Picture This: Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes

Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Emily Sutton

Microbes may not sound like an appealing topic to read about in a picture book, but Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton reveal the curious world of microbes as a fascinating place.

"You know about big animals, and you know about small animals...but did you know that there are creatures so tiny that millions could fit on this ant's antenna? So tiny that we'd have to make the ant's antenna as big as a whale to show them to you?"

The author and illustrator explain concepts simply and clearly through both the text and the accompanying illustrations. They illuminate the wide variety of microbes and their various functions--from making us sick to turning rocks into soil. Who knew how interesting, relevant, and even beautiful microbes could be?

"They are the invisible transformers of our world--the tiniest lives doing some of the biggest jobs."

Recent Read: The Thickety: A Path Begins

The Thickety: A Path Begins by J. A. White

As the children of an executed witch, Kara and her little brother Taff are shunned by their small, secluded island community, for there is nothing more evil than witchcraft. Kara knows and believes this too, until a mysterious bird guides (or lures?) her to a grimoire, full of magic, power and, perhaps, ties to her mother.

The title refers to the black forest that rules a significant portion of their little island. The Thickety is home to nightmarish creatures, black trees, dark magic, and the evil Sordyr. The Children of the Fold, as the island people call themselves, follow the teachings of Timoth Clen, a man who eradicated magic from their world many years before. By strictly adhering to the cardinal rules of his cult-like religion, the villagers can protect themselves from evil (and each other). The rules are: 1. Never use magic. 2. Never enter the Thickety.

In one fell swoop, Kara violates both of these rules and opens a sort of Pandora’s box in the form of an insidious and magical grimoire.

Sinister. That’s the word to describe this gripping children’s novel. Despite the size, format and illustrations, this is a dark story, not for the feint of heart. White does not shy away from pure, unadulterated evil in this tale of power, addiction, and truth. But this is one of the reasons it’s so good. It’s a unique and complex story, full of excitement. The language is both evocative and concise. As the title suggests, the path begins here, and I was left both shocked and eager to see what happens next. One of my favorites of 2014.


Book 2, The Thickety: The Whispering Trees, comes out March 10, 2015.

Picture This: Sam and Dave Dig a Hole

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen

As the title suggests, Sam and Dave decide to dig a hole in the yard in the hopes of finding something spectacular. What they cannot see (though the dog seems to know) is how close they are to finding gigantic diamonds. They continue to dig, but will they ever find anything spectacular?

I would love to see an audience of children react to this one. I can imagine the shouts and cries as Sam and Dave miss yet another giant diamond.  The only problem I see is that the ending doesn't quite makes sense (they dig themselves through the bottom of the earth?), but I don't know that kids will really care.

Picture This: Viva Frida

Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales

Viva Frida is a lovely tribute to Frida Kahlo. Morales has made beautiful handmade dolls, setting them in brightly colored scenes, which were then expertly photographed by Tim O'Meara. I can't think of another book quite like this. Each page contains no more than 3 words (usually 2): simple phrases like "I see," "I search," "I dream," with Spanish translation in lighter, italic type in the background. Motifs and symbolism from Frida Kahlo's paintings (and life) are featured throughout (her monkey, parrots and dog, a wounded deer, the earrings she wears are in one of her self portraits). Her husband, Diego Rivera is present, as is her famous blue house.

But I'm not sure how well it succeeds as a book for children. It's hard to follow. There's no story at all. At one point the ideas are dragged over so many spreads that I forgot what it was saying (and I'm not sure how much literal/logical sense it made anyway). The whole thing could be summarized with one trite phrase like "live, laugh, love" (I create therefore I live

The dream sequence, the abstract concepts, the surreal art--is it all lost on the audience? Can it mean much to someone totally unfamiliar with Frida's work--child or adult? But it is beautiful to look at, and children, I'm sure, will appreciate the art. As I saw someone say, it seems a bit more like an art installation in tribute to Frida than a book for children.

Picture This: Pom and Pim

Pom and Pim by Lena Landstrom, illustrated by Olof Landstrom

Pom and her stuffed...creature have a lot of ups and downs, but what seems like bad luck often turns to good.

Personally, I love Pom and Pim for the face plant alone.

Much like Jeff Mack's Good News Bad News except this time, it's good luck and back luck.