Profiles in Kindness: Biographies of Everyday Heroes

As I've been reading and examining picture book biographies, I've noted the challenge to portray famous adult lives and their accomplishments while not losing touch with the children from whom they grew.Two recent books do that particularly well. 

Abrams Books for Young Readers

YOU ARE MY FRIEND: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood uses words by Aimee Reid and pictures by Matt Phelan to reveal the deep roots of Fred Rogers- as a child. 
With gentle, minimal text and images, the well-known adult Fred Rogers comes to life on the page first  as a sickly, timid, lonely little boy. Everyday experiences reveal his gradually developed ability to entertain himself with imagination (and puppets), to listen intently to those he trusted, and to absorb and apply their wise words in his own life. 
He finally developed the confidence to consider running along a stone wall. When he dared to ask permission, the gathered adults told him no. But Grandpa McFeely said yes, and then affirmed Fred's courage when the boy came back with a skinned knee.
Unlike some biographic picture books, this one successfully keeps the focus on Fred as a child long enough for readers to identify with him as a child. They are able to see him as an ordinary boy, one who could be in their classroom or neighborhood. 
Only then do they see him move ahead to become an observant, curious adult with a keen eye for making the world better. In one important case, a pivotal event, he imagined how making the new world of children's television could make the whole world a better place for... children.
Of all the ways he opened the world to young viewers, Fred Rogers never lost sight of those childhood messages: Look for the helpers, I believe in you, and you are wonderful just the way you are. The ways in which this ordinary hero changed lives is immeasurable.  This picture book biography plants the seed of truth: anyone can be a hero. Everyone IS a hero when they live up to their best selves.
Added back matter and resources are accessible and add valuable details and insights.

Clarion Press

The second biography that impressed me is LITTLE LIBRARIES, BIG HEROES, written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by John Parra. The narrative begins with another small boy whose struggle had to do with reading. That was a particular pain for a boy whose mother was a reading teacher and loved books. 
We quickly learn that she saw beyond her son's struggles and did not measure his worth by fluency. Instead she instilled a magical message in her son, Todd Bol, a seemingly ordinary boy. She shared her belief that he was gifted, that he could change the world, that he could do anything.
He never forgot that.
This book is as much a biography of the message as it is of Todd or any of the other cameo heroes included. Each had special gifts, ways of becoming heroes. 
This is the story behind the global movement that resulted in Little Free Libraries being built, registered, filled, and stewarded by people who love books and reading as much as Todd's mother did.
It is the story of Todd's search, as an adult, for a way to move beyond sadness when his mother died. To honor her, he decided to build and fill and steward a streetside little free library in her memory. 
This is also the story of Todd never giving up, believing his mother's message about making a difference. He moved his effort into nearby towns in Wisconsin with the help of a big-thinking buddy and volunteers, then on into public awareness, then on into communities around the country and around the world as his message spread.
It also offers anecdotes of  just a few everyday people who took on the role of Little Free Library stewards in their own communities, celebrating individuals for bringing the love of books and reading to their neighbors. Some of those stewards launched their efforts as  young as six years old.
In this book, too, the added details and resources in back matter elevate an inspiring story to nonfiction excellence and mentor writing. Content includes added details, but also notes links to learn more about this global effort. The nonprofit organization website allows you to explore a world map of active locations, find more individual stories, and learn how to become a steward in your own neighborhood.

How we define our heroes probably defines us.  

We sometimes urge kids to look beyond media-enhanced superheroes to recognize admirable folks in their midst, the ones who make a daily effort to live up to and exceed the responsibilities of life. 
Not often enough, I'm afraid.
With kids, that effort often yields a more fully developed understanding of role models, of leaders, of  admirable human qualities. Young people may interview and write about those close-at hand heroes, too.

As we pause in gratitude for all that we have, as we gather today and throughout the upcoming holidays, I urge you to share stories of the personal heroes you found in your own lives, especially when you were very young. Share some stories of how Mr. Rogers was a part of your life.

After a full meal, gather up some gently loved books to exchange and take a walk to a Little Free Library near you. (Check the map!) If there is none near you, why not open a conversation about becoming an steward in your own front yard. 

And remember, before stumbling into heated or hurtful conversations, that the young ones gathered round are watching, listening, and absorbing what you say and do. What they see and hear, directly and indirectly, will shape who they one day become. 

As Fred's Grandpa McFeely told him, what he always remembered and grew up to share, "You are wonderful just the way you are."

Happy Thanksgiving.

Does This Cutie Scare You? OGILVY!

Godwin Books
Henry Holt & Company
Macmillan, 2019

Meet OGILVY, a lovable and self-assured character who won my heart and will win yours, no doubt! OGILVY is written by talented author/rhymer Deborah Underwood and illustrated with the remarkable style and talent of T. L. McBeth.  It's tempting to refer to Ogilvy and those encountered as rabbits, but this story glories in leaving important things unnamed. In this case the author does refer to the community as bunnies, so, okay, let's go with that. In fact, though, it doesn't matter, because these newly encountered folks are very much doing things that bunnies don't do. 

Before addressing that, and the impressive skills providing the text and visual narrative,  the first and foremost gift of this book is the story. Ogilvy enters on the title page, head still not fully released from the neck of an actual striped sweater. It's Ogilvy's happy, hoppy first day in a new town. At the park our character finds plenty of bunnies busily drawing, knitting, climbing, and playing ball.

ALL of the bunnies wear knit clothing, some about knee-length (they call them dresses), while others wear hip-length knits they call sweaters. They demand to know exactly what it is that Ogilvy's wearing, a dress or a sweater. After all, it's mid-thigh,  risking the dire consequences of ambiguity.

Why? Because the dress-wearing bunnies always play ball and knit socks, but bunnies in sweaters make art and climb rocks. Why? Indeed. Ogilvy asks just that, and gets a not-so-surprising answer:

"That's just how it is."

Ogilvy, being a very clever bunny, decides what to enjoy each day and names the clothing chosen for the day to suit the "rules" and play as they wish. Those daily choices always look the same.  Lest a reader imagine that Ogilvy had no choice, a display of  knitwear hangs on Ogilvy's wall, each an identical knit garment. 

Of course, that clever bunny helps everyone realize how silly their "just because" rules were, right? Not that easily. This is where those bunnies take on an obviously MORE human-style behavior than wearing sweaters and dresses. They become ANGRY. They insist, DEMAND, that Ogilvy name clothing one thing or the other and stick with it. 

Ogilvy, not one for confrontation or fuss, made the hardest choice of all. Ogilvy speaks up with a question that was not "WHY?" Ogilvy asks if the bunnies wearing dresses wouldn't want to make art and climb walls? Wouldn't the sweater wearing bunnies enjoy playing ball and knitting? What difference does it actually make if you wear a sweater or a dress? Then Ogilvy NAMES that favorite garment- it is an OGILVY!

Because this is a well-written and story-structured picture book, we know that bunnies realize the foolishness of their rules, but a tense page turn near the end shows a new bunny  wearing some interesting headgear! Will that be a step too far, or will they welcome this new difference/change?

Here is a picture book that can be read as a simple story for the very youngest, or launch for discussion about peer pressure and how rules emerge and remain among elementary readers, and even launch complex debates and supporting arguments among adolescent groups as an analogy for current political and cultural wars. 

The text is delightful rhymed couplets that are as seamless and natural as bunny (kid) conversation can be, while the illustrations will charm the yarn off readers of every age. Settings with white or pastel backgrounds and the characters themselves are cartoon-like drawings with oversized expressive eyes and heavy-lined black edges. The bunnies are made delightfully human by sporting knitwear that is actually knitted. Fans of Jon Klassen's EXTRA YARN will especially adore the technique used, which is not explained within this book. I studied the images endlessly, trying to determine if what are clearly actual knitted garments were overlaid/photographed on the bunnies, or if these little items were made, then photographed and Photoshopped onto the drawings. A check on McBeth's website shared this from a HORN BOOK review:

The Horn Book Magazine - “Illustrations “made with graphite pencils, Adobe Photoshop, and sweaters,” whose bold lines and loose shadows give a classic feel to this fable with a modern message.”

 I couldn't have said that better, and HBM managed it in far fewer words than I would! Oh, how those subtle shadows provide dimension and grounding for this story! I also noted that OGILVY is a multiple award winner with many starred reviews. That was no surprise to me. What does surprise me, in fact appalls me, is that such a wonderfully crafted, entertaining, eye-catching picture book that celebrates acceptance, self-respect, speaking up, and so much more could well be among titles of books for children for which bans are sought. Why wouldn't it? Read my story summary above. There is even a single rear-view of Ogilvy choosing an item to wear from the wardrobe which reveals not a bunny tail but a bit of a bunny butt-crack. In fact, whether labeled as a dress or a sweater, not a single bunny throughout is wearing PANTS! 

If you think I'm exaggerating, check out a sampling of contested children's book on a PARTIAL list, HERE. This is compiled by the ALA (American Library Association) and includes:

• Carle, Eric. Draw Me a Star
• Geisel, Theodor Seuss. Hop on Pop: The Simplest Seuss for Youngest Use
• Geisel, Theodor Seuss. If I Ran the Zoo
• Hanford, Martin. Where’s Waldo?
• Silverstein, Shel. A Light in the Attic

I was thinking about the absurdity (and assault on Democracy and common sense) that this movement to restrict access to books represents. I heard about a counter-movement to purchase and add books from such lists to LITTLE FREE LIBRARY sites around the country, but especially in areas where this is being legislated and achieved. As noble as that effort might be, it is even more important to follow OGILVY's lead and SPEAK UP, SHOW UP at school board and municipal and library meetings. To challenge the loudest of voices with the deepest of reason. To read aloud books like these in public spaces and remind other members of the community that their voices are necessary, vital, life-changing. To pose this same question: WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?

Returning to the tag question in the title... Does this little cutie scare you? If you click on OGILVY you can open the book and turn the pages to see for yourself. If you agree that this picture book offers limitless benefits from entertainment to eye-appeal to thought-provoking discussions, it's time to redefine what scares us as adults, and speak up for the freedom to read and choose for ourselves and our own families, but not for cultural constraints on those beyond our own families.

What do you think?

Don't HIDEAWAY the Magic of Childhood Imagination!

 Far too many children in the world, at home and afar, are so occupied with survival that imagination must lie dormant. Others, also far too many, have outsourced their minds to screens. This picture book provides glorious casual insight into the magical space of early imagination could be just the right choice for those who DO indulge in self-generated world-building as well as for those who have abdicated the realm.

RED COMET PRESS. 2023

HIDEAWAY is written by Melania Longo and illustrated by Alesandro Sanna, with translation  by Brenda Porter. While I follow the latest releases, widely acclaimed or otherwise, I get especially excited when I encounter a picture book from prior years that missed my radar. That matters even more when it is from a smaller press and remains deeply relevant in the current moment.

Picture book production timelines are even greater when  foreign acquisition and translation play a role. Across the board, this book merited the time and effort involved. 

Knowing how lengthy the process is to take a picture book idea from origin to contract to full illustration and production, the 2023 release date indicates to me that some or most of this story emerged during the covid-lock-down years. At the very least, all creatives involved offer us a view through the gauze of a young imagination, or two. There's little we will miss about those years, other than beloved folks who were lost to the virus. One of the small things we can celebrate is the likelihood that more children rediscovered their imaginations during those imposed periods of isolation from intensely-scheduled lives.

This picture book feels like a capsule version of such a life, worth preserving and recovering.

The assertive narrator is fully self-possessed and also possessed of a vivid and expensive imagination. Her account of  the Hideaway of slender branches is revealed to readers in an authentic child voice that introduces her best adventurer friend (her brother with long legs that sometime disturb the structure but is worth the company). Nothing dramatic or explosive or heartbreaking occurs in this hideaway, unlike THE PERFECT SHELTER (reviewed HERE). I should clarify that nothing EXTERNAL of consequence happens. But this pair of adventurers find within the slender stems of their HIDEAWAY a world without walls. They travel with massive animals, play roles, recognize aspects of nature we too often ignore, and more. Across seasons, and in the course of a day, they exhaust the realms of their imaginations and instantly reboot with more to come. A bedtime return to the household is unavoidable, but the energy of imaginative spirits transforms their bedroom, too. Ultimately, even settling under covers suggests dreams filled with travel and discovery. 

The authentic voice of the narrator (kudos to both author and translator) is richly  enhanced by full spreads of fluid, visually-enticing elements, with colors and details that recapture attention at each rereading. Black line accents focus on the story line while shadows, white space figures, delicate swirls, and barely discernible lines suggest an ethereal quality in that borderland between nature and the surreal. 

Not enough can ever be said about the essential role of imagination in a child's life, but also in our collective futures. My current check says this title is on back order, so request it at your local library. If you enjoy it as much as I do, order one or more copies at your local indie-bookstore to gift to a child, school, or little free library. The invitation to imagination is worth sharing, and worth waiting for.

 

What ONE CAN BE... Take a Look

 Some, (actually, quite a few) picture book authors reliably create books that quickly become not only successful but special. Pat Z Miller is one such author, one I'm privileged to call my writing friend. Click on her name and to see many examples of her books: most fictional, some non-fiction, in prose and rhymes, for youngest audiences and for school age. In case the author's name doesn't ring a bell, think of NYT Bestseller BE KIND, or SOPHIE'S SQUASH, or WHEN YOU ARE BRAVE. The point I'm making is that this is a writer who takes tremendous care in turning good ideas and clever concepts into timeless books. 

Writing about kids who are alone, being ONE, is not unusual. Many of the picture books with that theme take one of several approaches. Some work to distinguish being alone from being lonely. Others pursue stories of kids who are alone but long to engage with others, exploring ways to take such steps into a wider community. Some celebrate the vast world that can exist within an individual mind and heart. 

BEAMING BOOKS, 2025

ONE CAN BE, written by Pat Z. Miller and illustrated by Annie Cron, takes a familiar premise and expands its potential into a story with multiple layers and depths. This is a charmingly multi-diminsional approach to a child who finds comfort and joy in being alone with her books and other creative outlets, including her dog, plants, etc. She recognizes, though, that there can be fun and purpose in joining forces with others. In her case she is neighbor to a vibrant outdoor park, and she notes the fun being had there. She also notes the lack of books there. Joining in community shouldn't require leaving behind the things you love while on your own, right? 

In several spreads she channels her creativity to design and attempt to build a little free library. Ideas and effort abound, but this "one" realizes that friendships can offer company and collaboration. The design and building process she instigates had whispers, to a degree, of Miller's A GIRL CAN BUILD  ANYTHING (great to pair these titles). As the park folks interact with "one", other things build as well, on all fronts: friendships, love of reading, pet connections. 

Nothing is compromised or sacrificed or challenged. This ONE title, with its ONE central character, its ONE park, and its ONE idea allowed to blossom into many petals, is a remarkable accomplishment of text (fewer than 100 words, perfectly selected and paced) with subtle and gentle art that allows for added storytelling through visual detail, page placement, and design. 

In terms of text, Miller has cleverly used a very formal, almost distancing phrase (Think BCC period dramas), as in "One can breathe." "One can think." What prevents this from being a stuffy, off-putting turn of phrase is the opening page text that clarifies through punctuation, line breaks, and phrasing, who ONE is. It invites readers to recognize that ONE is this young girl. Or ONE just might be the reader themselves.

"One.

Alone.

No one else nearby."

And these simple opening lines, typed on this bare page, could almost read as ominous (Cue the dramatic music.) Instead, though, the soft-edged, pastel, warmly-detailed illustration elements reveal an almost dreamy state of bliss. Speaking as someone who often seeks refuge in isolation and reading books, this ONE's tree refuge is one I'd love to have and inhabit.

ONE CAN BE deserves more than one reading! The release date is in September. I always hesitate to feature a book before release, since those I've managed to persuade to read will need to wait. Yet this is a great example of why advance reviews are helpful. This can be preordered now, or requested at your local library and/or indie bookstore. Those generate data to the publisher to assure adequate first printing, perhaps even increasing the first print run. Those of us who love books as pieces of art and literature HATE thinking of all this as a business, but it is, indeed. So if my comments on the book resonate with you or someone you love, consider placing those advance requests and trust me that you won't be disappointed when you're time arrives to hold your copy and read for yourselves.

I was thrilled that Pat had an advance copy for me to read fort this review. Another reason I prefer to wait until actual publication is to experience the physical book, not a PDF or digital version. The tactile quality of the book is an experience in itself, and all are not equal. In this case, despite it being a soft-bound uncorrected proof, I was not surprised that the high standards of BEAMING BOOKS  meant the book itself is a joyful experience. Colors, finishes, and text placement all create a welcoming, almost melodic journey through this sharing and growth experience. 

A Celebration of Amazing Content (and LIFE!) Connections

 Each year I eagerly await the announcement of the annual CBC/NCSS NOTABLE SOCIAL STUDIES TRADE BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. When I retired I no longer had access to that listing (an insert in the May/June issue of the NCSS professional magazine, SOCIAL EDUCATION) from our school library. I then became a member of NCSS and subscribed, in part to continue to have access to this curated, annotated, annual list. I used their recommendations to suggest new purchases for our school library, for my classrooms, and as gift purchases. 

You might want to do the same, by the way. If not, past issues can be accessed on their website.

I have a useful collection of those inserts from past years that I use when adding to my library hold list, when seeking a "just right" book, and when finding titles to compare, review, and suggest to others. Now, the listings for 2021 are available (with the fully annotated pull out section appearing in print next month). In this post I'm celebrating the selection of those titles I've reviewed here and elsewhere by linking to my posts, just in case you want to take a more detailed look before the catalog copy becomes available. 

I'll continue to share prior reviews in a series of posts that focus on specific age ranges. If any of these are new titles for you, I urge you to do some clicking, considering, and adding to your wish lists and library hold lists, too:

Kindergarten to Second Grade:

All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything. Annette Bay Pimentel. Foreword Jennifer Keelan-Chans. Illus. Nabi H. Ali. 32pp. ISBN 9781492688976. Sourcebooks Explore. K-2

The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story. Aya Khalil. Illus. Anait Semirdzhyan. 36pp. ISBN 9780884487548. Tilbury House. K-2

Black is a Rainbow Color. Angela Joy. Illus. Ekua Holmes. 40pp. ISBN 9781626726314. Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group / Roaring Brook Press. K-2

Can Bears Ski?. Raymond Antrobus. Illus. Polly Dunbar. 40pp. ISBN 9781536212662. Candlewick Press. K-2 Come Out and Play: A Global Journey. Maya Ajmera and John D. Ivanko. 32pp. ISBN 9781623541637.

Earth Hour: A Lights-Out Event for Our Planet. Nanette Heernan. Illus. Bao Luu. 32pp. ISBN 9781580899420. Charlesbridge. K-2. K-2

Equality’s Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America. Deborah Diesen. Illus. Magdalena Mora. 48pp. ISBN 9781534439580. Simon & Schuster / Beach Lane Books. K-2

Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away. Meg Medina. Illus. Sonia Sánchez. 32pp. ISBN 9781536207040. Candlewick Press. K-2

Flying Free: How Bessie Coleman’s Dreams Took Flight. Karyn Parsons. Illus. R. Gregory Christie. 48pp. ISBN 9780316457194. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. K-2

Fred’s Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers. Laura Renauld. Illus. Brigette Barrager. 40pp. ISBN 9781534441224. Simon & Schuster / Atheneum BFYR. K-2

Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood. Tony Hillery. Illus. Jessie Hartland. 40pp. ISBN 9781534402317. Simon & Schuster / Paula Wiseman Books. K-2

The Heart of Mi Familia. Carrie Lara. Illus. Christine Battuz. I 32pp. SBN 9781433832536. Magination Press. K-2

Hot Pot Night!. Written and Illustrated by Vincent Chen. 40pp. ISBN 9781623541200. Charlesbridge. K-2 I Want to Ride the Tap Tap. Danielle Joseph. Illus. Olivier Ganthier. 40pp. ISBN 9780374312145.

If Dominican Were a Color. Sili Recio. Illus. Brianna McCarthy. 32pp. ISBN 9781534461796. Simon & Schuster / Denene Millner Books. K-2

Just Like a Mama. Alice Faye Duncan. lllus. Charnelle Pinkney Barlow. 40pp. ISBN 9781534461833. Simon & Schuster / Denene Millner Books. K-2

Love Your Body: Your body can do amazing things.... Jessica Sanders. lllus. Carol Rossetti. 40pp. ISBN 9780711252424. Quarto Group / Frances Lincoln Children’s Books. K-2

Lulu the One and Only. Lynnette Mawhinney. lllus. Jennie Poh. 32pp. ISBN 9781433831591. Magination Press. K-2

Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration. Samara Cole Doyon. lllus. Kaylani Juanita. 32pp. ISBN 9780884487975. Tilbury House. K-2

Nana Akua Goes to School. Tricia Elam Walker. lllus. April Harrison. 40pp. ISBN 9780525581130. Random House Children’s Books / Schwartz & Wade. K-2

Ohana Means Family. Ilima Loomis. lllus. Kenard Pak. 40pp. ISBN 9780823443260. Holiday House / Neal Porter Books. K-2

One Boy’s Choice: A Tale of the Amazon. Sueli Menezes. lllus. Anika Siems. 32pp. ISBN 9781662650031. minedition / Astra House. K-2

One Little Lot: The 1-2-3s of an Urban Garden. Diane C. Mullen. lllus. Oriol Vidal. 32pp. ISBN 9781580898898. Charlesbridge. K-2

The One with the Scraggly Beard. Elizabeth Withey. lllus. Lynn Scurfield. 32pp. ISBN 9781459818552. Orca Book Publishers. K-2

Papa, Daddy, and Riley. Seamus Kirst. lllus. Devon Holzwarth. 32pp. ISBN 9781433832390. Magination Press. K-2

The Paper Kingdom. Helena Ku Rhee. lllus. Pascal Campion. 40pp. ISBN 9780525644613. Random House Children’s Books / Random House BFYR. K-2

The Power of One: Every Act of Kindness Counts. Trudy Ludwig. lllus. Mike Curato. 40pp. ISBN 9781524771584. Random House Children’s Books / Alfred A. Knopf BFYR. K-2

Respect: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. Carole Boston Weatherford. lllus. Frank Morrison. 48pp. ISBN 9781534452282. Simon & Schuster / Atheneum BFYR. K-2

The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver. Gene Barretta. lllus. Frank Morrison. 40pp. ISBN 9780062430151. HarperCollins Children’s Books / Katherine Tegen Books. K-2

Sometimes People March. Written and Illustrated by Tessa Allen. 32pp. ISBN 9780062991188. HarperCollins Children’s Books / Balzer + Bray. K-2

Stand up! Speak Up!: A Story Inspired by the Climate Change Revolution. Andrew Joyner. 40pp. ISBN 9780593301586. Random House Children’s Books / Schwartz & Wade. K-2

Teatime Around the World. Denyse Waissbluth. lllus. Chelsea O’Byrne. 48pp. ISBN 9781771646017. Greystone Kids. K-2

V is for Voting. Kate Farrell. lllus. Caitlin Kuhwald. 40pp. ISBN 9781250231253. Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group / Henry Holt BYR. K-2

We Are Water Protectors. Carole Lindstrom. lllus. Michaela Goade. 40pp. ISBN 9781250203557. Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group / Roaring Brook Press. K-2

When We Are Kind. Monique Gray Smith. lllus. Nicole Neidhardt. 32pp. ISBN 9781459825222. Orca Book Publishers. K-2

You Matter. Written and Illustrated by Christian Robinson. 40pp. ISBN 9781534421691. Simon & Schuster / Atheneum BFYR. K-2

Your Name is a Song. Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow. lllus. Luisa Uribe. 40pp. ISBN 9781943147724. The Innovation Press. K-2

A World Together. Sonia Manzano. 32pp. ISBN 9781426337383. National Geographic Children’s Books. K-2 Art Is Life: The Life of Artist Keith Haring. Tami Lewis Brown. lllus. Keith Negley. 48pp.

Be Amazing: A History of Pride. Desmond is Amazing (Desmond Napoles). lllus. Dylan Glynn. 40pp. ISBN 9780374312589. Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group / Farrar, Straus and Giroux BYR. K-12

Birrarung Wilam: A Story from Aboriginal Australia. Andrew Kelly and Aunty Joy Murphy. lllus. Lisa Kennedy. 40pp. ISBN 9781536209426. Candlewick Press. K-5

Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built. Angela Burke Kunkel. lllus. Paola Escobar. 40pp. ISBN 9781984892638. Random House Children’s Books / Schwartz & Wade. K-5

Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist. Linda Skeers. lllus. Marta Álvarez Miguéns. 40pp. ISBN 9781728209517. Sourcebooks Explore. K-5

Fighting Infantryman, The: The Story of Albert D. J. Cashier, Transgender Civil War Soldier. Rob Sanders. lllus. Nabi H. Ali. 48pp. ISBN 9781499809367. Little Bee Books. K-5

Flight for Freedom: The Wetzel Family’s Daring Escape from East Germany. Kristen Fulton. lllus. Torben Kuhlmann. 56pp. ISBN 9781452149608. Chronicle Books. K-5

Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice. Nikki Grimes. lllus. Laura Freeman. 40pp. ISBN 9781534462670. Simon & Schuster / Atheneum BFYR. K-5

Mamie on the Mound: A Woman in Baseball’s Negro Leagues. Leah Henderson. lllus. George Doutsiopoulos. 32pp. ISBN 9781684460236. Capstone Editions. K-5

Migrants. Written and Illustrated by Issa Watanabe. 40pp. ISBN 9781776573134. Gecko Press. K-8

Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade. Lyla Lee. lllus. Dung Ho. 96pp. ISBN 9781534440104. Simon & Schuster / Aladdin. K-5

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read. Rita Lorraine Hubbard. lllus. Oge Mora. 40pp. ISBN 9781524768287. Random House Children’s Books / Schwartz & Wade. K-5

Oscar’s American Dream. Barry Wittenstein. lllus. Kristen Howdeshell and Kevin Howdeshell. 36pp. ISBN 9780525707691. Random House Children’s Books / Schwartz & Wade. K-5

Ritu Weds Chandni. Written and Illustrated by Ameya Narvankar. 36pp. ISBN 9781949528947. Yali Books. K-8

Speak Up. Miranda Paul. lllus. Ebony Glenn. 40pp. ISBN 9780358140962. Houghton Miin Harcourt / Clarion Books. K-12

Wherever I Go. Mary Wagley Copp. lllus. Munir D. Mohammed. 24pp. ISBN 9781534419193. Simon & Schuster / Atheneum Books for Young Readers. K-5

As I've created these links and added an image of a few of these notable titles, I've added others  to my hold list and look forward to reading them carefully and reviewing them. I hope you might consider doing the same. Then share them, suggest them to pterosaur's parents and teachers, and stay tuned for MORE of this extensive list of notable books in upcoming posts. 

INTERVIEW with Author JOYCE UGLOW: STUCK!

 STUCK! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits,  written by Joyce P. Uglow and illustrated by Valerya Milovanova. Bushel and Peck Books, 2025

Full disclosure: Joyce Uglow and I have known each other for many years through our work  in SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) and WSRA (Wisconsin State Reading Association). In the past several years we’ve been picture book critique partners along with several other outstanding writers from Wisconsin. Along the way I’ve seen many versions and revisions of STUCK!. During those years I’ve had an up-close view of Joyce's deep research, intense revisions, and eventual success with this manuscript. This new picture book captures the best of her superb inspiration, writing, and revision.

BONUS NEWS: Anyone who will be in the Los Angeles area on March 22, noon to 4:00 PM,  can hear Joyce in her live presentation at the La Brea GIRLS IN STEM event. Joyce will talk about her book, read it, lead activities, and provide a discussion guide. If this works for you, don't miss it! Now, on to the promised interview...

I’m honored that Joyce Uglow, author of STUCK! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits, agreed to spend time on this interview. If you missed it, my review of the book, on March 4, the official BOOK BIRTHDAY, can be read HERE.

SB:  Welcome, Joyce, and congratulations on this terrific picture book. I know you’ve dreamed of this for many years. Was there anything about the actual debut and celebrations that affected or surprised you most?

JPU: I am grateful for your kind words and for providing me the opportunity to share my thoughts about this special time in my writing career.  Moreover, I am humbled by the love shared by the writing community for STUCK! It’s been fun at every turn during the years from idea to acquisition to publication day. I have a Smilodon fatalis (Saber toothed cat) hat/mask that I wore when signing ARCs at the American Library Association (ALA) conference in San Diego. SURPRISE! Now that was a smile-o-don kind of day. When the box of author copies arrive, it’ll be another cartwheel-across-the-front-yard-celebration, for sure! 

California Saber-Tooth  (Smiledon)

SB:You need a video of that moment! There are loads of unboxing videos, but I've not yet seen an author cartwheeling!

In other recent interviews HERE and HERE you shared information and insights about the origins of this story and your interest in telling it. (Readers will  want to read those and share them with kids!) Since I know a bit about the many hours (and years) you’ve spent researching and revising this story, I also know the stress of deciding what can go in (to make the story stronger) and what needs to hit the cutting room floor. Would you share a few of the “leftover” things that you learned throughout the process that you anticipate sharing in other ways with audiences and readers?

JPU: I’m going to deep here… A large petroleum reservoir called the Salt Lake Oil Field is located below the surface a short distance to the north of Hancock Park in what is now Los Angeles. The oil was formed from marine plankton deposited in an ocean basin during the Miocene Epoch (5-25 million years ago). Over time, pressure converted the organisms into oil. Weak places, faults, and fissures in the Earth's crust allows the crude oil to seep up to the surface. Evaporation leaves the sticky “tar” or asphalt. 

 In January 2023, I attended an incredibly fascinating educator event “People and the Tar” at La Brea led by an anthropologist, Culture Bearer, Educator, American Indian Department, CSU Long Beach. I learned that the Tongva, Tataviam, Serrano, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples used the asphalt to seal their boats, drinking vases, and their roofs.  I’d like to share the land acknowledgement statement presented at the event. 

 “The County of Los Angeles recognizes that we occupy land originally and still inhabited and cared for by the Tongva, Tataviam, Serrano, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples. We honor and pay respect to their elders and descendants ─past, present, and emerging ─ as they continue their stewardship of these lands and waters.”

 

Naturally, a 40-page picture book cannot include everything about the ice age ecosystem of species lost. Here is one such tidbit. The he exhibits you see of an animal were not found all connected. Because of tectonic plate movement underground for thousands of years, the preserved animal bones broke, got scattered, and stuck to other fossils. The skeletal exhibits of the western horse, ancient camel, mastodon, sloth, short nosed bear, American lion, and others were pieced together from the fossils dug up from many different individuals. The fossils have stories to tell. 

                            Fossilized skeletal exhibit of a Dire wolf in the museum at La Brea 

SB: I'm in awe of the science skills involved in recovering each and every bit of that, then having the tools and expertise to reassemble an intact figure that seems to leap out of the display! Science at its best!

Now that this amazing book is available, I hope you are planning school and library visits. If so, what will you hope to share with young audiences, about this book and about bigger ideas: nature, wonder, and writing itself?

JPU: School, library, book festivals, and book shop visits are filling my calendar now. I myself am incredibly interested in the findings in the fossil records. Elementary aged kids are ripe for inquiry learning, too. It’s fun to search for answers, right? So, one of my school visit activities involves research. Using lyrical picture books such as STUCK! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits as mentor texts for poetic techniques in writing is another. I do love a good awe walk in and around trees, so that is in my plans too. I am eager to find out what schools would like to engage in as well. 

 

Asphalt bubble from the site

SB: What lucky kids they will be! How should interested adults go about contacting you to discuss potential visits?

JPU: There are downloadable flyers on my website, which is located at https://joyceuglowauthor.com Folks can contact me via email jpuglow@gmail.com New to me as of January 2025 is my Substack account where I post my thoughts about writing.  You can read this free newsletter at https://jpuglow.substack.com

SB: Which of the many other writing projects you have underway can you tell us about, or are they all still top secret? If so, can you hint at some intriguing research topics you might be exploring? 

JPU: Whenever I travel, I find new ideas to share with kids. So here are some hints: ocean and marine life, forest bathing and the legacy of trees, national parks and geology, artwork… Yup! I have many ideas in folders and some already underway. Of course, I would love to have a companion book for STUCK! 

If you are interested, Cynthia Mackey and I are hosting the STUCK BUMBLEBEE Poetry and Illustration Challenge. You can find all the details HERE.

SB:  As you anticipated these busy exciting days of debut book release, were there any questions you hoped would be asked that have not been? Go for it!

JPU: I’m turning the tables for this one. Here are some questions for your readers, Sandy.  

1.   

1.   My One Little Word for 2025 is ELEVATE. Readers, do you have a goal to read and review fellow creatives’ books? My goal is to read and review a minimum of four picture books per month. Most of the time I review on Goodreads. You can find me at https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9178331-joyce-uglow

    2.    What can we create that will keep kids’ creativity and curiosity alive? 

   3.     How can we learn from our past to ensure we leave the planet a better place that we found it? Fossil records tell us to pay attention to climate change and the impact it is having on our planet. I don’t use plastic bags and plastic water bottles and plastic straws. 

    4.  One last question. Will you be so kind as to request that your library add STUCK! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits to their collection? 

SSB: Joyce, thank you so much for spending time on this, especially during these exciting, hectic days of celebration. I'm looking forward to news you post about appearances and visits as they unfold. Readers, you can follow along, too, with the links Joyce provided below.

 Join Joyce at the Writing Barn on March 8 (11:00 Central Time) It is a free online event.

And HERE on Birth Stories for Books  www.dawnprochovnic.com

And HERE. 

For now, learn more about Joyce Uglow  HERE.

STUCK! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits is officially launched today, and can be purchased at 
BUSHEL & PECK BOOKS, HERE

BOOKSHOP.org

AMAZON Books HERE

Never Too Young to Be a Booklover!

Is it book club time already?

Next best thing to a beach read!

So what's the right age to get books into the hands of a child?

Ahhh....books!

If a picture is worth a thousand words, these should say it all. My twin great-niece and great-nephew agreed to share their opinions about this topic as an introduction to our guest blogger. 

I'm proud to have a multigenerational reputation in my family as "the book aunt", but books alone won't create this result. These wee ones have had hands-on, ears-on lap time with books since they were born. This is obviously not a household that needs tips on ways to share books with tots. 

But not all parents were raised this way themselves, and not all have a wide repertoire of book-sharing skills on which to draw naturally and automatically.

Naptime books- so relaxing.

Hmm... Looks good.

My favorite author...

I couldn't agree more.

Is this the one you suggested?

So many books, so little time- until naps!

On behalf of this cutie twosome, I'm happy to introduce guest blogger Susan Marx. She and her writing partner, Barbara Kasok, are mothers, grandmothers, reading professionals, and consultants. Susan is also a parent educator who facilitates workshops on topics such as fostering children's self-esteem and school readiness.  Susan and Barbara have written HELP ME GET READY TO READ: The Practical Guide For Reading Aloud To Children During Their First Five Years. I'll add some comments about their book at the end of the post, but let's see what Susan has to say about tots and books based on information provided in HELP ME GET READY TO READ. 

"Creating a Love of Books and Learning

Parents often ask us how they can create a love of books and learning in their young children. We respond by telling them that there are three essential key ideas they should focus on to do so. Simply stated, they are:

• Provide a nurturing environment in which little ones can thrive.

• Choose good age-appropriate picture books to engage children in conversations about the text and illustrations.

• Read aloud effectively so that children acquire the early literacy concepts and skills they need to be ready to learn to read.

Creating a love of books and learning in our little ones begins with providing a nurturing environment. For children to blossom and grow into lifelong lovers of books and learning, they need to feel comfortable in their surroundings whether at home, at childcare or in a preschool setting. Also, they need to feel the gentle encouragement and support of the trusted adults who care for them as well as serve as positive role models in their young lives.

Reading aloud books to little ones in a nurturing environment has a tremendous impact on their healthy emotional, social, language, and cognitive development. During the read-aloud experience, caring adults foster young children’s self-esteem so they feel competent and confident in their ability to learn new things, and engage in creative and imaginative meaningful activities. Furthermore, reading aloud effectively in a nurturing environment ensures a close emotional connection between adult and child. It provides a source for wonderful memories by giving children the loving message:

I want to read this book to you because I care about you, I respect

you, and I value our time together.

Here are some positive parenting strategies for creating a love of books and learning in young children. They deal specifically with ways that a nurturing environment can be established by parents in the home as well as by childcare providers and preschool staff in group settings.

1. Foster children’s self-esteem and encourage conversation

• Keep in mind each child's age and stage of development, interests, and attention span.

• Give each child “Positive Parenting Praise!” by acknowledging the new skill that he or she has acquired. For example, “Good job holding the book” or “Good job watching as I move my finger under the words on the page.”

• Find a quiet place to read together, such as a cozy corner, sofa, or chair.

• Turn off the TV.

• Try not to answer the phone or respond to e-mails.

• Make connections between story events and children’s real life experiences.

• Point out similarities and differences between read-aloud books, such as story  characters, setting, or story events.

2. Establish reading routines so that books and learning become a part of children’s every day lives

• Set up regular reading times such as at naptime, bedtime, or story hour.

• Place books in a basket or on a shelf to make them accessible to children.

• Encourage children to select books that they want to hear.

• Take books along with you when you are away from home.

• Arrange library visits as a regular activity by signing up for children’s story hours, sing-a-longs, or other family early literacy events.

• Have book swaps with other families to ensure a variety of available read-aloud books.

3. Model having a positive attitude towards books and learning.

• Tell children how much you enjoy reading books with them.

• Give books as gifts to children on special occasions.

• Laugh with children when reading books that have silly words, story events or characters.

• Handle books with care.

• Look for opportunities to learn new things and be sure to tell your children about them.

• Read books during your own free time for enjoyment and relaxation."

Thank you, Susan, for providing such a strong statement and helpful advice on behalf of young children and literacy. As toddlers become more active and verbal some adults feel less able to keep their children engaged with books. Susan and Barbara have produced a well-organized and user-friendly guide especially suited for reading with children ages three to five. It provides developmentally appropriate "talk-abouts" and "follow-up activities" for more than a dozen excellent picture books, with additional titles suggested in the back matter.

I urge parents to read a book by Mem Fox, the award-winning author and internationally acclaimed literacy expert: READING MAGIC: Why reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever. Research and simple observation demonstrate that reading aloud to children in their earliest days and months of life has a dramatic positive influence on future language, learning, and literacy development. I have no doubt that adults who begin reading to a child from the earliest days and continue on beyond the school years give a priceless lifetime gift of love and literacy to that child.

Why not check these books out, and spread the word about the power of reading aloud to children at the earliest ages.