Flashback Tuesday: Pancakes, Pancakes by Eric Carle

I saw on the news today that IHOP has declared this National Pancake Day and was giving away free pancakes.   I know it is a gimmick but couldn't pass up the chance to talk about another of my favorite "pancake" books.  


Pancakes, Pancakes by Eric Carle is one of his older titles which make it a classic.   I loved this book because the colors are wonderful and I love how the little boy must actually gather and make all the ingredients for the breakfast of his choice.   I think it is great way to teach children where food comes from.   This is a great book for families to read together.....they can even make pancakes using the recipe at the end of the book.    A classic tale that shouldn't be missed.  

You Are My Sunshine by Jimmie Davis illus by Caroline Jayne Church

Today is my nephew Michael's 13th birthday.   I can't believe he is a teenager.   I remember exactly what I was doing thirteen years ago today.   I was on store visits with my boss in Florida.   It was our last day there and I wanted to come home because I knew my nephew's arrival was imminent.   Although at that point I didn't know he was to be a "nephew".   For some reason every time I traveled with my boss we had some sort of car issue.   In this case it was running out of gas on a major Florida highway and accepting a ride from a stranger to a gas station.   Needless to say I was glad to get home.   I wasn't home for 10 minutes when we got the call that my nephew had been born.   He was such a sweet little baby, I used to love to sit and rock him.   He has always loved music and the one song that I considered "our" song was "You Are my Sunshine"....I would sing it to him over and over again as I rocked him to sleep.   This is why I am suggesting today's book.

You Are My Sunshine by Jimmie Davis and illustrated so sweetly by Caroline Jayne Church is wonderful little board book to share with a child.   It is the perfect new baby gift that will be read over and over again,(or should I say "sung" over and over again)....a must have new baby book that will never go out of style.

Happy Birthday Michael V....may there always be sunshine in your life.....

Ladybug Girl by Jacky Davis illus by David Soman

Today I had an interesting conversation with one of my oldest friends.   I had called her for her birthday and we while we talking she mentioned the newest addition to her household.   It was a captured ladybug that she found on a head of lettuce.    She didn't want to release it into the wild because it is cold so she put it into a little container and is keeping it as a pet.   She said it is doing well and that she hope it makes it to spring so she can set it free.   My friend Kathleen has always been one to bring home strays....she has always had lots of pets that she either found or was given.   For instance her daughters teacher was moving and couldn't keep the class guinea pigs, so she called Kathleen to see if she would take them.   Kathleen was her first call.   She now has 4 cats, 2 guinea pigs, a mouse and of course a ladybug......who has many names  including Lulu,  which reminded me of today's book.



Ladybug Girl by Jacky Davis and illustrated by David Soman is the story of a little girl named Lulu who likes to dress up like a Ladybug.  Well she likes to dress up as many things but her ladybug costume seems to be her favorite.   I like this book because it shows a child trying to amuse herself when she is bored and succeeding.   This is a great new character for little girls to relate to.  It is a refreshing story with great illustrations.   I love her dog too!  Perfect book for any little girl in your life.

Thanks Kathleen for reminding me of this really fun book!  Happy Birthday!

Helen G. Marotta 1922-2010

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavour by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.
Washington Irving


This pretty much sums up who my Mother is/was to me....I love her and miss her so much~

Reference Sunday: Marching for Freedom: Walk Together Children and Don't You Grow Weary by Elizabeth Partridge

Marching for Freedom: Walk Together Children and Don't You Grow Weary by Elizabeth Partridge is a wonderful book and photographic history of the civil rights era.   What I like about it is that it is shown from a child's perspective.    I never knew how involved children were during this time.   The photos and interviews with those who were there are incredibly  moving.  This is a great book for an older child to help them understand this important period in American History.   Elizabeth Partridge has done a wonderful job of bringing to life a little known part of the Civil Rights Movement.   While this is written for ages 9-12,  I think many an adult would appreciate this book.   I know I do!

Little Hoot by Amy Krouse Rosenthal illus by Jen Corace

There has been so much talk lately about the demise of bookstores that sometimes we forget that they aren't the only place to buy books.   I have always loved going to some stores that are  eclectic in the products they sell.   The other day I was in an Anthropologie store "window shopping" when I spotted a whole table display of children's books.   On that table was one of the cutest picture books I had ever seen.   The fact that is was a surprise find thrilled me to pieces.

Little Hoot by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jen Corace is the perfect bedtime book.   While all his friends complain because they need to go to bed early, Little Hoot is expected to stay up late because that is what Owl's do.   His begging to go to bed early and his bedtime routine is so cute.   This is the perfect bedtime story with really easy text and the most adorable illustrations.   I have recommended Amy Krouse Rosenthal before and I am sure I will again.   This is a great example of writer and illustrator matching perfectly.   This is a must have book for any child's library!

As for finding this through non traditional channels....a total delight!

Flashback Tuesday: The Starry Messenger by Peter Sis

Today is the birth anniversary of the great astronomer Galileo.  

The Starry Messenger by Peter Sis is a great way to introduce this historic figure to a child.   While the book is a picture book and is supposedly geared towards ages 4-8 year olds, I think it is more for an older child.   The story of Galileo is fascinating, he led a complicated life but Mr Sis is able to write this biography in a way that brings it down to a child's level.   The illustrations are also wonderful, it wasn't surprising that Peter Sis got the Caldecott Honor for them.   I have always said that there are different kinds of picture books.   There are picture books meant to be read to the very young and then there books like The Starry Messenger that are for older kids.   These picture books for older children are meant to help children really visualize a subject.   They are just as important as a chapter book.   All kids are different in the way they learn so there should be something for everyone.    Like I said earlier this book is the perfect way to introduce a complicated subject to a child....it is a beautiful stepping stone for the starry eyed child in your life....