Well, I was amazingly skeptical about this film remake of Beezus and Ramona, but perhaps, just perhaps, just maybe, possibly there might be some hope. Maybe. At the very least, Disney knows how to put together a charmer of a trailer:
Nevermind, the pixie dust is wearing out and I am thoroughly cynical again. How about you?
Thanks to GreenBeanTeenQueen for the link.
Arbor Day Square by Kathryn O. Galbraith, illustrated by Cyd Moore
Everything in the prairie town is brand new because the town itself has just been built by settlers. There is a church, stores, and a school, but what is missing is trees! Everyone donates coins to send east for trees to plant. When they arrive, Katie is alarmed at how small the trees are, but her father reassures her that they will live and grow. Katie helps her father plant the trees, even a special dogwood in memory of her mother. Year after year, the town gathered on Arbor Day to plant more and more trees. Katie now came with her own daughter to celebrate the day and linger under her mother’s tree.
This picture book is based on the creation of Arbor Day in the new state of Nebraska in 1872. Ideal for release in April, this book is a glimpse into the history of Arbor Day and the importance of planting trees. Galbraith’s text is simple and at times poetic. She uses repeating phrases and rhythm subtly and effectively. Particularly effective is having Katie as the protagonist of the story and the lens through which readers view the history and the planting. Moore’s illustrations are soft with a lovely vintage tone to them that suits the subject. The transformation from dusty prairie to a lush green filled with trees is reflected in the illustrations with a nice gradual palette change.
Pick this one up for Arbor Day! Appropriate for ages 4-7.
Reviewed from copy received from Peachtree Publishers.
The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Renata Liwska
There are many kind of quiet. Quiet can cozy. Quiet can be tense. Quiet can be worth savoring. Quiet can be gone in a flash. This book celebrates the many kinds of quiet, offering examples of the many moments of quiet in a day. Starting with the quiet of being the first one awake, the book ends with the quiet of being sound asleep. In between, readers will find examples of quiet that are funny, surprising and poignant. This is a simple premise executed with great finesse.
Underwood’s one-per-page examples of quiet each end with the word “quiet.” As you read through the book aloud, you will discover which of the examples make you hush your words even more and which examples are exuberant despite the silence. Deftly done, the examples are varied and interesting. Liwska’s illustrations add to the gentle humor, offering visual examples of quiet. Her pencil and digital images are soft and witty at the same time.
Recommended for bedtime reading, this book is perfect for snuggling under the covers and reading to a little one. Happy cuddles! Appropriate for ages 2-4.
Reviewed from library copy.
Check out the websites of Deborah Underwood and Renata Liwska
Waking Brain Cells 