Flashback Tuesday: How to Behave and Why by Munro Leaf

I was so excited to see today's book in a store that couldn't wait to write about it.   I used to love Munro Leaf's "teaching" books for kids.  They were always so much fun to read....and of course I am a big fan of The Story of Ferdinand.

How to Behave and Why by Munro Leaf is a great book to read to children as they begin a new school year.    It is a great book to help children how they should act towards other people.  I love the life lesson it brings to not just children but to anyone.

"No matter where you are or who you are, there are four main things that you have to do if you want to make good friends and keep them.

You have to be HONEST
You have to be FAIR
You have to be STRONG
and you have to be WISE
And there is no good in trying to fool yourself. All that isn't so easy." 


It is a great way to teach etiquette and manners without being preachy.   These are wonderful life lessons for any age.   This book would make a great graduation present too....so it is good to read at the beginning of school and at the end.   I even know some grown ups who need to be reminded about how to treat the people around them.   

Dog in Charge by K.L Going illustrated by Dan Santat

Just the other day I was having a discussion about the differences between dogs and cats.   I think I have mentioned before that I prefer dogs over cats but sometimes cats can be cute (sometimes).

Dog in Charge by K.L. Going and illustrated by Dan Santat is great new book that is a wonderful read aloud.   I love how this book reads.   It is funny and sweet.   Dan Santat's illustrations perfecly match the whimsical  text.  The expressions on "Dog's" face are priceless.   I think this is a great story time book to read with a group of children.   It has phrases to repeat with a little bit of counting too!  A must have new picture book!

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore by William Joyce

Today's post marks a milestone.   I have finally reached 500 posts and it only took me 3 years to do it.  I wanted to write about something special but was having some trouble settling on a title to talk about.   That is when I came across a note I had written to myself after this year's Academy Award Ceremony.   As I watched the Oscar telecast I was thrilled beyond belief when William Joyce had won the Award for Best Animated Short.   To say it was the highlight (for me) of the telecast would be an understatement.   I was thrilled and couldn't wait for the book to come out so that I could talk about it.   But as it happens I forgot....until I needed a book and saw my note.   I also felt it was meant to be when I realized it had a very special publishing date----(my birthday).

The Fantastic Flying Books of Morris Lessmore by William Joyce (and designed by Joe Bluhm) is a book lover's dream.   As you might know I am a huge fan of Mr Joyce.   I have loved his books since I first read Santa Calls many years ago.   I have already talked about how I finally got to meet him and have lunch with him.   At that time I remember him telling  a story of when the ALA had their annual meeting in New Orleans....he made me laugh when he said how "those librarians" really know how to have a good time.   At first when I read about his new book I thought he was pandering to Librarians and teachers but then I realized that I was just being too cynical.  In actuality he was pandering to people like me.   People who have loved books their whole lives.   People who feel that books are some of their very best friends.   When I finally sat down, in the library no less, to read the book I was enthralled.   He has captured the magic of my childhood.   Reading as a child was my safe haven.  It fostered my imagination and made me dream big things.   This book reminds me of that.  This wonderful book should be read by everyone.    It is the kind of book that can be given to a child who loves to read but it should also be given to any grown up who grew up knowing the joy of reading. 

Thank you Mr Joyce for showing me  there is still magic in the world....even if it is only in a book.   

Flashback Tuesday: Running the Road to ABC by Denize Lauture illustrated by Reynold Ruffins

I can't believe July is over.   It always makes me a bit sad to see the back to school commercials starting and the store shelves filled with school supplies.   I was recently reminded of today's book by a friend.  

Running the Road of ABC by Denize Lauture and illustrated by Reynold Ruffins was always a perennial favorite for me to put on my Back to School displays.  I love the lyrical words that describes children racing to get to school. I could always sense the enthusiasm of the characters.  The illustrations--which I love-- really match the words....so much so that it received a Coretta Scott King honor in 1997.     I also like the multicultural aspect of the book.   It makes a great read aloud that teaches children about children in other parts of the world.  In this case it shows a child's life in Haiti...a country that is still reeling from the devastating earthquake of 2010.   A must have book~

My Friend Fred by Hiawyn Oram illustrated by Rosie Reeve

I think I have mentioned that I dog sit every year for a week.   When Little Bear goes home I always miss him so much.   It makes me really yearn to get a dog of my own.

My Friend Fred by Hiawyn Oram and sweetly illustrated by Rosie Reeve  caught my eye just after I took Little Bear home.   I could so relate to wanting a dog to have all to myself.   I would have loved to read this aloud to a group of children...there are cute little side commentaries that are fun to read.   The expressions that "Fred" has are priceless....such a fun story.   This is a must have new book for all the little dog lover's of the world....

Reference Sunday: Let's Go to the Farmer's Market from Chronicle Books

Wow I hadn't realized it has been so long since I last posted.   It has been a busy few weeks....I went away on a wonderful vacation down the Jersey Shore then puppy sat for a week.   Of course I had to get back to work which after a great vacation is always hard to do.   The next few weeks are also going to be busy but I am hoping to get back into some sort of blogging routine....there are so many great new books to talk about.


Normally I don't like to write about toys or kits but I couldn't pass up today's title.   I have mentioned before that I have a side business selling homemade Veggie burgers with my sister in law.   It has been a seasonal business because we usually only sell them at her local farmer's market.   This year we haven't participated yet because I got a full time job and the place we had been making the burgers has limited  availability.   That being said I am still very much a supporter of farmer's market in general.   I love buying fresh locally grown vegetables in the summer.  It always makes me feel healthier.  One of my favorite things to see while selling at the farmer's market were all the families that wandered the area.   I loved how the children would be eating "pickles on a stick"...or carrying baskets of fruit.

Let's Go the to the Farmer's Market by Chronicle Books is a cute little kit and while there isn't an actual book there is a booklet that talks about what a Farmer's Market is all about.  It also has activity cards and a shopping list.  The best part is the tote bag just the right size for little hands to help carry their produce.  It a great way to introduce healthy living to the youngest among us.


Oh and because I must recommend some sort of book Chronicle Books also publishes a great cookbook and activity book called:

At the Farmer's Market with Kids by Leslie Jonah & Ethel Brennan with Photographs by Sheri Giblin is also a wonderful way to talk about the value of the eating healthy and shopping at Farmer's Markets with children.   It teaches children (and grownups) how to pick the freshest fruits and vegetables.  The book also has recipes and other activities geared to specific age groups.   A great companion piece to today's highlighted title.  

So I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the summer and that today's selections inspire some to try their local Farmer's Market....Happy Summer!

Flashback Tuesday: The Quiet Lady by Charlotte Zolotow illus by Anita Lobel

In honor of Charlotte Zolotow's birthday I thought I would recommend one of my favorite books of hers.  It was actually very hard to do as I have always loved her books.   This one holds a very special meaning to me.

The Quiet Lady by Charlotte Zolotow and illustrated by Anita Lobel was always a favorite book to me because it reminded me  of my Mom.   Part of that are the beautiful illustrations by Anita Lobel but mostly because I could relate to the story by Ms Zolotow.   When I was  little girl I loved to listen to my Mother's stories of her childhood.   I loved looking at photos of her as a baby and thinking she was so cute.   I also loved to hear her stories about growing up with her sisters in Brooklyn.   This is a great book for Mom's to read with their children.  It would make a wonderful new baby gift or a first Mother's Day gift too.

Happy Birthday Charlotte Zolotow!