Ollie the Oak Tree? Oh, MY!

 

Page Street Kids, 2024

A new picture book is the debut for author Andrew Hacket and a lively visual adventure from award-winning illustrator Kaz Windness. The title only hints at the wild and wooly nature of Ollie's idea: OLLIE, the ACORN, and the MIGHTY IDEA. The title page illustrations set the stage for a story that is both familiar (a kid getting bullied by a bigger, neighbor kid), and outrageous! Or it will feel outrageous for anyone who is not a kid, but could actually sound pretty logical to young audiences. 

Ollie is an avid and very successful gardener. He loves the growth of his plants, but longs to grow as big and strong and tall as a mighty oak tree, His neighbor Everett is bigger, stronger, and "needles" Ollie often. 

That opening premise launches Ollie on a series of "I couldn't, I shouldn't..." possibilities that he promptly proceeds to try. He just might become an oak tree if he will swallow an acorn,  followed by the other things an acorn needs to grow that are not naturally in his stomach! That repetition of "I couldn't, I shouldn't..." sustains the reminder to readers that this is fantasy, so Ollie's eventual transformation and decisions (and consequences) lead to a fun resolve. Ollie's understanding of what "I could, I should...." choose to do is satisfying. The relationship is happily resolved, followed by friendly back matter that describes what plants need to grow, and why those elements are NOT MEANT TO BE SWALLOWED! 

The vibrant, cartoon-style illustrations by Windness saturate the pages and inspire imaginations and laughter. Layered onto the silliness are many learning details in visual narrative and in text, including some simple images of Ollie's digestive system, plant/gardening images and details, and the push-pull of internal conflict and interpersonal struggles. If you missed a recent post,  HERE, check out more lively books that consider the ways kids navigate their powerful emotions. 

Just a side note: 

Years ago I had a mighty oak tree in my yard and my beloved dog gobbled up quite a few acorns off the ground while I was nearby, gardening.(Ironic, right?) She became so ill that I nearly lost her  although she did eventually recover fully. After that I cleared acorns from her yard area, but I also posted small yard signs near the curb to warn dog-walkers in my neighborhood when the acorns began to fall each year. This might be an anecdote to share with kids in the name of protecting their pets and reminding them to pay attention to those back matter notes!

An Important Look at the Wonders of Gardens: ALL THAT GROWS

Groundwood Books, 2024

With words and pictures by JACK WONG, ALL THAT GROWS is a glorious celebration of the heart of growing things, of the magical marveling that gardens can (and do) instill. A glance at that cover will confirm my assertion, and, I hope, entice you to take as close a look at this book as this character is taking of those sprouts. Each and every page offers varied perspectives of the growing things, the tenders of those things, the ways in which we respond to the miracle of plant life, and the atmosphere surrounding this life-giving time of year. That begins with the densely lush solid green endpapers, the bursting crocus blossoms on the title page, and the sense-evoking images and language:

"Magnolias smell like lemon cake." This is the minimal but magnificent text on a double spread showing an enthralled woman sniffing a blooming magnolia blossom, welcome harbinger of true spring. Quickly readers learn of the younger gardener's admiring engagement with her nature-aware and knowledgeable older sister. Overnight changes, sun-dappled scenes, even the "chore" of weeding are depicted from fascinating angles. Wondering and "wowing" are as subtle as the tips and cautions that appear within the text that inspire, including lines like this,

"How does my sister know?", part of the minimalist text on a seemingly dark illustration with  moon-dappled dabs and an open-eyed, pillow-posed face. The aspects of these various illustrations are worth study in themselves and parallel the implied challenge of this work to TAKE TIME, not just to smell the roses but to notice nature. To get our hands dirty. To ask questions of ourselves, of available resources, and of those who have had time to learn more. 

This is not the first book I've shared that celebrates plants, gardens, and the marvel of Mother Nature hard at work. One earlier post included three such great picture books, HERE. As this post goes live on ARBOR DAY/EARTH DAY, April 22, another earlier post offers even more ideas, HERE. There are big ways and small to do your/our part on Earth Day and beyond, but none is better than to turn over some soil (in a garden or pot or even helping a farmer till acreage!) Happy celebration of all THINGS THAT GROW!

AFTERWARD, EVERYTHING WAS DIFFERENT

The post title above is the title of a remarkable new picture book. Powerful, right? Also, a pretty bold claim. What could happen, when and how, that would really change EVERYTHING? From the title alone, a few events in history come to mind...

For example, the first nuclear blast, or specifically the first time an atomic bomb was dropped on a human population. After that, everything really was different, in the scope of HUMAN HISTORY.

How about the first European landings in North America and the Caribbean islands. That would not have made such an instantaneous change as the destruction caused by an atomic bomb, but, over time, it certainly shifted the history of western civilization. Colonization and empire building did not begin or end with that event, but it certainly pulled back the curtain on a massive new arena for human and cultural destruction. 

There are other events, arguably, that might well have made EVERYTHING DIFFERENT, Afterward, but most that occurred to me were in a time and place for which documentation was possible. Granted, the documentation was not always fair or accurate or even complete, but research about such events could be (and has been) done to identify more of the whole truths.

Greystone Kids, 2024
Informational Fiction 

In the case of this remarkable new picture book, a fictionalized but documented event occurs within one nuclear Stone Age group. Since this prehistoric period does not offer ANY form of text accounting, recounting the event through wordless text is especially suitable. The facts about such history are directly determined by the artifacts/images still in existence. AFTERWARD, EVERYTHING WAS DIFFERENT is the product of an established creative team, Rafael Yockteng and Jairo Buttrago. Other noted reviewers have called this new book thought-provoking, intriguing, and important. I add my endorsement to all of those descriptors, as well as adding my reactions below after reading closely for several days. 

I say"reading closely" despite the fact that this is wordless book, until the final turn provides a single page of text to offer historic context and research validation from which this story emerged. That explanation is minimal, and "readers" of the visual narrative will find more or less in it depending on their own background information. That doesn't mean even the most naive readers won't be captivated by the dramatic events and images as well as the characters portrayed. 

In my case I noted the seemingly incongruent humanoid types within this "family". Recent research has revealed errors in the assumption that what were identified as varied "stages" of pre-homo-sapiens fossils must have lived at distinctly different time lines in distinctly different locations. Instead, current fossil and archeological findings show that the varied subspecies likely lived simultaneously, could have interbred, and likely did. That accounts for the ways in which this small working unit of folks do and don't resemble each other inn anatomy, body hair patterns, and more. Cooperation and hunting techniques also reflect scientific evidence of actual communities. Tools and techniques are even more examples of ways in which this wordless book allows audiences young and old to experience daily life, vicariously, within such a group.

The book design offers up a multi-page opening act prior to then title page. In those scenes we meet the group, expoerience hardships (even fatal ones) within a harsh terrain, including active volcanoes and threatening climate elements. The Megafauna (giant animals) are fur-covered and resemble supersized animals of today, vaguely. The roles of different members of the group suggest both planning and intense cooperation as well as details indicating that these are hunter/gatherers, Everyone has a role (except for the two small naked children, whose behaviors are worth noting) including the young person who seems to always be noticing the creatures and drama of their journey. The black, white, and greyscale double-page spreads flow beyond the edges of the pages, suggesting a sprawling imagined landscape of enormous proportions (with potential threats at every turn). This stark approach to the visual storytelling is effective in lending a sense of time long past and its sharp-edged reality, not unlike archival photos. 

I won't spoil the story by recounting individual challenges and hardships depicted, but I must report on the superb central story. This observant child finds herself compelled to record their environment and adventures (and survival) on cave walls. The resolve, once she does so, opens readers to the fullest sense of how that single creative act did, in fact, make everything different. Using the technique of wordless storytelling allows readers to imagine the unfamiliar communication among this prehistoric group. Did they rely on grunts and gestures, minimal naming words, or drawing in the dirt to indicate plans for a hunt, directions of their journey, even decisions to hunker down due to weather conditions or time of day?  Any of those approaches, or a combination of them, is likely. Evidence of such communications have been found even though written text . But the final spreads suggest that storytelling, with some more sophisticated language skills, likely developed in tandem with then visual preservation of their life stories. That scene also suggests that something beyond survival and cooperation might have evolved during the same stages of history.

This is heartwarming, mind-blowing, and question-generating. It is deeply rich with detail and nuance, as much so as any later masterpiece. I encourage everyone to make an effort to get this book and examine it closely- multiple times. I predict you will be different after you read it.

History At Its Best: THOMAS JEFFERSON'S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE

 

ASTRA BOOKS/ CALKINS CREEK, 2024

I'm excited to introduce you to THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE, Bias, Truth, and a Mighty Moose, written by Beth Anderson, illustrated by Jeremy Holmes. Following my review of the book, I'm pleased to offer an interview with Anderson. This is a longer post than usual, but I hope you'll find it worth reading! A book giveaway and other features are included there, so read on!

Of course you know that name. Thomas Jefferson is considered to be a Founding Father of this country, the  primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Like most other famous figures of his time, his name triggers conflicted responses from modern observers. As a landed, slaveholding, white man of privilege and education, Jefferson’s complex life and choices invite a closer look. In this book, superb researcher and writer Beth Anderson explores Jefferson's lifelong study of natural science and its documentation. The book cover and opening spread incorporate examples of a few of the things he observed, measured, and recorded throughout his life. Anderson’s first line is:

 “Thomas Jefferson measured his world.” 

That opening page then reveals that Jefferson's passion was not only to acquire science data, but to record it and share his love of science, one reason he founded the University of Virginia. Throughout the pages, Anderson’s informative, fascinating, and humorous text appears across illustrations that incorporate artfully rendered versions of Jefferson’s archival notes, notebooks, and objects from his collections of fossils and natural artifacts, gathered and preserved by him, and by friends who knew of his intense interests. 

Interior: Opening Spread

Interior: Jefferson Questioning

During Jefferson’s time, a French naturalist, Count Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon, was considered the ultimate expert on nature, proclaiming information about Europe and beyond in his multi-volume Encyclopedia of the Natural World. Jefferson’s deep admiration for that publication turned to furious indignity when he read Buffon’s “factual” accounts of North America’s nature. Buffon had never traveled there, relying instead on anecdotal reports from those who had visited the continent. His conclusions were shaped by those limitations and his bias that natural resources in Europe were immeasurably better than those in the “New World”. Buffon asserted that this new country was mainly a miserable swampy land and climate, with NO creatures or flora of significance, certainly none that could rival those found in Europe.

Jefferson’s ire led him to write his own nature study book, documenting his findings with actual measurements and confirmable observations. Spanning years of his life, his challenges to the information in Buffon’s Encyclopedia did little to overcome its wide circulation or the naturalist’s firm authority on the topic. The role of that enormous MOOSE in the subtitle played a crucial role in Jefferson’s motivation (and eventual success) at documenting the truth of his own claims, arguing against Buffon’s assertions and his biased beliefs. Packed with intensity and lighthearted moments (a rotting, one-antlered moose in a crate!) this picture book reveals Jefferson to be a devoted scientist of his day, seeking truth even when the discoveries eventually unstitched the fabric of his own beliefs (his denial of extinction, among others).

 

Not only is the main text a blend of compelling narrative with intriguing details of history, and personality, it is embedded with natural science. It also demonstrates the ways in which Jefferson intentionally and regularly used the scientific inquiry process (summarized in back matter). Always curious, he noticed, questioned, observed closely, collected and analyzed data, and drew conclusions based on facts, recording every step along the way. 

 

Anderson’s author notes are, as always, invaluable to expand resources and better understand the contents through a wider lens. In this case she directly addresses the questionable aspects of Jefferson’s life: slaveholding, errors in his science, the impact on First Nations that resulted from the westward explorations of Lewis and Clark as ordered by Jefferson while president, as well as his own confirmation bias in pursuit of science. She also explains confirmation bias and its effect on scientific studies and interpretation. The point is clearly made that science is always developing further facts and shifting our understanding of new and prior material reported as “facts”. In science, and in social/general information, it is essential to consider the reliability and intentions of the sources of data, the possible omission of related data, and other factors before accepting claims of factual content as fully correct.

 

Interior
Inquiry Process Graphic

The illustrations throughout, both in main text pages and back matter, are priceless in providing readers with verifiable details regarding the account of Jefferson’s life and science passion. Evidence of research (both deep and wide) using primary sources appear on every page and in every paragraph. This new release is a perfect example of my thesis that quality picture books will find eager audiences at every age. This nonfiction offering allows the youngest to expand understanding of an American icon while enjoying many animal facts and images. The portrait of Jefferson’s national pride, personal interests, love of nature and science, and passionate commitment to the truth will impress older readers, including adults. The depiction of Jefferson’s habits and personality give us an engaging and entertaining story. The science of his time and through today make this not only a STEM asset but one well-suited to social studies inclusion as well. I highly recommend it. Check out Anderson's website, and a few of my reviews of her earlier, equally informative and entertaining picture books, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.

And now, on to a short conversation with Beth Anderson!

SB:  Congratulations on this recent release, Beth. Your track record for finding and sharing the stories of lesser-known historic figures took an intriguing turn with this look at Jefferson and his love of natural science. He’s among the most well-known of our national figures yet I admit to only a passing awareness of his naturalist/scientist identity. I’m anxious to know how you encountered this topic and what made you commit to the extensive research and writing involved. 

 

BA: Thanks so much for the opportunity to share THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE! I saw an article about Jefferson and the moose, and it struck me as jam-packed with all sorts of good stuff: history, science, quirkiness, curricular connections, and consequential concepts of truth and misinformation that ring loud and clear in the world today. I found the topic IRRESISTIBLE! There was a lot of research to wade through—which is good, but also a challenge. While a couple other picture books about Jefferson mention this incident with Buffon and focus on exploration or measurement, I saw it as a story about misinformation and truth. Kids get it on the most basic level of truth vs lies. And they tend to think, like Buffon, that bigger means better. And there was a bit of “ew.” So there was a lot immediately relatable, but I also saw an opportunity to push their thinking a bit and provide something for the classroom. 

 

This incident is one piece of Jefferson’s use and misuse of science, so there was a huge heaviness with the subject, too. I started it in 2018 with the idea that, though facts seem simple things, they’re not. They can be manipulated or made up (nonfacts) and cause tremendous problems. This focus fit with curriculum standards about opinions, facts, and nonfacts, and could model and encourage essential critical thinking skills. There was just so much potential in this story—which is exciting, but also a bit daunting when trying to figure out how to shape and focus it. Once I see so much, I can’t let go and am determined to find a way. 

 

SB: I was impressed with the balance you achieved in discussing this conflicting use of science. Your writing is always filled with lovely language, insights, and heart. Those qualities are evident in this text, too.  Was it challenging to find a story narrative behind this science-focused and detailed topic? If so, how did you go about finding your way forward to this success?

 

BA: I found the basic narrative right away. A narrative with science. The question was how to use the science within the narrative. It was also a challenge to find the beginning and ending, how to make it ring today, and what to do with the negative pieces. I didn’t want to ignore the hard truths. But since those can’t always be scientifically measured, how do they fit, or not, in the story? I carried a few of the hard truths through many revisions, with the idea that larger human truths can only be measured with the heart. Though I loved that contrast, it pulled away too much. If I could share a story that helps kids understand bias and how important it is to question, then I could leave the more difficult ideas in back matter to be pondered. 

 

I know kids are taught to “think like a scientist” when they question and verify, so that was my first path. After I worked with the information (for nine months!), I realized that it fit the basic scientific inquiry process. In revision 23, I began to shape and word it to correspond to that. To find the ending, I went back into the research and found that Jefferson’s book had been published in various forms in the U.S. while he was away. Because of that, science made its way into the hands of everyday people…and parts were in school books. Yes! Now I knew that what Jefferson did was impacting a new generation, a way for me to carry that forward to today. And in a great quote that’s in the back matter, he said he hoped future generations would continue to move science forward, better than his generation did. That was the key to the ending, but that too didn’t come for a very long time. 

 

SB: I suspect that your deep research revealed plenty of surprises involving Jefferson and his extensive records and interests. Will you share one or more of your discoveries that caught you by surprise or had a powerful impact on your text development?

 

BA: Seeing Jefferson’s total obsession with science contributed a lot to character and how it all played out on the page. 

 

Here’s one of the many quotes that were cut. When Jefferson arrived at Buffon’s home for dinner, he was handed one of Buffon’s papers to read while he waited for the scientist. Buffon said, “When Mr. Jefferson shall have read this, he will be perfectly satisfied that I am right.” LOL! Quotes like that reveal attitudes. 

 

An interesting historical tidbit is the letter to Jefferson from James Madison in which he goes on and on about government business and then launches into meticulous details of a dead weasel which he had examined and measured. Just goes to show you how irresistibly fascinating science is and how a network of enthusiasts supported Jefferson’s efforts. 

 

Oh, one more good one…with an “ew” factor. The moose was already quite bedraggled when it was put in the shipping crate and placed at the dock for shipment. But then, the ship captain forgot it. Sullivan had to find another captain to take it to France. More waiting. And then of course, the long journey across the Atlantic. That’s what’s behind the “monstrous stench” when Jefferson opens the crate. So even though you can’t include all those extras, they impact word choice. 

 

Although many quotes and details had to be cut, I think illustrator Jeremy Holmes could read my mind! He included so many historical, (some hysterical), details in the art. His illustrations absolutely blew me away!

 

SB: I particularly admire your use of the author note to directly address some of the more concerning aspects of Jefferson and his role within our country’s very troubling history. You used a very balanced hand to discuss the wrongs of society and Jefferson’s place within that history without being judgmental. Can you discuss how you found that balance with readers here?

 

BA: Jefferson is a controversial topic, for sure. While some of the details of his obsession with science are fun and commendable, there was also flawed thinking that used “science” to support racist and damaging ideas. I don’t think it’s right to share one without the other. (If this story was written fifty years ago, most of that back matter wouldn’t be there.) This story about misinformation, mistruths, and bias is also about how we determine value. Buffon’s conclusions that “bigger” implies “better,” and that “different” is “inferior” are common with kids. We judge things through the lens of what benefits us. I have a tendency to want to share these kinds of big ideas, which creates a challenge, but I think kids are very capable thinkers. My hope is that if kids can understand this with animals and environment, that they can then move to understanding the tremendous problems with this kind of thinking about human beings. It’s also valuable for kids to see that we are complex and flawed creatures—and we all carry biases. The challenge is to recognize them and be able to admit when we’re wrong and have more to learn. Not only should we search for truth with facts, but also by considering how the consequences of our actions impact others. I tried to be straightforward and choose words carefully—words to promote thought.

 

SB: Naturally, there had to be MANY details left out of your final work, elements not included because they did not serve this story well. Do some of those remain unforgettable to you? Any that nag you into writing more about them in some other platform?

 

BA: You’re right—SO many great details had to go. One of the tidbits I found amusing, and astounding, was the inconsistent logic in Buffon’s information and how (and why) he could come to some of his bizarre conclusions. Here are a couple. North America is cold and swampy. Huh? Well, the French explored Canada and the Louisiana area, right? Yep, swampy and cold. Now I get it—a bit of over generalization. Another one: all the creatures in North America were smaller than in Europe. Except for the apparently giant mosquitos and reptiles…haha! Learning these things made me ever more certain that I wanted to impress upon kids the importance of critical thinking when reading. 

 

I’m going to pass on Buffon and the Giant Bugs. 

 

SB: As I always ask, what kinds of upcoming works should we be watching for? Any projects not yet ready to announce but ones that feel especially exciting to you? 

 

BA: There are two in the pipeline with Calkins Creek. One story found new life after years in the drawer. I pulled it out when recent events brought it to mind. HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: KATE WARNE AND THE RACE TO SAVE PRESIDENT LINCOLN, illustrated by Sally Wern Comport, is about the Baltimore Plot, when conspirators tried to prevent Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration. Warne was the first female detective in the U.S. I recently saw the sketches and WOW! It’s going to be amazing! That’s spring 2025. 

 

And in spring 2026…the story of a spunky teen, SCULPTING PRESIDENT LINCOLN: VINNIE REAM CARVES OUT HER FUTURE, illustrated by Jenn Ely. Clearly, I love stories of spunky young women! And a good Lincoln story! 

 

I have a new manuscript out on sub…..stay tuned. Another story that recent events have made newly relevant!

SB: Thanks so much for your generosity of time insights. And thank you for making THESE offerings possible:

 

CLICK HERE for the Educator Guide for THOMAS JEFFERSON'S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE.

Fans of BETH, SCIENCE, JEFFERSON, and TRUTH can purchase signed copies HERE, 

and preorder at any bookstore, online, or at the publisher.

As is often the case with BETH ANDERSON, special added features are developed to introduce her remarkable books to readers, like this short VIDEO CLIP.

Beth has also generously offered a copy of this new book. Any comment added to this post enters you in the giveaway. If you share the post on Insta, X(Twitter), or FB, add a link to your share in the comments for an extra entry. The winner will be chosen and announced on May 14, 2024, BOOK BIRTHDAY for this terrific new offering. The winner's name  will be added to the top of this post and also included in a new post on that day. Looking forward to sharing it with someone!