CUMBAYAH by Floyd Cooper

CUMBAYAH

by

Floyd Cooper

I grew up singing the CUMBAYAH or "Come By Here" as a child and so when I saw this children's book on the display table in my local public library, I had to read it and include it in this blog.

We still sing "CUMBAYAH or KUMBAYAH or KUM BA YAH" as I have also seen it written as a song of inspiration and togetherness in my Presbyterian Church .

The cover of this beautiful and poignant children's book represents how the world should be... Where children of all races worship, sing, and live together in peace and harmony. The pictures are breathtakingly beautiful. The colors are soft earthy hues representing all colors of diversity!

The story begins with children of all races singing in a circle to the words, "Cumbayah, my lord, cumbayah!"
The next photo depicts an Native American man singing to the words, "Someone's singing, Lord, cumbayah..."
We then see children in bed the bed sleeping and falling asleep under the moonlit sky to the words, "Someone's sleeping, Lord, cumbayah." We see older children casting a net for fishing to, "Someone's working, Lord, cumbayah...."

Next a mother and father are comforting their child to, "Someone's crying, Lord, cumbayah..."

Children are laughing and playing in a tree to, "Someone's laughing, Lord, cumbayah..."

We see a child perhaps in a tunnel who is hiding his face upset to, "Someone's hurting, Lord, cumbayah.." Cooper's pictures are so realistic that we are in that tunnel feeling that young child's pain... "Has he been abandoned? " Has he been hurt?" "Is he missing his parents?" Is he homeless? We don't know... We can empathize that he is hurting.

Next we see all manner of children dancing and singing and having a great time! What great fun!!!!!!!!!! They are dancing together as others are looking on.

People walk by as a mother and child wait for people to drop coins in their plate on the ground. Many people just walk by rather than giving them money... This is to the words, "Someone needs You, Lord, cumbayah."

We then see a plethora of diverse children and adults singing together, "Someone's praising You, cumbayah." This could be the heavenly choir!

The book ends with children of all races holding multi-colored flags above their heads to the words, "Oh, Lord, cumbayah."

The music score for the song "CUMBAYAH" is included in the front and back of this lovely book!

I have been singing this familiar hymn since I was about three years old and was singing it while I wrote this blog!!!!!!!

I loved this book! You will have a warm feeling inside when you read this book. It should be in every school, public, and home library! Floyd Cooper is a master writer and illustrator. What a wondeful treat!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is the link to the book on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Cumbayah-Floyd-Cooper/dp/0688135439/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262289237&sr=1-1-spell

Here is the link to his web site:
http://www.floydcooper.com/index.htm


HAPPY READING!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until the next time!


A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Kwanzaa: My First Kwanzaa Book

Kwanzaa: My First Kwanzaa Book
by
Deborah M. Newton Chocolate

Kwanzaa has started and I am including Kwanzaa: My First Kwanzaa Book by Deborah M. Newton Chocolate and illustrated by Cal Massey.

My First Kwanzaa Book by Deborah M. Newton Chocolate and illustrated by Cal Massey is a wonderfully written and illustrated introduction to Kwanzaa for young readers.

The book introduces the reader the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa:


December 26 - Umoja (Unity - We help each other)
December 27 - Kujichagulia ( Self-Determination - We decide things for ourselves)
December 28 - Ujima - (Collective Work and Responsibility - We work together to make life better)
December 29 - Ujamaa - (Cooperative Economics - We build support and our own business)
December 30 - Nia - (Purpose - We have a reason for living)
December 31 - Kuumba  - (Creativity - We use our minds and hands to make things)
January 1       - Imani - (Faith - We believe in ourselves, our ancestors, and our future)

An Afterward is included near the end of the book with a brief description of the Kwanzaa holiday and its founding my Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga. The book ends with a listing of the the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa and a brief description. Readers are referred to Dr. Karenga's book: "The African American Holilday of Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community, & Culture. Los Angeles: University of Sankore Press, 1988.

Symbols and Words Used During Kwanzaa is nicely included at the end along with brief bios for the author Deborah M. Newton Chocolate and the illustrator Cal Massey.

This book is quite a feast for the eyes, ears, mind, and soul.

I recommend this book for all children of all cultures to learn more about this exciting holiday!

HAPPY READING!!!!!!!!!!

Until the next time....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

The Dog Who Saved Santa by True Kelley

THE DOG WHO SAVED SANTA

by True Kelley

As a true dog lover, I lept for joy when saw "The Dog Who Saved Santa" at my local public library where I was working as the children's librarian. This is one of the funniest Christmas stories that I have ever read and I decided to that I needed to share it with you. You will find it a very funny and engaging story!

What a lovely heart-warming Christmas story about Santa's dog Rodney who finds that it's christmastime and Santa is falling behind on his job. Rodney must take matters into his own "paws" and get Santa into shape!

This is one of the funniest Christmas stories that I have ever read. Get ready to laugh!!!!!!!!

I will be adding this funny Christmas gem to my school library and I hope that you will do the same!

Here is the link on Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Who-Saved-Santa/dp/0823421201/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262027641&sr=1-1

Here is the link to author/illustrator True Kelley's web site:
http://www.truekelley.com/


Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!

Until the next time...........

Hooooo... Hoooooooo... Hooooooo!!!!!!!!

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

  

The Night Before Christmas - Retold and Illustrated by Rachel Isadora

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Retold and Illustrated by Rachel Isadora

This remake of the 1822 classic poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" written by Clement C. Moore, also known as "The Night Before Christmas" takes place in an African village with lots of wonderful African touches including Kente clothe patterns, clothes, and toys every where to be found. What a feast for the eyes!!!!!!!
Santa has dreadlocks and a kente cloth red suit and even the reindeer are sporting kentes to boot!

This awesome children's book is Africa inspired, I recommend reading it to every child as they await Santa's arrival and to bed they retire!

Here is the link to the book on Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Night-Before-Christmas-Rachel-Isadora/dp/0399254080/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262026648&sr=1-1

You can find author/illustrator Rachel Isadora at Harper Collins Publishers:

http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/HarperChildrens/Kids/AuthorsAndIllustrators/ContributorDetail.aspx?CId=17066

Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!

Until the next time.....

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Bears First Christmas - Written by Robert Kinerk

BEARS FIRST CHRISTMAS
written by Robert Kinerck and illustrated by Jim LaMarche

BEARS FIRST CHRISTMAS - Written by Robert Kinerck and illustrated by Jim Lamarche is such a lovely tale story. Beautifully written and illustrated, this poetic book tells the story of one young lonely bear who is awakened from his slumber by a sound. As he moves towards the sound, he encounters lots of animal friends on the way."The bear finds his way step-by-step through the snowy forest, making friends along his route."

The words rhyme and are in poetic form and the pictures are so warm and fuzzy that you wish you were there sharing in all of the fun with the animals! This story is about sharing... which is the most important theme for everyone during this holiday season. I loved the following:

"They came to a bog, where a moose, with his teeth,

Tried to scrape at the ice for the weeds underneath.

He needed some help, which the bear could well see,

So he scraped with his claws till the cold weeds were free."

The animals arrive at a house with a family sharing their Christmas celebration and songs. The animals don't understand the meaning as they peer through the window...

"He crept to the light without making a noise.

In the glow of the light were two girls and two boys.

And pealing from them came mysterious words,

A sound to the bear like the music of birds."

"A glow cast from faces, a glow cast from eyes.

But a glow most of all from a wonderful tree

That the beast out of doors were astonished to see.

A tree dressd in lights-each shiny as dew.

What the lights meant, though, no animal knew."

"The last of the sounds faded off in the night.

The children inside were led slowly from sight.

Out of doors, the beasts stared as the last embers fell.

What the meaning could be of the music, the lights,

And the gladness inside on the darkest of nights."

The animals leave and unknowingly create their own Christmas music.

The bear takes all of his new friends to his well-hidden den and they see a tree growing where no tree should be... It seems to be magical.

All the animals settle in the cave an all fall asleep for the They settle in and all fall asleep.

"They slept, and the tree shed ist marvelous light

All through the freezing and long winter night.

It continued to glow when the winter was done

And the earth had been touched by the warmth of the sun."

This is now my favorite Christmas children's book!

Every child should have the opportunity to read this book. I will be adding it to my school library and my personal library collection.

Here is the link to the book on Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Bears-First-Christmas-Robert-Kinerk/dp/068986972X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262022751&sr=1-1

Here is the link to Robert Kinerk's Web site:

http://robertkinerk.com/Pages/hisbooks.html

Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until the next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A children's book a day, will keep the scary monster away!

NY Times Children's Book Review Published Today 12/27/2009

 NEW YORK TIMES CHILDREN'S BOOK LISTS

 It is that time again.... The New York Times Book Revew was published earlier today. This will be the last NY Times book review for 2009.

Here is the link to today's New York Times Children's Book Review:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/03/books/bestseller/bestchildren.html?ref=review

Let us see what gems are on this list.

Here is the list of the Picture books:

PICTURE BOOKS
This Week		Weeks on List
1	SPLENDIFEROUS CHRISTMAS, by Jane O’Connor. Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. (Harper/HarperCollins, $17.99.) Fancy Nancy, in deep tinsel. (Ages 4 to 8)	7
2	THE CHRISTMAS SWEATER, adapted by Chris Schoebinger from the story by Glenn Beck. Illustrated by Brandon Dorman. (Aladdin/Mercury Radio Arts, $17.99.) Seeking the meaning of Christmas. (Ages 4 to 7)	8
3	THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, by Clement C. Moore. Various illustrators. (Various publishers) Not a creature was stirring; various editions. (All ages)	25
4	NUBS, by Brian Dennis, Mary Nethery and Kirby Larson. (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $17.99.) A wild dog in Iraq makes a friend for life. (Ages 4 to 8)	7
5	WADDLE!, written and illustrated by Rufus Butler Seder. (Workman, $12.95.) Animals in motion, with color. (Ages 4 to 8)	14
6	SKIPPYJON JONES, LOST IN SPICE, by Judy Schachner. (Dutton, $16.99.) The peppery red planet captures a cat’s fancy. (Ages 4 to 8)	14
7	THE LITTLE PRINCE, written and illustrated by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. (HMH, $35.) A pop-up edition. (Ages 9 to 12)	2
8	THE LION AND THE MOUSE, by Jerry Pinkney. (Little, Brown, $16.99.) A fable of reciprocal kindness, redrawn. (Ages 4 to 8)	7
9	LISTEN TO THE WIND: THE STORY OF DR. GREG AND "THREE CUPS OF TEA", by Greg Mortenson and Susan L. Roth. (Dial, $16.99.) A school grows in Pakistan. (Ages 4 to 8)	42
10	THE CURIOUS GARDEN, written and illustrated by Peter Brown. (Little, Brown, $16.99.) A boy named Liam nurtures a straggly garden to vivid fruition. (Ages 4 to 8)

*********************
There is a new number one book in this category. It is "Witch and Wizard by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet.


Here is the list of Chapter books:

1	WITCH AND WIZARD, by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet. (Little, Brown, $17.99.) One of each, brother and sister, flex their newfound powers. (Ages 12 and up)	1
2	THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins. (Scholastic, $17.99.) In a dystopian future, a girl fights for survival on live TV. (Ages 12 and up)	67
3	CATCHING FIRE, by Suzanne Collins. (Scholastic, $17.99.) The protagonist of "The Hunger Games" returns. (Ages 12 and up)	16
4	THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT, by Kate DiCamillo and Yoko Tanaka. (Candlewick, $16.99.) An orphan in search of his sister follows a fortuneteller’s mysterious instructions. (Ages 7 and up)	15
5	FALLEN, by Lauren Kate. (Delacorte, $17.99.) Thwarted love among misfits at a Savannah, Ga., boarding school. (Ages 12 and up)	2
6	BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. (Little, Brown, $17.99.) A secret wrapped in a Southern Gothic novel. (Ages 12 and up)	3
7	WHEN YOU REACH ME, by Rebecca Stead. (Wendy Lamb, $15.99.) A sixth-grade girl in New York City begins receiving mysterious notes. (Ages 9 to 12)	7
8	SHIVER, by Maggie Stiefvater. (Scholastic Press/Scholastic, $17.99.) Love among the lupine. (Ages 12 and up)	21
9	THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, by Neil Gaiman. Illustrated by Dave McKean. (HarperCollins, $17.99.) To avoid a killer, a boy takes up residence in a cemetery. Excerpt (Ages 10 and up)	62
10	MILLION-DOLLAR THROW, by Mike Lupica. (Philomel/Penguin Young Readers, $17.99.) In tough times, an opportunity arises for a quarterback. (Ages 9 to 12)	7

**********************

 Here is the list of Paperback children's books. The Teen Vogue Handbook is a new addition to this list week. It entered in at number 3.

PAPERBACK BOOKS
This Week		Weeks on List
1	THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak. (Knopf, $11.99.) A girl saves books from Nazi burning. Excerpt (Ages 14 and up)	119
2	THREE CUPS OF TEA: YOUNG READERS EDITION, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. (Puffin, $8.99.) A former climber builds schools in Pakistani and Afghan villages. (Ages 9 to 12)	48
3	THE TEEN VOGUE HANDBOOK, . (Razorbill, $24.95.) A how-to guide for careers in the fashion world. (Ages 12 and up)	1
4	THIRST NO. 1, by Christopher Pike. (Simon Pulse, $9.99.) A reissue of "The Last Vampire" (1994), "Black Blood" (1994) and "Red Dice" (1995). (Ages 14 and up)	20
5	THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN, by Sherman Alexie. Illustrated by Ellen Forney. (Little, Brown, $8.99.) A young boy leaves his reservation for an all-white school. (Ages 12 and up)	38
6	DARK VISIONS, by L. J. Smith. (Simon & Schuster, $9.99.) A school for psychic teens, not to mention vampires. (Ages 14 and up)	15
7	GRACELING, by Kristin Cashore. (Graphia/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $9.99.) A girl with special talents is also valued for her warrior attributes. (Ages 14 and up)	12
8	THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG: JUNIOR NOVELIZATION, by Irene Trimble. (Random House/Disney, $4.99.) A movie tie-in about love amphibian style. (Ages 9 to 12)	4
9	LOCK AND KEY, by Sarah Dessen. (Speak, $8.99.) A crack appears in a girl’s cynicism. (Ages 12 and up)	17
10	GONE, by Michael Grant. (HarperTeen, $9.99.) Adults disappear; so do communication networks. (Ages 12 and up)

****************************
Here is the Series book list. I have added the following Series books to my K to 8 library:
THE TWILIGHT SAGA;THE DIARY OF A WIMPY KID;  PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS; THE 39 CLUES; and all of the HARRY POTTER books.

SERIES BOOKS
This Week		Weeks on List
1	THE TWILIGHT SAGA, by Stephenie Meyer. (Megan Tingley/Little, Brown, hardcover and paper) Vampires and werewolves in school. (Ages 12 and up)	124
2	DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney. (Abrams, hardcover only) The travails of adolescence, in cartoons. (Ages 9 to 12)	49
3	PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, hardcover and paper) Battling mythological monsters. (Ages 9 to 12)	128
4	HOUSE OF NIGHT, by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. (St. Martin’s, hardcover and paper) Vampires in school. (Ages 14 and up)	69
5	THE 39 CLUES, by various authors. (Scholastic, hardcover only) A brother and sister travel the world in search of the key to their family’s power. (Ages 9 to 12)	32
6	THE ALEX RIDER ADVENTURES, by Anthony Horowitz. (Philomel/Speak, hardcover and paper) A young spy follows his father’s lead. (Ages 10 and up)	59
7	THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY, by Trenton Lee Stewart. (Little, Brown, hardcover and paper) Gifted kids undertake a mission. (Ages 9 to 12)	10
8	HARRY POTTER, by J. K. Rowling. (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, hardcover and paper) A young wizard hones his skills while fighting evil. (Ages 10 and up)	230
9	VAMPIRE DIARIES, by L. J. Smith. (HarperTeen, hardcover and paper) Vampires in school, with a love triangle. (Ages 12 and up)	34
10	THE IMMORTALS, by Alyson Noël. (St. Martin’s/Griffin, hardcover and paper) Love and angst of the supernatural variety. (Ages 14 and up)

*****************

I enjoy adding this list to my children's book blog.

Happy reading!!!!!!!!!
Until the next time.....

A children's book a day, will keep the scary monster away!

Can You Growl Like a Bear by John Butler

CAN YOU GROWL LIKE A BEAR

by

John Butler

Can You Growl Like a Bear by John Butler is one of the most heart warming, beautifully illustrated children's books that I have ever seen. I love this book more than I can even share in this blog!

My kindergarten, first grade, and second graders absolutely LOVED this children's book!!!!!! Butler uses lots of soft round colors for the animals. You just want to be there with the animals watching them in their natural habitat! The animals are so beautifully and softly drawn. The edges are round and soft whether it is the bear in the snow, the chimps swinging to and fro, the dolphins swimming through the seas, the honey bee floating on a breeze, the elephant tramping across the plain, the tree frog basking in the rain, the leopard slinking slowly by, the cockatoo soaring in the sky, the wolf keeping watch late at night, the panda snuggling up for the night, and all of the animals gently falling asleep!!!!!!!!

Young children will adore the lovely animals in their natural surroundings. Their stunning portraits are so life-like. Children are invited to mimic the sounds that the young animals make. The book begins with "Listen to the animals. What noises do you hear? Come along and join the fun! Speak up loud and clear."

The young bear rolls on his back with the words "Can you growl like a bear, rolling in the snow" projected above the two pages. You just want to hold the baby bear in your arms and tickle his little stomach until he giggles. I love how each animal's pictures are displayed on two pages. For example, "Can you chatter like a chimp, swinging to and from?" The verb in each sentence is displayed in boldface with a much larger print.

A family of dolphins are covered in the next two pages. They are so realistic. You feel like you are standing in front of a large aquarium at a zoo. One of the smaller dolphins appears to be looking directly at the reader. "Can you click like a dolphin, swimming through the seas?"

The honeybee is about to land on one of the sunflowers in the field to: "Can you buzz like a honebee, floating on a breeze?"

Next there is a herd of elephants with one leading the pack... "Can you trumpet like an elephant, tramping across the plain?" You can hear the elephant and the sound of the trumpet. This is one of my favorite parts of the book!

We next visit a very realistic frog swinging on a branch... The branch is displayed on both pages........... Above appears the words... "Can you croak like a tree frog, basking in the rain?"

My students loved the leopard. He spanned two pages. They told me that they felt he would leap of the page. They crouched down low and sprang as if pouncing on their prey while they made the leopard sounds.... In unison, they all sang, "Can you roar like a leopard, slinking slowly by?" We ended this by lining up and one-by-one slinking slowly by!!!!

We flapped around the class squawking to the words, "Can you squawk like a cockatoo, soaring in the sky?" We all took flight. Flapping our imaginary wings.

We then "howled like a wolf to, "Can you howl like a wolf, keeping watch late at night?" The wolf in the picture looks so warm and fuzzy. You just want to pet his coat. The moon has set right behind him. Butler uses such soft pastels. You feel like you are right there howling along with the wolf.

We turned to our favorite animal and pictures.... "Can you snuffle like a panda, snuggling up for the night?" The panda baby is snuggled nice and closely to his mother or father. Sleeping safely... snuggly in his/her arms. We loved this picture. We could all identify with this baby panda as we have all been snuggled closely in our parents arms... The pandas are so cute as they always are in pictures, on TV, and in person!!!! 

The book ends with a picture of each baby animal sleeping it their natural habitat. We all commented on how all animals sleep differently. Each baby animal is pictured within a round circle with softly rounded pastel colors. The animals are the honey bee, chimp, dolphin, bear, elephant, wolf, leopard, panda, frog and finally the cockatoo! What a way to to end a children's book with such lovely pictures and the sweet words..."Everyone is quiet now. You can't hear a peep. It's time to gently close your eyes and fall fast asleep."

My students were ready to fall asleep after reading this. I am sure that if I had given them cookies and warm milk, they would have been sleeping snuggly in all of our arms....


I have recommended "Can You Growl Like a Bear" to everyone I encounter at my school library, public library, and to friends,parents, students, public library patrons, and many other people who I know love a good children's book!

I will be purchasing this book for my school library and also for my own personal library. I borrowed this from my local public library and must return it soon...

I hope that you will all purchase this book and read it to your students, children, grandchildren, young friends... WHAT A TREAT!!!!!!!!!!!! You'll see!!!!!!!!!!!

This is perfect for a bedtime story also!

Here is the link to John Butler's web site so that you can learn more about his plethora of beautiful books!

http://www.johnbutlerart.com/index.asp

Happy reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Until the next time!

A children's book a day, will keep the scary monster away!

Children's Book NY Times Book Reviews for 12/20/2009

New York Times Children's Books for 12/20/2009
Here is the link to the list of The New York Times Children's Books for 12/20/2009:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/27/books/bestseller/bestchildren.html?ref=bestseller

I am looking forward to reading "The Lion and the Mouse" by Jerry Pinkney and re-reading "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

I purchased most of the Series books below for my library. I know the children will be excited to read them when they return in January 2010.

Until the next time....

A children's book a day, will keep the scary monster away!
***************************
Here is the list of the PICTURE BOOKS
1 SPLENDIFEROUS CHRISTMAS, by Jane O’Connor.
2 THE CHRISTMAS SWEATER, adapted by Chris Schoebinger from the story by Glenn Beck. Illustrated by Brandon Dorman.
3 THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, by Clement C. Moore. Various illustrators.
4 LEGO STAR WARS, by Simon Beecroft.
5 NUBS, by Brian Dennis, Mary Nethery and Kirby Larson.
6 WADDLE!, written and illustrated by Rufus Butler Seder.
7 SKIPPYJON JONES, LOST IN SPICE, by Judy Schachner.
8 LISTEN TO THE WIND: THE STORY OF DR. GREG AND "THREE CUPS OF TEA", by Greg Mortenson and Susan L. Roth.
9 THE LION AND THE MOUSE, by Jerry Pinkney.
10 THE LITTLE PRINCE, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
**********************

CHAPTER BOOKS
This Week Weeks on List

1 THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins.
2 CATCHING FIRE, by Suzanne Collins.
3 BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.
4 THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT, by Kate DiCamillo and Yoko Tanaka.
5 FALLEN, by Lauren Kate.
6 WHEN YOU REACH ME, by Rebecca Stead.
7 MILLION-DOLLAR THROW, by Mike Lupica. 
8 THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, by Neil Gaiman. Illustrated by Dave McKean.
9 SHIVER, by Maggie Stiefvater.
10 A REALLY SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING, by Bill Bryson.
**********************
Here are the PAPERBACK BOOKS:

1 THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak.
2 THREE CUPS OF TEA: YOUNG READERS EDITION, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.
3 THIRST NO. 1, by Christopher Pike. (Simon Pulse, $9.99.) A reissue of "The Last Vampire" (1994), "Black Blood" (1994) and "Red Dice" (1995).
4 DARK VISIONS, by L. J. Smith.
5 THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG: JUNIOR NOVELIZATION, by Irene Trimble.
6 GRACELING, by Kristin Cashore.
7 THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN, by Sherman Alexie. Illustrated by Ellen Forney.
8 LOCK AND KEY, by Sarah Dessen.
9 THE OMNIVORE'S DILEMMA FOR KIDS, by Michael Pollan.
10 THE PENDERWICKS, by Jeanne Birdsall.

************************
SERIES BOOKS

1 THE TWILIGHT SAGA, by Stephenie Meyer.
2 DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney.
3 PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, by Rick Riordan.
4 HOUSE OF NIGHT, by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast.
5 THE 39 CLUES, by various authors.
6 THE ALEX RIDER ADVENTURES, by Anthony Horowitz.
7 THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY, by Trenton Lee Stewart.
8 VAMPIRE DIARIES, by L. J. Smith.
9 HARRY POTTER, by J. K. Rowling.
10 THE IMMORTALS, by Alyson Noël.

**************************

Flying by Kevin Luthardt

Flying

by Kevin Luthardt is a wonderfully, engaging, colorful children's book that showcases the bond between fathers and sons. I recommended this children's book to a grandmother (retired school teacher) who was looking for a children's book that shows the wonderful bond between boys and their fathers.

The story begins with an inquistive young son reading the "Big Book of Birds" book and day and fantasizing about flying like the various birds that are mentioned in the "Big Book of Birds" book that he is reading. The young son approaches his father who is sitting in his comfortable chair reading his daily newspaper. He asks his father, "Papa, why can't I fly?"

His father responds by saying, "Because, son, you don't have WINGS!" The father opens up his arms like he is a bird about to take flight.

The son asks again, "But... why don't I have wings?"

His father responds, "Well, that's because you have ARMS" as if he is flexing his arm muscles.

Ever inquistive, he asks, "Weel, why do I have arms, Papa?"

His father answers, "To hold up your HANDS, of course!"

He continues by asking his father, But why do I have hands?"

His father tells him, "Because hands are good for GRABBING .... And SWINGING... And TOSSING ... And ... FLYING!!!

The son imagines himself as all sorts of exotic birds. The color are breathtakingly gorgeous!!!!!!!!

The book ends with the father and son reading a book on fish, "The Big Book of FISH" and the son and his father imagining TOGETHER that they are fish swimming in the ocean with all sorts of rich colorful fish...

The son asks his father, "Papa, why can't I breathe under water?" This could be a sequel to this well drawn and well written children's book!

I enjoyed reading this children's book and recommending it to a friend. I plan to add this to my school library. This book is very attractive and is a must-read for youngs sons and their fathers. The colors are rich and child friendly such as blue, purple, orange, brown, green, yellow, and black. They are bright and calming at the same time which can be difficult to include in a book for young children. I like how Luthardt includes all of the colors in the rainbow and the bubbles with the birds and himself in the fantasy and ream. He uses the same color in the background as the question mark or thought bubbles above his head representing his question.

Here is the link to the book on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Flying-Kevin-Luthardt/dp/1561454303/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261090610&sr=1-1

Here is the link to author and illustrator Kevin Luthardt's web site:
http://www.kevinluthardt.com/

Until the next time...

A CHILDREN'S BOOK A DAY, WILL KEEP THE SCARY MONSTER AWAY!

An African Princess by Lyra Edmonds. Illustrated by Anne Wilson

An African Princess by Lyra Edmonds

Working as a Librarian at several locations in the Carnegie Library system of Pittsburgh is rewarding because I am able to meet new faces and assist them with all of their library needs from selecting that special children's book to the latest New York Times best sellers.

A young mother recently returned the colorful, eye-catching "An African Princess" children's book written by Lyra Edmonds and illustrated by Anne Wilson and I am thoroughly enjoying this lovely story.

An African Princess book is based on the life of the author Lyra Edmonds. In the story, Lyra's mother tells her that she is descended from a princess captured in Africa and taken to the Caribbean to live. Lyra tells he classmates at school that she is an African princess and they poke fun at her saying, "You, an African princess, Don't be silly! Where's your palace?"

Lyra starts to doubt that she is a princess by saying, "There are not many African princesses who live on the tenth floor and have freckles like me."

Her mother reassures her that she is a princess and surprises her by showing her tickets and elling her that they are going on a trip to see her "African princess, Taunte May."

Lyra shows her classmates where she is going and makes a calendar with her father and marks off each day until she leaves for her trip to see Taunte May!

The day arrives and she exits the plane to a "hot, wet world, full of banana trees and hummingbirds." Lyra and her parents encounter a man singing out loud "as he chip-chops a small hole in a coconut." He tells Lyra," Drink fresh coconut to make you strong like a lion."

Lyra and her parents continue on their way to find Taunte May. Lyra thinks that she hears the monkeys giggle and say,"We know her. She's an African princess, tee hee."

They enter Taunte May's house where she tells Lyra of "princesses from long ago and princesses around whe world, who are all part of her big family tree."

As they leave, Taunte May whispers in Lyra's ear to "Remember to be proud of who you are!" In return, Lyra "nods and smiles her happiest princess smile."

Lyra returns home a more confident "African  princess!"

What a great story. Every little girl and especially girls of color should read this book. Every young girl dreams of being a princess one day. They should see princesses of color too! There are so few children's books depicting princesses of color that I would recommend this book for the children's collection in every library... whether it is  public ... school... or home!!!!!!!

The story is easy to read and understand. The pictures are very colorful and creatively drawn and painted!

This story is a colorful, magic, wonderland!

Until the next time...

A CHILDREN'S BOOK A DAY, WILL KEEP THE SCARY MONSTER AWAY....

Not All Animals are Blue by Beatrice Boutignon

 

Not All Animals Are Blue

I am one of the librarians at the Carnegie Library in Sheridan today. Someone returned the most delightful children's book titled: "Not All Animals are Blue: A Big Book of Little Differences" by Beatrice Boutignon. What a beautiful book. I am looking forward to sharing this wonderful book with my students at St. Benedict the Moor school.

This well written book includes five animals on one side of the spread, five descriptive sentences on the other, and the reader must determine which sentence describes which animal. Oh, I love this book! This book is a must read for all small children and their parents so that they can have a discussion on colors, accessories, feelings, movement, clothes, etc. This is great for children to learn their environment. This must read will certainly build cognitive development.

The pictures are colorfully painted! The descriptions are exciting and fun to read!

I can't wait to share this with my kindergarten, first, and second graders!

Until the next time......

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

      HAPPY READING!!!!!!!!

Sunday NY Times 12/13/09

New York Times Children's Book Review for 12/13/2009

It's that time again for the New York Times Bestsellers Children's book lists in the Sunday New York Times! Here is the link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/books/bestseller/bestchildren.html?ref=bestseller


Here is the list of children's Picture Books for 12/13/2009

PICTURE BOOKS
This Week		Weeks on List
1	SPLENDIFEROUS CHRISTMAS, by Jane O’Connor. Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. (Harper/HarperCollins, $17.99.) Fancy Nancy, knee-deep in tinsel. (Ages 4 to 8)	5
2	THE CHRISTMAS SWEATER, adapted by Chris Schoebinger from the story by Glenn Beck. Illustrated by Brandon Dorman. (Aladdin/Mercury Radio Arts, $17.99.) Seeking the meaning of Christmas. (Ages 4 to 7)	6
3	LEGO STAR WARS, by Simon Beecroft. (DK, $21.99.) An annotated visual dictionary. (Ages 7 and up)	9
4	SKIPPYJON JONES, LOST IN SPICE, by Judy Schachner. (Dutton, $16.99.) The peppery red planet captures a cat’s fancy. (Ages 4 to 8)	12
5	NUBS, by Brian Dennis, Mary Nethery and Kirby Larson. (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $17.99.) A wild dog in Iraq makes a friend for life. (Ages 4 to 8)	5
6	THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, by Clement C. Moore. Various illustrators. (Various publishers) Not a creature was stirring; various editions. (All ages)	23
7	WADDLE!, written and illustrated by Rufus Butler Seder. (Workman, $12.95.) Animals in motion, with color. (Ages 4 to 8)	12
8	LISTEN TO THE WIND: THE STORY OF DR. GREG AND "THREE CUPS OF TEA", by Greg Mortenson and Susan L. Roth. (Dial, $16.99.) A school grows in Pakistan. (Ages 4 to 8)	40
9	THE LION AND THE MOUSE, by Jerry Pinkney. (Little, Brown, $16.99.) A fable of reciprocal kindness, redrawn. (Ages 4 to 8)	5
10	JULIE ANDREWS’S COLLECTION OF POEMS, SONGS, AND LULLABIES, by Emma Walton Hamilton and Julie Andrews. Illustrated by James McMullan. (Little, Brown, $24.99.) All of the above. (Ages 4 to 8)

********************

Here is the list of the Chapter Book best sellers for 12/13/2009:

CHAPTER BOOKS
This Week		Weeks on List
1	THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins. (Scholastic, $17.99.) In a dystopian future, a girl fights for survival on live TV. (Ages 12 and up)	65
2	CATCHING FIRE, by Suzanne Collins. (Scholastic, $17.99.) The protagonist of "The Hunger Games" returns. (Ages 12 and up)	14
3	BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. (Little, Brown, $17.99.) A secret wrapped in a Southern Gothic novel. (Ages 12 and up)	1
4	THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT, by Kate DiCamillo and Yoko Tanaka. (Candlewick, $16.99.) An orphan in search of his sister follows a fortuneteller’s mysterious instructions. (Ages 7 and up)	13
5	MILLION-DOLLAR THROW, by Mike Lupica. (Philomel/Penguin Young Readers, $17.99.) In tough times, an opportunity arises for a quarterback. (Ages 9 to 12)	5
6	SHIVER, by Maggie Stiefvater. (Scholastic Press/Scholastic, $17.99.) Love among the lupine. (Ages 12 and up)	19
7	THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, by Neil Gaiman. Illustrated by Dave McKean. (HarperCollins, $17.99.) To avoid a killer a boy takes up residence in a cemetery. Excerpt (Ages 10 and up)	60
8	LEVIATHAN, by Scott Westerfeld. Illustrated by Keith Thompson. (Simon Pulse, $19.99.) A round-the-world airship trip before the eruption of World War I. (Ages 12 and up)	5
9	TRICKS, by Ellen Hopkins. (McElderry/Simon & Schuster, $18.99.) A novel in verse about five teenagers who become prostitutes. (Ages 14 and up)	14
10	THE GREATEST MOMENTS IN SPORTS, by Len Berman. (Jabberwocky/Sourcebooks, $16.99.) Highs and and a few lows, spanning the globe; with CD. (Ages 9 to 12)	3

******************

Here is the list of Paperback children's best sellers for 12/13/2009:

PAPERBACK BOOKS
This Week		Weeks on List
1	THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak. (Knopf, $11.99.) A girl saves books from Nazi burning. Excerpt (Ages 14 and up)	117
2	THREE CUPS OF TEA: YOUNG READERS EDITION, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. (Puffin, $8.99.) A former climber builds schools in Pakistani and Afghan villages. (Ages 9 to 12)	46
3	THIRST NO. 1, by Christopher Pike. (Simon Pulse, $9.99.) A reissue of "The Last Vampire" (1994), "Black Blood" (1994) and "Red Dice" (1995). (Ages 14 and up)	18
4	DARK VISIONS, by L. J. Smith. (Simon & Schuster, $9.99.) A school for psychic teens. (Ages 14 and up)	13
5	THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG: JUNIOR NOVELIZATION, by Irene Trimble. (Random House/Disney, $4.99.) A movie tie-in about love amphibian style. (Ages 9 to 12)	2
6	GRACELING, by Kristin Cashore. (Graphia/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $9.99.) A girl with special talents is also valued for her warrior attributes. (Ages 14 and up)	10
7	THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN, by Sherman Alexie. Illustrated by Ellen Forney. (Little, Brown, $8.99.) A young boy leaves his reservation for an all-white school. (Ages 12 and up)	36
8	BETRAYALS, by Lili St. Crow. (Razorbill, $9.99.) The only girl in this special school is not quite human, and she has a lycanthropic best friend. (Ages 12 and up)	3
9	THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX, by Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering. (Candlewick, $7.99.) A mouse, a rat and a girl on a magic trip. (Ages 10 and up)	63
10	SLAM, by Nick Hornby. (Riverhead, $14.) A skateboarder gets his high school girlfriend pregnant, and asks: What would Tony Hawk do? (Ages 12 and up)	25

******************************
 Here is the list of Children's Series books for 12/13/2009:

SERIES BOOKS
This Week		Weeks on List
1	THE TWILIGHT SAGA, by Stephenie Meyer. (Megan Tingley/Little, Brown, hardcover and paper) Vampires and werewolves in school. (Ages 12 and up)	122
2	DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney. (Abrams, hardcover only) The travails of adolescence, in cartoons. (Ages 9 to 12)	47
3	PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, hardcover and paper) Battling mythological monsters. (Ages 9 to 12)	126
4	HOUSE OF NIGHT, by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. (St. Martin’s, hardcover and paper) Vampires in school. (Ages 14 and up)	67
5	THE 39 CLUES, by various authors. (Scholastic, hardcover only) A brother and sister travel the world in search of the key to their family’s power. (Ages 9 to 12)	30
6	WARRIORS, by Erin Hunter. (HarperCollins, hardcover and paper) Four clans of cat warriors aspire to meet up with the StarClan. (Ages 10 to 14)	79
7	THE ALEX RIDER ADVENTURES, by Anthony Horowitz. (Philomel/Speak, hardcover and paper) A young spy follows in his father’s stealthy footsteps. (Ages 10 and up)	57
8	VAMPIRE DIARIES, by L. J. Smith. (HarperTeen, hardcover and paper) Vampires in school, with a love triangle. (Ages 12 and up)	32
9	THE IMMORTALS, by Alyson Noël. (St. Martin’s/Griffin, hardcover and paper) Love and angst of the supernatural variety. (Ages 14 and up)	3
10	THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY, by Trenton Lee Stewart. (Little, Brown, hardcover and paper) Gifted kids undertake a mission. (Ages 9 to 12)

 ******************

Most of the children's book best sellers have been on the lists for several weeks from 1 to 126 weeks. I will be going to the Scholastic Warehouse sale tomorrow and purchasing $200 worth of children's books. I am hoping to buy many that are on this list for my St. Benedict the Moor library. I will write and give you an update on my findings... and purchases!

Until the next time!

A children's book today, keeps the scary monster away!

 

Sunday NY Times Book Review Children's Books - 12/6/2009

It's that time again...The Sunday New York Times Book Review was published yesterday.

Yesterday's Book NY Times Book Review was devoted to Holiday Books.

The Children' Books section included:

Notable Children's Books of 2009, The Magician's Elephant, The Great and Only Barnum, The Secret Circus, Fire, Flawed Dogs, A Book of Sleep, Not Last Night But the Night Before, It's a Secret, Creature ABC, and Life-Size Zoo.

Notable Books of 2009

Yummy: Eight Favorite Fairy Tales written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins
Marceleo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork
The Vast Fields of Ordinary by Nick Burd
The Last Olympian by Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book 5. By Rick Riordan.
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
Charles & Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith by Deborah Heligman
Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins
Genius of Common Sense: Jane Jacobs and the Story of “The Death and Life of Great American Cities”  written and illustrated by Glenna Lang and Marjory Wunsch

**************************
Click here to view the

Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2009

 http://www.nytimes.com/gift-guide/holiday-2009/20091108_best-illustrated_gg/list.html

*************

Here is the list of Picture books for the week of December 6, 2009

1 SPLENDIFEROUS CHRISTMAS, by Jane O’Connor. Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser.


2 LEGO STAR WARS, by Simon Beecroft.

3 NUBS, by Brian Dennis, Mary Nethery and Kirby Larson.

4 THE CHRISTMAS SWEATER, adapted by Chris Schoebinger from the story by Glenn Beck. Illustrated by Brandon Dorman.

6 SKIPPYJON JONES, LOST IN SPICE, by Judy Schachner.

7 WADDLE!, written and illustrated by Rufus Butler Seder.

8 THE LION AND THE MOUSE, by Jerry Pinkney.

9 JULIE ANDREWS’S COLLECTION OF POEMS, SONGS, AND LULLABIES, by Emma Walton Hamilton and Julie Andrews. Illustrated by James McMullan.

10 IF YOU TAKE A MOUSE TO THE MOVIES: A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EDITION, by Laura Numeroff. Illustrated by Felicia Bond.



*****************

This weeks list of  Chapter Books includes:

1 CATCHING FIRE, by Suzanne Collins.


2 THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins.

3 LEVIATHAN, by Scott Westerfeld. Illustrated by Keith Thompson.

4 THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT, by Kate DiCamillo and Yoko Tanaka.

5 SHIVER, by Maggie Stiefvater.

6 TRICKS, by Ellen Hopkins.

7 MILLION-DOLLAR THROW, by Mike Lupica.

8 THIRTEEN REASONS WHY, by Jay Asher.

9 THE GREATEST MOMENTS IN SPORTS, by Len Berman.

10 HUSH, HUSH, by Becca Fitzpatrick.
 
***************
 
This weeks's Paperback list includes:
 
1 THREE CUPS OF TEA: YOUNG READERS EDITION, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. (
2 THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak.
3 THIRST NO. 1, by Christopher Pike.
4 DARK VISIONS, by L. J. Smith.
5 THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN, by Sherman Alexie.
6 THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG: JUNIOR NOVELIZATION, by Irene Trimble.
7 GRACELING, by Kristin Cashore.
8 ALPHAS, by Lisi Harrison.
9 BETRAYALS, by Lili St. Crow.
10 THE OMNIVORE'S DILEMMA FOR KIDS
**************

This week's Series book list includes:

1 THE TWILIGHT SAGA, by Stephenie Meyer.


2 DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney.

3 PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, by Rick Riordan.

4 HOUSE OF NIGHT, by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast.

5 THE IMMORTALS, by Alyson Noël.

6 WARRIORS, by Erin Hunter.

7 VAMPIRE DIARIES, by L. J. Smith.

8 THE ALEX RIDER ADVENTURES, by Anthony Horowitz.

9 THE 39 CLUES, by various authors.

10 VAMPIRE ACADEMY, by Richelle Mead.

**********
These list includes some new titles this week. Can you guess which ones are new comers and which ones have been on the list the longest?

These are the latest newcomers.

IF YOU TAKE A MOUSE TO THE MOVIES: A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EDITION, by Laura Numeroff. Illustrated by Felicia Bond. 

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG: JUNIOR NOVELIZATION, by Irene Trimble.

These titles have been on the longest:

PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, by Rick Riordan. This book has been on the NY Times list for 125 weeks an goi.

THE TWILIGHT SAGA, by Stephenie Meyer.  121 weeks and going strong!

THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak. 116 weeks and going!!!!!!!

There are lots of great children's books to choose from for your reading pleasure!

Happy reading!

Until the next time...

Remember: a children's book a day, will keep the scary monster away!

Dewey: There's a Cat in the Library!

Vicki Myron and Brett Witter's, "Dewey: There's a Cat in the
 Library" is such a lovely entertaining read!

The pictures are rich and vibrant. The colors are warm and friendly. They are even calming. I think the artist might have used the air brush technique.
 
 I absolutely loved this heart-warming story of a small kitten that is abandoned in the Spencer Library return box.  The Spencer Library Librarian Vicki Myron finds the cold, dirty, abandoned kitten. She gives him a bath... Appropriately names him Dewey Readmore Books... ala Melvin Dewey.... She names him Dewey Readmore Books and he becomes the library cat... 

So, what adventures are in store for our Dewey Readmore Books?

He played... "He lounged on the newspaper... Rode the book cart... Knocked pens to the floor....Goofed around with Marty Mouse... Snooped in every open drawer... Found at least one rubber band."

Children and babies petted and played with Dewey! He was even carried upside down. Oh, what fun for little Dewey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dewey even talked with his friend Marty Mouse about his adventures!

My favorite picture in the book included the following paragraph: "By lunchtime Dewey was worn out. So he found a good box. First he put his front paws inside, then his belly. He squished his back end down, wiggled around until he was all the way in ... and closed his eyes. " I loved Dewey in the bag!!!!!!!!!!! The line was "There's an orange muffin in the library," a girl giggled."

As Dewey was drifting off into sleep, he heard a "sad little girl reading very quietly all by herself." Dewey tried all kinds of tricks to get her attention and to make her talk... smile... laugh..::)))

After several strategies... Dewey Readmore Books, found a way to make her laugh!!!!! He realizes that he is the library cat... The book ends with the great words describing how Dewey feels: "It felt...purr-fect!"

This children's book is a must read for all animal lovers... especially cat lovers!!!!!!!!!

All libraries should have a cat, dog, frog, bat... gerbel and name is Dewey Readmore Books!

What a special treat to read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I knew this was going to be a great book when I opened the jacket and saw the cat foot prints in the front and back.

Until the next time....

A children' book a day, keeps the scary monster away!