Reference Sunday: Japan

The devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan has been on my mind all weekend.   The images are striking and mesmerizing at the same time. If the images are disturbing to adults than I am sure they are disturbing for children.   The fact that this event has literally touched American shores has probably doubled a child's concern.   I have written about earthquakes and tsunamis in the past so I thought I would recommend books about Japan----a vibrant and beautiful country.

K is for Kabuki: A Japan Alphabet by Gloria Whelan & Jennifer Nolan with illustrations by Oki Han for ages 4-8.

All About Japan: Stories, Songs, Crafts & More by Willamarie Moore with illustrations by Kazumi Wilds for ages 9-12.

I Live In Tokyo by Mari Takabayashi a picture book for ages 4-8.

Look What Came From Japan by Mile Harvey for ages 4-8.

National Geographic Countries of the World: Japan by Charles Phillips for ages 9-12


These are just a few books that I thought would interest children.    I liked them because they each offer something different in the way Japan is described for children.   There is something for everyone.   I hope that by reading these books a child might gain an understanding of a world outside their own.   My thoughts and prayers are with the Japanese people during this difficult and trying time.  

All the Way to America by Dan Yaccarino

All the Way to America by Dan Yaccarino is a new book that celebrates family and the fact that as Americans we all come from somewhere else.   I was immediately drawn to this new book because I too  can trace my family history to Italy.   Dan Yaccarino tells his families story beautifully and in such a way that we can all identify with it.   It doesn't matter where your family comes from.   The underlying theme is that we should all learn to appreciate our past in order to understand our present and our future.   My favorite line in the book is the advice that is passed down from generation to generation:

"Work hard, but remember to enjoy life, and never forget your family"..... this is the same lesson I learned from my father....a man who worked hard his whole life but always knew how to enjoy the simple things in his life and whose family always came first.  

If anyone is near the Tenement Museum in NYC on March 14th at 6:30 pm you can see and hear a talk by Dan Yaccarino about his new book and his families immigrant history.   It is sure to be a fun and informative presentation.

Oh and this is a must have book for anyone to enjoy, no matter where they come from.....it is great conversation starter with the kids.  

World Read Aloud Day!

Today is World Read Aloud Day.....According to SLJ" Librarians, authors, adults, teens, and children from all over the globe will celebrate the power of words and stories during the annual World Read Aloud Day on Wednesday, March 9."


Since I love a good read aloud ---and most of the books I recommend fall into this category---I thought I would list some of my all time favorites.   They are mostly classic so if you want more than please click on "Read Aloud" on the side of this blog.   Here is a nice list in no particular order:











Chicken Soup With Rice by Maurice Sendak--I love the alliteration in this story. 



















Giant John by Arnold Lobel ----my niece and nephews new this one by heart.

















Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss----my favorite but any Dr Seuss is great to read aloud.

















The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear by Don & Audrey Wood---a fun book to read aloud, I just love to see the children's reactions to this great book.  

















The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle---as with the Dr Suess books any Eric Carle book makes a great read aloud....but this is my favorite....















The Tale of Custard the Dragon by Ogden Nash and Lynn Munsinger ----lovely rhyme that begs to be read aloud.   










These are just a few of my favorites....but most any book will do, even a novel or chapter book.   What is most important is the closeness that comes from reading a book or story aloud to a child...that is priceless.   Have a fun Read Aloud kind of day!

Reference Sunday: The Dred Scott Decision March 6, 1857

Today is the anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision of 1857.   I have to admit I wasn't that familiar with it. I knew it had to do with slavery but I wasn't up on the facts.   I personally feel bad that I can't remember learning about this historical moment in school.   I was pleased to see that there are many books for young readers to learn about this important time in our history.   Here is a sampling of some of those books:

Dred Scott Decision by Jason Scott and published by Compass Books.

I, Dred Scott by Sheila P. Mosses, illustrated by Bonnie Christensen and published by S&S---a fictionalized account but well written with historical facts to back it up.

Dred and Harriet Scott: A Family's Struggle for  Freedom by Gwenyth Swain and published by Borealis Books----this has a nice glossary and bibliography, also liked that it discussed the family aspect of the people involved.

Some things should never be forgotten.

  

Alfie the Apostrophe by Moira Rose Donohue illus by Joann Adinolfi

Today is National Grammar Day, a day where language is celebrated.   Growing up I was never big on grammar (I understood it's importance but would just rather read all day), my least favorite thing to do in school (besides math) was to diagram sentences.   My sister, on the other hand, who grew up to be a Writer loved to diagram sentences.   To this day she says it was always one of her favorite activities in English class.

Alfie the Apostrophe by Moira Rose Donohue and illustrated by Joann Adinolfi is great little picture book that  teaches the importance of punctuation.   I have a soft spot for this book because it is the first book I helped acquire during my short stint working at Scholastic Book Clubs.   I did like the characters and how the story revolved around a school talent show...each "character" or punctuation mark must show their talents.  It is a clever story with sweet illustrations.   I remember thinking when I acquired it that I wished I had something like this to help me remember what an apostrophe does when I was still in school.

Happy Birthday Dr Suess!

Back when I was a buyer of children's books one of my mainstay subjects was "Dr Seuss", yes these books had their own category and section in the stores.   I loved working on Read Across America every year.  To go back even farther; when I first started working in the children's section of the bookstore I wasn't comfortable recommending books.   I figured it was easier to go with what I knew and what was classic.  My first suggestions were always a Dr Seuss book, which always resulted in a sale.  When I was finally  in charge of the department I would tell any new person to do what I did, "sell what you know and what you remember".... Dr Suess books were and are  always great  "go to" books.


 

Today is Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel's birthday.   This morning I asked my sister Ann what her favorite Dr Seuss book was, without hesitation she said "Horton Hatches the Egg".   I too am a great fan of Horton....he is such a sweet character.    A memorable character amongst memorable characters.   A definite must have title.  

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.