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. 

LULLABY FOR THE KING: A Glorious New Picture Book

 

Nikki Grimes

 When NYTimes best-selling author/poet Nikki Grimes writes any book for any audience, I pay attention. I hope you do, too. Her titles for middle grade, older youth, and adults have produced legions of avid fans. Count me among them. Her picture books, though, are my favorites. If you missed my recent post about a breathtaking, heart-wrapping release is HERE.

Her text always enchant my ears with their lyrical musicality, whether rhymed or free verse. Each word earns its place on the page and invites multiple re-readings by families, librarians, teachers, and young readers. Her text, from beginning to end, encompasses masterful storytelling, powerful imagery, emotional connections, and inspiring insights. Take every aspect of the above praise and add to it the importance of the subjects she addresses and I'll stand aside while you rush to your library or add her work to your personal wishlists and gift requests.

Beaming Books. October 10, 2023 

LULLABY FOR THE KING  is, on first glance, a glorious celebration of the birth of Christ, making it a wonderful choice for the Christmas season. That was my expectation as I opened the cover. (Look at that magnificent cover. More about the illustrator Michelle Carlos later.) That's all it took for me to recognize how much more this new offering provides for readers with any (or no) Christian background.

The glory of this seemingly simple story unfolds on magically colorful double page spreads, each featuring a member of the animal kingdom who've received word of the birth of a king. They spontaneously form a caravan that travels "through wilderness, uphill and down, for hours that spun into days". Each has selected a unique gift to deliver when they eventually arrive.

Page by page, stanza by stanza, Grimes writes in concise free verse  graced with luscious word choices, eloquent gift descriptions, ear-pleasing assonance, and rhythm that reflects the steady pace of a determined caravan of familiar and less-familiar animals of land, water, and air. 

The suspension of any hint of predator-prey relationships provides that inspirational element I referenced above. This is not a simple lion-and-lamb connection, but one of the power of sharing a higher mission and values. Their arrival  does not signal the conclusion, only setting the stage for the deeper aspects of this original tale. The pages that follow their arrival celebrate the role of SOUND, from the nightingale's gift of song, to the notes of instruments given as gifts, to the choir of angels hovering above the manger. The final page turn features the animals assembled at the feet of the holy family, the lullaby text and notes above them, with that translucent choir of angels topping the page. The simple verse and melody convince me that this will become a favorite new Christmas carol for many.

Attempting to illustrate such a magnificent manuscript must have been intimidating, but artist Michelle Carlos created images and scenes that matched and even elevated the power of this story, page after page. Using a mesmerizing balance of realistic detail and srurreal colorations, each scene reinforces Grimes's imaginative descriptions of gifts and creatures as well as the mood of reverence and anticipated celebration that drives this caravan forward. The endpapers are the exception to the interior vibrant eruption of color. Instead the opening end papers, nearly identical to the final papers, are rendered in subtle desert shades and tones, nearly monochromatic,  that allow the entire caravan to proceed through dessert sand valleys and dunes. Their black silhouettes and shadows emphasize the variety and distinct differences among them. The opening papers include their later-described gifts in each figure, while the closing papers show the animals proceeding without those elements. The opening sky in this scene glows with an infusion of fuchsia-tones, while the sky in the closing papers is a swirl of new-day blue. 

Now, about my prior claim of the universal appeal and theme of this book, despite its clearly Christian/Christmas story. I hope that my praise in the above notes makes it clear that excellence of this level is not subject to boundaries or discrete identities. The glory of the language itself and the beauty of the illustrations make it a treasure in any hands. More deeply, the sense of higher purpose, peaceful cooperation, and the value of individuality and potentiality provide inspiration to anyone, any age. Another universal concept is the way in which beauty (both visual and musical) invites us to savor and explore, again and again. This will certainly be true, regardless of backgrounds, with readers across ages and holiday seasons making fascinating new discoveries on each page and in each image with each return. A great example is the happy discovery of this elegant design for the hard case under the paper cover:

Hard Case Cover ("undie award conciliate!)

The release for this is October 10, 2023, but it can be ordered in advance from then publisher, HERE, from indie bookstores HERE, or at online sales sources. I have no doubt that the initial printing could sell out before the holidays arrive, so make sure you get your own copy and copies for gifts as soon as possible.

Hanukkah Winners and Activities!

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

KAR-BEN PUBLISHING, 2022

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

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

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

Interior: Hanukkah Nights (Kar-Ben, 2022)

Interior: Hanukkah Nights (Kar-Ben, 2022)

Interior:  (Kar-Ben, 2022)

Kalaniot Books, 2022

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

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

Don't miss it.

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

RED and GREEN and BLUE and WHITE: Color a Community

It's the first of December and I'm taking a side step from nonfiction reviews to feature a picture book INSPIRED BY actual events and people, but lightly and lovingly fictionalized. That approach adds to the timelessness of its message. In fact, I recall news coverage of the actual events, and was surprised to realize that they occurred so far in the past-- 1993, nearly thirty years ago. It feels much more recent to me, perhaps because of current social patterns, including the rise of anti-semitism. But this happened pre-9/11, pre-social media, pre-viral-trolling, and long before an infinite number of screens and links and countless channels invited silo-thinking and hate mongering. Even so, the event and subsequent reactions really happened, and were widely reported in national news. 

I'll back up to explain what "THIS EVENT" actually is.

RED AND GREEN AND BLUE AND WHITE is written by Lee Wind and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. The cover introduces some essential aspects of the story. Viewed through a shattered window, the glorious and colorful Christmas lights are subdued, but the clear, real portion of the image encircles the families of two friends, neighbors, who gather in shock, but also in support. Careful observers will note that a menorah is lovingly held by a child. 

In Wind's retelling of actual events, Isaac is the son in the only Jewish family on his block, or much of anywhere in his little city. They live across the street from Teresa's family, and the two children are best friends. Isaac writes poetry, Teresa creates stunning art, and together they help their families decorate windows for the winter holidays. 

RED AND GREEN and Christmas trees appear in nearly every window, surrounded by strings of lights and flurries of snow. Isaac and his family trim their window with a decorative menorah and lights of BLUE AND WHITE. 

Until... the dark of night offers cover for a vicious act of hate-- a rock shatters Isaac's window, terrifying him and his family. A window can be repaired, and quickly is. But peace and security are far more difficult to restore. Should they NOT relight their decorations? NOT return their menorah display to the window? Isaac is aware that such a choice would be hiding from their Jewish identity. 

The next night, the menorah is lit. Teresa, watching from her window across the street, sees and smiles. What she does next lights up Isaac's spirit, too, and his song rings out in the night:

"BLUE AND WHITE, MENORAH LIGHT, FROM TWO HOMES TONIGHT!"

Word spreads to their school, library, block, and spirals in ever-widening waves throughout their small city. In window after window, menorahs are added to the lighted displays, until the entire community glows with RED AND GREEN AND BLUE AND WHITE. Watch the trailer HERE.

A short note from the author indicates that Isaac and Teresa were the actual childhood friends, and that only a few minor details were changed for the sake of storytelling. Wind points out that the satisfying conclusion is fully authentic, and was the result of individuals who chose not to be BYSTANDERS. Instead, one by one, near and far, they chose to act, publicly, indicating their community support. They chose to be UPSTANDERS, knowing that silence or inaction would lend passive but powerful support to the hate-filled vandals. 

I'm an unabashed fan of all illustrations by Paul O. Zelinsky, whose art is distinguished by excellence, though not by a single or characteristic style across his many books. Instead, the quality that shines through every project is how perfectly he pairs his approach to the heart and spirit of each particular story. In this case, with the lights of the season, of the holidays (Hanukkah celebrates the MIRACLE OF THE LIGHTS), and of friends and neighbors, the art achieves a distinctive look of winter nights with twinkling bulbs. The end papers extend that celebration symbolically, with bands of the four colors and interwoven swirls. These are embraced, literally, by a border formed by diverse people, arm in arm, facing the reader as a community with the confidence of mutual respect, tolerance, and love. UPSTANDERS all. Click HERE to learn more about ideas for teaching this approach to UPSTANDING  with young people.

This new book takes its inspiration from a positive community and amplifies it, shining it into our lives and into the future. It's the season for faith, and I choose to believe that the good in each of us can turn the darkness that seems to permeate society into light. One choice at a time. One light at a time. One book at a time. 

Start with this one.

The Little Barbarian: Something to Think About

***I begin most posts and reviews with a bit of an introduction. In this case, those notes will become my conclusion.
***This review contains a spoiler alert- you may NOT want to know how the story ends, so I'll warn you when you should stop reading. If you stop, though, hurry and get your hands on the book to find out for yourselves.

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
2018

You won't want to miss reading THE LITTLE BARBARIAN, by Renato Moriconi.The unusual trim size will delight little hands. Exceptionally  tall, narrow, and lightweight, this wordless book will intrigue even the youngest and encourage a page-turning, left-to-right orientation for those first developing book awareness. 
That cover makes clear who the star of this show will be: a  tiny, fearless warrior on his charging steed. 
After reading, come back to examine this cover and share a chuckle.
The vibrant colors throughout, including the glossy green endpapers, add excitement and drama to the wordless adventures. On the title page the little barbarian is off at a run, with each page-turn leading him first to mount his steed, then rising and falling on successive pages to overcome (or under-come?) the many dangers throughout his journey. From the bottom of the page he is assaulted by flocks of birds, sky-giants, a fire-breathing enemy, pitchfork-wielding monsters, and more. On alternate pages he soars high to escape flames, one-eyed giants, omnivorous plants, sea monsters and more. Throughout it all, from that first sprint to his stallion, his eyes remain closed and his sword is ever-ready. 
In the final page turns, he stalls at the bottom, page-left. Then his eyes open and his confident smile fades. Another turn shifts to a look of horror...
SPOILER ALERT: STOP READING IF YOU PREFER TO FIND OUT ABOUT THAT FINAL HORROR ON YOUR OWN!
Ready?
A massive bearded face appears upper right.
A hand reaches down toward the panicky, stationary little barbarian.
Then a (presumed) bearded dad (eyes closed) leads the howling little barbarian away from his valiant horse, one of many on the small merry-go-round. 
After sharing a first read, the cover deserves that closer look and a shared chuckle.
Then successive turns through the book will provide an entirely new awareness of the power of this story. 
Repeated readings invite each reader, of any color or gender or age, to insert themselves into this eyes-closed adventure, imagining the many ways those up-and-down journeys could offer imaginative delights and conquests.
Any adults (or babysitters) who have ever dealt with a melt-down tantrum might reflect on what inner worlds of panic or distress the child could be experiencing, adding unknown drama to what appeared to be a simple situation. The book might even spark some conversations about that with children. 
This charming homage to the power of imagination can, and should, encourage kids to spend more time interacting with the 3-D screens on the inner surfaces of their eyelids, offering scenes that never run out of batteries and only improve with practice.

* * *

So here's my postponed introduction and, perhaps, a moment of ZEN:

As we enter the winter/holiday season, adult caregivers have more leverage to achieve kid-compliance. Even so, anecdotal evidence indicates that kids might have more meltdowns in the weeks ahead than typical. When the stress of time, budgets, and endless lists (shopping, wish, and to-do) fill adult lives, and kids imaginations are triggered by every sparkling bulb, advertisement, and store display, a howling meltdown becomes almost inevitable. 
This book, shared lovingly and joyously, might lend some perspective to those situations, Maybe even prevent a few. Closing your eyes, breathing slowly, and pausing to connect could be practiced in advance (and during) tough times.
Even if that is unrealistic in your situation, sharing ANY book during a quiet time can help the toughest days end lovingly. 
Take the time to do that, please, and remember that every child has a bit of the Little Barbarian in him or her.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a free and fair review.

Reposting this: Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, Jr.

It's no wonder that few people (except for fellow geezers) actually know that Washington's birthday is February 22, Lincoln's birthday is February 12, and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday is actually January 15. Designating official MONDAY celebrations for his commemoration and also for President's Day next month may allow federal and some other employees/schools to enjoy three-day-weekends, but my hope  is it will focus more attention on the accomplishments and integrity of these incomparable leaders than simply getting discounts on linens.

In recent months I've linked here to posts by by other bloggers who have said things about picture books better than I could. My endorsement of their words may or may not strengthen their voices, but I tried. 

Today I will repost my own voice, written in the first month of this blog's life three years ago.
I have been beating myself up over not producing an original post about this important day, so I reread my original thoughts, written as an open letter to Martin. They included this:

"Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, Jr.

You’re a hero to so many, but I’d like to take a moment to tell you why you are mine.

When sharing your accomplishments with students, describing the doors you opened, opportunities you produced, changes resulting from your leadership in the USA and the world, my admiration is evident to them. 

Then I tell them about my experience in high school."

My post included links to a few outstanding titles, but there are numerous other titles released before and since that are being featured across the blogosphere. They can be found easily enough, and I urge readers to seek them out.

My post concluded with this:

"Because, thanks to your leadership, risks, and sacrifices, along with those of so many others, now every one of those schools accepts women. That change took place too late for me.

So, Martin, not just on your birthday or during Black History Month, I thank you for your vision and accomplishments. You threw open the doors of opportunity for me and for everyone else to live in a country that guarantees equality, or recourse when that has been denied."

I decided my own words are as true today as ever, and recent events across the country (the world, in fact) make them even more true. Instead of trying to generate a new post, I'll share this one, which shapes every day of my life. I hope you'll take the time to read the rest of the post, here.
Then find ways to honor my hero in every day life.