Happy Birthday Robert Louis Stevenson!

Today is the birth anniversary of one of our greatest writers of all time. I think, though, that he tends to be forgotten. We remember his stories and works but never really recall the man. I always loved to look at my sister's copy of A Child's Garden of Verses. The photo at the beginning of the book of Robert Louis Stevenson always made me think he was a sad person. I am not sure if he was or not it just made me think that way.

I loved his poems like The Land of Counterpane or Bed in Summer....after reading his poems for years I discovered his novel Treasure Island, I can still see the copy I owned with its red cover. It has always been one of my favorite books.

His poetry is a great introduction of poetry for children. His poems are totally accessible and fun to read. There is such a lyrical quality to them. His novels and stories are also a great way to introduce the classics to children. At this time of year they would make great gifts.

Here are some of my other favorites:

Kidnapped (always thought this is a great book for boys---although I thought it was so exciting)

The Black Arrow (historical novel that has a bit of romance---great for the girl in your life)

New Arabian Nights (great book of short stories)

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Guinness World Record Day!!!

According to the Guinness World Record website today "is a day that rejoices in the fun and excitement of record-breaking"! This event is in its 5th year!

While working in the stores and even as a buyer the yearly Guinness Book of World Records annual was always a big seller. There are so many kids out there who love to read about facts and figures. There are even daredevil kids who like to see how they can get into the "book".

What I have always loved about this book each year is that it is an easy sell....since there is always new information it isn't hard to want a new one each year. If I were still in the stores I would probably plan an event around the book and this day that would involve trying to break a record. This book makes a great gift for young and old and comes out at just the right time.

Here is to the adventurer in all of us!

Happy Veteran's Day!

Growing up Veteran's Day usually just meant a day off. For so long that is all it really meant to most people. Today we actually are reminded of what our service men and women have done for us. It is a good day to teach our children the true meaning of the day and why we honor those who have valiantly served our country. To that end I thought I recommend or suggest some titles that are perfect for the day.

H is for Honor: A Military Family Alphabet by Devin Scillian

This book is part of the Sleeping Bear Press' alphabet series. It is a good introduction to what the military does for us. The sacrifices that are made for us.

Here are some other books to look at:

Veterans Day (Rookie Reader) by Jacqueline S. Cotton

While You Are Away by Eileen Spinelli

The Wall by Eve Bunting

A Yellow Ribbon for Daddy by Anissa Mersiowsky

My Mommy Wears Combat Boots by Sharon McBride

The Veterans Day Visitor by Peter Catalanotto

Veterans Day by Marlene Targ Brill

These books should also remind us that more than just soldiers go to war~their families do to. We should always show how grateful we are for their service.

Flashback Tuesday: A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza

When looking for books on adoption so many people are disconcerted because they want to find "their" story to tell their child. That is pretty much an impossible thing. What I have always loved about A Mother for Choco was the fact that it is just about finding a family. Choco is a little yellow bird who wants to find its mother but can't find one that looks like him, enter Mrs Bear who takes him in and just starts mothering him as if he were her own. I loved to recommend it because it deals with how some adopted children feel about looking like everyone else. Since it uses animals it is more universal in scope and spirit. A beautiful story for everyone!

I also love the fact that it comes in a board book form for even the youngest child. Here's to family no matter what they look like!

20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall!

As I have stated before this blog is not supposed to be all about reviews. It is supposed to represent what I did when I worked in the bookstore. A place people can go to get suggestions or recommendations of books for children. As a bookseller and buyer I was constantly looking for events in the world to highlight books for children. I would then make signs and do displays surrounding them.

Today is one of those events. It is the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall coming down. I remember that day....watching the news and wishing I could be there. It was such an exciting and thrilling moment in history.

Here are some books that I would definitely recommend to anyone who wanted to learn more about this time in our history:

New York Times When the Wall Came Down by Serge Schmemmann

This is the story of a journalist who witnessed the events of November 1989 Germany. A true first hand account that also delves into how Germany got to that point in time.

Escape to West Berlin by Maurine F. Dahlberg

The moving story of a young girl and her life in East Berlin prior to the "Wall" going up.

The Wall by Peter Sis

While not specifically about the Berlin Wall it is a great way to introduce children to the Cold War and what it meant to live during those times. Peter Sis uses illustration and a graphic novel style to explain the life he lead under a communist regime.

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These are great books to help explain this momentous day!

Reference Sunday: Books about Germs

So many friends and family have children who have been sick lately. A dear friend's little boy has even been in the hospital with pneumonia. My nephew too has been home sick for a week. It seems like the flu or sickness is all around us. I thought for today's Reference Sunday books I would focus on some great books that deal with germs and being sick.

Here are the books I would recommend for kids and parents to read together about germs and being sick.

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You Can't Take Your Body to the Repair Shop: A Book About What Makes You Sick by Dr. Fred Ehrlich

Germs Make Me Sick by Melvin Berger

Germs Are Not For Sharing by Elizabeth Verdick

Bill Nye the Science Guy's Great Book of Tiny Germs by Bill Nye

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I hope all feel better soon and everyone stays healthy!!!!

Friday Fun Book: Alexander & the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst, Illus by Ray Cruz

In honor of today being my nephew Alex's birthday I thought I would recommend one of my favorite books:

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst, illus by Ray Cruz is one of the funniest books I had ever read. This book always made me feel better when I have a bad day. Alexander is such a good character, we can have such empathy for a child who just can't seem to cut a break.

When I was in the stores I loved to read this at story time because everyone could relate to poor Alexander's dilemma's. This is one of those books that parents loved because they too could get into the story.

Judith Viorst went on to write other Alexander books like: Alexander Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday (another fun relatable read aloud) and Alexander, Who is Not {Do You Hear Me? I mean it!} Going to Move (which is great to give to kids who are moving).

These are great books to add to a child's library and are meant to be read again and again ~even if you don't know an "Alexander" like I do!

Happy Birthday Alex!!!