April 30: Last Call for Poetry Month... NOT!

 In the recent posts I've focused on picture books that engage with EARTH DAY and environmental topics. Missed them? Check out books that involve restoration/repurposing, HERE, our remarkable planet's precious OCEAN, and the damage that we do to it, HERE,  the power of shared generational experiences to develop environmental values, HERE, animal adaptation in response to habitat changes, HERE, the never-ending need for vigilant attention when progress is made, HERE, and some very specific examples of turning values into action, HERE. 

Whew! There are plenty more books I could have touted, but April is just a wildly busy month when it comes to focusing on important themes and topics.

But... and if you've read my posts in the past this will not be news... THEME MONTHS are a double edged sword! Environmental concern and action is useless unless it becomes a 24/7/365 practice. So, too, it's foolish to think that designating a single week in April to extend thanks to our librarians, library workers and public library services is adequate. As citizens of our communities and members of a literate society, it falls to each of us to speak up for public funding fr those services, join and engage with any library "friends" organizations in our communities, and go out of our way to thank those workers at every opportunity.

As if that's not enough, APRIL is designated as NATIONAL POETRY Month. So, since today is  April 30, I'll feature some poetry books and thoughts here and then ignore poetry for another year. 

As the title for this post indicates: NOT!

Just a year ago, I had a post about the importance of poetry in our lives, HERE. 

I included this poster:

If you don't have time to click back to read the whole post, here are a few lines that I shared then, with deep respect for the young readers who helped develop the definition:

Poetry is literature with special feelings, word choices, forms, and patterns.

I urge you to read their insights. Here are only a few to explore their answers to the question, WHAT IS POETRY?:

Poetry:

·      Needs to use words

·      Does not have to be written on paper

·      Should go through the writing process to polish it to a shine

·      Does not have to be in a book

·      May have things in it to figure out

·      Can rhyme, but doesn’t have to rhyme

·      Can be long or short

·      Can describe things or people

·      Can be about nature

·      Can be about anything

and so much more...

Let's turn that calendar page tomorrow while making it a priority

 to read and recite and memorize and recommend and celebrate 

POETRY- 

EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR!

What About the Wolves? Formerly Endangered, not Big Bad...

 

PHOTO CREDIT: 
https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/wildlife/wolf-reintroduction-changes-ecosystem/

Wolves are, in fact, at the top of food any chain throughout their many global habitats and subspecies. In historic times the many and varied cultural tales about BIG BAD WOLVES were cautionary tropes to keep little children alert (and to train shepherds to cry WOLF to get attention on a bored afternoon?). After marking EARTH DAY yesterday and in prior posts this week, it was particularly heartbreaking to see how aggressively various state legislatures are authorizing massive "kills" of their re-emerging wolf populations. 

IDAHO has passed a law that is being copied in many Republican-controlled state houses. All are tragic in their intent and mindless focus on agri-business-hunting lobbies rather than on the truth and value of the role of wolves within ecosystems. The numbers alone should get your attention in the IDAHO legislation:

"BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Legislation that could lead to killing up to 90% of the wolves in Idaho continued its speedy trip through the Statehouse on Thursday.

The bill introduced just two days earlier cleared a House panel after already sailing through the Senate. It could be voted on in the House as early as Friday." Source in link to Idaho law above.

Note, that Friday mentioned is today, as I type this. This is coming to pass during EARTH WEEK, no less. Perhaps they prefer to ignore the facts about the impact of wolf restoration on open spaces, which benefits all levels of plant, water, and animal resources  within their range. Even if you've viewed the video  about Yellowstone National Park previously, do yourself a favor and view it again here.

I hope you'll also click and read  an earlier post about restoration of wolves, featuring  books written by environmental activist JEAN CRAIGHEAD GEORGE and  illustrated by Wendell Minor. Jean died in 2012 and would have been one hundred years old in 2019. She dedicated her entire life to the celebration and preservation of nature, and her books continue that process. 

Many of her picture books were illustrated by Minor, a  longtime family friend and also a devoted naturalist.  I These  titles celebrate the slow, steady, but satisfying success of restoring American endangered species to their natural settings.

The imminent extinction of so many species had triggered the original EARTH DAY and environmental movement fifty-one years ago. Then, yesterday, Idahoadvanced the process of a massive reversal of that success, actions that will undo a half century of progress unless the rest of us take up the cause and resist in every possible way. In this case, the state legislation was made possible when wolves were removed from the endangered species list. Must we wait for legislation like this to generate their imminent extinction again to stop this destruction? If you live in IDAHO, you can speak out. Or in MONTANA. Or in Wisconsin. Or follow the progress of such efforts in your own states. 

Please.

The damage we humans have done to our planet is immeasurable, and heartbreaking in the extreme. That is true when we consider climate change and its impact on life forms of all kinds, including on us humans. But some damage is very particular and has very specific effects.

Equally powerful, though, are stories of very specific and empowered efforts to change the immediate spaces in which we live. This can happen when someone observes carefully, listens to the wisdom of others, recognizes problems, and seeks a solution. Here is a bouquet of books that celebrate such efforts.

Mineditions 2021

ONE BOY'S CHOICE: A Tale of the Amazon is written by Sueli Menezes and illustrated by Anika Siems. This picture book is a rich cultural resource for young learners, especially in the English-speaking western culture. Lush illustrations draw readers into the loving relationship between a boy and his grandfather, sharing a universal experience of seeking peer esteem while treasuring the multi-generational wisdom and closeness they share. The stages of worry, disappointment, excitement, then facing the challenging decision that serves the greater good or his own social status are universal, although set in engaging specificity involving an unusual Amazon species of fish. 

This is a gorgeous book in theme, illustration, and gently direct text. 
It was named a 2020 NCSS (SocialStudies.org) Notable Book for Young Readers.

Kids Can Press. Citizen Kid, 2020

Next up is 111 TREES: How One Village Celebrates the Birth of Every Girl, written by Rina Singh and illustrated by Marianne Ferrer. This is the true story of one man's insight, integrity, and love of his children and community led him to national acclaim for the transformative power of planting trees and valuing girls. There are so many significant cultural details within this story, and each one merits exploration and discussion. 
The book is well-written and illustrated with lush and illuminating detail. 
I'm counting on this title to make its way into several award categories, including recommended books for teachers of social studies and science/environmental studies. It has been praised by multiple review outlets, and requested by kids, which is the best review of all.

Tiger Tales, 2020

And last for today, but by no means finally, is LITTLE TURTLE AND THE CHANGING SEA: A Story of Survival in Our Polluted Oceans, written by Becky Davies and illustrated by Jennie Poh. This is a recent addition to an emerging collection of environmentally-themed fictional picture books. It adopts the point of view of a baby sea turtle growing into its long life that spans our one global ocean. 

Without referencing directly the decades of passing time, the colorful and biodiverse ocean she (sea turtle) traverses annually becomes dreary, polluted, gray, and dangerous. Human plastic pollution caused this, and humans finally appear to rescue sea turtle from torn netting, just in time. Then they proceed to work at restoring their tiny corner of the ocean by removing plastic and other litter. 

The seemingly happy ending is clearly not that, as back matter indicates the proliferation of human plastic and other waste, with specific suggestions that are practical and kid-friendly. There are so many questions raised in this appealing but appalling story. Some are answered, but an unmistakable invitation is issued to young readers to learn more, to care more, to act.

That will do it for the moment, but just as EARTH WEEK is only one small first step in an ongoing effort to undo our damage, so too are these books just a first step in inspiring and motivating readers of any age to make a positive difference in saving our planet and all of its dwellers.

Rolling Along During EARTH WEEK: Garden Picture Books

 The books I've shared during 2021 Earth Week have stressed the significance of generational values and shared practices, of traditions, of commitment. That is true for both picture books by the Pumphrey brothers, THE OLD TRUCK and THE OLD BOAT. Then two picture books titled OCEAN SOUP,  about ocean environments, support the significance of learning about and acting on specific issues, across generations. If you missed either of these posts I hope you''ll click and check them out. 

Moving forward, today I'm declaring GARDENING day. This time of year there is an almost primal impulse to sow seeds, to feel the soil under our feet and in our fingers. Offering kids an opportunity to plant and grow a seed is a priceless gift, even if it is simply a sunflower seed in a paper cup. And yet the reality is that the REAL thrill of gardening is the return on investment of labor and love and relationships spent in gardens. Time and experiences often shared across generations.

A very recent release is MY NANA'S GARDEN, written by Dawn Casey and illustrated by Jessica Courtney-TIckle. 

I had to wait a bit to read this one, since it was backed up on my library hold. That should tell you something about it. Here's what Kirkus had to say  in their starred review: 

"Over the years, a little girl pays many visits to her nana’s house and garden...As the seasons cycle, the girl and her mother continue to visit and, increasingly, to help her nana in the “lovely and wild” garden....There is so much beauty in this heartwarming story. Written in rhyming couplets, the simple text flows smoothly. The stunning, delicate illustrations fill in the gaps left by the text, depicting the charm of the garden, Nana’s aging, the family’s emotions, and the girl’s growth. The artwork provides a wonderful display of three—and then four—generations and the love they share. The girl and mother have brown skin and long, black hair while Nana has paler brown skin and white hair...A beautiful, touching story of a family’s love and loss, the garden both metaphor and place of healing." (Kirkus Starred review)

Starbright Books, 2016

A terrific partner picture book is centered in a natural setting, not a family garden. GRANDMA IS A SLOWPOKE is written by Janet Halfmann and illustrated by Michele Coxon. Gentle text and images allow readers of any age to appreciate the delicate balance of long/short, old/young legs and minds. All the best picture book advice went into this one, with repetition, anticipation, ironic humor, and warm relationships enriching an already appealing story,

This will pair well with another recent picture book release: SIDEWALK FLOWERS (JonArno Lawson). And in case you missed it, check out my recent review of the glorious celebration of life, GROW, by JoAnn Early Macken, HERE. 

Finally, in this string of "bonus titles" related to celebrating nature across generations, explores the underlying truths about our family stories:  WATERCRESS, written by Andrea J. Wang and illustrated by Jason Chin. 

Has there ever been a child who did NOT feel embarrassed by a parent(s), who was not reluctant to take part in activities of parents, who did not judge their parents as "less" than other parents they observe? 

If so, I've never met those kids. It is a natural process in childhood to push back, and a natural part of parenthood to HOLD back- hold back stories that might make clear their own lives, experiences, struggles. That is universal, but it is even more pronounced among families involving immigration, migration, and relocation.When families are compelled to move, they often pack away the reasons for those moves, the stories behind lives left behind. Those stories become secrets, and yet continue to surface in the new lives and homes.
This story is written and illustrated with the tenderness of watercress leaves, but supports each gentle page of the story and the story-within-the-story on a foundation of resilience, love, and appreciation. Highly recommended for all ages and readers, with a special boost as mentor text to very young writers of "small moments" and adult writers of picture book stories with layers of heart and soul and reflection.

Here's hoping that wherever you are as you read this, the season and the weather surrounding you will invite you outdoors, into the wild or the gardens of your lives. It's asking a lot to care about the wider planet and its environment until we cultivate the deep appreciation of growing things in our immediate lives, especially in the company of people we love. 

EARTH WEEK Picture Books: Two OCEAN SOUP Titles

 I'm pushing forward to feature two or more outstanding picture books daily during EARTH WEEK. That's an ambitious pace for me, but the theme is very time-sensitive and urgent.  I launched this effort in yesterday's post about two titles by a creative pair, the Pumphrey brothers. I urge you to check our their books and their illustration process in that post, HERE.  

For today's post there are two books with the same main title, which may sound surprising but is actually fairly common. BOTH are titles OCEAN SOUP, and both have helpful subtitles that clarify their content. BOTH are worthy of notice during this week of appreciating and protecting our planet. The first is OCEAN SOUP: TIDE POOL POEMS, written by Stephen R. Swinburne and illustrated by Mary Peterson.

CHARLEBRIDGE, 2010

 

For today's post there are two books with the same main title, which may sound surprising but is actually fairly common. BOTH are titled OCEAN SOUP, and both have helpful subtitles that clarify their content. BOTH are worthy of notice during this week of appreciating and protecting our planet, and BOTH deserve our attention all year long. The first is OCEAN SOUP: TIDE POOL POEMS, written by Stephen R. Swinburne and illustrated by Mary Peterson.

Swinburne is a reliable rhymer with a cheeky tone that resonates with kids. He is also a talented photographer whose photos have been featured in many of his other books. In this case, he could certainly have produced jaw-dropping images, but the colorful and slightly cartoonish art invites engagement across a wide age range, and also allows for focus on key features of various animals without exaggeration or fantasy fudging the facts.

This is the older of the the two titles, but the poems are timeless and the topic of tide pool inhabitants is rarely explored in such accessible format and form.  parallel text content appears on each brilliantly illustrated double page spread. In each case Swinburne has written a brief but dense poem that directly informs readers of a tide pool inhabitant's patterns or habits or other distinctive traits. The voice and perspectives vary, always in first person perspective but ranging from cheeky to sensitive to comical. ON the same page a brief informational passage provides biological and environmental content related to that species and its place in the ecology of tide pools. For those who live in or near a tide pool habitat, this will be a fun and familiar extension of what is already known. For the MANY who live nowhere near an ocean tidepool, this is an invaluable introduction to the ways in which habitats can be ephemeral and yet essential to the cycles of sea life and food chains. From plankton to lobster to octopus, the range of creatures and their distinctively unique lives invite further investigation. A few pages of back matter include glossary, author note, and resources that include print and links to reliable sources.

SLEEPING BEAR PRESS, 2021

The second title is OCEAN SOUP: A Recipe For You, Me, and a Cleaner Sea. It is written by Meeg Pincus and illustrated by Lucy Semple. In rhymed narrative verse the reader is introduced to the idea that the pollution of our oceans (waters in general) are a "soup" of generations of contamination, mainly by plastics. 

Young readers can readily envision plastic bags, bottles, straws, and other discarded items can and do endanger ocean dwellers as well as making the waters seriously unappealing and damaged. In fact, during Earth week AND BEYOND it is a valuable exercise to engage kids in beach and water and field and urban space clean-up campaigns. 

What this book points out clearly, though, is that there is no real AWAY when it comes to plastic. Bury it, it stays. In ocean gyres it breaks down into micro-plastics that make their way into all  lifeforms, including us. I recently read that it is estimated most of us (in developed countries) consume the amount of plastic in a credit card, WEEKLY! To combat the endless increases in this relentless contamination of the waters of our lives, specific steps that humans can take are suggested. These include ones that are possible for the very young. This is mentioned within the narrative text, and described in simple but specific suggestions in the back matter. It is an eye-opening read for kids and adults, with practical advice and encouragement to learn more and act soon and steadily to reshape our communities and protect out planet.

For older readers seeking more detailed content on this topic, presented with clarity and accessible science, check out PLASTICUS MARITUMUS: AN INVASIVE SPECIES, reviewed by me HERE. 

As I so often mention in writing about picture books of any kind, for any age. My hope for the future is in the youth of today, but leaving it all to them is both unfair and unconscionable. My hope is that by sharing these books we may mobilize several generations of activists in defense of our planet. 

Stay tuned, more imporant titles coming sooner than usual!

Collaboration, Construction, and Storytelling: Meet the Pumphrey Brothers.

 I suspend my general concern about THEME MONTHS and special focus days when it comes to EARTH DAY and EARTH WEEK. The timing of these events is a natural outgrowth of Spring renewal, spring cleaning, and access to the outdoors (in the northern hemisphere). My goal is to post some reviews and reflections related to this theme every day this week, because care for our planet MUST be a multi-generational effort. Picture books can bridge those generations to inspire and energize, but also to develop lifetime bonds in memory and commitment to environmental care and activism. 

Two brothers have produced two books (among their others) that celebrate the power of youthful experiences to shape a lifetime of interest and engagement with the everyday world. Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey share a website that offers background stories about their separate lives and their remarkable collaborative careers as artists, illustrators, and storytellers. Their family bond is apparent on their website, and the celebrate this powerful human force in the two books featured here. Both reflect their rural and seacoast childhood lives in Texas, learning and growing and graced by parents and grandparents with whom they spent time and absorbed both skills and values. 

Norton Books for Young Readers, 2020

The first book that caught my attention is THE OLD TRUCK, created in story and art through the shared responsibilities, memories,  and imaginations of both Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey. The incredible (and award-winning) art is achieved with a stamp technique that they demonstrate in a video  on their website.

The use of stamps is as artful as the language, with nuanced variations in pattern and repetition that allow each image and stage of life to echo what has come before but also appear fresh and original until the final turn.

I picked this book up before hearing about it, based on the appeal of the images and concept. The title led me to assume it would be a twist on "This old man...", but instead I found nearly countless elements that make it one of my favorites of the picture books I read this year

The text is as seemingly simple and purposeful as the workings of that "old truck" in the title. What appears to be an African American farm family (dad, mom, little girl) rely on that old truck as they work their way through days, seasons, and years. Within a few page turns that little girl becomes the visual anchor of the evolving "farmer" story. She grows in competence and power, while the poor old truck is retired to the side of the barn. Her growth in skill and strength continue as the truck is eventually overwhelmed by plants and snow. 

When she (now the farmer) tows it  onto center stage, her text and visual story mirror the life of the truck during a patient restoration, including the continuation of family life on the farm.

I adore the book design, image placements, and use of a stamps which produce white-edged framing for each graphic/geometric element. It perfectly suits the simplicity of comforting and memorable images within the double page spreads. Equally, I adore the rhythm of the text, including perfectly timed repetitions/variations of phrasing, developing a read aloud text that hums along like a well-tuned engine. 

This will certainly have fans among boys, girls, families, farmers, and anyone who appreciates extraordinary talent in creating picture books. 

At that time I hoped that these two brothers would  create many more books of this calibre in the future. That reliable little truck feels like a symbol for the motor driving this author/illustration team. 

Norton Books for Young Readers, 2021

Within a remarkably short period of time, the Pumphrey brothers produced a companion title, THE OLD BOAT.  In this story the brothers reprise many of the irresistible elements from the first title, but with effective and enchanting twists. The trim size, subdued tones, and flat finishes lend an authentic vintage look. A stamp technique is again used, but in this case the stamps are created exclusively from plastics objects removed from water and coastal clean-ups. The brothers provide another fascinating video of how that was done, HERE.

The story is also multi-generational, with understated family love, joy, and a heritage of shared experiences over time. If you check out the creators' website links above (and I hope you will), you'll be smiling at the self-portraits suggested within the characters of this book. 

This, too, is a reclaiming story, one that moves beyond a single family to the community. The reflection of minimal, lyrical language from the first pages to the turn-of-fate pages take readers into the realm of responsibility for the damage done to the Earth by each and all of us. 

BOTH are excellent choices to read and share during EARTH WEEK and beyond. BOTH explore the ways heartfelt family experiences can grow responsible citizens and residents of this planet. And BOTH celebrate the danger of viewing our material world as disposable, and the VALUE of recovering and restoring our resources. 

Don't miss out on the books, the brothers, and the opportunities to make changes in your environmental arms-length outreach and also to raise a generation of NEW planetary residents. Let them see in you, in word, deed, and shared books,  the glory of responsible residence on Earth.

I read both books (multiple times) as library copies. If you read this post before April 24, you may want to register for a FREE webinar session that will feature brothers Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey in conversation with picture book creator-brothers Peter and Paul Reynolds. The link to register is HERE.

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