Two Picture Book Titles to Share

I thought I would share a couple of titles today-- instead of focusing on just one. Lately, I have been reading in small pockets of time and devoting weekends to longer novels. 

Two picture books made their way to me, and I want to briefly tell you about them here:

A POLAR BEAR IN THE SNOW 

Written by Mac Barnett

Illustrated by Shawn Harris

Published by Candlewick Press

Pub. date: 10/13/20 

I am rereading this book now, but it only took me two reads to appreciate so much about this book. The text is sparse, but each line is satisfying enough to send you to the next page as you try to figure out where the star of the book, a lone polar bear, is heading.  Barnett's latest picture book does what you want picture books to do: engage readers in wonder. It's a thoughtful, introspective kind of book, and yes, though most of the art is white as readers can imagine, Shawn Harris comes in on the latter half of the book with burst of brilliant blues that accompany the quiet text appropriately-- yet also brilliantly and powerfully increasing the volume on the power of the polar bear's story. I'm noticing more and more as I read it. This author/illustrator pairing works -- as their Instagram stories showed us during quarantine -- and now we can enjoy the fruits of their collaboration in a meaningful picture book that I will definitely be recommending. I see applications to prediction, animal conservation, cause and effect - and so much more. 

GNU AND SHREW

Written by Danny Schnitzlein

Illustrated by Anca Sandu

Published by Peachtree Publishing

Pub. date: 10/1/2020

In this picture book, two friends share opposite approaches to life. Gnu is the dreamer, thinking of grand things. Shrew is the doer, inspired by Gnu's vision -- getting things done. (You can even see this in the cover!) Gnu's latest far-fetched(?) dream leads Shrew to action, and completed, successful achievements-- but does he forget Gnu in the process? Where does this lead them? Read the story to find out! There are many applications to this story: friendship, problem-solving, making, planning, etc. -- but it is also a very entertaining story to have someone read to you! 

When I first started drafting this post, I thought I might include three titles. I've decided to save it for my next post-- and leave you with these two titles. 

The Candy Mafia

An intriguing mystery. A missing teady bear. Having to buy your candy secretly. 

Mention any of these to middle grade readers, and you'll get some interest. Combine them all and you've got yourself The Candy Mafia, a new novel from Peachtree Publishing available now.

Today, this book is making a stop here on its blog tour! Isn't it fun to hear about new titles? (ESPECIALLY as we are all working hard to recommend books to our readers -- whether in person or remotely?) 

Cover image courtesy of Peachtree Publishing

Before I tell  about the missing teddy bear, imagine a world where buying candy is outlawed! (Pose that scenario to young readers and a good discussion is surely imminent.) And in this world where one must find secret places to buy chocolate (Imagine!) young entrepreneurs (smugglers) like Eddie de Menthe have emerged -- selling candy "underground". Eddie has indeed developed a persona, and our main character (12 year-old private detective Nelle) is fully aware of who he is when he walks into her well-laid out detective office asking for her help in finding his missing teddy bear (there's a story behind that, too!)

How does the teddy bear go missing? That is the first question emerging from this mystery, but then it becomes not as important as this one: Where is its owner Eddie? He soon disappears himself, and Nelle is led into a world of secret candy stores, mishaps, and characters named Sweetcakes Ratchet. 

The story is a comfortably intricate one, carried along by a unique plot that will keep readers guesssing, cleverly written by author Lavie Tidhar from England (this is his first book for children) and delightfully intriguing illustrations like these by illustrator Daniel Duncan (a freelance illustrator also from England): 

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(Images courtesy of Peachtree Publishing) 

Part of the story involves the now shuttered Farnsworth's Chocolate Factory (connecting us, of course to another famous chocolate factory story as Peachtree describes here.) Nelle becomes a character we can root for: determined, strong, and trying her best to figure out things for herself, too -- perhaps that's why she's solving the mystery! 

There's enough intrigue here for readers to keep turning the pages, meeting very interesting characters through Nelle's adept eyes and viewpoint. Readers will predict the meaning of events and their tie-in to the mystery, or they can choose to simply take it all in page by page, immersed in story. 

I especially appreciate that the story is written in first person, with Nelle narrating it all, carrying readers into her thinking. Nelle shows us what perseverance and problem-solving look like. Teachers will find much to note in how she (or rather, author Lavie Tidhar) describes the very interesting characters they meet on their way to the last page. 

The Candy Mafia is a middle grade mystery with its own sweet flavor, sure to find its place among readers who enjoy figuring things out and thinking smartly through things. 

I've figured out that I also want to reread it, this time finding new things to notice. 

Follow the rest of the stops on the tour to hear more about this book! 

Sept. 21st: The Library Voice 

Sept. 22nd: Teachers Who Read

Sept. 23rd: Mom Read It

Sept. 24th: Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers 

Sept. 25th: Librarian in Cute Shoes

Sept. 26th: Beagles and Books

Peachtree Publishing has also provided a Discussion Guide to go with the book. You can find it here. 

Many, many thanks to Peachtree Publishing for the review copy and the invitation to participate in this tour! 

JABARI TRIES by Gaia Cornwall

Jabari is back! In his second picture book also by Gaia Cornwall, Jabari is intent on building a flying machine-- alone-- so he gives it all he's got: building a ramp, tinkering with different methods, reading a book, and even recalling inspiration from notable scientists. He refuses to give up -- and little sister Nika is right there with him, trying to contribute (though Jabari will have none of it). Jabari's dad -- once again -- offers wise words, asking Jabari to consider including his sister -- as a "partner" and then, when Jabari is feeling particularly frustrated, shares what he does when he faces a challenge. Dad's reminder to take a breath, release his feelings, and try again is just what Jabari needs to hear. 

When he follow Dad's advice, Jabari approaches the problem with a renewed determination -- and a smart, enthusiastic sister by his side! Does he accomplish his goal? Please read the book to find out! 

Like Jabari Jumps, Jabari Tries will be a picture book teachers will turn to not only for a delightful story -- but for an example of how the solution for a challenge might be right in front of you if you'll notice! And that sometimes,  the help you can give yourself is a pause, a deep breath, and another try. 

Cornwall's design choices are gems throughout the book: note the tie-in of the title color and font with the endpapers (white blueprint drawings on orange grid paper).  See that the story starts on the title page! See Nika's own creativity and playfulness displayed with all her different costumes: Nika is taking on roles and trying them on!) In fact, pay particular attention to Nika! She is a fun sister!

One of my favorite opening spreads shows that Jabari's family is a family of makers: Jabari with his project and wagon of tools, Nika wih her hands in the sand, and Dad, gardening. 

Intensity of moments are depicted with scale, perspective through shadows, and the use of color (such as orange for Jabari's shirt, Dad's sneakers, and Nika's various outfits. 

I know I will be turning to Jabari Tries for maker and problem-solving inspiration. I'll also be adding it to my SEL (social emotional learning) book list! 

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall (Candlewick, 2020) is available now.

Also, this book has such great examples of onomatopoeia! Bonus!  

LADY PANCAKE & SIR FRENCH TOAST: SHORT & SWEET by Josh Funk

Have you met Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast? Your weekend breakfast treats have three picture books so far, and they've been delighting readers with food-themed rhymes since the first book:  Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast (Sterling, 2015).  

Now, a bit of background and a tip:

When you pick up one of these books, prepare yourself! Wet your whistle  with a drink of water, hold the book open proudly, sit or stand comfortably, and then dig in to  the pages and read this book out loud -- even if it's just to yourself!-- because if you haven't read one of these books before, you need to know that reading one aloud will be fun and invigorating and will require your energy-- and will give you so much joy in return! 

Today, I am happy to share that Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast have another story to tell in book #4 published yesterday (9/1/2020) -- AND they've stopped by my blog for a virtual tour! 

In this latest story, Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast are in their home, about to host a tea party -- and they begin to notice how they don't exactly look their best. Their guest Waffle comments on their appearance (much to their surprise), and then recommends a remedy: a visit to Professor Biscotti's Laboratory. (He has an interesting new gadget called a "de-spoiling ray", and it promises to do the trick! 

But as it sometimes goes with gimmicky gadgets, the "de-spoiling ray" doesn't exactly work as planned, setting the couple on a raucous adventure -- filled with the movement and poetic word play we enjoyed from Books 1-3.  (Read the book to find out exactly how the "de-spoiling ray" goes awry -- and notice the word play with the title of the book.)

Funk and illustrator Brendan Kearney take us on another journey through delightful places like Pasta Playground and Limes Square. Not only are the words a feast for your mind, but the illustrations are a feast in themselves. Do you ever sit with a picture book for hours? I do! 

Yes, readers will become so wrapped up in the rhyme and art, they may not want Sir Pancake and Lady French Toast to ever find the solution to the dilemma. 

After I read the book a few times, I saw so many ways to connect this book with topics -- to make it come alive even more for young readers: food, poetry, alliteration, and of course--friendship (WAS the waffle a friend? Do friends tell us hard things sometimes?) This book also 

But when you first pick up the book, simply enjoy it -- turn the pages, and for a little while, delve into a world of color and food and simple joy -- and forget about everything else. For me, this book is yet another piece of proof that books indeed help you escape.

Enjoy your visit to Chard Boulevard and check out the other stops on the Short & Sweet Long & Savor Virtual Tour! (And make sure your fridge is stocked before you read the book because it will make you hungry!)

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BEASTLY BIONICS: RAD ROBOTS, BRILLIANT BIOMIMICRY, AND INCREDIBLE INVENTIONS INSPIRED BY NATURE by Jennifer Swanson

BEASTLY BIONICS: RAD ROBOTS, BRILLIANT BIOMIMICRY, AND INCREDIBLE INVENTIONS INSPIRED BY NATURE by Jennifer Swanson

Publisher: National Geographic Kids

Release date: June 23, 2020

I first heard of Jen Swanson in Arizona at the Tucson Festival of Books when she presented in a panel with author Jason Chin and several other kidlit creators.  Her work has been on my radar ever since because I was fascinated with her research process, and I loved her enthusiasm for science! I also have many avid nonfiction readers in my library and I'm always looking for new books to bring to them. (Hint: I've found another one to share and that's what this post is about!)

Nonfiction author panel at the Tucson Festival of Books, 2018 

Jen Swanson is an award-winning nonfiction author (and middle school science instructor), and her latest book is an explanation and exploration of the concepts of biomimicry and bionics. In her latest books Beastly Bionics (National Geographic Kids, 2020) Swanson demonstrates how inventors and scientists are inspired by animals to solve real-world problems, ease everyday tasks, help us use energy more efficiently, and heal and protect humans. 

The book's format includes the pairing of a real-life "Design Dilemma" with a "Building Bionics" text column- offering a solution, either in the works or in the beginning planning stages. Page by page, and animal by animal, Swanson explains (with clarity), how scientists, engineers and other innovators are working to make our lives better. How can a butterfly's wings help the world? What about an elephant's trunk? How can a slug offer ideas for designing better stitches and bandages? All very fascinating! (*One of my favorite pages: "Solar-Powered Butterflies"!) 

Eye-catching photos on double-page spreads add appeal and work smoothly hand-in-hand with the text. Although the book is cohesively organized in neat chapters, each stands alone - allowing readers to open up to any section and still enjoy the experience. (This aspect of nonfiction is particularly appealing to the readers in my library.) 

Whenever I read a children's book, I always think about what I will tell our teachers about it. Here's a part of what I will say:

Teachers in search of nonfiction text features will be happy to find bold words in in different colors, clever titles and labels, standout fonts, informative diagrams, and text-rich captions. Although a short glossary is included in the back matter, readers can find new vocabulary throughout the text- and low-key opportunities for use of context clues. Beastly Bionics will - no doubt --also inspire inquiry and research. And, indeed, the reading of this book will inspire the reading of so many others! I want to read more about ALL of these animals! 

ALSO: Animals have inspired art, poetry, stories, and songs. To know that they also inspire science and innovation will cause young readers to appreciate and love animals even more! 

Finally, as a maker librarian, I can see SO many applications for Makerspace here -- with students creating their own inventions or replicating those in the book. We may not have the equipment the scientist and engineers have, but the makers in our library can do amazing things with cardboard tubes, straws, and foil! I can see it all now! 

If you'd like to learn more about the book, visit here. 

On the Horizon by Lois Lowry and Kenard Pak

Lois Lowry's latest book is a thin volume with a lovely cover*, but it is powerfully packed.

With haunting and poignant verse,  Lowry recalls and retells memories of her childhood in both Japan and Hawaii, while also sharing the tragic historical snapshots of lives lost at Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima. This novel in verse gives us glimpses of World War II in a way you might not expect -- not from Lois Lowry, and not in poetry.

The verses are written with efficiency, and, yet each line is rich in depth.  I found myself rereading verse after verse, settling in the  magic created by its existence. As with novels of verse, white space comes with it, and these generous spaces surround and almost protect the stories on the page.

But what makes this historical novel in verse special for me is the author's ties to this time in history -- and how she learned about them. I won't ruin this for you, but when you get a copy of this book, make sure to read the Author's Note at the end. I am reminded once again of the true value of back matter, reminded of why I advise the young readers in my library -- and the teachers -- to pay attention to these things. I treasure glossaries, and timelines, and acknowledgements, and, especially here-- author's notes.

On the Horizon is a timely example of the value of memory -- and the necessity of sharing it.

Don't read it because it is a Lois Lowry book -- although that may be what draws you to it, of course.

Read it because you want to find its value for your own life. In today's pandemic times, good books can add such joy, richness, distraction, and peace to solitary, quarantine hours.

Available now from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers.
Learn more about it here.

Kenard Pak (The Hundred Year Barn and Goodbye Autumn) illustrated the cover as well as pages within. Read more about his work here.

Our Library Year

Our school  -- as with all schools in Texas -- is now closed for the rest of the year as we all work to slow the spread of Covid-19.

I am now a virtual librarian -- although I have been one now for at least four weeks. 

If I would have known that March 6th was going to be my last day in my library for the year, what would I have done? I cannot be sure. 

It's fitting, though,  that my very last task that day (before kids were dismissed) was hand delivering a book on hold that became available. I took a picture of the book as I walked to deliver it at 3:00 that day. I am glad I did. (Pictured: Wings of Fire: The Graphic Novel: THE LOST HEIR BY Tui T. Sutherland & Mike Holmes.) 

Looking back on that day, I feel peace in knowing that I stayed late and gave the library some much-needed attention  (even though we were beginning our Spring Break). As the school emptied, with everyone off to begin their well deserved week of rest and fun, I contentedly organized my workroom, repaired some books, pulled titles for an upcoming display, and straightened up the entire space. Chairs tucked, tables clean, trash picked up, books shelved and put away.  

I left it ready for kids and ready for learning. 

I can still remember my inner peace and quiet joy as I walked around among the shelves, hopeful for a week off, and also excited about activities planned for the rest of March: finishing up our March Book Madness, an event with the public library, etc.

This library - our library- my library - was and is my second home. I’ve spent countless hours there with classes and students - but also alone- thinking, working, and hoping.

The library - as Ranganathan said, truly is a living organism, and as I write this, the library rests and waits -- as all living things must do. 

But the library's librarian? 
She does not rest. 

She continues on digitally, virtually, and with the same hope, but also missing the space and all magic that it witnessed every school day. 

FIRE TRUCK vs. DRAGON by Chris Barton and Shanda McCloskey

Could a fire truck and a dragon be friends? What WOULD they do if they WERE friends?

These questions -- and more -- are explored delightfully in fellow Texan Chris Barton's latest picture book FIRE TRUCK VS. DRAGON (Little Brown, 2019) celebrating its book birthday today!

Illustrated by Shanda McCloskey (Doll-E 1.0 and T-Bone the Drone), this picture book follows the pair of friends as they entertain an audience of kids -- all of whom, of course, expect --what else-- fire and water!

But as the story proceeds, Fire Truck and Dragon do everything BUT ensue in the most epic of anticipated matchups. Instead of lighting up the campfire, the pair tell stories. Instead of grilling burgers at a cookout, they bring "free-range" potato salad and "firehouse" beans -- witty details from a very clever author. I won't give anymore away-- I want readers to come upon this cleverness themselves!

With each page, the kids remain hopeful that they'll witness what they came to see, but every "disappointment" is really a treat for the kids: a birthday cake, snow cones, hot chocolate and more.

Do the fire truck and dragon ever go toe-to-toe? Do they give the kids what they expect? Read the book to find out.

I would also like to add that I especially appreciated the illustrations -- with my favorite detail being the lettering perfectly suited to each character: FIRE TRUCK is spelled in rivet/nail letters while DRAGON is spelled with almost-real blue scales. McCloskey's work makes readers feel as if the two could be opponents, yet in a friendly way! I also noted wonderful use of speech bubbles, full page spreads, and eyebrows that speak volumes.

I was thinking about this book more today, and I see that's not just about unlikely friendships.
It's also about expectations. Kids deal with disappointments and "unexpectedness" every day. They know all about this. Maybe --in those times we get the unexpected-- maybe something fun can still be had- something that will make us smile -- even if it's not what we were hoping for.

FIRE TRUCK VS. DRAGON also illustrates that there is more to people than what they might best be known for. We all have hidden talents. We all can do more than others think. It's okay to surprise the world every now and then with something fun and lovely!

I can't wait to share this book with the readers in my library once I buy my final copy.
Many thanks to Little Brown for the advance copy.

Read more about the book here.

I cannot wait to read this book to classes in my library!

THE STRANGERS by Margaret Peterson Haddix

We all have a book that has been sitting in our TBR pile that we've been wanting to read, but haven't. Or maybe MANY books. One of them for me is THE STRANGERS by Margaret Peterson Haddix.

As my Spring Break began, I decided to FINALLY finish it and I was rewarded with a very solid story of a family struggling through loss, siblings pulling together, a mystery I couldn't figure out, and a tale of "alternate worlds". All of that in one book! THIS book!

Of course, the other factor that makes this book a must-read is its author! Haddix is a master of writing mysteries that aren't like any other -- with pages and events that compel wonder and the turning of pages -- from her series THE MISSING to CHILDREN OF EXILE.

This latest series (Greystone Secrets) with the introduction of a family of endearing siblings (Chess, Finn, and Emma) seems more poised towards upper elementary. Haddix gave each member of the family a unique voice, with alternating chapters told from their point of view. All want to help their mother and figure out why she has disappeared --

Other characters are also noteworthy: Natalie, the seemingly surly teen with a backstory who becomes part of their lives as they search for clues to their mother's disappearance; Natalie's own mother, Ms. Morales -- an acquaintance of the Greystones' -- but close enough to take care of them if their mother is gone forever.  Does she have a story, too?

This first installment in the series is satisfying-- and made me -- once again-- appreciate and be thankful that we have writers like Haddix who create exciting books for kids that aren't predictable -- and -- even in their fantasy-like qualities -- still make me wonder about my own ordinary life, too.

Many thanks to @HarperChildrens for the review copy!

Read more about the book here.

Frank and Bean by Jamie Michalak and Bob Kolar

I love finding clever early reader books that make me laugh and that I know my learners will enjoy! 

That's why I'm so glad to share FRANK AND BEAN by Jamie Michalak and Bob Kolar today. (I believe it will be the first in the series. At least I hope it's a series!)

To start, who DOESN'T love hot dogs? (Well, I am sure there are some people who don't, but I consider them a treat and really love them! (I put mustard, ketchup, and sweet relish on mine, but after traveling to Chicago multiple times, I discovered I love their style of hot dog, too!)

P.S. Reading this book led me on a research trail of wanting to know where the concept of "frank and beans" originated and who exactly was the first person to put frankfurters in their baked beans. I still don't know the answer, but think this could be a great tie-in with the book.

And yes, - THE BOOK! 

No matter where the research takes you, though, this little book is delicious! Frank (a hot dog) likes quiet and spending time writing in his notebook. (Frank, I "get" you!) When the other creatures in the forest try to connect with him, he pushes them away, preferring his routine and his established sense of order. 

But then BEAN shows up -- in a noisy bus filled with musical instruments -- and yes, he "toots"-- bringing laughter, mayhem, and general joviality to Frank's world. They come together eventually to combine talents (Frank's writing, Ben's music) and the result is not only a tasty friendship but a fun song about doughnut holes! 

I truly enjoyed this delightful story and as I read it, I thought of so many connections we could make in the library: friendships, cooking, writing, collaborations, and mindfulness. 

This book is out now from Candlewick! Read more about it here. 

I will definitely be buying this book and recommending it! 

Nina Soni: Former Best Friend

Three-day weekends are great for tackling your TBR pile. Today, as I was going through my stacks, I picked up NINA SONI: FORMER BEST FRIEND (written by Kashmira Sheth and illustrated by Jenn Kocsmiersky). Published by Peachtree Publishing Company, It's been out since Oct. 2019 so you can get this right now!

First thing I need to say: I truly enjoyed this book! I swallowed up the pages fairly quickly, but so many good points in the book made me stop and take note.

Nina is forgetful so she makes lists in her notebook (which she has named ❤️📒), and she doesn't feel like her family is very exciting at all. She's having trouble getting along with her best friend Jay, Dad is out of town too much, and she's got a big writing project at school she hasn't even started. Add a very active little sister to the mix and that makes her life super busy.

I jotted down so many aspects of the story to connect with: writing assignments, science experiments, recipes (roti and kachumber) and even social emotional learning! I like to make books come to life by pulling out aspects of the book to connect to other books and activities. I have TONS of ideas for this one. And I think I will use it for a book club in 3rd grade!

I am one of Nina's fans now, and I can't wait to bring this chapter book series into our library. Ordering and recommending!

Lucky for me, Peachtree Publishing Company just sent me the second installment of this one so I'm going to read that one next!