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My Friend Rabbit, by Eric Rothman, Roaring Brook Press 2002. (Toddler/Preschool)
The fact that My Friend Rabbit won the Caldecott Medal made me pick the book up. The fact that it was a funny book made me buy it.
Sometimes my three-year-old son tries to "help" around the house. Usually his "help" means a great deal more work for me, but the kid means well, so I praise the effort. The rabbit in the book means well, but his efforts do not often succeed as planned. I guess I should be grateful that my son doesn't employ an elephants, hippopotamus, alligator, rhinoceros, etc., to carry out his plans.
Eric Rothman uses a bold outline for his "ink-block" illustrations. It works. The animal expressions are comical, and yet the animals are rendered in such a way it is very clear what each animal is. Cartoony, confusing animals are one of my pet peeves in children's literature.
I don't always like books that won the Caldecott Medal. I do very much like My Friend Rabbit, though.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Book 113: Mudworks
Book 113: Mudworks. Creative Clay, Dough, and Modeling Experiences, by MaryAnn Kohl, illustrated by Kathleen Kerr, Bright Ring Publishing 1989. (Preschool/Elementary)
I bought this book on the recommendation of two of my Facebook friends; one has a house-full of active children, the other was Denise Fleming. Between the two of them I had creative activities for children. Perfect.
So far I've only made up one recipe of dough from this book: Basic Art Dough. It was labeled as being the best and easiest unbaked dough for children over the age of one. Again, perfect. I halved the recipe a week ago, wrapped it in wax paper and stored it in a wonton soup container when not in use. My son has been playing with it every day, at least once a day, and it still models easily and relatively cleanly. Perfect, perfect.
I'm sure I will experiment with the other recipes in this book over then next ten years or so, but having one perfect recipe for creative fun is more than worth the price of this book.
20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0935607021&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0">
I bought this book on the recommendation of two of my Facebook friends; one has a house-full of active children, the other was Denise Fleming. Between the two of them I had creative activities for children. Perfect.
So far I've only made up one recipe of dough from this book: Basic Art Dough. It was labeled as being the best and easiest unbaked dough for children over the age of one. Again, perfect. I halved the recipe a week ago, wrapped it in wax paper and stored it in a wonton soup container when not in use. My son has been playing with it every day, at least once a day, and it still models easily and relatively cleanly. Perfect, perfect.
I'm sure I will experiment with the other recipes in this book over then next ten years or so, but having one perfect recipe for creative fun is more than worth the price of this book.
20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0935607021&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0">
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Book "series" for young readers -- 3
If You Give..., by Laura Joffe Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond. (Toddler/Preschool)
I just read the review I wrote over two years about "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie". I still agree with it, so I will repeat part of it here.
You cannot go wrong with any "If You Give..." book. Numeroff's stories are sweet and silly, funny and charming, but what really make these books so well-loved by so many children and adults is the magic that is Felicia Bond's illustration. Even when Numeroff's writing becomes perhaps a little stilted or overly-silly after having written so many "If You Give..." books, Bond's illustrations swoop in and save the day. The whole becomes greater than the parts when an excellent storyteller is teamed with an excellent illustrator.
Interestingly, I've read a few books that Felicia Bond has written. Her writing is fine, and, of course her illustrations are wonderful, but I find the books lack the spark that makes the "If You Give..." series so endearing and enduring.
I just read the review I wrote over two years about "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie". I still agree with it, so I will repeat part of it here.
You cannot go wrong with any "If You Give..." book. Numeroff's stories are sweet and silly, funny and charming, but what really make these books so well-loved by so many children and adults is the magic that is Felicia Bond's illustration. Even when Numeroff's writing becomes perhaps a little stilted or overly-silly after having written so many "If You Give..." books, Bond's illustrations swoop in and save the day. The whole becomes greater than the parts when an excellent storyteller is teamed with an excellent illustrator.
Interestingly, I've read a few books that Felicia Bond has written. Her writing is fine, and, of course her illustrations are wonderful, but I find the books lack the spark that makes the "If You Give..." series so endearing and enduring.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Book 112: The Orb of Chatham
The Orb of Chatham, by Bob Staake, Commonwealth Editions, 2005
Truth be told, I bought this book for me. But my little boy saw it when I opened the package, and he said "Have it!" I'm not even going to try to explain to a three-year-old why he can't have a picture book, so I guess we'll have to share.
I bought this book for the illustrations. You may not know Staake's name, but most likely you know his artwork; it often graces the covers of the New Yorker, and shows up in many other places. His works features clean lines, remarkable shading, and simple subject that virtually jumps off the page. It is always beautiful, in a sort of modern Art Deco way. The illustrations in this book are all that and a bit of film noir -- and nothing short of breathtakingly brilliant.
The story, which I thought would be secondary in this book, surprised me with its Goreyesque quality. I was delighted. And heartened, because even though Edward Gorey is no longer with us, Bob Staake still very much is.
I should confess that I have yet to unlock the key. I started at 11:30 last night, and I made a half-hearted effort for about half an hour before I gave up for the night and went to bed. So I'm no puzzle whiz, or I'm just really bad at math.
Truth be told, I bought this book for me. But my little boy saw it when I opened the package, and he said "Have it!" I'm not even going to try to explain to a three-year-old why he can't have a picture book, so I guess we'll have to share.
I bought this book for the illustrations. You may not know Staake's name, but most likely you know his artwork; it often graces the covers of the New Yorker, and shows up in many other places. His works features clean lines, remarkable shading, and simple subject that virtually jumps off the page. It is always beautiful, in a sort of modern Art Deco way. The illustrations in this book are all that and a bit of film noir -- and nothing short of breathtakingly brilliant.
The story, which I thought would be secondary in this book, surprised me with its Goreyesque quality. I was delighted. And heartened, because even though Edward Gorey is no longer with us, Bob Staake still very much is.
I should confess that I have yet to unlock the key. I started at 11:30 last night, and I made a half-hearted effort for about half an hour before I gave up for the night and went to bed. So I'm no puzzle whiz, or I'm just really bad at math.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Book 111: Nana's Gift
Nana's Gift, by Agy Wilson, 2012. (Elementary)
The opening line for Nana's Gift was simple, poetic and a perfect set-up for the story to follow. The tale itself is nothing new -- it is a timeless story of forgiveness and redemption -- but it is told in such a personal way that one can feel an almost immediate connection with the author. It is as if we are being invited into her home and into her memories. There are places in this book that could benefit from the "tightening up" of a very good editor, as long as none of the illustrations are sacrificed.
All the illustrations in this book are good, but a couple of them jump out as being something special. A kitchen scene and an outdoor scene, in particular, are beautifully evocative.
The opening line for Nana's Gift was simple, poetic and a perfect set-up for the story to follow. The tale itself is nothing new -- it is a timeless story of forgiveness and redemption -- but it is told in such a personal way that one can feel an almost immediate connection with the author. It is as if we are being invited into her home and into her memories. There are places in this book that could benefit from the "tightening up" of a very good editor, as long as none of the illustrations are sacrificed.
All the illustrations in this book are good, but a couple of them jump out as being something special. A kitchen scene and an outdoor scene, in particular, are beautifully evocative.
This is the first "book" I've read on a computer, and nothing against the story, but I won't be giving up my bookcases any time soon. I could see a grandmother and child reading this book together, and turning the pages together.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Book "series" for young readers -- 2
"Over in... " by Marianne Berkes and various artists. (Toddler/Preschool/Early Elementary)
My first introduction to this "series" was a few years ago when Marianne Berkes visited the library where I worked. I loved her and her books pretty much immediately; it would have been hard not to. She is a former children's librarian turned children's author. She took everything she learned about enjoying and sharing books and wrote books that can be enjoyed and shared.
I'll always have a soft spot for "Over in the Ocean" because that was only book in the series at that time and I was able to "help" her perform it at the library for a children's program. But I love this whole series from "Ocean" to her newest, "Forest". I never tire of singing them, which is fortunate, because my son wants to hear at least one "Over in..." at least once a day. I should also add, that even though more than one artist illustrated this series, the chosen illustrator does an amazing job interpreting Marianne Berkes' text for each of the books.
Be sure to visit Marianne's website to see ALL of her wonderful books.
My first introduction to this "series" was a few years ago when Marianne Berkes visited the library where I worked. I loved her and her books pretty much immediately; it would have been hard not to. She is a former children's librarian turned children's author. She took everything she learned about enjoying and sharing books and wrote books that can be enjoyed and shared.
I'll always have a soft spot for "Over in the Ocean" because that was only book in the series at that time and I was able to "help" her perform it at the library for a children's program. But I love this whole series from "Ocean" to her newest, "Forest". I never tire of singing them, which is fortunate, because my son wants to hear at least one "Over in..." at least once a day. I should also add, that even though more than one artist illustrated this series, the chosen illustrator does an amazing job interpreting Marianne Berkes' text for each of the books.
Be sure to visit Marianne's website to see ALL of her wonderful books.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Book "series" for young readers -- 1
I'm taking a break from reviewing individual books because I've noticed a lot of moms in the library on Story Time day are looking for authors of multiple books, or series, for their young readers. So my first series to recommend: How Do Dinosaurs....(anything) by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague. (Baby/Toddler/Preschool)
These books were my son's introduction to dinosaurs. The first book I read/bought (same thing for me) was How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You. My little "dinosaur" had no trouble recognizing himself in the dinosaur-like behavior, both good and bad. Any book that can engage a young child (he was two at the time) right away is a winner for the writing.
Mark Teague's illustrations for this series are nothing short of brilliant. Thomas had never seen a drawing of a dinosaur before we read the first book. After seeing the dinosaurs in the "I Love You" book, Thomas had no trouble spotting dinosaurs in other illustrations or drawings, and he's even drawn some himself.
We own four of the Dinosaur books already, and we'll be buying more, especially since there is a new one coming out for Christmas. Thanks, Jane Yolen and Mark Teague!
These books were my son's introduction to dinosaurs. The first book I read/bought (same thing for me) was How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You. My little "dinosaur" had no trouble recognizing himself in the dinosaur-like behavior, both good and bad. Any book that can engage a young child (he was two at the time) right away is a winner for the writing.
Mark Teague's illustrations for this series are nothing short of brilliant. Thomas had never seen a drawing of a dinosaur before we read the first book. After seeing the dinosaurs in the "I Love You" book, Thomas had no trouble spotting dinosaurs in other illustrations or drawings, and he's even drawn some himself.
We own four of the Dinosaur books already, and we'll be buying more, especially since there is a new one coming out for Christmas. Thanks, Jane Yolen and Mark Teague!
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