Here Comes the Bride by Beatrice Masini illus Anna Laura Cantone

I am off to a bridal shower. My cousin's daughter is getting married in March so today is the family shower. I have always liked weddings...if only because I love to dance and eat cake. Bridal showers are fun too....alas no dancing but there is sure to be cake. In honor of the day I thought I would suggest this really fun new picture book.

Here Comes the Bride by Beatrice Masini & illustrated by Anna Laura Cantone was originally published in Italy. It is a funny story about a seamstress who makes wedding dress but when it comes to make her own she gets carried away. The illustrations are quirky and amusing...the expression on the grooms face is priceless. I think the main character, Filomena, is a hoot. This is a fun wedding book to read to a child if they are going to or are to be in a wedding. It isn't sappy like some can be. A really fun book.

Happy Birthday Copernicus!

Today is the great Copernicus' birthday. He is the one who figured out that the Earth is not the center of the universe.

Nicolaus Copernicus: The Earth is a Planet by Dennis B. Fradin & illustrated by Cynthia von Buhler is a great picture book that tells in simple language the story of his life. I loved the illustrations which are more like oil paintings. This is great book to introduce Copernicus to anyone who wants to know more about the origins of astronomy.

The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler

Growing up I loved to read fairy tales. One of my favorite fairy tales was the Twelve Dancing Princesses. I loved how this story was so magical and that there was dancing involved. The version I remember reading had the soldier telling the king that he didn't want to marry any of the princesses but he wanted them to marry the prince's they had danced with. I thought it was a very romantic ending.

I was thrilled to discover The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler. Another retelling of an old story. Diane Zahler has done a superb job of re-imagining this classic fairy tale. I love the characters and the way they interact. I wish this had been around when I was young....it would have become one of my favorite books. This is for any girl who loves fairy tales ~ young or old!

Read Aloud Wednesday: Hip & Hop, Don't Stop! by Jef Czekaj

Hip & Hope, Don't Stop! by Jef Czekaj is a new book that is a retelling of the tortoise & the hare fable. This is a great read aloud for kids because they love rhymes and I think would really love the way it is told in rap form. It is a great story of friendship and acceptance too. The illustrations use a comic book form but is not overly done. I was never a fan of the original fable because the hare was so obnoxious. This retelling is nice because the two become friends and the annoyance I have always felt is gone. This book is a great book to read at a story time~it is sure to bring smiles.

Flashback Tuesday: Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco

Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco is one of my all time favorite books. It is definitely one of my favorite Patricia Polacco books. I can still remember the first time I read it. I was so blown away by the story and the illustrations that I sat and cried right in the middle of the store.

This story of two boys from different worlds during the Civil War is so touching and real that it is sometimes hard to believe it is a true story. This is a story that had been handed down from generation to generation so I am sure the tone had changed in each retelling of it. But the story always remained the same.

The illustration of the boys hands as they are being torn apart still gives me goosebumps when I think about it.

Some people might say this is too harsh a story for young children. I say we shouldn't talk down to children and should always try to tell them the truth. Children can handle more than we give them credit for.

Pink and Say was the first picture book I encountered that made me realize that not all picture books are for children. This is a book for all ages. It is not just for children~

Happy President's Day!

Today is President's Day and I would be remiss if I didn't suggest some books for kids that are perfect to help celebrate.

President's Day by Anne Rockwell illus Lizzy Rockwell~ New in paperback this is a school story that teaches children about the holiday in the guise of students putting on a play. A great tool for classrooms. Ages 4-8

The New Book of U. S. Presidents by Todd Davis & Marc Frey~The most up to date encyclopedia of presidents. It includes an American History Timeline & includes President Obama. Ages 9-12

So You Want to Be President? by Judith St. George Illus David Small~This is one of my

favorite books. It is such a fun way to learn history. The illustrations by David Small are priceless. Ages 9-12 (although I think younger kids would love it too!)

Reference Sunday: Chinese New Year!

First off Happy Valentines Day! Today is also the start of Chinese New Year---the Year of the Tiger! It just so happens that my two little nephews, Alex & Michael V are Tigers...very sweet ones at that. Here are some books that are good introduction to the fun holiday!

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Happy Chinese New Year, Kai Lan! by Lauren Silverhardt --normally I wouldn't recommend a TV tie-in title but this Nickelodeon series is based on a preschool character who is Chinese American. This book is perfect for explaining Chinese New Year to preschoolers.

Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin ---really sweet picture book that tells the story of a family celebrating Chinese New Year.

Lion Dancer: Ernie Wan's Chinese New Year by Karen Waters ---I always liked this book because it used photographs to illustrate the holiday. It is wonderful the way it depicts the Chinese New Year Celebration. A classic title.

Celebrating Chinese New Year: An Activity Book by Hingman Chan--great book with facts & history of Chinese New Year that comes with activities to make paper dragons, lanterns etc....very helpful in celebrating this wonderful holiday!

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Guo Nian Hao! Happy New Year!