Little Ghost and the Robot by David Litchfield

I know...I know. It's not time for spooks and Halloween goodness, yet. But for my defense, I don't think today's read is truly a Halloween read. At least, it's not giving me those vibes. I'm willing to bet that this is an 'all year around' read with friendship at the center of everything. And maybe, going beyond one's own borders? At least, the spooky house on one side and modern city on the other are hints of that. I like the cover quite a bit...all of those colors! And the twinkle stars! And the smiling robot! As you can tell, I wasn't about to let this one pass on by.

So, grab that sunscreen (we're still in for very hot temperatures here) and a glass of iced...well, whatever...and let's dive in!

LITTLE GHOST AND THE ROBOT

by David Litchfield

Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 7

COMING OCTOBER 6th!!!

Meet Little Ghost and Robot in this spellbinding tale about chosen family and what it means to belong, from the creator of the prize-winning Bear and the Piano series.

Little Ghost and Robot make unlikely friends: one is emotional, the other logical. But they have something important in common—they know what it’s like to be different.

As they journey through the bustling city together, they encounter moments of quiet courage that help each of them see the world in new and surprising ways. These discoveries reveal to Little Ghost and Robot not only the wonder that exists beyond the walls of their old lives, but also the strength that comes from standing side by side.

Over the course of a sweeping adventure, the pair realize that, while the world may see them as outsiders, they can find belonging in each other—a sense of connection that makes each one finally feel as though they have found their forever home.

Written and illustrated by bestselling creator and exceptional talent, David Litchfield, this moving picture book offers readers a heartfelt celebration of friendship, courage, and found family.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Loneliness slides into golden friendship and so much more in a touching adventure.

Little Ghost enjoys living in her old house off on its own. The only thing which bothers her a little bit is that she doesn't have a friend to visit with. When a big box is dropped off at the house, she's more than curious and discovers a robot inside. The robot immediately agrees to learn how to play games with her, and the two have a great time. But then, they realize that the box was delivered to the wrong address. Afraid that the robot might miss out on meeting his true family, the Little Ghost very hesitantly agrees to accompany him on a trip to find them. But they discover something surprising along the way.

This is one of those books, which lets fantasy fly and invites in like a warm hug. The Little Ghost is a kind, timid, and pleasant character, which would make the perfect friend, and Robot might carry a little more perk but he's just as cheerful, open, and sweet. The blooming friendship will have listeners wishing they could meet and join both of them, too. The adventure holds surprises but stays gentle and adds another very kind character to the mix. There's a tiny bit of tension as the Robot discovers the true address he was intended for, and this creates a well-rounded tale. The end leaves a smile on the face and will, most likely, invite the word 'again'.

The illustrations are detailed, created with care, and bring each scene across nicely. Listeners will enjoy visiting these on their own even if they can't read the words. Those readers, who are practicing their words, will find assistance thanks to the lovely scenes. The story itself flows smoothly and creates a nice read-aloud for group or individual settings. It even works nicely as a bedtime read thanks to the soothing atmosphere. The messages surrounding friendship, meeting new people, and stepping beyond your own comfort zone come across while being neatly woven into the plot. It's an enjoyable read from the first page to the last.

And here he is...

DAVID LITCHFIELD is an award-winning and bestselling author-illustrator. He wrote and illustrated The Bear and the Piano, the first in a series which has sold over 800,000 copies around the world, been published in 37 languages, and won numerous awards—including Bank Street Children’s Book of the Year and Kirkus Best Book of the Year—as well as receiving starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly. David has also illustrated stories by much-loved authors, including Kate DiCamillo, books for Stacy McAnulty’s major bestselling Our Universe series, and Smriti Halls’ Rain Before Rainbows, which was the recipient of the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award. Follow him on Instagram under the handle @david_c_litchfield

Today's read... Kid Christmas: Of the Claus Brothers Toy Shop by David Litchfield

 

KID CHRISTMAS:

OF THE CLAUS BROTHERS TOY SHOP

by David Litchfield

Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Picture Book  /  Holiday

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

This charming tale tells the story of little Nicky Claus, who wanted to make every child happy, if only just for one day.

Nicky Claus works with his three uncles in the Claus Brothers Toy Emporium. Uncle Hanz makes the toys, Uncle Louis checks them and Uncle Levi adds the… what's the scientific term for it? Ah, yes. The magic! For each toy made at the Emporium has a special sparkle that means it will find the child it is perfect for.

One day, Nicky notices a young girl with her face pressed up to the glass. When she disappears, he follows her and finds her living on the streets with lots of other children, none of whom can afford a toy. Nicky vows that for one night only, every child will have the toy of their dreams and – with the help of his uncles and some flying reindeer – the legend of Father Christmas is born.

This magical and heartwarming story from best-selling author-illustrator David Litchfield is a true festive treat centred on kindness, generosity and looking after each other.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON  

MY TIDBITS

A breeze of nostalgia and tradition sweeps along with festive meaning in this original tale about Santa Claus.

 

Three uncles run an almost magical toy store, where each toy is made with exceptional love and care. When Nicky, the young nephew who works the front, realizes that a group of orphans aren't able to purchase a toy, he convinces his uncles to make one for each of them as well. Soon, the uncles and Nicky are spreading good cheer, but there are many more children in the world, who never receive a gift. The uncles and Nicky want to help but aren't sure how. 

With traditional, Christmas story flair, this is a tale which inspires and warms the heart. Nicky's desire to spread joy through toys is inspiring, and his uncles' support beams with family togetherness and love. Even when problems arise, they never give up and do the best they can.

The illustrations are done with as much care as the story. The details of the toy store bring smiles, while the scenes with the orphaned children touch the heart. All of this is balanced with a pinch of humor to keep the story light.

The messages spin around family, friendship, empathy, giving, and team work to create a well-rounded read. It's a lovely read to pick up and explore, while waiting under the Christmas tree.

Happy Book Birthday, Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire!

 Today, we're celebrating a book birthday! I take any excuse I can to celebrate because we have enough things in life, which bring us down at it is. See the cute bunny on this cover? Notice who the author is? And to top it off, there are illustrations! This one is about the coming-of-age of a rabbit as his family moves from danger and into a new place, where things aren't always easy, either. Since it sounds promising to me...and I'm feeling Wind in the Willow vibes...let's take a peek!

CRESS WATERCRESS

by Gregory Maguire

Illustrated by David Litchfield

Candlewick Press

Middle Grade Fantasy

224 pages

ages 8 to 12

A lavishly illustrated woodland tale with a classic sensibility and modern flair—from the fertile imagination behind Wicked.

Gregory Maguire turns his trademark wit and wisdom to an animal adventure about growing up, moving on, and finding community. When Papa doesn't return from a nocturnal honey-gathering expedition, Cress holds out hope, but her mother assumes the worst. It’s a dangerous world for rabbits, after all. Mama moves what’s left of the Watercress family to the basement unit of the Broken Arms, a run-down apartment oak with a suspect owl landlord, a nosy mouse super, a rowdy family of squirrels, and a pair of songbirds who broadcast everyone’s business. Can a dead tree full of annoying neighbors, and no Papa, ever be home? In the timeless spirit of E. B. White and The Wind and the Willows—yet thoroughly of its time—this read-aloud and read-alone gem for animal lovers of all ages features an unforgettable cast that leaps off the page in glowing illustrations by David Litchfield. This tender meditation on coming-of-age invites us to flourish wherever we find ourselves.

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   /   B&N   /   BOOK DEPOSITORY

MY TIDBITS

Friendship, family, and adventure echo on every page of this novel and sink the reader into a wonderful world.

Cress' father never came back from gathering honey, forcing her mother to move with her and her baby brother. They take up residence in an old oak, which is filled with all sorts of odd neighbors and a grumpy landlord. Cress hopes to see her father again some day, but until then, she needs to figure out how to get along with everyone and find her place in their new life.

This is a gentle read as I'd hoped it'd be. It starts out a little slower, allowing the reader to sink in with Cress and her small family as they face the absence of their father and make their way to the new home. Although a gentle beginning, it's not boring and does a marvelous job at developing the familiar back-and-forth dynamics always found in family relationships. Cress loves her mother and baby brother, but their little quibbles and trying to cope with the difficult situation really bring this home. First then do the neighbors come in, and the adventures of Cress can really begin.

Cress is simply sweet. She's unsure and careful, and yet, packs curiosity and a sense of adventure. It makes her very likeable and easy to relate to. The characters around her are so colorful that it's hard not to like every single one. Each has quirks, good and bad, and each brings their own personality to the page. Adventure with this group is contagious and packs tons of heart. There are tension packed moments, where the reader will hold their breath and others simply touch the heart. Not only animal-tale lovers will get lost in this read.

And before I forget, the illustrations are lovely. Not only do they add great breaks to the text (which is nicely spaced, in a slightly larger font, and an easy read), but they do a wonderful job at setting each scene. I am looking forward to see what Cress will experience next.

And here he is...

Gregory Maguire is the author of the incredibly popular books in the Wicked Years series, including Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which inspired the musical. He is also the author of several books for children, including What-the-Dickens, a New York Times bestseller, and Egg & Spoon, a New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book of the Year. Gregory Maguire lives outside Boston.

David Litchfield started to draw when he was very young, creating comics for his older brother and sister. Since then his work has appeared in magazines, newspapers, and books and on T-shirts. His first picture book, The Bear and the Piano, won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. He is also the illustrator of Rain Before Rainbows by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and War Is Over by David Almond. David Litchfield lives in England.