January 2012: Discuss Our "Children on Adventures/Exploring" Club Reads HERE

[Jenny]

The book I read was called The Ephraim's Child: Characteristics, Capabilities, And Challenges Of Children Who Are Intensely More and I found it incredibly helpful. However, it is written by LDS (Mormon) authors and is religious in nature, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to others who are not of my faith. But I found it really helpful that they talked a lot about kids who have characteristics that could be seen as negatives and how important the parents' view of these characteristics is. That just about any character trait has both positive and negative sides and that if you change the way you label your child's character traits and the way you view them and see them as strengths then just that will make a big impact. Then it went on to give more concrete examples of how to help the child shape the character trait positively and use it to become a leader rather than use it negatively. (As in the example I've shared with my own 6 yo who becomes overly emotional and can meltdown...but who also is extremely kind and helpful and aware of others.) I'm not a perfect champion of her by any means... and there are certainly moments when I wish she wouldn't get so emotional! But I think I understand her better now and have better ways to help her...and a more positive view of these traits. This book, interestingly enough, also gave me a better understanding of the difference between an extrovert and introvert. I, of course, knew the definition but had never really been sure where I fit. I figured I probably was an introvert but there were certain things that made me wonder if I really was. (And I am an introvert.) Anyway it has been one of the most helpful parenting books I've ever read (and I've read quite a few trying to figure out how to deal with my sweet 6 yo...she's been more challenging for me than either of my other two.) But again, I wouldn't necessarily endorse it for everyone.

Kathryn, thank you for sharing your experiences as a child.

I agree that the author's note in Loud Emily didn't seem to fit the story. The illustrator's note helped me to appreciate the illustrations more, but the author's note didn't seem to fit well.

I'm really enjoying (as I always do) these discussions about these books. Isn't it great that such deep and meaningful discussions come about as a result of picture books? They really are amazing tools! I'm in awe of those who write picture books well.

[Kathryn, The Princess of Picture-Books]

Jenny wrote: "The book I read was called The Ephraim's Child: Characteristics, Capabilities, And Challenges Of Children Who Are Intensely More and I found it incredibly helpful. However, it is wr..."

Thank you so much, Jenny! Though I am not LDS myself, it sounds like I would find much to appreciate in the book. I'll keep it on my radar. I'm so happy to know that it was so helpful for you and your family :-)

Jenny wrote: "I agree that the author's note in Loud Emily didn't seem to fit the story. The illustrator's note helped me to appreciate the illustrations more, but the author's note didn't seem to fit well. "

Thanks! Glad I am not the only one. (I was afraid I was missing something.)

Jenny wrote: "I'm really enjoying (as I always do) these discussions about these books. Isn't it great that such deep and meaningful discussions come about as a result of picture books? They really are amazing tools! I'm in awe of those who write picture books well. "

Ditto! Yes! Ditto! Me, too! :-)

[Manybooks, Fiction Club host]

Kathryn wrote: "Jenny wrote: "It seems like this book might lead to a discussion on how many character traits could be both beneficial and harmful/annoying depending on how they are used."

I thought so, too, Jenn..."

I think that the author should have either included whaling as a fact in the story itself or just left it out entirely. The whales helping the ship, while perhaps a sweet idea, are utterly and completely anachronistic and might give especially younger readers the idea that whaling was not such a huge business in 19th and early 20th century New England. I can certainly understand that the author might not have wanted to include whaling in the story itself, but then she should just have not made any mention of it, and she certainly should not have painted this cozy little fantasy of the whales helping Emily and the crew. I'm sorry, the story itself, although fantastical, had enough reality within it that if the author did not want to write about and depict whaling, she should have left it out entirely, and not made a whale/human collaboration story. I admit, that when I first read the story, I was enchanted with and by Emily's connection to the whales and the whales helping the ship, but then I realised how absolutely fantastical and anachronistic this part of the story was and is (and that it might give some readers wrong ideas). I still really loved the book, but it will certainly influence my review of Loud Emily (I was thinking of giving the book four stars, maybe even five stars, but I think I will be giving it three stars instead).

[Randie]

Maybe I'm strange but I thought the author's note about the whaling/etc was way more intriguing than the actual story of Loud Emily.

[Ronyell]

Kathryn wrote: "Just now joining in with my thoughts on Where the Wild Things Are, which I reread for the first time as an adult.

"Where the Wild Things Are" is one of the books I remember vividly fr..."

I've just seen the movie adaptation and I didn't care too much for it. I thought that the movie was a bit too dark and that going deep into Max's feelings about being wild was a bit out there. I do like the idea about characters having their feelings explored deeper, but what I loved so much about "Where the Wild Things Are" was that it was just a simple children's story about a young boy misbehaving and imagining himself into a better world.

[Manybooks, Fiction Club host]

Ronyell wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Just now joining in with my thoughts on Where the Wild Things Are, which I reread for the first time as an adult.

"Where the Wild Things Are" is one of the books I rem..."

Having the tantrums explored deeper in the movie kind of negates that important aspect of the book that shows that sometimes children just act out, just act wild (that there does not always need to be a deep and/or psychological, or philosophical explanation for this).

[Ronyell]

Gundula wrote: "Ronyell wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Just now joining in with my thoughts on Where the Wild Things Are, which I reread for the first time as an adult.

"Where the Wild Things Are" is one of..."

I definitely agree with this Gundula! I think I really liked the simple nature of the book that Max was just misbehaving for the fun of it and having the movie dig deeper into Max's problems seems a bit unnecessary since the book never really alluded to this idea.

[Cheryl, Host of Miscellaneous and Newbery Clubs]

omg
I just re-read Wild Things after a decade off and it was just a magical as the hundred other times I read it with my kids.

I loved how the size of the illustration grew, taking over more and more of the page until the rumpus, then rapidly shrinking until time to sleep. This not only reinforces the symmetry of the story's timeline itself, with the family/bedroom/ voyage/ island/ voyage/ family/bedroom pattern, but it also reinforces the sense of how Max is thinking about himself in the context of the wider worlds.

I love how the rhythm when it's read aloud - note the creative use of breaks for breath, for example how there isn't a break for a long time until he gets to the island, and then there's another long sentence immediately.

I definitely appreciate that Max is just plain wild - not troubled, not provoked, just a healthy imaginative young child. I appreciate the warning about the movie - maybe I won't ever watch it after all, or if I do I'll think about it as a totally different story only inspired by this book.

I love how Max's imagination expresses the love he's shared with his family, that he feels secure enough to dream of a 'private' boat, and a voyage of 'over a year' - not to mention being 'king' of those huge beasts.

I love the economy. Very few words, and many of them repeated. Parents are not seen, only implied, but still we feel like we have a good sense of what they're like.

I could go on, but let me just say that I'm so grateful that you-all encouraged me to read this again! Now, to copy this over to my review, which was awfully lame because I'd only made a note from old memories.

[Manybooks, Fiction Club host]

Cheryl in CC NV wrote: "omg
I just re-read Wild Things after a decade off and it was just a magical as the hundred other times I read it with my kids.

I loved how the size of the illustration grew, taking over more ..."

I often find it hard to review favourite books that I have reread. Sometimes your favourite books are the hardest to review.

[Kathryn, The Princess of Picture-Books]

Randie wrote: "Maybe I'm strange but I thought the author's note about the whaling/etc was way more intriguing than the actual story of Loud Emily."

Oh, you're not strange at all, it was definitely interesting, I just didn't get how it fit with the story. Maybe the author is really interested in the history of whaling, but it's not exactly going to be a popular topic in a children's picture book so she had to find some other way to include it!? :-(

[Kathryn, The Princess of Picture-Books]

Cheryl in CC NV wrote: "omg
I just re-read Wild Things after a decade off and it was just a magical as the hundred other times I read it with my kids.

I loved how the size of the illustration grew, taking over more ..."

Yay! I'm so glad it was just as magical for you on this reread.

I agree with Gundula, sometimes it is most difficult to write about the books we love best.

[Kathryn, The Princess of Picture-Books]

Chandra wrote: "Maurice Sendak is just brilliant in my mind. I think of him as a real game changer when it comes to picture books. He's someone who was not afraid to let children explore darker emotions. I love the art in Where the Wild Things Are and have a definitely nostalgic fondness for it. That said, it's not my favorite of Sendak's work. In fact, I prefer the other two books in the trilogy - In the Night Kitchen and Outside Over There. "

Chandra, I liked In the Night Kitchen better when I was a kid. I haven't revisited it as an adult, though.

[Randie]

Kathryn wrote: "Chandra wrote: "Maurice Sendak is just brilliant in my mind. I think of him as a real game changer when it comes to picture books. He's someone who was not afraid to let children explore darker emo..."

In the Night Kitchen is a favorite at our house! My son would run around chanting: the milk's in me! :-).

[Kathryn, The Princess of Picture-Books]

Randie wrote: "In the Night Kitchen is a favorite at our house! My son would run around chanting: the milk's in me! :-)."

Cute! I remember being infatuated with that dough airplane the boy built.

[Ronyell]

Chandra wrote: "I've read three of these picture books.

I absolutely LOVE Sector 7 and, well, anything by David Wiesner. I'm afraid I don't remember this one as well as some of his ..."

I loved "Outside Over There" and "In the Night Kitchen" also Chandra!! I really loved the dark nature in "Outside over There" as it made the book even more creative! I also loved most of David Wiesner's works since he is one of the few authors I have come across that tells great stories without using words! My favorites from him are Flotsam, Tuesday and Sector 7!

[Jenny]

Finally got to read The Flying Dragon Room. I loved it! My children loved it and enjoyed making predictions about what the next room might be...and also thinking about what rooms they might create themselves. We loved the ending. I think in the classroom (or at home), this would be a great book for making predictions. It could also be used to visualize...read the page and have kids picture in their minds what the room looks like and THEN show the picture and they can compare their picture to the picture by Teague. It could also lead to a great writing/art project where they design their own magic room. Plus, with Chinese New Year on Monday...and this year being the year of the dragon, it is fun to read some books featuring dragons (although dragons only came in at the end of this one.) So many great ways this could be used in the classroom. Love it!

[Manybooks, Fiction Club host]

I really liked Loud Emily. I loved the story and the illustrations, but I especially loved the messages of being yourself, of finding yourself, and that one does NOT simply have to adapt to the strictures and demands of one's society. Like my GR friend Abigail, I did not really agree with the way the author added the Emily/whale collaboration at the end (although that part of the story was sweet, it was for me a bit too fantastical and paints an erroneous historical picture of what 19th century New England, especially New England sea faring was like).

Here is a link to my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Tricia]

January is almost over already and even though I read these books early on in the month, I've not taken the time to review them. So here goes. I have many books by Uhulevitz, but felt When I Wore My Sailor Suit wasn't his best. I did like the imagination of the little sailor and the way he stood up to the painting of the man on the wall. Who was this guy? I'm surprised that Mrs. Mintze didn't explain that to the boy. Also, the fact that suddenly the boy is back in the apartment bothered me a little. It's a little confusing for me at the end. I think as a child I would have loved this book. Maybe I'm thinking too deeply as an adult and should love the story for what it is!

I loved Loud Emily both for the illustrations, story, and historical background. This would definitely be a book I'd read to my third graders, especially to encourage those "quiet and shy" children afraid to make a peep. I know they would love the story too. I'm so glad Emily was a girl and not a boy and she was strong and courageous like most male characters we seem to always read about. Alexis, the author, lives in Southern California (yeah) and was a teacher (yeah) and wrote stories for Cricket magazine and Cobblestone magazine (my favorite magazine publisher - yeah). I can't wait to see what other books she writes and will check it out immediately since this book was published in 2001.

[Jennifer]

Book: Sector 7

Yes, let's make story time extra exciting. Sector 7 let's us tell the story of a little boy and his new friend. This beautiful picture book takes us on a journey with no words only the wonderful illustrations by David Wiesner.

We love the mischievous little cloud taking us on a journey to Cloud Dispatch Center for Sector 7. Although, my little three year old was a little concerned he might fall. The new and exciting shapes made the sky a magical place. And how wonderful it is to express your individuality.

And last night the moon was captured by the clouds and I was reminded they are getting new clouds to come out to the moon. I asked "what shapes do you think will come to play with moon?" His response, "blankets and apples" ahh the mind of a three year old. It was funny how his little mind was bringing back the story we read that afternoon.

I enjoyed this book because it reminded me of the days of driving in the families yellow station wagon with the big back seat we could lie down on during the long family trips and playing a game with my sister and brothers, picture that cloud. Whoever found the the most shapes in the clouds won the game. I remember for some reason all of my clouds were turtles and some times bears.

[Manybooks, Fiction Club host]

Jennifer wrote: "Book: Sector 7

Yes, let's make story time extra exciting. Sector 7 let's us tell the story of a little boy and his new friend. This beautiful picture book takes us on a journey with no words only ..."

I used to imagine clouds as being huge ski slopes. And I also pretended that the soap bubbles in the bath tub were clouds.

[David]

Re-reading Where the Wild Things Are for the Children's Picturebook Club was pure pleasure! This story stands the test of time as a classic regarding a child's emotions and the power of imagination. Sendak communicates a great deal about childhood feelings with a limited number of words. The perfect concluding words transmit feelings of love suscinctly.

Senkak's detailed, fantastic illustrations in pastels and pencil are amazing. He's able to portray Max's emotions brilliantly. For me, the changes in colors as the story progresses add to the mood. The increase then decrease, in the size of the drawings mirrors the emotions and active imagination or dreams of Max. The three two-page spreads in the middle of Max's wordless wild rumpus, with howls to the moon, swinging from trees, and the parade of King Max, are brilliant. I also really like the image of Max hammering nails, Max's room become all jungle, the sea monster snorting, and lonely Max.

Way back when I was in college I suggested this book when our dorm floor had to decorate a window in the cafeteria for Halloween. It was fun to paint two Wild Things playing volleyball with the moon (or actually it may have been a pumpkin!)

The Flying Dragon Room had a very interesting concept that didn't work so well for me. While I liked the Bubble room, & Friendly Wild Animal room, I was rather disappointed that we never saw the Flying Dragon Room. I admired the artistry of Teague but found the illustrations a bit busy for me. The colors were a bit dark for my taste. I did like seeing Alligators onboard, the friendly lion, buffalo, carrot-eating dinosaur, & the dragon. Overall this was more of a tour of very unusual things rather than an adventure. I also would have liked to have seen the magic tools.

However, this could spark kids imaginations, & could set up some fun art projects. Perhaps I just wasn't in the right mood for this. My copy obtained by direct loan was missing one ripped page, which interrupted the flow of the story, too.

Loud Emily was an entertaining discovery for me. The list of Sailors' Terms and Phrases that begins the book is quite useful, educational and entertaining. The Author's & Illustrators' notes are also very helpful.

I really enjoyed Carpenter's artwork, inspired by the works of American folk artists. The use of "crackle" to give the illustrations the cracked look of antique paintings was a wonderful touch. The endpapers also add to the olden days feel and tone of the book.

This is a fun adventure featuring a young heroine. While I probably would hate having a real child that loud as a neighbor, I found this tall tale entertaining & the oil paintings quite excellent.

When I wore My Sailor's Suit features a strong child-centered point of view, with the fears & imagination of a child well portrayed. The childlike quality of the illustrations carries a special appeal. The sailor's story is full of wonderful, imaginative adventure, but I found the realistic depiction of the boy's fears regarding the picture depressing. This may be a testament to the skill of Mr. Shulevitz.

Shulevitz shows both the pluses & minuses of an active imagination. It shows the power that images & imagination can have over us. Very sensitive younger children could be disturbed by the boy's fears about the portrait. The fact that the boy solved this problem on his own is a plus. I enjoyed How I Learned Geography far more than this selection.

In Sector 7, Wiesner's detailed illustrations mix clouds, drawing, fantasy, whimsy, humor, & satire to produce another amazing wordless book. There are some words in this "wordless book" shown in illustrations, such as seasons, Empire State, observatory, cloud names, waiting, departures, assignments etc..

The satire of, & comparison with, train stations is very funny. I liked the graphic novel feel that should appeal to children. I did feel that the abundance of young, smiling clouds was a bit much for me a couple times. I do prefer Flotsam, Tuesday and The Three Pigs to this book,, but admire its creativity, humor, satire & artistry.

Lucia and the Light was another fun discovery for me. I loved the descriptive vocabulary & the feeling of being in a frigid region. I loved GrandPré's detailed illustrations. The scenery illlustrations are particularly impressive to me, especially the views of the mountain, & the smoke from the chimney. The inside shadow depicting a troll is great. The pictures bring the frigid cold and darkness of the Far North right to the reader.

The text is engaging & the illustrations vary from darkly meanacing to hauntingly beautiful. I'm glad this was a Goodreads Picture Book Club selection, otherwise I might never have found it.

Overall this month, my favorite books were Wild Things, Lucia and the Light, and Loud Emily.

[Cheryl, Host of Miscellaneous and Newbery Clubs]

Emily as a neighbor - oh dear.
Thanks for sharing, David!

[Randie]

My library ordered Lucia and the Light and I am grateful they held it for me before having it shelved. It is definitely one of the strongest stories from this month's reads.

Here is my review:
Lucia lives in a cozy cabin with her mother, baby brother, a cow, and a milk-white cat. They are way up North surrounded by mountains, so they are used to harsh winters…but this winter is especially cold because the sun is gone. Lucia and her milk-white cat set out into the blustery cold determined to find the sun and bring warmth back to their cabin. Will they be able to survive the cold? Avoid the trolls? And find the sun?

Root’s writing is eloquent and begs to be read aloud. GrandPre’s illustrations are expressive and capture the coldness of the winter, as well as the warmth of the sun. I enjoyed the bond between Lucia and her family, especially milk-white cat. Perhaps my favorite feature of this beautiful story is its ties to Nordic folklore.

[Randie]

Chandra wrote: "It's been a while since I've read The Flying Dragon Room, but I thought we did get to see the dragon room at the very end? I have a copy upstairs, but I'm too lazy to go check it out..."

We did not get to see the flying dragon room, although, I would have loved to. We do however, get to see everyone riding the dragons as they journey to the flying dragon room...I guess Wood wanted her readers to construct their own mental picture of the room...

[Randie]

Chandra wrote: "Ah, yes! You're right Randie!! I remember now! (Still too lazy to go up and get my copy! HA!)"

Everyone needs a lazy day! :)

[Rosella]

I agree Where the Wild Things is a good book for children.I remember enjoying it at a young age. Also
I read it to my 4 year old students and they like it.
The creatures are interesting. It motivates discussion
about feelings.

[Cheryl, Host of Miscellaneous and Newbery Clubs]

Oh that's neat Rosella. I've never before thought about sharing this with a group. To me it's a bedtime story - but you're right, it need not be.

[Kathryn, The Princess of Picture-Books]

Jennifer wrote: "I enjoyed this book because it reminded me of the days of driving in the families yellow station wagon with the big back seat we could lie down on during the long family trips and playing a game with my sister and brothers, picture that cloud. Whoever found the the most shapes in the clouds won the game. I remember for some reason all of my clouds were turtles and some times bears. "

Love that! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jennifer. I still love looking for shapes in the clouds ;-)

[Kathryn, The Princess of Picture-Books]

David and Randie, I'm so glad you both read and enjoyed Lucia and the Light as it's one of my favorites from this month and one that I had read and loved a few years back and was happy to see this month so others could enjoy it, too. Thanks for the great comments on this and the other books :-)

[Kathryn, The Princess of Picture-Books]

Tricia wrote: "January is almost over already and even though I read these books early on in the month, I've not taken the time to review them. So here goes. I have many books by Uhulevitz, but felt [book:When ..."

I'm glad you were able to read the books and to find the time to share your thoughts about a few of them here. I wasn't able to get the "Sailor Suit" book but your comments intrigue me and I hope my library will get it soon.

[Ruth]

I have always loved Where the Wild Things Are. It is in my personal collection. I used to love imagining going on an adventure too, to a far away place. Now as a mother, I see myself scolding my children when their imagination gets in my way but she still gives him dinner. Probably realizing he is just expressing his feelings about something.

The Flying Dragon Room is interesting and very creative. Good way to get children to use their imagination. I think more and more children don't know how to imagine any more. I like how the parents enjoy the things the child imagines and participates and encourages their ideas and thoughts. I find it fun that it is the oldest character that sparks the boy's imagination. Something we should all do to better our children. Loved the illustrations and my children loved looking for the baby.

Sector 7 Another book full of beautiful illustrations. No words but that's what makes it even more unique, more room for an adult's or child's imagination to bloom. The story could be told in so many ways. Also good way to introduce science and clouds.

[Kathryn, The Princess of Picture-Books]

I actually had a dream about the Flying Dragon Room last night! Guess I have been enjoying our discussions ;-)

[Dolly]

We read all of the stories from this month and by far our favorite would have to be Sector 7. We also really liked The Flying Dragon Room. Overall, I thought it was another very interesting selection of stories...

[Kathryn, The Princess of Picture-Books]

Dolly wrote: "We read all of the stories from this month and by far our favorite would have to be Sector 7. We also really liked The Flying Dragon Room. Overall, I thought it was ano..."

I, too, found the mix of stories very interesting. I liked the variety of the adventures the children had.

[June]

Still trying to get a handle on everything at my new branch. However, I really need to return these books, before the March ones arrive.

My favorite was Sector 7. I really enjoyed the whimsey of the story and the humor of the illustrations & the celebration of friendship.

When I Wore My Sailor Suit also touched me. I enjoyed this story in it's celebration of imagination and a child's ability to overcome his fear on his own.

I enjoyed the folk tale aspect of the story and the illustrations of Lucia and the Light. However, the ending really hit home. I loved the joy of the Mother. It is important to hold on to the joy when a child returns, then acting out from the fear that was suffered.

I enjoyed the imaginative aspect of The Flying Dragon Room, but felt depth was lacking compared to the other stories. I did enjoy the ending where Mrs. Jenkins takes off on her flying dragon inviting eveyone to visit her rooms tomorrow.

Loud Emily was my least favorite. I can see the appeal, but I was a quiet child. It also just hits too close to home, with the number of children who only seem to have one volume and do not seem to have a quiet voice or be able to whisper. Though today at work there are a couple of adults also suffering from this problem.

[Cheryl, Host of Miscellaneous and Newbery Clubs]

Good point about the ending/ reunion in Lucia and the Light, thanks for sharing!

[Kathryn, The Princess of Picture-Books]

June wrote: "I enjoyed the folk tale aspect of the story and the illustrations of Lucia and the Light. However, the ending really hit home. I loved the joy of the Mother. It is important to hold on to the joy when a child returns, then acting out from the fear that was suffered."

That's such a great point, June! I, too, loved that aspect of the ending. So refreshing and touching.

And, I am laughing about your comment on "Loud Emily" -- "Though today at work there are a couple of adults also suffering from this problem." Haha! I can relate ;-) Though all in all I enjoyed the message of "Loud Emily", I agree with you that it's important for children (and adults!) to be socially aware, and to use a quiet voice when appropriate.

[Manybooks, Fiction Club host]

Kathryn wrote: "June wrote: "I enjoyed the folk tale aspect of the story and the illustrations of Lucia and the Light. However, the ending really hit home. I loved the joy of the Mother. It is important to hold on..."

The fact is, though, just like some children have a very quiet voice, no matter what they try, some children have a very loud voice, no matter what they try. In some of these cases, it is actually a type of learning disability, and while I think it's important to attempt to train a child to use an appropriate level of voice loudness, it should be at least considered and taken into account that some children have real problems controlling the noise level of their voice.

[June]

I have made exceptions for disabled children. However, how do you know when a child has this disability and how do you maintain a library atmosphere where people can read, do research and study? With the introductions of computers to the library, it has become quite a tight rope trying to allow children to use the computers and maintain some sort of noise level control.

[Manybooks, Fiction Club host]

June wrote: "I have made exceptions for disabled children. However, how do you know when a child has this disability and how do you maintain a library atmosphere where people can read, do research and study? ..."

I would rather have all the computers in one specific room just used for computers, but I know that often, space is limited. Also, many toys, even books are noisy nowadays and that makes training a child to be quieter even more difficult (they see and hear noise everywhere and then are expected to be quiet, and if the computers are used to play games, it is even worse).

[Ronyell]

I've just recently read Loud Emily and I did enjoyed how the book showed how Emily used her loud voice to help out the ship crew with giving out orders and eventually saving them from crashing into the lighthouse.

[Kathryn, The Princess of Picture-Books]

Ronyell wrote: "I've just recently read Loud Emily and I did enjoyed how the book showed how Emily used her loud voice to help out the ship crew with giving out orders and eventually saving them from..."

I'm glad you had a chance to read it, Ronyell!

[Ronyell]

Kathryn wrote: "Ronyell wrote: "I've just recently read Loud Emily and I did enjoyed how the book showed how Emily used her loud voice to help out the ship crew with giving out orders and eventually ..."

Thanks Kathryn!

[June]

Gundula wrote: "Ronyell wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Just now joining in with my thoughts on Where the Wild Things Are, which I reread for the first time as an adult.

"Where the Wild Things Are" is one of..."

Still catching up on older posts, from changing branches: I thought the great thing about the book was the universality of Max (and any child) being wild. Limiting the reason seems to do away with the universality for no good reason except to maybe create a longer movie.

[Kathryn, The Princess of Picture-Books]

June wrote: "Still catching up on older posts, from changing branches: I thought the great thing about the book was the universality of Max (and any child) being wild. Limiting the reason seems to do away with the universality for no good reason except to maybe create a longer movie."

I agree.

And, good to see you are catching up! :-)

[Cheryl, Host of Miscellaneous and Newbery Clubs]

Excellent point, June - often the most effective stories are the ones that are most universal, indeed.

[Cheryl, Host of Miscellaneous and Newbery Clubs]

Finally got a chance to read When I Wore My Sailor Suit. Here's my review:

Lots of good reviews below. All I can say is that I believe it would be successful with most children, and that I did find it charming and resonant. If your child doesn't grasp the significance of the boy avoiding visits to the Mintzes, help him understand that the boy is taking time to gather his courage to undertake this kid's version of a real-life adventure, facing down the man in the picture. Because an adventure of the imagination, and the kinds we encounter for real in our adult lives, are of a piece, and both require that we develop an inner strength and resilience.

If you don't care for this, but do want something about facing imaginary fears, I heartily recommend the Scaredy Squirrel books by Mélanie Watt.