A Foursome Of Seasonal Treats (Seasonal Treats #2)

 As mentioned in the first post, in times of darkness, especially on a global level, people will seek and embrace the joy of celebrations.  These observances remind us of family, unity, and connectivity.  They remind us of past, present, and future miracles.  

Four September publications draw our attention to three holidays.  They present the best each event offers. They individually and collectively are a form of light. The first of the four, Binny's Diwali (Scholastic Press, September 1, 2020) written by Thrity Umrigar with illustrations by Nidhi Chanani, follows a little girl anxious to acquaint her classmates with her favorite holiday.

Binny woke up happy but nervous.  It was her

day to share about Diwali, the Festival of Lights!

Each month her teacher, Mr. Boomer, asks a classmate to speak about a holiday they enjoy.  Eagerly Binny dresses in the clothes her parents placed for her to wear.  Her mother is wearing a sari her father bought her for Diwali.  People shop for gifts for each other during Diwali.

Wearing her new clothes, Binny eats special treats with her parents for breakfast.  She will take additional jalebis and pedas with her to school.  Her father encourages her with words as comforting as the food.  At school, her mother gives her a gentle reminder about the oil lamps used in the celebration.  

When Mr. Boomer calls Binny's name, something happens.  Shyness makes her nearly speechless.  She closes her eyes remembering her mother's words about the diyas, the oil lamps.  This is all this little girl needs for her excitement to be released. She explains Diwali's name, length, and what it represents. 

Each wonderful custom associated with this holiday is shared; the fireworks, the sparklers, the streamers, and the diyas.  She demonstrates the use of the colored powders, and she shares the delicious food she brought.  Best of all is the image she creates in the minds of her fellow students.  It is the image of a traveler on an airplane looking down at a city during The Festival of Lights.

Author Thrity Umrigar invites us to experience the joy Binny has for this special holiday with her combination of text and conversation.  She gives us insights into the specifics of this five-day celebration by weaving information into Binny's thoughts and in her actual presentation to her classmates.  With each added layer of description to her friends and teacher, readers will find themselves wishing they were in Binny's classroom.  Here is a passage.

Binny did want to share her favorite holiday with her friends.

But she couldn't find the words.

Mr. Boomer put a kindly hand on her shoulder.  "Take a

deep breath," he whispered.  "I know you can do this."

[Please note I am working with an F & G.]

When you open the dust jacket, the glorious complementary blend of hues of purple and golden yellow continues over the spine to the far-left edge.  The cut-out paper streamer Binny brings to her classroom supplies a wonderful decorative top border on the front and the back.  The expression on Binny's face is one of contented happiness as the glow of the diya is reflected in her eyes and the light wraps around her face.  The design on the front and back of the jacket extends to the edges of the flaps.

Thanks to John Schumacher, here is a look at the book case, case cover.

Love the case cover for @ThrityUmrigar and @nidhiart’s Binny’s Diwali: pic.twitter.com/xNy7TI0FSC

— John Schu (@MrSchuReads) September 11, 2020

On the opening and closing endpapers is a pattern of diyas in shades of intricately decorated green, red, and blue on the palest of green backgrounds. Readers will notice the difference between the left side and the rights side.  Perhaps this represents before and after and during the celebration.  On the title page with a canvas of rich purple is a delicate design from left to right along the bottom lighted by diyas.  Binny is standing on the far right in her new clothes and her special blue suede shoes, holding a lighted diya.

These illustrations by Nidhi Chanani were rendered

digitally with handmade texture brushes.

They span page edge to page edge across two pages or single pages.  They supply an atmosphere of happiness and tradition.  Readers will be fascinated by the motifs in Binny's home, clothing, her community, and in the depictions of Diwali with all the lights spread before the homes. 

One of my many, many favorite illustrations is a double-page picture.  It is the pause taken by Binny when she can't think of what to say in front of her classmates.  On the left is a close-up of Binny.  We see her upper body and face with her eyes closed to concentrate.  Behind her on the right, crossing the gutter and going to the far-right edge is a scene of a community enjoying Diwali.  In front of the brightly colored homes, with all kinds of families standing in the doorways, are patterns of light made by the diyas.  This is an uplifting vision of goodness, of hope. 

Even now, after multiple readings of Binny's Diwali written by Thrity Umrigar with illustrations by Nidhi Chanani, a feeling of quiet joy wraps around this reader.  Readers will find a kinship with this girl and how Diwali is a welcome part of her life, and the lives of many others.  At the close of the book is a page titled The Diwali Story.  This is one of several legends about why Diwali is observed.  It is followed by The Five Days Of Diwali.  To close the author and illustrator have written notes about the meaning of this holiday to them.  This title is meant to be shared.  It is meant to be a part of your personal and professional collections. 

To learn more about Thrity Umrigar and Nidhi Chanani and their other work, please follow the link attached to their name to access their websites.  Thrity Umrigar has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Nidhi Chanani has accounts on Instagram and Twitter.  Here is a link to a Book Joy Live event hosted by Scholastic's Ambassador of School Libraries, John Schumacher featuring conversations with both the creators.  Enjoy this video with artist Nidhi Chanani chatting about this book.

This year Hanukkah begins on the evening of December 10, 2020 and finishes on the evening of December 18, 2020.  It commemorates a miracle, a miracle centered in light.  The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol (Candlewick Press, September 8, 2020) written by Arthur A. Levine with illustrations by Kevin Hawkes is a beautiful offering by two gifted collaborators.  It is one story inviting more, as he states at the end of his Author's Note:

I have often wished that we could build up a bit more mythology too.  In the same way that new recipes for matzah brei or a beautiful new piece of music can enhance our experience without changing the religious observances and meaning of Jewish holidays, I wanted to do that with a story.  I hope you enjoy!

Nate Gadol was a great spirit who had eyes as shiny as golden coins and a smile that was lantern-bright. In answer to people's prayers, he made things last as long as they needed to.

Nate Gadol has always been available for large requests such as making oil last for eight days thousands of years ago, or for the tiniest but most important task to bring happiness to someone sick.  If you needed Nate Gadol, regardless of the issue, he was there.  Many years ago, when a particular family left Europe to journey to America, they had nothing left to celebrate Purim, except for a small bit of chocolate held by Mrs. Glasser.   When she looked inside her handkerchief the chocolate had multiplied. To the delight of her husband and children, it kept multiplying!

Nate Gadol held a special place in his heart for this good-natured family.  He noted their kindness and generosity toward their neighbors when they reached their destination.  The winter of 1881 brought added hardship to the Glasser family and their neighbors, the O'Malleys.  To help the sick O'Malley child, Mr. Glasser sold a handmade piece of furniture to pay for medicine.  It left them with nothing.

Now, readers, what you need to know is this night was also Christmas Eve.  Nate Gadol, pondering the problem of the Glasser family heard a noise.  It seemed his friend Nick (wearing a red suit and sitting in a broken-looking sleigh) was in trouble.  The two chatted a bit about the smaller amounts of seasonal magic in the air this year.  Then Nate had an idea.  A trade was made.

Nate Gadol, maker of magic, visited the O'Malley and Glasser homes on this evening.  Traditions past were honored.  And new ones, began.

Woven into the words written by Arthur A. Levine is a bit of Nate Gadol's magic.  Sentence by sentence as if he is telling a story to us, face to face, he spins this enchanting tale with descriptive imagery.  He provides examples to support the wondrous accomplishments of Nate Gadol and the pure hearts of the Glasser family.  Even though we are holding a book in our hands, we lean in, captivated by every moment leading us to what was a miracle for two families.  Here is a passage.

That night happened to be Christmas Eve.  The wind howled through the cracks like an angry cat, and snow began to settle on the rooftops, where Nate Gadol stood looking out over the street.  Suddenly, Nate heard a rumble of something like hooves on tar, and a voice shouting "Whoooaaaa!" behind him.

In a stunning display of artistry, Kevin Hawkes creates a memorable person as evidenced by his depiction of Nate Gadol on the front of the open dust jacket.  Here is a being able to move with grace wherever he is needed.  We can see by the windows in the building two families are observing two holidays.  How glorious that the children look up and see Nate Gadol.  What you cannot see is all the gold foil on this jacket.  It brightens the text, Nate's hair, vest, boots, and bag.  It flows from his hands.  This golden magic continues throughout the book on Nate Gadol and when he works his miracles.  To the left, on the back of the dust jacket, on top of another building is Santa Claus, seated in his sleigh with his reindeer spread before him.  He is waving toward his friend.

On the book case readers will see a replication of the buildings on the dust jacket.  All the windows are darkened, and Nate and Nick are gone.  On the front of the case these words are written:

Nate Gadol is never far away.

The opening and closing endpapers are a pale, pale blue.  On the verso and dedication page a single piece of chocolate rests in a handkerchief.  On the title page Nate Gadol's bag sits between the text.

These illustrations by Kevin Hawkes were rendered

in acrylic. 

Each image is a double-page picture.  The text is placed within a separate element with a thin, red-ribboned border. The tiny gold foil details elevate the extraordinary events portrayed in each visual.  Nate Gadol is larger than life as we see how he views our world, above us, in front of us, next to us, and sometimes hidden. 

The details in each picture take us into the moment, initially drawing our attention to Nate Gadol and then bringing our eyes outward to the entire scene.  Within these illustrations Kevin Hawkes skillfully creates more than one perspective.  It's as if we are present in each setting. 

One of my many, many favorite paintings is for the text above noted.  The majority of the page is filled with a swirling of white and gray sky, snowflakes peppering every space.  In the lower portion of the illustration are red-brick buildings with rows of windows.  The most prominent building begins on the right-half of the left, crosses the gutter and extends to the right-page edge.  Of the six windows, two have lights.  The first has a single candle and the fourth from the left has a lighted menorah.  Standing on the roof, to the left of the gutter, is Nate Gadol, wind blowing through his hair and coat.  His body is twisted back to the right after hearing the noise.

This book, The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol written by Arthur A. Levine with illustrations by Kevin Hawkes, is certain to become a seasonal favorite among all readers.  It centers on the miracles of believing in that which we cannot see.  It holds light up to hope.  I highly recommend this book for your personal and professional collections.  Please take a few moments to read the entire author's note at the end of the book or here at the publisher's website. 

To learn more about Arthur A. Levine and Kevin Hawkes and their other work, please follow the link attached to their names.  Arthur A. Levine and/or his publishing house have accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Kevin Hawkes has an account on Instagram.  Arthur A. Levine is interviewed by author Cynthia Leitich Smith on her site, Cynsations.  You are able to view interior images at Penguin Random House.

UPDATE:  Arthur Levine speaks about this book on NPR 

I'll bet you did not know one of the most bustling places on Earth is in the far, far north.  Here at the North Pole is the hub of all the mail written to Santa Claus.  In charge of this particular post office, Peppermint Post, is Postmaster Buck Growlersson.  As Christmas Eve gets closer and closer, the work becomes more frenzied.  Peppermint Post (Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, September 15, 2020) written by Bruce Hale with illustrations by Stephanie Laberis is a story filled with a whole lot of hilarity and equal amounts of determination and a bit of Christmas luck.

You won't find the world's busiest post office in Mumbai, Manila, or even New York.  But head due north and there it is:  Peppermint Post.  

Shouting out orders to his postal workers, penguins, Postmaster Buck Growlersson makes sure the last wish is sent to Santa's Workshop.  Here the presents are made and loaded onto Santa's sleigh.  Buck finally allows himself to relax as he watches the sleigh carrying all the gifts, lifting into the sky.

As everyone is sipping on a well-deserved cup of hot cocoa, Buck makes a startling discovery.  It's a lost piece of mail!  Together with Fred, his head penguin, they rush to the Workshop.  The elf in chief says it's too late.  Buck begs, saying he will take the gift to Santa.

This is a challenge Buck and crew are not expecting.  The only available mode of transportation is a miserable-looking, back-up sleigh.  Fred volunteers all the workers to pull the sleigh.  How is that supposed to work?  Penguins can't fly.  They are not even supposed to be at the North Pole.

In what can only be described as a miracle, not without considerable trouble, Buck and the penguins guided by Fred start to travel skyward.  Their trip is fraught with danger and mishaps, and Santa seems to be always one house ahead.  Finally, Buck, Fred and the penguins arrive at one very special little girl's house at the same time as Santa.  Even now all does not go according to plan but remember Christmas can weave its own spell.  

As you read the words penned by Bruce Hale, you find yourself smiling, his carefree, conversational sentences inviting giggles and grins.  Lots of sound effect words invite reader participation.  Alliteration, rhyming, dialogue, and text supply a cheerful flow.  The repetition of a single phrase also welcomes readers to join in the telling.  Here is a passage.

Flying a sleigh wasn't nearly as easy as running a post office.

Buck and his team hit a few rough spots . . .

with a BISH, 

and a BASH,

and a SPLISHETY-SPLASH.

Readers get their first glimpse of the comedy replete in every image on the front and back of the open and matching dust jacket and book case.  The expressions on Postmaster Buck's face and the crew of penguins vary between happiness, dismay and determined struggle.  You will notice the poor shape of the sleigh.  How is it even staying together?  The peppermint as the dot on the I and the single peppermint button on Buck's bag are a pleasing design touch.  Buck and his crew and the title text are varnished.

To the left, on the back, is a close up of a cup of hot cocoa in a Peppermint Post mug with the motto, Persistent, Punctual, Persevering.  Chunky marshmallows float on top of the cocoa.  Steam reaches to the gingerbread boy cookie and a letter to the left, written by Buck to Santa.  The letter is certain to have you laughing.

The opening and closing endpapers are red.  On the initial title page, a penguin is pushing a Peppermint Post cart loaded with letters.  On the formal title page Buck and Fred are at the window looking at Santa taking off from the North Pole with his sleigh loaded with presents.

The illustrations by Stephanie Laberis vary in size in support of the text and its pacing.  Her details ask you to stop at every page.  It is in the details that the narrative is enhanced by her work.  The postal clock face is a peppermint candy.  Before the penguins attempt to fly, Fred is reading a Flying for Dummies book with a red Christmas bulb attached to his beak.  Each image is highly animated.  Many of the facial expressions are exaggerated to elevate the humor.  I guarantee readers will laugh out loud more than once.

One of my many, many favorite pictures is on a single page.  Postmaster Buck is seated in his light blue chair with his back to us. (His name is on his chair.)  There is a note on his desk from Mrs. C.  You can see the peppermint candy attached to his hat resting on his desk.  His In box is empty.  His OUT box is stacked high.  Buck is lifting his hot cocoa for a taste, holding the missed letter in his paw.  In the window we can see the reflection of his front.  His face looks like that of a deer caught in the headlights.  It's a total YIKES moment.

Readers are going to love laughing at the trouble encountered by Buck and his crew and how it concludes through the merry text and visuals in Peppermint Post written by Bruce Hale with illustrations by Stephanie Laberis.  This takes the motto of our very own USPS to its maximum meaning.  This book is about the true meaning of the season, putting others before yourself.  Teamwork plays a hand in the outcome, also.  Your readers will certainly enjoy having a copy in your professional and personal collections.

To learn more about Bruce Hale and Stephanie Laberis, and their other work, please follow the link attached to their names to access their websites.  Bruce Hale has accounts on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.  Stephanie Laberis has accounts on Instagram and Twitter.  At the publisher's website is an Activity Guide.

The best part of the shift in any season is to be able to share it with a best friend.  The joys of the Christmas holiday and its traditions are amplified when you enjoy making it special for someone else.  This spirit of giving is richly portrayed in a new book by author illustrator Tad Hills.  Mistletoe: A Christmas Story (Schwartz & Wade Books, September 29, 2020) is as charming as the two characters we meet.

Mistletoe greets the chilly morning.  Snow is falling.

What a beautiful day! Finally, it feels like Christmas, she thinks.

When Mistletoe arrives at her friend, Norwell's home, the snow is deeper.  She excitedly calls for him to join her.  Norwell has no desire to go outside in the cold.  He invites her inside for some tea and to sit by the warm fire.

Norwell keeps mentioning how nice it is inside.  They even decorate his Christmas tree.  Mistletoe keeps mentioning how wonderful it would be to go out in the snow together.  It's much too cold for Norwell.  He is staying inside.  On her way home, Mistletoe is inspired.

Rushing around her house, Mistletoe gathers every ball of yarn she can find, and she starts to knit.  She knits all the time, everywhere she is.  Christmas is getting closer, day by day.  Mistletoe runs out of yarn and hurries to purchase more, bringing as much as she can home.  She knits and knits and knits some more.

On Christmas Eve she is finished, falling happily asleep.  The task of delivering her gift on Christmas morning is not easy.  It is rather huge.  At Norwell's home cheerful Christmas greetings are exchanged as well as gifts which mirror the affection Norwell holds for Mistletoe and she holds for him.  Nothing will prepare you for the image of Mistletoe and Norwell finally out in the snow together.  

Each portion of this story flows gently with purpose to the next.  Tad Hills has a gift for writing simple but meaningful sentences designed to reach his intended audience.  The blend of text, conversation, and the characters' thoughts make for a more intimate story, connecting to readers' own experiences.  Here are two adjoining passages.

"Hmmm, I don't know." Norwell

walks to the window.  He watches the

snow fall. "Brrrr," he says.  "It looks

even colder out there now, Mistletoe.

I think I'll stay home, where it's cozy."

So Mistletoe puts on her hat, coat, scarf,

and mittens and sets out on her walk home.

She soon finds herself in a field of snow.  As

evening approaches, the world turns blue.  She

stops.  She is as quiet and still as she has ever been.

Mistletoe seated in the wreath on the front of the open dust jacket is downright adorable in her seasonal, colorful winter clothing.  Her sincere nature is mirrored on her quiet face.  Mistletoe and the wreath are varnished.  The text and snow are raised and textured to the touch in glittery white.

To the left, on the back, is a serene scene from the interior of the book, enlarged.  On a canvas of pale purple Norwell is lifting Mistletoe in his trunk so she can place the star on the top of his Christmas tree.  Here the text reads:

Celebrate friendship

and the gift of giving with

this cozy holiday story.

On the opened book case, case cover, is a wonderful depiction of Mistletoe running home across the snow after she has her great idea for a gift for Norwell.  A large portion of the top is a night sky brimming with snowflakes.  On the snowy white you can see footprints from left to right.  Racing toward the right edge is Mistletoe, bright red with a little green and gray on the stunning landscape.

On the opening endpapers is a lighter replication of the book case without Mistletoe present.  The closing endpapers are similar with one notable difference.  It is, after all, Christmas Day.

These illustrations by Tad Hills 

were created digitally in the Procreate app.

Tad Hills alters his image sizes from double-page pictures to a large loose circle on a single page, to full-page pictures, and smaller geometric shapes together on one page.  These accentuate the pacing of his story.  His double-page pictures are utterly delightful.  Sometimes he brings us close to his characters placing an emphasis on a moment, and other times we find ourselves stepping back to get a larger view.

One of my many, many favorite illustrations is for the second passage above noted.  The world is colored in hues of blue, even the snow at the bottom of the double-page picture.  Snowflakes gently fall from top to bottom.  Tracks made by Mistletoe stretch from left to past the center on the right, curving a little bit when she stops.  Mistletoe stands with her face pointed upward.  There is a slight smile on her face and her eyes are closed. Her feet are nearly covered by the snow.

I always enjoy reading the dedications in books.  This dedication speaks directly to the words and art created by Tad Hills for Mistletoe: A Christmas Story.  It reads:

In memory of my grandmother Florence Bullard,

who taught me that the best gift comes from the heart and hand.

And to Annie and Eliza, nimble-fingered knitters extraordinaire.

This is a story to read when the snow is falling outside, and you are gathered with one or more children, friends, students, or family.  It is cozy and comforting.  We can never have too much of either.  I am happy to add this title to my personal collection.  I believe you'll want to have a copy, too.

To learn more about Tad Hills, and his considerable body of work, please visit his website by following the link attached to his name.  Tad Hills has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  At the publisher's website you can view interior images.

Costumed Curiosity

There is so much evidence of the upcoming holiday, Halloween, in every store now, you feel as though we might have skipped a month.  It might actually be October.  Truthfully, the child in you can literally start to feel the excitement building.

All the remembrances of past Halloween adventures, trick-or-treating up and down the neighborhood streets and hoping for your favorite candies or homemade sweet treats from trusted homes, come rushing back filling you with anticipation.  There are recollections of parents quietly chatting and waiting on the sidewalks while costumed children knock on doors.  Leaves rustle and laughter fills the air.  Two completely charming characters in children's literature return in their own Halloween happening, Duck & Goose Honk! Quack! BOO! (Schwartz & Wade, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, August 22, 2017) written and illustrated by Tad Hills. 

Duck and Goose sat watching as day slowly became evening.  "So, Goose, what are you going to be tomorrow?" Duck asked.

Not realizing tomorrow is Halloween, Goose puzzled by Duck's question, replies he will be as he always is.  As Duck clarifies his request their friend Thistle arrives.  She is being very secretive about her Halloween costume.  As she leaves she issues a warning.

Thistle's final words have Goose spooked.  While Duck dreams of gathered goodies the next night, Goose hardly sleeps a wink.  The following day Duck is dressed as a ghost and Goose dons super hero attire.  Away from her friends, Thistle gets ready too.

As Duck and Goose enter the woods filled with animals wearing alternate identities, Goose looks around anxiously.  His comfort at not seeing who he dreads is short-lived.  An owlet disguised as a flower says the thing they fear the most is looking for them. And it's coming toward them!

In the next several minutes two terrified feathered friends do a 180.  They are, as you will recall, a ghost and a super hero. As the fun-filled evening continues a trio collects treats and memories.


Within the first two pages Tad Hills presents to readers the precious personalities of these two pals as they chat.  By immediately introducing the problem they have to overcome in the form of Thistle's warning, we become further aware of the more cautious of the two companions.  Most of the story is told through conversation.  Here is a sample passage.

While Goose waited for Duck,
he spotted a scary ghost coming
toward him.

"Hello Goose!" the ghost
called.  "Are you ready to go
trick-or-treating?"

"Who are you?!" Goose honked.
"It's me...Duck."
"You look more like a ghost to me,"
Goose honked.  "How do I know you're 
not a ghost?


Upon unfolding the matching dust jacket and book case, readers can see Tad Hills has extended his evening sky over the spine to the left, on the back.  This becomes the background for quotations from professional reviewers about the previous Duck & Goose books.  Postage stamp size depictions of all the title are shown along the bottom.

On the front note the body postures of Duck and Goose.  Goose is tilting to the left wary of events to come.  Duck can hardly wait to start getting treats.  The opening and closing endpapers are brushed in Halloween-full-moon yellow.  Around the verso Tad Hills has placed autumn leaves like a frame.  The title page features the pumpkin from the front jacket and cover.

Rendered in oil paint, acrylic paint, and colored pencil the illustrations span two pages, edge to edge, single pages, edge to edge, and within loose ovals.  The images in those loose ovals ask us to pause and focus on the characters.  The details throughout the entire title endear us to the characters but when you see all the woodland creatures in their costumes and carrying their little bags, you can't help but gasp, sigh and grin.

One of my favorite of many, many pictures is the first one.  It spreads across two pages.  The sky is in various shades after sunset; pale blue, purple and peach blend together.  The sky touches the tops of the forest in front of our friends.  They sit on a grassy hill framed by three nearly leafless trees.  Their backs are to us.  We can see their feet on either side of their bodies.  Just a little bit of Goose's bill is showing.  The light in this image (all of them) is marvelous.


Professional and personal collections will most assuredly want to have a copy or two of Duck & Goose Honk! Quack! BOO! written and illustrated by Tad Hills.  These two children's literature personalities have found a place in all our collective hearts.  This newest story about facing fear and celebrating a holiday is delightful.

To learn more about Tad Hills and his other work please visit his website by following the link attached to his name.  At the publisher's website you can view the beginning of this book.  Random House has a special website dedicated to Tad Hills' books.  At the Schwartz & Wade Flickr page you can view some interior images.  Enjoy the video.

The Triumphant Twenty-Six

You can see it on their faces; the joy felt in the mastery of the alphabet song.  When you say the first letter attached to the well-known first note, children begin singing immediately.  Once learned it's a tune available in our memory banks for instant recall.

These twenty-six symbols represent more than we can imagine.  They are the keys to locks on doors not yet made. Author illustrator Tad Hills (How Rocket Learned to Read, Schwartz & Wade, July 27, 2010 and Rocket Writes a Story, Schwartz & Wade, July 24, 2012) has recently released another delightful treat in R is for Rocket: an ABC book (Schwartz & Wade, July 7, 2015).  Rocket, his pals and a character from other Tad Hills' books don't want to miss telling readers about the astonishing alphabet.

Rocket and his friends have fun learning the alphabet.

Rocket finds acorns.

Owl draws an angry alligator.

Readers will see Bella with a familiar ball.  Owl knows how crows crave collectibles.  Emma enthusiastically digs and discovers an egg-cellent object.  Why is Fred in the field at night?

Gathered in conversation, the group fails to notice someone in the grass.  What does attire for heads and green items have in common?  You'll have to ask Bella and Rocket.  Owl is jazzed about kindly winds.

Rocket enjoys reading a lovely note as an insect leans near to hear.  Fred meets a friend.  Owl needs seaside encouragement and Bella gears up for the occasion.  It only makes sense to have Rocket and Owl partnering to be productive.

Shhh... our nighttime frequent flier is not quitting but recovering in the silence of the day.  Two terrapins travel toward a talented bird.  Someone needs the ultimate weather protection.

As the end nears the duo, Rocket and Bella, take action and ask a question.  Notes from a musical instrument ring out in the woods as Yellow Bird offers an opinion.  Readers agree, from a to z, these animals are as busy as the proverbial bee; you'll see.


Using one, two or three statements, a question or a conversational observation Tad Hills introduces the letters of the alphabet and reinforces their use.  His use of alliteration makes the sentences fun to read aloud.  I enjoy new words for younger readers like frolics, prefers, zest or zeal.  In conjunction with the other words, their meaning will be easy to decipher.  Here are two more sentences.

Rocket finds a hat on a hill and puts it on his head.
It makes him happy. 


When readers look at the matching dust jacket and book case, they will find comfort in the return of beloved characters.  A willingness to work together is unmistakable in their presentation of the title.  On the back, to the left, Rocket sits alone on a hill with a hat on his head. When unfolding the jacket, readers are in for a surprise, a Rocket-style surprise.  The color used for the Rocket text on the jacket and case is the background hue for the opening and closing endpapers.  On the title page, the tiny but tremendous teacher, chalk in hand, gazes at a chalkboard filled with upper and lower case letters of the alphabet placed on an easel in the meadow.

In all kinds of weather, day or night, the setting is the familiar woods and fields frequented by Rocket and his companions.  Rendered in oil paint, acrylic, and colored pencil Tad Hills continues to create characters you wish you could meet in your very own woods and fields.  Their expressive, wide eyes convey a range of feelings.  A tilt of head, outstretched arms or a hand, and legs lifted or running invite us to join them.  Most of the images cover two pages but Hills pauses the pace with smaller oval pictures framed in white.  He does offer another surprise with a page turn.  Tilt the book to see.  When a specific letter is being addressed it will appear in bold.

Xena's favorite illustration is of Emma digging.  Only her head and a little bit of her shoulders are visible above the hole.  Mounds of dirt are placed around her.  Opposite this, a patch of daisies covers the right page.  One of my favorite pictures is of Bella, the squirrel, ready to play in the ocean.  She is wearing a stripped inner tube, red water wings, and a blue snorkel and mask.  It's not something you would expect to see on a squirrel.  Tad Hills does know how to make us smile and endear his characters to his readers.


R is for Rocket written and illustrated by Tad Hills is an adorable addition to the Rocket books.  It walks us through Rocket's world, engaging us in an assortment of activities and events as well as the feelings of his friends.  I'm adding it to my collection.  I know you will want to do the same.


To learn more about Tad Hills and his other work, please follow the link attached to his name taking you to his website.  At the publisher's website they give you a peek at several interior pages.   There are different images on their Flickr pages.  A video with Tad Hills is showcased below.

Happy Birthday to (the real) Rocket! Don't know where I'd be without him! pic.twitter.com/5FBoARmZpg

— Tad Hills (@tadhills) July 18, 2015

Update October 7, 2015 Enjoy this video with Rocco Staino interviewing Rocket and Tad Hills on KidLit TV.

With A Quack And A Honk

With the advent of spring living in a city nestled between the shores of Lake Michigan and Round Lake, a common sight driving down the main street is a mother duck quickly waddling, babies trailing behind her.  In the morning and evening a flock of geese, creating a well-known symphony of sound, fly overhead in their trademark "V" formation.  If there is water there will be ducks and geese voicing their opinions, entertaining us with their daily adventures and habits.

In 2006 Tad Hills, in his first picture book (which earned him several starred reviews and numerous awards), featured two feathered friends in a story, Duck & Goose, as they worked through ownership issues.  There was also the misconception they both held of a spotted ball being an egg.  Duck, Duck, Goose followed in 2007; their friendship tested by the introduction of another duck, Thistle.  To the delight of younger readers a series of board books highlighting the duo, Thistle and Bluebird were published, What's Up Duck?: A Book of Opposites, Duck & Goose, 1, 2, 3, Duck & Goose, How Are You Feeling?, Duck & Goose, It's Time for Christmas!, Duck & Goose, Here Comes the Easter Bunny!, Duck & Goose, Find a Pumpkin, and Duck & Goose, Goose Needs a Hug.

Let the quacking and honking begin!  For the first time in seven years the pals are back in a picture book.  Duck & Goose Go to the Beach (Schwartz & Wade Books) takes the terrific twosome on a new adventure far from their favorite spots, the meadow, the lily pond, the shady thicket and puddles by the river.

"Don't you just love it here, Duck?" Goose honked.
The two friends relaxed in the early morning sun and listened to the hum of the meadow.

Although replying in the affirmative, Duck stands up exclaiming that Goose has given him the best idea.  Goose is totally befuddled by the suggestion.  How can Duck's mind leap from contentment to taking a trip?

Immediately Goose counters with a reason not to go; not once but three times.  Duck sets off walking regardless.  Goose reluctantly tags along behind Duck.

As the pair travel through familiar territory Goose ponders the wisdom of this decision; what they need is right here.  Then Duck and Goose walk by unexplored points, over fields and up and down hills until they stop atop one.  Is what they see the sea?

Duck can't get to the bottom of the hill fast enough.  Goose has had enough of this excursion.  When they are finally standing on the beach gazing at the vastness spread before them, the tide turns...so to quack.

Loud waves, too much water and the hot sand are at the top of Duck's let's-not-stay-here list.  Goose dives in for a swim regardless.  Duck reluctantly wades in behind Goose.  WHOOSH!  Well, that wave was fun...or not.

A meet and greet with the area residents, tide pool explorations, sand sculpture and seashell sensations fill their afternoon.  As the day comes to a close, they rest and reflect.  It's Goose with the big question this time.  His friend Duck has the perfect answer.


As established in his earlier titles Tad Hills has created distinctive personalities for Duck and Goose.  Of the two Goose is more serious and thoughtful.  Duck tends to look at life as a series of surprises, welcoming variety. Their differences create a delightful harmonic blend.  This story, like the others, is told through simple observation statements, thoughts of both Goose and Duck and their friendly banter.  Throughout the entire narrative a hint of humor is evident.
Here is a single sample.

"We could go on an adventure!" Duck said.
"An adventure? That sounds scary," Goose honked.
"Come on, Goose.  A hike might be fun," Duck quacked.
"A hike? said Goose.  "That sounds like a fine way to twist your ankle."


In the initial scene on the dust jacket of Duck and Goose wading in the shallows along the beach, readers are given a hint of the reversal in outlook during the development of this latest escapade.  Variations in texture and hues of sea green and blue, brush strokes like ripples and waves, cover the opening and closing endpapers.  A panoramic view of the pals' little pastoral paradise spans the verso and title page.  They are lying on their backs in the meadow.

 Rendered in oil paint Tad Hills depicts softened scenery rich in color to highlight the facial features and body postures of his feathered friends.  The emotions expressed in their eyes enhance the narrative increasing the reader's desire to grin and giggle especially when they look directly at the reader involving them in the moment.  For the most part the illustrations extend across both pages. At times small oval insets, single page rough-shaped circles or single page, edge to edge, pictures follow the ebb and flow of the tale.  Hills switches perspective for the same purpose.

The hats Duck and Goose are wearing during this book elevate the attraction readers have for this adorable twosome.  One of my favorite illustrations is a single page of Duck and Goose peeking over the sand dune, getting their first glimpse of the sea.  The "Whoa!" look on their faces makes me laugh every single time.


When Tad Hills released Duck and Goose into the world he gave readers one of the most beloved pairs in children's literature.  I am thrilled he decided to continue their friendship in Duck & Goose Go to the Beach.  The care given to ensure the bond between the best buddies in text and pictures sends out a reassuring warmth; Duck standing on Goose's head to put a feather in the top of their drip castle, Goose holding up a shell to Duck's ear or

They both agreed it was nice to be home.

Make sure to share this newest edition with all your readers.  You might want to add the plush Duck and Goose to your collection. (I did.)

Please follow the embedded links above to a biographical sketch of Tad Hills at the publisher's website and to his official blog.  This links to five printable PDF posters for enjoying the beach according to Duck and Goose. There is all kinds of goodness in these pages about having a Duck and Goose party.

I am excited to be participating in the celebration of this new title with John Schumacher at Watch. Connect. Read. and with Colby Sharp at sharpread.  Make sure you visit their blogs today.

Rocket Rocks!

Two years ago a little white dog with black spots, cute as a button, and his teacher, rather petite,  bright yellow with wings, introduced readers to the power of combining letters to make words.  In How Rocket Learned to Read (Schwartz & Wade Books, July 27, 2010) written and illustrated by Tad Hills readers are transported to a moment of discovery; knowing words can spark the ability to read.  Being able to read does not happen overnight but when it does, it is a thing of power and beauty.

Since my post linked above I discovered teaching materials at the publisher's site linked here which I successfully used with students last year.  Also since that post Tad Hills's book, How Rocket Learned to Read, received numerous awards including the Irma Black Award about which I posted here.  I was so excited to learn that Rocket and his teacher were returning this summer.

There is nothing better than when friends you've met in a book and grown to love, return.  Last week Rocket Writes a Story (Schwartz & Wade Books) written and illustrated by Tad Hills was released. 

Rocket loved books. ...
Rocket even liked the way books smelled.  When he opened a new book, it smelled like a place he'd never been to, like a friend he'd never met.

With those three sentences found on the first page, book lovers are completely captivated.  We know what Rocket and his teacher know.  We want to see where this adoration of books is going to take these two.

Rocket's love of words leads his teacher to daily ask him to sniff out new ones as he explores.  After finding new words, Rocket goes back to his classroom (the great outdoors) and writes them down.  The ever helpful bird assists when he gets stumped and adds words of her own, posting them all on a nearby tree.

Prompted by his teacher Rocket wonders what to do with all these words.  Before long he has an idea.  But the blank white page does not seem to fill up with the story Rocket wants to write.

Again the nose knows, as Rocket looks for something to stir his imagination.  He writes all afternoon and returns in the evening to a tall tree, the source of those enticing smells.  He speaks but is not answered.

In the morning on his way to school there is a new word spelled out along his path.  A voice from the tree introduces the word to Rocket.  Not only does the precious pup have a new word but perhaps, the best kind of new.

Day after day Rocket works on his story.  Day after day he succeeds, pauses when perplexed and takes long walks.  Encouraging Rocket with questions, his teacher helps that story to grow.  As the story grows, so too does a new friendship.

A completed story is an invitation.  A completed story can even coax shyness into trust.  A completed story opens up possibilities.

Unfolding the book jacket readers are drawn to Rocket and his teacher, the little yellow bird, as they gaze outward; those eyes are irresistible.  On the back teacher and student are looking at each other completely focused on a conversation.  Without even opening the book you know there is a mutual admiration sensation in this classroom.

Endpapers are covered in a leafy array, a backdrop for small white pieces of paper with Rocket's words and pictures on each of them.  A two page title spread pictures Rocket (in a small circle on the right) bent over writing with his teacher watching from the tree branches.  Hills, using oil paints and colored pencils, alters his visuals from double page layouts to several small, round-shaped, close-ups on a single page, to single pages, always in tune with the narration, complimenting and enhancing.

Employing the use of white space to focus, primary colors, bright but softened, to promote reader participation, and the placement of text, all work to create a delightful, pleasing whole.  I have complete and total admiration for this newest title by Tad Hills, Rocket Writes a Story. I'm almost giddy at the potential for using this in the classroom setting but the appeal to children is undeniable.

A couple of students, living in my neighborhood, stopped by yesterday to stock up on books to take with them on vacation.  One of them noticed my copy of Rocket Writes a Story sitting on the stool where I work on my computer.  Guess what?  How Rocket Learned to Read and Rocket Writes a Story are on their way out West.

Thanks to John Schumacher at Watch. Connect. Read. for pointing me to this interview with Tad Hills about Rocket Writes a Story at School Library Journal.

Update:  August 6, 2012

Rocket responds to the readers who made ROCKET WRITES A STORY a #1 New York Times bestseller! @tadhills twitter.com/randomhousekid…
— Random House Kids (@randomhousekids) August 6, 2012

The "Hills" Are Alive with the Sound of Twitter

Tweets were flitting through cyberspace this past Thursday about the latest recipient of the Irma Simonton Black and James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children's Literature.  Although the award winner was announced on April 26th, the ceremony took place on May 19th.  Since 1973 this award has been given annually to an outstanding book for young children--a book in which the text and illustrations are inseparable, each enhancing and enlarging on the other to produce a singular whole.  This award honors the career of Irma Simonton Black as a writer, editor of children's books and one of the founding members of the Bank Street Writer's Laboratory.

What I love about this award and what sets it apart from other awards in this field in that the final judges are children.  An adult group of writers, librarians and educators select up to twenty-five books which they feel meet the criteria.  These twenty or so books are sent in four sets to the different grade levels of students attending the Bank Street School for Children.  After several weeks of reading and discussion four finalists are chosen.  These four are then sent to other schools in New York and in other states.  A winner is voted upon after four weeks of reading, discussion and re-reading.  Even though older students participate in the selection, the book must be geared for first through third grade readers.  The votes from the cooperating schools are tallied to declare a winner.  According to information at the Bank Street College Children's Library site more than 2,500 children vote on this selection.

Partnering with School Library Journal this year the number of voters increased to 9,500 in more than 94 schools.  How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills, which was discussed here in a post on October 2, 2010, is most deserving of this honor.  In an blog interview at SLJ on May 19, 2011 with regards to winning this year Hills makes an interesting statement in light of numerous discussions being held about the impact of digital versus print.
 Digital applications come into play long after I've finished a book, not while I'm creating it. There are ebook versions of my "Duck and Goose" books. How Rocket Learned to Read is available as an ebook but also as an iPad app, which includes not only the book but some great interactive features and animation and a couple of learning games. But when I'm writing or illustrating, I don't think about the story or the pictures in terms of any possible future digital incarnation.

If you haven't found the time to read this gem yet, please do.  Nine thousand, five hundred children say you should.

Books In Hand--YouTube to Print

Several weeks ago I posted YouTube videos about the newest books of authors, Mo Willems and Tad Hills.

Hills'  book, How Rocket Learned to Read, was published a couple of months ago during the summer.  Holding it in my hands and having just finished reading it, I can personally attest to the validity of all the rave reviews.  The reading audience will fall in love with the adorable illustrations rendered in oil paint and colored pencils as they explicitly convey expression, mood, time passage and, of course, the wide-eyed wonder of learning to read.

Rocket's idyllic life as a dog is interrupted one fall day by a small yellow bird that sings out that he is her student.  How can that be?  She says that because she is a teacher he must be her student.

Rocket is having none of that and moves to take a nap.  As she begins to read from a book Rocket's attention is captured and before he knows it, he goes over to investigate only to find that she has left.
Guess who shows up bright and early the next morning to find out how the story ends?

As with all great teacher and student connections patiently, step-by-step, the world of letters and words is linked together to reveal the possibilities to Rocket.  As the seasons shift from fall to winter, Rocket faithfully uses what he has been taught spelling out words that match those things in his world until his teacher can return in the spring. 
Spring brings the continuation of Rocket's education and with it the reader's wonderment at the amazing gift of words which are built one letter at a time. 

When I came home for lunch this past Thursday sitting on my front porch was a box.  Inside was Mo Willems Knuffle Bunny Free: an unexpected diversion published on September 28, 2010.  Immediately I read this newest tale of Trixie and her beloved bunny.

Willems is a genius of understated humor using his combination of hand drawn ink and colored illustrations that are digitally composed with photographs to convey each and every slightest emotion of the characters.  On subsequent readings the reader will, as I have, discover new details that only add to the sheer delight and tenderness of this story.

This volume completes the trilogy of Knuffle Bunny books which began with Knuffle Bunny: a cautionary tale, and was followed by Caldecott Honor book, Knuffle Bunny Too: a case of mistaken identity.


Trixie and her parents are flying to Holland to visit her "Oma" and "Opa".  It is a huge, exciting trip fraught with all the complications of air travel.  As we have come to expect Knuffle Bunny has an adventure that is completely separate from the others.

Trixie's anxiety at leaving Knuffle Bunny on the plane is heartfelt as is the portrayal of her trying to adjust to the loss while attempting to enjoy all the wonders of this long anticipated visit. 
Without giving away the twist in this tale Mo Willems concludes Trixie's Kuffle Bunny books with a letter of love to his daughter.  In my humble opinion he has saved the best book for last.

This trio will become, if not already, a classic for generations of all ages to enjoy.
Willems web site is a treasure trove of information about his books, ideas for educators, fun for younger readers and his blog contains videos which enrich the experience of his books.  The clips on this latest book are wonderfully informative.