Every month, we post an annotated bibliography of books that were rated ‘Outstanding’ and nominated for our Distinguished List at our previous month’s meeting. Members can see full reviews of these books and many more in the November edition of BayViews. Sorry for the late posts everyone!
PICTURE BOOK
Music Is . . . written by Stosuy, Brandon & illustrated by Martin, Amy; Little Simon; Brdbk edition 2016
Music Is . . . introduces very young children to musical senses and concepts in a board book format. Each page turn reveals a musical comparison using both familiar and expansive vocabulary. Sparse, rhythmic text is integrated into colorful, dynamic illustrations depicting musical objects and people of many skin tones and cultures. (B/T-K)
School’s First Day of School written by Rex, Adam & illustrated by Robinson, Christian; Roaring Brook Press 2016
A newly-built school describes the nervousness of the first day of school, wondering if the children will like it, and the school soon realizes it has an important purpose and can’t wait for the children to return. Robinson’s signature artwork offers a multicultural cast of characters. (PS-3)
We Sang You Home written by Van Camp, Richard & illustrated by Flett, Julie; Orca Book Publishers; Brdbk edition 2016
A baby is welcomed and celebrated by his mother and father in a text made up of declarative sentences: “As we give you roots you give us wings.” The illustrations are quite striking, constructed using “gouache and paper and digital collage” in this elegant board book. (B/T-K)
We Found a Hat written & illustrated by Klassen, Jon; Candlewick; unabridged edition 2016
Two desert tortoises find a hat, but, deciding that it wouldn’t be fair for one to have a hat and not the other, they leave it behind… though one of them doesn’t seem to be able to forget about it. Subtle and deadpan, this one is all about the eyes… (PS-2)
The White Cat and the Monk written by Bogart, Jo Ellen & illustrated by Smith, Sydney; Groundwood Books 2016
Bogart’s version of the ancient and often translated poem is clear and gently rhythmic, conveying the meaning of the poem and the spirit of companionship between person and pet to children grades 1-4. Smith’s (Sidewalk Flowers) sequential panels of water color and ink flawlessly pair with the poems stanzas, and add to the pacing and storytelling. (1-4)
Owl Sees Owl written by Godwin, Laura & illustrated by Dunlavey, Rob; Schwartz & Wade 2016
A young owl sets out from the family nest on a moonlit journey in this superb picture book example of a reverso poem. The calming rhythms of the spare language, no more than four concrete words per spread, will reach the youngest audiences however it’s rich enough to interest and inspire children up to 2nd grade. (B/T-2)
Wonderfall written & illustrated by Hall, Michael; Greenwillow Books 2016
A fun bright look at fall uses blended words, Peacefall, along with seasonal goings-on. Scientific info is at the back. (PS-2)
FICTION
Juana and Lucas written & illustrated by Medina, Juana; Candlewick 2016
Juana describes her life in Bogatà, where she has school challenges which American readers will understand. One is learning English, but if she brings up her grades, her family will take her to the Spaceland amusement park in Florida. Dynamic full color ink and watercolor cartoon-style illustrations and an engaging, original main character. (1-4)
The Girl Who Drank the Moon written by Barnhill, Kelly; Algonquin Young Readers 2016
A witch rescues a baby girl left in the woods and accidentally lets her drink so much moonlight that it imbues her with magical powers. Barnhill’s thoroughly-realized fairy tale features strong and determined characters, and a cautionary message about the truth being hidden as a means of control. (4-7)
The Poet’s Dog written by MacLachlan, Patricia; Katherine Tegen Books 2016
A Russian Wolf Hound rescues two children in a blizzard. They can communicate and in a story about words and survival. A great read. (3-5)
When the Sea Turned to Silver written & illustrated by Lin, Grace; Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2016
Young Pinmei faces many challenges as she tries to rescue her grandmother from the Tiger Emperor’s clutches, in this companion to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (2009). Lin’s figurative language draws reader into Pinmei’s ancient Chinese world, while the exciting action builds dramatic suspense and engages young readers. (4-7)
POETRY
When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons written by Fogliano, Julie & illustrated by Morstad, Julie; Roaring Brook Press 2016
Fogliano celebrates the gentle movement of the seasons with forty-eight free verse poems that capture the wonder and joy children feel as they notice nature changing around them. A quietly dazzling combination of art and poetry to inspire personal reflection, observation and journaling. (2-5)
NON-FICTION
Destination: Mars written by Simon, Seymour; HarperCollins; Rev Upd edition 2016
Seymour Simon writes a spectacular nonfiction picture book for students from first to fifth grade with concise, compelling narrative and excellent graphics and photographs. (1-5)
PROFESSIONAL
Picture This: How Pictures Work, Revised and Expanded 25th Anniversary Edition written and illustrated by Bang, Molly; Chronicle Books; Anv Exp Re edition 2016
Ever wonder why something in an illustration makes you feel tense or calm? That and similar questions are answered in this 25th anniversary revised edition of Bang’s Picture This: Perception and Composition (Bullfinch, 1991). Using paper cutouts in black, light purple, and red, Bang demonstrates many concepts relating to the composition of pictures, especially the 12 principles she spells out. This new edition is larger in size but about the same number of pages, and it includes a new section “From Intent to Execution,” using examples from her own picture books. Although this doesn’t cover art media or styles, it is a key resource for librarians who review picture books. The majority of the text is the same as the original but the new information and the improved book design make it a much more effective manual on how our visual perception and emotional reaction to pictures rely on these design principles. (A)
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