Boogy & Tee and Twinkle & Hew by Kathy Stinson

Today's read caught my attention due to the illustrations style on the cover. Plus, it involves two pairs of main characters, which could be kind of fun, too. This should surround a tale in which both pair takes a very different boat to sea, and their experiences are very different because of that. I'm ready to see what it's about, so let's just open it up and jump right in.

BOOGY & TEE AND TWINKLE & HEW

by Kathy Stinson

Illustrated by Mark Hoffmann

Groundwood Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING SEPTEMBER 1st!!!

Two boats at sea, struck by a storm, are impacted very differently — a tale about economic inequality and climate change, patterned on a classic poem.

Four characters go to sea in two very different boats with two very different reasons — Boogy and Tee set off in a luxury yacht for a vacation, while Twinkle and Hew set out in a tiny fishing dory in search of their next meal. When a storm blows up, the fishing dory soon breaks apart, casting Twinkle and Hew into the sea. The yacht hits a large rock, and as water pours into the hold, Boogy can do nothing but wail about losing his precious possessions. Then Tee spots Twinkle and Hew clinging to the remains of their boat and insists they go to the rescue — a decision that saves them all.

Inspired by Edward Lear’s “The Owl and the Pussy-Cat,” Kathy Stinson’s story-poem with its rollicking, sea-faring rhythm and sprinkling of invented vocabulary combines with Mark Hoffmann’s quirky, playful art to create a funny tale that speaks to urgent issues.

Includes as afterword a brief quotation adopted and retweeted by Greta Thunberg: “Stop saying that we’re all in the same boat. We’re all in the same storm. But we’re not all in the same boat.”

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2

Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With sing-songy rhyme, these two adventures come together to form an interesting meeting.

Boogy and Tee decide to take a trip out on the ocean  with their yacht. At the same time, Twinkle and Hew want to go fishing and hope to find some food with their small, well-worn boat. Twinkle and Hew find themselves in dire straights as their boat is destroyed in the waves. Boogy and Tee have their own troubles as a hole threatens to end their boating pleasure, too. Luckily, Twinkle and Hew just happen to be stranded on the same rock that causes the hole in Boogy and Tee's yacht. So, the two pairs find a way to work together.

This includes a quote from Greta Thunberg, "Stop saying that we're all in the same boat. We're all in the same storm. But we're not all in the same boat." And that sums up this tale very nicely. The difference in how the two pairs approach the ocean is like night and day, and yet, they run into similar problems. There's a message about social class differences as well, but this is very subtle and won't be recognized by young listeners or readers. Older ones will take notice, though, and be lead on a path of thought. 

The entire thing is written in rhyme with repeating phrases at the end of each verse. This holds a playful touch while describing the adventure well. For some reason, I found myself stumbling on the tact at times, but it makes a cute read-aloud which invites listeners to join in. The text has been carefully planned for readers to pick up on their own as well and offers word building skills and some reading practice.

The illustrations have a lovely, layered style which works very well with the plot. It's original and catches the eye, while giving each character unique personality. Each scene makes it clear what is happening and helps listeners and readers along. 

It's a fun story with original flair and plenty of reading goodness, too.

And here they are...

KATHY STINSON, best known for her picture books, has also written children’s novels, short stories and poems. Her classic picture book Red Is Best, illustrated by Robin Baird Lewis, has been in print for more than forty years; The Man with the Violin, illustrated by Dušan Petričić, won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award; and The Rock and the Butterfly, illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan, was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award. Kathy lives in Rockwood, Ontario.

MARK HOFFMANN is an author/illustrator of children’s books, editorial illustrator and artist who has won many awards for his illustrations. He is also a professor at Montserrat College of Art. Mark’s picture books include Explosion at the Poem Factory by Kyle Lukoff; The Note Who Faced the Music by Lindsay Bonilla; Soren’s Seventh Song by Dave Eggers (starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist) and Dirt Cheap. Mark lives in southern New Hampshire with his family, two cats and two dogs.

Wish You Well by Jamie Sumner

Today's read heads toward the deep thought and heart direction...at least, that's the vibe I"m getting. If I understood things correctly, this centers around three children with three difficult diseases. And they are on a mission to make sure each of them gets their wish from a foundation granted. I'm a bit confused on how they think they can scam a foundation or what exactly their wishes are, but I'm intrigued enough to want to find out. I'm hoping this is an entertaining read and not too serious (that's just a personal thing with me), but it sounds promising.

So, let's open in up and take a look!

WISH YO WELL

by Jamie Sumner

Atheneum Books

Middle Grade Contemporary

288 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING SEPTEMBER 1st!!!

From the acclaimed author of Roll with It comes a luminous, sharply funny novel about three kids with big diagnoses, bigger personalities, and one outrageous plan to team up and scam a wish-granting foundation.

Violet Marino doesn’t want sympathy. And she definitely doesn’t want friends. She just wants to play soccer and deal with the whole slowly-going-blind thing on her own terms.

Then she witnesses a boy choke on a hot dog at a hospital picnic. Enter dangerously charming and full of terrible ideas, especially for a kid with a newly transplanted heart. Add sharp-as-a-blade Noor, who is always armed with excellent snacks she can’t eat, thanks to chemo. Other than their illnesses, the three don’t have much in common—except for the fact that a wish-granting foundation keeps calling.

Ever the optimist, Wyatt has a team up to game the foundation, even if it means faking friendship. One wish is fine, but three sick kids on three epic adventures? That’s history-making. The scheme starts off as a distraction. But soon the stakes feel real. Because when you finally let someone in, there’s more to lose.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

When three kids with difficult and deadly diseases meet, expect anything but a pity-party because these three have something bigger planned.

Violet is going blind, which is causing all sorts of problems with her mom, who insists she find friends and attend events with other kids suffering from illnesses. Violet just wishes she could be left alone and play soccer. When a kid, Wyatt, at one of the events chokes and needs to be saved, Violet ends up talking to him and the daughter of the nurse, Noor. Wyatt is a bit too perky and wants to be instant friends, and Violet goes along for the ride to be left alone...which doesn't work because the three start getting closer, but not for friendship reasons.Since Wyatt suffers from a bad heart and Noor is battling cancer, all three of them have been receiving flyers from a wish foundation that won't seem to leave them alone. But Wyatt sees this as a sudden opportunity. They should each make a wish and claim they need their lifelong, best friends with them to make the event perfect...a little lie. That way, each of them receives three fun events. Now, they just have to figure out what they want to do and how to weave this to trick the foundation.

Placed with three main characters with three serious illnesses, this book had me wondering if it was going to hold too heavy of a dark cloud to make it fun, but the author finds a nice balance. All three kids pack personality and none of the three are dwelling in depression. They want to live their lives and take things on as best they can. At the same time, the author doesn't underplay the seriousness of the situations. All three are struggling in their own way, and the tale allows each one growth, discovery, and learning to let others in even if they've built their walls. Not everything is sunshine and roses, but this is a fun adventure with a group who is out to scam a huge foundation. Plus, Wyatt's computer skills add a tiny hint of spy feel to add spice. Also, the three don't get along right away, and the forming friendship despite friction is inspiring and puts a smile on the face.

The tale runs along smoothly and allows the reader to sink right in. There's just enough tension to keep the reader wondering if they can pull off their scam, while subtle humor keeps things light. There is a wonderful dose of mother-daughter discord, which brings across the warmth and love but by no means seamless and, at times, even frustrated relationship between Violet and her mom. As an action girl, this did slow down a bit much for me here and there, but those who enjoy spice for life and heartfilled reads with thought won't have any trouble with those few moments. 

It's a read which digs into difficult themes but it doesn't weigh down. Instead, it inspires, strengthens awareness, and leaves a little food for thought.

And here she is...

Jamie Sumner is the author of the Roll with It trilogy, Tune It Out, One Kid’s Trash, The Summer of June, Maid for It, Deep Water, Please Pay Attention, Schooled, Glory Be, and Wish You Well. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other publications. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. She is also the mother of a son with cerebral palsy and has written extensively about parenting a child with special needs. She and her family live in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit her at Jamie-Sumner.com. 

Happy Book Birthday, The Snazzy Jazzies by Kristin Blakely

I, finally, get to shoutout a book birthday again! Today's read hits the shelves in two days and promises to carry fruity, musical fun. I find the mix of musical fruit and jazz imaginative and am curious to see how this combination plays out.

Snuggle back because we're going to see what these fruits are up to.

THE SNAZZY JAZZIES

by Kristin Blakely

Illustrated by Lauren Austin

Notable Kids Publishing

Picture Book

ages 5 to 8

32 pages

Through jazzy wordplay and vibrant illustrations, a day at the market becomes a toe-tapping musical feast for the senses.

Harvey just wants to play his trumpet, yet he reluctantly goes with his Mom to the 'boring' Farmer's Market. But in the car, he hears the jazz classic, "Cantaloupe Island" which inspires Harvey to dream up a rainbow fruit band while shopping at the market. Harnessing his imagination, Harvey shows how to find musical fun anywhere in this bebopping book. "The Snazzy Jazzies" introduces jazzy cats to musical instruments and their families (brass, woodwinds, percussion, strings, and keys) and is packed with jazzy wordplay, lyrical alliterations, and vibrant illustrations.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Music and, especially, jazz fans will enjoy this quirky little tale ,which adds music to even mundane situations.

Harvey loves playing his trumpet, and he's got a huge love for jazz. When his mother makes him put his trumpet down to join him on a trip to the market to grab some veggies and fruits, he's frustrated but has no choice but to do as she asks. At first, the market is dull, but then, the jazz song Cantaloupe Island comes up and sparks an idea. His imagination takes over as he sees the fruits around him exploding into rhythmic goodness.

This is an up-beat read, which opens up the world of jazz to young listeners/readers. While Harvey grabs immediate sympathy and connection to the listener as his mother forces him to go with her to the market, it's his bubbly personality which makes him so likable. He might be down, at first, but he lets himself ride on the joy of life and music, making the best of the situation to turn things around. The illustrations pop with color, letting the positive atmosphere come from every page which the fantastical elements play along to add pizzazz. It is clear, however, that the fruits are fantasy, so it stays with both feet in reality.

While there's a cheerful tone to the book, there's also musical knowledge being slid in with purpose. Harvey mentions jazz terms along with a quick definition that flows right into his dialogue. He introduces things such as timing, terminology, and alliterations. All of this is visited again at the end of the book in a glossary of terms.

This book will work for themes surrounding music and jazz, and can be used in groups or smaller settings to add a playful touch. Otherwise, it's more for listeners/readers who enjoy jazz or want to know more about it, since there is more than a little musical knowledge built into this tale. Harvey mentions various songs as well, and of course, playing these songs would also be helpful so listeners/readers know what he's talking about. 

It's a cute, upbeat read for jazzy moments.

The Upside Down Girl by Keith Negley

The first thing that caught my attention on today's read was the bright, red hair. Then, I had to smile at the smile on the girl's face. She looks so peaceful just hanging there like that. As a child, I had a phase where I enjoyed bending over with my head to the floor and staring at the world around me, pretending it was truly upside down. I wondered what it'd be like dancing on the ceiling or how awkward it might be to step over a small wall to get to the next room. So, I'm curious to see what this little girl is doing as she hangs there upside down.

Let's open this book up and find out!

THE UPSIDE DOWN GIRL

by Keith Negley

Clarion Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

From the acclaimed creator of Mary Wears What She Wants and Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too) comes a silly and sly investigation of what happens when one girl dares to do her own thing.

Who is the Upside Down Girl?

How did she get up there?

Most importantly . . . 

Why is she upside down?

This cheeky, charming tale about seeing things from a different perspective is perfect for readers who march to their own kazoo. Perfect for fans of Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett!

Perfect for:

• Classroom and at-home storytime
• Building confidence and independent-thinking
• Readers who like to laugh!
• Conversations about mindfulness and slowing down

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Being yourself gets flipped onto its head in a meaningful message which brings smiles, too.

There's a girl in the tree, hanging upside down on a branch from her knees. She doesn't do anything else. She just hangs there. And while that shouldn't make any difference to anyone who sees her, for some reason everyone who passes by seems to want to share their two cents. And none of them find what she's doing as good. Still, the girl is content and without saying much, unwillingly instigates an uproar.

It's never said why the girl is hanging in the tree, but it's also unimportant. The illustrations make it clear that she's happy just hanging there, minding her own business. It's easy to sympathize with her, especially since she's not doing anything wrong or bothering anyone. Yet, everyone who passes seems to find it upsetting and is more than happy to share their opinions. Her refusal to listen or get upset makes her inspiring, although listeners will probably wonder how long that can go on. Her attitude also adds a touch of humor...never rude but it still upsets those passing by in a way they can't really do anything about. As the situation builds, so will the smiles on listeners' faces, and the 'what will happen' adds to the tension, too.

The illustrations let the emotions come across clearly and familiar while adding just a little artistic flair to keep the atmosphere light. The girl is kept front and center with her peaceful attitude, and this visually steers the entire book without a single word. The text flows nicely adding a repeated phrase every few pages to give listeners something to grab onto. It creates a lovely read aloud even for more reluctant listeners and works nicely in group as well as single settings.

And here he is...

Keith Negley is the author and illustrator of A Lot Like Batman, The Boy and the Wild Blue Girl, Mary Wears What She Wants, My Dad Used to Be So Cool, and Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too). He has received multiple medals from the Society of Illustrators as well as recognition from American Illustration. His artwork has been featured in many publications, and he is a frequent contributor to the New York Times and the New Yorker. Keith lives in Bellingham, Washington.

We Are the Keystones by Katy S. Duffield

We're on a roll this week with literature involving animals, so I figured we might as well toss in some nonfiction goodness, too. Today's read looks a the term 'keystones' and should present various animals and how they work in nature's system. I'll admit that I'm learning more and more about this term myself, since it seems to be popping up in the biology world more and more. So, I'll probably be learning something, too...or at least, seeing what falls into the definition of this term. That's the lovely thing about books; there's always something to learn!

So, let's open this one up and see what awaits inside.

WE ARE THE KEYSTONES

Animals That Hold Habitats Together 

by Katy S Duffield

Illustrated by Salyer

Beach Lane Books

Picture Book Nonfiction

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING SEPTEMBER 1st!!!

Meet keystone species—the hidden heroes of the natural world—and learn about the ecosystems they support in this marvelous nonfiction picture book from the author of Extraordinary Structures for Extraordinary Animals.

Keystone species are plants, animals, or other organisms that have a huge effect on the environments around them. From beavers to elephants, alligators to hummingbirds, keystones help themselves and other species survive. Whether it’s creating habitats for themselves and other animals, leaving behind leftovers that fertilize the soil, or clearing out harmful algae, keystones live up to their name in their essential contribution to the harmony of our natural world.

GOODREADS   /   PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With an air of gentleness and a dash of curiosity, these pages present various animals to show how important they are to their ecosystems.

This book is all about Keystone animals. With a gentle poetic style, it begins as an adult and child wander into  the forest in the dim lighting of dawn, dressed for discovery. It offers a calm, quiet atmosphere as they find each animal, one by one. Each creature is presented with a six line verse and takes the animal's point of view as they describe some of their main activities. For example, the beaver is building dams. The animals aren't introduce by name, which gives the entire thing the feel of a riddle. Of course, it's obvious from the illustrations what it are. But this adds a dash of fun as listeners can name each one themselves. At the end of the six lines of rhyme, there is the repeating phrase 'We are the keystones', which adds a nice touch and makes the entire read feel founded. At the bottom, there is a several sentence paragraph of slightly smaller text, which explains how the animal contributes and supports their part of the ecosystem to qualify them as a keystone. At the end of the book, the history behind the term 'Keystone' is presented and a list of other Keystone species shown in the illustrations is given. 

These pages flow very nicely and offer a sense of wonder while introducing the idea of Keystones and giving readers more than a few familiar examples from the animal kingdom. It's a gentle and narrative way to bring the information across. But it's the illustrations which really steal the show as they offer each animal a chance to shine in their habitat. Animal enthusiasts will want to flip through these on their own and peer at the various details and surroundings. The text fits the age group nicely and is separated from the information blocks clearly, giving adult readers different possibilities on how they want to use the book. It also works nicely for those readers, who are fairly sure of their words, to pick up and discover on their own.

And here they are...

Katy S. Duffield is the author of more than twenty-five books for children, including the celebrated Crossings: Extraordinary Structures for Extraordinary Animals, which was an ALA/ALSC Notable Book, a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, and the recipient of the Eureka! Excellence in Nonfiction Gold Award. She lives in Florida with her husband and her wild and crazy Australian Shepherd. For more information about Katy, please visit her website at KatyDuffield.com.

Hannah Salyer received her BFA in illustration and communication design, with a minor in environmental studies, from Pratt Institute. She resides in Brooklyn, New York, where she writes and illustrates picture books, including her own Packs: Strength in Numbers and Ancestory: The Mystery and Majesty of Ancient Cave Art, as well as This Wolf Was Different by Katie Slivensky. She also teaches art classes for young kids and illustration classes for undergrad students at Parsons School of Design. Visit her at HannahSalyer.com.