Marion Dane Bauer

3 3/4 Stars. This is one of those collections of which it is very difficult to let go. Finishing this book was like saying goodbye to a dear friend. I never expected that a collection of LGBT stories published almost a decade ago could still ring so true today. Even with the differences between now and then, this book still manages to be extremely relevant. The authors in this collection did a beautiful job of showing that no person is one label, one descriptor, one identity. We are all a collection of intersections. I am so grateful that someone suggested this book to me, and I will forever hold it in a special place of my heart.… (more)

From Kirkus: "The stories of the births of the universe, the planet Earth, and a human child are told in this picture book . . . It’s a stunning achievement to present to readers the factual events that created the birth of the universe, the planet Earth, and life on Earth with such an expressive, powerful creativity of words paired with illustrations so evocative of the awe and magic of the cosmos. But then the story goes one brilliant step further and gives the birth of a child the same beginning, the same sense of magic, the same miracle."… (more)

The titular cracking sound leads us out of bed on a winter night. Joined by the bear, the rabbit, the beaver, and the squirrel through the cold woods, we finally arrive at an enormous egg, which hatches before our eyes into the explosive arrival of spring. A somewhat whimsical narrative with an exciting, emotional climax.

Shelley's illustrations feel reiminiscent of Sibylle von Olfers, the early 20-century children's book author. The overall impression is magical and whimsical, but the small details are touchingly realistic. The landscape is very cool and icy until the vibrant explosion of spring, which feels like a visual relief.… (more)