Day: July 27, 2021

Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor

| Tasha

Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor (9780062878014)

One day, Mel decided that it was going to be the day that she learned to fly. Mama was away and her siblings were doubtful, but Mel didn’t let that stop her. So she stepped to the end of the branch, flipped and fell, down and down. The squirrels further down the trunk tried to catch her but they missed. The bees reached her, but barely slowed her down. The spider used all eight of her hands, but Mel still fell. Until she dove into the water. There she caught a fish and flipped, heading back up again. She flew up and up, back past the spider, the bees, the squirrels and many others who had worried for her fall. She flew!

Tabor has created a picture book full of drama that centers on a little bird who has a lot of self-confidence. Even as she terrifies everyone by falling down so far, she keeps a smile on her beak, blissfully falling with her eyes closed until just before she hits the water. That sudden drop into water creates almost a splash of water in the face of the reader, since it’s so surprising. The triumphant return to her family high above is joyful and celebrated by all those around her.

The art is marvelously simple, the trunk of the tree staying steady as Mel falls past. The various creatures who either try to help or watch in shock create lots of humor along the way. I particularly enjoyed the very slow snail offering to help but far too slowly. The shift to having the fish Mel caught falling down after she is back home adds to the giggles.

A joyous and triumphant look at trying something for the first time. Appropriate for ages 3-6.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by HarperCollins.

Make Meatballs Sing: The Life and Art of Sister Corita Kent by Matthew Burgess

| Tasha
Cover image for Make Meatballs Sing.

Make Meatballs Sing: The Life and Art of Sister Corita Kent by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Kara Kramer (9781592703166)

Corita Kent was a remarkable pop-artist who was also a nun, a teacher and an activist. From a small child, Corita showed kindness and empathy for others and also a love of art and creativity. Her father wanted her to do something original, and Corita certainly did. She surprised her family by becoming a nun, discovering a love of teaching and training new teachers. She joined the art faculty at Immaculate Heart College, where she discovered a love of silkscreen printing. Soon her art was winning competitions. Corita continued to teach classes and make her own art, which spoke to social justice and against poverty and war. She transformed a rather formal celebration into one of bright colors and activity. Not everyone approved of what Corita was doing, and she surprised the people around her once again, asking to be released from her religious vows. She found places for her largest work, painted on a gigantic tank, and her smallest, a rainbow postage stamp.

While Kent may not be a household name, many of us have seen her work on the iconic postage stamp. This picture book embraces her unusual life, celebrating the decisions she made, the art she created and her voice for social change. The book cleverly pulls out elements of how Kent taught and created her art, offering unique perspectives gained by seeing the world in a fresh way. The writing here is engaging and offers a tone of delight as Kent continues to surprise and amaze.

The bright and vibrant art in the book shares elements of Kent’s own work. Her play with lettering and words appear throughout the illustrations of the book, filling tree trunks, coloring margins, and as posters on the walls. The entire book is a delight of collage, typography and riotous color.

A positive and affirming look at an artist who should be better known. Appropriate for ages 6-9.

Reviewed from copy provided by Enchanted Lion.