Every Monday, it's a pleasure to link up with a group that reviews books they want to share with others. Come discover some new books!
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Applesauce Weather is a short, sweet verse novel from Helen Frost, whose books are always a pleasure. The apples are ready, and it's applesauce weather, but Aunt Lucy passed on last year, and young Faith sits outside, waiting, waiting to see if Uncle Arthur will come anyway. He does, with his whimsical stories, especially the one that tells how he lost part of a finger. The "how" stories are always met with skepticism by Peter, Faith's older brother, who listens, but tries hard to show he isn't interested. Who he is interested in is Rose, a pretty neighbor. The story is a lovely fall afternoon, including memories of an old-time peddler who steps into Uncle Arthur's story, wending its way to a satisfying end. It's enhanced by the black and white sketched illustrations by Amy June Bates. It will make a wonderful mentor text for story-telling and for read aloud for younger students. (Coming in August.) Thanks to Candlewick for the arc!
Evening comes and sleep, too, while listening to the 'cricket song' in a house on a bay with frogs who 'dreck' and owls who 'boo' as they watch the night. There is a fox listening for a rabbit plus sea otters and whales in the bay. Words seem soft, and while the double-page spread shows larger specific scenes, the bottom of each page shows the broader scene of the bay. You'll need to look closely to watch for changes. The illustrations are awesome, showing the outside world along with the young child sleeping. Beautiful bedtime book!
I found this at my library, by a much acclaimed German artist, and his illustrations are in colored pencil, delightful and expressive! The story tells of two friends who live together, Gordon and Tapir. Unfortunately although they like each other, they are very different when it comes to their living habits. Gordon is neat, prefers everything in its place, while Tapir is quite messy, seems never to pick anything up or clean anything. Dishes are piled high! They do come to a decision, at least Gordon does. He moves out! Now they have no worries about each other's style, they can continue their loving friendship. What a discussion this would bring, and I do wonder that there is no compromise, it's simply a split. I hope some of you read this and let us know what you think!