Psycho Babble

My psyche feels at bit at odds with itself. I will spare us long winded introspective babble, of which I have plenty, and will summarize with the notion that I had to dig deep into the smallest of every day graces to find contentment this week. It was a week of survival and decisions to keep it together on the inside and the outside. There were highlights, like when a friend invited the kids and I over for a mid-week meal and gave Myles a copy of the new Nathan Hale book. Amazing.

And when my niece arrived for a few night stay, bringing a fresh breeze of two and a half year old enthusiasm.

And we did make a barn that has inspired hours of play, thanks to this link my dad sent.

But overall life was such hard work. Nothing comes easy, as they say. And I can't seem to remember this going from one moment to the next. It is educating me as a constant rate of speed.

I will close with this delight of a board book.

Here Comes the Storm

If loading up on Tin Tin and Holly Hobie books is preparing for the blizzard headed our way then we are good to go. Throw in a bag of salt and vinegar Cape Cod chips and we can weather anything, piece of cake. This morning at the library there were crowds of patrons balancing towering stacks of all the audio visual material they could manage. The librarians smiled wearily. I thought about bringing them a Box o' Joe to aid their stamina, but that idea stayed where it started.  Thankfully they were closing early at noon. We made it out with an arsenal.

And then the seas parted and I caught sight of something buried deep in my childhood, Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre.  Do you remember these? Robin Williams as the Frog Prince? Liza Minelli as the storm worn princess in The Princess and the Pea? My friends and I spent countless hours mesmerized by these tales. The production is so homey, and quality, and hilarious, all at the same time. They are better than I remembered.  Myles and Fiona are equally enamored, Praise God. I think I would have had to give them up if they did not perform cartwheels after viewing. Their favorite part was when Red Riding Hood knocked at the door of Granny's house who was still working on her precious red hood. Stalling for time to hide the gift, Granny shouts, "Wait...uhh..I'm naked!"  It is better than it sounds.

Hazardous Tales

We have driven by the Nathan Hale homestead in CT countless times on various road trips.  However, every time we pass it, it is either closed or certain individuals are passed the point of no return. I vow to never pass by again. "I regret that I have but one life to give for my country."  That'll make a patriot out of anyone. This quote has more meaning to our family now thanks to One Dead Spy.  This nonfiction graphic novel about America's most famous spy is written by, funny enough a modern day Nathan Hale, and has not been put down in our house for over a week.  It took me a few minutes to figure out that the author's name is literally, Nathan Hale, but once I did we dove into this clever series brimming with action, drama, and truth!  Myles is indiscriminate in his love for these book, with Big Bad Ironclad also currently on our shelf. The third book in the Hazardous Tales series is due to come out this year.  If you have ever doubted graphic novels before, this could be your conversion moment. 

The Emperor's New Clothes

Recently, I have grown concerned that St. Nick will be taking me up on my word this season to keep it simple, and I will not find a lovely cashmere turtleneck under the tree.  Appropriately the favorite book around the house is a beautiful retelling of  The Emperor's New Clothes.  This graphic novel is a treat.  The story is clear and compelling and the illustrations by, Jeffrey Stewart Timmins are amazing.  He nails the emperor and the crooks spot on.   In fact, there is a whole series of wonderful fairy tales retold in graphic novel format from Rapunzel to Paul Bunyan.  We cannot get enough. Check out these books published by Capstone.  

The Best of Little Red Riding Hood

I think I just found my favorite retelling of Little Red Riding Hood.  Everything about this production is noteworthy- the plot twists, the pictures, and the theatrical story CD read by Imelda Staunton.   Lari Don's interpretation of our heroine is wonderful, and the illustrations by Celia Chauffrey are beautiful and intriguing.  But then the list keeps going!  Trina Schart Hyman's book won a Caldecott Honor and Melissa Sweet's version was listed as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book a few years back.

I love how the hunter is armed with a bow and quiver full of arrows, in lieu of shotgun!

All of these stories are beautiful and cunning in their own right. Find your family's favorite! A distinct nod to the Brothers Grimm, though despite their despicable anti-semetic views wrote fairy tales for us to savor forever and ever.

 Check out the new compilation of their work to honor 200 years.

A Trip to the Bottom of the World

Toon books seem to be popping up everywhere, and I am officially a fan. We found a new great one called A Trip to the Bottom of the World.
Chock full of charm.

Myles picked it right up and proceeded to read it to his sister in one of those elusive magical moments I dream about. This lasted all of 4 minutes, (its a short one) and then poof, it was over. But atleast I can now cross that off the list!

The graphics are eye catching and unique.

Boy and Mouse even discover different species of penguins!

The size is great for car rides and would make your coffee table look totally hip. Now all I need to do is grab Frank Viva's first book, Along a Long Road.

Thank you, Mr. Viva for the thrill!

My Travelin' Eye

Maybe its because of the blood, sweat, and tears I endured during childhood eye exams, but my heart melted upon reading My Travelin' Eye.  Cleverly written and beautifully illustrated by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw, this story is a moving, lighthearted, and refreshing testimony of a child who was told her eye was "lazy." This is a perfect book for the non-visually challenged to understand what life can be like, and equally perfect for those who have been there done that.

The opening line of the story grabs the reader, if not startles. 

 "When I was born, I came out looking both ways." 

As Jenny grows bigger she never quite understands why her eye is considered a problem. Her right eye is simply the navigator, and her travelin' eye is the artist.

However upon entering school, she is told her eye needs to be fixed.

Told with humorous honesty, Jenny Sue reminds us that we are all created differently.  And who doesn't need that?
Thank you, Jenny Sue!