The Adventures of a South Pole Pig: A Novel of Snow and Courage

The Adventures of a South Pole Pig: 
A Novel of Snow and Courage
Chris Kurtz, author
Jennifer Black Reinhardt, illustrator
HMH Books for Young Readers
2013
288 pages

This book came out on my birthday this year (January 8) along with titles such as Hokey Pokey, Navigating Early, and The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brockett. Despite the "potential Newbery buzz" for books like Hokey Pokey and Navigating Early (both were on the early "to read" list at Heavy Medal, for instance), my favorite of this group is The Adventures of a South Pole Pig: A Novel of Snow and Courage.

So, why do I like this little chapter book so much? A longheld love affair with Charlotte's Web making me predisposed to like any pig chapter book? A general fondness for talking animal stories? A son who loves all things "pig"? Those are all reasons that helped me pick up this title off the "new" shelf at the library earlier this year. But those are not the reasons that make me like this book better than others I've read this year.

The Adventures of a South Pole Pig: A Novel of Snow and Courage is well written. Pure and simple. Characterization is top notch. We first meet Flora as a piglet who dreams of life beyond the pigpen, befriending the barnyard cat (Luna) in hopes of finding out "stuff." One day: escape! And Flora meets Oscar, a lead sled dog. Henceforward, after being returned to the pigpen, Flora dreams not just of exploration but of joining the sled dog team. After all, she has courage, pluck, strength, a stout heart. What more could you ask for in a sled dog team member?

One day, Flora is taken, along with Oscar and a number of other dogs, on board a ship bound for an Antarctic expedition. The reader will pick up on clues that go over Flora's head: her destiny is clearly for the crew's plates. She and her newest cat friend, Sophia, team up in the ship's hold to conquer the myriad rats, and Flora works hard to build up her strength in preparation for her anticipated sled dog/pig role.

Catastrophe strikes the ship, Flora's stout heart and strong legs help save the day, and she becomes essential to the team's survival. Flora forms an unlikely team with old Oscar, prickly Sophia, and the boy Aleric to help save the day in a heartwarming ending that is not at all saccharine.

The best chapter books for the third-fifth grade crowd feature great friendships, often between unlikely characters. You will find that in spades in this delightful book. Flora seeks adventure and finds it beyond her wildest dreams. Her courage is tremendous. Sophia's begrudging acceptance of the role of team player is well done. The scary and tense situations are just the right level for the target age group. As bizarre as the plot line is, it somehow works: we're rooting for a pig and a cat in the Antarctic and we know they will make it.

This book works on so many levels: plot, characterization, "issues" (survival, friendship, teamwork, etc.), setting (from the farm to the boat to the Antarctic). Illustrations are quirky and effective. But it also works on a sentence level: the text is excellent. A well constructed text can be read aloud easily and to great effect; Kurtz gives us that here. In fact, while this book will delight strong third and fourth grade readers (and younger), I think it's real gift will be as a read aloud so that a group can cheer on Flora together. She would like that; she's a friendly type and a real team player.

Recommended as a read aloud to first grade and up; independent read as third-fifth grade.

Book from my local library; cover image from HMH Books.
 

Spunky Tells All

Spunky Tells All
Ann Cameron, author
Lauren Castillo, illustrator
Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2011

I'm a dog lover, to be sure. We had two mixed breed dogs (aka "mutts") for the first decade (roughly) of our marriage. Then, after an eight month gap, we recently rescued another mixed breed. So, a book like Spunky Tells All, in which a beloved family dog of indeterminate breed is narrating the story... well, it's a given I'll willingly give it a whirl.

It's easy to be cutesy when adopting an animal's "voice" in a book, but Cameron nails it. That is largely what makes this short chapter book stand out. Spunky is concerned that after the years he's lived with his Human family (2 years in "human," and 10 in "dog"), they still don't understand Dog. After all, he's learned a lot of Human. So, when he tries to argue against their decision to get a cat, the family only hears "Yerf." (sigh) What's a dog to do?

When the family comes home with the new cat (Fiona--who smells Foolish to Spunky), Spunky is determined not to like her. After all, she's a cat and foolish to boot. The second half of the book follows Fiona's and Spunky's begrudging acceptance of--and even friendship with--each other without ever being cheesy or trite. Illustrations are done in heavy black line and are a good complement to the text. It's another great animal friendship story in a long history of solid animal fiction. Animal lovers and especially pet owners will enjoy this one.

This is a terrific early chapter book for those in the transitional reading stage between easy readers like Henry and Mudge but who aren't quite ready for a regular chapter book (along the lines of Charlotte's Web). Recommended for ages 7-11; a good read aloud for younger.

Book from my local library; cover image thanks to goodreads.

Rudyard Kipling's Just So Comics: Tales of the World's Wildest Beasts

Rudyard Kipling's Just So Comics: Tales of the World's Wildest Beasts
Rudyard Kipling
Pedro Rodriguez, illustrator
Capstone, 2013

I've tried valiantly to read a few more comic/cartoon/graphic novels recently because I know so many kids who enjoy them, and I still feel like I'm in unfamiliar territory. So I jumped at the chance to read this ARC since I'm a big fan of Kipling's Just So Stories. Phrases like the "great, gray green greasy Limpopo" jog along in my head, "o best beloved," whenever I think of them.

Some classics have been translated into graphic novel form quite successfully; this is not one of those instances. These are fun to read/look at, but the tone is all wrong--a bit more snarky and "hip" than Kipling's original voice. In addition, so many of those deliciously perfect read aloud phrases, such as the ones mentioned above, have been removed in order to make the text more sparse, no doubt. The art is fun and engaging, the stories chosen are good ones ("The Elephant's Child," "How the Leopard Got His Spots," "How the Camel Got His Hump," and "Why the Rhino Has Wrinkled Skin"). [those might not be the exact wording of the titles, but you'll recognize which ones they are if you've read the originals] There are some nice extras in terms of nonfiction information on the various animals, and the book is a quick read.

All in all, this is definitely no substitute for the original tales. It might work as a suitable introduction for children who are really into graphic novels and lead them then to the originals. It might also be a fun exercise for students to read these after having read one of the originals and then try their hand at creating a comic from one of their favorite stories.

Suitable for all ages; scheduled to be in stores this month!

Cover image from goodreads; thanks to Capstone via netgalley for the ARC

Weekly Round-Up: Moose Books!

I haven't done one of these Weekly Round-ups in a while--I've been up to my ears in schoolwork (mine and the kids'). But one of my delights this year is to be a room mom in my boys' kindergarten class. Amidst other duties (most of which I've farmed out to other parents) is the occasional storytime with their class. What a delight! They've just finished reviewing "M" and "N" for sounds and hand-writing. So, I brought in a new favorite of Megan's and mine both: Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham and illustrated by the amazing Paul O. Zelinsky. I also read Moosetracks and Imogene's Antlers ("M" for Moose in case you're wondering...). The children were rapt and loved the books--but particularly Z is for Moose.

Did you know that there are a LOT of moose-themed picture books? Who knew. Here is a lineup of some of my favorite moose-themed books, all of which make excellent read alouds to the upper preschool-kindergarten-early elementary crowd.

Z is for Moose
Kelly Bingham, author
Paul O. Zelinsky, illustrator
Greenwillow, 2012

Zebra is trying to stage an ABC show in which characters come on stage according to their letter. Moose, Zebra's friend, is very impatient and so desperately wants to be on stage... he can hardly wait for his letter to show up. But there are other animals who also start with "M," so will Moose be picked? Hilarious--especially to those who've just mastered their ABC's.

Moose Tracks
Karma Wilson, author
Jack E. Davis, illustrator
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2006

I'll confess that this isn't one of my favorite Karma Wilson books (although Megan and I shower our love on her here and here). It's the illustrations; they're a bit clunky to me. Yet this is a fun read aloud and has a nice twist at the end. It's a worthy addition to a "Moose" themed round-up.

Thidwick, the Big-Hearted Moose
Dr. Seuss
Harper Collins Children's Books, 2004 (first published 1985)

A classic, this chronicles a very hospitable moose who puts those antlers to good use! Dr. Seuss books are a bit longer than modern picture books, so plan accordingly with your audience and your other read alouds.

If You Give a Moose a Muffin
Laura J. Numeroff, author
Felicia Bond, illustrator
Harper Collins, 1991

One of the endearing If You Give A... series that began with If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, this book shows a large moose ambling through a small boy's house after the boy gives him a muffin. Circular and funny, especially to the older preschool-first grade crowd. Many of these books are small, so if you want to read this to a large group, check with your library for a larger copy (so everyone can see the wonderful, detailed illustrations!).

Morris the Moose series
Bernard Wiseman
Harper Collins, 1991 (originally published 1959)

If you have a new reader in the house (or a soon-to-be-reader), try this silly series. From the early days of the I CAN READ books, Morris the Moose books are quirky and silly and will charm new readers. A bit dated in feel, that doesn't seem to bother most children, especially if they can read it themselves!

The Invisible Moose
Dennis Hasley, author
Stephen Kellogg, illustrator
Dial, 2006

The Invisible Moose is classic Kellogg style in terms of illutrastions: lavish and detailed and multi-colored. It's a sweet story of a young moose who falls in love with another young moose and follows her to rescue her after she gets captured. A bit longer than some of the others (save for Thidwick), so factor that in to your line-up. Always consider your audience!

Imogene's Antlers
David Small
Crown Books, 2010 (first published 1985)

While not a book about a moose, this is a delightful book that does feature antlers--rather prominently. I couldn't pass up including it. I love the message in this book: make the most of your own unique qualities, even if they are antlers! Children love the ending to this funny little book, and David Small's illustrations are top notch as always.

Do YOU have a favorite moose book to share with us?

Many thanks to goodreads for cover images!

Hank the Cowdog: Good for Boys?

Hank the Cowdog
John R. Erickson
Puffin Books
1983


Funny ol' Hank the Cowdog. Snarky, deadpan, misunderstood--it's easy to see why folks think this dog's adventures on a Texas Ranch (and told in his voice) are so fun to read.


But the widespread love for Hank, especially among the Christians I know, puzzles me. I'm definitely in the minority here, and I would appreciate readers' comments as to whether you agree with me or not.

Daisy Dawson on the Farm

Daisy Dawson on the Farm
Steve Voake, author
Jessica Meseve, illustrator
Candlewick
2012



I've reviewed Daisy Dawson before and enjoyed her little character. So I jumped at the chance to review the 5th in the series via netgalley's ARC program. What I like about this quirky little girl is that she is just that: a little girl. There are no princess aspirations here, no backtalking to grown-ups (ahem, Junie B. Jones), no snarky attitude--just a little girl who happens to be able to understand talking animals....

The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan
Katherine Applegate
HarperCollins
2012
2013 Newbery Winner (updated 1/29/13)



I am a sucker for a good animal story.

I also enjoy books with intentional line breaks.

I love it when an author has pitch perfect "voice" and can communicate a lot in a small amount of space

and when the bad guys are, well, human enough that at least a small part of you empathizes with their predicament

and when the good guys are good, but still need some convincing to do the right thing

and when the coming-of-age story is presented as a journey: sometimes terrifying, sometimes happy, sometimes confusing, but definitely "the right thing to do"

and when the friends in the story are supremely loyal to each other

and when a book can make me tear up at the happy ending

and when a book can make a statement about the importance of art

and when an author can make a statement about social/animal justice but not be preachy

and when all of this happens in a book written from the perspective of the mighty-and-yet-gentle-silverback-also-known-as

The One and Only Ivan.

For the record, I don't enjoy it when the pictures are just not quite right and don't really capture who the characters are in my mind.

Truth/Story
This book is a great story, and one that is based on true events/characters. Applegate has mastered the art of communicating a lot with few words, making this a quick read but a forceful one. I found it interesting that Ivan, the gorilla narrating his experience, identifies himself with humans as all part of the big ape family near the beginning of the book, but by the end, definitely thinks of himself as a gorilla and of humans as, well, humans. He views himself as distinct, yet sort of related when the book opens; we hear less of those sorts of statements as the book progresses. The humans clearly make some poor decisions in regards to their care of animals in this book; some decisions are downright cruel (but more in theory--no graphic violence here). There are also humans who make a real effort to care for the animals near them as best they can. I think Applegate has managed to communicate "a message" about animal cruelty and ethical treatment while at the same time giving us a genuinely great story.

For the record, I think the Newbery, Boston Globe-Horn Book, and other award committees are going to have a tough decision this year.... Here it is April, and I've already read two terrific possibilities (Wonder being the other), and there are lots more coming plus at least one more in my current "to read" stack from the library!


Reading

• Humans are given dominion over God's creation right in Genesis (Adam even names the animals). Have we done a good job with that responsibility? Um.... Worth discussing!! What are ways in which we have been good stewards with what the Lord has given us? Bad stewards? Perhaps bad stewards with good, or misguided, intentions? 
• Where is the balance in our care for Creation? What sorts of factors should guide our decisions as we seek to tend the earth and its creatures? What are the reasons Applegate implies? Is there more to it than the book intimates?
• What does set us apart from the great apes? (hint: look back at Genesis... God made humans in his image) What are the implications of this?

Book from local library; cover image from goodreads

Thoughts? Other books that come to mind that do a good job enlightening us in the area of animal husbandry, stewardship of Creation, etc.?

Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa

Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa
Erica Silverman, author
Betsy Lewin, illustrator
2006
Geisel Honor

Giddyap partner! Cowgirl Kate and her pet horse, Cocoa, live on a ranch out west and engage in ranch-y sorts of things (like checking cow pastures, going on trail rides, etc.) while also dealing with more familiar tasks (going to school). And Cocoa can talk, of course! This series is cute and a fun change from the boy-heavy early reader canon (ever notice that there are more boy characters--even in animal form--than girl characters? Especially if we're talking main characters here... I won't even mention the heavy preponderance of white characters--that's another post for another day).

At any rate, check these titles out when your young reader is moving in the Henry and Mudge stage (these are just a teensy bit harder than those). Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa focus on the usual friendship themes found so often in the early reader canon (and yet, those themes just don't grow old, do they?).

Titles in the series (so far)--and no need to read them "in order"

• Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa
• Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa: Partners
• Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa: School Days
• Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa: Rain or Shine
• Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa: Spring Days
• Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa: Horse in the House 

Cover image from goodreads

Mr. and Mrs. Green

On the Go with Mr. and Mrs. Green
Keith Baker
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
2007

On the Go with Mr. and Mrs. Green is not the first installment of the lovely early chapter books about Mr. and Mrs. Green, but it was our first introduction to the likable pair--hence its featured cover.

Along the lines of my beloved George and Martha books by James Marshall, Baker has crafted a funny early chapter book series about two alligators who love each other, have quirky adventures together, and who will delight the newly independent readers in your life. This particular volume touches on the concept of doubling (similar to The Lion's Share), magic tricks and clockwise v. counterclockwise, and inventions (both Mr. and Mrs. Green invent things!). Like the best early chapter books, these work well as independent reads and make great read alouds. The illustrations are marvelous and fill in the text nicely.

Recommended especially for kindergarten and early elementary.
Cover image and publication information from goodreads

The Lion's Share

The Lion's Share
Matthew McElligott
Walker Childrens
2009

The Lion's Share is a marvelous, boldly drawn picture book that portrays both a charming story about sharing and greediness as well as illustrating essential math concepts. A lion invites the jungle animals to a dinner party every year, and this is the ant's first time to attend. He is horrified by the other guests' behavior and greediness....When the cake is passed around, the elephant goes first and cuts the cake in half. Each animal, in turn, cuts the remaining cake in half; all that is left for the ant to cut in half simply turns to crumbs when he tries to cut it.  In an effort to make amends for there not being enough cake left for him to share with the lion (after the other animals have had "their share"), he offers to make the lion a cake. Not to be outdone, the animal next in line promptly offers to make twice the number of cakes as the previous animal. By the time the elephant is volunteering, he commits to a large number of cakes! Illustrations nicely capture the shrinking and growing numbers.

Recommended for older preschool and up!

The Rescuers (Retro Reads)

The Rescuers
Margery Sharp, author.
Garth Williams, illustrator
1959; re-released 2011

I can sing every word of the songs from the animated Rescuers movie--truly, one of the classics of its genre. So, it was with delight that I discovered a month or so ago that it was a book first!! Imagine my added interest when I realized that Garth Williams was the illustrator (he did Charlotte's Web and The Little House books).

And, yes, the book is about two mice named Bernard and Bianca who rescue someone. And there the similarity ends. Disney's animated version did a good job of portraying Bernard's and Bianca's characters, but they completely made up every last little bit of detail and plot for the movie. You might say that the movie was "suggested" by the book.

May We Sleep Here Tonight? (Retro Reads)

May We Sleep Here Tonight?
Tan Koide (author), Yasuko Koide (illustrator)
1982

This is a "retro reads" book because it is 20 years old! It has been reissued with slightly adapted cover art (as of 2000), so it is still available. Since this is apparently Picture Book Month (who knew?!), I thought I'd highlight some oldies, but goodies. This is a great place to start because May We Sleep Here Tonight is not as well known as some others. It's not a major award winner or terribly progressive or overtly educational.

It IS gentle and beautiful. A Japanese husband-wife team wrote and illustrated this charming picture book (you'll notice Japanese words in the pictures). It strikes the perfect balance between suspense and reassuring for young children. Small animals are lost in the woods and find shelter in a stranger's house. The stranger returns and there is some initial question about this stranger's benevolence....

A Visitor for Bear

A Visitor for Bear
Bonny Becker, author
Kady MacDonald, illustrator
2008

Bear is a curmudgeon who despises visitors. When his breakfast preparations are repeatedly disrupted by a "small and gray and bright-eyed" mouse who simply won't go away without a cup of tea, Bear finally gives in. A beautiful example of true friendship in children's literature that demonstrates how unlikely, yet genuine relationships can develop. Bear remains a curmudgeon throughout, but Mouse's cheerful persistence reminds the reader that in spite of appearances, everybody needs faithful friends. Features beautiful watercolor illustrations and teatime.

We have also enjoyed A Birthday for Bear and look forward to reading A Bedtime for Bear and The Sniffles for Bear.

The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig

The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig
Eugene Trivizas, author
Helen Oxenbury, illustrator
1993

Among fractured retellings of The Three Pigs, this is by far my favorite. It reverses traditional roles of predator and prey (why would a pig be bullying three mild-mannered wolves?) and goes beyond straw, hay and brick in such a natural voice that in a concluding twist, meekness and tea break down more resistance than force. Although the conflict resolution seems oversimplified, I as a Christian, friend and mother am reminded how much peace can be accomplished in the home through kindness.

Humorous, accompanied by great illustrations; another teatime book.

Elephant and Piggie

Elephant and Piggie Series
Mo Willems
200--'s (still in process!)
Geisel Award (several)

How in the world have we managed to ignore these guys on our blog???? Megan told me of them a while ago, and we have read EVERY ONE multiple times (well, all the ones in our local library--they are still being published and not all have trickled down yet). We LOVE Elephant and Piggie around here. I must have written this post a thousand times mentally, but, since I can't seem to locate it on our blog, I must not have actually typed it up. Shame on me.

Elephant and Piggie are best friends along the lines of Frog and Toad. Truly, they represent one of the best literary friendships. Elephant is a boy (Gerald) and Piggie is a girl (Piggie), and their personalities are very distinct (and oh, so lovable).

The Carl Books

Good Dog, Carl
Alexandra Day
198--

This series of wordless books about a lovable Rottweiler named Carl are charming and young children seem to really resonate with them. Imagine having a large dog looking after you! As an owner of a Labrador/Rott mix, I can tell you that Carl's expressions are quite genuine. He has various adventures with the young girl in the family (Madeleine--she's a baby initially). After you become a fan of Carl, check out Carl's website.

Daisy Dawson is on Her Way

Daisy Dawson is On Her Way
Steve Voake, auth
Jessica Meserve, ill
2007

Daisy Dawson dawdles. And she can understand what animals and bugs are saying! So she talks back. Which makes her dawdle some more....which makes her late to class....again.

Meet Tumtum and Nutmeg Nutmouse!

Tumtum and Nutmeg: Adventures Beyond Nutmouse Hall
Emily Bearn
2009

It always delightful to discover a new book by accident. I saw Tumtum and Nutmeg: Adventures Beyond Nutmouse Hall on the library shelf, recognized a British title at once, and promptly checked it out. And, I was not disappointed! This is really three of the Nutmouse books in one large volume (Tumtum and Nutmeg, The Great Escape, The Pirates Treasure).

Tumtum and Nutmeg are two adorable mice (we know they're adorable from the very cute drawings which accompany the text) who live in the large Nutmouse Hall which is located in the broom cupboard of Rose Cottage (home to humans Mr. Mildew and Lucy and Arthur Mildew). Tumtum and Nutmeg love tea time, have adopted Lucy and Arthur (visiting their bedroom at night to tidy up the room and mend things), and have glorious adventures.

These are charming read alouds to the older preschool and up crowd, and they make terrific intros for independent readers to that great British fantasy genre of talking animals. Delightful in every way. And, if you fall in love with Tumtum and Nutmeg, as my children and I have, you can even visit a website just for them!

Things to Note/Discuss

• it may be worth pointing out that Tumtum and Nutmeg get some rats drunk on chocolate liqueurs in the third book. The chocolates were a gift from nasty Aunt Ivy and no one likes the syrupy centers, but more conservative readers may wish to avoid that book if concerned. I think it points out how drunkenness only hurts, and it's certainly portrayed as folly!
  

Houndsley and Catina

Houndsley and Catina
James Howe, author
Marie-Louise Gay, illustrator
2006

Houndsley and Catina are best friends (and a dog and cat). Howe does a marvelous job of making Houndsley gentle, but very dog-like, and Catina is very cat-like (at least, what I think of cat-like as being...just a tad uptight and finicky!). Houndsley is a boy, and Catina is a girl. They are true friends in the long line of best friends we've come to know in early chapter books: Frog and Toad, George and Martha,....

These books are quiet books which celebrate friendship. They are a touch ahead of the Frog and Toad reading level and would work well for anyone transitioning from Frog and Toad to early chapter books.

Gay's artwork is charming and provides some delightful enrichment to the text. In one picture, for instance, Catina has come over to Houndsley's for dinner. Nothing is said in the text about the weather, but the illustration shows us a dark, stormy night and Catina's umbrella propped up in the corner--complete with cat head handle.

I've not read all the titles but will list them below. We've enjoyed Houndsley and Catina and The Quiet Time.

• Houndsley and Catina
• Houndsley and Catina and the Birthday Surprise
• Houndsley and Catina Plink and Plunk
• Houndsley and Catina and the Quiet Time
  

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Kate DiCamillo, author
Bagram Ibatoulline, illustrator
2009

I've loved everything I've ever read by Kate DiCamillo, and Edward Tulane is no exception. This story is beautiful and poignant. Her prose is pitch perfect in this story about a proud china rabbit named Edward who learns what it means to love and lose and love again. It's the Velveteen Rabbit for contemporary children, but a completely original story at the same time. (No doubt, the main connection to the Velveteen Rabbit lies in its central character being, well, a rabbit, coupled with the overall poignant tone of the book; the plots are completely different.)

This is a book to read together with a child, savoring the gorgeous illustrations and traveling with Edward Tulane on his truly miraculous journey.

Recommended read aloud to elementary (to fully appreciate this story, kids need to be able to think/feel with the character and appreciate the bittersweet experiences)