Drawn to Read: The Klise Connection

The wait is over, this week's edition of "Drawn to Read" is here. As you hopefully know by now I am highlighting illustrators of picture and chapter books, that are creating exemplary work — adding style and life to current children's literature. I welcome your suggestions for future illustrators and comments on the ones I post. I have featured Elise Primavera, Jon J. Muth, Adam Rex and Mo Willems. Then last week we put the spotlight on some charity work illustrators, crafters and artists were doing for Haiti. Now we are back to children's book illustrations, in a big way, with the wonderful stylings of M. Sarah Klise.

Teamed with her sister Kate (above left) as the author, M. Sarah Klise(above right) has illustrated and published 13 books (two more on the way) for children 3 – 12 years old. She first came to my attention when I read the first of a series of middle reader books — "Regarding the Fountain." You may have children familiar with them: "Regarding the Fountain," Regarding the Sink," "Regarding the Trees," "Regarding the Bathroom," and "Regarding the Bees."

The "Regarding the..." series follows Mr. sam N.'s middle school class through several wacky adventures with famed fountain designer, Florence Waters, criminals, principals, weddings, and much more. The stories unfold in scrapbook 
style presentations of news articles, memos, e-mails, photos, postcards and notes. The execution of the tale means the illustrations are as much a part of the narrative as the words themselves. Sometimes, for that matter, the illustrations are the words. Aside from the cover art, everything is black and white line art. The somewhat primitive style ads movement and humor to the situational comedy. This style of storytelling is not always easy. It can create choppy flow and plot development can be lost. Such is not the case with this series. The Klise sisters create a seamless marriage of illustration and text. Visual and verbal puns abound.

M. Sarah and Kate Klise have penned and illustrated four other books using the scrapbook/journal style, they have seemingly perfected, to tell the story. "Letters from Camp," is a spoof on the classic summer camp story. It follows pairs of brothers and sisters who have been sent to Camp Harmony to learn how to get along. "Trial By Journal," is a comedic mystery that follows a 12-year-old girl as she serves on the jury for a murder trial. The "43 Old Cemetery Road" series is an extremely quirky tale of a ghost and her friends. All of these books are filled with visual and verbal puns and wordplay. Sarah's line art adds character to the storytelling and encourages children to follow along.

Next I came across a series of picture books, by the Klise sisters, that focus on Little Rabbit and his mother. These engaging tales of childhood are brought to life with richly colored acrylic illustrations that are layered with texture and detail. The Little Rabbit books include, "Shall I Knit You a Hat?: A Christmas Yarn," "Why Do You Cry: Not a Sob Story," "Little Rabbit and the Night Mare," and the soon to be released "Little Rabbit and the Meanest Mother on Earth." Klise easily enters a young child's world with whimsy and wonder. She attacks childhood fears and challenges head on and softens the threats with warm illustrations that invite children to linger in each scene.

M. Sarah and Kate Klise have won just about every award and honor imaginable and deservedly so. Unfortunately the ALA has not deemed to honor them with a Caldecott or Newberry Award. It's only a matter of time though. 

Also, keep your eyes out for a new picture book by the Klise sisters due out in May — "Stand Straight, Ella Kate: the True Story of a Real Giant." If you are interested in learning more about this dynamic duo or their books visit http://www.kateandsarahklise.com and tell them Chapter One Book Reviews sent you.

So the Drama! New book takes a look at teen relationships

I recently highlighted two teen/young adult novels about vampires, pixies and werewolves. It seems about two-thirds of the books for teens these days are about the supernatural. The other third are teen dramas about love, relationships, school cliques, sex and drugs. The latter two seem to be glamorized far too often in today's teen novels. So when I received a review copy of "The Lonely Hearts Club" I cringed. The fact that Stephenie Meyer, author of the "Twilight" series, has an endorsement of the book prominently displayed on the front cover didn't sway me. I believe the "Twilight" series sets teen girls up for poor relationships with potentially abusive guys. That, however, is another review. After much consternation I brought myself to read, "The Lonely Hearts Club."

"The Lonely Hearts Club"

By Elizabeth Eulberg

For Ages 14 and up

In her debut novel Elizabeth Eulberg explores the lives of 16-year-old Penny Lane Bloom and her best friends. At the beginning of her junior year Penny decides she has had one too many bad relationships. Guys aren't worth the heartache, since they all seem to be after one thing and care about nobody but themselves. Penny decides to give up guys altogether — no dating until she is off at college. She looks to the only four guys in her life that have never steered her wrong, John Paul George and Ringo, for inspiration and forms The Lonely Hearts Club. Of course, there is only one member, herself. That doesn't last long though. As word of her club spreads the number of members quickly increases. This is also where the plot and character interaction really takes off.

Let's be clear, "The Lonely Hearts Club" is neither a man-hating club or book. The club is less about no dating than all the other aspects of life as a teenage girl. Besides, as the girls find out, it is very difficult to cut boys out of their lives altogether. The club is a support group of friends who help each other be themselves. It offers encouragement to respect yourself and have your own identity. If you remember high school you remember seeing far too many people lose themselves in their relationships and lose their friends in the process. Penny's club sets out to show teen girls that they do not need a boyfriend to validate who they are and if you do have a boyfriend make sure they respect who you are.

So the plot is somewhat cliched, but so are most of the teen novels on the market right now. We can't judge this book on the merits of its originality. What we can judge it on is character development, believability, message and entertainment value. "The Lonely Hearts Club" is driven by characters and conversation. Both of which Eulberg does a very nice job of developing. The characters are well developed, well rounded and believable. Readers will have no trouble making a connections and getting sucked into the drama. The conversations are quick, witty, and often poignant without being preachy or fake. Penny Lane and her friends Tracy and Diane are strong female characters with strong voices. They, and the rest of "The Lonely Hearts Club" are good heroes for today's teen girls.

Sexuality, drugs and drinking are too often glorified in teen novels. This is not to say authors should ignore the existence of such variables in their plots. Like "The Lonely Hearts Club," however, they should take an honest look and include such devices as sex to the extent that it progresses the plot. Eulberg does a very nice job of dealing with sexuality without glorifying it. Everyone is not "doing it." Alcohol comes up a couple times in the book and once again Eulberg does a nice job with context. She does not dismiss teen drinking nor does she glorify it.

Overall I was impressed and entertained with "The Lonely Hearts Club." Teens need good role models in their literature and Penny Lane is just that. "The Lonely Hearts Club" offers a message of self-respect, strength and the belief in oneself wrapped in an often humorous romp through high school.

Girls, or young women, who enjoyed "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," in middle school will enjoy "The Lonely Hearts Club" now.

Drawn to Read: Hearts for Haiti

It's "Drawn to Read" time! For the past couple weeks I have been highlighting illustrators of picture and chapter books, that are creating exemplary work — adding style and life to current children's literature. In light of the tradgedy in Haiti I am straying from the original concept of "Drawn to Read" this week so we can all make a little difference for those in need.


My wife, Andie, is taking part in two small grassroots efforts to raise money for those in need. So click over to Andie's blog to learn more about Hearts for Haiti. Take a look at what illustrators, artists, and crafter are doing to raise money. So far Hearts for haiti has raised more than $13,000 for Doctors Without Borders. It's a simple way to help and you may get something out of it too. Just follow the link below.
Hearts for Haiti

Vampires, Pixies, and Werewolves, Oh My!

Teen Novels Run Amok. 

Have you looked at the young adult section of your local bookstore lately? Honestly, how does one decide which vampire book to read? It seems to the untrained eye — maybe even the trained eye — that the only thing young adults read about is vampires, pixies and other mythical fantasy creatures. Of course all these creatures are living a 90210/Gossip Girl, life of romance, betrayal and high school. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy fantasy novels and mythical creatures as much as anyone, but how does the average person find a good book when all the books appear the same at a glance? I recently finished two such books and I am here to tell you about them.

"Hearts at Stake"

By Alyxandra Harvey

For Ages 12 and up

"Hearts at Stake" is the first book of The Drake Chronicles, a new series which follows exploits and drama surrounding the Drake family. As it happens the Drakes are an ancient and royal line of Vampires. they are not made with a bite like most vampires. No, they go though a sort of metamorphosis on their 16th birthday. it still involves the drinking of blood. When they awaken the Drakes are dead. Well, undead to be precise. 

There are many types of vampires. The Drakes are very civilized and do not kill people to feed. There are less civilized vamps that are killing machines. Then there are many vampires which fall in the middle somewhere. There are also vampire hunters. The vampires have a councils and royal governing bodies, which of course leads to wars. Especially when you throw in an ancient prophecy. This all brings us to Solange.

"Hearts at Stake" is Solange's story. She is the daughter of the Drakes and appears destined to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Once she survives the "blood change" on her 16th birthday she is destined to become Queen of the vampires. Of course she wants none of it. Solange just wants to survive and avoid as much blood as possible. Unfortunately as her birthday draws closer every vampire around wants to make her his own, and the reigning queen just wants her dead. Luckily for Solange she has a best non-vampire-friend to keep her grounded and five brothers to protect her. You know how big brothers can be.

It's all very exciting, with fight scenes, vampires turing to dust, hormonal lust and make outs, weapons, and royal intrigue. It's not all great though. "Hearts at Stake" is a great deal like the other vampire chronicles on the market. It is full of teen angst and hormones. Basically it's a romance novel for young adults. My biggest fear with this sort of book is that they add fuel to the already overly sexualized media targeting overly hormonal preteens and teens. Everyone is not doing "it." But books such as "Hearts at Stake" give the impression that everyone is and it's great.

Now that I've ranted I'll tell you what I actually liked about "Hearts at Stake." The technique Harvey uses in her storytelling is compelling. The tale unfolds in what appear to be journal entries from Solange and her best friend Lucy. Alternating by chapter the girls' different perspectives give the reader a glimpse into the world surrounding the Drakes. The second installment in the chronicles will also be form two different perspective although neither will be that of Solange or Lucy.

I was also intrigued by the idea that a vampire might not be "turned," but born that way.

So let's summarize. "Hearts at Stake" is a fun adventure into a royal feud between vampire clans. It also has an interesting technique in conveying the story. Unfortunately the writing is reminiscent of a romance novel and the content is a little to teen drama series to make it a must read. It's a nice alternative to the "Twilight" series though as the characters have, well, more character. 

"Captivate"

By Carrie Jones

For Ages 12 and up

Evidently Pixies are not all like Tinkerbell. Actually, according to "Captivate" pixies are nothing like Tinkerbell. They are cruel killers with blue skin and sharp pointy teeth that feed on young people. They sound a little like vampires only more animal-like. I'll admit it, I was intrigued by the whole pixie thing. 

"Captivate" is the second book that follows Zara, a normal teen with normal teen problems. unless you call being half-pixie and the daughter of  pixie king normal. There is no need to read "Need" the first of the two books, if you have not already, but it will help you understand the entire dynamic world of pixies, weres, and other such mythical creatures. Mostly it will help you understand Zara a little better. She is a heroine. She is strong and strong-minded. She is against killing all things yet understands the dangers in the world. She has a boyfriend, but on her own terms. She has loyal friends and she has an inner strength which becomes very visible towards the end of "Captivate."

Zara is living in Maine (by way of Charleston, SC) with her grandmother. She attends high school and has  a core group of friends that no everything about her. Zara's boyfriend is a werewolf, her best friend is as normal as they come and her boyfriends best friend is a were-eagle. They spend their days at school and their afternoons patrolling for pixies. They capture and detain the pixies in an old abandoned house in the woods. They lead normal lives otherwise. Everything is about dances, relationships and the cold Maine winters until a strange new pixie shows up.

Zara begins to question everything she has come to know about pixies and learns a great deal in turn. Then everything breaks loose. The pixies escape and rampage, Zaras boyfriend is killed and taken by a Valkyrie to Valhalla for some great battle, and this strange pixie keeps saving her life. Pretty soon Zara ha to decide about her own future and whether to remain human or become one of the things she has been fighting all along — a pixie queen.

"Captivate" is well-written, with some great quippy dialogue. There is plenty of humor wrapped in the action, mystery romance, and horror. The imagery lingers with you long after you put the book down. The teen romance is there and hormonal, but not in your face sexual. The quality of writing elevates the book somewhat from being just another teen romance novel. unfortunately the only real originality is in the use of pixies as opposed to vampires. They could easily be swapped out though.

If you are into the fantasy genre and looking for a new series with supernatural elements, this is a decent choice. The quality writing and imagery keep it from being another Twilight or Vampire Diaries. The character development and toned-down sexuality keep it form being gossip girl with monsters. This allows you to concentrate on the real story of friends, loyalty, family and life-changing decisions.

Drawn to Read: Mo's Mojo

It's "Drawn to Read" time! I am highlighting illustrators of picture and chapter books, that are creating exemplary work — adding style and life to current children's literature. I welcome your suggestions for future illustrators and comments on the one's I post. So fare we have featured "Images of Christmas," with Elise Primavera and Jon J. Muth. We also devoted a week to Adam Rex. Let's give the illustrator's their due and have a good conversation about their work.

Winning a Caldecott Award once in a career would be enough to let most writers retire happily. So what can you say about an author/illustrator who has been awarded the Caldecott three times? Well, you would have to concede that they are pretty darn good. Mo Willems is good. Awarded the Caldecott for "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!," "Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale," and "Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity" hasn't slowed him down one bit. He seems to bounce through the world of children's literature like a child on Christmas morning. He's having fun and so are his readers. So let's take a closer look at Mo Willems.

Mo Willems was raised in New Orleans where, as he has said on occasion, he was surrounded by characters. This is good for the reader because that is where his books begin — with the character. Willems has an illustration style, which on the surface, appears very simple. Children can relate to the flat shapes and bright colors. But most people don't understand the difficulty that lies in offering an entire character in just a few lines. This is the talent Willems has with his storytelling. He can tell so much with just one small eyebrow mark or the omission of a few words. His characters drive the stories and their own development as illustrations.

Willems is a prolific writer with many wonderful characters so I'll have to contain myself and highlight just a few of his stories. Like many readers I first learned of Willems when I read "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!" I was amazed. It was a brilliant idea driven entirely by the pigeon's character and desire to, well, drive the bus. But Willems tapped into the psyche of a child and understood that children are told "No!" all day long. They want to have power and be able to release their pent up frustration as well. So the book becomes an interactive story time. With a few strokes of a pencil Pigeon comes to life. His attitude is conveyed through bolder or lighter lines, placement of an eye, it's shape, or hatch marks. It seems so simple, yet it's the simplicity which makes it so difficult to do well. Willems nailed this character and now Pigeon is featured in numerous stories, including "Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late," "Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog" and "Pigeon Wants a Puppy."

Next I came across a book that was truly helpful — "Time To Pee!" My oldest son was potty training and this book made it fun. Filled with illustrations of mice holding signs and explaining the process of using the toilet. It was silly and made potty training fun. The book came with stickers. of different mice embellished with congratulatory sayings, to give to your child when they used the potty. Truth be told, we've actually read the book many times in the years since just because it is funny. The illustrations are so very expressive you can't help but giggle.

Then my family discovered "Knuffle Bunny." We've had our share of Knuffle Bunnies in our family so relating to this tale was easy. When Trixie, a toddler who has yet to speak, loses her Knuffle Bunny she tries desperately to tell her father. He just doesn't understand. She bawls and protests to no avail. When it is discovered that Knuffle is missing there's an all out search until it is discovered and Trixie screams her first words, "Knuffle Bunny!" Unlike other Willems' books this one and its follow-up, "Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity," uses cartoonish drawings over black and white and muted sepia tone photographs of New York City neighborhoods. It's an interesting technique, that allows the city to become a character in the tale. However the beauty of the story is in the personality development. The stylized characters capture all the signs of distress. Trixie grimaces, goes boneless, stands gape-mouthed and bug-eyed. And it is easy to see the confusion and embarrassment in dad's face. Adult and children alike will see themselves in the characters. 

Lately I've been reading the "Elephant and Piggie" books with my youngest son. Like all of Willems' tales they are character driven. Elephant is glass half-full kind and Piggie is happy-go-lucky. They are very different, but they are best friends. These books are designed to encourage early readers to continue learning new words. They are fun and entertaining and designed so that reading distractions are limited. The illustrations are simple and clean.

Willems' success has not slowed him down. He keeps producing new stories. Some with familiar characters and others with new ones destined to become favorites. Look for "Leonardo the Terrible Monster," about a monster who can't seem to scare anyone. He's terrible. There's "Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct," who bakes chocolate chip cookies for everyone, "Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed," "Time to Say Please!," and his newest release, "Big Frog Can't Fit In," a fun pop-out.

Mo Willems began his career on Sesame Street, where he won six Emmy Awards. He probably could have stayed there and been very successful. Instead he took the knowledge of character development and kid-centric story lines that he learned on Sesame Street created a catalog of amazing children's books. 

If you would like to see more Mo Willems visit www.pigeonpresents.com, www.mowillems.com, or his blog, www.mowillemsdoodles.blogspot.com.

Get Smart: Nerds, Geeks, and Outcasts Become Heroes in New Children's Books.

As long as there have been nerds, geeks, and "smart kids" there have been stories written to give schoolyard outcasts a reason to stand up and cheer — a reason to be proud of who they are. I recently read two such books for children 6 – 10 years old.

"The Unusual Mind of Vincent Shadow"
By Tim Kehoe
Illustrated by Guy Francis and Mike Wohnoutka
For ages 7 – 10
Vincent is a unique individual. He is a middle school student with very big ideas. His ideas are not big in that he is thinking about curing diseases or visiting other planets. No, Vincent's thoughts are much more whimsical than that. He is an inventor of strange and unusual toys. Vincent has designed Rainbow Rocketz, Biting Beast Balls, Sky Writerz, Mixablez and much more in a secret lab his mother helped him build behind the closet in his room.


When his mother passes away and his father remarries Vincent begins to truly understand what it means to be an outcast, both at home and at school. We're not talking Cinderella — turn him into the house servant type mistreatment— but the family tension is central to Vincent's outcast persona and helps propel the story along.

Vincent is ready to give up on inventing but then Howard G. Whiz, a world famous toy inventor sponsors a toy inventing contest. Vincent sees the contest as his chance to become more than an outcast. Unfortunately there are many other talented inventors competing and some will stop at nothing to win the contest.


"Vincent Shadow is a fun-filled romp through creativity and teen angst. It stays light, so young readers will take to the "no boundaries" imagination and adventure inspired by "The Unusual Mind of Vincent Shadow" without being bogged down in a deeper plot.



"The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook"
By Eleanor Davis
For Ages 6 – 10
This graphic novel helps every science geek, outsider, or misunderstood student escape into the life of a super hero. Extraordinarily smart, Julian is beginning a new year of school at a new school and hopes to shed his science geek reputation. Julian hides who he is, the best that he can, until he finds himself making friends with other misunderstood outcasts — a "dumb jock" and a "maniac."


It doesn't take long for the trio to find they have more in common than their outward appearances would suggest. They form a secret society, The Secret Science Alliance, build an underground command center, and begin inventing amazing and creative gadgets. When a famous, albeit, nefarious scientist steals the Science Alliance's notebook, our three heroes must foil his dastardly plots.


"The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook" is creative and fun adventure. Like "Vincent Shadow" the deeper plots of acceptance and being proud of yourself are in the story, but kept light — allowing young readers to get the moral but concentrate on the fun.

Drawn to Read: Illustration Rex!

The second installment of "Drawn to Read" is here! I am highlighting illustrators of picture and chapter books, that are creating exemplary work — adding style and life to current children's literature. I apologize I missed last week. Due to illness I just didn't have the strength. However it's a new week and a New Year. I welcome your suggestions for future illustrators and comments on the one's I post. Let's give the illustrator's their due and have a good conversation about their work.

It isn't often you come across someone who is as adept at using their illustrative tools as they are with language and words. Sure, Dr. Suess and Shel Silverstein come to mind, but their illustrative styles were limited. Wonderful, but limited. Douglas Adams had an amazing talent with the English language, but no illustrative ability. That brings me to Adam Rex. 

Adam Rex is the author and illustrator of several very creative and entertaining books, including: "Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich," "Frankenstein Takes the Cake," "Pssst!," "Tree-Ring Circus," and "The True Meaning of Smekday." He has also illustrated several books by Mac Barnett. But we'll focus our attention on the books he has both written and illustrated.

I was first introduced to his work in "Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich." This very creative collection of poems tells the stories of all your favorite monsters. Frankenstein, Dracula, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and The Mummy. Even Dracula's son and the Invisible Man make an appearance. The smooth, witty, seemingly easy rhymes capture each subject's personality and voice to perfection. Children and adults see the humor and can't help but laugh out loud. The vignettes with the Phantom are a special treat. Rex masters an impressive array of styles and techniques in illustrating the collection, yet each seems to work within the context of the book without clashing about. Pen and ink, black and white sketches, oil, acrylic, it all seems to flow just as easily from Rex's hands as words from a precocious nine-year-old's mouth. The illustrations of Frankenstein capture the classic monster with an added goofiness that makes children giggle. Rex manages, again and again, to add just enough style and wit to make these classic images modern and fun.

Rex revisited the monsters in "Frankenstein Takes the Cake" which follows the wedding and surrounding festivities of Frank and his bride. This is interspersed with blog posts from the Headless Horseman and recurring glimpses into Poe's study as he tries to overcome writer's block. Once again the writing is spot on and the illustrations cover multiple techniques and styles with ease and sophistication.

In "Psst!" and "Tree-Ring Circus" Rex sticks to oil and mixed media to illustrate animals galore. Both tales are appropriately silly. The illustrations in both books will have children studying the pages, trying to remember each image's nuances and laughing out loud at the visual jokes.

Rex rounds out his portfolio with a book for children 8 – 14 years old, "The True Meaning of Smekday." It deals with alien invasions, a Disney-like park, a cross-country trip and friendship. In "Smekday" Rex plays with language and quirky ideas like chips dancing around a poker pro's fingers. No idea is too "out there" to try. Therefore the story takes you on a trip you could never predict nor expect. Liberally sprinkled with pen and ink illustrations this tale is a must read for sci-fi and humor buffs. 

Rex is the kind of illustrator that makes other artists yearn to keep studying their craft in the hopes of capturing just a little of his style and character development. Rex makes other writers remember why they began writing and hope that the next story they write will capture just a little of the wit and creativity he seems to freely toss around.

Adam Rex... I am inspired by his craft, envious of his skill, and a fan of his books. Thank you for your work. I look forward to more.