Reference Sunday: Testing the Ice: A True Story about Jackie Robinson by Sharon Robinson Illus Kadir Nelson

Yesterday I said I would talk about moon books because last night was the first full moon of the year. What I had forgotten was that I had talked about the Moon back in October so I am going to link to that post now and talk about one of America's most famous baseball players instead.

If you read yesterday's blog about a FDR picture book you will recall that I like books about historical figures that don't fit into the usual biography format. I realized that today is the birth anniversary of Jackie Robinson~the baseball player who broke the color barrier back in 1947 when he went to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers (my grandfather's favorite team). He was an extraordinary man who made contributions to the world on and off the diamond.

Testing the Ice: A True Story of Jackie Robinson by his daughter Sharon Robinson is a wonderful picture book that shows him as a loving father and family man. The illustrations by critically acclaimed illustrator Kadir Nelson are warm and inviting. This is a great book to introduce younger children to a very important life. An inspirational story to read even if you aren't a baseball fan.

Remember Me: Tomah Joseph's Gift to Franklin Roosevelt by Donald Soctomah and Jean Flahive illus Mary Beth Owens

I had a dilemma this morning. Do I write about our 32nd President FDR because it is his birthday or do I write about moon books because today the the first full moon of the year.

I am opting to write about FDR today and save moon books for tomorrow's Reference Sunday.

Today I am suggesting a book about Franklin Delano Roosevelt that is not the typical biography. I figure there are so many biographies out in the world already that it would be redundant to write about them. Instead I have chosen a book that I think would be of more interest to children. It is always interesting to kids to see famous or historical people in a different light. Sometimes we forget that our presidents were children once too.

Remember Me: Tomah Joseph's Gift to Franklin Roosevelt by Donald Soctomah & Jean Flahive is a picture book about FDR when he was a child. When Franklin was a boy he summered in Canada where he became friends with a local tribal chief. This is a story of how they were possibly friends. It is a good way to teach children about the influence of Native Peoples on the world. The soft illustrations by Mary Beth Owens captures the spirit of a wonderful time and place. While children should read real biographies of historical figures it is always good to give them an alternative view also.

Too Purpley! by Jean Reidy Illus Geneviève Leloup

Oh how I wish I had this book when my nieces were little. They both loved to wear pretty clothes and they both LOVED purple! My younger niece would change her clothes a dozen times a day and it wouldn't be unusual to find her wearing her tutu in public. Some girls never outgrow their love for purple---a friend in high school wore purple almost every day.

Too Purpley! by Jean Reidy is such a fun book to read aloud. I wish I had a story time in which to read it at. I think even little boys would get a kick out of it. Most of the time we think only girls are conscience of what they wear but in my family the boys love clothes. My nephew Alex doesn't like collars or anything around his neck. My nephew Joseph actually asked for a white suit to wear to a wedding~he wanted to stand out. My other two nephews have also been known to ask for clothes. This is a fun new book that everyone can relate to . It is a great book to read again & again. A must have!

Happy National Blueberry Pancake Day!

I love pancakes....unfortunately I have not perfected the making of them so I rarely have them. When I do make them my favorite thing to add is blueberries....I feel like blueberries make them healthy. If I had known that today was National Blueberry Pancake Day I would have made an effort to make them as I have blueberries in the fridge. In honor of this day here are few Pancake, Blueberry, and/or both books to enjoy!

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Curious George Makes Pancakes by Margeret & H.A. Rey----our little friend Cuious George makes pancakes with blueberries in this classic book....

If You Give A Pig A Pancake by Laura Numeroff---every year during my vacation down the shore we go to Uncle Will's for breakfast....they make awesome pancakes. The kids used to love it when the wait staff would place the huge dressed up paper mache pigs at our table....it was always lots of fun.

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey ----classic story of a little girl who goes blueberry picking with her mother. A must have book!

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There are so many other blueberry or pancakes books that it was hard to choose what to suggest. I picked these as a starting off point as they are classics! Enjoy!

Over the Rainbow (Book & Audio CD) Music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg Performed by Judy Collins, Paintings by Eric Puybaret

I am sitting here listening to Somewhere Over the Rainbow as sung by the Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, it is on of my favorite interpretations of the this song.

Last fall I eluded to a new book that was going to come out that was a new illustrated version of one of my favorite songs, from one of my favorite movies. It is finally here and available!

Over the Rainbow performed by Judy Collins with paintings by Eric Puybaret is a beautiful rendition of a beautiful song. I have always felt that songs make wonderful picture books. This book is no exception. The illustrations are so warm and have an ethereal quality to them.

I think this would be a great story time book and a great bedtime book...truly soothing. The bonus is the CD which has the iconic Judy Collins giving her terrific performance of this perfect song. A must have for all!

Flashback Tuesday: The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone

The Monster At the End of this Book starring Lovable, Furry Old Grover by Jon Stone is one of my all time favorite books of childhood. It was based on a children's TV character back before all kids shows had TV Tie-in books. I was one of the kids who was the right age for Sesame Street when it first started. Grover was always one of my favorite characters, along with Ernie. (I always say about myself that I love Ernie but have a Bert personality.) To me Grover and Ernie were the most fun and interesting. I remember getting this as a Little Golden Book and reading it over and over. I also used to love having my sister read this aloud to me....she was a bit of an actress so it was quite fun to hear her rendition.

Whenever I mention this book to people my age I always get a huge response. Truthfully I think more adults love this book than kids nowadays. I would definitely give this book to any child~even if they don't watch Sesame Street. It is a timeless and long lasting book. A must have for any child's bookshelf...to be read again and again.

Freeze Frame: A Photographic History of the Winter Olympics by Sue Macy

On January 25th 1924 the first Winter Olympic Games were held in Chamonix, France. In a few weeks the 2010 Winter will start in Vancouver, Canada. I have always liked the Winter Olympics, which is ironic because I don't really like the cold. What I like is that there is a more intimate feeling with some of the sports...I remember years ago watching the Luge competition with my Mom. She thought it was amazing and fun.

Freeze Frame: A Photographic History of the Winter Olympics by Sue Macy with a foreword by Peggy Fleming is a great way to get excited about the games coming up. Since it is published by National Geographic the photos are truly amazing. The anecdotes are perfect to read without getting bogged down. It is great for any age but is meant for an older child.