Book Review: Lenny & Lucy

LENNY & LUCY by Philip C. Stead is an absorbing picture book sharing the melancholy of moving and the joy of budding friendships.

Peter isn’t happy about moving to an old house across a wooden bridge from the dark woods. He builds two pillow people to stand guard at the bridge and keep him company. When a new neighbor invites him to play, Harold begins to feel more comfortable in this strange, new setting.

Stead’s imaginative illustrations draw readers into the setting and bring Harold’s world to life. A slash of color highlights the characters and key elements of the story.

Designed for the primary grades, librarians will find this story of moving and friendship to be a popular addition to the library’s picture book collection.

To learn more about the author/illustrator, go to http://philipstead.com/.

Published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan on October 6, 2015. ARC from publisher.

Book Review: The Tea Party in the Woods

THE TEA PARTY IN THE WOODS by Akiko Miyakoshi is an amazing picture book story of a path, a party, a pie, and a parade through the snow.

Designed for ages 4-8, young Kikko sets out through the snow covered woods to catch up with her father who is on his way to Grandmother’s house. She’s carrying a pie for her grandma, but it’s smashed when she falls in the snow. Disoriented, she ended up at a large house and is invited to join a formally dressed party of animals for tea. All the forest animals contribute pieces to form a new pie she can take to grandmother’s house.

Unlike many forest tales that are filled with scary creatures, this story views the woods as an inviting place stocked with warm, caring animals and pie made of forest fruits and nuts.

The magical elements seems to rise naturally in this bridge between fantasy and reality. The soft charcoal drawings perfectly match the quiet story. The hint of color add to the appeal.

Librarians will find that both the illustrations and story will attract a wide range of children. The story’s focus on cooperation and problem solving will be particularly compelling for primary teachers.

To learn more about the author/illustrator, go to http://miyakoshiakiko.com/.

Published by Kids Can Press on August 1, 2015.

Book Review: The Jumbies

THE JUMBIES by Tracey Baptiste is a beautifully written retelling of a classic Haitian folktale.

Corinne grows up hearing tales of jumbos who live in the forest near her home. While some of her islander friends think these creatures are imaginary, others believe they are real and lurk in the woods waiting to steal children. When a mysterious woman arrives in the village, Corinne wonders if she is more dangerous than she appears.

The lyrical narrative and elements of mystery will attract middle-grade readers. Boys and girls alike will be drawn to the smart, strong heroine and her friends.

The author’s note provides insights into the history of this Caribbean jumbie tale.

With library shelves overflowing with retellings of Grimm and other European tales, librarians will welcome this inventive Haitian folktale. The short novel will appeal to middle-grades students who enjoy both folktales and monster stories. Pair it with other global folktales for an engaging literature circle. Or, include it in a display of monster myths from Sasquatch to Bigfoot.

To learn more about the author, go to https://traceybaptiste.wordpress.com/.

Published by Algonquin Young Readers on April 28, 2015.