Pete the Cat: I Can Draw

James Dean has brought step-by-step instructions for you and your totz to enjoy drawing Pete the Cat. You'll recognize his world and experiences as you learn to draw supporting objects and characters as well. The big 160-page workbook gives plenty of space for practice. You'll want your own copy for the family so you can draw straight in the book. Go have fun with this groovy cat!

Pete the Cat, My First I Can Draw
by James Dean
HarperFestival, 2016

Poetry Friday: I Love Hugs and Kisses

So many occasions for hugs and kisses. Especially with panda, felt, flap arms and ears on this board book cover. Happy Poetry Friday to you and yours!

Hug me when we take a walk.
Kiss me when we quack and talk!

Hug me when we go to the zoo.
Kiss me when I have a boo-boo.

I Love Hugs and Kisses
by Sandra Magsamen
Scholastic, 2016

Peekaboo Wild: Nat Sims and Night & Day Studios

We talk about raising the profile of board books at readertotz, and we aim to encourage writers and illustrators to keep the bar high in content and imagery. Peekaboo Wild, A Lift-the-Flap Book does that. Each spread takes a location and illustrates the animals who live there.

Who lives in the bamboo forest?
Red panda
Pandas
Who else lives there?
Pangolin
Tiger

The inclusions aren't restricted to the most common animal. Your totz are given the opportunity to learn more than other animal board books usually present. Corey Lunn's art is flat and graphic, with clear edges. The work was created by Nat Sims and the Night & Day team. Interesting, yes?

We appreciate the bar set high. More, more, more!

Peekaboo Wild, A Lift-the-Flap Book
by Nat Sims and Night & Day Studios
illustrated by Corey Lunn
Candlewick Entertainment

Poetry Friday: I Will Love You Forever

There's always room for a mother's declaration of love for her totz. Enjoy this dear board book. Happy Poetry Friday!

When I saw you for
the very first time
I was filled with joy
that you were mine.

I knew I would
love you forever.

I Will Love You Forever
by Caroline Jayne Church
Cartwheel Books, Scholastic

One Minute till Bedtime: Kenn Nesbitt

So excited to be in this upcoming collection! Three starred reviews so far!

KIRKUS REVIEW

A substantial compilation of new poems for children by over 130 poets.
The opening salvo of former Children’s Poet Laureate Nesbitt’s hefty anthology of “60-second” poems designed to send children “off to sleep” lets the cat out of the bag as to what bedtime’s really about. Having performed basic end-of-day tasks (“Had a bath and / brushed my teeth; / those on top / and underneath”) and prepped for a good night’s sleep, Nesbitt’s speaker rejoices: “All that’s done; / at last I’m freed. / Finally, / it’s time to read.” Here, as throughout the collection, Niemann’s boldly inked drawing of a teddy bear’s free-fall dive into the waiting pool of an open book succinctly and suggestively captures the spirit of the accompanying poem—and, in this case, the entire anthology. Presented with over 140 new poems by many of today’s most prominent children’s poets (Mary Ann Hoberman, Margarita Engle, Jack Prelutsky, Ron Koertge, Nikki Grimes), readers are treated to lyric nighttime reflections on topics as disparate as relationships with favorite pets or grandparents, beloved “toasty, warm jammies,” and one’s blankie—“old and manky.” There’s also plenty of nonsense verse sure to inspire wild dreaming “on the road to morning.” These pithy poetic observations and Niemann’s engaging illustrations prove at once antidote and anodyne for the sleep-averse child demanding just one more….
A dreamy collection of bedtime poems and witty illustrations that’s anything but sleepy. (Poetry. 4-10)

"Toasty, warm jammies," is me!

Love You, Hug You, Read to You! Tish Rabe

How about prompting questions for you to ask your totz below the board book text?

What is Little Bunny holding?
Who is sitting with Little Bunny?
What did they all do today?

On each spread, Random House and author Tish Rabe provide further interactions to accompany Frank Endersby's pencil and watercolor paintings. All bears the message:

There are three things I'll always do...
love you,
hug you,
read to you!

What do you think? Are the additional questions helpful? Of course the work can be read straight through without pause. Different totz and readers will approach the book differently. As long as we all continue to read together daily!

Love You, Hug You, Read to You!
by Tish Rabe
illustrated by Frank Endersby
Random House

Poetry Friday: Seeking a Witch

For Poetry Friday and to set the atmosphere with your readertotz, find Seeking a Witch. The bold limited palate, pops for the Halloween theme. Allie Smith's graphic imagery is a fun match to Angela Diterlizzi's rolling rhyme.

"I'm seeking a
witch
and everyone knows
Your skin must
be green
With a wart
on your nose."

The pages will be turned quickly in this new board book from Little Simon. Happy Poetry Friday to youuuuuuu.

Seeking a Witch
by Angela Diterlizzi
illustrated by Allie Smith
Little Simon, 2016

Art Play: Marion Deuchars

It is...as fabulous as I hoped. The off-white paper is inviting; the exercises are fun and interesting. This work-inside-the-book is educational, inspiring, clever, and delightful. Whether they scribble, blow paint, or color a dream, the older siblings of readertotz will be expressing themselves on paper. Pencils, ink, cut paper, and printing are a few of the means for creating. How about pictograph signs, newspaper portraits, tackling perspective, or spinning thaumatropes?

Art Play is aptly titled. Go ahead. You'll want to play right alongside your young artist!

Art Play
by Marion Deuchars
Laurence King Publishing
www.letsmakesomegreatart.com

Baa Baa Smart Sheep and I Love Lemonade: The Sommersets

Oh, now. How about a little mischief? You are going to find it with Little Baa Baa. If bored, Quirky Turkey had better watch out. A mysterious pile of brown balls may not exactly be smarty tablets. And sweet revenge with a glass of yellow liquid might actually backfire.

The pacing is brilliant, the line drawings so expressive you will be delighted. Baa Baa Smart Sheep and I Love Lemonade have been the favs of 2016 with totz AND seniors. (#readergrands) My in-laws have shared them with hoots and howls with their retirement community.

Thanks, Mark and Rowan Sommerset. More, more, more!

Baa Baa Smart Sheep
I Love Lemonade
by Mark and Rowan Sommerset
Candlewick Press, 2016

Animals: Ingela P. Arrhenius

It's HUGE! Likely as big as your totz, the graphic depiction of various animals by children's designer in Sweden, Ingela P. Arrhenius, is captivating. There's no particular order or arrangement in the beasts, but there is a celebration of shapes, including lettering which changes from piece to piece. The palette is subdued. All imagery is caught on the endpapers for comparison.

Consider this for young storytime groups or singular readers who are ready to meet an array of animals and twirling letters. Each is friendly and waits introduction.

Animals
by Ingela P. Arrhenius
Candlewick Press, 2016

My Very First Mother Goose: Iona Opie and Rosemary Wells

How wonderful! The Twentieth Anniversary Edition of My Very First Mother Goose, edited by Iona Opie and illustrated by Rosemary Wells, is being released! In four chapters, the rhymes are collected and shared in a large format. Readertotz are going to love falling into the phrases and big imagery.

As Iona notes in her introduction, Mother Goose knows of human nature. She shows us the beautiful world we are all a part of. Her rhymes give us answers and encouragements in so many situations. Rosemary Wells fills the scene, and with a line, she conveys layers of emotion.

I shared this first with my own readertotz. Now, to the next generation...

My Very First Mother Goose
edited by Iona Opie
illustrated by Rosemary Wells
Candlewick Press, 2016

I Love Music: Marion Billet

I Love Music, My First Sound Book introduces your readertotz to six instruments. The ever important on/off switch allows the pig to play the recorder while the cat can play the violin. The real sounds and song bits are incredible, and the musical artists are credited. Included are Brahms and Mozart.

At readertotz, we aim to raise the profile of board books and encourage the best quality publications for first readers. Author/illustrator Marion Billet has done so with Cartwheel Scholastic's creative team. Brava! Somebody hit those drums!

I Love Music, My First Sound Book
by Marion Billet
Cartwheel, Scholastic, 2016

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

You are My Cupcake: Joyce Wan

Here's a soft and squishy first book for your wee readertotz. Joyce Wan's adorable imagery of tasty treats will engage little eyes. The various textures and crinkles will appeal to little hands and ears. This one will be snuggled through naptime, no doubt!

You are My Cupcake
by Joyce Wan
Cartwheel Books, 2016

The Ants Go Marching: Priscilla Burris

Count-and-Sing, The Ants Go Marching is a catchy introduction to the numbers one through five. The group of ants is diligent to move the picnic food below the blanket as the foil rain has begun to fall. There will be a feast for the well-dressed violet ants because of everyone's cooperation.

Aside from a parent enjoying the book/tune with their totz, this board book will be of interest to a young music class. Boom! Boom! Boom!

Count-and-Sing, The Ants Go Marching
by Priscilla Burris
Scholastic, Cartwheel Books, 2016

Poetry Friday: It was so quiet I could hear a pin drop, Andy Goodman

There is simplistic beauty and a lovely charge in this work I share today for Poetry Friday. In It was so quiet I could hear a pin drop, flat graphic shapes are combined with what appear to be old print imagery. The two together create an open freshness.

The reader is told what the protagonist hears when she listens to the breeze. Kites, to a leaky tap, to a dog growling, and a woman singing are caught by her ear and shared with the reader. The cannon and volcano are dreamed sounds which bring the book to a dynamic conclusion.

The reader and totz will be straining to hear everything in their own surroundings as the book is closed. Before it's read again.

It was so quiet I could hear a pin drop
by Andy Goodman
Princeton Architectural Press, 2016

Shh! We Have a Plan: Chris Haughton

"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding." Albert Einstein

Here is the quote noted in Shh! We Have a Plan. How wonderful to have Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award winner, Chris Haughton's work now available as a board book. School Library Journal's starred review says it is, "A masterful delight."

It's the smallest of the group of four who would like to say, "Hello, birdie." But his three counterparts dissuade him repeatedly, as they have a plan. It's the smallest who is successful though, even though the three still don't learn.

There is so much anticipation and delight from the big eyes of the characters as they try over and over to catch the bird. There is so much to talk about with readers, eager to identify with the smallest in the group. I believe this book was meant to be a board book from the start. Enjoy!

Shh! We Have a Plan
by Chris Haughton
Candlewick Press, 2015

Poetry Friday: Who Woke the Baby? Jane Clarke

Who Woke the Baby? is the mystery in the jungle one morning. The baby gorilla awakes smelly and yelly and is caught in a cumulative rhyming tale full of sound. There is the hippo who yawns like a horn, a lion who snores and roars, and a frog who croaks.

It's lovely to discover the smallest, yet brightest, is the one who woke the baby. And it is also that one who leaves everyone happy.

The recent tragedy involving a child and a gorilla and the death of a child by two alligators came to mind as I pondered the beautiful watercolor and ink illustrations. Such horrific occurrences likely won't be known by readertotz, and the book will be thoroughly beloved.

Who Woke the Baby?
by Jane Clarke
illustrated by Charles Fuge
Nosy Crow, 2016

More, more, more: Circle

An epic book has been released from Candlewick Press titled Circle, by Jeannie Baker. With one wish: "Ahhhh--I wish I could fly!" and one note: "In its lifetime a godwit will usually fly farther than the distance from the earth to the moon," the collaged picture book begins.

"In a place where mud and sand become sea...
a godwit with white wing patches
flies up with his flock.
The moment is right
for the long journey north."

The flock takes flight away from a boy in a wheelchair at the beach. Page upon page follows the flock from one safe stretch of mud to another. The birds return to their remembered place and nest. Eventually, the moment arrives to leave again and reach the other side of the world. They arrive at the original beach and rest. Now, the boy leaves his crutches and races after his dog who is giving chase to the birds.

After the flock has flown full circle, the boy is shown again in his bed, imagining his own flight with the godwits. My only disappointment was that the boy did not remain in his wheelchair.

You won't want to miss this love letter to the godwits and the brilliant collage by Jeannie.

Circle
by Jeannie Baker
Candlewick Press, 2016

More, more, more: There's a Giraffe in My Soup

When a child finds a giraffe in his soup, the waiter is quick to replace the bowl. However, next there is an alligator, an elephant, a yak, and more! The zoo was sent the restaurant's food while the restaurant received the zoo's animals. There's additional homophone word play from mousse to moose and lying to lion which plague the exasperated waiter.

Readertotz will be laughing from the first page to the last of There's a Giraffe in my Soup by Ross Burach. The debut author used pencil and acrylic paints colored digitally for the hilarious illustrations composed with great energy. Welcome, Ross! We are so happy to have you writing and illustrating for readertotz!

There's a Giraffe in My Soup
by Ross Burach
Harper, 2016

One Gorilla, A Counting Book: Anthony Browne

Anthony Browne helps us get our primates straight as we count from one to ten and beyond. Introduce mandrills, macaques, and lemurs to your readertotz with Browne's mixed media illustrations. Even get a peek at the author himself!

"1 gorilla
2 orangutans
3 chimpanzees"

With a starred review from the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, you won't want your totz to miss this one. The classic vibe is definitely there.

One Gorilla, A Counting Book
by Anthony Browne
Candlewick Press, 2015

Poetry Friday: Plant a Kiss

What happens when Little Miss plants a kiss?

"Planted a kiss?
Planted a kiss.
Sunshine.
Water.
Greet.
Repeat.
Wait and wait."

Read Amy Krouse Rosenthal's darling board book Plant a Kiss with your totz for Poetry Friday. Peter H. Reynolds airy illustrations are perfect for this little act of love in a board book format. You and yours are bound to find a little bliss.

Plant a Kiss
by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
HarperFestival, board book, 2015

Rude Cakes: Rowboat Watkins

Sometimes a special book comes across my path, and I LOVE IT! I share it with everyone, hold it close, tuck it on my shelf, and treasure it. And later I realize I NEVER TOLD READERTOTZ ABOUT IT!

Call me a rude cake, but Rude Cakes by Rowboat Watkins was my tip-top favorite book of 2015. Rowboat Watkins, a former Sendak Fellow, offers a surprising, original, and oh-so-humorous picture book to our readertotz. He illustrates the difference between rude and polite with Cakes and Giant Cyclopses. Yes, cyclopses.

Rowboat was a 2016, Ezra Jack Keats, New Illustrator Honor Award Winner. Here's what others have had to say:

"The zaniest picture book premise of the year."--Boston Globe
"A truly surreal story, crammed with hilarious details and gently laced with an important lesson."--School Library Journal, starred review
"Hilarious and full of surprises. Pure picture book genius!"-Antoinette Portis, author of the New York Times Bestseller, Not a Box

I'm so glad the genius was seen. I cannot wait for more from Rowboat. More, more, more!

Rude Cakes
by Rowboat Watkins
Chronicle Books, 2015

Hello, World! Solar System: Jill McDonald

I love bringing nonfiction to our totz! Introduce our place in space with Hello, World! Solar System by Jill McDonald. With mixed media illustrations, the reader hops from planet to planet gaining a few facts for each along the way.

"We live on a planet called
EARTH.
From space it looks like
a swirled blue marble.
*Earth is the third planet from the sun."

I look forward to seeing more from the Hello, World! series. Bravo, Doubleday for raising the bar for board books. Hello, nature and science!

Note: Pluto is included. Yay!

Hello, World! Solar System
by Jill McDonald
Doubleday, 2016

Celebrate your Mighty Dads this Father's Day with the board book or picture book!

Happy Father's Day!

The New York Times bestselling

MIGHTY DADS

by readertotz co-blogger Joan Holub

and illustrated by James Dean of Pete the Cat

is now a board book, too.

Amazon

    Barnes & Noble

Indie

Trailer

More, more, more: Roy's House

How about combining simple text for readertotz with art by Roy Lichtenstein? I love getting fine art in front of the littlest readers and Susan Goldman Rubin does that with Roy's House. There's an air of Goodnight Moon as the home is described using Lichtenstein's paintings.

"In Roy's House, there is
a bedroom with yellow
pillows and lamps.

Let's go into the studio.
Roy paints pictures here!"

There's so much to see and discuss, from color, to home elements and objects, to Pop Art. I love this work for readertotz! I'd like to see the picture book released as a board book. Maybe soon?

Roy's House
by Susan Goldman Rubin
art by Roy Lichtenstein
Chronicle Books, 2016

Pete the Cat, The Wheels on the Bus: James Dean

The wheels on the bus go round and round as Pete the Cat drives through town. The horn, the wipers, and the signals are all in gear as the kitties say, "Come on, Pete!" There's a point when Pete gives over the wheel to a dog so everyone can rock out. It's completely groovy to have Pete on the board book scene. Welcome!

Pete the Cat, The Wheels on the Bus
by James Dean
HarperFestival, 2015

Poetry Friday: Sweep Up the Sun and Among a Thousand Fireflies

Breathtaking. The poems of Helen Frost alongside Rick Lieder's photographs are stunning. And then there are the layered meanings and life lessons within the pages. Celebrate Poetry Friday with this duo.



"Alone in the sky,
or flying with friends,
your wings will carry you far,
stitching earth to sky
with invisible thread,
at home
     wherever you are."



"Across a distance
wide and dark
she looks out from
her flower
and sees---

Light. Dark.
Light. Dark."

Sweep Up the Sun, 2015
Among a Thousand Fireflies, 2016
by Helen Frost
photographs by Rick Lieder
Candlewick Press

More, more, more: Flora and the Peacocks; Swan, the Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova

For your readertotz intrigued by dance, you must see these two beauties, both from Chronicle Books.



Flora and the Peacocks by Molly Idle is an elaborate presentation of suspicion, jealousy, rejection, and acceptance. Two peacocks, jealous of Flora, steal her fan so she can no longer resemble them. In response to her grief, the birds grow repentant, restore Flora's fan in a new way, and befriend her. Occasional lift-the-flaps crescendo in an enormous poster-sized flap of acceptance. There's so much to discuss with your totz arising from this lush work.



The second masterwork is Swan, the Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova, by Laurel Snyder, and illustrated by Julie Morstad. The work is an exquisite match of text and art, honoring the great ballet dancer.

The city is big.
     Anna is small.
The snow is
     everywhere
and all around.

There's such atmosphere. Relish each page turn as Anna grows and you witness her life, feeding the world with beauty.

Flora and the Peacocks
by Molly Idle
Chronicle Books, 2016

Swan, the Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova
by Laurel Snyder
illustrated by Julie Morstad
Chronicle Books, 2015

A Moment for Wallpaper: Murals Wallpaper

How fantastic is this?



We don't often take a break from board books, but this is too fabulous not to mention. Find the ordering details here from Murals Wallpaper. Love this, don't you?

Crocopotamus: Mary Murphy

Giggles will erupt as your readertotz flip through Mary Murphy's Crocopotamus. Combinations of animals just wait to be discovered. How about a Zekey or an Eleger. Of course there are matches for animals we know and love, too. Big, bold rough-edged images and hand-lettered text set a playful tone in this board book for the earliest readers.

Crocopotamus
by Mary Murphy
Candlewick Press, 2016

Cozy Classics: Jack and Holman Wang

There is always a desire to bring great lit to our totz. Chronicle Books has tackled the project with their Cozy Classics. Little felted figures in elaborate settings by Jack and Holman Wang illustrate: Pride & Prejudice, Moby Dick, War & Peace, Great Expectations, and more. Their unique concept is that one word is illustrated per spread. How do you reduce War & Peace to 12 words? Intriguing, yes?

So your totz aren't going to track the entire plot, aside from the barest bones, but they will be introduced to imagery that may linger a long while. It's possible even a love will be ignited for what we hold dear in adult literature. I respect that a subject isn't shied away from either. Miss Havisham is on fire.

As usual, Chronicle gets it right.

Cozy Classics
War & Peace
Moby Dick
Pride & Prejudice
Great Expectations
by Jack and Holman Wang
Chronicle Books, 2016

Bob The Artist: Marion Deuchars

Bob appreciates his FINE legs, until he's teased about them. Unsuccessfully, he tries to change them and eventually just hides them. That is until he visits an art gallery. Inspired, he draws attention to his beak by painting it daily. With affirmation for his creativity, he grows confident and finally accepts his legs. And everyone else does, too.

Refusing to be cowed, the reader is emboldened to express herself further and gain self acceptance, possibly changing others' opinions. This is a fresh look at empowerment. Here is the gift of art to impact another, encourage expression, and change lives.

Marion Deuchars' illustrations are endearing in their simplicity. The color palette pops of Matisse. Publisher Laurence King believes in this book. Top quality presentation in every detail proves it.

This is one of my favorite picture books of the year, so far. I love Bob The Artist. You likely will, too. Skinny legs and all.

Bob The Artist
by Marion Deuchars
Lawrence King, 2016

I'm a Monster Truck: Dennis R. Shealy

I'm back from my trip to the Middle East, and one of the first things I heard is that there's a readertot who likes monster trucks. "Do you have a book on them you could recommend?" Well, I do!

I'm a Monster Truck by Dennis R. Shealy just came to my attention.

"I smash!
I bash!
CRASH!
I love the sound
of breaking glass!
'Cause I'm a...
MONSTER TRUCK!"

Bob Staake's zany graphic imagery is perfect to capture the atmosphere of a monster truck event. Between Shealy's text and Staake's illustration, your totz will feel as if they are in the stands. Sure to be a hit with lovers of locomotion, look for I'm a Monster Truck.

I'm a Monster Truck
by Dennis R. Shealy
illustrated by Bob Staake
Random House, 2011, 2016

Hello World! Weather: Jill McDonald

How about an introduction to weather? The Hello, World! series from Doubleday brings exactly that in Weather by Jill McDonald. With childlike imagery, the reader sees various conditions and the clothes needed to enjoy them. The repeated spread of the children's house offers great comparisons as the weather changes. Questions will get your totz checking to see what the weather is like today.

How refreshing to bring science and environmental awareness to our smallest readers. Well done, Doubleday!

Hello, World!
Weather
by Jill McDonald
Doubleday, 2016

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

Steam Train, Dream Train: Colors and 1-2-3: Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld

Inspired by the New York Times Bestselling Picture Book, Steam Train, Dream Train, Colors and 1-2-3 are now in a board book form. In Colors, each car of a different color is focused on, while in 1-2-3 the animals and objects are counted, with a note of the featured car's name.

Of course the oil pastel illustrations by Tom Lichtenheld are from the original beautiful picture book, while the new accompanying rhymes by Sherri Duskey Rinker are fresh. In both books, I did miss a final image of the entire train. I don't think it will stop your totz from responding well to these two concept board books. All aboard!

Steam Train, Dream Train Colors
Steam Train, Dream Train 1-2-3
by Sherri Duskey Rinker
illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
Chronicle Books, 2016

Big Kid Power: Maria van Lieshout

It's all about empowerment in the Big Kid Power series from Chronicle Books. Bye-Bye Binky and I Use the Potty help your totz on their journeys to independence.

Rehearsing the past, how diapers and a binky were helpful when they were babies, the protagonists show how they've abandoned both for better ways. Instead of a binky, one can ask for a hug. Instead of diapers, one can wear underwear.

Illustrations have a comic feel with limited color and small dots used for shadows. Both works have saturated color making the books pop from the shelf and in your hand. The above illustrations don't capture the neon color.

This a great series by Maria van Lieshout. We'll be watching for more!

Bye-Bye Binky
I Use the Potty
by Maria van Lieshout
Chronicle Books, 2016

Poetry Friday: In the Land of Words

With the paperback edition of In the Land of Words, compiled in 2004, you can celebrate Poetry Friday with Coretta Scott King Award Winner Eloise Greenfield. The accompanying fabric illustrations by Jan Spivey Gilchrist, another Coretta Scott King Award Winner, are layered and stitched with exuberance.

I particularly enjoyed the backstory Eloise included for her poems in Part One. Happy Poetry Friday to all!

I Go to the Land

I go to the land of words,

for I am at home there,

and never leave

for long. My thirst

pushes me through

the open door.

The more I drink

of the falling water,

the more I know.

I drink. I think.

I grow.

In the Land of Words

by Eloise Greenfield

illustrations by Jan Spivey Gilchrist

Armistad, 2016

  

More, more, more: The Tree in the Courtyard

Stopping everything to tell you about The Tree in the Courtyard, Looking Through Anne Frank's Window. It's chilling. It's beautiful. I don't want you to miss it. Please don't.

Jeff Gottesfeld's text is delicate and poignant while Peter McCarty's brown ink on watercolor paper set the perfect tone. The work is based on this quote from Anne Frank:

"The two of us looked out at the blue sky,
the bare chestnut tree glistening with dew,
the seagulls and other birds glinting with silver
as they swooped through the air, and we were
so moved and entranced that we couldn't speak."

The text weaves the view of the tree with the life of Anne and her family. The conclusion is full of hope as seedpods are planted worldwide in her remembrance. This must win awards. Period.

The Tree in the Courtyard, Looking Through Anne Frank's Window
by Jeff Gottesfeld
illustrated by Peter McCarty
Knopf, 2016