Andrew’s Comments (group member since Jan 17, 2010)

Andrew’s comments from the LLED, Spring 2010 group.

Congratulations to the Winner - George McClements for "Baron Von Baddie and the Ice Ray Incident"

Nomination for Brooke: "Waiting for May" by Janet Morgan Stoeke

Based on the author's personal experiences, this story portrays a family's long wait to travel to China to meet their new baby girl. A loving older-brother-to-be describes his anticipation and impatience as he yearns for his sister, emotions that are akin to the longing many families feel when awaiting an infant. However, the smoothly flowing text also imparts a surprising amount of information about requirements unique to international adoptions, mentioning the documents, interviews, and fingerprints necessary to "make sure that she is going to a good family" and even referring to China's one-child policy. Stoeke deftly handles a sensitive topic when Mom says, "I think it must be awfully hard for those mothers," and the boy thinks, "I think it must be hardest for the babies." When they finally meet May, he is dismayed that his new sister clings to her caretaker and cries continually despite his family's attempts to comfort her. In the satisfying ending, the child becomes intrigued by one of her new brother's turtle buttons and relaxes into a hug with him. The colorful paintings enhance the narrative and capture the various emotions of the characters. (Thanks Amazon.com!)

Nomination for Jayme: "Going North" by Janice Harrington

It's 1964 in Alabama, and Jessie's African American family prepares to leave the South for better jobs and schools. Jessie knows that the best opportunities lie further north, but she doesn't want to leave her beloved grandparents and familiar home: "I wish my toes were roots. / I'd grow into a pin oak and never go away." Then moving day arrives, and the family piles into the station wagon for a long drive to Nebraska. In subtle, cadenced poetry, Harrington brings close the stark realities blacks faced in the segregated South ("Can't stop anywhere. / Only the Negro stations, / only the Negro stores") as well as Jessie's growing excitement as she considers what's ahead: "listening to the tires / make a road-drum, a road-beat: / good luck / good luck / good luck." Lagarrigue's paintings beautifully capture the family scenes in the car and the endless, shifting landscape from the window in soft-edged, thickly brushed strokes that heighten the emotions in Jesse's words--the nostalgia, the worry, and the bittersweet hope about a promising new place. (Thanks Amazon.com!)

Nomination for Stephanie: "Goodbye Mousie" by Robie Harris

A little boy wakes up one morning and tickles his pet mouse's tummy, but Mousie doesn't move. So begins this story for the very youngest about the death of a pet. Daddy tells the boy that Mousie is dead, but the child prefers to think that Mousie is just very, very tired. Slowly, after lots of tears and many questions, the boy comes to terms with the fact that his pet is gone. He plans for the funeral by painting a picture of himself to put inside the shoebox that will hold Mousie. He will get another pet, but not right away. Ormerod's honest pictures, black-pencil line drawings with watercolor washes on buff-colored paper, capture the emotions of the situation and chronicle the boy's move from disbelief to acceptance. The endpapers, on which Mousie cavorts, show what a delightful little pet he was. The choice of a first-person narrative has a tendency to distance listeners because the boy often sounds older than he looks. Still, this covers all the bases of a frequently asked-for subject. (Thanks Amazon.com!)

Nomination for Typhani: "And Tango Makes Three" by Justin Richardson

This tale based on a true story about a charming penguin family living in New
York City's Central Park Zoo will capture the hearts of penguin lovers everywhere. Roy and Silo, two male penguins, are "a little bit different." They cuddle and share a nest like the other penguin couples, and when all the others start hatching eggs, they want to be parents, too. Determined and hopeful, they bring an egg-shaped rock back to their nest and proceed to start caring for it. They have little luck, until a watchful zookeeper decides they deserve a chance at having their own family and gives them an egg in need of nurturing. The dedicated and enthusiastic fathers do a great job of hatching their funny and adorable daughter, and the three can still be seen at the zoo today. Done in soft watercolors, the illustrations set the tone for this uplifting story, and readers will find it hard to resist the penguins' comical expressions. The well-designed pages perfectly marry words and pictures, allowing readers to savor each illustration. (Thanks Amazon.com!)

Nomination for Kristin: "The Voyage of Poppykettle" by Robert Ingpen

Set in ancient Peru, there is a village of miniature people who lead a peaceful life sailing and fishing. But when the Spanish invade, the little community has to find a new home. The intrepid fishermen transform an old tea kettle into a ship and set out on the high seas to find the land "beyond the horizon." They dodge ferocious iguanas, crash onto reefs, and nearly sink in a terrible storm, but finally the kettle comes to rest on a strange new land the little Peruvians can call home. Robert Ingpen has vividly captured this modern Australian folk tale with rich illustrations and a fun sense of detail. This is an imaginative story about setting off into the unknown. (Thanks Amazon.com!)

Nomination for Mallori: "How Willy got his Wheels" by Deborah Turner

This book is charming, funny, sweet and most of all, inspirational. This true story of a very special little dog would warm the heart of even the most life hardened soul. I don't know when, if ever, I've been this touched by a children's book. And here I sit, the mother of three small boys. Willy's [new family includes:] Deborah, who adopts him from an animal hospital, and his new siblings, Sweet Pea a Chihuahua and Marshmallow the fluffy cat. This energetic group will keep you chuckling long after the story engraves itself on your heart. Though this is essentially a children's book, it has a far ranging, even universal, appeal. How can we not all thrill to a story of huge courage in the face of challenge. An essential story for any book collection whether it be in a home, public library, or a school. (Thanks Amazon.com)

Nomination for Heidi: "Sam's New Friend" by Thierry Robberecht

Sam is only friends with boys. Boys are strong and tough--girls aren't. But when Ellie joins Sam's class and he's forced to get to know her, he finds out that her parents may be getting a divorce. Then Sam sees just how strong and tough a girl can be, and he makes his first real friend.
Readers will relate to Sam's feelings--and his change of heart--and the bold colors, engaging animal characters, and gentle humor are perfectly suited to the preschool audience. (Thanks Amazon.com!)

Nomination for Mike: "Bully" by Judith Caseley

The bully and his victim get sympathy in this picture book. When Mickey's friend Jack turns into a bully, grabbing Mickey's cookies, tripping him in the lunchroom, and throwing Mickey's cap across the school bus, Mickey discusses it at home. Use brave words, Papa says. Try being nice to him, Mama says. It turns out that Jack is angry and hurt because he's feeling displaced by his baby sister. Mickey makes Jack laugh and they make up and become friends again. The solution is much too easy, of course, as every child will recognize, but the story does open up issues for discussion. Caseley's pictures in watercolor, colored pencil, and black pen show the various scenarios in the park, the school, and at home, and the hurt and anger between friends and enemies. (Thanks Amazon.com!)

The award I will be giving is called "Villainous Villains." This award will go to the best picture book villain. The character may be someone that is misunderstood or even at the wrong place at the wrong time. It is also possible that the villain is just one mean son of a monkey! In Lehr Chapter 13, there is talk of such villains and heroes; there is always a balance between the two. The nominations for this book should be posted no later than March 25, 2010.

Nomination for Brooke: "Waiting for May" by Janet Morgan Stoeke