Creston Books

Creston Books is a new publisher of children's books, begun by author Marissa Moss. I was lucky enough to meet Marissa at Book Expo America and I must admit it was hard to contain my excitement. I grew up reading Amelia's Notebook and even had the doll. Talking with Marissa about her own books and her new publishing venture I was inspired. Marissa is passionate about children's books and her passion is infectious. I'm looking forward to watching her list grow. 

Two upcoming Creston Books: 

Rotten Pumpkin: A Rotten Tale in 15 Voices by David M. Schwartz, Photos by Dwight Kuhn 

 

Follow the life cycle of a Jack o'lantern as it is eaten by animals, molds, bugs, and worms. Stunning photographs detail mold growth and the intricacies of rot. The clear photos will have students peering at their own classroom experiments and their Jack o'lantern in a new light. With a comprehensive glossary, this book would be a fascinating addition to classroom libraries.

Cozy Light, Cozy Night by Elisa Kleven 

 

In winter, pajamas are cozy. In the summer, a special rock might be cozy in your pocked. Elisa Kleven encourages readers to consider the small treasure each season brings. Her colorful illustrations are layered with patterns and textures reminiscent of cozy quilts. This would make a lovely gift for any family. I encourage you to curl up under a quilt and read it together!

 

Another stellar picturebook

 

Jemmy Button by Jennifer Uman & Valerio Vidali
Jemmy Button is based on the actual life of a man of the same name who was taken from his home to be educated in Western culture and society. A collaboration between Uman and Vidali, the book provides the chance to observe the world through someone else's eyes. The book's stunning illustrations are colorful and graphic, and the collaborators turn what could be a history lesson into a compelling story for children and adults.

Baseball in Japan & the US: a picturebook comparison

 
 
Take Me Out to the Yakyu by Aaron Meshon
Simon & Schuster, February 19, 2013
Baseball is often called the great American pastime, but it's also popular in Japan. In Take Me Out to the Yakyu, Aaron Meshon looks at the similarities and differences between baseball games in the United States and Japan. The games are presented in parallel narratives, the child narrator introducing young readers to a handful of Japanese words as well as making a cultural comparison. Aaron Meshon's illustration style combines the the quirky gouache work of Giselle Potter with (the currently popular) 50s and 60s retro, plus a touch of Japanese cute. For those interested in more information, backmatter includes a glossary and additional facts. As someone who's not a baseball fan, I was amazed at how much I enjoyed this book. Young baseball enthusiasts will gobble it up.

Lucy Knisley!!!

 
Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley
First Second, April 2, 2013
I've been following Lucy Knisley's blog for years and was excited when she mentioned she was working on a graphic novel for First Second. Finally, it's here! Raised by a caterer and a gourmand, food has always been important to Lucy Knisley. In Relish, Lucy examines moments of her life in which food played an important role. From discovering foie gras to working at a cheese counter to helping her mom at farmer's markets, each stage of her life is defined by food. Included are a series of illustrated recipes, which are necessary to have on hand as you are certain to become ravenous while reading. Relish is a delectable graphic memoir for anyone who enjoys food- whether that be fine cheeses or doughnuts. 

I've been following Lucy's blog since college and love her work. Can't wait for the event at Oblong Books! 

Gorgeous book of poetry

I must admit that I don't read a lot of children's poetry, but one of the things I've been trying to do is broaden my appreciation of children's books in general. I fell so in love with the illustrations & design of Outside Your Window that I ended up reading the poetry and not just the illustrations. While I try not to buy too may books, I kept going back to pick this one up and reasoned that if I waited to have children, it would probably be out of print, so if I loved it (and I do!) I had to buy it. So now it sits on my shelf and every day or so, when I'm tired of typing papers, I pull it from the shelf and randomly flip it open.


Outside Your Window A First Book of Nature
by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Mark Herald
This book is at the top of my list of most beautifully illustrated books this year. Mark Herald collages together painted papers, hand printed papers, patterned papers, and other materials to created textured scenes from nature. Each illustration reflects the tone of Davies' accompanying poem and children will be drawn to her insights about each season. Frogs' eggs are "like spotted jelly" and soil is "crumbly and moist as cake mix" while snow keeps "a diary of things that happened when you were asleep." Outside Your Window is a splendid introduction to poetry and nature alike.

The Beatles

Baby's in Black Astrid Kirchherr, Stuart Sutcliffe, and The Beatles in Hamburg
by Arne Bellstorf
First Second, May 8th

Though this is a graphic featuring the Beatles, it is primarily a love story, that of Astrid Kirchherr, a young photographer who discovered The Beatles in a basement club and fell in love with their bass player, Stuart Sutcliffe. Ballstorf captures Astrid's story and The Beatles' early difficulties while hinting at the post-Beatles life Stuart might have had. A glimpse at the beginnings of cultural icons, and an important period of history, Baby's in Black is ultimately the bittersweet tale of a real-life romance.

Bellstorf's black and white illustrations are gorgeous. Black pencil gives his ink lines work tone, texture, and depth. The narrative is occasionally broken by sequences of lyrics from Beatles' songs. For these moments, Bellstorf uses only ink in his frame-less panels and his pale, colorless trees create a dream scape through which Start and Astrid wander,searching for one another. These sequences provide a break from the narrative, a literal expression of someone losing his- or her-self in song or emotion.

A True Fairy Story

The Fairy Ring or Elsie and Frances Fool the World (a true story)
by Mary Losure
In the 1900s, Elsie and her cousin Frances photographed fairies in the beck behind their house. Adults were astonished by the photographs, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who believed the fairies in the photos must be real. But were they? Or were Elsie and Frances altering the photos? With references to letters, personal accounts, and containing reproductions of the fairy photographs, Mary Losure presents Elsie and Frances' story in an accurate and accessible way. For those who love fantastical fairy stories, The Fairy Ring is a fascinating introduction to non-fiction, not to mention a fun read if you love fooling adults.

Around the World
by Matt Phelan
Candlewick, October 11, 2011
Many local teachers have been using graphic novelizations of classic stories in their classrooms. Phelan's Around the World, though fiction, is grounded in historical fact and quotes from primary sources, proving an exciting base for history lessons or a path to the exploration of non-fiction. Phelan's book presents three famous individuals who each circumnavigated in the world in his or own way: Thomas Steves by bicycle, Nellie Bly by ship and rail, and Joshua Slocum by sail boat. The pacing and speed of each journey are captured by the graphic novel lay-out, which serves to combine writing, image, maps, and other materials, each adding a layer to the reader's understanding of the journey. Sprightly line drawings and colorful washes capture the emotion and drive of each character, bringing a rush of thrilling speed to each adventure.

Time to read again

The semester is done and I finally have time to dig into the cascading piles of books again. Here are a few quick blurbs to tide you over....


Ladder to the Moon
by Maya Soetoro-Ng, illustrated by Yuyi Morales
One night Suhaila’s grandmother Annie appears on a golden ladder outside her window. Together they take a magical journey to the moon where Suhaila learns about people around the world. Annie and Suhaila give help to those in need, and love to all they see. Yuyi Morales’ rich illustrations bring life to this meaningful tale.



Marty McGuire
by Kate Messner, illustrated by Brian Floca
Marty Maguire is a spunky heroine who would much rather play Jane Goodall, explorer, than dancing princesses. When Marty is cast as the princess in her class play, she know there must be a mistake. But frogs, princess gowns, good friends, and improvisation come together in surprising ways and maybe Marty can be an intrepid explorer and a princess after all.


Patrick in A Teddy Bear’s Picnic & other stories
By Geoffrey Hayes
Toon Books are leveled beginning readers that use a comic book format. Comics, like true picturebooks, rely on both words and pictures in tandem to tell a story, allowing strength in one to foster comprehension in the other. Beginning readers will bond with Patrick, a little bear who knows that life is much too interesting for naps. Patrick’s adventures, run-ins with the frightening Big Bear, and family life are similar to the experiences of many children, yet hold many delightfully silly moments. Geoffrey Hayes packs Patrick with four stories- call the last three a sweet reward for making it all the way through the first one!


Horton Halfpott or the Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor
by Tom Angleburger
Written by the author of The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, this new mystery is certain to bring laughs. Smugwick Manor is in an uproar when M’Lady Luggertuck decides to change her morning routine. Then the priceless Lump jewel goes missing- along with M’Lady Luggertuck’s best wig– pirates are sighted in the neighborhood, and a most ridiculous detective comes to town. It’s up to Horton Halfpott, the insignificant kitchen boy, to discover the truth when no one else can in this zany mystery.


World Without Fish
by Mark Kurlansky
illustrated by Frank Stockton
History, science and comics combine to give a glimpse of what the world might be like without fish, and the startling impact it would have on other organisms including ourselves. With suggestions and projections, World Without Fish is a startling look into the oceans and how they connect to our lives. Ages 10+.

Don't forget my favorite book for the summer, out May 24th...


Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
What happens when Teen Dream beauty queens, corrupt dictators, a powerful corporation, and sexy pirates all end up on a so-called deserted island? A hysterical adventure filled with romance, survival stories, product placement, and pitch-perfect satire. A brilliant summer read perfect for book groups.

Patricia Polacco

The Junkyard Wonders
by Patricia Polacco
Penguin

Polacco books tend to make me cry. And once I've gotten over the story itself, I'm hit with a wave of amazement at the number and breath of books Polacco has created. Her ability to handle issues, cultural differences, and difficult events in the format of a picture book is frankly astonishing- and something few people can accomplish so beautifully.

Polacco's newest book is no exception. The story follows children in the "junkyard" classroom, those who are different in various ways. But as their teacher, Mrs. Peterson, tells them, they are junkyard wonders, for it is from these different children that the true geniuses will come. It is through the eyes of young Trisha that we experience the trials and miraculous inventions of Mrs. Peterson's class. Polacco's illustrations combine the detail of photographs with the color and movement of life, bringing vitality to every page.

This personal account was made even more wonderful by the delightful note on the last page of the book, in which Polacco relates the futures of her fellow junk yard wonders. It is a story so perfect and wonderful it could only be found in real life. And I'll leave it as a delightful surprise for you as well.

Teen Blurbs

All of these books have shown up on school summer reading lists this year but they're just as good for packing as a beach read...



Maximum Ride: the Angel Experiment
By James Patterson
If you want a gripping book you’ll be unable to put down, look no further. Max’s life is a game of cat and mouse– and she’s a mouse, caught in a twisted experiment in which she is hunted by other kids. But Max is no ordinary girl, she has wings and the kids chasing her? Well, they’re half wolf. Get ready for a thrilling ride. 12 & up.




Nation
By Terry Prachett
A giant wave destroys islands, ships, and entire communities, leaving two survivors stranded on an island: the island boy Mau and Daphne, a rich princess from the other side of the globe. Together they must overcome language and culture barriers, uniting a rag-tag group of survivors and unveiling the secret past of the island. This book explores colonialism, religion, belief systems, and cultural differences in an exciting fictional story of survival. Ages 13 & up.




The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
By Mark Haddon
A book that everyone should read and every school should teach. Curious Incident is narrated by Christopher Boone, a fifteen-year old with Autism. When Christopher discovers the neighbor’s poodle Wellington stabbed with a pitchfork, he resolves to solve the murder. Using mathematics to understand the world around him, Christopher takes a remarkable journey - in many senses of the word. Though a quick read, Christopher’s voice will stay with you even if your copy of the book is immediately passed on. 7th grade & up.



Persepolis
By Marjane Satrapi
A memoir in graphic novel form, Satrapi tells of her experiences growing up in Iran. From parents talking politics and torture at the dinner table to friends at school, Persepolis chronicles the daily life of a child trying to understand difficult political circumstances while still trying to be a kid. Emotional and political, yet spotted with moments of humor, Satrapi’s coming of age story is fascinating. Her simple black and white illustrations capture everything from drama to ordinary details and subtle expressions. Age 15 & up.

Non Fiction

Something I personally dislike, but I have found some to like. 

Artists in Times of War – by Howard Zinn – This book is good for not just artists, but all people.  Zinn is amazing.  This book contains four short essays and is easy to read in one sitting (not a Marika sitting, a normal sitting).  This may be my favorite non-fiction. 

Nickel and Dimed: on (Not) Getting by in America* by Barbara Ehrenreich- my mom’s college professor.  Follows the author’s journey as she attempts to get by in America with just minimum wage jobs.  An eye-opener.  I suggest anything by Ehrenreich. 

Madeleine L’Engle Herself: Reflections on a Writing Life* - I found this book insightful, especially after rereading her novels.  Highly recommended (and I don’t even like non-fiction).  This book provides insight into writing, reading, life, and religion.  Each idea is a page long so it’s good if you want something that’s stop-and-go.  It’s wonderful in conjunction with her fictional works. 

Big Fat White Men, Dude, Where’s My Country? By Michael Moore- these are a leftist-view of American economy and politics.  Some people can’t stand Moore, but I found his books insightful and amusing in high school. 

A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn- an amazing, eye-opening view of American history. One of the best histories you can find.  Also watch the documentary on him: You Can’t Stay Neutral on a Moving Train.  

Night by Wiesel- a holocaust story that is short but heavy (I read it in 8^th grade reading).  I’ve seen pieces from it done for speech and debate many times.  

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell- Amazing book that was passed from my mom to me, to my brother.  It explores the validity of first impressions, as well as their shortcomings, and how the brain goes about processing things.  I’m trying to get my hands on his most recent but haven’t yet succeeded. 

Crossover Fiction by Sandra Beckett- one of the only books written on crossover literature it is a very expensive book and difficult to get your hands on but well worth the wait of interlibrary loaning- especially if you are a librarian or teacher.  With chapters on crossover books in different languages and countries as well as some brief history on crossover novels in our past (though this is not quite as thorough as it could be).  Some very good quotes by authors are included.  This book played an important role in the formulation of my minor’s thesis.