It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like . . . 2019 #7

The anticipation in the air at the beginning of December has increased daily as the hours seem to speed by faster and faster.  Some of the dates planned and longed for have arrived.  For those celebrating Christmas, there is less than forty-eight hours until it officially begins.  Social media is brimming with people sharing their cooking, decorating, gift wrapping, travels and fun with family and friends.

Three characters from the woodlands who have brought us thoughtful stories and loads of laughter are together again.  One Wild Christmas (Kids Can Press, September 3, 2019) written and illustrated by Nicholas Oldland features the bear, the moose and the beaver who previously appeared in Big Bear Hug, Making The Moose Out Of Life, The Busy Beaver, Up The Creek and Walk On The Wild Side.  As we have come to expect, there is a problem, a big problem.

There was once a bear, a moose and a beaver whose very favorite time of year was Christmas.

Together for their first Christmas Eve, they were busy, making the most of their time.  There was cooking, hanging of stockings, stringing lights and gift wrapping.  They wanted this to be a perfect celebration.

When it came time to decorate the tree, they discovered they had no tree!  The trio set off outside.  Each tree they found did not satisfy their expectations until alone in a clearing was a splendidly shaped pine tree.  Now the friends were faced with their second problem.  

The beaver and moose wanted to cut it down.  The bear was aghast.  How could they destroy a living thing?!  There was a fight, but it did not last long.  Bear was the biggest of the three.  The tree was spared but their perfect celebration was currently flawed.

An idea courtesy of a tiny red presence in these books had the bear swiftly returning home on his red sled.  It was a rather difficult journey there and back to the pine tree, but the bear was determined.  As soon as the moose and the beaver (tied to the pine tree) saw their friend, they knew this was going to be the best Christmas any of them had ever experienced.  And it was.

The straightforward, simple structure of the sentences in this narrative speak to a wide range of readers.  Nicholas Oldland leaves plenty of room for us to bring our own life events into this story.  It's a marvelous manner in which to connect with the characters.  This technique also allows for his images to expand the tale, for the inclusion of dialogue and for his humor to soar.  Here is a passage.

First they came across

a maple tree . . .

TOO SMALL (the moose)

Next they saw

a birch tree . . .

TOO WHITE (the beaver)

Then they bumped into a towering

cedar tree . . .

TOO BIG (the bear)

None were quite right.

Looking at the matching and open dust jacket and book case, readers first focus on the airborne red sled with our three characters holding on tight to each other and the sled rope.  It's amazing to see the range of emotions in their eyes.  Is that excitement, fear and determination?  This entire scene certainly adds emphasis to the word wild in the title.

To the left, on the back, the image from the front crosses over the spine and extends to the left edge.  The snowy hill begins in the upper, left-hand corner and is dotted with several clusters of evergreen trees.  When you see how steep it is, it's easy to understand how the trio is speeding down the slope.

A lovely spring green covers the opening and closing endpapers.  On the initial title page, the three friends, wearing their Santa hats, are engaged in a snowball fight.  On the verso and title pages, two snowy hills create a blue-sky valley for the text on the right.

Rendered in Photoshop the illustrations by Nicholas Oldland span two pages, are grouped together to show multiple tasks at the same time or are placed on single pages.  Both the double-page pictures and the full-page pictures are shown with altered perspectives to elevate the mood and the hilarity.  Careful readers will enjoy the details included in the images. Our favorite little red bird makes an appearance, too.

One of my many, many favorite illustrations is the first one, a double-page picture.  It is an outdoor setting with snow on the bottom, blue sky on the top and a staggered row of evergreens between the two.  On the left, the beaver, the moose and the bear are standing together, wearing their Santa hats, and looking directly at the reader.  They have their arms around each other.  To the right are three snow personalities.  First is the bear, next the beaver and then the moose. The nose on the bear, the teeth on the beaver and the antlers on the moose are spot-on to their living counterparts.  You simply can't look at this without smiling or giggling.

Anytime a book makes you laugh, tells a good story and leaves you thinking about a profound truth, it's a book you'll read again.  One Wild Christmas written and illustrated by Nicholas Oldland is meant to be read aloud and shared as often as possible.  This is one title you'll want to add to your professional and personal collections.

To learn more about Nicholas Oldland and his other work, please follow the link attached to his name to access the information provided by his publisher.  At the publisher's website you can view multiple interior pages.  Be prepared for Christmas cheer.

Embracing Friendship And Holidays

In eleven days a special event dating back to 1887 is observed.  On February 2nd a groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, exits his home.  According to tradition if he steps out into the sun and sees his shadow, we have six more weeks of winter.  If the day is cloudy, spring is not far behind.  History tells us that similar celebrations were followed in ancient times in Europe.  They were in turn brought to America with immigrants.

Less than two weeks after Groundhog Day another popular annual holiday is welcomed by many.  It's a time to declare love, share love and remember love.  There is no better way to enjoy this day than in the company of friends.  Groundhug Day (Disney Hyperion, December 5, 2017) written by Anne Marie Pace with illustrations by Christopher Denise presents a problem unique to a charming group of forest friends.

Valentine's Day was only two weeks away,
and Moose was planning a grand party.

Squirrel, Bunny and Porcupine offer ideas for making the party extra special.  For Moose the best part of the party is extending an invitation to everyone.  Bunny is the first to point out a potential complication. 

If their friend Groundhog sees his shadow tomorrow, he will miss the Valentine's Day gala.  All four of them have plans to avoid this dilemma involving a calendar, a blindfold, a tent and Groundhog being stuck inside his home.  They spend entirely too much time arguing about the best strategy.  The sun rises.

When Groundhog sees his shadow, he turns around, scampering back inside and his friends are stunned.  Moose quickly asks Groundhog if he is afraid of shadows.  His reply has them brainstorming. 

Moose, Bunny, Squirrel and Porcupine speak of the beauty of shadows to Groundhog.  Intrigued he steps outside to enjoy the fun of their creations.  At the end of the day though he goes back inside.  There is indeed six weeks of winter remaining.  Groundhog loves his friends giving them a warm embrace before he leaves.  In six weeks when this fellow emerges from his home, a plot twist leaves him and readers surprised but smiling.


With her opening sentences author Anne Marie Pace issues an invitation to readers not for a single celebration but for the joy found in the friendship of these forest creatures.  She also establishes a storytelling rhythm which is repeated giving each of the four, Squirrel, Bunny, Porcupine and Moose, a voice.  They express their views on the necessary components of a great party, how to stop Groundhog from seeing his shadow, their friend's fear, using shadows inventively, and guessing at Porcupine's shadow puppets.  The blend of conversations and narrative is perfection.  Here is a passage.

"Hey, Groundhog," Moose finally said.
"What if we showed you just how awesome
shadows are?  I'll show you the ways leaves
blowing in the wind make shadows dance!"

"I'll show you how to draw silhouettes!" said Bunny.  

"I'll show you how clouds cast shadows on the hills," said Squirrel.


Just looking at the opened dust jacket created in warm, rosy hues welcomes readers to the party pictured and the story unfolding on the book's pages.  It's a cozy scene with the affection apparent in the gestures of the animals.  Squirrel is holding out a box of candy, Bunny is carrying Valentine balloons and Porcupine is giving Groundhog a hug.  Moose is in the background attending to the details of the party.  And speaking of details, readers will notice many in this first image and throughout the book.  To the left, on the back, a pale rose canvas holds a place for a circular illustration framed with a tiny yellow line.  In the picture Bunny is holding a Valentine card and Squirrel is holding a Valentine balloon. 

On the book case the same shade of pale rose covers the front and back.  A single Valentine balloon floats on the front.  The spine on the case and jacket is in yellow with three rose hearts above and below the title text.  On the opening and closing endpapers in various hues of pink, rose and red is a pattern of various Valentine cards and Valentine balloons.  Beneath the text on the title page Groundhog in his robe, holding a steaming beverage and the morning paper, is looking at his calendar.

A page turn gives us a panoramic view of a pastoral picture; a distant mountain, rolling fields, trees, and two small homes, one most certainly belonging to Groundhog.  This picture literally glows.  Rendered using Photoshop and a Wacom tablet by Christopher Denise each illustration, varying in size, brings us into this tale of friendship.  The body postures, facial expressions, and clothing radiate cozy comfort.  You'll want to stop at each image noticing each element.  You don't want to miss what Bunny, Squirrel, Porcupine, Moose or Groundhog is doing.

One of my many favorite illustrations is when Moose, Bunny, Squirrel and Porcupine are working on the party planning.  They are gathered around the table in Moose's house.  Porcupine is painting a heart on a Valentine on the wood floor between the stove and a checkered, wing back chair.  Squirrel is balancing on the back of a dining room chair playing with a Valentine balloon.  Bunny is studying a calendar spread on the table.  Moose, glasses in his hand, is leaning over and listening to Bunny.  A string of cut-out hearts is on the wing-back chair.  A teapot and cup and saucer are on the table among books with ideas for planning the party.


The endearing forest characters and delightful luminous illustrations in Groundhug Day written by Anne Marie Pace with pictures by Christopher Denise make this book downright huggable.  This book can be used to focus on seasons, holidays, shadows and friendship.  It is sheer pleasure to read it aloud.  You'll want to make sure to have a copy in all your collections, professional and personal.  You might want to pair it with Groundhog's Day Off written by Robb Pearlman with illustrations by Brett Helquist.

To learn more about Anne Marie Pace and Christopher Denise and their other work, please follow the links attached to their names to access their websites.  Christopher Denise maintains a blog, an account on Instagram and Twitter.  Anne Marie Pace is found on Twitter.  She has designed a board on Pinterest for this title.  Anne Marie Pace is interviewed by author Caroline Starr Rose on her website about this title.  Anne Marie Pace also visits All The Wonders, Picturebooking, Episode 93 with Nick Patton.

Build It Or Bust

Yesterday was the last official day of school for students.  It's a welcome shift for households everywhere.  It's a time to focus more on doing what you enjoy rather than doing what is required, even if you like those required activities.  Friends and family will gather to make the most of every single minute.

It's not unusual to see visible results of imaginations set free in the form of forts or tree houses around neighborhoods in yards or vacant lots.  What About Moose? (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, June 9, 2015) written by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J. Gomez with illustrations by Keika Yamaguchi is about a do-it-yourself project with a know-it-all taking control.  When you think you have the inside edge on your pals, you might find yourself suddenly alone.

Fox met her friends, with her toolbox in hand.  "Time to start building!  Now, here's what I've planned."  

Fox's job assignments for her friends are promptly ignored by Moose racing to the site full of too much energy and too much advice.  Moose has no intention of being a member of this construction team.  He wants to take charge of the work done by Bear, Toad, Skunk, Porcupine and Fox.

Megaphone in hand Moose shouts out orders to each of the animals.  Each time one of the companions asks

"But what about you, Moose?"

he puffs himself up full of importance and continues to criticize the efforts of those working together.  He knows what to do but does nothing except strut and shout.

A bit of frustration and disgust is creeping into the animals' attitudes. Who can blame them?  Moose proclaims their workmanship poor and prods them to a faster finish.

Moose is too focused on the tree house's completion.  You might say he has lost sight of the whole picture.  When the final large piece is plunked into place, Moose finds himself in a peculiar position.  Ingenuity wins the day.


Stories with a distinctive rhythm create words readers remember, the beat reinforcing the narrative.  The collaboration of Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J. Gomez has fashioned an afternoon of teamwork gone hilariously wrong.  Two line combinations ending in rhyming words supply a pace depending on the page placement.  When the tale reaches a peak, an extra sentence provides an added punch to Moose's problem.  Readers will pause in shock much like Moose.  Here is a sample passage.

"Bear, crank the handle 
to tighten that brace."

"Toad, keep on sanding,
but pick up the pace."

"But what about you, Moose?"
Toad asked with concern. (page turn)

"I'm overseeing," said
Moose, looking stern.


Opening the dust jacket (working with a F & G) readers are treated to a double page illustration with smaller characters, a yellow bird, a mouse and a tiny white rabbit, near Moose's Caution painted box on the left.  To the right we can see Moose in all his bossy glory bellowing through the megaphone as his friends look on with varying degrees of concern and disgust.  The opening and closing endpapers are done in two hues of brown, the lighter outlining an assortment of items used in the construction of the tree house, a hard hat, goggles, a toolbox and a blueprint.   On the title page a startled rabbit jumps in the air after Moose races past.  A mouse watches from a pile of wood, a ladder, a pail and Fox's toolbox.  A hard hat is hanging on the M for Moose.

Rendered digitally the illustrations by Keika Yamaguchi, varying in size from double page images, to groups of smaller pictures on one or two pages and single page visuals, are lively, colorful and filled with emotion.  Humor is depicted in the facial expressions in response to Moose's outrageous demands.  Yamaguchi shifts her perspective, zooming in and out, to match and enhance the cadence of the text.

One of my favorite illustrations covers two pages.  The group, Fox, Skunk, Toad, Porcupine, Bear and Moose have moved the action to the floor of the tree house.  The clothing worn by the animals is enough to make you grin but Toad wearing a hard hat and goggles and operating the drill will have you laughing out loud.  When Bear concentrates it appears he chews on his tongue.


For loads of giggles and grins, a gentle lesson in teamwork and the value of true-blue friends What About Moose? written by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J. Gomez with illustrations by Keika Yamaguchi is a fun-tastic choice for story time.  It introduces steps in simple construction, new vocabulary, and forest animals.  You might want to try it as a reader's theater.

To learn more about Corey Rosen Schwartz, Rebecca J. Gomez and Keika Yamaguchi please follow the links attached to their names to access their websites.  This page at Corey Rosen Schwartz's site explains the reason she wanted to write this book.  Here is a link to several pages of activities which can be printed.  At the publisher's website you can view several illustrations.  Enjoy the book trailer.

An Aware Bear

There will be times we want something we don't need.  On the flip side, we may need something we don't want.  When what we need and want collide, gladness resides.

In a strange twist, as life is apt to do, sometimes there is a need inside of which we are blissfully oblivious at the moment.  This premise is set forth beautifully in Found (Walker Books For Young Reader, April 1, 2014) written and illustrated by Salina Yoon.   Bear's life is about to change.

One day, Bear found something in the forest.

This something was the best thing he had ever seen.  With great care he took the toy bunny home.  He believed the bunny looked heartbroken about being lost.

Bear made flyers advertising his discovery.  Every tree in the forest received this new feature as a part of its decor.  Bear was surprised to see all the many missing items on the local bulletin board but no one seemed to have misplaced a very special toy bunny.

He did his best to look in every nook and cranny for anyone missing a beloved friend.  He searched and waited for a response to his flyers until his mom called him home for dinner.  He could hardly sleep that night wondering how bunny's family must feel.

The next day the toy bunny became part of Bear's daily activities; swinging, playing hide-and-seek, picking berries and picnicking.  Bear had never been happier when suddenly a voice called out,

FLOPPY, my bunny!

Bear's tricycle came to a halt.

The toy bunny in the bike basket was given to Moose.  This was one of those situations when sadness for yourself and happiness for another fight for position in your mind.  Moose's heart knew what was needed and wanted in equal measure.


No more than three sentences are placed on any two pages.  To generate the story's flow, one sentence might be stretched over three pages.  As an author Salina Yoon is wonderfully mindful of her audience, the youngest of readers and listeners.  Each thought, whether part of the narrative or a piece of dialogue, tells us exactly what we need to know.  She creates a gentle emotional tension which takes a turn with a single word.  Here are three of her sentences.

Bear wished the bunny was his to keep.
"But the bunny's family must be so worried," thought Bear.
"Poor lost bunny!"


How can you not fall in love with Bear and the toy bunny by looking at the opened book case?  Bear is hugging what he wishes is his BFF but on the left readers can see he has made a flyer which is posted on a nearby tree.  His red tricycle with a basket, bell and snazzy ribbons from the handle grips is simply charming.  Salina Yoon's sense of humor comes through in the opening and closing endpapers full of flyers of missing items.  A few words accompany each pictorial representation; Lost (Reindeer) Contact Santa, Lost (Toilet Paper) Rolled away, Lost track of (Watch), Lost My Hat (Red Cone-shaped Hat) I want it back and Lost My Marbles (Marbles) HELP!  If you need some extra "smileage" in your day, stop by these endpapers.

Solid black lines frame all of the digitally created illustrations.  With a line, dot or heart Yoon conveys emotion to her readers.  High impact is supplied with a change in perspective and a double page image. (Bear's face when Floppy's family finds him.)  A realistic color palette, sky and midnight blue, grass and forest green, sunshine yellow, pink, red, orange, shades of brown, black, white and purple, helps to endear readers to the characters.

Little details can be spotted by careful readers; the canary who is lost follows Bear, pinecones are featured in several illustrations, Penguin sits on Bear's shelf in his bedroom, Bear wears bunny slippers and there is a heart-shaped constellation outside his window on the final page. One of my favorite illustrations is when Bear has placed the toy bunny in his red backpack as he looks for his owner.  He is looking low by sticking his face into a fish pond, holding the flyer under water.  Bunny seems to be looking over his head too.  The canary is perched on a nearby rock.


Since the release of Found I have been eagerly awaiting the companion title.  Last week it arrived at my favorite indie bookstore, McLean & Eakin Booksellers in Petoskey, Michigan.  Stormy Night (Bloomsbury, January 6, 2015) written and illustrated by Salina Yoon covers a fear felt by many children.  I know...I was one of them for decades.

One stormy night, Bear couldn't sleep.

Wide awake as a hoot owl, he and Floppy, huddled beneath the bed covers as the wind howled and rain fell.  They quickly got up to close the window.  Bear looking straight at his bunny sang him a comforting song.  Oddly enough, Bear wasn't so frightened for a few minutes.

Soon with the thundering increasing in volume, Bear was huddled under the bed.  Mama came in asking him if she could stay with him.  She was frightened too. (She actually wanted to check on her son.)  Bear was happy and kissed her on the nose.  Both felt comforted.

Before long Papa asked if he could join them in bed.  Bear tickled his ears.  Warmth spread over them both.  Soon the three were reading a favorite book to make Floppy less afraid.  As is the case when we are distracted, Bear was forgetting about the storm.

BOOM!

Oh! Oh!  All Bear's fears came flooding back.  Mama and Papa do three things which helped to ease his worries.  Quiet followed inside his bedroom and outside in the forest.  Sweet dreams everyone.


Six words, a simple thought begin this story.  These words by Salina Yoon make a connection with her readers.  They all understand lying awake in their beds as a storm shakes their house with thunder, lightning brightening their rooms in flashes and rain rattling against their windows.

Starting with the endearing rhyming song (readers and listeners will easily learn it, committing it to memory) and adding in the nose kiss, ear tickling and treasured book reading, lessons in banishing fear are subtly introduced.  In this narrative, Yoon also tells readers how our worries are lessened when we think of others.  As in the first book in this series the importance of kindness and love are marvelously portrayed.


The front image on the book case of Bear and Floppy looking out his bedroom window into the storm-filled night is extended to the left, rain falling and wind swirling.  The little yellow bird (canary) is struggling to seek shelter.  The opening endpapers highlight Bear's house on the hill in the forest, lights golden yellow, smoke coming from the chimney as rain covers the entire scene.  A starry sky with a crescent moon replaces the stormy night on the closing endpapers supplying a more serene backdrop to the silhouette of the home and evergreen trees.  I love that Yoon has placed the Big Dipper and Little Dipper in her sky.  This is a perfect opportunity to acquaint readers with their other names.

Unlike the first story which mainly took place outside, this story is in Bear's bedroom.  An identical color palette is used which renews readers' bond with Bear and Floppy.  Yoon alternates between double-page spreads edge to edge, single page pictures edge to edge, individual pages framed in white space and thicker black lines surrounded by white space.  As in the first book, these shifts in illustration size present the book's cadence.

A yellow star tops the bedside lamp in Bear's room as well as the ends of his curtain rod.  Are these the North Star?  Pinecones fill the bed of his toy dump truck. A heart is carved in the wood at the foot of his bed.  Penguin makes an appearance again. The author of his favorite book is Bear E. Goodbook.  All these extra touches are what make books illustrated by Salina Yoon so lovable.

One of my favorite illustrations spans the final two pages.  We are looking inside Bear's bedroom window as everyone sleeps in cozy comfort.  A falling star streaks across the calm night sky.  On the window sill, the yellow bird dozes.  This is peaceful perfection.


Found and Stormy Night written and illustrated by Salina Yoon are delightful additions to children's literature.  They will find readers at all age levels for who can resist the exchange of affection between Bear, Floppy and his parents.  These books are downright huggable.

To discover more about Salina Yoon and her other titles the link embedded in her name will take you to her website.  John Schumacher, teacher librarian extraordinaire and blogger at Watch. Connect. Read. featured Salina Yoon this summer.  This past month another wonderful teacher librarian and blogger at The Styling Librarian, Debbie Alvarez interviewed Salina Yoon.   You can download a link to get Stormy Night wallpaper at Bloomsbury.  I can hardly wait for the release later this month of the Floppy toy at Merry Makers.

To celebrate these two books, I will be giving away a set along with the Floppy toy bunny.  Good luck.

Shapely Shenanigans

 If you look around wherever you are, shapes define the space.  Even before we know the name of shapes, our young minds recognize them.  We might group them together, favor one more than another or avoid some completely.

Shapes help us communicate by forming and stringing letters together to make written words.  Lines of shapes, notes, make music.  They convey certain meanings when we can't read; like the STOP sign.  In science, mathematics, architecture and art their significance is invaluable.

Given their importance I can think of no two I'd rather have introduce shapes to young readers than Moose and Zebra from Z is for Moose.  The comedic characters are back in Circle Square Moose (Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers) written by Kelly Bingham with illustrations by Paul O. Zelinsky.  A first-class rascal leads his play-by-the-rules friend on a riotous romp.

Shapes are all around us.  We see them every day.  Have you ever looked at a button?

Most of us can answer a resounding yes to this first question, recognizing a button as a circle.  When the narrator goes on to name a sandwich as a square, a big moose mouth is taking a huge bite from it.  Warned to quit eating the prop for the story and to vacate the book, Moose holds up what is left of the sandwich when the word triangle is mentioned.

Does Moose leave when asked?  Of course he doesn't.  He again holds up two cat ears to depict the triangle.  The narrator repeats this is not an animal book, but a shape book.  Moose and the cat need to skedaddle.

Thinking the book is back to normal, examples of rectangles are shown.  All is well until Moose appears in a window, crossing out words and replacing them with Moose.  The narrator is trying to politely get Moose to leave but he is being his usual mischief-maker self.  Somehow re-forming himself to appear in a kite, Moose creates more havoc when the shape diamond is explained.

With frustration clearly mounting, the narrator's plea for Moose to leave is interrupted by Zebra stating he will take care of this Moose problem.  Like Zebra's words were an invitation for a game of tag, Moose takes off cavorting through the pages.  When a mess created by a wayward ribbon threatens Zebra, Moose's ingenuity creates an escape and an ending with friendship in a starring role.


By the third page, the conversational presentation of a circle, then a square takes a definite turn toward hilarity with Moose's presence and the narrator's replies.  By moving forward with the initial premise, complete with rhyming text, it elevates the disruptions caused by Moose igniting outbursts of laughter in readers.  Kelly Bingham's verbal interplay between the narrator, Moose and Zebra is liberally laced with civility, indignation, playfulness, distress, surrender and confidence.  I really like when she has Zebra and Moose use the same phrase when offering assistance.  Here is a sample passage from the book.

A TRIANGLE is...
A wedge of cheese
A piece of pie
A sail
in
the
breeze

or ears like these! (Moose's words in a speech bubble over the final phrase.)


I couldn't help but smile when I removed the dust jacket from the book case.  Paul O. Zelinsky's decision to make the designs different adds to the humorous overall quality.  On the back of both Moose is pictured with a circle, rectangle, diamond, star, triangle and square.  On the front of the book case the title reads, My First Book Of Shapes.  Moose is inside the circle, square and triangle having crossed off the appropriate words painting over them in purple with the words Moose.

A lighter shade of the purple covers both the opening and closing endpapers.  In the upper left-hand corner of the first set of endpapers a corner is turned down showing the inside of a library with the characters reading.  Another turn of page shows eight squares featuring the shapes in hues of purple.  Moose is peeking out from one of them.  These also figure at the end of the book showcasing a final exchange between Zebra and Moose.

Full color illustrations rendered in mixed media illuminate the text in vivid frivolity.  The design techniques whether the pictures are on a single page or two are superior; your eyes carefully follow the interaction between the characters, seen and unseen.  When Zebra and Moose finally take their leave the shift in background color is brilliant, highlighting the final shape and the friendship between the two.

One of my favorite illustrations is the one for the passage referenced above.  Zelinsky's skill at portraying expression is highly evident in Moose's and the cat's eyes; one full of impishness, the other wide-eyed acceptance.  We are so close to the two of them only parts of their faces and bodies are shown.  It's a perfect perspective when placed next to the following picture of Moose walking away, shoulders slumped in defeat with the cat watching.


This companion title to Z is for Moose, Circle Square Moose, is another triumph for the collaborative team of Kelly Bingham and Paul O. Zelinsky.  It is a read aloud, fun-filled treasure.  You might want to have large shapes at the ready to use for props.  Expect a chorus of read it again.


For more information about both Kelly Bingham and Paul O. Zelinsky please follow the links embedded in their names to access their websites.  Paul O. Zelinsky did a remarkable thing in the final illustration for the text.  He includes his radio interview and a picture of Moose and Zebra in Alice Springs, Australia.  Here is a link to an interview and more artwork courtesy of Julie Danielson at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.

Comic Camera Action

Time and time again when boys and girls, my students, get in front of a camera a different truth of which they are emerges.  Hidden talents are revealed.  A previously shy person becomes a comedian.  A rather talkative individual becomes an origami artist.

It's as if the camera gives them permission to be the way they want to be.  This Is a Moose (Little, Brown and Company, May 6, 2014) written by Richard T. Morris with illustrations by Tom Lichtenheld records the activity on a documentary film set gone wild.  Moose has a dream; an out-of-this-world dream.  Are you ready to laugh?  Well, then...

This is a Moose---Take one!
This is the Mighty Moose.
His father is a moose.
His mother is a moose.

So far this is your typical, standard rather dull, but truthful, as we know it, dialogue about a moose.  The problem, as the director sees it, is the next line.  This moose wants to be an astronaut more than anything else in the world.  The director asks someone politely to help the moose out of his space suit.  Yes, readers he is wearing astronaut gear specifically designed for his moose features.

A decidedly grumpier moose is ready for Take Two when a voice calls out from the lake.  It's Grandma Moose suitably attired to be a lacrosse goalie. Take Three is interrupted by giraffe (Isn't he supposed to be in Africa?) who wants to be a doctor.  Take Four has the characters taking matters into their own hands.

What's this?  A giant slingshot tied to two tall evergreens?  Is that moose sitting in a chair in the center?  The director is sputtering with incredulity.  Take Five can't be taken.  It would seem moose is on his way to the moon.

Duck the director is about to go quackers.  In a rage he shouts a question which is met with silence, a long, thoughtful silence.  Take Six---A sound, so loud the trees shiver, reverberates throughout the forest.


You have to admire the mind of an author who can generate a sense of impending laughter within four sentences.  Richard T. Morris manages to increase the hilarity with every take by introducing new characters acting in most unexpected ways.  The humorous tension is increased further with the interplay of conversation and narration.


Three little words in a speech bubble off to the side of the matching dust jacket and book case on this title are a huge clue as to the fun-filled action about to happen.  The placement of the ISBN riding in the center of the canoe with rabbit riding on top and the giraffe paddling are bound to bring on the smiles.  Moose, hands on his hips, glaring cantankerously at the reader makes me burst out laughing every single time.  The opening and closing endpapers in tones of brown are as if we are looking through the lens of a video camera.  A slightly blurry image of a moose is front and center.  Two spoken words,

Focus! and
That's A Wrap!

become part of the narrative.  Careful readers will notice the difference in the battery icon shown at the beginning and ending

A page turn features the title page on the right with the first spoken sentence by the director on the left of a double page panoramic view of the lake and forest.  All the illustrations by Tom Lichtenheld rendered in ink, colored pencil, and gouache extend the text superbly; telling stories of their own.  Most cover both pages, others are single page pictures.

An example of Lichtenheld's creative spirit is in the illustrating of the text

His father is a moose.
His mother is a moose.

The first time the duo are framed portraits hanging on a tree next to moose.  In the second set of sentences they are part of a fold-out brochure with a picture of Saturn in the center.  When we see them the third time father moose is driving a speed boat, pulling mother moose behind on water skis.

Moose's best friend a chipmunk mirrors moose's actions accentuating the bond between the two while increasing the wonderful wit.  Comic facial expressions, body language and extra details make the visuals soar to the moon along with moose.  Details like chipmunk holding a rope which he uses to pull Grandmother's canoe into shore, the big lipstick lips on pearl-necklace-wearing Grandmother, bear holding a cup of tea, and rabbit using a carrot to point out moose's position in space on a blackboard diagram are playfully perfect.

I have many favorite illustrations in this title but my most favorite has to remain a secret.  I simply can't spoil anything for you.  I can't look at it without grinning like crazy.


When you read the narrative of this book for the first time, in between fits of laughter, you know you can hardly wait to read it aloud to a group of children.  This Is a Moose by author Richard T. Morris with illustrations by Tom Lichtenheld is meant to be shared.  And trust me when I say you will be reading it more than once at each sitting.  You might want to have extra copies on hand too.

Please follow the link embedded in Tom Lichtenheld's name to access his website.  Carter Higgins, teacher librarian and blogger at Design of the Picture Book features this title in a recent post. UPDATE June 16, 2014 Carter Higgins has invited Tom Lichtenheld back for another post.

Paddle Cooperation

There are portions of the Jordan River in northern Michigan where it's easy to imagine you are drifting along a waterway in another time.  Civilization has left no mark.  Owning my own canoe, smaller than the average size, made trips here frequent and relaxing.

When going with a group in larger canoes, the journey takes on a whole new dimension.  With more than one canoeist in the boat, holding the paddle correctly, reading the water, weight distribution and teamwork, can make the difference between a fun-filled, smooth ride or an unexpected dip in the swiftly, moving, and often chilly, river.  Nicholas Oldland, author illustrator of Big Bear Hug, The Busy Beaver and Making The Moose Out Of Life, brings the friends, previously introduced to readers, together in a new title, Up The Creek (Kids Can Press, September 1, 2013).  It's definitely a canoe ride not soon to be forgotten, especially for this woodland threesome.

There was once a bear, a moose and a beaver who were the best of friends, though they often disagreed.

What they did agree upon was to spend time canoeing together.  The first problem makes an appearance when they all want to be in charge of navigation.  All the weight in the back of the boat makes it flip, dumping them into the water.  A game of Eeny-Meeny-Miny-Moe quickly ends that dilemma.

When the three adventurers are next seen the canoe is not going down the stream but in circles.  They all prefer to paddle on the left side of the canoe. Exhaustion and sore muscles solve this predicament; switching sides being the key.  A beaver dam provides an obstacle which almost stops the voyage until bear's suggestion, the third suggestion, works.

An enjoyable ride is short-lived when their raised voices, quibbling about every little thing (and beaver's hunger) covers the sound of their approach to the biggest difficulty yet, white-water rapids.  Tumbling, tossing, in and out of the swirling, dangerous descent into doom, the terrified trio finally manage to land on a rock with their canoe intact.  As darkness falls, they are still discussing, with less and less civility, how to get out of this mess.

In the light of a new day, a decision is made.  It's not easy by any means but they've discovered the secret to success.  Destination reached, a nap, a meal, a moment of thankfulness and yet another wise determination is reached, one sure to cause a knowing smile from readers.


As this tale of adventure and mishap unfolds, the narrator simply states the facts, sentence by sentence.  This writing technique used by Nicholas Oldland sets the stage for the added character dialogue and illustrations which elevate the comical nature of the whole ordeal.  Each time bear, moose and beaver face a decision, Oldland discloses more about their characteristics through the storyline.  Here is a single example.

But it wasn't long before they began to argue.
Moose: Stop Splashing
Bear: Keep Paddling
Beaver: I'm Hungry

It's the illustrations created in Photoshop by Nicholas Oldland that will bring on the giggles.  When looking at the matching jacket and cover, the trio facing forward in the moving canoe, it's all I can do to contain my laughter.  The expression on the beaver's face with those over-sized teeth is priceless.  What you can't see, without opening up the jacket and cover, is the continuation of the picture with a small red bird doing a backstroke down the river.  The small red bird appears throughout the book as a constant witness and participant in this canoe trip gone wrong. (He even has his own teeny, tiny paddle on the last page.)

The title page and verso show a winding waterway through a few forest trees on a white background.  The pictures alternate between double-page spreads, full single page, edge-to-edge visuals, smaller pictures with lots of white space on an individual page and several vignettes across two pages.  It's the details, the enhancement of the text, which adds mirth to the mayhem; moose covering his eyes, bear's paddle in the water and beaver yelling AHHHHHHH!  as they go over the falls or when they cook lunch over an open fire, moose holds grass, bear holds a fish he caught with a pole and line and beaver is roasting a stick.

My favorite illustration is when they first run the rapids.  The canoe upends three times in the air, with each holding on (or not) at different angles.  It ends with the bear sitting upright, paddle in paw with the canoe upside down, and moose and beaver riding the underside like a surfboard.


First and foremost, Up The Creek written and illustrated by Nicholas Oldland is a delightful day gone wrong solely due to the inability of the friends to cooperate.  Fortunately for them, this is resolved but not before readers have been treated to a first-class humorous escapade.  This is one of those books that would be loads of fun as a reader's theater with a minimum number of props or as a puppet show.

Follow this link to the publisher's website to take a peek at some more illustrations from the book.  For more information about Nicholas Oldland follow the link embedded in his name above to the publisher's website.