Lottie Paris:Lives Here - Angela Johnson - Scott M. Fischer

Lottie Paris:Lives Here by Angela Johnson illus. by Scott M. Fischer
This is a wonderfully fun story about Lottie Paris. It's very text light with no more than a few sentences per page. The story has a great rhythm from beginning to end

"Ooookay, those aren't Lottie's feet. They're Papa Pete's. But Lottie is the short one wearing his boots, cause Lottie Paris is ready to walk."

I love Fischer's very colorful illustrations. He's given Lottie a lot of personality. The text and illustrations are a perfect fit. Sometimes I forget along with her YA novels, Johnson also writes picture books which is a shame because they are very good. Lottie Paris:Lives Here is my favorite so far. I loved it.

Dear Baobab - Cheryl Foggo, Qin Leng

Dear Baobab by Cheryl Foggo illus. by Qin Leng
Maiko misses the giant baobab tree in his African village when he has to go live with his uncle and aunt. At his new school Maiko is teased about his ears. Maiko finds comfort in a young spruce tree under the mailbox. When he discovers that the young tree is about the same age as him, Maiko begins to confide in it.

"After that, Maiko would say, " Hello tree, same age as me," on his way out and on his way in. Sometimes, he sat on the step and shared secrets that he told to no one else. He talked of his village and the baobabs, and how he missed his friends at the school where he had gone after his father and mother died. He told of how lonely he felt as the wind blew him across the wide ocean in an airplane, and how strange it was, at first, to sleep in the red brick house."

When Maiko learns that his uncle and aunt plan on chopping down the spruce because they're worried about the houses foundation, Maiko does everything he can to save it. This is a wonderful story and I love the connection the author makes with Maiko and the spruce. Both find themselves rooted in an unexpected place.

The cover art didn't grab me nor did it do the interior illustrations any justice. Once you open up the book, Leng's illustrations are a very good match for the story. Dear Baobab is text heavy making this great story, perfect for young listeners or readers ages 5 up.

Waiting for the Biblioburro - Monica Brown, John Parra.

Waiting for the Biblioburro by Monica Brown, illus. by John Parra
Ana loves to read and owns one book that she reads again and again. Ana and her family live in a small village without a local library. One day a man and his burros brings a library to the village. The children rush to meet the man and his two donkey's. When the librarian leaves Ana can't wait for him to return. The text and illustrations allow the reader to feel Ana's excitement.

"When will he come back?" she asks her mother, who smiles and says, "Go read, Ana."
"When will he come back?" she asks her mother, who smiles and says, "Go draw, Ana."
"When will he come back?" she asks her mother, who smiles and says, "Go write, Ana."

This story is a wonderful inspired by Luis Soriano Bohorquez, the librarian who started the Biblioburro Foundation. It depicts how much joy Bohorquez's traveling library gives to readers living in remote areas.

Waiting for the Biblioburro is textually and visually very beautiful. I am a huge fan of Brown's and it was pleasure to lose myself in another one of her stories. Parra's artistic style is a perfect fit for this tale. Like the text the illustrations are fun, playful and imaginative. I loved the dignified look on the faces of the burros, as if they know they have an important job.

A portion of the proceeds from sales of this book support Luis Soriano Bohorquez's Biblioburro program.

An excerpt

A starred Kirkus Review

The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred - Samantha R. Vamos, Rafeal Vamos

The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred by Samantha R. Vamos illus. by Rafael Lopez
This story was as beautiful as I thought it would be. With some help from the farm animals the farm maiden makes Arroz con Leche. This is not a traditional bilingual story, with two languages, lado a lado.

This is the pot, that the farm maiden stirred,

This is the butter that went into the cazuela that the farm maiden stirred

This is the goat
that churned the cream
to make the mantequilla
that went into the cazuela that the farm maiden stirred.

Rather then have the two languages side by side, Vamos will use a word once in English and replace it with it's Spanish counterpart in the next stanza. It's a very smart way to learn a few new Spanish words. This is a tribute to the nursery The House That Jack Built and it keeps the same quick pace rhythm.

I love the movement of text. The stories beautiful flow and Lopez gorgeous illustrations make this a wonderful read aloud. Lopez is not afraid of color and knows how to use it. The illustrations pop off the pages. Vamos and Lopez come together to create a wonderful story that screams "read me aloud and share me with others" There's a recipe for rice pudding in the back and a glossary of Spanish terms.

Summer Jackson - Teresa E Harris, AG Ford

Summer Jackson: Grown Up by Teresa E. Harris, illus. by AG Ford
Tired of being seven, Summer throws out all of her toys and stuffed animals. From now on she's a grown up. Summer now carries a briefcase, and wears high heels. The fun text along with Ford's perfect fit illustrations make this a great read aloud.

I meet with my clients during playtime. " So, what you're saying is you want to play soccer during recess, but you want to play basketball, and you want to poke bugs with a stick? Okay. Monday and Wednesday, soccer, Tuesday and Thursday, basketball and on Fridays you poke bugs with a stick. Get it? Got it? Good. That will be $2.50."

This is an excellent picture book debut by Harris. Fancy Nancy fans will love Summer Jackson. A 2011 favorite

An excerpt

White Water - Michael S. Brandy, Eric Stein, Shadra Strickland

White Water by Michael S. Bandy & Eric Stein illus. by Shadra Strickland
On a very hot day Michael takes the bus to town with his Grandma. Halfway there all Michael can think about is getting a cool drink from the water fountain. He only takes a few sips of the nasty tasting water. Next to Micheal is a boy his age taking a nice long drink from the Whites only fountain. Now Micheal wants to see for himself how refreshing and cool the White water taste .

I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed White Water. Many times historical picture books are so focused on teaching, there's little room for anything else. White Water is the best of both worlds. From the seating on the bus to the two water fountains its a good look at the segregated South. With Micheal's imagination from his army men who cover him to daydreaming in class, the story is also fun.

"After that, I couldn't concentrate anywhere, not even at school. One moment I would be in class, then suddenly, I'd be crawling on my hands and knees in the hot desert. Out of nowhere, there was a palm tree with a water fountain under it. Above the fountain was a whites only sign. I got up, opened my mouth, and was about to take a drink, when "Michael. Michael," the teacher said, "would you care to join us today?" I snapped out of it. All the kids were laughing at me."

Strickland's wonderful illustrations compliment the text beautifully. The spreads are open with very nice muted earth tones. I love Strickland's commitment to detail, from the water drops to Micheal's faithful dog. The illustrations confirm that this is a story about a boy who went on a dangerous adventure and learned a valuable lesson in the process. Textually and visually White Water simply came together very well.

Excerpt
Publishers Weekly review
Kirkus review

My Bear Griz - Suzanne McGinness

My Bear Griz by Suzanne McGinness
Billy and Griz go on a lot of fun adventures. When I was working at a bookstore, I always had a difficult time finding picture books to recommend for young listeners between 1 -3yrs old. My Bear Griz is perfect for this age group.

The text is short and the font is large - "We like to go exploring" or "Griz is a great listener. We like to share secret"

"We like to go exploring" is the only text on one page. -"Griz is a great listener. We like to share secrets", its the only time two sentences are on one page.

Not combining the short text makes this story that much for ideal for young listeners. The text and illustrations blend together very well. Griz takes of the whole page in almost every spread adding to the wow factor. Griz looks as adorable as his name. McGinness use of color is great, I especially enjoyed the crayola inspired trees. I love this very sweet story that encourages imagination. The surprise ending is great.

My Two Grandads by Floella Benjamin - Margaret Chamberlain

My Two Grandads by Floella Benjamin illus. by Margaret Chamberlain
Aston loves his grandads and the music they play. Grandad Harry from England plays the trumpet. Grandad Roy from Trinidad plays the steel drums. Aston's spends a lot of time with them learning how to play each instrument.

On first glance I thought this text heavy story would be better as an early reader . Though once I read it I loved the fullness of a picture book for this story. When the band that was suppose to play at Aston's school cancels, he turns to his grandads for help. This is a very fun story, on almost every page Aston and his grandads are smiling. The parents are in a few spreads as well. Benjamin does an excellent job of making this feel like a family. Chamberlain's beautiful, open, light, and expressive illustrations compliment the text very well.

It's difficult to find picture books that feature a biracial character. So it was very nice to discover My Two Grandads. I absolutely love that the story is never about identity. It's all about Ashton's love of his grandads and music. Ashton is simply Ashton.

The fact that this picture book is from across the pond, and includes lines like - Can I have a go? or Well, you're a big lad now, so I think you'll have enough puff ", make it that much cooler.

An excerpt

Ladder to the Moon - Maya Soetoro- NG, Yuyi Morales

Ladder to the Moon by Maya Soetoro-NG illus. by Yuyi Morales
One night a ladder comes down from the moon, Suhaila gets to meet her grandmother Annie. They go up together and have an adventure. From a top the moon grandmother and granddaughter watch the world and help when they can. This is a beautiful story about two generations meeting and people coming together.

"Looking past the golden ladder, she spotted people whose hands pointed upward from a synagogue, a temple, a mosque, and a steepled church. One by one, every person was finding his or her own path to the moon each path connecting with the others in hope's massive stream. "

This is simply gorgeous on all levels. I love magical feel and the lyrical flow of the text. The message of unity is naturally intertwined. Morales illus. are some serious WOW filled with warmth. They made me smile and believe in a better world. My favorite spread changed each time I turned the page. Soetoro-NG and Morales styles blended very well together. A 2011 favorite.

A great preview that's a must see, via Candlewick Press

A Storm Called Katrina - Myron Uhlberg, Colin Bootman

A Storm Called Katrina by Myron Uhlberg illus. by Colin Bootman
Louis Daniel and his parents must quickly leave the house after the levee breaks. The family makes their way to the Superdome. The only thing Louis takes his is trumpet. Readers see the storm through the eyes of 10 yr old Louis and the author does an excellent job of capturing his voice. Much of the story takes place at the Superdome. After the family gets separated, Louis knows just what to do to find his father.

This is a wonderful story about hurricane Katrina. Rather then shy away from the harsh realities of the storm, Uhlberg uses a soft hand to describe what happened. At the center of the story is the family, Bootman's art highlights this point. The illustrations are good and complement the story. The only thing I'd change about is the unimaginative title. Though once I started reading I forget all about it.

This would pair well with A Place Where Hurricanes Happen by Renee Watson. Both stories are about Katrina but are very different.

The Boy in the Garden by Allen Say

The Boy in the Garden by Allen Say

Jiro and his father, go visit Mr. Ozu to wish a Happy New Year. While the adults talk, Jiro walks through the garden. Jiro soon finds a bronze crane.

When Jiro spots it, he thinks of the story his mother reads to him, The Grateful Crane.

Say opens the novel with "The story that mama read to Jiro - The Grateful Crane."

The reader can easily understand Jiro's playfulness with the crane. Jiro soon finds himself as the main character in his favorite story. Say's beautiful (as always) illustrations will captivate everyone.

The Boy in the Garden is a wonderful story about imagination. Say is one of my favorite author/illustrators. Once again, he has created a gorgeous story, textually and visually.

An excerpt

The Tooth Fairy Meets El Raton Perez

The Tooth Fairy Meets El Raton Perez by Rene Colato Lainez illus by Tom Lintern

When Miguelito's tooth falls out he puts in under his pillow and goes to sleep. The Tooth Fairy and El Raton Perez fight for tooth while Miguelito is sleeping. Both feel they have a right to it.

"The Tooth Fairy smiled, shaking her wand. "I am the Tooth Fairy, and here in the United States, I collect children's teeth." She tugged at the tooth. "No, no, no," said El Raton Perez, tugging back. "This is Miguelito's house, and I collected his papa's, mama's and his abuelitos teeth. Miguelito's tooth is mine."

The two go back and forth until they eventually agree to work together and share the tooth. I loved this story. It reads very well aloud and the illustrations are beautiful. Colato Lainez's text and Lintern's illustrations are spot on perfect together.

In the author's note, Colato Lainez tells readers a little about the history of The Tooth Fairy and El Raton Perez. I really appreciated this since, El Raton Perez who collects the teeth of children in Latin American countries was new to me.

Read an excerpt or check out the trailer

Around Our Way On Neighbors' Day- Tameka Fryer Brown - Charlotte Riley-Webb

Around Our Way On Neighbors' Day by Tameka Fryer Brown, illus. by Charlotte Riley -Webb

On a nice summer day, a girl enjoys a neighborhood get together. She does many things including jump double dutch, chase after the ice man, watches boys play basketball and eat foods as diverse as the people in her community. Brown does a beautiful job showing happiness on neighbors' day. As well as the togetherness of the community.

"Blue sky, no clouds. No one stares. Or cares That loud music blares. Hustle bustle, salsa sway. Wild day, around our way."

Riley Webb's colorful illustrations bring life to the neighborhood. Around Our Way On Neighbors' Day is a rhythmic story. Writing such a story not easy. One word can throw off an entire verse.

At times I do feel Brown used words that hurt the flow of the story. Though overall this is very good picture book debut, that's well worth reading. I especially loved the portrayal of a diverse community. I look forward to reading more books by Tameka Fryer Brown.

Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria - Kyra E. Hicks - Lee Edward Fodi

Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria by Kyra E. Hicks - illus. by Lee Edward Fodi

This is the story of Martha Ann Ricks. Martha Ann was born around 1817 on a Tennessee plantation. When Marth Ann's father learns about a group called the American Colonization Society which will help enslaved Blacks start a new life in the African country of Libera, the family begins to save every penny. The family finally makes their way to freedom and Libera in 1830.

Martha Ann's parents die of the African fever. Martha Ann decides to make them proud by making a quilt for Queen Victoria. The Queen sent in a navy to try and stop slavery, the quilt was Martha Ann's way of saying thank you. Martha Ann saved her coins and worked on that quilt for years. When Martha Ann was 76 she finally made the trip to see the Queen and present the quilt

This is the first picture book I've read where American Colonization society and slaves escaping to Libera is mentioned. I really enjoyed Martha Ann's quilt. Fodi's illustrations were just okay for me. Though Hicks text was strong enough to overcome this, she writes a great story. The story is filled with a lot of information about Mary Ann Hicks and her life in Liberia.

Marth Ann's father saving every coin for the families trip to Libera, and than Martha Ann saving every coin to visit the Queen - I was reminded of A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. William. I think the two books might make a good pairing.

Hicks has a newer book out illus. by Bill Gaskins called This I Accomplish: Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt and Other Pieces I am not familiar with Harriet Powers. Though after looking at a few of her pieces I want to know more. Plus the cover of This I Accomplish is gorgeous.

Though I haven't seen it yet, I think This I Accomplish would go well with Stitchin' and Pullin': A Gee's Bend Quilt by Patricia McKissack. Since both are picture book stories about famous quilters.

Big Red Lollipop Rukhsana Khan - Sophie Blackwell

Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan and Sophie Blackall

Rubina very exicited, she been invited to her first birthday party. Rubina's mother doesn't understand the idea of birthday parties, its not something they celebrate in their culture. Rubina must take her younger sister Sana to the party. Rubina is very embrassed to show up with her sister. Sana cries during musical chairs. When the party is over everyone gets a little gift bag, that has a big red lollipop.

Sana's eats her's right away. Rubina saves and dreams about for big red lollipop. The next day Rubina discovers that Sana's has eaten all but a small triangle of the lolliop. Rubina is very upset, she chases Sana around the house. Sana runs behind their, Ami. Being the older sister Rubina must be the bigger person.

Soon, Sana's turn comes. She's invited to her first birthday party. Ami, says she must take her younger sister Maryam. Sana, begs and pleads but it doesn't work. Rubina could sit back, and say nothing but she speaks up for Sana. Rubina tells their Ami not to make Sana take Maryam to the party. When Sana comes back from the party she gives Rubina a lollipop as a thank you.

I loved Big Red Lollipop. Khan's makes you feel for Rubina, the oldest of three sisters.

"Sana runs to the fridge and brings back the triangle stuck to the stick. "Look"! I didn't eat all of your lollipop I left the triangle for you!"

See? says Ami. " She didn't eat all of it. She's sharing with you! Go ahead. Take the Triangle." So I have to take it.

Khan's text and Blackwell's illustrations are a perfect match, I love both equally. The families culture can be seen in the text and illustrations. Sophie Blackwell is most known for illustrating the best selling Ivy&Bean series. This is one of my favorite picture books of the year. Ages 4 up

Another blog review @ Kids Lit

A few professional (starred) reviews via author's site

A Place Where Hurricanes Happen Renee Watson - Shadra Strickland

A Place Where Hurricanes Happen by Renee Watson illus. by Shadra Strickland

This is the story of four friends, Adrienne, Keesha, Micheal and Tommy, who live on the same New Orleans street.

I thought the first picture book that dealt with hurricane Katrina would focus on the hurricane. I am glad I was wrong, I like this much better.

The reader gets to know the four friends and their community before Katrina . The connection will stay long after the hurricane is gone, as the friends and their community are coming back together.

Waston's free verse is beautiful she makes the four friends as real as they can be. Strickland helps to bring the friends, the storm and New Orleans alive with her illustrations. Watson and Strickland have come together to create a lovely picture book.

Michael

Cars are turned upside down

and the street sign is floating in the water

Daddy tells us to get to the attic

as fast as we can

I take Jasmine's hand and I hold it tight.

like big brothers do.

She's too scared to look out the window

but I'm not

I look out the window

and I see the whole block swimming in water

Furniture, clothes and toys are swirling in the flood

Roofs are crumbling and windows are shattering

Big winds have come and trees are breaking

And all I can see is more water rising

So I look away and I squeeze Jasmine's hand

real tight because now I am scared too.

I probably should not have shared the whole verse, (but I love it) I also know the text without the illustrations is only half the story. You definitely want to see whole picture, its gorgeous and filled with emotion. This is one of those picture books, that I appreciate more each time I look at it. And I can't stop looking.

A Place Where Hurricane Happens comes out on June 22. Watson and Strickland were kind enough to answer a few questions about the book. I will be posting the interview on Tuesday, release day.

Also Watson will be doing her first booksigning on June 24 @ A Children's Place Bookstore in Portland, Or . So if you are thinking about getting the book, you may want to check them out.

A signed, first edition debut, would be very sweet indeed.

Three professional reviews via Strickland's blog