Jamie Michalak's Blog, page 25

Loved to Pieces. . . with Nina Laden!

Hello, friends! I'm so pleased to welcome Nina Laden to the Cottage! Nina is the author and illustrator of more than a dozen charming books for young readers including,  Peek-a Zoo , Daddy Wrong Legs and Once Upon A Memory—illustrated by Renata Liwska—a Bank Street College Best Book of 2014.

Welcome, Nina! Let's have some hot chocolate while you tell us about the book you've brought today.

"Thanks, Mr. Pig. Not many of the books that I loved in childhood have survived all the way to today, but Madeline and the Gypsies has made it, despite a bit of wear and tear. Looking back I know that I loved this book for so many reasons, and in so many ways it seems to predict a lot of my life in the future, both in childhood and in the present.


My parents, who were still married, albeit not happily, gave this book to me for my fourth birthday. That is my father’s handwriting, which was probably the last time he wrote in a book to me, except for when he crashed the launch of my newest picture book, Once Upon A Memory and he wrote in my book telling me how great he is. Long story there. I needed Madeline to help me get through childhood.


I needed her to help me get over my fears. I was very afraid of thunder and lightning storms. Madeline was caught riding the Ferris Wheel when lightning struck. I was standing next to a big tree in a summer camp in Massachusetts when the bark flew off and the ground shook.


I was also deathly afraid of elevators and being stuck between floors, so despite growing up in New York City, land of tall buildings, I would refuse to get in the elevator and I would defiantly take the stairs. I was also very afraid of being forgotten, but I had to get used to it, like Madeline did, after my father ran off with my brother’s first grade teacher.


From Madeline I learned that you could have fun with other people, and the night time was a magical time. Perhaps that is why I made “the night” figure so strongly in my first book, The Night I Followed the Dog.



I fantasized about having my own pool to swim in, and later on, in my all-time favorite chapter book, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, I wanted to swim in the fountains of the Metropolitan Museum of Art like Claudia and Jamie do- and they run away, too. One of my biggest fantasies was that I wanted to live in Paris and see France. I took seven years of French in school.


I’m happy to report that I finally took myself to Paris in 1997 when I was 35. I went to the Gare du Nord, which looks a lot like this train station illustration. Ludwig Bemelmans depicted many parts of Paris and France and they lived on in my imagination until I finally saw some of them.


I even made it to Normandy. In 2000 I was invited to speak in schools and participate in a wonderful children’s book festival because my book, When Pigasso Met Mootisse is used in curriculum (in French) in schools there. After an amazing week in Cherbourg, my husband and I took the train to Paris and we met with George Matisse, the great-grandson of Henri Matisse. All because of a book that I had created…


…and in many ways, from a book that I had loved to pieces. A book can do so much for you if you take it to heart, keep it on your shelves and let it live in your imagination."


Beautiful, Nina. Thank you for sharing this book and its story -- your story -- with us. Cheers! Have a few more marshmallows in your hot chocolate.

"My pleasure, Mr. Pig. Thank you for having me (and for the extra marshmallows)."
_________________________

Nina Laden is an award-winning, best-selling children’s book author and illustrator who lives in Seattle and on Lummi Island, WA, but mostly she lives in her imagination. She grew up in the New York city area, the daughter of two artists and received a BFA from Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. She has over a dozen books in print including “The Night I Followed the Dog,” “When Pigasso Met Mootisse,” and “Roberto the Insect Architect.” “Peek-A Who?” has sold almost a million copies and there is a new OWL plush toy for sale. Her latest books are “Once Upon A Memory” from Little, Brown & Company, and “Peek-a Zoo!” and “Daddy Wrong Legs” both published by Chronicle Books. Nina also visits schools, libraries, and speaks at events. She loves to inspire children and adults to be creative.

Read her blog here: http://thenightifollowedtheblog.blogspot.com/ and visit her website here: http://www.ninaladen.com
-Once Upon A Memory
by Nina Laden
illustrated by Renata Liwska
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (December 2013)
ISBN: 978-0316208161


Praise for Once Upon a Memory:A Bank Street College Children's Book Committee Best Book of 2014 Selection* "A rhythmic poem explores origins, both physical and abstract...Animal characters are tender and genuine. These musings on memory and change are thought-provoking, yet the piece also works as a lullaby. Reflective and peaceful."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"[A] gentle, dreamy picture book...A lyrical series of questions that play with the concept of memory and origins...[are] grounded by Liwska's pencil and mixed-media drawings."—School Library Journal

Peek-a Zoo!
by Nina Laden
Chronicle Books; Brdbk edition (March 2014)
ISBN: 978-1452111759"Reprises the format of 2000's Peek-a-Who in this equally enjoyable follow-up."—Publishers Weekly

Daddy Wrong Legs by Nina LadenChronicle Books; Ina Brdbk edition (March 2014)ISBN: 978-1452115283
"Every daddy is different—and here's the proof! Featuring Nina Laden's colorful artwork and trademark humor, this interactive format will delight the youngest readers (and their fathers) as they mix and match the split pages to create a bevy of daddies that are part hairy, part scaly . . . and wholly fun."

Mr. Pig's Holiday Gift Guide

It's snowing in the Enchanted Woods! Everything looks so pretty, including the Little Crooked Cottage. I've already finished the holiday decorating, baking, and all of my shopping! (I'm a type A pig.) What's that? You haven't even started?! Not to worry! The Cottagers just gave me their holiday gift suggestions for the 2014 edition of. . .


… a list of inspired (if a little crooked) gift ideas for quirky book lovers of all ages!


* KRISTEN TRACY'S GIFT PICKS *
1. THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR Canvas Pouch from Out of Print Clothing


"I am a huge fan of stocking stuffers and Eric Carle. So this is the gift that keeps on giving."  

















2.  Marzipops - marzipan lollipops!

"I like treats. And I like animals. So of course I love animal-themed marzipan lollipops. If somebody in your life has a fondness for almond paste and monkeys, then this is the gift for you!"













3. Washi-tape book Yano design (ETSY)

"If you are a craft person (or even if you're not) and want some washi tape, this is a great find."





 * KARA LAREAU'S GIFT PICKS *
1. THE TWELVE TERRORS OF CHRISTMAS by John Updike, illustrated by Edward Gorey

"John Updike + Edward Gorey + Christmas? Yes, please!"














2. CHRISTMAS by Robert Sabuda
"A lovely miniature pop-up book from celebrated paper engineer Robert Sabuda. Add a little POP to someone's stocking!"















3. A Charlie Brown Christmas Soundtrack 
"An oldie but goodie. Because it just isn't the holidays unless the Vince Guaraldi Trio is playing."




* JAMIE MICHALAK'S GIFT PICKS *
1. THE BOOK WITH NO PICTURES by B.J. Novak

"Here’s how this book works. Everything written on the page has to be said by the person reading it aloud. Even if the words say . . . BLORK. Or BLUURF. What kid doesn’t want to hear a grown-up say, 'My only friend in the whole wide world is a hippo named Boo-Boo Butt'?"














2. DUDE DIARY by Mickey Gill and Cheryl Gill
The un-diary for boys. Dude Diary is filled with prompts for writing and drawing about stuff like favorite candy bars, friends, burps, gaming scores, and what's on your mind. Mixed in are outrageous "what if" questions. Dude Diary comes with a lock and key, so boys can keep their awesome ideas secret. 


3. OCEAN: A PHOTICULAR BOOK created by Dan Kainen, written by Carol Kaufmann

"Photicular moving images depict a glow-in-the-dark Deep-Sea Anglerfish swimming, a Sand Tiger Shark snapping, and a jellyfish, um, . . . doing whatever it is that jellyfish do. Children will feel like they’re on a dive as they learn about each sea creature."







* ANIKA DENISE'S GIFT PICKS *
1. HERE COMES SANTA CAT by Deborah Underwood and Claudia Rueda
"Cat is just the right amount of naughty and nice. Never mind Twas the Night Before Christmas, Here Comes Santa Cat is my new favorite holiday read-aloud."












2. Santa Cat Hat (PetSmart)
"I'm all about theme-gifting for the holidays. Why not give Here Comes Santa Cat with a Santa Cat Hat from PetSmart and let your kitty do a little cos-play while you read the book?"













3. Haiku Magnetic Poetry Kit
"Upon the fridgewords on magnetic tiles.A great gift for poets." 
















* MR. PIG'S GIFT PICKS *
1 . 365 DAYS OF WONDER: MR. BROWN'S BOOK OF PRECEPTS by R.J. Palacio -
-
"Start every day on an inspiring note with this companion to Wonder—a collection of wise sayings from Anne Frank, Martin Luther King Jr., Confucius, Goethe, Sappho, and more, as well as over 100 Wonder fans who sent R. J. Palacio their own precepts. A great gift for teachers!"









2. BIG MAGIC FOR LITTLE HANDS: 25 ASTOUNDING ILLUSIONS FOR YOUNG MAGICIANS by Joshua Jay

"Levitate your sibling several feet off a bed. Or escape Houdini-like from tightly bound ropes. This large book, with vintage-style illustrations, is packed with 25 amazing illusions for kids ages 7 and up. Each easy-to-perform feat is clearly illustrated with step-by-step drawings and accompanied by insider tips."













3. Pass The Pigs Party Edition

"At first, I was slightly offended when one of the Cottagers brought this party game to a fete in the Cottage. But it's actually great fun!"

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

This week's pick is by Cottager: Anika Denise

How To Bake A Book
by Ella Burfoot
-
What it's all about . . .
A little girl learns the recipe for making the perfect story. A pinch of good, a dash of bad, some big words, and carefully cut out characters are the ingredients for a truly delicious read.

Why it’s on the Crooked Bookshelf . . .
We are a Cottage of writers who also happen to love baking—so this book tickled both fancies.

Our favorite lines . . .
"Turn up the heat-
the bubbles quicken.
And then my plot
begins to thicken."

Our favorite illustration . . .


Why kids will love it . . .The clever rhyming text and whimsical illustrations will tempt young readers to bake up a book of their own.

Why grown-ups will love it . . .Adults (and teachers, especially) will find this a fun way to introduce children to the essential ingredients of a great story.

Quote of the Week

"When a kid finishes a picture book, a bit of the tiny universe they just explored stays with them in this one."

--Ame Dyckman, author of Boy + Bot


Visit the Picture Book Month website to read Ame's entire post, "Why Picture Books Are Important."


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Mr. Pig LIVE . . . with Little Elliot!

Are the cupcakes ready? Yes?... What?! We're on the air? OH!

Ahem, welcome to another episode of my hit talk show, "Mr. Pig LIVE!" Today's guest is the polka-dotted pachyderm everyone's been buzzing about—the star of Mike Curato's debut picture book Little Elliot, Big City.... 

LITTLE ELLIOT!
Elliot leads a quiet life in the big city. But in spite of the challenges he faces, Elliot finds many wonderful things to enjoy—like cupcakes! And when his problems seem insurmountable, Elliot discovers something even sweeter—a friend.

But before we bring him out, let's roll the clip, please....



Welcome, Little Elliot!  
Hello, Mr. Pig. Happy to be here.

Let's start right in with the tough questions. Do you have a belly button?
I have a belly dot (a few of them). Does that count? 

Um, I think so. What is the best thing about being you?
I’m different in many ways. I haven’t met anyone like me, and I think that is special. I like being me!
 

We like you, too! What is the worst thing about being you? 
Sometimes it’s hard for me to get at things, like when they’re up high and I can’t reach. But I can be creative.

 
 
What is in your pocket right now?  
Oh, um, I don’t wear pants.

Oh my! Silly me. Let's move on. What is your most embarrassing moment?  
I think just now when I realized that I’m naked! 

My apologies. What is your idea of the perfect day?
I would read a book and make a drawing. Then Mouse and I would take a walk in the park. Then we would go to the bakery, and the lady would notice me right away and say, “Hello, Elliot! What kind of cupcake would you like today?” And I would say “double chocolate, please!”... or maybe red velvet. And then Mouse and I would go home and share it.
 
Ah, yes. We have a lovely bakery in the Enchanted Woods. Do you know the Muffin Man? Lovely fellow. So, what is your favorite word?
Icing!

What is your least favorite word?
Lonely.

From Little Elliot, Big City. Illustration copyright 2014 by Mike Curato.
Tell us your favorite sound.
My favorite sound is the bell that rings when I open the bakery door: dingalingalingaling... It always makes me smile.

If a genie gave you one wish, what would you wish for?
Lower counter tops.

Indeed. If you could dine with three characters from other books, who would they be? 

I want to have lunch with Ulysses from Flora & Ulysses. I have never met a flying squirrel before. I want to pet his tail. I would also invite Louise from Louise Loves Art. I think that she is a good artist. She can make a picture of all of us! I would also invite Henny from Henny. She is different from other chickens, just like I am different from other elephants. 

Maybe Ulysses can teach her how to fly. Or at least write a poem about flying, and Louise could illustrate it. We would have donuts because Ulysses has special dietary needs. I think this would be a good lunch.

From Little Elliot, Big City. Illustration copyright 2014 by Mike Curato.
Louise was a guest on my show. She's delightful! Next question. Do you have a pet peeve?
What is a peeve? I don’t have any pets. Would a peeve make a good pet? Is it smaller than me? I would take good care of it. I think I would name it Petey Peeve. 

Share one thing that most of our readers don’t know about you.
Many people think that I only like cupcakes, but I like other things too, like ice cream, and spaghetti, and eggs, and peanut butter, and Brussels sprouts, and pizza, and just regular cake. I know it is surprising that I like Brussels sprouts, but they are like polka dots for your plate.

You make Brussels sprouts sound fun. Speaking of fun, what are you reading right now?
I am reading The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. I have never met a gorilla, but Ivan sounds like he’d be a good friend to a little elephant like me.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?  
I wish that I could make music with my trunk, like it was a trumpet. It sort of sounds like one now, but it needs a tune up.
 
What was it like working with Mike Curato?
I like working with him because he always has cupcakes around. Usually, when I’m talking to him, he is eating one and just nodding a lot. He calls it “research.” I think Mister Curato is a very good researcher.

Thank you, Little Elliot! We have a sweet treat for you, too -- a snack made especially for YOU by Nina at Lunches with Love. Enjoy! 

{Scroll down to see the Little Elliot Literary Lunch.}

......................................
About the author
Mike Curato is an author and illustrator who loves small treasures. His debut picture book Little Elliot, Big City is first in a series of three. It has received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. You can find him on any given day walking around the city eating a cupcake (or thinking about it).


For more info about Mike, visit his website.









About the book
LITTLE ELLIOT, BIG CITY
by Mike Curato
Henry Holt & Co., August 2014
ISBN 978-0805098259

* "First in a series, Curato’s debut introduces a tiny polka-dotted elephant who lives in a Hopperesque 1940s Manhattan....[Curato] is a terrific emerging talent, with gorgeously rendered images that bring to mind the moodiness of Chris Van Allsburg and the sweetness of William Joyce." —Publishers Weekly, starred review 

* "Curato, a debut author and illustrator, tucks several gentle messages into one simple story that's perfect for the age group. It is, however, his almost cinematic artwork that's the real showstopper." —Booklist, starred review 

"[Curato] beautifully renders the images in rich earth tones that are soft and smooth, calling to mind The Sweetest Fig, by Chris Van Allsburg." —The New York Times Book Review

Literary Lunch . . . with Little Elliot

Meet Little Elliot, the star of Mike Curato 's new book LITTLE ELLIOT, BIG CITY . Being a small elephant in a big city can be tough, but Elliot learns that nothing is impossible with a friend by your side.


Nina from Mamabelly made a fun snack plate perfect for sharing with a friend. This little treat is made of a cookie butter Elliot sandwich, sprinkles, a bento pick showing Elliot's new friend and a cupcake,and melted chocolate decorations 

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

This week's pick is by Cottager Jamie Michalak. 

HOW TO BEHAVE AT A TEA PARTY 
by Madelyn Rosenberg
illustrated by Heather Ross 

What it's all about . . .When Julia tries to show her mischievous little brother, Charles, that slurping and burping are not allowed at a tea party, Charles teaches her that there's more than one way to properly behave.  

Why it’s on the Crooked Bookshelf . . .
An energetic picture book that's both sweet and silly. Julia's no-nonsense rules are perfectly complemented by humorous illustrations of the escalating chaos.

Our favorite lines . . . 
Wear a fancy hat. Underwear does not count as a hat.

Our favorite illustration . . .


Why kids will love it . . .
Burps, slurps, frogs, underwear, tea parties, and a dog in a tutu . . . There's something for every kid in this crowd-pleasing read-aloud.

Why grown-ups will love it . . .
This story imparts a gentle lesson about adapting to situations that don't go as planned and encourages children to keep an open mind, especially when it comes to getting along with siblings. What parent doesn't need this kind of book?

Quote of the Week

"In today’s fast moving, bells-and-whistles, 24-hour news cycle world, picture books afford us time. They give us proximity and closeness. They give us connection"
—Heidi E. Y. Stemple


Read Heidi's entire essay, "Why Picture Books Are Important," on the Picture Book Month blog. 


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Loved-to-Pieces. . . with Deborah Underwood!

Are you in the holiday spirit? We are! Because Deborah Underwood just told us all about the magical book she loved to pieces as a child.

Speaking of loving to pieces, that's exactly how the Cottagers feel about Deborah's books! (We have several well-worn, well-loved copies on our little crooked bookshelf.) 

Deborah is the author of New York Times bestsellers Here Comes the Easter Cat; The Quiet Book; and The Loud Book, as well as the all-new Here Comes Santa Cat and The Christmas Quiet Book.

Welcome, Deborah! Thank you so much for visiting us today. Won't you share with our readers the lovely story you told us over tea?


My pleasure, Cottagers—
When I say I loved Mary Nash’s Mrs. Coverlet’s Magicians to pieces when I was a kid, I mean it literally. Right now I have three copies of the book. One has a missing cover, a shredded first page, and all the earmarks of having been dropped in the bathtub, a fate that befell many of my childhood favorites. The second has fallen apart into several chunks and is missing the last 20 pages. And the third is one I acquired as an adult to make sure I had an intact version!

Why do I love this book so much? Partly, of course, it’s hard not to adore a book you loved as a kid. And the three Persever kids are nice foils for each other. Malcolm, the oldest, has a conscience he must continually do battle with (as a child, I strongly identified with his ever-present anxiety about doing the right thing). Molly is supremely practical and not above being devious when necessary. And the self-centered, resourceful Toad is utterly endearing, particularly when he bursts into fractured Christmas carols like 'Good King Wences' Car Backed Out, on a Piece of Stephen.'
 Apparently I felt the need to document the fact that I was reading this while we were getting our Christmas tree (I was 11). Note that I wrote not just my name, but also "Sandy," which must have been my alias at the time. Also: math!" But mostly I love Mrs. Coverlet’s Magicians because of the magic. Because there is indeed magic in the story—real, actual magic. And at the end of the book, when a worried Malcolm confesses everything to his friend Reverend Forthright, the reverend (who may or may not believe him) offers this advice: “It’s been a wonderful Christmas, Malcolm. Be easy in your mind. Enjoy it. Enjoy its mysteriousness.” An admirable response from a grown-up—I would have expected, “You kids did WHAT??”—and pretty great advice in general.

Christmas is a magical time. I felt that strongly when I was a kid. And rereading this book reminds me.

------------------------------------
Deborah Underwood is the author of many children’s books, including Here Comes Santa Cat; The Christmas Quiet Book; Bad Bye, Good Bye; Pirate Mom; and the New York Times bestsellers Here Comes the Easter Cat; The Quiet Book; and The Loud Book. She cowrote the Sugar Plum Ballerina chapter book series with Whoopi Goldberg, and she has written 27 nonfiction titles. She lives in Northern California with her feline muse, Bella. To learn more about Deborah, her kitty Bella, and her books—visit her website: www.deborahunderwoodbooks.com.


Here Comes Santa Cat
by Deborah Underwood
illustrated by Claudia Rueda
(Dial 2014)

"Excellent . . . An ideal holiday pick for the naughty and nice alike."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Great for reading one-on-one or in small groups.”—School Library Journal, starred review

“Another holiday winner.”—Horn Book
The Christmas Quiet Book
by Deborah Underwood
illustrated by Rinata Liwska
(HMH 2014)

"A congenial, understated choice for reading aloud to excited children to help them settle down for a long winter's night."—Kirkus

"This is an ideal title for use during a winter holiday storytime or for one-on-one cuddling at bedtime."
—School Library Journal

"Especially endearing."
—Wall Street Journal

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

This week's pick is by Cottager Kristin Tracy

Moo! 
by David LaRochelle illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
What it's all about . . .
This is the story of a rule-breaking and risk-taking cow that mostly only uses one word: Moo.

Why it’s on the Crooked Bookshelf . . .
A cow driving a car is always a winning combination (in storybooks only).

Our favorite lines . . .
Moo?

Our favorite illustration . . .


Why kids will love it . . .
The cow has a ton of charisma and nerve as it sets out on an unbelievable (and short) adventure. Kids will love watching this cow’s big driving adventure.

Why grown-ups will love it . . .
It’s a smart and fun book that’s easy to read out loud (repeatedly) and it also lets the reader make his or her moos as expressive as needed.