Judith Caseley

Jorah is deeply unhappy when her father gets a new job and her family must move to a new town in this beginning chapter-book from author/illustrator Judith Caseley. Given a journal by her mother, Jorah describes the downsides of her new world, from frightening crickets in her room to having no friends at her new school. When her birthday arrives, it seems it will be the worst one ever, but then some unexpected things happen...

Although I have read quite a few of Caseley's picture-books, Jorah's Journal is her first work of longer fiction that I have picked up. Although I wouldn't describe it as particularly outstanding in any way, it was solidly engaging, and, like so much of this author's output, focuses on the everyday world of family and school. As someone fascinated by names and their meanings, I did like the scenes in school in which the teacher delves into each student's name, and I liked the revelation that Jorah means 'autumn rain' in Hebrew. While the focus here is on anything but religion, it's clear that Jorah and her family is Jewish, which I appreciated, as I can't think of very many beginning chapter-books (this is sixty pages) featuring Jewish characters. Recommended to beginning chapter-books readers looking for stories about moving house, and being the new girl at school.… (más)

When Annie's mother brings home a little potty for her to start using, the young girl at first refuses, insisting that she is still a baby, and doesn't want to be a "big girl." Slowly however, by watching her mother and her friend Samantha on the real toilet, and by sitting on her potty, she is reconciled to this change. An accident during a playdate seems like a setback, but Annie's mother helps her see that it is just an accident, and that she is ready for her potty, and for "big girl" underwear...

Although I get regular requests at work for 'toilet training' books to be used with young children who are transitioning from diapers to proper underwear, and although I have a few go-to titles to recommend on those occasions - Everyone Poops, Once Upon a Potty (which has both a boys' and girls' edition), etc. - I haven't read a great many stories in this vein, not having children myself. That said, I've been on a Judith Caseley reading project recently, and seeing that she produced a book in this category, decided to pick it up. It's aimed a little younger than many of her other picture-books (obviously), and would work well with toddlers who are resistant to the idea of using a toilet, and switching from diapers to underwear. I did find it a little odd that Annie likes to go into the bathroom when others are on the toilet, as I don't recall ever doing that as a child, but perhaps it is more common than I think. Recommended to parents seeking toilet training books to help young children overcome any fear of or insecurity about this natural life change.… (más)

When Molly Pink is chosen to sing a solo at her school concert, she practices everywhere she can, singing in a voice "as clear as a bell." The only time she can't seem to sing is when her family is looking directly at her. On the night of the concert, when she is struck mute by stage fright, her family find a way to help her...

A prolific picture-book author and artist, Judith Caseley made her debut with Molly Pink, which was published in 1985. Having read most of Caseley's picture-books at this point - this is the twenty-second I have picked up - I am glad to have finally gotten to this one. I can see in it some of the themes that she would go on to explore in her later work, from the focus on the everyday experiences of home and school, to the centrality of family love to a happy childhood. The artwork is, as always, colorful and cute. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for stories about stage fright.… (más)