Flashback Tuesday: Abiyoyo Book & CD by Pete Seeger illus by Michael Hays

Today is the wonderful iconic folk singer Pete Seeger's 92nd birthday.   I have always loved his music and storytelling.

Abiyoyo Book and CD by Pete Seeger and illustrated by Michael Hays is a classic and timeless tale.  I remember hearing the story and song long before I read the book.   Pete Seeger's voice is unmistakable and his storytelling skills are classic.   This has always been of one my favorite stories. I love how the father and son work together to save the day.  It was a fun story to read at story time because we could act it out.  It is very easy to get children involved in the story.   This is a great version because it has a cd so we can also listen to Mr Seeger's wonderful voice.    I also love how the illustrations show a very multicultural environment which makes the story  universal.  A must have book ~

Happy Birthday Pete Seeger---a true American treasure!

Reference Sunday: Fun With Chinese Cooking by Frances Lee

Today is my nephew Joseph's 12th birthday or as I like to call him JoJo.   Last year I wrote about a book that teaches kid's Chinese.  He is still taking Chinese in school and seems to still like it.   Not only does he still like learning this very difficult language he loves the food.  He has also always loved Chinese food.  I think he could eat it every day.  A few years ago his class had to put together a cookbook and the recipe he contributed was an easy Lo Mein dish he loved.   His love of Chinese food inspired me to recommend this really great book to help teach kids the art of cooking a real Chinese menu.

 

Fun with Chinese Cooking by Frances Lee is geared toward kids ages 8 and up who love to cook.   The recipes are easy to read with step by step instructions and full color photographs.  This book is a great way for kids to learn how to make some foods that they thought they could only get out to eat.   I like how there is an explanation of the dishes with side bars that have extra tips that are fun to read.   So if you know a child who loves Chinese food as much as my nephew does than this would be a great book for them.....

Storie Italiane - Italian Stories: A parallel text easy reader (Volume 1) by Jessica Kosinski illus by Julie L. Weaver translated by Claudia Cerulli

Today's entry is for my friend Joe S.   I have known Joe since High School and he is very interested in his Italian heritage.   So I thought today's book would be perfect for him.
 

Storie Italiane-Italian Stories: A parallel text easy reader (volume 1) by Jessica Kosinski, illustrated by Julie Leiman Weaver and translated by Claudia Cerulli is a great book to help teach not only the Italian language but about Italy as well.   The book has five stories that take place in five different Italian cities.   I am especially partial to this volume because one of the stories takes place in Palermo, Sicily which is where my grandmother grew up.    I like how each story has the Italian version on top of the page and the translation just below it.   The stories are fun and interesting and really capture the Italian culture and lifestyle.  This is great for a classroom or for a child who is interested in learning Italian as well as any adult who wants to learn this beautiful language.   I took Italian in school so this  would be a nice refresher book for me.   I am very rusty but this book reminded me how much I enjoyed learning Italian.  

So Joe do you like today's book?    Enjoy

Flashback Tuesday: I Am Phoenix: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman illus by Ken Nutt

Today is the birth anniversary of the famed naturalist and bird illustrator John James Audubon.  It is in his honor and because it is still Poetry Month that I chose today's book.  


I Am Phoenix: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman and illustrated by Ken Nutt is a wonderful book of bird poems.   I have always liked the idea of books being written to be read aloud by two people (or more).   I think by making these poems interactive they become more accessible to children.   This book is a great companion book to Mr Fleischman's Newbery winning title A Joyful Noise:Poems for Two Voices.   I think Mr Nutt's illustrations are a perfect complement to these simple bird poems.  

The Story of Easter by Aileen Fisher illus by Stefano Vitale

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday.    As of today Lent is pretty much over.    Holy Saturday was the day my Mom would say I could eat chocolate again (as this was what I always seemed to give up for lent).  



The Story of Easter by Aileen Fisher and illustrated by Stefano Vitale is a great book to share with children about this important Christian holiday.   Aileen Fisher not only describes what Easter Sunday is all about but she delves into the symbols of the holiday, such as Easter Bunnies, Easter Eggs as well as talking about Passover.   She explains how different cultures celebrate this important Christian holiday and it's significance in the world.    I am also partial to the illustrations which Mr Vitale does beautifully.   This is a must have book for a child who celebrates this wonderful holiday.  

Happy Easter!

Flashback Tuesday: Miriam's Cup A Passover Story by Fran Munushkin illus by Bob Dacey

In honor of the first day of Passover I thought I would recommend one of my favorite stories.   I like this one because it is told from a different point of view.  


Miriam's Cup A Passover Story by Fran Munushkin and illustrated beautifully by Bob Dacey tells the story of the first Passover from Moses' sister Miriam's point of view.    I think it is a wonderful way to really explain what Passover is all about.   I was always intrigued by Miriam, ever since I saw the Ten Commandments on TV as a child.   I thought she was very brave to follow her brother in the river to make sure he was safe.  This is a lovely book to add to your holiday bookshelf.   A must have title for all to enjoy.   Happy Passover!

His Shoes Were Far Too Tight: Poems by Edward Lear edited by Daniel Pinkwater illustrated by Calef Brown

I have always had a love hate relationship with Nonsense Poems.   Being a bit of a linear person I have always wanted things to make sense.   As I have grown older I have realized that sometimes things don't need to make sense or have a reason behind them....sometimes things are just fun for the fun of it.  


His Shoes Were Far Too Tight: Poems by Edward Lear  masterminded by Daniel Pinkwater (his word) and illustrated by the talented artist and author Calef Brown is the kind of book we all need in our life.   I wished I had this book when I was a child, maybe then I would have understood fun for the fun of it sooner rather than later.   Mr Pinkwater has picked some great examples of Edward Lear's poems to share with children.   I love Calef Brown's illustrations because they are the perfect accompaniment to these fantastical poems.   This is a must have book for a child's (or adult's) library.   A perfect book for Poetry Month!