Seasonal Views And Hues

This year in the northern hemisphere on September 22 summer will come to a close.  The daylight hours are already shortening but during those minutes the world around us is bursting with color in every hue imaginable.  The blend of shadow and the height of the sun give us breathtaking beauty.

We wake to filtered sunrise rays peeking through trees, bushes and flowers giving them a golden glow.  Cloud cover alters every instance.  Wind works a special wonder.  Summer Color! (Little, Brown And Company, May 15, 2018) written by Diana Murray with illustrations by Zoe Persico takes us on a tour of a summer day shared by siblings and their family.

The hot summer sun lights the sky like a torch
as folks fan themselves on the shady back porch.

With this opening sentence we see the first hue of the day---yellow.  It shines on the sunflowers.  As parents and cousins join the duo ice cold sweet treats on a stick are shared.  Their vibrancy shines with a primary color.

Brother and sister run fast past familiar places until they realize the day has darkened.  Clouds swell turning a stormy gray.  All the animals in the field hurry toward the safety of the green woods.  As the rain falls everything starts to shimmer.  Brights are brighter.

The companions traverse farther into the forest, seeking a cool sheet of white water tumbling to a pond.  Making their way home past the lake with people seeking shelter beneath blankets of purple and past meadow mice tucked in their cozy abode, they run to their door.

Soaked through and through, they cuddle under the warmth of orange towels noticing the color of the fence and shed in their backyard.  As suddenly as it arrived, the disturbance disappears.  The leftover droplets cast a silvery sheen.  The children run outside looking at the clear blue of the sky only to find an arching surprise.


Listening and reading children alike will find themselves caught in the cadence of the words written by Diana Murray.  Twelve vivid hues are spotlighted in rhyming couplets (and other poetic techniques such as alliteration), each focusing on an action; everything and everyone is in motion.  Diana Murray's descriptions of place and time entice us to recall similar experiences or to create new adventures in the near future.  Here are two couplets.

Splashing and splattering, streak after streak,
the rain soaks the earth and sweeps over the creek,
where frogs start to croak and the water snakes slink,
and wildflowers glisten with petals so pink.


Using an F & G (looking forward to having my own copy of the book), the dust jacket unfolds to display a green hill topped with the children's home, a field of flowers spreads from flap edge to flap edge.  The blue summer sky holds places for fluffy white clouds, the warm yellow sun and a cardinal gliding on the breeze in the far left upper corner.  On the opening and closing endpapers a fun-filled meadow scene is shown. (In the back these endpapers also display the dedication and publication information.)

A fox calmly watches eleven white mice and nine blue-green frogs frolic on and off the pages.  Eight snails slide across the right corner.  A variety of flowers and mushrooms grow in clusters.  Two of those snails move across a meadow with brown farm fencing on the two-page picture for the title page.  In each corner we are given a close-up view of flowers.

Rendered by Zoe Persico using traditional-art-inspired digital brushes and media the illustrations radiate from every page, blissfully conveying the magic of a summer day.  Each two-page picture feels as though it's in motion, frozen only for a moment until we can jump in and join the characters.  The facial features on the humans are those of contentment and happiness.  Even in the animals there is a sense of harmony.

One of my many favorite illustrations is a close-up of the children running from stone to stone across the creek as the rain begins in earnest.  They are moving from left to right on the left side.  All we can see are their sneakers, legs, a pair of shorts, a skirt and the bottom portion of their shirts.  The girl's hands and arms move in motion with her legs.  Pink land and water flowers dot the image.  A snake glides toward the left side of the page.  A brilliant green frog watches from a rock on the right.  We can see the rain drops streaking downward.


You'll want to use this title, Summer Color! written by Diana Murray with illustrations by Zoe Persico, for your seasonal story times as a charming introduction to all that can be seen in a single summer day. It can also be used with a unit on weather and for any theme involving the concept of color.  Children (and children at heart) will be attracted to the gentle but energetic beat of the words and the spirited illustrations.  It would be wonderful to have this title on your professional and personal bookshelves.

To learn more about Diana Murray and Zoe Persico and their other work, please follow the links attached to their names to access their websites.  Both Diana and Zoe are on Twitter. Diana has an account on Pinterest.  Zoe has Tumblr pages and an Instagram account.  Both of them are interviewed by writer and illustrator Jena Benton about this book on her blog.  Enjoy the trailer.

Gifts Freely Given

There are gifts given to us every single day.  Sometimes they are more spectacular than others but they are free if we only reach out to take them.  They are the sudden appearance of a gigantic rainbow arching from one compass point to another, the happy, musical chirping of birds feasting on wild berries, baby bunnies nibbling on grass, two spotted fawns moving through your woods with adult deer and sunset-light shows seen through clouds and tree branches.  Mother Nature's generosity is humbling.

People have and continue to walk among us who honor those gifts with their life's work.  One of those people spent her entire life in the state of Michigan. Nature's Friend: The Gwen Frostic Story (Sleeping Bear Press, July 15, 2018) written by Lindsey McDivitt with illustrations by Eileen Ryan Ewen pays tribute to a remarkable woman.

Gwen followed her brothers and sisters everywhere, like a small fawn follows its herd.  They roamed the woods and fields near Croswell---their tiny town tucked into the thumb of Michigan.

For Gwen this was not easy to do.  She was disabled from a sickness at a very early age.  Her hands were not strong.  It was difficult for her to talk, slurring her words.  Her one foot dragged as she walked.  But . . .

Her mother inspired her to do whatever she wanted to do.  She stood behind Gwen sending her to school with the other children.  Gwen learned quickly but remember her hands were not strong.  Her teachers thought she would never write.  Her mother gave her all the supplies she needed to practice using her hands to make words and pictures.  It worked.

When you are a child with disabilities, making friends is hard but nature did not judge Gwen.  She found solace there.  After a move to the outskirts of Detroit, Gwen, now in high school, sought new avenues of skill.  She worked on painting, mechanical drawing and learned to use a band saw.  This was brave of Gwen considering the time period.

During art school she mastered the art of carving linoleum and making prints.  Striving to earn a living she began to work in metals even garnering the notice of Henry Ford's wife, Clara.  World War II ended her career in metal but that did not stop Gwen.  She went to work at the Ford Motor Company helping to build bomber planes on the assembly line.

After a day at the factory, Gwen went home to pursue her passion for linoleum print making. She also longed to be close to nature again.  Gwen and her beloved dog Teddy finally settled in northern Michigan, first in Frankfort and then on a large tract of land along the Betsie River near Benzonia.  Her business, Presscraft Papers, the note cards, calendars and books she wrote, allowed others to view nature as Gwen did.  Her respect and love for the out-of-doors continues through her art.


Whether you grew up in Michigan hearing about Gwen Frostic or have met her for the first time in this book, author Lindsey McDivitt through her skillful blend of information and lyrical writing style breathes life into the spirit of this inspiring woman.  It's not only a careful chronicle of her accomplishments but Lindsey builds on those milestones allowing us to see why Gwen was who she was.  Throughout the book are quotes by Gwen, a high school classmate, and a lyric from the "Rosie The Riveter" song.  Here are two passages.

Gwen loved learning, but trying to make friends could leave
her feeling as prickly as a porcupine.  Nature felt like a friend,
pulling her out to play.  With so much to discover, Gwen
didn't have time to feel lonely.

Swaying grasses whispered in fields thick with Queen
Anne's lace.
Tiny ferns unfurled at her feet.
Frogs lapped up bugs with long, quick tongues.
Gwen breathed it all in.  She listened to their messages. 


A feeling of peace settles over readers when they look at the matching dust jacket and book case of this title.  For those fortunate enough to live close to nature, the depiction of Gwen sitting cross-legged in the woods sketching with her dog is one we can easily understand.  It draws the attention of those living outside of nature how much can be gained by being in its presence.  The design and layout of this first scene is pure serenity, simply beautiful.

To the left, on the back, extending the purple seen on the front and using it as a canvas, a smaller image of an older Gwen and her dog is featured. They are standing on the edge of a stream near a meadow.  The sky and clouds are golden with a sunrise or sunset.  Pristine white covers the opening and closing endpapers.  A little girl Gwen, picking flowers and seated, is beneath the text on the title page.

The illustrations rendered by Eileen Ryan Ewen span a single page and a page plus when crossing the gutter.  These larger images supply a column for text.  Many times opposite the pictures a small visual will portray something notable from the text; a bird building a nest, a small mouse in a forgotten shoe as Gwen sits soaking up nature, mechanical drawing tools or Gwen's dog, Teddy.

Eileen Ryan Ewen's color choices, fine lines, attention to details and historical accuracy ask us to pause.  Her illustrations further acquaint us with this woman, who like the nature she loved, left her mark on Michigan and throughout the world.  Each scene reminds us of the work and research illustrators do for each image.

One of my many favorite illustrations is a reflection of the perspective shifts Eileen makes in this title.  It spans a single page.  Spread out and layered are works of Gwen's art carved on linoleum and printed on paper.  We see some of the most popular works created by Gwen Frostic.  On top of these in the middle is a piece of linoleum.  Gwen's left hand holds the left side as her right hand carves a woodland scene.  There is something very moving about this picture.


Having visited the business, studio and printing presses of Gwen Frostic for many years during our family summer and fall vacations on Crystal Lake and later on Little Platte Lake and Platte River, this book, Nature's Friend: The Gwen Frostic Story written by Lindsey McDivitt with illustrations by Eileen Ryan Ewen, is a marvelous representation.  It serves as a testament to following your heart's desire regardless of difficulties. I highly recommend it for your professional and personal collections, especially for my Michigan friends and colleagues.  Lindsey McDivitt includes an author's note at the end with an activity.  You might want to pair this title with In Mary's Garden (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, March 17, 2015) written and illustrated by Tina and Carson Kugler

To learn more about Lindsey McDivitt and Eileen Ryan Ewen and their other work, please follow the links attached to their names to access their respective websites.  Lindsey McDivitt maintains a blog and account on Twitter.  Eileen Ryan Ewen has an account on Instagram.  At the publisher's website there are a couple of activity pages to download.

The website for Gwen Frostic is here. Here is the page dedicated to Gwen after her induction into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame.  Here is a PBS Destination Michigan episode devoted to Gwen Frostic. This is the 2018 9 & 10 News article about Gwen Frostic Day celebrated each year.  Gwen Frostic gave a sizeable donation to Western Michigan University.  Their art school is now named in her honor.  The Michigan Reading Association has an annual award, Gwen Frostic Award, showcasing those Michigan authors and illustrators who have greatly influenced literacy in Michigan.



Remember to visit Kid Lit Frenzy hosted by educator Alyson Beecher to view the titles selected this week by other participants in the 2018 Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge.

RUN! SWIM! For Your Lives!

Having survived more years than we can imagine, they have our deepest respect and for some of us, our fear.  They are serious apex predators of the sea.  To utter their name at an ocean beach full of swimmers is certain to have people scurrying in total panic.  In reality we harm more of them in any given year than they harm us.

Sharks have inspired blockbuster movies, week-long television series and bestselling books.  One of the newest titles with these fascinating fish as a central character is Misunderstood Shark (Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc., April 24, 2018) written by Ame Dyckman with illustrations by Scott Magoon.  By the time you finish reading this book your respect for sharks will be strengthened as you roar with laughter.

Here we go,

Underwater World with Bob

broadcasting live

in 3 . . . 2 . . . 

. . . 1 . . .

Hey! Who did this?!

Bob barely has his first few sentences finished when a grinning shark bursts into view.  Needless to say several of the crew, two squid, are ready to run.  Bob, a jellyfish, reminds Shark not to eat a fish, a tiny orange one in his grasp, in front of the people watching.

When Shark realizes people can see him, his sweet reply is contrary to what they and everyone on the watery set believe to be true.

You misunderstood!

He says he was only showing the fish his new tooth.  Trying to recapture the audience's attention Bob entertains us with a 

Fun Fact 

about sharks and their teeth.  Continuing to speak Bob thinks he is chatting with Shark but the wily predator is after something, a baby seal, swimming on the surface. 

A similar scenario ensues with readers learning another informative item about sharks and their appetites.  Just when Bob (and dare I say readers) is beginning to trust Shark, he takes off in hot pursuit of an enticing scent.  As Shark speeds toward 

BLOOD

Bob decides to give us another interesting detail about sharks and their sense of smell.

Shark is closing in on the source of the blood.  People are scattering across the sand, leaving their belongings behind.  Shark is despondent at this treatment.  He was only trying to help.  Bob and the two squid are offering comfort (and comedy) at this current situation.  Will an act of compassion change the dynamics of Underwater World with Bob?  Stay tuned.

When it comes to writing humor Ame Dyckman is masterful.  By telling the tale through dialogue, it's as if we are viewing this entire show in real life.  Even before the narrative starts, the comments of the television crew are sure to have readers smiling.  They continue to offer tidbits of opinions heightening the humor.

By using repeating phrases in each situation Ame invites audience participation.  As we join in Bob's and Shark's refrains, we have no idea what Shark will say next, but when he does answer it's so ridiculous we can't help but laugh.  This rhythm sets us up grandly for the surprising conclusion.  Here is a passage.  

"Fine, Shark.  Maybe you weren't going to eat that fish . . ."

"Shark?"

"Where's Shark?"

"Oh, no." 

As soon as you open the dust jacket you know you are in for a delightful treat.  The image stretches from flap edge to flap edge.  On the back flap, Ame and Scott wearing appropriate swimming gear for above and below the water look as though they are characters in the book.  A group of green and blue fish swims below.  On the front flap Bob and the two squid offer comments intermingled with the blurb.  

Looking at the front we already know things might not go as Bob plans.  His look and the expression on Shark's face are not quite the same.  The design cleverly places Shark's fin in place for the letter "a".  To the left, on the back, the octopus, the cameraman, the two squid, the tiny orange fish and the baby seal are watching.  The ISBN is placed on the clapperboard.  The sea creatures, Ame and Scott are varnished on metallic blue hues.  On the book case all of the text has been removed except for the clapperboard.  The ISBN is replaced with the title of the show. 

The opening and closing endpapers are part of the story.  The squid, Bob and Shark offer conversation on both sets.  One features the sea in daylight and the other as darkness comes.  On the title and verso pages, the dedications and publication information are placed inside air bubbles.  One of the squid is holding the clapperboard with the title text (slightly alerted) on it.

All of the illustrations are bold and bright spanning single or double pages.  Sometimes Scott Magoon places a series of illustrations on a single page to indicate the passage of time and to accentuate pacing.  There is even a dramatic vertical, double-page picture.  To give us an indication of the importance of a particular point in the story the point-of-view will be switched; when Shark first sniffs the blood.

The layout of the elements is excellent; when Shark first appears during the show, when Bob is following Shark as he swims toward the baby seal, or when Shark starts to cry at the beach.  Readers will be looking for all the extra details like the tattoo on Shark's fin.  And the facial expressions on all the characters are outstanding.

One of my many favorite illustrations is a two-page image.  It's a scene with Shark sobbing at the people running away from him.  A first aid box with three bandages falling out of it is in the water next to Shark.  Beneath him Bob is talking to listeners (readers) about how likely it is to be bitten by a shark as opposed to being bitten by a person.  A crab, clam and starfish are watching.  On the right the two squid, one holding the clapperboard and the other the microphone boom pole offer opinions.  The first is wearing sunglasses on its forehead.  The other is wearing earphones.  These characters are all placed in an underwater seascape.

For a story time featuring humor or sharks, Misunderstood Shark written by Ame Dyckman with illustrations by Scott Magoon is a surefire winner.  This duo's combination of words and artwork will have readers laughing like loons.  For an interesting and funny shark theme I would pair it with Swimming With Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark written by Heather Lang and illustrated by Jordi Solano, Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist written by Jess Keating with illustrations by Marta Alvarez Miguens and DUDE! written by Aaron Reynolds with illustrations by Dan Santat.  You will want this title on your professional and personal bookshelves.

To learn more about both Ame Dyckman and Scott Magoon and their other work, please follow the links attached to their names to access their websites.  Scott has loads of extras about this book on his site.  Both Ame and Scott have Twitter accounts.  You can find Scott on Pinterest and Instagram.  The cover for this title was revealed by Scholastic Ambassador of School Libraries, John Schumacher, on his blog, Watch. Connect. Read.  He chats with both Ame and Scott.  Next you'll want to head over to the publisher's website to see what they offer regarding this title for readers.  Enjoy the videos.

UPDATE:  There's lots of fin-tastic fun at the OOM On Our Minds, Scholastic's blog with Ame and Scott, July 23, 2018. Ame Dyckman is interviewed at SHARKS 4 KIDS, July 27, 2018.  

Centered

As you think, look or travel from one point to another point, do you ever consider all those items contained in this space?  Depending on the distance from one point to the other, you could have a single element or a multitude.  Between my laptop and dining room table there is a layer of stain.  No, wait!  There are plastic, metal, and computer innards; all types of boards.  Oh, no!  There's more.  There's a serial number, a model number and a battery.  There's also a CD and DVD player.  There's a camera and video recorder.  Yikes! There are speakers and all kinds of slots for additional components.  And there's a mouse.

Your perspective changes everything.  Your ability to search for details enhances your experience.  In-Between Things (Candlewick Press, May 22, 2018) written and illustrated by debut picture book author Priscilla Tey is a wondrous exploration of being our most observant selves.  Once you start thinking about the possibilities, you won't be able to stop.

An in-between thing is a thing in the middle.

A confident cat, a wary, tolerant and disgusted dog and sometimes one, two or three merry mice visually assist readers as we traverse the concept of

a thing in the middle.

We start with the obvious, one or a few things between two other things.  Next we leave the floor, the surface of the room, venturing to the area between the floor and the ground. We could be naming all the things found here for days.

We are challenged to look to the left and then to the right.  What do we see?  We are asked to expand our musings by considering the in-between as a protection such as the glass on a fish bowl saving the fish from the cat.  Going abstract, imagine what light can do for you.

Doors, windows and walls have a spot in-between.  Have you ever thought of roads, creeks or pathways as in-between places?  When you mix one thing with another thing, you get a middle thing, a new thing like when blue and yellow are blended.  Voila!  It's green.

When you think about it (and believe me you will), you can design all kinds of in-between.  You can combine clothing, utensils, dances, sounds and words. There are times in any given twenty-four hour period when it's simply not a specific time of day.  It's in-between.


The allure of stories in rhyme is during the read aloud.  If the rhymes are well-written, it's like singing a song.  Priscilla Tey has selected words with care reflecting a variety of concepts for

a thing in the middle

and we happily "sing" along.

She begins slowly, gradually asking us to expand our minds beyond where our eyes can see.  We travel from our homes to places far away and return.  When Priscilla finishes with the book, we realize in-between is everywhere.  Here is a passage.

You can walk down the in-between coal-colored street
that's in between this house and the house that has feet.

And if you meet an in-between
stream or a creek,

cross an in-between bridge
for dry paws and dry feet.


The illustrations rendered in mixed media first seen on the matching dust jacket and book case are a joyful blend of elements, an animated collage.  Our eyes go from one detail to the next noting the antics of the mice, the cat and the dog.  You expect movement at any moment.  To the left, on the back, a stairway, painted green fills most of the canvas.  Bright yellow steps and a blue handrail, grab our attention.  The cat scampers off on the top step.  Readers will giggle to see a mouse lifting the corner of the ISBN.  What's it going to do next?

The matching opening and closing endpapers are patterned with geometric shapes, colorful rugs.  The cat and dog are positioned to come and go behind these as if they are doors.  Clearly the dog is trying to avoid the cat.

With every page turn we are presented with a colorful array of possible in-between things.  You have to stop and look carefully at every image. You need to look at the items in each scene.  You have to notice the expressions on the animals' faces and their body postures.  They are hilarious.

Priscilla combines multiple happenings brilliantly in a single illustration.  She shifts the perspective to supply pacing in keeping with her rhythmic narrative.  By the time you get to the end of the book you know this house, everything in it and everyone in it are loved.

One of my many favorite illustrations is showing a train track winding through the house.  On the left, it is close to us, ready to go under the green table.  The dog is on top of the table crouched and looking underneath it.  A blue book has been placed under an orange chair to act as a tunnel.  Crossing the gutter, from left to right, is a window to the outside.  The cat is strolling up a path.  The dog is watching this approach carefully.  The train in this scene on the right has three passengers sitting on top of the brightly-colored cars.  They are the white mice.  A painting of a bridge hangs on the wall.


No matter how many times you gaze at these illustrations and read the words aloud, the appeal of In-Between Things written and illustrated by Priscilla Tey will continually increase.  The playful animals amid the vivid artwork will have readers requesting repeat readings.  You will want to have this imaginative title on your professional and personal bookshelves.

To learn more about Priscilla Tey and her other work, please follow the link attached to her name to access her website.  Priscilla maintains an account on Twitter and Instagram.  At Candlewick Press and Penguin Random House you can view interior illustrations.  Candlewick Press has a special four pages devoted to this title and Priscilla.  Enjoy the video.

A Piece of Time

For anyone living or visiting northern Michigan the beaches along the Great Lakes are a treasure trove of all forms, shapes and sizes of rocks.  It is indeed the only place on earth to find the coveted Petoskey stone.  In fact, you don't have to go very deep on any piece of property to find sand, gravel and rocks.  Nearly daily I am unearthing rocks from walnut-sized to as large as a fist, mine and the Hulk's mighty clenched hand.

You find yourself wondering about the path taken by any single rock.  From where did it originate?  Is it part of a larger whole?  How long has it been here?  Was it present at a significant historic event?  A Stone for Sascha (Candlewick Press, May 8, 2018) conceived and illustrated by Aaron Becker, without words, takes readers on a passage through time and discovery of self.

A beloved canine companion is dead.  A girl morns the loss as the family lays the animal to rest near their home.  Shortly thereafter they leave for their camping vacation; one member is absent this year.

Taking a bucket to the beach to the girl searches along the sand and notices another girl with another dog.  As dusk blankets the area that night, a cosmic crack gives us a vision into the past.  In the time of dinosaurs a meteor strikes the planet; later large portions of it are found by early people.  It is taken from place to place and eventually appears as a carved monolith. Kingdoms and wars cause it to be broken and transported in pieces to other locations.

As a keystone it survives decades of time to be formed later into a precious and intricate work of art.  It is a gift.  It is plunder.  It is lost.  When finally found time has smoothed its edges and size to fill a hole in a saddened heart.  It becomes . . .


The beauty of this book, beside the glorious illustrations and profound story, is it will resonate differently with each reader.  It, like the stone, will heal and connect us to something larger than ourselves.  We will, thanks to the imagination and perception of Aaron Becker, take with us in the visual reading of this narrative a greater understanding of the passage of time, life and death.  We are all in this together.


When you open the dust jacket you see the girl gazing at the lake from the beach at her camp site.  Standing next to the bucket of rocks, she holds her golden treasure.  The flow of the complimentary colors is soothing to the soul, allowing us to feel a similar peace she now perceives.  To the left, on the back, on a canvas of light royal blue, is the ornate carved golden chest from ancient times.

The book case covered in a darker textured blue is bare except for the center of the front.  A golden dog tag, heart-shaped, inscribed with the word

SASCHA

holds this spot.  The text on the spine is also embossed in gold.  The opening and closing endpapers are two different maps, chronicling the journey of the stone.  Aaron Becker includes dates and place names.

On the title page a framed photograph of the girl and Sascha seated together is centered between the text.  The girl is hugging the dog as the dog leans into her.  The dedication and verso are placed on a two-page breathtaking illustration (all the illustrations are painted digitally) of the girl picking flowers to put on the dog's grave.  Her family watches in the distance.

A blend of small images on white, single-page visuals framed in white or placed edge to edge, and grand two-page illustrations fill our eyes with wonder.  To delineate the passage of time a series of vertical or horizontal panels are designed to cover one page.  Aaron's realistic colors are muted, softened, to take us back in time and to supply a specific emotion.  To accentuate meaning, his point of view shifts, bringing us very close to the moment.

One of my many favorite pictures is of the girl on the beach on their arrival at the camp site.  The curve of the water meeting the sand is a partial oval in front of her.  Behind her the bucket is overflowing with stones as she reaches into the water for another one.  To her left in the back is another group of campers.  Although she is reaching into the water, she head is lifted up and to the right.  A girl runs along the beach carrying a disc as her dog runs along with her.  A beach volleyball game is in the background.  Amid all this activity her thoughts are drawn to Sascha.  (One key technique to note is Aaron places yellow in every picture tying places and time together.)


There is hardly a reader who has not experienced the loss of a beloved family member, friend or cherished animal companion.  This book, A Stone for Sascha conceived and illustrated by Aaron Becker, gives solace.  Through his perspectives we are able to find our own.  I highly recommend this title for your personal and professional collections.

To learn more about Aaron Becker and his other work please follow the links attached to his name to access his website and Tumblr pages. Aaron visits super school librarian Travis Jonker's website, 100 Scope Notes at School Library Journal, to chat about this book.  I believe you will appreciate the video.  The cover for this book is premiered at All The Wonders.  At publishers' websites, Penguin Random House and Candlewick Press you can view interior images.  Candlewick Press also has a Q and A with Aaron.  Enjoy the other videos.


A Stone for Sascha - official trailer from Aaron Becker on Vimeo.

The Attraction Of Opposities

Unexpected relationships can become the most lasting friendships.  It's as if the odds of two parties being companions strengthen their bond.  Their mismatched physical characteristics and clashing personalities provide a mutual attraction.  From day to day there is no sameness only surprise and endless variety.

There are authors and illustrators who bring to life enduring characters whose affectionate attachment is true as well as comical.  In his Bear and Bee (Disney Hyperion, March 12, 2013) Sergio Ruzzier presents readers with the results of misconceptions.  One of his newest titles,  Sergio Ruzzier's Fox + Chick The Party and Other Stories (Chronicle Books, April 17, 2018), a trio of tales, is certain to have you laughing out loud.

The Party
KNOCK
KNOCK

It's me Chick!

I know it's
you, Chick!
I can
see you!

In the short ensuing conversation Chick, with little effort, manages to irritate Fox to the point he slams the door in Chick's face.  Chick is persistent and knocks again.  With an oh-no-here-we-go-again look on his face Fox answers.  Chick asks to use the bathroom.

Like any normal being Fox believes Chick needs to use the bathroom for its intended purpose.  After more time than necessary, Fox investigates.  He is completely wrong in his assessment of Chick's needs.  Hilarity, like the water all over the bathroom floor, flows page after page.

In story two, meandering over to see Fox, Chick is curious as to why he is taking carrots, onions, potatoes and parsley from his garden.  He keeps pointing out the other food Fox should be eating like field mice, frogs or grasshoppers.  With frustration growing in both their demeanors, Fox finally asks Chick to name other things he should be eating.  Talking himself into a corner, Chick flees as Fox chuckles.  And yes, there is soup and a memorable humorous observation by Fox.

Hoping for peace and quiet and a chance to make art, Fox sets up his easel to paint a landscape in the third account.  Of course, Chick strolls up with his own suggestion of a subject matter to capture on the canvas.  Fox appears to agree with a single request,

sit still.

By now readers know Chick is not capable of sitting still. His inability to comply with Fox's desire not once but three times will have readers unable to keep from grinning and giggling.  The final exchange, two sentences, between Fox and Chick is full or wondrous promise.


The sense of humor displayed by Sergio Ruzzier within these pages is masterful.  He understands the contrasts to be found in what is said as opposed to what is meant and understood.  This comprehension is a gift to his readers.  Told entirely in dialogue and wordless images, these three stories build a subtle tension phrase by phrase leading to the inevitable and joyful conclusion.  Here is one conversation.

Fox, you can paint my portrait now.
Just sit still, please.

I am hungry.

You just ate three bowls of soup.

I will go and get a snack.  Then I will sit very still on that rock. 


No other artist selects shades of color as does Sergio Ruzzier.  These colors seen on the dust jacket (and throughout the book) are one of many reasons we enjoy his quirky settings and the elements in each of them.  His characters' faces, longer noses and smaller eyes and each carefully placed line, convey exactly what we need to know in even given situation.  The smiles on Fox and Chick on the front lead us to believe they are friends.  With Chick stating the obvious we are receiving a huge hint at the hilarity to come.

To the left, on the back, the duo is enjoying a moment together outside in a field.  A golden yellow and wide band of reddish-orange along the spine cover the book case.  In the lower right-hand corner Fox and Chick are featured.  Chick is riding on Fox's tail, much to his disgust.  The opening and closing endpapers are done in the pattern of tiles in Fox's kitchen.  There are tiny details added to the concluding endpapers.  On the title page, Fox on his back with his legs extended in the air, is balancing a laughing Chick on his feet.

Rendered in pen, ink and watercolor the illustrations for each of the three narrative chapter beginnings feature a more panoramic two-page picture.  These are followed by panels, sometimes two, three or four to a page.  Their shapes and sizes supply pacing and an inviting design. They are framed in a loose fine line or white space.  For emphasis we are treated to images spanning two pages at least one more time in each tale.

One of my many favorite illustrations is on a single page.  It's in the story titled Good Soup.  Chick has just realized what he has said.  An intertwined landscape of three rolling hills is backed by a forest on the left and two rocky outcroppings on the right.  Chick is running away up a path to the woods.  Fox is closest to us, carrying his basket of garden goodies.  His eyes are closed in a smile as he walks away.  Chick exclaims:

AHHHHH!


Handing this book, Sergio Ruzzier's Fox + Chick The Party and Other Stories, to readers (making sure it's on your professional and personal book shelves) is sure to add more joy to their day.  The humor is refined to perfection.  No matter how many times you read these tales, you will laugh.  It would seem there is a companion title on the way in 2019.  I can hardly wait.

To learn more about Sergio Ruzzier and his other work, please follow the link attached to his name to access his website.  You can view interior images from this book at his website too.  Sergio maintains an account on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.  At the publisher's website a teacher's guide is supplied for your use.  Sergio visits author, reviewer and blogger Julie Danielson on her blog, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast to discuss this book.  He offers loads of process art and explanations.  

Up, Up, Up And All Around

Standing at their feet is like being in the presence of divine royalty.  From their summits, regardless of the height, the panoramic view makes you feel as if you're soaring on lofty air currents.  They are home to flora and fauna found no other place on this planet. 

You will never forget pausing in their shadows or hiking up and around their sides. Their silence is powerful. In Mountains Of The World (Flying Eye Books, June 5, 2018) written and illustrated by Dieter Braun we journey to points known and unknown; our understanding of all things mountain, mountain residents, mountain climbing and other mountain activities greatly increasing.

What is a Mountain?
A mountain is a natural formation that is much higher and steeper than a hill. The distinction between a mountain and a hill differs from region to region.

Once an explanation of a mountain is delivered and we comprehend how one is formed, we are whisked away to the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest.  We are then intrigued by how a shift in point of view can alter the determination of the highest mountain with several comparisons being revealed.  It all depends on where we begin.  Before a discussion of mountain ranges and what determines a range, we learn about the Andean condor.  Get out a ruler and mark off ten feet.  That's their wing span.

Notable names of summiteers, then and now, are shared along with their accomplishments.  Types of climbing and equipment are presented. With a page turn we are gazing at Mount Fuji in Japan as well as reading of the Japanese macaque who lives up to 10,430 feet high in the mountains.  Can you guess how they become warm?  And did you know mountain lions are also known as pumas? 

If you were to visit Huang Shan, a mountain range in China, you might realize what it has in common with the movie Avatar.  Seven countries are crossed by the largest mountain range in Europe.  Have you ever considered mountains might be made of something other than rock?  Are there mountains in the Sahara or in Antarctica?

Skiing and equipment along with other sport challenges on and around mountains are discussed before we are presented with the truth of mountain longevity.  Yosemite National Park, man-made creations carved from mountains, animals living at the highest heights, Mount Kilimanjaro, waterfalls, Halong Bay, Iceland, Uluru, Norway and Table Mountain are only some of the specific topics as this title continues.  The plight of wild yaks is shared along with facts about the chamois, rock badgers, snow leopards, Dali sheep and the Alpine chough.  The creation of glaciers, stalactites and stalagmites is covered.  One of the final chapters asks us to care for the mountains by being environmentally aware.


When he begins his narrative with a story about the lack of mountains near him as a child, Dieter Braun strikes a chord in many readers' hearts.  In his introduction he continues with his first visit to mountains.  That's all he needs to fuel his curiosity.  Dieter Braun has a technique of finding those facts most fascinating to his reading audience.  He is careful to include basics about everything having to do with mountains but also gives us memorable tidbits about a range of items.  Every few pages he adds a

Did you know . . . 

paragraph.  Each element in his illustrations is captioned with information.  Here are several passages.

Did you know that a mountain on Earth can't
go much higher than 30,000 feet?  Once it 
reaches this altitude the base of the mountain will
start to liquefy due to the enormous pressure of the 
mountain's weight.

In Southern France there is a small, peaceful place called Roussillon, known for its red soil that contains ochre.  Roussillon is surrounded by curious formations of ochre rocks that look like huge termite mounds.  They have beautiful patches and stripes of brown, ochre, yellow and radiant red.  Not surprisingly, the colorful soil from these cliffs can be used to make paint!


When you open the book case illustrated and designed by Dieter Braun you recognize a few elements from interior images used to fashion entirely different scenes.  Both of the places provide readers with majestic glimpses into the world of mountains in two different locations.  To the left, on the back, climbers are scaling a mountain, mostly in silhouette. 

The opening and closing endpapers are a layered look at the heights of mountain peaks around the world.  They are depicted in varying shades of teal.  Each peak is named with the height in feet in white text.  On the title page a black bear cub scampers beneath the words.

Each chapter (with direct and sometimes clever names) and the accompanying pictures, spanning two pages and portrayed in full color, urge readers to stop.  And we do.  We can't help but notice the care taken in the color selection.  It is realistic but evokes an emotional response too. We don't want to miss all the intricate and stylized details. We also want to stand back and look at the breathtaking representations. 

One of my many, many favorite illustrations is for The Alps chapter.  On the left, framed by other mountainous slopes is the Matterhorn.  Shades of blue, brown and green with black and white supply a stunning vista.  Along the bottom on the left are native flowers.  To the right Alpine ibexes with large curved horns are standing on rocky ledges.  The perspective of this image places the animals closest to us.  It's like we are watching them against the backdrop of the mountains. 


When you read Mountains Of The World written and illustrated by Dieter Braun it is like holding a travelogue in your hands.  Dieter Braun is our guide furnishing us with pertinent knowledge and marvelous pictures.  You will want this title along with his Wild Animals of the North and Wild Animals of the South on both your professional and personal bookshelves.

To learn more about Dieter Braun and his other work, please follow the link attached to his name to access his website.  It is brimming with his art.  His work is also found on Facebook and Tumblr.  His multiple boards on Pinterest give you further insights into his interests.  At the publisher's website you can view interior images from this book.


Please take a few minutes to visit Kid Lit Frenzy hosted by educator Alyson Beecher to see what titles other participants in the 2018 Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge have listed for this week.