92 International Journal of the Whole Child 2020, VOL. 5, NO. 1 Page Turners: Books for Children Maria T. Genesta, Katrina Bartow Jacobsb, Carla K. Meyerc, Michelle J. Sobolakd, Patricia A. Crawforde aLa Roche College, bUniversity of Pittsburgh, cDuquesne University, cUniversity of Pittsburgh, eUniversity of Pittsburgh Picturebooks Believe: A Pop-Up Book of Possibilities Written and illustrated by Robert Sabuda Candlewick, 2019. ISBN 9780763663971 With sparse text and Sabuda’s characteristic solid white pop-ups, this book invites readers to dream big and set the course to live up to their potential: “When I dream of the future/ I will dream big./ When I build my life/ I will reach high”. Although aimed at a young audience, it is hard to imagine that children and adults of all ages would not enjoy Sabuda’s inspirational words and mesmerizing, complex paper engineering. A good choice to read with children or to share as a gift book to mark special occasions or milestones. Ages 3-8. (PAC) Let Me Sleep, Sheep! Written by Meg Mckinlay Illustrated by Leila Rudge Candlewick, 2019, ISBN 9781536205473 This hilarious tale of a bedtime ritual gone awry will delight young and old readers alike. The main character, Amos, always counts sheep to help fall asleep, however, he never expected that the sheep would drop into his bedroom with a thud! The story continues with Amos trying to create the perfect fence for the never satisfied sheep to jump over so they can complete their duties and return to their normal lives. All the work tires Amos out and he finally falls asleep, leaving the sheep to frolic in his bedroom. This tale will amuse all audiences. Ages 5-8. (MJS) 93 Maybe Tomorrow? Written by Charlotte Agell Illustrated by Ana Ramírez González Scholastic. 2019. ISBN 9781338214888 This delicately rendered text highlights the feelings, particularly sadness, that we may carry with us each day. Elba’s big heavy block is dragged behind her, slowing down her thinking and preventing her from leaving the park where she sits. Norris, who always travels with a flock of beautiful butterflies, shows Elba (and young readers) how friendship and kindness can help share the burden of the big heavy block, and maybe tomorrow, the block will become smaller and lighter. Ages 4-8. (MTG) Squirrel’s Family Tree Written by Beth Ferry Illustrated by A.N. Kang Scholastic. 2019. ISBN 9781338187366 This book uses repetition and rhyme to describe the interdependent relationship between squirrels and the mighty oak tree: “Squirrels come and squirrels go, scatter-hoarding to and fro, making sure that oak trees grow, and grow, and grow, and grow.” With dynamic illustrations of the natural world, informative text, and a “Nutty Facts” section at the end, Squirrel’s Family Tree provides young readers with a realistic depiction of the life cycles of the squirrel and the oak and the centrality of the acorn through it all. Ages 3-5. (MTG) Waiting for Chicken Smith Written and illustrated by David Mackintosh Candlewick. 2019. ISBN 978I536207712 In Waiting for Chicken Smith, text is supported by muted illustrations of a summer at the beach created by Mackintosh using pen, pencil, watercolor and kraft paper. During this summer tale, the main character yearns for an old friend and recalls their many adventures on the beach. Before long he is reluctantly called away for new escapades with his sister where he learns that even without his old friend there are many new adventures to be had. This story speaks to old friendships, the change that time inevitably brings and the surprise of new friendships. Ages 3-8. (MJS) Grumpy Duck Written by Joyce Dunbar Illustrated by Petr Horáček Candlewick. 2018. ISBN 9781536204247 Some days just don’t go the way we hoped. In Grumpy Duck, Duck is dismayed to find the pond has dried up, and wanders around with a little gray cloud above her. When her friends try to 94 cheer her up, they find out how quickly grumpiness can spread - from a small gray cloud to a massive black thunderhead. Will they be able to break the cycle and find their good cheer again? This story, with its simple prose and bold mixed media illustrations, offers young children an opportunity to think about how our moods impact one another, and how we can turn a bad day around, if we can just find the right perspective. Ages 3-8. (KBJ) Bear’s Book Written by Claire Freedman Illustrated by Alison Friend Templar Books. 2019. ISBN 9781536205718 Like many aspiring authors, when Bear sits down to write a story he finds that inspiration can be the hardest part. He decides to take a walk to see if he can get some good ideas started, but he keeps being interrupted by his friends. When he goes home, he finds that everyday adventures - mixed with a dash of imagination - can be the best beginning to any tale. Bear’s Book is a lovely tale of persistence, patience, and creativity. It will encourage the youngest writers among us to think about how they can use their own experiences to craft wonderful stories. Ages 3-8. (KBJ) Young Adult Literature Hamilton and Peggy!: A Revolutionary Friendship Written by L.M. Elliot Katherine Tegen Books, 2018. ISBN 9780062671318 Riding the on the wave of popularity of the Hamilton Musical, this well-researched, historical fiction novel tells the story of Peggy, the youngest of the Schuyler sisters. The story explores how the American Revolution affects Peggy’s with her parents, her sisters, and of course her sister’s famous suitor Alexander Hamilton. However, make no mistake, Peggy is the heroine of this tale, and the novel highlights the often-overlooked contribution of America’s Founding Mothers. Ages 15+. (CKM) Other Words for Home Written by Jasmine Warga Balzer + Bray, 2019 ISBN 9780062747808 Jasmine Warga’s Other Words for Home conveys a raw and vulnerable story told in verse. The story follows Jude, a Syrian girl, as she and her mother flee to the United States as Syria increasingly becomes uncertain and violent. This modern-day story of immigration tells the story of one young girl's desire to start her new life in the United States while honoring the life she left behind. Warga addresses the realities of racism and intolerance while telling a story of bravery and hope. Ages 10-14. (CKM) 95 Flights of Fancy: Creative Inspiration from Ten Award-Winning Authors and Illustrators Written & illustrated by various noted authors and illustrators Walker Books, 2019. ISBN 9781536205367 In this profusely illustrated anthology, ten acclaimed creators of children’s books explore the inspirations and influences that guide them. Each chapter is written and illustrated by a British Children’s Laureate. Prose and illustrations provide inspiring, workable ideas for nurturing the creative potential within each reader. Individual chapters could serve as an excellent mentor texts for budding authors and illustrators, giving readers an opportunity to learn from the likes of Michael Rosen, Anthony Browne, Lauren Child and many more. Ages 11+. (PAC) IJWC Spring 2020 92 IJWC Spring 2020 93 IJWC Spring 2020 94 IJWC Spring 2020 95