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A Fuse #8 Production asked, and I sneak in at the last minute with my reply. Such is my custom, friends (p.s. I’m going to start putting this phrase on t-shirts: it’s the “that’s how I roll” for the bookish set).
Way back at the beginning of the month, the previously mentioned Fuse hatched a grand scheme. She decided to enlist her readers to help compile a list of the top 100 picture books. Everyone was encouraged to send in their top 10, and the end results would be shared. I mulled over my picks for awhile, and I just kept coming back to these 10. Here they are:
10. Curious George by Margaret and H.A. Rey.
Originally published in 1941, It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Curious George that this title, and its multitude of subsequent books are still widely circulated, and familiar to young readers. I can see why. Kids can relate to George’s innocently mischievous behavior and his relationship with “The Man With the Yellow Hat”, who acts as parental figure. In a format extended beyond the typical 32 page picture book standard, the simple text and humorous illustrations continue to draw readers in.
9. Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola.
I must have a thing for bowls that duplicate stuff. Strega Nona in many ways mirrors the 4th title on this list, The Full Belly Bowl. But unlike Aylesworth’s book, Strega Nona focuses on humor to get its point across. dePaola’s 1979 classic takes an original tale and makes it feel timeless – no small feat.
8. Arnie the Doughnut by Laurie Keller.
An absurdist masterpiece in both writing and illustration. Our hero goes through a lot in one day: being created, finding a home, avoiding consumption, and eventually welcoming his new role in life as a doughnut dog. Hilarious even after multiple readings with subtle themes of belonging, Arnie the Doughnut (published in 2003) has more personality in its publication page than some picture books have in total.
7. Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg.
Look no further than the cover artwork to witness Van Allsburg’s eerie, draftsman-like precision on full display. Jumanji (published in 1981) takes a story that could have turned out silly and crafts a hauntingly beautiful title through illustrations that speak volumes.
6. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems.
Willems wasn’t the first picture book author to break down the “forth wall” and have his characters speak directly to the reader, he’s just proven to be the best at it. When Pigeon debuted in 2003 it became an immediate read aloud smash and reminded everyone that yes, books are entertainment – and that’s a good thing.
5. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.
Never has there been a more universally loved picture book. While other titles on this list may split audiences, Eric Carle’s 1969 classic is bulletproof. Through its perfect story, wonderful pacing, and inventive illustration, this rep has been earned.
4. The Full Belly Bowl by Jim Ayleswoth, Illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin.
Some stories are best read alone, others reach their full potential when shared. Aylesworth’s 1999 tale of an old man who receives a magical gift from a stranger falls squarely in the latter category. A read aloud champion that pulls readers into the story, making them wonder what they would do with a bowl that can duplicate whatever is put inside it – including money.
3. Flotsam by David Wiesner.
There is no finer example of unbridled imagination than Wiesner’s 2006 wordless story about a boy who finds amazing things inside old camera washed up on a beach. As the storyline unfolds, the reader discovers that undersea life may be much more sophisticated (and whimsical) than previously thought. A cyclical ending shows the camera washed up again, ready for the next passerby to continue the story.
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss.
Books set during Christmas are akin to songs on top 40 radio – tons of people enjoy them, but critics don’t give them much credit. Don’t get it twisted: Seuss’ 1957 Yule time tale deserves all the credit it can get, if for no other reason than the creation of The Grinch, one of the most indelible characters in picture book history.
1. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.
The evolution of picture books can be broken down into two time periods: Pre-Wild Things and Post-Wild Things. Sendak’s 1963 book was that instrumental in ushering in the modern age of picture books. While tackling themes of anger and loneliness, Sendak created one of the few picture books that still seems fresh after decades in print.
(Top Image: ‘Ten‘
www.flickr.com/photos/73623826@N00/475371477)
My goal is to make perfect scrambled eggs. My other goal is to bring you children’s lit information at its most unfiltered. Which books do kids want to read? Just like those perfect eggs, it’s more complex than it may seem.
Bestseller lists are biased because it’s usually parents doing the purchasing. It isn’t a true reflection of what kids want. It’s like saying I enjoy wearing lead bibs because my dentist takes x-rays of my teeth every other visit – I like having teeth that work, but I didn’t ask for that x-ray (most incoherent analogy ever).
Most book awards don’t reflect what children are reading because it is adults doing the choosing. There are exceptions to this, of course, but most of the high-profile “best of” lists are selected by adults.
So how can we discover the unfiltered truth about the books kids want? Here’s my plan: each month I’ll show you which books are on hold at the schools where I work. Students can place a hold on any book they choose that is currently checked out. Seems to be a pretty legitimate way of determining interest, right?
I work in four school libraries ranging from kindergarten up to 6th grade. While parent, teacher, and (ahem) librarian influence is still a factor on holds placed, it plays less of a role. This month we’re going to start at the 5th and 6th grade school. This group of books has not been tampered with in any way:
Not too shabby!
Edward’s Eyes by Patricia McLachlan. This one was a bit of a surprise. I really liked it (read my review here), but to have students basically lining up to read it was unexpected. Welcomed, however.
Coraline by Neil Gaiman. Interest in this title probably has to do with the recent release of the film (read my review of said film here), since this one wasn’t on hold much before the last few months. Good to see.
Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata. The appearance of this book on the shelf is testament to the power of good teachers. Not one that is typically clamored-for, a Language Arts teacher has been promoting this one to her students.
Middle School is Worse than Meat Loaf by Jennifer L. Holm. This is always on hold. It’s an inventive book (the story is told through a collection of items – notes, posters, receipts, etc.). I think the subject matter hits home with this age group, who will soon be making the jump to middle school.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney. The opposite of Edward’s Eyes.
Knucklehead by Jon Scieszka. I’m thrilled to see this one has caught on. We did a giveaway for this book earlier in the year and it’s been getting good circulation since we added a copy into the collection.
Inkspell by Cornelia Funke. This fantasy series continues to show it’s legs, maintaining popularity and frequently showing up on the hold shelf.
Look for more books on hold next month.
When you’re turning a picture book into a movie, you’ve got a unique problem. Lack of content. Normally, movies based on books have to decide what to cut. Picture book movies have to decide what to add. Herein lies the reason that, as the wonderful children’s lit blog A Fuse #8 Production put it, “there has never been … a successful adaptation of a picture book into a full-screen motion picture.” Agreed.
While Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs looks like it might be a lot of fun, it appears that if you’re looking for something closely resembling the book, you’ll have to keep on a-lookin’.
(Many thanks to EarlyWord for the link)
Saying that librarians like NPR is like saying Canadians enjoy Tim Horton’s – it’s just too obvious to warrant much mention. Also, please consider me an honorary Canadian – besides the fact that half my extended family lives there, the maple glaze they’ve got going on north of the boarder is the best kept secret of that wonderful nation.
Anyway, this general librarian enjoyment of all things national and public and broadcast through radio waves extends to Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me, a news quiz show produced by NPR and recorded in Chicago. It’s funny, it’s informative, and I listen to the podcast edition every week on my way to work.
Living on the banks of Lake Michigan, with Chicago just a couple hours away, I’ve been looking for a time to go and watch a live taping of the show. I figured the ALA Annual Conference coming up this summer (July 9-15) might make a perfect time.
Well, I looked into the matter and I should have figured that more than a few of the cardiganed and bifocaled masses out there were thinking the same thing. Turns out ALTAFF (a division of the American Library Association) is reserving EVERY SEAT IN THE HOUSE and making tickets available through their website. If you’ve ever wanted to be good-naturedly mocked about your profession, you’ve just struck gold. My tickets will be en route shortly. From the source:
PHILADELPHIA – The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), in partnership with ALA Conference Services, presents an evening with Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!, National Public Radio’s weekly hour-long quiz program on Thursday, July 9. ALTAFF has purchased all 500 seats in Chicago’s Chase Auditorium and will pack the house with librarians and library supporters as a fundraiser for the newly established division during the ALA Annual Conference, held July 9-15 in Chicago.
Tickets are $30 each or $40 for the VIP section and may be purchased through ALA Conference Services. Those who have previously registered for the conference may add tickets by calling Experient at (800) 974-3084. New conference registrants may purchase tickets online or by phone during the registration process. Tickets are also available for purchase without conference registration by calling Experient at 800-974-3084.
Man, if they don’t stop putting out Where The Wild Things Are teasers, people are gonna start thinking that the film may actually be coming to theaters. Take a look at the just-released trailer for the film:
Okay, can we all agree that things are looking pretty good? The visuals are certainly encouraging, but the soundtrack is what seals the deal for me. Wake Up by Arcade Fire is one of the best songs of the last few years, and the fact that it turns up in the film version of my favorite picture book is getting me excited for what’s to come. In theaters October 16.
(Many thanks to Nerdist for the link)
Just ask A Tribe Called Quest, who’s 1993 jazz-inspired The Low End Theory is lauded as a hip-hop masterpiece – paying tribute can be a successful route to take. New series Joey Fly, Private Eye attempts to follow suit. A graphic novel detective story that pays homage to (and spoofs) classic crime tales at every turn, Creepy Crawly Crime is made for young readers who enjoy their noir with a heavy dose of levity.
Joey Fly is a detective that’s seen it all. Having solved crimes of all shapes and sizes, there isn’t much that surprises the private eye. When a wet behind the ears scorpion named Sammy Stingtail comes on the scene, asking to be the detective’s assistant, Fly takes on the youngster and gets more than he bargained for. Soon an investigation is afoot (the theft of a diamond pencil box), and Sammy proves to be more of a hindrance than a help. It’s a difficult assignment for Joey Fly, who must solve a crime of jealousy and keep his new assistant from ruining everything.
You’ve gotta admit – the author certainly picks a style and runs with it here. Puns, similes, and metaphors are everywhere. Fools are “one ant short of a picnic”. Crime inhabits the city “like a one-winged fly on a fifty-cent swatter”. Things are more tense “than an ally cat at a flea market”. I could go on. Some work well, others induce some head scratching. The overall success of this style will depend on who’s reading.
The pen and ink illustrations ably move the story along. When it’s dark, various shades of blue are used to set the mood. When Joey Fly and Sammy Stingtail are out in the sun, sepia tones are used. This limited color palate works well and enhances the “classic crime story” atmosphere.
The world created is well-realized. Elements of the outdoors (trees, plants, swampland, etc.) are incorporated into an urban setting to create a city inhabited entirely by insects.The 8×10 size and uncomplicated panel layouts make for smooth reading.
An encouraging start to a new series. Many young readers will welcome Creepy Crawly Crime with open arms.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
Beautiful photography meets high quality facts to create a nonfiction title that everyone should see. Although not the first to offer close-proximity images (Nic Bishop’s work is a recent example), Animals Up Close does so with a variety of fauna, and at a level few can touch. From centipedes to sea urchins, hermit crabs to chameleons, students will be repulsed, amazed, and thoroughly transfixed by this book.
Animals Up Close first provides some context for the small creatures that are to be presented. Sections on how small animals view the world, how they are classified, and how they were photographed lay the groundwork for the meat of the book. What follows is essentially a role-call of a wide variety of animals including insects, mammals, birds, fish. Each animal gets its own two-page spread containing:
1. An entry describing the animal.
2. A graphic showing name, size, habitat, lifespan, and endangered status.
3. Specific information pointed out in a diagram style.
4. An insanely detailed photograph.
The amount of facts make Animals Up Close suitable for information-seeking students.
This book owes everything to its images. In his forward, Siwanowicz asserts that, “When you get up really close, many of these creatures look like aliens from another planet.” That’s no joke. The photos, especially those of lesser known insects, will challenge the way you look at the animal world. They also might leave readers pleasantly grossed-out. Siwanowicz captures his subjects with sharp clarity and often from unexpected angles. A belly-side shot of a Gecko clinging to glass shows how the lizard’s feet are specially adapted for climbing.
Some creatures are more suited for this sort of inspection. While the up-close treatment of jellyfish and the small tamarin monkey are less awe-inspiring than others, this would have been hard to avoid. With the variety of animals presented, there was bound to be a few that don’t stand out.
Animals Up Close is a wonderful merging of image and information. Fans of Nic Bishop take notice. A highly recommended nonfiction selection.
Check out the Nonfiction Monday roundup at MotherReader.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
Skeleton Creek (100 Scope Notes Review), that fun to read, book-meets-online video contraption that was released back in February has been getting pretty positive press. On Monday, author Patrick Carman will be taking part in a webcast (how appropriate) to talk about the book that has every children’s lit blogger (or maybe just me) proclaiming, “Be sure you watch the videos with the lights on!” From the source:
Live Webcast with Patrick Carman – Monday, March 23rd at 10AM and 4:30 PM (PST)
Patrick Carman will be talking about his newest book, Skeleton Creek, live via webcast at 10AM PST (great for teachers and librarians!) and again at 4:30PM PST. Watch the webcast and ask questions via chat here:
All in a Day is a throwback, no question. A simple storyline with gentle, poetic text, a limited color palate of black, blue, and yellow, and bold paper-cut illustrations all add up to a retro feel. In appearance, it looks like it could have fit in if it was published right alongside Marcia Brown’s 1961 masterpiece Once a Mouse. For those reasons (as so often things that seem “old-fashioned” tend to be) it’s not a crowd-pleaser. All in a Day isn’t a book kids will be begging their parents to buy. It is, however, a stunningly illustrated book that deserves to be shared.
The theme here is living life to its fullest. The tone is one of wonderment. As the title implies, the storyline follows a dark-haired boy through one long, beautiful summer day in the country. Working in the garden, feeding the animals, playing games, taking a nap, exploring the wilderness – it’s a full day. The spare text is a rhyming poem that appears in small bursts on each two-page spread. It may not please all readers. The first time reading, I was one of them. I thought the text might tackle themes too difficult for children to wrap their heads around. Cynthia Rylant challenges the reader here, it it may be off-putting to some, but the illustrations lend a good dose of clarity.
Aside from enhancing the text, the artwork is just plain beautiful. Nikki McClure employs a time consuming cut-paper technique where every line on the page is interconnected. The colors are later added by computer. Each turn of the page brings a switch in the background color from blue to yellow. It’s the sort of art that takes on a whole new meaning when you consider how it was created. Look no further than the rainstorm scene – it will have you wondering how McClure pulled it off. The children’s lit blog A Fuse #8 Production recently mentioned All in a Day as a possible early Caldecott contender – the illustrations absolutely merit that sort of discussion.
Now this isn’t the kind of book that will jump up and down and declare its presence, slaying during read-aloud and wowing you with hipness or humor. But give it a chance. Quiet, beautiful books like this have a tendency to grow on readers.
Read an outstanding interview with illustrator Nikki McClure at Mishaps and Adventures.
Also reviewed by Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast, A Patchwork of Books.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
