Hot Off the Press! - 8/19/12

Hot Off the Press is fairly regular feature focusing on picture books that are recent releases.  I usually base the post on my weekly visits to Vroman's Bookstore or Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore in LaVerne.  The following titles can be found at either bookstore (variability of titles may vary from week to week).

Here are some of the recent picture book releases out in the wild....

Insomniacs by Karina Wolf; Illustrated by Brothers Hilts - I definitely love the illustrations in this book.  They remind me of a Tim Burton movie.  The transition the family makes to being nocturnal is fun. 

Here is the official book trailer for Insomniacs:

Oh No, Little Dragon by Jim Averbeck - Little Dragon's spark was snuffed out by some water play in the bathtub.  So what is a young dragon to do?  After Little Dragon thinks of things he could possibly do, he seeks out his mother and learns that a mother's kiss just might fix everything. 

Mr. Zinger's Hat by Cary Fagan; Illustrated by Dusan Petricic - I love books that can be used on multiple levels.  This one works well both as a read aloud for younger children but as a way of discussing storytelling and learning about telling a story with older students.  The illustrations work well with the text.  Overall, I really liked this one and it would be a great addition to a classroom library.

Hot Off the Press! - 8/12/12

Hot Off the Press is fairly regular feature focusing on picture books that are recent releases.  I usually base the post on my weekly visits to Vroman's Bookstore or Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore in LaVerne.  The following titles can be found at either bookstore.

Here are some of the recent picture book releases out in the wild....

Pat the Zoo (Pat the Bunny) by Golden Books, LV Studio - Fans of the original Pat the Bunny book can have a new adventure - this time a trip to the zoo.  Though larger in format than the original book, there is still a lot of fun with this interactive touching book.

Vampirina Ballerina by Anne Marie Pace; Illustrated by LeUyen Pham - This book is actually quite funny despite hitting every vampire cliche. I even enjoyed it more than some other ballet/ballerina picture books that have come out this year.

Last Laughs: Animal Epitaphs by J. Patrick Lewis, Jane Yolen; Illustrated by Jeffrey Stewart Timmins - This dark and somewhat macabre picture book pairs the death of various animals with some great poetry.  I can see this one being a hit with upper elementary age kids. 

Hot Off the Press! - 7/29/12

Hot Off the Press is fairly regular feature focusing on picture books that are recent releases.  I usually base the post on my weekly visits to Vroman's Bookstore or Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore in LaVerne.  The following titles can be found at either bookstore.

Here are some of the new picture book releases out in the wild....

Rocket Writes a Story by Tad Hill (Random House, July 24, 2012) - If you loved How Rocket Learned to Read, you will enjoy this sequel. 

Random House has put together several resources to accompany this book.  Click here to check out several downloads. 

The Night Rider by Matt Furie (McSweeney's McMullen, August 7, 2012) - This wordless picture book is a bit of a dream journey in full color. 

 

 

Click here to get an inside look at the book.   

ABC ZooBorns! by Andrew Bleiman and Chris Eastland - This gets the cuteness vote of the week.

 

For fans of really cute baby animals, ZooBorns has their own website, and has put out a board book version, early readers, e-book, an app and more. 

Timeless Thomas: How Thomas Edison Changed Our Lives by Gene Barretta (Henry Holt, July 17, 2012) - I was eagerly awaiting this one and it didn't disappoint.  My review is coming this week.

Hot Off the Press- Well Almost!

I try to do a Hot Off the Press! post on Sundays featuring newly released picture books.  Unfortunately, the last couple of weeks, I haven't found that many that I wanted to feature in this space.  However, I did just go through a stack of F & G's (folded & gathered - think Advanced Reader Copy but for picture books) and thought I would highlight an upcoming August release. Creepy Carrots was so much fun to read and I hope that you consider pre-ordering it.

Author: Aaron Reynolds | blog
Illustrator: Peter Brown | website
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Release Date: August 21, 2012

Description from IndieBound.org:

The Twilight Zone comes to the carrot patch in this clever picture book parable about a rabbit who fears his favorite treats are out to get him. 

Jasper Rabbit loves carrots—especially Crackenhopper Field carrots.
He eats them on the way to school.
He eats them going to Little League.
He eats them walking home.

Until the day the carrots start following him...or are they?

Celebrated artist Peter Brown’s stylish illustrations pair perfectly with Aaron Reynold’s text in this hilarious picture book that shows it’s all fun and games…until you get too greedy.

Check out this great video of Peter Brown talking about his inspiration for the illustrations of Creepy Carrots:

The Creepy Carrots Zone from Peter Brown on Vimeo.

Hot Off the Press! (20)

Hot Off the Press is a weekly feature of picture books that are recent releases.  I usually base the post on my weekly visits to Vroman's Bookstore but this week's visit features books from Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore in LaVerne. 

Happy Like Soccer
Author: Maribeth Boelts
Illustrator: Lauren Castillo
Publisher: Candlewick (May 8, 2012)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

Often times, we forget that Saturday soccer games may be difficult for some parents or guardians to attend given work schedules.  In this book, Sierra loves soccer, but she would love for someone to be there to shout out her name.  However, Sierra's aunt works in a restaurant and isn't able to get away on a busy Saturday.  When the one game that Sierra's aunt is able to attend is rained out, Sierra comes up with a possible solution.  I really liked the message in this story. It presents the challenges that a working single guardian faces in order to attend the Saturday soccer games of her niece. Not preachy and not negative...loved the final resolution.

Squid and Octopus: Friends for Always
Author/Illustrator: Tao Nyeu
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers (June 28, 2012)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

Squid and Octopus join the ranks of Mouse & Mole, Frog & Toad, Elephant & Piggie as friends that children will want to read about. Part picture book and part early reader, Tao Nyeu infuses the story with fabulous illustrations and just the right amount of humor  I love the hat, and scarves, mittens and socks worn by our two friends.   The story is fun but the little side notes are almost funnier. For example, on the side, two little fish are watching an underwater sea cruiser. Fish One: X-ray vision! Now wouldn't that be grand? Fish Two: Grand Indeed.  And yes, Squid and Octopus are "grand indeed".

Oh No! Not Again! (Or How I Built a Time Machine to Save History) (Or At Least My History Grade)
Author: Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Publisher: Hyperion (June 5, 2012)
Audience: Ages 5 to 8

Our protagonist from Oh No! is back.  This time in an effort to improve her History grade she creates a time machine to go back into history to change the facts so that her answers will be correct.  Of course, nothing is ever that easy. As with the first book, Santat's illustrations take Barnett's illustrations to a new level.   

Check out the official book trailer here:

I Have the Right to be a Child
Author: Alain Serres
Translator:  Helen Mixter
Illustrator: Aurelia Fronty
Publisher: Groundwood Books (June 12, 2012)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

In 1989, the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of a Child.  Ratified by 193 countries, the United States and Somolia have still not adopted it.  This is the second book that I have seen which seeks to share what the rights are in a child friendly format.  The text is simple and clear and the illustrations are bright, and fun. 

Hot Off the Press! (19)

Hot Off the Press is a weekly feature of picture books that are recent releases.  I usually base the post on my weekly visits to Vroman's Bookstore but this week's visit features books from Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore in LaVerne.  

The Unruly Queen
Author/Illustrator: E.S. Redmond
Publisher: Candlewick (February, 2012)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

Minerva has had 52 nannies in 52 weeks.  Her behavior is so wild and impossible no one will stay. Will nanny #53 be able to tame this spoiled child?  - Lately, I am so frustrated with books that seem to celebrate rude and inappropriate behavior.  However, Redmond gets it and gets it right from beginning to end and all without being preachy or annoying.  I have to say I LOVED this book.  Both text and illustrations work together for the enjoyment of the reader.  

A Bus Called Heaven
Author/Illustrator: Bob Graham
Publisher: Candlewick (March , 2012)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

I am not sure why from the title of this book I thought I wouldn't like the story.  I should have known better since this is a Bob Graham book.  I loved How to Heal a Broken Wing.  In A Bus Called Heaven, a little girl named Stella sees the beauty and potential in a broken down old bus.  Her vision brings together a diverse urban neighborhood in creating a safe space.  Even when that space is threatened, Stella finds a way to save what was created and return a piece of "heaven" to her community.  I loved when the taggers come in the middle of the night that they are told to come back the next day to paint the bus.  And even snails have a special place in this community.

Below is a YouTube video of a bookstore's display for A Bus Called Heaven.   

Red Knit Cap Girl
Author/Illustrator: Naoko Stoop
Publisher: Little Brown Book for Young Readers (June 5, 2012)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

An enchanted forest and a little girl with a dream to meet the moon.  The red knit cap girl is curious about the whole forest but she is most curious about the moon.  With the advice of a wise owl and the support of the forest animals, the red knit cap girl seeks to talk with the moon.  However, the girl and her friends discover that it is in the dark and quiet that they will find the moon and that she is there to hear them.  Beautifully illustrated and a wonderful story for both a read aloud or a lesson.
 

I, too, Am America
Author:  Langston Hughes
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (May 22, 2012)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

I love the poetry of Langston Hughes and I love the work of Bryan Collier.  Put them together and you have a winner.  Though the words of Hughes' poem I, too, Am America are powerful supported with Collier's mixed media artwork, it is the illustrator's end notes that are extremely powerful.  Definitely a book to add to my collection of picture books featuring Langston Hughes' poems.

Hot Off the Press! (18)

Hot Off the Press is a weekly feature of picture books that are recent releases.  I usually base the post on my weekly visits to Vroman's Bookstore and browsing through their wall of new picture books. However, this week, I visited both Vroman's and Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore in LaVerne.  These titles are available at either one or both of the stores.

Zoe Gets Ready
Author/Illustrator: Bethanie Murguia
Publisher: Scholastic (May 1, 2012)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

Last year, Bethanie Murguia released the picture book Buglette, The Messy Sleeper which I adored.  And Murguia has another one that I really like.  This one made me smile and shake my head.  How many of you have ever dealt with a child that took forever to pick out clothes and get dressed? I am sure that is a lot of you.  Consequently, you will appreciate Zoe's thought process as she tries to get herself dressed on a Saturday morning and also the mounting frustration from her mother who is downstairs waiting for her.  I look forward to future books from Murguia.  Don't forget to check out the official book trailer.

Check out the book trailer for Zoe Gets Ready:

 

No Bears
Author: Meg McKinlay
Illustrator:  Leila Rudge
Publisher: Walker Books (June 1, 2012)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

This book is brilliant on several levels.  First, Ruby wants to write a story but her story is not going to have any bears in it.  Frankly, she feels that there are too many bears already in stories and she will not have one in her book.  Unbeknownst to her, our friend the bear is keeping watch on things including saving the princess from the monster.  The second cool thing about this book is the way the story mimics Ruby's own notebook pages providing readers with a reflection of sorts on the writing process.  And finally, there are many cool references to fairy tales in the book which begs for re-reading so that you can find them all.  I highly recommend this book.   

Arthur's Dream Boat
Author/Illustrator: Polly Dunbar
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

I think I selected this book first for it's beautiful illustrations and second for the imaginative story.  Arthur wakes up and wants to share with his family about the pink and green boat from his dreams.  A very tiny version of the boat appears on Arthur's head when he first awakes.  As he attempts to gain the attention of his family members to tell them about the boat, it seems to be growing larger and larger until it eventually whisks him off on it's own adventure.  Very imaginative and fun.  Children will enjoy watching the boat develop details from the dream and become larger and larger until it envelopes everyone.

Hot Off the Press! (17)

Hot Off the Press is a weekly feature of picture books that are recent releases.  I base the post on my weekly visits to Vroman's Bookstore and browsing through their wall of new picture books.

Minette's Feast: The Delicious Story of Julia Child and Her Cat
Author: Susanna Reich

Illustrator:  Amy Bates
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Audience: Ages 6 and up

An interesting selection of a narrator to help children learn about the famous chef, Julia Child.  This story is told from the perspective of Julia Child's cat, Minette.  It is set in Paris and tells of the early years of Child's journey to becoming a chef.  Of course, while Julia Child is whipping up these amazing feasts, Minette is totally preoccupied with the fresh catch of the day (a mouse).  The story does include additional features such as an author's note, bibliography, and actual quotes which can be used by older children.  Thanks to a note, I realized that this is in time for Julia Child's 100th birthday (August 15, 1912). 

Chloe, Instead
Author/Illustrator:  Micah Player
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Audience: Ages 4 and up

I am an older sister and reading Chloe, Instead was a humorous reminder of what it is like to have a younger sister who is nothing like you.  I remember multiple times when I asked myself how we ended up in the same family.  It might have taken me a bit longer to appreciate my younger sister than it takes Chloe, but this is a book that older and younger siblings will relate to and see themselves in the characters.  I really enjoyed the bright illustrations with the oversized features.  The book trailer does a nice job of giving you a taste for the story.
 
Check out the book trailer here:

How to Babysit a Grandpa
Author: Jean Reagan 
Illustrator:  Lee Wildish
Publisher: Random House
Audience: Ages 4 and up

I am so excited that this one is finally out.  I read this as an F & G (folded and gathered) back in November.  I have wanted to recommend it to people several times but always had to remind myself that it wasn't out yet.  And now it is finally here.  This is a fun story about how a grandfather comes over to babysit his grandson, but yet the grandson thinks he is the one in charge and gives tips to the reader about how to manage a grandparent when they come over.  Just a fun book and would make a good read aloud.  Additionally, it would be a good gift to a grandparent or from a grandparent. 

The Lonely Book
Author:  Kate Bernheimer
Illustrator: Chris Sheban
Publisher: Random House
Audience: Ages 4 and up

This picture book actually came out in February, but I didn't want to forget mentioning it.  (The Hot Off the Press Wall was just re-instated a few weeks ago.)  The first time I read this was as an F & G back in September.  It is a lovely story about a new book that at first receives all the attention, but over time becomes worn and lost.  One particularly child continues to search it out finally claiming it at the end. Beautiful story with gentle illustrations that compliment the text.  Any librarian, or book lover is going to like this one. 

Hot Off the Press! (16)

Hot Off the Press is a weekly feature of picture books that are recent releases.  I base the post on my weekly visits to Vroman's Bookstore and browsing through their wall of new picture books. Normally I try to select 5 titles but this week I only have 2 from Vroman's to feature.  I do have one additional new release that I found this week that I hope at some point will be available at Vroman's.

Magritte's Marvelous Hat
Author/Illustrator:  D. B. Johnson
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Audience: Ages 4 and up

I love picture books that can be used with various ages groups and for various purposes.  Magritte's Marvelous Hat is one of those books.  I could use it with preschool and kinder students with one focus and then pick it up with high school students to represent a different focus.  I was so inspired by this book that I want to use it for a Literacy Café.  The Café would feature surrealist artists from the 1920's and 1930's.  This book would be the center of the Café.  Can't you tell I am excited?  Aside from just being such a creative book (which you can see in the book trailer), I loved the addition of clear film pages to add an extra layer to the story. 

Check out the book trailer for Magritte's Marvelous Hat.

The Cat and the Bird: A Children's Book Inspired by Paul Klee
Author/Illustrator: Géraldine Elschner
Publisher: Prestel Publisher (Random House)
Audience: Ages 5 and up

The theme for this week's new releases just may well be surrealist art inspired books.  The beautifully bold and bright colors of this book simply made me happy.  The story is one where a cat dreams of being free like the bird.  With the bird's help, the cat does get a chance to escape and to play.  The book finishes with a reproduction of Klee's Cat and Bird.  Works well with Magritte's Marvelous Hat. 

Step Gently Out
Author: Helen Frost
Photographer: Rick Lieder
Publisher: Candlewick
Audience: Ages  4 to 7

Yesterday, I posted a review of Nasty Bugs by Lee Bennett Hopkins.  I then found this book.  First, I love the novels in verse by Helen Frost.  Think of Step Gently Out as a picture book in verse.  Beautifully done with photographs of insects that are simply lovely. At the end, there is a reference section that explains each of the insects featured on the pages of this book.  Where as there is a certain aspect of humor featured in Nasty Bugs, the opposite would be true of Step Gently Out.  I think the two books would partner well as part of a science unit or to celebrate National Poetry Month.     

Hot Off the Press! (15)

I am so happy that this feature is back.   It is a weekly feature of picture books that are Hot Off The Press! and I base the post on my weekly visits to Vroman's Bookstore.  Their new picture book wall is back and here are the 5 new releases that stood out from the pile this week:

The Cloud Spinner
Author: Michael Catchpool
Illustrator: Alison Jay
Publisher: Random House Children's Books (March 13, 2012)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

With the feel of a classic fairy tale, Catchpool tells the story of a young boy who is able to weave cloth from the clouds.  Beautiful cloth in the colors of gold, white, and crimson.  The young weaver creates a scarf and catches the attention of the king who wants a whole wardrobe from this special cloth.  The boy warns the king, but his greed is great.  As with any fairy tale or fable, there is a lesson to learn with modern consequences.

The Hero of Little Street
Author/Illustrator: Gregory Rogers
Publisher: Roaring Brook/Macmillan (March 27, 2012)
Audience: Ages 5 to 8

Wordless picture books can be simple or complex.  In either format, there is a story to be told.  I had one image in mind when I saw the cover of this book and was surprised to find out that the book was wordless.  To escape a group of bullies, our boy hero jumps through the frame of a picture in a museum.  The adventure begins with a romp through art and time.  With a nod to Vermeer, readers get a chance to experience 17th century Holland.  This is one book that will require multiple readings in order to grasp all of the details of the story and the illustrations. 

Green

Author/Illustrator: Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Publisher: Roaring Brook/Macmillan (March 27, 2012)
Audience: Ages 5 to 8

Green.  All types of green.  Seeger explores variations on the color green in the outdoor world with the help of die-cuts.  The text leads reader to anticipate what is presently before their eye and what is coming on the next page.  Brilliantly executed, and fascinating to explore.  I found myself searching for the die-cuts (which at times are quite small) and trying to imagine what would be on the following page.  Well done by the woman who knows how to do concept books. 

Falcon
Author/Illustrator: Tim Jessell
Publisher: Random House Children's Books (March 27, 2012)
Audience: Ages 5 to 8

A young boy imagines what it would be like to be a falcon.  He describes what he would do and where he would go as a falcon. Jessell's illustrations make the reader feel like they have indeed transformed into this awesome winged creature.  May favorite scenes were the ones where the falcon dives between buildings skimming right above the people and cars and then sharply returning to the air.  The illustrations would be beautiful as wall art.

Leo Geo and His Miraculous Journey Through the Center of the Earth
Author/Illustrator: Jon Chad
Publisher: Roaring Brook/Macmillan (March 13, 2012)
Audience: Ages 7 to 12

I truly have no clue how to classify this book. Graphic Novel? Sort of.  Nonfiction? Not completely. Science Fiction? Partly. Humor? Yup. This book is horizontally long, but the narrator suggests that the reader turn it vertically.  Makes sense when you think you will be drilling to the center of the earth.  The simple line drawings with speech bubbles take you on an adventure where the reader encounters strange creatures, and some twists and turns.  However, a careful reading will also reveal that this book is filled with a ton of geological facts.  Who says adults can't learn something from children's books. 

Hot Off the Press! Is Back!

I walked into Vroman's Bookstore this morning for my weekly visit and was so excited to see the Hot Off The Press wall was back!  Yay!  I nearly did a happy dance right there.  I did collect a stack of books.

Bookstack #1

I then went over and told Kayce that I was thrilled to have the wall back, and promptly started grazing through all of the wonderful new titles.  When Morgan arrived, I repeated my appreciation for their bringing back my favorite wall.  I am glad Morgan and Kayce know me and don't think I am some crazy customer.

Bookstack #2

I even had time for a second bookstack.  Unfortunately, I didn't have time for a third bookstack so I will definitely need to visit again...soon.

Here are some of my favorites from today.  Now go read them.

Crafty Chloe by Kelly DiPucchio; Illustrated by Heather Ross (Atheneum Books for Young Readers)

C.R. Mudgeon by Leslie Muir; Illustrated by Julian Hector (Atheneum Books for Young Readers)

Kali's Song by Jeanette Winter (Random House Children's Books)

Huff & Puff by Claudia Rueda (Abrams)

Kite Day by Will Hillenbrand (Holiday House)

I am hoping that Hot Off The Press will return as a Sunday feature.  And for readers who live near enough to visit Vroman's in person - don't forget to stop in and see all of the great new books available and maybe even buy one of the above titles.