Righting wrongs
Fred Korematsu Speaks Up By Laura Atkins and Stan Yogi; illustrated by Yutaka Houlette (Heyday; 112 pages; $18; ages 8-12)
Fred Korematsu refused Order 9066, which sent Japanese Americans away from the Pacific Coast after Pearl Harbor. He was arrested, tried, convicted and sent to a relocation camp anyway. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1944 failed, but, in 1981, scholars discovered documents that would eventually exonerate him. (The government had lied.) This timely history, published by Berkeley nonprofit Heyday, describes the case and much more, serving admirably as a tutorial on civil rights, an introductory civics lesson and a clarion call to action. Strategic book design effectively divides up duties with a poetic narrative, haunting color plates, historical asides, multiple timelines, archival photos, boxed definitions and provocative questions to further connection and commitment. Think about these: Have you ever been punished for something you did not do or been an ally or made a difference?
Princess Cora and the Crocodile By Laura Amy Schlitz; illustrated by Brian Floca (Candlewick; 80 pages; $16.99; ages 4-8)
Even in the 21st century, “princess” stories hold sway. Still, it’s detrimental to girls to have a steady diet of “Prince Charming to the rescue.” Enter one improved twist: the resourceful royal who makes her own way. Such is Cora in this fluffy beginning chapter book from Newbery and Caldecott medalists. Overbearing parents impose a strict training regimen to make daughter “clean and strong and wise.” Queen material! But Cora resists with an assist from a mischievous crocodile, procured by a clever fairy godmother. Hilarious art in Victorian Era style shows the crocodile crossdress as Cora, carry on in her place (she’s off to play in the dirt) and shake up the parents, all for an important point: Princess or not, it’s worth the struggle to be yourself and make your own choices.
Dad and the Dinosaur By Gennifer Choldennko; illustrated by Dan Santat (Putnam; 40 pages; $17.99; ages 5-8)
A dad, boy and toy dinosaur populate this mini treatise on what is takes to be brave. Is bravery bestowed by luck, inborn or learned? With a Newbery Honor book to her credit, a Marin County author creates dear characters that move through a mildly suspenseful plot to find answers. As young Nicholas sees it, Dad is not afraid of anything. He himself is afraid of the dark outside, bushes with big bugs and manhole covers. Only his beloved amulet helps him deal. Problem: Dinosaur is lost on the soccer field. It takes a sensitive Dad to guide his son through the crisis. Wonderfully expressive multimedia art by a Caldecott Medalist establishes dramatic scenes, full of fears and fearlessness, anxiety and appreciation. In the end, Nicholas learns to trust in others and gains self-confidence, better able to manage what’s scary.
Caroline’s Comets: A True Story By Emily Arnold McCully (Holiday; 40 pages; $16.95; ages 6-10)
Continue the celebration of Women’s History Month beyond March with this inspiring picture biography of an 18th century astronomer and innovator. The German-born Caroline Herschel becomes the first woman to discover a comet and be paid for scientific work. Hers is an unlikely story, captured in clear prose and charming watercolors. Suffering typhus and smallpox as a child, Caroline is small and scarred. Only brother William sees her potential and brings her to England, where together they perfect “the best telescope in the world” and make remarkable discoveries — Uranus, new nebulae and galaxies and comets galore. Kids know unfairness when they see it. Caroline is expected to cook, clean, keep the books, collaborate and count objects in the heavens too. A stellar woman! Here, thankfully, a Caldecott-winning author-illustrator further pursues her career-long interest in “girl” power.
The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet By Carmen Agra Deedy; illustrated by Eugene Yelchin (Scholastic; 48 pages; $17.99; ages 4-8)
In sunny La Paz, villagers are happy but for constant noise. Dogs bark, engines hum, and people sing in the shower. What to do? Fire the mayor. What ensues? Absolute quiet, imposed by a new mayor. Thus, this rollicking original tale develops themes of oppressive governance and squelched identity within a fanciful scenario that unfolds seven years hence when a rooster shows up, full of joyful song and righteous indignation. Turns out civil disobedience is also his thing. Art, both folkloric and quirky, captures details of life with and without music. Further, caricature nails the tyrant at the top, an archetypal bully. Author Deedy is Cuban American, and illustrator Yelchin a Russian émigré. Perhaps drawing from personal experiences with dictatorship, they relay a pleasant yarn with greater purpose — to honor freedom and inspire us to resist being censored and silenced.
all ears, all eyes By Richard Jackson; illustrated by Katherine Tillotson (Caitlyn Dlouhy/Atheneum; 40s pages; $17.99; ages 4-8)
In this lovely lullaby, day ends with a special invitation: Hear and see what darkness holds in the “dim-dimming woods.” A San Francisco illustrator uses watercolors and digital techniques to create a lush backdrop of trees and animals to extend a poetic homage to the forest night. (Check out those gorgeous silhouettes.) Curiosity is a driver: “What surprises? What sings?” Patience. Answers are coming! Lilting rhymes plus helpful labels heighten awareness of the hooting owl, romping raccoon, “whirring” bat, flying squirrels, “chirring” crickets, fleeing fox, “flicking” fireflies, “screeing” tree frog, and more. In concert, these creatures move us easily from daylight to dusk to dark: “Nature’s ark glows/ gathers/ tiny and tall,/ splendid and small/ and sails us all to sleep.” It’s fun to mimic animal sounds, act as watchful observer, make discoveries about camouflage and habitat, and finally relax into dreamy slumber.