BEHIND THE BOOKS: Jonathan Fenske
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| Photo Credit: Bonfire Visuals |
“When his first daughter was born, Jonathan found out he enjoyed reading to her so much, he thought he would try writing and illustrating a children’s book. It’s harder than it looks!”
To learn more about Theodor Seuss Geisel award-winning author and illustrator Jonathan Fenske, visit his official biography.
Berry Song by author/illustrator Michaela Goade is a
beautiful celebration of nature and our place within it as stewards of its many
gifts.
Shaped by the Alaskan coast of ocean, stream, and forest, Goade draws upon her Tlingit heritage to craft this intergenerational story of a grandmother and granddaughter foraging for herring eggs, salmon, and berries.
“Salmonberry, Cloudberry, Blueberry, Nagoonberry.
Huckleberry, Snowberry, Strawberry,
Crowberry—glowing like little jewels.”
And as they forage, grandmother and granddaughter sing their gratitude through the seasons and nature returns the song in the voices of the wind and water.
Goade's words sing as well, creating engaging rhythms that beg to be read aloud. The lyrical language is enhanced by the illustrations with every turn of a page. Exquisite artwork captures this world of forest and water in glowing colors that invite a second and even a third closer look to discover the delicate details.
Woven into the heart of this lovely story is an opportunity for reflection on generational wisdom, and the importance of recognizing nature’s bounty and the importance of giving back.
Highly recommended for home and school libraries.
To learn more, visit Michaela Goade online at michaelagoade.com.
Welcome to BEHIND THE BOOKS, a new feature where I'll share interesting
tidbits about the authors and illustrators who create children's books.
BEHIND THE BOOKS: Grace Lin
“Surprisingly enough, being an
artist was not Grace’s first choice. She first dreamed of being a champion ice
skater, and drew many pictures of herself twirling and dancing on the ice.”
To learn more about Caldecott Honor winner Grace Lin, visit her official biography
Grace Lin - Photo Danielle Tait
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.
November 21st is National Gingerbread Cookie Day!
CELEBRATE with your favorite Gingerbread Cookie. Here’s mine—
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.
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.
