A Blizzard of Books

The blizzard that roared up the east coast this past weekend, complete with the unusual phenomenon of lightning and thunder (although I remember such an occurrence in Michigan when working on my Master’s degree), brought the city to a standstill.  Even the school where I work is closed, giving me extra time to–you guessed it–catch up on some reading, check out some new and upcoming publications that may be worthwhile additions to our collections, communicate with authors, fellow librarians, and other bibliophiles, and try out some books on our visiting grandson.

Here are two picture books that stand out in the crowd.

Geraldine knows that she is a fairy princess, even if her family and friends are not convinced.  She goes through her day looking for opportunities to show her royal side, whether it’s knowing the right thing to say to a friend or solving a problem in the classroom or rescuing a frog who just might be a prince.  And if she gets a scabby knee or dirty fingernails along the way, it’s all part of fulfilling her duty.  In Geraldine’s words, “I say you can be whatever you want to be.  You just have to let your SPARKLE out!”  And sparkle is what this precious book does.  Ages 5-8

Antarctica is a cold, snowy, windy place.  However, animals do make their home there.  One is the Emperor penguin, an amazing creature introduced in this gem of a book.  When we first meet the flightless bird, he is standing alone on a dark, cold winter day, and he is doing something remarkable: protecting an egg that his mate laid several weeks before.  Author Martin Jenkins brings to life the penguin father’s experience in caring for the egg (even at the expense of not eating for more than two months) and then the newly hatched chick through the harshest winter weather before Mom returns from feeding with nourishment for her new offspring.  Paired with Jane Chapman’s acrylic illustrations that perfectly capture the mood of the text, this humorous yet realistic look at parenting Emperor penguin style will have kids mesmerized.  Ages 6-9

What I’m Reading Now

I Am Scout: the Biography of Harper Lee by Charles J. Shields is an eye-opening look into the woman behind the phenomenal novel, To Kill a Mockingbird.  It might make you want to go back and (re) read it…  (young adult)

 

 

 

Belle Teal by Ann M. Martin is a quietly powerful novel set in the South during the stormy years of school integration. (ages 10-13)

 

 

 

 

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer tells the story of a boy in Malawi, Africa who, with the help of a library book and his imagination, built a device that provided electricity for his poverty-stricken family, and had effects that far exceeded his expectations. (ages young adult to adult)

Back from Chilly Florida

Chilly and Florida don’t seem to go together, but the sunshine state can get downright frosty!  However, the sight of palm trees wherever you look and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean (depending which side you’re on), and, in our case, the lovely, serene Tampa Bay definitely remind one of balmier weather to come.

I’ve introduced phenomenal books set in Florida in the past, so I won’t describe them in detail again, but only mention their titles in the event you may not have read the earlier posts:

Winter’s Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again by Juliana Hatkoff, Isabella Hatkoff, and Craig Hatkoff

My Name Is Sally Little Song by Brenda Woods

There is another book that, like My Name Is Sally Little Song, features the Seminole: To Walk the Sky Path by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.  It is a contemporary story, dealing with Native American-white relations and perceptions. Billie is a 10-year-old Seminole living with his family in a chickee on an island in Florida’s Everglades, in the heart of Seminole country. From Abraham, his grandfather, he learns the worldview of his ancestors. As the first member of his family to attend public school, he is learning about the white world. Billie is determined to maintain his traditional lifestyle while living in modern society; in effect, having the best of both worlds. His efforts make this a thoughtful, perceptive story that will appeal to readers who appreciate books that deal with issues of family, tradition, and the modern world. Ages 9-12

For more reviews of great books, visit http://bookandagarden.com.

Wrap up with a warm book!

First Snowfall

It wasn’t enough to write home about, but Brooklyn had its first snowfall of the season yesterday.  The atmosphere didn’t seem too sure about the weather, as the sun was shining at the same time.  It puts me in mind of a classic book (or one that should be).

A little boy is certain it is going to snow.  When he sees a snowflake and reports his observation to others, he receives negative responses: “‘No snow,’ said radio.”  “‘It’ll melt,’ said woman with umbrella.”  To the child’s delight, all the naysayers are proven wrong, and everything is covered with a blanket of the glorious white stuff.  As the landscape is magically transformed, the little boy and his dog joyfully frolic.  Brief text and vibrant illustrations combine to make this Caldecott Honor Book a delight for the child in all of us.  Ages 4-7

I do not usually recommend a book I have not yet finished reading, but I’m making an exception.  The Name of This Book Is Secret is the first in a series written by the mysterious Pseudonymous Bosch.  Fans of Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events are sure to relish this one, but anyone who enjoys a good mystery peppered with a healthy dose of humor will love it.  Who can help but be hooked by a book that begins with a warning: “Do not read beyond this page!”  The author explains that the book contains an evil secret, one that may prove perilous to any reader simply by virtue of his or her having knowledge of it.  Cass and Max-Ernest, a pair of reluctant partners, find themselves trying to unravel a mystery, and repeatedly getting into hazardous situations.  Join me in reading this gem of a story!  Guaranteed to interest even some of the most reluctant readers. Ages 9-12

Check out my web site: http://bookandagarden.com for more reviews of fantastic books.