Get Thee to a Bookstore With This YA Books List

By Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

In the spirit of December gift-giving, I asked my fellow children’s authors to help me put a list together of books they’re giving and ones they’re looking forward to reading over the holidays.

Here are picture book suggestions:

Margriet Ruurs, whose most recent book is Amazing Animals: The Remarkable Things That Creatures Do (Tundra, 2011) will be giving Island Santa written by Sheryl McFarlane and illustrated by Sheena Lott, to the children on her list. “It’s a beautiful story and one that all children on the Gulf Islands can relate to as we watch Santa arrive by boat.”

Marilyn Helmer says, “I just bought a copy of Lisa Dalrymple’s new seasonal picture book, If It’s No Trouble…a Big Polar Bear. The story is about adjusting to new and unusual situations. The illustrations compliment the story perfectly and the rhythm and rhyme make it a great read aloud book.” I have ordered copies of this book as well and am looking forward to reading it before giving them away. Lisa is a rare author who can amuse in perfect rhyme. Marilyn’s newest picture book is called That’s What Bears Are For, illustrated by Sonia Nadeau (Peanut Butter Press, 2012) will surely find its way under a number of trees as well.

“I would like another copy of Picture a Tree by Barbara Reid,” says artist and illustrator, Kristi Bridgeman. The book shows tree varieties through the seasons, “but what I love are the plasticine images and green cover because it makes me want to make play dough.” Krisi also recommends Solomon’s Tree by Andrea Spalding and Janet Wilson (Orca, 2005), “because it made me cry in the bookstore.”

One of illustrator Dianna Bonder’s favourite seasonal books is a hard to get classic by Jerry Pallotta called Dinosaur Christmas (Scholastic US). I searched around for this one and the only place that it’s available is from Pallotta’s website (www.jerrypallotta.com) but he’ll autograph it for you. The most recent book Dianna has illustrated is Pedro the Pirate, by Tim Hoppey (Raven Tree Press, 2012).

Short story writer Merna Summers, who won the Marian Engel Award in 1989, says “I have just read Noah’s Bark (Lerner, 2010) by Stephen Krensky, with enchanting illustrations by the Quebec artist Rogé. It tells the story of how each animal was given its individual way of speaking by Noah, as a means of keeping some sort of order on the ark.”

Christine Tripp (illustrator of Sheri Radford’s Penelope and the Preposterous Birthday Party, Lobster, 2009) says, “I’ve picked up a copy of Mine (Knopf, 2012), a little picture book with illustrations by Patrice Barton, for my 3.5 year old granddaughter. The author is Shutta Crum. The illustrations are what really knock this little book out of the park, so, so sweet. The story line of everything thing being the older sisters, EVERYTHING, would apply to any home where there is a baby sibling. It suits two of my granddaughters to a tee!”

Children’s Book News editor Gillian O’Reilly will be giving Crazy About Soccer!, a collection of poems about the sport by Loris Lesynski, with illustrations by Gerry Rasmussen (Annick Press) to her 3.5 year old great-niece.  “To describe her father and brother as avid soccer fans is putting it mildly, so the subject matter and the amazing versifying talent of Loris Lesyski seems like a perfect combination. The fact that the illustrations are by one of the creators of my favourite Canadian comic strip (Betty) is icing on the cake.” Gillian is the author of two non-fiction titles herself: Slangalicious: Where We Got That Crazy Lingo (Annick, 2004) and The Great Number Rumble: A Story of Math in Surprising Places (co-written with Cora Lee, Annick, 2007).

Helaine Becker’s A Porcupine in a Pine Tree, illustrated by Werner Zimmerman (North Winds Press, 2010) is finding its way onto several gift lists this year, in its traditional format from years past and new this year in a book and gift package. Maureen McGowan , author of Deviants, (Amazon Children’s Publishing 2012) says, “I’m  looking forward to reading A Porcupine in a Pine Tree, by Helaine Becker, with my four-year-old nephew. He was introduced to it last year and nearly had it memorized. I’m hoping he’ll sing the book to the whole extended family this Christmas.”

Wendy Whittingham, illustrator of Valerie Sherrard’s Miss Wondergem’s Dreadfully Dreadful Pie (Tuckamore, 2011), is buying A Porcupine in a Pine Tree for herself, “because it’s Canadian and because it’s awesome!” Wendy also recommends Maurice Sendak’s classic Where the Wild Things Are and Mo Willem’s Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus.

Wendy also says, “I’m looking forward to giving a copy of I’m Bored, by Michael Ian Black, and illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi to my nephew (Simon & Schuster, 2012),” says Maureen McGowan. “The minimalist illustrations really capture the emotions of the characters–even the potato!” Christine Tripp agrees:  “I am very tempted to keep it for myself, just because I love that ridiculous damn potato! The idea of trying to entertain a bored potato alone keeps making me chuckle.”

Marjorie Gann, author of Five Thousand Years of Slavery (illustrated by Janet Wilson, Tundra, 2011) suggests four picture books:

The Huron Carol, illustrated by Frances Tyrrell (William Eerdmans, 2003): “Tyrrell’s exquisite illustrations situate this famous carol squarely within the native context. Mary is a Huron mum, the manger a longhouse, Bethlehem a boreal forest, the kings wear snowshoes, etc., all as in Father Brebeuf’s telling. Tyrrell is a brilliant draughtsman, and the design of each page is enchanting: an arched window in the centre concentrating on the story, framed by a background of the Canadian landscape or sky (constellations representing bears, wildcats, etc.)” This classic book is out of print but can be purchased used.

“Zlateh the Goat,” by Isaac Bashevis Singer. “This comes in a collection by Singer, Zlateh the Goat and Other Stories, illustrated by Maurice Sendak (Programs and Genres, 2001). Set in the vanished world of the European Jewish communities, this Hanukkah story begins when the father tells his son Aaron to take their goat Zlateh to the butcher; the money for the animal will help the family to buy what they need for Hanukkah. But on the way, the wind whips up a fearsome snowstorm. The beloved goat leads the boy to shelter in a haystack while the winds whirl; the goat nourishes herself on the hay, Aaron drinks her milk, and they stay warm and safe. The storm ended, the boy is found by his panicking father and — you guessed it — Zlateh returns home to the grateful family. A beautiful book. There’s a video made in black and white, set in Czechoslovakia, with Janacek’s music in the background, that captures the story’s tone magnificently.

The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter (Little Simon, 1987). “Well, this will never go out of print! I’m sure everyone knows the story (of the tailor who has to finish the mayor’s waistcoat by Christmas morning but becomes ill – only to be saved by the little mice who live in his walls, and are threatened by Simpkin the cat!) but I wouldn’t want to forget it. Quaint, old-fashioned — but my (Grade 4) students loved it.

Elijah’s Angel: A Story of Chanukah and Christmas by Michael J. Rosen, illustrated by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson (Harcourt, 1992). “Elijah Pierce really existed — an African-American barber and woodcarver who was a friend of both the author and illustrator. This is the story of a friendship between a Jewish-American boy and a devout Christian woodcarver, of how they shared their traditions. It’s not at all sappy or Brotherhood Week – ish, though. But it is about Christmas angels and Hanukkah menorahs, and how they bond two people together.”

I have a whack of picture books to give out myself and I always enjoy reading them gently before wrapping. Rebecca Bender’s Don’t Laugh, Giraffe (Pajama Press, 2012) is a fabulous selection on so many levels. I love how it demonstrates the teasing that can happen between friends but gently shows how a tease gone wrong can hurt. The illustrations and text are both vivid yet simple. A great choice for toddlers to grade two.

I am also giving Cat’s Night Out by Caroline Stutson and J. Klassen (Simon & Shuster, 2010). Ostensibly a counting book, but it will not bore the adult reader no matter how many times a child wants to hear it. The illustrations are visually stunning, showing detailed streetscapes, many retro styles of clothing, dance and music.

A Birthday for Bear by Bonnie Becker and illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton (Candlewick, 2012) is the perfect book to get a child out of a spoiled brat funk. Humourous and engaging.

Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown (Little-Brown, 2010) will make your littlest family members chuckle but it will also make them think from the point of view of the animal when they drag in a squirrel or sparrow and want to keep it as a pet.

For kids eight and up, Robin Stevenson, author of Hummingbird Hearts (Orca, 2012), has a great suggestion. “I will be buying my eight-year-old son as many Foxtrot comic books as I can find! The first books he enjoyed reading on his own.” For example, AAAA: A Foxtrot Kids Edition, by Bill Amend, (Andrews McMeel, 2012). “The character of ten-year-old Jason is kind of like a grown up techie version of Calvin [from Calvin and Hobbes],with the same quirky humour and mischievous spirit. Anyone who likes math, science and computers will love this kid and his family.”

My own suggestion for kids aged eight and up is Jennifer Lanthier’s stunning new picture book, The Stamp Collector, illustrated by Francois Thisdale (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2012). I didn’t include it in the picture book category above because it really is for older kids and adults. It’s the story of a city boy and a country boy, both who grow up in a repressed country. One becomes a writer and is imprisoned for his stories. The other becomes his prison guard. A powerful and nuanced story that is sure to win awards.

Illustrator Jan Dolby, (Gabby, by Joyce Grant, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2012) is giving her daughter Hockey Girl by Natalie Hyde (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2012) for Christmas. Jan says it’s “a perfect fit for her…she plays girls’ peewee rep hockey and has played for boys’ hockey league as well. I think the story line will grab her attention and she will finish the book with excitement.”

Dianna Bonder is looking forward to reading the Penderwicks books with her oldest daughter over the holidays. Jeanne Birdsall’s Penderwicks books are The Penderwicks at Point Mouette, The Penderwicks on Gardam Street, and The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy (Yearling). They just begun reading the series and she called them “truly excellent!”

Wendy Whittingham suggests J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, Yann Martel’s Life of Pi, Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White, Holes by Louis Sachar, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis for kids aged ten and up.

And what children’s novels are authors reading and giving over the holidays? An eclectic variety:

“I am saving Shane Peacock’s Vanishing Girl from Tundra Books to read over the season,” says Marilyn Helmer.

“I plan to give Urve Tamburg’s The Darkest Corner of the World to an Estonian friend who came to Canada when she was a young girl in the 1950s,” says Judith Robinson, playwright and author of Working Miracles: The Drama & Passion of Aimee Semple McPherson (James Lorimer & Company, 2006). “Her grandfather was interned by the Soviets and never returned. I’m sure the experiences in the book will speak to her about her own family.”

Helaine Becker, author of Porcupine in a Pine Tree: is looking forward to reading Leah Bobet’s Above (Arthur Levine, 2012), Joanne Levy’s Small Medium at Large (Bloomsbury, 2012), Deborah Kerbel’s GG-nominated novel, Under the Moon (Dancing Cat, 2012), and Valerie Sherrard’s Counting Back From Nine (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2012).

Valerie Sherrard recommends Amphibian by Carla Gunn (Coach House, 2009). “It’s a crossover book – written for adults but also great for young people.” Sherrard also recommends Mahtab Narsimhan’s The Tiffin. “It had me instantly mesmerized with its rich descriptions. A wonderful story that plunks you down in Mumbai and takes you along on a young man’s perilous search for hope and home.”

Gillian O’Reilly says, “What I’ll be reading over the holidays is Trilby Kent’s Stones for My Father, (Tundra, 2011) recent winner of this year’s TD Canadian Children’s Book Award.”

Rebecca Upjohn, author of The Secret of the Village Fool (illustrated by Renné Benoit, Second Story Press, 2012) says, “I am really looking forward to reading Mastiff (Random House, 2011) book three in Tamora Pierce’s Beka Cooper trilogy. I have long enjoyed Pierce’s books for their smart female characters who often challenge the status quo. Her books set in the kingdom of Tortall are among my favourites. The Beka Cooper series is about a young woman employed by the city guard. She and her working dog, Achoo, and a cast of many take on such subjects as slavery, counterfeiting, and the clash between those living in poverty and those born to nobility. The books in this series are long but Pierce is a compelling storyteller and a master world builder and there is always a payoff worth the read.”

Rebecca Upjohn has another suggestion as well. “Although marketed for adults, I would consider giving an older teen who loves epic fantasy, K.V. Johansen’s Blackdog (PYR Books, 2011). The world created in the book is compelling. There is an intriguing treatment of gods and other immortal beings and the charged history between these beings and humans is slowly revealed. The story focuses on a mortal girl, the living incarnation of a goddess, and Blackdog, a spirit who possesses a human mortal male. Blackdog’s only goal is to protect the goddess regardless of the toll it takes on the man whom it possesses. It is a layered story with many twists which kept me guessing. The connection between the goddess and Blackdog and that between their two human counterparts is complex and unpredictable. Altogether a great read for someone in need of a book to sink their teeth into.”

“A book I am looking forward to re-reading over the holidays is Dianne Linden’s beautifully-written Shimmerdogs (Thistledown, 2008),” says Merna Summers. “It is the story of a little boy whose world falls apart in various ways after his mother is posted out of the country on a peace-keeping mission. The joy of the book, besides its honesty, is the beauty of the prose. I believe that Dianne was short-listed for a GG Award for this one, and anyone who reads it will readily understand.”

Maureen McGowan, is looking forward to reading Insurgent, by Veronica Roth (Katherine Tegan, 2012). “I thoroughly enjoyed her first book, Divergent, because it’s fast-paced and tackles big questions we first faced as teens such as, who do I want to be, and what kind of person am I? Her dystopian world poses the questions: ‘Can you be too honest? Too self-sacrificing? Too brave? Too friendly? Too knowledgable?’ in an interesting and exciting way. I’ve been saving Insurgent as a treat for when I finish the last book in my own dystopian trilogy.”

For myself? Many of those I’ll be giving will be books that I reviewed over the past year. I would also highly recommend The Talk-Funny Girl by Roland Merullo (Crown Publishing, 2011), a novel about a dirt-poor girl who transcends her abusive childhood. It will appeal to anyone who loved Jeanette Walls’ The Glass Castle (Scribner, 2006).