DOT, DOT, POLKA DOT: Board Book with Layers of Colorful Fun!

Who doesn't love polka dots?  I can't be alone in finding that dotted fabrics, walls, boots, and BOOKS make me smile. Artists like Yayoi Kusama have made polka dots their signature motif, reviewed HERE. A recent board book offering is a delightfully appealing introduction to polka dots and other patterns for the youngest audiences, but is equally appealing to this NOT youngest reader!

POPW! Kids Books, 2023

DOT, DOT, POLKA DOT is a colorful, sturdy board book written and illustrated by graphic designer Morissa Rubin. She explores, page turn by turn, familiar and global/cultural patterns of nature and fabrics with lively text, bold images, and an edge accumulation of swatches that foreshadows a gratifying ending. The opening/title turn that features dots is followed by efficient and enticing text and image-rich examples of stripes, plaid, calico, argyle, kente cloth, kawung fruit, gingham, uroko triangles, paisleys, molas, and tie-dyes. 

This is a feast for the eyes and ears, sparking curiosity and providing vocabulary to recognize and label the many patterns that are human-made as well as identifying those in our lived environment. There are just enough hints within the minimal text to suggest ways that little (or bigger) hands might make patterns using stamps, bits, even collage techniques to make this a must-have addition for those teaching/leading art and craft groups of any age. 

Each pattern is represented by a small square fabric swatch, which caught my eye immediately, since I'm a lifelong fan of quilts. (This is evident in prior posts celebrating quilts  HERE, HERE, and HERE.))These swatches accumulate along one edge of each double spread, reminding me of ways in which quilters scatter, shift, and adjust their layouts, savoring the interactions of color and pattern with an eye to making the whole greater than the sum of the parts. "Separate pieces come together" is the next-to-last turn in which thread begins to attach one swatch to the next on a background featuring many of the patterns introduced. The final spread celebrates them all when the line-drawn character is tucked under a patchwork quilt, topped by a snuggling calico cat, with polka-dotted boots and hat safely stowed nearby. 

I particularly appreciated the global/cultural inclusion and celebration of patterns, as well as the richly robust vocabulary. This book is likely to find fans throughout the day and at bedtime, providing young ears with repetitive familiarity and context for words to describe their own worlds. While many board books are worthy sources for developing language and concepts related to color and shape, this is a rich source that embeds endless opportunities for such language. it's a treasure chest of entertainment and development for families, libraries, early childhood groups, and those seeking support for English language learning and/or speech/language development. It is even a great choice for dedicated (or beginning) quilters who could well display it as a table-top book of sorts or share with younger family members. Other ideas? Please share them in comments. It has been a while since I lost myself for hours in the fabric aisles, but this book just might lead me back there soon!

(Side note: Board books can be glorious yet constructed in such a way that they are soon damaged by the little hands that clutch them. POW Books seems aware of this and produced a durable physical book that should survive many readings and explorations, which this book invites.)

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher with no promise of a review.

I Was Born A Baby (How About YOU?)

 In a recent webinar a prominent editor proudly insisted that frequently-reported advice about writing rhyming picture books is WRONG:  Writing in rhyme CAN sell, and does. But it MUST be well-done. No, perfectly done. That, and it must also be the best possible way to tell the story/content.

In other words, there are markets for rhymed text, but you'd better be good.

I sang the praises of one such excellent rhyming picture book in this prior post about BLACK GIRL RISING. In that case, the text is lyrical, lilting, and uplifting, an ideal choice for this inspiring text and theme.The rhyming text served the purpose of that book ideally.

HARPER, BYR.  2022

In today's example the rhymed text  is a perfect fit, too, but with entirely different purpose and impact. I WAS BORN A BABY is written in rhyme by Meg Fleming, with googly-eyed, stop-action-style illustrations by Brandon James Scott, whose work sets the tone perfectly.

Several reviews have referenced the full text as reminiscent of CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM in its irresistible, often ear-worm-y patterns and grin-worthy sequences of words and ideas. This is, actually, a concept book; one aimed at learning and grouping terms for "young" creatures.  Endpapers feature those ubiquitous circles in singlets (hedglets, owlets, and puggles) while animals with names in common- such as PUPS and CALVES and CUBS gather together into larger circles.

A fun introduction before the title page indicates that the contents are "mostly" true, with no animal names being changed from correct science terminology. Two clarifications are provided,  seemingly at the request of the animal characters involved. This sets the stage for what little audiences and adult readers will know is going to be a read-it-again-romp. 

With so few words in the full text I hesitate to quote many of them, but that comparison to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a valid one without suggesting it is derivative. It makes for a read-aloud then read-along gem, including a pattern of "No way, no how! That can't be true!" followed by several repeating lines. The extra large trim size, the adorably-sized and-posed young animals, the large, crisp font, and extensive white page backgrounds encourage connection and participation. The humor is subtle and clever, throughout, avoiding adult exhaustion when the  anticipated multiple requests to "read it again" ensue. The side-eye, half-closed lids of a few animals (interior and on the back case cover) are a nod to the patterns that unfold and to the mix of predictability and surprise. 

The other often-quoted "rule" for rhyme writers is to AVOID AT ALL COSTS the dissatisfying effects of slant-rhyme or near-rhyme. We all know these are used often in song lyrics, but for young audiences it is reportedly confusing and leads to mis-hearing or mispronouncing words. Even so, with this simple text, the musicality of its patterns and the readily recognizable critters who are named in those rhyme-stretches work elegantly and naturally. This is one of those exceptions that make the rule. 

My prediction is that this is just the start of multiple versions of the book, and potentially some musical/video song versions, too.

HOW CAN WE BE KIND? An IMPORTANT Question.

 

The premise on which I launched this blog more than a decade ago is that picture books are for every age and should NEVER be considered just a "stage" that children move through and leave behind once they can read chapter books, even early ones. (I won't elaborate or link my thoughts on that, but if you are new to this blog, scroll down my archives and read a few posts from the earliest days of posting in which I actively present my point of view.) 

I have reviewed here many of the picture books by talented Pat Zietlow Miller, but not her New York Times best-selling BE KIND (Illustrated by Jen HIll). I love it and keep a stock of copies on hand to use as gifts, but readers were obviously finding it without  needing a boost from me. In it, Miller's kind-hearted main character struggles with the central question: "What does it mean to be kind?". The age of the characters, with a layered plot and interactions, make that book an excellent choice for sharing  and discussion with individuals and groups who are school age (and older!).

Frances Lincoln Children's Books, July 2022

That's why I'm excited to celebrate a new picture book by the equally talented and prolific Janet Halfmann, HOW CAN WE BE KIND? Wisdom from the Animal Kingdom. Her title question explores the same premise, but frames nonfiction text with animal groups as examples of ways that little ones can recognize in their own lives and those of their families and communities. Illustrated by talented Darla Okada,  this text incorporates global animal groups as examples of instinctive behaviors that increase the survival and comfort and FUN of living in groups and communities. While a few of the samples will be familiar to North American audiences, most will be new to little viewers (and their adult readers!), yet they subtly expand our awareness that caring for others, benefitting from companionship, support and security, is a universal and natural way to live. 

It is also a delight for those audiences who are still lap-sized, with no personal connection to the school scenes and situations in which the Miller's story unfolds. That's a fine way to reveal that academic world in a gentle and comfortable way while revealing that answers don't all come from walking through school doors or through direct instruction while seated at a desk. Some of the most important life lessons are learned through respectful interactions with others.

What I celebrate in this new offering  is the language and format of Halfmann's latest, both  perfectly suited to the littlest eyes, ears, and experiences. The opening spread frames the question with human faces of many ages and ethnicities/identities, visually confirming that people of every kind can find ways to answer this seemingly simple question in the following pages.  Double page spreads reveal that question with images of a particular species demonstrating caring behaviors, followed by more double-page-spreads with  different species before returning to that central question. Each turn provides the name of the animals shown within the natural text of the questions and responses, framed as "We can __________ like ________". Those things /ways we can be kind are accessible and natural in everyday life, offering even the youngest toddlers an opportunity to consciously choose to "be kind" as the ubiquitous mantra extols us to be. The things we can learn include looking after each other, sharing, making others feel welcome, working as teams, putting others first, and even making others laugh! The animal examples include globally familiar creatures like ants and bees, but also European badgers, capybaras, European jackdaws, and more. 

I was especially a fan of the animal choices, to expand the underlying universality of the messages which is direct but not didactic, and also because the choices of species are visually similar to other animal "relatives" from around the world, keeping the examples very relatable yet inspiring curiosity about "new" discoveries. Halfmann, as always, does reliable research and found a way to answer some initial questions in user-friendly back matter. Small inset illustrations of each animal is accompanied by a short passage describing the actual species patterns depicted. Care was given to assure that these sometimes big-eyed critters reveal, in colorful, natural ,cartoon-styled art, the actual look and behavior of the animals in GROUPS, with no exaggerated humanizing by walking on hind legs when that is not the nature of the animal, etc. By the way, I recently reviewed a CAPYBARA picture book which made a fan of me, and would be a great companion title for readers captivated by less familiar animals. 

The text and images combine with small-hand-friendly trim size to make this a direct and delightful nonfiction favorite among the youngest set, but one that has potential for becoming an individual's memorable treasure, or to spark eager exploration of animals and their behaviors. Even in a single read, it will generate a deep-seated sense of how to be KIND. Always. Every day. The text and presentation also makes this an ideal candidate for translation in many languages, which has happened for many of Halfmann's prior titles.

In a recent post I mentioned an older picture book by author Janet Halfmann, GOOD NIGHT LITTLE SEA OTTER. Halfmann's appreciation of nature and environment are relflected in these titles and in many others for this target age. A lifetime of writing has honed her skills in writing and directing the curious content she discovers toward the developmental interests at various ages and for the purpose of the book, especially for these youngest audiences. In the case of How Can We Be Kind? , as with WHO IS SINGING? (previously reviewed HERE) she demonstrates mastery of producing well-researched and appealing nonfiction content in delightfully age-appropriate non-fiction picture books that are lovable in themselves but also spark interest in learning more and exploring the natural world. If any of these books appeal to you, visit Halfmann's website, HERE, to learn more about her current and past titles, and to follow what's coming next.

The Miracle and Magic of Picture Books: Herve Tullet

Chronicle Books, 2011

When PRESS HERE by Herve Tullet first appeared at a Children's Literature Conference in Europe (Bologna Book Fair? Can't quite recall), Publishers Weekly reported that crowds gathered around. Adults were waiting turns to get their hands on it for themselves. 
In the three years since that introduction to the world, PRESS HERE has remained on the New York Times Children's Bestseller list continuously. The extensive and glowing words of praise in reviews for this book, one with brief and simple text, indicate what a remarkable achievement this book is.

That's why the bar is so incredibly high for any book attempting something similar, even if its creator is the one and only Herve Tullet himself. 

Chronicle Books, September, 2014

In the case of Tullet's recent MIX IT UP  the magical interactivity is only the start of the fun. In this "app without batteries" early concepts of primary and secondary colors, blending, shades and tones set the stage for engagement, exploration, prediction, and creativity. Just as the adults who viewed PRESS HERE for the first time responded with childlike wonder, kids and adults alike will find their fingers ITCHING for paints and papers, or walls, sidewalks, or any other surface on which to "LOOK, PLAY, and MIX IT UP" on their own.

In an article in American Psychological Association titled UNRAVELING NEW MEDIA'S EFFECTS ON CHILDREN the question of screen-time-impact is considered. Unfortunately, most studies (except for those conducted by APP producers) suggest the effects are AT LEAST as negative as they are positive, especially in the youngest children. Media and access are accelerating  more rapidly than we can imagine, but changes in human developmental can't begin to keep up. 

PERSONAL SOAP BOX TIME!!!

Kids, especially the youngest, need:

human "face time" (in real life) 

language (conversation, reading aloud)

physical engagement with the environment

TIME (not speed) to process the world.

Whether you're an advocate for appropriate early childhood development or not, do yourself a favor and get this (these) book(s) for a child you know and care about. The HUGE bonus will be that you get to read them for yourself without waiting in line. I'm guessing they'll be among your child's favorites, and yours, too! 

HAVE FUN!