Holiday Wishes To All

 This post marks a pause until the the New Year. I'll be spending time with family in happy gatherings and for one memorial that will be more poignant and reflective. That contrast in emotions is not unusual at holiday times. Sadness and struggle frequently intertwine themselves with special occasions, offering options to wallow or lean into those two sides of our very human lives. Last year at this time my own life was bound up with personal issues that threatened to overwhelm my physical and emotional health, but there were still so many moments of positivity- in family, friends, traditions, and unexpected joys.

One such experience was reading and reviewing a book inspired by actual events in one small community. RED AND GREEN AND YELLOW AND BLUE, from the talents of Lee Wind and Paul O. Zelinsky. I reviewed it HERE. 

Everything I love in picture books made me a fan of this offering, but it also touched me at a deeply personal level. This seems to be a story about Hanukkah, and I am not Jewish. Yet it is so much more and was exactly what I needed to read at the time. Like the very best of picture books (any books?) it offers a network of emotional and conceptual connections to individual lives,  struggles, and insights. From a societal perspective, It is as timely now (or more so) as it was last  year.

I urge everyone to take a few minutes with this book,and  with other favorites. Share stories that celebrate finding light out of darkness, as Hanukkah and Christmas both do. Beyond the specifics of either classic story, the central theme of both is that life presents us with dark times, with threats, with struggles, or even chronic worries. These mid-winter, long-dark-days celebration dates are no accident. This is the season of hunkering down, right? But both traditions focus on the message of promise, of better times, of strength in our collective appreciation of light and hope. They celebrate gathering to support that light nana hope- beyond our nuclear families, within a broader community, and reaching out to humanity as a whole.

My year has resolved in many positive ways, leaving me in much better place this season. I celebrate the ways small glimmers of light led me forward from a year ago into today. I wish for all of you the blessings of good (or improving) health, of caring friends and family, of opportunities to gather together to celebrate those blessings. May you find your lights and share them with everyone you meet.

Did You Know...the Woodland Underground Is a Communication Hub?

DAWN PUBLICATIONS, 2022

Are you ready for some mind-blowing discoveries about the hidden underworld network of the forest? It's all here for your jaw-dropping awe in LISTEN TO THE LANGUAGE OF THE TREES: A Story of How Forests Communicate Underground, written by Tera Kelley and illustrated by Marie Hermansson.

This is an excellent presentation of emerging science information about the interdependence of the living things in a woodland, from animals to fungi to plants. The latest studies of this until-recently-unknown process of underground connections and communications among the root systems of the tallest and oldest of trees to the smallest of sprouts and even to the web-fine threaded outreaches of vast fungal networks is only now gaining the attention it deserves. The biodiversity, natural dangers, and interspecies supports that have evolved over eons and across global reaches are amazing, sparking enormous curiosity in readers. 

Back matter in this offering presents direct information about the various living aspects of the woodland setting, above and below ground. Other back pages reveal links to science and socio-emotional learning, clarify what IS known and what is still being investigated, and also suggest activities that young audiences/learners may want to attempt.
It's a fascinating picture book for many ages.

KIDS CAN PRESS, 2021

On a related note, another nonfiction picture book that presents some of the latest science research about the life cycles and functions of trees within an intricate  biome can be read and compared in BEFORE WE STOOD TALL: From Small Seed to Mighty Tree. Written by Jessica Kulekjian and illustrated by Madeline Kloepper. This approach to conveying the role and life cycles of trees in our environment is lyrical, lilting, and informative. it challenges readers to explore the earthy impressionistic illustrations and layers of scientific information within it's minimal, moving narrative. The effective use of patterns and repetition in phrases and themes is powerful and effective. Simple back matter organizes extended insights and information without being overwhelming. 
This is a marvel of a book about the marvel of trees on our planet.

If you have a young person in your life who already shows concern for and interest in our natural environment, especially trees, these could both be life-changing gifts, or even compelling library check-outs. Do them (and you) a favor and get to the root of these important truths about trees.

Compare/Contrast: CYBILS Nominees About Buildings

 Two picture books nominated in the elementary category for a CYBILS Nonfiction Award this year deal with the remarkable and appealing topic of BUILDING! They are both superb examples of pairing informational text with illustrations that strengthen, expand, and explore the facts by reflecting the style, color, and intent of the writing. These two titles are distinctly different in purpose and patterns, yet both are enormously appealing and will spark curiosity and connections. Their contrasting approaches deserve a closer look.

NorthSouth Books, 2022

First, author Susan B. Katz and illustrator Linda Schwalbe created an eye-popping, heart-tugging     revelation of Spanish builder and innovator, GAUDI: ARCHITECT OF IMAGINATION. This is a  remarkably interpretive depiction of a genius builder/architect. Gaudi comes to life on the page from early childhood challenges with his "bent" and weak legs. This situation led to his close examination of the curving, flowing, colorful complexities of nature, in matter and in creatures. He gradually celebrated and appreciated those patterns and life-embracing vibrancies. He explored ways that he could build structures as an architect who embraced life and design in new ways, with passion and vision.

The text is direct but sensitive, addressing the ways in which Gaudi impressed and also appalled observers, making some wonder if he might be "crazy". Even so, throughout Barcelona his structures attract tourists, bringing smiles and appreciation for his imagination, skill, and ability to build beauty from the pieces and bits that others might consider useless or unattractive. His most astonishing structure is, perhaps, the unfinished Cathedral of the Sacred Family, which is continually being debated and extended.

The illustrations throughout, from the cover and end pages through Saudi's childhood and schooling, and on into his lifetime of creations, is interpretive, vibrantly abstract, and as fluid as Gaudi's structures. Page after page calls out to the reader to follow Gaudi's lead, to try new things and build beauty from nature and objects in new ways. I followed my first reading by searching for photographic examples of these buildings and then reading more about his amazing life. 

BLOOMSBURY BOOKS FOR CHILDREN, 2022

The second nominee is entirely different in its approach. Rather than profiling a creative genius who challenged standards of planning and design, HOW WAS THAT BUILT? The Stories Behind Some Structures is analytical and instructive. Written by a structural engineer, Roma Agrawal, and illustrated by Katie Hickey, this is a dream of a book for kids (or their parents) who see built environments and ask, "How did they do that?"

Agrawal is as intentional and solid in her writing as these structures are in their design and execution, resulting in beautiful products. She uses direct address to readers throughout, but in an accessible, conversational approach that makes complex concepts seem very simple. (Try demonstrating how carbon makes steel stronger using malted milk balls and raisins.) There is enormous power in that style. From the introduction through the foundational pages (literally- everything is built on a foundation and there is SO MUCH to know about that!) this eighty-page illustrated book explores some of the most iconic and treasured structures on the globe, most of which boggle the mind as to how they could possibly have been built and how they continue to stand, safely.

This book offers conventions including table of contents, a glossary, and an "engineer's gallery" to allow readers to dip in and out. I recommend reading cover to cover, even if that means a chapter a day (or night). Aspects and examples of buildings span centuries, continents, materials, functions, climates, and even the future. The oversized format showcases illustrations that richly detail the stated examples and building concepts, also placing them in geographic and cultural contexts. Short passages are placed throughout the spreads where they will most clearly make sense and build on prior descriptions or explanations. My only concern about this fantastic book is that the size and color choices for font can be challenging. Very small print, always black, appears over dark-toned portions of the illustrations. Text might be missed, or this could make it hard to sustain focus and attention for young reeders (or their parents or teachers). Not a word of this text should be missed, and I fear some could be with this format design. 

Whether taking a block-by-block approach or a freelance, found-object tower attempt, kids of all ages are drawn to create and construct. These two titles might be the just-right choice for kids in your lives who could find, as I did, that they made me want to learn more, do more, and try more ways to view and appreciate my built environment. 

This recommendation holds true regardless of genders, by the way. The "E" in STEM is engineering, and these examples are perfect choices for STEM activities and inspiration. As a long-ago kindergarten kid, I was shocked and angered to see that the girls' and boys' "play corners" had such different elements. Girls were given toy versions of household items and some dress-up clothes and dolls, while the boys had mechanical toys, building materials, and even the art easel! These were the roots of my lifelong feminism! A wish from me: include everyone when you consider possible audiences for these books!

DIG, DANCE, DIVE: How Birds Move to Survive! Another Cybils Nominee

 The clock is ticking. Our Round One Cybils Awards panelists for 2022 NONFICTION are faced with narrowing the nominees to just a few finalists. After that, a new panel of judges will take on the challenging task of naming a single title among each category: elementary, middle grade, and high school. I do not envy them their assignment. 

My struggles to determine which titles belong on that short list are eased by some amazing discussions with the other panelists. And I'm lucky to have readers through this platform so I can describe and recommend far more than a few of the nominees in the picture book category. (I also review and comment on the older-reader categories in my Goodreads account, in case you are interested). 

OWLKIDS BOOKS, 2022

So, without any indicators about which titles might be inching forward to that short list for elementary titles, I'm accelerating my looks at some of my MANY favorites, just in time for holiday gifting and book ordering in school and library budgets. 

My last post featured ON A GOLD-BLOOMING DAY, here, and it definitely deserves your attention for its visual glory as well as its word mastery. Another picture book among the nominees that involves nature, superb language, and visual appeal is DIG, DANCE, DIVE: How Birds Move to Survive. It's written by Etta Kaner and illustrated by June Steube. The language in this delightfully informative book about bird adaptations is playful but precise. Each critter is introduced with a few lively words in oversized font, followed by a short passage with science-accurate descriptions of how the introductory phrase applies. 

This example involves penguins.

"BIRDS TOBOGGAN."

 In just a few following sentences in standard font, readers then learn about what it takes to safely and effectively conserve energy and yet escape or travel large spaces without harming penguin feathers. The appealing and reader-focused eyes are enhanced by the illustrator's placement of birds in dramatic perspectives, action-packed scenes, and creative clusters, but ones that are consistent with actual behaviors of that species. A final double spread offers quick notes about other birds and their surprising behavior patterns and adaptations that increase survival. 

This is a thoroughly scientific/nonfiction title for young audiences, yet it abounds with humor, surprise, and curiosity-provoking content that are likely to develop more attentive observation of birds among those same young ones. If you are new to this blog you won't know that I am an avowed bird-lover, wowed by their intelligence, variety, beauty and behaviors. Even so, I feel safe is assuring readers that such a preset is not required to fall in love with this book and the birds within its pages. 

What are you waiting for?

ON A GOLD-BLOOMING DAY: Finding Fall Treasures

 There are a few "official" days of fall remaining before the winter solstice, and nature in this upper midwest region seems to agree. After a late November snowfall that melted, raked leaves at the curb in our neighborhood were collected by city workers, thank goodness. There are plenty of leaves remaining in yards, though, with many swirling around my front and back doors. They are either captured by some windy vortex or something is telling them to do their best to get inside while they can. 

Today I collected some off those leaves and tucked them into another part of the yard. This surprising activity on a day appearing on my December calendar page reminded me of a gorgeous picture book I read among the nominees for Elementary Nonfiction Cybils Awards. 

MIllbrook Press, 2022

ON A GOLD-BLOOMING DAY: Finding Fall Treasures is written by Buffy Silverman with extraordinary photographs by a variety of credited artisans. Many of the images feature active animals and will captivate and fascinate young audiences. Short rhyming phrases are delightfully arranged on collaged photos, vibrant images that expand on the brief lines. These engaging spreads are book-ended by intensely-golden-orange, solid color endpapers. 

With precise and descriptive rhymes, FALL experiences and observations involve creative adjectives and lively verb choices, as in these:

"On a nut-crunching,

    leaf-lunching,

        hole-digging day...

Clouds rumble.

    Raindrops tumble.

        Mushrooms pop.

            Acorns drop

                Fawns graze.

                    Sumacs blaze."

These phrases are brilliant in word choice as are the photographic images selected to reveal even more. Then lines culminate in a spectacular double page spread of a luminous, luxurious sunlit amber park scene with just two words: "WELCOME, FALL!" This is followed by three pages of brief explanatory text based on each phrase, describing the pictured/named creatures and their habits in a few simple lines. 

This, then, is a title I should have featured back in September, but is also a book for all time. It is a feast for the eyes and ears, with digestible bites of science, too. Check it out- but don't wait until NEXT Fall!

Stilll This Love Goes On: A Glorious and Timeless Picture Book

 No doubt you've heard the expression "a match made in heaven".  It's applied to any pairing in which the combination of two components, especially people,  is greater, more positive and powerful, than the sum of the parts. That's why this phrase continually ran through my mind as I enjoyed a remarkable new picture book. It combines uplifting and heart-tugging song lyrics written by Buffy Sainte-Marie with the evergreen talent of illustrator (and author/artist) Julie Flett. Both are Cree (Saint-Marie is Piapot-Cree Nation and Flett is Cree-Metis Nation). T he combination of their talents and identities elevates this lyrical, glorious picture book to a classic and timeless work of art.

GREYSTONE BOOKS, 2022

STILL THIS LOVE GOES ON is dedicated to those who have been adopted and to those who stepped up to "adopt back" indigenous children into Native families, providing them with a path to wholeness, moving forward into their futures. This dedicationis from Sainte-Marie, and Flett dedicated her contributions to the book to the loves of their lives: people, creatures, land, water, sky, and stars, both those who are missing and those who will be seen again. 

I've become a deeply devoted fan of picture books from Greystone Books for many reasons. Among them is the frequency with which Julie Flett  creates visual storytelling magic in many of their titles. I've reviewed several of her titles with this publisher, as author, illustrator, and both.Find those HERE, HERE, and HERE. I'm in awe of her use of colors, tones, shapes, and sweeping elements with edges that are somehow both defined and fluid. I also greatly admire her use of figures/features that are both evocative and authentic while suggesting universal truths and relationships among people and between elements of nature. 

In each of these I find myself appreciating the production choices for trim size, use of matte textural papers, powerful double-spread shifts in mood, time, and seasons, and the ways these approaches combine to draw not only the eye, but the heart, enticing us to linger, to imagine, to join the characters on the pages.

As for Buffy Sainte-Marie and her lyric writing, I've been a fan since as far back as the sixties. Her nearly hypnotic language patterns and rhythmic music captivated me then, sparking some of my earliest interests in causes that continued to lead my life choices for decades. She has lost not an iota of relevance or talent. In fact, her current and recent works are even more compelling than those early ones were, which is saying a lot! 

After that gushing but entirely sincere praise for these brilliant creators, the result of their efforts deserves the spotlight. STILL THIS LOVE GOES ON presents a line or or two of lyrics on each expansive spread, on which Flett's art explores specific and detailed references while expanding elements of each scene and plumbing the emotional themes of each of those lines. In the process, winter occupies double spreads, first in daylight and then during the night. Another page-turn shifts the characters to a memory of summer glory before returning to a snowy expanse. The lyrical refrain ("still this love goes on and on, still this love goes on") touches readers' hearts. Lines from the chorus after that reassuring line suggests sensory memories that anchor the characters in their present and root them in their heritage and culture (smell of sweetgrass, the sound of drums, the soar of singing, the sight of jingle dancers). Another verse suggests a young Native dancer visits, meets a love, and together they build their lives within that heritage and culture. The refrain resumes at each stage with a reassuring, almost lullaby effect, affirming that seasons, time, and other forces may work against it, but love is stronger, love goes on. 

Within each line the words and phrasing incorporate figurative language that can readily inspire other lyric writers and also serve as mentor text for craft development for young readers. 

The last pages provide sheet music with the lyrics and tune presented in simple G-clef bars that even budding musicians might attempt to play and sing along. Anyone wishing to hear it played and sung by Buffy Sainte-Marie can find that performance in THIS YOUTUBE clip.

I was fully absorbed by this remarkable book, despite approaching it with very high expectations. I hope you'll make any effort necessary to take a close look for yourselves and find others with whom you night share the experience. It is a picture book that sings to the eyes, the ears, and the heart.

Hanukkah Winners and Activities!

 I'm welcoming in December with two picture books (one a board book) celebrating Hannukkah (no matter how you spell it!). Sunday, December 18, marks the first night of lights for 2022, and the concluding night is December 26. This movable feast is not considered a major holiday within Jewish traditions and yet it is perhaps the best known among those who are not Jewish. 

KAR-BEN PUBLISHING, 2022

A delightfully illuminating board book about the holiday is HANUKKAH NIGHTS, written and illustrated by Amalia Hoffman. Each page turn lights yet another candle until all eight (and the server candle) are glowing by the conclusion. The unique things about this new offering is that it is so kid-friendly and also an inspiring book about exploring artistic expression for even the youngest. 

Each spread features two rhymed lines, while revealing another candle, lit in a different colored flame, produced by a different (simply produced) art technique. One principle of Hanukkah gifts is the value of simplicity and handmade gifts presented each day. Craft and art play a central role in the family and community sharing throughout the days and nights and gatherings. I wanted to share this book well in advance to be sure you have time to get your hands on a copy of the book and the materials suggested. 

 Yes, you should search out this book for young folks, whether Jewish or not, but also collect and prepare the simple, inexpensive materials that are demonstrated within the text, in the enlarged art example, and in the concluding "how to" spread. Children (and adults!) of any background will be enthused about exploring these techniques, especially if black background paper is provided among their supplies. (Thank you to Kar-Ben for a preview pdf file without a promise of reveiw.)

Interior: Hanukkah Nights (Kar-Ben, 2022)

Interior: Hanukkah Nights (Kar-Ben, 2022)

Interior:  (Kar-Ben, 2022)

Kalaniot Books, 2022

In addition to this inspiring and fun little offering, check out a lively and lighthearted picture book story, MENDEL'S HANUKKAH MESS UP, written by Chana and Larry Stiefel and illustrated by Daphna Awadish. Storytelling, music, humor, faith, and trust are essential elements in Hanukkah traditions, within celebrations and in the origin story that is honored. When Mendel is invited by his rabbi to drive the Mitzvah Mobile through the neighborhood to spread the good word of celebrations among his neighbors, all of the above are involved in a surprising and "miraculous" contemporary series of events. 

This will please readers of any background and will find eager audiences among those who have been defined as (or defined themselves as) "mess-up" kids.

Don't miss it.

And whatever you celebrate at this time of year, invite books of all kinds into your lives and share them with the lives of your own young audiences.