Just a Lucky So and So The Story of Louis Armstrong by Lesa Cline-Ransome Illustrated by James E. Ransome

I was visiting my sister this past weekend when I saw a new book on her coffee table.  She is friends with Lesa Cline-Ransome who had given her a copy of her new book about Louis Armstrong.

While my baby nephew was dancing and singing around the room I read this really great picture book biography.

Just a Lucky So and So The Story of Louis Armstrong by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by James E. Ransome is a new picture book biography of one of my favorite musicians. I love how right from the very first page we sense the joy that is Louis Armstrong.  Even though he grew up poor it never took away his natural exuberance.  He had such  a fascinating and storied life and career.  This book has a beautiful flow that makes it very readable in a lyrical way.  I love how the illustrations match the vision of this bigger than life iconic figure.  This is a great book for children to learn about the history of music in America. It would be great to read at a story time with Louis Armstrong music playing in the background.   It is a must have for any library and child's bookshelf. 

Flashbook Tuesday: blues journey by Walter Dean Myers and illustrated by Christopher Myers

Recently I have been sorting  the many books I have collected through the years and couldn't believe how many I have that have been signed by the author or illustrator.  Some are inscribed to me personally and some are just signed....either way it is an impressive amount.  Today's book is just one of the many books that I have inscribed to me personally. As I flipped through the book I realized it would make a perfect book to recommend at any time but especially during Black History Month.

blues journey by Walter Dean Myers and beautifully illustrated by Christopher Myers is the story of the African American experience told through poetry and the history of the blues.  Mr Myers poems have the same rhythm as a blues melody.  This is a picture book for an older child to read and learn about the "blues".  The poems are mix of complex and simple thoughts regarding love and life.  I love how the son's images match his father's words to make a visual impact for the reader.  I would give this to an older child even as old as High School or even an adult who loves music and history.  It is a great teaching tool for students to learn a different perspective of African American history.

Side note that is a bit interesting (at least to me)....Walter Dean Myers and my sister Ann E. Burg have both been nominated for an NAACP Image Award this year in the Literature Category for   Outstanding Literary Work- Youth / Teens:  Mr Myers for his book Invasion and my sister for her book Serafina's Promise.  Such a small world.....

This is an inscription I treasure:

Reference Sunday: Words Set Me Free by Lesa Cline-Ransome illutrted by James E. Ransome

A few weeks ago I wrote about a book the book Love Twelve Miles Long .  It tells the story of Frederick Douglas and how his Mother influenced his life.   When my sister read my post she introduced me to another picture book about Frederick Douglas written by her friend Lisa Cline-Ransome.   I am always amazed when two books are published at about the same time on the same subject without each taking anything away from  the other.  

Words Set Me Free by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by her husband James E. Ransome also tells the story of the great Abolitionist Frederick Douglas, only this time it encompasses more of his life  not just one part.   In this beautifully illustrated and written picture book we not only learn about where he comes from we learn how he knew from early on that by learning to read and educate himself would he ever be more than just a slave.  I have always been a fan of James Ransome's art but I am also a fan of his wife's writing....how wonderful to have such a team to bring us such wonderful books.   I recommend this book as a companion piece to Glenda Armand's book....they are meant for roughly the same age.   I also recommend it as a book to show children that education and reading are important and can truly enrich their lives.   A must have picture book.....

Love Twelve Miles Long By Glenda Armand Illustrated by Colin Bootman

Life has been busy lately so I haven't been able to write as much as I would like.   That doesn't mean I am not in constant search of some good book to suggest.

I have always been an admirer of Frederick Douglass the famous abolitionist ever since I did a report on him in school.   So I was so thrilled to find a story about him as child. A story  that helps bring a larger than life historical figures in better focus.

Love Twelve Miles Long by Glenda Armand and illustrated by Colin Bootman is a beautifully told story of a young Frederick Douglass who as a slave was sent to a plantation 12 miles away from his mother. This story tells how she would walk at night just to visit him.  He asks her how she is able to do this as it was a long way, she describes what she does during each step. She sings, prays, listens and remembers.....

As only a mother can, she is able to see her son's true potential.  Ultimately she is the driving force of his escape to freedom and the leadership path he would eventually take.   Ms Armand is a beautiful writer.  I really could feel the love between mother and son, which is a very powerful feeling.   The illustrations by Colin Bootman match the words perfectly, the cover illustration alone evokes such warmth and love that I was immediately compelled to open it up.

This is a great first biography for a child.   It gives history without being preachy.   It should be used as a stepping stone to learn about one of the greatest American historical figures who ever lived.

Reference Sunday: Marching for Freedom: Walk Together Children and Don't You Grow Weary by Elizabeth Partridge

Marching for Freedom: Walk Together Children and Don't You Grow Weary by Elizabeth Partridge is a wonderful book and photographic history of the civil rights era.   What I like about it is that it is shown from a child's perspective.    I never knew how involved children were during this time.   The photos and interviews with those who were there are incredibly  moving.  This is a great book for an older child to help them understand this important period in American History.   Elizabeth Partridge has done a wonderful job of bringing to life a little known part of the Civil Rights Movement.   While this is written for ages 9-12,  I think many an adult would appreciate this book.   I know I do!

Before There Was Mozart: The Story of Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-George by Lesa Cline-Ransome illus by James Ransome

Before There Was Mozart written by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by James Ransome is the kind of book I like to find.   I love to discover a story I have never heard before.   It is the story of a man born of a slave mother and plantation owning father who mesmerizes Europe with his incredible gift of music.  I have always admired James Ransome's illustrations and this is a great example of his work.   The writing too is beautifully done, I love how how each section is titled as a "movement" to bring out the music aspect of the book.   This has also made me want to listen to some of this unknown artist's musical compositions ----as much as I love to find a new story I also love to discover new music.    

Flashback Tuesday: Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco

Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco is one of my all time favorite books. It is definitely one of my favorite Patricia Polacco books. I can still remember the first time I read it. I was so blown away by the story and the illustrations that I sat and cried right in the middle of the store.

This story of two boys from different worlds during the Civil War is so touching and real that it is sometimes hard to believe it is a true story. This is a story that had been handed down from generation to generation so I am sure the tone had changed in each retelling of it. But the story always remained the same.

The illustration of the boys hands as they are being torn apart still gives me goosebumps when I think about it.

Some people might say this is too harsh a story for young children. I say we shouldn't talk down to children and should always try to tell them the truth. Children can handle more than we give them credit for.

Pink and Say was the first picture book I encountered that made me realize that not all picture books are for children. This is a book for all ages. It is not just for children~

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!

Read Aloud Wednesday: The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

When I worked in the bookstore Wednesday was always our story time day. At one time I had three story times in one day. There was always a theme and an activity. My favorite part was picking the books to read.

I thought I would use Wednesday as a day to suggest books that make great read alouds.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats is a perfect story time book. It introduces us to a little boy in a city who spends the day in the snow. This book was originally written in 1962 and it won the 1963 Caldecott for its wonderful illustrations. Ezra Jack Keats is one of the first authors at that time to tell a story using a child of African American descent. The wonderful thing about it is that is really just a book about a boy playing in the snow. There is no agenda just a story but the fact the boy is African American speaks volumes for that time. It is a must have title.

A Kid's Guide to African American History by Nancy I. Sanders

Today is the first day of Black History Month. I found this great book that can be used everyday of the month and beyond to help celebrate.

The Kid's Guide To African American History by Nancy I. Sanders is packed with over 70 activities, songs & games to help teach children about African American History. This would be great for teachers and librarians to use and great for parents too. It also has short biography's of famous African Americans and well as explanations of important historical events in our history.

This book is a perfect book not just for older kids but for younger ones as well. It is well written and easy to use. It is not overwhelming at all~ the perfect book to learn with.