The Flu Pandemic

With the recent World Health Organization announcement the the N1H1 flu virus is now and epidemic it seems only appropriate for me to introduce you to "Winnie's War." Walker & Company sent me this unassuming book to review about a month before flu panic spread through our media. I decided to read it shortly after the first flu case was reported in the U.S. I didn't expect much, but I could have for it was an excellent read.

"Winnie's War"

By Jenny Moss

For ages 8 – 16

Winnie is a confident rambunctious 13-year-old girl in the small town of Coward Creek, Texas. The year is 1919, young Americans are going to Europe to fight in WWI, and the memory of a catastrophic hurricane that swept through Galveston in 1900 is still etched on everyone's minds. Then the flu begins to spread along with rumors of treatments and conspiracy theories as to it's cause. Tensions rise and so do the emotions. 

Winnie's father makes coffins so she is face to face with death and has to confront the flu epidemic every day. As the story progresses she has to face it head on. Although the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 and 1919 is the backdrop for this story, "Winnie's War" is really about relationships, strength and the acceptance of life and it's many facets. 

The turbulent relationship between mother daughter and grandmother is very interesting. As Winnie strives to uncover the reasons for her mother not being very "motherly' she finds a sad tortured soul that could never "let the good and the sad live side by side." Winnie struggles to accept everything around her, including a new love and marry it into a harmonious life. 

Jenny Moss does a fantastic job of handling this morose subject matter with a deftly romantic hand. The tragic losses and emotional scenes will bring tears to your eyes without being gratuitous or overly dramatic. Then, like a rain storm they pass and the sun comes out again. 

I highly recommend this novel. The meaningful relationships, beautiful moments, and emotional losses really bring home how the flu epidemic shaped the landscape in the U.S. A few author's notes in the end papers gives more factual information about the Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1918 and 1919 and how it affected major cities as well as small towns.

Love that Poem

Most books of poetry for young readers are collections of silly poems. Sometimes they relate to a specific topic, other times the poems have a similar feel. "The Swamps of Sleethe," "Polka Bats and Octopus Slacks," and "Where the Sidewalk Ends" come to mind. Granted, Shel Silverstein was a genius with words, rhythm and creativity so his works stand above most. But even with fun rhymes in hand the process of introducing poetry to young readers can be very difficult. Many young readers think of boring, mushy stuff, or limericks they won't be aloud to recite when it comes to poetry. So what is the trick? Are there any books of poetry that young readers will actually enjoy? Absolutely.

Aside from the late Shel Silverstein and and Calef Brown there are a few other writers creating superior works of poetic literature for young readers. Two of my favorite books are "Love that Dog" and "Hate that Cat." And they are both excellent introductions to poetry that young readers won't want to put down. I can't recommend them highly enough.

"Love that Dog"

By Sharon Creech

For ages 9 – 12

Jack doesn't like poetry. As far as he is concerned he doesn't understand it, it's too mushy and only girls write it. For some reason though his teacher, Miss Stretchberry keeps giving her class poetry assignments. 

Creech uses free verse disguised as a poetry journal to tell Jack's story. And in a particularly believable stretch of poems Jack finds an appreciation for certain poets, including William Carlos Williams. Jack tries his hand at his own interpretation of their work. The more he writes the more Jack discovers he has something to say. Miss Stretchberry encourages Jack by posting his work on the bulletin board and offering advice. Jack is especially taken by the poetry of Walter Dean Myers, which leads him to write about the issues in his life. One particular poem is about Jack's beloved dog. 

Creech uses less than 100 pages  of short free verse to convey a story of a young boy with a big heart trying to find his voice and his way in the world. Jack learns to use his poetry journal as a therapist and Creech manages to make it all very believable. It is risky to use a " gimmick," as a vehicle. Sometimes they can bog the story down or distract a reader. This is not one of those unfortunate cases. The free verse works seamlessly with the story and exposes young readers to forms of poetry in an wonderful story of hope and love.

"Hate that Cat"

By Sharon Creech

for ages 9 – 12

At the end of Creech's "Love that Dog," Jack had learned to accept the passing of his beloved pet dog. This was a long process involving a poetic journal and a very understanding teacher. "Hate that Cat" catches up to Jack during his next school year and Miss Stretchberry is, once again, his teacher. Jack has kept up with his poetry journal and Miss Stretchberry is very worried about a series of anti-cat poems he has been writing lately. She helps Jack and encourages him to continue working through his "problems." Pretty soon Jack's uncle begins to give advice as well and his view of poetry is quite different from Miss Stretchberry's. He insist that good poetry consist of long lines, symbolism, and rhyme, alliteration, consonance and more. It's enough to make Jack hate poetry almost as much as he hates cats.

However, Jack is able to use his poetry in a away that most adults would envy. He can discuss everything in his life, from his mother's deafness to his uncle's ideas of poetry, to pets. Jack soon learns to love poetry again and his relationship with cats changes one Christmas morning as well.

Creech does an amazing job of having a purpose for her poetry within the realm of this fiction story. There is never a point at which you wonder why Creech decided to write this tale in poetic entries. Her use of language to create visual images with words and creative expression set Creech apart in the literary world. 

The Hardest Part

McGeath Freeman Rants About Writing.

As a writer I have always believed the most difficult part of writing a story, or writing anything for that matter, is getting started. Staring at a blank page or computer screen can be overwhelming for the most seasoned writers. That is why I took to just jotting down notes and thoughts on stories. I may write notes and thoughts on one story or 15. Whatever happens to be flowing that day is what I write. Then I go back and fit those notes into rough outlines for my stories. Now when I sit down to write a specific story I already have something on the page. It may still be difficult to write a good story, but getting started doesn't seem so daunting.

These days getting started doesn't seem to be the most difficult part. Finishing however... that may be. I have more unfinished stories in folders than anyone should. My story file looks like a closet full of dress shirts that haven't been worn in 10 years, only most of the stories are not out of style, yet. Why can't I finish them? I keep telling myself, "Just sit down and finish them." But I always seem to find something shiny to distract me.

Assuning I actually do finish a story the next step is sellin it. This feat takes time too. Do your research on publishers, send out letters and manuscripts and wait... and wait... and wait. Responses can take up to six months and most of the time it is a rejection. Sometimes the rejection is a simple it's not you, it's us scenario where they say your story "doesn't fit their catalog at this time." Sometimes the rejection letter is biting and says they had high hopes but "were sadly let down by the story." Other times the letter is just flat and doesn't really say anything, "Thank you for your submission." What does that mean? Do they like it or not? Can you imagine breaking up with someone like that. You say, "Thanks for going on a date with me." Then turn around and leave. That would leave anyone with questions. And just imagine, you may have to go through this 100 times or more before getting something published. Thank God dating is not that hard - usually.

Ah, writing. It's difficult getting started, finishing and making any money at it. On top of that you have to get rejected over and over. What's not to love?

Tons of Tails

New Animal tales offer fun lessons for story time and beyond.

"The Pout-Pout Fish"

By Deborah Diesen

Illustrated by Dan Hanna

For ages 4 – 8

Ever meet a pouty, grumpy person who just spreads gloom in their wake? The pout-pout fish is the undersea equivalent of that guy. The pout-pout fish swims along with a frown on his face and an attitude that is definitely a downer. Although his friends and acquaintances try to cheer him up, he just says I'm a pout-pout fish and continues to spread the "dreary-weariers all over the place."

Then a lovely young girl fish comes swimming along and plants a kiss right on his pout. He has a revelation, which leads to a transformation. Our hero the pout-pout fish puts his old ways aside and becomes a kiss-kiss fish, "spreading cheery-cheeries all over the place." So what is the message for your kids? The next time you see that grumpy person hanging around bringing everyone down, plant a kiss on his pout and see it turn upside down. Not really, but it is a funny thought.

The clever rhythm and rhymes make "The Pout-Pout Fish" a fun read-aloud story. They are light and breezy, like the humorous illustrations. Hanna offers bright clean undersea life with exaggerated expressions that will have children enthralled throughout story time.

"Are You a Horse?"

By Andy Rash

For ages 4 – 8

This delightfully silly tale follows a cowboy named Roy, who has a slight problem. He has no idea what a horse is. So when his friends give him a saddle and explicit directions to  "find a horse," Roy sets off on a very funny journey.

he asks a wagon, a cactus, and a snake if they are a horse. All to no avail. Roy not only has no idea what a horse is, he obviously doesn't have a clue about much of anything else either. This adds to the ridiculous situational humor. Roy proceeds to ask a variety of other animals including crabs, lions and zebras. When Roy finally discovers a horse he puts the saddle to good use — in a humorous fashion, of course.

The gouache and ink illustrations are appropriately funny and clever. The pleasing images will distract children from the ridiculousness of the story and fuel giggles as they read aloud.

"Library Mouse: A Friend's Tale"

By Daniel Kirk

For ages 4 – 8

This follow up to "Library Mouse" covers sharing, secrets, reading, writing and book making in a heartwarming tale that will inspire young writers and offer teachers possibilities for classroom activities.

Getting Trendy

To what trends are publishers turning in hopes of gathering a few new readers?

I often reference trends in children's publishing when writing reviews for books. Although most publishers will tell you they sty away from trends all you have to do is peruse the local bookstore to see that every publishing house tries to take advantage of the latest trend to some degree. Barbara Fisch is the founder of Blue Slip Media, a company devoted to publicity and marketing for children's books. After spending the last 15 years providing publicity for Harcourt children's books she found it difficult to put her finger on a current trend. "Children's hardcover publishing tends to shy away from following trends, though certain trends do take hold (e.g., vampire books)," she offered.

After Harry Potter there was a glut of books about children with magical powers, wizards, witches, dragons and more. Pirates tried to take hold but then things shifted to vampires and werewolves with the publishing of, The Vampire Diaries, Twilight, and Vampirates. Fantasy still seems to be going strong with series like Fablehaven, The Sisters Grimm, and 100 Cupboards. But there are other trends too.

Phyllis Tildes is an award winning author and illustrator with several books published by Charlesbridge. Her latest, for which she was the illustrator only, is Plant Secrets, by Emily

Goodman. When asked about trends she first pointed out the slew of celebrity children's books, which we both agree include some good ones and some awful ones. Tildes also pointed out the trend towards graphic novels and mentioned that fantasy and darker subjects like family dysfunction are still pretty current. 

Tildes hopes to see a trend toward quieter books. "Picture books for the young child need to provide a safe haven," she said. "Quieter books are also needed as so much in the media world is frenetic, loud, fast paced, and feeds a short attention span." She'd like to see editors take the power to choose the best written and artistic creations for children, rather than "what appears to be mass market-driven drivel."

Of course, as artist and author Nicole Seitz pointed out, there are always the classics. With her newest book published by Tommy Nelson, A Hundred Years of Happiness, now in stores Seitz is making the rounds to publicize it. While in the bookstores she keeps her eyes open. "As a parent of two children under six, I love reading the classics that are repackaged with new illustrations," she said. They recently read the original text of The Wizard of Oz with "new, unusual illustrations." 

As far as trends go Seitz said middle grade fiction series are still big and she believed there were more attempts to package non-fiction to children as well. But her favorite recent discovery has nothing to do with the trends. "As a fiction writer myself, I just love a good

story," she said. "There's no substitute for that." during one of her searches she found Inside the Slidy Diner, by Laurel Snyder. With gorgeous illustrations, and dark, quirky text, Seitz said her children were as enamored with the book as she was.

I guess I know what I'll be reading next. After all, none of us really care about trends — we just want to read a great story.

Before the Opera

Graphic novel electrifies a classic tale and introduces a new generation to an unforgettable character.

I don't usually focus my reviews on one book, however when "The Trap-Door Maker," by Pete Bregman, was recently brought to my attention I changed my mind. Having been in advertising school with the author/illustrator and having worked on a couple projects together while we were there, I thought it would be fun to write about his book. Then I became a little worried about how I would handle the situation

 if I hated it. I had no doubts that Bregman could artfully illustrate a graphic novel, but I wondered how well he could write a story. I decided I would just have to be honest.

"The Trap-Door Maker" (A Prequel to the Phantom of the Opera)

By Pete Bregman

For ages 12 and older

Shortly after the turn of the 20th century, long before Andrew Lloyd Weber adapted The Phantom of the Opera into a Broadway musical, Gaston Leroux explored the intricacies of fear and horror, love and hate, cruelty, and beauty in the tale of a disfigured composer that roamed the catacombs below the Paris Opera House. Since that time, readers from preteens to adults have been enthralled with the classic tale — its mystery, romance and terror. 

Leroux introduced us to several characters in his original novel — Erik, the manic and obsessive composer, and The Persian, who helped rescue the object of Erik's obsession. Leroux buries hints and information pertaining to Erik's previous life and relationships throughout the novel, but he never fully explores the past. Several authors have expanded upon the Phantom's story, but none have captured its essence quite like Pete Bregman. In part, this is due to the graphic nature of Bregman's novel. Mostly though it is his skill as a storyteller that sets this story apart.

"The Trap-Door Maker" is a graphic novel that explores Erik's life in Persia before his days as the Phantom. Bregman deftly breathes new life into a character most younger readers only

associate with Broadway. He creatively wraps the details we know from Leroux's novel into a seamless new tale of Erik's life. As a humble street magician Erik made a name for himself with his ingenuity and inventive illusions. When in the right place at the right time Erik is able to gain the trust of both the Shah and his daughter the Sultana. Erik is then taken into the palace as a performer, a mentor, an assassin and a palace architect. In the latter position Erik uses his ingenuity and inventiveness to create trap doors, tunnels, escape routes, traps and torture chambers. Erik enjoys a life of luxury and respect for the first time in his life. It isn't until construction is completed and the Shah believes Erik knows too many secrets that things take a turn for the worse. The order is given for Erik's head, but The Daroga (a.k.a. chief of police, a.k.a. The Persian) knows a thing or two as well and lets Erik escape. You'll just have to read the tale for yourself to get the details.

Although there are some brutal fights and killings it seems quite tame compared to most graphic novels today. This may be attributed to the completely black and white illustrations. No blood and guts, just artistry. Bregman wields black and white like most artist handle an entire palette of color. The effect is simple and artfully guides you into the details of each illustration. The black and white palette also emphasizes the quality of the story without creating distractions. 

"The Trap-Door Maker" is a great piece of work that I was very glad to read. I only wish it had been a little longer. I guess I'll have to go get Bregman's adaptation of "The Phantom of the Opera" next.

Another World

Escapism in children's literature

Trends seem to occur in every media including children's books. Sometimes they are a natural occurrence and sometimes they are manufactured. Either way they happen. For instance,  if there is one book that seeks to transport you to another world there are 20. So in this column I've highlighted three books that use different techniques to help children escape into an adventure. 

"The Seven Keys of Balabad"

By Paul Haven

Illustrated by Mark Zug

For ages 8 – 13

Adventure, exotic locales, mystery and treasure — all just part of what makes "The Seven Keys of Balabad" a fun read. No witches, wizards, vampires, fantasy fairies or alternate universes. With the exception of a few flashbacks this story takes place today, in our world. this story doesn't depend upon trends to thrive. It all comes down to an intriguing story.

This story follows Oliver, a young, American teen living with his family in Balabad, a worn-torn Middle Eastern country. When a 500-year-old sacred carpet is stolen, Oliver finds himself embroiled in a mystery with his best friend Zee, a one-eye warrior and his daughter, and seven unique keys.

Steady action and intrigue keep the story exciting without becoming frenetic. The characters are believable and the dialogue is realistic. Boys and girls alike will enjoy this tale adventure as Oliver and his friends piece together the mystery of the Brotherhood of Arachosia and search for a hidden treasure.

"Ignatius MacFarland: Frequenaut"

By Paul Feig

For ages 8 – 12

Full of adventure and humor this tale begins with an explosion. A misguided attempt to build a spaceship and launch it into space explodes in our title character's face — literally. It doesn't kill him or injure him, but it does send him into another frequency. An interesting take on the whole alternate universe concept, MacFarland ends up in a world that looks very similar to his own. That is until he looks a little closer and discovers nothing is the same.

After making friends with a cat that acts like a dog MacFarland stumbles across the leader of the world, who turns out to be a former teacher of his. This teacher also happened to disappear in an explosion. Pretty soon MacFarland is trying to free the world and its inhabitants from the evil teacher's clutches while simultaneously finding a way home.

"Igantius MacFarland" is fun and funny escape with an interesting look at culture, civilization and dictatorships. 

"What a Trip"

By Arthur Yorinks

Illustrated by Richard Egielski

For ages 4 – 9

When Mel trips on his way home he falls right into another dimension. It is full of sharp points and angles. No smooth curves anywhere. When he falls back home nobody believes Mel's tale of an alternate universe. Mel tries so hard to trip into the angle universe again people, including his parents, begin to wonder if he is stable. It isn't until he finally trips into the other world again that his parents get to see the truth.

Although the language is nice most of the humor in this tale is in Egielski's slapstick illustrations. The Mad Magazine style folded illustrations that reveal a hidden surprise are also quite nifty for kids. It is a wonder more illustrators haven't tried this gimmick over the years. Kids will enjoy it once in awhile, but this story probably won't be picked for nightly story time.

For information regarding reprints and pricing contact mcgeath@mcgeathfreeman.com.