Check out my reviews for August 2021! You can find links to all of these reviews in the Index!
August 2021 Round-Up
Tag: Review
Review: Little Bird’s Day
Review:
Little Bird’s Day
Author: Sally Morgan
Illustrator: Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr
Publisher: Blue Dot Kids Press, 2021 (American edition)
If you are looking for something quite different for your picture book reading, this is a book to explore. Without first reading the information about the author and illustrator at the end of the book (which I admit that I sometimes do), I let the story and pictures wash over me.
The artwork had an ethnic feel, done in natural tones which I found very appealing. The artwork seemed simple and clear-cut at first, but the more I examined the pages, the more I realized how complex they actually are.
Then I read the information about Sally Morgan and Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr. Both belong to indigenous peoples of Australia. Be sure to check out this information located at the end of the book. There is a site listed that includes information on the illustrations. The language differences makes it necessary to read the captions, but gives a deeper insight into the artwork.
There’s also a section that spotlights each animal in the book and asks readers to find them all. I guess if I have any criticism about this book, it is that we aren’t given more information about these animals. To people in Australia they may be common, but here in the US they certainly are not! I would like to learn more and I am sure younger readers would be interested, too.
*Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review: Goodbye, Old House
Review:
Goodbye, Old House
Author: Margaret Wild
Illustrator: Ann James
Publisher: Blue Dot Kids Press, 2021
Though books about moving to a new home are often melancholy in tone, this book is different. The exuberant protagonist embraces the change. Yes, this is the last time she’ll be in her room – but one can look forward to a new room, new sights, and new experiences.
While I like the message of this book, I find the illustrations especially interesting. The backgrounds are lovely washes of watercolors, but the characters are line drawings. Sometimes the entire scene is done in this line drawing style, with a little glimpse into another room done in watercolors. It’s a little peek into a new world. Mixing the two styles works beautifully.
I also found the character to be very endearing. Somehow I was reminded of characters in old favorite books, books by authors like Beverly Cleary, Roald Dahl, and E.B. White. Although their books would be considered classics, in this story, the style seems fresh and new. Again, there is that mix, that blend that takes different things and makes it exciting.
*Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review: The Longest Storm
Review:
The Longest Storm
Author/Illustrator: Dan Yaccarino
Publisher: a Maria Russo book, Minedition, 2021
This week’s second selection is about Covid. While it is not spelled out explicitly (the C-word is never used once), you will certainly recognize it immediately.
These illustrations are dark and somber. They are also very spare. So is the story. It certainly depicts what life has been like for quite a while.
What I like about this story is that it gives us hope. Yes, this has been a really difficult time. I see the illustration of the father in the story and feel that perhaps it is a bit like looking into a mirror (I may not have the beard but I know that expression has been on my own face at times). Then things change and although the “storm” has not ended, the family finds the healing power of apologies and finds the strength and courage to move on and change themselves, even when the situation perhaps is not altered.
This book is a great discussion-starter. We can have the type of conversation that explores our emotions. We can talk about things that were bad, made us angry, resentful, frustrated or sad. We can have discussions about stress: how do we act when we are stressed and what are some ways we can cope? We can talk about resilience: what does resilience mean and how can we show this quality? What were the things we missed? And what did we learn wasn’t so important? Perhaps we can even find some things that were good. Stretch your brain a bit; there was probably something.
This may be a small picture book, but there is a lot of meat here. Be sure to leave plenty of time for conversation.
*Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review: Antonia
Review:
Antonia: A Journey to a New Home
Author/Illustrator: Dipacho
Publisher: A Maria Russo book, Minedition, 2021 (US edition)
This week I have a couple of books to share that are great for social-emotional learning. They certainly could be used in a classroom, but I don’t feel that they should be limited there. These are stories – especially the second one – that affect everyone.
My first story is about a Columbian girl and her family who must leave their home. Dipacho gives an explanation for the reasons this happens at the beginning of the book so readers have something of an understanding before getting into the story.
This is a nearly-wordless picture book during which the family must cross a river to get to a new place to live. The young protagonist brings her dog, but sadly, Antonia is lost in the brush as they reach the other side of the river. Yet, like all things in life, everything is a little bit better when we have the love and support of others. In an unexpected gesture, a new friend of the girl helps her deal with the loss of her beloved pet.
This is a pretty serious subject, but in contrast the illustrations are decidedly quirky. I liked the balance it gave to the book, because without this whimsical touch, the story could have been a real downer. The colors are soft and soothing – nothing too dark and somber. Since this is a picture book, I feel it helps it become relatable and not just depressing.
*Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review: Antarctica
Review:
Antarctica: A Continent of Wonder
Author: Mario Cuesta Hernando
Illustrator: Raquel Martin
Publisher: Prestel, 2021
We begin a journey when we open the pages of this book. Readers join in on an expedition to the Antarctic. It’s a fascinating experience, going to a place like no other on Earth.
There is a lot to discover on this expedition. Journey through wild seas and endless stretches of ice to arrive in a bright world (it’s summer, with only three hours of darkness a day) of blue icebergs.
As part of a research team, we will explore the underwater world. We may be familiar with many of the creatures we will meet – whales, penguins, and seals – but there is more diversity in this frozen land that you may realize.
Then we will join as researchers study the land itself. We will learn the type of research that takes place, what scientists have learned already, and what they hope to accomplish in the future. When possible (weather can be brutally harsh), we can explore the region and visit some volcanos that exist in the area. Yes! There are volcanos with open lava lakes amid all that ice and cold!
Not only do we learn about the geography of Antarctica, we learn about its history, too. We become familiar with some of the earliest explorers. We learn about the Antarctic Treaty. Finally, we are given a glossary of important things to know about Antarctica.
Antarctica: A Continent of Wonder is a lot of things. It’s a picture book (an oversized one – it measures roughly 11” x 14”). It’s an illustrated encyclopedia told as a research journal, which helps to make it a more appealing read than a listing of facts. It’s got a bit of history, a bit of geography, and a bit of science. It’s certainly got enough information that it stands on its own, but it could make readers want learn more about some of the topics. My only complaint is that it does not give a listing of resources for further reading because I think readers will become curious enough to want to read more.
*Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review: Windows
Review:
Windows
Author: Julia Denos
Illustrator: E. B. Goodale
Publisher: Candlewick Press, 2017
Source: Personal Purchase
I think windows fascinate many of us. Whether we are walking – like the protagonist – or riding on the train or in a car, we pass windows and wonder about the lives of others. I have used “Windows” as a theme for preschool bulletin boards and it never fails to gain a lot of interest.
I also find that the time of day this story takes place (dusk) evokes a lot of emotions. It’s such a magical time. Everyday things and everyday experiences are transformed in something entirely different, both beautiful and mysterious.
Denos captures this mood perfectly, using poetic language that draws the reader further into the experience. We join as the main character walks into the “almost-night” where windows light up like “paper lanterns.” Windows can contain all sorts of things: hugs and parties, piano practice, or a quiet dinner. In the end, we return to our own windows where loved ones are waiting.
The illustrations add to the ambience of the story. The sky glows in deep golden tones and muted oranges. Buildings are dark against the backdrop, with those cheerful and mesmerizing squares of light that draw our attention and spark our curiosity. As the scene grows ever darker, we return to a place of comfort and safety, glad to be in the house looking out through our own windows
This is a great bedtime story, but I wouldn’t neglect using it at other times, too. Its language and art are beautiful and, as the adult reader, you want to give some time to exploring the idea further, maybe with a twilight walk of your own.
Review: The Octopus Escapes
Review:
The Octopus Escapes
Author: Maile Meloy
Illustrator: Felicita Sala
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2021
Source: Personal Purchase
Do you remember Hank in Finding Dory? If he was a favorite character of your children (or you!), then this book is going to be a lot of fun. Even if you aren’t familiar with this character, it’s a nice, rollicking story with Illustrations that match.
The octopus lives in his natural habitat, a cave that is sometimes invaded by big tumble-y waves and at other times by little shivery ones. There is plenty of diversity in the neighboring fish – and in his diet.
One day something new shows up in his cave and his curiosity gets the better of him. Bad move! The octopus is captured and brought to an aquarium. Though he’s given plenty of tasks to do, including taking photos for the visitors, it’s pretty same old, same old. He longs to be back in the ocean where life is an ever-changing and interesting experience.
Review: Brave As a Mouse
Review:
Brave As A Mouse
Author/Illustrator: Nicolo Carozzi
Publisher: Random House Studio, 2021
Source: Personal Purchase
Mouse and Fish want to play, so they do. Then three others – cats – want to join in and as you might suspect, their idea of “play” is very different. Mouse has an idea. It’s wild. It’s brave. The real question: is it a good idea?
Well, sometimes you never know until you try something, so Mouse goes for it. It turns out to be a very good idea. And then he has another bold, brave idea. Should he go for it a second time?
I love how this book encourages readers to try new things and take risks. I know I sometimes bash a book when an author has a character taking a foolish risk, especially if there is no good reason for the character to do so. However, we can’t always play it safe. I think it’s OK to encourage kids to follow through on ideas, even if you have to be a bit brave to do them.
I also like the illustrations. Mouse is making some bold moves. Yet the pictures aren’t brightly colored or edgy. They have a soft, old-time-y sort of feel and use muted tones. I like that because I think otherwise it might feel a bit overwhelming. We all want to be brave, just not too much, too quickly. The illustrations help create that balance. Be sure to peek under the jacket and check out the end papers, both of which contribute nicely to the story.
Review: Big Cat, Little Cat
Review:
Big Cat, Little Cat
Author/Illustrator: Elisha Cooper
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, 2017
Source: Personal Purchase
Warning: Tissues Will Be Required
It’s a simple story. There is a cat who lives alone. Then a kitten arrives on the scene and Big Cat shows him the ropes. Little Cat grows up and now the two cats are best of friends. Tragedy strikes. There is a cat who lives alone. The cycle begins again.
Don’t let the brevity of this synopsis fool you. This is a superb picture book. Illustrations are black and white, almost line drawings. The story is also simply told, really just a few lines. And yet, not a single person who has read this book from my collection has not also teared up while reading it. The story may be simplicity itself, but it is absolutely enough.
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