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.

Sheep the Llama by Sarah Moon

After yesterday's picture book featuring animals, I've decided we might as well visit another one, too. Today's read features a sheep...or is it a llama? I have a feeling this one is going to pack quite a bit of humor as it tells the tale of a llama, who is a master of disguise. I wonder if this llama will only be a sheep or maybe, it will slide into other identities. Or maybe, it's always wanted to be a sheep? Perhaps, there's even a deeper purpose to this deception and the llama is after something only sheeps can have. It's definitely mysterious and promises several surprises.

So, let's open it up and see what this llama is really up to.

SHEEP THE LLAMA

by Sarah Moon

Blue Balloon Books

Picture Book

26 pages

ages 4 to 8

Oh, hi! I'm Sheep, and I am a MASTER OF DISGUISE!

Meet Sheep the llama, a creative new friend with an impressive costume collection! Sheep knows that with the help of his prop closet, he can be ANYTHING, such as a dashing detective, a charming chef, a stealthy superhero, or a magnificent magician. Sheep loves playing pretend, but at the end of the day, his favorite thing to be is himself.

Sheep the Llama is a whimsical story full of colorful illustrations, perfect for dreamers and fashionistas alike. Sheep's quick-change journey encourages self-exploration and self-confidence, both in and out of costume.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON   /    BLUE BALLOON BOOKS

MY TIDBITS

What happens when you combine a llama with a shed full of costumes?  These pages expose all.

This llama has an amazing hobby, and he's very good at it, too. Sheep the Llama is a master of disguise, and he proves it to the reader in the most delightful way.

This is a simple, straight-forward picture book, which will have listeners smiling ear to ear the entire way through. The illustrations carry most of the read, letting llama show his skills and prove how resourceful he is. The text is kept light with only a sentence or two per page, making sure that even reluctant listeners won't drift away. It creates a lovely read-aloud as well as a book to simply enjoy anytime of day. Plus, listeners can pick this one up on their own and enjoy the story through the illustrations.

Humor is written big in these pages, and it's well done. There aren't any messages, really, but rather, this lets imagination and costume enjoyment flow. The llama is clever in each of his disguises and listeners might be inspired to let their disguise talents flow, too. Add llamas amazing supply of possibilities in the shed, and it's a book that produces good vibes and fun the entire way through.

To add more goodness and round off this read, there are coloring pages, story time activities, and more available at https://www.sarahmoonstories.com/

And here she is...

Hi, I'm Sarah Moon and I'm so glad you've stopped by! As a former librarian, there is nothing I enjoy more than to sharing my love of books with everyone, especially young readers. I believe picture books are the cornerstone for readers of all ages to help spark wonder, and imagination while aiding to develop foundational life skills. Sheep the Llama is my first of hopefully many picture books to come!

https://www.sarahmoonstories.com/

 

Puggle Snuggles by Mo O'Hara

The title and cover caught my attention on today's read. And the platypus. How often does one see a picture book featuring a platypus? And the chick with the trumpet is worth a second glance, too. I'm not sure if this is a lively read or a good bedtime read, but either way, I'm more than a little curious to see what these animals are up to. I bet it has a lot of snuggling involved, which is always a good thing.

So, let's pop this one open and see what this adorable platypus is up to!

PUBBLE SNUGGLES

by Mo O'Hara

Illustrated by Loretta Schauer

Happy Yak

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

A hilarious and sweet picture book starring a baby platypus—known as a puggle—and other mischievous baby animals.

The moon rose and all the animals curled up to go to sleep. But then, Platypus’s puggle just wanted to… PARTY IN THE NIGHTTIME!

During the day, an array of baby animals love to play. Giraffe’s calf made everyone laugh, Hen’s chicks did magic tricks and Sheep’s lamb got herself in a jam, but puggle just wants to snuggle… until darkness falls. 

Discover what puggle and the other baby animals who can’t keep still at night get up to in this funny bedtime story with a twist. Written by Mo O’Hara, the New York Times-bestselling author, and brought to life with adorable illustrations by award-winning Loretta Schuer. Packed with animals in funny scenarios and witty, rhyming word play, this is an entertaining bedtime read for children who just can’t keep still at night! 

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /     QUATRO GROUP

MY TIDBITS

Snuggles, snuggles, and more snuggles fill these pages...until they don't and something entirely different takes over.

During the day, many animals are up to all sorts of things. From magic to knitting to silly antics and more, these animals are anything but boring. Little Puggle, however, doesn't take notice of any of it as the sleepy platypus curls up with its mom to sleep...while she does her best to keep the antics from bothering her child. Then, the sun goes down and the entire situation gets flipped onto its head.

These pages guarantee giggles and smiles as the animals are up to all sorts of things. There's never a boring moment and each page holds more surprises as the animals head into the most unexpected activities, at times. The illustrations do a lovely job at letting each animal do its thing, while incorporating the scenes with a slight, humorous flow into the repeated moment of Puggle wanting to snuggle. The first half of the book invites to warmth and...well, snuggling. Then, the book switches gears with tons of energy, and readers will get swept up in the change. It's hard not to laugh and grin as nighttime takes over and the energy doubles. All of this creates a lovely bedtime read.

The text is done in rhyme, which flows well for the most part. The repeated phrase adds a nice touch for listeners to snuggle into and it offers a satisfying way to round things off. There's also a bit of information about animal's habits as they are split between day and night activity. This aspect could be pointed out to reinforce animal knowledge after the read is done for those who want to take this twist. But it makes fun read-aloud with tons of smiles for groups settings or more individual ones as well and is sure to leave listeners wishing they could join in on some of the fun.

And here they are...

Mo O’Hara, originally from America, moved to London because she wanted to live abroad but spoke no foreign languages. After a brief and unsuccessful stint as a serving wench at the Tower of London, Mo found work as an actress and comedy performer. It was when she toured the UK as a storyteller that she started writing for kids. Now, Mo lives in South London with her husband, her two kids and her two (slightly bitey) cats. She has toured all across the USA and the UK and has also visited schools and festivals in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Loretta Schauer has illustrated a number of picture books and fiction titles for younger children, including the recent 'Fairytales for the Fearless' series written by Gareth P. Jones (Rabunzel, CinderGorilla and Snowy White) and the popular 'Luma and the Dragon' series by Leah Mohammed. She has always loved drawing and is never happier than when she’s making something. Loretta lives in York, England.