Author: Kelly DiPucchio Illustrator: Scott Campbell Publisher: Simon & Schuster (August 23, 2011) Audience: Ages 4 to 8 (Adults will love this too) Source: Personal Copy (though I did see an Advance Copy)
Description from GoodReads: Mortimer is looking for
love. And he’s looking everywhere! He’s worked out at the gym (if only
his arm wouldn’t keep falling off). He’s tried ballroom dancing lessons
(but the ladies found him to be a bit stiff). He’s even been on
stalemate.com. How’s a guy supposed to find a ghoul? When it seems all
hope has died, could the girl of Mortimer’s dreams be just one
horrifying shriek away?
I have a confession to make. I think I have a penchant for macabre romance. Not since Boris and Bella by Carolyn Crimi & Gris Grimly, though, have I become so enamored with a picture book love story. When I saw an Advance Copy of this book, I knew I had to have it.
"Mortimer was lonely." What's a zombie looking for a date to Cupid's Ball suppose to do? DiPucchio tells us just how to go about finding your perfect undead soulmate.
I have read a variety of picture books by Kelly DiPucchio but I think this one might be my favorite of hers from this year. Zombie in Love is a good example of what happens when you take a great concept, add in some witty text including a nod to the Rupert Holmes' Pina Colada song, and top it all off with the perfect illustrations. DiPucchio and Campbell have a hit with this book. Not only will it be a great read aloud to children at Halloween or well even Valentine's Day, but this will also appeal to adults (which is always helpful when you might be reading it a dozen times).
Recently, I had a chance to visit Nucleus Gallery in Alhambra, California for the Book Release and Art Exhibit of Zombie in Love. Nucleus hosted a special party complete with a Zombie Prom Theme. Scott Campbell, Illustrator, chatted with the audience (many whom were dressed up in Zombie Prom outfits), drew pictures of characters in the book, and signed lots of copies of Zombies in Love. To check out the event, click here.
Mortimer and Mildred made an appearance.
It was great hearing Scott talk about how Kelly's notes provided him with the direction for several of his illustrations. And based on the questions from the audience, it sounds like many would like to know more about Mildred's back story. There was some serious concern about whether Mildred had any friends, especially since Mortimer has a zombie dog and his worm buddies.
A few of Scott's illustrations from the book.
If you haven't picked up a copy of Zombies in Love, I encourage you to purchase one from your local indie bookstore or check it out from your friendly neighborhood library. Or check out Nucleus Gallery's website for a limited edition print from Zombie in Love or a cool sticker sheet.
Author: Moira Young Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (June 7, 2011) Audience: Young Adult Source: Book for Review Young Adult * Dystopian * Apocalyptic
Description from GoodReads: Saba has spent her whole
life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms.
The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only
landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her,
as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster
sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is
shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get
him back.
Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world
outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her.
So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about
herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning
opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the
inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of
girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that
will change the course of her own civilization.
Blood Red Road
has a searing pace, a poetically minimal writing style, violent action,
and an epic love story. Moira Young is one of the most promising and
startling new voices in teen fiction.
We are trying something a little different with this review. Blood Red Road is a book that we both wanted to read and review. Instead of just flipping a coin to see who would review it, Renée and I decided to both share the responsibility. It was kind of fun processing the book together via Skype. Since we had fun working together on this one, we decided to try it with another book in the future. Let us know what you think of our Two Voices Review.
Blood Red Road has been on my "to-read list" since before it's release. I always worry a bit if a book will live up to the hype. Will the book that all of my friends love turn out to be the one that I don't like? I am happy to announce that I devoured this book in one sitting and it was kind of late at night which is a positive sign.
Here's what I loved about the book -
The characters. I love books that have great characters and not just the main character but all of the characters. Saba, the main female character, starts off having no real idea of who she is or what she is capable of. When her whole life changes in a minute, she begins on a journey. A journey to find and rescue her brother, but also one where she learns more about who she is. And Saba is tough!
And then there is Jack. Yes, most YA fiction would not be complete without a love interest and Jack does a very nice job filling that role. He is tough, and mysterious, and funny. And a great match for Saba. But there are more characters and they are just as essential to the book. There are the Free Hawks, girl revoluntaries, and Ike, a friend of Jack's, and characters that you want to dislike and others that you want to know their secrets, and one annoying but brave little sister.
The setting. The world has transformed into a very dangerous place. Saba learns just how wild and dangerous the world is after her brother is taken. Hopetown, one place Saba ends up on her journey, is anything but a place of hope. It actually reminded me of the Wild West with a touch of Roman cage fighting thrown in for excitement. Though the various locations that Saba passes through on her way to Lugh (her brother) are interesting, I really wanted to know more. How did the world fall into this state? Who were the Wreckers?
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and how Young wrapped it up. I also liked how the author developed the "romance" part of the book. I am not sure how to talk about it without spoiling the story. (Renée, I'll leave that challenge to you if you want to take it on.) However, I am hoping that the reference of Dustlands #1 means that there will be more to come - especially more of Saba and Jack.
_________
Like Aly, I had heard a lot about Blood Red Road before it came out. It was yet another addition to the fast-growing collection of YA dystopian that was highly recommended by bloggers, so I thought, 'Why not?' Also like Aly, I was blown away by this totally original part-apocalyptic, part-dystopian world, with a wildly original guide in our fierce protagonist, Saba.
Characters were also the best aspect of the story for me. Saba felt like such a real person -- there were even moments when she really annoyed me. She made mistakes, she didn't always act her age, and beneath her tough exterior, she was vulnerable and innocent and felt completely relatable. Her relationship with her sister was one of the most frustrating/beautiful things in the book.... And Jack. I won't keep hammering on about everything Aly mentioned, but I really can't talk about what I loved about the book without mentioning him. Jack. There. I got it out of my system. Anything more risks me going into fangirl-mode and spoiling all the fun squeal-worthy details for you.
Another really interesting thing about Blood Red Road was the writing style. The premise of the novel is of a girl searching the wasteland (or "dustlands") that is post-Wrecker world. (We're led to believe that the world was destroyed, or torn down, by the Wrecker civilization who sound very similar to present day Western world.) Because of this destruction, formal language is gone and they speak in broken, rural English slang. Except, not just the characters' dialogue is written like this, even the narration is written in this broken style. Words like 'figger' replace 'figure,' and other words are misspelt phonetically. It really immersed me in the story. I felt like I was really reading a narrative from a different culture and time.
There was also an interesting non-normal element to it. (I don't want to say paranormal, because it doesn't appear to involve vampires, faeries, or any kind of creatures.) There is a mysticism to the story that I liked, but it's very subtle. Is there any truth to the saying "written in the stars?" Are some of the old folktales about certain magical objects true? Are these animals just very intelligent or is there something more...? The novel doesn't bury you with fantasy, but I liked the small hints at something different that might be going on.
I don't want to repeat everything Aly said, but I really loved this book, so much of what she enjoyed, I enjoyed. I really hope there is a sequel, because even though the ending wasn't a cliffhanger, there are so many tangents and threads left hanging that I want need answers to! I want more Saba and Jack. I want more of the barren dustlands ruled by a corrupt and cruel government. Mostly, I want more exciting and original books like this on the market to gain popularity and attention.
For more information about debut author, Moira Young:
Author: Jerry Davis Illustrator: Katie Davis Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (April 19, 2011) Audience: Ages 2 to 6 Source: Advanced Readers Copy
Description from GoodReads: "I hear you cluckin', Big Chicken!" That's the simple refrain that Little Chicken repeats to his mama throughout a typical day. But Little Chicken can be distractable . . . and when he wanders off and gets lost, the day becomes anything but typical. With subtlety and humor, this sweet little story sweeps through a wide range emotions using the simplest of language. From husband and wife team Katie and Jerry Davis, this is a little book with a huge heart. The perfectly minimal illustrations and spare text belie the enormous message at its core: that with family, help is always just a cluck away.
Producing a children's picture book for toddlers and preschoolers that is entertaining for young children and for the adult who will be reading it aloud is not easy. Some books are cloyingly sweet. Others are a bit to sing-songy with the text. Some books have great illustrations but lack memorable text, and then there is the opposite - poetic text with lackluster illustrations. However, Little Chicken's Big Day from Jerry and Katie Davis may literally be my favorite picture book for this age group so far in 2011 (which is saying a lot since I probably have read over 300 pictures books since January).
I am not sure whether I lost my heart to the refrain "I hear you cluckin', Big chicken" or the picture of little chicken strapped into a car seat. Jerry Davis' first attempt at a children's picture book is impressive. His text captures perfectly the amusing wanderings of this baby chick on his outing with mama chick. From the time, mama chick gets little chick up and ready all the way to bedtime, readers will delight in little chicken's antics. Of course, Katie Davis' illustrations amazingly depict the emotions of the story from the look on little chick's face while buckled into the car seat (the "I don't like being buckled in" face) to the happy relief of finding his mommy after wandering off. Their collaboration has succeeded in producing a book that not only will have young children saying "again" upon reaching the end, but one that even mommies & daddies who are reading it will want to read "one more time".
I look forward to future collaborative efforts from the husband and wife team of Jerry Davis and Katie Davis. Little Chicken's Big Day will definitely be added to my list of books to give new parents or or as gifts to my favorite little friends.
You can find out more about Katie Davis and her books at http://katiedavis.com/blog/welcome/
And you can find her on twitter: @katiedavisburps
And don't forget to watch the book trailer for Little Chicken's Big Day. It makes me laugh and is probably my favorite book trailer of 2011.
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson Illustrator: Matt Faulkner Publisher: Simon & Schuster (September 27, 2005) Reading Level: Ages 4 to 10 years Source: Personal Copy Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Description from GoodReads:
We the people of the United States...
Almost Lost Thanksgiving
Yes. That's right!
Way back when "skirts were long and hats were tall" Americans were forgetting Thanksgiving, and nobody seemed to care!
Thankfully, Sarah Hale appeared. More steadfast than Plymouth Rock, this lady editor knew the holiday needed saving. But would her recipe for rescue ever convince Congress and the presidents?
Join acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson on a journey of a woman and a pen that spanned four decades, the Civil War, and five presidents, all so you could have your turkey and eat it too!
Thanks to @mrschureads on Twitter I have a new favorite Thanksgiving Picture Book - THANK YOU, SARAH: THE WOMAN WHO SAVED THANKSGIVING. This non-fiction picture book tells the story of Sarah Hale. A woman who was well ahead of her times. Hale, a mother of five, had a well established career as an advocate, writer, and editor. She even wrote "Mary Had A Little Lamb". However, when she discovered that people were not observing Thanksgiving regularly and it was potentially going to be lost as a holiday, Hale began a 38 year letter writing campaign to convince the President to declare it a National Holiday on a set date. It wasn't until 1863 and Abraham Lincoln that Hale finally met with success.
Laurie Halse Anderson, though more well-known for her Middle Grade and Young Adult books (SPEAK, CHAINS, FEVER, FORGE, and more), tackles the re-telling of Hale's journey to rescue Thanksgiving in a delightful and humorous manner. With a bit of irreverency in both text and illustrations, Halse Anderson brings alive Hale's perseverance and tenacity while Faulkner does an excellent job making the text pop with caricature style drawings. At the end of the story, Halse Anderson challenges readers to "Pick up your pen. Change the world." And Hale certainly did that with her pen.
When I recently read the book aloud to a group of third graders, they were fascinated with the story. Children wanted to spend time looking at the illustrations which definitely match the tone and intent of Halse Anderson's writing. This is one book that I am going to need to keep several copies of so that I will always have one to loan out.
So what is your favorite Thanksgiving picture book or chapter book?
