It’s an all-kids day, from science and mythology for middle-grade readers to a Hmong folktale and a board book about how to get rid of the “wiggles,” all from Minnesota authors/illustrators.

“We, the Curious Ones”: by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated by Hari & Deepti ($18.99)

We chant
in temples,
in sweat lodges,
in churches,
in shrines,
celebrating our lives,
honoring our dead.
We love our stories.
We live in our stories.

(Courtesy of Candlewick Press)

From the beginning of human history we have told stories across cultures about our origins, our relationship to our fellow beings and the universe. As we learn more through the millenia, the stories change. Marion Dane Bauer, dean of Minnesota children’s book authors, lyrically blends science and story in her beautifully illustrated new book.

“Story encompasses everything from folk tales to scripture to twenty-first century novels,” she writes in her Afterword to this book aimed at readers 6 and older. “But always it is a re-creation of life — sometimes literal, sometimes fantastical — in an attempt to make meaning.”

Bauer begins with some of the earliest stories — the Earth is flat, it was built on the back of a turtle held up by elephants. But human minds questioned the flat-Earth story and ventured far out to sea without falling off the edge. It was proven that the Earth does not stand at the center of the universe. Near the end of the book, we get to the present, and an acknowledgment that we are “on a medium-sized planet circling an average star in an ordinary galaxy.” And most of the universe is dark: “But there is no nothingness. Only mystery. Fascinating mystery.”

The universe, the book cries, is waiting.

“We, the Curious Ones,” is a companion to Bauer’s award-winning “The Stuff of Stars.” The beauty of her words in this new book is enhanced by hand-cut-paper art by a husband-wife team who live in Mumbai.

In a starred review Publishers Weekly describes the book as “Glittering with stars and pulsing with color and light (conveying) a sense of limitless space…” School Library Journal: “Bauer presents a tale of human endeavor and history… Students will be encouraged to look at stories with new eyes, ask questions, and engage in thoughtful discussion that promotes higher level thinking skills.” Kirkus Reviews, while praising the book as aesthetically beautiful, says that the complex content “positions it more toward the classroom.”

In her three-page afterword, Bauer explores further stories told in various cultures.

“Finding Mother, Chia and Chao”: by Tou Pao Lor, illustrated by Choua Xiong (Fuzion Press, $19.95)

(Courtesy of Fuzionpress)

This Hmong tale teaches a little of the hard history of the Hmong people as well as the origins of some of their beliefs. Chia and Chao lived in a peaceful village in China until the Chinese wage war against the Hmong. The brothers’ village is attacked and all the men and boys are killed. The women and girls are taken as slaves. Gao Shay hides her sons in a cave along with a basket of raw corn and another of uncooked rice. But she never returns because she was captured by the Chinese. The boys endure hard times but grow up and have families. Then, odd things began to happen. The animals talk and sing to the children but the brothers don’t believe them. Fortune tellers tell the men to seek out a slave being sold for a certain amount of money. So they purchase a frail, ragged, dirty old woman who turns out to be their mother. There’s a happy reunion and Gao Shay finds a way to figure out which of her daughters-in-law is the most trustworthy by knotting coins in clothing. She also instructs her sons to set out food for their deceased father. To this day, Hmong people set a table for their ancestors during celebrations. Tou Pao Lor lived in three refugee camps for a total of 16 years. When he arrived in St. Paul he went to adult school at Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning to study English and now holds a doctorate from St. Mary’s University. He is a psychotherapist in the Hmong and Karen communities.

“Ups and Downs: A Book of Emotions”: by Mike Wohnoutka (Candlewick Press. $17.99)

(Courtesy of Candlewick Press)

Aimed at the kiddos too young to know that their feelings are called emotions, this board book is made up of one or two words on each page that define 32 feelings, from scared, relaxed and stressed to worried, confident and regretful. The author’s cartoonish illustrations show kids of all colors expressing their emotions through playing an instrument, apologizing for spilling milk, and feeling peaceful while reading a book. Wohnoutka won the Theodor Seuss Geisel award with his occasional writing partner, David LaRochelle.

“Granny Rex”: written by Kurtis Scaletta, illustrated by Nik Henderson (Cameron Kids, $18.99)

In his debut picture book, Scaletta tells the story of a chickadee who complains to his mother he doesn’t like being small. Mom tells him about his ancestors, the mighty dinosaurs, and that his long-ago Granny was the Queen of them all. Over the years the dinosaurs evolved to grow wings and feathers, like the little chickadee. But, Mama bird says, the spirit of Granny Rex remains in their heritage and chickadee proudly roars so loudly he scares off the hawk that bothers him.

“The Megavan”: by Mark Therrien, illustrated by Kevin Cannon (Beaver’s Pond Press, $18.95)

(Courtesy of Beaver’s Pond Press)

This is a delightful story by a Coon Rapids-based author about a van (like the one his family has) that does so many things its name is “Let’s” as in “Let’s go.” Mega recalls being purchased by his mom and dad when Mom was pregnant and soon Megavan was counted on by the family to be so many things — a protector when Mom goes into labor and has to get to the hospital fast, a lighthouse when they are out in the dark, a warehouse when the kids fill it with sports equipment, and provider of warmth inside on a cold winter day. No wonder Megavan says “I am part of a Megafamily.”

Published last spring, this book will resonate with even the littlest kids, since families spend so much time in their vehicles these days. Lots of us have named our cars/vans, haven’t we? Megavan comes alive through lively and energetic art by Kevin Cannon, who has illustrated numerous children’s books. He was the commemorative artist for the 2021 Minnesota State Fair and the 2022 St. Paul Winter Carnival.

“Oh Golly, Miss Trolley!”: by Hailie Johnson, illustrated by Pawel Gierlinski  (Orange Hat Publishing, $14.99 paperback, $19.99 hardcover)

Miss Trolley is embarking on her first field trip adventure with Mrs. Johnson’s class and when she loses her map on the way to pick up the kids she worries she won’t be able to remember the list of stops. But then a mnemonic device (TOOTS) helps her recall each place they are going. And it works. Miss Trolley takes the kids to Tea Party Palace, Obstacle Course City, Ostrich Farm, Funland Tie-Dye Treasures and Sweet Treats Candy Shop. Everybody has a great time, thanks to jolly Miss Trolley. Johnson, a St. Paul reading specialist and former kindergarten teacher, was inspired to write this book partly by her business, Hudson Trolley Company in Hudson, Wis.

Wiggly Time”: by Elizabeth Verdick, illustrated by Marieka Heinlen (Free Spirit Publishing, $9.99)

This energetic board book, part of the author’s Toddler Tools series, helps young children and their parents cope with tough transitions, such as naptime and bedtime. “Wiggly Time” shows kids letting off steam by walking like rhinos, dancing like robots, rolling down a hill like big wheels, and snapping hands and tapping feet. There are lots of ways to get rid of those giggly-squiggly feelings. Verdick writes books for all ages, including two other board book series for Free Spirit. Heinlen has illustrated all of Verdick’s Toddler Tools and Best Behavior books.

Related Articles

Literary pick for Nov. 5

Literary calendar for week of Nov. 5

Book Review: Henry Winkler grapples with the Fonz and dyslexia in his entertaining new memoir

Author and historian delves into history of Forest Lake

Readers and writers: The story behind a classic musical, and the one behind sweet potato pie