Jill Lorenzini

Award-winning author David Almold’s evocative and expressive new picture book, The Dam, tells the story of a father and daughter’s last visit to their valley community before the arrival of the newly constructed dam’s rising waters. The duo brings forth twirling, ghostly images from the past—supplied by Levi Pinfold—as they play violin and sing in each abandoned house. As remembered souls and memories drift away, the pair leaves the houses ringing with song.

Almond sets the mood with short, almost curt sentences, creating austere poetry rife with repetition. He doesn’t linger on descriptions, instead allowing the illustrations and the reader’s imagination to flesh out the story.

Pinfold poignantly illustrates this true story of England’s Kielder Dam valley and creates his own visual opus with broad, sweeping hills and hovering fog—rendered in muted colors—that foreshadow the coming loss. With incredible detail, Pinfold also gives young readers an intimate portrayal of the various creatures that made their homes in the valley with his sepia-toned portraits.

Perhaps the most extraordinarily lovely and melancholy picture book published this year, The Dam will linger in readers’ minds. But what sticks with you after the book is closed is not desolation and defeat; it’s blue water and open skies, exuberant children, dancing stars and, of course, music.

This article was originally published in the September 2018 issue of BookPage. Download the entire issue for the Kindle or Nook.

We don’t know much about Adrian Simcox, except that he is messy, poor and absolutely doesn’t own a horse. At least, that’s according to his assertive classmate Chloe.

Convinced that Adrian has been lying about his pet horse, Chloe loudly attempts to sway other students to adopt her opinion. It takes an evening walk and an accidentally on-purpose encounter (contrived by Chloe’s mom) at Adrian’s small home for Chloe to take the first steps toward friendship.

Earnestly written by Marcy Campbell, Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse is a creative and honest look at compassion. Campbell puts us inside Chloe’s mind, where her journey toward kindness is real and intimate. Chloe’s mother proves a clever teacher, gently encouraging Chloe to look deeper. Another artful lesson comes in Adrian’s open-hearted bravery as he takes the first steps toward forgiveness.

Corinna Luyken illustrates with precision and grace. Detailed, expressive faces and Chloe’s orderly house stand in contrast to the lavish gardens that burst across the page when Adrian imagines his horse. Hidden in the foliage are the rough outlines of the horse, so beautifully and artistically rendered that they are easily missed. Look carefully; they are worth finding.

School curricula that focus on acceptance and compassion will benefit from incorporating this story, which reminds all readers to look at others with empathy, because they may find a friend.

This article was originally published in the August 2018 issue of BookPage. Download the entire issue for the Kindle or Nook.

Olive and her best friend, a stuffed owl named Hoot, are adventurers—or at least Hoot is. But when their latest escapade becomes more windy and rainy and woodsy than they’d planned, Hoot’s intrepidness fails, and it’s up to Olive to get them home again. Captivating and endearing, Jonathan D. Voss’ Brave Enough for Two gives readers a gentle and timeless message: It’s one thing to be bold and daring and seek adventure, but the friend who takes your hand when your own courage falters is also brave.

Voss is well-acquainted with best-friend tales, having illustrated Sally Walker’s picture book biography Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh. While Brave Enough for Two is his first book as both author and illustrator, Voss writes with vast talent, lyricism and gentleness. With compassionate and slightly off-beat dialogue, Olive and Hoot’s world feels like a neighborhood next door to Pooh’s Hundred Acre Wood.

Using unique perspectives such as a bird’s-eye view of a balloon ride and the catawampus angle of a capsizing basket boat, Voss skillfully captures big dreams, vast skies, frightening storms and the relief of returning home. Soft colors, sidebar sketches and full-spread adventure illustrations make every page turn unique and inviting.

Brave Enough for Two is an instant classic, as is its enduring message of friendship and pluck. Any journey, big or small, is better with a friend by your side. But perhaps the biggest, grandest adventure of all is friendship.

This article was originally published in the June 2018 issue of BookPage. Download the entire issue for the Kindle or Nook.

Gillian Shield’s latest story, When the World Is Full of Friends, proves that there is always room for charming animal stories with simple lessons. Four rabbit children live an idyllic life; cozy and safe, the siblings play under their watchful parents’ eyes near a busy stream. When a squirrel family moves in on the other side of the stream, the young rabbits are determined to meet these potential new friends, no matter how difficult crossing the water may be.

On the outside, this seems like an unpretentious tale about making new friends. However, Shields and illustrator Anna Currey also deliver a gentle moral message about problem-solving, teamwork and determination. Each little rabbit has a skill or interest that lends something unique to the task at hand. Even the tiny baby rabbit has something to contribute, and the parents jump in to help their offspring as well.

Shields’ story is simple, but it unfolds naturally and makes for a perfect read-aloud. Currey’s colorful and lush illustrations have a timeless charm that is reminiscent of Beatrix Potter; the rabbits frolic in sheep-and-cow-filled meadows warmed by the sun and dotted with flowers, and even the wide stream is placid and soft. The animals’ expressions vary from intensely thoughtful to pure excitement, but they’re consistently kind, making this story ideal for bedtime.

Bookended by rhyming messages, When the World Is Full of Friends has echoes of an Aesop’s fable. When your little one asks for just one more story, you’ll be glad the world is full of books like this one.

Most American readers have never set foot in Africa; its customs and languages may seem distant and even foreign. But the words handed down by its people contain the same wisdom handed down throughout the world. In From the Heart of Africa, Canadian author Eric Walters presents 15 proverbs, gathered during his travels throughout Africa.

Representing many African countries and cultures, the proverbs are short and simple. A place of origin and a brief description (written at a child’s level) supplement each proverb, but the accompanying artwork is what truly elevates this book. The artists are from all walks of life—a street artist, a horticulturalist, art teachers and designers all lend their creativity—and they use a variety of mediums and styles. While each illustration is unique, shared traditions and cultural pride create continuity from page to page. Collectively, the images are vibrant, celebratory and full of texture.

A foreword informs readers on the importance of oral tradition, making this an important addition to school libraries. From the Heart of Africa reminds us that while Africa is at a great distance, the soul of the continent—and humanity—is never far.

This article was originally published in the January 2018 issue of BookPage. Download the entire issue for the Kindle or Nook.

Both a compelling story and an intimate look at ancient life, Nile Crossing shines with the ancient Egyptian canon—hieroglyphics, the Nile and scarab beetles—and will fill multiple roles in any library.

Against the backdrop of Egypt’s lush Nile River and the bustling city of Thebes, author Katy Beebe introduces readers to Khepri, a serious, curious and introspective child on his way to school for the first time. Using the Egyptian language of hieroglyphics to illuminate Khepri’s story, Sally Wern Comport’s illustrations feel like hieroglyphics come to life: vibrant and detailed, yet resonating with the style of ancient Egypt. As though painting on papyrus, Comport uses color and texture to create the dense night, the lush vibrancy of the Nile, the warmth of Khepri’s home, the hum of Thebes.

For those interested in ancient Egyptian culture and life, Nile Crossing provides an insider’s view. Imbued within the tale and the artwork are the Nile River’s vital role, the significance of the gods and the value of the land and family. While it seems Khepri’s story ends too soon, readers will be delighted to find passages about ancient schools, papyrus and ink, as well as the first hieroglyphic lesson he learns. A glossary of terms and titles for further reading round out this brilliant book.

Well-researched and passionately created, Nile Crossing might be one of the most fascinating, educational and unique books of the year. Beebe writes about her lifelong fascination with ancient Egypt; this book could very well launch a new generation of Egyptologists.

Perfect for a lesson on identity, multiculturalism and diversity, Why Am I Me? is less a story and more an open door for discussion. Every day we encounter other people—heading to work, playing in the park, walking down city streets, filling up the subway car. How often do we truly ponder those around us?

Linguistically very simple, Why Am I Me? relies on its artwork to open up the many cultures and lives all around us. Illustrators Selina Alko and Sean Qualls draw on their own Brooklyn experiences to fill the pages with a busy, inviting city. A cleverly placed star ties the book together, reminding us of all that we have in common. Artistic, soft renderings of faces and objects address not only our outward appearances but also musical skills, athletic endeavors and family makeup. Some faces are detailed and expressive, while others are vaguely traced in the background, keeping the artwork focused without losing its aesthetic. Details like subways, skateboards and a cat in a window give us a sense of place and belonging. As an extra artistic note, small scraps of text (newsprint, fiction, reference books, textbooks) are collage-style tucked under colorful storefronts and buildings. Certain bits of text pop out, inviting us to look more closely and ponder the artists’ intent.

Author Paige Britt keeps the text minimal and simple, opening the discussion without lecturing. Little readers may have many questions about the people painted on the page, making this a good first look at diversity for little ones, and could provide thoughtful writing prompts for older students.