The Dot & the Line: a romance in lower mathematics
by Norton Juster is truly a classic story of how a silly girl meets nice boy but who would rather date a rebel. The straight line loves the dot but she has fallen for a squiggle. The straight line tries so hard to be more interesting to the dot that he develops a talent for making beautiful designs, ultimately winning over the dot who realizes that squiggles are just messy. At least that is how see it. I love the quirkiness of this book and how fun it is to read. While I think the plot is a bit sophisticated for little children they can still learn something from it....
by Norton Juster is truly a classic story of how a silly girl meets nice boy but who would rather date a rebel. The straight line loves the dot but she has fallen for a squiggle. The straight line tries so hard to be more interesting to the dot that he develops a talent for making beautiful designs, ultimately winning over the dot who realizes that squiggles are just messy. At least that is how see it. I love the quirkiness of this book and how fun it is to read. While I think the plot is a bit sophisticated for little children they can still learn something from it....A perfect gift on this special day, Happy Valentines Day!
by Maggie Kneen is a charming new book about a Moose who loves chocolate. The first thing that drew me to this book was the sweet face of the Moose on the cover. Secondly it is about chocolate, which is a favorite of mine---especially "chocolate mousse". While I was reading it I found it sweet and funny, in a silly kind of way. While it is a bit predictable, it is still a children's book and kids like predictable. If I was still working in a store I would use it as the center of a themed story time about chocolate....especially with Valentine's Day just around the corner.
by Vincent X. Kirsch is a wonderful tale of friendship. It is about a boy who is great friends with Forsythia, a girl who can do anything. I like how they are two opposites but that they get along so well. I like how the roles eventually get reversed and Chester amazes Forsythia....all in the name of friendship. I also love the illustrations, they are sort of retro but not old fashioned. A very special story that can really be read all year round.
written by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by James Ransome is the kind of book I like to find. I love to discover a story I have never heard before. It is the story of a man born of a slave mother and plantation owning father who mesmerizes Europe with his incredible gift of music. I have always admired James Ransome's illustrations and this is a great example of his work. The writing too is beautifully done, I love how how each section is titled as a "movement" to bring out the music aspect of the book. This has also made me want to listen to some of this unknown artist's musical compositions ----as much as I love to find a new story I also love to discover new music.
by Jules Verne is a classic castaway story with loads of adventure. What I liked about this book was how the characters were able to survive and create a new world for themselves. I also loved the mystery that surrounded the island---the twist at the end was a great surprise but a pleasant "ah ha" kind of surprise that I love. I loved this book so much and knew my nephew would like it to----he liked science----that I gave it to him for his birthday (he was even nice about it the second time I gave it to him--aunts have a tendency to forget). Anyway this would be great gift for an older child who likes mystery and science. I look it at as a precursor to "Lost"----a wonderful classic that never gets old.
by Oliver Chin is part of a series of books that highlights each animal of the Chinese Zodiac. This is a sweet story of a little Rabbit and her adventures (her name is Rosie which of course makes me very partial). My nephew JoJo is a "Rabbit" so it will be interesting to see if he has a "calm" kind of year, I wish it had been around when he was born. Mr Chin is doing one for each of the twelve animals of the zodiac----can't wait til he gets to mine....
by Floyd Cooper is, as I said, an old favorite. I have always been a fan of Floyd Coopers wonderful illusrations. What I loved about this book is how I learned about a great poet ....not as a grown up but as a little boy. This is a great introduction to an American Treasure. This book is not only written beautifully but the illustrations are incredible. I was drawn to the cover immediately .....the little boys face and how he is sitting there with his books made me want to know more about him. I love how Mr Cooper paints faces that are instantly recognizable to us. 