The Couch Potato by Jory John illus by Pete Oswald



This has been a long strange year.  Back in March my work shut down and I didn’t go to work for over 5 months. I was able to do some small stuff at home but not much. I thought this would have been a perfect time to work on my blog.  Sadly I didn’t do much of anything all the time I was off except eat too much and watch a lot of bad TV. One of the reasons I loved today’s book is because I was pretty much a “couch potato” the whole time I wasn’t working. It wasn’t until I was about to go back to work that I started going out for walks and do things around my house. This is why The Couch Potato resonated with me so well.  

 

 

The Couch Potato by Jory John and Illustrated by Pete Oswald is the perfect book for these uncertain times.  This duo of Jory John and Pete Oswald has totally touched a nerve with a book that is so current and fresh. 

 

 

I love the illustrations, which are charming and expressive. The book is about a potato that loves sitting on his couch watching shows and playing video games. He actually reminds me of my little nephew who loves his games. But as always there is an ulterior motive in this duo’s stories. This story reminds children (and possibly some adults) that while it is ok to spend time relaxing and sitting on the couch it is good to go out and experience the natural world from time to time.  I don’t know if this book was in the works before so many were forced to stay home but their timing is perfect.  This is a great book to read to little ones to encourage them to go outside and have fun.  

I Am Yoga by Susan Verde illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

I have officially only taken one Yoga class in my life. That being said I have done Yoga in my living room via my cable provider.  Which means that even if I am not doing the poses correctly I am hoping I am getting something out of them.

Years ago when I was a Children's Book Buyer I was presented with a book project that dealt with Yoga for children.  It was more than just a book but a program that had a non-book/video component.  Needless to say I thought it was interesting but from what I can recall it never got off the ground.  I think they were too ambitious in all that they wanted to do.

Fast forward to now and I find this very soothing book for children.

I Am Yoga written by Susan Verde and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds is a  new book that combines simple Yoga poses with sweet calming words that encourages a child's creativity.  The text as written by Ms Verde, a certified Yoga instructor, is lyrical and soothing which combined with Mr Reynolds illustrations makes a wonderful book to be read again and again.  I think this is a great book for story time as it can be very interactive.  I can even envision it being read during a preschool or kindergarten gym class --- wouldn't that be great , books helping to encourage movement. This is a perfect introduction of Yoga for children.  The added bonus is the Author's note in the back of the book which also has brief descriptions of the poses used in the book.

Reference Sunday: Let's Go to the Farmer's Market from Chronicle Books

Wow I hadn't realized it has been so long since I last posted.   It has been a busy few weeks....I went away on a wonderful vacation down the Jersey Shore then puppy sat for a week.   Of course I had to get back to work which after a great vacation is always hard to do.   The next few weeks are also going to be busy but I am hoping to get back into some sort of blogging routine....there are so many great new books to talk about.


Normally I don't like to write about toys or kits but I couldn't pass up today's title.   I have mentioned before that I have a side business selling homemade Veggie burgers with my sister in law.   It has been a seasonal business because we usually only sell them at her local farmer's market.   This year we haven't participated yet because I got a full time job and the place we had been making the burgers has limited  availability.   That being said I am still very much a supporter of farmer's market in general.   I love buying fresh locally grown vegetables in the summer.  It always makes me feel healthier.  One of my favorite things to see while selling at the farmer's market were all the families that wandered the area.   I loved how the children would be eating "pickles on a stick"...or carrying baskets of fruit.

Let's Go the to the Farmer's Market by Chronicle Books is a cute little kit and while there isn't an actual book there is a booklet that talks about what a Farmer's Market is all about.  It also has activity cards and a shopping list.  The best part is the tote bag just the right size for little hands to help carry their produce.  It a great way to introduce healthy living to the youngest among us.


Oh and because I must recommend some sort of book Chronicle Books also publishes a great cookbook and activity book called:

At the Farmer's Market with Kids by Leslie Jonah & Ethel Brennan with Photographs by Sheri Giblin is also a wonderful way to talk about the value of the eating healthy and shopping at Farmer's Markets with children.   It teaches children (and grownups) how to pick the freshest fruits and vegetables.  The book also has recipes and other activities geared to specific age groups.   A great companion piece to today's highlighted title.  

So I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the summer and that today's selections inspire some to try their local Farmer's Market....Happy Summer!

Reference Sunday: National Geographic Kids Halloween Book of Fun

My neighbor across the street loves Halloween.  Every year the display on his lawn grows and grows.   This year it startled me even more when I got home one night and saw a huge blow up of Dracula staring over at me.   Apparently he decorates the inside of his house even more than the outside.....gotta love it when people are that enthusiastic about a kid's holiday!

National Geographic Kids Halloween Book of Fun by the National Geographic Society would be the perfect book for my neighbor.  It has loads of fun activities and games plus it has costume ideas and tips for having a great party. It has something for every child in the house (or grownup) no matter what their age.   I love the section that talks about spooky myths.....I even learned a few things.

This is a great book to have fun with at this time of year.....a must have Halloween book for the spooky in all of us!

Reference Sunday: Everything For Your Halloween Party from Golden Books

I can't believe Halloween is a few weeks away.  Last year I suggested a number of Halloween Activity books that still are good today....but I was excited to find this great little book that has wonderful ideas to help with anyone's Halloween party. 

Everything for Your Halloween Party from Golden Books is a fun book with cutouts to make Halloween decorations including party hats and a centerpiece.   While this would be fun for a children's party I think it would be great for a grown up party too!  It was originally published in the 1940's so it has a great "retro" feel to it.   As you know I am big on the "retro"  enjoy!

New Books About Autumn

As promised from yesterday here are a few new titles that were just published about Autumn....I am sure there will be more next year:

A is for Autumn by Robert Maass is exactly what the title proclaims.  I know I recommended an older title of his yesterday but I also like this book. He does take very vivid photographs and I think this would make a great companion piece.  Click the link to see a really cute video of the book.  Ages 3-6

Fall Mixed Up by Bob Raczka and illustrated by Chad Cameron is a clever picture book with great illustrations that has a "find the mistake" aspect to it.   A great classroom book. Ages 4-8

I See Fall by Charles Ghigna and illustrated by AG Jatkowska is a sweet little book that is part of a series of books about the season.  Ages 3-6

The Leaves on the Trees by Thom Wiley and illustrated by Andrew Day is a clever picture book that can be sung to the tune of " The Wheels on the Bus"....another great classroom title but would also be a great book for story time.  Ages 3-6





These are just a couple that I thought would make great new additions to either a classroom library or an at home library....Happy Fall!

Flashback Tuesday: Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet & Allan Ahlberg

Before I ever started working in bookstores I worked in a library.   Even then I loved working in the children's section.   I liked to shelve in the picture book section because I got to read the books before I shelved them.   This is probably where I discovered my love of fractured fairy tales or in this case nursery rhymes.

Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg was a book I discovered while shelving in the library.   I liked the rhymes and sweet illustrations plus it was fun to play the "I Spy" aspect of the book.   This book stands the test of time....it is a classic book that should be on every child's bookshelf.  

Reference Sunday: Fun With Chinese Cooking by Frances Lee

Today is my nephew Joseph's 12th birthday or as I like to call him JoJo.   Last year I wrote about a book that teaches kid's Chinese.  He is still taking Chinese in school and seems to still like it.   Not only does he still like learning this very difficult language he loves the food.  He has also always loved Chinese food.  I think he could eat it every day.  A few years ago his class had to put together a cookbook and the recipe he contributed was an easy Lo Mein dish he loved.   His love of Chinese food inspired me to recommend this really great book to help teach kids the art of cooking a real Chinese menu.

 

Fun with Chinese Cooking by Frances Lee is geared toward kids ages 8 and up who love to cook.   The recipes are easy to read with step by step instructions and full color photographs.  This book is a great way for kids to learn how to make some foods that they thought they could only get out to eat.   I like how there is an explanation of the dishes with side bars that have extra tips that are fun to read.   So if you know a child who loves Chinese food as much as my nephew does than this would be a great book for them.....

Reference Sunday: Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons by Dr Ernest Drake & Dugald Steer

I read somewhere that today is apparently "Appreciate a Dragon Day"....I usually write about non-fiction book on Sundays or at least a reference type book so I think today's book should qualify.

I love dragons...always have.   I love the idea of them especially since I found out that my Chinese Zodiac is a dragon.  


Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons by Dr Ernest Drake and Dugald Stead is the type of book that I would have loved as a kid.   I remember when it first came out, I thought it was so clever.  Of course it has spawned an array of sequels and other "ologies" but that shouldn't detract from the original.  There is so much to look at and read about...it should provide hours of entertainment.   It is also a great way to enhance a child's imagination.   The interactive quality is wonderful.  This is a great book and series to snuggle up with on a cold winter's day.....

Reference Sunday: Halloween Activity Books

Since Halloween is a week away I thought I would suggest some great activity books to get your little ghost or goblin in the mood.  





Intricate Jack Lantern's: 45 Halloween Designs to Color by Jack Abraham geared towards 4-8 year olds but I know a few adults who would love this.  Who said coloring is for kids?











Halloween Doodles: Spooky Designs to Complete & Create by Emma Parrish the publisher also recommends for ages 4-8 but we know that older kids love to doodle!









Spooky, Silly Halloween Puzzles by Patrick Merrill is meant for ages 9-12 but I am sure older kids can share some it with a younger child.









Halloween Lift-the-Flap Shadow Book from Priddy books is perfect for toddlers to have fun with....





Happy Halloween!

Gigi in the Big City by Charise Mericle Harper

Whenever I see the name "Gigi" nowadays I think of my Mom.   When her oldest Great Grandchild was born she announced she wanted to be called "Gigi".....she thought it was cute.   They even gave a cup with that name on it.....



Gigi in the Big City by Charise Mericle Harper is not a story about a Great Grandmother.  It is the story of a little girl who visits the city and all her adventures.   It has flaps to lift, wheels to spin and tabs to pull....and lots of other fun stuff.   I love the idea of this book....there have been so many truck books or train books that are really geared to little boys but this one is great for the little girl in your life.  Of course I would never stop a boy from playing with it....because the info about gems and subways and museums is great for any child.   If I were still a buyer I would definitely make this a significant buy for all my stores.  The price is right and makes a really cute gift.   It is a great introduction of city life for a child who has never been to one as much as a great book for a city kid to look at about their own backyard.   This is a fun book to own!

Reference Sunday: Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars: Grandma's Bag of Tricks by Sharon Lovejoy

When I saw today's book I was immediately drawn to it.   I loved the title.   When I flipped through it I was even more impressed.

Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars: Grandma's Bag of Tricks by Sharon Lovejoy and published by Workman Publishers is a great book for anyone to use when confronted with the task of entertaining children on a summer's day.

While it is geared towards spending time with Grandma I think anyone can benefit from using this book. The projects are fun and not too difficult---and coming from me that is an accomplishment.   Mostly it has outdoor activities but there is also rainy day suggestions and indoor fun as well.   Like I said it might be geared for Grandmas (or Grandpa's) but anyone can enjoy it.    Here is to making fun summer memories with family and friends!

Reference Sunday: Camp Out!: The Ultimate Kids' Guide by Lynn Brunelle

Here we are in the middle of summer.  This is vacation time for so many.    Today's book celebrates the kind of vacation I never had but always wished to try.   Although I have never been one to enjoy roughing it if I had this book I might have liked it better.


Camp Out!: The Ultimate Kids' Guide by Lynn Brunnell is the perfect book for the first time camper.   It has great activities and even recipes to try.   It is just the right book even if you are only "camping" in your own backyard.   It has games and activities too!  I also liked the fact that it reminds us to clean up before we leave the campsite...very environmentally sound advice.  It is marked for ages 9-12 but I think younger kids can learn from it too!  Have fun camping!

Reference Sunday: Show Off: How to Do Absolutely Everything. One Step at a Time by Sarah Hines Stephens & Bethany Mann

My nephews are so excited about the end of the school year.  They can't wait until they can get up when they want and pretty much just play.   Now while my nephews are happy my sister and sister-in-law are both dreading it.   They know that there is a good chance that by the middle of summer vacation they will start to hear whining from their kids about having nothing to do.  

Show Off: How to Do Absolutely Everything. One Step at a Time by Sarah Hines Stephens & Bethany Mann from Candlewick Publishers is just the book to have at the ready.   It is geared toward the older child ages 9-12 but I think younger kids can use it too...especially if they have older siblings.  This really great book is filled with activities like cooking, crafts, magic tricks and so much more.   I really think it can keep kids occupied for hours.   I also think it is great for a gaggle of children as there is something for everyone.  My one nephew likes to cook and another nephew likes to explore while a third nephew is really into pranks....so like I said something for every child.   A great fun book that should keep your children occupied....at least for a couple of days.  

World Environment Day!

What is going on in the gulf is horrifying.   Not only will the economy suffer but the environment is in shambles.   I have seen the photos of the birds and can't imagine how it will be cleaned up.   A truly sad situation.  It seems fitting that in the midst of this man made disaster is a day like World Environment Day that helps remind us of how the world's environment touches all of us.   What is happening in the Gulf will ultimately effect all of us around the world.  

Here are some book suggestions that can help children and adults better understand and help the world around us.

Everything Kids Environment Book by Sheri Amsel~ part of the "Everything" series of books that teaches children how to get involved in saving the environment.  Ages 9-12 but younger children can also benefit with supervision.

A Child's Introduction to the Environment by Michael Driscoll includes experiments and activities to help in saving the planet.  Ages 9-12.


The Lorax by Dr Seuss ~ The classic story that helps explain to the youngest among us how we should not destroy the world around us.  All Ages

Clarice Bean, What Planet Are You From? by Lauren Child for ages 4-8 from the Clarice Bean series of books, a great storybook to read with characters kids can relate to.   Perfect for today's
celebration!

This day should not go unrecognized especially because of what is happening in the world right now!