Top Shelf: Maybe Tomorrow?

This is my favorite picture book of 2019, so far! I place it in the "perfect picture book" category.

"I miss Little Bird," said Elba.
"I miss her, too," said Norris.
"But you didn't know her."
"No, but you are my friend, so I can help you miss her."

Elba is dragging a big block behind her while Norris dances everywhere, surrounded by butterflies. Elba's heavy block makes her slowly walk and "think darkly." The block isn't fun. Something sad is waiting to come out, according to Norris. Maybe tomorrow it will, says Elba.

As the two friends spend time together, and the butterflies help tote the block, the sadness is shared and held. The block does grow smaller, but Elba accepts she will always have it, and Norris commits to helping her carry it.

Elba's block represents the death of Little Bird, but as you explore this work with your first readers, the block might also be any loss. This gem is a blessing to our shelves and us, regardless of age. Paired with Charlotte Agell's text is Ana Ramirez Gonzalez's art which manages to carry both characters' emotions beautifully. I hope Maybe Tomorrow? is found, given the chance to comfort, and passed forward. Brilliant!

Maybe Tomorrow?
by Charlotte Agell
illustrated by Ana Ramirez Gonzalez
Scholastic Press, 2019

Grumpy Bird: Jeremy Tankard

Today's recommend is Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard. When Bird wakes, he's just grumpy. Too grumpy to do much of anything but walk. As he does, he passes others who join him on his stroll. With friends at his side, it isn't long before Bird is able to lose his grumps.

Tankard's thick bold black outlines along with photo collage and abstract shapes invite a fast read as well as a slow one. One can quickly read the action, but there's also an opportunity to linger with so much to see in each spread. This work, along with its truth, should have wide appeal. Note: a hardcover was released in 2007.

Grumpy Bird
by Jeremy Tankard
Scholastic Press, 2016

Poetry Friday: Monday is One Day

"The hardest part of going to work is being apart from you.
Let's count the days until we're both at home
with a special thing to do."

I recently attended a reading and signing with Arthur A. Levine. What a lovely opportunity to hear him read his own work.

In Monday is One Day, your totz will find solace in celebrating the small moments with loved ones each day. Yes, daycare, work, and school may separate us, but looking forward to being together eases the situation. The beautiful rhyme and rhythm in the text will have you quickly repeating the lines together.

The sharp, fun imagery and color palette by Julian Hector remind me of the beloved Curious George. How can that not echo comfort?

Enjoy Monday is One Day with your totz this Poetry Friday! 

Monday is One Day

by Arthur A. Levine

illustrated by Julian Hector

Scholastic Press, 2011