Party Animals by Kathie Lee Gifford illus Peter Bay Alexandersen

Normally I am wary of any celebrity book.   In all my years in the book business I have seen many a celebrity children's book come and go.   I have seen good  books from such celebrities as  Jaime Lee Curtis, John Lithgow or  Henry Winkler ~to name a few .   I have also seen some bad....which I am not going to name.

All week long I have been watching the Today show talk about Kathie Lee Giffords new children's book.   I was very skeptical ~which is my nature.   I thought I had better check it out (basically I was curious-which is also my nature).   Anyway I stopped by a local independent  bookstore where Ms Gifford had just done a signing.   Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised.

Party Animals by Kathie Lee Gifford & illustrated by Peter Bay Alexandersen is actually very good.  It is not  overly wordy  and it has a great read aloud sensibility.  She got it right~it isn't a vanity piece but a story for kids to enjoy. I also like that she plays to her strengths and makes it a song.    I liken it to John Lithgow who didn't write his first children's book, The Remarkable Farkle McBride,  as a book but rather as a way to teach the orchestra to children.   I always admired him for that.  Party Animals  has that same quality about it only this time it is teaching children about accepting our friends for who they are. Which is always a good lesson. The illustrations are a great match to the words.  Mr Alexandersen really captured the characters he has drawn.  Again ---it is nice to be pleasantly surprised....

Weezer Changes the World by David McPhail

Have I said before that one of my favorite author/illustrators is David McPhail?   I have always loved his illustrations and the stories he tells.   One of my favorite books is Pigs Aplenty, Pigs Galore-- a fun romp that inspires giggles all around. 

Weezer Changes the World by David McPhail makes me love him all over again.   This is a fantastic story about an ordinary dog who gets struck by lightning and becomes so smart that he cures all the worlds ills.   In the end when he is just an ordinary dog again his legacy lives on.....beautifully written in its simplicity.   A great read aloud with wonderful illustrations.     

A Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman

Here is another great poetry book that also won the Newbery Award.   It is a simple book that is now a classic (to think 1989 makes it classic).

A Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman & illus by Eric Beddows is a great book of 14 poems about insects.   This is an excellent book to introduce more mature poetry to children.   It is  for the older child because these poems are meant to be read aloud and in tandem.   I love the idea of poems in two voices.   It makes them sort of performance pieces.   The fact that this book is about insects and creepy crawlies was pure genius on Mr Fleischman's part~that way boys might start to like poetry.   This is a must have for any child to learn to appreciate poetry.

Flashback Tuesday: Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

Since this is still poetry month I thought I would highlight a wonderful book that in my opinion started a trend.   The novel or epic story in verse is nothing really new but this is the first time, in my mind, that it had translated so well to a children's novel.  

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse which has won numerous awards such as the Newbery is an incredible story told in a way that makes it really accessible.   I loved the story of Billie Jo as soon as I read it, the characters are so vivid and the way Ms Hesse describes the Dust Bowl of the Depression years is wonderful.  I think this started one of the better trends in children's publishing because even the reluctant reader could understand and absorb the story.  

This book also enabled those writers who came after it's publication to really play on their strengths.  For example my sister Ann Burg who wrote All the Broken Pieces is really a poet~so telling a story in free verse is so natural for her.  

Any book in poetry form are like I said great for reluctant readers but also make terrific read alouds too.   Something to be enjoyed by all. 

Celebrate Drop Everything And Read Day: Ellen Tebbits by Beverly Cleary

Today is National Drop Everything and Read Day or D.E.A.R.   This is a great day to hightlight the fact that families should get together and read.   To that point I just gave some Harry Potter books to my sister- in- law so that  she and my nephew can read them together.   It is a really good way to spend time with a child in your life.  

Today is Beverly Cleary's birthday which is fitting since she is the national spokesperson for this great event.   I chose to suggest one of my favorite Beverly Cleary books that I remember reading as a child.  

Ellen Tebbits by Beverly Cleary is the story about friendship and misunderstandings.   It is a great book to read together and a great story that is timeless. 

So pick up a book and read with your child....it is an experience that will last a lifetime!

Reference Sunday: Encyclopedia Mythologica: Gods and Heroes by Matthew Reinhart and Robert Sabuda

Back at the beginning of this blog I highlighted Robert Sabuda and his wonderful pop-ups because he is a great favorite of mine.  Before I left a previous job I got the chance to meet both Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart.   It was a real thrill for me. They are really nice and warm people.   They were just publishing Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs: The Definitive Pop-Up.  It was a wonderful to meet them and talk about how they work together.   We even discussed the next book they were working on which was Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Sharks and Other Sea Monsters.   I remember telling Mr Sabuda how my cousin had been killed by a shark in California in a documented case.   He was really interested in my story and wasn't just being polite.   Which is another reason I really like him. 

Now they have written and illustrated Encyclopedia Mythologica: Gods and Heroes~ they have done a spectacular job of writing about the myths from Egyptian, Greek, Norse and even the Far East cultures.   The spreads are awe inspiring as usual.    This is a great book for anyone who loves mythology and history.   It is also a must have for the collectors of Pop-ups~I know quite a few people who are going to love this book.   This is not just for children but for all....Reinhart and Sabuda have done it again!

The Yellow Submarine by The Beatles

Forty years ago today one of the greatest music bands broke up.   It was a sad day for so many people when The Beatles disbanded ~it amazes me that they still mourn the event.   I have always loved Beatles music, I may not be a fanatic, as I enjoy most kinds of music but they are still one of my favorites.   In honor of them I would like to suggest a really great picture book based on one of their most memorable songs.

The Yellow Submarine by the Beatles is based not only on the song but on the animated movie that became iconic.  It is a great way to introduce children to this classic band.   It also makes a great gift for any Beatles fan (although most will probably already own it...).