friday october 02
Grey’s Anatomy actress Ellen Pompeo recently gave birth to a daughter on September 15th, naming her Stella Luna Pompeo Ivery. Stellaluna just so happens to be an adorable children’s book by Jannell Cannon, about a fruit bat separated from her mother and adopted by a family of birds.
If the name Stella Luna doesn’t inspire the expectant parents, then the library has plenty of baby name books to consider, such as:
A is for Atticus: Baby Names from Great Books by Lorilee Craker
Baby Names Made Easy: The Complete Reverse Dictionary of Baby Names by Amanda Elizabeth Barden
Beyond Ava & Aiden: The Enlightened Guide to Naming Your Baby by Linda Rosenkrantz
Cool Names for Babies by Pamela Redmond Satran
The Name Book: Over 10,000 Names--Their Meanings, Origins, and Spiritual Significance by Dorothy Astoria
60,001+ Best Baby Names by Dianne Stafford
monday june 01
I’m addicted to audiobooks! It started as a way to stay current and manage a long commute to my former employer, but now it’s just plain fun.
In addition to all the fun, studies show audiobooks are also great exercise to keep kids’ skills sharp during school breaks! Audiobooks improve reading ability, vocabulary and reading comprehension. And, audiobooks can be a fantastic way for you to fulfill requirements for summer reading lists from school!
If you’ve never tried an audiobook, summer is a great time to explore this wonderful way of enjoying a book. From classics like Charlotte’s Web to new bestsellers like The 39 Clues, the library has a great collection of audiobooks for kids. Some of my favorites are listed below- the links take you to the CD edition, but many of these titles are also available as a downloadables- don’t forget to stock up in advance of your summer road trips!
Continue Reading…
friday may 29
I can trace my adult interest in spelling bees to my less-than-stellar performance at my sixth grade spelling bee circa 1983. I can’t remember how many rounds I lasted (probably 1) or what word I misspelled (probably something not too difficult), but the perfectionist in me remembers I should have studied harder. For 13-year-old Kavya Shivashanker, however, the word “Laodicean” earned her the title of 2009 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion.
For the rest of us, there’s always next year, so let the library give you a head start with these great books, recordings, and DVDs!
Continue Reading…
tuesday may 26
Need suggestions for beach reading or books to bring to camp? Below are some of my favorite new titles, all published within the last year, that are ideal for the season. And don’t forget, the library’s summer reading program kicks off this weekend! Lots of great programs and prizes to be had all summer at every location.
Continue Reading…
thursday april 16
There is a family of birds nesting on our neighbor’s windowsill. My husband spotted them first- a mamma bird who seemed permenantly parked in her nest each day as we went in and out of the house. But now there is a family birds, a family of early risers I might add, but that is another story…
The bird family is just one sign that spring has sprung and the library has recently added a great selection of bird books to our children’s collection. Check out these great new titles!
Continue Reading…
thursday april 09
My one-year-old daughter’s favorite toy is a frog that attached to her infant car seat when she was a baby. She lost it, so her grandmother bought another one. We found the first one again, so now she has two. Sometimes she will hold one in each hand in her crib at night, so I decided to read her a chapter from each of the Frog and Toad books by author/illustrator Arnold Lobel before she goes to bed.
Last night we began with the story “The Letter” in Frog and Toad Are Friends (1970), the first title in the Frog and Toad series and a Caldecott Medal Honor Book. Toad is sad because he never receives any mail, so Frog sends him a letter to cheer him up. Lobel’s simple text and charming illustrations in soft greens and browns capture all the emotions of true friendship.
I’m looking forward to reading more of their adventures this evening, but these stories are perfect chapter books for beginning readers, too! And don’t forget to also check out:
wednesday march 25
It’s become a silly tag line at our house of late, but eerily accurate. The twins adore listening to CD’s and doing wiggly moves that must be the baby equivalent of dancing. I know I’m biased and all, but it’s seriously cute.
Researchers tell us the auditory system forms extremely early and the ear is actually the first sensory organ to develop brain connections. And from those first weeks in the womb an infant's ability to process sound and music only grows stronger. Researchers think the complexity of classical music is what primes the brain to solve spatial problems more quickly.
Continue Reading…
wednesday march 18
"My bath was too hot, I got soap in my eyes, my marble went down the drain, and I had to wear my railroad train pajamas. I hate my railroad train pajamas."--Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
Poor Alexander. This sounds exactly like bath night at our house: always some sort of calamity. Just getting everyone upstairs is a struggle. Usually it goes something like this: my daughter races upstairs, takes off all her clothes and runs around the house, naked and screaming. The boys crawl up the stairs, one veers left into our bedroom (to torture the poor dog), the other veers right into his sister's bedroom (to play with the electrical outlets that he has learned to take the child safety devices out of).
Once everyone is in the tub, we commence washing. Or, I should say, soaking the room with as much water as possible. I'm not sure how much actual washing is done. Soon the calamities start: the bath is too hot. Someone gets soap in their eyes. Someone else falls out of the tub. Then, there's the inevitable questions about "private parts". My daughter: "mommy, why do boys have peanuts?" (her term for a certain part of the male anatomy). Quickly followed by: "mommy, why are the boys always messing with their peanuts?" Ack!
Continue Reading…
tuesday march 17
My 12-month-old daughter hasn’t learned to walk yet, but it appears we’ve entered the toddler years. Yesterday I was talking to her and she put her hands over my mouth, followed by an impish smile. This morning after I gave her a Cheerio, she offered it to me and then teasingly pulled it away.
I’ve found a great children’s picture book author for toddlers (and their parents) confronting all the issues that arise during this amazing yet challenging time. Looking at just some of the colorfully illustrated titles by Elizabeth Verdick, I realize just what I’m in for…
friday february 27
The Graveyard Book is high on my list of favorites. Neil Gaiman, the gifted author of so many stories, again puts us in the middle of the horrible, while making it ordinary. In Coraline (2002), the heroine ended up in a scary mirror world that tested her strength and smarts. Similarly, in The Graveyard Book, our hero, Bod, uses his intelligence and natural little-boy curiosity to make sense of his odd world which, to him, is very normal.
It is fabulously adventurous. Bod's trip to the land of the Ghouls is sparingly scarily described, and it turns out to be a way in which he finds one of his most ardent protectors. Poor little Bod is a normal boy in very un-normal circumstances, being raised by ghost parents, championed by a vampire, and tutored by a werewolf.
But, I have to stress that never is the book something that would spawn nightmares. The imagery is fabulous, the characterizations dead-on (pardon the pun), and the story line is satisfying without being either gratuitous or predictable. There are scary things, but there is a lot of kindness, too.
Neil Gaiman was awarded The Newbery Medal for this wonderful book, the American Library Association's award for the exemplary children's book of 2008. He has a long list of awards, but I am so glad he has been officially recognized for this quality writing for young people.
tuesday february 10
One of my earliest memories is of an alphabet train poster that spanned two walls of the bedroom I shared with my little brother. My mom or dad would name a letter, and I would point to it. Or they would point to a letter, and I would name it or give its sound. I don't remember the moment I learned to read -- most don't, I suspect. But being read to each night and, yes, pointing to those letters on my bedroom wall certainly sped up that process.
Children today have endless opportunities to engage in literacy activities. Besides stimulation from the home environment, like the kinds my parents provided, everything from television shows, such as Reading Rainbow, to computer software programs, such as Reader Rabbit, can support children's emergent reading skills. Here are some of my favorite books to read with young, emerging readers:
The Internet gives us even more ways for children to have fun with words and stories. The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County has updated its Kidspace, a site complete with homework help, reading recommendations, games, and even a place for children to write book reviews. The site should be attractive to children, parents, and teachers alike.
Continue Reading…
tuesday february 03
My 11-month-old daughter doesn’t like to sit still for story time these days. Ever the wiggle worm, she squirms nonstop in my lap until I give up reading and put her to bed. The other night I showed her a board book, Charley Harper's ABC’s, and it held her attention until we made it to the letter R. Needless to say, I was thrilled.
One of my favorite artists, Cincinnati-based Charley Harper (1922-2007) was best known for his bold, graphic illustrations of nature, especially birds. His unique style, which he called “minimal realism,” established his reputation as an innovative wildlife artist. His two posthumous children’s books--ABC’s and 123’s--are a great way to introduce a new generation to Charley Harper’s work.
wednesday january 21
Spot is a yellow puppy with a brown spot on each side of his body and a brown tip on his tail. He is equal parts helpful and mischevious, and just happens to star in his own series of books, DVD’s, CD’s, and other merchandise.
There are various kinds of Spot books available, all by Eric Hill- from lift-the-flap books to read-along audio CD with book bundle, to touch and feel books. There are also a heathy dose of good old-fashioned picture books available. We’ve developed quite a crush on the lift-the-falp board book editions at my house, but all the Spot books are great choices for little ones.
Below is a sampling of what the library has to offer in the way of all things Spot, or click here for a complete listing.
Continue Reading…
wednesday december 31
In a previous post, I wrote about the recent onslaught of fabulously funny picture books featuring peas. As we stand on the cusp on 2009, I am prepared to make a bold prediction: Wolves are the new peas!
Forget the big bad wolf from the Three Little Pigs, don’t even mention that meanie from Little Red Riding Hood. This new breed of wolves is kinder, gentler- and hilarious.
Check out these recent additions to our collection.
Continue Reading…
monday december 15
December is a great month to receive book publications. EVERYONE has a best books list. I just can’t get enough. I argue with the list editors; I email the lists to friends and family; I get outraged at books left off the lists.
So, in the spirit of the season, here are my picks (in no particular order) for the Best Picture Books of 2008!
Continue Reading…
tuesday december 09
We’ve developed quite a crush on Maisy at my house. Maisy is an adorable little mouse who stars in her own children’s book series created British book illustrator Lucy Cousins. (Maisy also has her own show on Nickelodeon’s Noggin)
Maisy is very much like a human toddler who goes on adventures and plays with her friends Charley the Crocodile, Tallulah the Baby Chicken, Cyril Squirrel, and Eddie Elephant. They guide little ones through everyday experiences such as making friends, riding tricycles, going swimming, playing in the garden, and reading books while reinforcing early learning concepts such as colors, numbers, and social themes.
The lift the flap board book format seem to be most popular at my house, but really all of her adventures are fabulous. I’m not sure if it is the brightly colored illustrations or think black outlines Cousins uses, but her illustrations mesmerize my kiddos.
Below are a few of the library’s collection of Maisy books. Happy Reading!
Continue Reading…
thursday december 04
Christmas is just around the corner! The bad news is you have less than three weeks to wrap up your shopping. The good news is the library has added some fabulous Christmas titles to our children’s collection- and checking them out is free!
Continue Reading…
wednesday november 26
At Halloween, I heard a radio story that asked people about the frightening movie scenes they remembered most vividly from childhood. (The flying monkeys from The Wizard of Oz seem to have scarred many otherwise healthy adults.)
In the kinder, gentler spirit of Thanksgiving, I have a different question for you: what are the childhood books that made you grateful you learned to read? All the way back to Green Eggs and Ham, or whatever that very first book was for you.
It isn’t just Thanksgiving that has brought this to my mind lately. I’ve been recommending some favorite books for a third-grader (hi, Nathan!), and it has been a lot of fun to root through old memories for things he might like. It turns out that he loves some of them as much as I did.
So what books are you grateful for? What childhood favorites would you recommend?
I’ll just pick one. Well, I’ll cheat, since it has a sequel: Elizabeth Enright’s 1957 Gone-Away Lake and its sequel, Return to Gone-Away.
Continue Reading…
friday september 05
Stories of magic and romantic adventures have grabbed me ever since I read about Dorothy in the Oz books. J.K. Rowling has done a lot to bring magic to the forefront with her Harry Potter books. I have some new recommendations:
The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black is a modern-day series, and it's spot-on as far as how kids would deal with the magical realm. Happily, the movie adaptation is very good.
The Magic Thief (2008) by Sarah Prineas is a new book, heralding itself as first in a series, and so is Marie Rutkoski's brand new The Cabinet of Wonders: The Kronos Chronicles: Book I.
I would also highly recommend the Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage. The first book, Magyk, sets the scene and draws us into a very believable magical world with a slightly late-renaissance flavor.
What a wonderful escape on a rainy weekend! Again I tell you: Children's books...not just for kids!
Continue Reading…
thursday august 28
The best way to entertain my six-month-old daughter is to let her watch the fish in our aquarium. Sometimes she’ll sit in her bouncer for an hour or more and watch them flit by. She also loves to be read to, so Louis Ehlert’s Fish Eyes: A Book You Can Count On is next on her reading list.
Neon colored, cut paper fish with intricate patterns swim against a midnight blue background and introduce counting and basic addition in this beautiful concept book. One day my daughter will count fish, but for now, I can only imagine what she is thinking as she looks at the aquarium. Perhaps a line from Fish Eyes: “If I could put on a suit of scales, / add some fins and one of these tails, / I’d close my eyes and then I’d wish / that I’d turn into a beautiful fish.”
tuesday august 12
In two posts last fall, found
here and
here, I detailed great reads for kids (or parents) facing the day they have dreamed of/dreaded all summer- the first day of school. As we once again approach the time of year when some dream of bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils, let’s take a look at what’s new in the back to school genre.
Continue Reading…
thursday august 07
My husband and I recently saw the exhibition Building Books: The Art of David Macaulay, currently on view at the Cincinnati Art Museum through September 7th.
David Macaulay is a Caldecott Medal winning children’s book author and illustrator who was born in England in 1946 and moved to Bloomfield, New Jersey when he was 11. After graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in architecture, he vowed never to practice. Instead, he experimented with creating books and his first, Cathedral, was published in 1973. His drawings have the uncanny ability to explain everything from simple gadgets to amazing architectural structures.
Building Books presents pen and ink illustrations from many of his classic books, including The New Way Things Work, Cathedral, Castle, City, Mill, Mosque, Pyramid, Unbuilding, and Underground. You can also see illustrations from his other children’s books such as Black and White (1991 Caldecott Medal winner), Shortcut, and Angelo. A great exhibit for adults and children alike!
Macaulay’s new book, The Way We Work: Getting to Know the Amazing Human Body, will be published in October.
wednesday july 09
My coworker kindly gave me a copy of the children’s book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? as a baby shower gift, and I've been reading it to my daughter since she was born four months ago. She loves the rhyming text by Bill Martin, Jr. ("Red bird, red bird, what do you see? I see a yellow duck looking at me”) and the bold, colorful illustrations by Eric Carle.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was the first book Eric Carle illustrated. Since then, Martin (1916-2004) and Carle collaborated on three other beloved classics that I hope to add to my daughter’s collection: Polar Bear. Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?, Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?, and Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?. I’ve included links to the available board book editions for tiny fingers to hold and enjoy.
Your little one may also be interested in our popular Library Babies programs, so check our online program calendar or your local branch library for further details!
tuesday june 17
As little girls, I think every woman of my generation fell in love with Atlantic coastal island life when we read Misty of Chincoteague (1947) by Marguerite Henry. The adventures of Paul and Maureen Beebe and their family seemed so exciting and wonderful! I was fascinated by the ponies, the ocean, the islands, and daily island life.
The book opens with the escape of terrified ponies on board a Spanish galleon that runs aground in a storm in the early years of Spanish exploration. These ponies were the ancestors of the present day island ponies that live all along the barrier islands of the east coast.
Henry was awarded a Newbery Honor for Misty of Chincoteauge. She followed it up in 1949 with Sea Star, Orphan of Chincoteague that she was inspired to write on a visit back to Assategue Island, the home of the ponies. Later, she wrote Stormy, Misty's Foal (1963) after the devastating 1962 "Ash Wednesday Storm" ripped into the islands.
I have had the extreme privilege of seeing the wild island ponies on North Carolina's Outer Banks islands. They weren't afraid of us humans, but they really didn't have much time for us, turning their backs pointedly as we tried to photograph them.
Continue Reading…
wednesday may 28
Terrific twosomes are popping up like crazy in children’s books. We’ve got identical twins, fraternal twins, boy twins, girl twins, boy girl twins and even a set of triplets! There are twin chickens, twin crime fighters, and even twins at summer camp. I suppose this trend mirrors the current rise in the birth rate of multiples, but it also seems to be a key ingredient for fun summer reading; check out the great reads below.
Continue Reading…
thursday april 24
Celebrating Spring and our earth, Mother Earth and Her Children: A Quilted Fairy Tale (2007) is a German children's poem with gorgeous needlework illustrations by quilter Sieglinde Schoen Smith. This is a modern translation by Jack Zipes of Sibylle von Olfers' 1907 German book, Etwas von den Wurzelkindern ("Something About the Root Children"). Soon we'll see Mother Earth's ABC.
Smith took Olfers' illustrations and created a gorgeous award-winning quilt based on the original illustrations. She started quilting for comfort after her son passed away, and the book is dedicated to him.
Another lovely book celebrating spring is Monarch and Milkweed (2008) by Helen Frost and Leonid Gore. Beautifully illustrated, the book describes the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly, so closely dependent on the Milkweed plant.
Another one for Spring is Ruth Brown's Ten Seeds (2001), the pictorial countdown from 10 seeds to one sunflower in the garden, naturally giving us ten more seeds.
Happy Spring!
friday april 04
April is National Poetry Month; Earth Day 2008 is April 22. There are lots of poetry books that celebrate Spring and the Earth on the library bookshelves.
The 2006 Caldecott Honor book Song of the Water Boatman & Other Pond Poems (2005) by Joyce Sidman makes a lovely connection between Earth Day and Poetry Month. Beckie Prange's gorgeous hand colored woodcuts pull together the poetry and scientific information on pond life.
Pat Mora and Steve Jenkins' This Big Sky (1998) brings us to the desert Southwest in words and pictures. Katharine Boling's New Year Be Coming!: A Gullah Year (2002) is illustrated with Daniel Minter's fascinating linoleum block prints illustrating the Gullah life of the Southeast coast, so closely tied to the earth and seasons.
Marilyn Singer's Turtle in July (1989) is a collection of poems about animals, stunningly illustrated by the great Jerry Pinkney. Fireflies at Midnight (2003) by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Ken Robbins, also celebrates animals and insects.
Pause and enjoy these charming tributes to our Earth. The simplicity and uncomplicated joy will refresh you, and make you realize how universally appealing "Children's" poetry can be.
Continue Reading…
friday march 28
Lolly Robinson has a great article in the March/April issue of The Horn Book Magazine about what makes a good alphabet book.
“Trying to figure out what makes a good alphabet book is like determining what makes a good meal for a child. It’s a matter of taste as well as developmental maturity. A baby might be partial to mashed peas, a toddler to plain pasta, and a six-year-old may prefer the textural complexity of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The child who is still learning to recognize and name letters doesn’t want to be overwhelmed, while one who has mastered this trick is looking for a little more action and maybe even a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, there are alphabet books for every taste — hundreds, in fact, from the simplest name-the-letter books to those that present puzzles and challenges for older elementary-age children and even adults. Alphabet books stopped being just for pre- and beginning readers long ago.”
I couldn’t agree more! The diversity of high quality alphabet books is really amazing. You can read Lolly Robinson’s entire article here, but I thought her bibliography so good, I’ve detailed the titles she discusses here.
Continue Reading…
monday march 17
Versions of The Princess and the Pea have long cornered the pea themed picture book market. But, a new surge in fun and humorous pea related fare addresses this oft-overlooked market, offering laugh out loud alternatives for those of us who have long known that the under utilized pea was truly a comic genius in disguise.
Continue Reading…
monday march 03
Bust out the bunnies, chicks, and ducklings for their annual celebration of the return of spring! We have a wonderful collection of hippity-hoppity stories that remind us that Easter is on its way!
Continue Reading…
monday january 14
The American Library Association (ALA) today announced the top books, video and audiobooks for children and young adults - including the Caldecott, King, Newbery, and Printz awards - at its Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia.
The following is a list of all ALA Youth Media Awards for 2008:
Continue Reading…
friday december 21
Fans of the audio versions of the Harry Potter books by J.K.Rowling are already familiar with my favorite audio book narrator, Jim Dale. According to his web site he has been nominated for a 2008 Grammy Award for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!
I did a little research and discovered that Jim Dale has a widely varied background on the stage and in movies in addition to audio book narration. For example, much to my surprise and delight I discovered that he was the "bad guy" in the movie Pete's Dragon, a favorite of my kids when they were little.
The list of his awards and accomplishments is too long for my limited space here, but I was probably the most impressed by his Tony Award for his creation and performance on Broadway of the main character in Barnum! OK, did you know Jim Dale wrote the lyrics to the song Georgy Girl?? Neither did I!!
What a gift he is, this talented multi-faceted man who has touched so many lives with his award-winning performances, not the least of which are the Harry Potter books.
wednesday december 05
With Christmas right around the corner, you may be getting a bit tired of reading The Polar Express and The Night Before Christmas for the 1,637,461st time. Fear not! There are tons of great Christmas titles out there (new and old!) to share with the young person in your life. Today, we’ll focus on new 2007 titles and next week we’ll revisit some golden oldies.
Continue Reading…
tuesday november 20
Who doesn't love the Moon, sometimes lovely, sometimes spooky, always fascinating with its undeniable influence over the time and tides of earth?
The Native Americans all over the continent mark time with the moon, but they count 13 of them. A lovely book that explains this is Joseph Bruchac's Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back: A Native American Year of Moons (1992).
Long Night Moon (2004) by Cynthia Rylant describes the full moon in 12 months of the year, explaining the names of each. Another gorgeous book is by Penny Pollock, When the Moon Is Full: A Lunar Year (2001).
In How the Moon Regianed Her Shape (2006) Janet Ruth Heller borrows from Native American tales to tell the story of the moon phases. Included is interesting factual information on the moon, along with a list of names of each full moon.
We'll have a full moon this weekend, and if my reckoning is right, it will be the Frosty Moon. Or the Beaver Moon. But either way, it will be beautiful!
tuesday november 06
Publisher’s Weekly has selected it’s choices for the Best Books of the Year 2007. The Children’s titles are wayyyyyy down at the bottom of the list. The categories are Children’s Picture Books, Children’s Fiction (which includes titles for teens), and Children’s Nonfiction.
I’ve listed their Children’s Picture Book and Children’s Nonfiction choices below and included a brief plot summary for each.
Children's Picture Books
At Night by Jonathan Bean is a beautifully illustrated, rhyming story about a girl's difficulty falling asleep in her urban house.
In Jon Agee's Nothing, shoppers vie to buy the latest "nothing" in this wry spin on The Emperor's New Clothes.
Mother Goose Numbers on the Loose by Leo and Diane Dillon is easily the best number oriented concept book of 2007. Personified numerals join hands with elaborately costumed characters in this inventive, visually dazzling interpretation of favorite nursery rhymes that feature numbers.
Continue Reading…
friday october 26
Last year I wrote about some stunning pop-up books that adults might enjoy. There have been some new releases that you really shouldn't miss, especially if you are a fan of paper-engineered books.
Matthew Reinhart has come out with Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy (2007), an unbelievable treasure depicting the original 3 movies.
David A. Carter has followed up his terrific One Red Dot (2005) with Blue 2 (2006) and 600 Black Spots (2007), both as much fun as the first.
Alive: The Living, Breathing Human Body Book (2007) from Dorling Kindersley, engineered by Iain Smyth, is a fascinating look at the human body.
This year Robert Sabuda gave us Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Mega-Beasts (2007), a wonderful study in ancient animals. And you shouldn't miss How Many? (2007) by Ron Van Der Meer, an intriguing study in shapes and paper sculpture. The mechanics and complexity of the book make us see things in new ways.
Continue Reading…
tuesday october 23
Whether it be Halloween, Christmas, etc., I love a good seasonal picture book. They’re perfect for when you feel like you’ve read the child in your life every one of their books, a million times. It’s great to share a fresh, topical story: although sometimes with all the picture book choices out there, it’s hard to single out the best ones. Lucky for you, that’s what I get paid to do. I have a great author/illustrator to recommend, for all of your holiday picture book needs. Dav Pilkey has sweet, funny books about Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, so you will be all set, at least until the Fourth of July. In the meantime, here’s a few suggestions for you and your family, so, enjoy!
Continue Reading…
friday october 19
On a recent road trip I listened to a fraction of the over 21-hour audio book on CD of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows narrated by the incomparable Jim Dale. It swept me away.
Harry and his friends again exhibit their talents and resourcefulness without becoming too "precious". These kids ring true and act like kids everywhere, with maybe a little extra grit and courage. And magic. I refuse to reveal anything except that the ending is very satisfying.
There is, I must admit, a long waiting list for The Deathly Hallows on CD, but don't forget all the rest of the Harry Potter audio books while you are waiting. Refer to my past blog entry, Tell Me a Story and Make The Commute Bearable, for the entire list.
Jim Dale also narrates other books, such as the Peter and the Star Catchers series, Peter Pan, and Arthur and the Invisibles. Look for more information in a later entry, devoted entirely to this talented man.
wednesday october 17
The finalists for the 2007 National Book Awards in Young People’s Literature have been announced. What a great slate of candidates, including some of my absolute favorites for the year so far!
In his first book written for teens,
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Soon after the start of his freshman year, Junior leaves the troubled school on the reservation, boldly transferring to a school in a tiny town 22 miles away, where the only other Indian is the school mascot. It is a funny and poignant look at one adolescent’s attempt to break away and make his own future.
Continue Reading…
thursday october 11
I received a copy of Emi and the Rhino Scientist by Cincinnati’s Mary Kay Carson a few weeks ago, and can not stop raving. It is fabulous- and just received its first starred review from Kirkus!
Emi and the Rhino Scientist follows Terri Roth, director of the
Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) at the
Cincinnati Zoo, in her worldwide effort to help the endangered Sumatran rhino avoid extinction. The book weaves the story of Emi and her baby Ipuh with information on the habitat and life cycle of this enormous and beautiful creature.
Continue Reading…
friday october 05
With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to stock up on these spooky (and not so spooky) titles for the little trick-or-treaters in your life!
New Titles
One of my favorite new seasonal books has to be How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin (2007) Author Margaret McNamara provides a lot of fun pumpkin science and even pumpkin math in this delightful story that reminds us that, "Small things can have a lot going on inside!"
Owl is back in Jonathan Allen’s I’m Not Scared (2007), the sweet and not so scary sequel to I’m Not Cute. Baby Owl, clutching his plush lovey, sets out for a walk in the woods declaring, “I am NOT scared!” Still, the woods are dark and deep and spooky. Can Owl conquer his fears?
Happy Halloween Stinky Face (2007)- It’s almost time for trick-or-treating, but first Stinky Face has a few questions for Mama. A reassuring tale from the author of Merry Christmas Stinky Face.
Continue Reading…
tuesday september 25
This past weekend, I was looking at my mom’s September/October issue of The Bark magazine and saw a dog on the front cover that looked quite similar to our late family dog, Daisy. This dog had the same cute black-and-white face and was also a mix of Beagle and Border Collie, a fact I soon discovered as I turned the page and read the Editor’s Note.
The dog’s name was Nellie, and the owners are the founders of The Bark. Nellie sadly died of cancer this summer, but pictures of her can be seen in this issue and on the front cover of Dog is My Co-Pilot: Great Writers on the World’s Oldest Friendship, a touching anthology of dog writing compiled by the editors of The Bark magazine.
When our dog Daisy died of cancer, a good friend made a Pet Memorial Fund donation to the library, which was used to purchase a dog book to remember her. And if your child is grieving the loss of a four-legged friend, I highly recommend the tender children’s book Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant.
saturday september 15
Now that Labor Day is behind us, thoughts drift to fall- back to school, leaves changing colors, crisp cool days I know it’s 90’ right now, but use your imagination…
Looking for some great books to get your kids to a fall frame of mind? Check out any of these great titles!
Lois Ehlert’s Nuts to You! (1993) follows a city squirrel as he prepares for winter. Pair it with her other fall favorite, Leaf Man (2005) which follows a leaf on his travels from a tree in fall.
Continue Reading…
tuesday september 11
I was one of those kids who left the library each week with a new stack of books, getting carsick on the way home because I couldn't wait to start reading. From Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden to C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, my childhood books usually involved misfits and hidden worlds of one kind or another.
Madeleine L'Engle passed away last week at the age of 88. She wrote more than two-dozen works of fiction as well as volumes of poetry and non-fiction.
After I read about L'Engle's death, I immediately retrieved our copy of her most celebrated book, A Wrinkle in Time. This book has some of my favorite misfits and hidden worlds. Meg is a high school student (or junior high? We're never given an exact age) who never seems to work to her potential. She wears glasses and braces and is belligerent toward adults and other students alike. Charles Wallace, Megs brother, didn't start talking until he was four; he now speaks, at age five, in complete sentences with perfect diction. Calvin is one of the popular kids in high school, but only because he pretends. The three of them--with help from Mrs Whatsit, Mrs Who, and Mrs Which--embark on a journey through time and space to find Meg and Charles Wallace's father.
Continue Reading…
sunday september 09
When my book club decided to read Gordon Korman’s newest novel, Schooled, for its September meeting, I wasn’t too excited. I thought it would be another depressing book about bullying and peer pressure. But boy was I wrong! The book turned out to be very funny and has a great message about being true to yourself. Now I can’t wait to discuss the book at our next meeting.
Schooled is the story of thirteen-year-old Cap Anderson, a boy who is being raised and home schooled by his hippie grandmother, Rain, on an alternative farm commune. Unfortunately for Cap, Rain falls from a tree branch while picking plums and breaks her hip. Cap must move into a foster home and attend middle school while Rain recovers from her injury.
Continue Reading…
saturday september 08
It is safe to say, we are in the dog days of summer. I’ve lost count of the number of days it’s been over 90’. Why not sweat it out with some of these dog themed favorites?
Bark, George by Jules Feiffer is by far my favorite dog book. A lovable pup tries to bark, but all that comes out are other animals' sounds- he quacks, he oinks, he moos, until a trip to the vet unleashes the problem.
In Move Over Rover by Karen Beaumont, obliging Rover allows, first, Cat, and then a succession of other animals to seek shelter from a rainstorm in his doghouse. All is well until skunk arrives…
Continue Reading…
wednesday august 29
Ellen Stoll Walsh’s Mouse books have always been among my favorite concept books for children. Her approach to teaching concepts such as colors and counting move beyond the typical education driven book, creating a wonderful story that also happens to reinforce learning concepts. The approach is always imaginative, with the simple, finely cut paper illustrations perfectly complimenting the mice's engaging adventures.
Walsh’s latest book, Mouse Shapes (2007) is no exception. A mischief of mice run from a cat and find themselves near a pile of colored shapes. The mice discover it is possible to employ the shapes, forming new creations: houses, trees, a sun. The designs become more and more intricate as the book progresses. When the cat threatens to pounce, the mice devise a cunning plan to use the shapes to scare him away.
Continue Reading…
tuesday august 28
It’s not often that I find myself reading the same book at the same time as my two oldest nieces, ages nineteen and twelve. But recently the three of us have all been looking for a way to fill that Harry-shaped hole in our hearts, now that Mr. Potter has left the building. It turns out that having found how
Harry’s story ends, we have all started rereading the series. J.K. Rowling has written such a memorable set of stories that when you start rereading
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, meeting the characters somehow feels like you are looking at some old family photographs that you are thrilled to rediscover.
Continue Reading…
sunday august 26
Children’s book illustrator Bruce Wood, creator of such popular books as Alphabet Adventure (2001), Alphabet Mystery (2003), and Alphabet Rescue (2006) died last month at the young age of 34.
Wood is the son of author/illustrator team Audrey and Don Wood. As a child, he posed for his father as he created characters in several best-selling books, including Caldecott honor winner, King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub (2005).
Continue Reading…
thursday august 23
Last week, New Line Cinema released two breath-taking trailers for the film adaptation of The Golden Compass, the first book in British author Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy.
Pullman creates a reality both like and unlike that which we know. Here, Earth is one of only five planets in the solar system, every human has a daemon (an animal familiar embodiment of their soul) and it takes place in a time similar to our late 19th century.
The overarching plot focuses on Oxford scholars in a race to unleash the power that will enable them to cross the bridge to a parallel universe. The trilogy features all the hallmarks of a great, epic myth. 11 year old Lyra Belacqua, an orphan brought up ignorant of her true identity, leaves her home in Jordan College at Oxford University for the frozen wastelands of the north on a quest to save kidnapped children, among them her friend Roger, and her imprisoned uncle, Lord Asriel, from the evil “Gobblers,” who are using them as part of a sinister experiment.
Continue Reading…
friday august 10
You’ve hit all the local office supply chains, big box stores, and the mall. You have pencils and backpacks, new shoes and maybe even a new haircut. Still not feeling ready to face the first day of school?
In a previous post, I discussed great books for kids (or parents) who are a bit nervous about the first day of school. But, there were too many great books to fit in just one post. Below are Great Books for the First Day of School, Part II.
Continue Reading…
friday august 03
As summer begins to wind down, it’s nearly here, the event parents eagerly await and children dread: THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! Anticipation abounds as children and parents alike are greeted with mounds of immaculate school supplies, teachers to meet, and a host of new routines to master. Inevitably, all that change brings a flutter of nervousness to even the most brave-hearted students. A warm lap and a good book can do wonders to ease the worried mind.
Here to help is the first of two posts filled with great books to ease those first day jitters.
Continue Reading…
wednesday july 18
Potty humor is big in the world of popular children’s literature—from best-sellers like Captain Underpants to Walter the Farting Dog, who now boasts a fabulous plush representation, complete with sound effects. Some are referring to the genre as “poop fiction.”
"You've got to give kids something they want to read," says Glenn Murray, co-author of the Walter the Farting Dog books, who firmly believes that his smelly, but well-meaning protagonist has become an ambassador for literacy.
It would seem that kids agree, since the genre's books regularly appear on children's best-seller lists.
Continue Reading…
friday july 06
Looking for a nostalgic, humorous, summertime story? Then I highly recommend reading (or listening to) Richard Peck’s
A Long Way from Chicago. Every August, for six years, Joey and Mary Alice Dowdel leave the big city of Chicago to stay for a week with their grandmother in a small town in Illinois. Their visit is always eventful!
Continue Reading…
wednesday june 13
In a previous post, I discussed great picture books for Father’s Day. The bad news is there were so many fabulous picture books about dads of all kinds- they just couldn’t fit in one post. The good news is the overflow was perfect for Great Picture Books to Celebrate Father’s Day, Part II!
In The Best Father’s Day Present Ever, by Christine Loomis Langley Snail is worried about Father's Day. Besides, his friends have already snapped up the neat gifts, like the "Super-Duper-Golf-O-Matic-Home-Ball-Washer." Will Langley be able to find the perfect gift in time? This one has a great message that the best gifts are those from the heart.
Continue Reading…
friday june 01
With Father’s Day just around the corner, we are awash in fabulous books celebrating tall dads, bald dads, loud dads, quiet dads, stay at home dads, suit and tie dads, and all dads in between! What better way for the entire family to celebrate than with a big pile of picture books?
Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli's first picture book, My Daddy and Me stars a flop-eared young pup who loves to spend time with dad. The two wrestle on the living room floor, make cookies, plant tomatoes, and work around the house. Plus, he’s never too tired to sing a lullaby at the end of a long, fun day.
An endearing read aloud. Building with Dad by Carol Nevius is summed up with this easy equation: Dads + Construction equipment = Fun!
Continue Reading…
tuesday may 29
The Butterfly Show has taken flight at the Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park through June 24th!
When I think of butterflies, I always think of the butterfly alphabet by nature photographer Kjell Sandved, whose amazing butterfly photographs can be seen in A World of Butterflies and the children’s book The Butterfly Alphabet.
Originally from Norway, Sandved came to the United States in 1960 to research a wildlife encyclopedia that he was working on. The Smithsonian Institution invited him to view the museum’s collections, and that’s when he peered into a cigar box of butterfly and moth specimens and first saw a letter ‘F’ on one of the wing patterns. He taught himself how to take photographs, and a quest for an entire alphabet had begun.
Continue Reading…
wednesday may 23
News of the death of children’s writer Lloyd Alexander last week sent me to the bookshelves to reread his Chronicles of Prydain. It's one of my all-time favorite works of fantasy, whether for children or for adults, a splendid work of high fantasy based on Welsh legend. Have all of you Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter fans discovered it? The first volume is The Book of Three.
In quiet Caer Dahlben, the sheltered farm of the great enchanter Dahlben, orphaned Taran tends the oracular pig, Hen Wen, and helps out in the fields and the smithy.
But what he really longs for is to be a hero. Glory and grandeur fill his dreams—he’s sure he could do noble deeds, given the chance.
So when the war bands of the terrible dark lord Arawn threaten Caer Dahlben, causing Hen Wen to run off in a panic, Taran doesn’t think twice. He dashes off after her, plunging himself into perilous adventure.
Continue Reading…
monday may 21
Newbery Medallist Lloyd Alexander, often credited as the father of children’s fantasy, passed away Friday morning at the age of 83 after a long illness.
Alexander began his groundbreaking Chronicles of Prydain series in 1964 with the publication of The Book of Three. The five-volume series details the adventures of Taran, who is awarded the honor of Assistant Pig Keeper, but dreams of being a hero. The series, loosely based on Welsh mythology, follows Taran’s coming of age. The first two books form the basis of the Disney animated film, The Black Cauldron. The concluding book of the series, The High King, was award the Newbery Medal in 1969.
Continue Reading…
friday may 18
With the new pirate-themed exhibit coming soon to the Museum Center, and the final movie in the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy opening next week, the swashbucklers’ invasion of the Queen City is upon us.
There are many literary pirate treasures to uncover here at the library: from classics, to newer tales of adventures of yore. There are even books that will teach you how to speak like a pirate, just in case you want to learn how to talk the talk to avoid walking the walk (down the plank).
With all these riches, though, it’s important that the youngest buccaneers not be overlooked, and aye, indeed, Matey, we’ve got just the books for them as well! How I Became a Pirate, by Melinda Long, and Edward and the Pirates, by David McPhail, are two stories bound to enthrall the youngest adventurers, while tickling their funny bone at the same time.
Continue Reading…
tuesday may 01
Have you started counting the days until the release of J.K. Rowling's much anticipated Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows?
Is Snape good or evil? That's what fans will be discussing, beginning today, at Scholastic's website. In preparation for the July 21 release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Scholastic, the book's US publisher, is posting a series of questions every fan wants answered. Or, debate your best theories on the Discussion Chamber Message Boards. The first question-- Who will live? and Who will die? -- generated 100,000 votes! As of this morning, 93% of fans believe Harry will live, 24% believe Voldemort will die. Scholastic is planning to release a new question (7 total) every two weeks.
Continue Reading…
friday april 27
Have you read Goodnight Moon to your child more times than you can count? In addition to the traditional hardback, the library offers audio, dvd, boardbook, and even braille editions. Ever feel like hiding your copy just to get a night off? Written by Margaret Wise Brown (1910-1952) in 1947, Goodnight Moon is a classic, a perennial favorite-- but that doesn't mean it can't get old. Why not give one of these bedtime alternatives a try?
wednesday april 25
The Secret of Priest's Grotto is a fascinating and unique story of Holocaust survival. A small group of Jews attempts to outwit the Nazis by hiding in a vast network of horizontal Gypsum caves beneath the western Ukrainian countryside. The challenge facing the Jews is twofold. They must avoid capture by the Nazis and their allies, and they must also survive the cold, dark, and damp underground conditions of the caves. As the authors point out, the survivors of Priest’s Grotto hold the unofficial world record for time spent underground—they lived there for almost a year! The story of how they accomplish this amazing feat makes for a dramatic tale, to say the least.
Continue Reading…
friday april 13
Several of my friends currently find themselves “in the trenches” of potty training. It’s been interesting (and at times entertaining!) to see them try everything from potty bootcamp to bribery to positive reinforcement.
Potty training is a huge milestone for children and a topic of debate and uncertainty among parents. Luckily, the library has a wide range of materials to meet the needs of parents and children on the cusp of this developmental milestone.
Continue Reading…
wednesday april 11
National Poetry Month (NPM) is a celebration of poetry first introduced in 1996 by the
Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States. NPM brings together publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools, and poets around the country to celebrate poetry through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events.
The library is no exception! April is packed with poetry events for teens and adults. And we’ve got several new poetry books perfect for youngest poets in your family.
Continue Reading…
Now that we have a new category, Children’s Books, on our blog, I want to post about an enchantingly different book that adults as well as kids will enjoy. It’s already getting plenty of praise, and you may have to wait in line for a copy, but I promise you it is worth the wait. This thick block of a book looks like something you’d use for a doorstop, but open it up and suddenly you’re transported beyond the clouds.
It's The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick, a story told alternately in words and page upon page of black and white sketches. With the magical, herky-jerky stutter of early film scenes, these stop-motion, cinematic pictures tell a dreamlike story of an orphaned boy, a famous filmmaker, and the fantastic machines and still more fantastic visions that draw them together.
Continue Reading…
tuesday april 10
L. Frank Baum's book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a lovely memory of my childhood. Outside the bedrooms in the upstairs hallway of my grandparents' house the walls were lined with old glass-fronted bookcases, filled with my mom's books from her childhood. All 14 Oz books were there, and I spent many happy hours reading them.
Robert Sabuda adapted the first book to his magical pop-up format, staying true to the original illustrations and story.
The cast of characters from Oz would happily surprise any Harry Potter fan: Tick-Tock the Royal Army of Oz, flying monkeys, witches and sorceresses, Ozma, Jack Pumpkinhead, and of course Dorothy herself who would give Harry a run for his money in resourcefulness and courage. The stories were written early in the 20th century but maintain a fantastic sense of adventure that is still enjoyable.
Continue Reading…
saturday april 07
When my copy of A Drowned Maiden's Hair: A Melodrama came in, the cover immediately intrigued me. Two girls are standing on a misty seashore—one in a white dress facing the reader and the other with her back to us, looking out to sea. I began to read and was immediately captivated by the story.
Maud Flynn, a girl of eleven, is living in a cruel orphan asylum in the year 1909. She is a troublemaker with a hard life, but by some miracle Maud is adopted by the wealthy Hawthorne sisters. (Of course, the reader suspects this is too good to be true.)
Continue Reading…
thursday april 05
April is National Gardening Month- the perfect time to plan and dream and let your inner gardener run wild.
This year’s theme is GROW: When you Garden, You Grow. And, the campaign has great resources for kids. Studies show the impact of gardening on children’s health and well-being, their attitudes towards learning and the environment, and their connections to community. Plus, it’s a great activity for the whole family.
Considering giving
family gardening a go? It might be fun to start with a visit to the
Cincinnati Flower Show at Coney Island April 21-29,
Zoo Blooms presented by the
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens April 6-29, or with some great resources from our collection.
Continue Reading…
