Remembering 9/11

I can't believe it has been 10 years since the 9/11 attacks.   It seems very surreal.   I was working in NYC at the time and saw the towers fall....it was an eerie day one filled with apprehension and despair.   So many news outlets are showing footage of that day....I still have hard time looking at the images.

A friend asked me to recommend some books for her students.   There are so many to choose from.   Here are just a few to help explain this horrible day in American History....


New Titles:

America Under Attack: September 11, 2011: The Day the Towers Fell by Don Brown Ages 6 & Up...suggestion courtesy of my friend Joe S.

September 11 Then & Now by Peter Benoit Ages 7 & Up.

September 11, 2011: Attack On New York City by Wilborn Hampton Revised edition Ages 10& Up.


Older titles:

More To That Day, 9/11 by Cindy L. Rodriguez and illustrated by Joyce L. Elliot Ages 8 & Up.

The Little Chapel that Stood by A.B. Curtiss ages 4 & Up.  This historic chapel built in 1766 became a refuge during and after the attacks.  

Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey by Maira Kalman Ages 6 & Up.


-----------------------

My sister Ann E. Burg wrote two New York books.....I am mentioning them because they both have moving tributes to the World Trade Centers and the 9/11 attacks.

E is for Empire by Ann Burg and illustrated by Maureen Brookfield ages 6 & Up ----W is for World Trade Center...

The New York Reader by Ann E. Burg and illustrated by Maureen Brookfield ages 6 & Up.

The Man in the Moon (Guardians of Childhood) by William Joyce

As Promised:   I love, love, love this book!

The Man in the Moon (Guardians of Childhood) by William Joyce has to be one of the most wonderful books I have ever seen.   As I stated yesterday I have always been a William Joyce fan.   I love the way he writes and the beautiful images he paints.   This is no exception.   I remember being a little girl and my Mother pointing out the face of the "Man in the Moon" to me.   It always comforted me to see his smiling face.   I think Mr Joyce is a national treasure....his books always come along just when I need them most.  This whole idea of "Guardians of Childhood" brings me back to a time when life was simple and goodness was all around.   It is sad that we can only appreciate the magic of childhood when we are grownup and think back to our past.   Thank you Mr Joyce for the joy you bring to all.

This is a must have new classic....perfect for new parents and new babies.....or anyone who wants  the children around them to have magic in their lives....

Flashback Tuesday: George Shrinks by William Joyce

I can't believe I missed celebrating the 2 year Anniversary of this Blog!   I am usually really good about dates and celebrating milestones.   I do have a good excuse though,  I was sitting in the dark with no electricity on Aug 28th due to Hurricane Irene.   So I am rectifying my mistake and celebrating today.  The question I asked myself was: How do I celebrate?  Then I saw some notes I had made on books I wanted to talk about and realized that one of my favorite (and I mean FAVORITE) children's authors, William Joyce,  was coming out with a new book today.   Then I realized it was Tuesday, which means an older book.  Of course I can go off routine, after all this is my blog, but that is not my style.   What to do?????   I will talk about his new book tomorrow and an old favorite today.  I have already recommended two of my all time favorite William Joyce books, Santa Calls and Leaf Men so I chose my third favorite.  


George Shrinks by William Joyce has always been one the best books to read aloud.   I think it is the first book Mr Joyce wrote and illustrated himself.  There is no agenda with this book....it is just about a boy who dreams he is small and the dream comes true. I like how the words are simple but without  the illustrations we wouldn't get the full story.  It is this combination of words and pictures that make this book really special.  They need each other.  It is one of those fun titles that can't help but make you smile.  Whenever I read this aloud I loved to watch the children's faces as they experienced George's adventures.  This is a must have classic book for any child's bookshelf!

Reference Sunday: National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why by Amy Shields

I can't believe it is Labor Day Weekend already.   Some kids are back in school and some will start this week.   It seems like the summer went by too fast.   I loved spending time with the children in my life this summer.   It amazes me how inquisitive most children are, which is why I love today's book.   It is a great book to have handy when a question comes up we have trouble answering.

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why by Amy Shields is the perfect book for the questioning child in your life.   I love how the book is easy to read with lots of great facts and photos to look at.   This is a great first reference book and should help children learn things in a fun way.   I almost want to recommend it to any grown- up, just to keep on hand for when a child asks "Why?".... it should come in handy.  A great new reference book for any children's library!

I'm Here by Peter H. Reynolds

I'm Here by Peter H. Reynolds is one of the sweetest books I have found in a long time.   It is the kind of book that I would give to a child who has trouble fitting in or who is shy.   When I first read it I was moved to tears.   I totally understood the feelings and emotions of this simply told story.   After I read it I learned that it was written with autistic children in mind.  I love how a story can be told without too many words and too many explanations.  Mr Reynolds has out done himself in a presenting a book that is timeless and beautiful.   A must have new book.  

Flashback Tuesday: Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London illus by Frank Remkiewicz

I realized it has been a  week since I last posted.   Hurricane Irene got in the way..... lucky for me I had  no real damage and only a little bit of food got spoiled.   The storm has brought cooler days which tells me summer is waning.   The kids in my neighborhood and my nephews are busy shopping for school supplies and getting new clothes.   Here is another old favorite to read for Back to School!


Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London and illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz was always a favorite to read during this time of year.    He was one of my nephews favorite characters.  I liked to read this book because it really captures a child's anxiety of the unknown.  I remember exactly the same feelings when the first day of school rolled around.   This is a perfect book to alleviate any worries a child might have as a new school year approaches.   A must have perennial story to be read!

Flashback Tuesday: A Fine, Fine School by Sharon Creech illustrated by Harry Blis

Here on the East coast school doesn't start for another few weeks but in other parts of the country it has already started.   I thought I would suggest one of my favorite books about school....

A Fine, Fine School by Sharon Creech and illustrated by Harry Bliss is a fun book that really illustrates how being over enthusiastic about something is not always a good thing.   I love how the principle isn't really a bad guy nor is he intentionally being mean....he just loves his school.   He loves it so much he wants it to open everyday even on Sundays and holidays.  It takes a little girl, who also loves school, to help him realize that he is going over board with his ideas.   Like I said this is a great read especially at the beginning of the school year when kids don't want to summer vacation to end.   It is a good and funny way to show them that it could worse and they could be going every day.   I also love Harry Bliss' illustrations.....the characters are so expressive.   A must have back to school title!