For the Older Sibs: Dog Man

Dav Pilkey. Need I say more? Dav Pilkey. Captain Underpants. One of my all time favorites: Friend for Dragon, has a new series titled Dog Man. Officer Knight is tough with no brains, and Greg the dog is smart with a weak body. So, of course, the answer is to put Greg's head on Officer Knight's body following an explosion. Dog Man is the result. You'll just have to read the comic/graphic novel for yourself.

The older sibs of your totz are going to be wanting book two the sec they finish book one. I saw it coming in the catalog...Let's welcome this new breed to town!

Dog Man
by Dav Pilkey
Graphix, Scholastic, 2016

Big Kid Pick: Where's Waldo, 25 Years

Our Big Kid Pick this month is Where's Waldo? He's 25 years old, an icon of American pop culture, and ready and waiting to be introduced to the older siblings of your totz. It's just as fun now to scan the pages for that fella as it was on his first release. My college grad sat and found Waldo when the anniversary edition arrived.

How can you resist? Plus, isn't he perfect for car rides? Each illustration is full of stories that will elicit giggles. The new edition even has new searches and a poster. So here's the question: Where's Waldo? Go find him!

Where's Waldo, 25th Anniversary Edition
by Martin Handford
Candlewick Press, September 2012

May Pick for the Older Sibling: The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?

It is incredible. The duckling gets a cookie just by asking for it. Politely, of course. The older siblings of your totz are going to smile, giggle, and laugh at the pigeon, who is once again incredulous over the way the world works.

As I always say, Mo is the master. While his body of works grows, I'm continually amazed and thankful he is a voice in children's literature.

Enjoy The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? Then, with your family, bake a batch. With and without nuts.


The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?
by Mo Willems
Hyperion Book, 2012

April Pick For the Older Sibling: Paul Thurlby's Alphabet

Begun as a project to keep himself busy at the start of the recession, Paul Thurlby delivers his rendition of the alphabet. His goal was to join the object featured with the specified letter. Each letter can be found online, where he uploaded them upon completion. Thankfully, an agent discovered Paul and Templar Books brought this collection to life, both book and included poster.

The retro-modern style will appeal to all readers in the family. The imagery stimulates me to create. How about you?





Paul Thurlby's Alphabet
by Paul Thurlby
Templar Books, 2011

March Pick for the Older Sibling: Subway Story

Jesse loves being a subway car in the city. She especially loves helping people go places. The recounting of her work and the people she carries is enthralling and simple enough for kids to understand even if they don't have experience with subways.

After a quarter of a century of service, she and older cars like her are replaced by newer models. At first, Jessie fears she will be abandoned and forgotten.

But when she is hauled away on a barge with other old cars, she is momentarily scared that her fate will be even worse. Even though I knew what was likely coming because I'd read the book flaps, I felt a pang of concern for her myself because I truly cared about this subway car by now. (Young readers will worry here too, but the dark moment passes in the turn of a page.)

All ends well when, in a very satisfying conclusion, Jessie (and the other subway cars) finds a new job in the sea as part of the underwater reef. Now...

Tiny creatures called coral cling to the same poles
that people held on to when Jessie lived and worked aboveground.
Hundreds of fish dart through the doors that people once used.

This picture book has heart. The author sent me on a journey from happiness to despair to happiness again, right along with Jessie herself. I like that the recycling message grows out of the story rather than being forced upon it.

This wonderful tale is based on the true story of 1960s era subway cars that are currently being used to create artificial reefs in the Atlantic Ocean. The one-page author's note at the end offers interesting factual info about the project of creating underwater reefs.

Subway Story
Author-illustrator: Julia Sarcone-Roach
Alfred A. Knopf, 2011

February: For the Older Sibling, Where is Strawberry Mermaid Moshi?

How can you not love Strawberry Mermaid Moshi? I was smitten the instant I saw her! But then I'm a fan of all things kawaii, or "cute" in Japanese. Think Hello Kitty. Now think of the game book Where's Waldo. Look:



This double-page spread shows the busy kitchen. Everyone is working to prepare for the wedding banquet. The charge is to find the main character and the others listed along the bottom of the page, along with a few trinkets. The older siblings of your totz will spend hours pouring over the pages to find Strawberry Mermaid Moshi as she gets married.

The digitally illustrated book was originally published in Japan as Usacollie Friends, Ichigo-Ningyo Wo Sagase! The characters were first manufactured as gift shop good luck charms. Now they appear in their own oversize paperback picture books. Also available are Where is Strawberry Moshi? and Where is Strawberry Princess Moshi? Why am I all of the sudden hungry for some mochi...

MoshiMoshiKawaii
Where is Strawberry Mermaid Moshi?
Candlewick Press, 2011

December Pick for the Older Sibling: Gift Tag, Poetry Friday

Did you see the holiday e-poetry collection, Gift Tag? It was compiled by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong. I'm so happy to be in this work with other poets who write for children. Each entry was motivated by an image. You might click and purchase the book for yourself and gift it to others for just $2.99. It's spot on for little ones and older readers. Gift Tag is full of holiday memories, thoughts, and wishes you'll want to read again and again. You will love it! As a teaser, here's my entry. Happy Poetry Friday!

Tucked Between Branches

A green puff swirls

Like angel hair

Golden eyes wink

Beside warm white lights

A round belly bulges

Like a plump ornament

My Christmas tree troll

Curls a smile

And reaches out to me

Lorie Ann Grover, 2011

Gift Tag
compiled by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong
poetrytagtime.com

November For the Older Sibling: I Want My Hat Back

Initially, I was attracted to the cover of this book, and the bear's expression. But I wasn't sure I was going to like it. Was it going to be too spare and all about the great art, I wondered? But I loved this book, the minute I read it.

Bear's hat is gone, and he's looking for it with determination and stoic patience. We don't know what his hat looks like, but we go on the journey with him as he politely asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. They say no, one by one. Eventually, a deer asks a question that creates a "hey, wait a minute" moment for bear.

A sly, wry story that is perfectly illustrated. Totz will love discovering the secret before bear does and may very well be shouting at him to send him in the right direction. Highly recommend this one!

Book trailer

I Want My Hat Back
Author-illustrator: Jon Klassen
Candlewick Press, 2011

Poetry Friday: October, For the Older Sibling

Aha! I'm combining Poetry Friday with the recommend for the Older Sibling of your totz. It's a perfect fit.

Chirchir is Singing is a quiet, beautiful book full of poetry, suspense, and assurance of one's worth. I was charmed to enter Africa and was captivated by Kelly Cunnane's text. Jude Daly's illustrations are sparse and open, hinting at the vast spaces Chirchir inhabits.



Listen to the opening spread:

"High in Africa,
wind like a cat paw
wipes the sky clean.
Chirchir, Born Quickly, is singing.

Jambo! Hello! Day is growing tall.
Wake up to green sunlight and rooster's call!
"I'm going to help Mama today," Chirchir announces to Rooster,
whose feathers shimmer like fire.
And away she runs."

The language sustains as we enter Chirchir's daily work in Kenya. Share this exquisite work with the older siblings of your totz. And enjoy Poetry Friday!

Chirchir is Singing
by Kelly Cunnane
illustrated by Jude Daly
Schwartz & Wade Books, 2011

June Older Sibling Pick: Cloudette

The minute I saw this cover, I wanted to read this picture book. Tom Lichtenheld's art has that effect on me. The book trailer is adorable, too. It's Cloudette's job resume as she searches for a way to make a difference in the world.

Cloudette has personality. The text and art manage to make her so believably childlike that totz and kidz will identify with her. She isn't as big as the other clouds and wonders what she can possibly contribute. She likes being small, but the big clouds can do a lot that she can't -- like creating thunderstorms, for instance. When one of the big clouds' storms whooshes her far away, she meets a frog with a problem--an empty pond. Her solution is perfect and I was cheering for her.

Tom Lichtenheld is also the illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Duck! Rabbit! and Shark vs. Train, and Zero the Hero (Feb 2012 / written by totz co-founder Joan Holub.)

Cloudette

author-illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld

Christy Ottaviano Books / Henry Holt and Company / Macmillan, 2011

May: For the Older Sibling, I'm Not.

I love, love, love I'm Not. Absolutely. Here's a book to encourage the introvert, the quiet one blessed with a friend who is "all that." Here is a book to encourage the extrovert concerned with his own short comings.

Evelyn is not ordinary. She's mysterious, fashionable, a decorator, and a jumping bean. The protagonist is none of those. However, Evelyn is horrible at karate, scared of the dark, and crummy at making cookies. She's in need of a very best friend, exactly what the protagonist can provide, while at the same time happening to be great at karate, unafraid of the dark, and able to make the most excellent cookies.

I'm Not. is the perfect work to begin to explore how we are different and how those differences create joy in the world as well as great friendships. Older siblings will enjoy author Pam Smallcomb's humor and Robert Weinstock's cartoon images. Think James Marshall meets Dav Pilkey. How can that not be fun?

I'm Not.
by Pam Smallcomb
illustrated by Robert Weinstock
Schwartz & Wade Books, 2011

April Older Sibling Pick: Rain Brings Frogs

True to the subtitle of this book, Nate--the upbeat hero of the story--is a ray of sunshine, offering a lighthearted dose of much-needed hope. The first spread reads:

When Mom says, I HATE RAIN.
Nate says, RAIN BRINGS FROGS!

Lately, I have considered the maxim that "little pitchers have big ears," and I've wondered how the tragedy and turmoil in the world is affecting young children. There's a lot of angst out there, and this book is a timely reminder that there is good after bad. Totz haven't lived long enough to know that and may need this idea reinforced.

One of my favorite spreads in this books is the one with an illustration of what appears to be the finale of a swim team race. A dejected Casey clutches a 2nd place ribbon, while Nate's waving a 5th place ribbon:

When Casey says, I LOST.
Nate says, I FINISHED!

Rain Brings Frogs reinforces many such instances of "looking on the bright side," yet it's not saccharine. I'm a fan of Maryann Cocca-Leffler's and a friend. When I received this book from her publisher, I was delighted to see that it was already in a 2nd reprinting! You go, Maryann!

Rain Brings Frogs
Author-illustrator: Maryann Cocca-Leffler
HarperCollins, 2011

June Pick for the Older Sibling: The Garbage Barge

Do you remember this news story?

In 1987, a barge loaded with many tons of garbage left Long Island, New York. The garbage could not be buried locally, so the plan was to dump it in a landfill somewhere else. But it was turned away from ports over and over. It became infamous as the most unwelcome trash ever! This book is an amusing fictionalized account of that intriguing tale.

The barge visits North Carolina, New Orleans, Mexico, Belize...and winds up returning to New York. Meanwhile, it is the talk of TV and is splashed all over the news.

The Garbage Barge serves as an encouragement to recycle and take better care of our shared environment. The ending pretty much says it all:
MORAL: Don't Make So Much Garbage

The illustrations are fascinating. Like nothing I've seen before. Check out the video on the Amazon page that showcases their creation. A cover Red Nose Studio created for Angie's List magazine is a favorite of mine. On the blog, click on the September 2009 link.

The Garbage Barge
Jonah Winter, author
Red Nose Studio illustrations
Schwartz & Wade, 2010 (A Random House imprint)

For the Older Sibling: Paris in the Spring with Picasso

I am so happy to recommend Paris in the Spring with Picasso for the older sibling of your totz! Gertrude Stein and her friends were always so compelling to me. How about introducing your children to Paris and Gertrude's friends?

Come along to the Saturday soiree at Gertrude and her brother Leo Stein's home. But before you arrive, spend the day in the city with her fascinating friends, among them: Guillaume Apollinaire, Marie Laurencin, Max Jacob, and Pablo Picasso. Visit each in turn and more as the day progresses, until you are walking past the Notre Dame Cathedral and Circus Medrano as the sun sets. Peek in on Gertrude and her friend Alice B. Toklas as they prepare for the evening. When the guests arrive, the party begins for all.

Joan Yolleck's cheerful conversational tone makes the material completely approachable and fun. She speaks directly to the reader and closes the work by asking what you think the friends will talk about. A nonfiction spread completes the picture book with short biographical notes of the characters.

Marjorie Priceman, Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin, is the perfect illustrator for this work. Her loose, free line with transparent layers captures the vitality of both the city and people. She takes freedom to turn the illustration layout when necessary to convey the size and commotion of the street. Her black lines dance among the bold, popping colors. It's obvious she visited Paris in preparation for these paintings. Brava, Schwartz & Wade Books for matching these two artists, Joan and Marjorie.

I heartily recommend this excursion with the older siblings of your totz! Join the soiree!

Paris in the Spring with Picasso
by Joan Yolleck
illustrated by Marjorie Priceman
Schwartz & Wade Books, 2010

April Pick for the Older Sibling: The Solar Car Book

The Solar Car Book
A Complete Build-It-Yourself Kit
Just Add Sun!

This is so incredibly cool. Not only does it contain glossy, sturdy punch-out car parts, a real motor, axles, wheels, and all the parts to build a working model solar car, it also:
1. gives full, understandable instructions on how to assemble this solar car;
2. tells how to get your car to go in circles;
3. tells how to get your car to work indoors;
4. has pages of info about solar power, how cars work, and more science stuff, all written in a brisk, humorous style that appeals;
5. and includes a challenge issued by Klutz to try and beat the records Klutz set in various dashes and marathons when they tested their car.

Below is the back cover, showing the finished car. A friend who's very intrigued by solar cars, built the car and he noted that it must be placed in direct sunlight to work. He had fun putting it together and is now entertaining his family by running it around the driveway and sidewalks.

Once you remove the plastic encased parts on the cover, the spiral-bound book itself remains intact and usable. Well thought out. Kudos to Klutz!























The Solar Car Book
Klutz
by the editors of Klutz, ages 8 and up

February Pick for Totz and Older Siblings: Can You Make A Scary Face?

This book is hilarious. A perfect read-aloud. It's unusual in that the main character speaks directly to readers. I watched a storytime in a local store and the audience of totz and their siblings enjoyed it as much as I did.

The narrator is a big ladybug painted in bold colors, and it begins with her saying...
Can you make a scary face?
Hey, you!
Yes, I'm talking to you! STAND UP!
No, I changed my mind... SIT DOWN!
No, I changed my mind AGAIN. STAND UP!

Kids in the audience were delighted to obey this bossy ladybug's every command, giggling all the while. There's a moment of humorous tension when a big frog comes along and actually scares the ladybug. She enlists the help of readers in scaring him away. But then the audience scares her off!

Very clever and unusual. Loved it.

Can You Make A Scary Face?
By Jan Thomas
Beach Lane Books, 2009

December Pick for the Older Sib: The True Story of Goldilocks

In this prequel to the Goldilocks fairy tale, Mama Bear and Papa Bear invite the very good Goldilocks to into their home, hoping she might be a good influence on naughty Little Bear. But Little Bear doesn’t like Goody Two-Shoes Goldie (as he calls her), and Goldilocks thinks he’s un-BEARable! Eventually, Little Bear decides to mend his naughty ways, but then he becomes so very good that Goldie is a little bored. She soon gets an idea that will turn things around. As the Bear family goes off to visit . . . well, you'll have to read the book for your self to see how things turn out.

This 8x8" novelty book is jam-packed with all kinds of cool things to manipulate: lift-the-flaps, envelopes with messages inside, a wheel to turn, a tab to move, some high-relief art, and most elaborate of all in the end -- a pop-up Bear house. The art is very appealing and works well with the story.

It's recommended for ages 3 and up, but I think the story and moveable parts make it skew a little older. Overall, a delightful book thats perfect for your totz older sibling!

The True Story of Goldilocks

Candlewick, Templar Books
Author: Agnese Baruzzi
Illustrator: Sandro Natalini
2009

November Pick for the Older Sib: The Princess's Blankets

I chose The Princess's Blankets as my pick for the older sibling this month because of it's traditional fantasy storytelling paired with fine art. The combination is stunning!

In a time when the publishing industry is focused on zombies, knock offs, and the naughty child, author Carol Ann Duffy's picture book shines with freshness. Imagine a princess who is always cold, concerned parents, a stranger with hard cold eyes, and a musician with a warm heart. Then ponder what truly warms the soul. Is it receiving the world in your lap, despite what it might rob from others, or could it be a song played in love, and a warm kiss on a fingertip?

Templar Books, an imprint of Candlewick, has illustrated Duffy's text with fine art paintings. These are Catherine Hyde's interpretations of the story and each work is valued and noted separately in the introduction. Hyde works on acrylic on canvas with gold, copper, and silver leaf. The end flap quotes her as saying:

"I read and reread the story many times until I saw it in terms of atmosphere and color. I wanted the mood to change like the seasons as the story progressed, so the paintings run from hot and bright to moody and harsh and finally to warm and sensual."



This beautiful work ought to garner awards left and right. Add it to your collection and enrich storytime with the older siblings of your totz!

The Princess's Blankets
by Carol Ann Duffy
paintings by Catherine Hyde
Templar Books, 2009

~Lorie Ann Grover

For the Older Sibling: Song of Middle C

The art is what initially attracted me to this book. It's a pleasing blend of the contemporary and the retro. The palatte is subdued, the lines simple, and there's plenty of fun to be had here.

Now on to the story, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Told in first person, it's a fun, realistic, smart tale about a girl who's facing her first piano recital -- "Dance of the Wood Elves." Her mom says "Practice Makes Perfect." So she practices and teaches us a thing or two about preparation and piano skills as we await her big day. On recital day, she practices bowing in front of her mirror. She wears her lucky underwear (pink with music notes) for good measure. All the kids line up waiting for their turns to perform, but . . .

At the recital, I wait and wait and wait.
Did you know that piano recitals take a long,
long time? Especially when your song is the
very last song on the program.
The very, very last song.
But am I nervous?
Hoo boy, no!
Not one tiny bit.
That's because I'm cool as a cucumber.

Then, she's on the bench and things quickly go awry:

Fingers? Hello?
Wood elves, where are you?
Lucky underwear, don't fail me now!

I like her spunky way of thinking, which serves her well as things don't go as planned. Any child who has ever been faced with the pressure of performing in the spotlight--and haven't we all-- will relate to this cute book!

Song of Middle C
Alison McGhee, author
Scott Menchin, illustrator
picture book
Candlewick Press, 2009

~ Reviewed by Joan Holub, author

For the Older Sibling: The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau

What makes a picture book stand out from the crowd? How about unique art treatments, interesting layouts, intriguing perspectives, and tight text? The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau includes each of these elements and more. When I first opened this work, I knew I was holding a gem. I'll be shocked if this doesn't garner awards.

Author/illustrator Dan Yaccarino's text relays the life of Cousteau, from childhood to adult. The simple font does not detract from the illustrations and almost reflects the voice of the storyteller. The pacing of facts, interspersed with quotes from Cousteau, is brilliant. Yaccarino conveys so much feeling in this non-fiction work.

"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." Jacques-Yves Cousteau

Yaccarino's gouache and airbrush treatments perfectly capture the underwater world. The layers of imagery and color pull the attention into the multitude of details. The large format is able to hold the world Cousteau uncovers.



I've watched adults pick up this work and say, "I didn't know Cousteau co-invented the Aqua-Lung," while children say, "I didn't really know who he was before." Then both groups sink into the story.

I'm so happy to share this beautiful book with you this month. The siblings, friends, and family of your readertotz will be amazed by Cousteau's journey, discoveries, and achievements, captured and shared brilliantly by Yaccarino. Here's my favorite quote which concludes the book:

"If we were logical, the future would be bleak indeed. But we are more than logical. We are human beings, and we have faith, and we have hope, and we can work."

The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau
by Dan Yaccarino
Alfred A. Knopf, 2009