Little Night Cat by Sonja Danowski

Tony and his mum are heading to a grand summer party which is partly a fund raiser for the local animal shelter. Tony has decided he will donate all his precious stuffed animal toys to the raffle.

"The cats and dogs needed food and medicine, and that cost a lot of money."

His mum helps him to pack all of his toys into a huge bag. Mum takes her cello to the fair and while she is setting up Tony visits some of the cats in the shelter. There is a huge grey tomcat who seems to look straight at Tony as he hums a special song composed by his mother called 'Little Night Cat'.  The music for this is included at the back of the book and I am thrilled to have found a video where someone plays this haunting tune. 

At the end of the day the lucky raffle winners head home with all of Tony's stuffed animals. That night, Tony has trouble falling asleep. He misses all of his animal friends and his bed feels so empty. His mother takes down an old suitcase and shows him her own old beloved stuffed cat called Paul. He is looking a little battered but Tony's mum sews on new button eyes and Tony falls asleep cuddling his new friend. 

When Tony arrives home from school the next day there is a wonderful surprise waiting in the hallway. It's Valentine - the huge grey cat from the shelter. Tony and his mum will now be his new family.

A gentle story that children will return to time and time again.  Kirkus Star review

Here are some illustrations from this book:

In preparation for a talk I am doing for IBBY Australia on International Illustrators I wanted to share the work of German illustrator Sonja Danowski here on my blog. This book is available in German, Turkish, Spanish, Chinese, Catalan, Romanian, Greek and Russian. 

Here is an interview with Sonja where she talks about Little Night Cat and shares some of her original sketches. I have also included a couple of quotes from this interview:

In Little Night Cat I combined several aspects that I value and consider important: children, animals and music, generosity and charity, understanding within the family, and also the management of anguish and disappointment.

I wanted to show Tony's joy, courage and petty concerns, and express his mother's sympathy and love; I wanted to make Valentine look like a shy and cuddly cat.

I met Sonja Danowski at the USBBY Conference in Seattle. Prior to the conference I discovered her exquisite art and so it was exciting to meet her in person (fan girl).

One more thing - here is a tiny portion of the scrumptious end papers.

Here are some other books illustrated by Sonja Danowski. In the Garden with Flori is due for publication early in 2022.

As Time Went By by José Sanabria

 

As Time Went By is the perfect title for this book. Part One begins with the ship.  "Once upon a time there was a ship that sailed beside the sun with very important people on board." Over the the ship is sold on to a merchant. In the illustration you can see it is now loaded with cards and cargo including a train engine and a small aeroplane. The next owner is a fishing company and then the ship is abandoned. 

Part Two Begins with an echo of the opening lines "Once upon a time there was a family for whom the sun was always shining." Over the the family squander all their money and eventually they become poor and have to move to a small house, then a smaller house until finally they move into one room near the harbor. Then in a chilling scene we see all of the people from this village are evicted. They walk towards the waterfront carrying their few possessions.

Part Three Again we hear similar words "One upon a time there was a village of homeless people and an abandoned ship." The displace people climb aboard the old abandoned ship and begin to rebuild it. The old ship becomes their home, it can sail again and in the final scene we see it carrying everyone in their newly created village on the water.

On the last page the words from the first page are repeated but this time they have a very different meaning. 

"Once upon a time there was a ship that sailed beside the sun with very important people on board."

As Time Went By is another of those splendid picture books which can be read on many levels. I highly recommend this as a book to use with Senior Primary students. It is sure to generate some deep discussions. You can see some art from this book here. If you are discussing this book you might also like to share the comment from the School Library Journal which described this book as "both heavy-handed and opaque, this melancholy parable is not recommended."  I utterly disagree but this I think this strongly expressed view is very interesting. 

Publisher blurb from Walker Books: Once upon a time there was a ship that sailed beside the sun with very important people on board. The spirit of reinvention – and the importance we place on things – is beautifully expressed in Jose Sanabria's visually evocative story. A steamship makes a journey across time from luxury and exclusivity, industry and abandonment, to stewardship and inclusion as we see the evolving functions of the ship and the changing faces of the people who cherish it most of all.

There was a discussion recently on a Facebook group about end papers. The example found in this book is perfect. A the front you will find a fleet of ships. The waterway looks very crowded. The final end paper is filled with people, many of whom are smiling.

A lovely, rich book to spend time with. Kirkus Star review

As Time Went By is a beautiful portrayal of the changing fortunes of people and things over time. It is a picture book that has much to offer readers of all ages, from stunning illustrations to social commentary. Planet Picture Book

An excellent reminder of the value of friendship, home, and belonging — especially when it seems all is lost. Horn Book

José Sanabria is a Colombian illustrator based in Argentina. He won the Batchelder Honour Award in 2017 for As Time Went By which was first published in Switzerland with the title Wie die Zeit vergeht. 

I am very keen to see another book illustrated by José Sanabria:

Love, Ruby Lavender by Deborah Wiles

"So I'll interview everyone in Halleluia. I'll learn about the town excitements and tragedies and customs and traditions and then I'll write it all up ... but first I have to know all the facts. For instance what's the biggest thing that ever happened in this town?"

Ruby lives in Halleluia, Mississippi. Deborah Wiles gives her readers tiny hints that, in the past, there has been some terrible tragedy in this small community.  It is a tragedy that has affected everyone but in particular Ruby is deeply hurting as is her beloved Grandmother Miss Eula Dapplevine. Caught up in all of this we also have Melba Jane Latham. The only thing we know is that Ruby's Grandfather Garnet is dead as is Melba's daddy.

Ruby has one special friend - Eula, her grandmother. As the story opens the two of them raid a chicken farm and rescue three hens. These precious chickens will claim a place in Ruby's heart. She is looking forward to sharing the chicken raising with her grandmother who suggests keeping the chickens in a old greenhouse in her garden. Things become especially wonderful for Ruby when one of the chickens lays three eggs. Ruby has a very hard time coping with Melba but grandmother Eula seems to understand this offers great wisdom. At the same time, though, Eula herself is grieving and so,when invited, Eula takes up an offer to visit her son in Honolulu so she can meet her newest and second grandchild.  Ruby is so sad to say goodbye to her grandmother but the pair keep in touch with letters. This book was written before the age of email etc. It does not feel old fashioned. I found the letters themselves delightful.

Publisher blurb:  Who is Ruby Lavender? She used to have a fun life, until her Yoo-hoo-drinking, pink muumuu-wearing, best friend of a grandmother up and left for Hawaii to spend the summer with her new (smelly) grandbaby. Now Ruby is stuck in boring old Halleluia, Mississippi, reading to her chickens, sweeping floors at the general store (torture), and being tormented by the curly-haired, tip-tapping Melba Jane. In letter after letter, nine-year-old Ruby pours out her heart to her grandmother. But there is one thing Ruby cannot tell even her—the very same thing that makes Ruby take the long way home every single time and that makes her hate Melba Jane more than anyone. She’s resourceful. She’s feisty. She’s in for some big surprises. Oh, Miss Ruby Lavender—she will pull at your heart.

This unforgettable story is told both in third person narrative and through letters which Ruby and Miss Eula write to each other. All the characters in this story are full of life, practically leaping off the pages complete with their peculiarities, their hurts, and the triumphs. Looking Glass Review

I mentioned a few posts back that I have a small collection of older books picked up from a library where the Teacher-Librarian had done a thorough cull of her oldest books most of which were in very poor condition. 

I read Love, Ruby Lavender when it was first published in 2002 and my memory is that this was a wonderful story. Today I re-read Love, Ruby Lavender and I am sighing with happiness.  This is a beautifully told story filled with genuine emotion. This is a book about relationships, and guilt and healing. I am so happy to see it is still available.  I am also so happy I was able to spend today reacquainting myself with Ruby. You will fall in love with the chickens too!

You can see three covers above.  The collage art cover is by Britta Teckentrup. Here are a set of Book Club questions to use with Love, Ruby Lavender.

I would follow Love, Ruby Lavender with The Heart and Mind of Frances Pauley.

I have talked briefly previously about another book by Deborah Wiles - Each little bird that sings.

Mrs Bibi's Elephant by Reza Dalvand

Mrs Bibi loves her elephant. They walk together, play with the children, eat tea and cake, and Mrs Bibi tells her elephant gentle bedtime stories. 

BUT the people (adults) of the town don't like this elephant. All they can see is trouble. 

"They said instead of talking to an elephant, Mrs Bibi should read the newspaper, check the stock market and keep up to date with economics!"

There is a protest and Mrs Bibi is ordered to take her elephant to the zoo. Mrs Bibi is desperately sad and so the next day she decides to leave her town.

Can you guess the outcome? 

"After Mrs Bibi and her elephant left, the town wasn't the same. ... everyone felt as if something was missing."

Sorry - now you will have to read this book to discover how this tricky situation is resolved. 

Here is the blurb from Flying Eye Books: "A heart-warming story with a message as big as an elephant, this fanciful tale of friendship between an eccentric lady and her beloved pet is as poignant as it is beautiful.  When the townspeople tell Mrs Bibi her pet elephant is too big for the town, she reluctantly packs her bags and heads off somewhere they can live together in happiness. But what they both leave behind is far bigger than the other people could have imagined. Delicate artwork complements messages of acceptance, tolerance and love in this moving children’s story."

You can see art from this book here. And take a look at these glorious end papers which to my eye celebrate difference, happiness, nurturing, filling life with colour and filling your life with things that bring you joy.

... an older reader will be able to pick up both the sophisticated style of the illustration and all the lovely detail and reflect on the book’s more profound message. Book Trust

No matter how often children open this book, they’ll always discover something new. Kirkus

The illustrations are stunning. From the embossed cover to the end papers, there is so much to enjoy. For example, on the title page, Mrs Bibi is sitting under the title- look closely at her hairstyle. You can see the elephant, curled up! Each picture is packed with details- so many opportunities for storytelling offer themselves. North Sommerset Teachers Book Award

I have so many favourite things that delight me as I read through hundreds of children's books but one thing I really do enjoy is the discovery of a book which can be used across ages. Take a look at all of the themes I listed for this book. Two journalists were recently discussing the writing of children's books on a radio program. I was utterly horrified and even 'angry' when I heard one of these 'experts' declare anyone could easily write a children's book. She said 'How hard could it be?'  This is utter nonsense. I wanted to scream at the radio and grab a big pile of splendid books - picture books, junior novels and middle grade novels, and thrust them into the hands of this presenter. 

Reza Dalvand is from Iran.  Here are some of his other books:

Welcome by Barroux

 

A Polar Bear and two friends are stranded when a piece of their ice home breaks away and floats off into the ocean. 

As the trio travel their ice platform shrinks. The water is getting warmer. Luckily they bump into an island. Unluckily the cows, who live on this island, refuse to accommodation the trio. The float on. Luckily they bump into another island. Unluckily the solo Panda who lives there also refuses entry to the poor hapless polar bears. Next stop and island with giraffes. I'm sure you have guessed but the girffes won't even listen to the desperate polar bears who now have to stand on a piece of ice the size of one paw. Finally, when the ice is almost gone they reach an uninhabited island. 

The trio settle in to play and enjoy the sunshine until one day three monkeys arrive.

"Can you help us please? It looks like you've got plenty of room."

You now need to find this book to reach the all important - what happens next scene.

Welcome is available in paperback for a really good price.  If you are reading this post in 2021 click this link for a bargain.  I think this book should be an essential addition to every school library. This is one of those splendid picture books which can be read on many levels. It will be enjoyed by your youngest students and should provide some excellent discussion with older groups. Take a look at my Pinterest The Refugee Experience through Picture books. 

The best companion text is Room on our Rock.

This might look like a picture book. It might look as though it's only for children but there's a message in there that we should all take to heart. Book Bag

Welcome, is a beautiful and powerful story that considers human behaviour and its consequences. This seemingly simple tale, is, in fact, multifaceted.  My Book Corner

Inspired by the Syrian refugee crisis, Welcome stands on its own as an uplifting story of friendship and inclusiveness, but also offers an excellent means for beginning a discussion on the world events that children see and have questions about. Celebrate Picture Books

It's actually a powerful message but the way it has been thoughtfully brought across is pitch-perfect. Read it Daddy

You can read more about Barroux in my post about How Many Trees?

Running out of Night by Sharon Lovejoy

 

Lush, detailed, total-immersion storytelling. Kirkus

Publisher blurb: Every day is a misery for a nameless, motherless Southern girl who is treated cruelly by her pa and brothers. Her life changes forever when a runaway slave named Zenobia turns to her for help and shelter. Longing for her own freedom, the girl decides to run away, and she and Zenobia set off on a harrowing journey. Along the way, Zenobia names the girl Lark, after the bird, for her ability to mimic its song.  Running by night, hiding by day, the girls are pursued by Lark’s pa and brothers and by ruthless slave catchers. Brightwell, another runaway slave, joins them, and the three follow secret signs to a stop on the Underground Railroad. When the hideout is raided and Zenobia and Brightwell are captured, Lark sets out alone to rescue her friends.

Cliffhanger endings for nearly every chapter prove that adventure tropes can work just as well in historical fiction to keep the pages turning, and a happy but bittersweet conclusion ensures that both girls finally find safety. Bulletin of the Centre for Children's Books

I read this book as an ebook. It was first published in 2014 and here in Australia the paperback is nearly $25 which seems terrible to me considering this is a book with just 300 pages. I much prefer print books but the advantage of an ebook is I can highlight pieces of text to quote here which will give you a flavour of this powerful writing:

"I don't have no name. My mama died just when I were borned and nobody bothered to give me one, ceptin Grandpa, who always called me Sweet Girl when we were alone."

"I squared my chin and bit down on my tongue to keep it from waggin me into trouble again."

"I learnt a long time ago that turnin into a shadow, disappearin into whatever was round me were sometimes the only way to stay alive."

"I belonged to him, like his hunting dogs and his guns. He wouldn't never give up looking for me around here."

"Grandpa always told me that bad beginnings are a sign of a good endin. I hoped I didn't have to wait too long for a the good to come."

"And why did I have to take a beatin for someone I didn't even know, or care about? Someone who probably wouldn't give me a butter bean if I were the hungry one. Why should I risk my own hide for her?"

"Not bad enough that I'm a mite smaller than most girls, and that my ugly red hair stands out like broom corn, but now look what I were stuck with - a tall, raggedy runaway slave girl who dragged trouble behind her like a tail. We'd stick out worse n'chickens in Sunday dresses."

"What were that bird you were singin to?' 'That were a lark,' I answered. 'I be thinking on that and now I namin you Lark, ... that a name you can keep. You (are) Lark."

"I looked down. Me and Zenobia set next to each other, our arms wrapped around out legs. Her arms was the colour of dark clover honey, mine pale, white, and freckled like a wood thrush's chest. I had forgot that we was different colours."

There are some rich words in this book and I enjoyed the authentic Southern voice. I learnt these new words: scuppernong (grape); crawdad (crayfish); fetters (metal ankle chains); pinders (peanuts); buckeye (a seed); and milk name (first name given to a baby).

Here in Australia we have a weekly newspaper column penned by the radio journalist and presenter Richard Glover.  I love these quotes from his recent writings:

Saturday 24th July, 2021 "Books are best read in one or two sittings. In the before times, I could take a couple of weeks to read a book ... The plot would lose it momentum. ... A good author deserves a few hours of continuous reading."

I'm glad I read Running out of Night over two or three long and very absorbing sessions. 

Saturday 30th April, 2021 "Every book is a meeting of minds. ... Reading is an intense experience. ... The reader, after all, is the one who brings the text to life. A text without a reader, is a score without a piano. And then there’s the variation in pianos – some are out of tune, unable to even attempt the high notes; others have the ability to bring the score to tuneful life. ... Certainly, reading is not a passive activity. If the book is good, it should be transformative, leaving you slightly altered. Maybe even improved." SMH

I would add to this some wisdom (not as well expressed) about the way, as a reader, you put yourself into the hands of an author - trusting they will keep you (and their characters who may now be your friends) safe. I felt this way right through Running out of Night. So many utterly dreadful, violent, frightening, and truly terrible things happen to Lark and her new friends but I just kept hold of Sharon Lovejoy's hand, confident in the knowledge she would keep me, and those precious children, safe. 

In the author notes I discovered Sharon Lovejoy once owned a herb shop. In this book Lark uses herbs with great care and wisdom. Sharon has added her own passion to the story in a beautiful way. I recommend Running out of Night for mature readers aged 11+. 

This book reminded me of these:

Stella by Starlight

Crossing Ebenezer Creek

Chains

I am now also keen to read Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis. Reviews also mention Trouble don't last by Shelley Pearsall and Stealing Freedom by Elisa Carbone. 

Nimesh the Adventurer by Ranjit Singh illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

 

It is the end of the school day. Nimesh sets off on his journey. He is a boy with tons of imagination. He knows he not really at school - he is in a cave with a sleepy dragon; the school corridor is filled with sharks swimming under the water; out on the road Nimesh finds himself on a dog sled at the North Pole. Every page turn is a visual delight. Your young reading companion will enjoy finding all the clues in the illustrations and this is a book you could read many times because you are sure to make new discoveries.

This fun, fast-paced narrative will have readers eager to turn the page and imagine their own fanciful scenarios. Kirkus

Here is a web site with teaching ideas and a wonderful story telling video by Love My Books. You can see the whole book here.

I am preparing a talk for IBBY Australia focusing on International illustrators. In the course of my research I saw this book for a really good price. It reminded me of this one:

This book also reminded me of:

I also like keep my eye out for books which celebrate using your imagination. I have a Pinterest of books on this topic which I started with some Kindergarten teacher colleagues who set up a unit of work on imaginative stories to use with their classes.  This initiative made my book heart smile. I also like to collect Tall Tales.

Read this interview with Mehrdokht. Here are some other books illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini. She was born in Iran but now lives in the UK: