Fact Friday: A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the speech that inspired a nation by Barry Wittenstein

Image: Holiday House

A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the speech that inspired a nation by Barry Wittenstein. Illustrated by Jerry Pinckney. 48 p. Neal Porter Books/ Holiday House, August, 2019. 970823443314. 

As we head into MLK weekend, it is apropos for Fact Friday to feature A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the speech that inspired a nation by Barry Wittenstein. This is simply a most beautiful book. Author Wittenstein takes the reader to the lobby of the Willard Hotel the night before the 1963 March on Washington. Dr. King is conferring with his most trusted advisors about what to say. They are working in the lobby because his hotel room is probably bugged. 

In spare but vivid blank verse, Wittenstein depicts the collaboration between Dr. King and his advisors. There was some disagreement about what the text of the speech should contain. Ultimately, Dr. King retired to his room to write the speech he would deliver.

Jerry Pinkney's illustrations stun. Each spread is meant to be studied, not rushed through. The portraiture of each of Dr. King's advisors are helpfully labeled. Mini-biographies in the back matter elaborate and serve as an introduction to each. Other back matter consists of an author note; an illustrator note; the roster of speakers at the protest and source notes.

I had the privilege of attending a keynote speech given by illustrator, Jerry Pinkney last May at SLJ Day of Dialog. He shared many,  if not all of the collages from the book and spoke about his creative process and what he hoped to achieve with the art. Attendees received a sampler that I got signed by both the author and illustrator. 

There is no such thing as too many books about the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. Make room for A Place to Land.  I hope it wins lots of medals next week in Philadelphia for it is truly distinguished.

Picture Book Review: All of a Sudden and Forever: help and healing after the Oklahoma City bombing by Chris Barton

Image: Lerner Publishing

All of a Sudden and Forever: help and healing after the Oklahoma City bombing by Chris Barton. Illustrated by Nicole Xu. unpgd. Carolrhoda Books/ Lerner Publishing, February 4, 2020. 9781541526693. (Review of finished book courtesy of publisher @ SLJ Leadership Summit.)

I am at a bit of a loss about how to review this profound, beautiful and necessary book. April 19, 2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, well past the age of the target audience of this book. Unfortunately, in those twenty-five years, there have been many mass shootings and thus, the need to explain these tragedies to young people. Barton channels Mr. Rogers, explaining the events of that fateful day and its aftermath simply and sparely. The dark and somber illustrations add gravity without overwhelming. 

There are no gory details; just a focus on recovery, healing and hope. The tree that survived the blast is a powerful symbol of resiliency. The practice of gathering seedlings to nurture, plant and pass on to those who have experienced trauma is just beautiful. 

Author and illustrator notes follow the text and include photos of the tree immediately after the bombing and after recovery. Mini-biographies of twelve people affected directly or indirectly follows and a list of recommended reading and three websites end the back matter. 

All of a Sudden and Forever ought to be in every library - on hand for the right time to share with young readers who need help confronting tragedy. 

Picture Book Review: Odd Dog Out by Rob Biddulph

Image: HarperCollins

Odd Dog Out by Rob Biddulph. unpgd. Harper/ HarperCollins Publishers, December 3, 2019. 9780062367266. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publicist.)

Can one have too many books on the shelf about being oneself? Not if the book is Odd Dog Out, which is a story in rhyme that actually works in that it trips off the tongue quite easily. It's also jaunty and fun to read aloud. But the illustrations are the stars. Striking, exuberant, humorous and eye-catching all spring to mind. There's an energy that is just contagious in each spread. I'm getting ahead of myself. What's it about?

Odd Dog is, well odd. She stands out in a sea of dachshunds who all look the same. No matter what she tries to do, she just doesn't fit in, so she goes on a road trip to find her people. Of course, her people reside in Hollywood, only now everyone looks just like her. Is this a good thing?

Celebrating and encouraging differences should happen all year long; but now, during this reflective time of resolutions to be better, might be a nice time to share Odd Dog Out. As mentioned above, this book is great for reading aloud. Visit the link to the book's page on the HarperCollins website for a printable activity! 

If you have readers who love doxies (as my dachshund-loving friend calls them) they need to know about it. Display it prominently and it won't sit. I promise.  

Picture Book Review: Freedom Soup by Tami Charles

image: Candlewick Press

Freedom Soup by Tami Charles. Illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara. unpgd. Candlewick Press, December10, 2019. 9780763689773. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

It was a happy accident that this review of Freedom Soup ended up being published today - on New Year's Day. It was one of the last books read during my push to complete my GR goal yesterday.

It is a snowy New Year's Day in Ti Gran's house and she has decided that her granddaughter, Belle, has a "heart made for cooking." Belle is going to help Ti Gran make Freedom Soup, a Haitian traditional soup that is made each New Year, which also happens to be Haitian Independence Day. Ti Gran is a storyteller and history-keeper. Even though Belle has heard the story before, she relishes hearing it again. Ti Gran's words paint painful pictures on the way to triumph. Illustrations pop off the pages as Belle and Ti Gran bounce to the rhythm of Haitian music as they chop and stir. Little details draw the eye and invite lingering. The text has its own subtle rhythm. 

The best picture books transport readers so much so that they inhabit the book. They can feel the warmth and love and can smell the aromas. Freedom Soup is a feast for the eyes and soul. Don't read this book hungry! Even if you're not, you will get hungry reading about how this delectable dish is created. I am so making Freedom Soup this year. A recipe follows at the end along with an author's note. There is just so much to love and celebrate about Freedom Soup - a grandparent's love, cooking and storytelling as tradition and memory, history, and community. Highly recommended!

2019 Picture Books

January (7)
1. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell (1/1)
2. My First Mandarin Words with Gordon & Li Li by Michele Wong McSween (1/8)
3.  Weird Animals by Mary Kay Carson (1/19)
4. Peace and Me by Ali Winter (1/20)*
5. Picturing America: Thomas Cole and the birth of American art by Hudson Talbott (1/31)
6. Counting on Katherine: how Katherine Johnson saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker (1/31)
7. Through the Window: views of Marc Chagall's life and art by Barb Rosenstock (1/31)

February (18)
8. When Angels Sing: the story of rock legend Carlos Santana by Michael Mahin (2/15)
9. Carlos Santana: sound of the heart, song of the world by Gary Golio (2/15)
10. Hammering for Freedom by Rita Lorraine Hubbard (2/15)
11. Pies from Nowhere: how Georgia Gilmore sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott by Dee Romito (2/15)
12. Try a Little Kindness by Henry Cole (2/19)
13. Unstinky by Andy Rash (2/19)
14. Tigers & Tea with Toppy by Barbara Kerley with Rhoda Knight Kalt (2/19)
15. Penguinaut! by Marcie Colleen (2/19)
16. We've Got the Whole World in our Hands by Rafael López (2/19)
17. We've Got the Whole World in our Hands/ Tenemos el Mundo entero en las manos by Rafael López (2/19)
18. Best Friends in the Universe by Hector and Louie, also by Stephanie Watson (2/24)*
19. Now You Know How It Works by Valorie Fisher (2/24)
20. Good Night, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony (2/24)
21. Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Grandson and her secret school by Janet Halfmann (2/26)
22. The Vast Wonder of the World: biologist Ernest Everett Just by Mélina Mangal (2/27)
23. The Girl with a Mind for Math: the story of Race Montague by Julia Finley Mosca (2/27)
24. Summer Birds: the butterflies of Maria Merian by Margarita Engle (2/27)
25. Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein by Linda Bailey (2/27)

March (14)
26. Wild Orca: the oldest, wisest whale in the world by Brenda Peterson (3/1)
27. Circle by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen (3/17)*
28. Smile: how young Charlie Chaplin taught the world to laugh and cry by Gary Golio (3/17)*
29.The Brilliant Deep: rebuilding the world's coral reefs by Kate Messner (3/26)
30. The Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a changing India, and a hidden world of art by Barb Rosenstock (3/28)
31. Sewing the Rainbow: the story of Gilbert Baker and the Rainbow Flag by Gayle E. Pitman (3/30)

32. Camp Tiger by Susan Choi (3/31)
33. My Papi has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero (3/31)*
34. The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes (3/31)
35. A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars by Seth Fishman (3/31)
36. Hello, I'm Here by Helen Frost (3/31)*
37. A Piglet Named Mercy by Kate DiCamillo (3/31)
38. Power Up: your incredible, spectacular, supercharged body by Seth Fishman (3/31)
39. Vacation for Dexter by Lindsay Ward (3/31)

April (9)
40. ¡Vamos! Let's  Go to Market! by Raul the Third (4/6)*
41. The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander (4/6)*
42.  I Lost My Tooth by Mo Willems (4/10)
43. Magnificent Birds by Narissa Togo (4/19)*
44. Maya Papaya and her Amigos Play Dress Up by Susan Middleton Elya (4/20)
45. Bugs Don't Hug by Heather L. Montgomery (4/20)
46. Bruce's Big Move by Ryan T. Higgins (4/20)*
47. Someone New by Anne Sibley O'Brien (4/20)
48. We Are (Not) Friends by Anna Kang (4/20)*

May (6)
49. Seashells: more than just a home by Melissa Stewart (5/16)
50.Girls with Guts! The road to breaking barriers and bashing records by Debbie Gonzales (5/16)
51. Sonny's Bridge: jazz legend Sonny Rollins finds his groove by Barry Wittenstein (5/16)
52. Daring Dozen: the twelve who walked on the moon by Suzanne Slade (5/16)
53. Seashell Summer by Michelle Hosts (5/17)
54. Girls with Guts by Debbie Gonzales (5/21)

June (17)
55. The Great Santa Stakeout by Betsy Bird (6/2)
56. River by Elisha Cooper (6/2)
57. SumoKitty by David Biedrzycki (6/2)
58. Just Because by Mac Barnett (6/2)*
59. Max Attacks by Kathi Appelt (6/3)
60.Her Fearless Run: Katherine Switzer's Historic Boston Marathon by Kim Chaffee (6/7)
61. Wilma' Way Home: the life of Wilma Mankiller by Doreen Rappaport (6/7)
62. Two Brothers, Four Hands by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan (6/7). 
63. The Eternal Soldier: the true story of How a dog became a Civil War hero by Allison Crotzer Kimmel (6/13)
64. Smiley's Dream Book by Jeff Smith (6/13)
65. Knock Knock by Tammi Sauer (6/13)
66. The Three Little Superpigs by Claire Evans (6/13)
67. Butterflies in Room 6 by Caroline Arnold (6/26)
68. How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Read by Jane Yolen (6/26)
69. Which One Doesn't Belong? Playing with shapes by Christopher Danielson (6/26)*
70. The Piñata That the Farm Maiden Hung by Samantha R. Vamos (6/27)
71. Snowman - Cold = Puddle by Laura Purdie Salas (6/26)

July (16)
72. Cicada by Shaun Tan (7/1)*
73. Grace Goes to Washington by Kelly DiPucchio (7/2)
74. The Eye That Never Sleeps: how Detective Pinkerton saved President Lincoln by Marissa Moss (7/2)
75. Titanosaur: discovering the world's largest dinosaur by Dr. José Luis Carballido & Dr. Diego Pol (7/8)
76. The Important Thing about Margaret Wise Brown by Mac Barnett (7/10)*
77. Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds (7/11)
78. The Three Little Superpigs Once Upon a Time by Claire Evans (7/17)
79. Cheerful Chick by Martha Brockenbrough (7/17)
80.Felipe and Claudette by Mark Teague (7/17)
81. Bark in the Park! Poems for Dog Lovers by Avery Corman (7/17)
82. Squirrel's Family Tree by Beth Ferry (7/17)
83. Maybe Tomorrow? by Charlotte Agell (7/17)
84. This is My Fort! by Drew Dawalt (7/17)
85. What is Inside This Box? by Drew Dawalt (7/17)

August (5)
86. Dragons Eat Noodles on Tuesday by Jon Stahl (8/2)
87. Zen Happiness by Jon J. Muth (8/15)
88. Will Giraffe Laugh? by Hilary Leung (8/15)
89. I Need a Hug by Aaron Blabey (8/15)
90. Misunderstood Shark: Friends Don't Eat Friends by Ame Dyckman (8/15)

September (0)

October (15/105)
91. Hedy and Her Amazing Invention by Jan Wahl (10/3)

92. I Am a Tiger by Karl Newson (10/9)

93. I Love All of Me by Lori Ann Grover (10/9)

94. Go Away, Unicorn! by Emily Mullock (10/9)

95. The Girl Who Named Pluto the story of Venetia Burney by Alice B. McGinty (10/10)

96. Enough! 20 Protesters Who Changed America by Emily Easton (10/11)

97. Stonewall: a building. An uprising. A revolution. by Rob Sanders (10/11)

98. Dog and Rabbit by Barney Saltzberg (10/22)
99. How Many? A different kind of counting book by Christopher Danielson (10/22)
100. Hey, Dog by Tony Johnston (10/23)*
101. Back to School by Maya Ajmera (10/23)
102. Dog Breath: the horrible trouble with Hally Tosis by Dav Pilkey (10/29)
103. Not My Idea: a book about whiteness by Anastasia Higginbotham (10/30)

104. How High the Moon by Karyn Parsons (10/30)

105. Mario and the Hole in the Sky by Elizabeth Rusch (10/31)

November (14/ 118)

106. Ocean Meets Sky by the Fan Brothers (11/3)

107. Good Morning, Snowplow! by Deborah Bruss (11/3)

108. The Greatest Adventure by Tony Piedra (11/4)

109. Sorry by Joanna Cotler (11/5)

110. Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots by Michael Rex (11/5)

111. The Cat Man of Aleppo by Irene Latham and Karim Shamsi-Basha (11/5)

112. Love and the Rocking Chair by Leo & Diane Dillon (11/6)*108. 
113. Izzy Gizmo and the Invention Convention by Pip Jones (11/16)

114. All of a Sudden and Forever: help and healing after the Oklahoma City bombing by Chris Barton (11/16)
115. This Book is Gray by Lindsay Ward (11/18)
116. Planting Stories: the life of librarian and storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamay Denise (11/26)

117. Buzzing with Questions: the inquisitive mind of Charles Henry Turner by Janice N. Harrington (11/26)*

118. Rise!: From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou by Bethany Hegedus (11/27)*

December
119. Gordon Parks: how the photographer captured black and white America by Carole Boston Weatherford (12/2)
120. The Crayon Man: the true story of the invention of the Crayola Crayons by Natasha Biebow (12/2)
121. Samuel Morse, That's Who! The story of the telegraph and Morse Code by Tracy Nelson Maurer (12/11)

122. Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares (12/11)*
123. Don't Call Me Bear! by Aaron Blabey (12/27)

124. Misunderstood Shark by Ame Dyckman (12/27)

125. A Werewolf Named Oliver James by Nicholas John Frith (12/27)

126. Sleepy Bird by Jeremy Tankard (12/27)

127. I Spy Spooky Night by Walter Wick and Jean Marzollo (12/27)*

128. Odd Dog Out by Rob Biddulph (12/27)
129. The Brain is Kind of a Big Deal by Nick Seluk (12/27)*
130. The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon by Dean Robbins (12/28)
131. Spur: a wolf's story by Eliza Robertson (12/28)
132. Hello, Crow! by Candace Savage (12/31)
133. Birdsong by Julie Flett (12/31)*
134. Freedom Soup by Tami Charles (12/31)

Picture Book Review: The Moose of Ewenki by Gerelchimeg Blackcrane

Image: Greystone Books

The Moose of Ewenki by Gerelchimeg Blackcrane. Illustrated by Jiu Er. 68 p. Greystone Kids/ Greystone Books, September, 2019. 9781771645386. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publicist.)

I dare you to resist the lure of this fantastic cover! Take a real close look. Note the detail - the brushstrokes, the long lashes and the insouciant stare.  Prepare to fall in love. If you're reading it aloud, prepare for that blessed hush that happens when the audience is rapt.

The opening double-page spread introduces the reader to the Reindeer Ewenki, who live in the Greater Hinggan Mountains in Northern China. An elder, named Gree Shek has been waiting to ambush a moose all night and is successful. This spread shows the hunter and his hound headed toward their prey. The detail in each of these two spreads (indeed in every illustration) invites lingering. There is such careful attention to detail. 

Sadly, Gree Shek has killed a mother moose and her calf is trembling in nearby shrubs. The old man calms his dog and offers his hand to the poor, motherless calf, who follows him home. And proceeds to wreak havoc in the campsite. Even so, he becomes part of the camp and makes himself quite at home among the Ewenki and the reindeer. Gree Shek names him Xiao Han, little moose. But Gree Shek is elderly and he understands his time is limited. When he injures himself and needs to seek care in the village down the mountain, Xiao Han follows. But he is not suited to life among humans there. 

Perhaps, neither is Gree Shek. He returns to the mountains and brings Xiao Han deep into the forest, where he chases him away. Gree Shek does not return to the Ewenki though. He dies in the forest, with his trusty dog at his side. His dog remains even after Gree Shek is buried. The Ewenki never return to that part of the forest again. The giant moose remains though, guarding the forest and his dead hunter.

This story is so powerful, I am sure that whomever you read it to will ask, "Is this true?" You can say with certainty, "Yes." Share this widely. You will not be disappointed. Beautiful storytelling by a Chinese bestselling author accompanied by stunning illustrations, this story of kindness and nature should have universal appeal. Highly recommended.

Picture Book Review: Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares

Image: Candlewick Press

Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares. unpgd. Candlewick Press, November, 2019. 9781536201376. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

Oh! How I just love me a great origin story. Truth be told, I never thought much about Santa's reindeer. They just were. In Matt Tavares' quietly gorgeous new holiday book, Dasher, Santa's original sleigh puller was a horse named Silverbell. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

A family of reindeer are the main attraction in J.P. Finnegan's Traveling Circus. They spent long, hot days being stared at and long nights pulling the wagons to the next stop. To pass the time, Mama reindeer tells stories. Dasher's favorite is about a magical land in the frozen north. Dasher's dearest wish is to follow the North Star to this place. She gets her opportunity on windy night. She follows the North Star but never seems to get closer to it. She is lost.

Dasher spies a man in a red suit with his horse, who is unable to pull his sleigh filled with presents. Dasher steps forward to help and has a thrilling night helping Santa deliver presents. When he returns to the North Pole, Dasher's happiness is tinged with regret over leaving her family behind. Santa remedies that. 

It's a warm and lovely story, sparely told and illustrated with glorious single- and double-page spreads. You and your little ones should stop and spend some time in each one. I'm picky about what goes into my personal holiday collection. Dasher is magical and one I will look forward to reading again and again.

Picture Book Review: This Book is Gray by Lindsay Ward

Image: lindsaymward

This Book is Gray by Lindsay Ward. Unpgd. Two Lion/ Amazon Publishing, December 1, 2019. 97811542043403. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

If you are a person who skips the end-pages, dedication and title pages, stop right now! You absolutely must not. This book is adorbs as Lindsay Ward's books are wont to be. The primary and secondary colors are busy drawing a rainbow. Even Black and White have jobs drawing clouds. Poor gray is stuck on the sidelines. He moans, "They never let me color!" on the dedication page. On the title page, he resolves to "show them!" And so, he sets out to write and illustrate his own book, "the grayest book ever!" It is perfect until the primary colors get into the act. Blue asks, "Dude, where's all the color?" Soon, the secondary colors chime in. Poor Gray!

The dialogue is filled with puns, word-play and the familiar cadence of playground oneupmanship. The text does double-duty as readers learn color theory as well as inclusion. Astute readers will notice the entrance of Brown and may wonder where he fits in. Brown is neither primary, secondary nor achromatic, but a composite color. This is not noted and gives curious readers the opportunity to look it up. This Book is Gray would be a great introduction to color theory for elementary art teachers. 

The closing end-pages jar a bit visually. Part of both of the end-page is cut off by the flaps. Young readers will want to spread open the flaps to take in the full spread. It's going to be tough for librarians to tape down those covers! #librarianwoes. The front and back flap cover a third of each of the end-page.

This Book is Gray is a fun addition to any elementary, home or public library. Check out this terrific review at Babiestobookworms for great connecting activities to try with your students!

Lindsay Ward is the creator of the Dexter T. Rexter series as well as Brobarians, Rosco vs. the Baby, and The Importance of Being 3. Her book Please Bring Balloons was also made into a play. Lindsay lives in Peninsula, Ohio, with her family. Gray is one of her favorite colors. Learn more about her online at www.lindsaymward.com.


Twitter: @lindsaymward

Picture Book Review: Santa's Story by Will Hillenbrand

Santa's Story by Will Hillenbrand. unpgd. Two Lions/ Amazon Publishing, September, 2019. 9781542043380. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

In addition to already being a fan of Will Willenbrand, I fell instantly in love with the cover! The snow, Santa's jaunty walk, the light from the lantern, everything just warmed and tickled. I don't know about you, but I am a faithful reader of dedication pages. Reading the author's touching dedication to his dad, who read the poem, "Twas the Night before Christmas" each Christmas Eve certainly stole my heart.

So. Santa is ready to launch on Christmas Eve. His sleigh is stuffed but the stable is empty. Where are the reindeer? As Santa searches, the reader sees what alliterative activity each reindeer is involved in frosty mostly double-page spreads featuring a variety of endearing woodland creatures as well as the eight reindeer. "Vixen vexed, "More snow!" as a snowman pushes a snowblower. Hilarity ensues. The illustrations are filled with little bits of visual humor.

Just in time, Santa remembers! Storytime! He forgot the reindeer's story! And what better than, Clement Moore's, Twas the Night before Christmas?

Santa's Story is an excellent addition to the Christmas holiday rotation!

Author bio: Will Hillenbrand has written and illustrated many beloved picture books, including Snowman’s Story, Down by the Barn, Mother Goose Picture Puzzles, and the Bear and Mole series. He has also illustrated dozens of books, including the Big Bear series by Maureen Wright. Will lives with his wife and son in Terrace Park, Ohio. You can find out more about him at www.willhillenbrand.com.
On Instagram: willhillenbrand

November is Picture Book Month! Review of Not My Idea: a book about whiteness by Anastasia Higginbotham

Image: Dottir Press

Not My Idea: a book about whiteness written and illustrated by Anastasia Higginbotham. 64p. Ordinary Terrible Things series. Dottir Press, September, 2018. 9781948340007. (Review of purchased finished copy.)

I have been struggling with how to be an ally for most of my life. I have good intentions but often fail. Attending SLJ's Diversity Bootcamp a couple of summers ago helped. It was just the tip of the iceberg and would've registered for the bootcamp again this past summer were it not my husband's 70th birthday and all the celebration I needed to plan. 

I do believe that whites need to confront their own white privilege and acknowledge their implicit bias. It also needs to be discussed openly in schools. This book would go a long way in helping parents and teachers grapple first with their own biases and then help them help students understand white privilege. 

I will be honest. I needed to read this a few times before truly understanding its message. The collages are quite arresting. The dialogue requires a bit of attention. Get comfortable with this before sharing it with your children. It is an important conversation starter and one that will most likely trigger a bit of resistance and denial. 

If you are looking for a resource to open conversations about race, look no further than this extraordinary book.

November is Picture Book Month! Review: How Many? A different kind of counting book by Christopher Danielson

Image: Charlesbridge

How Many? A different kind of counting book by Christopher Danielson. 39 p. Charlesbridge, September, 2019. 9781580899437. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

I learned from the author's earlier book, Which One Doesn't Belong? that he makes math accessible and fun. This counting book has no rules and no particular order - just crisp, clear pictures of mostly food items and the invitation to count - anything. So, cool!

After a short introduction explaining the open-ended nature of this inviting book, the verso pages merely ask, "How many?" while the recto pages depict the items. There seems to be no agenda and any answer a child gives is correct. There's also a standing invitation to return to find other things to count. Counting will make you hungry though. The food looks amazing!

How Many? is certainly a different kind of counting book and one that belongs in all collections. Highly recommended!

November is Picture Book Month! Review: Love and the Rocking Chair by Leo & Diane Dillon

Image: Scholastic Inc. 

Love and the Rocking Chair by Leo & Diane Dillon. Unpgd. The Blue Sky Press/ Scholastic Inc., October 2019. 9781338332650. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

Our family has a rocking chair that has spanned generations. Does yours? This book is a favorite for all sorts of reasons both sentimental and objective. According to the jacket information, Love and the Rocking Chair is the Dillons' final collaboration. And a fitting one it is. 

It's a lovely story, sparely told, about a young, interracial couple who are expecting their first child and shopping for the perfect chair. They find it, have the baby and the chair is perfect - for rocking, for reading, for playing and finally for holding cast-off belongings. Then it is packed away and forgotten about until...

The muted palette and the Dillons' signature style draw the eye and invite lingering over each scene. Pull a young one into your lap and share this book! Highly recommended! It's the perfect gift for new parents. 

ETA November 9, 2019: I had the book on the kitchen counter to send with my husband when he visited my son, d-i-l and grand-daughter today. As he often does with my book droppings all over the house, he paused to read the book. I busied myself at the kitchen table and didn't look up when he said, "Nice book." A beat later, I turned to see him wiping his eyes with a tissue. I asked, "What's wrong with your eye?" He responded, "I'm crying! That book was beautiful!" We've been together for 35 years and I think I can count how many times he has openly wept on one hand.

November is Picture Book Month! Picture Book Review: Ocean Meets Sky by the Fan Brothers

Image: Simon & Schuster

Ocean Meets Sky by the Fan Brothers. 48 p. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, May, 2018. 9781481470377. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

I am so sorry to have taken so long to get to this utterly gorgeous meditation on the power of storytelling, a grandfather's love and grief. 

A young boy misses his beloved grandfather. On what would've been his 90th birthday, he builds a boat with the intention of finding where the ocean meets the sky. The boat he builds is absolutely adorable and totally un-seaworthy! It is somewhat reminiscent of the clubhouse my brother put together from wood scavenged at garbage days. But he has built it and he is proud.

But shipbuilding is hard work! The boy falls asleep but awakens to discover a huge white-bearded, golden fish who is willing to travel with him to where the ocean meets the sky. Is this his grandfather? Or is his grandfather in the moon?

The illustrations are perfectly captivating. Each spread invites pause. Do not rush through this book. The writing is spare and lovely, inviting contemplation and discussion. Was it all a dream or did he really travel there? 

Ocean Meets Sky is a perfect lap book. 

It's Picture Book Month and I've stumbled right out of the gate! Yesterday was a gorgeous day. I went to my yin yoga class, did the food shopping and headed out with my audiobook plugged in to take care of some leaves. Once dinner was cooked, eaten and cleaned, I realized that I hadn't blogged but time and energy had run out. No picture book entry for November 2.

It nearly happened again today. Leaves part-two and this time, with an aching back! 

November is Picture Book Month! Review: Mario and the Hole in the Sky: how a chemist saved our planet by Elizabeth Rusch

November is Picture Book Month! Each November, I attempt to highlight/ review a picture book a day. Let's see how many days I can get this year!

Image: Charlesbridge

Mario and the Hole in the Sky: how a chemist saved our planet by Elizabeth Rusch. Illustrated by Teresa Martínez. unpgd. Charlesbridge, November 5, 2019. 9781580895811. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

Regular readers of this blog know that one of my mottoes is, "One is never too old for picture books." Regular readers also know that I developed a picture book biography unit for my sixth graders. I believe a picture book biography is a terrific entry into the world of biography. Choosing a full-length biography to read as an assignment can be daunting. A well-researched picture book biography can give middle school readers a glimpse into the person before committing to a full-length biography. I am so happy to add Mario and the Hole in the Sky to the cart.

Mario Molina grew up in Mexico. He had an intense interest in science from an early age. This was supported and encouraged by his family, who gave him a microscope for his birthday as well as full access to chemicals and a rarely used bathroom. He just loved to experiment. His love for chemistry, especially, continued through boarding school in Switzerland and into college. Around the same time, new products were being introduced into the markets that contained chemicals that Mario knew could be harmful. Shortly after completing his PhD and moving to the U.S., Mario heard about harmful chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and worked with a fellow scientist, F. Sherwood Rowland to find out how. Of course, no one believed them; but they persevered. 

The story is fascinating - direct and compelling. The vibrant illustrations featuring a big-eyed, big-headed Maria exude energy, humor and warmth. Useful back matter includes an epilogue, which includes a photo of the scientist; comparisons of the Ozone Hole and Global Warming; books and websites for further reading; tips for doing more to decrease greenhouse gases and an author's note. 

Mario and the Hole in the Sky is a first-purchase. It belongs in a variety of teaching situations - from STEM classes to a read aloud to model resilience and perseverance. 

Picture Book Review: Dog Breath: the horrible trouble with Hally Tosis by Dav Pilkey

Image: Scholastic 

Dog Breath: the horrible trouble with Hally Tosis by Dav Pilkey. upgd. Scholastic Inc., October, 2019. 9781338539233. (Review of finished copy courtesy of reviewer.)

I admit to being a tad puzzled to find this in my review box. Then, it occurred to me that 2019 might be an anniversary. Happy 25th anniversary Hally Tosis and Dav Pilkey! So this post is sort of a bonus #tbt, only with a re-issue.

Poor Hally! She has such bad breath that Mr. & Mrs. Tosis see no other alternative than adoption. Their children, on the other hand, try everything in their power to save her but nothing worked. Luckily for the Tosis family, her breath was the key to foiling a pair of burglars and Hally's place in the family was secured. (And so were clothes pins.)

Colorful, energetic humorous cartoon art entertains, groan worthy puns and word play propel the dialogue. Pilkey is a perennial favorite in most school and classroom libraries with good reason. This paper on board edition should be a welcome addition.