I don’t know how many of you like Edward Gorey, but my daughter loved reading his work when she was growing up. This is poetry too, but with the I don’t know how many of you like Edward Gorey, but my daughter loved reading his work when she was growing up. This is poetry too, but with the strange and wry sense of humor of Gorey. I’ve used this with my poetry students (older middle school) to show them another side to poetry, creating an imaginative, but interesting, story. This is about a strange bird-like creature who arrives uninvited one day and does unexpected things. It’s rather hard to describe. I hope you’ll find the book and enjoy it....more
I read this nearly straight through and wondered about the story and what kind of child might like it? It's a story with quirky characters, whose mainI read this nearly straight through and wondered about the story and what kind of child might like it? It's a story with quirky characters, whose main one is a ten year old girl, Flora, fascinated with comic super-heroes, especially because of a comic she and her father read, The Amazing Incandesto. I believe this is called "magical realism". It involves a strange encounter between her neighbor's outdoor vacuum that vacuums up a squirrel who is then invested with superpowers but only after Flora gives CPR and saves his life. Therein lies an adventure to keep the squirrel, aided by the neighbor and her great-nephew William Spiver, kicked out of his home by his mother for revenge against a stepfather, even quirkier than Flora. Flora's parents are divorced, her mother spends all her time writing romance novels, and her father constantly introduces himself. The story is aided by the wonderful black and white comic illustrations interspersed throughout. The underlying story, of the need for children to have love and care comes through beautifully, and I wonder if this wouldn't be best as a read aloud, to discuss the feelings that are really going on with Flora, who continues to say she's a cynic who doesn't cry. The end is a super heroic ending, satisfying. I know many have loved this, but I did not, although as I said above, I'd love to read with students to see what they will say....more
You’ll need to read and look closely at this story because it has some surprises that aren’t revealed, exactly. One needs to guess, and decide whatYou’ll need to read and look closely at this story because it has some surprises that aren’t revealed, exactly. One needs to guess, and decide what part is real and what part is magic. There is an old lady who lives by the sea who fishes each night with a mouse on the line, and we find toward the end that she is fishing for the moon. You see, the high tide is wrecking her home, and the neighbors’ homes, too, so the idea is to catch the moon to stop the tide. It’s an unusual book with beautiful illustrations that tell a whimsical story that turns out all right for all concerned....more
First published in France, and this past fall in the US, Benjamin Chaud delightfully tells the story of a sleepy bear getting ready to hibernate, butFirst published in France, and this past fall in the US, Benjamin Chaud delightfully tells the story of a sleepy bear getting ready to hibernate, but having first to gather energy for a romp after her cub who is chasing a bee, meaning honey! She catches glimpses in various places and ends up in a crowded city, and then in a concert hall. Still not spotting her baby, she decides to sing that wonderful bear’s song as a lure. As you will see, the song does not please the audience, but does comfort baby bear. Each of us has our own favorite tune, and special ways of doing things, as this story so clearly shows. There is marvelous detail in both the forest and city scenes. A fun read....more
This collections is joyful and serious, heartfelt and heartbreaking. The poems will touch older kids and adults too. It’s divided into 4 sections: This collections is joyful and serious, heartfelt and heartbreaking. The poems will touch older kids and adults too. It’s divided into 4 sections: Chants & Charms, Spells & Invocations, Laments & Remembrances, and Praise Songs & Blessings. Each of the parts’ title pages offers brief definitions of the topics. For instance, the book shares that a charm is “A verse spoken aloud that acts as a talisman or protection.” Joyce Sidman has found ancient words once believed to solve life’s problems, and she has now re-worked them into her own beautiful poems. The illustrations by Pamela Zagarenski make fine companions to each poem, sometimes filling the page as the poem tackles a more complex topic, and at other times, adding one small thing, the ‘heart’ of the poem. For example, in Praise Songs & Blessings, there is a poem titled “Teacher”, with a student telling how she (in this math class) loved her chair “next to the window,/which was there if I needed it.” The student goes on to show the love for the math teacher, and that she hated numbers “until she saw them sprout from your hands.” The illustration shows a chair, a window, and at the top, a hand spilling numbers down to the seat. Beautiful to see! The “Song of Bravery” ends with “into the glare of the arena/to face the lions.” There are “Time Spells” which includes one for speeding up & one for slowing down. I imagine you can guess who would love each one. Another that will connect to teens is “Gift Spell” with the illustration showing the character seen often on the pages holding a box where, as we see inside, it's the outside, on wheels. If that seems complex, it is, like many of Pamela Zagarenski's illustrations. The poem talks of freedom and a wish for “metal teeth and a whiff of speed.” Magical!
I would love to share each page. You’ll need to find the book and read it. One of the final poems is “Silly Love Song”. Among many pairings, it reads, “If you are the Maserati,/then I am the oil change.” and “You are this, I am that./Just kiss me.” ...more
There are many things to love about this book, if you love NYC, if you prefer happy endings, and if you adore picture books that appeal to all agesThere are many things to love about this book, if you love NYC, if you prefer happy endings, and if you adore picture books that appeal to all ages because of story told so well by words and illustrations! Several have recommended this, and I do agree, it’s a beautiful book to savor. I’ve read it twice, just looking and looking at all the details added to the story in the illustrations. For example, Herman works at a job selling ‘things’, and in a sketch of him at his office, there is a bulletin board that includes a list of ‘things’, like sparkly things and round Things. Some backgrounds are ephermera like cutouts of newspaper weather data or a cash register printout. There are also small parts that show the city is New York City, although the name is never written. In such a short text, it’s wonderful to see how the tension builds, as slowly Rosie and Herman move closer to a meeting. And that’s all I can say. You’ll have to find the book to enjoy the rest of the story, and to enjoy more than once! ...more
There are big brothers and sisters who would love somehow to keep their younger siblings out of their rooms, and Tara Lazar tells her story of one wayThere are big brothers and sisters who would love somehow to keep their younger siblings out of their rooms, and Tara Lazar tells her story of one way to do it. A young boy Zach gets access to the Monstore through a trapdoor, and buys a monster to scare his little sister Gracie so she won’t bother him in his room. Unfortunately, things don’t work the way he plans, so he buys another, then another, as unexpected things happen. The story is hilarious and will make young kids who love monsters giggle at the silly things that happen, until Gracie does get scared and needs Zach to save her. It’s a fun story with bright, shout-out-loud illustrations by James Burks....more
Recommended and so happy it was! If you still need a gift, this is perfect for young granddaughters, and any other young people you happen to have inRecommended and so happy it was! If you still need a gift, this is perfect for young granddaughters, and any other young people you happen to have in your household or teach. Mac Barnett always delights, and this time page by page keeps trying to get the reader to get ready to count the monkeys, yet all kinds of things get in the way! There are two mongooses, and seven wolves, even nine lumberjacks, but sadly the monkeys keep being chased out of the picture! Each page asks for the readers to do something so those monkeys can be counted, like hum a song or make a zig-zag motion. It’s a laugh on every page, especially with the outrageous illustrations by Kevin Cornell!...more
I finally got this from my library, shape poems written by someone I had the pleasure of working with at a workshop last fall. It’s a book I hope toI finally got this from my library, shape poems written by someone I had the pleasure of working with at a workshop last fall. It’s a book I hope to use in poetry lessons with students of a variety of ages. Heidi writes poems about topics through the seasons, and Hideko illustrates them with lively colorful illustrations fitting the topics beautifully. For example, in the title poem a young boy blows out his birthday candles as the poem’s words travel up and down his party hat. “Birthday party. Funny caps. Games and gifts. Bows and wraps. Birthday cake. Fancy dishes. Blow the candles… Happy Wishes (on the cap’s front). It will make a great mentor text for writing shape poems....more
Found at a used bookstore, the author and illustrator’s names caught my attention. Mostly in Parnall’s beautiful black and white nature sketches, andFound at a used bookstore, the author and illustrator’s names caught my attention. Mostly in Parnall’s beautiful black and white nature sketches, and in a story mostly told in rhyme, Wahl tells a story of a dedicated, hard-working rabbit who works hard to heal the forest animals’ ailments, from pine splinters in a bear’s paw to a squirrel’s sore throat, who is admonished to “not go out without a coat”, the doctor helps everyone, and alongside him is Nurse Mouse. It’s a beautifully illustrated book that has a fun story for children to imagine how animals are ‘doctored’. ...more
I just finished shopping and managed to read this at my local Indie bookstore. Oh my, I didn’t buy it, but maybe soon! It would be wonderful pairedI just finished shopping and managed to read this at my local Indie bookstore. Oh my, I didn’t buy it, but maybe soon! It would be wonderful paired with The Christmas Magic. The story of Santa begins with his family, having a tough time keeping everything going up in the far north. The parents decide to move to Florida, but a huge snowstorm stops them. What happens then begins Santa’s history, and you’ll have to read to find out the rest! The illustrations are sweet and detailed with lots to look at until the storm hits. I loved the book! ...more
Jon J Muth of the ‘Zen’ books like Zen Ties, and Lauren Thompson of Polar Bear Night collaborate in what will be a favorite Christmas tale of SantaJon J Muth of the ‘Zen’ books like Zen Ties, and Lauren Thompson of Polar Bear Night collaborate in what will be a favorite Christmas tale of Santa for a long time. Santa begins readying for the magic to come, calling in the reindeer, polishing the sleigh, mending his woolen socks! At last “the” magic arrives, and he’s off! The illustrations and words softly blend into a beautiful story. Details in both are lovely. I imagine poring over this with my grandchildren more than once....more
This is a wonderful story of passion, how Matisse, even when ill and confined to his bed, began to draw again, and discovered that using scissors toThis is a wonderful story of passion, how Matisse, even when ill and confined to his bed, began to draw again, and discovered that using scissors to cut shapes from painted paper was also art that satisfied! Jeannette Winter fills the story with Matisse-like art, and one can imagine being with him in his seaside garden of cut-out flowers and shapes. In her author’s note, she says she included some of Matisse’s own words from correspondence with a friend....more
This has been a favorite Christmas book for a long time. Each verse of the poem is illustrated in soft colored pencil sketches. If you can find it, I This has been a favorite Christmas book for a long time. Each verse of the poem is illustrated in soft colored pencil sketches. If you can find it, I hope you enjoy it. It’s beautiful....more
I’ve read many picture books in this past week, and this rates near the top. It was published in 2005, but someone recommended it and I finally boughtI’ve read many picture books in this past week, and this rates near the top. It was published in 2005, but someone recommended it and I finally bought it! Every student and teacher knows about the specialness of snow days, but this little kindergarten bunny has his very first one in this story. Both the soft and snowy illustrations and the story are wonderful. He gets to sleep in, but jumps right up when his mother tells him it’s been snowing all night. Sadly, she says also he can’t go out until the snow stops, so he watches and they play cards and he watches again. His daddy can’t get home from a business trip because of the snow. The little bunny says, “Mommy, we are all alone in the world.” But just at bedtime, he makes a discovery, the snow has stopped! You’ll have to read the book to see the magic that happens next. ...more
This is not what I expected, yet even more fun. I thought it would be filled with illustrations of a cat ignoring what its owner wanted it to playThis is not what I expected, yet even more fun. I thought it would be filled with illustrations of a cat ignoring what its owner wanted it to play with, but it was that, and Wiesner also included that secret life all of us who have cats suspect they have. Snuggled and purring on our laps they may be sometimes, but in other parts of the day, they know the mysteries of the house, the entertainment that is better than the ball that jingles or the mouse that’s furry and smells like catnip. You’ll need to read the book to discover Wiesner’s innovative creations, and meet crafty Mr. Wuffles. It’s very fun! ...more
There is often a poignancy to Patricia MacLachlan’s stories, and this is no different. Despite the happiness shown by Stephen Kellogg of the childrenThere is often a poignancy to Patricia MacLachlan’s stories, and this is no different. Despite the happiness shown by Stephen Kellogg of the children playing in the snow, and later, in the flowers, the story is also about loss, change of seasons on the surface, and loss of childhood perhaps as time moves on. The beauty of the snow and the snow-play and then the rain, finally flowery spring is extraordinary. At the end, the bittersweet words, “And we remember the children—No two the same—All Beautiful” come after “And when the flowers bloom the children remember the snowflakes.” This book was one answer to the terrible losses at Sandy Hook a few days over a year ago, and Random House is donating a portion of each sale to the Sandy Hook Support Fund. Because I know this, my perception of the book is changed, yet children reading it will delight in the beautiful snow pictures and the fun all the children are having. ...more
This book is over 20 years old, before 9-11, published a bit after the Gulf War. The story shows a young boy, Ahmed, living and working in Cairo. HeThis book is over 20 years old, before 9-11, published a bit after the Gulf War. The story shows a young boy, Ahmed, living and working in Cairo. He pulls a cart and delivers “Butagaz”, gas canisters used to heat stoves. I don’t know how accurate the book is to today, but the beautifully colorful and detailed illustrations show an interesting and showy city, although we only see people working with their carts, no cars. It will be a good book for children to see, perhaps read together in order to contrast the community with theirs. Ahmad works through the day, holding a special secret to tell at the end. You’ll need to read the book to discover his secret....more
Have you ever wondered how many spots a giraffe grows in a lifetime, or how many joeys a kangerroo births in her lifetime? As the book progresses, Have you ever wondered how many spots a giraffe grows in a lifetime, or how many joeys a kangerroo births in her lifetime? As the book progresses, the animal numbers increase until the final page, the number of tiny seahorses that a “male” seahorse has during its lifetime. And as those facts are given, the illustrations show that number of “things”, all the way to 1,000 baby seahorses! It’s a clever book with additional backmatter, a perfect way to get children thinking about numbers in our lives, and this time, about animals. ...more
I waited a long while to read this book, knew everyone was raving about it, & I just didn't get to it, until now. It isn't just about going wild,I waited a long while to read this book, knew everyone was raving about it, & I just didn't get to it, until now. It isn't just about going wild, it's about listening to the inner voice, who one really is deep inside, and acting on that feeling. Mr. Tiger is very properly dressed, walks upright, does all the "right" moves, but something he felt just didn't feel right, so one day he had an idea, and dropped to all fours. The story says, "He felt better already." After a few other changes and adventures, Mr. Tiger is again no longer satisfied, and it's interesting what he does then. Find the book to read the entire transformation. Peter Brown's illustrations parallel the story, with plain, geometric drawings in brown and white, only splashing in some orange when Mr. Tiger is around. The use of size in the drawings is part of the appeal to the message. A very fun book!...more
I read this to my 4 year old granddaughter who enjoyed wondering why anyone would say winter was warm, especially since we just had a very cold spell I read this to my 4 year old granddaughter who enjoyed wondering why anyone would say winter was warm, especially since we just had a very cold spell of below zero weather. It’s a delightful turnabout book, showing all the cozy ways we find warmth in the winter, like cuddly covers and warm woolen mittens! The pictures are exaggerated, but realistic, filled with warm colors. For example, one page shows a boy reading a book, “The Joy of Hot Food” while cocoa and grilled cheese sits on the table waiting. It’s a book filled new ideas about winter, those reasons many of us get excited to pull out the warm sweaters and woolen scarves....more
With wonderful whimsical illustrations and tongue-in-cheek story about a princess who escapes a terrible monster in the forest, who throws a party forWith wonderful whimsical illustrations and tongue-in-cheek story about a princess who escapes a terrible monster in the forest, who throws a party for her fairy godmother who helps save her, this is a book to read to a child who “knows” book tales, and to laugh with too. Of course, in the telling, there is a bear on every page. Terrific read aloud for primary students! ...more
Beautiful poem, lovingly written and gorgeous illustrations that include winter details, of some celebrating Christmas, but others celebratingBeautiful poem, lovingly written and gorgeous illustrations that include winter details, of some celebrating Christmas, but others celebrating community. ...more
The National Book Award winner in the children’s category, this book by Cynthia Kadohata, is a story told by a 12 year old Summer, who accompanies herThe National Book Award winner in the children’s category, this book by Cynthia Kadohata, is a story told by a 12 year old Summer, who accompanies her family who work for a custom harvesting company during the wheat harvest so they can make the mortgage! A few weeks ago there was a #titletalk calling for books that exhibit resilience, and this could have been one added to the list. It’s a tough time for Summer’s family this year. She has recently recovered from a chance encounter with a mosquito and nearly dies from malaria, and additional bad luck is that the parents must return to Japan to care for elderly relatives, so the grandparents must step in to go on the harvest, grandmother to cook, grandfather to drive the combines. In order to meet the needs of the harvest, sometimes combines work 18 or more hours a day. When the wheat is ready, it must be cut! This particular event takes places in many states in our country in this grand scale. The importance of the work, the living that these workers earn, and the children who migrate with their parents from field to field is portrayed with admiration, and shows the challenges of very hard work. This forms the backbone of the story, which is really about Summer, who takes on much responsibility in order that the ‘family’ survive. The challenges, the ‘bad luck’, occur more than once, and we see and feel the ups and downs of Summer’s feelings. She thinks things out, she worries over them, and usually takes action, primarily because of wise advice given her by her grandparents. She is a tough cookie, as I slowly realized while I read. The illustrations by Julia Kuo are small pencil sketches, portrayed as done by Summer. The book seems like an easy text, but it is a complex story, of generational differences and love, of contemplation of the future and whether Summer will do okay. It’s both funny and loving, mainly the interactions between Summer and Obaachan, her grandmother and grandfather. A younger brother, Jaz, also in the family, appears to be autistic, and has his own set of problems. Summer’s voice is sweet and strong, a new character that I will remember. ...more
I’m not sure which is the best thing about this book, the gorgeous art or the loving rhymes. Elisa Kleven tells a story of a snowy day when everythingI’m not sure which is the best thing about this book, the gorgeous art or the loving rhymes. Elisa Kleven tells a story of a snowy day when everything is dark, yet the baker at the bakery decides to make her own ‘sun bread’ which grows and grows as it bakes, enough for all to eat and share. Like a warm miracle, the real sun makes its appearance. It’s a ‘delicious’ story, with a happy voice and animals filling the pages....more
Juno’s grandmother lives in Korea and sends a letter to Juno, which he can’t read. However, there are a few things that help him ‘read’ in other ways,Juno’s grandmother lives in Korea and sends a letter to Juno, which he can’t read. However, there are a few things that help him ‘read’ in other ways, like the real things that fall out of the envelope along with the letter. Juno has his own ideas of how to write back, also, and the letter begins a new way to look at communicating with loved ones across the ocean. I enjoyed it, and the stylistic art is bold and colorful....more
This is a gorgeous book with full page illustrations to linger over. Five mice hear music and discover it’s a group of frogs down by the pond. This is a gorgeous book with full page illustrations to linger over. Five mice hear music and discover it’s a group of frogs down by the pond. Unfortunately they’re turned away (a frogs-only concert), and cannot finish listening to the beautiful music. The mice shrug their shoulders and return home, get excited about making their own music. They get to work, using “found” tools and equipment, and create their own instruments. The story shows the delight when everyone learns to work together, and learns to share. “Music is for everyone!” ...more
This picture book alternates information from letters between two cousins, one in New York City and the other in Mexico. The author is from Mexico,This picture book alternates information from letters between two cousins, one in New York City and the other in Mexico. The author is from Mexico, but went to school in the US, high school and college! The letters show connections between the two cousins using a mix of Spanish and English. In the letters, the cousins discuss what they do when they play, favorite things to eat, what sports thy like, etc. A sprinkling of Spanish words is used throughout and it includes a dictionary of those words at the back. The author/illustrator says he was inspired by the ancient art of the Mixtecs and other cultures of Mexico when he created the pages for this work. After exchanging much interesting information, the cousins decide what they needs to do, they need to visit each other! It’s a fun book that shows how much we have in common, despite differences....more
For many during this holiday season, this is a time for gift-giving in a variety of ways, including donations to organizations that aid many in thirdFor many during this holiday season, this is a time for gift-giving in a variety of ways, including donations to organizations that aid many in third world countries through giving small loans so that people might open a small business and improve their lives. This beautifully illustrated book uses the structure of this is the house that Jack built to tell the story of a young boy named Kojo who begins with one hen, ending with an education, a large poultry business which becomes the largest in West Africa. Each full page spread relates the “next” exciting step, including so many details. One can’t wait to read on to see what will happen next. The back matter tells a true story of a “real” Kojo, and other information about how to help in this way. It’s a great book!...more
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