Reference Sunday: Everything For Your Halloween Party from Golden Books

I can't believe Halloween is a few weeks away.  Last year I suggested a number of Halloween Activity books that still are good today....but I was excited to find this great little book that has wonderful ideas to help with anyone's Halloween party. 

Everything for Your Halloween Party from Golden Books is a fun book with cutouts to make Halloween decorations including party hats and a centerpiece.   While this would be fun for a children's party I think it would be great for a grown up party too!  It was originally published in the 1940's so it has a great "retro" feel to it.   As you know I am big on the "retro"  enjoy!

The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot by Margaret McNamara illus by Mark Fearing

The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by Mark Fearing is a clever retelling of the Three Little Pigs.....I love stories that have been re-imagined especially when they are done well.   This is a great book to also introduce the planets to children....it isn't a "science" book as stated in the Author's note but the planets are depicted and in a realistic way.  This is the perfect way to also introduce fairy tales to your kids...read this and then go back and read the original.   I would have loved to read this at story time as a new book selection....the activities that can go with it are endless.   This is a fun new book....

Flashback Tuesday: The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster illust by Jules Feiffer

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster and illustrated by Jules Feiffer is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of it's publication.   This classic book with it's iconic cover has never gone out of style.   It is still a perennial on school reading lists which is how it should be.  Even though I have shelved this book and read about this book for years and am a huge fan of both Norton Juster and Jules Feiffer, it wasn't until a few years ago that I actually read it myself.   It was not at all what I imagined it to be....it was even better.  I couldn't believe it took me so long to finally pick it up and read.   I loved the word play and the characters...how many times have we felt like Milo---bored with everything.   This is a must have classic that every child should and every grown up should re-read.....it may be 50 years old but is still young at heart!

M.O.M (Mom Operating Manual) by Doreen Cronin illus by Laura Cornell

M.O.M (Mom Operating Manual) by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Laura Cornell was a thrill to discover.  I love Laura Cornell's illustrations and recognized the her art work as soon as I saw the cover. I am also a big fan of Doreen Cronin who has a great writing style.   This is a fun book to read.   This is the kind of book I would have loved to read at story time because I know the parents would get a kick out of it.   I like how it has been published now and not just in time for Mother's Day.   Although it would make a perfect new mother gift.   Some might say the language is a bit too adult for kids to understand but since I don't believe in talking down to children I think it is worded perfectly.  

Reference Sunday: First Pitch: How Baseball Began by John Thorn

I haven't posted in awhile....but that doesn't mean I haven't been thinking of books that might interesting  to read.   I found this really great title about Football  but it has been postponed and I don't like to write about books that are not available yet.   Luckily from the same publisher I saw that they have a new book on the history of baseball.   Which turns out to be ideal because  MLB playoffs started this weekend------Go Yankees!  

First Pitch: How Baseball Began by John Thorn and published by Beach Ball Books is a wonderful history  of Baseball for kids.   I even learned some things.  I love how it is written by the official historian for MLB----he does a wonderful job of explaining how baseball came to be the game we love today.   I also love his use of vintage photographs ----  fun to look at.   This is perfect for the baseball fan in your life.  

New Books About Autumn

As promised from yesterday here are a few new titles that were just published about Autumn....I am sure there will be more next year:

A is for Autumn by Robert Maass is exactly what the title proclaims.  I know I recommended an older title of his yesterday but I also like this book. He does take very vivid photographs and I think this would make a great companion piece.  Click the link to see a really cute video of the book.  Ages 3-6

Fall Mixed Up by Bob Raczka and illustrated by Chad Cameron is a clever picture book with great illustrations that has a "find the mistake" aspect to it.   A great classroom book. Ages 4-8

I See Fall by Charles Ghigna and illustrated by AG Jatkowska is a sweet little book that is part of a series of books about the season.  Ages 3-6

The Leaves on the Trees by Thom Wiley and illustrated by Andrew Day is a clever picture book that can be sung to the tune of " The Wheels on the Bus"....another great classroom title but would also be a great book for story time.  Ages 3-6





These are just a couple that I thought would make great new additions to either a classroom library or an at home library....Happy Fall!

Flashback Tuesday: Books about Autumn

There is a definite chill in the air and since Autumn starts this week I thought I would suggest some of my favorite books Fall books.   For some reason Fall or Autumn  titles always sold better in than other season.   Winter books seem to do well but mostly if it has a holiday theme.   Like I said today's books represent books I would put out on display....I always liked to mix fun books with informative book....basically something for everyone. 

  

I Love Fall by Alison Inches and illustrated by Hiroe Nakata great little touch and feel board book for the littlest hands.  

Count Down to Fall by Fran Hawk and illustrated by Sherry Neidigh this is a sweet book for ages 4-8. 

Ready for Autumn by Martha Jocelyn is another board book that shows children what to wear in the crisp air....for ages 2-5.

Why Do Leaves Change Color by Betsey Maestro is a classic read and find out book that tells children in a fun way how the leaves on the trees change color.   It includes great activities to do this time of year with leaves etc.  Ages 4-8

Red Leaf Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert is a perennial favorite that should be on every child's bookshelf.  Click on it to read my original post from last year.   

Clifford's First Autumn by Norman Bridwell  is a no brainer for a story time about Autumn....children love Clifford.  It is a fun and easy read.  Ages 2-6  

When Autumn Comes by Robert Maass uses wonderful photos to simply tell the story of Fall.  Ages 4-7

The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z by Kate Messner is for the older child ages 9-12.   I wrote about it when it first came out and still feel it is the perfect read for this time of year.   

These are just a few classic titles and newer/older titles to read this fall....tomorrow some brand new Autumn books to try....