Thursday, April 28, 2011

Storie Italiane - Italian Stories: A parallel text easy reader (Volume 1) by Jessica Kosinski illus by Julie L. Weaver translated by Claudia Cerulli

Today's entry is for my friend Joe S.   I have known Joe since High School and he is very interested in his Italian heritage.   So I thought today's book would be perfect for him.
 
Storie Italiane - Italian Stories: A parallel text easy reader (Volume 1) (Italian Edition)
Storie Italiane-Italian Stories: A parallel text easy reader (volume 1) by Jessica Kosinski, illustrated by Julie Leiman Weaver and translated by Claudia Cerulli is a great book to help teach not only the Italian language but about Italy as well.   The book has five stories that take place in five different Italian cities.   I am especially partial to this volume because one of the stories takes place in Palermo, Sicily which is where my grandmother grew up.    I like how each story has the Italian version on top of the page and the translation just below it.   The stories are fun and interesting and really capture the Italian culture and lifestyle.  This is great for a classroom or for a child who is interested in learning Italian as well as any adult who wants to learn this beautiful language.   I took Italian in school so this  would be a nice refresher book for me.   I am very rusty but this book reminded me how much I enjoyed learning Italian.  

So Joe do you like today's book?    Enjoy

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Flashback Tuesday: I Am Phoenix: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman illus by Ken Nutt

Today is the birth anniversary of the famed naturalist and bird illustrator John James Audubon.  It is in his honor and because it is still Poetry Month that I chose today's book.  

I Am Phoenix: Poems for Two Voices
I Am Phoenix: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman and illustrated by Ken Nutt is a wonderful book of bird poems.   I have always liked the idea of books being written to be read aloud by two people (or more).   I think by making these poems interactive they become more accessible to children.   This book is a great companion book to Mr Fleischman's Newbery winning title A Joyful Noise:Poems for Two Voices.   I think Mr Nutt's illustrations are a perfect complement to these simple bird poems.  

Saturday, April 23, 2011

The Story of Easter by Aileen Fisher illus by Stefano Vitale

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday.    As of today Lent is pretty much over.    Holy Saturday was the day my Mom would say I could eat chocolate again (as this was what I always seemed to give up for lent).  

The Story of Easter (Trophy Picture Books)

The Story of Easter by Aileen Fisher and illustrated by Stefano Vitale is a great book to share with children about this important Christian holiday.   Aileen Fisher not only describes what Easter Sunday is all about but she delves into the symbols of the holiday, such as Easter Bunnies, Easter Eggs as well as talking about Passover.   She explains how different cultures celebrate this important Christian holiday and it's significance in the world.    I am also partial to the illustrations which Mr Vitale does beautifully.   This is a must have book for a child who celebrates this wonderful holiday.  

Happy Easter!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Flashback Tuesday: Miriam's Cup A Passover Story by Fran Munushkin illus by Bob Dacey

In honor of the first day of Passover I thought I would recommend one of my favorite stories.   I like this one because it is told from a different point of view.  

Miriams Cup A Passover Story (Scholastic Bookshelf)
Miriam's Cup A Passover Story by Fran Munushkin and illustrated beautifully by Bob Dacey tells the story of the first Passover from Moses' sister Miriam's point of view.    I think it is a wonderful way to really explain what Passover is all about.   I was always intrigued by Miriam, ever since I saw the Ten Commandments on TV as a child.   I thought she was very brave to follow her brother in the river to make sure he was safe.  This is a lovely book to add to your holiday bookshelf.   A must have title for all to enjoy.   Happy Passover!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

His Shoes Were Far Too Tight: Poems by Edward Lear edited by Daniel Pinkwater illustrated by Calef Brown

I have always had a love hate relationship with Nonsense Poems.   Being a bit of a linear person I have always wanted things to make sense.   As I have grown older I have realized that sometimes things don't need to make sense or have a reason behind them....sometimes things are just fun for the fun of it.  

His Shoes Were Far Too Tight: Poems by Edward Lear
His Shoes Were Far Too Tight: Poems by Edward Lear  masterminded by Daniel Pinkwater (his word) and illustrated by the talented artist and author Calef Brown is the kind of book we all need in our life.   I wished I had this book when I was a child, maybe then I would have understood fun for the fun of it sooner rather than later.   Mr Pinkwater has picked some great examples of Edward Lear's poems to share with children.   I love Calef Brown's illustrations because they are the perfect accompaniment to these fantastical poems.   This is a must have book for a child's (or adult's) library.   A perfect book for Poetry Month!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Flashback Tuesday: Fields of Fury: The American Civil War by James McPherson

Today is the 150th Anniversary of the attack at Fort Sumter, SC which basically started the American Civil War.  Today's book is a great way to reflect on this critical time in our history.

Fields of Fury: The American Civil War
Fields of Fury: The American Civil War by James McPherson is a wonderful and concise book that explains the whys and the wherefores of this major event in American history.   I loved this book when I first saw it because I felt that it made this conflict totally accessible to children.   The Civil War has always been a complicated story to tell.   I find it amazing that even today people argue as to what the real causes were for this war.    This book, while written for children, is actually good for older people too.   I loved the artwork and the photographs which really bring this historical moment to life.    I think it is a must have on anyone's shelf....not just children.    

Monday, April 11, 2011

Flip, Flap, Fly!: A Book for Babies Everywhere by Phyllis Root illustrated by David Walker

Flip, Flap, Fly!: A Book for Babies Everywhere


Flip, Flap, Fly!: A Book for Babies Everywhere by Phyllis Root and illustrated by David Walker is a sweet book about baby animals.   It is new in board book form  which is the perfect format  as it lends itself better to little hands.    It is has a soothing and lilting text that can be read over and over again without getting tired.     I love the soft illustrations and cute expressions on all the animals.  A wonderful addition to a toddler's library of books.  

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Reference Sunday: How Did That Get In My Lunchbox?: The Story of Food by Chris Butterworth Ilust by Lucia Gaggiotti

How Did That Get In My Lunchbox?: The Story of Food

How Did That Get In My Lunchbox?: The Story of Food by Chris Butterworth and illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti is a wonderful new book that explains to children where their food comes from.     I love the retro feeling of the illustrations.   I liked the way it reads too....it never talks down to the reader but doesn't confuse them either.  It is a great little book to help explain that food doesn't just appear in the grocery store, that it needs to be grown and prepared.   It would be great book to read in the classroom without seeming too educational.   I would have loved to do an event around this book because the hands on activities would have been fun to do.    

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Dogku by Andrew Clements illustrated by Tim Bowers

I was reminded of this book by a friend of mine who read it to her class to celebrate the start of Poetry Month.   It is very appropriate for her because she loves dogs.....

Dogku
Dogku by Andrew Clements and illustrated by Tim Bowers is a sweet story of a homeless dog looking for a family.   It is written in Haiku style which makes it a perfect book to read during Poetry Month.  There is such a warmth to the illustrations that I dare anyone not to fall in love with "Mooch" at first sight.    This is also a perfect book for all the dog lover's in your life.   A timeless tale that will be read again and again.