds conducive to the events in which they find themselves.  It is the very definition of high adventure.

In this volume we see Jack and Lilly as comrades with a common goal even though for a significant part of the narrative they are engaged in separate secondary tales.  These story lines allow them to mature emotionally as tough choices are presented to both of them.  When Hatke brings them together again, they are a stronger team.

What readers will appreciate is the sense of humor which surfaces throughout this story.  Not only are the conversations in which it appears funny but they contribute to the exquisite pacing.  As the story is told another treat for readers is the marvelous manner in which Hatke answers previous questions weaving every thread together to fashion a fantastical fabric.


 When you look at the front of the jacket and case of this title, you know Jack, his sister Maddy and Lilly will be in a fight for their lives.  You wonder about the glowing-eyed creatures and the rats.  Are they friend or foe?  What kind of place contains all those pipes?  A page turn reveals Jack and Lilly standing on the enormous beanstalk, now no longer going up but across.  A wordless, two page spread opens the story with a single, gloved hand reaching through vines and rocky cliffs.

The art for this book was drawn on laser printer paper with Sakura Pigma Micron pens (sizes 005, 01, 05, and 08) over lightly colored pencil.  Colors were accomplished digitally using Photoshop.

Most of the panels are framed in a wider white border but their sizes and shapes vary to keep our eyes moving at the same cadence as the story.  Sometimes Hatke has images with no words to emphasize a point.  He may place one or more smaller illustrations over a large two-page picture.

I have many favorite images but I can't tell you about some of them without spoiling the story, which I would never do.  In one of the scenes in which you find yourself cheering, we seen a group of goblins in a chamber with Lilly.  They are garbed in cloaks, tunics, helmets and armor and some have swords.  Lilly has just adjusted her wedding attire.  Her stance is determined as is her expression.  She says

Bring me a sword.


To date I have read Mighty Jack And The Goblin King written and illustrated by Ben Hatke twice.  There are specific sections which I have read over and over and over again.  Hatke never fails to entertain and surprise us.  His characters, with their strengths and weaknesses, are inspirational to the core.  This title as well as Mighty Jack is going to be very popular.  I would have multiple copies available.  I am already acquiring some for my Halloween giveaway.

If you desire to learn more about Ben Hatke and his other work please visit his website and Tumblr pages by following the links attached to his names.  At the publisher's website you can view several interior illustrations.  You will enjoy watching this video in which Ben Hatke talks about this work.

To visit other blogs participating in this tour follow this link to First Second to get a full list.

Derriere Duds

There are some words, whether you shout them from the rooftop or whisper them so quietly only a dog could hear, which will trigger a supreme case of giggles if not outright guffaws.  These words do not need to be said in any formal setting such as storytime when the word is part of a title or used within the narrative.  You can walk by a group of younger guys and gals quietly working and say the word as you pass.  As soon as they hear it, they will stop and ask a question hardly able to contain their mirth.

One such word which comes to mind is underwear.  In Monster's New Undies (Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc., June 27, 2017) written by Samantha Berger with illustrations by Tad Carpenter I do believe laughter will fill the air as soon as the cover is shown and won't stop until after the final word is read.  An entire book about underwear?!  Be still my storytime heart.

Of all days I dread, 
not one can compare
to the day that we shop
for NEW underwear.

This monster detests shopping for underwear to the degree he is willing to have small, old, and torn undies.  He is even fine with wearing nothing.  He has one pair left, his favorite pair.

Then the worst thing possible happens.  Using them like a sling shot, his final favorite pair falls into pieces.  At this point he realizes wearing nothing is a tad bit chilly and a wee bit embarrassing.

So without further ado, it's off to find another pair with mom at Undie World.  Yes, readers, there is an entire store dedicated to underwear.  There are pairs patterned in everything under the sun and under the sea.  There are more sizes than this monster thought possible but nothing, not a single one, is to his liking.  One monster, his mom and a store clerk are discouraged...totally.

Then his monster eyes spy what might be a miracle tucked nearly out of sight.  Could it be?  Monsters gather.  Monsters gasp.  Breaths are held as an inspection and a moment's reflection reveal a truth.


Humor fills Samantha Berger's heart.  As she writes it spills to the page, bringing merriment to this story.  Within every paragraph she supplies a final rhyming word in lines two and four.  The mix of rhythm and comedy elevates the reader's experience.

Each reader can identify with the monster as he anguishes over the loss of a favorite article of clothing.  Experience tells the monster (us) shopping to find something equally beloved is fruitless.  Here is another sample passage.

THESE are my undies!
A sweet work of art!
SNAP!
UH-OH!
My undies!
sniff
They just fell apart!


Readers will enjoy the dust jacket and book case created by Tad Carpenter.  Using a limited color palette throughout this title we are introduced to the colors on the dust jacket first; lime green, red, blue, black and white.  Plainly we can see Monster is happier than happy with the underwear he is wearing.  To the left, on the back, everything is identical except we are viewing it from the back of Monster.

The book case is done in the blue hue.  Monster is pictured identical to the dust jacket on both the front and back but he and his shadow are alone.  On the opening endpapers a red canvas features all kinds of underwear in blue and white.  There are white stars placed among the underwear.  The closing endpapers have the blue as a background shade.  Monster and company are showcased in red and white.  Without revealing more, you will understand the significance of the characters highlighted once the title is read.

On the verso and title pages Monster is wearing a bathrobe on the right carrying a blue ducky as drops of water fall from his body.  On the left is an old-fashioned bathtub with puddles of water on the floor.  Most of the illustrations rendered by Tad Carpenter span two pages followed by two (or four) single-page pictures.

Monster's expressions, large, wide eyes and two-tooth grins and grimaces are true crowd-pleasers.  Notice the details included by Tad Carpenter.  On his dresser Monster has a lamp with a skull for a base.  At Undie World there is a 50% sign next to the door.  The logo for Undie World looks surprisingly similar to Monster's favorite style.

One of my many favorite pictures spread across two pages.  The canvas is black, a textured black, based upon the illustrator's technique.  Across the top, on either side of the gutter, are four pairs of blue and white underwear.  Beneath them are another four pairs.  Monster's head is larger, closer to us.  It takes up a little more than a third of the bottom.  His huge eyes stare at us on either side of the gutter.  His horns are upright.  He is definitely frowning.


Expect laughter, lots of laughter, when you read Monster's New Undies written by Samantha Berger with illustrations by Tad Carpenter quietly to yourself, one-on-one or to a group.  It's packed with fun.  It would pair nicely with Ballet Cat Dance! Dance! Underpants! by Bob Shea.  

To learn more about Samantha Berger and Tad Carpenter and their other work, please follow the links attached to their names to access their websites.  Both have accounts on Instagram too.  Scholastic in Canada has two interior pages to read and view.  Teacher librarian Travis Jonker who blogs at School Library Journal, 100 Scope Notes, included this title in his 10 to Note: Summer Preview 2017.

News Flash! Monster On The Loose!

There are days within a few minutes of a lesson or browsing for books starting, the entire class is called back to the tables.  Looking each student in the eyes, I question them, wondering what happened last night.  One or more voices ask me what I mean.  Again, I inquire whether they were abducted by aliens or if a dark cloud passed over the city while they were sleeping.  Seeing their quizzical looks, I inform them monsters seem to be here instead of my wonderful students.

After seconds of stunned silence, we all burst out laughing dissolving the spell cast over the guys and gals.  Most people of all ages have those moments when their true selves are replaced with something out of the ordinary.  Rodzilla (Margaret K. McElderry Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, May 9, 2017) written by Rob Sanders with art by Dan Santat brings the latest news to readers about mayhem in normally quiet streets.

Big, bad trouble
in Megalopolis.
This is Channel 15
News reporting, and ...
one moment, please...

The reporter is stunned by the sight of an enormous, green chunky lizard called Rodzilla! His roar is deafening.  His first attack has the citizens gasping for breath as a fog as green as his skin fills the air.  And the smell is enough to have skunks running for cover.

Innocent bystanders are scrambling as gooey gobs plop after the launching of a disgusting projectile.  Wait!  Something new is happening.  The colossus has paused.  A rumbling is resonating from his rotund figure.  Head for the hills people!

Emergency personnel are on the scene trying to redirect his focus and clean up the area.  Oh, no!  He seems to have lost his equilibrium.  What is going to happen to Rodzilla...not to mention a whole block of buildings?

Beware residents of Megalopolis the mammoth  is on the move once more!  He's heading to the heart of the community.  He's ready to reach for new heights. Yikes!  Another disaster floods the folk watching in horrified shock.  Is this the end of their fair city?  Will no heroes step forth to vanquish this jumbo giant?  Let's hope for the best.  Stay tuned.


When the on-the-scene reporter begins and continues this narrative, readers know they are in for an action-packed treat.  Rob Sanders takes us into the thick of the pandemonium, presenting what is normal as if it is extraordinary.  Short but descriptive sentences and phrases create the comedy, leave clues and lead readers to a conclusion; a conclusion which they have previously witnessed or may have been a participant.  Here is sample passage.

Look out! ... He's ... heading ... to ...
City Center Park!
Rodzilla has unleashed ...
a slime missile!
Drivers are losing control of their vehicles.
Pedestrians must duck for cover.


Careful readers will begin to gather hints as to the narrative when looking at the matching dust jacket and book case.  Dan Santat has designed a cityscape but includes certain childhood toys as elements; the alphabet blocks for the author name, the Etch A Sketch for his name and the Tinkertoys.  To the left, on the back, and over the spine the image extends.  More buildings can be seen with a large pinwheel reaching skyward like a modern-day windmill.

On the opening endpapers Santat begins his pictorial depiction with a skyline like dawn as Rodzilla stalks into the city wearing the TOTALLY ROD t-shirt, big grin stretching across his green face.  The closing endpapers extend the story into the next possible episode. The verso and title pages show us the entrance to the city with the tail of Rodzilla providing space for publisher information on the spikes.  Rendered in watercolor, pencil and Photoshop most of the illustrations span two pages.

To portray points of a shift in the action smaller pictures are grouped on a single page, unframed and framed opposite single-page pictures.  The full color visuals with varying perspectives fully fascinate readers with the inclusion of large sound effect fonts.  The huge image covering two pages of Rodzilla's possible downfall is spectacular.  The expressions on his face and those of the townspeople (and nearby critters) will have readers unable to contain grins and giggles.

One of my many favorite illustrations is when Rodzilla is on the move again, as big as and even better than before.  A blue sky background fades to golden near the bottom of the page as lines of sound radiate from the monster's body, his stomping taking him close to the city center.  Legs lifted and arms moving in rhythm, his eyes are closed in concentration and his mouth a line of determination.  Cars are pushed aside and airborne.  People are fleeing, screaming and grimacing in fear.  The point-of-view is masterful (as it is in all the pictures).


You can be sure you will be hearing a chorus of read-it-again over and over once your listeners have heard the words and seen the illustrations in Rodzilla written by Rob Sanders with art by Dan Santat.  It's a scenario familiar to many so there will be loads of laughter.  You will want a copy on your professional and personal bookshelves.  This duo is a winning combination.

To learn more about Rob Sanders and Dan Santat and their other work please access their websites by following the links attached to their names.  You can view several interior images at the publisher's website.  Rob Sanders is interviewed at Writers' Rumpus.  Dan Santat is interviewed by teacher librarian and blogger Travis Jonker at 100 Scope Notes, educator Dylan Teut at Mile High Reading and by Connie Hsu at The Horn Book.  Educator Colby Sharp, a man wearing many hats in the kidlit community, mentions this title in a post on his blog, sharpread, 2017: The Year of The Picture Book Read Aloud .

Start Your Engines...The Race Is On

If your windows are down as you approach, even miles away, you can hear the roar beginning.  It's the sound of more than twelve thousand fans gathering for the day.  The stands and infield are packed with people.  Trucks are parked inside the circular track.  Family and friends are seated in chairs on the roof of those trucks to get a better view.  When the flag drops, those voices are joined by the rumbling of engines as the race at Michigan International Speedway begins.

Shouted conversations speculate on the outcome.  Will the favorite finish first or will a "dark horse" speed and weave around the front runners?  A dastardly, delightful spin on who might win is found in the rip-roaring Monster Trucks (Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, July 12, 2016) written by Anika Denise with illustrations by Nate Wragg.

On a SPOOKY speedway...
MONSTER TRUCKS MOAN!
MONSTER TRUCKS GRUMBLE!
MONSTER TRUCKS GROAN!

We meet those lined in a row and ready to go; one with parts started by a spark, another which lifts his hood to howl, a third more dead than alive but ready to drive, another who is a shadow of his former self, and the fifth and final entrant who seeks to drain the energy of everyone.  The flag goes up and then down, the sound is deafening as the competition commences.  The battle is fierce as they circle.  What's this?  Another competitor has arrived!

It's a bus, a little blue bus, bustling to join that bunch of boisterous bullies.  The others tower over the timid truck.  They're ready to feast on her apparent fear when, with a shout, a challenge is issued.  Shifting into high she leaves those snide rides real fast as they fade into the rear.

Maneuvering with skill the smallest takes the lead as the furious five spin and collide.  Now in the open, the little blue bus is a target, a bull's eye for what has burst forth from the mess of metal.  The finish line looms.  Will the mighty of heart meet their doom?  A trick and a twist are revealed under the light of the full moon.


The beat generated by the rhythm of the rhyming, alliterative, and onomatopoeic words written by Anika Denise is sure to have readers and listeners ready to race (or dance at the very least).  The narrative pauses in several places as a familiar refrain, three phrases describing the monster trucks, chants the current mood.  Word choices and punctuation create a cadence that flows and is never forced.  Readers feel as though they are observers of midnight madness, a race run in the absence of daylight and humans.  Here is a sample passage.

It's a monster mash-up!
CLANG!  BOOM!  BASH!  BANG!
Every truck for himself---by piston and FANG!
When out of the pit...with a PUTT and a TOOT
comes a LITTLE BLUE BUS
looking perky ...and cute.


Opening the dust jacket (I'm working from an F & G.) readers are greeted with a full image left to right, back to front, of the five fearsome monster trucks revving their engines as they race down the track.  Nothing is going to stop them as they fight for position.  Nate Wragg uses a full color palette but lights from the headlamps, speedway stands and the full moon cast shadows and an eerie glow to the scene.

On the title page the ghost truck glides in through headstones, looking at the reader with wide eyes.  Three other trucks travel over darkened ground and through trees looking like skeletons on the verso and dedication pages.   A lone gas pump, shaped like a coffin, drips gasoline as vampire truck slurps a sip.  Bats fly across the sky.

Most of the illustrations rendered in acrylic paints with digital color are spread over two pages or a single page, edge to edge.  For one portion of the narrative Wragg uses three smaller horizontal pictures on a single page to heighten tension at a turning point in the story.  The animation on the truck faces is superb, more scary than cute.  Every visual is charged with energy.

One of my favorite illustrations is when the monster trucks are blasting from the starting line.  Their expressions are full of determination as they face forward or give each other the evil eye.  They are going so fast they are nearly airborne.  The sky behind them is shades of orange, full of golden yellow rays shooting upward from the ground behind them.  You actually believe you can hear the engines and the screams from the crowd.


Bright and bold Monster Trucks written by Anika Denise with illustrations by Nate Wragg is a finger-snapping, toe-tapping read aloud; a seasonal selection or for a monster or truck themed story hour or event.  You need to plan on reading it more than once because your listeners will want to participate with gusto in the word play. It's noisy, scary, fun and a little bit tricky.

To learn more about Anika Denise and Nate Wragg please follow the links to their respective website and blog.  Nate Wragg also maintains Tumblr pages.  Anika is a guest post writer at Angie Karcher's RHYPIBOMO site.   Enjoy the sampler and book trailer.

UPDATE:  Anika Denise is a guest at PictureBookBuilders.  Enjoy the interview. August 9, 2016

To Follow Or To Break

Nearly every evening it was a routine during dinner.  Looking to make sure my mom was preoccupied, my dad would pick up a piece of food with his fingers. Inevitably my mom would catch him in the act exclaiming "Use your fork!"  Dad would laughingly reply "Fingers were made before forks!"  We would all laugh despite the fact we had heard this so many times we had lost count.

Even though my dad was able to do this, no one else dared to do the same.  If household "directives" were not followed, there were consequences; consequences of the variety insuring said "directives" would be followed in the future.  Rules Of The House (Disney Hyperion, May 3, 2016) written by Mac Barnett with illustrations by Matt Myers will have you rethinking your position on obeying rules.

Ian always followed the rules.
Here he is following the rule
ALWAYS PACK A TOOTHBRUSH.

Ian never falters in his steadfast adherence to what his family or society at large requires of him.  Ian's older sister Jenny is the exact opposite.  She takes particular delight in breaking the rule of not pinching.  OUCH!

The two are on their way with their dad to a large cabin in the woods to spend their vacation.  As the brother and sister squabble in the back seat, their dad reminds them of another rule,

DON'T TELL LIES.

The decor in the house is quaint and classic with an old potbelly stove, a claw-foot bath tub and a bearskin rug.  Ian loves all this stuff.  To his delight a set of rules, numbering four, have been left by The Management.  The last one states the red door is to be left unopened, ALWAYS.  Jenny agrees to comply but still calls Ian toady.

A variety of outdoor activities are enjoyed during the day but when inside the house Jenny breaks the first three rules with abandon and determination.  When Ian cautions her and chants his familiar phrase, Jenny snaps and...opens the red door.  HA!  Not one little thing happens. BUT when Ian and Jenny are all snuggled in bed, the fright comes into the night.

It's simply too scary for words.  Okay...okay...here are a few hints.  Someone is about to become an entree.  Did I mention monsters?  Another someone has to make decisions completely out of the ordinary.  Power to toothbrushes and to them who wield them!


With impeccable pacing and a masterful story arc, Mac Barnett has our attention from the very first page.  We are invited into the story with his wording as he makes statements and then demonstrates the veracity of each.  The trio of rules woven into this initial portion of the narrative is integral to the conclusion.

Barnett carefully creates the contrast between the siblings with a blend of text and dialogue.  You know something is about to change when you read two defining sentences at the close of the outdoor activities.  There is a shift in the atmosphere of the story.  It gets scary but not too scary after Jenny opens the red door.  Two short phrases speak volumes.  As readers' heart rates increase so does the tension in this tale racing toward the ending.  Here is a sample passage.

Best of all was a framed piece of paper
in the hallway that said

THE RULES OF THE HOUSE

"Look!" said Ian.  "Rules!"
"You're such a toady," said Jenny,
and then pinched him.
"OUCH!" said Ian.  "You're not
supposed to---OUCH!"

Ian drew a deep breath and read out
the rules with gusto.


Appropriately inviting and scary the front of the dust jacket screams you have to read this book.  Artist Matt Myers incorporates the tree trunk letters into the landscape.  The fiery red glow from the inside of the house draws our attention to the animated items.  To the left, on the back, a single toothbrush is highlighted in a yellow star with the rule printed beneath it.  The book case, left and right, is the red door.  We are doomed as soon as we open this book.  A pale sea green is used for the opening and closing endpapers perhaps in reference to an eye color mentioned in the story.  The title page and verso images are the red door.  Opposite the verso Myers has the children jumping back in fear at something they have seen.  The stage is set.

The picture sizes and perspectives are altered to fit the mood of the story; each one creating a separate effect.  Myers places a smaller image within a large visual.  He gives us a bird's eye view of the day's fun, mapping it out before us.  This allows for the contrast in what is to come; those haunting (but not too haunting) scenes of the cabin after everyone has gone to bed, the awful encounters in the children's bedroom and the kitchen.  The background colors play a significant role also noting a change in the current conditions.  Myers' use of light and shadow works wonderfully.

One of my favorite illustrations is of Ian standing outside in the dark wearing his pajamas and carrying his toothbrush.  He is standing on a small hill thinking.  Evergreen trees are placed in the background with silhouettes of more trees behind those.  His head is framed in a full moon.


On the first reading of this book, Rules Of The House written by Mac Barnett with illustrations by Matt Myers, I thought---Gals and guys are going to love this book!  It's a fantastic combination of scary and fun.  Beneath the fast-paced action runs an exploration of rules; when to follow them and when to break them.

To discover more about Mac Barnett and Matt Myers please visit their websites by following the links attached to their names.  Enjoy the video interviews of Mac Barnett at Reading Rockets.  Mac Barnett speaks at TED, Why a good book is a secret door.  Both Mac Barnett and Matt Myers are on Twitter.  @macbarnett and @myerspaints  Enjoy the video chat below with Mac Barnett and Matt Myers at Politics & Prose Bookstore.