My Top 10 Picture Books of the Century (So Far), Part One

When I decided to write about my favorites, I thought about sharing the best (in my humble opinion) ten picture books of all time.  However, after a moment’s reflection, it occurred to me that narrowing my choices to such a small number would be next to impossible.  There are simply too many unforgettable treasures out there.  Even choosing the most-liked picture books published since 2000 is a daunting task.  Yet, there are some that definitely stand out.  They may not have won an award, but I believe they are destined to (or should) become classics.  You, my readers, might not agree with me, and that’s fine.  I would like to hear about some of your favorites, as well.

One note: this list is not in order of preference.

So, without further ado…

Aside from being an enjoyable story, this is an unforgettable and poignant tale.  When Ruben Plotnick, the zany kid everybody likes, wants to come over to do homework, David is apprehensive.  What will Ruben think of his grandmother, who suddenly begins talking to her husband (who passed away years before) and acting strangely?  Will he make fun of her at school the next day?  What really unfolds is what makes this story memorable.  There is so much food for thought and discussion here beyond the obvious theme of dementia and its effects of family members.  Friendship, popularity, not judging by appearances or first impressions, and the many facets that make up a human being are all topics that can be explored.

We know many things about our 16th President.  Yet, there is one aspect about Abraham Lincoln that is less well known: he was a book lover from the time he could write the alphabet (if not before).  In charming free verse, Kay Winters tells the story of how books were young Abe’s companions, provided comfort in a time of loss, and helped shape the incredible man he became.  This warm story is sure to be popular with young people who love a good tale about a real person–and might create a few new book lovers.  It’s too good to be shared only around President’s Day.

Miss Brooks is the librarian we all aspire to be.  Her affinity for books knows no bounds; neither does her enthusiasm for sharing stories with her students.  Even Missy, a first grader who detests books and much as Miss Brooks adores them, does not put a damper on her exuberance.  This delightful story is well matched by Michael Emberley’s priceless illustrations.  Even real-life Missies might find themselves turned onto this wonderful thing called reading by the time they’ve finished Barbara Bottner’s masterpiece.  Kids and adults will laugh all the way to the library.

Yes, it was originally published in 1993, but I’m including this book for two reasons.  Firstly, it was republished in 2010 with new illustrations.  Secondly, Babara Goldin’s timeless tale merits inclusion on anyone’s list of favorites.  As the story opens, young Hershel, the only blind boy in his European village, enjoys spending time at the riverbank, creating structures out of mud–and catching a frog whenever he can.  Typical of boys everywhere, he is not above creating interesting “diversions” in class when he is bored.  Yet he also feels concern for the difficulties he causes his widowed mother when he comes home with mud-caked clothing or she must appease his teacher after Hershel’s latest escapade.  He longs to be a help to her, not only by performing mundane chores, but in a real way.  Hershel discovers his chance when he is visited in a dream by an angel, who encourages him to make what he sees.  Inspired, the boy locates the dough his mother warned him not to touch–with results that change not only people’s perceptions, but his future as well.

Mary Batten takes science books to a whole new level.  Two pajama-clad girls learn about the sleep habits of a number of different creatures, and we join them in their journey of discovery.  In simple prose, the author provides basic information, which is expanded upon on each page.  Combined with illustrator Higgin Bond’s detailed art work, this wonderful book is more than just another animal book.  It’s a treasure.

Stay tuned for Part Two!

Happy January Revisited

I feel a need to follow up on my previous post.  While 2012 was in so many ways a year for the record books, I, as a believing Jew, look at Earth’s journey around the sun in another way as well.  For our people, there is more than one beginning to the year.  Each is fraught with meaning and provides inspiration and guidance in our daily lives.

First and foremost is one (almost) everybody’s heard about: Rosh Hashanah.   It heralds the awesome, inspiring holy days on which the slate is wiped clean and we look forward to a year of blessing, health, peace, and whatever else we need and desire.  After almost a full month of connecting with the Creator and rejoicing in the goodness bestowed upon us, we return to our regular routine.

For residents of the Northern Hemisphere, that includes watching summer give way to autumn and autumn fade into winter.  When the cold season is at its height, and it seems that spring is far, far away, along comes the next new year.  Tu Bishvat, the New Year for Trees, is the day when trees in the Land of Israel begin another fruit-bearing cycle.  As we commemorate the holiday by eating various types of fruits, there is a feeling of dual celebration: of the Creator’s care for all of His creation, and of the knowledge that spring will arrive in our locales.

At the onset of spring comes Nissan.  It’s is the first month on the Jewish calendar, and all succeeding ones are reckoned from it.  Passover occurs at this time.  At this season of beginnings and positive changes (of our people as a nation dedicated to the ideals of serving the Creator; of going beyond our limitations and reaching new heights; of new animal and plant life), we experience the sensation of making, once again, a new start.

Yes, the twelve months recently concluded were momentous ones.  Yet, we have many occasions to begin anew and celebrate the opportunities that the future brings.  Isn’t that enough of a reason to rejoice?

A New Year, A New Beginning

When one reads the headlines or listens to the news, one wonders what’s going on in the world.  Innocent youngsters becoming targets for thugs with guns.  Embassies attacked and personnel killed (ostensibly) because of a film that offends certain sensibilities.  Iran is flexing its military muscles, increasing the world’s concern about that country’s nuclear capabilities.  Childhood obesity is on the rise.  Beautiful and important natural phenomena such as the Everglades, rain forests, and the Dead Sea are shrinking–and may one day be gone.

When it seems like our planet is headed for disaster, we receive a timely reminder that all is not hopeless.  We can make a new start.

Every year, Jews the world over observe a new year.  We resolve to be just a little bit better, try a little bit harder, be a little bit kinder, show a little more happiness.  At the same time, we (re)turn to the Source of everything, and acknowledge that His assistance and guidance are what will see us through the bumps and turns on the road ahead.

As we move closer to the awesome day of Yom Kippur, which provides us with a marvelous opportunity to reconnect with the Creator and with our inner self, we have the ability to tip the scales toward a brighter future for us, our families, our friends, our coworkers, and the world we call home.  Let’s make the most of it.

Have an inspiring day and a year filled with all the blessings and good things you desire for yourself and those you love.

A Day of Sadness, a Day of Hope

Today is Tisha B’Av.  It is known as the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, and deservedly so.  Throughout our history, a number of tragic events occurred on this date, including the destruction of the first Holy Temple in Jerusalem (and the second, as well), the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492, and the beginning of World War I (which led to the horrors of World War II and the Holocaust).

Yet all is not dismal, even on this darkest of days.  As we see in the special Tisha B’Av prayers and readings, there is room for hope.  We can resolve to do and be better.  Whatever sins and errors caused the calamities that befell us in the past, if we make the effort to rise above what is negative in human nature, we are guaranteed success.

For, on that dark day in Spain, a man set sail with three ships in search of an ocean route to India.  What he found instead became a new haven for those seeking refuge from their oppressors, their descendants, and countless others searching for a better life…

May the day speedily come when all mankind will live in joyful harmony with all the inhabitants of this earth.