A Parade of Elephants by Kevin Henkes

I love love love Kevin Henkes.  His books always make me happy when I see them.
 So when I saw his new book A Parade of Elephants  I could feel the smile creep onto my face.  I have become quite attuned to seeing elephants ever since my great-nephew Ben was born.  His Mom, my niece, chose elephants as her theme and that still continues even though he is almost 4 years old and mostly into skeletons, ninjas and cars.

This new Kevin Henkes book is the perfect bedtime book but also great for story time.  It has counting and colors and action (I'm thinking of the "marching") which is a little bit of what children need to learn while growing.  This is a great new baby book or just a great gift in general.  I can't wait to read it to Ben sometime soon.  

The Moon's Almost Here by Patricia McLachlan and illustrated by Tomie dePaola

I can't believe it is over a month since I last posted.  It has been a crazy summer.  I did enjoy some time down the Jersey Shore with my family but other than that work has kept me busy.

I have many lists of books I want to talk about but as always a book jumps to the top of the list in an instant.  Last night I was at the library picking up a book I requested.  More on that later after I read it~~suffice to say I am looking forward to reading a book by one of my favorite authors.  Anyway while I was there I perused their new picture books on display.  I was bowled over by today's selection.

Oh and also while I was there I got the best compliment ever.  As I was putting the book back a patron asked me a question.  He thought I worked there.  That to me is an honor to behold.

The Moon's Almost Here written by Patricia McLachlan and illustrated by Tomie dePaola is my new favorite good night story.  It's soothing and lyrical text match perfectly with Tomie's sweet illustrations of his mime character Pierrot and his child.  I love how each page depicts a different animal going to sleep.
 Here is a taste:

The moon’s almost here.
Robin sings in her nest.
Babies fly back to her,
ready to rest

This simple text and wondrous illustrations beg to be read night after night.  I look forward to reading it soon to my little Benjamin.  He will love Tomie dePaola as much as my niece, his mother, did when she was little.  


This is a perfect new baby gift or birthday gift for all children.  A must have new book and instant classic.  

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!

Little Humans by Brandon Stanton

Whenever I am on Facebook someone is always posting a photo from Humans of New York. I think they are terrific and thought provoking.  Mr Stanton has totally captured the essence of what it means to be a New Yorker.  Totally wonderful, intriguing and quirky as only a New Yorker can be.

I was thrilled to come across his new book for children called
Little Humans.  I love this book.  Brandon Stanton takes his fantastic photos and makes a great children's book out of them. He creates a book that is perfect for the littlest among us. It is a great read aloud book as well as a learning book. Each photo has a description that fits it perfectly. I like how there are highlighted descriptive words that emphasize what is being seen in each photo.  I think my favorite is the photo that goes along with the phrase "super HERO tough"...it just cracked me up.  I hope this is the first of many books by Mr Stanton for children.  I see a board book version in his future. This is a must have book for any age.....

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I know today's book is not necessarily a new title but I just finished reading it and wanted to share my thoughts.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs is considered a Teen Novel.  I think it is much more than that.  I had heard about it but never read it.  Most recently learned that there is a sequel which I hope to read soon.  There is also a film being made with Tim Burton directing.  I stumbled across it in the library and at the last minute added it to my stack of books to check out.

I loved this book.  This is the kind of book I would have read and loved when I was a child/teenager.  The story starts out like any other teenage angst kind of story but quickly develops into the best kind fantasy story.  The kind that makes a reader feel that it could be true.  The characters are wonderful, I really loved the main character Jacob because he sounded like a typical teenage boy.

A long time ago I was part of a panel for the Children's Book Council called Not Just For Children Anymore.  As part of the panel we had to read a selection of children's books ~mostly young readers and Teen novels.  Once we were finished we then set out to decide whether or not "grown-ups" would enjoy them as well as children.  This book would have been on top of my list.  I really loved how Mr Riggs wove his story around an array of old photographs.  The photographs themselves are so interesting to look at that I  too would have wondered how they were made and if they were real.

I used to know someone who loved to take photographs.  He had rigged his own darkroom in a small bathroom in the house.  He also liked to experiment with his photos.  I remember one photo of what appeared to be  a young girl with a small person standing on her hand.  To create this illusion he said was all in the development. When I saw the photos in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children I was reminded of the photos I saw when I was young.  Like I said I have always been fascinated by old photos.....they are glimpse into the past.  I wish this book had been around when I was young because it would have been one of my favorites.  I can't wait to read the sequel Hollow City.  These are must have books for anyone who loves a bit of fantasy tinged with spookiness....

Have You Seen My Dragon? written and illustrated by Steve Light

Have You Seen My Dragon? by Steve Light is one of my favorite new books of this year.  I love the pen and ink drawings with he spots of colors. It reminds me of my childhood books with it's retro look. It also reminds me of walking in the city with my father....we would walk so fast my feet didn't seem to touch the ground.  I remember so well the steam coming from the manhole covers....I sort of wish my Dad had the thought to tell me it was "dragon's breath. I do so love a good "dragon" story.  This is one of the cleverer counting books that I have seen lately that is just as much a story book as it is a "learning" book.  It is the kind of book that parents and children can read together over and over again. It is a must have book for the adventurous and inquisitive child in your life.

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...

The Insomniacs by Karina Wolf illustrated by Brothers Hilts

While doing some work in the library I stumbled across the most enchanting new book.

The Insomniacs by Karina Wolf and illustrated by the Brothers Hilts (two actual brothers) caught my eye across the library floor.   First off I usually have trouble sleeping myself so the title drew me in, then it was the sweet Goreyesque illustrations that made me look more closely.   It was the most charming read.   Such a wonderful book that truly captivated me.     It has a nostalgic feel but with a modern sensibility.   I don't know what I love more the lyrical story or the mesmerizing illustrations.   I think this is a wonderful story time book that is also the perfect bedtime book.   I can see it being read during a pajama story time in the library or at bedtime with your little one.   This is a must have new book that has classic written all over it.  A must have book for any child's bookshelf and a perfect gift for families.

Flashback Tuesday: Flotsam written and illustrated by David Wiesner

This past week has been a trying one because of Hurricane Sandy.   I live in NJ and while I was lucky not to have any damage other friends and family were not.   On top of everything else my beloved Jersey Shore is in ruins.   I am sure we will recover and that rebuilding won't take too long.  

Flotsam written and illustrated by David Wiesner is a Caldecott winning book that is the perfect tribute to summer vacations down at the Shore.   When I first saw this book I thought it was amazing.  Even though it is a wordless book it "tells" a wonderfully magical tale of magic and discovery.   I loved it even more when I realized the images are of the Jersey Shore.   I was thrilled to see the LBI (Long Beach Island) beach tag in one of the images.   LBI has been my sole vacation spot for many years.   I love the ocean and the beaches --- to me there is nothing better to do than sit on the beach and read a book. David Wiesner talked about his summers on NJ beaches growing up in interviews when the book was first published---he is after all a native son.   I think this book is a great reminder of the magic of the ocean and thrill of simple discoveries.   Hopefully the New Jersey coastline will rebound even better than before so that future generations can uncover the magic  that is "the Shore"!

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.   

The Cloud Spinner by Michael Catchpool; illustrated by Alison Jay - Hardcover - Random House

The Cloud Spinner by Michael Catchpool; illustrated by Alison Jay - Hardcover - Random House is a wonderful new book that teaches children  to not be greedy.   I love this story of a a little boy who weaves beautiful clothes out of clouds but never uses too many clouds until he is asked to do more.  This is a wonderful story of how excess can be destruct.  Michael Catchpool weaves (pun intended) a magical new fable that teaches without being preachy. As for the illustrations  I have  said this before but I am a huge fan of Alison Jay.   I just love her illustrations and these do not disappoint.   I really love her color palette and the way she complements the text.   This is a must have new classic ----for everyone.

Meet Me at the Moon by Gianna Marino

Stumbled across today's book and was immediately drawn to it.   I loved the title and the cover illustration is precious.

Meet Me at the Moon by Gianna Marino is a sweet story of a mother elephant and her baby.  When the mother leaves to "ask the sky for rain" her baby worries about being alone.   Mama Elephant tells her child in reassuring words that all will be ok....

This is a perfect story for bedtime or story time.   It has a classic feel that is timeless.   This is such a beautifully illustrated and soothing story.

(On a side note the baby elephant is called "Little One"....which is a nickname given to me by a friend...another reason I was drawn to it.)

Perfect new book that is a must have for a child's bookshelf.  It makes a great new baby gift too!

The Man in the Moon (Guardians of Childhood) by William Joyce

As Promised:   I love, love, love this book!

The Man in the Moon (Guardians of Childhood) by William Joyce has to be one of the most wonderful books I have ever seen.   As I stated yesterday I have always been a William Joyce fan.   I love the way he writes and the beautiful images he paints.   This is no exception.   I remember being a little girl and my Mother pointing out the face of the "Man in the Moon" to me.   It always comforted me to see his smiling face.   I think Mr Joyce is a national treasure....his books always come along just when I need them most.  This whole idea of "Guardians of Childhood" brings me back to a time when life was simple and goodness was all around.   It is sad that we can only appreciate the magic of childhood when we are grownup and think back to our past.   Thank you Mr Joyce for the joy you bring to all.

This is a must have new classic....perfect for new parents and new babies.....or anyone who wants  the children around them to have magic in their lives....

Summer Jackson: Grown Up by Teresa E. Harris illus by Ag Ford

Summer Jackson: Grown Up by Teresa E. Harris and illustrated by Ag Ford is a really sweet read aloud book that sure to become a favorite.  The author is so spot on with her depiction of a child who can't wait to grow up.   I always marvel at children who try constantly to be considered a grown up.  This just doesn't apply to girls but to boys as well.   This is the kind of book that makes me wish I was doing story times again.   It is a fun read with wonderful illustrations.  I know that not only will the kids enjoy it but their parents too.   This is the perfect book for the mini adult in your life....

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.

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!

The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood illus by Renata Liwska

Sometimes a book comes along that speaks to me without being flashy.   Today's book is just that kind of a book.




The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Renata Liwska seems to be the perfect bedtime story book.   While that is a true statement I think it is much more than that.  I was instantly drawn to this book when I saw it on the shelf.   The illustrations are sweet and comforting.   When I read it I immediately felt calm and soothed.   I could imagine myself reading this to a child not just at bedtime but during the day, especially if that day has been chaotic.   It is the perfect book to help calm overly excited children and to give a nice respite before excitement begins again.   I would have loved to read this at story time......especially if the kids have been a bit rambunctious and loud.    It is surely to be a new classic and would make a great gift to new parents.   Just thinking about the beautiful and calming words makes me smile....

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

When I left my last job a few years ago I threw the galley of this book into a box and brought it home.   It has been sitting on my shelf ever since.   Periodically I would read an article about it or hear a discussion and think to myself I should read it but I never got around to it.  Well a few weeks ago I was packing for my yearly sojourn down the Jersey Shore when I impulsively picked it up and packed it with my beach stuff.   The first day on the beach I opened it not expecting to be drawn in as quickly as I was.   I couldn't believe that I had put reading this wonderful book off for so long.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart with illustrations by Carson Ellis is one of the most original books I have read in a long time.   I know I am coming late to the table on this but as they say "better late than never"....this book gave me a feeling of childhood.  It has such a retro feel to it but at the same time is very timely.   I also loved the characters.....Reynie is the kind of kid we can't imagine exists but probably and sadly does somewhere.   Kate, Sticky and even Constance are so intriguing and unique that I wished I could meet them.  It was so great that even while some parts were predictable (which isn't always a bad thing) some parts were totally unexpected.   For all the characters quirkiness they had very real reactions to very strange circumstances.   I also love the illustrations because they have an "Edward Gorey" feel to them which fits the book perfectly.

This is a great book for the reluctant or voracious reader.   It makes a good read along book too....

I can't wait to read the sequels: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey  & the newest one The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma.  

I love when I discover a treasure of a book....especially when it was right before my eyes all along.  

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: Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata

For my Flashback Tuesday selection I thought I would recommend one of my favorite Newbery Award Winners of the past few years: Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata.

When I was still a children's book buyer I used to get lots of galleys from publishers. One day I picked up an intriguing book about two Japanese American girls living in Iowa during the 1950's. I was immediately captivated by these characters and their struggles. It did seem to be quite a mature book for children but that didn't bother me. I loved this book, it is the kind of story that stays with you for a long time.

Now back in 2005 Internet blogs were not as prolific as they are today. There was no Twitter or Facebook to chat about anything. I did know about the "mock" award panels but as I was a preschool book buyer I didn't really pay attention to what was talked about. Well "Awards" day was pretty intense in the office. We were constantly on the phone with publishers and insiders to find out the winners as soon as they were announced~again unlike today where there is live blogging and a live video feed. When we got the call most of my co-workers, including the young reader buyer were quite surprised but I remember my reaction ~ I shouted in joy. I had never been so happy that a book had won. I think I was the only one in the office who had read it....I remember thinking this is the first time I have read a winner before it won.

I think this is an important book for any young reader to read, yes it is sad, yes it has adult themes but kids are not stupid. I try never to underestimate children, I try never to talk down to them~they get more than we give them credit for.

Kira-Kira is a beautifully written book that should not be forgotten or overlooked. A must have in my opinion.