Bon Appetit! The Delicious Life of Julia Child written and illustrated by Jessie Hartland
With words and illustrations as exuberant as Julia Child herself, this lively biography features handwritten captions and cartoon-style pictures that burst with Julia’s lust for food and life itself. Starting with her conventional upbringing and her travels during World War II where she met Paul Child, the main focus is on her time in France and the publication of Mastering the Art of French Cooking. This is not really a cookbook, though it does include a recipe for crepes, but will surely whet young readers’ appetites to explore new and different foods – and it even includes the way to say “I’m hungry!” in several different languages! (Grades 2-4)
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t Jes’ Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw by Don Tate; illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
What makes someone an artist? Bill Traylor started drawing when he was 85, and he certainly didn’t consider himself to be an artist – it wasn’t till long after his death that he was recognized as an important American folk artist. Speculating on what made Traylor pick up his pencil at such an advanced age, this biography traces his life and all the memories he made, and is vibrantly illustrated in Traylor’s style (though it would have been nice to have more of his original pictures included). This is a great reminder to kids (and adults!) that art is not limited by age or training. (Grades 2-4)
Just as Good: How Larry Doby Changed America’s Game by Chris Crowe; illustrated by Mike Benny
Cheering on your team in the World Series was the same in 1948 as it is now. And the family in this story has an even more important reason for supporting the Cleveland Indians – the family is African American and Cleveland’s Larry Doby is the first Afrcian American player in the American League, signed up shortly after Jackie Robinson’s debut in the National League. Larry’s home run helps his team to victory in game four, but, even more important, is the photo that was taken afterwards and was all over the papers the next day – white pitcher Steve Gromek hugging black Larry Doby. Just as Good is told through the eyes of a young fan and features gorgeous acrylic paintings switching between the family listening at home and the game itself, using this piece of history to look at one of the many small incidents that ultimately broke down Jim Crow. (Grades 1-3)
Sadie and Ratz by Sonya Hartnett; illustrated by Ann James
In this fabulous and imaginative tale of sibling rivalry for beginning readers, Sadie and Ratz are Hannah’s hands and her companions. They are mischievious and particularly like trying to rub the ears off Hannah’s younger brother. But it all turns sour when her brother starts accusing Sadie and Ratz of crimes they did not commit. Deceptively simply written and illustrated with expressive black and white sketches, this look at temper and self-control will resonate with many kids. (K – Grade 3)
Squid and Octopus: Friends for Always written and illustrated by Tao Nyeu
Just like Frog and Toad and Gerald and Piggie, Squid and Octopus are best friends. In these four short stories, they have fun together, support each other, quarrel and make up. Though none of these themes are particularly original, the whimsical illustrations packed with little jokes (how do you eat soup underwater?) and the quirkiness of these lives under the ocean will bring Squid and Octopus many young fans. (Preschool–Kindergarten)
- Hayley
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