By Nara Schoenberg
Chicago Tribune
A baby monkey with a knack for detective work, a mysterious green creature that takes up residence in an Australian farmhouse, and a 9-year-old stuck in a Russian-style summer camp are among the chief attractions of an exciting year in children’s literature.
“Bob” (by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead, illustrated by Nicholas Gannon, Feiwel and Friends, 208 pages, $16.99, ages 8-12) — At age 10, Livy returns to Australia with absolutely no recollection of the little green creature who has been waiting for her in the closet since her last visit five years earlier. Livy is Bob’s only friend, and Livy comes to realize that it’s up to her to help him find his way home.
“Baby Monkey, Private Eye” (by Brian Selznick and David Serlin, illustrated by Brian Selznick, Scholastic, 192 pages, $16.99, ages 4-8) — “Baby Monkey” is an irresistible early reader that can just as easily be read to the little ones as a picture book. A big-eyed scamp ensconced in a vintage office befitting an old-time private eye, Baby Monkey meets colorful clients and solves mysteries large and small. The pictures tell most of the story, the words are strikingly simple and few, and the silliness will have the kids in stitches.
“I Got a Chicken for My Birthday” (by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Sarah Horne, Carolrhoda, 32 pages, $17.99, ages 5-8) — Our heroine asked for tickets to an amusement park for her birthday. Abuela Lola sent a chicken instead. Now our heroine has to feed the chicken, who turns out to be a very picky eater with a long shopping list, a tool belt and an elaborate plan.The heroine’s indignant voice is pitch-perfect and the illustrations fully capture the wonder and wackiness.
“The Wall in the Middle of the Book” (by Jon Agee, Dial Books for Young Readers, 48 pages, $17.99, ages 4 and up) — This is one smart picture book about a brick wall, a bevy of fierce beasts and a knight congratulating himself on being on the other side, where he is safe. The beasts do indeed look scary, but as the knight climbs a ladder toward the top of the wall, we can’t help but notice threats on his side as well. This is a resonant fable about the dangers of seeing the world in terms of us and them.
“Who Will Bell the Cat?” (by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by Christopher Cyr, Holiday House, 32 pages, $17.95, ages 4-8) — The kindly mice are adorable with their bulging eyes, soft fur and big rounded ears. But it’s when Marmalade, the evil barn cat, emerges from the shadows — yellow eyes aglow, each razor-sharp tooth and claw illuminated — that this tale of mice trying to subdue their oppressor really comes to life. The mice in this absorbing tale, hatch plan after plan to bell the cat, but justice comes only when a new creature arrives.
“The Phantom Tower” (by Keir Graff, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 288 pages, $16.99, ages 8-12) — This book has genuine roots in Chicago — not just a few landmarks thrown in for color. Here, 12-year-old identical twins move into the haunted Brunhild Tower on the North Side, and discover a phantom second tower where time has stopped. Exciting action, a creepy curse and well-drawn characters make for supremely cozy reading on a cold winter’s night.
“Be Prepared” (by Vera Brosgol, First Second, 256 pages, $12.99, ages 10-14) — Vera Brosgol’s addictive graphic novel about a 9-year-old from a Russian immigrant family, determined to fit in despite economic and cultural barriers, is full of hope and pain, adventure and love. Vera decides that a camp for kids of Russian descent is where she’ll fit in, but when she gets stuck in a tent with cliquey older girls, her confidence wavers. This book deftly captures the pain of homesickness and power of friendship.
“Good Rosie!” (by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Harry Bliss, Candlewick, 32 pages, $16.99, ages 5-8) — Part picture book, part chapter book, part graphic novel, this story of a small dog in search of her first friends is wise, endearing and full of hard-won insights. Rosie, a wistful Jack Russell terrier, wants to get to know other dogs, but she finds the dog park intimidating. Rosie has to overcome her fears — and find a way to assert herself — but when she does, she is richly rewarded.
“The Day You Begin” (by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael Lopez, Nancy Paulsen, 32 pages, $18.99, ages 5-8) — Jacqueline Woodson, a National Book Award winner, explores the uncertainty that comes from feeling different in a poem that’s at once funny and heartbreaking, soaring and intimate. A little girl with brown skin and black, curly hair, feels different from her classmates, who in turn feel different for reasons of their own.
“Prince & Knight” (by Daniel Haack, illustrated by Stevie Lewis, Little Bee, 40 pages, $17.99, ages 4-8) — The prince, deftly drawn by Stevie Lewis, is charming and sincere. Potential brides love him. There’s only one problem: Our hero is looking for “something different” in a life partner. When the prince rides off to battle a dragon, he meets a knight who is brave and resourceful, and love blossoms. This much-needed LGBT tale hits just the right notes; it’s at once matter-of-fact and alive to the magic of true love.
“Dreamers” (by Yuyi Morales, Neal Porter, 40 pages, $18.99, ages 4-8) — A mother and her baby boy cross a bridge “outstretched like the universe” and enter the United States from Mexico. In this dazzling account of what comes next, photographs, embroidery, paint and ink conjure their dislocation and hope. Every word of the story feels urgent as we venture into the library that brings mother and son the language, stories and knowledge they need to put down roots.
