The Negro Speaks of Rivers

Hughes, L. (2009). The negro speaks of rivers (E.B. Lewis, illus.). New York: Disney Jump at the Sun Books.

Genre: Poetry
Format: Picture Book
Awards: 2009 Coretta Scott King Book Award
Age Recommendation: 3-7

Who would have guessed that a poem written in the 1920s could be so beautifully complemented by artwork illustrated nearly 90 years later? Yet in The Negro Speaks of Rivers, E.B. Lewis achieves a melodious flow of colors that takes readers back in time. His watercolor work captures the exact mood of the poem so that any reader can not help but linger and stare at the way the light reflects off of the moving waters and the ebony skin of negros throughout history as they work, play, and live off the river. From depicting the fresh young faces of children at play in the Euphrates River to the deep, cracked lines of the hands and feet of one hard at work, Lewis captures the beauty of a long history between the river and the negro.

Being a book of few words, I would recommend this book to children ages 3-7. Younger children will especially be drawn to the majestic illustrations while older children will most likely be drawn in to the beauty of the poetry accompanying them. This book is a must read for children and adults alike, and I recommend it to every family, school, and library. It is not just a book to set out for black history month, but rather a book by which we can celebrate the diversity of the world which we live in and the overall beauty of the African people.

Jemtegaard, K. (2009, January 4). Picture-perfect poetry. The Washington Post. Retrieved March 31, 2010 from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/30/AR2008123002843.html.

Being a review of several different children's books, Jemtegaard briefly touches on the multi-generational joint effort of Hughes and Lewis in The Negro Speaks of Rivers. She gives a brief history of the poem's first appearance in The Crisis in 1923 and later reveals the fact that the illustrator's self-portrait lies within the pages of his own book. Jemtegaard gives the highest of praise to both the poem and illustrations, and as always, I myself agree.

The Lion and the Mouse

Pinkney, J. (2009). The lion and the mouse. New York: Little, Brown, & Co. Books for Young Readers.

Genre: Fable
Format: Wordless Picture Book
Awards: 2009 Caldecott Winner
Recommended Age: 6-7

As even a 24 year-old, rarely has a wordless book ever been able to keep my full attention. The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney, however, blew me away. The illustrations engulfed me in their details, the animals captured me with their realism, and the storyline was just as heart-wrenching as I remember it. The characters themselves---a dainty little mouse, a fierce yet gentle lion, a hungry owl, and some obscure poachers---are all introduced into the story through the use of sound effects, such as the "Grr" roared by the lion when he discovers the mouse on his back, and the "squeak" of the mouse when he discovers he's in danger, and the "putt putt putt" of the poachers' jeep as they set out a trap for the unsuspecting lion. Throughout the story, the animals' possess a wild emotion in their eyes, showing that although ruled by their instincts, at times even the most carnivorous of creatures can show compassion. In the end, we are left with our own imagination. The mouse has freed the lion, yes, but does a friendship remain? Or do they continue on their own merry way, never to see each other again, but always remembering the kindness that each had shown to the other?

This book I would really recommend to all ages, as the details in the pictures would keep even toddlers pointing and exploring the artwork, yet I think for a child to truly understand the concepts going on, the child would have to be at least six years old. This book should not just grace the shelves of the home, though. I strongly recommend it as a staple in school and public libraries, and hope that many more children will be able to experience the beauty of this classic story as Pinkney has captured it for many years to come.

Sutton, R. (2009, November 5). Grrrr!!! Oops! [A review of the book The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney]. The New York Times. Retrieved March 31, 2010 from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/books/review/Sutton-t.html.

Mr. Sutton could not have better words to say about this story, for he writes his review virtually in awe of the work that Pinkney has done. He speaks of the illustrated animals, saying "His beasts are not humans in disguise; while both the lion and the mouse have emotions and intelligence in their eyes, they are animal in nature." He recaps the plot of the story to his readers, tells the moral which it is trying to communicate, and even gives a plethora of information on the background of the author, informing us that this gem is actually Pinkney's second work of the classic Aesop's fable The Lion and the Mouse. Sutton's review was informative, honest, and genuine, and I find myself agreeing with his every opinion of the book. This book is in no need of words at all, for his illustrations are commanding enough to stand alone. It is simple enough for a toddler to enjoy, and possesses enough beauty and emotion for a grandmother to enjoy. A good "read" through and through.

Garmann's Summer

Hole, S. (2008). Garmann's Summer. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdman's Books for Young Readers.

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book
Awards: 2009 Batchelder Award Honors Book
Recommended Age: 5-7 Years

Garmann's Summer by Stian Hole is no ordinary children's book. In the end there is no resolution to a problem, which is perhaps what makes this book so unique. Page by page, the thoughts of six year-old Garmann are beautifully written out and illustrated with a mixed-media collage consisting of both photographs and paintings. Garmann's summer is nearing its end and soon he'll be starting school for the first time. The book follows along as his three elderly aunts come to stay at their home, and Garmann slowly finds out what each aunt is afraid of. One is afraid of dying, one is afraid of the winter, and one fears nothing as she has no memory left to be afriad of anything. He later discovers that his father is afraid of messing up when he plays in the orchestra, and his mother is afraid of Garmann running out into the busy street and getting hurt. In the end, Garmann himself must face his own fear as he enters into the world of education: "Thirteen hours to go before school starts. And Garmann is scared." The text in this book is very nearly poetic, as it captures the innocence and curiosity of any six year-old while assuring readers that it's normal to be afraid. This book would serve as a wonderful resource to read to children about to enter school themselves, and with the unique illustrations that it possesses, it will no doubt be asked to be read over and over again for many years to come.

Bird, E. (2008). Review of the Day: Garmann's Summer by Stian Hole [A review of the book Garmann's Summer by Stian Hole]. Retrieved March 12, 2010 from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/blog/1790000379/post/190029819.html.

Elizabeth Bird could not have given Garmann's Summer more praise in her review of the book. She describes the book as having a "quietness. A patience. From the start, the story acknowledges that sometimes the only grown-ups six-year-olds can really connect with are the elderly." In addition, Bird goes on to speak of the seamless transition the tale took from it's native Norwegian language into English. Words did not lose their meaning and the tone remained just as poetic. However, she does point out the only discrepancy that could lead to confusion for some children, which is the fact that in Norway, children such as Garmann begin school in the first grade rather than kindergarten. Despite this fact, Bird goes on the praise the illustrations in the book as well, saying "Here in America, we don't see many wrinkles in our media. Old people don't have reality shows. In picture books, when we do see them, they tend to be cartoons or drawings. To see a real old person this close reminds adults of aging and death, and we react accordingly. Kids, however, don't see it that way. Faces, both young and old, fascinate them and they are willing to ask questions about them that adults would never dare. Children will love the pictures in this book. If anyone thinks that they are odd, it's going to be people who already are familiar with the status quo." Overall, I found this review to be the most helpful review that I've read yet. I appreciated her willingness to see the beautiful in the unique, and was especially thankful for her inclusion of some helpful knowledge about Norway and the language discrepancies. I hope to read more reviews from this site.

Pig-Boy: A Trickster Tale From Hawaii

McDermott, G. (2009). Pig-Boy: A trickster tale from Hawaii. New York: Harcourt Children's Books.

Genre: Myths
Format: Picture Book
Recommended Age: 3-9

Most people are undoubtedly unaware of anything to do with ancient Hawaiian mythology, which is why this story serves as a wonderful medium by which to communicate some of the unheard legends that have infiltrated Hawaiian culture for centuries. Pig-boy is a story based upon the god Kamapua'a, a trickster and a hero in Hawaiian mythology. This trickster often gets himself into precarious situations, yet as illustrated throughout the story, is able to slip away just in the nick of time by transforming into many different pig-like creatures that are seen throughout the Hawaiian islands, such as a hog, boar, and a pig-nosed fish called the humu-humu-nuku-nuku-apua'a. The brightly illustrated pictures will capture the attention of any young child, and those aged 3-9 will especially enjoy the opportunity the story brings to explore a faraway place from a faraway time. This book is a must for any school or library collection.

Scheps, S. Pig-Boy: A trickster tale from Hawaii [A review of the book Pig-Boy: A Trickster Tale From Hawaii]. Retrieved March 10, 2010 from http://www.amazon.com/Pig-Boy-Trickster-Hawaii-Gerald-McDermott/dp/0152165908.

Scheps gives this book a positive review, pointing out the many artistic expressions that she favors, such as the golds, oranges, and reds used to create human figures and the bright purple used for the pig-boy as he continually transforms throughout the book. Scheps also praises McDermott for leaving out a sexual element between Kamapua'a and the goddess Pele that is apparently a large part of the traditional tale, and points out that despite its absence the story is still as charming as ever. I agree with Scheps' review, and I too especially enjoyed the consistency of colors used for the characters withing the story, which can easily aid children in being able to differentiate between the characters. I found this story to be delightful, and am especially appreciative of the fact that I unintentionally received a history lesson while enjoying it.

The Neighborhood Mother Goose

Crews, N. (2004). The neighborhood Mother Goose. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Genre: Poetry
Format: Picture Book
Recommended Age: 3-5

This book is sure to give each reader a whole new experience of Mother Goose as contemporary photographs of inner city children at play jump off of each page to tell the story of each classic rhyme. At times, a single photograph encapsulates the entire rhyme, such as demonstrated in the rhyme "Georgie Porgie", where a little boy is seen chasing little girls around the playground. At other times, the author had her own fun by photoshopping several images together, making it appear as though a tabby cat is playing the fiddle, or as if thirteen shrunken children really could fit into a shoe. Whereas the content of nursery rhymes is typically intended for younger audiences, older children and even adults are sure to enjoy the visual elements of this book as well. Never have I seen a book capture the playfulness and free-spirit of children so beautifully.

Lempke, S.D. (2004). The neighborhood Mother Gosse [Review of the book The Neighborhood Mother Goose]. The Horn Book, 80(3), 339-40.

Lempke gives this book a raving review, as she proclaims Crews' photographs to be natural-looking and "brimming with infectious joy. " I couldn't agree with her more that the multiethnic children photographed throughout the story help "move the rhymes from their olde English roots into the present day." This is a book where the setting brought the story alive in a whole new way, and I would personally recommend it to those of all ages from all backgrounds.

The Eyes of the Unicorn

Bateman, T. (2007). The eyes of the unicorn. New York: Holiday House.

Genre: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book
Recommended Age: 10+

Beautiful illustrations accompany this majestic story, as Tanisa discovers and befriends an enchanting unicorn. However, the story is not without danger, as in his attempt to hunt the beautiful creature, the duke's son, Chris, accidentally injures Tanisa instead. Staying true to the essence of the unicorn, however, the boys heart is softened as he gazes into the eyes of the unicorn, and the creature magically heals the beloved Tanisa. While reading this book, I found myself caught up in another world, wishing I too could be a part of such a beautiful story, and live in such a beautifully landscaped world. Children of all ages will love the illustrations, yet given the violence and more adult themes, this book is probably more appropriate for ages ten and older. With hints at future romance and an underlying value of right and wrong, this book can be a great tool for adults to use in bringing about more serious discussions with their children.

Bush, M. The eyes of the unicorn [Review of the book The Eyes of the Unicorn]. School Library Journal. Retrieved March 7, 2010 from http://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Unicorn-Teresa-Bateman/dp/082341728X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268191298&sr=1-1.

Although short, Bush's review of this book went into great depth as she described the duke's son, who is "bent on killing the creature both for the wealth its carcass will bring and to gain his father's approval." I appreciated Ms. Bush's further exploration of the book as she reviewed not just the plot, but the motivations of the characters. She finishes by expressing her appreciation for the fine illustrations, which she describes by saying, "darkened views shot with golden lighting, lengthened images, and occasional blurred focus lend a dramatic, surreal tone to the rather hackneyed scenario."

Mars Needs Moms!

Breathed, B. (2007). Mars needs moms. New York: Philomel Books.

Genre: Science Fiction
Format: Picture
Recommended Age: 8+

Children of all ages will love this book, as its 3-D animations and relateable themes will capture any child's attention. Like most children, Milo has little appreciation for his "bellowing broccoli bully"and "slave-driving, trash-mashing, rubbish odor ogre" of a mother, yet all of this changes when martians kidnap his mother and take her to Mars. In Milo's attempt to rescue his mother, he discovers all of the many wonderful things that mothers bring to a child's life, and at one point his own mother's sacrifical love for him is enough to melt any parent's heart. While the concepts of martians and a kidnapped mother might be a bit frightening for some children, children above eight will undoubtedly love the illustrations and plot twists in this book, and adults will find it a good platform for many discussions with their children.

Brozio-Andrews, A. Mars needs moms [Review of the book Mars Needs Moms!]. Retrieved March 6, 2010 from http://www.imperfectparent.com/books/articles431_1.php.

Amy Brozio-Andrews could not have given Mars Needs Moms a more raving review. True to a little boy's perspective, and complementary of classic science fiction, Ms. Andrews dubs this book "a book that parents and children can share together, speaking volumes about the selfless love of parents for their children, no matter how many times we, like Milo's mother, might have to tell them how inappropriate sister-tinting is." She could not have put it better when she said "Breathed keeps the tone and illustrations irreverent enough to save the book from becoming morbid or depressing. While younger readers may not fully understand the implications of Milo's mother giving up her helmet to save her child, they'll still celebrate Milo's overcoming the Martian invasion and abduction of his mother." I couldn't agree with Ms. Andrews' review any more and found her insight into dealing with the scarier subjects of the book incredibly helpful.

The Big Bad Wolf And Me

Perret, D. (2005). The big bad wolf and me. New York: Sterling Publishing Co.

Genre: Fractured Fairy Tale
Format: Chapter Book/Comic Strip
Diversity Considerations: Appropriate for all
Recommended Age: 6-7

I found this book to be absolutely charming. Each chapter was episodic and divided into a comic strip format. The story and illustrations were simple, yet they were dramatized in such a way that would capture the attention of any 6 or 7 year-old, especially with the precarious situations the two characters find themselves. Children will no doubt laugh out loud at the many attempts made by the boy to teach the wolf how to be scary. A story about the unlikely friendship of a boy and the big not-so-bad wolf, this book is a gem for young children.

Cutler, K. The big bad wolf and me [Review of the book The Big Bad Wolf and Me]. School Library Journal. Retrieved March 6, 2010 from http://martsubhub.lib.wv.us:8000/kcweb/kcContent?isbn=9781402737251&type=review&controlnumber=eph00049951&referedby=titlelist.

Cutler reviewed this book as something to be enjoyed by both children and adults. With sparse, whimsical illustrations, she claims readers will be "caught up in the wry humor of both text and illustrations." Having myself been caught up in it, I couldn't agree more.