Quietly moving and richly illustrated, author Kirsten Pendreigh and illustrator Crystal Smith’s acclaimed picture book Maybe a Whale is a poignant story about loss, grief, reconnecting, searching for solace, and the pure magic of the natural world. A young girl is mourning the loss of her grandfather, and the adventures they had yet to go on together: “Mom shows me the note Grandpa left, with maps for my first ocean trip, Grandpa was always talking about the sea and his whales. He was supposed to take me to see them”. While the young girl’s mom decides the two of them will take a special trip to see the whales, the young girl doesn’t feel the trip will do any good as “Grandpa won’t be there”. What follows is a serenely written, tender adventure for the girl, beautifully exploring the wonders of the ocean and natural world as she and her mom paddle their kayak to a remote island destination in the hopes of seeing whales. As the climax to the story builds, the two muse on the stars, memories of Grandpa, and just maybe, maybe, that the surprising new sounds of “PUSHHHHHH! PUSHHHH! PUSHHHH!” heard under a starry night is exactly what they were hoping to discover. Pendreigh’s gently melodic storytelling- onomatopoeic at perfect moments, along with Smith’s glowing digitally painted artwork make for a truly gorgeous reading experience.
For jaunty, rhyming oceanic fun, look no further than Caroline Woodward and Claire Victoria Watson’s lively Have You Ever Heard a Whale Exhale?. Combining naturalistic animal and landscape illustrations with whimsically entertaining spreads, the Canadian duo of author Caroline Woodward and visual artist Claire Victoria Watson bring readers a treat for the senses. As the story opens on a spread of a humpback whale breaching, readers are asked: “Have you ever heard a whale exhale/and SLAP the water with its tail?/Breathing in after breathing out,/heaving WHOOSH with a mighty spout!”. The rhyming story then dips into cheeky, vibrant spreads of seals ‘playfully plopping’ (catch the seal with a monocle!), a cowboy-hat wearing dancing octopus, an operatic seagull, hungry oystercatchers, and many more animal friends. The story’s emphasis is on the immediacy of our senses- the rhyming couplets explore taste, smell, sound, and touch, and ask readers to immerse themselves- to imagine and wonder (or perhaps even think of their own memories, if they’ve had such similar experiences!). Readers who enjoy picture books or board books featuring West Coast wildlife- anything by Roy Henry Vickers and Robert Budd; the West Coast Wild titles by Deborah Hodge and Karen Reczuch; or Nikki McClure’s 1 2 3, Salish Sea- may especially delight in this title.
I received a copy of Maybe A Whale courtesy of Groundwood Books in exchange for an honest review; I received a copy of Have You Heard A Whale Exhale courtesy of Zg Stories and Pownal Street Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Have You Ever Heard A Whale Exhale is set to publish June 18, 2024.
]]>A new entry in the popular non-fiction series, joining Welcome to the Symphony and Welcome to Jazz, Welcome to the Opera brings readers up close (and right into the music!) of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. As an introduction to opera for children, Carolyn Sloan, in the Author’s Notes, explains that the choice of “Mozart’s beloved classic…was the best option. Its fairy-tale nature, larger-than-life characters, and remarkable score make for an unforgettable experience…/…And the struggle of good vs. evil…is as universal as time itself”.
Author Carolyn Sloan and illustrator Kaly Quarles lead readers through the story via three dogs excitedly attending the opera. Through their dialogues and curious questions with each other, readers learn key terms and concise explanations, while larger rectangles of text provide lengthier and more precise definitions of major terms referred to on the page. For example, as the dogs settle into their balcony seats, they chat about what an “opera” is- “like a play set to music”- while boxes of text outline the historical beginning of opera, as well as terms such as libretto and singspiel. Certain pages also contain a note prompting readers to press corresponding numbers on the musical sounds box (clearly numbered one through twelve). For instance, readers learn that “the flute is the oldest woodwind instrument…”, and “to hear the magic flute” they are asked to press the corresponding number six.
Alongside the dog’s chatter and definitions, there is a through line of text which serves to explain, in brief sentences, the story of The Magic Flute as shown in the book. At times, it can feel slightly frenetic on some pages- there is so much for the eye to behold, what should a reader or listener of the story focus on?- but Welcome to the Opera is ultimately at work on multiple levels. One can enjoy the overarching storytelling via our canine narrators, search for corresponding numbers, and enjoy the beautiful sounds; and in another reading or two (or three), focus on the highlighted vocabulary or details of the play itself and its characters, and replay the music. Or, one might simply (and happily) listen to the sounds on repeat while perusing the pages! Much as with the earlier series titles such as Welcome to the Symphony (which is a book my children and I have read, reread and loved since its publication), the beauty in these interactive books lies in the exploration, the pleasure in hearing and experiencing a multitude of new sounds and voices, and, of course, in the joy of learning.
Welcome to the Opera is a delight to explore and pore over. Sloan and Quarles have created a robust, highly enjoyable book with invitingly warm and lively artwork, that is sure to be enjoyed by children and readers who adore non-fiction titles, as well as by those who enjoy books with an exciting additional interactive component (e.g. music buttons!). Additional material: Back matter includes a Short introductory biography of Mozart, “Opera Words” definitions, credits to characters and musicians, and more!
I received a copy of this titles courtesy of Book Publicity Services in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Welcome to the Opera is published by Workman Publishing and is currently available.
]]>Just when I think I have seen and experienced the royal gamut of alphabet-concept picture books, along comes award-winning artist Sylvie Daigneault’s The Imaginary Alphabet to surprise- nay, amaze me! A phenomenally illustrated, gorgeously detailed work of art and text, The Imaginary Alphabet takes readers on a splendid adventure through the twenty-six letters of the modern English alphabet. Each letter detail spreads over two pages and contains: a uniquely illustrated capital block letter of focus (with items matching the letter included); an alliterative phrase featuring the letter; and last, but not absolutely not least, a pictorial spread bringing the alliterative phrase to life. As an example: for the letter M, readers see a capital block letter M filled with macaroni with the phrase “Majestic Macaws Making a Magnificent Mess” on the left page; the illustrative spread on the right starring beautifully bright-plumed macaws making a noisy mess with maracas, spilled muffins and melons, as monkeys roam above. For the letter V, readers see vines detailing the block letter V, with “Velvety Vampires Vanishing in Vapor” and fabulous accompanying art. Every letter, every page here in The Imaginary Alphabet is a pure delight, with multiple layers of discovery- and opportunities for learning. The magical combination of Daigneault’s highly-detailed pencil illustrations and alliterative text create something truly standout here. For readers on the lookout for a new alphabet book to try; or for those simply looking for some lush animal-centred illustrations (along the lines of the great Wallace Edwards) to pore over, The Imaginary Alphabet is highly recommended reading. Be sure not to miss Daigneault’s Preface, which includes some fascinating details about the plans and process of writing and illustrating The Imaginary Alphabet; as well as an alphabetical list (at the book’s end) of 300 “little gems” to search for throughout the book! Bonus: Teaching Guide available via Pajama Press’s website.
Now it is time for another happy surprise! Many readers will already be familiar with “I Spy” (the game as well as the hugely popular book series!)- but there is another fabulous entry joining the mix: award-winning, prolific British author-illustrator Ruth Brown’s picture book Eye Spy. Billed as an “interpretation of the enduring childhood game I Spy”, Brown’s Eye Spy takes the general concept of I Spy and fuses a fresh breathe of awe into it. As the story opens, readers are met with a close-up illustration of a wide-open eye and the following poetic text: “I spy with my little eye, something beginning with S/It comes up in the East, it goes down in the West./It fills our days with warmth and light./It rhymes with fun…”. Readers will then be encouraged to closely explore the colourful illustrated spread on the facing page, testing if they can unearth exactly what the story has asked them to locate. The answer, along with a precision illustration of the “something” in question (e.g. the sun), follows on the next page, and immediately leads to the next poetic item to spy. The pace of the lyrical text, as well as Brown’s marvellously naturalist illustrative spreads (which are trickier than you think!), lend Eye Spy to more leisurely enjoyment rather than a wild rush to find and complete. In a lovely turn upon the last “find”, Eye Spy closes with a sweet rhyme and wish for goodnight, making it a terrific choice for interactive (yet hopefully quieter!) bedtime reading. Readers who are already fans of search-and-find books, or those who enjoy exploring quietly sophisticated animal-themed picture books may especially enjoy this title. Eye Spy is altogether an elegant jewel of a picture book to try!
I received a copy of The Imaginary Alphabet courtesy of Pajama Press in exchange for an honest review. I received a copy of Eye Spy courtesy of Firefly Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.
]]>“The wailing wind -or is it a wolf? -sends shivers up and down our spines, even though we’re crouched in front of a crackling fire, bowls of oatmeal warming our bellies. It’s only the north wind we tell ourselves, as we dress in winter clothes and step outside into the purple light of morning.”
Acclaimed Canadian author Jean E. Pendziwol is the author behind one of my longtime picture book favourites, Once Upon a Northern Night (illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault), so I was very much looking forward to exploring the author’s latest! For Skating Wild on an Inland Sea, Pendziwol joins creative forces with Canadian artist Todd Stewart (The Wind in the Trees) for a mesmerizing, gorgeously lyrical picture book. Readers follow two children as they bundle themselves up and prepare for a morning of skating on the frozen bay of Lake Superior. During their walk to the bay, readers see as the children stare out on the frozen shore of Superior- watching as the “sea smoke rises…a fortress of fog”; investigate various animal prints left in the snow; and listen as “ravens croak” and “chick-a-dee-dee-dees greet” them from “branches of birch and alder”. In the story’s penultimate moment, as the children are at last laced up, ready, and “slide onto the surface of Superior”, with their skates “scoring patterns, hissing and swishing”, “Lake Superior sings again”: “She hums a haunted melody, the song of water held captive by winter, mysterious magical music as old as the earth, rising from her depths, echoing up and up and into us”.
There is something so incredibly felt and evocative about Skating Wild on an Inland Sea– through both Pendziwol’s text and Stewart’s artwork- which makes it a standout picture book. Todd Stewart’s digital art combines with colourful screenprints to add layers and textures to the artwork, and makes for an especially poignant complement to Jean E. Pendziwol’s beautifully expressive words. Particularly stunning to behold are the rich, deep colours of early morning (and its shadows), as well as the orange-gold-yellows as morning sun starts to land on the snow-blanketed surroundings.
Readers may find themselves completely (and happily) immersed in the experiences the children have throughout the story; and for long after reading, might also find themselves imagining the sounds they would hear and feel while gliding on a “wild ice of a vast inland sea”. A Junior Library Guild Selection, and recipient of a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly, Skating Wild on an Inland Sea is not to be missed. Perfect for fall/winter themed reading, or for those looking for a sensorial, lush picture book, Skating Wild on an Inland Sea is highly recommended reading.
I received a copy of this titles courtesy of Groundwood Books/House of Anansi in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Title has been published and is currently available.
]]>“Their hearts may be small, but actually they are big enough to hold the entire world and all the plants, animals and fungi that live there.”
Author and illustrator Lauren Soloy is the creative force behind some of my standout picture book picks of the last few years- When Emily Was Small, Etty Darwin and the Four Pebble Problem– so I was indeed abuzz when given the opportunity to review The Hidden World of Gnomes. Part picture book, part wondrous guide, and all exquisite, The Hidden World of Gnomes is a gorgeous, lyrical treat in both verse and art.
Opening on an “introduction to the Hidden Folk called gnomes, who live in a happy place they call The Pocket”, readers are asked to “get very quiet…and look down here” on the page to meet a lineup of twelve enchanting gnome friends. From Minoletta to Sparkles, Abel Potter to Merry Pip, and Cob Tiggy to Hotchi-Mossy, readers are in for a treat as they get to meet and learn about our new gnome friends, their celebrations, songs, and particular joys throughout the seasons, their habits, their areas of speciality, and much, much more. From: sleeping in the moonlight on “warm summer nights”; hosting “wonderful noisy parties full of frog song” and circle dances with friends; teaching foxes to play hide-and-seek; and tucking in for the winter whilst growing “winter whiskers”, readers will experience just how rich, lively, kind, and awe-inspiring the world of gnomes is.
“1, 2 Mushroom Stew//3, 4 Add Some More//5, 6 Give It a Mix//7, 8 Tasting Great//9, 10 Invite Some Friends!”
The Hidden World of Gnomes is one of those particularly special- sublime- bookish delights where I think to myself, how happy I am to have this in the world- and how happy I am that I get to share it! Lauren Soloy’s storytelling-poetry and digital artwork (noted as created “in various locations around Nova Scotia”!) are brimming with warmth, light, gentleness, and whimsy. Readers may find themselves feeling a toasty sense of joy in having spent time with their new gnome friends. Be sure to read all the way through to the book’s final note about magic in our world and what we choose to see and believe. Marvelous all around, The Hidden World of Gnomes is not to be missed.
I received a copy of this title courtesy of Tundra Books/Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Title has been published and is currently available.
]]>Book Description: Ploof is a puffy cloud who’s a little lonely — but now you’re here, and the fun can begin! Can you help Ploof overcome their shyness? Play pretend? Make Ploof laugh with your funny faces, find their hiding spot, give them a high five! Full of imaginative and interactive fun, each page of this perfect book for preschoolers offers a chance to play. By following cues to say hello, clap, blow, shake, wave or make a funny face, young readers will be delighted to see the effects of their actions on Ploof. They’ll learn social-emotional skills like empathy, encouragement and kindness through Ploof’s emotional journey — and, along the way, they’ll learn how to be a fantastic friend! Join Ploof’s adventures in a brand-new series co-written and co-illustrated by Narwhal and Jelly creator Ben Clanton and up-and-coming picture book maker Andy Chou Musser.
Ben Clanton (Narwhal and Jelly) and Andy Chou Musser (A Home Under the Stars) join creative forces to bring readers the utterly delightful interactive picture book Ploof. When readers meet little Ploof the cloud, the protagonist of the story, we learn that “Ploof is feeling lonely” and are asked to say hello. After saying hello, readers will turn the page to discover a happier, wide-eyed, smiling Ploof exclaiming “whoosh whee!” to the audience. As the story continues, Ploof goes through different experiences, emotions and levels of energy as readers are encouraged to help Ploof along. From being asked to “cheer Ploof on” by clapping; blowing “softly on Ploof” to “help puff Ploof back up”; playing guessing games and hide-and-seek with Ploof; and gently shaking a tree to help get Ploof unstuck, readers have multiple opportunities to not only be part of Ploof’s packed-to-the-brim and busy adventures, but also demonstrate understanding and empathy in taking care of their new friend. From front book cover (how can one dare resist a sweetly smiling Ploof?!) to back book cover, and pages in between, Ploof’s illustrations are wonderfully engaging, sure to enchant and melt the hearts of readers of all ages.
Ben Clanton and Andy Chou Musser have created a terrifically enjoyable picture book with Ploof: its captivating interactive feature, smooth and briskly moving story, and supremely winsome character in Ploof make for excellent reading. Readers who delight in picture books with an interactive element- along the lines of Hervé Tullet’s Let’s Play, Christie Matheson’s Plant the Tiny Seed, or Claudia Rueda’s Hungry Bunny– will likely adore Ploof and look forward to happily reading and rereading the story.
I received a copy of this title courtesy of Tundra Books/Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. The expected publication date for Ploof is September 26, 2023.
]]>It is likely I have mentioned this before, but I do adore a cozy nighttime- perfect-for-bed- picture book! If you are on the lookout for something soft, serene and utterly sweet, may I suggest taking a peak at Jennifer Maruno and Miki Sato’s whimsical While You Sleep. Told in gentle, rhythmically pleasing rhyming couplets, author Maruno and collage artist Sato take readers on a fantastical journey of what happens through the night as wee ones sleep. As a little girl is tucked into bed by her mother- with the girl’s three plush bunnies snuggled in close!- readers get to see how busy the nighttime is while we sleep: “For while you sleep, there’s work to be done./Someone has to polish the sun,/Comb the grass, straighten the trees,/Place a dot on the black-eyed peas”. While “clouds are stuffed, sewn, and mended” and “paints for flowers and feathers blended”, readers see as the girl’s three little bunnies are kept busy helping throughout the night- sprinkling dust on butterflies, and embroidering a Milky Way in “the woven night of black and gray”. Readers can also see the little girl’s mom as well as her pet kitten interspersed in some of the pictorial spreads, adding to the comforting nature of the story. Altogether, Jennifer Maruno’s pleasingly rhythmical couplets paired with Miki Sato’s graceful paper collage, textile and embroidered silk art make While You Sleep a recommended picture book to add to your bedtime reading rotation.
It was not until I became a children’s librarian that I learned the 19th century-penned children’s counting song Over in the Meadow. I remember how excited I was when I finally memorized the felt story version of it and shared it with a preschool group! The Ezra Jack Keats adaptation is the one version I have been most familiar with, so what a treat it was it was to be recently introduced recently to a beautiful and modern Canadian adaptation, Over by the Harbour: Counting in Outport Newfoundland and Labrador, words by Dwayne LaFitte and art by Thérèse Cilia. Utilizing the same approach to counting and rhyming introduction, Over by the Harbour adds a delightful spin and dimension on the classic by featuring a selection of the province’s recognizable animals in the rhyme. In the opening pages readers are welcomed in with the following: “Over by the harbour,/In a bog in the sun/Lived an old mother moose/And her little calf one…”. With Cilia’s beautiful, naturalistic watercolour art as our background to LaFitte’s warm text, readers are taken on a decidedly Newfoundland and Labrador experience, starring animals and their stunning habitats. From polar bears to puffins, to harp seals and Newf pups, young readers may clamour to “roar”, “flap”, “roll” and “bark” along in action with the animal mothers and their delightful babies. I read Over by the Harbour with my youngest and they not only enjoyed practicing their counting as well as guessing the rhymes, but also enjoyed poring over the adorably illustrated animals. Readers interested in exploring a new version of this classic rhyme – or perhaps those searching for new counting stories!- might especially enjoy Dwayne LaFitte and Thérèse Cilia’s truly lovely Over by the Harbour: Counting in Outport Newfoundland and Labrador.
I received a copy of While You Sleep courtesy of Pajama Press in exchange for an honest review. I received a copy of Over by the Harbour courtesy of Nimbus Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.
]]>Written and illustrated by Zo-O, with English translation by Ellen Jane, Corner marks the Korean author-illustrator’s first book published in English. A fantastical and eye-catching picture book, Corner opens on a crow sitting in the corner of a room. But there is a slight visual twist: the corner of the crow’s room is marked by being the centre of the book where pages meet! So no matter what pages a reader turns to in the book, the corner stays where it is. What changes within the story, and what changes over the course the story is what the crow makes of their corner- what happens on their journey to brighten and create something in and of their space. As the corner starts to appear more lively- with a plant, more colours, light, books, and more- readers see that there might be something other than decorations that the crow is also missing.
I absolutely adore picture books which take a concept (whether an interactive element, something tactile, or a layout feature like Corner) and weave it into or make it a part of the story. Zo-O has used the physical layout of a book to work a truly unique and fantastical story about creativity within. A recipient of starred reviews from both Kirkus and Publisher’s Weekly, as well as additional solid publisher reviews, Corner is definitely a book to check out! For readers who love and appreciate their stories with washes of creativity and wonder, along the lines of Lizi Boyd, Suzy Lee, David Wiesner, JiHyeon Li, or those who enjoy wordless (or almost-wordless!) picture books, Corner is a truly lovely, standout visual story. Bonus: For interested readers, there is a wonderfully in-depth post- with pictorial sneak peaks!- featuring Zo-O on Let’s Talk Picture Books!
I received a copy of Corner by OwlKids Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Title has been published and is currently available.
]]>With a number of favourable reviews and a star from Publisher’s Weekly, Naseem Hrab and Kelly Collier’s fantastic, very funny, and thoughtful How to Party Like a Snail is a picture book to be celebrated. As the story begins, readers are immediate introduced to smiling Snail, wearing a bright party hat on their shell. We are also informed that “Snail is a party animal. Well…kind of.” What does mean, exactly, to be kind of party animal? Well, we learn that Snail “loves the quiet things about parties”, like the confetti, “whispering meaningful wishes to cakes”, and “savoring those few silent seconds before everyone yells ‘SURPRISE!’”. Those sounds like cool, special things that Snail adore about parties, but…parties are generally known for being LOUD and exciting and busy, right? Does Snail like any of the loud parts about parties? Well…no. Snail “shrinks into his shell” when the LOUD parts start happening, and even though he starts grooving his own way…quietly…alone…in his shell, Snail can’t help but feel like the odd friend out. As the party invites dwindle, Snail decides to throw a party for just for himself, just the way he likes it- quiet and cozy. With a great strike of luck, though, just as he finds that something is definitely missing from his perfect quiet party, he discovers someone who just might be an incredibly perfect friend. Presented in comics-style format, with bright speech bubbles, and plenty of dynamic and humorous moments, Naseem Hrab’s engaging storytelling along with Kelly Collier’s giggle-inducing, lovable and adorably expressive animals make How to Party Like a Snail a real find. Winsome all-around, with a story that gently touches upon subjects such as sensory sensitivity and introversion, How to Party Like a Snail is definitely recommended reading.
“It’s your big day, truck. Time to shine! One by one, all of you, GET IN LINE! Come on, now. You need to wash. Let’s get going-slather and slosh.” Written by Susan Hughes and illustrated by Suharu Ogawa, Hooray for Trucks! is a brightly illustrated and bouncy rhyming picture book, tailor-made for readers who love reads starring all manners of vehicles! Multiple construction and other trucks are supposed to be getting themselves washed, shined, and ready for a “big day”. Megaphone in hand, our human protagonist marches up to the brightly coloured, grinning, slightly mischievous trucks and lets them know they need to get in line and get washed up. It doesn’t seem like a big ask, but unfortunately, the vehicles have other plans in mind- namely, staying dirty and working, working, working! “Trucks like one thing: trucks like work. Flatten that soil and haul that dirt…trucks want to move. Trucks want to DO!…To be soaked and lathered, scrubbed high and low? That’s just boring- so no, no, NO!”. Just when it seems like the trucks might never line up for a wash, the trucks start listening and begin to realize that getting cleaned up is actually an “important chore”, and part of their work! And with that, Forklift, Grader, Cement Mixer, and Bobcat begin to help each other “wash, wash, WASH!”. In a very sweet and cheery climax, it is revealed just what the trucks have been getting themselves all ready and polished for. For fans of the Construction Site series of books, or titles such as Emma Garcia’s Tip Tip Dig Dig, Kate and Jim McMullen’s I’m Dirty, or similar truck-themed books, Hooray for Trucks! is a fantastic pick. With its general highlight on the importance of teamwork and over-arching encouraging, can-do! tone, Susan Hughes and Suharu Ogawa bring readers a positive and happy read. Hughes’s skilled use of rhyme, repetition, and onomatopoeic text, along with Ogawa’s use of popsicle bright, rainbow washes of colour for the trucks (and let’s not ignore the trucks’ spirited expressions and movements!) will endear readers and keep them engaged and eager for re-reads. Hooray for Trucks! indeed!
I received copies of these titles courtesy of Owlkids Books in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.
]]>“In the pale morning, an iceberg calves – shears from a glacier/and plunges to the ocean in a haze of sparkle-frost. The iceberg is flat-topped, sharp and angular/and carries ancient weather in its layers of ice-clothing/a coat for each year volcanoes blew/and black ash fell like snow.” Aside from general knowledge (and what we may have gleaned from pop culture!), what do we really know and understanding about icebergs? In the transfixing and eye-opening non-fiction children’s book Iceberg: A Life in Seasons, author Claire Saxby and illustrator Jess Racklyeft take readers on an incredible voyage in the Antarctic. Readers follow the life cycle of a iceberg- which starts as it calves away from a glacier- as it makes its way through the four seasons. In crisp cool spreads- wash with blue-green and shades of white- the iceberg, the star of book, remains, while its surroundings change above ice, on ice, and below the water. Informational while beautifully, poignantly poetic, Saxby’s text is wonderfully matched here by Racklyeft’s softly dreamy yet precise, realistic illustrations and cool-leaning colour palette. Iceberg gives full life to an intimidating inanimate object, and readers may find themselves in awe as they watch and follow the iceberg navigate its way through the seasons. Complete with a glossary as well a back matter section titled “More Information About Our Polar Regions”- speaking to climate change and its effects- Iceberg: A Life in Season is highly recommended reading, and would make an excellent addition to a public library or school library’s non-fiction selection.
Boney, written by Cary Fagan and illustrated by Dasha Tolstikova, opens on protagonist Annabelle, her father, and Scoot the dog, walking in the woods one day. As they march and explore the wildlife around them, Annabelle discovers something rather unexpected- a bone! As Annabelle gently peppers her father with questions about what kind of animal this bone could possibly be from, she decides that she will name this bone Boney and take Boney home. While readers may have uncertain feelings about Annabelle’s decision, the story continues following Annabelle as she arguably takes very thoughtful, tender steps to care of Boney (once her father gives Boney a wash). After affixing a clean Boney with a ribbon, she takes Boney on a walk with Scoot, chats with her friend Lorne, rides the swings with Boney in her lap, and does everything she would normally do in day- all with Boney right there. But- something changes that night. As Annabelle drifts off to sleep, she dreams- of a bear, a wolf, and a deer all running through the woods with her. Without giving away too many spoilers, I will say that Annabelle’s perspective on Boney and where Boney might belong shifts significantly the following morning, leading to a great finale. Fagan, a prolific and acclaimed writer of stories for all ages, offers readers a wonderfully unusual and meaningful tale here- singularly poetic and profound and funny. Tolstikova’s particular cool, relaxed and perceptive art style- you may recognize their work from picture books such as The Bad Chair or Friend or Foe?!- is a tremendous match for Fagan’s storytelling. For readers looking for books that explore children’s connections with and respect for wildlife, emotional processing, or more broadly about cycles of life, Boney is a terrific picture book pick.
I received copies of these titles courtesy of Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.
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