In MONSTER FRIENDS, by Kaeti Vandorn, timid monster Reggie is looking forward to a quiet summer. He’s housesitting for Aunt Agnes after too many wild adventures with his friend Clovis. But he keeps encountering new monsters, including and especially Emily, a lively, bunny-eared little beastie. She’s fun and kind, and determined to be his friend. Vandorn’s story is sweet, and her art sparkles with energy and a cheerful palette.
GARLIC & THE VAMPIRE, by Bree Paulsen, is a story about the very stressed out Garlic, her best friend Carrot, and all the other vegetables who were brought to life by kind witch Agnes. Even though Garlic always seems to mess up, the other veggies are certain she’s the only one who can confront the terrifying vampire who’s newly established himself in the castle nearby. Even though she’s certain she'll fail, Garlic gathers her courage and sets off, only to learn a lot about herself, her fellow vegetables, and their mysterious neighbor. The art for this story is terrific, and the deep, rich colors of her palette skew beautifully towards earthy greens and browns. Yes, Paulsen really has created a believable main character with a bulb of garlic for a head!
Picture Books:
OVER BEAR! UNDER WHERE? words by Julie Hedlund and pictures by Michael Slack, is a fun romp, with plenty of action and wordplay. Two friends, Over (a bird) and Under (a mole), are having fun see-sawing and swinging over and under each other at the park. They’re joined for a hot dog by a hot-dog dog. And then a bear (but no underwear)! The digital art is bright and bold. This punny, rather-more-sophisticated-than-it-would-seem book is a fun read-aloud and a great choice for beginning readers, as well.
In SWEATER WEATHER, written and illustrated by Matt Phelan, a papa bear tries to wrangle his cubs into their sweaters so they can play outside. “‘Sweaters on?’…THUMP WHUMP OOF!…Not yet.” It’s quite the production, and by the time everyone is dressed, night has fallen. Fortunately, there’s plenty of wonder and excitement, no matter the time of day. Sketchy, expressive pencil, ink, and watercolor art perfectly describes the charming chaos. Simply told and SO much fun!
In WINTER LULLABY, written by Dianne White, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki, as “autumn clouds sweep overhead,” it’s time for Small Bear and Mama Bear to go to bed. But as Small Bear asks why the other animals are still scurrying, romping, and stompingly awake, Mama Bear responds with soothing answers that slowly guide her little one to sleep. Gorgeous, lyrical, rhyming poetry will likely guide many human little ones to sleep, and Kautlitzki’s digital art should make the journey all the more delightful.
ON THE TRAPLINE, by David A Robertson, illustrated by Julie Flett, is the story of how one young boy and Moshom—his grandpa—visit the trapline Moshom hasn’t seen since he was young himself. “Traplines are where people hunt animals and live off the land,” Moshom says, explaining how he grew up, here “in the north.” This is a heartfelt, poetic picture book—one that’s quiet and powerful and deeply affecting—and it’s greatly enhanced by Julie Flett’s pastel on paper, digitally composed art, which shows the journey from both real and imagined perspectives.
--Lynn
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