By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 11, 2010
It was 49 years ago, today, that Jane Yolen had her first book, Pirates in Petticoats, published. That day was her 22nd birthday—what a great birthday present. In honor of Jane Yolen’s 71st birthday and the 300+ books that she has written—winning awards for many—we are celebrating by sharing with you some of her more recent picture books and board books. Happy Birthday, Jane Yolen. We hope you have a wonderful day!
Valentine’s Day is close—in fact, Cupid is shining his bow and washing his favorite diaper. The following rhyming books are both about love, making them the perfect choice for the romantic holiday or any other day you want to feel warm and fuzzy.
by Jane Yolen(Author), Gary Lippincott (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Wordsong (December 2009)
This is a love story about a fairy who is running late to the ball because her dress is too torn from hanging on a thorn—the plot is somewhat reminiscent of Cinderella. The old-world characters with new-age attitudes, the sprightly but traditional watercolor illustrations, and the inspiring and poetic use of words make this a really fun fairytale.
“And then what a tizzy, a flap, and a pother,
A terrible fooforaw, swivet, and bother,
A twitter, a dither, oh my! what a rumble,
A fret and a fuss and a fidget and grumble.”
Add this book to your collection: Come to the Fairies’ Ball
How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?
by Jane Yolen (Author), Mark Teague (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 0-6
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press; First Printing edition (October 6, 2009)
Yolen’s infamous dinosaur characters always carry the true energy and emotion of toddlers and preschoolers, Teague’s illustrations match perfectly. A reminder to both adults and children, alike, that love is unconditional. Dinosaurs are a great delivery system for such messages—especially for young boys.
“Off in the car, you kept kicking my seat …
and when we got out, you were dragging your feet.
But you held my hand tight when we walked in the store.
I’ll love you forever, my dinosaur.”
Add this book to your collection: How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?
Talking about dinosaurs … oh, and cats and dogs … these two board books are a great way to introduce concepts on the right and wrong ways to treat pets:
How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats?
by Jane Yolen (Author), Mark Teague (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 0-4
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press; Brdbk edition (January 1, 2010)
It’s short and mostly sweet—ending with the positives, of course.
“She loves her dear kitty, and does every chore,
strokes its fur, hears it pur—good dinosaur!”
Add this book to your collection: How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats?
How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Dogs?
by Jane Yolen (Author), Mark Teague (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 0-4
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press; Brdbk edition (January 1, 2010)
The illustrations are comical.
“He throws it a stick or a bone or a ball,
and rewards it whenever it comes to his call.”
Add this book to your collection: How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Dogs?
Onto an animal of a different kind …
by Jane Yolen (Author), Jason Stemple (Photographer)
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 30 pages
Publisher: Wordsong; 1 edition (April 1, 2009)
Remarkably absorbing is this wonderful telling of an Egret’s day. The accuracy of the poetry and the sharpness of the beautiful photography are mesmerizing. For the astute mind, each page of poetry is paired with intriguing scientific facts about this alluring bird.
“I am a tower
of strength,
a bird
of great length.
I am tall,
of much height,
a long arrow
in flight.”
Add this book to your collection: An Egret’s Day
Three more beautiful books, all unique in their own special way:
by Jane Yolen (Author), Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Running Press Kids; Reprint edition (September 22, 2009)
This tale is rich in so many ways. The daughter of an Emperor can not see, until the day that a wise old man with a seeing stick teaches her seeing can be done with more than just the use of one’s eyes. The illustrations are sensational—vibrant and toned, detailed and glossy—some of the best I’ve seen. A simply beautiful book.
“Hwei Ming turned to her father, the emperor, who sat straight and tall and unmoving on his great throne. She reached out and her fingers ran eagerly through his hair and down his nose and cheek and rested curiously on a tear they found there.”
Add this book to your collection: The Seeing Stick
by Jane Yolen (Author), Susan Mitchell (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Key Porter Books (July 1, 2009)
This is a fabulous concept. All the wonder that must go through the mind of a soon-to-be big sister is captured in this brilliant telling. Yolen’s text is engaging and sweetly complimented by Mitchell’s delightful and revealing illustrations.
“When I was three years old, old enough to know better, Mama took a ripe pumpkin from Auntie May’s patch of land.”
Add this book to your collection: Pumpkin Baby
by Jane Yolen (Author), Bagram Ibatoulline (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (August 25, 2009)
I’m completely partial to scarecrows—especially those with a brain. This particular scarecrow goes on a journey, not for a brain, but, a journey of self-actualization and purpose. As usual, Yolen’s rhyme is effortless and astute.The acryl gouache and watercolor illustrations set the scene with the dusk colored hues and harmonious connection to the text.
“An autumn eve,
The moon was high,
As yellow as
A black cat’s eye.
Out in the field,
Stiff and forlorn,
The scarecrow stood
And watched the corn.”
Add this book to your collection: The Scarecrow’s Dance
Leave us a comment: Tell us about your favorite Jane Yolen book or leave Jane a birthday message.
Source of books: Publicist