My Life as a Book, or, Perfect Summer Reading

12-year-old Derek Fallon, like many kids, can’t wait for summer vacation.  However, there is one wrinkle: he has to read three books before school begins again.  Even though Derek is labelled a reluctant reader, that’s not really true.  He enjoys reading, as long as the material is along the lines of Calvin & Hobbes.  And there are other more important things to do: like hanging out with his best friend, Matt, and cooking up schemes that his parents do not exactly appreciate.  So, Derek is devastated when his mother determines that her son would benefit from attending Learning Camp.

But Derek’s focus changes when he discovers a ten-year-old newspaper clipping in the attic.  The article describes the death of a babysitter who, while saving her two-year-old charge, was caught in a riptide on a beach on Martha’s Vineyard.  When he asks about the story, Derek learns that he was the little boy.  With mixed feelings, he does some research, and hatches a plan to convince his parents to take a vacation there.  When the family arrives on the island, they are surprised to learn the truth of what happened that fateful day–relieving not only Derek but his parents from the guilt that has been part of their lives.

Told with a perfect combination of humor and sensitivity, Derek’s story is complemented by his amusing drawings (penned by the author’s teenage son, Jake Tashjian) illustrating the meanings of vocabulary words.

Janet Tashjian’s gem is sure to be a favorite with kids, especially if, like the hero of the story, reading isn’t their thing.  Derek is likable, smart, and creative.  A word of caution: even if a kid isn’t a reader, he or she might become one after reading Derek’s tale.  (Great news: his adventures continue in My Life as a Stuntboy and My Life as a Cartoonist!)

Reading Quotes

“…In the end, the reader should be left both completely satisfied and wanting more.”—Publishers Weekly

I love this quote.  It says it all.  And it’s especially fitting for a novel I finished reading last night: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate.  I’m not the only one who was blown away by this masterpiece.  It is, after all, this year’s winner of the Newbery Medal for the best children’s book of the year, and the recipient of a long list of other awards and commendations.  Born out of the author’s interest in a story about a gorilla who lived in isolation as a featured attraction in a shopping mall, Ivan’s tale will make you want to cry, then smile, then cry again–for joy.  But don’t take my word for it–read this unforgettable story for yourself.  Then share it with a child.

If anyone was wondering about my absence from the blogging scene, I’ve been enjoying my new grandson.  As his mommy had a caesarian section, and a bit of a complication, the new family has been staying with us.  So I’ve been wearing another hat this past month: proud grandma.  Even though he’s not our first grandbaby, the little fella is definitely a delight.  If anyone wants to know what a miracle is, take a look at a newborn baby (who, twelve weeks after conception, already has the ability to suck his/her thumb and sleep and wake!).

My apologies to anyone who has tried to open my web site: http://www.bookandagarden.com.  Through some problems from the administrator’s end (which I’m not savvy enough to completely fathom), the site is no longer accessible.  Hopefully, I will again be reviewing literary treasures old and new from another location.  While I am unhappy about the loss of so many reviews, it is the opportunity for a new beginning.  In the meantime, I’ll be sharing wonderful books on this blog.  Stay tuned!

A Delightful Romp Through Fantasyland

I began looking through a box of newly-arrived books, and grabbed a few to take home and read.  One of them, the first in a series, is a must-read for any kid who loves fantasies heavily spiced with humor.  I haven’t even finished it yet, but it’s too good to postpone sharing until I turn the last page.

Sarah Mlynowski’s rib-tickler joins the ranks of fractured fairy tales by Cornelia Funke, Eva Ibbotson, and other masters of the genre.    Check out the review on http://bookandagarden.com/book-reviews/whatever-after-fairest-of-all-by-sarah-mlynowski/ and enjoy!

My favorite quote of the day: “Babies are born with the instinct to speak, the way spiders are born with the instinct to spin webs. You don’t need to train babies to speak; they just do. But reading is different.”— Steven Pinker

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

One rainy day, a young caterpillar named Farfallina meets Marcel, a gosling.  The two youngsters become fast, inseparable friends.  As spring turns into summer,  Farfallina and Marcel play games (each careful not to engage in activity too difficult for the other) and enjoy their time together.  However, one day, the caterpillar does not feel right, and goes up into a tree to rest.  Marcel, devoted friend that he is, waits and waits for her return.  When Farfallina does not reappear, the young goose sadly wonders if he will ever see his beloved companion again.  The marvelous conclusion to this heartwarming tale puts Holly Keller’s timeless treasure alongside the greatest friendship stories of all time.

In a kingdom far, far away, live three little dragons.  The realm is also home to the Good Knight, who keeps faithful watch from his tower.  One night, the Good Knight hears a loud roar.  When he dutifully goes to investigate, who does he find but a pajama-clad young dragon who wants a drink of water before bed.  Being a Good Knight, the dedicated guardian complies–then returns to his tower.  He is on watch for only a short time when another loud roar sounds through the night.  When the Good Knight arrives at the cave, another little dragon is waiting for him.  After tending to her needs, he makes his way home, only to be summoned again, and a fourth time.  The Good Knight’s introduction to the three little dragons is the beginning of something wonderful in the world of children’s literature.  Little people (and their parents) will smile at the familiarity of the bedtime scene.  And everyone will be delighted by the further adventures of the Good Knight and his new friends.

A mother bird watches with excitement as her eggs hatch.  When all seven youngsters have emerged from their shells, they immediately begin a chorus of “Feed us!  Feed us!”  The new mother immediately responds, flying off to find food for her brood.  As each baby is fed, he falls asleep–but the remaining hatchlings take up the chant.  Naturally, the increasingly exhausted mama bird rushes to fulfill their needs, until every tiny bird is satisfied.  This treasure begs to be read aloud, and listeners will have a marvelous time shouting out the refrain.  (And mommies will love the spot-on ending!)

Ella knows what a story needs to be perfect.  It should have words like “Once upon a time.”  And, of course, a princess, fairies, and funny and exciting parts are important.  But there is one thing a story doesn’t need: bears.  Once having made her preferences known, Ella begins her tale.  However, unknown to the storyteller, a bear not only makes an appearance, but is an important part of the story.  Hilarious.

Ant is thrilled: the king has invited her to a dinner party.  She is careful to arrive on time, and uses her best table manners.  However, the same cannot be said for the king’s other guests.  As they grab food and otherwise act horribly, the royal host says nothing.  Things reach a crescendo when a cake is passed around the table.  The elephant takes half, and each succeeding guest takes half of what is left.  By the time the cake reaches poor Ant, the piece is too small to divide, and crumbles under the knife (leaving nothing for the king).  Embarrassed, she offers to bake a special cake for her host.  Another participant promises two cakes, another four, and so on.  This rib-tickling story will have kids laughing so hard, they may not realize they are learning several math concepts (and a lesson in proper behavior, as well).

Reading

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This says it all.  As the great Dr. Seuss says, “The more that you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”  (I Can Read with My Eyes Shut)

Happy birthday, Dr. Seuss!  (Interested in reading about some of the best of Seussiana?  Check this out: http://bookandagarden.com/?s=seuss.)

On Babies and Books

Everything’s coming up babies!  The past nine months have seen two new granddaughters join our family.  Is it any wonder that every time I see a lady in waiting (for her own big event), I feel a thrill of anticipation on her behalf?  Or that I cannot resist peeking into a stroller at the tiny occupant(s)?  Or that merely looking at baby clothes displayed in a store window or online makes me smile inside (and outside as well)?

If this is my state of mind when I come across anything baby, you can imagine what happens when the encounter involves books that are: (a) on the topic of the diaper set, or (b) of interest to those not yet old enough to read on their own.  Join (or humor) me as I talk about a few of my favorites!

Leave it to the Berenstains to come up with not one, but two marvelous books about the new baby experience.  The first, a 1974 classic, introduces Sister Bear to the family and the world.   And in Baby Makes Five, the prolific writers address the sensitive topic of jealousy on the part of an older sibling–and do it well.  Of course, Sister discovers there is much to like about her new little sibling.

Simple text and adorable photos depicting the activities of a chubby-cheeked baby and a rabbit make up this gem by Adele Arun Greenspun and her daughter Joanie Schwarz.  The result is an irresistible book that parents will love sharing with their babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

 

 

 

There are more out there: but I have an urge to go out and buy some “baby” books for my grandkids.

Don’t forget to visit www.http://bookandagarden.com for reviews of great books for kids of all ages.

The President Who Loved Books

The election is over.  Whether or not the candidate of your choice won, it has ended.  The President will hopefully realize that his was not a landslide victory, and make the effort to work on behalf of those on all sides of the political spectrum.  (In my humble opinion, this is true even if a candidate does enjoy a “landslide victory.”)

Enough said on this subject.  I recently came across a marvelous book that I want to share with everyone.  (Presidents might do well to read it, too!)

Follow young Abe from his birth until his election to the Presidency.  With poetic language and beautiful illustrations, this book–which is more than a biography–describes the times, experiences, and emotions that shaped one of the most fascinating personalities on the American scene since this country’s inception.  Share it with a child in your life.  (For more details, check out my review at www.http://BookAndAGarden.com.

A child can have too many toys, but never enough books. –Jarrett Krosoczka

Picture Books and More Picture Books!

Those of you who follow my blog will have to excuse me. I was so enthusiastic about some goodies that I’m adding to my new school library collection that I clicked the “Publish” button before I wrote the post!  Here is the post that I intended to write:

As I work at a frenetic pace to make my new library ready for business, many treasures are coming to my attention.  The urgency to be up and running has not lessened the excitement of preparing these books for sharing with youngsters–and hopefully turning the little tykes into eager readers and library users.

Here are a couple gems that are sure to be kid-pleasers.

Meet Scaredy Squirrel.  True to his name, he is afraid of everything: poison ivy, Martians, and sharks, to name a few.  With such a dangerous world, Scaredy is perfectly content to stay in his nice, safe tree–until the sudden appearance of a bee frightens him and he drops his emergency kit.  When the fearful squirrel leaps out of the tree after it, he discovers an ability he didn’t know he had.  This is the first in a humorous series that is a sensation with kids, whether or not they have phobias of their own.  Scaredy reminds me of Alvin Ho, Lenore Look’s phobia-ridden second-grader who has a series and a PDK (Personal Disaster Kit) of his own (perfect for 8-10-year-olds).

Alphabet books will never be the same!  Barbara Bottner, the genius behind one of my favorites, Miss Brooks Loves Books! (and I don’t), works her magic again with this incredibly funny story.  A classroom of kids, beginning with Adelaide,  exhibits less-than-desirable behavior.  What happens when Zelda has had her turn?  You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

More to come…

Picture Books Everywhere!

I’m on picture book cloud nine.  When a principal, with whom I worked for many years before she moved to a start-up school in 2011, asked me this summer to join her faculty, I was immediately excited.  And for good reason(s).  The collection consists largely of books I myself recommended on several occasions since last winter.  The students are preschoolers through second graders, so there are endless opportunities for waxing enthusiastic about my favorites.  Everything I ask for is given me, no questions asked.

Even the daunting task of processing and making shelf-ready hundreds of books has only cast a brief shadow on my delight.  As I prepare each volume for borrowing, I have an opportunity to acquaint (or reaquaint) myself with the treasures that will soon inhabit the shelves.  If this isn’t a librarian’s dream, I don’t know what is.

I’ll be sharing gems with you in the days and weeks to come.  Meanwhile, it’s time to recharge my batteries.  School starts tomorrow for some of my kids…

Fantastic Fantasies

Today I finished reading a novel that I think is so magnificent, I can’t wait until I write a complete review to share it with my readers.

This debut by the talented team of Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl is a refreshingly clean–no objectionable language or sex–young adult novel that is a fantasy-supernatural-Gothic mix.  Ethan Wate is a 16-year-old living in Gatlin, South Carolina, a town that prides itself on its Southern heritage.  The teen is counting the days until he can leave this backward place.  Then he meets the girl of his (literal) dreams–a 15-year-old named Lena who has been appearing in his nocturnal visions and recently moved in with her recluse uncle.  Why is she so apprehensive about her sixteenth birthday?  As Ethan grows closer to Lena, questions arise: what is really going on here, and what can he do to help her–and protect her from the close-minded community members (and fellow students) who oppose her presence among them?  The excitement doesn’t stop here–there are three more novels in this series and a movie being released this coming winter.  (My favorite character?  The town librarian!)

I’m breaking one of my rules again: talking about a book that I have not yet finished reading!  This novel is that good.

Liesl has been confined to an attic room by her stepmother (for her own protection, she says) since her father passed away.  However, a visit from a ghost named Po (and his pet, Bundle) begins to open the girl’s eyes to reality–and makes her realize there is a very important duty she must perform.  So, with the help of her new friends, Liesl escapes from the attic.  Their adventurous trek brings them into contact with a number of fascinating people, each with their own tale.  How their stories intertwine make this a can’t-put-it-down book kids will enjoy.