My Side of the Car by Kate Feiffer illustrated by Jules Feiffer

My Side of the Car by Kate Feiffer and illustrated by Jules Feiffer is a wonderful new book that  should become a classic.   I love how it is written and illustrated by a true father and daughter team and that it is based on something that really happened in their lives.   I have always been a fan of Jules Feiffer's illustrations and books but this one seems even more special.    The love the father has for his daughter is evident and sweet as is the optimism of the little girl.  I couldn't help but while reading it to myself.    This is a perfect book for any father to read to their child.   It would also make a great new Daddy kind of gift....a must have book.

Flashback Tuesday: Stuck in Neutral by Terry Truman

This past weekend my sister Ann Burg participated in the Hudson Children's Book Festival in Hudson NY.   Last week while she was busily preparing for the festival she mentioned some of the authors who were going to be there.   I was quite impressed by the well known authors who were attending.   I was really excited to hear that Terry Truman was also attending.  I loved his book Stuck in Neutral when I first read it.   It was brought to my attention when I was a panelist for the  Children's Book Council 2001 edition of the Not Just For Children Anymore! catalog.   It had a profound effect on me.   This story of a boy who cannot communicate to the outside world but whose mind is sharp and full of astute observations is one of the most remarkable books I have ever read.   As I wrote for the catalog copy of the Not Just For Children Anymore! catalog it is "reminiscent of the adult book The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominque Bauby.  It was also powerful to me because it made me think of my father who due to a stroke could no longer speak even though we knew he was aware of what was going on around him.  This book gave me a new perspective on what it must be liked to be trapped in your own body without a means to communicate.  It is considered a Young Adult book but I feel should and could be read by a younger student.   It is a great book to teach empathy and caring for people who are disabled.  

Happy Mother's Day!

When I was little Mother's Day was a special day.   I remember my Father going outside and cutting flowers from the bushes around the house.  He liked the idea of using what we have and he always made them looked better than flowers from the florist.   My Mom loved flowers.   She loved whatever we gave her even if it was only card we wrote ourselves.  My brother Michael would write missives on how much he loved her.  He was a great one for leaving notes on pillows.....

I miss her everyday especially when I look at my bookshelves.   Here are some books she picked out for me ---she was always giving me books. 

A Garland for Girls by Louisa May Alcott

B is for Betsy by Caroline Haywood

Trina by Patricia Miles Martin

Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery (the whole series)

The Best Loved Doll by Rebecca Caudill

Thanks Mom....Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful Mother's in my life....

Favorite Mother's Day Books!

Sunday is Mother's Day and I thought I would just put out a little reminder of some great books that I loved to read at story time.   These were perennial books that reminded me of what being a Mother was all about.

Are You My Mother by PD Eastman ----my all time favorite non Dr Seuss book.....a great read with kids.

Piggybook by Anthony Browne ----- This was one of my favorite books to read during story time.   The Moms got such a kick out it.   If you haven't read it then you must read it now....it so funny and a perfect read for Mother's Day!

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell----this is one of the most beautifully illustrated books I have ever seen.   It's simple story of three little owl's waiting for their Mother to come home is priceless.

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams----This is such a sweet story....I could always feel the warmth and love between the characters.

These are just a few great books that I love to read aloud.....I hope you like them too.

My Cold Went on Vacation by Molly Rausch illus by Nora Krug

My Cold Went on Vacation by Molly Rausch and illustrated by Nora Krug is a clever new book that is perfect to read on a cold and rainy day such as today (at least where I am).   So many friends of mine are either suffering from allergies or fighting a Spring cold.   This is a great book to read to a child while they are sick in bed to help stir their imagination.  I love the idea that a cold "actually" travels around the world. The little boy who narrates the book sounds like all the children I know who are inquisitive and curious.    It is an easy read with really fun and quirky illustrations.  I would have loved to read this at a story time.....just to see the kids reactions and thoughts about where a "cold" goes.....

Flashback Tuesday: Abiyoyo Book & CD by Pete Seeger illus by Michael Hays

Today is the wonderful iconic folk singer Pete Seeger's 92nd birthday.   I have always loved his music and storytelling.

Abiyoyo Book and CD by Pete Seeger and illustrated by Michael Hays is a classic and timeless tale.  I remember hearing the story and song long before I read the book.   Pete Seeger's voice is unmistakable and his storytelling skills are classic.   This has always been of one my favorite stories. I love how the father and son work together to save the day.  It was a fun story to read at story time because we could act it out.  It is very easy to get children involved in the story.   This is a great version because it has a cd so we can also listen to Mr Seeger's wonderful voice.    I also love how the illustrations show a very multicultural environment which makes the story  universal.  A must have book ~

Happy Birthday Pete Seeger---a true American treasure!

Reference Sunday: Fun With Chinese Cooking by Frances Lee

Today is my nephew Joseph's 12th birthday or as I like to call him JoJo.   Last year I wrote about a book that teaches kid's Chinese.  He is still taking Chinese in school and seems to still like it.   Not only does he still like learning this very difficult language he loves the food.  He has also always loved Chinese food.  I think he could eat it every day.  A few years ago his class had to put together a cookbook and the recipe he contributed was an easy Lo Mein dish he loved.   His love of Chinese food inspired me to recommend this really great book to help teach kids the art of cooking a real Chinese menu.

 

Fun with Chinese Cooking by Frances Lee is geared toward kids ages 8 and up who love to cook.   The recipes are easy to read with step by step instructions and full color photographs.  This book is a great way for kids to learn how to make some foods that they thought they could only get out to eat.   I like how there is an explanation of the dishes with side bars that have extra tips that are fun to read.   So if you know a child who loves Chinese food as much as my nephew does than this would be a great book for them.....