7
Feb
Throwback Thursday: Blue Moose
Blue Moose
by Daniel Manus Pinkwater
Find it at: Your library | Amazon
Published: Dodd, Mead, & Company 1975
As you may or may not know, L’s favorite animal (at least for now) is a moose. So when I spotted this old Daniel Manus Pinkwater title for a $1 at our library’s local book sale it was a must buy.
Arguably most famous for his picture book, The Big Orange Splot, Mr. Pinkwater’s silly stories and simple illustrations have charmed readers for decades. Blue Moose, perfect for newly independent readers, takes place at the edge of the woods, in place far, far north, at Mr. Breton’s restaurant. This short poem starts the story:
The moose is blue, Your wish will come true.
The main character, Mr. Breton, is a very good cook. People from the town come to his restaurant for his famous clam chowder and homemade bread, but during their visit never spoke a word as to whether or not they enjoyed his food. This troubled Mr. Benton. But one morning a moose, a blue moose to be specific, appeared in front of Mr. Breton’s yard. Mr. Breton tried to shoo the moose away, but he would not budge. Instead, the moose asked to come inside to get warm.
When inside, Mr. Breton offered the moose a bowl of his clam chowder. The moose slurped it up exclaiming how wonderful it was, which in turn made Mr. Breton very happy. Later that day, a few customers arrived while Mr. Breton was cooking, so the moose decided to seat them and wait on them, carrying their orders of clam chowder from his antlers. The guests were at first shocked, but then began to enjoy the moose’s table services while also complimenting the chef. Soon, word got out around town about the moose waiter as well as Mr. Breton’s top notch cooking.
And so the story of friendship between Mr. Breton and the moose began. But once the game warden hears of Mr. Breton’s famous moose, he intends to uphold the law of Section 5 –Subheading 6– Paragraph 3: That no person shall keep a moose as a pet”, and their friendship is in jeopardy of being short-lived.
The most interesting character, in my opinion, is the brief appearance of Dave the hermit. Later in the story, the moose brings Dave, who was dressed in rabbit skins, shoes made of bark and moss, and an owl atop his head, home to Mr. Breton’s one evening.
“Dave is very shy”, the moose said. “He would appreciate it if you didn’t say anything to him until he knows you better, maybe in ten or fifteen years.”Even though words aren’t spoken, Dave (and his owl) become fast friends of Mr. Breton. A fun and lovable story with bits of nonsense in the mix, Blue Moose is a delightful and truly one-of-a-kind.
Found it: At The Friends of the Lawrence Public Library book sale.
6
Feb
Chickadee
Chickadee
by Louise Erdrich
Find it at: Your library | Amazon | IndieBound
Published: HarperCollins (August 21, 2012)
Recommend Reading Age: 8 & up
In a nutshell: I have not yet had the privilege to read all the books of Louise Erdrich’s Birchbark House Series, but I did have the pleasure of reading the series’ latest installment, Chickadee. Cover to cover. In one sitting. Can’t remember the last time that happened.
It’s 1866 on the homeland of the Dakota People, Chickadee and Makoons (little bear) are twins of the Ojibwe tribe named after their namesakes who protected them after birth. After being made fun of by the tribe’s grumpy old man, Zhigaag, for having a “weak name”, Chickadee feels ashamed and wishes he had a name better fit for the mighty warrior he hopes to become. To avenge Chickadee’s honor, Makoons plays a trick on the old man in his sleep, a prank which in turn makes Zhigaag the laughing stock of the tribe. But when Zhigaag’s big, boorish, and dimwitted sons learn of Makoons’ little trick, they devise a plan hoping to have the last laugh.
What I loved most about this book was that I felt transported back in time to 1866 on the Great Plains. Erdrich’s lush description and immersion in Ojibwe story were delicately woven together in a historical novel for children that draws no comparison. Cross my heart. It’s beautiful.
And it’s under the extreme circumstance Chickadee is faced with that he eventually finds he has more power within him than he original thought a boy with a Chickadee namesake had. A story of family, hope, and truth, Chickadee touched my heart and had me rooting for him until the very end.
Don’t take my word for it: “In “Chickadee”, Erdrich has written a richly detailed tale of survival and family that will delight and entice readers both young and old… the entire series is a delight and should not be missed.” – review from Lost in a Great Book
Source of the book reviewed: my local library!
5
Feb
Reading Together
***Reading Together is a sampling of books I’m currently reading aloud to L, my toddler daughter. Since I work in the children’s room of a public library, I’m always bringing home stacks and stacks of books to share together. Old and new. These are our favorites. Some of which have been read over and over and over again…. Times thirty. To the tenth power.***
Have quite a few new books in the latest round-up of what we’re reading together. L and I have been on the mend from an awful cold, and between sleeping and watching the same Tinker Bell movie that’s been looping for days, the remaining time was mostly devoted to reading. Below is an abbreviated list of our choice picks for the month.
As always, I’d love to hear what books you’re reading together at home with your family!
Now for the February list:
Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle
A wordless, lift-the-flap picture book that first reminded me of the beloved Fantasia short when the crocodile and the hippo dance together. Except, this is far sweeter as a little girl tries to mimic a flamingo’s finesse.
Up, Tall and High by Ethan Long
L loves this book! A simple lift-the-flap with screwball humor that also was the prized winner of the Giesel Award this year.
How to Be a Cat by Nikki McClure
How do we love Nikki McClure? Let me count the ways (here and here). Nikki McClure was at ALA Midwinter signing books in the Abrams booth, so I couldn’t not grab her latest about a little kitten learning how to be a cat. This delightful book will be available to purchase March 12, 2013.
Mama, Is It Summer Yet? by Nikki McClure
I also bought an old favorite by Nikki McClure while in Seattle. This one has us daydreaming of strawberries and sunshine.
The Swing poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Julie Morstad
My new favorite illustrator. Retro-like illustrations a la (or à la) Mary Blair (my all-time favorite illustrator) with a modern twist. Her books are charming and beautiful. I’m going to do a full review of her latest, How To, (which we also love, love, love) in the very near future.
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
One of my husband’s most loved picture books from childhood, we’ve been reading this one quite a bit and also enjoying this short animated movie.
Amelia Bedelia Fiftieth Anniversary Edition by Peggy Parish, illustrated by Fritz Siebel
Did you read Amelia Bedelia growing up? I certainly did. HarperCollins has created this beautiful 50th anniversary edition that I’ve been reading with L since returning home from ALA Midwinter.
Inch and Rolly Make a Wish by Melissa Wiley, illustrated by Ag Jatkowska
A new friends duo for the beginning reader, we can’t get enough of Inch and Roly and their buggy friends! In Inch and Roly Make a Wish, Inch and Roly, along with their friends Beetle and Dragonfly, are very bored one day, so they decide to go to the wishing well and wish something to do. A darling book for the beginner reader and/or read aloud bedtime story.
Penny and Her Doll by Kevin Henkes
We got into the Penny books a little late in the game. This is L’s favorite of the two currently in rotation. Penny received a new doll from Gram in the mail, but she just doesn’t know what to name her. Looking forward Penny and Her Marble out this month!
Wemberly’s Ice-Cream Star by Kevin Henkes
Another Kevin Henkes book! This one is a darling board book format based off of his popular book, Wemberly Worried.
Goosey Goose by Chris Raschka
Another blog post book review sneak peak! L is head-over-heels for Chris Raschka’s bizarre easy readers series Thingy Things. I stumbled upon them the other night at the library and ever since I’ve been on the lookout for a used box set of Thingy Things books (now out of print).
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
A classic! I checked this book out last year for L, but she was disinterested in it at the time. Now, she’s all about the paper bag princess. A Not-your-average-princess-story where the princess ends up saving herself from a terrifying dragon.
Best Friends in Fairyland by Daisy Meadows
L was always picking up the Rainbow Fairies books at the library, but when we checked them out had a hard time sitting and listening to them. But she’s a big fan of the new easy readers books which are just the right length for her.
Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook, illustrated by Andy Robert Davies
A picture book guessing game perfect for preschool-age children. Articles of clothing or a uniform hang on the line, and the reader is asked who might wear those clothes in a sing-song fashion, turn the page and the person is revealed! A mail carrier, carpenter, cook, and even an astronaut are among the many occupations depicted.
Red Cat, Blue Cat by Jenni Desmond
An endearing story of two kitty rivals who secretly admire one another. On the down-low, they try their hardest to make themselves into the color of their foe. Jenni Desmond’s illustrations are irresistible.
Chu’s Day by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Adam Rex
When I first read Chu’s Day my reaction was, “Well… Okay?” I didn’t quite get it. The first time I read it to L, her she reacted by laughing. Neil Gaiman, in all his genius, gets it. He gets his readers. And me with my adult brain, just didn’t get it the first time around. I now share the laughs with L when we read this short, richly colored book, with a strong gust of hilarity.
What are you reading together? Please share!
23
Jan
Splendors and Glooms
Splendors and Glooms
by Laura Amy Schlitz
Find it at: Your library | Amazon | Indiebound
Published: Candlewick (August 28, 2012)
Recommended reading age: 9 & up
In a nutshell: Magic? Check. Intrigue? Check. Disturbing? Double check.
One gloomy day in Victorian London, Lizzie Rose and Parsefall, two orphans under the care of master puppeteer Gaspare Grisini, arrive with their caretaker at one of the most outstanding houses they’ve ever seen. Summoned to preform for resident 12-year old Clara Wintermute’s birthday party, Lizzie Rose and Parse assist Grisini in a performance that seems to entrance Clara during the last act. That night, Clara disappears and all fingers point towards Grisini due to her peculiar behavior during the performance.
Lizzie Rose and Parsefall are shocked by Clara’s disappearance, but soon discover Grisini’s history of kidnapping and his ill intentions, so they plan their escape from him. All the while the children inadvertently become tangled in a web of hate and rivalry between Grisini and a witch who’s heart he broke many years ago; a witch who also has her own evil agenda.
Laura Amy Schlitz surely has some supernatural power that flows through her pen and seeps into her writing. I felt as if I were in a trance, enchanted by her in a world that was so well written, it’s effect was truly sublime. A spell was cast. It took a great length of time for it to happen, but eventually it did and still has me left in thought upon finishing the story yesterday.
You’re familiar with the saying, “Third times a charm”, right? Splendors and Glooms took me three separate times to read until I read it in it’s entirety on the third attempt. I first checked it out when the library received it back in August, and returned it after I was about a quarter through because the pace was so dreadfully slow. The majority of my reading is done at night, and every time I cracked it’s spine open I was asleep within a few paragraphs. It just wasn’t working for me, so I returned it. The second time I checked it out was after reading rave review after rave review, so I decided to give it another go. That time I got halfway through before I returned it yet again for the same reason. But, I wasn’t going to give up. When the audiobook arrived in late December I snatched it up and found it to be my saving grace.
The words “gothic” and “thriller” and “creepy” come up a lot when reading reviews of this books, and are all extremely accurate descriptions. Early on in the book, Grisini kidnaps a child, “Clara”, and transforms her into a puppet. She does maintain, however, the ability to see and hear whats going on in her surroundings. It gives me the heebie jeebies just thinking about it. As if dolls weren’t creepy enough. The story set up took almost half the book before the wheels started turning, but after finally getting over that hump it was easy reading. Rich character development and unexpected twists carry the story through to the very end. And I must say, the audiobook format served as an excellent storytelling platform that I found to be extremely effective. I highly recommend it.
Splendors and Glooms, to me, was an example of reading perseverance. I’m okay with letting a book go before it’s finished, but sometimes you just have to hold on until it’s spell takes over.
Don’t take my word for it: The Book Smugglers, NY Times review
21
Jan
I Have a Dream
I Have a Dream
by Martin Luther King, Jr, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Find it at: Your library | Amazon
Published: Schwartz & Wade an imprint of Random House Children’s Books; Har/Com edition (October 9, 2012)
Recommended Reading Age: All ages
In a nutshell: Today is a day we honor and remember one of the greatest heroes to have ever walked the earth:
Martin Luther King, Jr.
I don’t recall how many times I have listened to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, but I do know that I have gotten (and get) goosebumps every time. It was a speech that changed everything. Every word was felt deep within those thousands who listened that day it was first declared. It continues to inspire us to this very day.
When I look at this painting in the new I Have a Dream picture book illustrated by by Kadir Nelson, I get those same goosebumps.
Two-time Caldecott Honor winner, Kadir Nelson is no stranger to illustrating powerful books… Heart and Soul, Henry’s Freedom Box, Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom are the first to come to mind. His latest book depicts the last leg of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech masterfully. Last year, when I was planning for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day themed storytime, I searched high and low for a book like this to read aloud, but came up just a little short. When this book was released ten months later I was thrilled to know there now is such a book about Dr. King that even the youngest toddler-age children can appreciate.
This book also comes with an official recording of the speech from the March on Washington on August 28, 1963, as well as a full transcript found in the back of the book.
Don’t take my word for it: We Are Teachers
20
Jan
You Are Stardust
You Are Stardust
by Elin Kelsy, artwork by Soyeon Kim
Find it at: Your Library | Amazon | Indiebound
Published: Owlkids Books (September 11, 2012)
Recommended Reading Age: 4 & up
In a nutshell: You Are Stardust explores the cosmological concept that essentially everything in the universe came from stardust, a concept simplified through Elin Kelsy’s lyrical text and artist Soyeon Kim’s incredible, mixed-media dioramas. A breathtaking picture book written for children, with a message meant for everyone.
“You are stardust. Every tiny atom in your body came from a star that exploded long before you were born.”
The book opens with an image of a star exploding and very tiny versions of our bodies that came from a star which exploded many years ago (Big Bang Theory).
Each page continues on into how we are connected from that star.
To the water, to other animals, living and extinct.
To the environment, to the seasons, and to the whole of planet Earth.
I’m pretty sure I held my breath the entire first time I read this book. The illustrations, the text… It’s all sensational.
What I enjoy most about this book is that it prods the reader, young or old, to be aware. Be aware of the nature you’re connected to, the past, present, and future, the seasons, and how the most simple act of a thought or a breath is a part of something greater than yourself. In the diorama, everything is held by strings, symbolic of the fact that everything is connected in one way way or another. In a note from the author at the end of the book, Elin Kelsy writes, “I wrote this book as a celebration — one to honor the extraordinary ways in which all of us simply are nature.” In a technology driven world, where a disconnect between ourselves and nature is perhaps greater than ever, You Are Stardust reminds us to be still and marvel at the nature of you and the world around you.
Two thumbs up. Way up.
On the Owlkids Books website, you’ll find a You Are Stardust microsite specifically devoted to this book with a variety of resources including:
Link to the You Are Stardust app download,
a note from the author, Elin Kelsy,
a behind-the-scenes video documenting Soyeon Kim’s creative process creating of the book, as well as lesson plans for teachers, DIY diorama craft, author and artist Q & A, and a recommended reading list. I recommend you visit and take a look around.
Don’t take my word for it: Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
16
Jan
Rereading Favorite Books from Childhood
An interesting tidbit came up yesterday in Twitterland, and it has me reevaluating a reading rule I made for myself some time ago. It starts like this…
Tessa Gratton (@tessagratton) , the YA book author of Blood Magic, tweeted, “The Bad News: reading a book I adored when I was ten, and I hate it so much now I don’t understand what happened.”
I completely sympathize.
Has this ever happened to you before? You’ve held a few books up on a pedestal you’re entire life, and then you go back to them as adults and the love for it disappears? Or worse, it turns into indifference or grows into (it pains me to type it) hate? All that magic and wonder vanishes. It’s happened to me before. I tried to reread the Emily of New Moon series by L.M. Montgomery and couldn’t get past the first three chapters. I couldn’t do it. The adoration I felt for it faded with each paragraph and I couldn’t lose that. Ever since this has long been my rule: Never, not ever ever, re-read favorite novels from childhood. Sure, I read plenty of picture books with L that I used to have read to me when I was a girl, but novels are different. There is a commitment established when reading them. They need to be read at a finicky time and place in one’s life, and the stars in the universe need to align just so that one book can speak to you like no other book ever has.
I’m starting to exaggerate. Back to my point. Yesterday got me thinking… Am I being too strict? Is that one experience reason enough to shun all my favorite childhood books as an adult? It might be time to let go of that rule. Now all I have to decide is which book I’m willing to nominate for the challenge.
What about you? Do you ever reread favorite books from childhood? Have you ever reread a childhood favorite and found reading it as an adult changed your view of it entirely?
image source: pinterest
14
Jan
The False Prince
The False Prince
by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Find it at: Your library! | Amazon | Indiebound
Published: Scholastic Press an imprint of Scholastic (April 1, 2012)
Recommended Reading Age: 11 & up
In a nutshell: It was about a month ago when I came home with a bag of books after work, sharing my loot with my husband who was cooking a late dinner for us in the kitchen. I was reading aloud the jacket flaps of a few books I was especially excited to start reading, so he could help me decide which one I would devote my precious reading time to next. After reading The False Prince’s inner-jacket, he perked up from stirring the soup and said to me, “Ooh! That sounds good. Read that one! I would read that one!”
Reader, let me tell you, the the jacketflap does this book justice. It does more than that.
Fifteen-year-old, rebellious orphan Sage lives in a world of thievery and lies. Barely living on what he can by stealing and what the orphanage provides, he is paid for and forcefully plucked from the orphanage by a mysterious noble-type with four other orphan boys of similar age from neighboring orphanages.
It is quickly revealed to Sage and the other orphan boys the identity of the mysterious man, Bevin Conners, a regent to the king of the land of Carthya. Carthya is on the verge of Civil War, and to stave off a bloody and long battle Conners has a secret, yet deadly plan. In just two weeks time he will train the orphans to impersonate the lost prince of Carthya, who disappeared 5-years ago and is thought to be dead. The one who can most successfully mirror this lost prince will claim the throne and rule as King of Carthya. But, only one boy can become Connor’s false prince. As for the the others… well… It’s a fight to claim the throne as much as it is for their lives.
Adventure, secrets, lies, political turmoil, and friendship forged in desperation; this fast-paced, page turner has it all. It’s deliciously entertaining and so much fun to read. Upon finishing, I now join the other anxious readers enduring the wait until March 1, 2013 when The False Prince‘s much anticipated sequel, The Runaway King, is released. Only 45 more days!
Don’t take my word for it: 2012 Middle Grade Fiction Nerdies Winner, Los Angeles Times
9
Jan
Reading Together
Since December’s Reading Together was a holiday themed list, this list is actually a compilation list from the past two months. Like whoa. There are a quite a few new titles released just this last year that we’ve continued reading into the new year, as well as some oldies sprinkled in the mix. Since reading Mrs. Noodlekugel aloud to her, I’ve been experimenting with reading early chapter books to her and she is enjoying it immensely.
Now for our January list!
This Moose Belongs to Me by Oliver Jeffers
At the moment, L is obsessed with moose. She wakes at dawn “Moook”ing all over the house (because naturally that’s the noise a moose makes). And since Santa keeps tabs on these sorts of things, he made sure to bring her Oliver Jeffer’s latest book, This Moose Belongs to Me, a story about a boy who happens to find, and claim, a moose as his own.
Hello! Hello! by Matthew Cordell
Sometimes we just need to shut down. To go outside. To feel alive. One little girl powers down and goes out into the great outdoors and is left to her own imagination. A timely book for this technology obsessed day and age, and the illustrations are darling!
One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by David Small
A very proper (tux and all!) boy visits the aquarium with his father and feels compelled to take a penguin home with him. A humorous story kids of all-ages will surely enjoy.
Good News, Bad News by Jeff Mack
Optimistic Bunny and pessimistic Mouse set off to enjoy a picnic where a hilarious back and forth between the two. Their picnic soon goes from bad to worse…
Bear Has a Story to Tell by Phillip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead
I adore this book, and L seems to love it just as much even though it is a little longer than her average book. Bear has a story to tell, but it seems his animal friends are too busy preparing for wintert to listen.
A Home For Bird by Philip C. Stead
Another new book by Phillip C. Stead that we just can’t get enough of. The bird from a cuckoo-clock pops off a truck in transit, is found by a curious frog, befriended, and taken on a wild adventure in search of it’s home.
The Gingerbread Man illustrated by Barbara McClintock
Last year’s Gingerbread Storytime left quite the impression on L. She can’t get enough of the classic English folktale, The Gingerbread Man/Boy. Her favorite version is the above illustrated by Barbara McClintock
Snow is my Favorite and my Best by Lauren Child
Since it snowed in Kansas, snow has been the hot topic with L. So, this Charlie and Lola books has been quite the hit.
Goldilocks and Just One Bear by Leigh Hodgkinson
A favorite fairy tale gets a fractured makeover told from adult Baby Bear’s perspective. Baby Bear is now all grown up and one day stumbles upon a big city. His curiosity takes the best of him (in true Goldilocks fashion) as he makes himself at home in a highrise apartment.
Animals and Their Families by Barbara Nascimbeni
A creative and and fun spin on your typical baby animal book. Animals and Their Families features various illustrations of baby animals with their mothers and fathers, but also includes a guide of what the animal family eats, what sound they make, and where they live.
Now I am Big by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Sara Gillingham
A board book that highlights a little boys achievements as a toddler now that he isn’t a baby any longer. L can’t get enough of this book!
Good Night, Little Bear by Patricia Scarry, illustrated by Richard Scarry
This was a Christmas present from one of L’s grandparents. A forgotten favorite from my own childhood about a friendly bedtime game between father and son.
The Brave Cowboy by Joan Walsh Anglund
A sweet story about a cowboy and his wild west of an imagination. Black and white illustrations with imaginary characters outlined in vivid red, giving the reader a glimpse at what the brave cowboy sees. We also highly recommend Cowboy and His Friend, Cowboy’s Secret Life, and The Cowboy’s Christmas.
Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins
Pat Hutchins! He’s the best! We’ve slowly been checking out his books over the last year. In this one, oblivious Rosie the hen takes a stroll. Unbeknownst to her, she is followed by a hungry fox that never seems to catch her.
The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Fairies by Ammi-Joan Paquette, illustrated by Christa Uzner
Vivid photographs paired with fairy illustrations, and text that offers tips on how to find fairies in your very own backyard. We are looking forward to the near future when our interlibrary loan request for The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Mermaids arrives!
Little Tug by Stephen Savage
Stephen Savage’s Where’s Walrus is still very much a big hit with L, so when the time came to bring Little Tug hom there was much excitement. Little Tug helps out many of the bigger boats in the bay, and when Little Tug gets sleepy those boats are sure to take care of him.
Noni the Poni by Alison Lester
Noni is a funny little pony who lives in Waratah Bay. Her best friends are a cat and a dog, and we could read this book all day long! (And we have. Every day. For 8 weeks.)
The Perfect Dress by Melissa Lagonegro, Elisa Marrucchi
L has been bitten by the princess bug. Among all the Disney Princesses books we’ve checked out, this one has continued to be her preferred choice.
Peter Pan: Lost and Found by Susan Hill, illustrated by Michael Hague, inspired by J.M Barrie’s Peter Pan
I can’t wait for the day I can read J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan aloud to L, but until then there are these wonderful early reader books that hint at the Neverland we know and love.
Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski
Okay… Full disclosure. This is not one of L’s picks. We read it every so often, but I enjoy it too much to not add it to the list. The whimsical illustration and soft, almost musical, bedtime story is a must-read in my book.
Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Like I mentioned in the beginning of this post, we’ve started giving short chapter books a go recently- and with great success. Currently on L’s nightstand is the Mercy Watson series. Chapter by chapter or two, we finished Mercy Watson to the Rescue last night, and will start Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride tonight.
What are you reading together? Please share in the comments below!!
3
Jan
Throwback Thursday: Numbears
Numbears: A Counting Book
By Kathleen Hague, Illustrated by Michael Hague
Find it at: Your Library | Amazon | Indiebound
Published: Henry Holt and Co. an imprint of Macmillian (May 1986)
My husband was recently having a conversation with his twin sister about a book that has plagued them since early childhood: Numbears: A Counting Book is a rhyming picture book that teaches children the method of counting 1-12 with Michael Hague’s trademark illustrations. Upon hearing this for the first time, I completely dismissed the notion. How could a few cute, cuddly bears affect them that much?
Each illustration has one hidden number that corresponds with the number referred to in the verse on the opposite page. The majority of the numbers are obvious, plain as day, like the below illustration for “one” (my incredible photo editing skills point out the hidden “1” with a red arrow).
Easy as pie, right? Wrong. For twenty some years they’ve never, not ever, been able to find the number “5” in the snowy picture below. When this forgotten childhood mystery recently resurfaced, Will interlibrary loaned the book in hopes his adult eyes would put his mind at rest from what was started many years ago. The quest for “5”. He tried. I tried. Nothing. (Nothing!) You can’t even bring this book up to him without him getting immediately angry, full of threats that he’ll “write a letter to the publisher.”
(click image to enlarge)
Here is your challenge if you wish to accept it:
Find “5”.
End the search once and for all.
You’re our only hope…
