Thank You and Good Night by Patrick McDonnell

It has been a very busy few months for me and things are finally quieting down. This has been a time of highs and lows....joys and sadness but even amidst the craziness of life there is always time to be thankful.  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving when we are supposed to pause and give thanks.  

Now that I have time to get back to book reading and evaluating I combed over many a Thanksgiving title to suggest.  I kept coming back to today's title because it universal and not just about giving "Thanks" on one day but to give "Thanks" everyday!  This is a must have, read aloud, bedtime story for every day of the year.  

Thank You and Good Night written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell is an instant classic.  I have always loved his books and his comic strip---he so quietly reminds us of how we should live our lives.  This is the story of a first sleepover of friends---they do all the things children do at sleepovers from having a snack to goofing around to a final bedtime story.  They are also asked to give thanks for something---the long list of simple things is a reminder that we all have something to be thankful for everyday. It is a beautiful way to instill in children that they should remember to be grateful for the little things as well as the big things. As I said this is a must have book for any child in your life.....maybe even some grownups....

In spirit of the holiday I would like to say I am Thankful for my family and friends who are an important part of my life----you are all special to me.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

Waiting by Kevin Henkes

                      Waiting written and illustrated by Caldecott medalist Kevin Henkes

It is that time of year again.  They summer is over and it is back to school time.  It seems like schools have been in back to school mode for weeks.  The school in my neighborhood starts tomorrow.

I have always been a very big fan of Kevin Henkes. What I love about his books is that they always seem different and new.  When I saw today's book I loved it just from the cover alone....when I realized it was a written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes I loved it even more. His books always have a comforting feel to them.

Waiting is the perfect read aloud book for a child. Most children I know have an impatience about them.  When my niece and nephews were small I would always tell them they needed to be patient.  They were always excited about something and wanted immediate gratification all the time.  I would play a game with them to see how long they could sit still. Needless to say it wasn't very long. They always grew tired of "waiting".

I wish I had this book to read to them. It is such a soothing and reassuring book filled with hope and expectation that I would have loved to read it to them over and over again.  I can see myself someday reading this to my great nephew sitting on a cozy couch.  This is also a perfect read aloud/story time book and an every night bedtime story. It is a must have new book for any age.  Mr Henkes has done it again writing an instant classic.

That is Not a Good Idea! by Mo Willems

I love when I find a book that will appeal to both a child and an adult.


Mo Willems presents That is Not a Good Idea! is a funny new book by the Caldecott author of all the Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny and Piggie books.   What I loved about this book is the how it is supposed to be like an old silent movie.  It is all dialogue with repetitive phrases which makes it a great story time/read aloud book.  It has a bit of dark humor about it so parents might want to read it first before reading it to their children.  Most kids won't mind the somewhat surprise ending but some kids might be sensitive.  I actually think this is one of those books that would make a great gift for a grown up to enjoy.  

My Rhinoceros by Jon Agee

My Rhinoceros by Jon Agee is a  wonderful new book by an author who never disappoints me.   I love his sweet characters and whimsical illustrations.   This is a perfectly fun read aloud that is great for story time.   It is sure to inspire a child's imagination.   A great new book that is a must have for any child.   Jon Agee knows how to tell a story with warmth and sweet simplicity.   Enjoy!

Flashback Tuesday: The Moon Lady by Amy Tan illus by Gretchen Schields

Yesterday was the start of the Moon Festival....a yearly harvest festival celebrated by the Chinese and Vietnamese people.   I always liked this festival because I have always wanted to taste a Moon Cake.  


The Moon Lady by Amy Tan and illustrated by Gretchen Schields is a wonderful book to read during this time of the year.   I have always been a fan of Amy Tan's book The Joy Luck Club and remembered this story from that book.    It was only natural for her to tell that same story in a children's version.   Besides being a great introduction to Chinese culture for children it is also just a great picture book to read with your children. It really shows children that they need to look within themselves to make wishes come true.   I love the illustrations too....they remind me of intricate tapestries I have only seen in museums.  

Reference Sunday: We Are America by Walter Dean Myers illustrations by Christopher Myers

It has been so disheartening to watch the news lately.   It seems like no one can get along.   I especially hate the political climate where nobody can agree on anything.   Each "side" claims they are doing the best for our country but  all I see is fighting which makes me wonder if that is true.   Like I said it is very sad to have such divisiveness in this country.  Which is why I felt a sense of hope when I discovered today's book.



We Are America: A Tribute from the Heart by Walter Dean Myers and illustrated by Christopher Myers is a beautiful  book that shows us all that this country was, is and hopes to be.  This book illustrates in a simple way that America is filled with diverse and incredible people, it is because of our diversity that we are who we are.   It teaches children (and adults) what patriotism is all about.   That even though we come from different backgrounds and cultures we all have a commonality about us.   By really looking at our past we can truly see our future.   Walter Dean Myers profound poems combined with the wonderful illustrations of his son Christopher are a great way to teach children what it means to be an American----.  

As Mr Myers writes:  To each child a freedom dream
                                   To each soul the sweet taste of liberty
                                   To each heart give the promise
                                   Of America.

Flashback Tuesday: Coming Home: From the Life of Langston Hughes by Floyd Cooper

Since today is not only the start of African American History month but also the birth anniversary of the wonderful poet Langston Hughes I thought I could write about an old favorite of mine.

Coming Home: From the Life of Langston Hughes by Floyd Cooper is, as I said, an old favorite.   I have always been a fan of Floyd Coopers wonderful illusrations.   What I loved about this book is how I learned about a great poet ....not as a grown up but as a little boy.   This is a great introduction to an American Treasure.   This book is not only written beautifully but the illustrations are incredible.  I was drawn to the cover immediately .....the little boys face and how he is sitting there with his books made me want to know more about him.  I love how Mr Cooper paints faces that are instantly recognizable to us.   Coming Home  is a great tribute to wonderful poet and artist....a must have book for anyone's bookshelf.

Clever Jack Takes the Cake by Candace Fleming illus by G. Brian Karas

Clever Jack Takes the Cake by Candace Fleming and illustrated by award winning G. Brian Karas is a fun new book that is a fairy tale at heart.    I love this story of a little boy named Jack who gets an invitation to the princess' birthday party.  I love the resourcefulness of Jack.  He trades his beloved items for ingredients to make a cake only to have the cake torn apart.   In the end it is the story that pleases the princess.  When I read it I had a feeling of an O'Henry story....but for kids.   This is such a sweet and lovely fairy tale that I would have wanted as a child.  

The Goblin and the Empty Chair by Mem Fox illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon

Yesterday morning while I was video chatting with my sister, she told me that she had a new favorite picture book.   She made me look up Mem Fox while we were still chatting ....we "watched" together a video of the author reading her book.   To say it was one of the most beautiful stories I had heard in a long time is an understatement.   I want to thank my sister Ann for introducing me to this wonderful book.

The Goblin and the Empty Chair by Mem Fox and illustrated by award winning duo Leo & Diane Dillon is the story of  a goblin who is ashamed of who he is so he hides himself away.  We go on to meet a family who is very sad but whom the Goblin helps.   I found the story uplifting and inspiring.   It is a new kind of fairy tale, one that speaks to all of us of compassion and love.   We never really do see the Goblins face but see his heart instead.    The illustrations are perfect for this special book, I can't imagine anyone but the Dillons doing it justice.  This is the kind of book for all ages.  I would give to children to foster conversation.  I would give this book  to adults to help them understand grief and how we come to terms with the sadness in our lives.   Mem Fox has written a powerful story that speaks to the world.

Flashback Tuesday: The Widow's Broom by Chris Van Allsburg

The Widow's Broom by Chris Van Allsburg is an old favorite of mine.  I have always admired Chris Van Allsburg because he really knows how to tell a story and convey emotions with his illustrations.   As with most of his stories the feeling of a bygone era is evident although timeless.  Another thing I love about this book is that it is just a scary story that is not "Halloween" oriented....it can be read any time of year not just in the Fall.   This is a great book to read to a group of kids, especially if there is a wide range of ages.  It is spooky but not too scary for little ones and the older ones can relate to what happens.    I love to watch the expressions on the kids faces when they understand the twist of an ending.   So have a glass of apple cider, dim the lights and enjoy a spooky tale!