Old Pearl written and illustrated by Wendy Wahman

 Memorial Day this past weekend had me thinking of all the losses that the world has suffered.  Yes we are slowly starting to recover but this recovery is tenuous at best.  As much as life is starting to be lived again, there will be moments when we can't help but remember the pain and loss of loved ones.  Children especially have had loss thrust upon them.  There have always been books about how to explain loss to children but it is nice to see a new book that is gentle and understanding.  It shows a child empathy and love along with friendship. 

Old Pearl written and illustrated by Wendy Wahman is such a sweet book.  It doesn't talk down to a child about loss nor does it become too sappy.  I love the smooth rhythm of the words and the soft and beautiful illustrations. As I read the book I could feel the love the child has for the bird come through the page. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who unfortunately needs to explain to a child about death, whether it be about someone close to them or not.  

Baby Penguins Everywhere by Melissa Guion

Happy New Year!  I can't believe it has been awhile since I posted anything new.  Here is a new book that I just love.

Baby Penguins Everywhere written and illustrated by Melissa Guion is a wonderful new book by a new author.   As usual it was the very sweet cover illustrations that drew my attention (Who doesn't love "baby penguins").    When I finally looked at the book I marveled at it's sweetness.  This is a great story time book and if I was still in the bookstore I would have many opportunities to read it to children.   Besides the obvious "winter story time" I would also read it for "Mother's Day"  or even a "family" story time.   The message is subtle that even though a parent loves to be with their children they sometimes need to recharge themselves with a little alone time.   I know the feeling, while I love to be with my nieces and nephews it can be overwhelming sometimes and I relish my quiet time.

I also see this as a gift to new parents.   New parents can't imagine that they would want to spend any time away from their child they shouldn't feel guilty for wanting to have a bit of quiet time to themselves.  I now so many Moms who do so much with and for their children but at the same time relish the time when the house is quiet and they can sit and read a book alone.  

Melissa Guion has done a wonderful job with her first book ---- I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.  A must have new book for any family library!

The Classic Treasury of Childhood Wonders: Favorite Adventures, Stories, Poems, and Songs for Making Lasting Memories by Susan Magsamen

The Classic Treasury of Childhood Wonders by Susan Magsamen which is published by National Geographic is the perfect book to help families celebrate National Family Literacy Day.   This is a day where family's are supposed to shut off the TV and read together.    National Geographic always surprises me with what they publish.   This is a beautiful book, I love the the cover illustration, that families can read and use for years.   Not only are there stories and poems but a host of activities for parents and children to do together.   It is great as a new parent gift but also great for families with different aged children.   I would even give it to a new grandparent as well.   So everyone turn off the TV and read together....it can be fun!

Grandma's Smile by Randy Siegel illus by DyAnne DiSalvo

Grandma's Smile by Randy Siegel and illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo is he perfect new book for today.   It is the really sweet story of a little boy's who must help his Grandmother find her smile.   It is perfect because today is World Smile Day and also the International Day of Older Persons.  What grandparent doesn't smile when their grandchildren are around.   The illustrations are perfect in that they really show the love between a little boy and his grandmother.   This is the perfect book for anyone who has distant relatives and wants to keep them close.

The Grandma in the illustrations has a little white streak in her hair just like my Mom did and the boy reminds me of my nephews....which makes me smile!