FALL 2019 Mirrors -and- Windows... LITERATURE WHERE CHILDREN SEE THEMSELVES AND OTHERS © Duncan Tonatiuh
My name is Jonda C. McNair, and I am a professor of Literacy Education at Clemson University. I specialize MILDRED L. BATCHELDER AWARD in literature intended for youth, and I am pleased to create this newsletter with the purpose of promoting and highlighting quality books for children in grades The Mildred L. Batchelder Award, given annually by the American Library Association kindergarten through 6. In an article titled “Mirrors, (ALA), “is awarded to a United States publisher for a children’s book considered to be the Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors,” Rudine Sims most outstanding of those books originating in a country other than the United States and Bishop (1990) wrote: in a language other than English and subsequently translated into English for publication Books are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar in the United States during the preceding year” (http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants or strange. These windows are also sliding glass /bookmedia/batchelderaward, para. 1). The award was created in 1966 in honor of Mildred doors, and readers have only to walk through in imagination to become part of whatever L. Batchelder, a children’s librarian and former executive director of the Association for world has been created or recreated by the Library Service to Children who worked with ALA for 30 years. “Her life’s work was ‘to author. When lighting conditions are just eliminate barriers to understanding between people of different cultures, races, nations, right, however, a window can also be a mirror. Literature transforms human experience and and languages’” (http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/batchelderaward reflects it back to us, and in that reflection /batchelderabout, para. 1). Each year, a five-member committee selects one book to win the we can see our own lives and experiences as Batchelder Award; the committee may name as many or as few Honor Books as it chooses. part of the larger human experience. Reading, then, becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors in books. (p. ix) In this issue, we feature reviews of two recent Batchelder Honor Books: Over the Ocean, As a doctoral student at The Ohio State University, I written and illustrated by Taro Gomi (originally published in Japan), and Written and had the privilege of being mentored by Dr. Bishop. Her Drawn by Henrietta, written and illustrated by Liniers (originally published in Argentina). commitment to equity issues in relation to children’s literature has significantly impacted my scholarship. Batchelder Award books over the years have been translated from languages such as I have titled this newsletter “Mirrors and Windows” Lithuanian, Chinese, Greek, Russian, Italian, French, Hebrew, Norwegian, German, Danish, because it is my intention to provide children with opportunities to see images of themselves and others and Turkish. Additional recommended winners for children in grades K–6 are Cry, Heart, in the featured books. This will mean paying attention But Never Break by Glenn Ringtved, illustrated by Charlotte Pardi and translated by Robert to books across various racial groups and international Moulthrop; The Wonderful Fluffy Little Squishy, written and illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna children’s literature. In addition, there will be a conscious attempt to include books across various genres such as and translated by Claudia Zoe Bedrick; The Fox on the Swing by Evelina Daciūtė, illustrated poetry, fantasy, informational text, biography, historical by Aušra Kiudulaitė and translated by the Translation Bureau; My Beijing: Four Stories of fiction, and contemporary realistic fiction. This newsletter Everyday Wonder, written and illustrated by Nie Jun and translated by Edward Gauvin; and will be created with the assistance of numerous Clemson University undergraduates, most of whom are majoring Grandma Lives in a Perfume Village by Fang Suzhen, illustrated by Sonja Danowski and in early childhood, elementary, or special education. translated by Huang Xiumin. Our intended audience includes parents, teachers, media specialists, booksellers, and interested others in the Upstate area of South Carolina and beyond. The winners of the 2020 Mildred L. Batchelder Award (titles published in 2019) will be
Work Cited announced on January 27 at ALA’s midwinter conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bishop, R. S. (1990). Mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Perspectives, 6(3), ix–xi. REVIEWS
Lessac’s folk art illustrations create a sharp visual contrast from page to page to HOW TO represent the changing of the seasons, such as when the background switches READ A BOOK from bright green grass and multicolored trees to snow-covered ground with leafless trees. The use of bright colors in the people’s styles and varying skin tone Written by Kwame Alexander. colors brings to life the modern lifestyle of Cherokee people. This is a book for Illustrated by Melissa Sweet. which many readers will indeed be grateful. Harper/HarperCollins, 2019. —Hartley Craven
$17.99 Grades K–6
Imagine opening a book, reading it “piece/by/piece/part/by part/page by/rustling/page,” hoping you never reach the end of this neon-colored world in which you find a way to wander into a book. Plant yourself into the collaboration of illustrator Melissa Sweet’s crafted artwork and author Kwame Alexander’s poem. This visionary journey allows readers to explore Alexander’s poetry and Sweet’s three-dimensional collages of discarded books, tattered books, and covers, along with paint and other materials, page by page. Alexander’s use of rhythm and strong figurative language includes examples of personification, such as “when the sun/is so quiet,” and Sweet’s creative artwork shapes the imaginative world that readers will dive into as they read the text. The pages are crafted creatively to emphasize the phrases from the poem while also providing a sensory interaction. For example, three different paper folds show the lines “And bursts of/orange/explore, beneath a perfect purple moon.” Readers will be captivated, want to “get/real cozy between/the covers,” and let their “fingers wonder” while they read a book that they will never want to end. —Marianne Beck
WE ARE GRATEFUL: OTSALIHELIGA OVER THE OCEAN Written by Traci Sorell. Illustrated by Frané Lessac. Written and illustrated by Taro Gomi. Chronicle, 1979/2016. (Originally Charlesbridge, 2018. published in Japan)
$17.99 Grades K–6 $16.99 Grades K–3
What are you grateful for? In this poetic book, Gomi explores the world “Cherokee people say otsaliheliga to of a child’s imagination. Throughout the express gratitude. It is a reminder to book, the girl simply stares at the ocean in “Cherokee people celebrate our blessings and reflect on front of her—readers do not see her face. say otsaliheliga to struggles—daily, through the year, and across the seasons.” So begins express gratitude. It is this picture book, which was a 2018 Have you ever wondered about the world around you? In this book, a young a reminder to celebrate Robert F. Sibert Informational girl looks out over the ocean and contemplates what is happening in the world our blessings and Book Medal honor book, about a beyond. The beginning of the text reads, “What is over the ocean? Maybe there reflect on struggles— Cherokee family and their tribal is more ocean over the ocean. What is in the ocean over the ocean? Maybe there daily, through the year, nation as they express gratitude are a lot of ships.” In this poetic book, Gomi explores the world of a child’s for big and small things. Sorell, a imagination. Throughout the book, the girl simply stares at the ocean in front and across the seasons.” citizen of the Cherokee Nation, of her—readers do not see her face. The bottom half of the illustrations never takes advantage of the art of pace in changes, always showing the girl overlooking the ocean, and the top half of the this text by using ellipses at the beginning of most pages to create a continuous illustrations depicts what the girl imagines is happening in the world beyond list of things the Cherokee people are grateful for, creating a mood of pride and what she can see of the ocean. Gomi uses line to convey horizon as well as the gratitude. Part of the text reads, “When cool breezes blow and leaves fall, we say movement of the water, boats, and wind. The girl’s thought process comes full otsaliheliga . . . while we collect buckbrush and honeysuckle to weave baskets. / . . . circle by the end of the book as she wonders, “Is someone standing looking over to remember our ancestors who suffered hardship and loss on the Trail of Tears.” the ocean . . . just like I am doing now?” Cherokee words (e.g., gola, winter) are included, along with pronunciation guides. —Betsy Davis REVIEWS
world created by Henrietta. In this graphic novel for young readers, Henrietta receives a box of colored pencils and creates a story with the help of her cat, Fellini. Emily, her protagonist, is introduced to a three-headed monster trying to find a hat for its third head. The monster says the hat is somewhere in Emily’s closet, so the adventure begins. The closet leads the group to an amazing world in which they meet a cast of colorful characters along the way, much like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Liniers sets up the story in a relatable way that brings the mind of a child to life through his experience with his own three daughters (he dedicates the book to them). For example, the character that Henrietta creates in the story has a stuffed bunny named “My Favorite,” just like Liniers’ daughter Clementina. The illustrations convey texture that imitates the feel of colored pencils in Henrietta’s drawings and use typical comic strip features such as speech bubbles and panels to illustrate Henrietta’s drawing and writing process. With crayon in hand, readers will be ready to create their own thrilling comic, just like Henrietta! PROFESSIONAL CROCODILE —Taylor Medley & Nautica Roberts
Written by Giovanna Zoboli. Illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio. Chronicle, 2017. (Originally published in Italy) THE
$17.99 Grades K–6 CROCODILE AND THE What might a professional crocodile do for a living? The dust jacket reads, “Mr. Crocodile loves his job,” and in this clever wordless picture book, Mr. Crocodile DENTIST goes on an adventure that each reader gets to interpret differently. Removing the text broadens the reading audience, giving each child a chance to tell the story Written and illustrated in their own words. The book begins with Mr. Crocodile waking from sleep and by Taro Gomi. Chronicle, getting ready for work. On his way to work, he greets neighbors, gets breakfast, 1984/2018. (Originally and takes the train—where, mysteriously, more animals begin appearing, published in Japan) signaling to readers that they might be headed to work with him. The illustrations $16.99 Grades K–3 depict Mr. Crocodile’s commute from many different perspectives and angles, Taro Gomi hilariously which keeps the story exciting and might make readers feel as if they are watching tells the story of The dentist can be a scary a movie. The pictures, like text, move from left to right, at times including panels place, especially if you are to direct readers’ eyes and for pacing. The use of watercolors conveys expression a crocodile who has a crocodile. Or would it be and the feeling of the crowd, including interesting background characters living a toothache and scarier to be the dentist? out their own routines that we get see during Mr. Crocodile’s trek to work. He reluctantly visits the Taro Gomi hilariously tells acts just as readers do, becoming smitten by a sweet lady but quickly annoyed by dentist. Neither the the story of a crocodile a thoughtless driver who splashes him. With so many details, it’s easy for readers who has a toothache and dentist nor the crocodile to create a unique story each time! If you want to know what Mr. Crocodile’s reluctantly visits the dentist. profession is, you’ll have to read the book. The answer will surprise you. wants to be at the Neither the dentist nor the —Margaret Huggins appointment, yet they crocodile wants to be at the both work through appointment, yet they both fear and even an work through fear and even WRITTEN an accidental bite! By the end accidental bite! of the story, the crocodile and AND the dentist know they do not DRAWN BY want to see each other again, The crocodile says, “I don’t want to see him again! . . . So I must remember to brush my teeth!” Gomi writes the same sentences HENRIETTA for both characters (e.g., “I really don’t want to, but I have to”) to show how the emotions are the same on both sides of the story. This word choice shows how Written and illustrated by Liniers. behaviors and physical appearance can be deceiving. The colorful, animated TOON Books, 2015. (Originally illustrations emphasize the fear and miscommunication, specifically the facial published in Argentina) expressions and body language. The simple vocabulary and relatable plot make this a fun and easy read for young readers. The characters encourage $12.95 Grades K–3 overcoming your fears (e.g., “I’m scared . . . but I should be brave”) in a “In a good story, there’s always lighthearted, funny read for everyone. something that happens suddenly!” —Emma Grace Hutchins (p. 15). Readers are sure to agree once they step into the colorful comic book AUTHOR PROFILE
TARO GOMI is the author and illustrator of more Gomi was born on August 20, 1945, in Tokyo, than 400 children’s books, including notable titles such Japan, where he still lives. His books have been as Everyone Poops, My Friends, Presents Through the translated into numerous languages, including English, Window: A Taro Gomi Christmas Book, I Really Want Spanish, Thai, French, and Chinese. Gomi attended to See You, Grandma, Hide and Seek, The Crocodile the Kuwazawa Design School from 1964 to 1966 and and the Dentist, Peekaboo! and Over the Ocean. He has wrote his first book,Road , in 1973 at the age of 28. His received several accolades for his work, such as the illustrations often include some form of visual play (e.g., Sankei Children’s Book Award (Japan) in 1978 and cutouts). Gomi married Yumi Morimoto in 1968, and the International Award for Illustration at the Bologna they have two daughters, Yo and Mai. His hobbies are Children’s Book Fair (Italy) in 1981. Chronicle Books, tennis, skiing, reading, listening to and playing music, a U.S. publishing company, received a 2017 Mildred photography, and cooking. Gomi’s website is L. Batchelder Honor for Gomi’s book Over the Ocean. http://www.gomitaro.com. In addition, this title was designated as a 2017 Notable Children’s Book by the American Library Association.
“WHEN I WAS A CHILD . . . I DIDN’T HAVE ANY INTEREST IN ART. I WAS JUST A LITTLE NAUGHTY BOY. I DON’T REALLY KNOW WHY, BUT ONE DAY I JUST STARTED DRAWING. LATER I BEGAN TO STUDY INDUSTRIAL DESIGN, FOR I HAD ALWAYS LIKED TO MAKE SOMETHING. HOW I FELT DURING MY CHILDHOOD HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE BASIS FOR MY WORK. I DON’T INTEND TO MAKE CHILDREN’S BOOKS, BUT I LIKE TO MAKE BOOKS THAT EVEN CHILDREN CAN UNDERSTAND.” (“TARO GOMI (1945-),” P. 69) “ TARO GOMI (1945-). (2019). SOMETHING ABOUT THE AUTHOR, 335, 63–70.
SQUIGGLES: A GIFTS, GOODIES, AND GAMES REALLY GIANT DRAWING AND PAINTING BOOK ” BY TARO GOMI Children will love this giant-sized black-and- white book featuring a number of prompts from Gomi. For example, one page with minimal sketches reads, “Let’s play in the mountains. Paint people climbing ANIMAL DOODLES PLACE MATS BY TARO GOMI mountains, camping, picnicking, maybe even skiing. Add This set contains 50 black-and-white tear-off place mats that allow some trees, flowers, and animals.” The book features children to be creative and doodle during mealtime at home or out more than 200 pages that encourage drawing, painting, and about. Children can take out their crayons, colored pencils, and imagining. The back of the book notes that it is and markers to help a whale spout or a chameleon change colors. perfect for “artists ages 3 to 99!”
Animal Doodles Place Mat Squiggles: A Really Giant Drawing $12.34 and Painting Book by Taro Gomi The set is available via Amazon. $31.50 The book is available via Amazon.
*Please note that Amazon prices are subject to change. For more products, such as Taro Gomi’s Funny Fish: Go Fish Card Game and Taro Gomi’s Playful Puzzles for Little Hands, search the Chronicle Books website: https://www.chroniclebooks.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=taro+gomi. ART
CHILDREN’S RESPONSES THE CROCODILE AND THE DENTIST BY TARO GOMI
Delilah W., 6 Eliza D., 6 Anderson, SC Anderson, SC Delilah enjoys gymnastics, YouTube, and reading. Eliza enjoys playing the violin and ukulele.
Mikael J., 6 Promisse G., 6 Anderson, SC Anderson, SC Mikael enjoys basketball, football, and watching movies. Promisse enjoys reading, singing, jumping on the trampoline, and playing school.
Dr. Jonda C. McNair Nonprofit Organization Clemson University US Postage College of Education PAID 418 Tillman Hall Clemson, SC
Clemson, SC 29634-0723 Permit #10
Coming Spring 2020 Collage artwork
Profile of children’s book author/illustrator Oge Mora
of you. Thanks for passing it on. it passing for Thanks you. of
three the of because is literature children’s about knowledge and for passion My Lamme.
Taro Gomi Taro I offer a special thank-you to Drs. Rudine Sims Bishop, Violet J. Harris, and Linda Leonard Leonard Linda and Harris, J. Violet Bishop, Sims Rudine Drs. to thank-you special a offer I
author/illustrator book Minuteman Press; Rachel Lee Cherry; and Katie Laughridge and her students. her and Laughridge Katie and Cherry; Lee Rachel Press; Minuteman
Charlesbridge Publishing; Sue Gaon and Peggy Walker of Lakeshore Learning Materials; Materials; Learning Lakeshore of Walker Peggy and Gaon Sue Publishing; Charlesbridge
Profile of children’s children’s of Profile Patty Rosati and Katie Dutton of HarperCollins Children’s Books; Donna Spurlock of of Spurlock Donna Books; Children’s HarperCollins of Dutton Katie and Rosati Patty
Ash Goodwin; Kris Butts; Douglas W. Stephens; Lara Starr of Chronicle Books; Books; Chronicle of Starr Lara Stephens; W. Douglas Butts; Kris Goodwin; Ash
Switzer; Debi and Allard-Keese, Cora Speziale, J. Barbara Drs. assistance: and support Mildred L. Batchelder Award Batchelder L. Mildred
wishes to thank the following individuals and organizations for their their for organizations and individuals following the thank to wishes Mirrors and Windows… Windows… and Mirrors
Featured inside... Featured newsletter logo was created by Duncan Tonatiuh and used with his permission. his with used and Tonatiuh Duncan by created was logo newsletter
collaborate on visual and performing arts, research, and service learning projects. The The projects. learning service and research, arts, performing and visual on collaborate
The Creative Inquiry Program at Clemson University allows faculty and students to to students and faculty allows University Clemson at Program Inquiry Creative The
McNair along with Clemson University students as a part of the Creative Inquiry Program. Program. Inquiry Creative the of part a as students University Clemson with along McNair FALL 2019 FALL
newsletter is published once each semester by Dr. Jonda C. C. Jonda Dr. by semester each once published is newsletter The Mirrors and Windows… Windows… and Mirrors
CREDITS
American Children’s Literature Children’s American
to the address at right: at address the to
if you have any questions. any have you if Windows...
African Highlighting Newsletter A
samples—along with your contact information— contact your with samples—along
[email protected] email or . . . w e n
a children’s book. Please mail pictures or writing writing or pictures mail Please book. children’s a K
656-1577 (864) at
provide her or him with a complimentary copy of of copy complimentary a with him or her provide
phone by McNair Dr.
this newsletter and mails it to my address, I will will I address, my to it mails and newsletter this
contact to free feel Please -and- -and-
in response to one of the books featured in in featured books the of one to response in
r e v e N 29634-0723 SC Clemson, I If your child draws a picture or writes something something writes or picture a draws child your If
418 Tillman Hall Tillman 418 Mirrors feature children’s work in all of our newsletters. newsletters. our of all in work children’s feature
College of Education of College . We We . book Gomi’s The Crocodile and the Dentist the and Crocodile The
Clemson University Clemson that four children created in response to Taro Taro to response in created children four that
Dr. Jonda C. McNair C. Jonda Dr. We are proud to feature the pictures and writing writing and pictures the feature to proud are We CHILDREN’S ART—SUBMISSIONS CHILDREN’S