Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau

Jennifer Berne (2008), 32 pages

Illustrated by Eric Puybaret

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

From the onset, readers will be captivated not only by the author’s poetic words but by the illustrations which seem to seep off the page onto your hands and into your lap. Text sways and waves as though rippled in the water … “Bubbles rising through the silence of the sea, silvery beads of breath from a man deep, deep down in a strange and shimmering ocean land of swaying plants and fantastic creatures, a manfish swimming, diving into the unknown, exploring underwater worlds no one has ever seen and no one could ever have imagined.” So begins the amazing life story of Jacques Cousteau who was an inventor, diving pioneer, naval officer, moviemaker, author, photographer, and advocate for marine life and ecology.

This story begins when Jacques is a boy – he discovered a love of water at an early age as he swam and played at the ocean’s edge. By nature, he was very curious and inquisitive; he wondered about the world around him; “He wondered why ships floated. Why he floated. And why rocks sank.” Fascinated by the sea, boats, and with building things, along with an appetite for mechanics, he read blueprints, invented, experimented, and built models. As a child, Cousteau was also interested in film and how movies were made; buying a camera he filmed himself and his family constantly. As Cousteau interests grew so did his desire to explore, he dreamed to one day “swim through the sea as free as a fish … to become a manfish.”

Cousteau’s love of the ocean, innovative spirit, and ability to photograph and film oceanic creatures took him on many wonderful adventures. Berne’s book takes the readers on a tour of some of these highlights from his naval service to boating expeditions where he filmed and photographer rarely seen marine life. “They discovered plants that you could feed you. Plants that could poison you. Plants that looked like fish … and fish that looked like plants.” Important inventions are mentioned too, including the aqua-lung, a device, which allowed divers to breath underwater and dive deeper for longer periods of time.

As Cousteau further explored the ocean he shared his findings with the world, releasing many films, writing books, and documenting his discoveries. His research was groundbreaking. But, as the years passed, he began to notice that marine life suffering from pollution and chemicals; precious marine life was dying. Cousteau’s next objective was to protect the ocean and its inhabitants. He made more movies to warn people of the dangers of pollution and asked people to save the oceans in hopes that future generations could experience them in all their glory.

Using carefully chosen text and simple sentences, the author takes a complex biography such as Jacques Cousteau and underwater discovery and makes it both relatable and interesting for a young audience. Berne’s words are appropriate and descriptive without being over-done ... in effect, speaking directly to young listeners. Fellow Frenchman, Puybaret’s illustrations are truly beautiful and almost echo the ocean … some are dark and ominous while others are bright and lively.

Find time to share this book with your little one and teach them to love the ocean as much as Cousteau did! This book would work well for story-times that discuss French, science, or the ocean. For a story-time companion try singing a round of “Frère Jacques” or “Baby Beluga” depending on your theme.

Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques
Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?
Sonnez les matines. Sonnez les matines.
Ding Dang Dong. Ding Dang Dong.

Or

Baby Beluga in the deep blue sea,
Swim so wild and you swim so free.
Heaven above, and the sea below,
And a little white whale on the go.

Baby beluga, baby Beluga, is the water warm?
Is your mama home with you, so happy.

Way down yonder where the dolphins play,
Where they dive and splash all day,
The waves roll in and the waves roll out,
See the water squirting out of your spout.

Baby beluga, baby Beluga, sing your little song,
Sing for all your friends, we like to hear you.

When it's dark, you're home and fed,
Curl up snug in your water bed.

Moon is shining and the stars are out,
Good night, little whale, goodnight.

Baby beluga, baby Beluga, with tomorrow's sun,
Another day's begun, you'll soon be waking.

Baby Beluga in the deep blue sea,
Swim so wild and you swim so free.
Heaven above and the sea below,
And a little white whale on the go.
You're just a little white whale on the go.

-by Raffi and Debi Pike

Reviewed by: Katharine Conn, MLIS

If you liked this book, you may like: Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea by Steve Jenkins, The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau by Dan Yaccarino, or Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea by Jan Peck

Other books by this author: Calvin Can’t Fly: The Story of a Bookworm Birdie

Other books by this illustrator: Puff, the Magic Dragon, Over the Rainbow, Cache-Luna, When You Wish Upon a Star, The Nutcracker, and The Night Before Christmas

A Walk in London

Salvatore Rubbino (2011), 40 pages

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Planning a trip abroad? Feeling nostalgic about your British roots? Moving across the Atlantic?

The latter is my inspiration today … as earlier this month my cousins and their three year old made the big move from San Francisco to Windsor. Whatever the case may be, this book is a wonderful taste of London, one of the world’s most visited cities!

Join author/illustrator Rubbino as he celebrates London, and takes readers on a delightful walking tour of this great city; included are its finest buildings, landmarks, and cultural history. Brimming with interesting trivia facts and a whimsical narrative … a mother and child tour St. James’s Park, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, among others. Along the way, readers experience the city’s temporal wet weather, acrobatic and musical street performers, and vast Thames River! Learn about London’s Whispering Gallery inside St. Paul’s Cathedral or visit Britain’s oldest bank, the Bank of England. Make sure to get tickets to see a real castle, the Tower of London in the middle of the city and don’t forget to stopover at the Jewel House where the Royal Crown Jewels sparkle for all to see. Both children and parents will enjoy this story and relish the author’s attention to detail, informative facts, and thrill of city exploration.

A great read for those traveling abroad or interested in discovering new cities. Get inspired and go on an excursion of your own … a walking tour of your favorite city ... whether close or far … kids will love learning about new surroundings!

Reviewed by: Katharine Conn, MLIS

If you liked this book, you may like: This is London by Miroslav Sasek, Katie in London by James Mayhew, City Walks with Kids: London: 50 Adventures on Foot by Emily Laurence Baker

Other books by this author: A Walk in New York

Little White Rabbit

Kevin Henkes (2011), 32 pages

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: picture book

Just in time for spring … decorated children’s author and illustrator, Kevin Henkes once again has created a classic storybook that children and parents will love. Following on the heels of his tremendously successful 2010 work Kitten’s First Full Moon – is Henkes 2011 release of Little White Rabbit. Follow along as one curious little bunny explores his world with gusto. As little white rabbit ventures out to discover the fresh, spring landscape he is filled with wonderment. As the bunny’s imagination grows so does Henkes illustrations. For instance when the little white rabbit hops “through the high grass, he wondered what it would be like to be green” and voila with a turn of the page our little white rabbit is now eying his green reflection in a pond. As he hops “over a rock, he wondered what it would be like not to move” and the following page shows little rabbit as a stone-still statue. He wonders all kinds of things, such as what it might be like to be tall as a fir tree or flutter in the air like a butterfly. But when he returns home … he never wonders who loves him because he knows his family does. My favorite part is the last page, an image of little white rabbit snuggling up to his sleeping family, but his curiosity is once again sparked as a bee flies overhead. The illustrations are lighthearted and cheery. Color pencil and acrylic paint in colors like mint and chartreuse, sky blue, and pink capture the renewal of a new spring day. Henkes’s narrative is both sweet and satisfying – a great book for preschoolers!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

Other books by this author: Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse, Kitten’s First Full Moon (Caldecott Medalist), My Garden, Wemberly Worried, and Owen (Caldecott Honor), Old Bear, and Olive’s Ocean (Newberry Honor)

Where the Wild Things Are

Maurice Sendak (1963), 40 pages

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Winning the Caldecott Medal in 1964, Where the Wild Things Are is a story that has been charming children and their parents for decades. Transcending generations, this best selling children’s book (and motion picture) is a nostalgic favorite of many! At root this story is a timeless classic, Sendak dually celebrates adventure and the comforts of home. Sendak's artwork is filled with personality and originality as are the characters and plot. Main character, Max's mischievous nature is both lovable and unruly. In his wildness he gets sent to bed without supper, but later discovers his bedroom has sprouted into a forest within a dreamlike world inhabited by wild monsters. When Max ventures out, he soon becomes king of the wild things. As they explore, play, and dance the night away – Max longs to be back somewhere familiar wanting “to be where someone loved him best of all.” A master storyteller, Sendak’s tale is exquisite; the illustrations are expressive and imaginative evoking the adventurous and fun spirit of childhood. Share this book with your own “wild things” as they get tucked in a night!

In 2009, this award-winning book was adapted to the silver screen. Serving as a producer Sendak’s characters were bought to life in this fantasy-drama film. Looking for even more ways to enjoy this story? Listen to the Maurice Sendak‘s own narration as he reads Where the Wild Things Are on Barnes & Noble’s online storyline.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: The Perfect Little Monster by Judy Hindley, Jeremy Draws a Monster by Peter McCarty or Jumangi by Chris Van Allsburg

Other books by this author: In the Night Kitchen (Caldecott Honor), Seven Little Monsters, and Alligators All Around

Wombat Wallkabout

Carol Diggory Shields (2009), 32 pages

Illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Follow six of the cutest wombats on a walkabout. Deep in the Australian outback they start out on their journey as “six woolly wombats, walking one by one, passed a golden wattle blooming in the sun. The last little wombat, whose name was Clive, stopped to smell the flowers … then there were five.” Oops, now the group has gone from six to five! But his disappearance is not just due to distraction, there happens to be a hungry-eyed dingo tagging along. One by one, the group slowly dwindles down to just two, suddenly … the remaining pair Jen and Jack “thought it awfully quiet, so they looked back. No little wombats? That’s not good! They jumped off the track and hid in the wood.” What should they do? As the dingo approaches the hidden duo soon realize where their friends went … Dingo’s got their mates in a big swag bag. They think of brilliant plan to trick the dingo – and what do you know? Their friends survive … now “Six woolly wombats, good as new. Walked along together, two by two.” Shield’s text is rhythmic without being over the top (seamlessly integrating assonance, alliteration, and rhymes) into each verse. Creating a narrative rich with imagery and substance – she also includes a glossary of Australian terminology such as native wildlife (dingo, wombat, kookaburra) and flora (wattle tree, eucalyptus). Blackall’s illustrations are enchanting; she manages to create adorable characters with personality yet plays homage to the Australian landscape beautifully. This book is ideal for teaching counting, numbers, phonological awareness, and increase vocabulary. A great read-aloud book for kids and adults!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French, Koala Lou by Mem Fox, or Edward the Emu by Sheena Knowles

Other books by this author: The Bugliest Bug, Food Fight!, and Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp

Other books by this illustrator: Ruby's Wish, Pecan Pie Baby, Edwin Speaks Up, and Big Red Lollipop

Such a Silly Baby!

Steffanie and Richard Lorig (2007), 30 pages

Illustrated by Amanda Shepherd

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: picture book

“But, there was a hitch … my baby got switched” … no matter where they seem to go (whether the zoo, the circus, or a farm) mother and baby always seem to wind up in the same silly situation! Go on this wild adventure as baby gets swapped numerous times with a chimpanzee, a dancing bear, a lazy sow, etc. Yet, baby manages to adjust just fine to his new surroundings. In fact, when mother comes back for him … he’s full of funny surprises (like swinging from vines and tight-rope walking) … proving that life is never dull when you’re a silly baby! Brimming with humor and energy – the author and illustrator personify “silly” on multiple levels (with a silly storyline, pictures, sounds, etc.) managing to make everything in this book outrageously funny! The text’s rhymes and repetition make this a great read a-loud book for parents; children will squeal with delight when they hear this story alongside Shepherd’s brightly colored whimsical illustrations.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Hello Baby! by Mem Fox, Silly Sally by Audrey Wood, or Just One Day by Laura Leuck

Other books by this illustrator: Fiona Loves the Night, Who Loves Me? and Rules of the Wild: An Unruly Book of Manners

Fortunately

Remy Charlip (1964), 40 pages

Audience: Pre-K

Format: picture book

“Fortunately one day, Ned got a letter that said, ‘please come to a surprise party.’ Unfortunately the party was in Florida and he was in New York. Fortunately a friend loaned him an airplane.” Can you guess what happened next? Well, don’t be so sure …. every other page will keep you on the edge of your seat! As this adventure unfolds, readers can follow along as Ned faces a series of lucky and unlucky coincidences … but, don’t worry this story happens to end on a high note! Throughout the book, Charlip cleverly alternates between fortunate and unfortunate situations resulting in a very exciting and imaginative storyline. Charlip’s illustrations further highlight each opposing scenario by alternating between colorful illustrations (emphasizing the fun, friendly, positive nature of fortune) and gray tones that accentuate the unfortunate circumstances. A very witty twist on the world of opposites, children will love the fanciful and haphazard life Ned leads.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: What's Up Duck?: A Book of Opposites by Tad Hills or That’s Good! That’s Bad! by Margaret Cuyler

Other books by this author: Thirteen, A Perfect Day, Where is Everybody? and Hooray For Me!

The Three Little Pigs An Architectural Tale

Steven Guarnaccia (2010), 32 pages

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Adapting the traditional folktale Three Little Pigs, Guarnaccia plays homage to three famous architects Frank Gehry, Phillip Johnson, and Frank Lloyd Wright in a modern retelling of this story. The houses are stylized after each architect’s signature style and made from scraps, glass, and concrete. The Big Bad Wolf is tougher than ever in his sunglasses and black leather jacket as he chases the little piggies from one house to another. Using the classic narrative of “Little Pig, Little Pig, let me come in” …. But the little pig answers “not by the hair of my chinny-chin-chin” keeps this retelling true to the classic, fun to read, and appropriate for kids. Yet by updating certain elements (such as house architecture) Guarnaccia keeps this rendition fresh and innovative! This book is published in a large picture book format with colorful illustrations that are simple yet detailed, and are not too overwhelming for the storyline.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Roberto, The Insect Architect by Nina Laden

Other books by this author: Goldilocks and the Three Bears: A Tale Moderne

Museum Trip

Barbara Lehman (2006), 32 pages

Audience: All ages

Format: picture book

Barbara Lehman's wordless storyline is endearing and creative with illustrations that really tell a complete narrative! Similar in style to her Caldecott honored The Red Book, Museum Trip is written in a wordless narrative with illustrations that tell the story of a child's museum visit and getting lost in its maze (literary by being separated from their class and figuratively as he gets "lost" or engrossed in the artifacts/exhibits on display at the museum). But wait … was finding his way through the maze just a daydream? Well, you’ll have to decide for yourself as he leaves the museum with a shiny souvenir there may be reason to think otherwise. A story that will delight children of all ages!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book you may like: Time Flies by Eric Rohmann, Wave by Suzy Lee, or Free Fall by David Wiesner

Other books by this author: The Red Book (Caldecott Honor), Trainstop, and Rainstorm

Quiet! There’s a Canary in the Library

Freeman, Don. (1969), 42 pages

Audience: Pre-K and up

Format: picture book

Going to the library for the first time? Read this timeless storybook to your kids and get their imaginations going! Freeman’s wispy, delicate brushstroke-like illustrations and creative plot produce an artistic and imaginative story about a little girl, Cary who daydreams of being a librarian. Holding a special day for animal visitors, our protagonist finds they are a bit unruly especially when a stream of mice stroll in creating a ruckus. Eventually Cary and her ever-faithful friend the canary figure out what to do.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Bats at the Library by Brian Lies or Wild About Books by Judy Sierra

Other books by this author: Fly High Fly Low, Norman the Doorman, and Earl the Squirrel