The titles in this posting are listed into sections for readers ages 8- 14+ including chapter books, books for middle years readers, YA fiction, Poetry. At least two of the titles are sure to appear on my list of 2024 favourite books. 

See also a list of award winning titles presented on October 28th at the Canadian Children’s Book Awards  for best in Canadian publishing , 2023, 

Moreover, two spotlights are given to  two special titles written by Uncle Larry’s nephews. 

 

CHAPTER BOOKS: ages 8-11

 

ALI HOOPS  by Evanka Osmak; illus Megan Chew

Fifth grader Ali has dreams of joining the girl’s school basketball team, not only because she loves the game, but she wants to share the experience with her best friend. Leila. Ali is dedicated  preparing for the tryouts but has a hard time playing as good as Leila. This is story about perseverance and disappointments. Young people who are interested in the sports and being a member of a team, will cheer for Ali’s courage and determination as come to understand the meaning of  competition. 

EVERY LITTLE BIT OLIVE TRAN by Phuong Truong

Olive Tran, a Vietnamese girl,  is about to celebrate her tenth birthday which is a major turning point in her life because she is now able to go to school without the accompaniment of her parent. Not only does she come learn about the meaning of being more independent but she becomes aware of racism in her world and try to understand how Asians, like her are treated cruelly.  Phuong Tran, author of the picture book Everyone is Welcome, tells accessible – and important – stories of Anti-Asian racism and belonging. 

SHOUT OUT

THE HOTEL BALZAAR by Kate DiCamillo; illus. Julia Sarda

Marta’s soldier father is missing and they young girl and her sad mother are living in a small room in the Hotel Balzaar. Mother cleans rooms in the hotel and  warns her daughter that she musta be quiet like a little mouse. The curious gilr meets up with a mysterious countess guest of the hotel who promises to tell her seven stories in the coming days. Marta is entranced with the stories and their hidden meanings and hopes that the tales will help uncover the disappearance of her missing father. The tales are rich in narrative and mystery. How intriguing to read about an army general transformed into a talking parrot; a childless couple who were given a son who had the gift of singing like a nightingale; a nun who left the covent she lived in because she felt that God has abandoned her; a circus, tightrope walker. 

Kate DiCamillo is a storyteller extraordinaire. Oh, how I wish I could write like DiCamillo.  Oh, how lucky we are to have her words, her imagination, and stories of adventure, yearning and hope. Oh I wish, every teacher would share a title by this award-winning author with her students (perhaps starting with The Hotel Balzaar). This novella is certain to be at the top of my list of 2024 favourites. The artwork by Julia Vardas is spectacular: black and white images that sometimes fill the page or half-page with a  number woodblock print-like images set in rectangles throughout the book.  The Hotel Balzaar is the second of The Norendy Tales series.  In the first book, The Puppets of Spelhorst, aa] king, a girl, a boy and an owl  are puppets shut up in a trunk by an old sea captain who eventually come to life through the hands of two young girls and a maid. More please!.

Excerpt (p. 70)

“So,” said Marta, ‘if you will not let me ask about endings, maybe you will let me ask if there is more to the story.”

“Ah, well. More. There is always more,” said the countess. 

 

FICTION: ages 9 -12

 

THE FAIRY TALE FAN CLUB by Richard Ayoade; illus. David Roberts 

The premise of this book is  quite clever. C.C. Cecily collects letters by concerned readers to send to fairy and folk tale characters to determine if life is being lived happily ever after.  Each of the characters answers letters that have been forward to them (e.g. Little Red Riding Hood, Pinocchio, Humpty Dumpty,)  British author, Richard Ayoade (The Book That No One Wanted to Read) is a very funny guy. I’m not sure that young people would ‘get’ his sense of humour and satire but that’s OK. They would be amused by the exchange of letters (no emails) and maybe just maybe be motivated to read or re-read familiar fairy tales. That’s a good thing. I’d also say that this book would inspire readers to write letters to book characters asking for clarification of story elements and asking questions about each character’s fate.  Letters could be answered from the points of view of the characters. That’s a great thing. The detailed art work by David Roberts is terrific- and amusing too!

Sample (p. 10)

Dear Little Red Riding Hood (I’m sorry I don’t know your real name)

How can you be swallowed by a wolf and survive? Also, how is it possible to mistake a wolf for an old woman? On is grisly and scary, and the other is a wolf. Just kidding, ha ha! But to be serious, it didn’t sound realistic to me. 

THE FRINDLE FILES by Andrew Clements

Andrew Clements final novel is “a tribute to great teachers, ce ourageous kids and the power of language.” (Jon Agee, New York Times, Sunday September 22, p. 22)

Andrew Clements is a master storyteller for having written over 20 books enjoyed by millions of grade four to seven readers. (The Landry News; In his first novel, Frindle (1987) we are introduce to Nick Allen who invented newfangled word for a ballpoint pen. Desipte battles with his fifth-grade teacher, Nick’s Frindle-brand became a phenomenon and a retail sensation. More than 24 years after Frindle fame, we meet Josh Willet a techno-obsessed sixth grade student who is is battling his technophobic English Language Arts teacher who forbids laptops and e-books in his class. Homework must be hadned in neatly on lined paper with work written in blue or black ink.  When Josh discovers a Frindle pen, he believes something is up and he is determined to find out the truth about Mr. N’s background. Is Mr. N, (Mr. Allen Nicholas, the Nick Allen the hero of Friendle fame?  Why is Mr. N hiding his true identity? Why is he so against the world of computers and social media? What Mr. N is passionate about is the “Strunk and White’s Elements of Style” syle guide, originally published in 1935 (Note: E.B White of Charlotte’s Web fame) which he asks his students to consult daily in order to consider the craft of being good writers.

The Frindle Files is another Clements engaging school adventures  this time raising ethical questions regarding privacy, fairness, and the pros and cons of technology in modern times. The story revolves around  a mystery crusade of a determined middle coder who attempt to put together pieces of a puzzle of internet piracy and hidden identity of a caring, quirky teacher who is fond of wearing Hawaiian shirts. One needn’t have read Frindle to enjoy this posthumous publication of one terrific children’s author (1949-2021). Pencil drawings(particlarly of pens) by illustrator Brian Selznick are scattered throughout. 

OUT OF MY DREAMS by Sharon M. Draper

We first meet Melody Brooks in the novel Out of My Mind. Life is frustrating for this girl with cerebral palsy since she cannot speak, move, nor communicate her thoughts and wishes. Melody is however, a very smart girl with a photgraphic memory and a fierce desire to be normal. Draper wrote a sequel to the book entilted Out of My Heart where the girl, telling of Melody’s adventures at summer camp. In the third book, Out of My Dreams, Melody is given the opportunity to visit London and readers join Meldoy and  her fellow travellers (a retired British actress and her  and her adult companion)  on  a sightseeing excursion to such places as the Globe theatre, The British Museum, Buckingham Palace and the London Library and a rock concert. Thanks to help of her speech generating device, named Elvira, Melody is able to express herself most of the time. Participating in a an interntional symposium of Innovation, Discovery and Application (I.D.E A for innovative ideas to change the wolrd for the disabled. Through this experience and her friendships, Melody discovers she has the power to speak up, speak and ‘understand the power of hope, the power of ideas’ but most of all, the power of our dreams? This third book in the trilogy can be read as a stand-alone but readers who have cheered for Melody in two previous novels are certain to enjoy journeying with this smart, brave girl once again. 

FICTION: YA, ages 12+

 

GATHER by Kenneth M. Cadow (2023)

“Stories aren’t for shocking, in my opinion. They’re for chewing on longer than you would a meal.” (p. 184)

1 is a resourceful,  10th grade teenager who fights to hold on to family and home while his mother struggles from addiction. His chance meeting with a stray dog, (who he names Gather)  provides Ian with companionship and a reason to get through each day.   Like many rural students his age, Ian struggles with poverty, is eager to find a job to help sustain him and is influenced by his friends who’s behaviour may or may not have different values than theirs. Hanging on to memories and lessons from Gramps, the neighbouring woodland and farming areas are very important to Ian. Ian is a smart guy, but the school system seems to be failing him. He is extremely dexterous and  has a great ability  to fix things gathering any materials that he comes across. The author brilliantly takes us into the head and heart of this teenager by presenting a first person narrative where the character is shown to be deeply reflective and critical of what life has given him. Throughout the novel, we are given many flashbacks which help to present a fully realized, realistic character. Evocative too  is the Vermont setting, which is vital to Ian’s perspective on living. (“You are what you eat, you are what you do, and everything I learned to do, I learned here, in my town and on our land.” (p. 222)

This novel, nominated for National Book Award and winner of the 2024 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers Literature, is one of the finest books I’ve read this year. I loved the story. I loved the writing. I loved the voice of the protagonist. I’m assured that Kenneth M. Cadow has some of my favourite authors sitting on his shoulders: Gary Paulsen whose stories often shworwed characters surviving (and  worshipping natural settings and J.D. Salinger who gave us Holden Caufield and his sardonic comments about the world around him. I’d say, too, that Elizabeth Stroud is whispering in Cadow’s ear as he  tells stories about ‘interesting’ characters in our families and community who help  to shape our lives. 

This is the first young adult novel written by former teacher and principal, Kenneth M Cadow who writes: “In my teaching career, I have encountered dozens upon dozens of stories like Ian’s: kids whose spirits are threatened to be crushed by societal disregard. The kids who are able to pull through by the ingenuity of their skill set and the strength of character.” Gather is a monumental tribute to those students. This is an important story about resilience that many students who can connect too. It is an essential read  for teachers who really want to ‘know’ their students.  I strongly recommend this outstanding YA novel. 

SHOUT OUT

TWENTY-FOUR SECONDS FROM NOW… Jason Reynolds 

Let’s talk about sex, baby

Let’s talk about you and me

Let’s talk about all the good things

And the bad things that mayu be

       ~ Salt-N-Pepa

The novel is arranged in 8 sections, starting with the present (‘Right Now’ and moving backwards through time (Twenty-four minutes seconds ago; Twenty-four minutes before that…) until we learn about Neon and Arias first meeting (Twenty four months ag0.  This clever device invites readers to gradually learn about the journey of these  two characters’ trusting relationship and the learn about friends and family who help to carry them through their days. Jason Reynolds brilliantly captures the anticipation, the preparation, the hesitation, the nervousness,  the excitement and the joy of two teenagers who have carefully planned to have sex for the first time. Reynolds writes that “the book is ‘for the young lovers who want to know what it is to feel safe and joyous while stumbling through maturation.” This “let’s talk about sex”story is a tender exposition that raises questions and answers them through honest conversations (Neon’s talk with each of his parents is priceless) about losing virginity.   Twenty-fur Seconds from Now is teenage love story for all teenagers,  and yes, for “Black boys who deserve love stories too.” (Reynolds /  Acknowledgements). This is a book that will be read; a book that needs to be read. Must be read. Once again, bravo to you Mr. Reynolds. 

 

POETRY

 

BLACK GIRL YOU ARE ATLAS by Renee Watson; illus. Ekua James (YA+)

Renee Watson is a poet and author of children’s literature titles (e.g., Piecing Me Together (YA): The 1619 Project: Born on the Water (picture book) and this semi-autobiograpical collection of poems is an deeply thoughtful celebration of Black girlhood drawn from Watson’s experiences of growing up. The anthology is presented in various poetic forms that serve as odes to the Black women in the poet’s life and is a call for Black adolescent girls to step into their power.  Ekua James vibrant collage art pieces that accompany the words are poems unto themselves. 

Excerpt (from “Altars”

Every girl…”needs to learn how to be n harmony with the music of her breath.”

Every girl growing into a woman

needs a teapot, a crockpot,

Needs to learn how to slow down, 

slow down and wait.

Needs to learn how to steep,

how to take her time, simmer to a boil. 

 

IN AND OUT THE WINDOW by Jane Yolen; illus.  Cathrin Peterslund (ages 8 – 12)

I totally admire and respect the work of Jane Yolen for her contributions to children’s literature with over 400 published works in a variety of genres.  I was excited to learn about her recent collection of over 100 poems organized into such themes as Home, Animals, School, Careers and the Calendar. Each section is introduced with an inspiring poem about writing poems (Why to Write a Poem; How to Write a Poem; Where to Write a Poem; When To Write a Poem etc.)The conceit of arranging these poems ‘in and out’ te window probvide an organizational framework for arranging the poem, but thematically doesn’t work all that much for me. Most poems are one page in length, some are very short, most have a rhyme pattern. I read the book chronologically, knowing as it is with many poetry (and short story) collections that I’d like some works more than others. I wish i could say that I liked more than I didn’t but there were only about a dozen pieces that got post-it note attention (e.g., A Family, Patter of Rain on the House, In My Locker, Catnip) As poet, Yolen puts a microscope on everyday occurrences. The poems seem to be best read aloud (as many poems are). Sometimes the punchlines landed other times, after re-reading pieces, I sighed, feeling that the poems didn’t carry me far into thought and feeling. Oh well. Having a new poetry anthology is cause for celebration. Having a new Jane Yolen publication is cause for congratulations. I admire the range of theme, form and length of the poems that appear in this collection.   I was hoping to give this collection a  five star review, /or maybe, maybe four,  / I think i’d give it a rating of three / I yearned for something more.  (illustrations were a throwaway).

ROBOT, UNICORN, QUEEN: Poems for your and me  by Shannon Bramer; Irene Luxbacher (ages 8 – 12)

A range of topics are presented in this collection by Canadian poet Shannon Bramer (Climbing Shadows)  inviting children to delve into the world of poetic language, familiar events and playful  imagination. Topics include: a robot in the rain; practicing the piano; a broken plate;  a loving pony; a tribute to the Iris;  refusing to eat a sandwich;  lying under sprinkler). Sample excerpts: “The toad toad me to sit and listen to her sing”; “I’m sewing a speckled starling in a tree”; The problem with this sandwich is that it is a sandwich”; “Please do not disturb the night owls thinking in the arms of trees.”If I were a pig / :zazzIf I were a pig I’d be a pig with pizzazz”. These are poems are  splendid dreamlike adventures to be shared with young readers. . The staggering artwork by Irene Luxbacher are poems unto themselves created in fanciful abstract, dreamlike visions. Robot, Unicorn, Queen is the winner of the CCBC 2024 David Booth Youth Poetry book award.

THE UNBOXING OF A BLACK GIRla Shante (YA+)

As Shante navigates the city through memory, this timeless book illuminates the places where Black girls are nurtured or boxed in, through zazz

and poems about expectations, exploitations, love, loss, and self-realization,” (from Jacket description)

Angela Shante worked as a classroom teacher and has had a career as a poet / spoken word artist. This collection of poems inspects pivotal moments in Shante’s life, from childhood experiences, educational experiences, family and community.  The Unboxing of a Black Girl is a tribute to Black joy as well as sobering events such as sexual assault, poverty,  menstruation, hair perms, masking and mental health.  Many pages contain words of less than 20 pages. Some pages tell stories about her upbringing, A strong feature of this book are the inclusion of footnotes that encourage readers to listen to songs, watch movies and read literature about Black Girls’ experiences.  I am so glad to have spent time with these remarkable poems, which, as a white guy, opened up doors for me into the life of Black girls who feel boxed in. 

Excerpt (p. 87)

Black is Not a Monolith (a pair of 5-7-5 haikus)

it can not be boxed

it can not be defined, and

it can not be bought

 

Black is divine, see

Black can be anything we 

decide it to be. 

 

A PROUD UNCLE:

SPOTLIGHT ON GREAT BOOKS BY TWO GREAT NEPHEWS

 

PASTA TO THE MAX  & FLAVOURS TO THE MAX by Max Swartz O’Neill

Received a message from my great nephew this week that he has two little cookbooks listed on Amazon.  The recipes in each book have been created and tested by my nephew Max, who is 11 years old. Hooray for Max!  Yummy! Yummy!

Great recipes,

Great cook.

Great nephew,

Great book! 

 

THE RED COURT: Shattered Skies, Volume I,  by Matthew Hastie (YA)

My great nephew, Matthew (age 23) has published his first novel, a fantasy adventure extraordinare! WOW!

This novel was given to me in manuscript edition.  The book has just been rleased as an Amazon titles, crossing fingers so that lovers of fantasy adventures can enjoy this thrilling book. The author is a great storyteller and expertly creates other world characters and plots of good and evil. He cleverly alternates the narratives between chapters featuring 1. Grayson 2. Violet and keeps readers guessing, ‘What happens next?’

Kudos to Matthew Hastie for presenting a wild ride of a book. His ease with language, his invention of contemporary and other worldly characters and his use of sharp dialogue, (and his wit) contribute to mighty fine read.  Rick Riordan must be sitting on Hastie’s  shoulders (Matthew read all is books) and there is no doubt that the twists and turns of Marvel comics (Matthew is addicted to these) have helped shape the action of The Red Court. Matthew Hastie pours his imagination onto the page and offers readers  exciting cinematic events (particularly the many battle scenes), sure to engage readers who love entering a world of  doors that transport to other universes, magical deeds,  bloody combats,  powerful swords, premonitions, dreamscapes, tyrants, elves, dwarves, dragons, minotaurs,  evil parents, friendships – and yes,  romantic relationships!!!

The Red Court is a remarkable accomplishment! 

Here is the back cover synopsis:

When a group of estranged friends reunite five years after the disappearance of one of thei own, they each find themselves on separate paths.

Burdened with guilt, Grayson will stop at nothing to find their lost friend. While Gray finds himself in an otherworldly conflict, Violet and the others uncover a conspiracy that dates back to their towns foundling

As connections form between these two disparate conflicts, it becomes clear that they’re fighting on two sides of the same war. But with their enemies consolidating power, time is running out, and the fate of two worlds hangs in balance. 

DISCLAIMER: Fantasy Adventure is not my genre of choice. Also, I’m not usually fond of books that are more than 700 pages. But I really enjoyed this one and I was honoures to be given the chance read it in advance of its publication. 

Here is the dedication to the book, (which made me weep!)…
“Dedicated to my Uncle Larry, who never let me stop reading!”

The dozen  books listed below can fall into different categories (e.g., Tough Topic Themes or  genres).  I have decided to present these new titles as representatives of publications from 4 different countries (Canada, UK, U.S. Australia). Most titles have been released in 2024.

A few titles that I’ve recently read tell stories of children who have been abandoned by their irresponsible mothers (e.g., And Then, Boom by Lisa Fipps),  and three of  which are listed in this posting: Not Nothing by Gayle Foreman and The Outsmarters by Deborah Ellis and Tig by Heather Smith), This premise sets up story that builds empathy  for characters needing to be resilient in the face of a parent who experience mental health or addiction. 

 

CANADIAN

---

BIRDS ON THE BRAIN by Uma Krishnaswami; illus. Julianna Swaney (Activism)

This story takes place in contemporary India. The central characters are Reeni (bird lover) Yasmin (book lover), and Anil (karate lover).  When a school project requires the three friends to conduct survey’s, Reeni gets excited about the possibilities of finding out about the Bird Count of India, a major event where thousands of birdwatchers will be counting birds as part of a global movement. Reeni is supported by her good friend Yasmin and her Book Uncle who offers the girls some books about birds.  The girls come to discover that people are not as dedicated to the cause as they are and encounter several glitches: 1) Their friend Ani decides to embark on a project of his own (solar panels) 2) the local authorities are not supporting the event 3) the girls do not have a phone to help them conduct research. Reeni, Yasmin and Anil are strong advocates for both human and non-human inhabitants of their communtie. Birds on the Brain is a terrific novel to help young people understand the importance of fighting what you believe for.  This novel is a sequel to Book Uncle and Me but can be considered a stand-alone title.

THE OUTSMARTERS by Deborah Ellis (Mental Health) / ages 11+

Kate is a troubled twelve year old, who’s erratic behaviour issues has had her suspended from school. Her mother has abandoned her and for the past three years she was assigned left to live with her grandmother, a stubborn, strong-headed character (much like Kate)  Gran is a “hard-hearted old broad” a  true specimen of ‘tough love’, not letting her granddaughter get away with anything and encouraging her to take responsibility around their junk shop residence. Eager to make money, Kate sets up a philosophy booth business  providing answers and lessons to any customers who come her way. As the novel unfolds, we learn more about the young girl’s traumatic past and the troubles of her mother who was addicted to drugs. Kate dreams that one day her mother will return to her and she that life will be better without getting into fights with Gran. Kate is an angry, friendless girl who is strong enough to take matters into her own hands to get what she wants and needs. Kate would find good companionship in  Paterson’s Gilly Hopkins and Smith’s Tig (see below).  There’s not doubt that award-winning author, Deborah Ellis, is at the top of the heap of Canadian novelists for young people,The Outsmarters is a gem of a  book y about trauma, mental health and resilience. 

Excerpt

Should I mind my own business, or is it my business to mind? The more I think,  the more I’m not sure. That’s the trouble with thinking. Once you get started, it’s damn hard to stop. (p, 73)

TIG by Heather Smith (Mental Health)

I am very fond of Heather Smith’s work (Ebb and Flow, Barry Squires: Full Tilt; The Agony of Bun O’Keefe), and was excited to see a new novel by her. Tig’s mother has flown the coop and she  and Peter are invited to live with her Uncle Scott and his partner Manny in a somewhat idyllic setting.  Tig is not happy with the arrangement and is resistant to accept any help and affection that is offered. Scott and Manny are aware of the Tig’s troubled past (How could a mother just disappear from her child’s life?*) but slowly and patiently provide positive parenting, buying clothes, letting Tig play freely in a nearby park and buying her the pet bulldog (Guten Morgen) that she desperately wants.  Tig prepares a list of goals for herself and at the top of the list is to outrun a wheel of cheese and of course, wanting to be reunited with her mother. Heather al cleverly sprinkles unfamiliar vocabulary throughout and provides a definition and uses that word in a sentence that offers rhyming words (e..g. ‘Druthers: a person’s preference in a matter. If I had my druthers, I’d have no more mothers’ (p.35). Heather Smith brilliantly offers readers metaphors for Tig’s life (e.g. renovating a doll house) and expertly presents a whammy suprise towards the end of the novel, a surprise that makes sense and reveals much about Tig’s mental health. Tig is described as being ‘cheeky’ child. Like Katherine Patersons’ Gilly Hopkins, Tig is a character that readers will root for and care for and hope will move forward from a traumatic past. Heather Smith you write good books. Thank you, thank you for Tig.

 

 

AMERICAN

---

ARE YOU NOBODY TOO? Tina Cane (Asian Identity)

Eight grader Emily Sofar, a Chinese girl who had been adopted is enjoying her life as the only Chinese student at a private middle school. When COVID hits, her father loses his job and she is transferred to I.S. in New York’s Chinatown, and discovers that she is in a community where she looks like everyone else. Emily, however, struggles to fit in and establish friends. She is always looking in herself to figure out who she is and feel comfortable with her past and present circumstances. It is the poetry of Emily Dickinson “I’m nobody! Who are you? Are you – Nobody – too?”)that provides Emily  a window and a mirror to her identity. Are You Nobody Too? offers readers a very introspective, reflective character who tries to find a place of belonging (as many adolescents do).  The free verse style is especially suitable for this story about the importance of poetry. Encountering words by the lonely Emily Dickinson throughout this book offers a special read for students who enjoy grasping the meaning of poems. 

BUFFALO DREAMER by Violet Duncan (Indigenous Culture)

Twelve-year-old Summer head to Canada to spend time with her mother’s family on a Cree reservation. Summer, her brother and her brother enjoy spending time with family and the joys of nature. This year, however, the young teenager learns about  the Sixties Scoop where children were forced to erase their Native identities when the Elders in the community speak up about their past traumas. Interspersed throughout the narrative, are descriptions of Summer’s vivid dreams about two young girls who are running away from Residential schools. At 99 pages organized into thirty short chapters, Violet Duncan presents an important novel about Indian identity and stories of scoop survivors.  In the author note, Violet book and give Duncan writes “I’ve aimed to breathe life into this book and give their (survivors) stories the credence and recognition they deserve by illustrating the strength of the human spirit” (page 103). Mission accomplished!  This is a beautiful specimen of historical fiction  about generations, healing, reconciliation and TRUTH.  Buffalo Dreamer provides an accessible and heartfelt document of  the historyIndian residential schools. 

NOT NOTHING by Gayle Forman (The Holocaust/ Mental Health)

Twelve year old Alex’s life is troubled. After moving around fourteen times, his mother has abandoned him and he is now living with an aunt and uncle who haven’t welcomed him with open arms. Alex did something very very  bad and a judge has sentenced him to volunteer in a retirement home. At first, Alex stubbornly does not cooperate with what is being asked of him but a meeting with a girl his age aned Maya-Jade gradually softens his approach to duties. A special relationship develops witha 107 year old man named Josey who has refused to speak until he meets Alex and he  recounts stories of surviving a ghetto and escaping a concentration camp. At the heart of Josey’s stories was his devotion to Olka who taught Josey how to sew. This relationship has opened up a world of trust and emotion for Alex and the need to confront the terrible incident that he was responsible for. The novel is presented in alternative narratives about Alex’s life and Josey’s memories. Not Nothing is a story of memory, hope, compassion and forgiveness. It can proudly sit on the shelf with other stories about surviving the trauma of The Holocaust. 

 

BRITISH

---

ASTROCHIMP by David Walliams

David Walliams does not t disappoint. He faithfully releases at least one new novel title each year. He writes funny stories. He takes readers on comical (rather preposterous) adventures. Astrochimp might  have the ‘look’ of his two dozen or so previous titles (Billionaire Boy, Gangsta Granny, Mr. Stink, The World’s Worst Children x3) with wild fonts and explosive illustrations Quentin Blake, Tony Ross) but along with his recent creative companion, illustrator Adam Stower,  he continues to write fantastic books for middle age readers who like to embark on fantastical journeys with quirky characters. In Astrochimp, we have Chump the monkey, Dimtri, the dog, Bardot, the cool cat, Choti the Gerbil, giant fruit flies, two old tortoises. These characters have blasted off into space. Will they survive? Will they kill each other? Will they save the planet? Will they return to Earth?Each character is based on real animals that were blasted into space over the past 80 years. (Fruit Flies / U.S, 1947); Monkey /U.S. 1949; Dog/ Russia, 1957); Cat / France 1963).  Chump was insprired by Ham the chimpanzee who was given the responsibility in piloting his Mercury spacecraft. Funny stuff!

A KIND OF SPARK by Elle McNicoll, (2020) (Autism; Bullying)

This novel won several British book awards including Waterston’s Children’s Book Prize (2021).  . Addie lives in a small village in Scotland and she sees and feels things that others do not. When her teacher informs the class about the witch trials that happened in their community centuries ago, Addie becomes intrigued and is keen on  having a monument erected for those witches who were different – like Addie.  Those differences are by some in her classroom and Addie which leads to some terrible bullying by a jealous classmate and a terribly mean, bigoted teacher. Luckily Addie has found friendship with a new classmate and continues to have a strong bond with her older sister who is also autistic and is experiencing new demons as she begins university. Addie is fiercely determined to let others know what is going inside of her “There is nothing wrong with me. I will not let people use my difference as a stick to beat me with” (p. 166). A Kind of Spark is a very special novel for digging into the behaviours, the mind and the spirit of those who are autistic. (the main character often reminds us that she is not a girl ‘with autism’. She is autistic). Elle McNicoll is a neurodivergent Scottish writer who lives in London. She has gifted young readers and adults  with a gutsy story sure to inspire understanding and compassion for those who are considered to be different. The book deserved its awards.

Excerpt (page 104)

“The last thing these women new in this world, the last thing they felt was fear. Fear and pain. Looking out at people who didn’t understand them, and who had accused them of something they weren’t.” I feel the unfairness of it building up inside me. “You have no idea what it is like to be punished for something you cannot control.

MILLIONS by Frank-Cottrell-Boyce

British author, Frank Cottrell-Boyce was known for writing scripts. In 2004 he wrote his first children’s novel, Millions, which ws an adaption of his screenplay for film and since that publication the author hasn’t looked back. He claims that writing for kids is now where he wants to put all his creative energy. Millions was the winner of the 2024 Carnegie Medal. Since then,  Cottrell-Boyce has published at least one novel every other year. Some titles include Framed, Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth and The Great Rocket Robbery and sequels to Ian Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The author was recently  given the honour of being Children’s Laureate *2024-2026).  Despite their huge popularity in the UK, I had never come across any of Cottrell-Boyce  titles and a salesclerk at Waterstone’s suggested I start with Millions which was his claim to fame.  

Damian and his brother Antony whose mother had recently died,now live with their single-parent loving father who patiently gets through each day. As luck would have it (and as appealing fictional adventures would have it), Damian is surprised when a bag stuffed with money literary falls from the sky. What could two young boys do with all that money?  How are they going to spend it in only seventeen days before the th fictional takeover of the Euro. The two brothers are able to keep their hidden treasure a secret – for a while. Damian is an interesting gifted boy’ who is obsessed with the lives of saints. We are provided with facts about saints throughout the novel Damian even has visions of meeting some saints. I’d say that this book has a particular ‘British’ flavour and which would certainly engage boys and girls across the UK. I’m only going by this novel, but I’m not sure who appealing it would be to North American youngsters and perhaps that is why I haven’t come across the author’s name, despite his success. I will dig into some other titles by this popular, funny author. 

Excerpt (p, 198)

They had Nelson Mandela  talking for them.. “The only wealth is life.” What do you think of that? He said money can be a prison just like, you know, no money. The only wealth is life… You’ve got each other, got a place, got your health. Life. Everything else is a disappointment.”

PUPPET by David Almond

Silvester, an aging puppeteer, is filled with memories of good times he and his wife delighted others with their puppet presentations. When the artifacts of his life as a puppeteer are taken off to a museum, Silvester decides to make one last puppet. And thus, Puppet (aka Kenneth) is born, giving Silvester a new lease on life as he introduces the human-like ‘boy’ to  the world and to a loving cast of characters that includes a butcher, a pastry chef, a barber, and a busker. Eventually, the Puppet and Puppeteer meet up with Fleur who is so enamoured with the world of puppets that she longs to create her own and so Silvester guides her into creating puppets and put on a show in the town square. Puppet  is an engaging  narrative about creation and the circle of life.  There are no evil characters.  It is a novel about memory, about bonding, about artistry, and about the importance of storying.  Throughout the book, black and white illustrations by Lizzy Stewart depict story events with clarity and joyfulness. Like Charlie Mackesy’s, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse, David Almond weaves in philosophical statements to warm the heart and inspire reflection. 

Excerpt (pages 99-100)

“That’s a baby,” whispered Silvester. It came from a mother and father. It will grow into another child.”

Puppet swayed.

“Then it will become a teenager,” said Silvester. “Then an adult. And it might have children of its own. Then it wil become an old person like me. And then…”

He shook his head. ‘So much magic, Puppet!” he cried. “So many stories. Such an astonishing world!”

He opened his eyes and his heart and his imagination wide. 

 

AUSTRALIAN

---

GRACE NOTES by Karen Comer (YA) Verse Novel

This novel was shortlisted for a number of book awards and was the winner the 2024 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book Prize for older readers. It is the story of two teenagers who are each talented and dedicated to their art form, despite the discouragement and lack of support from their parents. Karen Comer presents alternating narratives in free verse style.  Grace Dalfinch is passionate about playing the violin and James Crux aspires to be a noteworthy street artist. About halfway through the novel, their lives converge as they find solace and understanding and love with each other. Noteworthy, is the fact that this story is set in 2020 when the Pandemic hit the world. Throughout the novel the author provides facts about the growing number of Corona cases with snippets of postings from citizens who were dealing with the pandemic.  Readers will likely recall their own experiences of COVID-19. Teenagers will likely identify with Grace and Crux in their pursuit of their dreams, smothered by the  expectations of their parents. Grace Notes was an engaging, relatable read. 

---

SHOUT OUT

CHOOSE LOVE by Nicola Davies; illus. Petr Horacek (Poetry) (2022) (The Refugee Experience)

Award-winning British author, Nicola Davies has written over 80 books for children. Her staggering book The Day War Came shines a light on the refugee experience by telling the story of a child fleeing war having lost family, home, education and safety. Choose Love grew from a remarkable charity Help Refugees.  Choose Love, the publication is a series of poems digs deep into the soul and plight of real-life refugee experiences, the lives they left behind to face an unknown future.  The book is divided into three sections: ‘Departure’, ‘Arrival’, ‘Healing’. Czechoslovakian illustrator, Petr Horacek creates stirring abstract art images to accompany each poem. the artist writes “my illustrations are not pretty. They are expressive and heavy with texture… Colour seeps through the paint just as love and hope seeps through Nicola’s poems… Love and Hope, the two most important things in our lives, because… what else?”

Sample: from “The Trials” (p. 23)

First the trial of escape:

Leaping from the monster’s mouth while its jaws snap;

felling with the flames and famine licking at your heels;

nights of terror wondering about the ones

you had to leave behind. 

 

OUT OF THE DUST by Karen Hesse (1997) and HOME OF THE BRAVE by Katherine Applegate (2008) and the 2015 Newbery Award winning THE CROSSOVER by Kwame are three exceptional examples of fiction.  That they happen to be verse novels is particularly worthy of praise. I am drawn to this format of narrative fiction and tend to automatically pick up a book if I know it’s free verse. I’m usually not disappointed. This posting is a round-up of  some Verse novels that have recently been published. Noteworthy, too, is that these suggestions happen to support the teaching of a tough topic. If you haven’t had the chance to dig into novels written in this poetic style, I suggest trying it. You might like it! 

 

ALIAS ANNA by Susan Hood with Greg Dawson / THE HOLOCAUST

Zhanna (alias Anna) , a young Jewish girl, living in the Ukraine when it was invaded by Germans during World War II is forced to l her entire family when the Nazis force them out of their home. Zhanna has strong musical talent and a promising future as a pianist. When her father bribes a guard, Zhanna is fortunate to take and hide  a treasured sheet of Chopin music.  This historical fiction title, told in verse, tells the story (one of hundreds) of Jewish children who were forced to give up their names and hide their identities. The author, along with Zhanna’s son, Greg Dawson recount the true, moving story of how two piano prodigies, outplayed their pursuers while hiding in plain sight.  Like The Children of Willsesden Lane and Hiding Edith this is a very special story of resilience and perseverance set during the Holocaust. 

“I don’t care what you do, just live.” (Zhanna’s father)

 

AND THEN, BOOM! by Lisa Fipps  / POVERTY

In her debut novel, Starfish (2021), Lisa Fipps wrote a powerful story about body shaming and the trials and tribulations of a young adolescent girl dealing with her weight and with bullying.  The author’s newest novel is a look into the harsh realities of living in poverty. Whenever she gets ‘the itch’. Joe’s mother abandons her son. He and his grandmother are left to downsize, to pay the bills and use any means to fight hunger. Life for Joe, is filled with unexpected ‘And then…’ moments, especially large one’s that are unexpected BOOM moments which demand that he face challenges, make decisions and solve problems in order to survive from day to day.  When life gives you lemons – A death, a storm, starving and the care of stray dogs – it is hard to make lemonade. Joe’s resilience and strong character help him get through life’s “And Then, BOOM” events. “Every story boils down to and thens and BOOMS!/ And -thens and BOOMS, but  are all about the moments when something happens that changes everything./ It could be bad. And it could be good but it’s often not.” (p. 5). Joe’s life circumstances often broke my heart but I was compelled to cheer for him  because of his humour and hope even when hard days got worse.   I absolutely LOVED this novel. I can’t wait for another Lisa Fipps publication. 

Excerpt (p. 65)

Hunger is day-in, day-out luck,

creating inside you

an urgent need, 

a craving, 

a longing

for something you can’t survive or thrive without 

and yet 

you don’t have it.

Hunger just isn’t about food. 

 

ARE YOU NOBODY TOO? Tina Cane / ASIAN IDENTITY

Eight grader Emily Sofar, a Chinese girl,  who had been adopted by a white American couple, is enjoying her life as the only Chinese student at a private middle school. When COVID hits, her father loses his job and she is transferred to I.S. in New York’s Chinatown, and discovers that she is in a community where she looks like everyone else. Emily, however, struggles to fit in and establish friends. She is always looking in herself to figure out who she is and feel comfortable with her past and present circumstances. It is the poetry of Emily Dickinson “I’m nobody! Who are you? Are you – Nobody – too?”) that provides Emily  a window and a mirror to her identity. Are You Nobody Too? offers readers a very introspective, reflective character who tries to find a place of belonging (as most adolescents do).  The free verse style is especially suitable for this story about the importance of poetry. Encountering words by the lonely Emily Dickinson throughout this book offers a special read for students who enjoy grasping the meaning of poems.

Excerpt (p. 233)

It’s not about being deep    she replies     It’s about knowing     what your needs      and feelings are     Without that what’s the point     of knowing anything at all? 

 

BLACK STAR by Kwame Alexander / BLACK IDENTITY: SEGREGATION

This title is the 2nd book in The Door of No Return trilogy by Kwame Alexander, author extraordinaire. The story takes place during the turbulent segregation era, and the beginning of The Great Migration. In the first book we are introduced to Kofi as a young boy who is kidnapped from from his home in West Africa to be sent off to be a slave.  In this sequel, a generation is skipped in Kofi’s life as we meet his spirited granddaughter, Charley, a young girl who is determined to become the first female pitcher to play professional baseball. Her mother, however discourages Charley playing , declaring that she should not play ball because”it is not normal, that getting all sweaty is not elegant, that girls should stay clean, be graceful, play piano or flute”. p. 21). Her lofty dreams are deterred with with tensions that are boiling over in her segregated town. Interspersed throughout the book are Nana Kofi’s stories about courageous ancestors and their crossing over from Africa. Although  Charley’s parents try to protect their daughter from dark truths of Black history,  Charley is fiercely determined to know more and more about her brave ancestors and not have her “dreams deferred”    Readers will cheer for Charley and will likely be engaged with the thrilling poetic narration of the baseball practice with Charley and her friends Cool Willie Green and Sox and the daring challenge of playing a game with a neighbourhood bully. Black Star is another powerful story from a powerful writer. 

 

GRACE NOTES by Karen Comer (YA)  /THE ARTS; THE PANDEMIC

This novel was shortlisted for a number of book awards and was the winner the 2024 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book Prize for older readers. It is the story of two teenagers who are each talented and dedicated to their art form, despite the discouragement and lack of support from their parents. Karen Comer presents alternating narratives in free verse style.  Grace Dalfinch is passionate about playing the violin and James Crux aspires to be a noteworthy street artist. About halfway through the novel, their lives converge as they find solace and understanding and love with each other. Noteworthy, is the fact that this story is set in 2020 when the Pandemic hit the world. Throughout the novel the author provides facts about the growing number of Corona cases with snippets of postings from citizens who were dealing with the pandemic.  Readers will likely recall their own experiences of COVID-19. Teenagers will likely identify with Grace and Crux in their pursuit of their dreams, smothered by the  expectations of their parents. Grace Notes was an engaging, relatable read. 

 

LOUDER THAN HUNGER by John Schu (ages 12+) / MENTAL HEALTH; BODY IMAGE

Jake is a thirteen-year-old boy who’s life is full of despair, He is depressed. He has an obsessive-compulsive disorder. He is a boy burdened Anorexia Nervosa.  He is wounded by bully taunts  “Loser. Wimp Freak.”    There is no happiness in his life, other than memories of time spent with his loving grandmother and admiration of Broadway musicals and Emily Dickinson poetry (“I am nobody! /Who are you?  Are you. – Nobody – too?”).  Jake does not have a healthy relationship with his parents (His mother is also dealing with depression.  The voice is an evil character roaring inside Jakes head (“You need to  burn off more calories.” “You don’t deserve love and warmth and kindness.”  “You – are  – repulsive!” “You don’t want to get better.”) Jake writes “I want  to erase every single thing about me.”   When others notice that Jake is wasting away (literally)  he finally he  is sent to a psychiatric treatment centre where, Whispering Pines,  much of the narrative unfolds. The demonic Voice persists and Jake resists help from other troubled residents and from his therapists. Readers will root for things to get better for Jake and will read on to discover a turning point that will lead this teenager coming to  feel worth and to lead a better life. 

This book is a punch in the heart. The free verse style is a suitable format for the character to reveal his reflective thoughts. Some pages only have a few words. Some poems are written with one word per line. Some words are written. Many phrases are repeated. Many statements follow a repeated pattern  Writers are often advised to ‘write what you know’. In an afterword to the book, the author writes a letter to his readers stating “How do I understand Jake’s inner thinking? How do I understand Jake’s heart so well so deeply? The reality is that many of his thoughts, including his disordered thinking and eating, are passed on my own experiences as a young person. Louder Than Hunger parallels John Schu’s life in many ways makes it all the more harrowing a read.  It is  courageous, heart-squeezing story and though a tough read, Jake’s/John’s story  can open doors and ignite conversations. Any reader with compassionate heart will worry and care aboutJake and want to wrap their arms around him to give assurance and hope. As I read through the book, I became aware of the word ‘heart’ that is sprinkled generously throughout the book. I first encountered librarian and author John Schu at a language conference where he passionately shared favourite book titles with the audience and generously gave books away to individuals asking, “Who’s heart needs this book?” In her brief forward, author Kate DiCamill0 writes that ‘reading Jakes story will change you.” And quoting Mr. Schu, I say “your heart needs this book!

 

MID-AIR by Alicia D. Williams / DEATH LOSS & REMEMBRANCE 

Eighth-grade student Isaiah feels lost. He is struggling with the loss of his best friend Darius who was killed in accident. Isaiah feels guilty for the part he played in the hit and run accident and worried about the dwindling friendship with Drew who he enjoys hanging out with doing wheelies, watching movies and attempts to break Guiness World Records before entering high school. Isiah can’t seem to cope with a lost friend and a fading friend  his feelings of grief and the need to forge ahead with honesty and grace. The verse style and use of slang and vocabulary are relatable and well-suited for the reflective stance of this black teenage character.



DEAR MOTHMAN by Robin Gow   / DEATH LOSS & REMEMBRANCE / TRANS IDENTITY

Nora / Noah’s best friend, Ella / Lewis, was killed in a car accident Noah is trying to come to terms with the loss. Noah and Lewis understood each other and had much in common, including the fact that they were both Trans. The novel is mostly written as letters to Mothman,  Lewis’s favourite cryptid, who may or may not be living in the woods near Noah’s house. Strange appearances convince  Noah that Mothman is real and Noah decides to make Mothman the subject of his science fair project and gather as much evidence to prove its existence. When Noah makes friends with three girls, he finally comes to feel that he belongs. Through the extended metaphor of a lonely creature, Robin Gow has created a compelling story about grief,  gender issues and acceptance. The journal letters. as well as recounts. of everyday events are presented as free verse (in rather small font) and provide a narrative, and an honest expression of emotions. Dear Mothman and an authentic confessional account of a preteen  boy living with autism who is dealing with grief and their  queer identity. 

Excerpt (p. 157)

Why is being a person so hard sometimes?

I keep getting sad and thinking

“Maybe it would be easier to not have friends at all>”

 

Then I’m like – no, Noah. 

You love your friends.

This is just hard. 

 

RED BIRD DANCED by Dawn Quigley / INDIGENOUS CULTURE

This is a verse novel, presented in alternating voices of a girl named Ariel, passionate about ballet dancing, and her neighbour Tomah, a struggling reader who seems to get by by making others laugh. The two friends live in the city’s Intertribal Housing Complex  When Ariel’s Auntie goes missing, Ariel’s dancing suffers and she strives to keep the memory of her missing aunt alive. (“Dancing is how i connect my body and soul to the earth”. Ariel and Tomah carry each other through their sadnesses and struggles. Dawn Quigley, a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe does a brilliant job of unpacking the trials and tribulations of urban Native kids and their connections with those who came before them and their resilience even when bad things go on outside the front door in the city. Quigley masterfully uses the free verse form to illuminate the emotions and stories of two Native citizens. Readers are given insights into the Native culture (e.g. Jingle dancing) but  especially come to understand the plight of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (#MM1W) through aunt Binieshinh’s story.Impressive too is the description of bird life that serves as a metaphor for the character’s world views.  This book deserves awards. 

Excerpt

Life in the housing complex / meant/ family is a / doorstep away. / Life is in/ our relatives/  relatives/ who may not be blood related/ but are like tree/ roots that/ intertwine and hold on / to one another unseen (p. 12)

 

ULTRAVIOLET by Aida Salazar / TOXIC MASCULINITY

Thirteen year old Elio Solis tries to navigate social media, friendships, his Mexican culture  and his changing body. Swimming in his head are his mother’s warnings about toxic masculinity and consent and his father’s warning to ‘man up’.  In fact, his father takes him witness a cock fight as well as  partake in a community man’s group called ‘Brother’s Rising’  Elio is also experiencing ‘head over heels’   feelings for the beautiful Camilla, so much so that he sees the world as ultraviolet. When Elio’s heart is crushed by the blows of first love, he struggles with the ups and downs of coming of age. Through splendid accessible poetry, sprinkled with Spanish language, Ultraviolet provides a strong perspective  and questioning of masculinity.

Excerpt (p. 43)

So does that mean

I’m automatically toxic?

No, not you, but behavior like that could be.

As a boy you have privileges that girls don’t.

It’s what the world gives you

just for being a boy. 

That doesn’t seem fair, I shrug. 

 

A WORK IN PROGRESS by Jarrett Lerner / MENTAL HEALTH & BODY IMAGE

When he was in fourth grade, a mean kid tormented Nick Fisher by spitting out the words “Your FAT and Everyone knows it”. The words stuck inside his head for years and now that he’s in middle school, Nick is deeply angry and  gfully aware of his body and how others think about how he looks. His friends have abandoned him. He eats lunch alone outside the cafeteria. He overhears mean mean comments said by mean girls. Spoiler: Ast he title suggests: Progress is made (thanks to a new friendship, therapy and gradual self-acceptance).  The novel is written in free verse style and is accompanied by graphic images illustrations that put Nick’s tormented feelings into art. Jarret Lerner dedicates this book “For anyone who has ever felt less than.” The author tells the story with full-out honesty and self-reaization and as a wit progressesit is a story of foregiveness, resileince and hope. This is a remarkable book, vital reading for middle age readers  who feel ‘less than’ and  essential reading for middle age students  think about the progress needed to move forward by o accepting their identities as they move through the complexities of adolescenthood  (and what middle age student doesn’t ask themselves about who they are and who they are becoming)?  This is essential reading to think  about body image and  mental health issues. Highly recommended. 

Excerpt (pages 86-87)

I eat/ and eat/ and eat./ More/ and more/ and more.  And chewing/ and swallowing/ and chewing/ some more more/ there are moments –

brief/ beautiful/ blissful moments/ – when I forget who I am/ what I am/ that I am / at all. 

 

 

 

The list below highlights some very special picture books that delight, inform and engage readers of all ages. Also included is a list of titles nominated for the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book award (winner to be announced on October 28, 2024)

 

THE COMFORT TREE by Holly Carr

A number of forest animals find comfort around magnificent  oak tree that stands deep in the forest. Throughout the four seasons, each animal (e.g. Raven, Fox, Squirrel, Bear, Blue Jay) finds a special kind of solace and comfort amidst the tall tree. In the later part of the book,  the animals can be heard calling good night to each other from the boughs of the tree giving each other company and comfort.  Holly Carr’s text is spare and succinct each of the animals’ actions. Her staggering silk paintings with vivid jewel-like colours  and patterns gloriously fill each spread. The Comfort Tree is a rich contribution to books on positive mental health; beautiful told story centred on healing and community. The story acknowledges that this picture book was created from the spirit of “The Portapique Story Trails Project” and was written for the community of Portapique, Nova Scotia.

Raven finds comfort froj the top of the tree.

Fox finds comfort in the whilring leaves that match its fur.

Squirrel finds comfort in the acorns it has stowed away for winter.

Blue Jays find comfort playing in the tree’s canopy. 

 

HOMELAND: My Father Dreams of Palestine by Hanna Moushabeck; Illus, Reem Madooh

Three young girls enjoy listening to their father’s stories of his faraway homeland, Palestine. The sounds and smells and joys of the Old City of Jerusalem come to life as the father’s memories are recounted. Remembrances of vendors and buildings and everyday happenings are depicted in clear, livelywords and pictures.  The daughters long to see place that they have never been and cannot visit. This autobiographical story is a celebration of home, memory, immigration and hope.

The cafe was a popular destination for great thinkers. Poets, musicians, historians and storytellers gathered to listen to the exchange of ideas at al-Mukhtar’s cafe. 

 

I LOVE MY TEACHER! by Todd Parr (2016)

Todd Parr’s books follow a simple pattern listing different descriptions of simple – but important = topics (e.g., Reading Makes You Feel Good: The Peace Book, The Family Book). In this titles, Todd Parr creates his recognizable bright colourful illustrations to accompany statements about the wonder things that teachers do for their students.  This is another wonderful wonderful book by the wonderful wonderful Todd Parr.

Teachers encourage you to be creative.

They help you find new talents.

…

Teachers encourage you to try your best.

Most of all, they love to see you succeed.

 

A FIREFLY NAMED FELIX b y Deanna Hart; illus. Chrish Vindhy

What do you know about fireflies? Did you know that they can communicate with each other by lighting up thier bodies. Alas, not all fireflies can light up. Poor Felix. He doesn’t have the power to light up and can’t join in with his friends to play a game of lightning tag. When others make fun of him by laughing, teasing and bullying him, Alex gets upset about not being able to belong. This is an engaging story that shines brightly on the shelf of books that deal with bullying, exclusion and feeling different. Hooray for fireflies! Hooray for Felix! Hooray for Deanna  Hart!

 

IT BEARS REPEATING by Tanya Tagaq; illus. Cee Pootoogook

I am drawn to picture books with bears on the covers. is a This counting book shows illustrations by Cee Pootoogook, a carver and printmaker from Cape Dorset, Nunavet. Tanya Tagak is a Inuk throat singer from Cambridge Bay and cleverly presents a very simple pattern counting bears from one to ten and describing the things they enjoy doing *sliding, running, swimming, hunting”. I love this book for it’s simplicity for its vivid spot on adjectives (‘long’, ‘tall’, ‘cool’ ‘strong’, for its repetitive pattern and for its glorious illustrations of bears in action. The inclusion ofInuktitut numbers and the repeated word for polar bear = ‘nanuit’) is another special feature of this book.   For sure, for sure, this book “bears repeating”. 

One proud bear.

Stretching up to sniff the air.

One tall, long bear.

 

Two sliding bears.

Fur is a perfect sled.

Two slipper bears. 

 

MARCELO, MARTELO, MARSHMALLOW by Ruth Roca; illus. Ana Matsusaki; translated by Tal Goldfajn (1976/ 2024)

When I was writing my book, Word by Word (Pembroke, 2019), I was on a quest to gather picture book titles that would support students interest and curiosity about vocabulary and spelling. On pages 13 and 14 I created a listo of over 20 titles about ‘Learning about Words’ (ages 2 to 5) and exploring ‘The Power of Words’ (ages 6+) . Some examples include Maisy’s Amazing Big Book of Words by Lucy Cousins, ,  Max’s Words by Kate Banks and the must-haveThe Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds. On Sunday September 22, The New York Times  reviewed Marcelo, Martelo, Marshmallow (great title) which was originally published in Brazil in 1976 and a translated version has been published in 2024. Marcelo is the hero of this story,  an inquisitive young boy with many questions on his mind (as do most kids his age) and his curiosity leads him  to dispute the origins of words (e.g., “Why is my name Marcello?. Why not Martello?Why not Marshmallow? / Why is a table called a table and not a chair?) Eventually his questioning mind leadshim to create words that make sense to him (a ‘seater’ is a chair; ‘cow juice’ is milk.)  His invented vocabulary eventually become more incredible, hard to understand (draggiage, dogstayer,  blastflames) but to Marcello his word choices make sense. What’s a parent to do? This imaginative picture book shines a light the power of language and wordplay. Ana Matsuaki’s amusing graphic collage illustrations add to the appeal of this amusing book. 

 

A FACE IS A POEM by Julie Morstad

Award-winning author / illustrator, Julie Morstad creates beautiful books that inspire reflection and offer delight in visual images, small and large, that fill each spread. Morstad was the winner of the 2022 Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award for her decorative book, Time is a Flower which celebrates the concept of time through the eyes of a child. . In her newest picture book, she celebrates the wonder and beauty of faces around the world which can serves as a springboard for readers to wonder about the beauty of their own faces and those around them.  The text and illustrations invite an up-close look at skin, eyes, noses, freckles and is an special book to consider the commonality of facial features and the diversity of the world we live in. Morstad asserts that ‘a face is a poem with all the parts put together adding up to someone you love.” Perhaps another award awaits this author. 

Maybe a face is like a window… 

showing what’s inside.

Sometimes I wish my face wouldn’t show all by secrets. 

 

A SONG FOR THE PAPER CHILDREN by Christopher Tse (poem)

This picture book presents a published version the poem written to commemorate the centenary of the Chinese Exclusion Act.  It was performed by poet Christopher Tse in the Senate of Canada on June 23, 2023. The poem is a tribute to Chinese immigrants, some of whom arrived in Canada after the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed to harshly restrict their entry. The ‘paper children’ were courageous men and women who endured legislated racism, financial hardship. and acts of violence and discrimination, It is also a tribute to the vibrant, resilient Chinese Canadian community who continue to contribute significantly our nation.  Visually, the words and illustrations  are mostly presented in black, white and red. Archived  photographs are spread throughout to accompany the text. This picture book for older readers is a remarkable artifact of poem, and historical account,  as picture book.

Excerpt

So child

When they tell you to 

go back from where you 

come from

Tell them you come from 

elbow grease and laundry

bleach, broken English and MSG

Hunchbacked elders and paper sons.

You come from 

A history of resistence

Backbone and persistence

 

THE SPACEMAN by Randy Cecil

I am very fond of the picture book If You Come to Earth.. by Sophie Blackall where the author invites alien creatures to consider the wonders of earth (i.e. homes, clothing, food etc). Randy Cecil’s amusing picture book is the story of a spaceman who has landed on Earth and discovers the beauty of plants, butterflies and animals. When his spaceship is snatched by a passing bird, Spaceman finds himself in a predicament.Should he continue his adventures to other planets, or remain behind on a planet that he once thought was ordinary, but learns about the joys of having friends in what turns out to be an extraordinaire place. The Spaceman is a charming character telling a charming story of discovery, responsibility and the enjoyment of gentle breezes with a friend.. 

 

>>>>>>> <<<<<<<

BEST OF 2023 CANADIAN PICTURE BOOK TITLES

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is excited to announce the finalists for eight major awards celebrating Canadian books for young people published in 2023. Overall, $108,500 in prize monies will be awarded on October 28. The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is proud to share the nominated titles and the juries’ notes. Click here to view the shortlists. 

 

MARILYN BAILLIE PICTURE BOOK AWARD: NOMINATIONS

 

LOVE IS IN THE AIR by Judith Henderson; illus. Nahid Kazemi

Hats off to author Judith Henderson and Illustrator Nahid Kazemi for a book about bear and bird, opera and practice, and. and the ups and downs of friendships. The words sing, the art delights and the story tickles the funny bone and touches the heart.

OUR POOL by Lucy Ruth Cummins

The cover illustration immediately invites reader into the joyful experience of swimming in the community pool. Cummins brilliantly captures the sounds and feelings and importance of laughing and shrieking and exercising in a community pool. Our Pool is an exuberant celebration of diving and splashing and enjoying swimming in a place where all are welcome . This publication is a WOW of words and pictures in a read – and read it again  – book.

SKATING WILD ON AN INLAND SEA by Jean E. Pendziwol; illus. Todd Stewart

This exquisite book is wonderful hybrid of poetry, information and narrative text accompanied by staggering screen-printed art. In the opening page, readers are invited to “Listen! as Lake Superior sings a winter song”. Readers are invited to join in the adventure of two children as they Listen! Watch! and Feel the magic of skating on a chilly winter day. Skating Wild on an Inland Sea is a stellar example of picture book creation.

A TULIP IN WINTER by Kathy Stinson; illus. Lauren Soloy

This glorious picture book shines a light on the celebratedCanadian Folk Artist Maud Lewis from Nova Scotia. Kathy Stinson presents clear, and moving biographic information about the artist who lived through poverty and with the pain of having rheumatoid arthritis. Lauren Soloy’s art work expertly mirrors the Maud Lewis primitive style with. This book respectfully and lovingly does proud the life and work of a beloved Canadian artist.

WHEN YOU CAN SWIM by Jack Wong

This story, told in the second person voice, welcomes novice and experienced swimmers into the exhilarating univeral experience of swimming in and on and all around oceans, lakes and pools. Not only does Jack Wong brilliantly depict various perspectives as we view the joys of learning to swim, but he provides comfort for both the child who is learning to swim and for the reader who can connect to the experience of overcoming fears. When You Can Swim is a treasure of a Canadian picture book publication.

Summer 2024 had me reading a range of fiction and nonfiction, new and old, short and long books, funny and sad,  some more engaging than others. 

 

AGE IS A FEELING by Haley McGee (script)

This play was performed in London (2022), at the Edinburgh Fring Festival (2022) as well as for a run in London (2022.23). Haley Mcgee perfomredt the play to Toronto at the Soulpepper Theatre in the spring of 2024. It was a knockout performance of a beautifully written monologue in which the actress skips through the decades telling stories of life and death, ambition, dreams, chance and ageing. “Inspired by interviews with hospice workers, conversations with mystics and trips to the cemetary, Age is a Feeling is a gripping story that wrestles with the glorious and melancholy uncertainties of humna life. A covert rallying cry against cynicism and regret, it’s an uplifitni exploration of chance, morality and living with verve.” (back cover). One of the conceits of the show is that cards are randomly picked by an audience member, each card displaying a noun (e..g., oyster, hospital, eggs, teeh, plane, diner) . When picked, that story gets incorporated into the performance. The written script contains all the stories. Presented in the second person, Age is a Feeling touches the heart and encourages you to think about your own life journey, your personal narratives, during and after experiencing the text, in the theatre or on the page.

Excerpt (p.11)

You want to slow time down

Log every memory

Heed every lesson

Know everything

But you can’t

You don’t get to know everything

And no one gets to know everything about you, not even yourself

 

THE BEE STING by Paul Murray

This book has been staring at me from my bookshelf for the past several months and I was determined to get to it because of some terrific reviews I read and the fact that it was shortlisted for the Booker Prize (2023) and especially because it’s by an Irish author. If truth be told, I’m sort of intimidate by books over 500 pages but I spent the month of August with tbis 643 novel and even though I read it rather slowly, I didn’t give up. The story is set in Ireland in 2008 and covers the woes of the troubled Barnes family. Dickie, the father’s business is going under and he  spends time in the wods building an apocalyse-proof bunker. His beautiful wife is getting fed up with the marriage and is tempted to have an affair with a cattle farmer named Big Mike. The daughter Cass, once top of the class is floundering and ends up binge-drinking before heading off to university life in Dublin. 12 year-old PJ has  plans to run away from home. Murray loops past and present time together in this sprawling novel divided into first section. The first focuses on Cass and her devout friendship with Elaine. The second section is devoted to Imelda’s life and is  written without periods or commas  representing a stream of consciousness telling of Imelda’s life. The next section deals mostly with Dickie, failing businessman, cheating husband and gay adventures. The Age of Loneliness section shines a light on each of the main characters in the present time in second person narrative. The novel wraps up in episodic adventures where the characters meet up on a dark and stormy night.  I didn’t find this story of family, trauma, sexuality, climate change, sexual awakening, regrets and dreams to be as outstanding as others have felt but I don’t regret spending August 2034 with the Barnes family as their journey was quite intriguing and somewhat comedic.  The Guardian review (May 23, 2023) claims, “You won’t read a sadder, truer, funnier novel this year.” I’m not sure I agree. 

 

BLACKOUTS by Justin Torres

This book had much intrigue for me: Knockout reviews (“a historic feat of literature”, “uniquivically brilliant, bold and structurally inventive:, “erotic and beguiling” , “enigmatic and spine-tingling.”, Winner of the  2023 National Book Prize for Fiction,  a hybrid of fiction and nonfiction, a story about a senior gay character (Juan Gay) and a younger character (Nene), to children’s book illustration and a multi-modal formats (Blackout poems, fascinating photographs, scientific research) but alas, I didn’t enjoy Blackouts.  Juan \ wants to pass on a project to Neme to restore and preserve the groundbreaking book Sex Variants: A Study of Homosexual Patterns. As the two characters have conversations in a place called the Palace (an institution of sorts), narratives of past joys, loves, parents, and sex are filtered throughout. I like my storytelling a bit more clearer than what is presnted here and found myself plodding along, despite the unique, well-researched creative writing. Despite the accolades, this was not a great summer read for me. I skipped pages. I stopped 2/3 of the way through. I may however, read We The Animals, Justin Torres’s first book which is apparently sensational I hope so. (It’s only 125 pages).

 

BLESSINGS by Chukwuebuka Ibeh

From the very opening of this novel, I cared about the character of Obiefuna who his learning to deal with his gay sexual awakenings . The story is set in Nigeria and teh sensitive Obiefuna is considered the black sheep of his family. When his father witnesses an intimate episode between his son and another boy, he sends him off to boarding school. A large chunk of the narrative unfolds in the school with a strict hierarchy exists amongst the students and Obiefuna tries to keep his secrets hidden at the same time as exploring other episodes of intimacy intimacy found amongst his peers. For much of the book, storytelling alternates between Obiefuna’s life and his mother, Uzoamaka, a devoted mother who must contend with the harsh views of her husband. The final section of the novel unpacks the political climate of Nigeria that is on the verge of criminalizing same-sex relationships. Obeifuna’s identity becomes more dangerous, especially since he has found a loving partnership with an older man. The writing is unfussy and elegantly relates the heart and mind of a young adult Nigerian boy, who is determined to be live in a place and time that prevents him from being true to himself. I really really enjoyed reading Ibeh’s beautiful debut novel.  

 

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON by F. Scott Fitzgerald (short story, 1922)

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a  curiouser and curiouser  tale of a man who ages in reverse from his birth in 1860  at 70 years old until his reaching infancy. The narrative skips over the the character’s  life highlighting significant event over seven decades as Button grows  grows younger and younger. Episodes include: his birth as an old man who is already capable of speech, taking over the Roger Button & Co. Wholesale Hardware, enrolment in Yale College, a fading marriage, the birth of his son, enlisting in the Spanish American war, becoming a football hero, and enjoying life in kindergarten until he ends up spending time as a baby in crib. Believe or not, Fitzgerald makes the impossible seem possible. How will those in Benjamin’s life treat who are aging themselves treat Benjamin as he grows younger and younger? How will Benjamin physically, mentality and emotionally adjust to the different stages of a life lived backwards? This short story was first published in Collier’s Magazine, May 27, 1922,    The story was also released as a movie in 2008 starring Brad Pitt and received 13 Oscar nomations.  It has also been transformed into a musical in London England which I look forward to seeing in 2025 (that’s why I chose to read this story at this time). At approximately 40 pages, the story is quite short, especially since, in the stand-alone published version I read,  there are large white spaces in between paragraphs. It was subsequently anthologized in Fitzgerald’s Tales of the Jazz Age (which I look forward to reading). 

 

DAYS AT THE MORISAKI BOOKSHOP by Satoshi Yagiswa 2010; translated from the Japanese by Eric Ozawa (2023)

I, of course, would be drawn to reading stories set in bookstores. This is a charming story about a twenty-five year old girl who comes to live with her Uncle Satoro who has been running the Morisaki Bookshop which has been in the family for generations. Jilted by a lover, Takako reluctantly ends up living rent free-room above the shop and is slowly drawn into the world of books. She is drawn, too, into the humble world of her eccentric uncle who’s wife, Momoko, left him five years earlier.  This is a charming story of trust, secrets, infatuation and the importance of reading books that can inform – and change – our lives. Sequel: More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop (2024). 

 

EMPOWER YOUR VIBE: Igniting Your Passion, Purpose, and Brand to Unleash Your Unstoppable Best Self by Marnie and Rena Schwartz (nonfiction)

Marnie and Rena Schwartz are two dynamo business women who have, since 2002 run a non-competitive dance school.  Marnie and Rena are twin sisters and their wisdom and passion feed off each other. They are creative. They are talented. They are smart. With their recent release, Empower Your Vibe, the Schwartz twins share their knowledge and expertise with operating a business with the goal of teaching others how to turn dreams into reality. The book is divided into three sections I. Growing Your Brand 2. Building Your Business Brand and 3. Expanding Your Brand and this organization helps readers to consider how to develop and add power to those who enbark in the business world. Such chapter headings as ‘Dancing Through Life’; ‘Creating our own VIBE’, ‘Clarifying Your Philosophy[ ‘Inventing and Marketing – Building a Brand for Your Product’ give evidence of Marnie and Rena’s journey while at the same time offers insights into the components of ‘unleasing your unstoppable best self’.  A useful feature that appears throughout under the heading “Questions to Ask Yourself” inspire reflection.  The opportunity to download the ‘ Empower Your Vibe Journal’ is a a bonus feature. Bravo to Marnie and Rena for sharing their world and their work to help others. Helping others is what these two women live for.  Each page of this book comes from authentic, biographical experience. Bravo!

 

WE THE ANIMALS by Justin Torres (2011)

“We The Animals is. a stunning exploration of the viscerally charged landscape of growing up, how deeply we are formed by our earliest bonds, and how we are ultimately propelled at escape velocity towards our futures.”(book jacket blurb).

The critical success of Blackouts (which I wasn’t enamoured with / See above), led me to read the first book by Justin Torres, a novella at 125 pages which received much praise when it was released 13 years ago.  The setting is the 1980’s; in rural upstate New York. The book is presented as a series of chapters each with a short story feeling. with each vignette, the protagonist  recounts the trials and tribulations of three troublesome brothers,   living in a house while their mother (white) sleeps off her graveyard shift and their abusive father (Puerto Rican) is presented as  a model of masculine toxicity. This is a semi-autobiographical tale of brotherhood, childhood, and growing into an identity that we can accept and believe in. The protagonist says of his brothers: They’d bleed for me… They smelled my difference (being gay).  I was fascinated with most of the brothers’ stories, however wild they often seemed. 

 

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? by Alice Munro (short stories) /1978

No need for me to sing the praises of Alice Munro.  Upon her death, I decided to reacquaint myself with some of her work and purchased Who Do You Think You Are? a collection of stories centred on Rose and her stepmother Flo. Rose is determined to escape the poor small town life of Hanratty and we learn about her university life, her crumbling marriage, her divorce, her affair and her life as an actress.  Each story is carefully painted with details of atmosphere, character, conversations and  inner thoughts. No doubt that Munro was masterful at making the ordinary seem extraordinary as she exposes the circumstances and heart of her characters. With the recent exposure of her stepdaughter’s story of sexual abuse that was kept hidden, the opening story, “Royal Beginnings”, the story of ‘royal beatings’ by a physically abusive father is particularly chilling. While reading this book over a weekend, I found myself looking at my day to day events and encounters with others with a microscopic, reflective lens much like the award winning-author did in her writing. Alice Munro makes us wander and wonder  wander. Such is the power of her writing, and I will delve into other titles over the next few months. 

 

SHOUT OUT

EARTH by John Boyne

John Boyne, a favourite author, will always get a shout out from me. Most recently publications include a quartet of short novels. Water is the first in “The Elements” series and Earth, released in the spring of 2024, is the second. Although we first met Evan Keogh with his departure from small Island Irish home in the first book Earth can be considered a stand-alone title. It is the powerful story or a rape trial centred on two talented footballers.  Evan, an extremely handsome gay man who was a witness to a sexual encounter from his talented egoistical teammate, Robbie. The truth of what happened could threaten Evan and Robbie’s careers. Alternating chapters deal with the unfolding of the trial as well as stories of Evan’s own gay experiences, his family relationship and his sorrow of never fulfilling his dream or being an artist or worth and sorrow of never finding true love. This was a book I didn’t want to put down, as I judged and questioned – and was fascinated by  -Evan’s life choices and circumstances. Of course, I can’t wait for the next title, Fire to be released later in the year. 

These 2023/2024 titles are a mix of fun and factual books that are sure to entertain and inform.  

 

BIG BAD WOLF INVESTIGATES: FAIRY TALES by Catherine Cawthorne; illus. Sara Ogilvie

I really love the premise of this very clever fiction/nonfiction picture book. A synopsis of familiar fairy tales are each summarized in a two -page spread presented in graphic format. Following each story, the character of Big Bad Wolf raises questions to test the validity of familiar story events.  For example; Can wolves huff and puff? Which animal is actually more likely to come over and blow your house down? Would a strow house really blow down that easily? Do pigs really have hairs on their chinny chin chins? (Pigs don’t even have chins. In fact, humans are the only animals with chins AND scientists doen’t even really know why they have them?) That is one very clever logical, scientific wolf!  This is a terrific, amusing – and informative  – picture book testing the facts of familiar  narratives. Could you really wear a pair of glass slippers? Wouldn’t a gingerbread house in a forest go all soggy and fall down in the rain? Could the Big Bad Wolf swallow Granny in one gulp? Could a plant really grow as high as the clouds?

 

BOOZHOO! HELLO! by Mangeshig,Pawis-Steckley, translated by Mary Ann Corbiere

With simple vocabulary, and a repetitive question and answer sentence structure Boozhoo! Hello! is a celebration of a number of woodland and water animals going about their daily activities (fox, otter, minnows, a big frog, a bear,).  This picture book is written in both Anishinaabemowin and English accompanied by vibrant, colourful full-page illustrations. For it’s   depiction of animal relatives, for the beautiful artwork that accompanies accessible text that involve the reader, Boozhoo! Hello!  is a beautiful beautiful picture book to share with young readers.

three chickadees singing.

Hello chickadees! What do you see? 

We see…

a fox digging.

Hello, fox! What do you hear?

I hear…

 

DUCK GOES MEOW by Julette MacIver Illus. Carla Martell (2023/2024 (US)

This is book is filled a brightly coloured pages noisy speech bubbles and an engaging rhyming pattern. The ‘story’ revolves correct animal sound for each animla unitl they meet a duckling that says MEOW! A joyful,  interactive,  read-it again picture book! Fun! Fun! Fun! Winner of the 2003 New Zealand Picture Book Award.

WOOF! says Dog.

MOO! says Cow.

CLUCK says Hen,

And Duck goes… MEOW!

 

GETTING US TO GRANDMA’S by Nadia L. Hohn; illus. TeMika Grooms

On the cover page, we encounter a happy father and daughter who are embarking on a road trip. We learn that Nikki’s Jamaican is travelling from Toronoto to the Bronx to attend Uncle Travis’s wedding. Thc journey is a joy for Nikki  (and the reader) as she traces the routes to relatives’ houses with dreams of England, Jamaica and Africa skip through her into her mind. When her father makes a wrong turn, Nikki is determined to help her father aput the family on the right path to good times. This is a wonderful story of black heritage, family and road maps (before Google). There is much to learn from –  and much for readers to connect with –  in this loving family adventure.

 

MOMMA’S GOING TO MARCH by Jennifer Maruno; illus. Vivian Rosas

  Tbis is a picture book about peaceful protests, about activism, about marching. Readers accompany each of the Mommas and daughters as they wave posters and banners for just causes. Decades pass as we encounter historical marches: the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom; the 1978 March for Equal Rights Amendment: the 2003 Anti-War Protest, the 2017 Great Lakes Walk and the Global Climate Strike in 2019. An    Author’s Note provides a brief overview of each of these historical events. Vivian Rosas’ colourful art work add aq sense of dynamism and action for each of the marches.  Momma’s Going to March is a special introduction to activism and might encourage young readers to learn about these protests and think about what action they might take to show the world what they believe in.    Hooray for Jennifer Maruno! Hooray for Vivian Rosas! Hooray for marching Mommas1       

 

THE SUN NEVER HURRIES by Roxane Turcotte; illus Lucie Crovatto

Charlie’s grandfather, Papa Jo, has an hourglass to remind himself that every moment in life is precious, Papa Jo takes his granddaughter on an on-foot outing where the two characters  leisurely enjoy happy moments that help Charlie understand that passing the time to notice around us, is essential to appreciating the beauty of nature. (i.e., wildflowers, an ice cream shop, a ride in a row boat, birds diving into a lake, small stones, frogs, ducklings etc.) This is a lovely picture book story that deserves the word ‘charming’ with charming warm full-page illustrations by Lucie Crovatto. 

 

WHEN NATURE CALLS by Maria Birmingham; illus. Dave Whamond

Subtitled “The Unusual Bathroom Habits of the World’s Creatures” this nonfiction title will likely appeal to young readers who are fascinated with the world of ‘poop’. Whether used as a weapon (i.e. the tortoise beetle, a hoopoe, a means of communication (a rhinoceros, lemurs), or as a provider of waste that helps the planet (i.e., parrotf.ish) this resources provides scientific research from birds, to fish,  to mammals who need to ‘go’ when nature calls.  After all, everyone poops. A very informative  book filled with facts, surprises and amusements – and lively comical illustrations. 

 

WILDLIFE OF THE ARCTIC FOR KIDS by Wayne Lynch (nonfiction)
 

Drawing on decades of Arctic experience, nature writer and wildlife photographer Wayne Lynch takes readers on a fascinating journey to the Arctic.  Remarkable close-up photographs of Bears, Wild Dogs, Weasels, Marine Mammals and Birds accompany informative text that can be read to children or read independently.  Factual information “Fast Facts” and statistics are featured throughout in separate text boxes..

 

SHOUT OUT

THE LIGHT KEEPER by Karen Levine and Shella Baslaw; illus. Alice Priestly

A ten-year old boy named Shmuel hopes to support his poor family, but no one in town will offer a job to such a young person. When the village that Shmuel  lives in installs electric lamps, the new modern-day electricity lights up the town square bringing a glow and joy to open up the world of the hard-working citizens. When a storm strikes, a lamp breaks down and Shmuel is the only one to fix it even though he is afraid of heights. With skilled dexterity, the young boy, becomes a hero and helps to light up the community. Set in the early `1900’s. The Light Keeper is based on a true story of living n Russia in a small Jewish village called a shtetl.  Karen Levine and Sheila Baslaw tell an engaging story of family and community, bravery and pride.  Alice Priestly’s warm illustrations capture the glow of a long ago time and a faraway place,  the work and play of engaging characters living though poverty, and  the joy of lively community events. The Light Keeper is a  wonderful hearwarming story to read aloud. 

 

SHOUT OUT!

ALOTTABOTZ by Lynn Johnston

published by Lynn Johnst0n Productions, Inc., North Vancouver, BC.

Celebrated cartoonist Lynn Johbston, has ventured into the world of children’s books with a delightful new picture book series entitled AlottaBotz. I received  the first three books in the series as a gift and I’d say that they are sure to be gifts for young children who delight in the world of robots.  Book One, The Botshop introduces us to a young robot named Timothy who is bored until his gramps takes him into The Botshop workshop and together they reate a robot fried tthat can fetch, bark jump and swim. In Book Two, Marvellous Things, Tim and visit the Botshop to marvel at gramps clever invention of catbots and dogbots of every design. Tim’s dog disappears in Book Three, A Dog With No Name, the dogbot is having a ball, but Tim worries that he can’t call him back because the dog has no name: spoiler; the two get united, the dog gets a name that suits him best. These 3 titles (2023)are the first in a series which readers can look forward to.  How wonderful it is to have Lynn Johnston’s drawing talents travel into the world of Kidlit. The art work is lively, vibrant and comical. The stories are told in clever narrative rhyme, fun for reading aloud. Hats off to Lynn Johnston Hats off to Timothy Bot and his grandbot. Looking forward to alotta Alottabtoz.

“That’s not what I mean,”

said his gramps with a wink.

“I have a solution – its not what you think.

We’re robots, not people.

We’re geared and we’re wired.

We can do anything – 

If we are inspired!”

 

SHOUT OUT! SHOUT OUT!

THE YELLOW BUS by Loren Long

“It’s about the purpose in life, the passage of time and teh simple human feeling we get from doing something for others.”

~Loren Long, New York Times, Sunday August 11, 2024

Loren Long, the author of the Otis picture book series, shows his genius talent in this new picture book. The Yellow Bus, a simple story that unfolds over decades is the biography of a familiar,  what may seem ordinary, part of our lives. Through many years, the bus encounters new drivers, a new route, and new passengers young and old.  Even when left alone, the yellow bus finds joy and discovery in the people and places around her. Loren Long brilliantly tells the story of this character through sublime, detailed black and white art work with pops of colour becoming a passenger on the narrative of this bus’s life. A New York Times article (Sunday August 11, 2024)  as well as the end pages to this book explain the huge project the author embarked upon by creating a three-dimensional model community that served as a model for Long to view the world of the bus from many angles.

The Yellow Bus,  a story about the passing of time and bringing joy and caring to others, stands on the shoulders of  the classic titles, The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton (1942) and yes, The Giving Tree (1962) by Shel Silverstein.Expect to see a Caldecott sticker on future publications of this stellar picture book. s [picture book, too, will become a classic. It’s a masterpiece. 

There once was a bright yellow bus who spent her days driving

Every morning they climbed in…

pitter-patter, pitter-patter, giggle, giggle-patter.

The yellow bus carried them from one important place to another.

And they filled her with joy. 

Some of the titles outlined in this posting have recently been released. A batch of titles were written several years ago and although I’ve encountered some of these books when they were first published, I have, for one reason or another, revisited them. This posting also shines a light on the rich writing of Irish author Claire Keegan who’s writing I have come to greatly admire. 

 

THE CHILDREN’S BACH by Helen Garner (1984/2023)

Helen Garner is a literary institution in. Australia, and this novel, written 2o years ago, is an example of what one critic calls a ‘jewel’ in the crown of her novel writing (ie. The Spare Room, Monkey Grip, The Hous of Grief). The setting is Melbourne in the early 1980’s and tells the story of what appears to be a happily married domesticated couple, Dexter and Athena Fox. he appearance of a friend from Dexter’s past disupts the domesticated routines of the couple, luring them into a bohemian world that challenges Athena to wonder whether life holds more for her. Garner is a sharp observer of human frailty, digging into the darkness that hides inside of us. I rather enjoyed the book but alas, am not motivated to read other Helen Garner titles. 

 

THE CHOCOLATE WAR by Robert Cormier (1974) / YA+

“They tell you to do your thing but they don’t mean it. They don’t want you to do your thing, not unless it happens to be their thing, too.” (p. 248)

Trinity boys school is conducting a fund-raiser to sell chocolates and Jerry Renault is the only student who refuses to take part in this school-wide initiative, even though it means defying the challenge of a secret school society called The Vigils. The Vigils lead by the abusive, manipulating Archie is the foundation for what one character claims is “something  rotten in the school. More than rotten.. Evil.” A poster that hangs in Renault’s locker asks: Do I dare disturb the universe? and this question serves as the moral compass of Jerry’s stance. Top (opening sentence: “They murdered him'” to bottom (“Someday, Archie you’ll get yours” )  Archie is probably one of the most evil characters in literature whos behaviour is beyond bullying as he tortures others with his words and actions (as is  Brother Leon, the domineering teacher who leads the project.  This story grew from an incident  with his teenage son, Peter, who came home from school one day with boxes of chocolates to sell and announcing that he didn’t want to do.The Chocolate War is an astonishing read, albeit an absolutely chilling chilling read. Devastating! I will  be seeking out the sequel, Beyond the Chocolate War.

I know I’ve read this book many years ago, but in honour of its 50th year of publication, I decided to read this novel – one of the top ten banned books in classrooms throughout North America. In one Florida Middle school, teachers endured abusive harassment and death threats because of the stand they took.  Criticism for the book centred on the anti-authority worldview,   a gutsy violent ending, and yes, the inclusion of masturbation. “Too complicated. Too many characters. A downbeat ending, which teenagers in the 1970’s would find difficult to accept. Too violent. Not quite an adult novel, too sophisticated to be a juvenile novel. Too unbelievable.” (Introduction by Robert Cormier, 1997, edition) At that time, Corman sent a message, “I have been at a loss for words. The ironic thing is that words are my business, and thw words in my books have been the cause of so much trouble” (in the New York Times, Sunday June 2, 2024, p. 32). . Throughout his life, Robert Cormier put forth mighty efforts combatting attempts to ban The Chocolate War. Like many authors do today. 

In the edition that I read a short essay is included by author Patty Campbell, the author of the biography of Robert Cormier who she calls the ‘grand master of young adult fiction.”  (e.g.,  I Am the Cheese, After the First Death, Fade, The Bumblebee Flies Away, The Rag and Bone Shop).  The following is an excerpt from her piece entitled ‘Who is this Robert Cormier, anyway?”

“His writing is unique in its richness and power, as le looks unflinchingly at tyranny and the abuse of authority, at treachery and betrayal, at guilt and forgiveness, love and hate, and the corruption of innocence His novels are brilliant and complex structures full of intricate wordplay and subtle thought, although at first reading they seem to quite direct and simple. Because, most of all, the works of Robert Cormier are good stories, full of suspense and surprise and dramatic action as his characters struggle – sometimes unsuccessfully – to find an appropriate response to the existence of evil.” 

 

THE NOTEBOOK by Nicholas Sparks (1996)

Whodda thunk that I’d be re-reading this hugely popular love story but I decided to prepare myself for the Broadway musical version of this novel.  I rather enjoyed reading this passionate love story of Noah and Allie from their first meeting, to their passionate reunion a decade after they first met and their enduring love as seniors. It is a touching story”that aims to tackle teh full sweep of life, from our first love to our last goodbyes. ” (Nicholas Sparks) The Notebook a model example of a romance stgory that has captured the hearts of millions of readers – and moviegoers!!! 

 

THE SECRET LIVES OF BOOKSELLERS AND LIBRARIANS: True stories of the Magic of Reading by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann (editors) (2024)

Shout out  to Olga Stevenson, school librarian who guided me into bringing books into the classroom when I first began teaching, To Marion Seary and Judy Sarick at The Children’s Book Store who ignited my children’s literature collection, John Harvey and Leonard McHardy of the Theatrebooks who helped shape my professional work, Maria Martella  at Tinlids, a book friend, a dear friend.  and Wendy Mason, Bookseller extraordinaire who loves talking about books. 

James Patterson and Matt Eversmann have edited this collection of mini-essays (3-6 pages) from booksellers and librarians from across the United States and Canada. Each voice is passionate about the job they have, whether they own an independent bookstore, work in for a book company, in a local or school library.  Most authors share how they came to be committed to being in the book world, sharing stories of their reading lives, their education that lead them into working with books, their connections with authors, their effort in hosting events,  their views of book banning,  and their insights into the BUSINESS of books. Most entertaining are anecdotes of how they bring book and reader together (‘Could you please bring me a Bible?’ / “All she wants to read are graphic novels, the mother complains. ‘She’s not reading, you know, real books.’I’m looking for book. I don’t know the title, but the cover is blue…it’s long about 900 pages.’ /  Especially engaging (to me) is how many ignite a love of reading with young people. These people love books and book lovers will share in the joy and insights of each and every contributor to this collection. 

“I had no idea how much this job meant acting as an unofficial therapist for customers….”I love interacting with customers. Just being a small part of their lives and knowing that I have given them the gift of books means the world to me.” (Charlene Stoyles,  Indigo Book chain, Newfoundland, p. 311)

“Books have deep connections… there’s nothing better than recommending books that can have a meaningful and positive impact on someone’s life.” ((Janice Turbeville, Barnes and Noble, Seattle p. 320)

“Books can make anything happen.” (Roxanne Coady, Madison, Connecticut, p. 170)

“No matter the stereotypes about librarians, most of us go into this field because we like to help people. That’s what we’re here for. We’re not doing it for the money or the glory.”(Sharon Perry Martin, Library director, Texas). 

“I am excited every day that I go to the bookstore. This is the truth.” (Judy Blume, Books & Books, Key West, p. 22)

“Kids who ,  to hang out at bookstores are pretty special.” (Elaine Petrocelli, Book Passage, San Francisco. p. 137)

“I love it when people walk through the front door, stop and take a deep breath. ‘It smells so good in here.” (Dodie Ownes, librarian, Denver, Colorado, p. 156)

“to be a bookseller, you have to be a detective.” (Jamie LaBarge, Kansas, p. 202)

 

TABLE FOR TWO by Amor Towles (2024)

Amor Towles is the author of the bestselling novels A Gentleman in Moscow and Rules of Civility. His latest release is somewhat of a. curiosity in that it includes a collection of 6 short stories (set in New York around the year 2000) and also features a novella (set in Los Angeles in the late 1930’s. The short stories that appear in the first part of the book are each about 40 pages and  I was quickly drawn to each of the characters and their problems (e.g., Russian emigrant arrives in New York at the turn of the century (‘The Line”);  a young author makes a living forging signatures of dead authors  “The Ballad of Timothy Touchet”; a woman spies on her stepfather only to discover  that he has not having an affair but has a secret hobby which gives him pleasure (“I Will Survive”).   I particularly enjoyed reading  “The Bootlegger” the story of an elderly man who illegally tape records classical concerts at Carnegie Hall, until his bootlegging is discovered. Evelyn Ross is the central to the novella Eve in Hollywood. In approximately 200 pages, Towles paints a captivating portrait of a criminal act (someone has taken naughty pictures of movie starlets). This story is told from a different points of view (a retired detective, a used-to be actor, a popular actress (Olivia di Havilland)  and Eve who has left New York City to build a future for herself in California. Amor Towles cleverly (and humour paints a noirish tale of movie sets, bungalows, and dive bars, that reads like a black and white movie from decades ago come to life. Alfred Hitchcock would have fun with this one. I had fun reading Tables for Two. 

WILD HOUSES by Colin Barrett (2024)

Although I haven’t read short story collections (Young Skins, Homesickness)by celebrated Irish author Colin Barrett I was intrigued by the glowing back cover reviews for this ‘”strange and beautiful’ novel that brings to live an entire world” (Sally Rooney) that is a “taught, brooding thunderstorm of a novel.” (Ronan Hession). The novel is set in rural Ireland. The town of Ballina is preparing for a weekend of celebration. In the opening chapter, we meet reclusive Dev whose life is interrupted when cousins Gabe and Sketch Ferdia dump a beaten up the teenage Doll  demanding that Dev will provide a hideout for the kidnapped teenager. Doll is the brother of drug- dealing Cillian English. We are soon introduced to Nicky, the seventeen year-old boyfriend of Doll English and when she can’t shake the feeling that something bad has happened to Doll, she is on a mission to save him.  Drugs and violence and chaos and  are the ingredients for a wild dark adventure about ‘crimesof desperation, dreams abandoned, and small town secrets that won’t stay buried”. I agree with author Roddy Doyle who writes that this book is ‘wild, funny and chilling” The title refers to the “untamed, not domesticated, specifically in an unbroken line of undomesticated animals”. Wild Houses reads like a film and will likely find its way on the big screen in the near future. 

Excerpt (of expert Colin Barrett’s craftsmanship 

Doll was lost and she needed to find him but the countryside wasn’t giving her antying; the countryside was holding its tongue and steadfastly averting its gaze as she travelled towards the unending low horizon and the indistinct serrations of the distant mountain ranges, the wide-open fileds flipping like the row of blank pages at the end of a book after the story was over.” (p. 186)

 

SHOUT OUT

LONG ISLAND by Colm Toibin (2024)

Irish author, Colm Toibin wrote the novel Brooklyn, published in  2009, where we first meet Eilis Lacey a young Irish girl who emigrates to New York hoping to find a new life for herself. At first, she is very homesick, but she soon comes to make friends and settles in to her being a clerk at a classy department store. She falls in love with a handsome Italian plumber named Tony and they decide to secretly get married. The death of Eilis’s sister has her to return to Ireland where once again she falls in love with a man named Jim. She keeps the secret of her marriage to herself and in the end abruptly returns to Brooklyn. The movie version of this story stars the beautiful Saiorse Ronan who gives a terrific performance. A great love story indeed. Pass the Kleenex.

In the recent publication of the novel Long Island, a sequel to Brooklyn, twenty years have passed in Eilis’s life. She is a mother to teenagers Larry and and although she seems to be rather settled into her marriage to Tony and accepts the the community of Italian in-laws who live in neighbouring houses. We learn right away that Tony has impregnated another woman and her husband threatens to leave the child on Tony’s doorstep when it is born. Eilis will have nothing to do with this and so she returns to Enniscorthy to stay with her mother who will be celebrating her 80th birthday. She is reunited with Jim and lo and behold they once again fall in love and keep this a secret.  Jim has another secret. He is engaged to Nancy, a widow, who was once a good friend to Eilis.  Will Jim cancel his engagement to Nancy. Will Eilis stay in Ireland? Will Jim follow Eilis if she returns to Long Island. A great love story indeed and Toibin adeptly puts readers inside the hearts and minds of each character.  I’d say we become part of the community and partake in visits to the fish and chip restaurant,  visits Jim’s pub, visits to the seaside,   being a guest at wedding, and secret ventures down dark streets and  hotel rooms.  I loved this book because of Toibin’s brilliant narrative and authentic dialogue invites us to care about the characters. The reading was quick paced (especially the last 50 pages). It is not essential to have read Brooklyn beforehand but those who venture into Long Island will have an unforgettable read about marriage, family, loyalty, betrayal, secrecy living inside a story of leaving behind and moving forward.  More Eilis, please. A five star read.  

 

SPOTLIGHT ON CLAIRE KEEGAN

Claire Keegans prize-winning short stories have been translated into forty languages. She has been praised for being one of the ‘greatest fiction writers in the world’ (George Saunders) whose “beautifully crafter stories are like chilling adult versions of fairy tales” (Sunday Telegraph). Her two recent publications (Small Things Like These (2022); So Late in the Day (2023) were listed as top favourite reads by Dr. Larry Recommends. Digging into some of her earlier writing was a rewarding experience indeed. What a talent!

 

THE FORESTER’S DAUGHTER (2007 / 2019)

This short story was originally published in 2007 in the collection Walk the Blue Fields and was  subsequently released in 2019 as a single edition of Faber Stories. In this story we meet the farming family of hard-working Victor Deegan whose story can be encapsulated with ‘three teenagers, the milking and the mortgage’. A rescue dog that the farmer gifts to his daughter plays an important part in the narrative revealing some truths about  Victor Deegan’s character.  It is also a story of a rather loveless marriage. When neighbours gather together in the Deegan household, Martha entertains them with stories, one of which unravels long-buried family secrets.

 

FOSTER (2010 / 2022) (novella)

It is summer. A father takes his young daughter to live with distant relatives on a farm in rural Ireland. How will the man and his wife develop a bond with the girl, day by day? Will the Kinsellas offer the girl affection and warmth she has not felt at herhome? When summer ends, will the girl return to her home, and leave behind the care and comfort and love she experienced on the farm? Foster is a jewel of a novella (92 pages), a beautiful example of Claire Keegan’s talent for painting clear picture of place, time and character with each sentence at the same time as igniting strong emotions in the reader. Told in the first person of a nine-year oldl, Foster is a heartbreaking story of childhood, of loss, kindness and human connections. A shorter version of this story was first published in the New Yorker. Foster was made into an exquisite  Irish-language film entitled The Quiet Girl. 

 

TWO SHORT STORY COLLECTIONS: ANTARCTICA (1999)  / WALK THE BLUE FIELDS (2007)

How do you read short story collections? For the most part, I choose to read stories in chronological order as presented, but sometimes I skip over to read the ‘shorter’ stories first. Occasionally, the title of a short story intrigues me. With a dozen or so pieces in a collection, there are some that are enjoyed more than others. Some might leave me bewildered. But when encountering a masterful author, like Claire Keegan, I have faith that I will find some to touch the heart. some that will cook up goosebumps and some that provide an ‘oh, wow!” response.

The stories in these two books provide evidence of Keegan’s mastery of creating flawed characters, the ability to convey vivid imagery and the strength that provides a master class of narration. Antarctica was her first published anthology and the stories within provide evidence of the intellectual and emotional power that a good story can offer. The lead story “Antarctica is the story of a happily married woman who plans a weekend in order to fuflfill a curiosity about what it would be like to be with another man. Devastating. (note: this story was re-published in Keegan’s So Late in the Day (2023).  Three other stories I found to be rather chilling in the way relationships unfold: The story of a long-suffering wife and her sexist husband (“Men and Women”); The story of  a two sisters who have lead different lives wth different values (“Sisters”) and the final story of two grieving parents who mourn the disappearance and horror of their daughter gone missing (“Passport Soup”).  And which of these titles from Walk the Blue Fields might entice you to read, even though they suggest a dark layer of exposition: “Close to the Water’s Edge”; “The Long and Painful Death”; “Surrender’?  Read them all, says I.  

 

SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE  (2021)

I recently finished (and loved) Claire Keegan’s recent publication entitled So Late in the Day (2023) and decided to re-read Small Things Like These to confirm to myself that she is a masterful Irish writer. In an Irish town, Bill Furlong, a coal and timber merchant is kept busy during the weeks leading up to Christmas. He dutifully makes his deliveries and strives to make ends meet to keep his dutiful wife, Eileen,  and  his five daughters  as comfortable as he can afford. It is a story of community. It is a story of the past memories rising up to haunt the hardworking man.  Filtered throughout the narrative, is the history of a small community controlled by the Church. In a note on the text, the author gives a short history of the Magdalen laundries where many girls and young women lost their babies. Some lost their lives. Brilliantly,  Small Things Like These encapsulates the history of Catholic institutions through the story of one young girl who was locked up in the coal room.  I read that  this story was going to be made into a movie  starring Cillian (Oppenheimer) and I’m sure I will re-read this novella (110 pages) once again.  Keegan’s writing is precise in the telling, description and straight=to the-heart capturing of emotions.  I now plan on reading other Keegan rather short but mighty titles (e.g. Antarctica, Walk The Blue Fields, Foster, The Forester’s Daughter). 

Excerpt

“… he found himlef asking was there any point in being alive without helping one another? Was it possible to carry on along through all the years, the decades, through an entire life, without once being brave enough to go against what ws there and yet call yourself a Christian, and face yourself in the mirror?” (p. 108)

 

SO LATE IN THE DAY  (Three stories*)  (2023)

This is a slim volume of three short stories by Irish Writer, Claire Keegan who whose writing, breathtaking in its clarity and poignancy, wakes up the heart. So Late in the Day is the story a lonely Irish civil servant who almost married a woman that he might have been happy with – but it’s a good thing he didn’t. A writer arrives in the retreat for a two-week writing residency, but the appearance – and disturbance – of a German academic interrupts – and yet, inspires – her writing in a story entitled A Long and Painful Death. In Antarctica, a woman experiences lust (and danger) when she leaves her family for a weekend to seek out the adventure of sleeping with another man.  *This book is subtitled “Stories of men and women” and each tale does indeed depict the dynamics and longing and betrayal of relationships between a man and woman.

 

The  mostly titles listed in this posting explore themes of PUBERTY, MASCULINITY and THE EMOTIONAL LIVES of boys.  Each of the middle school characters deal with issues that many young teenagers can identify. Each book deals with a ‘tough topic’ issue (e.g., poverty, gender and queer identity, death loss and remembrance, racism) and could be added to my recommended list of fiction presented in my book Teaching Tough Topics.  As luck would have it, several of these titles are written in the free verse format which I’m quite fond of. 

 

AND THEN, BOOM! by Lisa Fipps (Verse novel)  / POVERTY

In her debut novel, Starfish (2021), Lisa Fipps wrote a powerful story about body shaming and the trials and tribulations of a young adolescent girl dealing with her weight and with bullying.  The author’s newest novel is a look into the harsh realities of living in poverty. Whenever she gets ‘the itch’. Joe’s mother abandons her son. He and his grandmother are left to downsize, to pay the bills and use any means to fight hunger. Life for Joe, is filled with unexpected ‘And then…’ moments, especially large one’s that are unexpected BOOM moments which demand that he face challenges, make decisions and solve problems in order to survive from day to day.  When life gives you lemons – A death, a storm, starving and the care of stray dogs – it is hard to make lemonade. Joe’s resilience and strong character help him get through life’s “And Then, BOOM” events. “Every story boils down to and thens and BOOMS!/ And -thens and BOOMS, but  are all about the moments when something happens that changes everything./ It could be bad. And it could be good but it’s often not.” (p. 5). Joe’s life circumstances often broke my heart but I was compelled to cheer for him  because of his humour and hope even when hard days got worse.   I absolutely LOVED this novel. I can’t wait for another Lisa Fipps publication. 

Excerpt (p. 65)

Hunger is day-in, day-out luck,

creating inside you

an urgent need, 

a craving, 

a longing

for something you can’t survive or thrive without 

and yet 

you don’t have it.

 

Hunger just isn’t about food. 

 

ASKING FOR A FRIEND by Ronnie Riley / MENTAL HEALTH / QUEER IDENTITY

“Labels can change as you grow… and just because you identify one way now, doesn’t mean you’ll always identify that way. Things change, people change, and labels are fluid.” (pp. 108-109)

Nonbinary Eden Jones suffers from social anxiety. They feels that their life is  ‘pathetic’ and they want to be as invisible as possible.  Their mother has moved them to a new school, hoping things will get better. Eden Jones is asking for a friend. Actually, they need a few friends because their mother is expecting them to invite them to his birthday party, but Eden has lied about his friendship circle.  Even though they are reluctant to approach them, Eden gradually comes to develop friendships with Duke, Ramona and Tabitha .  Things are getting better for Eden as the group starts to bond… but they remain trapped in the lies they told his mother  – and their new ‘sort of real’ friendships. Ronnie Riley (queer, trans, nonbinary, lesbian, neodivergient) has done a remarkable job of presenting a cast of nonbinary, lesbian, trans characters who find joy in their queer identity even through the ups and downs of friendships. 

 

CALL ME AL by Wali Shah and Eric Walters / ISLAMOPHOBIA

“It’s only because of hate that we understand the need for love.” (Dr. Martin Luther King) (see page 207)

This excellent novel is centred on the character of Ali Khan, who, with the hope of better ‘fitting in’ prefers to go by the name Ali. Eigth grade Ali does very well in school but is not as perfect as his father wants him to be. Al’s father was a doctor in Pakistan and now works as a cab driver striving to do the best for his family. He has strong aspirations for his 3 sons and even though Al is respectful of his father’s outlook, he is becoming independent particularly with his interest and talent for writing poetry. (Doctors don’t write poetry. Al is up against racist views with his peers and more dramatically on shopping trip with his mother and brother when some thugs attack them, shouting ‘Go back where you came from!’.  Poet, Wali Shah and Master novelist, Eric Walters have told a special story, about an immigrant family,  a special teacher, and a conflicted teenager which that many of young adolescent readers will certainly connect to. Understanding of social class,  insights and information about celebrating Ramadan are strong features of this book, as is the belief that “Forgiveness is Peace “. Call Me Al is absolutely a highly recommended choice from Dr. Larry. 

 

MID-AIR by Alicia D. Williams (Verse novel) / DEATH LOSS & REMEMBRANCE 

Eighth-grade student Isaiah feels lost. He is struggling with the loss of his best friend Darius who was killed in accident. Isaiah feels guilty for the part he played in the hit and run accident and worried about the dwindling friendship with Drew who he enjoys hanging out with doing wheelies, watching movies and attempts to break Guiness World Records before entering high school. Isiah can’t seem to cope with a lost friend and a fading friend  his feelings of grief and the need to forge ahead with honesty and grace. The verse style and use of slang and vocabulary are relatable and well-suited for the reflective stance of this black teenage character.

 

DEAR MOTHMAN by Robin Gow (Verse novel)  / DEATH LOSS & REMEMBRANCE / TRANS IDENTITY

Nora / Noah’s best friend, Ella / Lewis, was killed in a car accident Noah is trying to come to terms with the loss. Noah and Lewis understood each other and had much in common, including the fact that they were both Trans. The novel is mostly written as letters to Mothman,  Lewis’s favourite cryptid, who may or may not be living in the woods near Noah’s house. Strange appearances convince  Noah that Mothman is real and Noah decides to make Mothman the subject of his science fair project and gather as much evidence to prove its existence. When Noah makes friends with three girls, he finally comes to feel that he belongs. Through the extended metaphor of a lonely creature, Robin Gow has created a compelling story about grief,  gender issues and acceptance. The journal letters. as well as recounts. of everyday events are presented as free verse (in rather small font) and provide a narrative, and an honest expression of emotions. Dear Mothman and an authentic confessional account of a preteen  boy living with autism who is dealing with grief and their  queer identity. 

Excerpt (p. 157)

Why is being a person so hard sometimes?

I keep getting sad and thinking

“Maybe it would be easier to not have friends at all>”

 

Then I’m like – no, Noah. 

You love your friends.

This is just hard. 

 

JUDE SAVES THE WORLD by Ronnie Riley / QUEER IDENTITY

“Being nonbinary, and figuring it out young, has been a little strange. I know who I am, butr I’m unsure how to tell the world.” (p. 4)

Twelve-year old Jude is rather comfortable with their nonbinary identity but he is not sure that others in their world understand them (especially their grandparents).  Jude has a deep friendship with Black gay friend, Dallas (“He’sthe only person who’s willing to call me out when I do dumb things.” (p. 60) Stevie, a popular girl in their class adds to the friendship duo, but her loyalties are divided and she abandons the bond that she had with Jude and Dallas. Hoping to give support to others in the community, Jude creates the first Diversity Club to town, a safe place, where marginalized people, young and old, can come togetehr and share their stories with out  concerns without being judged. Ronnie Riley’s novel provides a safe space for queer, nonbinary and disabled readers (Jude is diagnosed as ADHD) who are coming to terms with coming out, struggling to maintaining friendships and questioning their identities. Riley’s goal writes are especially written for young trans, nonbinary and queer readers with the hope that the find pieces of themselves in this story, and offers their wish “I hope you all the unconditional love and strength in the world.’  This book is for fans of Alex Gino and A.J. Sass fiction. See also: 

Excerpt (p. 62)

But those three words haunt me.

Are you sure?

Am I sure I’m not a girl or a boy. Yes.

Am i sure my gender can be described as waving my hands in the air and wanting to scream into a pillow? Yes.

Am  sure I’m worthy of love? Up until that moment, I thoght so. 

 

RED BIRD DANCED by Dawn Quigley (Verse novel) / INDIGENOUS CULTURE

This is a verse novel, presented in alternating voices of a girl named Ariel, passionate about ballet dancing, and her neighbour Tomah, a struggling reader who seems to get by by making others laugh. The two friends live in the city’s Intertribal Housing Complex  When Ariel’s Auntie goes missing, Ariel’s dancing suffers and she strives to keep the memory of her missing aunt alive. (“Dancing is how i connect my body and soul to the earth”. Ariel and Tomah carry each other through their sadnesses and struggles. Dawn Quigley, a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe does a brilliant job of unpacking the trials and tribulations of urban Native kids and their connections with those who came before them and their resilience even when bad things go on outside the front door in the city. Quigley masterfully uses the free verse form to illuminate the emotions and stories of two Native citizens. Readers are given insights into the Native culture (e.g. Jingle dancing) but  especially come to understand the plight of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (#MM1W) through aunt Binieshinh’s story.Impressive too is the description of bird life that serves as a metaphor for the character’s world views.  This book deserves awards. 

Excerpt

Life in the housing complex / meant/ family is a / doorstep away. / Life is in/ our relatives/  relatives/ who may not be blood related/ but are like tree/ roots that/ intertwine and hold on / to one another unseen (p. 12)

 

THE TENTH MISTAKE OF HANK HOOPERMAN by Gennifer Choldeonko / POVERTY/FAMILY

What do you do when your mother disappears from your life? Where do you go? Who will take care of you? Will your mother come back into your life?  When their mother takes off,  sixth grade student Hank Hooperman and his three year-old-sister, Boo are forced to move from their home. Hank and Boo are totally dependent on each other and are  filled with love for each other.They are temporarily put into the foster care of a senior citizen, Lou Ann Adler who was a good friend of Hank’s grandmother and even though Hank tries hard to be a really good kid, it seems to be too much for Lou Ann. Hank develops friendships at his new school as well as with a compassionate neighbour named Ray who understands what Hank is going through. More than anything, wants to find his mother but she has problems that he can’t solve (she is known to be an alcoholic). Award-winning Newbery Honor  Gennifer Choldenko (Al Capone Does My Shirts) writes appealing narratives with feisty fictional heroes who are caught in the web troubling circumstances. Her books are guaranteed to engage middle years readers as they root for resilient characters like Hank Hooperman, a boy who makes mistakes, makes decisions and  struggles to carriyon, even though life has tossed him a batch of lemons. 

 

ULTRAVIOLET by Aida Salazar (Verse novel) / TOXIC MASCULINITY

Thirteen year old Elio Solis tries to navigate social media, friendships, his Mexican culture  and his changing body. Swimming in his head are his mother’s warnings about toxic masculinity and consent and his father’s warning to ‘man up’.  In fact, his father takes him witness a cock fight as well as  partake in a community man’s group called ‘Brother’s Rising’  Elio is also experiencing ‘head over heels’   feelings for the beautiful Camilla, so much so that he sees the world as ultraviolet. When Elio’s heart is crushed by the blows of first love, he struggles with the ups and downs of coming of age. Through splendid accessible poetry, sprinkled with Spanish language, Ultraviolet provides a strong perspective  and questioning of masculinity.

Excerpt (p. 43)

So does that mean

I’m automatically toxic?

No, not you, but behavior like that could be.

As a boy you have priveliges that girls don’t.

It’s what the world gives you

just for being a boy. 

That doesn’t seem fair, I shrug. 

 

ETC.

THE CHOCOLATE WAR by Robert Cormier (1974) / YA+ / BULLY POWER

“They tell you to do your thing but they don’t mean it. They don’t want you to do your thing, not unless it happens to be their thing, too.” (p. 248)

Trinity boys school is conducting a fund-raiser to sell chocolates and Jerry Renault is the only student who refuses to take part in this school-wide initiative, even though it means defying the challenge of a secret school society called The Vigils. The Vigils lead by the abusive, manipulating Archie is the foundation for what one character claims is “something  rotten in the school. More than rotten.. Evil.” A poster that hangs in Renault’s locker asks: Do I dare disturb the universe? and this question serves as the moral compass of Jerry’s stance. Top (opening sentence: “They murdered him'” to bottom (“Someday, Archie you’ll get yours” )  Archie is probably one of the most evil characters in literature whos behaviour is beyond bullying as he tortures others with his words and actions (as is  Brother Leon, the domineering teacher who leads the project.  This story grew from an incident  with his teenage son, Peter, who came home from school one day with boxes of chocolates to sell and announcing that he didn’t want to do.The Chocolate War is an astonishing read, albeit an absolutely chilling chilling read. Devastating! I will  be seeking out the sequel, Beyond the Chocolate War.

I know I’ve read this book many years ago, but in honour of its 50th year of publication, I decided to read this novel – one of the top ten banned books in classrooms throughout North America. In one Florida Middle school, teachers endured abusive harassment and death threats because of the stand they took.  Criticism for the book centred on the anti-authority worldview,   a gutsy violent ending, and yes, the inclusion of masturbation. “Too complicated. Too many characters. A downbeat ending, which teenagers in the 1970’s would find difficult to accept. Too violent. Not quite an adult novel, too sophisticated to be a juvenile novel. Too unbelievable.” (Introduction by Robert Cormier, 1997, edition) At that time, Corman sent a message, “I have been at a loss for words. The ironic thing is that words are my business, and thw words in my books have been the cause of so much trouble” (in the New York Times, Sunday June 2, 2024, p. 32). . Throughout his life, Robert Cormier put forth mighty efforts combatting attempts to ban The Chocolate War. Like many authors do today. 

In the edition that I read a short essay is included by author Patty Campbell, the author of the biography of Robert Cormier who she calls the ‘grand master of young adult fiction.”  (e.g.,  I Am the Cheese, After the First Death, Fade, The Bumblebee Flies Away, The Rag and Bone Shop).  The following is an excerpt from her piece entitled ‘Who is this Robert Cormier, anyway?”

“His writing is unique in its richness and power, as le looks unflinchingly at tyranny and the abuse of authority, at treachery and betrayal, at guilt and forgiveness, love and hate, and the corruption of innocence His novels are brilliant and complex structures full of intricate wordplay and subtle thought, although at first reading they seem to quite direct and simple. Because, most of all, the works of Robert Cormier are good stories, full of suspense and surprise and dramatic action as his characters struggle – sometimes unsuccessfully – to find an appropriate response to the existence of evil.” 

 

>>>>>>>> <<<<<<<<

FYI

BOYMOM: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity by Ruth Whippman

Journalist, Ruth Whippman investigates the changing complexities of manhood, focusing on the loneliness and longings that many boys experience. As a mother to three sons, this feminist writer offers a review of child development, a report into masculinity literature and a insights into society rules that often limiting boys from connecting with honesty and humanity.  As a memoir, Whippman digs into  the ultimate parent goal of raising good sons (which suddenly feels like a hopeless task). Chapter titles include “Boys Will Be Boys: Off to a bad start”; “‘Girl Stories’: What we are failing to teach boys about being human”; “‘Feminizing the Classroom’: Boys and school” and “Sex and Sexism”. 

Listed here are ten picture book titles – all terrific. The cast of characters for these varied recent publications includes a frustrated little witch, a group of young explorers,  a boy’s nighttime journey guided by light, a frightened leaf, a brother and sister dealing with mental health issues in their home, two young immigrants learning belonging, and racism,  two children venture out and skate on the winter ice of Lake Superior and a girl who loves loves loves good books! Unless marked otherwise, these titles are 2024 releases. 

 

BROOM FOR TWO by Jennifer Murano; illus. Scot Ritchie

A young witch-in-training has to deal with a ruined broom in order to pass  her flying test. With determination and a bit of magic, Little Witch resolves to get back in the air and dip and doodle her way to success (with a little help from her new friend Ramshackle Rat.  Words and pictures work together to offer young readers an entertaining story about never giving up. 

Excerpt

While taking her test, Little Witch: 

Dipped and doodled

Rose and Sunk

Flew in a circle

And landed BUMP1

 

GOOD BOOKS MAKE GOOD FRIENDS by Jane Mount

A shy young girl, finds friendship in the books that she reads. Book provide her with comfort and magic even though it means spending time alone while others are playful outgoing and loud.  Eventually she comes to find others who are as devoted to reading as she is. This title is a tribute to children’s book lovers, young and old.  What clinched the purchase of the picture book was the fantastic display of picture book and fiction titles, old and new. As a keen book lover, I was thrilled to see such titles as The Snowy Day, Goodnight Moon, The Little Engine that CouldThe Phantom Tollbooth, Harriet the Spy, Pax , featured on the front cover.  Page by page of Good Books Make Good Friends, it was great to encounter hundreds of titles that I have been part of my life. (I think I’ve read 90% of the books that have been recognized). Jane Mount – you and I are book friends!

 

THE GREAT EXPEDITION by Pater Carnavas

After being charged with the mission of delivering a valuable parcel, a group of young adventurers set out for the ‘wild country’ where they  beat insurmountable odds on their great expedition – in their own backyard.  Through engaging illustrations and adventurous recounts, Peter Carnavas presents a sure-to-please story of problem-solving and perseverance.

 

I TOO, AM HERE by Morgan Christie; illus. Marley Berot

Inspired by the Langston Hughes poem, ‘ I Too’, I Too, Am Here is an exploration of immigration, racism, and belonging. A young girl celebrates her shines a light on her home environment and honours the stories her family tell. Grandma tells of arriving in a new home and confronting racism  (In bright red paint someone had written GO HOME in big letters around her fence).  Dad recounts his first experiences with snow and encountering bullies who taunted “Go back where you belong!”. Mom tells her story of growing up in the south where Black people were not treated equally. The girl recalls a time at school when someone didn’t want to hold her hand because of her rich dark skin. Langston Hughes poem which made the girl feel beautiful, strong, and loved. This is a salute to people who have come from all over the world with stories and cultures that shape the places they call home. I Too, Am Here is a heartwarming story accompanied by vibrant illustrations.  

Excerpt

I sing out beyond the winding roads and buildings that touch the sky. 

The street I live on is made up from families from all around the world.

Our cultures twirl through the neighbourhood like spinning leaves spreading pieces of us all around. 

 

THE LIGHT FROM MY MENORAH: Celebrating Holidays from Around the World by Robin Heald; illus. Andrea Blinick

A young boy, celebrating the miracle of Hanukkah, follows his menorah’s light which carries him off into  an adventurous night sky journey. On his travels he witnesses families from around the world celebrating their own special holidays with the glow of a lamp or candle flame: diyas (Diwali); kinaras (Kwanzaa); candles (Sacandanvian St. Lucia Day) krathongs (Loy Krathong in Thailand) and strings of light (Christmas).  This is a tory, and informational text that illuminates celebrations and worships from around the world. Andrea Blinick’s illustrations capture the wonder and magic of shining light zigzagging North South, East and West. 

 

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING I HAVE EVER SEEN by Nadia Devi Umadat; illus. Christine Wei (2023)

When war strikes there were loud noises everywhere that made a young girl’s mother cry. Mother packs up her family and they board a shiny airplane taking them to somewhere new home. Slowly adjusting to life in a new country, new seasons, a new apartment, a new school,  and new friends eventually leads to a special day when the family is given citizenship. On that day Mama cries happy teacrs and it is the most beautiful thing the young girl has ever seen. This is very very special story of moving to a new land. 

 

POETRY COMICS by Grant Snider (graphically illustrated poetry)

I often seek out new publications that feature poetry. I often seek out new publications that are presented as graphic texts. Poetry Comics is a wonderful hybrid of poetry and art. Most pieces are presented in a full page grid, each panel featuring a short line of text and a whimsical illustration. The book is organized into four sections, each represe ting one of the four seasons. In the classroom, this book can serve as a source for students to illustrate existing poems in graphic format, to encourage non-rhyming poetry writing, to create comics and to pay observe and reflect on their everyday experiences. (note: This  is an ideal book for reinforcing the comprehension strategy  of VISUALIZING. Delightful! 

Sample: “How To Write a Poem #1”

Find a quiet place/ A sharp pencil/ A blank page / Sti still/ Keep quiet / Wait / A poem will rush in to fill the space


Sample: “Other Oceans”

The wind makes waves in new wheat.

Clouds foam and froth like surf.

Night in the country is a sparkling sea. 

 

UPS AND DOWNS by Nancy MacNairn; illus. Doruntina Beqira

Life is full of ups and downs, highs and lows. This is the story of a young girl and her mother who has bipolar disorder. Even though her mother’s moods fluctuate, the girl never doubts her mothers love for a second. Even though times are sometimes difficult, Mom is ‘super great’ . This is a very important book about mental health issues that young people can learn about and think about. 

Excerpt

… my mome has bipolar disorder. It affects her mood and energy. It is not something taht she or I can control. Even though things are UP and DOWN, they are not all or nothing. Mom can’t always do things for us, but she tells us “I love you” a lot.

 

>>>>>>> <<<<<<<

SHOUT OUT

I’M AFRAID, SAID THE LEAF by Danielle Daniel; illus. Matt James

I’m very fond of  both Danielle Daniel’s publications (Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox; Sometimes I Feel Like a River, You Hold Me Up) as well as Matt James titles (I Know Here, The Funeral, Tadpoles).  This great partnership of these two award winning author has produced what is certain to be at the top of my list of 2024 favourites. Through simple text and glorious paintings, the Daniel and James have produce a book  of empathy and interdependence. The book is inspired by the belief that “all living things rely on each other for support and survival (jacket text). By reading I’m Afraid, Said the Leaf, readers will help readers of all ages think about that we are better and stronger when working together. Five out of five stars. 

Excerpt

I’m so cold, said the horse. / I will warm you said the sun. 

I’m so hot, said the bear. / I will cool you said the creek.

I’m so hungry, said the squirrel. / I will feed you said the nut. 

 

SHOUT OUT

SKATING WILD ON AN INLAND SEA by Jean E. Pendziwol; illus. Stewart (2023)

Two children wake up to the winter song sung by Lake Superior. They venture out into the cold and encounter tracks set by fox, deer, hair, mink, otter and wolf. Ravens croak, a blue jay scolds  before lacing up their skares and venture off to the surface of theice where the voice of Lake Superior vibrates beneath their feet and “hums a haunted meoldy, the song of water, held captive by winter, mysterious magical music as old as teh earth, rising up from her depths, echoing up and up”.  This is a staggering picture book achievement, a hybrid of lyrical poetic writing, narrative, and informational text. The art work by printmaker Todd Stewart is the best of the best of recent picture book illustrations. Skating Wild on an Inland Sea  is the perfect marriage of words and visuals. Staggering. 

 

 

This posting presents a dozen terrific examples of NONFICTION which have been released fairly recently. . Each of the picture books is Canadian.  Each of the  titles invites readers to consider new information about different topics.  Each of these is sure to ignite knowledge, curiosity and wonder. 

 

SCIENCE: ANIMALS AND NATURE

 

BOMPA’s INSECT EXPEDITION by David Suzuki with Tanya Lloyd Ki; illus. Qin Leng.

Two twins on a nature expedition with their Bompa (grandpa) SECRET and discover the marvels of nature right outside their door as they search for insects. Readers join in with this family to share in the surprises and wonder of fuzzy bumblebees, dragonflies, caterpillars, ants and mosquitos.  David Suzuki is a master of providing accessible information about nature and animals and Qin Lang provides colurful detailed art work that offers information and story.

“What would the world be like without humans?”

“If we are gone.. the other animals would be left alone. No one would miss us.” 

SECRET GARDENERS: Growing a Community and Healing the Earth by Maija Hurme and Lina Laurent

Three children discover a woman named Amy planting vegetables in the yard of an abandoned house. Amy teaches Luna, Bianca and Billy how to grow food in a no-dig garden. Neighbour by neighbour joins in the gardening project until a secret about the boarded-up house overshadows the community’s efforts. Chapter headings (e.g., Composting, Sowing A Seed), labelled items and information presented in text boxes make this a splendid blend of fiction and nonfiction. Highly recommended. 

THE SMALLEST OWLET written and illustrated by Gerogia Graham

This book  is based on a true story that happened in an aspen grove where an owlet fell from its nest and was loyally cared fro by Mother Owl who stayed on the ground heroically protecting her owlet until its feathers developed. The richly detailed landscape illustrations are filled with texture and wonder.

“Small Owlet has never been out of his nest before now. He hears strange sounds all around and trembles with fear. He leans into his mother’s warm safe belly.

SUPER SMALL: Miniature Marvels of the Natural World by Tiffany Stone; illus. Ashley Spires

This a fascinating book about tiny tiny insects, reptiles and mammals, each with a superpowers (e.g., Oribtid Mite, Pygmy Seahorse Dwarf Latern Shark).  Information is presented in clever rhyming verse. Side panels for each animal is presented in graphic format to present information about each creatures superpowers. Ashley Spires lively illustrations, large and small are a delight. This is a GREAT example of nonfiction text where words and pictures inform and intrigue. 

from “Scaly-Foot Snail

“Clinkity-clank. Clinkity-clank

The snail all snails want to be.

An iron-plated escargot.

See how my enemies flee!”

WHAT WILL I DISCOVER ? by Tanya loyd Kyi;. illus. Rachel Qiuqi

A young child, anting to know ‘everything about the world’  puts on a scientist’s and asks questions about suns and planets, animals and trees, asking questions about lad, sea and air and the mysteries of the nature.  This picture book is a great resource of information and discovery, inviting children to reveal (and research)  their own questions about the natural world. 

“How do trees learn to talk to one another through their tangled roots? Do different kinds of tres speak different leafy languages? What tine creatures hide within the ice of Antarctica? How do they survive in the cold and the dark?

WAVES & WEBS: Patterns in Nature by Robin Mitchell Cranfield

This book invites readers to explore patterns that exist in nature (e.g., up in the sky, seashells, spiderwebs, starfish, sunflowers) and might encourage them to consider patterns in the world around them. 

“Bold patterns of lines dazzle the eye. A skunk’s thick stripes warn predators. “Stay away or you’ll be sorry!” Sunflower seeds send a happier message: “Time for a snack!”

 

 

PEOPLE

 

EVERY CHILD MATTERS by Phyllis Webstad; illus. Karlene Harvey

This book honours the history and resilence of Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island,  and moves us all forward on a path toward Truth and Reconciliation.”  Phyllis Webstad, the founder of Orange Shirt Day, offers inforamion and insights into the heartfelt movement where ‘Every Child Matters”. 

KIMIKO MURAKAMI: A Japanese Canadian Pioneer by Haley Healey; illus. Kimiko Fraser

The life of Kimiko, an ordinary woman born in British Columbia was changed during the Second World War when the Canadian government all all Japanese Canadians “enemy aliens” This is the story of Kamiko and her family who were force to leave their home and live and work in internment camps. 

A TULIP IN WINTER: A story about folk artist Maude Lewis by Kathy Stinson;. .illus Lauren Soloys

A beautiful beautiful biography telling the story of one of the world of one of  most celebrated folk artists  Her

colourful primatif scenes of Nova Scotia landscapes are poignant depictions from an inspiring artist who saw beyond the hardships of poverty and rheumatoid arthritis,

‘As Maud grew up, colour flowed through her days.”

 

ETC.

 

THE BE KIND ALPHABET by Anouk Frolic

An alphabet hook that instills empathy and respect presented as rhyming  poems through the lives of 26 animals (A= / B= Bee / C=Chipmunk / D=Donkey)

“Gecko, Gecko on the wall / Gecko I hear your chirping call. Found in many places around our Earth, / you hatcvh from an egg at the time of your birth.”

THE HALIFAX EXPLOSION:6 December 1917, at 9:05 in the morning: A poem by Afua Cooper; illus. Rebecca Bender

Powerful word and images help readers understand what happened when too ships, the Mont Blanc (carrying ammunitions) and the Imo (carrying war supplies), collided in teh Halifax Harbour. The disastrous impact of the resulting explosion is given a dramatic commemoration through Afua Cooper’s powerful words accompanied by historiical photographs and evocative illustrations. 

“The munitions heated and at 9:05 exploded/ Shooting death into the four directions! Boom!  Boom! BOOM!”

HOW TO MAKE A PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH in 17 Easy Steps by Bambie Edlund

Making a peanut butter sandwich should be simple. Tell that to a group of critters in this humorous step by step ‘how to’ recipe.

You will need…. 2 crows, 1 raccoon, 1 ht with brim, 3 oranges, i bunch of bananas, 4 mice, 1 skunk, 1 skateboard, 3 loaves of bread, 3 squirrels, 6 cheekfuls of peanuts, 1 miniature don ke, 4 wooden clogs, 1 accordian, 1 fallen log, 1 beaver, 1 empty jar, 1 badger