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.

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.