Drummer Boy by Loren Long

I recently wrote about author/illustrator Loren Long and his wonderful book Otis. This book has garnered so much praise and enthusiasm that it is even mentioned on mock Caldecott Award lists.

The book I am recommending today is his Christmas book from last year. It would make a great companion piece should Otis be given as a gift. They are perfect gifts for any child or family.

Drummer Boy is a beautiful story that plays on the song but changes the story. Again it is something familiar and new at the same time. It really is a magical book!

Reference Sunday: Muhammad by Demi

This is the time of year where many faiths celebrate many different holidays. This past week the Muslim faith celebrated one of their more important feasts, the feast of Eid al- Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice. In keeping with that I would love to suggest a beautiful book by one of my favorite authors Demi. She has done many books on a range of subjects so it is appropriate that she should give us a beautiful book called Muhammad.

What is wonderful about this book is that in this day & age it is an unbiased introduction to the Islamic religion. Demi has a way of presenting a subject with honesty and integrity. I will definitely be suggesting more books by her in the future...

Holiday Gift buying: Hamster books

The newest and hottest toy this year is called Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster. Apparently they are not just a hot toy but an inexpensive one. Hamsters have always been great pets for kids. One of my best friends growing up had more than a few.

If you are buying this toy for a child in your life here are some great books to give along with it. It is always nice when a present has a theme.

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I Love You So Much by Carl Norac Illus by Claude K. Dubois

I Love To Cuddle by Carl Norac Illus by Claude K. Dubois

Sweet stories about Lola the hamster.....

Harriet by Deborah Inkpen

Cute story of a little Russian hamster...

Hamsters to the Rescue by Ellen Stoll Walsh

Fun book about two hamsters and their seashore adventure....

The Great Texas Hamster Drive by Eric A. Kimmel Illus by Bruce Whatley

Hilarious story about Peco's Bills daughter who wants a hamster but gets carried away....

Holiday book ideas for Families

The holidays are upon us. Today is called "black Friday" which means many of you are out in the stores looking for bargains. I have always felt that books make great gifts and that they are very cost efficient. With books there is no need to worry about sizes and they are usually easy to wrap.

While I was in the bookstore one of the many questions I got had to do with gifts for families. Many customers wanted to buy just one thing that a whole family could enjoy. There were always a range of ages that needed to be addressed. I always suggested some sort of anthology because anthologies could encompass many age groups.

Here is a list of books that would be great for a family gift, something they can enjoy again and again. Some I have recommended before but bear repeating.

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The 20th Century Children's Book Treasury edited by Janet Shulman

This book has classic picture books and stories that are meant to be read aloud. It has something for everyone.

The 20th Century Children's Poetry Treasury select. by Jack Prelutsky Illus by Meilo So

A nice companion book to the aformentioned treasury.

A Treasury of Children's Literature by Armand Eisen

All in one volume containing nursery rhymes, poetry and stories. Beautiful illustrations...

A Children's Book of Virtues by William Bennett

The first in a series of books based on an adult title. Always a big hit~

Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs & Lullabies by Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton

Beautiful new book that is sure to please any family.

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These are just a few suggestions of great anthologies to buy as a family gift. Many of them have companion titles to go along with them. Keep in mind that these are a jumping off point that are here to give you ideas. There are many more where these came from.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Book Commentary: Black Friday

Today is the day before Thanksgiving. When I was in the bookstore Thanksgiving was always a hard holiday to enjoy because I always dreaded the next day. At the end of the day on Friday I always wondered why I was so worried about it. I actually liked the holiday craziness. The days were long and hard but they went fast. Everyone kept moving. As my sister always says when shopping for the holidays "this is not the time to shop but the time to buy".... which is so true. Customers don't meander as much and there is not as much scrutiny.

Starting this "black Friday" I will be giving ideas for people to buy books for the holidays. I hope any advice I can give will help during this frantic time of the year. See you on Friday!

Flashback Tuesday: Molly's Pilgrim by Barbara Cohen

When I first started as a bookseller the children's book area was very small. There were never many books for Thanksgiving and even now that it seems like a lost holiday. That being said there was always one book that was a perennial. The funny part is that it isn't even a traditional Thanksgiving story.

I have always loved the book Molly's Pilgrim by Barbara Cohen. It is the story of a Russian Immigrant girl and what she goes through to fit in to her new world. The lesson learned is that America is filled with "pilgrims" since so many have come here from a different place for a new and better life. It is a message that can never get old. It is great to read aloud or for a child to read alone. It teaches empathy and understanding of the world around us, it also teaches us to be thankful for all we have. A truly beautiful story, a must have for any library!