29
Dec
Reading Together
***Reading Together is a sampling of books I’m currently reading aloud to my 3-year-old toddler, Lorelei, and newborn baby, Mira. I work in the children’s room of a public library and am always bringing home stacks and stacks of books to share together. Old and new. These are our current favorites. Some of which have been read over and over and over again…. Times thirty. To the tenth power.***
This the first “Reading Together” post that highlights what I’ve been reading lately with not one kiddo, but two!
My two girls.
The picture above was taken shortly after we brought Mira home from the hospital. Lorelei adores her sister, and since sharing books is one of our favorite things to do in our house, she didn’t waste anytime introducing her sister to a few.
Naturally, there is a bit of crossover when reading aloud to these two, so these lists aren’t entirely separate. Lorelei listens to me read to Mira and sometimes joins us. Mira is occasionally in arm while reading to L before bed. Nonetheless, here is a selection of a few mighty fine books we’ve enjoyed reading together:
Reading with Lorelei:
Journey by Aaron Becker
I did not wait to check this book out from the library. I did not ask for a review copy from the publisher. I went straight to my favorite local bookstore, The Raven, and purchased this book. It is unique, imaginative, brilliant, and beautiful. All bets on that it gets recognition as a Caldecott winner or honor in 2014.
Xander’s Panda Party by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Matt Phelan
A darling book about a panda bear who wants to throw a panda party, but he is the only panda at the zoo. What is a panda to do? A children’s book rockstar author/illustrator duo teamed up to create one of the sweetest books we’ve read all year.
Moonday by Adam Rex
Now this book is pure awesome. Totally original. The moon comes down out of the sky for a visit and puts the whole town in a dreamy state.
The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen, illustrated by Dan Hanna
Lorelei read this book at school and fell in love with it. She would cheerfully recite “I’m a pout-pout Fish with a pout-pout face, so I spread my dreary wearies all over the place! Blub, Bluub, Bluuuuuuuuuuub!” all around the house. A classic preschool favorite of both kids and adults.
I Am Blop! by Herve Tullet
I have to admit, when I first paged through this book I thought it was a bit ‘meh’. But then I saw how much Lorelei would read it over and over again, making up her own stories, and I got it. I suppose that is why Herve Tullet is so good at what he does. He engages children in a way that no one else can. He is the master of the interactive book.
What Do You Do With a Kangaroo? by Mercer Meyer
From the mind who created Little Critter, a book about a girl who is faced with a bunch of animals that give her a difficult time.
Mr. Wuffles! by David Wiesner
Mr. Schu was kind enough to send Lorelei an autographed copy of Mr. Wuffles! after David Wiesner visited his school. It seems to me that those who enjoy Mr. Wuffles the most have a strong history of cat fandom. Lorelei and I fall under this category.
I’m a Big Sister by Joanna Cole
Other than the book One Special Day, this was a favorite book to read before the baby arrived. Highly recommend for new soon-t0-be-siblings.
I’m a Frog! by Mo Willems
Oh, Elephant and Piggie… How we love to read your books. After a few reads, L ends up memorizing the stories and has been seen on multiple occasions acting them out. (See Vine above.)
Cold Snap by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated b Marjorie Priceman
When the weather turned frigid in December, we took this favorite wintery book off the shelf for a few reads.
Baby Bear Counts One by Ashley Wolff
We loved reading Baby Bear Sees Blue together and I’ve also used it in stortime, so I was delighted to see baby bear again in a new book by Ashley Wolf that introduces numbers 1-10, counting down the days until baby bear’s winter hibernation. Like Baby Bear Sees Blue, Baby Bear Counts One has gorgeous colorful illustrations. While reading this book to Lorelei, Mira would perk up and hone in on the illustrations. I’m not sure if it was the contrast of the black bear or what… She would stare and stare at the pages.
Over the River and Through the Wood: A Thanksgiving Poem by Lydia Maria Child, illustrated by Christopher Manson
We sang this book to sleep the weeks before and the weeks after Thanksgiving.
A Sister More Like Me by Barbara Jean Hicks, illustrated by Brittney Lee
A few weeks after I had the baby, I took Lorelei for some one-on-one mommy time to see the new Disney movie “Frozen”. She is now obsessed and spends her days pretending to make it snow like main character Elsa. We placed holds on every “Frozen” book the library owns and have been checking them out as they become available. This one is my favorite, because the illustrations faintly resemble the old school Disney illustrations of artist Mary Blair.
Warning: Do Not Open This Book! by Adam Lehrhaupt, illustrated b Matthew Forsythe
A recent read 0ver and over and over and over and over again book. Super illustrations and fun story. Two thumbs up.
Magic Tree House Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pop Osborne
A couple days ago, L and I wandered over into the young reader chapter book section in the library. She started selecting a few books off the shelf. Anything pink or sparkly. So, I thought if we are over here we might as well try giving Magic Tree House a go. Couldn’t hurt. Sure enough, we read through the first one in a day. She wanted to read more, so we went back to the library the next day to check out the next #2-8. The addiction has started.
Reading with Baby Mira:
Peek-a-boo! by Janet & Allan Ahlberg
Cute poem with cute illustrations. Lorelei picked this board book out for Mira at the library and we’ve been having a good time reading it since.
Peek-a-who? by Nina Laden
A former co-worker (a.k.a. retired wizard of children’s librarianship) gave this book as a gift to Mira. It’s her favorite book for wee ones.
Look Look! by Peter Linenthal
Early on, little baby eyes prefer high contrast black and white, as well as warm red or orange tones as their eyes start to develop. (You can read more about their eye sight development here.) These books by Peter Linenthal are perfect for the beginning months of a baby’s life.
The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson, illustrated by Beth Krommes
Because. It’s the best.
What are you reading together? Please share in the comments below!!
27
Dec
Review: Fairy Tale Comics
Fairy Tale Comics
Edited by Chris Duffy
Find it at: Your Library | Your Local Bookstore
Published: First Second Books, imprint of Macmillan (September 24, 2013)
Recommended reading age: 6 – 12 years
In a nutshell: In the fashion of Nursery Rhyme Comics: 50 Timeless Rhymes from 50 Celebrated Cartoonists (mentioned here!), comes Fairy Tale Comics, a compilation of celebrated graphic artists and illustrators and their interpretations of timeless fairy tales from around the world transformed into colorful, energetic comic panels. It’s the perfect gateway book into graphic novels for those unfamiliar with reading them. Like reading books with text, readers of graphic novels develop preferences in genres the more they read them. But with graphic novels you also tend to develop a preference in illustration style. At least that is what happened with me the more I read. If you or someone you know is curious to dive into the world of graphic novels, but don’t know where to start, this book is an ideal introduction. One can thumb through a sampling of modern cartoon storytellers depicting tales we all know and love. Where Nursery Rhyme Comics can also be entertaining for a younger, pre-K crowd, there are a few tales in Fairy Tale Comics that are for the older crowd (6 & up). If you’re familiar with the grim nature of original fairy tales, then you understand why. My 3-year-old loves reading these, but I’m selective as to which ones we read together (FYI).
You could be 7 or 77 and find a tale that captures your eye. Who knows, it may foster a relationship with an artist that guides you head-first into the wonderful world of graphic novels.
What if you’ve read Fairy Tale Comics? Now What?
Here are a few children’s books by artists featured in the book that are totally worth checking out:
Hilda and the Midnight Giant by Luke Pearson
(Fairy Tale: The Boy Who Drew Cats)
Brett Helquist, illustrator for A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
(Fairy Tale: Rumpelstiltskin)
Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller by Joseph Lambert
(Fairy Tale: Rabbit Will Not Help)
(Fairy Tale: Rapunzel)
Bean Dog and Nugget: The Ball by Charise Mericle Harper
(Fairy Tale: The Small Tooth Dog)
This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki COMING MAY 2014
(Fairy Tale: Baba Yaga)
Source of book reviewed: Review copy provided by the publisher.
18
Dec
Mocking It Up
It’s the time of year that puts me in the spirit of the season. And when I say “spirit of the season”, I’m not talking about Hannakah/Kwanzaa/Christmas/Eid/New Year’s. I’m talking about the Youth Media Awards. Librarians, teachers, and children’s book enthusiasts find they have an extra pep in their step as we countdown the days until the American Library Association announces their annual book awards on January 27th, 2014. Until then, while the official awards committees debate the winners in private, lists of favorite children’s books have been organized across the country to openly discuss probable winners of the awards. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this practice, these discussions and lists are referred to as “mock awards”. Yesterday, Betsy Bird posted a few mock lists on her blog and I found myself checking to see which titles were the most favorable listed. Specifically, I had my eye on the Newbery.
Now, here I’m going to let my nerd show.
I’ve complied a list of Mock Newbery nominations that were mentioned in Betsy’s post as well as a few others from various organizations that were not. Here are the goods…
Doll Bones is the clear favorite, followed by The Thing About Luck, Counting by 7’s, P.S. Be Eleven, and The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp.
I bet you’re wondering who the runner-ups are that just missed the Top 5 cut-off…
They are:
Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool (47%)
Once Came Home by Amy Timberlake (42%)
The Center of Everything by Linda Urban (42%)
Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo (42%)
The Water Castle by Megan Frazer Blakemore (37%)
Far, Far Away by Tom McNeal (37%)
These are the Mock Newbery lists I used to compile this info:
Mock Newbery lists highlighted on Fuse 8 Production:
Berkeley Carroll School Brooklyn Public Library Children’s Librarians Association of Suffolk County Dayton Metro Library Packer’s School Sacramento Public Library Saint Anne’s School St. George’s Independent School The Suffolk Cooperative Library SystemAdditional Mock Newbery lists:
Allen County Public Library Anderson’s Book Shop Daniel Boone Regional Library Eastern Shore Regional Library Global Mock Newbery Kansas City Public Library Michiana Mock Newbery Club Rhode Island Office of Library & Information Services San Diego County Office of Education South Central Kansas Library System Wake County Public Library (Eva Perry Mock Newbery)
How about you?
Do you mock?
Have any 2014 Newbery predictions?
15
Dec
Review: Boxers & Saints
Boxers & Saints
by Gene Luen Yang
Find it at: Your Library | Your Local Bookstore
Published: First Second, an imprint of Macmillan (September 10, 2013)
Recommended reading age: 12 & up
In a nutshell: I tend to use the word “favorite” on this blog quite liberally. This I know. But even so… I hope it doesn’t diminish the fact that if I had one favorite book of 2013, a favorite of all the favorites, Boxers & Saints would be it. It is a graphic novel broken up into two books, comprised of two parallel stories set in 1898, about the The Boxer Rebellion. At its center is a group of Chinese peasants trained in kung fu who fought against western “foreign devil” missionaries. There are two sides to every story, two sides to every war. Boxers depicts the side of the Boxers brigade who retaliate against the bullying of the incoming Westerners, while Saints reflects the side of the converted Christian Chinese peasants. Both main characters, Bao and Four-Girl, later named Vibiana, are each visited by their own mysterious spirit guides that lead them on opposite paths coloring both sides of the bloody story between Christian missionaries flocking to China at the turn of the century and those they sought to convert. A captivating two-sided tale with a touch of fantasy reveals the complexities of war as well as the human heart.
As tender as it is raw, Boxers & Saints is a masterful work of historical fiction storytelling. When I first started getting into reading graphic novels, the former Teen Librarian at the library where I work were recommended reading Gene Luen Yang’s American Born Chinese. I feel like you could also make the same recommendation with his latest, Boxers & Saints. It’s a great gateway book for those unfamiliar with reading graphic novels, yet it will surely pleased seasoned teen and adult readers.
Because of how much I enjoyed this book, because it’s the season of giving, because I’d like to do something for my book-loving friends who read this blog- I’m giving away one boxed set of Boxers & Saints. I’ve never hosted a giveaway here before, so HURRAH! Please be sure to enter below!
Part of a scene from Boxers:
Don’t take my word for it: “I can’t speak highly enough of these books, especially for high school teachers. There is SO MUCH HERE that could be used in classroom activities. My little teacher brain was buzzing. I strongly urge those interested in Chinese history, the Boxer Rebellion, graphic novels, swords, cool gods, kung fu, Christian history, and ambiguous morality to read these companion novels.” – review from The Librarian Who Doesn’t Say Shhhh!
Extras:
NPR interview with author Gene Luen Yang
Trailer:
Giveaway :
Rules
1. You must be 13-years-old to enter.
2. You must be living in the US or Canada.
3. Giveaway will run until 11:59pm CST on 12/18.
Source of book reviewed: Review copy provided by the publisher.
9
Dec
Mini Reviews of Recent Reads
I can’t believe my sweet baby girl was born four weeks ago and I’m wrapping up my first quarter as a grad-student today. I meant to write this post a couple of weeks ago, but it seemed to always get pushed down on the to-do list. Especially so, since sleep takes precedence when any free time became available. With so many exciting demands you’d think I’d have zero time to read, but I’ve actually been finishing more books lately than I have in quite awhile. How? Audiobooks! Hours and hours are devoted to nursing a baby each day and night, especially in the very beginning. I’ve been listening to audiobooks while I nurse and have finished three books in 10 days after returning home from the hospital. Time is hard to come by these days. As I type this, both kids are napping and I’m sipping a cup of joe. It feels good to be blogging again. I don’t write reviews of every book I read, but these were notable and I thought warranted a few words. Instead of full reviews, here are a few mini reviews of my recent reads.
Ghost Hawk
by Susan Cooper
Audiobook narrator: Jim Dale
Find it at: Your Library | Your Local Bookstore
Published: Margaret K. McElderry Books, an imprint of Simon and Schuster (August 27, 2013)
Recommended reading age: 11 & up
In a nutshell: Where do I start with this book? I automatically checked out the audiobook because I saw Susan Cooper’s name without any prior knowledge about the story. Now that I think of it, I don’t think I even read the blurb on the back of the case before I started listening to it. For fear of saying too much, I’m going to keep this review vague and simple. I hope you take the time to read this story without much prior knowledge as I have. I will say this… In the beginning the book is a coming of age story about Little Hawk, a Wampanoag boy that is soon to become a man. It quickly evolves into a story about friendship, about survival, questioning authority, family, possession, and life and death. Ghost Hawk persuades the reading to think deeply about the relationship between American Indians and early settlers in North America long ago, and for me it also lead to reflection on current relationships and attitudes. My only complaint is three fourths of the way through the quick evolution and pacing of the story slowed down and never picked back up. The ending drove the theme home; it was poetic, but also slow. As a girl, I loved reading stories that featured American Indian characters. Walk Two Moons and The Sign of the Beaver first come to mind. Ghost Hawk’s twists and hint of fantasy will surely entertain readers who enjoy survival stories and historical tales of early colonial history, but I fear it might lose younger readers at the end. A bonus to listening to the audiobook version is Jim Dale does a bang up job with Susan Cooper’s haunting prose. Ghost Hawk stayed in my thoughts long after reading it. It may not have been perfect, but I loved reading it it all the same.
Source of book reviewed: My local library!
The Thing About Luck
by Cynthia Kadohata
Find it at: Your Library | Your Local Bookstore
Published: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, and imprint of Simon and Schuster (June 4, 2013)
Recommended reading age: 10 & up
In a nutshell: I read this title before baby Mira was born, and ended up finishing it in days. A few weeks later it won The National Book Award for the Young People’s Literature category. Summer’s family is having a streak of bad luck. Her parents urgently had to leave their home in Kansas to take care of sick elderly family members in Japan, leaving her and her brother in the care of their grandparents. Her brother, Jaz, can’t seem to make friends. Regardless of the absence of her parents, her grandmother Obaachan, her grandfather Jiichan, Jaz, and Summer travel to work the wheat harvest, but bad luck seems to follow. Although the story contains strong characters and is extremely well written, I have a hard time thinking of a young reader that I would recommend The Thing About Luck to. I enjoyed reading it, but it wasn’t close to being my favorite read of the year. Even though the story itself was so-so, I really enjoyed two of the characters; Obaachan (Summer’s grandmother) and Jaz (Summer’s brother). With Obaachan, it’s either her way or the highway. A stern, no nonsense woman would be tough to live with as a preteen, but from a reader’s standpoint looking in I thought she was both hilarious and genuine. I’m no expert when it comes to special needs children, but with Jaz it seemed as though he had symptoms of autism. His behavior was never identified in one way or another, other than being different. I found him to be dynamic and interesting, and I sympathized with his struggles.
Source of book reviewed: My local library!
The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp
by Kathi Appelt
Audiobook narrator: Lyle Lovett
Find it at: Your Library | Your Local Bookstore
Published: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster (July 23, 2013)
Recommended reading age: 7 & up
In a nutshell: I totally judged this book by its cover, and it came back and kicked me in the ass. In a good way. When it first arrived at my library I discarded it thinking, “It’s a book about raccoons. Cool.” And I didn’t give it a second thought as I placed it on the shelf. But then it was shortlisted for the National Book Awards, and then KC Mock Literary Awards added it to the Mock Newbery List, so I thought I’d give it a go. The Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp was wonderful in every way. Raccoons Bingo and J’miah are two honorable scouts on a mission to save Bayou Tourterelle from a gang of hogs. At the same time, Chap Brayburn is trying to devise a plan to save the same swamp (and his recently deceased Granfather’s pie restaurant) from a greedy landlord who also wants to turn Bayou Tourterelle into an alligator wrestling theme park. The story is unique. It has soul. It has charm. It has, in my opinion, the exceptional writing and voice to be at least a Newbery Honor book. However, I do NOT enjoy Lyle Lovett’s narration of the book. At one point, my husband walked into the room while I was listening to it and said, “Ugh. This sounds painful.” I feel like it didn’t do the book justice, and I was a little disappointed that he didn’t sing the few parts that were written as a song; though it’s only a minor hiccup in the grand scheme of things. I have to give Kathi Appelt a standing ovation for this zippy, fun read that has all the ingredients of a wonderful book. If you’re looking for an entertaining read-aloud — add this novel to the list.
Source of book reviewed: My local library!
Zebra Forest
by Adina Rishe Gerwirtz
Audiobook narrator: Kate Reinders
Find it at: Your Library | Your Local Bookstore
Published: Candlewick; Debut edition (April 9, 2013)
Recommended reading age: 10 & up
In a nutshell: After I was released from the hospital, I was still very weak and very busy with the new baby. There wasn’t time to run to the library to get new books, so I begrudgingly started an account with Audible. I am so glad I did. It was a good way to listen to books until we found our bearings and Will could go to the library to pick up a few books. Anywho, Zebra Forest was my first purchase. Eleven year old Annie and her little brother Rew live with their Gran on the outskirts of town. It’s the start of summer break and other than lying to the social worker that comes to visit their house about how Gran is a sufficient caregiver, Annie plans to grow tall, have an adventure, and meet her dad. The last is more of a wish than a goal, as her father has been dead for some time, but plans or no plans, a sudden and unexpected event takes place and snowballs into a full blown hostage situation. Secrets surface as a stranger enters their lives and Annie, Rew, and Gran are in for a summer they will never forget. Even though I thought this book was a bit bizarre, I think many kids would enjoy it and it would make for an great book club discussion.
Source of book reviewed: Purchased from Audible.
Counting by 7’s
by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Audiobook narrator: Robin Miles
Find it at: Your Library | Your Local Bookstore
Published: Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin (August 29, 2013)
Recommended reading age: 10 & up
In a nutshell: This is another book I adored. Talk about a well crafted book! Genius and a bit of an odd-ball, Willow Chance is starting at a new middle school and hopes it will give her a chance to make new friends (she hasn’t had much luck by the wiith friends other than her adoptive parents). But when those two people who mean the most to her in life end up dying in a car wreck, Willow is left alone in the world. Or so she thinks. This is a children’s book that many adults would find pleasure in reading. It’s quirky characters, it is dark as many times as it is heartwarming and uplifting, and it reminds me of the movie Little Miss Sunshine. While I was listening to it, which by the way- the narration by Robin Miles is fantastic, it was if I was watching scenes from a movie. The imagery was that good. It’s a feel-good story that will leave readers rooting for Willow until the very end.
Source of book reviewed: Purchased from Audible.
4
Nov
Reading to the Bump: Tips & Books for Expecting Parents
Expecting a little bundle of joy soon? Research suggests that babies listen and learn in the womb, and a breakthrough study has found that babies can learn to recognize words in utero. But don’t go running out to purchase headphones and an audio recording of Webster’s Dictionary or Rosetta Stone for your growing belly. Baby can benefit from language learning from simply hearing everyday sounds, including mother’s voice. This research is on-going, so although it is exciting, nothing has been determined conclusively.
That said, there are a few other reasons outside of this exciting research as to why reading aloud to your unborn child is a positive experience for parent and baby:
- Bonding: Whether you already feel a strong emotional attachments to baby or are feeling a bit detached from the entire prenatal experience, reading aloud to your bump is a great opportunity to bond with your child.
- Taking time to relax: Taking 2 or 5 or 10 minutes out of your day to put your feet up and unwind is good for anyone, but it is especially good for pregnant women. Eliminating stress is key in any pregnancy.
- Start the ritual of reading aloud: Even though evidence of in utero learning is on the fence, what we do know is one of the best things you can do for your child once he or she is born is to read to them often. What better time to start than now?
I read aloud to my first daughter before she was born, and currently I read aloud to my baby on the way. With my first pregnancy, despite the physical changes my body was going through, I felt extremely disconnected to the little human growing inside. I was worried I wasn’t equipped with the mom gene, and that I was already failing inmy new role. Reading aloud helped me engage my pregnancy in a way that made me feel less removed. Also, by the time baby is born he/she will be able to recognize their mother’s voice. It is unclear if they can recognize other voices, but there is evidence that when you read aloud, you’re baby is listening. It was reassuring to know that she could hear me and we could share a story or poem together.
If you’re interested in reading aloud to baby-to-be, or know of someone who is, here are a few tips:
- It doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment. This is suppose to be a relaxing, relationship building activity, so you make the schedule. For example, I would only read about 10 minutes of the same book aloud every other day or so.
- Pick something you want to read. I’ve complied a list of book suggestions based on a few of my favorites, as well as recommendations from other parents and librarians, but you don’t have to pick a book from this list and it doesn’t have to be a kids book. Read what you like! The list is merely a guide if you’re interested in becoming familiar with children’s books.
- If you have other children, ask them to pick out a book you can all sit read together with baby.
- Ask your partner to get involved, and to read aloud to baby. It’s likely that baby won’t hear voices other than mom nearly as well. This part of research is still quite foggy, but it doesn’t hurt. Plus, it can be a bonding experience for everyone.
- Have fun! Don’t worry about feeling awkward or mispronouncing words. Baby isn’t going to judge. This is between the two of you!
Did you receive 3 or 4 copies of The Very Hungry Caterpillar at your baby shower? Looking for some new reading material? As I mentioned earlier, with the help of a few wonderful parents and librarian friends, I’ve created a book list for expecting parents looking to read to their baby in utero. Think of it as a starter list for those interested in diving into the vast and wonderful world of children’s literature. There are many different types of books from picture to poetry to chapter books, a sampling of books with rhyme and rhythm, excellent early literacy devices, and also a sampling of favorite timeless stories. Enjoy!
Books List for Reading to Baby In Utero
Picture Books & Early Readers
The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson, illustrated by Beth Krommes
Beautiful illustrations with beautiful verse. This Caldecott winning picture book is a wonderful, short read-aloud.
(recommended by @storytiming)
The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear, illustrated by Jan Brett
The classic nursery rhyme illustrated by one of the most celebrated children’s book illustrators.
(recommended by @MelissaZD)
All the World by Elizabeth Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Marla Frazee
Lovely rhyming verse about one family’s day together.
(recommended by @PoesyGalore @MelissaZD)
Stars by Mary Lyn Ray, illustrated by Marla Frazee
Another picture book illustrated by the talented Marla Frazee.
Jamberry by Bruce Degen
A colorful, sing song story about a bear, a boy, and berries.
(recommended by @iamemmamusic)
A Good Day by Kevin Henkes
A book that teaches it’s reader all about perspective.
Ten Little Fingers, Ten Little Toes By Mem Fox, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
(recommended by @iamemmamusic)
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, illustrated by Robert Lawson
This classic is a favorite storytime book for a couple of the librarians I work with. We adore Ferdinand’s gentle heart.
The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster, illustrated b Chris Raschka
Two kid lit greats – Norton Juster and Chris Rashka – produced a gorgous and playful book about a little girl and her grandparents.
(recommended by @MelissaZD)
Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik, illustrated by Maurice Sendak
Adorable early reader book about a curious little bear, his parents, his friends, and their adventures. Also recommend A Kiss for Little Bear, Father Bear Comes Home, Little Bear’s Visit, and Little Bear’s Friend.
There Is a Bird on Your Head! by Mo Willems
Pee-your-pants-hilarious duo, Elephant & Piggie books are as loved by adults as they are children. Also try, Should I Share My Ice Cream?, I Am Invited to a Party!, I Broke My Trunk!, Let’s Go for a Drive!, and more!… all Elephant & Piggie books!
(recommended by @MelissaZD)
A silly tale about a silly little monkey that both you and your future monkey will enjoy.
(recommended by @cbsundance)
Poetry
When We Were Very Young and Now We Are Six by A.A. Milne
A collection of darling poetry by the author of the Winnie the Pooh books.
Here’s a Little Poem: A Very First Book of Poetry collected by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fussek Peters, illustrated by Polly Dunbar
A collection of short poetry from various children’s book authors and poets or both. This is a great book to use once baby is born too.
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstien
Humorous rhymes by one of the most celebrated children’s poets of all time. Also be sure to check out A Light in the Attic and Falling Up.
(recommended by @gcaserotti)
Chapter Books
My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannet, illustrated by Ruth Chrisman Gannett
This book is very short, yet very charming; a read about a young boy that runs away from home to rescue a dragon, and finds himself on Wild Island, inhabited by many animals. This one quickly captures the imagination.
(recommended by @MelissaZD)
The Animal Family by Randall Jarrell, illustrated by Maurice Sendak
My husband and I read this book to my soon to be due any day now. It’s a wonderful story about a family of misfits that you fall for within moments of reading.
(recommended by @MelissaZD)
The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery
A fantastical tale of an aviator who meets a little prince and their adventures trying to seek out the secret of what is important in life.
(recommended by @gcaserotti)
Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne, illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard
Everyone’s favorite bear. If you’ve never taken time to read the actual book, you are surely in for a treat. Rich and full of depth, you’d never know a silly ol’ bear was so full of wisdom.
(recommended by @gcaserotti)
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Marla Frazee
This read is as sweet as can be. A unique, 8-year-old girl who seems to get herself in a whole lot of trouble.
(recommended by @MelissaZD @gcaserotti)
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
You can’t go wrong with a book by Roald Dahl (Matilda, Fantastic Mr. Fox). This is one of his shorter chapter books, yet possesses all the magic and whims you find within the pages of all his books.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
A heart-warming story that about the friendship between a pig and a spider, and how they attempt to change fate.
Ginger Pye by Elanor Estes
A pup named Ginger goes missing, and a mysterious man appears in the lives of the Pye family.
(recommended by @iamemmamusic)
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
The story of one china doll rabbit and the power of love. “Someone will come for you, but first you must open your heart…” I planned to read this book to the bump in the short time I have left before she is born.
Looking for more books to add to your repertoire? Check out Anita Silvey’s Children’s Book-A-Day Almanac and Nancy Pearl’s Book Crush for even more children’s book suggestions.
Have any books that you’d like to add to the list or experiences of your own? Please share in the comments below!
29
Oct
Review: The Water Castle
The Water Castle
by Megan Frazer Blakemore
Find it at: Your Library | Your Local Bookstore
Published: Walker Childrens, imprint of Bloomsbury Kids (January 8, 2013)
Recommended reading age: 10 & up
In a nutshell: “Believe in the unbelievable…” When I came across this book at ALA Midwinter in January, I was immediately drawn to the cover and the tagline. Even though I was intrigued at the time, and even though there was quite a bit of buzz circulating about this title, because I tend to be a bit of a spaz with my reading habits and I caught the baby bug following that trip, I didn’t get around to reading it until a few weeks ago. Better late than never, and boy would I have been sad if I had skipped out on reading one of the most complex and gripping children’s books of the year!
Ephraim Appledore-Smith and his family have just picked up and moved to a small town in Maine to a house he has never been to, and which was left to the Appledore family some years ago; a house called the Water Castle. After his father’s stroke, which left him unresponsive and entirely dependent on others, Ephraim’s mother thought it would be best for his recovery to leave Boston and move to the small town of Crystal Springs. What seems like an ordinary small town at first turns out to be anything but. All the children in the town are extremely smart. In fact, they excel at almost everything they do. Shortly after moving, Ephraim meets Mallory Green, who’s family has looked after the Appledore estate dating back to the time it was built. Mallory loved hearing the stories about the Water Castle, it’s history, mysteries, and myths of a secret Fountain of Youth. But as she grew older, she stops believing in those fantasy stories, specifically around the time of her parents’ separation. Trying to be helpful to the new family, Mallory’s father offers to give Ephraim and his sister rides to school. Mallory’s adamant refusal to have anything to do with the Water Castle and the Appledore family, leaves her with an attitude anything but welcoming to Ephraim. Ephraim learns quickly like the Crystal Springs school is far more advanced than his former school where he was an honors student. Everyone seems to always be one step ahead, especially Will Wylie who seems to have a chip on his shoulder towards Ephraim. After learning the backstory behind Mallory’s, Will’s, and his own family history, a common interest in the town’s famous Fountain of Youth myth brings these three characters together despite a rift that has separated their families for centuries.
The story goes back and forth between past and present; between the journal entries of Nora Darling (Dr. Orlando Appledore’s assistant), and the trio of Ephraim, Mallory, and Will and their investigation of the mysterious claims behind the Fountain of Youth. The Water Castle was published at the perfect time, with the implementation of Common Core standards and the STEAM literacy focus in education, teachers are looking for ways in which to incorporate factual texts into their language arts curriculum. In fact, author Megan Frazer Blakemore, who is also a school librarian, created an educator’s guide that is built around these standards. So smart. While reading this book, I regularly paused and thought, “Man, this book would be incredible for a library program or a series of library programs”. The science, the history, the exploration, and the enchantment would be tempting to any educator of young minds. The Water Castle temps it’s reader to delve into the unbelievable.
What I liked the most about this book was that it dabbles in the unknown; that sometimes even science can’t explain everything. Or can it? That sometimes believing in something hard enough doesn’t make it real, and that even the biggest critic can find wonder in the unthinkable. Is this book realistic fiction, science fiction, or fantasy? Well… I’ll leave that for you to decide.
Don’t take my word for it: “Author Megan Frazer Blakemore doesn’t write down to her audience, instead she writes up to it. Because of that, there’s a sophisticated elegance that runs throughout the book. “Water Castle” isn’t a fast read, but it’s an engrossing one. You become invested in the characters and you want to know the outcome. It would be interesting to see how a classroom of children would react to this book read aloud.” – review from Cracking the Cover
Trailer:
Extras: Visit author Megan Frazer Blakemore on her website.
Curious City DPW has an entire programming kit for The Water Castle created to inspire public libraries as well as elementary and middle school libraries. You can view those ideas here.
Download The Water Castle educator’s guide here.
Read Megan Frazer Blakemore’s Nerdy Book Club post “Books Become Your Home”.
Source of book reviewed: Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by the publisher.
14
Oct
Review: Sophie’s Squash
Sophie’s Squash
by Pat Zietlow Miller and Anne Wilsdorf
Find it at: Your Library | Your Local Bookstore
Published: Schwartz & Wade, imprint of Random House Kids (August 6, 2013)
Recommended Reading Age: 3-7
In a nutshell: Tis the season of pumpkins, gourds, and delicious squash! While pumpkins remain to be in the spotlight during this time, especially with the anticipation of Halloween in a few weeks, butternut squash may take rise in their popularity all because of one little girl named Sophie who found a friend among one in this new picture book, Sophie’s Squash.
On a visit to the farmer’s market, Sophie and her parents purchase a butternut squash. While her parents expected to cook it for supper later that night, Sophie has something else entirely in mind. The squash quickly becomes Sophie’s friend. She draws a face on it, names it “Bernice”, and the two become inseparable. Her parents keep trying to convince Sophie that Bernice is in fact a squash and that they will have to cook her soon, but Sophie won’t hear of it. Bernice goes with Sophie to the library, on regular trips to the farmer’s market, and plays in the garden. Nearing the end of fall, Bernice starts to go bad, so Sophie seeks the council of the man at the farmer’s market who sold her Bernice in the first place. He, in turn, gives her advice that teaches Sophie that sometimes the best friendships just need a little room to grow.
I first saw this book reviewed by Travis from 100 Scope Notes back in September, and my first thought was “No freaking way. Pat Zietlow reads my blog!”
Well, I know that’s probably not the case, but the reason I thought that was because last winter Little L had a butternut squash friend named “Fwash the Squash”. I even wrote a short post about him HERE back in March. So, my instant reaction was that this story was about Fwash! Granted it takes months and years for a book to be published, but I thought it was pure serendipity that this book came about shortly after Fwash. While I was away in Seattle for library school orientation, I purchased Sophie’s Squash for Lorelei as a souvenir for when I returned home. We have been reading Sophie’s Squash as a part of our regular reading repertoire ever since. She loves it when my husband reads the story to her, because he exchanges Sophie’s name for Lorelei’s.
Sophie’s Squash has inspired my daughter to plant a few butternut squash seeds so we can grow our own Fwash family. A fun story with a very important lessons in friendship, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more Fwash’s and Bernice’s nestled in the arms of preschoolers around town.
Don’t take my word for it: “It’s the sort of story I can see just about any kid relating to, either because they are still like Sophie or because they can look back with a knowing smile. A nice addition to your fall read aloud collection.” – 100 Scope Notes
Extras: A few fun and free activities for Sophie’s Squash available from the Random House Kids website:
How to Host a Sophie’s Squash Storytime
Source of book reviewed: Purchased at the University Book Store in Seattle, Washington. (Which has a wonderful children’s section if I do say so!)
1
Oct
Review: The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two
The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two
by Catherynne M. Valente
Find it at: Your Library | Amazon | Your Local Bookstore
Published: Feiwel & Friends, imprint of Macmillan (October 1, 2013)
Recommended Reading Age: 10 & up
In a Nutshell: There is nothing quite like finding a book that speaks to you in a way no others ever have. That’s how I feel about Catherynne M. Valente’s Fairyland series.
September is waiting. Waiting away her days for the moment she can return to Fairyland to see her friends, the Wyverary, A-through-L (Ell) and the Marid boy, Saturday. Now fourteen years old, she is quickly slipping from childhood. She is growing in stature and is learning to drive, yet it seems every waking hour her thoughts are occupied by Fairlyand. Over a year has passed since her return, so she waits and waits and waits to be whisked away once again.
Instead of being escorted as she envisioned, September comes across a rip in the seam, so to speak, between Fairyland and her world in Omaha, Nebraska. While driving her neighbor’s Model A (which is similar to riding a wyvren), she meets a Lineman and her greyhound mending a hole in the Line that separates Fairyland from the world September was born into. Despite the Lineman and the greyhounds efforts, a Blue Wind and flock of puffins snuck through all of a sudden and took the Model A with them back into Fairyland. September, determined not to give up the chance to return, followed them by leaping through the crack before the Lineman could stop her.
And so the adventures begin once again. This time our September finds herself to be a titled Criminal on a journey to the moon which reveals another quest to save Fairyland yet again. And I’m afraid, my friends, of saying too much more for fear I will reveal too much. The third in the Fairyland series, I found myself as nervous about reading this most recent addition as I was the sequel, The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led Revels There. The first of the series, The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making is easily one of the best (if not the best) children’s books I have ever read in the middle grade genre. So, I went into reading the second book with hesitance for fear that it would not hold a candle to the first, but it stood firmly on it’s own two feet, not needing the support of the first book. It was exquisite. Silly me to have those same feelings rise up again in my chest when handed the third edition earlier this year. I should have known better.
The theme of time ripples throughout this tale. Time as a separator, a shape-shifter, as a measure of one’s fate, and how one can defy it with the choices we make to take charge of our own destiny. The main takeaway after reading this book was how it touches upon so many elements that exist in our non-Fairyland world; things such as money, family, age, relationships. When placed in the context of the world and characters of Fairyland, it reveals powerful revelations such that both young people and us grown folk will walk away more enlightened.
Reading Cayherynne M. Valente is like having desert before dinner. Once you have your triple chocolate mouse torte, or a slice of ginger peach pie, dinner seems suddenly less appealing. After reading the rich prose in The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two, it took me awhile to transition into reading other books. All the Fairyland books are THAT good. Looking forward in 50 years, I truly believe this series will sit on the same pedestal as fantasy revolutionaries such as The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland.
Trailer:
Extras: Below are a few of Ana Juan’s chapter illustrations featured in The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two including a glimpse of the moon yeti. I included the captions of the chapter titles the art corresponds to.
Where There’s a Whelk There’s a Way: In Which September Walks on the Moon, Is Accused of Sundry Wickedness by a Lobster and Two Jackals, Hails a Crab, and Meets a Very Unusual Mollusk.
The Yeti’s Paw: In Which September Learns of the Foibles of Fairies, Shirks Her Work (but Only Briefly), and a Very Speedy Yeti Makes Trouble for Everyone.
Last September: In Which Two Septembers and Two Wyverns Reveal Two Paths Forward
Also, if you’re a librarian, library-type, or library lover, please enjoy the transcript of Catherynne M. Valente’s speech, “We Are All Wyveraries: A Love Letter to Libraries” for a School Library Journal function back in 2013. I’ve read it at least six or seven times. It’s magical.
More info about Catherynne Valente and her books can be found on her website HERE.
Source of book reviewed: Advanced Reader’s Copy from the publisher.
30
Sep
Review: Bluffton
Bluffton: My Summers with Buster Keaton
by Matt Phelan
Find it at: Your Library | Amazon | Your Local Bookstore
Published: Candlewick (July 23, 2013)
Recommended Reading Age: 9 & up
In a Nutshell: While I’ve seen the cover of Matt Phelan’s Bluffton pop up in book reviews while perusing the internet recently, I haven’t actually read any of the reviews (darn work and grad school), so I didn’t have any expectations when I checked it out. I’ve read both The Storm in the Barn and Around the World, so I expected the same caliber work from Bluffton. There is no mistake his previous graphic novels are exceptional, but Bluffton goes above and beyond.
Henry Harrison is a boy from quiet Muskegon, Michigan at the turn of the 20th century. In the year 1908, the quite little city caught wind of entertainment and excitement when a troupe of vaudevilles took residency in the neighboring town of Bluffton. Henry quickly becomes friends with the child actor, Buster Keaton, who is a part of the vaudeville group as a member of a family act that tours nationally. All summer the boys play baseball, Buster employs them to run a few pranks, and Henry pleads for Buster to teach him a stage trick or two which Buster seems to avoid. The summer is like a dream for Henry until the reality of fall rolls in and the performers leave Bluffton. It’s back to school and the same 0ld daily routine. That is, until next summer.
The story is told through the series of summers Henry and Buster spend together with short snippets of Henry’s life in between those summers. Buster Keaton is known for his slapstick comedy act. His early talent and personality as an entertainer shine through this story, but Bluffton also touches upon a few dark patches of his childhood. In particular, his father’s drinking and his life as a vaudeville act, which was actually quite violent. Everything was not all fun and games for Buster. Henry, who envies Buster’s lifestyle, starts to understand that which each passing summer.
Muskegon, Michigan is fairly close to Ludington, Michigan, my husband’s hometown and where we lived briefly before moving to Lawrence. It was fun to read this story with the familiarity of how breezy and carefree summers are on the shore of Lake Michigan. There is much to admire when reading Bluffton. The beautiful soft watercolor panels, the heartwarming (and heartbreaking) storyline of Buster’s life, and Henry’s own story of how Buster and the visiting vaudevilles impacted his own childhood. This graphic novel will sweep you up in between it’s pages of history and heart.
Don’t Take My Word for It: “Matt Phelan turns his soft and whimsical style from illustration to graphic novel in Bluffton, giving the final presentation a nostalgic feel that fits Henry’s reminiscences perfectly. And though Henry’s story is fiction, much of Buster’s is true, so readers get a fascinating glimpse into a largely-forgotten era of show business.” – review from The Lemon-Squash Bookclub
Extras: Learn more about Matt Phelan on his website.
Take a minute to read Matt Phelan’s post “Research Gold” for a little background behind writing Bluffton over at the Nerdy Book Club. As well as Matt Phelan’s posts on his personal blog HERE and HERE about “The Road to Bluffton”.
Source of Book Reviewed: My local library!
image source: Bluffton illustrations
