September Recommendations

Picture Books:

In EVERY DOG IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Matthew Cordell, Louis wants a dog more than anything, but his grandma, who “knows everything,” tells him there are already enough dogs in the neighborhood. Of course, Louis then wants to know how exactly many, and when Grandma won’t answer and the folks at City Hall can’t answer, Louis decides to count them himself. He is thorough, and kind, and, while he counts all the dogs, Grandma is busy with her own civic project. The text is moving without being overly sentimental, the pictures nimbly tell their half of the story, and it all comes together beautifully.

TELLING STORIES WRONG, written by Gianni Rodari, illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna, and translated from the Italian by Antony Shugaar, is full of charming interplay between a girl and her grandpa as he attempts to tell her the story of Little Red Riding Hood. As the title indicates, Grandpa gets many things wrong, but the girl helpfully sets him straight and keeps the classic tale on track. This impish ode to storytelling is gorgeously illustrated by the ever-wonderful Alemagna with both playfulness and sophistication.

In another old tale, THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF, this one retold by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen, there’s a poor hungry troll who’s only recent meal was “a leather boot and some goop he’d found in his belly button.” But then “Clip, clop! Clip, clop!” a “goat smorgasbord” comes his way. Told with droll wit and a fair amount of rhyme, Barnett’s delivers a fine version of this familiar story that’s illustrated with Klassen’s signature, minimal style that’s populated by oddball creatures and rendered mostly in browns and tans. Read it aloud for maximum fun!

In LITTLE HOUSES, written by Kevin Henkes and illustrated by Laura Dronzek, when a girl visits her grandparents at the beach, in a house “so close to the water, you can hear the waves,” she and her grandma spend their mornings looking for shells. And when Grandma “reminds [her] that shells are little houses,” the girl begins to wonder about many things… Intelligent and lyrical, thought-provoking and full of wonder, this gentle book takes a deep dive into beach treasures and what makes a house.

And since I love monsters so much, here are two commendable board books about monsters:

In I’M THE BOSS, by Elise Gravel, a little monster named Lulu wants a lot of big things, but her caregiver keeps saying no. Finally Lulu asks for the perfect big thing and is appeased. Playful text and adorable art that’s simply and effectively done.

MONSTER CLOTHES, by Daisy Hirst, shows all the fun things that different monsters might wear. And then there’s Evie…! More adorable monsters in this one, also rendered cleanly and clearly.

--Lynn

Shelf Awareness--Moon Dark Smile

YA Review: Moon Dark Smile

Moon Dark Smile by Tessa Gratton (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 432p., ages 12-up, 9781534498150)

Tessa Gratton's (Strange Grace; Night Shine) affecting fantasy introduces readers to a world of sorcery and intrigue, where great strength lies in stepping beyond limitations of binary choice.

When she was seven, Raliel Dark-Smile's father, the emperor, insisted she choose her own identity. She chose the moniker of a legendary dragon and "declared her name." Since then, Raliel's only true friend has been Moon, the great demon who represents "the power of the empire" and is bound to the palace. The emperor and his consorts are also bound, as Raliel will be once she's completed her upcoming Heir's Journey. But both Moon and Raliel long to be free. They create a magical amulet and, when Raliel is 18, she begins her Journey with Moon secretly nestled "just beneath her heart." Osian Redpop, a young guard with dangerous secrets of his own, is ordered to accompany them. As Raliel and Moon seek a way to expand their world beyond the palace walls, the odyssey leads them to sorcerers of great knowledge and power. It's only when the three companions start to understand the meaning of "liminality" and begin to move beyond the binary, though, that they learn how to break the bonds that imprison them.

Gender fluidity is at the heart of this lush yet ethereal fantasy populated with demons, spirits, witches and sorcerers. Gratton's characters repeatedly slip outside traditional dualities, and her concept of liminality offers a path to the power that Raliel and Moon need to succeed. Mellifluous writing delivers a compelling story that, like Raliel Dark-Smile herself, is nimble and strong, its magic unspooling as effortlessly as a dragon splashing in a pool. --Lynn Becker, reviewer, blogger, and children's book author.

Shelf Awareness--Three Little Vikings

PB Review: Three Little Vikings

Three Little Vikings by Bethan Woollvin (Peachtree, 32p., ages 4-8, 9781682634561)

Three Little Vikings is a cheerfully told Nordic adventure that features three small but plucky friends, a mysterious BIG something in the woods, piles of gold and a delightful dose of comeuppance.

The "Viking folk" are busy celebrating newly acquired treasure, but Ebba, Helga and Wren are worried. There's "something scary outside," they tell the Chieftain, who responds, "Nonsense!" The next morning the village is in shambles. Helga says it looks like "something very BIG" is the reason, but the Chieftain again insists this is "nonsense!" When Helga, Ebba and Wren inform him that a "BIG, angry, noisy creature is roaming the forest," the Chieftain booms "nonsense!" a third and fourth time. He blames a thunderstorm, a fox, rotten trees and pesky ravens, then dismisses the girls so he can take care of more important matters, like who is stealing the village treasure. The three friends decide it's up to them to save the village. They do their research and hatch a savvy plan to take care of the bashing, smashing trouble all by themselves.

Bethan Woollvin (Little Red) delivers a merry olde story that's chock full of modern-day appeal. Her Viking girls are steadfast and wise, and they earn their right to one-up their stubbornly oblivious Chieftain. Woollvin's distinctive design is defined by characters with overlarge eyes, and she uses strong, flat blocks of color decorated with whimsical patterns and details, which give her gouache and digital illustrations a singular look. Share this triumphant tale with little Vikings everywhere. --Lynn Becker, reviewer, blogger and children's book author.

September's Book of the Month--One Boy Watching

September’s Book of the Month is ONE BOY WATCHING, by Grant Snider.

Seven a.m./ One boy./ Waiting.

So begins the story of an observant boy’s trip to school. After “two bright headlights” herald the arrival of Bus Number Four, he boards and they drive past tree and deer, cars and sunflowers, “matching houses” and “pecking chickens.” Bus Number Four goes from twenty-eight empty seats to “forty-eight kids in all, packed like crayons in a crayon box.” The boy continues watching as the bus makes its way into town. Water towers, a grain elevator, and the bus pulls up at school, where the kids all rush out “like crayons spilled from a crayon box.” And, then, after a full day of school, the boy can still wonder what he’ll “discover on the journey home.”

The first thing I noticed about this wonderful—and wonder-filled—picture book was the gloriously-colored art on the cover, which I’m happy to say also filled the pages inside. The art caught my eye, but when I began reading, I quickly saw that the text was in every way equal to the illustrations. The repeated use of numbers and key phrases tie the story together nicely, and they place the child in his world in a unique and uplifting way.

Lyrical and inspired, ONE BOY WATCHING is a lovely example of picture book as poem, and picture book as art. It’s also a great example of how “quiet” books can also be powerful. Check it out!

--Lynn

August Recommendations

August Book Recommendations: More Superb Choices from PBRockiteers22!

Picture Books:

TOMATOES IN MY LUNCHBOX, written by Costantia Manoli and illustrated by Magdalena Mora, tells the story of a girl who leaves “the place where [her] name fits[s]” to come to one where it’s “strange and sharp, and sounds like something is breaking.” She struggles to fit in but, when a connection begins with a smile, everything becomes a little easier. The text is sensitive, relatable, and lovely, as are the ink, pastel, crayon, and digitally-collaged illustrations. TOMATOES IN MY LUNCHBOX is a book that’s as “soft and round and full of color” as the main character’s name when it’s said by a friend.

In ABUELITA AND I MAKE FLAN, by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom, Anita is excited that today Abuelita will teach her how to make flan! But, before they even get started, “wobble wobble…CRASH!” Anita breaks Abuelita’s special plate from Cuba, the one she’s had forever! “Maybe no one will notice?” Anita hopes. The excitement of cooking takes over, and Anita and Abuelita spend a happy day together, pouring, mixing, and waiting for the flan to be ready. But what will happen when it’s time to flip the flan onto Abuelita's special plate? The colorful, expressive illustrations bring plenty of joyful energy to this sweet story of family and owning up to one’s mistakes. There’s even a recipe for flan de queso at the end!

ANNI DREAMS OF BIRIYANI, written by Namita Moolani Mehra and illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat, is another story in which a recipe figures prominently. Anni, who loves to cook, lives across the street from Uncle Arif’s Biryani Café. Although Anni can make “curries and koftas, roti and raita,” try though she may her biryani just isn’t “as yummy as Uncle’s.” Anni sulkily decides there will be no more biryani, but she can’t stop dreaming about her favorite food. Prabhat’s stylized, digital illustrations are inspired by the warm, spicy colors of Anni’s cooking, while Mehra’s text should encourage young readers to follow their interests, never give up—and to try some biryani, because it’s “deliciously special!"

ANNETTE FEELS FREE, by Katie Mazeika, tells the fascinating story of Annette Kellerman who, at age six, began to wear braces on her legs. Whereas before she had been a happy child, twirling and pirouetting, now she felt clumsy and awkward. To cheer her up, her father took her to the bay, where she “danced in the waves” and “felt free again.” Annette became “the strongest swimmer in New South Wales,” performed water ballets in front of audiences, raced against women and men, and she even invented a new kind of swimsuit for women that didn’t have a big skirt and pantaloons. Accomplished digital illustrations in purples, blue-greens, and yellows paint an inviting portrait of this “force in the history of swimming and women’s rights."

CLOAKED IN COURAGE: UNCOVERING DEBORAH SAMPSON, PATRIOT SOLDIER, written by Beth Anderson and illustrated by Anne Lambelet, is the story of one extraordinary woman who refused to let gender roles limit her. Rather than marry, she became a rare “masterless woman,” earning her keep at the loom as a “patriot producing American goods.” Wanting to do more, Deborah dressed in men’s clothes and enlisted in the Massachusetts Fourth Regiment. Her hard work during training earned her a spot in the Light Infantry Company, then as the personal waiter for a general. But just as the war was ending, illness threatened her disguise… Anderson brings to light yet another fascinating woman of courage, as well as a peek into her research methods. Lambelet’s pencil, hand-painted, and photoshopped illustrations are lively, distinctive, and strongly support the text.

--Lynn

July Recommendations

July Recommendations in August? This summer sure has flown by. Stay tuned for August rec’s, coming soon!

Picture Books:

In GIB*BER*ISH, by Young Vo, when Dat begins school in a new country, he can’t understand what anyone says. His Mah says to do the best that he can, but without knowing the language, Dat can’t understand what’s going on in class and he has no one to play with. Until “something unexpected [falls] from a tree.” Even though they don’t speak the same language—yet—things are looking up for Dat. Text and art work together seamlessly to tell this hopeful story. It’s especially fun how the people in Dat’s new town all look like black and white cartoon characters until he finds someone he can connect with.

HERE WE COME! by Janna Matthies and Christine Davenier, is an invitation to a nighttime revel, proudly proclaimed in the form of a cumulative chant. Cadenced and magical, a child with a flute leads a stuffed bear outside, where they are joined by a dog strumming a guitar, Little Lu sucking her thumb, a bear with a fiddle, and other wonderful additions. Pencil and ink wash illustrations set the moonlit stage perfectly. “Rum-pum-pum. Wanna come?”

Using rhythmic, lyrical language which weaves words and themes and a warm message of inclusion, THIS IS A SCHOOL, with words by John Schu and illustrations by Veronica Miller Jamison, shows how, from kid to school to community, “we are all important.” Watercolor, acrylic, and digitally collaged illustrations bring the message home visually, adding to the clout of this important and uplifting picture book.

JOHN’S TURN, written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Kate Berube, is another school story. This one is about Friday morning assembly, where, if the kids are good, at the end one of them gets to perform for the rest of the school. Tina plays tuba, Jesse does magic tricks, but when it’s John’s turn, he’s quiet and the other kids know why: he’s nervous. But John shares what he loves and, when he dances, he wins over the crowd. Ink and paint illustrations take center stage in showing John’s joy, and the perfect ending, as related in the text, is delivered with a light, sweet touch.

SWIM JIM, by Kaz Windness, tells the story of Jim, a crocodile who can’t swim. When his sisters Kim and Sim tease him, Jim “wiggle-waggle[s] out of Stigwater Swamp” to find somewhere that’s not “too deep, too dark, and too big” for him to learn. “Ker-splash!” Jim finds the perfect place and the perfect equipment to solve his problem. Graphite on paper, digitally painted illustrations showcase the outsized personality of these entertaining crocs. And don’t forget to look under the dust cover for some bonus art fun!

In SOMEWHERE IN THE BAYOU, by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey, Opossum, Squirrel, and Rabbit try to use a log to cross a river but, one by one, “SMACK SPLASH” a sneaky, scary, mean tail sweeps each of them into the water. Until Mouse performs an act of kindness and gets his just reward… Blocky illustrations using a limited palette lend plenty of style to this entertaining tale.

--Lynn

Shelf Awareness--The Witchery

YA Review: The Witchery

The Witchery by S. Isabelle (Scholastic Press, 384p., ages 12-up, 9781338758962)

The Witchery is a delightfully dark take on magic and boarding school tropes, wherein a coven of student witches feels compelled to end a bloody, annually recurring curse that's destroying their adopted hometown.

Sixteen-year-old blonde and "pale"-skinned Logan Wyatt is still new to Mesmortes Coven Academy in the "fiendish little witchtown" of Haelsford, Fla., when the Red Three invite her to join their circle. "Sociable and ambitious" Jailah Simmons, greenwitch Thalia Blackwood and deathwitch Iris Keaton-Foster are three powerful Black students who are determined to end the Haunting Season, a "yearly hex that plague[s] Haelsford" in which "monstrous" Wolves emerge from the Swamp and kill. Logan's own magic is weak, but she's also a proxy, someone who holds "the power to manipulate magic against its own rules." With the aid of a powerful amplyfyr stone, and a couple of unexpectedly useful boys from nearby non-magical Hammersmitt School, the witches seek out the enigmatic Wolf Boy, who's prophesied to end the curse. But as bodies begin to accumulate, the magic gets darker and the Wolf Boy proves difficult to control, the struggling coven-mates fear they may be in way over their heads.

S. Isabelle's debut delivers a wonderfully atmospheric and inclusive magical world, full of danger, drama and forever friendship. Multiple POVs allow each distinct voice to provide crucial motivation as they drive the spellbinding plot forward. The Witchery is a thoroughly modern novel steeped in satisfyingly classic witch lore. --Lynn Becker, reviewer, blogger and children's book author.