A Single Speck

It could have happened yesterday; the memory is so vivid.  Snuggled in bed in the winter of 1998 at the end of the day, I opened the cover of the current Newbery Award Medal book, Out of the Dust (Scholastic, 1997) by Karen Hesse. Having no preconceptions about the title, I was startled by the narrative structure.  It was the first novel in verse I can remember reading.  Captivated beyond belief, I was there with the characters during the Dust Bowl, learning more about this significant time in United States history than any textbook or class had ever taught me... until now.

This year another stellar title, The Great American Dust Bowl (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, October, 2013) by author/illustrator Don Brown was released.  Using the graphic novel format, we are privy to the causes of and conditions during this event which impacted our country for almost ten years.  This mesmerizing accounting will change the way you think about the Dust Bowl.

A speck of dust is a tiny thing.
Five of them could fit on the period
at the end of this sentence.

These two sentences sit in the middle of a pictured dust storm, birds and rabbits fleeing as a man exclaims:

Oh my God!
Here it comes!

Don Brown goes on to explain what occurred on April 14, 1935 using it as an introduction to the book and the next fourteen pages.  In these pages with meticulous intent, he covers the formation of the land, the Great Plains, the life of the Native Americans, the bison who were an inherent part of their lives, the arrival of the settlers and their attempts at raising cattle and farming wheat and the arrival of the drought in 1931.

As the days without rain or little rain stretched into months, wild storms visited the people and the land.  Fourteen such storms were documented in 1932.  Can you even imagine a dust cloud twenty times higher than the Washington Monument?

So much dirt was in the air when any rain did fall it was filled with mud balls capable of denting cars, snow looked like it was chocolate covered and dust storms would be so thick, even with artificial light, sight was limited.  People outside would become lost and suffocate.  One of the more unique facts is the air would be filled with electricity causing all kinds of havoc and weird phenomenon.

Regardless of people's efforts, dust seeped into every nook and cranny whether it was storming or not.  Attic floors, room ceilings, bowed under the weight.  Animals and people became ill and died from the dust in their respiratory systems.

In case you think this impacted only portions of the states of New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas, think again.  In 1934 a storm was so massive it reached all the way east to the Atlantic Ocean.  Extreme temperatures, increased bug populations, rabbit problems and snakes hanging on fences were part and parcel of these years where only the strongest survived.

Don Brown circles back to the beginning date of April 14, 1935 recounting all the horrific details of that day for sixteen pages.  In the final panels we see how the government stepped in to help people prepare for future storms by planting trees and grass as well as teaching them how to farm, planting crops that would not deplete the land.  Closing thoughts leave readers with points to ponder.  Can we learn from history?  Can we prevent it from repeating itself?


Several techniques make this narrative compelling.  Rather than a listing of facts sentence after sentence, Don Brown as he did earlier this year with Henry and the Cannons, places those pieces of information among deliberately chosen words and phrases.  He makes us feel as if this is a segment on the nightly news rather than seventy years old.  He uses easily identified comparisons so readers can gain perspective.  Interspersed in his depictions are speech bubbles from the people in his illustrations, uttering actual documented observations.  Here is an example.

My horse...his eyes would water and his nose would water, and I'd wipe his eyes.It'd just be a lot of mud in the palm of my hands. I'd dig it out of his nostrils.


Rendered in pen and ink with digital paint, the illustrations adhere to a color palette, for the most part, of golds and browns.  Brown features the epic storm of April 14, 1935 on the front jacket and cover, extending the dust cloud to the back, framing people digging out from it.  Every page turn is a study in layout and design.

Text might be set within an illustration or placed in a separate element.  Passage of time is portrayed in a series of panels of varying sizes depending on the narrative.  Items may appear within frames or outside them.  Everything has been placed on a page with care.  While there is not a great amount of detail on the people's faces we are well aware of their emotional moods; body stance is critical. One of my favorite three panels, across two pages, is of the change from rain to drought highlighting a single farmer's perceptions.


Whether used in conjunction with a lesson in the classroom or as an outstanding historical nonfiction title, The Great Dust Bowl written and illustrated by Don Brown can be appreciated by any reader at nearly any age.  A selected bibliography and source notes at the end leave no doubt in a reader's mind as to the authenticity of this book.  That's what makes this title special---it holds you in its grasp as if it is fiction.  One copy will not be enough for your library; plan on more.  Please follow the link embedded in Don Brown's name to access his official website.

The Great American Dust Bowl by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

All In A Summer

While it's true the Internet provides users with untold amounts of resources, the ability to converse with people on the other side of the world and endless networking possibilities, exchanges of information, I still hold the belief that inside the pages of a book, the same is true.  Sometimes the most wondrous happenings then or now are closer than you think.  When these secrets are revealed to you, it's like opening a geode.

I was born and have lived in the state of Michigan for my entire life.  Walking through the botanical gardens at Michigan State University, spending days at the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, Mackinac Island and other parks, zoos, lakeshores, woodland trails and museums have enriched my sense of history and appreciation for our natural world.  In all those adventures, though, I have yet to do more than pass through Muskegon, Michigan.  Little did I know what happened in the nearby neighborhood of Bluffton in the summers of 1908, 1909 and 1910?  Illustrator and author Matt Phelan knows.  His newest title, Bluffton: My Summers With Buster (Candlewick Press), opens up possibilities, blending history and fiction in a pictorial journey back in time.


It's not every day a train rolls into the town of Muskegon, Michigan filled with vaudeville entertainers, an elephant and a zebra, but on a summer day in 1908, that's exactly what Henry Harrison saw.  The troupe has come to vacation in the cottages at Bluffton; the heat having caused the closure of all the theaters.  Henry decides to explore the next morning along the western shore of Lake Muskegon.  Crashes and flying bodies introduce him to Jingles, Louise and Buster Keaton.

Leaving for home with the promise of a baseball game the next day, Henry (and readers) get the inside scoop on vaudeville and the people at The Actors' Colony from a man on the porch.  For the next three months Henry and Buster play baseball, fish, swim, pull pranks and talk, reveling in all the peaceful bliss of summer.  Each can't help but hopefully wish for what the other has; Buster, a normal boy's life, Henry, a life on the stage.

Henry attends school, helps out in his father's hardware store and juggles away the months, longing for the companionship of his summer pal. Another boy who is part of the traveling group, Lex, keeps him informed with the latest news through letters, including problems the Keaton family have had with authorities about their knockabout act.  When they return Henry is more determined than ever to learn an act, to be on stage.

During the second summer more of the two boys' personalities and lives are revealed in their continued conversations and in the events experienced by both; boarding house fires, train wrecks, elaborately rigged contraptions, Harry Houdini, baseball and the presence of Sally, a neighborhood friend of Henry.  Regardless of an initial failed attempt and caution urged by Buster and Lex, an incident teaches Henry more than one lesson during their absence before the third summer in 1910.  Only three sentences are spoken throughout the pages of the last summer shared by Henry Harrison and Buster Keaton.  But the visuals speak loudly and clearly of glorious memories made.


In an Author's Note at the book's conclusion Matt Phelan writes about his admiration and love of all things Buster Keaton.  Keaton's autobiography, My Wonderful World of Slapstick, is the source of his inspiration for this title.  Phelan's knowledge is evident in every word.

His use of text is minimal but deliberate, providing contrasts and tidbits of information.  It acts as a main thread upon which all the conversations written and pictured are tied and woven together. Every verbal exchange provides insight into what it might have been like to experience those three summers.


Using watercolor Phelan illuminates the past for his readers.  It's as if we are peering through a looking glass watching the days of those three summers, the months in between for Henry, unfold before our very eyes, panel by panel.  We are given clues as to the time and its passage with details in the inside and outside surroundings.

There is a delicate intricacy to Phelan's work.  He might be giving us a panoramic view of a particular scene or a close-up of a facial expression, conveying much through his deft skills as a graphic artist.  One example early in the story is Henry, apple in hand, casually leaning outside against the train station building.  In the next panel from behind we watch him as the train arrives at the station.  He lifts the apple to his mouth for a bite.  The view shifts to the train, a ramp being put to the open door of a car. Henry looks startled, apple still in hand.  In the final panel we see the apple falling, bouncing up as it hits the ground.  Without a word Matt Phelan has told us that something extraordinary has been seen by Henry.

I feel fortunate that Matt was able to answer some questions I recently asked him about his work on this book.  My questions are in black, his replies are in gray.  Thank you so much Matt for making the time to do this and for including some artwork, the completed watercolor of Buster and a thumbnail of their first game of baseball.

When you were working on Bluffton, did the script (narrative) come first or did you visualize the story first?

I always write a complete script first and that goes through the usual editorial process. I don't start drawing until everyone feels the story is as tight as it can be. That said, the writing process for me is basically describing what I see in my head, panel by panel.

I am no artist at all (pitiful is the word that comes to mind) so I am wondering when you work on your illustrations is the entire book mapped out like a storyboard first in pencil?  Thumbnails?  What comes next after the first step is done?  Is it done again in pencil or is ink used? Are more details added this time?  Is the watercolor the final step? Was watercolor all that was used in the final work of Bluffton?  Do you enlarge the illustrations or is that done in the publishing process? 

Thumbnails always come first. Very small, very loose. Those are scanned in to the computer and the words are added. From those, I make a second round of layout sketches which are in some ways even looser, but clearly place the dialogue and composition elements. Then I draw the final art on a new sheet of watercolor paper in pencil and paint it with watercolor. The final art is 100% larger than the size in the book.

I am also wondering if you have ever visited Muskegon or Bluffton?  After reading your book, I sure hope to visit myself. J  When you consider I’ve lived in Michigan my entire life, it’s sad I have never done anything but pass through there before now.

I spent a week in Bluffton in 2010 before I wrote the script. It was well worth it. I really gained the necessary feeling that I needed to do the book.

Were the characters of Henry and Sally based upon anyone real in or near Bluffton during that time period or are they entirely fictional? (I know you said they are fictional in your author’s note but where did Henry and Sally come from?)  I love how you created this story around those three summers. 

Henry and Sally are entirely fictional. For Henry, I basically just imagined how I would react if I met Buster as a kid. Three years is quite a lot of time for that age, and part of the challenge in writing the book was to age the kids physically and emotionally from summer to summer.

I remember reading in your author’s note how you and your brother watched the Buster Keaton movies projected on the bedroom wall.  What sparked the interest in those movies?  Did your study of film and theater in college increase your passion for this master actor?

As a kid, I just responded to how hilarious those movies are. They really haven't dated. Growing up in my family, we never had a stigma against black and white movies. Some kids do (or think they do) today but I'm pretty certain that a few minutes of a Keaton film could change that. As I got older and learned more about film and acting, my admiration for him grew exponentially. I believe he was the finest filmmaker of the silent era and certainly one of the greatest film actors. There isn't a single moment of overacting in any of his films.

Bluffton:  My Summers With Buster written and illustrated by Matt Phelan is an outstanding tribute to some of the best times in the life of Buster Keaton as a youth.  It is also a story about finding your niche in life; discovering how to best use your gifts.  Even after reading it three times, I continue to find enjoyment in the illustrations, noticing a detail missed previously, and in the conversations between the characters.  This book is a historical fiction treasure.

To access Matt Phelan's website follow the link embedded in his name.  Here are two links to articles on his blog, The Road to BLUFFTON, Part One: Buster Keaton and The Road to Bluffton, Part Two: Vaudeville.  For a peek inside the book, more visuals, this link takes you to the publisher website.  Here is the link to a post Matt Phelan did recently at the Nerdy Book Club about a researcher's dream come true.

This link will take you to an introduction to the title and a Q & A with Matt Phelan.  This link is to an interview with Matt Phelan at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast with Julie Danielson.
Here is a video interview which was conducted during the American Library Association Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago this summer




Here is a trailer for the book.




Here are three videos Matt Phelan recommends watching to learn more about Buster Keaton.

A Dog, A Dinosaur and a Boy's Love

On the wall in my home is a signed print by the late artist and author, Stephen Huneck.  Huneck is best known in the children's literature community for his series of Sally, a black Labrador, books. My print is of the front paws, head, chest and winged back of a yellow Labrador, nose pointed upward toward a single shining star, the laces of a dangling shoe, in his/her mouth.  The print is captioned, Dogs Have A Soul.  

If you've ever loved and lost a dog, the need to believe this, for this to be true, is very strong.  When children grow up with a puppy, there is something extraordinary about the bond formed between them and their dog.  It's as if they are the other half of one another.  Author/ artist Doug TenNapel, whose graphic novels, Ghostopolis, Bad Island and Cardboard, are extremely popular with readers, has a recently released, newer version of the title, Tommysaurus Rex (Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic) filled with king-size heart about the remarkable connection between a boy and his canine....er....prehistoric companion.

Ely, an only child, living with his parents in suburbia has grown up with a golden retriever named Tommy.  We are introduced to the characters around the breakfast table as Ely is getting ready to take Tommy for a walk to the park.  On the way to meeting his friends with their dogs, tragedy strikes.  Another dog gets away from their human, chasing Tommy out into the street where he is struck and killed by a car.

Absolutely heartbroken, Ely is comforted by his Dad that evening with the suggestion he go stay with his grandpa, helping him on the farm.  Upon arrival at the farm, amid the greetings, Ely receives the gift of a toy Tyrannosaurus Rex from his grandpa. All goes grandly, as is often the case between grandparents and their grandchildren.

The next day after hours of hard work, Ely takes a break walking around the area with his new, smaller plastic companion.  A local boy, Randy and his two buddies Shem and Beckett approach Ely.  Their intentions, however, are not friendly.

Ely takes off with them in hot pursuit running through the woods trying to hide in a cave.  Caught off guard by strange sounds within the dark cavern, he is nabbed and bullied by the three, losing his grandpa's gift too.  That night neither Randy or Ely can sleep; Randy is filled with anxiety over the absence of his father and Ely hears those same noises, heard earlier, louder and closer, coming from the darkness outside.  Who or what is out there?

Making his way through the night back to the cave, Ely frees a trapped, full-grown Tyrannosaurus Rex.  The friendship between the duo is immediate.  Of course, there is the slight problem of his size, appetite, friendship with a local black cat and fear of fire.

It's up to Ely, Grandpa and Rex to prove to the mayor of the community that he's an asset rather than a liability.  While their determination to succeed seems to be working, Randy is equally driven to make life as miserable for Ely and Rex as possible.  When Randy's efforts roar out of control, Ely's decision alters everything...except for the love he shares with Tommysaurus Rex.


Told entirely in dialogue, visual and sound effects, Doug TenNapel creates a story poignant in its sadness and happiness alike; breaking your heart and fixing it more than once. His placement of humor (and dino poop) are spot-on.  His characters are fully human; flawed but rising to the occasion when they need to be better than they think they can be.  Here is an example:

The newly acquired Rex has just eaten a cow.

Ely: COOOOL!
Grandpa: A dinosaur is eating my cow.
Ely: They do that.
Grandpa: Mmm...so they do.
Ely: His name is Rex.
Grandpa: Ely, that's a Tyrannosaurus Rex! You can't keep him.
Ely: Oh, come on, Gramps! He's gonna be my best and only friend.
Ely: PUH--LEAAAASE!
Grandpa: And don't try to give me "Weepy Eyes"! I've got my Weepy-Eye Shields up!
Ely: Aw, come on, Grandpa! We get a T-Rex dropped in our lap and you wanna get rid of it!
What kind of man doesn't dream of owning a T-Rex?
Grandpa: You've got a point there.
Ely: Look at him go! He finished all of the bowels in thirty seconds!


In perfect sync with the dialogue the graphics accentuate the emotional heartbeart of the story.  Alternating between framed panels, single page and double page illustrations and shifting perspective they captivate the reader, pulling them into the center of the action.  Numerous times the humor is unspoken but obvious.  Some of my favorites are: the series of pages when Ely first encounters Rex foreshadowing events to come, the three panels when Ely throws a stick saying fetch and Rex brings back the local policeman dangling from his motorcycle, when Ely's dad comes to his room to comfort him, lying down on the floor next to him and the uplifting final two pages.


Having read Tommysaurus by Doug TenNapel twice cover to cover and other sections a third and fourth time, I can say, in complete honesty, this graphic novel is a great read.  It is first and foremost a story of the love a boy has for his dog and in turn of the dog's love for his boy.  But, many other life challenges are raised within this story, the why of bullying, remorse, forgiveness and death.  Plan on multiple copies.

One Of A Kind

There are those who deliberately try to stand out in a crowd.  Their trademark is individuality in the extreme.  There are those who despite every effort, attempting to blend in with the group, will be like a beacon in the darkest of nights.

There is also a distinct group who neither tries to be eccentric or indistinguishable from others.  You might say they are the perfect example of ignorance is bliss believing they are normal in every respect. Odd Duck (First Second, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press) written by Cecil Castellucci with illustrations by Sara Varon is the story of conventional (she thinks) Theodora and her outlandish new neighbor, Chad.


Theodora's days were very busy.
In the morning, she swam in straight 
lines across the pond
with an object
on her head
to maintain 
perfect posture.


What some might call a routine or a rut with a capital R, Theodora thinks of as a typical day.  Groceries (mango salsa?), craft supplies (squares for quilting?) and library books (are you sure you want to check those out?) seem as right as rain to her.

Each night is the same as the night before; dinner and star gazing.  Each night she wishes the same wish on the first shining star.  Her life she loves though, being alone, is about to change.

The empty house next door has a new occupant who couldn't be more different than Theodora than if it is part of a cosmic plan.  Proper as she is, baking a cake and introducing herself is the only thing to do. But oh my, this duck is not proper, not proper at all. This duck named Chad is a messy, talkative, rude dude.

Theodora's only hope as the days go by is Chad will soon fly south for the winter.  She herself prefers to stay in the calming hushed quiet of the cold days.  Of course...Chad stays.  Theodora's life is about to change again.

During an evening of gazing skyward naming the constellations, Theodora finds herself accepting an invitation from Chad.  One spoken thought leads to another and before she knows it, as the chilly days pass, she and Chad have become inseparable---they're best friends.  Spring brings a third change to Theodora, in the form of a comment said aloud as the two of them pass by a chatting group of ducks.

Odd? Who's odd?  He's odd!  She's odd!  A door slamming argument threatens the newly formed friendship.  One day passes, two days pass, and on the third day, odd, even opposite-as-night-and-day odd, might be the best thing of all.


Cecil Castellucci know ducks and people, combining the attributes of one with the emotions and actions of the other.  Mixing a simple narrative with speech bubbles and descriptive, text-filled asides, this story of less than ordinary quackers, flows like a constant, babbling brook; sure and steady.  You can't help but feel the lightness of the tale, the humor evident in each of the six chapters.


The book's jacket serves to illuminate the personal qualities of Theodora and Chad; the front a close-up of both their peculiarities, the back a series of three activities.  Rows of full-color, square portraits of the ducks in the story pattern the cover.  Opening and closing endpapers, in three shades, teal, orange and gold, show heads of the characters first in once direction, then the other, among watery waves and lily pads.

The design and layout employed by illustrator, Sara Varon,  alternates between double page spreads, single pages and multiple panels on an individual page.  Her visuals are so expressive they not only enhance and interpret the text but tell a story all their own.  All the duckish details add to the delight; duck nesting dolls on Theodora's dresser, bunny slippers next to her bed, lily pad bedding, duck book titles, and Mallard's Moving Company on the side of the truck.

The body shapes of her ducks, their attire and accessories can't help but make readers smile; Theodora's hat, socks and gloves in contrast to the goggle-wearing, striped-scarf Chad with the dyed feathers.  Round, wide eyes and spindly legs add to the hilarity.  For the sentence, She and Chad would not be Friends, Varon uses two page, all white space except for a shocked Theodora holding a plate with a slice of cake on the left looking at Chad on the right scratching his head with a fork while yakking non-stop.  (I burst out laughing when I saw this.)


Without a doubt Odd Duck, written by Cecil Castellucci with artwork by Sara Varon, charmingly conveys to readers opposites, even odd opposites, can attract. This title is sheer, pure fun all around.  It  can't miss as a great read aloud.  Make sure you add this graphic novel to your collection.

Please follow the links embedded in the author and illustrator names to their official websites. This link is to the publisher website where eight of the beginning pages can be viewed.

Gazing Goodness

When connections are made between characters and readers it's sometimes hard to let them go when a book reaches its conclusion.  In fact, once my students (or I) get hooked on a series, the wait for the next book is almost unbearable.  Eventually when the new titles arrive names are drawn to see who gets to check them out first.

Fans of the nearly wordless five graphic novels which introduced readers to Owly were thrilled with the first all color picture book, Owly & Wormy:  Friends All Aflutter! (reviewed here).  Jumping with joy is going to be an understatement when they see the latest title, Owly & Wormy: Bright Lights and Starry Nights!(Atheneun Books For Young Readers)  Author/illustrator Andy Runton has penned and pictured another tender tale shared by two of the most unlikely but devoted friends.


With grins all around the story begins even before the title page with the arrival of a package containing a telescope.  As the sun sets Owly reveals his plans for a nighttime adventure although Wormy is a tad bit scared by the dark and the mysterious

CLICKITY SKREEEEE

emitting from the surrounding forest.  Like the true friend he is, Owly has the answer, a lantern and candles.

Problem number one strikes when the leafy branches of their home block any sight of the stars.  But not to worry, Owly has a plan.  Tomorrow they will trek to the hill with a clear view.  Packed for the hike the two drift off to sleep no doubt dreaming of their adventure tomorrow.

Midway through their hilltop lunch the next day, problem number two rolls in with dark clouds and rain.  If he had a middle name it would be prepared, Owly has packed rain gear and finds a cave not too far away.  Ooooo...what's that sound?

CLICKITY...SKREEEEEE......

Yikes!  They scurry out of there in a hurry.  Whew...after the rain stops they set up their tiny tent on the hill, lantern and candles are lit and they're ready to look toward the night sky only to discover...problem number three...the telescope has fallen from Owly's backpack.

Wormy quickly volunteers to stay and guard the encampment (there's no way he's going back toward "those" sounds).  Now clearly lost in the darkened woods, needing to locate the telescope, Owly is starting to get spooked by the noises too.  Silence broken by eerie notes, peering eyes, creatures of the night are coming into sight.

Saddened Owly longs to return to Wormy.  Frightened, Wormy is wondering about shadows and the whereabouts of Owly.  Owly and Wormy realize, as do readers, the darkness can reveal much if we have the eyes and minds to understand.


When you look at the jacket and cover opened, it is impossible not to get caught up in the smiles worn by Owly, Wormy, the bats, chipmunk, opossum, raccoon, snail and fireflies.  This crew of forest creatures are clearly enjoying their nighttime escapade.  After the soft purple endpapers (opening and closing), a turn of page shows Owly's telescope delivered by a snail wearing a MAIL pouch.  You have to love the humor and joy portrayed in this sunny, opening illustration.

Following with the publication data carefully tucked into the tip top branches in the left-hand corner, the title arching like the sunset on the right-hand page, standing on the platform of their tree house (spread across two pages) our two pals are ready to greet their next adventure. Given that most of this story takes place at night Runton uses velvety shades of purple, deep blues, gray and black within and around his pictures drawn and inked by hand with digital pastels for coloring.  As in the previous title he alters his visual sizes and placement to punctuate and enhance pauses, pace and the storyline.  There is a pleasing balance to the flow of the tale.

Rebus-like speech bubbles clarify the "dialogue" between the two friends as well as the newest members of the tale.  The expressions depicted on all the characters are compelling and brimming with emotion; the widening of eyes, the curve of mouth or the lifting of an eyebrow leave no doubt as to what they are feeling.  One of my favorite two page spreads is when Owly brings out the lantern and candles to light up the night for Wormy.


Written and illustrated by Andy Runton Owly & Wormy: Bright Lights and Starry Nights entertains in the best possible way; tucking in the message about embracing the night and what it has to offer within a wonderful story of friendship enduring the ups and downs of life's events.  Publishers, Simon & Schuster offer a glimpse of eleven images from the story at a link here.  Andy and Patty Runton have designed a 30 page lesson plan packet which can be downloaded in .pdf format here.  Be sure you head over to the website linked to Andy Runton's name above for even more graphic goodies plus an Owly T-shirt, hat and plush toy.

Check out this adorable short animated video about Owly & Wormy.

Matched With A Meteorite

When I think about the talents of individual authors, illustrators and author/illustrators it seems to me their work is as unique as they themselves are.  Each is known for their particular gifts when applied to the art of making books for all kinds of readers.  For authors it might be their descriptive settings that tantalize the senses, the realistic, relevant dialogue between characters or a pulse-quickening plot.  A particular medium, color palette or technique applied to their visuals is what usually sets one illustrator apart from another.

When I first read the graphic novel Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword (Amulet Books, an imprint of Abrams, November 2010, reviewed here by Elizabeth Bird) by Barry Deutsch I was captivated from  the opening page to the final panel, reading it in a single sitting.  Two years later the eleven-year-old Orthodox Jewish girl has returned in Hereville:  How Mirka Met a Meteorite (Amulet Books, an imprint of of Abrams).  Opening the cover of this book, fashioned by an author/illustrator distinguished by his writing and artwork, is stepping into a world unlike any you have ever known.


Being grounded left Mirka with too much time and pent-up energy.  So, under orders from her stepmother Fruma, Mirka turned to knitting.

Unfortunately her limited skills lead her to knit one thing and one thing alone---berets.  Having covered the heads of her entire family, she is now bored and bugging those she can with her urges to sword fight with curtain rods.  One chess game and a chat later with her stepmother, frees her from the confines of her home.

Running to the woods she summons the troll to claim her sword.  Wanting to pay the witch back for initially helping Mirka, the troll casts a spell which backfires; a meteorite is sent plummeting toward not only the witch but Hereville.  There's only one person who can stop the meteorite---the witch.  With only fifteen minutes until Hereville is no more, Mirka sets off running to cover the two mile distance.

Gasping in exhaustion she collapses in the witch's yard with the meteorite in sight before she passes out.  When she awakens the witch informs Mirka the meteorite was transformed with only moments to spare.  Mission accomplished! or so Mirka thinks until she discovers the form the meteorite was given.

It seems Mirka now has a twin given the name Metty.  While it might be handy to have a replica of yourself from time to time, it is not a good thing to have one who not only wants to take over your life but is superior in nearly every way.  As events and emotions reach a fever pitch,  a competition is staged; three contests will determine who gets to stay in Hereville.  Clever siblings, a magical ball of yarn and an unforeseen flight into space seal the fate of both Mirka and Metty.


There is no pause in the pace of Barry Deutsch's narrative.  He holds his reader's attention during a family chess match, word battles with the troll, Mirka's conversations with herself, thoughtful, sometimes anguished, discussions with her stepmother, and the constant conflict with the meteorite, Metty.  To have all these individual threads seamlessly woven into the setting of an Orthodox Jewish community, Hereville, including the weekly holiday of Shabbos, the use of Yiddish terms (meanings noted in footnotes) and other cultural customs (the attire of the witch against the modest clothing worn by others in the community), is the sign of a master wordsmith.


The opening endpapers show in rows of small diamonds the many faces of Mirka.  The closing endpapers feature the many faces of the additional characters in this story, including the monsters (yes, monsters).  With the exception of specific panels of the meteorite in it's original form and those pages when Mirka is in space, Deutsch's color palette is limited to shades of green, brown, and orange along with black and white; his signature style.

The panel sizes and shapes on a given page vary according to the emotions of the characters, the particular sequence of events and the specific point reached in the story.  Readers may see an illustration cover two entire pages, view a series of twelve uniform squares on a single page or observe one visual superimposed on another; all to enhance the story and further involve the reader.  I can not begin to imagine the amount of time, thought and skill it took to design and layout this graphic novel; it's impeccable.


Look no further if you're looking for a flawed but feisty character set squarely in the middle of an action-packed adventure amid a fantastical world.  Hereville:  How Mirka Met a Meteorite by Barry Deutsch is one of those books you devour and go back for second helpings; it's that good.  There is a Hereville website linked by Deutsch's name above.  This link will take you to the first sixteen pages of this book to preview.  Just after the release of this title Barry Deutsch was interviewed at The Enchanted Inkpot.  

Don't Look Now But It's The...

Even before all the scientific studies, we knew in our deepest selves the power of laughter; feeling an overall sense of well-being the harder and longer we laughed.  Shared laughter with children, students, is the best of the best; the sound of their immediate joy, heavenly.  Having a sense of humor fine-tuned to the slightest nuance in a narrative or picture makes them the perfect candidates for the enjoyment found in a good story.

The popularity of graphic novels has thankfully grown by proverbial leaps and bounds in the past several years.  Their ability to hook those reluctant to read, with tightly woven narratives (some wordless) and artwork stunning in layout, design and detail, is a source of pleasure for all who want to bring more members into the reading community.  When looking through the nominations for the 2012 Nerdy Book Club Award for graphic novels, Bird & Squirrel On The Run! (Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic) written and illustrated by James Burks caught my eye; a title already on my TBR pile.


WHAT A...
...PERFECT...
...DAY...
...FOR...
...FLYING!

Zooming through the trees the delight of Bird is obvious as he extends joyous greetings to one and all.  Nearby Squirrel is on a mission scurrying with infinite care from point to point, ever alert to danger, to get one final acorn for his winter stash.  All is well until Bird swoops down and nearly scares him to death.

Speaking of death...Squirrel is sure vigilance is necessary to:  1. keep the Cat from enjoying him as a meal and  2. make sure he has enough acorns stored to fend off starvation during the winter. Squirrel turns down all invitations to fly with Bird determined to make it home with his last load.  But Bird flies back into his life much sooner than he thought he would.

Due to his devil-may-care curiosity Cat is now hot on Bird's tail.  Squirrel becomes a reluctant hero but looses all his food.  Circumstances have left Squirrel with no choice.  He has to travel south with Bird.

Neither the raging waters of a river and waterfall, the thunder and lightning of a ferocious storm, the deepest dark of an underground home, the vicious attack by a swarm of bees, the sudden cold of snow showers, the dangers of a slithering snake nor the horrors of a hungry hawk can dissuade Bird from his over-the-top optimism.  Squirrel, on the other hand, is nearly paralyzed by his persistent pessimism.  Of course Cat, in possession of at least some of those nine lives, is constantly prowling ready to pounce when they least expect it.

This clash of personalities with danger lurking around every corner leads to a humorous adventure that's an action bonanza.  The tenuous friendship of Bird and Squirrel (more on Squirrel's part than Bird's) is tested again and again.  Readers will be on the edge of their seats wondering if the two can, however briefly, assume some of the other's personality traits in order to complete their trip.  Will they be able to plunge with pleasure into the Great Unknown?


Within the first few pages the stark contrast of descriptive dialogue written by James Burks for his characters leaves no doubt in the reader's mind as to how each views life.  The non-speaking role (except for some loud meows) of Cat as an adversary heightens the differences between the two.  The playful, sometimes taunting, even sarcastic, verbal exchanges provide for laugh-out-loud moments.

Here is a single example after they've driven off a bridge into the river.  Bird begins the conversation.

WOOHOO!
HIGH FIVE!
WE LOST
THE CAT.

ARE YOU INSANE?
WE ALMOST DIED.
AND NOW WE HAVE
NO SUPPLIES.

BUT WE GET TO
FLOAT DOWN THE
RIVER ON A LOG,
AND THAT'S
PRETTY COOL.
JUST LISTEN TO
THE SOOTHING
SOUND OF THE
RUNNING WATER.

ACORNS
TO OAKS!
IT'S A WATERFALLLL!

WOOOHOOOOOO!


Using bright realistic colors Burks brings us panel by panel, page by page, into the madcap escapades of these two seemingly mismatched pals.  The first two pages with the goggle-clad yellow Bird zipping up and down and around the trees zooming in and out on his flight pattern sets the stage for the ensuing events. Following his pure delight is the furtive, frightened, overly cautious movements of the blue acorn-helmet wearing Squirrel intent on reaching his goal undetected.  Their squarish body shapes (not to mention Squirrel's head looking like a nut when he wears the helmet) add to the comedic effect.  When the plump feline enters the scene with the exaggerated mouth size, an emotional impact is guaranteed.

The looks on all the characters faces, the combination of eyes, mouths and general body language, are hilarious.  Extra details endear readers to the duo; Squirrel having a red bike with a cart attached for hauling nuts, Bird wearing a sink plunger as a hat when they begin their journey.  Then too, there's the faint trail of smoke coming from the Cat's tail hours after he's struck by lightning.  Lucky for Bird and Squirrel, without their knowledge, Burks has given him troubles of his own.


Who doesn't love to laugh?  Written and illustrated by James Burks Bird & Squirrel On The Run! is pure fun; perfect for readers of any age.  Shared troubles on the road south bring about changes, all for the good of a friendship founded and forged on differences.  This is one graphic novel not to be missed.

For more information about James Burks follow the link to his website embedded in his name above.  Here is a link to a page on his blog for drawing Bird.  I thought Bird's idea of a theme song for the friends was pretty cute, so here is a link to my version of his tune.

No Ordinary Boy, No Ordinary Dog

Listen...did you hear a loud ka-boom?  Did a boy wearing a lab coat go running past?  Did that dog just talk?

If you answered yes to all those questions you have entered the world of Mal and Chad, an inventive guy genius and his talking canine companion.  Creations of graphic artist, Stephen McCranie, their third adventure was released on December 6, 2012.  With every turn of page Belly Flop! (Philomel Books) brings readers closer into the lives of this perfect pair of pals.


This episode begins with one of Mal's inventions going slightly haywire.  The small arm meant to come out from the top of his alarm clock and wake him up with a gentle tap on the head, pops out swinging.  Luckily Chad hits the snooze button before Mal ends up all black and blue.

Barely making the bus on time, he arrives at Einstein Elementary to sit in his favorite spot, the base of the large bust of Albert E outside the school.  It seems that his major crush (who barely acknowledges him), Megan is handing out birthday party invitations.  By the end of the day it looks as if Mal's awkward social skills will prevent an invite until his chivalry toward Megan attracts attention.  He's going to the party!

The dilemma of the quintessential gift, how to afford the purchase price, the use of the weather cube to do chores backfiring, getting caught on a windmill blade, a too-close encounter with his super-duper glue and an embarrassing dip in a pond, leave Mal feeling very un-cool, down in the proverbial dumps.  Never fear...Chad to the rescue.  Satisfying his craving for snow cones, Chad has been busy with Mal's weather cube.  One snowball fight, snow angels and an ice castle later all is well...or is it?

Still trying to win Megan's attention, or more, Mal masters a magic act for an entry in the school talent show.  A fiasco ensues involving a tarantula named Susan, a levitation mishap and a blizzard. Will Mal make it home in time to save his best bud from the out-of-control giant snowflakes and lightning hail?  What's a Musketeer doing in the middle of the blizzard?  Friendship, the true-blue-forever kind, in all its shapes and sizes triumphs.


Stephen McCranie's skills as a writer are obvious in the dialogue between his characters exhibited realistically, full of life and emotion; each statement revealing the speaker's personality.  Through conversations between Mal and Chad readers are privy to the deep affection and loyalty they share, one for the other.  The pacing from one speech bubble to the next is smooth, fast and completely engaging.


McCranie is an absolute master at designing the layout of his panels.  The panels on each page are placed together like pieces on a puzzle, the pages becoming pieces in the larger puzzle of the story. Alternating size to accommodate the moments, events and action and shifting perspective generate a pleasing whole.

Portions of the items in a panel move outside the edges to add interest, movement and enhance the flow of the narrative.  Lines in the text and visuals increase in size, width and boldness for emphasis.  Liberal use of sound words, onomatopoeia, draw the reader into the story.


My new copy of Belly Flop!: Mal and Chad 3 written and illustrated by Stephen McCranie is filled with dozens of small sticky notes extending from the pages marking dialogue and visuals I deem as memorable, outstanding in their delivery.  To be sure, the action, even in the day to day events at school, is non-stop.  But there are moments that will touch your heart and leave a mark.  This particular inventive guy genius and his canine companion have become treasured characters in my literary life.  Well done, Stephen McCranie.

Please follow the link embedded in Mal and Chad above to access the official website.

A Gift For Christmas

Between the first day of school and the last, there's one section in the library that's guaranteed to usually be empty. Once in awhile a book will make its way to the shelves but only until the next class arrives to quickly check it out again.  In the last six plus years this particular Dewey designation has grown significantly in numbers and popularity.

In April of 2009 a new title by a group of three cartoonists, James Sturm, Andrew Arnold and Alexis Frederick-Frost, became the newest member of the 741.5 club.  Adventures in Cartooning: How to turn your doodles into comics! (First Second, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press) was the recipient of two starred reviews and a hit with students.  Mid September this year another volume in the series was released, Adventures in Cartooning: Christmas Special (First Second, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press).



It was a week before Christmas and Santa was grumbling...

Call me old-fashioned, but traditions are crumbling!

Santa's in a tizzy.  What happened to the good ole' days?  It seems that all his elves do is write code for the electronic games and toys delivered to all good little girls and boys.  But he gets an idea.  He's sure it will do.  Now all he needs is...Whoosh...The Magical Cartooning Elf!  

Before the man of legend and lore, dressed in red from head to toe, has a chance to appreciate his good fortune, the marvelous magical little guy in green conjures up his friend, the brave knight, to help with their plan of creating the perfect gift, a comic book. The knight is needed, of course, to supply all the gripping action from her deeds of derring-do. Hesitant at first, she relents, owing Santa for all the good he does each year.

A climb to Mount Everest, sharing a sub with a Yeti, sobbing children in the land of giants and...a trip to space to lasso a star certainly fit the bill.  Amid all the preparations for publication a problem becomes abundantly clear.  Edward, the knight's trusty steed, has a bit of a weight problem, so he is not the answer.

The trio plus one have a quest to complete.  Will the books be delivered by Christmas morning?  Will gals and guys around the world delight in this newest non-digital present?  And what do an onion and a big toe have to do with any of this at all?


Bringing characters from the first volume, the Magic Cartooning Elf, the brave knight, Edward the horse and the candy-hoarding dragon, to this narrative is a stroke of genius.  The dialogue is loaded with quick comebacks, emotional outbursts, hilarity times ten and Santa's musings.  Told entirely in rhyme (which drives the knight nuts), the story flows at a joyful clip.


The inside of the paperback covers displays snowflakes.  On the first page a snowman built by one of the giant children is centered beneath the title, authors/illustrators names in the middle. As they did in the first book nine pages of the storyline pass before a vibrant two-page title is presented; decorated in Christmas lights, snowflakes, stockings and special font.  This title page is part of the narrative.

Throughout full color panels in varying sizes are positioned appropriately enhancing the pace of the tale.  Word balloons, lines of motion and sound effects are as exuberant as the story itself inviting the reader to participate.  Each reading reveals new details, intricate and humorous.


James Sturm, Andrew Arnold and Alexis Frederick-Frost are a trio, tried and true, who bring readers Adventures in Cartooning: Christmas Special! , another comic creation filled with laugh-out-loud wit and wisdom.  For an individual to enjoy or as a read aloud this title is a treat.  Be sure to have plenty of paper, pencils, and pens handy.  For more illustrations to preview follow the link directly above embedded in the title.

Out Of Desperation-Magic?

For several months now I have had two extremely large cardboard boxes stored in my garage.  I know before the winter wood delivery, I should cut them up and take them to the recycling center.  But there's something about those boxes that prevents me from doing so.

I have strong memories of childhood creations fashioned from boxes.  When I look at those in my garage I see hidden potential, endless possibilities.  Ghostopolis (2010) and Bad Island (2011), two of numerous graphic novels by Doug TenNapel have garnered several honors.  It was with expectant glee when his newest title, Cardboard, also published by Scholastic Graphix, arrived on my doorstep less than two days ago.  Having read all three I can say, without reservation, Cardboard is another rousing representation of TenNapel's outstanding talent as a storyteller and graphic artist.

With no prospects for work in sight, Mike, a carpenter is on his way home, wondering what he can possibly afford for his son, Cam's birthday.  A small roadside stand with a vocal, unusual vendor grabs his attention. The stranger produces

the best, most amazing, and utterly stupendous gift in the history of the universe.

This gift which can only be given to a really good kid, (Mike assures him his son is the best of the best.), is a cardboard box.  The cost of the box happens to equal the only change Mike has left in his pocket.  The wily old man warns Mike to be sure to obey the two rules attached to the purchase of the box.

True to Mike's assessment of his son, Cam is not disappointed with his present.  Father and son spend the rest of the evening building a boxer, a man, from the cardboard.  Imagine their surprise, when awakened in the middle of the night, to find that the man, they name Bill, has come to life.

Marcus, the neighborhood bully, and his sidekick, Pink Eye, are quick to notice the addition to Cam's household.  No amount of money, of which Marcus has a handy supply, can convince Cam to part with Bill. Having neglected to comply with the two rules, a near deadly attack at the hands of the malicious duo, causes the inventive Mike to save the day but open the way for disaster.

What was already a fast paced tale shifts into high as the thieving Marcus's wicked plan for world cardboard domination spins completely out of control.  Monstrous mayhem ensues as each moment could mean the difference between life or death for all the characters.  Readers will not be able to turn the pages fast enough to discover how the individual plot lines converge to produce a satisfying, and in one instance a wholly unexpected, conclusion. 

With clever, laugh-out-loud humorous, snappy dialogue Doug TenNapel spins a story of characters caught in the ups-and-downs of life, real and fantastical.  Built into the non-stop action are the honest, open discussions of the son and father at the loss of their mother and wife.  A romantic spark is added by the sincere attentions of the neighbor woman, Tina.  Questions about the emotional makeup of bullies or what it means to be fully human are addressed with thoughtful insight.

Here is a single passage.

Bill:  Good morning, Mr. Mike.  How's the jaw? (Bill is sitting at the kitchen table when Mike walks in.)
Mike:  It's fine, thanks.
Mike: You're reading books now? 
Bill: Yeah.
Bill:  Cam is teaching me about all the great books of Western civilization. (He's holding a book titled The Wrath of Khan.)
Mike:  I see.

Preferring to work in the more traditional ink and brush, Doug TenNapel has nevertheless shown his mastery at designing graphics digitally.  Varied panel sizes on each page mirror and extend the narrative giving it a pulse that slows or speeds accordingly.  Sound effects are boldly splashed across the page adding to the emotionally impact.

Time stood still as I entered the world of Cardboard, completely captivated by the characters' lives, the rip-roaring action, the heartfelt pauses and the expressive, impressive illustrations.  Doug TenNapel gives his audience a story to be enjoyed again and again, noticing more detail and subtleties at each reading.  Multiple copies will be necessary.

If Wishes Were....

We make wishes when we blow out candles on a birthday cake, get the largest piece of a turkey bone, see the first star of the evening or perhaps one falling from the night sky.  When telling stories in the library media center my students and I will light the magic lamp before beginning (a gift from a parent decades ago in the shape of Aladdin's lamp).  As we finish a student is selected to blow it out as everyone makes three wishes; for someone anywhere in the world needing something good, for someone they love and the final wish for themselves. 

Wishes are a sign hope is alive; reaching toward goals or satisfying a yearning.  I am always quick to remind my students (and myself) to be careful for what they wish.  Wishes may come true but not quite the way expected as the main character in the new graphic novel Pandemonium (Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic) by Chris Wooding and Cassandra Diaz discovers.

As the story begins Seifer Tombchewer (his last name is a nickname given to his grandfather for keeping his teeth sharp by gnawing on tombstones), takes to the skies, the skilled captain of the Skullball team garnering another victory for his village, Crowscale. Despite his father's lack of support for anything other than Skullball, Seifer longs to leave; exploring what lies beyond the mountains. As evening descends Seifer visits and leaves his grandfather's home only to be snatched by the Velvet Spies, agents of the royal family Pandemonium.

An aging, somewhat batty, Queen, is supported by her grandchildren Princess Sarcoma, Prince Talon and Princess Hypoxia.  The children's parents were killed in an invention they failed to perfect.  As the firstborn male, Prince Talon is the Lord Defender of the Realm, leader of the armies.  Why has Seifer been kidnapped?  Prince Talon is missing and Seifer looks enough like him to be his twin.

Rather than be an appetizer for the Psycho Carnage Beasts, against his will, Seifer agrees to masquerade as Prince Talon.  Duty-bound assistance to Princess Sarcoma with the larger problem of imminent invasion by their enemies is complicated by royal advisor, Lumbago, trying to scare him into being a Prince Talon clone, the real Prince's cat (about the size of a Stegosaurus) swallowing him whole repeatedly, Lady Carcassa Malefica, a maker of Magika and his new love interest, his fiance, Lady Asphyxia, and those who want him dead...now. An unforeseen circumstance, a right of challenge combat, reveals his true character, placing others before himself, the opposite of the real prince. 

Tension intensifies as those who want Seifer dead increase their efforts, a battle for the Darkling Realm's rule is waged and intrigue deepens with help from an unlikely source.  Can a Skullball champion, a commoner from the mountains, play the role of Prince Talon successfully? Action speeds ahead quickly toward an ending of the definite, drastic dilemma variety.

All the classic elements of fantasy are skillfully woven into the story's fabric by Chris Wooding; good versus evil, a hero, magic, a secondary world, special characters and the use of a fantastical object.  What sets this apart from others are the players, complete with wings, strengths and flaws, the snappy dialogue between them, the generous helping of humor throughout and the feeling of being about to cross over to the dark side at any given moment.  Wooding reels readers in with a plot promising more of the same to come; hints that all is not as it seems to be.  Here are a couple of narrative samples.

There's no spell on the door anymore, you know.  It only works once.  You won't get roasted again.
It's not the door I'm worried about.
Awwww! Are you afraid of the cat?
Of course I am.  She's three times my size and she wants to kill me.
But Mog-ra wouldn't hurt you.  You two have always been best friends.  Besides, she's such a cute little thing.
You haven't been inside her mouth.  

...Oh my there it is that's Fang where the chieftain of the  Ologs lives I can't wait to meet him I'm so excited  EEEEEEEE!
You know the Psycho Carnage Beasts eat girls too.
Don't tempt me.

The graphics employing an edgy, darkened palette, by debut illustrator, Cassandra Diaz, partner well with Wooding's storyline. Her character depictions, the world in which they are placed and action sequences are completely captivating.  There is a strength, a boldness, about her illustrations attracting readers to the Darkling Realm, those who reside within its borders and the lives they lead.

Stepping into the world created by Chris Wooding in his first graphic novel, Pandemonium, ablaze with visuals by Cassandra Diaz, is a walk well worth taking.  Keen pacing, fierce action and characters you will learn to love or hate, not to mention an ending assuring another volume, is a winning combination.  Be prepared...you'll be hooked and will be hard pressed not to read this in its entirety at one sitting.