tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47403487596834693912024-02-21T05:58:41.624-06:00 A Bookish NookJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-11065972245167495372017-09-14T14:13:00.000-05:002017-09-14T14:13:35.043-05:00The Outsiders<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Last night, I finished reading <em>The Outsiders</em>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGdKLv7oMbqRMgnl6o_97uoOls_rrrmi_knMG0sCuvBD5AiQkge3yZaG4me55SX-1mbt8TJ6R3jkuOa9mjlJW6UT_WuZSJodTw71ARVNboD1TeePGk1MjcuMHQ8nQ31EJXlF2tiJHOe0/s1600/231804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="292" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGdKLv7oMbqRMgnl6o_97uoOls_rrrmi_knMG0sCuvBD5AiQkge3yZaG4me55SX-1mbt8TJ6R3jkuOa9mjlJW6UT_WuZSJodTw71ARVNboD1TeePGk1MjcuMHQ8nQ31EJXlF2tiJHOe0/s320/231804.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I had never read this American classic, but while listening to my daughter's middle school English teacher speak of the upcoming school year, he mentioned they would be reading this one as a class, using it as a model for analysis and for crafting their own characters. With it being the 50th anniversary of the novel's publication, I thought I'd hop on board. (Cue eyerolls from daughter. :) )</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Initial thoughts:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It takes no time at all for the action to grab the reader in this novel. Almost at once, you are thrust into the midst of an intense gang rivalry. While the writing style often struck me as dated (lots of long, introductory character descriptions, some cheesyness), the conflict and characters keep you turning the page. Plus, I enjoyed some of the dated qualities of the book -- the style of talk, the glimpse into the time period, a less-dramatic telling of a dramatic saga that can stand on its own...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Themes and longevity:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I see now that this novel is timeless. We are certainly living in a time marked by divisions in our country -- divisions politically, racially, ideologically... And the "us and them" conflicts that drive the entire novel are themes that will likely always exist. Because of that, this book will continue to have a long shelf life as we seek to understand those who are different from us, those who live "on the other side of the tracks," who look, speak, and dress differently. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">"Things were rough all over, but it was better that way. That way </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">you could </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">tell t</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">he other guy was human too."</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Characters:</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">In addition to the novel's timeless themes, it just has darn good characters. They are flawed but completely lovable...every one of 'em. You root for them all, for they are honest and ornery, but loyal and tough. They seek to do better but also to defend what they know. You finish the novel and they stay with you. In fact, the other day, my friend Antoinette and I were discussing the novel, which she read almost 30 years ago, and she said, "Oh, I loved Ponyboy." I get it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So, in spite of being an older, dated book, this one is sticking with me. It is an American classic and will continue to be so, and I'm looking forward to discussing it with Abby!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">And, can I just say, I cannot wait to watch the movie. :) What a cast <span style="font-size: x-small;">(of heartthrobs from my youth :)</span> )!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAM_6vxIHl4e9xpqH6kpZizCveBAE5xIDZKSjTilv3F1ET_e5JHxp6lyGttXg3AfggKeE28qQSzOmV3gT9mMEOkgCupChrbPM5B2jNR51sfjIgH8Vsb_m5YLPgDp0uU-8OyCi-gwgv8w/s1600/the-outsiders-5564ad8a2bd79-901x506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="901" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAM_6vxIHl4e9xpqH6kpZizCveBAE5xIDZKSjTilv3F1ET_e5JHxp6lyGttXg3AfggKeE28qQSzOmV3gT9mMEOkgCupChrbPM5B2jNR51sfjIgH8Vsb_m5YLPgDp0uU-8OyCi-gwgv8w/s320/the-outsiders-5564ad8a2bd79-901x506.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Happy Thursday,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">~Jen</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-62238759762109783402017-09-08T12:44:00.001-05:002017-09-08T12:44:11.656-05:00Not Quite Narwhal<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hello, readers!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've taken a bit of a blogging break, but I'm excited to return to writing and bookish discussion here! To kick things off, I wanted to share our very favorite picture book that we read over the summer: Jessie Sima's <em>Not Quite Narwhal</em> (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2017).</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrQmdG1lQgjdiq0Tg85gnbxAP3lODFHMOnNXT5rIRJ3erv-M1qH9TNdpRRwTJogvV8vPvjkvpS8dCFK8HPZQh_qPeGUs2RDLGEFbBw73cm6AYwq7YCpG2byoAAP-_lD1gxnncevuq6bI/s1600/1481469096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1403" data-original-width="1399" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrQmdG1lQgjdiq0Tg85gnbxAP3lODFHMOnNXT5rIRJ3erv-M1qH9TNdpRRwTJogvV8vPvjkvpS8dCFK8HPZQh_qPeGUs2RDLGEFbBw73cm6AYwq7YCpG2byoAAP-_lD1gxnncevuq6bI/s320/1481469096.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Kelp was born in the ocean and lived among the narwhals. But he always knew he was different: he looked different, liked different food, and was not at all skilled in swimming.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbMHPXCdYtTnhxI4Rep2DuHA-eQI5mi15CJLqbgcxVSgJwdonsGq0B8NciUJUseydIfLqz_wtKrZIDbjm30_ZCX4UNR5dyLPDvaR6USPDOBy8KVk9teYHNT0HTSCkLsaa1-CPpvRUf4g/s1600/IMG_0957_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbMHPXCdYtTnhxI4Rep2DuHA-eQI5mi15CJLqbgcxVSgJwdonsGq0B8NciUJUseydIfLqz_wtKrZIDbjm30_ZCX4UNR5dyLPDvaR6USPDOBy8KVk9teYHNT0HTSCkLsaa1-CPpvRUf4g/s320/IMG_0957_1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But when he is swept to the surface by a strong current, he (slowly) swims to shore and sees...land narwhals??</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba0KDkTuKYvqvl_Cyh4ld_6wqamwrgaSx-XuDjFNjfdnUOJ8v4I9N3i6xbvtN1lRnF7OeHHRt5XwkZpPs4gcYHW2DCX1wUQLRFcPTBqhBqRjzE3B4RVr0FZKLiOFTVr35NmQeCy1YN4w/s1600/IMG_0960_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba0KDkTuKYvqvl_Cyh4ld_6wqamwrgaSx-XuDjFNjfdnUOJ8v4I9N3i6xbvtN1lRnF7OeHHRt5XwkZpPs4gcYHW2DCX1wUQLRFcPTBqhBqRjzE3B4RVr0FZKLiOFTVr35NmQeCy1YN4w/s320/IMG_0960_3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">They explain that they are actually unicorns, and Kelp learns that he is one of them. After learning some of the ins and outs of unicorn life, he returns to the ocean to tell his friends. They take it swimmingly!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWbFBj4LoNQ0IOczTSjhqPdBgaUg5-REEDg2tL7IyaQEKI78rc7Wv1JJk7boSzlKAYmSbE3FEHDl4tiKbxePvq5iqWqdz2gmK03wd2xswfzyiKP8A_tTtqztRvRw2kQ3Unfwi2i4cLjQ/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWbFBj4LoNQ0IOczTSjhqPdBgaUg5-REEDg2tL7IyaQEKI78rc7Wv1JJk7boSzlKAYmSbE3FEHDl4tiKbxePvq5iqWqdz2gmK03wd2xswfzyiKP8A_tTtqztRvRw2kQ3Unfwi2i4cLjQ/s640/PicMonkey+Collage+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But then, what is K</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">elp to do? Live in the ocean with the narwhals, or move to land with his unicorn family? Well, no way can I give away the ending -- you'll have to read to find out!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">In a sea of narwhal books to have come out in the past couple of years, <em>Not Quite Narwhal</em> truly stands out. Sima's story is sweet and touching and infused with subtle humor, making this book a joy to read and reread. And her art perfectly brings to life the sweet ocean world of the narwhal friends, the magical land existence of the unicorns, and that same subtle humor we get in her writing. I especially enjoy Kelp's airtight breathing helmet. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33xbQJZBo_HEXxDmlkAn9JhMTALCCICEFWrljbGpcoK-yhyfqLR6LZa0fBmvR1afGpccFUDUY1iRmjB4KfY0meLNeoxcgwQYrTGB6FidObUkf6KU3uva0OsjH7Mj1tdAzKVnPUQsxo0Q/s1600/IMG_0959_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33xbQJZBo_HEXxDmlkAn9JhMTALCCICEFWrljbGpcoK-yhyfqLR6LZa0fBmvR1afGpccFUDUY1iRmjB4KfY0meLNeoxcgwQYrTGB6FidObUkf6KU3uva0OsjH7Mj1tdAzKVnPUQsxo0Q/s320/IMG_0959_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Enjoy this sweet story with your kiddos -- I'll bet they'll love it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Happy reading,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">~Jen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-58480793973478342772017-03-23T11:31:00.000-05:002017-03-23T11:31:29.274-05:00Sophie's Squash<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Oh, how we adore this book! A spunky, creative, female main character....tender parents....a heart-tugging ending....fabulous illustrations. Combined, they deliver a story that we have read over and over and over again:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kEF5RTdl0V4BWTzgFEwoH85AeBZ1AfoFSOA3yMpq36AZibpsDK-bnkOzc6Oq_mIoCOFT-A0cjoQG2pivfT5wcMbwL4KsIScK4ZNa90HvCstOlMPY_ph-iALsypnj0zYCkkTtnZ21ZxU/s1600/Sophie%2527s+Squash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kEF5RTdl0V4BWTzgFEwoH85AeBZ1AfoFSOA3yMpq36AZibpsDK-bnkOzc6Oq_mIoCOFT-A0cjoQG2pivfT5wcMbwL4KsIScK4ZNa90HvCstOlMPY_ph-iALsypnj0zYCkkTtnZ21ZxU/s320/Sophie%2527s+Squash.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The premise of Sophie's Squash (written by Pat Zeitlow Miller and illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf; Schwartz & Wade, 2013) is incredibly unique: Sophie helps her parents select a squash -- intended for dinner -- from the farmer's market. But as Sophie cradles the squash in her arms, she realizes it is just the right size to love. No turning back, Sophie gives the squash a face and names her Bernice, and Sophie's mother has to make alternate plans for dinner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-azjmvJUMHOtQorMuM22oFc7kTaLia1jVkBni-4axhyphenhyphenpJ_MUVplQeZ3rYrpJy6hMQpmdbuuri4YDFP3GzLVrN7GxvABtKZf2z573r-2XHOow3rVQs4rLQryxwWnO6uChXTP8N5av42Og/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-azjmvJUMHOtQorMuM22oFc7kTaLia1jVkBni-4axhyphenhyphenpJ_MUVplQeZ3rYrpJy6hMQpmdbuuri4YDFP3GzLVrN7GxvABtKZf2z573r-2XHOow3rVQs4rLQryxwWnO6uChXTP8N5av42Og/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As the days pass, Bernice goes everywhere with Sophie, but she starts to get a little soft and blotchy. Her parents warn her that Bernice will soon rot, and they suggest ways to use Bernice before it's too late. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixu1_-UqnEUCdmFaDZ4QAJGIScks316eMZXCFolMuQogy_TKc0vfGDqE41ZATJsxbMzEwOEcS31lTwG0PRKo6wbHak1k17f0VzZqSyNhUnj38mYHzLh_tbe3_9nhALKym5wiqbIuSVOcI/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixu1_-UqnEUCdmFaDZ4QAJGIScks316eMZXCFolMuQogy_TKc0vfGDqE41ZATJsxbMzEwOEcS31lTwG0PRKo6wbHak1k17f0VzZqSyNhUnj38mYHzLh_tbe3_9nhALKym5wiqbIuSVOcI/s640/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sophie won't hear of it and, instead, asks a farmer for advice on how to keep squash healthy. She follows his words of wisdom, and in the spring is met with a completely wonderful surprise!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61QwWBTX8HFjJjDm1zTpc395QK0y0exeMnC1QEh4caD6FlnNPdDFQSv63tUmziqMP3Hg6kn7xkj573mRh_xclm3cjPQz9vYchuc73le8hir_BxtjFdt4V68RWe5wiog5GBEdFaUueNK8/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61QwWBTX8HFjJjDm1zTpc395QK0y0exeMnC1QEh4caD6FlnNPdDFQSv63tUmziqMP3Hg6kn7xkj573mRh_xclm3cjPQz9vYchuc73le8hir_BxtjFdt4V68RWe5wiog5GBEdFaUueNK8/s640/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Miller has created a delightful character in Sophie. She is strong and feisty and loyal and so very lovable. But the parents, while minor characters, also play an important role in the heart of the story. Always referring to Sophie in some sweet, foodish way ("Sweet pea," says her mom; "Sugar beet," says her dad), they handle Sophie's odd but completely all-in devotion to Bernice with gentleness and understanding. It is so sweet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And the ending Miller created? Absolutely perfect! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The story is further heightened by Wilsdorf's sweet, detailed illustrations. With watercolor and ink, they show Sophie's big personality, her childlike room, her mom's fabulous fashion sense, and the tender moments between Sophie, her parents, and Bernice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBsVvR-roDZaaTZ507YWUNbXCE3Onyx50IbfkLASVg6tOpIALBTi9Gs2WEkkTROe07zOSBdtaxGv17ebnDOOjX8BEHHRxHHPK-BHv2lHcvi29o3blg-A6FlellyJqdk2a1ZLtg-VZYUs/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBsVvR-roDZaaTZ507YWUNbXCE3Onyx50IbfkLASVg6tOpIALBTi9Gs2WEkkTROe07zOSBdtaxGv17ebnDOOjX8BEHHRxHHPK-BHv2lHcvi29o3blg-A6FlellyJqdk2a1ZLtg-VZYUs/s640/PicMonkey+Collage4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This book is an all-around winner. It's one of those books that I wish I had written and would love to emulate in terms of character, pacing, and heart. We just love it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And for more of Sophie, check out Sophie's Squash Go To School. We've read that one just as much. ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Happy reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">~Jen</span><br />
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-73840129622161750242017-03-07T10:49:00.000-06:002017-03-07T10:49:05.701-06:00I Wish You More...Have you read the beautiful and heart-breaking article by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (AKR) "<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/03/style/modern-love-you-may-want-to-marry-my-husband.html?_r=0" target="_blank">You May Want to Marry My Husband</a>" printed in the New York Times?<br />
<br />
Rosenthal, the author of books for children and adults, is in her final days of her battle with ovarian cancer. Her piece is poignant and moving and as sharply-written as the books she has published. It is a beautiful tribute to her husband and the life they have shared.<br />
<br />
I've been thinking about AKR a lot this week, and in her honor we checked out all of her picture books that our library holds. My favorite of hers is <em>Little Pea</em>, with a close second being the lovely <em>I Wish You More...</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtmpFAF4voVRP2o_4qbKzWuvQnhacH0KRjVKlecxX3JsEbJZse79cIY9ty1YBUWzhWdUtTWzkariShu6sGgwVA3yKG2TNnJRu8-v2ZHHTtInJfW4mf2gRTiPAXwJ7PXQKagkvF49I5oA/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtmpFAF4voVRP2o_4qbKzWuvQnhacH0KRjVKlecxX3JsEbJZse79cIY9ty1YBUWzhWdUtTWzkariShu6sGgwVA3yKG2TNnJRu8-v2ZHHTtInJfW4mf2gRTiPAXwJ7PXQKagkvF49I5oA/s400/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In her article, AKR talks about her tattoo of the word "more" on her wrist, and how she wishes she could have more time on this earth with her husband and children. In a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/allthewonders/videos/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">live Facebook message</a> on March 5, Matthew Winner listed all the "mores" he wishes for Amy in these final days. I echo them.<br />
<br />
Sending much love...<br />
<br />
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-77593003690699184912017-02-26T07:06:00.002-06:002017-02-26T07:10:15.049-06:00Dream Gardens Podcast<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In January, I was interviewed for my first podcast! I had the opportunity to talk with Jody at </span><a href="http://jleemott.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dream Gardens</span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> about a middle grade novel that I love: Ms. Bixby's Last Day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jleemott.com/2017/02/15/podcast-8-ms-bixbys-last-day-by-john-david-anderson/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://jleemott.com/2017/02/15/podcast-8-ms-bixbys-last-day-by-john-david-anderson/" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiHjC5NcWsVphMx8b_FMiUr1x1P1fU4nJZbTvHvjjpvqdp8OD6nSy6SZcN8_VmpXN2BaWsGjLCGeSt13kU4jexdxfHmjDH_eSCurYVPVV-V2y4hy4VxokQ8Q0HcBwvNq4bYp3GRRaCVM/s320/IMG_93951.png" width="202" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In very brief summary, Ms. Bixby's Last Day is the story of three 12-year-old boys on a quest to bring a celebration to their beloved teacher who has to leave the school year early due to a serious health crisis. The book is deeply moving, funny, full of adventure and heart....and I can't recommend it enough!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Take a listen <a href="http://jleemott.com/2017/02/15/podcast-8-ms-bixbys-last-day-by-john-david-anderson/" target="_blank">here</a>. Even better, pick up a copy of John David Anderson's book and share it with the kiddos in your life. I think you will love it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Happy reading,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Jen</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-54079178333252890902017-02-09T10:38:00.001-06:002017-02-09T10:38:06.060-06:00The Children's Book Academy<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well, hello! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It has been awhile since I've posted here, but that is because I've been absorbing myself in an absolutely wonderful writing class. At the beginning of January, class began for the <a href="http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/" target="_blank">Craft and Business of Writing Children's Picture Books</a> via the <a href="http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/" target="_blank">Children's Book Academy</a>. The course is taught by Dr. Mira Reisberg and Kelly Delaney (editor at Knopf), and it takes a scaffolding approach so that it is useful for those at the very beginning of their writing venture as well as those who are farther along.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It has been great, and I've really wanted to glean as much as I can while the course is up (this is our last week!). This is not an ad, but if you have ever considered taking a writing course but didn't know if the expense was worth it, let me share why I have loved this course:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. The course is densely packed with useful information. For over a year now, I have been reading about and studying the picture book business and the craft of writing for children. And I have learned a lot in doing so! But this course goes beyond all of that. Dr. Mira has so much to share from her vast experience as an author, illustrator, former agent, and professor of writing, so each day's lessons are such a treat with much to absorb. We study picture books and what makes them successful, tips for developing character and plot, editing for brevity, how to pitch to editors and agents, and how the business side of it all works once the book is acquired. And more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2. The homework is relevant to our goals. Dr. Mira's assignments specifically target aspects of the manuscripts we are working on. In our shared homework page, students post assignments, which range from our story ideas to our hook to our characters to our endings. Then, we all comment on each other's work to help improve the ideas and execution of those. This has really helped me to develop and tighten my manuscript in a useful way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3. The webinars. Each week, there is a webinar that focuses on a different topic: hooks, conflict, endings, etc. Students are given a deadline to post their ideas or actual excerpts from their manuscripts, and then Mira and Kelly critique them via the webinar. I've learned so much through having my ideas critiqued, as well as hearing their advice to others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">4. The community. Through the homework comments, the webinars, class Facebook page, and critique group in which I was placed, I have loved the community aspect of this course. I didn't know this was something I needed so much, but it's certainly something I'm going to seek out as I continue writing. In addition, Mira and Kelly are warm and welcoming, full of love and extremely generous in helping aspiring authors grow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">5. The golden ticket. Finally, there is a golden ticket opportunity to submit our work to editors and agents. This hasn't happened yet, but soon we will pitch our story, and if the editors and agents that Mira has lined up are intrigued by our pitch, they may ask to see our manuscript. No guarantees here, but I'm beyond excited and hopeful for this opportunity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So there you have it. It's a fabulous course that I highly recommend, and I'm sad that it's almost over. Good thing we have access to the course materials for 6 more months as I'll likely go through the process again. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">~~~</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We have still been reading some fabulous picture books, so I have some lovely reviews planned for the coming weeks!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Happy reading and writing,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">~Jen</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-4324688823452996062016-12-18T22:30:00.002-06:002017-01-10T18:15:04.929-06:00The Great Spruce<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Well, I've found a book after my own heart. It's a book about Christmas, family, traditions, and protecting the life and longevity of trees. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I just love trees. I like having lots of trees on our property and having our house shaded by them. I love their beauty and history. I love the way the sun catches the leaves, making them glow and sparkle. I love their beauty in the fall, and the sounds of crunching leaves under my feet. And I love to see and hear my kids climbing them -- just as I loved climbing them when I was little.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">And I hate to see trees cut down.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> I know that there are many valid reasons for tree removal -- they might be dying or posing a danger to others if they are prone to breaking. I get it, but I still miss their beautiful presence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So when my kids and I read <em>The Great Spruce</em> by John Duvall, illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon (G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2016), I fell in love with it. I think you will, too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYwLWrd6NRIDB8pHDEOsqklbxBfWNRojPwGlmYVc48pVP_8vU8CS49BbgCq3XZX7F9rQLiBxKtpWxw9E7-slrKU_rzgYMs4ie8ReZ-3wTxxtYeG_5MGKXxbDpzisCL3ON4GZ4tnqNe0o/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYwLWrd6NRIDB8pHDEOsqklbxBfWNRojPwGlmYVc48pVP_8vU8CS49BbgCq3XZX7F9rQLiBxKtpWxw9E7-slrKU_rzgYMs4ie8ReZ-3wTxxtYeG_5MGKXxbDpzisCL3ON4GZ4tnqNe0o/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">The book begins with Alec and his love for climbing trees -- especially the great spruce. "It was the most magical of all the trees, tall and strong and spreading ever upward." Such lovely writing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Alec's grandpa had planted the spruce long before Alec was born, and together they decorate it each winter with lights and tinsel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7V_fbDhAgaoznZsyLPAZ01p-n5J6UUAABOVRXhgpK7HG9oWC_Eo8Khp_Btv9EeMLMt_4EjjlvhBLcSsyhKhXxcOQu3pxCfMhlf_sZiogQTEBfcgHx1gHWIIjqIIQTjsGOo6I5aGlp-nc/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7V_fbDhAgaoznZsyLPAZ01p-n5J6UUAABOVRXhgpK7HG9oWC_Eo8Khp_Btv9EeMLMt_4EjjlvhBLcSsyhKhXxcOQu3pxCfMhlf_sZiogQTEBfcgHx1gHWIIjqIIQTjsGOo6I5aGlp-nc/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Alec and his grandpa are not the only ones who love the tree: visitors arrive who ask if they can take the great spruce for the city's Christmas celebration. Alec is appalled that his tree would be gone forever, and he blocks the men from cutting it down. Instead, he convinces them to dig the tree up by its roots and borrow it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VOALfpnUsNHenyBSzIOoIWspu9i233V5-8ixAnjk9EcaO9McA2-dCgx2NZyau3BpFetLMQHigxwa5zLZ8iAS1XAnziimJmXAnKZNwDpNV5mefNEAPBznlqnrU_voF5_xEAFggccAbPY/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VOALfpnUsNHenyBSzIOoIWspu9i233V5-8ixAnjk9EcaO9McA2-dCgx2NZyau3BpFetLMQHigxwa5zLZ8iAS1XAnziimJmXAnKZNwDpNV5mefNEAPBznlqnrU_voF5_xEAFggccAbPY/s640/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">And that's just what they do. They dig up the great spruce and it is transported to the city where it is enjoyed by thousands. One girl, in particular, loves the tree, so Alec gives her one of its cones, encouraging her to plant the seeds that are inside so that she might grow her own great spruce.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLavPgoNEV7bL-uvm5Z8AuaoRaoL44039oORgqM5Rj3Cs-hY3ZFX7WUKh_i81rucrd7cKSWgtZvo1d4nfa8-JxLGWvxERHjmTh4CknmFH5trClWnH-RSh6kDwQ_bcbKAt6qNZdqNtHyU/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLavPgoNEV7bL-uvm5Z8AuaoRaoL44039oORgqM5Rj3Cs-hY3ZFX7WUKh_i81rucrd7cKSWgtZvo1d4nfa8-JxLGWvxERHjmTh4CknmFH5trClWnH-RSh6kDwQ_bcbKAt6qNZdqNtHyU/s640/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">By spring, the spruce is replanted and is thriving at home, and Alec is still spending his days climbing its beautiful limbs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqR_k9R9J921j7k9km7hVlwk0AfDcPFz6YohjGi0ZEsJaqwsFFQzNqU6l3XweRZqS-06Mxmp4tWnibMszNzq6sItXik1ZLsM0DUHwz9wPqHb39sq6aurJu6m3-tenQ0Q_kcExqGWjsUb4/s1600/IMG_9067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqR_k9R9J921j7k9km7hVlwk0AfDcPFz6YohjGi0ZEsJaqwsFFQzNqU6l3XweRZqS-06Mxmp4tWnibMszNzq6sItXik1ZLsM0DUHwz9wPqHb39sq6aurJu6m3-tenQ0Q_kcExqGWjsUb4/s400/IMG_9067.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exquisite endpapers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">The writing in this book is beautiful and lyrical, the story is sweet, the characters are selfless, and the spruce's legacy lives on. And the illustrations by Gibbon are so perfect for this story: they are colorful and detailed and convey, page by page, a world that is full of life, beauty and goodness. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Sigh. It's just such a wonderful and hope-filled story. And here's the best part: there's an author's note at the end of the book.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIpK18ejP24H0dHpuupRGwRhgMwJqV7p-sSc0szKWXefPXK8EyXAF65_kUcrMpFmpD4i52jPDp_9bb_jsBrCeyTrciePM_vPVWU3ezbEF2DUtoVuplQ9s6uai1otcWHZJ11PU-jIuhMM/s1600/IMG_9078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIpK18ejP24H0dHpuupRGwRhgMwJqV7p-sSc0szKWXefPXK8EyXAF65_kUcrMpFmpD4i52jPDp_9bb_jsBrCeyTrciePM_vPVWU3ezbEF2DUtoVuplQ9s6uai1otcWHZJ11PU-jIuhMM/s400/IMG_9078.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">It tells of the history of the giant Christmas trees used for celebrations like those in New York -- how the trees used to be dug up and borrowed for the season, and were later replanted in their home. Because it is cheaper to just cut down a tree, though, this practice changed. Now, John Duvall devotes his work to gently removing trees for celebrations such as these and then returning them to the earth. I love that. To preserve these magnificent trees so that they can continue thriving is a beautiful thing, indeed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I hope you get a chance to share this book with your little ones this season. It's a special one!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Happy reading,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">~Jen</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-15309878932511776642016-12-11T12:44:00.001-06:002016-12-19T06:32:29.589-06:00The Twelve Mice of Christmas<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Happy Sunday and Happy Holidays!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been busily working and writing lately, because I wanted to have an entry to share for <a href="https://susannahill.com/2016/12/08/ho-ho-ho-the-6th-annual-holiday-contest-is-here/#comments" target="_blank">Susanna Hill's 6th Annual Holiday Writing Contest</a>. The guidelines this year are to write a 300-word (or less) children's holiday story based on the structure or concept of the Twelve Days of Christmas. The story can be "poetry or prose, silly or serious or sweet, religious or not, based on Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or whatever you celebrate." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So...my attempt is below! (296 words) Thanks for stopping by and reading.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">THE 12
MICE OF CHRISTMAS</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">by
Jennifer Garthe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Within the snowy woodland,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">12 mice were gently creeping.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Inside a cabin in the woods</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; tab-stops: center 3.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Their friend Old Bear was
sleeping.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This time each year they loaded up</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With gear for celebrating,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To bring the feel of Christmas </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While their friend was hibernating.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The first mouse of Christmas</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Placed a wreath with bow and berry</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Upon the door to welcome guests</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And make the house look merry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The second mouse of Christmas</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Set a stocking by the fire,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Followed by the third mouse </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bringing garland to admire.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While Bear snored on, the next four mice</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Brought in the Christmas tree.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They placed it in a corner</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just where Bear would wake and see.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The eighth mouse of Christmas</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Brought in strings of twinkle lights.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Soon the tree and garland glowed</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With glints of frosted whites.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mice 9 and 10 came in with</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Shiny tinsel for the tree,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And ornaments of red and gold</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That sparkled brilliantly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The 11<sup>th</sup> mouse of Christmas</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Brought sweet cocoa to the house.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">He’d serve warm mugs to Bear</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And then to each and every mouse.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The 12<sup>th</sup> mouse of Christmas</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Brought their favorite treat of all:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">His shiny wooden fiddle</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To delight ears big and small.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The house was warm and ready.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The tree was glittery.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The mouse took up his fiddle</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And began a melody.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The music stopped Bear’s snoring</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And the mice knew he could hear it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">He slowly woke and saw </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">His house aglow with Christmas spirit!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They brought Old Bear his cocoa</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And some slippers for his feet.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They listened to the music</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In the room so snug and sweet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“Thank you, friends,” he said</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With mug in hand and raised to tell:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“Cheers to a happy Christmas<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">And to friends who
love us well.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Happy Holidays to you and yours -- and best wishes to those who submitted entries to the contest!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">~Jen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">UPDATE (12/19/2016): My entry won an <a href="https://susannahill.com/2016/12/19/the-2016-holiday-contest-winners/" target="_blank">honorable mention</a> in the contest! While the story didn't qualify for the list of finalists, I'm happy to have gone through the process and to now have a manuscript that I can polish. Excited to stretch my writing muscles more in the coming months!</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-6676991986666684032016-11-30T21:50:00.000-06:002016-11-30T21:50:30.876-06:00Gateway Books<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yesterday, on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/abookishnook/" target="_blank">Instagram account</a>, I <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BNZttqyj-Si/?taken-by=abookishnook" target="_blank">posted</a> about the latest bookish podcast that I adore. In episode #51 of Anne Bogel's <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/what-should-i-read-next/" target="_blank">What Should I Read Next</a>, she talks with the creators and hosts of <a href="http://babysittersclubclub.com/" target="_blank">The Baby-sitters Club Club podcast</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOnn3GzczjDUQpj0zMxPw2irBBAWswlfXRgvYwhL_dxkTdrD_XdKEYqOMTX-RqjzYqTJsdirkYkUUKuw92zxqUvmJLCD6DvQV4oSajH9Vf7OchdUVPtpPnok7D5K8FxFeytFM9SMXNfQ/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOnn3GzczjDUQpj0zMxPw2irBBAWswlfXRgvYwhL_dxkTdrD_XdKEYqOMTX-RqjzYqTJsdirkYkUUKuw92zxqUvmJLCD6DvQV4oSajH9Vf7OchdUVPtpPnok7D5K8FxFeytFM9SMXNfQ/s400/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">How awesome is that?! A podcast devoted to the beloved series and gateway books for so many of us. And perhaps the best part? The hosts are two men in their thirties. 😂</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you grew up reading these books like I did, you are going to want to check out this podcast. Each episode is devoted to one of the books in the series, and they go in chronological order. The hosts, Jack and Tanner, take their discussion ever-so-seriously. It is a riot. For instance, they explore the question that has been plaguing us all: did the sitters need to take out a small-business loan to get their business up and running? Also, what is up with Stacy's suspicious behavior? Well, of course they can't discuss that until episode 3. :) The discussion is a hoot, completely tongue-in-cheek, and oh so nostalgic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I adored these books. Adored. I saw myself in the characters and wanted to be like them (and write like them. Remember the diary entries?? I loved their handwriting!). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j-W3iVNPII0iUx1OAX2TjOCSYc4ovKzKbnwWMBryDU9e1bRtDqeryVUf3naWA03K8oSAS4ioH4RM7wxuPLaqmzUAVCKO9eJlk9OhEm0XwqO-jcShSukycYouX2jvdYu2WuPLwA39X8Y/s1600/IMG_8996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j-W3iVNPII0iUx1OAX2TjOCSYc4ovKzKbnwWMBryDU9e1bRtDqeryVUf3naWA03K8oSAS4ioH4RM7wxuPLaqmzUAVCKO9eJlk9OhEm0XwqO-jcShSukycYouX2jvdYu2WuPLwA39X8Y/s320/IMG_8996.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These were the gateway books in my life -- the books that got me constantly reading and wanting to read more. And I never stopped reading after I grew out of them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I also remember the books that had me reading and running to the bookstore for new releases after I grew past the BSC -- Christopher Pike novels. Did you read his books? Not quite as silly as the Goosebumps books, but not nearly as sinister as Stephen King's work, Pike's teen thriller novels had me hooked! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vkJDvFii1yhoLHYr7GTOiu40Lz0PJ5Gi3scn2rfWFanzBYEGIzgodHAYvXgiBJkaT5AgRssQq8NlD3-5k7fyjqHYcRhtSMn7wv2ZlqLRcDNbA9Be4uDQJe5Kl2WtTSFwK_skLkqkQoo/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vkJDvFii1yhoLHYr7GTOiu40Lz0PJ5Gi3scn2rfWFanzBYEGIzgodHAYvXgiBJkaT5AgRssQq8NlD3-5k7fyjqHYcRhtSMn7wv2ZlqLRcDNbA9Be4uDQJe5Kl2WtTSFwK_skLkqkQoo/s400/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There was death and murder and malice and suspense, and I loved the thrill of it all. I'm grateful that my parents let me read what interested me. I eventually moved out of my teen thriller phase onto other literature, but these gateway books opened doors to a lifetime of reading.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Take a trip down memory lane -- what were the gateway books in your life?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Happy reading, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Jen</span><br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-852171634314855722016-10-07T14:46:00.000-05:002016-10-07T14:46:46.408-05:00The Hallo-weiner<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's OCTOBER!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sing it: <em>It's the most wonderful month... of the year!</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's truly my fave -- the crisp air, blue skies behind colorful trees, the crunch of leaves, pumpkins and of course Halloween!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Eons ago, my sister gifted me what has become one of our favorite picture books on our shelves. We read it throughout the year, but definitely most in October. If you love dachshunds, Halloween, puns, and an underdog story, then you will love <em>The Hallo-weiner!</em></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyfTs0aFLcIsTcrGuhtOVP4IUWxGcii6zspdf9Cl-hLQ45cJYYk2DYE7XWbIVn5KpZMhOQhdc23HBGOzuQVlXFqZLc0WH7Vb8XT66Un_ThwUafgevVYli6z4e2edz79R96ZZ0DBa8L6c/s1600/hqdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyfTs0aFLcIsTcrGuhtOVP4IUWxGcii6zspdf9Cl-hLQ45cJYYk2DYE7XWbIVn5KpZMhOQhdc23HBGOzuQVlXFqZLc0WH7Vb8XT66Un_ThwUafgevVYli6z4e2edz79R96ZZ0DBa8L6c/s320/hqdefault.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>The Hallo-weiner</em>, written by Dav Pilkey (of <em>Captain Underpants</em> fame), was published in 1995 (Blue Sky Press). The story opens with Oscar (who was "half-a-dog tall and one-and-a-half dogs long") going to obedience school. Unfortunately, Oscar was teased by the other dogs, and this upset him. That is, it usually upset him, but it was Halloween and he had excitement on his mind!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97X0tHDTUkUb3lg81oP2Gp4atktOplJAVXurZNstPrSxEIl831DsTenmX74gN6Tqtr03_ayEbJpy6Lzyqisb21le1WiZ5BI0CFQZ8Z7a16Be47mFQ7WQhexCvI4QxYhX5gfHJuKO88Nw/s1600/BeFunky+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97X0tHDTUkUb3lg81oP2Gp4atktOplJAVXurZNstPrSxEIl831DsTenmX74gN6Tqtr03_ayEbJpy6Lzyqisb21le1WiZ5BI0CFQZ8Z7a16Be47mFQ7WQhexCvI4QxYhX5gfHJuKO88Nw/s640/BeFunky+Collage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Upon returning home from school, though, Oscar's excitement is snuffed when his well-intentioned mother shows him the costume she got for him:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyc5MOtSE-UAZDG000Ze6l7G5gIY4t_6OlokUMEpMotAIgAo6JIGkrj6e7-GWNaZwfJtcw83nLvKmfPLTWMA1-V1HOIw3ICX_Y6zH2HDWfngoud17SvbYeBhN3uRBOi1X2ikAty15snvA/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyc5MOtSE-UAZDG000Ze6l7G5gIY4t_6OlokUMEpMotAIgAo6JIGkrj6e7-GWNaZwfJtcw83nLvKmfPLTWMA1-V1HOIw3ICX_Y6zH2HDWfngoud17SvbYeBhN3uRBOi1X2ikAty15snvA/s320/4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">He's humiliated, but wears it anyway because he doesn't want to upset his mother. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The night continues to unravel, though, as the other dogs in his group take all of the candy at each house, leaving nothing for poor Oscar. (And the puns delightfully abound here.) But then, something scary frightens the group as they are cutting through the cemetary on their way home from trick-or-treating. And because of Oscar's unique shape and size, he is able to save the day.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4Lvg2yhuhYjXf78jEn2PjerHlEsrsELFTSpNcz3-jE2ODQPcvBt89z71i5lqEMzfmUE6-gj1IWDqntT1e3oyngfUzuF3NTO79AB_3QepZKT4kDNZZA4Wq1Sj_wQrUZhegi0QRuRXpDI/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4Lvg2yhuhYjXf78jEn2PjerHlEsrsELFTSpNcz3-jE2ODQPcvBt89z71i5lqEMzfmUE6-gj1IWDqntT1e3oyngfUzuF3NTO79AB_3QepZKT4kDNZZA4Wq1Sj_wQrUZhegi0QRuRXpDI/s320/9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Besides being an entertaining read-aloud, this book shines with Dav Pilkey's art. Of course it is hysterical to see mother dogs in pearls kissing their pups and handing out Halloween candy. But the pictures and spreads are full of bright colors and interesting effects. On many pages, Pilkey shows an enormous full moon in the background with colorful swirls in the sky, and you can see the silhouettes of the dogs in their silly costumes. The details create a just-right spooky mood that leads to a heart-warming ending full of furry smiles.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1J7q74qsSULyZQ-Sdo3gBhlx9wPSH9X7IIMU241gIRp7uvsa8pwaLmTro2LAQyYBRbvqLtwdjfe39CfFZ61mjBA-P_4r68Yt3uQOmehmD9W1h9uQfnunhUJSDczO7nBPjS1QIvM4GlV0/s1600/BeFunky+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1J7q74qsSULyZQ-Sdo3gBhlx9wPSH9X7IIMU241gIRp7uvsa8pwaLmTro2LAQyYBRbvqLtwdjfe39CfFZ61mjBA-P_4r68Yt3uQOmehmD9W1h9uQfnunhUJSDczO7nBPjS1QIvM4GlV0/s400/BeFunky+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I love that at over 20 years old, this book is not at all out-dated. The artwork, word count, and story are just as appealing to readers today. Truly, there is much to love about this howl-oween book, and I hope you can get your paws on it soon! (Aw, c'mon -- sometimes the puns just have to come out!)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Happy reading,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">~Jen</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-79563335967741050862016-09-28T13:54:00.000-05:002016-09-28T13:54:57.978-05:005 Bookish Podcast Episodes of the Week<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Podcasts: Oh, how I love you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I used to be the type of person to always have the TV on for background noise or news. But now I've been more actively listening to podcasts, instead -- while doing the dishes, while mowing the grass, while walking or running, or while driving (though, really, I'm mostly blasting Toddler Radio on Pandora in the car). There are such a variety of podcasts out there, ranging from informational to humorous to inspirational, and I am sure there are gems that I don't know about!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For today, I'd like to share five recent podcast episodes that I haven't been able to get off my mind. All of these are available on iTunes or can even be accessed through the links provided. Check them out!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>1. The Yarn -- <em>George</em> Unraveled with Alex Gino</strong> (</span><a href="http://blogs.slj.com/theyarn/2016/09/18/29-alex-gino-george-unravelled/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">episode #29</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Yarn is a podcast on children's literature hosted by school librarian Travis Jonker and teacher Colby Sharp. In this episode, they talk with author Alex Gino about their middle grade novel <em>George</em>. In the book, George is viewed by everyone as a boy, but she knows she's a girl, and desperately wants to audition for the role of Charlotte in the school play, <em>Charlotte's Web</em>. Though the teacher won't allow it, George devises a way for everyone to see her for who she really is.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">While I haven't had the chance to read this book yet, the discussion was moving. Gino says that when they began the book 10 or so years ago, they weren't sure how this topic would be received. But as our culture has evolved over the years and has become more open to having these conversations, Gino knew they had to get this story out there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But while our culture is indeed more open to embracing trans people, there are still people very uncomfortable with the topic. Our own school district is introducing new health ed curriculum that will touch on topics of gender identity -- and this has been controversial. For me, I am proud of the new curriculum and hope our world continues to move in the direction of loving others for who they are. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"I ask you to remember the young trans student, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">alone and with fewer resources than you, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">who needs to find themselves represented in literature."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">~ Alex Gino</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.slj.com/2015/09/interviews/alex-gino-on-debut-novel-george-and-the-importance-of-transgender-voices-in-the-kid-lit-world/" target="_blank">via</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>2. What Should I Read Next? -- The books we can't wait to read this fall</strong> (<a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/what-should-i-read-next/" target="_blank">episode #41</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My very favorite independent bookstore in St. Louis is the </span><a href="http://thenovelneighbor.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Novel Neighbor</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. It is located in my old neighborhood of Webster Groves -- a charming, tree-lined municipality with two bustling town centers. The bookstore is charming, itself, filled with books and bookish gifts and an adorable children's nook. So I was thrilled to hear owner Holland Saltsman on this episode of Anne Bogel's What Should I Read Next!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Anne and Holland discuss the books they are excited to read this fall, from children's lit to YA to adult. There is lots of inspiration to be found here -- and lots of great titles to add to your "to read" list.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>3. This American Life -- One Last Thing Before I Go </strong>(<a href="http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/597/one-last-thing-before-i-go" target="_blank">episode #597</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">In this episode, two journalists tell two very moving stories of final words. In the first story, citizens in Japan who lost loved ones in the tsunami travel great distances to visit a phone booth -- a phone booth that is not wired, not connected -- to speak with those lost in the tragedy. The idea is that their words are carried on the wind, perhaps out to sea, to reach their loved ones.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">In the second story, two estranged brothers in their 80s pay a visit to one another after 40-some years. Their bitterness tries to resurface, but new insight leads to a new perspective on past hurt. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Deeply moving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>4. All the Wonders -- Mac Barnett and Adam Rex</strong> (<a href="http://www.allthewonders.com/podcasts/mac-barnett-and-adam-rex-all-the-wonders-episode-287/" target="_blank">episode #287</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This author-illustrator pair is fuuuuuuuuny. I found myself chuckling many times as host Matthew Winner talked with them about their new book <em>How This Book Was Made</em>. They are smart and creative and I so enjoyed listening in to their process. And their words to the kids at Matthew's school at the end? Hilarious!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>5. Stuff You Missed in History Class -- <a href="http://www.missedinhistory.com/podcasts/the-death-of-poe.htm" target="_blank">The Death of Poe</a></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I recently discovered this podcast, and if you enjoy hearing stories from history or insights into significant moments that you've never heard, then you will want to check this one out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This episode is perfect for our approaching Halloween season. Who doesn't love Poe? His creepy stories and poems are so unique and rich, and his life and death so mysterious. This episode sheds light on the life and death of this beloved icon of American literature.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">* * *</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Do you have any podcasts that you love and would recommend? Please leave a comment! I'm always searching for new stories. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">~Jen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-7080324948370524302016-09-15T06:41:00.000-05:002016-09-26T14:31:48.558-05:00A Hungry Lion<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There are so many wonderful books out there. Daily, I read about book birthdays or up-and-coming new releases, and I either immediately request them from my library or mentally file them away as "must reads." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But then sometimes life happens, and that mental file box malfunctions -- and I forget to get that desired book until months later. And that's what just happened with <em>A Hungry Lion, or a Dwindling Assortment of Animals</em>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbYNmwWo5ELe8qisd6Xuc-R8qvnNf1sqs3NpXh5jV8jbO_eLB0RlZHM5_WF8OOK-whYTg6GHyzoeCAFRlvcpyk_yARdYnBRAS6Guzw7yjXnDOJ4aBPh5JuWKzEWwUjG9qDR5nIjX2RbY/s1600/25785644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbYNmwWo5ELe8qisd6Xuc-R8qvnNf1sqs3NpXh5jV8jbO_eLB0RlZHM5_WF8OOK-whYTg6GHyzoeCAFRlvcpyk_yARdYnBRAS6Guzw7yjXnDOJ4aBPh5JuWKzEWwUjG9qDR5nIjX2RbY/s1600/25785644.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I cannot believe we haven't read this book sooner! But I'm so glad we have it now. Released in March of this year (Atheneum), and written by art director/illustrator Lucy Ruth Cummins, <em>A Hungry Lion, or a Dwindling Assortment of Animals</em> is the story of a very hungry lion and a cast of additional animals. But wait -- the animals keep disappearing! What could be happening?! Well, readers (and little listeners) think they know -- but they don't know. This book has a twist -- and then another surprise -- and then another! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzouwz6S5Eq5Xb39EMZxX6z7uIMNgM04AS9ekPWA42GkzLWQwUB__7jgT5tHmVQa6_MSrvN_AYxnopxSjWiA55oNoaH3ShaN5dcXnz4x1TVpIy5Gtkez3-4eQ2XuBEoRaqBc1908POoE/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzouwz6S5Eq5Xb39EMZxX6z7uIMNgM04AS9ekPWA42GkzLWQwUB__7jgT5tHmVQa6_MSrvN_AYxnopxSjWiA55oNoaH3ShaN5dcXnz4x1TVpIy5Gtkez3-4eQ2XuBEoRaqBc1908POoE/s400/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">The surprising twists in the book serve to elicit different reactions from the reader. At once amused, you are then touched ("Awwww!"), and then you are horrified, and then you are laughing again! These twists make this book sooooo fun to read with kids.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Accompanying this fun story are Cummins' playful illustrations. That bold, hungry lion sits among an otherwise muted palette of characters who are smiling pleasantly. Each page turn brings a surprising detail -- missing animals, dancing bunnies, a mischievous grin on the lion's face.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizfFjEfRqGDk_0ArPFyFAZwGE-uYzm5JZGsZE2ivwu1_UysIecmblkZQV2N_tdD9H_yCgRLeIsBVLnBbArPggZTxT_45roqmCb9QmdnG8hgYnlADPMX0x8ESoxjUz-RzdLfCK7Do6jRo/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizfFjEfRqGDk_0ArPFyFAZwGE-uYzm5JZGsZE2ivwu1_UysIecmblkZQV2N_tdD9H_yCgRLeIsBVLnBbArPggZTxT_45roqmCb9QmdnG8hgYnlADPMX0x8ESoxjUz-RzdLfCK7Do6jRo/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cummins' use of marker and gouache (just love those bold strokes in that lion's mane) -- paired with her unique narrative voice -- have created a book that is truly kid tested, mother approved. Add this one to our faves of 2016!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">* * *</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">And you know my love for the All the Wonders resource of podcasts. Check out their <a href="http://www.allthewonders.com/podcasts/lucy-ruth-cummins-all-the-wonders-episode-270/" target="_blank">episode with Lucy Ruth Cummins</a>. I really enjoyed this one!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Happy reading,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">~Jen</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-2645552108578054342016-09-01T13:30:00.000-05:002016-09-01T13:30:15.657-05:00Hannah and Sugar<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As I mentioned in my previous post, there was one book this summer that was on repeat like no other -- being read time and time again, and being discussed even when we were away from it. And that book was <em>Hannah and Sugar</em> by Kate Berube (Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2016).</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbMUEbjFZreNfX34uulMmnVRrF09OLcLRMGJwtTjX8Ve-d9mNpgTRfkybtp1HJAhP-a5jEbgf23x5W7u8c3mwB7bb5J41blzv7FpEL9vDUx1b8oR1HDc0f4sht_UMxsEpROIMZMagfVo/s1600/41OExppt3hL__SX258_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbMUEbjFZreNfX34uulMmnVRrF09OLcLRMGJwtTjX8Ve-d9mNpgTRfkybtp1HJAhP-a5jEbgf23x5W7u8c3mwB7bb5J41blzv7FpEL9vDUx1b8oR1HDc0f4sht_UMxsEpROIMZMagfVo/s1600/41OExppt3hL__SX258_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Plot: When Hannah gets off the school bus each day, Sugar is there, waiting for Violet P. As gentle as Sugar is, Hannah is nervous around her, and always keeps her distance. But when Sugar goes missing, Hannah joins in the search. She thinks about how scary it would be to be lost and, in one unexpected moment, she musters up some very real courage to bring about a happy ending. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUf_wEGB6U0-1VYJ-nwTQMMmIpwQCl1uBpYLIGD9tUpUituDR3CTBziw0TOFTqwlp_N-4WaY8Z7egdNffb71zZnopm6i6s_SEUtVZ_jRbwTHJ4SE09_JpLbK0LOU3WCrazw5Gv63jpR9c/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUf_wEGB6U0-1VYJ-nwTQMMmIpwQCl1uBpYLIGD9tUpUituDR3CTBziw0TOFTqwlp_N-4WaY8Z7egdNffb71zZnopm6i6s_SEUtVZ_jRbwTHJ4SE09_JpLbK0LOU3WCrazw5Gv63jpR9c/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I think there are two main reasons why this book has become such a favorite in our household: its simplicity and its art. The story's concept is relatable and compelling -- many kids are nervous around dogs, and pets sometimes go missing. Berube's moderate and purposeful word choice for telling the story makes it easy for very young children to understand, but the older ones get wrapped up in the conflict, as well. And its subtle messages of understanding adults, community support, and an act of bravery make this simple story quite powerful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Couple all that wonderfulness with beautiful art, and this book is the whole package. With ink and paint, Berube has created sweet, relatable, beautiful, moving illustrations that add to the story's drama. As an adult, I enjoy the details and sweet scenes as much as my kids.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKC7pdgtKfWtnpjsCjJu6WuUH_aMAauGzPCYOhDpet-3QidppoAJoHCgRVPhrV-vhG0tnT0pCfc7TqL6FjuJ2ijfL9pTZ6wFY6JYlqFV_gyDfEZWBBgNE6Ale3Ylt-K0rmVyURPzkdIjM/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKC7pdgtKfWtnpjsCjJu6WuUH_aMAauGzPCYOhDpet-3QidppoAJoHCgRVPhrV-vhG0tnT0pCfc7TqL6FjuJ2ijfL9pTZ6wFY6JYlqFV_gyDfEZWBBgNE6Ale3Ylt-K0rmVyURPzkdIjM/s640/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><em>Hannah and Sugar</em> is that special type of book that appeals to a great range of ages, and I love hearing my toddler flip through the pages and mimick reading the book based on clues from the art. It is a book that lends itself to repeat reading, and I imagine it will have success for years to come.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">If you haven't had a chance to read this one yet, I hope you will do so soon! Happy reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">~Jen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-84614465058477152152016-08-24T15:30:00.000-05:002016-08-24T15:30:34.821-05:00Summer ReviewWhew! Another summer has come and gone, and it was insanely busy. Good, but busy. My youngest is two now, and I had her with a sitter one day a week. This allowed me a little bit of a break and made it easier to take the older two to places that might not be so easy with a toddler, like movies. Though, really, we ended up at the pool most of those days. :) Some highlights in pics:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgHQ44doGuXd0HxEhrbPK_Wce1_cRG28_b0vVgcJJyCX9SLgFBW36KNDw8ya7uxSdMRLpcW37uJWN7nH0GQj_vHewJ_xtuiDtxfn2VTjbfAL1QWYs4rRlppa_c6k79WuJhBGdhPf0I74/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgHQ44doGuXd0HxEhrbPK_Wce1_cRG28_b0vVgcJJyCX9SLgFBW36KNDw8ya7uxSdMRLpcW37uJWN7nH0GQj_vHewJ_xtuiDtxfn2VTjbfAL1QWYs4rRlppa_c6k79WuJhBGdhPf0I74/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In terms of work, I didn't get much personal or professional writing done, which was at times discouraging. I didn't blog but once, and I didn't make much progress with writing. But we were all still reading, and I was absorbing kidlit info and inspiration through podcasts and Instagram posts. <br />
<br />
My own <a href="https://www.instagram.com/abookishnook/" target="_blank">Instagram feed</a> got some love, and I posted today about our biggest obsession this past summer:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8lvThMDIDnIx4Hy3apA6PW05cEhPUJQtlD4pH4bojETbnM8o7Y5LnaMeir_peDMIPN-uxMOg8WV_bw4ZTQkJ3D5iJQ2POY3_4LVDeTjNgfNDVzBu1wP_J-3CTAPWiR0RdHReFZIuMjI/s1600/ham.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8lvThMDIDnIx4Hy3apA6PW05cEhPUJQtlD4pH4bojETbnM8o7Y5LnaMeir_peDMIPN-uxMOg8WV_bw4ZTQkJ3D5iJQ2POY3_4LVDeTjNgfNDVzBu1wP_J-3CTAPWiR0RdHReFZIuMjI/s320/ham.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now that the kids are back in school (even Vivy's in school two mornings a week!), I plan to focus more on writing. I'm going through the lessons in Pam Calvert's <a href="http://wwwpamcalvert.blogspot.com/p/picture-book-university.html" target="_blank">Picture Book University</a>, and then I'm registered for a class taught by children's author Nancy Polette starting next month. I'm excited! Then, of course, in November comes Tara Lazar's <a href="https://taralazar.com/piboidmo/" target="_blank">PiBoIdMo</a>. I discovered her website juuuuuuust after PiBoIdMo ended last year, so I've been looking forward to participating in this year's community of inspiration for months now. <br />
<br />
<br />
To summarize the summer in a bookish way:<br />
<br />
Fave kidlit book read: Ms. Bixby's Last Day<br />
<br />
Fave kidlit podcast: <a href="http://www.allthewonders.com/podcasts/lin-oliver-all-the-wonders-episode-276/" target="_blank">All the Wonders interview with Lin Oliver</a> <br />
<br />
Kidlit book read most in our house over the past three months: Hannah and Sugar by Kate Berube<br />
<br />
<br />
How was your summer? Did you read any amazing kid lit? Did you make any progress in your own writing ventures?<br />
<br />
Happy reading,<br />
~Jen<br />
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-1700711435083499472016-06-14T15:34:00.000-05:002016-06-14T15:34:01.645-05:00Secret Tree Fort<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Do you ever judge a book by its cover? I know I do -- literally! And that's what happened with the book I'm featuring today:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvdaw_SWe6EcJ1PH2eQwQiNrbLjhUoF8vmXkDMbZHpcbA6m3vXrHG9uv9b8jB8OtFcPvWhz1eJVPkXfje_LhjY7jK9U4n31Fve5xPwg0-1_V3lC1le0ZoJp7qCN1C26tb6htVpxbSVLk/s1600/secret-tree-fort-w_414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvdaw_SWe6EcJ1PH2eQwQiNrbLjhUoF8vmXkDMbZHpcbA6m3vXrHG9uv9b8jB8OtFcPvWhz1eJVPkXfje_LhjY7jK9U4n31Fve5xPwg0-1_V3lC1le0ZoJp7qCN1C26tb6htVpxbSVLk/s320/secret-tree-fort-w_414.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Secret Tree Fort</em>, written and illustrated by Brianne Farley (Candlewick, 2016). </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The cover and the compelling title of this one jumped out at me -- the green, the curious images in the tree, a bookish girl reading, and <em>a secret</em> -- first hearing it mentioned through posts and discussions, and finally beckoning from the library shelf.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But when I finally cracked the spine and read this with my kiddos -- it was truly magical. This book captures the allure of a tree house -- that enticing place that so many of us dreamt of or imagined -- or had, if we were lucky enough -- and takes it up a notch. Because this is no ordinary tree house.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">In the book, two sisters are sent outside by their mother. The older sister brings her book and plunks down at the base of a tree to read (this would have totally been me!). The little sister wants to know what she's doing, and in an attempt to get her sister's attention and interaction, tells her that she has a secret tree fort. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZ0o3l7qTGVcgjYK0TZSL4sGwlXazlFIxRihHUmKtOCM6O3dJCNZJ8o7bjJ7J2Bvy6icdazOS7s92HGBIPU8NHHzxv_jO1fWPG00Gu3O_UlPJKVBr6xO9REe1EbAO4hCRWH_MZOqN99A/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZ0o3l7qTGVcgjYK0TZSL4sGwlXazlFIxRihHUmKtOCM6O3dJCNZJ8o7bjJ7J2Bvy6icdazOS7s92HGBIPU8NHHzxv_jO1fWPG00Gu3O_UlPJKVBr6xO9REe1EbAO4hCRWH_MZOqN99A/s400/image2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But she does give her sister more clues, and we are along for the ride. This tree house can launch water balloons at attackers, has flags to communicate different messages, has a crow's nest to spy for pirates, and even has an underwater viewing area. Like I said: MAGICAL!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmMW3SPq9N66opunvoNMN5Ir07RRzwpI8hI_aWiW2BIesXfWUR2HTnOUZGhUS-kPERAsS6N3CoCfeUPedvEIJ6W83ZcELNZSQ1ZYybTZ9mi9S6vmPWlBDos34G6VjKLgzC9Gh8gAIcag/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmMW3SPq9N66opunvoNMN5Ir07RRzwpI8hI_aWiW2BIesXfWUR2HTnOUZGhUS-kPERAsS6N3CoCfeUPedvEIJ6W83ZcELNZSQ1ZYybTZ9mi9S6vmPWlBDos34G6VjKLgzC9Gh8gAIcag/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Will Littler Sister be able to get Big Sister's attention? You'll have to read it to find out!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Farley's illustrations are colorful and whimsical and inviting. The creatures and objects that become part of the tree house's story make you remember those childhood longings for adventure and that special hideout. Add to that Farley's ability to express the relatable emotions through the expressions of the main characters, and this book is so very delightful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I hope you enjoy it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-57777423102317843062016-05-25T08:46:00.003-05:002016-05-25T08:46:38.404-05:00A Giveaway!Have you heard of the Midge and Moo series of picture books? Kerry McQuaide is the author and illustrator of six lovable and educational stories featuring Midge and her beloved stuffed animal, Moo. And through June 10, she is hosting a giveaway!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxThARspqqDynslz0Xyj-0HUhUIw-mkqxqD1ARVwED32vLQjlPpT3e0-pyi7pA5pKxKGfV_6LipLfdy281qIykJPSpH2PlSaonvxS8gzG7eRYFWOmxHEQRYrHw6mmmCfauzmT1kYIc7bA/s1600/unspecified.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxThARspqqDynslz0Xyj-0HUhUIw-mkqxqD1ARVwED32vLQjlPpT3e0-pyi7pA5pKxKGfV_6LipLfdy281qIykJPSpH2PlSaonvxS8gzG7eRYFWOmxHEQRYrHw6mmmCfauzmT1kYIc7bA/s320/unspecified.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>The books:</strong><br />
<br />
Midge and Moo are best friends. They came home from the hospital together when Midge was just two days old, and they do everything together. If Midge builds a tower, Moo knocks it down. If Midge tracks mud in the house, Moo gets the blame, too. They are always there for each other, and readers will find that Moo gives Midge the confidence she needs to explore, learn, and grow. I just love the sweet interactions between this little one and her lovie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXitC87Rn3eoNgM5rNWJKoybJiXT-x1Wj6Hwe4vUAdz8z8bMWYC4a8CsL-Z_4XFYhO80HkONbd8_-3hNT3E9YgD2D7L13vuCGaBXMGoaQ3tbgdZkgzkA2ZQjvWXhyR6yUfHGWU9l7r7Y/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXitC87Rn3eoNgM5rNWJKoybJiXT-x1Wj6Hwe4vUAdz8z8bMWYC4a8CsL-Z_4XFYhO80HkONbd8_-3hNT3E9YgD2D7L13vuCGaBXMGoaQ3tbgdZkgzkA2ZQjvWXhyR6yUfHGWU9l7r7Y/s1600/untitled.png" /></a></div>
<br />
With colorful and playful illustrations on each spread, children will get a zoomed-in view of the relatable activities between Midge and Moo. The stories are short and sweet with just a few words per spread -- perfect for repeat reading with kiddos ages 0-5.<br />
<br />
<strong>The author:</strong><br />
<br />
Kerry McQuaide grew up with parents and sisters who believed snuggling and laughing were a part of reading picture books. And now, she hopes to touch lives with her own stories of love, kindness, and friendship.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEhGRlyiIZjWuHDwnEiXqPQS8zVRiw8ei8Paw0wjqUcUfX6NM3TAaK-s2OrmME2TegCvzb7J8rCOyR3urkaImbbGPUjKmOOtC25EJwCYdl1lS1Ce0kfvUwSc5NuIm9tfZ0GGJcMOClsA/s1600/mcquaide.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEhGRlyiIZjWuHDwnEiXqPQS8zVRiw8ei8Paw0wjqUcUfX6NM3TAaK-s2OrmME2TegCvzb7J8rCOyR3urkaImbbGPUjKmOOtC25EJwCYdl1lS1Ce0kfvUwSc5NuIm9tfZ0GGJcMOClsA/s1600/mcquaide.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"When you read to kids, it is magical when you all laugh at the same part. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is a wonderful way to slow down and bond. And kids are so funny, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they’ll ask the same questions over and over. “Is her mom mad at her?” </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or “Why is she sad?” They are processing the world they see </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
reflected in the books and the human emotions they experience</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in their own lives through theses stories."</div>
<br />
<strong>The giveaway:</strong><br />
<br />
Through June 10, Kerry McQuaide is hosting a fun giveaway. You could win all of the Midge and Moo picture books, the brand new Midge and Moo Coloring Books, plus crayons of course (8 books total)! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGw6FPoutHtzEm01csq_s4w94loxEMvxX5Q7baLbrCS4uIySsQfkSkAIxulaKeTIup2_Rnu_D_Cnp15iDv44UGGSplMD4kTkwNqTMIGO5MvcQfHRz3rBGN40DkgxYrXdy3izowfAPLrik/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGw6FPoutHtzEm01csq_s4w94loxEMvxX5Q7baLbrCS4uIySsQfkSkAIxulaKeTIup2_Rnu_D_Cnp15iDv44UGGSplMD4kTkwNqTMIGO5MvcQfHRz3rBGN40DkgxYrXdy3izowfAPLrik/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I think this would be a fabulous way to build or enhance a library for your little one. Snuggle up and read the stories together, and then, the next day, revisit the themes through coloring together.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Enter </strong><a href="https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MmMzNWZjZjkwZTUwZjc3ZjE1ZTY1YTczYzk5NzRhOjI=/?" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>! </strong>(Scroll down just bit to enter.)</div>
<strong></strong><br />
And if you don't win but would still like to enjoy the Midge and Moo books, they are available <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kerry-McQuaide/e/B017J8WEMW/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
<br />
Happy reading!<br />
<br />
~Jen<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9egTLPCWPKSXnH9lZfGTutf1inlqaNz4cihyOmzg4ISOOWuQyxft3qhQI25DBdbZdPkNO1eJdQkwyenlmnp5vAoW_E7u7QzDGl3z2grtB3GL7x40Bil8Sa-br1uRpwSiZbW2PD9Lk6to/s1600/cute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9egTLPCWPKSXnH9lZfGTutf1inlqaNz4cihyOmzg4ISOOWuQyxft3qhQI25DBdbZdPkNO1eJdQkwyenlmnp5vAoW_E7u7QzDGl3z2grtB3GL7x40Bil8Sa-br1uRpwSiZbW2PD9Lk6to/s320/cute.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-40977387338510316922016-05-24T14:56:00.000-05:002016-05-24T14:56:56.264-05:00A Humbling Story<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well, May has been a crazy month! The kids' last day of school was last Thursday, and there were all kinds of end-of-the-school-year festivities. My oldest graduated from elementary school, so now we'll have a middle schooler, first grader, and preschool kiddo. :)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvyt15t3hoovYf3G63sf9b0sraPdAIhtV_inL3PAv34SwKBkZP2VGfES_QZHwxqLVLuDNhIpTQeYakr9rBEBPmCTARanP4tYK6n4VQ0kfxjCGxhJOGbxuvo40pmjT1qQnyZIs22IB58g/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvyt15t3hoovYf3G63sf9b0sraPdAIhtV_inL3PAv34SwKBkZP2VGfES_QZHwxqLVLuDNhIpTQeYakr9rBEBPmCTARanP4tYK6n4VQ0kfxjCGxhJOGbxuvo40pmjT1qQnyZIs22IB58g/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I haven't been doing as much writing because of all this busyness. And being home with the kids all summer, I'm not sure how much progress I'll make. So I'm still soaking up what wisdom I can in hopes of putting pen to paper periodically over the summer and then in a more focused manner in August.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But something kind of funny and kind of embarrassing happened last week. Back in February, I had entered a 50-word poem into Vivian Kirkfield's 50 Precious Words contest (in honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday). I was pleased with my little poem and got some positive feedback. I titled it "Pair Skate," and one of the words I used was "swizzled." I was proud of the word choice, thinking I had come up with an original spin on the term "swizzles" used in ice dancing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well, last week, we finally checked out Tara Lazar's <em>Little Red Gliding Hood</em>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52EDb2OqsN_yxJPokzjrsALy95jT_ejuiWtjtogBfC2N1TkfeiSb9xMsY1XMh7RnLVeUcf7uoVz7kO5IifGhhgNxGq433a14L0pt52sIA13eqt7Ly_vE2bRzH3pVn7oxNjWbv8MnyYi8/s1600/51Jg8NVErlL__SX258_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52EDb2OqsN_yxJPokzjrsALy95jT_ejuiWtjtogBfC2N1TkfeiSb9xMsY1XMh7RnLVeUcf7uoVz7kO5IifGhhgNxGq433a14L0pt52sIA13eqt7Ly_vE2bRzH3pVn7oxNjWbv8MnyYi8/s1600/51Jg8NVErlL__SX258_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The story is a sort of mash-up of a variety of fairy tales, with well-known characters and plot lines making an appearance throughout. The main premise is that Little Red needs to find a skating partner for the Pair Skate. And throughout the book, it talks about Little Red swizzling and twizzling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well, I was embarrassed. I mean, it was an honest mistake, but I had submitted a piece of writing that was extremely close in theme, content, and word choice to another well-known published piece.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Humbling.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever accidentally copied someone and found out later? Is there any way to avoid this? If you are a creative in some way, shape, or form, I'd love to hear about any experience with this!</span> <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Check back tomorrow for a giveaway opportunity and I'll also spotlight a new picture book this week (hint: it involves a tree and a secret!).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">~Jen</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-54123251807282556552016-05-12T12:00:00.000-05:002016-05-12T12:00:42.071-05:00Fetch! (These 5 Picture Books about Sticks)<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Friendship. Loneliness. Family. Imagination. Perseverance. These are a few of the powerful and moving themes found in this darling collection of books featuring sticks. I think that you and your child will find that these common pieces of wood can be extraordinary, indeed. Enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. <strong><em>Stick and Stone</em></strong> by Beth Ferry; illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OYkc7X_Qh-u4VXxmc8YatBemVahRnRv1kmRps09rfSWmgNCdmdGVgqCHexjNHNBJR4A_gft9IA_9p0L23BPfJ8gSfyDnlw8XFV5MN6s_bXze9lejpsHB6x52_uHcvJtVPG6VpPNK6Dk/s1600/stickandstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OYkc7X_Qh-u4VXxmc8YatBemVahRnRv1kmRps09rfSWmgNCdmdGVgqCHexjNHNBJR4A_gft9IA_9p0L23BPfJ8gSfyDnlw8XFV5MN6s_bXze9lejpsHB6x52_uHcvJtVPG6VpPNK6Dk/s1600/stickandstone.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This heartwarming rhyming book begs to be read again and again. Stick and Stone are alone, until they meet each other. They become fast friends, and Stick, well, "sticks up" for Stone when a meanie teases him. Their bond grows, but then there is a frightful storm, and Stick is blown away. Will Stone be able to find him? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Ferry's sparse use of words and sweet rhythmic verse convey an incredibly moving story of friendship. And the pairing of text and illustrations in this book is touching and meaningful. The reader hears and sees the delight and significance of a good friendship, as well as the power of defending those close to you. And then, wonderfully, the illustrations show reconciliation with that bully at the end. So great. This one is certainly a "10" in my book. ;)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. <strong><em>Stick Man</em></strong> by Julia Donaldson; illustrated by Axel Scheffler (Arthur A. Levine Books, 2008)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglj0MmfZik3Xk9f_gZJbIQppelh8HJx6quA8dOzek8f8JLr48X3FO3XNgxiJrTCNWQagqIGJdJo_d7uxWQuhbcwHhAGw9_Y5dd2YJg4WTq2e_F7JJG5NSetF29MwAGTED3bcwQMtD0MtU/s1600/stickman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglj0MmfZik3Xk9f_gZJbIQppelh8HJx6quA8dOzek8f8JLr48X3FO3XNgxiJrTCNWQagqIGJdJo_d7uxWQuhbcwHhAGw9_Y5dd2YJg4WTq2e_F7JJG5NSetF29MwAGTED3bcwQMtD0MtU/s320/stickman.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">From the author/illustrator duo that brought us <em>The Gruffalo</em> and <em>Room on the Broom</em>, Stick Man tells the story of a stick who is taken farther and farther away from his family in a series of mishaps: a dog who thinks he is a fun toy to fetch, a swan who wants to use him in her nest, a family who brings him inside for their fireplace. Will Stick Man be able to survive and return to his family?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Told in the well-paced, rollicking rhyme that is characteristic of Donaldson's storytelling, this is a tale with adventure and tension and lots of heart. The use of repetition gives this story a structure that is captivating for kids, and they can chant along with the refrain: "I'm Stick Man, <em>I'm Stick Man</em>, I'M STICK MAN, that's me, And I want to go home to the family tree!" And you will love Scheffler's endearing, detailed portrayal of this adorable stick. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3. <strong><em>Papa Gave Me a Stick</em></strong> by Janice Levy; illustrated by Simone Shin (Star Bright Books, 2015)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5moffya-Rr9BaNq41Xxzn-ijxwOIORm58yFAIs7l7sHCGMdsRuBry5GMLdTTxkU5K1GY9rjSs2IMeR6F3-gt_zFtgD5Pp3adGHH_aD1dhmOrBrv9QsMdJEqQVyHNeAOCaBG1uX2GJ1o/s1600/papastick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5moffya-Rr9BaNq41Xxzn-ijxwOIORm58yFAIs7l7sHCGMdsRuBry5GMLdTTxkU5K1GY9rjSs2IMeR6F3-gt_zFtgD5Pp3adGHH_aD1dhmOrBrv9QsMdJEqQVyHNeAOCaBG1uX2GJ1o/s320/papastick.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is a beautiful book and story. Antonio wants his own guitar (guitarra), like the ones he's seen in the mariachi band. But his papa says they don't have the money for such things. Instead, with a wink, he hands him a stick. In a series of events, Antonio helps animals and people around the town, who in turn gift him little items. When he finds a gold ring lost by a groom, he is gifted the thing he wished for the most.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This book is unique and diverse and provides a glimpse at another culture. While children will already relate to the themes of family, love, and longing, they will also be exposed to Spanish terms and Mexican symbols and traditions. A heartwarming story with beautiful illustrations -- I hope you'll check this one out.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4.<strong><em> Not a Stick</em></strong> by Antoinette Portis (Harper Collins, 2008)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7lBnBnkYx_lLaQSdeqOCSsFf3A7EBUYVWf9j763CBEmNJoGt1ehMJaw6V5aYdydG6zHOExWQkxtxNG4WBr14NMC0sJd-QGSB-TKMQXMF3cpt1o5wVAhKmqyneWAqZL3-QFdGP7Crm1k/s1600/notastick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7lBnBnkYx_lLaQSdeqOCSsFf3A7EBUYVWf9j763CBEmNJoGt1ehMJaw6V5aYdydG6zHOExWQkxtxNG4WBr14NMC0sJd-QGSB-TKMQXMF3cpt1o5wVAhKmqyneWAqZL3-QFdGP7Crm1k/s1600/notastick.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In this sparsely-illustrated, minimalist picture book, there exists an unseen narrator who repeatedly warns the main character, a pig, about the potential dangers of the stick he is carrying. Each time, the pig retorts, "It's not a stick!" And for each spread in which the pig tells the reader it is not a stick, the illustrations expose the triumphant imagination of the stick wielder -- for he is imagining the stick is a fishing rod to catch a shark, or a paintbrush for a masterpiece, or a sword with which to fight a dragon. This seemingly simple book is incredibly powerful in concretely revealing the imagination at work -- perfect for reading with children and celebrating the power of imagining. I love it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5. <strong><em>Stick!</em></strong> by Andy Pritchett (Candlewick Press, 2013)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBxV8YJfxRrVAGxuVK7QOkdomNBvvCx9FIQo4CZ7p97dL1LUHCEcFkeW9FLV6T7oBwggKZGtfDBAnv-ZhfdiT-aemzOLDwM5QWjEFzscf54zcsTBDikBMzrTHZ9wQQla0wpR9jhP_jWQ/s1600/stick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBxV8YJfxRrVAGxuVK7QOkdomNBvvCx9FIQo4CZ7p97dL1LUHCEcFkeW9FLV6T7oBwggKZGtfDBAnv-ZhfdiT-aemzOLDwM5QWjEFzscf54zcsTBDikBMzrTHZ9wQQla0wpR9jhP_jWQ/s1600/stick.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Another minimalist picture book, this one features a dog with a stick. And he wants someone to play with him. With one word per spread, he tempts the various barnyard animals with "Stick?" but they all have their own entertainment ("Mud!"). Discouraged, he flings the stick away -- but it is thrown back! And now he has a new friend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It is amazing how a story can be told in such spare wording, but this one will have you rooting for the dog to find a playmate and delighting in the emotions that the illustrations convey. A great book for repeat-reading with kiddos!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Happy reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">~Jen</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-68057190687458537672016-04-26T20:40:00.001-05:002016-04-26T20:47:21.877-05:00Hypnosis Harry<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Do you remember, as a kid, your parents saying no to everything? Or, as a parent, do you get in arguments with your children about things they can and cannot do? (I vividly remember morning arguments when my oldest was a kindergartener and I insisted she couldn't wear dresses but needed to wear pants on gym days. Oh, the drama!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Well, today's book examines what might happen if parents would just loosen up and start saying YES:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvaGJORquXkffQxVMWAEaE4OHmLvUyLUm2fxjg29BjPBAMl5oX8BcibhE-87xQqshhacitft5i-VgJ-J2iooyVIO5_zxz9U03A8-uKHzBkhJNVacVwwQpnPq53PrCAFDj8kqq9bfbaCM/s1600/cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvaGJORquXkffQxVMWAEaE4OHmLvUyLUm2fxjg29BjPBAMl5oX8BcibhE-87xQqshhacitft5i-VgJ-J2iooyVIO5_zxz9U03A8-uKHzBkhJNVacVwwQpnPq53PrCAFDj8kqq9bfbaCM/s320/cover.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><em>Hypnosis Harry</em> by Catherine Bailey (author of <em>Mind Your Monsters</em>), illustrated by Sarita Rich (Sky Pony Press, 2016), tells the story of young Harry, who hypnotizes his parents into saying yes to his every whim. Cupcakes for dinner? Yes! Pet monkeys? Sure! No more broccoli -- ever? Absolutely!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZefxoYPVn7Tv9x1lbTJi1SF6mhUaw3-nEA2YfAU0osgH9D4asOx-dUrQpZH8uF0rVsrvbnGcdL340JXvUd_ZLe7zLV91LrCG9RKZkiIly0M_lbjf_GOqxE48OCTBpyBmBhEE-PyRE3I/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZefxoYPVn7Tv9x1lbTJi1SF6mhUaw3-nEA2YfAU0osgH9D4asOx-dUrQpZH8uF0rVsrvbnGcdL340JXvUd_ZLe7zLV91LrCG9RKZkiIly0M_lbjf_GOqxE48OCTBpyBmBhEE-PyRE3I/s400/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">However, getting his every desire isn't always satisfying, and things are kind of a mess. Harry soon realizes that when his parents would say no, it was truly for his own good. But wait -- what happened to grandfather's pocket watch? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0g2QtbVDgO64U0i9LU4IQTLS20xL_I0TpxgJqPy6y_-WkxX_u5_5VFebMb0qVesg_ilDfUe1wRZwEJtqRLQTSOAgFke9sdaDTOHUSkxP8pRdf2uJs1IeSGG5J8aV8tgEAtQmrXQyiwCg/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0g2QtbVDgO64U0i9LU4IQTLS20xL_I0TpxgJqPy6y_-WkxX_u5_5VFebMb0qVesg_ilDfUe1wRZwEJtqRLQTSOAgFke9sdaDTOHUSkxP8pRdf2uJs1IeSGG5J8aV8tgEAtQmrXQyiwCg/s400/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bailey's story is truly delightful. You can imagine all of the fun and messy ideas that a child might cook up, but then she examines the unintended consequences of some of those choices. She gently but clearly shows the loving boundaries that parents provide when they don't give their children everything they want. And the ending is just perfect -- satisfying and humorous all at once. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And Rich's illustrations do what illustrations ought -- they add another layer to the story. Her colorful and playful pictures show heaps of child-like wishes come true, and they build upon the author's words. I love that a child can listen to this story being read, while their eyes perceive new levels of meaning through the illustrations. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhDg1PLReIqhs_k0FsRvGCkqbTbvNEJM2ij6cjbTioPHzpYND2sPcGaES0o8vAxsL_8VBEfZzbDFapNnZO5MLBO2qD1lkB8VNVPak818uMrpm1vhPDbE5D1mcS7Gh-N4qUFkgVx1DpMo/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhDg1PLReIqhs_k0FsRvGCkqbTbvNEJM2ij6cjbTioPHzpYND2sPcGaES0o8vAxsL_8VBEfZzbDFapNnZO5MLBO2qD1lkB8VNVPak818uMrpm1vhPDbE5D1mcS7Gh-N4qUFkgVx1DpMo/s400/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This author-illustrator pairing has produced a fun and meaningful book that children and adults will enjoy reading over and over again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">For further reading:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><a href="http://www.catherinebaileybooks.com/HOME.html" target="_blank">Catherine Bailey Books</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><a href="http://www.saritarich.com/about/" target="_blank">Sarita Rich</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><a href="https://taralazar.com/2015/09/03/piboidmo-success-stories-from-catherine-bailey/" target="_blank">Catherine's PiBoIdMo success story!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="https://taralazar.com/2016/04/09/hypnosis-harry-is-here-author-illustrator-interview-each-other-plus-a-giveaway/" target="_blank">An Interview with Bailey and Rich</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">~Jen</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-12927987327344594642016-04-21T06:54:00.001-05:002016-04-21T06:54:56.426-05:00One Special Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I don't want to say too much about today's book because, well, it doesn't "say" anything at all! It is a wordless picture book that is both visually exhilarating and emotionally powerful:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7XATPzQCY8DJppFUJWeivmTwKW8kuK0Pjlri41M6I2a7oSiBmOHS73d8p-nzE23A2s35IlQvPYGYxFXMfb0RkVWNKJ73qmLFZ6B2OriLRfp_QiaPCBi7otis0pDexYWFN6YqiByphUI/s1600/cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7XATPzQCY8DJppFUJWeivmTwKW8kuK0Pjlri41M6I2a7oSiBmOHS73d8p-nzE23A2s35IlQvPYGYxFXMfb0RkVWNKJ73qmLFZ6B2OriLRfp_QiaPCBi7otis0pDexYWFN6YqiByphUI/s320/cover.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><em>The Snow Rabbit</em> by Camille Garoche (Enchanted Lion Books, 2015) uses only illustrations to tell the story of two sisters. I</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t opens with the sisters looking out of a window of a cabin in a snowy wood. One sister finds a rabbit in the snow, and an adventure ensues. Beyond that, I don't want to say too much about the plot, except to say that there is one page-turn in particular that is incredibly powerful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6DQGbfFnEz-9yz5NM4PHoOW61gi4J9i8gQmKqEfFaFYnNvXlArCOgN5ITGsJc1pNrwqDKR7Bmk2l6zX9I-YjT06nu3EqbVJS1DeP_OZ0WwVlO-BS-bqXkDoE2FFwgBRmjfq2JviOAtQ/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6DQGbfFnEz-9yz5NM4PHoOW61gi4J9i8gQmKqEfFaFYnNvXlArCOgN5ITGsJc1pNrwqDKR7Bmk2l6zX9I-YjT06nu3EqbVJS1DeP_OZ0WwVlO-BS-bqXkDoE2FFwgBRmjfq2JviOAtQ/s400/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How the artist is able to tell such a moving story without any words is fascinating, but Garoche nails it. As you can tell by the cover, the artwork is spectacular, and the pages are filled with dreamy scenes that seem to move beyond the page. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLp34p1sTE_DPMJc3MGjr7n70-C6ff-wprNi4gc3Q7wOn7Xoq9ORX8VBvVxtZxhqAUe26UnPfBjgMGDYdWk_Nzlpw4waZMr816Icg7Z6OuVJGhYxL4dpycZT-nv_sEOD4FJdUPVrfRcLs/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLp34p1sTE_DPMJc3MGjr7n70-C6ff-wprNi4gc3Q7wOn7Xoq9ORX8VBvVxtZxhqAUe26UnPfBjgMGDYdWk_Nzlpw4waZMr816Icg7Z6OuVJGhYxL4dpycZT-nv_sEOD4FJdUPVrfRcLs/s400/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The dimensions of the illustrations give a 3-D appearance, and you feel like you are in the snowy scenes. Children can enjoy this book with a caregiver or on their own, and each page turn keeps the reader guessing at what is going on. It is certainly a unique reading experience.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AuYnNT4GAVKIknTB_k0aG6Ak0zjWI55swyWgTXqRvqxfDFZ4xasHM7Ur80OB5YISB21CQchyphenhyphenFmglRV54xhUJZAZGopCl8rJ6sIIMvOfh6YntiYXmfOg3MqslvhR1RKGh9oWsZOBeN2I/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AuYnNT4GAVKIknTB_k0aG6Ak0zjWI55swyWgTXqRvqxfDFZ4xasHM7Ur80OB5YISB21CQchyphenhyphenFmglRV54xhUJZAZGopCl8rJ6sIIMvOfh6YntiYXmfOg3MqslvhR1RKGh9oWsZOBeN2I/s400/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I hope you enjoyed the brief glimpse into this story today. I encourage you to acquire this book and have your heart moved by this touching story!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">~Jen</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-12976113766489791252016-04-15T06:48:00.001-05:002016-04-15T06:48:09.810-05:00Absolutely Aggie<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Use what talents you possess;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">the woods would be very silent</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">if no birds sang there</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">except those that sang best.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">~Henry Van Dyke</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When reading picture books, some are pure fun, some are touching, and some are educational. And they all have an important role in boosting an early love of reading. Add in a positive and affirming message of self-worth, and the picture book takes on another level of meaning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9etWQpisw3AriF-Acl7VmOQ0M5dCxGXUoKLhP_jWfGSc50os5uY24O5tD73XkxA0MCld-bOMBBVBH2vZUoVp_RUGlvs2BRewmU-nTgSAYAFIi0Z_kRiIUQFQPenJIcbfJfH5WKHV3Qg/s1600/cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9etWQpisw3AriF-Acl7VmOQ0M5dCxGXUoKLhP_jWfGSc50os5uY24O5tD73XkxA0MCld-bOMBBVBH2vZUoVp_RUGlvs2BRewmU-nTgSAYAFIi0Z_kRiIUQFQPenJIcbfJfH5WKHV3Qg/s320/cover.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><em>Dust Fairy Tales: Absolutely Aggie</em> (2015) is the second book from author-illustrator team Michelle Eastman and Kevin Richter. It tells the story of Aggie -- a loud, brassy, disheveled dust fairy who loves to play the bagpipes. But she doesn't fit in with the other fairies. They are graceful; she is not. Their wings shine; hers -- well, perhaps they manage to hide her slouching socks. No matter how Aggie tries, she just can't change, and it is defeating.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokNc8ibQZxRXdnn5h0q9eCsfcJEfvw_528b8co6FopT2Xc9BHLbOOPdCZGgCJgH3BM9o4UhBKVBKSB9Ec2nWlmhgxKkvhAd31rxBlZQCQC9LBuzcGHRFQUP72u_OWq9FJ6U7IbbjgnSU/s1600/collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokNc8ibQZxRXdnn5h0q9eCsfcJEfvw_528b8co6FopT2Xc9BHLbOOPdCZGgCJgH3BM9o4UhBKVBKSB9Ec2nWlmhgxKkvhAd31rxBlZQCQC9LBuzcGHRFQUP72u_OWq9FJ6U7IbbjgnSU/s320/collage1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">She takes to hiding away at night, sad and alone. But, she still plays her bagpipes -- she loves her music, even if it isn't perfect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bqsRAem8ZgYPgYSsu4zgeK3yVOUimVB_K14Tv15uB_fsBX5vHD25AljT5FLkVrEhQAsZ4w7gX_nmu5p9FHz9Eeu76mWq7KwyUpjlTPARA36uEFLfP4Lp_KMEenQQ3-nBbPQXzJ2seaA/s1600/image42.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bqsRAem8ZgYPgYSsu4zgeK3yVOUimVB_K14Tv15uB_fsBX5vHD25AljT5FLkVrEhQAsZ4w7gX_nmu5p9FHz9Eeu76mWq7KwyUpjlTPARA36uEFLfP4Lp_KMEenQQ3-nBbPQXzJ2seaA/s320/image42.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">One night, her music catches the ear of another fairy (and his companion snail -- so cute!), who invites her to join his band. They love her. And even though they don't hit every note, Aggie absolutely gets to be herself. It's a perfect fit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdj95IlahU5uIqbf29Xew8ZJtzrXXipzX5oZaiQKsmCVgdJDwyXtGpfF3hM0gMYuCl0SbEfJOE7aNeVMZyjMzh8Jhv7bDIblHCYBnxeZFafKuw3bz7HQkVe5w2iJYE77XPbrRfSgVHVM/s1600/collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdj95IlahU5uIqbf29Xew8ZJtzrXXipzX5oZaiQKsmCVgdJDwyXtGpfF3hM0gMYuCl0SbEfJOE7aNeVMZyjMzh8Jhv7bDIblHCYBnxeZFafKuw3bz7HQkVe5w2iJYE77XPbrRfSgVHVM/s640/collage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">This book has such an important message to share with children. Aggie wasn't happy when she was trying to be anything other than herself -- and I want my kids to know that their true happiness and meaning will come when they are being who they are meant to be. People will come into our lives who complement our true selves, and that is true friendship.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">In addition to this big message of self-worth, Eastman has created a mythical fairy world that is enchanting. She urges young listeners to pay attention at night to see if they can hear Aggie and her band, which adds to the magical ambience of the book. Her rhyming, lyrical meter paired with Richter's vibrant and detailed illustrations create a world that children will want to visit again and again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I hope you will read this one with your kiddos soon!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">For more on Michelle and Kevin, click the links below:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><a href="http://www.michelleeastmanbooks.com/" target="_blank">Michelle's website</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><a href="https://about.me/KevinRichter" target="_blank">Kevin's website</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><a href="https://michelleeastmanbooks.wordpress.com/about/picture-book-pass-it-on-pbpio/" target="_blank">Picture Book Pass It On</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><a href="http://lgbpodcast.blogspot.com/2015/04/michelle-eastman-ep-138.html" target="_blank">All the Wonders (Let's Get Busy) podcast interview with Michelle</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Happy Friday!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">~Jen</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-7627598297696648832016-04-13T14:08:00.001-05:002016-04-13T14:11:06.713-05:00On Running and Writing<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Have you ever heard someone say, "I'm just going out for a quick two-mile run"? I used to hear people say that sort of thing, and I'd marvel. A quick two-mile run? That sounds so easy and effortless! But when I would attempt any sort of run, I'd get to the end of the block and already want to quit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But something about running was so appealing to me. I aspired to be the sort of person who looked at a beautiful day or some natural trail and felt compelled to -- literally -- run out and enjoy it, pushing myself, growing stronger, breathing it in. But, it was so daunting, and I felt like an imposter if I quit after half a mile. Why couldn't I go out and do the effortless two-mile run?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">About a year ago, I committed to a team trail race called the KT82. Teams of six run a relay along 82 miles of the Katy Trail near the Missouri river. I procrastinated training as long as I could, but then, not wanting to let the team down, I got serious. At first, it was horrible. I did not enjoy it. Even when the training runs were over, I felt discouraged. But I kept getting out there because the team was counting on my contribution. And something happened: I got better. I got faster. And I started to enjoy it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've been running ever since, and now, I proudly call myself a runner. (confetti emoji!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm wondering if writing has some parallels to running. As I always wanted to be a real runner, I've also always dreamed of being a real writer. But I'm at the place where I'm just starting out -- where I've committed to this race and need to do the training -- but it's daunting. The end goal seems so far off, and I'm often discouraged. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But then I remember that becoming a runner took time and effort. It took showing up and, sometimes, baby steps. It was often slow, and I was embarrassed when people would see me bumbling along. But I'm going to keep showing up in hopes of growing stronger with each effort.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I had a motivating exchange with author Josh Funk on my Instagram account, when I said something about wishing I could write as dynamically as he. He said, "It just takes practice." So simple, and can that really be true? Well, I'm taking it to heart and trying.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Finally, I also adore the words of author Kate Dicamillo, who's quoting Dorothy Parker, when she says, "I hate writing. I love having written." Yep, even as it is so very difficult to make yourself get out of bed to run in the morning, you never regret having done it. You only regret not making the effort. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">* * *</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Back to regularly-scheduled programming tomorrow -- I have a review of a wonderful book!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Happy Wednesday,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">~Jen</span><br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-64958282698568875242016-04-11T08:11:00.001-05:002016-04-13T14:09:54.779-05:00I Loathe You (and a podcast)<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We all know the story of Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare from <em>Guess How Much I Love You</em>. Their story of one-upping the expanse of their love for each other is a classic. Well, have you ever considered how monsters express their love for one another? You haven't? Then run out and grab this book immediately:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdiGK7c-wUQDf_bLgHmJ6KKGGAabA93x0XDvSCdnWshEozszLZ_4B4s4Z14FsuRAoor15c7QU4rgH8HEnuHVVgG7_KvvdiB-IYP7XdDngFE-jcBBLEeK4noNzKzWw3N1VU_NZX0J3l0c/s1600/cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdiGK7c-wUQDf_bLgHmJ6KKGGAabA93x0XDvSCdnWshEozszLZ_4B4s4Z14FsuRAoor15c7QU4rgH8HEnuHVVgG7_KvvdiB-IYP7XdDngFE-jcBBLEeK4noNzKzWw3N1VU_NZX0J3l0c/s320/cover.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><em>I Loathe You</em>, written and illustrated by David Slonim (Aladdin, 2012), tells the heart-warming story of Big Monster and Little Monster and the expanse of their loathing. With the typical pre-bedtime "I loathe you" uttered, Little Monster begins a series of questions about how much Big Monster loathes him. Big Monster has plenty of answers ready:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">More than fuzzy mold on cheese,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">more than fever or disease!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Picture lobsters pinching me...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I loathe you more -- now do you see?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpgH55pA_pJk8z8tms5DVQOfRLfAqeANjJ941dA0reJXLqy3GRSUGS1nCs9neaTBioQbjVydEkYaA4FHGLBvXBlAiTx7WotTdznOcwwdv8uKV6t51Xvnm40yqfcMzg90gX_tNfOGaReQ/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpgH55pA_pJk8z8tms5DVQOfRLfAqeANjJ941dA0reJXLqy3GRSUGS1nCs9neaTBioQbjVydEkYaA4FHGLBvXBlAiTx7WotTdznOcwwdv8uKV6t51Xvnm40yqfcMzg90gX_tNfOGaReQ/s400/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Little Monster is reassured. But wait -- now he's worried that he might do something to diminish his father's loathing for him!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If I blurt out "THANKS," or "PLEASE"?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Or take a bath and kill my fleas?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If I should slip and just obey</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">then would your loathing go away?</span><br />
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Big Monster once again calms Little Monster's worries and assures him that his loathing will never go away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLu9suE7KMBTOFctk4oJabJawaNHFHpF49VzA4GbB7kXl8H7Ws1FWzSoTcUVjewLd5K3bju-kf-vHchgUphNDjg6vA9JvgoTUB_EJ9bxSVUJb-n6is51x1l96BEM-f3RavWJlPAJnQd9A/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLu9suE7KMBTOFctk4oJabJawaNHFHpF49VzA4GbB7kXl8H7Ws1FWzSoTcUVjewLd5K3bju-kf-vHchgUphNDjg6vA9JvgoTUB_EJ9bxSVUJb-n6is51x1l96BEM-f3RavWJlPAJnQd9A/s400/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What a hoot! I love a book with a twist, and this once certainly makes you feel warm and fuzzy about family loathing. :) Slonim's storytelling in rhyme is fun and well-paced, and he employs just the right amount of monsterly description to make you say "ew..." And his illustrations are equally important to the story: you feel for Little Monster with his snaggle-toothed lovey, and the colorful scenes have action and comedy and excellent framing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> hope you enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">* * *</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In other news, I have really been enjoying the treasure trove of ideas and wisdom that I've found in the newly-launched <a href="http://www.allthewonders.com/podcasts/" target="_blank">All the Wonders</a> podcast (previously named the "Let's Get Busy" podcast). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGH3ZITnnlrqgUtFDoHzg6qrY6R43aHKcMVfb_gMluLoJFcr5iY5aO_JBQTlZBAzHq0lsBVxYLjj8siSBO43wG6lRJrAWvb4_V5swyw5qEoWb1nPI1VMdM8E7ZareQGlYcuH-svxfI2pw/s1600/ATWpodcast-color.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGH3ZITnnlrqgUtFDoHzg6qrY6R43aHKcMVfb_gMluLoJFcr5iY5aO_JBQTlZBAzHq0lsBVxYLjj8siSBO43wG6lRJrAWvb4_V5swyw5qEoWb1nPI1VMdM8E7ZareQGlYcuH-svxfI2pw/s200/ATWpodcast-color.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm training for a trail run at the beginning of June, and, rather than listening to music while I run, I love listening to podcasts. It's killing two birds with one stone to be training AND absorbing information and inspiration. I know it won't all stick, but certain nuggets will. So thankful for this resource!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Happy Monday!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">~Jen</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-9590236502204017802016-04-07T13:57:00.000-05:002016-04-07T13:57:04.996-05:00The Thing About Jellyfish<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Have you ever read a book that, besides the compelling plot and characters, employs a tone which just pulls you in? <em>To Kill a Mockingbird</em> is one such book for me, but so is today's featured book: <em>The Thing About Jellyfish</em>, by Ali Benjamin (Little, Brown and Company, 2015).</span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9wgNxiVs5YIwLbeey1cEupispH10W1O_cVT4T9dIejqZerPrYvCkTTcGavhxtvHFtgx3RSZAxMhuay75p1r184GujAspipKY8dMmlziwngGWFKXGd3ZtZfz-uVO6IV4npDWSR7RzLlI/s1600/jellyfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9wgNxiVs5YIwLbeey1cEupispH10W1O_cVT4T9dIejqZerPrYvCkTTcGavhxtvHFtgx3RSZAxMhuay75p1r184GujAspipKY8dMmlziwngGWFKXGd3ZtZfz-uVO6IV4npDWSR7RzLlI/s320/jellyfish.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I cracked open this book, my kids were up and running around post-dinner, and I still managed to read half of it in one sitting. It is that much of a smooth page-turner!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The premise is that Suzy loses her once-best-friend to tragedy, and has decided to stop speaking as she works through her grief. She cannot understand how people are satisfied with saying "Sometimes things just happen," and seeks a better explanation for her friend's death. While on a school field trip, she becomes convinced that a rare jellyfish sting is what caused her friend to drown, and sets out to prove it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwd6LbEwViaWvkIn3N7iPvjIDNFxMJfeD94O5ngqngb4WxFYzunfWya42XUQm6v_c9aeTluzIAt_ZHCF_CG4viyJQtIEK1s7bChL0Rl9OR_mzx1QtD8n_ryuCsNhEPX86RcFSp012dNc/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwd6LbEwViaWvkIn3N7iPvjIDNFxMJfeD94O5ngqngb4WxFYzunfWya42XUQm6v_c9aeTluzIAt_ZHCF_CG4viyJQtIEK1s7bChL0Rl9OR_mzx1QtD8n_ryuCsNhEPX86RcFSp012dNc/s320/image1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Divided into sections based on the Scientific Method, the book follows Suzy as she makes a hypothesis and plans a procedure for proving her theory. But it is the Background of her story that has her consumed: she is plagued with confusion and regret. Through her whole-hearted focus on her investigation, she hopes to makes sense of it all.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This book is inspiring and heart-breaking all at the same time. Suzy's family is incredibly supportive and give her the space she needs to grieve in her own way. I found myself taking notes from these fictional characters on how to love someone where they are. But it also evokes thoughts and emotions of past friendships, broken relationships, regret, and loss. It is powerfully moving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2O7JNOMr8VaxTGJ6vBpuhPe-kolG7oy0xuoypltCWLAt-anuhRo9kK05LxioP1BYaguXaBegRYCN1_t5rotSAq2t4v_SHNFHdeb8r66osZnOwmcPV8vHY9G8k96HHCLiuznnGq2pAcTE/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2O7JNOMr8VaxTGJ6vBpuhPe-kolG7oy0xuoypltCWLAt-anuhRo9kK05LxioP1BYaguXaBegRYCN1_t5rotSAq2t4v_SHNFHdeb8r66osZnOwmcPV8vHY9G8k96HHCLiuznnGq2pAcTE/s320/image2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Written in a graceful and honest tone, with fascinating information about jellyfish and their world, and themes of love, loss, and belonging, it is truly a book you won't want to put down. And it</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> has garnered much praise: it is a New York Times Bestseller, a National Book Award Finalist, and has also been applauded for encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Ali Benjamin has said that this book was born out of a failed attempt to write a nonfiction book on jellyfish. Well, I'm sure glad she pursued this story from a different angle. Enjoy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">~Jen</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740348759683469391.post-88447627996233147272016-04-04T14:43:00.000-05:002016-04-04T14:43:25.380-05:00Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have been reading quite a few rhyming picture books for RhyPiBoMo, but my very favorite so far has got to be <em>Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast</em> by Josh Funk; illustrated by Brendan Kearney (Sterling Children's Books, 2015).</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZgXavq-jD7jZj_yc6sTuBJzrwo2m7UMqyHxlEb4b61yppwMYadhUbcHAzNcYd4MDEPmI6IV9c-aOyN29jOId0CLOfiOZPIC8EVxFYkuqF6-JDiXOpSiQs7w2RpaBSKxJFYKydYBTavk/s1600/funk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZgXavq-jD7jZj_yc6sTuBJzrwo2m7UMqyHxlEb4b61yppwMYadhUbcHAzNcYd4MDEPmI6IV9c-aOyN29jOId0CLOfiOZPIC8EVxFYkuqF6-JDiXOpSiQs7w2RpaBSKxJFYKydYBTavk/s320/funk.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I mean, the title alone is ridiculously irresistible!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast are hanging out in the back of the fridge when they are alerted by Miss Brie that the maple syrup is almost gone. There begins a frantic footrace past all of the refrigerator residents. There is some mocking -- and some gloating -- until finally, covered in goo, they realize that yet another breakfast royalty has beaten them to the bottle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFlE12X_fh8EebLJtDLZbBvJImEC1jXRpprSvSL2gKj6alkEWbzyX1GPOuCkE5MCzldN6sHiCqO-EujLPpWNhirBWQMOY3CBuRM1jGpI5vNVaqGlEVKx4oYAbslZkgsU_mU8CaQrgyYo/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFlE12X_fh8EebLJtDLZbBvJImEC1jXRpprSvSL2gKj6alkEWbzyX1GPOuCkE5MCzldN6sHiCqO-EujLPpWNhirBWQMOY3CBuRM1jGpI5vNVaqGlEVKx4oYAbslZkgsU_mU8CaQrgyYo/s400/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This could very well be considered a book on manners and/or sibling rivalry, for the foods realize that, had they not been bickering, they probably could have attained the syrup themselves. But the book is not at all preachy; it is delightful to read. Funk's descriptions of the various food zones in the fridge are creative and clever, and his use of rhyme is impeccable, employing multisyllabic rhyming words to tell a story that is not at all forced. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsHXXg1W7EHWxvdNfautpNnAZEJdlRo6Uu3ca502g1r80q6wmAeoLt0MkexYxdQfcHp78zHOYh_RKCo2JQ35xRCRigSlHIptzuxEC9hbzTQotYYp2Zkyq2X_tuJOk6khrXB-UwDvbzEU/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsHXXg1W7EHWxvdNfautpNnAZEJdlRo6Uu3ca502g1r80q6wmAeoLt0MkexYxdQfcHp78zHOYh_RKCo2JQ35xRCRigSlHIptzuxEC9hbzTQotYYp2Zkyq2X_tuJOk6khrXB-UwDvbzEU/s400/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In perfect complement to the text are Kearney's playful and amusing illustrations. With colorful pages filled with smiling broccoli, skiing toast, and a triumphant Lady sailing on a loaf of French bread, the book holds much to engage a child.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wXFVs7hgHYfHcWaoGnJQ_9FnlIel-e0H29tzn2NB5TeB-GQ82h-AxDarIq2SclCi_d-fK_i65dBQdXTn2oWXmUFWLwrwkeiOkJ1NKLn6lybauVF4WytcHoEv_6RaSjZyIYvxUKSQJec/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wXFVs7hgHYfHcWaoGnJQ_9FnlIel-e0H29tzn2NB5TeB-GQ82h-AxDarIq2SclCi_d-fK_i65dBQdXTn2oWXmUFWLwrwkeiOkJ1NKLn6lybauVF4WytcHoEv_6RaSjZyIYvxUKSQJec/s400/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I highly recommend reading this one with your kiddos soon!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One more note: Take a look around </span><a href="http://www.joshfunkbooks.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Josh Funk's website</span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. Not only will you learn more about his other books set to be published, but you will also find a <em>Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast</em> activity pack and a tab of resources for writers. Lots of great gems to learn from there!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Happy reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">~Jen</span><br />
<br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06861383869759711584noreply@blogger.com11