The Ever-Changing Earth by Grahame Baker-Smith

This book covers the enormity of the formation of the earth and the beginnings of life. Because this is such a huge topic, Grahame Baker-Smith helps his younger readers by focusing on two children who live in very different places. These children are connected, however, because they both live on our planet and they both benefit from the wonders of nature. Kun loves dinosaurs so this is our starting point but we do need to go back further to understand the beginnings of our earth. Solveig lives in a different part of the world and for her the marvel she enjoys is the spectacle of the northern lights. 

When you share this book with your class or library group or young reading companion notice these beautiful expressive phrases:

• "Millions of years ago the sky boomed with the wild beat of Pterosaur wings ..."
• "Strange birds opened beaks stippled with tiny rows of teeth filling the branches with the first birdsong."
• "The young planet was under seige, pounded by comets and rocks. It was a world of flames and boiling seas of lava."
• "Each bubble was like a tiny kiss of life for the creatures that were yet to come."
• "Pristine, pale, silent. It might have stayed like that forever if not for the volcanoes."
• "And in darkness, deep beneath the secretive ice, life had clung on."

Baker-Smith prevents his narrative becoming an abstract of history by introducing his two young protagonists, Kun and Solveig. They live far apart, experiencing different aspects of the world, yet connected. It is a simple device to engage the young reader in this extraordinary – and challenging  – story.  There is nothing cosy as the reader opens the book to an image of a fiery ball whirling in space. We follow its violent evolution to close the back cover where the image of that blue planet floats serenely in its galaxy; as serenely as Solveig watching the Northern Lights in a lake warmed by the earth’s core or Kun feeding the birds who were once dinosaurs.  Books for Keeps

My photo (top image) doesn't do this cover any justice. The waterfall is made from tinsel like glitter - this is a book children will want to explore! and discuss. 

Dedication: "Words cannot do justice to the majesty and generosity of the world we share with all the extraordinary creations of its vibrant and mysterious nature. I am grateful for every day I have here, grateful to be a part, as we all are, of its incredible and ancient story."

A brief meditation on our planet’s long and generally violent history over geologic epochs with suitably big, dramatic illustrations. ... A grand spectacle. Kirkus Star review

This book is the companion book to these titles by Grahame Baker-Smith:

Wild is the Wind

The Song of Lewis Carmichael by Sofie Laguna illustrated by Marc McBride

"Two days to fly by balloon to the North Pole. Not possible."

In the middle of the night a crow taps on Matthew's window. Matthew actually met this same crow who has a broken wing earlier in the day. Outside Matthew sees a huge hot air balloon. The crow, who introduces him self as Lewis Carmichael, tells Matthew to hurry because it is time to head off to the North Pole. 

Matthew is a lonely kid who feels as though he does not fit in. School is hard, his parents seem over protective and relationships are complicated. Books are his solace and he especially loves to read about the world of the Arctic. He has read about the freezing temperatures, amazing wild creatures and the barren landscape. Could this invitation be part of a dream? Matthew is not sure but he tentatively climbs out of his upstairs bedroom window and climbs aboard the balloon.  

There is a third, unseen character, in the story who has outfitted the balloon with everything Matthew and Lewis Carmichael will need for their journey - warm clothes, food, water, a small stove and a good supply of tea. Matthew is not used to drinking tea but Lewis Carmichael insists they enjoy this warm beverage at regular intervals and Matthew finds comfort in the warmth and companionship.

"Who was it that said tea lifts the drinker to the realms of the gods? I drink it from takeaway cups in the park. Leftovers. You know, the last drops in the cup. But if I could have my own cup - what a treat.' Matthew found tea leaves in the box. He boiled water in the second tin pot and added the leaves. Then he poured the dark brew into two cups and placed one of the cups before Lewis."

Lewis Carmichael is truly special. He takes every opportunity to praise and encourage Matthew and gradually as they journey to, and arrive in, the Arctic, Matthew grows in confidence. 

Here are some of the supplies in the balloon:

"Matthew looked in the trunk. He found brown knee-length boots, lined with fur, and gloves made from the same padded, shiny material as the coat. There were boxes marked food and water. There was a small gas stove ... in the same box as dishes and cutlery, a frying pan, and a daypack a little like his own school bag. There was a second cylinder of gas, an enormous padded silver blanket, and a small leather case (where) he found a pair of black binoculars ... "

Now onto the title - Lewis Carmichael sings a song as a way to encourage Matthew:

In all the world, beneath all the skies,

All the skies, I never did see, never did see

I never did see, in all the world,

In all the lands, just this one.

This one boy ...

I'd love to hear the tune. 

The other very special feature of this book is the wonderful art by Marc McBride. It is quite different from his work you may have seen previously in books by Emily Rodda. The text is printed in blue and illustrations in this book are made from very fine lines in the same shade. It is easy to see that the style of illustrations he has created for this book echo Marc's admiration for the work of Edward Ardizzone.

Image Source: Marc McBride

You can read the first eleven pages of The Song of Lewis Carmichael here. In this interview with Joy Lawn at Paperbark Words, Sofie Laguna and her husband Marc McBride talk about their book. And in this podcast Sofie and Marc talk to Middle Grade Mavens. 

Click these review quotes to read more praise for this wonderful adventure:

Marc McBride’s illustrations shine within Laguna’s emotive and elegant poetic prose, which like music, skips, rises and falls. Two immensely gifted creators, collaborating to produce a novel of the utmost beauty. Kids' Book Review

This is an adventure story with a difference although it has a classic feel to it particularly the elements of the boy pitted against the natural world. It will be enjoyed by middle-primary readers and will also be one of those read-alouds where the listeners always ask for ‘just one more chapter’. Margot Hillel Reading Time

I agree with Margot Hillel also says: Lewis’s broken wing, that prevents him from flying, is a metaphor for Matthew’s inability to ‘spread his wings’ and take risks. 

In her interview with Joy Lawn, Sofie mentioned this book:

When I was a child, about nine years old, I read a book called ‘Una and Grubstreet’, by Prudence Andrew. The story is about a lonely girl, Una, who finds a lost baby she believes is neglected. Una is guided by her friend, a little wooden bear that speaks to her, called Grubstreet. The novel has stayed with me all my life. I realise as I write this, it has had a direct influence on me.

Addition to this post:

Joy Lawn, in The Australian newspaper September 11-12, 2021 wrote her review of this book and I would like to give you a few quotes. The article is entitled "A song of many colours". 

"an allusive, timeless fable that will be savoured by young and older readers. It is multifaceted and thought-provoking, with the tone and style of a classic."

"The writing is lit with perfectly paced images of the land, sea, ice and the natural world; the moon, sun and stars; the Milky Way and Northern Lights; birds and feathers and the succouring balloon."

Polar Bear Night by Lauren Thompson illustrated by Stephen Savage

 

A polar bear cub sets off on a night time walk. It is a magical journey filled with starlight and snow and sleeping animals.

Sadly this book from 2004 is now out of print but you might be lucky and find a copy in a well stocked library. There was once also a board book edition of Polar Bear Night. The lino cut art in this book is very different and ideal to share with a preschool child. Every page looks cold and the polar bear cub, with his little geometric face, is so appealing. In 2004, Polar Bear Night was named a New York Times Best Illustrated children’s book, an ALA Notable Book, and a Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book. Read this interview with Stephen. 

The simplicity in the art, text, and plot belie the deft craftsmanship, like carving an ice sculpture. This bedtime story will captivate young listeners; it sparkles just like ice crystals on a moonlit night. Kirkus Star review

Once upon a Northern night by Jean E Pendziwol illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault

 

It started with one tiny flake

perfect

and beautiful

and special,

just like you.

This book reads like a love letter to a child. The snow is like vanilla ice cream, a downy blanketand puffs of creamy white like balls of cotton. Outside is a magical place described in loving detail to a sleeping child.

The setting of this book is the Northern Hemisphere but as we are about to head into Winter here in Australia I think this lyrical and scrumptiously illustrated picture book would be perfect to share over the coming weeks.

Once Upon a Northern Night offers an enchanting interplay of text and illustration that grows richer with each turn of the page, and seems destined to join the ranks of winter-themed classics to be reached for year after year. Quill and Quire - Sarah Sorensen

One of the loveliest picture books you’ll see all year long. Julie Danielson Kirkus

... authentic and profoundly moving. Playing by the Book

I went shopping this week for new picture books to add to my already crowded home shelves. My criteria included - a lyrical text; a meaningful story; exquisite illustrations; and a book to treasure. I browsed the shop shelves for more than an hour and eventually I found this beautiful book (paperback 2015). You can see some of the art and text here. 

Canadian picture books are always very special. Take a look here to see other books illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault. I particularly love Just Because; Captain Rosalie; and Spork.  Take a look inside Once upon a Northern night.

Please read this book on a quiet winter night, then watch this beautiful video from the publisher and finally pick up Owl Moon as a companion read:

You might also look for these books in your library:

The Robin and the Reindeer by Rosa Bailey illustrated by Carmen Saldaña

It is the first winter for the little reindeer. The herd are moving south. She stops along the way to marvel at the tall trees and the snow covered landscape. The herd do not stop and the youngest reindeer finds herself all alone with no idea which way to go. Night is coming and the snow keeps falling. Little reindeer remembers her mother's advice to bury herself in the snow as a way to stay warm. Setting off again she sees a flash of red. It is a small robin.

"Will you be my friend? ... I need one right now."

Luckily the robin knows the way south to the cave where the herd have gone. He lands on her nose - a bright red beacon to light the way. As they travel on their journey takes a magical turn and the final pages filled with northern lights are sure to enchant you.

I was on the hunt for some new Christmas books to gift this year. The silver sparkles on the cover and the soft focus illustrations inside immediately caught my attention. This is a perfect Christmas book to add to your personal or school collection. It is a book that is sure to become a favourite to read each year during the festive season. 

Image Source: Booktopia

In this interview Carmen talks about her work and processes.  Here are some other books illustrated by Carmen Saldaña:

I would follow The Robin and the Reindeer with The Fox and the Star.

The Girl, The Cat and the Navigator by Matilda Woods

Fortune teller Freydis Spits arrives in the village of Nordlor on the night Captain Britt's wife is due to give birth to their seventh child. Captain Britt has six daughters. He is desperate for a son. Fredyis listens to the sounds inside shells to tell fortunes and having extracted an appropriate and large payment from the Captain she declares:

"After the birth of six disappointing daughters, Captain Britt of the Plucky Leopard will finally become the proud father of a bold and brave son."

Later that night a baby is born but this baby is another girl. The baby is named Oona and over the coming years we read that she is utterly rejected not just by her father but also by her mother and her six sisters. Oona is left to her own devices. Luckily she is a resourceful girl. The women in her family cannot read but Oona hides in the rafters of the school house and listens in to the lessons given to the village boys. She has two books where she reads about legendary sea voyages and sea monsters. Oona longs to join her father on his ship. She is especially curious about one special creature - the nardoo. This amazing creature is purported to fly, to control the weather of the north and to orchestrate the spectacular Northern Lights.

"The nardoos were bigger than whales, brighter than the summer sun and kinder than the kindest man. They were gentle beasts that swam through the waters during the day and flew through the stars at night. It is said that when they cried, the nardoo's tears floated up into the sky and became clouds that came back as fain. It is said that wherever they flew they left tails of brilliant light behind."

Oona's mother decides her daughters need husbands so she packs everyone into a carriage and heads down south. Oona does not want to go south. She feels the pull of the north so late at night she stows away on her father's ship, The Plucky Leopard, observed only by an ancient cat called Barnacles. 

We have all the story elements ready for a brilliant tale - a girl on a mission, an angry father, the gentle navigator, a fortune teller who makes dangerous mistakes and a very resentful cat desperate to preserve his last life. 

I am a little confused about this book. Can I claim it as Australian? Matilda Woods is Australian but her publisher is in the UK (scholastic.co.uk) and her agent is also in UK. I guess all of this explains why I didn't know about this book (published in 2018) and also why it did not appear on our CBCA Notable list in 2019.

Things I enjoyed about The Girl, The Cat and the Navigator:

• The cover - it is perfect
• The illustrations are superbly done by Anuska Allepuz - I think her name should appear on the cover. The illustrations remind me the images in Varjak Paw.
• The wisdom, bravery and heroism of Oona - she is a mighty girl!
• The kindness of the navigator Haroyld
• The village buildings in Nordlor which are made from the timbers of shipwrecks
• The wild battle scene when the ship is attacked by a huge sea monster with eight tentacles
• The fairy tale elements especially through the story thread of the ugly sisters and their marriage to Prince Manfred of Turnip Town!

I highly recommend The Girl, The Cat and the Navigator for all readers aged 10+. I think this book would also be excellent as a family or class read aloud. Click here for more details about each character. Listen to an audio sample from the first chapter by Bolinda Audio.

This is definitely a book to be enjoyed curled up under a warm blanket, by flickering candlelight, with a warm drink. Magical! Library Girl and Book Boy

Lyrical storytelling, a bold, brave, independent girl and mythical creatures, both monstrous & magical, are spun together to create a breathtaking story that reads like the very best fairytales. Miss Cleveland is Reading

With a determined female main character who won’t take no for an answer, the story is complemented with illustrations on every page,enabling you to join Oona on her adventure of a lifetime. Book Trust

I am very keen to read another book by Matilda Woods:

If you read The Girl, The Cat and the Navigator (yes you should read this book!) then you might also enjoy The Pearl in the Ice.