November is Picture Book Month! Review: Latkes for Santa Claus by Janie Emaus

Image: Sky Pony Press

Latkes for Santa Claus by Janie Emaus. Illustrated by Bryan Langdo. unpgd. Sky Pony Press, October, 2020. 9781510759886. (Review of finished copy courtesy of the author.)

Anna emails Santa for the first time on her iPad. She informs him that she's celebrating Christmas for the first time with her new dad and stepbrother and thinks he might be tired of cookies, so she's planning on leaving him the best treat ever. The only problem is, she's not sure what. It doesn't help that Michael, her stepbrother assures her that his cookies are the best Santa treat ever. He also informs her that Santa doesn't answer emails.

At first, she zeroes in on matzo ball soup as the best, but Michael reminds her that, "Santa can't eat soup with his fingers."  When Anna imagines Santa attempting this, she realizes that matzo ball soup won't do. How about Aunt Bea's noodle kugel? That can't be eaten with fingers either. Tzimmes? Nope!

Finally, Anna realizes the perfect finger food! Her mom's potato latkes are the perfect treat for Santa. She adds them to Michael's plate of cookies. Not only is the plate empty on Christmas morning, but Anna receives an email from Santa!

Ah, the December dilemma. Thirty-five years ago, I married a Jewish man in a civil ceremony. He wasn't particularly religious and both of his older siblings married outside the religion. His parents were accepting and welcoming. I suggested that we choose the Jewish holidays over Christmas and Easter. I was not at all religious and didn't mind. My husband did. He adored Christmas. He wanted a tree and presents. He also wanted Hanukkah, so we merged the two holidays. Our tree doesn't go up until Christmas Eve and all our decorations are decidedly secular - Santa, snowmen, birds, and the like. Years when Hanukkah and Christmas overlap are challenging. We found our way. We also celebrated others and observed Shabbat in our own way. 

I would've loved to have had this book when my kids were small. The cheery, energetic illustrations are appealing, as is the rhyming refrain each time Anna imagines Santa handling the various foods. The recipes for sugar cookies and potato latkes are an added bonus! This is such a fun book and not just for families who merge the two holidays!

November is Picture Book Month! Picture Book Review: My Favorite Color by Aaron Becker

Image: Candlewick Press

My Favorite Color by Aaron Becker. unpgd board book. Candlewick Studio/ Candlewick Press, September, 2020. 9781536214741. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

I love how the title of this book asks "Only one?" I feel the same way. I have lots of favorite colors. They usually match my mood.

Aaron Becker follows his lovely, You are Light  with this magical book. Simple, tactile and intriguing, this inviting board book will have readers young and not-so-young, returning again and again to flip pages to watch the change in hues with each page-turn. So many shades of color to enjoy and name! Indeed, how can only one be a favorite?

My Favorite Color is a terrific gift book and should find a place in pre-schools and art classes as well as comfy laps to explore, discuss and appreciate color. Here's a short video of the creator talking about his book. Don't miss this gem.

November is Picture Book Month! Review: Eric by Shaun Tan

Image: Scholastic Inc.

Eric by Shaun Tan. unpgd. Scholastic Press/ Scholastic Inc., October, 2020. 9781338622089. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

Exchange student, Eric, arrives at the home of our unnamed narrator, who arrogantly assumes he/ she will be his "local expert." The family cannot pronounce his name and so they call him Eric. (My school is nearly 40% Asian and I am always a bit sad when students choose an American name.) Eric chooses to sleep and study in the pantry. "'It must be a cultural thing,' said Mum." Oh, the arrogance. Our narrator is flummoxed by Eric's constant questions. The host family drags poor Eric on countless excursions, but he seems focused on small and seemingly insignificant details, much to their frustration. Then, Eric leaves abruptly and the family discovers the gift that Eric left in their pantry.

This picture book is an excerpt from Mr. Tan's Tales from Outer Suburbia, which I have not read. It was published several years ago in Australia in a small book format and now comes to the U.S. in standard picture book size. It is just lovely. Eric is a being of unknown origin and thus, can stand in for any "other." While our narrator is concerned for Eric's happiness, he/ she is clearly unhappy about his numerous questions. 

The cross-hatched black and white illustrations depict a small, slight figure with a curious three-pronged head. It isn't until Eric leaves that color is introduced. And yet, Mother insists on stating, "It must be a cultural thing." 

Wow. Mind blown. Some years ago, I gave a copy of The Arrival to the ESL teacher, who loved it and shares it regularly with her students. This book though, goes a bit farther and explores the self-centered (presumably) white majority. While the story is amusing and off-beat, it is quite deep and wryly observant.

Eric is a conversation starter for sure. It's also beautifully designed from it's embossed jacket through intriguing end pages and it's uncluttered layout featuring plenty of white space. Highly recommended.

Fact Friday: Life in a Frozen World: wildlife of Antarctica by Mary Batten

Image: Peachtree

Life in a Frozen World: wildlife of Antarctica by Mary Batten. Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez. 40 p. Peachtree, November 1, 2020. 9781682631515. (Review of finished copy borrowed from public library.)

 
Happy Friday! The temperatures dipped this week and hopefully you broke out the layers as well as hat, scarf and mittens. Cold temps shouldn't prevent you from getting out of doors every day! Speaking of cold, Fact Friday features Life in a Frozen World: wildlife of Antarctica by Mary Batten and illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez. Antarctic is a biodiverse home to many organisms, from microscopic bacteria to the blue whale. They have adapted to the extreme cold at the southern pole of planet Earth. 

The succinct text provides a brief overview of animal life from krill to the penguins we all know and love. But it's the illustrations that are the stars here. Thomas Gonzalez's pastel and water colored pencil spreads are breathtaking. Really, each one is immersive - the textures, the colors, the drama - all transfix. Back matter includes a map; 10 more facts about Antarctica; an author's note; a glossary and a list of books, websites and films to learn more.

Life in a Frozen World is a must-read for all fact-hounds and readers who are fascinated by extreme conditions. I just loved this one.

November is Picture Book Month! Review: Addy's Cup of Sugar by Jon Muth

Image: Scholastic 

Addy's Cup of Sugar: based on a Buddhist story of healing by Jon Muth. unpgd. Scholastic Press/ Scholastic Inc., October, 2020. 9780439634281. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

A young girl named Addy loves a kitten named Trumpet. The two are inseparable until Addy moves to a new house and poor Trumpet gets hit by a car. Devastated, Addy calls for her friend, Stillwater and begs him for medicine to bring Trumpet back. Stillwater gives Addy an empty measuring cup and asks her to bring back a cup of sugar. The catch is, that it must be from a home "where death is a stranger." Addy hurries out, intent on carrying out her task, only she finds in house after house, that the inhabitants have all lost someone dear. 

In an Author's Note, we learn that this lovely story is based on "The Mustard Seed," a Buddhist legend about the grief of a new mother, who lost her infant. The shimmery watercolor spreads beg the reader to linger. Sharp-eyed young readers will spot Trumpet in a few. Stillwater's comforting presence and sad, patient eyes add to the appeal of this lovely contemplation of loss. 

Addy's Cup of Sugar is absolutely stunning. Surely a must-read.

Fact Friday: Mary Seacole: bound for the battlefield by Susan Goldman Rubin

Image: Candlewick Press

Mary Seacole: bound for the battlefield by Susan Goldman Rubin. Illustrated by Richie Pope. Unpgd. Candlewick Press, October, 2020. 9780763679941. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

Happy Friday! What a rainy, dreary week this has been around here! The weather app promises a sunny day tomorrow, so make sure you get outside and stretch! Me? I have a date with a rake and a leaf blower. All that rain caused most of the leaves to fall and carpet my lawn. Plus, my hold on the audiobook of Rick Riordan's The Tower of Nero dropped into my phone and I can't wait to dive in to that!

Fact Friday features Mary Seacole: bound for the battlefield by Susan Goldman Rubin and illustrated by Richie Pope. This picture book for older reader highlights an unsung hero of the Crimean War, as well as of the history of nursing. You've most likely heard of Florence Nightingale and her efforts to serve the wounded during the Crimean War; but even she refused Mrs. Seacole's offer of help. This may have been due to Mrs. Seacole's treatment methods, which included herbal medicine and good food; but was more likely due to the color of her skin.

Mrs. Seacole was born in Jamaica to a Creole mother and a white father. Her mother was an herbal healer and her father was a Scottish officer. She grew up listening to his stories of war. Her father died when she was ten. She helped her mother run a boardinghouse and learned about medicinal herbs. As an adult, she packed up her supplies and headed to Panama, where there was an outbreak of cholera. Even as she successfully nursed many victims of the dread disease, she faced racism, not from her patients; from officers and doctors and other administrators. Undeterred, she focused on her mission to serve the sick.

The engaging text is broken up by brilliant full-page color illustrations featuring Mary, who loved colorful dresses, in a variety of situations. Quotes taken from Mrs. Seacole's autobiography, first published in 1857, are liberally sprinkled throughout and sourced in the back matter, which also includes two other books for further reading.

It's important for students to learn early that history books are often incomplete and favor the white, male story. Picture book biographies, such as this one, expand a reader's intellectual horizon. Mary Seacole: bound for the battlefield belongs in every school and classroom library. 

November is Picture Book Month! Review: The Boy and the Gorilla by Jackie Azúa Kramer

Image: Candlewick Press

The Boy and the Gorilla by Jackie Azúa Kramer. Illustrated by Cindy Derby. unpgd. Candlewick Press, October, 2020. 9780763698324. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

Don't be too quick to flip past the title page in this exquisite picture book. The story starts there, followed by two wordless, double-page spreads. The first depicts a gorilla following a group of people who are following a boy and his father. The second depicts a scene inside a living room where the father and son sit alone among a crowd of people dressed in black while the gorilla sits quietly in the middle of the room. 

Eventually, the boy wanders out to his mother's garden and the gorilla follows. The story is told in dialogue, with the gorilla's words italicized. He tells the boy, "Your mothers garden is beautiful. May I help?" While the two quietly work the garden, the boy opens up because the gorilla gave him room. The boy is filled with questions he cannot ask his father; such as how someone knows a person has died or whether we all die. The gorilla answers each question simply and honestly. The gorilla reminds the boy that his mom is always with him. When the boy misses his mom reading to him, the gorilla suggests that his dad might enjoy the story. He allows the boy to be alone and, most importantly, listens. Eventually, the boy connects with his father. Once that happens, the gorilla's job is done and the story ends with a final wordless spread.

I don't know why I love books about grief. I can't stop reading this one. It has to be my favorite ever. The text is reassuringly simple and the illustrations are utterly mesmerizing. The watercolors are somber and blurry, as if viewing through tears (and I was viewing through tears at times). The palette is filled with grey and purple but little pops of color draw the eye. 

The best way to convey difficult concepts to young children is simply and honestly and as concretely as possible. The Boy and the Gorilla is a godsend for any adult who needs to comfort a child, or, even themselves. I cannot recommend this book enough.

November is Picture Book Month! I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott

Image: Holiday House 

I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott. Illustrated by Sydney Smith. 40 p. Neal Porter Books/ Holiday House, September, 2020. 978823445592. (Review of book borrowed from the public library.)

A boy awakens each morning dreading having to speak. He stutters and school, as well as the letters, P, C, and M are torture. His dad calls these days, "bad speech" days and he takes his son to the river, where they walk companionably. The quiet and alone time work their magic. His dad tells him that he talks "like a river." As the boy contemplates this, the reader opens a stunning gatefold. 

This first-person picture book caught me by surprise. I was unprepared at how emotional I got. The spare, evocative text is utterly heartbreaking and just when you feel you might be crushed, Dad comes quietly to the rescue. This was such a beautiful depiction of a father-son relationship - so comforting and hopeful. 

In the author's note that follows, readers learn that the author stuttered and the book is autobiographical. His dad took him to the river on bad speech days. 

I Talk Like a River belongs in all school and classroom libraries. I am gifting it to each young person in my life and will probably read it aloud to my fifth and sixth graders! I think it will be a perfect read aloud to tie in figurative language as well as a bit of SEL (social-emotional learning.) It's also a wonderful antidote to the vicious unkindness that has flourished the last four years and a celebration of hope for the next four.

Visit the publisher website to view a short video of both creators talking about the book. There's also a terrific discussion guide.This is definitely high up on my faves list. Too bad the book can't be considered by the Caldecott Committee. It's not to be missed. 

November is Picture Book Month! Bringing Back the Wolves: How a predator restored an ecosystem by Jude Isabella

Image: Kids Can Press

Bringing Back the Wolves: How a predator restored an ecosystem by Jude Isabella. Illustrated by Kim Smith. unpgd. Kids Can Press, March 2020. 9781771386258. (Review of finished copy borrowed from public library.)

When wolves were annihilated in Yellowstone in the 1800s, little did folks know the impact that the removal of this apex predator would have on the park's ecosystem. This gorgeously illustrated picture book for older readers succinctly explains the food webs and how the removal of the apex predator adversely affected the Yellowstone ecosystem. Engaging illustrations, text boxes, and terrific back matter will encourage young conservationists to revere the balance of nature.  

November is Picture Book Month! The Spirit of Springer: the real-life rescue of an orphaned orca by Amanda Abler

Image: Sasquatch Books

The Spirit of Springer: the real-life rescue of an orphaned orca by Amanda Abler. Illustrated by Levi Hastings. unpgd. Little Big Foot/ Sasquatch Books, March, 2020. 9781632172129. (Review of finished copy borrowed from public library.)

In 2002, a lone orca, named Springer, or A73, was discovered in Puget Sound. Scientists in the U.S. and Canada worked together to rescue and heal the orphaned calf who was more than 300 miles from her pod. She was nursed back to health and re-introduced to the wild gradually. She was accepted into her pod in Canada. She eventually had her own calf, named Spirit and later, another named Storm. Back matter includes a map, more information about Springer's pod, identifying marks and extra orca facts.

This picture book for older readers is gorgeously illustrated and its prose is accessible and inspiring. 

November is Picture Book Month! Review: Lift by Minh Lê

Lift: Disney/ LBYR

Lift by Minh Lê. Illustrated by Dan Santat. unpgd. Disney/ Hyperion/ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, May, 2020. 9781368036924. (Review of finished copy borrowed from public library.) 

It's Iris' job to press the elevator button. Period. Up and down. Each day. Every day. But one day, an interloper in the form of her little brother presses the button before she can and she's mad.  Betrayal! In this spread, we see Iris' proud parents hugging her little brother as he hugs his stuffed tiger that was apparently Iris'!

After she's betrayed yet again, she decides to push all the buttons and doesn't care about her parents' ire. Unfortunately, she breaks the elevator. While she and her parents wait for the repairman to finish fixing the elevator, she watches as he tosses the dysfunctional button into a nearby trash can. Inspiration strikes and Iris snatches it. She tapes it to the wall of her room, presses the button and... whoa!

While Minh Lê expertly taps into the psyche of the older sibling, Dan Santat adroitly and humorously portrays the dynamics in a variety of panel sizes a lá graphic novel style. Iris is clearly put upon but not without love for her brother. 

This is an absolute must purchase for any library. It's an absolute joy! One a parent won't mind reading again and again.

November is Picture Book Month! Review: Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp

Image: Peachtree Publishers

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp. unpgd. Peachtree Publishers, March, 2020. 9781682630594. (Review of paperback edition borrowed from public library.)

I found this sweet book on the new book display at my local library and couldn't resist that sweet cover and the word, library. That's the way to a librarian's heart! But, I'm no pushover!

We've all had a few Madeline Finn's in our life. The child who hates to read. The child who struggles to read. The child who hates to read because he/ she struggles to read. I was one of those struggling readers who eventually learned to love to read. I was in "group three," the lowest of the low. The group that was behind in the Dick and Jane series. The group that looked on enviously as the kids in group one roared with laughter over something humorous in one of the stories. The group that was the last to laugh and we didn't really once we finally got there. So Madeline is me.

Aside from that personal connection to a long ago younger me. This story pulls the reader in with both words and illustrations. The reader FEELS Madeline's frustration and aches for her. It's beautifully wrought and allows both readers and non-readers alike to empathize/ sympathize with Madeline. 

This book is just gorgeous and I'm sorry that I missed its hardcover release several years ago, but happy that my library featured it prominently. 

November is Picture Book Month! Review: Julián at the Wedding by Jessica Love

Image: Candlewick Press

Julián at the Wedding by Jessica Love. unpgd. Candlewick Press, October, 2020. 9781536212389. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

It was so wonderful to visit with Julián again! Here, he dresses in a natty lavender outfit to be in a wedding along with Marisol. His abuela is there to celebrate the union of two women in a joyful outdoor ceremony. Marisol has to wear a flower crown instead of her beloved baseball cap. Afterward, Julián and Marisol disappear and she ruins her dress. Her cap is recovered and she gifts Julián with her crown. A friendship is cemented and a union is celebrated. What joy!

The pastel on brown paper art is luminous. Fans of the first book, Julián is a Mermaid will cheer and readers new to Julián and he abuela will be intrigued. More, please!

November is Picture Book Month! Review: A Polar Bear in the Snow by Mac Barnett

Image: Candlewick Press 

A Polar Bear in the Snow by Mac Barnett. Illustrated by Shawn Harris. unpgd. Candlewick Press, October, 2020. 9781536203967. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

A polar bear emerges from a snow den and lumbers across the snowscape in search of...what? That is the question that is repeated throughout this engaging, fun and intriguing new book by Mac Barnett. The cover with its embossed title and irresistible cut-paper polar bear has immediate appeal.

Mac Barnett is a minimalist. Make no mistake though. Therein lies his genius. There is depth here. Shawn Harris is a minimalist as well and the two styles work well here. Each spread begs the reader to linger. While this would make for a fantastic read aloud, it's perfect for a snuggling one-on-one read. Brilliant and absolutely enchanting! Truly a first-purchase!