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.

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.  

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.

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!

Book 110: Over in the Forest, Come and Take a Peek

Over in the Forest, Come and Take a Peek, written by Marianne Berkes and illustrated by Jill Dubin, Dawn Publication, 2012.  (Toddler/Preschool)

Question:  How much does my little boy love this book?  Answer:  I've had this book for about ten days and have read it easily over twenty times.  Simple Answer:  A whole lot.

Just like every other Over In... book by the talented Marianne Berkes, this one is set to the tune of Over in the Meadow.  That premise make this an easy book to read to toddlers.  Not to give anything away, once again, I learned something from Marianne Berkes' text.

The illustrations are delightful.  My favorite part, though, is the ascending number of animal tracks, because I learned something from the illustrations.

Any time a book entertains a child and educates an adult, it is a winner.

Book 109: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and other bedtime lullabies

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and Other Bedtime Lullabies, Grandreams Limited, 1989.  (Baby/Toddler)

  Two weeks ago I broke my left leg, and, yes, last May, I shattered my right. So, once again I am hobbling around the downstairs on crutches. And once again, my choice of books is pretty limited. In fact all the ones my son brought downstairs have been reviewed. This one was sitting by the computer so I could look up the tunes. Now that I have looked up a few a the tunes for Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and Other Bedtime Lullabies, I do like it better.

 I thought at three-and-a-half, my little boy might have outgrown lullabies, but at least once a day he climbs into my lap and wants me to sing to him. Awww. It is good to have a choice of songs. The reason I picked this book up in the first place was because of the illustrations. They have a bit of the Joan Walsh Anglund quality that I grew up with, and so, to my was comforting and familiar. I swear I had a pink robe just like the one a girl is wearing in one of the illustrations. Not only do I have a stash of new songs for my son, but also, I can share with him some of the features of my childhood.

Book 108: Dog Train

Dog Train, Words and Illustrations by Sandra Boynton, Workman Publishing Company 2005.  (Toddler/Preschool)

Yet another of Sandra Boynton's brilliant book/CD combinations. Michael Ford wrote the music for this one, again; and, again, the music is brilliant. And the recording artists for this collaboration are phenomenal: Alison Krauss and Blues Traveler to just name two. So we have Sandra Boynton's silly illustrations and lyrics, great music and some stellar performers: What's not to like?

This is my little boy's fourth Boynton book/CD. What is really wonderful them is that I keep a couple of the CDs in the car and when he starts to get fussy, I can just pop one into the player and he calms right down. Even better, the music is quite sophisticated -- even if the lyrics are ridiculous -- so I don't feel compelled to jump out of the car when I should in fact be driving.

Everybody's happy!




*For reviews on books to borrow, please see Louise's Blog in Blogs I Follow.

Book 107: Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins, written by P.L. Travers. illustrated by Mary Shepard, Harcourt Book 1931

I've talked about, and recommended, this book so often that I can't believe I haven't reviewed it before now. But I haven't. So here is the review: I love this book!

More specifically, I love how this book is written. If you ever have had a three-yeard-old, you probably know they will not sit still through an entire children's novel, nor will they follow the thread of a story from one night to the next. A book in which each chapter tells a complete story and tell a larger story on the whole is an entirely different matter. Add to that the wonderful illustrations of Mary Shepard -- daughter of E. H. Shepard -- and you have a delightfully charming children's book.

Don't look for the penguin waiters, runaway carousel horses or rooftop dances scenes -- Yeah, I love that about the movie, too -- but the chapter on the dancing cow will more than make up for it, I promise.