A Song of Sun and Sky by Jason Cockcroft - ADVISABLE

A Song of Sun and Sky by Jason Cockcroft. PICTURE BOOK Henry Holt and Company, 2023. $19. 9781250819437 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Lulu's road trip with her father seems dull while they travel through an orange desert. She is alarmed as the car releases gray smoke and her father turns red with frustration as the car overheats. They ask for help from an older women in a house nearby. Lulu watches the woman paint and she explains how the desert is full of color, and how the night changes all the colors. Who is this mysterious woman who knows so much about color? 

I enjoyed Cockroft's lesson on color and the tribute to the legendary woman painter Georgia O'Keeffe. Cockroft enchantingly helps us see color in new ways and shows his love of color in his charming storytelling illustrations. 

PGPowers

Christo and Jeanne-Claude Wrap the World by G. Neri and Elizabeth Haidle - ADVISABLE

Christo and Jeanne-Claude Wrap the World by G. Neri, illustrated by Elizabeth Haidle. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2023. $19. 9781536216615 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE; MS, HS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

After Christo and Jean-Claude met and fell in love, their lives, their art and art in general would never be the same. They were fascinated by wrapping things, starting out early with wrapped objects that could then be bought as art. But soon graduated to only temporary wrappings, that could be briefly enjoyed and then disappear forever. Their work brought controversy and delight wherever they were revealed, with only one installation ever being permanent. 

Oh, oh! I never saw a Christo installation in real life, but there are pictures and articles all over the internet to research and enjoy and discuss. Perfect for any art class. I love that Neri gave Jeane-Claude equal time and credit, as she was important to the work as Christo was, she just happened to die first.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Green Piano by Roberta Flack, Tonya Bolden, and Hayden Godman - ADVISABLE

The Green Piano: how little me found music by Roberta Flack, Tonya Bolden, and Hayden Godman. PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY. Anne Schwartz Books (Random House), 2023. $19. 9780593479872

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The music was in Roberta from the time she was born. She was able to take a few piano lessons, but dreamed of a piano of her own. When her daddy spies a piano in the junkyard, he is determined to fix it up and save it for Roberta – her very own bright green piano. First the piano and then her song – on to become a Grammy-winning artist.

I love that Roberta wants everyone to know her story – that even someone who started out poor can still chase their dreams. Fun for a music class, Black studies, Women studies, or just for a chance to enjoy.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

Our Little Mushroom: A Story of Franz Schubert and His Friends by Emily Arnold McCully - ADVISABLE

Our Little Mushroom: A Story of Franz Schubert and His Friends by Emily Arnold McCully. PICTURE BOOK, BIOGRAPHY Margaret K. McElderry (Simon and Schuster). 2022. $19. 9781534488786 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Franz Shubert was a musical prodigy, and very shy. He came from a musical family and played the violin, viola and piano, but his father discouraged him to seek a career in music - it was just too difficult. Shubert's friends were poets and playwrights and musicians and they encouraged him to pursue his dreams. Without a patron, however, few composers were able to make a living, but that didn't stop Shubert, he continued to write music, sometimes writing songs using his friend' lyrics. Shubert's friends made sure he had the means to write his music and helped make sure the world heard it. 

I've always loved the music of Franz Schubert, but I had no idea that he was a prodigy. This well-told biography had me in tears by the end. Simply told through the perspective of Franz's friends, it's a great independent read for 3rd grade and above. The illustrations were great, depicting 19th-century Vienna. I really appreciated the author's note with a glimpse at the political undertones of the time. Listening to Schubert as I write this review!

Lisa Librarian

Sonny Rollins Plays the Bridge by Gary Golio and James Ransome - ADVISABLE

Sonny Rollins Plays the Bridge by Gary Golio, illustrated by James Ransome. PICTURE BOOK/NON FICTION/BIOGRAPHY. Nancy Paulsen (Penguin), 2021. $18. 9781984813664

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Living in a small apartment makes it hard to practice music without disturbing neighbors, so Sonny was inspired to take his music to the Williamsburg Bridge where others could hear but wouldn't complain. He wrote many songs on this bridge. 

This picture book biography in verse is a short memoir of Sonny Rollins and his inspiration to play jazz on the saxophone on the Williamsburg Bridge. It was a unique venture most people wouldn't have thought of. The colors are bright and allude to musical feeling. This would be fun to pair with Sonny's actual music with some audio or video clips. There is a fun photo of Sonny in real life at the end of the book. A cute memoir to inspire children to listen to that small voice inside them but it isn't a very captivating story that children will want to read over and over again. A good one to include in your picture book biographies for research. 

Mariah Gerlach, MLS 

The Greatest Song of All by Megan Hoyt and Katie Hickey - ADVISABLE

The Greatest Song of All: how Isaac Stern united the worlds to save Carnegie Hall by Megan Hoyt, illustrated by Katie Hickey. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Quill Tree (Harper), June 2022. $19. 9780063045279

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Carnegie Hall was opened in 1891, when Isaac Stern was only 9 years old. By 1960, Stern had performed there more than 50 times. Then word comes that the Powers That Be are looking to modernize NYC’s downtown and Carnegie Hall is in the way. Isaac Stern will have to work swiftly to save his beloved Hall. He need help from people of all walk of life to raise the $5 million in such a short time.

A curiosity book about NYC history, but also great side stories that can be explored – urban planning, gentrification, displacing minorities in the name of “progress”. If a secondary class covers those types of issues, it could be a valuable addition.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

A is for Oboe by Lera Auerbach, Marilyn Nelson and Paul Hope - OPTIONAL

A is for Oboe: the orchestra’s alphabet by Lera Auerbach and Marilyn Nelson, illustrated by Paul Hope. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Dial (Penguin), 2021. $18. 9780525553779 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Auerbach and Nelson explore the many facets of an orchestra using a type of ABC arrangement. The free verse lines on each page have a dearth of any poetic devices. While reading aloud, I wanted to find meter, pattern, rhythm, or rhyme, but none of those are exist. While it was fun to see a modern look to the orchestra, this will never be a book that students will pick up and reread on their own. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

My Art Book of Friendship by Shana Gozansky - ADVISABLE

My Art Book of Friendship by Shana Gozansky. PICTURE/BOARD BOOK. Phaidon, 2021. $17. 9781838662592 

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K, EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

This is a book of curated art depicting a wide range of things, with words to tie the art to the theme of friendship. A mid-size board book, it is sturdy and meant to withstand little hands and lots of page turns. The art in this book is delightful, and the way it is paired with words about friends and friendship is truly superb. It is hard to know, however, to whom this book should be directed: little ones--those who might prefer a board book--aren't likely to appreciate the art, nor the friendship guidance. Older children may understand the art and friendship themed connections but aren't likely to want to hold and read a board book. This book would be great for grown-ups to read to their audience, perhaps to spark discussions and delight in the pictures together. 

Keri, elementary school teacher 

Rock by Rock by Jennifer Bradbury and Sam Broughton - ADVISABLE

Rock by Rock: The Fantastical Garden of Nek Chand by Jennifer Bradbury, illustrated by Sam Broughton. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Atheneum (Simon), 2021. $18. 9781481481823 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Nek Chand was displaced when India and Pakistan were divided. He relocated to Chandigarh, got a job, and got married. But he still missed his jungles. After work he disappears into the jungles around his city, brings rocks, cement, and discarded bits with him, eventually creating a wonder of tunnels, figures, animals, walls. When the city discovers his garden, some want to tear it down. But many people take a stand to support him. Even though Chand is gone, his wonders still remain for the whole world to enjoy. 

If you want to read more about Nek Chand, you can read the novel Bradbury wrote and another picture book by Barb Rosenstock. It will fuel dreams of trips to India to see the wonders for yourself. Broughton’s illustrations enhance the magic. For classroom support, there a lot of photos of Chand’s work available online – it is a major tourist site. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Music Is… by Stephen T. Johnson - HIGH

Music Is… by Stephen T. Johnson. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2020. $25. 9781416999508 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Throughs a melding or words and picture, Johnson introduces us to a wide variety of musical styles. Then on the backs on the pages he gives backmatter of each style – an explanation, examples of songs, and such. 

 The formatting is the only reason I describe this as optional – the pages are attached to the cover at only one point total. I just don’t know how well that will hold up with circulation or even classroom checkout. Send a link to your music appreciation teachers – it would be a great resource for their personal library. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Artful Reading by Bob Raczka - ESSENTIAL

Artful Reading by Bob Raczka. First Avenue (Lerner), 2007. $10. PICTURE BOOK.

EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL

Through 24 paintings and a simple rhyming text, Raczka unfolds the worlds and dimensions of reading. Old masters and modern classics are side by side, showing how easy it can by to collect art that relates to a theme. I adore Raczka and I want to share this book (now in paperback) with both my art teachers and my Language Arts teachers.

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Oooh! Picasso by Mil Niepold and Jeanyves Verdu- ADVISABLE

Oooh! Picasso by Mil Niepold and Jeanyves Verdu. Tricycle Press, 2009. PICTURE BOOK.

EL, MS – ADVISABLE, HS – OPTIONAL

Nieplod and Verdu have taken five of Picasso’s sculptures and brought them to life through re-imagining the parts and the whole, as they explore the whimsy and the expression of his art. While there are few words with the pictures, the multitude of lessons ideas that can come from this one book make this an important title to share with your art teachers.

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Painting the WIld Frontier by Susanna Reich - ESSENTIAL

Painting the Wild Frontier: The Art and Adventures of George Catlin by Susanna Reich, 133 pages. Clarion, 2008. NON-FICTION.

EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL

George Catlin trekked all over the world, painting Indians of every tribe. He dedicated himself to painting the Indian tribes before they “died out”, knowing that westward expansion would wipe many of their cultures from the earth. He painted hunts and ceremonies, chiefs and women. He befriended the king of France and was the talk of London with his art exhibit, and is one of the best-known artists of the 19th century.

This is a good book. It’s very informative, and it’s interesting as well. It’s easy to understand and fun to read. It is a good resource, well organized and with a good balance of pictures and information.

Student Reviewer: RG

Keep Your Eye on the Kid by Catherine Brighton - OPTIONAL

Brighton, Catherine. Keep Your Eye on the Kid; The Early Years of Buster Keaton. PICTURE BOOK. Roaring Brook Press, 2008.

EL - OPTIONAL

Buster Keaton was a star of the silent movie era known for his slapstick comic tumbles and falls and his straight face. This story recounts some of the adventures that Buster talked about, including being sucked out a window by a tornado and deposited on the sidewalk unharmed.

The title refers to the fact that Buster started out in Vaudeville in an act where his father would throw him across the stage and yell, "Keep your eye on the kid." The illustrations evoke the turn of the century era but struggle to capture the Keaton stunts they illustrate. There is an author’s note on Buster Keaton at the end, which provides more information about the man. Kid’s today are so far removed from the idea of silent pictures, Vaudeville, and slapstick comedy, that some background may be called for so that the children can appreciate the story.


Reviewer: Susan Huff, Area Library Media Specialist