Lauri Fortino's Blog, page 70
February 21, 2015
MARCH-ing Books to Kids…Calling all Book Lovers and Authors to Make a Difference to a Child in Need…
I admire Picture Book Pass It On founder Michelle Eastman’s commitment to putting picture books into the hands of children in need. Check out her newest initiative!
Originally posted on Michelle Eastman Books:
According to Reading is Fundamental (RIF), Nearly two-thirds of low-income families in the U.S. DO NOT own books. That is just plain wrong. But, we can help fix it.
I believe that every child’s Bill of Rights should be indelibly inked with the right to have picture books read to him/her and to own their very own books. Many of us take for granted the sacred ritual of cracking open a picture book, and cuddling together while the words and pictures collectively take us away. You can probably recall having been read to by your parents or caregivers. You likely hold a special picture book, from your childhood, close to your heart. And, until now, you’ve probably not given much thought to how profound that experience can be.
Imagine, never having that.
I CAN imagine a child, growing up, never knowing the power of a picture book. I…
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February 15, 2015
3 Beautiful Books by Justin Drazin
Title: Grandma and the Groundhog
Author: Justin Drazin
Illustrator: Genn Lotish
Publisher/Year: Justin Drazin Publishing/2014
Grandma’s garden has attracted an unwanted guest. At first, Grandma is amused by the groundhog’s antics. But then, as more and more of her delicious vegetables disappear, Grandma decides enough is enough. We don’t know exactly what she has in mind, but we do know she wants her garden back. But just when she decides to give the groundhog a piece of her mind, the rascal disappears. The groundhog emerges a few weeks later with four hungry little ones. Told in rollicking rhyme and beaming with lively color, Grandma and the Groundhog is an enjoyable read-aloud that is sure to elicit smiles from young and old alike. Be prepared to read this one over and over; your kids will request it.
Title: It’s Raining Paint
Author: Justin Drazin
Illustrator: Vladimir Ilievski
Publisher/Year: Justin Drazin Publishing/2014
Young Laney has only one speed: fast. She doesn’t notice the beauty that’s all around her. It’s only when, on one very unusual day, paint droplets fall from the sky and cover everything in glorious color, that she finally slows down to look. She is amazed until everything turns to gloomy black and white. But her disappointment is replaced by joyful surprise the next day, after clear rain washed everything clean again during the night. Now Laney sees the world with new eyes; she appreciates the beauty of nature. This rhyming story is gorgeously illustrated in dazzling dabs of paint. I’ve never seen another book illustrated in quite this way. It’s Raining Paint is definitely worth a look.
Title: Albert and the Amazing Pillow Monsters
Author: Justin Drazin
Illustrator: Anita Lester
Publisher/Year: Gorham Publishing/2012
Albert is a young boy who has an amazing dream. He dreams about a land where friendly pillow monsters roam, where he’s always welcome, and where “imagination is the brightest night light”. At first he is confused, but soon realizes there is nothing to fear. The Pillow Monsters, who thrive on sweet dreams, have planned a party for Albert to celebrate his strength and courage. And Albert will no longer be afraid of the dark as long as he uses his powerful imagination. A whimsical, rhyming tale with dreamy illustrations, Albert and the Amazing Pillow Monsters is a perfect bedtime pick.
February 11, 2015
Getting the goods
I’m spreading library love by reblogging Leslie Zampetti’s post. Yay for libraries and librarians!
Originally posted on Z is for Zampetti:
The delivery of my library’s book order is like Christmas all over again – only better. Because the box is always full of books! Glorious new books!
Sometimes I’m not sure who’s more excited – me or the students. After all, they LOVE seeing new titles on the shelves, especially when those titles are ones they suggested I buy. But I LOVE handing new titles to my students and watching them get excited – sometimes about the author, sometimes about the story or the topic, and sometimes, just because they’re the first person to check out that book. EVER.
I used to put many of the new titles out on the displays. Not anymore. Plenty of students grabbed them up, but they were just in it because the book was new. Now I put a few out and I leave the rest to be discovered like gems in a dark…
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February 10, 2015
Go Fast, Goo by Todd Murphy
Title: Go Fast, Goo
Author: Todd Murphy
Illustrator: Rebecca Riffey
Publisher/Year: Tate Publishing/2012
Summary: Goo is a snail on a mission. Tired of taking life at a snail’s pace, he enlists his friends to help him go faster and farther than he ever imagined. It’s every snail’s dream come true. Join Goo as he learns that while fast is fine, slow is the way to go.
Goo the snail longs to be something different from what he is. He wants to fly, jump, and swing like his friends Dart, Skippy, and Iris. He doesn’t like being slow. He wants to be fast. His friends are happy to help him, but nothing works out and Goo is left feeling defeated. It’s only when tragedy strikes and Goo saves the day that he finally realizes that what he perceived as a flaw is really his greatest strength.
I enjoyed this sweet story of friendship and self-acceptance. It’s well-written and moves along at a nice pace, and it employs a level of repetition that kids will like. Children will especially love the cute, colorful insect characters with their expressive faces. Though the message of self-acceptance is clear, it’s also subtle enough not to overpower a fun read-aloud story.
My favorite line from the book: And while going slow gives Goo time to stop, smell, and eat the roses, he has always dreamed of going faster and farther.
February 9, 2015
Picture Books At The Library
In my position as a technical processing assistant at the DeWitt Community Library, I catalog a lot of new picture books. Unfortunately, I cannot review them all, but I do read them all and have assigned a :) to my favorites. Below are a few I’ve cataloged recently. (Whenever possible, summaries have been taken directly from the books.)
:) A tall, strong and well-trained police horse, Bunny is sent overseas at the beginning of World War I.
:) Sometimes when you’re most in need of friends, they will flock to you–or at least to your hat.
:) It’s time for therapy dog Lola’s annual checkup. Can she be big and brave for her examination?
Change isn’t easy for young boys and girls. And when change means moving to a new school, a new house, and away from friends, well that can be downright complicated!
:) A hilarious Scottish twist on a much-loved rhyme.
:) Snowman and his friends are in for an adventure–and then, a surprise.
Bob wanted a dog for his birthday. Instead he got a ghost, and he calls it Fluffy.
Sam has a new pet. It’s a TEMPER, and he found it on the playground.
When Arlo reads about Paris and the one the French call La Dame de Fer, Or Iron Lady, he decides it’s time to strike out on his first adventure.
Join Max in his dreams of being a world-class athlete–and see if he and his friends can win a real tournament too!
When Hana announces that she’ll be playing violin in the school talent show, her brothers laugh so hard they nearly fall out of a tree.
:) This playful farmyard caper about a shortsighted but well-meaning little dog is sure to become a read-aloud favorite.
February 1, 2015
Hoppy Book Birthday to MOMMA DON’T YOU WORRY by Louie Lawent
Hoppy Book Birthday!
Hoppy Book Birthday to Momma Don’t You Worry, written by Louie Lawent and illustrated by Rick Radliff!
The Momma Don’t You Worry Baby Book
Full Name (Title): Momma Don’t You Worry
Parent (Author): Louie Lawent
Parent (Illustrator): Rick Radliff
Obstetrician (Publisher): LadyBee Publishing
Birthdate (Release Date): January 27, 2015
Baby Photo and Vitals (Cover and More Information): http://www.amazon.com/Momma-Dont-Worry-Louie-Lawent-ebook
Physical Characteristics (Format and Summary): Picture eBook/A boy who’s soon to be 6 years old feels he’s too old to have his mom hold his hand in public.
