Home by Isabelle Simler, Translated by Vineet Lal - Series: Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers (SSCR) [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780802856203
Eerdmans Young Readers Books
Hardcover $18.99 USA
Purchase Here

My thoughts:  Beautifully detailed illustrations delight the senses and educate the mind to the highly varied dwellings of creatures all over our vast world. From birds to moths, from sea dwellers to tiny ants, the homes of creatures fascinates in this unique book. The presentation is complete with beautifully descriptive language detailing the uniqueness of each home or dwelling.

The strength and beauty, intricacies and uniqueness, use and charm of these homes goes beyond what humans think of as homes - walls, windows, and doorways for protection and defense, but places of beauty creatively and intricately designed and built.

Back pages of additional information about the featured creatures and a glossary are provided as well as resources for those interested.

NOTE: Other books by Isabelle Simler that I've reviewed on Chat With Vera.... click here

About the book:  A spectacular tour through the dwellings of twenty-seven different animals, from a hermit crab’s secondhand shell to a beaver’s lakeside dam to a comet moth’s silk cocoon.

Acclaimed creator Isabelle Simler presents a poetic journey through amazing animal homes across the world. In Europe, alpine marmots stay safe in underground refuges. In southeast Asia, Sumatran orangutans doze off in treetop bedrooms. In Mexico and the southwestern US, elf owls nest in holes in saguaro cacti. On every continent but Antarctica, honeybees mold wax into palaces for their queens. No matter where you travel, some creature is making an extraordinary place to call home. 

With connections to life cycles, camouflage, and other biological concepts, Home is a spellbinding showcase of the wonders of the natural world. Enchanting poetry, fascinating back matter, and intricately detailed art invite young readers to be amazed by the creativity and diversity of our animal neighbors. Secret word: dwell

GIVEAWAY

Begins July 24

Ends August 18 @ 12:00 Midnight

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Eerdmans Young Readers Books, to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided and mailed directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Eerdmans Young Readers books for Spring [Review & 1-book Giveaway USA]

The Writer by Davide Calì & illustrated by Monica Barengo  

My thoughts:  Such a cute little bulldog. Totally self-absorbed with his importance to the writer. The writer can't function without input from "dog." 

Then the needs of dog drive the writer to the out-of-doors and dog decides writer needs a "person." But the outcome of this decision is not necessarily to dog's liking.

Really cute illustrations done in earthy tones. Sparse text. Somewhat "droll." Has a "New Yorker" style humor to it. I like it and think anyone who has a dog (or perhaps a cat) will find it entertaining. 

A child's book? I'm not sure they would get the emphasis. Though I think they would enjoy the dog. Well, I think anyone who likes or loves dogs will love this book.

About the book: A dog has an important job to do, especially if his human is a writer. Without a dog by his side, the writer would forget to eat. He’d never get out of his pajamas, and he’d probably stare at the computer all day long. But even the best French bulldog can’t do everything. Maybe this perfect pair needs someone new in their lives… 

Illustrated in warm, earthy tones, this witty story reflects the ways dogs change our lives for the better. Our canine friends can make—and find—the best companions.

The Pack by Amanda Cley & illustrated by Cecilia Ferri

My thoughts:  Not your everyday, cutesy, children's book. This is a "counseling" type of book. One that a therapist, school counselor, or parent might use when they see a child begin to follow the "pack" for inclusiveness with their peers.

Being with the "in group" or "the gang" has advantages, but more often has disadvantages and undesirable connotations. 

I like the simplicity and directness of the book. The text is sparse and the pictures beautifully done though essentially colorless. The individual is still not in the pack though is definitely leaning in that direction.

I like the book. I think the book enlightening and yet it holds a bit of darkness. Adults should be careful in whose little hands they place the book. 

About the book: If you try to fit in with the pack, you’ll look the same as everyone else. You’ll be a part of the group, but you’ll lose parts of yourself. Eventually you won’t even recognize yourself anymore. Breaking free from the pack isn’t easy, but it is possible. If you find the courage to leave conformity behind, you can finally discover who you are. 

Resonant and haunting, The Pack imagines what happens when a human being wears wolf’s clothing. This poetic, powerful book will start unforgettable conversations about identity, peer pressure, and finding one’s own path.

A Perfect Spot by Isabelle Simler

My thoughts:   A lovely book about the journey of a ladybug as she seeks a perfect place to deposit her eggs. She encounters a variety of fearsome (to her) dangers at each seemingly lush spot which results in her frantically flying on to land somewhere else. 

Illustrated in beautiful detail, the story captures one's interest because of the little ladybug's pursuit and also because the reader can spend much time perusing the details and colors so beautifully executed. 

Only one item I felt was a little off for children. After a particularly harsh encounter in a tree, she tumbles down. The text reads, "And now she's left reeling and bitter inside, with her wings so terribly crinkled and creased." To me this embittered characteristic which ladybug experiences right before reaching the "perfect spot" addresses a bitterness of ageing (the story is indicative of the lifecycle of the ladybug) is not typical of young children's picture books. It can be read and not understood or it can be explained to youngsters as how some people respond to a harsh life and their circumstances.  The book is not ruined by any means, just a small bit that caught my eye. I would read it to a child or grandchild.

I think this is a lovely book and it is beautifully illustrated. I love how the author/illustrator uses details and colors. I previously reviewed books by Isabelle Simler and consider it a joy to do so. Find them by clicking here

About the book: A ladybug needs a safe place to lay her eggs, but where can she find an open spot? Katydids flutter in the leaves, stick insects hide in the branches, and thorn bugs pop out from every available stem. Even those bright pink flowers are orchid mantises ready to strike! Will any of these creatures be the right neighbors for the ladybug’s eggs? 

Illustrated with lush, vibrant details, A Perfect Spot is a fascinating introduction to the diverse world of arthropods. Acclaimed creator Isabelle Simler presents a bug’s eye view of camouflage, metamorphosis, and other natural wonders.

GIVEAWAY

1 copy of The Writer

Begins April 25

Ends May 19 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies of the books to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy of The Writer is provided and shipped directly to the winner by Eerdmans Publishing. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Sweet Dreamers by Isabelle Simler from Eerdmans Books for Young Readers [Review and Giveaway]

My thoughts: This is an unusual book. The images are quite dark representing the night when dreamers are asleep. The art is distinct reflective of children's scratch art. Actually, it took me back in my memory to the days my children were in school and did scratch art using a variety of crayons to create a colorful base and then deeply layer on the black crayon. They then proceeded to take an edged tool and scratch their drawing through the black revealing the colors beneath providing a "line" style of drawing. (It could be a bit messy with those crumbs of crayon gathering in spots on table, desk, and floor. But the experience was worth it.)

The illustrations are created digitally. And this is stunning to me. To think that a computer can create this type of art is fascinating.

As the author takes the reader across the World peeking into the sleep of animals, sea creatures, and insects globally we see a close up image on one page of the critter's face in slumber and the facing page shows the critter in his sleep habitat. The scenes for each are astutely draw with a multitude of fine lines in various colors across the dark backdrop that is night.

Throughout the book Issbelle Simler captures beautiful night scenes with the moon shining brightly through trees, clouds, over the sea, and reflecting on the snow. Stunning. Seasons are also represented.

I absolutely love the lines of poetry for each critter's dream and slumber time. They are brief and a form of free verse beautifully translated from the original French into English. The text describes something about that particular critter's habits, life, or environment. "As if wrapped in silk / with shrimp-tinted reflections, / she slides her delicate head / between her feathers. / The flamingo dreams in pink."

I highly recommend.

About the book: A gorgeous bedtime book from an award-winning creator

From the celebrated creator of Plume and The Blue Hour comes another enchanting animal book. Countless cozy animals are settling in for the night, but they all sleep in different ways. A bat dreams upside down, a hedgehog snuggles into a pile of leaves, and a humpback whale spins in its sleep like a ballerina.

With its poetic language and lush illustrations, Sweet Dreamers will dazzle young readers as they drift off to sleep themselves.

About the author/illustrator: Isabelle Simler is the award-winning author and illustrator of The Blue Hour and Plume (both Eerdmans). Both books were featured in the 2017 Society of Illustrators "The Original Art" Annual Exhibition, and Plume was named a 2017 New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book. Isabelle lives in France. Visit her website at www.isabellesimler.com. Note: Chat With Vera reviewed both The Blue Hour and Plume.

GIVEAWAY

Begins May 2

Ends June 1 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy if provided and shipped directly to the winner by the publisher.

The Blue Hour by Isabelle Simler from Eerdman's Publishing

Age Range: 4 - 8 years
Hardcover: 42 pages
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
ISBN-13: 978-0802854889

My thoughts:  The use of a collection of hues and shades of blues by the artist author to create The Blue Hour results in an engaging sensual delight. So many and varied creatures and objects exist that are of blue colorization and yet we miss it in our daily lives. Yes, we delight when we see a Blue Bird or a Blue Jay and we love blue flowers and blue skies, but there is more, so much more.

Isabelle Simler has gathered this variety from across the globe and all climates. And then she has settled them what is known, especially in the photographic world, as "The Blue Hour." Just what is "the blue hour"?

The blue hour (from French l'heure bleue) is the period of twilight early in the dawn each morning and late in the dusk each evening when the sun is at a significant distance below the horizon and the residual, indirect sunlight takes on a predominantly blue hue. This effect is caused by the relative diffusibility of short blue wavelengths of light versus the longer red wavelengths. During the blue "hour" (typically a period about 40 minutes in length), red light passes straight into space while blue light is scattered in the atmosphere and therefore reaches the earth's surface. Many artists treasure this period because of the quality of the light. (source)

The children's picture book uses limited text with beautiful artistry predominantly in blues with vivid touches of other colors to tell the story of how the world and its creatures settle down for the night and it is such a gentle, sweet story.

Beautiful blue flowers and blue butterflies, moths, insects.

I found the book to be a treasure in that it is a gentle bedtime reading, an artistically beautiful book, educational in global placement of all the creatures, and an introduction into the "blue hour" phenomena. And there is also the two pages at the beginning with circles of named shades and hue of blue with will prove to be a great tool for identifying specific blues. A plus for any library collection which I highly recommend.

This global image shows each of the creatures featured in The Blue Hour and their location.

About the book:  A lovely and tranquil celebration of nature

The sun has set, the day has ended, but the night hasn't quite arrived yet. This magical twilight is known as the blue hour. Everything in nature—sky, water, flowers, birds, foxes—comes together in a symphony of blue to celebrate the merging of night and day.

With its soothing text and radiant artwork, this elegant picture book displays the majesty of nature and reminds readers that beauty is fleeting but also worth savoring.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Eerdmans Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated.

Plume by Isabelle Simler from Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

ISBN13: 9780802854926
Hardcover 42 pages 
 Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

My thoughts:  The delicate drawings in beautiful color of the feathers - plumage or plumes, is a real treat to ponder over.

The amazing variety of birds pictured by Isabelle Simler is wonderful and while the feathers are rather detailed and startlingly beautiful, the birds themselves are less natural or detailed. They are quite sufficient to identify the bird and she has imbued them with subtle expressions that indicate their knowledge and fear of black cat which is nearby.

Young children probably won't fully appreciate the delicacy and intricate drawings of the beautiful bird feathers. Nor will they "get" the sneaky, stealth of the black cat. But the cunning black cat is present and creeping up on the birds all through the book.

The "story" is virtually non-existent. Each two-page spread features and names a bird with a bit of Plume the black cat shown. And at the end the "...or Me" ("Me" is cat whose name is Plume). The artist/author is obviously using a play on words to name the cat Plume (definition of plume is "a long, soft feather or arrangement of feathers used by a bird for display or worn by a person for ornament") since he collects feathers.

Who will enjoy this book? I think that guided reading or perusal by parents, teachers, or librarians with children would be appropriate and enjoyable. A rare child might enjoy it on his or her own and grasp the beauty of the feathers and the stealth and character of the black cat, Plume.

About the book: In this lovely book, young readers are introduced to a variety of beautiful birds, from the familiar chicken to the exotic ibis. But lurking in the background of every page is a cat, who also seems very interested in the birds.

With its funny illustrations and engaging concepts, this clever counting book will invite readers to linger over every page.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Eerdmans Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given.

More books on birds from Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Birds are fascinating. Birds are beautiful. Birds eat insects that are pests. And here on the cusps of Fall and the promise of cooler and colder temperatures, they mass migrate. Watch the birds in your backyard, on the school playground, and on the ledges of buildings in cities. Be thankful for birds.

CONSIDER THE BIRDS by Jennifer Grant & illustrated by Julianna Swaney

ISBN: 9780802855626
Eerdmans Young Readers

My thoughts: Beautiful illustrations gently bring life to the tender, descriptive text that characterizes each bird and what the bird is doing. There is such a sweetness to the pictures and words. The bold, bossy Bluejay; the loving Morning Doves; the skittish Chickadees; and the tiny, brave Wrens. The beautiful book layout with the gentle illustrations is sheer loveliness.

A bit of information about each bird's habit or traits. A bit of counting opportunities, though this isn't a "counting book." A suggestion to "Consider" the birds and how God cares for them. A wrap up that "God loves you....."

Truly a precious book.

About the book:  Book 1 of the Consider series, a new picture book series celebrating nature and inviting gratitude.

On a spring day at the birdfeeder, ONE blue jay dives down from way up high, shouting: “Eat! Eat! Eat!” TWO mourning doves scout for seeds on the ground. Next to swoop in are THREE tiny black-capped chickadees, ready for a quick bite. Then we spot FOUR little wrens in a tree—joined by a cardinal to make FIVE. Come count these birds with me!

This lyrical book is a gentle invitation to discover the wonders of nature and the love of God. Jennifer Grant’s simple text and Julianna Swaney’s endearing art will encourage readers to slow down and marvel at the amazing world around them.

Fly Like a Bird (Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers (SSCR)) by Olga Ptashnik

ISBN: 9780802856456
Eerdmans Young Readers

My thoughts:  We have a young Chickadee worried about being able to fly. It's almost time to "wing it" but he's afraid he won't be able to. Hence, the beginning conversation between the little Chickadee and an older one (mother or father bird?). 

The way a variety of different birds are able to fly and how fast, high, lots of wing action, little wing action, or even not flying at all is brought to light; and the little Chickadee responds with the realization that it wouldn't work for him and how about something else.

Ultimately, do decides to try and finds that his wings work just fine and he's flying.

This is a different type of educational picture book that works, though I'm not particularly fond of it. The illustrations are adequate to pair with the text though the style is not a style I favor. All-in-all, a good book for libraries and I am sure many will love it.

About the book: A playful tour through the flight patterns of pelicans, peregrine falcons, and other incredible birds.

“What if I never learn to fly?” a baby chickadee asks. “You will when the time comes!” an adult answers. “Let me tell you about how our friends fly.” Will the chick fly like a hummingbird—moving its wings at top speed and sipping nectar from flowers? Will it fly like an Andean condor—using air streams to soar through the mountains? Will it fly like a penguin—flapping its wings like fins underwater? Maybe this tiny chickadee can find its own way to fly.

With vibrant illustrations and incredible facts about each feathered friend, Fly Like a Bird is a thrilling introduction to life on the wing. This warm, conversational book is perfect for nature lovers, aspiring birdwatchers, and anyone who’s ever wondered how to soar into the future.

Other books about birds I've reviewed from Eerdman's Books for Young Readers:

• The Birds of Christmas - My review There's a Giveaway ending Sept. 16. Please visit review & enter giveaway.
• Home by Isabelle Simler - My review 
• The Blue Hour - My review

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary books to facilitate their review from Candlewick Press. Opinions expressed are mine, alone and are freely given.