Burt the Beetle Lives Here!

Written and illustrated by Ashley Spires

Kids Can Press

978-1-5256-1011-9

64 pp.

Ages 5-8

June 2023

Author-illustrator Ashley Spires introduced her readers to Burt the ten-lined June beetle (also known as a watermelon beetle) in Burt the Beetle Doesn't Bite! (Kids Can Press, 2021) and charmed us with his story as well as educating us on the natural habits of a variety of other insects. This time, Ashley Spires takes us into insect real estate to look at the nests and habitats of Burt and his insect friends as they seek shelter for short stints and longer periods.

From Burt the Beetle Lives Here! by Ashley Spires

Burt likes to spend short periods of time "snug as a bug" under a leaf. But when he realizes that it would be nice to have a place to call home, he looks at the homes of other insects. He considers the chrysalis of the monarch butterfly, the foam of the spittlebugs, and the silk web nests of tent caterpillars, but each doesn't work for him. So, he considers what materials he might use to build his own, taking his cues from wasps, bees, and weaver ants. Again, none work for him. 

Though he's ready to give up on finding a home within sight of his beloved porch light, Burt realizes soon enough that he needs shelter from weather and predators, and finds that protection, and even camaraderie, in a most familiar location. 

From Burt the Beetle Lives Here! by Ashley Spires

Kids love learning about science and living things, but it must be taught in a way that entertains through the inquiry process. As in all her Burt books, Ashley Spires has given young students, and their teachers, an easy source of relevant scientific information, here about insects and their habitats using Burt as an insightful guide. Through his very small eyes, readers are shown a bug's-eye view of a variety of different insect nests, with explanations for how the animals live in them or create them. And with her trademark humour, Ashley Spires will make kids chuckle at Burt's antics, as the adults in their lives will laugh at the analogies to human home-buying with places with stunning views, lots of potential, open floor plans and advertised as architectural masterpieces and those that are perfect for entertaining or impeccably renovated.

From Burt the Beetle Lives Here! by Ashley Spires

Ashley Spires, creator of Binky the Space Cat, consistently uses a clean illustrative style that is digitally rendered, never cluttering her illustrations with superfluous details that, while accurate, may detract from the key information about where the insects live and why. Because of the organic nature of the story, Ashley Spires's palette is primarily one of greens and browns, but she gives us enough shades and tints and tones to make it appear rich and varied, much like nature itself.

Whether you're a teacher of younger students who need to understand local habitats or how communities create nests, or you're a school librarian who loves providing quality creative non-fiction for the many children who prefer non-fiction or fiction, or a reader to appreciates fabulously illustrated books with a side helping of humour, Burt the Beetle Lives Here! has got you covered, perhaps even better than Burt's leaf!

 

🐛 🐞 🐜 🐝 🐛 🐞 🐜 🐝 🐛

 

Burt the Beetle Doesn't Bite! (2021)

Burt the Beetle Lives Here! (2023)

Julie and the Mango Tree

Written by Sadé Smith

Illustrated by Sayada Ramdial

Feiwel and Friends

978-1-250-80634-5

32 pp.

Ages 3-6

August 2023

 

Fresh fruits off the tree are a favourite all around the world. In August, many children in Canada will be craving peaches and cherries, while other parts of the world may be awaiting a crop of jackfruit or pineapples. Depending on the time of year and the location, there will be much anticipation for the first of favourite fruits to become available. For Julie in Jamaica, the time for her beloved mangoes can't come soon enough.

From Julie and the Mango Tree, written by Sadé Smith, illus. by Sayada Ramdial

Julie loved the way mangoes smelled and the way they looked and, of course, the way they tasted. But waiting for the mangoes to drop from the giant tree in her front yard was agony. Occasionally her father would climb up on a ladder to retrieve ripe ones from the top before they fell but, on one hot day when he was gone to town, Julie would have to wait for the tree to give up just one to her. But waiting was hard. When no mangoes were forthcoming, she tried to barter with the tree, plums for mangoes. Then she wrote a song pleading with the tree to give up a mango to her. Finally, she hugged the tree, all to no avail.

From Julie and the Mango Tree, written by Sadé Smith, illus. by Sayada Ramdial

But, when a rainstorm comes the next day, Julie finds the ground littered with her delicious mangoes. Finally, Julie could indulge in her mangoes, until she realizes she has a new problem.

From Julie and the Mango Tree, written by Sadé Smith, illus. by Sayada Ramdial

Though most of Julie and the Mango Tree is Julie waiting and hoping and anticipating the joy of biting into those juicy mangoes, Sadé Smith ensures that the child's experience with the fruit is paramount. For children, waiting can be so hard, whether it's for a birthday, a special treat, or the year's mango harvest. Julie's longing is honest but, like many, she will do whatever she can to dispel the delay, strategizing with good will, particularly for the tree. Not surprising that when she finds herself sated with mangoes, she looks outward to others and considers how she might share their fruity wealth. Author Sadé Smith, herself of Jamaican descent–her debut picture book Granny's Kitchen is also set in Jamaica–shows a child who is passionate about her mangoes but never selfish about the pleasure she derives from them.

 

Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, now of the United States, illustrator Sayada Ramdial gives us a Jamaica of colours, warmth, life, and, of course, mangoes. It's as if everything, from the mangoes and the leaves in the trees, to Julie and her neighbours, are touched with the sun and given a vivacity of place. I'll bet even Julie's mangoes are far tastier than any we've ever imagined.

The joy of picking fruit from a tree is a rare one for many but, in Julie and the Mango Tree, Sadé Smith lets us experience what Julie does and allows us to imagine what wishes fulfilled with a bounty of sunshine and sweetness could be like.

A Tale of Two Kitties

Written and illustrated by Judith Graves

Acorn Press

978-1-773661179

32 pp.

Ages 2-4

August 2023

It may have been National Cat Day on August 8th but for some of us every day is National Cat Day.

From A Tale of Two Kitties by Judith Graves

Mittens and Boots are two cats who look amazingly similar except for the distinct white markings that define them. Though they are treated the same in terms of their food and their sleeping preferences–their own chairs on opposite sides of a fireplace–they differ in their interests–singing vs. painting–and like to be kept separated. Then the chairs are gone, and a loveseat takes their stead. 

 

Mittens and Boots are not happy, convinced this is payback for all the things cats do, like hacking up in unusual places, enthusiastic use of their litter boxes, and late-night yowling. But, when sleep times comes, the two are forced to share the loveseat, albeit with some annoyance. Still, it seems the loveseat has a mind of its own and determined to bring the two felines together, maybe even with a new friend.

From A Tale of Two Kitties by Judith Graves

Anyone who has ever had multiple cats in a home knows that they can be best buddies or warily tolerant. Sometimes their humans are successful in bringing them together and sometimes less so. Obviously author-illustrator Judith Graves–whose YA novel Exposed is the only book I've reviewed here–knows about cats and living with them. Their personalities are so distinct and yet they share commonalities that make us wonder why they aren't better friends or at least companionable. But, cats will be cats and forcing them together, even as a loveseat did, doesn't always work. But, when options are limited, they can be compelled to accept and even endure the other, overriding their innate territorial instincts.

From A Tale of Two Kitties by Judith Graves

A Tale of Two Kitties is Judith Graves's debut picture book as the author and the illustrator, and as an artist (see her website at https://judithgraves.com/ or her etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/SassyLassieDesignsCA) with designs in acrylic as well as watercolour, I hoping we'll be seeing more of her work in children's book illustration. The story of Boots and Mittens is sweet and familiar, and we might be able to anticipate the next story with the arrival of Snowball (!). But it's Judith Graves's art of expressive cats, colourful wallpapers, and homey furnishings that brings life to her story. I love the colours, primarily teal and orange, and the warmth of that palette because, let's face it, with cats in the home, there's always a softness of spirit. 

Embedded in Judith Graves's art and story is an endearing cheekiness. "Purrhaps" it's her use of feline-inspired puns or the playfulness of her art, but regardless A Tale of Two Kitties is a whole package of sweet fun, lively art and feline reality.

Dear Elsa

Written by Marco Fraticelli

Red Deer Press

978-0-889956865

240 pp.

Ages 8-12

May/July 2023

 

looking out the window

in his new school

the sad student (pg. 32)

 

As part of a school assignment, 10-year-olds Elsa of Boston and Leo newly of Toronto must write emails to each other as pen pals. Neither is initially keen, and Leo is especially so when he learns his pen pal is a girl. But, through revealing messages from September through the following August, the two go from strangers to something deeper.

At the outset, the differences between the two middle-graders are pronounced. Leo, who has newly moved from Montreal to Toronto for his parents' jobs as teachers, complains about everything, from not having any friends, his teacher, following rules, sending emails to Elsa of at least 250 words, and schoolwork writing poetry. Elsa, on the other hand, loves rules, has divorced parents, and, though Leo suggests she must be one of the popular kids based on the advice she gives him, calls herself an in-between kid who has a few good friends and is relatively quiet. But as she allows him to vent while still offering him a different perspective, Leo discovers some things about himself, like that he really likes writing poetry, especially haiku, which he often shares with her. Elsa is slower to reveal herself, probably because Leo is so busy complaining, but she too begins to divulge what her life is like, rather than just giving Leo the opportunity to share. Readers, and Leo, learn of her parents' relationship, her trip to Cancun, her aspirations, her prowess as an archer, and eventually her wheelchair. While Leo broadcasts about everything, Elsa holds back much about her own situation, and is delighted to be treated like she isn't someone with a disability.

Dear Elsa may be author Marco Fraticelli's first children's book but his decades of experience as a Grade 5 teacher as well as an award-winning poet have given him a strong foundation for an irresistible story of two children exploring their differences and finding common ground to be the friend the other needs at that time. Their writing relationship may continue past their Grade 5 year–that is not revealed at the book's conclusion–but it's almost irrelevant as the two derived safety, perspective, opportunity, and solicitude from their relationship.

In 2015, I prepared a post titled, Dearest readers...: A Letters in youngCanLit book list, which provided a list of books that featured characters writing letters or emails or texts as the vehicle for the plot. I will definitely be adding Dear Elsa to that list now to ensure that middle-grade readers (and perhaps their teachers) have an opportunity to visit with Leo and Elsa and witness how a friendship can develop from afar and with seemingly different individuals. All it takes is opening oneself up the opportunity, as Leo learns both in emails and at school, and perhaps some heartfelt poetry.

Percy's Perfect Friend

Written by Lana Button

Illustrated by Peggy Collins

Pajama Press

978-1-77278-281-3

32 pp.

Ages 3-6

April 2023

 

Many very young children will be trying to fit into new school situations next month as they start schools and daycares for the first time or perhaps attend a new school because of a move or recent immigration. Finding a way to fit in and make friends can be very difficult, especially if the other kids have already established friendships. This is the situation for Percy when he joins a new class, and finds an unusual but perfect friend to help him fit in.

From Percy's Perfect Friend, written by Lana Button, illus. by Peggy Collins

The kids in Percy's new class are definitely having fun at their dress-up and imaginative play but he feels very alone and apart from the group. When he spots a fluffy pink cat, he introduces himself and, as part of his own play, names her Miss Petticomb.

From Percy's Perfect Friend, written by Lana Button, illus. by Peggy Collins

Cuddling his new pink friend, he "hears" her whisper that she wants a friend to play with and accommodates her. All morning she rests in his arms, being the friend he needs. But, when he places Miss Petticomb down to do some art, she disappears. He discovers the other kids have taken Miss Petticomb to be a guest at their tea party. It's only when he attempts to rescue her that Percy realizes that the pink cat can be the friend that brings them all together if they use their imagination and show a little flexibility.

From Percy's Perfect Friend, written by Lana Button, illus. by Peggy Collins

As an early child educator, Lana Button has seen how children play and more importantly how they enter play and make connections with other children. Many adults assume that children will just organically know how to make friends and fit in. As a teacher, I too have seen parents who encourage their young children to "Just go and play with those kids" without realizing how big a step that is for many children, just as it is for the rest of us. In Percy's Perfect Friend, Lana Button models for children how to engage with new friends by scaffolding that interaction with a perfect pink friend, although any toy might work as nicely. She sees the kids as they are, some exuberant and extroverted and others reserved and perhaps even anxious. A toy, whether pink or blue, soft or hard, can be that catalyst for meaningful and playful interaction.

Peggy Collins, the author-illustrator of the Blue Spruce award-winning picture book Harley the Hero, brings her cheerful digital artwork into the play-based classroom or preschool of young children. Her young characters represent all children of different abilities and ethnicities, energies and interests, and places them in a room of colourful tables and chairs, costumes and toys, teapots and books. It's an invitation to look and play and see, perfect for any child trying to find what interests them.

If you have a little one heading to preschool or a new school this fall and who may be anxious about making friends, Lana Button and Peggy Collins will show them how Percy did it and how he probably made more than one perfect friend in doing so.

Sandy Toes: A Summer Adventure

Words by Shauntay Grant

Pictures by Candice Bradley

Abrams Appleseed

978-1-4197-6307-6

32 pp.

Ages 3-5

April 2023

 

Shauntay Grant's poetry has always shared the community and culture of African Canadians in Africville, The City Speaks in Drums and Up Home with great depth and heart. But, with Sandy Toes, she focuses on a child at play and new life beginning at the beach.

From Sandy Toes, words by Shauntay Grant, illus. by Candice Bradley

A family of four make their way to a sandy beach to enjoy the sun and the surf. There's wading into the water, sandcastle-building, kite-flying and ice cream, and getting wet. His older sister may have her own way of playing, but the toddler finds joy in running and splashing and floating. His fun comes from trying things out, both following his sister and being instructed by his dad.

From Sandy Toes, words by Shauntay Grant, illus. by Candice Bradley

But as the family enjoys the beach, sea turtle hatchlings are making their way from their birth locations to the ocean. A note Shauntay Grant appends to the story shares information about sea turtles and the nature of hatchlings to head for the ocean but also for the females to return when mature to lay their own eggs on the very beaches on which they'd hatched.

Whether a sea turtle hatchling making its way slowly to the sea or a young child joyously relishing a day in the sun and the water, the beach is a place of growth. That growth comes from a laborious trek or watching an elder sibling or parent but it's always a positive experience key to a turtle or child's development.

From Sandy Toes, words by Shauntay Grant, illus. by Candice Bradley

Shauntay Grant keeps her text simple but always alliterative and relevant to the young boy's experiences. The plainness of the text makes this book appropriate for those youngest children who are just learning to read, matching words with pictures and letter combinations. Though not really a concept book–after all, what concept would be being taught?–Sandy Toes will take children to the beach, to reflect on their own experiences there but also to imagine how others, both human and sea turtle, might enjoy it.

American Candice Bradley gives a brightness to Shauntay Grant's day at the beach. The warmth of the sand and water and sun are all there as is the affection of the family for each other. Her palette of blues and golds and roses might seem austere, but the variety of shades and tints increase her palette multifold and bring us to that beach to dig into that warm sand, cool off in the water, and rest on colourful towels.

Not all families are privileged enough to partake in a day at the beach with their children. But if they are, Sandy Toes shows us how it can involve delighting in their time together or in the play that is unique to a sandy shore or in the learning about sea turtles. It can truly be a summer adventure.

A Flower is a Friend

Written by Frieda Wishinsky

Illustrated by Karen Patkau

Pajama Press

978-1-77278-280-6

36 pp.

Ages 3-6

May 2023

Many will be enjoying their gardens this summer whether through their labours or just sitting in the glory that is a collection of blooms and greenery. But Frieda Wishinsky makes us look a little more closely into her garden to see the flowers and their friends.

From A Flower is a Friend, written by Frieda Wishinsky, illus. by Karen Patkau

Page after page of glorious digital art by Karen Patkau brings us up close to the rose and zinnia, cornflower, magnolia, and irises to see the blooms in their bold colours and their dazzling forms. But it's the association with their flower friends that needs to be seen. With each blossom is an insect or a bird, mammal or reptile, or something else, that interacts with the flower.

From A Flower is a Friend, written by Frieda Wishinsky, illus. by Karen Patkau

Frieda Wishinsky and Karen Patkau reveal a variety of mutualistic relationships, with Frieda Wishinsky giving us the ideas and spirit and Karen Patkau giving us the colour and form. There is the periwinkle-hued morning glory with its visiting dragonfly, the mouse in a tulip, and a bat calling upon the crocuses. And in her dual text, one that stipulates what the flowers do and a subtext that has young readers ponder the relationships, Frieda Wishinsky invites children to look more closely and consider how pollination happens, how a flower can draw animals to it, and how both plant and animal can benefit each other.

Spread our perfume.

 

How could a spider 

help the Queen of the Night flower?

 

From A Flower is a Friend, written by Frieda Wishinsky, illus. by Karen Patkau

A Flower is a Friend will be a lovely book for teaching STEM with regards to the growth and changes in plants and the interrelationships of living things. Even though the story is appended with notes on each animal and its role related to the plants, it's the inquiry lessons about these interactions that will fuel discussions and learning.

Coupled with Karen Patkau's illustrations, A Flower is a Friend transforms from creative non-fiction to gorgeous coffee table book that any reader would love to peruse. Her art is created of shapes so curvaceous and colours so vibrant that the garden could be a surreal landscape of the imagination. But Karen Patkau is such a pro at digital illustration that her flowers could almost be photographs. (Her art of the roses almost fooled me into thinking it was a photo.)

 

We know friendships go both ways, and these flowers and their friends demonstrate that they do, helping each other to the benefit of both. There is science behind it, but A Flower is a Friend shows us that there is also great beauty with that science.