Not Quite Narwhal

Hello, readers!

I've taken a bit of a blogging break, but I'm excited to return to writing and bookish discussion here! To kick things off, I wanted to share our very favorite picture book that we read over the summer: Jessie Sima's Not Quite Narwhal (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2017).

Kelp was born in the ocean and lived among the narwhals. But he always knew he was different: he looked different, liked different food, and was not at all skilled in swimming.

But when he is swept to the surface by a strong current, he (slowly) swims to shore and sees...land narwhals??

They explain that they are actually unicorns, and Kelp learns that he is one of them. After learning some of the ins and outs of unicorn life, he returns to the ocean to tell his friends. They take it swimmingly!

But then, what is Kelp to do? Live in the ocean with the narwhals, or move to land with his unicorn family? Well, no way can I give away the ending -- you'll have to read to find out!

In a sea of narwhal books to have come out in the past couple of years, Not Quite Narwhal truly stands out. Sima's story is sweet and touching and infused with subtle humor, making this book a joy to read and reread. And her art perfectly brings to life the sweet ocean world of the narwhal friends, the magical land existence of the unicorns, and that same subtle humor we get in her writing. I especially enjoy Kelp's airtight breathing helmet. :)

Enjoy this sweet story with your kiddos -- I'll bet they'll love it!

Happy reading,

~Jen

Sophie's Squash

Oh, how we adore this book! A spunky, creative, female main character....tender parents....a heart-tugging ending....fabulous illustrations. Combined, they deliver a story that we have read over and over and over again:

The premise of Sophie's Squash (written by Pat Zeitlow Miller and illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf; Schwartz & Wade, 2013) is incredibly unique: Sophie helps her parents select a squash -- intended for dinner -- from the farmer's market. But as Sophie cradles the squash in her arms, she realizes it is just the right size to love. No turning back, Sophie gives the squash a face and names her Bernice, and Sophie's mother has to make alternate plans for dinner.

As the days pass, Bernice goes everywhere with Sophie, but she starts to get a little soft and blotchy. Her parents warn her that Bernice will soon rot, and they suggest ways to use Bernice before it's too late.

Sophie won't hear of it and, instead, asks a farmer for advice on how to keep squash healthy. She follows his words of wisdom, and in the spring is met with a completely wonderful surprise!

Miller has created a delightful character in Sophie. She is strong and feisty and loyal and so very lovable. But the parents, while minor characters, also play an important role in the heart of the story. Always referring to Sophie in some sweet, foodish way ("Sweet pea," says her mom; "Sugar beet," says her dad), they handle Sophie's odd but completely all-in devotion to Bernice with gentleness and understanding. It is so sweet.

And the ending Miller created? Absolutely perfect!

The story is further heightened by Wilsdorf's sweet, detailed illustrations. With watercolor and ink, they show Sophie's big personality, her childlike room, her mom's fabulous fashion sense, and the tender moments between Sophie, her parents, and Bernice.

This book is an all-around winner. It's one of those books that I wish I had written and would love to emulate in terms of character, pacing, and heart. We just love it.

And for more of Sophie, check out Sophie's Squash Go To School. We've read that one just as much. ;)

Happy reading!

~Jen

The Children's Book Academy

Well, hello!

It has been awhile since I've posted here, but that is because I've been absorbing myself in an absolutely wonderful writing class. At the beginning of January, class began for the Craft and Business of Writing Children's Picture Books via the Children's Book Academy. The course is taught by Dr. Mira Reisberg and Kelly Delaney (editor at Knopf), and it takes a scaffolding approach so that it is useful for those at the very beginning of their writing venture as well as those who are farther along.

It has been great, and I've really wanted to glean as much as I can while the course is up (this is our last week!). This is not an ad, but if you have ever considered taking a writing course but didn't know if the expense was worth it, let me share why I have loved this course:

1. The course is densely packed with useful information. For over a year now, I have been reading about and studying the picture book business and the craft of writing for children. And I have learned a lot in doing so! But this course goes beyond all of that. Dr. Mira has so much to share from her vast experience as an author, illustrator, former agent, and professor of writing, so each day's lessons are such a treat with much to absorb. We study picture books and what makes them successful, tips for developing character and plot, editing for brevity, how to pitch to editors and agents, and how the business side of it all works once the book is acquired. And more.

2. The homework is relevant to our goals. Dr. Mira's assignments specifically target aspects of the manuscripts we are working on. In our shared homework page, students post assignments, which range from our story ideas to our hook to our characters to our endings. Then, we all comment on each other's work to help improve the ideas and execution of those. This has really helped me to develop and tighten my manuscript in a useful way.

3. The webinars. Each week, there is a webinar that focuses on a different topic: hooks, conflict, endings, etc. Students are given a deadline to post their ideas or actual excerpts from their manuscripts, and then Mira and Kelly critique them via the webinar. I've learned so much through having my ideas critiqued, as well as hearing their advice to others.

4. The community. Through the homework comments, the webinars, class Facebook page, and critique group in which I was placed, I have loved the community aspect of this course. I didn't know this was something I needed so much, but it's certainly something I'm going to seek out as I continue writing. In addition, Mira and Kelly are warm and welcoming, full of love and extremely generous in helping aspiring authors grow.

5. The golden ticket. Finally, there is a golden ticket opportunity to submit our work to editors and agents. This hasn't happened yet, but soon we will pitch our story, and if the editors and agents that Mira has lined up are intrigued by our pitch, they may ask to see our manuscript. No guarantees here, but I'm beyond excited and hopeful for this opportunity.

So there you have it. It's a fabulous course that I highly recommend, and I'm sad that it's almost over. Good thing we have access to the course materials for 6 more months as I'll likely go through the process again. :)

~~~

We have still been reading some fabulous picture books, so I have some lovely reviews planned for the coming weeks!

Happy reading and writing,

~Jen

The Great Spruce

Well, I've found a book after my own heart. It's a book about Christmas, family, traditions, and protecting the life and longevity of trees.

I just love trees. I like having lots of trees on our property and having our house shaded by them. I love their beauty and history. I love the way the sun catches the leaves, making them glow and sparkle. I love their beauty in the fall, and the sounds of crunching leaves under my feet. And I love to see and hear my kids climbing them -- just as I loved climbing them when I was little.

And I hate to see trees cut down. I know that there are many valid reasons for tree removal -- they might be dying or posing a danger to others if they are prone to breaking. I get it, but I still miss their beautiful presence.

So when my kids and I read The Great Spruce by John Duvall, illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon (G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2016), I fell in love with it. I think you will, too.

The book begins with Alec and his love for climbing trees -- especially the great spruce. "It was the most magical of all the trees, tall and strong and spreading ever upward." Such lovely writing.

Alec's grandpa had planted the spruce long before Alec was born, and together they decorate it each winter with lights and tinsel.

Alec and his grandpa are not the only ones who love the tree: visitors arrive who ask if they can take the great spruce for the city's Christmas celebration. Alec is appalled that his tree would be gone forever, and he blocks the men from cutting it down. Instead, he convinces them to dig the tree up by its roots and borrow it!

And that's just what they do. They dig up the great spruce and it is transported to the city where it is enjoyed by thousands. One girl, in particular, loves the tree, so Alec gives her one of its cones, encouraging her to plant the seeds that are inside so that she might grow her own great spruce.

By spring, the spruce is replanted and is thriving at home, and Alec is still spending his days climbing its beautiful limbs.



Exquisite endpapers

The writing in this book is beautiful and lyrical, the story is sweet, the characters are selfless, and the spruce's legacy lives on. And the illustrations by Gibbon are so perfect for this story: they are colorful and detailed and convey, page by page, a world that is full of life, beauty and goodness.

Sigh. It's just such a wonderful and hope-filled story. And here's the best part: there's an author's note at the end of the book.

It tells of the history of the giant Christmas trees used for celebrations like those in New York -- how the trees used to be dug up and borrowed for the season, and were later replanted in their home. Because it is cheaper to just cut down a tree, though, this practice changed. Now, John Duvall devotes his work to gently removing trees for celebrations such as these and then returning them to the earth. I love that. To preserve these magnificent trees so that they can continue thriving is a beautiful thing, indeed.

I hope you get a chance to share this book with your little ones this season. It's a special one!

Happy reading,
~Jen

The Hallo-weiner

It's OCTOBER!!!

Sing it: It's the most wonderful month... of the year!

It's truly my fave -- the crisp air, blue skies behind colorful trees, the crunch of leaves, pumpkins and of course Halloween!

Eons ago, my sister gifted me what has become one of our favorite picture books on our shelves. We read it throughout the year, but definitely most in October. If you love dachshunds, Halloween, puns, and an underdog story, then you will love The Hallo-weiner!

 

The Hallo-weiner, written by Dav Pilkey (of Captain Underpants fame), was published in 1995 (Blue Sky Press). The story opens with Oscar (who was "half-a-dog tall and one-and-a-half dogs long") going to obedience school. Unfortunately, Oscar was teased by the other dogs, and this upset him. That is, it usually upset him, but it was Halloween and he had excitement on his mind!

 

 

Upon returning home from school, though, Oscar's excitement is snuffed when his well-intentioned mother shows him the costume she got for him:

 

 

He's humiliated, but wears it anyway because he doesn't want to upset his mother. The night continues to unravel, though, as the other dogs in his group take all of the candy at each house, leaving nothing for poor Oscar. (And the puns delightfully abound here.) But then, something scary frightens the group as they are cutting through the cemetary on their way home from trick-or-treating. And because of Oscar's unique shape and size, he is able to save the day.

 

 

Besides being an entertaining read-aloud, this book shines with Dav Pilkey's art. Of course it is hysterical to see mother dogs in pearls kissing their pups and handing out Halloween candy. But the pictures and spreads are full of bright colors and interesting effects. On many pages, Pilkey shows an enormous full moon in the background with colorful swirls in the sky, and you can see the silhouettes of the dogs in their silly costumes. The details create a just-right spooky mood that leads to a heart-warming ending full of furry smiles.

 

 

I love that at over 20 years old, this book is not at all out-dated. The artwork, word count, and story are just as appealing to readers today. Truly, there is much to love about this howl-oween book, and I hope you can get your paws on it soon! (Aw, c'mon -- sometimes the puns just have to come out!)

 

Happy reading,

 

~Jen

 

 



A Hungry Lion

There are so many wonderful books out there. Daily, I read about book birthdays or up-and-coming new releases, and I either immediately request them from my library or mentally file them away as "must reads."

But then sometimes life happens, and that mental file box malfunctions -- and I forget to get that desired book until months later. And that's what just happened with A Hungry Lion, or a Dwindling Assortment of Animals.

I cannot believe we haven't read this book sooner! But I'm so glad we have it now. Released in March of this year (Atheneum), and written by art director/illustrator Lucy Ruth Cummins, A Hungry Lion, or a Dwindling Assortment of Animals is the story of a very hungry lion and a cast of additional animals. But wait -- the animals keep disappearing! What could be happening?! Well, readers (and little listeners) think they know -- but they don't know. This book has a twist -- and then another surprise -- and then another!

The surprising twists in the book serve to elicit different reactions from the reader. At once amused, you are then touched ("Awwww!"), and then you are horrified, and then you are laughing again! These twists make this book sooooo fun to read with kids.

Accompanying this fun story are Cummins' playful illustrations. That bold, hungry lion sits among an otherwise muted palette of characters who are smiling pleasantly. Each page turn brings a surprising detail -- missing animals, dancing bunnies, a mischievous grin on the lion's face.

Cummins' use of marker and gouache (just love those bold strokes in that lion's mane) -- paired with her unique narrative voice -- have created a book that is truly kid tested, mother approved. Add this one to our faves of 2016!

* * *

And you know my love for the All the Wonders resource of podcasts. Check out their episode with Lucy Ruth Cummins. I really enjoyed this one!

Happy reading,
~Jen

Hannah and Sugar

As I mentioned in my previous post, there was one book this summer that was on repeat like no other -- being read time and time again, and being discussed even when we were away from it. And that book was Hannah and Sugar by Kate Berube (Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2016).

Plot: When Hannah gets off the school bus each day, Sugar is there, waiting for Violet P. As gentle as Sugar is, Hannah is nervous around her, and always keeps her distance. But when Sugar goes missing, Hannah joins in the search. She thinks about how scary it would be to be lost and, in one unexpected moment, she musters up some very real courage to bring about a happy ending.

I think there are two main reasons why this book has become such a favorite in our household: its simplicity and its art. The story's concept is relatable and compelling -- many kids are nervous around dogs, and pets sometimes go missing. Berube's moderate and purposeful word choice for telling the story makes it easy for very young children to understand, but the older ones get wrapped up in the conflict, as well. And its subtle messages of understanding adults, community support, and an act of bravery make this simple story quite powerful.

Couple all that wonderfulness with beautiful art, and this book is the whole package. With ink and paint, Berube has created sweet, relatable, beautiful, moving illustrations that add to the story's drama. As an adult, I enjoy the details and sweet scenes as much as my kids.

Hannah and Sugar is that special type of book that appeals to a great range of ages, and I love hearing my toddler flip through the pages and mimick reading the book based on clues from the art. It is a book that lends itself to repeat reading, and I imagine it will have success for years to come.

If you haven't had a chance to read this one yet, I hope you will do so soon! Happy reading!

~Jen

Secret Tree Fort

Do you ever judge a book by its cover? I know I do -- literally! And that's what happened with the book I'm featuring today:

Secret Tree Fort, written and illustrated by Brianne Farley (Candlewick, 2016).

The cover and the compelling title of this one jumped out at me -- the green, the curious images in the tree, a bookish girl reading, and a secret -- first hearing it mentioned through posts and discussions, and finally beckoning from the library shelf.

But when I finally cracked the spine and read this with my kiddos -- it was truly magical. This book captures the allure of a tree house -- that enticing place that so many of us dreamt of or imagined -- or had, if we were lucky enough -- and takes it up a notch. Because this is no ordinary tree house.

In the book, two sisters are sent outside by their mother. The older sister brings her book and plunks down at the base of a tree to read (this would have totally been me!). The little sister wants to know what she's doing, and in an attempt to get her sister's attention and interaction, tells her that she has a secret tree fort.

But she does give her sister more clues, and we are along for the ride. This tree house can launch water balloons at attackers, has flags to communicate different messages, has a crow's nest to spy for pirates, and even has an underwater viewing area. Like I said: MAGICAL!

Will Littler Sister be able to get Big Sister's attention? You'll have to read it to find out!

Farley's illustrations are colorful and whimsical and inviting. The creatures and objects that become part of the tree house's story make you remember those childhood longings for adventure and that special hideout. Add to that Farley's ability to express the relatable emotions through the expressions of the main characters, and this book is so very delightful.

I hope you enjoy it!

A Giveaway!

Have you heard of the Midge and Moo series of picture books? Kerry McQuaide is the author and illustrator of six lovable and educational stories featuring Midge and her beloved stuffed animal, Moo. And through June 10, she is hosting a giveaway!

The books:

Midge and Moo are best friends. They came home from the hospital together when Midge was just two days old, and they do everything together. If Midge builds a tower, Moo knocks it down. If Midge tracks mud in the house, Moo gets the blame, too. They are always there for each other, and readers will find that Moo gives Midge the confidence she needs to explore, learn, and grow. I just love the sweet interactions between this little one and her lovie.

With colorful and playful illustrations on each spread, children will get a zoomed-in view of the relatable activities between Midge and Moo. The stories are short and sweet with just a few words per spread -- perfect for repeat reading with kiddos ages 0-5.

The author:

Kerry McQuaide grew up with parents and sisters who believed snuggling and laughing were a part of reading picture books. And now, she hopes to touch lives with her own stories of love, kindness, and friendship.

"When you read to kids, it is magical when you all laugh at the same part.

It is a wonderful way to slow down and bond. And kids are so funny,

they’ll ask the same questions over and over. “Is her mom mad at her?”

or “Why is she sad?” They are processing the world they see

reflected in the books and the human emotions they experience

in their own lives through theses stories."

The giveaway:

Through June 10, Kerry McQuaide is hosting a fun giveaway. You could win all of the Midge and Moo picture books, the brand new Midge and Moo Coloring Books, plus crayons of course (8 books total)!

I think this would be a fabulous way to build or enhance a library for your little one. Snuggle up and read the stories together, and then, the next day, revisit the themes through coloring together.

Enter here! (Scroll down just bit to enter.)

And if you don't win but would still like to enjoy the Midge and Moo books, they are available here.

Happy reading!

~Jen

A Humbling Story

Well, May has been a crazy month! The kids' last day of school was last Thursday, and there were all kinds of end-of-the-school-year festivities. My oldest graduated from elementary school, so now we'll have a middle schooler, first grader, and preschool kiddo. :)

I haven't been doing as much writing because of all this busyness. And being home with the kids all summer, I'm not sure how much progress I'll make. So I'm still soaking up what wisdom I can in hopes of putting pen to paper periodically over the summer and then in a more focused manner in August.

But something kind of funny and kind of embarrassing happened last week. Back in February, I had entered a 50-word poem into Vivian Kirkfield's 50 Precious Words contest (in honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday). I was pleased with my little poem and got some positive feedback. I titled it "Pair Skate," and one of the words I used was "swizzled." I was proud of the word choice, thinking I had come up with an original spin on the term "swizzles" used in ice dancing.

Well, last week, we finally checked out Tara Lazar's Little Red Gliding Hood.

The story is a sort of mash-up of a variety of fairy tales, with well-known characters and plot lines making an appearance throughout. The main premise is that Little Red needs to find a skating partner for the Pair Skate. And throughout the book, it talks about Little Red swizzling and twizzling.

Well, I was embarrassed. I mean, it was an honest mistake, but I had submitted a piece of writing that was extremely close in theme, content, and word choice to another well-known published piece. Humbling.

Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever accidentally copied someone and found out later? Is there any way to avoid this? If you are a creative in some way, shape, or form, I'd love to hear about any experience with this!


Check back tomorrow for a giveaway opportunity and I'll also spotlight a new picture book this week (hint: it involves a tree and a secret!).

~Jen

Fetch! (These 5 Picture Books about Sticks)

Friendship. Loneliness. Family. Imagination. Perseverance. These are a few of the powerful and moving themes found in this darling collection of books featuring sticks. I think that you and your child will find that these common pieces of wood can be extraordinary, indeed. Enjoy!


1. Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry; illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015)

This heartwarming rhyming book begs to be read again and again. Stick and Stone are alone, until they meet each other. They become fast friends, and Stick, well, "sticks up" for Stone when a meanie teases him. Their bond grows, but then there is a frightful storm, and Stick is blown away. Will Stone be able to find him?

Ferry's sparse use of words and sweet rhythmic verse convey an incredibly moving story of friendship. And the pairing of text and illustrations in this book is touching and meaningful. The reader hears and sees the delight and significance of a good friendship, as well as the power of defending those close to you. And then, wonderfully, the illustrations show reconciliation with that bully at the end. So great. This one is certainly a "10" in my book. ;)


2. Stick Man by Julia Donaldson; illustrated by Axel Scheffler (Arthur A. Levine Books, 2008)

From the author/illustrator duo that brought us The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, Stick Man tells the story of a stick who is taken farther and farther away from his family in a series of mishaps: a dog who thinks he is a fun toy to fetch, a swan who wants to use him in her nest, a family who brings him inside for their fireplace. Will Stick Man be able to survive and return to his family?

Told in the well-paced, rollicking rhyme that is characteristic of Donaldson's storytelling, this is a tale with adventure and tension and lots of heart. The use of repetition gives this story a structure that is captivating for kids, and they can chant along with the refrain: "I'm Stick Man, I'm Stick Man, I'M STICK MAN, that's me, And I want to go home to the family tree!" And you will love Scheffler's endearing, detailed portrayal of this adorable stick. :)

3. Papa Gave Me a Stick by Janice Levy; illustrated by Simone Shin (Star Bright Books, 2015)

 

This is a beautiful book and story. Antonio wants his own guitar (guitarra), like the ones he's seen in the mariachi band. But his papa says they don't have the money for such things. Instead, with a wink, he hands him a stick. In a series of events, Antonio helps animals and people around the town, who in turn gift him little items. When he finds a gold ring lost by a groom, he is gifted the thing he wished for the most.

 

This book is unique and diverse and provides a glimpse at another culture. While children will already relate to the themes of family, love, and longing, they will also be exposed to Spanish terms and Mexican symbols and traditions. A heartwarming story with beautiful illustrations -- I hope you'll check this one out.

4. Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis (Harper Collins, 2008)

In this sparsely-illustrated, minimalist picture book, there exists an unseen narrator who repeatedly warns the main character, a pig, about the potential dangers of the stick he is carrying. Each time, the pig retorts, "It's not a stick!" And for each spread in which the pig tells the reader it is not a stick, the illustrations expose the triumphant imagination of the stick wielder -- for he is imagining the stick is a fishing rod to catch a shark, or a paintbrush for a masterpiece, or a sword with which to fight a dragon. This seemingly simple book is incredibly powerful in concretely revealing the imagination at work -- perfect for reading with children and celebrating the power of imagining. I love it.

5. Stick! by Andy Pritchett (Candlewick Press, 2013)

Another minimalist picture book, this one features a dog with a stick. And he wants someone to play with him. With one word per spread, he tempts the various barnyard animals with "Stick?" but they all have their own entertainment ("Mud!"). Discouraged, he flings the stick away -- but it is thrown back! And now he has a new friend.

It is amazing how a story can be told in such spare wording, but this one will have you rooting for the dog to find a playmate and delighting in the emotions that the illustrations convey. A great book for repeat-reading with kiddos!


Happy reading!

~Jen

Hypnosis Harry

Do you remember, as a kid, your parents saying no to everything? Or, as a parent, do you get in arguments with your children about things they can and cannot do? (I vividly remember morning arguments when my oldest was a kindergartener and I insisted she couldn't wear dresses but needed to wear pants on gym days. Oh, the drama!)

Well, today's book examines what might happen if parents would just loosen up and start saying YES:

Hypnosis Harry by Catherine Bailey (author of Mind Your Monsters), illustrated by Sarita Rich (Sky Pony Press, 2016), tells the story of young Harry, who hypnotizes his parents into saying yes to his every whim. Cupcakes for dinner? Yes! Pet monkeys? Sure! No more broccoli -- ever? Absolutely!

However, getting his every desire isn't always satisfying, and things are kind of a mess. Harry soon realizes that when his parents would say no, it was truly for his own good. But wait -- what happened to grandfather's pocket watch?

Bailey's story is truly delightful. You can imagine all of the fun and messy ideas that a child might cook up, but then she examines the unintended consequences of some of those choices. She gently but clearly shows the loving boundaries that parents provide when they don't give their children everything they want. And the ending is just perfect -- satisfying and humorous all at once. :)

And Rich's illustrations do what illustrations ought -- they add another layer to the story. Her colorful and playful pictures show heaps of child-like wishes come true, and they build upon the author's words. I love that a child can listen to this story being read, while their eyes perceive new levels of meaning through the illustrations.

This author-illustrator pairing has produced a fun and meaningful book that children and adults will enjoy reading over and over again.

For further reading:

Catherine Bailey Books

 Sarita Rich
Catherine's PiBoIdMo success story!
An Interview with Bailey and Rich

Enjoy!

~Jen

One Special Book

I don't want to say too much about today's book because, well, it doesn't "say" anything at all! It is a wordless picture book that is both visually exhilarating and emotionally powerful:

 



The Snow Rabbit by Camille Garoche (Enchanted Lion Books, 2015) uses only illustrations to tell the story of two sisters. It opens with the sisters looking out of a window of a cabin in a snowy wood. One sister finds a rabbit in the snow, and an adventure ensues. Beyond that, I don't want to say too much about the plot, except to say that there is one page-turn in particular that is incredibly powerful.

How the artist is able to tell such a moving story without any words is fascinating, but Garoche nails it. As you can tell by the cover, the artwork is spectacular, and the pages are filled with dreamy scenes that seem to move beyond the page.

The dimensions of the illustrations give a 3-D appearance, and you feel like you are in the snowy scenes. Children can enjoy this book with a caregiver or on their own, and each page turn keeps the reader guessing at what is going on. It is certainly a unique reading experience.

I hope you enjoyed the brief glimpse into this story today. I encourage you to acquire this book and have your heart moved by this touching story!

~Jen