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.
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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.
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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!
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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friday september 28
September 29-October 6 libraries and booksellers across the country will celebrate Banned Books Week (BBW.) Now in it’s 27th year, BBW celebrates “the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them.”
In 2006, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom received 546 challenges (formal, written complaints), a 30% increase over the previous year. They estimate the number of unreported challenges to be four or five times this amount.
How many banned books have you read? It’s probably more than you think! The most frequently challenged books of the past ten years include those titles we hear a lot about- The Color Purple and The Catcher in the Rye, but also some that might surprise you such as Martin Hansford’s Where’s Waldo, appearing at no. 88 on the list. Apparently quite a few people have spotted a topless sunbather on one of the spreads.
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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?
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.
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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.
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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.
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