The Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay

OFF & AWAY

by Cale Atkinson

(This week’s #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Jamie Michalak.)

What it’s all about …
Jo lives on an island with her dad, who delivers every message in a bottle to its right home. But when he comes down with a severe sea cold, Jo must face her fear of the sea and cast off by herself to get the job done!

Why I love it …

The detailed, energetic illustrations alternate between warm, humorous, and just the right amount of scary that kids love. 

Sample illustration …

From OFF & AWAY. Illustration copyright 2018 by Cale Atkinson.

Why will kids love it?

Sure to elicit both giggles and gasps, this picture book adventure is a thrilling ride of a read-aloud.

Why will grown-ups love it?

Grown-ups can share this picture book about overcoming fears with their favorite littles who might need a boost of courage.

Where to find/buy …

Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Author-Illustrator bio
Cale Atkinson is an author, illustrator, and animator whose picture books include To the Sea and Explorers of the Wild. He lives and works in Kelowna, British Columbia. Visit him online at www.cale.ca or on Twitter @2dCale.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf on #ReviewsDay!

the scariest book ever

by bob shea

(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Kara LaReau.)

What it's all about...
A reluctant little ghost encourages readers to go ahead into the "spooky" forest, where it turns out an adorable bunny is hosting a costume party.

Why I love it...
Bob Shea's artwork is as bright, graphic, and inviting as ever, and the funny interactive narrative is scary-good.

Favorite lines...

It's okay, you don't have to go back.

You can stay here and help me with the haunted housework. We'll tell spooky stories and clean the bathroom.

That's scary, right?

Sample illustrations...

What's the kid-appeal?
Kid readers will delight in knowing something the ghost narrator does not — that the story isn't scary at all.

What's the grownup appeal?
It's a terrific read-aloud for Halloween and beyond, and an excellent way to address (however-unfounded) fears.

Where to find/buy the scariest book ever!
Indie Booksellers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Or at a school or library near you!

Bob Shea is the author-illustrator of the popular Ballet Cat series, the Dinosaur vs....series, and several other picture books, including The Happiest Book Ever, Buddy and the Bunnies in: Don't Play with Your Food!, and Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great. He's a really nice guy, and he lives with his wife and son in Madison, Connecticut. For more information, visit www.bobshea.com.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

The Gumazing Gum Girl: GUM LUCK
by Rhode Montijo, with Luke Reynolds
Illustrated by Rhode Montijo


This week's pick is from Cottager Jamie Michalak.



What it's all about ...
When Gabby Gomez chews gum, something gumazing happens. She turns into a super-stretchy, super-sticky superhero--Gum Girl! A new villain in town is cooking up revenge. Will Gum Girl be able to save the day? And will Gabby keep her sugary identity from her dentist dad?

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf …
It's a snappy graphic novel with bold, flavor-packed illustrations. And the cover smells like bubble gum! 

Our favorite illustration ...

From The Gumazing Gum Girl: GUM LUCK by Rhode Montijo, with Luke  Reynolds. Illustration copyright  2017 by Rhode Montijo.

Why kids will love it …
They'll be cheering for this bubbly superhero and looking forward to her next adventure. And did we mention the cover smells like bubble gum???

Why grown-ups will love it …
GUM GIRL is a fun choice for reluctant and emerging readers, and it offers a little lesson about never giving up.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf -- AND A GIVEAWAY!**

BOB, NOT BOB!
by Liz Garton Scanlon
illustrated by Matthew Cordell

This week's pick is from Cottager Jamie Michalak.

What it's all about ...
Little Louie has the worst cold ever. All he wants is his mom, but every time he calls for her, slobbery Bob the dog comes running instead!

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf …
Because of the clever, funny, I-wish-I-thought-of-it concept: read this story as though you have the worst cold ever.

Favorite line(s) ...
"I doan wan by bedicine. I doan wanda bubba bat. And I doan wanda dap." *

Favorite illustration ...

From BOB, NOT BOB! by Liz Garton Scanlon & Audrey Vernick. Illustration copyright 2016 by Matthew Cordell. 

Why kids will love it …
Hearing the name "Bob" will get them every time.

Why grown-ups will love it …
BOB, NOT BOB! is the go-to book for any time children with a cold need a little comfort and giggles through the sniffles. And parents will surely relate to how realistically the doting, but tired, "Bob" is portrayed.

* (I don't want my medicine. I don't want a bubble bath. And I don't want a nap.)

** WIN YOUR OWN COPY OF BOB, NOT BOB! Leave a comment below to enter to win. The winner will be announced on Monday, Feb. 6th. 

The Little Crooked Bookshelf - Blog Tour Stop - Bella's Fall Coat!

Bella's Fall Coat
by Lynn Plourde

Illustrated by Susan Gal

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

What it's all about . . .

Bella's favorite fall coat—made especially for her by her Grams—is well loved and worn, and just a tad too small. But that doesn't stop her from whooshing outside to play in the crinkle-crackle leaves, or crunch the fresh red apples, or chase the honking geese. When at last Bella slows down long enough to sleep, Grams snips and sews so that when the first snowflakes fall, Bella is all set with a new "favorite" coat to wear. She even finds the perfect use for her old coat—adorning the first snowman of the season.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
Plourde is a master at capturing the sights and sounds of autumn, and the exuberance of a young child bounding outdoors to revel in its glories. Textured golden browns and warm reds serve as the backgrounds for Gal's bold-lined, charmingly rendered characters, making the perfect pair with  Plourde's crisply delicious text.

My favorite lines . . .

After lunch, Grams said, "Now, Bella, about that coat—"
But WHIZZ!
Bella was already outside.
She stretched and reached.
She picked and plucked.
She crunched and munched.

Most swoon-worthy illustration. . . 

Illustration ©2016 Susan Gal

Why kids will love it . . . 

The language, oh, the language! It's a delightful read-aloud that begs to be read again and again, with illustrations as warm and sweet as an autumn apple pie. Children will relate to Bella's high energy and enthusiasm, and will likely want to crinkle-crackle in a pile of leaves of their own after reading.

Why grown-ups will love it . . .
Bella's relationship with her Grams is quite dear, which adults are sure to appreciate. It's simply a honey of a picture book: fun to read, relatable, and a lovely way to celebrate the fall season.

Visit Lynn Plourde online at http://www.lynnplourde.com

To learn more about Susan Gal's work, go to: http://www.galgirlstudio.com.

Praise for Bella's Fall Coat

★"Adults may feel nostalgia over seasons past—and young readers will be introduced to the enticing lure of autumn and the joys of sharing it with someone they love." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

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

As an extra special treat for the BELLA'S FALL COAT BLOG TOUR, Nina from Mamabelly has prepared this sensational seasonal autumn Literary Lunch! 

Meet Bella and her favorite coat. Bella loves everything about fall: the leaves, the crisp apple, the geese AND her fall coat. It is getting worn out and old but she wants everything "fall" to last forever. Can Grams help keep Bella warm before the first snowfall? 

Nina from Mamabelly made a fall inspired lunch to celebrate Bella's love of fall:

• spinach and apple leaves
• chex mix to keep the geese from leaving
• Cheese crackers in Bella's favorite fall color
• and a Bella chocolate and cherry sandwich

Want more fun literary lunch ideas? Follow Mamabelly here:

* web: www.mamabelly.com

* facebook: www.facebook.com/MamabellysLunchesWithLove

* twitter: @LunchesWithLove

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

MOTHER BRUCE

by Ryan T. Higgins


This week's pick is from Cottager Anika Denise

What it's all about . . .

Bruce, a grumpy bear, loves eggs. He gathers them from all around the forest and fries them up for every meal. Then one day, oops! The eggs hatch into goslings instead of breakfast, and Bruce is mistaken for their mother. Hilarity ensues.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
It's super-funny.

Our favorite lines . . . 
"Bruce could take it no longer
and became EXTRA grumpy 
with them.
It didn't work.
Goslings always follow their mother,
even is SHE
is a HE and 
HE is a bear."

Our favorite illustration . . .

Why kids will love it. . .
Like we said… SUPER-funny. Bruce's scowls and inability to shake the geese will crack kids up.

Why grown-ups will love it. . .
Plenty of droll wit and funny gags for the grown-ups, too, e.g.: "Are these eggs free-range organic?"

Mr. Pig Visits . . . Stephanie Ruble

Hello, picture book fans! It is aye, Mr. Pig. Do I have a treat for you today! Author-illustrator Stephanie Ruble, has asked me to visit her studio -- and EWE, er, I mean YOU are invited to come along. So hurry up, we don't want to be late. . . . 

Stephanie's debut picture book, EWE AND AYE, received rave reviews. EWE is a sheep with a feel for wheels. AYE is a lemur with a thing for wings. I brought my copy with me. I hope she'll sign it!

From EWE AND AYE by Candace Ryan. Illustration copyright 2015 by Stephanie Ruble.

From EWE AND AYE by Candace Ryan. Illustration copyright 2015 by Stephanie Ruble.

Oh! Here we are at Stephanie's house. Step right up. Don't be ... sheepish. (Hardehar.)

<<Knock, knock.>>

 

SR: Hello! Welcome, Mr. Pig and friends! Come on in. 

MP: Thanks for having us, Stephanie. We can't wait to see your studio.

SR: I call it my Art Cave. Take a look. I'm using a card table for a desk right now because my old desk, which you can see next to the table, doesn't work well with my laptop. It worked well when I had a desktop computer, but now I use it mostly as a bookcase. I needed a bookcase, so that worked out well. Now I need a new desk! 

I actually picked out a new desk a couple of years ago, but we've moved twice since then and will most likely be moving again soon. Waiting to see what our new place is like before I get my new desk. 

MP: Wow, your Art Cave is so tidy.
 
SR: My space isn't usually quite so clean. (I straightened things up a bit for you.) It's usually more like organized chaos. What you don't see are my scanner and my printer. They're not that interesting, so you're not missing anything, promise.

MP: What's this fun area over here?

SR: This is my old desk. It has a keyboard tray, which I slid out for your visit. The keyboard tray is a really handy place to put picture books to look at for inspiration. The books keep changing, depending on what I'm working on and what inspires me that week. To the right of the desk is a tabouret which has drawers where I keep art supplies.

MP: Are these your copies of your picture book EWE AND AYE?

SR: Yes. My old desk has an enclosed space below that I use as a bookcase now. It's also where I'm currently keeping copies of my book, EWE AND AYE. It has space for a shelf, but it didn't come with a shelf. If there was a shelf, it would have more books on it!  

MP: Look at those cute little guys.

SR: On top of my old desk are some drawers for filing things and an organizer for holding pens, papers, postcards, bookmarks, etc. It's a great place for my finger puppets to hang out. 

MP: Now I wish I had fingers.

MP: Oooh, what's on top of your old desk?

SR: A box that shows animals at a circus. I got it when I was really little. It has a matching garbage can with animals in the jungle. There are toys inside the circus box! Next to the box is a stack of notebooks and a great reference book for picture book writers (WRITING WITH PICTURES by Ann Whitford Paul).

  
MP: Have you kept anything else from when you were a kid?

SR: Actually, yes! On top of the tabouret, there's a cup with animals on it that I got when I was little. I keep other items there, too -- pens and markers that I use regularly, some fun magnets, a picture of a painting by one of my favorite painters ('Blue Horses' by Franz Marc), and a copy of my book in case I need it for reference when asked questions about the art or story. I wouldn't have thought I'd need it so much for reference, but it's amazing how much fades when the art is done a year before the book comes out.

MP: Aha! I spy your art! 

SR: You do. On that second card table next to my desk, I keep paper for drawing, and a stack of art to file. I'm not great about filing art and sketches after I finish them, but I do try to keep it all in one place. This pile is actually quite small, which makes me wonder what happened to the other art that used to be out on the table. I think I filed it. I hope so, otherwise there will be a missing art mystery! 

MP: *Gasp!* Really?!

SR: Um, no. I just wanted an excuse to say "missing art mystery," but things do go missing once in a while when you're busy and not paying attention to where you put things.

SR: I do a lot of digital art, but I love to a paint. (I actually majored in painting in college.) I still like to get out my paints and have fun. In this picture, I was working on two paintings: 'Carpe Diem' and 'Crabbe Diem.'

MP: That's some clever wordplay. Just like in your new book, EWE AND AYE. Can you tell us about it?

SR: Sure. EWE AND AYE was written by Candace Ryan. Ewe is a sheep with a feel for wheels. Aye is a lemur with a thing for wings. But it isn’t until Ewe and Aye find one another that things really get off the ground. 

MP: The Cottagers love this story about celebrating togetherness -- and we love ewe. (Sorry. I just can't stop myself.) Thank you, Stephanie, for the tour of your colorful, inspiring Art Cave. 

SR: Thanks for visiting me, Mr. Pig!

******** 

Stephanie Ruble has been drawing and painting since she could hold a crayon. Soon after that, she started telling stories to go with her drawings. Not much has changed since then. If you look hard you can see many of her early creative influences (animals - especially cows, toys, newspaper comic strips, Halloween), poking through the layers of her writing and art. Visit Stephanie online at http://www.sruble.com









 
EWE AND AYE 
by Candace Ryan, illustrated by Stephanie Ruble
Disney Hyperion, December 2014
ISBN 1-978-142317591-9

EWE was a sheep with a feel for wheels. AYE was a lemur with a thing for wings. But it wasn't until Ewe and Aye found one another that things really got off the ground.

"Ryan's punning is nicely expanded in Ruble's zippy illustrations.... Lots of fun." --Kirkus

"The goggle-wearing animals in their heart-soled sneakers are expressive and charming.... The wordplay is clever, and the art is sweet." --School Library Journal

"But the real attraction is debut illustrator Ruble--she brings an exuberant energy to each scene." --Publishers Weekly

"Positive and inspirational, this will strike a chord with young readers who have big dreams." --Booklist

   

Literary Lunch

Bon appetit!

We are minding our very best table manners today for this most scrumptious spaghetti bento-box lunch created by Nina at Mamabelly Lunches with Love!

Nina's Slurp-free, burp-free bento includes:

--Evie, Simon, and Dog grapes (someone, after all, has to make sure Father minds his manners!)

--Spaghetti in a fancy dish with garlic bread utensils and of course, a white tablecloth

--a sweet chocolate biscuit reminder: No Slurping, No Burping!

Nom-nom-nom...Thanks Nina....Whoops! No talking with our mouths full! (We should know better after reading No, Slurping, No Burping, A Tale of Table Manners by manners maven Kara LaReau!)

For step-by-step instructions on how to make this and other fabulous bento-box lunches, visit Nina's Website: Mamabelly Lunches with Love!