Picture Book Friday

The Truth About Dragons by Julie Leung with illustrations by Hanna Cha is a delightfully imagined story that delves into the mysteries of dragon lore from both European and Asian cultures through the eyes of a young biracial boy. 

Inspired by his mother’s bedtime story, the child enters into a quest through an elaborate world of hobgoblins and will-o’-the wisps. His search brings him to a wise woman who feeds him sugar cookies and apple cider while she regales him with a tale of dragons—fearsome and fire-breathing, who hoard gold in caves underground. “And that would be one truth about dragons.”

 This is only half the journey, his mother says. For in another forest of towering green bamboo, the young traveler will encounter nine-tailed foxes, converse with a white rabbit and come upon a palace overlooking a waterfall. There he finds another wise woman who serves him chrysanthemum tea in delicate porcelain and tells him dragons are majestic creatures who rule in the skies and rivers and command the rain to fall. “And that would also be a truth about dragons.” 

Leung’s two narratives weave a spell of enchantment all by themselves, but the true essence of this heart-warming story is revealed in the mother’s final words.  She reminds her child that many adventurers have only one story, but he has both worlds to explore. 

This celebration of dual cultures is beautifully enhanced by the elaborate illustrations that pair rich colors with vivid detail to create a tapestry worthy of this extraordinary tale.

Here is a splendid book (Caldecott Honor winner and Asian Pacific American Award for Literature winner) that shares the joy to be found in discovering diverse cultures.

Highly recommended for home and school libraries.

Picture Book Friday

 

I'm Going to Build a Snowman, written and illustrated, by Jashar Awan is a delightful winter treat that is sure to be a favorite read aloud.

"Mom! It snowed! You know what that means…” For this little boy it is building the perfect snowman. He imagines it will be easy. He knows all the steps—roll three perfect balls of snow and decorate to create the iconic top-hat wearing snowman who can sing, dance and fly!

But, as life often teaches us, perfection can sometimes be out of reach. Despite his determination and effort, the child’s creation falls short of his expectations…until he adjusts his goal to embrace the success of building the best snowman YET!

This ALA 2023 Notable Book is a charming reminder to find joy in the journey of creation regardless of the result.

Awan’s minimalist narrative utilizes simple vocabulary and short sentences to keep the text tightly focused and accessible for young readers. An imaginative use of onomatopoeia will be sure to bring forth giggles—”ziiiip” and “fwump” as he closes his jacket and pulls on his cap is later followed by “Sssssslump” as the snowman threatens to fall. Bold colors and high contrast imagery provides powerful visual impact with every turn of the page.

A perfect picture book for the season.

Highly recommended for both home and school libraries.

Picture Book Firday

 

When You Can Swim, authored and illustrated by Jack Wong, is a wonderful exploration of the many ways swimming can appeal to children.

It is also an invitation to encounter water in its varied forms. Inspired by the first line “When you can swim, first I’ll take you to the ocean” Wong offers the reader a thoughtful look at what each moment might entail. From sandpipers at the shore’s edge and water splashing only ankle deep to a long-distance swim to an island, Wong builds the narrative to highlight an ever-growing confidence with each new experience.

He brings a feast for the senses—the quiet bliss of floating, the enchantment of standing beneath a waterfall, the clinking of waves over a pebbled beach, treading water at dusk as fish leap in a pond to catch hovering bugs.

The characters bring a multi-generational and multi-ethnic richness to the narrative that feels all encompassing.

The vividly imagined illustrations add another layer of richness to the story as scenes appear in a variety of perspectives. A dragonfly hovers overhead silhouetted in marvelous detail against the sunlit sky. Movement fills the pages as swimmers dive beneath the surface or jump from above. A double page spread highlights a daring island swim. The final scene brings the story full circle with a young child at a public pool, probably for lessons, being encouraged with, “So swim, little one!”

Inspired by his own early fear of the water and lack of swimming skill, Wong taps into his experience and emotions and offers young readers an empathetic and encouraging invitation to discover the joy to be found by cultivating this skill.

Recommended for home and school libraries.