How to Staycation Like a Snail

Written by Naseem Hrab

Illustrated by Kelly Collier

Owlkids Books

978-1-771476126

40 pp.

Ages 5-8

September 15 2024

 

Snail, from Naseem Hrab's How to Party Like a Snail, is back. And while his many friends are heading to far-off places for their vacations, Snail has other plans.

From How to Staycation Like a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier

Snail has always appreciated the quiet and serenity of his home. He sees the wonder in everything from a pebble to a map, the trails he leaves and the stars in the sky. He doesn't need the frenzy of travels away from home. So, when he declines his friends' invitations to join them on their party bus headed to the city, Snail stays behind with Stump, finding their own adventures at home.

From How to Staycation Like a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier

They listen to a waterfall, they smell the smells, and they watch the light and shadows dance with the leaves. And just when they think that they've seen and done everything there is to do, some parachute seeds blow in. These wispy travellers are using the guidebook for Snail and Stump's location and are so delighted in the smells and sounds and "attractions" of their vacation spot that they decide to stay.

From How to Staycation Like a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier

For children who may never get the opportunity to travel from home and are made to feel that their summer vacations don't count because they didn't go anywhere, How to Staycation Like a Snail validates their experiences and gives them directives on how to staycation with satisfaction. From watching and being mindful, to making new friends and spending time with old friends, Snail's staycation is fulfilling and heartwarming. Naseem Hrab's heartfelt insight into those who aren't party animals but still joyous in their living comes through loud and clear. (Okay, maybe quietly.) As she did in her Governor General award-winning picture book, The Sour Cherry Tree, illustrated by Nahid Kazemi, Naseem Hrab touches readers with heartfelt understanding how we are all different. How we find adventures in our lives or heal or find joy may be unusual but still valid and should never to be diminished with judgment.

From How to Staycation Like a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier

Kelly Collier, who has illustrated Naseem Hrab's Otis & Peanut books as well as her own, like A Horse Named Steve and The Imposter, has the skill to bring humour and lightness to issues like fitting in and self-acceptance. She takes Naseem Hrab's words and spins them into joy, from seeds applauding the mesmerizing Stick to Stump tossing aside a tumbleweed that blew in near him (that is, after he spent time appreciating this new entity). Snail and Stump have few features to emote, but Kelly Collier makes them so expressive, giving them the ability to show surprise and shock, and distress, happiness and so much more. She brings them and the story to life in colour and line.

As someone who appreciates her home and doesn't feel the need to travel to find satisfaction or new experiences, I'm with Snail and Stump. There's always something wonderful and new to discover even in places with which you are familiar. So, instead of "Bon Voyage," let's wish all the staycationers a "Bon Sejour" and stop travel shaming those who prefer not to do so because...

 

It's hard being the only epic explorer who wants to stay home.

ABCs for a Peaceful Me: A Mindfulness Seek-and-Find Book

Written by Shelly Becker

Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

Abrams Appleseed

978-1-419772719

40 pp.

Ages 3-7

August 2024 

 

I think many people believe anyone can write a concept book such as an alphabet book, not unlike every celebrity who thinks writing a picture book is a piece of cake. After all, everyone knows that alphabet so finding a bunch of words on a single theme should be easy. It's not if it's done well. And by making her book about mindfulness and incorporating a seek-and-find element, Shelly Becker makes ABCs for a Peaceful Me take on an important mental health practice while making it fun for young children.

 

From ABCs for a Peaceful Me, written by Shelly Becker, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

The book begins with the following directive:

Feel  your breath move in and out.

Feel the peaceful energy.

Focus on the here and now...

and just BE.

Then, for each letter, a child is doing something that will give them an opportunity to focus and be in the moment. In each case, it's a single verb or verb phrase, allowing the reader to interpret and expand on the term to make it what they need. It could be to breathe or connect, to nurture or observe, and to visualize or wait. 

 

Finally, children are encouraged to...

Rise to your highest heights.

Embrace the sparkling star that you are,

Shine your one-of-a-kind light...

and just BE.

From ABCs for a Peaceful Me, written by Shelly Becker, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

While an adult might read this book from A to Z, as well as the "Author's Note", the reading of this book should be approached differently for a child. Shelly Becker knows this, providing a discussion about how to do a "Mindful Reading" of the book, and how to conduct a "Five Senses Mindfulness Treasure Hunt." This book could become a whole teaching unit on being mindful, incorporating lessons on health and well-being, on the science of making observations and using the five senses to do so, on visual literacy to look for details within each illustration that begin with each letter, and so much more. ABCs for a Peaceful Me may be intended for young children but I believe it will be valuable tool for reducing stress for all.

From ABCs for a Peaceful Me, written by Shelly Becker, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

Dan Yaccarino, an American author and illustrator, has collaborated with Shelly Becker on a number of picture books, but his digital artwork in ABCs for a Peaceful Me works especially well in a concept book. There is a simplicity that mirrors both the peaceful nature of the book and the alphabetical nature of the text. Dan Yaccarino uses colours and shapes that are both bold and reassuring, quite an accomplishment.

From ABCs for a Peaceful Me, written by Shelly Becker, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

Some of the words in ABCs for a Peaceful Me are big. Words like appreciate, journey and uplift, but mindfulness is a big concept. The book may be aimed at the very young but the not-so-young will certainly appreciate its worth too.

The Hawk Shadow

Written by Jan Bourdeau Waboose

Illustrated by Karlene Harvey

Kids Can Press

978-1-5253-1084

32 pp.

Ages 4-7

September 2024

 

When Serenity's older brother, Big Ed, decides to go fishing with his shiny new store-bought rod, she tags along with the hand-made one of spruce and moose sinew that her father has given her. But, though Big Ed is focused on the fishing he will do, Serenity's focus is elsewhere.

From The Hawk Shadow, written by Jan Bourdeau Waboose, illustrated by Karlene Harvey

As the two head out along Big Ed's fishing path to the river, Serenity revels in all the wonders of the natural world, from the sun and the singing robin, to a raven and some chokecherries. Big Ed may walk faster than Serenity but, even as she dawdles, he watches out for her. He also teaches her about their cultural beliefs from why the river is called Hawk River, the value of the cedar tree, and more.

From The Hawk Shadow, written by Jan Bourdeau Waboose, illustrated by Karlene Harvey

But when they start fishing and Serenity is distracted by a Red-Tailed Hawk that circles around her, and then leaves and returns, she realizes that he wants her to follow him. Fortunately, she does and finds that a little sister's help is needed.

From The Hawk Shadow, written by Jan Bourdeau Waboose, illustrated by Karlene Harvey

It's always a treat to read a Jan Bourdeau Waboose picture book. It's been far too long since her The Spirit Trackers (illustrated by François Thisdale) and it's lovely to revisit a sibling relationship that is embedded in an Indigenous community. The Hawk Shadow may be considered an Indigenous story–Jan Bourdeau Waboose is First Nation Anishinaabe of the Ojibway Bear Clan–but it also speaks to the interactions of an older brother and younger sister, an appreciation for the natural world, and a mindfulness to it and the messages within. Serenity is like her brother's shadow, following him, listening to his teachings, asking him questions, and ultimately freeing him from a dangerous situation. If she hadn't been mindful of him and of her surroundings, including listening to the Hawk, the siblings' outing may have had a far worse outcome. Jan Bourdeau Waboose shows us that even though  Serenity is watching and listening to everything around her, and is ostensibly distracted from her brother's words and quicker step, she is fully engaged. It's a lesson in being wholly present in place and with people.

Karlene Harvey, who has illustrated several other picture books including Melanie Florence's Kaiah's Garden, is a Tsilhqot'in and Syilx illustrator who respects the Indigenous basis for the story without highlighting any of the major styles such as the Woodland Style.  The realism of the Hawk's morphology is blended with the bold and the bright of the characters as they journey and fish but Karlene Harvey still adds light touches to remind readers of the community from which Big Ed and Serenity were born. In addition to the glorious end papers of beaded flowers, there's Big Ed's beaded bear paw medallion necklace and the bead work on Serenity's collar.

From The Hawk Shadow, written by Jan Bourdeau Waboose, illustrated by Karlene Harvey

Here's to listening, seeing, and being a part of something, whether it be a sibling relationship, the natural world, or a community. There is always much to learn and appreciate, even from the shadows.

The Case of the Missing Spot (Nancy Spector: Monster Detective, Book 1)

Written by Stephen W. Martin

Illustrated by Linh Pham

Algonquin Young Readers

978-1-6437-5065-1

208 pp.

Ages 7-11

September 2024

 

A lost pet is a frightening and heartbreaking experience for many a fur parent but what if the pet is an invisible dog? Who is going to help the Invisible Man a.k.a. Professor Griffin find Spot, his invisible eight-year-old Border Collie who loves bacon? It's going to be Nancy Spector of the Monster Detective Agency.

From The Case of the Missing Spot, written by Stephen W. Martin, illustrated by Linh Pham

Nancy and her dog Jinx, who reluctantly accompanies her but will do anything for a belly scratch, start their search at the Professor's house. Except for Jinx developing a case of relentless sneezing, accompanied by copious amounts of snot, they find nothing and head to Spot's doghouse. There they discover an escape tunnel which leads to a cavern of snarly rock-like creatures and then above ground where they follow clues like a body print in wet cement–no paw prints because, of course, Spot is invisible–left by Eugene the vampire and visit Melvin's Diner where they hatch "Nancy's super awesome hot dog trap plan."

From The Case of the Missing Spot, written by Stephen W. Martin, illustrated by Linh Pham

But their trap doesn't work, and it takes more encounters with monsters and following more clues before they discover a vengeful plot and a new nemesis for Nancy but also the reunion of the Invisible Man and his Spot.

From The Case of the Missing Spot, written by Stephen W. Martin, illustrated by Linh Pham

Stephen W. Martin and Linh Pham take middle grade readers into another world–actually an island in the Atlantic Ocean–where monsters reside and the supernatural is the norm. Yet, they've made their characters playful and different. From the dragon-like monster who chows down on everything but denies eating Spot since he doesn't eat anything with fur, and Hank the two-headed rainbow-feathered bird, to Eugene's grandmother who uses bones as hairpins for her curlers, and of course, Nancy and Jinx, the characters in The Case of the Missing Spot are a little wacky with just a smidgeon of creepily weird and a whole lot of fun. And as they partake in the search for Spot, whether by design or by encounter, they keep the investigation zany and yet fruitful. 

 

Canadian-born Stephen W. Martin, a screenwriter as well as children's book author, gives young readers a little bit of everything, ensuring entertainment for them either through humour or fantasy. The humour comes by way of the characters themselves, especially via adorable Jinx, while the story is the fantasy. Readers will witness Nancy and her fellow investigators flying on Hank and a waitress with four arms, as well all manner of flamboyant monsters driving flashy cars. Everything is bold and brash and monstrously splashy in setting, characters, clothing, and more. Vancouver's Linh Pham gives this graphic novel the action and the intensity to accompany Stephen W. Martin's investigative adventure, collaborating with him to create a world like no other.

Since The Case of the Missing Spot is labelled as Book 1 in the Nancy Spector: Monster Detective series, I think we'll have more adventures and laughs coming from the eight-year-old detective and her talking dog. And since the map of their setting includes some locations not yet introduced, like the Cloud Sauna, the Never Rainbow, the Mermaid Cave, and Ice Horns, I think there will be more surprises and hoopla for Nancy and Jinx and their many acquaintances.

Playdate Surprise: Book launch (Kelowna, BC)

 

Karen Autio 

author of picture books, middle grade novels and non-fiction, including

I Can, Too!

 
is launching her newest picture book

 

 Playdate Surprise

 

Written by Karen Autio

Illustrated by Laura Watson

Scholastic Canada

978-1-443199810

24 pp.
Ages 3-7

September 2024

 

(also in French) 

Une surprise merveilleuse

978-1-443199841

 

on 

 

Sunday, September 22, 2024 

 

at

Once Upon a Bookstore
2795 Tutt Street
Kelowna, BC

 

at

 

 1 PM and 3 PM (local times)

(The 3 PM reading will be simultaneously interpreted in ASL)

Cost: $10 /two people (children under 2 attend free)

includes an autographed book (or store credit) and a sticker sheet 

Use this QR Code to purchase a ticket for either the 1 PM or 3 PM event

There will be storytime, a kids' craft and cake with author Karen Autio!

The Outsmarters

Written by Deborah Ellis

Groundwood Books

978-1-77306-857-2

248 pp.

Ages 9–13

August 2024

 

We refuse to outmean them and we can never outspend them. We have to outsmart them. (p. 14) 

When you live in a small town and everyone knows your business, you have to be smart or even smarter to get through. Twelve-year-old Kate has to be very smart because her life is so convoluted, and she doesn't even know the half of it. She lives with her Gran after Kate's mom Alyssa abandoned her for her latest boyfriend and her addiction, but Gran is as curmudgeonly as they come. For a woman who runs The Junk Yard, a junk business that carries everything from toys to books, hardware and kitchen stuff, Gran is hardly a people person, and she passes on the hard lessons on life and business that she's learned to Kate. So, to make some money, Kate decides to set up a Philosophy Booth in an old shack on the property and charge "seekers" $2 to get answers to life's questions. Using a roulette wheel and cards with quotes from 32 philosophers from Buddha to Ovid, Kate starts making and saving her money so that she can help Mom leave her latest boyfriend, if she ever gets back in touch.

 

Through her six-week suspension from Grade 6 and into the summer, Kate reads a variety of people, from the crusty Ms. Prawn, their neighbour, who is always complaining about them and their cat Bargain, to junk yard customers Mrs. Doris Blight and Mrs. Jean Rutherford, and a teen Landon who needs advice about getting "them" off his back. Her advice always seems pertinent, and some seekers take it to heart. Without knowing it, Kate is opening up her world to new people and even friends, whom she's going to need when she learns some truths about her mother, Gran, and others.

That's the trouble with thinking. One you get started, it's damn hard to stop. (p. 73) 

Deborah Ellis has always tackled challenging issues in her writing, whether it be non-fiction or fiction and even short story collections. Her most recent books (e.g., Sit, Step, and My Story Starts Here: Voices of Young Offenders) look at everything from detention and abuse, to conflict and poverty. Similarly, some of her most popular books, including The Breadwinner series and Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak, started important dialogues on children's lives in Afghanistan and the Middle East. While an Ontario location may seem more familiar to many North American readers, the story within is just as gripping as those in unusual settings because of the issues with which Kate a.k.a. Krate (you'll need to read the story to find out why) grapples. From abandonment by a mother with a drug addiction to bullying at school and a reluctance to connect with others as learned from those seemingly broken by life, Kate has been challenged. But, while Deborah Ellis never sugar coats life's challenges, she shows readers through Kate and Gran and Kate's seekers and new friends that there are opportunities to amend choices and open their once-closed worlds a little.

There are a lot of crusty characters in Deborah Ellis' The Outsmarters–of which Kate and Gran are but two–but when you've spent much of your life hurt and scarred by others and their actions or you're worried that someone is trying to take advantage of you or intends harm, that crust becomes a shield. But a shield is a defense and outsmarting someone is an offensive move, getting them before they get you. It's sad to think that outsmarting someone or putting up a shield are the go-to moves for someone as young as Kate but, be sure assured, that her experiences take her to where she can walk with others, accepting help and being an ally as needed.

I Want to Read All the Books: Book launch (Toronto, ON)

 Debbie Ridpath Ohi

author and illustrator

 

is launching her new picture book!

 

I Want to Read All the Books

Written and illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

978-1481416306

48 pp.

Ages 4-8

September 17 2024

 

 

 

Book launch will take place on

 

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

 

at 7 PM 

(doors open at 6:30 PM)

 

at

 

TYPE Junction

2887 Dundas Street West

Toronto, ON