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!

Woof: A Love Story by Sarah Weeks illus by Holly Berry

A week from tomorrow is Valentines Day....I thought it was high time I started suggesting some books that would help celebrate the day. Valentines Day was and is a big holiday for bookstores. When I was in the stores it ranked 3rd after Christmas and Halloween. I had a district manager who really loved (no pun intended) Valentines Day and always encouraged us to make a big deal out of it.

Woof: A Love Story by Sarah Weeks is one of the cutest books I have seen in a long time. I love how a dog falls in love with a cat but when the dog says "I Love You" all the cat hears is "woof, woof, woof..."! It is a wonderful read aloud and can actually foster conversation about how just because we are different it doesn't mean we can' t love each other. The illustrations by Holly Berry captures the mood completely. A new book that is a sweet read!

Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce is one of those books that begs to be picked up if you see it on the shelf. I love the cover....it really is eye catching.

It is by the author of Millions and Framed ~ he does like the one word title. It is such a fun book ~ it really made me laugh. The main character Liam is the kind of kid I like to root for. This is the perfect book for a reluctant reader that is sure to please. I know a few kids who would enjoy it. It is adventurous and fun with some truth thrown in.

It is the perfect book to read while being snowbound!

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni illus Bryan Collier

Today is Rosa Parks birthday. I would have suggested a book about her even if it hadn't been Black History Month. I have always been inspired by act of courage.

My favorite story of her life and the one I would recommend most is also inspiring.

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni & illustrated by Bryan Collier is a Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award Winner.

I think Nikki Giovanni is one the greatest poets of our time. Her words are beautiful and she really is a storyteller. Bryan Collier is one of my favorite illustrators. I love his palettes and how his images come to life. If there is one book to get on Rosa Parks this would be it.

Happy Birthday Rosa!

Read Aloud Wednesday: The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

When I worked in the bookstore Wednesday was always our story time day. At one time I had three story times in one day. There was always a theme and an activity. My favorite part was picking the books to read.

I thought I would use Wednesday as a day to suggest books that make great read alouds.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats is a perfect story time book. It introduces us to a little boy in a city who spends the day in the snow. This book was originally written in 1962 and it won the 1963 Caldecott for its wonderful illustrations. Ezra Jack Keats is one of the first authors at that time to tell a story using a child of African American descent. The wonderful thing about it is that is really just a book about a boy playing in the snow. There is no agenda just a story but the fact the boy is African American speaks volumes for that time. It is a must have title.

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!

A Kid's Guide to African American History by Nancy I. Sanders

Today is the first day of Black History Month. I found this great book that can be used everyday of the month and beyond to help celebrate.

The Kid's Guide To African American History by Nancy I. Sanders is packed with over 70 activities, songs & games to help teach children about African American History. This would be great for teachers and librarians to use and great for parents too. It also has short biography's of famous African Americans and well as explanations of important historical events in our history.

This book is a perfect book not just for older kids but for younger ones as well. It is well written and easy to use. It is not overwhelming at all~ the perfect book to learn with.