Flashback Tuesday: Running the Road to ABC by Denize Lauture illustrated by Reynold Ruffins

I can't believe July is over.   It always makes me a bit sad to see the back to school commercials starting and the store shelves filled with school supplies.   I was recently reminded of today's book by a friend.  

Running the Road of ABC by Denize Lauture and illustrated by Reynold Ruffins was always a perennial favorite for me to put on my Back to School displays.  I love the lyrical words that describes children racing to get to school. I could always sense the enthusiasm of the characters.  The illustrations--which I love-- really match the words....so much so that it received a Coretta Scott King honor in 1997.     I also like the multicultural aspect of the book.   It makes a great read aloud that teaches children about children in other parts of the world.  In this case it shows a child's life in Haiti...a country that is still reeling from the devastating earthquake of 2010.   A must have book~

Flashback Tuesday: Rap a Tap Tap: Here's Bojangles, Think of That by Leo & Diane Dillon

Last week we lost one of my favorite illustrators.  Much has been written about the wonderful Leo Dillon, he was an artist in the true sense of the word.   His illustrations and stories were complete works of art.  I thought today I would recommend one of my favorite books of his.

Rap a Tap Tap: Here's Bojangles, Think of That! by Leo and Diane Dillon is one of my favorite books because I am a big fan of Mr Bojangles ever since my brother and I used to listen to the song about him.   When this book came out I was thrilled because I got to introduce a favorite performer of mine to a new audience.   I loved how the book was fun to read and still convey information.   It is a great picture book biography, not wordy and cumbersome to read aloud.   I have always loved the richness of the Dillon's artwork, they were like paintings in a book.   This was a different style but no less wonderful and rich but in a simpler way.   It represents the time that is described in the book.   The Dillon's are masters because
they were able to adapt their art to the story.

 Leo Dillon may no longer be with us but his work will last forever. 

Flashback Tuesday: Rap A Tap Tap by Leo & Diane Dillon

Today is the birth anniversary of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson the celebrated tap dancer immortalized in the famous folk song "Mr Bojangles".   This was always one of my brother Michael's favorite songs.   Whenever I hear it I think of him.  Bill Robinson was a an incredibly generous man who sadly died destitute.  He brought joy to so many that would be a shame not to remember him on his birthday.


Rap A Tap Tap by the Dillons is beautifully illustrated book that received a Coretta Scott King Honor Book and it is a remembrance and homage to an important figure in American cultural history.   The fans of the Dillons will appreciate the artwork as they are always brilliant.  This is a great introduction to early American music.  

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni illus Bryan Collier

Today is Rosa Parks birthday. I would have suggested a book about her even if it hadn't been Black History Month. I have always been inspired by act of courage.

My favorite story of her life and the one I would recommend most is also inspiring.

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni & illustrated by Bryan Collier is a Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award Winner.

I think Nikki Giovanni is one the greatest poets of our time. Her words are beautiful and she really is a storyteller. Bryan Collier is one of my favorite illustrators. I love his palettes and how his images come to life. If there is one book to get on Rosa Parks this would be it.

Happy Birthday Rosa!