Holiday Stories (FAMILY magazine reviews)

What are you hoping for this holiday season? Take a look at these upbeat family stories that turn their characters from discouragement to optimism as each story accelerates. Choose one to read for several weeks or several nights, engaging youngsters and increasing their anticipation of the approaching season. Let the celebrations begin!!

Alphabet of Dreams

 by Susan Fletcher

Mitra/Ramin and her younger brother Babak, from a noble Persian family, have become beggars due to their father’s unsuccessful plot against the tyrant-king Phraates. She has disguised herself as a boy, while her older brother, Suren, has left, at her urging, to learn what remains of their family, and dig up gold from the home they have fled, to help them recover their status. Meanwhile, Babak discovers if he sleeps with something belonging to another, he can dream that person’s dreams. 

            Author Fletcher has set this young adult novel, like a previous novel, Shadow Spinner, in ancient Persia (now Iran). It is the time of the Magi and the cusp of a new era. 

            Babak and Ramin/Mitra join the caravan of a powerful Magus who, understanding the movements of the stars, and wanting what Babak’s special abilities can offer him, is traveling to Bethlehem. In the course of their journey, three animals, a skinny, feeble donkey, a one-eyed kitten, and a mange-infested camel become their companions: they are kidnapped, escape, and are rescued, and ultimately do some rescuing themselves.

            Long fascinated by the story of the Magi’s journey to Bethlehem, Fletcher also demonstrates her fascination with Persian/Iranian history, weaving celestial events, ethical practice, and traveling details seamlessly into her absorbing holiday tale of another age.

Atheneum, $7.99

Interest Level: Grades 6+

Letter on the Wind: A Chanukah Tale 

by Sarah Marwil Lamstein

illustrated by Neil Waldman.

            Based on a Tunisian Jewish folktale, this beautifully illustrated picture book uses watercolors and Micron archival inking pens to give crisp clarity and intriguing detail to this unconventional retelling. The year that “rain was a stranger,” the “olives shrank” on the trees, providing no oil to light the menorahs. “No olives, no oil, no Chanukah,” sighed the villagers.

            Hayim, the poorest man in the village, asks the scribe to write a letter to the Almighty. Amid laughter and pity from those in the marketplace, the scribe does so, scoffing. From the highest hill outside the village, Hayim launches his letter into a steady breeze.

            The answer to Hayim’s letter arrives as a gift from the Almighty with enough oil for the entire village, which Hayim joyfully shares. The scribe however, wonders if Hayim is a thief, and soon the entire village refuses to use the “stolen” oil.

            Watercolor paintings in blues and grays partnered with earth tones and edged in crisp black ink emphasize the lyrical text, bringing to life a reminder of the original Chanukah. The merchant who responds to Hayim’s letter, also receives a letter questioning Hayim’s integrity. His arrival and presence in the village shames those who accused Hayim. An author’s note on the final page highlights the miracle told in the First Book of Maccabees from the Old Testament.

Boyds Mills Press, $16.95

Interest Level: Grades 2-4

The Family Under the Bridge 

by Natalie Savage Carlson

illustrated by Garth Williams

            Armand, an old hobo living on the streets of Paris, likes his unattached life, despite his need to beg and sleep under a bridge. His odd jobs barely keep him fed, but when he returns to the bridge where he usually sleeps in winter, arriving just before Christmas, he finds three red-haired children and a dog behind a canvas in his usual place.

Their mother is working at a laundry and their landlady has put them out because there is not enough money to pay the rent since their father died. After an excursion together, that included singing for coins, and a visit to Father Christmas in the store, the Calcet children’s mother is angry that they are begging. Although Armand leaves, he returns to rescue the children from some women who would separate the family. That night when Armand reunites the children and their mother, she is upset that he has brought them to a gypsy camp. The children are delighted, however, playing together with the gypsy children, and sleeping in a “house on wheels.”

But the gypsies must leave suddenly, and the Calcets still do not have a home. Garth Williams occasional drawings glow even in charcoal shades, enriching this charming story with his characteristic warmhearted illustrations.

However, an unexpected solution brings this lovely warm adventure to a perfectly nuanced conclusion in a surprising celebration for the holidays.

           

HarperCollins, $6.99

Interest Level: Grades 2-5

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Ready for Reading! (FAMILY magazine reviews)

Tempting to young readers is this small but delightful collection of early chapter books. With irresistible characters and eye-catching illustrations, these cheery stories grab readers’ attention and keep them coming back for more. Dog fans or cow pokes are hooked by short chapters, well written text, unforced language, and print that is easy to read. Adult caregivers may want to take turns reading chapters with youngsters to keep the story flowing. Have fun!

Slingshot and Burp 

by Richard Haynes

illustrated by Stephen Gilpin

            The two title characters are cowboy enthusiasts; also, best friends, neighbors and double cousins. And, they each have an older sister -- who are also best friends with each other. The two pairs are not in agreement about the use of their “shared” clubhouse.   

            Complete with cowboy slang, wild adventures into the southwestern desert they call The Boneyard (really their backyard), jail time, blood-squirting zombie skulls, and even a ghost cat, this early chapter book is perfect for young readers and cowboy junkies. When the sisters change up the boys’ bunkhouse with pink streamers, curtains, flowers and dolls, Slingshot and Burp are outraged.

Using their Double-Barreled Spitball Blaster loaded with grapes, the two cowboys massacre the dolls and stuffed animals in the pink hair salon. Peppery mad Ma McKenzie and cross Calamity Kate charge the cowboys, who are marched into Mom-and-Dad court, where they are charged with four counts of doll murder and destruction of doll property, pronounced guilty and sentenced to two whole days of being grounded.

            As it turns out the girls have opened a dog sitting and grooming business in the clubhouse and were practicing on the dolls and stuffed animals. The two cowhands are camping overnight outside when one of the dogs escapes. The adventure to save Jackpot, the pup, while it’s still dark, has the boys exploring, as tall-tales fill their minds. They lose their bikes, flashlights, and Super X. But they rescue the dog, and make a deal with the Scorpion Sisters to “borrow” Jackpot until they can visit Big Jim at the Boots and Saddle Tack Shop to show him the treasure they’ve discovered during their adventure.

            Occasionally included are a map and vigorous black and white illustrations to accompany the lively text.

Candlewick Press, $14.99

Interest Level: Grades 1-4

Lulu and the Dog from the Sea 

by Hilary McKay

illustrated by Priscilla Lamont

            Lulu, an animal lover with pets, and her neighborhood friend, Mellie, go with Lulu’s parents on vacation to a cottage by the sea. Lulu’s dog, Sam, goes too. When they arrive, however, the owner of the cottage warns them about a “dog from the sea” who is a thief and has already taken a “whole roasted chicken” from a family staying in the house last week. Even the dogcatcher hasn’t been able to grab him!

            Although the others are not happy about this dog, for Lulu, the unnamed dog is a challenge. She and Mellie learn about the dog in town from unhappy restaurant owners. And along the path to the beach that day, Lulu follows behind the others and drops dog biscuits. That night after everyone else is asleep Lulu goes out to take the rocks off the trash can so the dog from the sea can eat the burned sausages. She gets a bucket of water for the dog to drink, and even sits down to pet him.

            Over several nights and trips to the beach they become friends. Then the cottage owner sees them playing together and calls the dogcatchers, scaring the no name dog away.

            Periodically, expressive black and white pictures illustrate this charming and completely dog-focused chapter book for young readers. Text and illustrations combine to keep readers engaged.

            During the early morning hours of the last day of vacation, the two girls run off to fly Mellie’s kite, hoping to attract the dog’s attention. But, it’s an accident that finally gets everyone focused. And the dog from the sea gets a new home!

            This is another perfect early chapter book for young readers along with other titles in this series.

           

Albert Whitman & Company, $13.99 hardcover, $4.99 paperback

Interest Level: Grades 2-4

Good Dog, McTavish  

by Meg Rosoff

illustrated by Grace Easton

             A playfully witty and wily early chapter book is this story of McTavish, a shelter pooch, who adopts the Peacheys, an inept family, after Ma resigns from being a mother. Boycotting the often “boring, thankless jobs” like “cooking meals that get cold,” “keeping track of appointments,” and “finding lost keys,” Ma now decides to take time to practice yoga. No one else in the family cleans, cooks, or keeps everyone organized, and before long the household is falling to pieces, Pa Peachey is cranky, Ava (14) grumbles, and Ollie (12) complains. Even the youngest, Betty (8) who is the most sensible, feels “lost, lonesome, and lacking in love.”

            Betty manages to get the family - minus Ma, who is practicing her tree pose - to the animal shelter where Betty and McTavish (a mix of Scottish terrier, Jack Russell, poodle, Tibetan spaniel, and Bichon Frise) connect. Soon McTavish has made his home in the Peachey household and, in consultation with Betty, has begun a three-step process that gets the laundry done, the mess decluttered, and everyone out the door on time for school and work. Soon, the family has even figured out a way to begin cooking meals instead of eating tiresome pizza every night.

            Although the book doesn’t directly approach the problem of Ma feeling unappreciated, the quirky black and white and gray illustrations, satirical character exaggerations, sheer wackiness, and oversimplified, if nonetheless, feel-good ending, make for an unconventional, yet entertaining and clever tale for early readers.

Candlewick Press, $15.99

Interest Level: Grades 2-5

 

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Following a Favorite Folk Tale (FAMILY magazine reviews)

 

Explore new variations of a century old (or more) folk tale that has been charming children and their families for generations. “The Little Red Hen” is an enchanting and well-known tale with possibilities for new perspectives. Try these. You can probably come up with a completely new and different version of your own. Have fun!

 

The Little Green Hen by Alison Murray

This irresistible picture book is a playful, environmentally focused variant of The Little Red Hen. In a retelling with a twist, the story portrays the green hen as careful caretaker of a beautifully fruitful apple tree. “She pruned the dead branches. She kept the pests under control, and she sowed the apple seeds, so more trees and more apples would grow.”

            But once the seedlings sprouted, the Hen needed help. The peacock, the fox, and the fat ginger cat decline. However, different from the original version, the dog (who loves sticks), the teensy brown sparrow (who is partial to pesky bugs), and the squirrel (who buries things where no one can find them) all agree to help. In gratitude, the orchard is bountifully productive through spring, summer and fall.

Then comes the rain. The hen and her friends are safe together in the hollow trunk. The peacock, the fox and the cat, however, drift across the floodwater on a log together, until they see the apple tree.

Bright digital illustrations fill the pages with colorful scenes, expressive faces and hopefulness. Together, the text and accompanying pictures demonstrate the effect of the flood and the cleanup necessary. This time when the hen asks for help, the enthusiasm includes everyone, and the results bring comfort and contentment for all.

Candlewick Press, $16.99

Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Kindergarten

Manana Iguana

by Ann Whitford Paul

Illustrated by Ethan Long

            In this Southwestern conception of “The Little Red Hen,” Iguana wants to celebrate spring with a fiesta on Saturday/sabado. Her friends in this tale, which uses both English and Spanish language words to tell the story, are delighted about the party, but not too interested in helping to get ready. Conejo/Rabbit does things too fast and would spoil them, Tortuga/Tortoise believes he’s too slow, and Culebra/Snake says he’ll help. . . manana, when he grows some arms. 

            Iguana ends up writing the invitations and delivering them, stuffing the piñata, cooking the food, and hanging the streamers to decorate, all by herself. When sabado arrives, Coneja, Tortuga, and Culebra are excited to welcome the guests. But by then Iguana whips her tail, “NO!” She is grouchy, having made all the preparations by herself! “Now I …will greet my guests at my fiesta,” she tells them. And she does.

            The three non-helpers watch from the sidelines as the guests party with Iguana, laughing, eating, breaking the piñata, and having a generally terrific time at the fiesta.

            The watercolor and gouache illustrations are comic strip funny, with zany expressive large eyes, colorful southwestern colors and plenty of white space to highlight the action.

            When the guests are gone, an exhausted Iguana goes to sleep. In a change of heart, the previously unwilling friends decide to surprise her by cleaning up the mess. When Iguana wakes to see the results, she thanks the three and invites them to help her “eat the leftovers.” An inclusive conclusion to this satisfying tale.

           

Holiday House, $7.99 (paperback)

Interest Level: Junior Kindergarten – Grade 3

The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier, illustrations by Sonia Sanchez

            Beginning with Ruby’s ideas and a pile of boards she found, she asks her three brothers to help her build. They are dismissive, “You don’t know how to build anything.”

            I’ll learn, she tells them. “And she did.” Just like the Little Red Hen.

            When she asks for help drawing the plans, they all laugh. “‘Not me,’ said Oscar Lee. ‘I don’t think so,’ said Rodrigo. ‘No way,’ said Jose.” The response is the same when she asks for help to gather supplies, cut the boards and hammer the nails.

Then, when she asks who wants to play in the fort she has built, with assistance from her mother and grandmother, all three boys are eager and no longer busy. “Not so fast,” says Ruby.

            Dynamic artwork uses recycled paper, gouache, charcoal pencil, pen and both traditional and digital brushes, to capture the female energy, creativity and go-getter positivity of this small Latina. While the brothers use their energy for ignoring, Ruby stays with it and the bright colors of her success remind her brothers that despite saying “We didn’t want to play anyway,” they really did want to play.

            Whispering together, they decide to get to work: Oscar Lee makes a mailbox, Rodrigo plants flowers, and Jose paints the fort fire engine red. Delighted, Ruby invites them for cookies.

            The rhythm and rhyme of the familiar and repeated lines from the classic tale match the color and movement of the illustrations perfectly to create this humorous and gender-bending story of changing stereotypes. (Fort building ideas and an Author’s Note are included at the end.)

Scholastic, $17.99 (hardcover) $4.99 (paperback in Spanish – El fuertecito rojo)

Interest Level: Junior Kindergarten – Grade 3

The New School Year Beckons: Welcome! (FAMILY magazine reviews)

As the season changes from summer to autumn, the intensity of students returning to classes energizes many opportunities available for educational adventures. Read and savor this first-class fiction, remembering that it takes a village to make learning available to everyone. May we do all we can to make school a tantalizing, absorbing experience that summons every person to lifelong learning. 

The Invisible Boy

by Trudy Ludwig

illustrated by Patrice Barton

            Brian is shy and feels invisible. Children with “volume control” issues get the teacher’s attention, the best players and their friends are chosen first for the kickball game, even lunchtime conversation about birthday parties shows that Brian wasn’t included. However, during Choosing Time Brian does what he loves: drawing fire-breathing dragons, space aliens, greedy pirates, and tellingly, “superheroes with the power to make friends.”

When a new boy, Justin, joins the class and is teased, Brian thoughtfully puts a note in his cubby. Pencil sketches painted digitally show Brian in blacks and grays initially. This contrast highlights his separation from the other parts of his world painted in vibrant colors.

As Justin includes Brian on his team for a special project and at the lunch table, Brian is no longer gray, and his colors begin to change and glow. This clear and uncomplicated story, complemented by direct and skillfully expressive illustrations, is reassuringly universal.

Questions for discussion are included, along with recommended reading for both adults and kids, at the end.

Alfred A. Knopf, $16.99

Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 2

 

All Are Welcome

by Alexandra Penfold

illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

            The diversity and strength of an inclusive community are evident and honored in this lyrical, rhyming picture book. Wearing hijabs, a yarmulke, turbans, and a Sikh patka, characters also include a blind child and a child in a wheelchair. Both children and adults in this welcoming story show a rainbow of skin tones, hair colors and styles.

World maps in both the classroom and on the playground emphasize cultural variety. Talented students learn from and teach each other, and celebrate the Lunar New Year with a dragon dance.

The lilting rhymes in the text - with the final line in each four-line stanza repeating the title - demonstrate the cheerful images. “We will learn from each other. / Special talents we’ll uncover. / There’s a big world to discover. /All are welcome here.”

Families with single parents, parents of the same gender, and parents of different races are all featured and clearly valued in both text and brightly illuminated illustrations, which were created using acrylic paint, ink, crayon, collage and Photoshop. The final double-page spread unfolds into four panels to showcase a festive observance (including potluck) of shared discovery and celebration. To be read and re-read, this book is a profound and vital tribute to individuality, diversity and acceptance, as the interactions so lovingly demonstrate.

Alfred A. Knopf, $17.99

Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 3

Ready and Waiting for You 

by Judi Moreillon

illustrated by Catherine Stock

            Starting in a new school? This sunny picture book is about welcoming, from the bright yellow school bus and its driver, to the crossing guard, the principal, the school secretary and the attendance clerk, “Come in. Come in. Come in through this door. Are you new? We’re ready and waiting for you.” The “open door” foldout concept, designed by the author, delivers the same message of welcome, inviting the readers into each scene.

            If you’re a preschooler, a homeschooler, or simply a second-grader moving to a new school, the librarian, computer tech, gym, art, and music teachers, cafeteria cooks and workers, custodians, playground monitors, parent volunteers, and classroom teacher are all at the doors to greet you. The rhythm and rhyme of the repetitive text accompanied by colorful torn-paper illustrations together stimulate excitement for beginning the school year and propel the story.

The exuberant hospitality of school employees and students with a variety of skin tones and kind-hearted bustle is a promising beginning for any student transitioning to an unfamiliar school setting. “Come in through this door . . . We won’t be a whole school till you do. Everyone’s waiting for you!”

Eerdmans, $17

Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 2

Feeling Growly? Go for Gleeful instead of Grouchy (FAMILY magazine reviews)

Although it’s summertime, 

the grumps sometimes show up. 

But, never fear, 

there are a few possibilities 

for changing crabby to cheerful 

in these lively picture books. 

If one of those you love is grumbly, irritable 

and out of sorts, 

this may not change it up, 

but at the very least 

reading these stories reminds us that 

we all have a bad day occasionally, 

and gives an opportunity to laugh at ourselves 

by laughing at the characters 

whose lives aren’t so different from our own.  

Grumpy Pants 

by Claire Messer

            Penguin is peeved. “He didn’t know why and he didn’t care.” He tries to shake it off by pulling off his grumpy coat, boots, socks, overalls – even his grumpy underpants! But he’s still grumpy!  So -- he counts to three and splashes into the bathtub. The nice cold water, time to play with his duck, make a bubble beard, and then put on his favorite pajamas, drink a cup of hot chocolate, and read his favorite book, “little by little,” help him to feel much better.

            Linoleum prints use bright colors to show Penguin’s grouchy to glad change. His fretful face wearing a sunshiny yellow raincoat and hat, under a cloudy, rainy sky is a sensitive show of contrasts. Lots of white space allows readers to watch his cranky face and gestures. Accented by the large font and lean language, this artful blend of narrative and image creates a reassuring framework for managing strong emotions.

            Finding his favorite teddy, climbing into bed, and falling asleep, Penguin knows that tomorrow will “be a good day because all the grumpiness has been washed away,” – a totally satisfying ending to a day, and for a story!

Albert Whitman, $16.99

Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 1

Grumpy Bird  

by Jeremy Tankard

            Bird wakes up grumpy, too grumpy to eat, too grumpy to play, too grumpy to fly! Deciding to walk, grumbling bird meets a series of cheerful animals (sheep, rabbit, raccoon, beaver, fox) all of whom greet him, ask what he’s doing and decide to walk, following bird. As time passes the walk evolves into an unexpected game of follow-the-leader. Bird becomes so tickled he forgets he’s grumpy and invites everyone to fly back to his nest for a snack. And surprisingly, everyone does!

            The ink and digital illustrations are a mixed media treat with cartoon-like animals outlined boldly in black, and layered over photos of farm, meadow, trees, and ocean with fanciful stars, flowers, grass and bubble shapes doodled in various colors on each double page spread. Expressive faces and bodies show the animal characters dancing across the pages as their joyful energy helps to transform Bird’s grumbling grouchiness. Enchantment makes for a winsome ending.

Scholastic, $6.99 (board book) $15.99 (hardcover)

Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Kindergarten

Grumpy Monkey  

by Suzanne Lang

illustrated by Max Lang

            With a wonderful red cover to accent the huffiness of the title character, this mesmerizing picture book deftly captures the importance of valuing emotions and encourages readers to simply recognize our feelings. Jim Panzee wakes up to discover that nothing is right with the day – “the sun was too bright, the sky was too blue, the bananas were too sweet.” The animals Jim meets describe him as grumpy, but Jim insists that he is not!

            “You’re all hunched,” says Norman the gorilla. Jim loosens up. Lemur mentions his bunched-up eyebrows. Jim unbunches. Jim trips over Snake, who notices his frown. Jim makes a smile that looks happy. But Jim still doesn’t feel happy inside. Many other animals suggest singing, swinging, rolling, strolling, splashing, hugging, napping, jumping, even dancing. But Jim doesn’t “feel like doing any of that.” He yells at his animal friends, storms off -- and then feels sorry.

            The watercolor illustrations change colors from page to page, allowing the varied feelings to emerge through both the cartoonish characters and their expressions, as well as the jungle-like backgrounds, and even the careful use of white space to feature the animals engaging in their own choices of ways to enjoy the wonderful day.

            Jim and Norman compare grumpiness when Norman acknowledges that perhaps it was a mistake to dance with a porcupine. Both agree, “I’ll probably feel better soon enough.”        

Although a chimpanzee is an ape, not a monkey, this doesn’t need to distract from this tantalizing tale. Sometimes we all just need time and space to be grumpy.

Random House, $8.99 (board book) $17.99 (hardcover)

Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 1

Baseball Signals Summer (FAMILY magazine reviews)

Summertime, and the season is baseball. These perfect books connect with readers and children of all ages for America’s favorite game. Whether you’re a player, a participant or a fervent fan, these terrific tales provide a chance to enjoy!

Knuckleball Ned 

by R. A. Dickey

illustrations by Tim Bowers

            Former major league knuckleball pitcher and award winner Dickey has crafted a picture book debut about a ball with limited spin that causes whimsical forward motion. Ned, a nervous baseball isn’t sure how his first day at school will be. But after he wobbles and bumps his way down the aisle on the bus, he makes friends with Sammy the large softball.

            At school the Foul Ball Gang makes fun of him and plays a trick on Ned’s new friend Connie Curveball. All the other balls know who they are - fastballs, sliders, etc. - but Ned hasn’t figured it out yet. Although he does discover he can also float and glide. When he rescues Connie’s shoes from the tree where the Foul Ball Gang has thrown them, he realizes he’s not a knucklehead, he’s Knuckleball Ned and proud.

            Bowers uses bright acrylics and cartoon features to distinguish between the kinds of balls, no small feat to keep the story moving with characters that are so similar in shape. Facial expressions actively communicate emotions and movement. Most are partial page illustrations with lots of white space to allow for clean lines. The several double page spreads are important for showing significant movement and highlighting critical elements in the text and its climax. This delightful tale is a charming anti-bullying book for youngsters of all ages.

Dial, $17.99

Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 1

Beverly Billingsly Can’t Catch 

by Alexander Stadler

             Two friends, Beverly and Oliver (both bears), are always chosen last for playing softball, their academic skills and abilities notwithstanding. When they decide to do something to change this humiliating state of affairs, Beverly’s first attempt is not successful. Carlton, the star, declines to teach her saying, “Either you’ve got it or you don’t.” In his opinion, “being good at sports is not something you can learn.” Fortunately, Beverly doesn’t believe him. When she stops by the library looking to learn how to play, the librarian asks, ”Have you considered practicing?” And then offers to coach them.

            Partial page gouache and ink illustrations show the characters actively involved in playing and practicing. Cheerful, bright and animated characters match the breezy text to show a familiar experience for youngsters who are not innate athletes.

Drawing a face on the softball, Mrs. Del Rubio, looking more like a red headed woodpecker than a coach, advises Oliver and Beverly that “Wallace” (the ball with the new face) “can’t stand to touch the ground.” The two buddies practice every chance they have. Despite a slight setback when Beverly gets knocked out by a fast ball, the two continue training, until a game when together they put their developing abilities to work. While neither of the two are stars, the satisfying ending for this engaging story clearly encourages readers that practicing can develop skill.

Harcourt, $16

Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 2

Baseball Hour  

by Carol Nevius

illustrated by Bill Thomson

Poet Nevius’ rhyming text is deftly written and pairs smoothly with artist Thompson’s detail oriented, photo-realistic illustrations for a kid’s version of baseball practice. Beginning with warm-ups, the text spins through throwing and catching, to batting practice and finally, with players divided into teams, proceeds to a practice game.

            The illustrations depict a multicultural group of kids, with close-ups of a cleated foot on the base, stitching on gloves and balls, a determined look on one face, and a surprised look on another face when the ball lands in the mitt. There is power when bat and ball connect, plus a slide toward home, and a tagged out that extends excitement as the game progresses. 

            Teamwork is showcased in this book. Especially heartwarming is the climactic double-page spread, when “our time is up and practice ends. Arms like spokes, a wheel of friends” demonstrates, in a melding of words with pictures, kids’ hands celebrating in a cooperative pile.

Marshall Cavendish, $16.99

Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 2

Earth Day is a Time for Giving Thanks (FAMILY magazine reviews)

Spring is coming and with it the season for honoring the Earth and paying special attention to what it takes to protect our home world from the ravages of habitat destruction, and damage from fishing, farming, construction and industry. Without its health we all sicken. May we celebrate the beauty of this blue world we share with other living beings and do all we can to keep it healthy.

Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet 

by April Pulley Sayre

            Stunning photographs paired with compact rhyming text make this nonfiction volume a feast to read and examine. Exquisite photos set the rhythm for this letter of thanks, giving the reader space to inspect the features in each picture. The unhurried pace also gives listeners time to ponder the words and their connections to the images. 

            Three opening snapshots accompany the words, “Dear Earth,” which can be a greeting as a letter begins. They can also be an observation of how precious and valued this amazing blue planet is to we who are among its many inhabitants. Throughout the book are spacious photos and generous language; a graceful sharing of the graciousness of this globe we call our home. Images and imagery harmonize in a myriad of thanksgiving instants, captured in measured moments.

            As we are learning, to our dismay, that many children in our world are nature deprived, this lovely book offers an opportunity to share the awe of the wildness still in existence with the children who desperately need this contact. Not only does it invite us to find our own wonders of the universe, the Note from the Author at the end supplies actions we can take, discoveries to investigate, places to share and participate, the encouragement to invent and design, and assist others, and places, resources and organizations where we can join explorations that are already in process.

Greenwillow, $17.99

Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 4

Many: The Diversity of Life on Earth 

by Nicola Davies

illustrated by Emily Sutton

            Beginning with one living thing and adding until there are two, three, then many, this cautionary picture book introduces readers to the variety of life on our lovely planet. Contrasting large and small, the red-headed little girl takes notes as she visits the desert, the islands, and volcanic lakes, among many. She’s even wearing binoculars, traveling in a hot-air balloon to view the treetops, and wearing scuba gear for an ocean dive.

            The watercolor paintings are colorful and detailed, inviting listeners and readers to examine closer. Several pages include identification of the creatures represented.

            All living things “are part of a big, beautiful, complicated pattern.” But we humans “are destroying pieces of the pattern. . .. causing animals and plants to disappear.” By turns serious, and hopeful, even joyful at times, this appealing book is a call to pay attention to the interconnectedness of all life.

Candlewick Press, $15.99

Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 2

Gecko 

by Raymond Huber

illustrated by Brian Lovelock

            This thoughtful nonfiction picturebook is an engaging narrative partnered with vivid, bright-hued illustrations that bring to life the featured orange-spotted blue tokay gecko.

            The gecko in this book is on “high alert” for “dangers in the daylight.” Many predators would love a gecko meal. But this gecko cleans itself, and can shed and then eat its skin, “a snack off his own back,” which leaves no trace behind. Geckos can also camouflage by changing color, can wait patiently to capture lunch, and can scare off intruders or warn of danger by using its voice.

The double page spreads pair story language and information text in two different fonts, to engage both younger listeners and older readers. The lush illustrations are done in acrylic ink, watercolor and colored pencils and feature a fast-moving lizard who is a smart escape artist.

Back matter includes: More About Geckos, and an Index.

Candlewick Press, $16.99

Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 4