Tiny Little Fly by Michael Rosen illust Kevin Waldron

I love when I see a book from a distance that catches my eye and then doesn't disappoint.



Tiny Little Fly by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Kevin Waldron really did catch my eye when i saw it.   When I got up close the cover illustration actually made me laugh.   The way the tiger is looking at the fly is priceless, as is the rest of the book.   I have always loved Michael Rosen because his books are so much fun to read aloud.   This book is no exception.   This is a great read aloud book for either a group or just a child on your lap.   The illustrations are wonderful ..... this is a must have new book that I am sure will turn into a classic.  

Friday Fun Book: The Butt Book by Artie Bennett illus by Mike Lester

For those in my audience who know any child who has loved books that deal with bodily functions of every sort or "bathroom humor",  do I have a book for you.

The Butt Book by Artie Bennett and illustrated by Mike Lester is an irreverent look at the different shapes and sizes of our bottoms.   It is a very clever book told in rhyme that should have kids howling....I know lots of little boys (and a few girls) who will get a kick out this book.   I love Mike Lester's illustrations as they perfectly match the whimsical descriptions set forth by Mr Bennett.   This is the kind of book to get for a child who is hard to buy for.   I even know a few adults who may enjoy it~although they would never admit it.

In Honor of Veteran's Day!

Last year I recommended a few books for Veteran's Day that I think are still quite valid and important.   Here is the link to that page for the list of books that I talked about: Veteran's Day 2009.

This year, like the past few years, Veteran's Day has taken on a more important meaning. It is good to see a holiday being celebrated like it was originally intended.  After I posted last year I got a comment from an author, S. Terrell French  who suggested two middle grade readers that deal with Veteran's, not from some distant war but from Iraq.   I was still new to blogging that I never realized that she had commented.   I looked up the books she suggested and found them to be great books that deal with a subject so many children in this country are dealing with.  I was also amazed that Ms French recommended books she didn't write but felt passionate about.   I would like to thank her for her comment, albeit a year late.   

Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry is a beautifully written book about a boy coming to terms with life and his future .  It has a different perspective on war that can be compelling.  This book  also has a religious theme to it but is not too preachy. It is meant for ages 9-12 and that is pretty much on target.     

Bull Rider by Suzanne Morgan Williams is another middle grade reader that deals with the consequences of war and returning veteran's.   Kids should relate to this book of a boy who has to deal with family tragedy and how to overcome it.   Another book for ages 9-12. 

What sets these books apart from other books about war is that they are about a current conflict.  So again thanks to S. Terrell French for pointing these books out to me. 

More importantly I wish to Thank all who have served our country....you will not be forgotten.  

Flashback Tuesday: Thanksgiving at the Tappletons' by Eileen Spinelli illustrated by Megan Lloyd

Thanksgiving at the Tappletons' by Eileen Spinelli and illustrated by Megan Lloyd is a great book to read at Thanksgiving that is not your typical Thanksgiving story.   This is not a history lesson but it shares a lesson just the same.  I love this book because it shows that there is more to Thanksgiving than eating turkey and stuffing.   It is about getting together with family and enjoying each others company.   It is a fun story that has been re illustrated from it's original format so instead of a human family they are now wolves. This doesn't take away from the message or the fact that it is a funny story, it just makes it more universal.   This is a great book to read before everyone sits down to eat.....hopefully what happens to their turkey doesn't happen to yours.  

Books About the Stars!

Recently a very dear friend emailed me with a request for help in looking for a gift for a little girl.   Seems this little 4 year old is fascinated by the night sky and the stars.   I love when kids like things we never expect them to like.   I know there are more children out there who interested in this so I thought I would post the book suggestions I gave my friend.   I won't tell you what she picked....as I don't want to spoil the surprise.




There Once Was a Sky Full of Stars by Bob Crelin from Sky Publishing.   What I liked about this book was the environmental aspect of the book.   Plus it is really pretty.








The Stars by H.A. Rey which is the classic night sky book by the author of Curious George.   It has been updated so the information is more current .









Kids Book of the Night Sky by Ann Love and illustrated by Heather Collins from Kids Can Press is meant for an older child but is great to read to younger children too.    I like that it is not just a book of the constellations but has legends and myths about the sky and lots of great activities.   This is a perfect book for a family with different age ranges as there is something for everyone.






Everything Kids Astronomy Book by Kathi Wagner from   Adams Media is also a great reference book to have in the house.   I have always liked this series of books.






Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton and illustrated by Christina Balit from National Geographic is beautifully illustrated book that points out the animal constellations in the sky.




These are just a few books I picked out that might appeal to a young child....let the gift buying begin!

Reference Sunday: The Dark Game: True Spy Stories by Paul B. Janeczko

I love when I come across a book that I would have loved to have read as a child.  They always bring back great memories.

The Dark Game: True Spy Stories by Paul B. Janeczko is one such book.   I have always loved mystery stories and history so this book fits right into what I love to read.   This is a great book because it teaches history in an interesting way. It has well known spies throughout history like Benedict Arnold and Mata Hari but it also tells of some unknowns which are equally fascinating.   It really is a companion piece to Mr Janeczo's previous book Top Secret: A Handbook of Codes, Ciphers and Secret Writings, which I also would have loved as a child.   I have  always been a fan of Paul B. Janeczko,  as I was a children's poetry book buyer for many years.  His poems are very accessible to children.   The Dark Game is a perfect gift for an older child....it says it is for grades 6-8 but I know there are younger kids who will appreciate it.   Heck I know lots of adults who might like it too!

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2011

Today is my nephew Alex's birthday.   He is the only child I know who really loves books on facts.   When we were down the shore this past summer he begged my sister to get today's book.   He promised he wouldn't ask for anything else if they would just buy this for him.   He then went on to use it in the videos he makes for Youtube.  I think that makes it a good book to recommend.

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2011 is a great gift for any child who might not like to read story books or fiction.   I know we always want our kids to be readers but sometimes that means reading anything.   I try not to discourage a child if they want to read something.   These kinds of fact books are great for reluctant readers or just any curious child you may know.  

Thanks Alex for the book idea..... have a great Birthday!