Through The Ages, A Hero Remains

One character's name appears over and over in world literature.  Most readers and listeners of nursery rhymes, folktales and fairy tales can name him.  He can jump over a flaming candle stick, pull out a plumb with his thumb, eat no fat, build a house, fetch a pail of water, grow a stalk that reaches into the clouds from a magic bean, paint frost or triumph over giants.

In the eastern mountain regions of the United States his stories are so numerous they warranted their own collection.

Jack, of the Jack Tales, embodies some of the common characteristics of culture hero.  He is the third son---the magic number.  He is the honest, straightforward, guileless one who never suspects the tricks and deceptions of others.  He is the western European hero who lacks all sophistication but is exceptionally clever. 

                                   (Storytelling:  Folklore Sourcebook Norma J. Livo

                                     & Sandra A. Rietz, 1991, page 25)

Leaving home to search for wealth, success or a home of his own is a common theme in the Jack tales.  Master storyteller Tomie dePaola in his most recent title, Jack (Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA), September 16, 2014) spins his own singular version for our youngest readers. 

This is a story about Jack.

Jack lived with his grandpa

on a tiny farm way out

in the country.

Jack has decided to seek a life for himself in the city, hopefully making new friends.  He is not sure how to do this but his grandfather is positive the king can offer sound advice.  Wearing new shoes, Jack journeys toward the King's castle.

Creak, Creak, Creak, Creak, Creak...

That's the sound Jack hears as he walks down the road.  The first being he meets is a peeping chick.  The curious bird wants to know where Jack is going.  When the chick hears the answer he wants to come along.  Jack is only too happy to have the company.  Now there are two sounds as the duo head toward the city.

In short order a duck, a goose and a dog have joined the travelers.  Each with their unique tones makes a cheery tune as they continue on their quest.  Other curious animals ask to become part of the group.  Eleven animals trail behind and with Jack as he gets his first sight of the homes and buildings at his destination.  A cawing crow serenades the adventurers adding his voice to the chorus.

At the entrance to the royal residence a friendly guard greets Jack and his companions.  When Jack questions the King about finding a home in the city, the King, having heard about the band headed in his direction, offers him a key and some encouragement.  Jack and his new pals gladly welcome the challenge. A feast for one's eyes, ears and heart assures everyone the neighborhood will never be the same.

Simple sentences with faithful attention given to word choices mark the voice of a gifted wordsmith.  Tomie dePaola clearly understands his audience.  Each time Jack meets an animal a new sound is introduced but the same questions are asked and answered in a refrain promoting participation by listeners.  It's interesting to note after the chick joins Jack the 

"I'm going to the city to ask the king for a house,"

answered Jack.

changes to 

"We're... .

In my way of thinking this says something about the character of Jack and his willingness to be a friend.

The matching dust jacket and book case not only introduce readers to Jack but give a before and after glance of the two different locales in which he resides.  The back or image on the left is of the street in the city where he and his friends find their home.  A lighter wash, in the same shade as Jack's coat and the author's name on the front, covers the opening and closing endpapers.  Jack's home in the country is shown on the title page and the first two pages.  Tomie dePaola inserts a decorative dedication into the landscape.

All of the double-page illustrations are rendered in Tomie dePaola's signature color palette 

with acrylics on Arches 140 lb. cold-press handmade paper that was first coated with gesso.

The animal sounds were created with specially made rubber stamps reproduced from hand-lettering.

On the second reading of this book I think I gasped aloud when I discovered how deftly dePaola had included more elements from nursery rhymes, fairy tales and childhood games in each of the pictures.  I was initially enjoying his admired use of line, facial expressions and animated creatures, tiny bugs, a worm, a snail and birds, and folkloric items like hearts, when I noticed a hill being climbed by two familiar people.  What a gift to readers this is!

One of my favorite illustrations is of Jack and his companions arriving in town.  They are shown in silhouette in a line on the road looking at the city.  All their voices are raised making their individual sounds.  In the foreground dePaola has placed a gated stone wall (Guess who's sitting on that?) with townspeople in front of yet another fence.  

Children and those young at heart are going to relish Jack written and illustrated by the esteemed Tomie dePaola.  This is one of those wonderful books which get better with every reading.  I can already hear children peeping, quacking, honking, woofing, oinking, mooing, croaking, meowing, baaing, neighing and hooting.  When you add in the crow and the creaky new shoes, it's a musical menagerie.  Finding all the tiny extras Tomie dePaola has inserted is pure bliss. 

For more about Tomie dePaola and his huge body of work please visit his website by following the link embedded in his name.  You might enjoy reading these three interviews with Tomie dePaola after he received The Society of Illustrator's Lifetime Achievement Award.  They are here, here and here.  I thank you with all my heart Tomie dePaola for all your books, maintaining a connection with my Mom and for being a common bond between the two of us.  You will always be remembered with great affection.

Sisters, Friends, Soulmates

Something you never tire of seeing or hearing when reading picture books aloud is the connections made by the listeners.  A word, phrase or detail in an illustration will trigger a memory binding them to the story as surely as if they are a part of it themselves.  A kinship is felt with the characters, an activity has been shared, or an appreciation for a particular place is noted.

Upon entering my home to the left of the porch is a small portion of a collection I began when Xena chose me.  It's a tangible reminder of being able to find love if you are only willing to look.  I had to smile when two familiar characters, introduced to readers in Lori Nichols first picture book, Maple (Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA), February 20, 2014), returned in Maple & Willow Together (Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA), November 4, 2014) enjoy the same kind of hunt, searching for heart-shaped rocks.

Maple and her little sister, Willow, were always together.

When readers last enjoyed the company of these sisters, Willow needed to be carried by Maple to their namesakes, two trees side by side.  Now Willow walks about freely delighting in her sister's company no matter what they do.  They are inseparable.  Their own special language is one known to be adopted by people everywhere sharing a comfortable closeness and fondness for fun.  Even at night, Willow somehow ends up sleeping in Maple's bed with her.

Their world during the day is filled with the magic of childhood; gathering heart-shaped rocks, constructing residences for fairies and trying to hold grasshoppers.  Hours are spent playing hide and seek although Willow's counting is less than perfect.  Like an older sister, when it rains Maple wants to hold the umbrella.  Willow is completely content to let her.  She would much rather play in puddles.

It's easy to see a pattern beginning to form.  Maple is fairly set in her ways about how things should be done.  Willow is a free spirit preferring a more active approach.  This difference is their undoing one fine day; a day which should have been spent among the dandelions.

Instead they have a shouting match which escalates into toy stomping, a shove, tears and sibling upheaval.  Behind closed doors in their separate bedrooms, they sit. Both realizing they are at the-twiddling-your-thumbs stage, a mutual plan is put into action.  Maple cracks her door open.  Willow cracks her door open.

Exchanges are made.  Wishes float on a breeze.  Sweet dreams are shared.


Using lighthearted and truthful sentences Lori Nichols reacquaints us with Maple and Willow.  Their relationship is one founded on their mutual affection for shared experiences inside their home and outside in nature.  The manner in which they address any given situation gradually reveals their individuality.  Word selection and placement supplying pacing is spot-on for the intended audience.  Here is a sample passage.

... Maple and Willow both loved worms.
Maple kept her worm in a special box.
Her box.
That was okay with Willow
because she liked her worm
to wriggle all over her fingers.


Just as we fell in love with Maple as soon as we met her on the cover of the first book, seeing Maple and Willow, barefoot in the meadow with their trees, a cherished stuffed toy nearby, the one blowing dandelion seeds and the other holding a heart-shaped rock, our hearts are immediately drawn to the sisters.  I really like the three different fonts used in the title along with the significance of the color red; the outline of Maple, the ampersand hooked around the W in Willow and of course, the ladybug.  On the back the twosome are making angels, arms and legs spread, among a pile of colored leaves.  On the opening endpapers in a bright reddish hue, white etchings show an array of acorns, worms, ferns, heart-shaped rocks, a ladybug and a maple leaf looking like a mask.  The same elements are used on the closing endpapers in a shade of lavender.

The title page illustration, the entire layout, is simply precious.  As in her first book Nichols renders her pictures in pencil on Mylar and then digitally colored making skillful use of white space to highlight her characters and the scenes of this story.  With the finest of lines she conveys mood and thoughts on Maple's and Willow's faces.  The thicker matte-finished paper contributes to making her images appear even warmer and softer.

Exquisite details in every illustration endear readers to these sisters and their shared days; the beloved stuffed toy, the ladybug, the stencil-like leaves framing pages, the small squirrel, the dandelions, the goggles-and-snorkel-wearing Willow at bath time and the maple leaf on Maple's nightgown.  One of my favorite pictures is the two of them asleep in Maple's bed toward the beginning. The image covers the entire page in luminous blues.  The soft glow of the moon peeks in the window over the bed.  Rocks and the ladybug line the window sills.  Books lay on the floor.  Maple holds her toy as her arm stretches across Willow's body clothed in footy pajamas.  You can't look at it without sighing.


Maple & Willow Together written and illustrated by Lori Nichols is an enchanting story of sisterly love enduring the ups and downs of growing personalities.  It beautifully shows how celebrating and embracing the choice of another strengthens love.  This is sure to be a favorite with readers of any age.

To learn more about Lori Nichols be sure to visit her website by following the link embedded in her name.  At the site she has several more illustrations from the book.  She has posted a story hour activity kit.  The birthday of this book was highlighted at Watch. Connect. Read. by librarian extraordinaire, John Schumacher this week.  In addition to the interview of Lori Nichols, the book trailer was premiered.

An Armful Of Love

When working with elementary school children you quickly become acquainted with a phenomenon distinctly unique to them and them alone.  You can't walk down a hallway, into the cafeteria or gymnasium, a classroom or the library without encountering it.  You had better be prepared because it is highly contagious.

They are more than willing to pass it on; sharing with the generosity for which they are so well known.  Of course I am speaking about hugs.  Hug Machine (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, August 26, 2014) written and illustrated by Scott Campbell shadows the effervescent sharing of one such boy.

Whoa!
Here I come!
I am the Hug Machine!

This little guy doesn't just hug, he declares to the world about his stellar skills.  No one escapes his hugs.  His family is first on his list.

His hugs serve purposes other than caring and kindness; bringing peace and joy as well as driving people crazy.  Stationary objects are the recipients of his welcoming arms.  Large growing things like trees and bears...you read that right...bears, do not escape this child's squeezes.

His hugs change the way those hugged feel; lifting them up.  All kinds of textures and shapes get his hugs.  Tears vanish and smiles appear after one of his hugs.  His inventiveness allows him to approach those avoided by all others.

When his stamina begins to wan, he recharges with his favorite food; its roundness similar to the shape of his arms as he cuddles all the people and items of his affection.  Everything in his path earns an embrace.  As the day draws to a close, this likable lad starts to feel totally tuckered out.

He simply can't hold out his arms.  He simply can't wrap himself around one more person or thing.  He simply can't. Oh, wait.  He is the

Hug Machine.


With every sentence Scott Campbell builds on the exuberance of his character.  Each voiced expression is an exercise in optimism.  His word choices are filled with confidence; good, best, no one can resist.  His character sees the value in all things no matter their size or physical characteristics.  With each series of phrases Campbell follows with

I am the Hug Machine!  

creating an expectation in readers and a request to join in the boy's journey.  No challenge is too difficult for him to overcome; an answer is there for each question.


The dusty rose background on the matching dust jacket and book case supplies the backdrop for the complimentary colors on the boy, his clothing and the postal box.  You easily want to hug this book; affection and warmth surround you when you look at it.  On the back a small image of the dog and turtle hugging is placed above the ISBN.  The same color with a tad bit of orange shading is used on the opening and closing endpapers.  They each feature a Hug Checklist written in a child's handwriting.  Beside each drawn person or thing to hug is, at first, an empty check box.  At the end each has received a check mark.  Beneath the title, Scott Campbell has placed his huggable hero lifting weights to make his arms stronger.

White space is a key element in all of the illustrations rendered in watercolor throughout this book.  Campbell may choose to extend his picture across two pages, edge to edge or create a series of smaller ones over the next several pages to provide pacing.  At times we see soft dashes which designate the boy's path as his hugs are given.

We may be given a broad perspective of his adventure or a close-up of how his hugs make a difference.  When we read words like soft, hard, square, long, spiky or too big his pictured examples are familiar and fun.  One of my favorite illustrations is of the boy hugging the porcupine.  It's a close-up across two pages with the boy and the porcupine embracing with eyes closed.  His attire clearly demonstrates his willingness to give everything a hug.  It's a superb visual for the words

They are missing out!


This first title Scott Campbell has both written and illustrated, Hug Machine, is as lovable as a favorite stuffed toy.  His portrayal of this boy, who represents many younger children, is sure to elicit smiles because it's the truth.  I think it would pair very well with The Runaway Hug by Nick Bland with illustrations by Freya Blackwood.

Be sure to follow the link embedded in Scott Campbell's name to visit his website.  This link takes you to the publisher's website where you can view interior pages.  Enjoy the video.

With Courage And Music

A common cause unites people with differences. It might be a wrong most people feel needs to be made right.  It's a time when barriers fall or are broken.

As a participant in the 2014 Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge hosted by Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy, I have been reading more than I normally would about World War I.  I reviewed Stubby The War Dog:  The True Story of World War I's Bravest Dog (National Geographic, May 2014) and more recently the beautifully rendered Shooting at the Stars: The Christmas Truce of 1914 (Abrams Books for Young Readers, October 7, 2014) by John Hendrix, a fictionalized account of true events.  When I read Harlem Hellfighters (Creative Editions, an imprint of The Creative Company, August 19, 2014) by J. Patrick Lewis with illustrations by Gary Kelley, I knew another significant piece for my picture of this world event was firmly and memorably put in place.

RECRUITED IN SONG
April 1916
America's late declaration of war against the Germans filled enlistment offices everywhere.  In New York state, politicians enlisted magnetic bandleader James Europe to help assemble a new black regiment in Harlem. ...

This portion of the first passage follows an introductory page describing the length of the war, the number of casualties, the date when the United States entered this conflict, the number of African American soldiers and their role, the importance of the 369th Infantry Regiment named the Harlem Hellfighters by the Germans, and the leadership of James "Big Jim" Reese Europe and his band (music and soldiers).  On pages eight through thirty-one a portion is dedicated to poetic presentations of facts with supporting illustrations surrounding each of them.  It is a journey back in time, a journey highlighting men of distinction.

Two thousand strong, the 369th Infantry Regiment were recruited in 1916 and trained in South Carolina in the summer of 1917.  By December of this same year they left on a ship named the Pocahontas to make the three week journey to Europe.  Upon their arrival in France, they actually entertained people around the harbor with their own special brand of jazz.

Initially, their service was relegated to

They picked and shoveled dams, built hospitals in mud, laid rail lines spiked in blood, and dredged the port of Saint-Nazaire. 

The year was 1918.  Least you think that was their only purpose, in February they lightened the hearts of troops and boosted morale with their music in the Village of the Baths in the French Alps. Within a month the regiment was moved to the front lines.

In May 1918 Henry Johnson, a member of the Harlem Hellfighters, distinguished himself with bravery on the battlefield with a story documented in history by the honors bestowed upon him.  Their leader, James Europe, wrote some of his most well-known songs when the group found themselves moved back from duty in the trenches.  For six days these brave men fought alongside Frenchmen in the battle at Sechault, France at the war's end.

Freedom came at a high price when the numbers were noted.  Freedom was celebrated in towns throughout France, one to the tunes played by James Europe's band.  Freedom was honored when the Harlem Hellfighters marched down Fifth Avenue in New York City on February 17, 1919.


With each reading the words of J. Patrick Lewis become richer and richer in your mind.  His masterful use of language takes the facts gathered from research weaving them into paragraphs replete with portrayals which transport us to the precise time and place.  By telling the story of these men through separate events, noted by date and sometimes place, Lewis focuses on the most relevant and personal aspects of their contributions.  Here is a sample passage.

ACROSS THE WORLD
December 1917
The Pocahontas, a German-built troopship
seized in war, hauled away its cargo
of men and innocence.


The dust jacket features two images taken from within the pages of this title.  On the front we see the Harlem Hellfighters marching down Fifth Avenue in New York City on their arrival home at the end of the war.  On the back we see a single musician with a trombone in his hand standing in front of the Uncle Sam recruiting poster.  A light, plain, sand-colored matte paper covers the opening and closing endpapers.  Before the formal title page, Gary Kelley displays a gallery of Harlem Hellfighters' soldiers in twenty-four small portraits covering two pages.  A picture of a soldier sitting on a piano bench in front of a piano looks like a worn and torn photograph on the title page.

With his select color palette Kelley opens a door to the past.  It's emotional, personal and perfect.  A structured layout and design with alternate illustration sizes creates a pacing which involves readers sincerely and deeply.  We feel connected to these men through his detailed portrayals of specific scenes.  The accurate representations of attire, accessories, vehicles, buildings, battles and places are striking.

In a series of five illustrations, one more than a half-page on the left vertically and four of equal size on the right horizontally, he gives a haunting vision to J. Patrick Lewis's words

SOMEWHERE
in the mid-Atlantic
fog of history, two
dark ships passed
in the night.

In the largest of the five, a Harlem Hellfighter stands at the rail of the ship heading toward Europe.  On the left amid the fog, clouds and on the sea the sails of a schooner can be barely seen.  With each subsequent image the ship gets closer.  As it gets larger faces of African slaves, chains and shackles about their necks, come into view.

Harlem Hellfighters written by J. Patrick Lewis with illustrations by Gary Kelley is brilliant in its factual and visual representation of these men.  It's no surprise that the Society of Illustrators honored it recently with a silver medal.  It is also one of the selected titles on The New York Times Best Illustrated Books 2014.  On the final page eight sources are included in the bibliography and Gary Kelley lists five artist's notes.

For more information about J. Patrick Lewis and Gary Kelley please follow the links embedded in their names to access their websites.  This link to the publisher's website gives you views of pages from this book.  I have included several more links with information about the Harlem Hellfighters here, here, here and here.





It is a distinct pleasure to participate in the 2014 Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge each week.  Be sure to read about the other books highlighted by bloggers.

Plug Your Nose

Like bees to honey with their super sniffers working overtime, dogs are drawn to the most peculiar smells.  Those odors most of us avoid, they run to quickly.  For some, probably most, to stick their nose directly into the source of the aroma is not sufficient.  They relish rolling in it to carry the fragrance on their fur.

In their wonderful glorious minds, they fail to understand why their humans are not thrilled with their newly acquired perfume.  Smelly Louie (Macmillan Children's Books, July 31, 2014) written and illustrated by Kate Greenaway Medalist, Catherine Rayner, gives readers a rare inside look at one particular dog's pursuit in recovering that most important of things which has been lost.  He will not be himself until it is found.

Louie had just had a bath.

Looking and feeling less than chipper after this ordeal, Louie is frantic.  His own distinctly individual bouquet has vanished; washed down the drain with the soapy bubbles. It's time for a trip.

In the garden a fox gladly points him toward a tangy treat, a boot which has seen better days.  It's good but not quite good enough.  Along the ground a group of snails offer another suggestion.

Sniff.  Sniff.  Sniff.  Phew!  These garbage cans might be exactly what Louie needs.  A swarm of flies buzz about another pungent place.  Oh yes!  This is exactly what this canine craves.

One more exquisite unmistakable essence is required.  What is it and where is it?  Then joy fills his soul from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail.  He remembers where he needs to go and why.  Ducks take wing but Louie is in his glory.  His Special Smell is back.

No dog could have had a more pleasurable day.  Every step he takes is a prance filled with pride.  Back through the garden and into the house Louie parades.  Yikes!  What's that noise? What is that smell?  Did someone call his name?


Make no mistake, Catherine Rayner knows what drives dogs to do what they do.  By having a narrator tell the story as well as inserting dialogue, it makes readers feel as though they are shadowing Louie as he goes about his mission.  When Louie roams the area surrounding his home, each place he visits is described in the most aromatic terms.  To add to the humor, he has not only had a bath but he smells like roses and apple blossom; a direct contrast to his much loved whiffiness.  Here is a sample passage.

STINKY BINS!
They were overflowing with fishy leftovers,
and cabbage leaves mixed with rotten eggs.

Delicious!  But it was
still not his own
Special Smell.


Stretching across the entire book case with the words

Nobody smells quite like Louie...

over his back, readers are given a fairly accurate impression of the personality and characteristics of Louie.  The opening endpapers are splashed with mud and dirty paw prints as a mouse (rat) gazes to the right, watching Louie's retreating self.  The closing endpapers are awash in different colors with bubbles and blossoms in blues and pinks.  Just a hint of a muddy paw print remains.  Poor Louie...

Catherine Rayner's signature style continues on the title page and verso featuring swirls of brown, blue and pink.  A few bubbles are floating across from one side to the other.  A trail of mud ends at a bathtub with dirt up its side.

Each illustration spans both pages. Delicate washes supply the appropriate background for beautifully rendered creatures, flowers, leaves and vicinities Louie visits.  Rayner's loose lines, textured layers of color and shapes invite you to reach out and touch the page.  Depending on the text she may give us a broader view or zoom in on Louie's expression.

I have several favorite (Okay, all of them.) illustrations.  But as a human with a canine companion the one for which I have personal experience is of Louie jumping into the Pongy Pond.  The look on his face is filled with glee.  The image with all the splashing and ducks scattering is hilarious and so true. A close second is the perspective of Louie when he realizes he needs to get back his Special Smell. All we see is his face with his nose pointed upward.


If you need to smile, no...laugh out loud, look no further than Smelly Louie written and illustrated by Catherine Rayner.  Her words and pictures will have you cheering him along as he seeks to return to his pre-bath self.  I know this will be a storytime favorite with requests to read it again when the final picture is shown and words are spoken.

To learn more about Catherine Rayner and her other books, please visit her website by following the link embedded in her name.  This title appears on The CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal Nominations for 2015.  A recent interview of Catherine Rayner including her artistic process is found at Pen Heaven.  Update:  You are really going to enjoy this series of video interviews of Catherine Rayner about this title, courtesy of CILIP.

Saving To Tell

The first time I read this story, it was a series of sentences tucked away in a storytelling publication.  Each time I would tell it to a group of students, sighs or gentle gasps of oh would be heard when the final phrase was spoken.  The element of possible, the presence of truth, echoes long after the last word.

As is the way with all good stories, especially those traveling from one part of the world to another, readers are likely to find more than one adaptation.  My Grandfather's Coat (Scholastic Press, October 21, 2014) retold by Jim Aylesworth with illustrations by Barbara McClintock brings a new historical perspective to the Yiddish folksong, I Had a Little Overcoat.  This man's tale is the tale of many who immigrated to the eastern shores of the United States.

My grandfather came to America when he was very young.  He came alone and with little more than nothing at all.

With hard work the grandfather becomes a tailor.  With luck the grandfather meets the love of his life, the narrator's grandmother.  With work and love in his heart, this tailor sews an elegant long coat to wear on their wedding day.

Now as happened during this time period, the tailor needed to also farm to provide for his family.  By the time their first child is born, the coat is looking worn and torn. From the remnants he is able to make a comfy jacket.

Before long it seems the little girl is walking about on the farm and helping inside with household tasks.  Now the jacket is looking worn and torn.  The clever grandfather knows exactly what to do.  And he does it.

Year after year passes until the mother of this teller gets married.  And her grandfather, thrifty and inventive, fashions another article of clothing, wearing it proudly as he walks down the aisle with his daughter.  The daughter has a child of her own (the narrator) who grows and grows as the fabric becomes more and more frayed.

This child has a child and a new handmade gift is given, using the last of the original elegant long coat.  Least you think the tale concludes when this is worn and torn, the bits and pieces serve another purpose.  You can always create something from nothing with a little imagination.


With his first two sentences Jim Aylesworth gives readers his first small variation on the original, a single word bringing us full circle. We begin with nothing.  Between each of the alterations, uses for the cloth, his word choices further tie the changes together as well as give a cadence to the story.

He snipped, and he clipped, 
and he stitched, and he sewed.

The beat is enhanced more when he uses the same words to describe the aging of each new item.  These rhythms he writes make the telling closer to a song to be sung.  Repetitions invite participation and make a story memorable to the reader and listener.


The illustrations throughout are rendered by using

a Hunt #100 steel pen nib and dip pen, Higgins Waterproof Ink, and Winsor & Newton Colours on Arches go-pound cold press watercolor paper.

Barbara McClintock's matching dust jacket and book case frame with tools of the trade of a tailor the grandfather happily coming to America through Ellis Island.  On the back is a recipe for Grandfather's Coat Cookies.  A smaller illustration in the corner, nearly identical to one at the end of the book, shows five items linked together with a single red thread.  The blue used in the title becomes the solid color spanning across the opening and closing endpapers.  On the title page we are given a bird's eye view, a miniature of the New York harbor.

Intricate lines, a full color palette, light, shading and shadows form the illustrations illuminating the text on single pages or as smaller pictures placed together on a page.  Paper quality and white space pull our eyes toward each image.  McClintock's research is evident in the architecture, home decor and clothing styles she features.  With a line her characters are lively, fully animated and the kinds we wish were our neighbors.

One of my favorite series of illustrations is of the wedding covering two pages in the upper half and of the two scenes in the future beneath it on the left and right.  Every detail conveys place and time perfectly.  I want to know more about these people; their lives have become important to us.


My Grandfather's Coat written by Jim Aylesworth with illustrations by Barbara McClintock is a beautiful retelling in words and pictures of a cherished folksong.  Readers will be repeating phrases, maybe even humming them in memory.  I would like to see this paired with the Caldecott Medal winning Joseph Had a Little Overcoat written and illustrated by Simms Taback.  This title My Grandfather's Coat, is the recipient of three starred reviews, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal.  Both the author and illustrator have included notes at the book's end.

For more information about Jim Aylesworth please follow the link embedded in his name.  He has provided a page of Classroom Connections.  

Picture Book Month 2014, Then, And Now, 2017

It's day two of Picture Book Month.  Each year in November this international action highlights the print picture book.  For each date of the month an author, illustrator or author/illustrator will post an essay on the importance of picture books.

A page is devoted to ideas on how to participate and celebrate Picture Book Month.  There is a Picture Book Month Teacher's Guide along with certificates of participation.  On the promo kit page is a short video to view or give you ideas about creating one with your children or students.

Each year a theme is assigned to each day with Picture Book Month founder, Dianne de las Casas, sending out tweets asking for titles.  As I did last year I am setting up an online format, Padlet, listing two or three books around the daily themes.  Most of the titles will be fairly new with reviews attached to the title or at least a summary.  I have included a copy of the calendar below so you can see the themes.  I will start with the first six days adding two or three at a time.  Have fun and celebrate Picture Book Month.  I've also included a Popplet of books suggestions for 2013 on this Padlet. (Here is a link to take you directly to the created Padlet.)

Created with Padlet

It's been great fun to work on creating a collection of picture books around the themes selected for 2017.  I might be adding to the list as I discover more books before November 30, 2017.  It is my sincere hope you will find all three lists of benefit to you and your children.  The direct link to the Padlet is here.