Shelf Awareness--Nia and the New Free Library

PB Review: Nia and the New Free Library

Nia and the New Free Library by Ian Lendler, illus. by Mark Pett (Chronicle Books, 40p., ages 5-8, 9781452166865, June 1, 2021)

The Littletown Library had been around for so long that people almost forgot it was there. After a tornado blew through and "carried the whole thing away," residents weren't even sure they needed a new one. In the fanciful--yet eminently sensible--Nia and the New Free Library, one book-loving girl cooks up an imaginative plan, not only for rebuilding the missing institution, but for getting the entire town to value it as well.

Now that there's "an empty space where the library used to be," the builder thinks the town would be better off with another skyscraper, while the grocer is partial to a parking lot. The mayor sees no point in rebuilding, nor do the distracted mom and her son who get whatever they need online. The banker thinks it will cost too much, anyway. Only Nia misses the old Littletown Library, which she visited every week. After giving the matter some thought, Nia gathers "a desk and a chair. And a pencil and some paper. And a plate of orange slices for energy." She gets comfortable under her favorite tree and begins to write. Days later, Nia has created enough books to fill a little red wagon and she begins sharing this New Free Library with people in town. But the grocer thinks the words are wrong, and the distracted mom's son thinks the drawings are "terrible." So Nia gives out pencils. When the detective and the boat captain feel left out, they get pencils, too. And before long there are "enormous piles of freshly written books" that "spilled into the road and stopped traffic." Pretty soon "the entire town was lending a hand" to solve this new problem.

Ian Lendler (The Fabled Life of Aesop) deftly concocts a tale of kid-friendly activism, demonstrating how one small person might achieve outsize results by giving the whole diverse community a stake in the dream. His light touch is welcome, employing an upbeat tone and a smattering of playful literary references. The sketchy line work and pastel washes of Mark Pett (This Is My Book!) bring to mind the picture book art of David Small. His loosely defined panels give a graphic novel feel to some spreads, with the sequential art allowing the illustrations to propel the story forward. This inspired reimagining of the classic "Stone Soup" story shows how a positive project can bring people together. Nia and the New Free Library demonstrates how spreading the love of reading might well elevate an entire community. --Lynn Becker, blogger and host of Book Talk, a monthly online discussion of children's books for SCBWI.

Shelf Talker: After a tornado carries off Littletown's library, Nia's plan for building a new one hinges on getting the whole town involved in this charming, kid-friendly take on grassroots activism.

April Recommendations

Novels:

BEFORE THE EVER AFTER, by Jacqueline Woodson is a compelling novel in verse about a boy whose dad, a neighborhood hero and NFL star “before the ever after,” now has hands that shake and headaches all the time. ZJ (Zachariah Johnson Jr.) is worried about his dad, but he’s also worried his friends will stay away now that his dad is "going through some things” after too many concussions. Another fabulous work by a literary icon. (MG)

BURN, by Patrick Ness, takes place in the Pacific Northwest, during the Cold War. In this action-packed alternate history, when Sarah Dewhurt’s father hires a dragon to help on their farm, it brings unwanted attention from a brutal and bigoted sheriff’s deputy. But the dragon, Kazimir, believes Sarah is part of a prophecy which could determine the fate of mankind. Indeed, events are unfolding beyond the pair’s control or comprehension. It’s suspenseful fantasy, and a (bloody) pleasure to read. (YA)

HOW THE KING OF ELFHAME LEARNED TO HATE STORIES, by Holly Black, is a companion book to her Folk of the Air trilogy, with a somewhat experimental format. Written as a series of interconnected anecdotes, this volume describes a thread of events from the point of view of the Cardan, first a cruel—and bratty—prince, and then the High King of Elfhame. It’s a lovely addition to the series, lyrical and full of magic. (YA)

Picture Books:

In I AM A BIRD, written by Hope Lim and illustrated by Hyewon Yum, every morning on the way to school, a little girl “fl[ies] like a bird on Daddy’s bike.” People—and birds—are charmed. Until, one day, they ride by a woman who doesn’t smile or wave, and the girl decides she doesn’t like this woman. Is she simply a lady out taking a walk, as Daddy suggests, or is she something else? Colored pencil and gouache illustrations are in turns jubilant and touched with foreboding as the streamlined text demands. It’s a wonderful picture book collaboration.

MILO IMAGINES THE WORLD, with words by Matt de la Peña and pictures by Christian Robinson, describes one long subway ride Milo takes with his older sister. Along the way he draws pictures of different people he sees, and imagines what their lives are like after they leave the train. But when he reaches his destination, he begins to understand that “maybe you can’t really know anyone by just looking at their face.” Poetic text meets “acrylic paint, collage, and a bit of digital manipulation” to produce this heartfelt book.

HONEYBEE, THE BUSY LIFE OF APIS MELLIFERA, written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Eric Rohmann, is an astounding work by two children’s book masters (along with one pretty insightful editor). In flowing, musical language, Fleming describes the life cycle of a honeybee, managing to infuse plenty of wonder and suspense into her tale. Rohmann’s oil paintings feature lush close-ups and a perfectly timed gatefold. There’s back matter which provides even more information.

--Lynn

Shelf Awareness--The Tree in Me

PB Review: The Tree in Me

The Tree in Me by Corinna Luyken (Dial Books, 56p., ages 4-8, 9780593112595)

Corinna Luyken (My Heart; illustrator of Nothing in Common) uses lyrical language and luminous illustrations to create a splendid picture book in which she likens a child's internal landscape to the parts of a tree, successfully conveying the interconnectedness of humans to nature--and to other human beings, as well.

The first-person narrator describes "the tree in me" as many things: it is delicious flavors ("part apple,/ part orange-pear-almond-plum,/ part yummm!"); it is the coalescence of its components ("seed and blossom, bark and stump,/ branch and trunk/ and crown"); and it can even be defined by its visitors ("bird-squirrel-worm/ and bee"). This tree has "roots that go deep.../ down to where other roots reach up toward their own trunk-branch-crown/ and sky too." The narrator, by virtue of recognizing "the tree in me," is able to "see/ that there is also a tree.../ ...in you!" A variety of races and ethnic backgrounds are represented in the exuberant children who populate this idyllic setting.

Luyken's spare text uses double-page spreads and page turns to great effect, and her art gracefully ties the extended metaphor to the child narrator. Dazzling gouache, pencil and ink illustrations adorn the pages in earth tones and exuberant pinks, yellows and blues, and prominent textures add movement and complexity to the inviting art. The Tree in Me is a gem of a picture book that shares the inspiration Luyken finds in "love, nature, and the web of relationship that connects us all." --Lynn Becker, blogger and host of Book Talk, a monthly online discussion of children's books for SCBWI.

Discover: In comparing a child with a tree, this heartfelt picture book harmoniously conveys the interconnectedness of humans and nature.

April's Book of the Month--See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog

April’s Book of the Month is SEE THE CAT: THREE STORIES ABOUT A DOG, written by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. It’s the winner of the 2021 Geisel Award for most distinguished beginning reader, and I can see why. This is a hilarious collection of three stories that feature a dog and the narrator, or “book” itself, in conversation—and it’s a rather antagonistic conversation, at that.

The first story is called See the Cat, and begins, appropriately, “See the cat.” So, of course, the righteous canine speaks up: “I am not a cat. I am a dog.” The book, unperturbed, adds more and more absurdities to its description: “See the blue cat/in a green dress/named Baby Cakes…” (The dog’s name is Max.) I won’t give it away, but it works beautifully. Kids will be in stitches.

The second story is called See the Snake. “Here we go again,” says the Dog. This time, the dog is onto the power of the book/narrator, and takes things into his own hands.

The third story—finally—is See the Dog. The dog is very happy until the narrator wants him to “run and jump and spin and fly,” when all the dog really wants is to take a nap. The book threatens to send in a hippo and the dog threatens…well, read it and see!

This is a terrific book—it’s meta and clever and it’s got great kid humor. SEE THE CAT is going on my shelf as an example of how good an easy reader can be!

--Lynn

Shelf Awareness--Down Comes the Night

YA Review: Down Comes the Night

Down Comes the Night by Allison Saft (Wednesday Books, 400p., ages 12-up, 9781250623638)

Allison Saft's deftly plotted YA debut is an icy, atmospheric blend of gothic horror, fantasy and romance.

Wren Southerland knows she's the best healer in the Queen's Guard. Long ago, Wren, considered Queen Isabel's "worthless" illegitimate niece, was dismissed to a cloister where she was raised and trained by the Order of the Maiden. Now in the service of the queen, Wren repeatedly makes "foolhardy... emotional" decisions to heal all people, no matter which side they took in the barely contained war that has been waged for centuries between Wren's country, Danu, and its neighbor, Vesria. Wren had hoped her skills with medicine and magic would save her from "the queen's impatience," but learns she is to be banished to the coal mines instead. An unusual invitation offers her a chance for redemption, though: if she'll journey to the estate of Lord Lowry to heal his servant Henry, Lowry will "bolster Danu's military." Wren is certain that acting as liaison will allow her to regain the queen's good graces. But a dire warning on the ride to Lowry's estate only barely describes the atrocities Wren has waiting for her. And the irresistible Henry, it turns out, is none other than Danu's most feared enemy.

Both Wren and Henry's goals are realistic and understandable, as each grapples with the burden of outside expectations. Slowly, they discover that they may stay true to their principles as they each struggle to save their kingdoms. Saft's lush, atmospheric prose and delightfully menacing settings--combined with an artfully creepy villain with a penchant for the unspeakable--make Down Comes the Night the perfect read for a long, cold winter evening. --Lynn Becker, blogger and host of Book Talk, a monthly online discussion of children's books for SCBWI.

Discover: Forbidden romance and political intrigue make this a thrilling YA gothic fantasy.

March Recommendations

Novels:

A VOW SO BOLD AND DEADLY, marks the conclusion of Brigid Kemmerer’s Cursebreaker trilogy. Beginning with A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY, a practically perfect retelling of Beauty and the Beast, the second and third installments are also well worth the time. In this final volume, Grey tries to win over the soldiers of Syhl Shallow—just as he has their queen—before the allotted two months are up and they march to attack Emberfall. Meanwhile, back at Ironrose Castle, Rhen is at odds with Harper and endlessly tortured by sorcerer Lilith. He’s also losing the trust of his own people, and a peaceful outcome with Grey seems less and less possible. (YA)

In DOWN COMES THE NIGHT, by Allison Saft, Wren knows she’s the best healer in Queen Isabel’s Guard but, even so, Isabel considers her a “worthless” illegitimate niece. When an unusual invitation offers Wren a chance for redemption—and a way to avoid the coal mines—she jumps on it. Wren travels to the estate of Lord Lowry to heal his servant Henry, only to find Henry is a notorious enemy of Queen and country. Forbidden love combines with political intrigue in this darkly gothic fantasy featuring a disgraced healer and a wartime murderer. The perfect book for a cold winter’s night. (YA)

Poetry:

THIS POEM IS A NEST, by Irene Latham, with art by Johanna Wright, is rather stunning in its creative approach to poetry. Beginning with one poem, called “Nest,” Latham goes on to write 161 “nestlings,” smaller “found” poems which reuse words within the larger original. The digital drawings with ink washes provide a nice touch. This book is endlessly fascinating! (MG, YA)

Picture Books:

Likewise, MEL FELL, by Corey Tabor, is one of the more creative approaches to picture books. Readers will immediately know something is up when they see that the book opens sideways. The story follows little kingfisher Mel, who decides it’s time to fly. When her sister asked if she’s scared, Mel answers, “Yes… but I won’t let that stop me.” Down Mel plummets, passing other animals who try to help her, until *SPLASH* she lands in the water—and readers will have to turn the book upside down (which is sideways the other way!) to follow Mel’s triumphant return to the nest. The charming illustrations are pencil, colored pencil, and acrylic paint finished digitally.

DON’T HUG DOUG (He Doesn’t Like It), written by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Daniel Wiseman, uses a clever text and inventive digital illustrations to explain why, even though Doug likes you, hugs just aren’t his thing. And maybe you should ask before you hug best friend Finn and Grandma McGinn and an identical twin—and Doug’s potbellied pig (who loves hugs but is “a little scared of strangers.” For a book that’s mostly telling readers what not to do, it’s surprisingly fun!

I’LL MEET YOU IN YOUR DREAMS, by Jessica Young, illustrated by Rafael López, is a gorgeous, soothing, rhythmic, rhyming bedtime story reminiscent of Margaret Wise Brown’s The Runaway Bunny. You’ll want to read aloud this ode to the everlasting nature of parental love.

--Lynn

Shelf Awareness--Hello Earth!: Poems to Our Planet

PB Review: Hello Earth!: Poems to Our Planet

Hello Earth!: Poems to Our Planet by Joyce Sidman, illus. by Miren Asiain Lora (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 68p., ages 5-9, 9780802855282)

Newbery Honoree Joyce Sidman (Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night; Round) teams up with Miren Asiain Lora (illustrator, The Mermaid Atlas) for this heartfelt poetry collection featuring the voices of Earth's children--"the human ones"--as they speak directly to the planet.

Melding scientific research with poetry, Sidman's words encourage readers to think philosophically. In "Floating," she questions how humans can be "climbing trees, walking paths,/ staring up at constellations" while also out "in deepest space." Of the relationship with moon and sun, Sidman asks Earth what it's like to feel "one so close,/ a silver sister. One so far,/ a burning star." Sidman takes readers beneath the ocean, home to "creatures whose bodies/ breathe water/ instead of air," and into "Noisy" cities, where "digging/ and building /and shouting/ and grabbing/ and rushing around" keep people from remembering to be happy with what we've been given. Sidman crafts her poems to speak eloquently to "our ship/ through light/ and darkness."

Lora's graceful watercolor and acrylic art employs fine details on expansive backgrounds to evoke wonder in concepts both concrete and abstract. Her tiny humans and animals actively interact with their surroundings, adding depth and giving readers plenty of details to pore over. Topics--including the physical attributes of Earth, forces that act upon it and the human impact on the planet--are further fleshed out in extensive back matter, including a section on "ways kids can help." This is an inspiring collection, and one likely to encourage further study. --Lynn Becker, blogger and host of Book Talk, a monthly online discussion of children's books for SCBWI.

Discover: Heartfelt science-based poems and paintings for young readers celebrate planet Earth.