OUT OF THIS WORLD: THE SURREAL ART OF LEONORA CARRINGTON

Woo-hoo! March is Women's History Month! I'll be focusing my picks on books by women — about women. (This is Anika, btw, and yay... it's great to be back in the Cottage!) 

Out of This World: The Surreal Art of Leonora Carrington
by Michelle Markel
illustrated by Amanda Hall

Anika, age 6, with 'Girl Without Arms' 

This week’s pick is from Cottager Anika Aldamuy Denise, who owns an original painting by Emily Lisker, an artist whose style combines folk art and surrealism. And who coincidentally illustrated another of Michelle Markel's books!

What it’s all about …
Out of This World is the fascinating and stunningly illustrated story of Leonora Carrington, a girl who made art out of her imagination and created some of the most enigmatic and startling works of the last eighty years.

Why I love it …
Leonora's story was unknown to me until I read Michelle Markel's and Amanda's Hall's gorgeous picture book biography. Making art is a leap of faith. Making art in the early 20th century when you're an Englishwoman of genteel birth and scrapping it all to join a group of all-male surrealists in France? Inspiring and impressive!

Favorite illustration …

From Out of This World by Michelle Markel (HarperCollins 2019) (c) 2019 Amanda Hall

Favorite lines ...
The stories took Leonora to worlds that shimmered beyond this one, and when the spirits
flew, and the gods stirred their cauldrons, and the fairies shifted shapes, something
flew and stirred and shifted inside of her.

Why will kids love it?
It's a story of passion and defiance, of belief in magic and the magical gifts we carry within us. This book will remind kids not to accept limitations set upon them by others.

After you read the book ...
Look at the the work of surrealist artists like Leonora Carrington, Salvador Dali, and Frida Kahlo. Make a surrealist drawing or painting.


Where to find/buy …

Indie Booksellers

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!


About the Author
Michelle Markel loves writing narrative nonfiction. She’s the author of Brave Girl, which won the Bank Street Flora Stieglitz Straus Award and the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award for Younger Children, and was also chosen as an NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book. Her recent titles are Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls Are Born to Lead (on the Amelia Bloomer Project List of feminist literature) and Balderdash!: John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children’s Books. She lives in Woodland Hills, California. You can visit her online at www.michellemarkel.com.

About the Illustrator
Amanda Hall is an international-award-winning British illustrator, particularly renowned for her many wonderfully decorative and colorful children’s picture book and educational illustrations. Out of This World is her second picture book about the life and work of a significant figure from art history. The first—also written by Michelle Markel—is The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau. Amanda exhibits her original illustrations at the Chris Beetles Gallery in St James’s, London. She can be found online at www.amandahall-illustration.com.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on ReviewsDay!

TERRIFIC TONGUES!
by Maria Gianferrari
illustrated by Jia Liu

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Anika Denise.)

What it's all about...
A nonfiction ode to tongues! From woodpeckers to frogs to bats — who knew animal tongues could be so much fun? Readers can imagine what it would be like to have a tongue like a sword, a straw, and party blower, among other cool comparisons.

Why I love it...
Because it's packed full of great info but is not bogged down by its facts. Terrific Tongues moves along lickety-split! It's funny, interesting, and the illustrations are marvelous.

Favorite lines...
If you had a 
tongue like a washcloth.
you might be an. . .

OKAPI!

An okapi's tongue is like a 
washcloth. Okapi tongues 
are so long that okapis can use them to 
wash their eyes and ears.

A few of my fave illustrations...

What's the kid-appeal?
Little kids love learning weird and interesting facts. Facts about tongues? Fascinating! In an easy-to-digest, playfully-illustrated format, readers can discover all sorts of tasty tongue tidbits such as: a giant anteater flicks its tongue 160 times a minute.

What's the grownup appeal?
It works beautifully as a read-aloud, and it's also a great choice for kids who like their STEM lessons served up silly.

Where to find/ buy Terrific Tongues
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Or at a school or library near you!

MARIA GIANFERRARI is the author of both fiction and nonfiction picture books, including the Penny and Jelly books, Coyote Moon, and Hello Goodbye Dog. She lives in Virginia. Visit mariagianferrari.com.

JIA LIU received her MFA in Illustration Practice from Maryland Institute College of Art. Terrific Tongues! is her debut picture book. She lives in Baltimore, Maryland. Visit jia-liu-t7ay.squarespace.com.

Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay + The Uncanny Giveaway Winner!

Don't Forget Dexter

by Lindsay Ward

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Anika Denise.)

What it's all about...
When Dexter T. Rexter's best friend, Jack, leaves him behind at the doctor's office, he panics. What if Jack never comes back? What if  Dexter is replaced by another toy? Can anybody help him?

Why I love it...
Dexter is hilariously neurotic. Ward's adorable cut-paper, pencil, and ink illustrations further amp up the comedy.

My favorite lines...
Nope. This isn't happening to me,
I'm Dexter T. Rexter.
The toughest, strongest, coolest dinosaur 
there has ever been.
EVER!
Right?
I mean, look at my tail.
See how swishy it is?
SWISH 
SWISH 
SWISH!

My favorite illustrations...

(All images courtesy of Two Lions; (c) 2018 Lindsay Ward)

What's the kid-appeal?
Kids are sure to find Dexter's separation anxiety and neurotic chatter riotously funny and familiar.

What's the grownup appeal?
Parents and educators, too, will relate to Ward's toy's-eye-view tale of abandon and rescue. Plus it's a nice pivot to a reassuring discussion about being apart—but never left behind.

Where to find/ buy Don't Forget Dexter
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Photo courtesy of Michael Haley

Born and raised in sunny California, Lindsay decided to try snow and moved to upstate New York where she received her BFA in Illustration from Syracuse University. Lindsay Ward was inspired to write this book after her husband texted her a photo of a toy dinosaur abandoned at a doctor’s office. The caption read: “Well, they left me here.” Lindsay thought it was so funny that she sat down to write Dexter’s story immediately. She is also the author and illustrator of Brobarians, Henry Finds His Word, and When Blue Met Egg. Her book Please Bring Balloons was also made into a play. Most days you can find Lindsay writing and sketching at her home in Peninsula, Ohio, where she lives with her family. Learn more about her online at www.LindsayMWard.com.

**************************************

And now... last week's UNCANNY GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCED! 

The prize includes signed copies of The Uncanny Express and the new paperback of The Jolly Regina with snazzy bookmarks, a pack of Jolly Regina postcards, and an official Hugo Fromage mustache! We put all who commented or retweeted into Mr. Pig's official prize teacup and pulled a name!

And the winner is...

CHARLOTTE

Congratulations! Please email your mailing info to littlecrookedcottage@gmail.com

or send us a direct message on Instagram or Twitter @CottageCrooked!

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay

ELF IN THE HOUSE
by Ammi-Joan Paquette
illustrated by Adam Record

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Anika Denise.)

What it's all about...
On a snowy Christmas Eve, a little girl tip-toes from her bed to find some surprise friends in her house, including a mouse, an elf, and even the big jolly guy himself.

Why I love it...
Paquette's first book in the series, Ghost in the House, is a perennial Halloween favorite my youngest daughter loves. I purchased the new one at a signing I did with Joan back in October. I plan to wrap it up and give it to my daughter on Christmas Eve. She'll no doubt recognize and appreciate the bouncy rhymes and adorable illustrations that echo the first book.

My favorite lines...
And the ELF goes third
on this snowy Christmas Eve,
In a line dance of jingle-bell hop!
Festive friends in a row,
Down the hall they go,
Until suddenly they hear. . .
CLIP-CLOP!
 
My favorite illustrations...

What's the kid-appeal?
The best part of Christmas Eve for those that celebrate is often the anticipation! Elf in the House will ramp up holiday cheer in the countdown to Christmas.

What's the grownup appeal?
Just like the first, this book is simple, sweet, and fun to read aloud. It's the perfect book to tuck  between leaving cookies out for Santa, and that goodnight, see-you-on-Christmas-morning kiss.

Where to find/ buy Elf in The House
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Or at a school or library near you!

Ammi-Joan Paquette is the author of many books for young readers, including the spooky picture book Ghost in the House. In addition to her writing, she is a literary agent representing authors of children's books. She lives outside Boston with her family. Visit her on the web at www.ajpaquette.com.

Adam Record started doodling on a bench in church and now gets inspired by old children's books and vintage posters. He lives in Utah with his wife and three children. See more of Adam's work at www.adamrecord.com.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay

TWINDERELLA, A FRACTIONED FAIRY TALE
by Corey Rosen Schwartz
pictures by Deborah Marcero

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Anika Denise.)

What it's all about...
Think you know the true story of Cinderella? Guess what, you don't know the half of it! Turns out Cinderella has a twin sister, Tinderella, who splits the chores.

Why I love it...
In signature Corey Rosen Schwartz style, this fractured "fractioned" fairy tale delivers irresistible wordplay, plenty of girl power, and a unique twist on a beloved classic. Deborah Marcero's charming mixed-media illustrations are perfect for the story.

My favorite lines...
They'd each do:
Half the mopping,
half the raking,
half the shopping,
half the baking.
Half the folding,
half the mending,
Half the mean
stepsister tending.
   
My favorite illustrations...

What's the kid-appeal?
It's a fantastic read-aloud with fun-to-read rhyme and math puns throughout. Young readers love a clever twist on a fairy tale, and this one delivers on every level: humor, relatability, and a satisfying, super-cute ending.

What's the grownup appeal?
Parents and story hour hosts will enjoy its bouncy rhythm and clever concepts. Educators can use it to make STEM connections, and for fairy tale/ creative writing units.

Where to find/ buy Twinderella:
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Corey Rosen Schwartz always longed to write a fractured fairy tale and got the perfect inspiration from her son. When he was three years old, he was asked if he spoke Spanish. His answer was: “No, but I speak a little karate.” Instantly, the idea hit her . . . the three little pigs could go to ninja school! Corey has no true Ninja training, but she can sure kick butt in Scrabble. She is the author of The Three Ninja Pigs; Hansel and Gretel, Ninja Chicks, Ninja Red Riding Hood, What About Moose? and more. She lives in Warren, New Jersey with her family. Learn more about her books at http://www.coreyrosenschwartz.com.

Deborah Marcero grew up in Michigan farm country where from a very young age drawing, writing, and reading filled her time.  She received a BFA in drawing, printmaking, and photography from the University of Michigan, and an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Writing. After teaching in Chicago Public Schools as a Literacy Specialist, Deborah realized that writing and creating books for kids was how she wanted to spend her life. Learn more about her work at http://deborahmarcero.com.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay!

LUCKY BROKEN GIRL

by Ruth Behar

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Anika Denise.)

What it's all about...
Ruthie Mizrahi has only just begun to adjust to her life in America, so different from the one she left behind in Cuba. She's finally switching out of "the dumb class" into the smart one, now that her English is improving. Her Papi buys her first pair of go-go boots as a surprise. And she's the reigning neighborhood "Hopscotch Queen." But all that changes when a car accident leaves her in a body cast for months. With the help of family and neighbors, and by unlocking secret talents and passions within her, Ruthie slowly puts the pieces of her broken leg, and spirit, back together.

Why I love it...
While poignant and sometimes downright sad, Ruthie's story is ultimately one of hope and healing. Out of a terrible tragedy, Ruthie finds love, community, and most importantly, a deeper understand of herself. I fell in love with her character's wisdom and grit. I also love how Ruthie uses writing and painting as a means of working through her complex feelings about the accident. Art is transcendence for so many kids. (It was, and still is, for me.) Behar's exploration of fixing the broken pieces of oneself through artistic expression is both beautiful and powerful.

One of my (many) favorite passages...

      "That's good," I say to Joy. "Because I don't want them to send me back to the dumb class after missing so much school!"
      "That won't happen," Joy says. "Not if we keep your brain working. Being bedridden shouldn't hold you back."

      "Bedridden?" The word sounds to me like a witch's curse: And you, Ruth, will be BEDRIDDEN for the rest of your days. . .

What's the kid-appeal?
Kids will feel Ruthie's emotions right along with her, from her frustrations to her triumphs. Any child who has ever had to navigate a new country, city, community or school, will relate to Ruthie's situation. Those who haven't, will have their eyes (and hearts) opened. Behar's fearless writing makes it impossible not to empathize with Ruthie, and cheer for her.

What's the grownup appeal?
Parents and educators will find much to savor and appreciate in Behar's novel about overcoming challenges and adversity. It's a lovely springboard for discussions of history, immigrant experiences, inner strength, forgiveness and perseverance.

Where to find/buy Lucky Broken Girl:
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Ruth Behar (www.ruthbehar.com) is an acclaimed author of adult fiction and nonfiction, and Lucky Broken Girl is her first book for young readers.

She was born in Havana, Cuba, grew up in New York City, and has also lived and worked in Spain and Mexico. An anthropology professor at the University of Michigan, she is also co-editor of Women Writing Culture, editor of Bridges to Cuba/Puentes a Cuba, and co-editor of The Portable Island: Cubans at Home in the World. Her honors include a MacArthur "Genius" Award, a John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship, a Fulbright Senior Fellowship, and a Distinguished Alumna Award from Wesleyan University. Much in demand as a public speaker, Ruth's speaking engagements have taken her to the United States, Canada, Argentina, Mexico, Cuba, Spain, Finland, Israel, Italy, Ireland, Poland, England, the Netherlands, Japan, and New Zealand. She lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on ReviewsDay!

Dear oh-so-patient readers,

We apologize for our absence this September. We cottagers (Anika Denise, Kara LaReau, Jamie Michalak and Mr. Pig) have been up to our ears in bookish things, and haven't been able to visit as much as we'd like.

The good news? WE'RE BACK! And we've been doing some redecorating.

In order to accommodate our writing deadlines, appearances, school visits, etc., AND keep hosting kidlit faves in the Cottage—we're changing things up a bit.

With a big nod of thanks to author Jess Keating, we're pleased to join the #ReviewsDay movement, by posting reviews of our favorite picture books, early chapter books, and middle grade novels, every Tuesday. We'll simultaneously post to the Cottage's GOODREADS account, and on AMAZON. This helps readers, by spreading the word about books we think are truly FANTÁSTICO! And helps authors, who rely on reviews to help boost sales and visibility of their titles.

Voila! A win-win.

And guess what? YOU can help, too—by commenting, sharing our reviews on social media, and by  posting Tuesday #ReviewsDay of your own, for books you love.

So... without further ado, our first #ReviewsDay selection is...

HELLO GOODBYE DOG

by Maria Gianferrari

pictures by Patrice Barton

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Anika Denise.)

What it's all about...
Zara, a little girl in a wheelchair, has a special bond with her lovable dog Moose. Moose loves saying hello to Zara, but isn't so fond of goodbye. So when it's time for Zara to go off to school, Moose figures out a way to pay her a visit.

Why I love it...
Even if I didn't know Maria Gianferrari is a passionate dog-lover (I do), it's abundantly clear from the warmth and humor of her story. As I was reading, I found myself thinking: Yup, that's exactly what a dog would say if he could talk. Patrice Barton's equally expressive illustrations provide a perfect complement to the charming text.

My favorite line(s)...
"Goodbye was a tag without an 'It.'
Goodbye was a tug and no war.
Goodbye was a hide without seek.
Goodbye was being alone.
AAAA-WOOO, yowled Moose."

What's the kid-appeal?
Kids with dogs (or those who desperately want one, like mine) are sure to love this story of a devoted furry friend.

What's the grownup appeal?
Parents and educators will no doubt welcome the addition of this heartwarming story, featuring a diverse main character and a lovable (yet imperfect) pet, to their libraries. An author's note at the end includes information on therapy dogs and their uses in classrooms and libraries—providing a wonderful discussion prompt for ability differences, and how dogs (to quote the author) can have "pawsitive" effects in a variety of environments.

Where to find/buy Hello Goodbye Dog
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Maria Gianferrari is the author of several picture books, including Coyote Moon, published by Roaring Brook Press. For Maria, hello is sunshine after a snowstorm, the scent of cinnamon, and happy greetings from her beloved mutt, Becca. Maria lives in northern Virginia with Becca, her scientist husband and her artist daughter. To learn more about Maria, visit her at mariagianferrari.com.

Patrice Barton is the illustrator of over twenty picture and chapter books, including the award-winning MINE! by Shutta Crum and The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig. Her chapter books include Junior Library Guild selections The Year of Three Sisters (An Anna Wang Noel) by Andrea Cheng and The Naming of Tishkin Silk by Glenda Millard. Patrice lives with her husband and her sweet dog, Archer. You can learn more about her at partricebarton.com.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

I HEART YOU
by Meg Fleming
illustrated by Sarah Jane Wright

This week's pick is from cottager Anika Denise!

What it's all about ...

A gentle meditation on the love between parent and child.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf …

The world feels mad and intense right now, and if we big people are feeling it, you can bet our little people feel it, too. This book is a quiet snuggle before bedtime; a way to connect, express love, and reassure. After listening to Fleming's spare, lyrical text — and taking in each lovely detail of Wright's delicate watercolor illustrations — my pajama-clad daughter deep sighed, and whispered: "Read it again, Mama." Need I say more?

My favorite line(s) ...

"I chase you.

I slow you.

I lift you.

I grow you."

also... 

"I sway you.

I swing you.

I snug you.

I sing you."

and best of all...

"I hear you.

I let you.

I know you.

I get you."

Most swoon-worthy illustrations ...

(They are all gorgeous. Here are two examples...)

(c) 2016 Sarah Jane Wright

(c) 2016 Sarah Jane Wright

Why kids will love it …

For its gentle, loving message and sweet illustrations.

Why grown-ups will love it …

It gets a 11 out of 10 on the snuggle scale. A perfect bedtime selection.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

THE BEST DAYS ARE DOG DAYS
by Aaron Meshon
(Dial Books)

This week's pick is from cottager Anika Denise

What it's all about …
A day in the life of a little French bulldog and his "sis," told from the perky pooch's point of view.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf … 
Initially, the bright, graphic-style illustrations are what caught my eye, but the story is equally fun and charming. I love the narrator's authentically dog-like voice. Reading it, I felt sure: if dogs could talk, this is what they'd say as they go about their day.

My favorite lines …
MINTY!
BEEFY!

My favorite illustration …

Why kids will love it …
Kids will love the bold, bright illustrations as well as appreciate the special bond between dog and sis. Plus, there's a brilliant page turn to a full-page spread that simply says, "SQUIRREL!" which should make reading aloud tons of fun.

Why grown-ups will love it …
Adults, especially dog-loving adults, will give the book five out of five chew-bones for its charming and spot-on depiction of a day in the life of a family dog.

SaveSave
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The Little Crooked Bookshelf

THE NIGHT GARDENER
by The Fan Brothers

This week's pick is from cottager Anika Denise.


What it's all about
One day, William discovers that the tree outside his window has been sculpted into a wise owl. In the following days, more topiaries appear, and each one is more beautiful than the last. Soon, William’s gray little town is full of color and life. And though the mysterious night gardener disappears as suddenly as he appeared, William—and his town—are changed forever.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf…
It's a quietly magical story with spare text and stunning illustrations. Brothers Terry and Eric Fan demonstrate the art of the page turn beautifully.


My favorite lines…
Something was happening on Grimloch Lane.
Something good.


My favorite illustration…

Why kids will love it…
There's a deep a sense of mystery and hope that will pull children through the story. The finely detailed illustrations, reminiscent of Gorey and Sendak, invite long looks and repeat reading.

Why grown-ups will love it…
Its sense of magic and whimsy will no doubt captivate adults as well as kids, but the book is also an entry point to a conversation about loneliness, kindness and community that I think older readers will find interesting.

For any age, The Night Gardener is a stunning read.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

LILY AND BEAR
by Lisa Stubbs

This week's pick is from Cottager Anika Denise

What it's all about . . .
Lily likes nothing better than to imagine and draw the things she loves. She draws cats and birds and boats and houses, and one day she makes a very special drawing of a bear who comes to life.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
Charming and simple text combined with loosely drawn screen printed, acrylic, watercolor and pencil crayon illustrations give the book a classic story time feel. We especially love the texture and bold childlike line in the art, as well as Lily's fabulous red tutu.

Our favorite lines . . .
But best of all,

they sang really

loudy, while

Bear played 

the banjo

brilliantly.

Our favorite illustration. . .

Why kids will love it . . .

Lily and Bear are hard to resist. Their friendship is sweet and true. And what kid won't love to imagine a favorite drawing coming to life? Especially one who plays banjo brilliantly. 

Why grown-ups will love it . . .

It's a charming and satisfying read aloud perfect for snuggle time or story time. We'd recommend pairing it with Kelly Light's Louise Loves Art for a drawing or imagination themed story hour.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

Lenny & Lucy
by Phillip C. Stead
illustrated by Erin E. Stead

This week's pick is from cottager, Anika Denise.

What it's all about . . .

Peter and his father are moving to a new house, over a bridge, beyond the dark unfriendly woods. Scared and skeptical, Peter constructs Lenny out of pillows and blankets, and anoints him "Guardian of the Bridge." But Lenny will be lonely, so Peter makes him a companion, Lucy. With Lenny and Lucy's watchful reassuring presence, Peter and his dog Harold rest easier, and begin to acclimate to their new home.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
A dark and bleak unknown is met with a mix of childlike pragmatism and imagination in this quietly enchanting fairytale from award-winning husband and wife team Phillip and Erin Stead. Not one word is wasted or out of place, and the illustrations work a subtle magic upon the reader with gray toned landscapes punctuated by washes of deep gold, red, green, blue and purple.

Our favorite lines . . .
So the next day Peter made a tall pile of pillows. And after they'd 

toppled the pile six times Peter ran in to find just the right

blankets. He stitched and sewed and wrapped the pile up,

tying it shut with string. He pushed and pulled and kneaded 

the wrapped-up pillows like dough.

Our favorite illustration . . .

Why kids will love it . . .
Because Lenny and Lucy are gentle giants: familiar, comforting and magical all at once. Because the story is quiet and hopeful, and there's a dog—a good dog—and the promise of a new friend in the end.

Why grown-ups will love it . . .
It will remind them of books they read when they were children. Like Sendak, the Steads don't shy away from the darker emotions and fears of childhood—and yet with subtlety and warmth, present a tale that is both captivating and reassuring.

istory in this picture book publishing in time for the fiftieth anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. - See more at: http://childrensatheneum.blogspot.com/2015_09_01_archive.html#sthash.QC7GD0lq.dpuf

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

Swan, the Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova
by Laurel Snyder
illustrated by Julie Morstad

This week's bookshelf pick is from cottager Anika Denise

What it's all about...
Swan is a picture book biography of Anna Pavlova, one of the most famous and gifted prima ballerinas of all time.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf...
Because it’s exquisite. The language is spare and delicate; the illustrations, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Like a classic ballet, it builds steadily to the dramatic transformation of Anna into the Swan, then recedes gracefully through her later career and tragic early death.

Our favorite line(s)
Finally,
she steps into the stage alone. . .
and sprouts white wings, a swan.
She weaves the notes, the very air
into a story.
All those sitting see.
They stare—
Anna is a bird in flight,
a whim of wind and water.
Quiet feathers in a big loud world.
Anna is the swan.

Our favorite illustration...

From Swan, by Laurel Snyder, © 2015 by Julie Morstad

Why kids will love it...
Any child interested in dance or the arts will be drawn to Swan. But all children can take something from this tale of modest beginnings, rise, triumph and tragedy. The essence of Pavlova’s unique life and talent is captured here, and children will respond to the transcendent spirit of it.

Why grown-ups will love it...
While truly a lovely stand-alone read, it also begs further conversation about life in a Czar-ruled Russia, class struggles, hope, dreams, determination, artistic expression, and the role of art in society. Snyder writes a lovely author’s note at the end about the lasting impact Pavolva made on the ballet world. Parents, teachers and librarians can use Swan, and Snyder’s closing essay, to spark an inspiring discussion in young readers.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

WHEN BLUE MET EGG

by Lindsay Ward

This week's pick is from Cottager Anika Denise

What it's all about…
One snowy morning, an egg (snowball) flies through the air and lands in Blue's nest. Blue is concerned. Egg is so very cold! Blue searches the city to find Egg's Mama Bird. But when no birdy claims little Egg, Blue cares for Egg herself. She takes Egg ice-skating, and sledding, and keeps Egg safe over the cold winter night. Then Spring comes, and well. . . we won't spoil it.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf…
Having just come off a trip to New York City with my daughter, this book was a perfect choice. Lindsay Ward's illustrations of wintry city scenes and iconic city landmarks are as delicate and charming as the story itself.

Our favorite lines…
"Blue knew they wouldn't make it in time if she tried to carry Egg, so she decided they would do what anyone would: take the subway uptown."

Our favorite illustration. . .

Why kids will love it…
Children will easily understand and appreciate the joke, as well as Blue's cheery determination in the face of the inevitable.

Why grown-ups will love it…

Beautiful art + a sweet story with a plucky protagonist and gentle humor = perfect wintertime picture book reading. 

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

A SNICKER OF MAGIC
by Natalie Lloyd

This week's pick is from Cottager Anika Denise

What it's all about…
Twelve-year-old Felicity Pickle arrives in Midnight Gulch, Tennessee, to discover all the magic "has gone up out of this place," driven away by a mysterious curse. Felicity's a girl with a little magic of her own. She's a "word collector," who can see words hover in the air around people and places. She wants more than anything to convince her nomadic mother to allow them to put down roots, and Midnight Gulch is the first place she sees the word "home." But first, she must unravel the mystery of the missing magic, breaking the spell that's been cast over the town . . . and her mother's broken heart.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf...
First of all … a word collector! A little girl who sees words shimmering in the air is poetic and lovely, and particularly appealing to those of us who spin them for a living. We especially love the words Felicity spins from her own imagination: spindiddly, factofabulous, clutzerdoodle.

Our favorite lines...
"I didn't say another word to Mama that night, but I could feel something good even then: the YES in my heart, the swirling-around my belly, the prickly tingling all the way from the freckle on my finger to the tip of my pinky toe. That much wonderful could only mean one thing:

There was still magic in Midnight Gulch.

This is how I turned it loose. . ."

Why kids will love it...
Don't you? After reading those lines? There's a magical town, an ice cream factory, a word-collecting girl, a secret magical someone called "the Beedle," a mystery to be solved, the loneliness of being twelve, and Lloyd's delicious prose. Need we say more?

Why grown-ups will love it...
This is one to savor and read aloud tucked into bed at night with your kids. Natalie Lloyd is clearly a word collector. . . and all of her words are magical.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

This week's pick is by Cottager: Anika Denise

How To Bake A Book
by Ella Burfoot
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What it's all about . . .

A little girl learns the recipe for making the perfect story. A pinch of good, a dash of bad, some big words, and carefully cut out characters are the ingredients for a truly delicious read.

Why it’s on the Crooked Bookshelf . . .
We are a Cottage of writers who also happen to love baking—so this book tickled both fancies.

Our favorite lines . . .
"Turn up the heat-
the bubbles quicken.
And then my plot
begins to thicken."

Our favorite illustration . . .

From HOW TO BAKE A BOOK. Copyright 2014 by Ella Burfoot.

Why kids will love it . . .

The clever rhyming text and whimsical illustrations will tempt young readers to bake up a book of their own.

Why grown-ups will love it . . .

Adults (and teachers, especially) will find this a fun way to introduce children to the essential ingredients of a great story.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

Ninja!
by Arree Chung

This week's pick is by Cottager: Anika Denise

What it's all about . . .
A young ninja must be strong, courageous, and silent! He creeps through the house on a secret mission to capture cookies and milk. There may be obstacles (little sisters)! But have no fear—a true ninja can overcome all challenges.

Why it’s on the Crooked Bookshelf . . .
We love the graphic novel-style illustration panels, the exuberant imagination of the boy, and the simple, sweet story. In a sea of ninja books—this one really stands out.

Our favorite line . . .
I am dishonored.

Our favorite illustration . . .

From NINJA! Illustration copyright 2014 by Aree Chung.

Why kids will love it . . .
Because . . . ninjas! Especially this ninja—an imaginative, hilarious hero who has his priorities straight (milk and cookies).

Why grown-ups will love it . . .
Comic book-loving adults will appreciate the dark palette, graphic panel design, and funny text bubbles for reading aloud to wee ninjas.