PICTURE BOOK ADVENT

I had an idea! In the countdown to the holidays, there is so much anticipation, but when presents are finally being opened, its hard for books to initially compete with all the battery-powered beeping and booping. Why not make a tradition of a countdown to Christmahanukwanzaakah by letting your child find a wrapped gift of a book under his or her pillow (or at the foot of the bed or outside the door or served up on a breakfast plate) every day for a week before the holiday? Kind of like eight days of Hanukkah, or a shortened, real-live advent calendar; I dare to suggest, waking up to a book may even beat opening those little windows with chocolate inside! I think titles may be more appreciated when given in this well-paced way, as older children will want to read to pass the time during winter vacations, and younger children will love the time spent reading aloud together as much as any present, underscoring the real joy of the season: savoring time together. You can also be freed up to give books that are less glitzy, and ones that may be enjoyed all through the year. What do you say? Here are a few new picture book picks of special merit to get you started, or to give as gifts on a big day!

PICTURE BOOK

HUMPTY DUMPTY CLIMBS AGAIN by Dave Horowitz (Putnam)
Humpty Dumpty/Sits in a chair,/He used to climb rocks--/Today he won't dare." After his great fall, the egg with a fragile ego doesn't have the gumption to scale any walls, and instead mopes around in his underwear, in spite of encouragement from his concerned nursery-rhyme constituency. When one of the king's horses is in peril, though, Humpty rises to the occasion. This book is at once hilarious and a hard-boiled look at how important it is to try, try again. The author is one of watch; a super-funny favorite among children, if he can keep up his laugh-a-minute quota he may rise to the level of Robert Munsch. Also, try his recent royal alphabet TWENTY-SIX PRINCESSES in which some saucy sisters in crowns cut some mighty funny capers, and the kosher countdown in FIVE LITTLE GEFILTES, which also makes a hit as a hostess gift at Jewish holiday celebrations.

DINOSAUR VS. BEDTIME by Bob Shea (Hyperion) Grown-ups blabbing away! A pile of leaves! A bowl of spaghetti! All vanquished with a roar, roar, roar! No problem! But bedtime? Now, there we may have a problem. This simple, beautifully designed picture book taps into the toddler tug-of-war between power and vulnerability, and it seems even the bravest, most ferocious folk like a little consolation when the lights go out. With energetic lines and a retro sensibility, it is sure to garner award buzz, but it already has won the best prize of all: a perfect bedtime story that will both delight and comfort even your tiniest T-Rex. (3 and up)

TILLIE LAYS AN EGG by Terry Golson, with photographs by Ben Fink (Scholastic) Real photographs of the author's own chickens are nesting inside these pages. Each day, Tillie, the renegade hen, picks different places around the barnyard to lay her precious egg, and in every picture the reader is invited for seek and find: where has Tillie laid her egg? Funny, anthropomorphic asides into chicken thinking abound ("On Wednesday, Tillie goes into the kitchen. She doesn't find any worms, but she does find some breakfast. Delicious, she thinks. This tastes much better than the corn in the barnyard. ") In many ways, this inspired and well-balanced endeavor is a perfect conceptual picture book for primary children, the likes of which I have not seen since the heyday of work done by The Crews Family. Each spread is graced lovely glossy photographs that have a country charm, and a real love of the subject that shines as brightly as the sun coming up. Cock-a-doodle-doooo! (4 and up)

PEANUT by David Lucas (Candlewick)

In the night, on a tree, a flower grew.
As the son rose, the flower opened.
Inside was a monkey, a monkey as big as a pea...
"How pleasant to be a little peanut," said the tiny monkey.
(He really didn't know what he was."

Oh, what a big, big world is it for the little monkey! The floor is made of air, water falls from the sky, and beasts abound (how is Peanut to know they're really butterflies?) and when the sun goes down, it seems the world has ended. Luckily, even in the big wide and wild world, a friend awaits to help explain it all away. Sometimes you want a book that is just plain magical, and this book delivers. Visually beautiful and dynamic, patterns play on symmetry against bold backdrops, and through it all is our hero, so sweet in his smallness. Channeling the spirit of Leo Lionni, this book sees the world of a child through a child's wide eyes, and from the vantage point of a flower petal. (3 and up)

NEVER TAKE A SHARK TO THE DENTIST (AND OTHER THINGS NOT TO DO) by Judi Barrett, illustrated by John Nickle (Atheneum) The co-author of CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS and ANIMALS SHOULD DEFINITELY NOT WEAR CLOTHING offers us some fresh but equally sage advice, such as "never play double-dutch with a grasshopper,""never take a giraffe to the movies," "never give a moth a sweater for her birthday,"page folds up to reveal the giraffe's head going through the roof of the theater, interfering with pigeons watching television. The illustrator's smooth, computerized style gives a contemporary edge to a classic author who still has her creative chops. (5 and up)

THE DUCK WHO PLAYED THE KAZOO by Amy Sklansky, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke (Clarion) "La ditty, da ditty, zu zu!" Don't you just want to join in? This chummy, rhythmic story stars a duck who ventures out into new vistas, and uses music to make friends who will come and visit him, too. The illustrator's watercolors are surprisingly atmospheric. Of course, a kazoo for you and your friend makes the reading all the more melodic. (3 and up)

A VISITOR FOR BEAR by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton (Candlewick) Uh-oh, it seems like somebody rolled out on the wrong side of the den, as bear is an insufferable grouch who wants nothing better to be left alone. this misanthropic mood does nothing to deter Mouse, who reappears time and time again with "ta-da!"-like panache, no matter how tightly Bear tries to secure his abode. When Bear finally gives in to the mouse's insistence on a visit, the tables are turned and he begs for more golden hours in the company of his lovely new friend. Sometimes authors and illustrators are a match made in heaven, and this seems to be the case; droll and mannered language like "vamoose!" and"farewell!" and "begone!" and "intolerable!" are just a few among the well-chosen, well-ordered text, and soft-toned illustrations against white backgrounds hearken to the gentle work of Martha Alexander. This book reminded me a little bit of GUS WAS A FRIENDLY GHOST by Jane Thayer, illustrated by Seymour Fleishman, in both the story line and some of the character gestures, but the hearty and hale resiliency of the mouse in his campaign to make a friend will win over a whole new generation. (5 and up)

BEE-WIGGED by Cece Bell (Candlewick) Jerry is a big bumblebee, but he's never stung anyone, so why can't he cut a break in the friend-making department? When he sports an old wig, he finds his old identity is hidden under the rug, so to speak. His many good qualities win him many companions and he enjoys a series of school adventures before the children find out the truth. Just like a wig, the zany unlikelihood of the story covers the deeper truth that many children have trouble making new friends and will go to great lengths to join the hive. In the vein of Andrew Clement's BIG AL and Don Freeman's wonderful DANDELION, this book, too, will reassure young readers that people can like them as they are. (5 and up)

Links are provided for informational use. Don't forget to support your local bookseller.
More Esmé stuff at www.planetesme.com.

THE DOG WHO SAVED SANTA and HOLIDAY PICKS!

Ho-ho-ho! Time to start filling sleighs and days with perfect holiday picks hot off of the jolly elf shelf:

THE DOG WHO SAVED SANTA by True Kelley (Holiday House)
Uh-oh, young Santa turns out to be a bit of a slacker, munching on fruitcake and shlumping in front of the television while his elves knock themselves out to make deadline. With the help of a motivational video, "Take Charge of Your Life," a plucky pup is determined to help Santa live up to his reputation! Thanks to the dedication of his trusty dog, Santa learns geography, gets a little dose of driver's ed and is back in that reindeer saddle before long. Now...does the Easter bunny need any help? This author knows how to write picture books that tickle the funny bone and inspire requests for re-readings from children who think they are too old for picture books. A sleigh-full of kid-friendly good humor is in these bindings, along with a subtle message that even Santa wasn't born great, he had to work at it. (7 and up)

THE DINOSAURS' NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Anne Muecke, illustrated by Nathan Hale (Chronicle) A rhyming midnight romp in a museum is a holiday dream come true for the hero of this book, and is sure to replace visions of sugar-plums dancing in the head of a young dino-loving reader. At first, I was concerned about the resemblance of the book to the popular HOW DO DINOSAURS series by Jane Yolen and Michael Teague, but on closer inspection, the detailed, jewel-colored illustrations have a style all of their own. The book, despite mushy bouts with mistletoe (have you ever been kissed by a Tyrannosaurus?), manages the trick of maintaining the slightly scary and very toothy spirit of the Mesozoic in the context of the holiday season. The volume comes with a CD which includes dinosaur carols. The "Allosaurus Chorus" and "Hark! The Pterodactyls Sing" may prove to be an evolutionist's nightmare come true, but may also be a future favorite at secular holiday assemblies. The musical tributes to Dino Kwanzaa and Dino Hanukkah did not go unappreciated. (6 and up) Children who enjoy this kind of riffing on classics may also find treasure in A PIRATE'S NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Philip Yates, illustrated by Sebastia Serra (Sterling); the team of seahorses ("On, Salty! On, Scurvy! On, Sinbad!") was an especially nice touch. (6 and up)

SANTA GOES GREEN by Anne Margaret Lewis, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri (Mackinac Island Press) I'm not sure if Santa has an agenda, but if he did, I imagine that leaving the earth a better place for future generations of children would be on it (not to mention that he must be concerned about global warming, with all that real estate in the North Pole). In this book, Santa listens to a boy's wish for help making the world a better place, and manages to improve the sustainability of his own large scale productions. Despite the strong message, the storyline has a viable and readable arc, and Elisa Chavarri's artwork is a standout, with illustrations are as crisp and lovely and alluring as a wrapped package on Christmas day. Thematically, this is a useful classroom holiday read-aloud, and a nice teacher gift as well. (5 and up)

SANTA DUCK by David Milgrim (Putnam)

Nicholas Duck had only one day left to find Santa.
"If I don't tell him what I want," he quacked,
"it's going to be another year of socks and underwear."

Quacking voice? On the first page? Somebody knows something about read-aloud up in here! Walking around in a Santa suit that has been mysterious left at his doorstep, Duck becomes the unwitting ear to all holiday requests of all the neighborhood animals (Rabbit's request: "all I want is a carrot cake/The size of a football field/Don't forget the frosting"). 'Tis better to give than to receive in the funniest holiday book of the year. (5 and up)

WILLY AND MAY: A CHRISTMAS STORY by Judy Schachner (Dutton) From the author who brought us the wildly popular bilingual chihuahua SKIPPYJON JONES, we have here a holiday return to her earlier style, that focuses on humans. In this story, we feel the closeness of a girl to her elderly aunt and her pet bird. Making pies, listening to phonograph records, splashing in a pond and decorating a tree, the years passed are filled with great memories of being together, so no wonder the narrator is palpably disappointed when family circumstances mean they may not be able to spend the holiday together this year. When Willy and May manage to show up amidst a snowstorm, its a Christmas miracle! I must confess to a twinge of melancholy while reading this book, thinking of all the children who have a parent serving in the military overseas, and families who have had to curtail their traditional treks to the homes of distant relatives because of the economic downturn. But stories about wishes coming true are fair game for Christmas, and this in particular serves as a reminder that simply being the company of one other is indeed a marvelous gift. What I like about Schachner's people-centered books is that there is an undercurrent of invention; these books are always, below the surface, idea books. Her characters are examples, models of fun, eccentricity and generosity of spirit. She depicts children showing love through the artwork that they do and the initiatives they take, and she depicts this with a sincerity that verges on defiance, or maybe its simply faith, but definitely a pronouncement of sorts: "people are good." The illustration of the girl cutting out snowflakes from newspaper captures every ounce of the joyful anticipation of the season and the longing to contribute to the loveliness all around. Sigh! (7 and up)

PENINA LEVINE IS A POTATO PANCAKE by Rebecca O'Connell, illustrated by Majella Lue Sue (Roaring Brook) The holiday blues aren't just reserved for Christmas! When Penina realized that her Hanukkah is setting up to be a bummer, she decides to take action to get her family and friends back into the holiday groove. Penina is a funny friend in print, a character with so much that her readers will identify with: Have you ever had a teacher leave in the middle of the year? Felt like a parent wasn't listening? Tried to dress up a traditional recipe (peanut-butter-covered latkes, anyone)? Made homemade holiday gifts? Ahhh, nothing like a good piece of realistic fiction! Beats peanut-butter latkes any day. (8 and up)

'TWAS THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS: THE STORY OF CLEMENT MOORE'S BELOVED POEM by Brenda Seabrooke, illustrated by Delana Bettoli (Dutton) Clement Moore promised his children the special gift of a story. A poem would be all the better....it's harder, after all. But where can he find the inspiration? This true story of how the season's most celebrated piece of verse came to be doubles as an interesting look into the whirling snow-globe of artist inspiration and process. A wonderful period piece is enhanced by eloquent vocabulary and decorated with scenes that are as charming as a store Christmas window. It includes the full text to "The Night Before Christmas," Clement's gift to his children and to the world. What story can you tell that will be a gift in the hearts of your family? (7 and up)

These are some of the newer holiday titles, but sometimes oldies are goodies! I remember my favorite as a child was Patricia Scarry's THE SWEET SMELL OF CHRISTMAS (3 and up), in which the hot chocolate magically smelled like hot chocolate mint and the Christmas tree smelled like pine and the candy canes smelled like...well, you get the idea! One of the great joys of the season, I think, is sharing what you enjoyed as a child. More recommendations for great holiday reads in the Seasonal Archive.

And, at the risk of shameless self-promotion, may I remind you about HANUKKAH SHMANUKKAH, illustrated by the brilliant LeUyen Pham (Hyperion) (ages 8 and up). This kosher Christmas Carol is an Association of Jewish Libraries notable book, and explores the Jewish-American experience in the context of the past, present and future. A full reader's theater script is available on-line for free download, which may be handy for classroom use or speaking in parts around the family table. Oy, books are so much fun!

On a personal note:

I've been very busy writing a guide for first-year teachers for the new year, so thanks for your patience with the pause in my postings. I've fallen a little behind, but I hear Santa has, too, so at least I'm in good company! Please check back, I'm going to try my best to post several more recommendations for terrific books in the next few days. And thanks to everyone who came to the PlanetEsme Bookroom for the kids' open mike, you all shone brighter than the star at the top of the tree! Season's readings, everyone!

Links are provided for informational use. Don't forget to support your local bookseller.
More Esmé stuff at www.planetesme.com.

THERE ARE CATS IN THIS BOOK (PICTURE BOOK)

PICTURE BOOK

THERE ARE CATS IN THIS BOOK by Viviane Schwarz (Candlewick)
This title is a promise kept, as page after page follow Tiny, Moonpie and André under blankets, among tangles of yarn, in and out of boxes, and into an imaginary ocean full of fish. What really sets this book apart is the banter the text initiates with the reader, requesting that he or she turn the page, turn back to play some more, turn the page to rescue them, or blow on the page to dry them off (a low-tech interactive tack first taken in the 1970's, with Sesame Street's still delightful THE MONSTER AT THE END OF THIS BOOK). How lively and satisfying! How silly! Fun with a group or one-on-one, the bright colors and loose, quick-sketch lines fly across the pages like a kitten across a newly-waxed floor. There are cat people, and there are book people, and if you or your young reader fall into either (or both) of these groups, you are bound to fall in love with this feline play-date. (3 and up)

Also of interest:
Let's give the canines some equal time here!
THE DOG WHO BELONGED TO NO ONE by Amy Hest, illustrated by Amy Bates (Abrams) A precious pup lives a parallel life to a lonely little girl, and when their worlds collide, it's a wish come true for both of them. Though the perfect-pet-finding premise of this book is not new, the artfulness is in the execution. The author narrates with carefully paced rising action and thoughtful, emotive detail reminiscent of Rumer Godden (if you have not yet become acquainted with Godden's children's holiday classic THE STORY OF HOLLY & IVY, you're in for a treat), with a kind of earnest sentimentality that is just the kind we need to feel our hearts beating again. All of the characters feel like flesh and blood, rosy-cheeked and alive. The Depression-era backdrop feels (unfortunately) timely, and underscores the hard work, diligence and cooperation which makes the girl and mutt especially deserving of their happy ending. How fitting that the girl's parents are bakers, because this book is warm with a capital W, and the experience of turning page after autumn-toned page is like sitting while bread bakes and knowing you will get the first buttered slice. The puppy is beyond adorable and it would be hard to believe he hasn't found an owner at the outset, except for our knowing that the perfect owner is right around the bend...and you can read this book with the confidence that the story and audience are equally well-matched. (5 and up)

Links are provided for informational use. Don't forget to support your local bookseller.
More Esmé stuff at www.planetesme.com.

THE BAREFOOT BOOK OF BLESSINGS and OTHER THANKSGIVING PICKS

NONFICTION
THE BAREFOOT BOOK OF BLESSINGS FROM MANY FAITHS AND CULTURES compiled by Sabrina Dearborn, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan (Barefoot Books)

Here is a book you can bring to the Thanksgiving table, and each member of the family can take a turn sharing a page! This diverse collection of blessings all express an attitude of gratitude, and remind the reader of the magnanimity of the world. Eighteen blessings celebrate occasions that might occur in a day or in a lifetime, from the bounty that is a meal or a harvest ("Give thanks to the Mother Earth./Give thanks to the Father Sun./Give thanks to the plants in the garden/Where the mother and father are one." - Steiner) to blessings for a journey that will touch the hearts of far-flung guests ("May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back./May the sun shine warm upon your face..." - traditional Irish) to blessings for bedtime ("Great Owl of Dreams,/Wings soft and furred with dark,/Soar through my sleep/To that tender place between the eyes and heart..." - from "Celebrating the Great Mother") and general wishes for the future ("May you have success in all endeavors./May you have peace and health in the four seasons./May your happiness be as wide as the sea/May all your comings and goings be peaceful." - traditional Chinese). All conspire to create an overall feeling of general goodwill, gentleness and positivity. Colorful, detailed artwork gilded in bronze and featuring multicultural figures is clearly influenced by the work of Jane Ray. Pair this with Kay Chorao's BOOK OF GIVING and celebrate all that you have to be grateful for as a family, and the great blessing of being together, reading aloud. (6 and up)

Also of interest:
WISH: WISHING TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD by Roseanne Thong, illustrated by Elisa Kleven (Chronicle) This Thanksgiving, the wishbone isn't the only opportunity to have a wish come true! This title is a world tour of the ways different cultures send their desires out into the ethers. In Guatemala, did you know children send their wishes up on kites, while in India, a lucky peacock feather holds their wishes for success in school between the pages of their notebooks? In Brazil, children on beaches jump seven waves, and in Thailand, they send their wishes off on lovely handmade boats. And the Zulus of South Africa send their wishes off on the tail of an animal! With so many traditions offered, it is easy to find one to adapt within your own family, or to inspire a young reader to find ever-new opportunities to hope. Folks who enjoyed the interesting and useful THROW YOUR TOOTH ON THE ROOF: TOOTH TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD by Selby Beeler, illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Houghton Mifflin) will appreciate the concept here as well, and as always, Elisa Kleven's artwork glows, with jeweled landscapes that evoke each setting uniquely, populated with dancing, exuberant figures of all races and ages, and a gumdrop-colored palette that is a joy to the eye. (7 and up)

People celebrating at Loi Krathong Festival, held during November in Thailand,
in which bad luck is carried away so that good wishes can come true.

SOMETIMES IT'S TURKEY, SOMETIMES IT'S FEATHERS by Lorna and Lecia Bailan (Star Bright) Hopefully, many will recognize and be excited to revisit this hilarious classic first published in 1973, about a woman who ends up having a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner as an invited guest. I think Lorna Balian has made a significant contribution to the world of children's books through her holiday offerings, which are consistently clever and often hilarious. This title is top bird, and always manages to be a highlight of any seasonal storytime.

ONE IS A FEAST FOR MOUSE: A THANKSGIVING TALE by Judy Cox, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler (Holiday House) In the beginning, our mousie friend tends toward moderate tastes, figuring a single pea will make for a mighty meal. But in the spirit of the season, who can resist a cranberry? Or a few crunchy carrots? What harm could a few olives do? And what's Thanksgiving without at least a sliver of pumpkin pie, some mashed potatoes (and gravy, certainly!) and...of course...some turkey? As the pile on the plate grows ever higher, it catches the eye of the family cat, who thinks our hero might make the best meal of all. Anyone who has ever had to loosen a belt at the end of a meal will empathize with this funny little mouse's best laid plans, but best of all, this slapstick story leaves us with a lesson that is easy to digest: make the best of whatever you have, and you'll find that it is enough. (4 and up)

Also, who likes leftovers? Check out more Thanksgiving picks in the PlanetEsme archive, where titles only get tastier with time.

On a personal note:

It was nice reading words of gratefulness for everyday things in these books. I know I am so grateful that someone took the time to teach me to read. Chris, my first grade teacher, who took dictation for my many stories on construction paper...thank you! Mom, who came to read aloud a short story about crossing the street for the first time to my whole class, who bought me every Beverly Cleary title as soon as it came out and showed me William Steig's cartoons in The New Yorker, and Dad, who read aloud Huckleberry Finn and Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator using all different voices...thank you! To Mrs. Schultz, my fifth grade teacher, who told me to take home the complete set of Great Books and not tell any one...thank you! To my Uncle Dave, who gave me all of his childhood Dennis the Menace comic books for keeps...thank you! To my husband, who read aloud to me ( YOU CAN'T WIN: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JACK BLACK ) during the whole ride to New Orleans...thank you! To my son, who learned to read using Johanna Hurwitz's books, who looked at his first library card as if it were a million dollar bill, who read aloud ABE LINCOLN: BOY WHO LOVED BOOKS with expression to his whole second grade class when I was too stuffed-up to do it, who still reads every night and recommends books to me and makes me understand how reading is a legacy...thank you! To all the children I have taught, who sounded out words when it was hard and chose books because they wanted to and did all the art to make our reading spaces so beautiful...thank you! Thank you to all the authors and illustrators who, miraculously, make everything new and new and new again, and thank you to all who publish and read my books and visit my Bookroom and website, and make my working life a story. So much to be grateful for! Does anyone have any words of thanks for favorite books, for reading together, for literacy? Please feel free to share them in the comments section! It feels good.

Links are provided for informational use. Don't forget to support your local bookseller.
More Esmé stuff at www.planetesme.com.

THE BILL MARTIN JR BIG BOOK OF POETRY and VISIT TO GALESBURG

POETRY

THE BILL MARTIN JR. BIG BOOK OF POETRY with Foreword by Eric Carle (Simon and Schuster)All through elementary school and part of high school, the celebrated author of BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR, WHAT DO YOU SEE? could not read. He was taught through rhythm, "dum-da-da, dum-da-da-dum," and that quality of musicality has ever since permeated all of his early childhood classics. Here, we discover the poetry that tuned the author's ear for language and meter, shared in a special volume that is bound to get kids' hearts in rhythm with that same poetry-loving beat. Collected before the author's passing in 2004 with the help of his artistic collaborator for the alphabetical favorite CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM, poems are sectioned off under familiar, child-centric themes such as "Me and My Feelings," "Food for Me," "Around the Year," "World of Nature," and the ever-popular "Nonsense." A lengthy A-list of children's illustrators pay visual tribute to each selection. It can debated whether this volume ever achieves the kind of visual flow that comes from the vision of a single illustrator; the wonderful and sadly out-of-print anthology SING A SONG OF POPCORN edited by Beatrice Schenk De Regniers attempted a similar showcase of diverse talent, with slightly better results by assigning single illustrators to each section. That said, some illustrators really shine even among the stars (Ashley Bryant's bold collage technique jumps off the double-page spreads and seems well-suited to the age level, and it was exciting to see veteran Robert Quackenbush's illustrations stand out with an undeniably revitalized energy). There's little doubt that the child who picks up the volume is bound to find a favorite picture within these pages...and a favorite poem. A lovely homage to a beloved author, and a lively book. (5 and up)

Also of interest:
Poems always help me look at the world in a new way! But here are a couple books that help readers look at poems in a new way.
TAP DANCING ON THE ROOF: SIJO (POEMS) by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Istvan Banyai (Clarion) A sijo is a type of poem that originated in Korea, with a fixed number of stressed syllables, usually divided into three or six lines...like haiku, but with a surprise, unexpected twist or joke at the end. Now, ask your favorite child if they like a surprise, unexpected joke or twist at the end. Why not ask if they like pizza and ice cream? The author of the Newbery winner A SINGLE SHARD flexes her genre muscles and shows she is in good form. The thin ink lines, grey sky palette and general adult sensibilities of the New Yorker illustrator may prove a bit demure for the broad, chummy tone of the book's content, but is lovely nonetheless and invites us, as the poems do, to look more closely at the small. (6 and up)

A KICK IN THE HEAD: AN EVERYDAY GUIDE TO POETIC FORMS by Paul B. Janeczko, illustrated by Chris Raschka (Candlewick) Using straightforward explanations of twenty-nine poetic forms and succulent examples of each, readers are introduced to the variety and diversity of the genre. Yes, there are forms like sonnets and haikus, but have you ever heard of a senryu? An aubade? This is an eye-opening, mind-altering guide that belongs on the bookshelf of absolutely every educator and every lover of words. Pair with the work of Kenneth Koch ROSE, WHERE DID YOU GET THAT RED? TEACHING GREAT POETRY TO CHILDREN and WISHES, LIES AND DREAMS: TEACHING CHILDREN TO WRITE POETRY), and hey, teachers, you've got yourselves a unit!

On a personal note:

Thanks for being patient between posts. During spring and fall, sometimes I tour, and every now and then I discover a real gem of a place. This week I spent some time in the middle schools of Galesburg, Illinois for an exemplary and inspiring "Reading at the Crossroads" initiative, which involved the adoption of my book SAHARA SPECIAL throughout the curriculum, culminating in school visits, a community presentation, lunch with students and an evening with educators. I was so very, very impressed at how Juanita Scott and her energetic team checked every single box possible on the to-do list that would ensure a great author visit.

First of all, I'd be lying if I didn't admit to falling in love with the town just a little bit. Railroad hub and birthplace of poet Carl Sandburg (with a very nice little museum that includes an original illustration by Paul Zelinksy from ROOTABAGA STORIES), my tour of the incredible houses down Broad Street really made my eyes pop out of my sockets! Hey, if anyone needs a write-off, how about setting up the new PlanetEsme Bookroom in this cozy little joint? (I'm only half kidding, you know.)

Home is where the heart is, and I felt the love from the minute I walked through the doors of Churchill and Lombard, where I received welcomes both big

and small

Isn't this a fetching artist rendition of Ms. Pointy? May I use it as my new author photo?

I was amazed at how much thoughtful and beautiful work the children had done before my arrival. Creative responses at every turn! Journals...

Collages, cityscapes, relief artwork, bookmarks, audio playlists and dioramas galore...from the scene where Sahara discovers the cactus in her locker to a classroom set with casting la Polly Pocket dolls...and hey, did somebody scalp Miss Pointy up there?! One ambitious group made board games, including a whole Monopoly game with properties inspired by Sahara's Chicago, and another child even made a very nice movie poster for Fandango, suggesting my novel be made into an IMAX 3-D movie. I hope my agent in charge of sub-rights is taking note.

There was an interactive bulletin board that played on the fable from my book, "Why Teachers Get Apples," which afforded everyone in the school to say nice things about one another (that's the spirit!)...

...and an evening event for the whole community, which featured a reader's theater program starring some very talented and expressive Galesburg students! The kid at the end who looks grown-up enough to have been held back a few times is in fact not a student, but Churchill's beloved principal, Mr. Arthur. I got to hang with him a bit, and, wow, what a privilege to spend time with an administrator who exudes gentleness, leadership and the spirit of "yes!"

During my visit, my kind hosts remembered the cardinal rule of a successful author visit: feed the author! I was treated like a queen, with a cake that had the book cover on it, and a pot-luck spread full of goodies provided by teachers, staff and local providers (knowing how busy everyone is, I marveled at this generous gesture). We even ate off of place mats the kids had designed, depicting scenes and covers from my books! The food was delicious...

...but the company, even more so!

I got to meet and dine with kids at every grade level. They were very friendly, and very smart. Some even shared their own writing, art and reading recommendations with me, as well as candid insights into the middle-grade life. I think I may have found my new critique group!

It was so cool, how each school offered sewing, cooking and industrial arts (that's not true in Chicago). It seemed to make a lot of sense, as well as a big difference in the confidence and abilities of the children (plus, it looked like a lot of fun). These were some well-rounded kids! My favorite part was meeting with every single middle-school class via assembly. We talked about the value of their own writing, and the importance of daily journaling from an early age to develop a writer's "voice." Sometimes I used readings from SING A SONG OF TUNA FISH to underscore the stories hiding in our real life (if you want to get ink flowing, scroll down here for 150 story starters or visit here to springboard into a "Let Me Tell You Something" story!). I liked playing Phil Donahue, running around the audience with the mike. There was a lot of laughter and participation!

The Crossroads team made sure that each and every child had an autographed copy of my book weeks before my arrival. Some kids even went an extra mile, forming book clubs to explore the companion novel about bullying, VIVE LA PARIS. The result was a true connection with the books and author, evident through incredibly thoughtful questions and conversation. I was also very proud of this community for choosing Sahara Special, which took a certain bravery, given that the urban setting was somewhat removed from Galesburg, and because there are aspects of the book that are controversial. The team completely understood that reading is about expanding horizons and reaching out towards empathy, not only reaffirming what you already know. The enthusiasm and understanding from the children was palpable. This is a community of real readers.

Here are a few of the quotes I received on the evening program's playbill:

"It is sometimes nice to meet an author and see their face."
"Sahara is like a desert and special like an angel."
"Heart warming and emotional; it touched me deeply. I will never say boring again."

And possibly, the highest compliment I have ever been paid in my professional life:

"Sahara Special is the most spectacular book anybody has ever read."

Well. Flattery notwithstanding, I have to say: if you are an author or illustrator and have the good fortune to be invited to Galesburg, please GO! If you are a granting foundation and have the chance to fund this program that actually makes a difference in the literary lives of children, please DO! You will be glad to be a part of Reading at the Crossroads. I sure was! Even after such busy days, when my train pulled out, I was very sorry to leave...but my heart was full, knowing the initiative is on-going and that more lucky authors and illustrators will be getting on that reading train to Galesburg.

And in the spirit of poetry, book-loving and today's reviews, I offer you:

Reading (by Emma G.)

Reading by a tree on a sunny spring day.
My eyes dancing across the page.
Reading

The words floating around in my head.
Sentences coming together
Reading

Suddenly, I am taken from the ordinary world.
Soaring to a different place through the pages.
Reading

Becoming one with the characters.
Feeling what they feel,
seeing what they see,
hearing what they hear.
Reading

I could be flying with a bird, riding on a horse,
Feeling something magical or mythological.
Reading

Then once my book is done,
being taken back to the normal world.
A boring, regular, ordinary world...
Reading

I can't wait to find another book to read...

Thank you, Blue Streaks and Zephyrs, and to all who made this week possible! I loved meeting all of you. Cindy, Teresa, Mrs. Pointy-Jones, and of course Nita, thank you for letting me join your pedagogical ya-ya sisterhood, if only for a few days. There are more names and special touches than I can list here, but please know I appreciated every bit of it. Thank you again, Galesburg, and great job!

Links are provided for informational use. Don't forget to support your local bookseller.
More Esmé stuff at www.planetesme.com.

GREATER ESTIMATIONS (NONFICTION)

NONFICTION
GREATER ESTIMATIONS by Bruce Goldstone (Holt)
How many rubber duckies are on the cover of this book? Ask that question, and even before you break the binding, kids will be engaged in the wonderful speculation that is so much a part real-world math. Using concrete and colorful photographs against a white background and "hints" at the bottom of every page, the author introduces strategies such as "clump counting" and "box and count." The book offers opportunities not only to estimate amount but size and weight, and builds conceptually until children are making informed guesses as to how many hairs on a cat, or blades of grass on a football field. This companion volume to GREAT ESTIMATIONS stands on its own, and will also appeal to fans of Greg Tang's math series, which so cleverly makes math a visual adventure. This is my kind of test prep, and believe me, after sharing this book with a class, the game of "guess how many jelly beans in a jar" will never be the same again. (7 and up)

Also of interest:
FUN WITH ROMAN NUMERALS by David Adler, illustrated by Edward Miller III (Holiday House) Personally, this is the only kind of math I could ever truly understand, probably because it is all the alphabet, and only involves addition and subtraction. This book relies heavily on direct-instruction style text and examples, with a chunky, chummy style of illustration set in Roman times. This thorough introduction will have children reading publication dates and Super Bowl numbers in no time. (7 and up)

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES by Steven Rosen (Scholastic) Not a math book per se, but one that, like GREATER ESTIMATIONS, requires a lot of visual acuity. This is a fairly irresistible game book of sorts, in which two similar photographs are placed side-by-side and the young picture detective goes to work. Divided by seasons, the photographic scenes are absolutely juicy with color. A clear and helpful answer key is in the back. This book is beautiful and fun, and the kind that kids gather around and squeal about. (6 and up)

On a personal note:
I went to Grant Park on election night (one of the million perks of living in Chicago). Perhaps you saw me on television; I was the one waving. Congratulations to our new President-elect and his family, and good luck. Good luck to us all in this time of hard work...

Plowshares demand more of us than swords. The work of peace is infinitely more difficult than the waging of war. For one thing we've had so little practice--not only little practice in peacemaking, but also so little practice in imagining it.

--Katherine Paterson, from a 1993 speech given for Children's Literature New England

Links are provided for informational use. Don't forget to support your local bookseller.
More Esmé stuff at www.planetesme.com.