Rutabaga's Reads 2023: Part 11

Why do I find picture books so fascinating? Well, they’re quick to read, have pictures and are especially easy to check out, as I regularly help cover the Children’s Library. These five are all library checkouts.

Just Because (Sept. 12, 2023) by Matthew McConaughey.

    Renée Kurilla, illustrator. 

Life’s contradictions can be confusing enough when you’re an adult, so imagine how perplexing it can be from a child’s viewpoint! “Just because I forgive you, doesn’t mean that I still trust./There’s what you do, there’s what I do,/and yours is not my must.” From moments of kindness to hurt, achievement to catastrophe, from calmness to dramatics, things crystal clear to things clear as mud, this is a story of rhyming assertions for every age. Why? Just because.

            Academy Award-winning actor McConaughey’s picture book debut is expressive, youthfully bold and charming throughout. The rhyming text is complemented by Kurilla’s uncomplicated but graceful illustrations. If there’s any question, the illustrations make the text easy to interpret. Reading all of the contradictory messages is thought-provoking. The rhythm of the rhyme didn’t always seem to sync, and the messages don’t always land right, but McConaughey’s influence and celebrity will give this book a big reach.

            Author’s dedication highlight: “To my kids, your kids, and the kid in all of us. We’re all as young as we’re ever gonna be, so let’s just keep learning.” –McConaughey

Kimchi, Kimchi Every Day (Oct. 4, 2022) by Erica Kim.

“I eat KIMCHI every day. / I like KIMCHI every way!” The young girl (perhaps an illustrated iteration of the author/illustrator) featured in this story eats kimchi every day but also enjoys eating it. Readers get a literary taste of multiple ways kimchi can be enjoyed, from straight up kimchi to kimchi pancakes, kimchi fried rice to mixing it with ramyun. Kimchi is NEVER BLAND!

            I am a sucker for rhymes, but that isn’t the only reason I love this story. What shines through is the author/illustrator’s pride in her Korean roots and Korean food culture, focusing on this traditional Korean staple. Kim’s illustrations are vibrant and dimensional but not cluttered, the page spreads following a day-of-the-week format. I like how she features kimchi in different ways, showcasing that it truly is “never bland.” The pacing of the rhyming is excellent, the text is uncomplicated, and the young girl’s culinary buddy, a gray bunny, is adorable. The back matter includes a Kimchi Glossary, Kimchi Facts and ideas for adding kimchi to American staples such as hamburgers or hot dogs. Kimchi burger, anyone? Someone pass me a plate of kimchi fried rice, please!

Star Fishing (Feb. 22, 2022) by Sang-Keun Kim.

   Ginger Ly, translator.

A white-bunny-suited, un-gendered child is having one of those nights where sleep won’t come. The sleepless night turns marvelous when the child is reeled upward by Little Rabbit on a crescent moon. They’re joined by Crab, Fox, Big Bear and Little Bear. They continue to want to play and wonder if the rest of the world is sleeping … but it turns out that the “stars aren’t sleepy, either!” Fun is had and constellations are made until Little Rabbit sends each character home, finally slumbering peacefully.

            Kim is both the author and illustrator of this story. The book states that the illustrations consist of colored pencil, pastel, pen and digital art mediums. Having read Kim’s “Little Mole’s Wish” last year, I was pleased that my local library ordered this story, in which Kim’s illustrations are like a lullaby, the text (with spare dialogue) youthful and dreamlike. I love the muted illustrations, highlighted by the bright moon and stars. The pictures are luminous and the tale includes a bit of folklore, for those who’ve heard of the Korean moon rabbit. A gently sweeping picture book fit for every family with young children.

Whatever Comes Tomorrow (Mar. 7, 2023) by Rebecca Gardyn Levington.

   Mariona Cabassa, illustrator.

“Tomorrow may bring laughter, love, confusion, fear or fun / an angry, rainy hurricane or peaceful seaside sun.” Readers don’t always know what tomorrow will bring or what the future will hold, but this story in rhyming text acknowledges and reassures. It recognizes that it’s natural to have concerns and anxiety and uses positive prose to assure readers that they’ll make it through, because “…you’ve confronted fear before and reached the other side.”

            This picture book is amazing. It reminds kids that anxiety isn’t bad, even when it feels like it is, and empowers kids to manage it through a playful yet poignant story that features vibrant yet uncomplicated illustrations. The wisdom is gentle yet captivating. It’s a delight to read, and while I checked it out from the library, I wish I owned it. I’m no mental health expert (though I did study psychology as an undergrad), but this reads like a book that should be in all school counselor and therapist offices. It’s a beautiful story that tenderly showcases the importance of focusing on mental health (not only for kids, but adults, too). The back matter may be helpful for those wanting activity ideas to help manage worries by a licensed Child Development Specialist.

Yetis Are the Worst! (Nov. 22, 2022) by Alex Willan.

<This is part of a series.>

What is Gilbert the Goblin up to now? He’s going up and up the mountain (“still more mountain”), determined to find the legendary yeti. He is envious that others may view yetis as cooler and more mysterious than goblins like himself. His ascending journey takes him past snow formations he mistakes for yetis and even a snowboarding unicorn in a puffy coat. But strangely, Gilbert doesn’t see any yetis (readers, on the other hand ...). That will take an avalanche-fueled descent down the mountain!

            My first story in Willan’s The Worst! Series is an absolute delight. From the soft, snowy palette of Gilbert’s winter wonderland to the humorous prose and the engaging illustrations (also by Willan), it’s no wonder that these stories are entertaining for kids and adults alike. I like that the author/illustrator presents yetis as big, but not so imposing and intimidating as lore tends to represent them. Far from being THE WORST, these cryptids are friendly, fascinating and very un-mysterious. A giggle-worthy picture book that I’d be happy to own.