Rutabaga's Reads 2023: Part 2

Hello to the first picture books compilation of 2023! This post includes picture books that I checked out from my local library.

The City Tree (Apr. 4, 2023) by Shira Boss.

   Lorena Alvarez, illustrator.

There’s a hole in front of Dani’s apartment building that is one day home to a city tree (or street tree). She loves the tree where birds now chirp and cheep, which she can also use as a weather vane (“…leaves fluttering said breezy today, its branches bending said bundle up.”). That city tree is Dani’s haven from noise and grime, but the tree sometimes needs tending to, as not every passerby is kind to the tree. Dani encounters more magnificent trees at the park, but this tree is the most special. In the spring, it’s a garden. In summer, an oasis. In fall, a treasure chest. And in winter, it’s starlight. No matter the day or the season of year, “the tree was a good friend.”

            This unfussy story is a beautiful celebration of the importance of greenery in cities, of community and of life and growth. Where Boss writes in praise of city green spaces with her immersive writing, Alvarez’s illustrations are what really bring the reader into the story. Her illustrations are lush, colorful and detailed. Dani and her community are a melting pot of skin tones, ages and body types, and the pictures teem with diversity. Back matter includes information on street trees. As someone who grew up rural and still lives rural, this book shows me that I definitely take for granted the nature all around me compared to one who may be closed in by large buildings and concrete, the noise of big cities and the pollution that can be more noticeable with them. This book is delightful, and I’m so pleased that it caught my eye at my local library.

Dim Sum, Here We Come! (Jan. 3, 2023) by Maple Lam.

Every Sunday, the main character’s multigenerational family meets at the local dim sum restaurant, because “sharing dim sum means I love you.” But what to eat? What will get stamped on the dim sum card? Pork dumplings, shrimp dumplings or char siu (sweet pork) buns? Taro dumplings, spring rolls or egg tarts? Chive dumplings, lotus leaf sticky rice or turnip cakes? What about rice noodle rolls? … How about all of the above?!

            If this story doesn’t have you wanting dim sum, I don’t know what will! Whether or not readers are familiar with dim sum, the author/illustrator’s love for dim sum and family is obvious and infectious in this mouth-watering cultural tale. Food transcends cultures, and that’s showcased in this ebullient story with its bustling illustrations. Those familiar with the customs will appreciate the cultural details woven seamlessly into the story, like tapping one’s fingers on the table to mean thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed the endpapers, too. The first set show 18 dishes to relish, while the back ones show the now-empty vessels with positive reviews. Now, who wants to go out for dim sum?

Dragon Noodle Party (Dec. 13, 2022) by Ying Chang Compestine.

   Paula Pang, illustrator.

Gather round for a party, friends! The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac are coming together for a feast. Each animal comes bearing something, usually a food ingredient, including the dragon bearing long (or longevity) noodles. It’s a nod to celebrating birthdays, Lunar New Year and other festive occasions.

            A charming yet resourceful story that will resonate with those familiar with Chinese and/or Lunar New Year customs is also an excellent multicultural resource. The author’s simple writing and the illustrator’s bright, bold, full-page pictures craft a vivid, warm tale. An author’s note, note regarding the zodiac animals and a recipe for Dragon Beard Noodles are included at the story’s end.

Heart String (Dec. 20, 2022) by Brooke Boynton-Hughes.

No matter where someone is, in a bustling city or on a desert plain, surrounded by a multitude of people or going it alone, “There is a string, an invisible string, that ties my heart to yours.” In this story, readers follow the thread as it connects us to those we know and those we don’t and the world that we’re all a part of.

            This sweet story encourages the idea that all human beings are linked, no matter one’s age or skin color or socioeconomic status, etc. With its graceful verse and soft artwork, “Heart String” is heartwarming and positive. It promotes global citizenship. And while it’s a story to advance world harmony, without an actual plot, parents will find themselves wanting to craft their own teaching moment, should they so choose.

The Umbrella (Mar. 21, 2023) by Beth Ferry & Tom Lichtenheld.

It turns out that “Dreary./Weary,” “Dim./Grim” weather is no match for one young girl and her pup. After all, where there’s a dog, “Gotta go–/rain or snow.” When thunder sends them under the awning of a curios shop, they spot a tattered yellow umbrella. It’s “FREE!” and the cashier wraps it up. Unfortunately, their newfound treasure falls apart as they dash away, leaving a “Trail of tatters.” Days later, they discover that those tatters have magically grown into a field of yellow umbrellas. They pull them up and distribute them to the community, thus chasing the clouds away.

            Ferry’s concise, rhyming text is simple enough for young readers to sound out, and the words seem to have their own rhythm. Lichtenheld’s pencil and watercolor illustrations are uncomplicated while still coming across as expressive and complement the text perfectly. The story unfolds even in the inside covers: dreary purplish-gray at the beginning and a sunny yellow at the end. In the story, the only pop of bright color comes from the umbrella(s). This buoyant story encourages each of us to be bright lights to others, for eventually those gray days will turn to sunshine’s rays! And that is a good reminder for every age!