07/04/2016
A girl named Bella, “not as little as she used to be,” revels in an autumn day—and in the patchwork coat her grandmother made for her, a coat that’s on its last legs. Grams repeatedly suggests that the coat is ready for retirement, but Bella isn’t having it, repeatedly dashing outdoors to romp through the leaves, pick apples from trees, and dash alongside migrating geese (“She sneaked and snooped. She honked and whistled. She flapped and flew”). The mutual adoration between Bella and Grams is abundantly evident in the tender exchanges Plourde (Merry Moosey Christmas) puts together, as well as in Gal’s (Here Is the World) gauzy, multilayered images, which capture both Bella’s near-inexhaustible energy and that of a woodland landscape in flux. Ages 3–5. Illustrator’s agency: Morgan Gaynin. (Sept.)
PRAISE FOR BELLA'S FALL COAT
*"Plourde's lovely text about the ephemeral nature of objects and seasons-and the lasting love of family-is beautifully realized by Gal's expressive, digital collage illustrations. . . Adults may feel nostalgia over seasons past-and young readers will be introduced to the enticing lure of autumn and the joys of sharing it with someone they love."— Kirkus (starred review)
PRAISE FOR BELLA'S FALL COAT
"The mutual adoration between Bella and Grams is abundantly evident in the tender exchanges Plourde puts together, as well as in Gal's gauzy, multilayered images, which capture both Bella's near-inexhaustible energy and that of a woodland landscape in flux."— Publishers Weekly
PRAISE FOR YOU'RE DOING THAT IN THE TALENT SHOW?!
"With lively text and charming, vibrant cartoon illustrations, including ever-enthusiastic, colorfully clad Penelope and the more practical, low-key Tiny, this offers an entertaining, amusing read while insightfully portraying friendship's many facets, from appreciating differences to problem-solving disagreements to showing mutual support."— Booklist
PRAISE FOR YOU'RE DOING THAT IN THE TALENT SHOW?!
"Cornelison's brightly colored cartoon illustrations capture the different personalities of the two friends right from the opening spread. . . Youngsters will enjoy chiming in on the repeated phrases and giggle at Penelope's over-the-top costumes. The addendum "Tips for a Spectacular Performance" is a helpful bonus. VERDICT A showstopper."— School Library Journal
PRAISE FOR YOU'RE WEARING THAT TO SCHOOL?!
* "A hippo with her own sense of style shows her 1-year-older, uptight, mouse best friend that it's important to be true to yourself. . .Plourde's dialogue includes lots of give-and-take between Penelope and Tiny, encouraging children to join in, and Cornelison's illustrations positively revel in Penelope's outr glee.
Penelope joins the ranks of some other popular nonconformists, including Ian Falconer's Olivia, David Shannon's Camilla Cream and Victoria Jamieson's Bea."— Kirkus (starred review)
PRAISE FOR YOU'RE WEARING THAT TO SCHOOL?!
"Penelope's avant-garde choices will certainly appeal to kids who think feather boas go with everything, while Tiny's concern is handled with tenderness and compassion-he really believes he's looking out for his friend. . .Clear writing, lively dialogue, and a solid story structure enhance this title's readaloud value as well. Cornelison's slightly soft-focus illustrations are strongly composed. . .Share this before or during the first day of school for an entertaining discussion prompt about individuality."— Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
PRAISE FOR YOU'RE WEARING THAT TO SCHOOL?!
"The text reads aloud smoothly, with Tiny's repeated, dismayed "Oh, no, no!" inviting participation. Cornelison is a master of facial expressions, displaying the characters' emotions for all to see. "Tips for a Hippo Happy First Day of School" are appended. Although plenty of starting-school books are available, this is a pleasant addition where more are needed."— School Library Journal
★ 09/01/2016
PreS-Gr 1—Bella, who wants to keep her too small coat, learns that "nothing lasts forever." Grams wants to discuss replacing her granddaughter's outerwear, but instead, Bella, wearing the coat she loves, "woosh[es]" outdoors to enjoy her favorite season—fall. She romps in the crackling leaves and even brings some indoors when she returns for lunch. That afternoon Bella plucks ripe apples and after supper zooms outside again to flap her arms in imitation of migrating geese. But her too tight coat begins to unravel, and she can no longer avoid talk of replacing it. While the child sleeps, Grams makes her a new one, which Bella happily dons next morning to experience the first day of winter. She even finds a surprise use for her old coat. The mixed-media illustrations feature double-page outdoor scenes drenched in autumn colors of orange, red, and gold. As day fades to night, swaths of purple sweep across the landscape, and, finally, Bella is tucked into bed with remnants of her autumn adventures reflected against blue-black walls and across her pillow. Alert readers will notice Gram's autumn-colored attire and dishes and furniture that match Bella's vibrant outfit. Plourde manages, quite brilliantly, to convey the characteristics of the autumn season simply through the protagonist's enthusiastic exploits. Metaphors for change abound: apples become tarts, geese leave, autumn becomes winter, and a little girl grows bigger. VERDICT Delicious verb pairs such as "twirled and whirled," "crinkled and crackled," and "picked and plucked" and outstanding illustrations make this offering a treat for eye and ear. A first choice for fall units.—Marianne Saccardi, Children's Literature Consultant, Greenwich, CT
★ 2016-06-22
An exuberant girl leaps into the joys of seasonal change with her loving grandmother. Bella is growing, but she wants things to last forever, such as the crunchy autumn leaves, the geese that fill the sky, and especially her beloved old coat. Whenever Grams kindly mentions the need for a new coat, there's a "WHOOSH," "WHIZZ," or "ZOOM" as the ruddy-complexioned child sprints out the door to play in the natural world. Each trip outside brings delight; each return, the opportunity to bond with Grams. Plourde's lovely text about the ephemeral nature of objects and seasons—and the lasting love of family—is beautifully realized by Gal's expressive, digital collage illustrations. Vibrant and spontaneous, they recall Keats and Isadora. Cleverly, she contrasts the cool blue tones of the girl's outfit against the autumn-colored orange of fall, then flops the contrast as the seasons change. Bella's joie de vivre emanates from the page, her wavy, often wild, blue-black hair a perfect extension of its vivacious owner. But Gal also captures the tender, quiet moments: Grams asleep under the warm glow of a lamp, the new coat she's made in her lap, and the loving twosome walking hand in hand under a pink, purple dusky sky. Adults may feel nostalgia over seasons past—and young readers will be introduced to the enticing lure of autumn and the joys of sharing it with someone they love. (Picture book. 3-5)
