School Library Journal» Random/Schwartz & Wade

Pick of the Day: Sophie’s Squash

SLJ — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 09:00:58 +0000

MILLER, Pat Zietlow. Sophie’s Squash. illus. by Anne Wilsdorf. 40p. Random/Schwartz & Wade. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97896-7; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97897-4. LC 2012006438.
K-Gr 2–“Good friends are hard to find,” says Sophie to her best buddy, Bernice. This must be so, because Bernice is a farmers’ market squash. The fruit is supposed to be for supper, but all bets are off when Sophie gives it a face and a name. The two friends are inseparable, visiting the library and other squash at the market, practicing somersaults on the hill…and every night Sophie gives Bernice a baby bottle and tucks her into a cradle. (“Well, we did hope she’d love vegetables,” Sophie’s mother observes.) Countless stories exist about girls’ exploits with their dolls or stuffed animals. Few, if any, feature healthy produce. But the tale of Sophie and Bernice is charming and even suspenseful as the title character reluctantly realizes that her squash will not last forever. Miller’s sweet and lively story is perfectly matched by Wilsdorf’s expert ink and watercolor illustrations. With lessons on life, love, and vegetable gardening, this tale will be cherished by children, and their parents will be happy to read it to them often.–Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

Pick of the Day: Brush of the Gods

SLJ — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:00:00 +0000

LOOK, Lenore. Brush of the Gods. illus. by Meilo So. 40p. Random/Schwartz & Wade. June 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-87001-9. LC 2012006442.
K-Gr 3–Young Wu Daozi tries to please his calligraphy teacher, but his brush drips out squiggles and twists and dots, his lines turn into trees, his hooks catch fish, and “his dots burst into eyes, then pigs, and monkeys.” Wu Daozi paints on walls in temples and teahouses, and even the great wall surrounding the city. His work becomes known and admired throughout China. One day he paints a butterfly so beautiful and delicate that it appears to be real. When the wind blows, the wing moves, just a little, and the butterfly suddenly flits off. Soon everything he creates either flutters, gallops, or rolls away. No one believes that his paintings come to life, except the children. Then one day, the emperor asks Daozi if he would create a masterpiece on a wall of the palace. Stunning ink, watercolor, and pencil artwork brings to life ancient China and the beautiful children who remained faithful to Daozi. Highly detailed and vibrantly colored, the illustrations render Daozi’s paintings with brilliance. Children will appreciate the imaginative aspect of the text as well as the inspiring story of a boy who follows his dreams. Inviting and appealing, this title serves as a great addition to a unit on ancient China or Chinese Art.–Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools, OH

Pick of the Day: The Mighty Lalouche

SLJ — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:00:19 +0000

OLSHAN, Matthew. The Mighty Lalouche. illus. by Sophie Blackall. 40p. Random/Schwartz & Wade. glossary. May 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86225-0; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96225-7; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98742-7. LC 2010031825.
K-Gr 3–Lalouche is a Parisian postman living more than 100 years ago. Though diminutive, he is blessed with strong arms, nimble fingers, and fast legs. When he is sacked, thanks to the invention of an electric automobile, he must find a way to support himself and his beloved pet finch, Geneviève. Desperate, Lalouche joins the Bastille Boxing Club. Because he is so small, he is repeatedly underestimated as he continues to win matches against much bigger opponents, including gigantic Anaconda. It is when he fights “for country, mail, and Geneviève” that readers learn, “one should never underestimate a man who loves his finch.” The story, along with the language, is entertaining; names like Diamond Jacques and the Grecque, and words like “tomfoolery,” will keep readers and listeners amused. Some French is sprinkled throughout, e.g., “C’est impossible,” and a glossary helps with translation. The illustrations are outstanding–Blackall has outdone herself. The ink-and-watercolor artwork was cut out, arranged in layers, and photographed, resulting in an eye-catching, textured, three-dimensional effect that children will love poring over. The text and pictures work expertly together, moving the story forward in clever and funny ways; Lalouche’s facial expressions alone should elicit giggles from readers. An author’s note about the history of French boxing and the invention of the electric car further enhance this captivating tale with a wonderful moral: small people are capable of great feats.–Laura Lutz, Pratt Institute, New York City