Flashback Tuesday: Rap a Tap Tap: Here's Bojangles, Think of That by Leo & Diane Dillon

Last week we lost one of my favorite illustrators.  Much has been written about the wonderful Leo Dillon, he was an artist in the true sense of the word.   His illustrations and stories were complete works of art.  I thought today I would recommend one of my favorite books of his.

Rap a Tap Tap: Here's Bojangles, Think of That! by Leo and Diane Dillon is one of my favorite books because I am a big fan of Mr Bojangles ever since my brother and I used to listen to the song about him.   When this book came out I was thrilled because I got to introduce a favorite performer of mine to a new audience.   I loved how the book was fun to read and still convey information.   It is a great picture book biography, not wordy and cumbersome to read aloud.   I have always loved the richness of the Dillon's artwork, they were like paintings in a book.   This was a different style but no less wonderful and rich but in a simpler way.   It represents the time that is described in the book.   The Dillon's are masters because
they were able to adapt their art to the story.

 Leo Dillon may no longer be with us but his work will last forever. 

Flashback Tuesday: Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr Seuss

My friend Joe S. recommended this book to me yesterday.   I always seem to forget how brilliant Dr Seuss was early in his career.

Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr Seuss  received a Caldecott Honor in 1950 the year my parents got married.   It is a sequel and one of his few titles that is told in prose not rhyme,  although there are quite a few rhymes in the book.  This is a timeless tale and fits in quite nicely with today's popular books as it is all about magic!

I love a story that teaches a lesson without being preachy.   There are actually many lessons in the book but the one that strikes me the most  is the lesson that simple words and truths can be very powerful.   This is the story of a king who thinks he can get anything he wants just because he wants it.   His sense of entitlement is amazing.   When disaster strikes because of this sense of entitlement,  it takes a little boy to tell him the truth.   Of course the king doesn't hear the truth and only see's what he wants to see.   By then it is too late.    Once the king understands it is his mistakes that caused the pain of the Oobleck's and is truly sorry for what he has done is the disaster averted.   Bartholomew is a great character because he told the truth even if it wasn't a popular thing to hear.   He has a strength of character that all kids (and some adults)  should emulate.   Everyone makes mistakes but if we realize that something is our fault and own up to it and can say the simple words "I'm Sorry" things can always get better.


Thanks Joe S.  for reminding me of this wonderful book! It is not one of Dr Seuss' more popular titles but it should be.

Flashback Tuesday: Rap A Tap Tap by Leo & Diane Dillon

Today is the birth anniversary of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson the celebrated tap dancer immortalized in the famous folk song "Mr Bojangles".   This was always one of my brother Michael's favorite songs.   Whenever I hear it I think of him.  Bill Robinson was a an incredibly generous man who sadly died destitute.  He brought joy to so many that would be a shame not to remember him on his birthday.


Rap A Tap Tap by the Dillons is beautifully illustrated book that received a Coretta Scott King Honor Book and it is a remembrance and homage to an important figure in American cultural history.   The fans of the Dillons will appreciate the artwork as they are always brilliant.  This is a great introduction to early American music.  

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni illus Bryan Collier

Today is Rosa Parks birthday. I would have suggested a book about her even if it hadn't been Black History Month. I have always been inspired by act of courage.

My favorite story of her life and the one I would recommend most is also inspiring.

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni & illustrated by Bryan Collier is a Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award Winner.

I think Nikki Giovanni is one the greatest poets of our time. Her words are beautiful and she really is a storyteller. Bryan Collier is one of my favorite illustrators. I love his palettes and how his images come to life. If there is one book to get on Rosa Parks this would be it.

Happy Birthday Rosa!

Read Aloud Wednesday: The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

When I worked in the bookstore Wednesday was always our story time day. At one time I had three story times in one day. There was always a theme and an activity. My favorite part was picking the books to read.

I thought I would use Wednesday as a day to suggest books that make great read alouds.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats is a perfect story time book. It introduces us to a little boy in a city who spends the day in the snow. This book was originally written in 1962 and it won the 1963 Caldecott for its wonderful illustrations. Ezra Jack Keats is one of the first authors at that time to tell a story using a child of African American descent. The wonderful thing about it is that is really just a book about a boy playing in the snow. There is no agenda just a story but the fact the boy is African American speaks volumes for that time. It is a must have title.

Flashback Tuesday: Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata

For my Flashback Tuesday selection I thought I would recommend one of my favorite Newbery Award Winners of the past few years: Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata.

When I was still a children's book buyer I used to get lots of galleys from publishers. One day I picked up an intriguing book about two Japanese American girls living in Iowa during the 1950's. I was immediately captivated by these characters and their struggles. It did seem to be quite a mature book for children but that didn't bother me. I loved this book, it is the kind of story that stays with you for a long time.

Now back in 2005 Internet blogs were not as prolific as they are today. There was no Twitter or Facebook to chat about anything. I did know about the "mock" award panels but as I was a preschool book buyer I didn't really pay attention to what was talked about. Well "Awards" day was pretty intense in the office. We were constantly on the phone with publishers and insiders to find out the winners as soon as they were announced~again unlike today where there is live blogging and a live video feed. When we got the call most of my co-workers, including the young reader buyer were quite surprised but I remember my reaction ~ I shouted in joy. I had never been so happy that a book had won. I think I was the only one in the office who had read it....I remember thinking this is the first time I have read a winner before it won.

I think this is an important book for any young reader to read, yes it is sad, yes it has adult themes but kids are not stupid. I try never to underestimate children, I try never to talk down to them~they get more than we give them credit for.

Kira-Kira is a beautifully written book that should not be forgotten or overlooked. A must have in my opinion.

Caldecott 2010 Winner: The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

I am so happy! Jerry Pinkney has won the 2010 Caldecott Medal for his book

The Lion & the Mouse~the ALA has finally gotten it right. I loved this book the first time I saw it. It was one of the first books I wrote about on this blog (see Sept 28th, 2009 entry). This book is an instant classic and should be on every child's shelf~I can't say that about every Caldecott book.....

Congratulations Mr Pinkney ~ You deserve it!