Flashback Tuesday: The Star-Spangled Banner illustrated by Peter Spier

What better way to celebrate Flag Day but with a book that celebrates our flag.   I was never one to want to change our National Anthem....it makes me cry.   Whenever I hear this song as well as see our beautiful flag I am filled with great emotion and pride at being an American.   

The Star-Spangled Banner written by Francis Scott Key and illustrated with wonderful illustrations by Peter Spier is a must have book for everyone.   I love how Mr Spier's illustrations really capture the words and bring them to life.   There is so much to look at in this book that children will never be bored. It has all the words to the Anthem....which we never really hear.  I like the collection of flags of the United States and all the historical data too.   The fact that it is more than just a picture book means it can have a broader audience.   This is definitely a book that can grow with a child.   A must have book for all ages...

Happy Flag Day Everyone!

Finding Lincoln by Ann Malaspina illus by Colin Bootman

This past weekend was a bit busy.   Yesterday I attended and volunteered at the BCCL'S biennial BooksNJ event at the Paramus Public Library.   It was a great event that showcased lots of authors from the  New Jersey area.   I volunteered because my friend Alexa works there and said they might need help.   It was fun unpacking books and seeing titles that were new to me.    I remember thinking how I love the smell of new books and that I missed handling them.   As much as e-books may be the wave of the future that is one thing they can't give you ----a new book smell.  

I usually like to write about a reference or nonfiction book on Sunday's but I never got the chance to do a posting.  So today I thought I would recommend a book I saw at yesterday's festival.   I sat in on a Non-fiction panel for young readers that was very interesting.   One of the author's was Ann Malaspina....she showcased a few of her titles and talked about the difference between writing a nonfiction picture book versus a nonfiction young reader.   I picked today's book because I like the characters and the story and because it takes place in a library ---which I thought was an appropriate setting since the events of yesterday was all about libraries.  

Finding Lincoln by Ann Malaspina and illusrated beautifully by Colin Bootman takes place in Alabama in 1951.   It is the story of a boy who wants to find out more about Abraham Lincoln but is not allowed in the "whites only" library because he is African American.   The kind librarian helps him after hours to find the information he needs.   It is a sweetly told story that is not preachy. It is a great way to teach children about this time in our recent history that explains about segregation.   I was also drawn to this books for two other reasons....the main character is named Louis---like my Dad and it has to do with Abraham Lincoln---who my Mother loved.

The Allegra Biscotti Collection by Olivia Bennett

The Allegra Biscotti Collection by Olivia Bennett is a refreshing new character for the tween and early teen  girl in your life.  I say refreshing because there is no mystery or vampire around in this story of a girl who becomes a fashion designer.  I know many a little girl who loves clothes and who say they want to design them when they grow up.  The characters are well written and likable.   I found myself wishing I had some sort of fashion sense just like Emma Rose or as she is more well know "Allegra Biscotti"....a perfect book for the little fashionista in your life.  

There is a second book too:  Who What Wear: The Allegra Biscotti Collection which just came out....two great books perfect for summer reading....

Flashback Tuesday: Paul Revere's Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow illustrated by Ted Rand

I love how a slip in the facts of American History can result in a "teachable moment".   This is the perfect time to reinforce some American History to our children.  This "teachable moment" also gave me a topic for today's posting.  

 

Paul Revere's Ride  by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and illustrated by Ted Rand is the perfect book to start the conversation about what really happened during this moment in history.   The words are iconic and the illustrations are wonderful and perfectly represent this historic moment.   

Normally I just do one book on Tuesdays.....but I think there is an exception to every rule.  Here are some other books for children to help understand the importance of Paul Revere's Ride!

Many Rides of Paul Revere by James Cross Giblin is great biography of Paul Revere.   This book is an overall biography of his life and gives a more accurate telling of what occurred during the American Revolution and his part in it.   

Paul Revere's Ride (Step Into Reading) by Shana Corey and illustrated by Chris O'Leary is a beginning reader book for the younger student to read and learn from.  It has lots of information which is told in a simpler language. 

And Then What Happened, Paul Revere? by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Margot Tomes is a more detailed account of this historic ride and includes more tidbits and information then in most stories.   Jean Fritz is a master at bringing history to life.   

A Picture Book of Paul Revere by David A. Adler and illustrated by John & Alexandra Wallner is another book written for younger children.  Mr Adler like Jean Fritz is notable for his great biographies that are perfect for children.   This is no exception .   

Let It Begin Here!: Lexington & Concord: First Battles of the American Revolution by Dennis Brindell Fradin and illustrated by Larry Day is a great book to give an overview of the start of the American Revolution.   It includes Paul Revere's ride and the events that surrounded it plus much more. 

These are just a few books I think would help explain what really happened in the early years American History.....I hope they help.   

Reference Sunday: Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg

Chris Van Allsburg has always been an incredible storyteller.   His stories and illustrations are iconic and unforgettable.   His newest book is a departure for him because it is based on a true story.  

Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg is the based on the true account of Annie Edson Taylor  a 62 years old woman who in 1901 decided to have the adventure of a lifetime.   The fact that her idea of an adventure is riding in a barrel over Niagara Falls is even more amazing.    I love this story.   It is a great way to show children that we are never too old to do something new.   Annie Edson Taylor is a new heroine for little girls to look up to.   While we may not want our children to do something quite as dangerous as this, I do think we want our children to never stop experiencing life.   

Mr Van Allsburg's illustrations are wonderful as usual but even his words paint a picture.   His description of the Falls themselves made me feel like I was actually there.  

The Evil Garden by Edward Gorey

Today is my friend Lindsay's birthday.   I haven't seen her in awhile but we keep in touch through email.   When I saw today's book I thought of her immediately.   She has always loved Edward Gorey and anything macabre.  When we worked together she had the Edward Gorey alphabet poster on our wall in the back room.   She thought it was appropriate because she worked off the children's section and well "it was an alphabet poster"....

The Evil Garden by Edward Gorey has been reissued as a children's book, albeit a book meant for an older child ages 9-12.   At first I didn't think it was for children but realized that it is a sort of nursery rhyme that only Edward Gorey could write.   I think it is a great book for an older child...especially the child who likes all things morbid or gruesome.  It is actually a fun sort of story in a frightful way.   It is also a great gift for a grown up in your life who is like my friend....oh and it is also perfect for her because she is quite the gardener too!   Dare I say "enjoy'~

When Bob Met Woody by Gary Golio illustrated by Marc Burckhardt

I have mentioned before my love of music.   Growing up I was exposed to many different kinds of music.  I like anything from Classical to Pop....and everything in between even a bit of Heavy Metal.   My parents always had the classical music station playing in the background.  Every Saturday night we would listen to a music program called "Woody's Children" ---  a homage to Woody Guthrie and folk music.  I was also aware of Bob Dylan....I have older siblings who loved listened to him.   I learned at an early age that Bob Dylan's real name is "Robert Zimmerman" and that he chose Dylan as his stage name because of the poet Dylan Thomas----my sister the writer told me that.   It did surprise me to learn that Bob Dylan just turned 70 years old, I missed his birthday last week.   Since then I have come across a great picture book biography that details Bob Dylan's early life and his meeting with the iconic Woody Guthrie.

When Bob Met Woody: The Story of the Young Bob Dylan by Gary Golio and illustrated by Marc Burckhardt is a picture book biography for older children to read and learn about a music icon.   I think it would also be a great book for the music lover in your life no matter what age.   I would give it to a child who is musically inclined along with some Cd's of both Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie songs.  For that matter it would make a great family gift too.   It is beautifully told with illustrations that perfectly match the character of the story.  

Oh and Happy Belated Birthday wishes to Bob Dylan!