Ollie and Claire by Tiffany Strelitz Haber illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Ollie and Claire by Tiffany Strelitz Haber and illustrated by Matthew Cordell is one of my favorite new books.  When I read it for the first time I thought it would make a perfect story time book.  I love how they do everything together ---the two of them doing yoga is my favorite spread.  The illustrations are wonderful and they match the story perfectly. This is a great book about friendship that is a must have on any child's bookshelf.

I was also so happy that the bookstore I now work in (Well Read New & Used Books in Hawthorne, NJ)  was able to get Ms Haber to come for a story time and signing.  She had great success with her first book:
The Monster Who Lost His Mean---another really cute book to read aloud.


As I stated above:  Tiffany Strelitz Haber will be at  Well Read New & Used Books this Saturday May 18th from 2-3PM.  I would love to have a big crowd to greet her.  Hope to see you there!!!!!

Flashback Tuesday: Leaf Men by William Joyce

I originally wrote this post a few years ago.  It is still one of my favorite books.   Low and behold they have made a movie based on the book called EPIC.  It looks like a great movie....exciting and thrilling. While it isn't the story of the actual book it has enough of it's essence to make me want to see it.  I almost feel like the original book (by the wonderful William Joyce) is the perfect introduction to the film.  A sort of prequel.  I truly recommend reading the original book before you see the movie.  



(My original posting from 2010  follows----still relevant!)

I was reminded this past weekend of one of my favorite books.  While I was visiting my sisters new house she gave me a tour of her garden.   The previous owner was an avid gardener so there was much to look at.   My sister likes to garden too and I know that the garden was a huge selling point for her.   While she was showing me one section I saw three little ceramic birds just sitting there....she had told that when she was clearing out that section of the garden she just found them sitting there among the leaves.   It reminded me of the book I am suggesting today.

The Leaf Men (& the Brave Good Bugs)  by William Joyce is about a magical garden that has bugs saving the day and a "mysterious long lost toy" ~ which is what finding the ceramic birds reminded me of.   This is truly a special book about love and friendship.   I love books that bring magic and imagination to life.....as the old woman in the book says "....anything can happen on a beautiful moonlit night"....

Perfect for this time of year as gardens start to bloom....

Wee Rhymes: Baby's First Poetry Book by Jane Yolen illustrations by Jane Dyer

For poetry month I was looking for something new to talk about.  I was so happy to find a new poetry book for children that makes a perfect new baby gift.  I have been thinking of newborns lately.  My  cousin just had a  baby shower for their daughter and my sister-in-law has a new born nephew.  Which means today's book will come in handy.  

Wee Rhymes: Baby's First Poetry Book by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Jane Dyer is the perfect gift for a new baby.  I have always been a fan of both Jane's especially when they work together.  I love the rhymes in this book because they are ideal to read while you cuddle with a little one. I also cannot never get enough of Jane Dyer's illustrations.  The pictures are warm and inviting as always and they truly warm the heart.  This is a must have new book for new families to treasure and enjoy!

Note: I am now linking my book suggestions to Well Read New & Used Books ~

That's How Much I Love You by Julie Rudi illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke

Today is apparently National Love Our Children Day---which of course should be every day.   I found a sweet little book that is perfect to read to little ones as you snuggle on the couch or in bed at bedtime.

That's How Much I Love You by Julie Rudi and illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke is a new little padded board book perfect for tiny hands.   It has sweet illustrations of animal mama's and their little babies.   I think is a wonderful addition to a toddler's library. I think it would make a great new baby gift. I love the author pairs up everyday things like a sock with a shoe or flower and a pot in a beautifully visual way.  A great way to tell a child how much you love them.





 

Reference Sunday: SAFARI A Photicular Book created by Dan Kainen written by Carol Kaufmann

I love when I find books that can be shared by the whole family.  Today's book is just that kind of a book.  It is informative and very entertaining.

SAFARI a Phototicular Book created by Dan Kainen and written by Carol Kaufmann is a fun way to learn about wild animals while going on a virtual safari.  This is done with 3D animation perfected in an astonishing way from the original Scanimations.  I originally wrote about the process in 2009.   I always thought the original books were amazing until I saw this book.   The photographs and the movement really look like you are watching a video of animals in the wild.  The text is easy to understand with lots of facts and information.   This is a perfect gift to bring to a family with lots of different age children.  There is something for everyone.

Oh check out the video below----amazing:

Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors by Tanya Lee Stone illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell by Tanya Lee Stone and illustrated by Marjorie Priceman is a wonderful new picture book biography about the first American female doctor.  I think this is the perfect book to come out just in time for Women's History Month.   It isn't a dry biography for children but a great introduction to an important historical figure.  It is funny that most children today wouldn't understand that there was a time when women were not able to become doctors. That women or girls weren't "smart enough" to study medicine. This book should help teach children today about this pivotal time in US history.     I love the illustrations having always been a fan of Marjorie Priceman and this book is now one of my favorites.   Tanya Lee Stone does a superb job of telling the story of a woman who persevered through discrimination and adversity to become a pioneer of a woman's right to be what they want to be.   An inspirational must have new book.  

A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant illus by Melissa Sweet

I love doing research for new books.  I am constantly on the look out for a new book that will excite me.   I was going through publishers online catalogs when I came across today's book.   I loved the title and the cover but had never heard of Horace Pippin.   The great thing about how online catalogs have evolved is that we can now see inside the books ----not just read the copy on the page.   What I found fascinating about Horace Pippin was that I did know him by his art,  I just never caught his name before.

A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin written by Jen Bryant and illustrated beautifully by Melissa Sweet (she is a favorite of mine) is a great picture book biography of an American artist with a truly inspiring story.  When I read about this book I got curious so I looked up his art and realized I had seen his work before.   This is a great book to read to children to not only introduce them to great art but to teach them that if they persevere they can do anything.   Horace Pippin's story is inspirational because he was able to overcome serious injury just to regain what he loved to do best.  Jen Bryant weaves her words to tell us the story of a man who  loved  drawing and how after being disabled during WW I he fought to regain his abilities.   I love how Melissa Sweet's illustrations complement the words and Mr Pippin's art as well.   His paintings are distinctive, thought provoking and very diverse.   He is a true American Master.   This is a must have book for any child's library.

He was born on February 22, 1888 so tomorrow would be the anniversary of his birth ~ which makes it a perfect time to celebrate his life.