Two little boys each grab a toy from a toy chest. One grabs a shark. One a train. In the competitive world of young boys, of course a battle ensues. The question is, who will win? Well, that depends.
And that is the real point behind Shark vs. Train (Little Brown, April 2010), that everybody has an edge somewhere. Shark and train take turns picking the locale of their face-off, then moving on to other comparative situations in which they might best their opponent. But when they come up against challenges that are too much for either champion, what happens then?
Chris Barton has come up with a glorious concept that boys in particular will love and Tom Lichtenheld's illustrations burst with personality and comic genius. The balloon comments and clever asides simply top off the giggle-fest.
Here's hoping this is the beginning of a series of "versus" books -- maybe Alligator vs. Monster truck next? Who knows, but if Barton and Lichtenheld team up to tell the tale, I have no doubt it'll be another hit.
4 1/2 bookmarks.
The Dragon Whistler
Now available in paperback.
2.20.2011
Monday Is One Day by Arthur A. Levine (Ill. by Julian Hector)
I had the AMAZING pleasure this past weekend to meet one of the most famous and respected publishers in the children's book industry, Arthur A. Levine -- probably best known as the US publisher of the Harry Potter series.
Levine has recently stepped back into his author shoes with his first book in years, a picture book written for his son Max. Monday Is One Day (Scholastic, April 2011) speaks to both working parents and their children about how hard it is to be apart.
Counting the days in rhyme until the weekend when it's a full day of family time again, the book is illustrated by Julian Hector in vibrant color with, as Mr. Levine put it, "a sweetness" that perfectly compliments the emotion-filled (yet lighthearted) text.
As a working mom myself, I found the book delightful, not just in its depiction of a wide variety of family types but as a fantastic way to make sure children know that they are missed during the work week just as much as they miss their parents. 4 bookmarks (except for my signed copy, which isn't leaving this house!) Pre-order it at the link above.
Levine has recently stepped back into his author shoes with his first book in years, a picture book written for his son Max. Monday Is One Day (Scholastic, April 2011) speaks to both working parents and their children about how hard it is to be apart.
Counting the days in rhyme until the weekend when it's a full day of family time again, the book is illustrated by Julian Hector in vibrant color with, as Mr. Levine put it, "a sweetness" that perfectly compliments the emotion-filled (yet lighthearted) text.
As a working mom myself, I found the book delightful, not just in its depiction of a wide variety of family types but as a fantastic way to make sure children know that they are missed during the work week just as much as they miss their parents. 4 bookmarks (except for my signed copy, which isn't leaving this house!) Pre-order it at the link above.
2.05.2011
Lament (The Faerie Queen's Deception) by Maggie Stiefvater
After I read (and loved) Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, a dear friend of mine gifted me with Ms. Stiefvater's debut novel, Lament (The Faerie Queen's Deception), which solidified the author as one of my favorites.
The story of Deirdre Monaghan, a sixteen-year old with amazing talents that go beyond her ability to play a mean harp, Lament is another take on star-crossed lovers, but written in a way that goes beyond the typical.
Deirdre regularly performs at weddings and other music events, but performance anxiety is an issue for her. In fact, he tends to get nervous to the point of vomiting before playing for an audience. It's during such an episode before a music competition that she meets Luke Dillon, a gorgeous boy who follows her into the bathroom to hold back her hair while she gets sick.
A sweet thing to do, but eww, not exactly a romantic setting for a first meeting. However, after comforting Deirdre, Luke joins her for an outstanding duet that wows the judges. That performance will change everything, and Deirdre finds herself growing more and more fascinated with this unusual boy.
Luke is just as obsessed with her, but Deirdre begins to suspect the boy may be more than he seems. Strange happenings and otherworldly powers point toward the truth — that Deirdre's life may be in danger and Faeries, ones nothing like Tinkerbell, may be the ones who want her dead.
Written for a teen audience, Lament and its companion book Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie
will appeal to fans of Holly Black's Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale
and Ironside: A Modern Faery's Tale
. Also check out Stiefvater's continuation of the Mercy Falls Series begun in Shiver with Linger (Wolves of Mercy Falls, Book 2)
and Forever (Wolves of Mercy Falls, Book 3)
.
As far as Lament goes, I give it 4 bookmarks, a great read and one that inspires me to keep reading whatever this author has to offer.
The story of Deirdre Monaghan, a sixteen-year old with amazing talents that go beyond her ability to play a mean harp, Lament is another take on star-crossed lovers, but written in a way that goes beyond the typical.
Deirdre regularly performs at weddings and other music events, but performance anxiety is an issue for her. In fact, he tends to get nervous to the point of vomiting before playing for an audience. It's during such an episode before a music competition that she meets Luke Dillon, a gorgeous boy who follows her into the bathroom to hold back her hair while she gets sick.
A sweet thing to do, but eww, not exactly a romantic setting for a first meeting. However, after comforting Deirdre, Luke joins her for an outstanding duet that wows the judges. That performance will change everything, and Deirdre finds herself growing more and more fascinated with this unusual boy.
Luke is just as obsessed with her, but Deirdre begins to suspect the boy may be more than he seems. Strange happenings and otherworldly powers point toward the truth — that Deirdre's life may be in danger and Faeries, ones nothing like Tinkerbell, may be the ones who want her dead.
Written for a teen audience, Lament and its companion book Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie
will appeal to fans of Holly Black's Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale and Ironside: A Modern Faery's Tale. Also check out Stiefvater's continuation of the Mercy Falls Series begun in Shiver with Linger (Wolves of Mercy Falls, Book 2) and Forever (Wolves of Mercy Falls, Book 3).As far as Lament goes, I give it 4 bookmarks, a great read and one that inspires me to keep reading whatever this author has to offer.
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