Flashback Tuesday: Chinese New Year's Dragon by Rachel Sing illustrated by Shao Wei Liu

Happy Chinese New Year!   This year is the year of the Dragon...my favorite (can you guess why?)  I always liked the dragon the best and not because of the obvious reason.   It is the only animal symbol that is a mythical creature....not a "real" animal.  

Chinese New Year's Dragon by Rachel Sing and illustrated beautifully by Shao Wei Liu is a great way to learn about this wonderfully colorful and tradition filled holiday.   There is a mix of story, fantasy and family customs that I truly enjoyed.   This is a sweet classic story to settle down and read with your children at this festive time of year.   Happy New Year!

Hugs From Pearl by Paul Schmid

Whew I almost missed it... Today is National Hug Day!   I like the idea of hugging....it is warm and friendly and does make me feel better....especially if it comes from someone I love.  

Hugs From Pearl written and illustrated by Paul Schmid is a wonderfully sweet new book that is sure to become a family favorite.   I love little Pearl because even though her hugs are "ouchy" everyone still loves to get them.   I love her sweet face....Mr Schmid really captures the innocence of childhood in her expressions.   This is a beautiful read aloud that I would have loved to read at story time.  Perfect for a one on one read aloud or for a group....either way a lovely book to share with a child.

Reference Sunday: We March by Shane W. Evans

We March written and illustrated by Shane W. Evans is a wonderful new book that simply explains one of the most important dates in American history and the Civil Rights Movement.  This period of time is hard to explain in many words on a good day.  The fact that Mr Evans has done it simply and beautifully without too much fuss is a testament to his talent.   This beautiful book is the perfect introduction to help explain a turning point in our history.   Dr King would be proud....

Happy Three Kings Day!

In my family the Christmas holidays are not over until the Epiphany, January 6th.  My Mom always celebrated the twelve days of Christmas.   On Three Kings Day....today she would make a special dessert, we of course would get a present.  When I was younger my Dad and I watched a TV Special called the Fourth Wise Man starring Martin Sheen.  He really loved it.   I didn't know until I was older that it is a classic story written by Henry Van Dyke.  Here are two versions of both Three Kings and the Fourth Wise Man that you might want to add to your collection of Christmas books!

We Three Kings by Gennady Spirin is a beautifully illustrated version of the Christmas Carol.   Love her work.

The Other Wise Man by Henry Van Dyke and illustrated by Robert Barrett is a beautiful version of the this classic story.

I Had a Favorite Dress by Boni Ashburn illustrated by Julia Denos

Happy New Year!   I was out window shopping today and came across a book that reminded me of my niece Celia.  I can't believe that she is pretty much a grown up now and all I could do is think of how she was when she was a little girl.  The girl in this new picture book reminded me of her.

I Had a Favorite Dress by Boni Ashburn and illustrated by Julia Denos is the story of a little girl who loves a certain dress and wears it on her favorite day of the week.  As time goes by the dress needs help....so her Mom constantly reinvents the dress into something else.   The reason this reminded me of niece is because she has always loved clothes and would change her outfits a couple of times a day.   She too had a favorite dress that sadly became too small and when she tried to put it on again she got stuck in it.   I smile when I think of my sister trying to help her out the dress without cutting it off.   This is the perfect book for a little girl (or grown up girl) who loves to dress up or just loves clothes.  It is a great reminder at New Year's too that time moves on even if we don't want it to.   I love the way this is written and whimsical illustrations.   A fun new book for the New Year!

Flashback Tuesday: I Miss You Every Day by Simms Taback

Today we got the very sad news of the death of Caldecott winning author/illustrator Simms Taback.  It made me think of all the wonderful books he has given us.   I know he won a Caldecott for Joseph Had a Little Overcoat --- which is a wonderful book but I wanted to suggest a book I love.   

I Miss You Every Day written and illustrated by Simms Taback is a sweet and whimsical story of a little girl who misses someone so much she decides to mail herself to them.   I always thought this book would be  great to read aloud.   It has a great rhythm to it that makes it perfect for story time.   I love the endless possibilities for crafts and discussion.   We have all experienced someone we love being far away....this wonderful book helps us understand we are not alone in missing them.   It is ironic that this should be my favorite Simms Taback book as we will miss him very much.Thank you Mr Taback for bringing the world so much beauty and joy.  You will be missed. 

The Sigh by Marjane Satrapi

The Sigh written and illustrated by Marjane Satrapi is a beautiful fable that is more than just a story for  young readers.   I was struck by the cover which is so eye catching.   When I read the first few pages I was reminded of the classic fairy tales and fables that I love.  It is described as being a graphic novel.  The book does have many beautiful illustrations that advance the story but it doesn't  seem like a graphic novel in the truest form. The illustrations had a familiar feel to me so I did some research and realized I know  the author from her Academy Award Nominated film called Persepolis.  This film  is based on her book (a memoir)  of the same name.  I had never seen the film but remember seeing reviews and previews of it when it first came out.

  Marjane Satrapi  is a wonderful storyteller who immediately captures the readers imagination.   This would be a great book for children and parents to read together snuggled up by the fire on a cold winter's night.