Unleashing Readers

Brave in the Woods by Tracy Holczer

February 9, 2021 by Kellee

Brave in the Woods
Author: Tracy Holczer
Published January 5th, 2021 by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Summary: Critically acclaimed Tracy Holczer returns with a heartrending tale about a girl descended from the Grimm brothers who sets out to break what she thinks is a family curse.

Twelve-year-old Juni is convinced her family is cursed. Long ago, her ancestors, the Grimm Brothers, offended a witch who cursed them and their descendants to suffer through their beloved fairy tales over and over again—to be at the mercy of extreme luck, both good and bad. Juni fears any good luck allotted to her family she used up just by being born, so when she wakes up in the middle of the night with the horrible feeling like antlers are growing from her head, she knows something is wrong. The next day she learns her older brother Connor has gone missing during his tour in Afghanistan.

Her family begins grieving his loss in their own ways but Juni can’t help but believe that his disappearance means the family curse has struck again. Juni is convinced the only way to bring her brother home is to break the family curse and so she sets out on a quest to do just that.

From Charlotte Huck honoree Tracy Holczer comes a stunning new novel about the power of stories, the enormity of grief, and the brilliancy of hope.

About the Author: Tracy Holczer lives in Southern California with her husband, three daughters, and two rather fluffy dogs named Buster and Molly. She has a deep love for the mountains where she grew up, the lakes and rivers that crisscrossed her childhood, so she writes them into her stories. The Secret Hum of a Daisy was written in praise of both nature and family, and all that can be found there if you’re willing to hunt for treasure. Following her debut, Everything Else in the Universe was published, and Brave in the Woods is her third novel.

Praise:

★ “This is a beautiful tale of love and grief, friendship and family, and of hope. . . Give this to readers who loved Ali Benjamin’s The Thing About Jellyfish and Kate Allen’s The Line Tender. . . Holczer’s use of humor, thoughtful imagery, and magical realism elements makes this a wholly unique blend of modern fairy tale, hero’s quest, and coming-of-age story. A suggested purchase for all middle grade collections.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“Holczer’s clear, gentle prose allows the emotional and descriptive elements of the text to shine in this multilayered road-trip story . . . A thoughtful exploration of grief, family lore, and human connection.” —Kirkus Reviews

“By turns heartbreaking and humorous, this is a story that hints at the possibility of magic while remaining rooted in real-world problems and relationships. There is love and hope amid the grief and confusion, just as the Grimm tales contain both wonders and horrors in their own right. A heartfelt lesson on the power of love and the tales we tell ourselves.” —Booklist

Review: Brave in the Woods is the story of grief, hope, true friendship, love, and truth. With Holczer’s brilliance of story telling, just about every emotion is felt while reading this novel as Juni goes through all of the emotions alongside us. And with just a dash of magical realism, the story has a magical feeling weaved throughout it from beginning to end.

Add to these emotions a road trip, fun and unique characters, a dog (and a ornery cat), and a quirky family history, and you have a must read middle grade novel for so many readers who need this story.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: Juni’s family legend says that they are related to the Grimm Brothers, so there are allusions to the Grimm fairy tales throughout the book. Use these to introduce and discuss allusions.

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think the author chose a stag throughout the novel?
Why was it so important to Juni to get Elsie?
Which of the characters who helped Juni along the way do you like the best? Why?
How are Juni and Anya alike?
How are each of the characters grieving differently?
How does the author compare bees and asthma?
How does the author use the setting like a character to drive the plot?

Flagged Passages: “Chapter 1: Velvet Bones

Juniper felt it when her brother disappeared.

She was certain of this.

Oddly, her lungs didn’t go all wonky the way they sometimes did when bad things happened. Like a hive of bees inside her chest, using up every bit of her breath with their buzzing and swarming.

That feeling would come later.”

Read This If You Love: The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart, Ikenga by Nnedi Okorafor, Clean Getaway by Nic Stone, Other Tracy Holczer novels

Recommended For:

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR 2/8/21

February 8, 2021 by Kellee

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
Sharing Picture Books, Early Readers, Middle Grade Books, and Young Adult Books for All Ages!

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly blog hop co-hosted by Unleashing Readers and Teach Mentor Texts which focuses on sharing books marketed for children and young adults. It offers opportunities to share and recommend books with each other.

The original IMWAYR, with an adult literature focus, was started by Sheila at Book Journeys and is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.

We encourage you to write your own post sharing what you’re reading, link up below, leave a comment, and support other IMWAYR bloggers by visiting and commenting on at least three of the other linked blogs.

Happy reading!

Tuesday: First Day of Unicorn School by Jess Hernandez, Illustrated by Mariano Epelbaum

Thursday: Who Loves the Dragon? by Bianca Schulze, Illustrated by Samara Hardy

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Asking the Important Questions about Action Scenes” by Matt Wallace, Author of Bump

**Click on any picture/link to view the post**

Kellee

Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson: I agree with Teen Vogue that this book is essential reading. Inspired by Jackson’s own age-inappropriate relationship as a teen as well as R. Kelly, Grown looks at sexual abuse, manipulation, and what makes someone “grown.”
The Rock From the Sky by Jon Klassen: Klassen describes this book as “five connected stories about three characters in which they don’t go anywhere or do almost anything,” but still he is able to bring brilliance to the story. I love it so much, I have actually read it out loud to two adults because I told them they HAD to read it. It is so simple and funny brilliant, like only Klassen can do.
Chlorine Sky by Mahogany L. Browne: A coming of age novel-in-verse about finding your own voice when out of the shadows of a toxic friendship.
Viva Durant and the Secret of the Silver Buttons by Ashli St. Armant: This Audible Original was so much fun! Viva goes on a search to solve a mystery surrounding the song “Miss Mary Mack” which is claimed to be actually a scavenger hunt.
There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Shell by Lucille Colandro: Trent LOVES this series and after reading this one with his grandma, he insisted on reading it to me.
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart: I have read all of Gemeinhart’s books now, and although I have loved them all SO MUCH, I can definitely tell that Gemeinhart’s craft is excelling.
(Don’t) Call Me Crazy edited by Kelly Jensen: Everyone should read this book. If you don’t feel seen while reading some of the stories, it will help you understand those around you.
The Boys in the Back Row by Mike Jung: Jung definitely understands middle school boys! A funny and fun read about two friends and their last hurrah.

With the finishing of Coyote Sunrise, I officially completed my #BitAboutBooks Challenge! YAY! And there was truly not a dud in the list!

To learn more about any of these books, check out my 2020 Goodreads Challenge page or my read bookshelf on Goodreads.

Ricki

I loved Kate Messner’s Sloth Wasn’t Sleepy. It teaches wonderful skills in mindfulness and shares the realities of anxiety. I am looking forward to reviewing it this Thursday. It’s a book that is so necessary. I wish I owned it as a child.

My 4yo AND my 7yo woke up this morning talking about Dinosaurs Are Not Extinct by Drew Sheneman. This book is very cleverly crafted and really funny! The dinosaurs have speech bubbles on each page that keep readers giggling. Dinosaurs Are Not Extinct is packed with facts and smartly organized.

My kids argue about who is allowed to keep Follow That Frog by Philip C. Stead in their room. This book is packed with good vocabulary, and I was laughing as I read it aloud. Matthew Cordell’s illustrations are simply fantastic, and I adore this book so much.

Kellee

I am currently reading The One and Only Ivan with Trent.
I just finished my book and audiobook, and I haven’t decided what to read yet 🙂

Ricki

I am still reading the books I named last week, but I have to give another plug for this book. I’m reading it with my 7yo, and I look forward to reading it together every night. It’s absolutely beautiful.

Tuesday: Brave in the Woods by Tracy Holczer

Thursday: Sloth Wasn’t Sleepy by Kate Messner, Illustrated by Valentina Toro

Saturday: Sofia’s Kids’ Corner: The Van Gogh Deception by Devon Hicks

Sunday: Author Guest Post by Vali Benson, Author of Blood and Silver

Link up below and go check out what everyone else is reading. Please support other bloggers by viewing and commenting on at least 3 other blogs. If you tweet about your Monday post, tag the tweet with #IMWAYR!

and

Author Guest Post: “Asking the Important Questions about Action Scenes” by Matt Wallace, Author of Bump

February 7, 2021 by Kellee

“Asking the Important Questions About Action Scenes”

I love a good scrap in my stories, and I always have. Battles, boss fights, chases, sports, middle grade novels are as filled with thrilling scenes of action as any other genre of fiction, and mine are no exception. These scenes are fun to write and can be a lot of fun to read, but that’s far from all they are, or all they should be. There is a lot written and said about how to compose a clear and well-paced action scene, but too often the “why” of those scenes is neglected.

There can be a tendency, I think, to assume there isn’t much narrative substance to be found in explosions, and that scenes of action are separate from the “serious” aspects of the story. While we may acknowledge the high, even mortal stakes of some of those climactic battles or other struggles, many of us still fail to appreciate them as and directly connect them to the deeper issues of fiction. While that type of action certainly isn’t necessary in order to tell a compelling and emotional story that conveys important lessons and truths, it also doesn’t detract from any of those things. To the contrary, the action in a novel can and should be as much a part of story and character arcs as any other scene, and can be a vibrant way to discuss those topics with young readers.

I grew up in the professional wrestling business. Many of the most important and formative lessons I learned about life, storytelling, and myself happened inside a wrestling ring, without words. Those experiences deeply inform the stories I write. Fight scenes in fiction are about more than flash and fury, they are about motivations. They have the ability to strip characters down to their purest sense of self and most unfiltered emotions. They are about the dynamic between the characters participating in the conflict. These are all things that can and should be examined when discussing action in stories. Action can be an easily accessible and entertaining window into the deeper human issues of any novel, and into the story being told.

There is perhaps no greater example of this than a professional wrestling match. While on the surface it can seem like no more than choreographed violence for its own sake, professional wrestling is, at its core and its best, a storytelling medium. The motivations of the wrestlers and the personal conflict and story unfolding between them often do more than simply enhance the stakes of the action and the outcome of their contest. When planned and executed well, that story is far more compelling and important than the outcome of the match itself. Wrestling fans don’t root for winners, they root for characters whose personalities and personal journeys connect with them.

This was at the forefront for me when I wrote Bump, some of the most important character and story scenes of which play out through professional wrestling matches. I wanted to write thrilling, fast-paced, and entertaining scenes of action that also provided a vehicle for my characters to grow as people and advance the story I was telling. The main character, MJ, is forced to confront all of her worst fears and insecurities about herself every time she steps through the ropes of a wrestling ring and in front of a frantic crowd of spectators. The journey she undertakes as she wrestles in her first matches is as important to her overall arc as all the events that take place outside the ring. That physical action provides MJ with opportunities for creative problem solving and personal reflection, and gives her a mirror for the problems she’s experiencing in her life, dealing with grief and isolation. Wrestling is the catalyst for her to overcome so much in such a unique and exciting way.

Action is like any other narrative device, it can be used to express anything and everything the author wants to express. Particularly for new and young readers, action can be a great hook, and an even better opportunity to discuss character motivation, the roots of conflict, both physical and emotional, and ultimately, conflict resolution. The important thing is to ask these questions about the action scenes we read, rather than dismissing or decrying them as nothing more than popcorn entertainment.

Published January 26th, 2021 by Katherine Tegen Books

About the Book: A moving and triumphant middle grade contemporary debut from award-winning author Matt Wallace about a heroic young girl—who dreams of becoming a pro wrestler—learning to find courage and fight for what she loves.

MJ knows what it means to hurt. Bruises from gymnastics heal, but big hurts—like her dad not being around anymore—don’t go away. Now her mom needs to work two jobs, and MJ doesn’t have friends at school to lean on.

There is only one thing MJ loves: the world of professional wrestling. She especially idolizes the luchadores and the stories they tell in the ring. When a chance encounter with her neighbor Mr. Arellano reveals that he runs a wrestling school, MJ has a new mission in life: join the school, train hard, become a wrestler. Once MJ starts training at Victory Academy, she feels like the hurts in her life are beginning to heal.

But trouble lies ahead. After wrestling in a showcase event, MJ attracts the attention of Mr. Arellano’s enemy at the State Athletic Commission. There are threats to shut the school down, putting MJ’s new home—and the community that welcomed her—at risk. What can MJ do to save her new family?

Praise for Bump:

“Matt Wallace makes every pro-wrestling fan’s dream come true in Bump. Not only does he know his way around a wrestling ring—he’ll have you booing at the heels and cheering for the faces, just like you would ringside—but he knows how to tell a story. Middle-school gymnast turned wrestler MJ isn’t just trying to find herself, but the courage to be herself, in a world where cliques, cruelty, unfairness, and grief beat you down. But Bump teaches you that, in life and Lucha, there’s always a surprise move that can save you from defeat and pin your opponent—and your fears—down.” (Carlos Hernandez, Pura Belpré Award-winning author of the Sal and Gabi series)

“This book did a pile drive on my heart. I was so quickly captivated by MJ as she navigated grief and excitement, fear and joy.” (Mark Oshiro, author of Anger Is a Gift and Each of Us a Desert)

“My favorite books have two things: A world I’ve never seen before and a great character to experience it with. Bump delivers both in a heartfelt, powerful way. I loved stepping into the world of small-time professional wrestling with M.J. I winced every time she took a hit inside the ring and out, and I cheered every time she got up. What a great middle-grade debut. I truly cannot wait to see what Matt Wallace does next.” (Greg van Eekhout, author of Voyage of the Dogs and Cog)

“I love kids with big dreams, and MJ is a heroine to root for. Bump introduces readers to the world of professional wrestling while also telling a story about grief, friends that become family, and finding your voice. An entertaining and heartwarming read!” (Janae Marks, author of From the Desk of Zoe Washington)

About the Author: Matt Wallaceis the Hugo–winning author of Rencor: Life in Grudge City, the Sin du Jour series, and Savage Legion. He’s also penned over one hundred short stories in addition to writing for film and television. In his youth he traveled the world as a professional wrestler, unarmed combat, and self-defense instructor before retiring to write full-time. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Nikki. You can visit him at www.matt–wallace.com.

Thank you, Matt, for this post about the importance of action sequences even in heartfelt books!

Who Loves The Dragon? by Bianca Schulze, Illustrated by Samara Hardy

February 6, 2021February 4, 2021 by Kellee

Who Loves the Dragon?
Author: Bianca Schulze
Illustrator: Samara Hardy
Publishing February 16, 2021 by Clever Publishing

Summary: In this interactive follow-up to Don’t Wake the Dragon, our beloved Dragon is wide-awake and preparing to celebrate one of the kingdom’s most important events of the year: the annual Friendship Festival! It’s a time for everyone to gather and have fun, all honoring their meaningful friendships. But on the day of the feast, the cooks are called away to cater to the Queen and the knights must report for special duty in the Enchanted Forest. With everyone gone, Dragon is upset and worried that this year’s Friendship Festival is doomed. Could they be planning something special for her? And in the meantime, can you help cheer her up? With colorful and humorous illustrations throughout, this read-aloud picture book encourages kids to interact with the text on every page. Young readers will love waving to characters, blowing kisses, dancing, and more on this fun ride alongside Dragon and her adorable friends in this delightful story that will beg to be read again and again.

About the Author: Bianca Schulze is the founder and editor of The Children’s Book Review – a resource devoted to children’s literature and literacy. Bianca is also the bestselling author of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up, an Amazon “Book of the Month” in 2016. She is a reader, reviewer, mother, and children’s book lover. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Bianca now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

About the Illustrator: Samara Hardyis the illustrator of Don’t Wake the Dragon and Who Loves the Dragon?. An experienced illustrator and designer, she has created artwork for clients across the globe for greetings cards, stationery, homewares, children’s books, and much more. She lives in Surrey, England.

About the Publisher: Clever Publishing was founded in 2010 with the purpose of changing children’s lives for the better. We create a world full of fascinating experiences for families through our books, games, sets, and series. Focusing on Pre-school and Edutainment, we’ve developed a wide range of innovative formats with modern teaching techniques. Kids love to read, touch, and play while learning, so our program includes products for all ages, including box sets; board books; puzzle books; learning flash cards; interactive coloring, activity, and word play formats; and boards games for the entire family. Our dream team – more than 100 employees worldwide – have a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of children’s books. With this expertise, we present products that are fun, entertaining, and vibrant. We are modern and educational and strive to always emphasize the importance of first experiences. We connect to the needs of busy parents and aim to enrich the time spent with their children. Our goal is to make children – as well as their parents happy!

Review: Interactive books are a favorite in our household, and the Dragon books do not disappoint in getting the reader involved with the story. In the second Dragon book, the Dragon is so sad because the friendship festival is happening, but none of her friends are around. Luckily, the reader is there to make her day better!

The activities the reader does with the dragon are great because they are all things that could be used in real situations of sadness or loneliness such as counting to ten slowly, positive words, and exercise.

On top of the fun story and interactive aspect, the illustrations are delightful! So colorful and full of life! I truly hope there are more Dragon books in our future!

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: Who Loves the Dragon? activity booklet –> Download for free and print here

Discussion Questions:

What do you do when you are feeling upset?
What type of dance did you dance for Dragon?
What friends would you bring to the Friendship Festival?
Put your hand on your heart and tell yourself something kind about yourself–something you love about yourself.
What is your favorite joke?

Flagged Passages:

Read This If You Love: Dragon books; Interactive books such as There’s a Dragon in Your Book by Tom Fletcher, Don’t Push the Button! by Bill Cotter, I Say Ooh You Say Aah by John Kane, and Push Here by Hervé Tullet

Recommended For:

**Thank you to the author and publisher for providing a copy for review!**

First Day of Unicorn School by Jess Hernandez, Illustrated by Mariano Epelbaum

February 14, 2021February 2, 2021 by Kellee

First Day of Unicorn School
Author: Jess Hernandez
Illustrator: Mariano Epelbaum
Published January 1st, 2021 by Capstone Publishing

Summary: Milly is incredibly excited to go to Unicorn School, a school that accepts only the best and the brightest. There’s only one problem: she isn’t a unicorn! She’s a donkey in a party hat. Milly first feels uncomfortable but eventually learns that she and the others at the school have more in common than it might have seemed.

About the Author: Jess Hernandez is a writer, librarian, teacher, and all-around word girl. When not being used as a human canvas for baby food art, she writes books for kids. Her debut book, FIRST DAY OF UNICORN SCHOOL, illustrated by Mariano Epelbaum, came out in Jan. 1, 2021 from Capstone. Sometimes she writes essays, poems, and short stories for grown-ups, too. Jess lives in a very small, very LOUD house in Washington with her husband, their three children, a blind Labrador, and seven chickens.

Review: This book is so relatable! Everyone has those first day jitters when they are about to start at a new school, no matter how excited they are, so Milly and the reader will definitely have something in common. And just like Milly, the reader probably realized that although everyone is different at their school, they all are awesome and fit in in their own way at school.

In addition to the story, I really liked the fun colors of the illustrations, and Milly is so expressive!

Trent’s Review: I really liked it because I love animals and it was funny when they all revealed the truth showing their fake unicorn horns and manes. In the end, Milly found the truth everyone and the school became for all animals, so Milly fit in.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: As an educator, Jess created extension activities to go with First Day of Unicorn School!

Coloring Pages

Lesson Plans

Unicorn School Lesson plan 1: Social/Emotional Awareness
Unicorn School Lesson plan 2: Math Connection
Lesson plan 3: Coming Soon!

And Jess does online visits with schools or groups! https://www.jesshernandezwrites.com/school-visits

Discussion Questions:

What was Milly so worried about when she first got to the school?
Why did Milly want to go to unicorn school?
How did the author use word play when having the different animals speak?
Why did Milly turn around right before she almost left the school?
Have students draw their own “unicorn” (any animal with a fake horn and hair!)
How were all the animals at the school the same? Different?

Flagged Passages:

Read This If You Love: Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey, Kevin the Unicorn by Jessika Von Innerebner, Danbi Leads the School Parade by Anna Kim, Clover Kitty Goes to Kittygarten by Laura Purdie Salas

Recommended For:

**Thank you to the author and Capstone for providing a copy for review!**

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR 2/1/21

February 1, 2021 by Kellee

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
Sharing Picture Books, Early Readers, Middle Grade Books, and Young Adult Books for All Ages!

The original IMWAYR, with an adult literature focus, was started by Sheila at Book Journeys and is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.

Happy reading!

Tuesday: Schneider Family Book Awards

Thursday: Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep: 50 Award-Winning Children’s Book Authors Share the Secret of Engaging Writing edited by Melissa Stewart

Sunday: Author Guest Post by Vivian McInerny, Author of The Whole Hole Story

**Click on any picture/link to view the post**

Kellee

Starfish by Lisa Fipps gave me so many feels! It is a story of a young girl who is SO tired of being fat-shamed when she is not ashamed of being fat, but it seems like everyone else has an issue with it–including her family. Beautifully written and heartfelt.
Diana Princess of the Amazons by Shannon Hale and Dead Hale is a fun young Wonder Woman graphic novel.
Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson is the sequel to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and picks up RIGHT after the first book, even continuing the trials from the first book’s case; however, this novel brings us another mystery that Pip gets pulled into and it is life or death.
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad & S.K. Ali with illustrations by Hatem Aly is such an exquisite book, not only in illustrations (I mean–look at that cover!) and story but in inclusion. This book was a window for my son which led to amazing conversations but will be a mirror for so many kids.
The Little Blue Bridge by Brenda Maier, illustrated by Sonia Sanchez is a fun twist on “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” with a fun, sassy young protagonist!

To learn more about any of these books, check out my 2020 Goodreads Challenge page or my read bookshelf on Goodreads.

Ricki

I read and loved Mahogany L. Browne’s Chlorine Sky. I wish this book existed while I was teaching high school. I know so many students who would have benefited from it. I am so glad it is out in the world now, and I know it will really reach a lot of readers.

I REREAD Dear Martin by Nic Stone because my preservice teachers are pairing up with high schoolers who are reading this book. Ahhh, I love this book even more every time I read it. It’s simply phenomenal.

I loved Deborah Wiles’ We Are All Under One Wide Sky. It has great representation, and the concept is wonderful. This book is a great reminder to adults and children alike. Andrea Stegmaier does a lovely job with the illustrations!

I really enjoyed Cranky Right Now by Julie Berry. Holly Hatam’s illustrations are fantastic and made me smile. I know the perfect kid for this book, and I can’t wait to read it to him.

Kellee

Reading with Trent: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Reading: (Don’t) Call Me Crazy edited by Kelly Jensen

Listening: The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart

Ricki

Reading: Dear Justyce by Nic Stone

Listening: We Are Not Free by Traci Chee

Reading with 7yo: When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

Tuesday: First Day of Unicorn School by Jess Hernandez, illustrated by Mariano Epelbaum

Thursday: Who Loves the Dragon? by Bianca Schulze, illustrated by Samara Hardy

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Asking the Important Questions about Action Scenes” by Matt Wallace, Author of Bump

and

Author Guest Post by Vivian McInerny, Author of The Whole Hole Story

January 31, 2021 by Ricki

Typically, I think of reading as a way to settle and quiet my mind. I hope The Whole Hole Story has the opposite effect on readers. I wrote the story with the opposite intention. I hope the story and illustrations spark and excite young minds to consider the infinite possibilities of their own imaginations.

In The Whole Hole Story, young Zia discovers a hole in her pocket. She imagines all the things a hole might be, from a swimming hole to an elephant trap, and even a tunnel to the other side of the world. It’s a simple concept that allows room for imagination.

The idea is similar to the kind of “constraint” prompts often used in writing workshops such as, write about two strangers on a bus or write about this particular object for ten minutes —go! The paradox is that rigid constraints incite rather than stifle imagination.

I took several Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS) through the University of Iowa taught by leaders of their famous Iowa Writers Workshop. (Highly, highly recommend —and they are free.) One class suggested writing a short story in which every sentence contained a number. Some participants created clever lists. Others wrote stories in which the numbers were more or less buried, and might even go unnoticed by an unsuspecting reader.

I’m one of those annoying workshop participants who initially dismissed such “tricks,” convinced they wouldn’t work on me. It was a delight to discover constraints useful for jumpstarting ideas. It occurred to me later that as a staff journalist for a daily newspaper, I routinely wrote with rigid constraints. Facts were a kind of constraint. (Despite opinion of the media to the contrary, most journalists really do rely on facts!) Looming deadlines were a form of time constraint.

I think young children often feel discouraged by a world of which they have little control. I hope Zia prompts them to consider imaginative thinking as an ultimate form of autonomy.

Classroom discussion suggestions from author Vivian McInerny and illustrator Ken Lamug.

Imagine the possibilities of an ordinary object such as a crochet hook or colander. Like Zia, they can imagine the object bigger, smaller, rigid, flexible, bent, filled, turned this way or that, multiplied, etc. (As a past volunteer coach with The Odyssey of the Mind program, I found this prompt useful.)
Consider how the imaginative illustrations of Ken Lamug further the story. When the elephant is trapped in the hole, Lamug imagines Zia with a rope to help him out. When Zia digs the hole deeper, Lamug imagines buried treasure, dinosaur bones, and a busy mole. And when the hole falls on top of Zia for two whole pages, Lamug adds the element of time with day turning to night. None of those things are mentioned in the text but come from the unleashed imagination of the artist.

From illustrator Ken Lamug

Draw what you think could come out of the hole.
Talk about India and what kind of outfits the elephant might wear. Significance of those outfits. clothes.
Consider the different kinds of animals that go to the watering hole. Significance of water as a finite resource. How would you preserve water?
Playful things you can make with mud?
What are cool things to collect that fit in your pocket?

Published January 12, 2021 by Versify

About the Book: In Vivian McInerny’s playful debut, readers will fall in love with wonder again as Zia imagines what might happen if the hole in her pocket became big enough to fall right through. The Whole Hole Story is perfect for readers looking for a fresh take on the classic Harold and the Purple Crayon.

Zia is used to the hole in her pocket—she frequently fills it with frogs and other objects. And as it gets bigger and bigger, she starts to wonder what might happen . . . if she fell right through. Would she cover it with a blanket to catch an elephant, or dig a tunnel to the other side of the world? The possibilities are endless, and readers will love following Zia’s adventurous imagination from beginning to end.

With hilarious wordplay paired with Ken Lamug’s bright and colorful illustrations, The Whole Hole Story will appeal to kids’ divine sense of silliness. Perfect for fans of Du Iz Tak?, and They All Saw a Cat.

Video Interview with publisher Kwame Alexander, illustrator Ken Lamug & author Vivian McInerny:

Vivian McInerny is a journalist and fiction writer. Her short stories are published in several literary magazines including 805 Lit+Art, Dunes Review, and Literature for Life. The Whole Hole Story is her first children’s book. Vivian McInerny Twitter: Facebook Ello

Illustrator Ken Lamug is an award-winning professional dabbler. He was born in the Philippines and moved to the US with his entire family during his teenage years. Currently, he enjoys his life as an author/illustrator of picture books and graphic novels for middle-graders to middle-agers.

In his past life he was a beekeeper, race car driver, filmmaker and chicken herder. He currently lives in Las Vegas (although he doesn’t gamble) where he spends time with his family and two dogs.

Ken is the Illustrator Coordinator for Nevada Chapter of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). He also teaches graphic novels for Storyteller’s Academy and a team member of #KidLitGN Pitch event.

Thank you, Vivian, for sharing about the book!