Midweek Peek

Just checking in to see how everyone is enjoying their week. At our house, we are obsessed with puzzles and engulfed in multiple daily readings of this cute little book C & J gave me for Mother's Day: I Love My Mommy Because... by Laurel Porter-Gaylord


It's a somewhat older title (1991, I think), but really adorable and enjoyable. It's the perfect read for this time of year...with Mother's Day having just passed and all the new life springing from the flowers, plants, birds and bunnies surrounding us.


During J's naptimes this week, I've been heading out to our deck to sit in the breezy shade and read a sweet, gentle non-fiction book entitled Remember the Sweet Things by Ellen Greene.

Greene writes with candor and humor about her list of "sweet things"--the kind, loving, and goofy things her husband did for her during their 20 years of marriage. The book is much more than just a recounting of the list. It reads much like a memoir. Something about it--the setting, the tone, the characters-- reminds me of Richard Russo's Empire Falls. But, maybe it's just that Greene likens her husband to Paul Newman, who played the cantankerous Max Roby in the HBO film. Anyway, it's such a nice premise and a timely read, as C and just celebrated our wedding anniversary.

Well, speaking of sweet things, I'll leave you with the news that I've got another giveaway coming up! It was my hope to do it as an accompaniment to Children's Book Week but I didn't get my act together in time. Hopefully, I can launch it later this week, so stay tuned!!

Top 10 Picture Books

Here are my picks for Fuse's Top 100 Picture Books Poll over at School Library Journal. There are still a few hours left to participate! Choose your top 10 picture books and Elizabeth will award points to each. In April, after she's worked out all the numbers, she'll reveal the Top 100!

1. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Just an incredibly timeless, enjoyable and imaginative book.

1 here the Wild Things Are by Maurice Senda

It's my guess that tis one of the bestselling children's books of all time. It's somethingyone can identify with, and after all these years, the illustrations still stand out as remarkabl

2. Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathman

2. Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann

Possibly my favorite picture book of all time. Really demonstrates reading as being a conversation.

Most likely my favorite picture book ever. I love the depth and vibrancy of the illustrations. The simplicity of the text is contrasted by the detail of the pictures and of the story. It makes for such a complete and rewarding reading experience.

3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

This is the cumulative tale gold standard. Not many books have endings that can compete with the thrill and beauty of this one.

4. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

4. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

A classic. Who doesn't own this and love it?

a Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr.


5. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.
This ones got story, rhythm, rhyming, repetition, humor, and fun art by Lois Ehlert.

Crazy-fun rhythm, letter knowledge and great artwork from Lois Ehlert.

6. We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen

6. We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen

Reading can get you up and out of your seat! Check out the author's dramatic reading.

Fn and exciting, rhythm and rhyming, repetition, and on top of that it gets you up andng. Perfect example to show that books are often meant to be read aloud, experienced and played with

7. Mae Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

7. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

A classic that's based on a true and heartwarming story. Can't get much better than that!

on't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems

8. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems

I picked this for its originality and innovation. There've been a lot of knock-offs in the last few years, but they just don't measure up. There's something special about this begging, whining pigeon! (And, the author's blog is lots of fun, too!)

9. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

I'd count this as another classic. Really cool illustrations. Great imagination. Humor. And it spans a wide reader age range. And, it's a forthcoming movie!!

10. No, David! by David Shannon

Yet another great original concept, full of orneriness that all kids (and parents) can identify with.

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What picture book gems would be included in your Top 10?

Read Your Way Through...Picky Eating

Boo Boo by Oliver Dunrea

A small curious gosling loves to eat...almost anything. Boo Boo sets a good example to youngsters as he's willing to try new things.

Crunch Munch by Jonathan London; illustrated by Michael Rex

With crunches and munches, slops and slurps, kids will love participating in this story that rhythmically shows how various animals eat. Parents will appreciate that it ends with the question, "How do you eat?", giving an opportunity to sneak in a reminder or a little discussion about food and nutrition!

Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal; illustrated by Jen Corace

Are meals and eating habits stressing you out? This delightful book brings some much-needed humor to the topic. Poor Little Pea must finish a plateful of candy before his favorite dessert -- fresh veggies!

To Market, to Market by Anne Miranda; illustrated by Janet Stevens

This book is useful for introducing new vocabulary to young kids: a "Spring lamb", a "live trout", okra, etc. It's got a catchy rhyme that takes off from the nursery rhyme "to market, to market, to buy a fat pig; home again, home again, jiggity-jig". The humor and outlandish illustrations of this one make for a very fun read.

"Eat!" Cried Little Pig by Jonathan London; illustrated by Delphine Durand

"Eat" is the first word Little Pig learns, and appropriately so, because he loves nothing more than eating! From the mishing and mashing, the slopping and slurping, to the huge mess he makes of himself, kids and parents will enjoy the rhyming and raucous example of mealtime in this book.

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So, there it is. Happy Reading and Happy Eating! Please feel free to share some of your favorites on this favorite topic of mine! ;)

Take Another Looky

Remember Lookybook? I've posted about it before because it's such a cool concept. Although it doesn't appear that they've added any new titles in awhile, it's still worth the occasional look.

During some down time at work last week, I showed the site to one of my young little customers who was hanging around the desk chatting with me. She pulled up a stool and spent a good 15 or 20 minutes clicking through the books, reading to me. It was a great experience. She got some reading practice; she was able to read a book, like the one below, that the library does not currently own; and, it revealed a new dimension in which she could explore books and authors!

Take a peek at I Get Around by Deborah Miner. Cute and active two-page spreads chronicle Rover's day doing his favorite things. It's an enjoyable read for toddlers and preschoolers and boosts early literacy skills such as Print Awareness and Phonological Awareness.

Read Your Way Through... My New Favorites

I know I promised a different topic for my next installment of Read Your Way Through, but I haven't had much planning time lately. So, here's a look at some new children's books that have made their way into my favorites on Goodreads.

(Also, this post is dedicated to Cheryl who is abroad with limited access to beloved new picture books! ;))
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Antoinette Portis crafts a wonderful story of curiosity in A Penguin Story. These penguins only know the white ice, the black night and the blue sea, but Edna can just feel that there is something more. She's not deterred when her friends and family aren't interested in joining in on her quest, and how rewarding it ends up being!

Not All Animals Are Blue by Beatrice Boutignon immediately captured my interest with its unique presentation. Text on the left corresponds with illustrations on the right, as readers are encouraged to linger on the artwork, noting similarities and differences between the animals pictured. Sort of a "one of these things is not like the other" concept, yet done in a way that more inclines the reader to imagine a story behind each animal.

Birds by Kevin Henkes is funny, poetic, imaginative and so vividly illustrated. A wonderful new accomplishment from the husband-wife/author-illustrator team of Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek.

How Many Baby Pandas? by Sandra Markle

Part counting tale, part juvenile non-fiction, this book is full of adorable photographs of pandas as well as interesting facts. It documents a panda baby boom at the Wolong Giant Panda Breeding Center, where, in 2005, giant pandas gave birth to 16 cubs, including two sets of twins!

The nice thing about this book is that it can be read as a simple counting story for younger children, but would also be quite useful and interesting for older kids learning about pandas.

The next installment of Read Your Way Through will actually be a "Click" Your Way Through, as I showcase a cute new title available on Lookybook! Happy reading!

Maisy in my mailbox!

So, I've posted before about my love for Lucy Cousins and Maisy, but a couple of months ago my love grew...

J is quite taken with Maisy and her friends, and often incorporates them into his pretend play. Touched by his connection to these characters, I decided to write Ms. Cousins to express our enjoyment and gratitude of her books. They capture J's attention, introduce new vocabulary words, and nudge him forward on his path to reading. Maisy and her friends do things together that are so applicable to a toddler's life and yet, at the same time, introduce them to new ideas.

Well, the lovely Lucy Cousins responded to my letter! This card arrived in our mailbox one day before Christmas with no return address and postage stamps from the UK! I confess I was giddy when I realized what it was. I'm grateful that my letter meant something to her and that she took the time to write a few kind words to me. And, drawing J his own personal little Maisy waving hello - how amazing is that?!?

I highly recommend writing to an author or illustrator who is meaningful to you. Whether you receieve a response or not, it feels good to take a moment and let someone know that you appreciate their work.

Top 5

Here's a handful of the books we've been reading over and over again since Christmas. All of them were gifts and J (and Mama) couldn't be happier. I am so pleased with the little library he has built up in his mere 2 years, and even more pleased that he is such a bookworm! It's very clear that much of his knowledge and creativity and silliness is due in large part to the amount of reading we've done together.

The other wonderful thing about the books we own is the fact that so many of them are gifts from other people. It means more, especially to me, that our collection isn't just due to the fact that I am an amazon.com-addicted librarian. It's so special that family and friends have chosen books that make them think of J. So, I make it a point to help J to remember the connections between his books and the givers. I really believe that there's often a correlation between the gift-giver and the book...kind of like that idea that pet owners often look like their dogs!

Hug by Jez Alborough

Poor Bobo! Everywhere he goes, animals are hugging! Where is his hug? Mama and Baby Elephant escort him through the jungle to find the very best kind of hug.

J pores over the pages in this book and consistently looks concerned when we reach the page where Bobo is crying. (So sweet.) He also points at the word 'hug' on each page, runs his finger underneath it like he's seen me do, and says cheerfully, "Hug!" This is a GREAT book. Incorporates all kinds of Ready to Read skills.

Ribbit! by Bender and Bender

This hilarious book came from J's great-aunt, also a book lover. How cool that the Ohio-grown authors dedicated/autographed it to our little guy?! The crazy mix-and-match costumed frogs make the book appealing to a wide audience.

Jungle Gym by Stephen Krensky

J's Papa gave this book to him on Christmas. It's a cute rhyming, touch-and-feel counting book. Some time ago, Papa made a game out of teaching J silly little exercises, so this was a very fitting gift. Like the animals in the book, J and his Papa do push-ups, jumping jacks, and stretches. Goofy.

Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb by Al Perkins

Another silly rhyming book, this one was given to J from Nina. It's an oldie from 1969, and the rhythm is very Dr. Seuss-esque. When we were growing up, my brothers and I had this book and my mom remembers reading it over and over again. Apparently, when she saw it at the bookstore she could immediately recall most of the text and just knew J needed a copy. Here's a funny excerpt that J has been reenacting randomly while playing.

Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
This 2005 Caldecott Medal winner is just too fun to pass up. Kitten is so adorable, as is the adventure she goes on as she tries to reach that big bowl of milk in the sky.

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Which books did you give or receive this holiday season? Or, do you have any current favorites, whether they're gifts or not?

web 2.0

2008 has been quite a techie year for me. I started my first (and second) blog; created profiles on Goodreads, Flickr, Twitter; explored other web 2.0 technologies like Bloglines, Google Reader, YouTube, wikis, etc. within a work project; and just generally spent a lot more time online than in years past.


And, what do ya know? Before the year is out, I've stumbled upon a few other virtual gems, thanks to TIME Magazine's reviews of the 50 best websites of the year. Like Lookybook: flip through the pages of hundreds of picture books. Rate them, review them, and purchase them. It's searchable and browsable: by subject/genre, author/illustrator, or new.





There's pretty decent variety. Here's a sampling of what I'll be enjoying: My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann, First the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel, Ping Pong Pig by Caroline Jayne Church, as well as scoping out the selections from authors/illustrators such as: Jane Cabrera, Gail Gibbons, Eric Kimmel, Harriet Ziefert, Trina Schart Hyman, Janet Stevens, and many more.

Find your favorite techie time-waster by checking out TIME Magazine's 50 Best Websites for 2008.

three beautiful things

1. the laughter and noise of kids at a birthday party
2. the calm quiet of the house during a late afternoon family nap
3. getting mail from an author

In a previous Three Beautiful Things post I mentioned Hush Little Polar Bear, a book among our current faves. After checking out the author's web site I decided to send him a brief note complimenting him on his work and thanking him for the part he now plays in fostering J's love of reading. And, he responded - quite kindly!

Hi Katie,
Thanks so much for your email about HUSH LITTLE POLAR BEAR! What a nice surprise! I'm glad to hear how much you and your son enjoy the book. Getting a letter like yours with pictures of your son reading makes my job feel especially worth while.
Would it be ok with you if I shared your letter with my editor? He and I worked hard on that book, and I think he'd find it gratifying to hear how much your son enjoys it.
Also, thanks for the link on your blog. I appreciate your willingness to share my work with others like that. I checked out your blog. It's great! We have "Joe Joes" at our Trader Joes too. Good stuff.
Jeff

three beautiful things (but four pictures)

1. My boy's hand on my knee as we read together.

2. The illustrations in the book we are reading. Hush Little Polar Bear by Jeff Mack. (Check out his web site - what a cool guy! He even sells prints and greeting cards of his illustrations!).

3. My guy's illustrations.

Thanks to Clare at three beautiful things for the inspiration behind this post. This was nice. More to come.

What we're reading

I am a Garbage Truck has been fascinating J for several weeks now. It's also expanded his vocabulary to now include "hopper" and "hycleen truck".

J's always thrilled by the chore of taking the trash or recycling out. He races to the window when he hears the trash truck and typically asks about the possibility of seeing the trash truck every morning when I get him up and change his diaper. I guess it's typical boy stuff, but it is interesting that he has just sort of gravitated to some of this kind of stuff, without C or I pushing him.

Oh, no! What happened to the letters? "Chicken Boom!"

Fifteen Animals by Sandra Boynton is another daily read. "Bob."

And this Little Scholastic book, Peek-a-Zoo, which has lots of fun manipulatives, shapes, colors, animals, and textures to identify and explore.

the year of the book and another favorite thing

Books are always a big part of the gift-giving I do, and this Christmas is no different, although I think it's a little heavier on the book side than most years. I am really excited though because I got some wonderful titles that I think will really match up with the recipients' personalities.

A HUGE Amazon shipment arrived today, which is another of my favorite things! What is it about the delayed gratification of making online purchases that I just love? Plus, most of the time I forget half of what I ordered so it's like opening up a surprise. :)

So, combined with what I bought at Barnes & Noble last week, I've got an incredible set of books to gift this year. And, with Christmas still a month away, there's a good chance I'll add a few more books to the pile before the big day. Two others that I'm thinking may be just too good not to own are Fifteen Animals by Sandra Boynton and Dinosaur vs. Bedtime by Bob Shea.

What books are going to be part of your gift-giving this year? What are some titles on your own wish list?