Book Review - Forest Has a Song

Author:  Amy VanDerwater
Illustrator:  Robbin Gurley
Publisher:  Clarion Books (March 26, 2013)
Source:  A copy for review
Format: Hardcover
Audience: Ages 6 to 9
Keywords: Poetry, Nature, Forests

Amy VanDerwater: website | blog | twitter | facebook
Robbin Gourley: website |

Description from GoodReads:
A spider is a “never-tangling dangling spinner / knitting angles, trapping dinner.” A tree frog proposes, “Marry me. Please marry me… / Pick me now. / Make me your choice. / I’m one great frog / with one strong voice.” VanDerwater lets the denizens of the forest speak for themselves in twenty-six lighthearted, easy-to-read poems. As she observes, “Silence in Forest / never lasts long. / Melody / is everywhere / mixing in / with piney air. / Forest has a song.” The graceful, appealing watercolor illustrations perfectly suit these charming poems that invite young readers into the woodland world at every season.

My thoughts on the book:
Over the past few years, I have grown to love children's poetry.  Initially, I wasn't a big fan of poetry in general.  However, I started to put some concerted effort into reading children's poetry and discovered that there were some wonderful books out there.  Now I look forward to discovering new books of poetry and sharing them with children.  Debut author, Amy VanDerwater's Forest Has a Song is a beautiful addition to the world of children's poetry and it arrives to us just in time for both spring and National Poetry Month.

VanDerwater explores the forest and the changing seasons with each of her 26 poems.  She has managed to capture the magical qualities of life in the forest with poems that are accessible to all readers. One of my favorite poems is entitled Moss:

Barefoot on this emerald carpet

toe-by-toe I squish across.

I softly sink in velvet green.

Oh how I wish for socks of moss.

As I read this poem, I could feel the soft, damp, coolness of the moss as my feet sank into it.  Can't you?  This is part of the brilliance of VanDerwater's writing.  She has the ability to not only make the reader understand but to also see it and feel it.

VanDerwater's poetry is complimented by Robbin Gourley's gentle artwork.  The combination makes for a beautiful book on multiple levels.  Also, don't miss out on the book trailer created by VanDerwater's husband.  It is a wonderful way to introduce readers to the book.

Forest Has a Song will make a wonderful addition to your school or classroom library, consider picking up a copy of at your local Independent Bookstore.   And happy National Poetry Month - it almost here.   

Check out the official book trailer:



*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Thank you to BlueSlip Media for offering a copy of Forest Has a Song for giveaway.  Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a copy of Forest Has a Song a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review - Hattie Ever After

Author: Kirby Larson
Publisher: Random House (February 12, 2013)
Number of Pages: 240
Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Source: Advanced Readers Copy
Audience: Ages 11 and up
Sequel: Hattie Big Sky
Historical Fiction * Early 1900's * Woman Reports

Description from GoodReads:
After leaving Uncle Chester's homestead claim, orphan Hattie Brooks throws a lasso around a new dream, even bigger than the Montana sky. She wants to be a reporter, knowing full well that a few pieces published in the Arlington News will not suffice. Real reporters must go to Grand Places, and do Grand Things, like Hattie's hero Nellie Bly. Another girl might be stymied by this, but Hattie has faced down a hungry wolf and stood up to a mob of angry men. Nothing can squash her desire to write for a big city newspaper. A letter and love token from Uncle Chester's old flame in San Francisco fuels that desire and Hattie jumps at the opportunity to get there by working as a seamstress for a traveling acting troupe. This could be her chance to solve the mystery of her "scoundrel" uncle and, in the process, help her learn more about herself. But Hattie must first tell Charlie that she will not join him in Seattle. Even though her heart approves of Charlie's plan for their marriage, her mind fears that saying yes to him would be saying no to herself. Hattie holds her own in the big city, literally pitching her way to a byline, and a career that could be even bigger than Nellie Bly's. But can making headlines compensate for the pain of betrayal and lost love? Hattie must dig deep to find her own true place in the world. Kirby Larson once again creates a lovingly written novel about the remarkable and resilient young orphan, Hattie Inez Brooks.

My thoughts on this book:
There are a few authors that I simply love as an author and as a person.  Kirby Larson is one of those authors.  She is as wonderful in person as she is as a writer.  Everything I have read from her I loved, and it was an honor to get to meet her in Seattle during ALA's Midwinter this year. 

Now onto my review...I can't believe that I missed the release date on this wonderful book.  Yes, February was a bit of a crazy month, but seriously, how did I miss getting my review out on time?  No more excuses.  Let's start with taking a step back, I have to say that my 11 year old self would have loved, loved, loved Hattie Big Sky. I would have wanted to have known Hattie (though I may not have wanted to live on a homestead in the winter).  By the time I finished reading Hattie Big Sky, I felt like Hattie was one of my best friends. I was so proud of her and all that she attempted and all that she learned. And then she leaves Vida to start a new chapter in her life.   The story was wonderful and I always wondered how Hattie's life turned out.

When I heard that other people were wondering about Hattie and her life after Vida, I felt like I was in good company.  Then Kirby announced that there was going to be a sequel, I was thrilled. A little nervous. What would happen to Hattie now? Would our "friendship" still be there?

Well, I should never have doubted Hattie or author, Kirby Larson. Hattie's voice rang clear and true in this sequel. It felt a bit like connecting up with a dear, dear friend after too much time apart but what is so special is that you immediately pick up where you left off. There is a comfortableness in the relationship. Hattie still has the same spirit of adventure and learning but now in a whole other location and challenge.

The war is over and Hattie has found her way to San Francisco after paying off her debts from Vida.  Readers get to meet Charlie, and still get news from old favorites from Vida.  However, now Hattie is working as a cleaning lady at the San Francisco Chronicle and begins to dream of becoming a reporter.  Overlapping with Hattie's professional goals, she sets upon unraveling more of the mystery behind her Uncle Chester's life.  Even though, Hattie Ever After is only about a year after Hattie Big Sky, Hattie is certainly growing up and there is even a touch of romance in this one.  When I finished up the book, I just hugged it to my chest.  I had come to love Hattie even more than I already did.

Hattie's Fans will love Hattie Ever After and if you haven't read Hattie Big Sky you must so you can fall in love with her too.

For more information about Kirby Larson:  website | blog | twitter | facebook 

Book Review: Dangerously Ever After

Author: Dashka Slater
Illustrator: Valeria Docampo
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers (September 13, 2012)
Source: Copy for Review
Audience: Ages 4 to 7 years
Fiction * Princesses * Gardens

Description from GoodReads:
Not all princesses are made of sugar and spice--some are made of funnier, fiercer stuff.

Princess Amanita laughs in the face of danger. Brakeless bicycles, pet scorpions, spiky plants--that's her thing. So when quiet Prince Florian gives her roses, Amanita is unimpressed . . . until she sees their glorious thorns! Now she must have rose seeds of her own. But when huge, honking noses grow instead, what is a princess with a taste for danger to do?

For readers seeking a princess with pluck comes an independent heroine who tackles obstacles with a bouquet of sniffling noses. At once lovely and delightfully absurd, here's a story to show how elastic ideas of beauty and princesses can be.

My thoughts on this book:
Since my schedule is busy and I often have a stack of books to read, I have found myself being more selective of books I accept for review.  When Dashka Slater contacted me about reviewing Dangerously Ever After, I didn't hesitate to accept.  I had read this book when it came out and liked it.  During my first read, I remember liking the whole twist on the princess and prince and happily ever after concept.  Additionally, it made me laugh.  

Of course, I wondered about how it would stand up to a second more closer read.  I am happy to report that I still enjoyed this one.  It still made me chuckle in places, and even though I knew what was coming, I still loved the twist at the end.   

Slater has created a story that simply works on many levels which I suspect was not as easy as it would seem.  I can imagine that there would be a temptation to take the parody of princess fairy tales to an extreme.  However, I never felt this as I read through the story.  Instead I was struck by her choice of words and the injection of just the right amount of humor.  

I love this line when Prince Florian meets Princess Amanita:

"His name was Florian and he was out looking for a dragon to slay, or a knight to challenge -- or at least someone his own age to talk to."

Or this great exchange when Florian returns with roses and an apology:

"But what do they do?"

Prince Florian was puzzled. "Do?"

"Are their leaves as sharp as razors?" Amanita prompted.  "Do they stink worse than a giant's armpit? Do they climb up the roof and pull off the shingles?"

"They...uh...smell nice." Prince Florian answered at last.  "And they're...pretty."

"Oh," said the princess, and rolled her eyes.

Even if I didn't have the illustrations while reading this section, the text provides the visuals needed to imagine exactly how the exchange happened between the two characters.  

There is a strength in a picture book when the text can convey significant meaning even without the illustrations.  However, when outstanding text is then paired up with an illustrator who gets the the underlying meaning and emotions of the words, there is a move from good to great.  Slater's text finds its perfect mate in Docampo's illustrations.  Docampo's brightly colored whimsical illustrations are just as quirky and odd as Slater's imagination.  From the start, readers are met with Amanita's scorpion-tail hair style and metal hoop skirt worn over her skirts.  The facial expressions of all the characters also convey an added dimension of emotion.

Whether you are a fan of princesses and happy ever after endings or prefer your princess stories with a tad-bit more edge, Dangerously Ever After should be a good match for both audiences. 

Look for Dangerously Ever After at your local bookstore or public library.  When possible, please support independent booksellers.   

Check out this interview with Dashka Slater over on Carter Higgin's Design of the Picture Book Blog. 

For More Information about Dashka Slater: website | facebook | twitter | blog 

For More Information about Valeria Docampo: website | blog | 

Book Review - Little Cub

Author/Illustrator: Olivier Dunrea
Publisher: Philomel (November 27, 2012)
Source: Personal Copy
Audience: 2 to 6 years
Friendship * Foster Care * Bears

Description from GoodReads:
A darling companion to Old Bear and His Cub from the New York Times bestselling creator of the Gossie books.

What's an Old Bear to do when he finds a Little Cub all alone and afraid of the dark? Adopt him, of course! And help him try to get over his fears. In this book we see the father and son from Old Bear and His Cub meet for the first time--and grow to love one another.

With the same bold art and humorous twist on parenting, Olivier Dunrea's tumbling bears will melt your heart and show how strong the bond is between any father and son pair.

My thoughts on the book:
I am a softie for picture books with bears.  I seem to always be picking them up and reading them.  So it was no surprise that I would pick up Little Cub when I saw it in the bookstore.  As much as I adore bear picture books, I usually am a little harsh on the one more mother/child or father/child or grandparent/grandchild story that is meant to tug on the heartstrings.  However, Dunrea manages to completely win me over with his story about an orphaned cub and a crotchety old bear.  Little Cub is all alone and Old Bear is pretty set in his ways.  I love how Dunrea contrasts the two with the illustrations.  In one scene you have Little Cub, who is hungry, contemplating how he could catch a fish.  On the next page, you have Old Bear walking along with his catch of the day.     

Just as the illustrations contrast, the text does the same:

Every morning, the little cub splashed in the stream.
He watched the silvery fish swimming around his toes.
"Hmmpf," said the little cub.  "I wish I knew how to catch a fish."
But there was no one to teach him.

Turning the page....

Every morning, Old Bear trudged to the stream.
He caught a large fish for his breakfast.
"Hmmpf," said Old Bear.  "I wish I had someone to share this fish with."
But there was no one.

Dunrea understands his young audience.  Simple yet detailed pencil and gouache on watercolor paper pop on stark white backgrounds.  Text that has a pattern and a predictability allows young pre-readers to learn the rhythm of the story and to "read along".  Additionally, there is enough emotion and "awww" without being too saccharine.  

Of course, readers who began with Old Bear and His Cub two years ago will know that these two will ultimately find and adopt each other.  Yet there is something special about seeing how Little Cub and Old Bear came to be.  These two bears certainly caught my heart and I hope they catch yours. 
 
Check out the Little Cub page on Dunrea's site.  I loved seeing an original page before it was transformed into a book page.

 
Old Bear and His Cub (Board Book released November 2012; original hardcover 2010) - the original story of Old Bear and Little Cub is now available in a board book format.   

Little Cub or Old Bear and His Cub by Olivier Dunrea are perfect holiday gifts for special little ones in your lives.  They are available at your local bookstore.  Remember to buy from an Independent Bookstore when you can.

For more information about Olivier Dunrea: website | blog 

Book Review: One Day I Went Rambling

Author: Kelly Bennett
Illustrator: Terri Murphy
Publisher: Bright Sky Press (April 28, 2012)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7
Source: Copy for Review
Fiction * Picture Book * Imagination * Creativity

Description from GoodReads:
When Zane goes rambling, his friends call him crazy and refuse to play along. When he finds a shining star, it doesn't bother him when his friends try to tell him it's just a hubcap. Undaunted, Zane uses his finds to create a secret project that piques his friends' curiosity. After watching him ramble around the neighborhood, finding magic in the ordinary, his friends are eventually drawn into his imaginative game. Through the book's art, attentive readers will see that Zane is using his finds to create a pirate ship, and once his friends realize what he's up to, even the most skeptical realists join the fun and sail the afternoon away. Zane's imagination sees the cowpoke's lasso in a piece of vine, the pirate's golden ring in an old pop top, and many other treasures that have been stolen from today's children by electronic entertainment. Rambling enforces the joy of imaginative play.

My thoughts on the book:
In many ways, I envy the Zanes of the world.  They are able to see beyond the surface to what something can become rather than what it is/was.  In Kelly Bennett's newest picture book Zane is "rambling" through the neighborhood picking up things that he can find.  In his mind these items are not just pop tops or hubcabs but the making for so much more.  His friends are skeptical and already have begun to lose some of the natural inquisitiveness and imagination that children naturally have.  However, over time, and thanks to Zane's influence, his friends re-discover their own treasures and their imaginations ignite with adventure.  In the end, the children under Zane's direction have created a pirate's ship with their findings and set off to explore the world of creativity.


One Day I Went Rambling is a good reminder of the importance of play and exploration to learning.  When young children continue to be curious, their ability to understand the world and how things work together grows.  Additionally, their ability to apply what they are learning also grows.  As teachers, parents, caregivers, or librarians, we need to continue to foster play and curiosity and to celebrate the Zanes we have in our classrooms and our lives and allow them to influence those around them.  

Terri Murphy's colorful illustrations capture the emotions, and curiosity of Bennett's characters.  I enjoyed her use of grayscale and black & white for portions of the pages as Zane's friends counter his declarations of what items can be rather than what they are.  This fades out and pages become full color as the others join in on the fun.

One Day I Went Rambling would make a fun read aloud to spark children's imagination or to use to prime children for an activity that requires them to go beyond seeing things for just how they are.     


For more information about Kelly Bennett: website | blog