Celebrate SPRING: Take a HIKE!

 Whether you live in a climate that has four seasons, or find yourselves living where warm weather is 24/7/365, I hope that the calendar shift in seasons, from winter to spring, lifts your spirits the way it does for us Midwest folks. Whatever local signals you notice (around here it is daffodil and other bulb blooms, as well as flowering trees and shrubs) our twelve month trip around the sun is bringing us into a friendlier angle in relation to the length of daylight, developing  potential for "basking" on this glorious planet of ours. (Southern hemisphere residents, you have my sympathy that your seasonal change is leading up to your local winter patterns, but you can gloat in about six months as I'm well aware of what is coming for us in half a year.)

Two picture books are especially suited to seasonal change, no matter where you live, celebrating the revelations of the great outdoors. One is a picture book featuring three sisters (wiith diverse ethnicities and ages, plus their dog) who are obviously experienced with outdoor navigating, and who model excellent habits and opportunities when kids are out and about, exploring. The other is a board book, one title in a series featuring little Leo and his very engaged family. In this title, Leo's hiking partner is Dad. In this board book, one of nine, so far, they are spending the day on a hike. Two other titles star Leo's sister Lola! 

Both titles shared here are layered with added content, including labels for things observed, strong relationships and respect for nature, and day-long hikes that wear the characters out but leave them with superb shared experiences and opportunities for learning.

CHARLESBRIDGE, 2023

I'll start with this "LEO CAN" title, LEO ON A HIKE, written by Anna McQuinn and illustrated by Ruth Hearson. Both creators are established (and prolific) in producing board books, which means their talents shine through in this title. If you check it out and enjoy it as much as I did, click each of the names above to find many other delightful board books examples. Sharing such sturdy, colorful, well-written and illustrated board books with the youngest audiences is a sure way to sow the seeds for a lifetime love of books. 

In this case, the text uses naturally-phrased statements about their adventurous day, with visual elements that invite many conversational returns to the pages to name and chat about various objects and details. I particularly appreciated the use of words that make perfect sense in context but are not the "easiest" synonym/word choice that might have been used. That allows attentive young listeners to develop and ear for and recognize words and their uses within an age-perfect adventure, words like gaze instead of see, and notice instead of look for that more predictable see. As it continues, other choices offer spots, finds, and discovers. Some board books are intended as naming or concept books, intentionally re-using the same simple words, but this is an example of true storytelling in which the text and images are ideally suited to the target audience but also model the vocabulary patterns that will be used in more complex picture books. I really encourage use of this board book for turning kids this age into active explorers who can tap into their natural curiosity and attention to the world around them.

CHRONICLE BOOKS, 2019

An ideal example of such a picture book is THE HIKE, written and illustrated by Alison Farrell. This is described as a "Nature Book for Kids, Outdoors-Themed Picture Book for Preschoolers and Kindergarteners". As with the best of picture books, fiction or fact, the range of character ages and the independence (and responsible choices) of the multi-aged characters invite audiences of many ages, including much older ones. From endpapers through the opening, on to challenging events and a most satisfying conclusion, these are highly competent girls with a solid foundation for a day-long hiking trip without adult company. Throughout the succinct and effective text, the pages are rich with labeled flora and fauna, allowing extended learning through repeated readings. That effective but simple text is delivered in narrative lines as well as through speech bubbles, field notes, landscape labels, maps, and more.

This is much more than a simple romp through wildlife territory. The sisters do not set out until they are well prepared and provide hints at their ultimate plan, leading to a fully satisfying conclusion. There is some helpful back matter that reveals double-spread hand-penciled field notes by sister Wren, which includes not just terms used to label natural elements within the main story but also expands descriptors and details to make the 'field notes" pages both examples for readers to attempt and information for those who might not venture out on their own.

(My only concern: I wish Farrell had made another word choice in this sentence:

 "In the beginning, we run like maniacs."

This choice reflects a lack of awareness that references to doing things with abandon can be described in neutral ways rather than this implication, that those with mental/emotional challenges  are out of control. I don't mention this to diminish the value of this terrific story, but rather to raise awareness of how easily some unintended harm can be done to others by careless ableist language. What has become familiar figurative language requires writers (and editors)to invest  some moments of reflection on potential harm.)

Experiences in nature are seldom singular, rather they are formed through habit or regular returns to familiar locations. These practices and beloved locations may become outdoor schools for excited young hikers and also invite further study and investigation. They can also, as portrayed in both of the examples above, generate a setting and connection for bonding emotionally with important people in our lives. If you missed it, PLEASE read about one of the most outstanding picture books of 2023 (and of the decade, at a minimum), A WALK IN THE WOODS, reviewed here. 

Then get yourselves and those who matter to you out of the house and into the outdoors, whatever season might be turning a corner where you live. 

A Woman Who Persisted: SAVING LIVES, Changing the World

 March is winding down, and with it the designation of WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH. But that doesn't mean that learning about outstanding women in history disappears when the calendar page turns. Quite the opposite. Some notable accomplishments by women are tied to specific events, such as the remarkable trip around the world via bicycle as described in PEDAL, BALANCE, STEER: Annie Londonderry, First Woman to Cycle Around the World, written by VIVIAN KIRKFIELD, and illustrated by Alison Jay, reviewed HERE. Women like Annie inspire us over decades and centuries, not just in a designated month. Some other women's accomplishments moved a field of study forward, as did the many WOMEN OF STEM profiled in books by Laurie Walmart, and featured HERE. Again, such stories cannot (and should not) be confiined to a single month each year.

Albert Whitman & Company, 2024

Some women, particularly one Chinese physician/scientist, have worked behind the scenes to find answers to deadly medical questions and develop medicines that can and DO and WILL continue to save lives from deadly diseases. TU YOUYOU'S DISCOVERY: FINDING A CURE FOR MALARIA, written by Sonju Ma Daemicke and illustrated by Lin. This biographic profile reveals Tu Youyou's life as a child in China, attending school with her brothers despite the custom that girls were not educated. A serious illness eventually kept her home, gradually recovering though a combination of Western medicine and her mother's traditional Chinese herbal broths and treatments. 

Tu was motivated by such care and recovery to pursue training in Western medicine, but she never lost her respect for Chinese herbal and nature-based treatments. The deadly disease, malaria, is easily spread throughout the world (especially tropical areas) through mosquito bites. The fevers and other related symptoms defied cure or even effective relief treatments through traditional Western medicines or procedures, so Tu set out to investigate potential solutions in Chinese traditional treatments. 

Relying on deep research into centuries of Chinese medicinals, then following the scientific method, she led a team of male doctors in studies attempting to use one particular plant-sourced treatment. Throughout the studies they observed, recorded, compared, and analyzed responses of malarial microscopic life to various preparations using the chemicals from this plant (and others). When their results were unsuccessful, after more than a hundred attempts, male members of her team grumbled that Tu was unfit to lead, was being a foolish woman. She did not give up, researching and adjusting her preparations until she eventually identified the correct method to prepare the plant material to stop Malaria in its tracks. When their report was published, Tu insisted on listing the entire team as authors, so her central and driving role in this global scientific  accomplishment was overlooked for many years. After more years of testing and development, and growing awareness of her role, she became the first ever Chinese person (male or female) to be awarded the Nobel Prize. 

I won't apologize for sharing so much content as a "spoiler".  This is a woman whose accomplishments and dedicated life are facts we should ALL  know. I didn't, did you? Consider reading this excellent new picture book, including the back matter with timeline, bibliography, a brief author note, and an excellent (usable) description of the scientific process as used by Tu throughout her career. Then make an effort to talk about her with your friends (yes, adult friends!) and share her story through this book with young people, their teachers, and librarians.

CLAP for this Sensation: FLAP YOUR HANDS!

Lee & Low Books, 2024

 Take a quick look at the jacket cover of this new picture book, then take a closer look. What struck me first was the celebratory elements, ranging from the bright white background to the vibrant strokes in those waves of colorful rainbow swirls, forming an infinity symbol behind those luminous faces.  Throughout, diverse ages, backgrounds, and actions are revealed, emphasizing the "infinity" of folks for whom this book is meant. Flip the book over to the back jacket to find even more of that jubilant imagery and energy. FLAP YOUR HANDS: A Celebration of Stimming, is written and illustrated by Steve Asbell. I can't thank him enough. You might want to do that, too, once you've read it and shared it, especially with parents, kids, and teachers. 

The title page reveals the symbolic meaning of those colorful waves of life, suggesting active, engaged, and interacting hands. Hands that are not being stilled or scolded. In fact, the subtitle makes it clear that this is a direct address to what we ALL see, in youth and sometimes adults: "STIMMING". Despite the positivity and association of those images to get us onto the first double-page spread, the opening launches readers into what can be, for some, harsh and challenging situations that they encounter in everyday life. The text does not shy away from harshness. Words like "overwhelmed" and "too much to bear" are followed by another spread of the feelings these generate- "bubbling over", edging out of control. The distress builds quickly, but a visual hint of responses is provided along with the word "stim", a verb you may not know, but should. 

On the very next page-turn, that colorful swirl background fills the page, where thoughtful but mildly distressed eyes begin to refocus on their own fingers tickling the visual, stimulus-rich field before those eyes to reframe as sparkling lights. With each page after, the spreads immerse  young people within a scene that suggests sounds, lights, activity, crowding, sudden changes, etc. can be self-regulated through finger-flips before eyes or ears, by kicking or bouncing feet, arm waves, tapping or rubbing palms or wrists or other body parts, making repetitive sounds, etc. There are more pages, each featuring young folks regaining control of their reactions within stressful settings through text and images, rebalancing white space and color in the background. 

Text is minimal but powerfully direct and accessible to readers of any age, but especially so to school age individuals and groups. These directly connect to examples from daily situations, in school and out. Images are large and clear enough to more easily recognize and interpret. Those messages alone make this a valuable and necessary book. Steve Asbell, professionally diagnosed as autistic or "on the spectrum" as an adult, is also the creator of a comic strip, STIMMY THE CAT. 

This new picture book has gained welcome and worthy media attention's in which the creator reveals WHY the book does not end here.  In the remaining pages the text challenges every reader, of any age and any level of reactivity to overstimulation to TRY STIMMING! As a kid who attended a very traditional school, my legs were always crossed under my desk, and my foot bobbed constantly. I also chewed my finger nails WAAY past the time of this being just a bad habit, rocked in my chair, chewed my pencils, and other such repetitive activity. From year to year, various teachers asserted different levels of intervention efforts to get me to "sit still", always making note of a need to improve on my otherwise rather good report cards. Sitting in a church pew was an even more likely location at which I might have my hands held or be moved to sit next to the teacher or parent with a hand as needed. 

Pause  now, adult readers, to recall substitutions for stimming you know of in smoking or vaping, knuckle cracking, that ubiquitous foot-bobbing, pen-clicking, desk tapping, and countless other techniques that many (most  of us) use while trying to be productive or maintain self-regulation of stress or emotional reactions. The past years of work-at-home have allowed us to explore and utilize practical and potentially life-improving self-regulation to manage the perfectly normal responses we all get with siting, standing, working situations, especially overly-long ones. 

What concerns me so much is what still happens to young people (and people of many ages) in schools and other "managed" situations. As a life-long education professional, much of my training and practice, in mainstream classrooms but especially in classes involving kids with these patterns, involved endless efforts made to reduce stimming. Substitutions (squeeze balls, rocker chairs, etc.) were used as valuable accommodations, and often were effective in allowing learners to remain among full populations of peers without being seen as "different". With that in mind, I provided Hacky-Sack type hand-squeeze toys for every child in my classes, also with a discussion of varying needs and ways we can self-advocate for our own adaptations and regulations under stress. Overall, though, my objective was to minimize or eliminate visible stimming responses. 

This new books offers an overdue paradigm shift for us all. Everyone, every age, exists somewhere on a spectrum of reactivity to stimulus. For some, centering and isolating is effective, for others, simply noticing and enjoying the shifts in our environment are sufficient. But for so many others, SOOOO many others, overstimulation, stress, extended periods of focus, sudden change, or triggers we may not be able to label can be recognized (by adults as needed, but by the individuals, if assisted in self-awareness) and dealt with in ways that are harmless and can, in fact, be celebratory. 

At a recent NCTE Conference session, author/illustrator Kaz Windess shared her recent (Caldecott Honors and CYBILS AWARD WINNING) Ready-to-Read Graphics Reader, WORM AND CATERPILLAR ARE FRIENDS, reviewed here. The story itself is a celebration of friendships and acceptance and differences, but so is Kaz Widness. She, too, self-identifies as being on the spectrum. This vibrant and entertaining speaker addressed stimming during the first few minutes of her introduction, then flapped for a few minutes. She then ducked behind the podium, reappeared and said she had ever spoken of it or "flapped" in that role before and the crowd cheered. Many of us flapped right with her. It was truly a celebratory experience. Then came this wonderful new book that invites us all to join the mind-shift she displayed and recognize that the spectrum we are ALL on is the HUUMAN one. 

In a side note to adult readers, I urge you to check out ASTRID, a series on PBS. In it, an adult individual, ASTRID, becomes a central character (with high functioning but seriously impacted effects from her Neuro-diversity) becomes an essential member of adult professional and social groups that allow her to feel accepted and also adapt further, as do the others with a range of neurological-Typical patterns (and biases). I find it to be both entertaining and thrilling to note the modeling and exploration of so many individuals and connected groups. I hope you'll check it out and give it a chance, as you will with this remarkable book!  ASTRID: PBS series.

WORLD RECORD WOMEN- Present and Past: PEDAL, BALANCE, STEER

 Recent news has heralded the excitement of sailing woman COLE BRAUER finishing second in a field of sixteen solo (male) sailors in a race to circumnavigate the world's oceans. Click above to read more details if this has somehow missed you. It's a powerful story of defying expectations and overcoming obstacles. Brauer's accomplishments are impressive in any times, even "these days", though it is apparently still somewhat "shocking" to many people that "a woman" could accomplish this, or even attempt it. 

From the report above:

"Aboard her 40-foot racing boat First Light, 29-year-old Cole Brauer just became the first American woman to race nonstop around the world by herself." 

Brauer was following early paths and inspirations of women breaking social "rules", examples provided by many other women in the past who had also seem potential in themselves that others dismissed, actively challenging themselves to do things others found incredible. One difference is that news coverage and shared stories about such groundbreaking women could not reach women globally. 

Calkins Creek, 2024
An Imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers

The story of one such woman is revealed in PEDAL, BALANCE, STEER: Annie Londonderry, First Woman to Cycle Around the World, written by the talented (and curious) researcher, storyteller, author VIVIAN KIRKFIELD, with fabulous illustrations by Alison Jay.  The subject of this event-focused bio/profile was known as Annie Londonderry, though her actual name was Annie Cohen Kopchovsky, married jewish mother of three who saw a poster with a daring opportunity, and set out to improve her family. 

The central story is that two rich men decided to pose a monetary prize (ten thousand dollars, at a time in which that translates to more than a quarter million modern dollars!). Terms of the challenge were specific, including that it must be bicycle strip around the world (allowing for ocean liner travel), that the woman must earn five thousand dollars during the trip (within the fifteen month limit), as well as restrictions related to accepting donations and other supports. 

Kirkfield incorporates excerpts from Annie's own accounts, directly connectING readers to Annie's personality, intentions (to improve prospects for her family's future) and perseverance. Kirkfield carries readers rapidly through Annie's record-setting narrative journey: learning to ride a bike, recognizing the immeasurable restrictions of biking in layered skirts and a corset on a man's-weight bike, plotting the best route (doubling back to restart after hundreds of miles), being waylaid and robbed, and so much more!

Incidents and anecdotes along the way are each revealing and informative about her clever approaches to meeting each of the strict criteria spelled out in the details of the contract challenge. Her awareness of NELLIE BLY's recent trip around the world offered examples embraced by and expanded by Annie, including selling signed photos along the way, lecturing groups about her travels, and, in fact, adopting the surname LONDONDERRY and displaying that non a sign on her bicycle to be the first female athlete compensated for advertising. 

If you've figured by now that Annie succeeded, you'd be right, but that fact barely scratches the surface of what I learned about her through this entertaining picture book, in the main narrative, through extended back matter, and by examining these stylized but remarkable illustrations. The story demands an initial read-through, but invites repeated readings during which the detail-rich illustrations reveal countless background facts about that time period and the various aspects of society around the globe. insights about standards of dress, style, occupations, attitudes, transportation, response to gender challenges, and so much more. I found it especially exciting that Kirkfield did not end the narrative at the end of that challenge journey, but included ways in which Annie's experienced shaped the remainder of her perusal and professional life.

Current news about sailing success COLE BRAUER has the benefits of digital media and "going viral". In fact, many kinds of advertising and reporting about women who broke new ground were common in the real time of the last century and more as women challenged struggles and successes. Those public records allowed modern day researchers to find reports and archival evidence of the impact each accomplishment had. The wonder, today, is how many author/researchers (many of them women) are making it their mission to find reliable sources, including primary sources, to share inspiring stories about women/girls who recognized difficulties but refused to see gender as a barrier to their horizons. Picture book format offers an ideal platform and intended audiences, reaching and affecting young female AND male perspectives before limitations and stereotypes ossify. In the next few posts I'll offer a few look-backs at examples of some of my favorite examples from recent years.

WILLA the Werewolf: A Fairy Tale Twist!

 This very early chapter book is one of a series of MODERN FAIRY TALE TWISTS from Little Press Publishing.

The Little Press, 2023

WILLA THE WEREWOLF is written by Michele Mcavoy and illustrated by Jan Dolby. It's a gentle bridge between a picture book and a single independent-reading book for young learners. In format it offers 16 "chapters", each only a page or two, with illustrations. The total is 64 pages and the small format keeps it in very readable range for this audience. 

In this thoroughly twisted, contemporary take-off on the THREE LITTLE PIGS and the Big Bad Wolf, Willa is the delightfully talented and ambitious little pig who just happens to transform into a werewolf at midnight each night. She is self-aware and finds the magical properties and super powers of that nightly adventure to be a prefect vehicle for traveling the fashion centers of the world, finding inspiration for her unique and original designs. 

In fact, her reputation spreads and she is offered the opportunity of her young life- to enter a design contest for the remarkable singing group, the PIGLET TRIPLET. After preparing and arranging for her final judging night, one delay leads to another and Willa's transformed identity comes to light, terrifying her parents, the trio, and the entire village. You can just imagine, can't you? Maybe not, but the humor and resolution will satisfy young readers. Those  who are looking for a unique new character, some high adventure, and a lively reading experience will enjoy Willa the Werewolf.

I can't say often enough that traditional fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and other iconic literature need to remain in the lives of even the most digital-contemporary of kids, and this is fun way to do so. Share and compare various original versions of the three pigs with modern twists. What's more, Willa's design interests and globetrotting adventures are very powerful encouragements for young  readers with such dreams. 

EASTER ON THE FARM: Latest in Picture Book Holiday Series

 I hope you were able to take a look at a post last fall by a talented pair of picture book creators, HALLOWEEN IN THE ORCHARD, reviewed here. That story follows a young family to a public orchard experience, and the fun involves holiday symbols and foods, seasonal changes inn nature, as well as a "find the scarecrows" visual search to extend the basic story and encourage  examining details on each page. 

BEAMING BOOKS:  March, 2024

EASTER ON NTHE FARM, written by Phyllis Alsdurf and illustrated by Lisa Hunt provides a slightly different story line. In this one a young family visits relatives on their farm, having a family-centered experience with the aunt and uncle. It also engages with the springtime symbols of new life, from piglets to fuzzy catkins on the pussy willow plants. Released March 5, this is available now to share with families, friends, and schools before the traditional Easter date arrives

This is most definitely a Christian-centric, western-tradition Easter book, but it also encompasses solid science, including the moon phase, sprouting and planting vegetables, preserving and using prior crops, seasonal changes (with a find and count suggestion on one spread), and shared community experiences. This is the fourth of the holiday series by this team and does  not disappoint. 

Within the actual narrative and in back matter the author includes a variety of kid-friendly art/craft activities, with a strong reliance on natural materials and everyday objects for those not living on or visiting a farm. Make this one of the many seasonal picture books on your family, library, or classroom shelves. 

I AM GRAVITY: A Welcome Companion to I AM SMOKE

 

Tilbury House Publishers, April, 2024

In case you missed it, check out my thoughts about a remarkable picture book from 2021: I AM SMOKE, here. The portrayal used a unique voice and poetic, personified narrative for such a ubiquitous, sometimes nostalgic and other times unwelcome, even tragic part of our lives, SMOKE. That picture book has been hailed as groundbreaking. That's not just my opinion. I (and many others) have been awaiting a companion picture book on some equally challenging abstract, universal experience. It's exciting that I AM GRAVITY is arriving soon. It does not disappoint. Both are written by Henry L. Herz and illustrated by Merce Lopez. 

In I AM GRAVITY, Herz voices a universal force (literally) that's infinitely more complex than smoke. With text that explores familiar daily life and star formation within the same spreads, the power, necessity, and magnificence of GRAVITY in our lives becomes vividly clear. Both concepts and images are illustrated with fluidity and subtle detail that offers something for every age and background on this subject. The limited colors allow gravity's invisibility to be "shown" or suggested through a sense of graceful movement lines and consistent color that catches the eye against neutral background shades. From the cover (ball catch and bouncing hair) to remarkably balanced rocks to black hole activity and star formation, gravity is somehow made visible. 

That's the alchemy of picture books as a format: text and images achieving more than either could accomplish alone. In this case it is also the nearly magical achievement of these two creators to turn potentially mundane scenes into transformational connections that evoke awe, appreciation, and  awareness of a vital life force that we rarely notice without the attention of such an effective homage.

It does not do justice to the complexity and appeal in this new picture book to offer excerpts, and yet I can't resist. Here's one example:

"I tether the moon to the Earth. High tide.

Low tide. I wave to you with the oceans."

Henry L. Herz, author

These two seemingly simple lines reveal the lyrical appeal and the accessibility of this material even to very young audiences. It also sparks curiosity in older readers and invites further exploration of the multilayered science elements and interconnections of gravity in everything we know and do. A few pages of back matter provide direct information for readers and their families. This is an excellent example of WHY and HOW picture books of such high quality have much to offer for readers of many ages, as well as purposeful uses within language arts and content area classrooms. A huge plus is that the young people whose lives are shown in these images are diverse and multicultural, additionally emphasizing the global significance of this topic.

The well-known librarian, Betsy Bird, shares her thoughts about this pair of books and an interview with the author, HERE.

Excerpt: “Holy moly. I think you’ve just written something even better than I Am Smoke.”   – Betsy Bird, librarian and blogger for School Library Journal

Check out the book trailer!

I appreciate and welcome the opportunity to have an advance look at this, (without promise of review) and I hope you'll read more about it, request it at your library, and (pre)order for gifts, your home library, or your classroom. You won't regret it. 

MUD ANGELS: History Restored

Albert Whitman, 2024

With weather extremes occurring around the globe, sometimes without warning, this historical fiction account of a flash flood in Florence, Italy resonates with modern times and concerns. MUD ANGELS: How Students Saved the City of Florence is written by Karen M. Greenwald and illustrated by Olga Lee. Despite modern scientific developments in forecasting and remarkable global scientific tools, sudden weather events continue to assault communities, too often without  warning. 

In this account of a surprise weather event in the 1960s, Florence, Italy, was badly damaged by storm-generated rogue waves. Magnified by their containment within urban canals, the waters rose several stories high, rushing and crushing everything in their wake. Although that weather event itself lasted only eighteen hours before the waters suddenly receded back to the sea, the damage to everything in its path would take massive efforts for weeks, months, to salvage and rescue the city and its cultural treasures from utter destruction. (Learn more about that storm HERE.)

Author Greenwald creates personal connection for young readers to this story featuring older kids. The young narrator indicates that a four-generations-old hand-printed book authored by her ancestor resides in the Central Library of Florence, an even-older institution that was directly in the path of those rising, ravaging waters. The narrator's family lived nearby and operated the hotel at which many young Florida State University students resided during their time in Florence.

The well-researched story begins in modern times, revealing that the institution still serves its community. A page-turn takes readers back in time more than fifty years to what could also be considered "modern times" and yet clearly qualifies as history. Unheralded from that era and that horrific episode are the young people who led the rescue and restoration of the flood-damaged books in the Central Library of Florence. The author's notes (in back acknowledgements) share her information sources and interests, with reference to the young story narrator's likely perspective  through interactions with the students staying in her parents' hotel. The author was able to incorporate primary source materials to assure that this rarely-told story would honestly and thoroughly depict the brave young "mud angels" from many countries whose efforts are celebrated in the book. 

Illustrations suggest a page-turn time shift, depicting visiting students who wear period clothing (girls in skirts, not slacks) and the obvious thrill it must have been for international youth to be able to study and learn in such an exciting location. The subsequent and remarkable efforts of visiting students in attempting to rescue and restore priceless and timeless volumes from the flooded, muddied lower levels of the library are revealed in efficient text and compelling visuals. The residue "mud" and waters of the flood (as anyone who has dealt with such events will attest) included dangerous detritus, unknown chemical contaminants , and other matter that exposed those young people to serious harm to their skin, lungs, eyes, and more. 

Internal illustration from ARC, MUD ANGELS
Albert Whitman, April, 2024

And yet they left their safe hotel rooms, those young folks who were not even residents of Florence. They could have remained comfortably above the waters, or returned to their homes, but instead they plunged into the deepest levels of the muddied institution, determined to rescue and revive as many of the ancient volumes as they could. The author compares the eventual influx of even more students arriving from around the world to waves of human, international good will, volunteering to participate in a rescue effort that spanned not months, but years. That theme, of serving, caring, and borderless commitment is clearly and effectively conveyed. Volunteering relies on such efforts, and a story like this is overdue in giving credit where it is so well-deserved.

This important, inspiring, informative new picture book will release in April, 2024. You can preorder a copy from the publisher, your favorite book store, or online sources. By the way, National Library Week (ALA) is in April, so consider purchasing a copy to give to your own favorite library! At the very least, share this review with your favorite youth librarian and encourage them to add it to the public collection! May no library ever need such a cadre of MUD ANGELS, but if and when it happens, consider stepping up. Serving our communities can be inspired by this story, and it deserves everyone's appreciation.

BAT, CAT, and RAT: Stars of A COZY HOME

 If you don't know author AMY DYCKMAN, I have one question: WHY NOT?!?

Her well-earned reputation and popularity comes not only from excellence in writing well for kids, but in her knack for hitting humor where it lands best- on the funny bone, not the snarky or snide or out-of-joint corner of kids' senses. They find laugh-out-loud and grin-able-tell-someone lines in everything she offers, always combined with brightly colored and appealing images created by some of picture book publishing's most shining stars. 

SIMON & SCHUSTER, 2024

In this case, AMY DYCKMAN was paired with illustration star MARK TEAGUE to create a trio of unexpected animal friends for an early-reading, beginning chapter book series that promises a long life of fans and adventures. BOOK ONE released too late to be considered for the 2023 CYBILS award in that category, but after serving as a panelist for this past season I assure you this (and upcoming titles in the series) will be nominated and seriously considered as finalists for the 2024 awards. 

With that bold claim, consider the book itself: BAT, CAT, and RAT series Book One: THE COZY HOME. This new independent reading series provides loads of fun. It's the introductory title that will help the ongoing series become a favorite with kids and families. Humor is a bonus and it has the lighthearted blend of silliness and realism that author Dyckman has mastered. Illustrations are equally delightful and make these three characters feel like new and lasting friends.

The subtitle note, THREE-and-a-HALF CHAPTERS suggests the ongoing nature of their adventures and the tongue-in-cheek writing approach readers can expect. (Excuse me a moment while I restock my hyphen-key for the rest of these these comments.)

I'll admit I had my doubts when I first read the title. Beginning readers that rely on (often overuse) words from the -at letter pattern are rarely my favorites. It suggests to me (after countless years of using beginning readers and early chapter books) that the "author" may be over-focused on inserting and "practicing" such patterns at the steep cost of fluent and fun narrative text. Similar to the painful reading of awkward poetry attempts, lines are inverted, repeated unnecessarily, and and sometimes even created where they had not existed before in order to provide particular letter patterns/groups that can then be considered "mastered" after the book has been successfully read without assistance. Just explaining that gave me a stomach ache. Nothing repels a child more (and that's probably the child in me reacting above) than opening a book, expecting a story, something engaging and entertaining or informative, only to find a word-soup of awkward, oddly assembled words and images with no real connection to their lives or imaginations. If you doubt me, just go to Goodreads or other book lists and check how many CAT-BAT-RAT titles you find! I'm not saying they are all bad, but I urged you to read any yourself before condemning a child to them.

It's joyful for me to know, after reading, that Dyckman and Teague have retained their child-focused storytelling, in words and visual narrative, throughout Book ONE. The characters are introduced as friends, revealing childlike behavior in their choices and playful banter. the stories flow naturally and  invite young readers to imagine themselves as neighbors to this lively trio. Coming in May, BOOK TWO takes them on VACATION, and I'm smiling now as I imagine their antics, as well as hoping for many more titles to come. These are the kinds of characters, experiences, and storytelling patterns that will have the books well-worn and in need of eventual replacement over time in homes, libraries, and classrooms. They continue the power of picture books (Compact, Complete, and Compelling) while transferring the power and agency of independent reading into the welcoming hands of young readers. That certainly shouldn't have surprised me, given the long success and accolades of the creative pairing of Dyckman and Teague. Even so, there is a particular talent to achieving that level of appeal within the format and intentional constraints of beginning readers. Kudos to both creators, commendations to whoever paired them, and happy reading to the young folks whose hands will find the joy of actually reading on their own in company with BAT, CAT, and RAT.

THE LAST STAND: Lovely, Powerful History

 In an earlier post I first featured a picture book by the Pumphrey brothers, narrative storytelling illustrators and wonderfully effective voices for Black History that is ignored, not just overlooked. They create stories that speak for themselves, adding excellent foundational background in their creator notes in their debut THE OLD TRUCK. The author did the same in this new truck-centric picture book written by Antwan Eady and illustrated by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey. 

Alfred A. Knopf, 2023

THE LAST STAND features an old truck and continues that underlying history of Black farmers and their current lives, as the cover reveals. Relationships star, including the partnership, the evident love between Papa Earl and the young narrator,  his grandson. The surface story indicates that Papa is a farmer, that the young narrator shares and learns those habits, practices, skills, and appreciations by living the life with his family. The cover and opening revelations also indicate how important Saturdays are, not just for them but for the community. That's the day that the two generations load their harvest in Granny's sweetgrass baskets, fill the bed of the old blue truck, and head out to the farmers' market. 

Such Saturday chores are more quickly said than done, allowing readers a few page turns to gain perspective on the work and time for minimal but potent text to mention Papa's black and wrinkled hands, each wrinkle telling a story. Of fixing, of carrying signs, of taking stands in life. Those simple signs (in the background, on the other "closed" stands, on the bumper sticker) point out the hardships and struggles that underlie these current Saturday mornings. Black community shoppers lined up and waiting speak volumes, too, about the significance of sustaining this food stand experience on both sides of the exchange. Not only are there economic and political strengths in this cycle but also a strengthening of community. Shoppers and sellers are known to each other, seen by each other. 

On its own, this would make an important and complete story. But, as they say on the infomercials, "Wait, there's more...". And the more in this case is the core of the story. The pair return home after dark, returning to their dusty bumpy driveway, where every bump welcomes them home and tells a story of its own. When the young narrator next describes a change, he is coping with collecting and loading and preparing for Saturday market on his own. Papa does not participate. Readers are allowed only hints that Papa is experiencing some kind of struggle, but the tradition will go on. 

Or will it...?

Delivering harvest loads on a bike produces a seemingly insurmountable obstacle, precious crops spilling onto the roadway or needing to be left behind. The next Saturday we are reassured that Papa is still around but too tired to load or drive. A solution has been considered and implemented, though, and the market opens that morning. Including Papa Earl's sign. Even then, the story has not concluded. A few more page turns allow the storytelling to include every player in the satisfying, inspiring closing.

This book is a delight, even at its most literal, it's uplifting. It serves as mentor material for discussions, even lessons, on thorough and effective storytelling. Of not simply "saying more"  but of following the trail to the heart of the story. The text captures the heart and power of the relationships among the family and community with direct and lyrical language but surprisingly few words. The visual narrative reveals similar simplicity with eloquence that yields even more power to each line, detail, and word of text. That includes those recurring indicators to "Support Black Farmers".  

This is a picture book that entertains and satisfies, but also enlightens and challenges. It contributes important content to our generally untold American history and encourages us to learn more. There's not a thing I'd change about it, and I hope it finds its way onto countless lists and shelves and into discussions when it comes to layers and layers of topics: community, economy, social justice, social-emotional learning, multigenerational families, farming and gardening, and so many more. It's a true harvest of rich discussion and reading resources.