Archive for November 8, 2019

A Day for Skating

Written by Sarah Sullivan
Illustrated by Madeline Valentine

Fun rhymes are only a part of the highlights of this adorable, nostalgic, bedtime book. The lilt of the words is almost like the snow falling on a quiet, cold day. Or the scrape of the skate blades on the ice of the pond in the story.

The story is deceptively simple, yet it covers the entire day of skating in a small number of words, with the end papers providing the literal bookends. The first one shows the family on the way to the pond. The last one shows the scene after nightfall. Along with the family dog (on a leash), the skates go on and are laced. he pond is already busy. Slide and turn. Fall down. Get up with Dad’s – and the dog’s – help. Hot cocoa at the snack-bar and more gliding in a row. Hockey, figure skating, and a race with happy people. Then home to warm up and rest for another day. At night, the animals go for a skate. It’s all there.

The illustrations are so much a part of the action. Always, the dog is there to share in the fun. And there’s usually a bird or rabbit or raccoon to spot.

I can’t recommend this book enough, even for kids who’ve never seen snow or ice. Sure to be a classic.

  • A Day for SkatingTitle: A Day for Skating
  • Author: Sarah Sullivan
  • Illustrator: Madeline Valentine
  • Published: Candlewick Press, 2019
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
  • Grade Level: PreK to 2
  • Genre: Skating, Family, Friends, Nature
  • ISBN: 978-0-7636-9686-3

Maya and the Lost Cat

Written and Illustrated by Caroline Magerl

In a delightful and somewhat melancholy story, Maya searches for the home of a cat that randomly shows up at her door. When Cat shows up, it’s raining buckets. Maya finds that Cat is not impressed by her feather boa or pom-pom on a stick. But Cat is very happy with a tin of fish. So, concerned about his welfare, Maya sets out to find Cat’s true home. The first house is filled with rabbits. The second house with dogs. Not good fits. The next house is overflowing with cats. Probably not. Finally, Maya and Cat locate a boat, where they know Cat. Maya is sad to see Cat go, but she comes home with Cat’s kitten. Everyone is happy.

There is a lot to learn in this sweet story about home and a place to belong. It would be great as a bedtime story.

The beautiful watercolor illustrations with an Impressionistic influence add tremendously, with cute little touches like a lost cat poster and animals watching them out of windows. The end papers are filled with cats.

  • Maya 2Title: Maya and the Lost Cat
  • Author/Illustrator: Caroline Magerl
  • Published: Candlewick Press, 2019
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: Hardcover, 40 pages
  • Grade Level: PreK to 2
  • Genre: Home
  • ISBN: 978-1-5362-0423-0