THE RABBIT LISTENED: Could We?

Whatever joyful thoughts and inspirations this time of year calls to mind for you (Passover? Resurrection? Spring bulbs? Longer days of sunlight?) I'd imagine that rabbits play some role in those thoughts. New births abound, tiny nests of bunnies are uncovered when gardening, and pint-sized, transparent-eared little buns nibble at grass or dandelions. Right? 

Store shelves abound with chocolate rabbits while comic strips feature parents biting the ears off the chocolate bunnies in their kids' Easter baskets. [Side survey: when you receive a chocolate rabbit, do you bite the ears off first? Feel free to confess in the comments!]

What does all this have to do with picture books? Well, I found an Easter card picturing three chocolate bunnies on the cover, and the middle one with missing its ears. The inside text said that two out of three rabbits HEARD it would be a wonderful Easter. It's a funny card and I was pleased to find it. After I mailed it, though, my thoughts followed a "rabbit hole" about missing ears and not hearing and relying on habits rather than thinking or listening in the moment.

DIAL BOOKS, 2018

That led me back to a book that I featured some years ago about dealing with grief, THE RABBIT LISTENED, written and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld.  As the cover indicates, this is a story of comforting, with a focus on the power of listening. 

When the child's play-project collapses, they view it as a tragedy. Various efforts to "make it better" are offered by caring others. Adults will recognize themselves in the words of advice, familiar phrases that fail to recognize what is really needed. 

Examples are things we too often say to others in our lives; 

You can make another.

At least you've learned something.

You have other toys to play with.

or even the dreaded...

This is not such a big deal.

I didn't put quotes around the above lines because I paraphrased, writing the gist of what the text stated. Characters were reverting to past practice and patterns without pausing to see what was really needed.

Each seemed to have lost their "emotional ears", making assumptions or rushing in to reduce tension and pain. At times, though, quite often actually, what is most needed is simply someone to sit with us while we fully experiencel our pain. 

The rabbit does that. No words. No verbal reassurances. Simply being there, as near and as accepting as possible. As I wrote in a prior post, "...this little book offers a universe of wisdom. It opens with utterly appealing scenes, introducing a character, Taylor, about whom we instantly care."

"After failed attempts, Rabbit arrives. As the title says, Rabbit Listened, recognizing and absorbing Taylor's raw emotions. Rabbit's only role is to be present. To offer comfort without expectation or exit. Only then can Taylor (who could be a boy or a girl) try out various reactions, move through stages of grief, and work through the pain of loss until it is resolved. As comforting as this book may prove to be for young audiences, it should be considered an advanced course in human outreach for those of us with the "fixer" impulse."

Those missing rabbit ears on a seasonal card had me reflecting on the degree to which our larger society seems to operating on assumptions and default reactions. Not only in politics, but in technology-anxiety, environmental concerns, and more. So often I hear familiar phrases and reactions in conversation from entirely different people in a wide array of ages and settings. All seem calm and caring, but that edge of repetition concerns me. Many times such talk elicits some nods or "hmm" and the topic shifts. Perhaps we'd all do better in many circumstances to reflect back before offering even "safe" reactions or thoughts. 

For myself, I'm hoping to reflect back and listen more. "Tell me more about what you think" or "Tell us why you say that" or ??? What I want is to make myself THINK, and LISTEN, and be open to how others feel. I'm more convinced than ever that some of the most deeply-held opinions are actually a reflection of deeply felt tensions or worries or fears. Perhaps if I allow others to share some of that, I could simply listen. Perhaps it might ease their sense of isolation or fear of being attacked. I don't have to agree or disagree, just let them feel heard. 

At least I can try. And I plan to do so.

That is my plan for a new beginning to this season of growth and renewal.

May your own seasons be filled with listening.

Celebrate SPRING: Take a HIKE!

 Whether you live in a climate that has four seasons, or find yourselves living where warm weather is 24/7/365, I hope that the calendar shift in seasons, from winter to spring, lifts your spirits the way it does for us Midwest folks. Whatever local signals you notice (around here it is daffodil and other bulb blooms, as well as flowering trees and shrubs) our twelve month trip around the sun is bringing us into a friendlier angle in relation to the length of daylight, developing  potential for "basking" on this glorious planet of ours. (Southern hemisphere residents, you have my sympathy that your seasonal change is leading up to your local winter patterns, but you can gloat in about six months as I'm well aware of what is coming for us in half a year.)

Two picture books are especially suited to seasonal change, no matter where you live, celebrating the revelations of the great outdoors. One is a picture book featuring three sisters (wiith diverse ethnicities and ages, plus their dog) who are obviously experienced with outdoor navigating, and who model excellent habits and opportunities when kids are out and about, exploring. The other is a board book, one title in a series featuring little Leo and his very engaged family. In this title, Leo's hiking partner is Dad. In this board book, one of nine, so far, they are spending the day on a hike. Two other titles star Leo's sister Lola! 

Both titles shared here are layered with added content, including labels for things observed, strong relationships and respect for nature, and day-long hikes that wear the characters out but leave them with superb shared experiences and opportunities for learning.

CHARLESBRIDGE, 2023

I'll start with this "LEO CAN" title, LEO ON A HIKE, written by Anna McQuinn and illustrated by Ruth Hearson. Both creators are established (and prolific) in producing board books, which means their talents shine through in this title. If you check it out and enjoy it as much as I did, click each of the names above to find many other delightful board books examples. Sharing such sturdy, colorful, well-written and illustrated board books with the youngest audiences is a sure way to sow the seeds for a lifetime love of books. 

In this case, the text uses naturally-phrased statements about their adventurous day, with visual elements that invite many conversational returns to the pages to name and chat about various objects and details. I particularly appreciated the use of words that make perfect sense in context but are not the "easiest" synonym/word choice that might have been used. That allows attentive young listeners to develop and ear for and recognize words and their uses within an age-perfect adventure, words like gaze instead of see, and notice instead of look for that more predictable see. As it continues, other choices offer spots, finds, and discovers. Some board books are intended as naming or concept books, intentionally re-using the same simple words, but this is an example of true storytelling in which the text and images are ideally suited to the target audience but also model the vocabulary patterns that will be used in more complex picture books. I really encourage use of this board book for turning kids this age into active explorers who can tap into their natural curiosity and attention to the world around them.

CHRONICLE BOOKS, 2019

An ideal example of such a picture book is THE HIKE, written and illustrated by Alison Farrell. This is described as a "Nature Book for Kids, Outdoors-Themed Picture Book for Preschoolers and Kindergarteners". As with the best of picture books, fiction or fact, the range of character ages and the independence (and responsible choices) of the multi-aged characters invite audiences of many ages, including much older ones. From endpapers through the opening, on to challenging events and a most satisfying conclusion, these are highly competent girls with a solid foundation for a day-long hiking trip without adult company. Throughout the succinct and effective text, the pages are rich with labeled flora and fauna, allowing extended learning through repeated readings. That effective but simple text is delivered in narrative lines as well as through speech bubbles, field notes, landscape labels, maps, and more.

This is much more than a simple romp through wildlife territory. The sisters do not set out until they are well prepared and provide hints at their ultimate plan, leading to a fully satisfying conclusion. There is some helpful back matter that reveals double-spread hand-penciled field notes by sister Wren, which includes not just terms used to label natural elements within the main story but also expands descriptors and details to make the 'field notes" pages both examples for readers to attempt and information for those who might not venture out on their own.

(My only concern: I wish Farrell had made another word choice in this sentence:

 "In the beginning, we run like maniacs."

This choice reflects a lack of awareness that references to doing things with abandon can be described in neutral ways rather than this implication, that those with mental/emotional challenges  are out of control. I don't mention this to diminish the value of this terrific story, but rather to raise awareness of how easily some unintended harm can be done to others by careless ableist language. What has become familiar figurative language requires writers (and editors)to invest  some moments of reflection on potential harm.)

Experiences in nature are seldom singular, rather they are formed through habit or regular returns to familiar locations. These practices and beloved locations may become outdoor schools for excited young hikers and also invite further study and investigation. They can also, as portrayed in both of the examples above, generate a setting and connection for bonding emotionally with important people in our lives. If you missed it, PLEASE read about one of the most outstanding picture books of 2023 (and of the decade, at a minimum), A WALK IN THE WOODS, reviewed here. 

Then get yourselves and those who matter to you out of the house and into the outdoors, whatever season might be turning a corner where you live. 

Happy First Day of SPRING, 2021: Some Gardening Books to Love!

I'll return to feature a portion of the 2021 Notable Trade Books for Young People by NCSS list that's geared to older readers. Soon, I promise. If you haven't a clue what I'm referring to, check out an earlier post that launched this series, HERE.

Before that next summary-and-link post happens, I'm plowing through the stacks of titles from those lists that came through on my library hold list. There are few things in life that i enjoy ore than discovering well-curated lists of recommended books, finding among those titles many favorites, but also finding new-to-me titles!

 With Spring sprouting on our calendars and outdoors, these three recent picture books snagged my attention for this post. All three are on the NOTABLE TRADE BOOK list from NCSS.

Charlesbridge, 2020

A natural place to begin is with ONE LITTLE LOT: The 1-2-3 of an Urban Garden, written by Diane C. Mullen and illustrated by Oriol Vidal. Before text begins, readers are faced with a full page spread of a miserable, trashy lot, fronted with a rusted fence and smushed against the wall of a high rise that's covered with fading graffiti. The title page introduces a curious bee, leading to a page-turn, bees'-eye-view of that lot. The count-up to success begins with the count of "One little lot"- with nothing to offer those bees, or the busy, diverse folks who pass it by. "Two helping hands" launch the changes that invite others to transform, to dream, to develop, to celebrate the potential of this space.

By the count of ten, readers have witnessed the necessary steps to achieve that success, to grow a community, provide fresh local  nutrition, and to create a hub of urban life. Back matter informs us that the author's little 10X10 plot in Minnesota was the inspiration, but the lessons can apply anywhere. Two other short passages explore the necessity of bees, and ways to attract bees into urban gardens.

Paula Wiseman Books, S&S BYR, 2020

Travel now from Minnesota to Harlem for another look at urban gardens. HARLEM GROWN: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood is written by Tony Hillery and illustrated by Jessie Hartland. The similarities are many, including the contemporary, diverse folks who invested their curiosity, energy, faith, and persistence to transform an urban wasteland into gardens of promise- promise of health, exercise, nutrition, and community. Both narratives use simple direct languege and realistic steps to follow. In this case, though, author Tony HIllery is sharing an actual retelling of the original  HARLEM GROWN GARDEN, across from PS 175. The public school across the street from that miserable "haunted" lot provided the inspiration for volunteer Tony to "plot" big changes. Together, Tony and the four hundred students at PS 175 made that bedraggled lot into their own farm, then invited the neighbors to share their adventure. This first successful project led to an organization of twelve Harlem gardens, sustained by their communities but supported by full time staff. Author Tony includes back matter that shares more details of the origin story, honors some of those who helped it happen, and provides simple but helpful steps to follow for those who have the heart and hands to try their own urban garden magic. 

 

Katherine Tegen Books, 2020

The last of these nonfiction features is THE SECRET GARDEN of GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER, written by Gene Barretta and illustrated by Frank Morrison. In this case, the intense, lush illustrations contrast with the lively simplicity of the first title and the bouncing comical energy of the second. Here, from front to back cover and through every page turn, the illustrations enfold readers, wrap us in the sounds and scents and secrets of a hidden green space. The focus remains fixed on an individual who is called to discover nature's secrets as surely as he was called to the heart nurture and learn from his verdant hidden spaces.

I’ve read a dozen or more books about Carver, but this lush and enlightening approach makes it the most appealing and kid-friendly of all. The post Civil War era, the limitations on a black child, and the familiar drive of any child to pursue beloved interests will win the hearts of kids while the illustrations invite their eyes to linger and explore every page.
No matter how many Carver titles you’ve read before, read this one.

These three nonfiction picture books will certainly entertain, inform, and intrigue you. My guess is that they will also get your green thumbs itching to start growing things, even if that is simply a seed in a cup on your kitchen counter. It's the first day of spring- have at it!

WINTER IS HERE According to Kevin Henkes, and Mother Nature

I'm writing here in Wisconsin, where author/illustrator Kevin Henkes lives, where describing winter is a very subjective endeavor. Those in areas near the Upper Peninsula of Michigan or living on the shores of Lake Superior experience winter very differently from those near Lake Michigan's southern shores, or in the heartland of the state, or along the Mississippi. Packers fans are all too aware of how widely winter ranges during games in Green Bay. 

Greenwillow, 2018

This recent picture book, WINTER IS HERE, is written by Kevin Henkes and illustrated by Laura Dronzek. This third title in a series by this talented pair follows WHEN SPRING COMES and IN THE MIDDLE OF FALL. 

The latest of these titles includes return appearances by familiar characters and settings, and features the spare and poetic (not rhyming) text that invites read-aloud and repeated readings.  The arc of winter begins with flakes and mittens on the opening endpapers, concluding with springy blossoms and butterflies on the final endpapers. The process of getting there is not at all abrupt or threatening, and includes mundane scenes (ZIPPERS!) and sensory images and descriptions.




I resist naming favorites among books, texts, or even lines, but in this case I do have a favorite double page spread. Influenced perhaps by the recent Super Blood Wolf Moon eclipse (January 19-20),  I appreciated the contrast between the bleaching effect of snow during the day and the saturated coloring effects of night lighting, making the familiar utterly fascinating. 

Winter Is Here, Greenwillow, 2018

Don't miss this lovely book, or it's related titles. All are available as board books, too, and a set of the books in either form would make a fabulous gift-- one that will be thoroughly enjoyed in the present, and saved to share with future generations. I believe that will be true regardless of where you live in Wisconsin, or any other part of the country.

As  I write the conclusion of this post the snow is falling, layering on a prior six inches and predicted to continue for another 24 hours. Whether you are living with four seasons in the northern hemisphere as we are, or enjoying a life in the tropics with year-long simmering sunshine, I assure you that young readers will enjoy snuggling on a lap and hearing these books  read to them, again and again.

Finally SPRING! Time for Robins and Nests

I've been bemoaning our wintery weather throughout April, including in this recent post. So  this post is a combined celebration of sunshine, sixty-degree days, and two fantastic picture books about birds. 

Clarion Books, 2017

Resilient robins made their way north right on schedule, only to struggle-stagger under the prolonged snow, ice, wind, and winter. I almost felt guilty at my gratitude for their arrival, at my spirits rising when they trilled their morning songs. 
I've had to renew my library copy of ROBINS! How They Grow Up by Eileen Christelow because it felt unfair to write or share a post about them until the weather matched the calendar. Now that the sun is streaming through my open window and birdsong signals nesting season is well underway, I'm eager to recommend these amazing books, beginning with this full disclaimer: I'm a bird-lover, bird-caregiver, and robin-fan.
This oversized, richly illustrated picture book offers readers entertainment while providing excellent scientific information. Charming revelations of the hidden life of robins come across through the appealing first-person dialogue between a pair of juvenile robins, nest-mates who directly address readers from the corners of each spread. The life cycle of robins in general is explored through their specific family story, allowing readers to empathize with and admire the complexity of robins' survival and the adaptability of a species. 
As author and illustrator of this winning offering, Christelow has captured specific anatomical, developmental, habitat, and behavioral traits that I observed many times while working as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator some years ago. Her intense research and observation are evident in her depiction of the energetic nestlings, fledglings, and juveniles as well as pair and flock patterns and predatory threats. Even the onomatopoetic sounds are accurate. I urge you to get this book, explore (and enjoy) it thoroughly, including the accessible back matter, then head out into our overdue spring and see what I mean. Christelow nailed it, and I couldn't be more grateful to her for doing so.

Beach Lane Books, 2014

Experiencing this book will invite further reading of bird books. Before rushing to a field guide, though, check out MAMA BUILT A LITTLE NEST, written by Jennifer Ward and Illustrated by Steve Jenkins. This appealing picture book combines rhyming verses, parallel informative text, and "awww"-inspiring illustrations that convey specific details and reveal a broader concept about the what, how, and why of nests. Steve Jenkins has perfected the ability to illustrate nature/animals with scientific accuracy while capturing the remarkable individuality of a single creature. There are many ways in which this book serves as mentor text: conveying factual content in verse;  extending information in concise text; organizing of the overall content in relation to each component; and drawing satisfying conclusions within nonfiction text. 
As the school year winds down, books like these can be the salvation on a long, over-warm school day.
Head to a library or bookstore for these two picture books, share them with your kids at home or in classrooms, then move your new-found knowledge and interest outdoors for field observations, notes, and writing. 

A Celebration of Spring: Sharing Powerful Posts

Due to rigorous revison commitments with deadlines, I must either neglect this blog for a few weeks, offer slap-dash efforts, or encourage readers to check out some of my archived spring/baseball/warm weather posts. 
None of these options is adequate, so I will, instead, direct you to several recent posts offering wonderful suggestions from bloggers whose posts I do take time to read, even when time is a precious commodity. I hope you'll take the time to read them and explore the remarkable books they recommend.

Start here with suggestions from Leslie Colin Tribble on a group blog, aptly named GROGGORG, on Friday, March 18. If the four picture books featured here don't enhance your SPRING mood, you're hopeless.  It's Spring! Let's Get Outside!

Many years ago I attended a picture book workshop offered by the inimitable and prolific JILL ESBAUM. In the midst of her very busy life she manages to regularly contribute to another group blog about all things picture book, PICTURE BOOK BUILDERS. Her March 1 post (here) introduces her TEENY TINY TOADY along with an interview with her illustrator on this project, Keika Yamaguchi.

Next up is a New York Times piece by none other than Paul O. Zelinsky. His reviews always offer insights. When he selects titles to recommend and praise, no deadlines or distractions delay my heads-up attention. His March 11 review, 'THE NIGHT GARDENER', "TOKYO DIGS A GARDEN', and 'STORIES FROM BUG GARDEN' is no exception. 

I'll end with that, confident that I'm doing my own small part to celebrate spring, nature, and picture book writing and illustrating by linking to these reviews. Do yourself a favor and check them out. If you've read others to recommend, pop into comments and share them with us, please. 

Meanwhile, my shopping and library hold lists have grown, and I'll return to revisions on other work with a jolt of renewed energy of the season. 

Thank you to JILL ESBAUM, LESLIE COLIN TRIBBLE, and PAUL O. ZELINSKY for your wise words and wonderful recommendations.

Previews of Spring: Monarchs, Walking Sticks, and Bugs!

As I sit down to write this post a snowstorm is swirling outside my window. 

Well, it's not quite this bad, but it has been coming down nonstop since the middle of the night and shows no signs of stopping despite the weather forecasts of only a "few inches".

As a longtime Wisconsin resident it's really no surprise to have March roar in like a lion. This winter has actually been milder than the last several, and I'm both aware of and grateful for that blessing. My dismay has to do with two recent weekends that each provided fifty-degree days with loads of sunshine. At least that provided some relief from the cabin fever of other, more relentless, winters. With the calendar page turning to March, I also take comfort in knowing that the official start of spring is just 21 days away, regardless of what my eyes tell me.

Here are three titles to tide us over until the weather cooperates. 

Sleeping Bear Press, 2016

First up, take a look at this lushly-illustrated new picture book written by Wisconsin author Linda Vander Heyden and illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen. (Learn more about Linda in this great profile  from ON THE SCENE 2016 blog.) MR. McGINTY'S MONARCHS is one of those rare picture books based on an adult character, Mr. McGinty, and his lovable (but massive) dog, Sophie. 
This is my review on Goodreads:

"It goes without saying that Monarch butterflies are one of the most familiar and beloved insects in the western hemisphere. Grandpa-like Mr. McGinty is  one of their strongest and most dedicated fans. His devotion is fully supported by his almost-larger-than-life dog, Sophie. After a stand of milkweed habitat is cut down, it's up to that determined pair to find a way to rescue the unhatched monarch eggs on their damaged plants.

Author Vander Heyden succeeded in the most difficult of tasks for picture book writers- creating an "old guy" to carry the story on his shoulders while kids play a very minor role. She also blends action with nonfiction, richly enhanced by the illustrator's detail and colorfully appealing spreads, including the endpapers.

Add this one to your TBR pile and share it with kids, soon!"

Sleeping Bear Press, 2016

GOOD TRICK, WALKING STICK, written by Sheri Mabry Bestow and illustrated by Johnny Lambert, is another 2016 release.  It spotlights a different insect that seems to be universally adored. This nonfiction book about well-camouflaged walking sticks combines a seasonal-cycle narrrative with informative passages to expand the science. Smaller-print paragraphs on many pages provide accessibly-detailed  content (including specific vocabulary) to make it a resource for research. it also supports parents and other readers in answering the many questions kids can (and do) ask. Kirkus Review praises both the lyrical language and the inclusion of accurate science information in this review.
Sleeping Bear Press has produced two winning titles to welcome spring. In my opinion they are both destined to become longterm favorites.

Grosset-Dunlap (PenguinRandom House, 2016

Not to be outdone, Grosset-Dunlap (PenguinRandomHouse-Young Readers) has released THE BUG BOOK, written by flawless-rhymer Sue Fliess. I reviewed a trio of her titles in 2013, well in advance of the gender-neutral wave of titles hitting the market since then. They continue to appeal and to offer stereotype-free encouragements to young readers. (CLICK HERE to read about them.)
Her low-word-count text bounces with energy, humor, precision, and appeal while framing photographic images that will make you want to touch the little critters (well, at least some of them). Here's just one example of toe-pleasing rhythm, pitch-perfect rhyme, and sensory engagement:

Itch bugs, 

Head bugs, 

Uh-oh, bedbugs!

Shy bugs, 

bold bugs,

Catch-and-hold bugs!

Several hours have passed since I sat down to prepare this post. The snow stopped. (Hooray!) The wind, however, increased. If anyone else is dragging themselves through the waning (or howling) days of winter, I highly recommend these three titles to transport your thoughts to warmer climes and times. 

Meanwhile, to any little buggies out in the blustery cold, here's some advice from the last pages of THE BUG BOOK:

Bugs in beds of soil deep, 

Dreamy bugs fall fast asleep. 

Reader Anna shared a link in the comments below. Check out this encouraging news about the survival of MONARCHS!