Rutabaga's Reads 2022: Part 1

When it comes to picture books, I oftentimes default to my favorite authors. I do; however, enjoy discovering new-to-me authors with great picture books. Learning that their stories involve great illustrations, engaging wordplay, a message so important that adults, too, should read the book are what help me find those new authors. This post features all new-to-me authors!

            Fun fact: I checked out all five of these stories from the local library. Living rural, I actually feel like I have a couple local libraries, but I’m referring to the library that I also happen to work at. :-)

A Sari for Ammi (Nov. 9, 2021) by Mamta Nainy.

   Sandhya Prabhat, illustrator.

Two young girls see that their ammi (mother) works so hard to make the most beautiful saris, but never keeps one for herself, as they need to sell them to afford their family’s basic needs. The daughters decide to pool the money from their gullak (piggy bank), plus earn even more, to be able to purchase one of the special saris that their ammi has skillfully woven.

            This sweet, colorfully illustrated story is one of the power of family working together to sustain and care for each other and showcases two children who are generous of heart and clever of mind to express their love for their mom. With this story, the author shines a light on Kaithoon, “a town in the Kota district of the northern Indian state of Rajasthan.” It is known for its saris, made from a local fabric called “kota doria.” I love the vibrancy of the illustrations, the knowledge gained from the history of “The Saris of Kaithoon”  at the story’s end and the way the text is woven together to create a book that is filled with textured detail. It shines a light on this Indian Muslim community (the author writes that the majority of weavers are part of the Muslim Ansari community). It is delightful, and I highly recommend it.

Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem (Sept. 21, 2021) by Amanda Gorman.

   Loren Long, illustrator.

In this story, a young black girl wanders through her community, encouraging positive change. She’s accompanied by her guitar, but the reader soon sees her doing things such as holding up a garbage bag to help in clean-up efforts, holding out a bowl of food to someone in need, and enacting a difference with many other people. She shows tolerance when a response is unwelcome, but does not let that deter her from bringing others together to better the community. Change sings inside of her, “Because I’m the change I want to see.”

            This is the picture book debut of presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman, and I saw it at the local library (the one I happen to work at). While I read it because of the hype, I am pleased by the rallying cry that this story is. Read in verse, it is a kaleidoscope of inclusion and diversity, and the illustrations only enrich Gorman’s words. The story is uplifting and is a call to action and compassion for every age.

How to Spot an Artist (Sept. 1, 2020) by Danielle Krysa.

This is the book to have if you’re wondering about spotting a real artist. It’s like a field guide, but more entertaining. It says helpful things like, “…they come in every size, shape, and color,” state that it’s obvious that an artist lives here if you find glitter “on the kitchen table, in the fridge, on the cheese, beside the couch, in the bathtub, on the dog,” and even informs readers to beware the art bully. Artists of every type know the bully: the one who says, “You can’t do this” or tells you to quit and get a real job. Such troublemakers. But artists MAKE STUFF! So go all wild and PAINT AN ICE CREAM VOLCANO. Or something. You’re the artist. It’s really up to you!

            I LOVE this picture book. I truly think I need to buy this book. The other stories in this compilation showcase the importance of having friends, encourage positive behavior, etc. Yes, this one encourages creativity, but it is presented in such an exaggeratedly fun way. The mixed-media illustrations aren’t necessarily overly detailed, but they are bright and draw the readers in with the embellished typography. The story wants you – no matter your age, whether you’re two or ninety-two-and-a-half – to find creative sparks and run with them. (Running with creative sparks. Good. Running with scissors. A no-no. At every age. In case you didn’t know/forgot.) Prompts for art projects are included at the very end of the book. Highly, highly recommend!

Little Mole’s Wish (Nov. 19, 2019) by Sang-Keun Kim.

   Chi-Young Kim, translator.

Little Mole is new to the area and needs a friend. He befriends a snowball which he forms into a bear. They wait for a bus … and wait again … and wait once again until finally Mr. Deer allows Little Mole and his snowball bear on (the snowball/bear make transformations during the waits). But Little Mole is devastated when he arrives at his stop – after falling asleep on the warm, cozy bus – because his friend is nowhere to be seen. He’s so disappointed that he didn’t get to say goodbye. Fortunately, tomorrow is a new day, and a friend waits for him. Is it magic? Is it Grandma? Does it matter?

            “Little Mole’s Wish” is Korean author and illustrator Kim’s U.S. debut, and it is truly delightful in a gentle, patient, comforting way. The translated text tells a story that might be a little big magical or maybe just wishful in a wistful fashion. The illustrations feel furry in a downy, cuddly way, and despite the winter setting, Little Mole’s snow-covered world is warm and cozy and inviting. Many will understand the risks of befriending anyone made of snow, but dwell not on that. Instead, appreciate this tender story of friendship, sweet Little Mole, and the beautiful stillness that winter can be. This story is a gem that glows with hope and innocence!

Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind (Jan. 14, 2020) by Jessica Hische.

What sort of person will you be tomorrow? In this story, unnamed animal characters will be helpful, patient, gentle, honest, generous, grateful and kind “…and even when it’s difficult, I’ll work to find a way.” Friends help when something falls from a height, they show tenderness to others, and they share, amongst other positive behaviors.

            Hische is both author and illustrator. Her text features in short, catchy rhymes, while her illustrations are digitally-rendered, but cheerful and vivid. I especially love the wonderful lettering illustrations, although they might be more challenging for young readers to decipher. It is a story that encourages positive attributes and daily positive behaviors, which may come across as proselytizing to adults, but it remains a compassionate story and an empathetic one. And, let’s be honest, that’s not a story solely suited to young readers, but ALL ages.