Dear Sister 
by Alison McGhee ill Joe Bluhm

There is a unique quality to sibling dynamics. In the first place, there isn’t much mystery. You know all the secret little things that only two who share the same living space can appreciate. You have the same backstory. This can work for and against your relationship. Alison McGhee explores this complex bond in Dear Sister, an epistolary collection of messages from a brother to his eight-years-younger sibling, beginning with his sister’s birth and concluding when he leaves home for college. Required by his parents whom he often refers to as the wardens, he frequently composes cards and notes for his sister. Some celebrate important events such as birthdays. There are "report cards" grading her on characteristics ranging from crying to avoiding lima beans. There is more than one apology. Many are accompanied by his drawings. Readers follow the lives of both as they grow up and experience life’s challenges. ​ The evolution of their relationship is brilliantly chronicled. A running thread is the young girl's insistence on multiple readings of her favorite book, Never Too Clever. Her delight in hearing the story read aloud does not diminish with time.

How many "Been there. Done that" moments will you find within these pages?

Meeting the Creators

I have been a fan of Alison McGhee’s work for some time. What I Leave Behind, Maybe a Fox, Birdie and Pablo are three recently published titles that I completely and totally fell in love with. Not only is Alison a gifted author, she is also a very talented narrator. I had the good fortune to meet up with Alison and her sister Holly, literary agent and kidlit author. Wonder if these sisters ever had sibling issues?

At a picture book presentation I sat next to an unfamiliar face. I was fairly certain that he was not a librarian, nor part of a publishing team. Who was this guy? He introduced himself: Joe Bluhm, illustrator for a soon-to-be-released book. At the conclusion of the event, Joe produced a galley of a book based on an intriguing concept and filled with the most engaging illustrations. He shared a bit about the book and his illustration process. Thanks Joe for a copy of Dear Sister.

He signed the ARC.

My Hair is a Garden by Cozbil A. Cabrera

For as long as she can remember, MacKenzie has been the object of ridicule at her school. Students constantly tease her about her hair. She tries ignoring their taunts. That doesn't work. She takes to wearing a hat to cover her head. That doesn't help. Finally she flees to the home of her neighbor Miss Tillie, who lives in a warm and welcoming home. MacKenzie pours her heart to her compassionate friend. "I need help with my hair. Folks have been poking fun of my hair since I was little...Mama tried to fix it, but the truth is, she doesn’t know what to do with it."

Following a gentle shampoo and careful combing, Miss Tillie invites her young guest outside to enjoy her garden. Years of thoughtful planning, cultivation, and nurturing have resulted in a retreat that is a filled with a variety of lush and vibrant landscaping.   MacKenzie discovers the similarities between caring for a garden and caring for her crowning glory.

​Cozbi A. Cabrera has created a lovely picture book celebrating the magnificence of natural black hair. In addition to the narrative, she thoughtfully includes helpful hair care tips, along with suggestions for self-improvement and personal development. ​Recipes for Herbal infusion Rinse and Moisturizing Shea Butter include directions on proper application.

For the Love of Hair

Bonus

Wild Swans by Xanthe Gresham Knight ill by Charlotte Gastaut

​Some tales get lost over time. They fall through the cracks of pavements or are washed out into the ocean. But some child, playing on the street or digging in the sand, will catch sight of a story gleaming like a chip of old china or lost silver. They will pick it up, hold it to the light and never rest until they have experienced every moment. Perhaps you are one such child.

And thus it begins. In the hands of a skilled storyteller, Wild Swans weaves its magic with lustrous words and images. The King of the North was blessed with eleven sons and one daughter Eliza. A plague swept through the land, taking the lives of many, including his wife. The king remarries a woman who possess powerful skills of healing and magic. She sends the brothers away to teach them about the world, as well as protect them from the plague. Casting a spell upon the boys, they become swans by day, human at night. Eliza grows up, far from the plague-riddled kingdom, learning to spin and knit. When she receives word that her father and stepmother have succumbed to the plague, she goes in search of her brothers. Eliza learns that she can reverse the stepmother’s enchantment by gathering nettles, spinning the prickly fibers into yarn and knitting a tunic for each boy. Time runs out. She completes all but the sleeve of the eleventh tunic. Tossing a tunic upon each swan, the boys permanently become human. One brother retains a white wing, due to the missing sleeve. The princes return to rule the eleven kingdoms of the north. Eliza is crowned Queen  and rules over all.

Meet Xanthe Gresham Knight

Introducing Charlotte Gastaut

Charlotte Gastaut is a talented French artist. Her work includes an extensive variety of projects. In addition to book illustration she has been commissioned by companies such as Godiva to create product packaging.   Her work has also been embraced by the fashion world.  Some of her illustrations were reproduced on dresses of Maison Fendi, for a fashion show at Rome's Trevi Fountain. The collection was designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Gorgeous design. Sumptuous art.

Deborah Marcero: Author and Illustrator

Ursa's Light by Deborah Marcero

"There were all the other bears... and then, there was Ursa."

Ursa's Light, written and illustrated by Marcero, introduces readers to a charming little bear aptly named Ursa.  From the beginning the double play on words is readily apparent. While her classmates are busily engaged in playground amusements, Ursa is fixated on the heavens above. She has a dream: she wants to fly.  Not one to be deterred, she observes, calculates, tries, fails, refuses to accept to defeat, and tries again and again. There must be a way to realize her dream. Eventually she finds a way.  Not in the manner she initially envisioned.  But she finds a way.

The pages are chock full of details:  Ursa's eyes always seem to be looking up; inserts of pages from Ursa's notebook; a brother named Orion; and a shirt emblazoned with the message "Live Delibearately."  The color pallet is bold, with plenty of black punctuated with strong shades of rust and gold. ​It fits Ursa perfectly.

Rosie and Crayon by Deborah Marcero

"Rosie's tears reflected all the colors that filled her world."

Meet Rosie and her beloved puppy Crayon. Once again Marcero has selected an appropriate name. This pet colors Rosie's days, making each one vibrant. Initial pages feature colors that reflect Rosie's relationship with the pup, "tickled greens and fluttering yellows." One day Crayon is gone. Text does not specifically mention death, but it is implied. Color leaves Rosie's world. With a tear-stained face, she puts away her crayons and the dog's collar. Eventually she sets aside her grief and helps locate a lost kitten. Color returns to her life in the form of friendship with the missing kitten and its owner. A tender story of grief and healing. ​

Rosie and Crayon effectively employs color to convey emotion.  Layout design is equally important to the story. Life with Crayon is busy, filled with a plethora of details. When Rosie is bereft, there are vast amounts of empty space on the page.  Observant readers will discover charming little details: R+C carved into a tree and letters for the title page  formed from crayons.

Twinderella: A Fractioned Fairy Tale
by Corey Rosen Schwartz illustrated by Deborah Marcero

"Gadzooks, I must be dreaming!"

Who knew that Cinderella could become a foray into the world of fractions? Corey Rosen Schwartz knew.  Twinderella: A Fractioned Fairy Tale is delightful little riff on the traditional story featuring not one, but two mistreated sisters: Cinderella and Tinderella. Chores are divided in half. They appear to share everything, from supper to a bed. But they do not share the same dream. Will their fairy godmom be able to extricate the girls from their life of servitude and grant each girl the wish of her heart?  Will there be not one, but two "happily ever afters?" Well, this is a fairy tale, so some extraordinary magic on the part of this godmom makes it happen. Schwartz tells this fractioned tale in clever couplets. Double good. Double fun.

End papers feature halves of sandwiches and oranges as well as pairs of shoes and gloves. Marcero ups the fantasy element with vibrant colors, including the sisters' bright red hair. Handsome Prince Charming has some serious moves and dances the night away with both girls.  Not to be outdone, Tinderella dips Charming, proving these girls can "dance with the stars." ​

Mighty Jack and the Goblin King by Ben Hatke

My tale begins in another time and another place, Ben Hatke was a young artist breaking into the comic scene with the publication of a charming graphic novel about a spacegirl named Zita. I was to meet Ben at a train station and escort him to an author event held at a public library. I arrived at the designated station, searching for someone who looked like a cartoonist. As I scanned the arrivals, I could not see anyone who seemed to be seeking a librarian. The train had left the station and few travelers remained on the arrival side of the tracks. Finally a young man came into view, nimbly working his way around the tracks, appearing to be on a grand adventure. I wondered: could this be the author/artist that I was to scheduled meet? Bag slung over his should and flashing a winning smile, I soon learned that he was indeed Ben Hatke.

If you have been following comic artist Ben Hatke you know that he has created an impressive body of graphic novels and picture books for young readers. His latest book, Mighty Jack and the Goblin King does not disappoint. This story continues the saga of Jack. As readers will remember, Jack's sister Maddy has been captured and taken to another realm. It is up to Jack and his friend Lilly to use the magic of plants, a healthy dose of courage, and their wits to locate Maddy and bring her safely home. In true Hatke fashion there are some bizarre characters, high-powered action scenes with plenty of sword-play, and a take-no-prisoners heroine who will leave readers cheering. Careful observation will offer readers glimpses of familiar themes, tropes, and characters. A hallmark of Hatke's books is his brilliant use of dialog. Each character has his/her/its own distinct speech pattern. The story begs to be read aloud with ample pauses to appreciate the many visual bons mots waiting to be discovered within the pages. There will be no spoilers from me except this: I gave an audible gasp when I arrived at a certain juncture in the story. Then my eyes filled with tears. How I love his characters and their stories. I Just Love Them

Look what I found hiding within the stems of  a large houseplant. Could it be magic?

​What to do while you wait for the publication of Mighty Jack and the Goblin King

Young People's Poet Laureate
​Margarita Engle

Congratulations Margarita Engle, named by The Poetry Foundation as Young People's Poet Laureate "in recognition of a career devoted to writing exceptional poetry for young readers."  This Cuban American author is the first Latino to receive the award.  She will serve at Poet Laureate for a period of two years. ​Here are some of my favorite images of Margarita Engle. They capture her gentle manner and her love of nature.​

I distinctly remember my introduction to the work of Engle. While strolling through the book displays at an American Library Association conference, a small volume caught my eye. The title The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano and the stunning cover art by Sean Qualls intrigued me. I picked up a copy and was immediately entranced. What a remarkable man! I left that day with a copy of the book and a determination to seek out the works of Engle.

I had the honor to serve on the YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award committee for 2016.  Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir​ was selected as an Honor Book.  I had the opportunity to read this volume many times, taking copious notes. The more I studied this book, the greater my appreciation for the depth and strength this memoir and the elegant poetry she employs to tell her story.

Look what's on my desk: Titles from Margarita Engle, Young People's Poet Laureate and all published in 2017. This trio of books explore and celebrate Hispanic literature, history and culture. Her work is indicative of her "passion, knowledge of nature, and curiosity about the world." Here is a brief glimpse at these three exciting new poetic works. While each of these books have been published for children, the subject matter and the exquisite language and art are suitable for readers of all ages.

​All the Way to Havana
by Margarita Engle ill Mike Curato

"Cara cara" Cars! Beginning with the fabulous end papers, readers are treated to images of some amazing retro cars. But this book is about more than cars. It is a story of family and resourcefulness, a story of finding joy and pride in simple things. Take a trip to Havana in a blue 1953 Chevy. This is one ride you will want to take again and again. Mike Curato visited Havana to research this book and his attention to accurate detail shows on every page.

Miguel's Brave Knight: Young Cervantes and His Dreams of Don Quixote
​by Margarita Engles ill Raúl Colón

"No giant or dragon  is bigger or stronger  ​than the human imagination" The life of young Miguel Cervantes is brilliantly captured in a series of poems highlighting his struggles and dreams. Engles does not shy away from including the painful episodes of his childhood: an absent father, a family struggling to survive, the threat of the plague, and limited opportunities for schooling. This is counterbalanced by Cervantes imagination, love to story, and desire to learn. Colón's gorgeous ink and colorwash illustrations are the perfect blend of reality and fantasy.

Bravo! Poems About Amazing Hispanics
by Margarita Engle ill Rafael López

"So many, so varied, such a beautiful mixture of dreams!" This compilation of poems celebrating the contributions of Hispanic Americans highlights famous as well as lesser-known individuals. ​​Back matter includes additional information as well as a listing of "more amazing Latinos."  Strong colorful graphic art by López enriches the poetry. Kudos to the publisher for simultaneously publishing this book in Spanish and English.

Enjoy the wide range of books that Engles has created for a variety of audiences Engle's poetry and prose are a gift to young readers everywhere.  They have timeless appeal and will remain classics for years to come.

Love, Ish by Karen Rivers

No one creates characters quite like the girls in Karen Rivers' books. Following the success of The Girl in the Well is Me, Rivers has crafted another poignant tale of a girl who finds herself exploring a strange new world. Mischa, known as Ish, is a twelve year old with flaming red hair and a determination to visit the planet Mars. Her brittle exterior "I'm a machine... It makes me feel better to think that way. Machines don't have feelings. Machines don't have hearts or hopes or dreams." masks the anguish of losing her one true friend Tig. "If people broke when their hearts did, I'd have a crack just like that from my forehead to my feet, that's how bad I miss Tig. Instead, I've decided that my heart is officially closed for business, Locked up for good." ​There is a quality to Ish's narration that is raw, almost brutally defiant. It is laced with Rivers' signature sardonic humor, often revealing the tender underbelly of Mischa’s fear. Coping with the loss of Tig and a prickly relationship with her sister are compounded by the diagnosis of a brain tumor. Ish needs to summon every shred of strength to battle extraordinary obstacles and hang onto hope.

Companion Book

The Girl in the Well is Me

Spare Parts by Rebecca Emberley and Ed Emberley

​It all started with a thumbprint. Emberley's charming little volume, Ed Emberley's Great Thumbprint Drawing Book started a whole new line of drawing books for kids: cartoons and characters that everyone could create. The premise? With a thumbprint as the base and a few simple lines, anyone could draw. Over the years I kept this book handy, not only for myself, but for students. It was fun. It was easy. It was great for inspiring creativity with a minimal amount of risk.

In the intervening years, Emberley's art has evolved. He has kept his creative flair, but enhanced it with bold ideas and images. Spare Parts with lively verse composed by Emberley's daughter Rebecca, introduces readers to Rhoobart.  This invented name cleverly embodies both the concepts and the sounds of the words robot, art, and part. Rhoobot's worries when it appears that he has no heart. The storyline follows his search for this essential body component. Emberley ingeniously concocts Rhoobot from a variety of recognizable tools. Grey industrial gears serve as an excellent background to this heartwarming tale. We're all spare parts. We've got secondhand hearts, It's true.

Companion Books

​One Wide River to Cross, with text adapted from an American folk song by wife Barbara, this picture book was awarded a 1967 Caldecott Honor Medal. This counting book is illustrated with silhouettes imposed on colorful backgrounds.

​Drummer Hoff, a collaboration with wife Barbara was received the 1968 Caldecott Medal. This cumulative rhyming tale tells of seven soldiers who build a cannon. The conclusion features Drummer Hoff who ignites the cannon's charge, setting off a riot of color

Louise Visits the Lone Star State

I love Louise. I love art. I love love Kelly Light, artist and author extraordinaire. She is an inspiration for anyone who has a dream. Read her story. She is an amazing presenter for young and not-so-young readers everywhere. Here is a recap of her visit to P.S 110.

Sing along "Louise Loves Art" an original song by Emiy Arrow inspired by ​Kelly Light's picture book of the same title.

Thank you, Louise, for coming to Texas and introducing us to your friend Andie. We love her too. ​ Next time you come, please bring Kelly Light with you.  Pretty please.

"How I became a killer and a thief."

The Girl I Used to Be by April Henry

The Girl I Used to Be is based on a fascinating premise: What if your mother was killed when you were only three years old? ​What if you grew up believing that your father killed your mother and then disappeared? What if at age fourteen you learned that wasn't true? What if you realize that someone killed both your father and mother? What if you return to your father's funeral, determined to find out what really happened to your parents? What if the killer is much closer to you than you ever realized?