Hare and Tortoise, by Alison Murray; Candlewick Press, $16.99, 32 pages, all ages.
In Alison Murray’s cheeky retelling of Aesop’s classic fable, Hare (Leapus swifticus) can barely stand still, while Tortoise (Slow and steadicus) could mimic a stone until the end of time. Of course, there is a race, and while we all know who wins, there is a charming twist that makes this version a welcome addition. Murray’s digital renderings of the various creatures are bright and inviting, and are perfectly matched to the active rabbit and the methodical turtle. A charming, impish story be enjoyed at your own pace.
From Wolf to Woof! by Hudson Talbott; Nancy Paulsen Books; $16.99, 32 pages, ages 4-7.
Long before Labradoodles and
Schnauzers, wolves roamed the Earth, and they were not man’s best friend. Slowly, some wolves befriended humans, and a beautiful relationship blossomed. Here, in Hudson Talbott’s latest picture book, a prehistoric orphan boy and a lonely wolf pup slowly warm to each other, ultimately forging a bond that leads to the creation of a team of fellow misfits and outcasts whose tribe eventually dominates those without wolves. The relationship survives
millennia, and now over 400 species of domesticated dogs have been bred for hunting, herding, rescuing, and even just cuddling.
Talbott’s ability to synthesize massive amounts of data into an age-appropriate text are nicely matched by his lively watercolors. A bibliography and resources on how to help current wolf populations make this book a howling success.
Canadian publisher Owl Kids Books is making a splash in the spring market (see our recent review of Skunk on a String) with expertly crafted children’s books, and Mom, Dad, Our Books, and Me does not disappoint. Here we meet a young boy just discovering the joys of independent reading. A supporting cast of friends, family, and neighbors also illustrate that reading isn’t limited to books: clocks, palms, thermometers, and facial expressions require such examination.
As part of a growing group of adult writers turning their attention to the booming children’s literature marketplace, Danielle Marcotte makes a seamless transition to the world of whimsy, with uncomplicated sentences full of joy. Cut-paper artwork by fellow Canadian Josée Bisallion is large and welcoming–each page showcases all the different ways we read.
Originally published
in 2013
by Montreal-based Les 400 coups as Papa, maman, nos livres et moi, this book celebrates the pleasures and adventures of reading, no matter the format or language.
Captain Jack and the Pirates, by Peter Bently, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury; Dial Books, $17.99, 32 pages, ages 2-5.
Masters of nursery-school storytelling Peter Bently and Helen Oxenbury have teamed up to create this charming pirate tale set on the high seas of childhood imagination. Jack, Zack, and Caspar (who first appeared in King Jack and the Dragon)are at the beach, building a sandy galleon ready to ferry the boys on a swashbuckling adventure involving treasure and other (slightly parental-looking) pirates. Bently’s prose bobs with gentle rhymes peppered with nautical vocabulary like mainsail and bosun, while Oxenbury’s trademark illustrations bear her singular touch: here, cherubic youngsters revel in the timeless pleasures of make-believe. A delight from stem to stern, Captain Jack and the Pirates is a likely contender to join the pantheon of beloved children’s books.
Literary Features Syndicate 