A Nexus of Picture Books by Notable Authors

Each time I tell myself I should NOT take time to add another note here, books come along that deserve whatever boost I might provide by featuring them here. (Actually, I learn about them, place them on library holds, pick them up, read them, then locate them prominently in my living spaces so that I cannot ignore them!  So no, they do not just "come along". *Sigh*)

In this post is a compromise with my limits of time and other book responsibilities (see CYBILS, HERE). Three offerings merit my attention, and yours, for a variety of reasons. The least I can do (and it is less than I would like) is to feature them here with a brief note and links for you to pursue more about them!

Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2023

First up is a book that really doesn't need my support. Its co-authors, Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton, were inspired during Covid lockdowns to write this magical-realistic story of a boy and his orchestral conductor father. A video of a quartet playing to a concert hall with seats filled with plants led to this broader analogy. In this colorfully expressive third person narrative, we meet a simple village whose musical performances attract larger and larger audiences. In a not-surprising way, local merchants and pop-up vendors expanded their offerings until the village becomes so absorbed by commerce and personal gain that they neglect the musical source of their success. An oppressive haze sweeps the town into massive melancholy until the young boy realizes that music can at least revive the fading palm in the concert hall. The ultimate resolution is satisfying, with illustrator Elly Mackay utilizing hues, tones, and perspectives to enhance the shifting moods throughout the transitions of the villagers and the music creators. THE ENCHANTED SYMPHONY will delight young audiences and gratify adults who share it. It also offers mentor text and discussion opportunities for middle grade and older readers to explore extended analogies, consider rich language, and explore ways in which current events and media can inspire writing in unrelated genre.

Atheneum
Books for Young Readers, 2023

Next up is quite a different offering, an important nonfiction title. It, too, has much to offer for established young readers with a bit older background knowledge. In this case the time and place surrounding remarkable Frances Perkins in the NEW DEAL era of the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Following (and somewhat during) the depths of the GREAT DEPRESSION, Roosevelt's transformative efforts, in legislation and bureaucratic expansion, established programs to lift Americans from its deadly economic impact and years of suffering. In the process, they were gradually lifting the malaise and emotional depression that blanketed our country's population. THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE PHOTO: Frances Perkins and and Her New Deal for America was written by the gifted  historical writer Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Alexandra Bye. 

The first half of this chronological biography of Perkins reveals her deep-rooted commitment to making the lives of others better, including her youthful choices, eventual role as a social worker, and shocked response to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. All of the above provide a richly informative background for younger readers to a time in history with "big" events through the lens of everyday people and the impact of social forces on those same folks. For a woman to be tagged by Roosevelt to take on a role of guiding the government through changes that would change millions of lives was unheard of, yet Perkins's own quotes, sprinkled effectively throughout the narrative, show her sense of duty and opportunity. When such a door opens, her responsibility was to walk through it, take a seat, and play such a role with intelligence and vigor. It did, though, make her the only woman in the room, thus the only one in the historic photos of that era. Endpapers are brilliant indicators of her longterm impact in keeping that door open.The opening papers highlight her isolation among a sea of (White) men's faces, but the closing end papers feature women of every age, identity, and background. Times have changed, even if full equity has not yet arrived. Perkins is not solely responsible for such changes, but, as was true during her life, her impact is undeniable.

Holiday House, 2023

Finally, here's a contemporary nonfiction picture book that is written by a relatively new creator, certainly not one with the fame of Julie Andrews or Kathleen Krull. GREAT CARRIER REEF is written by Jessica Stremer and  by Gordy Wright. This is the account of a noble but retired aircraft carrier, the USS Orinskany, otherwise known as the Mighty O. Its eventual new service is to the forces of nature, now carefully submerged off the Florida coast and providing a structural habitat for the restoration of the coral reef.

This thoroughly researched account successfully  captures the dignity (and potential indignity) of a retired military warship, the intensive planning and preparation required to make its new life possible, and the countless individuals and groups that were necessary to make the project a success. The facts of this project can be found easily, yet Stremer's text and Wright's images and perspectives provide intensity and tension surrounding the eventual moment of igniting the carefully-placed explosives to allow the Mighty O to settle on the ocean floor in the exact position needed to make the project succeed. Back matter adds even more to this impressive text and invite readers to learn even more, and to actively work own behalf of saving reefs through simple actions in their own locations.

As you may have noticed, even my best efforts to limit comments tend toward extensive when it comes to outstanding picture books. Consider this a valuable bundle of recommendations that I hope you'll find irresistible, and might lead to you recommending and sharing with others.