Book Review (Well sort of) - Zombie in Love

Author:  Kelly DiPucchio
Illustrator: Scott Campbell
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster (August 23, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 8 (Adults will love this too)
Source: Personal Copy (though I did see an Advance Copy)

Description from GoodReads:
Mortimer is looking for love. And he’s looking everywhere! He’s worked out at the gym (if only his arm wouldn’t keep falling off). He’s tried ballroom dancing lessons (but the ladies found him to be a bit stiff). He’s even been on stalemate.com. How’s a guy supposed to find a ghoul? When it seems all hope has died, could the girl of Mortimer’s dreams be just one horrifying shriek away?

I have a confession to make.  I think I have a penchant for macabre romance.  Not since Boris and Bella by Carolyn Crimi & Gris Grimly, though, have I become so enamored with a picture book love story.  When I saw an Advance Copy of this book, I knew I had to have it.    

"Mortimer was lonely."  What's a zombie looking for a date to Cupid's Ball suppose to do?  DiPucchio tells us just how to go about finding your perfect undead soulmate.

I have read a variety of picture books by Kelly DiPucchio but I think this one might be my favorite of hers from this year.  Zombie in Love is a good example of what happens when you take a great concept, add in some witty text including a nod to the Rupert Holmes' Pina Colada song, and top it all off with the perfect illustrations.  DiPucchio and Campbell have a hit with this book. Not only will it be a great read aloud to children at Halloween or well even Valentine's Day, but this will also appeal to adults (which is always helpful when you might be reading it a dozen times).

Recently, I had a chance to visit Nucleus Gallery in Alhambra, California for the Book Release and Art Exhibit of Zombie in Love.  Nucleus hosted a special party complete with a Zombie Prom Theme.  Scott Campbell, Illustrator, chatted with the audience (many whom were dressed up in Zombie Prom outfits), drew pictures of characters in the book, and signed lots of copies of Zombies in Love.  To check out the event, click here. 

Mortimer and Mildred made an appearance.

It was great hearing Scott talk about how Kelly's notes provided him with the direction for several of his illustrations.  And based on the questions from the audience, it sounds like many would like to know more about Mildred's back story.  There was some serious concern about whether Mildred had any friends, especially since Mortimer has a zombie dog and his worm buddies.

A few of Scott's illustrations from the book.

If you haven't picked up a copy of Zombies in Love, I encourage you to purchase one from your local indie bookstore or check it out from your friendly neighborhood library.  Or check out Nucleus Gallery's website for a limited edition print from Zombie in Love or a cool sticker sheet. 

For more information about author, Kelly DiPucchio, check out her blog:
http://kellydipucchio.blogspot.com/

You can follow her on twitter: @kellydipucchio

For more information about illustrator, Scott Campbell, check out his website: http://www.pyramidcar.com/

You can follow him on twitter: @scottlava 

An interview with Scott Campbell on the Simon & Schuster page, click here to read it.

Book Review - My Dog, My Cat

Author/Illustrator:  Ashlee Fletcher
Publisher: Tanglewood Publishing, Inc. (August 1, 2011)
Audience: Preschool
Source: Copy for Review
Animals * Differences 

Description from GoodReads:
In this bright new picture book, the author describes all the differences between her dog and cat, who don't always get along. Her dog barks; her cat meows. Her dog likes steak; her cat likes tuna. Her dog's tongue is wet; her cat's tongue is rough. But the story ends on a delightfully sweet note when the author also tells us what her dog and cat have in common - a love of pizza and a love of their owner. The strong lines and fresh colors will make this book an appealing read as children learn about normal behaviors for the two most popular pets, and that even the most different of creatures can find things in common.

Sometimes simple is best. Simple was what drew me into Ashlee Fletcher's debut picture book My Dog, My Cat.  The text was bold and straight-forward.  Perfect for preschoolers or early readers.  The illustrations matched the style of the text.  Bold colors, fun design, and complimentary to the words.  When I read a picture book that seems to "get it", I find myself smiling.  And this one gave me that "she got it" feeling as I read it.  For that, I want to give debut picture book author/illustrator Fletcher a "high-five". 

Even for an experienced picture book author, it is not easy to get the text to work out just right.  Some books seem too sing-songy and others seem too complex for the targeted audience.  Fletcher's direct style; however, works.  Young children often love animals, especially common household pets such as cats and dogs.  Additionally, the concept of how things are different is one this age group is learning to master.   Pairing the two together is another part of the equations for what works here. 

Now comes the tricky part...how do you get this into the hands of preschool teachers and parents of preschoolers?  Really.  The early childhood teacher in me wants a paperback version...kind of like the ones Scholastic does for their bookclubs...that I can take apart, laminate, re-staple and use with the kids despite sticky fingers and possible rips and tears.  A quick Google search shows that My Dog, My Cat is available on Barnes & Noble's website but even the on-line powerhouse Amazon only carries it through outside sellers.  I certainly hope Tanglewood is able to get this book some more attention.   

Well at least I know one lucky Speech Therapist at my school who will be the recipient of my review copy.   


For more information about Ashlee Fletcher, check out her website: http://www.ashleefletcher.com/welcome 

Hot Off The Press! New Picture Books (14)

This is a feature that I try to do weekly called Hot Off The Press! based on my visits to Vroman's Bookstore and checking out their wall of new picture books.  Here are the 5 new releases that stood out from the pile this week:

Jonathan And The Big Blue Boat
Author/Illustrator: Philip Christian Stead
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press (June 7, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

According to Jonathan's parents, he has become to old for his stuffed friend.  Jonathan discovers a boat and a way to search for Fredrick.  He meets a goat, an elephant, and a whale along the way.  His journey eventually leads him to a beautiful understanding and a special ending.  Some books are unique and beautiful and powerful both in text and illustrations.  As I read through this book, and savored the story and pictures, I knew I was holding something special in my hands.  If this doesn't get on some award lists, I will certainly be shocked.

Below is the book trailer for this book.  Happy Watching!

Prudence Wants A Pet
Author:  Cathleen Daly
Illustrator: Stephen Michael King
Publisher: Roaring Brooks Press (June 21, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

Prudence wants a pet.  Her parents have reasons why they don't want to get her one.  Prudence doesn't let this discourage her.  She finds a branch, and then a twig, and then various other objects that she attempts to turn into a faithful pet.  Even her baby brother isn't safe from becoming a potential pet.  I nearly fell out of my chair in a fit of a laughter when Prudence feeds him grass.  I smiled, I chuckled, and I just plain enjoyed this one.  A feel good story with a fun ending that is perfect for any child who is looking for a special pet.  

A Good Knight's Rest
Author: Shelley Moore Thomas

Illustrator: Jennifer Plecas
Publisher: Dutton Juvenille (June 9, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

Parents planning to set out on a vacation trip in the car with their young ones might want to read this for fun.  The Good Knight sets off seeking a vacation of rest and relaxation which is waylaid when 3 young dragons join in.  It isn't long before there are choruses of "Are we there yet?" and "I need to go."  The Good Knight does the right thing until at one point he just can't take it any more and his young friends realize it is their turn to do the right thing.  Lots of chuckles in this one.  A good summertime picture book.

Detective Blue
Author: Steve Metzger

Illustrator: Tedd Arnold
Publisher: Orchard Books (July 1, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

Little Boy Blue has grown up and is now Detective Blue.  His assignment - to find Miss Muffet.  All of your favorite Nursery Rhyme characters are grown up and make an appearance in this film noir style twist on some classic stories.  Adults can have fun helping young children make a connection between the characters and their original stories.  Tedd Arnold's illustrations add just the right touch to this book.

Who's There?
Author: Carole Schaefer
Illustrator: Pierr Morgan
Publisher: Viking Juvenile (June 9, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

There comes a time when every child seems to have a moment of fear about going to bed.  In this version, little rabbit wonders what is making the bumps and thumps outside his door.  His active and creative imagination comes alive with Morgan's illustrations.  Of course, in the end there is a perfectly good reason for all that scary noise.  A fun addition to the "bedtime fear" category.

Hot Off The Press! New Picture Books (13)

June has been an incredibly busy month with Open House, Spring Musical, Fifth Grade Promotion and winding down the school year.  I apologize that my Hot Off the Press! posts have been MIA.  But it is back and this week's books were featured on the New Picture Book wall at Mrs. Nelson's Toy and Book Shop.  I recently took a little road trip out to LaVerne to pick up some signed copies of The Reading Promise by Alice Ozma and I stayed to check out the new picture books.

Here were my top five:

The Big Wish
Author/Illustrator: Carolyn Conahan
Publisher: Chronicle Books (May 4, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

There are some stories that just seem to touch you as you read them.  The Big Wish is certainly one of those books.  Conahan pares a story of a young girl's belief in the power of a wish - a really big wish - with beautiful illustrations.  The spirit of this book really reached in to grab me.  Molly's desire for the biggest wish unites a community and teaches them what a wish is truly about.  This would be a lovely gift book for a teacher.

Every Cowgirl Needs Dancing Boots
Author: Rebecca Janni
Illustrator: Lynne Avril
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (June 9, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

It really isn't easy to pull off an effective companion book/sequel with picture books.  Often times, the first one is fun and original and subsequent books lose some of the wonderfulness of the first book.  However, Janni actually succeeds with this companion book to Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse.  Just enough pink for that preschool/kinder girl in your life who also has a no nonsense streak in her.  I know just the little girl who needs of copy of this for her birthday.
 
Check out Rebecca Janni's Fun Stuff page: http://www.rebeccajanni.com/fun-stuff.html

Doggy Whys?
Author/Illustrator: Lila Prap
Publisher: North South Books (May 1, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 8 (and the adults who will read it to them)

The cover illustration drew me to this book.  I'm not much of a dog person, more of a cat person really.  But Prap had me right from the beginning.  Each two-page spread begins with a dog questions and a list of somewhat humorous responses.  However, the real facts are included in an informative yet clever manner.  There is also a small fact box for each type of dog shown.  This would be a great addition to a non-fiction section of a school or classroom library. 

The Woods
Author/Illustrator: Paul Hoppe
Publisher: Chronicle Books (April 6, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

I like books with quirky illustrations and just the right twist.  A young boy discovers some surprises about being afraid.  When his bunny goes missing at bedtime, he must goes in search and what he discovers along the way is both humorous and touching.  A perfect story for talking with young children about their bedtime fears.

Monkey: A Trickster Tale from India
Author/Illustrator: Gerald McDermott
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books (May 23, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 7

Monkey is hungry for mangoes, and Crocodile is hungry for Monkey.  This tale of fast thinking and cunning deception is deftly handled by master storyteller, Gerard McDermott.  I have used so many of McDermott's books in my classes over the years and this one belongs right up there with the others.  Very reminiscent of Anansi The Spider (also one of McDermott's re-tellings) but one that children will love for it's own unique qualities.  The mixed media illustrations perfectly enhance the text.

Special Edition Literacy Café: Author Candace Ryan

This past week we hosted picture book author Candace Ryan in a Special Edition of our Literacy Cafés.  As part of the Café, we featured Ryan's picture book Animal House.  To read my review of Animal House, click here.

For the Animal House Café, we ran two multi-age group sessions:  one for kinder to second grade and one for students in grades three to five.  This was a special treat for children who were selected to participate.

Candace arrived with really cool props.  She met with small groups of students to discuss how she created her story and characters, and what it was like going through the publication process.

Students also had a chance to create different elements in making a group Animal House.

In the third group, students talked about creating animal hybrids and worked with partners to create, through drawings, new hybrid animals.

When all of the groups had rotated through the three activities, children had an opportunity to ask Candace questions about her book, writing, working with illustrators, and more.  During this time, children had milk with - yes - animal crackers.

Candace was a great guest in our Literacy Café.  She was wonderful with each group of students and they responded to all of the information she shared with enthusiasm and excitement.  Thank you Candace for such a wonderful visit!

Check out our animoto video:


For more information about Candace Ryan and her books, check out her website: http://www.candaceryanbooks.com/
You can follow her on twitter: @candaceryan
You can folow her on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Candace-Ryan/1185104167