Building Our House

I had no idea that this book would literally teach me how to build a house. I now feel like I could go out and buy the right tools and materials to build a structure that would provide shelter for living creatures. "The right tools for the right job." Jonathan Bean tells a heartwarming story of how a family builds a home in the country from the ground up. Would it be considered copyright infringement if I use the blue prints illustrated in this book? I showed this book to a friend and we both agreed that our favorite spot is the "coat corner."  Our house could certainly use one of these.  The narrative is excellent and told through the eyes of the big sister. It is so captivating and clear that it stunned Fiona into silence through the whole reading. Normally I cant get through one page without five questions. This was truly a joy to read and is great for all ages.

Robin, Where Are You?

I have a mild bird obsession. Our new home will not be complete until we have mom and pop cardinal living in the yard. My dream of being able to hear a bird's song and identify the breed without straining too hard will never die. Currently the list is pretty short, with seagulls and crows at the top, but my hope was renewed by Harriet Ziefert's book out called, Robin, Where Are You? It is a perfect beginner's guide to bird watching and lightly follows the story of a girl and her grandfather on a patient search of a robin. The art by Noah Woods is outstanding, and the facts are lovely little nuggets that can be tucked away. For example, this book taught me that a mourning dove got its name from its "mournful" call, not because it wakes early in the "morning." I always thought it was a "morning" dove. Whoops. It is also full of bright and colorful flaps that are turned to reveal a shy wood thrush or a noisy blue jay along the way. A great book for this time of year, as we eagerly await Robin Redbreast and his sign of Spring.

Lizzy and Skunk

The more I read good children's books, the more I learn about myself and what resonates with my soul. I do know one thing for sure, is that fear tends to be a theme in my life.  Sometimes I do not realize how many fears I actually do have until I feel my anxiety blasting off the charts over some small interference. Sweating the small stuff, has always been a skill of mine.  So when I find a quality kids book that deals with fear, I hang on for dear life.  Lizzy and Skunk is the perfect read to comfort any human's frail and humble state. I have been championing Marie Louise Fitzpatrick's book for years now, and I always whip it out, when I need some warmth. In fact yesterday, I read it to the lunch group at Fiona's preschool. They were cheering Skunk on too, by the end.  Her watercolors are breathtaking, and the bright, red, poppies on the last page always remind me of my mother. 

Twelve Kinds of Ice

The Christmas rush is upon us. And with it comes a complex dance of creating rich moments of tradition while savoring the season of expectation and celebration. This weekend after reading a thoughtful message about Advent, I was inspired to wait in a graceful way, and just say no to frantic preparations.  Despite my resolve, I ran to library to fetch this curious new title. I then ran home to read it.  But after sitting with Ellen Bryan Obed's Twelve Kinds of Ice, I was brought back to the spirit of peace, simplicity, and anticipation that I had committed myself to just hours earlier.  Beautifully illustrated by the talented Barbara McClintock, the prose of this book hushes and soothes and encourages a patient mind.  It tells a delightful story of how a family awaits perfect ice on a homemade skating rink in their backyard.  It is about hope and joy, and simple treasures that nature awards us with.  Absolutely beautiful.  A warm read for a cold night.

PS. Thank you to 7 things to do before breakfast, where I first saw this new title.

The Best Birthday Party Ever

"My birthday is 5 months, 3 weeks, 2 days, and 8 hours away. Today I started to plan my party." With  possibly the best opening line of a picture book ever, this story is every kids' dream. The Best Birthday Party Ever by Jennifer LaRue Huget is absolutely splendid.

LeUyen Pham's watercolors bring the birthday girl's plans to life with color and expression beyond compare.

Name your birthday enthusiast and they will be delighted to find this read. To be sure, Myles and Fiona's favorite part describes the plan for the cake.

Our lovely author weaves a too good to be true dose of contented realism to satisfy adult and child alike.

Enjoy this treat!

 :)

I Know Here

I Know Here quiets.  If you have ever moved or been moved, if you have ever arrived at a new destination with pictures of old sewn in your mind, this book is a must read. Winner of the 2010 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, first time author Laurel Croza and illustrator Matt James hush the reader with beautiful words and bright, imaginative pictures.

The little girl in this story finds out that she is moving, and soon.  The dam her father has been building is nearly finished and at the end of the summer they will be off. Her mind turns, stops, and turns again as she reflects on all the things that she has seen and experienced living right here in Saskatchewan, Canada.

We follow the girl as she traces back memories and images that she knows, has seen, and wants to take with her.

With the help of her teacher, our new friend finds a way to carry these precious things with her to Toronto.
A poignant story of beauty and familiarity. Thank you Laurel and Matt!

It All Began With Traction Man

I consider the day I discovered Traction Man a turning point in my life. Myles and I were in a major book rut, stuck on the same vehicle and farm books we all know and mildly enjoy. And then one day in the library I saw him. Standing out like a beacon of light as if to say, "there is more to children's literature than bright yellow books with monkeys!" We brought him home and entered into the world of Mini Grey's delightfully original illustrations, clever wit, and imaginative plot lines. 

Traction man is a toy given to a little boy for Christmas. The boy opens the gift and his world is changed by adventures galore as Traction Man's persona deepens every moment.

Then came the sequel, Traction Man Meets Turbo Dog. The boy receives another gift. Turbo Dog is a loud, annoying, fragile, battery dependent toy that further enhances our opinion of Traction Man and his trusty pet, Scrubbing Brush.

And now, we the hungry audience, have three Traction Man Books, with Traction Man and the Beach Odyssey released last year.

With these books and others I realized a child's capacity for literature is far grander than the age recommended on the jacket by who knows what judge. 

Read and see what is good!

the Honest-to-Goodness Truth

When you find a favorite illustrator, often times following his or her trail can lead you to wonderful things.  Giselle Potter is one of those artists. She also wrote and illustrated Chloe's Birthday...and Me. Anything she touches is magic. 

I found the Honest-to-Goodness Truth on one of those rabbit trails and haven't stopped thinking of it.

Our heroine, Libby, is a girl who is learning what it means to tell the truth.  She lies to her mother for the first time and is determined to never let it happen again.  She sets out on a Sunday morning to mend her ways. 

 After two days honesty, Libby is confused. She has hurt people close to her and struggles to understand what it means to tell the truth no matter how much it hurts.

She explains her dilemma to her mother. Momma clarifies that "the honest-to-goodness truth is never wrong," sending Libby out on the path of reconciliation.

Patricia C. McKissack connects us to Libby and her world intimately and artfully.

This story is beautiful in every way.

The Little Bit Scary People

I would be a very happy lady if this book were on every shelf, in every library, and at every school in America.  Emily Jenkins, author of Lemonade in Winter, 

brings us The Little Bit Scary People.

This story is told from the perspective of a little girl who confesses that certain people she encounters are, "a little bit scary." 

The reader is then transported from that confession to her thoughts as the girl imagines the little bit scary people doing ordinary, non-scary things. 

Like snuggling a kitty cat.

 

Illustrator Alexandra Boiger absolutely rocks this book with endearing portraits of everyday people.  This story is amazing! Its message of compassion and empathy are excruciatingly relevant to our times. We were left breathless. 

Spread the Word!

Lemonade in Winter

It is snowing outside. A mean wind is blowing. Icicles hang from the window sills. These are the conditions that inspire Pauline to create a lemonade stand.

I could not wait for this state of affairs to share this book with you. Emily Jenkins teamed up with G. Brian Karas to bring us the cleverest of tales in 

Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money.

Pauline and her little brother John-John do indeed set up a lemonade stand on an empty street and what follows is delightful. 

This book would stand alone without the seamless arithmetic lessons woven in. But with them, it is in a category all on its own!

You have done it again Emily and Brian. Thank you :)

South

Wordless books can be tough. When the creative juices are not flowing, it exhausts me to come up with my own material. However, I do not want this to be true! Because they can be so deeply lovely! South is a reason to fight through. It is sweet, beautiful, and true.

Creator of the award winning comic strip Mutts, Patrick McDonnell introduces us to a little birdie, who snoozed through the departure of his flock for South.

Mooch the Cat happens to walk by and finds the bird alone and alarmed. A duo is then formed as they venture upon a quest to reunite Little Birdie with his flock. 

Through thick and thin, the two travel and do not relent until mission is complete.

"Sometimes it takes a friend to help you find your way."

This is a perfect book for fall.

:) Thanks Mooch.

I Like Old Clothes

Deep Breath. I have just found a book that might blow your mind as it did mine. Its is called I Like Old Clothes. Yes, that is right, it's about hand-me-downs. For those who know me, understand that I am a consignment junkie. So to have stumbled across this title, I don't have the words. It is written by the amazing Mary Ann Hoberman, who brought us The Seven Silly Eaters. I had no idea she had been writing for this long! Apparently it was first published in 1976, WAY ahead of its time, and is now being re-released with illustrations beyond beautiful by Patrice Barton. Check it out!

It says, "The illustrations were created using pencil sketches and mixed media, assembled and painted digitally." Out of my league sister Patrice. You go girl.

The hand-me-downs featured would brighten anyone's day. Check out that school girl outfit fashion!

"I like to wonder what they've done, 

What games they've played

And if they won,

And if the parties turned out fun."

How sweet is that? Thank you Mary Ann for delighting us! And hats off to Patrice Barton, We are your newest biggest fans.