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 2018: Part 1

It’s been awhile since I’ve done a compilation of any kind, much less picture books, so here one is! It’s a post for anyone who has young kids or grandkids, is an aunt or uncle or other relative, is an elementary school educator or just loves books for all age groups. Enjoy!

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend (Apr. 8, 2014) by Dan Santat.

The story opens on an island where imaginary friends are born. Here they live until they are imagined by a real child and journey to the real world. But the turn never comes for one imaginary being, so he takes it upon himself to venture to the real world. He is unimaginary since no one has imagined him, and even in the real world, still no one claims him. Until one day, where he finds himself named … Beekle.

            I love this story. It is clever and sweet. I would hope it would propel children to make new friends. I count myself as having an imaginary friend when I was young, and this story affirms that there’s nothing strange about having imaginary friends in one’s youth. They can bring conversation or at least friendship and comfort. Minds are sharp and creative, and there are no age restrictions on imagination.

The Animals’ Santa (Oct. 21, 2014) by Jan Brett.

There is always a doubter, and Little Snow is it. His brother, Big Snowshoe, believes in the animals’ Santa, but without proof, Little Snow isn’t a believer. Their other animal friends speculate what type of animal the animals’ Santa could be, but Little Snow still thinks it’s all stuff and nonsense. Can he be convinced?

            I am a fan of Jan Brett books. The way she weaves her stories are delightful and almost majestic. Her brilliant illustrations help my opinion as well, for her illustrations do not simply highlight the words on the pages, as she tends to have other little stories going on along the edges. Her creativity lights up the world, and in a world where there seems to be so much darkness, this is no small thing.

Big Words for Little Geniuses (Sept. 4, 2017) by Susan ^and James Patterson.

   Hsinping Pan, illustrator.

Like the title says, this picture book contains big words for little geniuses! There is a big word for each letter of the alphabet with an illustration to represent it. There are even a couple extra pages at the end with 26 additional big words for little ones to learn.

            I normally do not see an ad for a book in a magazine and immediately think that I must get it. But there’s a first time for everything, and when I saw the title of this picture book, having become a first-time aunt last fall, I knew right away that I wanted it. Naturally, as a proud auntie, I automatically considered my nephew a genius before he was born. And, as a self-professed logophile, purchasing this book seemed like a no-brainer. I expect his first words will be “mama” and “dada.” Next, “Auntie Lisa” and probably “tractor.” And then, how about “bumfuzzle” and “dulcifluous?” *grins widely*

Peanut Butter & Cupcake (July 29, 2014) by Terry Border.

Peanut Butter is new to town, and he’s looking for a friend. He’s got the new soccer ball he received for his birthday and an introductory rhyme for when he encounters prospective friends. But everyone he comes upon seems too busy or unwilling to give him a chance. Is there a friend for Peanut Butter out there?

            I found this story to be superb. The storyline is uncomplicated – a youth (albeit an edible one) new to town wants to make new friends and is having a hard time finding even one – but it’s the images that make the story pop. The illustrations are not something drawn or painted; they’re photographs. The author is known for his Bent Objects, and he has photographed these objects to create the illustrations. It’s clever and fresh; the pages are visually entertaining. I hope no one takes issue with the lack of healthy food objects such as carrots or celery and instead note the value of entertainment. I think preschoolers will be amused by the zany photos, but the droll food comedy may be for those reading the story aloud to the children.

The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School (June 24, 2014) by Deborah Diesen.

   Dan Hanna, illustrator.

It is Mr. Fish’s first day of school, but everything is hard. He starts by getting lost, and it dominos negatively from there. Will he find his classroom? Or should he forget it and swim home?

            I have always enjoyed rhymes, and this picture book is written in such a form. It flows well and has a great message: you shouldn’t give up on anything, especially when you haven’t learned it yet! This message isn’t just important to instill in young children, but a good reminder for adults as well. Although the pictures are still, they feel animated to me. I think that youngsters will be fascinated by these exaggerated sea creatures with their big eyes and expressive faces.

Skippyjon Jones: Snow What (Oct. 21, 2014) by Judy Schachner.

A Siamese kitty boy who envisions himself as the “handsomest Chihuahua of all” is Skippyjon “Skippito” Jones. Skipping out on listening to the story of ‘Snow White’ with his mom and sisters, he retreats to his room, enters a deep, dark forest, comes across his amigos, Los Chimichangos, and faints on a mission to save Nieve Qué (Snow What). Thoughts of princesas are a snore to Skippito, the idea of tights is humorously offensive, and kissing is gross. So how’s he going to save a princesa when he thinks such tales are fuzzy, shmuzzy?

            Schachner’s Skippyjon Jones stories are so entertaining, and they work very well when reading aloud. The linguistics of the story feature dual-lingo words and puns, which I believe lend the story more verve. This story does not disappoint me with its adventurous main character and the illustrations that work so well with the tale because the author is also the illustrator. ¡Muy divertido!