When No One is Watching

I was lucky to receive an advanced copy proof of this adorable book that is expected to come out in February. 

When No One is Watching by Eileen Spinelli & Illustrated by David Johnson

This is a sweet story about a shy little girl who loves to do many things when others aren’t looking. She likes to dance, growl and cheer, she even likes to play basketball and shoot the ball into the hoop. But when everyone is watching she hides behind the couch like a cat, she passes the basketball to her friend, and she won’t sing but rather hum.  This is a story about being shy and knowing that nothing is wrong with it at all. Written in rhyme with wonderful ink drawing illustrations with watercolor and some digital manipulation. You begin to fall in love with this little girl with the wild curly hair. I know I did.

Books for Children on Death and Dying

Death is a hard topic to talk about yet a really important one. Whether your child is dealing with the death of a family pet, a grandparent or family member, a friend, neighbor, teacher; here are some wonderful books to share together that talk about the process of death. These books also have answers to questions that your children might have. The books with ** are my favorites. 

Books for Children on Death and Dying

** Lifetimes by Bryan Mellonie & Robert Ingpen

This is my favorite book to use with children ages 4 and up that explains death in a caring and beautiful way. It shows us through illustrations that dying is as much a part of living as being born. Ages 4 and up

The Goodbye Boat by Mary Joslin

This book describes death through pictures and words and about saying goodbye. Ages 4 and up

When Dinosaurs Die by Laurene Brown

This isn’t a story about death but actually deals with chidlren’s fears of death by answering basic questions. Ages 5-8

I Miss You: A first look at Death by Pat Thomas

Written by a psychotherapist and counselor this books helps children deal with understanding death. Ages 4 and up

Where are you? A Child’s book about loss by Lauren Olivieri

Ages 5 and up

Why do People Die? Helping your child understand with love and Understanding by Cynthia MacGregor

This book is a great comfort to children and adults and answers the questions that are often asked when someone dies. A straightforward book for ages 7 and up.

I had a friend named Peter: Talking to children about the death of a friend by Janice Cohn

When Betsy learns about the death of a friend she begins to learn about dying, funerals and the burial process. Ages 5 and up

When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers

A Mr. Rodgers book about coping with the death of a pet. Ages 5 and up

**My Pet Died by Rachel Biale

A wonderful ‘let’s make a book together that you can do with your child when dealing with a pet loss. 

Some great pictures books to share with your child with death as a main theme are: 

**The Tenth Good Thing about Barney by Judith Viorst

**Saying Goodbye to Lulu by Corinee Demas

The Accident by Carol Carrick

**I remember Miss Perry by Pat Brisson (dealing with the death of a teacher)

Jim’s dog Muffins by Miriam Cohen

Ada’s pal by George Ella Lyon

**Sammy in the Sky by Barbara Walsh

**Badger’s Parting Gifts by Susan Varley

**Harry and Hooper by Margaret Wild

Two wonderful stories about friendship

Vernon the toad has met a new friend, a small blue bird. But bird doesn't seem to be happy and Vernon isn't quite sure why. He asks little blue bird, but bird doesn't talk. He thinks that bird is lost from his home so he decides to introduce bird to his friends and try to discover where little blue bird's home really is. 

As the reader, we know from the start that the little blue bird has fallen out of a moving truck where he lived in a cuckoo clock. While Vernon doesn't know this, he tries everything to discover where little bird's home is. 

A very tender and thoughtful tale of friendship written by Caldecott winner, Author/Illustrator Philip Stead. The story is not only creative but the illustrations are richly colored in mixed media and truly display the emotions of Vernon and little blue bird. 

"Bird is shy," said Vernon, "but also a very good listener." Isn't that what friends are? A wonderful story that can be read over and over again. A story that can encourage discussions of what true friendship is and the importance of a home. 

A must for children ages 3 and up

Another very endearing tale of friendship. Meet Bear who is getting ready to go to sleep for the winter. Yet, he has a very important story to tell and he can't seem to find a friend who isn't getting ready for winter to stop and listen. He goes from friend to friend eagerly wanting to tell a story, but each time he gets more tired and each time his friends turn him away as they are busy getting ready for winter too.

Mouse is setting up his food supply in a tunnel, duck is getting ready to journey south for the winter, frog is seeking warm shelter, and mole is already fast asleep. As bear finds his spot for the winter he goes to sleep without ever telling his story.

Written by Philip Stead and illustrated by his wife, Erin, the Caldecott duo have done it again. The illustrations are done in pencil and watercolor and truly show the change in seasons. A wonderful story about friendship as well as the importance of patience. Ages 3 and up.

Mousetronaut

Mousetronaut by Astronaut Mark Kelly and Illustrated by C.F. Payne

(Based on a partially true story)

Meet Meteor who is a hardworking friendly mouse. He is about to take his first trip to the moon with a bunch of astronauts. Unbeknownst to Meteor he actually saves the entire mission when a computer key gets stuck on the monitor. Read how Meteor saves the day and is declared a hero. He is presented with his very own mouse suit and his very own title of Mousetronaut.

This is a cleverly and charming story written by a four-time veteran of the space shuttle, Mark Kelly. This story is based on his experiences and of course his imagination while up in space. The illustrations, which are done in mixed media, are just truly fabulous because they really evoke the emotion of the mouse while traveling up into space. They are lively yet really show a story of courage and perseverance.

The author has included an Afterword and there a fabulous Bibliography, which includes games, videos and informational links. This story is based on the space shuttle Endeavor as mice were trained alongside the astronauts and accompanied them in the 2001 mission.

I loved this story and believe it to be an inspiration to young readers, especially those looking to travel to space.

A great gift for the holidays or better yet check it out at your local library!

Grades K-2

Little Cub

This story is not only tender and heartwarming but it is perfect for parents and children that make each other feel whole. This book is about a lonely old bear and a lonely little cub who find each other one day. Both don't like being alone yet they are. As they go through their days of eating and finding food, something is clearly missing. A friendship. And once they find each other they realize what they had been missing all along, each other.

One of the sweetest books I have ever read. This one is to be shared with your favorite little friends over and over again. An absolute must check out or even purchase!
Ages 2 on up!

Hanukkah Oh Hanukkah!

While we are resting our bellies from a grateful evening of our delicious Thanksgiving meals, we now have to quickly switch gears and prepare for Hanukkah. With only 14 days until the first candle is lit on the menorah (Saturday, December 8th), we must get ready for our holiday treats. It is time to get out those dreidels, chocolate gelt, menorahs and candles. Here are some fabulous Hanukah books to share with your family and friends. They make for some great presents too!

I have put asterisks next some wonderful stories for children who celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas in their homes. I have also included a short poetry list as well as the PJ library list.

Hanukkah Books in alphabetical order by author

Our Candle by Eve Bunting

Engineer Ari and the Hanukkah Mishap by Deborah Cohen

Hanukkah Moon by Deborah da Costa

Papa’s Latkes by Michelle Edwards

The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes by Linda Glaser

Mrs. Greenberg’s Messy Hanukkah by Linda Glaser

Just enough is plenty: A Hanukkah tale by Barbara Goldin

The Best Hanukkah Ever by Barbara Goldin

Latkes, Latkes Good to Eat by Naomi Howland

Asher and the Capmakers: A Hanukkah story by Eric Kimmel

The Chanukah Guest by Eric Kimmel

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel

The Magic Dreidels by Eric Kimmel

Zigazak: A Magical Hanukkah Night by Eric Kimmel

The Runaway Latkes by Leslie Kimmelman

Hanukkah at Valley Forge by Stephen Krensky

The Hanukkah Mice by Steven Kroll

A Great miracle Happened There by Karla Kuskin

Nathan Blows out the Hanukkah Candles by Tami Lehman-Wilzig

Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story by Fran Manushkin

Moishe’s Miracle: A Hanukkah Story by Laura Melmed

It’s Hanukkah by Jeanne Modesitt

* Light the Lights! A Story about celebrating Hanukkah and Christmas by Margaret Moorman

Runaway Dreidel by Leslea Newman

*My Two Holidays: A Hanukkah and Christmas Story by Danielle Novak

*My Two Grandmothers by Effin Older

The Miracle of the Potato Latkes: A Hanukkah Story by Malka Penn

The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco

Hanukah Money by Uri Shulevitz

Hanukkah: A Counting Book by Emily Sper

Beni’s First Chanukah by Jane Zalben

* Stories that celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas

  

Poetry Books:

Hanukkah lights: A Holiday Poetry by Lee Bennett Hopkins

Hanukkah Haiku by Harriet Ziefert

When my children were little Jewish books were hard to find. Now with the help and generosity of PJ library, Jewish books are getting to be so plentiful both in the bookstores and libraries. Here is a list of some fabulous Hanukkah stories to share with your children.

For those of you who have never heard of PJ Library, this is a fabulous FREE program sponsored by the Grinspoon Institute This outstanding program sends free Jewish books monthly to children ages 1-7 all over the world.  If you are interested and would like to sign up here is the link for our local PJ library chapter Northern California PJ Library. The PJ library books are categorized by age groups and all of these books on my can be found at Amazon, local public libraries as well as local bookstores. Most of the books on my list are recommended for children ages 2-8.

PJ Library Books: (over the past few years)

Chanukah Lights Everywhere by Michael Rosen (Baby and Toddler Books)

The Eight Nights of Chanukah by Leslea Newman (Baby and Toddler Books)

Hanukkah! By Ron Schotter (Baby and Toddler Books)

Hanukkah Lights by David Martin (Baby and Toddler Books)

Hanukkah OH Hanukkah by Olga Ivanov (Baby and Toddler Books)

Hoppy Hanukkah! By Linda Glaser (Baby and Toddler Books)

How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? By Jane Yolen (Baby and Toddler Books)

It’s Hanukkah by Santiago Cohen (Baby and Toddler Books)

Where is Baby’s Dreidel by Karen Katz (Baby and Toddler Books)

A Horse for Hanukkah by Myriam Halberstam (Preschool and Kindergarten)

Eight Winter Nights by Laura Melmed (Preschool and Kindergarten)

The Hanukkah Trike by Michelle Edwards (Preschool and Kindergarten)

When Mindy Saved Hanukkah by Eric Kimmel (Preschool and Kindergarten)

The Ziz and the Hanukkah Miracle by Jacqueline Jules (Preschool and Kindergarten)

Chanukah in Chelm by David Adler (Ages 6-8)

Jeremy’s Dreidel by Ellie Gellman (Ages 6-8)

The Golem’s Latkes by Eric Kimmel (Ages 6-8)

Lots of Latkes: A Hanukkah Story by Sandy Lanton (Ages 6-8)

All the Lights in the Night by Arthur Levine (Ages 6-8)

Like a Maccabee by Barbara Bietz (Ages 6-8)

A Part to Play by Jennifer Fry

“She was lost, where all she could see, all she could hear, was him. The music filled every part of her; the holes left by her parents and Kate.” 

Lucy was an ordinary teenager until the accident, BA (before accident). She had a wonderful older sister, Kate, who she adored and admired. Then suddenly Kate has a terrible car accident and dies. Lucy’s family just stops and life can’t seem to go on without her sister Kate. Lucy’s mother falls apart and her parents separate. Lucy feels the blame for her sister’s death like she should have been the one in the car; she should have been the one to die. Subsequently, Lucy is shipped off to a Performing Arts boarding school where she tries to deal with her grief. Lucy comes close to getting expelled from school when suddenly she finds a young muse, a talented musician, who she falls in love with. Through this love she recreates her love for acting and finds the ability to push through the pain and the nightmares. But at what cost? Unfortunately as her relationship begins to become much more intense with this young man they both struggle to become their own people and Lucy begins to lose herself.

This is a heart-wrenching story with raw emotion and real characters.  I couldn’t put this book down. I laughed and I cried throughout the story. A Part to Play is a beautiful coming of age story about a young girl who has loved and lost and the power she finds deep inside of herself to put her life back together again.  There are many wonderful themes including romance, family problems, bullying, and death.

I would recommend this story for Grades 7 and up.  This book is available in eBook format as well as paperback, and audio. This would make a wonderful present for your favorite teen this holiday season. Check out this young new Marin author, Jennifer Fry. 

Book Trailer

Author website

Twitter: https://twitter.com/frygurl

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Audible

The Bear in the Book

This story actually sums everything up that I have been saying about the importance of picture books. Right here in this book, the author has actually recreated a scene of reading a story to a child but incorporating the story within a story. It is brilliant! The story begins with, "Once there was a book..."

It is bedtime and a little boy chooses his favorite book on the shelf for his mother to read to him. A story about a bear, a big black bear who goes to sleep for the winter. As the mother is reading the story, the little boy turns the pages and asks questions about the bear. The fabulous rythmic text is brought to life by Georg Hallensleben's vibraint paintings.

We get a glimpse as a reader about the interplay between a child and his mother during their bedtime ritual of reading a story. The author has created a perfect model of how a mother and child share a book together, right down to the cuddling on the bed, looking at the pictures, and talking about the concepts in the book. And just as the bear is waking up from his long winter's sleep, the little boy begins to close his eyes for the night. Once again a picture book that truly shows the power that books have in connecting books to readers.

This could easily be one of the Caldecott winners for 2012. Recommended for ages 3 and up.

November is Picture Book Month

Did you know that November is Picture Book Month? I didn't and I'm a children's librarian. I'm feeling a bit ignorant right now. Anyway I learned an interesting fact, picture book month was created by an author/storyteller, Dianne de Las Casas, based on the disheartening article that was published in the New York Times back in October of 2010, Picture Books No Longer a Staple For Children. The author talked about the demise of picture books that really got my blood boiling. In fact it probably got every librarian, bookseller, book lover, and teacher's blood boiling. The death of the picture book, really? This is absolutely not true. And to prove this point, Dianne de Las Casas, decided to promote a campaign in favor of picture books and to celebrate them each year. Go Diane! And that is exactly what she has done. With the help of the industry, authors, publishers, librarians and booksellers she created a website promoting this month each year.  Picture Book Month.  Check it out!

But back to the disturbing article, even though it was written two years ago, the gist of the article was not that picture books weren't popular because of the devices and ebooks going viral. No, the main fact in the article was that parents weren't buying picture books anymore because they felt they weren't challenging their children and advancing their reading skills. The article discussed that chapter books were more useful in building vocabulary and reading strategies more than a picture book. All of this is pure nonsense. Picture books are for all ages and stages.  Not only does it bring a story to life, the illustrations engages the reader and creates conversations as well as sharing of our innermost thoughts.

First, let's define what a picture book is. A picture book is a story that combines illustrations and words in a successful integration. Picture books are 32 pages in length and illustrations dominate the text integrating the text to bring a story to a satisfying conclusion for the reader. Picture books can vary in word length from 500 words to 2000 words. Some picture books cater to the very young child, while some picture books can be enjoyed by even middle school students or adults.

As a teacher librarian I can sum up the importance of picture books:
1. Chapter books are not necessarily more complex than picture books. Many picture books are actually written at a higher reading level than an beginning reader with more complex vocabularies and plots.
2. Illustrations help children to understand the story and analyze it as well as figure out the meaning of what they are reading.
3. Language in picture books allows children to practice sounds as well as rhythm and rhythme. Picture books usually provide lots of repetition that helps readers to anticipate more in the story as well as learn reading skills like phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension and fluency.
4. Picture books are usually mutli-sensory which stimulates imagination but helps readers to hear a story, see the illustrations and touch the pages. 
5. Picture books help develop a story. Children can learn about beginnings, middles and endings as well as conflict resolution.
6. Picture books provide interaction with parents, caregivers, grandparents, or any adult.
7. Most importantly reading picture books is fun. I truly believe that picture books help to create life long readers

Picture books bring the world to children through language and illustrations. Picture books help us to understand the world, the good and the bad. Picture books help us deal with new situations in our lives, such as new babies, new siblings, starting school, families, being scared, the list goes on. I think author Paul O. Zelinksky says it best, "Picture books are a unique form of storytelling, and storytelling is at the core of how we learn to experience the world. Picture books are the bridge to a life of reading." Thank you Paul. I couldn't have said it better!

Personally, I feel strongly that picture books are just one way to provide both personal and academic fulfillment to children. They help to create values, intellects, as well as enjoyment, imagination and experiences. Stories can create empathy and teach morals as well as world history. There is so much that books in general can do for us. I feel very strongly that children learn about their world through stories and the more they can know and understand the more they can learn about themselves. And reading aloud, reading a picture book can build knowledge that is required for not only reading success but also lifelong success.

So if you have a child, or even if you don't have a child, go to your local library or bookstore and look at the picture books, even just one. Look at, reveal in the illustrations, the storyline. Let your imagination travel. If you can read one a week, better yet like Diane says, read one a day for the entire month of November! But most importantly notice the importance of picture books in our children's lives.

The Biggest Kiss of All

This is one of the most adorable read-aloud story about kisses. Big kisses, small kisses, wet kisses, kisses on the noses, kisses on the toes-es, high kisses, low kisses, all sorts of kisses. When I first read this story I thought of the beloved Dr. Seuss. This book could of been written by him. This story has such charm and such colorful, lively illustrations, you will want to read it over and over again. Everyone always needs kisses, kisses are so important. So what could be more important than a book on kisses for everyone! You will want to cuddle up with your favorite little person and read this story  again and again. A great bedtime story! Or an anytime story. Recommended for ages 3-8.

Time Between Us By Tamara Ireland Stone

This is a very unique love story between two 16 year-olds during two different time periods and in two different cities. Anna and Bennett are meant to be together or are they? Bennett lives in 2012 in San Francisco but he has the ability to travel through time and space which accidentally brings him into Anna’s life, which is 1995 in Evanston, Illinois. He shows up on day on the track while she is running and yet she doesn’t know him but she feels like she does. But then he literally disappears. That same day he appears again in school, right behind her in Spanish class. She knows he must be the same guy, but why is she so drawn to him. As their relationship builds, Bennett tells Anna the truth about himself, and as they fall in love they wonder if their love can withstand the test of time? But with this new love brings adventures and many possibilities. But the biggest question is can fate keep these two together?

This first time author has created a very romantic love story between two very normal fun-loving teenagers. A book that I promise you won’t be able to put down. The dialogue is fresh and realistic. And then once you finish the story you will want to go back and reread some of the chapters just to confirm that understood the ending.

A wonderful read for grades 7 and above. I loved this book!

To learn more about this new author, check out her blog at Tamara Ireland Stone

To view the book trailer Time Between Us

Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper

This is a book that everyone should read. Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper is a compelling read about an 11 year-old child with Cerebral Palsy. Melody isn’t like most kids, she can’t walk and she can’t talk, but she can think. But nobody really knows what goes on in her mind, but we do as readers. Written from the point of view of the character the author shows us the life of a child with a terrible disease. While Melody isn’t mentally challenged like most people think. She is a fifth grader with normal thoughts and feelings. Melody has determination, she is funny and she is full of love. Melody is intelligent but nobody knows it because she can’t talk, she can’t complain, she can’t share her feelings, or answer the questions in class. She can do it in her head, but the words don’t come out of her mouth. That is until she receives a special computer that can talk for her. Once she learns how to the use the keyboard her thoughts come flying out and she suddenly goes from being the stupidest girl in the school to the smartest. But not everyone is ready to see how much she knows. 

This is truly a wonderful story about a young girl that you will never forget; a story of both heartache and hope. It can also be a wonderful story as a read aloud to a class to talk about differences. Another wonderful read about what it is like to be different. Sharon Draper wrote this story as a testament to those with disabilities, those who are misunderstood and to all the people out there that take care of these types of people.  A recommended read for Grades 5-8

Almost Home By Joan Bauer

What a compelling and yet honest read about a 12 year-old girl whose life is turned upside down when she and her mother become homeless in Chicago. In this remarkable story, Sugar, loses her home and her comfort but she never loses her dream.  After losing her job in Missouri, Sugar's mother picks them up and moves to Chicago for a fresh start. Only things are different in Chicago and Sugar and her mother end up homeless on the street. Through all the heartache, Sugar continues to keep in touch with her favorite English teacher and writes poetry to him about her feelings and thoughts. She finds a rescue dog that she names Shush who goes with her everywhere in a little bag and gives her much comfort. Sugar eventually ends up in the foster care system that takes care of her while her mother gets well. I think what was the most powerful and important lesson learned in this book is through Sugar's ability to be grateful for all that she has and to know that she might not be able to control life around her but she knows that she can always control how she deals with it, something that her mother taught her.  This is a very touching read by the highly acclaimed author, Joan Bauer. Recommended for grades 5 and up. This story will win reader's hearts. It won mine!

every day

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“Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.”

Every Day by David Levithan is one of the most captivating teen love stories that I have read in a very long time. It is a complex story that takes the reader into the unknown. Levithan has created a beautiful, well-written story about life and how it changes from one moment to the next. The story has a science fiction twist in that the main character, called “A”, isn’t really a boy or a girl. We are lead to believe that he is a boy but we aren’t sure. Everyday “A” wakes up in a different teenager’s body, boys and girls, rich and poor, ugly and beautiful. “A” experiences their life for just 24 hours and then goes to sleep to wake up in another body the next day. But while “A’s" soul skips around from body to body he falls in love with a young girl name Rhiannon. Suddenly “A” can’t enjoy the rules of his life anymore and has found someone that he wants to spend everyday with, but can he? This is an unbelievable story people and their lives: the good, the bad, and the ugly. This is a story that makes you think about your own life.

This fabulous teen and adult read makes the reader really think deeply about how we love and how we judge people by our looks on the outside, not always what is on the inside. This story makes you think about what it would be like to be someone else even for a day. It is a very thought provoking, creative, imaginative story. A great recommendation!

Grades 8^th and above.

Meet Penelope Crumb

Penelope Crumb by Shawn Stout and Art by Valeria Docampo

“Miss Stunkel’s art class is my All-Time Favorite. Don’t get me wrong, the rest of fourth grade is all right, I guess. But for me, drawing is like wiggling my toes in the ocean. It just feels good.”

An adorable story about a true-to-life 4^th grader who has a huge sense of humor as well as a huge nose. When she discovers that her nose is rather large she decides to try and locate her missing grandfather who apparently has the same large nose. So she becomes a nose detective to try and make her family whole again. Her Grandfather went missing when her father died and Penelope doesn’t know why, she was a baby and nobody talks about him. Even though she has to sneak around and break many of her mother’s rules, she feels finding her grandfather is worth all the punishments in the world.

This is truly a lovely story about a young girl with a wonderful imagination that really makes the best out of every situation. I laughed my way through this book. The language was wonderful as well as the illustrations. Penelope is a young girl that we would all be proud to have as a friend. For those who loved the character Ramona or Clementine, they will love Penelope too. I hope this author writes more about this fabulous character!