Another Brother by Matthew Cordell

My brother Michael has three boys.    When they were younger his oldest son Daniel used to hate it when his youngest brother JoJo followed him around.   JoJo always wanted to do everything Daniel did.....he was the proverbial annoying younger brother.

Another Brother by Matthew Cordell reminded me of Daniel and JoJo.   Daniel was constantly complaining that his brother was copying him or wanting to hang out with him.  Little Davy reminds me so much of my nephew although in Davy's case he gets 12 younger brothers who are constantly copying him which makes him crazy....that is until they stop....the pay off at the end is sweet....

I really liked this book because kids could relate to it and because it makes a perfect story time book.   It is a fun read that begs to be read aloud.   I also love the illustrations....the expressions Davy makes are priceless.   This is a great book for group participation in that there are repetitive stanzas and lots for children to look and and discuss.   I was always one to discuss the books as we read them.....makes for a more interesting story time....

Flashback Tuesday: Santa Calls by William Joyce

Santa Calls by William Joyce is one of my all time favorite Christmas books.  I bought it for myself when I was still working in the stores....here is my original blog post from 2009 .   As today is the Feast of St Nicholas I thought it would be a good time to revisit this new classic story.   I still get a warm feeling when I read it.   When I met William Joyce way back when he talked about making it into a film.   I am not sure if it was just wishful thinking on his part but I wish it would still happen.   In today's world I think Santa Calls would make a great 3D movie...life action or animated.  Even if it isn't a movie it is still a classic book that should be read by all......

Cooking with Henry and Elliebelly by Carolyn Parkhurst illus by Dan Yaccarino

Today is my sister-in-law's birthday, she is also my partner in our veggie burger business.   She loves to cook which is why we started a food business.   I thought today's book suggestion would be in her honor as we both love to watch cooking shows. Happy Birthday T!


Cooking with Henry and Elliebelly by Carolyn Parkhurst and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino is a really funny book that has a little boy who likes to pretend he is doing a cooking show.   He must "pretend" with his little sister because he was told by his mother he has to play with her.   It is told in a conversational way which makes it a wonderful read aloud.   Carolyn Parkhurst has kids minds down pat and Dan Yaccarino's illustrations made me laugh.   This is a great book about siblings that is just a fun read.   I can't wait to see what other adventures Henry and Elliebelly get into.  

The Penderwicks On Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall

A few years ago I read a wonderful book that made me feel nostalgic for my childhood.  The Penderwicks: a Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall reminded me of books I read as a kid.   I remember thinking that it was a truly timeless story that really didn't speak of any particular time, except for the the occasional passing reference to a computer or TV or something like that.   It is the kind of story that is like comfort food....it instantly makes you feel better.

I knew that Ms Birdsall had written a sequel to this wonderful book but hadn't had a chance to read it.  I finally picked up a copy from the library and sat down to indulge in some "comfort" time.

The Penderwicks On Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall is just as wonderful as it's predecessor, although a bit more predictable.   Not that predictable is bad, because when it comes to comfort we need that predictablitiy.   It really is a sweet story that needed to be told because it was nice to get some background on this really sweet family.   So if you know any child who needs a little whimsy and comfort with some fun tossed in....this is the book for them.   It is a young reader but would also make a good "chapter" a night for a younger child.   A must read~

The 13th Floor: A Ghost Story by Sid Fleischman illus Peter Sis

Last week Newbery Winner Sid Fleischman, who won for the Whipping Boy, died at the age of 90. What an incredible man he was. Everyone always talks about his winning title but he was so much more than that one book. I personally loved the Carnival of Animals but sadly that does not seem to be readily available anymore. I loved it because they were tall tales that made me laugh. Great illustrations too.

The 13th Floor: A Ghost Story by Sid Fleischman & illus by Peter Sis is my next favorite book of his. I loved this book because it combines so many of my favorite elements: Ghosts, intrigue, adventure and pirates. Well I am not so much a pirate fan as I like ghosts but pirates can be fun too. I always liked the main character and he seemed like a real kid. Mr Fleischman was very good at writing real characters. This was part of his gift. The wonderful thing about great authors is that they are never truly forgotten. This is a perfect book for children who like adventure with a little mystery and fantasy thrown in. Mr Fleischman will be missed but his legacy lives on.

The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler

Growing up I loved to read fairy tales. One of my favorite fairy tales was the Twelve Dancing Princesses. I loved how this story was so magical and that there was dancing involved. The version I remember reading had the soldier telling the king that he didn't want to marry any of the princesses but he wanted them to marry the prince's they had danced with. I thought it was a very romantic ending.

I was thrilled to discover The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler. Another retelling of an old story. Diane Zahler has done a superb job of re-imagining this classic fairy tale. I love the characters and the way they interact. I wish this had been around when I was young....it would have become one of my favorite books. This is for any girl who loves fairy tales ~ young or old!

My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Christine King Farris

Today would have been Martin Luther King, Jr's 81st birthday. The actual holiday isn't until Monday but I thought it would be appropriate to write about him on his actual birthday.

My Brother Martin by Christine King Farris & illustrated by Chris Soentpiet is my favorite book about the famed civil rights leader. I really like it because it is so personal. It is about a sister remembering her brother and all he meant to her. It makes MLK very real and approachable for children. This beautifully illustrated book is a must have for any child.

Santa Calls by William Joyce

I am not sure I ever mentioned this before but back when I was in the stores I very rarely bought books for myself. The books I bought were usually gifts. It had to be a very special book for me to buy for myself.

Santa Calls by William Joyce was one of those special books. I loved it as soon as I saw it. The art deco design was right up my alley and it gave me a warm feeling when I first picked it up. The warm feeling continued as I read it. It really is a magical story about a boy, his sister and his friend who meet Santa while having a wonderful adventure. It really does invoke the spirit of Christmas.

Years later when I was working as a children's book buyer I had the good fortune to meet William Joyce. I brought along my book for him to sign~it was a happy moment for me. By an odd coincidence there was a man there who looked like Santa Claus~Mr. Joyce thought that was very funny and invited him over to speak to us. It is probably one of my memorable author lunches ever. I also loved the Saks Fifth Ave in NYC used his illustrations for their window~I actually stood in a very long line just to pass by and view it up close~although it was cold out I still got that warm feeling inside.

This is a wonderful book for any age to remind us of the magic of Christmas!

Friday Fun Book: Alexander & the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst, Illus by Ray Cruz

In honor of today being my nephew Alex's birthday I thought I would recommend one of my favorite books:

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst, illus by Ray Cruz is one of the funniest books I had ever read. This book always made me feel better when I have a bad day. Alexander is such a good character, we can have such empathy for a child who just can't seem to cut a break.

When I was in the stores I loved to read this at story time because everyone could relate to poor Alexander's dilemma's. This is one of those books that parents loved because they too could get into the story.

Judith Viorst went on to write other Alexander books like: Alexander Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday (another fun relatable read aloud) and Alexander, Who is Not {Do You Hear Me? I mean it!} Going to Move (which is great to give to kids who are moving).

These are great books to add to a child's library and are meant to be read again and again ~even if you don't know an "Alexander" like I do!

Happy Birthday Alex!!!

What Sisters Do Best/What Brothers Do Best by Laura Numeroff, Illus by Lynn Munsinger

I am the youngest of four children. I have one sister and two older brothers. They have each enriched my life in different ways. I have already talked about my sister, how she read to me, told me stories and got me my first library card. She will always be my older sister, the person I defer to and ask advice of. She is basically my best friend without whom I couldn't be who I am.

I have two older brothers, my oldest brother went away to college when I was only 6 years old. I have talked about him before too when I spoke about the book The Marvelous Toy . He is also the one who took me to see The Wonderful Wizard of Oz when I was little, it was a going away present to me before he left for college. I think for a long time he still thought of me as a child but as I grew up we had some great talks because we had similar interests. I had some great conversations with him.

Then there is my other brother Michael who is a few years older than me. He was basically my "tormentor" when we were kids. He always teased me and tickled me, but in a good way. He was never malicious and I knew he cared about me. He was and is very sweet too and when he knew I was sad he would always try to make me feel better. Once when I was home sick he tried to bring me an ice cream cone from school~of course it melted but it was the thought that counted. I know I can turn to him if I ever need anything.

A few weeks ago on Grandparents Day I suggested the flip book What Grandma's Do Best/What Grandpa's Do Best by Laura Numeroff. Well she has finally done the book I had always hoped she would do. What Sister's Do Best/What Brother's Do Best a perfect book for me. The text is pretty much the same for both but that doesn't matter, it is a great story for anyone who has siblings. It is great for parents to read to their children since it will hopefully help with any sibling rivalry that might exist in their home. All brothers and sisters fight but sometimes it is nice to be reminded what is like to have one or two people who will always be there for you. It would make a really great gift!