The Mysterious Librarian

Written by Dominique Demers

Translated by Sander Berg

Illustrated by Tony Ross

Alma Junior (Alma Books/Bloomsbury)

978-1-84688-415-3

79 pp.

Ages 6-9

June 2017

Reading this translation of Dominique Demers' original La Mystérieuse Bibliothécaire (Québec Amérique, 1994) is like being transported to another time and place, one in which children are children, not junior adults, and books are vehicles of imaginative transport.  There are no cell phones or e-book readers or computers or any of the technology that makes life faster and connections immediate.  It's a time when a woman can appear out of nowhere and become The Mysterious Librarian of the small town of Saint-Anatole and no one can start researching her on the internet.  Simpler, easier times.

When Miss Charlotte appears at the office of Mayor Peevish to apply for a position of librarian, a position unfilled for 30 years, he hires her.  Miss Charlotte "who was very tall and very skinny and seemed to come out of nowhere ... wearing a massive hat and a long blue dress, which was quite elegant, although it had seen better days" (pg. 3) takes her position very seriously, cleaning the broom-closet of a library, taking an inventory of the books and resident spiders and mice (who become pets) and requesting additional funds for the purchase of new books, to replace those she deemed "as disgusting as old, overcooked broccoli." (pg. 16)

She imagined fabulous books, books that make you laugh, cry, shiver and dance.  Books that take you to the far-flung corners of the earth.  Books that tickle your brain, touch your heart and lift your spirits. (pg. 15)

Leo, a boy whose mother owns the pet store, meets Miss Charlotte when she comes in for spider and mouse food, and suspects she is the odd woman his friend Marie had told him about at summer camp (see the first book in the series, The New Teacher, 2016).  Intrigued, he visits Miss Charlotte at the library, fortuitously as he finds her seemingly unconscious on the floor of the library.  Leo realizes that she is alive but cannot be roused because she has become so involved in the book that she has been sucked in.  Reading aloud helps bring her back.

Unconventional as she is, Miss Charlotte wants to bring readers to the books, so she encourages the children at the school to visit the library.  Although they also witness Miss Charlotte in her sucked-into-a-book state, the library becomes a reading home to the children who take on the tasks of feeding a menagerie of animals, bringing in tents and blankets and other comforts, and helping with miscellaneous library chores.  But when Miss Charlotte cannot be roused from her reading of Beauty and the Beast, the children, led by Leo, find the means to help her back.

Dominique Demers is an award-winning Quebec author of picture books, chapter books, young adult and adult books, having written well over fifty books.  Because they are primarily French-language books, I have not had the opportunity to review any on CanLit for LittleCanadians so I am delighted to review this translation of The Mysterious Librarian here.  The Mysterious Librarian is charming and innocent and makes me long for libraries in which reading was everything.  We have gone so far into making libraries places of entertainment, with makerspaces and more, that the library and librarian of The Mysterious Librarian are refreshing and inviting, though many would say old-fashioned.  Maybe Miss Charlotte and her library are out of fashion but I like to think of them as classic, elegant and exemplary.  Having Tony Ross, who has illustrated books penned by Roald Dahl and Astrid Lindgren as well as the Horrid Harry, Amber Brown and Dr. Xargle series, is brilliant.  There's that lightness and gentility of line that conveys the essence of Miss Charlotte and her mission to encourage reading.

From The Mysterious Librarian 

by Dominique Demers 

illus. by Tony Ross

Miss Charlotte would love to have The Mysterious Librarian in her library for the children.  Your children can read The Mysterious Librarian themselves but, if you do read it aloud to them–and I encourage teachers and parents to do so–try not to laugh too much when the bully Martin wants a book with bare bottoms in it (and gets a book about a pig) and try not to get sucked in, unless you have someone nearby to get you out.

Julia Defiant: The Witch's Child Book 2

Written by Catherine Egan

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers

978-0-553-53335-4

464 pp.

Ages 14+

June, 2017

Julia Defiant, the sequel to Catherine Egan's Julia Vanishes (2016), the first book in her Witch's Child series, is as epic a fantasy as all her books.  There are battles of good vs. evil for power but amidst so much deception that it is hard to tell whom to trust, and Julia, who is still blaming herself for her role in the kidnapping of young Theo, doesn't even know if she can trust herself to do the right thing.

The core cast of characters from Julia Vanishes are still aiding and abetting Julia, the Fraynish girl who can vanish as well as  transport herself between locations and into a dark and burning other world called Kahge. Mrs. Och, one of the three immortal Xianren who’d been tasked with guarding and keeping separate the fragments of The Book of Disruption to prevent the overflow of magic, is leading the group in search of a monk named Ko Dan.  It is hoped that they can enlist Ko Dan to undo the magic he used to transfer the fragment of Gennady, another Xianren, into his baby son.   Theo, not yet two, does not know that he is at the centre of it all, with the third Xianren, Casimir, determined to reassemble the book and reestablish their immortality.

Mrs. Och’s plan is for the group to separate in Tianshi, the capital of Yongguo, and learn what they can. Julia resides with Mrs. Och, Theo and the boy’s mother, the witch Bianka, and Frederick the scholar in the modest Nanmu Triangle, while Julia’s brother Dek and her former lover Wyn live in the seedier Dongshui Triangle.  The others, Julia’s thieving compatriots–Esme, Gregor, Csilla–as well as the learned Professor Baranyi, pose as members of an aristocratic household in the Xihuo Triangle.

While their task is simple enough–find Ko Dan and save Theo from the fragment within him–there is much to learn, primarily about and by Julia.  When permission is granted by the grand librarian, Si Tan, for them to visit the Imperial Library, the search is on for clues to Ko Dan’s whereabouts but also, Julie learns when vanished, into Kahge and Julia’s powers.  At the Imperial Library, she is accosted by a witch who works magic on her, flooding her with visions, possibly memories, including one in which her mother worked with a two-spouted pot, similar to one she’d observed in a painting of the witch Marike.  This pot which she later learns is called the Ankh-nu may be a key to Julia’s heritage.

But Julia’s wanderings as she vanishes about Yongguo and into the horrific world of Kahge bring her more questions, though rarely answers.  Who is Lidari and why do the creatures of Kahge call out to Julia with this name?  Who is the Fraynish girl obviously under protection in the monastery?  And the biggest question is: Who can she trust? Mrs. Och who seems to want to help Bianka and Theo but shamelessly pulls life forces from Bianka and Frederick to strengthen herself?  The young man Jun to whom she is attracted and who has come to her rescue?  Her brother Dek who is acting less like himself because of the freedoms he now has in Yongguo?  Or Pia, the assassin who sees herself in Julia, knowing how they’ve been treated and the life Julia could have under Casimir’s contract?  Can Julia even trust herself to be there to save Theo when she’s already let him down at least once?

The constraints of a single post for a review of Julia Defiant suggest the story is much less than it is.  This space is far too meagre for me to acquaint the reader with its plot and still find room to applaud it sufficiently.  The plot and myriad of subplots, as well as rich contingent of characters, both of Frayne and Yongguo and Kahge, are too much for these few words.  I desperately want to tell you of Ragg Rock and her bunny; Silver Moya, Count Fournier and Princess Zara; the telling of stories to Theo; Dek’s new life with Ling; adorable Theo as he learns to walk, talk and do magic; and so much more.  This is especially so as it is all told in the opulent prose of Catherine Egan who can make everything sound, read bigger and better and more.

Stars, this boy.  Handsome, mysterious, quick on his feet, and now sweet.  I struggle not to give him a melty look. (pg. 81)

Even crushing on a boy reads powerfully.  This is how Catherine Egan writes. Every word is authoritative and woven with magic to create worlds that may have familiar elements–there is definitely an Asian feel to the world of Yongguo with its names, dress and customs–but are so distinct and extraordinary that nothing compares.  All I can say is that, having introduced Julia in Julia Vanishes, Catherine Egan's second book brings Julia into worlds where she can define herself and her power, so that she is never inconsequential again.  She will only vanish when she so chooses, making Julia Defiant fantastic in more ways than one. 

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food (and other life lessons)

Written by Jodi Carmichael 

Illustrated by Sarah Ackerley

Little Pickle Press/Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

978-1-939775-03-0

152 pp.

Ages 7-10

2013

Though the number of books with characters with ASD is ever increasing (see my abbreviated book list from 2013 here, revised this week), few books are written from the perspective of protagonists on the spectrum, and very few from a preteen's point of view.  Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food (and other life lessons) fits that niche and provides an enlightening approach to the thoughts and behaviour of a child with Asperger's Syndrome that will both teach and astound.

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food (and other life lessons) is a story told in 14 lessons (chapters) experienced in one school day by third grader Connor Campbell, a little boy on the spectrum.  Amidst his passion for routines and strict adherence to the rules–except when they go against other rules or his thinking leads him astray–Connor is a boy with much knowledge, insight and perspective, though some students may label him as "weird."  He loves counting and he prefers the blue vinyl chair, not the red one, in the office–sadly he is sent there regularly–and smooth things rather than those with rough or squiggly edges and he adores dogs and dinosaurs and seeing others happy.  Of course, as a child and one with Asperger's, his choices don't always make sense to others, and while he can be rather entertaining, he can be frustrating and frustrated when misunderstood.  Fortunately, Connor gets a chance to show off his knowledge and make things right when a dog gets loose in the school, demonstrating that he has valuable and hidden strengths (even if he does do some silly things like dump spaghetti on his head).

From Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food (and other life lessons) 

by Jodi Carmichael 

illus. by Sarah Ackerley

Jodi Carmichael, whose YA book Forever Julia (Great Plains Teen Fiction, 2015) took on the heavy issues of anxiety, grief and abusive relationships, switches flawlessly to the voice of a young child with Asperger's (though I guess the switch is actually the other way since Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food (and other life lessons) was published in 2013).  Connor's voice is clearly defined, in his head at least, and after a few chapters or lessons, the reader will begin to understand his thought processes and choices.  What Connor's peers and teachers and principal and custodian cannot see or hear is what Jodi Carmichael imparts in his story and it all makes sense.  We might not agree with what he says or does but his lovely resource teacher Mrs. Rosetti helps him and the reader see his day from a different perspective and the path it took and how it could be different the next time.  Connor may be learning that spaghetti is not a finger food but we all learn why he might think it is under certain circumstances and appreciate his unique take on everything from geckos, to library stools and face wrinkles.  Like all of us, Connor is special in his own way and Jodi Carmichael has provided an accessible story about a child with Asperger's Syndrome that will ensure tolerance and compassion in ways that no classroom lesson ever could.

Heartwood Hotel: Book launch (Vancouver, BC)

Award-winning children's author

Kallie George

who delights young readers with

her series

Magical Animal Adoption Agency

will be launching her newest children's book series

Heartwood Hotel

with 2 books in one

Heartwood Hotel Book 1: A True Home

Written by Kallie George

Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin

HarperCollins Canada

978-1-44344-393-7

176 pp.

Ages 7-10

July 2017

Heartwood Hotel Book 2: The Greatest Gift

Written by Kallie George

Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin

HarperCollins Canada

978-1-44344-396-8

176 pp.

Ages 7-10

July 2017

on

Thursday, July 13, 2017

7 p.m.

at

Kidsbooks

2557 West Broadway

Vancouver, BC

604-738-5335

www.kidsbooks.ca

The two books are described, on the HarperCollins Canada website, as follows

Book 1: A True Home

Downton Abbey meets The Tale of Peter Rabbit in this heartwarming chapter book about a mouse discovering where she belongs.

When Mona the mouse stumbles across the wondrous world of the Heartwood Hotel in the middle of a storm, she desperately hopes the staff will let her stay. As it turns out, Mona is precisely the maid they need at the grandest hotel in Fernwood Forest, where animals come from far and wide for safety, luxury and comfort. But it’s not all acorn soufflé and soft, moss-lined beds. Danger lurks nearby, and as it approaches, Mona has to use all her wits to protect the place she’s come to love. Because this hotel is more than a warm shelter for the night. It might also be a home.

Book 2: The Greatest Gift

Follow sweet Mona the mouse and the rest of the Heartwood Hotel staff as they settle in for a relaxing winter—or so they think!

Mona has finally found a place to call home: the cozy Heartwood Hotel, where she works as a maid and sleeps cozily snuggled up to her best friend. Following the festive St. Slumber celebration, most of the guests have settled in to hibernate, and the staff is looking forward to a relaxing winter. But disruptions abound, from a difficult duchess to a mysterious midnight snacker. As the snow stacks higher and the food supplies shrink lower, Mona will have to gather friends both old and new to keep the peace, finding help along the way in some of the most unexpected places.

Though Vancouver is impossible for me to visit for this book launch, I look forward to reviewing both books for HarperCollins Canada who sent the book(s) in the most adorable of promotion packages I have ever seen.  See if you don't agree:

It's a box that opens into a hotel room 

(grass bedding, pillows and comforter) 

for a small woodland creature. Too cute!

Up! How Families Around the World Carry Their Little Ones

Written by Susan Hughes

Illustrated by Ashley Barron

Owlkids Books

978-1-77147-176-3

24 pp.

Ages 2-5

April 2017

Susan Hughes is a prolific and award-winning writer of all genres of children’s books, having written picture books (e.g., Earth to Audrey and Maggie McGillicuddy’s Eye for Trouble), early chapter books (e.g., Four Seasons of Patrick, and numerous books in The Puppy Collection), young adult fiction (Virginia) and non-fiction (e.g., Off to Class: Incredible and Unusual Schools Around the World and Case Closed: Nine Mysteries Unlocked by Modern Science).  But where Susan Hughes excels is in those books which focus on global perspectives and social justice issues, bringing the world a little closer to Canadian children, as she does in Up! How Families Around the World Carry Their Little Ones.  It’s a warm-hearted but candid look at the common practice of carrying babies in urban and rural settings around the world with cuddly images rendered by paper-collage artist Ashley Barron.

From the onset, Susan Hughes lists which countries will be visited in our global tour of baby transport:

From West Africa to Peru, from
Egypt to Canada’s Far North, from
Korea to India, from Poland to China
and Afghanistan and the place you call
home, all around the world, families
carry their babies in many different
ways.  Come join us and see…

And, with an “Upsy-daisy, baby” our tour begins, taking young readers to familiar and exotic locales, to see a diversity of babies–all adorable!–being bundled in arms, shawls, parkas, carriers, packs, slings, baskets, and carried on hips and shoulders, cradled as the precious cargo they are.  Their caregivers are as diverse as the children including parents, siblings, grandparents, and other relatives of all shapes, ages and colours.  It’s a wonderful collection of familial vignettes from around the world.

From Up! How Families Around the World Carry Their Little Ones

by Susan Hughes 

illus. by Ashley Barron

The affection for the babies by the caregivers is obvious and Ashley Barron’s cut-paper collages give texture and shape to those expressions of care and adoration.  As in Kyle Goes Alone, the first book I reviewed illustrated by Ashley Barron, the artist is astoundingly adept at cutting the shape of a chubby leg or beard-clasping fingers and depicting angelic and joyous faces of babies who know they are safe and much-loved.  Her details, from the playground in Poland to the twisted turban of the Afghan grandfather and the Indian fruit and textile market, bring the settings of Susan Hughes' text to life, creating a travelogue and personalized context for each baby’s home.

From Up! How Families Around the World Carry Their Little Ones 

by Susan Hughes 

illus. by Ashley Barron

Susan Hughes and Ashley Barron have created a global story of life and love in Up! and they’ll have you shamelessly oohing and ahhing over these little ones and the care they are given as they are raised Up! into loving arms and hearts.

From Up! How Families Around the World Carry Their Little Ones 

by Susan Hughes 

illus. by Ashley Barron

An African Alphabet: Printmaking Workshop (Toronto, ON)

Artist Sue Todd

who illustrated

The Incredible Adventures of Mary Jane Mosquito

Written by Tomson Highway

Illustrated by Sue Todd

Fifth House Publishers

978-1-92708-338-3

70 pp.

Ages 14-18

2016

is celebrating her newest children's book

An African Alphabet

Written by Eric Walters

Illustrated by Sue Todd

Orca Book Publishers

9781459810709 

28 pp.

All ages

March 2017

with a Printmaking Workshop

to be held on

Sunday, June 18, 2017

1-3 p.m.

at

Indigo Yonge & Eglinton

2300 Yonge St.

Toronto, ON

There will be:

• a demo of Sue Todd's lino-cut illustration technique;

• printmaking activities;

•stamping and colouring activities; and

• books for sale and signing by the illustrator.

 A fun activity for kids and dads on Father’s Day! 

(Mom’s are welcome too!)

Ukaliq and Kalla Go Fishing

Written by Nadia Mike

Illustrated by Amanda Sandland

Inhabit Media

978-1-77227-135-5

32 pp.

Ages 4-8

April 2017 

Ukaliq is an Arctic hare and Kalla is a lemming and they are friends, though they are very different.  Ukaliq is energetic and loud and acts before thinking.  On the other hand, Kalla is careful, thinking before he acts and preparing for all circumstances.   When the impetuous Ukaliq disrupts Kalla’s quiet to insist they go fishing, their trip becomes a study in contrasts.

From Ukaliq and Kalla Go Fishing

by Nadia Mike 

illus. by Amanda Sandland

While Ukaliq is already heading out on his snowmobile, noisily disturbing the char beneath the ice surface, Kalla is thoughtfully preparing snacks and ensuring he has sufficient fuel.  Ukaliq has already been fishing, impatiently yanking on his line by the time Kalla arrives but it is Kalla who quickly catches the first of many fish.  Kalla tries to advise Ukaliq about patience, but the Arctic hare pays him no heed.  Eventually Ukaliq realizes the wisdom of Kalla’s approach, benefiting from the lemming's preparedness and attention to detail in more than a few ways.

From Ukaliq and Kalla Go Fishing 

by Nadia Mike 

illus. by Amanda Sandland

The lesson in Nadia Mike’s Ukaliq and Kalla Go Fishing is easily recognizable, making it essentially an Arctic fable about self-control and foresight.  The silly Arctic hare may appear to be the go-getter, but he’s loud, too quick off the mark and exasperating.  It’s the lemming who is shrewd and considerate.  With Amanda Sandland’s cartoon illustrations, the humour in Ukaliq’s brash and inconsiderate behaviour is unmistakable.  I suspect it’s better to laugh at his silliness rather than focus on how futile or dangerous his efforts are.  Kalla, on the other hand, is Yoda-esque, small in stature but big in heart and insight.

From Ukaliq and Kalla Go Fishing 

by Nadia Mike 

illus. by Amanda Sandland

With Ukaliq and Kalla Go Fishing, Nadia Mike and Amanda Sandland have created a children’s book that contrasts different personalities and teaches an obvious lesson about being self-possessed and cautious in the unique setting of the Arctic.  Moreover, this lesson is sure to be extended beyond just this book as it is also available in an Inuktitut edition and like another Inhabit Media picture book, The Owl and the Lemming, Ukaliq and Kalla Go Fishing has become a short (5 min.) film by Taqqut Productions.  

Ukaliq and Kalla Go Fishing Inuktitut edition

2017 Summer Reading List of the Forest Kid Committee

Last week, fifteen children who had been selected from well over 100 applicants of the Forest of Reading attended a full-day session of talking books at the offices of the Ontario Library Association.  Their mission was to compile a summer reading list for readers of Silver Birch and Red Maple reading ages.  These voracious young readers brought recommendations and talked books with their peers and also with guest authors Kevin Sylvester and Vikki VanSickle who attended in person and Gordon Korman and Wesley King who joined the proceedings via Skype.  It was a full day of youngCanLit and the efforts of these amazing young people helped produce this very first list of the Forest Kid Committee.  Enjoy!

Suggested Summer Reading List for 
Silver Birch Readers (Ages 9-11)

The Boundless
Written by Kenneth Oppel
HarperCollins Canada
Review here

A Day of Signs and Wonders
Written by Kit Pearson
HarperTrophy









Dragons vs. Drones
Written by Wesley King
Razorbill

The Girl Who Could Fly
Written by Victoria Forester
Feiwel & Friends

Look Out for the Fitzgerald-Trouts
Written by Esta Spalding
Tundra Books
Review here

Maud 
Written by Melanie Fishbane
Penguin Teen

MiNRS
Written by Kevin Sylvester
Margaret K. McElderry Books

The Road to Ever After
Written by Moira Young
Doubleday Canada

Slacker 
Written by Gordon Korman
Scholastic

We Are All Made of Molecules
Written by Susin Nielsen
Tundra Books
Review here

Suggested Summer Reading List

for Red Maple Readers (Ages 12-13)

Bent Not Broken: Madeline & Justin 

Written by Lorna Schultz Nicholson

Clockwise Press

Every Hidden Thing

Written by Kenneth Oppel

HarperCollins

The Explorers: The Door in the Alley 

Written by Adrienne Kress

Delacorte Books for Young Readers

In Real Life

Written by Cory Doctorow

Illustrated by Jen Wang

First Second

Laura Monster Crusher

Written by Wesley King

Puffin Canada

MiNRS 2

Written by Kevin Sylvester

Margaret K. McElderry Books

A Month of Mondays

Written by Joëlle Anthony

Second Story Press

Review here

Optimists Die First

Written by Susin Nielsen

Tundra Books

Review here

Restart 

Written by Gordon Korman

Scholastic

Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard

Written by Jonathan Auxier

Puffin Canada

Full details, including a listing of the incredible participants in the first ever Forest Kid Committee, can be viewed at the Ontario Library Association website media release here.

Dingus

Written by Andrew Larsen
Kids Can Press
978-1-77138-661-6
208 pp.
Ages 9-12
May 2017

Dork. Doofus. Dingus.  Variations on a theme.  But Andrew Larsen’s narrator, eleven-year-old Henry will have no problems accepting that final moniker after the conclusion of his fifth grade and the beginning of a summer holiday that seems to hold no promise.

Though Henry likes his Gr. 5 teacher Mr. Buntrock–with his stories, laughter yoga and word-of–the-day–the school year has been one of multiple changes, not the least of which is his growing estrangement from his best friend Max.  Though the two boys have always relished their differences–Max is smarter, taller and wealthier–Max has become so immersed in his winning chess team that he has little time for Henry.  Worse still, Max seems to take pleasure is teasing Henry about wearing Max’s cast-off clothes and more, making Henry the butt of his chess team’s jokes.

At home, things are similarly in flux.  Mom who’d had baby Sam a year ago is returning to work which will require more travel, starting with a trip to Las Vegas the last day of school.  Dad, who’d lost his job just before Sam’s birth, has stayed at home to care for Sam and, by default, Henry. And, of course, there is less money for everything and anything, including a pair of much-admired Chad Baker sneakers.

I was mad at Max. I was mad at his new friends. I was mad at my dad for getting me Chad Fakers instead of Chad Bakers. I was mad at myself for being so mad.
   My life officially sucked.
   I was mad at that, too. (pg. 45)

Adding insult to injury, Max gets to go away to his much-loved chess camp while Henry  sees a summer of nothingness ahead of him.  What Henry doesn’t realize is that Dad’s idea of a staycation will bring him a new set of experiences like outdoors movie night, Elvis sandwiches, and bottle rockets, suggesting that change really is as good as a holiday.

It must be rough being a kid for whom everything feels like it’s going sideways.  What’s worse is when it’s things you can’t control like money, baby brothers, and friends as well as  things you can but don’t because you’re a dingus.  But Andrew Larsen realizes that change, like that of the puberty lessons Henry has to endure at the end of Grade 5, is inevitable and rolling with it rather than fighting it is probably a lot easier.

I know there’s a million middle-graders out there right not who are wondering about their summers, the changes their bodies and minds are going through, and the direction that friendships are heading.  It’s a lot on their plates, especially since things don’t always work out at planned.  But, take solace in that, even if you’re a Dingus–and we are all such goofs some time in our lives–that it’s rarely fatal and often educational, just like mistakes and school.

Different? Same?

Written by Heather Tekavec

Illustrated by Pippa Curnick

Kids Can Press

978-1-77138-565-7

32 pp.

Ages 2-6

May 2017

Maybe it's not really a book genre but I would call Different? Same? an interactive non-fiction book.  It's the kind of book that encourages young children to voice their observations in answer to the simple questions "How are these animals different?" and "How are these animals the same?"  And it's a lovely way of emphasizing the commonalities of animals while still appreciating the diversity of species that populate our world.

From Different? Same! 

by Heather Tekavec

 illus. by Pippa Curnick

For each double-spread, a series of animals are differentiated by their motility, habitat, textures, colours, sounds and other physical and behavioural attributes.  But a final statement at the bottom right corner instructs the reader to "But look closer now..." before sharing the similarity of note for that set of animals.

A final double spread illustration invites readers to seek other similarities, such as spots and webbed feet amongst the forty animals–insects, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals–depicted in the artwork.  It becomes a find and seek adventure for children, whether they read the book themselves or not. And, if they want to learn a little more, a note at the conclusion called "Why Animals Have the Characteristics They Do" clarifies the functionality of the characteristics noted, turning Different? Same? into a more serious science book for older readers.

From Different? Same! 

by Heather Tekavec 

illus. by Pippa Curnick

Heather Tekavec has published ten previous children's volumes including the popular Stop, Thief! (Kids Can Press, 2014) but this is her first non-fiction book. Still she retains her lively writing by turning Different? Same? away from pure information text and into a book of discovery.  UK illustrator Pippa Curnick furthers that intent with her amusing animals from all levels of the classification hierarchy.  All and all, Different? Same? shows us how distinct the animals in the world are while celebrating common ground, a lesson we should all accept and appreciate in our own world.

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist

Written by Jess Keating

Illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns

Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

978-1-4926-4204-6

40 pp.

Ages 4+

June 2017

Eugenie Clark was born in 1922 and many, including her university instructors, probably believed she should have become a teacher or a secretary or something else deemed an appropriate occupation for the time.  Thank goodness she followed her heart and applied astounding determination to getting her education and pursuing her interest in sharks, helping her become the scientist she did. And thank goodness for Jess Keating who has brought Eugenie Clark's story to young readers so that they may learn and take example from this impressive role-model of a scientist.

From Shark Lady 

by Jess Keating 

illus. by Marta Álvarez Miguéns

As a child, Eugenie Clark adored going to the aquarium and watching her favourite animals, the sharks.  She was compelled into learning all she could about them through books, though a gift of an aquarium from her mother gave her a chance to create an underwater world of her own, ripe for the study of other aquatic organisms. 

From Shark Lady 

by Jess Keating

 illus. by Marta Álvarez Miguéns 

Eugenie pursued studies at college, and, though many tried to dissuade her, she earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees as well as her doctorate in zoology, and began her research career.  Through an illustrious career of discovering new species, diving in open oceans to experience her first encounters with sharks and training sharks, Eugenie Clark worked tirelessly to dispel countless myths about sharks and educate and protect the animals she loved so.

Author Jess Keating, a zoologist herself, comes from a place of knowledge, appreciation and empathy, allowing her to create an intelligent biography of Eugenie Clark.  We already know that, whether Jess Keating applies her zoological training and expertise to middle-grade fiction (How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes are Tied; How to Outswim a Shark Without a Snorkel; How to Outfox Your Friends When You Don't Have a Clue) or children's non-fiction (Pink is for Blobfish), she knows what kids want to read about and she gives it to them in her entertaining and insightful writing. Shark Lady is her first illustrated biography, here of a courageous and determined American woman of science, whose story Jess Keating strengthens with two appendices, one about sharks that she calls "Shark Bites" and the other an infographic timeline of Eugenie Clark's life from birth in 1922 to her death in 2015. (My images below are only partial scans of both these components.)

From Shark Lady

by Jess Keating 

illus. by Marta Álvarez Miguéns

Illustrated in the bright, bold artwork of Spanish artist Marta Álvarez Miguéns,  Shark Lady both inspires and entertains with a story, albeit one based in facts, of a young girl's dedication to pursuing her personal interest in sharks and converting that into an extraordinary scientific career, while still cultivating an interest in learning more about Eugenie Clark and sharks.  It's a fabulous read that will have many a child rousing a parent or guardian for a visit to a local aquarium.  Indulge yourselves and go.  There may be another Eugenie Clark just waiting for the opportunity to dive into learning more.