Picture books about lions always end up being my favourites. The Stone Lion, A Lion in Paris, The Snow Lion and now I can add How To Be a Lion to the mighty list. Something to do with all that courage, I guess. Leonard the lion is not your ordinary lion. He would rather daydream and write poetry than do the things that normal lions do. Ed Vere is a master of witty picture books that offer just as much for adults as they do for children. This is a great read aloud text that will amuse any room full of kids with hilarious language and illustrations. However chiefly, it has such a gentle, beautiful message about quiet ones being loud. It will speak to those kids that often wait in the shadows and pause while the rowdiest of us do all the talking. A powerful message that sings to my introverted heart. Although, my absolute favourite part of the book is the sheer jubilance seen on Leonard's face as he scooters past his ducky friend. Brilliant. WITH LITTLE READERS: The obvious . . .
THE FOG: KYO MACLEAR & KENARD PAK
The Fog by Kyo Maclear and Kenard Pak is one of the most beautifully written and illustrated books I've read this year (even though it was published in 2017). The stunning words were enough alone to make me take this one home, but Pak's dreamy water colour illustrations make the fog come to life perfectly. A charming story about friendship and longing for a once known world all told through Maclear's quirky Warble, who spends his days human-watching. Both the warbler and the red-hooded, spectacled girl work together to make a change in their world. WITH LITTLE READERS: With its underlying message, The Fog will delight older readers as they figure out what the fog represents in their own world. Once we delight in the magic of the story (always honour the author's intent), I will be using this precious book in my classroom. Have the readers respond to what they believe the fog could represent and how change has impacted the world in which we live. Discussions will roll around the . . .