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

                     During this unprecedented time in history it is easy to forget what day it is or in my case what month. I totally forgot that it is April, which means it is National Poetry Month.  At this point in time I am missing The Met Bookshop even more, it is my little corner of a great institution where I get to talk about things I love. While I enjoy talking about the museum itself, I love talking about books even more.  I especially love to talk about children's books.  I miss making book displays and introducing visitors and staff to all the wonderful titles we have to offer.  When visitors come into the store asking for a book that can introduce The Met to a child, it makes my day.  We have so many books to choose from that I take them to look at each and every one of them.

World Make Way: New Poems Inspired by Art from The Metropolitan Museum of Art   and edited by acclaimed poet Lee Bennett Hopkins is one of my favorite books to recommend.  It was one of the first books published after I started working at The Met which makes it very special in my memory.  More importantly, it is a wonderful book for the whole family.  It's the ideal gift for a family that has children of different ages.  Poetry is perfect....it is neither too young nor too old.

I also love this book because the poets involved really did write about actual art from The Met.  When the book was first released we celebrated by inviting a few poets to speak about the source of their inspiration.  Hearing the joy each poet had in writing their poetry was truly special.  Though Mr Hopkins has sadly passed away,  I am grateful that one of his last anthologies was for The Met. World Make Way is a beautiful legacy. 

Happy New Year! (a bit late)

Happy 2016!  This promises to be a big year for children's books.  I had all good intentions of writing a blog post earlier but so many things got in the way.  First there was the holidays and then I got a wicked cold.  It seems that while I might like a warmer winter it doesn't like me.  Plus and more importantly I finally got the list of books I need to read for the 2nd round of Poetry judging for Cybils.   I am on my last book...such good reads. I wish I could talk about them now but I need to wait.  I promise to write about all of  them when my duties are over.  It's going to be hard to pick just one book to win.

Congratulations too to this years Newbery and Caldecott winners.  How exciting that a picture book has won the Newbery.  I also love the fact that it received a Caldecott Honor.  I have always felt that picture book writers don't get enough love.  Words are just as important as pictures and they should both be celebrated!

I am also loving the fact that I gave the book Waiting by Kevin Henkes (one of this years Caldecott Honor books)  to my great nephew Benjamin for Christmas.  I know he will love it when he gets a bit older....right now he is busy saying "hi" and "baby" when we video chat.

One of the books I've read that is not a requirement  was the new Kwame Alexander poetry novel Booked that is coming out in a few months.  I don't usually recommend books that have not been published yet but thought I would make an exception.  I read it because I was told there was a mention of my sister Ann's book All the Broken Pieces in it.  I am glad I did.  I can see why he won the Newbery award....he is a wonderful writer who really understands how kids act and react. It is sure to do well when it is finally published.  I can't wait.

So Happy New Year and Happy Reading----until the next time---hopefully sooner rather than later.

Flashback Tuesday: Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books by Kay Winter illus by Nancy Carpenter

In honor of Abraham Lincoln's birthday I thought I would share a recent favorite of mine.   Lincoln has been in the news lately because of the wonderful new film in theaters called "Lincoln".    

Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books by Kay Winters and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter is a great introduction of this great President to children.   I love this book because it tells the story of a little boy who learned to love reading.   It points out that his mother instilled in him the importance of reading.  In very simple prose Kay Winters explains how even after his mother's death he still yearned to learn.  I love how she explains how thrilled he was because when his step mother came into the family she brought books.   He loved books and would borrow them whenever he could. Always going out of his way to bring bring them back, which is every librarians dream.    I loved the illustrations too.  They are simple and engaging.  This makes a great read aloud for President's Day and beyond.   

Flashback Tuesday: Edward and the Pirates by David McPhail

Tomorrow is the 10th Anniversary of the International Talk Like A Pirate Day! In honor of such an auspicious day I would like to recommend one of my all time favorite pirate books.

Edward and the Pirates by David McPhail has always been one of my favorite stories.  This is the story of a little boy who discovers the joy of reading.   He reads everything he can get his hands on.  One day he discovers a book about pirates which comes to life around him.   I loved this book because it fosters a child's imagination.   The pirates who "invade" his room are searching for treasure, they think that Edward's book will tell them where it is.  After a huge ruckus Edward gives them the book only to realize they can't read.   I love that part---I love when children like to become teachers.   The illustrations are wonderful....so rich and colorful.   David McPhail is not only a great writer but an incredible illustrator.   This is great book for story time and perfect to read on International Talk Like a Pirate Day!  It also makes a great gift for a child who has a great imagination.

The Lonely Book by Kate Bernheimer illustrated by Chris Sheban

Sometimes I come across books that at first glance seems to be catering to a specific audience.   I read books that scream ----library or teacher books.  What I mean by that is sometimes an author, consciously or unconsciously writes a book that speaks to librarians or teachers sometimes to parents more than children.   When I first saw today's book  that is what I first thought.....but I was soooo WRONG.

The Lonely Book by Kate Bernheimer and illustrated so sweetly by Chris Seban brought me back to the books of my childhood.   I loved books just like the little girl in the story does.   As I read it I realized that it isn't a story time book but a "read by yourself in a quiet corner"  book....

It reminded me of two of my favorite books:  The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton (which I apparently have talked about before but have never written about it.) and The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. I love how it is the little girl's father who brings her to the library.   I love how the story and pictures flow.   This is a book that has a classic feel but at the same time seems new and refreshing.   I would give this book to any child who loves to read.  I think this is the perfect book for grown ups too....the ones who always felt that books were their best friends...

Reference Sunday: Words Set Me Free by Lesa Cline-Ransome illutrted by James E. Ransome

A few weeks ago I wrote about a book the book Love Twelve Miles Long .  It tells the story of Frederick Douglas and how his Mother influenced his life.   When my sister read my post she introduced me to another picture book about Frederick Douglas written by her friend Lisa Cline-Ransome.   I am always amazed when two books are published at about the same time on the same subject without each taking anything away from  the other.  

Words Set Me Free by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by her husband James E. Ransome also tells the story of the great Abolitionist Frederick Douglas, only this time it encompasses more of his life  not just one part.   In this beautifully illustrated and written picture book we not only learn about where he comes from we learn how he knew from early on that by learning to read and educate himself would he ever be more than just a slave.  I have always been a fan of James Ransome's art but I am also a fan of his wife's writing....how wonderful to have such a team to bring us such wonderful books.   I recommend this book as a companion piece to Glenda Armand's book....they are meant for roughly the same age.   I also recommend it as a book to show children that education and reading are important and can truly enrich their lives.   A must have picture book.....

One Year!

Today is the the one year anniversary of this book blog.   I have been reading some of my old posts and have a feeling I have strayed from my original mission.   I am going to try and rectify that.   I started this blog because I wanted to help people find good books for kids.    I thought if anyone had a book question I could help answer it.   I still want to do that.   I have said it before but it bears repeating that I do not want this to be a book review site.  I think recommending books is different than reviewing books.   Some books don't need recommendation nor do they need reviews they will get bought or read no matter what.   I want to recommend titles that have a purpose, even if that purpose is just a good bedtime story.    My primary concern is getting the right books into the right hands.   I just want to be helpful...

I have greatly enjoyed writing this blog.   I love finding new titles to suggest as well as reintroduce some older titles I have loved.    No book really goes out of style.....they may get a bit dated but sometimes that is their charm.   I love my Reference Sundays and my Flashback Tuesdays.....they are really fun to write.   I also hope that whoever reads this is enjoying my suggestions as well.  Hears to hoping that this blog continues to bring enjoyment to all who read it.   Thanks too to my followers and everyone else who has supported my efforts.   I truly appreciate you all!