Indie Crushes - July 26, 2018
Hooray for indie publishers, bringing us unique and often unconventional stories! Some of my most favorite books come from small, independent publishers. Here's what I've been crushing on this week.
Check out previous Indie Crushes HERE.
INDIE CRUSHES - July 26th, 2018
CRUSHING ON A HALTING AND BEAUTIFUL PORTRAYAL ONE PERSON'S PEEVE BECOMING ANOTHER PERSON'S RESCUE
What What What by Arata Tendo and Ryoji Arai, David Boyd (Translator) (ENCHANTED LION BOOKS)
"What happened? What's up? What's going on?" Pan, a third grader, is bursting with questions.
He'll talk to anyone―even total strangers―to satisfy his curiosity. But not everyone likes his questions. And because some people get annoyed with him, he asks his grandparents, "Why does everyone always get mad at me?" Still, when Pan discovers that what he mistook for Halloween makeup on a schoolmate's face won't come off, he knows he's got to get to the bottom of things. His search leads him from his teacher, to his classmate's doorstep and before long, Pan has the entire community asking the same questions he is, "What's up? What's happened? What's going on?" Pan shows us all that a little bit of curiosity can go a long way, and that some things deserve more than a second glance.
CRUSHING ON THE SWEETEST, TRUEST, PUREST DEPICTION OF CHILDHOOD LOVE
Jerome by Heart by Thomas Scotto and Olivier Tallec, Claudia Bedrick (Translator) (ENCHANTED LION BOOKS)
"Raphael loves Jerome. I say it. It's easy."
This story follows a little boy named Raphael, whose daily rhythm is steeped in his immense affection for his friend Jerome. The two boys share jokes and snacks and plan future adventures to the Himalayas. Even when Raphael's constant talk of Jerome is driving his parents crazy, he remains steadfast: "Raphael loves Jerome. I can say it. It's easy." And the truth is, when he's with Jerome, Raphael feels happy, liked, and understood-- even special. Thomas Scotto's simple, strong, and insightful prose and Olivier Tallec's delightful, expressive illustrations give much emotion and immediacy to the story.
CRUSHING ON A LASTING REMINDER TO SLOW DOWN AND LET THE WORLD FILL YOU UP
Be Still, Life by Ohara Hale (ENCHANTED LION BOOKS)
Starting from the premise that everything is alive--a feeling that is deep and immediate for many children--Be Still, Life draws the reader into a still place where everything is moving. Thought-provoking in its depiction of the relationship between stillness and motion, this is certain to engage children, slowing them down through sheer fascination and delight.
CRUSHING ON BIG CONCEPTS SHARED IN SUCH A WAY THAT RESPECTS YOUNG SCIENTISTS
Baby Loves Gravity! by Ruth Spiro and Irene Chan (CHARLESBRIDGE PUBLISHING)
Big, brainy science for the littlest listeners.
Accurate enough to satisfy an expert, yet simple enough for baby, this clever board book explores the ups and downs of gravity. When baby drops food from a high chair, why does it fall? Beautiful, visually stimulating illustrations complement age-appropriate language to encourage baby's sense of wonder. Parents and caregivers may learn a thing or two, as well.
CRUSHING ON AN UNCONVENTIONAL TAKE ON FINDING YOURSELF WHEN YOU'VE REACHED YOUR WHIT'S END
Oothar the Blue by Brandon Reese (LION FORGE)
Oothar the Barbarian is blue. He just doesn't feel like slaying dragons today. He can't bring himself to banish uberwraiths to the ninth dimension. His gauntlet of a thousand souls has lost its luster. What is a melancholy barbarian to do? Join Oothar on his quest for happiness and maybe find a new purpose of your own.
CRUSHING ON AN ENGAGING FORMAT THAT BREAKS CONVENTION AND BEGS A CLOSER LOOK
Storyworlds: A Moment in Time: A Perpetual Picture Atlas by Thomas Hegbrook (360 DEGREES)
This unique book invites readers to explore the mysterious world of time zones. The illustrations on each page depict the same single moment in time, presenting the reader with a vast array of interwoven human stories from around the world. Readers are introduced to a number of different people and activities, from to a nomad leading his camels through the Sahara Desert to a pod of humpback whales traveling through the Pacific Ocean.
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