Pat McKissack (1944–2017)

Opening on a dark October night in 1741, this spooky tale follows the miserly lawyer John Leep as he rides out to evict the Widow Mayes from one of his run-down properties. As he rides along, he slowly becomes aware that he is being followed, the clip-clop of his own horse's hooves echoed by those of another steed. After succeeding in his unworthy aim (or so he thinks), Leep sets off for home, only to disappear. Did he repent and move to another town? Or did a terrible ghost known as "Ol' show more Clip-Clop" get him...?

A deliciously creepy story from author Patricia C. McKissack is paired with vivid mixed-media and oil paint artwork from illustrator Eric Velasquez in Ol' Clip-Clop: A Ghost Story. The dust-jacket blurb claims that the tale here is based upon one that McKissack heard from family members, as a young girl, which makes me wonder whether it is taken from folklore, and is known elsewhere. In any case, the spooky chills received from reading this one will surely make it an excellent Halloween read-aloud. Recommended to children who enjoy ghost stories, and to anyone looking for picture-books set during the Colonial period. show less

James Otis and his mother are experiencing a difficult time in this lovely, heartwarming picture-book from author Patricia C. McKissack and illustrator April Harrison. James Otis' father has recently died, they have lost their farm, and have been forced to move into one of the "shotgun houses" in the Bottoms. Nevertheless, when they hear about the troubles of the Temple family, who have lost everything they own in a fire, they make their best effort to contribute to their church's "love box" show more for the needy family. What though, wonders James Otis, can he give that will make any difference? Then, thinking about his pastor's words about giving from the heart, he comes up with an idea for a gift for Sarah, the daughter of the family...

I somehow missed this news, but McKissack passed away last year (2017), and this tale, What Is Given from the Heart, is her last story. What a finale! Poignant and powerful, the narrative here examines a number of troubling issues, from the loss of a loved one to the realities of poverty. It also explores important themes like generosity, love, and creativity. I appreciated the fact that James Otis ends up making his gift for Sarah (as his mother does, for Mrs. Temple), and that that gift turns out to be a book he has written and illustrated himself. The accompanying illustrations by April Harrison, a fine artist who makes her picture-book debut here, are just lovely, capturing the emotional register of each scene. Highly recommended, to anyone looking for children's stories about the death of a loved one, the experience of poverty, and the practice of love, generosity, and creativity. show less

It's the height of the Great Depression, but Nella and her sisters Eddy Bernice and Dessa still long for a Baby Betty doll for Christmas. While Eddy Bernice and Dessa are more realistic about their chances, Nella hopes and believes with all of her heart, even writing a letter to Santy, and sure enough, she and her sisters are gifted the much-coveted doll on Christmas Day. But when Nella claims the doll as her own, arguing that as the one who truly wanted it and believed she'd get it, she is show more most deserving, she ends up learning an important lesson. Dolls are all very well, but they can't compare to sisters, especially at the holidays...

Based upon a story that author Patricia C. McKissack heard while staying in Boykin, Alabama—also known as Gee's Bend, this mostly black town was considered one of the poorest places in American, during the Great Depression—The All-I'll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll was the third picture book collaboration between McKissack and illustrator Jerry Pinkney, following upon the Caldecott Honor-winning Mirandy and Brother Wind and Goin' Someplace Special. I have enjoyed both of these creators' work, so I picked this one up with some anticipation. I was not disappointed, finding the story engaging and ultimately heartwarming, and the pencil and watercolor illustrations lovely. As one of three sisters myself, I sympathized with the sibling conflict depicted, and appreciated the eventual rapprochement. Recommended to picture book readers looking for Christmas stories about siblings and/or featuring African American families. show less

Introduction by Matt Arnett; Author's note from Patricia McKissack

Each page is a poem in free verse, narrated by a little girl growing up in modern Gee's Bend, absorbing advice and songs and quilting knowledge from her mama, grandma, and other women ("Look for the heart," "Cloth has memory," "Colors show how you feel deep down inside").

Cabrera's illustrations feature the women as much as their quilts, giving equal importance and honor to both; the penultimate illustration, of the girl and show more her grandma wrapped in a quilt, their faces pressed together, epitomizes the warmth of both the quilts themselves and the family and community ties.

Quotes

A quilt
is a puzzle made of cloth--

...from can to can't -
can see in the morning until
can't see at night.

Grandma always says that
darkness must have its hour.
But morning always comes.

in a slow and steady rhythm...
patient hands that guide without force,
teach without punishment,
an old, old process,
women stitchin' and pullin'
together. show less