Dianna Hutts Aston & Sylvia Long
Dianna and Sylvia first teamed up to create An Egg Is Quiet, a lush and vibrant picture book that examines animal eggs in exquisite detail. Now they have come together again to create A Seed Is Sleepy, a gorgeous and informative introduction to seeds. Each book is at once poetic in voice and elegant in design, making them guides that are equally at home being read to a child on a parent’s lap as in a classroom reading circle.
Dianna Hutts Aston’s other books include When You Were Born, Loony Little, and Bless This Mouse. She currently divides her time between Texas and Mexico. To visit her web site, click here.
Sylvia Long is an award-winning illustrator of many best-selling books for children. Her previous books include Sylvia Long’s Mother Goose and Snug As a Bug. She currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. To visit her web site, click here.
Contributor: Chronicle Books
For a Q&A with these authors, click here
Reviews of Books by Sylvia Long
Bugs for Lunch
Margery Facklam
Illustrated by Sylvia Long
“"If your lunch was a bug, who could you be? Maybe a nuthatch at work in a tree." Turning these wonderfully painted pages you'll meet birds, animals, reptiles and insects that enjoy munching bugs of all sorts for snacks. The copyright page makes sure to tell us that "bugs" is used as a catchall word for all kinds of insects, spiders and other crawly things, so you'll be able to counter your four-year-old who zaps you with comments about grasshoppers not being bugs. And if you don't enjoy termites, slugs and bugs yourself, watch out for the last two pages showing certain mammals that think they make a fine meal! 1999, Charlesbridge, $15.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Judy Chernak (Children's Literature).
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Mockingbird Award, 1999-2000; Nominee; Texas
ISBN: 0-88106-271-5
ISBN: 0-88106-272-3
Bugs for Lunch = Insectos para el almuerzo
Margery Facklam
Ilustrado por Sylvia Long
Translation by Liliana Valenzuela
Margery Facklam's bilingual (Spanish/English) book asks, "Who would you be if you ate bugs for lunch?" She answers this question by showing who does eat bugs. Each animal lunching on insects is shown in a full-page watercolor and pen and ink drawing. Sylvia Long expands these onto two pages to portray the smallness of the prey and the immensity of the predator. The colors of Long's drawings are intense and vibrant. The text of the story is short, rhythmic and easy to follow. Following Facklam's story you cannot make assumptions about who eats bugs. Each predator is an unexpected and an unusual species. On the last two pages, who is eating bugs for lunch takes westerners by surprise. Facklam adds to the reader's knowledge by providing more information on each of the animals at the end of her story. This bonus gives teachers another resource to pique a student's interest. 2002 (orig. 1999), Charlesbridge Publishing, $7.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Margarita Rhoden (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-57091-506-7
An Egg Is Quiet
Dianna Aston
Illustrated by Sylvia Long
The title of this book is the first sentence of what passes for a story line, which ends with "an egg is noisy!" accompanied by a drawing of hatchlings of the "quiet" egg illustrated on the first page. (This ending line really should have been rephrased, since it's the newborns that are peeping, not the broken eggs.) In between, some characteristics of eggs are noted (e. g., they are colorful and textured), and adaptations, such as being speckled or "pointy," are briefly explained. The hand lettered text is richly garnished by over 100 ink and watercolor illustrations of eggs (and many of the adults that produce them) of a rather eclectic array of species, all identified by common names. As is to be expected, birds make up the majority (75%) of the animals pictured, but insects (1,586), crustaceans, fish, reptiles, and amphibians are represented as well. No part of the book has gone unillustrated; even the front and rear endpapers (pastedowns) are decorated with the shell pattern of one of the eggs. This book is visually pleasing, educational, and utilitarian—destined to be a "keeper" in many homes. A child who might have had it read to him or her as a preschooler could use it several years later to identify an unknown egg found on a field trip. Highly Recommended, Grades PreK-4. 2006, Chronicle Books, 32pp., $16.95. Ages 4 to 10. Reviewer: Robert E. Knowlton (Science Books and Films (Vol. 42, No. 4)).
Best Books:
Book Sense Children's Picks, Summer 2006; American Booksellers Association; United States
Books for Holiday Gift-Giving, 2006; Association for Library Service to Childrern; United States
Children's Books 2006: 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, 2006; New York Public Library; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, March 15, 2006; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, March 6, 2006; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Cybils Winner 2006 Non-fiction Picture Book United States
The AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books, 2007, United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Book of the Season Spring 2006, 2006; Nominee; Children's; New York
Flicker Tale Children's Book Award, 2007; Nominee; Early-Primary Grades Non-Fiction; North Dakota
Mockingbird Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; Texas
ISBN: 0-8118-4428-5
ISBN: 978-0-8118-4428-4
Hawk Hill
Suzie Gilbert
Illustrated by Sylvia Long
Pete is a young boy who moves to a new town and has trouble making friends. One day he takes a new route home from school and discovers a woman who works in her barn each day taking care of sick and injured wild birds. Pete takes a special liking to the woman and to a hawk with a broken wing, who he calls Maloney, after his best friend from his old town. When spring comes and it is time to release the bird back to the wild, Pete learns that Maloney was his to take care of for "just for a little while." Beautiful watercolor illustrations and a detailed glossary about birds and related information make this book an excellent educational tool for teaching children about the importance of the natural world. 1996, Chronicle Books, $14.95. Ages 6 up. Reviewer: Wendy Ricci (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 1996; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Smithsonian Magazine's Notable Books for Children, 1996; Smithsonian; United States
ISBN: 0-8118-0839-4
Hush Little Baby
Sylvia Long
Long has created her own version of this traditional song; one in which the parent and child share "the natural things around them and the warmth of a mother's love." The picture book version has been reduced in size and reproduced here as a board book. The charming illustrations provide the right amount of detail for a young child. The interaction between mother bunny and her little bunny will encourage their human counterparts to sit closely and hug one another. An added bonus in this package is the little bunny plush rattle (dressed like the bunny in the book), curved to fit around a crib railing. This gift package is a great way to encourage parents to start reading to a child. 2000 (orig. 1997), Chronicle Books, $16.95. Ages 3 mo. to 2. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8118-2265-6
Liplap's Wish
Jonathan London
Illustrated by Sylvia Long
The death of a loved one is a difficult time for everyone, but perhaps especially for children who often mourn in silence, not knowing how to express themselves. Liplap has lost his dear Grandma who had not lived to see the snow this year. As the sparkling white entices him outside, he wishes Grandma could see his snowbunny. Liplap struggles with his grief as he first tries to complete his snowbunny with buttons from Grandma's satin-lined box. Later, he adds his own scarf, hat, and mittens. Then, he places shiny black pebbles for eyes and nose and pine needles for whiskers. But as the day grows dark, "Something went dark inside of Liplap, too," and he hops back into the house feeling very sad. That night Liplap's mother comforts him with an old Rabbit's tale that Grandma used to tell. Long ago, when the First Rabbits died, they became stars in the sky to remind us that our loved ones shine forever in our hearts. Liplap closes his eyes and wishes that a low white star, shining white as Grandma's fur, is really Grandma watching over him forever. The next morning, Liplap offers his completed snowbunny a carrot, while he eats "five carrots--one for each point of a star." Jonathan London's tender story of understanding, comfort, and hope is enhanced by Sylvia Long's richly detailed drawings. As in a previous book, Fire Race: A Karuk Coyote Tale, written and illustrated by the same team, Liplap's Wish is a delight for the ears and the eyes. Children will adore Liplap's cozy log house with carrot-design curtains and knitted afghan bedcover. Those who have read Ten Little Rabbits, also illustrated by Long, will recognize the book in the portrait of Liplap and Grandma hanging on the wall. As Liplap travels an emotional journey from frosty snowy morning, through glowing winter sunset, to nighttime sparkling stars, Sylvia Long and Jonathan London have reated another memorable picture book. 1994, Chronicle Books, 8-1/2 x 9-1/2, 32 pages, $12.95. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: April Gill (The Five Owls, September/October 1994 (Vol. 9, No. 1)).
ISBN: 0-8118-0505-0
A Seed Is Sleepy
Dianna Hutts Aston
Illustrated by Sylvia Long
As they did with An Egg is Quiet, Aston and Long have teamed up to produce another beautiful and informative book. The opening spread with its colorful array of seeds is enough to intrigue any reader. As the text relates, some seeds lay in the soil waiting for the right conditions before they sprout. Some may take a few months, others like the Texas mountain laurel might wait ten years. Young readers will learn that 90% of the plants on Earth are flowering plants, and it is the fruits that help to protect and sometimes nourish the seeds. The spread showing the life cycle of beans, rice, pumpkins and a few other seeds is quite enlightening as is the detailed look at the bean seed. The varieties in nature are stupendous—ranging from a tiny orchid
seed which looks smaller than the periods at the end of a sentence to the gigantic coco de mer palm which can weigh up to 60 pounds. Seeds wait for the right time to propagate; they may travel in various ways--in the air, floating on water or through the excrement that an animal leaves behind. The process of photosynthesis is described, and the final spread shows a bright array of big yellow sunflowers—which are now definitely awake. Kids can challenge themselves to match up the seeds from the initial spread to the plants they produce as depicted in the final spread. It is a wonderful way to introduce science to young children.
2007, Chronicle Books, Ages 4 to 8, $16.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 0-8118-5520-1
ISBN: 978-0-8118-5520-4
Snug as a Bug
Michael Elsohn Ross
Illustrated by Sylvia Long
Lyrical verse and magical illustrations combine to bring only adorable in fantasy insect families to life. A colorful concord of creatures fills every page as mother and child families find comfort in each other and their bedtime rituals. The beauty and detail in every illustration will delight the very young and bring a sense of calm to their own nighttime routines. The text is also very soothing with short rhythmic sentences that soften the senses with each sleepy-time suggestion. While the text and the illustrations could each stand alone, together, they make a beautiful book perfect for sharing. 2004, Chronicle Books, $13.95. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Trina Heidt (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 0-8118-4245-2
Sylvia Long's Mother Goose
Illustrated by Sylvia Long
Rhythm and rhyme are adored by toddlers and the reigning monarch is, of course, Mother Goose. She makes a lovely contemporary appearance in this very complete collection that brims with colors and whimsy, and is rendered with an old-fashioned style that gives it an heirloom quality. 1999, Chronicle, $19.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature).
The dust jacket for this book shows a pumpkin from the outside. Animals are inside, and one is reading a book to some others. Remove the dust jacket, and the book's cover shows the same scene, but from inside the pumpkin. This is just the beginning of Sylvia Long's "slight of eye." Her rendition of these familiar rhymes is replete with visual play. There are connections in the illustrations for Long's chosen rhymes (for example, the hat Mother Goose is wearing in "Cackle, Cackle, Mother Goose" appears as a wall decoration in "Rock-a-Bye, Baby"). This edition of Mother Goose would make a terrific gift; Long's charming illustrations and clever visual connections will keep children coming back for more. 1999, Chronicle, $19.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2000; Children's Literature; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, October 1999; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, December 1999; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal: Best Books, 1999; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 2000 Special Subjects United States
ISBN: 0-8118-2088-2
Ten Little Native American Rabbits
Virginia Grossman
Illustrated by Sylvia Long
Ms. Grossman and Ms. Long's Ten Little Native American Rabbits belongs in every child's just-before- nap or bed-time library. Virginia Grossman's simple rhyming couplets roll lightly from the lips, Ms. Long's serene paintings are enchanting to the eye, and together they create an ambiance that totally relaxes by the time "Ten sleepy weavers know...day is done." The costumes and customs of the ten tribes represented in the exquisite illustrations are described on the final pages. 1991, Chronicle, $6.95. Ages All. Reviewer: Dr. Beverly Kobrin (Children's Literature).
A counting book with a Native American flavor introduces the numbers from one to ten. The beautifully detailed watercolors portray rabbits in dress and activities typical of Native American tribes. Events depicted include a corn dance of the Tewa, storytelling by the Blackfoot, weaving by the Navajo, and the like. Information relating to the scenes is located in the endnotes. Excellent accompaniment to any multicultural program. 1991, Chronicle, $13.95 and $6.95. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6, Tenth Edition, 1993;
National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 1992 Picture Books United States
International Reading Association Children's Book Awards Winner 1992 Younger Readers International
National Association of Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Winner 1991 United States
Redbook Children's Picturebook Awards Winner 1991 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Texas Reading Club, 2002; Texas
ISBN: 0-87701-552-X
ISBN: 0-8118-1057-7
Waddle, Waddle, Quack, Quack, Quack
Barbara Anne Skalak
Illustrated by Sylvia Long
Simple stories told in rhyme are perfect for the youngest story listeners. This book for the very young illustrates a day in the life of five newly-hatched ducklings and gains strength with the help of the extraordinary art of Sylvia Long. Skalak seems clear on the developmental needs of young children. Her rhymes are simple (“Broken eggshells fall away./ Five new ducklings start their day.”) The rhymes are a lovely mix of simple activities filled with lots of repeatable sounds. There is a simple predictable story of a lost duck searching to be reunited and the satisfying end of getting home before dark and settling against mother for sweet dreams. This is a perfect bedtime wind-down book, gives a good fact sense of a duck’s life, and is rhythmic and rhyming. Readers may note that the book is not a series of rhyming couplets, there are some unrhymed bits that are still rhythmic, but don’t sacrifice story to a rhyming necessity. 2005, Chronicle, $14.95. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature).
From “What’s that pecking” to “Sweet Dreams,” Skalak’s text rings true with a sing-song manner sure to engage young listeners. Repetitive words like tap, tap, tap, glup, glup, glup, and peep, peep, peep march through the book offering opportunity for listeners to “read along.” Rhyming words are soothing in this tale of one little duckling’s adventure on the day of its birth. The “home-away-home” concept comes across well to even the youngest listener. Nestled within the text are emotions of excitement, fear, worry, happiness, and comfort. Exciting verbs such as swoop, plop, dip, preening, and dozing add flavor to the story. Delightful, yet realistic water color and pen and ink illustrations grace the pages. The text and the illustrations are strong. Two especially appealing double page spreads fall in the middle of the book. One shows the little duckling’s worry as it finds itself alone and another depicts the duckling’s many efforts to find its mother. So true-to-life are the pictures that a listener may feel the urge to reach out and pet a fluffy duckling. This book deserves prime placement on library and school shelves as well as in homes with young children. 2005, Chronicle Books, $14.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 0-8118-4342-4
Reviews Books by Dianna Hutts Aston
Bless This Mouse
Dianna Hutts Aston
Illustrated by John Butler
Perfect for a preschooler's Easter basket is Dianna Aston's gentle Bless This Mouse. In this poem of appreciation, a gray mouse prays: "Bless Fawn, Raccoon, Skunk, and Snail. Bless stripes and rings and spots and trails." Illustrator John Butler embues his realistic paintings with a reverence for natural things great and small, from the white moon to bear cub to the small mouse herself. An added bonus: each critter mentioned wears a soft coat of fuzz, giving youngsters a chance to interact with the picture and pat each animal. A treat for young eyes, ears and fingers, this book is sure to become a bedtime favorite. 2004, Handprint Books, $14.95. Ages 18 mo. to 5. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-59354-050-7
Loony Little
Dianna Hutts Aston
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy
Loony Little was floating peacefully in the summer Arctic sun when a water drop fell on her head. "Great top of the world!" She wailed. "The polar icecap is melting! I must go tell the Polar Bear Queen!"' On her way Looney meets Dovekie Lovekie, Puffin Muffin, and Harey Clarey. In a panic, they all head for the Polar Bear Queen but are stopped by Foxy Loxy who tries to trick them. In quick thinking, Looney fools Foxy, who in a "blur of fur" races to tell the Queen the problem. In the style of the Chicken Little fable comes a story that is intended to make children think about conditions in the Arctic. The book ends with a question about just who will care about the melting icecap. The author has included notes about the Arctic and animals found there. Crisp animal drawings are set upon soft snowy scenes that glow with radiant colors. The book is sure to provoke a sense of wonder and some interesting discussion. 2003, Candlewick Press, $15.99. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Laura Hummel (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7636-1682-6
Mama Outside, Mama Inside
Dianna Hutts Aston
Illustrated by Susan Gaber
This lovely story parallels the actions of two mothers--one a human, the other a bluebird--as they prepare to give birth. Mama Outside searches for just the right spot to build her nest; Mama Inside finds just the right room for the nursery. Mama Outside softens her nest with moss; Mama Inside cozies her cradle with a blanket “the color of sunshine.” Long days pass--waiting days--until Mama Outside hears her babies’ first chirps and Mama Inside hears her baby’s first cries. Then it is time for both mamas to feed their newborns “all through the day and all through the night” as Daddy helps. The two mothers acknowledge each other when Mama Outside listens to Mama Inside’s singing, and Mama Inside listens to Mama Outside’s cooing. This sweet book’s lilting text and inviting images make it the perfect goodnight read for youngsters. As they drift toward slumber, they will be reminded of just how much their mothers anticipated their births. 2006, Henry Holt and Company, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Choices, 2007; Cooperative Children’s Book Center; United States
ISBN: 0-8050-7716-2
ISBN: 978-0-8050-7716-2
When You Were Born
Dianna Hutts Aston
Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
Looking for books to celebrate Kwanzaa, with its emphasis on seven spiritual and community-affirming principles? When You Were Born is a beautiful tribute to family and the miracle of new life--and a perfect example of umoja, the unity of family and community. Through an extended free verse poem, Dianna Hutts Aston describes the wonder felt by various family members when they first held the newest arrival. Daddy “stroked your satin skin and planted kisses on your downy head,” the dog “sat there quiety, on guard” and the neighborhood children giggled and “whispered loudly, This is the cutest baby ever!” Particularly striking are E.B. Lewis’s watercolor and marker illustrations, with vivid colors and fluid lines reminiscent of Marc Chagall’s joyful art. A wonderful baby-welcoming gift! 2004, Candlewick, $15.99. Ages 2 up. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, August 23, 2004; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Children's Gallery Award Nominee 2006-2007 Grades K-2 United States
ISBN: 0-7636-1438-6
Added 04/24/07
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