Crashing into the Moon!

I saw on the news this morning that NASA sent a missile to crash into the moon to see if has water. It was really interesting although I think the new people were a bit disappointed that it wasn't more dramatic. It did get me thinking about all the children's books I know that deal with the moon. There are so many non-fiction books but also great story books that have the moon as their subject. I couldn't let the day go by without suggesting some great books for all ages about the Moon!

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Great non-fiction titles:

The Moon by Seymour Simon

The Moon Seems to Change by Franklyn M. Branley

Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 On the Moon by Catherine Thimmesh

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Great Picture Books:

Papa Please Get the Moon For Me by Eric Carle

Kittens First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

Long Night Moon by Cynthia Rylant

These are just some of my favorites there are many more where these came from~the Moon has been a great inspiration through the ages ~ now would be a great time to explore!

National Poetry Day in the UK

I saw that today is National Poetry Day in England. April is National Poetry Month here in the United States. This means I would need to wait until then to talk about our Children's Poet Laureate. Mary Ann Hoberman, a prolific children's author, was appointed Children's Poet Laureate one year ago today. I have always enjoyed her books through the years. I especially enjoy her series of books titled You Read to Me, I'll Read to You...because they let the child become part of story time. They are a great before bed read aloud for parents to have quality time with their children. The new one is called You Read to Me I'll Read to You Very Short Scary Tales to Read Together.

I love her writing, she really knows how children think and writes in such a way that her words are accessible. A most recent poetry book of her is called The Llama Who Had No Pajama. This collection of poems spans her storied career.

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Because it is National Poetry Month in the UK I thought I would suggest a great new poetry collection by Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton. Since, of course, Julie Andrews is originally from England. Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs and Lullabies is a wonderful book illustrated by James McMullan that should be a must on your child's bookshelf. It has 150 works from Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, Shel Silverstein and even Rodgers & Hammerstein among others. There is even an accompanying CD with 21 of the works being read by Julie and her daughter. This would make a great family gift too!

What Sisters Do Best/What Brothers Do Best by Laura Numeroff, Illus by Lynn Munsinger

I am the youngest of four children. I have one sister and two older brothers. They have each enriched my life in different ways. I have already talked about my sister, how she read to me, told me stories and got me my first library card. She will always be my older sister, the person I defer to and ask advice of. She is basically my best friend without whom I couldn't be who I am.

I have two older brothers, my oldest brother went away to college when I was only 6 years old. I have talked about him before too when I spoke about the book The Marvelous Toy . He is also the one who took me to see The Wonderful Wizard of Oz when I was little, it was a going away present to me before he left for college. I think for a long time he still thought of me as a child but as I grew up we had some great talks because we had similar interests. I had some great conversations with him.

Then there is my other brother Michael who is a few years older than me. He was basically my "tormentor" when we were kids. He always teased me and tickled me, but in a good way. He was never malicious and I knew he cared about me. He was and is very sweet too and when he knew I was sad he would always try to make me feel better. Once when I was home sick he tried to bring me an ice cream cone from school~of course it melted but it was the thought that counted. I know I can turn to him if I ever need anything.

A few weeks ago on Grandparents Day I suggested the flip book What Grandma's Do Best/What Grandpa's Do Best by Laura Numeroff. Well she has finally done the book I had always hoped she would do. What Sister's Do Best/What Brother's Do Best a perfect book for me. The text is pretty much the same for both but that doesn't matter, it is a great story for anyone who has siblings. It is great for parents to read to their children since it will hopefully help with any sibling rivalry that might exist in their home. All brothers and sisters fight but sometimes it is nice to be reminded what is like to have one or two people who will always be there for you. It would make a really great gift!

Flashback Tuesday: Catherine Called Birdy by Karen Cushman

As I have stated before my sister, Ann E. Burg, is an author. She and her friend, the acclaimed author Lesa Cline-Ransome are teaching a class called "Writing for Children: Not Just a Fairytale" at the Rhinebeck, NY School for Continuing Education. My sister was telling me about yesterdays class discussion . They were discussing unique "voices" in children's literature. The first book that popped into my head that has a great "voice" was the classic Newbery Honor title, Catherine Called Birdy by Karen Cushman.

I remember when this book came out. I have always liked history and this had all the elements of a great book. I remember getting caught up in the story. Catherine is a great character who was easy to like and empathize with. She is strong willed with a great sense of self. Karen Cushman was able to write about a time and place that is foreign to the reader but still have us understand the life that Catherine was leading.

I was a bit disappointed that it didn't win the Newbery Medal, I felt that it really was the best book that season. I was happy the next year that Karen Cushman went on to win for her next title, The Midwives Apprentice, but still thought Catherine was the better book. I think that Catherine Called Birdy is a must read for all. It has a very memorable character and is a fantastic read.

Princess Hyacinth (The Surprising Tale of a Girl Who Floated) by Florence Parry Heide; Illust by Lane Smith

Princess Hyacinth (The Surprising Tale of a Girl Who Floated) is a sweet new book. I love fractured fairy tales and stories that are a twist on the familiar. It is a about a princess who has the knack for floating. Her parents, the king & queen, try everthing to keep her grounded. It is a great story that shows that while we need to be protective of our children we must still let them be who they really are. It is a great way to get that message across without being preachy.

The illustrations are by one of my favorite illustrators. Lane Smith is prolific and diverse in his work. I am lucky enough to have met him twice and found that he is a very sweet man. The first time I met him he an Jon Scieszka had just come out with The Stinky Cheeseman. They had come to our store to do a talk and signing. It was fun especially because they got a kick out of the plate of "stinky cheese" we had for them. Now at that time we never told customers that they couldn't bring other books to get signed. Mr. Smith was so cute because he was embarrased at the fact that so many adults had come with his art books to sign which made him very busy but not his partner Mr. Scieszka. Of course Jon Scieszka was good natured about it especially because Lane Smith was so embarrased. Like I said a very sweet man. I also love the fact that he is not a cookie cutter artist, all his illustrations are different enough and are perfect for the stories they are helping to tell. This new book about a princess who floats is a wonderful example of his genius. Check it out!

Reference Sunday: Fire Prevention Week

When I was working in the bookstore I always tried to follow what was going on in the world as a way to tie in books to any event. I not only looked to the news but I looked to teachers, many of whom worked for me, to give me ideas for storytimes and displays.

Every year one of the biggest events was always Fire Prevention Week. We would plan storytimes and even visits with local firefighters. All our displays would feature books dealing with either fire safety or firemen and fire trucks. So here are some books that might help you teach your child about fire safety while still being a good read.

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No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids by Jean Pendziwol

Stop, Drop & Roll by Margery Cuyler

Arthur's Fire Drill by Marc Brown

Clifford the Firehouse Dog by Norman Bridwell

Big Frank's Fire Truck by Leslie McGuire

Fire!Fire! by Gail Gibbons

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This is also a good week to review with your children what to do in case of a fire. How to evacuate the house and how to call 911. We all want our children to be safe and this week is a good way to remind us how to do it. Have a great week!

Happy World Vegetarian Day!

I stated in my bio that I have been in the world of books for most of my life. What I didn't say was that I have always loved food too. Last year my sister-in-law Theresa, who is a fantastic cook, and I started a Veggie Burger business. She had developed these awesome tasting veggie burgers that we thought other people might like. Our company is called The Savory Garden. We sell three kinds of veggie burgers at a local farmers market and a deli. They have been very well received. To be honest we are not vegetarians , we do try to eat healthy and are very health conscious.

Eating healthy is very important not just for adults but for children also. Through the years there have been many wonderful books that highlight vegetables and good eating for children. I thought I would list some today so that while we may not be able to turn all children into vegetarians we might be able to get them to eat better....

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The Vegetables We Eat by Gail Gibbons

Gregory the Terrible Eater by Mitchell Sharmat

I Eat Vegetables by Hannah Tofts

Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert

Herb the Vegetarian Dragon by Jules Bass

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