THE SWEATER: A Story of Community

Some of the books i feature here are astonishing in their depth or scope, in the magnificence (I'm not exaggerating) of their text or illustrations. Many titles in many ways reveal less that is "new" but much that is conveyed in moving and original ways. 

VIKING PRESS, 2026

Then there are some picture books that simply strike chords of familiar, important, heart-touching elements in ways that deserve attention. Books that will become huggable favorites. Books that will be saved to read again and again, and then on into adulthood to a next generation. The SWEATER: A Story of Community strikes me as that kind of book. Written by Larissa Theule and illustrated by Teagan White, there is actually very little that seems extraordinary in this reader-friendly book. 

The author's narrative is direct and simple, but carries the weight of understanding:

"... a little bird stumbled into the thicket. It was plain to see he'd been though some things."

The storytelling allows readers to sense concern, potentially even risk, without feeling undo threat to worry. The little bird's discovery of a vacant hole in a tree could easily be the wrap to his part of the story. But empathy and awareness of the coming winter and the challenges to even healthy lives in the face of Mother Nature  leads the central character, Holly the raccoon, to express concern for the little bird to the others in the woods. Yes, you can guess that decisions are made, domino effects unfold, scraps of offerings are knit into whole resources. That, my friends, is a metaphor for community. The glory of this simple account is in both its familiarity and in the freshness of word and images. 

Click on illustrator White (above) to see that more sophisticated version of any of these illustrations were well within her talents. But from the simple line drawings on end papers to the colorful, warm-toned interiors, each character appears both anthropomorphized and also natural. The challenges faced are concerning without being terrifying, helping readers invest in the safety of all, not just the small bird. Even when it is "hunkering down"  time in the midst of a storm, the text and images offer reassurance of safety while suggesting connection, even while isolated for a time. Some aspect of those spreads reminded me of our lives during covid lock-down. No  matter how separate we were, there was a nearly universal striving to find ways to express our connections to others.

This book will appeal to most (I'd like to say ALL, but not everyone might find it as utterly memorable and treasured as I do). But I hope you'll give it a look to see for yourselves. There is sincerity and charm without being cloying or cutesy. The two-dimensional, stylized critters reside in a detailed space that is also somewhat flat, yet remains natural and somewhat magical. It's that "story time" tone that made me lift the relationships and characters from their specifics to think of them as any and all communities 

I am a fan of any picture book that is able to take what we all know to be an important (and therefore familiar) concept and make it fresh and memorable. I praised the efforts of Marsha Diane Arnold's ONE SMALL THING, HERE. If you missed it originally, I invite you to click and read about it as well. These two "animal character" stories display combined support, representing the power for even small efforts to unite and strengthen every member of the community. They would make remarkable side-by side readings. Those are reflections and discussions I'd welcome as often as possible, especially among young audiences.

Another Remarkable Creative Team: The Steads!

My recent post featured a new picture book created by a talented pair whose collaboration produced an exciting and distinctive retelling of THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF, HERE.  

"The Steads"  have together produced Caldecott-winner A SICK DAY FOR AMOS McGEE, along with many other titles that tap into gentle but moving relationships and characters. Click HERE to see some of their covers and anticipate an "AHA" recognition of favorites of your own.

NEAL PORTER BOOKS, 2022

THE SUN IS LATE AND SO IS THE FARMER is written by Philip Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead. This recent work offers some parallels to that earlier work with a feel that it may have found some roots in classic tales, too, but is entirely original. The animals are on a farm, not at the zoo, and the missing human, a central figure in both, is a farmer, not a zookeeper. 

In this case the animals note the absence of the sun, only then realizing that the farmer is also late, and their food has not been prepared for the day ahead. The three central figures are ideally partnered, a sort of animal Magi, watching the predawn sky for a sign of the new day. The mule, the milk cow, and the miniature horse are boon companions, kindred spirits. They share their worries, discuss possible next steps, sharing their progress through an effort to take action, to help in some way. Barn owl is consulted, since everyone knows how wise owls are. 

Owl's advice is seemingly simple, as is this entire story: subtle, reasonable, with some concerns but nothing terrifying. The pace, repetition, naturally expressive features and postures the farm animals all take readers on a steady, companionable adventure through the field of sheep, across the broken fence, into an acre of tall corn, past the farmhouse (with no lights on), to "the edge of the world". 

That's not to say there are no surprises, and the story allows time for readers to examine elements of each dimly-lit scene, each aptly chosen word, and experience each building emotion and final, satisfying resolution. The animals are not "named", just as is true for most farm animals. That in no way implies that they lack personality or character. Rather, they are each and together unforgettable. The same is true of this lovely picture book.

 I heard about this book when it released a few months ago, and I've looked forward to reading it closely. Now that I've had it in mom hands, I've returned to it, time after time. Each time I notice elements of the text and the images that add depth and sensitivity to a moving and gratifying story while providing those "things" we love in books for younger audiences: expanding vocabulary, awareness of social and emotional connections, gentle humor, all while treading the tender line between realism and fantasy. Read this and share it, soon.

I DON'T CARE... DO YOU?

On this national holiday commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. and his immeasurable contribution to a better country and world, I'll feature a new picture book that embodies everything important about his messages for young audiences. 

Neal Porter Books, 2022
Holiday House Imprint

I DON'T CARE is written by multi-award-winning Julie Fogliano, and illustrated by a pair of award-winning illustrators Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal. 

Among the best of all interviewers is Scott Simon of NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday. In December, Simon hosted both illustrators, Molly and Juana, for an interview that knocked me flat. I was entertained, informed, uplifted, and... disappointed.

 WHAT?!?!?  Disappointed? Here's why. I had been offered a chance to submit interview questions for all three creators, but after hearing their conversation I realized that nothing I could offer would be more engaging and powerful than that session together with Scott Simon. Whether you read anything else here or not, (and I hope you will), do yourself a favor and listen to this remarkable interview, HERE.

Foregoing an interview allows me space to dig even more deeply into the work itself, trusting you to read/listen to the discussion linked above. It will reveal back story and details about the choices for color, style, even paper! All of these make the experience of the book itself all the more powerful. Don't let my gushing endorsement of their illustration work and of the interview content suggest I'm overlooking the brilliance of the text itself. That can't happen.

Julie Fogliano has produced some of my all time favorite picture books, including THESE. The common trait among them is the author's gift for using the "just right" words in the "just right" order to focus readers on the heart of each particular story. She often writes in rhyme, but that approach never overwhelms or even leads the way for readers. She allows the unfolding text to reveal the heart of what is happening, what is at stake, and what is resolved. Those qualities are most often "quiet" in her works, and "quiet" books are reportedly not easily sold in today's market. 

Ha!

As with rhyming, another approach writers are  frequently cautioned to avoid, the secret to success is to do it well, even perfectly. Julie does just that. Her books often, and especially this one, provide ideal mentor text for anyone attempting to write for children. 

In this case, her full text is voiced by what she had envisioned as a single child, addressed to a "you". That "you" would seemingly be another child who the speaker is evidently rebuffing, assuming the "other" likely thinks negative things about the speaker. About their hair, boots, clothes, drawing, what they have or where they live or what they eat. The speaker's guard is up from the first moment the other, the "you", appears

 The speaker's words imply suspicion, defensiveness, and (likely) a bias toward others who in any way seem different. The text continues to allow the "I" voice to see and consider a possible connection to the other, one that might actually be an opportunity for company, for play, for... friendship. 

This development allows for caring: about what matters most, and about the other as much as about themselves. The lines and language, gently rhymed and paced, provide time for growth, inner reflections, and the possibility for change. The childlike pattern used (and the use of lower case /i/ for the pronoun stating the characters feelings) remind readers of any age that  such a suspicious, tentative approach to new encounters, to change, to expectations that remain unpredictable, are common negative reactions at any age, to one degree or another. If the illustrations had developed with this single perspective, I have no doubt that I'd still love and praise this new offering. 

But, as the interview linked above reveals, handing text to an illustrator allows for an entirely expanded interpretation, and that was the impact on Molly Idle when she was asked to illustrate. The text spoke to her entirely as an interactive dialogue between TWO characters, alternating that /i/ voice and those cautious feelings, allowing both to gradually recognize themselves as being safe in the other's company and, in fact, very much caring about the newly developing friendship. 

This delightful, gentle, powerful exploration of inner and interactive emotions is a perfect reflection of the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s lifetime efforts. Neither character tried to reshape the other, but each is able to overcome cautious defensiveness and give the other a chance. 

This is no quick transition; no abracadabra moment occurs. But sustained "tolerance", close observation, and human curiosity serve as magnets to explore further. What this seemingly simple picture book captures is a human being moving through initial discomfort, sitting with those feelings long enough to explore and overcome them. None of that would happen if the initial response was to shut down and go away, or to find like-minded folks and reconfirm that anything other than the familiar presented danger.

Interior spread, I DON'T CARE, 2022

That gave the two a chance... for what? To be who they are, and to accept the other fully, finding safety and respect in the process. And, in this case, making new friends. Transformation of our historically silo-evolved society comes one encounter at a time. This new book not only provides mentor-text and mentor-illustration for creators, it is a mentor offering for life, for all ages. 

Don't miss it. then share it and actively practice. Seek out opportunities to spend time outside your usual circles, habits, locations. Be patient and fair. Change CAN come, given a chance.

Ask Yourself: What Does It Mean to BE STRONG?

Roaring Book Press, August, 2021

That's the question author Pat Zietlow Miller asked herself in writing this companion book to her NYTimes Best Selling picture book, BE KIND. In this recent related release, BE STRONG, Miller's text is again paired with gifted illustrator Jen HIll.  

Schoolmates from the original picture book return, this time featuring the voice, family, insights, and growth of Tanisha. As first person narrator, Tanisha begins with the traditional sense that strength equals muscle power. By that standard, she is NOT strong-- at least not strong enough to climb the climbing wall, or even carry her own backpack at times. 

She does have what I consider the greatest strength of all, and that is to ask questions. She adds "smarts" to her strength by going to her most trusted source, her family. 

In short but intriguingly detailed scenes, she learns from her father that being strong can mean SHOWING UP, from her mother, that strength means SPEAKING UP, and from her Grandma Zee that being strong means NEVER GIVING UP. 

I particularly appreciate the way Hill's illustrations enhance those principles, and are dense with small interactions that could each be a story of their own, yet don't distract from the main narrative. The personality of each and every character, complete with daily clothing changes (not always shown in illustrations), distinctive styles, and varied interests and needs shine through on every page, for every age. Each and every one feels as if they are fully formed individuals with stories to tell, stories I'd want to read. To tell the truth, though, the one I'd love to hear from next is Grandma Zee!

I also admire the way Miller cycles back through those three family interactions to peel back the layers and expand the truths of each bit of advice about real strength, allowing Tanisha to apply their examples to her own life.  A major bonus is when she realizes something more on her own- that it takes strength to be willing to reach out and ACCEPT help, not just offer it. There is also an implied message that being STRONG means not worrying so much about comparing ourselves to others, or what they might think about us or our choices or attributes. All this and more, without a "teacher-y" or hint of didactic tone. That perfect balance is what makes BE KIND a favorite among teachers and librarians and families, as will certainly be true for this new title.

As someone who writes picture book text, and has been working on learning and improving that craft for decades, I'll recommend that you spend some time enjoying this video interview featuring Miller and her editor for this pair of titles, Connie Hsu. 

If you aren't interested in the process behind picture book development and publication, just skip this link.  https://www.crowdcast.io/e/bestron

If you ARE interested, be aware before viewing that the process they describe is rare on two major counts. It offers a very special, seldom seen, insider look at the magic of collaboration in making the best of the best picture books. Also, the course of this creation is about the farthest thing from typical that you'll find: A best selling picture book? An editor reaching out directly with a request to write a manuscript involving a preselected basic concept (*Be KIND)? Working with the same (dream) team to produce a companion book on a different abstract concept? The percentage of picture books created in this way is vanishingly small.

Even so, the conversational exchange between this talented author and collaborative editor is inspiring and exciting to view. Pat is, like Tanisha, someone willing to ask for and accept help, who shows up, speaks up, and never EVER gives up, resulting in  a book that belongs in every classroom, library, and home.

The best way to check out if you agree with my opinion is to get it into your own hands to appreciate it fully. 

If you decide to order, Pat is willing to sign copies if you order from either of these bookstores in her area:  MYSTERY TO ME   and       A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN. Both bookstores stock many of Pat's other books, too, which makes personalized books great options for gift shopping!

Two Sides To Every Story... in Two AMAZING Picture Books, and ONE MORE.

 I'm a fan of poetry-- reading it, writing it, and enjoying the many forms available to talented poets. In a picture book reviewed HERE, two years ago, I celebrated the remarkable teamwork of a pair of poets and an illustrator, Kate and Jol Temple and Terri Rose Baynton. This book, ROOM ON OUR ROCK, is written in a lesser-used poetic form, the REVERSO. Stated simply (and appearing to be much simpler than it actually is!), a reverso poem reads in two parts, with the first half appearing to be the end, but with an expectation to continue reading it from that "ending" backwards, concluding with the first line of the poem. Only in this way will readers fully grasp the layers and levels of meaning. 

Kane Miller Publishing, 2021

Now, two years after their original success with that REVERSO picture book, this creative team returns with a companion  book in similar form and art style, MOVE THAT MOUNTAIN.

With the identical tagline, THERE ARE TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY, the simple text appears to confirm the visual and common sense reality that even the most caring and committed puffins will not be able to rescue a beached whale...except. The REVERSO form is triggered on the final page with the line "Read it again from the back to the start." 

Clinging to the hope that directive provides, readers can proceed from a melancholy ending to a marvelous celebration of the powerful impact of cooperation and persistence. As with the original ROOM ON THE ROCK, what we expect, what we believe, and what we are willing to work for can reshape the reality in which we live- together. 

Both picture books in this pair have that quality I so appreciate and celebrate-- something to offer any and every age. Even the youngest will engage with the expressive animals, especially the colorful and caring puffins, with their empathic and remarkable eyes and energy, as well as that magnificent whale with its surprising grace and grateful, pleading eyes. Older readers will respond enthusiastically to the challenge of constructing a REVERSO text, while appreciating the impact and subtlety of flipping line orders and expectations. 

Dial Books for Young Readers, 2021

Another new picture book offers a slightly different take on a TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY tagline. TURTLE IN A TREE is written and illustrated by Neesha Hudson. In this case, the story involves contrasting views of reality, as voiced by disagreeing, slightly disagreeable dogs. One sweater-wearing wagger insists that there is a turtle in the tree, while a necktie-wearing voice of reason insists it must, instead, be a squirrel. Their reasoned, reasonable discussion escalates to a shouting match, shaking the truth from the tree, not once, but twice. 

I can't describe the joy I felt when first one dog then the other admitted their presumed mistakes, accepting each others' acknowledgements graciously. Then their shared amazement and the recognition that they had experienced things differently offers each a wider world view. 

From cover to cover, the simple text, font choices, illustrations with expressive features and body postures all invite connection and identification by readers of any age. In contrast to the REVERSO "bounce back" endings above, this delightful ending, a page turn past the final copyright page, suggests that conflicting observations and arguments like these are far from over. Throughout, grins and giggles are spontaneous and immediate. 

This, too, will win fans in little lap-sitters, but also extends invitations to older readers to discuss and debate the ways in which argument, observation, evidence, and even common sense can foreclose our willingness to honestly investigate the truth. These appeallng little characters demonstrate the damaging impact of rejecting whatever is outside our own experiences. 

Some schools are already back in session, while others will resume soon. Kids may be returning to school from an extended period of semi-isolation and being surrounded by singular, strongly-held points of view within their families and social circles. Issues related to vaccines and masks have been treated as absolutes with accusations and arguments. Could there be a better time to share  picture books as we  appreciate and discuss and explore the many ways in which things are not always cut-and-dried, black-and-white, turtle-or-squirrel?