Making A Stop On Deckawoo Drive

We all know people who have a day to day routine set in stone.  They are the people who believe a place for everything and everything in its place.  They simply can't handle any deviation from the way they believe all things should be.  These demands they place on themselves and others tend to make them cranky.

This persistent peevishness in many (every) situations is so contrary to what others say and do, it's hard not to burst out laughing.  In Eugenia Lincoln and the Unexpected Package (Candlewick Press, October 10, 2017) written by Kate DiCamillo with illustrations by Chris Van Dusen, the latest entry in the Tales from Deckawoo Drive series, the story revolves around such a person, a very outspoken, familiar person. Her world is about to be turned upside down and inside out.

Eugenia Lincoln was a practical person, a sensible person.  She did not have time for poetry, geegaws, whoop-de-whoops, or frivolity.

Given her personality Eugenia was not happy when a deliveryman brought a large package to their door addressed to her.  It was not expected.  No one, including her sister Baby, had any idea who sent it and what was inside.  Neighbors Frank, a boy and Mrs. Watson and her pig, Mercy, arrived to speculate about the contents.  Against her better judgment Eugenia opened the box.  An accordion?!

Eugenia wanted an accordion like she wanted the proverbial hole in her head.  To make matters worse the company who sent it refused to take it back.  The only thing to do was make a list.

When a constantly-grinning, I-can-do-anything kind of man in a green velvet suit with a green velvet hat appeared at their door the next morning, Eugenia was sure he wanted to buy the accordion.  He did not.  He was there to teach her accordion lessons.  What?!  When he strolled right into their home, she was flabbergasted.  Had the world gone crazy? 

In no time at all Mr. and Mrs. Watson with Mercy and Frank were gathered in the kitchen.  Events quickly became unbearable for Eugenia.  To make matters worse a huge storm was raging outside.  Eugenia left for her room with General Washington, her cat, and hid under the covers on her bed.

When she woke up the next morning and came downstairs she was shocked several times by what she saw.  Deciding to take drastic measures, Eugenia, with surprisingly no plan in mind, and General Washington left 52 Deckawoo Drive carrying the source of all her troubles.  A voice from above and a request released a song held in a heart for too long.


When Kate DiCamillo writes readers can be sure to glean hidden nuggets of truth and love carefully tucked into her narratives.  These are heartfelt to the point you want to underline them or copy them into a notebook to savor later.  As you read the eight chapters and the concluding coda in this title, each ends with a single sentence, thought or spoken word signaling the end but also offering a beginning.  Lighthearted humor permeates this story through the events described by Eugenia's observations.  You will most assuredly find yourself smiling often and laughing out loud.  Here are some sample passages.

Eugenia Lincoln was very fond of lists.
They helped her think.  Lists calmed her.
They made the world seem orderly and
reasonable and manageable, even though
the world was none of those things. 

"No, no," said Gaston.  "I am here only
for your lessons, so you may learn to play
the sweet songs and the sad songs and all
the little songs in between."
"I refuse," said Eugenia.
"You refuse to learn to play the music 
that is waiting inside of your heart?"


Rendered in gouache by Chris Van Dusen the illustrations throughout this title add to the energy and hilarity.  Study the expressions on the characters' faces on the front of the dust jacket.  You see curiosity on Frank's face, nearly unbridled joy on Baby Lincoln's face and pure disdain on Eugenia Lincoln's face.  These are their personalities in a nutshell.  To the left on the back, is a panoramic view of Deckawoo Drive.  The book case is a darker shade of purple, textured in tiny diamonds.  The opening and closing endpapers are lavender with dark musical notes drifting down the middle.

There are only a few page turns without an image.  They vary in size depending on the plot of the story; extending a point and providing pacing.  They are expertly placed within the text. The settings, architecture and clothing are slightly retro.

One of my many, many favorite illustrations is the first one.  It's a close-up of Eugenia Lincoln standing on the edge of the front porch of their home.  She is leaning to her right with her hand on the railing.  Her left hand is strategically placed on her left hip.  Her right foot is crossed over the left foot.  She is standing with a slight slouch.  Her face has the quintessential gaze of a complete grouch.


Eugenia Lincoln and the Unexpected Package written by Kate DiCamillo with illustrations by Chris Van Dusen is another stellar entry in this delightful collection.  In this title joy is searching for a way into a hardened heart.  The mystery of who sent the package adds an extra element to this tale.  I can't imagine a professional bookshelf without this title.  My copy for my collection arrived yesterday.  (I've already read it three times.)  If you desire to read all of the Mercy Watson and Deckawoo Drive books as I do annually, you can read about all of the previous titles in a blog post written here.

To learn more about Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen and their other work, please follow the links attached to their names.  At Candlewick Press you can view an interior image.  They also supply a teacher's guide.  At Penguin Random House they allow you a peek at twenty-one pages.  There is a special website specifically for the Mercy Watson and Deckawoo Drive titles. Both Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen were interviewed at Reading Rockets here and here.

Of Pickles, Presents And Friendship

Let's suppose you are celebrating a holiday for the first time.  You may or may not be aware of all the customs associated with this festivity.  For each person, family or group observing this holiday, there are additional traditions attached to the event.  These unknowns are rather daunting in contrast to your natural excitement.

If you happen to be sharing a holiday for the first time with a new friend, for all those stated reasons it can be stressful.  The ever cheerful mouse and the grumpy bear for which readers have great affection are back in their sixth offering.  A Christmas for Bear (Candlewick Press, September 19, 2017) written by Bonny Becker with illustrations by Kady MacDonald Denton is one of those stories to be read aloud as a part of your celebratory rituals for years and years to come.

Bear had never had a real Christmas.

All the trimmings and food associated with Christmas have been absent in Bear's life.  This year was different.  He had everything one could possible want to have the best possible Christmas, especially the pickles. (Pickles?)

One evening, he heard the familiar

tap, tap, tapping

announcing the presence of Mouse at his front door.  Dressed from head to toe in red and carrying a holly sprig, Mouse entered, as exuberant as ever.  Bear was having a party this year.  The first thing Mouse wanted to know was if it was time to open gifts.

True to his nature, Bear thought that was rather unseemly.  They would sit, look at the tree, eat a little food, sip tea and Bear would recite a poem.  When Bear left the room to get the pickles, Mouse vanished.  Bear finally discovered him upstairs under his bed.  He might have been looking for a present, his present.

Each time Bear left to bring in food, Mouse was nowhere to be found when he returned.  Eventually the party settled into a dignified state until Bear started the poem.  The atmosphere was suddenly charged with shouts, enlightenment and glee.  A tradition transpired to reveal the depth of the growing friendship.


As readers have come to expect Bonny Becker begins the book with a short paragraph providing us with insights into Bear's current outlook and state of being.  When we then read the words

tap, tap, tapping,

it's like a once upon a time for this and the previous titles to begin.  We know Mouse is going to supply us with his sunny disposition in contrast to Bear's crotchety characteristics.

A cadence is generated with their back and forth verbal exchanges and actions.  These also provide for the story's humor, building to a resolution which will have readers smiling, if not exclaiming with joy.  Here is a sample passage.

The scurry sound was under his bed!
"Mouse?"
"Yes?" came a muffled voice.
"Are you looking for a present?"

Mouse peeped out from under the bed; he had a bit of dust on his nose.
"Perhaps," said Mouse.


What readers enjoy seeing prior to opening a book is found on the matching dust jacket and book case.  On the front Bear and Mouse are decorating a Christmas tree, clearly a prelude to the story. The title text is red foil.  To the left, on the back, amid a pale blue and white tiny, checked pattern is a small oval image.  It's a close-up of Mouse next to an evergreen outside in a wintry setting. This is a hint of what the conclusion will bring.

For the opening and closing endpapers on a muted, golden-yellow canvas illustrator Kady MacDonald Denton has placed stars, candy canes, gingerbread bears and pickles.  With a page turn after the opening endpapers, on a crisp, white background, is another hint of what is to come.  The verso and title pages host a gorgeous winter scene in the familiar setting of the forest and field surrounding Bear's tall Tudor-style home.  A Christmas wreath hangs on Bear's front door.

Rendered in watercolor, ink and gouache the pictures throughout this book span across two pages, single pages and sometimes share a single page with other smaller images.  The delicate lines, soft colors, intricate details invite readers into the story of Bear and Mouse.  The decorations throughout the home, the traditional fireplace, the wood stove in the kitchen and comfy furniture all contribute to the welcome.  The layered brush strokes provide texture, light and shadow.

What makes the visuals extra special is the depiction of Bear and Mouse.  Each of them is given individual physical characteristics which endear readers to them.  Their expressive eyes, the movements of their hands, Mouse's tail and ears and their attire all work together.

One of my favorite of many illustrations is a spectacular picture of Bear's living room.  The Christmas tree, fully decorated with candles burning brightly, is standing near the fireplace with a festive garland draped on the mantle.  On the left page, Bear, wearing a full-length apron with an evergreen tree in the center and a chef's hat, is frozen near his chair.  He has just come from the kitchen carrying an elegant dish loaded with pickles.  Mouse is suspiciously absent.


Once you've read A Christmas for Bear written by Bonny Becker with illustrations by Kady MacDonald Denton, you'll want to start planning all those special little things people do for those they love at Christmas.  The relationship between this duo has grown but their individual personalities still shine and bring giggles and grins to readers.  This title is a wonderful addition to the series and to holiday collections.

To learn more about Bonny Becker and Kady MacDonald Denton and their other work, please follow the links attached to their names to access their websites.  At the publisher's website you can view an interior image. A Bedtime for Bear and The Sniffles for Bear were highlighted on this blog.

UPDATE:  Bonny Becker is featured at PictureBookBuilders on December 11, 2017.

The Gleam Of Green

When the world of reality collides with the realm of imagination within the pages of a book, it's easy to find yourself gasping, sighing, laughing or crying in the most public of places.  You're so thoroughly a part of the story; you literally forget where you are.  Everything and anything is possible.  We all know what is perfectly normal can be transformed into something frightening, outlandish, unpredictable and unforgettable.

Five years ago Creepy Carrots! (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, August 21, 2012)(2013 Caldecott Honor Book) left readers warily wandering through the vegetable section of their neighborhood grocery stores.  As these roots now become a part of our meals or snacks, we half expect them to talk to us or walk out of the kitchen thanks to collaborators, author Aaron Reynolds and illustrator Peter Brown.  Two days ago standing in the middle of a Scholastic Book Fair, it was exceedingly difficult not to burst out laughing while reading the companion title, Creepy Pair of Underwear! (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, August 15, 2017).  Our bewildered bunny is back!

Jasper Rabbit needed new underwear.
On Thursday Mom took him to the underwear store
and grabbed the last three packages of Plain White.

Before they could pay and leave, something caught Jasper's attention.  It was an enormous display for Creepy Underwear.  They were neon green, with a Frankenstein face on the front.  After Jasper reminded his mom he was no longer a tiny tyke, she agreed to a single pair of creepy underwear.

Jasper proudly put on the new ghastly undies before heading to bed.  He declined his dad's request for the hallway light to be left on. In the deep dark of his bedroom he noticed something for the first time.  The cranky creature's countenance glowed in the dark!

You never saw a rabbit move so rapidly.  In a finger snap, the offending attire was stuffed in the hamper and replaced with Plain White.  Imagine his surprise to awake up in the morning wearing the creepy underwear!  What?!

No matter where Jasper put those shimmering pants, where he sent them, or what he did to them, they found their way back to their favorite rabbit.  There was no one to tell.  Who would believe him?  It was time to steer his desperation in another direction.  No one was more surprised than Jasper Rabbit at the results.


When Aaron Reynolds writes about underwear, the usually response, laughter, is replaced with shivers and shudders.  He adeptly uses repetition and alliteration in his depiction of Jasper's actions and the description of the underwear.  Each time Jasper tries to rid himself of the underwear, the fright is gradually replaced with funny in the form of subtle humor.  This leads us expertly to the dual conclusion.  Here is a sample passage.

He closed his eyes.
He pulled up the covers.
He buried his face in his pillow.
But it didn't help.
He could still see that 
ghoulish, greenish glow.


The limited color palette, the blend of black, gray, white and green, and the ingenious use of light and shadows not only on the matching dust jacket and book case but throughout the title focus our attention on precisely how creepy these techniques can be.  The neon glowing green hue paired with the white eyes filled with fear on Jasper reaches out and grasps readers.  We realize the rabbit is genuinely terrified.

On the front of the jacket and case we are brought close to him sharing his dread.  To the left, on the back, is a duplication of an interior illustration. Jasper is standing in his bedroom window on the first morning when the creepy underwear has somehow moved from the hamper back to his body.  On a background of black on the opening and closing endpapers are rows of plain white undies except for one pair of creepy underwear.  Careful readers will note the difference between the two.

Each illustration has rounded corners with black frames, like pieces of film or a screen on the first black and white televisions.  Rendered in pencil on paper and then digitally composited and colored by Peter Brown the pictures portray varying perspectives.  Many times it's as if we are indeed watching a movie or television show but we also feel as though we are in the scene with the characters.

The expressions on Jasper's face convincingly convey his jitters but at the same time readers know he's trying to demonstrate he's a bigger bunny, more grown up.  He's also filled with a sense of determination and at times, elation.  The humor increases when readers notice the altered looks on the Frankenstein face on the creepy underwear.  Several will undoubtedly prompt outbursts of laughter.

One of my many favorite pictures is when Jasper first discovers the creepy underwear glow in the dark.  Across two pages, we get a bird's eye view of Jasper's bed.  It extends from the right-hand corner, filling the page, at an angle across the gutter to beyond the center of the left page.  The quilt, patterned in squares like the floors and bathroom tile, is pulled back and held by Jasper to reveal his body.  The creepy underwear is gleaming brightly with an angry scowl on its face.  Jasper looks shocked.


As sure as the full moon casts a spell on the earth below, readers will request this title, Creepy Pair of Underwear! written by Aaron Reynolds with pictures by Peter Brown, to be read to them repeatedly.  It's scary but not too scary and the conclusion will have them howling at the humor.  Readers, like Jasper, will understand rather than trying to hide from your fear, the better outcome might be to face it.  I highly recommend this title for your professional shelves.  It will never be there, passed from reader to reader.  Your personal collection will need a copy too.

To learn more about Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown and their other work, please follow the links attached to their names to access their websites.  At the publisher's website you can view interior images from the book.  There is also a four page activity kit.  Aaron Reynolds is featured at PictureBooking, Episode 86.  On The New York Times Books Facebook page under Videos Peter Brown draws art from this book, reads portions aloud and chats about his process.

For Love Of Books And Children

When walking among and working for decades in the realm of children's literature you come to respect the work of and have affection for the authors and illustrators. What they do is powerful.  Yesterday during a chat on social media I remarked that children's literature is going to save the world.  It is smarter, brighter and better than ever.  So are our children.  I believe this to be true.

It was not always this way.  There were no books being written specifically for children. Balderdash!: John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children's Books (Chronicle Books, April 4, 2017) written by Michelle Markel with illustrations by Nancy Carpenter is an energetic exploration of a remarkable man.

WELCOME!
THIS BOOK'S FOR YOU.
Every page,
   every picture,
every word, and even its
   letters are designed for
your pleasure.

This lively, inviting introduction concludes with how fortunate readers are today and reminds them it was not like this in 1726.  There were indeed wonderful books for all kinds of readers but nothing was written for children.  They were made to read dry, didactic tomes riddled with rules.  At this time John Newbery was barely a teen.

When he was able John left the family farm to pursue working for a printer.  This young man who loved books was now making them.  He eventually moved to London to begin a business in publishing.  He wanted to be the man who put books in the hands of all readers, adults and children.

Working hard to gather the best material for a children's book, new and classic, filled with marvelous illustrations, and a letter to parents, John released his first title, A Little Pretty Pocket-Book.  He advertised it along with a toy.  What child could resist a book and a toy?  Apparently none of them could.  It was a huge success.

John's mind was on fire with publishing ideas for children; a magazine, titles for older readers and even a novel, The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes.  It was a winner on both sides of the pond.  There is even a history of mystery with this book and others John published for children.

His shop was a haven and a little bit of heaven for his young readers.  They knew he knew what they loved best.  To have established and named a children's literacy award given annually

"to the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children"

is an honor most suited to this man who devoted a significant portion of his life to books for children.


Once you've read the first four sentences, an introductory paragraph, written by Michelle Markel you have to keep turning pages.  Her word choices captivate and engage us;

got a kick out of,
he went big time,
smack dab in the heart of the book marketplace and
gobbled them up like plum cakes.

Her ability to entwine threads of historical truth into jaunty, joyful text is marvelous.  Her storyteller's heart is evident on every single page.  Here is a sample passage.

JOHN LIKED
CHILDREN.
Why shouldn't they have
delightful
books of their own?

John!  What were you thinking?
What about the parents?  Many mums and dads worried
that if their little nippers read fun books, they'd turn
wild as beasts! 


There is absolutely no way you can look at the matching, opened dust jacket and book case without smiling.  There stands John Newbery among all the children gathered in a London street, buildings in the background framing their cheer.  Opened and closed books appear in hands and thrown in the air.  The children's open mouths are probably giving him at least three Hip! Hip! Hooray! cheers.  What illustrator Nancy Carpenter has done is to give readers a true slice of life moment, presenting children from all walks of life.

The opening and closing endpapers are a swirl of teal, pink and golden yellow looking like paper perhaps used for covers of children's books during John Newbery's publishing career.  Rendered in pen and ink and digital media the illustrations are clever, animated and reminiscent of the time period.  The edges of each page mirror the pages of a very old book; a book inside a book.

Several times the corner of a page will be rolled back to provide us with an aside.  Picture sizes shift from two pages, to those which cross the gutter paired with a smaller image, single pages or a grouping of smaller pictures to depict the passage of time.  The fine lines, the color palette, layout and design replete with intricate details will have readers pausing in pleasure at every page turn.  Happiness and humor is evident everywhere.

One of my many favorite illustrations spans two pages.  John Newbery is sitting in the back of his bookshop on a bench covered with sheets of paper.  One of his arms is resting on his desk and the other is holding an open book.  He is definitely thinking of his next project.  The room is filled with books, papers, tools of his trade, and a printing press. A sleeping canine companion rests nearby on and under paper.  John's coat and hat hang below a clock next to a doorway. Through the door we can see customers in his shop.  A little girl is peeking around the doorway at John.


When you read nonfiction picture books, a biography, like Balderdash!: John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children's Books written by Michelle Markel with illustrations by Nancy Carpenter, you feel a distinct connection to the past and its influence on our present.  When you hold this book in your hands you are holding pure delight.  Be sure to have a copy on your professional bookshelves and in your personal collection.  There is an author's note, a discussion about books mentioned in this book, suggested books for further reading, a selected bibliography and articles listed at the back of the book.

To learn more about author Michelle Markel and her other work, please follow the link embedded in her name to access her website.  At the publisher's website a teacher's guide is provided.  You will want to head over to Scholastic's Ambassador of School Libraries, John Schumacher's blog, Watch. Connect. Read. to enjoy the conversation he had with Michelle Markel on the date of her cover reveal.  Several years ago Publishers Weekly supplied readers with a Q & A with Nancy Carpenter.


I am a day late for my post at Kid Lit Frenzy hosted by educator Alyson Beecher for the 2017 Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge due to a prior commitment but be sure to see what the other participants listed this week by visiting Alyson's blog.

Secret Coders Blog Tour

Just one year and one week ago as a participant in the Reading Without Walls Blog Tour, I found myself introduced to mysteries, puzzles, disappearances, clues and coding through reading books one and two in the series Secret Coders written by Gene Luen Yang with art by Mike Holmes.  In that post I highlighted the plots of the books, Secret Coders and Secret Coders Paths & Portals, along with the illustrative work.  To say these books are page-turners, edge-of-your-seat exciting would be an understatement.

Nothing is as it appears at Stately Academy.  Newcomer Hopper and her friends Eni and Josh find themselves right in the middle of less than normal circumstances.  From book to book their coding skills improve.  Readers are invited to join them in using coding to solve puzzles and fight evil-doers. 

For this tour Gina Gagliano at First Second sent out a challenge.  We needed to take one of the coding exercises within the narrative of one of four books, try to solve it and tell about our process. 

Rereading books one and two was as much fun this time as it was the first time.  Book three, Secret Coders Secrets & Sequences, and book four, Secret Coders Robots & Repeats, give readers answers but more questions too.  As in the first two titles, these books end with a cliff-hanger and puzzle to solve using coding.  The coding in these second two books is more difficult but readers are guided through the steps and given examples, cleverly as part of the storyline.

Not quite sure about my coding skills at this point I decided to try solving the challenge at the end of Secret Coders Paths & Portals (book two).  A friend of the children is all tied up with trouble.  A code needs to be written to have a large lawn-mowing turtle move forward a random number of units and turn a random angle.  A repeat of at least 100 needs to be a part of the coding.  This will create a huge distraction so their friend can be rescued.

It was suggested bloggers use an online site called Turtle Academy.  You can register for free.  The first thing I did was review the previous portion of the story introducing repeats and random code.  Then I went to Turtle Academy.  After ten minutes I was having trouble writing code in the space provided but I was determined to use this application.  I discovered I was in the wrong section.  I found the playground.

After about thirty minutes, I figured out how to write code in this program.  I captured my results hoping what I wrote would match what was at the beginning of book three (I did read books three and four but my mind is not wired to code...yet).  My results are more complicated than those in the book but mine does look like chaos which is the entire point.  In my favor I would say mission accomplished!

To tell you the truth, this was fun.  I can see where you could spend hours writing code to make this turtle go where you wanted him to go.  Thank you Gina for this opportunity.  I am looking forward to sharing these books with students.  I know they will be as eager as I am to see what happens next in this series.

Here is the link to view the efforts of the other blogger participating in this tour.


Gene Luen Yang is the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.  He was written and drawn many graphic novels, including American Born Chinese, which was a National Book Award finalist, as well as the winner of the Printz Award and an Eisner Award.  His graphic novel set, Boxers and Saints, won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize.  He has also written for the hit comics Avatar: The Last Airbender and Superman.




Mike Holmes has drawn for the comic series Bravest Warriors, Adventure Time, Secret Coders, and the viral art project, Mikenesses.  His books include the True Story collection, This American Drive, and Shenanigans.  He lives with a cat named Ella, who is his best buddy.

A Memory Of Forever Friends

The more we know about the kingdom of animals as a whole, the more we understand about the vital importance of every single member to all life on this planet.  There is an intricate network in place.  When we choose to shift our focus to a specific animal, it's astounding what can be learned about their physical characteristics.  Each one of those qualities helps them to adapt, survive and continue to be an essential link.

It's even more interesting and exciting to discover the personality and emotional traits animals exhibit.  They are more like humans in some respects than we might think and even better than us in other aspects.  Elephants Walk Together (Albert Whitman & Company, October 1, 2017) written by Cheryl Lawton Malone with pictures by Bistra Masseva was previously highlighted here with a conversation and cover reveal.  Based upon a true story this book will increase your appreciation for these giants who walk among us.

In the wild,
two baby elephants
walk together.

Alert and animated they seek food with their herd.  As the day comes to a close and the family moves, the two baby elephants, Precious and Baba, make sounds; a conversation between friends.  All is well with the duo until the arrival of hunters.  They take the baby elephants away.

Initially separated they are joyful at discovering each other inside a circus car.  At the circus they are trained to do things elephants would not normally do.  Precious is in pain from learning tricks demanding more than her body can handle.  Baba is frightened of the trainers.  Thankfully they have each other for comfort.

Their first performance does not go well.  They are separated; Precious to a variety of zoos and Baba to one circus after another circus.  Apart for decades they mourn the loss of their companionship.

To heal Precious's feet she is sent to a sanctuary.  Healing on the outside is much easier than healing an elephant's heart.  Hope is a curious thing.  Even the smallest protected spark in one's heart can create a miracle. 

A new elephant arrives.


Having lost count of the number of times this book has been read, it still brings me to tears at the end.  Author Cheryl Lawton Malone has taken the real life affection of two elephants and fashioned a story around its center. The repetition of certain words, walking and talking, is used as a unifying rhythm several times.  She takes phrases used to describe their lives together as baby elephants and brings those full circle at the conclusion.  Here is a sample passage.

In a rattling circus car,
Precious and Baba meet again.

They trumpet their joy.
They purr, side by side.


When I look at the opened dust jacket (I am working from an F & G.), the front speaks of the joy of the two adult elephants.  To the left on the back illustrator Bistra Masseva has depicted a circus tent entrance, a circus stool and a whip.  In the foreground on the left is foliage found in a zoo setting with a steel and chain fence in front of it.  It's a poignant contrast between what should have been and what was.  On the title page along the bottom are the five peaks of a striped circus tent with flags waving.

Rendered in acrylic paints each image elevates the text by taking readers into the moment.  The time of day and setting are depicted in appropriate colors with added details of flora and fauna and people.  Bistra alternates the size of the pictures from single and double pages, page edge to page edge, to accentuate the pacing.

Her perspectives are particularly superb.  She brings us close to Precious and Baba when they are experiencing joy.  When they suffer we are given a larger scene; training in the snow, the spectacle of the first circus act, and Precious in the zoo.  The bird's-eye-view of the sanctuary is wonderful.

One of my favorite of many images is the first two-page picture.  The sky is a blend of clouds, pale yellow and green with a sun shining over several mountain peaks.  In front of this is the green of the forest with some trees towering over the others.  Birds glide above the trees.  Along the forest edge the herd forages.  In a mud patch, on the left, close to readers, Baba and Precious are playing.  One of them is rolling in the mud.  The other has her front feet on the other's back.  Their trunks are raised.  Their mouths are open.  They are happy.  To balance the scene in the lower right-hand corner several leaves provide cover for one of the birds on the ground. 


Elephants Walk Together written by Cheryl Lawton Malone with pictures by Bistra Masseva is one of those books which serve to highlight the true beauty found in the animal kingdom.  In an author's note at the close of the title we are told about the story of the real Asian elephants.  Cheryl continues by speaking about elephants in general and reminding us how much they need our help.  She includes relevant organizations with their websites and selected sources.  You will want to have this book on your professional and personal bookshelves.  It would pair nicely with Katherine Roy's new title, How To Be An Elephant: Growing Up in the African Wild.

If you follow the links attached to Cheryl Lawton Malone's name and Bistra Masseva's name you will discover more about them and their other work at their websites.  At the publisher's website is a Q & A with Cheryl Lawton Malone about this book.   Also at the publisher's website you can view interior pages.

When We Sleep

Gals and guys around the world wait for his return every year.  Letters are written to him.  Some are sent to the North Pole.  Other notes are placed for him to find when he visits.  Depending on the country and customs, treats are left for him to enjoy; perhaps cookies, milk and carrots for his reindeer.

No matter how hard we try to stay awake to catch a glimpse of this jolly old elf, we fall sound asleep every single year.  He slips in and out of our homes magically, leaving behind a little bit of Christmas cheer.  Maxwell, a boy we first met in NINJA! (Henry Holt and Company, June 3, 2014) and who entertained us again with considerable hilarity in NINJA! ATTACK OF THE CLAN (Henry Holt and Company, June 7, 2016) has returned.  NINJA CLAUS! (Henry Holt and Company, October 10, 2017) written and illustrated by Arree Chung has Maxwell facing his greatest challenge yet.

Last year, I slept through all of it.

ZZZ...

Santa Claus ate the cookies, drank the milk and a hamster named Ted became Maxwell's new furry friend.  This year Maxwell has a plan.  He is going to set a ninja-style trap for Santa. 

First he writes a rather long note to Santa with specific instructions.  When Santa pauses to eat the cookies and drink the milk, he needs to sit in the red chair.  Despite camping out in the living room, Maxwell ends up fast asleep in his own bedroom upstairs.  (Mama has her own ninja talents.)

Loud noises in the living room wake Maxwell up.  He's in full ninja mode with Ted scurrying along with him.  He grabs his net and flashlight. Oops! Brutus gets nabbed in the net.  Now a boy, his hamster and the family dog are determined to discover the source of the commotion.

No one is more surprised than the ninja and the party in his trap when the flashlight beam shines on the red chair.  Mama swoops into the scene herding everyone back to bed.  Goodnights are said like the familiar close of the Waltons.

Now the most skilled ninja of all ninjas gets right to work.  Morning brings one revelation after another to more than one individual.  A promise is made for next year.


Using a blend of first person narration, letters, sound effects and dialogue Arree Chung supplies readers with a lively story of a persistent boy who lives and breathes life as a ninja.  Woven into the tale are ninja characteristic truths, providing contrasts to what is actually happening.  From one moment to the next humor is prevalent.  You will find yourself unable to contain your laughter on more than one occasion.   Here is a sample.

A ninja isn't afraid of the dark.

CLANG!

YELP!

Santa?

Brutus!  Are you okay, boy?
Let's find Santa.


Upon opening the dust jacket (I'm working with an F & G.) the darkened-room background continues to the left, on the back, highlighting the two earlier titles with professional reviewer recommendations.  On the front the title text is a mix of the red and yellow text and white and red backgrounds on the two earlier books.  It works wonderfully with Maxwell's ninja attire and Santa Claus.  With the glimmer of the lights on the tree and the beam of light from Maxwell's flashlight, the image is loaded with atmosphere.

Spread across the opening endpapers on a desk are envelopes addressed to Santa and a letter to him too.  On the closing endpapers is the table holding the plate with less cookies and the empty glass.  Next to them is a note from Maxwell to Santa full of gratitude and the promise.  The title page features the family fireplace and mantle decorated with a garland and stockings filled with presents.  Maxwell is in front of the fireplace laying a trap.

Rendered in acrylic paint on Rives BFK paper, found paper, and Adobe Photoshop the illustrations vary in size.  Several span two pages and single pages.  To provide pacing Arree Chung uses a combination of wordless panels, some rectangular and square and others in shapes indicating rising action.  These panels are framed in thick black lines with uneven edges, like brush strokes.  You can't look at the expressions on the characters' faces without smiling or bursting into giggles.  And be sure to notice the little extra details by watching Ted.

One of my many favorite illustrations covers two pages.  It is in the middle of the night.  Four large sounds in yellow are placed along the top.  Maxwell is sitting straight up in bed thinking this is Santa.  His eyes and mouth couldn't be more wide open.  His two favorite stuffed animals are next to him tucked under the covers.  On the table next to his bed is Ted's bed.  Ted is awake, open-mouthed and wearing a blue sleeping cap.     


The first time I read Ninja Claus! written and illustrated by Arree Chung I adored it.  And after subsequent readings I still do.  Readers of all ages (trust me) are going find themselves grinning from beginning to end.  Plan on at least one copy for your professional and personal bookshelves.  This would make a wonderful gift (along with the other two titles, too).

To learn more about Arree Chung and his other work please follow the link attached to his name to access his website.  Arree Chung has a blog here.  It has a lot of good background information.  At the publisher's website you can view interior images. Arree has some on his website too.