Mitali Perkins's Blog, page 25

Lent Read #28: LOWJI DISCOVERS AMERICA by Candace Fleming

What? A funny chapter book featuring a South Asian boy? I thought they didn't exist. And they didn't, until Candace Fleming wrote her charming LOWJI DISCOVERS AMERICA (Atheneum). Perfect for a 3rd or 4th grader, this short, quick read stars nine-year-old Lowji, a newcomer to Illinois from Mumbai, and a vivid cast of human and animal characters. My favorite thread was Lowji's relationship with Landlady Crisp, an aptly-named harassed and lonely woman who is transformed by Lowji's desire for animal companionship.

Come visit me on the Fire Escape!

Lent Read #27: THE LONELY MOOSE by John Segal

THE LONELY MOOSE by John Segal is the story of a mutually enriching friendship between two very different creatures. Published by Hyperion, this delightful picture book is exactly what our boys would have loved when they were about five. There's a "scary" scene or two, filled with enough tension to make small fingers eagerly turn the page to see what happens next, and the joy-filled ending gives readers the satisfaction of closure that defines all good stories.

Come visit me on the Fire Escape!

Lent Read #26: THE GRAND PLAN TO FIX EVERYTHING by Uma Krishnaswami

Bubbly, colorful, and exciting, THE GRAND PLAN TO FIX EVERYTHING by Uma Krishnaswami is as entertaining as the best Bollywood "fillums." A middle-grade read stuffed with romance, adventure, and mystery, this entrancing book published by Atheneum was starred by Kirkus and Publishers Weekly. Travel with Dini to Swapnagiri, India, where practicing a little "dekho, dekho" (look, look) and "shuno, shuno" (listen, listen) will lead to a happy-ever-after ending that makes everyone feel like dancing.

Come visit me on the Fire Escape!

Lent Reads #23, 24, 25: A Trio of Picture Books

I'm back in Boston after a week of author visits in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C., so here are my last three quick, wonderful reads:








History, art, and innovation, all given in joyful service to God.





The life cycle of a tortilla reads much better in Spanish.





They weren't allowed to knead Wonder Bread dough back in the day,
but they could--and did--change the world.

Come visit me on the Fire Escape!

Lent Read #22: RAIN SCHOOL by James Rumford

What if you had to build your school with your own hands before starting the school year? You might treat it with more respect, and eagerly receive your lessons, like the children in RAIN SCHOOL by James Rumford, published by Houghton Mifflin.



In this vibrant, cheerful picture book set in Chad, we meet a smiling, beautiful teacher and a group of eager, hard-working students. My favorite line? "The students' minds are fat with knowledge. Their notebooks are rumpled from learning." Even when the rains wash away the building, it can't take away what's been learned. That stays forever, whether it's here or in Chad.

Come visit me on the Fire Escape!

Lent Read #21: LALA SALAMA by Patricia MacLachlan, Illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon

I'm on the road for author visits, so this week will feature several picture books. But with my nest recently emptied, what joy to return to this genre after so many years! Obviously I'm going to have to borrow babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers on a regular basis.







Along the shores of a Tanzanian lake, a young mother and father carry their baby through a day of work, love, laughter, and peace. This spare and lovely lullaby by the Newbery Medalist, published by Candlewick, is an excellent way to introduce even the very tiny to the existence of other cultures beyond our borders. Yes, the paintings inside by Elizabeth Zunon are all as glorious and joyful as the cover art. LALA SALAMA means "sleep peacefully" in Swahili, and I did, taking a nap in my quiet inn this afternoon after reading this
book.

Come visit me on the Fire Escape!

Lent Read #20: CYCLE OF RICE, CYCLE OF LIFE by Jan Reynolds

As Jan Reynolds explains in CYCLE OF RICE, CYCLE OF LIFE, a stunning photo/picture book from Lee and Low, the so-called Green Revolution almost destroyed sustainable farming practices in Bali. CYCLE OF RICE is a tale of hope, illuminating for kids how an ecologist with vision can help local people restore the land and revitalize their economy. Read this with your kids before eating a bowl of rice.

Come visit me on the Fire Escape!

Lent Read #19: TWICE AS GOOD by Richard Michelson, Illustrated by Eric Velasquez

In TWICE AS GOOD (Sleeping Bear) Richard Michelson tells the true story of the late, great golfer Bill Powell , architect of Clearview in Canton, Ohio, the only course designed, built, and owned by an African-American. Perseverance, big dreams, and the sheer love of sport defined Powell's against-the-odds success—not handouts, reliance on outsiders, or backing down an easier road. Eric Velasquez 's paintings glow with life and movement, making readers feel like we've met Bill and his family in person. An inspirational sports read, and even more so when you consider Powell's daughter's contribution to the planet .

Come visit me on the Fire Escape!

Lent Read #18: THE YEAR OF GOODBYES by Debbie Levy

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it," said George Santayana. In THE YEAR OF GOODBYES (Hyperion), Debbie Levy recounts in simple verse the gripping story of her mother's escape from Hamburg, Germany in 1938.



Levy stays true to an eleven-almost-twelve-year-old's voice, and as we follow the narrative of one girl's family, we realize with great unease that (1) the ascendancy of Hitler and the Holocaust happened not too long ago, and (2) such a tragedy could happen again. I'm not surprised that this powerful book was starred by Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, and Kirkus Reviews.



Meticulously researched and poignantly illustrated with handwritten excerpts from Jutta Levy's poesiealbum, THE YEAR OF GOODBYES is perfect readaloud for parents who want to remember with their children. The afterword will and must break your heart, as Levy describes the fate of each friend who inscribed poetry in her mother's treasured album.

Come visit me on the Fire Escape!

Lent Reads 14, 15, 16, 17: A Quartet of Picture Books

Since I was in bliss for four days (see above and name that beach), whisked away by my love, I'm posting briefly. Here are four days worth of picture books I read and enjoyed for Lent, each encapsulated by one word.




attitude





celebration





solidarity





hospitality

Come visit me on the Fire Escape!