Meet the Authors: Educator Night recap

When I started at Well Read in Hawthorne as their Part Time Event Coordinator we decided it would be a good idea to do an Educator Night.  It took some planning but we were able to get some great authors to come in and talk to some of our local educator's.  We also were lucky enough to get a representative from a local sales group to come and speak about new titles on their list.  All in all it was a great evening.  I learned so much. Here is a photo of our authors with their books.

From L to R: Alison Formento, Trinka Hakes Noble, Courtney Sheinmel, Ann E. Burg, Ann Malaspina

These are great books not just for the classroom but for children and parents to read together.  There is something for everyone.

Alison Formento known for her picture books like These Seas Count and These Bees Count! great stories that also inform children about the natural world around them. She also brought her new YA title Twigs the story of a young girl who may be small in stature but has huge problems that she must overcome.  Great coming of age story for the teen in your life.   

Trinka Hakes Noble who I have known for years and wrote one of my favorite story time books The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash brought along her new book and many others to talk about.  Her new book is The Legend of the Jersey Devil which is New Jersey's greatest and scariest legend.  I love how she told us that most kids don't realize NJ's Hockey team "The Devil's" is named for this spooky creature.  She also talked about her personal favorite because it is a story from her childhood called The Orange Shoes that deals with bullying.  

Courtney Sheinmel author of the Stella Batts series for ages 7 to 9.  These are such fun books that make great gifts and are even fun to read aloud.  I love the voice in these books.  

Ann E. Burg (my lovely sister) talked about how her new book Serafina's Promise (which I blogged about the other day)  and her first novel in verse All the Broken Pieces teach about other cultures in an easier manner.  She also talked about her book Rebekkah's Journey a little known story of WW II refugees in Oswego NY.    

Ann Malaspina brought her picture book biographies Heart on Fire the story of Susan B. Anthony and a women's right to vote plus Touch the Sky the wonderful story of the first African American woman to win a gold medal at the Olympics....loved learning about her.  

Like I said these great books are not just for teacher's to tell their students about but wonderful books that make great gifts for the child in your life. 

I really enjoyed this evening because I love talking about books and about how they can enrich the lives of not just children but everyone.   

Serafina's Promise by Ann E. Burg

So excited that my sister Ann's book is now available.  It has been so long since she first told me about the story of the Haitian girl who wanted to be a doctor. 

Serafina's Promise by Ann E. Burg (my sister) is not just the story of a little girl but of a resilient country and the power of hope. Written in verse, Serafina's Promise is a good read for a child who is interested in other countries and cultures. It would also make a great classroom read for teachers who are looking for something that will help students understand that no matter the place or circumstance, people are more alike than different. The verse novel helps make difficult concepts accessible to readers of all levels.  

Needless to say I love this book and not just because it is written by my sister.  That being said Serafina's Promise is a sweet and sensitive read.  I am so proud of my sister.....

Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson

Ahh Autumn...well technically it is still summer but it is back to school time--which means Autumn to me.  I hope everyone had a great summer.  It really did seem to go by really quickly.  Here on the East Coast the weather has been up and down but not today...today is a beautiful day with perfect weather.

Enjoy today's book.

Tap the Magic Tree written and illustrated by Christie Matheson is a new book that is sure to become a classic at home and in the classroom.  This is a sweet interactive book that prompts the child to turn the page by tapping or shaking or patting the pages.  I love the soft pallet and the simplicity of the words and illustrations.  A wonderful new book to add to a child's library.


From the book:

There is magic in every tree.
The tall, silent one in the woods.
The small, bumpy one in the park.
Even the bare brown tree in your backyard.

As the seasons change, trees change, too.
They sprout leaves. The leaves change color.
Sometimes flowers bloom. Sometimes apples grow.
Trees shelter birds and feed squirrels and bees.

There is magic in every tree.
And in this book, you become the magician.
How?
Tap, clap, wiggle, jiggle,
and then . . .
turn the page.

Flashback Tuesday: Miss Daisy is Crazy by Dan Gutman (My Weird School #1)

Here in the Northeast it is still summer vacation.  On the West Coast and places in between it is already back to school time.  I thought I would recommend a really fun series of books for kids about school---starting with the first book.

My Weird School #1: Miss Daisy is Crazy by Dan Gutman starts on the first day of school for AJ a precocious who hates school.  Luckily he has a very savvy teacher who he thinks isn't too smart.  In reality she is very smart because she plays into her students hands by making them "teach" her how to do things.  Reverse psychology at it's best.  Dan Gutman really knows how kids think which is probably why he is such a popular author.  This is a great series for the reluctant reader....just don't tell them that!  A must have series of books....

Flashback Tuesday: Olivia Goes to Venice written and illustrated Ian Falconer

While I was helping a customer the other day at the bookstore I came across what I thought was a new Olivia book.  Imagine my surprise when I saw it came out a couple of years ago.

I have always loved Olivia...she has a spirit and enthusiasm that I wish I had.  I love all the Olivia books but I think

Olivia Goes to Venice by Ian Falconer is my new favorite.  Venice is at the top of my list of places to visit.  To see it through a precocious "child's" eyes is wonderful.  Years ago I met Ian Falconer and I remembered he told us that he based Olivia on his niece. Reading about Olivia again I realized she is just like my niece Celia who is creative and adventurous but who can also be stubborn and strong willed.  I truly believe there is nothing she can't do----just like Olivia.   This is the perfect book for the clever child in your life.  A must have book....

Two great New Board Books: Dive In! and Dig In! by April Jones Prince illustrated by Michelle Berg

It has been a busy summer. So busy I haven't had time to post any new books.   I am hoping to get back into the swing of things.  I have been working part time at a really great independent called Well Read (New & Used) Books in Hawthorne NJ.  It is great because I get see new books and old favorites as they come in the door and onto shelves.  I just really loved today's new board books.

Dig In! and it's companion Dive In! by April Jones Prince and illustrated so sweetly by Michelle Berg are two new interactive board books that are about construction sites.  I have construction on my mind because of all the work that is being done around my neighborhood.  It seems like there is a new detour every day.  Anyway I know how children can be mesmerized by construction vehicles in general so these two books would make great additions to a child's bookshelf.  They have the cutest little mice doing the construction but it is what they are "building" is a surprise at the end.  Easy to read with movable parts that will keep little fingers busy.  Great books to read during a lazy summer's day.                    

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis is a great new book for middle grade readers that is sure to keep them laughing.  I was immediately drawn to the book when I saw it on the bookstore shelf.  At first glance the title suggests a character who is not sure of himself but it is just the opposite.  Timmy is full of so much confidence and self assurance that I laughed out loud thinking I know kids like him. He  is an endearing character too because he wants to become rich not just for himself but to help his Mom  pay the bills.  This is the perfect book for kids who like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series which is probably what the author intended.  I like when an author grabs onto a genre but doesn't copy it verbatim.  I also like how it is a sweet funny book that doesn't talk down to the reader.  I can't wait for the next book in the series.....