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WORK TITLE: The Den That Octopus Built
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WEBSITE: http://www.randisonenshine.com/home.html
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COUNTRY: United States
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PERSONAL
Married; children: two sons.
EDUCATION:Holds a master of education degree.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer, literary specialist, and instructional coach. Previously, taught middle schoolers in MD and high schoolers in GA.
MEMBER:STEAMTeam Books, Kidlit Collective, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
WRITINGS
Contributor to publicatins, including Cricket.
SIDELIGHTS
Randi Sonenshine is a writer, literary specialist, and instructional coach. Previously, taught in middle schools in Maryland and in high schools in Georgia. Most of her books are for younger children, and in an interview with Cherokee Crum, writer on the YA Books Central website, Sonenshine explained: “I’ve been an educator for over thirty years, and though I mostly interact with middle and high schoolers, I do get frequent opportunities to spend time with young children. Their questions and enthusiasm resonate a lot with me, so I try to keep that energy close while I’m writing picture books. I also don’t avoid ‘big’ words because I think they’ll be difficult. I think it’s important to honor and spark the curiosity and intellect of young people.”
In 2015, Sonenshine wrote a short story about the Portuguese Inquisition that was published in Cricket Magazine. It marked the first instance in which her fiction was published. That story was later adapted for the 2023 book, The Inside Name. In the book, a boy who lives in Lisbon, as he navigates a place in which he and his family cannot openly practice their religion. Instead, they practice behind closed doors. The book’s title refers to the Hebrew names that the boy and other Portuguese Jews gave themselves to use among people of their religion. A critic in Kirkus Reviews described the volume as “a gentle exploration of a cruel episode in European history.” “The author balances history, drama, and character development to create an exciting tale with a satisfying resolution,” asserted Emily Schneider on the Jewish Book Council website.
In 2020, Sonenshine released The Nest That Wren Built, a picture book that featured illustrations by Anne Hunter. In an interview with Betsy Bird, contributor to School Library Journal, Sonenshine discussed what inspired her to write the story. She stated: “A pair of wrens kept building nests in the oddest places in my garage – inside a bike helmet, a cardboard box, a cloth grocery bag on top of a stack of books, on the brim of a garden hat. This captivated me. Then one morning I woke up with the title in my head, and I couldn’t NOT write it.” The book follows a pair of wrens that build a nest out of twigs, moss, and other items. The female lays eggs in the nest, and fledgling wrens eventually hatch. A Kirkus Reviews critic called the book “all in all, a delightfully readable and informative wrendition.” Writing in BookPage, Julie Danielson described it as an “endearing and informative story.” Mary Lanni, contributor to School Library Journal, deemed it “an excellent informational picture book” and “a delightful, accessible introduction to the nest-building behavior of birds.”
Sonenshine and Hunter collaborated on companion books for their original volume, including the 2022 release, The Lodge That Beaver Built. In the same interview with Bird, Sonenshine explained: “The inspiration for The Lodge That Beaver Built came almost two years later when I was researching another book idea. I started digging in, and I was fascinated by the design and construction of the lodge, as well as the impact they had on the surrounding ecosystem. It struck me that it was a perfect fit for a companion title.” A beaver takes down a tree at the beginning of the book. Then the focus shifts to the dam it has created to protect its lodge and to the creatures who try to invade it. Later, illustrations show other animals enjoying the pond that the beavers’ dam has created. When a flood destroys the dam and the lodge, the beavers work to build a new home and dam in another location. A Kirkus Reviews writer called the volume “a boon for beaver storytimes or young naturalists living near beaver streams.” Carolyn Phelan, reviewer in Booklist, described it as “an appealing read-aloud choice for kids intrigued by beavers.”
In an interview with Maria Marshall on Marshall’s self-titled website, Sonenshine compared the next volume in the series, The Den That Octopus Built, to its predecessors, stating: “Like Nest and Beaver, Octopus has the same structure, lyrical voice, and backmatter elements. Also, the den, like the nest and the lodge, is at the center of the story and not only anchors the narratives but propels it. However, this one has more tension and is more poignant, as it focuses on the single octopus mother, her constant need to outwit and outswim predators, and her final loving act caring for her eggs until the babies hatch.” “Though there are many, many picture books about octopuses, this one will be a particular delight for reading aloud,” asserted a Kirkus Reviews writer. Kadie Seitz, reviewer in School Library Journal, described the book as “a great read-aloud choice for older readers, recommended for most collections.”
In an interview with a contributor to the KidLit411 website, Sonenshine offered this advice to aspiring writers: “Go to conferences, participate in online pitch parties, and enter contests in which agents, editors, and experienced authors can see your work, give feedback, and take note. Connect with other writers, especially those who write in a similar genre, through Facebook groups, critique groups, SCBWI workshops and conferences, etc. The kidlit community is incredibly supportive, encouraging, and generous, and has played a huge role in my publishing journey. Last, and most importantly, read, read, read, learn, learn, learn, and believe in yourself!”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, September 15, 2022, Carolyn Phelan, review of The Lodge That Beaver Built, p. 48.
BookPage, March, 2020, Julie Danielson, review of The Nest That Wren Built, p. 29.
Kirkus Reviews, December 1, 2019, review of The Nest That Wren Built; June 15, 2022, review of The Lodge That Beaver Built; September 15, 2023, review of The Inside Name; April 15, 2024, review of The Den That Octopus Built.
School Library Journal, February, 2020, Mary Lanni, review of The Nest That Wren Built, p. 58; February, 2024, Kadie Seitz, review of The Den That Octopus Built, p. 106.
ONLINE
Beth Anderson, Children’s Writer website, https://bethandersonwriter.com/ (April 28, 2024), article by author.
Jewish Book Council, https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/ (November 20, 2023), Emily Schneider, review of The Inside Name.
KidLit411, https://www.kidlit411.com/ (February 14, 2020), author interview.
Maria Marshall website, https://www.mariacmarshall.com/ (October 24, 2024), author interview.
Randi Sonenshine website, http://www.randisonenshine.com/ (October 24, 2024).
School Library Journal Online, https://afuse8production.slj.com/ (March 10, 2022), Betsy Bird, author interview.
YA Books Central, https://www.yabookscentral.com/ (May 21, 2024), Cherokee Crum, author interview.
Randi Sonenshine grew up exploring the magical world of forests, streams, and ponds in a pair of trusty tennis shoes and a red canoe. Through her books, she hopes to nurture in young readers, writers, and thinkers an appreciation and wonder of the natural world.
Randi's debut picture book, THE NEST THAT WREN BUILT, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and appeared on many notable lists, including the 2021 Bank Street College of Education’s Best Children’s Books of the year, the Chicago Public Library’s 2020 Best Informational Books for Younger Readers, and the National Aquarium's favorite conservation-themed books. She is also the author of two companion books, THE LODGE THAT BEAVER BUILT (September 2022), and THE DEN THAT OCTOPUS BUILT (Summer 2024). Her short stories and poetry have appeared in several publications, including CRICKET Magazine. She is a member of STEAMTeam Books, SCBWI, and Kidlit Collective.
In addition to writing for children, Randi is a literacy specialist and instructional coach in northwest Georgia, where she lives with her husband, two sons, and a sock-eating poodle. She does her best writing accompanied by birdsong and a good pot of Earl Grey tea.
Growing Up
I grew up with a beautiful and mysterious swamp in my backyard, where I spent hours exploring and pretending to be in a magical world. It's where I fell in love with storytelling and nature. I still believe there is magic there.
Beyond the swamp, in the woods, there was a tree that my sisters and I named Mr. Goodtree. He was great for climbing and keeping secrets!
My dad used to read aloud poems to me and my sisters. My favorites were "The Raven" by Edgar Allen Poe, and "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. They were beautiful and haunting, and probably gave me nightmares, but they were like symphonies to my young ears, and I've loved poetry ever since.
My mom made sure I always had a plentiful supply of books. Many weekends, she would drop me off at the local library. It wasn't unusual for me to spend an entire day exploring the shelves and reading in a cozy spot. Some early favorites were the Encyclopedia Brown books, and later the Nancy Drew mysteries.
QUOTED: "Go to conferences, participate in online pitch parties, and enter contests in which agents, editors, and experienced authors can see your work, give feedback, and take note. Connect with other writers, especially those who write in a similar genre, through Facebook groups, critique groups, SCBWI workshops and conferences, etc. The kidlit community is incredibly supportive, encouraging, and generous, and has played a huge role in my publishing journey. Last, and most importantly, read, read, read, learn, learn, learn, and believe in yourself!"
Author Spotlight: Randi Sonenshine
Feb. 14, 2020
Today we are excited to feature author Randi Sonenshine and her debut picture book, THE NEST THAT WREN BUILT, illustrated by
Anne Hunter (Candlewick, March 10, 2020).
Enter to win a copy!
Tell us about yourself and how you came to write for children.
Like many other authors, I was a voracious reader growing up. My mom and dad were both wonderful reading role models, so our house was always rich in print. As I got a little older, maybe nine or ten, my dad would read aloud classic poems and stories to me and my two sisters. I was especially smitten with the (albeit macabre) works of Edgar Allen Poe and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. I think I could recite “The Raven” and “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” before the Girl Scout Pledge! Thus began my lifelong love affair with words.
I always loved writing, and received praise from my English teachers, but that inspired me to become an English teacher, not a writer. I wanted to pass on that love of words, stories, and poems to my students. I taught middle school language arts in Maryland, where I grew up, then high school English when I moved to Georgia. After earning a Master of Education degree in Reading, I taught some college reading courses and then took on a position as a middle school literacy coach.
During this time, though, I couldn’t stop thinking about writing. My husband encouraged me to give it a go. In 2015, Cricket Magazine accepted a historical fiction piece about the Portuguese Inquisition called “The Inside Name” (April 2017), which gave me the confidence to stick with it, and here I am! It’s been challenging while working full-time, but I love my other job, too!
Congrats on your upcoming book, THE NEST THAT WREN BUILT. Tell us about it and what inspired you.
That’s easy! Each spring, a pair of tiny brown birds built nests in our garage. One year they “wrented” a bike helmet. The next time, their building site was on top of a pile of books inside a cloth shopping bag. Other sites included the brim of a sombrero, a tin watering can, and an empty flower pot! We tried to discourage them by keeping the garage closed, but somehow they always found a way in. I became utterly intrigued by these bold little builders and their clever, compact cave-like nests, so I did what writers do - research! Lots of research. And the more I read about the incredible engineering and science involved in their nest construction, the more enthralled I became. Birds are some of nature’s greatest architects, and wrens especially so.
Then one day, I woke up with the title in my head, and the idea was born. “The House That Jack Built” provided the perfect “framework” for the subject, but when I wrote my first draft, the cumulative effect was clunky, bogging down the verse. I decided to omit that aspect, and instead, used precise verbs to show the layering of the various nest materials, as well as the purpose of each. For example, “These are the feathers, petals, and thread, placed on the moss to soften the bed that waits in the nest that Wren built.” After the nest is built and the eggs hatch, the verses shift to show what is happening in and around the nest as the nestlings grow, and ultimately, fledge. “These are the nestlings, drowsy and fed, snuggly and plump on their feathery bed, warm in the nest that Wren built.”
I’m so in love with the soft, earthy hues and texture of Anne Hunter’s colored pencil and ink illustrations, which fit the text so perfectly! She’s a master of detail. Every time I read the book, I discover something new. She created a fascinating parallel narrative through the cleverly camouflaged critters on each spread; one unfortunate beetle ends up dinner, while two lucky mice have their patience rewarded. She even hid an ant on every page! How fun is that? This book is all about layers!
Was your road to publication long and winding, short and sweet, or something in between?
It was a rough and tumbly adventure, to say the least. Finding my wonderful agent, Kendra Marcus of BookStop Literary was first. I met her and her partner at Kristen Fulton’s non-fiction WOW conference in the summer of 2015. They took an interest in my work, but it wasn’t until Kendra saw this manuscript at another conference that December before she took me on officially. The manuscript actually sold very quickly in the spring of 2016. I was beyond excited! However, due to circumstances beyond our control, we decided to take back the rights. It was meant to be, though, because in early 2017, Liz Bicknell at Candlewick took on the project after a meeting with my agent in Bologna at the Children’s Book Fair. I was (and still am) giddy about working with Liz and Candlewick, whose books I have always loved (and maybe drooled on a little)!
What projects are you working on now?
Right now, my all-consuming project is the book launch! As a debut author (and perfectionist!), I have to constantly tell myself to chill, enjoy the experience, and learn as I go, instead of trying to do everything all at once. (Sadly, I’m not a very good listener.) We do have a few other picture book manuscripts on submission, and I have a middle grades historical fiction I started several years ago that has been tugging at me a lot lately. We’ll see!
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Get! Out! There! Go to conferences, participate in online pitch parties, and enter contests in which agents, editors, and experienced authors can see your work, give feedback, and take note. Connect with other writers, especially those who write in a similar genre, through Facebook groups, critique groups, SCBWI workshops and conferences, etc. The kidlit community is incredibly supportive, encouraging, and generous, and has played a huge role in my publishing journey. Last, and most importantly, read, read, read, learn, learn, learn, and believe in yourself!
What is one thing most people don't know about you?
I am a cut-throat Mah Jongg player! My group has been playing together weekly for seventeen years, and we love each other, but we will take each other down for a 25-cent hand! ;)
Where can people find you online?
You can visit my website: http://www.randisonenshine.com/ or find me on Instagram as @rsonenshine68, and Twitter as @rsonenshine. I am also part of two amazing groups: http://www.steamteambooks.com/ and https://perfect2020pbs.weebly.com/.
Randi Sonenshine is a children’s author, literacy specialist, and instructional coach. Her debut picture book, THE NEST THAT WREN BUILT will be released on March 10, 2020 from Candlewick Press. She lives with her husband, two sons, and a spoiled schnauzer in Northwest Georgia, and does her best writing accompanied by birdsong and a good pot of Earl Grey tea.
QUOTED: "A pair of wrens kept building nests in the oddest places in my garage – inside a bike helmet, a cardboard box, a cloth grocery bag on top of a stack of books, on the brim of a garden hat. This captivated me. Then one morning I woke up with the title in my head, and I couldn’t NOT write it."
"The inspiration for THE LODGE THAT BEAVER BUILT came almost two years later when I was researching another book idea. I started digging in, and I was fascinated by the design and construction of the lodge, as well as the impact they had on the surrounding ecosystem. It struck me that it was a perfect fit for a companion title."
Cover Reveal and Interview: The Lodge That Beaver Built by Randi Sonenshine, ill. Anne Hunter
March 10, 2022 by Betsy Bird 2 comments
Things I love to see in children’s books from least to greatest interest:
3. Knitting (and where the hands are positioned on the needles)
2. Ostriches (for obvious reasons)
1. Beavers.
My love of beavers actually began when I first read the Superpower Field Guide on them, care of Rachel Poliquin and Nicholas John Frith. This interest was further reinforced thanks to COVID. Since I was stuck in my home for long periods of time, I got into the habit of going for long walks in the morning before anyone else woke up. After a bit of trial and error, I found that a particularly enjoyable walk could be had if I went to the Northwestern University campus and walked along the lake. It was there that I discovered a family of beavers had taken up residence in a tiny lagoon. I spent a great deal of time watching them in the mornings. I wasn’t alone either. Local news even did a feature on them.
All this is to say that with my vested interest in all things beaver-esque, when offered the chance to talk to two women about their upcoming fall release THE HOUSE THAT BEAVER BUILT . . . well, you didn’t have to ask me twice.
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Today, we’re going to reveal the cover by the same team that created the truly lovely THE NEST THAT WREN BUILT. And while I’m at it, I wouldn’t mind throwing in an interview with the both of them as well.
The description from the publisher, you say? Don’t mind if I do!
“A lush companion to The Nest That Wren Built brings to light the habits of a secretive creature with lifelike illustrations and a lyrical, informative text.
Resourceful Beaver and his family work every day to build the perfect lodge in the stream, made of branches from the shore willow and silty mud from the streambed. Secure and safe from the elements and all the forest animals who come by, the beavers sleep, play, and grow inside the dam. But come springtime’s flood, this family of beavers will move on, leaving behind the remains of the lodge that Beaver built. Gently scientific and accessible, with soft, glowing illustrations from award-winning artist Anne Hunter, this lilting, poetic companion to The Nest That Wren Built introduces young children to the engineering feat of dam-building and the life cycle of beaver families. Budding nature lovers can explore more beaver facts, a glossary, and a list of suggested resources in the back matter.”
To the interviews!
Betsy Bird: Randi, thank you so much for agreeing to come on my blog today. Now I, like a lot of people, was really blown away by your previous collaboration with Anne on THE NEST THAT WREN BUILT. Adapting “The House That Jack Built” to a STEM setting works so well for nature-based storytimes. Really, the read aloud aspects of your books are one of their real strengths. Do you read the books aloud yourself as you write them?
Randi Sonenshine
Randi Sonenshine: Well, first, thank you so much for the book love and for having us here, Betsy!
As for your question…a resounding YES! As I’m drafting, I am constantly reading aloud (and sometimes even singing!) words, phrases, and lines, often in different combinations and sequences. I also have others read my drafts aloud. If a reader trips over a word, phrase, or line, I know I need to dive back in for revisions. I’m listening for musicality – the way the sounds blend, complement each other, and create cadence. Just like musical notes can either create beautiful melodies and harmony, or dissolve into a discordant “hot mess” (as we say in the South!), so too can words. To me, this lyrical quality, especially with rhyming text, is as important as the story arc and characters. I want my readers not only to love the story, but also to have fun (and maybe fall in love a little) with words and the way they work together. I want them to remember the way it feels to say “reptilian charm” and “persnickety burr,” even if they don’t know those words yet…especially then, because it cultivates curiosity at the same time.
Betsy Bird: “Persnickety Burr” would also make a great character name. Anne, let me ask you some questions as well. It occurs to me that I don’t really know how you paired with Randi on the first book. When you were handed THE NEST THAT WREN BUILT as a possible project, what about it appealed to you?
Anne Hunter
Anne Hunter: I was happily matched with Randi by the publisher, Candlewick. I was raised in an avid bird watching family, am married to a man on fire about birding, and have super happy associations with the “teakettle, teakettle!” call of the Carolina Wren from my childhood in the South, so it felt pretty perfect to find this manuscript in my inbox!
BB: So, Randi, did you know when you were writing THE NEST THAT WREN BUILT that you’d be interested in doing more nature books in the same vein? Where did the inspiration come to concentrate on beavers for your next book?
RS: When I was writing THE NEST THAT WREN BUILT (in 2015), I wasn’t thinking about companion books; I just knew I had to write THAT book. A pair of wrens kept building nests in the oddest places in my garage – inside a bike helmet, a cardboard box, a cloth grocery bag on top of a stack of books, on the brim of a garden hat. This captivated me. Then one morning I woke up with the title in my head, and I couldn’t NOT write it. The inspiration for THE LODGE THAT BEAVER BUILT came almost two years later when I was researching another book idea. I started digging in, and I was fascinated by the design and construction of the lodge, as well as the impact they had on the surrounding ecosystem. It struck me that it was a perfect fit for a companion title.
BB: With that in mind, Anne, what does your collaboration with Randi look like? Do you receive the manuscripts wholly finished or do you have any give and take on the writing?
AH: Randi and I work independently and the manuscript is pretty much done when I receive it, which has worked well; we have been happily on the same page, so to speak!
BB: I can see that. Now, Randi, I have to confess to you that I am a HUGE fan of beavers. During the early days of COVID I would walk over to Northwestern University and watch a family of them there on campus. What appeals to you about these peculiar creatures? Aren’t they fascinating? First, believe it or not, I think they are adorable!
RS: I wholeheartedly agree, and Anne captured that adorable quality so beautifully in the illustrations! I imagine that watching them work and play must have been a wonderful antidote to the stress and uncertainty in those early pandemic days. There is so much to love about them, but I think what appeals to me the most is their intelligence. They are also gentle and shy and have close family bonds. Of course, their work ethic is quite impressive, too!
BB: Anne, what kind of research did you do to get the look of the beavers in this book just right? Did you see any in person? Watch any videos?
AH: I live in the north woods, surrounded by beavers! So I do see them, but not a lot, being the nocturnal and elusive creatures they are, which is amazing, given how BIG they actually are. And, I watched a lot of beaver videos- very fun! There’s a whole world of building and chewing going on out there while we sleep.
BB: Heck yeah! Randi, do you have a favorite beaver fact you like to surprise people with?
RS: There are many! One of my favorites, though, is how they store food for the winter. In the midst of all their construction work in the late summer and early fall, they are also gathering leafy branches and saplings, which they anchor in the muddy pond bottom. The cold water keeps the leaves fresh, and when winter comes, they have a nice little stash to keep them fed until spring. Even if the pond freezes, they can access these ingenious pantries via secret underwater tunnels from their lodges. How cool is that???
BB: So cool! That’s actually my favorite fact about them too. Right after the one about how they create their own canals to transport trees. Anne, for your part, how did creating art for this book differ from WREN? Was there anything that surprised you along the way?
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AH: There was not a big difference…a bit more research to get the architecture of the lodge right, and the perspective was pulled back a bit from the detailed close ups of the wren nest. More landscape and less twigs.
BB: Randi, tell me the truth. Is this the last in the series or can we hope to see more books like these in the future? Can you say?
RS: Happily, there will be at least one more. In 2024, a sneaky cephalopod will join Wren and Beaver when Candlewick releases THE DEN THAT OCTOPUS BUILT! Talk about a fascinating creature! Like the others, I had so much fun researching and writing the text, and I can’t wait to see what ocean-y magic Anne creates with her illustrations!
BB: Marvelous. Anne, to round us off, what are you up to next?
AH: I just finished two sequels to WHERE’S BABY? which will be coming out with Tundra Books. And I am, as we speak, immersed in coral reef research for Randi’s next book, about octopuses! Another amazing hidden world and a great undersea armchair vacation from the snowy late winter here!
So are you ready? Here’s that cover you’ve been waiting for:
THE HOUSE THAT BEAVER BUILT is on shelves everywhere Sep 27, 2022. Thanks to Tracy Miracle and the folks at Candlewick for setting this interview up. Thanks too to Randi Sonenshine and Anne Hunter for taking the time to answer my questions.
Filed under: Cover Reveal, Interviews
QUOTED: "I’ve been an educator for over thirty years, and though I mostly interact with middle and high schoolers, I do get frequent opportunities to spend time with young children. Their questions and enthusiasm resonate a lot with me, so I try to keep that energy close while I’m writing picture books. I also don’t avoid “big” words because I think they’ll be difficult. I think it’s important to honor and spark the curiosity and intellect of young people."
Author Chat With Randi Sonenshine (The Den That Octopus Built), Plus Giveaway! ~US/CAN Only
May 21, 20248 Comments
Written by Cherokee Crum, Staff Reviewer
Posted in Authors, Giveaways, Interviews, News & Updates
Today we are very excited to share an interview with Author Randi Sonenshine (The Den That Octopus Built)!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Randi Sonenshine
Randi Sonenshine grew up exploring the wonders of woods and watery places on Maryland’s Eastern shore. She is the author of nonfiction picture books, The Nest That Wren Built, The Lodge that Beaver Built, and The Den That Octopus Built, as well as the illustrated historical fiction chapter book, The Inside Name. Her books have earned starred reviews and appeared on many notable lists, including the Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best, Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books of the Year, and the National Aquarium’s Favorite Conservation-themed Books. In addition to writing for children, Randi is a literacy specialist and instructional coach in northwest Georgia, where she does her best writing accompanied by birdsong and a good pot of Earl Grey tea.
Website *X * Instagram * Facebook
About the Book: The Den That Octopus Built
Follow one of the ocean’s most mysterious animals in this warm but candid look at its dramatic life cycle, from the creators of The Nest That Wren Built.
These are the shells she wears like a sheath,
keeping her safe from Tiger Shark’s teeth
when she’s far from the den that Octopus built . . .
The solitary and ingenious octopus is a master of disguise and invention, creating her den out of the objects of the ocean, from shells and rocks to tiny glass shards. Using creative methods of hunting and construction, the octopus prepares for the biggest task of her life: motherhood. With one last, poignant gesture of love, the mother octopus sends her hatchlings on their way, starting a new cycle of life for the tiny offspring who face peril of their own. Offering deeply informative back matter, including an author’s note, a glossary, and fascinating “octo-knowledge” (did you know that octopuses have nine brains, including one in each of their independently operating arms?), this third in a series from author Randi Sonenshine and illustrator Anne Huntercontinues the work of gently introducing children to the reality of the animal world.
Amazon * B&N * IndieBound
~Author Chat~
YABC: What inspired you to write this book?
My agent, Kendra Marcus of BookStop Literary, called me one day after having watched My Octopus Teacher. She said, “You need to watch this. It’s your next book.” She was right. I was completely sucked in and plunged headfirst into the research that same day.
YABC: Which is your favorite animal you have researched so far?
They have all been fascinating, but the octopus is by far the most compelling and exciting. (See below!)
YABC: What fact did you find most interesting or surprising?
There are so many incredible facts about octopuses, not the least of which is the correct plural form I just used, rather than the commonly mistaken word, octopi! Like me, people are always shocked about that one. Also, they don’t have tentacles; their appendages are called arms, which have suckers on their entire length and can perform more complex actions than tentacles, which only have suckers on the ends. Octopuses’ arms, and even suckers, can act independently of each other, and not only that…they can smell, feel, AND taste with their suckers. Imagine being able to smell and taste your food with your fingers before putting it in your mouth! I’m also thoroughly enchanted by octopus “gardens” and their penchant for collecting trinkets. See what I mean? There are so many amazing facts that I couldn’t fit them all in the book. I went through quite a few revision rounds with my editor (Liz Bicknell) to cut back on the back matter.
YABC: What research did you do for this book?
Researching this book was so much fun! I read…a lot! Websites (National Geographic, NOAA, and The Cephalod Page were great for general information), blogs, research papers, database entries, news articles…you name it! I also read (and adored) Sy Montgomery’s Soul of an Octopus, which I highly recommend, watched YouTube videos, and followed experts on social media. Two of my favorite Instagram accounts were (and still are!) @theoctogirl, which is the account for Chelsea Bennice, a marine ecologist based in Florida, and @octonation, a nonprofit organization. I also interviewed and consulted with experts. Dr. Danny Gleason, Professor of Biology at Georgia Southern University and Director of the Institute for Coastal Plain Science was tremendously helpful and so gracious with his time and expertise. Without a doubt, though, the most memorable research was a close encounter with Rita, the Georgia Aquarium’s resident Giant Pacific Octopus, and her aquarist, Zelie Wooten. I got a behind-the-scenes experience, interacting with and feeding Rita. (She loved the shrimp, but was not impressed with the mackerel!) The best part? She thanked me with a hand, – well, armshake.
YABC: If you could only write one genre for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
If I had to pick, I would say lyrical nature picture books like this one. I always thought I would be more of a novelist, but this genre is so wholly me. It ticks all my boxes as a literacy educator, nature-lover, and poet.
YABC: How do you keep your ‘voice’ true to the age category you are writing within?
I’ve been an educator for over thirty years, and though I mostly interact with middle and high schoolers, I do get frequent opportunities to spend time with young children. Their questions and enthusiasm resonate a lot with me, so I try to keep that energy close while I’m writing picture books. I also don’t avoid “big” words because I think they’ll be difficult. I think it’s important to honor and spark the curiosity and intellect of young people. For example, my agent wasn’t sure I should use the words reptilian and persnickety in The Nest That Wren Built, but I felt strongly about including them. Readers, even young children, are adept at using context and illustrations to make meaning. New vocabulary also provides teachable moments if the book is being read aloud, as well as opportunities to use the glossary. Plus, it’s just fun to say those words aloud!
YABC: What can readers expect to find in your books?
With my companion books from Candlewick, readers can expect to find the most intriguing facts about the featured animals and their homes presented in a way that (I hope!) is fun, engaging, and pleasing to read aloud. There is also much for information for curious minds in the back matter. Readers will also find illustrations that are scientifically accurate, while at the same time, kid-friendly and endearing. Anne Hunter has a remarkable gift for that! She camouflages other critters in the text. She even has “easter eggs” hidden on every page in The Nest that Wren Built (an ant) and The Den that Octopus Built (a puffer fish), which adds another layer of fun to the reading.
YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?
It’s as if you knew me! I’m really bad about snacking while writing. (I think it’s a procrastination thing.) In fact, just while writing this, I’ve eaten two handfuls of almonds, a macaroon, two pieces of saltwater taffy, and a slice of leftover frittata. And Earl Grey tea. Always Earl Grey tea!
YABC: If you were able to be any animal which would you choose?
Well, an octopus, of course! Who wouldn’t want to be able to camouflage in an instant, use jet propulsion, regrow a limb, and slip through anything bigger than your beak? Of course there are downsides; they face extraordinary obstacles as hatchlings (few survive!) and most species only live for about a year and a half.
YABC: What’s your least favorite word or expression and why?
“Can’t.” Throughout my years as an educator, I have heard so many young people say that word in relation to something they are trying to learn, and as a writer, it drifts through my head unbidden more often than I’d like. It’s self-defeating, to say the least. I think it can and should be banished!
YABC: What do you do when you procrastinate?
Snack. A lot. (See above!)
YABC: What fandom would you write for if you had time?
Anything Jane Austen!
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I have another nonfiction picture book that I’ve been working on. I’ve done most of the research, and I’ve been playing around with different ways to approach and structure the text, so it’s time to start drafting.
YABC: What is your favorite holiday or tradition and why?
Thanksgiving. Food and family. What more could you want?
YABC: Is there anything that you would like to add?
For those who want to learn more about octopuses, some great websites are marinebio.org, nwf.org, and nationalgeographic.com.
Thank you for having me!
Title: THE DEN THAT OCTOPUS BUILT
Author: Randi Sonenshine
Illustrator: Anne Hunter
Release Date: May 21, 2024
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Genre: Nonfiction picture book
Age Range: 4-8
Mining for Heart: “Lyrical Nonfiction: The Heartbeat of My Writing Life” by Randi Sonenshine
Posted on April 28, 2024 by Beth Anderson
That sneaky octopus has been hiding for a day or two, but fear not…author Randi Sonenshine is here with a post on how she lured that fascinating and elusive creature out with lyrical nonfiction!
Randi’s offering a GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below to be entered to win a copy of THE DEN THAT OCTOPUS BUILT!
Congrats to Jolene Gutiérrez, winner of a signed copy of ÁNH’S NEW WORD from Hanh Bui!
Lyrical Nonfiction: The Heartbeat of My Writing Life
by Randi Sonenshine
encyclWhen I was growing up, we owned a set of 1972 Funk & Wagnall’s encyclopedias. I vividly remember the cool, pebbled surface of the faux leather burgundy cover, the brightness of the gold-embossed letters, and the significant heft of the volume in my hands. Many afternoons, I sat in our dark-paneled den reading random entries in those treasured volumes. I also devoured books of poetry.
Not once, though, do I remember picking up a nonfiction trade book outside of school. In those days, it was dry, unappealing…sterile, almost, and it was like that for years.
In recent years, however, the genre has seen dramatic changes, rising to star-status in the landscape of children’s literature. Offerings have increased in quality, reader-appeal, and the variety of formats. One of these formats is lyrical nonfiction, a hybrid genre which combines elements of nonfiction, informational text, and poetry. It’s no wonder that is where my writer’s heart found a home.
Like other forms of nonfiction, lyrical nonfiction is characterized by meticulous research, accuracy, an emphasis on facts, strong organization, and informational text features. It also features lyrical qualities such as an authorial voice, poetic language, artful structure, and layers of meaning, which, overall, evoke feelings in the reader.
IMG_3153
When I was writing THE DEN THAT OCTOPUS BUILT, I conducted extensive research, exploring websites like National Geographic, NOAA, The Cephalod Page, blogs, research papers, database entries, and news articles. I also read (and adored) Sy Montgomery’s SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS, watched YouTube videos, and followed experts on social media. Two of my favorite Instagram accounts were (and still are!) @theoctogirl, the account for marine ecologist Chelsea Bennice, and @octonation, a nonprofit organization.
Picture1I also interviewed and consulted with experts, like Dr. Danny Gleason, Professor of Biology at Georgia Southern University and Director of the Institute for Coastal Plain Science. Without a doubt, though, the most memorable research was a behind-the-scenes close encounter with Rita, the Georgia Aquarium’s resident Giant Pacific Octopus, and her aquarist Zelie Wooten. I even got to feed and shake “hands” with Rita.
Working out how to weave my research into both the poetic main text and the prose back matter is a challenging and ever-evolving puzzle, with some pieces coming together easily, and others taking months to find the right fit. It’s this stage of writing that keeps me up nights and hijacks my thoughts throughout the day. It’s also the part of my writing process that I love the most! Here’s a small glimpse into that process from THE DEN THAT OCTOPUS BUILT.
Research note:
“…octopuses do sometimes fastidiously maintain and extend their dens by expelling algae, silt, and shells that may be collected from deep in the den and propelled some distance away with the aid of a jet from the animal’s siphon, or carried some distance from the den before being discharged.” (Source: David Scheel, P. Godfrey-Smith, S. Linquist, S. Chancellor, M. Hing & M. Lawrence (2018) Octopus engineering, intentional and inadvertent, Communicative & Integrative Biology. 11:1, e1395994, DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2017.1395994)
Here is how I expressed those facts in the poetic main text:
Picture2
…and how it looks in the prose back matter:
Picture3
My notes about the mother octopus guarding her eggs came from several sources:
The female meticulously cares for her eggs until they hatch, forgoing food the entire time. She blows currents across the eggs to keep them clean and protects them from predators. (Source: How Stuff Works – Octopuses).
I also watched videos from documentary filmmakers, such as My Octopus Teacher (amazing!) and the incredible short film, Love & Death: an OCTOPUS story (Octopus vulgaris) from SaiCos Sealife Discovery.
Here is how that research is reflected in the main text:
Picture4
Picture5
…and in the back matter:
Picture6
What are your favorite lyrical nonfiction books, and where has your writer’s heart found a home?
THE DEN THAT OCTOPUS BUILT releases on May 21st from Candlewick Press. For a special pre-order offer and to learn more about Randi and her books, visit.randisonenshine.com.
Don’t forget to leave a comment to enter the GIVEAWAY for your very own copy of THE DEN THAT OCTOPUS BUILT. [U.S. addresses only, please. Winner announced 5/10/24]
AND if you enjoy a book, please support authors and illustrators by leaving online reviews. 😃
QUOTED: "Like Nest and Beaver, Octopus has the same structure, lyrical voice, and backmatter elements. Also, the den, like the nest and the lodge, is at the center of the story and not only anchors the narratives but propels it. However, this one has more tension and is more poignant, as it focuses on the single octopus mother, her constant need to outwit and outswim predators, and her final loving act caring for her eggs until the babies hatch."
The Picture Book Buzz - Interview w/Randi Sonenshine +Review of The Den That Octopus Built
Randi Sonenshine grew up exploring the magical world of forests, streams, and ponds in a pair of trusty tennis shoes and a red canoe. Through her books, she hopes to nurture in young readers, writers, and thinkers an appreciation and wonder of the natural world.
Author photo of Randi Soneonshine.
In addition to writing for children, Randi is a literacy specialist and instructional coach in northwest Georgia, where she lives with her husband, two sons, and a sock-eating poodle. She does her best writing accompanied by birdsong and a good pot of Earl Grey tea.
Collage of the book covers of Randi's 2 picture books.
Randi's the author of The Lodge That Beaver Built (2022) and The Nest That Wren Built (2020).
Her newest picture book, The Den That Octopus Built, was released on May 21st.
Welcome Randi, thanks for stopping by to talk about your newest book and writing.
Tell us a little about yourselves. (Where/when do you write? How long have you been writing? What is your favorite type of book to write?)
I write a lot at my kitchen table, outside on my deck, (usually with a dog beside me), or in my office. I truly write best when I can see outside. My office has two big windows overlooking the backyard, so I can see lots of green. I also love writing in a mountain setting, which is usually Blue Ridge, GA for me. Words seem to come more easily when I’m breathing mountain air and have sweeping views.
I’ve been writing most of my life. My earliest publication was a story I wrote in third grade called “The Stapler Who Ran Away.” In the story, the classroom stapler was tired of people hitting him on the head and losing teeth each time it happened. My teacher chose it to represent our homeroom on the hallway bulletin board, and I have been hooked ever since. However, I started writing in earnest, with the intent to publish around 2005.
My favorite type to write is lyrical nonfiction and historical fiction, but I also like to write humorous poetry.
Thank you for sharing about that first story. It sounds adorable. What is one of the most fun or unusual places where you’ve written or illustrated a manuscript?
The most memorable place was at the Highlights Foundation in one of the cabins.
I totally agree with you - that place is magical. What was your spark of curiosity or inspiration for The Den That Octopus Built?
Book cover- octopus half inside her den pulling a rock toard the opening - like closing a door.
My agent, Kendra Marcus of BookStop Literary, called me one day after having watched My Octopus Teacher. She said, “You need to watch this. It’s your next book.” She was right. I was completely sucked in and plunged headfirst into the research that same day.
That's cool. How did the writing and journey to publication of The Den That Octopus Built compare to your other picture books - The Lodge That Beaver Built and The Nest That Wren Built?
With the other two, I had the manuscripts already written when we pitched them, but with octopus, we pitched the idea and shared a few verses I had drafted. I did a lot more research with the octopus book, because there is just so much compelling information and new things coming to light all the time.
We are just scratching the surface of the intellect and amazing abilities of octopus. How long did it take from the first draft to publication for The Den That Octopus Built?
I finished the first draft in May of 2021, so three years almost to the day!
Lots of research to sift through. When you first saw Anne Hunter’s illustrations, did anything surprise or amaze you? What is your favorite spread?
Internal spread - mother octopus final breath blows her newly hatched young out to sea.
Text © Randi Sonenshine, 2024. Image © Anne Hunter, 2024.
Anne did a lot of research of her own, and I am always amazed at how she is able to bring my words to such vibrant life, conveying so much emotion and depth. One of the final spreads, in which the mother blows the hatchlings out to sea with the last of her energy is full of emotion, but in a way that is not overwhelming for young readers. The color pallet she used in this one is also much more vibrant than the other two, with aqua, pink, and orange the dominant colors. Also, all the details she captured on the octopus, such as on her suckers and eyes, as well as the surrounding underwater landscape create absolutely stunning spreads.
It is a powerfully touching image. But like you, I really love all the illustrations. What was the hardest part of writing The Den That Octopus Built? What was the most fun?
Researching this book was so much fun! I read…a lot! Websites, blogs, research papers, database entries, news articles…you name it! I also read (and adored) Sy Montgomery’s Soul of an Octopus, which I highly recommend, watched YouTube videos, and followed experts on social media. Two of my favorite Instagram accounts were (and still are!) @theoctogirl, which is the account for Chelsea Bennice, a marine ecologist based in Florida, and @octonation, a nonprofit organization. I also interviewed and consulted with experts. Dr. Danny Gleason, Professor of Biology at Georgia Southern University and Director of the Institute for Coastal Plain Science was tremendously helpful and so gracious with his time and expertise. Without a doubt, though, the most memorable research was getting to interact with and feed Rita, the Georgia Aquarium’s resident Giant Pacific Octopus!
The hardest part was deciding what to include from my research and what to leave out. I tried to integrate as much of my research as I can within the main text, but given that the text is poetic and spare, that's a challenge, which is why I include back matter. With this book, though, there was so much I wanted to include, I couldn’t fit it all in the back matter. I kept bargaining with my editor for more words!
You could always put some of the information you had to leave out in a guide/activities PDF or create a list of a bunch of fun facts and links and put them up on your website. Have you seen "Secrets of the Octopus," the nature documentary on Disney +? What's something you want your readers to know about The Den That Octopus Built?
Like Nest and Beaver, Octopus has the same structure, lyrical voice, and backmatter elements. Also, the den, like the nest and the lodge, is at the center of the story and not only anchors the narratives but propels it. However, this one has more tension and is more poignant, as it focuses on the single octopus mother, her constant need to outwit and outswim predators, and her final loving act caring for her eggs until the babies hatch. Anne Hunter’s amazing art beautifully captures all the intricacies of the setting and conveys all the feels in a way that gives me chills when I read it.
She really did outdo herself with this book! Are there any new projects you are working on now that you can share a tidbit with us?
I’m currently working on another lyrical nonfiction picture book (not for this series), but it has a long way to go!
Well, we'll certainly keep our eyes open for news about it. Last question, what is your favorite National Park or Forest, regional park, or city park? Or the one you’re longing to visit. Why?
Photo of coral at Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. © National Ocean Service | NOAA | Department of Commerce
© National Ocean Service | NOAA | Department of Commerce
I’d love to visit Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, an ocean park, which provided inspiration for the setting of this book. It’s a hard-bottom reef off the coast of Georgia.
Thank you, Randi, for stopping by to share about yourself and your newest picture book. It was wonderful to chat with you.
To find out more about Randi Sonenshine, or contact her:
Website: http://www.randisonenshine.com/the-inside-name.html
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rsonenshine
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randi.sonenshine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randisonenshine/
Review of The Den That Octopus Built
Utilizing the fun format and rhyming pattern she created for The Nest That Wren Built, Randi Sonenshine has teamed up again with the talented Anne Hunter to create a stunning and touching picture book on the octopus.
Book cover- octopus half inside her den pulling a rock toard the opening - like closing a door.
The Den That Octopus Built
Author: Randi Sonenshine
Illustrator: Anne Hunter
Publisher: Candlewick Press 2024
Ages: 4-8
Nonfiction
Themes:
Octopus life cycle, rhyming, ingenuity, and ocean life.
Synopsis:
Follow one of the ocean’s most mysterious animals in this warm but candid look at its dramatic life cycle, from the creators of The Nest That Wren Built.
The solitary and ingenious octopus is a master of disguise and invention, creating her den out of the objects of the ocean, from shells and rocks to tiny glass shards. Using creative methods of hunting and construction, the octopus prepares for the biggest task of her life: motherhood. With one last, poignant gesture of love, the mother octopus sends her hatchlings on their way, starting a new cycle of life for the tiny offspring who face peril of their own. Offering deeply informative back matter, including an author’s note, a glossary, and fascinating “octo-knowledge” (did you know that octopuses have nine brains, including one in each of their independently operating arms?), this third in a series from author Randi Sonenshine and illustrator Anne Hunter continues the work of gently introducing children to the reality of the animal world.
Opening Lines:
This is the ledge of sandstone and lime,
layered by shells cemented by time,
that shelters the den that Octopus built.
What I LOVED about this book:
Once again, Randi Sonenshine masterfully uses her modified format and rhyme scheme of The House That Jack Built to introduce kids to a fun animal - this time, the ingenious octopus. Isn't this an amazing opening image? It is so life-like. Anne Hunter not only captured the sneaky stealth of the octopus, but the very subtle sense of movement of the water and fish.
Internal spread - on the left a small image of coral and a sea snail. On right, Octopus peers out from her den, under a number of coral, as a seahorse floats nearby and a big fish swims past.
Text © Randi Sonenshine, 2024. Image © Anne Hunter, 2024.
The triplet verse, with a repeating refrain that subtly changes the first few words, and gentle alliteration makes this book great fun to read aloud and prevents it from becoming monotonous or sing-songy. I love that the text uses a rich tapestry of vocabulary - such as "cemented," "siphons and funnels." and "cephalopod" and some spectacular, less usual, rhymes, like "limbs/swims," "disguise/eyes," and "technique/beak."
Internal spread of an octopus chomping down on a crab.
Text © Randi Sonenshine, 2024. Image © Anne Hunter, 2024.
This is her capture-the-crab technique:
she pounces, then stabs with her parrot-like beak,
then feasts in the den that Octopus built.
Anne Hunter's ink, watercolor, and colored pencil illustrations, gorgeously capture this intelligent and creative animal and her environment, as they complement and enhance this lyrical look at her lifecycle. I adore these two images of her using shells and algae to hide from a Tiger Shark. After she evades a seal behind a cloud of ink, the octopus conceals herself in her den, lays her eggs (100,000 to 500,000), and cares for them. Although there is a melancholy moment, when the octopus uses her last breath to propel the new hatchlings into the ocean, look above at the image in the interview, the illustration is so gentle and hopeful. And the circular ending creates a wonderful completion of the octopus life cycle.
Internal spread - on the left, octopus surrounded and covered with shells. On the right, octopus coiled around a clump of algae.
Text © Randi Sonenshine, 2024. Image © Anne Hunter, 2024.
Octopus are so amazing, and we keep learning more about and from them. Wonderful "Octo-knowledge" facts, an author's note, and glossary extend the book for older readers and adults. This is a spectacular, honest, and gorgeous not-to-be missed book about octopuses.
Resources:
Photo of a collage of 10 octopus crafts.
try some fun ways to make an octopus. And check out Randi Sonenshine's Pinterest links for Lego and robotic octopuses and fun octopus STEM activities.
create an octopus den diorama. How would your octopus hide from predators?
for fun reading or research, pair this with Behold the Octopus! by Suzanne Slade, iIlustrated by Thomas Gonzalez, The Octopus Scientists (Scientists in the Field) by Sy Montgomery, illustrated by Keith Ellenbogen, and Octopus!
Smartest in the Sea? by Ginjer L. Clarke.
QUOTED: "all in all, a delightfully readable and informative wrendition."
Sonenshine, Randi THE NEST THAT WREN BUILT Candlewick (Children's Fiction) $16.99 3, 10 ISBN: 978-1-5362-0153-6
A familiar cumulative rhyme pattern here describes the activities of a pair of wrens from nest construction through incubation and hatching of eggs to the fledging of their offspring.
Nesting birds are a popular picture-book subject, but this appreciative account stands out both for its descriptive language and its evocative illustrations. Those reading aloud will appreciate the regular rhythm, intriguing vocabulary, and deft turns of phrase. Not only does Sonenshine smoothly introduce specific words for the growing chicks ("hatchlings," "nestlings," "fledglings," all clear in context and additionally defined in a glossary at the end), she also uses engaging adjectives: "reptilian charm," "persnickety burr," "mirthful song." There is interesting and appropriate imagery as well: "twigs…cradle the nest," which will be lined with "moss, softer than suede." Hunter uses ink and colored pencils on various shades of colored paper to illustrate the process. From vignettes to double-page spreads, these scenes focus on the wrens but also include other animals for observant readers to find; a final spread shows a mouse climbing into the now-empty nest. Following the pattern of the nursery rhyme, the author uses Wren as a proper noun in the repeated phrase "the nest that Wren built," but in a final page of appended facts she makes clear that both the male and the female are involved in the various steps of the nest-building process.
All in all, a delightfully readable and informative wrendition. (Informational picture book. 4-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2019 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Sonenshine, Randi: THE NEST THAT WREN BUILT." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Dec. 2019. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A606964405/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=afa4cd70. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.
QUOTED: "endearing and informative story."
Picture Book
The Nest That Wren Built
By Randi Sonenshine Illustrated by Anne Hunter
Mimicking the classic cumulative nursery rhyme "This Is the House That Jack Built," The Nest That Wren Built (Candlewick, $16.99, 9781536201536, ages 4 to 8) is the first picture book by author Randi Sonenshine. It tells the story of how Papa Wren constructs a nest for his growing family. After building the nest, Papa guards it while "chirping a mirthful song to the sky." Once the eggs have been laid, he hunts for food. At 14 days old, the fledgling birds are ready to fly from their remarkably crafted home, high up in a tree.
Sonenshine's text is full of vivid, sensory images ("This is the moss, softer than suede"), and her seemingly simple narrative subtly works on multiple levels. The Nest That Wren Built may be a book about wrens, but it's also about the patient, tender care that parents take when they provide for their offspring. Illustrator Anne Hunter (Possum and the Summer Storm, Cricket Song) makes the warm, cozy nest the consistent focus of these illustrations, which are laid out on cream-colored pages. The ink and colored pencil illustrations appropriately feature a muted, earth-tone palette, and there's a distinct sense that Hunter has constructed her drawings as carefully as Papa constructs his nest. Make sure to look closely to see Hunter's crosshatching, which creates effective texture and shading.
Nothing about the wrens and their work is anthropomorphized or made cute. Instead, Sonenshine's bouncy text is filled with facts about how wrens construct nests. Young readers will enjoy spotting the other wild animals that pop up to watch the wrens, as well as the creature who repurposes the nest to serve as his own home at the close of this endearing and informative story.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2020 BookPage
http://bookpage.com/
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Danielson, Julie. "The Nest That Wren Built." BookPage, Mar. 2020, p. 29. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A614527166/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=17759ec2. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.
QUOTED: "an excellent informational picture book" "a delightful, accessible introduction to the nest-building behavior of birds."
SONENSHINE, Randi. The Nest That Wren Built. illus. by Anne Hunter. 32p. Candlewick. Mar. 2020. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781536201536.
PreS-Gr 1--Crafted with care from materials found nearby, Mama and Papa Wren's nest is a cozy, safe place for their babies to thrive. Beginning with twigs and bark, the frame for the Wrens' nest nestles into the cradle of several tree branches. Bit by bit, more is added to the nest: leaves and pine needles for structure, a spider sac and snakeskin for protection. The baby birds hatch and grow in the nest, finally spreading their wings and learning to fly. Using the structure of "The House that Jack Built," this version features a lovely, singsong rhythm and structure that is ideally suited for young children. Within the short lines of text and the artfully crafted phrases, Sonenshine delivers a wealth of information about how wrens construct their nests and work together to raise their young. The accompanying illustrations incorporate a limited color palette that speaks to the earthy tones of the wren's natural environment. VERDICT This is an excellent informational picture book to read to kindergarten or first grade classes as a delightful, accessible introduction to the nest-building behavior of birds.--Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver Public Library
Caption: The Nest That Wren Built (Sonenshine)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2020 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
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Lanni, Mary. "SONENSHINE, Randi. The Nest That Wren Built." School Library Journal, vol. 66, no. 2, Feb. 2020, pp. 58+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A613048755/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=36036db3. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.
QUOTED: "a boon for beaver storytimes or young naturalists living near beaver streams."
Sonenshine, Randi THE LODGE THAT BEAVER BUILT Candlewick (Children's None) $18.99 9, 27 ISBN: 978-1-5362-1868-8
Readers learn about a keystone species and the habitat they create.
In a "House That Jack Built" style (though minus the cumulative repetition), Sonenshine introduces children to beavers. Beginning with a beaver who's just gnawed down a willow near their lodge, the author moves on to the dam that blocks the stream and protects their domed home and then to the yearlings that are working to repair it with sticks and mud. Muskrats and a musk turtle take advantage of the safety of the beavers' lodge, while Coyote tries (and fails) to breach it. Then the book turns to other animals that enjoy the benefits of the pond the beavers have created: goose, ducklings, heron, moose. While the beavers aren't in all these illustrations, evidence of them is. And then suddenly a flood takes out both the dam and the beavers' lodge. So, the beavers move upstream to find a new spot to dam and build again, coming full circle back to the beginning of the book. Hunter's ink-and-colored pencil illustrations have a scratchy style that is well suited to the beavers' pelts, their watery surroundings, and the other animals that share their habitat. Careful observers will be well rewarded by the tiny details. Beavers are mostly nocturnal, which isn't always faithfully depicted by Hunter. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A boon for beaver storytimes or young naturalists living near beaver streams. (beaver facts, glossary, further resources) (Informational picture book. 3-7)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2022 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Sonenshine, Randi: THE LODGE THAT BEAVER BUILT." Kirkus Reviews, 15 June 2022, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A706932864/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=3ec09e96. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.
QUOTED: "an appealing read-aloud choice for kids intrigued by beavers."
The Lodge That Beaver Built. By Randi Sonenshine. Illus. by Anne Hunter. Sept. 2022. 32p. Candlewick, $18.99 (9781536218688). PreS-Gr. 2.599.37.
Beaver chomps down a tree, which falls into the pond and floats downstream, helping complete the dam just beyond "the lodge that beaver built." The verse text flows from one fully illustrated double-page spread to the next, introducing the two yearling beavers working on the lodge, the mother beaver and her new kits, the goose with a nest atop the lodge, a coyote that can't find a way into the structure, and so on. Eventually, a flood destroys the lodge and bursts the dam. The beavers swim upstream, looking for a new home site. The final verse repeats the first one, featuring Beaver chomping down a tree to form a dam beyond the new lodge. This companion book to Sonenshine and Hunter's The Nest That Wren Built (2020) uses the same verse template, with rhythm, rhyme, and repetition based on the nursery rhyme "The House That Jack Built." Hunter's beautifully textured, naturalistic pictures, created with ink and colored pencils, illustrate the story with warmth and sensitivity. An appealing read-aloud choice for kids intrigued by beavers. --Carolyn Phelan
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2022 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
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Phelan, Carolyn. "The Lodge That Beaver Built." Booklist, vol. 119, no. 2, 15 Sept. 2022, p. 48. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A720255826/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=74786871. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.
QUOTED: "a gentle exploration of a cruel episode in European history."
Sonenshine, Randi THE INSIDE NAME Apples & Honey Press (Children's None) $17.95 10, 10 ISBN: 9781681156194
A child navigates his Lisbon neighborhood as a converso, a Jew compelled to practice Catholicism in Spain and Portugal during the Inquisition.
The boy takes readers through his city and ponders the religious intolerance that has turned neighbors against him and forced his family to keep their Jewish observance a secret. Though the author acknowledges the threat of violence and imprisonment for forced converts, she leans toward optimism, depicting a loving, intact family who seek a way out. Interspersed with moments of dread and sadness, the narrative highlights details about secret religious practice, such as hiding a mezuzah under the tiles of the doorframe, lighting Shabbat candles inside a jar on the hearth, and using an "inside name," a Hebrew name employed only in the privacy of the home. This short chapter book features illustrations on every spread as well as occasional text boxes that offer definitions and historical context, though the vocabulary will be a stretch for many younger readers. Saturated colors for the clothes and buildings imply the visual richness of the city, but the soft lines of the watercolorlike illustrations provide limited expression in the human faces. A historical note presents more details about conversos and discusses Doña Gracia, who used her wealth to rescue Jewish people trapped by the Inquisition.
A gentle exploration of a cruel episode in European history. (Chapter book. 6-9)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Sonenshine, Randi: THE INSIDE NAME." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Sept. 2023, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A764873454/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=dc5bccaa. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.
QUOTED: "Though there are many, many picture books about octopuses, this one will be a particular delight for reading aloud."
Sonenshine, Randi THE DEN THAT OCTOPUS BUILT Candlewick (Children's None) $18.99 5, 21 ISBN: 9781536226546
Octopus makes her home under a ledge near the shore.
Detailing the life and habits of a common octopus, Sonenshine relies on the cumulative rhyme pattern that she used in The Nest That Wren Built (2020). Once again, words and illustrations work together to introduce an intriguing and popular creature; each page ends with the titular phrase. The opening page features the colorful habitat, with the octopus inside her den, barely visible. Subsequent spreads depict the octopus excavating her den, disguising herself as she hunts a crab, evading a hungry seal, guarding her eggs, and blowing her hatchlings out into the ocean. As the book closes, the sole surviving hatchling returns to the seafloor to start another generation. Ink, watercolor, and colored pencil artwork portrays a reef filled with other sea creatures. The text and images are set on paper tinted in a light yellow-green, which complements the blues and greens of this watery environment. The verse--triplets, with pleasing alliteration and internal repetitions of vowel sounds--rhythmically describes what's going on in each scene, cleverly conveying important octopus facts. Though there are many, many picture books about octopuses, this one will be a particular delight for reading aloud. The backmatter includes further information and an author's note about the hard-bottom reef off the coast of Georgia that inspired the setting.
A lyrical addition to the oceanic bookshelf. (glossary) (Informational picture book. 3-7)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Sonenshine, Randi: THE DEN THAT OCTOPUS BUILT." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Apr. 2024, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A789814562/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=f1d42006. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.
QUOTED: "a great read-aloud choice for older readers, recommended for most collections."
SONENSHINE, Randi. The Den That Octopus Built. illus. by Anne Hunter. 32p. Candlewick. May 2024. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781536226546.
Gr 2-5--An octopus may be the closest thing to an alien on Earth, which makes the species fascinating but difficult to relate to. Using the familiar rhyme scheme of "This is the House that Jack Built," Sonenshine introduces readers to the birth cycle of the octopus, from making its den, to laying eggs, to releasing its babies into the world. The word choices for the rhyme are quite advanced, making this an excellent read-aloud for older grades. Hunter's ink, watercolor, and colored pencil illustrations bring warmth and accessibility to the subject, inviting readers into the pages. The illustrations depicting the end of life for the mother octopus are particularly moving; these scenes and their use of color convey sadness, sacrifice, and hope. An "octo-knowledge" section at the end provides fun facts, glossary, and an author's note. VERDICT A great read-aloud choice for older readers, recommended for most collections.--Kadie Seitz
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Seitz, Kadie. "SONENSHINE, Randi. The Den That Octopus Built." School Library Journal, vol. 70, no. 2, Feb. 2024, p. 106. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A784714433/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=013fd284. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.
QUOTED: "The author balances history, drama, and character development to create an exciting tale with a satisfying resolution."
The Inside Name
Randi Sonenshine; Gina Capaldi, illus.
National Jewish Book Awards Finalist 2023
Review Judges' Remarks
By Emily Schneider – November 20, 2023
This illustrated novel for young readers is a compact introduction to the lives of Portugal and Spain’s secret Jews. Set in Lisbon in the early sixteenth century, The Inside Name follows one converso family as they take measures to conceal their Jewish identity and keep themselves safe. Like many Sephardic Jews, Felipe Alonso’s grandfather flees persecution in Spain and settles in Portugal, only to find that the Inquisition is enforcing the same policy of forced conversion in his new home. The dangers of secretly practicing Judaism force Felipe’s family to seek refuge elsewhere, in a land where Felipe can reclaim the secret Hebrew name that represents his true identity.
Felipe is able to escape the rigid confines of his dual life by pretending he is a king. He imagines for himself a fairy-tale world in which “the Tagus River gleams like a blue satin ribbon dotted with the white sails of merchant ships.” By applying painterly touches to the ordinary speech of a child, Randi Sonenshine captures the particular way that Felipe incorporates fantasy into his daily life. Her language is both rich with metaphor and highly accessible.
Although the main characters are fictional, the historical figure of Doña Gracia Nasi plays a key behind-the-scenes role. Felipe’s parents explain to him how the courageous Jewish woman uses her wealth and influence to help her people in their quest for freedom. A two-page map, clearly labeled and decorated with ships sailing on their course, anticipates the family’s imminent journey to a haven in Italy. Elsewhere in the book, unobtrusive text boxes provide important information and vocabulary. The author balances history, drama, and character development to create an exciting tale with a satisfying resolution. Only on the book’s final page is Felipe’s true name revealed.
Reflecting on his time in Portugal, Felipe remembers his friend, Solomon, whose name alludes to an era when Jewish leadership was not just a dream. Before Felipe left, Solomon gave him the gift of a chess set. Felipe decided to hide the set’s two kings in a secret location.
Complete with an informative afterword, this book will give readers a vivid sense of the survival strategies that enabled at least some Iberian Jews to remember their inside names.
Emily Schneider writes about literature, feminism, and culture for Tablet, The Forward, The Horn Book, and other publications, and writes about children’s books on her blog. She has a Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures.