Creaky Old House

I received this adorable book last week from my neighbor, Lori, and her kids, Nate and Jack, to cheer me up after my dog died. And it sure did bring a smile to my face! If you've ever embarked on a home renovation project, you will totally be able to relate to this very funny tale of a large family and their beloved home. Written completely in rhyme, this is a story about a small fixit project that grows into a complete house remodel.

Author Linda Ashman and illustrator Michael Chesworth are a perfect match to tell this story. There is a character for every member of the family to relate to and a darling surprise ending.

When a screw falls out of a doorknob, and a replacement cannot be found, the story takes off on a fast paced adventure to replace the doorknob and then the door and then the doorframe.....

"But then," said John, "the couch won't fit.

We'll have to shift that wall a bit."

"Fine," said Lou, "but if we do,

we'll have to move the stairway, too."

Well, you can see where this is all going....The characters are brought to life by Chesworth's whimisical drawings. The paintings were created in ink, watercolor and pencil on Arches hot- press watercolor paper. You can see more of Michael Chesworth's illustrations on his website www.crashbangboom.com. Even his website url is creative!

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend everyone!

Gracias, Thanks

I treated myself with an older picture book at this week's library visit. Gracias, Thanks had caught my eye in so many mentions lately for it's many awards. The writing and artwork are truly beautiful and illustrate what I hope to instill in my own son: thankfulness, for the little and big things in life. And I suppose a soul that notices those little things in the first place.
The narrative follows one boy, from day to night - but really, it is many days, just the best of life's pleasures. There is humor too, not just sweetness. Some balance that would appeal to a wider range of children.
I love how naturally the bi-lingual text by Pat Mora fits into the design of this book - surely much consideration at work there. Can you picture an Abuelita reading this in Spanish, while a mother reads in English?
I sat for so long (a rare thing for me lately) just admiring the way John Parra blends real and imagined imagery. Crafting a world that feels like a memory. And the postscript makes this a stronger story for older readers as well.

Interview: Helen Craig

Teacher gift idea

Mrs. Spitzer is a wise teacher who knows many things. She knows about gardens. She knows about children. She knows how similar they are. And how they will flourish if tended lovingly.

It's that time of year again, school is drawing to a close. This metaphorical book is one of my favorite gifts to give to teachers. Usually, I will add a school photo with an inscription, either written by me or the kids. If you have a special teacher in your life, I'd highly recommend giving this to them. =o)

Book Review: Down In The Subway

Down In The Subway
Story by Miriam Cohen
Art by Melanie Hope Greenberg
Star Bright Books, New York

Just perfect for this time of year, here's a book that just makes you feel all bright and summery. Down In The Subway tells the story of Oscar's ride on the subway, and what happens one particular day when commuting with his mom and baby brother. Restless Oscar gets up and twirls holding onto a pole, when a woman (the Island Lady) asks him if he would like to see what is in her bag. Oscar's mom gives her approval, and from there we are taken on a magical subway ride fantasy. Each spread features island entertainment more delightful than the last. I won't spoil any of the fun spreads for you by pointing out any details but I will say that the writing and the art mesh beautifully—both wear a laid-back island vibe that bring the party right to the reader, no invitation needed.

The folk-art illustrations feature the soft and bright colors of caribbean island life, and the characters are full of personality (including the subway car itself). The design layout, illustrations and text all work together in unison. Some elements of the illustrations, for instance, are used as a backdrop for text to perfect effect. The art appears to be in gouache paint, so gouache illustration fans- this is one for you to check out!

This is a great book for those who love New York City since it is also a lovely homage to NYC as well. A super fun book with a lot of energy and spice, and a lot of "music" in the pages!

Gracie

I lost my dog last week to old age and kidney disease. She was a great dog, a terrier through and through. I used to have two Airedales, but Ernie died three years ago and Gracie and I worked through our grief together. In the last three years she really came into her own, pulling out of Ernie's shadow. She was my side kick and I took her everywhere with me. She loved to sit shotgun in my car and hang her head out the window. I can't tell you how many conversations I had with people sitting at a signal because of that cute little airedale face.

Two years ago, my first posting for Illustration Friday was for the topic Choose and I did a quick sketch in photoshop of Gracie being very finicky about her meal choices. She was definitely the pickiest eater I have ever had in a dog, sniffing at steak and looking up at me like I was trying to poison her.

When I worked long hours at my computer, she would sneak up behind me and give me a loud bark telling me it was time to take a break and have some fun. One of her cutest habits was at night. We would climb into bed for cookie time. She'd eat a few dog cookies and I'd give her a long scratch, but the minute I turned out the lights, she would jump off the bed and head down stairs to sleep in her own bed and guard the house. Just before she headed out of my bedroom, she would stop at the doorway and look back at me. I would say good night baby girl, and then she would trot on down the stairs. She never missed a night.

PB Review: Hello Baby!

My son received this book as a gift last year. I'm not normally drawn to straight, realistic collage illustration such these by Steve Jenkins. After many slow reads with my son, the book and art have grown on me. It's a simple story, sort of an exploration of baby animals that ties back to a human baby. Mem Fox's light text reads aloud so well, and the illustrations are large and focused on just the animals. You really get a chance to lose yourself in the details here.

Skyping school visits

Last week, I reviewed a book illustrated by one of my favorite illustrators, Cyd Moore. Being a huge fan of skype (it has been invaluable now that my husband is deployed in Afghanistan) I love seeing how it can be used in productive ways. Check out this youtube by Cyd. She is offering school visits via skyping and I think it is a fabulous idea. There is nothing like a one on one school visit but what a marvelous tool for schools to adopt. It's cost effective and opens so many opportunities to have your favorite authors and illustrators visit from across the globe.

Technology is way cool. =o)

NESCBWI Conference: Jennifer E. Morris

This past weekend I attended the annual regional conference for the New England Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (aka, NESCBWI). I contribute to 3 blogs, and since I took just 3 workshops I thought I'd share one on each.

Artwork © Jennifer E. Morris

My first workshop was run by Jennifer Morris, entitled "10 Photoshop Techniques for Illustrators". I've met Jen a few times and really like her work so even though I'm a veteran photoshop user I wanted to check it out. She did a fantastic job of presenting useful information clearly. The room was a mix of pros, intermediates, and true beginners and I admired how she handled the range of questions a group like that can pose. Best of all, I picked up a few new Photoshop tricks! I love watching other artists at work too. I know I can see videos all over the internet, but I rarely check them out. Live is so much better.

I highly recommend checking out Jennifer's blog and this page on her website for links to painting demos on her blog. She is very generous to share so much of her process. You'll find both a painterly technique and her scratchboard/chunky technique.

We have 3 winners!

My kids helped pick the lucky winners..

Tracy Bishop

Michelle Henninger

and Annie Patterson,

please email me so we can send out your Peachtree books!

Thanks everyone for visiting and

a special thanks to Peachtree Publishers for sharing their beautiful books with us.

A Tree For Emmy

A Tree For Emmy
published by Peachtree Publishers
written by Mary Ann Rodman
illustrated by Tatjana Mai-Wyss

A Tree For Emmy is about a young girl who loves trees in general and soon grows very attached to her Gramma's Mimosa tree. The story shares Emmy's quest for her own Mimosa tree, and all of the bumps along the way to getting her own tree.

The story seems simple enough, but under the surface I found it was surprisingly more internal than I would have expected. The story focuses on Emmy's personality and her reactions to certain situations she finds herself in, both positive and negative. We see how she deals with communicating with other people (the shopkeepers she talks with while shopping for her Mimosa tree). We see how she handles disappointment... or doesn't (when no stores carry the type of tree that she wants and how she reacts), and we see how she ultimately rebounds and grows a little bit more mature through the process.

Emmy spends a lot of time playing by herself outside, with her cute scruffy dog as her mascot. It quickly grows clear that Emmy is an only child. Her parents as well as her "Gramma" are supporting players in the story. All are very supportive and sympathetic about Emmy's quest for her own Mimosa tree. We do witness a couple of Emmy meltdowns in the book, which at times lend the story a bit of an unexpectedly more serious tone. This supplies story tension in the midst of the lush visuals: whimsical, light-hearted, home-spun, mixed-media illustrations with bright watercolor-like splashes of color. 

The art is very feminine in palette and also in style. It has a fairy-like, ethereal quality which draws the viewer in to Emmy's world. It also does a good job of manifesting Emmy's aloneness as well—the art has a palpable sense of solitude. I also enjoyed the use of collage in the artwork, which adds additional interest and a touch of texture without disturbing the overall mood of the art.

I found A Tree For Emmy to be a quietly reflective book about a young girl who is faced with some situations in which she is able to eventually develop and practice some positive communication skills, learn a little responsibility, and, despite not always getting what you want, finding positivity within herself and actively manifesting that positivity outward.

A Tree For Emmy would be a good choice for any young girl but might resonate even more strongly with a young girl who is an only child. Emmy has no siblings and a lot of the issues she faces in the book revolve around the way she reacts to certain experiences with no others around who are also children. At the end of the book, Emmy's reaction to something pivotal shows that yes, she is growing up a little bit. It's a nice finish to this sweetly understated story.

Don't forget to leave a comment and be entered to win a Peachtree book! check back on Monday to see the winners! Good luck!

The Opposite

How could I resist reading and reviewing this charming and quirky book - look at those characters! I had first noticed Elena Odriozola's illustration in Story Blanket. I love the mature and sensitive nature of her drawings. Paired with Tom MacRae's unusual story and playful book design, The Opposite was fun and captivating to read.
Nate wakes up to a strange visitor - "The Opposite" and after making a few messes, and taking the blame, Nate comes up with a good plan for ridding himself of his grinning menace. The text sets the stage nicely for Elena's complex illustrations. Mostly transparent, "The Opposite" is fun to find on each page. Oh, and I do love the art room scene and the climax when "The Opposite" surrenders to Nate's wit.

Even the endpapers are beautiful and worth exploring with an observant reader. Visit Peachtree's website for more information on this award-winning book, or their blog for children's publishing insight. Be sure to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway!!!

Back to Bed, Ed!

Back to Bed, Ed!

by Sebastien Braun

I have to admit that I was nervous about reviewing a book since this is a first for me. But when I received Back to bed, Ed! I just smiled from ear to ear and all my worries went away. :o)

If you know me, you know I love cute, funny and simple. And this book has got all three!

The illustrator is Sebastien Braun who happens to be one of my favorite illustrators. I have always admired his work. His illustrations are full of sentiment and warmth. The style in which he approached this book however is a style I’ve never seen before. It’s as adorable as his usual work only very graphic and with a bolder line work that I think works perfectly with this book and with the younger audience.

Now Braun is not only the illustrator but the author as well. The story is about a cute little mouse named Ed who loves going to bed but hates staying in bed.

This is a very popular subject among many parents out there. We’ve all gone through this at one time or another with our kids. The way Sebastien approaches this topic is very sweet and funny and more importantly entertaining for kids. Children will relate not only to the storyline of being afraid to stay in their rooms alone at night, but also to all the small details in the illustrations. They will love the different sound-describing-words repeated throughout the book too. Reading this book out loud is fun!

You can see an example of the humor I was referring to in this illustration:

How does Ed solve his problem and manages to happily sleep in bed at night all by himself? Well, you are going to have to read the book. I can’t say that or I’ll spoil all the fun.

Back to Bed, Ed! is a simple, funny and sweet book. The perfect book to read to your kid before bed specially if your kid is the type that knocks on your door... a lot. :o)

Remember to leave a comment, as many times as you like, during this week in order to participate in the giveaway.

You can visit Peachtree blog for more information www.peachtreepub.blogspot.com

Arbor Day Square

(Visit Peachtree blog www.peachtreepub.blogspot.com )

Written by Kathryn O. Galbraith

Illustrated by Cyd Moore

There are no trees on the prairie.

No trees for climbing.

Or for shade.

No trees for fruit or warm winter fires.

No trees for birds. Or for beauty.

I think writing an educational book that will teach as well as entertain has to be one of the greatest writing challenges out there. So I was curious to see how Kathyrn O. Galbaith handled this. Well let me tell you, Kathyrn managed it with ease. Not only is it educational but also full of charm and nostalgia.

Arbor Day Square is a historical fiction where we learn of the annual celebration known as "Arbor Day" through the experiences of a young girl named Katie and her "Papa". They are amongst a group of settlers building their life in the Prairies. As the town builds and the community grows, they discover they are missing one important element...trees.

The story continues with the townspeople pooling their money together and having saplings sent to them from "back East". Katie and Papa help plant trees along with a flowering dogwood in loving memory of her mama. This added another layer to the story which helped me connect to the characters even more.

Arbor Day Square comes full circle as we see Katie as an adult enjoying the fruits of their labor with her own family (along with Papa) as the community continues the annual tree planting ritual.

Trees for climbing.

And for shade.

Trees for fruit and warm winter fires.

Trees for birds.

And for beauty.

And every year Papa laughs and tells Katie,

"Don't worry, honey. They'll grow."

And every year they do.

Kathryn also provides historical facts about Arbor Day which is handy. I only wish there was mention of why "Arbor" was chosen as the name for this special tree planting holiday.

Cyd Moore's soft watercolor and pencil style complement this story so well. Cyd creates such warm settings with dynamic scenes in which children will look at time and time again finding something new to enjoy.

I would definitely recommend this book especially if you are looking for ways to introduce environment friendly activities to children.

To learn more about Arbor Day, visit : www.arborday.org.

Peachtree Week! Book Reviews & Book Giveaways!

Welcome to Peachtree Week on the Picture Book Junkies blog!

For the first time ever, the PBJ's are doing a week of reviews with a single publisher's books. Each day this week, one of the PBJ's will review a book from Peachtree Press. We encourage you to comment each day because at the end of the week, we will have a drawing to giveaway some Peachtree books! We are so delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate children's books in this way, and we hope you enjoy the week (and maybe even win a book)!

Today it's my turn, and I am reviewing A Place For Birds" written by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Higgins Bond.

I was very excited for Peachtree Week here on our PBJ blog, but I must tell you that I was a little bit nervous about getting my book. Typically, I choose exactly what I wish to review here on the blog, and thus far, I have only reviewed books I chose because I knew I already loved them. So, reviewing a book I was not familiar with from the get-go, a book chosen from a select group of books which I had never read, was, honestly, a little daunting. I wanted to make sure that no matter how I felt about the book, my review was fair and objective. (What good is a review if it is not objective?)

It turns out that I did not need to worry. A Place For Birds is a wonderful book -- from the tone of the writing to the lavish, colorful spreads. 

A Place For Birds shares information about specific breeds of birds. First explaining details of the specific birds' natural habitat, the text then shares a point of great tension regarding how something has interfered in the birds' habitat, whether it be humans disrupting the land for the sake of commerce or technology, or something else. It's tough to learn how the birds lives and livelihoods have been upset, but it is solid, well researched information that is important for everyone to be aware of. The good news is that text for each bird spread wraps up by explaining what strides are being taken by man to rectify the situations for the birds. The writing is somewhat conversational and very easy to digest especially given the subject matter. Which makes it not only an important book but also just a good book, period.

The art work is just gorgeous - lush and detailed. The art is very realistic and accurate to each breed of bird and even to each landscape (all of the greenery and landscapes are, I am sure, correct to each specific birds' habitat).The accuracy of the rendering does not stand in the way of overall creativity and illustrative style. Beautiful illustrations of birds and scenic backdrops take the viewer right into the birds' world view.

A Place For Birds is a great mix of the educational and the inspirational. Check it out!

Jack E. Davis

I like to dig through my children's books and find fun books to post and am always shocked at how old some of the copyright dates are. "Mary Louise Loses Her Manners" is just one of those books. Even though this book was published ten years ago, it seems like I just bought it yesterday. Illustrated by the fabulous Jack E. Davis, I think the book holds up because Davis' illustration style has been so consistent thoughout the years. If you like colored pencil, this is the guy to learn from. I love how he uses so much color but it never seems over the top or garish. And the subtle shading on his character's faces are really beautiful. You can see a rainbow's worth on color on one face if you look really closely.

The story was written by Diane Cuneo, and is a hilarious take on losing your manners. Once Mary Louise realizes she has paid no attention to her manners and they have run away, she begins a search for them that takes her on a journey around her neighborhood. And, of course, she ends up making more trouble every place she goes!

Have a great weekend everyone and be sure to visit everyday next week as the PBJ's will be reviewing books from Peachtree Publishers.....with some cool giveaways!

Speaking of styles... Melanie Watt

Unless you yourself are afraid to leave your nut tree and explore the world, you probably know Scaredy Squirrel. I first read this several years ago and bought the book without blinking.
It popped into my head as I was thinking of a blog post for this week so I looked it up. The series is now up to 4 books, there is a puppet, and there is a TV show in the works. If that's not enough, it's also #46 on School Library Journal's top 100 picture books (a good list to browse anytime!) That's the type of success I know many of us would love to achieve, but here's where it gets really interesting for me.
I browsed this book she illustrated at our local garden store a few years ago. I was grabbed by the lovely cover, and surprised to see that it was illustrated by Melanie Watt. Such a different style from the flat, cartoonish Scaredy Squirrel. Gorgeous though, right?
And then there's this other style I saw. I haven't read this, but the cover is beautiful and so very different than the other two styles. Perhaps I'm looking for a little comfort since I'm experimenting with style currently too. Is this the type of thing that is allowed when you have a little (or a lot, in Melanie's case!) success under your belt? Is this something that is almost irrelevant when you're pitching your own dummy? So long as the style is appealing and suited to the story, are you free to play? Just thinking out loud here as I work on a new style and think of where it might take me.

Rosemary Wells

Beautiful and inspiring video, definitely worth watching.

I like how she said her ideas came to her as little birds on the railing of a ship and that she had to feed each and every one of them before they flew away.

How about you, are you feeding your birds?

The Wonder Book

Hm, how do I describe this fabulous book to you all and serve it justice? I'm going to let author Amy Krouse Rosenthal tell you because it's just plain cute and sums it up perfectly. This is on the front flap of the book:

Hello All,

Inside you will find stories, short poems, lists, palindromes, word games and random observations. Some parts are happy, some sad-ish, some silly, some serious, some crunchy, some soft in the center.

This book is full of stuff I've always wondered about...

Like:

- Did Miss Mary Mack have friends who liked other colors?

- Who hid something under the tooth fairy's pillow when she was a little girl.

- How do moms always know when you're about to sneak a cookie?

- Could everything important about the world be summarized in a poem that rhymes?

You can open the book anywhere and read. So the beginning could be the end, and the end could be the beginning. But I guess the middle is always the middle.

signed- Amy K. R

PS. Aren't Paul's drawings the best?!

Yes they are!! Paul Schmid's loose child like ink drawings are just screaming out to be colored. I can tell you if I had this book as a child I would be pulling out the colored pencils for sure. But as an adult I will just pour over the images over and over because they have so much life and movement in them. Sometimes I'm convinced they are actually moving- they are that animated.

I enjoyed this book so much that it's going as my sidebar pick for May as soon as I get off my "duff" and change it out. =o)

Inspirational reads

Instead of reviewing another book today, I thought I'd give you a peek into my book shelf.

Here are some books l like on the art of children's writing and illustration:

Here are some books which I use as inspirational aids and/or as reference:

I love these Taschen Icons books. They are small and portable, inexpensive, nice quality, and they are GREAT for inspiration and visual reference!

Isn't it FUN to look at other people's book shelves?