New Books About Autumn

As promised from yesterday here are a few new titles that were just published about Autumn....I am sure there will be more next year:

A is for Autumn by Robert Maass is exactly what the title proclaims.  I know I recommended an older title of his yesterday but I also like this book. He does take very vivid photographs and I think this would make a great companion piece.  Click the link to see a really cute video of the book.  Ages 3-6

Fall Mixed Up by Bob Raczka and illustrated by Chad Cameron is a clever picture book with great illustrations that has a "find the mistake" aspect to it.   A great classroom book. Ages 4-8

I See Fall by Charles Ghigna and illustrated by AG Jatkowska is a sweet little book that is part of a series of books about the season.  Ages 3-6

The Leaves on the Trees by Thom Wiley and illustrated by Andrew Day is a clever picture book that can be sung to the tune of " The Wheels on the Bus"....another great classroom title but would also be a great book for story time.  Ages 3-6





These are just a couple that I thought would make great new additions to either a classroom library or an at home library....Happy Fall!

Flashback Tuesday: Books about Autumn

There is a definite chill in the air and since Autumn starts this week I thought I would suggest some of my favorite books Fall books.   For some reason Fall or Autumn  titles always sold better in than other season.   Winter books seem to do well but mostly if it has a holiday theme.   Like I said today's books represent books I would put out on display....I always liked to mix fun books with informative book....basically something for everyone. 

  

I Love Fall by Alison Inches and illustrated by Hiroe Nakata great little touch and feel board book for the littlest hands.  

Count Down to Fall by Fran Hawk and illustrated by Sherry Neidigh this is a sweet book for ages 4-8. 

Ready for Autumn by Martha Jocelyn is another board book that shows children what to wear in the crisp air....for ages 2-5.

Why Do Leaves Change Color by Betsey Maestro is a classic read and find out book that tells children in a fun way how the leaves on the trees change color.   It includes great activities to do this time of year with leaves etc.  Ages 4-8

Red Leaf Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert is a perennial favorite that should be on every child's bookshelf.  Click on it to read my original post from last year.   

Clifford's First Autumn by Norman Bridwell  is a no brainer for a story time about Autumn....children love Clifford.  It is a fun and easy read.  Ages 2-6  

When Autumn Comes by Robert Maass uses wonderful photos to simply tell the story of Fall.  Ages 4-7

The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z by Kate Messner is for the older child ages 9-12.   I wrote about it when it first came out and still feel it is the perfect read for this time of year.   

These are just a few classic titles and newer/older titles to read this fall....tomorrow some brand new Autumn books to try....

Pickles, Please!: A Dilly of a Book by Andy Myer

I love Farmer's Markets....especially since I work at one selling my sister-in-law's Veggie Burgers.   One of the things I learned is that everyone loves "pickles".....I never knew that.   Of course the pickle stands sell more than pickles like olives and peppers etc.  What I love the most to watch is how all the kids love to go and get a pickle on a stick.....they are so cute walking around the market eating their pickles.  Some kids are so funny because they will have a pickle on a stick in one hand and an Italian ice in the other....I can't imagine what that combination tastes like.   This is why I immediately fell in love with today's recommendation.

Pickles, Please! A Dilly of a Book by Andy Myer is a great  book about a little boy who loves pickles.   He can't get enough of them. He loves them so much he steals away on a pickle truck to go to the pickle factory.   I love the way it the book reads and the fun cartoony illustrations.   This is one of those books I would have loved to read at story time.....oh the activities we could have done....and the pickles I would have brought in to eat!   This is perfect for the pickle lover in your life!

Flashback Tuesday: The Moon Lady by Amy Tan illus by Gretchen Schields

Yesterday was the start of the Moon Festival....a yearly harvest festival celebrated by the Chinese and Vietnamese people.   I always liked this festival because I have always wanted to taste a Moon Cake.  


The Moon Lady by Amy Tan and illustrated by Gretchen Schields is a wonderful book to read during this time of the year.   I have always been a fan of Amy Tan's book The Joy Luck Club and remembered this story from that book.    It was only natural for her to tell that same story in a children's version.   Besides being a great introduction to Chinese culture for children it is also just a great picture book to read with your children. It really shows children that they need to look within themselves to make wishes come true.   I love the illustrations too....they remind me of intricate tapestries I have only seen in museums.  

Remembering 9/11

I can't believe it has been 10 years since the 9/11 attacks.   It seems very surreal.   I was working in NYC at the time and saw the towers fall....it was an eerie day one filled with apprehension and despair.   So many news outlets are showing footage of that day....I still have hard time looking at the images.

A friend asked me to recommend some books for her students.   There are so many to choose from.   Here are just a few to help explain this horrible day in American History....


New Titles:

America Under Attack: September 11, 2011: The Day the Towers Fell by Don Brown Ages 6 & Up...suggestion courtesy of my friend Joe S.

September 11 Then & Now by Peter Benoit Ages 7 & Up.

September 11, 2011: Attack On New York City by Wilborn Hampton Revised edition Ages 10& Up.


Older titles:

More To That Day, 9/11 by Cindy L. Rodriguez and illustrated by Joyce L. Elliot Ages 8 & Up.

The Little Chapel that Stood by A.B. Curtiss ages 4 & Up.  This historic chapel built in 1766 became a refuge during and after the attacks.  

Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey by Maira Kalman Ages 6 & Up.


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My sister Ann E. Burg wrote two New York books.....I am mentioning them because they both have moving tributes to the World Trade Centers and the 9/11 attacks.

E is for Empire by Ann Burg and illustrated by Maureen Brookfield ages 6 & Up ----W is for World Trade Center...

The New York Reader by Ann E. Burg and illustrated by Maureen Brookfield ages 6 & Up.

The Man in the Moon (Guardians of Childhood) by William Joyce

As Promised:   I love, love, love this book!

The Man in the Moon (Guardians of Childhood) by William Joyce has to be one of the most wonderful books I have ever seen.   As I stated yesterday I have always been a William Joyce fan.   I love the way he writes and the beautiful images he paints.   This is no exception.   I remember being a little girl and my Mother pointing out the face of the "Man in the Moon" to me.   It always comforted me to see his smiling face.   I think Mr Joyce is a national treasure....his books always come along just when I need them most.  This whole idea of "Guardians of Childhood" brings me back to a time when life was simple and goodness was all around.   It is sad that we can only appreciate the magic of childhood when we are grownup and think back to our past.   Thank you Mr Joyce for the joy you bring to all.

This is a must have new classic....perfect for new parents and new babies.....or anyone who wants  the children around them to have magic in their lives....

Flashback Tuesday: George Shrinks by William Joyce

I can't believe I missed celebrating the 2 year Anniversary of this Blog!   I am usually really good about dates and celebrating milestones.   I do have a good excuse though,  I was sitting in the dark with no electricity on Aug 28th due to Hurricane Irene.   So I am rectifying my mistake and celebrating today.  The question I asked myself was: How do I celebrate?  Then I saw some notes I had made on books I wanted to talk about and realized that one of my favorite (and I mean FAVORITE) children's authors, William Joyce,  was coming out with a new book today.   Then I realized it was Tuesday, which means an older book.  Of course I can go off routine, after all this is my blog, but that is not my style.   What to do?????   I will talk about his new book tomorrow and an old favorite today.  I have already recommended two of my all time favorite William Joyce books, Santa Calls and Leaf Men so I chose my third favorite.  


George Shrinks by William Joyce has always been one the best books to read aloud.   I think it is the first book Mr Joyce wrote and illustrated himself.  There is no agenda with this book....it is just about a boy who dreams he is small and the dream comes true. I like how the words are simple but without  the illustrations we wouldn't get the full story.  It is this combination of words and pictures that make this book really special.  They need each other.  It is one of those fun titles that can't help but make you smile.  Whenever I read this aloud I loved to watch the children's faces as they experienced George's adventures.  This is a must have classic book for any child's bookshelf!

Reference Sunday: National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why by Amy Shields

I can't believe it is Labor Day Weekend already.   Some kids are back in school and some will start this week.   It seems like the summer went by too fast.   I loved spending time with the children in my life this summer.   It amazes me how inquisitive most children are, which is why I love today's book.   It is a great book to have handy when a question comes up we have trouble answering.

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why by Amy Shields is the perfect book for the questioning child in your life.   I love how the book is easy to read with lots of great facts and photos to look at.   This is a great first reference book and should help children learn things in a fun way.   I almost want to recommend it to any grown- up, just to keep on hand for when a child asks "Why?".... it should come in handy.  A great new reference book for any children's library!

I'm Here by Peter H. Reynolds

I'm Here by Peter H. Reynolds is one of the sweetest books I have found in a long time.   It is the kind of book that I would give to a child who has trouble fitting in or who is shy.   When I first read it I was moved to tears.   I totally understood the feelings and emotions of this simply told story.   After I read it I learned that it was written with autistic children in mind.  I love how a story can be told without too many words and too many explanations.  Mr Reynolds has out done himself in a presenting a book that is timeless and beautiful.   A must have new book.