More, more, more: A Bear Far from Home: Susan Fletcher

A Bear Far From Home is an historical incident, plus beautiful writing filled with wonder, and illustrations inspired by medieval tapestries. For the older siblings of your readertotz, Susan Fletcher's imagined recounting of a white bear finding itself relocated in England is a beautiful tribute to beginning again. As well, the door will be opened to discuss oppression, zoos, slavery, and the rights of all. The bear finds a new home; yet, it is chained and in a foreign environment. Fletcher brings the readers' empathy alongside the bear, as she imagines how it feels throughout the entire experience. 

"Imagine

how strange and loud and lonely

the world must have seemed 

to the bear--" 

Rebecca Green's illustrations pay homage to the time and space. The Tower of London, the King's Menagerie and King Henry III are featured. Layouts and perspectives vary and increase the emotional impact of the work. 

This exquisitely rendered book will provoke thoughts and emotions in readers. Just imagine. Let the connections rise and discussions begin!

A Bear Far From Home

by Susan Fletcher

illustrated by Rebecca Green

Anne Schwartz Books, 9/27/2022

More, more, more: Most Perfect You

 

What if your mother asked God specifically for each of your physical characteristics? What if she chose your skin color, your spectacular hair, and the exact shape of your sparkling eyes? Jazmyn Simon's Most Perfect You creates that setting for a young girl to accept and love the body she's been given. Including her big, kind heart. 

Tamisha Anthony's imaginative, sweeping illustrations carry us from the child's home into the atmosphere of possibility and back home again. A reader gains an additional appreciation for the multitude of beautiful options through Anthony's beautiful paintings. 

Help your child to look in the mirror and see their most perfect self. Find many to share this picture book with to appreciate the beauty we've each been given. 

Most Perfect You

by Jazmyn Simon

illustrated by Tamisha Anthony

Random House, 2022

More, more, more: Out of a Jar, Deborah Marcero

As feelings are strong, and we search for answers, meaning, and peace, Out of a Jar by Deborah Marcero might be a perfect place to begin with your readertotz. Llewellyn the bunny likes all things scary, but he does not like to be scared. Other feelings, too, can't be ignored and continue to come around, but all is well when Llewellyn discovers they can be tucked inside jars. Even pleasant feelings can be bottled. It's not until they are all released that he is able to finally feel relieved. 

This adorable bunny with long ears, who lives in a subtly patterned world, will win hearts. The fresh exploration may help your first readers to identify emotions and assist them in witnessing and expressing their feelings in healthy ways. 

Out of a Jar

by Deborah Marcero

G. P. Putnam, 2022

deborahmarcero.com

More, more, more: On Wings of Words

On Wings of Words, the Extraordinary Life of Emily Dickinson is a beautiful presentation of the poet's life and words. Jennifer Berne captures Emily's experiences, and Becca Stadtlander's art sets a perfect tone for the setting. At times, illustrations are historically accurate, but the work flies even farther when she is free to render Emily's thoughts and emotions. 

The weaving of portions of poems with the author's text is organic and well-weighted: 

"But everywhere she looked,

she was told to obey without asking,

to believe without knowing why. 

  

        So she began to put her faith in

        what she could see and understand.

                    In the name of the Bee-

                    And of the Butterfly-

                    And of the Breeze-Amen!"

Add this tribute to our beloved poet to your library for your totz. 

"The World is sleeping...we must

be crowing cocks, and singing larks,

and a rising sun to awake her." 

On Wings of Words, The Extraordinary Life of Emily Dickinson

by Jennifer Berne

illustrated by Becca Stadtlander

Chronicle Books, 2020

More, more, more: When We Say Black Lives Matter

Here is a must find, must purchase, must share! When We Say Black Lives Matter is the poetic, spot-on answer for our readertotz when they ask, "What does Black Lives Matter mean?" 

Maxine Beneba Clarke's direct, compassionate beauty fills this picture book as black parents speak to their black child. Clarke's watercolor pencil and collage resembles chalk drawings which glow like stained glass over the large format. Verbs illuminate what this powerful statement means, whether it is screamed, danced, or laughed. 

"When we smile

Black Lives Matter,

we're raising our spirits high.

We're saying

we are here,

and we are enough.

Black-beautiful-brave, 

my child."

Let Clarke, who is speaking to her own beloved family around the world, fill your home with affirmations of truth and joy. Black Lives Matter. 

When We Say Black Lives Matter

by Maxine Beneba Clarke

Candlewick Press, 2021

More, more, more: Goodnight Ganesha

 

There is so much beauty in this work from Nadia Salomon, illustrated by Poonam Mistry. With a nod to Goodnight Moon, two children say goodnight to Ganesha, as they visit their grandparents in India. The evening includes stories and rituals which set a beautiful tone. 

Mistry's tapestry style artwork brings mystery, warmth, and awe. You can look long at the intricate patterns and stylizations which accompany Salomon's rhyming text. 

Goodnight, thali.

Goodnight, kumkum. 

Goodnight, deepam--and wafts of perfume. 

Visit this beauty with your totz before they drift to sleep. 

Goodnight Ganesha

by Nadia Salomon

illustrated by Poonam Mistry

Philomel Books, 2021

More, more, more: ABC of Feelings

How many of us could benefit from this new picture book? I can! Author/illustrator Bonnie Lui brings a range of emotions to young readers by walking through the alphabet. Short definitions and expressive illustrations aid in the teaching. A background painter for Dreamworks and WB, Lui has created beauty in another format for all to enjoy. 

A is for anxious. Anxious is feeling really worried about something. 

B is for brave. Brave is being nervous about something...and doing it anyway!

or

N is for needy. Needy is wanting someone you love to pay attention to you. 

O is for overwhelmed. Overwhelmed is having too many thoughts and feelings all at once. 

I can imagine reaching for this book over and over as your readertotz gain self-awareness and learn to identify emotions. Get ready to spot those feelings!

ABC of Feelings

by Bonnie Lui

Philomel, 2021

More, more, more: I am the Shark

The great white shark enters bold as the greatest shark there is. It isn't long before he's challenged. There are other sharks who are great, as well. They swim faster, live longer, hide better, and more. The great white shark learns there will always be others who are great and greater than him. To be happy, being yourself is the way to swim. Along the way, first readers will learn fascinating, fun facts about many shark varieties. And who knows? Maybe it's your joyful smile that will set you apart in the end. Regardless, there's room for all to be admired and enjoyed for who they are. Even a bear...

Joan Holub's funny, heartwarming text bounces along with the great white's search for specialty. Laurie Keller's art amps the humor to its fullest level. What a winning combination for schools, libraries, and families who love sharks! 

I am the Shark

by Joan Holub

illustrated by Laurie Keller

Crown Books for Young Readers

More, more, more: Sulwe, Lupita Nyong'o

Enjoy this entire, awarded, beautiful work! 

 

Sulwe

by Lupita Nyong'o

illustrated by Vashti Harrison

Simon & Schuster

More, more, more: The Extraordinary Book That Eats Itself

This work truly is extraordinary. Every last little bit can be used in eco-friendly projects. Thirty activities will keep you and your readertotz busy. You will cut, and fold, and tear, and glue your way through fun that will benefit our earth. 

Illustrations by Pintachan are charming and Susan Hayes and Penny Arlan's text is engaging and not overly heavy. The entire work is a delight. Holding it in your hands, one is immediately inspired to action. The only difficulty is deciding where to start! 

You can rescue old clothes, build a bug hotel, chase away electricity vampires, upcycle your junk, and more. Checklists are provided for various challenges as changes are attempted and actions are taken.

Alone and together, we can make a difference as we journey forward. Bravo, Earthaware Kids!

The Extraordinary Book That Eats Itself

by Susan Hayes and Penny Arlan

illustrated by Pintachan

Earthaware Kids, 2020

More, more, more: My First Day

There's so much beauty in this upcoming picture book. My First Day takes the reader down the Mekong Delta to school as a Vietnamese boy paddles alone through the waters. Similarities and differences of experiences blend in the common feelings shared for walking or boating through firsts. How can you not marvel at this hero's journey through rain, forests, and waves? 

The cover possesses the soar into the the future, but I find it doesn't fully capture the richness of other illustrations. The interior holds a stunning light you don't want to miss. This is a top pick from publisher Make Me a World, and the author and illustrator team Phung Nguyen Quang and Huynh Kim Lien. Brilliant! 

My First Day

written and illustrated by 

Phung Nguyen Quang

and Huynh Kim Lien

Make Me a World, February 16, 2021

More, more, more: Lilah Tov Good Night: Ben Gundersheimer

 

This precious book is not to be missed. The main character is saying good night to all around her after a "long and beautiful day." 

"Lilah Tov to the roosters and hens

Lilah Tov to the bears in their dens"

The depth of the work is in the secondary story, or actually the main story. The family is leaving their home in the night and traveling on foot to a new land. She says good night to the creatures she passes, the beach, and the waves. She speaks to the stars at sea, and the fish. Finally, reaching land, the journey continues until she is in a new home. There she snuggles down and wishes the reader, and all, a good night. The family menorah has traveled the distance from one window to another.

Brilliant beauty. The art was done in pencil and digitally rendered. Noar Lee Naggan's paintings are luminous. The best of the best from publisher Nancy Paulsen, as usual. 

Lilah Tov Good Night

by Ben Gundersheimer

illustrated by Noar Lee Naggan

Nancy Paulsen Books

More, more, more: Tiger Wild

"There's a time to be quiet and still and a time to be wild and free!" So concludes, Lily in Tiger Wild. Here is a dear homage to Where the Wild Things Are and a further exploration of feelings. Max, meet Lily.

After misbehaving, Tiger and Lily run away to the wild where they come to face emotions beyond anger and help each other forward. Penny, the caregiver, even ends up exploring the wild with the two of them at times.

Illustrations are open and fresh, with a captured quickness to further illustrate Lily's adventures. There's a crayon quality which is so relatable. (Look for Tiger mimicking a Wild Thing in his stance.)

Use this work to discuss emotions with your older siblings of readertotz. Hand in hand, go into the wild.

Tiger Wild
by Gwen Millward
Viking Books for Young Readers

Poetry Friday: Roar Like a Dandelion

This Poetry Friday celebrate with a never-before released work by Ruth Krauss. Illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier, the whimsy and sillies will amuse your readertotz as the alphabet is reinforced in Roar Like a Dandelion.

Sit in the sun
and shine

Try to hug yourself
in a puddle

Undress to match
trees in winter

Vote for yourself

There's an empowering joy of life in this work. Thanks to Harper for choosing to share more from Krauss. Her voice is clear, and Ruzzier honors it well. Bravo!

Roar Like a Dandelion
by Ruth Krauss
illustrations by Sergio Ruzzier
Harper, 2019

More, more, more: The Hike

What a breath of fresh air The Hike is! Thanks to Chronicle Books for believing a "quiet" picture book can still hold a place on today's shelves. Alison Farrell's work does so beautifully.

Wren, El, and Hattie are off with their pup Bean to enjoy a hike through nature. Illustrations identify the variety of foliage and fauna they pass along the way. Armed with pencils, poems, and feathers, the three enjoy map-reading, sketching, and basket-making. Reaching the top of the hill, they celebrate before returning home.

I love everything about this work: from the text, to the font, to the layout, to the careful illustrations sharing the beauty all around us. Inspire a walk in nature with this picture book. There's so much to see!

The Hike
by Alison Farrell
Chronicle Books, 2019

Top Shelf, Poetry Friday: Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets

Happy Poetry Friday! Our Top Shelf pick today is Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets. Bringing both shapes and Muslim worship to the picture book page, this work is an enriching masterpiece. From the rectangular mosque door to the octagon fountain, acts of worship and their setting in various countries are illuminated.

"Arch is the mihrab
that guides our way.
We stand and face it
each time we pray.

Relish this celebration with your readertotz! Happy Poetry Friday!

Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets
A Muslim Book of Shapes
by Hena Khan
illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini
Chronicle Books, 2018

Meet the Latkes: Alan Silberberg

Happy Hanukkah! You might celebrate the holiday with this humorous picture book from Alan Silberberg, Meet the Latkes. A family of potato pancakes listens to Grandpa Latke's story, which does include Mega-Bees and alien potatoes. Applesauce, the dog, will set the telling straight for your readertotz.

Humor for your holiday, as the menorah is lit and dreidels are spun.

Meet the Latkes
by Alan Silberberg
Viking, 2018

January for the Older Sibling: Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake

 

When I read the quote on the back of this picture book, I knew it was going to be a book I liked. It turned out to be a book I love.

"I am going to marry chocolate cake!" ~ Betty Bunny

I said things like this when I was a kid. In fact, I'd still like to marry chocolate chip cookies. The situations, characters, and dialogue are full of wry humor and realism, all of which rings true and entertains.

At its core, this story is about waiting and learning to be patient. Many kids (and grown-ups) struggle with this. It's hard to wait for something as wonderful as chocolate cake, right? But after a first delicious taste, Betty  must wait for another piece. She throws a temper tantrum and huffs to her room.

I laughed when Betty's mom tells her: I still love you.

And Betty replies: And I still love chocolate cake.

Kids everywhere will relate to Betty and her frustrations, and they'll laugh at her hijinks and at the book's ending.

Keep an eye out for Betty Bunny Wants Everything, coming February 2012.

Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake
Author: Michael B. Kaplan
Illustrator: Stephane Jorisch
Publisher: Dial Books, May 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

February: For the Older Sibling: Dinosaur vs. The Potty

A small red dinosaur is the hero in this dynamic picture book, which taps into totz' notions of their own invincibility. This is a hero that will appeal to girls and boys alike. Dinosaur conquers lemonade, the sprinkler, and juice...yet he proclaims over and over that he still does not need to use the potty. Eventually he does a "potty dance" and totz will breathlessly watch as he makes a dash for the bathroom. Will he make it in time?

I first met Dinosaur in Dinosaur vs. Bedtime, which I also enjoyed. These books are fresh, fun, and address real-life issues that concern totz. I "roar" for more, Bob Shea. I can't wait to see what Dinosaur is up to in the next episode.

Dinosaur vs. The Potty
Author-illustrator: Bob Shea
Disney * Hyperion Books, 2010