Books For Presidents Day~

For Presidents Day I thought I would recommend one new book one  and older book for kids to read.  The first book is an introduction for a young child about Abraham Lincoln while the second is a a great book that talks about some early American icons including a President and to be honest is the kind of book an adult will enjoy too.

I Am Abraham Lincoln by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos is the third picture book biography for young children in a series that so far includes I am Amelia Earhart and I am Rosa Parks.  I like the series because they make history accessible to the youngest among us but not in a way that is patronizing.  The Abraham Lincoln book will hopefully be the first of many stories children will read about the most popular United States President.  For ages 4-8.

John, Paul, George & Ben written and illustrated by Lane Smith is one of my favorite Lane Smith books.  While it is a story about John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington and Ben Franklin most adults will get the wink to a certain British band we all know and love.  I have always loved how Lane Smith can create a book not just for children but one that grown ups will like.   This is also a great book to introduce early American icons to a younger audience....One of the best parts is the section at the end called "Taking Liberties".... it goes story by story and tells whether it is true or false....a great little teaching aid. This book is also intended for 4-8 year olds but I am sure an older child would learn just as much....

In Celebration of all things Beatles!

It has been 50 years since The Beatles came to America and appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.  Seeing all the news programs and entertainment shows talk about this anniversary made me think about the many children's books that have been published concerning this iconic group.

Since I have started this blog I have written about two books that involve the Beatles:

John's Secret Dreams: The John Lennon Story by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier


The Yellow Submarine by the Beatles


Here are some other titles for a parent or grandparent etc to introduce this great musical band to a new generation:

How the Beatles Changed the World by Martin W. Sandler.  Great pictorial about The Beatles for an older child that  explains historical and cultural context of the that time in history. 

Who were The Beatles? by Geoff Edgers.  This book is part of a wonderful biography series for children that is easy to read.  A great way to introduce John, Paul, Ringo and George to a younger audience.  Great book for child to when they need to read a biography for school.  

Octopus's Garden by Ringo Starr and illustrated by Ben Cort. This was one of my favorite songs when I was little.  I played it over and over again...is is a fun song that makes a perfect picture book.  A great way to introduce The Beatles to a much younger audience.  

Flashbook Tuesday: blues journey by Walter Dean Myers and illustrated by Christopher Myers

Recently I have been sorting  the many books I have collected through the years and couldn't believe how many I have that have been signed by the author or illustrator.  Some are inscribed to me personally and some are just signed....either way it is an impressive amount.  Today's book is just one of the many books that I have inscribed to me personally. As I flipped through the book I realized it would make a perfect book to recommend at any time but especially during Black History Month.

blues journey by Walter Dean Myers and beautifully illustrated by Christopher Myers is the story of the African American experience told through poetry and the history of the blues.  Mr Myers poems have the same rhythm as a blues melody.  This is a picture book for an older child to read and learn about the "blues".  The poems are mix of complex and simple thoughts regarding love and life.  I love how the son's images match his father's words to make a visual impact for the reader.  I would give this to an older child even as old as High School or even an adult who loves music and history.  It is a great teaching tool for students to learn a different perspective of African American history.

Side note that is a bit interesting (at least to me)....Walter Dean Myers and my sister Ann E. Burg have both been nominated for an NAACP Image Award this year in the Literature Category for   Outstanding Literary Work- Youth / Teens:  Mr Myers for his book Invasion and my sister for her book Serafina's Promise.  Such a small world.....

This is an inscription I treasure:

Flashback Tuesday: The Day Roy Riegels Ran the Wrong Way by Dan Gutman illustrated by Kerry Talbot

We are doing inventory at the bookstore which is great because I get to rediscover some books that have fallen off my radar.

The Day Roy Riegels Ran the Wrong Way by Dan Gutman and illustrated by Kerry Talbot is a great rediscovery.  I  don't watch much football but I have good friends who love it so I try to pay attention to the games. Now that the Super Bowl is coming up and it is in my home state I really am paying attention. This is great book to show kids that football has been around for a long time. It also shows them how the game has changed. Of course this is about a college football team but at the time this story takes place college football was still a bit more popular than professional football. It is a great story of a sports blunder that was never forgotten.  It is also a good way to show children that even if they make mistakes it isn't the end of the world.  Dan Gutman is a popular children's author who the kids love.  He does really great school and store visits and takes the time to talk to each child he meets.  I also love the illustrations by Kerry Talbot.  They are really fun and whimsical.  So glad I rediscovered this book....great read on a snowy winters day two weeks before the big game.   

The OK Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

As the new year starts we are always thinking how to better ourselves.  It is the time of year we all try new things.  Today's book suggestion is for those who want to continue to learn new things without worrying about being an expert.  Just experiencing something new can be a great New Years resolution!

The OK Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld is a wonderful book that tells a child (or anyone) that it is not a bad thing to just be "OK" at somethings.  Sometimes we need to try many things before we can be great at anything.  I love the simple text and illustrations....sometimes simplicity is more powerful than a complex story with detailed pictures.  This is a great book for children to learn with but it is also a perfect book to give as a graduation present too.  I would even give this to a grownup who is trying to figure out their life....


Tom Lichtenheld has some great activities to do using this book on his website....enjoy!

Amy Krouse Rosenthal also has a video of the book as read by her son...so fun!

What We Found in the Sofa and How It Saved the World by Henry Clark

I realized I hardly ever do young readers books.  I know there are so many new ones being published but for some reason it is easier to flip through a picture book and get a feel for the story then it is a new novel.  That being said I was straightening and shelving in  the young readers or grades 4-6 section at Well Read the other day when I came across today's book.  I usually can tell if I like something by reading the first few paragraphs.  So when I came across this book I was so intrigued by the title that I checked out the first chapter.  I haven't finished it yet but what I have read so far seemed fun and fresh.

What We Found in the Sofa and How it Saved the World is a the debut novel by  Henry Clark.  It is a great book for kids who like humorous stories with a little adventure sprinkle in.  I love the three main characters River, Freak and Fiona.  The book has a contemporary feel but at the same time reads like the books I read when I a kid.  The story centers around the mysterious sofa and the unique crayon they find in it....I would tell you the rest but that would ruin the story....this is a great gift for the holidays for any child who loves an adventure story laced with humor.  I am hoping this is the start of more adventurous with these great new characters......



Oh check out Henry Clark's website....lots of fun stuff to read and see.  Website

The Smallest Gift of Christmas written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

The Smallest Gift of Christmas written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds brings back memories of some Christmas mornings from when I was a kid.  How many times did I  have an idea of what I wanted only to be a bit disappointed.  The expectations were always grander than reality.  I love how the main character, Roland, makes wish after wish for the biggest present he can get. How he comes to realize that maybe small is perfect after all.  Didn't we always do the same...always wishing. I love how beautifully Mr Reynolds tells the story in his simple phrasing and wonderful illustrations.  The message is not a new one but it is one that all children (and some adults) need to be reminded of once in awhile.  I teared up at the last image....such a perfect story to read at this time of year. This is the perfect story time book.  This is also the kind of book that can be given as a family gift....even if there are no children in the house...