Paper Hearts by Meg Wiviott

Back in February I was part of the Cybils Award panel for Poetry.  I have written about a few of the books but not all.  This week I was reminded of one of the finalists....Paper Hearts by Meg Wiviott.

Like many people this week I was intrigued by the story of the Auschwitz mug that had hidden jewelry under a false bottom.

Link to the story

I am always amazed to learn a different aspect of history.  When I read Paper Hearts, which is based on a true story, I learned how some victims fought to survive in concentration camps during World War II.  The young girls in the story tried to retain who they were by doing little things. Such as wearing a silky shirt under their uniforms or sharing their food with others.  Even if it meant punishment when caught.  The title refers to an origami heart that is made in secret as a birthday card for another girl.  It is this simple act which helped these courageous girls retain their dignity and personality. It is a very powerful story that resonates even today.  It is definitely a crossover YA to adult novel.
The "paper heart" is real and can be seen in the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre.  These are real items--- the heart and the mug.....real items that stand as a testament of people who suffered and serve as a reminder of the human spirit.

Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox & Judy Horacek

I can't believe it has been a month since I posted last.  I recently went back to work after my winter hiatus and it has been non-stop ever since.  While I loved the warmer winter we had I am not thrilled with this colder and wetter spring.  The first event we held this season is an event called "Sheep to Shaw"...it was a rousing success.  It was a beautiful weekend and there were baby lambs to be seen that the children loved.  In the shop we bring in lots of little stuffed lambs, sheep and animals.  We also bring in a plethora of books.  One of the books is today's recommendation.

Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek a very cute book that we are selling in board book form.  This is a fun book that teaches about color, size, action and reaction.  One of my co-workers brought his four year old little girl to work the other day.  She is so cute that we sat and read this book together.  I do miss reading to little ones and her reactions were perfect.  This is a great story time book that can be read again again.  I love books like this because  it is very interactive between the child and the reader. Sometimes it is the simplest books that can be the most fun.....