The Outsiders

Last night, I finished reading The Outsiders.

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. :) )

Initial thoughts:

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...

Themes and longevity:

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.

"Things were rough all over, but it was better that way. That way

you could tell the other guy was human too."

Characters:

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!


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!

And, can I just say, I cannot wait to watch the movie. :) What a cast (of heartthrobs from my youth :) )!

Happy Thursday,

~Jen

The Thing About Jellyfish

Have you ever read a book that, besides the compelling plot and characters, employs a tone which just pulls you in? To Kill a Mockingbird is one such book for me, but so is today's featured book: The Thing About Jellyfish, by Ali Benjamin (Little, Brown and Company, 2015).

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!

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. 

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.

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.

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 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.

~Jen

Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast

I have been reading quite a few rhyming picture books for RhyPiBoMo, but my very favorite so far has got to be Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast by Josh Funk; illustrated by Brendan Kearney (Sterling Children's Books, 2015).

I mean, the title alone is ridiculously irresistible!

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.

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.

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.

I highly recommend reading this one with your kiddos soon!

One more note: Take a look around Josh Funk's website. Not only will you learn more about his other books set to be published, but you will also find a Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast activity pack and a tab of resources for writers. Lots of great gems to learn from there!

Happy reading!

~Jen

Pax

"You going back for your home or for your pet?"

 

"They're the same thing."

Well I just finished the emotional journey that is Pax, by Sara Pennypacker (Balzer & Bray). Now, I've cried while reading books before -- but this is the first book that had me sobbing during the first few pages. Read it with a box of tissues.

Peter has raised Pax, a red fox, since he was a kit. But now his dad has joined a military operation, and Peter must go live with his grandfather. Peter's dad says there is just no way that Pax can go, too, and the novel opens with the heart-wrenching scene of Peter having to leave his beloved pet -- who is fully tame and has only ever known humans as his family -- by the road. Cue big emotions. 

As each chapter shifts between the perspectives of Peter and Pax, you learn about the sadness and confusion for each of them leading up to and surrounding the abandonment. When Peter arrives at his grandfather's, it hits him that he should have fought harder for Pax, and he sets out on a long journey to find him. Set back by injury, he meets Vola -- a veteran who knows all-too-personally the costs of war -- and she helps him get back on his feet. Simultaneously, Pax is making new acquaintances, himself, and learning how to survive in the war-torn wild. He knows his boy will come back for him, and hope spurs them both on.

With touching, black-and-white illustrations by Jon Klassen sprinkled throughout, the novel does not shy away from exploring the devastating effects of war. And Pennypacker's unique shifts in perspective between the two main characters not only heighten interest in their journeys, but help to shed light on aspects of the other's life. Add to that her ability to approach the story with an understanding of the emotions of one who has dearly loved a pet as family -- as home -- and you have a densely emotional novel.

The film rights to this novel were acquired by Sidney Kimmel Entertainment. I will certainly see the movie, but, again, it's a heavy one. I would liken it to my reading of Where the Red Fern Grows many, many years ago -- a middle-grade novel that will stick with the reader through the ages.

Have you read this book? Let's discuss!

~Jen

Interactive Picture Books

Over the past few months, William and I have come across some books that have had him so engaged and asking to read them over and over. These books are highly interactive and hands-on, but they aren't lift-the-flap or touch-and-feel books. These are geared toward an older audience and obliterate the wall between author and reader. Today, I want to highlight three of these books and urge you to run out and get them for your preschooler or early-grade kiddos pronto. :)

1. Press Here

Press Here by Herve Tullet (Chronicle Books, 2011) is an impressively simple book that had William extremely excited. Full of gentle commands to "press the yellow dot" and "tip the book to the right," the simple primary-color dots react to each action at the turn of the page. They multiply, or get all jumbled up in a corner, and young readers will laugh and push your hand out of the way so they can do as prompted. In the end, the dots build to full-color excitement and the text urges the reader to do it all again. Which they do!

2. Please, Open This Book!

Please, Open This Book! by Adam Lehrhaupt (auth) and Matthew Forsythe (ill) (Simon & Schuster, 2015) features a cast of animal characters imploring the reader not only to open the book, but to never close it again! Someone once closed the book, and, well, they will show you what happened then. With each turn of the page, the animals get more panicky that you are about to close the book, and they are very disappointed in you. With delightfully engaging illustrations and playful text, this is another book that will have your child asking to do it all again.

3. Welcome to Mamoko

Welcome to Mamoko by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski (Big Picture Press, 2013) is a feast for the eyes. Truly, your child can enjoy this book unaided (but you may enjoy the adventure just as much!). There is trouble in Mamoko, and a large cast of animal and alien characters, and the reader is urged to "follow the adventures of each of these characters in every scene." Each page is densely packed with illustrations and winding paths, and the reader follows the antics of each character with their eyes to reveal the story. It is truly a unique and exciting way to discover and enjoy the unraveling of a story. Brilliant!


If you enjoy these books, other hands-on titles include: Don't Push the Button by Bill Cotter, Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson, and Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg.

And other titles of books that break the fourth wall include: the pigeon books by Mo Willems, The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak, and Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book) by Julie Falatko.

I hope that you and your child can bond over these interactive books. Are there any other unique, must-read interactive books that you'd recommend?

Happy Wednesday!

~Jen

I Am With You

"It's going to be all right, sir," Harry said over and over again, more

worried by Dumbledore's silence than he had been by his weakened

voice. "We're nearly there. . . . I can Apparate us both back. . . .

Don't worry. . . ."

"I am not worried, Harry," said Dumbledore, his voice a little stronger

despite the freezing water. "I am with you."

 

~from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling

My very, very favorite lines from the whole series! I have not forgotten them since I first read them, and they are part of what makes book six my favorite. The mutual admiration that Harry and Dumbledore have for each other, despite their difference in age, made stronger by their shared trials and triumphs and sacrifices, make this moment so powerful. I just love these books.

Happy Sunday!

~Jen

The Dead Bird

The Dead Bird by the beloved Margaret Wise Brown (author of Goodnight Moon), was originally written in 1938, with text renewal in 1965. Reissued in 2016 with contemporary illustrations by Christian Robinson (award-winning illustrator of Last Stop on Market Street, Leo: a Ghost Story, and Gaston, to name a few), this book tells a sweet story of children who find a dead bird in the park.

The text and story in this book is simple and relatable. I'm sure most of us have had the experience of coming upon a dead animal, and the story is told by someone with an obvious grasp of how children think and process.

Wise Brown gently explains what happens when something living has died, and what people do to honor someone's passing. The things that the children do in the book are playful and sweet -- and also realistic ("And every day, until they forgot, they went and sang to their little dead bird and put fresh flowers on his grave.").

Truly as powerful as the text in this book are the illustrations. Robinson's simple, whimsical and tender pictures depict the children as truly childlike. They have a kite, and a dog, and some costumes, and their lives are pure and innocent. They learn a tough lesson when they encounter death, and Robinson shows their innocence and concern. Even their dog companion shows sensitivity to what is going on. But just as children do, they are able to be distracted by play and joy in the midst of a somber situation.

I think it is the combination of text and illustration in this book that so powerfully hit me. The simplicity and subject of the text set a solemn mood, but the colorful, playful illustrations help to bring levity. And for reading this with children, that is so very important. I highly recommend reading this visually appealing, gentle approach to dealing with death with your children. 

~Jen

The Terrible Two

I have really enjoyed reading chapter books with William, and we recently finished The Terrible Two, co-written by Mac Barnett and Jory John.

The book opens with Miles Murphy's transition to a new school. He and his mom have just moved from a beach community to a small cow town ("Somewhere in the distance, a cow mooed."), and he's not thrilled about it. At his old school, he was the "prankster," a role that he was proud of and worked hard to achieve. And he has every intention of being his new school's best prankster, as well.

But there's a problem: the first day of school starts with -- a PRANK! Someone has parked the principal's car at the top of the steps, blocking the school entrance. Miles is worried that there is another prankster, but somehow gets the blame for the car stunt from purple-faced, self-important Principal Barkin. Regardless, Miles is determined to show this town who's prank boss, and devises a scheme.

When he pulls a prank on the whole school, though, his prank is hijacked. He receives a message on a rubber chicken, and goes to meet the messenger. It is none other than Niles Sparks, the goody-two-shoes school helper. Niles proposes that they team up as a force-to-be-reckoned-with pranking duo: The Terrible Two. At first Miles rejects the idea, but only after a pranking war leaves him in awe of Niles' impressive pranking skills does he agree.

This book is soooo funny. From Principal Barkin's "principal pack" to the elaborate pranking journals kept by the two main characters to the clever writing, you will enjoy the story just as much as your child. Barnett and John have created flawed characters that are real and relatable -- and always funny. As intense as Principal Barkin can be, you can't help but like him! And all of the pranks and sticky situations that the characters find themselves in keep the pages turning. The chapters are short and quick, with illustrations sprinkled throughout, courtesy of Kevin Cornell.

I highly recommend this book for early or even middle-grade readers. And, if you are at all interested in hearing from the authors, check out this entertaining interview via the School Library Journal. In it, Barnett and John talk about how they see themselves in the characters, how their writing process worked, and the pranks they pull -- and have pulled on them! -- when they do school visits. Engaging books coming to life -- I love it!

Happy reading,
~Jen

Sentimental Dr. Seuss

Happy World Book Day! And happy birthday (yesterday) to Dr. Seuss! I'm sure you can ask most anyone what their favorite Dr. Seuss book is, and they will have an answer. Or a memory of a book from their childhood. Or just an overall feeling from how his work made (makes?) them feel.

One of my favorite Dr. Seuss books is a sentimental one for me.

I Wish That I Had Duck Feet (Random House, 1965) was penned under the name Theo LeSieg and was illustrated by B. Tobey, rather than Geisel, himself. In it, a boy wishes for duck feet because of all the fun and special things he could do with them that nobody else could. But then he realizes the problems that could arise from having duck feet, and wishes for other things instead: a whale spout, a long, long tail, horns on top of his head... But they all have their problems, too. In the end, he realizes that being himself is really best of all.

This book isn't just special to me because of its cute story, the rhyme, or the pictures. It's because it is one of the few books I vividly remember my dad reading to me as a kid. When I hear the words and see the pictures today -- even when I pass this book displayed on a stand in a bookstore -- it takes me back. I can see the illustrations and remember how I felt seeing them as a child. I can hear the words, and it's my dad's voice reading them. It feels like I'm laying in bed in my green childhood bedroom, ready to drift off to sleep with nary a care in the world.

This may sound a bit dramatic, but it's true. I can't think of another book that takes me back to my own childhood like this one.

As I grew up and moved away to college, I didn't think much about this book. Then, one birthday, my dad gifted me with my own copy! I was so surprised that you could even still get this book, because I had never heard of anyone else reading it. Now, I see it all the time in bookstores and read it to my own children.

Is there a book in your life that takes you back like this?

~Jen

Those Darn Squirrels!

Well, this book tugged right at my heart. An old man...his love for birds...his loneliness...and fuzzy little geniuses. Add 'em together and you've got one adorable little story:

I know -- Those Darn Squirrels! was published in 2008 (Clarion Books) -- but I just now read it for the first time! Old Man Fookwire is a grump, but he loves birds. He loves to paint them in the summer ("Fookwire's paintings weren't very good, but the birds never said anything."), and grows sad when it is time for them to fly south. So he constructs beautiful birdfeeders to keep them around longer. Only there's one problem: those darn squirrels! The squirrels are eating all the food, and Fookwire is not happy -- until a very sweet gesture unites them all.

Adam Rubin has a talent for creating a heart-warming story with a lot of hilarity thrown in. From the names of the birds, to the squirrels' nighttime snack, to the strategizing of those clever geniuses, the story is so entertaining. And Daniel Salmieri's charming illustrations make the story alive and endearing: the crooked old man, the fuzzy-tailed squirrels, the ensemble at the end. It's truly a work that will make children smile. Just looks at those adorable squirrels:

If you haven't read this one with your kiddos, yet, I highly recommend it. Other books by this team include New York Times bestseller Dragons Love Tacos, Secret Pizza Party, and newly published Robo-Sauce. They make a great pair!

Enjoy!

~Jen

Writing in Rhyme

I've been reading a bit about writing in rhyme, and about how many publishers discourage authors from writing in verse. I can understand that -- I can only imagine how much BAD rhyming they come across in their slush pile.

But I just love a good picture book with a compelling plot told in successful verse. In particular, I'm thinking of Room on the Broom:

But how the witch wailed

and how the cat spat,

When the wind blew so wildly

it blew off the hat.

 

I just love Julia Donaldson's story of a kind-hearted witch (and Axel Scheffler's illustrations made this story even more endearing. And have you seen the film? Absolutely adorable.). I find Donaldson's use of verse to tell her sweet story inspiring.

Other wonderful rhyming picture books include Madeline, Jennifer's Rabbit, the Snowmen books (Snowmen at Night, Snowmen at Christmas, et al), Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Big Red Barn, Little Blue Truck, any Dr. Seuss... And I still remember spending hours with Shel Silverstein books as a child, laughing at his silly stories in rhyme. When done well, rhyme can be so captivating for a child.

Author Lane Fredrickson, whose book Monster Trouble I discussed here, runs a website dedicated to helping writers improve their rhyme and meter: Rhyme Weaver. I'm reading through her lessons and attempting to improve my own work in rhyme. Check it out!

Also importantly, author Laura Backes points out in her article "Writing in Rhyme for Children" how it is imperative that the plot -- not the rhyme -- drives the story. The rhyme and meter are tools -- charming, engaging tools, when done well -- that ultimately tell a compelling story.

Are there other picture books in verse that you would add to this list? Is there anything you've learned while attempting your own work in rhyme?

~Jen

Rest in peace, Harper Lee

"An' they chased him 'n' never could catch him 'cause they

didn't know what he looked like, an' Atticus, when they finally saw him,

why he hadn't done any of those things... Atticus, he was real nice..."

His hands were under my chin, pulling up the cover, tucking it around me.

"Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them."

~from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

We learned this week that Harper Lee -- author of the beloved To Kill a Mockingbird -- passed away. Her one and only published novel has held significant meaning for generations of readers. For me, the soothing descriptions of the streets of Maycomb, the hilarious exploits of Scout, Jem, and Dill, and the gentle, assured presence of Atticus -- at home and in defending Tom Robinson -- made a book worthy of rereading and emulating and appreciating with fresh eyes each time.

When my husband and I had been married six months, we got our first pet -- a reclusive, mysterious cat -- and named him Boo Radley. Boo is aging, but still as ornery as ever, and he continues to remind us of a favorite literary character. It's probably time I read this wonderful book again -- it's the best.

Happy Sunday...

~Jen

5 New Picture Books to Honor Black History Month

With February being Black History Month, I wanted to check out some of the newer picture books (all released in 2015) that feature diverse characters and life circumstances. Today's selections aren't historical stories, but stories set in our modern age. They are all wonderfully engaging, well-designed, and highly acclaimed.

1. Last Stop on Market Street

I was so excited to finally get my hands on this book. The buzz surrounding it has been incredible, so to finally bring it home was such a thrill. Winner of the Newbery Medal, a Caldecott Honor, and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor, Last Stop on Market Street tells the story of CJ and his grandma on a weekly routine after church. They ride the bus to serve at a soup kitchen, and CJ wonders why they have to wait in the rain, why they don't have a car, and why they always have to go to the soup kitchen. Grandma answers each question reassuringly (you will LOVE Nana!), and she teaches CJ what an honor it is to mix with the people that they do. Matt de la Pena's text is rich and moving ("The outside air smelled like freedom, but it also smelled like rain, which freckled CJ's shirt and dripped down his nose.") And Christian Robinson's illustrations show an urban landscape that is vibrant, varied, and beautiful. This book is truly a gem!

2. Lizard from the Park

Leonard decides to cut through the park on his way home from school one day, and he discovers a very unusual egg. He takes it home, and the next day a baby lizard pokes through. In time, as the lizard grows and grows, Leonard cannot make enough room for him, and the lizard seems sad. So Leonard devises a plan to return the lizard to its real home...and the reader is left wondering what exactly was real. Mark Pett's text is simple but engaging, and combined with his sweet and silly illustrations, make a book a young child will smile about.

3. Monster Trouble

This delightful story, written in verse, tells of Winifred Schnitzel and her trouble with monsters. She's not afraid of them -- quite the opposite: she finds them amusing! -- but they are really interrupting her sleep. She's rendered too tired for math, ballet....so she studies up on how to make monsters go away. She sets traps....and nothing works. Until, quite by accident, she discovers what it is monsters hate most of all!

This is another great story with a strong, smart, female lead. I could see Winifred being made into a TV show. :)

4. One Word From Sophia

Oh I adore this book! I read this book before I read it to my kids, and I wondered if the language would be too "over their heads." But...it wasn't! They loved it, too.

Sophia has one true desire: a pet giraffe. As her birthday approaches, she argues her case with each member of her family: her mother, a judge; her father, a businessman; her uncle, a politician; and her grandma, who was very strict. :) Each argument is very wordy and well-thought-out, with support for her cause. But each person tells her to be less wordy, until she is left with the most moving argument of all.

Yasmeen Ismail's illustrations in this book are soft and playful, and they depict a family of mixed races. Author Jim Averbeck said, "I was surprised by the multi-racial cast, because it wasn’t evident in the line sketches. But I was also completely delighted, since I actually believe that #WeNeedDiverseBooks. Plus, the multi-racial family in the book reflects my own family, to whom I’ve dedicated One Word from Sophia. I wondered how Yasmeen knew that." (Full interview here.)

 

Sophia is one smart little girl.

5. The Red Bicycle

The final book on today's list tells "the extraordinary story of one ordinary bicycle." Leo has saved and saved to buy a bicycle, and he names his bike Big Red. He rides it everywhere, until he outgrows it. He wants someone who will love his bike as much as he does to have it, and learns about an organization that sends used bikes to a faraway country to those who need transportation. Big Red lands in Africa, where it serves Alisetta and her family, and then serves as a bicycle ambulance. The final pages of the book outline "what you can do to help" and contain ideas for parents and teachers. This is a meaty book with a lot of heart that will hopefully inspire acts of service in those who read it. 

Have any of these books been meaningful to you? I'd love to hear about it!

How to Be a Wildflower

Do you know artist Katie Daisy? Do you love her as much as I do? We have three of her prints in our house already, and I would love to add more. Her art captures the beauty of nature, with eye-pleasing images and color combinations, and is often accompanied by a quotation. This print and my favorite quote by author Henry David Thoreau hangs in Vivy's nursery:

More of Katie's art in our house:

Well today, her first book is being released! How to Be a Wildflower: a field guide (Chronicle Books) is filled with 200 full-color pages that inspire discovery of the beauty in the world through meditations, adventure prompts, recipes, identification charts, and quotes. Divided into sections to Wander, Gather, Savor, and Ponder, she encourages each of us to reflect on where we feel most alive.

How to be a Wildflower Book Trailer from Gabriel James on Vimeo.

Katie has a beautiful spirit that I'm just sure is captured in these pages. She is a nature lover through and through, and her use of color, lettering, and placement is something I adore. Her book looks so centering and inspirational.

This book would be a wonderful gift for a friend or loved one who seeks out the beauty of nature or who wants to reconnect with some lost simplicity. After all, "the more you search, the more you find."

Enjoy!

~Jen

Under the Umbrella

"Ah! Thou gifest me such hope and courage, and I haf nothing

to gif back but a full heart and these empty hands,"

cried the Professor, quite overcome.

Jo never, never would learn to be proper; for when he said that

as they stood upon the steps, she just put both hands into his,

whispering tenderly, "Not empty now;" and, stooping down,

kissed her Friedrich under the umbrella.

~from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Sigh... Just wanted to share this lovey-dovey passage with you this Valentine's Day. :) This book is so heart-warming, and the movie (Winona Ryder, Christian Bale) is fabulous, too. Happy Sunday!

~Jen

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole

I read a book with William last night. A book that had him laughing out loud. A book that had him yelling at the pages to tell the characters what to do. A book where the pictures truly tell half the story.

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole (Candlewick, 2014) is the creation of award-winning duo Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen. It is the story of two boys who set out to dig a hole until they find something spectacular. While the words tell you of their decisions, the illustrations complete the story, showing a series of hilarious misses.

In the end, they are satisfied that they had a spectacular adventure. But where, exactly, did they end up?

Klassen's illustrations are more than delightful -- they also move the story forward in a completely lovable and captivating manner. The subtle differences between the opening and closing scenes will have you scratching your head. And the images of the boys' missteps -- and the seemingly knowing dog -- will make kids laugh out loud. It is so engaging and fun to read.

Go check it out! This pair also teamed up for the book Extra Yarn, which also won a Caldecott Honor, and you can check out a convo between them here.

Happy Wednesday!

A Vintage Goodie

A popular book in our household -- and one that my parents saved from my sister's and my childhood -- is The Spotted Dotted Puppy. Have you read it?

I just love that colorful, vintage cover! Published in 1961 by Whitman Pub. Co., our copy has seen better days; it is well-loved and has been patched many times. The inside even has my name written by my dad. :)

Written by Steffi Fletcher and illustrated by Art Seiden, The Spotted Dotted Puppy tells the story of four dogs. Three of the dogs believe they are big, fierce animals, and behave accordingly. Their bravado gets them into all kinds of scrapes and they are ultimately apprehended and placed in the zoo.

For years, our family has repeated the mantra of the puppy who thinks he is an elephant:

Such attitude. :)

The spotted, dotted puppy, however, does not think he is anything other than a puppy. He knows exactly what he wants. He looks for a house with a bicycle in front of it, and finds his family.

I really think this book was ahead of its time. It contains themes of self-acceptance, being yourself, and contentment. The ending is so very sweet and satisfying, and the messages in the book make it a joy to read with children. Add to that the sweet, playful illustrations of the dogs and their antics -- set in a time and place that evokes feelings of a simpler time -- and you can understand why this is a favorite.

One last thing: This book is still available for purchase on Amazon! (And maybe elsewhere??) I hope you get a chance to read it!

~Jen

Henry's Freedom Box

In 2007, Scholastic published Henry's Freedom Box: a True Story from the Underground Railroad by author/illustrator team Ellen Levine and Kadir Nelson. To sum up this book in one word, I would say:

Wow

Levine tells the incredibly moving true story of Henry "Box" Brown, who was born a slave and was torn from his family as "leaves are torn from the trees." When he marries and has children of his own, he one day witnesses them being carted away, sold at auction, and never to be seen again. He devises a dangerous and costly plan to mail himself in a shipping box to freedom in the North, and he succeeds.

This book is sharply different from some of the more light-hearted and whimsical stories we've discussed. It is a beautiful narrative of strength and hope, but also a heavy and heart-breaking story of a painful history. Levine's words are gentle but honest; you want the book to have a happy Hollywood ending, but she stays true to Brown's journey.

In tandem with Levine's text are Nelson's beautiful illustrations.

Nelson's full-page watercolor spreads capture the emotion that Brown and his loved ones were feeling, set against beautiful and colorful backdrops containing themes in the book. You can see in their eyes the sadness, grace, and determination in which they confronted their situation.

Together, Levine and Nelson created a powerful and important work of history and art. As a mother, it is not easy to read this book...to imagine what Brown and his mother were feeling in the picture above when they learned he would be sold...to imagine the pain he later felt when his own children were taken from him. It is worth reading over and over and having a conversation with our kids.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this book...

~Jen

Taft in the Bath

Perhaps you've heard the story of our 27th president, William Howard Taft, and how he once got himself stuck in a bathtub. No one is quite certain that this story is true (though there are published news stories of Taft once overflowing a bathtub in a hotel, wherein the water then trickled down onto the diners in the dining hall). Well, true or not, consider adding President Taft Is Stuck in the Bath to your list of Presidents' Day picture books. :)

Published in 2014 (Candlewick) and written by Mac Barnett (highly talented author of Extra Yarn, Leo: a Ghost Story, The Terrible Two series, and more), President Taft Is Stuck in the Bath imagines what might have transpired the day that the Chief Executive found himself unable to get out of his bath. Taft calls in members of his cabinet to help find a solution: the vice president is ready to be sworn in as president, the secretary of agriculture suggests an enormous vat of butter to grease him out, and the secretary of war suggests dynamite. Ultimately, it is the First Lady who comes up with a solution.

This book is filled with humor, old-timey colloquialisms, and history. And beyond being simply a fun and playful tale, kids will also learn about the various members of the president's cabinet and what they do. Win-win.

I especially like the author's note at the end that details "Some Facts Pertaining to President Taft and Bathtubs." Apparently he really liked a good soak.

Enjoy!

Bleak Mid-winter

"Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp,

drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing

before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet...

then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. This is my substitute

for pistol and ball. With a philosophical flourish Cato throws himself upon his

sword; I quietly take to the ship. There is nothing surprising in this. If they but

knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly

the feelings towards the ocean with me."

 

~from Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Oh, winter. I imagine many of us are feeling a "damp, drizzly November" in our souls and could use a good dose of the sea. Luckily, we've had a lovely Spring-like weekend here -- a nice break in the middle of winter.

Happy Sunday!

~Jen