Jamie Michalak's Blog, page 16

Little Crooked Bookshelf

Such a Little Mouse 
by Alice Schertle
illustrated by Stephanie Yue


What it's all about . . .  
Through the spring, summer, fall, a little mouse pops out of his hole each morning and goes off into the wide world. When it’s finally winter, he retreats back into his warm hole, fixes himself a hearty feast, and snuggles up under his blanket with a good book.
Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . . We're about to welcome Autumn this week, and there’s already a chill in the air…how better to celebrate the changing seasons than with this lovely read-aloud by Alice Schertle (author of LCC fave Little Blue Truck), with cozy illustrations by Stephanie Yue?

Our favorite lines . . . "Such a little mouse,/with his smart gray coat,/with his ears pink as petals,/with three twitchety whiskers on each side of his nose."

Our favorite illustration . . .  
From SUCH A LITTLE MOUSE by Alice Schertle. Illustration copyright 2015 by Stephanie Yue.
Why kids will love it . . .
It’s a delight to see the world from such a diminutive perspective. The little mouse’s twee house is particularly irresistible!

Why grown-ups will love it . . .
A great way to introduce little ones to the changing seasons, and a snuggly bedtime story, to boot!

Quote of the Week

Mr. Pig Live . . . with Penny and Jelly! And a GIVEAWAY!*

[image error] Welcome to my hit daytime talk show, Mr. Pig LIVE! I'm your host, Mr. Pig. Today's guests are in show biz, too. They're the stars of a charming new picture book by Maria Gianferrari and Thyra Heder.

With a little help from her dog Jelly, Penny realizes that she and Jelly have a unique talent to share--unlike any other in the school talent show.
Let's give a big round of applause to . . .
PENNY & JELLY!
<<applause>>
Welcome, Penny (and Jelly)! What is your full name?
Penelope Ann Butter.

I love your boa and tee-shirt look. What one word best describes you? Besides "stylish"?
Creative.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring?
Jelly, of course (and some water).

From PENNY AND JELLY: THE SCHOOL SHOW. Illustration copyright 2015 by Maria Gianferrari.
Um, Penny, what's in your pocket?
A toad. Don’t worry—its head is sticking out.

I see! What is your idea of the perfect day?
A picnic with Jelly beside a lake.
  
What are you reading right now?
I’m re-reading my favorite book, Because of Winn Dixie; Jelly’s reading Gaston. 

Two of my favorite characters! What is your favorite word?
Friend.

From PENNY AND JELLY: THE SCHOOL SHOW. Illustration copyright 2015 by Maria Gianferrari.  
What is your favorite sound?
Jelly singing.

If you could dine with three characters from other books, who would they be?
Could I have a play-date for Jelly instead? With Hound (from The Penderwicks), Winn Dixie, and HMS Beagle? 

Forgive me, but I ask this questions of all my guests. Do you have a belly button?
Of course—it’s an “inny.”

Last question. What was it like working with Maria Gianferrari?
It was fun, but Thyra gives me a lot more freedom. 

Thanks for joining us today, Penny and Jelly! Please stay for a PENNY & JELLY-themed lunch, prepared especially for you by Nina at Mamabelly's Lunches with Love.

(Scroll down to check out today's Literary Lunch!) 

* Win a copy of PENNY & JELLY: THE SCHOOL SHOW! Leave a comment to enter. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, September 23.

* Last week's Back-to-School Giveaway winner of a signed copy of Audrey Vernick and Matthew Cordell's First Grade Dropout is: Lori Alexander! Congrats, Lori! Please email littlecrookedcottage@gmail.com with your mailing info. 


About the book
PENNY & JELLY
THE SCHOOL SHOW
by Maria Gianferrari; illustrated by Thyra Heder
HMH Books for Young Readers, July 2015
ISBN 978-0544230149

"Penny and Jelly are sure to warm the hearts of both future talent-show contestants and readers who have similarly close canine friends." --Kirkus

"Little ones anxious about finding a talent will be reassured by this heartening tale with a cozy conclusion: sometimes the best talent is friendship." --Booklist 
 
PENNY & JELLY
SLUMBER UNDER THE STARS
by Maria Gianferrari; illustrated by Thyra Heder
HMH Books for Young Readers, June 2016
ISBN 978-0544280052

In this young and funny picture book companion to Penny & Jelly: The School Show, Penny is invited to go to a slumber-under-the-stars sleepover—but with no pets allowed, how can Penny enjoy the night? Readers of Pinkalicious and Ladybug Girl will swoon over best friends Penny & Jelly.


About the author Photo credit: Monogram Arts Photo
Maria Gianferrari writes both fiction and nonfiction picture books from her sunny, book-lined study in northern Virginia, with dog, Becca as her muse. Maria’s debut picture book is Penny & Jelly: The School Show, illustrated by Thyra Heder. A second Penny & Jelly book titled, Penny & Jelly Slumber Under the Stars, will be released in June 2016. Maria has five additional books forthcoming from Roaring Brook and Boyds Mills Presses as well as Aladdin Books for Young Readers in the coming years. To learn more about Maria, visit her website: mariagianferrari.com and on Facebook.

And you can visit Penny & Jelly at their website: pennyandjelly.com, and on Instagram: #pennyandjelly.



About the illustrator [image error] Thyra Heder grew up in the Boston area and now lives in Brooklyn, where she spends a lot of time drawing in the studio with her dog, Toby. She has a special talent for losing things and dancing like a maniac. She has performed in a school show only once, lip-synching to the Grease soundtrack as Danny Zuko. Her first picture book, Fraidyzoo, garnered numerous starred reviews and accolades, and her newest book, The Bear Report, will be released in October 2015.You can learn more about Thyra and her work at www.thyraheder.com.

Literary Lunch . . . with Penny & Jelly!

Have you met Penny and Jelly from the new book Penny & Jelly: The School Show by  Maria Gianferrari and Thyra Heder ?


Having a best friend to help you pick a talent for the school show is the best feeling in the world. But what talent will they pick?

Nina from Mamabelly's Lunches with Love has packed a lunch to-go -- perfect for snacking on during a school show:
a Penny Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich (pun intended)Peanut Butter and Jelly bars (because friends stick together)apple and cheese & chicken and cheese skewers (because stripes complement each other)and of course Jelly, sitting on a heart-shaped cup of sweet dried banana chips (because friendship is sweet)

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

CIRCUS MIRANDUS
by Cassie Beasley

This week's pick is by Cottager Jamie Michalak.

What it's all about . . . 
Even though his mean Great-Aunt Gertrudis doesn’t approve, Micah believes the stories his dying Grandpa Ephraim tells him of the magical Circus Mirandus and its greatest magician, The Lightbender. Finally, Grandpa Ephraim offers proof. The Circus is real. And the Lightbender owes Ephraim a miracle. With the help of his skeptical friend Jenny, Micah sets out to find the Circus and the man he believes will save his grandfather.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
We love when a buzzed-about book lives up to the hype, and Circus Mirandus delivers. This imaginative fantasy hooks readers from its very first lines and doesn't let go until its heartwarming and surprising conclusion. Cassie Beasley is a writer to watch.

Our favorite line . . .
Just because a magic is small doesn't mean it is unimportant.
Why kids will love it . . . 
Mystery, magic, adventure, a giant floating gorilla. . . . kids will find lots to love in this page-turning fantasy. Hand this one to fans of Roald Dahl, Harry Potter, and Peter Pan.

Why grown-ups will love it . . .
Because Circus Mirandus is a spellbinding and poignant read-aloud. The perfect book to share with 9-12 year olds at home or in the classroom.

Quote of the Week

Audrey Vernick's Five Favorite Back-to-School Books (PLUS A 'FIRST GRADE DROPOUT' GIVEAWAY!)

Are your little ones trotting off to school this week? Are you an elementary school teacher welcoming students back to your classroom or library? Perhaps you just need a list of five fabulous books to read as you move into the cozy fall-reading season?

Well, huzzah! AUDREY VERNICK, author of more than a dozen delightful books for young readers—including two of our favorite back-to-school reads,  I s Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? , illustrated by Daniel Jennewein, and the brand new (and totally hilarious) First Grade Dropout, illustrated by Matthew Cordell—is with us in the Cottage today. And she's brought along five of her all-time favorite back-to-school books to share.

And as an added treat, Audrey's giving away a SIGNED COPY of FIRST GRADE DROPOUT to one lucky reader. Leave a comment in the comments section below to enter.

Welcome, Audrey! Please tell us which books are your favorites for back-to-school and why. . .

1. Oliver and His Alligator by Paul Schmid

This book has the most enviable one-two punch. It begins like this: "Oliver sometimes felt his brave wasn't nearly as big as he needed it to be." And get a load of page two: “So on his first day of school, Oliver thought it best to stop by the swamp and pick up an alligator. Just in case things got rough.” Sigh. And swoon! But for me, even with those two wins in its corner, the most amazing thing about Oliver and His Alligator is the beautiful illustrations.


2. Maple and Willow Apart by Lori Nichols

This may be unique to me, the youngest of three sisters, but simply looking at the cover of this book just about breaks me open. After a lovely summer for two close summer-loving sisters, Maple and Willow Apart provides a thoughtful story about a less-explored side to the back-to-school oeuvre—the effect on the child left behind. It’s a sweet and quiet story about the bond between sisters—one in kindergarten and one still at home, with some very sweet pig-Latin moments (issmay ouyay).


3. Ralph Tells a Story by Abby Hanlon

I include this book for the kids at every school I visit—the ones who look at me blankly, hopelessly, desperately—when I do a writing workshop, because despite having lived ten years on this planet, they have never had anything worth writing about happen to them, not ever. This is a really nice story for the start of the school year about a child who is sure he has no ideas at all and guess what?! (Spoiler alert: he does.) And it’s a debut!!! Looking forward to more from Abby Hanlon!


4. Rain School, by James Rumford

Sometimes I read a book and know that a particular element would have been absolutely irresistible to young me. In this book, Thomas and his fellow students show up for the first day of school in Chad (Africa) and before their traditional learning can begin, they literally have to build their school. Of course, the act of building itself—walls and desks from mud, grass for the roof—provides its own learning experience. And then traditional classes begin. But here’s the irresistible part: in the summer, every summer, the heavy rains wash the school away. In fall, they begin again.


5. Chrysanthemum, by Kevin Henkes

I went back and forth about this one, because of Victoria, who falls somewhere between Nellie Olsen and Regina George in the literary pantheon of mean girls. But the rest of it—Chrysanthemum’s loving mom and thesaurus-y dad; the divine Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle; and the two-word sentence that, along with “Hey, Boo,” tops the list of Great American Two-Word Sentences (“Chrysanthemum wilted.”) all stand to prove that this one’s been around for decades for a reason.

Happy back to school, everyone!

Thanks, Audrey! We will happily add these books to our Little Crooked Bookshelf. And here are two of Audrey's books YOU should most defintely add to yours. . . 


FIRST GRADE DROPOUT
by Audrey Vernick
illustrated by Matthew Cordell
(Clarion Books 2015)

★ "Vernick’s tousled-haired hero may feel miserable, but he has the self-awareness, timing, and raconteurship of a master monologist; readers will be won over from his intriguing opening line (“I’ve been lots of things”) and quickly assured that this, too, shall pass." So effective is Vernick in conjuring the boy’s blush-inducing, sweat-triggering embarrassment, readers young and old will probably find themselves flashing back to their own not-quite-forgotten moments of humiliation. Likewise, Cordell’s sketchlike illustrations, composed of frenetic ink lines and punctuated with washes of bright color, are almost Feifferesque in their sense of emotional spontaneity and comic angst." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"This winning picture book will be popular for its entertainment value, as well as for its potential to introduce ideas about empathy."

—School Library Journal


IS YOUR BUFFALO READY FOR KINDERGARTEN?
by Audrey Vernick
illustrated by Daniel Jennewein
(Balzer & Bray 2010)

"This wacky picture book, with its bold cartoonlike illustrations of a buffalo that snorts, dances, and makes faces, may help apprehensive youngsters to be more at ease about going to school. 'Everyone's special in his or her own way. That's the kind of thing you learn in kindergarten.' Vernick's amusing tale will prove handy as a first-day-of-school book recommendation for children and teachers alike." —SLJ

"Just the thing to calm those night-before nerves." —Booklist

Audrey Vernick is the author of over a dozen books for young readers, including Brothers at Bat, a New York Times Notable book. A frequent speaker at elementary schools and conferences, Audrey lives near the ocean in New Jersey with her family. You can visit her online at www.audreyvernick.com.

Tell us YOUR favorite back-to-school books in the comments below to enter to win an autographed copy of FIRST GRADE DROPOUT by Audrey Vernick and Matt Cordell! 

(Winner will be announced on Wednesday, September 16th.) 

Quote of the Week

Mr. Pig LIVE . . . with Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast!

Welcome to my hit talk show, MR. Pig LIVE! We have a delicious, er, delightful show for you today.

<<grumble>> Oh dear. Please excuse my growling stomach. I haven't eaten breakfast yet. 

Today's guests are the scrumptious . . . I mean rambunctious stars of the new buzzed-about picture book by Josh Funk and Brendan Kearney -- 


LADY PANCAKE & SIR FRENCH TOAST!
Before we bring them out, let's watch these two in action. . . .



<<applause>>

Welcome, Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast! It's nice to eat you-- ah, meet you!

What are your full names?
LP: My full name is Grand Duchess of the Deep Fridge, Noble Sovereign of the Top Shelf, the Illustrious Lady Pancake the 14th.
SFT: Technically my name is ‘Pain Grillé’.

What one word best describes you?
LP: Exquisite.
SFT: Exquisite? You?
LP: Well, what one word describes you?
SFT: Humble.
LP: Well, that’s a lie.
SFT: What did you say?
LP: Oh, nothing.

What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
SFT: How dare you?!?
LP: Well, I never!


Let'e move on. What are you reading right now?
LP: The Fault in Our Starfruits.
SFT: The Day the Crepes Quit.
LP: Oh, give Mr. Pig a book for adults!
SFT: That book is just as much for adults as it is for children!

True. What's the best thing about being you?
LP: There are so many fabulous things about me! I don’t think I could choose just one.
SFT: The best thing about her is that she gets to spend all her time with me.
LP: That wouldn’t even be in the top 50.

What is the worst thing about being you?
LP: That I have to spend all my time with this smelly guy.
SFT: You said you liked my rosemary scent!
LP: One time I said it smelled good on the Squash, but you don’t have to bathe in it every morning!

If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring?
SFT: Well, I’m not gonna bring the rosemary any more.
LP: If we were stranded together? A lifetime supply of --
SFT: Syrup!
LP: Oh, you know me so well.
 
From LADY PANCAKE AND SIR FRENCH TOAST by Josh Funk. Illustration copyright 2015 by Brendan Kearney.
Do you have a belly button?
LP: Well, that’s a bit of a personal question. I’d prefer not to answer that.
SFT: She has two!
LP: I do not!

If a genie gave you one wish, what would you wish for?
Both: A lifetime supply of SYRUP!!!
 
What is your idea of the perfect day?
LP: I’d love to spend the day at Caramel Coast, watching the waves, just relaxing.
SFT: Oh, that’d be great. Like the time last summer when …
LP: Yes! I was thinking exactly that!
SFT: We should do that again.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
LP: I wish I could sing every note in existence.
SFT: We would all love if you could sing little better.
LP: What is that supposed to mean?
SFT: Oh, just that, a sweet singing voice is always nice to hear.
LP: Uh-huh.

From LADY PANCAKE AND SIR FRENCH TOAST by Josh Funk. Illustration copyright 2015 by Brendan Kearney.
What is your favorite word?
SFT: Fromage.
LP: But you’re allergic!
SFT: I just like the word!

What is you least favorite word?
LP: Empty.
SFT: Oh, I hate that word!
 
Share one thing that most of our readers don’t know about you.
LP: I am one of three identical triplets.
SFT: I am not afraid of sock puppets … anymore.

If you could dine with three characters from other books, who would they be?
LP: That’s a tricky question for such delicious foods as us.
SFT: I think Arnie the Doughnut [by Laurie Keller] might be cool to hang out with. Things have seemed to work out for him.
LP: Oh, and the Little Pea [by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Jen Corace] seems nice enough.
SFT: Maybe the Stinky Cheese Man [by Jon Scieszka & Lane Smith]? He seems like a cordial fellow. Let’s go with him.
LP: But you’re allergic!
SFT: It’s really just a sensitivity.

From LADY PANCAKE AND SIR FRENCH TOAST by Josh Funk. Illustration copyright 2015 by Brendan Kearney.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
SFT: Remember the time when I told you that ants were invading the fridge and you spent all day hiding in the back corner with the Brussels sprouts but there really was no ant invasion cause I made it all up?
LP: Yeah, that was – wait, you made it all up?!? I was down there with those stinky sprouts for hours!
SFT: I didn’t tell you it was a joke?
LP: JOKE?!?!?
SFT: Um, yeah. It was April Fool’s Day…
LP: Why … you … little …

What is your pet peeve?
LP: At the moment … it is LIARS!
SFT: Will you forgive me?
LP: …
SFT: I’m truly sorry.
LP: Okay. I can’t really stay mad at you.

What was it like working with Josh Funk?
LP: Josh Funk is the greatest human being in the history of the world.
SFT: And he definitely didn’t force us to say that.
LP: No. Definitely not.

Thanks for joining us! <<grumble>> Oh dear. That's my stomach again. It's a good thing our favorite caterer, Nina from Mamabelly's Lunches with Love has arrived with a Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast breakfast. Let's eat! 

Scroll down or click here to see Nina's masterpiece. 

****************
About the book
"A tale of 'to-go' food that is good for you! ... Readers get a ringside seat ... on an edible version of American Ninja... the refrigerator morphs into a true Hunger Games arena.... Kearney's illustrations kick butter ... the bean avalanche is a trippy wonder ... while the acrobatic rhymes tackle the next hurdle... Teachers and students alike will delight in this food fight. Who will be the winner? Readers will be hungry to find out." 
--Kirkus


About the author
Josh Funk lives in New England with his wife and children. He is the author of LADY PANCAKE & SIR FRENCH TOAST (Sterling 2015), and the forthcoming picture books DEAR DRAGON (Viking/Penguin 2016), PIRASAURS! (Scholastic 2017), and JACK! [and the beanstalk] (Two Lions 2017). 

Find more information about his books at JoshFunkBooks.com. 




About the illustrator
Brendan Kearney says, "Whilst studying Architecture at University I realized I didn’t like rulers. I also discovered that drawing pictures for a living was a legitimate and fun career option, and so traded architecture for illustration as quickly as I could. Having now completed my degree in Illustration I specialize in children’s books and artwork, bringing my own chaotic style and ideas to any project. If you can’t find me drawing you are likely to find me with a guitar or banjo in hand. I like mince pies. I don’t like carrots." 

He lives in England. To see more of Brendan's work, visit his website.

Literary Lunch . . . with Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast

Ever wonder what's going on in your fridge once you close the door? Find out in Josh Funk 's lively new picture book LADY PANCAKE & SIR FRENCH TOAST, beautifully illustrated by Brendan Kearney !

Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast are best friends until rumor has it that only one drop of maple syrup remains in the fridge. The friends race to see who will get to the syrup first and enjoy the last of the sweet treat.

Our brilliantly talented caterer, Nina from Mamabelly's Lunches with Love. packed what was in her fridge for today's Literary Lunch:A Sir French Toast A Lady Pancake chocolate sandwichthe prized, almost empty bottle of maple syrupand some carrot, red pepper, green grape and homemade chicken nugget onlookers.

Click here to read Mr. Pig's interview with Sir French Toast & Lady Pancake.