Picture Book Friday

 

Hot Dog by author/illustrator Doug Salati takes readers on a sometimes hectic, but always entertaining journey with a dachshund and his owner through blistering city streets. Grocers, cleaners, errand after errand. Dodging sidewalk skateboards. Surrounded by the rush of traffic—right up to the instant when the overwhelmed dog refuses to take another step.

Salati demonstrates how a wonderfully lyrical text can be created with very few words. I counted four on a double page spread: “concrete crumbles sirens screech”—just enough to point the reader to the detailed artwork that perfectly conveys the frenzied tumult of a city street in summer.

Then comes “an island … wild and long and low” and the frantic pace that drove the narrative begins to slow. There’s room for a breath of the cool, salty sea air.

The pace slows again and now “sun sinks down, swallowed by the sea” until…

Refreshed at last, we’re happily returned home ready for dreams of a glorious seaside day.

Children will delight in the canine character, the richly detailed illustrations, and the fun.

But there is a thoughtfulness here as well. A reminder about the importance of not just looking, but seeing … and remembering to be present in the moment.

 

 WINNER OF THE 2023 CALDECOTT MEDAL

Readers ages 3–5  

Recommended for home and school libraries.

National Gingerbread Cookie Day!

 November 21st is National Gingerbread Cookie Day!

CELEBRATE with your favorite Gingerbread Cookie. Here’s mine—

THE GINGERBREAD COWBOY!

Picture Book Friday

 

Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock by Jesús Trejo with illustrations by Eliza Kinkz

 

This 2024 Pura Belpré Honor Award book is a lively story of good intentions gone awry!

Little Jesus is determined to be the best helper ever when he gets to join his Papá for a day of work in his landscaping business.  Jesus is given a very important job. He will be in charge of the magical water-jug clock. Papá explains that by the time the jug is empty their day’s work will be done. But landscaping is dry, dusty work! The sun is hot! And kind-hearted Jesus is soon offering drinks to an amusing collection of thirsty animals encountered at their various jobs—a sweater-wearing dog, an assortment of old of cats, even a flock of peacocks. When he and Papá need cups of water, the jug is empty and it’s only noon!

Kinkz’s vibrant artwork pairs perfectly with Trejo’s spirited prose. Together they convey the joyful chaos that follows Jesus with every turn of the page.

Spanish words are skillfully integrated into the story-telling providing readers a chance to learn some vocabulary and making the whole reading experience more fun!

Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock would be a delightful addition to home or school libraries.

Picture Book Friday

 

Natthe Cat Takes a Nap: Ready-to-Read by author/illustrator Jarrett Lerner.

Nat the Cat is built on a simple, but clever premise. He wants to take a nap, but his efforts are consistently thwarted by a narrator who interrupts to describe Nat’s actions as portrayed in the illustrations. The resulting confusion provides plenty of silly fun that will have youngsters laughing.

Poor Nat grows more and more grumpy as he struggles to cat-nap and fails to get more than a few ZZ’s before he’s awakened, again! As if the incessant chatter isn’t enough, the narrator further complicates matters by misinterpreting Nat’s remarks. When Nat exclaims, “Oh brother!” after being awakened yet again, the narrator confidently concludes, “Nat is calling for his brother,” sending the story spinning in a new direction that ultimately leads to a satisfying resolution.

With beginning readers in mind, Lerner employs short, three-to-five-word sentences and basic, repetitive vocabulary. The simple, action-packed illustrations paired with strong facial expressions, provide plenty of visual clues to aid in understanding.

Three- to five-year-olds will enjoy the story and build confidence at the same time.

Picture Book Friday

 

Scroll by Hui Li is a wonderfully imagined story of discovery and adventure.

This is Li’s debut author/illustrated book for young readers and it is a delight on so many levels. What a clever and fun way to introduce children and adults to the beautiful history and culture of this ancient art. A two-page introduction provides an easily understood background about Chinese calligraphy. The story that follows quickly immerses the audience in stunning illustrations combining water colors and flowing ink strokes that carry the story forward with Lulu’s remarks enhanced with speech bubbles.

Chinese characters labeled in English appear at the top of each page to provide context and challenge viewers to find their match in the story.

In an Author’s Note, Hui Li shares her memories of growing up in China. In particular, she discusses her experience learning the art and history of Chinese characters. In choosing to draw upon this special passion, she has crafted a marvel we can share.

The target age for Scroll is 4-8, but I would encourage both children and adults to take this opportunity to expand their cultural knowledge with this engaging read.

Recommended for homes, schools, and libraries.

I always love seeing the many imaginative and fun ways my books find audiences! Lasso a good book and READ!

Picture Book Friday

Hidden Gem by author and illustrator, Linda Liu, offers a clever portrait about finding confidence in being yourself. 

“I rock and roll and tumble,” says a little pebble as curiosity draws it to the Museum of Rocks to see the World’s Most Beautiful Gem. Once inside, the pebble encounters rocks in every variety of shape and color. The discovery leads the pebble to wonder how to become as special as the others. It imagines how it might need to change until… it finally comes face to face with the most beautiful gem of all. The little pebble sees it’s reflection in the gem’s glowing surface and understands, at last, that “…being special is being me!”

Liu’s minimalist rhyming text is paired with bold visuals that allow the art to do much of the story telling, while the words define the narrative.

Designed for readers 4-8, this book is a charming reminder that we are all special in our own way. The subtle messaging provides parents and teachers with a variety of talking points for conversations about self-confidence, inclusion, and acceptance of ourselves and, by extension, others.

Recommended for home and school libraries.