Rutabaga's Reads 2024: Part 13

Here comes the next compilation of picture books! I thought I’d have more than two picture book compilations this year, but alas, no.

The Bakery Dragon (Oct. 1, 2024) by Devin Elle Kurtz.

As a dragon, Ember wants to bring home spoils and hoard gold like the other dragons do, but he’s little and only produces a very small flame. Ember flies into a nearby town and gets caught in a fierce storm. A nice baker allows Ember to ride out the rainstorm in her bakery and teaches him to help her bake. “Ember watched, full of wonder, as the gooey blobs of dough transformed like magic into ... shining gold.” She gives him a tray of “baker’s gold.” It’s the most glorious thing he’s tasted, and when he returns home, its delectable aroma draws the other dragons. The baker isn’t thrilled when Ember returns with the other dragons, because they’ve done “an awful lot of stealing.” But, as they all learn, “...baking gold is better than taking it. And sharing it is best of all.”

            This story is *chef’s kiss* with its sweet storyline and warm illustrations that are so engaging that readers can smell the wafting deliciousness of fresh-baked bread and feel the decadent warmth of bread straight from the oven. The author-illustrator’s stunning pictures are as golden as the gold dragons want to hoard. This cheerful picture book is friendly and has a good message about sharing and generosity. I absolutely ate up this radiant picture book!

The Barnabus Project (Sept. 1, 2020) by Terry Fan, Eric Fan and Devin Fan (The Fan Brothers).

In a world created for Perfect Pets, half mouse, half elephant Barnabus is a Failed Project. His friend, Pip the cockroach, tells him stories about things like a sparkling silver lake and “mountains that reached all the way to the sky, lit with their own stars.” Barnabus believes that nothing is impossible, and on the day that the Failed Projects receive a “strange red stamp” (it says FAIL), Barnabus decides they all need to escape. Barnabus doesn’t want to be “recycled” and come out fluffier and cuter. He likes himself just the way he is. But how can Barnabus and his fellow Failed Project friends escape their confines in the hidden lab deep underground and avoid the Green Rubber Suits?

            The Fan brothers create an epic adventure of escape, rebellion and suspense that is moving and magical with detailed worldbuilding (the two-page illustration of the lab is fairly meticulous). It’s easy to root for Barnabus and his friends who want freedom and who accept each other just as they are. This picture book is stunning as it showcases bravery and diversity in a unique way. Fun and tender with beautiful imagination and glorious illustrations besides. The adventure is ambitious, it is perilous, and it has such heart.

Cozy in Love (Nov. 8, 2022) by Jan Brett.

In this second story featuring Cozy the musk ox, Cozy is downhearted after losing a test of strength with another in his herd. He wonders how he’ll gain the admiration of lovely Lofti, but he doesn’t wonder long, because one of his puffin friends alerts him to an emergency. Bella, their young beluga whale friend has played too long in Teardrop Inlet, and its entrance to the Bering Sea has frozen. If the entire inlet freezes over, she’ll lose access to air. Cozy devises a plan to use “simple science” and his own ox strength to help Bella over the ice wall. Little does Cozy know that someone is witnessing the entire scene and is admiring his strong, smart, bighearted self.

            With her signature storytelling, gorgeous illustrations and artwork vignettes, which also accompany the storytelling, Brett gives readers another quintessential Jan Brett picture book. The kindness and quick-thinking at the book’s heart reminds us that it’s always in-style to help friends in need. Brett’s rich artwork lends stunning beauty to a frigid Alaska backdrop and reminds us to care for all of the creatures of the world. This book is essential for any Brett fans and all libraries who carry her stories. It is a sweet, enchanting story.

The Goblin Twins (Sept. 5, 2023) by Frances Cha.

   Jaime Kim, illustrator.

Meet the goblin twins (Korean: dokkaebi). Doki likes conjuring gifts of gold or silver with his magic club (bangmangi) instead of scaring people. He also loves reading one of his three abandoned books. Kebi likes scaring people too much and gets in trouble for it with the elder dokkaebi. He loves exploring. The twins are young, only 601 years old! When they have to move out of their abandoned house, most move to a graveyard, but Doki and Kebi move from Seoul to a strange land called New York City. Trying to find the perfect place to live, they spot houses that are too cheerful or too new or already occupied by “New York monsters” (people) who aren’t very friendly. When they find the perfect house, what will they think of trick-or-treaters?

            As soon as I read the goblins’ names, my mind automatically thought of dokkaebi. This not-so-scary Halloween picture book is an entertaining treat. In other versions of Korean mythology, dokkaebi are to be avoided at all costs, for they cause dreamers to dream their worst fears, and then the dokkaebi feed on those fears. Yeah, not so nice. But even with Kebi being the mischievous of the two and the darkly bold, yet colorful, illustrations, this is overall a friendly tale. It’s not a fright, but a delight. It’s mythology, but cartoonish. It is adorable, and my nephew enjoyed it, too. I’d totally want to adopt book-loving Doki, but I’d watch out for Kebi’s shenanigans!

We Are Definitely Human (Aug. 6, 2024) by X. Fang.

It’s midnight when three strangers (aliens) crash-land outside Mr. and Mrs. Li’s house. The strangers’ “shape was very hard to describe,” and “their skin was very blue,” but they inform Mr. Li (Mrs. Li’s a very sound sleeper) that, “We are DEFINITELY human.” They are “…from…Europe.” Their “car” (UFO) has broken down and needs repair, but with the stores being closed for the night, Mr. Li, being a kind human, invites them into their home for the night and offers to help them repair their car. While Mrs. Li is surprised to see houseguests the following morning, she takes it all in stride, and asks what they do in Europe. They “make business,” “play sportsball” and “wear hat.” Fixing their car becomes a community event, and when they leave, Mr. Li declares, “Yep, they are DEFINITELY not from Europe.”

            While this story is fantastical with its not-remotely-human-looking aliens, their vehicle a.k.a. UFO and interplanetary interactions, it’s a story of kindness. Kindness radiates through the story, first with Mr. Li and then with the townsfolk, who, like Mr. and Mrs. Li “were all kind humans.” It’s a sweet, feel-good story with a message of kindness, yes, but of acceptance, too. The author/illustrator’s illustrations are fun but not over-the-top. It is pleasantly wise, pleasingly diverse (the Lis cue as Asian, the townsfolk vary in skin tone, and the visitors vary in size and height) and perfect for earthlings of any age.

Rutabaga's Reads 2024: Part 5

The year is streaming on by, but here is the first picture books compilation of 2024. Better late than never, as the saying goes. It features three books I own and two library checkouts.

Baker and Taylor and the Mystery of the Library Cats (Oct. 4, 2022) by Candy Rodó.

Meet Baker. He’s serious, quiet and enjoys reading about history and faraway places. He reads to learn. Meet Taylor. He’s silly, outgoing and enjoys adventure stories. He reads for fun. Their cat friend, Flora, encourages them to visit other libraries, so they adventure to the main branch of the New York Public Library (NYPL). They arrive in Pennsylvania Station (over 650,000 people travel through Penn Station daily, making it the busiest transportation station in the Western Hemisphere), excited to meet two other library cats, but they can’t find them. With Baker’s trusty guidebook and Taylor’s keen sense of adventure, this book-loving feline duo are about to solve the mystery of NYPL’s Library Cats. They’ll take the subway, partake of a slice of NYC pizza and visit one of the city’s many bodegas.

            This first in a newly independent reader series contains thorough but simple digital illustrations complementing an unfussy adventure picture book featuring two bookish cats. It’s a light storyline that is uncomplicated and easy to follow. The pictures do not capture the constant movement and energy of NYC, but as that’s not the focal point of the story, that is a small thing. Still, I’ll admit that I found the factual tidbits and the factual back matter to be more engaging than the story itself. I picked up the book, not because I’m a cat-loving bibliophile (even though I am), but because I’ve visited the main branch of the New York Public Library!

            Note 1: For those who don’t know, Patience and Fortitude are the “library cats.” They’re actually lion statues. They’ve been guarding the main building of the NYPL since 1911.

            Note 2: The NYPL is the largest public library system in the country. It has 92 locations throughout the different neighborhoods in the city. The main branch is on 5th Avenue, between 42^nd and 40^th Streets. It was founded in 1895.

            Note 3: There are more than 10,000 bodegas (small grocery stores) in NYC. Many have a pet cat to keep mice away, but they greet customers, too.

            Note 4: Besides housing millions of books, the NYPL has also been home to the original toys of Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends, Eeyore, Tigger, Piglet, and Kanga since 1987.

Eyes that Speak to the Stars (Feb. 15, 2022) by Joanna Ho.

   Dung Ho, illustrator.

A Chinese American boy feels the hurtful sting of seeing his eyes represented as two slanted lines when all of his friends have big, round eyes. His Baba (dad) reassures him that “Your eyes rise to the skies and speak to the stars. The comets and constellations show you their secrets, and your eyes can foresee the future. Just like mine.” The boy’s eyes are like Agong’s (Grandpa’s) and Di-Di’s (younger brother’s). His eyes are “visionary.” “And they are powerful.”

            This story is as mesmerizing and lyrical as its predecessor. It is lovingly validating and the young boy is quickly and beautifully reassured with eyes in his family that look like his. For me, growing up adopted in a family of Caucasians, this would’ve been a tough one for me as a young child. The only eyes in my family to compare to were all big, round eyes. Fortunately, as an adult, I appreciate the necessity for stories like this, that celebrate family, diversity and the splendor in our differences. Dung Ho’s illustrations complement Joanna Ho’s writing to perfection and not only depict the story as it moves along, but includes icons recognizable in Chinese culture like dragons, a Chinese street market and Kongming (Chinese sky) lanterns. Heritage should be embraced no matter where someone’s landed in the world, and this book showcases that.

            Companion to: Eyes that Kiss in the Corners

Jan Brett’s The Nutcracker (Nov. 16, 2021) by Jan Brett.

It’s Christmas, and Uncle Drosselmeier has brought mysterious boxes. Marie is enthralled by the Nutcracker who she declares “looks like a real boy who has traveled from a place far away.” Her brother, Fritz, wanting to see how the Nutcracker works, breaks him, prompting Marie to check on the Nutcracker in the night. She feels magic and gets involved in a battle between invading mice and Fritz’s toy soldiers led by the Nutcracker. The Mouse King is vanquished, and Marie and her Nutcracker visit a wintry wonderland. Is it real? Or is it all a dream?

            In true Brett fashion, the story is filled with vignettes alongside the picture spread. Normally busy, I felt like it was too busy. It didn’t deter me from liking the story that follows the well-known arc from E.T.A. Hoffman’s famous story. The language is descriptive, and the illustrations are vivid and incredibly detailed. The story incorporates familiar moments from the ballet. However, animals are the cast in the second act. Dancing bears perform the Russian Trepak, and elegant foxes perform the Danse Arabe. Wildlife in the vignettes are dressed in winter wear playing flutes and other instruments. It is a feast for the eyes and a dreamland of wonder with an Old World feel. It is a Christmas confection.

There’s a Ghost in This House (Nov. 2, 2021) by Oliver Jeffers.

A young, unnamed girl lives in a supposedly haunted house, but has she seen a ghost? No. “Perhaps you could help me?” she asks. She’s heard that they “are white with holes for eyes” and adds that they’re very hard to see. She says she’s looked all over – in the library, in the attic, behind all the wardrobes, under the bed (TWICE!) and even up the chimney – but she’s still never spotted one. Will you help her find the ghosts?

The girl lives in an 18th-century mansion with long hallways, quiet rooms and plenty of dark corners, but far from being spooky, this picture book is charming. Does it have eerie vibes? Sure, but they’re unthreatening in this story that reads rather like a seek-and-find. The ghosts on the vellum papers are Casper-adorable and have playful senses of humor. It’s a lighthearted treat to read.

P.S. My nephew LOVED this story. He read it first with his grandma (my mom, to me), and when I read it with him, he remarked with glee when I pointed out two ghosts that he’d missed the first time he read the story! Hands down, it’s a 10/10. How can it not be, when it’s nephew-approved?

We Are Water Protectors (Mar. 17, 2020) by Carole Lindstrom.

   Michaela Goade, illustrator.

“Tears like waterfalls stream down.” A black snake threatens to destroy Earth and poison her people’s water, so one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred resource. In Ojibwe culture, “women are the protectors of the water and men are the protectors of the fire.” Water is the first medicine, we come from water, and we all depend on water. The water protectors stand “With our songs / And our drums. / We are still here.” As long as water protectors exist, the black snake is in for a long fight. We are all related. TAKE COURAGE! WE STAND!

            Anishinaabe/Métis author Lindstrom and Tlingit descent illustrator Goade are a powerhouse team whose story isn’t only telling the readers to be observant. It’s a call to courageous action to care for our planet home, Earth. We stand not only for ourselves and our loved ones, but for all the creatures of the land, sea and sky who don’t have voices. It’s a passionate picture book with subtly bold, gorgeous illustrations. It’s inspiring and empowering. It’s educational without the weight of a class lecture, but the call to environmental stewardship is nonetheless impactful.

Rutabaga's Reads 2022: Part 21

Picture books need to be engaging to capture the attention of their young audiences, but they also need to engage those reading to/with them. This third picture book compilation of 2022 showcases one favorite author and four new-to-me authors. While they are all uniquely wonderful stories, what they have in common is that they are engaging in their prose and illustrations.

Cozy (Oct. 20, 2020) by Jan Brett.

Animals seek refuge from the winter cold, but instead of a cramped hideout, their refuge is a living creature, a young musk ox called Cozy. A family of lemmings, a snowshoe hare, a snowy owl, an arctic fox, a wolverine and a team of huskies with their sea otter musher join Cozy for winter in the Alaskan tundra. He got separated from his family, so is happy for the company. There are; however, house rules: “Quiet voices, gentle thumping, claws to yourself, no biting, no pouncing, and be mindful of others!” But when does a nibble become a bite? What constitutes a hoot that’s quiet or loud? When spring returns, Cozy is gleeful to find his herd, and his winter lodgers move onto their summer homes, but they promise to meet up again “when the snow flies.”

            The Alaskan tundra is no picnic, but Brett’s signature writing and clever illustrating create an idyllic story of sharing, friendship and living in harmony. Sure, it’s fanciful, but it’s a gently-moving tale that is comforting to read. Brett’s illustrations include those trusty side-panel vignettes that give readers hints as to what’s to come. She writes with a keen sense of her audience – the young and the young-at-heart – and illustrates with the finesse of an expert who’s comfortable in her skill and talent. This is another gorgeous tale, one that represents the importance of community, and it has a sequel, released November 2022.

            Oomingmak: Inupiaq word for musk ox, which translates to “the bearded one.” (Source: https://www.alaskazoo.org/muskox)

Danbi Leads the School Parade (July 7, 2020) by Anna Kim.

New to school is Danbi. Being the new kid is always hard, but it’s made more challenging for Danbi, as she doesn’t know English. She has recently emigrated from South Korea. She tries to engage with her classmates in participating in activities new to her, but she is unsuccessful. One thing she knows how to confidently do is pull out her lunch to eat! Her mom has packed her favorites – “Yams in honey, crystal dumplings, sweet-and-sour mini skewers, rainbow drops, and half-moon rice cakes dipped in sweet sesame!” – and her classmates are in awe. She tries to teach them to use chopsticks, which erupts into a cacophony-of-fun, musical parade.

            This is a wonderful story from Kim, who was once that little girl in a new classroom who didn’t yet understand English. Kim’s illustrations are multihued, but soft, and her text paints the story of a young girl who’s resilient and tries not to get discouraged even when no one plays with her. It’s a sweet, expressive story for any child starting at a new school or experiencing big, possibly overwhelming, changes. And it’s an enchanting, gentle and joyous story for all readers looking for something new to read.

            As an adoptee, I was never that child in a new school who didn’t understand English (and, in fact, remained in the same school district from Preschool all through my senior year of high school), but I knew what it was to stand out based on appearance, even though I also felt like my class was one of the more diverse in the rural community I grew up in. I would’ve wanted Danbi as a friend. Yes, because I would’ve seen myself in her with our similar physical, Korean features. But also because I was always taught to be a compassionate human being. I would’ve seen her needing a friend and so would’ve become one!

            Fun fact: According to the author, Danbi means “sweet rain.”

Eyes that Kiss in the Corners (Jan. 5, 2021) by Joanna Ho.

   Dung Ho, illustrator.

The Chinese-American girl in this story notices that her eyes are different from her peers. They have “eyes like sapphire lagoons” and “lashes like lace trim on ballgowns.” Her eyes “kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea.” They are eyes reflected in the face of her Mama’s, Amah’s (her grandmother) and Mei-Mei’s (her little sister). While her eyes are unlike those around her, that is winsome, for they are her eyes, and they are beautiful!

            While not in rhyme, this story is lyrical and reads with the expectation that it should be danced to with graceful movement. It is a story that exudes self-acceptance, a love of one’s ancestral roots and, in this character’s case, Chinese culture. Each of Dung Ho’s colorful and elegant illustrations are breathtaking landscapes that are exemplary complements to Joanna Ho’s prose. I love this story. It’s one I would’ve welcomed as a child. While I am well-loved by my family, I am an adoptee, and my family is entirely Caucasian. There was no one else in my family with “eyes that kiss in the corners,” and sometimes that was tough growing up. This story is poignant, but also strengthening, especially for anyone whose eyes “crinkle into crescent moons and sparkle like the stars.” Love your eyes, but most importantly, love your whole self!

Mommy’s Hometown (Apr. 12, 2022) by Hope Lim.

   Jaime Kim, illustrator.

A young boy is excited to visit his mommy’s hometown in Korea. It’s an area where the “mountains nearby stood like giants” and the “sky was filled with billowing clouds she [Mommy] could watch forever.” But when they arrive, the hometown isn’t what the boy expects. The small village has grown into a big city, new replaces the old, except for an old house on the corner that looks out of place surrounded by shiny new buildings. Fortunately, the river is the same. “Some things change, and some things stay the same.”

            Reading this sweet story that compares and contrasts past and present (rural and urban) with warm, digital illustrations tangibly feels tranquil and safe. The illustrations are lush and detailed; I especially enjoyed the spread of city buildings with shop names in Korean. The prose is gentle, yet full of imagination. The story caught my eye at the library, as it was up on display, one of many diverse books donated by the local Rotary Club. As soon as I saw the cover, I knew it featured Korean characters, and I checked the book out right away. So certainly, this story resonates with me because I share similar features to the Korean characters, but it’s a wonderful, intergenerational story for anyone. It shows readers of all ages that change can be bittersweet, but splendor and optimism arises, too, if one is open to finding it.

Wishes (May 4, 2021) by Mủợn Thị Văn.

   Victo Ngai, illustrator.

If you had to leave everything behind, what would you wish for? In the middle of the night in which the “night wished it was quieter,” a Vietnamese family leaves behind all they’ve ever known. They embark on a perilous journey with a destination in mind, but with knowing how so many things can go wrong between here and there. It’s observed through the eyes of a young girl who is traveling forward until “I didn’t have to wish … anymore.”

            Right away, I am struck by the simple beauty of the story. The prose is scant, but what’s there weaves a timeless tale of fear, hope, determination and resilience and is complemented by the artist’s detailed but soft illustrations. The author and illustrator are well-matched to this story, as the lyrical text and nuanced art are a lovely collaboration. This story is drawn from the author’s personal history, and reading her author’s note had me tearing up. It’s an experience to read, one that is both heartfelt and heart-wrenching. It’s emotional and elegant. The words are few, yet they speak volumes. I purchased the book, and I’m glad to own it. It should be in all libraries (and I’m happy to say that I know my local library has it).

            Personal story: For those that know me, they will know that I’ve never been a refugee. In a previous job, I sometimes worked with Karen-speaking patients. One time, through an interpreter, a patient inquired about my origin. I am always open to sharing that I’m Korean; I was born there, but adopted as a baby and have grown up in the U.S. This patient was a refugee, and sadly, our setting wasn’t one conducive to having a long conversation. She was intrigued by my happy demeanor, but especially, my flawless English. She had the interpreter tell me, “You’re a lucky one.” And you know what? I absolutely agree!

Rutabaga's Reads 2020: Part 6

I don’t often pause to peruse what’s new in picture books, but it’s fun to see what’s out there when I do. I have my favorites that I search for (such as Jan Brett), but it’s more fun to see what creative new picture books have arrived on the scene. So much color or a good lesson or an adorable concept in the staging of the book, all the while knowing they crammed all that brilliance into a slim children’s book! This post contains authors mostly familiar to me.

Bigger Words for Little Geniuses (Sept. 2, 2019) by Susan ^and James Patterson.

   Hsinping Pan, illustrator.

Learning words is essential, and learning big words is fantastical! From ailurophile (I am one) to zoanthropy (which child hasn’t pretended at this?), this book contains 26 BIGGER words and houses another 26 bigger words at the end of the book.

            This extravaganza of ABCs is as fun and wordy as the first in the series. As a self-professed logophile, I found this book to be gloriously entertaining. I encourage everyone to build up their vocabularies with the fun books in this series!

How to Catch the Easter Bunny (Feb. 1, 2017) by Adam Wallace.

   Andy Elkerton, illustrator.

The E.B. (Easter Bunny) is a wily one, happily preparing the next round of eggs with the help of his peeps (a.k.a. fluffy, yellow chicks). He’s hippity and hoppity, all right, and ready to deliver treats to all of the children. Can the Easter Bunny be caught? From simple box-bait traps to a dance floor to the Bunny Tumbler 2.0, clever children everywhere try their luck at catching the E.B. But remember, the E.B. has his own lucky rabbit’s feet and likely can’t be beat. Try again next year?

            With an easy rhythm to the rhyme, colorful illustrations and a frenetic Easter Bunny, this picture book is one rollicking adventure. As one anticipates that the Easter Bunny will not ever be caught (otherwise, how could he prepare for next Easter?), there is no real plot, but there is an energizing simplicity. Although a cute tale, I did not feel any emotional connection to it, but I expect it to be a fun little tale to tell to small children who may not be invested in the words anyhow.

Juno Valentine and the Fantastic Fashion Adventure (Oct. 29, 2019) by Eva Chen.

   Derek Desierto, illustrator.

It is a day all kids look forward to and dread, whether in equal measure or with the scales tipping one way or the other: school picture day. Juno’s friends all know what they plan to wear, and Juno knows what her parents and friends would want her to wear, but what does Juno want to wear? In trying to ponder this very important decision, she has to retrieve her little brother, Finn, from the magical hall of shoes in her closet. Oh dear. She gets advice from everyone from Grace O’Malley (a fearless Irish pirate queen) to Maya Lin (designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C. at just 21 years old) to Michelle Obama and Simone Biles.

            This second story in the Juno Valentine Series is as charming as the first story. It is also fun and upbeat. It’s a story that is part fashion fairy tale and all-around girl power. Juno may be focusing on school picture fashion, but for me, books are always a fashionable accessory!

The Night Before Kindergarten Graduation (Apr. 9, 2019) by Natasha Wing.

   Amy Wummer, illustrator.

Every kid knows that one of the great milestones is Kindergarten graduation, and that’s what the students in Miss Sunrise’s class are preparing for! Projects from the school year are displayed on the wall, the song has been learned and their best outfits are ready to wear. How will their graduation show go? Will there be celebration and tears? How about cake?

            A picture book in rhyme, it is a cute tale from preparation through the graduation itself. It’s meant to be peppy and carry its tune like anyone reading “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” It is not a story with conflict or a deep message. It is meant to represent the thrill of Kindergarten graduation and knowing that one’s moving onto, drum roll please … First Grade!

The Tale of the Tiger Slippers (Sept. 17, 2019) by Jan Brett.

A Bengal tiger’s mother makes him slippers as a cub to protect and guide him with “room to grow.” He finds white clay to make bricks and makes those bricks into a pretty home for his beloved mother, eventually building houses, towers and bridges all over the land. He becomes wealthy. When his wedding day arrives, a crocodile calls out his inelegant, worn slippers. They’re dirty, but they’re dependable. Because of the taunts, he drops them in a stream, which causes problems further downstream. He tries to discard them multiple times only to receive them back, the last time from his uncle, who weeps with pride to see the frayed old slippers, hand-sewn by his sister and worn out from years of hard work. It’s the Bengal’s own cub who has an idea of what to do with the slippers, to honor them and the Bengal’s mother.

            The prose and watercolor/gouache illustrations created by Brett never cease to impress me. This story is set in the world of the Mughal courts and is a retelling of a Persian folktale called “Abu Kassem’s Slippers.” This picture book is a kaleidoscope of vibrancy and color blended with the ideal that hard work can lead to success and hopefully inspires readers to put in that hard work to reach those successes. In that regard, this story isn’t only for children, but will resonate with adults (and we’re really just big kids with bills -- gotta thank Mark Hall of Casting Crowns for that one). I always love Brett’s stories and her illustrations are magnificent; her books tend to be automatic purchases for me!

Rutabaga's Reads 2019: Part 23

Picture books is where it’s at with this post. Since gaining a nephew, I figured I would buy more picture books, but that hasn’t yet been the case. I suspect that’s because he’s still in board books, and when I buy those, I gift them to him and don’t normally pause to post about them.

Cuddly Critters for Little Geniuses (Aug. 27, 2018) by Susan ^and James Patterson.

   Hsinping Pan, illustrator.

Kids learn quickly that a cow moos and a pig oinks; they soon learn what a kitty is or a bunny, but do they know that a southern red muntjac barks like a dog? That an axolotl is known as a walking fish, but is actually a salamander with a surprisingly cute face? Do kids you know know that a wombat’s poop comes out in the shape of a cube due to its slow digestive process or that a markhor goat’s horns are so long that the goat can scratch its own back? These unusual critters – some actually cuddly, others definitely not – are each accompanied by fascinating facts.

            The second in the “Big Words for Little Geniuses” series by wife-and-husband duo Susan and James Patterson is a delightful treat of unique facts, radiant illustrations and family fun. The illustrations are adorable and almost caricature-like, because, let’s be honest, some of these “cuddly critters” are not only not cuddly at all, but downright dangerous and others are not so cute as their illustrations may make them seem. That doesn’t stop me from reveling in the adorableness of this picture book!

Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes (Nov. 6, 2018) by Eva Chen.

   Derek Desierto, illustrator.

There is nothing like a favorite pair of shoes. It doesn’t matter how worn they are or how boring, for favorite shoes will be favorites per the owner’s own reasons. What does one do when favorite shoes go missing? That is Juno’s dilemma, but imagine her surprise when searching the innermost depths of her closet deposits her in a vast hall of shoes. It’s “a cornucopia of shoes! A feast of fashion!” What must it be like to step into the footwear of Cleopatra, Frida Kahlo, Oprah Winfrey or Lady Gaga? Juno can let you know.

            A debut picture book from Instagram superstar Chen (I’d never heard of her, but that’s only because I’m not much for social media), this story manages to be precocious and empowering to girls within a fashion footwear fairytale. Juno is clearly a vivacious character, and I think it will be easy for readers to like her.

The Night Before the Snow Day (Oct. 11, 2016) by Natasha Wing.

   Amy Wummer, illustrator.

It’s a school night and a big storm is blanketing the town in snow. How much will fall? Will there be a blizzard? Will school be canceled tomorrow? The featured girl in the story certainly hopes so as she’s dancing her snow dance and dreaming of snowball fights.

            Rhyming stories are not for everyone, I realize, but I enjoy them. Wing’s follows the tone of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The story is uncomplicated but sweet. And whether your kid-self preferred reading in front of a cozy fireplace (me) or building snow forts in the backyard (my brothers), I think we can all agree that an unplanned day off from school for a snow day was a welcome day off!

The Snowy Nap (Oct. 16, 2018) by Jan Brett.

Winter is fast-approaching, and Hedgie, a young hedgehog, takes one last walk around the farm before settling into hibernation. As he wanders and various animal members of the farm tell him of things he will miss, Hedgie realizes that he doesn’t want to sleep all winter long like last year. But staying outside as it gets colder and colder doesn’t keep him awake. Lisa, a young girl living on the Danish island of Funen, brings him inside to warm up, and he’s able to observe so much winter liveliness. After his adventure from the inside of a warm, cozy home, Hedgie succumbs to his long snowy nap, and Lisa returns him to his burrow.

            In this adorable companion to Brett’s classic “The Hat,” the author writes and illustrates another story that is liltingly sweet. Her trademark border illustrations continue to tell a tale of their own, ending with all of the non-hibernating friends paying Lisa’s house a surprise visit. Brett’s meticulous and finely-detailed illustrations of soft watercolors and gouache illuminate a winsome story. This is a winter idyll.

Sulwe (Oct. 15, 2019) by Lupita Nyong’o.

   Vashti Harrison, illustrator.

Longing emanates from Sulwe, whose skin is the color of midnight. She prays for light skin like her mama, “the color of dawn,” or her sister, Mich, “the color of high noon.” Instead, she is teased for the dark shade of her skin. But one night she is born away on a star (like her name means) and hears the story of Night and Day. Two sisters, they were close until Night became fed up with the hurtful words people threw at her. She left until Day searched for her. Like Sulwe, Night never felt beautiful or accepted as she is. As Day says to Night when they reunite, “When you are darkest is when you are most beautiful. It’s when you are most you.”

            Yes, this debut picture book is from the Academy Award-winning actress, and it is a story as beautiful as Sulwe. It is an enthralling story that shines light on the painful realness of colorism, but in a tender and nurturing way. This story is smart and the illustrations are sweeping and lovely. I love the galactic iridescence. I appreciate the thoughtfulness of the story regarding the subject matter, and I hope this story shows up in so many classrooms and libraries. It’s a story for adults and kids alike; we should find the beauty within ourselves and know we are beautiful on the outside no matter what we look like.

            At the end of the story, Nyong’o shares her own past experiences with the hurtfulness surrounding her complexion. Many of us know what it’s like to be teased for something we cannot change: the shape of our eyes or the color of our skin, for example. It does hurt, and it is painful. Love yourselves and empower others. Do not tear others down, as it only makes you a bully, too.

Rutabaga's Reads 2019: Part 8

For this compilation, I’m pulling from multiple age categories and genres. While I don’t read every single sort of thing – for example, I avoid graphic novels, as I simply don’t care for them – I aim to be a well-rounded reader … most of the time. All these stories are works of fiction.

Analiese Rising (Jan. 8, 2019) by Brenda Drake.

YA mythological fantasy novel.

*This is a standalone novel.*

She sees gorgeous people. Analiese Jordan happens upon the paths of them, and they turn up elsewhere in a group like the most impressive Gorgeous Persons Clique ever. But here’s the catch: She doesn’t only sight them in her hometown of Philadelphia, but in Rome. Yes, Rome, Italy. Creepy! A man bequeaths his satchel to her as he lay dying and instructs her to find his grandson. Marek Comte wants to know what secrets his grandfather (Adam Conte) held, and it seems Adam has been training Marek for years to follow his trail of clues when the time comes. The time is now, and it’s why Marek convinces Analiese to go to Rome with him, Shona Jackson and Shona’s scary boyfriend Cain. Analiese and Marek are going to find out new facts that seem so outrageous at first that they might as well be make-believe … or mythology.

            My first impression of the lead female character was that she’s really annoying. I don’t mind sarcasm (most of us have at least a little bit in us), and I understand that Analiese is dealing with a fairly recent grief on top of her existing anxiety/panic attack issues, but no matter if this is considered a standard way to deal with either or both, it didn’t make for someone I rooted for. Her lack-of-filter outbursts and sarcastic remarks were grating, but I suppose that is not out-of-depth for a teenager. Teenage dramatics aside, this adventure was filled with secrets and puzzle-solving, new friends and new romance. While I thoroughly enjoyed Drake’s Library Jumpers trilogy, I cannot say the same for this standalone novel, though I did appreciate the representation of multiple lands’ mythologies.

Burning Magic (Apr. 10, 2018) by Joshua Khan.

Middle-grade fantasy novel.

*This is the final book in a trilogy.*

Away from Herne’s Forest and away from Castle Gloom, Thorn (a squire) and his best friend Lilith Shadow (a queen), are in the Sultanate of Fire where resides their other best friend K’leef. K’leef is the fourth son of the  recently deceased sultan. The mourning period has just ended and now the people revel in honor of the crowning of the next sultan. Sadly, the excitement of a new sultan is short-lived when he dies. It isn’t that his magic failed to protect him from the lava crown; he was murdered. But his death means the Sultanate still needs a sultan. It could go seamlessly to Jambiya, one of K’leef’s significantly older brothers, who happens to be blind and cruel, but K’leef challenges him. It’s a “trial by stupid,” according to Thorn, though it’s actually a trial by fire. This trial will take Thorn, K’leef and the narcissistic idiot Gabriel Solar across lands in search of a phoenix. Lily escapes those in the Sultanate who seek her power, only to become a prisoner to a traitorous relative of House Shadow who’s aligned himself with Jambiya. At least Thorn’s magnificent bat-steed Hades is along. Fighting monsters and defeating possibly murderous rivals have nothing on Hades, right?

            The third and final in the Shadow Magic trilogy, “Burning Magic” is a middle-grade fantasy novel resplendent with magic and shadow, caring and banter, loss and gain. The world is macabre, but in a delightful way. Zombie servants to unload the ship and carry your luggage?  Why not? While there is pain and death, battles and bereavement, there are light moments to break through the shadows. I originally read the first story because Rick Riordan mentioned it, and I never hesitated to pre-order the successive volumes. If you enjoy Riordan’s stories and also enjoy magic, fantasy and new lands, give this trilogy a try. While this story ends a trilogy, the story’s ending gives hope to what I’m hoping will be a new series.

            Book One: Shadow Magic

            Book Two: Dream Magic

Called to Protect (July 31, 2018) by Lynette Eason.

Inspiration fiction, romantic suspense novel.

*This is the second book in a series.*

For most of the St. John siblings, law enforcement runs in their blood. This includes Chloe, who’s a K-9 officer with her Dutch Shepherd¹, Hank. They’re a great team; he’s a terrific partner, albeit a furry one. Hank responds to commands in Dutch only and is super sharp and well-trained, but has a playful side as well. They get called in to find drugs, but they’re not sure which vehicle, as there has been a multi-vehicle crash. Hank doesn’t just find drugs, but young women who have clearly been abducted. With human trafficking suspected, Chloe and her siblings wonder if there is any connection to their cousin, Penny St. John, who’s been missing for six months.

            One of the young women in the truck is “Beth.” She’s the daughter of Deputy US Marshal Blake MacCallum, and her name is actually Rachel. She was taken because her captors want Blake to kill the judge he shares detail in protecting after threats were made against him and his passionate stance on doubling down on human traffickers. With 20 or more cases where human trafficking was involved, and a time limit, how can they narrow down who the abductors are? And what’s their connection to the judge?

            Rachel has been rescued, but she has to find a way back. Not for herself or the judge, but for her best friend Lindsay. She doesn’t want to abandon her. Her dad says he will find her, and there is concern in his voice, but she knows he does not love her. After all, why would he?

            This inspirational fiction story is the second in Eason’s Blue Justice series. It is fast-paced, and the action does not halt until the last page acts as any stop sticks would. While all of the characters maintain their faith, I was most impressed with Rachel’s. Eason wrote her as such that she isn’t immune to wondering, “Why is this happening to me?” but embraces the doubt in an extreme situation, which I feel gave the character an increase in dimension and relatability. This story hits so many right targets with me, from dynamic characters to quick-footed action to plot-filled suspense and a budding romance that isn’t annoying, with plenty of faith, courage and heart.

            Book 1: Oath of Honor

¹The synopsis on the back cover states Hank’s a German Shepherd, but it says Dutch Shepherd in the book, so I went with the latter.

The Mermaid (Aug. 22, 2017) by Jan Brett.

Children’s picture book.

*This is a standalone book.*

A young mermaid named Kiniro is hungry and tired after hours of swimming with her puffer fish friend, Puffy. Curiosity gets the best of her when she swims upon a beautiful home comprised of seashells and coral. She tries an octopus family’s marine food, elaborate chairs and aquatic beds, each time favoring Baby’s items. Otōsan, Okāsan (Japanese for father and mother, respectively) and Baby are in for a surprise when they return to their saltwater dwelling, Baby sporting the floppy new hat she’s not happy about. “The hat was not happy either” (it is a live ray tied about Baby’s head with seaweed).

            In this dazzling and gorgeous rendering of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” readers swap land for sea, a young girl for a young mermaid and three bears for a trio of octopuses. “The Mermaid” features Brett’s trademark illustrations of beauty, activity and color. Her gloriously-detailed illustrations look as though they should leap from the page as we’re reading them, unbound by the confines of paper. The signature sidebar vignettes are there, primarily in the doings of the octopus family and then when the family returns and Kiniro is sleeping offstage, but they also include tropical fish. I will say that I also appreciated Brett’s twist in her main character: creating a character with East Asian features inspired by a trip to Okinawa, Japan, as opposed to the familiar girl with the golden tresses. A must-have for many (not just Jan Brett fans)!

Mind Game (Oct. 24, 2017) by Iris Johansen.

Adult suspense/thriller novel.

*This is part of a longstanding series*

Someone is reaching out to her, and it isn’t Cira. Jane MacGuire has already been spending time at Loch Gaelkar with Lord John MacDuff and Jock Gavin, where MacDuff continues his fanatical search for floodlights that will penetrate the unceasing mist. Is he finally close to finding Cira’s purported treasure? The woman trying to reach her is Lisa. Lisa Ridondo, and she is familiar to her, though she doesn’t know her. But Lisa is able to link with her, and it is obvious that the woman is in trouble. Lisa makes it clear that she does not want Jane to involve Seth Caleb, but as a force to be reckoned with, he often ignores what others want or manipulates them to get his way. After all, he has the blood gift and Persuasion happens to be a part of that gift. They will all need to work together and trust others as need be to track down the masterminds behind Lisa’s abduction.

            Although marketed as “An Eve Duncan Novel,” Eve is not the central character. Jane, Seth and even Lisa are. However, Eve has surprising news of her own …

            I wrote in a post last year that I thought maybe 2019 would be the year where I finally stopped pre-ordering Iris Johansen’s novels (I order them in mass market paperback form). *sigh* So far, this is not the case. As I’ve said before, these books are not bad; they’re simply very predictable. And I appreciate strong, independent female characters, but Johansen’s characters can often be strong-willed to the point of annoyance. Even so, as a fairly loyal reader, I continue to purchase her books. The story is action-packed, and the bad guys remain the cream-of-the-crop of baddies, as they consistently do in her novels. Predictably straightforward work from the author, but that’s fine, as the thriller element we all expect to be there is there.

Rutabaga's Reads 2018: Part 9

I have dubbed this post as Picture Books 2018: Part Two, because it is. You can find Part One here. You will find two repeat authors, but I think it only helps cement that I am fond of those authors’ stories.

Elecopter (Sept. 3, 2013) by Michael Slack.

The savannah has the best elephant on the patrol. Elecopter is an all-in-one firefighter, with her fire-hose nose, and rescuer with the ability to fly. She doesn’t ask for much in return; she’ll literally work for peanuts. No matter the mission, she will succeed!

            Perhaps the most wondrous thing about fiction is that you can be as imaginative as you want to be. A happy little rhyme with pages full of action and color, this book will likely delight a multitude of young ones. In this story, we are introduced to a character full of compassion and care, one who puts others first. A helicopter elephant – an Elecopter – is realistically impossible … but I still wish to know one!

Emeraldalicious (Jan. 29, 2013) by Victoria Kann.

When Pinkalicious Pinkerton makes a new wand, she discovers that it has magical properties. With naught but a simple rhyme and use of the word love, Pinkalicious and her younger brother, Peter, transform a park, which looks like a garbage dump, into a “greenatastic” garden.

            There is a great message in this story to encourage recycling, even though we can’t wave a magic wand and transform a garbage dump into a garden in a few seconds. It also shows a nice bond between sister and brother. Pinkalicious still has her moments where she wants it to be her turn (even if it really isn’t) and she wants it right now, but the bond is strong enough where Peter cedes. The pictures are full of recycled wonder and imagination, but the story fell a little flat for me. Although this is a picture book aimed toward, approximately,  preschoolers to second graders, I was expecting the wishes to be more about the betterment of the surroundings than about what they mostly wanted because it looked pretty or cool.

Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly (Feb. 5, 2008) by Jane O’Connor.

   Robin Preiss Glasser, illustrator.

The fanciest girl around has planned out what to wear to her best friend’s butterfly birthday, but Nancy can’t go. Not only is Bree her best friend, but she’s fascinated by butterflies and is “practically an expert.” Will Nancy hold onto her furiousness? Or will she find a new setting where she can still be glamorous?

            Nancy is a far cooler kid than I ever was and with a marvelously colorful and creative wardrobe to boot! Her fascination with butterflies will hopefully inspire other youngsters to be fascinated by them as well. The writing will perhaps add a vocabulary challenge to some, but the style is meant to be fun. The fun of the writing is enhanced by the illustrator’s colorful illustrations. This is an adorable picture book.

Honey…Honey…Lion! (Aug. 25, 2005) by Jan Brett.

In Africa, it is said that the honeyguide leads the honey badger to honey. The honey badger obtains the honeycomb, and the two share it. But one day, the honey badger is greedy and eats it all, not saving even a morsel of sweetness for the honeyguide. She retaliates by leading him to a candle pod acacia tree to teach him a lesson. What waits for the honey badger at the acacia?

            This story is based on a legend told in Botswana about what happens if you don’t share honey with the honeyguide. Other animals in the story pass along this tale through sounds (shown on the outside margins of the pages), which is called a “bush telegraph.” I enjoyed this tale tremendously, not only because I enjoy Brett’s picture books, but because she didn’t make up the tale for the sake of making something up. She brought in a cultural aspect, a legend from another nation, and created a story with a lush landscape. Her pictures are, well, picturesque. And her main characters show that, even without talking animals, greed and the ideal of teaching a lesson can be written in a beautifully entertaining way.

Skippyjon Jones: Cirque de Olé (Oct. 16, 2012) by Judy Schachner.

Is it a bird? Or a plane? No. It’s the Siamese-kitten-imagined-handsome-Chihuahua called Skippito Friskito. He’s a tightrope-walking, triple-spin-backflip-diving acrobat-ito that his sisters term a Chi-wu-lu. He needs to become los músculos for his muchachos so they do not crumble-ito. The pint-sized star is ready for his moment of glory. ¡Olé!

            For those who work with or have young ones who are most entertained by busy stories, not just in prose, but in illustration, then this is a picture book to add to your collection. The rowdy feline and his Chihuahua alter-ego feature in illustrations colorful and vibrant, which suggest they are as tireless and unruly as the star of the show. Schachner’s writing is high-octane to match Skippito Friskito, and the dual-lingo continues. “Circus berserkus” indeed! (clap-clap)