A Boy and a Jaguar by Alan Rabinowitz illustrated by Catie Chien

Found this wonderful book that was so sweet I wanted to write about it.  It wasn't until researching the title did I realize it is true story about a real little boy.  This little boy grew up to be the champion of animals and a major conservationist.

A Boy and a Jaguar by Alan Rabinowitz and illustrated so wonderfully by Catie Chien is great new autobiographical picture book.  Mr Rabinowitz tells the story of his childhood and how he became interested in helping the big cats and other animals of the world.  It is the story of a little boy who stutters but who becomes so passionate about helping animals that he overcomes his affliction to become their voice.  This is a great book to teach children that they can grow up and overcome any difficulty to help those in need.  This truly inspiring story that is beautifully written and illustrated. It is  a must have for any classroom.  It is also a great book for the child who loves animals that could encourage them and show them how they too can be helpful.  It is a great read aloud too.....

Looking at Lincoln by Maira Kalman

I have been wanting to see the new movie from Spielberg about Lincoln but haven't gotten around to it.   My sister saw it and did nothing but rave about it.   It is amazing how Daniel Day Lewis really becomes his characters, my sister said he is fantastic in the role.   As with so many people Abraham Lincoln is one of my favorite Presidents.   I think I started to like him because my Mother loved him.   She used to tell me how she loved his face, that he always looked a bit sad but kind.   I was constantly bringing her books about him and by him.   One of the last books I ever got for her was a compilation of his speeches.  

Looking at Lincoln written and illustrated by the wonderful Maira Kalman is the perfect book for young children to help explain who Abraham Lincoln was.  This is a must have addition to the list of the many biographies for children of our 16th President.   Ms Kalman not only simply and succinctly tells the story of his life, she is also able to convey a more human figure.   I think because the narrator is a child who wants to know more about President Lincoln that we get a great sense of wonder.   This is a very special and fresh take on a historical figure who means so much to this country.   I would have loved to show it to my Mom.  

Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet

Thanksgiving is two weeks from today.   It seems like the years are going by so fast.   When I was a kid I loved watching the Thanksgiving day parade...the balloons always amazed me.   On my bucket list is going to seeing the balloons inflated the night before Thanksgiving.   This seems more exciting then the parade itself.

Balloons Over Broadway written and illustrated by Melissa Sweet tells the story of Tony Sarg a German immigrant who was also a puppeteer who worked for Macy's in NYC and decorated their windows.   When the annual parade decided to take out the live animals that were usually in the parade, Mr Sarg developed the idea of using balloons.   This is a special book with wonderfully rich illustrations that is a great way to get into the Thanksgiving holiday spirit.    I wish I had this book when I was a kid because I always wondered who got the idea to make these huge and incredible balloons. This is a great picture book biography that is totally easy to read.   I have always been a fan of Melissa Sweet's illustrations and this book is no exception.   A truly must have Thanksgiving story book that should be read every year.

Flashback Tuesday: The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge by Hildegarde H. Swift illus by Lynd Ward

In honor of the George Washington Bridge's 80th birthday I thought I would recommend a favorite book from childhood.  

The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge by Hildegarde H. Swift and illustrated by Lynd Ward is a classic book from 1942 that tells of a little lighthouse that was built before the GWB was even thought of.  When the bridge comes along it overshadows the little lighthouse but in the end the lighthouse saves the day.   It is based on a real lighthouse that can still be seen below the great bridge.   When I was little we used to take the GWB to my Grandmother's house in NYC.   I remember trying to strain my eyes to see if I could see the Little Red Lighthouse....for visitors to NYC this would be a great unique place to try and find and see.....a true piece of Americana.   Click on the link above to find visitor information....before you go make sure you and your children read the book...it is inspirational and heartwarming.