Fireboat

Maira Kalman (Illustrator). Puffin 2005, Paperback, 48 pages, $3.74

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This outstanding picture book tells the true story of the John J. Harvey, the retired fireboat, rehabilitated by hobbyists, which was called back into service during the terrible crisis of September 11, 2001.  The careful, well-written text gives the reader a sense of the boat’s own history as a traditional fireboat and then a hobbyist’s project.  Then she sensitively introduces September 11’s events, explaining how the Harvey’s civilian crew volunteered for service when New York’s damaged water lines were unable to supply enough water to fight fires.  Kalman wisely avoids any discussion of the reasons behind September 11, leaving interpretation for parents and teachers who will be better able to contextualize these events for their own children.

The book is pleasantly illustrated in a slightly abstract style which is a very good choice for events as dramatic and potentially painful as these.  Rather than being a grief-filled lament, this book emphasizes courage, concern for others and a warm sense of American identity.  It is an excellent introduction to the topic of September 11, and the parent or teacher who presents it should be prepared for the inevitable questions that will follow its reading.

City by Numbers

Stephen T. Johnson (Illustrator). Puffin 2003, Paperback, 32 pages, $3.52

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

City by Numbers is another volume in the spirit of Alphabet City.  Conceived at the same time as a natural outgrowth of the alphabet book (which won a Caldecott Honor in 1996), this is an excellent companion to it.  It’s also an excellent choice both for prereaders, aspiring artists, or just those who enjoy a chance to see the world from a new perspective.

Alphabet City

Stephen T. Johnson (Illustrator). Puffin 1999, Paperback, 32 pages, $3.00

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Artistic alphabet books have become very common, but this original work is quite out of the ordinary.  Stephen Johnson has captured alphabet shapes in ordinary places around a bustling city: an I in an old neon sign, an N in the iron supports of a bridge, an O in the circled armrests of a park bench.  These are reproduced in paintings that are so realistic that at first glance they might be taken for photographs.

This book will provide enjoyment both for pre-readers practicing their alphabet, and older readers who are interested in seeing the world in a different way.  It’s an excellent addition to a home library.

A Day’s Work

Ronald Himler (Illustrator). Sandpiper 1997, Paperback, 32 pages, $3.11

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

On Saturday morning, young Francisco waits with his abuelo (grandfather) with other day laborers, hoping for a day’s work.  In order to persuade a potential employer to choose them, Francisco claims his grandfather is a gardener, even though he is actually a carpenter.  It is only at the end of the day that the lie is found out.  Then Abuelo shows Francisco the value of integrity, admonishing, “We do not lie for work,” and taking steps to make restitution.

Bunting’s understated text, written from the child’s perspective, expresses the raw desperation that the most poverty-stricken people experience daily, helping the reader understand why Francisco would tell such a lie.  But his grandfather’s personal honor proves that, regardless of circumstances, even the lowest labor carries dignity and worth when it is carried out with self-respect.

This is a serious story, and even illustrated with Himler’s wonderful paintings it retains a somber mood that might not draw readers in as easily as more lighthearted books.  But it provides a vital, sympathetic glimpse into the world of immigrant day laborers while demonstrating the moral importance of honesty.  It’s a beautifully moving book which will help cultivate compassion for others.

The Matchlock Gun

Walter D. Edmonds. Putnam Juvenile 1998, Paperback, 80 pages, $1.98

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Teunis and Gertrude Van Alstyne are Dutch homesteaders caught in the middle of the French and Indian War, and one night Teunis is called away to fight.  He leaves Gertrude, ten-year-old Edward, and six-year-old Trudy alone in their cabin, admonishing her to go to his mother’s house if Indians come their way.  But when Teunis sends word that Indians are coming, Gertrude decides to stay in the cabin out of dislike for her mother-in-law.  Although she rationalizes the decision by telling herself their enemies will leave them alone, she realizes too late that she and Edward must defend themselves.  The only weapon in the home is an antique matchlock gun, used as decoration above the door.

Throughout the text, Gertrude responds to fearful circumstances with calm fortitude, thinking through their plan and carrying out her role in it — but it is Edward on whom she depends to take the action that will save their lives.  There are few stories in which a child is given such an important and difficult task, and his courage and responsibility are awe-inspiring.

This true story starts out slowly, but steadily builds to reach a tremendous climax.  It is splendidly written, and illustrated with lithographic drawings that are impressive given technological limitations at the time of publication.  It is a good read-aloud for pre-readers, but because of the suspenseful nature of the story, sensitive children may need to wait until they are a little older to engage the story without being frightened.

All Things Bright and Beautiful

Bruce Whatley (Illustrator). HarperCollins 2001, Hardcover, 32 pages, $10.51

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Bruce Whatley’s paintings bring new life to the beautiful old hymn by Cecil Frances Alexander, originally written to help children understand the opening of the Apostle’s Creed.  The illustrations follow a girl on a country ramble, experiencing the created things described in the hymn, then returning home to tell her family about it.  This makes for a joyous read and is an excellent supplement to a child’s Christian training.  The musical score is provided in the endnotes.

When Omri, a young English boy, puts a toy Indian in a medicine cabinet and turns a special key, the Indian magically comes to life.  But the Indian is not merely a toy come to life, but a real person with a history who has been transported into Omri’s time, in miniature form.  Complications arise when Omri’s thoughtless friend puts his toy cowboy in the cupboard to see if they will fight.  The two boys then endanger the small people by taking them to school.

Unlike other fantasies which create an entire magical world, the cupboard is the only magical element in this story.  Because of its grounding in the everyday, this fantasy has a particular charm, as readers might imagine stumbling across just this kind of magic in their own world.  Omri and his friend are ordinary children, and Omri must struggle with having taken on so much responsibility for other human beings.  In the end he realizes it isn’t his place to have such power over their lives, and he uses the cupboard to send them back to their own time.

As a Native American person, I am reflexively suspicious of fiction about Indians, especially in this genre, because it is easy for non-Indians to caricature people whose culture they can’t really identify with.  But while Banks’ development of the Indian’s character might be a little thin, it’s no thinner than that of other characters.  Banks provides enough history of the Five Civilized Tribes, and their role in the French and Indian Wars to demonstrate Little Bull’s humanity, and it is on this basis that Omri comes to respect him.  This is an entertaining, appealing story, in which an immature young man learns to take responsibility and show respect for others.

There are two abysmal sequels available, but I recommend only the original story.

Ginger Pye (Young Classic)

Eleanor Estes. Sandpiper 2000, Paperback, 320 pages, $0.55

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Jerry and Rachel Pye make a companionable team, from their cheerful “Boombernickles” word game and outdoor explorations, to their acquisition of their family’s new puppy, Ginger.  But when the puppy disappears on Thanksgiving Day, the heartbroken children work together to solve the mystery of who could have stolen him.

Ginger Pye combines a warmly written, empathetic, and often funny portrayal of a loving family with an engaging mystery to be solved, and concludes with a quite satisfying resolution.  The story abounds in engaging portraits of interesting characters in the Pye’s small-town community, but Estes’ character development of Jerry and Rachel is where her writing really shines.  She perceptively captures the way children think about their world, and anchors these ordinary (but quite likable) children in a believable 1950’s American town.  This is a very enjoyable story.

The Trumpet of the Swan (full color)

Fred Marcellino (Illustrator). HarperCollins 2001, Paperback, 272 pages, $4.95

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Louis, a trumpeter swan, was hatched without a voice and so is unable to win a mate, even though with the help of his human friend Sam, he has learned to read and write.  Out of paternal love, Louis’ father breaks into a music store and steals a trumpet for Louis to use in courtship of the beautiful Serena.  But Louis is too honorable to simply accept the stolen instrument — he learns to play it, then hires out his musical ability until he can pay back the store owner.  Throughout his adventures are woven adventure, romance, absurdity, and White’s perceptive view of human nature.

The Trumpet of the Swan is an exceptionally creative work, reminiscent in different ways of Make Way for Ducklings, Charlotte’s Web, and Homer Price, but unique unto itself.  The reader will finish the book not only having had a good time, but appreciating the value of love and music, work and family, as well as knowing a little more about the habits of trumpeter swans.  It’s an outstanding choice for a read-aloud.

Rapunzel

Trina Schart Hyman (Illustrator). Holiday House (P) 1987, Paperback, $22.62

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Rogansky’s retelling of Rapunzel is another excellent interpretation of the traditional fairy tale popularized by the Brothers Grimm.  Rogansky’s prose is flawless, and the story is illustrated with sweeping romantic brilliance by Trina Schart Hyman, in a similar style to her Saint George and the Dragon and Little Red Riding Hood.  Rapunzel’s neckline does plunge a little low on some pages, and for this reason some parents may prefer Zelinsky’s Rapunzel to this one.

This book is also unfortunately a little hard to find, but it is easily available through public libraries.