Hurray for Spring! And Elephants!
Weekly Low Down on Kids Books 5/03/12
Title: Hurray for Spring!
Author: Patricia Hubbell
Illustrator: Taia Morley
Publisher: NorthWord
Genre: Childrens, Picture Books
Ayla has a wide assortment of books of her own, she can’t help it with a compulsive book buying mother. But going to the library and picking out special books for just the week is always fun. At a year and a half, she already loves books and spends a lot of time pretending to read or browsing illustrations. ‘Shopping’ at a library, however, is so much different than shopping at a store. For starters, there’s the Dewey Decimal System to contend with, something I honestly haven’t used in about ten years. Then, there’s the lack of beautifully merchandised end caps – you can ask my best friend, I’m a complete sucker for a pretty display. (That’s probably why I enjoyed making them so much in my merchandising days.) Still, we manage to find precious gems and exciting reads every week.
This week we haphazardly pulled Hurray for Spring! off the shelf. The poem tells of all the adventures one can have throughout the season and is accompanied by gorgeous illustrations of kids playing and dragon flies and flowers. There’s mice playing in the weeds, beautiful blue skies, and the book is an all around treat. We read it four times in a row before bed time Tuesday night because Ayla kept demanding, “More” as she turned the book back to the first page and patted the title, indicating a re-read.
I’d like to buy a copy to use to celebrate Easter every year. Its fresh, lively, and is a good way to get kids excited about playing outside, but if read softly the cadence of the words can still put a baby to sleep. We love Hurray for Spring! Even now Ayla discovered it in my hand and is hopping around, rummaging through the book bag, and begging me to read it again.
Title:
Busy Elephants
Author: John Schindel
Photographs: Martin Harvey
Publisher: Tricycle Press
Genre: Childrens, Board Books
In the past, we’ve tried Busy Penguins, which I loved, but Ayla had little interest in. This time, Busy Elephants was all the rage. Each page contains a photograph of elephants out in the wild, eating, running, bathing, etc. And after months and month of every blessed furry (or even some non-furry) animals being called ‘Dog’ its nice to finally see her point with recognition at the elephants on each page, listen to me say elephant, and then try the word out on her own mouth. So far, all we get is “lphn,” but that’s enough for me this week. She’s excited to learn new words, even if she can’t quite pronounce them properly. That’s what makes these kinds of books so great for babies: real photographs, repitition of a word, until by the end they’ve seen the world and added something to their vocabulary.
Gothic Picture Books
While picking out picture books, I’m slowly but surely learning that the things that grab my attention may or may not grab Ayla’s, and even if they do grab Ayla’s sometimes maybe I shouldn’t be reading them to her quite yet.
The Spider and the Fly
Then, there’s books that are simple, like Nosy Rosie
How do you decide what to hand them when? On one side, I don’t want to be Phoebe’s grandmother on Friends who turned off all the movies before the unhappy ending and the character didn’t know that Bambi’s mother got shot or that Old Yeller died at the end until her thirties. But neither do I want to be the creepy mother raising her child to disturbing things like “A is for Amy who fell down the stairs,” even though as a teen and adult I find them quite funny.
So again I ask you, how do you decide what to hand them and when? I suppose the age old dilemma for every parent is based in the fear of warping their child, and when it comes to books I have an even bigger problem because its not just about what my child can handle, its the message I give her when I make the decision. I don’t believe in censorship, but I greatly believe in reading guidance.
What are some of your favorite ‘gothic’ picture books? When did you decide to share them with your kids? Or did you let them seek them out themselves?
Weekly Low Down on Kids Books 4/17/12
11 Experiments That Failed Deemed Awesome
“That was great! It was hilarious. It reminded me of myself. People should read it because its really, really, really funny. Its not really a story, its more about things you shouldn’t do at home,” my eleven year old niece, Ashleigh Raine, says as she finishes 11 Experiments That Failed
I brought a stack of library books with me to my sister’s house to watch five of her six children, along with my own kid, while they rushed Alexandrea (the 3rd in line) to the ER for a broken arm (compliments of the fabulous climbing tree in their backyard). After completing their chores, the kids got to sit down to a few episodes of Transformers, and then it was off to nap, rest, and reading time according to their respective ages.
The youngest asleep upstairs, the two eldest bee-line for the bag of books from the library – new books, ones they don’t see every day, like most kids in a toy store their eyes light up with glee.
I talk to Ashleigh about whether I can quote her in my blog, and as we discuss the book Ethan Blaise, age nine, asks about an illustration on an open page. “What is that kid doing?”
“You should read it,” Ashleigh pushes the book across the carpet to him. Ethan immediately stretches out, belly down, on the floor, kicking his feet while audibly snickering throughout the book.
While Ethan reads, he intermittenly laughs aloud while Ashleigh reads over his shoulder, distracted from the book she picked up to read second, apparently she would rather re-read 11ETF with her brother.
“You think its funny too?” she asks him.
“Yeah,” he grins, smacks his gum, and continues to flip through the pages while laughing and reading the best parts aloud.
When he finishes he tells me, “This one is funny!”
“Is it the most hilarious book you’ve ever read?” Ashleigh asks him.
“Yes, it is the funniest book I’ve ever read. ‘What you need is a message, a toilet, a bottle…’ ” This last bit I assume is a quote from the book as the two continue to quote the book from memory for about ten to fifteen minutes before they remember they are now hungry and flee to the kitchen to raid the pantry for crackers.
I initially checked this book out to read to Ayla, but I haven’t got around to it yet. I am posting this review solely on the reactions of my niece and nephews recommendation. If you are shopping for nine to eleven year olds, I think you’ll have a winner.
A New Children’s Book by Temara Moore
Title: “Bloop Bloop!” Goes the Poop
Author: Temara Moore
Illustrations: Brian David Isham
We Dream Publishing – http://www.wedreampublishing.com
Genre: Picture Book, Potty Training
I have to admit, prior to having a toddler of my own, the whole concept of potty training books was something I found ridiculous. Now, as potty training becomes a reality and my own kiddo is showing more and more interest in the toilet (and she already loves books) its making a little more sense.
So my husband and I were pretty excited to sit down with our first training tool. Temara Moore sent me a copy of “Bloop Bloop!” Goes the Poop
We didn’t get very far when trying to read the book to Ayla the first time through. She was so excited about the pictures and the cat that follows the little boy to the bathroom that she stole the book and spent about ten minutes flipping through the pages herself. I don’t have the most patient kid when it comes to story time, but I love that she shows an interest in reading on her own. She loves her books and at nearly 18 months has become a page turning pro.
The second time through was much more successful. We made it all the way through the story with many “Ooohs” from Ayla and emphatic pointing to illustrations she had now familiarized herself with. By the end of the book she was telling me “Bloop Bloop! Bloop Bloop!” I would not be surprised if she had some of the rhymes memorized a few months down the road when her annunciation improves. Thank you, Temara, for our copy of the book. It will be well loved.
Information regarding a book signing and reading from the author to follow at a later date. Be sure to follow this blog for the details!
Weekly Low Down on Kids Books – Easter
With Easter this past weekend, we spent the week with Betty Bunny.
(Fellow Christians, please don’t harass me about how Easter is not about bunnies, but our Lord Jesus Christ because Easter is actually a celebration of the goddess Oestre and fertility and the spring equinox and all that and we Christians kinda sharked the holiday for our own purposes. We celebrate Christ’s resurrection separate from Easter in our house. Pagans and lovers of Mother Earth please don’t harass me about Betty Bunny not having anything to do with celebrating nature, I know, I know.)
Betty Bunny
We also read If Beaver Had a Fever
Weekly Low Down on Kids Books 3/13/12
This week’s kids books have been greatly divided for me. Into two categories: the Librarian on the Roof, and NOT the Librarian on the Roof.
Librarian on the Roof is a non-fiction picture book about RoseAleta and the public library she revamped by sitting on its roof for a week during wind, rain, and everything in between. As a home school mom, this genre of picture book is both my favorite and the hardest to find. Most non-fiction kids books are factoid books, dinosaurs, bugs, ancient people, counting, abcs, numbers, shapes, and so on. And those books are great! We have a ton of them. But finding a picture book that tells a story and then discovering that the story is true is even better.
M.G. King has taken a fascinating tale of courage and determination set right here in modern day Texas and turned it into something amazing. It also helps that she is one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. She is kind, friendly, loves talking to people about her book and anything else, and my favorite part – looks right into your eyes while she’s speaking with you. It’s no wonder that a story about a librarian trying to get the funds to encourage kids to get back to her library would move her.
Librarian on the Roof is hands down a must have for your child. I was lucky enough to get a signed copy for Ayla at the Deerbrook Mall Barnes & Noble the other day, where King had set up shop for the afternoon. (Yes, I know, I work for Half Price Books, but the NEW books have to come from somewhere to make it to a USED store. I even have a membership card there. Yes, I know, I’m a hopeless addict, please forgive me. I will make amends with anyone my book addiction has harmed… when I’m older.)
If you’re a book lover, lover of libraries, lover of heartwarming stories, but have no children, you should still go buy the book. The first time I read it all the way through, kiddo was actually napping and I just couldn’t wait to pop the book open. I didn’t full on cry, but there were definitely happy tears welling up in the back of my eye balls when RoseAleta finally got to come down off the roof. The line about being able to buy chairs just the right size for the kiddos actually choked me up for a moment. Books and people who love books make me absurdly happy.
2010 was a awhile back and this article I’m about to share is old, but if my post about this book has piqued your interest just a little bit, I think this will seal the deal: https://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/librarydevelopments/?p=4337
Now, for the NOT the Librarian on the Roof books we read this week:
Shout! Shout It Out!
Probably great for boys, but Ayla just wasn’t interested in yelling with me.
Little Tad Grows Up
Loved! The art is amazing, and it goes through the lifecycle of a frog. Pretty cool, and educational.
Hattie Hippo
This was easily Ayla’s pick of the week. Great for girls. I’m not really into gender discrimination (my little girl’s nursery is baby blue, green, and orange), but Ayla loves twirling hippo ballerinas and could care less about the shouting toddlers and rodents, go figure.
Gobble, Gobble
Beautiful illustrations. Its nice to read about turkeys that we aren’t planning to eat.
Weekly Low Down on Kids Books – better late than never
How Do You Hug A Porcupine by Laurie Isop
I love this one, and so did Ayla, but I must admit that I’m a little nervous about insinuating that the practice of hugging porcupines is acceptable at all! It reminds me of Dora the Explorer having picnics with snakes and bears. Possibly a silly concern, but that’s what pops up in my head nonetheless. We read this several times this last week.
The Mixed-Up Chameleon by Eric Carle
Eric Carle is always a good read, as I’ve said in the past, I love his illustrations and so does the kiddo (who doesn’t?). This particular book is especially neat because Carle gives tribute to the idea being inspired by the kids he has visited in the past. I thought that was a nice touch.
I Am The Biggest Thing In the Ocean by Kevin Sherry
Our absolute favorite this week! We read this over and over again and plan to purchase a copy first chance we get. Its always great (even if a little shocking) when a kids book surprises even the adults in the room, every time, without fail.
How Do Dinosaurs Play With Their Friends by Jane Yolen
We’re on a mission to collect all the Jane Yolen dinosaur books, so imagine my excitement when I came across this one at a school carnival! Of course, we both adored it, but Ayla still prefers the bedtime one best. Because she’s familiar? Or because its better? I don’t know.
Lullaby and Goodnight by Jill Ackerman
Ayla discovered this at Half Price Books and just had to have it. We bought it, brought it home, and she’s gone to bed with it every night since then. She loves the light up moon feature, and rocks back and forth to the song. If we tell her to ‘push the star’ she gets so excited, knowing it will start the song again.
The Weekly Low Down on Kids Books 2/12/12
Beverly Billingsly Borrows a Book
So fun and clever, Ayla and I both enjoyed this one. As a parent, the only thing I didn’t like was that Beverly wasn’t responsible for paying her late fee dues. But overall Beverly is a fun little friend to have and I hope that one day Ayla can be a part of her very own book club.
Beverly Billingsly Can’t Catch
I saw at the library that Beverly was a reoccurring character in a series so I couldn’t resist grabbing both. Full of life lessons and the importance of doing research and practicing to achieve your goals, Alexander Stadler is quickly becoming an author I plan to keep around the house for years to come.
Memoirs of a Goldfish
If Ayla and I were forced to choose a favorite this week, this one would win. Full of fabulous illustrations, Ayla made me read this over and over. We actually skipped over other books we had in our library bag this week because we both like this so much. Fun life lesson and fabulous illustrations!
Can You See A Little Bear?
Ayla liked this one ok, but this was truly more my choice than hers. The story is sweet and the illustrations are beautifully whimsical. I highly recommend this book for bed time or nap times. Its very soothing for both parent and child.
Mice Squeak, We Speak
Tomie dePaola has been hailed as the go to picture book illustrator for years and years. I remember enjoying her work as a child, but it wasn’t until I read this to my own daughter that I realized how wonderful dePaola truly was. Ayla squealed and squealed, pointed at all the bright colors and at the end of the book demanded “more.” We may choose Memoirs of a Goldfish together, but if Ayla’s vote were THE vote, it would be Mice Squeak, We Speak every time this week.
The Weekly Low Down on Kids Books 2/05/12
Moo, Baa, La La La!
We liked the last Sandra Boynton book so much; we had to try these ones. Moo, Baa, La La La! Is wonderful, Ayla had me read it over and over again, even when she wasn’t feeling that well. She’s been sick, diagnosed with Pharyngitis, and lost about 3lbs. That’s a lot of weight for a 15 mo. But Moo, Baa, La La La! kept her in good spirits. But Not the Hippopotamus is cute, Ayla just didn’t care for it as much. It might be an issue of color; Hippopotamus is a dark green, whereas Moo, Baa is a bright teal. Who knows why babies go for the things they do, I just document my kid’s ‘reviews’ because she can’t do so herself!
Celestine, Drama Queen
I didn’t think I’d care much for this, but Ayla grabbed it so I said ok. After reading it though, I think its really cute. Ayla wanted to read this as an ‘I’m sleepy’ read this week. We would read through Celestine and then the usual signal of ‘Nurse me and let me rest’ she’d grab the Edna St. Vincent Millay poetry collection. Ives story is wise and the watercolor illustrations appropriately girly for my little girl.
Which Witch is Which?
This is one we’ll have to grab a few months down the road. It’s a brilliant piece about twins Emily and Ella who are at a costume party and like different things, and its up to the reader to decipher who is who in each illustration: ‘Ella likes pink, Emily blue. Which witch is which?’ and one holds out a pink gift for the host and one holds out a blue one. Between being ill and not really knowing her colors and whatnot, it just didn’t hold her attention this time.
What You Never Knew About Beds, Bedrooms, and Pajamas
This is a great book to put curious minds to sleep. Part of the Around the House History
Finklehopper Frog
With all the bright illustrations by Brian Lies, I thought this one was going to have a shoe in for Ayla’s affections without a doubt. Quite to the contrary, she just wasn’t interested and kept pushing it aside to make me read Moo, Baa, La La La! again. The poetry is fun, the rhymes mimicking the hopping of a frog as he tries to do things like the other animals. In the end a bunny rabbit convinces him to be content being himself.
Geraldine First
I was drawn to the illustrations, but they didn’t really captivate Ayla. The story is definitely geared toward older children with younger siblings, and I think my nieces and nephews would find it quite funny. Ayla probably wont share in this sentiment any time soon, if ever.
Introducing Limelight Larry
We both LOVED Limelight Larry. It’s funny and clever, and the illustrations are exciting and beautiful. The very best part? All the different fonts and the surprise foil additions to Larry’s beautiful peacock feathers. Had I seen this book prior to having Ayla, I may have done the entire nursery in Limelight Larry, maybe Ayla and I can paint her room that way together one day.
Little Monster Friends
Title: My Friend the Monster
Author: Eleanor Taylor
Publisher:BloomsburyChildren’s Book
Genre: Children’s Picture Books
February 1st was the “practice run” and kick off for a weekly gathering at Half Price Books in Humble, a gathering of infants to six year olds for story time. An informal endeavor, I chose a handful of books to read off the cuff and my niece, age eleven, alternated reading aloud with me from her own selections. We tried to pick a little bit of something for everyone, as we had twelve kids there of all ages, both boys and girls. We read from puppet board books, several picture books, a few shiny foil books – but the greatest success was My Friend the Monster by Eleanor Taylor.
My Friend the Monster is the story of a little boy (fox, actually) who moves to a new house and discovers a monster living under his bed. The monster, a large one eyed fuzzy creature is a big old scaredy-cat, and it’s up to Louis the child fox to teach him to be brave and confident.
The pictures are detailed and remind me of something from Highlights for Kids magazine (ie: Richard Scarry). Although the kids were well behaved and sat for all the stories, this one in particular had them leaning in to see the pictures, touching my knee to get a closer look. The story kept them completely riveted and entertained, with only one interruption from a small girl who asked, “Why does the Monster only have one eye?” To which I replied, “Because he’s a monster with one eye. I’m sorry I don’t have a better explanation than that.” She just nodded her head and we continued on with the adventure of Louis and his Monster.
I had flipped through this particular book the day before when I visited the store to get a feel for which books I might choose and make sure my daughter, only 15 months, would be familiar enough to follow directions the next day. Ironically, the page I thought would give me the most trouble while reading to the kiddos was the page that was the biggest success for the entire reading. It was the page where Louis takes Monster to the park for the first time and shows everyone the way… the sentences dance in circles around various images of Louis and his monster along the path. I thought the children would get lost, not being able to see the pictures well enough; they might start to fidget or look away and forget what was happening in the story. Instead, this was the moment I found them leaning in the most, nearly crawling into the rocking chair with me to see Monster and Louis on their merry adventure.
Of course, this convinced me that I had to have this book for Ayla, so as soon as story time was over, I bought a copy. If you’re a book toting mom, I highly recommend heading to the Half Price Books nearest you and grabbing up a copy if you can get your hands on it!
Also, if you’re in the Woodlands/Humble/Atascocita/Kingwood area and you have small children during the day, feel free to come to the Humble Half Price Books at 10:30 am on Wednesdays. I’ll be reading a few books every week as long as we can keep the children sitting (mostly) on their bottoms with bookstore level voices. I hope to make many new, little friends, and hope that all our Monsters can be as pleasant as Louis’.
Anakalian Whims 