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!

Flashback Tuesday: Flotsam written and illustrated by David Wiesner

This past week has been a trying one because of Hurricane Sandy.   I live in NJ and while I was lucky not to have any damage other friends and family were not.   On top of everything else my beloved Jersey Shore is in ruins.   I am sure we will recover and that rebuilding won't take too long.  

Flotsam written and illustrated by David Wiesner is a Caldecott winning book that is the perfect tribute to summer vacations down at the Shore.   When I first saw this book I thought it was amazing.  Even though it is a wordless book it "tells" a wonderfully magical tale of magic and discovery.   I loved it even more when I realized the images are of the Jersey Shore.   I was thrilled to see the LBI (Long Beach Island) beach tag in one of the images.   LBI has been my sole vacation spot for many years.   I love the ocean and the beaches --- to me there is nothing better to do than sit on the beach and read a book. David Wiesner talked about his summers on NJ beaches growing up in interviews when the book was first published---he is after all a native son.   I think this book is a great reminder of the magic of the ocean and thrill of simple discoveries.   Hopefully the New Jersey coastline will rebound even better than before so that future generations can uncover the magic  that is "the Shore"!

Reference Sunday: Meadowlands: A Wetlands Survival Story by Thomas F Yezerski

I am a proud New Jersyan!  I know that sometimes we are stereotyped and given a bad rap ~ but we are not all like what is seen on TV.   I usually try not to write about local stories but sometimes a local story can be good for the global environment.   

Meadowlands: A Wetlands Survival Story by Thomas F Yezerski is the kind of local or regional book that has a universal appeal.    Through the years I have seen personally how the wetlands in the Meadowlands has been built up.   I was always amazed how  swamp land could be used to build on.   As a child I was afraid  if people walked in it they would sink and never be seen again.   As I grew older I felt bad that this was how the world perceived my state and thought that New Jersey was just one big swamp.  New Jersey has beautiful parts to it too, I can attest to that.   Finding this book has given me hope that someday this portion of my state will someday reclaim the beauty that it once was.   I appreciate  Mr Yezerski's efforts in explaining the history of this area from it's beginnings to now.   I not only love the historical detail but the beautiful illustrations as well.   It makes me proud that someone realizes that this place, a place most people write off,  is still important and alive.   This book is not just for New Jersyans but for anyone who loves the environment and wants to do something to preserve it.   While this is a picture book for children ages 5-8 years old I truly believe older children and adults can learn something valuable in reading it.   A must have title I truly recommend.