Old Pearl written and illustrated by Wendy Wahman

 Memorial Day this past weekend had me thinking of all the losses that the world has suffered.  Yes we are slowly starting to recover but this recovery is tenuous at best.  As much as life is starting to be lived again, there will be moments when we can't help but remember the pain and loss of loved ones.  Children especially have had loss thrust upon them.  There have always been books about how to explain loss to children but it is nice to see a new book that is gentle and understanding.  It shows a child empathy and love along with friendship. 

Old Pearl written and illustrated by Wendy Wahman is such a sweet book.  It doesn't talk down to a child about loss nor does it become too sappy.  I love the smooth rhythm of the words and the soft and beautiful illustrations. As I read the book I could feel the love the child has for the bird come through the page. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who unfortunately needs to explain to a child about death, whether it be about someone close to them or not.  

Many Points of Me by Caroline Gertler

 

A few months ago I came back into work after a few days off and saw that someone had dropped a galley on my desk.  The author had dropped it off hoping we could place it in the store.  She had worked here ,before my time, and knew the shop and the museum.   

It sat on my desk for a few days until one day during my lunch I picked it up and started reading.  It was interesting to see all the little details about The Met that I could relate to.  I laughed when she mentioned the pallet eraser because we still sell that.  It is a great companion title to From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler....the classic children's novel about children running away to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

As I read the story I realized it was more than just a book about kids roaming The Met. It was a story of love, loss, family and friendship.  Yes it is a story of a girl who wants to find out if her father, a famous painter, was thinking of her before he died but it is much more than that.  During this past year and a half we have all had to deal with loss and the feeling of helplessness that brings. For kids they have had to deal with issues most usually wouldn't see until they are adults.  

In this way Many Points of Me  by Caroline Gertler is a book for our times....children today have lived and are living through changes in friendships, families and sadly loss. They have had to grow up faster than most parents want them to, but children are resilient and I have faith they will persevere.   This books story brings this home, it doesn't talk down to the reader or give them situations they can't understand. 

Besides the universal story of friendship,  it gives a great behind the scenes look at how a museum works.  The fact that putting together an art exhibition is not something that is done overnight but takes time and thought.  As much as it takes place in the one of the most famous museums it could take place in any museum.  There are so many lesson plans that can surround this book that it would be great for classrooms too.  

Believe: A Pop Up Book of Possibilities by Robert Sabuda

It's spring or at least it is supposed to be spring----the weather seems to think it is still winter.  The only positive is that the trees are green, the birds are singing and it is light when I get up and come home from work.

Spring brings the dream of possibilities to fruition.  It is a time to feel that anything is possible.  It is an awakening of mind and spirit.   When I came into work after being out for a few days I found a new book on our shelves (an aside we moved the children's book section to right where my office door is centered.   It makes me happy to enter my office through a sea of children's books).  Anyway I saw on the shelf today's recommendation.   I loved it immediately....not just because I love everything Robert Sabuda creates but because of the message it sends.  It comes out at a time of year when graduations are prevalent. This means it is meant to be a gift book for graduates.  I do agree that the message it sends is perfect for the graduate but I also truly think it is meant for anyone who is struggling with thoughts of the future.

Believe: A Pop Up book of Possibilities written and illustrated by Robert Sabuda is simple and intricate at the same time.  Each spread evokes something that is possible: something from nothing.....an acorn becomes a tree etc.  I love how Robert Sabuda has gone back to simple white silhouette's of images....so calming and beautiful in their simplicity.  While this is perfect for a graduate because it helps them continue their journey it is also perfect for anyone who needs a reminder that every morning is a new possibility.  Every new experience whether good or bad can turn into something wonderful.  I would give this book to someone who is questioning their life.....if someone you know is having difficulty moving forward this might gently push them onward.   I love this because we all must continue to BELIEVE in a world of POSSIBILITIES....a must have book for everyone.

If I Had a Little Dream by Nina Laden illustrated by Melissa Castrillon

It is a cold and blustery February kind of day.  Today is the kind of day that is for getting cozy with a good book while drinking hot chocolate.  Today is the kind of day for a comforting book that will soothe the mind, body and spirit.

If I Had a Little Dream by Nina Laden and illustrated so sweetly by Melissa Castrillon is just the right kind of soothing book to sit and snuggle with on this blustery day. Nina Laden walks us through a world that is filled with Love, Wonder, Wings, Treasure and so many other little things to see and feel.  It is a book to calm the soul in a not so calm world. Melissa Castrillon's thoughtful and detailed illustrations present a magical world that will make anyone want to live there.  The illustrations remind me a bit of Holly Hobbie's little girl in the bonnet....just as sweet.

This is the kind of book to be read---as I said---on a snuggly kind of a day or as a relaxing bedtime story for little ones.  But I also see it as a book to be given to friends ---young or old---because of it's tranquil message of dreams and love. It is a love letter to be read all year long but especially appropriate today because tomorrow is Valentine's Day.

Wishing peace and love to all!

One City, Two Brothers by Chris Smith illustrated by Aurélia Fronty

Happy New Years!  It has been quite awhile since I have posted.  This is mainly due to the fact that my new job has kept me very busy.  I love working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  It has been a very enriching experience.  One of the exhibits that I have had the privilege to be working with on the retail side was called Jerusalem 1000-1400: Every People Under Heaven.  It was a beautiful exhibit with some wonderful pieces of art. I say "was" because sadly it is closing today and most of the art work will go back to their original owners.  It was quite breathtaking.  In the exhibits shop we sold many beautiful things.....some even delicious---the chocolate is so good.  Of course there were many beautiful and interesting books to accompany the exhibition.  There were a few children's books but today's book stood out the most for me because of the message it sends.

One City, Two Brothers by Chris Smith and illustrated by Aurélia Fronty is a wonderful children's version of a traditional story.  It tells the story of two bickering brothers who are fighting over their inheritance in front of King Solomon.  The king  in turn tells the story of the beginnings of Jerusalem and two similar brothers who love each other so much that they secretly want to share their wealth with the other.  It is a beautiful story that demonstrates how caring, sharing, kindness and love for others is more important than who deserves something more....I loved the way this story is told.  It is written simply so that even a young child can understand the meaning. The illustrations are wonderful too...colorful and enchanting.  This is an "all ages" type of book... perfect to read aloud. 

Thank You and Good Night by Patrick McDonnell

It has been a very busy few months for me and things are finally quieting down. This has been a time of highs and lows....joys and sadness but even amidst the craziness of life there is always time to be thankful.  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving when we are supposed to pause and give thanks.  

Now that I have time to get back to book reading and evaluating I combed over many a Thanksgiving title to suggest.  I kept coming back to today's title because it universal and not just about giving "Thanks" on one day but to give "Thanks" everyday!  This is a must have, read aloud, bedtime story for every day of the year.  

Thank You and Good Night written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell is an instant classic.  I have always loved his books and his comic strip---he so quietly reminds us of how we should live our lives.  This is the story of a first sleepover of friends---they do all the things children do at sleepovers from having a snack to goofing around to a final bedtime story.  They are also asked to give thanks for something---the long list of simple things is a reminder that we all have something to be thankful for everyday. It is a beautiful way to instill in children that they should remember to be grateful for the little things as well as the big things. As I said this is a must have book for any child in your life.....maybe even some grownups....

In spirit of the holiday I would like to say I am Thankful for my family and friends who are an important part of my life----you are all special to me.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

Planting a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Peter H Reynolds

Planting a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal with lovely illustrations by Peter H Reynolds is the perfect book for Valentines Day.  I love the whimsical nature of the text and the sweet spare illustrations.  This book is really about sharing love and goodness with the world.  I love how it takes a literally the age old expression "to plant a kiss" on someone.  I also love how this book can teach children how to be kind and loving without being preachy.  This is a Valentines Day book that can be read at any time of year.  

Ollie and Claire by Tiffany Strelitz Haber illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Ollie and Claire by Tiffany Strelitz Haber and illustrated by Matthew Cordell is one of my favorite new books.  When I read it for the first time I thought it would make a perfect story time book.  I love how they do everything together ---the two of them doing yoga is my favorite spread.  The illustrations are wonderful and they match the story perfectly. This is a great book about friendship that is a must have on any child's bookshelf.

I was also so happy that the bookstore I now work in (Well Read New & Used Books in Hawthorne, NJ)  was able to get Ms Haber to come for a story time and signing.  She had great success with her first book:
The Monster Who Lost His Mean---another really cute book to read aloud.


As I stated above:  Tiffany Strelitz Haber will be at  Well Read New & Used Books this Saturday May 18th from 2-3PM.  I would love to have a big crowd to greet her.  Hope to see you there!!!!!

Flashback Tuesday: Leaf Men by William Joyce

I originally wrote this post a few years ago.  It is still one of my favorite books.   Low and behold they have made a movie based on the book called EPIC.  It looks like a great movie....exciting and thrilling. While it isn't the story of the actual book it has enough of it's essence to make me want to see it.  I almost feel like the original book (by the wonderful William Joyce) is the perfect introduction to the film.  A sort of prequel.  I truly recommend reading the original book before you see the movie.  



(My original posting from 2010  follows----still relevant!)

I was reminded this past weekend of one of my favorite books.  While I was visiting my sisters new house she gave me a tour of her garden.   The previous owner was an avid gardener so there was much to look at.   My sister likes to garden too and I know that the garden was a huge selling point for her.   While she was showing me one section I saw three little ceramic birds just sitting there....she had told that when she was clearing out that section of the garden she just found them sitting there among the leaves.   It reminded me of the book I am suggesting today.

The Leaf Men (& the Brave Good Bugs)  by William Joyce is about a magical garden that has bugs saving the day and a "mysterious long lost toy" ~ which is what finding the ceramic birds reminded me of.   This is truly a special book about love and friendship.   I love books that bring magic and imagination to life.....as the old woman in the book says "....anything can happen on a beautiful moonlit night"....

Perfect for this time of year as gardens start to bloom....

That's How Much I Love You by Julie Rudi illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke

Today is apparently National Love Our Children Day---which of course should be every day.   I found a sweet little book that is perfect to read to little ones as you snuggle on the couch or in bed at bedtime.

That's How Much I Love You by Julie Rudi and illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke is a new little padded board book perfect for tiny hands.   It has sweet illustrations of animal mama's and their little babies.   I think is a wonderful addition to a toddler's library. I think it would make a great new baby gift. I love the author pairs up everyday things like a sock with a shoe or flower and a pot in a beautifully visual way.  A great way to tell a child how much you love them.





 

Love Twelve Miles Long By Glenda Armand Illustrated by Colin Bootman

Life has been busy lately so I haven't been able to write as much as I would like.   That doesn't mean I am not in constant search of some good book to suggest.

I have always been an admirer of Frederick Douglass the famous abolitionist ever since I did a report on him in school.   So I was so thrilled to find a story about him as child. A story  that helps bring a larger than life historical figures in better focus.

Love Twelve Miles Long by Glenda Armand and illustrated by Colin Bootman is a beautifully told story of a young Frederick Douglass who as a slave was sent to a plantation 12 miles away from his mother. This story tells how she would walk at night just to visit him.  He asks her how she is able to do this as it was a long way, she describes what she does during each step. She sings, prays, listens and remembers.....

As only a mother can, she is able to see her son's true potential.  Ultimately she is the driving force of his escape to freedom and the leadership path he would eventually take.   Ms Armand is a beautiful writer.  I really could feel the love between mother and son, which is a very powerful feeling.   The illustrations by Colin Bootman match the words perfectly, the cover illustration alone evokes such warmth and love that I was immediately compelled to open it up.

This is a great first biography for a child.   It gives history without being preachy.   It should be used as a stepping stone to learn about one of the greatest American historical figures who ever lived.

Hugs From Pearl by Paul Schmid

Whew I almost missed it... Today is National Hug Day!   I like the idea of hugging....it is warm and friendly and does make me feel better....especially if it comes from someone I love.  

Hugs From Pearl written and illustrated by Paul Schmid is a wonderfully sweet new book that is sure to become a family favorite.   I love little Pearl because even though her hugs are "ouchy" everyone still loves to get them.   I love her sweet face....Mr Schmid really captures the innocence of childhood in her expressions.   This is a beautiful read aloud that I would have loved to read at story time.  Perfect for a one on one read aloud or for a group....either way a lovely book to share with a child.

Helen G. Marotta 1922-2010

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavour by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.
Washington Irving


This pretty much sums up who my Mother is/was to me....I love her and miss her so much~

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!  

Flashback Tuesday: I Love You Like Crazy Cakes by Rose A. Lewis Illus by Jane Dyer

In celebration of Adoption month I thought I would talk about one of my favorite books about adoption.   I know so many people who have adopted, it is a beautiful thing.

I Love You Like Crazy Cakes by Rose A. Lewis and beautifully illustrated by Jane Dyer is a wonderful book about the joy of adoption.   The cover is so perfect.....friends of mine also adopted from China and this book reminds me of their little girls.   It is a hard journey to make but one that has a wonderful ending.   There are so many different kinds of adoption stories, what I liked about this one is that it is based on the author's own experience.  I am also a huge Jane Dyer fan and find her illustrations very warm and inviting. This is a great book to just read to any child, not just children who were adopted.   It is really just a very sweet story of a mother's love for her child.  

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.

Grandma's Smile by Randy Siegel illus by DyAnne DiSalvo

Grandma's Smile by Randy Siegel and illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo is he perfect new book for today.   It is the really sweet story of a little boy's who must help his Grandmother find her smile.   It is perfect because today is World Smile Day and also the International Day of Older Persons.  What grandparent doesn't smile when their grandchildren are around.   The illustrations are perfect in that they really show the love between a little boy and his grandmother.   This is the perfect book for anyone who has distant relatives and wants to keep them close.

The Grandma in the illustrations has a little white streak in her hair just like my Mom did and the boy reminds me of my nephews....which makes me smile!

Word After Word After Word by Patricia MacLachlan

Word After Word After Word by Patricia MacLachlan was such a wonderful read.   I started to read it one day but had to put it down because it made me cry.   When I finally picked it up again it only took me 20 minutes to finish.   For such a short book it is very powerful.

I am not sure if it is a book a child would pick up but it most certainly is a great book to be read in class.   Having taught fourth grade Sunday School I could relate to the kids in the book.   I am not sure if kids really talk this way or as sensitive as these kids are but part of me wishes there were more like them out in the world.

What is so great about this book is how in simple terms Ms MacLachlan teaches us that words are power.   I love the way that she shows us how words can be real or unreal....and that being unreal doesn't mean it isn't the truth.   I almost felt that Ms MacLachlan had channeled my sister Ann.   Ann has always been about words and truth....how they intertwine and teach us about ourselves.

This is a must read for any age.....like I said I cried through the whole book.....which is always a litmus test for me.   The more I am touched by the words in a story the more I love it!

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.

Flashback Tuesday: When Mama Comes Home Tonight by Eileen Spinelli illus by Jane Dyer

                                               

When Mama Comes Home Tonight by Eileen Spinelli and illustrated by Jane Dyer is one of my favorite new classics.   First I love the cover and illustrations. Jane Dyer perfectly captures the love of parent and child in a beautiful way.   The words are soothing and rhythmic~a perfect bedtime book.   What I always loved about this book is that it was one of the first I had seen that dealt with a working mother.   I know some have said it isn't a realistic view of working mothers because most are too tired when they get home.  I argue that all mothers who work want to cuddle and spend with their children and this is the perfect book to help them achieve that desire.   It is a soothing and wonderful way to spend time with a child....