Sturdy for Common Things

Mrs. Noodlekugel

Mrs. Noodlekugel

By Daniel Pinkwater, Illustrated by Adam Stower

Find it at: Your Library | Amazon | Indiebound

Published: Candlewick (April 24, 2012)

Recommended reading age: 5-10

In a nutshell: Brother and sister, Nick and Maxine, find that if they stand in just the right place on their dresser looking out of their apartment down below, they will they will see a small little cottage surrounded entirely by highrises. After a brief investigation with Mike the Janitor, they learn it is the home of Mrs. Noodlekugel and that you can get to the backyard of her home from the boiler room of their apartment building. Once the mystery of the house was solved, Nick and Maxine are encouraged by their parents to not to visit because “she is an old lady who lives in the little house and you should not bother her.” (Knowing full and well children *always* listen to their parents), they set off to visit the house nonetheless.

From their very first encounter with the adorable little house, Mrs. Noodlekugel, and her cat Mr. Fuzzface, who can talk and play the piano, Maxine and Nick soon realize they Mrs. Noodlekugel isn’t just your every day neighbor.

 

 

A sweet, easy to follow story, with illustrations on every other page, Mrs. Noodlekugel is a simple enough chapter book that I’m currently reading it aloud one or two chapters at a time to L (two-years-old) and she is loving it. It would make for an appropriate stepping stone book for young, independent readers ready to transition towards chapter books. And it’s charming to boot!

Perfect for: Newly independent readers who like a bit of magic to their reading. Also would makes for an enjoyable nighttime read-a-loud for those not ready to take the leap towards reading solo.

Don’t take my word for it: Krikus Review

 

 

image source: mrs. noddlekugel illustration

One Times Square

One Times Square: A Century of Change at the Crossroads of the World

Written and Illustrated by Joe McKendry

Find it at: Your Library | Amazon | Indiebound

Published: David R Godine; First edition (May 28, 2012)

Recommended reading age: 8 & up

In a nutshell: In a matter of hours, the nation will tune in to watch one of the most time-honored New Year’s Eve traditions, the lighted ball drop from One Times Square, New York, New York, also known as “The Crossroads of the World”. What was once farm country, to the bustling metropolis it is today, Joe McKendry takes his reader through the years of the most famous intersection of the world.

The first element that drew me to this book was the stunning, colorful timeline illustrations. I couldn’t help but flip through and admire them before delving into the text. Upon going back to the beginning, but after long pauses admiring Joe McKendry’s artistry, I was happy to find his writing pitch perfect and as detailed and enjoyable as his pictures.

“Through all of the changes, One Times Square — The only surviving building from Times Square’s beginning in 1904 — has stood faithful as the keeper of time, marking each passing year with the annual New Year’s ball drop. Like the rest of the square its appearance has evolved, but the slender tower on 42nd Street continues to keep watch over a place that has undergone changes as drastic as any place on earth.”

One element I thoroughly enjoyed were the diagrams of One Times Square throughout the years. A left-hand key pinpoints a few elements for the reader to take note about the picture; we see the leaps of change between 1904, 1926, 1945, 1964, 1982, 2000 of the iconic building.

The year 1904…

… to year 2000.

When I lived in New York City, Times Square was always an area I happily avoided. I frequented it quite a bit for work, to connect, and that was it. After reading this book, I wish I would have explored the area a bit more. Throughout it’s roller coaster reputation, One Times Square has always remained a source of entertainment and movement, a magnet of media and people. Amidst all it’s change, tonight that 1,070-pound ball of aluminum and lights will fall 77 feet, like it’s predecessors of years long gone, as millions watch, holding onto one historic ritual that continues to remain, our grandfather of time.

 Perfect for: American history fanatics, lovers of New York City, the budding architect, and anyone interested in learning about one of the most unique and traveled places in the world.

Don’t take my word for it: NY Times Best Illustrated Book 2012, Publisher’s Weekly Best Children’s Nonfiction Book of 2012

Cold Snap

Cold Snap

By Eileen Spinelli, Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

Find it at: Your library | Amazon | Indiebound

Published: Knopf Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Kids (October 9, 2012)

Recommended age level: 4 & up

In a nutshell: Ever since I read Cold Snap for the first time a month ago, I decided it would be the perfect way to kick-off the winter solstice. So, here we are… Officially on day one of winter and the windowpanes are frosted, snow is on the ground (at least here in Kansas), and I have a warm mug of coffee next to my laptop as I share with you this one-of-a-kind, wintery picture book.

In the small town of Toby Mills the citizens are feeling quite the chill of winter, but that doesn’t stop them from finding ways to stay entertained. Sledding, bubbling-hot soup at the Sullivan Diner, and BYOB (bring-your-own-blankets) at the town’s movie theater are all activities the town partake in to keep their mind off the cold. Yet, it keeps getting colder and colder in Toby Mills. Finally, the thermometer drops down to zero and the whole town has had just about enough of it. Luckily, the mayor’s wife finds a way to warm the town’s spirits.

Small towns are timeless. They have their own way and pace about them, which is something Cold Snap captures perfectly. While it does focus on the cold winter weather, it also focuses on the individual characters of Toby Mills and the lifestyle living in a small town brings. And, like all small towns that have their quirks, Toby Mills has General Toby, the town monument. As the temperature gets colder the townspeople measure it’s climate according to General Toby’s nose and the growing icicle that hangs from it. General Toby is the thread that carries the town through colder and “warmer” weather.

And I dare not forget to mention the illustrations! Marjorie Priceman’s illustrations in Cold Snap remind me of the classic appeal of Little Golden Book illustrations, but with a slightly modern take. Her pictures all have an element of movement and boldness that works for the busy town in this story. They masterfully depict the whole town, but pay close attention to details of the individual characters which make the town so special.

The town of Toby Mills will surely warm it’s readers’ hearts even on the coldest of winter days.

Perfect for: Kids of all ages as a way to welcome or celebrate the winter season.

Don’t take my word for it: NY Times, Kirkus Review

Hilda and the Midnight Giant

Hilda and the Midnight Giant

by Luke Pearson

Published: Nobrow Press (April 17, 2012)

Recommended age level: 10 & up

In a nutshell: I’ve seen a lot of wonderful feedback regarding this graphic novel. Last night at the library, I saw it was available, and untouched in the children’s room graphic novel section. Zero checkouts? How can that be? I took Hilda home that night…

Hilda and her mother live in the quiet countryside with her pet fox, Twig. Well, it’s quiet except for the times when their house is under the attack of “Hidden Elves”, invisible to the human eye, threatening them to leave their home at once. One of the elves befriends Hilda and helps her answer the questions of why they continue to threaten eviction and how she can stop it, and so an adventure ensues to find a way to stay in her much-loved home. At the same time a mysterious giant continually shows up in the dark of the night and then vanishes.

I fell for this magical world within the first few pages. Hilda and the Midnight Giant lives up to the hype. It’s humorous, thought-provoking, and all around clever.  The illustrations are exceptional and compliment Hilda and her quirky, supernatural world. I’m smitten.

Please don’t let me find this book on the library shelf again. It deserves to be read and shared.

Perfect for: Fans of fantasy graphic novels like Moomin or if you happen to be up for a different kind of fairy tale.

Don’t take my word for it: Selected as one of 100 Scope Notes and Watch. Connect. Read’s Top 20 Books of 2012

 

 

image source: Art Wednesday

Summer of the Gypsy Moths

Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Pennypacker

Published: Balzer + Bray, imprint of Harper Collins Children’s (April 24, 2012)

Recommended Age Level: 8 & up

In a nutshell: Eleven year old Stella is living with her great aunt Louise who owns Linger Longer Cottage Colony a  small summer rental company on Cape Cod. Stella is only living there temporarily, at least that’s what she keeps telling herself while her mom is “getting it together”. Also living with her aunt for the time being is Angel, a foster child the same age who wants nothing to do with with Stella, due mainly to the fact that the girls couldn’t be more opposite of one another. But when great-aunt Louise unexpectedly dies, the girls quickly devise a plan to keep the Linger Longer Cottages managed throughout the summer so they don’t have to go back into the system.

Amidst the comedy  of the the girls trying to hide Louise’s death, the Summer of the Gypsy Moths is more than meets the eye. It’s clear early on that this novel is as heavy as it is light. Stella continually mentions her mother’s flighty nature. She brushes it off each time, but her mother is more than just flighty. The reader soon learns that she is downright neglectful of her daughter and a father that is completely absent. Angel on the other hand is an orphan with hopes of one day living with her aunt who  is working on gaining custody of Angel. Histories aside, the girls do their best to maintain the cottage business for the summer and in their work and their hiding the deceased Louise, they find strength in each other.

There are many complex issues at play in this novel, but it doesn’t take away for the charm and humor. It’s a perfect balance, really. Just like Stella and Angel turn out to be.

Perfect for:  The tween who likes reading books about friendship, finding one’s identity, or a little comedy in their realistic fiction. Books like Three Times Lucky, Waiting For Normal, and  So B. It.

Don’t take my word for it: NY Times

Reading Together: Christmas Stories

Originally I wasn’t going post about Christmas books for the latest edition of Reading Together, but I was looking over the books L and I have been reading together the most lately and the large majority are (surprise!) Christmas books. Looks like it was inevitable. I’ve included a few brand new favorites, tried and true favorites, and a few old school favorites of my own.

What are you reading to get into the holiday season? I’d love to know– Please leave your favorite titles in the comments below!

Read More

The Mighty Miss Malone

The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis

Published: Wendy Lamb Books (January 10, 2012)

Recommended Age Level: 9 & up

In a nutshell: Deza Malone is a whipsmart, verbose, 12-year old girl who lives with her family in Gary, Indiana during the Great Depression. Her family’s motto is that they’re “a family on a journey to a place called wonderful”, but unfortunately such places are few and far between during the year 1936. Her older brother Jimmie sings like a bird, but stopped growing years ago and no one has an explanation as to why.  Deza’s mother is a proud woman who puts pride in everything she does, especially her work, but her job and trying to keep her family fed is working her to the bone. And her intelligent and loving father can’t find work and ultimately ends up leaving the family in Gary to go to Flint, Michigan to find work.

Even through hard times, Deza and her high character family find ways to be brave in their lowest moments and hold on to love and perseverance when there is nothing else to hold on to.

I first started listening to The Mighty Miss Malone on audiobook because that was the only edition available at the library. The woman who reads, Bahni Turpin, is such a pleasure to listen to and a masterful storyteller; by far one of the most enjoyable audiobooks I’ve listened to in a while. But when listening to the book was taking too long, (I only listen to audiobooks when I drive and don’t drive very often or very far), I decided to exchange it for the book. It only took me a night to finish and the voices of Bahni Turpin still stuck with me throughout the read.

Perfect for: Christopher Paul Curtis readers and those who have not yet had the pleasure of reading his work.

Don’t take my word for it: The Book Smugglers, The Washington Post

A Dignity of Dragons

A Dignity of Dragons: Collective Nouns for Magical Beasts by Jacqueline K. Ogburn, illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli

Published: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (May 3, 2010)

Recommended age: 4 & up

In a nutshell: My dear friend Melissa over at Julia’s Bookbag was the one resoponsible for introducing me to this beautiful book. Thank you, Melissa! I placed an order for it to be added to the library’s collection a couple months ago and currently have a $2 late fee, because I refuse to return it! (Yes, people who work in libraries have overdue books, late fees, and sadly have to pay for those late fees.) I keep pondering over when to return it and always agree to, “Just one more day…”

The idea for A Dignity of Dragons came about when author Jacqueline K. Ogburn’s editor asked, “What do you call a group of unicorns?” This book was her answer. It begins with this introduction:

“Everyone has heard of groups of animals- a pride of lions, a charm of hummingbirds, a school of fish. If you came upon magical beasts gathered together, what would you call them? Perhaps you would be lucky enough to see…”

Within it’s pages, the reader finds a vocabulary of clever nouns for groupings of magical creatures paired with bold and whimsical illustrations by Nicoletta Ceccoli. Among a few of my favorite gatherings include:

A dignity of dragons,
A riddle of sphinx,
A resurrection of phoenix,
A continent of kracken,

A splash of mermaids,
A flurry of yetis,
A pandemonium of fauns,

A grace of unicorns,
A chord of sirens,
A howling of werewolves.

Oh, and these two-page spreads of soft, dreamy illustrations! I couldn’t not include a few of these…

In the back of the book is a index of the creatures mentioned in the book, each explained with a 2-3 sentence definition and the country of origin.

Alas, I have finally convinced myself to return A Dignity of Dragons to the library for one very good reason: it’s too good not to share. Be sure to check it out!

Perfect for: The lover of all things fantasy and mythology— Especially, magical creatures. Also would be great for Language Arts teachers looking for inspiration for teaching collective nouns in their classroom.

Don’t take my word for it: Julia’s Bookbag, You Know, For Kids

Twelve Kinds Of Ice

Twelve Kinds of Ice by Ellen Bryan Obed, illustrations by Barbara McClintock

Published: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (November 6, 2012)

Recommended age: 6 & up

In a nutshell: For a novel about ice, I found Twelve Kinds of Ice to be one of the most heart-warming tales I’ve ever read. Author Ellen Bryan Obed begins introducing the reader to the various stages of ice in her autobiographical account of her childhood in chapter one, “The First Ice” :

“The first ice came on the sheep pails in the barn—a skim of ice so thin that it broke when we touched it.”

And we continue with “The Second Ice”:

“The second ice was thicker. We would pick it out of the pails like panes of glass. We would hold it up in our mittened hands and look through it. Then we would drop it on the hard ground and watch it splinter into a hundred pieces.”

As the cold finds it’s way into winter,  the narrator tells the story of a family’s winter tradition of building an ice rank over their garden. The anticipation grows as the ice grows thicker and more sturdy in time. Once the weather is right for skating ice, the preparation, care, and activities on the homemade rink ensue. Dad floods the ring. Mom is the rink manager. After school, the boys play hockey and the girls practice their figure skating. As the winter progresses so does this story of the ice; it’s temperament, it’s recreation, and it’s strength in memory and meaning to one family.

As I read Obed’s lovely prose paired with Barbra McClintock’s retro black and white ink illustrations, I felt frozen in my own time from not so long ago. Please do yourself the pleasure of reading this book (at 64 pages it won’t take long), preferably with a cup of tea or hot cocoa on a cold afternoon. Share it with your family, your friends, and read it aloud to your children. The comfort of a good… no… a great book.

Perfect for: All-ages. Especially as a read-aloud to your family or classroom right before or during the winter months.

Don’t take my word for it: NY Times, 100 Scope Notes

Recent and Not So Recent Reads

Hey. Let’s talk middle grade fiction books. And graphic novels. And maybe even a teen and adult book to boot. Underworlds, out of this world, and everything in between.

Below is a list with quick mentions and thoughts on some of the books I’ve read over the past few months. All come highly recommended.

Middle Grade Fiction:

The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There by Catherynne M. Valente

Published: Feiwel & Friends (October 2012)

Recommended age: 10 & up

In a nutshell: September returns to fairyland in the squeal to The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, The Girl Who Fell Benath Fairyland and Led the Revels There, except her return isn’t anything like the happy homecoming she imagined.  Her shadow, Halloween the Hallow Queen, has been ruling the underworld below fairyland, pulling below fairyland’s shadows and therefore it’s magic. To save fairyland (again), September has to go below to stop her. I had the privilege to hear Catherynne Valente read in person last month in Kansas City. She revealed the not-so-secret-secret of Fairyland’s destiny to be a five book series and the next book takes place on the moon. Moon yeti anyone? Rich, whimsical, and unlike anything I’ve ever read, this series is turning into my most loved fantasy series I’ve ever read. Very much looking forward to reading Ms. Valente’s next instllment. And the one after that. And the one after that.

The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver

Published: HarperCollins (October 2012)

Recommended age: 8 & up

In a nutshell:  “Accompanied by an eccentric, human-sized rat, Liza embarks on a perilous quest through an underground realm to save her brother, Patrick, whose soul has been stolen by the evilest of creatures–the spider-like spindlers.” via WorldCat

Something I love about Lauren Oliver’s books, at least the middle grade fiction books I’ve read, is that they all have this cosmic, it’s a big universe out there feel. That there is so much more than we know or understand. That we all have this thing called a “soul” and it is a real thing. I was worried about reading The Spindlers right after The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland because they have some very common themes (underworlds!), but they’re so very very different and The Spindlers was so quick to read, I didn’t even give my concern a second thought.

Graphic Novels:

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Published: GRAPHIX (September 2012)

Recommended age: 10 & up

In a nutshell: Middle school student Callie finds she has just as much drama off the stage as on the stage. This theater loving girl has a knack for set design and finds friendship, heartbreak, and love all during the production of Moon Over the Missisippi. This book is so wonderful in so many ways. I never was in a play in middle school or high school, but I had friends who were and I never really understood the entirety of their world during the production of a play or musical. And in a way, I envied them. I don’t think anyone ever wants to go back to middle school, but I’m glad I did with Drama. Its charming and captures life at that age perfectly.

Rust: Visitor in the Field by Royden Lepp

Published: Archaia Entertainment (December 2011)

Recommended age: 8 & up

In a nutshell: Times are hard on the Taylor farm, but when Jet Jones crashes into their barn, it lifts the story into a whole another speed.  Older brother Roman Taylor helps repair Jet, but is weary of him. Rust has a depression era, dust bowl feel to it  but with ultra-futuristic elements that make reading it so mysterious. The only clue the reader soon learns is that the book takes place in a time just after an enormous war fought by robots on behalf of humans. After I finished I felt I had only read a short chapter from a very long, elaborate story. And I wanted more.

The next title in the series Rust: Secrets in the Cell is due out next month.

 

A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel by Madeleine L’Engle, adapted and illustrated by Hope Larson

Published: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (October 2012)

Recommended age: 10 & up

In a nutshell: I had been looking forward to this book’s release since I first heard of it early this year. It is phenomenal…

What a challenge to take a beloved piece of children’s literature, a masterpiece,  and transform it into a different medium of equal beauty in it’s own rite. Bravo Hope Larson. I absolutely loved it.

 

Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales: One Dead Spy by Nathan Hale

Published: Amulet Books (August 2012)

Recommended age: 8 & up

In a nutshell: “Nathan Hale, the author’s historical namesake, was America’s first spy, a Revolutionary War hero who famously said ‘I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country” before being hanged by the British. In the Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series, author Nathan Hale channels his namesake to present history’s roughest, toughest, and craziest stories in the graphic novel format.” via Worldcat

Both entertaining and educational? Yes, please and thank you. I always love it when I find a well constructed, historical graphic novel. I learn so much from them! I’ve been recommending this title as well as it’s follow up, Big Bad Ironclad to all the young history buffs who happen to walk through the library’s doors.

 

Teen & Adult:

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Published: Scholastic Press (October 2011)

Recommended age: 14 & up

In a nutshell: “Nineteen-year-old returning champion Sean Kendrick competes against Puck Connolly, the first girl ever to ride in the annual Scorpio Races, both trying to keep hold of their dangerous water horses long enough to make it to the finish line.” via Worldcat

Orphan Puck enters the Scorpio Race not because of pride or because she is brave; she entered to survive. When the landlord of her family home sends a notice of eviction, she decides to enter the Scorpio Races in hopes to claim the large cash reward promised to the winner. Sean Kendrick, a stable hand of the most powerful man in town and past champion of the races, takes Puck under his wing and together they become friendly allies and more…

But the thing is, only one person can win the Scorpio Races and everyone has something at stake. For Puck and Sean, their entire lives are on the line.

The tone of the story is masterfully done. Maggie Stiefvater has truly left her characters, the race, and the water horses to the imagination of the reader. I’m hoping to make time to read her latest Raven Boys over the upcoming winter break. I’ve heard very, very good things about it!

Treasure Island!!! by Sara Levine

Published: Europa Editions; Original edition (December 2011)

Recommended age: 18 & up

In a nutshell: I almost nearly peed myself several times while reading this book. Nancy Pearl recommended it as a must-read over the summer, and after listening to her NPR interview I placed a hold on a library copy that day. What a gem! A recent college graduate with a sense of entitlement and a laundry list of deadend jobs decides to adopt the classic Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, Treasure Island, as her life manual and thereby “redesigns her life according to its core values: boldness, resolution, independence, and horn-blowing.” If you’re looking for a good laugh and aren’t afraid of a little crazy, this book is for you.

 What are you reading? Please share books you or your children have enjoyed in the comments below!

image source: Wrinkle in Time via LA Times