Picture Book Review: Maybe... by Chris Haughton

Image: Candlewick Press

Maybe... by Chris Haughton. unpaged. Candlewick Press, September, 2021. 9781536220247. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

Three little monkeys peer out from the cover with wide, innocent eyes making this book positively irresistible. Don't skip the end page illustration or the title page either. The title page/ copyright page has a double-page spread showing four monkeys high up in a tree. 

The larger of the four, the caregiver, apparently, bids the three little ones good bye and admonishes, "Whatever you do, do NOT go down to the mango tree. There are tigers down there."

The three little monkeys ponder the larger monkey's edict. It's such a pity and they do love mangoes. Maybe...they could just look at the mangoes? They do their due diligence by searching for tigers. Seeing none, they descend. And, all they do is look. But wait! There's one just within reach! Maybe...

And so it goes as the insatiable little imps up the ante. Little listeners will delight in the disobedience and those with sharp eyes will gleefully anticipate the mayhem to come. 

The palette of the digital art is energetic with red, violet, blue and mango predominant. The repetition is appealing and begs participation or shouted warnings, making for noisy story time fun. 

Such a delight! Share widely.

Picture Book Review: Interrupting Chicken: Cookies for Breakfast by David Ezra Stein

Image: Candlewick Press

Interrupting Chicken: Cookies for Breakfast by David Ezra Stein. unpgd. Candlewick Press, November, 2021. 9781536207781. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

Chicken is back, up way too early on a Saturday morning and hungry for cookies for breakfast. Papa just wants to sleep in, but perks up when Chicken announces that she has brought him breakfast in bed! It's cookies. Cookies are not breakfast food!

Denied her wish, Chicken presses for her second wish, to snuggle in Papa's bed and be read a book. Can our irrepressible, interrupting Chicken manage not to interrupt Papa's reading?

   "Papa be nimble, Papa be quick, Papa read to your little chick."

    "That's what I'm planning to do," said Papa.    

    "Well, don't let me stop you," said the little red chicken.

As fans of Interrupting Chicken and Interrupting Chicken: the Elephant of Surprise know, story time with Chicken can be...challenging. True to form, Chicken interrupts every other fairy tale to suggest cookies. So. Much. Fun!

The illustrations continue to delight and surprise. Scenes in Papa and Chicken's cozy house are textured and filled with warm colors and sweet details, like a stuffed elephant on the floor of the kitchen. Scenes from the book of nursery rhymes are washed out pastel hues, except where Chicken bursts on the scene with her edited rhymes. 

Interrupting Chicken: Cookies for Breakfast is a must-purchase for all libraries serving young readers. Sure to be a story time hit.

Picture Book Review: Ada and the Galaxies by Alan Lightman and Olga Pastuchiv

Image: Candlewick Press

Ada and the Galaxies by Alan Lightman and Olga Pstuchiv. Illustrated by Susanna Chapman. unpaged. mitKids Press/ Candlewick Press, September, 2021. 9781536215618. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

I am a terrible book reviewer! I read this gem back in September and, while I noted my love for it on Goodreads, never got around to reviewing it here. So sorry.

Ada lives in the city where light pollution impedes her view of the stars. But after the winter is over, she and her mom make the trek out of the city to Maine to visit her grandparents, Ama and Poobah. Ada cannot wait to see the stars, but first, it needs to get dark and there's plenty to see on the island until then. There's kayaking and beach-combing and an osprey nest to observe. Ada is still impatient for the stars to come out. Poobah points to a big rock, telling Ada that when it's covered with water, it will be dark enough to see the stars. Only the fog rolls in, foiling their plans. Poobah tries to distract Ada with pictures of galaxies in a book, which only help to feed Ada's vivid imagination. When Ada asks to visit the fairy house before turning in, she sees that the fog has lifted and the stars are out. 

An afterword tells readers that the photographs of the stars in the book were taken by the Hubble Space Telescope and that all the information that Poobah gives to Ada is scientifically accurate.

What a beautiful story of the value of being out in nature, of a grandparent's bond and of nurturing a young imagination and sense of wonder! The illustrations are absolutely luscious. I just got lost in each and every one. This is one for the reread pile-inspirational to young and old alike. I loved it.

Picture Book Review: Cat & Dog: a Tale of Opposites by Tullio Corda

Image: Red Comet Press

Cat & Dog: a Tale of Opposites by Tullio Corda. unpgd. Red Comet Press, September, 2021. 9781636550022. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

I just started my 13th year as a middle school librarian after spending 10 years as a K-8 librarian. Even though #nevertoooldforpicturebooks is my motto, I admit I haven't been keeping up with concept books. 

I cannot recall a book of opposites that actually tells a story with a beginning, middle and end. Red cat and blue dog romp on plenty of white space and the text color cues young readers who is doing what. And while there are the expected opposites, there are a couple of surprises - "Oops!" and "Phew!" Then, there's a pair on the cover of the book under the jacket, which parents may not think to look under and which will create a dilemma for librarians who tape those jackets down!

Fun, fun, fun! This one's sure to be a favorite.

My apologies for the tardiness of this review. I read this book back in late July, just as my husband's condition was taking a turn for the worse. He died within the week and I have been trying to adjust to my new reality. My ability to concentrate, focus and be organized has really taken a hit. I hope Cat & Dog gets the readers it deserves.

Fact Friday: River Stories by Timothy Knapman.

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Image: HarperCollins Publishers

River Stories by Timothy Knapman. Illustrated by Ashling Lindsay & Irene Montano. unpaged. Egmont/ HarperCollins, June, 2021. 9781405292542. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

Happy Friday TMS Readers! Fact Friday features River Stories by Thomas Knapman. Illustrated by Ashling Lindsay & Irene Montano. Travel the length of five major rivers of the world in this unique picture book. The text relates interesting facts, history and even mythology. An impressive gatefold opens to reveal gorgeous illustrations that depict the course and major landmarks of these rivers, making this book a terrific "impressionistic lesson" for young geographers.

Picture Book Review: Llama Glamarama by Simon James Green and Garry Parsons

Image: Scholastic Inc.

Llama Glamarama by Simon James Green. Illustrated by Garry Parsons. 32 p. Orchard Books/ Scholastic Inc. June, 2021. 9781338736182. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

Larry the llama is a rule follower by day and a dancing fool at night, when he breaks out the rainbow boa and rhinestone-studded hat. When three friends discover his hijinks, Larry runs away. He doesn't get far before he discovers a carnival where llamas and other animals dance. He returns to his pack, where he learns his friends have secrets as well. 

Can we librarians and teachers ever have too many books that encourage young children to be themselves? No. This energetic, humorous story-in-rhyme will engage and encourage empathy. The text is well-matched with dynamic, lively art. Be prepared to read this one again and again with as much ham as possible. 

Picture Book Review: Chicken Little and the Big Bad Wolf by Sam Wedelich

Image: Scholastic Inc.

Chicken Little and the Big Bad Wolf by Sam Wedelich. unpaged. Scholastic Press/ Scholastic Inc., March, 2021. 9781338359008. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

Chicken Little is back and she is absolutely not afraid of any big bad wolf. Sporting her signature red specs and red cowboy boots, this little gem of a story begins on the title page with Chicken Little stating, "I am so NOT scared of any wolf!"

On the next spread, she reiterates that she is not afraid. Then, wham! She collides with none other than the Big Bad Wolf, who wants to know if she's okay. She's not and runs away in a panic, then tells another chicken that she thinks she just saw the Big Bad Wolf. That chicken runs to tell the rest of the flock, who break into factions - Team Flight and Team Fight. Meanwhile, Chicken Little is second-guessing her reaction.

This is a read aloud that begs you to get your ham out. It's told mostly in dialogue and it's very punny, making it a great book to adapt into a Reader's Theater. Line drawings convey emotion, energy and lots of sight gags. The lesson is delivered effectively with lots of fun. 

I often tell my students not to skip the title page and end pages and this is a good example why not. The story starts on the title page and ends on the copyright/ publisher info page. The end pages are simply adorable. 

Welcome back Chicken Little! Hope to see you again soon!

Picture Book Review: Wishes by Mượn Thị Văn

Image: Scholastic Inc.

Wishes by Mượn Thị Văn. Illustrated by Victo Ngai. unpgd. Orchard Books/ Scholastic Inc., May, 2021. 9781338305890. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

A young girl is awake in the middle of the night observing the adults in her life make preparations to leave. Each double-page spread contains a line with a single, spare wish. According to the illustrator, there are just 75 words of text. The text is achingly beautiful and matched perfectly be equally arresting illustrations. The palette is muted, somber and each spread begs lingering. They are sad though. The little girl fiercely hugs her dog in one spread and tearfully bids her grandfather goodbye in another. There's hardship at sea as well as homesickness. Thankfully, the final spreads end on a hopeful note and notes from both the author and illustrator provide context. 

While the story is based on the author's experience leaving Vietnam in 1980, she and the illustrator consciously chose to universalize the refugee experience in both the text and especially on the book cover, which is different than the jacket illustration, thereby leading to another "Book Cover Dilemma." I'm choosing not to tape mine down. 

The sixth grade read Inside Out and Back Again by Thannhá Lai this year and I believe this books as well as The Paper Boat: a refugee story by Thao Lam would me amazing additions to the fabulous unit the two teachers developed. Wishes belongs in all libraries and should be shared widely with young people. 

Picture Book Review: The Little Blue Bridge by Brenda Maier

Image: Scholastic Inc.

The Little Blue Bridge by Brenda Maier. Illustrated by Sonia Sanchez. unpgd. Scholastic Press, June, 2021. 9781338538014. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

Ruby, the kick-butt STEM hero from The Little Red Fort is back. This time she spies blueberries ripe for the picking. Her brothers head off with pails intent on excluding her. They contend with a bully who guards a log bridge over the stream. Each passes the buck to the sibling following until the bully has to deal with Ruby. This retelling of The Three Billy Goats Gruff charms. There's comforting repetition that makes for a good read aloud. The illustrations are textured, colorful and often humorous. Fans of The Little Red Fort will cheer for imperturbable Ruby!

This is a terrific addition to any library collection.

Picture Book Review: Indelible Ann: The Larger-Than-Life Story of Governor Ann Richards by Meghan P. Browne

Image: Penguin Random House

Indelible Ann: The Larger-Than-Life Story of Governor Ann Richards by Meghan P. Browne. Illustrated by Carlynn Whitt. unpgd. Random House Studio/ Random House Children's Books, June, 2021. 9780593173275. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Using a folksy conversational tone and effective repetition of the phrase, "Just wait, you'll see," author Meghan P. Browne paints the life of Dorothy Ann Willis as a tall tale. She was the only child of humble parents who worked hard. Ann had chores to do, but also loved to fish and run. She biked five miles each way to her piano lessons. When the second World War broke out, her father shipped out to California and it wasn't long before Dorothy Ann's mother packed up the car to join him.

In San Diego, she became part of a more diverse community than her small Texas hometown. She was also inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt. She did well in school and when the war was over she moved to Waco, Texas, where she attended high school, dropped Dorothy to become just Ann, and became active in speech and debate. Her talent earned her a trip to Washington D.C.

After college, she married and settled down to raise a family, but became involved in local politics, eventually becoming county commissioner. Her marriage did not survive her political rise. She remained committed to building a more just and equitable Texas government, first at its treasurer, then as its governor. Along the way, she reached national prominence when she delivered a speech at the Democratic National Convention in 1988. 

There's a good deal of political history packed into this accessible story. Bold, busy illustrations depict Ann at various ages always ambitious with clear, blue eyes flashing. Both the writing and art work well to bring this dynamo to vivid life. Back matter includes more information about Ann Richards, black and white photos and selected sources.

Indelible Ann will leave an indelible impression on young readers. I'm happy to be adding it to my sixth grade picture book biography unit. 

Picture Book Review: The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen

 

Image: Candlewick Press

The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen. 96 p. Candlewick Press, April, 2021. 9781536215625. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

This extra-long picture book is told in five chapters and is as darkly humorous and delightfully deadpan as we have come to expect from Mr. Klassen. Turtle is standing in his "favorite spot" and invites Armadillo(?) to stand with him*. Armadillo has a bad feeling about the spot and moves to a different spot. Only, it's a bit difficult to carry on a conversation with Turtle from the long distance. Turtle leaves his spot in order to hear Armadillo just before the rock falls.

Chapter two is called, "The Fall," and shows Turtle on his back under the rock. Armadillo asks if he fell. Stubborn Turtle insists he did not, that he doesn't need help and he certainly does not wish to take a nap, as Armadillo plans to do.

In the third chapter, Turtle and Armadillo contemplate the future complete with a forest that has grown up around the rock and a space alien. Chapter four might be the most hilarious as Snake and Armadillo enjoy a sunset and in the final chapter, Turtle gets jealous. 

The artist's signature muted palette and bleak and dreary landscape allow the reader to focus on the characters and anticipate what is about to come next and also allow the character's eyes to pop. Much of the dry humor comes from the eyes. 

The book begs to be reread immediately, not just because it is still hilarious the second (and third) time around, but to savor the depth of storytelling and to ponder the enigmas. I know. This is heady stuff for young ones, but never underestimate them. This is definitely a picture book to share with older readers as well. 

The Rock from the Sky is a first-purchase. 

*I don't know why I choose to make these characters him. I tried using "it," but that didn't feel right. 

Fact Friday and Picture Book Review: Orangutan Hats and Other Tools Animals Use by Richard Haynes

Image: Candlewick Press

Orangutan Hats and Other Tools Animals Use by Richard Haynes. Illustrated by Stephanie Laberis. 48 p. Candlewick Press, April, 2021. 9781536200935. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

The front flap of this informative picture book declares, "Move over, humans!" Our species is not the only one to utilize tools to improve life. Thanks to careful observations by scientists working in the field, we now understand that a variety of animals employ tools. 

The introduction defines what a tool is and explains the age old belief that only humans were intelligent. That is, until Charles Darwin noted tool use among primates while on his voyages in the 1800s. Twenty animals from around the world are highlighted in this well-organized book, which begins with a world map and thumbnail illustrations of each animal. The information is organized by what the tool is used for-tools for staying neat and clean-for health and healing-for defense-for hunting, harvesting and eating-for comfort-and joy!

Straightforward, accessible text details how the animals adapt materials at hand to protect or make life a bit easier. The digital full-page and spot art illustrations are realistically drawn, but also contain bits of humor. Back matter includes a glossary, suggestions for further reading and an index. 

There are plenty of fascinating tidbits for fact hounds to feast on here! Be ready to steer readers to titles such as The Dolphins of  Shark Bay or Crow Smarts by Pamela S. Turner to read more about how scientists study the intelligence of these incredible animals. What a fun addition to any library!

Picture Book Review: Free by Sam Usher

Image: Candlewick Press

Free by Sam Usher. 40 p. templar books/ Candlewick Press, April, 2021. 9781536217049. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

I have always loved books that focus on grandparent/ grandchild relationships-even more so now that I've become a grandparent. Sam Usher's Seasons with Grandad series (Snow, Rain, Sun, Storm) has company with this new series starter. 

In Free, our favorite ginger-haired boy (Has he grown a bit?) awakens to find a sick bird on his windowsill. He has been studying birds, as evidenced by the bird books and binoculars on his bed and the bird feeder outside his window. He runs to his granddad demanding to help the bird.* They make a cozy bed, consult some books and give him some water. When the bird perks up, Granddad suggests they put the bird back outside. The boy doesn't want to but Granddad gently insists. The two think "that's that," but the bird has other ideas. It shows up for breakfast, lunch and tea. That's when Granddad decides that the two need to lead the bird back home. And so they do. It is here where the fantastical Mr. Usher imbues in all these books begins. Oh, what an adventure! 

The pen, ink and watercolor spreads charm with warmth and intimate details. Please don't skip the end pages and title page! The story is sure to prompt wonderful discussions with young readers. I can't wait to see what other adventures await the pair in this endearing new series. Don't miss it!

*Just this morning, a movement on the roof of my husband's Jeep caught my eye as I took Boo out for a walk before heading to work. It was a female cardinal and I thought it a curious place for a bird to alight. Then a movement on the ground caught my eye and it was a baby! I looked up to look for a nest in the tree overhanging my driveway, but saw nothing. I puzzled over the problem on our walk, but both birds were nowhere to be seen upon our return. I suppose mama coaxed her baby into a safer spot. Thank goodness. 

Picture Book Review: Let Liberty Rise: How America's Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty by Chana Stiefel

Image: Scholastic Inc.

Let Liberty Rise: How America's Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty by Chana Stiefel. Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. unpgd. Scholastic Press/ Scholastic Inc., 9781338225884. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Have you ever received a gift that you didn't want or know what to do with? The people of France built an enormous statue, named Liberty as a gift to the people of the United States for the centennial of the country's founding. Weighing as much as 40 elephants, the statue was dismantled and packed in 214 crates for her journey to America. Such a heavy statue would need a strong pedestal as a base, which Americans needed to build. Such a construction was very expensive and the pedestal was only half built when the statue arrived. Worse yet, there was no money left to complete it.

When fundraising efforts among millionaires failed, Joseph Pulitzer, owner of a newspaper, but an immigrant himself, appealed to everyone, including children, to donate what they could. In return, he promised to print the name of every single donor in his newspapers. The very next day, money started pouring in and $2000 was raised by the end of the first week!

The story is both informative and fascinating. The accessible text filled with interesting trivia and necessary context, such as what $100,000 in the 1800s means in today's dollars ($2.6 million). The jaunty illustrations add much to the text, including humor and a nod to Georges Seurat. The palette veers toward muted pastels. 

The back matter is a young researcher's dream. It includes a timeline, more facts about the statue, a bibliography, which includes books for younger readers and websites, followed by a two-page spread of photos from the time. 

This first-purchase will have many uses in the language arts classroom as well as social studies class for a large range of ages. Expect rich discussion on a variety of topics.

Fact Friday: 13 Ways to Eat a Fly by Sue Heavenrich

Image: Charlesbridge

13 Ways to Eat a Fly by Sue Heavenrich and illustrated by David Clark. 32 p. Charlesbridge, February, 2021. 9781580898904. (Review of finished copy borrowed from the public library.)

Fact Friday features, for your dining pleasure, 13 Ways to Eat a Fly by Sue Heavenrich and illustrated by David Clark. This reverse counting book is not just for the pre-school set. There's a lot of science packed in between the catchy rhymes and hilarious cartoonish illustrations featuring bug-eyed flies about to meet their demise. From wrapped and zapped through liquified and zombified, readers learn how a variety of animals make 13 different kinds of flies their prey. 

Engaging back matter informs the reader that there are more than 120,000 different kinds of flies! They are low in fat and rich in protein! There are lists of books and websites for anyone who wants more information. Never have I ever thought learning about flies could be so much fun!

There are multiple classroom uses for 13 Ways to Eat a Fly from LA to STEM. Your students will really eat this one up! I'm buying it for my middle school library.

Picture Book Review: Mindi and the Goose No One Else Could See by Sam McBratney

Image: Candlewick Press

Mindi and the Goose No One Else Could See by Sam McBratney. Illustrated by Linda Ólafsdóttir. 32 p. Candlewick Press, March, 2021. 9781536212815. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

Poor little Mindi is bothered by a goose that appears in her bedroom each night. It's a goose no one else can see - not her mother, who doesn't take her seriously, nor her father, who does. It's a common enough plight that, I believe, will be relatable to many children and their parents. This sweet story is just the ticket for both groups.

The illustrations are warmly retro and vaguely Icelandic or Scandinavian, featuring Wellies and cozy woolens. They also contain little bits of humor, such as the shadow of the goose peering at Mindi's dad under the gooseneck lamp over Mindi's bed. The text does not condescend in the least. Instead, it is respectful of these very real fears, as is Austen, the elder that Mindi's dad treks to consult. 

Austen advises a visit to his bucolic farm, but emphasizes the her dad makes "sure she knows she is going on a journey." And so they do. The series of spot art depicting this is so endearing. At the farm, Mindi meets the animals, including two geese, who are very nice. She finally meets and bonds with a baby goat, whom she names Black and Whitey. 

Some time later, Austen comes to visit, bringing Black and Whitey, whom he trades with Mindi in exchange for the goose no one else can see. 

If only all such manner of nighttime monster could be dealt with so beautifully. 

This gorgeous and relatable book should be a hit at story time be it one-on-one with a parent or at the library.

Picture Book Review: The Stuff Between the Stars: How Vera Rubin Discovered Most of the Universe by Sandra Nickel

Image: Abrams

The Stuff Between the Stars: How Vera Rubin Discovered Most of the Universe by Sandra Nickel. Illustrated by Aimée Sicuro. 48 p. Abrams Books for Young Readers/ Abrams, March 2, 2021. 9782419736261. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Who's to say what might spark (or extinguish) a dream? A chance comment might, or perhaps the physical limitations of a room. Vera Cooper always liked looking at the night sky. When she was eleven, her family moved and her bedroom was so small that all she could do was look up. And, look up she did. She lay in bed and watched the stars travel across the window pane and disappear. Soon she was studying star maps. She even made her own telescope out of cardboard and a lens. When her parents thought she was asleep, she was observing and memorizing the night sky so that she could map their paths in the morning.

Image: Courtesy of Blue Slip Media

From an early age, she resisted naysayers, especially when they tried to dissuade her from pursuing astronomy, a so-called, "man's world." She graduated from Vassar as the only astronomy major in her class. (Vassar was all-women back then.) She married a mathematician named Robert Rubin and, as her family grew, she continued to study, earning first a master's degree and eventually a PhD. 

All along the way, she had to confront sexism, from a lack of bathrooms to hearing outright ridicule of her ideas. Nevertheless, she persisted and eventually, others listened to her theory that stars only consisted of a fraction of the universe and that dark matter was what made the stars move. 

The text focuses on Dr. Rubin's curiosity and resilience and presents complicated ideas in an accessible manner. The bold watercolor, ink and charcoal pencil illustrations complement the writing beautifully. Back matter includes an author's note, timeline, notes and selected bibliography making this a terrific addition to my picture book biography unit. 

A good picture book biography will motivate curious readers to learn more and this one certainly does. Shortly after I read this book, I happened to listen to Dr. Emily Lavesque being interviewed about her book on telescopes on NPR. She happened to mention a telescope that was named for Vera Rubin. Further reading revealed that Dr. Rubin was a role model for Dr. Levesque as well as other prominent female astronomers. I also learned that Dr. Rubin was inspired by a professor at Vassar, Maria Mitchell! Last year, I read, but didn't get a chance to review What Miss Mitchell Saw.

The Stuff Between the Stars is a fantastic STEM title that belongs in all school and classroom libraries, not only for budding astronomers and dreamers but as a fine model of persistence and resilience. 

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Author Sandra Nickel says that story ideas are everywhere; you just have to reach out and grab them. She holds an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her first book, Nacho’s Nachos: The Story Behind the World’s Favorite Snack, was a Golden Kite Award finalist. Sandra lives in Chexbres, Switzerland, where she blogs about children’s book writers and illustrators at whatwason.com. To learn more, visit https://sandranickel.com/.


Twitter: @senickel

Facebook: @sandranickelbooks

Instagram: @sandranickelbooks


Aimée Sicuro is an illustrator, picture book maker, and surface pattern designer who received a BFA in Illustration from Columbus College of Art and Design. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and young sons. Visit her website to learn more.


Twitter: @aimeesicuro

Instagram: @aimeesicuro


Watch the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AC1KGw4aNuk

Fact Friday and Picture Book Review: Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld

Image: Candlewick Press

Twenty-one Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld. Illustrated by Matt Tavares. 32 p. Candlewick Press, March, 2021. 9781536201482. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

Happy Friday! It was a balmy 57 degrees when I had my dogs out for their early morning walk a couple of hours ago and heading up to a high of mid-sixties. I hope you all have been taking advantage of the balmy weather and spring teaser. Buckle-up because March is mercurial and temperatures are expected to drop next week! There's even the possibility of snow.

Fact Friday features Twenty-one Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld and illustrated by Matt Tavares. Surely one of the great tragedies of war is the failure to return the remains of a fallen soldier to their family for mourning and burial. Mr. Gottesfeld poetically chooses one soldier to speak for the many Unknowns who fell on battlefields. "In life, we were our mothers' sons. In death, we are faded photos on the mantel, empty chairs at Thanksgiving...We are known but to God."

While most of the fallen came home for burial after the War to End All Wars, which World War I was naively named, many were not. In 1921, one unknown soldier's body was chosen to lie in state in the Capitol as the nation mourned. He was buried on the eleventh day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour in Arlington National Cemetery. There were speeches, taps and twenty-one gun salute before the crowds dispersed. Eventually, the tomb, standing on the top of a hill, became a destination for picnicers who, "came for the view and not the meaning."

On July 2, 1937, at midnight, the first shift by the Tomb Guard began. The tomb has been guarded twenty-four hours a day since. Three more bodies were added to the tomb after World War II, the Korean War and from Vietnam. Thanks to advances in science and DNA testing, the Vietnam Unknown was later identified, disinterred and returned to his family.

Tomb Guards have to memorize not just the precise timing and steps of the duty, but hundreds of facts about Arlington National Cemetery as well as maintaining an impeccably turned out uniform. Each movement, position and step has to be precisely carried out. The Tomb Guards perform it around the clock through all kinds of weather whether or not they have an audience. The ceremony is somber and sobering. If you ever have the opportunity to witness one, you won't be the same.

Matt Tavares' illustrations are just luminous and emotionally resonant. They were drawn in pencil and digitally rendered. One can almost hear the click of the guards' heels and the sound of those twenty-one steps back and forth in front of the tomb. Each spread begs the reader to stop and linger. 

A short afterword by the author provides additional information. If you can, remove the dust jacket to view the cover of the book. Book covers in library collections are covered with mylar and taped down to prolong the life of the book. I'm not sure what I'm doing with this book in my library. I am not inclined to tape it down. I took a couple of stinky pictures with my phone, but they don't do the cover justice. Matt Tavares posted a tweet with a way cooler clip of the covers. Check it out then, go and check the book out for yourself. Click here to read Mr. Schu's interview of the author. 

Twenty-one Steps was just published and isn't yet available in our library system, but it belongs in every library - schools, classrooms and home! Trust me, this is a first-purchase. It's a book you will return to again and again. I usually donate books I'm sent to review, but I'll be keeping this copy and purchasing copies for my library and select colleagues and friends. 

Fact Friday: Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizebeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars by Laurie Wallmark

Image: Abrams

Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizebeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars by Laurie Wallmark. Illustrated by Brooke Smart. 32 p. Amulet Books for Young Readers/ Abrams, March 2, 2021. 9781419739637. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publicist, Blue Slip Media.)

Happy Friday! You made it! Another week down. I cannot believe it's March! (I also can't believe we are approach one year of online school!) The sun is rising earlier and earlier and setting later and later. That alone is enough to lift my mood. There was a bright half-moon in the sky when I took the hounds for a trot a little after five this morning. I am thankful that their needs get me out and moving many times a day.

Fact Friday features Code Breaker, Spy hunter: How Elizebeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars by Laurie Wallmark. This picture book biography had it's book birthday on Tuesday and is a perfect kick-off to Women's History Month. 

Elizebeth Smith was born in 1892. As a child, she loved to read, especially the works of William Shakespeare. She also had a talent for learning languages, so when she went to college, she studied English literature as well as Latin, Greek and German. She worked for a time as a school principal, but what she really wanted was a job in research or literature. 

A side visit to the Newberry Library to see a famous collection of Shakespeare's play, led to a conversation with the librarian, which led to her meeting an eccentric millionaire named Georg Fabyan, who was convinced that Shakespeare had not written the plays. He thought that Francis Bacon had and that the plays contained secret codes. He hired Elizebeth to crack the codes. She worked for him for four years. 

She did not find evidence of secret codes, but met and fell in love with a scientist named William Friedman. They shared their love of codes together. By this time, America had entered World War I and the government needed code breakers. Elizebeth and Richard developed code-breaking techniques and eventually moved to Washington D.C. to work for the Army. Their work is considered the beginning of modern cryptography. She broke codes in two World Wars. Her work led to the capture of Nazi spies, but she never received credit. Her work was classified as "Top Secret Ultra" and was declassified in 2015. 

The striking art, which was hand-painted in watercolor, then digitally assembled, features a varied palette, individuals with very large eyes and ribbons of code threading throughout the spreads. Quotes by Ms. Friedman are also sprinkled throughout the text. 

Back matter consists of more information about codes and ciphers, instructions for cracking codes, information about modern cryptography and a timeline. Bibliography and source notes are placed on the rear end-page. The story actually begins on the front end-page and there's a secret message hidden under the front flap. (The placement of these are unfortunate for copies that will become part of library collections.)

Reading picture book biographies are great ways of exploring a variety of subjects before committing to reading a full-length biography. Code Breaker, Spy Hunter would interest anyone, but if you enjoy the challenge of solving puzzles, check it out!

Bonus features:

Award-winning author Laurie Wallmark has written picture-book biographies of women in STEM fields ranging from computer science to mathematics, astronomy to code breaking. Her books have earned multiple starred reviews, been chosen as Junior Library Guild Selections, and received awards such as Outstanding Science Trade Book, Cook Prize Honor, and Parents’; Choice Gold Medal. She is a former software engineer and computer science professor. She lives in Ringoes, New Jersey. You can find her at lauriewallmark.com.

On Twitter: @lauriewallmark

Facebook: @lauriewallmarkauthor

Instagram: @lauriewallmark


Brooke Smart loves telling stories through her illustrations, especially stories about brave women from history. She has always loved to read, and growing up she could be found nightly falling asleep with a book on her chest. Illustrating books as a professional artist is a lifelong dream come true. She is living the busy, tired, happy, wonderful dream in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband, their three kids, and their naughty cat named Sunshine. Learn more about her at brooke-smart.com.

Instagram: @bookesmartillustration


Check out the Code Breaker, Spy Hunter book page, where you'll find a trailer, cool activity sheets, and more!

Also, here's a link to a PBS documentary.

ETA: I post these to my Library Links page in our school's learning platform. I received a text from an LA teacher telling me that one of her students got so excited about reading the post, he exclaimed out loud, thereby revealing the fact that he wasn't doing the work he needed to do in class;-). She found it amusing. 

Picture Book Review: Seaside Stroll by Charles Trevino

Image: Charlesbridge

Seaside Stroll by Charles Trevino. Illustrated by Maribel Lechuga. unpgd. Charlesbridge, January, 2021. 9781580899321. (Review of e-arc courtesy of publisher.)

A little girl dresses appropriately for the weather and heads to the beach for a winter walk with her mother and her rag doll, also appropriately dressed. This gorgeously illustrated book is a lovely meditation on winter, nature and mommy and me time. It's  a slice of life poem told entirely with s words. Many are sensory and all are evocative.

Seaside Stroll is a book that is perfect for one-on-one story time snuggles as well as library story time. Don't rush through these pages though. Linger to appreciate the details in the mixed media (digital and watercolor) illustrations. Language arts teachers looking to introduce alliteration need look no further. Use it as a mentor text to challenge students to create their own alliterative story or short poem!

An afterword by the author explains the inspiration as well as some of the mechanics of the poem, such as repetition. This is mirrored a bit in the illustrations.

I can't wait to share Seaside Stroll with my LA colleagues. I'm sending a copy to my granddaughter as well.