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This blog has spoiled me beyond all hope or recognition. Over the years I’ve used it to find nannies, to get books re-published, and now it has solved a mystery that lay dormant for years. Back in November of 2009 I decided I wanted to track down a book from my childhood. Writing stumpers into the internet ether is usually rather pointless and the post Thanksgiving: The Ernestine Mystery was no exception. So imagine my surprise when reader Desiree Preston wrote me the following note this week:
“Speaking of happy childhood memories, I was able to track down what is for sure the book I was looking for when I read you article at http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2009/11/26/thanksgiving-the-ernestine-mystery/#comment-4765. I don’t know if it is really the one you were looking for, but I thought I’d let you know. It is called Good Old Ernie by Jerry Mallett. Shout out to my second grade teacher, Judy Gomoluch, who is still good friends with my fourth grade teacher Mary Kain, and saw and answered my Facebook post.”
Could this be true? Jerry Mallett? So I tracked down the cover and lo and behold . . .
That’s it, people. I can’t believe it. After seven years the mystery is solved. Let that be a lesson to you, kids. DON’T STOP BELIEVING! HOLD ONTO THAT FEEEEEEEELING . . . .
So what else is going on in the wild and wonderful world of children’s literature? Well, since I’m already talking about Thanksgiving, it’s not much of a stretch to mention Christmas as well. Now has anyone else noticed that there are a LOT of Nutcracker books out in 2016? I honestly think I’ve seen five different picture book versions of the story, all from different publishers. Now I’ve heard something that may interest my Chicago readers. Brian Selznick has recently been working on some fun new projects, including a Chicago related ballet. According to him . . .
“I’m writing the story for the new version of The Nutcracker (to be set during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair) at the Joffrey choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon. It premieres this December! I think it’s going to be good…http://joffrey.org/nutcrackerbios.”
One glimpse at the folks behind it (Basil Twist! Christopher Wheeldon!) and I don’t merely “think” it’s going to be good. I know it’s going to be good. Sendak (the only other children’s book illustrator I know who had a hand in a reinterpretation of The Nutcracker) would be proud. Hat tip to Brian for the tip.
Now let’s double back to NYC, since I’m sure there are folks in that neck of the woods that would like a little children’s literature-related fun. Interested in a book festival that’ll get you out of the city? Why not try The Warwick Children’s Book Festival? As it was sold to me . . .
“Apple- and pumpkin-picking, farm markets, lovely shops, galleries and restaurants downtown…lots to enjoy for families looking for a fun afternoon on a holiday weekend. And among other illustrious authors and illustrators such as Wendell Minor, Jane Yolen, Ame Dyckman, Brian Karas, Roxane Orgill, one of your Boston Globe/Horn Book 2016 award winners, will be there with Jazz Day! And…the Festival is presented by Albert Wisner Public Library, winner of the Best Small Library in America 2016 award conferred by Library Journal! We’re excited to invite everyone from the NY Metro Area to discover our festival, our library and our town.”
Go in my stead, gentle readers. Go in my stead.
I’ll linger just a tad longer in the NYC area since to my infinite delight I found that the irascible, entirely delightful Brooklyn librarian Rita Meade has just been named a “Celebrity Librarian” and one of The Brooklyn 100. Go, Rita, Go!
Now I’ll hike back over to the Midwest again. Maybe I’ll stop in Detroit on the way. Why? Because in a bit of absolutely fascinating news we’ve learned the the newest American Girl is Melody Ellison, a child of early ’60s Detroit. Mental Floss also had this to say about the gal:
A six-member advisory board worked to craft her portrayal and included prominent members of the NAACP, history professors, and the President and CEO of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit. Along with author Denise Lewis Patrick, they worked together to ensure Melody’s story was as true to life as possible—including her hair. The texture of the doll’s locks was changed multiple times to reflect the era.
“In the late ’60s, the majority of African-Americans did have straight hair,” Juanita Moore, President and CEO of the Wright Museum, said to the Detroit Free Press. “It may not have been bone straight, but it was straightened.”
No doubt you’ve heard it elsewhere by now, but the saddest information of the week was that Llama Llama’s mama, Anna Dewdney, died recently. I don’t think my family owns any full runs of picture book series . . . with the exception of the Llama Llama books. There’s a lovely obit for her in PW worth looking on. She will be missed.
Turn now to happy news. They’ve announced the speakers for the upcoming ALSC Mini Institute, which will occur before the ALA Midwinter Conference in January. Behold the speakers for yourself, then sign up.
Me stuff. The very kind Suzanne Slade interviewed me about my picture book Giant Dance Party at the blog Picture Book Builders. Woohoo! Still in print, baby!
Pop Goes the Page at Princeton is still up to their usual tricks. Today they’re wowing us with their tribute to Alice in Wonderland. Try not to keen too mournfully when you realize you missed a chance to hear Leonard Marcus talk about the book’s relationship to surrealism.
Daily Image:
Not much on the roster today, so why don’t I just send you off with a picture of me reading the latest John Patrick Green graphic novel Hippotomister to my kids? They adore it, by the way. So two thumbs up from 2-year-olds and 5-year-olds equally over here.
3 Comments on Fusenews: Born and raised in South Detroit . . ., last added: 9/13/2016
Who can forget their first sleepover? Not the one at a friend’s house; I mean the one at Gram and Grandpa’s house.
Ms. Dewdney, with her “every child” scenarios in her Llama Lama series, is in very comfortable and relatable territory for most kids of picture book age.
The ritual of the first sleep over at a grandparent’s house is a biggie, what with the determination of what to pack along with the pj’s. It all takes some careful planning. Bag? Check. Fuzzy? Check. He’s on the back seat. And off you go.
Things at Gram and Grandpa’s are the same as at home, with familiar pictures on the wall of family members, yet it’s a wee bit different.
Okay, time to unpack for the night.
Wait a gosh darn second! Where is Fuzzy Llama? Anything amiss, he’s asked. Should he fess up or no? Better press on with tractor riding, gardening and outside play.
Momentary distractions fill the time with Grandpa’s woodshop. Together they fashion a just-right size chair for…. Llama can only imagine….. the left behind Fuzzy. Oops!
Dinner passes, plus a nighttime show from the stars. The traditional childhood routines of bath, toothbrushing, storytelling and the final good night smooch ensue.
A quivering lip from Llama Llama betrays all:
Fuzzy Llamaisn’t here!
Will Llama Llama self-soothe, will the grandparents take him home to retrieve Fuzzy, or will Grandpa remember what it felt like to be Llama Llama, and provide a “fuzzy” solution all his own?
My money is on the wisdom and experience of Grandpa to provide a special much-needed, well-worn and much-loved toy, all of his own, to fit the bill in order to provide comfort.
Ms. Dewdney provides an important lesson for all children that find themselves, for a short or longer time, away from the familiar place that is home.
And that is, that a “home away from home” can be wherever there are good people that love us and care about us.
I seriously don't know how the week flies by so fast! How is it Friday again already? I'm still doing Tuesday's work, so we need to back up the truck a bit! Or I need a personal assistant... any volunteers? :)
I've got another great book to share with you today, and I promise it's just a coincidence that like last week's it's in rhyme - I'm not going to post rhyming books every single week... probably... maybe... :) But this one is too good not to share. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do!
Title: Llama Llama Gram And Grandpa Written & Illustrated By: Anna Dewdney Viking Books For Young Readers, September 2015, Fiction
Suitable For Ages: 3-5
Themes/Topics: grandparents, common childhood experiences (first sleepover, transitional object), bedtime, language fun (rhyme)
Opening: "Llama Llama, big big day! It's a first - a special stay! Pack up clothes and pj's tight - Llama's going overnight."
Brief Synopsis: Llama Llama is spending his first night away from home with Gram and Grandpa. There are lots of fun things to do - a tractor to climb on, a garden to explore, grass to mow, Grandpa's workshop to try out, and Gram's food to sample - but what happens at bedtime when Llama's special Fuzzy is nowhere to be found?
Why I Like This Book: If you've spent much time at all around this blog, you'll know I love Llama Llama :) This new addition to the collection is no exception. The story, written in engaging, fun-to-read-aloud rhyme, perfectly captures the emotion of a child's first time spending the night away from home. The illustrations are warm and comforting. Observant children will enjoy seeing (before Llama Llama does!) what happened to his Fuzzy :) And of course, there is that trademark sweet "aww" moment that makes all Llama Llama books so special. A great choice for preschoolers who are about to spend a night away, or for any child who enjoys the warmth and security of Llama Llama's world :)
PPBF bloggers please be sure to leave your post-specific link in the list below so we can all come visit you! I can't wait to see everyone's choices! Look out library, here I come! :)
Have a great weekend, everyone!
0 Comments on Perfect Picture Book Friday - Llama Llama Gram And Grandpa as of 9/18/2015 3:27:00 AM
Our list of the best new kids books for September highlights some amazing books from many different genres: non-fiction, reality fiction, fantasy, and even a beautiful picture book that addresses gender identity. Take a gander and let us know which titles and covers catch your eye ...
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We’ve collected the books debuting on Indiebound’s Indie Bestseller List for the week ending March 15, 2015–a sneak peek at the books everybody will be talking about next month.
(Debuted at #4 in Young Adult) Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman: “The kingdom of Goredd: a world where humans and dragons share life with an uneasy balance, and those few who are both human and dragon must hide the truth. Seraphina is one of these, part girl, part dragon, who is reluctantly drawn into the politics of her world. When war breaks out between the dragons and humans, she must travel the lands to find those like herself—for she has an inexplicable connection to all of them, and together they will be able to fight the dragons in powerful, magical ways.” (March 2015)
(Debuted at #7 in Hardcover Fiction) World Gone By by Dennis Lehane: “Ten years have passed since Joe Coughlin’s enemies killed his wife and destroyed his empire, and much has changed. Prohibition is dead, the world is at war again, and Joe’s son, Tomás, is growing up. Now, the former crime kingpin works as a consigliore to the Bartolo crime family, traveling between Tampa and Cuba, his wife’s homeland.” (March 2015)
(Debuted at #12 in Children’s Illustrated) Llama Llama Easter Egg by Anna Dewdney: “In Llama Llama Easter Egg, the Easter Bunny brings lots of treats for Llama Llama: jelly beans, colorful eggs, and a fluffy surprise!” (February 2015)
How will Llama Llama celebrate this day that both honors one of the strongest of emotions and shows the ones that you love all the sometimes unspoken words that are in your heart?
Llama Llama and Anna Dewdney have come up with one way in this sturdy board book that mirrors your child and all their very sweet Valentine’s day preparation and celebratory activities.
You’re probably sharing in the doing of most of these things with your child; picking out or making Valentine cards for both family members and your child’s classmates. And, like Llama Llama that involves the sending and receiving of same, to those near and far.
A brown-jacketed hippo mailman delivers a bouquet of flowers to Llama’ mama, and Llama Llama, in turn, receives a Valentine heart of chocolates from mom. I confess – via a conspiratorial whisper – that this is one of my favorite parts of the day!
And what child doesn’t like glitter? Glitter and glue are a must on Valentine’s Day, so Llama Llama comes up with a lace-rimmed glittery one for his mom.
And, of course, the small llama saves the best till last; an “I love you” whispered to mom as they cuddle, all snuggled up in her checked padded rocker.
It’s the sweetest part of the day, to my mind, and this board book serves as a perfect patterning for any child’s Valentine’s Day.
But, as you know, there is no one way to say, “I Love You.” Your child probably has their own unique way of saying those words that are so meaningful ANY day of the year!
Please remember to send and receive those words with the ones you love this Valentine’s Day!
Father’s Day isn’t until June 15th of this year, but Anna Dewdney has come up with a dandy picture book for the father/daughter bonding moments that become ever more special and anticipated, in today’s “hurry up” world. The picture book read aloud opportunity here is a moment waiting to happen for daughter and dad. Ms. Dewdney, author of the celebrated “Llama Llama” series is very perceptive in recognizing that relationships in a family usually come from shared time and activities. And over time, it is these shared experiences that form bonds and memories that, at the time, a parent may not even realize they are creating with their child for a lifetime. Childhood today is a faster closing window of opportunity to share, teach, model and love those children that even as we see them toddling along are growing up and away. What to do?
Consult Mr. Gnu. He and his daughter, Nelly best friend of Llama Llama, enjoy a day that unfolds FULL of shared activities such as drawing, reading, painting and building. Courtesy of a huge cardboard box, Nelly and her Daddy Gnu and your young reader can read and rhyme your way along with the Gnu twosome as they fashion a homemade playhouse. A trip to the store provides the needed paints (Nelly chooses a gnu BLUE of course), and other materials for decorating the cozy bungalow for gnus.
What’s this? Will a small crisis ensue when a gnu named Nelly loses sight of Papa Gnu mid shopping? A dizzying display of shoppers with carts camouflage Daddy Gnu for scant seconds, but never fear, Nelly. Ms. Dewdney paints the perfect picture in pastels (from a child’s viewpoint), of being found and lifted confidently into waiting arms that resolves a scary episode that most parents can relate to of losing young ones in a store.
Indulge me for a moment while I relate my own. Small daughter and mom go clothes shopping in a local shop. Mom turns her head for a moment. Daughter is not there when her head swivels back. Panic ensues. Sales staff closes off entries to the two-floored store. Scores of people call child’s name. Night is closing in. Heart is in throat time. Where can she be? Sales woman peers into revolving clothes rack. Small daughter is sitting quietly there. “Are you Jessica?” says the salesperson. Nod of head from the child. Simultaneously laughing and weeping mom presses daughter to her and asks, “WHY didn’t you answer when we were calling YOU?” Reply: “I didn’t want to try on clothes anymore.” I rest my head and case, folks.
And now back to the two Gnus. Anna Dewdney has written a gnu-filled picture book that has an underlying message that is simple and VERY important for families today. It doesn’t much matter WHAT activities a day presents. If it involves planning, sharing and doing, plus child hands on participation, then it will most probably be a hit – for both of you. And if it includes a trip to the store for “stuff” to make, create and decorate, then that is all to the good.
Whether it’s a cardboard box playhouse adorned with painted climbing vines and flowers like Nelly and her Daddy Gnu do or a bunch of chairs put together with blankets over the top for a fort, the end result is the same. Who “Gnu” making a playhouse with Daddy could be so much fun? Anna Dewdney Gnu er knew!
This information was gathered from the New York Times Best Sellers list, which reflects the sales of books from books sold nationwide, including independent and chain stores. It is correct at the time of publication and presented in random order. Visit: www.nytimes.com.
This information was gathered from the New York Times Best Sellers list, which reflects the sales of books from books sold nationwide, including independent and chain stores. It is correct at the time of publication and presented in random order. Visit: www.nytimes.com.
Shhh. The Easter Bunny will be putting this book in my son's basket this weekend. I love how the simple narrative is elevated by the dramatic environment and sense of big adventure for a small boy. And my little girl will hopefully enjoy this little Llama board book. We've read a few of these picture books, but board books are just her size for now. She's become excellent at flipping those chunky pages. The rhyming text is so much fun in all of the Llama Llama books.
Happy Easter to all!
0 Comments on Books in the Easter basket! as of 4/5/2012 5:41:00 PM
The 2012 finalists for the Children’s Choice Book Awards have been revealed. Kids can vote from March 14th to May 3rd.
The winners will be announced live at the Children’s Choice Book Awards gala on May 7th. Nominees have been divided into four groups classified by different school grades.
In the Author of the Year category, middle-grade fiction writers dominate. The nominees include Diary of a Wimpy Kid 6: Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney, Inheritance by Christopher Paolini, Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson, The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan and Dork Diaries 3: Tales from a Not-So-Talented Pop Star by Rachel Renée Russell.
On October 6, millions of people all over the world will read “Llama Llama Red Pajama”, by Anna Dewdney, as part of Read for the Record. Our friends at Jumpstart hold this event every year, bringing together parents, teachers, kids, volunteers, celebrities, political leaders and everyone else under the sun to call for an end to the achievement gap that affects kids from low-income neighborhoods.
This year, we’re on track to help set a world record, with 2.1 million people all reading this amazing book. First Book loves “Llama Llama Red Pajama”, and we’re excited to be able to offer it to schools and programs in our network. In order to get the books out to you in time for the kids in your program to participate in Read for the Record, you’ll need to get your order in right away!
So order copies for the kids that you serve and register online to add your voice to the cause.
What to expect: Rhyme, Sickness, Mother and child, Llamas
It’s always great when an author/illustrator can keep a good thing going. Anna Dewdney has done just that; Llama Lama Home with Mama boasts the same bestselling rhythm and intonation as the rest of the Llama Llama books that are library and home staples to so many. Making sure not to glamorize the point that Llama Lama will be staying home from school, the ups and downs of a young one being home sick are covered. Halfway through the story, Mama Llama finds herself with a sniffly nose, too, and Llama Llama rises to the occasion: “Wait! Llama Llama knows what’s best./Mama Llama needs a rest!” The illustrations are a delight—with the stroke of a paintbrush and the blending of pastel colors with darker and bold shades, Dewdney captures relatable moments with adorable pink llama noses and facial expressions. This is a soothing yet uplifting book for younger readers and there caretakers.
Here’s the scoop on the most popular destinations on The Children’s Book Review site, the most coveted new releases, the bestsellers, and kids’ book events.
*Picture book for preschoolers through first graders *Young llama as the main character *Rating: llama llama mad at mama is a great addition to the llama series; and boy, oh boy, will it hit home for kids and parents!
Short, short summary: Some children, okay probably most children, hate to go shopping with their parents when they are young. Llama feels the same way. Llama and mama are at Shop-O-Rama, and Llama is not so crazy about the stinky ladies and the yucky music. He gets himself so worked up when Mama doesn’t notice he is mad that he has a tantrum. (Sound familiar, anyone?) Mama soon realizes that she needs to make shopping fun for both of them, and so with patience and understanding (she is a model mama), Llama and Mama finish shopping with no more tantrums and even have ice cream at the end. Here are some lines from the book:
Yucky music, great big feet.
Ladies smelling way too sweet.
Look at knees and stand in line.
Llama Llama starts to whine
.
If you are a fan of llama, llama red pajama, then you will love this book!
So, what do I do with this book?
1. If you go to Amazon and read the parent reviews, you will get a kick out of how many of them used this book to discuss shopping trips in their own families. Many parents also said they would not have reacted as patiently as Mama Llama; and if Little Llama was their son, he would have been in time-out instead of having ice cream. But the great thing–whether you agree with Mama Llama’s parenting or not–is that this book can start a discussion between moms, dads, and kids about how to act in the store, about parent patience, about making shopping fun, and on and on. You can talk to kids about behavior, using the llama as a model, instead of having to be preachy!
2. If you are reading llama, llama, mad at mama by Anna Dewdney to a class or even at home, children can make personal connections by drawing a picture and writing a sentence or two about their own shopping experience and if they ever feel like the little llama.
3. In a class of students, you can ask them how many like to shop with their parents and how many don’t. You can record their answers on a t-chart or even make a mini-bar graph with post-it notes. (Write yes and no at the bottom of a chalkboard. Give each student a post-it-note. Children write their name on the note and then stick it above the answer they choose. Each child puts their post-it-note above the last one to make a bar.) Once you have made either a t-chart or a bar graph, you can ask students questions about it for a mini-math lesson.
Now I’ll hike back over to the Midwest again. Maybe I’ll stop in Detroit on the way. Why? Because in a bit of absolutely fascinating news we’ve learned the the newest American Girl is Melody Ellison, a child of early ’60s Detroit. Mental Floss also had this to say about the gal:
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The 2012 finalists for the 
Is the author of GOOD OLD ERNIE, the same Jerry J. Mallett who founded the Mazza Museum of Children’s Illustration in Findlay, Ohio?
Sorry. Should have identified it as the Mazza Museum in Findlay, Ohio
….
I have no clue. If so that would be . . .
I need to do some investigating. Tally-ho!