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Check out the Nonfiction Monday roundup at Picture Book of the Day.
When you’re a kid, the bigger the better. Machines, buildings, ice cream cones, it’s all better with an increase in dimensions. The same holds true for numbers. A fact: kids love stepping things up to seven digits and will do so at the drop of a hat. They will pull out “one million” as soon as possible. DK knows this well and put together a visual encyclopedia - “part museum, part search engine” - that runs with the concept of cramming a million bits of info into one volume. It’s an astonishing deluge of knowledge that readers will be clamoring to pick up.
“One Million Things” is not 300 pages of arbitrary fact placement. There is an organization to the madness. Arranged in sections from nature to nutrition, the human body to technology, the breadth of subject matter is impressive.
Vital to the operation are the photographs. This may be the singe largest collection of pictures I’ve seen in one place. Each page shows as much as it tells.
DK books are famous for their visuals, and “One Million Things” continues that tradition.
In short: open it up, discover something new, enjoy. A quality selection for libraries, classrooms, and home collections alike.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
I got in trouble as a kid. It didn’t happen too often, but it happened. “Mocked” the guitar player during the assembly (sincerest form of flattery, I say), got a bit too rough playing Ninja Turtles at recess - standard stuff. Like a bucket of cold water on the head, getting in trouble as a kid always reminds you of the fact that adults are unquestionably in charge. “Big Plans” exuberantly turns this notion on its head. In terms of read-aloud-ability, it will likely prove to be one of the highlights of Aught Eight.
The story begins with our unnamed protagonist stewing in Time Out. As the title suggests, he has a few ideas about how things should be, and is not afraid to share. Are they specific? Not at all. But you don’t need details when you’ve got this kind of persistence. With the gusto of Alex Baldwin’s character in “Glengarry Glen Ross”, our hero’s fantasy jumps into action. He’s making it clear who’s in charge, ordering people around and demanding to know if you’re “in or out”. Along the way he acquires a mynah bird sidekick, a skunk-coon cap, and a wake of adults impressed with his determination. He wins football games, crashes board meetings, and talks the President into handing over his job. All while never losing focus of his mission: to proclaim his big plans to the world.
A warning: this book is fairly relentless in its methods. It’s not made for “quiet time in ye olde story corner”. The fonts sizes vary between huge and massive. Lane Smith’s collage illustrations fit right in and add to the craziness. It’s fair to say that, if done correctly, you can expect to hear “A Clamor of Children” during this storytime. But that’s the fun, right?
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
Last summer, I learned how to dive underwater without plugging my nose. I’m 26, almost 27 years old. This bit of late bloomer-ism has resulted in me catching my fair share of grief from my more H2O-savvy peers. Living my whole life in towns located next to various Great Lakes, I have to concede that I can see their point. Thinking back, I wish “Sergio Makes a Splash” was around when I was a kid. Not only is it an outstanding book for youngsters who have yet to take to the water, it is undeniably one of the best picture books released this year.
Sergio is an equal opportunity water lover. He drinks it, bathes in it, and ice skates on it. There is only one version of water he is opposed to - the really deep kind. Sergio is a penguin who can’t swim. On a class trip to the ocean, he comes prepared with all the buoyant equipment you could think of (see the cover above). When Sergio’s classmates all start jumping in, he’s not quick to follow. With some convincing and some guts, Sergio takes the plunge and discovers what he’s been missing.
“Sergio Makes a Splash” incorporates a nice mix of storytelling methods. The first page contains a diagram to explain Sergio’s physical characteristics. Symbols are used to represent what our hero dreams about at night (soccer, fish, and water). A traditional narrator explains the action, but characters speak in word bubbles. This variation keeps the interest high.
The illustrations are outstanding. Unique and nice to look at. Let’s hear about them from Edel Rodriguez himself:
The entire book is printed in three color Pantone inks which makes the colors really pop. I’m very happy with the way the printing turned out.
Same here. The way splashing water is represented when Sergio comes up for air toward the end is notably inventive. White splattered paint explodes on the page (click on the Edel Rodriguez blog link below to see a number of images from the book).
While he has illustrated children’s books before, this is Mr. Rodriguez’s first time wearing the author’s hat as well. Impressive debut. “Sergio Makes a Splash” is a refreshing release.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
Otto’s Orange DayPossibly the most frustrating situation I encounter in my work as a school librarian is when I run into the one track kid. These youngsters have a genre/subject that must be present in the books they read. Scary books, truck books, princess books, funny books - the list goes on. I usually do my best to find some titles in their topic of choice, but this type of reader can be picky. “Otto’s Orange Day” is for every kid who is set in their ways and could use a nudge toward a broadening of horizons. Buy two copies - it’s a page-turner that beginning readers will likely wear out from dangerously high levels of enjoyment.
Otto (a cat) has a favorite color - orange. If he had his druthers, the whole world would be one big orange explosion. One day Otto receives an orange oil lamp from his Aunt, and a genie appears to grant his wish. Just like that, everything is tangerine. It starts out great, but Otto soon learns that some things are better off in full color. Food, for instance. And traffic lights, they are different colors for a reason. It’s also handy to be able to describe someone as something other than orange, especially if said person is a fugitive from the law. Pretty quick, our hero is a bit spooked and looking for ways to change things back to the good ol’ days of brown colored lamb chops. That task proves to be difficult, since the genie only grants one wish. Otto must use his wits to bring back the Technicolor.
The illustrations are suitably cartoonish in style, with heavy outlines and vibrant colors. The dialog is spoken using word bubbles. As for the way the book is put together, much love to Françoise Mouly. I dig the design. I’m always a sucker for paper on board covers. The title has this cool floating effect that I like. The cover art shows glimpses of panels, letting the reader know that they’re about to read a comic-style book. In other words, it looks like fun. This is one that kids will be drawn to and proud to carry.
Having read a few of the new TOON Book releases, I’ll concur with the masses of critics that have already weighed in on the subject by saying that “Otto’s Orange Day” and its kin are going to make a lasting impact on young readers.
To visit the TOON Books blog, click here.
To visit the TOON Books website, click here.
The outstanding children’s lit blog A Fuse #8 Production posted audio from the TOON Books reception held on January 12, 2008 in Philadelphia. To hear that clip featuring Francoise Mouly and Art Spiegelman discussing the impetus behind TOON Books, click here.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!
By Mo Willems
Hyperion
ISBN: 9781423109600
$14.99
Grades K-2
In Stores
Mo Willems’ status as a storytime master is becoming legendary. Book after book is a hit with kids and parent/librarian types alike. It’s akin to Outkast in their golden period from ‘94 to ‘00 - there really is no letdown in quality. I’ll give you a dollar if you can read one pigeon book aloud and not have the mess of them checked out for the rest of the year. In “The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!”, Mr. Willems continues to please by expertly doing two things:
1. Making youngsters a part of the story.
2. Making said youth laugh like crazy.
“The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!” is the fourth book (sixth if you’re including the two board books) featuring the blue and white bird. This time Pigeon is out to convince the reader that he deserves a puppy. This pleading is done entirely through word balloons and directed squarely at the audience. I’ve made mention in previous reviews about how word bubbles typically make a story best for solo reading, but the opposite is true here. Similar to another recent release (and recommended book) “Big and Little“, the Pigeon breaks down the fourth wall and grabs the readers attention right from the get go, promising to water the puppy once a month and “play tennis with it”. His persuasion tactics continue until he actually comes face to face with a puppy. The response? Utter terror.
As in the previous installments, Willems’ simple, emotive illustrations are amazing in their ability to convey the Pigeon’s thoughts and feelings. Single color backgrounds change with the mood of the story. An outstanding example of humor, story, and illustration all working together. A required purchase.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
Jellaby
By Kean Soo
Hyperion Books for Children
ISBN: 9781423103370
$18.99
Grades 3-7
In Stores
There are graphic novels that stroll in, hit their mark, and bring the GN lover what they’re looking for. The recent “Amulet: The Stonekeeper” comes to mind. If you’re into the genre, you’ll be a fan - but it’s not necessarily recruiting new believers. Then there are your 741.5’s that have the ability to bring readers into the fold who have not considered said fold an option. “Jellaby” is one of those books. Honest emotional moments, humor, and mystery combine to make one of the best books of Aught 8.
Portia is an outsider, but not for the usual reasons. She’s smart and thoughtful. Her intelligence draws ire from her classmates and leaves her bored in her studies. One night, after a strange dream, Portia discovers a scared monster behind her house. How the purple creature ended up in her yard is not clear, but Portia is determined to keep her new friend a secret while she figures things out. In her efforts to keep “Jellaby” hush hush, she inadvertently pulls classmate Jason into the mix. Now they’re partners. A tip from Jellaby about her (his?) possible origins results in a secret trip to Toronto to find out the truth. The story ends just before the threesome reach the big city, with plans for a second book to wrap up the tale.
I can’t help but think of one of my favorite movies, “The Iron Giant”, when reading this book. There is something about an outsider finding friendship with a really outsider that draws you in. The illustrations are on point throughout, using just a few colors to get the job done. Overall, the effect is an artful and beautifully subtle story that leaves you eager for more.
Also reviewed by: A Fuse #8 Production, Under the Covers, Charlotte’s Library.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
Click Here to read a brand new interview with author/illustrator Kean Soo at A Fuse #8 Production.
Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will TravelAn Important Business Man runs into another Important Business Man on Wall Street:
I.B.M. 1: So, have you heard about the story/illustration merger?
I.B.M. 2: Yes, yes, but that’s only affecting teens.
IBM 1: Well that’s true, male teenagers have been reaping big rewards. But it’s having trickle-down effects to younger children as well.
IBM 2: Ha! Look, the next thing you’re going to be telling me is that girls will be seeing some benefits. Man, are you out of touch or what?
IBM 1: Well then let me show you (hands over a copy of “Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen Will Travel”). The evidence is right here. The merger has been very successful. It’s about a girl who is forced to go camping with relatives she doesn’t like. The book itself is the sketchbook that she brought on her trip. It’s amazing, she documents everything that happened.
IBM 2: Alright, some kid’s drawings. How is this a book?
IBM 1: The story is in there too. It’s sort of like a cross between a sketchbook and a diary. Over the course of seven days, Ellie gets to know these people that she had judged as being weird. You ever meet someone you didn’t think you’d get along with and end up becoming friends? Ellie goes through that in this book.
IBM 2: So there’s some stuff in there about being open-minded and giving people a chance?
IBM 1: Yep. There’s a lot of humor too. If you’ve even been camping you know there’s a lot of situations to draw from.
IBM 2: What’s camping? It that like when you have to go to your second choice restaurant?
IBM 1: Uh, no. I’m sure you’ve seen it: tents, forests, campfires. Although in “Have Pen, Will Travel” Ellie and her relatives do “fake camping”, as she calls it - they stay in a cabin. Look, you’re a friend, so I’m going to let you in on this. I just bought 1000 shares of Graphic Novels for Upper Elementary Girls, and I suggest you do the same.
IBM 2: Well that stock has been on the rise lately, especially when the “Babymouse” IPO went public. I may just take your advice.
IBM 1: (iPhone rings) Well, I have to take this call. Back to work!
IBM 2: (Putting book in briefcase) Is it okay if I borrow this book? I think my daughter might be interested.
IBM 1: (Cracking a sly grin) Not a problem.
Also reviewed by: A Fuse #8 Production, Book Bits, A Year of Reading, Becky’s Book Reviews.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat
The Mozart QuestionUpon first glance, I didn’t know how to classify this book. Its size - slim and square - is a bit unusual for a book aimed at the upper elementary set. While there are illustrations throughout, this is definitely no graphic novel. From the outside it kind of looks like a mini picture book with extra pages. I had similar trouble predicting the storyline. The cover makes some obvious Holocaust allusions, but the title and illustration underneath it had me perplexed. After reading “The Mozart Question”, however, it all makes sense - Morpurgo and Foreman have created a wonderful mix of characters, storyline, history, and illustration that stands out. The only mystery left for me is how many “best of the year” lists this book will grace.
The tale begins when a newspaper reporter falls into an interview with famous Venetian violinist Paolo Levi. The highly sought-after interview comes with a major stipulation: don’t ask the Mozart question. Through the course of the interview, not only do we discover the meaning of the question, but also the answer. Paolo really lays it all out. He tells an amazing life story, beginning with his early days of learning to play the violin in secret. It turns out that his teacher, a local street musician, shares a pretty big secret of his own with Paolo’s parents. A secret that comes out when Paolo is forced to tell his parents about his musical gift.
“The Mozart Question” delivers on a number of levels. The plot is clever and well-paced, never lingering too long or stalling out on the reader. The outstanding watercolor and pencil pictures provide clarity. The characters are well developed and real. Three for three adds up to a genuine winner around here. Not hard to categorize at all: a must-have middle grade selection.
Also Reviewed By: achukareviews, Bookwitch.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick RulesOne situation in the original “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” really hit home with me. It’s when our hero Greg, ready to pull the prank of a lifetime on his substitute teacher, comes to school and finds out that the sub is his mom. That’s cold. Coming from a family of teachers, I’ve actually had my mom as my sub - I can feel Greg’s pain. It’s those sorts of events that really endeared to the book to me, and I was shoulder-dancing like crazy when I found out there would be a sequel.
It turns out that my shoulder-dancing was warranted. “Rodrick Rules” follows the blueprint of its predecessor, while delivering more humor and insight into the characters. The story follows Greg Heffley through summer vacation and into another school year. Greg’s brother, the titular Rodrick, is just barely hanging on in high school and would rather be rocking out with his band Loded Diper. All the while Greg’s mom and dad try their earnest best to encourage their sons down the straight and sensible path.
Probably the first thing everyone wants to know is if “Rodrick Rules” is as funny as the original. This is a hard thing to judge. All I know is, I was laughing out loud on multiple occasions. When Greg’s mom introduces a new rewards plan to get her sons to help out around the house, I was bleary-eyed (I’m cracking a smile even as I write this). When Greg explains what happened to Rodrick’s sophomore class picture, I was rolling. I would say more, but I don’t want to give anything away. This is a story that people want to read and love.
Can I speak for just a moment about the popularity of these books? Now is a good time to humor me and pretend you don’t already know. I help out with four elementary school book fairs per year, and “Wimpy Kid” has been selling like elephant ears at all of ‘em. If you’re from other parts of the country where they don’t have elephant ears, just know that they are delicious and are purchased frequently.
“Rodrick Rules” will not disappoint fans of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”. In fact, it will probably bring a lot more readers on board. They’ll be curious about why you’re laughing so much.
Also Reviewed By: A Fuse #8 Production, Shelftalker
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat
The second entry in Webster’s New World Dictionary for the word “gimmick” reads as follows:
“An attention-getting device or feature, typically superficial, designed to promote the success of a product, campaign, etc.”
This definition makes me wonder, “what constitutes a children’s literature gimmick?” Does anything besides the words printed on the page fall into the category of “attention-getting device”? A shiny cover? Flashing lights? What about pop-up books? Those are just one giant gimmick, right?
“Ahhem!” (The sound of someone clearing their throat)
“Excuse me…”
Wait. What’s that? Call me crazy, but I think I hear the voice of famous paper engineer Robert Sabuda…
Robert: Pop-up books are not a “gimmick”, my friend.
Scope Notes: Well, I think I agree, but why?
Robert: Because their gimmick defines their genre.
Scope Notes: Come again?
Robert: Let me break it down for you: the pictures pop up, hence the name pop-up books. Do you see a genre called “shiny cover books”?
Scope Notes: I think I’m getting it. If the “attention-getting device” in question is really, really cool, that does the trick.
Robert: No. A gimmick transcends its label when it moves beyond acting as a superficial add-on. It must become an integral part of the story.
Scope Notes: Okay, I think I have it. Thanks, Robert!
The gimmick in “Gallop! A Scanimation Picture Book” truly transcends. A perfect marriage of story and execution. Scanimation is a technology that makes pictures appear as if they were moving; a poor man’s animation, if you will. Each page of the simple text asks the reader a new question about movement: “Can you gallop like a horse?”, “Can you swim like a turtle?”, and so on. Meanwhile, a Scanimation panel shows the reader each animal, fluidly moving in their own distinctive way as the page is turned. Indeed, “Gallop!” wouldn’t be as effective without this remarkable device. Sure to be a winner with youngsters far and wide, and a great choice for a holiday gift.
The third entry in Webster’s New World Dictionary for the word “gimmick” reads as follows:
“any clever little gadget or ruse”
I think from now on I’ll refer to this entry when discussing “Gallop!”, and leave the gimmickry stuff out of the conversation. It just doesn’t apply here.
Also Reviewed By: Readia: Children’s Book Reviews, Wizards Wireless, Edmund’s Saltmines
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat
Satchel Paige: Striking Out Jim CrowThere is something to be said for simplicity. Baseball is not what I would consider to be a simple game. No, the act of tossing a ball the size of an orange into a tiny imaginary square with any kind of power or accuracy sounds pretty complicated to yours truly. Call me crazy, but somehow I think that communicating the cultural landscape of an era of American history is just as tricky. Doing so in a simple, authentically powerful fashion is downright hard (and rare to boot). And how about trying to do that without, you know, using many words? In “Satchel Paige”, the author and illustrator have done just that. A graphic novel about America, segregation, baseball, and racism - all told with understatement through the life of Satchel Paige, a pitcher with a flair for the dramatic.
The story is told through the eyes of a nameless sharecropper from Tuckwilla, Alabama whose prowess on the diamond brings him into contact with the great flamethrower Paige. After besting Satchel at the plate, our narrator suffers an injury, forcing him to give up the game for good and head back to the farm.
Sharecropping with his family is difficult and exhausting work. Add to this that the land owners - Walker Jennings and his two sons - are dangerously unkind.
Fast forward 15 years. Satchel’s celebrity has exploded and his team is visiting Tuckwilla to play the local all-stars. It takes everything our narrator has to attend the game with his son, but Paige’s performance breathes new life into him and the citizens of Tuckwilla.
Simple words and illustrations guide the reader through the story. Additional information is provided at the back of the book to help inform readers on the history and terminology that is sprinkled throughout. A great biography and a quality selection to be sure.
(Shout out to A Fuse #8 Production for the advance reading copy)
Also (Wonderfully) Reviewed By: A Fuse #8 Production, Urban Horrors, Shelf Talker, The Comics Reporter
The Puzzling World of Winston Breen
by Eric Berlin
G. P. Putnam’s Sons
ISBN 9780399246937
$16.99
Grades 4-7
In Stores
I have a problem. I’ve been trying to break this nasty habit, but when books like “The Puzzling World of Winston Breen” come along, they make it that much harder to put the kibosh on my troubling behavior pattern. Allow me to explain.
When I find a book that intrigues me, that compels me to keep going, I have a tendency to cut through all the extraneous stuff and skip ahead on the page to discover what the next turn of plot will be. I understand that I am cheating myself. On a couple rare occasions, I have skipped ahead many pages to the end of a book to preview how it’s all gonna end (sorry 1984!). Thankfully, I was able to curb my urge with this one and keep my wandering eyes on the same two page spread. It was a hard thing to do. This book contains mystery, thrills, and a treasure hunt that will keep you reading from beginning to end.
Speaking of habits, Winston Breen has a habit of his own: puzzles. Of course he solves them, but Win takes things a step further in that he also creates them. It’s not a stretch to say that his enjoyment of all things perplexing is on a higher level than most. The story begins as our protagonist locates a gift for his sister’s upcoming 10th birthday - a decorative wood box that Katie can use for whatever items in her life that need boxing. When Winston presents the gift to his sister, a secret compartment is discovered. The mysterious contents of this compartment activate Winston’s puzzle solving instincts, sending him on a treasure hunt that will draw a number of other questionable participants.
Sprinkled throughout the story are a number of smaller puzzles. Not closely tied to the plot, these little bits of conundrum further immerse the reader in the process of looking for clues to reach a solution. That aspect alone should let you know that the classroom possibilities of this story are immense.
“The Puzzling World of Winston Breen” is a book that readers will no doubt enjoy - I just hope that they are able to be more patient than I. A quality selection.
Also Reviewed By: A Fuse #8 Production, Big A little a, Jen Robinson’s Book Page
Happy Birthday, Monster!
by Scott Beck
Abrams Books for Young Readers
ISBN 9780810993631
$14.95
Grades K-2
In Stores
My first inclination when I like a new book is to share it with others, town crier style (complete with bell and dressy tri-fold hat): Hey! Everyone! I enjoyed this book! I start looking for opportunities to read said book aloud, practice my voices, tone, inflection. But often times, after giving the matter some thought, I level with myself and realize that the book that I enjoy just won’t work well as a read aloud. Working in an elementary school library, I’ve done my fair share of storytime. I feel like I know storytime personally. And I’m here to tell you that Happy Birthday, Monster! is definitely NOT cut out for storytime. But that said, it’s still an outstanding book for the youngsters.
Ben, the friendliest looking three-horned devil in recent memory, is throwing a surprise party for his friend Doris. Monster friends are invited, snacks and entertainment is provided, and hilarity ensues. Each two page spread is its own little self-contained situation that occurs during the party. An all seeing narrator guides the story along, but the fun of this book lies in the word bubbles coming from the monsters themselves. You know - jokes, man. They just keep comin’. From the robot who falls in love with a lamp to the floating ghost who infuriates everyone by never messing up at jump rope, the story is filled with comic moments that will charm readers.
Word bubbles, you say? While they provide the spark in this book, they also prove to be the wrench in this title’s storytime chances. It’s often difficult and seldom fruitful and to attempt speaking them aloud. I have tried in the past, and I’m bound to try in the future, but those little ovals of whiteness are best read individually.
I am of the opinion that if given two picture books, one a great read aloud and the other a great read alone, a librarian will usually side with the former. Heck, I’m as guilty as y’all (P.S. Mo, keep on writing those gems!). What can I say? There is nothing like the feeling of getting a whole big slew of kids excited about a story at the same time. However the format of this title is best digested at a table of one - but still just as satisfying.
Working in a public school, I am around children every day. Here are two facts that I feel I can state from experience:
1. Kids like to talk
2. There is nothing that gets the youngsters going like boys vs. girls competition
In No Talking, Andrew Clements manages to merge both of these eternal truisms.
At Laketon Elementary, the 5th grade class has a reputation for embracing the spoken word - so much so that they earned the nickname “The Unshushables” from teachers. On top of all this noisiness, the boys can’t stand the girls and the girls aren’t all that keen on the boys.
One day Dave Packer attempts something that surely has never been done by anyone in his fifth grade class - to make it through the school day without saying a word. He fails, but his experiment leads to a challenge between the boys and the girls: Two days of school. Whichever group talks the least wins.
This book has all kinds of classroom implications, and the rivalry between boys and girls will immediately draw kids in. No Talking is an entertaining story and a quality fiction selection
