May 30, 2012 · Filed under Books, Reading, Authors · Tagged Books, Reading, animals, family, children's books, grandfathers, dogs, Patricia MacLachlan, farms
The other day I opened, with a sense of anticipation, a new book by Patricia MacLachlan. This novel has been waiting its turn for a number of weeks–so, when I completed two of the numerous books I’ve been reading simultaneously, I decided to treat myself. Everything this author writes is sheer magic. Suffice it to say that, despite all the other duties clamoring for my attention, I completed it today–and felt a little teary-eyed as I read the last pages. (One would think it’s not the first story I’ve read that tugs at the heartstrings!) The tale of Jake, his grandfather, and a special dog named Lucy is one worthy of a great author. Go out and read it for yourself. Then give it to a kid in your life.
May 24, 2012 · Filed under Authors, Books, children's books · Tagged Books, children's books, family, friendship, imagination, solar eclipse, total solar eclipse, wendy mass
Many of you had the fortune to be in the path of Sunday’s magnificent annular eclipse. While this blogger was not able to view the awesome sight, I, like many, marveled at images taken by those who enjoyed the privilege.
Three days after the event, I picked up at random a newly arrived title and began to read. Imagine my reaction when I discovered that the characters are–to greater or lesser degrees–anticipating a total solar eclipse that will be visible in a very limited area. As they await the celestial event, everyone learns something about each other–and themselves. The novel? Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass. Like her other stories that I have had the pleasure of reading, this promises to be a treasure.
May 22, 2012 · Filed under Books, children's books, Reading, Uncategorized · Tagged biographies, birds, Books, children's books, family, friendship, Reading, women scientists
When’s the last time you read a book that made you feel good all over? That’s the feeling that this new novel by the author of Tuck Everlasting will give anyone who opens it. Natalie Babbitt shows that she definitely hasn’t lost her touch.
Youngsters will love Otis, the little red tractor. Even when the farmer replaces him with a big new model, Otis proves his value–and his loyalty and friendship. Check out Otis and the Tornado for another adventure about the little tractor that could.
The early years of the twentieth century were not an easy time for a woman to be recognized as a serious scientist. But that did not stop Margaret Morse Nice from pursuing her dream of becoming an ornithologist and conservationist. This beautifully illustrated biography demonstrates that, if someone wants something enough and works hard enough, anything is possible.
Time to go read another book or two or three…
May 16, 2012 · Filed under Authors, Books, children's books, picture books, young adult books · Tagged animals, Books, children's books, Jean Craighead George, literature, picture books, Reading, seasons of the year, wildlife, young adult books
I join the literary world in mourning the loss of a giant. Yet Jean Craighead George, talented author that she was, was so much more than a writer. She was an advocate for what is good and beautiful about this wonderful planet of ours: its wildlife, its natural beauty, how everything fits together into a harmonious whole. Every book–every word–that emerged from her magic pen is a testimonial to this. Whether the setting is Alaska or the Everglades, whether the main character is a rebellious teen or a baby wolf, whether the topic is pet care or the seasons of the year, Mrs. George’s love of our world and its inhabitants shines through.
We’ll miss you, Jean; but every time someone opens one of the treasures you have shared with us, it will seem as if you are here.
May 14, 2012 · Filed under Authors, Books, children's books, picture books, Reading · Tagged Books, children's books, hank zipzer, humorous books, picture books, Reading
This week’s designation is one of my favorites. I’m a firm believer that reading should be enjoyable. What with standardized tests, full school days (one second grade teacher told me her students have so many different classes she doesn’t have them herself very much), and outside activities, kids’ schedules are definitely over-packed. So, when young people pick up a book, let it be one they read for the fun of it!
Speaking of an overload of activities, here’s one gem that delightfully addresses the issue.
Ernestine’s parents want their daughter to have a fulfilling life: so every day she takes part in a different activity, from sculpting with Clay Lumpkin to tuba lessons with Mr. Oompah to studying yoga with Guru Prakash Pretzel. Not only that, she has a nanny to make sure that she arrives at every class on time. That is, until one day Ernestine takes matters into her own hands–and decides to just be a kid. Like many delights from Flashlight Press, this is a humorous story with an important message.
Kids will be laughing so hard when they read this book they might not realize they’re learning something. Each state bird struts its stuff in a pageant, and a few are not above poking their beaks into another contestant’s page. By the end of the competition, there are sure to be more youngsters interested in state history, geography, and definitely animals.
Meet Hank Zipzer. When he has to give a report about what he did on his summer vacation, the self-proclaimed “world’s best underachiever” panics at the prospect. But then he has a brainstorm: instead of telling everyone, why not show them? Alas, things don’t go as planned. Readers who love stories about real-life kids spiced with a hefty dose of humor will love the Hank Zipzer series. And there are plenty to like: #17 is now available!
Until next time, see what’s new at http://bookandagarden.com.
May 9, 2012 · Filed under Authors, Books, children's books, Reading · Tagged Books, children's books, Eva Ibbotson, fantasy, new books, Reading
I learned some very welcome news that happily renders something I said in my previous post slightly inaccurate. Eva Ibbotson’s absolutely marvelous novel, The Ogre of Oglesfort, is not her second-to-the-last. The Abominables, also a fantasy, is scheduled to be published in England this July! (Another book, One Dog and His Boy, is awaiting my rapt attention.) I’m eagerly anticipating this new literary gem’s appearance this side of the pond.
Check out my review of The Ogle of Oglesfort on http://bookandagarden.com. While you’re there, you might want to look at a few others…
May 6, 2012 · Filed under Books, children's books · Tagged Books, Reading
Now that the shock of being told that my days as the librarian at the school where I have worked for twenty years are probably at an end is wearing off, it is time to look for the brightness on the horizon. There is no longer room for this melancholy. I began to realize this when I thought about the outpouring of caring from family and friends. However, it really took hold when I considered everything I can now do: read all those books awaiting me at a relaxed pace, write reviews of my favorites, address (not very serious, thankfully) health concerns that have been on the back burner for too long, call people more often.
Okay, I’ll still need an income, and I’m going to be working on that. I’ve already started, in fact. But for now, the sun that has been hiding behind clouds for several days now is making an appearance. I think I’ll enjoy it before the next round of (much-needed) rain arrives.
Until I again write about books on this blog, check out http://bookandagarden.com for great reading ideas for the young–and young at heart–people in your life.
May 2, 2012 · Filed under Authors, Books, children's books, friendship, Reading, young adult books · Tagged animals, Books, disabilities, Eva Ibbotson, family, fantasy, friendship, humorous books, humorous mystery, Ibbotson, little rock arkansas, monsters, mysteries, princesses, Reading, school stories
As I pulled more new arrivals from their shipping containers, a few immediately claimed a spot on my list of WOW books. Here are some that simply will not wait to be read:
I have not even finished this novel, but cannot resist writing about it. Sylvia is a bright 15-year-old who has much going for her: loving if strict parents, good friends…So why would she want to disrupt things by becoming one of the first Black students to integrate the Little Rock, Arkansas, Central High School? The situation for her people is difficult and degrading, but would one girl’s action make a difference, and be worth the sacrifice–and the risk?
J.J. Tully is a former search-and-rescue dog. All he wants to do is enjoy his retirement. However, a frantic hen shows up at his doghouse one day begging him to find her missing children. With the promise of a food reward, J.J. begins searching for the chicks; but things and people (or is it animals?) are not always what they seem. Readers will keep turning the pages of this fast-paced and humorous mystery until the delightful concusion. As the first in a new series, there are more J.J. adventures to come. Ages 8-10
When teenager Miriam wakes up in the hospital, her face is in agony–and she cannot remember what happened to put her there. However, as the days pass, she recalls the event that caused the severe burns. But the ordeal is only beginning. How can Miriam face the world with disfiguring scarring at an age when appearance means so much? An uplifting story of fortunate happenings, faith, and hope.
Eva Ibbotson’s second-to-the-last novel is as magnificent as any in her vast repertoire. When three individuals with special abilities (and an ordinary boy who insists on accompanying them) receive the task to rescue a princess from an ogre, they reluctantly set out for the distant castle. Upon their arrival, the group discovers that things are definitely not as they have been led to believe. With characteristic Ibbotson humor and charm, this story is a tribute to a master. Nothing more need be said. Perfect for ages 10-12
April 24, 2012 · Filed under librarians, school library · Tagged Libraries
It feels that way. After several years of wondering about the future of the private school where I have worked for twenty years, I learned the answer today. While the school will continue, the Board of Directors has determined that the budget does not allow for the continued presence of a librarian on the faculty. Even though I reacted with equanimity, inside I am in turmoil. Even though I knew that my time here might be limited, I always thought I would be the one determining when I would say goodbye.
As I walked through the halls of the building I first entered in the fall of 1991, everything seemed different. How could things be the same when the building where I have come since my children were young (three are now married, two with children of their own) will, in a few months, no longer be my almost daily destination?
The class arriving in the library after I received the news, of course, knew nothing. The only difference was that I threw caution to the winds and allowed the kids to look at newly arrived books, without labeling or entering them into the record first. Better let children see and enjoy them now. With the school year winding down, and the future of the collections uncertain, who knows what will be in store for these treasures and the others already on the shelves?
I have always tried to keep the tone of this blog upbeat, so forgive me for deviating from the normal atmosphere. There is, there must be, a silver lining in this cloud. I must simply go out and find it.
April 23, 2012 · Filed under Authors, Books, children's books, picture books · Tagged animals, autism, autism awareness month, Books, disabilities, fantasy, Randolph Caldecott Medal, Reading, wordless books
The books I so painstakingly selected and ordered this past winter have been making their appearance in recent weeks, and they are still coming! Even though so many duties await my attention, I am unable to resist open the boxes to take a peek at the treasures within. (It’s a thinly veiled reason that all arrivals must be inspected for defects and damage. We know better.)
The books I have feasted my eyes upon thus far have not disappointed. Here are a few I would like to share with you:
Callie introduces us to her twin brother Charlie, who has autism. She describes not only the difficulties he encounters, but all the areas where he excels. Just in time for Autism Awareness Month, this book is sure to open the eyes of young readers and listeners to this disorder.
Katherine Paterson, teaming up with her husband John, has done it again. Rewriting a story originally penned in 1910 by Eden Phillpott, the duo has created a fantasy masterpiece.
I am not normally a big fan of wordless books, but I am making an exception here: not only because this particular one is this year’s winner of the Caldecott Medal, but because it is a beauty. Words are not necessary to share Daisy the dog’s every emotion. Check out this book and see for yourself.
Back to the books!
