KREX BOOK OF THE MONTH, MAY 2013, BEST OF THE WEST featuring LITTLE RED HOT, COWPOKE & DIRTY DAWG, AND COWBOY UP!

     What are the odds of having three newly released children’s’ books about the West land in your mailbox at the same time?  May has unfolded as an ace high hand of three very different and wonderful books.  COWPOKE CLYDE AND DIRTY DOG by Lori Mortensen, COWBOY UP! RIDE THE NAVAJO RODEO by Nancy Bo Flood, and LITTLE RED HOT by Eric Kimmel provide a trio of five apple books.

 

     Award winning author, Eric Kimmel is a master storyteller and re-teller.  LITTLE RED HOT with text by Kimmel and illustrations by Laura Huliska-Beith takes a classic and turns it into one creative hot read.  Set in Texas, Little Red Hot likes chili peppers.  Fearless and cleaver, she stands her ground with Senor Lobo.  What stands out in this book is Kimmel’s focus on his character’s uniqueness and strength allowing her to solve her own problem.  LITTLE RED HOT is a 1500 word, picture book. Heavy on the text like most classic tales, this book is for readers or is to be read aloud to school age children.  There are interesting facts about chili peppers placed strategically in the beginning of the book that make it clear the heat of chili peppers is serious business.

 I give this book 5 apples, outstanding. It takes a master storyteller to re-tell a story that has been over-told. LITTLE RED HOT feels new with just the right amount of heat.


     This book is a partial retelling of a classic tale, picture book that has a high word count. It is for children 6 and up.  It has high appeal for boys and girls.  The themes in the book are helping and helping your-self, and actions and consequences. 


     If you want to find out more about author Eric Kimmel, check out his website at: Eric’s Website.  LITTLE RED HOT is published by Amazon Children’s Publishing and is available online and through your local independent bookseller. 

 

     A cowpoke and his dog coupled with the rhythmic, rhyming, humorous romp of award-winning author Lori Mortensen and the dynamic, action oriented illustration of award winning illustrator, Michael Allen Austin energizes the reader in Mortensen’s latest book, COWPOKE CLYDE AND DIRTY DAWG.  Mortensen is a first class, wordsmith with seamless rhythm and rhyme.   This fast paced, page-turner, pleases the eyes, ears, and hearts from children to adults, including cowpokes and dog lovers of all shapes and sizes.  COWPOKE CLYDE AND DIRTY DAWG is a 32-page picture book for school age readers and is a fun and fast read aloud for adults.  Page after page, readers will smile and wonder what’s going to happen next.  How will Clyde solve his dirty problem? 

     I give this book, 5 apples, cream of the crop. COWPOKE CLYDE AND DIRTY DAWG is a one of a kind, creative book with topnotch writing and illustration.


     This book is a picture book that has an average word count with complex language.  It is for children 6 and up and will appeal to boys and girls.  It could be used in teaching about poetry, rhyme and rhythm.

The theme is about sticking to resolving problems, humor, and knowing things will work out.


     If you want to find out more about author Lori Mortensen, check out her website at:Lori's Website.  COWPOKE CLYDE AND DIRTY DAWG is published by Clarion Books and is available online and through your local independent bookseller.

     COWBOY UP! RIDE THE NAVAJO RODEO by award winning author, Nancy Bo Flood with photography by Jan Sonnenmair combines narrative poetry with detailed description of rodeo events that makes accessible a unique view of the Navajo rodeo.  COWBOY UP! is a non-fiction, story, picture book that captures what feels like the heart and soul of not just any ole rodeo, but a Navajo rodeo.  Bo Flood’s life on the Navajo Nation Reservation paired with research and skilled writing are precisely placed with poignant photographs that bring a charge to the page.  This nonfiction portrait is laced with narrative poetry and narrative from the rodeo announcer balanced with active description of the events.  Bo Flood not only carries out the task of writing from three different voices bringing them powerfully together She does it with the execution and confidence of the riders she depicts in her words. 

I give this book, 5 apples, cream of the crop.  COWBOY UP! RIDE THE NAVAJO RODEO is unique and beautiful in its’ depiction of this rodeo slice of life on the Navajo reservation.   The themes in the book are rodeo, family and community.


     This book is a story, picture book that has a long word count and complex language.  It is for school age readers.   It will appeal to boys and girls.  It could be used in teaching about rodeo, native cultures, and poetry.


     If you want to find out more about author Nancy Bo Flood, check out her website at: Nancy’s Website.  COWBOY UP! is published by the WordSong an imprint of Highlights and is available online and through your local independent bookseller.

A BEST OF THE WEST BOOK is being given away this month to a lucky winner who posts a comment on this blog or signs up as a follower or likes the Book Wisdom by Diane Facebook page.  If you sign up as a follower please let me know you did, I do not have access to your name or use your information as I value your privacy. Drawing happens in June.

Book Wisdom Review, February 16, PICASSO, I THE KING, YO EL REY

PICASSO, I THE KING by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand

It takes spunk, finesse, creativity, intelligence and an “I can do” attitude when it comes to writing biographies for youth, especially in the young adult category.  Biographies have to honestly capture the historical figure in a manner that engages the reader, balances the light and shadow aspects of another human being while delivering essential information.  Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, an award-winning author elevates biography writing to a very high standard.  Her recent biography, PICASSO, I THE KING, YO EL REY illustrated by Caldecott –winning illustrator David Diaz is published by Amazon Children’s Books.  Through free verse poems based on the roller coaster life of Pablo Picasso, Carmen places her young adult readers in the first car of the coaster guiding them through Picasso’s life of drama.  Twists and turns, ups and downs, highs and lows are shared with honesty and integrity. David Diaz's illustration of the poems and Picasso’s life are simply beautiful and capture Pablo’s life  through his use of color and line.  What a creative way to do biography.  PICASSO, I THE KING is a 64 page, deeply researched biography that is written beautifully and has a substantial section of back matter.   The only problem I see with this book is that it was not available to me when I taught high school art and art history. 

I give this book four apples, a great read.  This biography for young adults engages the reader through poetry and imagery.  It would make a great addition to a library and teaching about art that supports young adults.

Carmen T. Bernier-Grand

The themes in this book are biography, 20th Century Art History, Picasso, and how life creates and impacts art.  It is a book designed for mature young adults.  It is question and thought provoking supporting higher level thinking skills of young adults.

Carmen T. Bernier-Grand has many other successful biographies and if you would like to find out more about Carmen and her award winning work, you can check out her website at: CARMEN'S WEBSITE  This book is available by ordering at your local independent book seller and Amazon Children's Books.

Book of the Month, Book Wisdom, January 7, 2013 - ALA 2012 Notable Picture Book, E.B. White Read-Aloud Picture Book Honor Award

OH,NO! by C. Fleming & E. Rohmann

     When it comes to picture books, award winning author, Candace Fleming and Caldecott medalist, Eric Rohmann are no strangers.  A few years back, I was incredibly lucky to attend The Highlights Foundation, Chautauqua Workshop in New York where Candace mentored me, and I attended multiple workshops with both her and Eric.  The workshop that comes to mind was a picture book workshop where this duo of spouses  presented together, bringing the author and illustrator points of view.
     Looking back over my notes, what jumps out are the words "page turns".  Successful picture books are about page turns created by raising the emotional level of the scene, using a funny moment, changing the scene, adding to what the character wants or needs.  The most important and last page turn ends with an  "Ah Ha" moment, or a twist, something satisfying, or a surprise.  I thought it would be the opportune time to look at the page turns in their recent book, OH, NO! by Random House Publishing.

    OH, NO! is a 32 page picture book for ages 3 - 7. A fast paced story that builds suspense and uses words that are fun to say that children and the reader will enjoy, this picture book has the feel of an upgraded, traditional folk tale or a Rudyard Kippling, Just So Story.  Set in the jungle, OH, NO! takes the reader on a page turning, wild ride that ends with a twist and satisfying moment.  In this book, Candace and Eric bring to life what they teach to other writers and illustrators.

      
The combination of Candace's popping text with Eric's dynamic illustration bring together the strengths of author and illustrator in a finely balanced act. Age appropriate, OH,NO! shares the message of "working together in community" at a time we most need. It is a very subtle, as it should be. The role of the tiger emerges slowly and moves the book along with glimpses of his presence. The ending is very satisfying.  Picture books are an art form.  OH,NO!, a very strong contender for numerous awards will sure to be in the front of the pack.

I give this book 5 apples.  It is an outstanding example of children's writing and illustration that both the child and the reader will enjoy, time and time again. It will appeal to both boys and girls and make a great addition to a child's book shelf, library or classroom.

The themes in this book are community, helping others, friendship, perseverance, and walking away from trouble. 

If you would like more information about Candace Fleming and the books she writes, you can visit her author website at: Candace's website.  You can also learn about Eric Rohmann and his art at: Eric's website.

You can find or order OH,NO! at your independent book store, Grand Valley Books is our local store in Grand Junction.  It is also available at Barnes and Noble and online at Amazon.

Thank you for tuning in this morning or visiting this blog.  Leave a comment on this blog and/or like the Book Wisdom By Diane page on Facebook and you will be entered to win a copy of this book. If you sign up for the once or twice monthly post, you will automatically be entered monthly!  Just let me know by email as your privacy is always respected.  I do not know who subscribes. 

Book of the Month, Book Wisdom, December 3, 2012

Are you looking for some great holiday or winter reads in the category of picture books?  This month I have two new books from outstanding authors including a local West Slope author.  Holiday and seasonal books can be extra difficult to successfully write and get published.  Both of these award winning authors have many books published.   They continually strive to write high quality children's literature and have the skill to look at things from children's perspectives from both having previous careers in education. It  served them well knowing children at a developmental level as well as knowing what children love to read.

  

TURKEY CLAUS by Wendi Silvano

     Award winning, Grand Junction author, Wendi Silvano continues the saga of turkey and his troubles in a very clever and entertaining way in her newly released picture book, TURKEY CLAUS. Although this book is considered a sequel to TURKEY TROUBLE, Wendi has created a unique story that stands completely on its' own. Relieved after escaping being the main course at Thanksgiving, Turkey learns that he is soon to be the back on the menu for Christmas dinner. With little time left, Turkey steps off on a trip to the North Pole to enlist the help of Santa. What is endearing about Turkey is his positive attitude and his thinking "outside the box". He never gives up. Lee Harper's bold and colorful illustration bring the story to life adding to the fun. Wendi's surprise ending is just that, a surprise that is satisfying down to the very last bite of TURKEY CLAUS.

     
     I rate this book as a  solid four apple book,  a great read.  Loveable, fun character in Turkey and a clever story are well matched with bold illustration will make this a holiday favorite for years to come.

     TURKEY CLAUS is a good match for children of both genders ages four through early elementary as well as enjoyable for adults, and a good classroom or library read aloud, especially for children who are at the developmental stage where they still believe in Santa.

     The themes in the story are humor and positive problem solving creating a win-win situation for all.

     You can learn more about Wendi,  her books and where to buy them at : Wendi's Website

     TURKEY CLAUS is published by Amazon Children's Publishing.  You can find it through Barnes and Noble or Amazon.  Your local book store can also order this book for you. 

SNOW DAY FOR MOUSE by Judy Cox

   
Award winning author, Judy Cox continues her wonderful adventure of a tiny mouse with a big heart with the new arrival of SNOW DAY FOR MOUSE, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler.  Mouse wakes to the wonder of his first snow day.  With his housemate Cat not far behind Mouse is swept out into a snowy adventure where he makes some fine feathered friends.  Ebbeler's style and perspective with his illustration continues to engage the reader/viewer expanding the mouse/child sized perspective of the world.  This is a perfect match of Judy's words and the illustration, great crafting a picture book.


 

 I rate this book as a solid four apple book, a great read. Seeing and experiencing the world from a mouse perspective through a child's heart hooks while the illustrators skill in creating perspective lifts the adventure up and off the page.

     SNOW DAY FOR MOUSE is a high interest story for both genders and appropriate for school age children making friends and experiencing their world around them.  It is sure to become another favorite book about Mouse whether read in the classroom or home.

     The themes in the story are friendship and adventure.

All the Mouse books by Judy are published by Holiday House.  You can learn more about Judy and her books at her website: Judy's Website.  SNOW DAY FOR MOUSE is available through all major book stores.  Your local book store can also order this book for you.  

 Thanks for tuning in this morning or visiting this blog.  Leave a comment on this blog and/or like the Book Wisdom page on Facebook and this month I will be donating books to the local Toys for Tots for the holidays.  I will donate one book per each comment and like.    If you sign up for the once or twice monthly post, you will automatically be entered monthly!  Just me know by email as your privacy is always respected.  I do not know who subscribes. 

Author, Mirka M.G. Breen, November 16th Reviews

     Thanksgiving is next week.  I am very grateful to be blogging about two wonderful books from an author who is part of my writing family.   These books are by Mirka M.G. Breen.  One book is a middle grade novel and the other a Thanksgiving holiday, picture story book.  Both books have the qualities that I look for and reflect the personality, skill and creative style of Mirka, who lives by and speaks her mind with authority, in a way that I truly admire.  Her creativity, skill, and style make for strong, clear, consistent voice.  It's the reason I chose to put them together. 

THE VOICE OF THUNDER by Mirka M. G. Breen

      Author, Mirka M. G. Breen's debut middle grade novel, THE VOICE OF THUNDER is nothing short of outstanding. THE VOICE OF THUNDER is set in 1967 Jerusalem during the Six-Day War, a lesser known, very important, historical event.  The reader is taken on a journey through the heart and soul of ten-year-old Mira Levi.  Mirka's voice breathes life into the innocence, fear, and struggle of Mira juxtaposed with her best friend, Gili Moser.  Using her own personal experience as a fifth grader living in Jerusalem during this war, Mirka has created authentic and memorable characters that leave the reader yearning to know what will happen next. I found this book insightful and entertaining.   

I rate this book, a 5 apple book, outstanding, cream of the crop.  Mirka's uses her writing skills, ability to create real and accurate characters, and her first hand knowledge of Jewish history to create a book that is award winning caliber.

    THE VOICE OF THUNDER is a 114 page, middle grade novel for both genders, ages 9 through 14. It masterfully captures the innocence and struggle of moving from childhood into adolescence. 

    The themes in this book are growing up, family, friendship, war and Judaism. 

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THERE'S A TURKEY AT THE DOOR by Mirka M.G.Breen

     THERE'S A TURKEY AT THE DOOR by author Mirka M.G. Breen is another debut book, in story book format.  Published in 2011 and illustrated by Sonya Hallett, this holiday book takes place at Thanksgiving with a family that is vegetarian.  Tired of writing about Thanksgiving without turkey, third grade Niles gets a surprise visit from Henrietta. This charming book approaches Thanksgiving from a unique angle.  Full of humor, it will delight young and old, vegetarians and carnivores too.  

 I rate this book, a 4 apple book, a very good book. Mirka does a wonderful creating the characters of Niles and Henrietta and developing their relationship.

     THERE'S A TURKEY AT THE DOOR is a 24 page picture story book for both genders, ages 4 -9.    The age portrayal of Niles is carried out well while Henrietta remains an bird without any anthropomorphism.  This is a picture story book which means it has more text than a typical picture book.

     The themes in the book are Thanksgiving, vegetarianism, acceptance, and friendship.

    If you would like to learn more about Mirka and her books, you can check out:  Mirka's Website.  THE VOICE OF THUNDER is available through your local independent book seller, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and the publihser: WiDo.  THERE IS A TURKEY AT THE DOOR can be purchased through Amazon or by contacting Mirka through her website.  The publisher of this book is unfortunately out of business.  There are a limited amount of these wonderful books available.


     There is not a book giveaway with this post.

Book Wisdom, 5 Apple Review, November 5, 2012

    

     Choosing books for children is like walking down the cereal isle in a grocery store.  There are lots of options, some boring, some sugary, some colorful, some healthy.  Knowing what to look for can save you time and money and perhaps an unpleasant scene.  It can also help you to make conscious choices about what you feed your child.  The same is true for choosing what you read to your child.  

     This month is Picture Book Month.   I am honored to share three outstanding picture books, one shared by an author, one an author/illustrator, and one by a Canadian illustrator. This trifecta is an exciting group of books because they are all exceptional examples of writing and illustration.  In addition, they are developmentally appropriate, and fun.  Each book is reviewed below and information on how to buy the book and my giveaway are located below the reviews.

     When I look at writing, I look for strong hooks, a line that pulls me into the book, clear voice, strong and unique characters, a solid story arc, humor, word use, and a climax and conclusion that is quick and ties the story together in the perfect little bundle.  This sounds easy, but in a picture book, it takes a great deal of skill to pull it off.  Picture books are also written for several readers, child and the adult who is purchasing and/or reading to the child.

      Strong illustration also takes clear voice and vision. It must carry through a story in images depicting unique characters and view points that add to the story, and execution of humor and emotion that evoke a similar response in the reader/viewer.  On top of that major task, an illustrator needs to have a strong command of art elements and design principles.  When used well, they create flow, evoke emotion, and draw the viewer further into the story.  This needs to look effortless. Most readers and children do not know that most of the time authors have no say in how the illustration will look unless they are the illustrator themselves.

     A story that is developmentally appropriate fits closely with the readers developmental stage.  Picture books can be written for a variety of developmental stages and may cross over several.  The most common picture book age range starts around age 3 and goes through age 8.  The cognitive, social, emotional, and physical changes that children go through during this time span are significant and should determine what is written and illustrated.   I will talk more about this a bit later.

    Children learn through play.  Play is children's work.  Healthy play is engaging and fun.  Reading picture books can be playful or full of play and fun.  It engages the child and is often their first introduction to reading.
  

The Thankful Book by Todd Parr

     Perfect timing allowed me to share TODD PARR'S 24 page picture book, THE THANKFUL BOOK with anchor Meaghan Wallace on Grand Junction's CBS affiliate, KREX, NewsChannel 5, This Morning.

     I chose Todd's book because the days until Thanksgiving are ticking down and thankfulness or gratitude is something that we can never have enough of.  I am very grateful for Todd writing and illustrating this book.  Thankfuls are an evening ritual in my home before we eat modeled by our nephew some years ago.  It stuck.  It allows us to stop amidst the chaos and reflect on what is important. 

     A new release, THE THANKFUL BOOK simply shares this point of view from the perspective of a small child.  It hooks the reader.  You want to know what is next,  Todd pulls it together with the simple truth there are lots of things to be thankful for.  His illustrations are friendly and full of bold colors, perfect for a young child learning about who they are.  

     It's fun and engaging.  I am thankful for underwear because I like to wear it on my head.  This is a priceless line.

  I rate this book a five apple book, cream of the crop. Easy to read aloud, the wonderful text and illustrations will touch the child and adult, alike. It matches the child's developmental stage.

    THE THANKFUL BOOK  is for children of both genders, ages three and up. 

    The themes in this book are cultivating gratitude and sharing gratitude.

    You can learn more about Todd,this children's book and his other award winning books at: Todd's Website or through his publisher Little, Brown & Company. 

I'M BORED by Michael Ina Black, Illustrated by Debbie Ohi

     I'M BORED is funny new picture book that takes a simple, common line, children love to repeat to adults and each other, and fully engages the reader. Michael Ian Black 's words are elevated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi's illustrations.  Try convincing a potato that there is nothing boring about a child.  Black and Ohi do exactly that with the spot on match of words and illustration.  I'M BORED is clever and fun.  Debbie's energetic illustration style captivates the reader through how it paces the book. Scale and dynamic use of line set the story in constant motion and emotion.  I read the story with only looking at the pictures and knew exactly what happening.  I'M BORED fits the pure definition of picture book.  

  I rate this book a five apple book, cream of the crop. Witty and fun, this book is sure to become a favorite.  

    I'M BORED  is for children of both genders, early school age and up. It's developmentally appropriate by the use of the challenge of looking at the world from a matter of fact viewpoint and having to deal with a potato. 

    The themes in this book are boredom, humor, and self assurance.

    Thank you Debbie for sending the book to me! You can learn more about Debbie,and this children's book at: Debbie's Website or through her publisher Simon & Schuster  Books For Young Readers.  

PRINCESS IN TRAINING BY TAMMI SAUER

     Award winning author, Tammi Sauer takes the training a princess to a new, royal level, in her hot off-the-press, picture book, PRINCESS IN TRAINING illustrated by Joe Berger.  Everyone knows a princess or two, a want-to-be princess, a princess in hiding. You might even live with one.  The glittery dynamic cover with Princess Viola Louise Hassenfeffer skate boarding across the front fuels the "must read this list" even for non-princess adults.  Tammi captures what it is like to not be an ordinary princess in a world of that wants ordinary princesses. Tammi's clear writing voice and strong, unique character in Viola sets the lively pace captured in the fun, intense, action packed illustrations. It's picture book perfect. This book is sure to help redefine and redirect the stereotype of princess in a positive way.

  I rate this book a five apple book, cream of the crop. Lively Viola is sure to race her way into your heart and onto your book shelf.

PRINCESS IN TRAINING will be high interest for girls and boys will also relate.  It is appropriate for early school age and up. Viola's strong desire to fit in and do right by what her parents and royal society wants while becoming more independent make it a very relatable theme for children. 

    The themes in this book are being ones self, fitting in, family obligations and stereotypes.

    You can learn more about Tammi,and this children's book at: Tammi's Website or through her publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group. 

You can find these five apple picture books from all the major book sellers.  Also, they can be ordered from your local independent book store.  In Grand Junction that bookstore is Grand Valley Books.

     Thanks for tuning in this morning or visiting this blog.  Leave a comment on this blog and/or like the Book Wisdom page on Facebook and be entered to win one of these great books.  If you sign up for the once or twice monthly post, you will automatically be entered monthly!  Just me know by email as your privacy is always respected.  I do not know who subscribes.