Juniper Berry by M.P. Kozlowsky illustrated by Erwin Madrid

My parents changed. "I can't describe it exactly. It's like all the lights in the house won't turn on anymore and it's always dark, and they can't see me. Like I don't even exist."

Juniper Berry lives a lonely life. Her parents are famous actors and they have made their home into a fortress. Juniper has no friends only a series of tutors and she lives behind a high wall removed from the real world. Her parents love and fear the paparazzi. Sure the house is filled with anything she might want but things are not friends. She used to have a good relationship with her mum and dad but recently that has changed. They no longer talk to Juniper. All they care about is their fame.

"One of these days her parents would come home from work and be thrilled to see her. The rest of the day would be spent in each other's company, not a minute wasted, not even a single second, just like it was years ago."

"She had grown accustomed to her isolation, carrying her binoculars everywhere, spying from afar, searching for what she was missing. ... Discovery and exploration were her salvation; if she couldn't go out into the world, she could bring the world to her; the stars, the insects, the unsuspecting distance. Everything but her parents."

One evening, after another unsuccessful attempt to reconnect with her parents, Juniper spies a boy in her garden. He seems interested in the trees in her garden. He is small and very skinny and he is doing something very strange. Giles is running his hands up and down the bark of various trees.

"Up close, she noticed he had a sweet smell about him and that his eyes captured a pattern she had never seen before, the brown and gold of his iris constantly swirling. He gave a soft smile and she liked the way one corner of his mouth ran up the other side of his face while the other remained level."

Giles is also alone. His parents are also ignoring him. Juniper and Giles have a common problem and it all seems to be connected to one specific tree. And then one night the parents disappear 

There are lots of hints in the description of the tree:

"It was an ugly tree. If any were to be chopped down, it should have been this monstrosity. Its branches were bare and sharp, reaching out as if to pierce the sky, although the sky did nothing to instigate such an assault. The tree, not incredibly thick, not incredibly thin, was riddled with knots and twists, roots that ripped the ground, killing the grass and welcoming the weeds. Nothing else grew from the base all the way to the top."

This tree is hiding a portal to a terrible underground place. That is where the parents have been going. But why? The children are about to meet a very sinister man.

"He was extremely tall, taller than any man Juniper had ever seen. In fact, almost everything about him had length. Each body part was extended: long legs, long arms, long neck, long fingers. He was enveloped in a ratty hooded cloak, his elongated face concealed in shadow. His bony pale fingers wrapped around a wood staff, and Juniper noticed his nails were long as well, and dark, as if painted midnight blue. As the shroud pulled tight against his body with each movement and gesture ... There seemed to be no fat whatsoever and little muscle - a fragile, lank, and stretched frame."

His name is Skeksyl and he want to make a bargain with the children - a bargain. 

"I have the ability to hand you everything you could ever want but believed to be unattainable."

"All you have to do is sign your name on my balloon and blow it up with the fresh, youthful breath from your lungs."

An astute reader will know this offer is sure to have a dreadful cost. And again, we need to ask why this creature is making this offer and how this is connected with the changes to their parents.

I am not a huge fan of Halloween - it actually seems like a strange event here in Australia where because it is Spring leading into Summer not Autumn leading in to Winter. The crazy huge pumpkins that appear in shops look totally out of place. Having said that, though, I know lots of readers ask for an enjoy 'horror' stories. Juniper Berry has just the right level of fright along with a glorious celebration of team work. The subtitle for this book is engraved on the tree - "A tale of terror and temptation'.

Publisher blurb: Juniper Berry's parents are the most beloved actor and actress in the world—but Juniper can't help but feel they haven't been quite right lately. And she and her friend Giles are determined to find out why. On a cold and rainy night, Juniper follows her parents as they sneak out of the house and enter the woods. What she discovers is an underworld filled with contradictions: one that is terrifying and enticing, lorded over by a creature both sinister and seductive, who can sell you all the world's secrets bound in a balloon. For the first time, Juniper and Giles have a choice to make. And it will be up to them to confront their own fears in order to save the ones who couldn't.

There are some terrific descriptions in this book. This is the library:

"Matching the themes of the room were a plush leather sofa and armchair as well as an unbelievably comfortable rocking chair and cushioned ottoman in one corner, a classically ornate fireplace, expensive modern and abstract artwork, and, in the center of the room, an oversized desk craftily designed with various drawers and compartments. ... But for Juniper, the very best thing about the study was the smell."

In conclusion, this book was really, really good and definitely one that will haunt me for awhile. And not just because of the balloons. If you enjoyed Coraline by Neil Gaiman even a little bit, you ought to read this book. CSI Librarian

The trope of taking the soul of individuals by an evil being intent on either the 'fountain of youth' or an immortality is one we have seen before in books like The Book without Words by Avi; Momo by Michael Ende; and Stitch by Padraig Kenny.

You could also take a look at this award winning picture book after reading Juniper Berry:

Paradise Sands

Hat Cat by Troy Wilson illustrated by Eve Coy

An old man lives alone. His only companions are the local squirrels. Each day he puts peanuts on his hat and then he sits still on his back verandah waiting for the squirrels to come. One day, as he lifts up his hat, he finds a young cat. He names the cat Hat, and he takes the cat inside his house. Hat becomes a new member of the family. He is fed and cuddled but he is never allowed outside because the old man is concerned that Hat might eat the squirrels. Then one day the man disappears. Some other people eventually arrive and they feed Hat but he is still trapped inside until the day when the youngest child leaves the door open.

This is a gentle story based on the author's own Grandfather and the way he fed the local squirrels after his retirement. It is also a slightly puzzling story which might lead to an interesting discussion with your young reading companion (aged 6+). Why did the old man leave? What did you think might happen when the door was left open? Can you explain the dilemma Hat faces when he does manage to go outside? How and why does the point of view change on the second last page? Who are the people who come to feed Hat?

Here is an interview with the illustrator Eve Coy. She says: I love adding in the background story through the pictures. For example the empty second chair in the sitting room shows the old man didn’t always live alone and it gently hints at an accepted loneliness without being too upsetting.

A sweet peek at the bond between a man and his cat. Kirkus

Wilson doesn’t need many words to tell the story, not only because he cleverly says a lot by saying a little, but mainly because the illustrations by Eve Coy express so much. The illustrator’s beautiful watercolour images give off a sense of tranquility all while bringing to life the love between and old man and his animal friends—this tale of patience, family, and kindness is the perfect bedtime story... DC Canada Education

This book reminded me of these:

A Home for Gnomes

Old Fellow

The Biscuit Maker

Heart and Soul

Troy Wilson says he was inspired by this book - Waiting for the Whales.

The Balloon Blow Up! by Andy Geppert

 

"A balloon as big as the moon will quickly pop. I think we need to make it smaller."

The little girl asks her friend the elephant to blow up her balloon. To make it big, bigger, biggest - as big as the moon!

After Elephant explains this might lead to a disaster she watches as he shrinks the balloon smaller and smaller until it goes pfft!

Then a new voice takes over the balloon himself speaks up. (In a way this shouldn't be a surprise if you notice the image on the title page). The balloon sets up his conditions for use and care in the form of an owner's contract. This reminded me of this book:

I am certain this new Australian Picture book will be a CBCA Notable (Early Childhood). Andy Geppert won Children’s Book Council of Australia Crichton Award ‘Best New Illustrator’ (2010).  The Balloon Blow up! is such a fun book. It is one you will want to share with many groups of readers in your school library. The limited colours of grey, yellow and mauve all done in a soft focus are perfect. Grab a balloon and your toy elephant and settle down for a terrific reading experience. The cover alone, with those 'O' balloons will surely make you want to open this book. 

My friend from Kinderbookswitheverything has a Pinterest collection of books about balloons. Here is a set of teachers notes written by Dr Robyn Sheahan-Bright. The notes also include a list of other picture books about balloons. Here is my favourite:

The Balloon Blow Up goes to show you that even just one decision can be quite a complex thing. It can take quite a bit of thinking. Good Reading Magazine

Andy Geppert’s exquisite illustrations add an extra layer of magic to this adorable story. The mostly monochrome palette is offset with fun pops of colour. Cute and expressive characters add personality, and there are lots of little details for children to spot. Reading Time

Sometimes the smallest things can have the biggest impact on our little ones. Geppert captures the feeling of being overwhelmed – and how to step down from the rising sense of panic – with sincerity and generosity. This is a perfect story for parents and children who are looking for an alternative to the brash colour and noise of many kids’ picture books! It’s fun and full of energy, but it never shouts. Better Reading

Here are two other books by Andy Geppert:

Backyard Birdies

Market Day by Carrie Gallasch illustrated by Hannah Sommerville

 

"Dad gives me a coin, it's for anything that I choose. I put it in my pocket and keep it safe with my fingers."

There are so many tempting things to buy in the market. The setting for this book is the famous Melbourne market but really it could be any market in a city. The family have arrived late in the day and as the walk around we see night begin to fall and lights turning on. Make sure you compare the front and back end-papers. The family buy tomatoes, avocados, dumplings, mangoes, olives, cheese, croissants, dolmades, oysters, dates and grapes. Then they eat some dinner while a young musician plays his guitar to entertain the crowd. He is a busker, and his music inspires people in the market to dance.

"The music gets faster and so do our feet! We wiz and swing and stomp."

Eventually it is time to go home. 

"But the coin is still in my pocket."

Can you guess what happens next?

Market Day was shortlisted for our CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) Early Childhood picture book award in 2023. Here are a set of teachers notes. And here are comments and responses by the 2023 shadow judges. 

St Francis Xavier PS Box Hill

Here are the Early Childhood judges' comments:

Market Day narrates the story of a little girl that arrives at a market with one coin she can spend in any way. Several themes are explored, including community, generosity, the power of music, kindness, transience and appreciation. The evocative, detailed digital illustrations depict a bustling produce market and invite further investigation on each read. The language is simple as the girl narrates, yet also, at times, quite beautiful, matching the mood of the outing. It is punctuated by metaphor, analogy, alliteration and an interesting range of verbs. A busker is seen intermittently, and he turns out to be the girl's most interesting and worthwhile encounter at the market.

I love the potential this book affords for such a meaningful discussion with a group of children - How would you spend the coin? Is there a right way to spend money? How do you feel about the way the girl spent her coin? What impact will this have? What do you think her family will say when they arrive home? What might happen on their next visit to the market? What ideas do you think the author wanted readers to consider?

Here are two other books by Carrie Callasch:

Hannah Sommerville has a new book due in November - In the Rockpool. Here are three other books illustrated by Hannah Sommerville:

Anisa's Alphabet

Finding You

The Letter for the King by Tonke Dragt translated by Laura Watkinson

A young messenger. A secret mission. A kingdom in peril.

When Tiuri answers a desperate call for help, he finds himself on a perilous mission that could cost him his life. He must deliver a secret letter to the King who lives across the Great Mountains – a letter upon which the future of the entire realm depends. It means abandoning his home, breaking all the rules and leaving everything behind – even the knighthood he has dreamed of for so long.

The fate of a kingdom depends on just one person…

He must trust no one.

He must keep his true identity secret.

Above all, he must never reveal what is in the letter. Pushkin Press

Some years ago a friend gave me a book - The Secrets of the Wild Wood.  When I looked at it more closely I discovered it was the second book in a series so some time last year I bought book one - The Letter for the King.

I now discover a few things

• Tonke Dragt is the IBBY Netherlands 2022 Hans Christian Andersen nominee
• The Letter for the King is a translated book from Dutch - the original title is De brief voor de koning
• The Letter for the King was first published in 1962. 
• It is a very long book with 508 pages. The audio book is nearly 16 hours of listening.
• You can read the plot in great detail here along with a full character list
• The Letter for the King was translated in 2013 into English

This book is included in 1001 children's books you must read before you grow up. Here is a quote:

"The story is structured like an epic narrative and offers the readers a range of thrilling adventures that take place in the Middle Ages. Tonke Dragt has incorporated a large number of fairy-tale motifs into the story and borrowed elements from Arthurian legend. In 1963 this book was proclaimed the best children's book of the year in the Netherlands."

Reading The Letter for the King is a marathon. I spent many weeks in the company of Tiuri. This is a rewarding reading experience because Tiuri is a brave hero; he is a loyal friend; he overcomes enormous difficutlies; and (thank goodness) he does deliver the letter to the King - a happy ending. If your young (ages 10+) reading companion enjoys books filled with medieval knights, wild horse riding, the power struggle of good and evil, and splendid story book heroes then this book is well worth finding.

This book has been made into a Netflix series. Watching the trailer this series does look very different from the book. 

In 1996 Tonke Dragt wrote The Goldsmith and the Master Thief. This book is not related to this series but I wanted to share that the English translation of this will be available in May, 2021.

Dr Coo and the Pigeon Protest by Sarah Hampson illustrated by Kass Reich

"Dr Coo knew things. And he knew he had a problem. Or rather, he could see there was a problem with pigeons."

Dr Coo (I guess you know he is a pigeon!) gathers his friends to discuss the issue - "humans hate us". Dr Coo remembers how things were so different in the past. Pigeons delivered news of the Olympic Games in Ancient Greece. Pigeons delivered messages to soldiers in World War I. Once, long ago, pigeons were a sign of "peace and love and wisdom and beauty". It is time for action and that action is via absence. The pigeons leave the city. The city is empty, eerie. Dr Coo is a clever negotiator. He writes a letter to the Mayor explaining the issues and setting conditions. 

This book introduces the idea to young children that they can stand up for what they believe in, and change what they don’t think is right. The Tiny Activist

This book could be used to spark classroom discussions on respecting differences, working out disagreements, or stepping up to counter injustice, all important subjects for the budding self-awareness and personal development of young children. Kids Can Press

Dr Coo and the Pigeon Protest is a book that you can read to a young child (aged 5+) and then use again with a group of older students. It would be perfect for our History topic here in Australia - Australia as a Nation: 

"Students will continue to learn about the roles, rights and responsibilities people have within society and the development of Australian democracy."

My stage three classes explore many aspects of this topic on Democracy in our school library including suffragettes and the fight for the vote and methods of protesting - legal and illegal. I really enjoyed the peaceful and yet powerful protest employed by Dr Coo. It's a great example of boycotting.

Kass Reich from Canada is the illustrator of  twelve picture books including some others about birds. You might also use this book for a mini unit about pigeons. My friend at Kinderbookswitheverything has a post about Pigeon Day with some excellent books to explore.  Here are some of my favourite pigeon books (here is a Pinterest from Kinderbookboard) and a photo of a wonderful plush pigeon available from Taronga Zoo in Sydney.

For a focus on activism and protesting take a look at these books:

Stanley's stick by John Hegley illustrated by Neil Layton

A stick can be .... a whistle, a banana, a match, or even a stickosaurus. 

A stick can be a fishing rod to share with a friend - this is my favourite page.

We see Stanley enjoying his stick and all the games of his wonderful imagination but then something rather surprising happens. On the family holiday to the seaside Stanley walks down to the edge of the water.

"Maybe the boy thinks it is time for the stick to be taken for someone else to enjoy? 
Stanley hurls his stick into the wide tide.
Gosh.
What a tiny splosh for something that has been so big in Stanley's days."

Now Stanley is stickless but not for long. Stanley walks along the beach looking at the treasures that have washed up on the shoreline. He finds a different stick.

A stick can be a saxophone, a telescope, a fantastick!

The review from The Times is quoted on the cover: I agree with the reviewer who says this book is  "everything a picture book should be."

Stanley's stick was first published in 2012 but it is still available in paperback. Here is an excellent video of the whole book. Here are some other books illustrated by Neil Layton.

If you want a gorgeously delicious, funny and charming slice of inspiration then look no further than Stanley’s Stick by John Hegley,illustrated by Neal Layton. Playing by the Book

John Hegley is a poet and the language of this book certainly shows his love of words:

"And four times now he has used it to pick up slugs from the pathway, platform and pavement, thus saving them from a fate worse than feet."

Look at all these words that start with S

"So here is Stanley standing on the station taking his stick for a short stay at the side of the sea with his mum and dad. ... Down at the sea Stanley goes down to the side of the tide. His folks take stock of Stanley standing in the sand, stick in hand. What is he doing?"

"The sea picks up the stick and tucks it into itself."

Here are some other books about sticks and imaginative play:

The New Kid Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

What do you do when a new kid arrives in your neighbourhood? There are four kids in your group. Your mothers all say you have to be friendly.

"What's your name?' someone asks."

Is it teasing to take the name and twist it around? Ellie-in-the-grey-coat; Ellie-elephant.
If this was happening to you how would you react?

Ellie is smart. She does not react the way the other kids would expect, instead she turns their chanting taunts into a game. She makes her body move like an elephant and her shadow forms the shape. Then she charges at the kids and they run away. When they come back Ellie is acting like a performing seal. Three of the kids love this but our narrator is not sure.  He used to be the 'king of the kids' and now it seems the new kid has become the star.

What should this boy do? He could walk away. He could try to persuade his friends to follow him and ignore the new kid. No, we see that he is also clever. When the new kid turns her coat into a superman cape he copies her and the two of them race off to be superheroes. The other kids join in and soon everyone is having fun.

"There's a new kid on our street.
Her name is Ellie. And she's my friend."

I adore the light and shade in these illustrations and I like the way the kids all have different, quite textured hair. On this video you can see all the pages. I suggest you might like to read this book twice. On your second reading focus on the dog. His positioning and body language perfectly compliment the reactions and later acceptance by the group to the new kid.  I should also mention the end papers which are brilliant.

 Image source: https://www.marielouisefitzpatrick.com/

Image source: https://www.marielouisefitzpatrick.com/

Vibrant, sensitively rendered paintings cover every centimetre of this thought-provoking book that demonstrates the power of the imagination in adversity. Red Reading Hub

Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick is from Ireland. She is the 2020 IBBY Ireland Hans Christian Andersen award nominee for illustration.

Marie-Louise was asked to contribute a page to this wonderful book which celebrates the Rights of the Child - We are all born Free. Some of the other famous names in this book are John Burningham, Korky Paul, Bob Graham and Axel Scheffler and lots more.