The Unpublished Library

Meet Morris Southall. He isn’t an ordinary 11 year-old boy. He doesn’t have the use of his legs so he is bound to a wheelchair. But he has a great attitude and fabulous furry friend, Rollo, a helping dog, who goes everywhere with Morris.

It’s Christmas and Morris has a homework assignment to create his very own story.  Morris creates a story about a boy spy who saves the world from an evil Santa Claus. Unfortunately Rollo eats the story before Morris has time to finish it, something about turkey gravy on the paper. Now Morris doesn’t have his homework assignment to turn in and his teacher doesn’t believe that he actually wrote the story.

Luckily Morris’s class takes a field trip to visit the Bodleian Library, which is in Oxford, England, where the story takes place. But this library has something special, a library for all unpublished books. And this is where the real story begins.

Morris learns about this secret library where all stories every written but never published come to life along with lost books by famous authors by a crazy librarian. Morris becomes determined to find his unpublished story to prove to his teacher that he actually wrote it.

This is a story of adventure intertwined with characters and stories of many of our beloved authors. Meet monsters, spiders, mad bulls, a crazy Santa and a crazy pirate. Creatively and masterfully written, this is a wonderful story that could be a great read-aloud to a class or a chapter book to share with the family. Can Morris really find his unpublished story?

Don’t miss Jo Guest’s kindle edition of Morris Southall and the Unpublished Library. Available in Amazon. Recommended for ages 8-11.

http://www.amazon.com/Morris-Southall-Unpublished-Library-Guest-ebook/dp/B00FGJAPJ6/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388960394&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Morris+Southball+and+the+unpublished+library

Great books to give as gifts this holiday season!

Here are some of my favorite informational picture books that would make wonderful gifts for this holiday season for your young readers!

The Boy who loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos 

by Deborah Heiligman and Illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Meet Paul, a young boy who loves math. All he can do is think about numbers all day long. Read about his story in picture book format about how he found his way in the world by making friends and sharing his ideas. Learn how he grew to be one of the most famous mathematicians ever.

Recommended reading for ages 4-8 yrs.

The Man with the Violin 

by Kathy Stinson Illustrated by Dusan Petricic, Postscript by Joshua Bell

Dylan noticed things. Unfortunately his mom didn’t. One Friday in January in Washington D.C. while taking the metro train, Dylan noticed a man with a violin. He wanted to stop and listen, but his mother said no. He thought about that man all day and the beautiful music that he played. He could hear the notes in his head. Once home that evening, he finds out that the young man in the station was a famous violinist, Joshua Bell, who was down at the metro giving a free concert. But why did nobody listen? A beautiful and compelling story about remembering to open our eyes and our ears and notice the beauty that surrounds us.

Recommended for ages 4-8 but even teens and adults will enjoy this one too!

On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein 

by Jennifer Berne and Illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky

It is not an easy feat to describe one of the most intelligent men in the world to young minds. This is an informational book in picture book format giving an overview of Albert Einstein’s life beginning with a young boy riding his bicycle but really wondering about how he could travel the speed of light. An incredible book that journeys the reader through Albert Einstein’s life through curiosity, laughter and self discovery.

Recommended for ages 6-9 yrs.

Jumping Penguins and Laughing Hyenas 

by Marije Tolman

Did you know that a sloth moves so slowly that green algae grows in it’s fur? This is a fabulous informational book, great for common core, that gives funny, disgusting, unbelievable, and weird facts about 50 different animals. These facts are pretty straightforward and the illustrations are pure fantasy. I give this one five stars!
Recommended for ages 5 and up. 

Thanksgivukkah

On November 28, for the first time ever, although there is some dispute over this and some say it won’t happen again until 2070, Jews around the world will celebrate the first day of Hanukkah and Thanksgiving together. Thus, Thanksgivukkah!! Have you heard of potato latkes with cranberry sauce and turkey? Or how about sweet potato latkes or cranberry applesauce?

Ok, let’s put food aside and talk some great books. There are some wonderful children books to help us celebrate the festival lights. Below is my list with some of my favorites as well as new books for this year. Those books with an asterisk are for families who celebrate both holidays.

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

*Boris and Stella and the Perfect Gift by Dara Goldman

Gracie's Night: A Hanukkah Story by Lynn Taylor Gordon

Latkes, Latkes Good to Eat by Naomi Howland

Asher and the Capmakers: A Hanukkah story by Eric Kimmel

The Chanukah Guest by Eric Kimmel

Hanukkah Bear by Eric Kimmel ( a revised version of the above book)

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

Sadie’s Almost Marvelous Menorah  by Jamie Korngold

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

The Hanukkah Hop by Erica Silverman

Hanukkah: A Counting Book by Emily Sper

Esther’s Hanukkah Disaster by Jane Sutton

The Eighth Menorah  by Lauren Wohl

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

Calling all bookworms!

Kelsey Green, Reading Queen by Claudia Mills and Illustrated by Rob Shepperson

Kelsey Green, Reading Queen, is there really such a thing? Absolutely. Check out this fabulous early chapter book, recommended for grades 2-4 for girls who loved Clementine, Ivy and Bean and Judy Moody.

Kelsey Green is a 3rd grader and she loves to read. The principal has just announced that there will be a school wide reading contest and Kelsey wants to win! The winning grade gets a pizza party but if the school reads a total of 2000 books in four weeks the principal, who looks like Santa Claus, promises to shave off his beard. Kelsey's goal is to win both!

This adorable story is a great read, especially for those who love to read. Kelsey is a funny character with some neat friends. In fact, this is a new series by author, Claudia Mills, which will be showcasing Kelsey's friends in her next installments. Annika loves to solve math problems for fun and Izzy is the fastest runner in the school. Three best friends who love to take on all sorts of
challenges. Look for the Annika Riz, Math Whiz and Izzy Barr, Running Star. But not before you read all about Kelsey Green of course!

Don't Sneeze at the Wedding

“Press lip, wiggle earlobe, say ‘pineapple’, tap forehead, pinch nose, don’t sneeze!” These are the different pieces of advice that Anna has received during the day and must remember in order to not sneeze during her Aunt Rachel’s wedding. Why? Because she has the very important job of being the flower girl. This is a darling story with colorful and animated illustrations that go through the day before a traditional Jewish wedding. Anna, dressed in her little pink dress, pink shoes with pink flowers in her hair, doesn’t want to ruin the day with a loud sneeze. But guess where she ends up sneezing, only the Rabbi knows. Another fabulous PJ library book that not only goes through the events of a day leading up to a Jewish wedding but has short explanations of the customs and symbols. Don’t Sneeze at the Wedding is a delightful story showing the humor of families and the joy of weddings. I loved this book! 

Check out more from this author and illustrator

By author, Pamela Mayer:

The Scariest Monster in the Whole Wide World

The Grandma Cure

By illustrator, Martha Aviles:
The Shabbat Princess

Say Hello, Lily

Abuelita: Full of Life

Stones for Grandpa (a recent publication)

The Fiesta Dress

New Beginnings

New Beginnings for Rosh Hashanah

Back-To-School is a time for new beginnings.  For the Jewish community, it is also a time to start fresh with a new year in the Hebrew calendar called Rosh Hashanah (starting the evening of September 4^th).  On Rosh Hashanah, we celebrate the creation of the world while dipping apples in honey to represent a sweet year ahead.  What better way to think about fresh starts then through some fabulous children’s books?  

PJ Library® is a local program that sends free Jewish books and music to the homes of children in the Bay Area.  Here are some PJ Library® favorites that teach children about the values and traditions of Rosh Hashanah through wonderful stories: 

Apples and Honey by Joan Jolub and Illustrated by Cary Pillo (published 2003)

This sweet lift-the-flap book follows a family as they prepare for Rosh Hashanah. There is so much to do from making holiday cards, baking challah, eating apples and honey and going to temple to hear the Shofar. Each page offers an interactive page for a young reader to enjoy. This story is a lovely introduction of the holiday for children, ages 2-6.

Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride by Deborah Cohen Illustrated by Shahar Kober (published 2008)

A playful introduction of Rosh Hashanah through a story about Israel’s first train from Jaffa to Jerusalem.  Follow along and see all the special deliveries Engineer Ari makes as he arrives in Jerusalem in time to celebrate the New Year. This story uses all the traditional symbols of Rosh Hashanah from the apples and honey, round challahs, and the Shofar. Recommended for children, ages 4 and up.

The World’s Birthday by Barbara Goldin and Illustrated by Jeanette Winter (published 1990)

Daniel is determined to have a birthday party for the world to celebrate the Jewish New Year. But how can you have a party and invite the whole world? That is just too many people. See how Daniel celebrates the Jewish New Year with his family and includes the whole world in the celebration. Recommended for children, ages 4-8

New Year at the Pier: A Rosh Hashanah Story by April Wayland and Illustrated by Stephane Jorisch (published 2009)

On Rosh Hashanah, Izzy and his family make a list of all their wrongdoings from the year. Then they apologize for them and throw pieces of bread into the water as a way to “clean the slate” or clear their hearts which is called Taslich.  This is a must read story that truly shows the importance of reflection and forgiveness. Recommended for children, ages 5-8. Winner of the Sydney Taylor Gold Medal for best Jewish picture book of the year!

The Secret Shofar of Barcelona by Jacqueline Greene and Illustrated by Doug Chayka (published 2009)

This special story takes place in the late 1500’s when Don Fernando, the conductor of the Royal Orchestra of Barcelona, prepares a concert to celebrate the Spanish colonies in the New World. Meanwhile his son, Rafael, secretly practices blowing the Shofar despite laws forbidding Jews from practicing their religion.  Rafael must decide whether he can blow the Shofar while his father’s Orchestra performs. A beautiful story that includes historical facts and a glossary to help explain what life was life during that period of time. Recommended for children, ages 6 and up.

While taking time to prepare for the year ahead, remember to take some quiet moments to read to your children.  PJ Library® is an amazing resource in our community that helps introduce Jewish values and traditions through reading.  These books will quickly become cherished bedtime stories. 

Happy Reading and Happy New Year!

Exclamation Mark!

 

Exclamation Mark! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld

This is a story about an exclamation point, really? It is about learning how to fit in, stand out, help others, as well as find your way in life. It is a fabulous picture book that is cleverly written by a bestselling dynamic duo team with simple illustrations that really relay the story perfectly. Read this wonderful picture book in the classroom as a grammar lesson. Read this picture book as a read aloud, or as a story to help children learn about their own unique qualities.  I recommend this story for all ages! Run, don’t walk to your nearest library and check this fabulous book out!