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READING STYLE GUIDE

Process of Creation 

1/4/2022

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Opposites Abstract by Mo Willems

​“The artist may get to create the work—but the audience gets to create the meaning.” Mo Willems
I respectfully disagree with Amazon Books. The website entry for Opposites Abstract suggests that it is approprate for audiences ages birth - 2 years. An examination of this picture book suggests that it will appeal to a signicantly wider audience.
Willems has created a stunning masterpiece that is a treat for eyes and inquiring minds. A single concept is introduced with a question on the left side of the spread and a corresponding abstract illustration is placed on the right. At the book's midpoint, the page design is reversed with images on the left and questions on the right. Framing each illustration as a question invites readers to move beyond the basic concept of opposites and explore new ways to express ideas.
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IS THIS CALM ?
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IS THIS EXCITED ?
Each page turn, with two exceptions, pairs art representing contrasting descriptive terms: dark and light, soft and hard, mechanical and organic, intentional and accidental, etc.
The initial entry "starting" faces the title page and is expressed in the present tense. The concluding "finished" image appears on the final page and is written in past tense.
Willems has embedded the book with multple details awaiting discovery. This an excellent resource for introducing opposites, Beethoven, music appreciation, and elements of abstract art including color, texture, line, and form. This book will find its way into classrooms, studios, lecture halls, and schools for the fine arts. It's a book for creators and inquisitive minds of any age.
Mo is the inaugural Education Artist-in-Residence at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and a section of the Center's website is devoted to Willems and his work. An exhibit of the artist's large scale abstractions will run from January 8 to March 20, 2022. It is free and open to the public.
​Beethoven’s nine symphonies were the inspiration for the series of Willems' large abstract paintings. This year-long project became the genesis for Opposites Abstract.

​Watch as Yo-Yo Ma performs "Songs of Comfort" and Mo Willems responds to the music, creating an abtract work of art. Observe that the color choice, specific tool, and method of application change as the music progresses. Melody and tempo influence the images he creates. Masking the work space means he doesn't have to worry about "staying in the lines." The final touch is when he signs his art and dedicates it to the performer.

Try This

Try Willems' technique of fusing music and art to create a masterpiece. Listen to some music. Have a large piece of paper and crayons, markers, or colored pencils handy to create as you listen. You can also try painting or experimenting with other art forms as you listen.
View a flashmob performance of "Ode to Joy" from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
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Listen to a symphony composed by Beethoven and create your own artistic response to this glorious music. You can learn a bit about all nine symphonies here.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: October 19, 2021  Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children  ISBN: 978-1368070973
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Behind the Iron Curtain

12/7/2021

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The Genius Under the Table: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain
​by Eugene Yelchin Narrated by the author

"What does drawing correctly teach us, children?"  "Drawing correctly teaches us to live by the rules."
Yelchin pulls back the Iron Curtain, offering a glimpse of life for Jews living in 1970's Russia. Six-year-old Yevgeny lives with his parents, older brother Victor, and grandmother, eking out a meager life in a communal apartment. His poetry-loving father, mother whose ballet dreams were denied, and competitive figure skating sibling are described in charming detail.
Living conditions are so cramped that the only place for the boy to sleep is under the table. He secretly swipes his father’s only pencil to draw on the table’s underside.
Short chapters offer poignant snapshots into a bizarre world that glorifies the mummified body of Lenin, requires citizens to earn a stamped coupon to purchase a book, and causes family members to remove all images of grandfather from the family’s photo album.
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From the opening pages, readers are aware of an ongoing Russian obsession with the United States: a land of bright colors, forbidden chewing gum, blue jeans, and rock & roll. ​The shameful treatment of Jews is a puzzle to Yvegeny. He is confused by his father's robot-like devotion to the Communist party.
Sardonic wit punctuates the narrative. Yevgeny wonders at the meaning of the word “defect.” It sounds to him like “defecate.” Does this mean that people leave the USSR to relieve themselves?
The memoir is more than a recount of life in Russia. The Genius Under the Table: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain is an exploration of art that breaks rules, exposes truth, and yearns for freedom. It is also a story of the love within a family that expands beyond a cramped one room communal space.
Yelchin’s considerable talents as a storyteller, illustrator, and narrator make this slim volume an education and a delight. Yevgeny's “artistic talent” will fascinate readers.

Art and the Iron Curtain

Picture books accounts of artists who fled the confines of life in Cold War Russia. Poignant memories. Gorgeous art.
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Audio copy accessed via Net Galley.
Release date: December 7, 2021 Libro.fm
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Moonstruck!

10/18/2021

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The Children’s Moon by Carmen Agra Deedy art by Jim LaMarche

It’s not often that you will find a picture book that is a literary gem brimming with sparkling personality,  folktale-like mythology, poetic language, luminous art, and a STEM component. Deedy's enchanting storytelling and LaMarche's exquisite illustrations combine to tell a wondrous origin tale.
Text consists of a dialog between the moon and the sun.
As the moon rises, she hears a noise "like the daintiest of silver bells" and wonders what makes that sweet music. The sun informs her that the sound is made by children. Moon laments that she is unable to see the children and they cannot see her. Is there a way for her to see the children? Sun adamantly retorts that this is not possible.
​The day is mine.
​The night is yours.
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With inventive thinking, the two devise a plan that will allow the sun to view the stars gleaming in the night sky.  Then the sun will shine on his friend in such a manner that the moon can see and be seen by the children.
It a beautiful mythology that explains an astronomical phenomenom.
Back matter includes detailed information on how to view a "children's moon" in the night sky, an infographic explaining phases of the moon, a collection of interesting scientific factoids about the moon. For example, the moon not only reflects light, it also radiates light. Interestingly, the moon is not a sphere, but egg-shaped. Links to online resources are provided.
The Children’s Moon is the perfect bedtime story and is also an excellent companion to an astronomy lesson.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: October 19, 2021 Publisher: Scholastic Press ISBN: 978-1338216394
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A New View

10/11/2021

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Inside Cat by Brendan Wenzel

Cat lovers and fans of the Caldecott Award-winning They All Saw a Cat can rejoice. Author and illustrator Brendan Wenzel is back with a fresh look at a domestic cat’s life with Inside Cat.
Remaining within the confines of a building, bound by walls and doors, ceilings and floors, this feline encounters myriad interesting phenomena.
There are shapes to identify, senses to experience, sweeping vistas to view, tiny vignettes to examine.
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Wenzel maintains a soft blue background with simple suggestions of architecture and furnishings within the home. In contrast, the outdoors are rendered in full color with multiple charming details. 
The energetic cat sports a coat of fur drawn with a loose, free hand.  The immense wide-eyes are the dominant facial feature. 
Rhythmic, rhyming text begs to be read aloud. Repetitive words "wanders" "wonders" take on multiple meanings in a variety of situations.
The final page turn reveals a dazzling surprise and a satifying conclusion. End papers featuring interior and exterior cat views are not to be missed.
This book can serve as a springboard for individual observations. Hand this engaging picture book to youngsters and invite them to discover amazing worlds waiting to be discovered.

More Wenzel, Please

Enjoy these delightful pictures books from the inventive mind and creative talent of Brendan Wenzel.
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C​​opy provided by publisher.
Pub date:October 12, 2021  Publisher: Chronicle Books  ISBN: 978-1452173191
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What a Concept

9/13/2021

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Circle Under Berry by Carter Higgins

Ingenious!
With a few simple shapes and carefully selected words, Circle Under Berry invites readers to explore a range of concepts.
Bold, bright, hand-colored shapes on a stark white background are continually rearranged on each succeding page, allowing for multiple points-of view.
It's a visual treat, experimenting with color, texture, shapes, and graphic design. However, Higgins gives her readers so much more. This is a study in word play and a discovery of relationships. Readers will be delighted with the rhythmic language, multiple word meanings, and a fresh consideration of prepositions.
The appeal of this concept book is visual, auditory, and cerebral. The publisher suggests an audience of ages "preschool and up."
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This makes an excellent read aloud selection, but it also works well for individual inspection, thoughtfully poring over each page. Because the text is not particularly linear, readers may choose to flip pages back and forth as they make new discoveries.
Students can expand on the ideas presented by creating cut paper shapes and then arranging those shapes in interesting ways that will display a variety of ideas and relationships. This book is a keeper. It belongs in early childcare centers, elementary and secondary classrooms, as well as graphic design studios.
C​​opy provided by publisher.
Pub date: September 14, 2021  Publisher: Chronicle Books  ISBN: 978-1797205083
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Girl's Best Friend

4/22/2021

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Pawcasso by Remy Lai

The Chihuahua-sized fib that grew into a Great Dane lie.
From the imagination of Lai comes Pawcasso, a graphic novel about a dog, art, and honesty. 
​Hoping to escape the confines of a large family, Joanna Lin steps outdoors and discovers a most unusual sight. A basket-bearing dog is heading into town. Intrigued, Jo follows.
​She learns that this pup is on a mission. The basket contains a list of items that the dog is expected to procure from local businesses.  
​Things get complicated when the dog enters Dog Ears, the local book shop. Jo discovers an kid's art class is in session. Young students are thrilled with the appearance of a friendly pup. This is a much more exciting model that an inert pear. They assume that Jo is the dog's owner and ask permission to sketch, paint, and sculpt the canine.
When the shop offers free books in exchange for using the dog as a model, Jo pretends to be the owner and agrees to the terms. In honor of their interest in art, the kids name their remarkable model Pawcasso.
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Then Jo learns that the art workshop will continue for five more weeks and culminate in a special art show. She worries. Who is the dog’s owner and where does it live? How can she get the dog to come to Dog Ears with her every week? ​
To make matters worse, neighbors are concerned that a dog is wandering through town without a leash. The city is divided into two camps: those supporting strict enforcement of leash laws and those that want to make an exception for this endearing animal. Finally, Jo meet's Picasso's owners and confesses her deception. With a little help, Jo brings the opposing factions together to solve the leash law dilemma. She also heals a rift in a neighbor’s family and comes to terms with her father’s work-related absence. Bonus: There is ice cream for everyone!
A surefire hit for fans of mysteries, poop jokes, adorable dogs, and happy endings.
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Lai packs her graphic novel with plenty of goodies.
  • Inventive word play: Pawcasso (canine version of the artist Picasso) Dog Ears (bookstore), Drippy Cone (ice cream shop) and Dippy (short for serendipity)
  • Contemporary artists Picasso and Marcel Duchamp
  • An ice cream recipe that is suitable for dogs and "hoomans”
Electronic copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: May 11, 2021  Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. BYR Paperbacks ISBN:  978-1250774491
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Clay and Creation

4/1/2021

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Shaped By Her Hands: Potter Maria Martinez
by Anna Harber Freeman and Barbara Gonzales art by Aphelandra

“The Great Spirit gave me (hands) that work...but not for myself, but for all my Tewa people.”
Maria Povika Martinez created distinctive pottery that is highly prized by collectors. Her great granddaughter Barbara Gonzales and art educator Anna Harbor Freeman collaborated to tell her story with a picture book for young readers.
Maria lived in San Idlefonso Pueblo near Santa Fe, New Mexico where clay was an abundant resource. As a girl, she was fascinated with the process of creating pottery. When her early efforts were not successful, she turned to ko-kōo Nicolasa to teach her. Her aunt used Tewa traditional methods: combining clay with water and volcanic ash, rolling the mixture into coils, then building the pot’s walls and firing the vessels for hours in a pottery fire. Each step was accompanied by special prayers.
While still a young woman, Maria married and became a mother but never gave up her work as a potter. 
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Her earthenware came to the attention of an archaeologist who presented her with a fragment of black pottery. Maria was intrigued. She and her husband Julian experimented and discovered a process for making shiny black pots. Blackware fashioned by Maria and her family became a valuable collector's item.
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In addition to describing pottery making, the narrative emphasizes culture, traditions, and religious practices of the Tewa. The authors use several Native terms which can be understood by using the illustrations and context clues for support. Aphelandra’s color palette of deep reds blending into rich golds and rising to a turquoise sky serves as a backdrop for Blackware. It is interesting to note that over time Maria's simple style of dress remains constant.
Shaped By Her Hands is a moving tribute to a great grandmother and her Native traditions. Excellent introduction to the technique of creating ceramics.
Back matter includes additional information on Maria Povika Martinez, Tewa People, San Idlefonso Pueblo, Authors Notes, and Selected Resources.
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Blackware began as a joint enterprise for Maria and Julian. He is credited with painting many of the pot’s intricate designs.  Currently, six generations of Maria and Julian’s descendants continue her legacy.

​​Maria's Blackware is considered fine art. Her signed pieces are worth thousands. She was awarded several honorary degrees and  invited to the White House. She and her husband demonstrated pottery making in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.
Her work can be viewed online.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SkUGm87DE0k
​http://indianartsandculture.org/exhibits/maria/index.html
https://kinggalleries.com/brand/martinez-maria/
​

​
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: April 1, 2021  Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company  ISBN:  978-0807575994
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Wishes and Waves

2/4/2021

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The Old Boat by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey

Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey, the team of brothers who celebrated the life of a well-used pickup truck are back with another picture book. The Old Boat chronicles the life of a small boat, a family, an island, and the ocean.
A young boy and his grandmother set out on a fishing expedition. Their time together on the water is filled a sense of awe at the expanse of water and myriad sea life. It’s an ode to the mesmerizing mystical quality of the ocean.
"waves and wishes, wants and wonders"
Time passes. The boy has grown. The pristine waters of childhood have become an underwater junkyard, filled with dirt and debris. A violent storm smashes the old boat and washes the vessel and it’s captain ashore. He surveys the seascape and knows that it is time to return the ocean to its former state.
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While text is limited, poetic language and the accompanying illustrations convey an eloquent storyline. Aquatic plant and animal shapes are repeated across each two-page spread. Artful graphic design with a muted primary-colored palette hint at the passage of time. Attention to detail is evident. Watch the changes in the young man and his world as the tale progresses.
There is so much to see and experience here. The book is replete with themes: tides, time, renewal. One of the fascinating aspects of this book is the study of the effects of time, both positively and negatively. Time takes its toll on the boat. It slowly deteriorates. ​In the intervening years the effects of pollution take a toll on the condition of the seashore.
The boat rides the tide. It is the undertow and current that determine the boat's fate.
​​A new sailor turns the tide: People act, reversing the gradual destruction of coastal life. With time and effort the beaches and ocean return to the abundant aquatic life it once nurtured.
The Old Boat tells a tale of generations. This is not a "once and done" book. Each reading reveals more little gems.
Electronic copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: March 2, 2021  Publisher: Norton Young Readers  ISBN: 978-1324005179
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Wonders and Delights

12/16/2020

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Counting Creatures by Julia Donaldson ill by Sharon King-Chai

Looking for a picture book for gift-giving? Consider Counting Creatures. This more-than-a-picture book is an explosion of tactile wonders and visual delights. Presented as a counting book featuring various animal species and their young, it begins with one baby bat and sequentially progresses to ten piglets before leapfrogging to multitudes of caterpillars, tadpoles, and spiders.
This interactive volume invites young readers to predict what will be underneath the next flap. How many babies? What word is used to describe them?
​Many terms are familiar, but the young of some species are not well-known. A baby arctic hare is known as a leveret while baby turkeys are called poults.
Rhyming couplets and the repetitive line of text "Who has more babies than that? " make this an excellent book for sharing and reading aloud.
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​Counting Creatures by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Sharon King-Chai has a wow factor to the max.
The generous size (approximately 8x10.5 inches) features a die cut cover with foil accents. Cut outs continue throughout the book, giving readers a hint as to the animals to be revealed. ​Art is stunning. Deep rich colors, gorgeously textured shapes, ingeniously designed flaps and tiny details sprinkled throughout the pages will send readers back the beginning to discover the answer to one final question.
C​opy provided by publisher.
Pub date: November 24, 2020  Publisher: Dial Books  ISBN: 978-0593324530
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Quiet Protest

12/10/2020

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Lubaya’s Quiet Roar by Marilyn Nelson ill by Philemona Williamson

Lubaya is a quiet child, a solemn thoughtful child. While people around her instinctively interact with others, she prefers to silently listen and observe. She often finds herself tucked away with paper and colors. Art is her favorite means of self expression.
(she) "liked to be alone, happily watching the theater of her thoughts." Lubaya's Quiet Roar
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Lubaya’s parents are activists. Their home is filled with posters used during a recent protest march. This quiet girl discovers that the plain backs of posters are an excellent surface for her drawings: friends dressed in pretty party clothes, children on ladders painting a rainbow, even a hip-hop frog! Her art often includes phrases that her family members say when discussing social issues.
When a another cause for protest arises, the family proudly displays the poster backs featuring Lubaya's art. Her drawings beautifully illustrate the movement’s issues, adding an additional way to look at important concerns.
Nelson's poetic language precisely captures Lubaya's personality. Her verses speak in general terms of the need for socially-conscious activism. Illustrations flesh out a few specific social issues at stake. The words "Freedom Now" and "Clean Water" can be seen on two of Lubaya's posters. Williamson's signature style featuring vivid shapes on solid color backgrounds is distinctly different from Lubaya's drawings rendered on white rectangles.
Readers learn that in Swahili Lubaya means “young lionesses.” Using her unique skills, a young girl is able to make her voice heard. Not every contribution to a cause can be uttered. However, each individual can find a way to contribute and be heard.
"a quiet voice can make history"
Copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: October 6, 2020  Publisher: Dial Books  ISBN: 978-0525555551
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    Barbara Moon

    I like talking about books and  interesting ideas. I like thinking about how books affect my life. Not particularly interested in giving out stars or in rating books. 

    Audio Publishers Association
    2013, - present  Audies judge 
    American Library Association Book Awards and Lists 
    ​2017 YALSA Award Nominating Committee
    2016 Excellence in Nonfiction 
    2014 Margaret Edwards Award
    2012 Odyssey Awards.  
    2009, 2010, 2011 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

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