 Review by Annie Cronin Romano Scroll (Christy Ottaviano Books, 2023) is a heartwarming picture book about a young girl, Lulu, who is learning calligraphy and Chinese characters from her grandfather. When she practices drawing the Chinese character for “door,” the story takes an imaginative twist as Lulu and her dog, Dumpling, step through the portal and into a village occupied by personified Chinese characters. As Lulu and Dumpling explore, they encounter several friendly characters…and one fiery dragon. Upon “returning home,” Lulu shares her adventure with her grandfather by showing him all the Chinese characters she has practiced drawing. In terms of styling, Hui Li only uses a few traditional full-page illustrations, opting primarily for a graphic novel format with speech bubbles and panels showing the events of Lulu’s adventure as it unfolds. The engaging images feature a palette of reds, browns, and black, selectively adding other colors to reflect the tone and events of the story. This picture book illuminates the beauty and deep connections formed in passing down a culture’s traditions from one generation to the next, as well as serving as an introduction to Chinese writing. On Writing:
Author/illustrator Hui Li blends the nonfiction elements of Chinese characters with a story of imagination and adventure. In the opening paragraph of the story, Li provides a brief history of the origins of Chinese characters. From there, she has Lulu's imagination take over as the text becomes dialogue-only, with speech bubbles capturing Lulu's observations during her daydream. Li--as both the author and the illustrator--goes on to incorporate Chinese characters referenced in the introduction in the enchanting illustrations, showing how the calligraphy characters resemble the objects they represent in Lulu's imaginative world. (For those writers who do not illustrate, illustration notes could be included to denote any desired visual nonfiction elements, and the illustrator could take the lead from there.) A key of Chinese vocabulary at the corners of each page is included so the reader can connect the Chinese character with its depiction in the illustrations. Scroll is a strong mentor text for writers looking to embed a nonfiction concept within a fictionalized storyline. To learn more about Hui Li, visit her website at www.shulululee.com.
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 Review by Annie Cronin Romano Some children love the magic of words and books. Others are fascinated by different interests, such as music, dance, animals, or sports. In LEO + LEA, Wesolowska tells the story of a young child, Leo, who is intrigued by numbers. When the chaos and noise of the schoolyard overwhelm him, Leo seeks out a quieter spot to focus on his love of numbers. He is soon joined by his new classmate, Lea, and discovers that he is not alone in his unique interest, for Lea adores patterns and includes them in her artwork. Together they share their intersecting fascination with numbers and patterns with their teacher and classmates and embrace their new friendship. Monica Wesolowska’s debut picture book LEO +LEA (Scholastic Press, 2022) employs sparse, lyrical text, and cleverly uses the Fibonacci sequence as the numbers in the story as she depicts Leo’s blooming interest in math. (And no, I didn’t pick up on that fact on my own—thank goodness for the author’s note!) The illustrations by Kenard Pak are equally evocative and expressive, using subtly increasing intensity in the colors as the story progresses (also inspired by Fibonacci’s sequence as pointed out in the artist’s note). The author and illustrator meld the interaction of text and art seamlessly, allowing each to contribute uniquely to the unfolding of the story’s events. The subtle themes of individuality, friendship, and celebrating all interests comes through clearly yet gently. A delight to read aloud, LEO + LEA is a story that you’ll want to count among your picture book collection. This treasure is also an excellent social-emotional selection for the classroom. (Fiction picture book for ages 4-8) On Writing Monica Wesolowska’s debut picture book (she has written for adults) is a strong example of sparse, balanced, and well-paced writing that takes a unique approach to conveying the importance of recognizing and embracing the interests of all. For more information on Monica Wesolowska’s work, visit https://monicawesolowska.com.
To learn more about Kenard Pak’s work, visit https://www.pandagun.com. Review by Annie Cronin Romano When writers are seeking mentor texts that depict subtle ways to convey a message, the standouts can be challenging to find. There are picture books galore with themes of kindness, understanding, and acceptance, but far fewer that convey those themes with a light touch that permits young readers to experience the sentiment as it's developed rather that have it stated to them. Two recent standouts in the area of nuanced, subtle storytelling are Blanca Gómez's DRESS-UP DAY (Abrams, 2022) and Mac Barnett's JOHN'S TURN (Candlewick 2022).  In DRESS-UP DAY, a young girl is distressed to have missed her opportunity to dress up as a bunny for her class' dress-up day because she's out sick. She decides to wear her bunny outfit to school the next day (What could go wrong?) only to find the stares and snickers of her classmates crush her excitement about her costumed appearance. When a fellow classmate shows up wearing his carrot costume, caring not a smidge if the others in the class approve or not, the two enjoy a day of imaginative play. And their peers? They decide maybe costumes and pretend play might be fine any day one chooses and shouldn't have to be relegated to an assigned date. This change of heart is shown (never told) when the other children come to school the next day with dress-up gear of their own. On Writing: With smart, sparse text and evocative illustrations that make the characters' emotions dance off the page, Gómez conveys a message of acceptance and kindness without once stating or summarizing the theme of her story. The actions and illustrations do the heavy lifting but leave the interpretation to the reader.  In JOHN'S TURN, it's a young boy's turn to demonstrate his talent during the school's "Sharing Gifts" time. While a few children comment on the unfamiliar music playing before John takes the stage and question what he's about to do, John musters up the courage to perform his ballet routine in front of his school with confidence and pride. The audience of children, after watching the feat of John's impressive dancing, applaud him for his impressive talent. On Writing: In JOHN'S TURN, Barnett never once mentions that ballet is often considered by many to be a female pursuit, nor does he state that the children may be dubious of John's choice of interest. Rather, he lets the children's reactions--from a few snickers to intrigued silence to impressed applause--show how John's talent and passion for ballet breaks down the boundaries of conventional--though outdated--gender norms. Barnett's simple yet strong text--along with expressive illustrations by Kate Berube--gives the reader the space to experience the emotional power of the story without once pointing out the message. Both DRESS-UP DAY and JOHN'S TURN are consummate examples of picture book texts that address themes of acceptance and kindness in a most subtle manner.  Review by Annie Cronin Romano
MEL FELL (Balzer & Bray, 2021) is a delightful picture book about a baby kingfisher who takes a leap—much to the chagrin of her brother and sister—and learns how to fly...by falling. It’s a story about trying new things and trusting the process, and young readers take the leap with Mel as she falls down, down, down, all the while letting her instincts be her guide. Mel’s nature neighbors all try to help, but Mel can sense this is what she needs to do, and her intuition does not steer her wrong. Cheerful, engaging illustrations heighten the upbeat energy of this story. On Writing Tabor incorporates light visual humor and tightly written text (the word count is under 300 words including speech bubbles/asides) to convey a message about trusting your instincts and learning to spread your wings. He avoids the trap of explaining or naming the message of his story. Rather, he allows Mel’s adventure to do the heavy lifting and trusts his young readers to glean their own take-away from the young bird’s experience. This picture book is a strong example of conveying a message in a completely non-didactic manner. A true mentor text for concise, subtle writing. To learn more about Corey R. Tabor, visit his website at www.coreyrtabor.com.  Review by Annie Cronin Romano
FROM THE DESK OF ZOE WASHINGTON (Katherine Tegen Books, 2020) is a delightful mix of mystery and cupcakes! When Zoe, who dreams of becoming a famous baker, receives a letter from her incarcerated father on her 12th birthday, she finds herself determined to prove the innocence of this man she's never met. Her mother, however, wants Zoe to have nothing to do with her dad, so Zoe must sneak around in her efforts to correspond with her father and uncover the truth. A novel about the power of hope, forgiveness, and believing in others. On Writing Janae Marks takes a difficult subject (isolation from a parent) and makes it accessible to young readers in a gentle yet direct manner. Her handling of the father’s incarceration is presented thoughtfully, and the novel address faults and injustices in the legal system using an approach middle grade readers will understand. FROM THE DESK OF ZOE WASHINGTON is a solid mentor text for presenting social issues in an accessible, skillful way. The parallel plot of Zoe’s love of baking is seamlessly woven in with her pursuit to prove her father’s innocence, making this novel a prime example of how two strong parallel plots can work together to add dimension to the novel while simultaneously moving the main character’s story forward. To learn more about Janae Marks’ work, visit her website at www.janaemarks.com.  Original Hardcover Review by Annie Cronin Romano Who wants to go swimming inside a shipwreck in the middle of winter with a sea monster that lays a glowing ruby egg that can grant wishes? I do! I do! Sign me up! This book is a delight and swept me up from page one! With zingy humor and a fanciful cast of characters, MALAMANDER (Candlewick/Walker Books 2019) is a mystery/fantasy about two young orphans: one a worker at a hotel's "lost & foundery," the other a newcomer to town searching for the truth about what happened to her parents. Together, the go on a fantastically daring adventure, discovering along the way that all people are not as they seem and that some creatures are best left alone. Quick-moving, funny, engaging read! On Writing Thomas Taylor creates a strong, atmospheric setting with his creation of the ocean side town of Eerie-on-Sea. The reader shudders at the whip of the icy wind off the water and tastes the salty fog hanging in the air. Taylor also excels at creating a sense of whimsy and magic that isn’t forced but rather is interwoven seamlessly into the plot. The pacing of this middle grade would keep even an antsy reader engaged, as Taylor hooks the reader from the get-go with questions of how and why a young boy, Herbert Lemon, would be employed in the “lost and foundery” of a hotel, then efficiently and smoothly slides into the appearance of a mysterious character, Violet Parma, outside the boy's window. Strong setting, intriguing charaters, curious unknowns...and you're off on an imaginative adventure!  Backlist cover To learn more about Thomas Taylor, visit his website at http://www.thomastaylor-author.com/. And check out the second in the Eerie-On-Sea series, Gargantis, released in paperback on April 6, 2021.
 Review by Annie Cronin Romano
THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA (Tor Books, 2020) is a delightful story about 40 year old Linus Baker, a simple, straightforward fellow employed as a case worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. Things go along rather routinely for Linus, until one day he is summoned to the Office of Extremely Upper Management and given a mysterious assignment: go to the orphanage on Marsyas Island and report back on the welfare of the six children there. With very little to go on, and with the knowledge that he will be given information only as it is warranted, Linus heads off. What he finds on the island challenges every notion he holds of the “magical” children he has previously encountered in his work. With each passing day, he finds it increasingly difficult to remain objective to the charms of the orphans—and their caretakers—all the while growing more suspicious of his employer’s true motives behind his visit. Part magical adventure, part social equality piece, part romance, THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA is a charming, emotional, thoughtful novel that takes the reader on a journey to a beautiful island inhabited by unique, intriguing characters, all the while reminding us that not everything is as it seems—or, more importantly, as it should be. Read this story, and you’ll be dreaming of eating cherry ice cream with Linus and Arthur, gardening with Talia, listening to records with Lucy, and writing poetry with Sal! TJ Klune’s novel is an example of a beautifully written story laced with humor and infused with the themes of compassion and acceptance. ON WRITING So, why did I chose an adult book for my book pick when our blog’s focus is kidlit? Because sometimes the most valuable books to use as mentor texts are not always within your writing genre, and THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA is one such example. And it’s interesting to note that this book does not fit neatly into any genre. Most libraries and bookstores have it in their adult fiction section. A few have chosen to place it on their Young Adult shelves. Others have it in Science Fiction. Regardless of where you find it, the story is the same: a delightful adult fiction story with a childlike whimsy. But more importantly for writers, this novel is a solid example of developing strong characters and allowing them to unfold and develop as the story moves along. In particular, the six magical orphans in this novel seem at first glance to be somewhat unlikeable and not fully in focus, but as the story progresses and the layers of each child are pulled back, what is revealed is truly magical and illustrates how characters must be given the space to grow and develop depth within a story’s arc. Rather than rushing to dump too much information at once, Klune patiently and expertly discloses his characters, allowing the reader to connect with them in a “real time” sort of way. THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA is also a strong example of straddling the magical world and the realistic one in terms of setting and character-building. The reader is able to understand the underlying themes of social justice and kindness through this unique approach to world-building, all the while keeping the emotional aspect relatable, relevant, and appealing. To learn more about TJ Klune, visit his website at http://www.tjklunebooks.com.  Review by Annie Cronin Romano
Orphan Elizabeth Somers, an 11-year-old with a passion for anagrams and a love of reading, is angry about being sent to a hotel for her Christmas holiday while her miserly aunt and uncle go on a vacation she knows they cannot afford. But when Elizabeth arrives at Winterhouse, magic and mystery unfold. There’s the creepy couple—always dressed in black—who take an odd interest in Elizabeth’s reading habits, the curious book Elizabeth sneaks from the hotel library’s reference section, the kind hotel proprietor, Norbridge Falls, whose magic tricks and wisdom enchant Elizabeth from the moment she arrives, and the mysterious code hidden in plain sight in a Falls family portrait. As Elizabeth and her new friend Freddy (who shares her love for anagrams) try to solve the code, Elizabeth realizes that Winterhouse is in jeopardy and she may be the only person who can save it. WINTERHOUSE (Henry Hold & Co., 2018) is a charming middle grade mystery full of intriguing puzzles, new friendships, and self-discovery. Get yourself a cup of cocoa, curl up under a blanket, and enjoy this atmospheric magical realism adventure! It's a backlist treasure! On Writing In WINTERHOUSE, Ben Guterson depicts the necessity of positive human connections as Elizabeth, a very lonely child, discovers there’s a learning curve in being a good friend and a joy that comes from friendship and from others truly wanting her company. Guterson’s atmospheric, vivid creation of the hotel is a solid example of a setting so well-developed it goes beyond mere backdrop to become another character in the story. And the magic continues: there are now two more books in the WINTERHOUSE series! To learn more about Ben Guterson’s work, visit his website at www.benguterson.com.  Review by Annie Cronin Romano
It’s been over three years since World War II ended, but fifth grader Glory Bea Bennett still holds on to the hope that her father will return from France, where he was reportedly killed in action. The Merci Train, a boxcar with gifts from the people of France, will make a stop in Glory Bea’s hometown of Gladiola, Texas, and Glory Bea is convinced her father will be the train’s surprise guest. When her father's army buddy, Randall Horton, arrives in town to meet their family, romance blooms between Mrs. Bennett and Randall, threatening to derail Glory Bea's plans for her father's reunion with their family. Simultaneously sweet and heart-wrenching, BLUE SKIES (Simon & Schuster, March 2020) is a middle grade historical fiction novel set in 1948 which examines the effects the war had on home front families. You'll fall in love with Glory Bea's feisty personality, devotion to her family, and unfaltering faith in what her heart desires. On Writing: Anne Bustard employs light humor and an atmospheric subplot (middle school crushes at the soda fountain counter, anyone?) to assist in presenting the difficult subject of a family recovering from the impact of World War II. Her characters are well-developed and engaging, making this a strong mentor text for middle grade writers working on character development or writing about challenging topics. For more information on Anne Bustard's work, visit her website at https://annebustard.com/.  Review by Annie Cronin Romano
In SMALL SPACES, Ollie is a 6th grader whose mother died last year. Despite a strong, loving relationship with her father, Ollie is left reeling and angry after her mother’s death and often acts on her frustrations. She pacifies herself by pulling away from her father, friends, and teachers, preferring to escape into the pages of her books. One afternoon, Ollie grabs a book from a frenzied woman who is about to destroy it by tossing it into the creek. As Ollie begins reading the book, she finds herself stumbling into a ghostly world of disorienting mists and cryptic warnings. The next day, when the school bus breaks down along an isolated, foggy road after a field trip, Ollie’s reality and her book’s story inexplicably intertwine, leading Ollie to realize that this book is not simply a fictional legend. As darkness descends, Ollie and her two friends must take on eerie scarecrows and the cunning smiling man as they attempt to save themselves and their classmates from a terrifying fate. Guided by her mother's compass watch, Ollie learns that her mother’s love lives on and guides her even after the tragedy of death. SMALL SPACES (G.P. Putnam Sons, 2018) is a middle grade novel for children ages 10-12. This spooky adventure will keep youngsters turning the page long after they should have turned out the light. On Writing Katherine Arden explores the complexity of losing a loved one from the child’s perspective while also depicting how others react to the fallout of the main character’s struggles. Throughout the story, Arden deftly portrays the array of emotions the main character experiences after a tragedy. Through Ollie’s two friends, Arden highlights the ability of young people to demonstrate patience, kindness and understanding even the wake of another’s difficult behavior. Written in third person, SMALL SPACES is a strong example of an adventurous, darkly atmospheric middle grade tale that does not shy away from revving up the eerie factor. To learn more about Katherine Arden’s work, visit her website at www.katherinearden.com. |
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