Month: January 2013

Review: The Man from the Land of Fandango by Margaret Mahy

| Tasha

man from the land of fandango

The Man from the Land of Fandango by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Polly Dunbar

My son and I had just stopped in the middle of a rather painful rhyming picture book and then we picked up this one.  The contrast was profound.  Here we found a fanciful and playful picture book with rhymes that swept us merrily up.  It is the story of a man from an imaginary land who leaps off of the page where he is created by two small children.  They dance with a bear and a bison, bound with kangaroos.  There is juggling, jingling, and even cake!  Then the man returns to the picture, not to return for another 500 years.  It’s a silly and very fun book that is filled with nonsense and plenty of jam. 

Mahy’s words really dance here, carrying the story forward on a rhyming flow.  This is not a book that is a straight-forward story, rather it’s a dazzlingly silly wander.  Children will quickly understand that this is pure nonsense and go with it.  Dunbar’s illustrations have a wonderfully light touch.  They are filled with bubbles and speckles.  Whimsical creatures and plants populate the page, often dancing with glee. 

This is a merry read that has a great lightness and silliness at its heart.  A wonderful posthumous release from the amazing Mahy.  Appropriate for ages 2-4.

Reviewed from library copy.

Top 2012 Teen Reads to Wake Your Brain Cells

| Tasha

What an amazing year for teen literature!  We had books that explored fantasy and science fiction in new ways and others that caught the heart of reality.  I managed to narrow my favorites down to twenty that are below with links to my full reviews:

ask the passengers bitterblue brides of rollrock island

Ask the Passengers by A.S. King – A striking read about a teen questioning her sexuality that beams with love and acceptance.

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore – This sequel to Graceling takes place 8 years later and took Cashore 4 years to write.  The result is a beautifully conceived world and a heroine who is a complicated survivor of abuse.

The Brides of Rollrock Island by Margo Lanagan – The selkie legend retold in a series of short stories that come together into one glorious novel.

children and the wolves code name verity difference between you and me

The Children and the Wolves by Adam Rapp – Stunning, violent, vile and filled with heart wrenching beauty of its own unique sort, this book is one that you can’t turn away from, though you may want to.  Amazing.

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein – Two incredible British teen girls become involved in fighting the Gestapo during World War II.  This is a achingly beautiful and brave read.

The Difference Between You and Me by Madeleine George – The tension between principles and love comes to a head in this book that explores lesbian teens and internal contradictions.  It’s a complex book that calls people to action and is populated with intriguing characters.

drowned cities dying to know you FINAL every day

The Drowned Cities by Paolo Bacigalupi – This second book in the Ship Breaker series takes us to new characters who are just as amazing as those in the first book.  Filled with action and violence, Bacigalupi offers us the tragedy of war and child soldiers set against a decaying world.

Dying to Know You by Aidan Chambers – The friendship between a teen and an older man is at the heart of this novel that is quietly powerful.

Every Day by David Levithan – A wakes up as a different person each day, quickly leaving each life behind, until he meets Rhiannon a girl he can’t leave behind.  Bold, vibrant and unforgettable, this book explores issues of race, sex and individuality.

false prince fault in our stars girl with borrowed wings

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen – Conner is an orphan boy chosen to compete for the right to pretend to be the lost prince.  Filled with twists, violence and lies, this book is a riveting read perfect for tweens and young teens.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – As an unabashed Green fan, I was thrilled when he came out with a new book.  Then I was entranced and amazed as I read the story of Hazel, a girl with terminal cancer, and Augustus, a cancer survivor.  There is reason for the buzz on this one.  Simply incredible.

The Girl with Borrowed Wings by Rinsai Rossetti – Frenenqer is the perfect teen girl, kept closeted away from the world, until a boy who can shapeshift and fly enters her window.  Lush, beautiful and exotic, this is a love story that features a unique and complex heroine.

girls-of-no-return grave mercy lies knives and girls in red dresses

The Girls of No Return by Erin Saldin – Horrible truths are hinted at and the tension becomes almost unbearable in this slow-building thriller set in the wilderness of northern Idaho.

Grave Mercy by R. L. LeFevers – Ismae escaped into the convent of St. Mortain where she is trained to be an assassin.  Sent to the court of Brittany, she is quickly caught up in its politics and passions but must continue to kill as instructed.  This is a luminous gem of a book with a sequel coming in 2013.

Lies, Knives, and Girls in Red Dresses by Ron Koertge – Subversive poems just for teens that show what happens after “Happily ever after.”  Dark chocolate stories that surprise and delight.  Bet you can’t read just one.

obsidian blade seraphina shadow_bone_sketch_both3

The Obsidian Blade by Pete Hautman – A triumph of a book, this is the first in a new series by veteran Hautman.  Beautifully written, it’s an intoxicating blend of technology, time travel and religion.

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman – Seraphina is hiding a secret that she can tell no one.  It’s marked into her skin: dragon scales.  Complex world building, an organic love story, and dragons make this an amazing fantasy.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo – This debut novel will amaze with its original fantasy concept where a young woman discovers her own unique powers but not before someone else does first.

small damages son

Small Damages by Beth Kephart – A pregnant teen is sent to Spain to keep her pregnancy secret.  Staying with a friend of her mother, Kenzie slowly comes to realize that she has choices.  This novel is a celebration of Spain and extended families.

Son by Lois Lowry – The final book in The Giver series, this book ties the various threads from all of the books in the series into one glorious ending.  It will leave you satisfied but also surprised.

Top 2012 Picture Books to Wake Your Brain Cells

| Tasha

Picture books are some of my favorite reads in any year.  This year I’ve picked my favorite fifteen that I think are simply amazing.  Here are my favorites with links to my full reviews:

and then its spring baby bear sees blue bear has a story to tell

And Then It’s Spring by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Erin E. Stead – Enchanting and memorable, this is a timeless and effortlessly lovely look at spring and gardens. 

Baby Bear Sees Blue by Ashley Wolff – Lush and rich, this picture book has amazing illustrations that celebrate the colors of nature.

Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead – OK, I admit that my passion for the work of both of the Steads is definitely showing in this list.  You will see another further down on the list as well.  This is a hauntingly lovely look at seasons, friendships and the power of story.  Gorgeous!

chloe and the lion each kindness extra-yarn-cover

Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Adam Rex – Pure silly fun, this book is a delight to share with children or to read giggling all on your own.

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, E. B. Lewis – Pair the power of Woodson’s writing with the realistic and amazing art of Lewis and you can’t help but have a winning read.  Add the timely subject of bullying with a fantastic ending and you have one of my best of the year.

Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen – Another personal bias is for Mac Barnett’s writing.  He manages to be riotously funny at times and then magical at others.  This is his magical form in a story about unending yarn.  Combined with the art of Klassen and his beautiful take on yarn, makes it one amazingly fresh read.

green home for bird house held up by trees

Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger – As I said on my review, this one can just be reviewed as WOW.  Simply WOW.  Surprises, colors, new perspectives, and amazing illustrations, this is a real contender for the Caldecott.

A Home for Bird by Philip C. Stead – Finding ones home, friendship and a grand quest fill this picture book to the brim and combine wonderfully with the charm of the illustrations.   The last of the Steads on the list.

House Held Up by Trees by Ted Kooser, illustrated by Jon Klassen – Klassen’s art is so amazingly diverse from one picture book to the next.  Here he uses a real delicacy that works beautifully with Kooser’s poem.  This is a deep, courageous read about nature and families.

jimmy the greatest lesters dreadful sweaters oh no

Jimmy the Greatest by Jairo Buitrago, illustrated by Rafael Yockteng – A warm beautiful book about the hero who stays to make a difference. 

Lester’s Dreadful Sweaters by K. G. Campbell – The horror of truly awful knitting is unraveled in this book that is unwaveringly silly and funny. 

Oh No! by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann – Bravo!  A virtuoso performance by two masters of the picture book craft. 

step gently out town mouse and country mouse

Step Gently Out by Helen Frost and Rick Lieder – Frost’s poem celebrates slowing down and looking closely and is perfectly accompanied by amazing photographs by Lieder.  Worth lingering over.

The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse by Helen Ward – Sumptuous illustrations combined with simple writing make this a version of the fable that is worthy of celebration.

unspoken

Unspoken by Henry Cole – This is a profound book that speaks to the importance of personal courage and the difference a person can make.  Wordless, the illustrations soar.

Top 2012 Children’s Poetry to Wake Your Brain Cells

| Tasha

Unfortunately, I didn’t read a lot of children’s poetry this year.  Not sure how that happened, but it’s something that I want to remedy in 2013.  At any rate, here are the top five poetry books that I loved this year with links to my full reviews:

i too am america 

I, Too, Am America by Langston Hughes – Hughe’s gorgeous poem is married with the story of the African-American Pullman porters in Bryan Collier’s extraordinary illustrations.

Last Laughs by J. Patrick Lewis – Dark and fiercely funny about dead animals, perfect for Halloween but worthy of reading all year round.

north outside your window

North: the Amazing Story of Arctic Migration by Nick Dowson – A striking mix of poetry, art and science tells the story of this unique ecosystem.

Outside Your Window by Nicola Davies – Explore nature through the seasons in this vibrant book of poetry illustrated with collage art that speaks to the beauty of nature.

strange place to call home

A Strange Place to Call Home by Marilyn Singer – Another wonderful combination of poetry, science and art, this book explores habitats that are dangerous and unusual.

Costa Children’s Award

| Tasha

Maggot Moon

Sally Gardner has won the Costa children’s award for Maggot Moon, a book I look forward to reading.  It’s a book about a dyslexic teen boy living in an alternate England. 

What I find most intriguing is that Gardner herself is dyslexic.  She did not read until she was 14 years old.  Best of all, her book is being celebrated for its language and beautiful writing. 

Now Gardner goes on to compete for the overall Costa Award.  I look forward to reading Maggot Moon and to seeing if it can take the whole shebang!

Top 2012 Children’s Nonfiction to Wake Your Brain Cells

| Tasha

Here are my top ten picks for children’s nonfiction this year.  Most are picture books and I’ve snuck one in for teens as well.  The links below will take you to my full reviews.

boy who harnessed the wind fantastic jungles

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba – Autobiographical picture book about a teen boy from Malawi who built a windmill out of scraps.  Luminous and compelling reading.

Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau by Michelle Markel – A striking and superb biography of the artist who came to his craft late in life.

georgia in hawaii island

Georgia in Hawaii by Amy Novesky – This gorgeous picture book biography takes a look at Georgia O’Keeffe’s trip to Hawaii and how it impacted her art.

Island: A Story of the Galapagos by Jason Chin – Learn about the history of the Galapagos Islands and the wonders of nature and evolution in this incredible read.

12843717-the-letter-q life in the ocean

The Letter Q by Sarah Moon – (My sneaky way of putting in my favorite teen nonfiction book) This entire book is letters from gay and lesbian authors to their younger selves.  It’s an inspirational collection worth lingering over.

Life in the Ocean by Claire A. Nivola – Journey deep under the sea with this inspiring biography of biologist and oceanographer Sylvia Earle.

looking at lincoln mrs harkness and the panda

Looking at Lincoln by Maira Kalman – A fresh and radiant biography of Abraham Lincoln that manages to be both colorful and playful.

Mrs. Harkness and the Panda by Alicia Potter – A marvelous picture book biography of an unlikely adventurer willing to take amazing risks.

ocean sunlight seed by seed

Ocean Sunlight by Molly Bang – Learn about how the sun makes life on earth possible with this winning combination of poetry and science.

Seed by Seed by Esme Raji Codell – This beautiful picture book biography makes the story of Johnny Appleseed resonate with modern readers with his focus on the environment and shared community.

Top 2012 Children’s Fiction to Wake Your Brain Cells

| Tasha

I narrowed my picks for the best in children’s fiction this year to these fifteen.  They range from historical fiction to fantasy.  You just can’t go wrong with any of them!  The links connect to my full reviews:

great unexpected greyhound of a girl in a glass grimmly

The Great Unexpected by Sharon Creech – Hope and life connections make this a book that will delight existing Creech fans and create new ones.

A Greyhound of a Girl by Roddy Doyle – A ghost story that is meticulously crafted and beautiful.

In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz – Ideal for reluctant readers looking for the gore in fairy tales, this book is engaging and wonderfully twisted.

laugh with the moon liar and spy lions of little rock

Laugh with the Moon by Shana Burg – Travel to Malawi with Clare and her father in this book filled with its strong culture, the stark differences between America and Africa, and the warmth of the people.

Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead – A beautifully crafted novel for middle graders with a stellar character at its heart.

The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine – A powerful novel about the battle for integration in Little Rock with complex and interesting characters and a riveting storyline.

mighty miss malone my mixed-up berry blue summer one and only ivan

The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis – A luminous protagonist shows the human side of the Great Depression in this book from a master of his craft.

My Mixed-Up Berry Blue Summer by Jennifer Gennari – This debut novel is the perfect summer read while also being strong and courageous about gay parenting.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate – Ivan moved into my heart this spring and has never left it.  One of the most captivating reads of the year.

one year in coal harbor sadie and ratz summer of the gypsy moths

One Year in Coal Harbor by Polly Horvath – Return to the world of Everything on a Waffle with this sequel that is just as charming and exquisite as the first.

Sadie and Ratz by Sonya Hartnett – The best beginning reader of the year, perfect for wild children with hands that get into all sorts of trouble.

Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Pennypacker – This hope-filled book starts with a death and strangers and ends with hope and family.

twelve kinds of ice what came from the stars wonder

Twelve Kinds of Ice by Ellen Bryan Obed – In only 64 slim pages, this quiet but powerful book about ice will have you reaching for your skates with tears in your eyes.

What Came from the Stars by Gary D. Schmidt – Two starkly different worlds are drawn together through a single boy in this book that is part science fiction and part reality novel and entirely glorious.

Wonder by R. J. Palacio – The story of a regular kid with an uncommon face will have you laughing, crying and loving it entirely.

Top 2012 Children’s and Teen Graphic Novels to Wake Your Brain Cells

| Tasha

Here are my top 10 picks for graphic novels for children and teens this year.  Did I miss any great ones?  Let me know!  As always, these are solely the books I got around to reading this year.

The links below are to my full reviews of each title.

13356190-cardboard chopsticks drama

Cardboard by Doug TenNapel – Take a box made of magical cardboard and one creative kid and you have utopia, right?  Wrong!  Kids will gobble up this dark graphic novel.

Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony – Told only in photographs, this book is filled with tension and twists.  A great pick for older teens.

Drama by Raina Telgemeier – Telgemeier follows up Smile with this equally engaging look at high school theater.

12833770-explorer friends with boys giants beware

Explorer: the Mystery Boxes by Kazu Kibuishi – Seven short stories all deal with opening a mystery box in this rich graphic novel anthology.

Friends with Boys by Faith Erin Hicks – This engaging graphic novel is a combination of realistic homeschooled teen heading to high school and paranormal ghost story.

Giants Beware! By Jorge Aguirre – Claudette is looking to head out to slay the giant that has terrorized her town, but the quest will be a difficult one!  A spunky, strong heroine and some very funny companions make this a quest you will want to take.

legends of zita little white duck

Legends of Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke – A wonderful follow-up to the first Zita book, this time Zita has to deal with fame and an imposter.

Little White Duck: a Childhood in China by Na Liu – A beautiful graphic novel autobiography about the author’s childhood in China during the 1970s.

secret of the stone frog year of the beasts

The Secret of the Stone Frog by David Nytra – Fine black-and-white drawings create a unique graphic novel in this surreal tale of two children who wake up in an enchanted forest and try to return home again.

The Year of the Beasts by Cecil Castellucci – Text alternates with graphic novel in this book that is lush and sizzling.

Review: Little White Duck by Na Liu

| Tasha

little white duck

Little White Duck: A Childhood in China by Na Liu, illustrated by Andres Vera Martinez

This graphic novel takes a look at the changes in China during the 1970s through the eyes of a young girl.  Da Qin lives in Wahun with her family, including a younger sister.  The book opens with the death of Chairman Mao in 1976 and shows a way of life that was disappearing.  In eight chapters, Liu reveals this transitional and fleeting time in China through experiences in her own childhood.  Along with the main character, readers get to celebrate New Year, capture pests, learn the value of rice, and visit a rural Chinese village.  Throughout, it is a remarkable view into a closed society that is just starting to open itself to the outside.

Liu writes her stories with a wonderful frankness about the playfulness of childhood filled with dreams of riding on cranes, but also tied down to the earth by the everyday nature of the tales.  There is a focus on the small moments of life in China.  Some are amazing to those of us who didn’t live them, like everyone participating in catching the four pests by bringing in a certain number of rat tails. 

Martinez’s art is a study in sepia toned memories made brilliant by the colors of childhood.  Against a gray background, the bright dragon dances at New Year’s.  Orange and yellow flames cook green and brown food.  And even after the drab poverty of the rural village, there are dreams of flying on a crane high in the sky.

Informative and remarkable, this graphic novel takes a fresh and frank look at a childhood in China.  Appropriate for ages 8-10.

Reviewed from library copy.