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.