Sturdy for Common Things

Review: A Tangle of Knots

A Tangle of Knots

by Lisa Graff

Find it at: Your library | Amazon |Indiebound

Published: Philomel, an imprint of Penguin Books for Young Readers (February 5, 2013)

Recommended Reading Age: 8 & up

In a nutshell: Magic, mystery, and… CAKE! A Tangle of Knots is set in a world that seems like the one we live in with one exception; each person harbors a special Talent, an activity or ability that is far superior in one way or another. Cady is an eleven-year-old orphan who has a Talent for baking prize-winning cakes that perfectly match the person the cake is baked for. She has been living at Miss Mallory’s orphanage since she was a baby, watching other orphans come and go. Miss Mallory has a Talent for placing children in homes, but has never seemed to find one for Cady. After a brief turn of events, Cady is placed temporarily with an odd man named Toby who lives in an upstairs bedroom of the town’s Lost Luggage Emporium. There she meets a crew of misfit characters who’s fates have seemed to cross paths and will reveal the mystery of Cady’s history.

A Tangle of Knots has been on my to-read list for awhile. Lucky me, just the other day I was happy to find it available at the library, so I checked it out and was finished reading it within a few days. It’s a very quick read, and one that fans of Savvy would enjoy immensely. Each chapter  is written from a different character’s perspective (and there are a few of them), which in the beginning shows only glimpses of the direction the story is going in. But as the book progresses the plot starts to mesh together and characters that seemed separate at first, come together in a truly original storyline. Plus, since Cady’s talent is baking cakes, the author included a handful of Cady’s recipes. Toby’s (Not Quite Perfect) Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting almost had me drooling on the book. I’m a nut for frosting.

Each character in A Tangle of Knots is a key ingredient that when mixed together makes a delightful tale with many sweet surprises. Graff has crafted a story with all the elements to make a book whimsical, fun, and delectable for all ages.

Don’t take my word for it: “Lisa Graff will charm and delight tween readers in her book A Tangle of Knots.  Graff was able to weave a bit of humor and magic into a tale about fate, talent, and connectivity that will inspire tween readers to ponder what their own special talent could be.” – review from heatherthelibrarybelle

Extras: Test out the recipes included in A Tangle of Knots via Lisa Graff’s website.

Source of book reviewed: Checked out a copy of this title from my local library!

Top 5 Highlights of #ALA2013

Last weekend I was in Chicago for the American Library Association’s Annual Conference. Huzzah! Since I run a summer library club for kids on Monday and had to get home to watch the kiddo, I could only stay for a full Friday and Saturday. Even so, it was a busy and eventful trip. These are the highlights…

1. Incredible People Doing Incredible Things

The first thing I did when I arrived in Chicago on Thursday night was take a walk. I miss living in a city, and when I find myself in one I end up doing my favorite past-time activity… Walking the streets without a destination. While I was out stretching my legs I fell upon the Chicago Public Library, so I went inside to check out the children’s department and look around. Inscribed on entrance walls is this:

“We welcome and support all people in their enjoyment of reading and pursuit of lifelong learning. Working together we strive to provide equal access to information, ideas, and knowledge through books, programs, and other resources. We believe in the freedom to read, to learn, to discover.”

“Support all people”… “lifelong learning”… “working together”…  “equal access”

A mission statement that rings true to what many librarians of today are striving to provide the people they serve. Librarians are advocates. They are changing the way they engage their communities. The most enjoyable part of attending ALA Annual was the opportunity for a shared experience. The sharing of goals, the sharing of ideas, and sharing the future. Innovators like Justin Hoenke (Justin the Librarian) has a big heart and a big vision for his teens (and libraries in general) over at the Chattanooga Public Library, a library to take note of as they pave the way of change for the future of libraries. Totally awesome person. The funny and charming Matthew Winner (The Busy Librarian) co-authored a book coming out this fall, Teach Math with the Wii, holds an enthusiastic vision for how to incorporate math principles through an enjoyable and approachable, all-ages activity… Gaming. Brilliant! Matthew has a positive energy that is contagious. Many of you storytime people are familiar with Melissa Depper (Mel’s Desk) whether through her storytime blog, the popular flannel board collective, Flannel Fridays, or her work as co-founder of CLEL (Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy). I love this woman.

I had the pleasure of taking a stroll to the Walden Pond cocktail party with a few Nerdy Book Club folks, many of whom I hadn’t met yet. Cynthia Alaniz (Librarian in Cute Shoes) and I had met at ALA Midwinter last January, and she is transferring roles from a teacher to a school librarian this fall. I have a feeling she’s going to be a terrific librarian! It was a pleasure to finally meet Michiganders Colby Sharp (sharpread), the popular kid lit blogger, tweeter, and co-creator of the first nErDcamp Battle Creek, an edcamp with a children’s literature focus, Brian Wyzlic (WYZ Reads), also a teacher and Michigander and all around cool guy, and Katherine Skolowski (Read, Write, Reflect) who’s also a teacher and another Nerdy Book Club big wig.

At the party I briefly chatted with Lalitha about working in libraries and about our kids. It wasn’t until later that I found out she has a blog about multicultural books for children and teens, Masala Reader, which is definitely worth checking out.

I finally met Laura and Erinn, the Library as Incubator Project folks, face-to-face after their panel session “Humanities in the Digital Era: Mashing Up Public Programs with MOOCs, Media, and More” They’re in the process of launching a sister site under the LAIP umbrella, Book-to-Art Club, a monthly feature/kit where you read a book and use art to engage with the text. The art will then be featured on the site. I’m *really* looking forward to seeing this program come to life.

If you don’t already follow the people mentioned above, please do. I wanted to introduce you to them so you have the pleasure of making their acquaintance, and can be inspired by their library and literary superpowers.

 

2. Guerrilla Storytime

#GuerrillaStorytime is the perfect example of why youth librarians are the bomb-diggity-dog.

The idea of Guerrilla Storytime (I believe) first appeared on the ALSC Blog. At least that’s the first time I saw mention of it. It was a series of gatherings that took place in the Uncommons of ALA Annual for children’s librarians to talk about and troubleshoot common storytime issues. I went to the Friday session and it reminded me of what I love about youth services librarians. They’re willing to take the stage, sing and clap along, or bust out a ukelele. Guerrilla Storytime was a call to come together to help each other grow to help our communities through the time-honored library program, storytime.

For those of you who weren’t able to attend, Amy the Show Me Librarian wrote an extensive recap here, as well as Melissa from Mel’s Desk which can be found here. I hope it is a concept that will grow into either a twitter chat, a Google hangout, or at least continue at future conferences. It’s important to be there for each other. Yay storytime!

3. Lunch with Movers and Shakers

I have to say… I was a wee bit nervous attending Library Journal’s Mover’s and Shaker’s Luncheon on Friday afternoon. More so than I’d care to admit. With a deep breath and my Shirley Temple cocktail in hand, I took it all in and made a few new friends in the process. Author John Scalzi read a passionate essay of his, “A Personal History of Libraries”, which brought tears to my eyes. And no, it wasn’t just me being a hormonal pregnant person. He seemed to have the entire room entranced.

Bonus! LJ Editor-at-Large, John Berry, and I talked in depth about Bleeding Kansas, John Brown, and Lawrence, Kansas. He’s a Lawrence admirer and his best friend is the late Truman Nelson who wrote The Old Man: John Brown at Harper’s Ferry. The love of Lawrence is all around, my friends.

4. #ScieszkaKrosozkaTelgemeierandTenNapeltalkcomics

What happens when you put graphic novel authors, Jarret Krosozka, Raina Telgemeir, Ted TenNapel and kid lit great Jon Scieska in a room full of librarians? Lots and lots of laughter. Hands down the most fun I have had during a conference session EVER. The panel’s focus was the importance of visual literacy and how graphic novels are a tried and true hook for reluctant readers.  The hashtag for the session? #ScieszkaKrosozkaTelgemeierandTenNapeltalkcomics

5. September is back!

I wasn’t able to comb through the exhibits like I did at ALA Midwinter, but I did make sure to pick up a copy of the next edition of Catherynne Valente’s Fairlyand series, The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two. It was the one book I made a priority to get while in Chicago. Looking forward to September’s latest adventure and the appearance of, wait for it… Moon yetis!

 

There were so many sessions I wanted to attend, people I wanted to meet, and books I wanted to check out, but alas I had to get back. I’m sure I forgot a few names and other highlights to note in this recap. You’ll have to forgive me. Since I’m a mother of a young child and pregnant, I no longer have the ability to form memories. While I’m looking forward to keeping up with new industry friends and continue my journey in the future of libraries, the end of my trip had the most impact.

On my flight home I had a conversation with a line chef from Kansas City. He asked me what I was doing in Chicago and I replied that I was at a library conference. He looked at me puzzled and responded, “I didn’t know librarians were youthful?” His follow up question was if librarians drink, and if they talked “potty talk”. It wasn’t that he was unfamiliar with using libraries. He recited the Dewey Decimal number for cookbooks (641.5) to me with ease. It was his perception of librarians, who we are, the services we offer, and how that relates to him. It was humbling after being at a conference abuzz with exciting possibilities, but it also reminded me that among the latest trends we have work to do; to work together to be advocates for learning, accessible to all.

 

News: It’s a…

The day before I left for ALA in Chicago last week, we found out the gender of the baby.

(Drum roll, please.)

It’s..

a…

 

GIRL! A strong baby girl coming to a world near you this November. Many of our family and friends thought it was going to be a boy. We had no preference. Just a healthy baby. And we’re ecstatic to be having another little girl enter our lives.

Let the naming games begin!

Review: The Cats of Tanglewod Forest

 

The Cats of Tanglewood Forest

by Charles De Lint, illustrated by Charles Vess

Find it at: Your Library | Amazon | Indiebound

Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (March 5, 2013)

Recommended reading age: 8 & up

In a nutshell: Take a glance at the cover of this book. Multiple cats, a fox, and something slightly magical about the glow coming from the forest and the reflection of the girl in the pond. Technically you’re not suppose to judge a book by it’s cover, but the cover of The Cats of Tanglewood Forest by Charles De Lint, illustrated by Charles Vess, won me over with a few of my  favorite things.

“The magic is all around you, if only you open your eyes….”

Lillian Kindred lives on a farm with her aunt surrounded by a lush forest. During the day, in her time between chores Lillian runs through the forest to try and snatch a glimpse of the fairies she believes lives there. She also is sure to leave a saucer for all the stray cats that seem to hover around the farm and a piece of her breakfast biscuit for the Apple Tree Man, a mysterious old apple tree that she is certain s has a spirit.

One particular morning while wandering through the forest, Lillian finds a deer that she suddenly feels inclined to chase through the forest. After a long run she falls asleep under a beech tree that also happens to be occupied by a deadly snake that bites her while she slumbers. It would have been the end of Lillian (but it’s only the beginning of the story!), when the stray cats come to her attention. In her deathly delirium, she hears the cats arguing about whether or not to save her and when they agree to before it was too late Lillian is revived, but not as a girl. As a kitten.

Confused and upset, Lillian sets out to find a way to transform into a human again. Along the way she meets T.H. Reynolds (T.H. stands for “Truthful” and “Handsome”), a fox who agrees to help her. But what Lillian does not know is that to reverse her destiny means she will have to endure the consequences of her alternate destiny. A new path that could be devastating that would launch her into a new magical  journey of reversing the fates.

The style in which The Cats of Tanglewood Forest is written, it could have been plucked off a dusty bookshelf of old fairy tales and folk tales. There is a timelessness that is captivating and effortless to read. Charles De Lint has previously paired up with illustrator Charles Vess for many books, including A Circle of Cats, a picture book almost identical to The Cats of Tanglewood story released several years ago.

The book I read was an advanced reader copy, so I wasn’t able to enjoy the illuminating illustrations by Charles Vess until I happened to come across the book again at my local bookstore after it was released. It reminded me of how much I enjoy color illustrations in middle grade novels, which seems to be rare and old-fashioned.

My first Charles De Lint reading experience and certainly not my last. The Cats of Tanglewood Forest is a novel that would work wonderfully as a read aloud or as an independent afternoon read outside under a shady beech tree.

Just be sure to watch for snakes.

Don’t take my word for it: “Charles De Lint’s The Cats of Tanglewood Forest is an unforgettable folklore brimming with magic, extraordinary creatures, and filled with adventure.” – review from Mundie Kids

Extras: For more information on Charles De Lint and the books he has written can be found on his website. To view more of Charles Vess’ illustrations, check out the Little. Brown Books for Young Readers pinboard.

 Source of book reviewed: Advanced Reader Copy provided by the publisher, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
image sources: book illustrations from abingdon360

The Slump

I have found myself in an uncomfortable predicament.

A slump. A blogging slump, to be exact. Ever since my first trimester of being pregnant, when I slept during any minute free time that was available, I haven’t been able to get back into a regular blogging routine. Now I’m halfway into my pregnancy and have still not found my way back. And it’s not for a lack of things to blog about,  I just haven’t figured out how to get back into a steady routine. In the past, I’ve been able to (kind sorta) balance work and motherhood with a husband who is in school full-time. But this new baby is throwing me for a loop, and I’m not even changing diapers yet. Blogging is an important and valuable part of my life, why can’t I get it together?

Author Shannon Hale wrote a post about what it’s like to be a writer and a mother, and I found her personal experiences and routine helped answer a lot of the questions of why I’m feeling so blocked. It mostly boils down to time-filllers and knowing that it’s impossible to be available to everyone at all times – and this includes your own children. Uninterrupted time has to be set aside for writing. Rebecca Mead in her article in The New Yorker, “Writers and the Optimal-Child-Count Spectrum”, hit the nail on the head: “Any person’s independent productivity depends not upon the head count of her children but the sum of her free hours.”

Granted, I’m not a published author and I only have one with one on the way, but I still feel the stretch. I’m working on it. Writing even this post has been both therapeutic and motivating. It feels good to be here.

Have you ever been in a slump? Or have any advice on how you balance your work/passions and motherhood? I welcome (and encourage!) feedback.

 

 

 

image source: cat sleeping on laptop via 1funny