Reference Sunday: Palindromes in Celebration of 10/10/10!

Today's date~ 10/10/10~has inspired me to write about books I have always been intrigued with.   While there are not many books on numeric palindromes there are plenty on the word variety.    These are just fun books to get kids thinking....I always thought that a good palindrome can foster some creative thinking.  



Go Hang a Salami! I'm a Lasagna Hog!: and Other Palindromes by Jon Agee is by far my favorite of the palindrome books.   The line drawings that go along with the words or phrases are priceless.










Too Hot to Hoot: Funny Palindrome Riddles by Marvin Terban is a great activity type of book that hints and riddles for the reader to guess the answers.







Mom and Dad Are Palindromes  by Marc Shulman is a book that I really thought was cute.   There is something about the story of Bob who discovers palindromes all around and can't get away from them.   I try very hard not to recommend hard to get books but I couldn't help myself with this one.   The illustrations are the quirky kind I like!

One Year!

Today is the the one year anniversary of this book blog.   I have been reading some of my old posts and have a feeling I have strayed from my original mission.   I am going to try and rectify that.   I started this blog because I wanted to help people find good books for kids.    I thought if anyone had a book question I could help answer it.   I still want to do that.   I have said it before but it bears repeating that I do not want this to be a book review site.  I think recommending books is different than reviewing books.   Some books don't need recommendation nor do they need reviews they will get bought or read no matter what.   I want to recommend titles that have a purpose, even if that purpose is just a good bedtime story.    My primary concern is getting the right books into the right hands.   I just want to be helpful...

I have greatly enjoyed writing this blog.   I love finding new titles to suggest as well as reintroduce some older titles I have loved.    No book really goes out of style.....they may get a bit dated but sometimes that is their charm.   I love my Reference Sundays and my Flashback Tuesdays.....they are really fun to write.   I also hope that whoever reads this is enjoying my suggestions as well.  Hears to hoping that this blog continues to bring enjoyment to all who read it.   Thanks too to my followers and everyone else who has supported my efforts.   I truly appreciate you all!  

The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau by Dan Yaccarino

Today would have been Jacques Cousteau's 100th Birthday.   It is appropriate that we celebrate a man who did so much for the world's oceans.   All the turmoil in the gulf reminds us that there have always been people who so cared about our waters that they did anything to educate and preserve them.


The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau by Dan Yaccarino is a wonderful picture book that details this incredible man's life.   It is a great way to teach children about why it is important to be environmentally conscience.   I love Dan Yaccarino he is such a versatile artist and this is a great book to showcase is works.  Even though this is a picture book it is a fantastic book for all ages to enjoy and learn from.  

Monday Fun Day Book: Big Nate: In a Class by Himself by Lincoln Peirce

I thought I would designate Mondays as "fun day"~ I am hoping that Hoda & Kathie Lee haven't trademarked because it has a nice sound to it.  

Big Nate: In A Class by Himself by Lincoln Peirce  original format is a comic strip, all about a boy in sixth grade and his adventures.  Sometimes the world can be a cynical place because some reviews and write ups about this book complain because they say it is just a comic strip bundled up to appeal to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid fan.   I think it is brilliant.  Why not take something that is already known and bring it to a new audience.   There may be kids who don't read the comics in the paper anymore or it is not available where they live....this is a great way to expand.   I also like it because they didn't just take the strips and through them together....there is a basic storyline and plot.   I for one was happy to see it because I know a few kids who once they finished next "Diary...." they had nothing else to read.   This really cute book gives them options.  

World Environment Day!

What is going on in the gulf is horrifying.   Not only will the economy suffer but the environment is in shambles.   I have seen the photos of the birds and can't imagine how it will be cleaned up.   A truly sad situation.  It seems fitting that in the midst of this man made disaster is a day like World Environment Day that helps remind us of how the world's environment touches all of us.   What is happening in the Gulf will ultimately effect all of us around the world.  

Here are some book suggestions that can help children and adults better understand and help the world around us.

Everything Kids Environment Book by Sheri Amsel~ part of the "Everything" series of books that teaches children how to get involved in saving the environment.  Ages 9-12 but younger children can also benefit with supervision.

A Child's Introduction to the Environment by Michael Driscoll includes experiments and activities to help in saving the planet.  Ages 9-12.


The Lorax by Dr Seuss ~ The classic story that helps explain to the youngest among us how we should not destroy the world around us.  All Ages

Clarice Bean, What Planet Are You From? by Lauren Child for ages 4-8 from the Clarice Bean series of books, a great storybook to read with characters kids can relate to.   Perfect for today's
celebration!

This day should not go unrecognized especially because of what is happening in the world right now!

Reference Sunday: The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth by Kathleen Krull Illus by Greg Couch

I know it will be hard to believe that a person who writes a book blog and has worked in books all her life was known as the "TV Kid" when she was little.   Even today if a TV question comes up my family usually defers to me.  I have always loved television.   To me television is an extension of books~just don't tell my library friends that.  I have always been about "the story".   I love a good story with good characters.  The difference between books and television in my mind is that with TV I can just let the story move over me....with no work on my part.  A good engrossing TV show relaxes me like a good cup of tea.  When I read a book I am actually being more active and present and it as invigorating as exercise.

When I was young books and TV were my constant companions....when I got tired of sitting around the house I would go out and "play"---which usually meant just bringing a book outside and reading.   I still love both activities.   Take tonight for instance, I cannot go anywhere because it is the series finale of "Lost". "Lost" is an example of good storytelling with great characters.  I have been known to stick with a TV show even if I know the writing isn't up to par because I like the concept or the characters....it is like when I read a book and get a connection to the story than it sticks with me.

I always wondered when I was young who invented TV....I tried to find the answer  but  there never was a definitive one.   Years later I did find the name "Philo Farnsworth" but still couldn't find much information about him.  Just the other day I saw this great picture book by the prolific author Kathleen Krull and finally all my questions were answered.

The Boy Who Invented TV  by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Greg Couch is a great picture book biography that explains how an inquisitive little boy who loved all things mechanical pretty much changed the world.   It shows kids what the world was like before television came into being and how the world lived.   I know that not all of television is wonderful and I think we do watch too much of it....but in moderation it can be a marvelous thing.   The illustrations are great too ---I love the color scheme.  I also love the fact that the illustrators name is "Couch"~ if you get my meaning~.

This is a great book for all the inquisitive minds out in the world....a must have,  at least for me!

Star Wars: A Scanimation Book: Iconic Scenes from a Galaxy Far, Far Away...by Rufus Butler Seder

It has come to my attention that it has been 30 years since Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back was first in theaters.  As this is by far the best of the series I thought I would recommend a Star Wars book.   I wrote about Scanimations books once before but it doesn't hurt to be reminded of this very cool concept of a book.  


Star Wars: A Scanimation Book by Rufus Butler Seder is a great way to introduce Star Wars to a new generation.  It is also the perfect gift for the Star Wars fan in your life.    This is a book for all ages ~

Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Children's Book by Anita Silvey

                                                         


This week is Children's Book Week.   It is a great time to remind us that children's books are more than just for children but can be for all.   I chose today's book not because it is for children per se but because it proves that most children's books have something to teach all of us~

Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Children's Book by Anita Silvey is a great book to have around the house.   Anita Silvey, former editor and publisher, has gathered a prestigious group of people to explain what they have learned from specific children's books.   I met Ms Silvey many years ago and found her fascinating and passionate about children's books.   Her passion shines through in this book too.  This book would make a great family gift or graduation gift....

Reference Sunday: Encyclopedia Mythologica: Gods and Heroes by Matthew Reinhart and Robert Sabuda

Back at the beginning of this blog I highlighted Robert Sabuda and his wonderful pop-ups because he is a great favorite of mine.  Before I left a previous job I got the chance to meet both Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart.   It was a real thrill for me. They are really nice and warm people.   They were just publishing Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs: The Definitive Pop-Up.  It was a wonderful to meet them and talk about how they work together.   We even discussed the next book they were working on which was Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Sharks and Other Sea Monsters.   I remember telling Mr Sabuda how my cousin had been killed by a shark in California in a documented case.   He was really interested in my story and wasn't just being polite.   Which is another reason I really like him. 

Now they have written and illustrated Encyclopedia Mythologica: Gods and Heroes~ they have done a spectacular job of writing about the myths from Egyptian, Greek, Norse and even the Far East cultures.   The spreads are awe inspiring as usual.    This is a great book for anyone who loves mythology and history.   It is also a must have for the collectors of Pop-ups~I know quite a few people who are going to love this book.   This is not just for children but for all....Reinhart and Sabuda have done it again!

The Best Pet Ever by Victoria Roberts Illus by Deborah Allwright

The Best Pet Ever by Victoria Roberts and illustrated by Deborah Allwright immediatly caught my eye in the bookstore.   This is probably one of the cutest books I have seen in a long time.   I love the simplicity of the story telling which makes it a great read aloud.   I also adore the illustrations because they have a "retro" feel about them.   This wonderful book about a little girl who wants a pet so much she makes everything around her a pet such as a glove or a balloon until she gets a real one in the end.  It reminds me of my friends little boy who names his crayons as if they are people.   The illustrations remind me of books of my childhood only richer and more vibrant.   This is a great book for any child who has an imagination and any parent who wants to foster that imagination ~ or instill it!

Ollie's Easter Eggs by Olivier Dunrea

I was visiting a small bookstore recently when I noticed this book on their Easter display.   I couldn't believe how cute it was.   I also thought of my nephew's little boy Oliver who this would be perfect for.   Although we have been told under no uncertain terms are we ever to call him "Ollie" ----I couldn't help but think of him with this book.   There are a whole series of books with this character and they are too sweet for words....just like Oliver.   This is a perfect book to help celebrate the Easter holiday because it is a fun little book that fits perfectly into Easter baskets without breaking the bank.  

Reference Sunday: Everything Kids' Football Book by Greg Jacobs

Here it is Superbowl Sunday a day when so many get together to eat, drink, party & watch some football.

I have recommended the Everything Books from Adams Media before but I don't think it is redundant to suggest another perfect title from them.

The Everything Kids' Football Book by Greg Jacobs is a great book for any kid who loves the game of football. I also think it would be a great book for any adult going to a Superbowl Party that is not a football fan. It can help them sound knowledgeable about the game.

Greg Jacobs does just as good a job with football as he did with the Everything Kids' Baseball Book. This book is filled with not only anecdotes but games and activities too. A fun book to use on a fun day!

Flashback Tuesday: Gregory's Shadow by Don Freeman

I couldn't let Groundhog Day go by without recommending a book to read. When I was first in the stores there were few books that dealt with this holiday. As with all things that has changed.

Since there are so many books I thought I would suggest an older title. It was actually first published posthumously but it has a nostalgic feel to it.

Gregory's Shadow by Don Freeman of Corduroy fame is a sweet story of a little groundhog who's best friend is his shadow. The illustrations are soft and inviting and while it might be a long story it has a sweet message.

Here's to Staten Island Chuck who says Spring will come early!

Happy 75th Birthday Elvis Presley!

Wow I can't believe that Elvis would have been 75 years old today. I wonder what he would have been like?

I thought I would suggest some books that might be fun for kids to introduce them to the Icon who was Elvis Presley....

Who Was Elvis Presley by Geoff Edgers & John O'Brien great bio for older kids to read and younger kids to be read to!

Shake, Rattle & Roll: The Founders of Rock & Roll by Holly George- Warren wonderful history of Rock & Roll and includes the origins of Elvis!

Happy Birthday Elvis!!!!

Flashback Tuesday: The Kings Equal by Katherine Paterson

Katherine Paterson has been named the new National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, 2010-2011. She is the perfect choice as her books span childhood. Katherine Paterson has written many popular and famous titles. These include her Newbery Award winning books Bridge to Terabithia & Jacob I Have Loved. I have always been a fan of The Great Gilly Hopkins~I love spunky kids.

The book I am highlighting today is one of her older titles. It was originally a very long picture book illustrated by Vladimir Vagin, it then became a chapter book. I loved The Kings Equal as soon as I read it. It is a fractured fairy tale of the wondrous sort. It even has a good lesson~but don't tell the kids that. The characters are interesting and fun. It is a great book to add to any child's collection as it is timeless.

I think Ms Paterson will make a great Ambassador as she understands what it takes to get children to read. I wish her the best and am very proud of her accomplishment!