Diana Dances – Lozano

Most educators know a child (or teen), who cannot sit still in a desk and refuses to conform to the standardization of public education. Diana is the embodiment of this student.

Unfortunately, the adults surrounding Diana immediately assume there must be something wrong with her.

A benevolent psychologist intervenes just in time, however, and Diana’s body and soul are rescued.

The illustrations in this title are reminiscent of Hilary Knight and her beloved Eloise, but Diana certainly is her own special character.

There is limited text on each page, which perfectly suits this story. Some pages have no text at all, allowing the reader to interpret for themselves.

Readers of all ages have the opportunity to see their personalities reflected in Diana.

Thank you to Annick Press and NetGalley for the advance copy of this title.

Diana Dances – Luciano Lozano

Children’s Fiction – Annick Press – Publication Date: 12 March 2019

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A Boy and A House – Kastelic

This recent North American edition of Kastelic’s Slovenian original is a visual treat.

The “plot” of this title is basic: An unnamed boy roams the city, happens upon a feline guide, enters a mysterious old house.

The detail of each page, however, is the opposite of basic. One could look through the pages many times and still not catch all of the minute elements that make this book so captivating.

On first glance, it appears that this is a story without words. Looking more closely at this richly illustrated title, it appears that words are everywhere, written on walls, alleys, pieces of paper posted here and there. Words surround the boy and accompany him on his journey. In one example, there is this charming note of guidance:

Manifesto!

1. Look at the stars!

2. And again!

3.

4. Always

5. Forever

This title is perfect for young readers who enjoy studying detail and reading a story multiple times. Adults will enjoy pondering the outcome of the boy’s journey.

Thank you to Annick Press and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book to review.

A Boy and A House – Maja Kastelic

Children’s Fiction – Annick Press – Publication Date: September 11, 2018

Sprout, Seed, Sprout! – Dunklee.Sookocheff

Sprout, Seed, Sprout! will completely fill you with delight. Fitting somewhere between a how-to guide for sprouting a seed, and a precious reflection on patience and perseverance, this book is perfect for growing minds.

Dunklee’s simple and decisive language is ideal for very young children, while older readers can notice fun details, such as the progression in age of both the protagonist and his plant!

Sookocheff’s illustrations are likewise straightforward, and the use of soft colors and easily-recognizable imagery is appealing to all readers.

Thank you to Owlkids Books and NetGalley for the advance readers copy of this title.

Sprout, Seed, Sprout! –Written by Annika Dunklee, Illustrated by Carey Sookocheff

Owlkids Books – Children’s Fiction – Release date: 15 March 2019