book of bones

There’s no argument that Gabrielle Balkan is a master of nonfiction for kids.  It takes a special writer to not only get the job done but craft an engaging and captivating book that keeps kids turning the pages with rapt attention.  Here’s yet another superb book she just put out into the world along with illustrator Sam Brewster—Book of Bones.

Book of Bones is fascinating.  It presents sets of clues to ten different notable and record-breaking animal bones—the thinnest, fastest-growing, spikiest and heaviest, to name a few.  After readers guess the creature to whom the bone belongs, they turn the page and see the animal in their natural habitat and get to learn about its behaviors and the special functions of its bones.  A great feature of the pages of the book—the skeletal structure in each animal has a special texture that's palpable and makes it stand out (sort of like the reader has x-ray vision).  Can you guess which cold-blooded animal has more than a thousand bones in its body?  A thoughtfully written and standout piece of nonfiction, the kind we've come to expect from Gabrielle.  Sam Brewster did an amazing job with the illustrations and we're looking forward to seeing more of their collaborations in the future.

Book of Bones: 10 Record-Breaking Animals was written by Gabrielle Balkan, illustrated by Sam Brewster and published by Phaidon.

the gritterman

"Sometimes it feels like I'm the only person awake in the whole country.  People might find that a lonely thought. Not me.  Being alone and loneliness aren't the same thing."

Some books bring us closer to experiences we would never have otherwise.  For me, The Gritterman is one of those books.  It's about an old man who comes to terms with ending a job that he's had his whole life—clearing snow and gritting paths, pavement and roads in the dark, blue-black hours of winter nights.  He goes out for his last night of work on Christmas Eve.  The gritterman's world is frigid, snowy, dimly lit, perpetually dank and clammy—but familiar and embraced by him.  He loves it and is heartbroken to leave it.  The narrative is honest, soulful and melancholic with funny, cheeky moments throughout.

One of the best things about The Gritterman is that its author, who's also a musician, Orlando Weeks (formerly of the Maccabees), put out a companion album with music and songs written and performed by him and a narration of the story by Paul Whitehouse.  It's available on iTunes.

If you love quiet, beautiful stories, seek out this one from across the pond.  Far and away one of our favorite books published this year.  The Gritterman was written and illustrated by Orlando Weeks and published by Particular Books.

this beautiful day

A day starts out gray and a group of siblings decide to make the best of it by going out and skipping, singing and whistling in the rain.  Their boundless mirth and merriment are infectious, others join in and eventually out comes the brilliant marigold sun.  Suzy Lee's line drawings are fresh and energetic and her palette evolves from grays and blues to include bright yellows and greens.  Along with Richard Jackson's simple but beautifully rhythmic and engaging text, our spirits are lifted by the end of the book.  The loveliest read for the gloomiest of days.

This Beautiful Day was written by Richard Jackson, long-time editor at Atheneum Books for Young Readers, illustrated by Suzy Lee and published by Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books.

that is my dream

Daniel Miyares paints the words of one of Langston Hughes’ most esteemed works, “Dream Variations,” originally published in 1924, for a new audience of young readers.  Its message of freedom, hope and joy still resonates deeply with us today.

Daniel’s paintings are gentle yet profound in emotion and zeal.  His visually arresting and expansive page spreads immerse us in Hughes’ meaningful words, and give us a beautiful space to take them in and mull them over.

That Is My Dream was published by Schwartz & Wade.  Out on October 3.

the library book

“The rain is pouring, Dad is snoring,

and the same old stuff is on TV—boring.

What is there to do today?

Go to the library, of course!”

With nothing to do on a gray, rainy Saturday morning, a little girl takes a trip to her library and encounters a magical surprise (or two) when she delves into some well known and loved children’s books.  Melodic words, undulating text and radiant illustrations bring a joy and playfulness to this celebration of reading, books and our beloved libraries that house them.  

The Library Book is based on a popular song by singer/songwriter Tom Chapin and musician/composter Michael Mark and its sheet music can be found in the book’s endpapers!  Illustrated by Chuck Groenink and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers.  Out October 3.