Category: YA/MG/Children’s Books Page 11 of 38

Bunnicula: The Graphic Novel by James Howe, Andrew Donkin, Stephen Gilpin: The Children’s Classic Brought to Life in a New Format

DETAILS:
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 29, 2022
Format: Paperback
Length: 128 pg.
Read Date: October 22, 2022

What’s Bunnicula: The Graphic Novel About?

This is easy—it’s a graphic novel adaptation of the modern classic, Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by James and Deborah Howe.

For those who missed this when they were kids, briefly, it’s the story about a dog (Harold) and a cat (Chester) reacting to a rabbit that their family brings home after finding him in a movie theater. The rabbit has some distinctive patterns on his fur that remind the kids (and Chester) of a classic Dracula-type vampire, so they name him Bunnicula.

Chester’s a literary type, with a taste for classic horror. Between his look, Bunnicula’s nocturnal habits, and the fact that every vegetable in the house starts being drained of its juices, Chester becomes convinced that the new pet is a vampire and tries his best to warn the family and destroy the intruder before he harms the family. Harold’s around as the voice of reason and tries to mitigate Chester’s shenanigans before his new little buddy gets hurt. Hilarity and shenanigans ensue.

Stephen Gilpin’s Work and the Look of the Book Overall

When I saw this on the bookstore shelf, I was intrigued because the original novel was such a favorite of mine—and then my kids, too. I had no real intentions of buying it because I could always just grab the novel again to revisit, but I picked it up to give it a quick glance and the art blew me away, and I had to buy it. Chester looked good, I clicked immediately with the character design for the Monroes (particularly the boys), Bunnicula was spot-on…

But the clincher for me was Harold. He might as well have been a werewolf drinking a piña colada at Trader Vic’s, because his hair (and everything else) was perfect. Sure, now it’s expected that the dog will be my favorite character in a book—but that wasn’t my default when I first encountered the book. But it took little time for him to be my favorite character in the series*. So when Gilpin knocked that character out of the park, he won my affection. Sure, it’s based on the illustrations from the original book, but he owned it and brought the look to life.

* It’s very likely that Harold laid the groundwork for my appreciation of canine protagonists, like Chet and Oberon.

Sometimes, I wonder what the point is behind doing a graphic novel adaptation of a written work—does it really add anything? This one did—there are some nice updates (Harold uses a computer, etc.) and some visual jokes and flourishes that could only be made in this format. Gilpin clearly made the most out of what Howe and Donkin gave him.

So, what did I think about Bunnicula: The Graphic Novel?

It’d be hard (but not impossible) to make something faithful to the letter (as much as space allows) and the spirit of the novel that didn’t make me happy. But this one wowed me—it brought me back to the day I first discovered this great band of people and critters decades ago, recapturing and repackaging the magic.

I’m not sure that it’ll have that impact on everyone—I don’t know if an 8-10 year-old picking it up in 2022 is going to get hooked on the series, for example. I can’t imagine how one doesn’t, but I don’t know if they will.

I wasn’t sure how to rate this, how much of my reaction to it was based on memory and nostalgia and how much was this new work. But I know how I felt while reading it and I saw how my (now adult) children’s eyes lit up when I showed them this version of the book, and I had to go with the full five stars.

Adult fans who remember the book—grab this, you’ll have a blast. It’ll probably work its charms on younger readers, too—and hopefully will work to bring them to the original series.

5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

A Few Quick Questions with…Danielle Higley

By HCNewton

On October 20, 2022

In A Few Quick Questions With..., Literary Locals, Non-Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

Earlier today, I gave my take on Danielle Higley’s great book, The Stories Behind the Stories, and now I’m very excited and pleased to share this Q&A with her. I hope you enjoy

What was the genesis of this project? How did you select the authors to feature?
This book came about in a somewhat unconventional way. In my spare time, I proofread and copy-edit for publishers and independent writers. I was referred to Bushel & Peck via another publisher and began proofreading for them in late 2020. I guess they liked my work, because shortly thereafter, they came to me with an idea for a nonfiction children’s book: The Stories Behind the Stories.

They gave me free rein to come up with what titles would be included and how those stories would be told. We did go back and forth on a few of the chapters—Peter Pan or Peter and Wendy was particularly challenging to write—but they gave me a lot of creative freedom. I chose the stories inside, initially, based on the books I’d consider the most famous or influential children’s classics. I then filled out the list by looking at other lists. I did consider diversity in my selection process, but looking back, I wish I would have included more books by authors of color.

I compare my publishing journey to that of The Magic School Bus creators, where Craig Walker, an editor for Scholastic, recruited Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen for the project. Walker believed that if someone could find a way to combine curriculum science with fun fiction, kids would be more engaged with the subject matter. He was challenged to find an author who could do all the research and writing, and an illustrator who could meld creativity with scientific sketches, but of course we know that the end result was a huge success. As a Magic School Bus enthusiast, I’m secretly very pleased to be in the same camp as Joanna Cole and all the other writers out there who’ve been gifted with this sort of incredible publishing opportunity.

I loved the design of this book—both the cover and interior—did you have a hand in that? If so, what can you tell us about that process?
Thank you! I’ve received so many kind comments about the art in this book! Alas, I don’t have that sort of talent. The art in The Stories Behind the Stories was all created by David Miles. He and his wife are also the founders of Bushel & Peck—an incredibly talented and busy power couple. David used a collage of images in the public domain, I believe, to create the artwork for each story.

Undoubtedly, there were facts/stories that you couldn’t work in—any spring to mind? How about authors that you’d wanted to cover, but because of time/space you had to cut? Any chance of a volume 2 to get those?
Oh man, it’s absolutely impossible to tell someone’s whole story in such a brief number of words. And also, in many cases, the story behind a book. The challenge, for me, was trying to keep all the stories fun. I knew children would be reading them—not just their parents. And that meant I had to leave out the gruesome details of Peter Pan’s history, and the somewhat boring (but really fascinating to English majors like myself) connection between The Golden Compass and Paradise Lost.

I did write a piece for The Hunger Games, but the quotes I used from Suzanne Collins were a bit dark. She talked about seeing Iraq war updates on the nightly news, interspersed with reality TV shows, and how unsettling it was when those two things fused together as entertainment. I thought that was really interesting, as well as her perspectives on “just-war theory,” but I have to say that after doing in-person readings with small children and seeing my book in elementary school libraries, I’m glad that story didn’t make the final cut.

I don’t know if there will be a volume 2 in the future, but I hope so!

What was the biggest surprise about the writing itself? Either, “I believe X is so easy” or “If I had known Y was going to be so hard, I’d have skipped this and watched more TV.”
I think the biggest surprise, for me, was finding that I could do it—on multiple levels. From the beginning, I knew this was a topic I wanted to write about, but I was also nervous. My baby was weeks old when Bushel & Peck sent the proposal. I didn’t know how I was going to write a book and take care of a newborn. I felt very much like I only had half a [mom] brain, and I was getting like two hours of consecutive sleep a night. Not exactly ideal conditions for being smart and creative.

But I also knew that if I didn’t say yes, I might be missing out on the biggest opportunity of my life. Book deals don’t just drop into people’s laps—believe me, I’ve been rejected by editors and agents many times. I’m so glad I said yes, though. I learned that I can write a lot of words in just a few months (provided they’re split into bite-sized chunks). I also learned that I can write, even under the most challenging circumstances. I feel like I’m stronger for that experience.

Given your subject, I have to ask: What’re your personal Desert Island Top 5 Children’s Books?

The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 for sure; that book makes me laugh and cry every time, and the characters would make great company on a desert island!
The Mysteries of Harris Burdick because each page is so intriguing; I could spend the rest of my life coming up with stories for every illustration.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire because it’s Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
The Adventures of Mrs. Pepperpot because it’s perfectly nostalgic for me.
Some kind of nonfiction survival book, because the thought of being on a desert island gives me anxiety haha!

What’s next for Danielle Higley, author?
I’ve recently been asked to be on the jury for the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award for Children. Because of that, I’ll be doing a ton of reading between now and the end of the year. Still, I’m hoping to write more when I can. I’m working on some children’s picture books right now, and also an adult novel that needs some serious love and attention.

Thanks for your time—and thanks for The Stories Behind the Stories!

The Stories Behind the Stories by Danielle Higley, David Miles (Illustrator): Behind the Scenes of Some Childhood Favorites

By HCNewton

On October 20, 2022

In Literary Locals, Non-Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

I’ve got a Q&A with the author, Danielle Higley, coming up a little later this morning–be sure to come back for that!

The Stories Behind the Stories:
The Remarkable True Tales
Behind Your Favorite Kid’s Books

by Danielle Higley, David Miles (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Bushel & Peck Books
Publication Date: November 2, 2021
Format: Hardcover
Length: 90 pgs.
Read Date: September 24, 2022

What’s The Stories Behind the Stories About?

It’s right there in the subtitle, isn’t it? “The Remarkable True Tales Behind Your Favorite Kid’s Books.” Higley takes 29 well-known and well-loved children’s classics—most from the Twentieth-Century, with a couple from before and a few after it.

We get roughly two pages on each book, with a full page of art to go along with them—although one of those pages will be heavily illustrated, too. The text will give a little biographical information about the author and then talk about the book itself—maybe how it was written, or received, or what inspired it. There’s also a sidebar with a little trivia about the book, too.

The books discussed range from Curious George to The Boxcar Children to Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, books written for children too young to read through books for Middle Grade readers.

The Design and Art

This is a wonderfully put-together book—let’s start with the cover design, a giant “Little Golden Book” look is an inspired choice for this. The collages used to illustrate the rest of the book are equally well done. They jump off the page and are well-paired with each book discussed.

Sure, the text of the book is my focus—and it should be here, too. But when it comes in a package this great to look at? That’s just a bonus.

So, what did I think about The Stories Behind the Stories?

I sat down to read about one or two of the books before starting something else one day, and read five before I realized it and had to force myself to stop. I ended up reading the rest of the book in one sitting. It’s the literary equivalent of Lay’s Potato Chips, “bet you can’t read just one.”

I’ve read 24 of the books talked about, and meant to read most of the others, so I was primed and ready for this—many readers in the target range (7-11 will be familiar with at least half, and this might inspire them to read more of them).

I think I learned a little about each of the books selected for this—except maybe Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, because that’s been covered so well for so many years. Some of what I learned surprised me—The Boxcar Children was controversial? (okay, I probably should’ve guessed that one) Rawls almost didn’t get Where the Red Fern Grows published, and once it was, it took a lot of work to get it read—or put another way, I almost didn’t get my heart ripped out by it.

It’s engaging with a little dash of mild humor, nothing over-the-top—just enough to bring the occasional grin while not distracting from the point. It’s written in such a way that the target audience will have no problem reading it, and it’ll keep the attention of older readers, too—anyone who likes children’s books will find something to enjoy here. And you put that in an attractive package? It’s a win all the way around. I strongly recommend this book.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

Amari and the Great Game by B. B. Alston: Can Amari Rise to These New Challenges?

By HCNewton

On October 12, 2022

In Urban Fantasy, YA/MG/Children's Books

Amari and the Great Game

by B. B. Alston

DETAILS:
Series: Supernatural Investigations, Volume Number 2
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: August 29, 2022
Format: Hardcover
Length: 423 pg.
Read Date: October 4-5, 2022

“Amari,” says Maria. “It’s not your job to save the world every summer.”

“I don’t have a choice!”

What’s Amari and the Great Game About?

Amari has spent the last school year looking forward to one thing: it being over so she can go back to the summer program for the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Not only will she have the chance for regular contact with her brother, but it’s at the Bureau that she has found purpose and a place. She’s eager to start the second summer of training as a Junior Agent and whatever work she’ll get to do in that role.

But the day before that summer is supposed to start, something happens that reignites anti-magician rhetoric and sentiment. So much so that the new Head Minister bans her from the summer program. The PR surrounding that is decidedly bad, so Amari is admitted, but the ban is just the beginning of her problems.

Magicians and people with similar profiles are under the microscope, however, and those in power are engaged in all-out persecution–because of their reputations and records, Amari and Maria are spared this. At least overtly.

Meanwhile, Amari is given the opportunity to fill an office with the League of Magicians that would put her in charge — because of her age, she doesn’t think she’s right for the position and passes. She’s not who anyone should be looking toward if it comes to war against the Bureau. But when the opportunity passes to someone else — someone who needs to be kept away from it — she steps up. Starting the Great Game — a series of challenges where these candidates face off against each other for the role.

Amari decides she has to clear Magicians of responsibility for the event that kicked off this new wave of harassment as well as compete in the game. She has to play the game on her own, but she’s going to need the help of her friends and allies (including one very unexpected ally) to pull everything off.

So, what did I think about Amari and the Great Game?

I think Middle Grade readers are going to have a ball with this–it continues the fun and voice of Amari and the Night Brothers, raises the stakes, and includes some great moments for Amari’s friends as well as for Amari. Alston’s able to address misinformation/”Fake News”/propaganda and prejudice in effective and age-appropriate ways while telling a rollicking story.

For me, and I think others who fall out of the demographic will have a similar reaction, this isn’t quite the experience the previous book was. It really felt like Alston was cherry-picking elements from similar MG series and mashing them up into this. If you’ve ever wondered, for example, what a hybrid version of Dolores Umbridge and Rita Skeeter would be like, this book will show you. If you can read the Great Game segments and not think about The Tri-Wizard Cup, you’re a better person than I am. I’ve only mentioned Potter references, but to me, the whole thing had more of a Percy Jackson-vibe.

Readers better versed in MG Fantasies might have other parallels to offer, too. And there is nothing wrong with this–authors do this all the time, and I enjoy seeing the results. Stories lift elements from others because they work well and people enjoy them (and/or they need to be skewered). Outside of parodies, I prefer not to see the influences quite as easily as I did here. But…and this is an important point…a dude pushing 50 is going to read this differently than Alston’s target audience is going to. He shouldn’t be writing to please me.

I did enjoy this–and can’t wait to see what comes next. I wasn’t prepared for the way this book wrapped up, but think it was a great choice on Alston’s part. I really like the way he’s developing the characters as well–both individually and in their relationships with each other. Yes, I’ll go into Book 3 with lower expectations than I went into this book with (I think that’s because the first novel was just that good)–but I’ll be towards the front of the line to read it when it comes out.

3.5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

Spider-Man’s Social Dilemma by Preeti Chhibber: A Fun Time with Everyone’s Favorite Webhead

By HCNewton

On September 9, 2022

In Comics, Fiction, Science Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

Spider-Man’s Social Dilemma

by Preeti Chhibber

DETAILS:
Publisher: Marvel Press
Publication Date: July 26, 2022
Format: Hardcover
Length: 325 pg.
Read Date: September 6, 2022

What’s Spider-Man’s Social Dilemma About?

So this is a Peter Parker in High School story—he’s been Spider-Man for 6 months or so, he’s fought some bigger villains, but he’s still got a lot to learn. J. Jonah Jameson is campaigning against him. He’s learning how to balance school and web-slinging. It’s definitely set in 2022, and isn’t in a comic timeline or one from any of the movie universes. It feels a little like the early Ultimate Spider-Man, but MJ is closer to the MCU version.

Sandman and Beetle have attempted to steal a 100+-year-old device that is powered by something alien (or so rumor has it). But both of them are acting a little strangely lately—Peter can’t say what it is exactly, but they’re more violent, more determined. He’s still able to hold his own against them, but it’s a little work.

So, what did I think about Spider-Man’s Social Dilemma?

I really don’t have a lot to say about this—it’s a fun Spider-Man story. And who needs more than that? But let me try…

It’s fun and fast-paced, with good action. Chhibber combined tried-and-true Spider-Foes with a new threat, I appreciate mixing the two rather than just giving us one more ride with the Green Goblin—or someone we’re not at all familiar with. The action scenes are handled deftly and you can see them as clearly as if a Romita or a Bagley were bringing them to life.

Chhibber clearly knows this universe well and has a strong affection for the series—and that shines through. I may not have been able to keep up with the comics over the last decade or so, but Spider-Man has long* been my favorite, and to see him handled like this does my heart good.

* In this case, long = since 1980.

Yeah, this is targeted for an MG audience—but it didn’t feel that way. It felt more All-Ages to me. A classic Spider-Man story—with requisite numbers of laughs, action, and optimism. If Marvel Press has Chhibber return (and the stage is set here for a sequel), I’ll be first in line for this. It was a blast.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

For World Beard Day: Bearded and Bearded Too by Jeremy Billups

By HCNewton

On September 3, 2022

In YA/MG/Children's Books

Apparently, the first Saturday in September is World Beard Day, a day for pogonophiles to celebrate the trademark of male fantasy writers (and others).* I didn’t see this in time to come up with something more clever to commemorate the day, so I’ll just feature a couple of books that focus on that particular expression of facial hair—Bearded and Bearded Too by Jeremy Billups.

* There’s a great line in Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore about them, but I don’t have the time to look it up now.

Picture books about bears are everywhere — I have a hard time believing many kids get out of the picture book stage without exposure to at least 4 of them (and that’s before they’re at the Pooh or Paddington stage). But how many of those bears have been bearded?

Enter Jeremy Billups and his little book.

This is the story of a little red-haired girl (no, not that one) traveling the world with her bearded bear, having all sorts of adventures, and meeting a bunch of different animals. There really isn’t a lesson, moral, or much of a plot — just a bunch of quick looks at the pair. A few quick lines and a picture on each pair of pages.

The art is simple and arresting. They just pop off the page—this is one of those times I wish I had the necessary vocabulary to describe why I like the drawings, but I don’t. I bought a print of what turned out to be page 16 before I even picked up the book to flip through. I’ve bought a handful of prints this year, and it’s my absolute favorite — I like it even more now that I’ve read the book. Also, If you ever see a better picture of someone making buffalo wings, I’ll eat my hat.

Oh, and the endorsements on the back cover are a lot of fun. If that doesn’t convince you to try it out, I can’t imagine what will.

Great art, cute story, fun rhymes — everything you want in a picture book. Even better — animals with beards are the best animals that aren’t dogs. This is a charming little book that’s sure to please.

Pick up a copy of Bearded for yourself!

Jeremy Billups has just given us a sequel to 2015’s Bearded—the story of a red-haired girl and her bearded bear traveling and having adventures.

I want to start off talking about the art—I know, I know, I’m usually a word guy—but these are “Picture Books,” right? There’s just something about the way that Billups draws these books that really works for me. Unlike, say, the art in Sea This and Sea That, with all the detailed backgrounds, there’s a lot of whitespace around these drawings, which makes them jump out at you (which is the point of the white space, I know—I’m not good at talking about this stuff). I will admit I’ve flipped through the book a couple of times without glancing at the words (something I assume the target audience will do more often than me).

But that’s not a reflection on the cute rhyming tour of the world seeing bearded animals (a guitar-playing orangutan, cab-driving markhor, and so on). There’s a dash of education in there, because some of these animals aren’t your typical Picture Book fare, too.

And, hey, a celebration of beards! I’m always down with that.

Not much to say about this, really. It’s a fun follow-up to Bearded that should please the ears and eyes of the picture book readers in your home.

Pick Up a copy of Bearded Too for yourself!

We’ll Need a Bigger Mirror by Shmulik Shir, Julia Po: A Batch of Unusual Birthday Gifts

By HCNewton

On September 1, 2022

In YA/MG/Children's Books

We’ll Need a Bigger Mirror

by Shmulik Shir, Julia Po (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publication Date: August 9, 2022
Format:  PDF
Length: 27 pg.
Read Date: August 27, 2022

What’s We’ll Need a Bigger Mirror About?

First, never fear—the title isn’t an age-inappropriate Jaws reference.

What it is about is a little boy on his birthday receiving very strange gifts from his family. We’re talking Aunts and an Uncle who have never shopped for a child before—Joey and Chandler shopping for Christmas gifts at a gas station level. The boy tries to be grateful, but it doesn’t look he’s going to be able to keep that going.

Then his favorite aunt arrives with a big box—and after some speculation, he opens it to find a gift that no one could expect (and from a parent’s point-of-view, makes the other horrible gifts look better). The boy is thrilled, and well, he’s going to need a bigger mirror soon.

The Illustrations

The art is very cute. I’m not sure if I spent another 50 words describing it that I’d be able to do better than that one word.

I really appreciated the distinctive looks she gave the adults, that was a nice bonus. The content of Aunt Patricia’s box as another highlight.

I was sure I recognized Po’s work and went looking through her bibliography (and my posts) to see if I’d read a book she’s illustrated before. I haven’t, and that’s a shame.

So, what did I think about We’ll Need a Bigger Mirror?

There’s an absurdity to the gifts the boy gets that I can see working really well for the under-5 demographic. It feels like the kind of story a grandparent or parent would make up on the spot to get someone to settle in for the night—and there’s a warm charm to that.

I don’t know how this would hold up to repeated readings—I think a lot of the enjoyment for the preschool crowd will be in the surprise. Once that’s gone, I don’t know if the story will hold up. It really might—that’s the kind of thing that’s hard to predict. A good deal of that is going to come down to the adult doing the reading.

As for the adults reading this? I think this will fall under the category of “will read it because the kid(s) asked” not “will read it with them because you enjoy it, too.” Which is fine, I had a big stack of those when my kids were in that demographic, but I thought a bit of forewarning was called for.

In the end, this is a strange and appealing little book that will likely entertain the target audience at least once.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for this post and my honest opinion.

3 Stars

A Few Quick Questions with…Valerie D. Johnson

By HCNewton

On August 16, 2022

In A Few Quick Questions With..., YA/MG/Children's Books

Earlier this morning, I posted about Valerie D. Johnson’s 1 2 3 Count with Me on Granddad’s Farm. Now I have the opportunity to share this Q&A she participated in with me–this is a picture book with a difference, and it’s that difference that makes it special. But I should let her talk about it.

Your author bio starts with “math whisperer,” which is a great title—I could’ve used one of those forty years ago! Would you describe what you mean by that and tell us a little more about your background and how it led to you writing children’s books?
During my tenure as a classroom teacher, I noticed that students often exhibited math anxiety or expressed how much they disliked math. Truth be told, I never thought of myself as a “math person.” Math was not my favorite subject as a student; it was too abstract. But now that I’m a mathematics specialist, I not only know the how, but I also understand the why. Now, I LOVE MATH and it is my mission to ignite a love of math in all children, one book at a time.

My superpowers are making learning math easy to understand, engaging, meaningful, and fun. And, I help to build math confidence and cultivate a positive math mindset in children with classroom-tested teaching strategies (i.e. encourage mistakes, play games, use tools, etc.).

I have served in education as a classroom teacher, math instructional lead, and currently as a math specialist. As a math specialist, I design and deliver professional development steeped in research and best practice in education. I also coach teachers in finding new teaching methods, tools, and techniques to improve math instruction.

Can you talk a little about the genesis of this particular book and the series?
Some children think of themselves as readers and not mathematicians. They think that math is not engaging and fun. I’d like to help all children develop a positive attitude about math and think of themselves as both readers and mathematicians through charming, math-themed stories with beautiful illustrations.

For over two decades, I’ve always wanted to write a book that would impact the lives of young mathematicians. So, after two years of sleepless nights, lots of editing, and learning about the children’s book industry, I will finally get to share my story with the world. I have poured my heart, time, and effort into writing a picture book, 1 2 3 Count with Me on Granddad’s Farm, that was inspired by summers on the farm with my grandfather.

The illustrations are adorable—how did you team up with Cee Biscoe? What was the process of working with her to combine story and pictures?
Illustrating my picture book went through a lot of stages and took many months to complete. I found my illustrator, Cee Biscoe, with the help of a publishing company that I hired to edit, design, and format my book. She’s a traditional illustrator specializing in children’s books, with work published in over 20 countries worldwide.

First, I sent her my manuscript along with other background information so that she could start imagining how everything would look. Over the next several weeks, we collaborated on character development. I sent her pictures of possible character hairstyles, clothes, and features from my vision board. Then, she drew pencil sketches of the characters and animals. Next, she planned what to show on each page of the story (to determine if there would be single or double-page spreads). Then, she created the thumbnail sketches, rough sketches, and full-size sketches. Revisions also occurred during that time. Once the page layouts (text placement and illustrations) were finalized, she painted the final artwork on large sheets of watercolor paper using gouache paint.

You don’t just tell the story, you give some tips for the parent/teacher/whoever who is reading to/with the child to help spur and develop counting in the book and in real life, with some discussion questions to get the child thinking about numbers. I absolutely love that. Was this where the series came from—looking for ways to get parents/etc. to talk about numbers and counting and then using the story as a vehicle for that?
My picture book was created as a way to engage students in meaningful math practice at home and introduce young readers to my grandfather.

I have two passions—teaching math and empowering parents to support learning at home with tips, tools, and hands-on tasks. Parental involvement helps to increase student engagement and academic achievement. Parents can also help make learning less scary by practicing math at home. Learning to count is more than just memorizing and calling out numbers. The book’s back matter helps little ones develop (and reinforce) a strong foundation in counting and quantity by engaging in meaningful learning experiences (i.e. practicing the counting sequence, counting a collection, matching the number words with the objects being counted, exploring the idea of more or less, etc.) with visual supports.

The Discussion Starters, questions in the back of the book, help young readers comprehend and analyze the story for deeper meaning. The visual models (counting dots, fingers, animals, etc.) on the following pages help little ones to dive deeper into counting and reasoning mathematically.

This book isn’t just about numbers—it’s numbers and family, right? It’s common to set picture books on a farm, but you bring in an individual angle—it’s your actual grandfather’s farm and you bring him in as a character. Could you talk a little about that choice?
This story was inspired by summers on my grandfather’s farm and pays tribute to the special bond between children and their grandfathers. The concept of the book is based on my work with young mathematicians in grades K-6 as an Elementary Math Resource Specialist. And, I dedicated this book to my Aunt Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician and Hidden Figure, because she loved to count.

This is the first of a series, what other settings are you going to be counting in? Do you have a schedule for what’s to come?
The setting for the next book in the 1 2 3 Count with Me series will take place in my hometown, Philadelphia. But, I haven’t decided whether I’ll finish the manuscript and publish the next counting book or a growth mindset book.

Thanks for your time—and thanks for introducing me to your grandfather—I hope these books take off!

1 2 3 Count with Me on Granddad’s Farm by Valerie Johnson, Cee Biscoe (Illustrator): A Cute Read-Along with Some Great Bonuses

By HCNewton

On August 16, 2022

In YA/MG/Children's Books

I’ve got a Q&A with the author coming up later today, be sure to check back then!

1 2 3 Count with Me on Granddad’s Farm

by Valerie Johnson, Cee Biscoe (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Series: Count with Me 
Publisher: West Oak Lane Kids, LLC
Publication Date: August 30, 2022
Format: PDF
Length: 32 pg.

What’s 1 2 3 Count with Me on Granddad’s Farm About?

Every summer this family goes to grandpa’s farm—there are several things around this farm—crops, animals, and so on—to count. We spend some time looking at those things, learning a bit about the farm—and as the title suggests, counting them.

Special Features

Since none of the intended audience for these kind of books spends time reading book blogs—especially book blogs that feature as much Crime Fiction as mine does—I tend to focus on how things will be for adult reading to/with the intended audience.

On that front, this book excels. Counting the number of horses or tomatoes is easy enough to do, and the book provides plenty of opportunities for that.

But after the story part of the book are 3 pages of bonus materials designed to help the grown-ups use the book more effectively and to apply the skills practice in the book outside of the book. There are general prompts and specific questions to use.

I love both the idea and the execution of this—more people need to do this kind of thing.

A Word About the Art

Biscoe’s art walks the line between cutely exaggerated and realistic. Let’s see if I can explain that (long time readers will know this is not a strength of mine).

All the animals and people are drawn in a true-to-life manner, they’re not cartoonish, nothing’s overblown. But everyone from people to horses and deer are smiling.

I think it’s catchy and attractive.

So, what did I think about 1 2 3 Count with Me on Granddad’s Farm?

The only negative I can think of is that the text might be a little small—but it’s hard to tell that sort of thing with a PDF. I might have no complaints if I was looking at a hard copy to have a better idea of scale. Basically, this is designed for the adult to read and guide the child/children.

When read by the adult—especially using the helps provided—I think this’d be a fun and educational read. I think the interactive nature of the book plus the art will grab the attention of the child and will bring them back for more.

Parents/grandparents/caregivers who are wanting a little more out of story time will do well to give this a try. If my kids were a couple of decades younger, I know I’d be grabbing a copy.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this from the author in exchange for this post and my honest opinion.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

The Irresponsible Reader On…Self-Published Children’s & Picture Books

By HCNewton

On July 25, 2022

In Books, Fiction, Miscellany, News/Misc., Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week, YA/MG/Children's Books

From the first moment that people did the strange thing of asking me to talk about their books on my blog, I’ve been impressed by the quality of a lot of what’s been published by authors going out on their own, taking all the risks, shouldering all the responsibility and doing all the work to get their words, their dreams, their blood, sweat, and tears. This should be celebrated—it’s definitely appreciated, as we’re trying to show this week.

I don’t know how I ended up on the radar of Children’s and Picture Book authors—particularly so many from Israel. But I’m just glad I did, these are guaranteed dashes of brightness and diversity to my reading schedule. I somehow neglected to cover this section of books last year, so here’s my catch-up. Highlighting some of the self-published Children’s/Picture Books that I’ve blogged about over the last few years—just a sentence or two. Hopefully enough to make you click on the link to the full post. Beyond that, it’d be great if I inspired you to add a few of these to your TBR. Also, be sure you check out the other posts over at the SPAAW Hub.

bullet Snobbity Snowman by Maria Bardyukova & Quiet Riley, Jr.—Snobbity is a snowman with an attitude (at least at the beginning). I loved the art. (my post about it)
bullet Elephant Wind by Heather L. Beal, Jubayda Sager (Illustrator)—A scientist explains a tornado to a daycare class. (my post about it)
bullet Hurricane Vacation by Heather L. Beal, Jasmine Mills (Illustrator)—Lily and Niko are visiting their family when a Hurricane Watch is issued, so they join their family in preparing the house for the storm and getting ready to go to a shelter. Along the way, they learn about what a hurricane is as well as all the ways that people can protect themselves, themselves, and so on. (my post about it)
bullet Tummy Rumble Quake by Heather L. Beal, Jubayda Sager (Illustrator)—A daycare class learns about earthquakes and earthquake safety. (my post about it)
bullet Bearded by Jeremy Billups—A Bearded Bear and a Red-Haired Little Girl go on adventures all over the world with an assortment of different animals. I love this art (and have a print of one illustration hanging on my office wall). (my post about it)
bullet Bearded Too by Jeremy Billups—A fun and fitting sequel to the above. (my post about it)
bullet Sea This and Sea That by Jeremy Billups—Set in a “crowded, hectic and gruff” city under the sea, with one quiet spot—The Sea This and Sea That Below the Seashore. Missus Bluffington gives a couple of kids (and the reader) a through her very unusual place, full of all sorts of sea creatures, sea plants, fish, and an octopus that shows up in some unusual places. (my post about it)
bullet Mike Nero and The Superhero School by Natasha Carlow, Kyle Stephen (Illustrator)—It’s Mike’s first day at a new school—he meets his principal and some incredible children and learns a little about the superpower he has within himself—and those inside other students, too. (my post about it)
bullet Be Brave, Little Puffy by Arline Cooper—A puffer fish gets tired of being a puffer fish and tries out life with other kinds of fish. (my post about it)
bullet Kitties Are Not Good To Eat by Cassandra Gelvin—A board book/electronic equivalent full of cat photos and handy tips like the title. (my post about it)
bullet Vernon the Vegetarian Lion by John Hughson, Ali Smith (Illustrator)—Vernon tries out vegetarianism. It goes as well as you’d think. (my post about it)
bullet Meeting of the Mustangs by Cathy Kennedy—This is for kids older than the rest on this list (7+ was my guess). A story of a wild mustang growing up. (my post about it)
bullet The Fed-up Cow by Peta Lemon, Maria Dasic Todoric (Illustrator)—Hilda the cow tries out the lives of other animals before learning to accept herself. (my post about it)
bullet Noam’s Monsters by Shai Levinger, Kaustuv Brahmachari (Illustrator), Ephrat Abisror (Translator)—Written by a Clinical Psychologist, this is about a boy struggling with anxieties and fears. Hopeful yet honest. (my post about it)
bullet Moshe Comes to Visit by Tehila Sade Moyal, Fatima Pires (Illustrator)—A young boy discovers that everyone is afraid of something. (my post about it)
bullet Bear with Bear by Hagit R. Oron, Galia Armeland by Hagit R. Oron, Galia Armeland (Illustrator)—A young boy tries to choose a pet. (my post about it)
bullet Bravo and Elphie by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron (Illustrator)—Ephie and her pet have some struggles at the playground. (my post about it)
bullet Elphie and Dad go on an Epic Adventure by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron (Illustrator)—An imaginative dad turns running errands with his son into an epic adventure. (my post about it)
bullet Elphie Goes Trick or Treating by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron (Illustrator)—The title pretty much sums it up. (my post about it)
bullet Elphie Meets the End of The World by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron Misgav (Illustrator)—Elphie is playing hide and seek with Phante and Phante’s older brother comes in talking about how he saw on the news that the world ending. Eliphie doesn’t take the news well and runs home to hide. Mom and Dad try to comfort and assure him. But it doesn’t really take—so they decide that if the world is going to end, they might as well make a party of it. That seems to work, and in the end, drives home the lesson that every day—even our last—ought to be enjoyed as a gift. (my post about it)
bullet Practice Makes Perfect by Michael Portnoy, Adelia Drubetski (Illustrator), Freda Zolty Kovatch (Translator)—Madam Fly’s two sons are musical geniuses, or something like it—because she’s convinced they should put on concerts despite having no experience with playing whatsoever. Experience and the crickets who run the local music shop try to teach them an important lesson when it comes to music (or just about anything). (my post about it)
bullet The Incredible Ordinary Hero or The Brave Bystander: Burns by Aida Rascanu, Beatrice Magriniby Aida Rascanu, Beatrice Magrini (Illustrator)—a double-whammy of a lesson for the readers/audience. First, there’s a discussion of what it means to be a hero (doing things that are heroic) and there’s a little first aid lesson—age-appropriate, mind you—to help parents/teachers train up young ones. (my post about it)
bullet The Flying Frog and the Kidnappers by David Yair, Ilana Graf (Illustrator), Natalie Jackson (Illustrator)—4th in a series of 11 (so far, anyway). This series for beginning readers is about Quack, a flying frog, who helps some siblings fight crime. Obviously, in this case, they’re up against some kidnappers. (my post about it)

If you're a self-published author that I've featured on this blog and I didn't mention you in this post and should have. I'm sorry (unless you're this guy). Please drop me a line, and I'll fix this. I want to keep this regularly updated so I keep talking about Self-Published Authors.