Currently reading
In the Shadow of Blackbirds
The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl
Snook Alone
Evocative and poignant, this story of a dog's faithfulness and patience upon being temporarily abandoned on a lonely atoll, tenderly captures the universal devotion of dogs and their companions. A rep favorite.
Shoot for the Moon!: Lessons on Life from a Dog Named Rudy
Some books are for kids, some kid's books are really for adults, and then there are those special picture books that are for everybody. Corinne Humphrey left her job as a flight attendant to live a different life, so she adopted a dog, and took painting lessons. Shoot for the Moon is the lovely result of both. Rudy, is her muse, a dog who found a loving home after several foster homes and apparent abuse. Her paintings are the life lessons that she learned from Rudy. Bold, primary colors lend a bright, cheerful tone. Originally self-published as The Tao of Rudy, the book won an Independent Publisher Bronze Medal for Outstanding Book Design in 2007, and a ForeWord Reviews magazine Book of the Year Award in 2008.
Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Poems (This book won the Claudia Lewis Award)
A celebration of sisterhood in poetry and charming illustrations. Recommended.
My Life in Pink & Green
Lucy is a spunky, optimistic, generous-hearted 12-year old, who is determined to save the world, and the pharmacy that her grandmother owns. She shows a determination and a belief in possibilities that we should all never lose. Well-paced, and layered with themes of friendship, family, sustainability, fashion sense and business tips, it is a breath of fresh air for the early teen market. Kudos!
Bedtime Bunnies
Perfect combination of action words and illustrations for little ones getting ready for bed. Only four words per spread detail preparations for bed, and wonderful words they are. I was ready for a nap when finished. An excellent addition to the night time repertoire.
Mardy Murie Did!: Grandmother of Conservation
A picture book for young readers about a little known woman in the conservation movement. Everyone recognizes the contributions of others such as John Muir, Teddy Roosevelt and Rachel Carson of their time, in raising the awareness of setting aside land for preservation. In Mardy Murie Did, the reader finds out about a woman from Alaska who was among the first to champion scientific study of Northern Alaska and the Grand Teton Range of Wyoming. A trail blazer in any number of ways, Mardy Murie was recognized with every major environmental award, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Bill Clinton. Beautifully illustrated, this picture book is a excellent introduction into further study of a woman scientist and naturalist.
Dodsworth in Rome (A Dodsworth Book)
I found the dry tongue-in-cheek humor of this volume of the Dobsworth travels delightful. Fun!
Mitchell's License
Another winner from Tony Fucile! Hallie Durand's tale of the remote-control dad, and the drive to bed every night, is ingeniously illustrated and much fun to read. My husband always likes to ask, "Where is the dad?" in movies and books, because oftentimes they are mysteriously missing. Not so, here! Mom takes a backseat (she's there, not to worry), in this joyously creative going-to-bed story. Son Mitchell get his "driver's license" and hops on board dad, who he drives to bed. Hilarity ensues. Don't miss this one!
A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouse (Toon)
Wonderfully rendered other worldly trip to Antarctica for early readers. Based on the author's actual trip aboard a Russian research vessel.
Firebird
Exquisite paintings by Catherine Hyde, illustrator of another personal favorite picture book, The Princess' Blankets, grace this retelling of the Russian folktalke, the Firebird, by Saviour Pirotta. There is so much to like about this book. Published in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Russian ballet, the Igor Stravinsky music score to the ballet has been a signature favorite of mine, since first recorded by the Atlanta Symphony in 1978. This recording of The Firebird under the Telarc label, made the ASO the first American orchestra to make a digital recording intended for commercial release. I have never been able to listen to the final chords of this work without being totally astounded by the sound. Oftentimes in publishing, there have been very few editions of picture books to accompany popular ballets or works of music. As a musician, and a member of the publishing community, I have experienced the disappointment of many, looking for books to accompany musical experiences. Thank goodness there is this handsome volume of The Firebird, and I highly recommend it to all who love folktales, legends, ballets, art and beautiful music.
Moon Dreams
Where DOES the moon go every day? Even older kids might be surprised to realize it is still there in the sky somewhere. Luna, who loves the moon, struggles to find it, once the day has dawned.
Eli the Good
This is the first Silas House novel I've read, and I found this book to be particularly enchanting. Never before have I found someone to detail the sensibilities of a child in a family that so closely reminded me of many scenes from my own childhood. I kept having flashbacks to places in my past where I made sense of myself in the quiet moments of life happening around me. Which is what Eli tells of the summer of 1976 when his family breaks apart and comes together again. The themes of nature and war, family and love, loneliness and longing, fill these pages with a quiet wonder.
I'll Be There
Every parent experiences those moments in their own and their child's life, when one steps back and realizes the stages of growth and development are in transition. One stops and pauses and thinks about how it once was, and how it might be in the future. In I'll Be There, a child asks a simple question and reveals a curiosity about the nature of self and the mother offers a reassuring reply. Playful, loving illustrations by Matt Phelan are simple, yet gloriously invite the reader to linger and absorb the moments in life where our living and loving take place every day. Recommended.
Bears! Bears! Bears!
From the description: "budding ursinologists"!! Love it! Surely there are bears in the book that you've never heard of, there were for me! Which makes this book stand out from all the other bear books out there. Recommended.
The Blue House Dog
Sensitive tale about a homeless dog who finds a new home, inspired by a true story. Admirable illustrations by Adam Gustavson. Recommended.
Sound Bingo (Games)
I love the idea behind this book/game. The only thing that could make it better, would be to make it for more players and have more sounds. A great way to teach children listening skills.
