Following Dreams: TO SEE AN OWL

The picture books i feature here are among those I consider the best of the best. THere's no denying that my choices are highly subjective, despite reflecting years of objective comparison among other offerings for readers. A big factor in my subjective choices is subject matter, whether fiction or nonfiction, informational or inspiring. Or any combination of the above. As regular readers here might have noted, and I openly admit, books about birds get a head start on my heart. Though I seek to feature books with wide appeal, in recent weeks I wrote about THE CRANE AND THE KEEPER (HERE), and THE BLUE JAYS THAT GREW A FOREST (HERE). Both are nonfiction with accounts that intrigue and entertain. 

RANDOM HOUSE STUDIO, 2023

It's about time I give a round of applause to a picture book that flies in the face of categorization. There's no doubt it is informative, and it is as uplifting as a whoosh of bird flight. TO SEE AN OWL is written and illustrated by award-winning creator Matthew Cordell. That cover alone suggests the ironic parallels within this story, the push and pull of an avid and curious admirer of owls (she's the one on the right) and an elusive, evasive great horned owl. Their eyes tell the story, in a sense, suggesting that the expertise of each (the sought and the seeker) rely on careful and intentional observation in their pursuit of what they most want.

This lovely offering of facts about owls couches the scientific information within the story of a girl with a lifelong dream. It's clear that her mother is in large part responsible for this girl's obsession since infancy, through shared books and encouragement of her interest and art. It's no wonder that even when less-than-enthused, her mother  tirelessly trudges along on many  sojourns to spot an owl. I've mentioned Jane Yolen's powerful OWL MOON in prior posts about books featuring this not-rare obsession, as in this post. Many of those who attempt to produce owl-pursuit picture books share a visual aesthetic with OWL MOON, and that's to be expected. After all, owls are sought in the the dark, in wooded areas, and more than occasionally in snow-covered times. That's when the ringing WHOOO resonates most clearly, floating above a moon-luminous, blue-lit snowy field or path. The art is often watery-washed and magical in tone, simply because such an eventual meeting is, indeed, quite magical and unforgettable.

Cordell's style and technique emphasizes line art, as the cover reveals. Color serves the story but often leans toward the subdued natural tones seen here. That technique underscores the storytelling in this restrained but heartfelt account of a devoted and determined young girl whose teacher turns out to also be a birder. One who affirms that spotting an owl is magical.

That connection is a bond that increases the girl's knowledge, skills, and intentionality in her pursuits. When the time comes to share her report, she has not yet seen an owl, despite her increased expertise. But her field map and accurate recordings of other sightings leads to a comment from her teacher that sparks hope. And the ultimate moment of meeting (really? that's a spoiler? No, it had to happen.) is powerful and direct, uplifting and gratifying, but not in the usual 'dreamy" way.

This is what I loved most about this book.This realistic, earnest character who recognizes magic without special effects. I continue to refer to "the girl", even though she is central to the story. The first person narration allows readers to find themselves seeing what she sees, feeling what she feels, dreaming along with her of a lifelong goal. One that doesn't win a prize or prove a point, but allows her to satisfy her dream. From the pre-title page art and text to the final page turn, the subtle art, the warmth of adult support and faith, the drive to learn and discover combine to produce a fully satisfying conclusion. 

If you read this one and come away without at least an urge to go owl-spotting, leave a comment and explain, please. Perhaps, instead, you followed the dream-pursuit journey to the place in your heart that will take you on an entirely different journey, but with no less dedication to making your dream come true. That's magical. The magic of picture books for any age.

 

Three Cheers for LIBRARY MONTH! (Shhh...) ORSON and the WORLD'S LOUDEST LIBRARY

 

I grew up in the era of silent libraries. I have been SHUSHED more than once (or dozens of times) while using a library. So I'm delighted that those special places have become a place for interaction and community. There are silent/private rooms for study, testing, small meetings, or any other need for personal space and rules. But the library itself can include conversations with librarians, clicking keyboards, friends or family reading quietly together, or other interactions and  socializing activities. This new contemporary picture book features a young fella who is very sound-sensitive, ORSON and the LOUDEST LIBRARY, written by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Stephanie Roth Sisson.

Astra Books
for YOUNG READERS, 2025

The very good news about ORSON is that he loves books and reading. His loving home provides plenty of books and reading opportunities for him, all of which are QUIET! 

(Side note-- in these times of major stresses on public and school libraries, including censorship, failed referenda, withholding public dollars supporting their essential services, and more, ORSON's public library is celebrating a grand reopening after updating and investing in maximizing its services and functions.)

When Gordon arrives at the reopening of his library, it is full of folks! All ages, all abilities, all interests, and all needs. A few are quiet, but most are NOT! Patrons are trading books, listening to a book talk, helping each other find great books, and more. YIKES! Despite Orson's polite request to the librarian to SHUSH those folks, she points out that all the people he complains about are... reading books, as ORSON loves to do. She will NOT shush any of them!

Naturally, ORSON takes on the shushing role, so he learns about quiet study rooms. Yes, it is very quiet, but he knows that those other folks are out there, in the not-silent library spaces, doing loads of fun things with books and letters and others! The results are terrific- when ORSON finds the fun of sharing library and book activities, and the patrons find the fun in ORSON!

Do yourself a favor. Spend some time in a library this weekend. Thank those librarians. Pay attention to your community and its support of the local public library (and school libraries). Their role in keeping our communities connected, informed, strong, and READING is priceless. 

The Power of Story: THIS IS A STORY

 My experience tells me this is universal truth:  

Gather two or more people together, especially family and friends, then mention a shared event from some time past. The recollection of, relative importance of, details retained, and consequences of that singular experience will vary far more than they will match, but all will center on the experience itself, and the people who shared it.

I say this because I've read several books for adults lately, all highly recommended by friends and family, all praised as powerful and important. I've read each with intensity and appreciation, and found that each centered its theme on the power of STORY. In each case, too, the stories within stories inspired, informed, and connected with the characters portrayed in different but significant ways. 

That's what stories do.

CANDLEWICK PRESS, 2022

Incidentally, the book I finished reading last night centered librarians as the flinders and facilitators of story, of information, of content that had been forbidden (banned, censored, legislated against) as a form of resistance and as sustainers of community.

THIS IS A STORY is written by librarian and book-lover JOHN SCHU, illustrated by LAUREN CASTILLO, and dedicated to several remarkable books-for-youth creators and the librarians who serve young people everywhere. 

In a series of simple, progressive statements, Schu leads readers from the simple recognition of words, to words on a page, to books, to topics, to the infinite portal of connections, a library. With equally progressive illustrations, Castillo presents appealingly familiar folks of diverse backgrounds and interests, each of whom explores, connects, and embraces particular books. Many of the titles used in illustrations reveal the covers and spines of beloved and award-winning favorites among the many books for kids published in recent decades. Even so, the topics and stories within those chosen distinctly call to individual readers,  readers who will warmly recommend those that touch their minds and hearts.

My guess is that those who take the invitation to try someone else's recommendations will respond differently, even if equally enthused.  "Story", whether in lived experience, oral narration, or within the pages of a book, is only one wing of a unique bird. The other, the wing needed to bring a story to life, to lift it into the heart and atmosphere and beyond, is the life-story of the reader/audience. When the author's words connect with the heart of the reader, the story flies. 

Whether reading for ourselves as adults, reading aloud to someone else (and ADULTS enjoy being read to, right?), or as young folks just discovering their own power to transform print into life, the process depends on STORY, on the meaningful connection of ideas within that form. Something has to matter. And that happens in well-written narrative nonfiction as well as in fiction.

Stories matter. Share this one. Share your own. Seek out the stories of others. 

Fly.

DON'T ignore the power of DON''T

Covid 19 update: 
Currently living in the infamous WISCONSIN in which our supposedly nonpartisan State Supreme Court recently ruled that our chief health official does not have the authority to declare rules to Stay-at-Home in this crisis. Not only that, the ruling was cancelled immediately, not sustained long enough to allow collaboration with the legislature (which brought the case) or with any other limits. Thus, as our governor said, we are now in the WILD WEST. 
So much of this national (international?) angst about "opening up", masking, or otherwise following guidelines for the greater good of our communities seems to reflect an attitude re sealed in picture books: Don't tell me DON'T... about anything!

Henry Holt and Company, 2020

DON'T FEED THE COOS, written by Jonathon Stutzman and illustrated  by Heather Fox, is pure fun, on one level.
With our current global frame-of-mind, it becomes a lively and colorful cautionary tale offering page after page of lighthearted humor.
 Warnings of DON'T (fill in the blank)  are always kid favorites, and this one has all the ingredients to become a classic. It certainly is worth discussion during this time and circumstances.
The story begins with a bighearted character who is simply being kind. Who can't imagine potential harm in simply feeding a bird... or two or two hundred.
Spread after spread stars this character trying to undo her naive decision with flocks of generic coos, whose persistence and loyalty are irresistible. The central character (POC girl) matches the birds'  energetic insistence with genuinely funny attempts, always pursuing humane and creative solutions. The conclusion allows for predictions, laughs, pursuit of alternatives, and even discussions of social values.

Hyperion Books for Children, 2003

It's also an ideal book for pairing with any of the Mo Willems Pigeon books, but especially the original. DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS is beloved by readers of any age, including mine. I find countless ways to share it and explore it with preschoolers through adults, and each time I find something new in it. 

On the VERY small chance that you aren't familiar with this determined pigeon, it is a three-person dialogue. It involves the bus driver (who addresses the reader directly with the title statement before the story begins, and then thanks the reader at the conclusion), a pigeon-on-a-mission, and the reader. 
Truly, without the reader taking an active role, there is no story. Whether I am sharing the book with toddlers or teachers, within a few pages someone in the group always responds to the pigeon's requests with YES!  instead of NO!
At that point, I close the book and pleasantly say, "Okay, we'll let pigeon drive the bus if that's what you want, so our story ends here."
Without fail, tots and adults cry out in protest, knowing that unless they adopt their expected  role, unless they enter into the spirit of the story, it has no meaning.
It is in this sense that the book is a parable for all books: Active engagement by the reader allows books to come to life. Without that, they are simply ink on paper.
I was privileged to meet and hear Mo Willems during the year when this, his debut picture book, was released. Of the many humorous and inspiring things he said, what I most often share with readers is this:

At the book's release it received many favorable reviews and eventually a Caldecott honor. One reviewer was pleased with it because of their belief that kids need more examples that NO means NO. Another positive review was impressed with the message to NEVER take NO for an answer. 
Willems said he was sometimes asked which message he intended. His response was. "Yes", adding that both (and other) messages could be found within the little book, but that depends on the readers' entry beliefs, and on how they are engaging with the story.

THAT. 
THAT is a truth that we engage in every time we read.


In fact, it is also the truth of these oddly distorted times in our shared lives. Only by stepping away from the immediacy of our individual  perspectives can we honestly consider the how and why and WHEN of finding safe footing into our shared future.