tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618822361049284982024-03-13T05:09:40.625-07:00BiblioZealous"She fed her spirit with the bread of books..."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-50548575203476959002015-06-04T12:31:00.001-07:002015-06-25T17:32:18.684-07:00www.TheBleedingPelican.comAll of my posts have been transferred to <a href="http://thebleedingpelican.com/">The Bleeding Pelican</a>. That is the site I'll be using to muse on picture books (and life) from here on out. Please join me over there; you can sign up for updates right here! Thank you!!!<br />
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After much discernment and receiving counsel from trusted sources, I'm going to be reintegrating myself into the blogging world, outside of just picture books. Instead of just writing and saving all the files on my computer, I will be publishing them online for now. For whatever it's worth, I am called to write and to make my thoughts known (to myself and others!)<br />
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If you are interested in my musings outside of the picture book world, I'd be happy to have you tune in.<br />
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Blessings!<br />
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<a href="http://thebleedingpelican.com/"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><i>The Bleeding Pelican</i></span></b></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-18781216598789554042015-05-26T12:30:00.001-07:002015-05-26T12:31:04.412-07:00And now for something peculiar.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764959581/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0764959581&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=NYM3SUIRBV4HCHBP" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0764959581&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=biblioz-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0764959581" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></a><br />
Have you met Treehorn yet? I just finished <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764959581/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0764959581&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=NJC6YFCTQGO7MC5R">The Treehorn Trilogy</a> and was delighted at the unexpected, unorthodox tales of this odd little boy and his completely aloof, dismissive parents. When <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0823401898/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0823401898&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=QOGKOCEITPSNN2QD">Treehorn shrinks</a>, all mother can say is "That's nice, dear." When <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UNQDBQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001UNQDBQ&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=WIYAGEVV2JP64ZSG">money starts to grow on Treehorn's tree</a>, it's a "You can't go outside after dark, dear." And when <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0823404935/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0823404935&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=YA3PK4J72D5UM3KD">Treehorn has a birthday</a>, he gets a sweater, leftover casserole and left alone with his birthday cake.<br />
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Modern parents will not like the Treehorn books. They will be disturbed by the morbid disinterest all the adults have for this child throughout his stories. Of course, the notorious <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Gorey">Edward Gorey</a> probably clamored to get this illustrating gig. I'm certain no one else could have so perfectly captured Treehorn's dull face or the parent's apathy. His pen and ink drawings are perfect here. I find these stories to be sheer delights. They aren't the treasures to use for capturing the hearts or inspiring virtue in young children, to be sure... but they are certainly a peculiar and even thought-provoking diversion for slightly older readers: my 10 and 12 year olds found Treehorn dreadfully amusing.<br />
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And off-the-beaten-path items that capture their imagination at this age, are items to which I like to introduce my children. To be exposed to the various genres of literature, even in the picture book world, is a valuable thing I think, when properly timed on a developmental level. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-20466720478386143102015-05-19T13:49:00.000-07:002015-05-20T09:11:20.030-07:00Top 10 Summer Family Read Alouds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While picture books are my bread and butter, all families should be reading aloud longer chapter books with their children. With summer peeking over the horizon now, it's a good time to plan out your summer read-aloud(s). Reading as a family, morning, noon or at night, is an excellent way to stay connected with all the activities of a freewheeling summer. Audio books make for a superb option as you are road tripping. And certain books are just perfect for this warm season in particular... here are my choices for optimal summer reading that the whole family will enjoy:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1567924204/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1567924204&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=2SYIWCSQ2RFPXODH" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1567924204&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" height="200" width="135" /></a> It's a classic for a reason. The four siblings are slightly more grounded in this world than the Narnia children, but the similarities are still there. I was unsure that my children would really get into the fairly descriptive, not-exactly-cliff-hangar-chapters, but they ate it up! Sailing, adventure, independent children soaking up summertime bliss. Something about Ransome's style just weaves enough magic into the story to make a solid impression on children aged 7-13 in this house! The only unfortunate thing is that while this book makes its way on lots of "best of" lists, not a lot of people make efforts to continue the series; the books <i>are </i>a bit lengthy... but so worth it. We are knee deep into the sequel: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1567924212/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1567924212&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=POGTDHPUVPHMQMEC">Swallowdale</a> in our family and loving every bit of it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064405850/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0064405850&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=4ADNV4SHI5DHASPW" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0064405850&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" height="200" width="132" /></a><br />
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Don't be mislead by the sweet cover. While it's tempting to want to curl up with your 5 year old daughter with this for a cute innocent adventure (try <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0753453320/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0753453320&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=4NK6WQN34SWCWLLP">Milly-Molly-Mandy</a> for that), the book is admittedly best suited for slightly older children... maybe age 10 or so. Feuding and intrigue and happy endings... all taking place in the heat of the south. Grab some iced tea and enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0812419421/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0812419421&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=NGLN2HGCCZWBFUZE" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0812419421&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" height="200" width="120" /></a><br />
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So, it sounds like a Roald Dahl comedy: boy finds a bunch of monkeys who escaped from a circus train. A large reward goes to whomever can return them to the owner. But the book isn't a funny book by design. It's full of adventure and suspense and for the sake of all that is good, do NOT get the paperback version which has a photograph of the boy on the cover. Photograph covers on books constitute a cardinal sin in my opinion (more on cardinal publishing sins to come)—no room is left for a child to form his own personal impression in their own minds; photograph covers ruin imaginations! Anyway, it's a great book!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670377295/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0670377295&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=IH3IZHI3TIA5IRIU" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0670377295&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" height="200" width="137" /></a><br />
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We <i>love</i> Homer Price in this family! He is just the bee's knees if you asked my boys and easy, independent chapters of his adventures back in the 'good ol' days' will be perfect for lazy summer reading... don't forget <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670209775/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0670209775&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=SBGQST7ZGD5Y3MLT">the sequel</a>! Light, enjoyable reading at its finest.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1930900538/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1930900538&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=TVFISRFCVDU3XO77" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1930900538&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" height="200" width="140" /></a><br />
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Boys only please (okay, I would've read and loved them as a tomboy 'tween but your mileage may vary). These guys have a clubhouse, impressive IQs and adventures galore that would fill your child's brain with plain old good stuff during summertime.<br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/31-1_m_7cSg8UbLjWjzCBtTC1ppEsXY-BZGlRirHMtu0VuTBGYAXo23C_7pmov5GrJMp1GunaUnIOWKIuthT3M07fcCl7oNWcgK1sFxKkKqkBPrk7bBB0uQ4jPvUUUKsyl1Rppe28p72VW2rSDtAFPak1dMtJVNdFbA0oAdZeR3UAd-vsxm0tx9nI6cD4QWK77BP5p8fCsJl6Lq9FqGAcbmHz4UZY6Xlrt_537NFID4xVLSVHA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0061124958&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" height="200" width="133" /></a><br />
Summertime is E.B. White time! This is the time to bust out the glorious, early chapter books to your 5 and 6+ year olds. Be it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061124958/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061124958&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=WH6RLYUS3DOLJABL">Charlotte's Web</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060263954/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0060263954&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=JVPVYGIUEM322FFL">Stuart Little</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064410943/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0064410943&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=7YYCZQBZ2FVBWUUQ">The Trumpet of the Swan</a>... all are so perfectly suited to long, slow summer days. I re-read <i>Stuart Little</i> recently with my children and was reminded again at how unique White is in the children's literature world: the ending is moving and poignant... but not your typical super-happy, loose ends tied up conclusion. Same with <i>Charlotte's Web </i>now that I think about it. I remember feeling sad at the dear little spiders floating away to find their place in the world... (even though I can only WISH that spiders in my house would float away...)<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0147514029/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0147514029&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=PBENQNTMZJK6J2MD" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0147514029&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" height="200" width="142" /></a><br />
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Oh my! Oh my! Have you seen the "Puffin in Bloom" collection yet?! The covers are stunning! Yeah, yeah, Heidi is fantastic summertime reading (watch out for the photograph covered editions, blech!). What could be greater than the Alps and a wild child and new friendships?! But seriously, check out this new cover by artist Anna Bond. And there's a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0147518741/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0147518741&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=G76WPFCVOYHJD7JK">whole set of them coming soon!</a> What a stunning gift even an individual title would make here. Take a look at the individual covers <a href="https://riflepaperco.com/in-bloom-book-collection/">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0803281781/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0803281781&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=EHTWKN7J6ZLDFGNI" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0803281781&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" height="200" width="130" /></a><br />
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Often called "The boy's Little House series", <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0803281781/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0803281781&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=EHTWKN7J6ZLDFGNI">Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers</a> is great for boys and girls in my opinion. And this title is where it all starts. And let me tell you: these stories are so incredibly satisfying for both parent and child. There is just enough of a hat tip to adult sensibilities to make these books fantastic for everyone. I bought it on audio and we listened to it on our way to a camping trip last year. So, so, so good. A must have for anyone who loves the value of hard work, simple humor, and excellent storytelling.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142427527/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0142427527&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=FTGBCRMK6LVTIKQV" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0142427527&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" height="200" width="144" /></a><br />
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But of course!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/145286506X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=145286506X&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=QHNZZBF276AFH7PW" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=145286506X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" height="200" width="131" /></a><br />
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Back in print! Back in print! I'm so excited to find <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/145286506X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=145286506X&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=QHNZZBF276AFH7PW">The Happy Hollisters</a> revived in popularity. What is so lovely about this family of five children who get mixed up into lots of little mysteries and adventures is that they are always positive and fun. I devoured almost the entire series of these books when I was about 10 or so and longed for more titles. My cousin and I used to spend hours reading together, pretending we were just reading them to make fun of the funny, vintage language some kids used ("Gee whillakers!") but that's because we thought we were too cool to actually enjoy the fun in these books. Thankfully, my children don't think they are too cool for these books and they are eating up every copy I manage to acquire. They are all great reading, don't need to be read consecutively, and some particularly summery titles are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1456502263/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1456502263&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=XSI6VQXR5BSOXQ5J">The Happy Hollisters on a River Trip</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1460936884/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1460936884&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=VU6NSKCXITMRGDNA">The Happy Hollisters at Sea Gull Beach</a>...<br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><i>* * * The Honorable Mention "Next 10"or "After Further Thought" Additions to this list. * * *</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0393331660/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0393331660&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=KUHLS7NVXFAADL5Z">The Arabian Nights</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0679436405/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0679436405&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=XQ36TQFGL26TYB3V">The Swiss Family Robinson</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451528832/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0451528832&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=FVAWCSFLPOXLEX6I">The Secret Garden</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0957148313/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0957148313&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=E2NB35QZBYLG2LXB">Just So Stories</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014030133X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=014030133X&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=NBRARMCGLST6TA64">The Good Master</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312380038/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0312380038&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=EL46EOA773265BLO">The Cricket in Times Square</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312608918/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0312608918&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=4BCU2AP6NI76TMSS">Moominsummer Madness</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547328613/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0547328613&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=AXRIAP2CXDAMCGE5">Island of the Blue Dolphins</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0440412676/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0440412676&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=FEQ27FEXMLJOFHOX">Where the Red Fern Grows</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0807508527/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0807508527&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=PNDNAULX7SBSZDGP">The Boxcar Children</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0895554194/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0895554194&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=MDM7KSCFRPDWXTE3" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0895554194&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a>Thankfully, there are a number of chapter books that do the story justice. And it's a story that needs to be told to people of all ages. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0895554194/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0895554194&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=MDM7KSCFRPDWXTE3">The Children Of Fatima: And Our Lady's Message to the World</a> is one of the best options on the market in my opinion, and it suits reading aloud quite nicely. May is the perfect month to devote to Our Lady and her message to both the children and to the world.<br />
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<a href="https://www.tanbooks.com/">TAN Books</a> has graciously offered to sponsor a giveaway of this book by Mary Fabyan Windeatt in honor of Our Lady and her upcoming feast day this month. The awesome thing is that while TAN publishing is known for their older, more traditional titles, they are making efforts to keep things fresh and relevant to families even today. In development right now are some workbooks that go along with the books in this series and the accompaniment designed for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0895554194/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0895554194&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=MDM7KSCFRPDWXTE3">The Children Of Fatima</a> will be one of the first ones done! (Sneak peak coming soon hopefully!)<br />
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In the meantime, <b><span style="font-size: large;">there will be 3 winners in this giveaway</span></b> who receive a copy of this book! All you have to do is comment on one way, simple or extravagent, your family tries to celebrate the month of May in your home. <u>You have until Mother's Day to enter. This Sunday, the 10th.</u> Blessings!<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>****Closed! We have three winners! Pre-literate Henry was asked to circle 3 names on the list: Congrats to the Holloway family, Erin and Monica!****</b></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-48651247158720711762015-04-22T00:22:00.001-07:002015-04-22T00:22:29.728-07:00Bring Back StoriesI stumbled across <a href="http://www.slj.com/2011/11/sljarchives/make-way-for-stories-theres-a-good-reason-why-people-are-passing-up-picture-books/">this article recently</a>... discussing the problems publishers are having in the picture book industry and it made some very compelling points. Something I've noticed more and more of recently is the flourishing population of clever, popular, concept books. Books that have very little text but that are either neat to look at or innovative in design (think the hip: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763655996/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0763655996&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=JCRTCF4EWZG4SMRA">This Is Not My Hat</a> or engaging <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1452137358/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1452137358&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=7NL6KTXMHB2FALC2">Mix It Up!</a> ) I love books like these myself and enjoy throwing them in our read-alouds often. But I almost never buy them. These are not the food with which I feed the souls of my children. These don't offer the narrative weaving and pacing a good, healthy tale does like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0156569809/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0156569809&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=VOPZL6CKQJKXUN7K">Many Moons</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/078572639X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=078572639X&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=WBWEWDDWU4IPHSBH">Princess Furball</a>.<br />
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Stories need to be developed and while the fun, sparsely worded books are enjoyable to look at and giggle with... they aren't something that I put as high of a value on... both psychologically and monetarily.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_2ammH-poPg/VTdME47Q-wI/AAAAAAAADBU/zwB8k-Q_UNw/s1600/alice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_2ammH-poPg/VTdME47Q-wI/AAAAAAAADBU/zwB8k-Q_UNw/s1600/alice.jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a></div>
Publishers are noticing that some of the old standby classics are still selling well; people STILL want to invest money in things like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/088103231X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=088103231X&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=WOWR7ME6Y6JHRXKD">Mike Mulligan</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399247130/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0399247130&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=UADATRK5LQXB5K6O">Little Toot</a> even though there is nothing contemporary or short about them. We want a satisfying, soul feeding experience of sharing a tale with our children... we aren't interested in just amusing ourselves or being fascinated by innovation. To get this feeling, an investment of time, talent and treasure needs to be made by all parties: author, illustrator and publisher. This is what parents are chasing when they keep spending money on old stuff... it's not that we are just hopelessly nostalgic suckers— excellent books can still be found newly published today after all— it's that we want that beautiful <b>development of story</b> that is increasingly shunned by publishers today in deference to some desperate grasp of innovation, coolness or humor. This is why we hunt down out-of-print titles with a feverish hope... we are trying to escape the bilge of awful books on publishers' shelves today and reach into our memories for something meaningful and authentic. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-64582694241169536542015-04-20T17:58:00.000-07:002015-04-20T17:58:25.588-07:00Top 10 Little Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RRRHLDyniuI/VTWgE1JO0OI/AAAAAAAADA8/cpi0y4DV-X4/s1600/tiny-book-the-end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RRRHLDyniuI/VTWgE1JO0OI/AAAAAAAADA8/cpi0y4DV-X4/s1600/tiny-book-the-end.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></div>
Beatrix Potter knew what she was doing as she created the world of Peter Rabbit. When she turned down initial publisher's offers (due to their requests to modify her books in length and size), she went ahead and self-published <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0723263922/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0723263922&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=AAZT6KXKQQPOVUOV">The Tale of Peter Rabbit</a> on her own at first, because she had a very specific vision for her work. Namely, she wanted her books to be small enough to fit in a small child's hands... and her illustrations were designed to fill the page of one small book.<br />
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To this day, while there are many compilations and anthologies of the Peter Rabbit series, nothing... NOTHING compares to the magic of the small, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0723257639/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0723257639&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=U7FMYUZ3O4SAMVQO">hardback set</a> of single, independent, tiny volumes. If your home library of picture books consists of <b>nothing other than this set</b>, you'll be leagues ahead of 90% of your parenting peers in the <u>sheer quality</u> of what you're offering.<br />
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Anyway, it got me thinking about the awesomeness of tiny books in general. What child doesn't love miniature things designed just for their size? Especially when the miniatures are <b>real</b>, be it functional tea cups, utensils, brooms, aprons etc. So it is with books. There is something special about volumes published under 7 inches tall. And the only thing I love more than reading tiny books to my children, is seeing my young ones sprawled out in the grass on their own with a little book of their own fitting so nicely in their little hands.<br />
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Little books pack into diaper bags well, fit into stockings, Easter baskets and everyday baskets, and make fantastic little bonus gifts to accompany other items. Here is my pick of the 10 best little books on the market today:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0723247706/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0723247706&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=5IFFUHFTPBV4WC3R"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0723247706&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0723257639/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0723257639&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=U7FMYUZ3O4SAMVQO">The Peter Rabbit books</a>. Of course. Just go ahead and throw all 23 titles into one listing here. Each is excellent.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1557094144/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1557094144&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=N3YZ6JBDDVOYXET6"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1557094144&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1557094144/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1557094144&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=DCU7OL7Z5AWQQYLX">The Story of Little Black Sambo</a>. Okay, so all the modern parents prefer <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062050648/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062050648&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=24EZCEJCRTJEKD5M">The Story of Little Babaji</a> (also on the small side) because it is more PC, but I love the original myself. I have both books and my children like both equally but I have a nostalgic spot for the old one because my mother read it to me so many times...<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060255005/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0060255005&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=5UD27AFFA6RCGUFV"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0060255005&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060255005/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0060255005&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=SCU462UJ7GBV2H5Q">The Nutshell Library</a> by Maurice Sendak. <i>Alligators All Around</i> is the standout book in this 4-volume set but they are so well priced as a collection, I'd go ahead and purchase the others with that title.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0863155847/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0863155847&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=ZWF3RTQFHNLHW6HW"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0863155847&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0863155847/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0863155847&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=ZXYZL72XM2MLYV33">Pelle's New Suit</a> (mini edition). I normally prefer my full-sized Elsa Beskow books, but this one in particular works as a mini because it doesn't have as much text as most of her other titles. For that, and the fact that it is the perfect springtime book, it's on the list.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060234059/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0060234059&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=PWV4ZXLSM4XXCVVG"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0060234059&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060234059/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0060234059&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=ABIZZFF5ITHUV3RB">A Hole Is to Dig</a> is perhaps my very favorite "nonsensically profound" books (I made that category up; nice eh?). From the silly to the thought provoking, Ruth Krauss found magic in pairing with Sendak on this title. The hardback is out of print, but worth finding...<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0803728808/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0803728808&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=FKYV4NL7XKYKL4T5"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0803728808&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0803728808/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0803728808&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=5V52NHURD3UZ34XJ">A Boy, a Dog, and a Frog</a> is the first in the series and my favorite Mercer Mayer books by far. They are wordless but tell a lovely story... don't forget the equally excellent sequels <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0803728840/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0803728840&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=GWAMZ25FNLAJDGHY">Frog Goes to Dinner</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0803728816/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0803728816&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=HLHAAW35NCLC7IHW">Frog, Where Are You?</a> and others.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0740706497/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0740706497&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=LGPH4D7PNK67F7SD"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0740706497&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0740706497/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0740706497&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=HPYEBZFPSYI2EAX6">The Brave Cowboy</a>. My three year old fell in love with the Brave Cowboy when he first met him and it's still one of his favorite books to call his own and to be found curled up with in a corner somewhere. That's enough to merit a spot on this list.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0939510723/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0939510723&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=DE226MFDZN3YXF3H"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0939510723&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0939510723/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0939510723&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=V2MBUTVJWZBWT6NR">Alphabet of Boats</a>. Linocuts. Boats. Education. Beauty. Simplicity. All under 5 square inches. I can't help that so many of the books I love are out of print— sorry! Just keep your eyes peeled for this little gem. (Which reminds me... I've seen enough good stuff now to warrant "Volume 3" version of Top Ten Alphabet books... hmm, will attend to that soon hopefully.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0785787569/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0785787569&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=ODWKB6OOIDIRRYG3"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0785787569&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0785787569/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0785787569&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=P4JGYODJ56VIKJ6Y">Let's Be Enemies</a>. Sendak illustrating again! He excelled at the tiny books. Janice May Undry created a lovely little tale of making and breaking friendships. It's very fun to read with a 5 year old...<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375810714/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375810714&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=RMP3E4EUEC3X243S"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0375810714&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/037582264X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=037582264X&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=TPRIEIPWISVYV2L6">The Little Train</a>... or really, any Lois Lenski books. All are small. My favorite ones are his seasonal books which are a bit spendy OOP, but any of his occupational books like this one or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375835695/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375835695&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=SLNUNDNMVKIZ5IAP">Policeman Small</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/037581079X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=037581079X&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=G6BKMEVUON2CKQAL">The Little Airplane</a>, etc are vintage winners as well.<br />
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<i>And now, some qualifying remarks:</i><br />
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<i>I would've included the gorgeous <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/072324832X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=072324832X&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=JUU6UYPEMWRFBVES">Flower Fairies Alphabet</a>, but I'm mad that they skipped the letter X. You can cheat a little or work around it... but don't skip the letter altogether! </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Also, these are slightly larger than 'tiny', but of immense importance in the picture book collector's world: The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0007371667/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0007371667&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=4GEG7NHHZ572GZH2">Year in Brambly Hedge Set</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0007461453/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0007461453&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=HDACRTGSKGNPZNMH">Adventures in Brambly Hedge Set</a>. Unfortunately these books are long out of print but they are really wonderful to own and cherish... in the same botanical goodness vein as one would find the Beatrix Potter books.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>And lastly, I've requested an inter-library loan to get my eyes on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764959581/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0764959581&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=WJ6VHLUZKMI7TZGI">The Treehorn Trilogy</a>. It looks fabulous. Edward Gorey is not everyone's cup of pictorial tea but I like him and am eager to see these books!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-74269689582869151822015-04-13T09:02:00.001-07:002015-04-13T09:05:37.761-07:00The Winner!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jxc1YzInHY/VSvn7sZlJGI/AAAAAAAADAo/-wsT5OpfvVs/s1600/photo-33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jxc1YzInHY/VSvn7sZlJGI/AAAAAAAADAo/-wsT5OpfvVs/s1600/photo-33.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a>I reached into my bag of meaningless methods and chose a winner for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1612122310/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1612122310&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=2DLBU7BXHMWBQFUZ">Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World</a>. Here is how it worked:<br />
<br />
Write down the posted times of all the comments.<br />
<br />
Ask child number 1: "am or pm?"<br />
<br />
All the PMs got crossed out. Sorry!<br />
<br />
Ask child number 2: "8 or 9?"<br />
<br />
All the 8s got crossed out.<br />
<br />
Ask child number 3: "11 or 47?"<br />
<br />
47 takes all.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Mary, who commented on the post at 9:47 am (PST) wins! </b> </div>
<br />
Congrats and I hope you all tune in for next time!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-27128060381804376482015-04-09T19:58:00.002-07:002015-04-09T19:58:16.048-07:00Just for Today...<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802854613/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0802854613&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=HSBGQFQ4GE3IJOJH"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0802854613&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a></div>
In one of my rare moves, I made an immediate and full-priced purchase of the newest book by Bimba Landmann (I had been saving my Amazon card points!): <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802854613/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0802854613&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=66TREHE5CMIBS5I7">Just For Today</a>, which is the title of the famous decalogue by Pope St. John XXIII. She's been one of my absolute favorite illustrators ever since I discovered her other titles like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802852696/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0802852696&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=Y74IMGLFP3F3DGLW">Clare and Francis</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0374309310/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0374309310&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=U3BL4MOKRY36KDHS">A Boy Named Giotto</a> and others.<br />
<br />
I tried looking up the history of the prayer, because its origin isn't universally accepted and several adaptations of the prayer exist, one is in use by AA. Here is a common one:<br />
<br />
<hr color="#CC0000" style="color: #000066;" width="80%" />
<span style="color: #000066; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<ol><b></b>
<li><b></b><div style="margin-bottom: 16px;">
<b>Just for today,</b> I will seek to live the livelong day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once. </div>
</li>
<b></b>
<li><b></b><div style="margin-bottom: 16px;">
<b>Just for today,</b> I will take the greatest care of my appearance: I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behavior; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself.</div>
</li>
<b></b>
<li><b></b><div style="margin-bottom: 16px;">
<b>Just for today,</b> I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one.</div>
</li>
<b></b>
<li><b></b><div style="margin-bottom: 16px;">
<b>Just for today,</b> I will adapt to circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wishes.</div>
</li>
<b></b>
<li><b></b><div style="margin-bottom: 16px;">
<b>Just for today,</b> I will devote ten minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul.</div>
</li>
<b></b>
<li><b></b><div style="margin-bottom: 16px;">
<b>Just for today,</b> I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it.</div>
</li>
<b></b>
<li><b></b><div style="margin-bottom: 16px;">
<b>Just for today,</b> I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and if my feelings are hurt, I will make sure that no one notices.</div>
</li>
<b></b>
<li><b></b><div style="margin-bottom: 16px;">
<b>Just for today,</b> I will make a plan for myself: I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it. And I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision.</div>
</li>
<b></b>
<li><b></b><div style="margin-bottom: 16px;">
<b>Just for today,</b> I will firmly believe, despite appearances, that the good providence of God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world.</div>
</li>
<b></b>
<li><b></b><div style="margin-bottom: 16px;">
<b>Just for today,</b> I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Indeed, for twelve hours I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life.<br />
<br /></div>
</li>
</ol>
<hr color="#CC0000" style="color: #000066;" width="80%" />
<span style="color: #000066; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3iicwlntnk4/VSc60eF9qZI/AAAAAAAAC-k/ZOB63g-vijk/s1600/oggi2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3iicwlntnk4/VSc60eF9qZI/AAAAAAAAC-k/ZOB63g-vijk/s1600/oggi2.jpg" height="185" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And I think that is a fantastic prayer for meditation.<br />
<br />
Bimba Landmann's style isn't one that everyone will immediately appreciate. She has a whimsy to be sure... but not a fun, cutesy, whimsy like <a href="http://www.elisakleven.com/#!books/c199t">Elisa Kleven</a> that everyone adores... Bimba's is more ethereal and almost Byzantine influenced. In this book, for example, the pictures are gorgeous but aren't always a perfect correlation with the text at first glance. There's a boy (who is he? The young pope?) who seems to be living in some kind of Turkish or Muslim-inspired seaside village. And he has, um... a pet reindeer... I think that's what it is at least. <br />
<br />
Yet despite these oddities, it all somehow fits. And it makes the prayer's meditative quality shine through to not have such literal illustrations.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SIJzgcZmW14/VSc60U-rwFI/AAAAAAAAC-g/5D8JbfpSLNg/s1600/just-for-today.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SIJzgcZmW14/VSc60U-rwFI/AAAAAAAAC-g/5D8JbfpSLNg/s1600/just-for-today.jpg" height="222" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-9434110483124414332015-03-30T10:44:00.000-07:002015-03-30T10:44:58.075-07:00Easter Basket Board Books...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GdQXbWz03rQ/VRmKwf0MJpI/AAAAAAAAC98/FFSvODmOukc/s1600/9b4db02b6f530a01fe8239eb117eed51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GdQXbWz03rQ/VRmKwf0MJpI/AAAAAAAAC98/FFSvODmOukc/s1600/9b4db02b6f530a01fe8239eb117eed51.jpg" height="183" width="200" /></a></div>
Eloise Wilkins. Garth Williams. Tibor Gergely. The Provensens. These are the names of some of the best illustrators in Golden Books history. Some of the old Golden Books are superb. And publishers are now waking up to the fact that we MISS those books, so they are slowly bringing back into print some of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385391285/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0385391285&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=LO3FSBT4NO4QFI2O">nostalgic pieces of yesteryear.</a> We are happy.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-507NTg_cjPU/VRmLJS1G-KI/AAAAAAAAC-E/hijyCpGJrEI/s1600/86ae6549843835d97c6408321f4f1af8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-507NTg_cjPU/VRmLJS1G-KI/AAAAAAAAC-E/hijyCpGJrEI/s1600/86ae6549843835d97c6408321f4f1af8.jpg" height="200" width="159" /></a></div>
What is even happier is when the Golden Books upgrade from their fairly fragile spines to the sturdiness of board books! Here is a list of some of these board books that are the best of that grouping... the ones that are readily available to arrive in prompt shipping style for a certain upcoming holiday (other <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H1JZZI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000H1JZZI&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=YUSE5NFNMSJEBCV6">little treasures</a> can, of course, be found and patiently waited for from third party sellers...)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375827781/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375827781&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=QJG45SVJ5SZVCUUL">I Am a Bunny </a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307929663/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307929663&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=WFYQT5R2ZSRALWIS">The Fuzzy Duckling</a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375861289/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375861289&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=IGVAHXKWL6APK6B3">Home For A Bunny</a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/055352223X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=055352223X&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=TY6OIK6MMDTBELEI">My First Counting Book</a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375836861/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375836861&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=55RXPXY45DIOPVKP">Baby Farm Animals</a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385390947/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0385390947&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=QKZDVFQZYIYDDLZN">The Little Red Hen</a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375855173/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375855173&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=YFNFFMFJIVZYWPCT">The Happy Man and His Dump Truck </a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375853359/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375853359&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=3IABSMBKFMUGT46C">The Color Kittens</a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375828419/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375828419&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=TC6IAY3ANHTJEWFU">The Fire Engine Book</a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375833609/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375833609&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=VQDB5LSRQWQKE55W">A Tale of Tails</a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375839275/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375839275&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=R23U5Q5UFNWJZN7A">Prayers for Children</a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307203123/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307203123&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=4VCBFPUGQK4OQ7DF">My Little Book About God</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-40627115011955796472015-03-28T17:00:00.002-07:002015-03-28T17:09:49.095-07:00Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the Natural World, and a Giveaway!<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1612122310/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1612122310&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=GW3BGFC2733YQL4U" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1612122310&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a><br />
"How many ways do I love thee? Let me count the ways..."<br />
<br />
The find of the year (so far) for me is this piece of glory from Julia Rothman called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1612122310/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1612122310&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=GW3BGFC2733YQL4U">Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World</a>. The entire thing is the what makes me love to homeschool (and I needed a new boost in loving that lately). The book is fabulous, and everything one could wish for in a "textbook."<br />
<br />
First, it's chock full of interesting facts covering various areas of geology, botany, biology, meteorology and astronomy. In being such a broad book, do we turn up our noses claiming it can't offer depth in any one area? Sure. You may look down if you like. But what it DOES offer is so beautifully presented and academically enriching that you'd be missing something great by choosing a dry science book over this one. <br />
<br />
And then there are the illustrations. Folksy, detailed, handwoven with love and care and interest. My goodness, I'm in love!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.juliarothman.com/#1">This author</a> is the same one who brought us <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603429816/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1603429816&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=LVBCNJLVQ35POKWJ">Farm Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of Country Life</a> a few years ago. It had raving reviews but it was brand new to me this year. I figured that I didn't have a whole heckuva lot of interest in farm life on a technical scale so what would I get out of it?! Little did I know that I'd lovingly turn each page in this too, admiring the art and the information each page provided.<br />
<br />
Both books would be phenomenal springboards for deeper studies into any one area. <i>Nature Anatomy</i> especially is such a breath of fresh air in this home. <br />
<br />
I have the highly lauded (in Charlotte Mason circles anyway) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801493846/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0801493846&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=OTUKCOX6RP3PBGIP">Handbook of Nature Study</a> and while the information in that is excellent, the photos are in greyscale and limited by their time period. And much to my ever-burning shame, it doesn't get used nearly so much as I had planned. I'd like to think of this new <i>Nature Anatomy</i> filling in the gap in some way as being something fresh, useful, beautiful and worthy to include in our morning basket studies a few times a week. A must have in my opinion... you can virtually browse through it <a href="https://vimeo.com/121122292">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I'm so in love with this book that <b>I'm going to send it to one lucky person during this upcoming Easter season.</b> I don't know how I'll choose a winner, but it'll be non-scientifically random of course. If you have read through this post and are interested in receiving the book, just <b>post a comment</b> about something, anything, I don't care— <b>by Divine Mercy Sunday</b>. That day is my birthday and it would give me great delight to share the gift of this book with someone!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7QjZ3VzZxA/VRc_n-oF0KI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/jp-BSRKRgDg/s1600/owls1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7QjZ3VzZxA/VRc_n-oF0KI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/jp-BSRKRgDg/s1600/owls1.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYlhM3NFyPc/VRc_r2SsMKI/AAAAAAAAC9g/Sf1rjqHOUI4/s1600/tree1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYlhM3NFyPc/VRc_r2SsMKI/AAAAAAAAC9g/Sf1rjqHOUI4/s1600/tree1.jpg" height="216" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-2700478291680099692015-03-24T22:34:00.002-07:002015-03-24T22:34:36.160-07:00Wah.Dear someone, anyone,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bimbalandmann.com/pagine_libri/mg_e.html">Please publish this</a> in English. <br />
<br />
Please. I need it.<br />
<br />
Thanks,<br />
<br />
EllieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-50474563000904837532015-03-21T18:12:00.001-07:002015-05-06T12:37:32.946-07:00Therapy in Picture Books<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MWRL5yDT_V0/VQ4WpDux2SI/AAAAAAAAC80/Xy_ZoHQW3tc/s1600/therapybooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MWRL5yDT_V0/VQ4WpDux2SI/AAAAAAAAC80/Xy_ZoHQW3tc/s1600/therapybooks.jpg" height="400" width="268" /></a>This post is for my sister—a soon to be licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She asked for my opinion on books that deal with difficult subjects in a delicate way... to aid children in making sense of trauma or sadness or difficulty in their lives. <br />
<br />
<b>Note that I have NOT read every single one of these books</b>. What I did, was pore over many, many lists, follow many rabbit-trails, read a few message boards, evaluated many reviews and compiled 24 titles that <i>looked</i> to be the most promising. This is certainly not exhaustive—I don't doubt I'm missing some great titles. But I did go ahead and ignore 90% of what was recommended for therapy books precisely because that's what they were designed to be (e.g. "Mommy and Daddy Dinosaur Got a Divorce" or somesuch). In this scope (as in most others) I seek stories primarily... good messages secondarily.<br />
<br />
There are some exceptions, but I do think the art of subtlety in this area is perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind when reading books with children. Kids aren't stupid. They see through things that moralize or patronize very quickly. But again... I have not read all these books personally so maybe a few of them do exactly this... let me know! I am only bookmarking this list for people to peruse who may want to investigate ways to cope with life stressors through the welcoming, non-threatening medium of picture books. If you know of something that I'm missing here, please comment!!!<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1846434920/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1846434920&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=HMISV6RUYY5JL2G5">Rabbityness</a> (non-specific but sudden loss, grief)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0698118367/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0698118367&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=2Z2E575FUZSRLKPP">Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs</a> (death of grandparent, love this book!!!)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/039480077X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=039480077X&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=VQB33H6XSC6WPJVN">Horton Hatches the Egg</a> (adoption classic!)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802853897/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0802853897&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=VLS32BPFCILWV27M">Loon Summer</a> (divorce)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416985956/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1416985956&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=S5QZZLP32XFWWIN6">Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day</a> (enough said, by the way... <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TF85YFO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00TF85YFO&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=LBQXDD2HKYWCESTV">the movie</a> was pretty good!)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689801149/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0689801149&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=DP3NWDXDPMQCFVUM">Charlie Anderson</a> (divorce, normalizing step-families)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064430340/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0064430340&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=FJDXH2FAMMO2AN3Q">The Quarreling Book</a> (stopping the cycle of anger. Classic and fun.)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689820364/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0689820364&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=47BY2PN7V7Z2VJUS">My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother</a> (sibling rivalry)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1557987017/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1557987017&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=OQBIPAPO3HJN2ZFQ">A Terrible Thing Happened</a> (an exception to the "story first" rule, because it seems this could be really helpful in helping kids heal from witnessing or experiencing trauma—especially for things that are hard to find the right words for like sexual abuse, etc.)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1575421178/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1575421178&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=X5PKEEFE5K46RHVP">How to Take the Grrrr Out of Anger</a> (another exception. I own this book. My then-8 year old read it... it's now being passed down to his brother. It didn't "cure" anger. But it helped him to remember some strategies for dealing with it in a healthy way.)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0552567655/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0552567655&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=AZPC4474DVFHYA2Q">Always and Forever</a> (death)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1890817465/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1890817465&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=Z6L66AHDWJGZRPLD">When They Fight</a> (parental fighting)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/067989344X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=067989344X&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=Q3PJMEPUO5BFCE2O">My Many Colored Days</a> (for the preschool set to help put names to feelings)<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0698113640/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0698113640&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=OLPRC4FUSZJCQMZT">A Mother for Choco</a> (adoption)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1582464502/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1582464502&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=BFEEVWVR35L5SOWM">The Invisible Boy</a> (teaching empathy/inclusion)<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615473938/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0615473938&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=ZZP6NH5GW32MDU36">Spaghetti in A Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage to Be Who You Are</a> (bullying)<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/156145284X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=156145284X&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=KC7RZHWB76OOXZCB">You've Got Dragons</a> (OCD or anxiety)<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=biblioz-20&l=as2&o=1&a=156145284X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142401048/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0142401048&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=33HB73BGSCUEM2PY">Now One Foot, Now the Other</a> (coping with physical disability)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763625973/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0763625973&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=K5D4L4D6S7C53QAC">Michael Rosen's Sad Book</a> (a beautiful book on grief; it doesn't try to 'fix' it. It just owns it and explores it.)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0807534811/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0807534811&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=RCHSIZPCYETIEIQ6">Ian's Walk</a> (a sibling with autism book)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763642843/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0763642843&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=ZPIUOH6M2BSPML7X">Those Shoes</a> (wants vs. needs, making sense of poverty)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0395845181/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0395845181&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=ZOXE7O2DOHRAPCPO">A Day's Work</a> (poverty, honesty, dignity... not just for kids in therapy!!!)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802851878/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0802851878&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=O6VWFRSAFYJMBGHT">If Nathan Were Here</a> (non-specific death of a friend, making peace with that loss)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618486046/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0618486046&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=3PYUY6O3D24HIAXE">Rudi's Pond</a> (death of friend)<br />
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<br />
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<br />
<br />
</li>
</ol>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-50636925696144858222015-02-25T13:45:00.000-08:002015-02-25T13:48:09.948-08:00Brother Hugo and the Bear for Lent!<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802854079/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0802854079&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=MCQZZ6FMYQH3S6ZS" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0802854079&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a><br />
For Valentine's Day this year, I gifted each of my children a "one free book" coupon and they got to select ANY book they wanted to have shipped to them (all second hand "Like New" copies, to keep it cost effective and I retained veto powers of course...) With just a hint of guidance, my three year old saw the picture of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802854079/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0802854079&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=MCQZZ6FMYQH3S6ZS">Brother Hugo and the Bear</a> and declared proudly that it was to be his choice. Yes!<br />
<br />
The book came and immediately I fell in love with it. It is a story imagined by Katy Beebe from one tiny little line in a real, historical letter that comments this:<br />
<i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">"And send to us, if you please, the great volume of letters by the holy father Augustine, which contains his letters to Saint Jerome, and Saint Jerome's to him. For it happens that the greater part of our volume was eaten by a bear."</span></i><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ynzqjQeu86Y/VO5AFVdbC6I/AAAAAAAAC7U/FCVEqH7r9VE/s1600/brother%2Bhugo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ynzqjQeu86Y/VO5AFVdbC6I/AAAAAAAAC7U/FCVEqH7r9VE/s1600/brother%2Bhugo.jpg" height="257" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">The book is not Catholic per se. But it is decidedly real and fresh in the dealings with 100% of the characters being monks (except the bear) and the work they do being authentic to that time period. It opens up, fittingly on Lent as poor Brother Hugo has to recopy the entire manuscript he lost... which makes for a proper seasonal penance. Illustrations are exceptionally well done by Steve Schindler for the book and the illuminated lettering mimics the style (in a nouveaux way) of the medieval masters. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zaxeJmjdtJ0/VO5APrSzZlI/AAAAAAAAC7c/PFI1FtyYuOc/s1600/brother-hugo-at-work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zaxeJmjdtJ0/VO5APrSzZlI/AAAAAAAAC7c/PFI1FtyYuOc/s1600/brother-hugo-at-work.jpg" height="210" width="400" /></a><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">The book would be a great unit study builder for all things medieval... especially cloistered life, illuminated letters, manuscript making and the 12th century in general. I am going to pair it with a viewing of that oddly strange and beautiful period movie: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036TGSW6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0036TGSW6&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=ONSO4IFTFHOITYUH" style="line-height: 19px;">The Secret of Kells</a><span style="line-height: 19px;">. If I was really motivated, I'd figure out some sort of illuminated letter lesson but I'm pretty sure all our markers are currently lost in heater return vents or chewed up by the puppy. So that may need to wait... </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></span> <span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">All in all, I'm delighted to have this book and use it as Lenten reading (not in a pious way, but at least in a relevant, fun way) and highly recommend it to those who are interested in bringing the Middle Aged, monastic life alive for their children. Probably my best picture book purchase in a long time...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></span> <span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Check out this hypnotic video showing the start to finish illustrations, set to chant... </span></span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-27380413371339908752015-02-24T09:40:00.000-08:002015-02-24T09:43:24.326-08:00Spring Transition FavoritesThe coming of spring is probably the most prolific genre of seasonal transition books in the picture book world. Summer is absolutely the LEAST written about as far as transition time goes... likely because it's a much more subtle change than the crisping of leaves in fall and falling of snow in winter. With spring it's the new life and the great thaw.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSunu03qn8A/VOy3I2urLcI/AAAAAAAAC7E/1V4NF4i1XfM/s1600/head-out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSunu03qn8A/VOy3I2urLcI/AAAAAAAAC7E/1V4NF4i1XfM/s1600/head-out.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a>I know half the country is blanketed with snow still but here in the Pacific Northwest it's been downright glorious and unusually warm. The daffodils and tulips are poking out of the ground and we all want to scream at them, "Wait! Not yet! It's too soon!" Not because we don't welcome the sun and 60 degree weather but because we are afraid the frost season isn't over and this warm spell is some sort of cosmic trickery.<br />
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But I will take this opportunity to revel in some of my favorite books of the time and opine about which springtime titles merit being called some of the BEST in "seasonal transition literature." A couple are pulled from my general <a href="http://bibliozealous.blogspot.com/2011/05/top-10-best-spring-books.html">Top Ten Springtime Book</a> list.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307977900/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307977900&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=RX633OVSEQYBM6JJ"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0307977900&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307977900/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307977900&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=RX633OVSEQYBM6JJ">Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit: A Book of Changing Seasons</a> by Il Sung Na. I purchased this board book recently for my daughter to fill in our baby book basket. It is delightful and fun. Il Sung Na's style is so unique, I am always happy to have her books offer a bit of a different picture than the rich, traditional drawings. I think this would make a marvelous precursor to her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553507796/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0553507796&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=S6D74ZSHWTSYJVPK">A Book of Babies</a> which seems to be just about perfect springtime reading...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670879614/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0670879614&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=ZURXHYKXFPLYFDDK"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0670879614&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670879614/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0670879614&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=ZURXHYKXFPLYFDDK">Spring Thaw</a> by Steven Schnur is such an obvious choice with the gorgeous, pastoral setting and oil painted illustrations by Stacey Schuett and the light, quiet text. I discussed it more <a href="http://bibliozealous.blogspot.com/2014/03/spring-thaw.html">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1596436247/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1596436247&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=OQL6SZHLMOVSRGV3"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1596436247&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1596436247/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1596436247&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=OQL6SZHLMOVSRGV3">And Then It's Spring</a> by Julie Fogliano and Erin Stead is one of those rare books that I bought at full price right when I saw it. I was and still am enamored<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=biblioz-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1596436247" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by the cadence and pacing of this book. I declare it to be a must have. When read properly, it's bliss.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1550746715/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1550746715&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=POCEXEJ2PRQTSPNJ"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1550746715&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" height="200" width="166" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1550746715/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1550746715&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=POCEXEJ2PRQTSPNJ">At Grandpa's Sugar Bush</a> and/or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0688149073/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0688149073&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=XDQ3CJ2VQ2USMHO5"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0688149073&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" height="200" width="167" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0688149073/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0688149073&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=XDQ3CJ2VQ2USMHO5">Sugarbush Spring</a> by Marsha Wilson Chall. Any beginning of spring list should include at least one title about tapping maple trees. Both of these are great choices in their own right. Rich, luscious artwork, either title will make non-New Englanders wish they could trample the slushy snow and tap trees. If I had to choose one, I'd only be able to base it on whether I wanted my child to identify with the female or male voice. Now if anyone reading this happens to know or get a hold of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1550415964/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1550415964&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=3OSS5H5UEIC4PDRB">The Sugaring-Off Party</a>, please let me know what you think! I'm dying to see those folksy illustrations up close.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/159078040X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=159078040X&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=AL34VTNCYHXK3HZH"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=159078040X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=biblioz-20&l=as2&o=1&a=159078040X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> You're probably familiar with the winter delight, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399214577/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0399214577&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=KSJCSYE3ZPHK3UXA">Owl Moon</a>, but did you know about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/159078040X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=159078040X&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=AL34VTNCYHXK3HZH">Goose Moon</a> by Carolyn Arden and Jim Postier? The story kicks off with winter coming when geese fly southward and a little girl enjoys the season of sledding and fun. But eventually it gets tiresome and she longs for springtime. Her grandpa tells her how we can tell spring is coming and the story ends with the arrival of a very special moonlit moment.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0613830059/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0613830059&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=S4HQIP2PIFIH4AQW"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0613830059&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0613830059/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0613830059&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=S4HQIP2PIFIH4AQW">Sun Bread</a> by Elisa Kleven. Another one heavy on the excellent rhyme and meter, I'm in love with this book. A town needs to shake off the cold and positively FORCE springtime into existence with the baking of sun bread. The always enchanting Kleven illustrations bring this one alive.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525450084/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0525450084&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=BGEZ4WQU6MZH5YY4"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0525450084&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525450084/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0525450084&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=BGEZ4WQU6MZH5YY4">When Spring Comes</a> by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock traipses through the various (19th century) activities a girl longs for while she waits for the sun to return after winter. This is also illustrated by Stacey Scheuett who did <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670879614/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0670879614&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=ZURXHYKXFPLYFDDK">Spring Thaw</a>. I like the easy amount of text that stands back just enough to let the gorgeous illustrations tell the story.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-25124560230367862662015-02-19T17:52:00.000-08:002015-02-19T17:52:41.531-08:00The River: Something Strange and Something Beautiful<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1592701493/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1592701493&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=WQU4OQE3VX3KGF2M"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1592701493&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a></div>
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As if we needed more proof that picture books are not just for kids. Along comes traipsing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1592701493/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1592701493&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=WQU4OQE3VX3KGF2M">The River</a> by <a href="http://www.alessandrosanna.com/">Alessandro Sanna</a>. It's a wordless wonder. I was struck immediately how art transcends culture so often. Part of the beauty of wordless books is that the story is the same in Mumbai as it is in Miami. This title was created by an Italian artist who uses watercolors to illustrate the dramatic changes of life on a river over the course of a year.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7nes31n4ciw/VOaShTPk_DI/AAAAAAAAC6g/TUHKsp_Ao90/s1600/river2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7nes31n4ciw/VOaShTPk_DI/AAAAAAAAC6g/TUHKsp_Ao90/s1600/river2.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
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I looked at the first few pages with my brow furrowed, seeing if I could get used to the dark, undulating painted water and sky and simple blobs for concrete objects. But what I found after my initial skepticism gave way to the turning of each page... was kind of, sort of special. I just surrendered to a style that was not initially in my comfort zone of favorites and became engrossed in the passing scenery and brilliant use of light... like I was floating along in a hot air balloon just watching. Outside perspective, unobtrusive. Nothing in your face or giving the first-person intimacy technique like some illustrations employ. Detached, the images still beckoned.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bL9cddPJ5c4/VOaShmNFUUI/AAAAAAAAC6k/UUgMKOhv1U8/s1600/The-River-JPEG-copy-640x359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bL9cddPJ5c4/VOaShmNFUUI/AAAAAAAAC6k/UUgMKOhv1U8/s1600/The-River-JPEG-copy-640x359.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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I especially liked how Sanna chose his springtime color motif. Not your typical pastels, but the bold violets of a crispy sunset and the hint of color in a semi-limited palette really will resonate with those Northern Hemisphere readers who don't really experience "spring" until something like June.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1592701493/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1592701493&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=WQU4OQE3VX3KGF2M">The River</a> is something different. It's something that evokes the word beauty... but not in a way you necessarily anticipate in a traditional way... and I like that in a book.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-47590605391305235982015-01-23T13:33:00.001-08:002015-01-23T13:33:16.988-08:00The results are in!!!Well, y'all had a 25% chance of winning <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525467343/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0525467343&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=EHV5NZ2DOZXBQEAE">Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening</a> which are extraordinary odds in giveaways... yippee! <br />
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Here was my methodology:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99PSAtrG-CU/VMK5EN3_UJI/AAAAAAAAC5s/mnrb46_DhnU/s1600/photo%2B1-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99PSAtrG-CU/VMK5EN3_UJI/AAAAAAAAC5s/mnrb46_DhnU/s1600/photo%2B1-3.JPG" height="157" width="400" /></a></div>
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And then I called an almost year old lass in to come choose a toy. (Don't worry, she had no prior favorites from this batch. These are actually part of a big bin of "random bits and game pieces" that I collect throughout the house and keep for various projects and games and crafts, etc. They are in effect, MY toys once they get into that bin!)</div>
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Here is what transpired. She jostled the whole stool and then went in at at an angle for her selection:<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">Kansas Mom, it's all yours! Please e-mail me with your address! </b><span style="font-size: x-small;">knowloveserve at gmail</span></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-56928466305722448562015-01-20T14:58:00.001-08:002015-01-23T13:08:15.363-08:00Pace, Poetry and Passing on the Blessing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been thinking a lot about cadence and pacing in storytelling lately. So many good things about that I want to discuss but I'm saving my thoughts for an article in the next issue of <a href="http://www.soulgardeningjournal.com/">Soul Gardening</a>. So, you'll have to wait for publication to hear all about it.<br />
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In the meantime, I received a little affiliate bonus again and I want to give away a beautiful book to someone: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525467343/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0525467343&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=EHV5NZ2DOZXBQEAE">Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening</a>. The book is illustrated by the fantastic Susan Jeffers... who breathes life into the delightful Robert Frost poem.<br />
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I chose this book for a couple reasons:<br />
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1- It's the thick of winter right now... let's enjoy the wonderful titles celebrating that...<br />
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2- This book is a perfect example of the importance in <i>savoring</i> the words on a page and letting them hang suspended in the air for a bit before turning the page.<br />
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3- I love books that are able to serve in making poetry very easy and accessible to children. Using picture books is a great way to acclimate young ones to the study of, but more importantly, the <i>enjoyment of</i> poetry.<br />
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So there's that. I'll pick a winner <b>this Friday</b> in some random but unscientific way. To enter, just comment please with whatever it is you'd like to say... :-)<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>****** CONTEST CLOSED *******</b></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-65025602953317269732015-01-10T15:28:00.002-08:002015-01-10T15:28:49.316-08:00The most basic of living books<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442458801/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1442458801&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=DSLZWMMKVQWIJLUY"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1442458801&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a> </div>
2014 passed by my attention without me noticing this very fun, very engaging new book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442458801/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1442458801&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=DSLZWMMKVQWIJLUY">Some Bugs</a>. There is a very happy area between "stories" and "educational content" that has to be very artfully done in the picture book world, especially when the audience is Pre-K. It's one of my favorite little niches to explore because I find it very challenging to do well. <b><i>Some Bugs</i></b> by Angela DiTerlizzi nails it. It's a very, very simple primer for the pre-school set that is just fun to sit and delight over with a child. Not only does it keep the text in very simple rhymes, it doesn't make the mistake that many "edu-stories" make in overloading the child with text and information. This "early living book" technique is perfectly executed here, just like it is in my favorite beginner bird book by Kevin Henkes: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061363049/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061363049&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=FT57CZQDRYPGFRYW">Birds</a>. The goal is simply to meet bugs, giggle at the pictures and be inspired to do some hunting in your own front yard. Education to light a fire, not fill a bucket. Mixed media illustrations by Brendan Wenzel are a positive delight, refreshingly original and quirky.<br />
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Simple pleasures like these kinds of books really remind to stop and take an important five minutes in my day to engage with my little ones in a beautiful way... it's the little things in life.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-36213370951267568782014-12-16T13:48:00.000-08:002014-12-16T13:48:10.957-08:00Subtlety and Christmas MiceI can't tell you how many books there are out there that forget what I think is the point of a picture book: <b>to engage a child's imagination in a beautiful way.</b> I suppose the logic is that if you put some colorful characters on paper, a child will be more receptive to the "message" that the author wants to get across. The effect of this is thousands of well-meaning but poorly executed books on manners, virtues, going to the doctor, anger therapy, and yes even (maybe especially!) religion. <br />
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I always find it such a joy to discover a book where the "message" may be there, but it is so artfully made that the story is engaging enough without having to convince children to pick it up and read it. The message may be obvious as in the exquisite <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064431126/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0064431126&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=HNUCQ4Y2SMBV5CGN">What Do You Say, Dear?</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064431134/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0064431134&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=TUBU2S2HVKKHRZY5">What Do You Do, Dear?</a> books... where manners are taught but in such an unexpected and fun way that a child simply has to love it. Or there are other books which weave in a message within the story without preaching at the child. Think of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399231080/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0399231080&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=E5JPMZSAZNWWCD2A">Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs</a> which isn't designed to be a bereavement therapy program... but it is nonetheless. This is where the art of subtlety comes in. Some authors have it. Others don't.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nEmCeXMtOSI/VJCoGmF9xKI/AAAAAAAAC4o/xv9LLOaLOVk/s1600/micmice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nEmCeXMtOSI/VJCoGmF9xKI/AAAAAAAAC4o/xv9LLOaLOVk/s1600/micmice.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a>A relevant case right now is in the world of Christmas picture books. I think there are many categories of books—indeed something to suit everyone— within this genre and all have their place, whether you're looking for a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1586170325/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1586170325&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20">beautifully illustrated Nativity story</a> or a thought provoking <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1561453749/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1561453749&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20">piece of history.</a> But I've slowly come to realize something about myself in this category: my very favorite books are ones that are fun or sweet but have a <i>hint</i> toward the spiritual meaning of the holiday. I don't necessarily need the full blown preaching on the gift of Jesus. I don't need the tear jerker "true spirit of Christmas" charity-toward-the-poor or the be-kind-to-others story. I don't even need the cutesy board books so much. What I do need... what are <i>my very favorites</i>... are the picture books that tell a lovely story and then somehow the reader is left with a little warm feeling inside that there is something special going on here. And the child doesn't need to be told how to felt. And the child may feel just a twinge of wonder after the book is closed. It's the same way I feel about music. My very favorite music is definitely not overtly "Christian"... but it is heartfelt and full of depth and meaning and the complexity of human nature. Off the top of my head, when I think of the Christmas books in this category they mostly involve the humble little mouse! How funny that mice are such dear, beloved creatures warming their cute paws by the fire in picture books... but in real life they are loathed and hunted. But I digress:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0136044549/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0136044549&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20">Mousekin's Christmas Eve</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416950494/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1416950494&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20">Mortimer and the Christmas Manger</a> (a quite similar book to <i>Mousekin</i>, only newer and cheaper)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0803731477/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0803731477&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20">The Little Drummer Mouse</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/039925174X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=039925174X&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=EJIRI5I4JLK3QDHU">Drummer Boy</a> (not a mouse... but a wee, dear toy instead)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-2684721006588681632014-12-07T17:49:00.002-08:002015-01-20T15:04:23.377-08:00a new policy in saving the world...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had fun giving away a couple saint books this last week. I get just as much joy as the recipients must get from winning I think. I want to do giveaways more. I especially like how 'small beans' my following is here to the point that I can write entries on a whiteboard and have a 3 year old point to a name to choose a winner. No raffle-copter technology need apply when you didn't go into blogging to make it big time.<br />
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The point is this: my Amazon affiliate money is now going to be turned right back around to my audience. Unless by some absurd stroke of fate, I start to generate revenue in the thousands of dollars, I am delighted to use my average $15 - $20 per quarter or so to decide to purchase and give away whatever strikes my fancy at the time.<br />
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I get to give great books.<br />
It doesn't cost me a thing.<br />
I am happy to know that bookshelves all over are being filled with beautiful things.<br />
It's my mission to bring beauty into the world.<br />
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Beauty is evangelization.<br />
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And as Dostoevsky said: "Beauty will save the world."<br />
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So my link clicks are now dedicated to saving the world.<br />
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Carry on...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-20034891910940729562014-12-02T14:22:00.002-08:002014-12-04T12:17:36.319-08:00Double Giveaway!<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>****CONTEST CLOSED!!!**** </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b> </b>I love how my dinky blog gives people a pretty decent chance of winning; how fun is that?!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">The winners were chosen by two non-literate children (Henry needs a haircut; don't mind him):</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>"Hidden Fern"</b> wins the St. Nicholas board book!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>"Sarah O."</b> wins the Guadalupe book!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Please contact me asap to get these books shipped out to you: knowloveserve at gmail</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Thanks for playing everyone!</span></div>
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I have been blessed to receive infrequent but delightful gift card announcements from amazon every few months from this blog. Your clicks and purchases have added an incredibly fun bonus for me to opine on one of my favorite subjects, which I'd happily do for free anyway. For that, I am taking this latest reward amount (which was small but exciting) and turning it right back to you... <br />
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Kindly leave a comment sharing one of your favorite Advent traditions and I'll have a high-tech method (child's hand reaching in hat) of choosing a winner for two different copies of a couple of our favorite books celebrating the feasts of St. Nicholas and Our Lady of Guadalupe coming up this week and next.<br />
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<b>Deadline for both is Thursday, December 4th by noon, PST.</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTU9sUEG99w/VH47CMdnBvI/AAAAAAAAC3c/08evDLWybYI/s1600/nick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTU9sUEG99w/VH47CMdnBvI/AAAAAAAAC3c/08evDLWybYI/s1600/nick.jpg" height="320" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0758606885/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0758606885&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=5B4Y4OD4MQ6XTZ6L" style="text-align: start;">Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend</a><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">: This board book is always a happy sight to see in our "baby book basket" this time of year.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azJ76D5lpCs/VH47Az_xBcI/AAAAAAAAC3U/T_K3dqRPdzA/s1600/guada.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azJ76D5lpCs/VH47Az_xBcI/AAAAAAAAC3U/T_K3dqRPdzA/s1600/guada.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14px;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761461353/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0761461353&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=7BDJ4IFEEHWLYWIW" style="text-align: start;">Our Lady of Guadalupe</a><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">: There are a few great versions of this tale; this one is our favorite for its realism and nicely done art.</span></i></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-21418097954189522882014-11-30T15:43:00.003-08:002014-11-30T15:43:58.684-08:00Transitioning to Winter...I love the shifting of seasons. Sometimes it happens slowly and the leaves deepen in hue and drop off one by one... other times it's an abrupt wake-up call and a brave little iris is poking its head out of the cold ground. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we were enjoying a normal, wet, mild, windy fall when all of a sudden the bitter cold came yesterday and left a quarter inch of snow dusting the ground. Winter already? I marvel in the rhythms of nature... and so many picture books do too. I have Top Ten lists for all the seasons already, limited though they are. But we all know there exist a myriad of books that really hinge on a very specific <i>part</i> of the season, specifically its inception. Best are the books emphasizing the beginning of spring and the beginning of winter. Summer and Fall (well, there is the blooming "harvest time" genre...) are not as common for some reason, at least it seems to me...<br />
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Anyway, I read a book that's new this year that made me think of all my favorite "transitioning to winter" titles. The book is this one: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442472510/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1442472510&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=ZOBB7C3TMSW34OD5" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1442472510&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=biblioz-20" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Winter is Coming</i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4m_OCcBwOHQ/VHuYW2KsliI/AAAAAAAAC2g/P6slmjLrWoQ/s1600/winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4m_OCcBwOHQ/VHuYW2KsliI/AAAAAAAAC2g/P6slmjLrWoQ/s1600/winter.jpg" height="172" width="400" /></a>... and it is stunning. It might well be my favorite book of the year. I just love the tone; it's poetic without being contrived and Jim La Marche could not have been a better illustrator for this book. The whole story is simply a young girl watching wildlife and how they respond to the shifting of seasons. In many ways, I was struck by how it felt like the female version of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0688139779/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0688139779&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=BU7JHF4G4IDHSE6R">The Raft</a>. In that book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442472510/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1442472510&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=ZOBB7C3TMSW34OD5">Winter Is Coming</a> is going on my gifting ideas list because it is just beautiful. <br />
The story is developed in a traditional way but the similarities between a child sketching wildlife in opposite seasons was wonderful; they'd make a great side-by-side comparison for the enterprising teacher. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGqJwEPnews/VHuZ2DQB0GI/AAAAAAAAC2s/AlX_LoiD8mY/s1600/winter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGqJwEPnews/VHuZ2DQB0GI/AAAAAAAAC2s/AlX_LoiD8mY/s1600/winter2.jpg" height="170" width="240" /></a>A couple of the other books that I cherish this time of year are sadly out of print. All can be found in my local library however, so I suspect they're available in others. One is called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1935279041/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1935279041&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=LR6Y4XPW3ZX23ZZT">Waiting for Winter</a> and it is glorious and messy and funny and endearing. I can't fathom why it went out of print so soon! Meschenmoser illustrated it in sparse colors with a scribblish technique that captures the bitter end of fall so well. The little squirrel is waiting for snow and trying to figure out what exactly it'll be like... <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OT8xa5GtSH8/VHucFnDSOLI/AAAAAAAAC24/4EJd-2Uw8XY/s1600/snosong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OT8xa5GtSH8/VHucFnDSOLI/AAAAAAAAC24/4EJd-2Uw8XY/s1600/snosong.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525451455/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0525451455&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=WC6WG737ZEEVZSPU">Snowsong Whistling</a> is another one of my favorites because Elisa Kleven is like the bacon of the picture book world... add her illustrations to anything and it'll turn out amazing. In this book, the world again waits for the first snow and spritely verses dance across the pages as winter knocks at the door. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9I7xmhJO0Qk/VHudqTwQqpI/AAAAAAAAC3E/gedpoo1_fVY/s1600/hurrymary.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9I7xmhJO0Qk/VHudqTwQqpI/AAAAAAAAC3E/gedpoo1_fVY/s1600/hurrymary.png" height="250" width="240" /></a></div>
Still in the OUT OF PRINT world, there are other goodies also... like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689817703/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0689817703&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=RKE6U6KRJ5S2ABOF">Hurry Hurry Mary Dear</a> a very fun book about Mary running about tucking things in, getting ready for the big, blustery winter on its way. The book is really an depiction of what illustrator Erik Blevgard calls a "domestic drama" but it sure is fun to be watching it all unfold!<br />
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So there you are... the best of the "transition" books in my opinion...<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">“The quiet transition from autumn to winter is not a bad time at all. It's a time for protecting and securing things and for making sure you've got in as many supplies as you can. It's nice to gather together everything you possess as close to you as possible, to store up your warmth and your thoughts and burrow yourself into a deep hole inside, a core of safety where you can defend what is important and precious and your very own. Then the cold and the storms and the darkness can do their worst. They can grope their way up the walls looking for a way in, but they won't find one, everything is shut, and you sit inside, laughing in your warmth and your solitude, for you have had foresight.”</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"> </span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: xx-small;"><i>-Tove Jansson</i></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-64617140797602294362014-11-23T20:14:00.000-08:002014-11-23T20:17:00.315-08:00A Picture Book ThanksgivingIn nearly thirteen years of married life, I have cooked exactly one turkey. Thursday will mark my second attempt. I say attempt because the first was a failure of significant proportions. We went to a local farm on the island we lived on and agreed to pay a pretty price for one of the turkeys trotting about the premises. Part of the agreement was that my husband and sons would get to come help kill the bird so our children would know that food doesn't come from a freezer and we support a local economy, etc. Lofty goals...<br />
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The bird was slaughtered; defeathered and sent home with excited young eyeballs proud to call it our own. I had never cooked a turkey before so I just winged it (I'm so punny!)... thinking it would be hard to screw up. Well, I screwed it up. Birds that have room to roam are<i> ipso facto</i> leaner birds. The meat needed a little bit of TLC to get that famous "Butterball" taste I was used to. I didn't really know what I was doing and we gnawed on tough meat with sacrificial spirits, rather than thankful ones... thinking about how much money we spent on this 'quality' 'local' meat. At least the pie was good...<br />
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But I digress. We've somehow managed to get invited elsewhere or visit family for most of our other Thanksgiving holidays and so I've no real experience in developing solid family traditions for this day. I am asked to please make sure Great-Grandma's Sweet Potato Casserole gets made but everything else can pretty much come or go any given year. Perhaps that's why I'm not particularly excited about Thanksgiving-themed picture books. I just don't get really jazzed up about this holiday for some reason. I have precisely the books I want to have and am not really licking my chops hunting for the newer and better ones that I'm certain exist (google "Thanksgiving picture books" and you'll get an eyeful if you want).<br />
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So, realizing there has been a void in Thanksgiving posts since I started this blog 3 years ago, I'll share with you what I have and a brief bit about why I have them, just for my die-hard dozen of curious people. But know that this isn't a comprehensive list of all great books out there for Turkey Day by any stretch of the imagination. I read these during the week prior to Thursday.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400320399/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1400320399&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=LSTPJBXZY27N7KDB">Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving</a>: This gives the story of Squanto obviously and I like having a first person focus for this story. It's well done and offers a friendly bit of truth regarding Spanish Catholic monks that isn't too common to see in secular history accounts.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0684189992/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0684189992&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=SDZRWSWN7DU7QQPM">The Thanksgiving Story</a>: Tells the tale. The text is a tad lengthy but the art style is beautiful as to be expected. This is the "official story" book I go to. This year, I'm reading it over a couple days as part of our school's morning basket.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1930900635/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1930900635&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=TU52KSU2X7SECWPF">Cranberry Thanksgiving</a>: I love Cranberry-ville! This is fun and fresh and not focused on the history at all. Vintage... happy that <a href="http://www.purplehousepress.com/">Purple House Press</a> brought these back in print.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0136042996/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0136042996&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=FIGSCCEFYZU7WLFK">Mousekins Thanksgiving</a>: I wish Mousekin was back in print; he's a Charlotte Masoner's dream! This is a gentle tale, full of natural goodness typical of Mousekin and ends in a satisfying and sweet way that captures the 'spirit' of Thanksgiving generosity.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0027426432/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0027426432&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=EABXONZLRP46N62U">Three Young Pilgrims</a>. For my younger children specifically to get a taste of history with the personal narrative to go with it. It's colorful and engaging.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0877018065/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0877018065&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=6CWXC44Q24BZGROQ">N.C. Wyeth's Pilgrims</a>: I bought this when we were studying N.C. Wyeth as an artist. The story is a faithful rendition of the original history but I really don't make a point to <i>read</i> from this book so much as to just enjoy the pictures (Though the scene is picturesque and romanticized a bit, it's still a good piece of Americana to get nostalgic about).<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007BWHGU2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007BWHGU2&linkCode=as2&tag=biblioz-20&linkId=OBVNGZYRM2WJVF33">The Thanksgiving Door</a>: Something off the beaten path a bit and full of Thanksgiving "spirit" again. I like to find tales that get a new angle on this holiday because there's only so many books you can read about the history before your eyes blur over.<br />
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<i>p.s. Regarding seasonal out of print books. If you don't already know this, they are horrifyingly overpriced when it gets close to that season. Do not shop for OOP holiday books in the same month that the holiday is celebrated. I buy my OOP Christmas books no later than October and shake my head as prices skyrocket just weeks later... so you have to think ahead of the game a little bit. </i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361882236104928498.post-88930694882257437572014-11-18T14:51:00.001-08:002014-11-18T14:56:00.715-08:00I judged a book by its cover.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52ZcrrTSpuk/VGvMth1YYKI/AAAAAAAAC18/mBmaDnIX054/s1600/babyborn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52ZcrrTSpuk/VGvMth1YYKI/AAAAAAAAC18/mBmaDnIX054/s1600/babyborn.jpg" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>deceptively fantastic...</i></td></tr>
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... I gambled. And I lost the gamble. I stumbled across the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/reader/1880000954?_encoding=UTF8&page=random">Baby Born</a> and fell in love with the cover art. I read the reviews. I got a tiny taste of the inside and I was certain it was going to be my next, undiscovered gem to rave about here. I imagined an <a href="http://www.elisakleven.com/">Elisa Kleven</a> style inside. I have a winter baby to whom I was eager to present this book as a gift (it's ideal for a first birthday present.) <br />
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But I don't love it. The burst of color is there. But the pages are fairly few. The verse feels very prosaic. And there is a weird technique done with the faces and hairlines of the people inside that just slightly crossed the line of "quirky cool" to "quirky ugly"... in my opinion. The book is okay. I'm not going to get rid of it... because my three year old was excited to see a new book in the "baby basket", but I've no plans to ever replace it, and I certainly wouldn't spend a precious $8 on it. There will be no loving inscription written to my daughter in this; I'll choose something else (something safer).<br />
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So it just goes to show you that even a book with a (as of this date) "perfect" 5 star review can't necessarily be trusted. But that cover is gorgeous isn't it?!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396094893816490789noreply@blogger.com0