Singing Away the Dark by Caroline Woodward & Julie Morstad

This book? I adore it. My reasonings:

1. Julie Morstad--she could illustrate practically anything and I would love it

2. Peace River Valley of British Columbia--the author is from here, so theoretically, this little girl is too. My dad drove the Alaskan Highway a lot in the 1970's, so I grew up here phrases like, "When we were passing through the Peace River Valley..." and things like that. Nothing major, just part of the collected, random things of childhood that leave an impression. 

2. b. Canada in general--my mom is a Canadian. So I tend to like Canadian things. 

3. I had to wait and wait and WAIT for this book. I pre-ordered it for May, but for whatever reason, didn't get it until late summer. Deferred pleasure is always sweeter, right?

4. Singing. Singing makes EVERYTHING better. 

The thing about Julie Morstad is that everything she illustrates just looks instantly precious. The book hasn't even BEGUN here and already, I am smitten. Mittens! 

A young momma in a flannel shirt. Yes!

The basic story is of a young girl, having to walk across lots (or farms) to get to the bus stop. 

It was a long way to the bus stop, and in Northern BC, it doesn't get light until later in the day

This picture brought to mind that part of Anne of Green Gables where Anne and Diana let their imagination get away with them, making it practically impossible for them to walk through the woods alone without fearing greatly for their lives. 

But, she has to get through the woods. 

So she sings. Which lightens the darkness.

Once the dark is vanquished, there is a new worry--cattle. But she is not to be daunted. 

This neighbor looks like an interesting person to have a cup of tea with.

Finally! 

And school! 

I seriously, seriously love this story and art!!

January 30 by Julie Fogliano & Illus by Julie Morstad

January 30

it is the best kind of day

when it is snowing

and the house 

sounds like slippers

and sipping

and there is nowhere to go

but the kitchen

for a cookie

                                                                              --From  When Green Becomes Tomato

How To by Julie Morstad

Have I discussed the magic of Julie Morstad with you all yet? Love! I know I shared some of her illustrations with you last year in Swan. I was a little gaga over those pictures, but for some reason, I didn't obsessively hunt down every book she has ever worked on. 

Now I am. 

Must. Own. Every. One. 

And I would just like to say that a page on how to be happy might include marsh marigolds. Because they make me really, really happy. So yellow! So green! So springy! 

How to go slow

Alrighty. We have an adorable girl, blue butterflies, going slow, a giant snail. How could I not fall in love with this book right off? 

How to see the wind. 

Charming as all get out!

How to feel the wind.

How to have a good sleep.

There is something about the minimalistic (is that a word? Spellcheck is saying no. I say yes. Ha! I win spellcheck!!) words combined with the gorgeous illustrations that just gets right in amongst me. 

How to make a sandwich.

Oh my word, this is so cute!!

Gilbert and Elsie are a big fan of this page. 

How to make new friends.

How to wash your face.

Gilbert and Elsie think this is hilarious. 

How to wash your socks.

But this one takes the cake for them. They laugh and we have to reread it four times before we can move on. 

How to watch where you're going.

How to wonder. 

This picture kills me!! Have I mentioned that I LOVE THIS BOOK?!

How to be brave. 

Swan, The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlola by Laurel Snyder & Illustrated by Julie Morstad

This is a gorgeous book! Delicate, fairy like drawings, and the sparsest, simplest prose. It is one of my favorite picture books of last year.

Oh these endpaper pictures! I can just feel the yearning.

Anna Pavlova was born the daughter of a laundress in Soviet Russia. There was very little of magic and delight in her life. Until one night, her mother and Anna go to the ballet. "You are going to enter fairyland," her mother tells her.

In the audience, a young Anna Pavlova has an awakening.

Back in their little apartment, Anna dances to the music still playing in her head. 

After a few years of dancing to that music, she tries out for the ballet. She is turned away. 

Two years dance by, and Anna tries again. 

But this time, oh? Oh yes!

Then begins the work. 

She works and works.

Until one night she takes the stage....

Anna becomes a glimmer, a grace. 

Everyone feels it, and the lamps shine brighter. The room holds its breath. 

It shouldn't be that she should be this good. 

Her legs too thin, her feet all wrong--and ooh, those toes!

She is only a girl--so small--so frail--

but

see her face, her flutter?

Anna becomes famous for her swan.

Kings and dignitaries entertain her.

Anna believes firmly that ballet belongs to everyone, not just the rich. She travels the world, dancing in bullrings and in local dance halls to share ballet with the masses.

The various roles of Anna.

Anna helping young girls

And then, in 1931, Anna gets out of a stalled train to see why it was stopped. She catches a cold that quickly moved into pneumonia. 

Her fever climbs higher and higher. She calls for her feathers, to do the Swan one last time, but dies before it is ever danced. 

Her last words--"Play that last measure very softly."

Everyday must end in night.

Every bird must fold its wings

Every feather falls at last and settles.

Oh, thinks Anna. If only every dance could end in such sweet applause.

Isn't that the most beautiful way to deal with death you have ever seen in a children's book? It is. 

Oh, this is such a beautiful book.