Believe: A Pop Up Book of Possibilities by Robert Sabuda

It's spring or at least it is supposed to be spring----the weather seems to think it is still winter.  The only positive is that the trees are green, the birds are singing and it is light when I get up and come home from work.

Spring brings the dream of possibilities to fruition.  It is a time to feel that anything is possible.  It is an awakening of mind and spirit.   When I came into work after being out for a few days I found a new book on our shelves (an aside we moved the children's book section to right where my office door is centered.   It makes me happy to enter my office through a sea of children's books).  Anyway I saw on the shelf today's recommendation.   I loved it immediately....not just because I love everything Robert Sabuda creates but because of the message it sends.  It comes out at a time of year when graduations are prevalent. This means it is meant to be a gift book for graduates.  I do agree that the message it sends is perfect for the graduate but I also truly think it is meant for anyone who is struggling with thoughts of the future.

Believe: A Pop Up book of Possibilities written and illustrated by Robert Sabuda is simple and intricate at the same time.  Each spread evokes something that is possible: something from nothing.....an acorn becomes a tree etc.  I love how Robert Sabuda has gone back to simple white silhouette's of images....so calming and beautiful in their simplicity.  While this is perfect for a graduate because it helps them continue their journey it is also perfect for anyone who needs a reminder that every morning is a new possibility.  Every new experience whether good or bad can turn into something wonderful.  I would give this book to someone who is questioning their life.....if someone you know is having difficulty moving forward this might gently push them onward.   I love this because we all must continue to BELIEVE in a world of POSSIBILITIES....a must have book for everyone.

I Am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Everyday I watch the news and sometimes get discouraged about the state of the world.  Then I see something uplifting on social media or hear a story from a friend.  I especially like to hear stories of a former coworkers children because they always say something meaningful with out realizing it.

How do we teach children to be kind and thoughtful towards others?  It is not an easy task but I find books can help start the conversation.  

A few years ago I wrote about a book called I Am Yoga by Susan Verde.  I loved it's simplicity and authentic ideas.  So I was so happy to come across her new book that teaches empathy.

I Am Human:A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde and art by Peter H. Reynolds is a wonderful book that sweetly and simply shows how we should all strive for empathy.  I have always been a fan of Peter Reynolds illustrations and he did not disappoint.  He truly captures Susan Verde's beautiful text.  What better way to teach about following ones dreams but at the same time teaching that in order to realize our dreams it is to be thoughtful, considerate and caring to those around us. This book teaches an important lesson to not just children but everyone.  I not only see reading this to children but giving as a gift to anyone embarking on any milestone such as birthdays or graduations.  It can also make a perfect new baby book....a book to grow with.....

A Parade of Elephants by Kevin Henkes

I love love love Kevin Henkes.  His books always make me happy when I see them.
 So when I saw his new book A Parade of Elephants  I could feel the smile creep onto my face.  I have become quite attuned to seeing elephants ever since my great-nephew Ben was born.  His Mom, my niece, chose elephants as her theme and that still continues even though he is almost 4 years old and mostly into skeletons, ninjas and cars.

This new Kevin Henkes book is the perfect bedtime book but also great for story time.  It has counting and colors and action (I'm thinking of the "marching") which is a little bit of what children need to learn while growing.  This is a great new baby book or just a great gift in general.  I can't wait to read it to Ben sometime soon.  

New Beginnings.......

Life seems to be always handing us new beginnings.  I have never liked August because it still gives me that back to school feeling.  But in a way even though the summer is ending the first day school was a new beginning.  It turns out every morning or day or week or month is a new beginning.

I have missed writing this blog, even if I knew that no one was reading it.  It gave me my connection to children's books that I have always loved.  No matter where I am or what I do if I see a book especially a children's book I need to see what it is and what it is about.

This past year has been busy and stressful....work combined with finding a forever home has consumed me.  When in early May the children's books in The Met Bookshop were shelved in the main shop I was so happy.  I was again close to the books I loved.  Not that I don't love all the books in the shop but my heart is happiest when I am recommending a children's book.

So many wonderful books have come into the shop.  Here are a few that I have loved reading and recommending.......

The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings by 

Anna Llenas from Sterling Publishing is a great book that not only teaches about colors but about feelings as well.   A fun story-time book.  

Rosa's Animals: The Story of Rosa Bonheur and Her Painting Menagerie by Maryann MacDonald is a beautiful book that tells the story of painter and sculptor Rosa Bonheur.  I love finding out about artists I never knew about especially women artists.  There are so few who are celebrated and Rosa should be celebrated.  Her life and work is inspirational.  Her artwork is extraordinary! 

World Make Way: New Poems Inspired by Art From The Metropolitan Museum of Art edited by Lee Bennett Hopkins

I would be remiss if I didn't write about a book based on artwork from where I work.....but even if I didn't work at The Met I would recommend this book. The artwork is accompanied by new poems that were commissioned just for this book.  Poets were asked to write about works that inspired them.  A wonderful collection for every  library.  

Stone Giant: Michelangelo's David and How He Came to Be by Jane Sutcliffe illustrated by John Shelley

This month The Metropolitan Museum of Art opened a spectacular exhibit called:
Michelangelo: Divine Draftsman & Designer.  It is a wonderful exhibit that was years in the making. I think the reason it is so wonderful and intriguing is that most people know or think they know who Michelangelo is or was.  The exhibition shows all the work it took for  him to become legendary.  I wanted to showcase one of the books for children we are selling in the shop.  It is a great introduction for a child especially if they plan to visit the museum.

Stone Giant: Michelangelo's David and How He Came to Be by Jane Sutcliffe and illustrated by John Shelley tells the story of the creation of Michelangelo's iconic statue of David.  This wonderful book really shows Michelangelo's process in creating art.  I can only repeat what I wrote earlier that this is a perfect book to introduce and teach a child about a classic artist everyone loves.  A must have for the little artist in your life....

Double Take! A New Look at Opposites by Susan Hood illustrated by Jay Fleck

Well it is back to school time already.  It seems (as always) that the summer has flew by.  For many of my friends in other parts of the world school has been back for a few awhile but here in the Northeast this is "back to school" week.  My little grand nephew will be starting preschool next week.  I think he will love it.  Today's book is a great book for the his age group to learn about opposites.  I love it because it reminds me of books I read as a child.  Simple but fun....

Double Take! A New Look at Opposites written by Susan Hood and illustrated by Jay Fleck is a cute book to introduce opposites to the younger set.  While it is a simple book I love the retro illustrations.   The whole book is reminiscent of a early Dr Seuss books but in a refreshing way.  Great book for preschoolers to learn the basics.  I especially love the elephant....he has such a sweet face.  


Here is the book trailer----isn't it just so cute....

Barnaby Never Forgets by Pierre Collet-Derby

Wow it has been 6 months since I last posted and blogged about a book.  It has been a crazy few months.  The whirlwind of selling my home and moving has kept me occupied. On top of that work has been truly busy.... which is a long way of saying the past 6 months have gone by in a flash.

It was brought home to me that time has passed when I went to the graduation party for two of my nephews....one just finished college and the other will just be beginning.  This morning I talked to my sister who is packing to take her son back to school....so yes time has been flying....today is a day when I have a bit of downtime and looked at my blog for the first time in a long time.  It's not that I haven't been thinking of it....I kept seeing books that I would love to write about but then being too busy or tired to get it done.  I hope I can get back into suggesting so many of the wonderful books I come across....this one seemed the perfect place to start:

I came across today's book and had to laugh.....it so felt like my life....trying to remember everything.....and always realizing it was right in front of me.....

Barnaby Never Forgets written and illustrated by  Pierre Collet-Derby is a sweet story of a bunny who never forgets anything like ice cream night or brush his teeth but when he needs to remember something important he can't....I think we have all been there.  This is a funny book to read for story time or bedtime (although there might be too many laughs to sleep)....I love the palette of this book because it reminds me of books I had as a child. This book has a freshness to it while at the same time a sense of nostalgia.  A great book for the start of the new school year...it will help to reassure children that they shouldn't be stressed about remembering everything all the time...great new book for a child's library....Enjoy!