Picture Book A disagreement erupts between two critters regarding who is big and who is small. The adorable characters learn that everything is relative when two more creatures—one bigger and one smaller—stomp and drop into the middle of their debate. Author Anna Kwan uses minimal text in a magically engaging way, highlighting basic concepts and opposites in her delightfully humorous story. Illustrator Christopher Weyant’s use of simple, fun illustrations and white space makes the banter pop off the page. YOU ARE (NOT) SMALL is picture book for children ages 3-6. This story is a snappy, charming read-aloud you’ll enjoy sharing with your little one again and again. On Writing: Kwan’s artful use of sparse text delivers punch and rhythm to her story. YOU ARE (NOT) SMALL is a strong example of how, in picture book writing, less is often more. ~Annie Cronin Romano
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Picture book Such simple errands as buying new shoes were not easy—or equal—for African Americans in the years of segregation. When Ella Mae learns first hand that she is not allowed to try on shoes at her local shoe store because of the color of her skin, she and her cousin, Charlotte, channel their disappointment and anger into positive action. They figure out a way to ensure that others in their neighborhood can “try on all the shoes they want” and be treated with the respect they deserve. Author Susan Lynn Meyer’s beautifully written story sheds light on this disturbing occurrence of inequality and shows the grace and dignity of two young girls determined to make a difference for others in their community. The story is beautifully illustrated by Eric Velasquez, whose rich artwork flawlessly coveys the strength and depth of Meyer’s story. Put together, the text and illustrations reveal the sadness of the inequalities of the past and the brilliance of Ella Mae’s determination to rise above prejudice and affirm the humanity of her race. NEW SHOES is picture book for children ages 6-9. This historical fiction story is a treasure and shares a vital message of the importance of equality and pride in the face of adversity. A must-have book for every classroom and household! On Writing: Meyer’s message in NEW SHOES is powerful yet gently delivered. This historical fiction picture book bravely approaches the inequitable treatment of African Americans from a new angle, showing how important historical lessons can be integrated seamlessly into the picture book format. ~Annie Cronin Romano Picture Book Written by Kobi Yamada Illustrated by Mae Besom What do you do with an idea? When a young boy asks himself this question, he finds himself facing situations even adults find intimidating. Kobi Yamada’s lovely, thought-provoking reflection on WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA? (Compendium, Inc., 2014) depicts this young boy as he embraces his creativity and nurtures his dreams. The story is magically illustrated by Mae Besom, whose initial illustrations have a muted palette which bursts into vibrant color as the idea erupts into reality. Yamada and Besom take the reader on a touching realization that childhood innocence can be wiser and braver than most will admit. The text and illustrations integrate flawlessly to illuminate the wonder of holding tight to your ideas no matter how far-flung they may seem. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA? is picture book for children ages 4-8. Get your hands on this treasure. It’s a timeless inspiration for children and adults alike. On Writing Yamada’s text is clever and encouraging. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA? is a solid example of teaching a life lesson without being preachy or heavy handed. ~Annie Cronin Romano Picture Book by Annie Cronin Romano Mia wants to play with her big brother, but he is always busy. Does Mia pout? Beg? Whine? No. Instead, Lola Schaefer’s delightful ONE BUSY DAY (Disney/Hyperion Books, 2014) depicts Mia’s ability to pass a gleeful day using her own creativity and imagination. Magically illustrated by Jessica Meserve, Mia has one adventure after another, eventually catching the attention of a particular sibling who realizes that playing with his little sister may be more exciting than he first thought. Schaefer and Meserve take the reader on a delightful journey into the magic of a child’s imagination. The text and illustrations blend seamlessly to convey an enchanting tale of the changing dynamics between siblings. ONE BUSY DAY is picture book for children ages 3-5. Get your hands on ONE BUSY DAY and enjoy a story to inspire the imagination. On Writing Schaefer’s use of text is crisp, fresh and rich in imagery. She uses alliteration subtly and effectively. ONE BUSY DAY is a solid example of using minimal text with maximum impact in a picture book format. For more information about Lola Schaefer’s work, visit her website at www.lolaschaefer.com. To learn more about Jessica Meserve, visit her website at www.jessicameserve.com. Picture Book - by Amanda Smith
True confession: I am a mama of boys. Hence, very few pink, “girly”, sparkly books make it home in our library bag. But I could not leave I Had a Favorite Dress on the library shelf. The little girl in me was totally wooed by the self assured girl in the the spring blossom, salmon pink dress on the cover; the candy wrapper pink end pages; and the fabulous multi-media illustrations by Julia Denos. The main character in I Had a Favorite Dress is a spunky, active girl. She outgrows her “favoritest dress ever” and her creative Mama turns her dress into a series of new, ever shrinking articles of clothing and accessories. However, when her puppy chews Mama’s last creation into the “tiniest scraps of fabric” she’s ever seen, she comes up with her own creative solution to wear her “favoritest dress every day of every season of every year”. I love how uplifting this book is. The main character is never pouty, but always ready for a new solution. My son loved following the transformation of the dress and the creativity that oozes out of this book captured his imagination. The internal rhyme, colorful illustrations and “Snip,Snip, Sew, Sew” chorus throughout makes this a happy, read- aloud book. On Writing: I Had a Favorite Dress has a tight foundational structure. Ashburn uses days of the week as well as seasons to lead the reader through the story. It is also a beautiful example of the importance of “show, don’t tell”. The main character’s solution to her problem is never put into words. Boni Ashburn allowed her illustrator to tell the high point of the story in pictures. And Julia Denos does this masterfully with a collage of a collage. Individually the text and the illustrations carry the same message of creativity. Combined, they make each page call out “Go make something!” Picture Book by Kelly Carey Few trees in New England put on a better fall foliage show than the maple tree, and few authors have put together a better picture book debut than Lori Nichols with Maple. In our increasingly eco-conscious world, here is a loving picture book that creates a natural but powerful link between a little girl and a maple tree. Maple’s tree is planted “when she is still a whisper”. Can you guess what kind of tree Maple’s parents plant? While Shel Silverstein’s boy and the tree in The Giving Tree had a relationship that was sadly thought provoking, Nichols creates a connection between Maple and her tree that is mutually giving and totally joyous. Along with three adorably expressive little stuffed animals, Maple and her tree grow and play together through the wonderfully illustrated changing seasons. When a new baby arrives, Maple depends on her tree to be the perfect big sister. The relationship between Maple, her tree and her new baby sister is as sweet and charming as the bond Nichols creates between her story and her reader. If Nichol’s illustrations were music they would be smooth jazz, and her text creates huggable moments for her adult reader and child listener. I would like very much to introduce Maple to Kevin Henke’s Chrysanthemum – two free spirited little ladies, with nature inspired names, who will make you giggle. On Writing In just under 300 words, Nichols creates a character, weaves a complete story arc, builds tension and zings us with an adorable wink at the end. Picture book word counts are shrinking, but Nichols proves that her story can still offer every element needed for success. She has a bit of an advantage because she uses her phenomenal illustrations to convey character, meaning and message. Any author would be fortunate to have Nichols’ drawings to expand on their text. One can always dream, perhaps under the dancing leaves of a maple tree? Note Nichols released a follow up book titled Maple & Willow Together on November 4! by Annie Cronin Romano How will the boy get his kite out of the tree? This is the problem facing young Floyd in Olivier Jeffers’ STUCK (Philomel Books, 2011). Jeffers takes the reader on a hilarious romp as Floyd attempts to knock his kite from the branches by throwing a most outlandish array of items…from sneakers to steamships! Using witty illustrations and clever text, Jeffers turns predictability and problem solving on its head and engages readers in a comical tale of common sense gone awry. Jeffers, who is the illustrator of the bestseller The Day the Crayons Quit (Philomel, 2013), shows off his writing talents in this delightful picture book geared for children ages 3-7. Check out STUCK if you’re looking for a book to delight your young reader (and yourself). Chances are you won’t mind getting stuck wearing out the pages of this charming story. On Writing Jeffers’ whimsical illustrations and handwritten text caught my eye from page one. STUCK is a strong example of well laid out page turns and momentum in a picture book format. For more information of Oliver Jeffers’ work, visit his website at www.oliverjeffers.com. Picture book I love it when a picture book touches something inside me. I have learned to embrace the tears and sniffles while reading these kinds of books to my children. And to push through, even if my voice is quivering. Even if I am feeling embarrassed. Why? Because I believe it is good for my kids to see me affected by a story. Reading teaches empathy, and we can certainly do with some more of that in this world. One such a picture book is A Boy and a Jaguar by Alan Rabinowitz. Alan cannot talk to people, because of his severe stutter. He can however, talk to animals. He makes a promise to the jaguar in the zoo that, when he finds his voice, he will speak up for the animals. And he does just that. In this autobiographical picture book Dr.Rabinowitz tells the story of his work in jaguar conservation. He also tells the story of boy Alan and his struggles as a stutterer. It is a moving story of brokenness and healing. Cátia Chien’s colorful illustrations seamlessly transport us from the Great Smokey Mountains to Belize, from city to jungle and face to face with a genial jaguar. Through the illustrations the book progresses from a sad, somber and lonely mood to one of hope, light, companionship and healing. The last two illustrations fill me with such peace; I just want to linger on those pages. A Boy and a Jaguar is an endearing, uplifting picture book that illustrates truths about purpose, promises, compassion, and finding one’s own voice. On Writing: A Boy and a Jaguar is a BIG story. It includes messages about conservation, bullying, misunderstanding and isolation. Yet, it is told with such economy of words. It is written by someone who understands the value of words, and so these ones were carefully chosen. This book is a wonderful mentor text for effective and efficient word use. "Believe it or not, as simple as this children's book was — all my other books are hundreds of pages ... it was hard to write because I didn't want to write it as an adult telling the story of my childhood. I wanted to go back inside and pull that child back out which has always been in there. But that child is a broken child, or at least a child who thought he was broken. And that was painful. I remember crying as I wrote this book. It's even painful now reading my own story because I never wished any young person to go through anything like that, that much pain." ~ Alan Rabinowitz More on Dr. Alan Rabinowitz To hear Dr. Alan talk about his childhood and writing this book on NPR, click here . To watch a video of Dr. Alan talk about his work in conservation and this book, click here. ~ Amanda
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