Seussemania in September?

Today is the day!  September 27 is the publication date of a collection of recently-discovered Dr. Seuss stories entitled The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories.  Needless to say, I pre-ordered a copy from Amazon as soon as I learned of the book’s existence, and I am anxiously awaiting its arrival.  When it comes, rest assured I will share my insights into this treasure with you.  Until then, visit http://bookandagarden.com for reviews of some of my favorite books by the Doctor (and a lot of other gems as well).

Until next time, remember: “The more that you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

“You’re on your own, and you know what you know.  And you will be the guy who’ll decide where you’ll go.  Oh the places you’ll go.”

And Now, Back to the Books

In the event that readers of my last post were wondering about the conspicuous absence of any book recommendations, rest assured that philosophical musings have not taken the place of discussions about noteworthy reading.  To prove my point, here are some outstanding titles that are perfect for this time of year.

A little caterpillar has just hatched, and she knows only one thing: she’s gotta go to Mexico!  Other critters either have no idea what or where Mexico is, or how it’s possible for such a tiny thing to get there, but that does not deter our heroine.  When, after a long sleep, the caterpillar awakens with beautiful wings, she joins millions like herself on an amazing journey–and, in the spring, turns around and flies back!  This kid-friendly look at one of the most incredible migrations on our planet is a feast for the eyes.  Ages 5-8

Tony’s family has an annual tradition: to have a picnic at the Statue of Liberty every October in honor of the monument’s birthday.  Tony doesn’t think much of the idea; it’s much too cold for a picnic, and he doesn’t understand why it means so much to Grandma anyway.  But then he meets some new immigrants who help him understand the importance of the statue to families–like his–who have come from another land.  Ages 5-9

Donny’s grandmother is coming to visit, and the little boy is concerned: he knows he can never measure up to his grandma’s proper behavior.  But kids will be kids, and when he enters the room where she is staying, Donny can’t resist having some fun with the balls of yarn she has left there–with the result that, before he knows it, there is a tangled mess of yarn everywhere.  His angry mother orders him to undo the damage.  Just when the job seems hopeless, his grandma comes to help with a story of how she herself–to Donny’s astonishment–got into a similar situation with her own grandmother.  A perfect story about forgiveness for this season when Jews the world over are looking inside and looking ahead to a new year of fresh beginnings and all the blessings that life can bring.

May this new year bring you and your loved ones health, happiness, and all good things.

Hello, Autumn!

 

I once heard the phrase “summer fading into autumn.”  Whoever looks outside and sees the explosion of color on the trees and the abundance of fall blossoms knows that the season at our doorstep is anything but a shadow of the one that is concluding.  Even the cooler weather and shorter days have a specialness to them.  Brilliant sunshine and a warm breeze feel like wonderful gifts, and a glorious sunset that greets me on days that I return home from work a bit late is a treasured sight.  No, there is definitely nothing colorless about this time of year.  Even the autumnal appearance of frost, ice, and snow in northern climes is magical.  Frosty designs on a window, ice crystals dripping from tree branches, and the first snowflakes of the season are nothing less than magnificent.  So let’s truly enjoy fall and take the time to partake of  its delights before autumn fades into winter.  But that is another story…

Into the Whirlwind

The relative quiet of the first few school days lulled me into thinking I could gradually ease myself into the new academic year.  That illusion was shattered Tuesday when the entire fourth grade begged to be given library cards, and it was hurled into oblivion when a contingent of fifth graders vied for my attention Thursday in their search for awesome adventure/fantasy/drama/exciting/scary/or any other kind of worthwhile books.  Yes, this school year is off to a flying start!  And with class visits, the Book Festival, and more on the horizon, the fun is just beginning.

Here are a few books I’m excited about sharing with my young patrons.

I’ve included this book in a previous post, but it’s worth a second mention.  Ginny loves kindergarten, but is having trouble: trouble reading, walking through her classroom without bumping into objects, and doing lots of other things.  When her eyes are tested on vision screening day, the nurse discovers why–and the treatment earns Ginny a new title and a new self-confidence.  Bright illustrations allow readers to see the world through Ginny’s eyes.  Ages 5-8

Georgie is a smart, likable fourth-grader.  But he can’t do a lot of things most kids can do, like tie a bow, because he is a dwarf.  When he finds himself stuck with portraying a very tall Abraham Lincoln in a school production, it takes help from an unexpected corner to give Georgie the push to make the ordeal a success.  Ages 9-11

Julie is not exactly thrilled about a class assignment: begin a correspondence with an elderly resident of a nursing home.  However, as increasing pain and fatigue make life difficult for the active fifth-grader, and her symptoms result in the frightening diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the letters to and from Mrs. Kaplan become a source of comfort and inspiration.  An upbeat, moving book with the right touch of humor.  Ages 10-13.

Attention Big Apple: the Brooklyn Book Festival is September 18!  Plan to be there.  Info at: http://www.brooklynbookfestival.org/BBF/Home

Going to the Birds

As I’ve been wading through the new arrivals that have been patiently awaiting my attention since the end of the school year, several books featuring our feathered friends have captured my fancy.

What started out as a study in parrot communication developed into a special relationship between an African Grey named Alex and researcher Irene Pepperberg.  For thirty years, Alex proved that, contrary to accepted opinion, birds are capable of thought and can understand many concepts.  But the remarkable part of this story is the human–or should we say avian–side.  Irene’s life was forever changed by the one-pound ball of feathers named Alex, and the reader cannot help but be affected by this remarkable tale as well.

Get up close and personal with a pair of Eastern Bluebirds as they wait for their eggs to hatch and then care for five fuzzy little chicks.  Photographed in the author’s back yard, these images will amaze and delight.  Simple, clear text describes the activities and habits of these common yet fascinating birds.

Ellie likes animals (some kinds, anyway).  So when her neighbor needs someone to care for her pet parrot while she is away, Ellie thinks the job will be easy.  But when the bird is let out of his cage and escapes from the house, the eleven-year-old tries every trick she can think of to entice him to return.  A delightful story that happens to provide fascinating tidbits about parrots and some other critters as well.  Ages 9-12

Speaking of flying, check out this site: http://soarwithreading.com.  It’s full of activities and ideas for kids and parents, and great reading suggestions.

What a Summer It’s Been!

If I had to describe this year’s warm-weather season in one word, it would probably be amazing.  From the happy whirlwind of preparations for our daughter’s June 27 wedding, to the extended visit of our married daughter, son-in-law, and their three kids, to my double cataract surgery (look, Ma, [almost] no glasses!), it’s been one unforgettable summer.  Now that the newlyweds are established in their own home, the grandkids have returned to Florida, and I’m adjusting to my new vision, the future looks very dull by comparison.  Add that to the normal low I often feel as I reluctantly bid farewell to another summer, and there seems little to look forward to, indeed.

However, I seem to recall experiencing similar emotions in seasons past.  As the sun rises later and sets earlier each day, and dusk greets me as I emerge from the subway station on the way home from work, there is a momentary pang for the loss of daylight.  Yet, by the time I can dwell on what has been and is no more, life happens.  Holidays.  Projects and programs at work.  Fascinating books to read and recommend.  Visits from loved ones.  And, suddenly, the calendar has turned again, and–lo and behold–it is no longer completely dark when I come out of the same subway station.  A glance upward shows me the buds on the trees that have been there since autumn and will, within a few short months, metamorphose into the new year’s leaves.  Hope does indeed spring eternal.

Speaking of seasons, phenomenal poet Joyce Sidman has penned some beautiful verses about pond wildlife throughout the year, accompanied by facts about the creatures who call this environment home.  Kids (and adults) will delight in this charmingly illustrated collection.  (A Caldecott Honor Book)

Join Cammy and William as they take a walk through the woods on an autumn day.  They see signs that certain animals have been there, and each sighting encourages them to answer the question, “Who’s been here?”  On the following page, the children discover the identity of the creature with both a close-up picture and informative text.  This treasure is one of the author’s collection for every season of the year.

Have an inc-READ-able new season.

May this year be the beginning of even more amazing happenings.