Harper Collins Childrens books contacted me recently and asked me if I would be willing to review some of their children’s books. Since Sean and I had recently decided to read through the entire list of Newbery books (that’s around 300 books if you keep track of that sort of thing) I said yes, I would love to, and I sent them my wish list.
They sent all of the books I requested and a few others. I will be reviewing those books here over the next several months as we get them read.
They also asked if I would review a picture book. Even though my kiddo is eight and has moved well beyond the genre of picture books, I still love picture books. As an artist I love the illustrations, and as a writer I appreciate the skill that it takes to distill a story into a few precise lines per page rather than to write big fat juicy paragraphs. Less is more, but it is definitely not easier. At any rate, I told them to send me any old picture book and I would review it.
The book that they sent me is Peepsqueak! by Leslie Ann Clark.
When the book arrived, Sean — my eight-year-old who loves reading about boys surviving on their own in the wilderness – immediately ran off with the picture book about a little chick who wants to fly, and quickly read it. When he came back, I asked him what he thought of it. He said he really liked it and thought “little kids” would like it too.
Since I am somewhat of a little kid, I read it, and I have to agree with Sean, I like it too. I just wish he was still small enough to fit on my lap so I could read it to him.
The story is about a little chick named Peepsqueak who wants to fly. He spends his day launching himself off of various things hoping to take flight, but with no success. All of the other barnyard animals are quick to remind him that he can’t fly but Peepsqueak doesn’t listen, he just keeps movin’ along. When he finally gives up, his mother is there to console him, but along comes a big gray goose who hoists him onto his back and takes him for a ride way up in the sky.
Here’s what I loved about this book: I love the simplicity of the story and the message. I love the simple and bright illustrations. I love the short sentences and big bold print on each page which is great for older parents (like me!) or grandparents with poor close vision as well as for children who are learning to read. So many children’s authors make the mistake of cramming too many words in a too-small font on a single page and those are the books I discard because it tells me that author doesn’t read to children.
On the whole, Peepsqueak! is a sweet simple secular story. But when I went to the author’s website, I found that there was another story behind the story in book that made me love the story even more.
Melissa says:
1. There is no WAY that Sean is 8 years old (and independently reading books). Isn’t he still 4? Where did the time go???
2. LOVE your idea of reading through all the Newbery books. I am making a mental note to do that with my kids someday. Actually, I could do that in my classroom… a section of the library just devoted to Newbery books! And having kids highlight how many they have read… I like it.
February 28th, 2012 at 2:14 pm
Momma Mindy says:
I love the story, and I love the story behind the story. I was so thankful you provided the link back.
February 28th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
Jackie says:
What a wonderful story behind the story. The story sounds sweet as well. Thank you for sharing. Good luck on reading all 300 books!
Jackie
February 29th, 2012 at 10:47 am
Kacey says:
You make me wish I were younger with little grandkids, so I could read to them. I will have to refer my daughter to your book reviewing, because she is a third grade teacher with a Master’s+ in reading. You are still my favorite author of blogs and want a book directly from your heart. My youngest daughter and her husband went to Germany for two years to be dorm parents at the Black Forest Academy for missionary kids. Her favorite book from her childhood was ” A Long Way to Go”, by Bordon Deal. I read it to my children when they were 5 to 8. Anyway, I bought her a used copy from Amazon for $70.00 and she is reading it to her 18 high school girls…a little each week. Books are truly amazing when they span the generations.
February 29th, 2012 at 11:48 am
Pam says:
The older kids still love the picture books. I used them with my 7th graders for all the years I taught and used them with 9th and 10th grade reading improvement kids. The Caldecott list is a great place to start. Another good list to check out is the Lone Star list. I can’t believe Sean is 8 years old either!! Man…time flies!! Love, love, love your blog!!
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We loved the Caldecott books! But now we need a bit more story and little less art (sadly). How did I not know about the Lone Star list? Will check it out!
February 29th, 2012 at 1:21 pm
Lisa says:
I just read the Story Behind the Story about the revelation that Leslie received regarding her book Pipsqueak. Thank you for prompting us to read it. I was so blessed. I cried, too.
Oh, and I just LOVE reading your blog entries. I am always so blessed. God bless you in this journey He has taken you!
February 29th, 2012 at 4:06 pm
Nelson's Mama says:
I’ve read so many books on the Newberry list (even recent ones) and I often check it when I’m looking for something good to read. I find that even though these titles are aimed at a younger crowd, the writing is often more finely crafted than bestsellers.
Besides the older “classics” on the list, I love “Getting Near to Baby”.
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I couldn’t agree more! If you’ve not read “A Single Shard” by Linda Sue Park, run to the book store and get it. A beautiful story beautifully told, almost like poetry, and shot through with themes of honor, love, family, sacrifice, persistence, vocation. I read it and then gave it to AD to read with Sean and they read it and we all agreed we will read it over and over through the years.
February 29th, 2012 at 8:26 pm
bobolink says:
I believe you are never too old for a great picture book with words. One of my faves is A Bad Case of Stripes which my third grade nephew took to school. Stay open. try Harvey Schlumpenberger’s Christmas present, too.
February 29th, 2012 at 9:06 pm
Roxanne says:
Thank you for posting this. I clicked on over to the author’s website, and thanked her too. I loved her story. . .
March 13th, 2012 at 11:04 am