Surprising Friendships: Incredible Picture Books

I'm popping back into this blog to share the good news I hinted at in recent posts. To start with,  pick up author/illustrator MARLA FRAZEE's latest release, THE FARMER AND THE CLOWN,  a ludicrous but genuinely  touching friendship story.
Here's what I had to say about it at Goodreads:

"This is a wordless story so brilliantly told in line, hue, and design that it borders on perfection, in my opinion. The colorful little clown train that appears at the beginning and end of the story offered me a nostalgic reminder of "The Little Engine That Could", which made me love the book from the opening spreads. The splash of color that the little lost clown brings to the vast dull pages makes a perfect metaphor for the effect his little life has on the long, gray life of The Farmer. The emotions Frazee is able to express with simple dots and lines on faces are unmistakable and nearly bring me to tears. This is a perfect example of the magic of picture books to change lives, including the surprise ending, which life so often drops in our laps." The Horn Book review should be read in its entirety but is excerpted here: "In Frazee’s pencil and gouache illustration the characters are arrestingly transformed: the child now clearly unhappy and the farmer’s softened features registering concern. The next morning, the farmer reveals a playful side as he essentially makes a clown of himself to get a real smile from his young guest. When the circus train returns later that day, the body language of the new friends expresses a powerful clash of emotions: the child’s ebullience brings both his feet off the ground, while the farmer, earthbound, stands stock-still and stoic. The two exchange hugs, wave goodbye, and…how the heck can Frazee break readers’ hearts like this? Never fear: as the farmer walks pensively away, viewers see that he’s being followed by a circus monkey, who gestures to us not to tell — surely a tip of the hat to Rathmann’s classic (and also wordless) Good Night, Gorilla."

Greenwillow Books, 2012

If you've been reading posts here for a few years, or if you're in touch with recent picture books that are guaranteed winners, you already know Z IS FOR MOOSE, with words by Kelly Bingham and illustrations by Paul O. Zelinsky.

If by any chance you don't know this remarkable book and these absolutely original characters (Moose and Zebra), please check out this post I wrote when it released a couple of years ago.

Greenwillow Books, September, 2014

That's how long I've been waiting for these two remarkable and quirky friends to return in their latest adventure, CIRCLE SQUARE MOOSE, created by the same team. Waiting for this to release left me bouncing and squirming as much as MOOSE does, but it was well worth the wait. Be sure to watch the book trailer here, including the credits at the end!

Here's what I had to say about it on Goodreads:

"When Moose first appeared in Z IS FOR MOOSE I had no doubt he'd be back to claim another book for himself. Sure enough, he hoofed and elbowed his way into an early math concept/shapes book, finding ways to "prove" that each figure was rightly a MOOSE figure. Bingham's text, a clever twist on traditional (and often boring) concept books is  interspersed with rhyming passages, offering ideal opportunities to carry the concepts outside the book, which might be a safer lesson. Moose's claims produce disruptions in labels, spaces, text, and "lessons", all accomplished with his irrepressible and irresistible smile. Kids will savor the humor, adore linking various images back to Z IS FOR MOOSE characters, and cheer when friend ZEBRA shows up to take charge and right the various wrongs. Near the end there is a meta-reference to Weisner's THE THREE PIGS just as mayhem ensues.  The lovely twist of ZEBRA needing MOOSE to save the day was so unexpected and the solution so perfect that we must all hold them to their promise on the final pages:  Can we do that again? Yes, Zebra, we can do that again." I'm not alone in my admiration for this latest Moose/Zebra encounter. No less than the venerable HORN BOOK had this to say: "Irrepressible Moose (Z Is for Moose, rev. 3/12) is up to his old tricks, trying to force his way into another concept book. This time the subject is shapes, and at first we seem to be reading an old-school shape book (“that sandwich you had for lunch? That is a…square”). The fun begins on the third page, when Moose appears and takes a bite of the sandwich. An offstage narrator addresses Moose directly — “Hey! Don’t eat that!” — in bold-type text. When Moose proves intransigent and ever more disruptive, his old friend Zebra comes to try to save the day. Things grow more and more chaotic until Zebra ends up tangled in the ribbons that illustrate curves; loyal Moose rescues him by turning the sun’s shadow (representing circles) into a hole that takes them clear out of the book. As in the first volume, Zelinsky expertly juxtaposes the expected orderliness of a book with the chaos caused by Moose’s interruption, but this time he steps up the meta elements. The ending is far from pat, but just as true to the characters as that of the first book. On the back endpapers, we see the same exchange that concluded their previous adventure, but the characters have switched places: “Can we do that again?” asks Zebra. “Yes, Zebra. We can do that again.” Adults should be prepared to share this book again and again, as well." Do yourself and ANY child you know a favor and share both titles as soon as you can get your hoofs hands on it. They can't be beat for sheer entertainment, but they also open discussions about quirky personalities, trusting friendships, and taking life's surprises in stride.

Quick Updates on Picture Books

As I mentioned in the last post, I've shifted this particular blog to the back burner for a few months while I attend to details related to the release of ODIN'S PROMISE this spring. 

And yet… with the ALA Midwinter Conference just a week away, I have to spend a little time here, sharing some love for picture books. Not that I'll be able to attend, but I'll at least view the live presentations for the Youth Media Awards via social media on Monday, January 27. As I explained in a recent post, it's not so much because I'm a fangirl of award-winners and lists. I am, however, a huge fan of anything and everything that shines a spotlight on quality literature for young readers. 

Having one of those shiny silver or gold award seals on the cover assures that these titles will stay in print, and will continually be referenced in recommended lists. This year I again happen to know the creators of several picture books that are undoubtedly under consideration. (They shall remain nameless in order to avoid any possible "jinx" effect.)

But… there are only so many awards to go around. 

Last year is a good example of that, especially in the Caldecott category. Despite awarding a veritable bouquet of honors titles, the amazing Z IS FOR MOOSE, by Kelly Bingham and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky, was not among those honored. In fact, Horn Book gave Moose their own award, the WTF,ALA? award, in recognition of their surprise at this oversight.

Eligibility for Caldecott consideration is limited to illustrators from the USA, so no jinx-factor can come into play by sharing this Nerdy Book Club blog post by Carrie Gelson. In her post, 

she brings to the front of the stage her ten favorite Canadian illustrators and sample titles. Each and every one appeals to me, and the ones I haven't yet read are now on my library hold list.   Check them out. 

Greenwillow Books, 2012

In the meantime, I'll continue to read picture books, add my reviews on Goodreads, and return here to share titles as often as I can. The beautiful nature of picture books is that they are complete, compact, and compelling, able to communicate stories, emotions, and inspiration in relatively little time. They are bite-sized experiences with literature, often of the highest possible calibre. 

Stay tuned for my intermittent posts here over the next several months. When it comes to picture books sometimes I just can't contain myself! 

Another Not-So-Easy List

In the last post I lamented the challenge of naming favorite anythings, but especially favorite picture book titles. My mental qualifiers regarding the intent, audience, and situations in which books are read or shared make it nearly impossible for me to zero in on a single title or even short list of favorites. That why I declined participating in the Picture Book 10 for 10 blog challenge, instead relying on others more decisive than I am to share their choices. 
I did feature two examples of favorites titles for specific purposes.

This post takes on another challenge, one that was issued by blogger Colby Sharp on the Nerdy Book Club Blog last August. He put out a call for classroom teachers to consider a book they planned to read aloud within the first two weeks of school, the one they felt the most excited about sharing with their students. If you think that's another challenge I declined, you're right.

In workshops for teachers I share the advice of Pat Cunningham that an elementary teacher for any grade level should, ideally, have at least five read-alouds each and every day. YIKES! FIVE?
Yep. 

1. An excellent picture book (Demonstrates that little books have big ideas, validity, for readers of all ages.)
2. A poetry selection (Provides wide experiences with language, forms, authors, sources, and topics of poetry in only a few minutes a day.)
3. A chapter of a longer selection (Provides shared experiences with text of high quality, builds a common frame of reference, and allows modeling discussions and sustaining meaning over time.)
4. Two or more non-fiction passages related to content area topics (Introduces quality authors and titles for research and exploration of current studies.)

With that in mind, the first two weeks in my classroom often involve 40-50 or more titles, all of the highest quality, and each of which I'm excited to share.

HARPER (Harper Collins Imprint), 2013

And yet, despite my reluctance to name favorites among them, I feel compelled to feature a marvelous back-to-school title here that might be especially suited to your child or classroom situation. Mike Boldt wrote and illustrated 123 VERSUS ABC. On the title page "1" and "A" introduce themselves and their conflicting intents for this book- to create a book about numbers/a book about letters.

Using lively expressive features and stick figure body language along with speech bubbles and loads of personality, each  claims the turf of this book with reason, volume, and increasing assertiveness. 

When the rest of the cast gradually appears the arguments continue:

1-Alligator

2-Bears

3-Cars... and so on.

As the numbers and creatures and their various activities continue, near hysteria develops before "1" and "A" agree that it is a book about both, letters AND numbers. 

Until, on the  last page turn, a blob of red appears asking for the book about colors.

This recent release is a fine example of the POWER of picture books- 

Compact, Complete, Compelling.

It is appealing, invites close scrutiny, resolves a problem, begs for retelling, and entertains.

It also reveals subtexts in the visuals, and offers various approaches to conflict resolution- an important topic in the early weeks of school.

Greenwillow Books, 2012

This would be a perfect pairing with  Z IS FOR MOOSE, the 2012 alphabet picture book written by Kelly Bingham and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. In a previous post I examined that title closely and interviewed Paul and Kelly about its creation.

In both cases older students can explore similarities and distinctions between the two titles: the tongue-in-cheek nod to ubiquitous alphabet (and number) books with iconic visual symbols, characters in conflict, the "all about me" attitudes displayed, and the story arcs created in each. 

One step further would include comparisons of art styles and design, facial expressions, and ways that action and movement are portrayed. (See what I meant about little books having big ideas for older readers, too, even alphabet books?)

Here's hoping that as plans are made for the start of another school year both of these titles will find their way into classrooms of every age, generating thoughtful discussion, mindful comparison, and, above all else, a love of books.

As always, your comments about favorites (back-to-school titles, alphabet and number books, or any other topic) are welcome.

Back-To-School- Alphabetically

Let's start out easy- as easy as A-B-C.

I'll say "Chicka Chicka" you say...

"Boom Boom" of course! Everybody knows that!

I have no doubt there are some kids (and teachers/caregivers) who can start with
"A told B and B told C, 'I'll meet you at the top of the coconut tree.'"
then recite every word of the remaining text as readily as they could sing the traditional ABC song.

That's because alphabet books, like so many quality picture books, have power. Many alphabet books are  varied, appealing, rich, informative, entertaining, stimulating, and downright beautiful. And the best not only survive repeated readings, they invite it. What better time than back to school to tout the use of some of the best, aiming for every age.

BeachLane Books, 2000

CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert, is a must for any pre-readers or emerging readers. The driving rhythm, natural rhymes, colorful pages, humor, and readily available musical renditions will give anyone an earworm, which is precisely the point with young learners.

The many related "chicka-books" will be devoured by established fans, too.

Puffin, reprint 1999

ALPHABET CITY by Stephen T. Johnson has stood the test of time with readers of all ages. A Caldecott honor book, the illustrated images so closely resemble scenes from natural and urban settings that anyone would have to look repeatedly to be convinced that these are illustrations rather than photographs. The concept is addictive, too. Readers will be on the lookout for letters of the alphabet everywhere in the environment. A good thing, yes?

Alfred A Knopf, Random House

Traveling all the way back to 1968 is worth the trip to read and share THE ALPHABET TREE by Leo Lionni. On the simplest level it makes a fun caparison to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, with the letters living in a tree. It also bears comparison to Lionni's Swimmy, reflecting one wise little leader suggesting the strength of banding together to resist attacks (from feeder fish, or in this case, strong winds.)
This is a wonderful "next step" of letter understanding, that letters combine to make words, and words combine to make sentences. In its unexpected conclusion (especially when considering the intensity of the cold war in 1968)  the words combine in a sentence of REAL importance: Peace on Earth and good will toward all men.

Scholastic, 2002

ALPHABET UNDER CONSTRUCTION by Denise Fleming incorporates Fleming's characteristically intense colorful and creative illustrations. It also manages to focus on verbs rather than the more typical nouns or adjectives selected to illustrate each letter.
I can't help but think of how well this creative and busy little mouse would fit in with the kids in Liz Garton Scanlon's recent book on making art, THINK BIG.

Scholastic, 2011

For older audiences alphabet books are an accessible format for informational text, the non-fiction reading that comprises so much of Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Just a few of the many available examples that fit well in literary and content area instruction include:
BUGS A TO Z by Caroline Lawton,  GONE WILD: AN ENDANGERED ANIMAL ALPHABET by David McLimans, and V IS FOR VANISHING: An Alphabet of Endangered Animals by Patricia Mullins

Walker Publishing, 2006

In each case these books provide a combination of intriguing and informative illustrations or photographs, accurate terminology, multi-leveled text demands, scientific terminology, back matter, and text elements such as an index or glossary.

Margaret Hamilton Books, 1993

These examples barely scratch the surface of non-fiction informational text presented in the format of an alphabet book. When attempting to introduce topics, gather reference resources, develop vocabulary, share accurate images and scientific drawings, why not examine quality  alphabet books before racing to a google search?

Harper Collins Publishers, 1963

Since this year is  the 50th anniversary of Harold and the Purple Crayon, let's not forget HAROLD'S ABC by Crockett Johnson, which was published the next year, 1963. Timelessness is a quality nearly impossible to define, but easily recognized. Toddlers to teens find Harold's creativity fascinating and funny, but never forgettable.

Timeless is a well-deserved description for this 2012 release,  Z IS FOR MOOSE by Kelly Bingham, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. I posted a review of this book and an interview with it's creators when it released earlier this year. This is a perfect back to school book on so many levels: organizing, taking turns, cooperation, frustration, personality patterns, and friendships.  Oh, and alphabet and humor, too.



If you're planning which books to feature in the first weeks of school, alphabet books and otherwise, check out Colby Sharp's Nerdy Book Club blog post. You have until August 31 to submit a picture of yourself with a favorite "back-to-school" feature book.  Then check their site on Labor Day to view a video of "first book" photos. I'll be watching to see if any of these titles turn up!

Z IS FOR ZELINSKY, AND BINGHAM, TOO!

Alert- this post is longer than usual. Rather than split it into two posts, just decide for yourself if you want to read it in two sittings. Betcha you'll want to read it straight through!

In last week's post I reviewed Z Is For Moose (Greenwillow Books 2012). Yes, Moose, with a considerable amount of help from you. This week I'm excited to have author Kelly Bingham and illustrator Paul O. Zelinsky join us with some thoughts about an alphabet book that deserves every positive adjective from awesome to zany.

Kelly and Paul, it’s wonderful to have you share your thoughts about the creation of Z IS FOR MOOSE. Its remarkable combination of humor, tension, and personalities will undoubtedly make it a classic. Kelly, your YA novel, Shark Girl, has won many awards and was on the Oprah booklist for kids. Paul, your titles are consistently award winners and included on all-time-best lists. I feel confident Z Is For Moose will be as long-lived and well-loved as your previous titles.

Paul: I hope so. 85% of the credit would go to Kelly Bingham. I’ll accept the other 15.

Kelly, dedications are often selected near the end of the process, but Moose insisted I begin by asking about yours:

“For Sam, who asked for a funny book, and for Benny, because I love you, too.”

So who are these people, and why isn’t Moose included? He insists there would be no story without him!

Kelly: Well, Moose has a point. Which I'm sure he knows. However, there would be no Moose if there were no Sam. Sam is my son, and when he was four, he began to learn the alphabet. I would go to the library and get a few ABC books out for him each week, and we'd read them over and over at night. One or two were funny, but most were pretty straightforward. Like--they'd be all names of flowers, or all names of animals or something. After we had exhausted every last book in the library, Sam asked me if I could please find more funny ones. "I want a funny book," he told me. Sam loved funny books. I looked and looked but to my surprise, there were hardly any funny ABC books to be found. (Keep in mind this was way back when, nine years ago.)

So what does a mom do? I thought, if there are no funny ABC books, then I will write him one. And I did. And I drew the pictures to go with it, and made a little book, and we looked at it together. And Sam liked it!

So, the book is dedicated to Sam, because without him asking for the book, it absolutely would have never been written. I was not a "picture book writer" at the time-- I was working on a novel. It never occurred to me to even try to write a picture book. But I tried for Sam.

As for Benny, well, he is my son, too. Therefore, as any parent knows, I could not leave him out. I mean, really. It would be like leaving Moose out. You just don't do it. And though he was a baby at the time Moose was written, he contributed in his own way by going to sleep early enough at night so that Sam and I could read our ABC books and get tired of them and decide to create our own. So--way to go, Benny! And Sam! I love both of you! EQUALLY.

Paul, Moose wants to thank you for catching his pre-show curtain peek before the title page. It’s clear he can hardly contain himself and he was happy to make an early appearance. In fact, the other alphabet players seemed quite composed. How did you make decisions about so many individual personalities?

Paul: Yes, Moose has to get a quick look at you, the audience, even from behind the endpapers (or sort-of endpapers—I had to put in an extra, simulated, endpaper to make this happen). As to all those characters, there are reasons for the way some appear, and not for others. Basically my attitude is “if you draw them they will come.” But I can be specific about a few. Queen, as some people have noticed, is an homage to Maurice Sendak’s Queen (Victoria) from Hector Protector. Ring has a ruby because it begins with R. The truck, I realized just recently, is based on a toy of my cousins’, which I painted very realistically in watercolor while staying in their house during the summer of 1975. The purplish Ball is a close relative of “Plastic” in Emily Jenkins’ Toys trilogy. It’s not Plastic herself, who is bright red, because Plastic belongs to a different publisher.

Kelly, were Moose and Zebra and their struggle for attention and control inspired by anyone you know?

Well, anyone with a child--particularly more than one child---knows all too well the "what about ME?" syndrome. Maybe even the "Is it MY turn yet?" syndrome. I would say the need for attention and the not-so-subtle undermining of Zebra was inspired by the interaction between my two sons, Sam and Benny. I WOULD say that. But I can't. I would never be forgiven for dragging them into this. They are currently very non-Moose-like and hate to be mentioned. So I guess I'll shrug innocently, and say: "No, I really don't know anyone at all who behaves like Moose. Except Moose, of course. He is one of a kind."
And to even hint that I can relate to Zebra? I would never do that.

Paul, many of the characters were seen in their “everyday” wear, or with personal items, but they assumed more traditional appearance and poses when their turns arrived. How did you decide on their “other lives” when they’re not “working” as alphabet actors?

It’s kind of funny, isn’t it, that they’re wearing clothes until they get onstage? But that’s how it has to be. You wear warm-up clothes in rehearsal. As to the things they’re holding in those lineup scenes, I have to admit to a failure. My plan was to give each character an attribute beginning with its letter. Some letters offered wonderful possibilities, like Ball holding a toy Bear. But others drove me crazy. Queen: Query? Quinine water? Holding a quince wouldn’t do it. I made lists, I searched through a dictionary (much easier with a real, paper dictionary!) and I finally gave up. In the end some of the cast have letter-appropriate items on or with them, some don’t have anything, and some just have whatever came to mind.

Kelly, how close is the final story to the one you started writing? For example, when you wrote your text originally did you include the dialogue bubbles and descriptions of the characters and action, or did that develop later in the process?

Yes, I did!

Actually, the story is pretty much word for word exactly what I wrote on my very first draft. The idea came to me almost fully formed and I could see it plainly in my head. I knew right away what the story would be about, and who the characters were--I knew what Sam would respond to, what he would enjoy reading and looking for. I knew he'd like the idea of a character who broke the boundaries and messed up the entire page and wrecked the text and drew on pictures and spoke freely. Also, I was working in the movie business at the time and had seen more than one scenario where someone got cut from a scene at the last minute because they'd been replaced by someone else. So the Moose and Mouse situation sprang to mind. The rest practically wrote itself!

I wrote the story in one sitting, in dummy form--drawing the pictures, the speech bubbles, etc. And made a small book of it. Later, I decided it might actually make a good "real" book. (When I say "I decided," I mean, my author friends insisted I submit it to a publisher, boosted my confidence in the piece, and basically pushed me into taking that step.) So I transcribed the text, dialogue, and necessary illustration notes into a manuscript, and with the help of my agent, sent it off.

I would like to add that I did not include any drawings when I submitted the story, and though some notes were necessary in order for the editor and artist to visualize what I had in mind, (for example, I had to describe the text being stomped on, and words being crossed out), I did not in any way contribute to the art or design of the book. All the credit for that goes to the extremely talented Paul O. Zelinsky.

It really was a remarkable experience to write this book- it came to me so complete all at once, it sold right away, and there were almost no revisions. I did have to wait a long time for it to be made....my four year-old Sam is now 13. (And sadly, has no memory of this all happening way back when.) But it sure was worth the wait!

Paul, I’ve often heard you speak about using models for your pictures. Did Moose have a hard time posing or did you use stand-ins?

My studio is not tiny, but it’s really not big enough to invite a moose in for portrait studies. So I had to go in other directions. Like a certain amount of moose picture research online, a very nice CD of moose videos shot by friends on a nature trip somewhere in the Northeast, and lots of moose doodling. The moose is such a crazy-looking animal! I especially like male’s furry wattle (I learned it’s called a bell) and the large hump on the shoulder. The essence of moose, though, is its wide, weird, down-curving snout. Trying to extract these bizarre qualities and make a character who’s not off-putting wouldn’t have been as hard if it hadn’t been done so many times already. I went to great lengths not to look at any pictures of Bullwinkle, but images percolate through the culture so much that I don’t think it mattered. I finally stopped worrying whether my Moose would look any different from all the other moose in cartoons, books or movies. He came out how he came out.

Moose also noticed that the dust jack of the book is different from the hard cover in several important ways. Moose doesn’t manage to make an appearance on the front of the hard cover. (He mentioned he likes the dust jacket much better.) What’s behind that difference?

Well, this project was Zebra’s brainchild: a nice, gimmick-free alphabet book. His plans didn’t turn out that well, so I thought the least I could do was to give Zebra the cover (it’s called the “case” in bookmaker jargon) he had in mind. We considered having the title there read “Z is for Zebra” but decided to leave it at “Z is for” and let the picture of Zebra speak for itself. That this image gets covered up by a dust jacket featuring Moose’s shenanigans is in keeping with the rest of the book, don’t you think?

Absolutely! Kelly, Moose also noticed that the back cover finally credits Z is for Zebra, but also for zipper, zero, zoo and zombie. Is another book in Moose’s future?

Hmm...I'm not sure. It wouldn’t take any hoof-twisting to get Moose to agree. He would love to do another one-he's made that painfully clear. Zebra is not sure. We may need to let him recover a bit before we can talk to him more seriously about the idea. Until then, I hope everyone enjoys MOOSE. He loves his readers, so thank you to everyone who has read the book!

Paul, Moose wants me to ask about a book trailer. He feels his performance more than deserves to be immortalized on the web.

You’ll be able to see the actual event in which Moose burst in and messed up Zebra’s plans for the book cover if you wait until my Z is for Moose trailer comes out. Normally a trailer is finished before the book is published, but in this case the trailer was my idea, and my handiwork, and I am not an animator. So it was taking a very long time, and may never have happened at all if Greenwillow had not taken pity on me and hooked me up with a real animator to make things work correctly. The finished trailer should be out in a couple of weeks. It’s a behind-the-scenes interview with director and cast members, and it features quite a stellar cast list of voices. Look on my website , on the Greenwillow blog, I suppose on YouTube, and I hope in a lot of other places.

I'll have to wait, but it won't be easy! Moose, calm down or you'll break something!

Kelly and Paul, I really appreciate having you both join me (Sorry, MOOSE, join US). And MOOSE, thank you for your help in preparing questions and in allowing Kelly and Paul to have their moment in the spotlight uninterrupted. (Yes, I will remind readers to add their thoughts about the book AND YOU in the comments.

Disclaimer: I met Paul many years ago, worked with him in school visits, and consider him a friend. None of that influenced me in any way. I purchased this book myself and am utterly infatuated by both the writing and the art.

I've never met Kelly (except through this cyber-interview) but hope to some day. I am in awe of the creativity and execution of her thoroughly original ideas.

Aw-w-w, MOOSE, what have you done?

Sorry, Kelly and Paul, but it's my guess this has happened to you before.










If you missed it, last week's post has a detailed review and links about Z IS FOR MOOSE.

Z IS FOR... MOOSE? SAYS WHO?

During the week of May 7-13 we celebrate the annual CBC - sponsored Children’s Book Week. I invited a unique guest to help us get in the right frame of mind: none other than Moose, co-star of the recently released Z IS FOR MOOSE, by Kelly Bingham, pictures by Paul O. Zelinsky.

A Horn Book review offers a detailed description worth reading. Moose insists that you check out this link before we begin, and also wants me to mention that the book has already earned
six starred reviews, including Horn Book, Publishers’ Weekly, School Library journal, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (CCB).

That said, Moose has signaled hoofs up to start discussing his book.

Six starred reviews? For an alphabet book? How hard can it be to create a simple alphabet book? With Zebra in charge and the other initial letter icons clearly experienced at this process, things should proceed without a hitch: “A is for apple, B is for ball” etc. Anyone could do that, right? Everyone has done that, right again?

Not with Moose in the line-up they haven't.

Even before the title page Moose is peeking under the curtain and dancing in anticipation while the other alphabet players calmly wait for directions.

And about that title page. Moose smugly eyes the large banner he has inserted which obscures the intended title, changing it to Z is for MOOSE. With just a squeak of foreshadowing tucked into the title “M”, the roll call begins without a glitch.
Each alphabet actor discards the everyday gear it is bearing or wearing (Ball has a bear, Cat wears a track suit, and Zebra wears suitably striped referee shirt and cap) to take its place on the platform and strike a traditional alphabet book pose. These are clearly composed, experienced icons, and Zebra is clearly running the show.

So far.

There’s just one problem- Moose. His eagerness, excitability, impatience, and raw exuberance (not to mention his size) dislodge the duck, edge out the elephant, hang over the hat, and otherwise manage to create mayhem while waiting for his turn on the M stage. To his horror (I agree, Moose, who can blame you?) he is appalled to find that “M is for MOUSE”!
From that point on the tension and chaos rapidly escalate through stages of denial, rage, depression, resignation, and on to a satisfyingly surprising reconciliation.

In an earlier post about the POWER OF PICTURE BOOKS I wrote that the very best picture books are compact, compelling, and complete, with layers upon layers of entertainment, imagery, and depth of meaning.
On every count, Z Is for Moose is one powerful book.

As an alphabet book alone it offers novel repetition of images, consistent sequence, and embedded “search” potential (W= Whale + wail; Y= YoYo + yank; T= Truck +teeth +tires +tail; S= Snake+ stripes+ stop+ +scratch out +scribble +sneer, etc.)

Character traits abound in both Moose and Zebra, but in every other player as well, offering potential discussions of imagined inner thoughts and subtext. That queen certainly looks like she'd have something to say, given half a chance. Take a look at the expression on Mouse to guess how he feels about all this.

Readers of any age may pause to consider the reasonable limits of enthusiasm, alternatives to intrusion, external control vs. self-control, freedom of expression vs. a time and place for order. Then there are questions of fairness, kindness, bullying, peer support, and personal space.

Okay, Moose, I agree. This book is funny and entertaining and none of this is necessary.
But give yourself (and Zebra and Kelly and Paul and your alphabet friends) credit for creating a book that wins on every level and is destined to be a classic.


I'm delighted to report that next week's post will feature interviews with Kelly Bingham and Paul O. Zelinsky discussing their creation of this remarkable book. That allows everyone time to read it before they pop in! (No, Moose, next week is their week, not yours. Yes, I'll let you ask some questions, too.)


I'd love to see what your thoughts are about the book, and be sure to stop back next week to hear from Kelly and Paul. If you've had a chance to share the book with kids, please comment on their reactions to Moose and Company. I'll bet Paul and Kelly would enjoy reading what they have to say.

If you are an aspiring PB creator yourself, this week I have a guest post at Rochelle Melander's blog with some tips and basics.