Bees Knees Reads

"Someday"

2012-01-15T23:14:00.000-08:00

Needless to say I haven't posted in a very, very, very long time and I want to update you with some happenings. My friend Rachel who wrote a few book recommendations here had her sweet baby girl and moved from Half Moon Bay to Iowa. They are all well and big hugs to her and her family in 2012. Kim is making a lot of art and selling on Etsy (find her under her seller's name Jikits.) She has 3 little ones and a household to look after but I'm hoping to coax her into posing here again sometime.

The bookstore is doing well and we have now gone through two busy Christmas seasons. We're still working on our website but the bones of it are up at coastsidebooks.com Our girls are growing into quite the readers and love going on book hunts with me out of town. My plan is to list some of those out of print picture book treasures on our site in the near future.

One of my latest, greatest finds is a 1965 copy of Someday by Charlotte Zolotow, illustrated by Arnold Lobel. CZ dedicated the book to her eleven year old daughter, " for Ellen right now " and we can really relate to this little girl's imaginings. She wishes for many things like, "Someday I'm going to go to dancing class and Miss Bird will say, 'Ellen is doing it just right. Everybody watch her.' " Or, "Someday, when I have nothing to read, the doorbell will ring and a big box of books will come for me." (Remember this is before Angry Birds.) Lobel's illustrations are feel-good- funny and full of whimsy just like the text. The inside jacket reads, "Everyone, young or old, girl or boy, has his own particular "somedays." They are the days when the impossible becomes possible, the unlikely turns into the likely, and dreams are no longer dreams but realities." Someday I will write here about picture books at least once a week.
Someday I will write all the content for the Coastside Books website. Someday I will catch up on all the bookkeeping details. Someday I will cook more vegetables for dinner... But tomorrow I am going on my birthday trip down the coast to spend a SOLO morning in Santa Cruz, shopping and stopping to look at whatever, whenever I like.
I hope all your "Somedays" become realities this year too : )

Happy 2012!!!!

A day in the life of baby with ABC, Baby Me!

2010-10-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

Recently I had the opportunity to connect with author Susan B. Katz about her latest board book, ABC, Baby Me! (Random House/Robin Corey Books). Susan is a national board certified teacher, specializing in bilingual teaching and educational consulting in literacy, classroom management and strategies for English language learners. She launched her new book earlier this month.

Given Susan’s educational background, it’s no wonder that this book has a unique teaching element, as it follows the English alphabet through a day in the life of a baby. And not just one baby – many babies from different cultural backgrounds, with their parents, siblings, grandparents, and even family pets (which as a dog and cat “mommy”, I absolutely love).

From “A” – “Adore me” – through “Z” – “Zzzzz, I’m fast asleep” – each page is beautifully illustrated in soft, gentle watercolors by artist Alicia Padron. And the rhythm and rhyme adds a sing-song quality as you read aloud. The book is like a good hug, really. Perfect for naptime or bedtime reading.

I also appreciate the form of this board book – it’s sturdy, and at 7.4 x 6.4 inches, great to take on the go with baby or toddler.

Once she makes her arrival (hint, hint, Baby), I’ll be reading ABC, Baby Me! to my little girl, over and over. Thank you Susan and Alicia, for creating such a lovely board book.

From peaceful piggies to peaceful nurseries

2010-10-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

In my last post I promised to share a great parent-to-be resource book. After this, I'll be back to picture books (already building a stack of 'em).

From the day of discovering I was pregnant, I've turned to the world of books to help me on the journey. Between my own purchases and hand-me-downs of well-loved books from other mamas, I've amassed quite a library of mom-to-be titles.

Many are the typical monthly play-by-play of what's happening with mother and baby. Others are pure comic relief. The one book that I've highlighted and sticky-tabbed the most however, may be a bit of surprise.

The Peaceful Nursery (Bantam Dell, 2006) was written by home and lifestyle experts (and sisters) Laura Forbes Carlin and Alison Forbes. And its title doesn't do it justice for just how much it covers in the way of preparing for a baby.

The Peaceful Nursery starts with a "Life Design" exercise which turned out to be a great way to get me thinking and journal writing about what kind of life experience I want for me and my new family.

The book then flows into preparing your home using Feng Shui and space-clearing principles - like 12 steps to clearing clutter. It then shifts into preparing the child's room, paying close attention to comfort and safety, color, lighting and materials (the same tips can be applied to any room in the house). Important for all new parents, the book also covers how to create positive sleep environments - in both the nursery and the adult bedroom.

The last chapter in particular is one of my favorites. Here Carlin and Forbes offer suggestions on self-care, what to expect the first 40 days after delivery, and building a relationship with your new baby. As with every chapter, it closes with a section of helpful "Quick Tips."

Nice extras like what to pack for the hospital, positive affirmations to physically, mentally and spiritually prepare for parenthood, an introduction to the principles of Feng Shui, and a robust "Resources" section, have all kept this book near and dear to my heart.

And of course, I have to mention the photography featured in the book. All of the images are soothing and inspiring, and provide good visual reference for creating indeed a peaceful home and nursery.

I'm off to re-read the last chapter again with a nice cup of tea.

This little piggy went to meditation

2010-09-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

Preparing for motherhood over the last nine months has allowed me to indulge in two new genres of books - books for moms, and books for babies. Instead of instantly veering over to the new fiction section of the bookstore, I find myself looking up and back towards the typical location of children's books.

Recently my husband (and co-author) Tom were at East West Bookstore in Mountain View, CA. East West is perhaps best known as a new age bookstore, but they also have a wonderful children's books and toys section at the back of the store.

One of the picture books I couldn't leave behind is Peaceful Piggy Meditation, a colorful soft-cover about "peaceful piggies" that know how to use their breath, in and out, to be calm. Even when they have to eat something they don't like, someone takes their toy or they're having a hard time with their homework.

I love that the book also includes fun instructions on a meditation that kids and parents can do together (the book was written and illustrated by Kerry Lee MacLean, a Certified Children's Meditation Instructor).

Even though the book was published a few years ago, it seems especially timely given the amount of media coverage about how kids and meditation make a very positive and healthy combination.

In my next post, I'll share one of the parenting books that has made the biggest difference in helping me prepare for motherhood.

Until then, this peaceful piggy says "Om."

Wild Animals and Five Faves

2010-09-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

I had a nice visit with my sister, Nancy last week-end. We left the kids at home with their Dads (jumping on the bed) to enjoy a day of shopping and couldn't decide whether

to buy this

this...............

or this. All fitting!

This week, I have five favorite blogs to share with you:

One of my favorite artists, lili scratchy has three children (like me:) who share an art blog called (1)lilifefe they are amazing artists (like their mom!)

another favorite is (2) cowboy bunny because she is funny and creative (she's having a sweet little handmade giveaway right now so be sure to visit her and comment!)

(3)maxiluchini 's colorful childrens illustrations for inspiration

(4)mypapercrane the art and craft of Heidi Kenny (be sure to view her little stump cake with the mushrooms on the sidebar!)

(5)kickanandconkers is another mom blogger with three kids. she features lots of vintage and modern ideas, childrens books both old and new, and letterpress printmaking which I really and truly love.

Here's a funny clip I found via cowboy bunny's blog:

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.

Back to school with blogger Rachel Formaro and It's a Book!

2010-08-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

We're Back to School! The girls are loving their classes and teachers and Kim and I are excited to invite friend, writer and soon to be mom, Rachel Formaro to post at Bees Knees Reads!
I met Rachel and her husband Tom at the bookstore last year when they were releasing, their children's book, Alfonso the Christmas Pumpkin. And now they are expecting their own sweet, little girl "pumpkin" right around the end of October. So I'm sure we will have many wonderful picture book reviews and joyful insights from Rachel.

We have to catch you up with what we've been doing... Kim is making art for Etsy and getting back into the studio and printmaking. Her baby turned 1 last month! Little C is 3 and D is now 6. My baby turned 5 last month and started Kindergarten and my 6 year old has found a new love, HORSES, and her 1st-grade friends of course. I have a Horse book review post planned for all who share that passion. And I've been enjoying running Coastside Books. The shop is ever evolving and it's a challenge to keep up with the new releases!

One of the reasons we love to blog is that there is no obligation to do so and we can connect with so many literature- loving creative people on the blogosphere. We are grateful to Margo at The Fourth Muskateer for passing along the Versatile Blogger Award. And we're gathering our lists so we'll be passing on the award to 15 Versatile Bloggers in the next few posts.

My picture book pick of the month is Lane Smith's It's a Book, that clever, clever man. I get that people love their e-readers yet the art of the book and the tactile experience of books can not be replicated electronically. And I do like electronic media, I'm a blogger after all, but reading, for me, especially children's books is a pleasure best reserved for paper pages. I've included the trailer for fun but the book has a punchline that will make any adult smile wryly. Smith's publisher, Macmillan says, "... IT’S A BOOK is a delightful manifesto on behalf of print in the digital age...." You'll just have to find it and read it to get to that smart-ass last line : )

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that today is Tasha's Tudor's Birthday and here is a lovely post by Clarice over at Storybook Woods celebrating Tasha Tudor Day 2010. Reading Tasha Tudor's books with my mom and sister is a favorite childhood memory. I dreamed of the pastoral life and intimate country traditions Tudor illustrated and I especially loved her Christmastime and holiday illustrations.

Well, I've packed a lot of news into this post and I'm looking forward to Kim and Rachel's favorite picture books and versatile blogger award lists. The rules say we can pass it along to 15 bloggers so I'll link 5, Kim will link 5 and Rachel will link 5. Happy back to school!

2010-06-14T19:01:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my 6-year-old nephew whose band The Legos just won a professional studio session with their original song at an LA battle of the bands competition!!!!

In honor of your new hipster status D, I'm sending you a copy of Alternative ABC'S (Chunky Edition) to read to your little bro.
This is the ABCs book for future skaters and rock guitarists but also for earth lovers and environmentalists!

Look for it in the mail soon Kim xoxoxox

NYC Book Week and Powered By Girl

2010-05-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

Today, Monday, May 24th is the start of BEA's New York Book Week. There are some amazing events planned to celebrate all week long. If you live in NYC or just happen to be there visiting, be sure to stop by Tilbury House's newest children's book, One of Us release party. I got to view this wonderful book was so impressed with its message about "bravely being who you are, "that I wrote a little blurb about it here.

Bring your kids to Book Culture (at Broadway and 114th St.) today, May 24th at 4pm to hear this brand new story read by author Peggy Moss (recommended for ages 5-11) and see first-hand how a book is made. Then, illustrator Penny Weber will lead the kids with glue and glitter to create their own story characters.

At 6pm, the party will move to Book Culture on 112th st (between Broadway and Amsterdam) where you will hear some amazing speakers including author Lyn Mikel Brown, author illustrator Dimitrea Tokunbo and her daughters and girls and women advocate/ humorist, Betsy Sweet. The reception will have music, refreshments, prizes and interactive projects.

There will be an exhibit of small self-portraits by children's book illustrators on display all week at Book Culture and on sale to benefit Powered by Girl, a new campaign from Hardy Girls Healthy Women. I have donated my self portrait to be included in the show! (above)

Hope you can stop by to join in the fun!

Children's Book Week Poster

2010-05-10T05:59:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a joyful Mother's Day! Today kicks off Children's Book Week and this year you can send away for this poster by Jon Muth. How nice it would be to have Stillwater around the house to read to the children... Hmmm in my make believe world, like the Land of Make Believe as Fred Rogers would have it. (But maybe not as scary as some of those puppets.)

There is a book out titled 75 years if Children's Book Week Posters: Celebrating Great Illustrators of American Children's Books by Leonard Marcus if you're inclined to start collecting. This should be a good week around the kidslit blogs and here is a page with CBC activities and events. Enjoy the week!

Of Mice and Hamsters

2010-04-20T19:19:00.001-07:00

Nancy's cat Jake passed away. He was 20 years old. I think the girls took it kind of hard. They had a nice funeral in the backyard but I heard that her littlest daughter wanted to dig him back up because she missed him dearly.

So now there is a new addition to her family and it is a dwarf hamster named Tiny. I don't know much about hamsters. We had one as kids but I was too young to really remember. Nancy recommended this book which is all about dwarf hamsters.

Meanwhile we have been reading Petshop Lullaby by Mary Ann Fraser. It's nighttime in the pet shop but the littlest hamster can't sleep. The animals try everything to soothe and calm him. In the end they discover that he likes to sleep in the daytime. It's a great way to teach kids about nocturnal creatures. I wonder if Tiny's keeping Nancy up at night too? My little guy has a new tooth coming in so I'm there with you!

Since we're on the subject of cute rodents I must share this adorable blog I just found called Mouses Houses . Isn't it amaaaazing?!

Seems we have a soft spot for mice. Here's a few of our past book reviews on mice to check out: Mary and the Mouse the Mouse and Mary, Chopsticks, Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears and Miss Bianca.

Ocean's Child

2010-04-12T06:25:00.001-07:00

I must return this overdue library book today. I've been holding onto it for a bit too long....

Ocean's Child by Christine Ford is a poetic, soothing bedtime story about parental love and oneness with the universe.
A pregnant inuit mother and her child paddle in a small boat through the ocean at dusk and observe the "children of the ocean" being snuggled to sleep by their mothers.

When the last lullaby of the whale song is sung, Baby naps on Mother's back.

To Ocean's child we say good night.

Goodnight, little whale, good night.

I held onto this book because the inuit seascape illustrations by (Caldecott award winning artist) David Diaz glow and radiate with a warmth that I've never seen before in any illustration and I'm in love with the peaches, yellow and turqoise color combinations....

(and also because I wanted to share this book with you).

It's a wonderful rhythmic and hypnotizing bedtime story that is sure to calm, soothe and lull your little one(s) to sleep.

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T16:23:00.000-07:00

Author/ Illustrator, Marjolein Varekamp sent this darling photo of her daughter and her Easter Rabbit, Jip. Marjolein who wrote and illustrated A Wonderful Week with Bees Knees Books is currently working on a new book about a little mouse named Harold for a Dutch publisher due out fall next year. Congratulations Marjolein!!!

My family is enjoying a very wet and windy Easter indoors this year and the girls are looking forward to a week off for spring break. It looks like we'll be planning some crafty things to do inside the house. And some gardening when the weather clears and the earth is nice and soft.

Happy Easter!

Windy and Foggy, Dolls and Origami

2010-03-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been on an an origami bend. I stay up late at night folding butterflies to make these cheerful color garlands. I also like reading the blogs of other artists and recently connected with Australian feltist, Trudi from Me and Ewe. She's stayed in a teepee too.

Trudi has a little shop where she sells this Waldorf bead doll kit. You can make your own dolls! I think they're the cutest.

So, when I came across this book at our library last week, everything seemed to fall into place. Windy by Robin Mitchell and Judith Steedman is done with photo tableaux and contains both Waldorf dolls and origami. Just look at those adorable origami chickens and that's Windy flying her kite above the colorful cut-out paper trees. It's the sweet story of a little girl who lives beneath a tree. She loves to fly her big blue kite, but when the wind blows it away she sets out on an adventure to find it. You'll be surprised at where it finally appears.

I did a little googling and found out that Windy has her own blog here and is also on facebook, where she gives away prizes and free coloring pages to download and print

It just so happens that Canadian authors/artists, Robin Mitchell and Judith Steedman just had a book launch on March 20th at Collage, Collage. Foggy is the fourth book in the Windy series and it looks to be just as incredibly adorable. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!

Don"t Lick The Dog

2010-03-23T06:35:00.001-07:00

Spring is officially here and we've been out and about, strolling here and there with the kids.

The apartment clustered neighborhood we live in (Sherman Oaks) must be second in the world to West Hollywood's largest pet-owned dog population. On an 8 block walk to school we encounter an average of 15 dogs being walked!

The best is when it rains here and the dogs are wearing raincoats and sweaters. I need to get my camera ready but I don't want to be rude. Dogs are not always in the mood to smile.

Don't Lick The Dog (Making Friends with Dogs) is a new book by Wendy Wahman. It teaches kids how to interact with unfamiliar dogs with silly rhyme and humor. The illustrations are wildly outrageous which make it even more fun to read to kids.

Wendy provides really great helpful tips about all kinds of dog behavior: slow down, stay still and remember, don't lick the dog!

" Good dog manners show you care...... when meeting new dogs everywhere."

The adorable Springy- Boston Terrier Dog illustration above is by etsy artist Brian Rubenacker.

Wormy Worm Meets Hip Hop Dog

2010-03-15T07:04:00.000-07:00

My sister Nancy and I are big-time Chris Raschka book fans, so much, that we talk about his books over phone conversations.
Yesterday, I was telling her how my little C, who just turned 3 (rhymes) wants me to read Wormy Worm over and over again as she squeals in delight!

It's part of his series of Thingy Things published by Hyperion from 200-2002.
Some in this series include: Moosey Moose, Whaley Whale, Sluggy Slug, Doggy Dog, Snaily Snail, Whaley Whale, Goosey Goose and Wormy Worm.

I know we've already had a few Chris Raschka posts at Bees Knees: there's one on the Hello, Goodbye Window which you can revisit here and A Kick in the Head here.

Meanwhile, Nancy is raving about Chris' new book: Hip Hop Dog published by Harper Collins which I haven't seen or read but can't wait to check out. The illustrations are not by Chris but Snoop Dogg fan, Vladimir Radunsky. It's a great combo!
Here's a super neato trailer I found of it:

Find more videos like this on www.truveo.com.

Dark Night

2010-03-10T18:34:00.001-08:00

French author/illustrator Dorothee de Monfreid has created quite a few wonderful picture books. Unfortunately, Dark Night is the only one I found that has been translated to English.

These are some of my favorite illustrations from the story. You can find an excellent review of Dorothee's book by Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.

If your library gets a copy in, check it out asap. It's wonderful!

In Our Mothers' House

2010-03-05T20:41:00.001-08:00

My sister, Nancy passed Gringa ( A Contradictory Girlhood) by Melissa Hart on to me when she came down for a visit a few weeks ago.
Hart tells her coming of age story which starts early on with forced separation from her lesbian mom by the court system in California in the 1970's. " You can't grow up parented by two women. It's unnatural." This was the rationale of the court system back then.
She finds comfort in Latino culture as she tries to find her identity and tells of her desires, aspirations and vulnerabilities with total honesty (which made me laugh out loud a few times).
Melissa Hart grew up in So Cal with her father and stepmother and in Oxnard with her two mothers in the 70's and 80's and attended college in UC Santa Cruz and UC Santa Barbara , same as Nancy and I, so it was extra fun to read.
After my Tuesday Babygarten class with C, I noticed that our Studio City branch Library just got in a brand new picture book which happens to run along the same vein:
In Our Mothers' House by Patricia Polacco is a beautifully illustrated and wonderful story celebrating an untraditional family with two mothers raising their three adopted children in "a big old brown shingle house on Woolsey Street in Berkeley, California." Marmee and Meema's house is full of love and they teach their children that different is not wrong. But one family in the neighborhood doesn't accept them because they are different: "How can a family have two moms and no dad?"
Polacco shows an amazing, unique family that lives by its own rules and one that is held together by a very special love. The story lets us watch the three children grow up into perfectly normal adults with children of their own. Marmee and Meema enjoy their grandchildren and when they grow old and pass away, they are laid to rest in a green hillside overlooking the bay "near the place where they pledged their love to each other so many years ago."
The house remains as a gatheing place for the three children and their families. "All of our hearts find peace whenever we are there, together, in our mothers' house."

Now I'll leave you with a fun clip of Melissa Hart's recipe for the California 70's Frito Boat (I forgot to add that each chapter in Gringa ends in a recipe) Good Stuff!

Biblioburro

2010-03-04T12:46:00.000-08:00

Dr. Seuss Day

2010-03-02T09:03:00.001-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. SEUSS! D and I made this Green Eggs and Ham get-up for you. He proudly wore it to school this morning for NEA's Read Across America and to Honor you, Theodor Seuss Geisel.

Animals A To Z

2010-02-26T13:37:00.000-08:00

Last week-end, my sister Nancy came down for a visit. We managed to sneak away sans the kids and do a little shopping. One of the vintage stores we shopped at had this amazing animal print fabric (above) and I know Nancy is still debating where she could incorporate it in her home. Well Nancy, it's still at the shop waiting for you and I snapped this image and also immediately thought of another great artist whose blog I follow: Elizabeth Graeber

This is her self-published book available in paperback on LuLu : Animals A To Z. Elizabeth Graeber is an amazing non- stop artist. She posts new works on her blog almost daily. Her art is outsiderish and almost undescribable.....sometimes quirky, silly, serious, wonky and always fresh and real. You can preview her alphabet animal book here. Believe me, it's unique and beautiful!

Noonie's Masterpiece

2010-02-22T09:33:00.000-08:00

Since our move back to Los Angeles, I have been discovering lots of wonderful local artists. One artist whose blog I've been following is Sarajo Frieden. I think she actually might even live in my neighborhood. In December she had a show just a few blocks away. Her art is so inspiring!

She has just illustrated an amazing book published by Chronicle Books that we got before my son's field trip to the LACMA. He's a first grader now and learning about art and artists. (His favorite is Picasso.)

Noonie's Masterpiece was originally written as a play by playwright Lisa Railsback. The story is about 10 year old Noonie Norton. Her mother passed away and her father is traveling the world leaving Noonie with relatives who can't appreciate fine art and the brilliant abstract paintings Noonie creates. Uncle Ralph is an unemployed salesman, Cousin Junior is obsessed with aliens and Aunt Sylvia only cares about clean teeth. Noonie's eclectic art teacher tells her that "artists have the power to change the world." She creates an abstract painting for her relatives but the relatives detest it and take away her paints. Then, Noonie is visited by the spirits of Picasso, Van Gogh and O'Keefe who encourage her and tell her that "an artist never quits." Ultimately, Noonie does learn that artists do have the power to change the world!

Here is an awesome trailer of Noonie's Masterpiece:

Juanita's Olvera Street

2010-02-16T05:52:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, we packed up the kids and stroller and met my parents at the metro station in North Hollywood. From there, we all took the red line subway to Union Station. I took this photo of the gorgeous mural. (above)

We crossed the street and headed over to Olvera Street. Olvera Street is the birthplace of the city of Los Angeles, otherwise known as El Pueblo Historic Monument. The original pueblo was built by the 44 settlers of Los Angeles in 1781. The village features 27 historic buildings with a traditional Mexican style plaza area.

Leo Politi's book, Juanita is all about a little girl and her family who run a small shop or "puesto" in Olvera Street.

The puestos have lovely Mexican names such as "La Paloma" (the dove), "La Amapola" (the poppy), "La Casita" (the little house), "Cielito Lindo" (beautiful heaven)... "The shop 'Juanita' belongs to Antonio and Maria Gonzalez who named it after their little daughter Juanita."

Here the Olvera Street vendors make and sell candies,

toys and pottery, candles, hand embroidered clothing and all kinds of colorful and interesting things.

For Juanita's birthday "there was laughter when someone broke cascarones on Juanita's head." "Cascarones are decorated egg shells filled with confetti."

Leo Politi's illustrations from 1948 have come full circle and are strangely uber modern again. Just look at his color palette: peach, turqoise, moss green, coral, tan, pink, cream and gray. His illustrations are gorgeous!

I remember reading his books as a child and my mother remembers them too. I am so glad that Getty Publications has reissued them!

As a little girl, I also remember visiting Olvera Street with our family often. I loved it and especially the wooden marionette puppets, delicious Mexican food and candy.

" The Blessing of the Animals is a ceremony which takes place every year on the day before Easter Sunday." "On this day the animals are blessed so all will go well with them during the year." Juanita looked forward to this day because she could walk in the procession with her dove.

My mom took this photo of the Blessing of the Animals mural (above). It is painted and signed on the right of the mural by Leo Politi!

The story ends with a lovely bedtime song Duermete Nina with lyrics to sing along to in English. There's a sweet image of Mamacita rocking Juanita to sleep as the old mission bells ring
and Juanita's pink lacey Easter dress hangs above her bed to wear in the morning.

Winter Drift

2010-02-09T15:14:00.000-08:00

We got stuck in the library after Babygarten Storytime this afternoon because of a freak hailstorm. We drifted about and found a new favorite book! Nanook and Pryce by Ned Crowley. This story is told in silly rhyming verse and takes two cute, almost faceless (big parka hooded) Eskimo ice fishermen on a trip around the world. They are so oblivious to what is around them that they don't even notice the dangers they encounter!
While fishing, their ice floe breaks loose and they adventure through the oceans of the world, only to return back home again, never catching a single fish (actually, they do catch a ton but the pelicans steal them away). The last page shows them asleep in their cozy beds with a jar of peanut butter (butter knife left inside)on the nightstand.
The watercolor illustrations by Larry Day (click on his name to see an amazing pompadour image!)are wonderful with many full page spreads, including a killer whale and giant pink squid. Lovely stuff!

On the back of the book is a sweet photo of the author and illustrator dressed in big hooded parkas sans faces just like Nanook and Pryce. It's Genius!!!

Winter Garden-Vegetable Olympics

2010-02-08T12:32:00.000-08:00

Now that I live in California, it's nice to be near my mom who also loves to shop at craft stores with me every few weeks. She has been making the sweetest embroidered dishtowels for each month of the year to give to friends and family. (Nancy, there's one she made for you too :) So, I have been paying lots of attention to all the wonderful embroideries out there and I am smitten by this adorable fruit bowl shopping bag (above) by Gracey May. With a family of 5, I just can't have enough shopping bags to carry all my fuits and veggies home from Trader Joes.

Recently, I received a copy of Champions of the Garden Games in the mail which arrived just in time for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

That's Pete the Red Beet snowboarding in the picture above!

With the Olympics beginning this week-end, everyone will be watching their favorite athletes in the world compete. " What better way to talk about sports and to show children the variety of options they have to enjoy winter and be active year round?" asks author Marvin van Lemon. Through his narration, Marvin introduces children ages 4-8 to several sports that will take place in the Winter Olympics and with this book he has begun a campaign to get children interested in sports and healthy eating.

Studies have shown that it is essential to establish healthy active behaviors early in life. Children who are overweight at an early age have a high risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure and are also more likely to become overweight as adults.

Using a cast of colorful fruits and vegetables illustrated by P. Byron, children can learn about the luge, ski jumping, curling and bobsledding as well as other sports. Through an imaginative and fun tale, this book also introduces children to the importance of being a team player, and my favorite lesson: not letting life's obstacles get in the way of having fun.

On the Olympics note, recently illustrator Jon Klassen (one of my contemporary favorites) co- designed a gorgeous animated Winter Olympics commercial. I think it's the greatest I've seen. So, if you have any time to spare, please have a look. I hope Jon has plans to do a children's book soon.

Banjo for Kiddos

2010-01-27T21:31:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the comment left by Playing by the Book on Kim's previous "Dolly" post, I've been listening to lots of banjo in the car with the kids. (OK this recording has been out for a while but I'm a little slow catching up with it.)

Anyway, thought I'd share a you-tube clip of Steve Martin, Bela Fleck and Tony Trischka playing a track from The Crow below.

And, because I'm having fun with this ad I'm working on for the store I'll post what I have so far. I think all you book lovers will appreciate it.
I still have a couple of days to finish it and
I might change the Mark Twain quote to something more practical like: Open 7 days a week. Free gift-wrapping. ????

Happy Birthday Dolly Parton!

2010-01-19T15:43:00.001-08:00

Today is January 19th and it's Dolly Parton's birthday. Dolly has a few books of her own out and this is one of my treasured favorites: Coat of many Colors. It's actually a true story told from her childhood and also the lyrics to her very popular song.

Dolly is one of 12 children raised in poverty in Sevierville, Tennessee. One winter, when she was a child, she did not have a winter coat, so, her resourceful mother made her a "coat of many colors" from a donated box of rags. It was handsewn with love and her mother told her the story of Joseph and his colorful coat from the Bible. She wore her new coat proudly to school the next day, only to be laughed at and teased by the other children.

Most children I know have way too much stuff, so this book could be used to teach an important lesson. The way Dolly handles the teasing is wonderful. Because she is so secure and strong from her family's love, she doesn't need things to be complete.

Judith Sutton's illustrations are beautiful and heartwarming, a perfect match for Dolly's story.

Here's a clip of Dolly singing Coat of Many Colors:

It's a Secret!

2010-01-18T06:38:00.001-08:00

Nancy and I were talking about some of our favorite new children's books and she told me about this one that she just got in her shop : It's a Secret! by John Burningham.

It's a wonderful, magical story that takes the reader on a secret adventure with an ordinary house cat named Malcom and a little girl. Marie Elaine wonders where her cat goes at night and finally catches him decked out in a fancy outfit, sneaking food from the fridge! When she finds out he is going to a party, she insists on going. Malcom agrees to take her with him under the circumstances that she dresses up in a party dress and gets smaller, to fit through the cat door. When the neighbor boy, Norman catches them sneaking out, they invite him along so that he won't tattle. They narrowly escape a dog pack and across a fire escape and over a crane, they finally make it to the rooftop party. There is music and dancing, a feast and gifts for all from the Queen of Cats.

The night is filled with magic, fun and excitement and in the morning, Marie Elaine's mother exclaims "You look as if you were out all night with the cat."

The illustrations in this book are mixed media, crudely drawn, rough, childlike and with beautiful full page spreads. John Burningham (who has written and illustrated more books than I can count) should win many awards for this one!

Little Fur Family

2010-01-10T07:54:00.001-08:00

Little C just received a copy of Little Fur Family from my dearest childhood friend Karen. Here she is, sharing it with the chickens. She takes it everywhere. It's her new favorite.

Margaret Wise Brown was a genius and Garth Williams' illustrations are gentle and heart warming. It's the perfect book to start off the New Year.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T19:40:00.001-08:00

Wishing you a Happy New Year and may all your wishes come true this year! Tonight is a full moon so I thought this image of a cute little vintage card was fitting but do you think he's having a taste of sparkling apple cider? Cheers to all!
We'll be staying in tonight with our family and reading Owl Moon for bedtime. Seems fitting.
See you in the New Year.
xoxoxo

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2009-12-25T08:32:00.001-08:00

Richard Scarry's The Naughty little Reindeer from The Animal's Merry Christmas. It's one of my favorites! Have a Wonderful Christmas Day.

Hello ...Santa?

2009-12-23T19:01:00.000-08:00

This little kids big book is gorgeous! It's Monsters of the Household Variety by Ruth Ashton. My sister thinks it should be placed on a pedestal (not to be left in the hands of little ones!) I agree. It's a masterpiece I would love to own. Hello.... Santa?

The Last Night of Hanukah

2009-12-18T16:10:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the last night of Hanukah and I just wanted to share this sweet little illustration by Maurice Sendak from the out of print and hard to find book: Happy Hanukah Everybody, (published in 1954 by the United Synagogue of America).

Enjoy the evening with your family.

Here Comes Jack Frost

2009-12-15T16:01:00.001-08:00

When my sister Nancy came for a visit, she told me about this great new book that she just got in her store: Here Comes Jack Frost. Finally I got a chance to see it at our local bookshop. It's wonderful and it just happens to be by one of my favorite artist/authors: Kazuno Kohara. I did a review of her other book, Ghosts in the House here. She is a talented Japanese artist who now resides in Cambridge and her specialty is linocut printmaking. Her style is simple and sweet, designed for all ages to enjoy.
The story is about a lonely boy who has nobody to play with until he meets Jack Frost and discovers how mystical and enchanting winter can be!
So far, Kazuno has Fall and Winter covered and I'm hoping she'll come out with Spring and Summer stories soon too. I haven't been able to find Kazuno's website or contact info, so Kazuno, if you happen to read this post, I'd love love, love to have you as a guest on our blog for an interview. Let me know when you're free. I have so many questions to ask!
P.S. I forgot to mention that Kazuno's Ghosts in the House was a NY Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year and an ALA Notable Childrens Book of 2009 and Here Comes Jack Frost is a big winner in my book too!

On Angel Wings

2009-12-09T21:26:00.000-08:00

Tonight the girls chose bedtime stories from our latest haul of Christmas books from the libray and we read On Angel Wings by Michael Morpurgo. You'll recognize Quentin Blake's ilustrations from most of Roald Dahl's books. Here they sparely complement the story, but I always like to see more QB illustrations.

This Christmas story is one to settle into and read with awe and feeling. The narrator is a grandfather recounting his boyhood memory of the night he met baby Jesus. After being abandoned by his family to stay and watch the sheep, he is taken to Bethlehem to meet the holy family on the wings of the angel Gabriel.

It's a fanciful and poignant tale and most of all, it's a nativity story unlike others. It's not as sad as The Little Drummer Boy although there are similarities, and it's not about Mary and Joseph's journey. It's about the Chritmas message that rings true.

"As we flew, I was so full of questions. I wanted to know so much about Jesus, this child King who was going to save the world. How will he do it?..."

" 'Love,' he (Gabriel) said. 'He will bring us love, and through love we will at last have peace and goodwill on earth.' "

I particularly liked the way the angels appeared to the shepherds. The shephard boy made stars out of stirring up sparks in the fire, and instead of the sparks flying up to join the other stars they took the shape of human figures bathed in glorious light. And the angels were singing. Which reminds me... of a track I heard on the radio by the acapella group, Chantileer, titled Sweeter Still. I was searching for a good video performance of that song but couldn't find it. So, I'm posting Chanticleer singing Dulaman, an Irish Gaelic song. BTW I'm always looking for new Christmas music compilations so if you have any favorites please let us know.***

Colonel Trash Truck

2009-12-04T16:36:00.000-08:00

We've been reading a lot of comic books lately. Here's another fun book for 3-6 year olds with illustrations in the comic book vein : Colonel Trash Truck by Kathleen Crawley. The fun illustrations are by Manuel "Macs" Conde.

Colonel Trash Truck is a big green chomping hero who teaches children the importance of cleaning up after themselves and recycling to keep our world green. It's written in simple, easy, silly rhyme and will keep kids laughing and entertained.

"Please give him a hand, and do understand that he wants to keep the world clean. He does it for us, no matter the fuss, and hopes that we try to live green."

I found this cute little handmade trash truck (above) with removeable people. It's by nindesign and could make a perfect holiday gift for a little trash truck loving preschooler. Pair it with this book!

The Secret Science Alliance

2009-12-01T11:19:00.001-08:00

My 6 year old son took this photo of the display he made for his favorite book: The Secret Science Alliance by Eleanor Davis. The package arrived in the mail last week and I handed it to D as soon as he came home from school. "It's a book for you, sent from the author of Stinky" I said. Eagerly, he tore into the package, dropped to the floor and read

and read

and read........... all 154 pages in one sitting! This must be a record for a 6 year old or at least it is for mine (who has a hard time sitting still :)

We are big fans of Stinky (book review here) and Eleanor Davis(interview here).

Now I will conduct a short book review/ interview with my son who has read The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook twice already and is an expert on the subject.

This story takes place in: middle school

Main characters were: Ben, Greta and Julian

The problem was: A copycat crook copied their inventions by stealing Julian's secret invention notebook.

In the end: Julian throws a glue bomb and the copycat crook, Dr. Stringer gets caught by the officers who take him to jail. The glue bomb picture is the coolest. It looks like green slime with legs. The ingredients are vinegar, orange soda and laundry detergent.

The thing I really liked: was the spring- loaded super-boots that Ben invented. The springs pop Dr. Stringer in the bellybutton! Ben's other invention, the stink-o-meter is pretty cool too. It makes stinky objects odor free!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T06:15:00.000-08:00

Cute Cartoon

2009-11-18T20:01:00.000-08:00

Here's a cute childrens Finnish cartoon and song I just discovered : Ella ja Aleksi. Don't forget to leave a comment here by Friday the 20th for a chance to win a signed copy of A Wonderful Week, just released by Bees Knees Books!

Coastside Books and Bees Knees Review

2009-11-13T12:31:00.001-08:00

Thought I'd share this nice little article in the Half Moon Bay Review on Coastside Books and Bees Knees (:

Enjoy the Week-end!

GIVEAWAY! A Wonderful Week Book Launch

2009-11-05T12:32:00.000-08:00

It's been A Wonderful Week and I have some photos to prove it! A visit with my sister (We are the Bees Knees:) Kim Baise left and Nancy Arruda right

Nancy's bookstore: Coastside Books in Half Moon Bay, California

A Wonderful Week Release Party Book Reading

Book Signing with Author/Illustrator Marjolein Varekamp

Marjolein came all the way from her hometown Netherlands to be at this event

Here's the Great Giveaway: Pig loves to eat his pancakes on Saturdays. What do you like to eat on Saturdays? Comment below to win a beautiful 12x11.5" hardcover copy of A Wonderful Week (signed by Marjolein) between now and Nov. 20th. On Saturday, November 21, I will contact the lucky winner via email. Good Luck!

GIVEAWAY ALERT! Winter's Tail Book and Prize Pack

2009-10-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

Winter's Tail is a brand new Scholastic book release from the #1 New York Times bestselling authors of Owen and Mzee.

Winter is a little bottlenose dolphin who triumphs against all the odds. After being mangled in a crab net, she loses her tail and is rescued and brought to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida. With the miracles of modern technology, a tireless group of prosthetic engineers create a prosthetic tail that enables Winter to swim again. Winter has become an inspiration for millions who must overcome all kinds of difficult challenges in life, especially to children who are amputees themselves. The tale doesn't end there. The special technology used for Winter's prosthetic tail is being used to develop prosthetics for Iraq war veterans who have especially sensitive injuries.

One (1) winner will receive a Winter’s Tail prize pack!

* Dolphin Plush
* Dolphin Key Chain
* Copy of Winter’s Tail: How OneLittle Dolphin Learned to Swim Again Book
* Winter’s Tail game forNintendo DS
To enter the contest please post a comment below and tell us if you have ever seen a dolphin and where (ocean, aquarium, etc..) from October 26 -November 9th
You must be 18 years or older and live in the Continental US to be eligible.

Please make sure we have your email address!

It's A Bees Knees Book Release Party!

2009-10-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

Hear Ye, Hear Ye, It's Here, It's Here!!!!! BeesKneesBooks' much anticipated release of A Wonderful Week by Marjolein Varekamp.
You are officially invited to our release party this Saturday, October 24th, 2009 at Coastside Books in Half Moon Bay, CA. Marjolein will be visiting from her hometown, Netherlands to answer questions and sign books (a rare opportunity) so be sure to be there from 2-4 pm and join us for storytime, refreshments and fun, fun, fun.

ABC's

2009-10-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

Love these girls and their ABC dance on Sesame Street. So much fun!!!

A Tree That Bears Books

2009-10-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

As I am writing, I am also avoiding picking up all the books that are scattered about the living room floor.... Wouldn't it be great to have a tree like this one?!! Designed by Shawn Soh.

The Moon's a Woman

2009-10-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

Outside the door of my son's school library were these 2 great discards that I picked up. Both were bound in linen and illustrated with beautiful black and white etchings. Terrapin's Pot of Sense by Harold Courlander (1957) is filled with early African American folklore, narratives based on Old Testament themes, yarns of the supernatural and riddles like this one:

The Moon's A Woman:

River's all muddy,

Creek's gone dry,

If it wasn't for the woman

The men'd all die

Do you know the answer? The sun's a man and the moon's a woman because the sun is regular about his habits (always in the same place at the same time) BUT the moon changes to give us rain.......and "if it didn't ever rain three hundred sixty-five days a year, the sun would set the world on fire wouldn't it?" Then everything would dry up and the men would not survive.

Oh My!

The little green book is Jonathon Bing (1936) by Beatrice Curtis Brown. This one is full of wonderful little poems. I will leave you with a taste from

Jonathon Bing's Dreams:

When Jonathon Bing lies down in his bed

Most wonderful dreams come into his head;

He dreams of purple and pink and blue

And of various colors he never knew.

He will sometimes swim and he'll often fly;

He jumps on a cloud as it passes by-

Bouncing and swooping and floating afar,

He takes off his hat to the Evening star.

And sometimes when Jonathon goes to sleep,

He dreams of a cave which is dark and deep,

Where beautiful sounds go Boom and Bong,

Like a very mysterious ancient song.

Or he sometimes goes where the sky's pale green

And the leaves on the trees are all ultramarine,

Water is silver and apples are gold,

And the amethyst rain is a joy to behold.

"O fortunate Jonathon B.,

I wish in my dreams I could see what you see!"

"Oh, they're fun and they're pretty,"

says Jonathon Bing,

"But the wide-awake world is my favorite thing!"

Squirrels

2009-10-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

My family has officially relocated to California and we are finally starting to feel settled in for the fall/winter season. Because we are living in a rental apartment, I am coming up with creative ways to make it cozy for the kids. Their bedroom has taken on a woodlands theme. Note the squirrel print from Wonting and acorn decal decor from Ikea. Since the previous post was about autumn foxes, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for me to blog about fall and squirrels.

First I must add this in because

Sleepyking's little plush handmade squirrel is on my favorites list right now. Just look at those cute rosy cheeks!

She even has a cute little brown fox for you, Nancy :)

Sarah from Tilbury House sent me this lovely book: The Very Best Bed as a gift for our new baby. She is so thoughtful and sweet.

It just happens to be about a little bushy gray squirrel. Author/illustrator Rebekah Raye takes us on a little squirrel's search for the coziest place to sleep as the moon rises higher and higher in the autumn sky. Rebekah's animal illustrations are beautiful.
It's a great bedtime story to curl up to with your toddler or pre-schooler and drink hot cocoa with. Enjoy the season!

Foxes

2009-10-03T23:09:00.000-07:00

I have to share the trailer of The Fox and the Child as this film is gorgeous. Perhaps it is a little slow for what kids are used to watching these days but the cinematography is a visual treat. Filmed in the French and Italian Alps the English version of this French film is narrated by Kate Winslet and tells the story of a 10-year-old girl who befriends a fox. Over the course of a year she and her wild friend share adventures that lead her to the realization that you can not possess what you love- especially foxes that instinctively distrust all potential predators, for good reason. My suggestion- get some hot chocolate and popcorn and enjoy this movie at home with or without kids.

Thinking of foxes, we got the new movie tie-in edition of Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr. Fox in at the bookstore this week and Quentin Blake's illustrated version as well. Definitely read the story, or read it to your little ones if you haven't already, and then check out the movie.

Of children, Roald Dahl said, "They love being spooked... They love chocolates and toys and money... They love being made to giggle."

This is a wonderful time of year... fields covered in orange pumpkins, crisp mornings, soft sweaters, and rosy-cheeked children!

Bookmark This Bookfair

2009-09-27T12:47:00.001-07:00

If you're in the SoCal area or passing through, October 4th is the West Hollywood Book Fair. Don't miss this one! It'll be lots of fun with loads of books, author signings and great things to do with the kiddies. Hope to see you there!

GIVEAWAY ALERT! Travels with Tarra & Just For Elephants by Carol Buckley

2009-09-04T12:46:00.001-07:00

Come and Join us this week-end on Tilbury House's Elephant Tour!
Two books will be given away from the comments on this blog post. The winners will be announced on Sept. 10th and hey-you can also win a book stamped by Tarra the Elephant! Super Awesome!

Here is a list of blogs joining us on this tour: Reading Rumpus!, Sacred Elephants, Margo Dill's, Maw Books , Shelf Elf, Through the Looking Glass and Bri Meets Books.

These two gorgeous hardcover books, Travels With Tarra and Just For Elephants are an educator's/home-school parents dream. They have wonderful photographs on every page, excellent supporting materials and the Elephant Sanctuary website contains a K-8 downloadable curriculum guide full of fun activities to go along.

Travels With Tarra is the true story of how an elephant and her trainer (author Carol Buckley) became friends and founded an elephant sancturary in Tennessee. The sanctuary provides a haven for old, sick and needy elephants. For younger audiences this book works well as a read-aloud.

Just For Elephants is the non-fiction story of how Shirley the elephant comes to the elephant sanctuary and makes friends with Jenny elephant. It reveals the complexity and intelligence of elephants and their ability to feel and express intense emotions as well as bond with fellow elephants. The picturebook format makes the story accessible for all ages (with teacher/parent support for those age 5 and under).

Oh My! I almost forgot to mention that there is another blog comment giveaway for this post from Tilbury House as well, a collection of 3 animal books: The Goat Lady, Thanks to the Animals and an advance copy of Bear-ly There.

So Comment! Comment! Comment!

(And- anyone who tweets from now- Sept. 9th about the elephant blog tour will also be able to win a copy of Travels With Tarra or Just For Elephants :)

The Spin on Garden Spiders

2009-08-31T15:11:00.000-07:00

We've been staying at my folk's house for a week now. It's the same home I grew up in as a child and I am reminiscing about all the fun times I had playing in the wonderful big backyard, rescuing bees from the pool, feeding the anthills sugarcubes and admiring spider webs glistening with dew in the early morning.

Author Ginger Wadsworth's latest book release Up, Up, and Away just arrived in my mother's mailbox and my son (who loves spiders)immediately snatched it from my hands and ran to the sofa to read it for us. I knew he would love this one.....especially the part where the spider "bites her prey with powerful jaws and sucks up juicy beetle guts or sips fly stew." EEEEeeewwwww!!!! ;) Ginger Wadsworth knows just how to hold a little one's attention.

The story teaches us garden spider facts
while following a little spider who searches for a home of her own. While there are a few moments that may be a little tough for a small child to grasp, (when "a brother crunches a sister for lunch" or when the mother spider "ties the egg sac tight, then dies")they are true to life and nature. These are important moments to take advantage of allowing us as parents and teachers to discuss the natural cycle of death and new life.

Patricia J. Wynne's illustrations are beautiful, bold and colorful. She depicts the Zipper Spider aka the Banana Spider of the South. We had lots of these in our garden in Virginia. I haven't come across any in So. Cal yet. They have bright yellow and black markings on their abdomens and spin silky webs with thick white zig-zags down the center.
Here's the wonderful trailer:

Smile Baby Smile

2009-08-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

Yikes! I know it's been a while since the last post....with a combination of new baby, our big move out west, school starting, Nancy and the bookstore, and a new book release for October, but we are still reading books to our kids daily and my mom just gave me a new book for the baby that I absolutely adore. Smile Baby Smile by Moira Butterfield with illustrations by Rosalind Beardshaw.

Little S is now 4 weeks old and I'm not sure when most babies start smiling, but my mom was able to coax the first smile out of him. I didn't believe her until she started talking to him and I saw him smile! It really wasn't from gas! It was a big wide open mouth smile. I tried to take a picture of it, but each time was too late. Here's his debut picture with the start of a grin that later turned into a smile.

This is the story of a little family just like ours, where baby makes 5 (big brother, little sister and baby brother). When baby starts to cry, everyone in the family try all they can to make him smile again. A song, a game and even a drive in the car don't work. "Then the baby did a funny burp... and then the baby... smiled!"

The Louds Move In

2009-08-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

As I write this, Steve is apartment hunting in L.A. and I know that he will find just the right place for our family to move into. Yesterday he called and said he had found a cute place... EXCEPT that it was upstairs from an old lady. That won't do (our 6 year old son likes to stomp and jump and run) unless............ we do as the "Louds" do!

My fave children's librarian, Sarah gave me the big thumbs up at checkout for The LOUDS Move In. She said to be sure to read it in my best Jersey accent ( oooo I wish Steve were here:)

I read that the author, Carolyn Crimi got the brilliant idea to write this book after hearing a very LOUD family of four choosing a movie at Blockbuster. She thought "Oh my gosh, I am so glad I don't live next to that LOUD family."

All the neighbors on Earmuffle Ave. engage in silent, solitary hobbies (pin cushion collecting, watching a goldfish ...) and hardly speak to one another. When the Loud family moves in, they are friendly and welcoming as well as loud, funny and a little chaotic.

The quiet neighbors start off disliking the Louds, asking them to leave and then come to miss the family and their friendliness when they are away. When the Louds return, they are happily welcomed back.

The neighbors change of heart brings a nice ending to the book and is very heartwarming.

Regan Dunnick's illustrations capture the emotional feel of the characters with the Loud family's happy, wide, open mouths and the quiet neighbors with closed mouths -until the end.

This is a fun, feel-good book about reaching out to accept and appreciate others and letting a little bit of noisy friendship into your life. I hope it will encourage young readers to keep an open mind about others and not to prejudge.

I also hope our new neighbors will be kind and accepting.

A Sweet Print

2009-08-08T14:35:00.000-07:00

I bought this print today for you Nancy as a bookstore/house warming gift to hang in the New shop. I LOVE this artist, Emily Martin and can't wait for her to have some childrens picture books out someday. Her style is soooo dreamy and sweet.
Congratulations to you and family as well. These really are exciting times!

Lullaby for Baby

2009-08-07T20:26:00.000-07:00

This is such a lovely musical collaboration- I thought I would post it for Kim's new baby. Enjoy!
Slumber My Darling Alison Krauss and Yo Yo Ma.

Coastside Books, Linden Tree,TTMD and Baby!!!

2009-07-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

As I've been busy with Coastside Books- Hey I got an article in the Half Moon Bay Review this week! I also read that another local independent bookstore, Linden Tree is looking for a new owner. The couple who started the store are planning retirement after 25 years in business and I do hope the community will rally to find a buyer to step-up and keep the doors open to this valuable resource.

Many of you many have read Through the Magic Door's, Charles Bayless' opinions on the kidlit listserv following the blogger/publisher relationship thread. I particularly liked TTMD's slide-show presentation on Building a Reading Culture which I've embedded below. Bayless notes that 50% of the population elects not to read anything other than what is necessary for their jobs or to function in society. Are we as a society that distracted? Is it consumer culture that is robbing us of time to read and reflect? Beethoven said that music was the medium between the spiritual and sensual worlds. I think that is also true for art and literature. And where besides the majesty of nature is your favorite place for discovery?

As I've been writing this post, I just got a call that Kim had her baby! It's grandmother Caroline's birthday too! Congratulations Kim and Steve! We can't wait to meet him!!!!

Growing A Reading Culture

View more presentations from Charles Bayless.

2009 Tattoo Barbie

2009-07-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

One thing that I love to do for visual inspiration is browse etsy and add images to my favorites. Last night I came across these magnetic paper dolls. Oh, I could have soooo much fun playing dress-up with these tattoo ladies on my fridge! Aren't they lovely?

While filling up on visual inspiration, I came across an article featuring the hottest toys of the summer and found the contoversial and top selling "Tattoo Barbie" near the top of the list.
Jokingly, I told my husband, "Maybe we should get this for S," (my sister's little girl who will turn 3 in a few days).

Ironically, my sister just called me this morning from a coffee shop because the barrista there had beautiful colorful tattoos on her shoulder and it somehow reminded her of me. I told her about tattoo barbie and we laughed. We both agreed this was a post-worthy subject!

For Barbie's 50th Birthday this year, Mattel has released Totally Stylin' Tattoos Barbie. It must be a sign of the times. She has over 40 fun tattooo stickers for both the doll and the kids and even comes with a pink tattoo stamp gun!
While I see this as a future collector's item and something hilarious that's also edgy and cool, I probably wouldn't buy it for my own daughter. And my goodness Barbie! I wouldn't recommend any young girl to get a tattoo of a man's name on her body!

That's a BIG No No Noooooo! in my book.

Okay, since this IS a blog about childrens literature, I found this untoppable kidlit tattoo blog post by 100 Scopenotes. Seems there are kids books about EVERYTHING nowdays!

Can you believe this one? Mommy Has A Tattoo Oh....I just can't stop laughing!

And here's some more for your entertainment:

She's Lost Her Head

2009-07-11T16:23:00.000-07:00

Summer has become a blur of raising young children and navigating the details involved with a new business venture. It seems the last few days I've been bumping up against images of headless dolls, and the Red Queen. My three year old exclaimed very matter of factly, "Yes well, she's lost her head." I took that as a metaphorical reflection of my personality the past week. Children know us and test us. It's their job.
"The Gryphon sat up and rubbed its eyes: then it watched the Queen till she was out of sight: then it chuckled. 'What fun!' said the Gryphon, half to itself, half to Alice.

'What is the fun?' said Alice

'Why she,' said the Gryphon. 'It's all her fancy, that: they never executes nobody, you know. Come on!'"
- Lewis Carrol

The photo is from Tim Burton's version of Alice in Wonderland due out in March. Burton's fiance, Helena Bonham Carter plays the Red Queen. We won't be taking the kiddos to see this film, but I'm looking forward to it. BTW late in the evening when all the household mess is somewhat cleared I've been escaping the noise and clutter with Olive Kitteridge . It's terrific summer reading.

For Pizza Lovers

2009-07-03T05:49:00.000-07:00

Tony and the Pizza Champions is a picture book that was just released this year,2009. It was written by the famous nine-time world winning pizza champion himself, Tony Gemignani.

It's a fun book for kids of all ages based on the true story of Tony and his team's travel to Italy to compete in an international pizza tossing competition. It also includes Tony's famous pizza recipe and dough tossing instructions (which we haven't tried yet).

Matthew Trueman who was raised in Italy and is now living in New Jersey, did a Primo job with his colorful illustrations, capturing the humor of it all.

Tony and his brother Frank own Pyzano's Pizza in Northern California and just opened up a new place: Napoletana and pizza school in North Beach, San Francisco. We'll have to stop by for an autograph and a slice when we visit Nancy.

Because I can't talk about our family trip to New York without mentioning pizza! Here I am, round as a tomato (due any day) enjoying a slice at Stromboli's with the kids. While the sauce here is on the sweet side, it's perfect for the kids' first taste of New York and it's in my old East Village neighborhood which brings me back to many a good time.

By the way, the hottest new pizza joint in NYC is Artichoke Pizza on 14th street, so if you're on the east coast, be sure to get a slice!

Now here's the Amazing Tony:

Coastside Books and Lafayette Library

2009-06-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

I've always been a DIYer and when a good bookstore in our little town closed and another went up for sale, we pulled together all our resources and some future resources and decided to buy and run the store. So now I'm in the midst of owning a store and all that entails, promoting Maybelle, Bunny of the North which released April 1st and publishing Marjolein Varekamp's book, A Wonderful Week, which releases October 1st. Yeah it's a busy season in my life.

Coastside Books has been in Half Moon Bay for 30 years and we will be the third owners. Our oldest daughter will start kindergarten in the fall and our little one has one more year of preschool, so I'm jumping back into full-time work in September. Is it a bit risky? Probably, but life is short, the children are growing quickly. Soon enough there will be college to pay for and I don't need to be telling stories about the missed opportunities of my youthful days when I'm 80- God willing I'll ever be 80. Plus the bookstore business will dovetail nicely with our fledgling publishing projects and it all makes me happy and grateful.

Kim is also in the middle of big changes. Here she is, almost ready to deliver their third child in July and reading Maybelle, Bunny of the North to a group of children at the Layfayette Library's Storytime. I love that the book is available for circulation in libraries and Keith Patterson's endearing illustrations are reaching a wider audience. Kim and her family are moving to California a month after the baby is born. And she is working on illustrations for a book of stories that we plan to release in the spring. I'm not the only one juggling here : ))

Because of this juggling I'm behind on letting you all know about these links to Maybelle Reviews from fellow kidslit bloggers and a post at the Two Sister's Bakery in Homer, Alaska! Enjoy the weekend!!!

Menasha Library
(BTW this is an excellent resource for children's literature.)

Examiner.com Children's Book Reviews
(By the wonderful children's writer, and also very busy, Lori Calabrese)

Two Sisters Bakes
(This is a fun blogspot with recipes, and what's on their ipod.)

The Moomins Take Over NYC

2009-06-20T04:50:00.000-07:00

Our Trip to New York was Fabulous and I must report several Moomin sightings all over town. I've always found NYC to be way ahead with the trends and the book stores and toy stores must be well aware from PW that the Moomin books by Tove Jansson are being re-released for their 65th anniversary next year (by Square Fish, the Macmillan imprint) with new cover art by Taeeun Yoo. There will also be some new Pre-school Moomin books! I haven't read all of the original books and I can't wait to have them in our collection.

The Moomins were very popular throughout Europe and Japan in the 60's and 70's but their popularity didn't reach America. Our last night in the city was spent with a friend who grew up in Japan and I got to sleep on a Moomins pillow case! She told me that the Moomins are very big in Japan right now and that's where much of the adorable product spoons, bowls, plush dolls and candies are made these days.

The Old Pirate of Central Park

2009-06-11T03:34:00.000-07:00

We had a blast at the annual Hampton Blackbeard Festival this year. Especially little D! Unfortunately, his friend and little sister were afraid to get in this shot........

In a few days we will be headed to New York City for a family vacation and so, I thought I'd combine our vacation fun with this one great book: The Old Pirate of Central Park. Originally, I picked up this book because the illustrations looked like lionocuts and I was baffled by how the artist/author, Robert Priest managed to block in all the colors to perfection. After reading the copyright page I learned that his method was not linocut but airbrushed enamel on clayboard, amazing! Stencils and scratching? I may have to track down Mr. Priest for an interview and find out more.

The kids' choice for bedtime for the past 3 nights, it's the story of an old, retired pirate living in New York city. He builds a tiny replica vessel of his ship, The Laughing Dog, and sets it to sail on the model boat pond in Central Park. Then, along comes a retired queen with her ship, The S.S. Uppity Duchess, which took over the pond nearly sinking all the other ships and sailboats. A cannonball war ensues between the two and "Thus began the infamous Battle of Central Park." The cannonballs were flying and "people hid under tables and dogs broke free and ran wild after years of being cooped up in tiny apartments."

Finally a truce is called as both retirees need to go home to take their naps. Now these two "Old Retirates" become the best of friends and can be found sitting together on a bench beside the pond in Central Park. I will be on the lookout for them when we visit.

The Central Park Water Conservancy model boat pond was inspired by the model boat ponds of Paris. It was also the setting for E. B. White's famous boat race in Stuart Little.

So if you're in New York with your little pirates, be sure to drop by the sailboat pond located on the east side between 72-75th Street. It's free and so much fun!

Connecting the Dots

2009-06-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

My apologies for not posting as frequently these last few months. Kim has been posting extra which is great and she always has fun books, insights and links to share. The girls and I have been reading some terrific picture books daily and I've been keeping a mental list. A very special book that hasn't hit the mainstream, and likely won't, is titled Me and My Bike by Ander.

The small press Heryin published the English edition translated from Japanese. Kudos to Heryin for making this title available to the US market through Independent Publishers Group. If you liked Pink by Nan Gregory, Me and My Bike has a similar theme. The story is about a boy and his family in a humble, suburban Japanese setting. The boy rides his grandfather's old, too-big, banged-up bicycle around town while dreaming of owning a new shiny, fast bike. When his best friend bought the bike he wanted, he found a way to ride it tandem until a little too much adventure sent them both into a pond. And when he was no longer allowed to ride his friend's bike, his mother said he could have a new bike if his grades improved. He studied extra hard and got straight A's but alas there was no money for a new bike. Realizing that his mom worked extra hard for the family, he made a decision that instead of a new bike he would get a new box of crayons and put a fresh coat of paint on his old bike and then he would have new crayons and a new bike!

Ander worked in an animation company that produced numerous children's films before creating this first book. It's funny and quirky and heartwarming. The dogs bark like "wang wang" instead of bow wow and the street signs are written in Japanese. We all get to do a bit of arm-chair travelling with this story. The true message, however, is about the boy's ingenuity and newly found maturity. Children under five will enjoy the illustrations but older children will have a more complete and deeper understanding of the boy's situation and actions. It's always interesting to think of childhood events that had great significance in our lives. Maybe the events themselves weren't extrordinary, but the way we viewed and reacted to those events were. Steve Jobs, CEO and co-founder of Apple and Pixar refers to it as connecting the dots. He said in his 2005 commencement address at Stanford that we can't necessarily connect the dots into the future but we can to the past. I've made some exciting decisions lately which I'll write about in an upcoming post, and I've included this inspirational video of Steve Jobs' address to the graduates. If you haven't yet seen it, or even if you have, it's well worth watching.

Mustache Mania

2009-05-29T15:22:00.000-07:00

Moosetache by Margie Palatini has become one of our new favorite books this summer. It has loads of tongue twisters and fun illustrations by Henry Cole. Plus, it's also a sweet little love story and a 1997 publication that's way ahead of it's time.

In case you haven't noticed, mustaches have been cool for a while now. Maybe not the one on your face, but product designers everywhere have been celebrating the mustache. Hip hip hooray for the mustache!!!
Not the one on your face.........but on everything else.
Look! A mustache cookie cutter. Who knew cookie decorating could be so much fun!

Some mustache pencils for Back to School.

A custom mustache onesie for the new baby!

This cute little mustache mania tote is perfect for those trips to the library when you end up checking out way more books than you had planned on. Here's a list of kids books to fill it with:

The Magic Mustache by Gary Barwin

The Rajah's Moustache by Asha Nehmiah

Big Bushy Mustache by Gary Soto

Sammy Keyes & the Curse of Mustache Mary
by Wendelin VanDraanen

When you read mustache books to your kids, it's a good idea to have some of these self-adhesive mustaches handy. Makes reading even more fun!

World Music For Kids

2009-05-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

Right now we are listening to the sounds of World Playground, A Musical Adventure for Kids. It's the cd compilation of world music from a complete activity kit by Putumayo. It's an introduction to the people, places and music of six continents and it's full of cultural information and hands on activities. If you are homeschooling, I highly recommend this program. It does require a lot of child/ parent interaction.

Children love music and I believe in the importance of multicultural awareness through music. It's a fun way to learn about the world we live in and bring everyone closer together.

You will get to visit the countries of : Senegal, Bolivia, Chile, Jamaica, Australia, Canada, Greece, France, Democratic Republic of Congo, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Israel, Ethiopia and the USA and you can sing along to all the songs from each country, because the lyrics are included (with translation too).

Here's a fun Kids clip from Putumayo's Animal Playground:

Cycle of Rice, Cycle of Life

2009-05-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

Lee & Low Books is visionary in its choice of educational books for children. They've published the Vanishing Cultures series by Jan Reynolds as well as her 2007 Children's Book of the Year, Celebrate! Connections Among Cultures.

Reynolds' newly released title Cycle of Rice Cycle of Life : A Story of Sustainable Farming is a primer for teaching ecology and sustainability to elementary school children. But it is also an engaging photo documentary of Bali, the land and the social and spiritual interdependency of rice and the Balinese people. My 5-year-old thoroughly enjoyed our exploration of this book together. Jan Reynolds thoughtfully connects science and social studies with visual imagery that explains a rather complex system in a way children as young as five can understand. An excellent interview with Jan Reynolds about the making of this book can be found on the Lee & Low site. Here are two excerpts from that interview:

When did you first become interested in Balinese rice farming?
"I wanted to teach sustainability, but it is a big word for small children. Molly Bang, a scientist and children’s author, suggested using rice to teach the concept. When I did some investigating, I found that rice farming in Bali was the best example to teach sustainable agriculture. That was about twelve years ago, and sustainability was not a commonly heard term."

Of the things you learned while researching Cycle of Rice, Cycle of Life, what caught your interest the most?
"What caught my interest most was the fact that the farmers all had herds of ducks. This made explaining the cycle of sustainability easy. The ducks ate the pests (bugs) and fertilized the field (manure), so they were the natural pesticide and fertilizer for the rice fields. No chemicals were used. This way of farming had been followed without detriment to the environment for more than one thousand years. It was sustainable!"

Reynolds completed an environmental studies program at the University of Vermont back in the 1970's so naturally she was compelled to write about the topic of sustainability, but it actually took 10 years before a publisher would take on this project. The term, sustainability had been considered too unfamiliar for children. So I'm thinking, if we had been talking with our children about how the food we eat is grown and about our "ecological footprint" ten years ago, how would our shopping and eating habits be different now? Maybe it's time for some reform- starting with the groceries we buy. Sustainability starts in the fields. It starts with knowledge and awareness of the interdependency we have with our environment. Cycle of Rice, Cycle of Life seamlessly and beautifully explains this concept for children. You will find a three part video presentation of material in this important book on Jan Reynold's website. And if you are not yet familiar with her Vanishing Cultures series, it's well worth seeking out and sharing.

I Love Mommy

2009-05-10T04:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms of the world!
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes,
because that is the doorway to her heart,
the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
but the beauty of a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is in the caring that she lovingly gives,
the passion that she shows,
and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

I Love Mommy by Lizi Boyd is a super sturdy picture book (perfect for all: babies, toddlers and their older siblings) with sweet, rounded edges on the pages and beautiful contemporary illustrations done in gouache. Capturing those simple shared moments of mother and child that all moms can relate to. It has a companion book as well, I Love Daddy, because Father's Day is right around the corner!

Here is a link to Design is Mine's beautiful photo round-up of mother and child. Enjoy the day.

Chris Raschka, Bridget Zinn Auction & Maybelle Reviews!

2009-05-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

I'm a little groggy and soggy from four days of rain and no outdoor play with the girls so what could be more amusing (Disney aside please) than poetry! A Kick in the Head An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms is an illustrated collection of 29 poems by various writers each written in a different form such as a cinquain, sonnet, ballad, ode, haiku and others. A short explanation of the rules for each particular poetic form is listed in the back of the book as well as at the bottom of the page. The author suggests reading the poem once then reading the rules of the poetic form and then rereading the poem. Notice if you experience the poem differently and appreciate the art form more.

The team that created A Poke in the Eye, Paul B. Janeczko and Chris Raschka have brought us a vibrant, amusing and instructional book. Caldecott award winning artist Chris Raschka's paint and torn paper collage illustrations compliment the poetry of Shakespeare, Gary Soto, Paul B. Janeczko and other greats.

I have yet to get my hands on the newly released, A Foot in the Mouth: Poems to Speak, Sing and Shout, the third illustrated collection of poetry by this team but if I like it look for another review here.

I have news from the Kidlitosphere. Jone MacCulloch author of the blogs, MacLibrary and Deowriter is organizing an aution for fellow blogger and children's author, Bridget Zinn who we pray is getting stronger and healthier each day with love and treatment. Treatment is expensive and to help offset some of the medical bills many of us have contributed to this very important cause. Jone is posting the details at BridgetZinnAuction. We hope to have lots of participation and Bees Knees Books is donating a copy of Maybelle, Bunny of the North and a sweet plush companion bunny. There are some terrific items up for auction so please stop by and participate.

Maybelle, Bunny of the North is getting some great reviews and it's very exciting! We are honored to receive reviews from these writers/educators whose blog posts are always well crafted. I'm posting the links to three reviews in order of posting date below:

The Reading Tub

Write for a Reader

The Book Chook

Thank you Terry, Shelly and Susan for including this small press debut and introducing author/illustrator Keith Patterson to your readers!

I think you will enjoy this clip of Chris Raschka showing some of his original picture book mocks. Now I feel inspired to spend the rainy day indoors making little books together : )

Kimchi and Pregnancy

2009-04-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

With this pregnancy, I have been craving kimchi and apparently I am not alone! My best friend Merry from Jr. High School (also prego) told me that she dearly misses her mom's Korean cooking. Mmmmm spicy is right!

When I found Babies Can't Eat Kimchee by Nancy Patz, I had to get it. It's so much fun to read and the collaborative illustrations/collages with Susan Roth are loose, colorful, wild and wonderful. No rules here.

When a baby sister comes along, there's not too much a big sister can do but wait and wait and wait.... and dream about what's to come. This is a super book to read to the older sibling/siblings who are expecting a new baby brother or sister. It starts out negative with all the things babies can't do and switches to positive with all the fun things older siblings can teach and share with the baby as it grows.

Here's my favorite kimchi recipe find by Maangchi: Making Kimchi

If you are vegan, here's another great kimchi recipe by Julie Hasson sans the oysters and fish sauce.

It's Potty Time

2009-04-26T04:08:00.000-07:00

Finally the weather is warm, which means less clothes to wash and wear and potty training time for little C has begun. Just look at this adorable and unique handpainted throne I found!
Since this is not my first time around the block with potty training, I've gathered some of my son's books and with a trip to the library, I've come up with this list of:
Favorite Potty Training Books
1. Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi- All creatures great and small need to eat...and poop.
2. I Want My Potty by Tony Ross- Through trial and error, a little princess finally learns to use the potty.
3. My Big Girl Potty by Joanna Cole- A girl learns to use the toilet with some help from her favorite stuffed bunny. (also available as a boy's version with a stuffed bear). I must add that Joanna Cole is the grandmother of one of my son's Kindergarten peers. She came in to his class and Personally autographed I'm A Big Brother for him. She has written so many wonderful and helpful books for children. Thanks Joanna!
4. Once Upon A Potty by Alona Frankel- Straight talk about taking the big step from diapers to potty. This one's a TRUE classic.
5. Tinkle, Tinkle, Little Tot by Bruce Lansky- Fun songs and rhymes for toilet training ( a cd version is also available).
6. The Potty Train by David Hochman and Ruth Kennison- Time to say goodbye to diapers and take the journey to underpants station. Because all little ones are so fascinated with trains.
7. Have You Seen My Potty? by Mij Kelly- Suzy Sue has something important to do but someone has snatched her potty away. Can you help her find her potty?
There are so many great potty training books out there. For a good dose of humor, instruction and inspiration, I recommend these for introducing potty training to the whole family. Please let me know in the comments if I've missed any of your favorites.

Event Pics!

2009-04-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

Our debut book, Maybelle, Bunny of the North is sailing the seas of post pub land and here are few pics from our launch events.

Keith Patterson signing books at Malaprops Bookstore/Cafe. Nancy reading Maybelle at Ink Spell Books, and Kim at the Norfolk Library's preschool storytime. We'll keep you updated with more Maybelle events. Please contact us if you are in Northern CA, near Norfolk, VA or Asheville, NC and would like to set up an event. BTW Keith is working on a new story with Maybelle and her friends. I'll see if I can get an illustration as a sneak peek.

It's About Daughters

2009-04-14T12:49:00.000-07:00

After a beautiful Easter weekend, the girls are on spring break and my regular work hours are shot. So, instead of fighting them for a little me time, here's to loftier sentiments and the poetry of Neil Gaiman's Blueberry Girl . I thought I would include this video of Neil reading the poem he wrote for Tori Amos when she was pregnant with baby Tash. The luscious, magical illustrations by Charles Vess paired with Gaiman's lyrical poetry make a truly splendid picture book. "It's just really about daughters."-N.G.

Ready, Set.................Go!

2009-04-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

Every year our wonderful neighbors host a giant Easter Egg Hunt for family and kids in the neighborhood.

When the bell rings, they're off!

C found tons of eggs this year and D counted all the quarters he found in his plastic eggs and is already planning on which lego set to buy next.

Then we had a visit with the Easter Bunny...............

and C brought along her Maybelle bunny for a grand garden tour. Maybelle, Bunny of the North is out and available now, just in time for Spring, so don't forget to get yourself a copy and a bunny too!

Happy Egg Hunting!

Moving

2009-04-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

We just moved to a new home. Everything is still in boxes and bags. I have no idea what's in those boxes or bags and where C found that flag! Moving can be a bit hectic and confusing for young children. No matter how much you try to prepare them and make it as smooth a transition as possible, there will be changes. Luckily, we only moved a few blocks away.....at least for now. The big move out west comes in 5 months after the new arrival.

It's almost ironic that Sarah (the childrens librarian at the Pretlow Library) handed me a stack of new books that just arrived today and I picked out Bandit. Turns out, this is a picture book all about moving to a new home.

The first page spread (image on the right) is hilarious. Bandit is a character of a cat who reminds me of Archie Bunker!

I knew my son would love this one, especially with the comic book style bubbles, plus little C is really into cats right now.........and I was right, they ate it up at bedtime.

Karen Rostoker-Gruber is the author and its brilliantly illustrated pop art style is the work of artist Vincent Nguyen.

It's a fun read for any child facing the transitions of moving to a new home.

Maybelle, Bunny of the North Releases Today!!!!

2009-04-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

It's True!

Maybelle, Bunny of the North by Keith Patterson, published by Bees Knees Books releases today!!! We were thrilled to get a review in Publishers Weekly to share with you. Here's the best bit:

Patterson's unassuming watercolor vignettes manage to be both winsome and reportorial, which gives them an intriguing staying power - this is one of those books capable of quietly working its way into a child's imagination and staying there.

More about the book:
The Alaskan outdoors is the majestic playground that serves as the backdrop for Maybelle, Bunny of the North. A whimsical study of the seasons, this tale follows the high-spirited Maybelle as she experiences the soothing aspects of nature. Whether she's scampering in the fireweed, sloshing through the melting snow and ice or visiting the Two Sisters Bakery, she always has time to say "hi" to her neighbors. Her adventures wind down as she eases into sleep with the help of a goodnight song and a book.

maybellebunny.com is our book website. Thank you to Elena for creating such a clever little site that fits the style of this sweet book so well. We'll be celebrating the release Saturday. Keith will be signing books at Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe in Asheville, NC and I'll be at Inskspell Books in Half Moon Bay, CA. Maybelle Bunny of the North is available here on our site, through your local bookstore, at our distributor IPG or online booksellers. Cheers!

Burger Boy and Hamburger Baby

2009-03-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

I found it! Last summer when we were visiting family in California (and the ALA of course), my sister and I managed to steal some minutes while my husband watched the kids in the play park in Malibu. Only a few steps away was a wonderful little toy shop with a bookshelf tucked in the corner. It was there that we found Burger Boy. I remember laughing outloud as we read it together. It's a hilarious, cautionary tale by Alan Durant , brilliantly illustrated by Mei Matsuoka. The story is about a little boy named Benny who only eats hamburgers. When his mother's warning comes true and he turns into a hamburger, he is chased all over town by dogs, cows and boys. His mother finally saves him, takes him home and feeds him vegetables. Soon he morphs back into a little boy. The surprise ending is the best, but I'll leave that one for you.

Hamburger Baby is a sweet little handmade toy that I found on etsy. It's made by 7polkadots and I think it's genius. Baby and teddy fit inside the little burger carrying pouch. Oh, how I would have loved this at age 6.........

Okay, I'll admit it, I'd love it now!

Stop the Wind

2009-03-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

Today is officially the first day of Spring and it's cold and windy. How the Ladies Stopped the Wind makes for a great read on a day like this.

Author Bruce McMillan has written several stories which take place in Iceland. While I have never been to Iceland, I have only heard raving reviews about this wonderful country. My sister Nancy stopped in Iceland during a mini Euro tour with her husband and little ones in tow. She told me that Iceland was the most child-friendly out of all the countries she visited. My husband also told me that during his visit, his friend, (an Iceland native) told him he could knock on the queen's door and she would invite him in for tea! While I love Bjork and all things Iceland, someday, I vow to go there.

Artist Gunnella's colorful,folksy-style paintings pair well with this humorous, whimsical story of villager women who try to stop the wind by planting saplings which are eaten by the sheep. But the ever-singing Icelandic ladies are determined. They replant trees and fence in the sheep and keep the chickens around to fetilize. Soon the countryside is full of trees and the people in the village never have to worry about the wind.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed

2009-03-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

How did that wacky Mo Willems come up with a naked mole rat as a story character? Was it because they're so cuddly and adorable? He and Trixie probably had a good belly laugh ooh and awe at these fascinating creatures.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed is classic Mo Willems. It's a beautifully executed book with a wry sense of humor and a lesson coddled in there. "(Naked mole rats can be very sarcastic...)"

Wilber likes to wear clothes, and despite teasing from the rest of the naked mole rats he opens a clothing shop. What will the "oldest, greatest, most naked naked mole rat" Grand-pah do about it? Well, he'll make a Proclamation! Wilber must go to hear the proclamation but he doesn't know what to wear. We see him try out different outfits- very funny Mo. Then he decides to attend naked like all the other naked mole rats. BUT he forgets to take off his socks! What does Gran-pah proclaim? In this epic tale, Mo tells us we really need only remember three things: "1. Some of the mole rats were naked. 2. Some of the mole rats were clothed. 3. All of the mole rats had a great time."

As with all of Mo Willems stories. Here is another you will read together over and over and smile every time.

Expecting

2009-03-13T10:42:00.000-07:00

Your Grandfather brought over this rocking chair. " I sat in it to rock your sister and then you," Grandma told me. "Now you will have your own baby to sing to and to hold." _ Eve Bunting

The secret is out.....................

Yes, I am expecting!
It's an exciting time for our family, but now I am trying to prepare our 2 year old for a new sibling. Our "baby" girl will become a big sister this summer and before the BIG arrival, I want her to know that she was loved before she was born and that she will always be important and loved in our family.

So, once again, my hands picked out an Eve Bunting book! This one's from 2008, Blue Sky Press, titled: You Were Loved Before You Were Born.

As a person with a visual mindset, I immediately fell for the gorgeous cover-art by Karen Barbour. Her work in this book somehow reminds me of a cross between Gustav Klimt and early Picasso (modernized to our millenium, of course).

Cowboy Party and Little Donkey's Present

2009-03-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up with straw in my hair. I'm not sure how it got in my bed, but it was a wild west week-end with my son's 6th birthday party.

We had a boot pinata, cookie decorating, stick-horse races, bean-bag in the cowboy hat toss and bobbing for apples. It was the first time in 6 years that we were able to have an outdoor party in glorious Virginia spring-like weather and it was a blast!

During the gift-giving, one mom was telling us how she almost had to buy her son the same lego gift box that he gave to our son. He wanted it for himself.

A conflict for many young children is to give away the birthday present they helped pick out. This reminded me of the sweet picture book, Little Donkey And The Birthday Present by Dutch author, Rindert Kromhout.

After little donkey and his mama buy the present, he tries to figure a way out of his dilemma. First he tries to lose the shiny red kite, but mama finds it. Then he says he has a tummy ache but mama tells him they will deliver the gift and he won't stay for cake.

In the end, donkey gives yak the gift and discovers that playing kite with his friend is as fun as having his own.

Annemarie van Haeringen's illustrations of yaks in red trousers and donkeys in pajamas and the calm wisdom of mama will win over everyone's hearts as it has mine!

Cybils Picture Book Winner 2009

2009-03-04T14:06:00.000-08:00

I know. I know I'm really, really late reviewing the Cybils picture book award winner, How to Heal a Broken Wing. I have to say the engagingly illustrated episodes by Bob Graham make this heartwarming book a childhood treasure.

Do you remember taking in a wild animal, maybe say a bird that flew into your sliding glass door and was seriously injured? Recollections of caring for a scared animal in a cardboard box and nursing it back to health connects adults, children and wildlife. We nurture and we let go. It's about how we bond with animals and each other. And how we need to take care of one another. Each creature plays a very special and sacred role in the web of life.

" A lose feather can't be put back ... but a broken wing can sometimes heal. With rest... and time... and a little hope... a bird may fly again."

That may be the bulk of the text right there but not at all the bulk of the story. Bob Graham brilliantly captures the actions and emotions of a boy and his parents as they find and take in a city pigeon with a broken wing that would otherwise have been left to die, ignored and stepped over in the big city. You must suspect the bird heals. It does, and this story is an uplifting allegorical tale for all ages.

Award-winning Australian author/illustrator Bob Graham says he didn't start writing/ illustrating books for children until he was out of a job due to illness but that drawing has always been a constant theme in his life. He is gifted with taking otherwise everyday events and making them interesting to kids. Great job Cybils judges! How to Heal a Broken Wing is precious!

Turtle Love

2009-02-24T15:29:00.001-08:00

I love turtles and tortoises. We grew up with plenty of California desert tortoises in our backyard. That's me on the left feeding Mongo a humongous piece of juicy lettuce.
While it is still winter and all the tortoises are in hibernation, dreaming of spring blooms, I am settling down with a nice cup of ginger tea and reading Emma's Turtle to my toddler. She especially loves the imagery.

Illustrator Marsha Winborn is a graduate of Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California and now lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She is the illustrator of more than 35 books and she really knows how to bring a smile to a child's face. My little C loves her silly bugs and orange striped cat the best and I think the turtle and garden gnome are the sweetest.

Eve Bunting is the author and she is also a Caldecott Medal winner for her book, Smoky Night. She lives in Pasadena, California.
Emma's turtle lives in a backyard pen. He loves to listen to Emma's stories about far away lands and one day decides to see the world beyond his pen. He adventures only a few yards from his home and imagines he is in Australia, India and China. Turtles walk very slow and he is happy when he finds Emma who puts him back in his pen and feeds him strawberry slices. mmmm It's almost strawberry season!
Okay, here's one more picture of Mongo and I. I asked my mom if she could dig up a picture of me with a turtle and she sent 5! (It was a tough decision.) Mongo is still around and roaming freely in our parents' backyard. I wonder how old she is now........

No, I want Daddy And Spring

2009-02-21T09:18:00.000-08:00

Children change their allegiance like the weather especially if they don't get what they want. No, I want Daddy! written by Nadine Brun-Cosme and illustrated by Michel Backes wonderfully illustrates this childhood sentiment.

"Anna comes home from school feeling happy and full of plans." But her mama said no to candy, TV and no to a playdate. Mama was in a bad mood and Anna didn't understand why. So when Daddy comes home Anna is delighted and wants nothing to do with mama. She even sends her away at tuck in time. But Anna can't sleep. (OK as I'm writing this post my three year old hid this book so I would get off the computer, but now I've recovered it.) Anna can't sleep. She feels like crying as she watches the door. Then she sees mama's shadow and she feels much better. Mama apologizes that she was tired so she said no to everything. Tomorrow Anna can have her friend over. Mama reads a bedtime story and with a kiss and a hug, "Anna happily closes her eyes... and falls fast asleep." I really like to have books at home that describe/illustrate emotions for young children who may not yet have the words to explain feelings of rejection, remorse or discontent.

Discontent reminds me of the opening paragraph from The Wind in the Willows. After the torrential rains we've had here, the sun is shining and I'm watching spring flowers pop up everywhere. Welcome Spring!

The Mole had been working very hard all the morning, spring-cleaning his little home.... Spring was moving in the air above and in the earth below and around him, penetrating even his dark and lowly little house with its spirit of divine discontent and longing.

President's Day

2009-02-16T08:55:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to share this picture book which was sent to me by William Marks, the independent author/publisher of 3 wonderful books. He is also the father of 3 young children.

Rhyme is the ideal picture book to review on President's Day. It's the story of a pig named Rhyme who lives in the town of Muck. He is popular amongst the other pigs and gets elected to the Sty Council. Rhyme's slogan throughout the story becomes "Dirt Doesn't Hurt" and all the pigs are happy as he is successful in keeping the streets dirty. When Rhyme takes time off to move to another city, his archrival, Ulyses S. Grunt is elected Penator and cleans up the streets. The the pigs of Muck are unhappy. Rhyme realizes he misses his dirty town and returns to Muck. He defeats Grunt and is elected Penator and once again, the streets of Muck are dirty and every pig is joyful.

William Marks is the founder of MPC Press which stands for (Marks Publishing Company). It's always inspiring to know that" if you have a book that you want to print and can't find a publisher, you can always do it yourself." (quote taken from Will's interview at Book Bites for Kids on BlogtalkRadio). Also, if you have written a book and you are not an illustrator, Will suggests searching the internet for artists. That's how he found Erin Gennow.

Erin's watercolors are sweet and fun. It made me laugh to see all the shops and buildings she illustrated for the town of Muck with names like Boar-ders Books, the Church of Styentology and Pen-ny's Cafe.

Rhyme is a great book for teaching children about famous Presidential speeches. There is a glossary at the end with the original sources for Rhyme's famous speeches. For instance, Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg address becomes the source for:

Four boars, whom some of you may know,

Found this land seven years ago.

Right here where you're sitting down,

They brought forth Muck, a new town-

Where every pig, every snout

Is created equal, none left out.

...So I say to this crowd:

Of Muck we shall all be proud

The speeches make it extra fun for parents to read aloud to their kids. Enjoy President's Day!

Momma, Where Are You From?

2009-02-11T10:48:00.000-08:00

In honor of February's Black History Month, I want to share Momma, Where Are You From? by Marie Bradby. The story is told as a mother's reply to her daughter's question about her childhood and is written in gorgeous, poetic, visual detail. "To get to where Momma comes from you have to travel through the roads of memory."

"I'm from Monday mornings washing loads of clothes in the wringing washer, " Momma begins. She recalls the cries of the fishermen selling croakers, the tunes of Ellington and Basie, and the bus that carried her older brothers and sisters way across town past school, after school, after school until it stopped at the school where all the students were brown- some light, some dark, and some in between.

This mother's story reminded me of Hampton Roads, Virginia, where the croaker fish are abundant in the Chesapeake Bay, the neighbors share green beans from their gardens and we kick the gumballs from the gumball trees on our walks to school. It turns out, the author, Marie Bradby is a graduate of Hampton University!

The local news has been celebrating the 50 year anniversary(not long ago) of the Norfolk 17. A time when, even after the Brown v. Board of Education ruling, 151 transfer requests of black students to attend white schools were denied. However, the district court decided it would "grudgingly admit 17 of the 151 applicants to 6 of the city's all-white secondary schools." The schools were not happy with the decision and closed down until February 2, 1959 when the closings were ruled unconstitutional.

Chris Soentpiet has won more awards for his illustrations than any artist I know of. His watercolors are warm, glowingly gorgeous and humanly realistic. These are two of my favorite images. The little girl with the green beans reminded me of a super simple, tasty recipe that my dear friend Kim gave me. It was her Nana's who is from Portsmouth, VA:

Good Southern Green Beans

For every 1lb of green beans, (or 15.5 oz. can undrained)

add 1 tbsp. of white sugar

1 tbsp. red wine vinegar

1 tbsp. of butter

cook on low in a covered pot for 1-2 hours

check fluid regularly

Enjoy!

The Bestest Lauren Child

2009-02-10T10:18:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking this morning how much we LOVE Charlie and Lola, well all of Lauren Child's characters really. She is amazing because not only does she illustrate and write picture books, she is the associate producer of Disney's Charlie and Lola programming. We don't watch a lot of TV or videos because they distract from activity time and reading time but the Charlie and Lola program is so well done it's a natural transition from book to animated series. Other book characters have successfully made the transition. I'm thinking of Clifford, Curious George, and Martha the Talking Dog right now, but they are familiar cartoons while Charlie and Lola is animated mixed-media. Note: One of our favorite lift the flap books is Sizzles is Completely not here. And below is the Bestest clip... LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Charlie and Lola!

What Happens on Wednesdays

2009-01-28T07:38:00.001-08:00

Yeesh! I started writing this post last Wednesday and then my internet connection was disabled. After 7 technicians I'm back and it's almost Wednesday again! Where does the time go? It seems like it's flying by these days.

Well, I'm glad to be back and raving about What Happens on Wednesdays by Emily Jenkins because this book is absolutely one of my new favorites.

Set in a colorful, lively Brooklyn neighborhood, it tells the story about a little girl's typical weekday. What I love most about this story is how both parents play an equal role in raising their little one. It's a busy schedule (like that of most of today's families) but they manage to fit in a lot of book reading, a visit to the library, tons of exercise and play. It's good for little ones who need to be assured that their busy schedules can become comfortable and fun routines.

Fresh out of the School of Visual Arts, Lauren Castillo sure knows what she's doing. Her style flows through the pages using mixed media: collage, pencil, pastel and watercolor. I'm really looking forward to seeing more of her work.

What happens on Mondays at 4:55 is:

it's time for me to get started, cooking dinner!

Watermelons, Bulls and Nevada City

2009-01-25T16:40:00.000-08:00

Blogging about children's books keeps us connected to a creative group of independent publishers, authors and illustrators we may otherwise never know about. Of the thousands of children's titles published, I enjoy receiving books from authors who are clearly publishing for the love of children and market their books in their communities and schools with joy.

Lovabull Stories and Adventures written by Tony Bosserman and illustrated by Alice Brown was inspired by the bedtime stories Tony told his seven children while living on a ranch in Wyoming. The characters are Big-Horn bulls with names like, Constabull, Knowledgeabull, and Honorabull. The Lovabulls' adventures take them around the world and through history. They travel from Istanbull where they search for Noah's Ark in the mountains of Arat, to Wallstreet where they experience a bullish stock market and play cards with a bunch of donkeys in the capitol building. And these are only two out of seven adventures. The stories weave fact and fiction in way that will entertain children 8 to 12 who may be learning about some of these subjects in school.

Mommy's Having A Watermelon, co-written by Danny and Kim Adlerman, with mixed-media illustrations by Megan Halsey, is a lovingly humorous tale about a girl who discovers that her mother is not having a watermelon like she thought (on account of a seed she may have swallowed when the girl accidentally spit it into her mom's water glass.) The story is told in 6 very short chapters and the simple dialogue makes it an easy reader for children ages 7-10. There are bonus watermelon recipes at the back including, Watermelon in a Blanket. This is the tenth book by Danny and Kim who also produce music for little and big people. What a creative, and busy team!

There are wonderful new children's books by small publishers to discover, and vintage and out of print books too. Imagine my amusement when we turn a corner in the tiny mountain town of Nevada City, CA on a family snow trip to Find, Toad Hall Book Shop "Books for Children of all Ages." It's a tiny, colorful shop located on North Pine Street. If you are looking for a vintage classic or a signed copy of a childhood favorite, owner Clarinda Stollery, may have it. You can contact Clarinda at toad_hall@att.net. As often happens on family trips with small children, I didn't have much uninterrupted time to browse the shelves but I'll be back to visit Toad Hall and this other bookshop that was closed, so I could only press my nose against the glass.

Ladybug Girl

2009-01-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

When I was a little girl, I was very much like this character in Ladybug Girl. When my older siblings didn't want to play with me, I would go out into the backyard or the reservoir behind our house and create my own adventures. Bug Girl would have been a great name for me, as I loved to feed the hungry anthill mobs crushed sugar cubes, rescue bees from the swimming pool and collect caterpillars from the grape vines to place in screened jars.

Artist David Soman and author Jacky Davis are a husband-and-wife picture book creating team. This is their first project together which was inspired by their youngest daughter. It's a fun read with whimsical illustrations of a little girl who creates her own adventures to become a superhero to the bugs after she is told that she is "too little" by her older brother.

Published by Penguin's Dial Books in 2008, I am already looking forward to the sequel, Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy to be released this year.

Interview w/ Comic Book Artist/Author Eleanor Davis

2009-01-15T07:05:00.000-08:00

This is Eleanor Davis. She is the amazing new, young and very hip artist and author on the scene. Just this morning I received her email with all the answers to my questions and I'm so excited to share this interview with you.

On December 9th, I posted a review of her new picture/comic book for children, STINKY. Toon Books had the brilliant idea to incorporate comic books into picture books and Eleanor is one of the first creators to be involved.

Top Image: Eleanor Davis in Athens, Georgia

Above Image: Dot and Louisa comic series

Below Image: Witch House from Hansel and Gretel

1. Where were you born/raised? Do you have siblings?
I was born and raised in sunny Tucson, Arizona. I have a younger sister named Leta.

2. What made you want to become an artist? Who or what encourages/influences your art?
My family and teachers were always very encouraging. I drew a lot of comics when I was younger, and in Highschool, my best friend Kate Guillen introduced me to zines and minicomics. Those were a huge inspiration; I got really making zines and minis myself. The work of John Porcellino was really important to me.

3. Is STINKY your first publication? How old were you when it was published?
I have self-published lots of comics, and also contributed to comics anthologies, but Stinky was my first solo professional book! I was 23 when I wrote and drew it, and 25 when it came out. I was very excited that Francoise Mouly, the mastermind behind the Toon Book series, asked me to do a book with them!

4. Where did you go to college and did you major in art?
Savannah College of Art and Design; I majored in comics. (Sequential Art)

5. Where do you live now?
Beautiful Athens, Georgia.

6. As a child, what were some of your favorite picture books?
Little Lulu comics were probably my favorite, along with Carl Barks' Donald Duck and Uncle Scrooge comics. Also, Paddle to Sea, Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas books, Mister Dog by Margaret Wise Brown, The Funny Thing by Wanda Gag, anything by Janet and Allen Ahlberg, the My Father's Dragon books, anything by Tove Jansson- the list goes on and on!

7. What's your favorite way to spend free time?
I like talking with my family and friends, bicycling, walking, traveling, and eating. I'm also getting into puppetry and puppet-making.

8. What do you think is the hardest part about putting together a children's picture book?
Whatever part I'm having to work on at the moment! Every part is hard. The hardest part might be the writing, but that's also the most rewarding.

9. What kind of movies do you enjoy?
I like old movies. I get really emotionally involved with the movies I watch, so I can't watch anything too scary, and I have a hard time with movies that are too sad. My current favorite movie is Children of Paradise.

10. Are you a comics reader? And if so, what are your favorites?
I am an avid comics reader! Some of my favorite comics include: Anything by Joann Sfar, Rutu Modan, Dan Zettwoch, Gipi, Daniel Clowes, Osamu Tezuka, Raymond Briggs, Ai Yazawa, Carl Barks, Lynda Barry and Dash Shaw; The Kind-er-Kids, Scott Pilgrim, 20th Century Boys, Maison Ikkoku, Skim, the Dungeon books, and the list goes on and on and on. These are not all comics for children, but all of the books and authors are highly, highly recommended.

11. What kinds of things give you ideas for your art?
I try to sketch a lot. I'll draw a picture, and then try to figure out the story behind the picture.

12. Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.
To start a story, I'll spend a long time brainstorming in my sketchbook. Then when I come up with a good enough idea I roll it around and around in my head and take a lot of notes. I spend a couple days on character design and development, and try to thumbnail the thing out- drawing little sketches of each page, figuring out the staging and pacing and dialog. I pencil and ink the final art on bristol board, with crow quills and brushes. When I'm able to work on art full time I try to spend eight hours a day at my drawing board, although often I sketch and thumbnail at coffee shops. And of course, the longer the comic, the longer the whole process takes!

13. What kind of music do you like to listen to, favorite songs/musical groups? Do you listen to music while you are creating art?
I have to listen to music all the time! I love The Knife, Bonnie Prince Billy, De La Soul, MIA, old Soul music, old Country music, and on and on. I don't like music with yelling unless it's the Pixies. I don't like music without any singing unless it has banjos.

14. Do you cook and if so, what is your favorite thing to make?
I actually hate cooking! I'm too impatient. Luckily my awesome boyfriend loves to cook and bake. My current favorite thing for him to make for me is Chile con Queso. I do the dishes.

15. What can we look forward to from you in the future, are you working on another great book?
I have just finished my second book, written and drawn with my boyfriend Drew Weing. It's called The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook, and it should be coming out in 2010 from Bloomsbury books. It is an action-adventure about a team of kid inventors, for ages 8-12. We've been working on it for two years so I'm very excited about it.
Now I am just starting on a young adult murder mystery set in Tajikistan in the 8th century. (I'm writing it with my mother!) I'm also looking forward to spending more time on my adult short story comics, which are often featured in the comics anthology MOME.

Thanks so much Eleanor! Here's a very cool video I found for you:

The Knife - Heartbeats

The Bare Necessities, SNAP!

2009-01-12T09:56:00.000-08:00

*I took this drawing off the fridge, but could't put it away just yet* This morning there was an email from a small ad-free magazine titled, Seeing the Everyday in my inbox with a quote I think explains a bit of how I feel today: The philosophy of “prosaics,” created by contemporary literary critic Gary Saul Morson, “. . . Questions whether the most important events may not be the most ordinary and everyday ones. Cloaked in their very ordinariness, the prosaic events that truly shape our lives—escape our notice.” In other words, the big milestones of life, important as graduations and job promotions are, may cause us to overlook what Morson calls “the infinitely numerous and apparently inconsequential ordinary ones, which taken together, are far more effective and significant.”

Monday morning we are back to our routine but that doesn't make the day less significant than the weekend. After preschool we'll return the library books that we've renewed as many times as possible. Snap! by Mick Manning, illustrated by Brita Granstrom and published by Frances Lincoln, is a wonderful read-aloud. My three-year-old insisted on shouting out the "SNAP!" part on every page everyday! The story starts with a fly that is eaten by a duckling, that is eaten by a pike.... You're familiar with the pattern I'm sure and that's why it works so well for little ones. Repitition, we love it!

Brita Granstrom's illustrations are a perfect match for the text with large full-spread pages- not too much detail and fabulous with its cut, torn and painted collage elements. She draws and colors outside bold black ink outlines, and much of the background is scribbly.

It's also simply fascinating for little ones to see one animal inside the stomach of another, "Ducking is in Pike's belly!... Pike is in fisherman's belly!" More like playing with Russian nesting dolls than a scientific diagram of the food chain. The ending is humorous but perhaps a little disconcerting for some as we see fisherman inside bear's belly with a quizzical expression. And, "LOOK! Another fly buzzing by..." What will eat that fly? We had a lot of fun with this book. On another note, I'm looking forward to Obama's inauguration and the change this country is expecting. The job layoffs continue and many of us have been scaling back, and redefining what is truly valuable to us. Are we joyfully getting back to the bare necessities of life?

Yuki's Ride Home

2009-01-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

All morning, I've been obsessively going through boxes of old photos to find images from my trip to Japan in 1996. A great book like Yuki's Ride Home by Manya Tessler can do that to me; take me back to a lovely, far away place on such a cold and dreary January day. Mmmmm..... that udon soup in the illustration above is making my mouth water, Manya!

Manya Tessler's illustrations are gorgeous, with wonderful blends of color and soft shading. Her work is minimal with simple, clean lines yet full of delicate human emotions. Manya hails from Queens, NY yet lived and worked as an English teacher in Wakayama, Japan from 1998-2000. She credits Tamaki-sensei, a master sumi-e artist and his wife Fumi-san, a doll maker for teaching and sharing their home with her and inspiring her own art. I found a great interview of her at Monica Wellington's Book Blog.

Yuki's Ride Home is the sory about a little girl who rides her bike to Grandma's to spend a perfect day and when evening comes, she is afraid to ride home alone. Knowing that she must accept the challenge and journey home, she does,
learning to let go of her fears and ultimately, grow up.

This book was published in 2008 by Bloomsbury Children's Books and I am already looking forward to another book by this incredible author/illustrator.

The two photos I am sharing with you were taken in Kyoto at the famous Kiyomizu hillside temple. There I am in the far left corner and Steve is on the far right. (this is when we first started dating :) Next to him are friends, Yoshiko of the 5.6.7.8's, Toru of Guitar Wolf and Ono of the Jet Boys. I can't believe I actually wore those heels to walk a zillion temple steps!! Ahhh....... to be 25.

As a sort-of New Year's resolution, my sister and I are going to try to eat a little healthier and cook more meat-less dishes this year. Nancy called me to tell me that she found an amazing new cookbook at her favorite bookstore in Berkeley. The author of the Veganomicon has a really cool website called the post punk kitchen. Nancy is already raving about three of the recipes she tried and I'm going to attempt to make the sushi in this cute video clip here.

Celebrating Cuba

2009-01-02T07:29:00.000-08:00

Every day this past week, I have been hearing and reading news reports about Cuba or coming across various Cuban connections.
This year, 2009 marks Cuba's 50 years of Independence. With the weakened Fidel Castro no longer in power, President Obama has hopes of creating new, positive US ties with Cuba. There has been talk of lifting the old embargo to allow free trade and open travel. This would be wonderful, especially for those who have not seen their relatives for years.

Someday I would love to visit Cuba myself. One of my favorite artists, Elsa Mora (aka Elsita) hails from Cuba. I love to read her blog and childhood stories about growing up in Cuba.

Oye, Celia! A Song For Celia Cruz, a picture book by Katie Sciurba is a fun celebration about being Cuban and of course about Celia Cruz. It's an easy read for little ones, not too autobiographical. The brightly colored pastel illustrations are by Cuban born artist Edel Rodriguez. They are full of energy and are paired perfectly with the lively story. Here's an excerpt:

"You mix Azucar! into the sounds of Rumba, jazz, hip-hop and guaguanco." "It becomes a blend, a salsa, just like us- African, Carribbean and European."

Celia was known for adding her trademark "Azucar!" into her songs. Although she is no longer with us, her music is very much alive.

Another fun picture book (and Pura Belpre Award Winner) based on a Cuban folktale is The Bossy Gallito by Lucia Gonzalez. It's about a little rooster in Cuba who goes off to attend his uncle's wedding and runs into some trouble along the way. The story has lots of repetition which makes it perfect for little ones and the book is bilingual. Amazing artist Lulu Delacre is responsible for the gorgeous illustrations. She also sells art on her site. Just email her and tell her about your favorite work from one of her books and chances are she will have it for sale...or one that is similar.
Here's a great clip of Celia Cruz doing Guantanamera:

New Year Circles in the Sand

2008-12-29T16:56:00.000-08:00

Here we are. Two more days left of 2008 and on to 2009. This perhaps has been the fastest year of my life so far. It seems we were just celebrating the good fortune of 2008 with friends and family and now we'll be back to celebrate another round of seasons. I've posted this image of Jim Denevan's, sand art, Surfers in Circles to remind me that time is a construct. Denevan brings an appreciation for nature and the ephemeral passage of time to his art. This was made not far from my home where he often draws in the sand with a stick at low tide in Santa Cruz. He uses a rake to make the designs but it's really all about perspective, whether you view the design from the cliff top or on the shoreline. Is one perspective more awesome than the other? "People always ask how it feels to have them wash away," says Denevan, "but who wouldn't want it to wash away."

When I think about all the little things throughout the year that I get stressy about, I think I'm just going to let them wash away because when 2010 comes around all the edges will have softened.

But what about the bigger stresses in life? There's a picture book titled, Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears by Emily Gravett that I've been thinking of lately. Besides being a little treasure of a book for it's innovative design (fold-out maps included), it lightly describes phobias on every page starting with arachnophobia. Little mouse has all these phobias, and he is certainly afraid of cats with good reason. But this clever book ends with musophobia, the fear of mice. Yes little mouse, there are people afraid of you! I will keep this book in mind when I feel timid or procrastinate in work due to fear of big cats.

As I'm not inclined to keep a lot of New Year's Resolutions, I don't make them. But I do believe in writing down everything I would like to do in 2009. It's always fun at the end of the year to see how many of them have happened. And keep in mind, "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." -Annie Dillard

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!

Creche and Blog Award

2008-12-23T20:52:00.000-08:00

Viewing the creche has always been a magical Christmas event for children... the baby Jesus lying in a manger, Mary and Joseph attend to him followed by angels, shepherds, animals and then the wise kings bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. All are bathed in golden light.
This picture is from and old Tasha Tudor Christmas card and shows the way children experience the creche, with awe, wonder and serenity. Another way children may experience the nativity is at a Christmas play. I know we all see this every year... but the scene from Charlie Brown Christmas where Linus tells Charlie Brown what Christmas is really all about gets me smiling every time. Happy Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

And in the spirit of the season which we hope will last all year, we thank you Holly and Cari at BookScoops for this lovely Butterfly Blog Award award that recognizes some of the coolest blogs I know. We get to pass it on to some really cool blogs (which of course there are soooo many cool blogs, but here are some goodies.)

www.vintagechildrensbooksmykidloves.com *because not only does she post and sell cool vintage picture books but she also gives them away for free!
www.weheartbooks.com *always has great picture book reviews and other fun ideas for kids.... and they sell books too.
www.book-by-its-cover.com *has the most amazing and unusual book finds, not too many kids picture books but more art, illustration and design which I love.
http://www.momandkiddo.blogspot.com *What Do We Do All Day is funny and I always need new ideas for entertaining little ones with books- great links on this blog too.
http://jeanlittlelibrary.blogspot.com *wonderful and interesting book choices and resources from a librarian who writes this delightful journal
http://www.unplugyourkids.com * organized blog with ideas for things to do with your kids ...
http://kiddosandbooks.blogspot.com* good books, links, resources and good opinions!

Congratulations and here's how it works.

1. Put the logo on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.
3. Award up to 10 other blogs.
4. Add links to those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message for your awardees on their blogs.

Happy Hanukkah!

2008-12-21T05:24:00.000-08:00

Hanukkah begins today at sundown. I'm planning a nice quiet evening with my family. We will light the menorrah, eat yummy potato latkes for dinner, play dreidel and open the first gift.

There were quite a few different Hanukkah books to choose from at our library. I chose A Picture Book of Hanukkah by David A. Adler because of the wonderful illustrations.

Most of this book is like a history lesson. It tells a very accurate story behind the holiday, about the thousands of people who were killed before and after the Maccabeen war. It celebrates the small band of Jewish soldiers who fought and won the right to worship freely. Because of the war, death and detail, I think it's best read to the 5 and over age group. The last three pages tell more about the holiday traditions; the lighting of the candles, potato latkes, gelt and dreidel games.

When I first saw these illustrations by Linda Heller, I immediately thought this was a vintage 60's era book, mostly because of the sepia tones, but it was actually published in 1982 by Holiday House. Linda's illustrations fill more than half of the book and her beautiful shapes and fine pointilist ink detail have me wondering if she is also a printmaker. I wish I could find a website for her so I could gaze at more of her work. Click on the library book image for a closer look.

Honda for Christmas

2008-12-17T10:30:00.000-08:00

As much as Icould use a new Honda for Christmas the Honda I'm talking about is Honda The Boy Who Dreamed of Cars by Mark Weston, illustrated by Katie Yamasaki. So although I won't be getting a new car, my nephew will love this little mini accompanied by Mark Weston's picture book biography published by Lee & Low Books this year. (BTW leeandlow.com is having a big sale this month 25% off their titles with free shipping!) There's still time...

Weston says that the idea for his book about Soichiro Honda grew out of the research he did for his adult book Giants of Japan: The lives of Japan's Greatest Men and Women. The story describes how young Mr. Honda worked in a mechanic shop sweeping and cleaning the tools. He was a dedicated worker and quickly trained as a mechanic and opened his own garage in 1928. By 1936 he designed, built and drove the fastest race car in Japan. He was an inspirational inventor and businessman. Katie Yamaski's paintings are beautifully matched to the text, making this hardcover an asset to a child's library and a book they will not outgrow too soon.

Honda the Boy Who Dreamed of Cars, chronicles Mr. Honda's successes and includes quotes such as, "I have always had a stronger interest in the work than money." And you will learn Japanese phrases such as, "Domo arigato gozaimasu." If you're looking for a meaningful gift for a child between seven to twelve years old, this book with a model car would be a lot of fun- and educational too. I've also seen models of Honda cars that can be assembled and glued together for older children.

Stinky

2008-12-09T10:48:00.000-08:00

In our family, comic books rule. Steve has his childhood collection of Tin Tin, I have my Tank Girl posters and D loves his Lego Bionicle comics. But when Toon Books sent me a copy of Stinky, D quickly set aside his Lego comics and snatched it up.

Husband and wife team, Francoise Mouly (New Yorker art editor) and Art Spiegelman (creator of 1980's RAW comics) have started making comic books for kids again! It seems for a long time that comics were geared more for teens and adult collectors, so I'm very happy that these two had the genius idea to bring back the comic book as a way to teach little ones to read.

RAW JUNIOR books are a sturdier hardcover variety of comic. Out of their first three books, Mo and Jo and Jack and the Box, Stinky is my favorite. It is an easy reader (K-2) with a charming story about a super stinky swamp monster who ends up making friends with the same little boy he had been trying to scare away. The dialog is fun and colorful:

"Kids don't like mucky mud, slimy slugs or smelly monsters like me!" "They eat cake and apples." "Yuck!"

Eleanor Davis is the very talented artist and author of this comic and she's only 25 years old! She keeps a fun art blog and will be featured in the Giant Robot Post It group show in LA from December 13th- January 14th. More than 95 artists will have their sticky note illustrations stuck on the wall. I wish I could be there to see and purchase some of my favorite artists works.

I love Eleanor's style and soft color palette choice for this book and I'm really hoping to catch her for an interview soon.

This is one of my favorite illustrations I scanned from page 6. Look at the lower right hand corner and you'll see a little hedgehog greeting Stinky with a clothes pin clamped to his nose!

Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, The Day Before Christmas

2008-12-07T22:28:00.000-08:00

Years ago I met an aged musician who played with the San Francisco Symphony. He dreaded the holiday season because he had to play The Nutcracker endlessly over. How could you ever tire of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker?!!!! I've been waiting until the girls are old enough to truly enjoy the performance. In Eve Bunting's precious story, The Day Before Christmas, the best age for the first Nutcracker is seven. This is a delicate, old-fashioned sort of picture book and not necessarily one very young children will like. (One alternate is The Nutcracker by Susan Jeffers) But, older children and adults will find this relatively sad story comforting at Christmastime.

Beth Peck's oil paintings remind me of my grandmother who was also a painter. I remember her working with a wooden palette and little tubes of rich colors, all of which were mixed with white at some point either on the palette or on the canvas. And I remember the smell- that strong turpentine-like smell.

Getting back to the story... Eve Bunting is a writer who can tell a sad tale to warm your heart. In, The Day Before Christmas, seven-year-old Allie has a special day alone with her grandfather. They take the train to the city to see The Nutcracker. Allie's mother died when she was three and she is aware that her grandfather may feel sad on this day because he used to take her mother to see the Nutcracker when she was a girl. This excerpt is one of my favorites. I find the sparse dialog profound in its simplicity. Who was the mother she never knew?

"Grandpa?" I ask. "Can you tell me about the special day you had with Mom?" Grandpa closes his eyes. "It was Christmas Eve, all those years ago. Your mom was seven, same as you. She loved The Nutcracker too." "What was her favorite part?" "The snow fairies."

Somehow we're with this little girl and her grandfather on the train in this moment. This is a book I treasure whether my kids like it or not. In fact, this is a book I savor for myself. And how can anyone tire of The Nutcracker?!!!

Love,Splat

2008-12-02T10:42:00.001-08:00

I just received the newly released Love, Splat by Rob Scotton in the mail from Harper Collins Children's Books. It's a sequel to the popular Splat the Cat. Diane Chen, had a wonderful review of Splat at School Library Journal which had me looking forward to receiving Love, Splat. Thanks Elyse and Diane!

When I first pulled the book out of the padded yellow mailer, I immediately noticed the feel of the raised lettering on the book jacket and its 10x10 size. The print quality is wonderful. You can see all the super fine cat hair.

Rob Scotton of Russel the Sheep fame is both the author and artist. I always admire those who are talented and able to do both and Rob does it well. This is my favorite illustration of some of the funny cat characters in Splat's classroom. Braces and coke bottle glasses on a cat?!!!

The story is as sweet as can be and it's actually a Valentines Day love story. It's an easy read for ages 3-7. My five year old son has read it 3 times today. I asked him what his favoite part about the book is and he said it's the ending. So I'll just leave the ending as a surprise for you to read and find out what happens with Splat and Kitty.

Another fun element about Love, Splat is that there are rubber ducks hidden throughout the book. We played a game of counting the hidden ducks before bed and even the baby joined in. We love rubber ducks too Rob!

Below is a little animation from Splat the Cat.

Have You Ever Seen a Moose?

2008-11-30T17:27:00.000-08:00

Have you ever, ever, ever, ever seen a moose? And really, really, really, really want to see one?

We've been having so much fun this week with, Looking for a Moose, by Phyllis Root and illustrated by Randy Cecil. Of all the books in our library haul this week the girls have chosen, Looking for a Moose, every evening. And sometimes we reread it twice in a row. It has all the elements young children love. Sing-song rhyming verse, adventure, and hide-and-seek.

Randy Cecil's humorous illustrations are painted in the warm colors of fall and his figures are rounded and bulgy-nosed. We love the picture of children wading one after the other through a swamp, "squeech squooch!" And we talk about whether they got wet. We talk about when the children pull on their boots, roll down their pants, button up their sleeves, take off their hats and tighten up their packs. Will they ever see a "branchy-antler moose?"

Moose are on my mind as I've been working with Keith Patterson's wonderful illustrations for Maybelle, Bunny of the North. He sent me some new images to include in the book which will be released in spring. I love this watercolor painting of a shivering moose. Often I dream of what it must be like to have a white winter. There are a few Christmas tree farms here in town but everything is green, green, green. It's all relative though isn't it? I wonder if people who live in Australia and Brazil romanticize about a white Christmas too. And then again, I would probably look like this little guy after a couple of hours outside in the cold searching for moose.