Tomorrow Most Likely by Dave Eggers illustrated by Lane Smith

What a strange world we are living in today.  A year ago who would have thought that the world would be in lockdown a year later?  It is hard to imagine the world going back to the way we were. While this is a new normal, we will hopefully have a newer normal soon.

Tomorrow Most Likely by Dave Eggers, illustrated by Lane Smith and published by Chronicle Books came out one year ago.  It is categorized  as a bedtime story but not a typical bedtime story.  I think it makes a perfect book for kids in this new world we live in.  The little boy in the story is tasked with thinking of what "tomorrow" can bring,  how it can bring adventure and wonder with the promise of a new day.  In todays environment it is important for children to realize that things will get better and that at some point they will be able to go out and have adventures with their friends. They will once again laugh and play and learn. I was struck by the simple text and whimsical thoughts plus I have always loved Lane Smith's illustrations. He never disappoints.
I know it is be a spoiler but the meaning and message of the book can be wrapped up in the final thoughts of the story: "Tomorrow most likely/will be a great day/because you are in it".


Again during these unsettling times this is a message we all need---that every day is great because you are in it and we shouldn't give up on dreams of a wondrous tomorrow!

O Christmas Tree: Its History and Holiday Traditions by Jacqueline Farmer illustrated by Joanne Friar

Tonight is the annual lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.  This was always one of my favorite events.  I really just like the actual moment when the countdown begins and the lights go on.  My Dad worked in the area when I was growing up so I have some very fond memories of going to see the tree.

O Christmas Tree: It's History and Holiday Traditions by Jacqueline Farmer and illustrated by Joanne Friar is the perfect book to  recommend today because it is a beautifully illustrated history of how the Christmas Tree came to be.  It isn't a story book per se but explains how and why we now put Christmas trees up in our homes.  I also like how there is a whole section that talks about growing Christmas trees and a listing with pictures of the different kinds of trees.  This is a perfect book to just have out at the holidays....something for a child to look at and learn from in a quiet sort of way.  I know so many children who love information type books...this book combines information with the wonder of the season.  A family tradition type of book.  

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.