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I'm on a mission to find great children books to add to your and my collection. From folklore to humor; you will always find a little bit of everything.
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I recently stumble upon an article in The Horn Book Magazine regarding photography and children books and it made me wonder, can photography be consider art in children picture books? Over the years, there has always been a debate as to whether or not photography is art to begin with. But, in the 20th century Photography took a tool and was finally seen as part of Fine Art. We have come a long way haven't we; yet today I ask myself, can we include photography as a form of illustration for a children's book?
When we get a hold of a children's picture book we believe it to be full of illustrations made out of pure imagination. The only resource an illustrator has is the text and the description the author gives. It takes a lot of creativity to be able to see what each page would look like and bring it to life. Some of these illustrations are ink, penciled in, and watercolor (to name a few means), but most importantly this is what is expected of a children's book. Of course, books that use photography have been more part of information genre; whether is a book that teaches about seasons or a book like the one above by Ellen B. Senisi.
Now, how would we react when we pick a children's book, and as we open it, we are expecting to see beautiful illustration; yet we come to realize that what's in front of us are pictures that help tell the story. Does it still feel as a children books or do we automatically classify it as something else. For example, Growing Up in Coal Country, yes it is a children's book, but it becomes a teaching tool that helps have a glimpse of the past.
I love picture books and I do consider photography Art. Photographers use their imagination and creativity to bring a vision to life, but I don't think I can still see photography as part of the children literature genre without being classify as a teaching tool or resource. What about you? What's your belief on Photography and children books?
Title:Cowboy Slim
Author: Julie Danneberg
Illustrator: Margot Apple
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing ( February 2010)
Reading Level: 4-8
Theme: Read-aloud, adventure , poetry
There are boys and girls who dream of becoming Cowboys or Cowgirls, wear the hat, the outfit, the boots, ride the horse and talk the talk, like "howdy y'all". Sounds like fun! And this book will appeal to anyone who loves cowboys!
Slim has always dreamed about becoming a cowboy and his dream comes true, but a cowboy ins't a real cowboy if he writes poetry; well at least that's what all the Cowboys tell him. Julie Danneberg discuss an interesting topic through Slim; be accepted for who you are and what you like. Writing poetry at least for Slim case doesn't mean your weak or not a real cowboy, and she emphasis on this on the end; when Slim's poetry saves the day.
I love the illustrations and the dialogue is very Western-y, making it fun to read-aloud.
Happy reading!
Title: Mama Zooms
Author and Illustrator: Jane Cowen-Fletcher
Paperback: 30 pages
Publisher: Scholastics, Inc (December 1995)
Reading Level: 4-8
Theme: Read-aloud, subject matter, relationships, disabilities, parents
Mama Zooms is an easy to follow book for young readers. The illustrations are well done and its a story based on a topic that can relate to families. Jane Cowen-Fletcher writes about a mother who is handicapped, but she doesn't focus on why it happened, how it happened, and what to do after; it's a story that focuses on the imagination of the child and how his mother and him have a lot of fun almost every day, and how even though his mother can't walk, she is still there for him, but most of all she still is a mother. A heart-warming story that every child will enjoy.
Happy reading!
Synopsis:
A boy's wonderful mama takes him zooming everywhere with her, because her wheelchair is a zooming machine.
have all stumbled upon banned and challenged children books right? And well some of these are sort of interesting...
Well, every month, I will start writing about these books, at least once a month. .
From King and King to Mommy Laid An Egg: Or Where Where Do Babies Come from?
I'm aware that some of these might bring controversy, but they are a part of the children literature world and need to be talked about. I do hope you all enjoy these as much as I will.
Happy reading!
Title: Puss in Boots
Author: Charles Perrault
Illustrator: Fred Marcellino
Translator: Malcom Arthur
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Farrar, Strauss and Giroux (November 1990)
Reading Level: 4-7
Theme: fairy tales, folklore
No, I'm not talking about Shrek's, Puss in Boots, although it's the first thing that does come into my mind (for those who have seen Shrek movies, you know what I mean :) ). This copy I purchased myself from Barnes and Noble. I must say, what caught my attention was the cover. Puss stands out and there is this elegance to him that I just couldn't help but pick up the book.
Puss in Boots is a folktale that began in France. The story of a smart and sneaky cat who is trying to create the perfect lifestyle for his low-class master. He even found a princess for his master. Hilarious and entertaining. A must for Folklore Thursdays!
The illustration done by Fred Marcellino are just wonderful and vivid. Great for read-aloud.
Happy reading!!
Synopsis:
A clever cat helps his poor master win fame, fortune, and the hand of a beautiful princess.
Title: Toot & Puddle: You are my sunshine
Author and Illustrator: Holly Hobbie
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for young readers ( September 1999)
Reading Level: 4-8
Theme: friendship, life, experiences, emotions
Toot & Puddle is a series that has just been introduced to me and I must say--I love it!. Toot and Puddle are very close friends, oh and not to forget dear Tulip on this one story. A great series about friendship! The dialogue is perfect and all emotions are noticeable.
Toot & Puddle: You are my sunshine, tells the story about how everyone, no matter how happy they might always be, tend to mope. Moping is normal, not the healthiest thing to do, but is just a part of who you are. Puddle and Tulip try to find ways to help Toot stop mopping around. The illustrations are beautiful and I suggest Toot & Puddle to anyone interested in a new series.
Happy reading!
Synopsis:
It's a glorious day in Woodcock Pocket. The sun is shining, the birds are singing . . . and Toot is moping. So, Puddle makes Toot's favorite dessert at dinnertime, takes him out for a little adventure, and even throws a party, but nothing seems to cheer up his friend. Then a big thunderstorm with lots of mud rocks Woodcock Pocket and changes everything. With light-hearted humor and exquisitely detailed watercolor paintings, Holly Hobbie tells the story of two pigs and their enduring friendship.
Title: the Honest-to-Goodness Truth
Author: Patricia C. McKissack
Illustrator: Giselle Potter
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (December 2002)
Reading Level: 4-8
Theme: experiences, informative, school, subject matter
Telling the truth isn't always easy; especially for children. They either lie or tell the whole truth and well... it can be embarrassing. Patricia C. McKissack has created a great way of teaching children that telling the truth is the right thing to do, but there is a way to do it. She tells this through Libby. Libby is a little girl who learns that there are ways to tell the truth without hurting someone. Yes, sure, this isn't always easy, but telling the truth is better than lying anyways.
Happy reading!
Synopsis
When Libby gets in trouble for lying to her mother, she resolves to start telling only the truth. She begins by letting everyone know that her best friend, Ruthie Mae, has a hole in her sock. Then she tells the teacher that Willie hasn't done his homework. Now it seems like everyone's mad at her, and Libby can't figure out what she's done wrong. Children will sympathize with Libby as she struggles to figure out that while telling a lie is always wrong, there's a right and a wrong way to tell the truth. Giselle Potter's expressive illustrations perfectly capture this warm, insightful story by acclaimed author Patricia C. McKissack.
I hope all mother's and mother's to be a wonderful day!
A Mother's Love
Some day when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a mother, I will tell them:
I loved you enough to ask about where you were going, with whom and what time you would get home.
I loved you enough to insist that you buy a bike, that we could afford to give you, with your own money.
I loved you enough to make you return a Milky-Way— with a bite out of it—to the drug store and to confess "I stole this."
I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that would have taken me 15 minutes.
I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment, disgust and tears in my eyes.
I loved you enough to admit I was wrong and ask for your forgiveness.
Title: The Terrible Thing That Happened At Our House
Author: Marge Blain
Illustrator: John C. Wallner
Hardcover: 33 pages
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc ( September 1980)
Reading Level: 4-8
Theme: Life, School , experiences, parents
Have you ever stumble upon books that have been published over ten years ago yet can still relate to today's world? The Terrible Things That Happened At Our House, is one of those books.
The story is presented from a little girls perspective and an experience she had. Her mother used to be a stay-at-home mom like a "real" mother should and her father used to be a "Real" father too. Except, one day, mom decided to go back to work and dad would start taking over some of the chores, like shopping or doing the laundry; something their children had a very hard time adjusting.
A story that follows the frustration of adjusting to both parents going to work; yet in the end realizing that even when schedules change you are still a family and have real parents.
Enjoy
Title: First the Egg
Author and Illustrator: Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Roaring Book Press (September 2007)
Reading Level: Preschool
Theme: Science, Interaction, Read-aloud, Informative
What came first? The Chicken or the Egg? Laura Vaccaro Seeger tries to answer the question in this interactive book. What caught my attention was the cover; simple yet vibrant. As you begin to read and go through the book, you can't help but touch the small die cuts . The story is very simple and revolves around science. Perfect for young readers!
The story first starts with, "First the Egg" and it explains the transformation it takes; not only for the egg, but this is done for the tadpole, seed, caterpillar, and a word. Like I said before, a very simple and cute book that indulges in many colors.
Enjoy!
Title: Gecko's Complaint: A Balinese Folktale
Retold by: Ann Martin Bowler
Illustrated by: I. Gusti Made Sukanada
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Periplus Edition (HK) Ltd (May 2003)
Reading Level: 4-8
Theme: Folktale
First of, you might be thinking 'Where is Balines?" or "Oh, wow, I didn't know Balinese existed" Well you're not alone. This is the first time I stumble upon it too so don't worry :). Well I then Google the word and found out that Bali is an Indonesia Island.
Gecko's Compliant is about a Gecko who couldn't sleep at night, until one day, when he couldn't take it anymore, headed to the top of the hill to complaint to Raden, the Jungle Chief whom was also affected by Gecko's complaint. As the chief, he took the proper course of action and tried to solve all the problems that were leading to Gecko's; until he arrived at cloud, that's when he finally realized that complaints are really meaningless when there are more important things in life.
In a way, this story is very similar to situations in our every day life; when the only way to solve one issue is to solve the ones before it. But the ending is what I thought made the biggest impact of all, "Quit your complaining! Go home and live in peace with one another!"
I don't know about you, but that makes sense to me. :)
Enjoy
Title: My Busy Day
Author: Jill Davis
Illustrator: Jill Kastner
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Penguin Group ( September 2004)
Reading Level: 4-8
Theme: read-aloud, experiences, life, rhyme
Even children have busy days and this colorful book talks about it through rhyme. The story is from a little girls perspective as she shares with us her busy schedule. From getting up in the morning to finally getting home after a very long day at school and heading to bed.
As adults we are all aware of our busy schedules and children are aware of it too; yet at times, they and we, don't realize that they too have a very busy schedule indeed. Maybe, just maybe, after they read this book they might change their minds.
Now I must say, the illustrations blew me away! The style is just beautiful. The pictures look as if they were done with crayons and I actually passed my finger on one of the pictures, to well, just check. They are incredible and worth looking at!
Enjoy!
What did Paul Revere say when his ride was over?
That's right! Every Wednesday I will post a riddle and it would be fun to hear from you! I'm trying to make things a bit more interesting :D. Oh, if you know of any riddles or writes riddles then feel free to send them my way so I can share them with everyone! Just remember, keep it clean ;)
And remember the more people follow the blog the sooner I will have a contest going! I do know that there's a lot more people viewing the blog, which is great! But just to make it fair for everyone, I need to know who really follows it. But I do know giveaways are around the corner! :D
Title: Ella Sarah Gets Dressed
Author and Illustrator: Margaret Chodos-Irvine
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt ( March 2003)
Reading Level: Preschool
Theme: Humor, read-aloud, creativity
Ella Sarah Gets Dressed is a book that talks about individuality. Ella Sarah has her own style of dressing something her mother, father, and older sister don't really agree with. They try to suggest different outfits for her and she rejects them all. She has her own individual style and she knows what she wants to wear.
A book that talks about being comfortable with yourself to the point were you will not change for anyone. Being you is what's important. Besides, your friends and family will like you for who you are or for whatever style you might have. After all, that is just one of the many ways you express yourself.
Enjoy!
via www.bookweekonline.com
A reminder, if you still haven't voted for the Children's Choice Book Awards them make sure you visit their site as soon as possible :D
Title: The Endless String: poems for children(and the people who read them)
Author(s): Tom and Tess Hannah
Illustrator: Tess Hannah
Paperback: 60 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (November 2007)
Reading Level: 4-8
Theme: Poetry
I was lucky to stumble upon Tom Hannah on Jacketflap, one of the first to welcome me into this community, and was kind enough to share a few poems from the book him and his wife created together. No, he didn't ask me to promote the book. In fact I felt in love with their poems that I actually asked him for permission to post one of the ones they shared with me.
What I like about the poems is that not only is it for a young audience(and everyone else that is in love with children poetry), but it reminded me of the many crazy thoughts, adventures, and even ideas I had at such a young age.
So here it is, the poem that really stand out to me the most.
Enjoy!
WHAT’S IN YOUR CLOSET?
On Monday Mom said, “Let’s clean out your closet.”
I opened the door, stuff flowed like a faucet.
My toys and my treasures and seven footballs,
debris tumbled out like Niagara Falls.
My mom took a look and said, “That’s enough!”
But I argued loudly, “This is all great stuff!
Look at this hippo – he’s barely been used;
As I was browsing through the booths at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, I stumble upon Baby Tattoo publishing. I have never heard of them before, but the illustrations on the books they have blew me away! The texture of the book was soft and there was so much details on them. I was very happy! And the best part is they had very cute illustrations!
I brought home with me So Good For Little Bunnies by Brandi Milne and I will give full details on this book in the next few weeks, but until then here is a small glimpse of what the book looks like :D
Enjoy!
via www.storyplace.org
So I stumble upon this website and wanted to share it with you guys :). It has a read-aloud feel to it and you can pick and choose and listen to the story with flash. That's pretty cool! Check it out!
I do hope you all try to attend if you're in the area. :)
For more info visit their website! Here
Location
UCLA
405 Hilgard Ave
Los Angeles, CA. 90024
Schedule
Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sun 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
And I hope you have a great weekend!
Enjoy!
Title: Who is in the Garden?
Author and Illustrator: Vera Rosenberry
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Holiday House Inc. (March 2001)
Reading level: 4-8
Theme: Informative, Adventure, Read-aloud
Who is in the Garden? is a book being told through a little boy who is curious to find what type of plants and animals he might find in the garden. From sunflowers to that turtle under the rhubarb leaves, the author takes us for a ride, but at the same time informs us of some of the dangers that it might have--like the Wasps. So make sure your careful when you go and explore to see what exactly your garden might have.
The watercolor illustrations are breathtaking and vibrant. You can't miss any details.
Enjoy!
Book excerpt:
Title: Little Red Riding Hood: A Newfangled Prairie Tale
Retold and Illustrated by: Lisa Campbell Ernst
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (January 2005)
Reading Level: 4-8
Theme: Folklore, Fairy-Tale, humor
Little Red Riding Hood on a bike? Say what?!
Yes, we all have heard of Little Red Riding hood, the wolf, the grandmother, and the wolf eating the grandmother. Well, that's usually how it goes, right?
Not on this, Little Red Riding Hood: A Newfangled Prairie Tale, were Red lives in the prairie, grandma is a farmer, and the wolf works for grandma in the end. Yeah, I know... it cracked me up too! A twist to an old tale worth adding to your children folklore collection.
Oh, wait! Did I mention that the hero heroine is grandma? Yeah, you need to check this one out if your fan of Little Red Riding Hood. :)
Enjoy!
Excerpt:
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