how this book was made

Mac Barnett and Adam Rex team up again, this time to elucidate the lengthy process of putting a book out into the world.  They deliver many wry insights into the countless drafts, dozens of people and slow boats that bring books to our shelves.  The narrative achieves a good momentum and is not deterred even when a livid tiger and swarthy pirates are encountered.  How This Book Was Made is funny and smart in the best way possible.  We’re almost tearful that the story is over.  Hoping for a sequel, or at least another MacAdam production.

Don't miss the book trailer.

the darkest dark

The story of astronaut Chris Hadfield and how he overcomes his fears of the dark as a young boy and comes to embrace the darkest dark of outer space as an astronaut.  Eric and Terry Fan’s inky, dusky palette brings to life Chris Hadfield’s childhood, including his summer family cottage on Stag Island in southern Ontario.

It’s amazing how many different forms of dark are rendered—the faint patterned wallpaper in Chris’ bedroom, the crisp windy night sky outside his cottage, the television set’s cold light on the faces of the crowd gathered to watch the moon landing in his neighbor’s living room—which speaks to their ability as illustrators to bring to life the most ordinary of settings.  As seen in their first picture book The Night Gardener, the Fan brothers are masters of using color to create mood, intrigue and a kind of tangible magic.

The Darkest Dark is by Chris Hadfield, Kate Fillion, Eric Fan and Terry Fan.  Out on September 13 from Tundra Books.

see you next year

Both the narrative and images in See You Next Year evoke a lovely nostalgia that draw you into one girl's annual summer trip to the shore, as well as invite you to reflect on your own early memories of vacations taken during this sweltering mid-year season.

We enjoyed the girl's quiet observations of the sights and sounds at the beach, reveled in her new experiences and partook in her joy in making a new friend.  Not surprisingly, after reading See You Next Summer, you'll long for a few more of your own bonfires on the beach before the summer is up.

A perfect read for these ebbing summer days.  By Andrew Larsen and Todd Stewart, and published by Owl Kids.

the uncorker of ocean bottles

“The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles lived alone on a high spot with only one tree for shade.  He always kept his eyes on the waves, watchful for a glint of glass.”

A wispy and ethereal story of wonder and unexpected friendship.  The sea-worn foggy texture of Erin Stead's illustrations befit Michelle Cuevas' affecting, hauntingly beautiful text.  The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles is seriously a contender for best picture book published this year.

time of wonder

We’re soaking up the last days of summer and getting lost in Robert McCloskey’s poetic Time of Wonder today.  Hope everyone has had their share of wondrous moments this summer.

“Out on the islands that poke their rocky shores above the waters of Penobscot Bay, you can watch the time of the world go by, from minute to minute, hour to hour, from day to day, season to season.”

“You snap off the light and row toward the dock as the stars are gazing down, their reflections gazing up.  In the quiet of the night one hundred pairs of eyes are watching you, while one pair of eyes is watching over all.”