BEAR LOVES HIS HOME, written by Karen Jameson and illustrated by Ishaa Lobo, follows a bear cub as he “forages and roams” through the “warm amber fields,” “wandering hills,” and “fresh forest pines” of his beautiful “wilderness home.” The book shares plenty of facts about the young Bear’s diet and terrain, both in the main text through exquisite rhyming stanzas full of strong imagery, alliteration, and onomatopoeia, as well as in back matter which supports the text by digging a little deeper into the info introduced on each spread. The sweet digital art showing Bear frolicking, with mom watching protectively nearby, should draw kids in. Though the story ends with the promise of a new day, cuddle up!—Bear’s evening hunt and Jameson’s lilting verse work perfectly for bedtime.
In OUR LAKE, by Angie Kang, an older brother takes his younger sibling “to swim in the lake like Father used to.” As “the domed sky swaddles [them] in heat,” and “the water glistens below,” the older brother is caring and attentive, but, without Father, “the water looks far away.” However, Brother offers plenty of encouragement, and with the memory of Father stretching, soaring, and splashing into this same lake, the younger boy finds strength enough—and joy—to make the leap, soaring like an arrow “the way Father taught [him].” This is a poetically-written, deeply-felt narrative of love and healing, made stronger by evocative mixed media illustrations that channel the rich blues, greens, and yellows of summer.
In A BOOK OF MAPS FOR YOU, written by Lourdes Heuer and illustrated by Maxwell Eaton III, an unnamed narrator shares the book of maps they’ve made. A map of town, which points out details like the “fresh-squeezed juice and honey” smell of the orange groves near Blossom Lane. A map of Pip Street, which shows the old Halloween house on the corner and the house with the chicken coop called “Little Farm.” More maps follow, including school and library, a pirate map, a maze, and a map of “our house,” with a lovely surprise ending that’s all heart. Text is full of details and advice that feel practical, personal, yet full of whimsy, while the also-detailed pen, watercolor, and colored pencil illustrations convey all that is said and more.
In EVERY MONDAY MABEL, by Jashar Awan, Mabel wakes up early on this “best day of the week,” peeks out the window to make sure there’s still time, then races down the hallway with her chair. Past Mira’s room, past the kitchen (where she picks up a bowl of dry cereal), past her dad, and out the door where she does the “most boring,” “cutest,” or “funniest” thing—depending on which family member you ask. Mabel sits and waits and waits until RRRRRRRRRRRRR! HONK HONK! the best thing in the world arrives! The suspense in this book builds and builds, and when readers finally see what Mabel is waiting for, the payoff is worthwhile. Text is exciting and immediate, and digital art resembles cutouts with it’s flat, well-designed color blocks. Should be right up any kid’s alley!
MISTACO! A TALE OF TRAGEDY AND TORTILLAS, by Eliza Kinkz, is the—extremely—high energy story of Izzy, “the PRESIDENT of Mistakes! Whether its eating a bowl of queso while doing homework, singing while brushing her teeth, or “watching important videos about video games” instead of watching where she steps, Izzy’s mistakes make her feel like “chili con KA-KA.” Especially THE HUGE SCHOOL MISTAKE. Her large family may “Hooha Ha,” “Pffffft,” and snort with laughter, but they also know how to make Izzy feel better. Making tortillas with Lito allows her to work out her frustration, and then the whole family gets to eat “mistacos” by admitting their own mistakes. The scribbly-style art, made with pencil, ink, watercolor, gouache, crayon and muchas concha crumbs, is as high energy as the words. But there’s plenty of warmth here, too. And Spanglish. And a recipe for tacos.
In RABBIT’S FEAT, by Barney Saltzberg, every spring, when Cactus’s flowers are about to bloom, Rabbit hears how Boulder—who perches on a cliff above Cactus—wishes to see them up close. Now, Boulder insists “today will be the day.” Cactus “can’t wait!” Rabbit decides they can’t wait either, and while Boulder and Cactus seem content to talk about how much they dream of being near each other, Rabbit tries and tries to push Boulder over the ledge and next to Cactus. Before long, “with… a little… help… and a little kindness… BOOM!” Boulder and Cactus can enjoy being together at last. Mixed media digital illustrations use fun textures and sweet character design to bring this tale to life.
--Lynn
No comments:
Post a Comment