Happy New Year 2020 One Little Word Nonfiction

Here we are in the middle of the first full week of 2020.  It's also the first entry in the 2020 Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge hosted by educator Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy.  Each week participants link their recommendations to her blog.  It's an opportunity to learn about nonfiction picture books, some a little bit longer than others, which the contributors have enjoyed.

As in posts on January 2, 2020 and January 3, 2020 showcasing 2019 fiction picture books, I am featuring multiple 2019 nonfiction titles not previously discussed here.  For each book there will be a link to the publisher's, author's, and illustrator's websites as well as any other pertinent and helpful posts.  A short summary and a quote from the text are included.  I have given each book a single word.  The titles are listed in order of release date.

THRIVE

Moth: An Evolution Story (Bloomsbury Children's Books, June 25, 2019) written by Isabel Thomas with illustrations by Daniel Egneus
The Classroom Bookshelf, School Library Journal
Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast 

In a fascinating discussion we learn about the peppered moth. Throughout generations the colorations on this moth's wings have adapted to environmental changes and challenges.  The wings switch from a lighter, mottled hue to a charcoal shade depending on the area where it needs to hide and survive from predators.  Clear, simple sentences give a very real sense of time and place.  At the close of the book is a two-page note about its evolution, natural selection, and adaptation.  In a word---resilient.

When the sun rose, the peppered moths
dozed on lichen-covered branches.

Silent, still, they hid.

Someone else was looking for food.
Who was the best hidden?
Who would survive?




VISUALIZE

Earth By The Numbers: A Book Of Infographics (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, July 16, 2019) written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins

This title is packed with data visually presented on the topics of:

the earth's surface, the changing globe, what's inside?, the deepest places, volcanoes, earthquakes, mountains, rivers and lakes, ice and snow, oceans, tornadoes, hurricanes, danger from the sky, danger from the sea, earth extremes, a warming planet, and the earth: a timeline.

Within each of these sections, there are general definitions and further divisions of high interest carefully selected by Steve Jenkins.  For example under rivers and lakes we are informed about the areas with the most fresh water, the length of the four greatest rivers in the world and their locations, the four largest lakes in the world and their places on a map, the four deepest lakes and a comparison of their surface areas.  One or two pages are dedicated to each subject.  At the conclusion are a glossary and bibliography.  In a word---incredible.

Danger from the sky 
Lightning strikes occur during a thunderstorm.  They can be awesome, but they are also very dangerous.  

A lightning flash can heat the air around it to five times hotter than the surface of the sun.


DEFEND

Under Threat: An Album Of Endangered Animals (Candlewick Studio, an imprint of Candlewick Press, August 19, 2019) written by Martin Jenkins with illustrations by Tom Frost
Penguin Random House---multiple interior images

The layout and design of this book is to place one of the thirty showcased animals on the right in a full-page depiction on a stamp.  On the left the name, a several-sentence introduction, and a history of the animal's population, its habits and habitat and survival are stated.  In a separate box is the scientific name, the class and family, the status of the animal, its population, where it breeds and its distribution.  In a word---preserve.

GREVY'S ZEBRA
Grevy's zebras are elegant long-legged animals, the largest and rarest of the three living species of zebra.  They live in drylands in northern and central Kenya and Ethiopia, where they feed on grasses and other low-growing plants.

MOST ADULT MALES LIVE in territories of a few square miles/kilometers that they defend against other males, but females and young males wander over huge areas in search of good grazing, sometimes covering up to 50 miles/80 kilometers in a day.


FORM

Monument Maker: Daniel Chester French and the Lincoln Memorial (Tilbury House Publishers, in association with the Concord Museum, September 3, 2019) written by Linda Booth Sweeney with illustrations by Shawn Fields

The life of Daniel Chester French is chronicled in informative and interesting text from his boyhood until the age of sixty-five.  At that time, he was asked by his friend and architect, Henry Bacon, to sculpt the statue of Abraham Lincoln which would be placed in the memorial.  There is an extensive representation of his and others work on the formation of the memorial, the statue and of its significance.  This is followed by a timeline of Daniel Chester French's life until his passing in 1931.  There is a page titled Author's Note and Dan the Maker, and several for The Lincoln Memorial.  We can read about The Creations of Daniel Chester French, and extensive Selected Resources.  In a word---impressive.

Three years later, on April 19, 1875, thousands of people crowded onto the Old North Bridge for the unveiling of Dan's statue.  A biting north wind failed to chill the festive occasion.  Judge French and his family led the procession.  President Ulysses S. Grant came with the Marine Band from Washington, DC.  May Alcott and her family were there.  So were Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Ralph Waldo Emerson.  But one person was missing---Dan.  He had already sailed by steamship to Florence, Italy, to study and work in the studio of Boston-born sculptor Thomas Bell.


CELESTIAL

What Miss Mitchell Saw (Beach Lane Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, September 3, 2019) written by Hayley Barrett with illustrations by Diana Sudyka
Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb---Hayley Barrett

From her birth to the receipt of the medal from the King of Denmark for her outstanding discovery, we are privy to the life of Maria Mitchell.  She was a studious child from a very young age, paying attention to details, learning and remembering the names of people, and objects.  She began to assist her father studying the night sky through a telescope.  She worked during the day and watched the sky at night.  That's when she saw the comet!  In a word---perseverance.

By her father's side, Maria learned to rate the chronometers.  Using a sextant and careful calculation, she determined their accuracy so that sailors at sea might establish their position and, when their arduous work was at an end, set a course toward family and Nantucket Town.

Maria knew the whalers by name.


DETERMINATION

Soldier For Equality: Jose de la Luz Saenz and the Great War (Abrams Books for Young Readers, September 3, 2019) written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh
Duncan Tonatiuh Talks with Roger, The Horn Book
KidLitTV: Storymakers
Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast  

The life of Jose de la Luz Saenz (Luz) is presented to us from his childhood to the formation of the League of United Latin American Citizens.  As a young Mexican American Luz suffered prejudice in his hometown of Alice, Texas.  He lived by words told to him by his father:

"Luz, I don't want you to fight," said his father, "but don't let anyone make you feel ashamed.  You should always be proud of who you are, mijo."

Luz became a teacher, married and had a family.  When the United States entered World War I Luz volunteered wanting to serve his country.  He believed if Mexican Americans served, they would be treated more fairly when they returned home.  There is an author's note, Luz's Words, a Select Timeline Of The United States' and Luz's Involvement During World War I, a Select Timeline Of The League Of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and a Select Bibliography.  In a word---remarkable.

The trip across the Atlantic Ocean was not easy.  The soldiers were tightly packed belowdecks.  They slept in hammocks next to one another.  Luz often felt seasick.  At night he thought of Maria Petra and their children at home and wrote in his diary:  I hope they are proud of me and that my efforts help them and others like us.  Espero que esten orgullosos.


FIRST

Thurgood (Schwartz & Wade Books, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, September 3, 2019) written by Jonah Winter with illustrations by Bryan Collier

Using the technique of a single word, FACT, we learn example by example of the discrimination faced by Thurgood Marshall and other African Americans.  We see how the influence of supportive parents contributed to his drive to eliminate this discrimination law by law.  Readers will feel a fire growing within them case by case as Thurgood Marshall accomplishes one feat after the other, not without danger, until he becomes the first African American Supreme Court Justice.  In a word---powerful.

Back at home, over dinner, his dad would engage him in arguments about these trials, about the news, about anything.  He would raise his voice, demand that Thurgood back up his points with evidence.  And Thurgood would put it right back to him, word for word, point for point---with glee, with fire.


SHAPE

Prairie Boy: Frank Lloyd Wright Turns The Heartland Into A Home (Calkins Creek, an imprint of Highlights, September 10, 2019) written by Barb Rosenstock with art by Christopher Silas Neal
Penguin Random House
at the author's website there is a video, and links to a Pinterest board, text set and educator's guide
at the illustrator's website there are several interior images

Layer by layer, each portion of Frank Wright's life is placed before readers.  He took great joy in his life on the prairie as a child and it continued into this adult life.  When the family had to leave, as a gift, his mother gave him a variety of wooden shapes.  He used these to fashion all sorts of things.  Everywhere he looked this boy saw shapes.  This was transferred into his work as an architect.  His signature work is a combination of his two loves, the prairie and shapes.  At the conclusion there is an author's note, a list of selected sources and source notes.

Thousands of shapes kept Frank company until his family returned to Wisconsin.  Twelve-year-old Frank nailed fences and milked cows on his uncle's farm.

He flew kites and sang around the piano with school friends.

He collected dried weed pods and painted prairie landscapes in his attic bedroom.


DEFEND

Survival (Running Press Kids, September 17, 2019) text by Anna Claybourne, art by Louise McNaught

This is a collection of twenty animals found around the world facing extinction.  They are stunningly and realistically portrayed by the artist on brilliant backgrounds with sometimes only their faces showing.  It is a very intimate experience for readers.  Opposite the portrait on the right is a map of their habitat, their Latin name, status, population, size, habitat, and location.  Beneath this is information about their history and status.  In a word---breathtaking.

GIANT PANDA
This iconic black-and-white bear once lived across much of eastern and southern China and parts of Myanmar and Vietnam.  Today, it survives in a handful of remote mountainous forest in central China.  A panda's diet is almost entirely bamboo, and bears will feed for up to fourteen hours a day, eating twenty-two pounds or more of shoots.


GATHER

Red Rover: Curiosity On Mars (Roaring Brook Press, October 29, 2019) written by Richard Ho with illustrations by Katherine Roy
at the illustrator's site there is an additional post as well as a video when she and the author were unboxing their first printed copies of the book
KidLit411---interview with the author

Told from the point of view of the planet Mars, we are informed about Curiosity the rover which landed there in 2012 in order to explore the planet, gather and transmit data to us (NASA).  We learn about its routines and those rovers which arrived before it.  We are privy to the type of information it collects about the planet.  Marvelous illustrations accompany the factual but nearly lyrical text.  There are a four-page foldout and a two-page diagram, labeled, of Curiosity.  There are additional pages about Curiosity, Mariner 9, Viking 1, Pathfinder and Sojourner, Spirit and Opportunity and the Mars 2020 Rover.  There is a Mars At A Glance box, a bibliography and websites.

The little rover likes to roam.
It leaves long, straight tracks as it goes.

The tracks play hide-and-seek . . .
. . .waiting for the rover to find them again.

An About Face

Throughout our lives, regardless of our age, it's perfectly normal to set, accomplish and shift goals.  We greet each day working to fulfill these ambitions.  And we dream dreams outside of what we see as possible, elaborate ponderings dependent on miracles.  These keep us hopeful.

During these mental, and sometimes vocal deliberations, our closest companions endeavor to help us.  They elevate our hope into the realm of maybe-this-could-be-real.  Cowie (A Paula Wiseman Book, Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, January 7, 2020) written and illustrated by Elizabeth Rose Stanton is another charming, heartfelt title by a wise and talented woman who has given us Henny, Peddles and Bub.

This is Cowie.

Everyone called him Cowie

because Cowie loved everything about cows.

Their physical attributes and mental view of life were revered by this donkey.  More than anything else, their position in the grass, 

the green, green grass

on their side of the fence,

was cherished by Cowie.  By grazing in the grass, they avoided carrying humans and other goods on their backs.  And they definitely didn't pull any wagons.  

Cowie made up mind.  If he wanted to be a cow, he had to do cow-like things.  He tried several activities, but he still felt more like a donkey than a cow.  Then he tried to say MOO.  Yikes!  It came out backward.  No matter how many times he tried, the sound was reversed.  How does something like this happen?

His two friends, Duckie and Mousie, sensed their friend's sadness.  Their first approach was to speak their sounds in reverse, but this did not make Cowie happier.  They thought maybe something was physically wrong with Cowie.  Everything was checked from bottom to top.  He was A-okay except when he tried to moo again it came out 

OOOOOOOOM.

After a couple of ideas and more attempts, Cowie's two pals knew exactly what to do.  And they did it . . . with considerable effort.  And you, readers, will laugh and laugh and laugh.

When Elizabeth Rose Stanton brings another of her gentle, lovable creatures into our lives, we welcome them willingly.  In the persona of Cowie, we connect with the dilemma of wanting something which seems improbable.  As the reasons for his love of cows are told to us, we understand his desires.  Who among us has not wanted to emulate another, so as to be like them?  As the story progresses with a blend of narrative and conversation, we are utterly surprised and completely delighted with his two friends' resolution.  In fact, it's guaranteed you'll laugh out loud.  Here is a passage.

Out came:

OOOOOM

Everyone stopped chewing

and swishing and mooing

and looked at Cowie.

I am making too much of a donkey of myself, he thought.

I will never be a cow. 

The use of white space as an element in this book is outstanding.  As you can see on the front of the dust jacket, even though the colors of the animals are soft, the white space lifts them up, as it does with the varnished title text. (All the animals are varnished on the front, also.)  To the left, on the back, an interior image from the book has been placed.  It is the scene which accompanies the text previously noted.  All the cows are looking at Cowie with astonishment.  Cowie's back is to readers, as he faces the group of cows.  

The opening and closing endpapers are the same hue of blue as the title text on the front of the dust jacket.  (I am awaiting my hardcopy, so I am working with an F & G.)  Before the verso and title pages, Elizabeth Rose Stanton has placed a cowbell, looped with a pale blue ribbon, in the lower, right-hand corner.  This is a foreshadowing.  The image from the front of the dust jacket appears on the title page.

Rendered in pencil and watercolor, the illustrations are endearing and expressive.  Elizabeth Rose Stanton also adds labels to two of the pictures to place emphasis on Cowie's reasons for loving cows.  Her delicate lines, shading with the colors and facial expressions reveal her skill in using this medium.  Careful readers will notice the inclusion of two previous characters in one of her pictures.

The care given to details is marvelous.  When Cowie is sad, Mousie offers up a daisy and a tiny chick offers him a worm.  When Duckie and Mousie are examining Cowie for any physical problems, Elizabeth Rose Stanton's refreshing sense of humor is seen in this series of images.

One of my many, many favorite illustrations is on a single page with a crisp, white background.  Cowie is seated with his red halter hanging to the ground and his red-ribboned tail trailing behind him.  Duckie is seated in front of him with a wing raised in question.  The tiny chick is standing on his tail.  Mousie is on top of Cowie's head with arms raised in triumph with a glowing lightbulb above Mousie's head.  Cowie has his eyes raised up toward Mousie. 

For readers who want a book to hug because they love the characters, one they'll want to read over and over, and one which will make them giggle, Cowie written and illustrated by Elizabeth Rose Stanton is a superb choice.  While we'll not always be who we want to be, good friends can lend a paw or wing to make even our most unlikely dreams a reality.  They'll have to add a healthy dose of silliness to the mix, too.  I highly recommend this title for your personal and professional collections.

To learn more about Elizabeth Rose Stanton and her other work, please follow the link attached to her name to access her website.  Elizabeth Rose Stanton has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.  Enjoy this video interview.

There's "Snow" Better Time To Read

It began in the early afternoon yesterday.  It was not stopping.  The entire landscape looked as though it was dipped in vanilla frosting.  The wind gusts sculpted lovely shapes and rang my three sets of wind chimes.  Winter is back full throttle. 






Late, late last night the snow finally stopped but the winds are still howling.  The big lake, Lake Michigan, is wild and beautiful today.  A walk along the shoreline needs to be done with respect.


Two of three publications released in November 2019 remind us of all the fun-filled activities to be enjoyed outside in winter.  The third book focuses on a hesitate hibernator.  In an alphabetical journey with a new-found friend, he makes his way back home.

When The Snow Is Deeper Than My Boots Are Tall (Godwin Books, Henry Holt and Company, November 5, 2019) written by Jean Reidy with illustrations by Joey Chou will have eager readers ready for a romp in the out-of-doors.  There is something special about an unexpected snowstorm.  It's an open invitation brimming with possibilities.

Jump up in the morning.
Winter's here at last!
Gobble down my pancakes.
Getting dressed so fast. 

Our happy narrator compares the snow depth throughout the story by his size.  It begins as

deeper than my toes are tall.

Before he gets garbed in his winter gear and sets foot outside, it's much deeper.  He joyfully leaves prints wherever he goes.  The family cat and dog join in his snowball fight with the neighborhood children and when he makes a snowman.

It keeps on snowing and the wind is still blowing.  A huge gust snatches his hat and now the snow depth matches the book's title.  This little guy is in need of rescue.

Near but not too near, loving parents pick him up.  The adventuresome boy, dog and cat are carried through the snow until they all take a minute or two or three to leave their shapes in the snow.  A final gaze at a vast starry sky is a prelude to an appreciative snuggle inside by a cozy, crackling fire.


Author Jean Reidy pens a wonderful rhyming story which will have readers clapping and toe-tapping by the second page turn.  Repeating the deeper than phrase but adding to its descriptions asks for reader participation.  Jean Reidy also includes single alliterative action words and the repetition of certain words together to heighten the rhythm.  Here is a passage.

Step!
Stamp!
Stomp!
Run!
Tracks in the white.

Splet!
Splat!
Splot!
Fun!
Snowball fight!


Illustrator Joey Chou using hues of blue and purple contrasting with vivid colors in clothing and interior and exterior scenes of the boy's home manages to portray a winter's snowy, blowy and chilly day with excellence.  On the front of the dust jacket the boy is gleefully swung between his parents as the family pets watch.  To the left, on the back, we are brought in close, to the boy and his pets engaged in making snow angels as two birds fly over them.  Specific elements are varnished to reflect light on the snow and title text.

On the book case in shades of turquoise as a background with large snowflakes in darker turquoise, white and purple, an interior illustration is featured.  It shows the boy romping in the snow, leaving his footprints and handprints.  He moves from left to right into four different positions before running toward the right-hand corner.

The opening and closing endpapers are covered in a bright orange similar to the boy's scarf.  The images, rendered by digitally painting in Adobe Photoshop, are all double-page pictures with shifting perspectives to enhance the pacing.  Several times we get a bird's eye view.  We are brought close to the characters for emotional impact.  Readers will delight in the extra details like the cat and dog paw prints on the frost-covered window pane

One of my many favorite illustrations is of the boy making a snowman.  On the left he is rolling the head toward the two other large snowballs on the right.  His snowball on the left already has eyes, a smiling mouth, a carrot nose and twigs sticking out the top for hair.  The medium snowball has a red bow tie on it.  The cat is peeking out the top.  The largest snowball has yellow boots for feet.  The dog, paws on top, is looking at the cat and his boy and is barking.

To learn more about Jean Reidy and Joey Chou and their other work, please follow the links attached to their names to access their respective websites.  Jean Reidy has accounts on Facebook and Twitter.  Joey Chou has accounts on Instagram, Tumblr and Twitter.  At the publisher's website you can view interior images.  The link is attached to their name.


A Day for Skating (Candlewick Press, November 5, 2019) written by Sarah Sullivan with illustrations by Madeline Valentine is sure to have readers reaching for their skates and searching for the nearest ice.  If you can't walk to it, it's time for a trip.  Then, get ready to glide, twirl and zoom over the frozen surface.

Mittens, boots, parka, cap.
Crisp cold. Branches snap.
Clear pond, shining ice.
Laced-up skates---check them twice.

An adult, little girl and pet dog head to the skating pond in their car.  At the ice, the little girl struggles to maintain her balance but her companions, human and canine are there to offer support and help.  After the tumble, the trio head inside the warming hut with others for a snack and hot chocolate.

Later, back outside, we watch others skating hand-in-hand, playing hockey, dancing and racing.  Everyone seems to be enjoying their day on the ice.  At dusk, a roaring fire in a brick pit outside is a place to get warm and change from skates to boots.  Others gather by the fire with the adult, little girl and their dog.

Back home there's a warm bath to take off the chill, and a favorite book to read in bed. What's happening at the ice now that everyone is home?  Only the full moon knows for sure.


Through the words written by author Sarah Sullivan is seems as if we are there at the pond and at the child's home at the end.  Most of the two lines rhyme at the end, giving us a descriptive vision of place, time and the emotional mood.  There is a distinctive flow mirroring the actions of the characters until we, like the little girl, are lulled into calm at the conclusion.  Here is a passage.

Good friends gliding in a row.
Holding on and letting go.


Rendered digitally and using watercolor and colored pencil, the illustrations by Madeline Valentine transport us to the pond on the matching and open dust jacket and book case.  On the front the girl and her parent skate together amid a hockey player and group of figure skaters.  The crisp, cold setting is deftly depicted in cooler colors with bright splashes in the clothing worn by the skaters. 

The scene continues over the spine to the left.  Five skaters, hand-in-hand fashion a line whipping around on the ice.  Behind them is the warming hut, the dog and another father and his son. Readers will be pleased to see different ethnic groups represented.

On the opening endpapers, the parent, little girl and dog are riding in their car to the pond down a county road with a snowy landscape behind them.  On the closing endpapers we are at the pond at night.  We can see the warming hut and a portion of the pond.  Deep purples broken with white snowflakes and a large shining moon portray an atmospheric scene.  On the verso and title pages we are treated to an overview of the parking lot, warming hut, ponds with skaters and the bridge.

The majority of the images are double-page pictures with smaller illustrations featuring actions in a short time period.  The expressions on the characters are those of pure joy whether they are on the ice, in the warming hut, cozy around the fire outside or when our main characters are happily at home.  Readers will appreciate the fine line work and details.

One of my many favorite illustrations is a close-up of people gathered around the outdoor fire pit.  On the left are several children and an adult, and the girl, her parent and dog.  On the right a child, skates over their arm, is close to the pit, arms and hands outstretched to savor the heat.  Careful readers will notice new guests off the edge to the right.  They are a hint of things to come.

Links are attached to the names of Sarah Sullivan and Madeline Valentine, so you can learn more about them and their work by accessing their websites.  Sarah Sullivan maintains accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.  Madeline Valentine maintains accounts on Instagram and Twitter.  At Candlewick Press and at Penguin Random House you can view interior illustrations.  Here is a link to a nine-page activity kit found at the author's website.


Bear Is Awake!: An Alphabet Story (Dial Books For Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, November 26, 2019) written and illustrated by Hannah E. Harrison is an enchanting story of an unlikely and unexpected friendship.  A winter's nap is interrupted for reasons unknown.  A girl's morning is interrupted, too, but she handles it with pure perfection.

Aa  awake
Bb  big bear
Cc  cozy cabin
Dd  doorbell ding-dong!

As you might expect, the letter e reveals entirely different responses from the bear and the girl.  The bear is thrilled with his entrance into the cottage.  The girl is surprised out of her mind.  For each letter of the alphabet the story unfolds from one hilarious moment to the next.

The girl decides they need to go on an excursion.  She puts a large hat on the bear, and they set off down the road into town.  The townspeople and children are terrified.  The bear is having a ton of fun and the girl is trying to keep him acting nicely.

After a trip to the market and back at the cottage, a pancake breakfast makes for two happy people.  The more she learns (from reading a book she got when they visited the library), the girl knows the bear must go back to his home.  The trip is partially fun filled, long and a tiny bit sad.  Now tucked in for his long winter's nap, the bear (and readers) will notice the treats and promise left behind.


Every carefully chosen word by Hannah E. Harrison moves us through this delightfully charming narrative laden with humor.  The single words, double words, triple words and one group of four are sometimes alliterative but nevertheless, fashion a cadence.  Together this collection of alphabetically arranged words do tell a story but they leave plenty of room for the marvelous illustrations.  Here are the words for the letter o.

Oo  oblivious officer
       outlandish outfit


As soon as you look at the front of the matching dust jacket and book case, not a second later, you'll be filled with merriment.  That bear and that girl are having the most fun either of them have ever had.  Notice the shadows made by their arms and legs as they form their snow angles and their footprints and paw prints in the snow.  To the left, on the back, still on a background of white, an interior image of the girl tying the hat on the bear is placed between text that reads:

What would you do if A Bear Came to the Door?

A. Run!
B. Scream!
C. Give the bear a warm hat and head to the library for advice.

On the opening and closing endpapers, with a blue-on-blue color scheme, a map of the community, the girl's cabin and surrounding woods, the stream, mountains and bear's home are shown.  There is one difference between the first and second set of endpapers.  Readers will have fun with the added detail.

Illustrator Hannah E. Harrison begins the pictorial story on the title page with the bear still sleeping inside his den but by the first page turn, a squirrel has moved to the top of the den when the bear wakes up. 

The artwork for this book was created with Winsor & Newton Designers gouache on Strathmore 400 series 184 lb. mixed media paper with vellum surface.

The image sizes vary between double-page pictures, full-page pictures, and several images on a single page.  Readers won't know whether to burst out laughing (which they will undoubtedly do) or point out all the tiny elements Hannah E. Harrison includes in her pictures.  The bear is using a single sharp claw to ring the doorbell.  The bear glances back at the lion on the library steps.  The baby touching the bear's fur during story time is completely at ease.  All the children are watching the bear or carrying on as usual.  The librarian is the one looking rather uncomfortable.

One of my many, many favorite illustrations is on a single page.  The bear and the girl are in the supermarket at the check-out counter.  The cart is ahead of the girl and the cashier; the items are already in a bag.  The big, bulky bear is squashed into the seat, wearing the seatbelt and cautiously waving one paw at the cashier.  The cashier is trying to ring the cash register and take the girl's money while keeping an eye on the bear.  The girl, her back to us, is holding out her money.  This is the nice part of the letter n.  (You should see the naughty scene on the previous page.)


Follow the link attached to Hannah E. Harrison's name to access her website and learn all about her other enchanting books.  Hannah E. Harrison has an account on Facebook.  You might enjoy this interview of Hannah E. Harrison on Brightly.  At the publisher's website you can view the title page.


When The Snow Is Deeper Than My Boots Are Tall written by Jean Reidy with illustrations by Joey Chou, A Day for Skating written by Sarah Sullivan with illustrations by Madeline Valentine and Bear Is Awake!: An Alphabet Story written and illustrated by Hannah E. Harrison are three fabulous books for a winter theme whether they are read separately or together.  They offer multiple opportunities for story stretcher activities.  All of them are lively and full of cheer.  Who could ask for anything more?  I highly recommend all three for your personal and professional collections.

Happy New Year 2020---One Little Word Part Two

How is it that two days, sixteen hours and a half, have passed in this new year already?  By the time I am finished with this blog post only a few minutes will remain in this third day.  One of my favorite authors, Margarita Engle mentioned in a post:

My abuelita followed the Cuban tradition of Las cabanuelas, in which the way you spend the first 12 days of January determines the way you will spend the year's 12 months.  I plan to read, write, and daydream.

If this is true, and it makes perfect sense, my days of this year will be spent reading and writing about children's literature, walking with my canine companion Mulan, and weather permitting, enjoying all the out-of-doors has to offer.

In my endeavor to showcase as many 2019 fiction picture book titles as possible before delving into the 2020 books, I have a new list to add to yesterday's post.  One Little Word of my choosing will be assigned to each book.  Links are provided to the publisher, author, illustrator and other informative insights about the book.  The books are listed in order of release date.  Let's keep making 2020 the best year we can.  We need to for all those who come after us.


HEART

I Am Love: A Book of Compassion (Abrams Books for Young Readers, September 17, 2019) written by Susan Verde with art by Peter H. Reynolds

In this first-person narrative we follow an individual who seeks to alleviate darkness from another person's world by searching for a light in their own heart.  This leads to speaking about all the various forms love can take, including love of self.  In a word---together.

I can listen and not say a word.  I can be there.
Love is being present.

I can hug and hold and say, "Everything will be alright."
Love is comfort.


FRIEND

I Want A Dog (Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC, September 24, 2019) written and illustrated by Jon Agee

Pulling her little red wagon, a young girl enters the Happydale Animal Shelter in search of a dog.  There she is offered a multitude of options; none of which are a dog.  It isn't until she is finally asked about the qualities which make a dog special, that she leaves with a perfect match.  In a word---priceless.

Welcome to Happydale Animal Shelter.  Are you looking for a porcupine?  A weasel?  I've got an adorable armadillo.

No, thank you.
I want a dog.

A dog is an excellent choice.
A dog makes an excellent pet.

But wouldn't you prefer this awesome anteater?

No.


COURAGE

Anxious Charlie to the Rescue (Candlewick Press, October 1, 2019) written and illustrated by Terry Milne
Nerdy Book Club

A lyrical narrative about a little dog believing he must not stray from his set routine each day.  When a friend needs his help, what will Charlie do?  Will his worry get in the way of his selflessness?  In a word---liberating.

At bedtime,
Charlie checked
under the bed . . . BOW WOW!

and behind the curtains.

And he arranged his toys in a neat row:
"All into bed. Rabbit, Panda, Ted,
to keep us lucky.  Dog, Doll, and Ducky."


EMPATHY

A Map Into The World (Carolrhoda Books, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group, Inc., October 1, 2019) written by Kao Kalia Yang with illustrations by Seo Kim
Watch. Connect. Read. a chat between the author and Mr. Schu
The Lerner Blog a video made by the author about this book
The Lerner Blog the story behind the story

A beautiful blend of multiple stories about immigration, generations living together and understanding the wisdom each offers and how we celebrate birth and ease the grief of death.  In a word---lovely.

The green house became our house.  I helped Tais Tais hang the special story cloth about how the Hmong got to America on the empty wall by the big window of the living room.
We saw an old man and woman through the window.  They waved.  We waved back.
Later, my mother and father brought me across the street.  The old man's name was Bob, and the old woman's name was Ruth.  Up close, I could see that they were even older than Tais Tais.


ENERGY

Roar Like a Dandelion (Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, October 1, 2019) written by Ruth Krauss with drawings by Sergio Ruzzier
Activity pages
Nine Kinds of Pie---Philip Nel's Blog---a focus on this book
Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast---in depth post at Julie Danielson's blog with lots of art and chats with Sergio Ruzzier

Twenty-six zany, spirited activities are introduced to readers, taking us from A to Z.  How many can you or will you do?  In a word---charming.

Jump like a raindrop
Kick away the snow
and make spring come
Look under the bed for poetry



CREATE

Beware! (Charlesbridge, October 8, 2019) written by Bob Raczka with illustrations by Larry Day

Using only the letters a, b, e, r, and w, a tale is spun about the meeting between a bee and a bear.  They both realize it's best to make your own judgments about individuals instead of relying on others' assessments.  In a word---delightful.

A wee bee, Bree.
A rare bear, Abe.

"Bree, beware a bear."
"Abe, beware a bee."


ADVENTURE

The Hike (Chronicle Books, October 8, 2019) written and illustrated by Alison Farrell
Hello Small Empire---an amazing chat with Alison Farrell including process thinking and art for this title

Three young girls set off for a day in the nearby woods, climbing to the top of a mountain and back down again.  Along the way they and readers see a multitude of flora and fauna appropriately labeled as if written in a journal.  And at the end we are given a peak in eight journal pages kept by Wren.  In a word---preservation perfection. (Okay, I couldn't resist using two words.)

The Hike by Alison Farrell from Let's Talk Picture Books on Vimeo.


SUPPORT

Just in case you want to fly (Neal Porter Books, Holiday House, October 8, 2019) written by Julie Fogliano with illustrations by Christian Robinson
The Children's Book Podcast


Words from the narrator offer encouragement to readers no matter what they want to do; someone will be there with them every step of the way.  And if they need it, a way back home will be provided with tender affection.  In a word---enchanting.

just in case you want to fly
here's some wind

and here's the sky

here's a feather
here's up high

and here's a wing
from a butterfly




QUESTION

THE UPPER CASE: TROUBLE IN CAPITAL CITY (Disney Hyperion, October 15, 2019) written by Tara Lazar with illustrations by Ross MacDonald
100 Scope Notes---Book trailer premiere and interview with author and illustrator
Picture Book Spotlight---Tara Lazar

Private I is back (7 ATE 9: THE UNTOLD STORY) on a case with loads of grammatical puns and wordplay guiding readers through his investigation.  Where have all the capital letters gone?  Is he the last one?  What is that golden glow in the distance near Cursive Loop?  In a word---genius.

I was dozing in my chair when Question Mark barged into my office.  He looked bent out of shape.
"What's the matter, Mark?" I asked.
"Don't ask," Mark said.  "I'll run out of ink."
True. This town is full of questions.


JOY

Sunny Day: A Celebration of the SESAME STREET Theme Song (Random House, October 22, 2019) music by Joe Raposo, words by Bruce Hart, Jon R. Stone and Joe Raposo, illustrations by Christian Robinson, Roger Bradfield, Ziyue Chen, Joe Mathieu, Tom Lichtenheld, Sean Qualls, Selina Alko, Emily Winfield Martin, Joey Chou, Kenard Pak, Rafael Lopez, Pat Cummings, Brigette Barrager, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Mike Curato, Leo Espinosa, Greg Pizzoli and Dan Santat
Educator Guide

The dust jacket, book case, endpapers, title page and interior double-page pictures are illustrated by a gathering of renowned artists in this tribute to the song which accompanies this show.  You'll be singing the song out loud as you try to figure out who created each picture until you get to the end where all is disclosed.  In a word---wonderful.

Sunny day,
Sweepin' the clouds away.
On my way
To where the air
is sweet.


ORGANIZE

Kiki & Jax: the life-changing magic of friendship (Crown Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, November 5, 2019) written by Marie Kondo with illustrations by Salina Yoon

The method of tidying by only keeping those things which bring you joy by author Marie Kondo is featured in this first children's picture book.  Kiki and Jax, charmingly portrayed by Salina Yoon, have different personalities, one is a collector and the other is a sorter. They find more enjoyment in their friendship by combining their strengths.  In a word---inspirational.

The next day, Jax asked,
"Do you want to go swimming?"
"Sure! Let me get my swimsuit!" said Kiki.
Kiki searched her dresser,
her closet,
and even her toy box,
but she couldn't find it anywhere.
So Jax went home.
He missed Kiki.  But things got in the way.


LAUGHTER

You Loves Ewe! (Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, November 26, 2019) written and illustrated by Cece Bell
The Children's Book Review---interview with Cece Bell
Nerdy Book Club 

Donkey and Yam (who we met in I Am A Donkey!) and now Ewe are characters along with Ram in a side-splitting tale of word play mix-ups and an introduction to homonyms.  Love is in the air which elevates the hilarity.  This is read aloud gold.  In a word---marvelous.

Cece Bell's favorite passage according to an interview is:

Ewe is the cutest! Ewe is the 
fluffiest! In fact . . . 
I am in
LOVE
with
EWE! (Yam)

You is in LOVE? With ME?
Oh, Yammy,
I love YOU! (Donkey)


ASTUTE

The Chinese New Year Dragon Nian (Sleeping Bear Press, December 15, 2019) written by Virginia Loh-Hagan with illustrations by Timothy Banks
Writing and Illustrating, Kathleen Temean---interview of both creators

The traditions observed each Chinese New Year are explained in the legend of the dragon, Nian.  This dragon terrorized villagers every spring until a brave, clever girl, with the assistance of a magical warrior who visits her in her dreams, faces this formidable foe.  In a word---captivating.

MaMa herded the animals into the barn.
"Hurry! Nian will devour anything in his way.
He'll eat our livestock and crops.  With his large
mouth, he can swallow many villagers in one bite."

Mei had lost her father and little brother
to Nian's mighty jaws the year before.

Mei helped MaMa hide.  But then she remembered
the warrior's cane and ran to get it.  "I'll be right back."

Mei stopped in her tracks.

She heard a terrible roar and
smelled a terrible smell.

Happy New Year 2020---One Little Word

Every year it seems as though time goes faster and faster.  The days, weeks and months in 2019 came and went like lightning.  With the welcoming of 2020 a decade ends and a new one begins.

For some each new year is an opportunity to start over, to readjust goals and shift points of view.  These 365 days are a gift.  Since 2006 the project One Little Word, initiated by Ali Edwards, has been adopted by numerous people.  Each year a word is chosen to be a guide, an objective or an inspiration.  This year, as happened last year, I find myself with running out of time to talk about wonderful 2019 picture books written and illustrated by people committed to bringing their best to children's literature.  A single word has been assigned to each title.  Links to the author, illustrator and publisher websites are attached to each respectively.  A passage from each book is provided.  May this year, 2020, bring wonder, health and changes for the good into all your lives.  (The books are listed in order by release date.)


PERSPECTIVE

Spencer's New Pet (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, August 27, 2019) written and illustrated by Jessie Sima 

Guide To Sharing Wordless Picture Books With Young Readers

A boy is enraptured with his red pet balloon dog until the inevitable happens.  In a word---surprising.




CURIOSITY

Just Ask: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You (Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, September 3, 2019) written by Sonia Sotomayor with illustrations by Rafael Lopez

Despite our differences, our physical, medical or mental characteristics, we are more alike than we are different.  Remember, no two snowflakes are alike; therein lies their beauty.  In a word---truth.

Kids are all different too.  Some of us are in a hurry, and others take more time.  Some of us seem shy and quiet, while others are chatty and loud.  Some of our differences are easy to spot.  Others take longer to notice.  Each of us grows in our own way, so if you are curious about other kids, JUST ASK!




PERSPECTIVE #2

Five Minutes (That's a lot of time)(No, it's not)(Yes, it is) (G. P. Putnam's Sons, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, September 17, 2019) written by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick with illustrations by Olivier Tallec  
Educator Guide 

Five minutes has a whole different meaning depending on who says it and the situation in which they find themselves.  In a word---hilarious.

Are we there yet?

We'll be there in five minutes!

How am I supposed to wait five minutes?



GRATITUDE

Apple Cake (Frances Lincoln Children's Books, an imprint of The Quarto Group, September 24, 2019) written by Dawn Casey with illustrations by Genevieve Godbout
Discussion guide

Everything is connected in ways we rarely stop to consider.  We really cannot have one thing without another.  In a word---lyrical.

Thank you, hedge,
thank you, tree.

Thank you, flower,
thank you, bee.








OPTIMISTIC

The Balcony (A Paula Wiseman Book, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, September 24, 2019) written and illustrated by Melissa Castrillon
Popup Storywalk

Single words introduce portions of this wordless picture book following and illuminating a young girl's attitude and actions when leaving a home she loves.  In a word---ripple.


DISCOVER

Explorers (Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group LLC, September 24, 2019) written and illustrated by Matthew Cordell
Cover Reveal at A Fuse #8 Production
Elizabeth Dulemba interview about this book

In this wordless tale exquisite details and shifting perspectives on every page pull you into the separate world of a museum and the diverse group of people who are drawn to museums.  The day begins and ends with magic and in-between there are many discoveries during the day; discoveries about places, objects, people and us.  In a word---revelation.


ACCEPTANCE

Sulwe (Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, October 1, 2019) written by Lupita Nyong'o with illustrations by Vashti Harrison
Curriculum Guide 

A special starry night journey into the world of lore, allows a young girl to see her true self and the lightness she holds inside her heart.  In a word---stunning.

Mama asked, "What is your name?"
"Sulwe," she muttered.
"And what does it mean?"
"Star," Sulwe whispered.

"Brightness is not in your skin, my love.  Brightness is just who you are.  As for beauty," Mama said, rubbing Sulwe's stomach the way she always did to comfort her.  "You are beautiful."
Sulwe sighed.

"Well, you are beautiful to me.  But you can't rely on what you look like to make you feel beautiful, my sweet.  Real beauty comes from your mind and your heart.  It begins with how you see yourself, not how others see you.  Now, up you get and out you go."




FREEDOM

Chicken Break: A Counting Book (Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group, LLC, October 29, 2019) written by Cate Berry with illustrations by Charlotte Alder
Cynsations author interview
PictureBookBuilders author interview

With fowl-less wordplay and a rhyming narrative readers are taken on a riotous romp as a flock of chickens make an escape for the day and then, break back inside the coop.  Readers can expect non-stop laughter from beginning to end.  In a word---chaotic comedy.  (Okay, that's two words but I can't stop laughing.)

One chicken, standing guard.
Two chickens scan the yard.




BRAVE

Sofia Valdez, Future President (Abrams Books for Young Readers, November 5, 2019) written by Andrea Beaty with illustrations by David Roberts  
Publishers Weekly  

Sofia Valdez's beloved Abuelo is injured one day at a local landfill and this further motivates this spirited young girl, who does as much as she can for others, to build a park in the place of the rubbish heap.  Her can-do mindset soon has others championing for her cause.  In a word---inspirational.

Up the squirrel ran to the top of the hill
made of leftover junk for the local landfill.
They reached the tip-top of that mountain of trash
which jiggled and broke with an earsplitting CRASH!

Down they tumbled and hit with a THUD
on a moldy old pumpkin surrounded by mud.

"Ouch!" cried Abuelo.  He struggled to stand.
"A dangerous mess!" he said, grasping her hand.


FLEXIBLE

Pluto Gets The Call (Beach Lane Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, November 12, 2019) written by Adam Rex with illustrations by Laurie Keller
Publishers Weekly
Scientific Inquirer
Writing for Kids (While Raising Them)
The Children's Book Podcast

After receiving the shocking news, he's no longer a planet, Pluto takes readers on a tour of the solar system introducing them to planets and other space objects.  Conversations will have readers laughing and learning.  In a word---space-tacular.

Psst, NEPTUNE!
Are you awake?

This is Neptune.  He's closer to the Sun than me, but he's still so far away that it takes him 165 years to orbit all the way around!  It only takes Earth one year!  One year exactly! That's what a year is, actually.

AHHH, a BLACK HOLE!
Don't get sucked in!


KINDNESS

The Cool Bean (Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, December 3, 2019) written by Jory John with illustrations by Pete Oswald
Activity sheets

In the beginning there were four beans in the pod but three of the four became "cool" beans able to do "cool" things.  The fourth was feeling like there was nothing special about him.  One day, this all changed when he learned no gesture is too small when done in kindness.  In a word---excellent.

WATCH OUT!
Here come the cool beans!

The cooooool beans.

Oh yeah . . .check out how they move.
Look at the way they swagger.
Notice their sunglasses. Yow!