No Help Wanted!

Written and illustrated by Ruth Ohi

North Winds Press (Scholastic Canada)

978-1-4431-6360-6

32 pp.

Ages 3-8

July 2019

Posy would be considered a keener, though in the adult world we might think of her as a bit of a control freak. She insists on taking control of any situation regardless of the efforts others make to share and support. So when Posy is tasked with the classroom job of taking care of their fish Bluey, Posy is all in. She feeds him, reads to him, sings to him and presents him with popsicle-puppet performances. (There are free downloadable pdfs of the jellyfish and fish shapes used, as well as a mask.) But when others offer to join in with their own puppets or play vet, Posy's signs of "Private" and "Keep Out!" make it clear that she is all Bluey needs.

From No Help Wanted! by Ruth Ohi

But, when Bluey starts to look unwell, regardless of Posy's extraordinary efforts, including a full-scale–love the pun!–fish-themed musical, Posy hides his fish bowl behind books, thinking that everyone would blame her.  It's not until she see Bluey resting at the bottom of the bowl that Posy recognizes the need to ask for help. With kindness, the kids ask "What can we do?" and "How can we help?" and come to Posy and Bluey's rescue.

From No Help Wanted! by Ruth Ohi

While Ruth Ohi's artwork was first introduced to youngCanLit readers via the text of others, I'm so glad that she has been writing her own picture books for many years now. From her Chicken, Pig, Cow series, or Fox and Squirrel books, or her many stand-alone picture books, Ruth Ohi always blends important messages about teamwork, compassion, and friendship with text and illustrations that are designed for young, young readers. These stories could be the basis of any character education program. Moreover by ensuring that there is no hyperbole or exhaustive language that reaches beyond the reading abilities and comprehension of her readers. Ruth Ohi sees and tells the story from the perspective children need in order to appreciate the message. As adults, we recognize Posy's enthusiasm for Bluey as somewhat high-handed but young children will just see it as bossy. What they will also see is that bossy kids need to learn how to work with others and that a little help is always welcome and not always a condemnation of efforts made.

From No Help Wanted! by Ruth Ohi (Image retrieved from http://www.ruthohi.com/books-recent#/no-help-wanted/)

Though her text is faultless, precise and communicative, it's still Ruth Ohi's illustrations that will draw children into the story. They will see themselves among the many children of different skin tones and hair types, of different abilities and personalities. One boy is in a wheelchair, a girl wears glasses, and some are shyer relative to Posy's exuberance. In fact, the class itself could be any class from kindergarten with its role-play props, or a Grade 1 or 2 class with numerous books and kids who can read and write. Moreover, by choosing a palette of pencil crayons and watercolours that are light and soft, Ruth Ohi makes sure that the message is swimming in subtlety and far more peaceful than one emboldened in colour and text.

There are many ways to send a message to children and No Help Wanted! finds an affable way in words and art to demonstrate that everyone at one time or another needs a little help and it's okay to ask.

From No Help Wanted! by Ruth Ohi

My Puppy Patch

Written by Theo Heras

Illustrated by Alice Carter

Pajama Press

978-1-77278-080-2

24 pp.

Ages 3-6

June 2019

Getting a new pet is a great responsibility and I am delighted that this bright child takes that responsibility seriously now that Patch has joined their household.  Patch, obviously so named for her intriguing dark spot around her left eye, is a clever puppy who has already learned the commands to sit, stay down, come, roll over and stay. But she is young and occasionally distracted.  Still the little girl knows it's a big day because today Patch will be taken outside the fence for a walk.

From My Puppy Patch, illustrations by Alice Carter, text by Theo Heras

The two friends go for a walk and, though Patch explores and plays with Benny's puppy Smallfry, she always comes when called. It becomes evident that the puppy has learned a lot, just as her girl has, knowing to be cautious of other dogs, giving the puppy love, water, a bed, treats and all the things that are right for a young dog.

From My Puppy Patch, illustrations by Alice Carter, text by Theo Heras

For families getting a new dog, Theo Heras gives some excellent advice about canine care, and this little girl is doing it all right, understanding that Patch has basic needs for health and well-being but also for learning and emotional care. Their relationship is certainly one of friendship but the learning goes both ways as the child shows flexibility in her expectations and as Patch's skills in following commands are reinforced.

From My Puppy Patch, illustrations by Alice Carter, text by Theo Heras

Ottawa artist Alice Carter preserves the lightness of Theo Heras's message about the interrelationship between child and puppy by keeping her illustrations bright and colourful and her characters effusive in their expressions. There's play in the artwork and it reflects the affection and enjoyment the two have for each other and in their outing. 

From My Puppy Patch, illustrations by Alice Carter, text by Theo Heras

For children taking on the responsibility of a puppy, My Puppy Patch emphasizes the joys and only occasional but natural missteps as part of the process of learning to cultivate a solid relationship between child and dog. It may be work, like any education, but it's worth it.