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READING STYLE GUIDE

World of Art

11/14/2019

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Superlative 2019 Illustrated Children's Books 

Each book is a visual treat.
Members of the 2019 panel:
  • Bruce Handy, a journalist and critic and the author of “Wild Things: The Joy of Reading Children’s Literature as an Adult.”
  • Jessica Cline, supervising librarian in the Picture Collection of the New York Public Library.
  • Jillian Tamaki, the Book Review’s By the Book illustrator and a past winner of the award. She is the author and illustrator of several graphic novels and the picture book “They Say Blue.”
This selection of books is particularly notable by the number of books with an international connection: authors and illustrators represent an array of countries and cultures.  A stunning variety of story lines, book design, artistic styles and expression are evidence of the universal appeal of fine art for young readers. This small sample from ten award winners invites readers to visit a local bookstore or library and experience the wonder of picture books for children.
Travel the world with this year's award winners.  Pairing these picture books with a map of the world would make an interesting learning experience for young readers. Note: Books with a connection outside the continental United States are designated with a global icon. 
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Small in the City written and illustrated by Sydney Smith
Sydney Smith  lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Small in the City published by Neal Porter Books, is an imprint of Holiday House. The story is set in Toronto. Fun Fact: Town Is by the Sea, illustrated by Smith is a 2017 Best Illustrated Children's Book. 

Another written and illustrated by Christian Robinson

Christian Robinson lives in San Francisco, California in a converted warehouse. Another is published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon and Schuster. Fun Fact: Leo: A Ghost Story was recognized a 2015 Best Illustrated Children's Book.
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The Lost Cousins written and illustrated by B.B. Cronin
Brian Cronin was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland.  He now lives in New York. The Lost Cousins is published by Viking Books for Young Readers. Fun Fact: Cronin has created several Lost titles including The Lost Christmas, The Lost Picnic, The Lost House.
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A Million Dots written and illustrated by Sven Völker
Sven Völker, German Professor of Art and Design. A Million Dots is published by British publisher, Cicada Books. Fun Fact: There's a Little Black Spot on the Sun Today is a collaboration: "King of Pain" lyrics by Sting and illustrations by Völker.
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Just Because written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault
Isabelle Arsenault is a Canadian illustrator living in Montreal, Quebec. Just Because is published by Candlewick. Fun Fact: Migrant (2011) and Jane, the Fox, and Me (2013) are New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books.
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Child of Glass written and illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna
Beatrice Alemagna is from Bologna, Italy. Child of Glass is published by Enchanted Lion Books. Fun Fact: Alemagna's On a Magical Do-Nothing Day is a 2017 New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book.
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Monkey on the Run written and illustrated by Leo Timmers
​Leo Timmers was born in Belgium. Monkey on the Run is published by Gecko Press in New Zealand. Fun Fact: Timmers is currently developing an animated TV series based on his work.
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The Boring Book written and illustrated by Shinsuke Yoshitake
Shinsuke ​Yoshitake, born in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan illustrates children's books and essays. ​The Boring Book is published by Chronicle Books. Fun Fact: Yoshitake also creates comics.
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​The Farmer written and illustrated by Ximo Abadía
Ximo Abadía, illustrator and graphic designer, lives and works in Madrid, Spain.   The Farmer is published by Holiday House. Fun Fact: His work was selected for the Bologna Children's Illustrator's Exhibition in 2017.
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I Miss My Grandpa written and illustrated by Jin Xiaojing
​Jin Xiaojing is an illustrator based in New York City. I Miss My Grandpa is published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Fun Fact: Printed in a bilingual format with Chinese translations and Mandarin pinyin transliterations.

Art in the Making​

Art History
Visit this year's award-winning  artists at work.
View the New York Times New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Books from  2018 and 2017.  
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A Quest

11/12/2019

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The Perfect Seat by Minh Lê ill by Gus Gordon

“Can you read to me?”
​This simple request sets in motion a quest.
Adult moose and a young mooseling sporting a shirt with the numeral four (hinting perhaps four years of age?) want to share a story. But where? A search is underway. Readers will recognize a familiar pattern.
One seat too big. The next too small.
Another too old. Followed by one that is too new.
The rhythm breaks with queries such as "Should the perfect seat make you this dizzy?" when big moose's hat goes flying off his head and "Are you okay down there?" when moose is beneath the bridge .
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With gentle humor, the author sends the pair on a search for a solution to their problem. Eventually, the perfect solution falls right into their laps.  
Lots of explore on each page. Gordon chooses to focus on the central characters by sketching supporting cast members with a blue-grey outline. A bird flits from page to page. The map featured on the end pages warrants attention.  There is a street to "nowhere interesting" and a Nessie-like creature floats in the middle of a lake that is "quite wet." 
"Can you read to me?" is an invitation to explore. Lê shows readers that reading brings delightful and unexpected discoveries.
​Looking for a follow-up activity?
After reading The Perfect Seat, bear and I went in search of the best spot for reading.
Invite young readers to select a favorite book and the best place to be while reading. Create a photo gallery of perfect places to read favorite books. Be sure to caption the photo with the book title. Credit the author and illustrator as well. Note: If privacy is a concern, use a stuffed critter for the photo shoot.
​
What's your perfect seat?
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: November 12, 2019  Publisher: Disney-Hyperion ISBN: 978-1368020046
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Curiosity on Mars

10/29/2019

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Red Rover: Curiosity on Mars by Richard Ho ill by Katherine Roy

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Here's an intriguing approach for an informational picture book: anthropomorphize a mobile space laboratory. Red Rover: Curiosity on Mars introduces young readers to Curiosity, a two-thousand-pound laboratory exploring the geology and climate of Mars for seven years.
With succinct sentences and elegant language Richard Ho describes the mission, history, and accomplishments of the scientific endeavor.
​It ...is quiet...but not still.
Vast...but not empty.
Barren...but not lifeless.
Near the book's conclusion the perspective shifts. Moving beyond Curiosity's close-up view, the planet Mars takes up the narration and provides readers with an expanded view of space exploration.
Katherine Roy's predominantly red color palette is awe-inspiring. Full two-page spreads echo the vastness of the endeavor. Inset images offer additional details. A gatefold reveals a stunning panoramic vista. Magnificent!
​Supplemental matter includes Mars at a Glance factoids, background information of the Curiosity project, a brief description of each of the previous unmanned explorers, list of additional print and online resources.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: October 29, 2019 Publisher: Roaring Brook Press ISBN: 978-1250198334
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Celebration of Light

10/26/2019

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Shubh Diwali! by Chitra Soundar ill by Charlene Chua

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Diwali, a five-day Hindu festival, commences with the new moon on the darkest night of fall. The picture book Shubh Diwali! introduces young readers to this festival of light.
A multigenerational family dressed in western clothing prepare and decorate their home in anticipation of the holiday. Observance includes wearing new traditional clothing, telling stories, ringing bells, and lighting lamps.
Soundar's rhyming couplets provides a glimpse into the celebration. Back matter includes an Author's Note which introduces Diwali in more detail with her personal recollections, a brief description of each of the Five Days of Diwali and a Glossary.
Chua's illustrations feature wide-eyed family and friends who have a variety of skin tones and manner of dress. Included are depictions of individuals with disabilities.
A complementary color palette that is predominantly various shades of gold and purple accentuate the night sky and contrast with the dazzling fireworks and lamp light. Interior scenes in warm yellows and golds reinforce the warmth and closeness of family and friends.
Wide-eyed wonder of the children's illuminated faces on the cover is particularly striking.

​​Dessert Over Darkness

Celebrate with this traditional Diwali treat.
​Shrikhand (Strained Sweet Yogurt)
​Shrikhand is a creamy yogurt-based dessert from western India made simply by straining yogurt and sweetening it. The yogurt is traditionally strained by pressing it between newspaper (to soak up extra whey), but if you can find thick, full-fat Greek yogurt at the grocery store, then the process is even simpler: Hang it in a mesh strainer over a bowl for a day, and let the excess whey drip out. You can substitute slivered almonds for pistachios, if that's more your speed, or even skip the nuts altogether for a smooth shrikhand flavored only with sugar, cardamom and a celebratory sprinkle of saffron threads.
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INGREDIENTS
  • 32 ounces plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 ½ cups loosely packed confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup roasted unsalted or lightly salted pistachios, roughly chopped, plus ⅓ cup for garnish, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon saffron threads, finely chopped, plus a pinch for garnish, finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
PREPARATION
  1. Put yogurt in a fine-mesh strainer suspended over a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge. Let excess whey strain for 24 hours.
  2. Transfer yogurt to a large mixing bowl, and gently stir in sugar, pistachios, saffron and cardamom. When they are combined, transfer mixture into a serving dish, using an offset spatula to smooth out the top. Evenly sprinkle reserved pistachios and pinch of saffron over the top, and chill for an hour before serving. Shrikhand will keep covered in the fridge for a few days (though the pistachios will soften).
Recipe: NYT via When It’s Too Hot For Cooking, Try Yogurt For Dessert  TEJAL RAO
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: September 1, 2019  Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company  ISBN: 978-0807573556
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Mysterious Doings

10/15/2019

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The Upper Case: Trouble in Capital City
by Tara Lazar ill by Ross MacDonald

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Following up on her hit picture book 7 Ate 9: The Untold Story Tara Lazar brings readers another clever take on our alphabet system, specifically capitalized letters.
Readers are treated to a noir style whodunit. Private I is informed by Question Mark that the capital letters are missing. ALL of them. Our intrepid detective is on the case.
This was serious. If all the capital letters were gone, there’d be incomplete sentences dangling everywhere.
The super sleuth begins to search for clues, hoping to enlist the assistance of punctuation marks. They are busy. Hyphens dashes around, apostrophe gathers personal possessions, while ampersand minds her p's and q's. Lazar is a master of the well-placed pun.
Eventually Private I returns to waitress little b at Café Uno. Together they locate the missing letters and rescue them from a theater marque. "I'd always wanted to see my name in lights."
Tranquility is restored. Or is it? The final page suggests that there will be more mysteries for Private I.
MacDonald's illustrations add to the frivolity. Letters fade away. Distinctive expressions animate the punctuation and letter faces. Observant readers will find Easter Eggs scattered throughout the book. Hints: Look for the train with conjunction cars attached behind the engine and find Exclamation reading a copy of 7Ate 9. Final tip: keep an eye on the mouse.
The Upper Case: Trouble in Capital City is a read aloud delight. Who knew that grammar and punctuation could be so much fun?

Upper Case Antics

The Upper Case trailer
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Alphabuild magnetic blocks
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Bake alphabet cookies
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: October 15, 2019  Publisher: Disney-Hyperion  ISBN: 978-1368027656
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Outfoxed

10/1/2019

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One Fox: A Counting Book Thriller by Kate Read

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Can a counting book be a thriller? In the capable hands of Kate Read the answer is an emphatic YES.
The title page features paw prints, stealthily walking across the two-page spread and heading into... the first page and one famished fox. Page two zooms in on the face of said fox, shifty eyes focused on its prey. A single feather floating at the bottom of the page is a tantalizing hint as to what will follow.
The page turn confirms our suspicions.
​Three plump hens.
The tension builds as readers follow the items enumerated on subsequent pages: snug eggs, silent steps, on ominous tapping, beady eyes shining in the darkness, and a set of sharp teeth.
What will happen now? Read's theatrical background is evident as a climactic scene explodes in a wild riot of flying feathers. The conclusion will leave audiences sighing with relief and immediate cries from youngsters "Read it again." 
Striking illustrations feature bold colors, textured paper collage, and interesting shapes accented with printed details.  Design composition  and carefully planned page turns  make One Fox: A Counting Book Thriller a visual treat.
Read has elevated the simple counting book format to high drama.  Debut author/artist Kate Read is one to watch. 

Outfoxing a Fox

These classic picture books feature a trio of  hungry foxes.
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Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: October 1, 2019  Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company  ISBN: 978-1682631317
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You've Got a Friend

9/26/2019

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Aalfred and Aalbert by Morag Hood

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Morag Hood is back with another inventive tale of friendship. She still manages to spend some time in at the grocers where Carrot and Pea hang out. However, for this book broccoli and cheese play a supporting part.
Starring roles belong to two aardvarks. Aalfred and Aalbert. Name spelling is a playful nod to the species nomenclature.
Although the two aardvarks have neighboring burrows, they have never met. Each has a very distinct lifestyle, one active during the day and the other nocturnal. They seem destined to remain apart.
Until an observant bird decides to intervene.
The bird tries several different tactics to bring the potential friends together.  All these well-meaning attempts fail. Until... Aalfred notices the bird is dejected and decides to do something to cheer up his feathered friend. On his way to visit bird, he slips and tumbles into Aalbert's burrow. This chance encounter leads to a lifetime friendship for the aardvarks, filled with picnics, tennis, and quantities of broccoli with cheese sauce. 
Astute young readers will notice that this is more than a story of two unusual characters who meet and become friends. It is the story of a bird who helps others become friends. An example of true friendship.
A note about the primarily blue and orange color palette. These are traditionally referred to as complementary colors. This color scheme emphasizes contrasts between the two mammals.
​"Complementary colors are pairs of colors which, when combined or mixed, cancel each other out by producing a grayscale color like white or black. When placed next to each other, they create the strongest contrast for those two colors. Complementary colors may also be called "opposite colors."                                                                                      Wikipedia

It's Science

In addition to a story of friendship and an exploration of the color wheel, Aalfred and Aalbert can be used as an introduction to nocturnal animals and magnetic fields. This picture book offers a wealth of teaching opportunities.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: September 1, 2019  Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company  ISBN: 978-1682631218
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Weave Me a Story

9/17/2019

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At the Mountain's Base by Traci Sorell ill by Weshoyot Alvitre

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Sorell's cumulative verse begins beneath a hickory tree at the base of a mountain. The scene zooms in to reveal a cabin beneath the spreading branches of the tree. Stepping inside the cabin, readers see a simple yet welcoming home. Generations of Cherokee women watch as a grandma picks up fibers and weaves a pattern. She is intertwining more than strands of colored wool. She is weaving together a family, bound by love and tradition. 
Her threads extend beyond the walls of the cabin and encompass a family member far away.
A pilot flying far away in war-ravaged skies senses the influence of her grandma's songs and prayers. It is a prayer is for peace and a safe return.
An Author's Note explains that while this story fictional, it is based on the service of one Native American woman, Ola Mildred "MIllie" Rexroat an OgLaLa Lakota pilot. 
Alvitre's evocative illustrations highlight Native American culture and the strong influence of the family matriarch. My favorite illustration is a two-page spread close-up of grandma's gnarled arthritic hands as she weaves. Her years of devotion to family and her craft are a testament to a grandmother's care for her family.
At the Mountain's Base offers a glimpse into a tightly knit structure that treasures home and family.
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The Art of Weaving

My family's roots are in the American Southwest. Through marriage, friendships, and partnerships, we have learned to appreciate and respect the Navajo Nation. We were blessed to receive a beautiful hand-woven blanket, made from natural fibers and woven in a pattern similar to the blanket featured in the video.
I have always admired the intricately woven baskets similar to those created by Native American artist Shan Goshorn. 

Cumulative Verse

Explore these wonderful cumulative tales.  They might inspire youngsters to try writing their own cumulative verse.
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Uncorrected copy provided by publisher
Pub date: September 17, 2019  Publisher: Kokila  ISBN: 978-0735230606
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Just Friends

8/31/2019

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Duck and Penguin are NOT Friends
by Julia Woolf

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Betty and Maud are best friends. The girls love to spend time together and always include their favorite soft toy animals. Betty brings her squishy yellow Duck. Maud has her huggable snuggable Penguin.
Because the girls are so fond of one another, they assume that Duck and Penguin share similar feelings.
Not so. Not so at all.
While the girls are having fun, Duck and Penguin are engaged in minor warfare: stomping on sand creations, hurling eggs, tagging with copious amounts of paint.
Betty and Maud are oblivious to their stuffed animals’ animosity, exclaiming, "They love each other so much."
After treating their toys to a bath and fluff up with the blow drier, the girls are ready for the ultimate activity: "itty- bitty babies." The pair are placed in miniature strollers and dressed in ruffled pink bonnets. The ultimate humiliation is when pacifiers are plopped into the mouths of the indignant duo. Duck and Penguin have had enough. They sneak away from the girls and have fun on their own. They know that time with an arch enemy is better than being itty-bitty babies.
Duck and Penguin are NOT Friends has all the elements of a memorable picture book: a plot line with a clever twist, charming characters, dialog that begs to be read aloud, and illustrations popping with personality and humor. Julia Woolf is at the top of her game. This is one of those picture books that is entertaining for readers of any age. Adults will have as much fun as children, laughing along with the exploits of this cantankerous twosome.
The end papers featuring Duck and Penguin playing together are a bonus.

When the Kids Aren't Watching

Many libraries host Stuffed Animal Sleepovers. Children are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal for an evening of stories, crafts, and snacks. After tucking their treasured toys in for the night, kids head home. That's when the fun begins. The stuffed animals find their way into various activities throughout the building. Staff members take photos of the toys' after-dark escapades. Children return to the library the next morning to retrieve their stuffed animals and view photographs of their animals enjoying a night in the library.
This activity makes an excellent follow up to the story of Duck and Penguin.
Pub date: September 1, 2019  Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company  ISBN: 978-1682631324
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
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Asking for a Friend

8/23/2019

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Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You
​by Sonia Sotomayor ill by Rafael López

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Sotomayor has penned a thoughtful picture book, exploring and celebrating differences.  She introduces the concept with a garden analogy. Sonia and her friends are planting a garden filled with an assortment of plants. Some produce flowers, others fruit. They have a range of characteristics and respond to different types of growing conditions. Like plants, each person is unique, possessing a variety of distinguishing attributes.
Subsequent pages introduce children with distinctive characteristics and circumstances. Beginning with Sonia's diabetes, individual children are introduced who live with  asthma, dyslexia, autism, Tourette's syndrome, attention deficit/hyperactivity, food allergies, and Down Syndrome as well as those needing assistance with mobility, vision, hearing, or speech.
Each child is a individual with a name and special personality. Each one experiences a challenge.  
The narrative encourages readers to understand individual disabilities.  The page concludes with a question which to help youngsters relate to those who may appear different.  Questions include such queries as:
Do you need to take medicine to be healthy?
Do you use a tool to help your body?
How do you use your senses?
Are you really good at something?
What do you like to talk about?
Do you ever wonder if people understand you?
What's helpful to you?
López illustrations echo the concept of children planting a garden. Cover art features a glorious array of letters created from parts of colorful plants and flowers.
End papers showcase line drawings of children mentioned in the text and are interspersed with fanciful plants similar in size to the active and energetic kids.
Images radiate joy. Children with disabilities are not pitied.  They are resourceful, productive people. The world is a better and happier place because of these youngsters. Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You is a cheerful and encouraging picture book to share with children everywhere, helping them to understand and appreciate differences.
In her introductory letter Sonia Sotomayor describes living with juvenile diabetes. She relates her feeling that others perceived her need to inoculate herself with insulin as wrong. She wants to dispel this false notion.
This book will be an important and welcome addition to home, school, public, and classroom libraries. It can be placed in nurse, doctor, therapist, and other health care provider offices. Consider adding this book to after-school programs, community and church youth centers. The message is universal. ​
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Also available in Spanish and audio editions.  Respect the learning styles for a variety of children by ordering copies in all three formats.
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Sonia finds a quiet moment to rest among the flowers to administer her insulin.
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Rafael adorns the garden with beautifully painted rocks. He keeps his inhaler handy.

Rafael López Picture Books

Celebrate individual differences with these gorgeous books illustrated by Rafael López. 
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Copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: September 3, 2019  Publisher: Philomel Books  ISBN: 978-0525514121
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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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