Patrick Eats His Peas and Other Stories

New comics for beginning readers from Geisel Award-winning author Geoffrey Hayes and Toon Books. 

 

Patrick's adventures capture the funny, sweet, and naughty moments that may be found in any household on a daily basis. Geoffrey Hayes distills these moments, his clean dialogue and clear emotional indicators making Patrick's adventures easy to read for even the youngest readers. The expressive characters and soft illustrations capture the warmth and humor of everyday adventures, ones children will recognize from their own lives. A fine addition to a strong early reader series.

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!

 

Two new books from Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka

Daisy Gets Lost by Chris Raschka

Random House, October 2013

In the sequel to Raschka's Caldecott Medal-winning A Ball for Daisy, Daisy chases after a squirrel and into the forest where she becomes lost! Whatever will Daisy and her owner do? With only two words, luscious colors, expressive brushstrokes, and masterful framing, Raschka tells an emotional story of loss and joy. I can't wait to share this beautiful book with readers of all ages!

When Lions Roar by Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Chris Raschka 

Scholastic, September 2013

Sometimes sounds can be overwhelming, building until it is all too much. But the young protagonist in When Lions Roar knows what to do when this happens, he takes a moment for himself and tells the world to go away. While the world doesn't just disappear, it is easier to handle. Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka paints fluid, expressive illustrations. Like Harris' text, they deliver emotions with bold yet simple clarity.

Comics and Kate DiCamillo

Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo, Candlewick Press, September 2013

Some books you open and immediately start to read aloud, needing to share with someone- anyone; Flora and Ulysses is one of these books. A run-in with a vacuum cleaner grants Ulysses the squirrel the powers of super-strength, flight, and poetry. Flora witnesses Ulysses' transformation and vows to help him fight evil, using knowledge acquired from her favorite comics. But every superhero has an arch-nemesis, and Ulysses' is Flora's mother. Add a host of quirky characters, the never-ending search for love, and illuminations by K.G. Campbell and you've got a surprising, romping adventure certain to wow readers of all ages. Acclaimed writer Kate DiCamillo manages to show the value inherent in all people, and all genres of literature, with one quirky book.

Another great graphic novel from First Second!

Battling Boy by Paul Pope

Humanity is plagued by monsters. Some snatch children and others eat metal. When the hero Haggard West dies trying to fight the monsters, the hero world on high sends down Battling Boy for his rambling (test), giving him only a place to stay and twelve t-shirts, each with a different trait. Battling Boy may be superhuman, but he's still just a kid. Quickly paced, readers will be pulled into the story only to linger over Pope's stunning drawings and original monsters. While I've already started to reread, the sequel can't come soon enough.

Remember Nursery Rhyme Comics?

Fairy Tale Comics edited by Chris Duffy

From familiar tales with a new twist to old tales you've never discovered, Fairy Tale Comics gathers new interpretations of fairy tales from around the world. The list of contributors is studded with stars from both adult and children's comics. Highlights include Luke Pearson's “The Boy Who Drew Cats,” and Jillian Tamaki's “Baba Yaga.” I also love the palette of Emily Carroll's "Twelve Dancing Princesses"! Editor Chis Duffy has done a magnificent job of selecting illustrators with a range of styles, making each new story a delightfully fresh surprise. Pick this up to read the illustrator you love, and stay to discover someone new. 

A Fabulous Illustrated Book for All Ages

Mouse Bird Snake Wolf by David Almond and Dave McKean

In a new world a bit like ours lives Ben, Harry, and Sue. One day, while they're playing, they look into themselves and find new, interesting animals. Using sticks and grass and clay, they make their creatures and give them life, much as the gods do above them. A small mouse, a beautiful bird, and a slithering snake have now come to the world. But instead of stopping to rest like the gods, Harry and Sue find within themselves a large, hairy, wolfish thing. A growling, howling, wolfy wolf. Despite Ben's protestations, they make it and as soon a it's begun to run and howl, they are gobbled up. 

Almond's story feels like a classic creation tale, with all the light and darkness, innocence and experience you might expect. The tale is timeless and McKean's illustrations capture the full range and scope of the story. A dark and timeless tale at once cautionary and inspiring. Perfect for recent graduates of all ages!

If you're a bookseller, put this on your graduation table! 

From Sarah Stewart & David Small

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The Quiet Place by Sarah Stewart, illustrated by David Small
We all remember our first refrigerator box. The one that become a space ship, house, or train. In The Quiet Place, Isabel uses the boxes left over from birthday presents to build a quiet place all her own, one that provides security and a way to capture her old home in Mexico. The text is comprised of Isabel's letters to her Aunt Lupita back in Mexico. She uses these letters to practice her English and share the interesting new words she collects. David Small's illustrations add much to the text and his colors and energetic lines capture movement and emotion. As Isabel learns English and gains friends, growing more secure in her new environment, her quiet place mirrors the change, accepting friends and neighbors and their joyous singing. Young children will recognize Isabel's need to create her own space while older children will glimpse the larger implications of being a new immigrant in the 1950s. Like many of Sarah Stewart & David Small's books, The Quiet Place is sure to garner attention and awards.

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.

More Bink & Gollie!

Bink & Gollie Best Friends Forever
Before you open this book you must find someone to read it aloud to, or find a young reader to read it to you. Why? As Bink & Gollie know, laughter is better with a friend. Bink and Gollie are back in their third book. Though they may not always see things eye to eye (I mean, Bink is a great deal shorter than Gollie) they always realize being friends is the most important thing in the world-- even more important than pancakes or princesses. Tony Fucile's lively illustrations expand upon the text, adding humor and energy. I hope DiCamillo, McGhee, and Fucile continue the series; every book has been pitch-perfect!

Good Fun

 

 

Adventures of Superhero Girl by Faith Erin Hicks

Remember when you had a terrible day at school and you'd spent the hours before dinner reading Calvin and Hobbes to feel a bit better? (What do I mean remember, this totally still happens.) Anyway, now that the time between work and dinner is much shorter, just a few pages of the Adventures of Superhero Girl are what you need. It's good, smart, fun and watching Faith's interpretation of a 20-something superhero with money and dating issues makes your own issues look a bit more manageable. Added bonus? Readers who've loved Zita the Spacegirl will have Superhero Girl waiting when they become teenagers!

A Wrinkle in Time: Graphic Novel

Translating a book to another medium is always difficult, but Hope Larson's graphic novelization of A Wrinkle in Time retains most of the scenes and dialog. While I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who hasn't read the book (everybody needs a chance to visualize the book on their own), Hope's adaptation will make the text more approachable to visual learners and L'Engle fans. Black and white illustrations are given added depth with the use of a pale blue. I was intrigued by the way Faith highlights Meg's emotional arc in her adaptation. But no matter who you are, you're sure to find a plot, character or mood detail interpreted in a way you'd never considered and it is this that makes the adaptation worth reading.

Ignore the text, buy the book for the illustrations

If you're thinking about running away from home, this is the perfect manual. The protagonist instructs readers on the reasons one should run away, just what to pack, where to go...and why you might change your mind once you're there. Red Nose Studio, whose illustrations for Here Comes the Garbage Barge were given the award of Best Illustrated from the New York Times, brings humorous details and vivid life to the book. Sculptural illustrations leap from the page in photographs that capture all their depth, color, and detail. You're bound to get lost in these stunning illustrations. In fact, if you're running away, bring one book with you, The Beginners Guide to Running Away From Home.

Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong if you read this book

Really. Except that you might miss an appointment as you rush to finish it...and then read it all over again.

 

Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong written by Prudence Shen & illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks

Conniving cheerleaders intent on buying new uniforms face off against the robotics club in a story full of drama and humor. Both teams have been told their funding is at the discretion of the Student Council and both teams decide to take matters into their own hands, pitting next-door neighbors against one another in the race to be student council president. But when campaign tactics turn unspeakably nasty, the principal pulls all funding from both teams. Now, there's only one thing that can save both the robotics club and the cheerleaders: a robot rumble with a hefty monetary prize. That's right, robots fighting to the death... what could possibly go wrong?  Shen and Hicks are an incredible duo. Their quirky, dimensional characters could walk off the page and into high school halls. When it comes to humor, action, and drama, it doesn't get better than this.

Funny Journal-Style Middle Grade

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Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis

Timmy Failure and his sidekick --ahem, business partner-- are like Calvin & Hobbes if Calvin was dense and Hobbes was a seal-obsessed polar bear. Together, Timmy and Total form Total Failure, Inc, a detective agency Timmy is sure will soon be an international corporation making billions-- or at least enough to pay his mom's bills. The only thing standing in Timmy's way is the CCIA or Corrina Corrina Intelligence Agency run by the evilest girl in Timmy's class. Oh, and his grade obsessed best friend (possible traitor) and an infatuated classmate (international thief). Stephan Pastis' hilarious novel is perfect for kids obsessed with Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Calvin & Hobbes. Okay, adults will laugh, too.

Under the humor are serious situations faced by many kids.
(spoilers as to what these issues are below)




Timmy's mom is finding it difficult to pay the bills and she and Timmy end up moving into an apartment. Timmy immediately dislikes his mom's boyfriend (ultimately, his mom realizes the boyfriend does not care as much about Timmy as his car and ends it). Timmy's grades are low but with the right teacher (who sees Timmy as an individual)Timmy begins to do very well. These underlying issues elevate the book to more than just another journal-style middle grade series.

Very Early Graphic Novel

Odd Duck by Cecil Castellucci & Sara Varon

Theodora is a tidy duck who always follows her daily routine. While her choices may be strange for most ducks (she quilts and swims with a tea cup on her head), everything in her life fits perfectly in its' place...that is until a neighbor comes along. Chad is bizarre. He dyes his feathers and makes strange sculptures in the yard. Theodora is certain the two will never be friends but as it often happens in books for young readers, she's quickly proven wrong. Though a common story, Castellucci and Varon bring their own fun flavor. Odd Duck is filled with sweet and quirky characters children are sure to love. Perfect for an early reader audience, Odd Duck is also a great read-aloud selection for non-readers who can sit through a long story but still want lots of pictures. Hopefully we'll see more books from this quirky duo.

A top graphic novel of 2012

The Secret of the Stone Frog by David Nytra
When Alan and his sister Leah wake, they find themselves in a magical forest. To find their way home, they must follow the path of the stone frogs. Of course, they have a few adventures along the way. Though reminiscent of both Alice in Wonderland and Little Nemo, David Nytra crafts a unique fantasy. Detailed black and white pen and ink drawings invite readers to become lost along with Leah and Alan. David Nytra keeps his text to a minimum and new new readers will be astonished that they can read a book with so many pages. All in all, The Secret of the Stone Frog is a masterpiece.

Metafictive picturebook

Again! by Emily Gravett
Simon & Schuster, April 23, 2013
There's a hole burned in the back of this book, but you have to read to find out why. A little dragon wants his favorite book read again and again and again before bed. His parent, of course, falls asleep before the book has been read enough times. So little dragon, turning red with anger, lets loose...causing a little damage to his favorite book (and yours). Emily Gravett has created a dynamic picturebook in which the characters break from the page. Again! is sure to have young readers calling "read it again!"

Could win the Caldecott...

 
 
Bluebird by Bob Staake
Schwartz & Wade, Random House, April 9, 2013
In Bluebird, Bob Staake tells a story of loss, friendship, pain, and beauty. A young boy befriends a bluebird. They find ways to experience the world together until the unthinkable happens. Using a very limited palette of greys, white, and blues, Staake captures a range of emotions, from friendship to pain, to the release of flight.Bluebird is a moving wordless picture book that proves sometimes, words only get in the way of a good story.

A Wintery Gem

  
Twelve Kinds of Ice by Ellen Bryan Obed, illustrated by Barbara McClintock
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, November 6, 2012
As someone who anticipates a first snow, I reveled in Obed's descriptions of ice. While some grumble about the cold, others wait for their breath to become frosty, for the air to feel silver with ice and cold. Obed captures this feeling, distilling the essence of winter into poetic prose. She traces winter by marking each type of ice that occurs, and the fun one can have on it. Every sentence begs to be read aloud and Barbara McClintock's accompanying illustrations are exquisite. Twelve Kinds of Ice is a wintertime gem perfect for slipping into a mittened hand, curling up with beside a fire, or tucking into a stocking.