April's Garden by Isla McGuckin illustrated by Catalina Echeverri

April and her Mamma have to move. The text does not say why but the illustration shows the desperation of this event as they run through the darkness, April drops her precious doll and mum bundles her into the car. Mamma says the new house will be good. 

It has a garden and lots of space, but all April can see is closed doors, no children and the rain-soaked garden is hidden because it is so late at night. Mamma suggest April might like to draw the garden of her dreams. 

Remember April lost her doll.  These lines from the text broke my heart:

"And then Mamma said, 'See what else is in those bags.' So, April looked. There was a doll with tangled hair. There were colouring books filled with somebody else's colouring. And there was a set of cups that stacked. April said, 'For a baby!'"

Then someone donates a few old magazines to the shelter and inside April finds packets of seeds. Those baby stacking cups are perfect, and the wet garden soil is easy to scoop. April plants and the seeds and then she waits and waits and waits. 

"Hope is a lovely, magical sort of thinking. It can help you to feel happy, no matter what."

"But nothing felt hopeful or lovely or magical or happy."

Eventually Mamma and April do move into a better place. Those little seeds eventually produce beautiful flowers and so the story closes with a sense of hope and happiness for their future. 

When you read this book with a group of older primary students make sure you talk about the way the illustrator gradually changes the colours used in this book from dull sepia tones and then tiny fragments of colour. Brightly coloured flowers are the focus of the final double spread. You could also talk about the two ladies in the final illustration - a social worker and a woman from the shelter. Take a look at this book trailer from the publisher Graffeg. 

Bookseller blurb: April and her mother have been housed in temporary accommodation. Promised a brighter future by her mother, April finds her life there to be filled with things that are old, broken and impersonal. She longs for her own things and for some beauty in her life but experiences only frustration and disappointment until one day she plants some seeds…

This stunning story about a mother and child starting again is very touching, and could possibly represent the experiences of mothers and children forced to flee abusive homes, or of refugees starting again in a new country. Echeverri’s illustration begins with dark, scribbled pages of rain and darkness, and gradually get lighter as the story progresses and as April’s hope returns. Beautiful and heartwarming. Book Trust

April's Garden was shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegies 2024. 

Companion books on the topic finding a new home:

A Place to Stay

The Colour of Home

The Invisible

Amira's Suitcase

It's a no money day

And I am keen to find these books also on the topic of homelessness and moving into a temporary shelter.

And on the topic of waiting for seeds to grow:

Oscar's tower of flowers

The Secret Sky garden

Shelter by Christie Matheson

"I told Abby about the shelter today. I wanted to tell her the truth. Is that okay?' 

"Of course it' okay,' Mama says. 'You can't keep all the hard things to yourself."

"My family. That's what home is to me."

When we classify books one category that is mentioned is contemporary realism.  Shelter by Christie Matheson is a perfect example of this genre. This book is filled with contemporary references - mobile phones, people texting in cars and causing terrible accidents, street libraries, and "mindful" school classes. 

The setting for this story is San Francisco but I don't think you need to know specifically about this city to understand that there are rich and poor areas; heritage homes; new constructions of apartment buildings; and rising real estate prices. This is also a city, like all cities, of rich and poor. People so poor they have become homeless - some who live on the street and others lucky enough to find, even if it is temporary, a place to say in a shelter.

"There are lots of different kinds of shelters, I've learned. Some are just for grown-ups, some are for men only, some are for kids who've run away from home, and some are only for families with kids. ... But even if you add up all the beds and all the rooms, there aren't enough shelters for the thousands of homeless people in San Francisco."

Christie Matheson sets things up in this book so as a reader you just know dreadful things are going to happen to Maya and this is extra bad because she and her family have already endured so much. Dad has been in a terrible accident riding his bike. He was hit by a car driven by some one using a mobile phone.  Mum has no job because she needed to stay home with little sister Gabby. Gabby is one of those kids with extreme life-threatening food allergies. The family only just have enough money each week but now dad is in a coma in hospital, mum has no job and the owner of the home they rent has decided to sell. Maya, Gabby and their mother now find themselves living in a shelter. 

When they left their home, Maya could only take the things she could carry. In her school back pack she has a precious toy, some favourite books (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; Anne of Green Gables; Charlotte's Web; Ghost; and Wonder), a small amount of money ($17.32) and a precious letter from her dad written before the accident. Maya keeps her pack close at all times. She doesn't even use her school locker. At school Maya is regularly targeted by one girl - Sloane. In a scene that I am sure will linger with me, Sloane takes Maya's precious pack, she steals the contents and dumps the pack in a huge puddle. The writing of this scene is so powerful I just gasped in shock. Thank goodness for Maya's wonderful friend Abby and for wise teachers. Ms Sherman should win teacher of the year!

Here are a few text quotes:

"Because on that Friday afternoon he was hit by a car. Witnesses said that the driver of the car was looking at his phone and that he ran a red light and sped through an intersection. There's a reason why you're not supposed to text and drive. You could kill someone. Or almost kill someone."

"A golden birthday happens when the age you're turning matches the day of the month - turning eight on the eighth or twelve on the twelfth. ... My real golden birthday is coming up in March. I'll be eleven on March 11. ... More than anything I just wish I could have dinner with my whole family. And Abby too. At home."

"I know I'm not the only kid in this city who goes to school hungry. Maybe at my school most kids have plenty to eat."

My only tiny criticism of this book is the way Christie Matheson includes the usual cliche about bullies by explaining the utterly horrid behaviour of Sloane as an act of jealousy. For all her money, possessions and mansion-like house, Sloane is jealous that Maya has a family while hers is utterly dysfunctional. I was so angry with Sloane this 'easy' motivation felt too simplistic.

It's important to have representations of children who are housing insecure, both so that those who are in the same situation can feel seen, and so that those who aren't can gain some understanding of this complex situation. Ms Yingling Reads

Brings a pressing national crisis into clear focus for young readers; highly recommended. Kirkus

Companion reads:

Christie Matheson is the author of these picture books:

The Mitten: A Ukrainian Folktale

 A young boy (or in some versions an old man) drops his mitten in the snow. A series of animals discover the warm mitten and each one climbs inside. The mitten stretches and stretches to accommodate animals which are diverse in size and temperament. In the Jan Brett version the animals include a snowshoe rabbit, a mole, a hedgehog, an owl, a badger, a fox, a giant brown bear and a tiny meadow mouse. In the version by Alvin Tresselt the mitten is taken over by a tiny mouse, a green frog, an owl,  a rabbit, a fox, a wolf, a wild boar, a bear and finally a tiny cricket. One review called this a "progression tale." In the version by Alvin Tresselt, pictured above, the mitten disintegrates after the arrival of the final creature whereas in Jan Brett's version the boy finds the mitten and we see his grandmother standing puzzled as she compares its size against the original. 

Recently my friend from Kinderbookswitheverything talked about The Mitten and the way she had several versions in her school library but there was one she especially liked. I assumed this was the Jan Brett (1989) version but she said no so this made me curious to read this old tale and to seek out different copies.  When I checked her blog post I read she liked the one illustrated by Yaroslava because: "the language is better here as it is detailed and descriptive and the story fun."

On her website Jan Brett describes her version: 

"When Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, he goes on without realising that it is missing. One by one, woodland animals find the mitten and crawl in; first a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. Finally, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny brown mouse, and what happens next makes a wonderfully funny climax. As the story of the animals in the mitten unfolds, the reader can see Nicki in the borders of each page, walking through the woods unaware of what is going on. Once again Jan Brett has created a dramatic and beautiful picture book in her distinctive style. She brings the animals to life with warmth and humour, and her illustrations are full of visual delights and details faithful to the Ukrainian tradition, from which the story comes."

In this School Library Journal blog post Elizabeth Bird talks about The Mitten. I found a few other editions including one shaped like a mitten and a board book pack which included a mitten! Perhaps next Winter (it is Spring right now here in Australia) you might like to find a few different version of The Mitten to share with your class. You could compare the simple things such as the choices of animals, critique the illustrations or discuss the language used to tell this story.  As my friend said the version by Alvin Tresselt is filled with rich language - the mitten has a feathery cuff; red wool lining; and is made from old leather. You could also compare opening sentences and endings. Jan Brett opens her version with the words "Once there was a boy named Nicki who wanted his new mittens made from wool as white as snow."  Alvin Tresselt opens his version more directly with the words "It was the coldest day of the winter, and a little boy was trudging through the forest gathering firewood for his grandmother." And finally the version by Jim Alyesworth says "Once upon a time there was a happy little boy who loved to play."

Check out the online version of this one (this site does contain advertisements)

I also found this Ukrainian stamp which celebrates this famous folktale.

Image source: Wikipedia

Here are some illustrations from different versions of The Mitten

Jan Brett

Yaroslava

Evgenii Rachev (1950)

Shelter by Céline Claire illustrated by Qin Leng

Who are the strangers?

What are they doing here?

What do they want?

Shelter is so much more than the simple story of weary travellers seeking food, or of strangers needing shelter from the storm.  The forest animals know a storm is coming. They gather supplies and settle down in their snug homes. Then Little Fox asks a prophetic question "What if others are still outside?" There are others outside. Two figures emerge through the fog. They offer to exchange some tea for a moment by a warm fire. They offer to exchange the tea for a few cookies for dipping. They offer their tea again for some light on this dark night. Every plea is rejected so the pair of bears (large and small) set off to make their own shelter - an ice cave. They warm themselves by dancing in the snow.

Just before they move away there is, however, one tiny moment of kindness.  Little Fox runs after the strangers and he gives them a small lantern. He explains:  "You can't eat it, and it's not as warm or nearly as bright as a fire ...' 'But it's still generous,' Big Brother says kindly. 'Thank you."

Meanwhile the storm has intensified and the foxes find their den is collapsing. Now they need shelter, warmth and food. This is the point in the story where you will hold your breath.  The roles are reversed. How will the strangers react?  Will they offer shelter and their warm tea or will they be as hostile as the forest animals have been just a few hours ago?

I first saw this book in a wonderful bookshop in Vancouver. The story has lingered with me so when I spied it in a school library this week I knew I had to borrow it, read it again, think about it and share it here. As this is a Canadian book it might not have caught your attention but I hope it has now and that you might consider this book as an important addition to your library.

This book provides a wonderful opportunity for discussions about being welcoming and helping others in need, including how children can put this into practice by reaching out to the “new kid” or the one who seems different. Kids Can Press

Claire’s prose is rhythmic and gentle, with enjoyable repetition and memorable lines that lend themselves to being read aloud. Leng’s earth-toned watercolors and light strokes of pen and ink have a wonderful messiness about them ... Kirkus star review

Shelter is a story about community, acceptance, and generosity. ... Reading a story like Shelter to children is an excellent way to open up conversations about accepting others, helping people in need, and selfless giving. Littlest Bookshelf

This book brings to mind a quote from the bible:

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in ..."

There are messages in this book about kindness and empathy but you could also use it to talk about our treatment of refugees. I would share this book with young children but also with senior Primary classes as a way to open up a discussion about the important issues we are facing in our world today. I highly recommend this book.

Shelter was originally published in French with the title L'abri. Céline Claire is the author of many books but Shelter is her first book translated into English. Qin Leng was born in Changhai, China and now lives in Toronto.

The illustrator of Shelter, Qin Leng has another title from Kids Can Press which I am keen to read.

And here is her newest book:

Paper things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson

What do girls do who haven't any mothers to help them through their troubles? Louisa May Alcott

I have mentioned  this in the past.  People often ask me why I only read 'kids' books.  I reply with two answers - I don't have time with all the books on my reading pile and yes they are 'kids books' and when I do finally pick up an adult book that someone has told me is fabulous I am usually so disappointed.

Here is a book I need to give to every adult who has ever thought 'kids books' are a lesser species. Paper Things is a breathtaking book.  It is emotional, raw and utterly honest.  Start by listening to this audio sample which takes up the story from about page 4.

Ari and Gage have lost both their mum and dad.  Janna, a family friend, has become their guardian but she and Gage, now aged nineteen keep clashing and so Gage has decided to leave.  He takes eleven year old Ari with him and promises he has already set up an apartment where they will live. But "we didn't have an apartment. Not yet. We didn't have a home of any kind.  That was the beginning of February This is almost the end of March. We still don't."

Gage organises a different place to sleep each night and Ari learns to keep her most important possessions in her back pack. Some places where they stay offer a shower and laundry and food, others do not but through it all Ari stays so optimistic.  There are some truly heart breaking moments when you just wonder how she can keep going and some incredibly kind people who offer help, sometimes without knowing the real situation.  One of my favourites  relates to Ari's shoes :

"I was running as fast as I could, but my shoes has started to flap where the stitching is coming out, and it falls of easily."

"We head over to the door to get my shoes. ... and my finger pokes through the hole in the stitching. Gage ... doesn't want Janna to notice what sorry shape they're in."

"Ms Finch was giving me a free pair of shoes - of really cute shoes.  Why me? .... And suddenly I'm crying."

The quote above from Louisa May Alcott comes from an assignment Ari is working on.  She discovers she has some things in common with the famous author and so does Janna who introduced her to the book Little Women.

There is also so much that resonates in the title of this book.  Ari cuts paper people and furniture from junk mail catalogs.  She uses them in a comforting game of make-believe.  These paper things are so precious to Ari.  To get in to assisted housing Ari and Gage need to complete official paperwork - more paper things.  Ari wants to fulfill her mother's dying wish and attend Carter Middle School but she needs to fill in an application form and for that she needs an address - more paper things that all seem too hard.

If you have questions after reading this book Jennifer Jacobson has recorded a long and informative video where she talks to students.  Here is a review with more plot details.  Kirkus also have a good review but oddly did not give this book a star. I would give it FIVE stars!

Here is a brief set of teaching ideas.

Following this book I would recommend How to Steal a dog, Crenshaw, and Hold fast.  I also found a book list with a range of titles from Picture books through to YA on the themes of empathy and homelessness.

In this poignant view of one child’s experience with homelessness, Jacobson deftly shows how easily it can happen, an insidious downward spiral 

with heart-wrenching consequences.