I Wish You More...

Have you read the beautiful and heart-breaking article by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (AKR) "You May Want to Marry My Husband" printed in the New York Times?

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.

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 Little Pea, with a close second being the lovely I Wish You More...

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 live Facebook message on March 5, Matthew Winner listed all the "mores" he wishes for Amy in these final days. I echo them.

Sending much love...

5 Bookish Podcast Episodes of the Week

Podcasts: Oh, how I love you.

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!

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!

1. The Yarn -- George Unraveled with Alex Gino (episode #29)

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 George. 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, Charlotte's Web. Though the teacher won't allow it, George devises a way for everyone to see her for who she really is.

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.

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. 

"I ask you to remember the young trans student,

alone and with fewer resources than you,

who needs to find themselves represented in literature."

~ Alex Gino

via

2. What Should I Read Next? -- The books we can't wait to read this fall (episode #41)

My very favorite independent bookstore in St. Louis is the Novel Neighbor. 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!

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.

3. This American Life -- One Last Thing Before I Go (episode #597)

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.

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.

Deeply moving.

4. All the Wonders -- Mac Barnett and Adam Rex (episode #287)

This author-illustrator pair is fuuuuuuuuny. I found myself chuckling many times as host Matthew Winner talked with them about their new book How This Book Was Made. 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!

5. Stuff You Missed in History Class -- The Death of Poe

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.

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.

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Do you have any podcasts that you love and would recommend? Please leave a comment! I'm always searching for new stories. :)

~Jen

A Hungry Lion

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."

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 A Hungry Lion, or a Dwindling Assortment of Animals.

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, A Hungry Lion, or a Dwindling Assortment of Animals 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!

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.

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.

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!

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And you know my love for the All the Wonders resource of podcasts. Check out their episode with Lucy Ruth Cummins. I really enjoyed this one!

Happy reading,
~Jen

Absolutely Aggie

 Use what talents you possess;

the woods would be very silent

if no birds sang there

except those that sang best.

 

~Henry Van Dyke

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.

Dust Fairy Tales: Absolutely Aggie (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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I hope you will read this one with your kiddos soon!

For more on Michelle and Kevin, click the links below:

Michelle's website

Kevin's website

Picture Book Pass It On

All the Wonders (Let's Get Busy) podcast interview with Michelle

Happy Friday!

~Jen

I Loathe You (and a podcast)

We all know the story of Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare from Guess How Much I Love You. 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:

I Loathe You, 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:

More than fuzzy mold on cheese,

more than fever or disease!

Picture lobsters pinching me...

I loathe you more -- now do you see?

 

Little Monster is reassured. But wait -- now he's worried that he might do something to diminish his father's loathing for him!

If I blurt out "THANKS," or "PLEASE"?

Or take a bath and kill my fleas?

If I should slip and just obey

then would your loathing go away?
 

Big Monster once again calms Little Monster's worries and assures him that his loathing will never go away.

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.

I hope you enjoy!

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In other news, I have really been enjoying the treasure trove of ideas and wisdom that I've found in the newly-launched All the Wonders podcast (previously named the "Let's Get Busy" podcast).

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!

Happy Monday!

~Jen