The Little Crooked Bookshelf

Leo: A Ghost Story
by Mac Barnett
illustrated by Christian Robinson

This week's bookshelf pick is from Cottager Jamie Michalak.

What it's all about . . .
For many years, Leo the ghost lived by himself in a large house on the edge of the city. But when a family moves in, Leo finds himself unwanted. So he roams the city, where nobody sees him. Until . . . he meets a girl named Jane, and becomes her "imaginary friend." Leo loves his new pal. But if he tells her he's a ghost, will he scare her away?

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
Dream team Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson weave together favorite storytime ingredients -- ghosts, imaginary friends, robbers! -- for a spellbinding read-aloud. Leo is humorous, suspenseful, and touching.

Our favorite lines . . .
"I said I was your imaginary friend, but I'm not. I am just your real friend."

Our favorite illustration . . . 

From LEO: A GHOST STORY by Mac Barnett. Illustration copyright 2015 by Christian Robinson.

Why kids will love it . . . 
Christian Robinson's atmospheric art, rendered in shades of blue and black, is enormously appealing, and the story's twists and turns will keep kids' attention until its dramatic conclusion.

Why grown-ups will love it . . .
Those looking for the perfect Halloween or bedtime read-aloud will love Leo. Serve it with a cup of mint tea and honey toast.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

Gaston
by Kelly DiPucchio
illustrated by Christian Robinson

This week's pick is by Cottager: Anika Denise

What it's all about . . .
Gaston, a large pup among three poodle sisters, tries hard to be a proper pooch with perfect manners, but it's difficult, given he's much bigger and noisier than his dainty, tea-cup sized siblings. One day, Gaston switches places with Antoinette, a wee dog in a similar "odd-pup-out" situation, among a family of boisterous bulldog ruffians. While it becomes clear that each pooch has found its way back to its rightful family, neither feels all that comfortable there, and in the morning they are both relieved to trade back.

Why it’s on the Crooked Bookshelf . . .
It's a great read aloud, and Robinson's elegant, painterly illustrations further elevate DiPucchio's delightful text.

Our favorite lines . . .
The puppies were also taught how to look pretty in pink, nibble their kibble, and ride in style.

Our favorite illustration . . .

Illustration (c) 2014 Christian Robinson

Why kids will love it . . .
The art is great, and the puppies' names—Fi-Fi, Foo-Foo, Ooh-La-La and Gaston—are fun to say. 
 
Why grown-ups will love it . . .
It's a funny, stylish picture book with endearing messages of family, belonging, and nature vs. nurture.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker
by Patricia Hruby Powell
Illustrated by Christian Robinson

What it's all about . . .  
An exuberant and gorgeous picture book biography of Josephine Baker that takes readers through her lifelong journey from the slums of St. Louis, Missouri to superstardom. The story is told with a rhythm and style that captures the Jazz Age, and its voice is as lively and cheeky as Josephine herself. Paired with show-stopping art, Josephine is a tour de force!
 
Why it’s on the Crooked Bookshelf . . . 
C'EST MAGNIFIQUE! This book is full of heart. Against all odds, Josephine did what she wanted. If she wanted to dance on stage, she did. If she wanted to sing, she did. If she wanted to stride down the Champs-Elysees with her leopard, Chiquita, well, she did that too. She was also a French spy, civil rights activist, and mother to twelve adopted children from all over the world.

Our favorite lines . . .
Josephine, all 
RAZZMATAZZ,
erupted into the Roaring Twenties --
a VOLCANO.

America wasn't ready for Josephine,
the colored superstar.

PARIS WAS.


Our favorite illustration . . .
Oh, there are too many to choose from! Here are a few of our favorites.

Illustration from Josephine (Chronicle). Copyright © 2014 Christian Robinson

Illustration from Josephine (Chronicle). Copyright © 2014 Christian Robinson

Illustration from Josephine (Chronicle). Copyright © 2014 Christian Robinson

Why kids will love it . . .
Josephine is not only inspiring, it’s a BLAST to read aloud. Of the first time Josephine danced in Paris: “Josephine was on fire./ CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT./ No! Don’t./ Mais oui--/ knees squeeze, now fly/ arms scissor and splay./ QUELLE SURPRISE!”

Why grown-ups will love it . . .
Adults, too, will learn something new about Josephine Baker and likely be moved to look up videos of her legendary moves.