Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox & Judy Horacek

I can't believe it has been a month since I posted last.  I recently went back to work after my winter hiatus and it has been non-stop ever since.  While I loved the warmer winter we had I am not thrilled with this colder and wetter spring.  The first event we held this season is an event called "Sheep to Shaw"...it was a rousing success.  It was a beautiful weekend and there were baby lambs to be seen that the children loved.  In the shop we bring in lots of little stuffed lambs, sheep and animals.  We also bring in a plethora of books.  One of the books is today's recommendation.

Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek a very cute book that we are selling in board book form.  This is a fun book that teaches about color, size, action and reaction.  One of my co-workers brought his four year old little girl to work the other day.  She is so cute that we sat and read this book together.  I do miss reading to little ones and her reactions were perfect.  This is a great story time book that can be read again again.  I love books like this because  it is very interactive between the child and the reader. Sometimes it is the simplest books that can be the most fun.....

All We Know by Linda Ashman illustrated by Jane Dyer

I love Springtime!The days are longer and the earth smells sweet. Spring brings the promise of new things.

All We Know by Linda Ashman and illustrated by Jane Dyer shows that same promise of the beauty of Spring.  Jane Dyer's illustrations always touch my heart and make me feel warm and fuzzy. They also remind me of my niece when she was little.  My niece has a little boy of her own now and so they remind me of him too.  The sweet illustrations combined with Linda Ashman's tender prose make a perfect match.  I love this new book.  It is the perfect read aloud for either a story time or bedtime.  It is more than just a story of a mother's love for her child but it is the story of the beauty of the natural world around us.  A perfect new baby gift.

Me....Jane by Patrick McDonnell

While unpacking books yesterday at the bookstore I came across today's title. I have already written of my love for all things Patrick McDonnell before but I can't help writing about him again.  

Me...Jane written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell is one of the sweetest picture book biography's I have ever read.  I think this is the perfect book to share with a child especially during Women's History Month.  Patrick McDonnell sweetly and simply tells the story of young Jane and her stuffed chimp named Jubilee.  He tells of her love of nature and helping animals.  She dreams of  "a life living with and helping all animals" --which she she eventually does. 

I love love love the illustrations in this book and the simple text makes it a perfect read aloud too. This is a must have for every child's bookcase....oh and for the classroom.  The lessons are bountiful from loving nature to following your dreams....a good lesson for anyone...no matter what age!  

Flashback Tuesday: The Day Roy Riegels Ran the Wrong Way by Dan Gutman illustrated by Kerry Talbot

We are doing inventory at the bookstore which is great because I get to rediscover some books that have fallen off my radar.

The Day Roy Riegels Ran the Wrong Way by Dan Gutman and illustrated by Kerry Talbot is a great rediscovery.  I  don't watch much football but I have good friends who love it so I try to pay attention to the games. Now that the Super Bowl is coming up and it is in my home state I really am paying attention. This is great book to show kids that football has been around for a long time. It also shows them how the game has changed. Of course this is about a college football team but at the time this story takes place college football was still a bit more popular than professional football. It is a great story of a sports blunder that was never forgotten.  It is also a good way to show children that even if they make mistakes it isn't the end of the world.  Dan Gutman is a popular children's author who the kids love.  He does really great school and store visits and takes the time to talk to each child he meets.  I also love the illustrations by Kerry Talbot.  They are really fun and whimsical.  So glad I rediscovered this book....great read on a snowy winters day two weeks before the big game.   

The Mischievians by William Joyce

Today was an exciting day for me at the bookstore.  Anyone who knows me knows I love all things William Joyce....the man is pure genius in my book.  I have loved his illustrations and books for what seems like forever.  Which is why I got embarrassingly giddy when I came across his new picture book at the store today.  I opened it immediately to read it --- more embarrassment ensued when I snorted and laughed out loud while reading it.  My co-worker probably thought I was nuts.  Especially since we had just had a civilized discussion with a customer about the distinguished author Pat Conroy.  

  

The Mischievians by William Joyce is one of the funniest books I have read in a long time.  Not your typical picture book but then nothing Mr Joyce does is typical.  This is the book for the child (or grown-up) who have the usual questions, such as: Where's my homework? What happened to the remote? Where does belly button lint come from? and of course Why do socks go missing?

This book answers them all in the quirkiest way....we learn about The Mischievians who are "a race of global mischief makers"....

This is a must have new book----as I think all of William Joyce's books are must have books----but this one will make the child in your life giggle and laugh---which is always a lovely sound.  

I love the book trailer too!

Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

Did anyone see the moon last night? It was huge...it was still very large in the sky when I was out and about this morning at 7AM.  I was amazed that when I looked out my window in the middle of the night that the moon was so bright there were shadows on the ground.  It was a beautiful and inspiring sight to see.

It reminded me of today's book.

Kitten's First Full Moon written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes is a Caldecott award winning book.  Even thought the book is illustrated in black and white it still is able to convey the brightness of the moon.  Actually the shadows I saw last night outside my window were in black and white which reminded by of this book.  While the story is not a story of the Harvest Moon the images are magical and sweet.  This is a great read aloud book that is one of my favorites.  It is a great book to read by the light of the moon.....


Here is a video of the story....really sweetly done.

Wee Rhymes: Baby's First Poetry Book by Jane Yolen illustrations by Jane Dyer

For poetry month I was looking for something new to talk about.  I was so happy to find a new poetry book for children that makes a perfect new baby gift.  I have been thinking of newborns lately.  My  cousin just had a  baby shower for their daughter and my sister-in-law has a new born nephew.  Which means today's book will come in handy.  

Wee Rhymes: Baby's First Poetry Book by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Jane Dyer is the perfect gift for a new baby.  I have always been a fan of both Jane's especially when they work together.  I love the rhymes in this book because they are ideal to read while you cuddle with a little one. I also cannot never get enough of Jane Dyer's illustrations.  The pictures are warm and inviting as always and they truly warm the heart.  This is a must have new book for new families to treasure and enjoy!

Note: I am now linking my book suggestions to Well Read New & Used Books ~

Flashback Tuesday: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

Yesterday the ALA Youth Media Awards were announced.   For that reason I thought I would recommend personal favorite that won the Newbery Award back in 1959.  I don't usually talk about young readers or even teen books but every once in awhile I like to change it up a bit.  

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare is a wonderful book that  brings back fond memories of long summer days and reading in the backyard.   The book cover I am showing is the exact book cover I had when I first read it.   The covers may have changed through the years but the story is timeless.   I was enthralled with the character of Kit and how she struggled to find her place in a new world that was so different from the world she grew up in. I loved the character of Mercy who even though she is disabled in body she was strong in mind and spirit.   Characters that are just as relevant today as they were when they were created.    This is the way I liked to learn history.  I always find it is easier to learn history through historical fiction.     Of course I also loved the fact that it was a bit of a love story but that is just the "girl" in me.   As I said so much of the story is applicable to our lives in the 21st century.  Even today people are suspicious of anyone who is different.  It takes a courageous person to stand up for truth and do what is right.   This is a classic and award winning book for a reason,  beautifully written and memorable.

One Beastly Beast: Two Aliens, Three Inventors, Four Fantastic Tales by Garth Nix

One Beastly Beast: Two Aliens, Three inventors, Four Fantastic Tales by Garth Nix and illustrated by Brian Biggs was a wonderful thing to find while perusing the library bookshelves.   I was amazed I hadn't heard of it before since I am a huge Garth Nix fan.   These are great fantasy stories for younger readers.   These four stories have something for every child --- pirates, princess, aliens and incredible creatures.   The stories are filled with magic and adventure with lots of humor built in.   This is a great book for the reluctant reader because they are short stories that are quick reads.   So many children today love fantasy that this would be a great start to any child's collection.   Perfect too for this time of year!

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore by William Joyce

Today's post marks a milestone.   I have finally reached 500 posts and it only took me 3 years to do it.  I wanted to write about something special but was having some trouble settling on a title to talk about.   That is when I came across a note I had written to myself after this year's Academy Award Ceremony.   As I watched the Oscar telecast I was thrilled beyond belief when William Joyce had won the Award for Best Animated Short.   To say it was the highlight (for me) of the telecast would be an understatement.   I was thrilled and couldn't wait for the book to come out so that I could talk about it.   But as it happens I forgot....until I needed a book and saw my note.   I also felt it was meant to be when I realized it had a very special publishing date----(my birthday).

The Fantastic Flying Books of Morris Lessmore by William Joyce (and designed by Joe Bluhm) is a book lover's dream.   As you might know I am a huge fan of Mr Joyce.   I have loved his books since I first read Santa Calls many years ago.   I have already talked about how I finally got to meet him and have lunch with him.   At that time I remember him telling  a story of when the ALA had their annual meeting in New Orleans....he made me laugh when he said how "those librarians" really know how to have a good time.   At first when I read about his new book I thought he was pandering to Librarians and teachers but then I realized that I was just being too cynical.  In actuality he was pandering to people like me.   People who have loved books their whole lives.   People who feel that books are some of their very best friends.   When I finally sat down, in the library no less, to read the book I was enthralled.   He has captured the magic of my childhood.   Reading as a child was my safe haven.  It fostered my imagination and made me dream big things.   This book reminds me of that.  This wonderful book should be read by everyone.    It is the kind of book that can be given to a child who loves to read but it should also be given to any grown up who grew up knowing the joy of reading. 

Thank you Mr Joyce for showing me  there is still magic in the world....even if it is only in a book.   

One Dog and His Boy by Eva Ibbotson

I am always looking for books that I know kids will love and understand.  I have many friends who are animal lovers....dogs especially so I love when I find something for them to appreciate.  Eva Ibbotson has always been on my radar as a very prolific writer who always has something for everyone.  I was so happy to see her new book but it wasn't until I finished it that I read the back flap where it says this was her last book before she died.  It is sad to think she will no longer be able to delight the world with her words, but at least she went out on a high note.

One Dog and His Boy by Eva Ibbotson is a sweet and fun book about a sad and lonely little boy who always wanted a dog of his own.   This book has everything; friendship, adventure and heart.   It is very Dahlesque with a little bit of Jean Ferris thrown in....although for a younger audience.   This is a perfect summer reading book for young children ages 8-12.....not too hard but not too easy either.

Thank you Eva Ibbotson---you will be missed.....

Piggybook by Anthony Browne

When I did story times in the bookstore I always loved to read a book that the Mom's or parents would get a kick out of.   I knew they had to come and sit while their children had fun.   To that end this book was one of my favorites to read during our Mother's Day celebrations.

Piggybook by Anthony Browne is one of the funniest books to read to adults and children alike.   I included it in my last years Mother's Day roundup of books....but think it should get it's own moment in the sun.   How the Mom's would laugh because they could so relate to the story.  I think the average Mom is amazing....how many Mom's do I know that this is their exact circumstance.   This is a great fun gift for any Mother out there....because they really need to laugh sometimes.   When reading it to the kids the best part was when they realized that the Dad and boys were turning into pigs and that even the wallpaper had pigs on them....this is definitely a favorite read aloud of mine.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's who do just about everything!

Flashback Tuesday: George Shrinks by William Joyce

I can't believe I missed celebrating the 2 year Anniversary of this Blog!   I am usually really good about dates and celebrating milestones.   I do have a good excuse though,  I was sitting in the dark with no electricity on Aug 28th due to Hurricane Irene.   So I am rectifying my mistake and celebrating today.  The question I asked myself was: How do I celebrate?  Then I saw some notes I had made on books I wanted to talk about and realized that one of my favorite (and I mean FAVORITE) children's authors, William Joyce,  was coming out with a new book today.   Then I realized it was Tuesday, which means an older book.  Of course I can go off routine, after all this is my blog, but that is not my style.   What to do?????   I will talk about his new book tomorrow and an old favorite today.  I have already recommended two of my all time favorite William Joyce books, Santa Calls and Leaf Men so I chose my third favorite.  


George Shrinks by William Joyce has always been one the best books to read aloud.   I think it is the first book Mr Joyce wrote and illustrated himself.  There is no agenda with this book....it is just about a boy who dreams he is small and the dream comes true. I like how the words are simple but without  the illustrations we wouldn't get the full story.  It is this combination of words and pictures that make this book really special.  They need each other.  It is one of those fun titles that can't help but make you smile.  Whenever I read this aloud I loved to watch the children's faces as they experienced George's adventures.  This is a must have classic book for any child's bookshelf!