Dream Gardens Podcast

In January, I was interviewed for my first podcast! I had the opportunity to talk with Jody at Dream Gardens about a middle grade novel that I love: Ms. Bixby's Last Day.

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!

Take a listen here. 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.

Happy reading,

Jen

The Children's Book Academy

Well, hello!

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 Craft and Business of Writing Children's Picture Books via the Children's Book Academy. 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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. :)

~~~

We have still been reading some fabulous picture books, so I have some lovely reviews planned for the coming weeks!

Happy reading and writing,

~Jen

The Great Spruce

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.

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.

And I hate to see trees cut down. 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.

So when my kids and I read The Great Spruce by John Duvall, illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon (G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2016), I fell in love with it. I think you will, too.

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.

Alec's grandpa had planted the spruce long before Alec was born, and together they decorate it each winter with lights and tinsel.

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!

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.

By spring, the spruce is replanted and is thriving at home, and Alec is still spending his days climbing its beautiful limbs.



Exquisite endpapers

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.

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.

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.

I hope you get a chance to share this book with your little ones this season. It's a special one!

Happy reading,
~Jen

The Twelve Mice of Christmas

Happy Sunday and Happy Holidays!

I've been busily working and writing lately, because I wanted to have an entry to share for Susanna Hill's 6th Annual Holiday Writing Contest. 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."

So...my attempt is below! (296 words) Thanks for stopping by and reading.

THE 12 MICE OF CHRISTMAS

by Jennifer Garthe

 

Within the snowy woodland,

12 mice were gently creeping.

Inside a cabin in the woods

Their friend Old Bear was sleeping.               

This time each year they loaded up

With gear for celebrating,

To bring the feel of Christmas

While their friend was hibernating.

The first mouse of Christmas

Placed a wreath with bow and berry

Upon the door to welcome guests

And make the house look merry.

The second mouse of Christmas

Set a stocking by the fire,

Followed by the third mouse

Bringing garland to admire.

While Bear snored on, the next four mice

Brought in the Christmas tree.

They placed it in a corner

Just where Bear would wake and see.

The eighth mouse of Christmas

Brought in strings of twinkle lights.

Soon the tree and garland glowed

With glints of frosted whites.

 

Mice 9 and 10 came in with

Shiny tinsel for the tree,

And ornaments of red and gold

That sparkled brilliantly.

The 11^th mouse of Christmas

Brought sweet cocoa to the house.

He’d serve warm mugs to Bear

And then to each and every mouse.

The 12^th mouse of Christmas

Brought their favorite treat of all:

His shiny wooden fiddle

To delight ears big and small.

The house was warm and ready.

The tree was glittery.

The mouse took up his fiddle

And began a melody.

The music stopped Bear’s snoring

And the mice knew he could hear it.

He slowly woke and saw

His house aglow with Christmas spirit!

 

They brought Old Bear his cocoa

And some slippers for his feet.

They listened to the music

In the room so snug and sweet.

 

“Thank you, friends,” he said

With mug in hand and raised to tell:

“Cheers to a happy Christmas

And to friends who love us well.”



Happy Holidays to you and yours -- and best wishes to those who submitted entries to the contest!

~Jen

UPDATE (12/19/2016): My entry won an honorable mention 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!

Hannah and Sugar

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 Hannah and Sugar by Kate Berube (Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2016).

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.

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.

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.

Hannah and Sugar 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.

If you haven't had a chance to read this one yet, I hope you will do so soon! Happy reading!

~Jen

Secret Tree Fort

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:

Secret Tree Fort, written and illustrated by Brianne Farley (Candlewick, 2016).

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 a secret -- first hearing it mentioned through posts and discussions, and finally beckoning from the library shelf.

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.

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.

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!

Will Littler Sister be able to get Big Sister's attention? You'll have to read it to find out!

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.

I hope you enjoy it!

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

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

Come in!

Invitation

 

If you are a dreamer, come in,
If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,
A hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer…
If you’re a pretender, come sit by my fire
For we have some flax-golden tales to spin.
Come in!
Come in!
 

~from Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

In honor of National Poetry Month and Rhyming Picture Book Month, I wanted to share a short but dynamic poem by the beloved Shel Silverstein. I remember laying on the floor for hours as a child with Where the Sidewalk Ends or The Light in the Attic -- books that my mom had brought home from her 2nd grade classroom -- and reading the poems over and over. I had many favorites, and they still have such value to this day.

Happy Sunday!

~Jen

RhyPiBoMo!

Well, it's April 1st, which means it is

Rhyming Picture Book Month!

 

#rhypibomo

And that ain't no joke.

I'm very excited to improve my craft while making new connections. I entered a little rhyming ditty to Vivian Kirkfield's "50 Precious Words Contest" last month, and I've got the beginnings of another poem and manuscript. I really enjoy writing in verse, and I'm excited for what I'll learn.

If you are a writer or lover of children's picture books, registration is still open through April 8. Just click the RhyPiBoMo badge to the right and it will take you to Angie's blog.

Rhyming picture books that I have blogged about thus far:

Jennifer's Rabbit

I Wish that I Had Duck Feet

Monster Trouble

Room on the Broom

Happy Friday!

~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

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

Happy Un-birthday!

"They gave it to me — for an un-birthday present."

"I beg your pardon?" Alice said with a puzzled air.

"I’m not offended," said Humpty Dumpty.

"I mean, what is an un-birthday present?"

"A present given when it isn’t your birthday, of course."

Alice considered a little. "I like birthday presents best," she said at last.

"You don’t know what you’re talking about!" cried Humpty Dumpty. "How many days are there in a year?"

"Three hundred and sixty-five," said Alice.

"And how many birthdays have you?"

"One."

"And if you take one from three hundred and sixty-five, what remains?"

"Three hundred and sixty-four, of course."

~from Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll

 

Well, we are having a busy birthday/unbirthday weekend around these parts. My husband and my oldest share a birthday on Monday, and my baby, Vivian, turns two on Tuesday. So in addition to the regular busy-ness of basketball, soccer, and choir performances, this weekend has also featured an 11-year-old slumber party and a family gathering to celebrate the multitude of early-March birthdays. Good times!

 

Happy Sunday,

~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

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

Valentine's Babylit Books

Before Vivy was born, I was in a bookstore with William. He was running an engine along a train table and my eyes were glancing over the shelves. And that's when I saw it: a Romeo & Juliet board book.

At the time, William was beyond board books, so I lamented that this gem wasn't available when my kids were tiny. Well, enter Vivy and an expansive line of Babylit books later, and we've now got ourselves quite a little collection going.

The Babylit series by Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver puts classic literature into the hands of toddlers. (Oh, how I wish these had been my brainchild! They are so fun.) With adorably contemporary artwork by Oliver, each book focuses on a theme of colors or opposites or numbers. And the selections pictured here are perfect for pulling out for Valentine's Day.

We own other non-romantic books from their line: The Wizard of Oz (colors), Alice in Wonderland (colors), and Frankenstein (body parts), to name a few. Babylit continues to put out new titles, and I NEED Vivy needs a copy of Les Mis. :) These also make fabulous baby shower or 1st/2nd birthday gifts.

Happy Friday!

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!

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!

5 Classics I've Read with My Daughter

I have been reading to Abby for almost 11 years now -- and she still likes it! (She reads on her own, too, but still enjoys sharing a book with me -- I will keep this going as long as possible!) Once we graduated from picture books, we moved on to simple and more complex chapter books, including some classics. Today I want to highlight a few of those.

A quick note: All of these book have central characters that are strong females. They teach about courage in the face of adversity, hard work, and hope. They are great mother-daughter reads.

Another quick note: Often, while I'm reading to Abby, she is doodling or making something with her hands. But she is absorbing the story and often stops to ask questions. If your child won't sit still or would likely space off during reading, let them doodle or craft during reading time and see what happens!

1. The Chronicles of Narnia series

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (C.S. Lewis) was the first chapter book I read to Abby, and I believe she was 5 years old. I worried that the heightened, more formal language would be over her head, and figured we would abandon the book until later, if needed. However, the characters and story were so compelling to her, that she just loved it!


Abby's 6th birthday Narnia cake

The magical story of four siblings who enter another world via an old wardrobe captivated Abby's imagination. Talking animals and beasts, castles, the battle of good vs. evil, a gentle lion king... she ate it up and I would often find her outside playing Lucy Pevensie. :)

We went on to read the next two books in the series, but then took a break to read some other adventures. We will need to resume the story some day. #somanybookssolittletime

2. The Little House on the Prairie series

I mean, how could we not, right? The books detailing the pioneering adventures of the Ingalls family were written for children. The language is easy to understand and read, and the stories of the family's day-to-day life in a time long ago are fascinating. Laura Ingalls is taught hard work and perseverance and longs to end each day snuggled on Pa's knee, hearing about his hunting adventures or music from his fiddle.

And if you live in Missouri like we do, or want to travel this way, you can take a trip to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Mansfield. It is where Laura and Almanzo moved their family, built a life for themselves, and where she wrote these treasured books.

Look -- Pa's fiddle!

 

3. Anne of Green Gables

The Anne books by Lucy Maud Montgomery are so wonderful. Anne is an orphan who is (mistakenly) taken-in by a couple in Avonlea. She talks a mile a minute, often lost in some daydreamy reverie. Matthew immediately loves her delightful ways, but Marilla thinks she can be silly and impractical. Anne gets into all sorts of scrapes, but as she grows and matures, she becomes a trusted and solid -- and still daydreamy -- star of her community.

Yet again, I wondered if Abby wouldn't be engaged with the heightened language -- but Anne is just so lovable! She is smart, determined, head-strong, kind, and, above all, exceedingly imaginative. What a great role model for a young girl.

4. The Little Princess

This is what Abby and I are currently reading (first time for me!), and we are about halfway through. The central character is Sara Crewe, whose wealthy father brings her to a boarding school in New York. Though Sara has been spoiled and is used to a lavish lifestyle, she is a kind and generous soul. Miss Minchin, the headmistress, is jealous and disapproving of Sara and her wealth, but keeps the peace in order to maintain friendly relations with (the deep pockets of) her father. When it is learned that Captain Crewe has died, Sara is stripped of her belongings and is forced to live in the attic and become a servant. She is abused and mocked. However, Sara still maintains her kindness, generosity, imagination, and spirit to show that it is what's in the heart that makes one a "little princess."

5. The Harry Potter series

The greatest story ever told! :)

I cannot say enough wonderful things about these books. The magic and wizardry are captivating for kids and adults, alike. But it is the themes of courage, friendship, determination, good, loyalty, and understanding that put these over the top. I hope all of my kids read and treasure these books as much as my husband and I have.



Have you read any of these classics with your kids, or do you have any to add to our "must-read" list?