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.
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!
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.
Stardines Swim High Across the Sky and Other Poems
by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Carin Berger
Greenwillow, HarperCollins, February 2013
Have you heard of a Tattlesnake or a Braindeer? How about a Magpipe? In Stardines,
poet Jack Prelutsky introduces readers to sixteen strange creatures,
writing a poem about each. Berger's collage illustrations accompany each
poem, displaying Prelutsky's creatures in scenes inspired by the work
of Joseph Cornell. Absurd, creative, and funny, Prelutsky's poems will
spark imaginations.
Penny and Her Marble by Kevin Henkes
Greenwillow, HarperCollins, February 2013
Penny, of Penny and Her Song and Penny and Her Doll,
is back! This time, Penny ventures down the block where she finds a
beautiful blue marble lying on Mrs. Goodwin's lawn. Penny takes the
marble, but as the day goes on, Penny begins to worry that Mrs. Goodwin
might miss it. Is the marble Penny's, or Mrs. Goodwin's? Penny's worry
consumes her, until she decides to take action. Yet again Kevin Henkes
has crafted a beautiful book that explores a very real problem faced by
young readers.
Chu's Day by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Adam Rex
Little
Panda Chu has legendary sneezes, and his parents worry about the smell
of books, pepper, and other things that might make Chu ah-choo. But what
happens when Chu finally does sneeze? Neil Gaiman has written a
hilarious story for young readers, vibrantly illustrated by Adam Rex.
Dodger by Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett weaves
together mystery, fantasy, and history into a
dark and humorous novel set in an alternative Victorian London. This
rags to riches story features Dodger, a tosher who makes his living
finding things in the sewers. Out one night, Dodger hears men beating a
young woman and intervenes, rescuing her. The act will change his life
forever and is the first in a series of events that bring Dodger to the
attention of a Mr. Charles Dickens, newspaper man. Mr. Dickens is one of
many borrowed characters to appear in Dodger, and I found myself greeting each one with delight. Readers intimidated by Pratchett's Discworld novels may find Dodger is the perfect introduction to Pratchett's many books.
