A LEAP DAY Duo: Two Fun New Titles

 It's time for one of those "quick looks" at recent picture book offerings.

Clarion Books

First up, DOWN THE HOLE, written by Scott Slater and illustrated by Adam Ming. Down the Hole taps into classic animal relationships, especially the predator/prey cycle of life that keeps our world in balance but places one species in the "bad guy" role and the prey becomes the "underguy". That automatically casts the prey as the hero of any story, at least most stories. Turning such a tale into something original isn't always easy, since this plot  appears over millennia and across cultures globally. When the "underguy" manages to outwit the "bad guy", readers/audiences are satisfied. 

In this case, the combatants are Fox (with hints of past success diminishing this particular community of rabbits in the past) and the underground "menu", the bunnies . Outwitting that fox, who, on the cover, lurks above ground, begins when Fox  invites a bunny to come up and "help" a friendly fox.

The leader bunny demonstrates bright dialogue, alert to the past and aware of the current intentions. Meanwhile bunny leader (wearing collar and tie) and his rabbit crew devise a way to eliminate the problem, not just at the moment but permanently. 

The text includes some fun word-play, sly hints and twists (with the bunny proving to be every bit as sly as the fox), and a delightful view of the benefits of cooperation. Even so, I might have rated four stars for all that, since it covers such familiar ground. But the illustrations elevate my opinion by providing extra layers of visual narrative elements, especially in the life underground extending beyond the bunny warren (residents like mice or moles or groundhogs). These images include one particular underground dweller who might tip that predator/prey scale.

The art itself is genuine bonus. Colorful and fun, yes. But also very effective at elaborating on the appeal of this tale. The illustration note in back describes  creating digitally on PROCREATE combined with hand-painted textures and icons in acrylic guache on fancy watercolor paper. The combination media and techniques give a nearly collage-like effect at times, always adding to the impact of the humor, reactions, and depth, despite the somewhat cartoonish images. The spreads  suggest movement, attitude, anticipation, suspense, and foreshadowing.

Candlewick Press

Next up is another picture book that takes a lively and appealing story, then elevates it to memorable through the talents of the creator. THE CONCRETE GARDEN, written and illustrated by BOB GRAHAM, is not a classic animal tale, nor is the art style similar. This is a realistic contemporary story inspired by the period in which pandemic isolation was lifting locally, allowing kids and adults to emerge from the restrictions imposed by viruses and winter conditions. In this case, an intensely populated urban apartment complex releases a swarm of cabin-fever kids and their masked adults to swarm onto an outdoor concrete space. From the fifteenth floor alone a cadre of kids, diverse in age and identities and pursuits launch themselves into the open air for the best antidote to confinement, PLAY! 

This provides a perfect launch for the brilliant emergence of masterpiece via improvised changes and creative additions, collaboration and accidents, as well as attention and appreciation. As above, this would be worthy choice if it ended there. But, it is elevated in this case not only by the appealingly child-friendly and clever art, but also by pushing the story to its easily imagined next days. Yes, chalk on concrete has a surprising lifespan if conditions are good, but when it rains... it pours.

In this case, I won't spoil the author/illustrator's clever extended thinking, but he certainly must be in touch with his inner child. Not only does he explore domino-effect expressive art options that rain provides, but continues by setting the stage to suggest a future use for material fragments of the project. I found myself wondering about potential uses for those fragments long after closing the cover of this book. That's a wonderful impact for this story, but also an example of making picture books as layered and dense with positive elements as possible.

A SMART, SMART SCHOOL- Perfect For Fall!

HARPER COLLINS, 2023

 Whether you've read Sharon Creech's earlier A FINE FINE SCHOOL or not (but I hope you have), this companion/sequel book features a wiser principal, Mr. Keane, and the irrepressible TILLIE (student) in the same fine school. In fact, the opening lines reference that it is, indeed, A FINE FINE SCHOOL, with several spreads revealing that this involves creativity, imagination, and collaborative learning.All taking place under the proud and watchful eye of that enllightened principal.

 In this title, though, that now-beloved principal is rushed to the hospital for an appendectomy. His replacement views such frivolous, indirect activity as foolishness, requiring testing, testing, testing. All day. All week. 

No cards or banners or song-writing may continue under his thumb, even though the students are all eager to deliver their greetings and good wishes for recovery to the hospital to present to Mr. Keane. After-school time is loaded with non-stop study for the many tests to come.

HARPER COLLINS,  2003

In this sequel/companion picture book, Tillie is not the single-handed spokes-girl. Instead the entire school, exhausted students and teachers alike, use their Saturday morning to visit and stage a Mr. Keane greeting on the lawn outside his ward. 

Certainly, the ending is satisfying and fun, and that fine school is both fine and SMART once Mr. Keane resumes the reins.

A SMART, SMART SCHOOL, written by award-winning Sharon Creech and illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan, makes a brilliant parent night book for back-to-school, for all grades and ages. Often their highest concerns are for the success of their own children, but that translates as test scores. My experience tells me  that these crafts, songs, poems, banners,  and other initiatives are not wasting time, nor are they simply "break" activities. Using creative processes in the course of the day actually elevates learning, motivation, and understanding, all reflected in those occasionally necessary test scores.

What an excellent discussion to have with parents and students in the starting months and throughout the school year.

Please note that the original book was illustrated by the incomparable Harry Bliss. These illustrations by Semmirdzhan are charmingly effective in capturing the scenes and moods of the first book, along with providing a dose of second-look-worthy details on many pages.

Love it.

THE WORLD'S BEST CLASS PLANT

 That heading is NOT a typo. 

Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick are each talented authors in their own spaces. Together they have produced some enjoyable and special picture books. You might be familiar with other titles by this team: Five Minutes (That’s a Lot of Time) (No, It’s Not) (Yes, It Is) and Bob, Not Bob. (If not, these are bonus recommendations to check out!) Both feature seamless blending of humor, heart, and unique perspectives toward familiar situations. 

G. P. Putnam's Sons
2023

This talented pair has a new release starring, you guessed it, a CLASS PLANT! Not exactly a familiar scenario, even for those classrooms whose shelves are blooming with greenery. THE WORLD'S BEST CLASS PLANT, illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao, the story they've created for us is unique and resonates with the truths about classrooms, kids, and "pets". The premise is no great surprise.

Every other classroom, even the ART ROOM, has a pet of some kind. If you can imagine humor and tension resulting from this unhappy situation, you've got the humor part right. Mr. Boring's students (not his real name) are stuck with a CLASS PLANT! No excitement there, and certainly no fun, either. In the opening end papers we see these doubtful students trying to share class experiences with a small potted plant, resulting in side eye, sneers, yawns, and outright ignoring. They argue that there's no FUN stuff to do with a plant. Mr. Bummer (also not his real name) urges patience, learning about this odd choice, and giving things time to grow on you. 

Naming it JERRY wasn't much help. When Jerry begins to do strange things (sprouting long and twisty fronds, needing a bigger pot) the kids learn it is a spider plant, the offshoots are called spiderettes, and more. So far, so familiar. Then their own discoveries make them want others to know what terrific things they've learned about Jerry. 

(Anyone who has attempted to write text for picture books will have heard about  amping up the tension or action. This next step is a brilliant example of just such a step.) 

JERRY APPRECIATION DAY involves the entire school, but not until extensive planning and imaginative preparation are complete. Their new-found enjoyment and engagement with a simple plant have contributed to extensive learning, class coherence, and thrilled last-day kiddos when Mr. Perfect (should be his real name) announced that every child would take home a potted spiderette to keep! 

That sounds like a natural place to end, but if you had the talent of this team you'd know that there can be more, better ways to conclude. I won't spoil those brilliant last couple of pages by revealing details, but anyone trying to write for kids should refer often to the magic quality in this book that demonstrates what is added by making a story as GREAT as it can be. 

Make no mistake that the text alone carries all that power. It's a more-than-worthy text for entertainment and insights, enjoyable and suited for many ages. But the illustrations play a significant role in delivery of that fun, as they should. The closing endpapers provide a view of those same kids, many months after the opening papers, eagerly sharing their days with Jerry in utter bliss and satisfaction. I also love how the diverse and clever kids express their reactions and approaches throughout each scene. A fun exercise could ask kids to label the emotional state of kids with various expressions, imagine what they might be thinking/saying, and also what THEY, the reader, might be doing or thinking if in the story. 

One additional note has to do with the illustration choice to make Mr. (you'll eventually learn his correct name) a young Black educator whose choices clearly reveal mastery of his profession despite his comparative youth. Nothing in the text indicate that. Black, male educators are desperately needed in schools, especially young elementary populations. Mr. (______)'s  race has NOTHING to do with the story. There is so little experience of this in real life (that it is a viable and desirable choice for young Black males to teach kids) that his presence and success in this picture book setting is a priceless example to kids of every background. If you can see it, you can be it! 

The combination of talents of the three creators of this book (and certainly their editorial and art director contributors) are also evidence that two heads are better than one, and imagination is enhanced by collaboration. I'd love to hear if you agree.

March 31, but You Haven't Heard the Last of Women in History

 On these final two days of March I am reviewing nonfiction picture books about women in history- in the ARTS! Louise Borgeois was the subject of a post about rebel artists in the twentieth century in THIS POST, and AMY CHENEY BEACH is the subject of the picture book reviewed below. They are distinctly different books in writing and illustrations styles, even in intended audiences and purposes, and yet they are similar in an important way. Both celebrate women whose lives extended across many decades of unique and brilliant creativity and excellence in artistic fields. Certainly those who study visual art are highly informed about the art and impact of Bourgeois, and those who study classical music composition know the works of Amy Cheney Beach. Even so, neither is well known (if known at all) by the general public. WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH ebbs away with ongoing attention to famous women leaders, often in fields of science, technology,  mathematics, etc. Artistic leaders of their time matter as much or more to history and culture.. Please share their picture books and other resources all year long.

Calkins Creek, 2023
Astra Publishing

PITCH PERFECT AND PERSISTENT: The Musical Debut of Amy Cheney Beach is written by Caitlin DeLems and illustrated by Alison Jay. What do you call a one-year-old girl who hums, perfectly and on pitch, forty-four different familiar tunes? A two-year-old who confidently sings out an anthem from start to finish, every word accurate, every note on pitch?

A child who identifies notes and chords by color and emotion?

Most would call her a prodigy, a phenom, at least a  gifted child who should be nurtured and allowed to create.

Not Amy's mother.

Mrs. Cheney was a music teacher who's piano playing was the source of Amy's repertoire, but the family's strong religious beliefs required that no one, especially children, should call attention to themselves. Despite the safe and simple life depicted on the page, despite a sense that the mother's denial of access to a keyboard was from loving concern, despite illustrations with rounded figures and soft edges and tones, despite a charming rustic setting, my heart ached for Amy. Those soothing elements do allow readers to recognize that rules and restrictions of a social/cultural preset can be stifling, but are pointless against a child with a singing heart and soaring spirit. A double-page spread makes it clear how childlike and self-directed Amy was, with nursery rhyme characters dancing across musical bars that suggest the alternative melodies she imagined for those familiar tunes, swirling through her mind and voice like the swallows who dip and flow across the skies.

This deeply and thoroughly researched biography unfolds in chronological order but ascends and dips across Amy's life, revealing opportunities and accolades followed by denials and departures imposed by family and conventions. Eventually a compromise within marriage to an older man allows her a range of activity through which she can pursue her deepest love- musical composition.

The groundbreaking, startling devotion of her life, and source of her ultimate acclaim, was classical composition. That talent, skill, and art is challenging in any time or situation, but it was unheard of for a WOMAN to compose serious music. Amy's work, in fact, developed fully orchestrated symphonies and beyond. After her husband died she was left independent with the means to travel and control her own life. Her immeasurable talent expanded even further, including  travel, performances, and appearances, leading to world renown within the realm of music. 

I found Amy to be as compelling to read about as she was compelled to produce and create music. That's saying a lot. Back matter in these nonfiction picture book biographies is often impressive and informative. This is no exception, but is every bit as impressive in the author's acknowledgement of the many experts who advised or otherwise assured that this seemingly simple picture book rises to a level of scholarly resource, from the main text and from the bibliography provided.

The ability for anyone, but especially for girls and women, to develop and sustain a vision of themselves, their inner resources, and their unique perspectives beyond the moats and gates and walls of cultural norms is necessary and requires intentional effort. Books like this one,  and this one, elevate "out of the box" thinking and self-determination beyond role models to beacons of hope and guiding lights.

Nature Is Complex: But Take a Close Look at this Poetry Challenge

THIS POEM IS A NEST is written by Irene Latham and illustrated by Johanna Wright. As a fan of Irene Latham's poetry, I opened this new book eagerly. 

"This beautiful poetry collection introduces readers to the art of found poetry as the poet writes a 37-line poem, "Nest," then finds 160 smaller poems within it."

I was not disappointed.
Poetic forms can be challenging, but they can also provide a scaffold for writers (young OR old) to approach and attempt creating their own work.
In this case, the premise of a poem being a nest is described simply and clearly in the opening pages. Latham has written a lovely and comprehensive poem to launch the book, one that is worthy to read and appreciate on its own. Her guidance to readers indicates they are welcome to use her NEST poem, use other published poems, or swing for the bleachers and create an extensive poem of their own to become the nest for further work. 

She described the simple restrictions (I won't call them rules) that allow her to select words from that original NEST poem, so carefully constructed, to produce an impressive collection of other poems on a range of topics and themes. 
This is such a strong conceptual offering for poetry-writers, and the poems she has produced are organized in ways that might inspire additions in themselves. This book concludes with some added (brief) messages from the author, inviting readers to join in the fun and the challenge.

This is a season for keeping eyes (and ears) open to notice nests and nestlings. The more we pay attention to nature, the better we can appreciate what experts birds (and other nesters) are when it comes to  reuse/recycle. The sum, when assembled with care and intention,  is a fine work of art and the individual elements assume new purpose and beauty. Even so, just noticing the bits and scraps might inspire us to pay more attention to the hidden ingredients in all of the beauty that surrounds us. And make a stab at this form of poetry, too!

Overall, this is a wonderful addition to classrooms, libraries, and writing shelves.

So, Happy POETRY MONTH, and happy nesting!

Creativity Coming Through... On the Dot: Yayoi Kusama

I've set myself a challenge to create a new post (or repost a blend of past ones) that will spotlight creativity and imagination while we are all self-isolating and/or finding ways to keep kids engaged without burning out brains on screens.

Phaidon Books has released several titles in a continuing series of kid-friendly picture book biographies about contemporary artists who look, think, and work "outside the box". I've featured some of them HERE, and other artists HERE, HERE, and HERE.
Their most recent title gives me joy on many levels, because I have always adored DOTS! 

Dots in fabrics, dots in art, even patterns from raindrops on hot pavement. Dots with texture? Woo-hoo! 
Bring on the dotted SWISS fabric! 
Something about dots sparks my inner giggles.

Yayoi Kusama figured out that art makes her happy early in her life. Her family directly informed her that art was not something to pursue- not suited to her future as a wife to rich man.

Phaidon, 2020

Author/artist Fausto Gilberti celebrates the creative results of that awareness, dictate, and resistance in this latest title: YAYOI KUSAMA Covered Everything in DOTS and Wasn't Sorry. In this title the author adopts a first person voice to increase readers' insights into Kusama's journey as a person and as a creator. 
In that voice we learn about her talent and determination, including writing a letter to the amazing Georgia O'Keefe, who then paid her an unannounced visit IN PERSON! 
With O'Keefe's support and her own astonishingly original view of the world, she explored, expanded, and used her creations to open eyes, open hearts, and make political statements. She developed performance art pieces, involving herself within the final products.

Gilberti relies on small trim size and black-and-white images, combining line art with expansive interpretations of Kusama and her  work. These pages share the welcoming and whimsical tone of her work. As with Gilberti's earlier titles in the series, simple back matter provides specific details. But it is the book, itself a piece of art, that invites readers to return to it, page after page, and to learn more about the featured artist and her works.

In earlier posts I celebrated  picture book by Liz Garton Scanlon, THINK BIG! It's a lively celebration of the out-of-the-box potential of young people (the younger the better) to find joy and creative expression with an easy recipe of brains, heart, and random surrounding objects. 

You don't need loads of art supplies at home to create art. Use backs of junk mail, shopping bags, waste paper, insides of empty cereal boxes, etc. For media, try collage (No glue? Here's a link for  recipes for homemade glues and paste.) 

Despite my warnings about overdoing screen time, here's a link to a profile of Kusama with her won reflections on the palce of art in her young life, her family, and her eventual career. And here's a link to the retrospective of signature works of her LONG LIFE and many creations.

Meanwhile, use a few minutes (hours) of this gift of time to reconnect with the simple things that cause you to giggle, and use that positive energy to create something for yourselves. 

The Biggest Story? Look Around!

The World Health Organization has declared that COVID19 is a pandemic- a pretty big story, right? I've got to admit that I have imagined living through a variety of global concerns, including childhood drills to hide under our desks to survive a nuclear bomb. (Right?) 
I had never imagined the rippling and disrupting effects of a disease of this type. 

I mean no disrespect about the seriousness of these circumstances: illnesses and loss of life, the exhaustion of health workers, the loss of income and vital supplies for families, and so much more. 

I've generally dealt with such overwhelming concerns using the mantra: 

THINK GLOBALLY, BUT ACT LOCALLY.

Among the many issues at our doorstep, the closing of schools is a significant concern that is very local, so that's where my attention is. 

Here's my suggestion: Read! Write! Create!

You may not be able to get your hands on this brand new picture book immediately, but add it to your library hold list or begin a wishlist for books to purchase when you have the chance.

Kane Miller EDC Publishing, 2020

 

THE BIGGEST STORY is written by Sarah Coyle and illustrated by Dan Taylor. It is an entertaining approach to the power of imagination, driven by a dynamic young boy who loves a good story. When his story-telling mama is too busy repairing the plumbing to tell him another story, she urges him to tell his own story. 

Even an experienced story-lover such as Erroll approaches that task with an "I can't," "I don't know how" attitude. He tries to turn that around by stimulating his brain with physical exercises. When nothing seems to work, he opens his eyes and ears to everyone around him, to the critters who want nothing more than to play the role of heroes in his story. 

That inspiration begins with the tiny voice of ants, followed by the neighborhood cats, an action-oriented flock of sheep, the critters in a nearby wildlife park, and ... wait for it... a T. Rex!

Image from Kane Miller Publishing Website

Once Erroll's story gets rolling there is no stopping it. 

At the end of his mom's busy day, Erroll entertains her with a non-stop, fun-filled adventure story. This story-in-a-story homage to imagination includes a surprise twist at Erroll's bedtime, and surprise "do-it-yourself" tips for readers on the final page turns. 

I'm sharing this final double-page spread as a template for some at-home imaginative play. Erroll's thrilling story began with nearby characters, lively describing words, and a menu of possible action-adventures. Consider this a launch pad for channeling home-bound energy into daylong creativity. 
Then, when you are able, READ THIS BOOK!
When you do have the book in hand, dive deeply into the colorful, comical, and diverse experiences on the page. I particularly enjoyed the stereotype-challenges to various species (socializing cats, assertive sheep, among others.) I'm a sucker for big-eyed and button-eyed characters, especially comic-style with subtle shading and shadows. There is something about these images that epitomizes the magic of lifting ideas off the page, out of our imaginations, and into our lives.

Hours will pass in a blink if those stories, (and stories from favorite books, movies, etc.) are used as the basis for designing and enacting dramatic productions at home.

Why not? And why not use ubiquitous digital devices to add music, sound effects, and then record the final performance? 
That's the kind of digital presence I can support!

I've written often about the importance of limiting screen time for young kids, for the sake of creativity and also for the protection of their brain development. In the current circumstances it would not be surprising to have screen time increase. I urge those who need or want to use screen time more often than usual, to do so using positive and productive sites rather than those that amp up the angst or anxiety.
Here are some ideas: 
PBS FOR KIDS: This includes interactive games, and a link to parents that offers advice on how to speak to kids about COVID 19.
FUN BRAIN: Kid-friendly and easy to navigate activities.
FBI KIDS: Safely vetted and sorted links for kids to access to engage  online.

Meanwhile, stay calm, stay kind, and (as Mr. Rogers always said) look for the helpers.

Roar Like A Dandelion: Celebrate the Alphabet

Congrats to the giveaway winner. Becki Kidd! Thanks for stopping by, Becki. I'll be in touch directly to make sure you really can get your hands on this book soon!
Sandy

Patience, please. 
I am steadily reading nominees in my Cybils Awards categories: nonfiction for elementary and for middle grade readers. You can take a look at the amazing titles that are currently stacked by my side as I write this. Narrowing this list down to two eventual "shortlists" is an enormous responsibility, but the reading is fun. If you wonder what I've been thinking as I read, check out some of my recent ratings and reviews on my GOODREADS posts, here.

 I'm not quite ready to launch reviews of nonfiction picture book nominees. I've also been reading some delightful fiction picture books that released recently. That's intentional. I'm reminding myself to focus not only on the high quality content in these nonfiction nominees, but also on the kid-appeal, word play, and general delightfulness of the books. The underlying criteria for every Cybils category are READER APPEAL and LITERARY QUALITY. 

HarperCollins October, 2019

Those two traits are embodied in an October release, an alphabet picture book that makes me smile from cover to cover: ROAR LIKE A DANDELION, with words by RUTH KRAUSS and drawings by SERGIO RUZZIER. I've been a fan of Ruth Krauss before I began paying attention to author names, and that's because she was writing books while I WAS A CHILD. Yikes! That's a long time ago!
That kid-appeal quality was always evident in the words and point of view Krauss provided in her books, and I adored them. You can read more about Krauss in this great article from Brain Pickings blog. 
Sergio Ruzzier does not need my praise to bolster his stellar career.  Even so, I can imagine that despite his success and award-winning  reputation he may have been a bit anxious about being selected to bring this unpublished work by Krauss to life. After all, many of Krauss's books were illustrated by Maurice Sendak and Crockett Johnson, icons of picture book illustration. 
So what makes this book so special? Alphabet books range from academic to storytelling to subject-specific. In this case, Ruzzier has managed to capture the glorious, enormous imagination of Krauss's words with delightfully detailed and impishly illogical characters. His images both illustrate and expand the imperatives Krauss imagined. The charm of the front cover invites a quick peek at the back cover, which launches the reading with a laugh. Endpapers do the same, offering an array of insect-ish critters exploring their inner roaring voices and attitudes.
Krauss offers letter-inspired directives to execute various actions, making her words a fun library or preschool exploration of action and vocabulary. Some are suited to simplistic thinking: Make music, Nod yes, Hold your arms out like a pine tree. Others nudge imaginations beyond the literal: Eat all the locks off the doors, Paint a picture of a cage wth an open door and wait, Undress to match the trees in winter. 
Ruzzier recognized the magical miracle of Krauss's words, even the seemingly mundane ones, providing a page-by-page parade of wild wonderings. His characters are both recognizable critters (whales, mice, bugs, pigs) but also wryly off-center, with exaggerated shapes, sizes, colors, and attitudes. Krauss's "Fall like rain" reveals a sky of plummeting elephants while a kitten on the ground extends a paw from under the umbrella to check the weather. "X out all the bad stuff" shows an irritated mouse-ish fella marking X's on three slightly-too-unusual critters.The ironic appearance of potential enemies within individual illustrations adds to the humor: "Go like a road" has mice walking the spine of a snake from tail toward face- Surprise!
When it comes time to review nonfiction picture books (soon), I won't expect this level of wacky wondering to be as evident. But the power of words and images to elevate and transform each other WILL be among the qualities I'll consider. The power of picture books to explore core concepts has a long and successful history, establishing a high bar for excellence. This new book is a great example of this and will remind me to keep those kid-appeal and literary excellence criteria in mind.

*** I received a copy of ROAR LIKE A DANDELION from the publisher with no promise of reviewing it.

Color Me Impressed by THE CRAYON MAN

If I called for a show of hands (among many ages, adults included) I'm guessing more than half of the population has viewed one of the various versions of How A Crayon Is Made. That estimate extends far beyond the borders of the USA, because crayons are one of the first and most important toys a child can receive. Since the book featured in this post honors the origin story behind CRAYOLA CRAYON's creator, Edwin Binney, I'll link HERE to Crayola's official seven-minute You-Tube version. If you've never seen it, you might want to take a look, before or after reading my notes about this book.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing, 2019

THE CRAYON MAN: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons is written by Natascha Biebow and illustrated by Steven Salerno.
This biography/creation story behind CRAYOLA crayons offers multiple themes, including:

• Edwin Binney following his truest self, from being a boy who recognized and embraced vivid color and on a mission to share that with others throughout his life;
• The power of business collaboration, innovation, and initiative;
• The importance of experimentation and perseverance (STEM);
• Spouses, particularly women, as contributors and supporters, not just tea-servers in an era of gender diminishment;
• Figurative and descriptive, dare I say COLORFUL language;
• and more!

Add to that the crisp and colorful Photo-Doc-How-It-Is-Made spread in the back matter, an accessible bit of archival and research detail about Edward Binney and his family, and one of the most appealing and useful bibliography/reference pages I've seen in any picture book (and I see a lot).
I'm tempted to add a caution that this is NOT a diverse story. Then again, it is NOT fiction. It is HISTORY, and it portrays a very WHITE society in which education, investment, and thus events like these occurred. Note the invisibility of any non-white individuals involved in the upkeep of that society, which was also a characteristic of that time and place.
A significant part of me felt sad as I turned these vivid and appealing pages. All the visible skin was  "FLESH"-toned. (Remember that crayon color, now retired?) The cover illustration allows for the existence of other-than-white in that time period. But the final page, which pulls the text into the present, presents a delightful pair of kids/friends (one white-ish, one brown-ish, and neither very FLESH-ish) using crayons to pour their creatively colorful minds and hearts onto sheet after sheet of paper.
I highly recommend this for any age for the quality text, perfectly-suited illustrations, and outstanding bonus features. It is also an impressive mentor text on many levels, especially for the youngest through adults with a dream of creating nonfiction picture books.

I was tempted to include a photo of the end papers, but I challenge you to get this book in your own hands and check them out. The challenge statement included within those end papers is a life goal for anyone, any age.

Celebrating Picture Books from 2018- Briefly?

I've exhausted my library "hold" renewals on some of the many fiction picture books that tugged at my heart in recent weeks (months!). I'll be loading up a couple of totes to return these early next week, but I can't let them go without sharing them with you here. Each deserves a full review, discussion, and recommendation for uses, but the size of my book stack has crushed that dream. Instead, I'll try to follow up with my "speed-dating" approach for board books. Let's see how that goes.

a house that once was is written by Julie Fogliano and illustrated (brilliantly) by Lane Smith. I really enjoyed Fogliano's lyrical, lilting text, but it is Lane Smith's illustrated treatment that won my heart. With just enough ink-line realism to anchor the story to the text, Smith combines multi-media techniques in each of the two parts: the contemporary exploration of a deserted house in the woods and the imagined lives of the missing inhabitants. The ongoing tale of the abandoned house exploration includes numerous nearly-hidden images that later gain significance within the imagined alternate lives of the residents. 
An additional story-within-a-story is boldly suggested on the title page. A little bluebird (of happiness?) slips into various obvious and obscure corners of the pages for readers (especially eagle-eyed little ones) to discover. 
There is a genuine charm to this circle story that concludes with the same short verse that opens the story: 
"Deep in the woods/ is a house/ just a house/ that once was/ but now isn't/ a home."
There is a delightful irony to that conclusion as the little bluebird peeks out at the departing kids from inside the upstairs window. This is all-out possibilities, and kids will love it.

So much for keeping it brief, right?  I'll try again on this next adventurous picture book that celebrates imagination, cooperation, diversity, hopes, and dreams.

Everything You Need for a Treehouse is written by Carter Higgins and Illustrated by Emily Hughes. This lush and imaginative picture book engages on every page, revealing both realistic and fantastic aspects of collaborating, constructing, and creatively occupying "a treehouse". The extensive and diverse group of kids make cooperation and old-fashioned "playing outside" look much more appealing than staring at screens.  And 

The illustration details are like eye-magnets, but it is worth turning back to the text to appreciate the extraordinary and lyrical language Higgins uses to turn a simply-titled "HOW TO" book into a multi-layered life lesson, delivered with a touch as gentle but persistent as a seed, the wind, or a child.
I won't issue a spoiler here, but I will say that despite the diversity and matter-of-fact, scavenged, makeshift aspects of the building processes, I had a mental reservation about how privileged this group of kids seemed: dressed for the weather, access to tools, and living in welcoming environments. I was pleased to see the various versions in what could be different habitats or even different global locations. Still, that reservation stayed wth me, until the final page turns. 
Now, I fully and enthusiastically endorse this book and recommend it for EVERY age. 

(And don't spoil the impact of those last pages by peeking.)

Well, so much for keeping it brief, right? Just goes to show why I've held on to these two for so long. You'll want to do the same, and so will the kids who read them with you.