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.

The Smallest Gift of Christmas written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

The Smallest Gift of Christmas written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds brings back memories of some Christmas mornings from when I was a kid.  How many times did I  have an idea of what I wanted only to be a bit disappointed.  The expectations were always grander than reality.  I love how the main character, Roland, makes wish after wish for the biggest present he can get. How he comes to realize that maybe small is perfect after all.  Didn't we always do the same...always wishing. I love how beautifully Mr Reynolds tells the story in his simple phrasing and wonderful illustrations.  The message is not a new one but it is one that all children (and some adults) need to be reminded of once in awhile.  I teared up at the last image....such a perfect story to read at this time of year. This is the perfect story time book.  This is also the kind of book that can be given as a family gift....even if there are no children in the house...

Count 1, 2, 3 With Me by Connie Arnold illustrated by Ginger Nielson

Count 1, 2, 3 With Me by Connie Arnold and illustrated by Ginger Nielson is a cute little rhyming book for the preschool set.  I learned about Connie Arnold when she wrote to me about her first children's book Animal Sound Mix-Up a few years ago.  She has now introduced me to her second children's book.  I like this because it is a great book to read aloud to children and the illustrations are sweet and accessible. I especially love the sleeping "cats".  This is a great way to teach counting to children that can be read over and over again.  This makes a great gift for showers and 1st birthdays...or just something to bring during the holidays when visiting.

Reference Sunday: SAFARI A Photicular Book created by Dan Kainen written by Carol Kaufmann

I love when I find books that can be shared by the whole family.  Today's book is just that kind of a book.  It is informative and very entertaining.

SAFARI a Phototicular Book created by Dan Kainen and written by Carol Kaufmann is a fun way to learn about wild animals while going on a virtual safari.  This is done with 3D animation perfected in an astonishing way from the original Scanimations.  I originally wrote about the process in 2009.   I always thought the original books were amazing until I saw this book.   The photographs and the movement really look like you are watching a video of animals in the wild.  The text is easy to understand with lots of facts and information.   This is a perfect gift to bring to a family with lots of different age children.  There is something for everyone.

Oh check out the video below----amazing:

Reference Sunday: One Times Square by Joe McKendry

This is the time of year that always reminds me of my Dad.   He was a wonderful man who loved his family more than anything.    Even though I grew up in NJ he was born and raised in NYC.   He was the quintessential New Yorker. He not only grew up there but he worked there too.    When I was growing up the most fun I ever had was going to work with him.   I would hold his hand as we walked the streets of New York in awe of the sights and sounds around me.   For most of his working life his office was on 49th Street and Madison Ave this only changed at the end when his studio closed and he needed to find a new space to work.  Even when he worked on Madison Ave we would walk through Times Square to get to his office. I always held on real tight because back in those days the area wasn't as safe and nice as it is now.  As I mentioned he moved into a new space to work as a freelancer at the end of his career, this new office/studio was in the heart of Times Square.   I remember visiting him there and watching the streets below amazed at how many people passed by.   I would watch the giant screen at the top of the Times Square building and see where the ball was kept for New Years Eve.  Today whenever I walk through Times Square I always think of my Dad --- I could almost feel my hand in his.....

One Times Square written and illustrated by Joe McKendry brought back all the wonderful memories I have  of visiting New York.   One of my first real jobs was in Mid Town Manhattan and I would walk through Times Square every day.   My father had shown me all the short cuts to take.   I wish I had this book back then, it would have been wonderful to know the history of this iconic area of NYC.  I had no idea that this building is "One Times Square", it never dawned on me that it is called "Times Square" because the NY Times newspaper was published from there.   I also didn't know that back when it was built it was considered one of the tallest buildings in the world. Besides being well written and not just a dry history book the illustrations are wonderful.   Mr McKendry has created images that are nostalgic and new at the same time.   This isn't a stuffy history book but a fascinating story of one of the most well known places in the world.  While it is written for the middle grade reader it is definitely something I would give a grown up ---- especially if they love New York like I do.   It would make a great gift!

Teacher Gifts for the Holidays!

It's that time of year when parents need to get gifts for their children's teachers.  I know this gets harder and harder each year because as children get older they usually have more than one teacher a year.   When my sister taught school she would get lots of baked goods and mugs....believe me most of the mugs in my house were given to her by her students.   I thought I would give a suggestion for a great teacher gift. Not quite original but a good reminder.
            A friend of mine who is a teacher told a story of how her class is reading about Antarctica and how her kids can't get enough stories about penguins etc.   She said she borrowed the Magic Tree House #40: Eve of the Emperor Penguin from her son and they loved it.  He insisted that she was only to "borrow" it  as he wanted it back some day.   I love that story!


This is what parents can get their teachers....books for their classroom libraries.   Why not buy a book your child loved or something in that subject matter and donate it to a teacher's library.   A gift card to a local  independent bookstore would also be great!   This way you are not only helping cash strapped teachers but the community as well.   Teacher's always need more than one copy of a book too, especially if it is a popular title.

Another suggestion is to help teachers with supplies....so many of my teacher friends spend their own money to support classroom activities....they don't make much as it is, so any help would be appreciated.   Bring some holiday spirit to the people who see your child each day and take care of them....it is a great way to give back!

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!

Reference Sunday: The LEGO Ideas Book by Daniel Lipkowitz

I think I have mentioned before how my nephews were always a bit obsessed with LEGOs.   When they were younger and we went on vacation they always took a huge bin of LEGO pieces to play with.   It was always funny how we, the adults, would be scrambling around the beach house trying to gather all the pieces on the last day of vacation.   I can remember countless times being with my nephews and playing with the LEGOs in their basement.   My structures always looked the same but theirs were very intricate.  
I wish I had today's book to reference....

The LEGO Ideas Book by Daniel Lipkowitz and published by DK Publishing is the perfect gift this season for the LEGO lover in your life.   It filled with wonderful new ways to use the LEGO pieces that seem to multiply like rabbits in the house.   It is set up with different chapters including transportation, buildings, kingdoms (my favorite) and "useful makes".   So if you don't know which LEGO set to buy this year maybe you should just give this book....as it can extend the life of previous LEGO gifts.  

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain Introduction by Darren Shan

About a year ago I was shopping (well really just window shopping) when I came across a set of books that looked old but were just repackaged new editions of classics.   It always amazes me how some stores can get so creative about what they sell.  It is fun to find books in unusual places.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain with an introduction by Darren Shan was the first title I picked up from the display. As it is Mark Twain's birthday or should I say Samuel Clemons birthday I thought it was a good time to suggest these books.   I loved the feel of the book and the cover art.   When I opened it up and noticed the beautiful endpapers I felt like I had found a treasure.   It may look old and retro but it has a freshness about it that begs to be bought, read and placed on a shelf to be enjoyed for years to come.  There are 8 books in total repackaged in this beautiful manner....each with a distinct cover with endpapers and introductions by noted authors and illustrators.  

Here are the other titles from Puffin Classics that are sure to be a perfect gift for anyone this holiday season:

Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, introduction by Brian Jacques
The Adventures of Robin Hood by Roger  Green, introduction by John Boyne
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, introduction by Sophie Dahl
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, introduction by Meg Rosoff
The Call of the Wild by Jack London, introduction by Melvin Burgess
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, introduction by Tony DiTerlizzi

and finally because it is also L.M. Montgomery's birthday (two literary giants on the same day) an all time favorite of my childhood:

Anne of Green Gables introduction by Lauren Child~ I just love this cover too!








As I said these would make beautiful gifts that will be treasured forever....

Flashback Tuesday: The 20th Century Children's Book Treasury by Janet Shulman

The 20th Century Children's Book Treasury by Janet Shulman is still a perfect family gift.   I remember so clearly when this book came out.   The discussions that went into how it should look and whether or not it would have a lasting appeal.   We are over ten years into a new century but this book is timeless.   I have always loved anthologies especially when I worked in the stores and a customer needed a gift for a family.   Janet Shulman really picked the perfect picture books to be included as they are classic and must have titles. It has something of interest for a range of ages.   So if you are looking for a great gift for a family that doesn't break the bank this is a perfect choice to give.

Reference Sunday: Ancient Egypt: Tales of Gods and Pharaohs by Marcia Williams

I can't believe the holiday season is upon us.   It has already been a busy few weeks.   Hopefully I will be able to post some great gift ideas for the children in your lives....starting with something I would have wanted as a gift when I a kid.

Ancient Egypt: Tales of Gods and Pharaohs written and illustrated by Marcia Williams is a wonderfully illustrated book retelling nine stories of Ancient Egypt.  I am not usually a person who likes comic strip type storytelling but this one works for me.   I think it is because the illustrations remind me of hieroglyphics,  which is a very appropriate way to tell stories about Ancient Egypt.  It is a very accessible and fun way to learn history.   Like I said I would have loved to get this as a gift when I was young....(oh who am I kidding I would love it now!)

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.   

The Dot and the Line: A Romance in Lower Mathematics by Norton Juster

Normally I don't like to suggest a book that is technically out of print.  I want to be able to recommend titles that anyone can get anywhere they choose.   Today I am going to make an exception because it is a holiday.  Not only am I going to recommend an out of print title but it is also a title that more a picture book for grown ups. 

The Dot & the Line: a romance in lower mathematics by Norton Juster is truly a classic story of how a silly girl meets nice boy but who would rather date a rebel.   The straight line loves the dot but she has fallen for a squiggle.   The straight line tries so hard to be more interesting to the dot that he develops  a talent for making beautiful designs, ultimately winning over the dot who realizes that squiggles are just messy. At least that is how see it.  I love the quirkiness of this book and how fun it is to read.      While I think the plot is a bit sophisticated for little children they can still learn something from it....

A perfect gift on this special day, Happy Valentines Day!

Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg

Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg is technically a board book meant for a toddler.   I say technically because it is so much more than a board book.  This is the kind of book that I would give to someone who might be a bit of a perfectionist and who might not see the possibilities a mistake can bring.   The illustrations are quirky and the foldouts are fun but it is the lesson that is most important.   Mr Saltzberg has said in a few simple words that it is better to make the most out of an "oops"----just like the old adage to make lemonade out of lemons.   A wonderful book for all ages......

Shoe-La-La by Karen Beaumont illus by Leuyen Pham

Shoe-La-La by Karen Beaumont and illustrated by Leuyen Pham is one of those books that immediately caught my eye.   It is the kind of book that begs to be read as soon as you see it.   It is one of the girliest books I know but so perfect and spot on that I wish I had a little girl to give it to.   I have a feeling I might just give this to my niece Celia even though she is in college.....it was so her as a little girl.   She was the kind of girl who loved to dress up and would change her clothes constantly.   She was also big on shoes....which hasn't changed.   I sometimes wish we had the same size foot so I could raid her collection.   But back to the book~ Karen Beaumont's fun story matches perfectly with Leuyen Pham's incredibly adorable illustrations.   This is a must have new book for any little girl's storybook bookshelf.   I smile just thinking about it.....

There Once Was a Sky Full of Stars by Bob Crelin illust by Amy Ziner

Back on Nov 24th I wrote about star and constellation books because a friend had asked for some gift suggestions.  Today I got an email from her saying the book she picked was a great hit.   She chose:

There Once Was a Sky Full of Stars by Bob Crelin and illustrated by Amy Ziner.  My friend gave this book to her friend's daughter for Christmas. I suggested this book because of it is a great read aloud, the iilustrations are beautiful as well as its environmental aspect.  

Here is what my friend Lindsay wrote to me: "Wanted to tell you how much Wendy (the Mom of the recipient of "There Once Was A Sky Full of Stars") LOVED the book.

She sat right down (on the bare floor, no less), and began reading it aloud, enjoying the rhythm and the rhymes.

Amelia, the recipient, happened to be in a post-ice cream-party full-on state of frenzy at that moment...so I don't think she much noticed, but I know Wendy and I'm sure Amelia will be learning lots about the stars and enjoying the book right along with her."

This kind of statement makes me feel like I did a good thing by starting this blog.   It makes me feel good that I can help someone spread a little joy.   As for Amelia, she will eventually love the book because she has a mother who is so enthusiastic.....it doesn't bother me that she wasn't noticing it at the time...she is after all only 4 years old.   

Flashback Tuesday: The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski illus by P.J. Lynch

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski and illustrated by the wonderful P.J.Lynch is a very special book to me.   I remember reading it for the first time when I was putting it out for display.    It is the kind of perfect story that I love to read especially at Christmas time.   It is sad, poignant and joyful at the same time.   While I miss the original cover art I still love the illustrations.  
Whenever I look at the illustrations I get an ache in my heart because they are so beautiful.   This is truly a must have book that should be read every year at Christmas.   It crosses generations!  

Reference Sunday: Cool Robots by Sean Kenny

My nephews have always been LEGO obsessed.   Every year they wanted the newest and biggest LEGO sets. They loved putting them together.   Even now that they are older I can still find them making things with the bin filled with a million LEGO pieces.  

Cool Robots by Sean Kenny is the perfect book for any child who also has a tub or box filled with LEGO's.   This book gives kids more ideas and instructions to build really "Cool Robots".   Even if they don't have the particular part that comes with the instructions, this book inspires the "builder" to improvise.   This is a companion book to Cool Cars and Trucks that Mr Kenny published last year.  Both books are perfect for the LEGO lovers in your life.....

Emily by Michael Bedard illust by Barbara Cooney

Today is the 180th Anniversary of Emily Dickinson's Birth.  Since it is also my sister Ann's birthday and she has always loved her, Emily Dickinson has always been a part of my life. Not only are they both poets and share the same birthday but they even have the same middle name.  My sister used to sit on my bed and read Emily's poems to me.....I should say recite as she knows most of them by heart.  

Emily by Michael Bedard and illustrated by the iconic Barbara Cooney was a favorite book of mine the moment I laid eyes on it.   I had always been a fan of Barbara Cooney and this just sealed my appreciation of her.   The book is a beautiful way to introduce children to an American treasure.  I love that this book is told from a child's perspective because then children can relate.   This is a great gift not only for a child who likes poetry but to an adult who does as well.  

A long time ago I went on vacation with my sister Ann and her daughter Celia.  On our way home we stopped in Amherst, Ma.    I can still see my little niece running around Emily's garden....Ann was so thrilled to be there....it is a wonderful memory.  Happy Birthday to a wonderful sister and friend~

A Joyful Christmas: A Treasury of New and Classic Songs, Poems, and Stories for the Holiday collected & illustrated by James Ransome

A Joyful Christmas: A Treasury of New and Classic Songs, Poems, and Stories for the Holiday that has been compiled and illustrated by James Ransome is one of the most beautiful compilations I have seen in a long time.   I love how Mr Ransome mixes the classic with the new. The new being new stories by such celebrated authors as: Pam Munoz Ryan, Joseph Bruchac, Katherine Paterson, Nancy Willard to name a few. I also love this book  because it includes the poem Christina Rossetti "What Can I Give Him" which was one of my mothers favorites.   I remember when I worked in the stores, eons ago, that I had one customer that constantly came in looking for his books because she loved his artwork.   She would love this book.    I too have always loved his artwork.   This makes a great gift for families as it has something for everyone.   I think it is also a great book to get for a baby's first Christmas as it can be cherished throughout their life.