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Few picture book titles come with qualifications. More often than not they are statements of strong purpose. I Can Do It Too or No, I Want Daddy. Declarative books with forthright ideas and messages for the preschool set. That’s all well and good, but sometimes you want a book that entices you to pick through its pages from the title onward. Now there is no doubt that My Dad Is Big and Strong, But… is a work of translation. From the minute you look at it it has all the signs. The drawings are fun and eclectic but they feel strangely . . . European, perhaps? And the art inside is a mix of mixed media photographs and graphite. Then there’s the story, which doesn’t end with that kooky twist we Americans almost require in books of this sort these days. Finally there’s that title that seems to float in mid-air without direction. Yes, there is no doubt left in your mind that this is a French translation, but there is also no doubt that it is one of the most charming and engaging picture books to hike down the pike in years. A story that upsets expectations but retains its heart, this is the perfect bedtime fare for any kiddo that rejects the very notion of going to sleep (and who has a sense of humor).
Our hero’s dad has many fine and outstanding qualities. He is big. He is strong. But he does have one significant flaw that’s hard to overlook. Every night it’s the same old story. When bedtime rolls around he just adamantly refuses to go. The only thing to do is to start out by reading him some stories. After two he’ll demand another but his son is having none of it. It’s straight to bed and a game of waiting until the dad’s asleep (if the son tries to go to bed early he’ll just have to contend with a wide awake dad barging into his room anyway). Finally he seems to be asleep but just as the son attempts to turn out the life he hears, “No, don’t do that! Leave the light on!” Because while his dad may be big and strong he’s also a bit afraid of the dark.
There’s an entire subgenre of picture books out there where expectations are upended to the delight of the child reader. I can think of four books off the top of my head where a character is scared about the first day of school and then turns out to be a teacher (Back to School Tortoise] by Lucy M. George was the latest). And Amy Krouse Rosenthal went to town with the idea in Little Pea (a pea refuses to eat his dinner of candy), Little Hoot (an owl wants to go to bed while his parents insist he stay up all night), and
I’m feeling tetchy. Let’s set out some rules when it comes to prequels of children’s books then. Number One: You are allowed to write a prequel if you wrote the original book in the first place. Um . . . . okay, that’s all I can think of off the top of my head. But it’s a good rule in general, don’t you think? Follow that rule and you won’t have to deal with seeing Anne before she came to Green Gables or speculate as to how Captain Hook got to be so mean. Not that every author should consider writing a prequel, mind. I’m sure Harry Potter fans would love to see what capers his parents got up to in school, but then we’d probably have to deal with a How Edward Cullen Became a Vampire novel, and that’s a road I’d rather not tread. All this is to say that if you have to write a prequel to a popular children’s book, it needs to make a certain amount of sense. Fortunately for all of us Toys Come Home makes oodles of caboodles of strudels of noodles of sense. Over the years children have asked Ms. Jenkins how Sheep lost her ear. Now that and a host of other questions (including some remarkably huge ones) are answered at long last.
How do special toys become beloved? Not in the ways you might imagine. StingRay, the stuffed sting ray, arrived too late to be a birthday present at The Girl’s party. Faced with not being The Girl’s favorite present she put up with the insufferable Bobby Dot (a walrus who wasn’t very nice) until after helping rescue the Sheep and facing her fear of towels, she managed to become worthy of snuggling and cuddling on the high bed. Lumphy, the toughy little buffalo, was plucked from a bin full of teddies, proving his valor soon thereafter with a particularly energetic kitten. And Plastic’s sheer energy and curiosity about the world leads the others to ask the ultimate question. Literally. In this way, we get to see how the characters of Toys Go Out and Toy Dance Party came to be who they are.
I have never, in all my live long days, seen an author recall the trauma that comes when a child throws up on their favorite toy better than Ms. Jenkins. It’s sort of a two-part trauma. The first part is the sudden disgusting nature of your once beloved companion and the second is what happens when they go through the wash. Jenkins doesn’t dwell too heavily on the death of toys (just the nature of existence itself, but more on that later) but it’s there and it’s r
0 Comments on Review of the Day: Toys Come Home by Emily Jenkins as of 1/1/1900
Each year I like to review one independently published title. In an era where even review journals like Kirkus have a section dedicated to self-published titles, it’s always a good idea to give some credit to the folks out there who do well on their own. Finding something to review, however, can be tricky. For every hidden gem there are mountains of schlock to sift through. Recently I decided to cheat. I went with an author/illustrator I already knew. Years ago Jonathan Allen, a British fellow, came out with one of the best little storytime readalouds ever to cross the pond. I’m Not Cute! followed the adventures of a Baby Owl intent on proclaiming to the world that he was “a huge and scary hunting machine”. Recently Allen decided to go the digital route, publishing the new bedtime fare title Come to Bed, Red! on Kindle. The book utilizes Allen’s customary fluffy protagonist fare with that hint of snark that always keeps things interesting.
Bedtime has come at last and Red Panda’s mama is calling her little one inside. Unfortunately, every time she tells him to come he explains that he’s just about to break his record in pinecone tossing, or just about to balance a stick on his nose for his longest time yet, OR just about shake off the last two leaves on the branch. When Red’s cries of “Just a minute” prove to be too much for his mother in he comes at long last. Then it’s time for a story, but every time Red tries to get his mother to come into the bedroom and tell him one she’s doing something else. When she finally does trot in, Red comes to the realization that while some things are worth waiting for, others should be done ASAP. A nice Author’s Note at the end explains a little bit about red pandas and how Mr. Allen got the idea for the book.
Allen’s protagonists like to proclaim things. The aforementioned Baby Owl, for example, is never happier than when he can say that which he is not. That’s probably why his titles say things like, I’m Not Sleepy! and I’m Not Santa! Other characters exist in titles that protest, Don’t Copy Me! and a very forthright Banana! (kind of a non sequitur, that one). Come to Bed, Red! is no exception and its hero is just as obstreperous. Kids reluctant to call it a day will find a kinsman in Red Panda. Now, of course, the slight danger here is that some kids will go on and learn the phrase “In a minute” from
0 Comments on Review of the Day: Come to Bed, Red! by Jonathan Allen as of 1/1/1900
Wrap up a selection of books to read with a blanket. Here are a few favorites.
Buglette the Messy Sleeper written and illustrated by Bethanie Deeney Murguia (Tricycle Press, $15.99, 2011) An endearing story about being different, dreaming big and learning to be brave (for all sleepy bugs, messy or not).
Switching on the Moon: A Very First Book of Bedtime Poems, collected by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters, illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Candlewick, $21.99) A delightful anthology that captures the moods of bedtime in 60 poems while enchanting readers with whimsical paintings. Among the poets, Marilyn Singer, Sylvia Plath and Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site, by Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (Chronicle, $16.99, 2011) After a day of rough-and-tough play, Crane Truck, Cement Mixer, Dump truck, Bulldozer and Excavator relax their wheels and get tucked in tight in this adorable tale.
The Little Moon Princess, written and illustrated by YJ Lee (Harper, $16.99, 2010) A sparrow helps a little princess get over her fear of the dark by spreading her jewels through the sky in this beautiful tale by talented newcomer L
We know it’s well-loved by many...but we can’t be the only people who never, ever want to read Goodnight Moon again. Yeah, little kids love it. Sure, we can recite it by heart like a lot of parents. Toddlers love a good rhythmic, soothing book when they’re getting ready to go to sleep.
But please please please don’t make me read it again!
Enter today’s book:
Goodnight Goon
Written and illustrated by Michael Rex
Putnam Juvenile, 2008
ISBN: 978-0399245343
This is the best parody that’s crossed our overloaded desk in ages. An eerie reworking of Margare
0 Comments on Oh no, not again! Avoiding boring Bedtime Books (and there's a review in there somewhere too) as of 1/1/1900
Creepy creature babies everywhere, from monsters to spiders, goblins to gremlins and many more, are getting ready for bed in this charming book. Lots of people like a nice, calming bedtime story to read to their babies and toddlers, but some of us get a little sick of the same tired old thing night after night. Voila! Goodnight, Baby Monster solves the dilemma of a parent who’s looking for something a little different.
You won’t find lambs or bunnies in here, or bid goodnight to a
0 Comments on Goodnight Baby Monster by Laura Leuck as of 1/14/2010 9:20:00 AM
Night's Nice by Barbara and Ed Emberley. Doubleday, 1962; Little, Brown, 2008 (978-0-316-06623-5) $12.99
"Ooh!" I said to myself, as I found the original copyright date for this book--1962--"THAT explains it." Although I have no memory of ever having seen Night's Nice before, its distinctive style immediately evoked a sense of nostalgia in me. Cartoony little pictures, heavily washed with bright watercolors... men smoking pipes, freckled-faced boys, Halloween costumes of red-nosed bums... this is all stuff of picture books of my childhood. These days, that white-bread look could be considered less nostalgic than outright dated.
Nonetheless, it remains an attractive book. A rhyming text describes some of the exciting and cozy pleasures of nighttime: "Night's nice for spooky Halloween make-believe, Night's nice for carols and snow Christmas Eve." As a good bedtime book should, it ends on an especially gentle note: "For kings and for kittens, For birds in a tree. Night's nice's for sleeping, For you and for me. So hop into bed, Turn over thrice/And whisper this softly: Night's nice, night's nice, night's nice." The wording is occasionally awkward and the scansion sometimes falters, but the overall feeling evoked is so comfortable, it's still pleasant to read aloud.
The pictures match the different moods of nighttime shown in the text, with a fiery, boldly orange Halloween night, a bright neon city night, a sleepy green and brown forest, and a dark, snowy Christmas Eve sparkling with dashes of brilliant lights.
My feelings about this book are a little mixed. It's certainly not what you're looking for if you want diversity or originality or sophistication. But in an odd way, the old-fashioned look comes across as intriguingly different, just because we don't see books that look like this much anymore. And it has a sincere sweetness that isn't at all coy or cloying. I think it will still find an appreciative audience. (2-6)
4 Comments on review: Night's Nice, last added: 11/21/2008
I am trying to encourage the creation of a Children's Inauguration in Washington D.C. to parallel the one for adults. Please check out this blog post by Elizabeth Bird on the SLJ Website and offer your ideas on it, or write about it yourself! Anything you can do to spread the word about this would be wonderful. Fran Manushkin http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/blog/1790000379/post/1970036197.html
Thanks for reviewing this book, as I had been wondering about it. I loved Ed Emberly's drawing books as a child. He would break down a complicated dragon into small steps, shape by simple shape. When I was finished, I was amazed at what I was able to create! So when I saw his name on this book, I had to wonder, was this something that I had read all those years ago? Alas, I don't remember it, but I am going to pick it up anyway because I have fond memories of Emberly.
I must find this book! I love books from the 60's era and this one is unique. The cover art is wonderful and now I'll google Ed Emberly. Ironic, I just reviewed a book from 1959 with an illustration of the father smoking a pipe and a boy with toy guns....(unheard of nowdays) I'm currently working on a book of bedtime stories and this one is inspiring because it's so unusual. thank you!
I love "go to sleep" books. To this day, I can recite Goodnight Moon from memory because it was such a favorite with my entlings before bedtime. It is still my gift of choice as a baby shower gift.
Am I right in my feeling that children's bedtime rituals are being left behind these days? I hope not but frequently, in schools, I meet kids who live almost separate from their families. Each child has a cell phone for individual communication/texting and a computer and television in their bedroom. On different schedules, families often do not even eat dinner together, much less, share bedtime stories and tuck-ins.
I hope this is not indicative of a wider trend because there is something so important and cozy and meaningful about seeing a child safely off to dream land.
In a Blue Room by Jim Averbeck, illustrated by Tricia Tusa, Harcourt 2008
A mother patiently and tenderly sees her little one off to sleep with fragrant flowers on the nightstand, a cozy quilt , and wind chimes. The little girl only likes the color blue and protests at each offering of tea, the quilts, flowers because they are not blue. When the mother turns off the light though, the moon fills the room with a beautiful blue light that Tricia Tusa renders in a soft blue wash.
Averbeck's text rocks as gently as a lullaby as Tusa's scenes grow quieter and quieter. What a treasure.
Wynken, Blynken and Nod by Eugene W. Field, illustrated by Giselle Potter, Schwartz Wade Books 2008
I hear my mother's voice when ever I read this poem as it was in my childhood copy of The Bumper Book: A Collection of Stories and Verses for Children. Illustrated by Eulalie (Platt & Munk, 1946.) that she read to us when we were small. The imagery of the wooden shoe remains a vivid childhood memory. Giselle Potter illustrates this classic of childhood using the lines of the poem as part of the action as the young fishermen toss their nets "in the twinkling foam."
Potter includes a note about Eugene W. Field and the history of the poem at the end of the book.
Be sure to read the Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast interview with Potterhere. Giselle Potter website
The Sandman by Ralph Fletcher, illustrated by Richard Cowdrey, Henry Holt 2008
A tiny little man named Tor cannot sleep. One day he finds a dragon scale. As he files down the scale's sharp edge, a breeze blows the scale dust into his eyes which results in "a great wave of sleepiness." When he awakens, he determines that the dragon scale sand can be used to help wide awake children fall asleep. Alas, he needs a supply of them to stay in business so he must go to the dragon's lair to get them.
Richard Cowdrey's illustrations called to me the moment I saw the cover. Tor's tiny home furnishings include a thread spool end table, pencil stub window frames, a thimble cup and a soup ladle bathtub. Cowdry was inspired by Tolkien's Smaug for his double page dragon illustration. Dragon lovers will rejoice at his rendering. The dragon scale sand gleams like emeralds and Tor's mouse-drawn cart is just too adorable. There is warmth and a bow to tradition in Cowdrey's artwork. He is the talent that paints the Guardians of Ga'hoole covers.
The Sandman, (like Jack Frost--see The Stanger by Chris Van Allsburg) does not have many stories told about him. In fact, I cannot think of one. This is a nice addition to bedtime canon.
My boys are still young, so we have family supper together, and a reading routine before bed. Goodnight Moon has been a favorite of both, along with Boynton's Going to Bed Book, and others.
The New Yorker had a column a while back about the transition of kids books from adult centered (the old lady telling the kid hush, and s/he finally falls asleep, after all that time shown by the clock) and Bedtime for Francis (dad threatening Francis with spanking) to child-in-charge, like Olivia and Goodnight Gorilla.
Berkely Breathed's Goodnight Opus is a clever riff on Goodnight Moon.
The favorite at our house (and my perennial shower gift) is Mem Fox's Time for Bed. The illustrations are fantastic and it's great for every age...Keep the faith...we still read as a family.
I love this little film so much and the comte is so handsome with his fine plumage and noble head - wonderful, inspirational work Gretel
natural attrill said, on 3/5/2008 2:23:00 AM
Oooh this is LOVELY G, what a sweet little film, I love the music, what is it? and the bird is just fantastic, you certainly have taken to needlefelting - like a duck to water I was going to say...oh well. Hope you sell lots in your Etsy shop, your creations are brill. P.xx
Libbys Blog said, on 3/5/2008 2:55:00 AM
Brilliant! Really loved this.
Now can you do a video on how you actually needle felt as I haven't the foggiest idea!!??
Sue said, on 3/5/2008 3:49:00 AM
What a brill bird, a noble beast indeed! I wanna see how you do your needle felting too! Pleeease!
poetry4kids said, on 3/5/2008 4:18:00 AM
Nice little movie, lovely bird...great for kids like me..
Have a great day, Milou
Rima said, on 3/5/2008 5:13:00 AM
Hello Gretel... lovely little bird and video... if you fancy hopping over to my hermitage a minute I have written a word or two about you :) XX Happy day
Jess said, on 3/5/2008 5:24:00 AM
Perfect Gretel! Perfect music, colours, oh everything really! The bird has the quiet dignity of your illustrations too :)
Alison said, on 3/5/2008 6:56:00 AM
Wow he is gorgeous Gretal! All your needlefelt creations are gorgeous...3D versions of your artwork...stunning. Take care, Alison x
ingermaaike said, on 3/5/2008 8:49:00 AM
You make such wonderful drawings and felted creatures. Thank yu so much for sharing!
Eric Orchard said, on 3/5/2008 10:18:00 AM
Really magical, Gretel. I went in feeling a little cynical and you charmed it right out of me. I also want one of your creations now.
Caroline B said, on 3/5/2008 11:17:00 AM
I can't believe you have not needlefelted before, this is so beautiful! I am not surprised someone snapped him up.
Melanie said, on 3/5/2008 7:26:00 PM
You are so talented. Even right down the the video clip, everything you do has that expert touch. I hope you dont mind but I tagged you with a meme thing on my blog, hope you can play :) cheers melanie
Flávia Leitão said, on 3/6/2008 6:05:00 AM
I love it!!! And for me is still a mistery, how do you needle this material!! Ités like magic!!! keep needling!!!
Rachael Rabbit said, on 3/6/2008 2:16:00 PM
Utterly fantastic .... I'm speechless with awe ..
Kala said, on 3/7/2008 3:46:00 AM
utterly utterly brilliant, seeing your characters come to life is awesome!
Becca said, on 3/7/2008 9:08:00 PM
Just absolutely fabulous!
Misk said, on 3/9/2008 9:57:00 AM
Gretel he is just so fabulous, it makes me want to give it a go myself! xx
Tea & Margaritas in My Garden said, on 3/9/2008 5:37:00 PM
Absolutely lovely! Hope you`re safe over there. I read that there is a hurricane coming :(
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I am trying to encourage the creation of a Children's Inauguration in Washington D.C. to parallel the one for adults. Please check out this blog post by Elizabeth Bird on the SLJ Website and offer your ideas on it, or write about it yourself! Anything you can do to spread the word about this would be wonderful. Fran Manushkin
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/blog/1790000379/post/1970036197.html
Thanks for reviewing this book, as I had been wondering about it. I loved Ed Emberly's drawing books as a child. He would break down a complicated dragon into small steps, shape by simple shape. When I was finished, I was amazed at what I was able to create! So when I saw his name on this book, I had to wonder, was this something that I had read all those years ago? Alas, I don't remember it, but I am going to pick it up anyway because I have fond memories of Emberly.
I think you'll like it. His current work has gone in a rather different direction, though kids still enjoy it a lot. (My son is a fan.)
I must find this book! I love books from the 60's era and this one is unique. The cover art is wonderful and now I'll google Ed Emberly. Ironic, I just reviewed a book from 1959 with an illustration of the father smoking a pipe and a boy with toy guns....(unheard of nowdays)
I'm currently working on a book of bedtime stories and this one is inspiring because it's so unusual.
thank you!