Month: December 2012

Review: The Reader by Amy Hest

| Tasha

reader

The Reader by Amy Hest, illustrated by Lauren Castillo

A young boy walks through the snow with his dog and a suitcase in his hand.  He gets his red sled with runners and heads out.  They climb a large hill, leaving straight lines in the snow from the sled as the dog bounds ahead.  Once at the top, they stop for a snack of toast and warm drinks.  Around them the snow continues to fall.  Finally, the suitcase is opened.  The boy pulls out a book to share with his dog, about friendship.  He reads it aloud, the two of them together at the top of a snowy hill.  When they are done, they pack everything back up and climb on the sled for the ride back down the hill.  Together.

Hest has written a book that is filled with falling snow but also warmed by the friendship of a boy and his dog.  Though the title gives a hint at what is in the case, readers will still be surprised to have them read it out in the falling snow.  Hest incorporates beautiful little details: the sound of crunching and sipping, the sound of the boy reading at the top of the hill, the hard work of getting up the high hill.  These all create a feeling of time, moments that are to be treasured because they are so beautiful.

Castillo’s illustrations are done in pen and ink and watercolor.  Against the white of the snow, all of the colors pop.  The brown of the dog, the red boots, the smears of color on the suitcase: all are cheery bright against the white countryside.  The illustrations have a wonderful jaunty feel to them, celebrating this close friendship and reading books.

A wonderful mix of snow and story, this book is a rich winter delight.  Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Reviewed from library copy.

Review: The Christmas Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood

| Tasha

christmas quiet book

The Christmas Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Renata Liwska

The duo who created The Quiet Book and The Loud Book have returned with a holiday version.  This simple picture book follows the same format as the earlier books, celebrating the small moments of the day that are quiet.  Here they are all Christmas themed with quiet moments like “Star on top quiet” and “Luminaria quiet” and “Listening for sleigh bells quiet.” 

As always, Liwska’s illustrations add a softness and warmth to the book that entirely suits the theme.  Her rabbits, owls and bears are all huggably fuzzy.  Their expressions are perfect for each of the moments, from the shock of a broken ornament to the bliss of gliding on ice to the horror of the mistletoe. 

A wonderful Christmas read for the entire family, this celebrates all of those moments between the hustle and bustle of the holiday.  It will get all of you thinking about your own Christmas quiet times.  Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Reviewed from library copy.

Review: Harlem’s Little Blackbird by Renee Watson

| Tasha

harlems little blackbird

Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills by Renee Watson, illustrated by Christian Robinson

This is a picture book biography of Florence Mills, a singer well-known during the Harlem Renaissance.  It follows her from her childhood as the daughter of former slaves in a tiny house in Washington, DC. where she was always singing and dancing.  She became known as a small girl with a big voice, but often faced racism and segregation when she was performing.  She quickly learned to use her voice for activism as well as song.  Florence became known not only across the nation but around the world for her voice.  She traveled internationally, and continued to be an activist and to give back to the poor.  Applauded for her singing, this book celebrates her good deeds just as much as her voice.

Watson writes a compelling story of a woman who was more than a beautiful songbird.  She fought back against the bigotry of her time and also gave back to the community she came from.  Watson distills Mills’ story into one that children can easily relate to.  It exposes the overt racism of a previous time and will give children much to discuss about how far our society has come and how much farther we have to go.

Robinson’s illustrations are done in cut-paper and collage.  They have a great texture to them, often showing a physical depth that is very appealing.  The colors are bright and vibrant, fitting colors for this equally vibrant woman.

A very successful picture book biography of a woman whose voice broke down barriers along with her good work.  Appropriate for ages 7-9.

Reviewed from copy received from Random House.

Review: The Demon Catchers of Milan by Kat Beyer

| Tasha

demon catchers of milan

The Demon Catchers of Milan by Kat Beyer

Mia’s life is turned upside down when she is possessed by a demon.  She terrorizes her family, throws them across the room, and destroys their home.  Priests try to exorcize the demon, but nothing works until her relatives from Italy arrive and force the demon to flee.  Mia has to return to Milan with them so that she can be protected from future attacks by the demon.  Once there, she is kept inside most of the time unless several of her family are available to escort her outdoors.  Even with their protection, the demon tries to attack her often.  Mia begins to learn Italian, the history of her family, and the strange arts that they practice.  Soon she feels very at home in Milan, but will there ever be a time that she is truly safe there?

Beyer’s book is very well-written.  It has a style that celebrates the historical in Milan, the beauty of the Italian language, and the strength of a close-knit family.  The perspective of Mia is crucial to this, allowing readers a way to see Milan for the first time through her eyes.  Add in the exorcisms and demons, and you have a book that is a dazzling addition to teen lit.

The setting of Milan is as much a part of the story as Mia’s extended family.  It is Italy that is celebrated here.  At the same time though, Mia’s extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins are each written as unique and intriguing characters.  Some are imposing, others motherly, but they all surprise and delight. 

The opening scene of the book with Mia’s possession is written so vividly and with such strength that you know that you are in for a unique and fascinating read.  Happily that stunning opening continues through the entire book.  Appropriate for ages 15-17.

Reviewed from copy received from Egmont.

Smokin’ Hot News–Daughter of Smoke & Bone

| Tasha

Universal Pictures has Joe Roth set to produce the film version of Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor.  The second book in the series is one that I’m waiting to read (I’m on the hold list at the library).   Last year, the film rights to the book were battled for between Universal and Paramount, ending in a high-six figure deal.

The author is enthusiastic about the producer selection:

“I am a huge fan of his big, gorgeous fantasy epics with powerful female characters. I can’t wait to see how he’ll bring my world to life on film. He’s the dream producer for this property, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Review: Daddy Christmas & Hanukkah Mama by Selina Alko

| Tasha

daddy christmas and hanukkah mama

Daddy Christmas & Hanukkah Mama by Selina Alko

Sadie celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah in her house.  Their family celebrations are a delightful mix of the two holidays.  Latkes are on the mantel waiting for Santa to come, he’s a big fan of the family recipe.  Carols are sung about dreidels and mangers.  Gelt is spread under the Christmas tree.  Food is a huge part of both traditions and then stories are shared from both as well.  This is as warm and joyous a celebration as anyone could wish. 

Alko nicely draws both holidays together, mixing them into something that is even more lovely and amazing than either of them alone.  It is a testament to how families that come from two different faiths can honor both of them and also create something uniquely their own.  My only complaint is that there isn’t an author’s note discussing the two holidays in more detail.

Alko’s illustrations are done in collage.  She combines the detail and texture of textiles with paint and paper cutouts.  The incorporation is done in a subtle but effective way, the different types catching your eye and adding depth.

A great pick for the holidays, this book will reach families who are themselves creating new traditions from old.  Appropriate for ages 4-6.

Reviewed from copy received from Knopf.

Review: Boot & Shoe by Marla Frazee

| Tasha

boot and shoe

Boot & Shoe by Marla Frazee

Boot and Shoe were born in the same litter and now live together in the same house.  They eat out of the same bowl, pee on the same tree, and sleep in the same bed.  They do spend their days apart though, one on the front porch and one on the back porch.  Everything was blissful until a squirrel started messing with them one day.  After a ferocious chasing around the house, Shoe found himself on the back porch, where Boot should be, and Boot was on the front porch with no Shoe in sight.  The two waited and waited for the other to show up, they missed dinner, and got drenched in a rainstorm, but the other one never showed up.  They even made sure to check the other porch, but they both did it at the same time and missed each other.  How will they ever find one another?  Read the book and find out!

Frazee has written a book that is very funny but also filled with a wonderful friendship between these two identical dogs.  The fact that they spend their days apart but their activities so closely meshed adds to the pleasure of the book.  The wonderful peace of the way they spend their day is just so perfect that it’s almost a relief when chaos enters with the squirrel.  Then the fun begins!

Frazee’s art is as warm as ever.  She has a wonderful comedic timing that is shown off particularly well in this story with two dogs and two interwoven storylines.  The squirrel chase alone, captured in a single two-page spread, is worth the read.

Another treat from the amazing Frazee, this book is pure fun and a great read-aloud too!  Appropriate for ages 4-6.

Reviewed from copy received from Beach Lane Books.

Review: A Rock Is Lively by Dianna Hutts Aston

| Tasha

rock is lively

A Rock Is Lively by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long

Another stellar collaboration by the team that created An Egg Is Quiet, A Seed Is Sleepy, and A Butterfly Is Patient, this nonfiction picture book focuses on rocks and minerals.  The book begins with rock melted as magma beneath the earth.  It talks about what makes up rocks and how old they are, as well as the rocks that we find in space.  Rocks as tools and weapons are explored, mixed in with the amazing rock interiors that surprise and delight. The different types of rocks finish off the factual piece of the book, but the bright and beautiful illustrations continue all the way to the final lapis lazuli endpages. 

Aston manages to write nonfiction as if each sentence is filled with delight.  Her enthusiasm for the subjects she writes about is evident in her writing, inviting young readers to get just as interested as she is.  The art carries that same enthusiasm in its bright colors and details.  Done in watercolor, the colors are surprisingly deep and lush. 

If you have the first three books from these amazing collaborators, this is a must-buy.  It should be on the shelves of any school or public library, sure to get young people exploring a new subject.  Appropriate for ages 7-9.

Reviewed from copy received from Chronicle Books.

Review: Burning Blue by Paul Griffin

| Tasha

burning blue

Burning Blue by Paul Griffin

Nicole was a beautiful girl, the prettiest in the school.  But that all changed when someone threw acid in her face at school.  Nicole didn’t know who did it, because she didn’t see anything other than the bottle aimed at her face.  Her boyfriend was nearby, the janitor seemed to know not to touch her, and a teacher was around too.  Quiet loner, Jay decides to figure out who did this.  He sees beyond her wounds, realizing that there is a lot more to Nicole than her lost beauty.  Jay is a hacker, able to get into government databases and trace people’s activities online.  As he gets closer to the truth of the attack, he and Nicole grow closer too.  Now he has everything to lose, especially as Nicole seems to be a suspect herself. 

Griffin nicely creates a lot of tension and mystery in this story of disfigurement and beauty.  Told from Jay’s point of view with insets from Nicole’s journal, this novel asks difficult questions about beauty, what lies beneath it, and the envy that it produces.  The question of who attacked Nicole stays in Jay’s focus, but the reader will equally enjoy the growing relationship between Jay and Nicole.

Jay is a fascinating character.  He is a hacker who pretends to know nothing about computers.  Some of his online conquests seem a bit to simple and easy, but with that aside, the hacking forms an intriguing basis for a detective to work from.  He is able to make breakthroughs and discover information that otherwise would be impossible.  But beyond the actual hacking, Jay lives a tattered life with his father after his losing his mother, and struggles with epileptic seizures.  His is a life lived alone by choice, until Nicole enters it.

A strong introverted and geeky character at its heart, this novel is a fine mystery but much more too.  Appropriate for ages 13-16.

Reviewed from copy received from Dial Books.