Kate Banks (1960–2024)

Elephants are harder to find than one might think in this entertaining, tongue-in-cheek guidebook, which offers plenty of advice on how to search for them, and what to take along on your journey. As the narrative proceeds, the amusing artwork depicts an elephant in each scene, hiding in plain sight as the young hero searches high and low for him. Eventually, while taking a nap on a "hill" (the elephant's back), the boy is found by the very animal he seeks...

An amusing picture-book for show more younger children, who will enjoy the entertaining disconnect between text and image, as the elephant appears in every scene, How to Find an Elephant would make a fun selection for story-time. I found Boris Kulikov's artwork lovely, and appreciated the many creative ways he found to incorporate that elusive elephant into his scenes, while Kate Banks' narrative had a droll, deadpan humor that was very appealing. Recommended to all young elephant lovers, or to any child who enjoys games of make-believe, in which one "hunts" for something or someone. show less

This contemporary retelling of the classical Bible story, depicts a sensitive boy who cares deeply for all the creatures around him.

The story begins with Noah, a boy with curly dark hair and brown skin, peeping over the fence to see a storm coming down the hill in his city. As his parents prepare the house for the storm, boarding up windows, getting out candles, and stockpiling food, Noah prepares his small friends for the storm. He creates a roof for the bed of an old wagon and fills it show more with food, miniature furniture, a flashlight, and other comforts. When the storm hits, Noah and his family are safe in their home; and his small friends are safe in their ark. Hummingbirds, salamanders, snakes, spiders, grasshoppers, and toads all weather the storm in safety within their ark. The creatures hiss, buzz, and sing while the family in their house tell stories; they nibble on snacks, curl up for bed, and when the storm is over emerge to see the glorious rainbow and fill Noah's yard with life one more.

Banks' pictures were created in pencil and watercolor and rendered digitally; they show a glow of light in the sky and on Noah's skin, the gathering storm clouds, and the individual personalities of each little creature as they wait for the storm to end. The rising waters, dark sky, and anxious families waiting to see if they make it through the storm are shadowed in grays and the joyful return to the world at the end shines with all the colors of the rainbow.

There are many layers and possibilities for this book; readers familiar with the Biblical story can discuss the parallels and differences and look at the book from a religious perspective as both Noah and his parents care for those under their protection. Readers unfamiliar with the story or approaching it from a non-religious viewpoint can discuss how Noah cares for the wildlife in his home and what things they can do to help their own backyard creatures. All readers can enjoy this imaginative, warm story for its lovely text and rich art.

Verdict: A strong addition to any library, this is a great choice for a preschool or older storytime, one-on-one reading, or retelling traditional stories.

ISBN: 9780763674847; Published March 2019 by Candlewick; Review copy provided by the publisher; Donated to the library show less

A cosmopolitan cat follows a vacationing Italian family around Europe in this charming poetic picture-book, visiting eight cities, from Marseille to Barcelona, London to Berlin. In each city he sees the sights - Notre Dame in Paris, the cat boat sanctuary in Amsterdam - and experiences the local culture, before hitching a ride to his next destination. In the end he returns, along with the Italian family's whose trip he has mirrored, to his home in Rome...

The text of City Cat reads incredibly show more well, slipping off the tongue in poetic twists, with rhymes and almost-rhymes, and an engaging rhythm that makes the experience a pleasure. The artwork, done by Caldecott honoree Lauren Castillo, is equally engaging, capturing the eponymous feline's happy wanderlust and the beauties he witnesses to perfection. Equal parts educational - the afterword includes a bit more information about each city visited - and entertaining, this is a picture-book I would recommend to young cat lovers, to young would-be travelers, and to anyone looking for children's stories that teach a little bit of geography while also keeping young children engaged. show less

The cat loves living in his house by the sea with the old woman who pets him gently and calls him "good kitty." When the old woman dies, the cat is sent away along with the rest of her stuff to the north of France. Unhappy with his new situation, the cat travels all the way across France - through farmland and cities, past shooing adults and chasing children - until he arrives back home at the small house by the sea and meets the new family living there.

Compared to so many other children's show more books (other than bedtime stories), this is a rather placid and calm book, which can provide for a nice change of pace. The language is lyrical, but it is not the usual singsong or mad-dash rhyming seen in children's picture books; rather it has a comforting kind of tone to it. Similarly the oil-painting reminiscent illustrations are full of vibrant and bright colors, but these do not feel overstimulating. They remind me of some of Vincent VanGogh's paintings - lively yet with a kind of soothing effect as well. Those who are familiar with France will recognize the landscapes and buildings in the background of these illustrations.

This book provides some interesting fodder when it comes to food for thought and topics of discussion with young children. The book rather matter of factly addresses the death of the old woman and moves on with the rest of the story. You can use this book to gently bring up the concept of death with young children who haven't been exposed to it yet -- or to talk with those kids who have lost a loved one and compare their experiences and emotions with those of the cat. You can also discuss how the cat is courageous and single-minded in achieving his goal, despite all obstacles, and tie this into a specific thing that your children are trying to reach in their own lives, whether that being doing well at school, getting better at a sport, or working on an artistic project, etc.

I first shared this book with my kindergarten class when we were talking about France as part of an "around the world" unit. The kids were excited to see illustrations that matched some of the photographs we saw of places around France. They all liked this book so much that they asked to hear it read aloud several times and many of them went back to look at it on their own later. Most recently, I read this book to my 4-year-old niece who was similarly enraptured with it. I would very much recommend this book as a read aloud/together for preschool- and elementary-aged children. show less