My First Kafka: Runaways, Rodents, and Giant Bugs By Matthue Roth, illustrated by Rohan Daniel Eason

I so love being surprised by the unexpected.  I got to the bookstore the other day and there sitting on the counter was one of the  most curious books I have seen in a long time.  A Kafka story done as a picture book.  I couldn't help but laugh but then realized it was real and that it was meant to be taken seriously.  At least I think it is.....

My First Kafka: Runaways, Rodents, and Giant Bugs by Matthue Roth and illustrated by Rohan Daniel Eason has three stories Kafka stories adapted for children.  Like I mentioned above, I thought it was a joke but realized when I read it that I was mistaken.  The stories are definitely written for children although they are a bit disturbing.  While I am not sure I would give this to the most sensitive children I know, there are few who would revel in it's macabre stories.  That being said I know far more grown-ups who will love this....especially a friend who loves anything Edward Gorey as the illustrations are very reminiscent of his art.  A great introduction to something so classic....

100 Ghosts: A Gallery of Harmless Haunts by Doogie Horner

Today's book isn't necessarily a children's book...it would be safe to say it isn't one at all but it is a book for all ages....and that means kids.

100 Ghosts: A Gallery of Harmless Haunts by Doogie Horner is one of the sweetest and quirkiest books (pun intended because it is published by "Quirk Book")  I have seen in a long time.  It includes 100 images of different kinds of ghosts.....all that are just a sheet with holes for eyes and different captions.  There is a "shy" ghost (no eye cutouts) and even a Star Wars character (can you guess which one?)  Oh and the introduction is hysterical.  All in all a book for all ages.  A book to leave on a table and pick up when you feel the need for a scarily good giggle.  Makes a great gift for those hard to please people in your world.

Poem Runs by Douglas Florian

Not only is April poetry month it is also the start of the baseball season.   I thought it would be appropriate to recommend a wonderful new book by Douglas Florian.   I am also excited to recommend a baseball poetry book on the day my Yankees won their home opener.....Go Yankees!

Poem Runs (Baseball Poems & Paintings) by Douglas Florian and published by Harcourt Children's Books has wonderful poems and illustrations that are sure to delight the youngest baseball fan.   I love the images and the colors not only in the actual paintings but in the way his poems are so visual in and of themselves.   I love the wordplay, so fun to read.   This is a perfect book for the classroom to introduce poetry to children.   It is also a must have book for the baseball lover in your life.



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Oh No, George! by Chris Haughton

Came across this book that made me laugh out loud!

Oh No, George! written and illustrated by Chris Haughton is a new book being published this week about a dog named George who tells his owner that he will be "very good" while his owner is out.   The look on his face when he says it is so funny....I love how George then thinks to himself how he "hopes to be good"....but then he sees the cake....and he just LOVES cake....I can understand his dilemma as I too LOVE cake.   Anyway Chris Haughton is now a new favorite illustrator.....I love the quirkiness of his illustrations, the color schemes and the of course how he can convey emotion with just a few brushstrokes. This is a great read aloud at story....a new classic too!

BabyLit board books.....

It seems like I haven't posted in ages.   Life certainly gets in the way.   I discovered today's books because I was looking for something different to write about.    I came across these really cute and eclectic board books.   At first I thought it was kind of silly to make board books out of classic literature....but after looking at them I find them quite charming.   Are they for everyone?  Probably not....but I know of a few parents who would think they are a hoot and fun to read to their kids.

BabyLit from Gibbs Smith publishing has four titles to date:

Alice in Wonderland ,  Jane Eyre, Pride & Prejudice, Romeo & Juliet are written by Jennifer Adams and illustrated by Alison Oliver.   They are by no means a retelling of he classic novels but take images from the stories to teach colors and counting. When I was a buyer of toddler books I would have loved them.   I also knew that they wouldn't be something I could place in all stores.  These clever little books would be put in select stores because they are part of a niche market.   I personally love the illustrations and since I have read all four stories I would understand the images that are presented.  I think they are a great novelty gift for a new mother, especially if she is a reader and lover of literature.   I just think they are a fun way to introduce classics to kids.