🎄Merry Christmas☃️

🎄Wishing Everyone a Very Happy Christmas and a Wonderful and Healthy New Year🎄

and

🎄Gift Suggestions: Poetry: A Picture Book Roundup

I love introducing my young readers to poetry. Kids are so open to the rhyme and rhythm of lyrical language, and they actually have some great ideas about what poetry says to them. Here are some of the poetry books that I have used this year. Don't you think a book of poems always makes a nice gift for readers of all ages? I know I do.

H is for Haiku: A Treasury of Haiku From A to Z

by Sydell Rosenberg, illustrated by Sawsan Chalabi

Penny Candy Books, 2018, 40 pages

Sydell Rosenberg was a master at writing haiku and her speciality was capturing "that fledging moment, when the wingstrokes become sure - when the bird has staying power in the air." In this book, you will find 26 haiku or senryu written before the author passed away in 1996, arranged alphabetically by first word. This is not an ABC book for toddlers, no indeed, it is a book for thoughtful students of life, observers who want to also hold on to that fledging moment. When I shared these poems with my young readers, some were just spot on for them: "Adventures over/The cat sits in the fur ring/of his tail and dreams" was a favorite from the start, as were many others. Some, like Z may feel a little dated: "Zum Zum restaurant/A French teacher grades papers/on her lunch break." Who remembers Zum Zum? I do, an old NYC German-style fast food restaurant. A simple explanation and we moved on. This book invites kids to read and consider these lovely poems over and over and they work especially well when teaching them about how they can find poetry simply by observing life's daily routines with different eyes. Chalabi's wonderfully diverse, whimsical illustrations extend the Rosenberg's words, increasing our enjoyment of the haiku. 

Jabberwalking written and illustrated by

Juan Felipe Herrera

Candlewick Press, 2018, 144 pages

This is the perfect book to follow Sydell Rosenberg's H is for Haiku, because what is jabberwalking other than writing, drawing, journaling and walking at the same time as you "burble" what you see around you: "Scribble what you see/Scribble what you hear/ Scribble out the electric Jabber worms crawling out of you head & eyes/Scribble what that dude skating is hollering/Scribble everything that goes on in the cafeteria/Scribble what all the teachers say in the halls... According to Herrera, if we follow this method, we can all be poets, even the least poetic among us. Inspired by Lewis Carroll's poem "Jabberwocky," Herrera includes some of the words that Carroll made up for his work, and gives them new meaning, for example, a burble = a poem. Herrera divides this book into 15 instructional chapters, the content of which zigs and zags over the pages, accompanied by his drawings, and though seeming to be as nonsensical as Carroll's poem at first, they actually provide the reader with inspiration and instruction. My Kiddo came home for the holidays before heading off the China again, and announced that she was now experimenting with writing poetry. So, I gave Jabberwalking to her to see what she thought about it. Well, long story short, she loved it and won't give it back, she says she has put on her "Jabber Booots" and plans to jabberwalk in China. Need I say more about this unique book? 

A First Book of the Sea by Nicola Davies,

illustrated by Emily Sutton

Candlewick Press, 2018, 104 pages

We are a sea loving family. We have spent our summers sitting at the shoreline, watching the ebb and flow of the waves, and hoping to catch sight of a pod of dolphins heading to or from their feeding grounds. Easy to see why this book has become an instant favorite in my family. Davies has divided it into four sections: Down by the Shore, Journeys, Under the Sea, and Wonders. In Down by the Shore, Davies explores everything from the seashore to the lighthouse to the harbor, celebrating everything we are familiar with, from the boardwalk, to the creatures that live along the shoreline, to pebbles and birds, including those sneaky gulls that will swoop in and steal the food right out of your hand. begins. From the shore, Davies looks at Journeys of men and sea creatures like whales and sea turtles. From Journeys, Davies dives Under the Sea for a look at deep-ocean creatures, a place that holds countless wonders just waiting to be explored and a place where readers will meet a giant squid, flashlight fish, angler fish, sharks, and otters, among others. But readers will also learn how man is destroying this underwater wonderland with his plastic and other throwaways. Lastly, Wonders looks at all the other magical things waiting for kids to find about sea life near and far. These include tide pools, flying fish, penguins, the albatross, a shoal of ten thousand fish moving in time with each other, and of course, the dolphins swimming by. And amazingly, all of this is done in verse, and with wonderful illustrations done appropriately enough in watercolors in a palette of yellows, blues and greens evocative of sand, surf and deep ocean. This is a book that will be visited again and again.

Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets by Kwame Alexander, 

Christ Colderley and Marjory Wentworth

illustrated by Ekua Holmes

Candlewick Press, 2017, 56 pages

I was introduced to poetry by my father at a young age and I've loved it ever since and this book has become a personal favorite mine. I have gone back to this book over and over, rereading the Preface (don't skip that!) and poems and thinking about them long after I have closed the book. For me, this is a tribute not only to some of my favorite poets and some I wasn't familiar with, but to poetry itself. As Alexander writes, "A poem is a small but powerful thing. It has the power to reach inside of you, to ignite something in you, and to change you in ways you never imagined." The 20 poems are divided into three sections. Part I: Got Style? pays tribute to poets who made their own rules about writing, including Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes  and even Robert Frost. Part II: In Your Shoes looks at how we sometimes incorporate feeling, themes, and ideas of poets we like into our own work. Walter Dean Myers (see "Walter, Age Ten" (pg 14)) loved basketball. Not surprisingly, Kwame Alexander wrote the tribute poem to him (and two books about basketball). Part III: Thank You is a poetic paean to the poems and poets whose work has impacted us in a deeply personal way, to those poets who speak to us directly, and who moved us profoundly enough to respond with our own words. Each poem feels deeply personal and so inspiring. And as if the words weren't incredible enough, Ekua Holmes' wonderfully bold collage illustrations are just breathtaking and speak to the specialness of each poem and poet. This is a book to share with older readers, with those already familiar with Alexander's verse novels, or make a bundle of Rebound, The Crossover, and Out of Wonder for a really special gift. Uh oh, Out of Wonder is going to China with the Kiddo, too.

I hope these are helpful gift suggestions, and my young readers and I wish you

🎄Gift Suggestions: Biographies - A Picture Book Roundup

If you are thinking about making this a bookish Christmas, consider biographies. Biographies are a wonderful way for kids to learn about other people, the challenges they faced and how they were able to overcome them. The stories found in biographies offer some important life lessons and ways for kids to discover things about themselves. And they can be really enjoyable. Here are five books my young readers really liked reading this year and one that I really liked. Can you guess who liked which books?

Carlos Santana: Sound of the Heart, Song of the World

written by Gary Golio, 

illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez

Henry Holt and Co., BFYR, 2018, 40 pages

Born in 1947, in a small Mexican village, Carlos Santana was surrounded with music from the very beginning. His father was a mariachi player, traveling around Mexico, gone for months at a time. When home, he taught Carlos how to read music and play the violin. Papa was Carlos' musical hero but once he heard American blues on the radio, Carlos was hooked, much to his father's dismay. American blues played by musicians like Muddy Waters and B.B. King became Carlos' new musical  heroes and he longed to play the blues on a electric guitar. It was the first time music really spoke to him and made him feel alive. When his father finally gave in and got a used electric guitar for him, Carlos began to finally play the music that he had always heard inside himself - a wonderful mixture of Mexican music and American blues and jazz. As much as I have always loved the music of Carlos Santana, I didn't really know anything about him. For that reason alone, I found this biography very interesting. And while the text is pretty child-friendly, detailed and straightforward, it is through the wildly colorful illustrations that one feels what was in Carlos Santana's heart all along. The illustrations evoke a strong sense of Mexico and the blues with a mix of 1960s psychedelic, paying homage to the influences of Carlos Santana's particular sound. Back matter is included.  

Lights! Camera! Alice! The Thrilling True Adventures of the

First Woman Filmmaker

written by Mara Rockliff, 

illustrated by Simona Giraolo

Chronicle Books, 2018, 60 pages

Well, if one of the purposes of biographies is to introduce young readers (and their teacher) to people they may never have heard of, this book certainly fills that bill. Born in France in 1875, Alice Guy-Blaché loved stories, but after her father's bookstore was destroyed and he died not long after, she realized she would need to get a job. Applying at a camera company, Alice discovered moving pictures. Alice thought moving pictures were great, but why not tell a story as well. Alice loved making films even though it wasn't always easy. And she was successful, even when her stories were stolen by others. After marrying, she and her husband moved to America, where Alice continued to make movies. But after her husband went to Hollywood, Alice's business began to fail, though her story does not come to an end there. Alice was a real ground breaker, the first woman in the field of filmmaking but she has received little credit for all she accomplished. The whole book has the feel of old time movies, complete with storyboards, title cards, and text written in short, simple sentences that resemble the inter-titles of silent films, Rockliff traces Alice's life, showing how she turned her love of stories into a career which led to cutting-edge innovations in film. Complimenting the story are colorful dry media illustrations that add a bit of old-time whimsy to Alice's life story. This is a book that kids will most certainly find interesting and inspiring. Back matter is included.

Martí's Song for Freedom

Martí y sus versos pro la libertad

Written by Emma Otheguy, translated by Adriana Domainguez

illustrated by Beatriz Vidal

Children's Book Press, 2017, 32 pages

Written in both English and Spanish, Otheguy introduces young readers to Cuban poet and freedom fighter José Martí. As a boy, Martí was introduced to the beauty of the Cuban countryside by his father, and he fell in love with it. But he also realized that not everything was wonderful when he saw enclaved people cutting sugarcane, but wanting to the free. Martí wished to end slavery in Cuba, however, Spain ruled the country and didn't care about the diverse people of Cuba. When the Cubans began a war against Spain, Martí supported them, writing pamphlets and newspaper articles, for which he was arrested. At 17, he was released from jail on condition that he leave Cuba forever. Martí settled in New York, continuing to support Cuba's fight for freedom. He found solace in writing verses about nature in the Catskill Mountains, but his heart never left Cuba. And, he felt that Cuba needed him, that it was time to fight Spain for its freedom again. Martí returned home and served as a soldier, and though he died before Cuba won its freedom, the fight was finished by friends who kept his dream alive. Written in short free verse stanzas, similar to Martí's own poetry, Otheguy introduces the reader to this hero of Cuba freedom who never strayed from his belief that the Cuban people deserved their independence. The poetry is supported by Vidal's beautiful gouache illustrations, in colors reminiscent of bright, sunny, warm hues of the Cuban landscape. Back matter is included.

Turning Pages: My Life Story

Pasando páginas: La historía de mi vida

written by Sonia Sotomayor, 

illustrated by Lulu Delacre

Philomel Books, 2018, 40 pages

Sonia Sotomayor is one of two of my Supreme Court heroes and I was particularly taken when I read that she was a big reader growing up as was I and that she also loved Nancy Drew. When I saw this book about her life, I knew it was a must have. Born in NYC, Sonia's family originally came from Puerto Rico, so naturally her first language was Spanish. When she began school, Sonia had to learn English. It wasn't easy, but books made learning it fun and that was the first of many life lessons that Sonia culled from the books she read - all the through her life up to her Supreme Court appointment and continues even now. Of course, poetry and comic books also had an impact on Sonia's life. For example, as a child diagnosed with diabetes, she was afraid to give herself the necessary injections, but found superhero courage in the Justice League of America. My kids loved hearing this (so did my Kiddo, a big JLA fan from way back). This is an unusual biography and one that I would readily share with kids, and especially reluctant readers who are struggling with books and reading. I cannot tell you how much I wish I had this book when I was teaching in the Bronx, where Sonia Sotomayor grew up. My young readers haven't read enough books yet to do this, but after reading this biography, my Kiddo and I had a nice talk about some of the lessons we have taken away from books that had an impact on us. Lulu Delacre's oil-washed illustrations with collage elements add much to this biography. I like that she incorporated the covers of books Sonia read all the way through this insightful biography. This book is available in both English and Spanish. Back matter is included.  

The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague

written by Julia Finley Mosca, 

illustrated by Daniel Rieley

Innovation Press, 2018, 40 pages

In this rhyming picture book, readers are introduced to Raye Montague. "Who?" my young readers asked when I showed this book to them. And truth be told, I asked the same question when I received it. Raye Montague is an African American from Arkansas, and, it turned out, a whiz at math. At 7, her granddad took her to see a real submarine, and Raye immediately knew what she wanted to be when she grew up - an engineer building ships. The only problem was that Raye lived in the segregated south and went to a school that wasn't as good as the white school. Still, she persisted in her studies, excelling in math and eventually went to college, where she was told, engineering wasn't taught to black students. Graduating with a degree in business, Raye got a job in Washington, DC for the Navy in a department where they designed ships. Hired as a secretary, Raye was undaunted in her desire to be an engineer, and signed up for computer classes. Good thing, too, because when all the engineers got the flu, Raye was able to do her own work as well as theirs. And Raye went on to design the first ship done completely by computer in less than a day. And she still wasn't an licensed engineer! Nor was she allowed to see her computer designed ship when it was built! Why? Because she was a black woman. But Raye persisted, giving her best. Does she ever receive the recognition she so rightly deserved? Yes, she does and more, and, as my kids agreed, finally! Raye's advice to dreamers - never quit, hold your course, and don't stress. Telling this story in rhyme seemed weird at first, but it enabled Mosca to get in a lot of information in a way young readers could relate to, and it opened good discussions about race and sexism that would otherwise be difficult to introduced to young kids. I loved the simple almost cartoonish illustrations because sometimes those speak louder to kids than more realistic images. This is another inspiring, well-done STEM book for young readers. Back matter is included.

Thirty Minutes Over Orgeon: 

A Japanese Pilot's World War II Story

written by Marc Tyler Nobleman

illustrated by Melissa Iwai

Clarion Books, 2018, 40 pages

Most people don't know that during WWII, the United States was bombed by the Japanese, but bombs were actually dropped twice in 1942 in a remote, forested area near Brookings, Oregon. The airplane pilot who dropped those bombs was named Nobuo Fujita, and after the war, he returned to civilian life, though he lived with guilt over the bombings. Then, in 1962, the people of Brookings decided to invite Nobuo to their Memorial Day celebration, and he accepted the invitation. The visit led to a reconciliation between Nobuo and the citizens of Brookings. Over the course of Nobuo's life, he donated thousands of dollars for the town library to buy multicultural children's books, and he invited three high school students to Japan for a visit at his expense. After he died in 1997, some of Nobuo's ashes were scattered in the area where he dropped his bombs. Not only is this a very interesting story about little known events, but Nobuo and the residents of Brookings are an inspiring example of how enemies can become friends if only we reach out to each other, a message as relevant now as it was then. Iwai's beautiful illustrations, done in watercolor and mixed-media, really capture the gentle humanity of both the Fujita family and the Brookings residents in this picture book for older readers. Back matter is included.

I hope you find some of these useful gift suggestions, meantime my young readers and I wish you

🎄Gift Suggestions: Nature At Its Finest - A Picture Book Roundup

We have read a lot of books about nature this year and I thought I would post which ones left the greatest impression on my kids. Each one would make a wonderful holiday present for curious young readers this year.

Fur, Feather, Fin: All Of Us Are Kin

written by Diane Lang, illustrated by Stephanie Laberis

Beach Lane Books, 2018, 48 pages, Age 3+

The animal kingdom is just chockablock with diversity and in this rhyming nonfiction work, Lang introduces young readers to six diverse classes of animals - mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, arthropods, and fish - and two different animal categories - water dwellers and detritivores. Within each class and category, Lang manages to describe the characteristics of each class, the similarities they share with each other and their differences. For example, kids learn that mammals such as bears, dogs, and even whales are born not hatched, that the they are fur bearing, and that mama mammals nurse their young, providing them with nourishment and warmth. Turn the page and young readers discover that they too are mammals - diverse yet connected. The rhyme is simple but informative, giving just enough information so that kids aren't overwhelmed with facts they are too young to fully appreciate. This is a really nice introduction to the animal world. Laperis' spot illustrations are naturalistic and warm, and invite readers to explore.    

Lovely Beasts: The Surprising Truth

Written by Kate Gardner, illustrated by Heidi Smith

Balzer & Bray, 2018, 48 pages, Age 4+ 

Basically, this is a book about breaking animal stereotypes and showing young readers that there are two sides to each of the lovely beasts spotlighted in the charming book. Spiders may be creepy at first, but turn the page and discover what great crafters they are spinning their intricate webs; bats may look ugly but they also play an important role in controlling insect populations, thereby helping the environment. Some bats even help replant forests, and others disperse seeds. Young readers will learn these facts and more. Each animal is given two two-page spreads, one showing the common belief about them with a supporting illustration, and one showing their softer side, also with supporting illustration. Each of Smith's illustrations, done in charcoal pencil, then photoshopped, are gentle, thoughtful, and focused. Text and illustrations create a real celebration the biodiversity of the animals and their importance in the ecosystem. Back matter is included.

A Day in a Forested Wetland by Kevin Kurtz,

illustrated by Sherry Neidigh

Arbordale Publishing, 2018, 32 pages, Age 4+

Kids can spend a day in this forested wetland and see just what goes on and meet the many different species that make their home there. Following the same format as his other A Day in...series, Kurtz rhyming text begins with sunrise in the wetland and goes through a 24 hour cycle, introducing a multitude of species active at different parts of the day and night. There are a few drawbacks to this book. One is that the rhyme doesn't work in two places (my kids didn't notice this) and it feels forced, and two, there are some words that need to be defined in the context of the creature being talked about (we made a list of those words and looked them up later, then went back to the page where they were found). However, Neidigh's illustrations are beautifully detailed, yet with a simplicity that will help young readers work out some of the definition omissions. A wise teacher can do much with this book, as I found out using it with my kids. There is some very useful back matter with activities for kids to do, all of which can be photocopied and used in classrooms. There is a longer focus on the beaver, a page covering the different kinds of wetlands, and a search and find picture where kids have to match the animal with its name and what it does. My kids were particularly taken with this and it actually generated lots of talk about the animals. 

Fly with Me: A Celebration of Birds Through Pictures, Poems, and Stories 

by Jane Yolen, Heidi E.Y. Stemple, Adam Stemple, and Jason Stemple

National Geographic Kids, 2018, 192 pages, age 9+

This is an absolutely stunning book, a worthy tribute to Jane Yolen's late husband, and father of Heidi Stemple, who was an ardent birder. It is filled with facts, poetry, and stories, along with information about each bird. There is a wide variety of birds and each one gets it own page with a stunning full color photograph. I found myself slowly poring over the breathtakingly beautiful photography, reading and rereading the poetry and learning more than a few things about birds. I thought my kids would be a little young for this book, but there was plenty for them to enjoy. They liked learning that there are state birds and that ours in New York is an Eastern Bluebird, a bird we share with Missouri. There were songs that have been adapted to birds, and we had a lot of fun learning and singing them, and we are now participating in some of the birding project suggested on page 170 including the Audubon Christmas Bird Count. This is a book we will be returning to again and again. My kids favorite bird? - the Bee Hummingbird on page 127.

Birds and Their Feathers written and illustrated by Britta Teckentrap

Prestel Junior, 2018, 96 pages, age 6+

Did you know that the study of feathers is call plumology? Well, neither did I until I read this book. This is a small, more subdued book that is mainly focused on feathers. And feathers, it turns out, are quite amazing, or as Teckentrap writes "Feather are among the most remarkable things made by nature. They are delicate, complex, extravagant, beautiful and strong - all at the same time." The development and the structure of feathers are covered, as well as the types, the colors, and the size of feathers. My kids and I were interested to learn that our favorite bird - the bee hummingbird - has the smallest feathers in the bird kingdom. There is all kinds of other little known information included and it is all fascinating. Teckentrap's delicate illustrations are all realistically detailed in soft earth tones. I really enjoyed sharing this book with my kids even though some of the information was a little advanced for them. Since kids always seem to like finding feathers in the park, this seems like an ideal book for them.

Magnificent Birds illustrated by Narisa Togo

Candlewick Studio, 2018, 32 pages, age 10+

Illustrator Narisa Togo has created this lovely book featuring fourteen different birds and it certainly reflects her own lifelong avian love. Each bird is placed in its customary habitat and given a two page linocut spread done in a palette of soft, subtle but natural color. Accompanying each illustration is text that gives the bird's name, species, and to where it is native. For example, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Arcbilocbus Colubris, Native to North and Central America. Togo has really captured the natural beauty and drama of each bird, from the more common of the species to the more unusual, offering the reader a wide variety from around the world. Young readers who are already interested in birds will appreciate this book, and those who haven't discovered the fascinating world of birding are in for a real treat. 

Welcome to the Neighborwood written and illustrated by Shawn Sheehy

Candlewick Press, 2015, 18 pages, age 4+

This is definitely a favorite with my kids - it's a pop-up book about seven different animals that live in the forest. Each one is a builder in its own right, born with the tools and the know-how they need for constructing their different homes. There is the land snail living in its own mobile home, the hummingbird is a master at building nests and hiding them, the garden spider spins its sticky, intricate webs, the honeybee and its hive, the potter wasp who builds a kind of lunch box for its offspring, the beaver who creates its own habitat complete with underwater entry tunnels, and finally, the stickleback, builder of an underwater nest for the mother of his offspring. Sheehy includes a fair amount of age appropriate information about all of these creatures, with accompanying pop-up of them in their environment. He brings it all together with a pop-up of their neighbors, stressing the interdependence and harmony in which they reside in the "Neighborwood."

My First Wild Activity Book written by Isabel Otter-Barry Ross,

illustrated by Maxime Lebrun

Silver Dolphin Books, 2018, 32 pages, age 5+

I love activity books and this is perfect for budding naturalists. It begins with an invitation to become an explorer and to take a journey through seven different habitats around the world, including the rainforest, the desert, the ocean, the mountains, the savanna, and the polar ice of the North and South Poles. Within each habitat, kids will find pictures to color, puzzles to solve, spot the difference challenges, seek and finds, mazes to travel, and dots to connect. The illustrations are friendly and brightly colored. There are scenic fold-out illustrations for each habitat, and stickers at the back of the book that kids can use to finish each scene. I like this book not only because it has lots of information for kids to learn about the natural world, but it also helps to develop problem solving skills. My kids and I spent a lot of time with this book before we went on to some of the other books I've included here. We had a lot of fun while learning new information about animals and where they live. 

I have included three books about birds in this post, partly because they are such good books and partly because birds the the easiest way to begin fostering an interest in nature. We all have birds wherever we live. When my Kiddo was young, and learning about the natural world, I bought her a pair of binoculars, a waterproof notebook, and an inexpensive camera (nowadays, you can use your phone camera) and we would go to the park to see what we could find. We made a nature book filled with pictures, leaves. pressed flowers and anything else we found that looked interesting. I'm not in the business of promoting products, but these are what I use now:

I hope you find some of these gift ideas useful, meantime I wish you 

The Third Mushroom by Jennifer L. Holm

I loved reading The Fourteenth Goldfish, in which Ellie Cruz's 76-year-old scientist grandfather, Dr. Melvin Sargarsky, holder of two PhDs, turned himself into a 13 year old boy. Needless to say, fun and some chaos ensured, but in the end, Melvin decided to leave and do some traveling.

Now 14, Melvin is back and enrolled as an 8th grader in the same middle school where Ellie is in 7th grade. Melvin hasn't changed much - he's still hungry all the time, as curmudgeon-y as ever, and still having difficulty dealing with "the Puberty," and still having trouble dealing with the fact that he can't drive a car. He's also brought home an axolotl from his travels which becomes the basis of a science fair project with Ellie (Axolotl are amphibians that have the ability to regenerate limbs). Getting permission to work after school in the new labs there, Melvin and Ellie experiment with feeding bits of the axolotl to fruit flies. When the fruit flies grow extra legs, they begin to wonder if their findings might lead to something important for humans.

Meanwhile, Ellie and her best friend Raj decide to see if they should take their relationship to the next level, and the two go on a date to the movies. When it doesn't work out, Ellie wonders if they have ruined the wonderful friendship they have. And speaking of friendships, Ellie's old best friend, Brianna, seems to be wondering back into Ellie's life. Does she want to be friends again?

At home, Ellie and her mother are really happy now that mom is remarried to Ben, who is kind absent for the most part in the book. Ellie's beloved cat Jonas has also found a companion in the neighboring cat and the two spend their days playing and roaming around. Sadly, though, Jonas is hit by a car, and even though Ellie and Melvin try to save him with a bit of axolotl, he is beyond saving.

Melvin (as a man) had never remarried or shown any interest in another woman after Ellie's grandmother passed away. To Ellie's surprise, she discovers her grandmother's love for romance novels, and begins reading through her collection, saved by Melvin. Now though, romance seems to be in the air again for Melvin when Ellie realizes he is flirting with the school librarian, Mrs. Barrymore - but how is that going to work out?

Ellie and Melvin are such great characters in this character-driven novel. They are well-developed, they have distinct personalities, problems, and interests, yet they handle what life throws at them so well. And what life throws at them are the same kinds to things that middle grade kids have to deal with everyday (well, maybe not their grandfathers transforming into teenage boys). Middle grade is a time a so much change and Holm really depicts it well here.

Since Melvin is a scientist (with 2 Phds), it is the ideal way to introduce some real STEM information into the book. First, by showing Ellie participating in a science fair project, even though she's a good math and science student already, and second, it gives Melvin a chance to tell Ellie about some important scientific discoveries and the people who made them. This is expanded at the back of the book under "Mellie's Gallery of Scientists" (Mellie = Melvin + Ellie) as well as Recommended Resources for Continuing the Conversation.

The Third Mushroom is such a fun book to read, and a worthy sequel to The Fourteenth Goldfish. I love the way the title doesn't make sense until you've almost reached the end of the book, and then wham! it all falls into place and makes sense. And I really hope there is a third novel, despite what happens at the end of this one.

This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was borrowed from the NYPL

🎄A Christmas Picture Book Roundup ☃️

As my mother used to sing "Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat." Well, I've never eaten goose and I probably never will, but I do have a nice roundup of Christmas picture books for your young readers who are eagerly awaiting the arrive of Saint Nick. My young readers loved them and I hope yours will, as well.

Last Stop On The Reindeer Express by Maudie Powell-Tuck, 

illustrated by Karl James Mountford

Doubleday BFYR, 2018, 32 pages

Mia has made her grandfather a card in school, but her mother tells her it's too late to mail it to him in time for Christmas because he lives so far away. Disappointed, Mia decides to mail her card anyway, and takes it to a mailbox in the Christmas market, one that has a door instead of a slot and a sign that says "Turn knob three times to send parcel." Suddenly the door opens and inside is a magical room that houses the Reindeer Express. Taking a carrot from a cheerful lady, Mia heads out another door to find a reindeer ready to eat his carrot and take her on a magical journey to deliver her Christmas card to her grandfather. And to her surprise, when she returns to the Christmas market and her mom, Mia discovers no time has passed while she was visiting her grandfather. When a toy reindeer shows up in a present from her grandfather on Christmas morning, young readers will find themselves wondering what really happened in the Christmas market. My kids thought this book was a lot of fun, and they especially liked the lift-the-flap and die-cut pages that become something different when the page is turned. Mountford's colorful folk art pages add to the magical Chrismasy atmosphere that runs through this book. 

The Lost Christmas written and illustrated by B. B. Cronin

Viking BFYR, 2018, 40 pages

Kids who are already familiar with Brian Cronin's previous books The Lost House and The Lost Picnic are in for another treat. Kids who are not familiar with these books are in for a fun seek and find adventure all done in neon pinks, greens, oranges, and yellows. In this installment, Grandad's grandchildren have come over to help him decorate his Christmas tree. The only problem is that forgetful Grandad can't find all his decorations. And no wonder, his whole house is just massively cluttered with all kinds of stuff. In the running narrative at the bottom of each page, readers are invited to help Grandad and the kids find the decorations among the clutter. For example, one two page spread has Grandad and the kids standing outside looking at an array of snowman with the text: "The rest of the ornaments could be anywhere. But could any be outside? They don't see any - do you?" Naturally, my young readers and I searched each page with the help of a magnifying glass (kids love magnifying glasses). This was really a fun interactive book to spend time with - a lot of time. Finding those ornaments isn't easy, but once the kids are engaged, they don't give up easily.

Mrs. Clause Takes the Reins by Sue Fliess, 

illustrated by Mark Chambers

Two Lions, 2018, 32 pages

It's Christmas Eve Morning and Santa is really sick. Will Christmas have to be cancelled? No, it won't, thanks to Mrs. Claus. While Santa stays in bed sipping some nice hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows, Mrs. Claus and the elves get everything ready for what seems to be her maiden voyage. Dressed in a Christmas green coat, an aviator cap and googles, Mrs. Claus sets off on Christmas Eve and everything goes well until some turbulent weather hits followed by an incoming duck throwing the sleigh off track. Unlike Santa, who seems to have magic on his side for dealing with such things, Mrs. Claus uses her brain and figures out how to get herself back on course both times. In the end, Mrs. Claus finishes the job with ten minutes to spare and arrives home to a hero's celebration in her honor. Mrs. Claus saves Christmas without any help from her husband. This is a fun story, with a nice positive message for girls, told in the same rhyme as The Night Before Christmas. The colorful digital illustrations in happy Christmas colors adds to the fun. 

I Got The Christmas Spirit by Connie Schoefield-Morrison, 

illustrated by Frank Morrison

Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2018, 32 pages

A young city girl wakes up one morning really feeling the Christmas spirit and it just expands as she and her mother go through their day enjoying the holiday season. First stop, at a Salvation Army bell ringers kettle to donate what she has saved all year; then a stop to join some carolers; there are roasting chestnuts to enjoy; outdoor ice skating with mom, shop windows to admire; a Santa to cheer up with a big smile; a homeless mother and child to help out; and finally, a loving dad to greet by the community Christmas tree. In the end, young readers learn that while all these things spell Christmas spirit, the real spirit of Christmas - peace, good tidings, and cheer - comes from within and should be lived all year long. The book has such a positive message of giving and caring in a season that sometimes feels like it's just about getting that it is a refreshing look at the holidays. The oil painted illustrations really capture Christmas in the city and all things warm and wonderful to be found there during the holidays without forgetting those less fortunate. The big smile and happiness of this young protagonist is sure to bring the spirit of the season to readers both young and old.

Santa Claus Bruce written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins

Disney-Hyperion, 2018, 40 pages

OK, I have to admit, my kids and I love all the Bruce books, and this is no exception. Curmudgeony bear Bruce is still living with his children - three mice and four geese - and trying to get some winter sleep. Unfortunately for him, the kids are full of holiday spirit, and from decorating the house to making eggnog, they are pretty determined that it's going to be a holiday filled with fun and cheer. Not so for Bruce, who now has to deal with being cold and grumpy. Wearing a red jacket and matching hat with white trim, a little forest creature mistakes him for Santa. Soon all the young forest animals arrive at Bruce's house wanting to see Santa, followed by their grateful parents. But can three mice and four geese convince Bruce to climb into their makeshift sled and delivered presents to the young forest animals? This book may have made me laugh even more than the kids, and they laughed plenty. Bruce is just as lovingly grumpy as ever, and his brood is just as energetic and enthusiastic. We read this so many times, I began to have it memorized, yet my kids never got tire of it. This is a nice addition to the Bruce oeuvre and one to enjoy all winter long.

Merry Christmas, Little Elliot  

written and illustrated by Mike Curato

Henry Holt, 2018, 40 pages

Little Elliot has the Christmas blues, he just can't find the holiday spirit. His best friend Mouse just wants to help, so first they go to see Santa, but when Elliot asks him for some Christmas spirit, Santa tells he has to find it within himself. Next, Elliot and Mouse see a Christmas ballet, but that doesn't help. Then, they visit the tree at Rockefeller Center, but still no spirit. Even sleigh riding in the park is a disappointment. But while sitting on a park bench, a gust of wind brings a red envelop addressed to Santa Elliot's way. When Elliot and Mouse try to deliver it, Macy's is closed. There's only one thing to do - open the letter and see if they can help the sender. Jump into a cab, they travel to a house in the suburbs, where a young girl opens the door. "Merry Christmas," they shout, "we are here to deliver your gift." As Elliot hugs her, readers see her letter to Santa: "Dear Santa, Merry Christmas. I would like some good friends. Love, Noelle." At last, Elliot has found the Christmas spirit, just as Santa said, within himself. This is the fifth book in the Little Elliot series, and, no doubt, his fans will love adding this to their collections. This sweet little polka dot elephant and his friend Mouse can find their way into the heart of even the staunchest Scrooge. Curato's pencil and digital soft focus illustrations have the same high quality, old fashioned feeling that one finds in the earlier Little Elliot books. I really liked the message of friendship at a time of the year that can be very lonely for some people. It sparked some good discussion with my young readers (who all Little Elliot fans).

My kids and I wish you

A Hanukkah Picture Book Roundup

Hanukkah is the joyous festival of lights, hope, and miracles. It begins on December 2nd this year and runs until December 10th. Hanukkah, which means dedication in Hebrew, celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after a small group of Jewish fighters, lead by Judah Maccabee, fought and drove the occupying Greeks from the Holy Land. After, there was only enough oil to last one night for relighting the eternal flame in the Holy Temple, but miraculously, the oil lasted for 8 nights, until new oil arrived.

There are many excellent picture books about Hanukkah, but here is a round-up of some of my favorites.

All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

Schwartz & Wade, 2018, 40 pages

It's Hanukkah 1912 on the Lower East Side of NYC and the five all-of-a-kind girls, Ella, 12, Henny, 10, Sarah, 8, Charlotte, 6, and Gertie, 4, are very excited. Hanukkah means lightening the Menorah and eating Mama's wonderful latkes with applesauce that she only makes once a year. Everyone is busy with preparing the ingredients for the latkes except Gertie, who's still just a little too young. Mad, Gertie storms off to the bedroom and hides under the bed. She's sure that they'll be sorry when they can't find her. But then Papa comes home and begins looking for her. Will he be able to find Gertie so that she can to the help him with the most important job, lighting the menorah? 

This is such a lovely family centered picture book. Everyone works together to make their Hanukkah celebration a joyous time, from working in the kitchen to lighting the menorah in the window for everyone to see. Emily Jenkins and Paul Zelinsky have really managed to capture the feeling of warmth and togetherness of this Eastern European immigrant family that runs throughout the original Sydney Taylor novels. Not an easy task when you are dealing with such a beloved classic series. And this is the perfect way to introduce younger readers to the All-of-a-Kind stories. I just love Zelinsky's boldly colored digital illustrations and the way they really bring the all-of-a-kind family and the Lower East Side to life.
You'll also find lots of additional information about Hanukkah and the All-of-a- Kind novels in the back matter, which includes a glossary of Yiddish terms.

You can also find a detailed Educator Guide HERE 
And you can download and print three illustrations from the story for your young readers to color HERE
And if Mama's potato latkes made your mouth water the way they did mine, and you would like to make some, too, you can find Emily Jenkins' favorite recipe (with comments from Paul Zelinsky) HERE
What a wonderful Hanukkah gift this book would make.

A Great Miracle Happened There: A Chanukah Story by Karla Kuskin,

illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker

Willa Perlman Books, 1993, 32 pages

If you are looking for a clear, thoughtful book about the story about why Chanukah is celebrated, this may be just the book you want. The ancient story is framed around a contemporary friendship between a Jewish boy, the story's narrator, and his non-Jewish friend Henry. As the family gets ready to celebrate the first night of Chanukah, Henry is asked if he would like to stay. It's the perfect excuse to explain everything from lighting the first candle to the prayers and special blessing and even playing with a dreidel. Then the narrator's mother tells the story of how Judah Maccabee and his small group of fighters overthrew the Greeks and take back the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Her story is brought to life as the illustrations shift from the family's home to the events of long ago. The muted watercolors juxtapose the warmth of the modern day family with the plight of the Jews so long ago. This is a serious look at Chanukah, but one that is really detailed without being overwhelming. It is both a wonderfully informative addition to a family's collection of books about Judaism's history and equally informative for non-Jews who want to know more. And did you know that the four Hebrew letters sides of a dreidel, Nun, Gimmel, Hay, Shin, stand for the words "Nes Gadol Haya Sham" which  then translates into "a great miracle happened there?"

Meet the Latkes written and illustrated by Alan Silberberg

Viking BFYR, 2018, 36 pages

On the other hand, if you are looking for something a little more lighthearted for your younger readers, this book might be of interest. A family of latkes - mom, dad, brother Lex, younger sister Lucy and her dog Applesauce - are all ready to celebrate Hanukkah. Well, not teenager Lex, he just wants to stay in his room and read comic books. After the menorah is lit, there's dreidels to be spun, and gelt to be eaten, and the Hanukkah story to be told - with alien digressions, of course. This feels like the world's most frenetic Hanukkah ever but in the end, young readers have a few good laughs while they learn the Hanukkah story. It helps to know that author Alan Silberberg is a former writer for Nickelodeon. His colorful illustrations have a definite cartoon feeling, but how could they not, after all, the characters are fried potato pancakes. On a serious side, Silberberg includes a more straightforward version of the Hanukkah story in the back matter along with an glossary of people and unfamiliar works. Interestingly, this is one of the few books that addresses why there are different ways of spelling Hanukkah. Gelt means money in Yiddish and Hanukkah Gelt is usually foil covered chocolate coins given as a gift. We used to find Hanukkah Gelt in our Christmas stockings along withe the traditional orange, a gift from our Jewish relatives.

Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas by Pamela Ehrenberg

illustrated by Anjan Sarkar

Farrar Straus Giroux, 2017, 40 pages

It's Hanukkah but there won't be latkes on our narrator's family table. Mom is Indian, dad is Jewish American, and instead of latkes, there be wonderful dosas. First, there's a trip to the Indian store to buy everything, but the narrator's little sister Sadie loves to climb and next thing they know, she's climbed up a display of coconut milk cans. Her brother gets her down by singing the dreidel song with a made up twist - "I have a little dosa, I made it out of dal" - and down Sadie comes. It's a good thing because after all the dosas are prepared for the first night of Hanukkah, the family accidentally gets locked out when the rest of the family arrives and they have to rely on getting Sadie through an open window to unlock the door. But then Sadie refuses to climb down from the table to do it until her brother finishes his made up dreidel/dosa song. Luckily, all works out and the family's celebrations is saved. The illustrations are fun, and there are bits of the Hanukkah story throughout, though it does presume young readers already know the story and are familiar with Hanukkah. This is a nice family story showing how diverse family's can celebrate religious holidays by incorporating different cultural traditions into the holiday without losing the original meaning. A real bonus: there's a recipe for dosas and sambar at the end of the book. 

Yitzi and the Giant Menorah written and illustrated by Richard Ungar

Tundra Books, 2016, 32 pages 

This is really one of my favorite kind of story - it has the kind of flavor of an old Jewish folktale even though it is relatively new. The Mayor of Lublin arrives in Chelm with a gift for the people there - a giant menorah, as big as if not bigger than a tree. After lighting it for the first night of Hanukkah, the people of Chelm decide they had to thank the Mayor of Lubin for such a glorious gift. On the second night of Hanukkah, they decided to send the Mayor some delicious latkes made by Rivka the Cook. Shmulik was given the job of delivering the latkes, but they smell so good, he eats them up on the road. Each night of Hanukkah, the people of Chelm decide on a new way to thank the Mayor, and each day it just goes wrong. Finally, Yitzi, the son of Avrum, comes up with the perfect way to let the Mayor know who grateful the people of Chelm are for his wonderful gift. The villagers have been so busy trying to think of ways to thank him that they still hadn't sung any Hanukkah songs. So, on the last night of Hanukkah, Yitzi suggests that they take the menorah up to the top of their highest hill, light the eight candles, and sing Hanukkah songs while the Mayor looks on from an opposite hill near Lubin. Sure enough, the Mayor is quite moved by what he sees and the people's gratitude. You might be interested to know that Chelm, in Jewish folklore, is a town of good-hearted people who sometimes act rather foolishly, and Ungar has captured that perfectly in this story. The illustrations are vibrantly bold watercolor monoprints. There is plenty of humor to be found in the story and it also would a wonderful addition to home Hanukkah libraries.

The last two books are abridged versions of books I previously reviewed elsewhere.

Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Richard and Tanya Simon, 

illustrated by Mark Siegel 

Roaring Brook Press, 2015, 40 pages

Before leaving Germany shortly after Kristallnacht in 1938, Oskar's father tells him to always look for the blessings. After arriving in NYC on the seventh night of Hanukkah, Oskar must walk up Broadway to 103rd Street alone and find the aunt he's never met and who doesn't even know he is coming. NYC can be a daunting place even today, and I can only imagine what Manhattan would have felt like to this young Jewish refugee, having just escaped the cruelty of the Nazis, having no money and not speaking any English. But New York can also be magical, especially during the holidays, a place where blessings actually can happen and as Oskar makes his way uptown, he meets kind people and discovers eight wonderful blessings. This book works on so many different levels, but it is first and foremost a beautiful, sensitive Hanukkah story that really demonstrates that it truly is a season of hope, light, and miracles. The fact that the seventh night of Hanukkah is Christmas Eve, also a season of hope, light, and miracles, only adds to the ambiance of the blessings. But it can also be a gentle way to begin introducing the Holocaust to young readers by explaining to them what happened on Kristallnacht and why Oskar's parents sent him so far away all by himself. Simon's text is sparse but lyrical, and the story is carried forward wonderfully by Mark Siegel's paneled illustrations, done in a variety of sizes. Siegel had chosen a palette of greys and earth tones, with splashed of color. so that they convey the overcast sky on the cold, snowy day of Oskar's arrival. This is a favorite with my young readers and we read a lot.

Nine Spoons: a Chanukah Story by Marci Stillerman, 

illustrated by Pesach Gerber

Hachai Publishing, 1998, 32 pages

This is another one of my favorite Chanukah stories. Every year, when Oma's family celebrates Chanukah, she tells them the story of the Children's Menorah. One winter, in the concentration camp where she was, her bunk-mate Raizel said that Chanukah was coming. Raizel is an artist and wants to find a way to help the children in the barracks celebrate the holiday. She comes up with the idea of making a menorah out of spoons, but spoons were prized possessions among the people in the camp. Nevertheless, in various, often surreptitious ways, nine spoons are collected. Raizel twists the handles around to make a stem, with the bowls of the spoons facing upwards and attaches it to a piece of wood. The spoons are filled with stolen kitchen oil and lit with stolen thread twisted into wicks, and the children in the camp are able to secretly celebrate Chanukah. After the war, Oma had kept the menorah and the children in her family use it every year to remember how this miracle had happened under such dangerous conditions. This was based on a true story, told to the author by the woman survivor who brought the menorah with her after the war when she came to the U.S. This story really demonstrates the victory of light over darkness, which is, after all, what Chanukah is all about.