So Close

Tundra Books

Natalia Colombo 

Every day, Mr. Duck sets off for work. And across town, Mr. Rabbit does the same. These two fellows live in opposite directions and pass each other every day. Do they stop and say hello? No. They do not smile, they do not wave, they do not lock eyes. They most certainly do not pass knowing glances or slap a quick high five.


While the mode of transportation varies, their lack of acknowledgment never does. Some days Mr. Duck and Mr. Rabbit motor in - driving fine cars the color of ripe tomatoes and fat pumpkins. When the weather cooperates, they ride their striped bicycles or simply hoof it.  By car, on a bike, or on foot, they pass in silence, never calling out a friendly word. 

If one of them would just throw out a simple greeting, quite possibly their entire lives would change. They could become the best of friends, instead of two strangers passing by every day.  What a world of difference one little hello could make.  Hence, the title of the book - these two are so close to becoming friends and yet so far, for they each refuse to take the first step.  The last two pages show Mr. Duck and Mr. Rabbit as fast friends - sharing an umbrella, enjoying a cup of coffee, riding together in one car.  How sweet it could be ...
 

I really like that the author took a concept that many of us could admit to passively participating in, cleverly applied it to two adorable animals, and came up with a winning story. It doesn't hurt that her illustrations are equally sweet and quirky. They are fairly simply done, but the colors are muted and a bit fuzzed about the edges, so it isn't an overly bright book. Also, I should point out that the writing is equally simple with just a couple words per page. This is the perfect book for a three year old or four year old. Simple writing and great illustrations but without that babyish feel that some books project.  This is a grown-up type book for that age group.  

I do wonder how many friendships I am missing out on by having missed the opportunity of saying hello.  That definitely is not something that I want to teach my children, that they should sit back and  wait for the greeting instead of offering their own. Mr. Duck and Mr. Rabbit show us the power a friendly word can wield.  Reach out, be friendly - you may very well may gain more than you had imagined.

Review copy provided by Tundra Books. 

Here Comes the Bride

Tundra Books
Beatrice Masini; Illustrated by Anna Laura Cantone

Filomena is a very talented excellent seamstress who is able to whip up nearly anything under the sun. Although she can create any look, her absolute favorite projects are wedding dresses. Because of her ability to listen closely to each bride, every engaged woman in town wants Filomena to create her gown. She turns their dreams into dresses - under Filomena's steady hands they can emerge as beautiful princesses, dainty fairies or glamorous movie stars!



Working on wedding dresses day in and day out fills Filomena's head with lace, silk and bows. Better than anyone else, she knows what a dress needs to turn every head in the church. While she works, Filomena dreams of her own wedding day. Er, she's not actually engaged .... she doesn't really have a boyfriend. Unbeknowst to Filomena, her dream wedding is much closer than she might think. For next door, a mechanic named Rusty has been loving Filomena for a very long time, saving his pennies for an engagement ring.


When Rusty finally works up his courage to ask his true love for her hand in marriage, his request is immediately accepted. Filomena's eyes light up as she begins to plan her own gown. The illustration here is hilarious, the look of joy is perfectly captured on her face, with her eyes practically bugging out of her head. And so Filomena sets to work on her dress. She works, and works, and works. There is no time to spend with her fiance as she has so much to do on her masterpiece.

The whole church eagerly awaits the bride and her beautiful gown, though no one is as eager as her groom. But when Filomena appears, she was only a giant puff of white with lace and frills, butterflies and tulle. Rusty can not even see the girl he had fallen in love with. He flees the church, hops on his trusty scooter and gets the heck away from that church as quickly as he can. And does Filomena flop down on the ground and cry? No, she is made of stronger stuff than that! She runs right after her groom, her veil streaming out behind her, buttons and bows popping off in the wind.


After a feisty chase, Filomena catches up to Rusty and calms his fears. They return hand in hand to the church. So many embellishments have flown from Filomena's dress that it is now ... simple and elegant. It fact, it is the most beautiful dress she has ever made and all her guests are stunned.

Illustrations from Anna Laura Cantone are always just glorious. Bright colors, intricate patterns, and plenty of fun details to catch your eye on every page. This is a beautiful, wonderful book that will capture the heart of any little girl who dreams of her own wedding day. But a nice practical ending that will appeal to parents who pay for those weddings.

Check out a very nice interview with illustrator Anna Laura Cantone here at Children's Literature. Her advice to parents to foster creativity: "Push children to use lots of imagination. Use everyday materials and recycle things to create something new. That allows all of us to be free to try something new and different. If you use expensive materials you are going to be afraid to try for fear of wasting precious materials."

Review copy provided by Tundra Books.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Tundra Books
Lewis Carroll; Illustrations by Oleg Lipchenko

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was originally written in 1865 and has since been translated into 125 languages. There have now been over a hundred editions of the book, as well as countless adaptations in other media, including theater and film. If you haven't already done so, isn't it time to introduce this masterpiece to your children?

This edition is particularly enjoyable because it is presented like a large picture book, making it a great choice for a large range of ages. Sized at 9" x 12", beautiful illustrations by Oleg Lipchenko sprawl across every page, bringing the story to life. Broken up into twelve chapters, this is the perfect bedtime book. There is ample adventure and colorful characters afoot to keep children breathless and anxious for the next night's chapter.


I think I was first introduced to Alice by the 1951 Disney cartoon. Like most book to movie adaptations, reading the story is so much better. Reading the book allows you to process Carroll's original text and allow your imagination to develop the characters, which makes the story uniquely yours. Here, Lipchenko's illustrations will act as a starting block, but they don't fully create the memory for you, like a movie will do.


There is a reason Lewis Caroll's writing is considered a classic - it really does transcend the years. I'm so pleased that Tundra Books is offering this updated edition, so that I may introduce a whole new generation to Alice's adventures via a gorgeous book. I must point out that Oleg Lipchenko's illustrations plus Lewis Carroll’s original text serves to make this a spectacular gift choice. Grab a copy and invite your own children to join the tea party and take their chances with the Mad Hatter, the March Hare and the demanding Queen of Hearts!

Wild Animals!

Tundra Books
Eduardo Bustos, Lucho Rodriguez

Are you in the market for a simple, yet brilliantly colored book about animals for younger children? I have some great news! If this sort of book isn't already on your list, maybe it should be. This bright and brilliant book would be the perfect choice for younger children who have a strong interest in wild animals, but are not yet ready for the more intensive books that provide pages and pages of facts (you know, the ones they always pick at bedtime that make your eyes gloss over) and information.


Eleven animals are featured here, each one getting its own two page spread. The first page shows a small full body illustration of the animal, with a short paragraph that gives some details or points of interest. The paragraph is written as if the animal is speaking directly to the readers. The fox says "Do you think I look like a dog? We are related, but I am not happy in a pack. I am a solitary creature - wherever I live around the world."


Although the full body illustrations are nice, the opposing page is the real eye candy - a full color geometric illustration of just the animal's head. The background pages are all black, which means of course, that the illustrations pop right off the page! As you can see by the examples shown here, these are vibrant and interesting designs. That back cover states that illustrator began his career in graphic design.

With the short paragraphs and vivid illustrations, this really is a good choice for younger children - maybe three to five years of age. Old enough to absorb the information and not be hungering for more details. Plus, they will be undoubtedly fascinated by all the shapes that appear in the faces of the animals.

What Came First?

Tundra Books
Sandro Natalini

At first glance, I thought this book was intended for younger children. I expected it to be a basic debate of the age old question - What came first, the chicken or the egg? Possibly a humorous look into the explanations of both sides of the argument.

Instead, the book takes a huge step backward to explain the Big Bang theory and the following eras. It goes on to explain the process of evolution and how some creatures have successfully managed to adapt and evolve over the years, while others have become extinct.


There is a lot of information contained in this small book, almost overwhelmingly so. The writing and subject matter seem to be aimed at older children. An excerpt: "Scientists think that the steam from years of volcanic eruptions formed storm clouds loaded with rain. That rain formed enormous expanses of water - the first oceans."


In contrast, the drawings and fonts are more childish. The illustrations are brightly colored, while the fonts vary in size and shape. The result is an unbalanced book that seems like it would have a difficult time finding an ideal audience. It seems that it might work for younger, very intelligent children, who have the ability to understand advanced subjects, but not the average child.

Bradley McGogg the Very Fine Frog

Tundra Books
Tim Beiser; Illustrated by Rachel Berman

Bradley McGogg, is a very fine frog who lives in a very fine bog. One of the reasons his bog is so fine is that it is filled to the brim with good things to eat. But on this particular day, the fine frog wakes up needing to refuel, and finds his cupboard unusually bare. Not a snail or mosquito in the house. What's a hungry frog to do?

Bradley ponders the problem and then has a remarkable idea - he will set out in the bog and beg food from the other animals who live nearby! Luckily, his neighbors are the friendly sort and more than happy to share the snacks they have on hand. The problem is, a frog's idea of a tasty treat may not be the same as those of another animal.


Bradley's first stop is at the house of Miss Mouse. She serves him *gasp* rye crackers and cheddar cheese. Who could ever eat such a revolting dish? Bradley quickly devises an excuse to avoid the dreaded cheese and heads over to bear and hare's place. These two join forces to offer a plate of honey covered carrots. That's not any better than Miss Mouse's offering! Bradley decides not to even ask the cow, after he notices her chomping on grass and clover. Unsuccessful, Bradley returns home with a empty tummy. Imagine his delight to find his log crawling with infestation. He dines on worms, mosquitoes, roaches and fleas.

His food mission unsuccessful, Bradley returns home with a empty tummy. Imagine his delight to find his log crawling with infestation. He gleefully dines on worms, mosquitoes, roaches and fleas. This just goes to show that everyone has their own tastes and what works for one might not work for another.

The illustrations are beautifully done. The animals are drawn quite realistically, but in a most whimsical way. McGogg wears red and pink striped overalls and sandals while rabbit sports an elaborate costume of checkered vest, tie and burnt orange topcoat. This is a sweet story and a great way to teach children that everyone is different. Just as bears and frogs eat different foods, we humans have varied ideas and opinions that won't always be the same as our friends.

Big and Small, Room for All

Tundra Books
Jo Ellen Bogart; Illustrated by Gillian Newland

This is a book that really puts our place in the world into perspective. Simple words and lovely realistic illustrations show us that there will always be something larger than each of us, but also something smaller.

Big sky, small sun. Big sun, small Earth. For every single thing in the world that you can think of, there is always something larger looming in the distance. The book starts off with the big sky and works its way gradually down the line until we reach those items that are smaller than a flea. And what is smaller than a flea? A world of things too small to see - but just because we can't see them with the naked eye, doesn't mean they don't exist.


For bedtime at our house, we try to select books that are soothing and not overly wordy - this fits the bill perfectly. A nice, slow story line and realistic illustrations make this a most excellent nightly story. The watercolor paintings of artist Gillian Newland are so beautifully done that even the mouse and flea are fascinating. The written word forms a repeating pattern that is a soothing welcome as a wind-down read at the end of the night.


Aside from the book's beauty, I love that it gets children thinking about their place in the world. Post read, we had a fun time thinking of our own chains of big and small. This is one of those books that really gets the minds of small readers spinning, and that's always a good thing!

A Wizard in Love

Tundra Books
Mireille Levert; Illustrations by Marie Lafrance

Hector is a retired wizard and a complete hermit. He seldom leaves his cocoon of a house, nor does he invite over any fellow wizard friends. Not that they would be falling over themselves to visit - Hector's house is filthy, as napping trumps cleaning on his list of priorities. All he really needs is his trusty cat, Poison, for company.

This recluse is contentedly living his grubby life, sleeping tucked in among the cookie crumbs, when he is awakened suddenly by a dreadful noise. A terrible, ear-splitting racket that sends him flying to the window. It seems as if the house across the street has been freshly painted and is emitting the offensive noises in question. Thanks to a bit of careful spying, Hector discovers the new owner is a piano-playing, cheerfully singing woman. Too cheery for him!

Being a wizard, Hector naturally turns to his (dusty) spellbook for the answer. And the answer happens to be a big poisonous cake. Cleverly, Hector presents this monstrosity of a cake to his new neighbor (along with some flesh-eating flowers) Isobel as a welcome gift. But he is unprepared for her beauty, nor is he prepared for her lilting voice and intoxicating aroma. Hector is completely captivated by her air of happiness - he quickly falls under her spell, deeply in love. Unnoticed by the doting couple, Poison and Isobel's cats together attack the cake, and are the only ones affected.

I like the storyline and the illustrations are equally enjoyable. A great non-traditional fairy tale with a traditional happy ending. A fun twisty sideline to watch for in the background are the actions of Poison and Isobel's cat. As a bonus, the underside of the book's dust jacket transforms into a free poster.

Also by the same team:

I Love Chocolate

Tundra Books
Davide Cali; Illustrated by Evelyn Daviddi

This is the most perfect post-Easter book. Like many houses, the bunny recently left us a basket overflowing with sugar-laden goodies. Of course, the most attractive and delectable selections are the chocolates. As the boy in the book succinctly states "I love chocolate because it even looks yummy!" How right he is.

Apparently this book is just as fitting for adults as children, because I agreed with nearly every sentiment offered here. I love chocolate because it makes bad times better. Check. I love chocolate because it makes every day a celebration. Check, check. The only hard part about loving chocolate is eating too much. Triple check. You got my number, kid.

Readers would be quite foolish to attempt to tackle this one without a secret stash of chocolates on hand. Very foolish indeed, as point after valid point is made about the merits of this rich treat. First the different types of chocolates are discussed - if you need a refresher, those would be crunchy, chewy, ooey and gooey. Next we move on to the various interiors, shapes and colors, followed up by the best days and times to partake. Big finish with a refresher on chocolate eating styles - I'm a dainty chocolate dabbler myself, but I could be friends with a monster muncher.

Although this book speaks the wicked truth about the brown beast, it does so in a clever way. Silly scenarios paired with some great illustrations means this is a book you can giggle at. One peep and you'll probably agree that this is a humorous delight .. unless you are too busy working out those rotten chocolate smears from your best pants.


Mama Robot. is another yet excellent selection by Davide Cali.

The Princess Who Had Nearly Everything

Mireille Levert
Tundra Books

Princess Alicia is terribly spoiled and has available to her nearly everything her heart could desire. The king and queen cater to her every whim, but still she cannot be satisfied. After a roller coaster and magnificent garden maze are custom built and presented to her, she bellows "I'm bored!" She has closets full of wonderful clothing and fancy shoes to wear, mountains of desserts to nibble at and a special automatic tub in which to bathe. Still bored!

Princess Alicia decides having a prince will cure her boredom, and a countrywide search for suitors ensues. Prince Connor arrives toting a big box of paper. Paper? He demonstrates how fun it can be to use his imagination and the princess is hooked. She loves it! Not only can she make things out of paper, but she goes on to discover many more activities she enjoys - knitting, hooked rugs, gardening and having children.

These illustrations are beautiful, reminiscent of an old-fashioned fairy tale. Fanciful drawings in bright colors sprawl across the pages. Readers will find the text makes for a modernized fairy tale, one that today's kids can identify with. Plus, the book provides excellent teaching opportunities - having money does not necessarily make you happy, but using your brain and imagination will make you rich in experience. And this may provide the perfect opportunity for a parent to nip the "I'm bored" phrase from their child's vocabulary.

Also by Mireille Levert:

Mama Robot

Davide Cali; Illustrations by AnnaLaura Cantone

Tundra Books

This is a book that runs on imagination! A young boy is exasperated that his mom works every day instead of doting on him. How booooring to brush his own teeth and do his homework every night. He dreams of making his own ... robotic mother. This robot mama would handily take care of bullies and the neighbor's dog. She would only prepare delicious dinners, not icky nutritious ones. She would not nag about getting his homework done or cleaning his room. She certainly would never yell. Mama Robot would be superior in every way! In. Every. Way.

The only glitch is ... a robot mom is not superior in every way. She wouldn't smell good, she isn't cuddly, she couldn't give great hugs or care like a real mom does. It's back to the robot drawing board for this little boy. His real mom might work, but she has plenty of hugs and love to give every day.

The illustrations are quirky and wonderfully endearing. They really add loads of humor to the story. We love the kid's facial expressions, which are only topped by those of his cat and the neighbor's dog. Seemingly impossible, but these drawings are sort of retro and futuristic at the same time, which is terribly clever. There's a pink theme running through the book, but it comes off as funky rather than feminine.
Overall, this is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Children will enjoy dreaming what characteristics their own robots might have, long after this book has been read and returned to the shelf.

Also by Davide Cali:

Thing-Thing

Cary Fagan; Illustrations by Nicolas Debon
Tundra Books

When Thing-Thing is purchased as a birthday gift for a little boy, his heart soars. His dream to be a much loved toy is quickly squashed when the very spoiled boy rejects his gift, throwing him out the window of his hotel building. Thing-Thing is difficult to classify, not exactly a dog or a rabbit, but something in between. It is a thinking Thing however, and we get to hear all his thoughts as he plummets down from the sixth floor.

The neatest part about the book is the bulk of the action actually happens in several seconds - Thing Thing falling from the building. From a reader's perspective, the fall is in slow motion. We see the inhabitants of each floor and hear their thoughts as Thing Thing passes. Someone on each floor spies the tumbling stuffed creature, and the sight of him triggers memories and thoughts.

The illustrations here are quite detailed and add a richness to the story. Unlike some picture books which only have a few words per page, this one is much wordier, which is great for older children. It's a fun, suspenseful book, with the readers wondering what fate befalls poor Thing-Thing.

For a great gift, pair with . . .

a unique plush "thing" from Giant Microbes. These are stuffed creatures that look like tiny microbes — only a million times their actual size! GIANTmicrobes make great learning tools for parents and educators, as well as amusing gifts for anyone with a healthy sense of humor.

Each toy is accompanied by a fun tag with information and images of the real microbe it represents. All items are available as GIANTmicrobes Originals (5"-7" dolls) and Petri Dishes (w/ 3 mini microbes inside) Chicken Pox pictured above, Penicillin to the right.

Iris Has a Virus

Arlene Alda; Illustrations by Lisa Desimini
Tundra Books

Iris is making plans to attend a party during the weekend, when she starts to feel a bit under the weather. Her head is hot, her stomach hurts and she feels awfully tired. A visit to Dr. Sally confirms Iris has caught the nasty stomach virus that has been making the rounds at school. Her brother is angry that their weekend plans will be ruined, but she would never get sick on purpose! Her brother finds that out the hard way.

Kids may find the short rhymes that punctuate the story pretty amusing. For example: Her head was hot, she threw up in a pot. The rhymes are simple enough to be engaging and catchy enough to be repeated. The illustrations are bright and attractive - best of all are the wild variations of creepy crawly bugs that Iris dreams of.

This is an ideal book to break out when your child is ill; it may be comforting to read about Iris in a similar situation. The book may also help to alleviate any anxiety a child may be harboring about an upcoming doctor visit. Iris demonstrates how you can feel sick to your stomach one day, and be on the road to a full recovery the next!

Also by Arlene Alda:

For a great gift, pair with . . .

the Medical Kit from Fisher Price. Kids can learn how to nurture through pretend play. A real working stethoscope allows little ones to hear their beating heart. The soft doctor's bag includes stethoscope, blood pressure cuff with "working" pump, odoscope, thermometer, syringe and bandage. $11