by Helen Ward
Helen
Ward sets her retelling of the Town Mouse and the Country Mouse in
1930s New York City during Christmas. While this is an interesting
variation, it is Helen's illustrations that make the book a masterpiece.
Exquisite details, interesting mouse-eye views, and vibrant colors can
be found on every page. These breath-taking illustrations make Helen
Ward's retelling worthy of any child's library.
Goldilocks & Just One Bear by Leigh Hodgkinson
In
this fun, fresh twist on Goldilocks, Little Bear, now grown, finds
himself in the Big City. Escaping the bustle and noise, Little Bear
finds his way into an apartment where he tries to find something just
right to eat and a comfy place to sleep. When he wakes up, the
golden-haired family has returned-- and one of them looks familiar...
Leigh Hodgkinson's picture book is an absolute delight perfect for
storytimes.
Land of Neverbelieve by Norman Messenger
Norman
Messenger introduces readers to the stunning flora and fauna of
Neverbelieve in his fantastical atlas. Exquisitely detailed
illustrations, diagrams, and maps invite readers to take a trip to
another world. This stunning book for imaginative readers is sure to be
poured over by lovers of the fantastic and may inspire readers to use
the guide for their own pretend adventures.
Charley's First Night by Amy Hest, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
Charley
is Henry's new puppy and on his first day home, Henry shows Charley
every room in the house. Henry's parents also lay down the rules of when
and where Charley will be walked and fed and go to sleep. But on
Charley's first night, sleeping alone in the kitchen may be too
difficult and Henry will have to help him through his first night. Amy
Hest and Helen Oxenbury are the perfect pair for this sweet story.
Splendors & Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz
Clara's
four siblings died when she was little and their deaths still consume
her family's house. Cassandra holds a powerful stone containing a magic
fire that consumes her. Clara and Cassandra are drawn together by
Grisini, whose skill at manipulating puppet strings carries over into
manipulating people. Grisini's apprentices, Parsefall and Lizzie Rose,
are pulled into the dark web as well, and the three children must find a
way of manipulating their own strings before they find themselves
completely tied up. Newbery Medal-winning Laura Amy Schlitz has crafted
an intricate tale that will keep readers frantically turning pages as
they try to discover what splendors and glooms await each character.
Last Laughs: Animal Epitaphs by J. Patrick Lewis and Jane Yolen, illustrated by Jeffery Stewart Timmins
Looking for a dark, grim, and absolutely hilarious book? Look no
further! J. Patrick Lewis and Jane Yolen have written a series of
posthumous poems, each commemorating the demise of a different animal.
Dark, detailed illustrations by Jeffery Stewart Timmins show moments
before, during, or after each unpleasant death, sometimes combining
elements from different poems into one fantastically funny illustration.
Last Laughs is simply fabulous. Read one epitaph and you'll be hooked.
by Stephen Savage
This fall, Little Tug will
join the ranks of beloved vehicular characters like Thomas the Tank
Engine, the Little Engine That Could, and Otis the Tractor. Stephen
Savage follows up Where's Walrus with a certain classic. Little
Tug may not be the biggest, the fastest, or the tallest, but when other
boats need assistance, Little Tug is there to help. Stephen's bold
shapes and a limited palettes are reminiscent of art deco travel
posters, each illustration worthy of hanging on a child's wall. Now, can
Little Tug please have his own series?
In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz
Bloody, tragic, and dark...fairy tales shouldn't be bedtime stories. As with A Tale Dark & Grimm,
Adam Gidwitz has borrowed from numerous fairy tales, threading the dark
and dangerous aspects together to form a brand new story. Jack and Jill
are cousins and while they do go up a hill, they also climb a magic
beanstalk and hang out with a talking frog. With a snarky narrator and a
fairytale moral, In a Glass Grimmly is sure to entice reluctant readers and thrill those who know their fairy tales.
Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger
Sophronia
would much rather take apart mechanicals and spy on guests from the
dumbwaiter than be a proper lady. Despairing, her mother sends her off
to Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of
Quality. But Mademoiselle Geraldine's is not an ordinary finishing
school. Oh, there are etiquette lessons (from a vampire) but there's
another sort finishing, too-- one that involves espionage. As would be
expected at a school for espionage, there's more going on than meets the
eye. Sophronia finds herself in the thick of things and it'll take her
friends and her skills to find answers. Etiquette & Espionage is Steampunk at its best and an absolute delight from beginning to end.
My roommate (an indie bookseller) and I agree that this book is more fun than the Parasol Protectorate. It's as if Gail has allowed herself to have a little more fun and freedom in writing for YA audiences.
Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier
Neryn is alone in a country ruled by a king who has outlawed gifted
individuals. Anything seeming magical or fey is outlawed, and those
possessing such gifts are killed. Neryn can see the Good Folk, talk to
them, and they'll even come to her aid. Starving and alone, with
soldiers out to capture her, Neryn sets out for Shadowfell, a place that
supposedly hides rebels and would welcome her and her gift. But getting
to Shadowfell is no easy task. The Good Folk are testing her and a
mysterious man is following her and she's not sure who means her harm
and who's helping. Juliet Marillier is a masterful fantasy writer whose
books mix folktales, courage, and romance; the result is captivating. That
being said, I think this is not as strong as many of her adult books.
The concept is wonderful, but the plot lags in the middle.
