RIP Eric Hill author of Where's Spot?

I just read that Eric Hill the creator of one my favorite series of books for children has died.  His character of Spot the dog will always hold a warm place in my heart.  When I started working in my first bookstore---a Doubleday Bookshop----our children's section was very small.  Which is why I remember almost all the books we carried. Where's Spot?  was a true novelty when I first encountered it.  It was one of the first books that really changed the interactive landscape of children's books.  I also remember the the original plush puppy based on the book.  I loved to recommend it to customers because of it's simplicity.  I always sold the book with plush boxed set to customers shopping for a new baby.

When I moved on to run the children's department of Barnes and Noble my favorite thing to do was merchandise the big picture windows in the front of the store.  This was in the days before all stores had to have the same displays.  For Mothers Day one year I decorated the window with all Mother's Day type books.   Central to the display was the over sized Spot doll with little plush spot dolls around it.  I put a hat on and necklace on the bigger one so that it represented his mother.  It was really a fun display to create with all the books and other kinds of gifts for Mom in the window.

After awhile I moved into the buying office of B&N to buy Preschool books for all the stores.  I loved seeing how Spot never went out of fashion and how his books became one of the best series to be adapted into a board book.

Today I still love to recommend a Spot book to customers. Partly because they are timeless but mostly because I know that whatever title it is will be read again and again.  Mr Hill has given the world an iconic little character that will never be forgotten.

Here are some of my favorite Spot titles:

Where's Spot?  ---which comes a great board book too.....

Spot Goes to School --- great back to school title

Spot Loves His Mommy and Spot Loves His Daddy  --- perfect for new parents

Spot's Birthday Party  -- always fun to get read before a child's special day....

There are many more....not just lift the flap but other concepts as well.  These books are definitely a must have for every child's bookshelf.  Thank you Eric Hill for creating such an iconic character.  You will be missed.

Flashback Tuesday: The Complete Adventures of Curious George by H.A Rey

The other day my brother stopped by my house and noticed that I had finally cleaned up the boxes of books I had piled in the office.  Most of the books are children’s books so I didn’t think he would be interested in them.  I was a bit surprised when he said he wanted one of my copies of today’s book.   I then remembered he read Curious George books to his boys when they were little.  I specifically remember my nephew Daniel liking Curious George Rides a Bike. 

The Complete Adventures of Curious George by H.A Rey is the perfect gift for a new baby. Curious George is a classic character that all children should read.  While some of the original stories can seem dated they are still fun stories that can grow with your child.  I remember reading them to my nephews and at story time in the bookstore.  I always found they made for great teachable moments.  The books always made for good discussions on how to behave.  This is a must have book for any child’s bookshelf.   

Pinkalicious Cupcake Cookbook by Victoria Kann

Looking at the weather this morning and saw that the whole country is in some sort of dreadful weather pattern.  Except of course Florida....which is apparently sunny and warm.  Since most people can't just pick up and go to Florida the best that can be done is stay in and get cozy.  I think baking is one of the coziest things to do on a cold winters day.

The Pinkalicious Cupcake Cookbook by Victoria Kann is the perfect new cookbook for kids to have fun with while hunkered down in your house.  There are 20 different cupcake recipes to make and enjoy.  While I am thinking this is geared towards girls (what with the pink theme and all), there are few decorating tips that might be a little bit gender neutral. Besides it doesn't matter if you are a boy or girl when it comes to eating these sweet treats.  What's great about the recipes are the step by step instructions that show you how to decorate different cupcakes.  Gluten free recipes are also included. There are also decorating tips for a multitude of holidays which makes it a perfect gift too.  This is a fun new cookbook for the baker in your life.

The Wizard of Oz: The Official 75th Anniversary Companion by Jay Scarfone, William Stillman, Caren Marsh-Doll

Since the holiday season has officially begun I thought I would recommend a book for the whole family.  I loved watching the Wizard of Oz on TV when I was young.  It is one of my favorite memories growing up.  In fact I loved it so much it took me years to read the actual book.  When I did read it --- one slow Saturday night in the bookstore----I was amazed that except for a few details (silver shoes instead of ruby slippers and a few different  characters) the film was pretty close to the book.

The Wizard of Oz: The Official 75th Anniversary Companion by Jay Scarfone, William Stillman and Caren Marsh- Doll is a commemorative collectible book that has new stories from cast and crew plus beautiful stills from the film and previously unpublished information and photos from the making of the film.  This is a must have for any Wizard of Oz fan.  

If there is a child who loves the movie this would be a great time to introduce the original Frank L. Baum book....here is one my favorite editions that I have written about before:

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum and illustrated by W.W. Denslow

There is also this favorite of mine that I wrote about from the master Pop-Up artist Robert Sabuda:

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum art by Robert Sabuda 

These make great gifts and would be a wonderful way to help with Small Business Saturday tomorrow....bookstores are like home to me which makes me think of Dorothy her famous line:

"There's no place like home...." 

Flashback Tuesday: Olivia Goes to Venice written and illustrated Ian Falconer

While I was helping a customer the other day at the bookstore I came across what I thought was a new Olivia book.  Imagine my surprise when I saw it came out a couple of years ago.

I have always loved Olivia...she has a spirit and enthusiasm that I wish I had.  I love all the Olivia books but I think

Olivia Goes to Venice by Ian Falconer is my new favorite.  Venice is at the top of my list of places to visit.  To see it through a precocious "child's" eyes is wonderful.  Years ago I met Ian Falconer and I remembered he told us that he based Olivia on his niece. Reading about Olivia again I realized she is just like my niece Celia who is creative and adventurous but who can also be stubborn and strong willed.  I truly believe there is nothing she can't do----just like Olivia.   This is the perfect book for the clever child in your life.  A must have book....

Come Back, Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish illustrated by Wallace Tripp

Today is my sister Ann's birthday and for the last few years I have suggested books about Emily Dickinson as it is Emily's birthday too.   You can read about them here and here....they are still wonderful books especially Emily by Michael Bedard.   Today I am writing about a childhood favorite because whenever I see this book it reminds me of my sister.

Come Back, Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish and illustrated by Wallace Tripp is not one of the more popular Amelia Bedelia books but like I said it is one that I love.   This was my introduction to the character who is Amelia Bedelia.   I remember reading it for the first time and laughing out loud. My sister Ann bought this for me when I was feeling a bit down in the dumps.....I don't remember why I was sad but I know I was.   It was just like her to try and cheer me up....she has always done that for me.   It was appropriate she would think a book would do the trick....after all she is a writer.  It is a great beginning reader book that is perfect for the silly reader in your life....


Happy Birthday Ann Elizabeth, thanks for making me smile!

Flashback Tuesday: Mary Poppins in the Kitchen by P.L. Travers

According to Anita Silvey's Book a Day Almanac it has been 85 years since Mary Poppins first came on the scene.   

When I was a little girl I got for Christmas one year my one and only Mary Poppins book.  

Mary Poppins in the Kitchen A Cookery Book with a Story by P.L Travers, illustrations by Mary Shepard and Culinary Consultant Maurice Moore-Betty is  one of my favorite childhood books .   I only knew Mary Poppins from the movie so when I got the book I was intrigued to read that there were more children and that Mary Poppins was actually a part of the household for more than a couple of days.   I loved reading the story and reading the recipes.   I can still see myself making the roast chicken with the help of my Mother.  I still have my copy with food stains all over it and my Mother's handwriting where she had inscribed it with my name and year of the gift.   It is something I will always treasure.   

It is actually a great little cookbook....the recipes aren't hard and the story is sweet.   I perfect little gift to share.   

Flashback Tuesday: The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster illust by Jules Feiffer

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster and illustrated by Jules Feiffer is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of it's publication.   This classic book with it's iconic cover has never gone out of style.   It is still a perennial on school reading lists which is how it should be.  Even though I have shelved this book and read about this book for years and am a huge fan of both Norton Juster and Jules Feiffer, it wasn't until a few years ago that I actually read it myself.   It was not at all what I imagined it to be....it was even better.  I couldn't believe it took me so long to finally pick it up and read.   I loved the word play and the characters...how many times have we felt like Milo---bored with everything.   This is a must have classic that every child should and every grown up should re-read.....it may be 50 years old but is still young at heart!

Flashback Tuesday: Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London illus by Frank Remkiewicz

I realized it has been a  week since I last posted.   Hurricane Irene got in the way..... lucky for me I had  no real damage and only a little bit of food got spoiled.   The storm has brought cooler days which tells me summer is waning.   The kids in my neighborhood and my nephews are busy shopping for school supplies and getting new clothes.   Here is another old favorite to read for Back to School!


Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London and illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz was always a favorite to read during this time of year.    He was one of my nephews favorite characters.  I liked to read this book because it really captures a child's anxiety of the unknown.  I remember exactly the same feelings when the first day of school rolled around.   This is a perfect book to alleviate any worries a child might have as a new school year approaches.   A must have perennial story to be read!

Special Flashback Wed: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

I have been a little lax in posting lately.   Basically because I am in vacation mode.   The sun has been beautiful here on Long Beach Island and it is hard to use the computer on the beach.  As this is a family vacation I have also been spending my nights eating and playing games.   Last night we played "Clue" with the kids.   I needed to relearn the rules myself as I hadn't played in ages.   The game board is much fancier than I remembered.   While we were going over the instructions my nephew JoJo wanted to know if it was like The Westing Game.....a book he said he liked a lot.   I liked how he knew to compare the two.  





The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin is the perfect book for the curious young reader.   It is a great mystery book.   It is the kind of book I read when I was an adult but knew my younger self would have loved it.   Since it is summer it makes a great summer reading title.  Since it won the Newbery award it should be on most school reading lists.  



If your child has already read this then they should try some books by Blue Balliett: Chasing Vemeer, The Wright 3, The Calder Game, and The Danger Box.  These are great mysteries too!

As to our game of Clue last night, while JoJo tried really hard and was very enthusiastic my nephew Alex came out the winner in both of the games we played.   I sense a rematch in the near future!

Flashback Tuesday: The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne

Today is the birth anniversary of the iconic and classic author Jules Verne.   He has written so many famous books I thought I would recommend my favorite.



The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne is a classic castaway story with loads of adventure.   What I liked about this book was how the characters were able to survive and create a new world for themselves.   I also loved the mystery that surrounded the island---the twist at the end was a great surprise but a pleasant "ah ha" kind of surprise that I love.   I loved this book so much and knew my nephew would like it to----he liked science----that I gave it to him for his birthday (he was even nice about it the second time I gave it to him--aunts have a tendency to forget).   Anyway this would be great gift for an older child who likes mystery and science.   I look it at as a precursor to "Lost"----a wonderful classic that never gets old.

Flashback Tuesday: Frog & Toad by Arnold Lobel

The summer is almost over so I thought I would go to the pool with my nephews.   Since I hadn't thought of what to write about today I asked them for suggestions.   I asked them what books they liked when they were younger and my nephew Michael V immediately said "Frog & Toad".....I thought that was a great suggestion.


I always loved the Frog & Toad books by Arnold Lobel.   They were such simple stories of friendship and acceptance.   Here were two friends who were in a way such opposites and yet they got along so well.
These are more than just books to teach children how to read but are great read aloud story books as well.   They make wonderful gifts and are great reminders of the simpler things in life.   These are must have classics that every child should read.   Thanks to Michael V !

Frog and Toad Are Friends 













Frog and Toad Together












Frog and Toad All Year 












Days With Frog and Toad

Flashback Tuesday: Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr Seuss

My friend Joe S. recommended this book to me yesterday.   I always seem to forget how brilliant Dr Seuss was early in his career.

Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr Seuss  received a Caldecott Honor in 1950 the year my parents got married.   It is a sequel and one of his few titles that is told in prose not rhyme,  although there are quite a few rhymes in the book.  This is a timeless tale and fits in quite nicely with today's popular books as it is all about magic!

I love a story that teaches a lesson without being preachy.   There are actually many lessons in the book but the one that strikes me the most  is the lesson that simple words and truths can be very powerful.   This is the story of a king who thinks he can get anything he wants just because he wants it.   His sense of entitlement is amazing.   When disaster strikes because of this sense of entitlement,  it takes a little boy to tell him the truth.   Of course the king doesn't hear the truth and only see's what he wants to see.   By then it is too late.    Once the king understands it is his mistakes that caused the pain of the Oobleck's and is truly sorry for what he has done is the disaster averted.   Bartholomew is a great character because he told the truth even if it wasn't a popular thing to hear.   He has a strength of character that all kids (and some adults)  should emulate.   Everyone makes mistakes but if we realize that something is our fault and own up to it and can say the simple words "I'm Sorry" things can always get better.


Thanks Joe S.  for reminding me of this wonderful book! It is not one of Dr Seuss' more popular titles but it should be.

Flashback Tuesday: Petunia by Roger Duvoisin

While on my walk today I was thinking of what I would write about on my blog.   I look forward to Flashback Tuesdays because I get to reach back into the past to find a book.   It had just started to rain and I was sort of following the street sweeper truck.   I didn't feel like following the all the way so I cut down a street I don't usually walk on.  It was as I was turning the corner that I noticed a really lovely house that I hadn't noticed before.   On the front porch was a statue of a goose with a wreath of flowers around it's neck.    At that moment Petunia popped into my head. 

Petunia by Roger Duvoisin is the classic story of a goose who finds a book and immediately thinks she knows everything...even though she hasn't read it.    I can't believe this book is 60 years old this year....it is such a timeless story.  This was always a great read aloud because the kids would get  really get into the story.   There are a lot of discussion points too.   The best books transcend time....this is certainly one of them.   A must have for your child's bookshelf.

Lyle, Lyle Crocodile: Lyle Walks the Dogs by Bernard Waber illus by Paulis Waber

I have been dog sitting my brother's dog for the past few days.   Little Bear is a cute little Yorkie Poo who is really sweet.   I hate leaving him home when I need to go out.   My sister said "welcome to parenthood".


I love going on walks with him because for a little dog he can really move.   When I saw that Bernard Waber had come out with a new Lyle book about walking dogs I felt it was kismet....I love Lyle!   Lyle has always been one of my favorite characters.   No matter what kind of day I was having as a kid if I read my Lyle book I felt better.   He makes me smile.  

Lyle, Lyle Crocodile: Lyle Walks the Dogs by Bernard Waber and illustrated by Paulis Waber (his daughter) is a great addition to the Lyle series of books.   It is written for the younger child but still captures the character we know and love.   It is a great counting book too!   


When I was in the stores we sometimes did school visits.   I remember going to a school with my co-worker and friend Lindsay where we read Lyle books.   She was a trooper because as I read she sat there dressed as Lyle....it was a very big and heavy costume that was also very hot to wear.   The kids loved it and that made it worthwhile.   


No matter what Lyle is a great classic character and this is a great book to add to the collection.   

If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff illus by Felicia Bond

Every year while down the shore we go to breakfast at a place called Uncle Will's Pancake House.   It is usually crowded and we need to wait for a table because there are so many of us.   We used to spend our time waiting in the bookstore next door but that moved to another street.   The thing about Uncle Will's that reminds me of this book is that they have these ceramic giant pigs that they will place at your table.   As a matter of fact a "pig" is there mascot.   They even sold this book for awhile.


If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond is one of my favorites in the If You Give....series of books.   I think it is because I have always loved pancakes and totally could relate.   These books are perfect for story times.....the kids love them.   It is also a great way to have a theme party......


Off to Uncle Will's!!!!!

Happy National Fudge Day!

According to a site I follow on Twitter called Foodimentary (which is where I get all my food themed book ideas) today is National Fudge Day.   I love the fact that I can tie so many books in with my love for food.   

In honor of it being National Fudge Day I thought I would recommend a series of books that are a great read for kids: the 'Fudge' books by Judy Blume.   I love 'Fudge' because he is one of the best characters to come along in recent years.   The fact that we are first introduced to him as a two year old shows that even a toddler can be interesting.   I think kids love him because he is a 'real' kid with 'real' actions.....he is someone they can relate to.   These are perfect books to get kids into reading.   Judy Blume has always understood how children think 'Fudge' is just one example of how she does it.    These books can never go out of style.




Pure Fudge : Fudge boxed set

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing  

Fudge-a-Mania

Superfudge

Double Fudge