Shelf Awareness--Imogene Comes Back!

PB Review: Imogene Comes Back!

Imogene Comes Back! by David Small (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 40p., ages 3-7, 9780593123744, September 15, 2020)

Thirty-five years after readers were first introduced to Imogene in the beloved picture book classic Imogene's Antlers, she's back! (Because apparently it wasn't enough for the titular young lady to grow antlers and a peacock's tail.) In this hilarious follow-up, Imogene further stupefies her family and gives her stuffy mother even morereasons to faint.

When Imogene wakes up, "wondering what the day would bring," it is quickly apparent that the "parade of peculiarities" established in the first book will continue. Despite her proper, old-fashioned family's disapproval of her giraffe's neck, Imogene cheerfully puts the additional height to good use by finding Norman's football (at the top of a tall cabinet) and rescuing a neighbor's kitten (stuck in a tree). As if that weren't enough, a new day brings yet another surprise. Imogene, now sporting the head of an elephant, helps out by employing her trunk to water "the lilies... the lavender.../ the lilacs... and the lady next door." But, finally, when a diminutive Imogene flies through the house on butterfly wings, it's all too much. In a fit of pique, Mother bellows, "Enough is ENOUGH!!!" and promptly faints. The next day, a nervous family waits for Imogene to come down for breakfast. When she steps into the dining room with her own nose and face, in fact, as her own "self, once more," everyone rejoices. "Especially Mother. Until... suddenly--"

The surprise ending of this picture-perfect sequel should leave readers howling with laughter. Working in pen, ink and watercolor, Small (Stitches; One Cool Friend) envisions a lively world, one he casts with characters full of emotion. The household's exaggerated responses to the silliness of their situation are deftly conveyed: the priggish family's confusion and disapproval, the servants' gleeful encouragement, and--always--the unwavering delight Imogene experiences with her ever-changing gifts. The exuberant illustrations feature the artist's signature style, detailed yet fluid linework brushed with washes of carefully chosen colors. Observant readers will note important details on subsequent readings that could explain some of Imogene's current and former manifestations, and also perhaps a hint that Imogene might be headed to art school. In keeping with the spirit of the first book, this joyful ode to imagination offers readers plenty of encouragement to buck conformity and celebrate what makes them extraordinary--even if it makes their mothers swoon! --Lynn Becker, blogger and host of Book Talk, a monthly online discussion of children's books for SCBWI.

Shelf Talker: Thirty-five years after Imogene first delighted readers with antlers and a peacock tail, she's back--and, happily, she's more peculiar than ever!

August Recommendations

Novels:

DARING DARLEEN, QUEEN OF THE SCREEN, by Anne Nesbit, stars Darleen Darling—aka Daring Darleen--who has been performing in silent pictures since she was six. Now she's twelve, and familiar with the shenanigans her extended family puts her through to keep Matchbox Studios afloat. But when Aunt Shirley concocts a fake kidnapping as a publicity stunt, things do NOT go as planned. For one thing, Darleen talks her way into a car where Miss Victorine Berryman, a famous young heiress, is herself being kidnapped at the very same time and place. This is a fun romp through the silent film industry and Fort Lee, New Jersey, of 1914. (MG)

Graphic Novels:

THE POSTMAN FROM SPACE, by Guillaume Perreault, translated by Francoise Bui, stars Bob, a mail carrier who delivers the mail not just “door-to-door, but also planet-to-planet.” Every day, Bob enjoys his simple and orderly routine, and his unvarying postal route. One morning, however, his boss decides that Bob will be reassigned. Things get crazy on the new route, but one thing’s for sure: “today is a day he’ll never forget.” It’s offbeat, and very sweet. And there’s quite the Little Prince reference when he makes Delivery #4. (MG)

In TRESPASSERS, by Breena Bard, Gabby and her family visit their lakeside cottage for a week of summer vacation, but this year might be the last if her dad's job forces them to move too far away. Gabby wants to spend her time at the lake reading mysteries, but when she meets the new neighbor kids, she gets drawn into investigating an actual death that occurred years ago at a nearby cabin. But the best clues are all locked away inside… the straightforward story and art make it a really accessible graphic novel. (MG)

In SNAPDRAGON, by Kat Leyh, Snap lives in a town with a witch who, according to the dumb kids at her school, “eats roadkill, and casts spells with bones.” But when this supposed witch patches up Snap's dog, Good Boy, Snap realizes there’s a lot more to the old woman than her reputation. A bit creepy and quirky, but mostly loving and magical, this is yet another graphic novel that’s well worth reading. (MG)

Picture Books / Easy Readers:

I HAVE A BALLOON and WHERE IS MY BALLOON? written by Ariel Bernstein, illustrated by Scott Magoon, are two books that revolve around a shiny red balloon and a sock that has "a star and a perfectly shaped hole." In the first, Owl has the balloon, which Monkey badly wants. But when Owl becomes interested in the sock, suddenly its value grows in monkey’s eyes. Then Lemur arrives… In the second book, Monkey is taking care of Owl’s balloon, until—OOPS—the balloon pops. When Owl returns, Monkey tries to pass off all kinds of red objects as the balloon, but Owl isn’t buying it. These books feature bold, expressive art, and few words per page, making them appropriate for kids who are learning to read, as well as the picture book set.

FLUBBY IS NOT A GOOD PET! and FLUBBY WILL NOT PLAY WITH THAT, by J. E. Morris, feature a most infuriating feline who won’t sing or catch, jump or run. But when a storm gets scary, he’s just the right kind of pet to have around. And... stubborn Flubby won’t play with any of the toys bought at Pat’s Pet Store. Luckily, there’s a perfect toy for Flubby anyway. These are full color books with spare text that work well for both picture book lovers and easy readers alike. Flubby’s design is perfect—just a few lines and oh, so much personality.

--Lynn

Shelf Awareness--Born

PB Review: Born

Born by John Sobol, illus. by Cindy Derby (Groundwood Books, 24p., ages 3-7, 9781773061696)

Brimming with love, Born is a tender, impressionistic peek at a baby's final days "floating cozily in her mother's womb" that ends with her much anticipated arrival into the world.

Before birth, the "thump-thump of her mother's heartbeat keeps her company, always." Pushing with her foot, she can feel "the edge of her world." And, curled up in this space, she hears "the sweetest sound she knows. A sound filled with love." Sometimes this baby sleeps, sometimes she's restless, but mostly she's calm and safe inside her "beautiful world." Until something different happens. "Strong currents lift her up and away" and "she isn't floating anymore." Suddenly, she can breathe, cry and see "fuzzy shapes and shifting shadows." That sweet sound, the one "she loves most of all?" She hears it in her mother's welcoming voice: "Hello, sweetheart." There is eye contact and the new baby "knows she is where she needs to be."

Suffused with warmth and joy, John Sobol's poetic homage to the late stages of pregnancy and childbirth focuses on the feelings and sensations that accompany this profound event. His eloquent words are paired with Cindy Derby's watercolor and digital collage paintings, which feature a beautifully rendered infant accompanied by traces of whimsy, such as in utero flamingos and tiny boats. These fantastical elements extend the scope of the book and turn it into a celebration of possibility. Born, which highlights that all-important first connection between mother and child, will likely be shared with fascinated young readers time and time again. --Lynn Becker, blogger and host of Book Talk, a monthly online discussion of children's books for SCBWI.

Discover: This impressionistic homage to childbirth takes readers through a baby's final days in the womb and follows her emergence into the world as a much-loved newborn.

August's Book of the Month--Lovely War

August’s Book of the Month is LOVELY WAR, by Julie Berry.

This is the story of two couples who, pushed and prodded by the gods--Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Ares, Apollo and Lord Hades himself—experience love and loss and love in World War I.

Hazel is a sheltered young lady who plays piano at a parish dance, where she meets James, an Englishman who is scheduled to leave for the Front within a week. The two (aided by Aphrodite, of course) feel a deep and immediate connection, but then James is called away even sooner.

Aubrey is a drummer, a Black soldier in a very segregated United States Army. His regiment is sent to France, where he hears Colette singing, and the two promptly in love. (Aphrodite again.) But Ares, and Apollo, and the Germans, and deeply-held racist beliefs all have a say in how this story unfolds. I have to say that I enjoyed every one of its 451 pages, which end (SPOILER ALERT) with “a kiss for the ages."

As with many of my favorite reads, I was immediately submerged in a world that felt whole and complete. From the very first sentence of the “overture," I was right there with Aphrodite, Hephaestus, and Ares. Then, when we switched over to Act One, it happened again—I had an instant of worry that the change would be jarring but it was not. The stories of Hazel and James, then Aubrey and Colette, sprang to life just as easily as the opening pages had.

Character, setting, plot—this one has it all.

--Lynn

Shelf Awareness--It Happened on Sweet Street

PB Review: It Happened on Sweet Street

It Happened on Sweet Street by Caroline Adderson, illus. by Stéphane Jorisch (Tundra Books, 44p., ages 4-8, 9781101918852)

This zany picture book delivers a tasty treatise on the benefits of keeping the peace--and keeping a variety of desserts at hand!

On Sweet Street, "between the bric-a-brac boutique and the shoemaker," stands the bakery of Monsieur Oliphant, "Exclusive Creator of Cakes." Customers line up to buy his "jelly-rolled," layered and "cherried" creations. When the shoemaker retires, Mademoiselle Fée, "Cookie Concocter par excellence," moves in. Soon there is a line in front of her store, too. People wait to buy treats she has stamped, "tooled... and jeweled" and dusted with sugar. Though there are plenty of customers to go around, Monsieur Oliphant tries to out-create Mademoiselle Fée. Then the bric-a-brac dealer retires and Madame Clotilde moves in. As a third line of customers waits for the pies "the divine Pâtisserie Clotilde" has "rolling-pinned," frilled and filled, both Monsieur Oliphant and Mademoiselle Fée work to "out-concoct" their new rival. When all three bakers angrily step outside, "a massacre of cream, a catastrophe of meringue, a devastation of crumbs" follows, culminating with cheerful coexistence at last.

Author of the Jasper John Dooley series, Caroline Adderson's waggish text promotes the benefits of cooperation over competition in tones as delicate as any Sweet Street confection. Paired with Stéphane Jorisch's (Betty Bunny series) quirky illustrations, rendered in pencil, ink and watercolor then digitally assembled, the stylish color and line work lends credence to the farcical tone of the piece. The lucky people of Sweet Street cheerfully reap the rewards when their bakers finally get the message: there is always room for more dessert. "Délicieuse!!!" --Lynn Becker, blogger and host of Book Talk, a monthly online discussion of children's books for SCBWI.

Discover: When Sweet Street's only baker of cakes must make room for a cookie concoctor and a pie purveyor, things get sticky before they get better.

Shelf Awareness--Catch That Chicken!

PB Review: Catch That Chicken!

Catch That Chicken! by Atinuke, illus. by Angela Brooksbank (Candlewick Press, 32p., ages 2-5, 9781536212686)

In Catch That Chicken!, Atinuke (Anna Hibiscus series) combines irresistible characters with an engaging narrative and sets her age-appropriate tale of self-empowerment in a cozy compound in West Africa.

Lami's compound is busy, with Sister Sadia, who is "speedy at spelling"; friend Fatima, who is "fast at braiding hair"; and big brother Bilal, who is "brave with bulls." But when it comes to catching chickens, Lami is speedier, faster and braver than anyone. In fact, Lami is "the best chicken catcher in the village." That is, until the day Lami chases a chicken right up the trunk of a huge baobab tree, moving so quickly she falls out. With her ankle sprained "so badly it puffs up like the neck of an angry lizard," Lami is certain that if "she can't chase" and "she can't climb," then "she definitely can't catch chickens." Luckily, she's got Nana Nadia close by to suggest that "it's not quick feet that catches chickens--it's quick thinking."

Atinuke's well-paced text uses repetition, alliteration and seamless bilingual text to draw her audience into the story. It's nicely paired with Atinuke's previous illustrative partner (B Is for Baby; Baby Goes to Market) Angela Brooksbank's brightly colored, patterned and energetic mixed-media illustrations, which convey a strong sense of life within the bustling compound. Lami, always bubbling with energy, is especially appealing. Her reaction to adversity is a great lesson for all: with encouragement and the will to try, Lami is able to figure out "the best" way to keep doing what she loves. --Lynn Becker, blogger and host of Book Talk, a monthly online discussion of children's books for SCBWI.

Discover: Lami is the speediest, fastest and bravest chicken catcher in the village, until a sprained ankle threatens to slow her down.

July Recommendations

Novels:

WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE, by Renée Watson, is the first book of a contemporary middle grade series about a plucky girl with a boy’s name. Ryan means “king,” and her mother wants her to “feel powerful,” like “a leader" every time she hears it. Ryan really tries, but life can be frustrating. Her parents say they have to move to a smaller, more affordable house, so of course there are plenty of adjustments, and fourth grade is tough, no matter how you look at it. However, a loving family, a creative mind, and a boatload of confidence all help. Ryan is a delightful character who rarely lets anything get her down for long. (MG)

THE TIME OF GREEN MAGIC is the latest in a long list of artfully crafted, literary novels from Hilary McKay. Like Renée Watson's book above, this one involves a move to a new house, but THE TIME OF GREEN MAGIC is set in England rather than Portland, Oregon. When Abi and her father Theo blend their family with Max, Louis, and their mother Polly, there are a lot of domestic issues to work out. Throw in a babysitter who’s an art student from France, and a touch of magic seemingly conjured from the eerie house itself, and you get another winner from McKay. (MG)

I’m late to the party, but THE VANDERBEEKERS OF 141st STREET, by Karina Yan Glaser, is such a fun read! The Vanderbeeker family lives in a brownstone “in the middle of a quiet block on 141st Street.” As the story begins, they are being evicted by a grouchy landlord, forced to leave their beloved house and Harlem neighborhood behind. Dear friends join in to help, as the five quirky siblings dream up plan after plan to try to convince Mr. Beiderman to allow them to stay. (If you loved The Penderwicks, give this a try—and if you haven’t read The Penderwicks, you should!) The third Vanderbeekers book came out last fall. (MG)

Picture Books:

In SPACEBOT, by Mike Twohy, a UFO touches down and robo-dog called Spacebot disembarks. But, alas for the poor earth-dog who wants to play, Spacebot is way more interested in hanging out with the kitchen appliances. Short, punchy text and energetic art—rendered in watercolor and felt pen—make this book especially appealing for beginning readers. (And for parents reading aloud who appreciate brevity.)

CAT DOG DOG: The Story of a Blended Family, with words by Nelly Buchet and art by Andrea Zuill, is an even shorter text, mainly comprised of combinations of the words Dog and Cat, accompanied by a few choice additions. Add in the ink and digital illustrations, and this book tells the complete story of—well, of a blended family. It’s spot on and very clever.

WHOO-KU HAIKU, by Maria Gianferrari and Jonathan Voss, is a stunner. Gorgeous digitally enhanced ink and watercolor illustrations accompany an impressive story told completely in haiku. A family of owls find a nest, lay eggs, and hatch baby owlets, who eventually fledge. Back matter adds more information and suggests additional resources.

--Lynn