Goldilocks and the Three Bears by James Marshall

Today is the wonderful illustrator James Marshall's birthday.  He has so many books that can be talked about that it is always hard to pick a favorite.  Most know him because of his marvelous story of two friends George and Martha.  So instead of talking about those books I want to recommend my favorite:

Goldilocks and the Three Bears retold and illustrated by James Marshall.....

I love this book because it isn't just a staid retelling of an old tale but because Mr Marshall injects so much humor and character into the story.  Goldilocks is not the sweet innocent girl that we grew up reading about.  She is more of a rebel and just a little bit "naughty".  I loved reading this to kids because they would really giggle at her antics.  The illustrations are priceless as Mr Marshall gives each characters such great expressions.  No wonder it received a Caldecott Honor for illustrations.  This is a must have book for every child's bookcase.  

Goldilocks and Just One Bear by Leigh Hodgkinson

Who doesn't like sequels?   Sometimes sequels are not as good as the original but sometimes they can be a pleasant surprise as in today's book:

  

Goldilocks and the Just One Bear written and illustrated by Leigh Hodkinson is a sequel that totally surprised me.   I have mentioned before and will probably mention again that I love fractured fairy tales.    This takes that idea to a new level.  When I saw this book in the library I was intrigued by the title and the cover art.   I knew it was going to be a "new" version of the fairy tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  As I was reading it I realized it wasn't just a new version but the story of what happened to Goldilocks when she grew up. I also recognized the illustrations as being similar to  the Boris books I like so much and was to discover it is the same author. I love the expression's on the bear's face--priceless.  This is a really fun story to read aloud.   I think this is the perfect story time book or bedtime book.   It is the kind of book that is just read straight through but discussed as it is read.   I like all the comparisons to the original fairy tale and the little twist at the end.   Not a surprising twist but one a child would understand.   It really is a clever book.   A must have for the classroom or child's library.   

Forgive Me, I Meant to Do It: False Apology Poems by Gail Carson Levine and illustrated by Matthew Cordell

I can't believe it is April already...spring is such a wonderful time of year.   In honor of poetry month I thought I would start out with a really fun new book by a well loved author.  I have  always liked Gail Carson Levine.  She has a way of stating things in the most sardonic way.  Her new book is no exception.

Forgive Me, I meant to Do It: False Apology Poems by Gail Carson Levine and illustrated wonderfully by Matthew Cordell is a book of poems based on the classic poem "This is Just To Say" by William Carlos Williams.   She even goes so far to credit him by including the poem with an explanation at the end of he book.

Normally I like to teach children to be nice.   I think the best thing we can teach kids today is to be kind to one another.   That being said I know that children tend to have a bit of a mean streak about them.   How many times have we demanded they apology to someone knowing full well that they may say the words....but don't really mean it.   I think this book is a great way to show them we are on to them and that we understand.

 I love how she uses fairy tale and nursery rhyme characters that all kids can recognize, since they aren't real non-apologies then there really is no harm in them.   Knowing that this is a great teachable book, Harpercollins has created a fantastic downloadable Teachers Guide for use in the classroom.

As much as this a great book for teachers to read to kids, I know quite a few adults who would get a kick out of the poems.  The illustrations remind me of Edward Gorey and his  "The Gashlycrumb Tinies"---and I know of one friend who would appreciate that.

So this is a great new book to help celebrate Poetry Month...albeit in a fun and sarcastic way....

The Cloud Spinner by Michael Catchpool; illustrated by Alison Jay - Hardcover - Random House

The Cloud Spinner by Michael Catchpool; illustrated by Alison Jay - Hardcover - Random House is a wonderful new book that teaches children  to not be greedy.   I love this story of a a little boy who weaves beautiful clothes out of clouds but never uses too many clouds until he is asked to do more.  This is a wonderful story of how excess can be destruct.  Michael Catchpool weaves (pun intended) a magical new fable that teaches without being preachy. As for the illustrations  I have  said this before but I am a huge fan of Alison Jay.   I just love her illustrations and these do not disappoint.   I really love her color palette and the way she complements the text.   This is a must have new classic ----for everyone.

Huff & Puff by Claudia Rueda

Huff & Puff by Claudia Rueda is one of those books that made me look twice.   The second I saw these cute little pigs staring at me I instantly broke out into a smile.   When I looked at it closely I was thrilled to see it was a fun retelling of a classic fairy tale.   Not only is this a sweet story but it is interactive too.  I would love to sit and read this with a child on my lap....to ask them to act like the wolf and "huff & puff"...would be so cute.   I can even see reading this at story time.   The end of the book is sure to induce claps and squeals....a great new read aloud for even the littlest one in your life.

The Sigh by Marjane Satrapi

The Sigh written and illustrated by Marjane Satrapi is a beautiful fable that is more than just a story for  young readers.   I was struck by the cover which is so eye catching.   When I read the first few pages I was reminded of the classic fairy tales and fables that I love.  It is described as being a graphic novel.  The book does have many beautiful illustrations that advance the story but it doesn't  seem like a graphic novel in the truest form. The illustrations had a familiar feel to me so I did some research and realized I know  the author from her Academy Award Nominated film called Persepolis.  This film  is based on her book (a memoir)  of the same name.  I had never seen the film but remember seeing reviews and previews of it when it first came out.

  Marjane Satrapi  is a wonderful storyteller who immediately captures the readers imagination.   This would be a great book for children and parents to read together snuggled up by the fire on a cold winter's night.

The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot by Margaret McNamara illus by Mark Fearing

The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by Mark Fearing is a clever retelling of the Three Little Pigs.....I love stories that have been re-imagined especially when they are done well.   This is a great book to also introduce the planets to children....it isn't a "science" book as stated in the Author's note but the planets are depicted and in a realistic way.  This is the perfect way to also introduce fairy tales to your kids...read this and then go back and read the original.   I would have loved to read this at story time as a new book selection....the activities that can go with it are endless.   This is a fun new book....

Flashback Tuesday: Rumpelstiltskin by Brothers Grimm illus by Paul O. Zelinsky

Today is the birth anniversary of Jacob Grimm of the Brothers Grimm whose fairy tales have been read and told for generations.   As you know I love fairy tales, straight up or fractured.  Jacob's birthday let's me talk about one of my favorite Grimm stories.  

Rumpelstiltskin by the Brothers Grimm and illustrated by the award winning Paul O' Zelinsky has always been a favorite version of the this classic tale.   Mr. Zelinsky truly captures the feel of the fairy tale with some of the most exquisite illustrations.    I always felt sorry for the girl who has to spin straw because the predicament she gets herself into was not of her making.  I also love how Rumpelstiltskin gets his just rewards ..... I never liked him.   Anyway this is a wonderful "must have" book for anyone who loves a good fairy tale, told and illustrated beautifully.  

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 Classic Treasury of Childhood Wonders: Favorite Adventures, Stories, Poems, and Songs for Making Lasting Memories by Susan Magsamen

The Classic Treasury of Childhood Wonders by Susan Magsamen which is published by National Geographic is the perfect book to help families celebrate National Family Literacy Day.   This is a day where family's are supposed to shut off the TV and read together.    National Geographic always surprises me with what they publish.   This is a beautiful book, I love the the cover illustration, that families can read and use for years.   Not only are there stories and poems but a host of activities for parents and children to do together.   It is great as a new parent gift but also great for families with different aged children.   I would even give it to a new grandparent as well.   So everyone turn off the TV and read together....it can be fun!

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.

Tell the Truth, B.B. Wolf by Judy Sierra illustrated by J. Otto Seibold

What a thrill it was to find another fractured fairy tale with a new spin on an old story.

Tell the Truth, B. B. Wolf by Judy Sierra and illustrated by J. Otto Seibold is a wonderful retelling of the Three Little Pigs.  Here we have the Big Bad Wolf living in retirement.   He gets to go to the library to tell his story but as he is embarrassed by what his past he tries to rewrite history to make himself look better.  Of course he is chastised for not telling the truth and in the end must come clean.   I would have loved to read this at story time....it is such a fun book.    It took me awhile to appreciate J. Otto Seibolds illustrations but now I find them to be comforting ----like visiting an old friend.   This book is a sequel of sorts to Judy Sierra's other Big Bad Wolf story Mind Your Manners, B.B Wolf which I always thought was a great way to teach manners to kids.....these should be must haves on any child's bookshelf.....

Instructions by Neil Gaiman illus by Charles Vess

A number of years ago I was asked to be a panel member on the Children's Book Council's Not Just For Children Anymore catalog.  As a panel member,  I read numerous books and then  helped to decide what titles went into the catalog.  There were four of us on the panel.  We had to decide if a book could be enjoyed by an adult.   So many times as a buyer I would look at a new children's book and think that no child would really like it.   I thought they appealed more to grown-ups.  When I was in the stores so many people would come in just to buy a picture book because they loved the illustrator.

Today I was out perusing the bookstores when I discovered a beautiful book that is perfect for grown-ups.

Instructions by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Charles Vess is a beautifully illustrated book that tells tells the simple tale of how to survive a fairy tale....but is really telling the reader how to survive life.   I love the flow of words and how the pictures evoke a warm feeling.  This is the perfect book to give someone who is going through a hard time or a recent graduate.   It is the perfect life lesson.   A gem of a book.

The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler

Growing up I loved to read fairy tales. One of my favorite fairy tales was the Twelve Dancing Princesses. I loved how this story was so magical and that there was dancing involved. The version I remember reading had the soldier telling the king that he didn't want to marry any of the princesses but he wanted them to marry the prince's they had danced with. I thought it was a very romantic ending.

I was thrilled to discover The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler. Another retelling of an old story. Diane Zahler has done a superb job of re-imagining this classic fairy tale. I love the characters and the way they interact. I wish this had been around when I was young....it would have become one of my favorite books. This is for any girl who loves fairy tales ~ young or old!

Read Aloud Wednesday: Hip & Hop, Don't Stop! by Jef Czekaj

Hip & Hope, Don't Stop! by Jef Czekaj is a new book that is a retelling of the tortoise & the hare fable. This is a great read aloud for kids because they love rhymes and I think would really love the way it is told in rap form. It is a great story of friendship and acceptance too. The illustrations use a comic book form but is not overly done. I was never a fan of the original fable because the hare was so obnoxious. This retelling is nice because the two become friends and the annoyance I have always felt is gone. This book is a great book to read at a story time~it is sure to bring smiles.

Flashback Tuesday: The Kings Equal by Katherine Paterson

Katherine Paterson has been named the new National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, 2010-2011. She is the perfect choice as her books span childhood. Katherine Paterson has written many popular and famous titles. These include her Newbery Award winning books Bridge to Terabithia & Jacob I Have Loved. I have always been a fan of The Great Gilly Hopkins~I love spunky kids.

The book I am highlighting today is one of her older titles. It was originally a very long picture book illustrated by Vladimir Vagin, it then became a chapter book. I loved The Kings Equal as soon as I read it. It is a fractured fairy tale of the wondrous sort. It even has a good lesson~but don't tell the kids that. The characters are interesting and fun. It is a great book to add to any child's collection as it is timeless.

I think Ms Paterson will make a great Ambassador as she understands what it takes to get children to read. I wish her the best and am very proud of her accomplishment!