Books For Presidents Day~

For Presidents Day I thought I would recommend one new book one  and older book for kids to read.  The first book is an introduction for a young child about Abraham Lincoln while the second is a a great book that talks about some early American icons including a President and to be honest is the kind of book an adult will enjoy too.

I Am Abraham Lincoln by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos is the third picture book biography for young children in a series that so far includes I am Amelia Earhart and I am Rosa Parks.  I like the series because they make history accessible to the youngest among us but not in a way that is patronizing.  The Abraham Lincoln book will hopefully be the first of many stories children will read about the most popular United States President.  For ages 4-8.

John, Paul, George & Ben written and illustrated by Lane Smith is one of my favorite Lane Smith books.  While it is a story about John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington and Ben Franklin most adults will get the wink to a certain British band we all know and love.  I have always loved how Lane Smith can create a book not just for children but one that grown ups will like.   This is also a great book to introduce early American icons to a younger audience....One of the best parts is the section at the end called "Taking Liberties".... it goes story by story and tells whether it is true or false....a great little teaching aid. This book is also intended for 4-8 year olds but I am sure an older child would learn just as much....

In Celebration of all things Beatles!

It has been 50 years since The Beatles came to America and appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.  Seeing all the news programs and entertainment shows talk about this anniversary made me think about the many children's books that have been published concerning this iconic group.

Since I have started this blog I have written about two books that involve the Beatles:

John's Secret Dreams: The John Lennon Story by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier


The Yellow Submarine by the Beatles


Here are some other titles for a parent or grandparent etc to introduce this great musical band to a new generation:

How the Beatles Changed the World by Martin W. Sandler.  Great pictorial about The Beatles for an older child that  explains historical and cultural context of the that time in history. 

Who were The Beatles? by Geoff Edgers.  This book is part of a wonderful biography series for children that is easy to read.  A great way to introduce John, Paul, Ringo and George to a younger audience.  Great book for child to when they need to read a biography for school.  

Octopus's Garden by Ringo Starr and illustrated by Ben Cort. This was one of my favorite songs when I was little.  I played it over and over again...is is a fun song that makes a perfect picture book.  A great way to introduce The Beatles to a much younger audience.  

Flashbook Tuesday: blues journey by Walter Dean Myers and illustrated by Christopher Myers

Recently I have been sorting  the many books I have collected through the years and couldn't believe how many I have that have been signed by the author or illustrator.  Some are inscribed to me personally and some are just signed....either way it is an impressive amount.  Today's book is just one of the many books that I have inscribed to me personally. As I flipped through the book I realized it would make a perfect book to recommend at any time but especially during Black History Month.

blues journey by Walter Dean Myers and beautifully illustrated by Christopher Myers is the story of the African American experience told through poetry and the history of the blues.  Mr Myers poems have the same rhythm as a blues melody.  This is a picture book for an older child to read and learn about the "blues".  The poems are mix of complex and simple thoughts regarding love and life.  I love how the son's images match his father's words to make a visual impact for the reader.  I would give this to an older child even as old as High School or even an adult who loves music and history.  It is a great teaching tool for students to learn a different perspective of African American history.

Side note that is a bit interesting (at least to me)....Walter Dean Myers and my sister Ann E. Burg have both been nominated for an NAACP Image Award this year in the Literature Category for   Outstanding Literary Work- Youth / Teens:  Mr Myers for his book Invasion and my sister for her book Serafina's Promise.  Such a small world.....

This is an inscription I treasure: