Serafina's Promise by Ann E. Burg

So excited that my sister Ann's book is now available.  It has been so long since she first told me about the story of the Haitian girl who wanted to be a doctor. 

Serafina's Promise by Ann E. Burg (my sister) is not just the story of a little girl but of a resilient country and the power of hope. Written in verse, Serafina's Promise is a good read for a child who is interested in other countries and cultures. It would also make a great classroom read for teachers who are looking for something that will help students understand that no matter the place or circumstance, people are more alike than different. The verse novel helps make difficult concepts accessible to readers of all levels.  

Needless to say I love this book and not just because it is written by my sister.  That being said Serafina's Promise is a sweet and sensitive read.  I am so proud of my sister.....

Flashback Tuesday: Hanukkah Moon by Deborah da Costa Illus by Gosia Mosz

Hanukkah Moon by Deborah da Costa and illustrated by Gosia Mosz is a great book to read at this special time of year.   When I initially came across this book I was thrilled because it showed a different side of the holiday.  It is a story that shows Hanukkah from a different cultural experience.  I love how the little girl Isobel is concerned that her Aunt from Mexico might not know how to celebrate Hanukkah like she is accustomed to.  Aunt Luisa proceeds to teach Isobel about the Hanukkah Moon and about the Hanukkah traditions from Mexico.   There are the usual Hanukkah elements such as latkes and chocolate coins.  I especially love the dreidel pinata filled with candy.   I great book to add anyone's holiday book shelf.


Happy Hanukkah or as "Aunt Luisa" teaches Isobel-- Feliz Januca!

Flashback Tuesday: Abiyoyo Book & CD by Pete Seeger illus by Michael Hays

Today is the wonderful iconic folk singer Pete Seeger's 92nd birthday.   I have always loved his music and storytelling.

Abiyoyo Book and CD by Pete Seeger and illustrated by Michael Hays is a classic and timeless tale.  I remember hearing the story and song long before I read the book.   Pete Seeger's voice is unmistakable and his storytelling skills are classic.   This has always been of one my favorite stories. I love how the father and son work together to save the day.  It was a fun story to read at story time because we could act it out.  It is very easy to get children involved in the story.   This is a great version because it has a cd so we can also listen to Mr Seeger's wonderful voice.    I also love how the illustrations show a very multicultural environment which makes the story  universal.  A must have book ~

Happy Birthday Pete Seeger---a true American treasure!

Before There Was Mozart: The Story of Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-George by Lesa Cline-Ransome illus by James Ransome

Before There Was Mozart written by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by James Ransome is the kind of book I like to find.   I love to discover a story I have never heard before.   It is the story of a man born of a slave mother and plantation owning father who mesmerizes Europe with his incredible gift of music.  I have always admired James Ransome's illustrations and this is a great example of his work.   The writing too is beautifully done, I love how how each section is titled as a "movement" to bring out the music aspect of the book.   This has also made me want to listen to some of this unknown artist's musical compositions ----as much as I love to find a new story I also love to discover new music.    

American Babies by The Global Fund for Children

American Babies by The Global Fund for Children is a wonderful new board book that celebrates babies across our country.    It is a companion piece to Global Babies a 2008 Notable Children's book.   Both titles use photographs of some of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen.   The simple text is perfect to string all the photos together.  The one thing I have learned about babies is that they love to look at other babies.   These are perfect books for little hands.   I also love the fact that part of the proceeds from these book goes to helping children around the world.  Must have books for the babies your life.

Flashback Tuesday: Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco

Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco is one of my all time favorite books. It is definitely one of my favorite Patricia Polacco books. I can still remember the first time I read it. I was so blown away by the story and the illustrations that I sat and cried right in the middle of the store.

This story of two boys from different worlds during the Civil War is so touching and real that it is sometimes hard to believe it is a true story. This is a story that had been handed down from generation to generation so I am sure the tone had changed in each retelling of it. But the story always remained the same.

The illustration of the boys hands as they are being torn apart still gives me goosebumps when I think about it.

Some people might say this is too harsh a story for young children. I say we shouldn't talk down to children and should always try to tell them the truth. Children can handle more than we give them credit for.

Pink and Say was the first picture book I encountered that made me realize that not all picture books are for children. This is a book for all ages. It is not just for children~

Reference Sunday: Chinese New Year!

First off Happy Valentines Day! Today is also the start of Chinese New Year---the Year of the Tiger! It just so happens that my two little nephews, Alex & Michael V are Tigers...very sweet ones at that. Here are some books that are good introduction to the fun holiday!

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Happy Chinese New Year, Kai Lan! by Lauren Silverhardt --normally I wouldn't recommend a TV tie-in title but this Nickelodeon series is based on a preschool character who is Chinese American. This book is perfect for explaining Chinese New Year to preschoolers.

Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin ---really sweet picture book that tells the story of a family celebrating Chinese New Year.

Lion Dancer: Ernie Wan's Chinese New Year by Karen Waters ---I always liked this book because it used photographs to illustrate the holiday. It is wonderful the way it depicts the Chinese New Year Celebration. A classic title.

Celebrating Chinese New Year: An Activity Book by Hingman Chan--great book with facts & history of Chinese New Year that comes with activities to make paper dragons, lanterns etc....very helpful in celebrating this wonderful holiday!

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Guo Nian Hao! Happy New Year!

Remember Me: Tomah Joseph's Gift to Franklin Roosevelt by Donald Soctomah and Jean Flahive illus Mary Beth Owens

I had a dilemma this morning. Do I write about our 32nd President FDR because it is his birthday or do I write about moon books because today the the first full moon of the year.

I am opting to write about FDR today and save moon books for tomorrow's Reference Sunday.

Today I am suggesting a book about Franklin Delano Roosevelt that is not the typical biography. I figure there are so many biographies out in the world already that it would be redundant to write about them. Instead I have chosen a book that I think would be of more interest to children. It is always interesting to kids to see famous or historical people in a different light. Sometimes we forget that our presidents were children once too.

Remember Me: Tomah Joseph's Gift to Franklin Roosevelt by Donald Soctomah & Jean Flahive is a picture book about FDR when he was a child. When Franklin was a boy he summered in Canada where he became friends with a local tribal chief. This is a story of how they were possibly friends. It is a good way to teach children about the influence of Native Peoples on the world. The soft illustrations by Mary Beth Owens captures the spirit of a wonderful time and place. While children should read real biographies of historical figures it is always good to give them an alternative view also.