The Legend of the Jersey Devil by Trinka Hakes Noble illustrated by Gerald Kelley

A few weeks ago I told you about an event I planned for Educator's Night.  One of the authors who came to Well Read was Trinka Hakes Noble.  I have always loved her books especially her books about "Jimmy".  This time she came with her newest picture book that turns out taught me a huge lesson about my own state and it's greatest...scariest legend.  Since it is the day before Halloween I thought it was appropriate to talk about because it is New Jersey's spookiest story.

The Legend of the Jersey Devil by Trinka Hakes Noble and wonderfully illustrated by Gerald Kelley tells the story of a creature supposedly born on Halloween Night down in the Pine Barrens of NJ.  It is said to have goat hooves, bat wings and glowing eyes (oh and not to mention horns growing out of its head).  I remember hearing different stories of where this creature came and how it haunts the southern part of my state so it is nice to have a story that explains it so well.  As I said in my post about Educator's Night I loved the story Trinka tells of how most children don't know the legend and that this is where the New Jersey Devil's got their name.  This is not just a book for New Jerseyans but for anyone who loves to learn about legends that can scare the pants off them.....Great book for Halloween!

Oh and a bonus...Well Read still has some signed copies in the store!

My First Kafka: Runaways, Rodents, and Giant Bugs By Matthue Roth, illustrated by Rohan Daniel Eason

I so love being surprised by the unexpected.  I got to the bookstore the other day and there sitting on the counter was one of the  most curious books I have seen in a long time.  A Kafka story done as a picture book.  I couldn't help but laugh but then realized it was real and that it was meant to be taken seriously.  At least I think it is.....

My First Kafka: Runaways, Rodents, and Giant Bugs by Matthue Roth and illustrated by Rohan Daniel Eason has three stories Kafka stories adapted for children.  Like I mentioned above, I thought it was a joke but realized when I read it that I was mistaken.  The stories are definitely written for children although they are a bit disturbing.  While I am not sure I would give this to the most sensitive children I know, there are few who would revel in it's macabre stories.  That being said I know far more grown-ups who will love this....especially a friend who loves anything Edward Gorey as the illustrations are very reminiscent of his art.  A great introduction to something so classic....

Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

Did anyone see the moon last night? It was huge...it was still very large in the sky when I was out and about this morning at 7AM.  I was amazed that when I looked out my window in the middle of the night that the moon was so bright there were shadows on the ground.  It was a beautiful and inspiring sight to see.

It reminded me of today's book.

Kitten's First Full Moon written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes is a Caldecott award winning book.  Even thought the book is illustrated in black and white it still is able to convey the brightness of the moon.  Actually the shadows I saw last night outside my window were in black and white which reminded by of this book.  While the story is not a story of the Harvest Moon the images are magical and sweet.  This is a great read aloud book that is one of my favorites.  It is a great book to read by the light of the moon.....


Here is a video of the story....really sweetly done.

100 Ghosts: A Gallery of Harmless Haunts by Doogie Horner

Today's book isn't necessarily a children's book...it would be safe to say it isn't one at all but it is a book for all ages....and that means kids.

100 Ghosts: A Gallery of Harmless Haunts by Doogie Horner is one of the sweetest and quirkiest books (pun intended because it is published by "Quirk Book")  I have seen in a long time.  It includes 100 images of different kinds of ghosts.....all that are just a sheet with holes for eyes and different captions.  There is a "shy" ghost (no eye cutouts) and even a Star Wars character (can you guess which one?)  Oh and the introduction is hysterical.  All in all a book for all ages.  A book to leave on a table and pick up when you feel the need for a scarily good giggle.  Makes a great gift for those hard to please people in your world.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears by James Marshall

Today is the wonderful illustrator James Marshall's birthday.  He has so many books that can be talked about that it is always hard to pick a favorite.  Most know him because of his marvelous story of two friends George and Martha.  So instead of talking about those books I want to recommend my favorite:

Goldilocks and the Three Bears retold and illustrated by James Marshall.....

I love this book because it isn't just a staid retelling of an old tale but because Mr Marshall injects so much humor and character into the story.  Goldilocks is not the sweet innocent girl that we grew up reading about.  She is more of a rebel and just a little bit "naughty".  I loved reading this to kids because they would really giggle at her antics.  The illustrations are priceless as Mr Marshall gives each characters such great expressions.  No wonder it received a Caldecott Honor for illustrations.  This is a must have book for every child's bookcase.  

Ollies Halloween by Olivier Dunrea

The joy of working in a bookstore is seeing new books as they come out of the box.  Yesterday we received a bunch of Halloween titles.   Here is my favorite:

Ollies Halloween by Olivier Dunrea  is a sweet Halloween title for toddlers.   I love Mr Dunrea's Gossie & Friends series.  I remember this book when it first came out in hardcover and thought it would make a wonderful board book. I am thrilled I was right.  These characters and stories are perfect for  the youngest among us.  I am so in love the with the characters and illustrations that I squealed when I saw this book.  I wished I had a little one to buy it for.  This is the perfect introduction to Halloween for the littlest trick or treater. Have I said I LOVE the illustrations? They are so precious and sweet.  A must have new book...

Flashback Tuesday: Let it Fall by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

We are in the midst of a warm spell for the first day of October here on the East Coast.  That being said  I have been told by the various weather stations that the crisp air is right around the corner.

Let it Fall written and illustrated by Maryann Cocca-Leffler is a sweet book that is all about the Autumn season.  It has charming illustrations of little children playing in the leaves.  The words are very lyrical which makes it a great story time book.  This is for more of a preschool or toddler aged child.  It is also part of a series that deals with each season....which makes it perfect for a school setting.