Menorah Under the Sea

I apologize for not  blogging since mid October. Life unfortunately got to be a little more than I could handle and I've been unable to catch up on my reading.  I've been wanting to get back to it for a while though, and today I found a book I loved at first sight.
Anyone who knows me personally knows my love for the ocean. I grew up around it, and have loved it forever. I also love the holidays, for both secular and religious reasons.
Today I was at the bookstore, browsing for something to read. The usual display of Christmas books were out front and center, but thankfully there was also a good selection of Hanukkah stories. The first one that caught my eye was called "Menorah Under the Sea" by Esther Susan Heller.
David Ginsburg is a marine biologist who is sent to Antarctica to work. Antarctica is a wild place to live, truly the last frontier on earth. Living conditions are so difficult that scientists are only sent down in the summer. Being below the equator, December is the summertime for Antarctica, a time when the sun never sets.
Despite this though, David Ginsburg is determined to find darkness with which to light his menorah. Eighty feet underwater by the glow of eerie world around him, Dr Ginsburg finds a solution to his Hanukkah dilemma and records it on film.  Thanks to Dr. Ginsburg, Hanukkah comes to Antarctica.
I loved this book on several levels. First it is a  beautifully illustrated non fiction story, with actual photographs from the work site in Antarctica. Children who love science will enjoy this book for the pictures alone, and each picture has an explanation of what the scientist is doing, why he is doing it, and how he feels. 
Besides the photos, I loved how it focuses on David Ginsburg's feelings on Judaism. Without making a fuss about it, the book shows how important his religion is to him. How badly he wants to perform a ceremony that is important to his traditions and beliefs.
The message in this book, is the same as it is in every well told  religious story. Faith is what matters, not presents, not food, just simple faith. Thanks to David Ginsburg, children who are not Jewish  are shown how another faith celebrates a special holiday!
Hanukkah will be celebrated this year starting December 8th. This book could be a good start to the evening. whether you are Jewish or not. Enjoy the story of David Ginsburg and his deep sea Menorah.

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The Little Old Lady who was not Afraid of Anything

Yesterday my daughter called me from the school she works in and said, "Blog the Little Old Lady who was not Afraid of Anything!" 
What brought this book to mind? I have no idea. If it was read to her students, however, I wish I could have been there. Since her students depend on sign language, reading it out loud was probably a visual delight!
The Little Old Lady <et al> is a story about a little old lady who lives in the woods. One day, she goes for a walk in the woods to look for herbs, spices, nuts an seeds. As she was walking home she heard a sound behind her and turned to look.  Behind her was a pair of boots that clomp clomped behind her. The old lady is not afraid and continues on her way home. But bit by bit, a gathering in the form of clothing, each making various noises follows the little old lady home.  The little old lady gradually becomes unnerved and when a pumpkin head yells "BOO BOO!"  the little old lady doesn't stop to argue but runs home as quickly as she can.
When she gets home her feelings of safety are short lived, as she hears a knock at the door. She answers it to find all the clothing and the pumpkin head on her doorstep. When she asks what they want they reply they want to scare her, but she replies she is not afraid of anything.  Suddenly unhappy, the pumpkin explains that he has to scare someone.  That is when the little old lady comes up with an idea that makes everybody happy.
This is a great book for the preschool to second grade set. If you read it like I used to with my children, the kids will love it as they clomp, wiggle and shake their way through the book.
The very best part is the book is that it is not too scary for the little ones. Just scary enough to give them a thrill. It is a fun Halloween book and one that your kids will enjoy for a long time.
So if you are looking for an enjoyable book to read to your little ones, you won't find one much better than "The Little Old Lady who was not Afraid of Anything".

The Giver

Lois Lowry is in my opinion one of the best authors of young adult and teen literature today.  She has many books to her credit, some of which I've blogged. "The Giver" is one of her best.
"The Giver is about a boy named Jonas. He lives in a society in which everything is regulated and controlled.  The people are controlled by genetic engineering, pills and brain washing.
However, each generation or so, the society creates one unique person. This person is called The Giver. The Giver's job is to keep all the memories society deemed inappropriate. The memories are kept in case they are needed for any reason.
The society consists of family units. Each family gets two children, a boy and a girl. These children are birthed by a birth mother then given to the families to be raised.  Jonas, his sister and his parents are given extra child named Gabriel.  Gabriel does not fit the criteria.  He is supposed to be sleeping well by the age of 1 but he does not. Jonas' father, who is a nurturer, takes care of the children who have not yet been placed in families. It is he who wants to give Gabriel some extra time before he is "Released".  Being released is what happens to those who reach a certain age, or who don't fit into the society.
In the society, each child is evaluated to find what he or she is best suited for. At the age of 12 they are given their life's assignments. It is during the ceremony that Jonas finds out he is to be a Giver.
Jonas is taken off the pills that he has been given his whole life. As Jonas is taken off the pills, he comes to understand what the people around him are missing. Happiness, laughter, Pain and love.
Jonas is saddened by the realization', but he is horrified beyond belief when he finds out how society handles those who can't conform.
When Jonas realizes Gabriel's life is in danger he makes a decision that costs him everything he knows. But for the sake of one child Jonas stands by his decision. Jonas will protect Gabriel and those like him.
"The Giver" is one of those books that you remember long after you read it. Some schools assign it for summer reading while other schools condemn it. My own children, who read it in middle school thought it was sad, but I didn't. I saw the end of the book as a new beginning and not an ending.
 It is all how you read it I suppose.  Read it yourself and see what you think!

Behind the Bedroom Wall

"Behind the Bedroom Wall" is a story about a girl named Korinna Rehme. She lives in Germany during World War II and she is very much a child of the times. She worships Hitler and is a member of the Nazi Youth group along with all her friends.  She hates the Jews and believes that if it were not for them Germany would not be in the state that it was in. But the Fuhrer will save them all with his wisdom and intelligence. He will win the war against the Americans, and he will bring Germany back to the beautiful prosperous country it once was.
Korinna believes this with all her heart. But one day, she finds out her parents are hiding a mother and her small daughter behind the cupboard in Korinna's own bedroom. Her parents are traitors. They are protecting filthy Jews in defiance of the law. She has to turn them in. She must turn them in. But can she?
To complicate matters, Korinna finds herself being drawn towards Rachel, the small child hidden in her cupboard. Suddenly Jews are no longer bogey men. Korinna looks around her. She sees Jews are people with children, friends and family just like her own. Korinna is confused. What is the right choice? Loyalty to her family or loyalty to her Fuhrer?
This book is written by Laura E. Williams. Ms. Williams presents her story in a vivid and realistic way. Korinna is frightened, confused and conflicted about her feelings. Her best friend, Rita has no such issues. Rita is vindictive. And Rita's older brother Hans, a member of the Gestapo is fanatical in his attempts to wipe out the Jews. Nothing means more than the loyalty to Hitler. Friends and Family are second to Hans as he literally destroy the things that mean so much to Korinna's family. 
Children from the age of ten up will be able to read this book to see what life was like for children in those days. They will see it from both a Jewish and a German prospective. It will open up an understand about a time that was full of people who were brave and willing to risk everything for strangers.
This book won the Milkweed Prize for Children's Literature. If you read it you'll discover why.
"Behind the Bedroom Wall" is a good introduction into the history of World War II. 

Cookie

"Cookie" is a book about a girl called Beauty Cookson. Beauty could be considered the ultimate poor little rich girl. Although her father is rich, he is controlling, domineering and abusive. He says he loves his daughter, but then tells her how ugly she is. His constant criticism is directed at her mother as well. Dilly Cookson is his third wife. She is also abused by her husband. He won't give her money, allow her to hold a job or have any friends. Still Dilly does her best to care for her daughter. And Beauty cares for her mother. They both work hard to humor her father. They walk on tiptoes around him, trying to keep him happy. But of course they can't. When he is angry it is every one's fault but his own.
Beauty is miserable both in her home and in her school. She only has one friend, a girl named Rhona. Rhona's wants Beauty for her best friend. But she has another friend, a girl named Skye who spends all her time making Beauty miserable. Skye makes fun of Beauty's name, calling her Ugly. In addition she laughs at her, makes fun of her weight and incites the other children to make fun of her.
Beauty is dreading her birthday. She wants more than anything to have a quiet day with her mom and dad, and perhaps her friend Rhona. But her dad has some other plans. He says he wants to make the day memorable, and it is but not in the way Beauty expects. Beauty's birthday is a day of many surprises but the biggest one of all is the one her mother gives her, a life changing surprise.
This is another book I bought and read in one day. It made me sad and yet I enjoyed it. Because it showed how determination and self respect can change a life, even when circumstances try to do otherwise. Beauty would be the last person in the world to say she was brave, or pretty or anything special. But she was all those things and more. I admired her very much.
This is definitely a girls' book about mean girls. If you have a daughter between the ages of say 10 to 12, then I think she will like it. She might even relate to it a bit. Every girl has had her share of the mean girls. Boys might not like it as much, but even boys can appreciate a story about the one who doesn't fit in. I think there are some boys out there who'll enjoy it as much as the girls.
Just one word of caution. This is a British book. Some of the expressions might confuse a younger reader. But despite this I think they will enjoy the story.
"Cookie" is a great book, and one I think mom will enjoy too. Find it at your local independent bookstore or at the library today.

The Graveyard Book

There are some writers who are so prolific they should simply own their own bookstore and be done with it. Neil Gaiman is one of those writers. Television, movies, theatre, books, poetry, prose, comics. Neil Gaiman has done it all. 
And yet despite the fact that he won a Newbery award,  when I mentioned I was blogging about his book my son Dan said  "Neil Gaiman is NOT a children's writer."
Well yes he is. If the children are Wednesday and Pugsly Addams.
"The Graveyard Book" is an amazing story. Actually more than amazing. I would call it phantasmagorical. Well written, dark and scary, the book is about a boy named Bod, short for Nobody, who is being raised in a graveyard by the inhabitants. Not the caretaker, at least not in the traditional sense. He is being raised by the ghosts. If it takes a village to raise one child, it definitely takes a graveyard to raise Nobody Owens.
The beginning of the story takes us to the home of an 18 month old child who is supposed to be asleep up in his room. The child's parents and his sister are murdered by an unknown intruder. But when the killer goes up to finish the job, he finds the baby missing. The toddler is a wanderer by nature who has this disconcerting habit of getting out of his bed in the middle of the night, to walk about the house. This time the little one finds the front door open. Taking advantage of the opportunity to explore, the baby escapes the house and finds his way to a graveyard. The man, intent on killing the baby follows, but there things become complicated. The baby is found by the residents of the graveyard. The dead parents follow their child as far as they can, but cannot stay. The mother's last wish is for the residents to protect him. Mr and Mrs Owens adopt the baby promising the departing parents that they will care for him. Silas, a member of the undead, names himself guardian and agrees to act as liaison by going into the living world to help supply the baby with all he needs. So by mutual consent, the baby is given Freedom of the Graveyard.
The story takes place through 16 years of Bod's life,  from his toddlerhood to his young adulthood when Bod begins his real life journey.
I didn't just enjoy this book. I loved it. Neil Gaiman writes just enough for his young readers that they are scared but happy. And as an adult reader,  I was delighted with the feeling of shivers that went down my spine as I read it.  It was a fun scary book.
You can buy this book for your 10 or 11 year olds if you want, but you'll be reading it too before long. It isn't Harry Potter where everything is magical. The book is dark but the darkness is not scary as much as it is...different. Life looked at from the point of view of death.
One of the last lines of the book is "Face your life, its pain, its pleasure. Leave no path untaken." This book, seemingly about death, is meant to teach us how to enjoy life. I think Gaiman meant it for the grown up child in all of us. 
So read "The Graveyard Book".  Find out what the dead can teach the living. But read it under your blankets by flashlight for the atmosphere!

How to Train a Dragon

"How to Train a Dragon" is a series of books written by British author Cressida Cowell. The books are a series of fictional stories loosely describing the lives of Vikings.
The main character in the book is named Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III. When the series first begins we find Hiccup and his friends beginning their rite of passage to acceptance. Their job is to capture and train their own dragons. If they fail they are banned from their home.
While most of his friends intend to conquer their dragons, Hiccup has other ideas. Hiccup is a thoughtful young viking who thinks before he acts. His method of working with the dragons is to understand them, then train them. At first it seems as if his methods are a failure, but in the end everyone works together to win.
I saw the movie prior to reading this book. The movie changed some things around, as movies often do, but despite that the story was enjoyable.
The book was even better. I got a good deal more out of the characters while reading the story than I did while watching the movie. 
This is one of those books that both the boys and girls will enjoy, but I suspect the boys might enjoy a bit more.  I'd get it for kids around aged 8 on up.
The story is full of the usual adult offensive, children delighted types of writing with lots of emphasis on the disgusting.  But you could find the same thing in Shakespeare. You write for your audience, and let's face it, kids love the gross!  Think of it this way: Sometimes you need that little bit extra to give the kids the feeling that reading this particular story is something their parents might not approve of, making it more fun to read.
I had a lot of fun reading the first book in this series. So far there are ten books written, all but one has dragons in the title. The second book is called  "How to be a Pirate".  This book tells how Hiccup saves his clan from a sneaky interloping that rides into the land hidden in a coffin. Just like the first, it looks great. I can't wait to start it.
I know school is beginning soon.  Kids will be less inclined to read, because it becomes a chore instead of a pleasure.  If you give them the incentive that they need to enjoy books, it will give them a lifetime of pleasure.  "How to Train a Dragon" could be considered mental bubblegum, but it is GOOD mental bubblegum.

Captain Underpants

 The Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey is one of those books that kids love and parents tend to hate.  The story is about two fourth graders named George Beard and Harold Hutchins. The two boys go to a school which strongly discourages imagination and fun.  But you can't keep a good imagination down. The boys run their own comic book company. Of course no store will sell to a pair of boys wholesale so they do the next best thing. The boys go to the school's copying machine and run off the latest copies of their own comic books, then sell them to the other kids on the playground.
Mr. Benjamin Krupp is their principal. He is a mean man who has a deep hatred of children. He feels it is his sworn duty to protect the other children in the school from George and Harold's shenanigans. Poor Mr. Krupp! Little does he know that he is actually Captain Underpants!
Captain Underpants is really Mr. Krupp's secret identity.  He is such a deep secret that even Mr. Krupp doesn't realize who he is. Captain Underpants was created by George and Harold when they accidentally hypnotized Mr. Krupp.  Whenever Mr. Krupp hears snapping fingers, he turns into Captain Underpants. Captain Underpants costume consists of a red cape with black polka dots <what superhero would be without his cape?> and a pair of underpants. In order to turn back into Mr. Krupp Captain Underpants has to have water poured over his head.  In the first few books, Captain Underpants had no super powers, but believed he did. In order to keep Captain Underpants safe, George an Harold followed him around, interfering at the last critical second. But in the third book of the series, Captain Underpants gains his superpowers by drinking juice he finds on an alien spaceship.
The ninth Captain Underpants book just came out this month, with the tenth due in January.  Each one is more popular than the next.
Of course since the principal is such a jerk,  and the boys are so "bad". The powers that be <whom I'm convinced have never read a book in their life> have decided that the Captain Underpants series is bad for your children and must be banned at all cost to protect the little cherubs from the idea that occasionally, boys misbehave and adults might be mean. Parents, in case you are wondering, there is nothing harmful in Captain Underpants. You aren't fostering future serial killers who might take it into their heads to hypnotize you when they are 16 into letting them take the family car out for a drinking party.
Captain Underpants is just a simple fun series that encourages kids to read. I promise you if they take the car to a drinking party when they are 16 it won' t be because they hypnotized you!
Let them enjoy the series. Your children may never say thank you for letting them read what they like. But their grades will be thanks enough.

The Whipping Boy

I meant to do my blog tomorrow, because I was all set today to head out to the Baltimore Aquarium and Ravens Stadium. <Anyone who wants to clue me in on where to get tickets for the Giants Ravens game in December please message me!> . The weather didn't want me down there, with four inches of rain expected and lots of thunder and lightening. 
So what's a girl to do?  Head to the bookstore of course!
Today I found a book that took me maybe 45 minutes to read but was extremely enjoyable none the less.  The book was called "The Whipping Boy". This Newbery award winning book is written by Sid Fleischman
This is a great book for boys or girls around the age of 7 to 11 depending on their ability to read. 
The book is about a boy named Jemmy who was a poor boy who made his living as a rat catcher. But one day he is chosen by the king to become whipping boy to the Royal Prince, that everyone calls Prince Brat.  The prince is a spoiled. obnoxious boy who does anything he wants. No one can whip the prince because that would be treason, so instead they have the whipping boy who is punished in his place. Jemmy's job is to be whipped every time the prince misbehaves. The prince's behavior assures Jemmy of job security, but Jemmy isn't too happy as you can imagine.
One day the prince decides to run away. Jemmy is at first reluctant, but then realizes he can ditch the prince. Jemmy's plan is to run away back to his home in the sewers where he was happy. But when Jemmy and the prince are kidnapped by two villainous highwaymen, the two boys discover new things about one another that they never realized existed. Both boys are changed for the better.
Sid Fleishman, who died in 2010 at age 90 was truly a child in a man's world. He started out life as a magician and traveled the vaudeville circuit in the 1930s. Then he became a newspaper writer, and from there a children's writer. His son, Paul Fleishman is also a Newbery Award winner.
Sid Fleishman writes with a child's point of view in mind, but he doesn't write childishly. His stories are clear, crisp and imaginative without being fluffy.  Boys will really enjoy this story, but don't be surprised if your girls can't put it down either. If you are stuck inside on a rainy day "The Whipping Boy" is definitely the kind of book that you want to enjoy!

The Forgotten Filly

In honor of my favorite part of the Olympics, Dressage, I am presenting this book for everyone to enjoy! Karle Dickerson was a writer for the Thoroughbred Series. A series of books written for the horse crazy set. This book has the same theme but different characters.
The story, "The Forgotten Filly" is centered around a young girl named Joelle who has bred her horse Dance Away. Joelle's horse means the world to her and she can't wait for Dance Away to foal <give birth> so that she can start training up the new baby to follow in mama's footsteps, competing in jumping and dressage. The night Dance Away gives birth to a beautiful filly, Joelle is thrilled but upon the happiness comes sadness. Dance Away dies from a hemorrhage soon after. Joelle is devastated. Her father and mother, while sympathetic, remind her that is up to her to care for the foal. They get another horse into the nurse the baby, and leave it up to Joelle to begin training. Joelle isn't happy but to keep her parents off her back she does as little as possible with the foal. Her resentment is felt by the foal, who fails to bond with Joelle, is stubborn, and difficult to train. Joelle's father sees what is going on and decides to sell the foal.
Joelle's little brother Jeff is devastated with the announcement. Jeff is a six year old who recently suffered an injury that's left him wheelchair bound. Jeff has bonded with the foal and is angry with his sister for rejecting Dance Away's baby. But Joelle still can't bring herself to love the foal that caused her to lose her horse. It isn't until Joelle nearly loses her brother that she realizes that it is possible to love another horse as much as she loved Dance Away.
I liked this book for several reasons. The first was obviously because it was about horses. Many an hour was spent with them when I was growing up, and in my last year of going to college, I actually got on the college equestrian team. Granted, the competition wasn't fierce but still, it was great!
Horse themes aside, I found there was another reason to enjoy this book. The fact is, I really liked the way the story  presented a loss and how the loss can be worked through.  I think underneath all the "horsieess" of the story that a child can learn it is possible to recover for the sadness of a beloved pet dying. It was sad yes, but there was so much strength in the sadness. There was growth in it too and in the endn that is what we as parents want for our children. We can't shelter them from sadness but we hope they can learn and grow from it.
This is definitely a book that shows that lesson. So if you want your boys or girls to read a book that will have a positive effect on them this is the one!

Misty of Chincoteague

Once again I'm again doing a blog that I don't normally do. This week I'm doing a blog on a book that I didn't enjoy that much. So you might ask yourself why blog about it? The answer is simple. Just because I didn't like this book doesn't mean some of your little ones won't. Especially if they love horses.
Misty of Chincoteague is a book by Marguerite Henry. It was published in 1948 and won a Newbery honor. The story is about two children Paul and Maureen who live with their grandparents in Virginia. Their family raises horses to sell.  More than anything Paul and Maureen want a horse of their own. So they decide to raise money doing extra work, in order to save for the annual horse roundup.
This roundup is done by the local fire company to raise money for their equipment. The horses are feral horses that are the decedents of a group of horses that were being brought to Peru about 300 years ago. The ship they were traveling in was shipwrecked but the horses lived on in freedom on the barrier island between Virginia and Maryland.
Now once a year a round up is held to cull some of the horses and the ones that are culled are sold at auction, and given good homes.
Now comes the reasons why I didn't like the story. First of all, all of the writing is done in local accents, so as you read your way through the book, you find it hard to understand some of the things they are trying to say, particularly the grandfather. I imagine children who read this book might have trouble figuring out what is going on through the dialogue.
The book, which was written in 1948 illustrates a world dominated by men. Although Maureen and Paul work equally hard to save money for the horse, it is Paul who works to train her, ride her and makes all the decisions about her. I realize that in that era that was how life was, but still, I don't have to like it!
But when all is said and done, it is a story about horses, and it captures a tradition that is still going on today, this month in fact.  The story wasn't to my taste, but it might be yours or your children's. If you have a son or a daughter whose a horse lover suggest the book to them. If nothing else they can at least learn about the Chinoteague Pony Swim, that just happened last Wednesday, an amazing way to raise money for a good cause, while preserving a national treasure.

The Upstairs Room

I had no idea what to blog about yesterday. I thought about it all day but couldn't come up with a thing. Finally at six I took a quick trip to the used bookstore where I found "The Upstairs Room" by Johanna Reiss.  At midnight I was still reading.
Johanna Reiss is a Jewish Dutch born American writer, who decided to tell the her daughters about her time in Holland during World War Two.
Her father was a cattle dealer and her childhood up until age 8 was peaceful and typical for a little girl of the time. But then her father, who used to laugh and play with his little daughter, has becomes worried. Annie <Johanna's nickname> becomes aware that bad things are  happening in the world, and that those bad things could happen to her family.
Her father decides to leave for American, with his brother and their family. But Annie's mother has kidney disease and wont leave. Forced to wait, Annie sees the citizens of Holland have their rights taken from them a little at a time. Her family cannot shop except during certain times of the day, they can't use public pools or theatres, they can't leave the house without a yellow star and sadly for the Annie whose mother is in the hospital, they are not allowed to visit loved ones in the hospital.
When the last notice is made, Annie, on her own, goes to the town mayor. The mayor knows her father, and his daughter was once Annie's friend.  She asks the mayor to give her a permit to visit her mother in the hospital, and he writes one out. After that,  Annie's sister cooks her mother's meals, and Annie brings her mother her food, then takes the dirty dishes home each night. Meanwhile, Annie's father makes plans for his family.
Annie's father has gone into hiding. Then it is Annie and Sini's turn. They eventually wind up in a farmhouse in Holland, where for over two years they are more or less confined to small upstairs room.
This is a great book for a ten to twelve year old. Although it is told from a girl's point of view, I don't really think it is a "girl's book" anymore than the "Diary of Anne Frank" is.  This is a book for kids who enjoy history, or adventure. There are some moments of danger that Annie lived through, that one can't even think about. Like when, towards the end of the war, German soldiers used the farmhouse the two sisters are hiding in, as headquarters. Or how the farmer, a big boisterous man took Annie and her sister out into a wheat field so that they could get some sunshine into their bones. Annie got sun poisoning that day because visitors came to the house and the farmer couldn't go back to get them until it was very late. Despite the danger, the family found a doctor to make sure Annie was taken care of, and wouldn't suffer any ill effects.
On the day the Canadian army free the village, the farmer and his wife proudly brought the two sisters out to watch the Canadians march through the town, astounding the neighbors who never knew that the girls were there.
"The Upstairs Room" was a great book. Johanna Reiss wrote it with the intent of giving her own two little girls an idea of what it was like for her during those dangerous times, but wound up with a Newbery honor winner.
If your children want to about what life was like for the Jewish people during World War Two, this is a good book to begin. Give it a read yourself.  I think you'll enjoy it.

Artemis Fowl

For an excellent read for older boys and girls you might want to pick up the first book in a series about Artemis Fowl. The series is a sci fi fantasy story but quite different from ones your kids might see on Clone Wars. For starters it's a bit darker.
Artemis Fowl is an anti hero. Artemis prefers evil, but occasionally to his disgust finds that it is more profitable to do good.
In the first book we are introduced to two worlds. The world of humans and the world of fairies. Artemis, a human is the son of a crime lord. He should be in school, but he has written an excuse to get himself out of it because his father is missing. His mother has had a nervous breakdown, leaving Artemis to cope on his own with his family's problems. Artemis is a genius who is always exploring the Unknown. Soon his experiments convince him of the existence of fairies. Artemis hatches a plan to steal their holy book, "The Book of the People" in order to hold it for ransom.
Captain Holly Short, an elf, is given the assignment of getting the book back. With the help of a criminal dwarf named Mulch Diggums, she enters the Fowl house but is unable to outsmart Artemis. Between his security systems and his security guard Butler, Holly is forced to a stalemate. But when Butler is almost killed Holly steps in to cure him, earning both Artemis' gratitude and more importantly, the sacred book.
My daughter Sarah introduced me to this book a long time ago, when she was in high school. As I said it is a book for older children, probably around 10 an up but there is no reason at all why adults can't enjoy this story too. Particularly if they happen to be science fiction or fantasy fans. The story splinters at some points, only to intersect at others. This might make reading difficult because you have so many characters and situations to go through. But as you go along in the story you will find things begin to meld and make sense. The main characters are so thoroughly well written that it is easy to follow the who's whos once you get into the book.
 Artemis is a character we love to hate. Reading about him is fun, because like all really good bad guys we secretly want to be like him. Most kids have daydreamed about being either a hero or  the evil genius. Artemis makes evil genius look cool. In some of the other books, he tones down the evil a little bit, but there is still enough there that we can still enjoy seeing him get his comeuppance from the resourceful Holly.
Holly is an excellent role model for young girls. Brash, confident, the first female elf police officer, she is always determined to put her best foot forward and show the world that she won't knuckle under.  Helped by her superior,  Commander Julius Root and Foaly, the police force's technical adviser, Holly is able to do things that young female elves aren't supposed to do. Even better Holly makes it look easy.
This month the 8th Artemis Fowl book makes its debut. Each of the stories has been an exciting read. If your children enjoy science fiction, if they love fantasy or if they have plans to take over the world, the the Artemis Fowl series is one they should enjoy. Pick a copy up for yourself and see why.

Comic books

I know all of you who read this blog are saying to yourselves, "Comic books?? Really???"
Well why the heck not? 
I know reading purists will want to eviscerate me, but I think reading comic books is a great way to get a non reader into reading or for a regular reader to relax and enjoy a quick read.
Reading comics isn't confined to kids. I have a great friend, a retired Air Force officer,intelligent, articulate and well read, who spends quite a bit of money each months on his comics.
There is a comic book store near my home,  Wades Comic Madness. Every time I go into it the adults outnumber the kids 4 to 1.
Like regular books, comics are made from little children all the way up to adults. There is Mickey Mouse with Donald Duck and Uncle Scrooge. There is Phineas and Ferb, Mega man, Sponge Bob. Just about any cartoon character has a comic book written for it.
I loved reading comic books when I was a kid. My mom would occasionally take heat for letting us read them, but she never cared so long as we were reading.
When I was a sick, my dad never failed to bring me Pine Brothers soft cough drops in honey flavor, and a bunch of comics. Mostly Archies, mixed in with Casper the Friendly Ghost and Richie Rich.
Back then the thin comic books were ten cents apiece an the fat ones were a quarter. For the royal price of a dollar I could have a whole afternoon of enjoyment.
Comic books as we know them have been a part of our lives since 1933. In 1938 we met Superman and suddenly the comic industry took off. Nowadays there are conventions where big name movie stars and old time science fiction characters meet up with the comic book artists who bring them to life. People love attending these conventions, some are lucky enough to get autographs!
Comic books are one of those things that every kid should enjoy. They are fun to read, and in the end, how do we coax our kids to read if we don't teach them it's fun?  Take the kids out to a comic book shop today. I promise  you'll have fun too.
 

There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom

I have to stop going into used book stores. I really do.  Everytime I stop into one I come out with lots of books, Sometimes, I look at these books and wonder why on earth I bought them. 
Such was the case with Louis Sachar's "There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom."
Louis Sachar's books remind me somewhat of Roald Dahl's in which the children are very much the protagnists and the adults are the enemy or at best, weak allies.
In this particular book we meet two boys. Bradley Chalkers is the oldest boy in fifth grade. He has been held back because he won't participate and does his best to act out. He sits in the very back row, surrounded by empty desks because no other student will sit with him.  When he goes home, he escapes into an imaginary world of toy animals. He makes them speak and half believes they are real.
One day a new kid comes to the school by the name of Jeff Fishkin. From the start, Jeff feels sorry for Bradley. Jeff realizes even the teacher is against him when she apologies for sending Jeff next to Bradley.
Jeff tries to be Bradley's friend, but Bradley instead tells Jeff to give him a dollar or he will spit on him. Jeff hands over the dollar and runs.
After thinking it over however, Bradley realizes this is a chance to have a real friend, so offers Jeff the dollar to be one. Jeff takes it to get his dollar back and an odd friendship between the two boys springs up.
With the help of a school therapist, Bradley comes to realize that he can become a friend to the other children in his class. And Jeff realizes that being a friend does not mean he has to follow the leader in behavior he isn't comfortable with.
This is an excellent book which the boys might enjoy reading more than the girls. That doesn't mean girls won't enjoy it. Certainly the girls in this book are strong charactors who aren't afraid to give a black eye or two.
Some parents may object to how the boys behave or even the girls for that matter. Bradley develops a crush on his counselor and misinterprets some of her actions. However, I think more of the objectsion will come from his behavior. Some of the things he does is act out in class, refuses to do his homework and bullies the other children. Some parents might not be comfortable letting their children read that. If you are one of those parents, read the book yourself first and then decide if you want your children reading it.
I think children from fourth to seventh grade might enjoy this book. As I said before it is geared towards boys but don't be surprised if your daughters enjoy it as well. This is one of those books in which the kids will enjoy it more than adults. Surprisingly, it is on many books summer reading lists. I never liked the books my kids' school picked for summer reading, but then, they never picked this one.

The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids

It's summertime. The kids are off from school. And they odds are they are already driving you crazy.
You can't sit them in front of the TV without the parent police getting on your case. And if you're like me, you would like to have them read a bit, even if their schools don't require summer reading. So the question is how to encourage them?
All kids love monsters. Even the kids who are scared of them get a secret delight out of vampires, werewolves and zombies. The trouble is sometimes the little ones might find the stories a bit more scary then they expect. So how to feed their inner scary monsters?
Enter the Bailey School Kids!  The Bailey School Kids are a series of adventure books that tells the stories of the children who attend the Bailey School. The adventures are told from the point of view of four children, Melody, Eddie, Liz and Howie.
The series consist of short chapter books, which are easy for a new reader to enjoy. The target audience seems to be kindergarten to third grade, but even slightly older children will enjoy these stories. The books are written so that both boys and girls will enjoy them. The writers, Marcia T. Jones, and Debra Dadey have written well over 80 different Bailey School stories. So if your readers enjoy them, there is no danger of the stories running out before the summer does.
My Sarah recommended I pick up "Martians don't take Temperatures". She had read it when she was little. I was glad she recommended it because I really did enjoyed it.
In this story, the four children discover a new school nurse whom they suspect of being from Mars. Worried that an attack is imminent, Howie consults his father who is a scientist. Although his father doesn't think there are martians, Howie's father gives him a suggestion on how to get rid of martians. To the delight of Howie, it works like a charm as the new school nurse goes running off in a panic, never to return.
I had never read these before, but I am glad Sarah steered me towards them. It's a great way for your little ones to enjoy their monster stories without too much trauma.
Enjoy the Bailey School Kids with your little monsters today!

Bats at the Beach

It's summer time, and what does one do in the summer? Well if you are lucky you hit Jersey Shore! I've heard there are other beaches in the world. I've even been up to Maine and New Hampshire to walk along their coasts. They are beautiful. But to me, summer will always be the Jersey Shore.
With the summer in mind I went browsing for a really beachin book and I believe I found the very one.
Brian Lies is a writer and Illustrator of children's books. He writes for many children's magazines as well as writing and illustrating many books. The one I picked up yesterday is called "Bats at the Beach".
"Bats at the Beach" is an entertaining story told in rhyme on a board book, that can be especially enjoyed by toddlers up to very young readers of Kindergarten age. The book is about a bunch of bat families enjoying the night at the beach. The bats are shown landing at the beach right at sunset, and enjoying all the activities that families do throughout the summer. The bats swim, splash, build sandcastles, tan under the moon, and enjoy themselves until the first light of dawn shows itself. Then everyone flys back to their homes to rest up for the next night. At the end of the book there is a special song written called the Bat Hymn, sung to the tune of the Battle Hymn of the Republic that I am sure you and your little ones will enjoy singing.
I absolutely loved the illustrations on this book.  The bats are doing what you could imagine bats really doing assuming they took their families to the beach.  The toasted marshmallows have grasshopper legs sticking out of them, which no doubt adds to the bats' delight. And they fly kites by attaching string to themselves and having a friend hold on to it while they hover up in the sky.
Brian Lies does two other books about bats, "Bats at the Library" and "Bats at the Ballgame."
If you enjoy this one, I am sure you will the others as well.
I originally bought this book for my neighbor's little girl who will be two tomorrow. But to tell you the truth I almost regret letting it go. It is definitely the kind of book I'd love to keep around just in case any little boys or girls would like to hear what the bats do at the beach. If you get this book yourself, don't forget the Moon Tan Lotion!

Little Women, Little Men, Jo's Boys

Alright you can go ahead and laugh now. Get it out of your system. I am a closet Louise May Alcott fan.
Some of the younger women will ask "Who?" But most my age will more likely ask WHY?  The answer is simple. Her books are enjoyable.
Louise May Alcott grew up around such dignitaries as Hawthorne, Emerson and Thoreau. She was raised as a Transcendentalist and spent some time in a commune with others of like mind. She was a feminist before it became fashionable and an abolitionists who truly believed in equality, not just for the races, but for the sexes as well.  She was also openly a lesbian before such things were talked about, admitting to one reporter who interviewed her, "I have been in love with many women, but never with any men."
Whether or not you find that last bit of information something to be ashamed of or admired you have to admire the honesty of the statement. It says a good deal about Louise May Alcott.
Despite her personal beliefs and radical ideas, Louse May Alcott wrote traditional, wholesome books for young girls, and boys that fit in with an idyllic home and family life.
The three books tell about the lives of four sisters as they end their childhoods and go into adulthood. As the first book, "Little Women" opens up, we find the four sisters, Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth sitting in their home mourning the loss of money their family once had. It is Christmas time, and owing to the civil war and the hardships incurred by their father going off to act as a chaplain to the soldiers, the girls and their mother decide to sacrifice Christmas presents.
Though the four girls are as different as can be, all are bound up in their love of the family. Jo and Meg work, Jo as a companion to their well to do great aunt and Meg as a governess to a rich family. Amy is in school and Beth, who is shy is  home schooled. We learn that they were once a very rich family but that their father lost his money helping out a friend. Jo is the main character of the story. She is semi autobiographical, a tomboy, who is always saying or doing the wrong things to embarrass her sisters.
"Little Women" which was originally done in two parts, takes us through about 15 years of the March girls lives ultimately ending with Jo's marriage to a poor but honest German professor.
In the next book, "Little Men" we come upon Jo and her professor raising a group of children, mostly boys but some girls as well in a boarding school they started together. While the book concentrates now on the children, Jo is still the most prominent character as she guides and watches out for her little charges.
In "Jo's Boys" we see the young men and women all grown up. This time Jo is forced to guide them through what could arguably be called the toughest time of all. Young adulthood in which the young men and women attempt to live up to the values that Jo has tried to instill in them their entire lives.
The books work hard to instill values that were looked upon as important in the post civil war era.
In some ways you could see the religious values in her writings as being at war with her personal beliefs.  Alcott was a Transcendentalist.Transcendentalist  believed that society and its institutions, especially organized religion and political parties, corrupted the purity of the
individual. Transcendentalist believed that man is at his best when self reliant and independent. So the fact that throughout her stories Jo is encouraging her charges to pray, and go to chapel is a blip on her beliefs. But aside from mentioning Catholicism in "Little Women" she never names a specific religion leaving the reader to reflect on the spiritualism of religion rather than the traditions.
All the philosophy aside, the books are enjoyable, although sometimes a bit wordy.  But don't let that discourage you or your children from reading an excellent classical writer. These stories will give you some insight into the life of a northern civil war era and the dawning of women's rights and independence.

Down Dairy Farm Road

Sorry I didn't blog on Friday, I haven't been up to my usual snuff, and while I got on the computer, writing out my blog was a bit beyond me. But in the end it all worked out as things often do if given a chance.
Saturday I went to an end of school year carnival at my children's old school, St. John the Evangelist. The school is closing, and this will be its last year, so the picnic was bitter sweet. My daughter, wandered into the library and asked the librarian what was happening with the children's books in hope of getting some for the school in which she works. They gave her a whole bunch and I read them yesterday. My favorite was "Down Dairy Farm Road".
This book by C.L.G. Martin is about a little girl named Junie Mae, whose grandfather is the local vet in the town. The time is around 1953 and the area Junie Mae's grandfather works in is very rural. People don't have a good deal of money, so instead Doc receives, pies and peas, fresh milk and silky corn for payment of his rounds. Junie Mae is helping him but is sad this particular day, because another girl has made fun of her hair insisting that only the most fashionable young ladies have their hair permed. Junie Mae asks her grandfather for the money but he can't afford to give it to her. While at a vet visit, one of Doc's patients, Mrs. Olson, gives Junie Mae a basket of kittens, asking her to find them homes. Mrs. Olson tells Junie Mae she can keep whatever she earns for the kittens. Junie Mae decides five kittens are enough to earn her a trip to the beauty parlor. As she looks to find the kittens good homes, however, Junie Mae finds somethings are more important than money.
This is simply a wonderful story. The writing is simple, easy enough for a kindergartner to third grader to enjoy, and the illustrations are just lovely. Colorful, but simply drawn. Little girls who think they are having trouble fitting in will like the story very much as will their parents. It teaches a good lesson about the importance of self worth without being preachy.
Easy to read, enjoyable illustrations, and a good lesson. A three time winner! Head to the library and find a copy today!

Summer of My German Soldier

In honor of the holiday, I tried to find a children's book that brought up war as it's main theme. One I've read in the past, despite it's sad theme is "Summer of my German Soldier".
It is the middle of World War two in Arkansas, when a group of German POWs are brought in for a work detail.  Patty Bergen first meets them in her father's store.
An intelligent 12 year old, already ostracized from her family, who favor her younger sister, and the towns people because she is Jewish Patty feels an empathy for the POWs.
She strikes up a friendship with Anton, one of the prisoners. Anton is as different as she. Anton is half English. His father, a German professor, got in trouble when he began to make fun of Hitler. Anton is proud of being a German but not of Hilter. As their frienship develops, Anton gives Patty the self esteem that she lacks. In return, she tries to help him when he escapes from the prison camp.
Unfortunately, Patty never realizes how hiding Anton will change her life.
This is a very intense story. There is a good deal of sadness in it. Patty's father is abusive. Her mother, who favors Patty's little sister denigrates Patty both publicly and privately.
The only people who sincerely care for Patty are flawed in the eyes of society. One is a black woman. She is the family maid  named Ruth. She is the only person who knows of Anton and Patty's secret.  She loves Patty as if she were her own.. Ruth works hard to give Patty self worth.
Patty's other friend is Freddy Dowd, a schoolmate who is a bit slow. Patty's father does not approve of her friendship with Freddy. Twice he beats her because of it.
Because of the sad, burgeoning adult themes, you may not want a child under 12 to read this book.  But it is a good book. One for deep thinkers. I remember when I read it for the first time, the sadness of the story is what hit me at first. But then I realized it was not so much a sad story, as it was a story about growth. A story about rising above what you are born into and being a better person.
It tells of a time when race, religion  and fanaticism predominated common sense. Very much like today.
Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. ?Summer of My German Soldier? reminds us that for a few, the decision of who the enemy is, is not always so clear cut.

How to Eat Fried Worms

"How to Eat Fried Worms" is a book by Thomas Rockwell.  Billy, Tom, Joe and Alan are four friends. One day as they are kicking around, they get to talking about the gross things that are eaten by accident. In the course of the conversation, a bet is made that Billy can't eat worms. The boys decide that if Billy can eat 15 worms in 15 days that Joe will give him $50.
And so begins the sneakiest ways to cheat and the most creative ways to cook worms every devised by a group of boys!
Although this was written in the 1970's and may seem a bit dated to some, it is still a really funny story.  The squeamish may not want to read it, but for me at least it brings back memories of the stupid things we did as kids.  Silly stuff that in retrospect made our childhoods so much fun.
The Think Police, IE the censors, would have this book pulled from the library shelves because it shows kids fighting, using "bad language" and being rude to the adults. You will have to trust me on this. There is nothing in there that is inappropriate for your 7, 8 or 9 year olds. Grandma can read it to them and not be shocked.  Grossed out maybe, but not shocked.
Kids in the age group I mentioned will love reading this book, especially the boys.  If you have a girlie girl she may not like it, but a tomboy will.  A tomboy will picture herself right in the group, picking sides or prepping the worm for its daily cuisine.
Kids who don't like to read will enjoy this book because it's disgusting. Kids love anything that is gross. Even better though, for a non reader this story may open a door to further reading. If you are an adult reading it, the repetition of recipes might get a little tiresome as you go through each day of how the worm was prepared. But the ingenious ways that Joe and Alan try to cheat are pretty funny. You will definitely find yourself chuckling at those parts Those two used a lot of imagination.
Thomas Rockwell, the author, is the son of Norman Rockwell, so you can see where the idea of boys doing silly boy stuff has come from.  Thomas' vision of the American childhood took the form of writing rather than painting, but it still shows up in an art.
"How to Eat Fried Worms" is a funny book that both readers and non readers will enjoy.
Just one suggestion though, if you read it yourself, don't serve spaghetti for dinner. It won't go down well!  

Maurice Sendak, "Outsde, Over There"

A lot has been written about Maurice Sendak this week. Many people my age remember  him from their early childhood with the debut his first children's book, "Where the Wild Things Are".
But Sendak wrote much more than that. He wrote everything from children's stories to operas. His illustrations went from literature to cartoons. Sendak did it all.
Although he was best known for "Where the Wild Things Are" Sendak wrote other children's stories as well. The one I enjoyed was called "Outside Over There".
"Outside Over There" is the story of a girl named Ida. Her father is at sea and her mother sits in the arbor waiting for him. Ida is left to watch the baby. When the book begins, Ida is trying to get the baby to sleep by playing her horn for her. But Ida's back is to the baby, and while she is not looking goblins come in to steal the baby, leaving a baby made of ice in the her place.
When Ida realizes the baby is gone, she climbs out her window to rescue the her. But enchantments prevent her from finding the baby until her father's voice singing over the sea turns her around. Ida finds her baby sister with the goblins, and brings her back home safely, where she finds her mother reading a note from her father, asking Ida to keep watch over her sister and her mother. Which Ida does very well.
If Maurice Sendak never wrote a letter of the alphabet, he would still be remembered for his beautiful illustrations. In "Outside Over There" his illustrations remind me of classical paintings in the middle ages. Yet when you look at the pictures closely there is something there that makes it not quite real, almost a fairy tale quality.
Sendak said in an interview that his inspiration for "Outside Over There" was the Lindbergh baby kidnapping. The story was adapted into a movie called "Labyrinth". Jim Henson's creativity helped to bring the goblins, and other creatures to life.
Maurice Sendak's death this week took from us an amazingly talented man in children's literature. But I have no doubts that somewhere, outside over there, another wild thing is dancing. 

"Same Sun Here"

I am breaking a cardinal rule here by recommending a book I haven't finished reading yet. But the book was so enjoyable that I can't wait to finish it.
Each Thursday, I try to decide which book to write about. If I run dry I head to the library or to the book store to try to find something I enjoy.
Today Youngest Son and I went to the bookstore. Naively, I assumed I could find a book, read it, blog and still have time to food shop and get my Daughter at her day job. 
Then I picked up this book.
 By the time I noticed the time, it was too late for food and the almost too late for Daughter. <My gratitude to the Trenton bus company who picked up Daughter's student late, thus saving me from any unwanted comments about being at school on time.>
The book is called "Same Sun Here".  It is written by Silas House and Neela Vaswani. 
This is a story told in a 2 person voice. Meena and River are twelve years old.  Meena is an Indian immigrant who lives in New York City's Chinatown section.  River is the son of a Kentucky coal miner.
Although on the surface it would seem like these two children have nothing in common, they discover through their letters that there are more similarities than there are differences.
The writing is simple, but it brought a wealth of  information to the table in an enjoyable easy to understand way. Between explaining what a rent controlled apartment is, to telling about her first election of an American President <Obama won>  Neela helps River understand the world through her eyes. River returns the favor as he explains what happens when you coal mine by mountain top removal, and gets involved in politics in an effort to better the lives of Kentucky coal miners.
Reading this book will teach your children the things we hear about but don't really understand. It will also open their eyes to things that we take for granted, and maybe shouldn't.
Best of all though, this book will take you on a ride through our country, through the eyes of two friends who haven't met. 
 I can't wait to get back to this book. If the ending is as good as the beginning and the middle, I'm in for an enjoyable read!

Lily's Crossing

This past weekend I spent the night at my sister's babysitting. Aside from the pleasure of seeing the kids, I also discovered a new book to blog about.
"Lily's Crossing" is a book by Patricia Reilly Giff.  Some readers may know her from the Polk Street School series, a series of stories about a class of second graders. But she has also written Newbery honor award winning books. They are great books for younger readers, but "Lily's Crossing" is written for the 9-12 year olds.
The book is set during World War Two. Lily is an only child who lives with her father and grandmother. Her mother died when Lily was a baby of heart issues.
The book is set during the summer of 1944. Lily's family is once again planning their summer trip to Rockaway Beach, where they have a house in the water. Lily is looking forward to seeing her friend Margaret, and all the other people she's known from her summers at the shore. But when she arrives there she finds more than the tide is changing. Lily's father is going away with the army to help rebuild cities, her best friend Margaret is leaving for Detroit so that her father can work in a factory for the war effort, and people are living in a high state of alert, aware a German attack is a distinct possibility.
The biggest change Lily faces however, is the appearance of a boy named Albert, a refugee from Hungary. Their friendship is built on loneliness, and guilt. But then Lily, whose imagination sometimes takes the place of common sense gives him an idea that is dangerous. Can Lily stop Albert from risking his life on a plan that will never work?
Lily is a strong character, who often has an issue with the truth. Despite that, her heart is in the right place. On the verge of growing up <what we call "tweens" nowadays> she frequently butts heads with her grandmother. Lily also keeps certain rituals to remind her of the mother she never knew. With her father, Lily has a better relationship, but her anger at him for going off to fight in a war prevents her from saying goodbye when he leaves.
Albert, her new friend appreciates her for herself. Something Lily never had before.
Patricia Reilly Giff describes this story as being based on her life in the summers of the 1940s. She talks of her fear when she'd go to bed at night, and how she'd watch for the spot lights that kept the nights safe for America during that terrible time.
"Lily's Crossing"  can be an excellent book for either boys or girls, because while the story is told from Lily's point of view, Albert is a strong character as well. He is definitely someone boys can relate to.
This was a great book to read on a soggy Saturday at the shore. Look for it at your library. You and the kids will enjoy it too!

Sam and the Firefly

Before I start on my book I want to make an observation. You can always tell when a man is in charge of something. Men love to ''upgrade". They can never leave well enough alone. They think newer is better. 
I say this because this morning, when I logged into my blog, I found a "new, improved" blogging site designed to make it easier and more "streamlined."  End result?  I can't find a damn thing.
Same thing with Facebook and their new "timeline" Obviously whoever did the timeline did it with the idea that you were going to waste a lot more time searching for things than you did before.
OK, enough of that, I'm off my soapbox for today. On to the book!
This week's book is another oldie but goodie.  When I was a little girl we had this book. It was probably my brothers' book, <by the way, happy birthday brothers!> because they were older than I and the book was pretty beat up when I started reading it. Last week when I was perusing the bookstore looking for a gift, I came across it, and even though all my children are chronologically adults now, I couldn't help but buy it.
"Sam and the Firefly" is a story about an owl named Sam.  He wakes up one night and finds that everyone else has gone to sleep.  Sam wants someone to play with, but he can't find anyone. Suddenly he is hit over the head by a light and a voice says "Boo!". 
A firefly named Gus has introduced himself to Sam. Sam has a new friend! 
But what a friend. Gus is a smart firefly. He can write a lot of different words with his firefly light. Amazingly the light stays on like neon sign. At first Sam is impressed but things quickly go south as Gus begins to cause mischief.
First Gus changes traffic patterns, then he causes a riot at the movie theatre. But when Gus ruins business at the hot dog stand by crossing out "hot" and writing "cold" instead, he runs into trouble.
The hot dog man catches Gus and puts him in a glass jar. He drives off with Gus, intending to get rid of him but before he can do it, the hot dog man's truck stalls on the railroad track. Gus is trapped and a train is coming. Can Sam find a way to save both his new friend and the truck?
P.D. Eastman wrote this book.  He is also the same writer who wrote "Go Dog Go" and some other excellent children's stories. In addition to his wonderful children's books, P.D. Eastman also worked on Disney films and wrote some of the Mr. Magoo cartoons.
"Sam and the Firefly" is a wonderful story. The illustrations might be somewhat off putting. While the pictures themselves are wonderfully drawn, the colors are kind of a blueish green with the yellow of the firefly showing through like a glow in the dark light show. But it works for the story. How could you show up Gus' light otherwise?
With the hot summer nights coming "Sam and the Firefly" is definitely a book you'll enjoy reading with your little ones. Try it with a campfire and s'mores. You can chase all Gus' friends and relatives afterwards!

Charlotte's Web

E. B. White was as an eclectic writer as you will find. He wrote fiction, non fiction, and books on how to be a writer. But to millions of youngsters, he will always be the writer of two children's classics, "Charlotte's Web" and "Stuart Little".
I loved both books, but tonight I am writing about "Charlotte's Web", because in its own way, it defined my relationship with my sister and sisters are very much on my mind tonight.
I read "Charlotte's Web" for the first time in second grade. After that I'd read it at least every other month. Even now, many years later, I can quote passages from the book verbatim.
But as much as I loved the book, my sister hated it. She was three years younger than I  and didn't read books yet. Every time she wanted me I had my nose buried in "Charlotte's Web". In frustration, she would toss it in the trash, but since she was only five she didn't think to bury it, so I would simply pull it out  again.
Even now, all these years later she still brings up how much she hated "Charlotte's Web".
So what inspired me to pull a ratty book out of the trash to reread?  It is a beautiful story.
Written simply, "Charlotte's Web" is about a pig named Wilbur. Wilbur was born a runt but saved from death from the farmer's daughter Fern. Eventually he goes to live at her uncle's house and Fern visits him everyday. During the visits Fern remains quiet and listens to the animals as they speak among themselves.
A beautiful barn spider, named Charlotte takes up residency in the barn and makes friends with Wilbur. She finds out that Wilbur is going to be converted to bacon, but comes up with a plan to save his life. Charlotte begins to write words in her web to describe Wilbur. Through her efforts she convinces the humans that he is too valuable to eat. Thanks to Charlotte's work Wilbur's life is saved.
"Charlotte's Web" is a simple story with deep meaning. It teaches children about perseverance, loyalty and love. 
I know many children have seen the movie, but the book is so much better. Try it and see. Just don't put the book in the trash when you are done with it because you'll want to read it again.

Bad Babies Book of Color

I am going to write about a book that I am almost positive is out of print. But if you find it in a used bookstore, or in the library I promise it will bring your little one a lot of enjoyment.
The name of the book is "The Bad Babies' Book of Colors".  The author is Tony Bradman, an Englishmen educated in Cambridge.  You would think a man who earned a master's degree there would write stuffy books about the history of the British empire, but no, he turned to children's books. 
He has written well over fifty children's books, although a young man <a little older than I am, no smart comments peanut gallery!>  including the Dilly the Dinosaur series.
But my personal favorite is the "Bad Babies' Book of Colors".  It is done in rhyme.  And the emphasis is on the story, but somehow, the color learning is an integral part of it.
The first paragraph begins  "Today is our Bad Baby's birthday. And who is at William's GREEN door? Could it be his good friend the mailman, bringing birthday greetings galore?"
The rest of the story goes on to say who is arriving, what they are bringing, what they do and how they play.
The pictures are done by Debbie van der Beek. They are beautiful pictures, with bright happy colors.
I used to read this book to my children constantly. I only just bought it again through ABE books, which is a site that you can use to find old, hard to find, and out of print books. As soon as I got it I tried to read it out loud to my son. He is in his 20's. For some odd reason he seemed to find my timing off a bit. He was trying to listen to the Daily show on the computer and I wanted to read to him. I ignored his protests and started reading the book out loud, he switched to metallica music, I kept reading, he reached for his speaker to up the volume, knocked the whole thing over and the room was silent. I finished the story, and looked at him. He had a look of complete exasperation and defeat on his face as I smiled and said  "Wasn't that lovely?"
Look for it in your local library. "The Bad Babies' Book of Colors" is an enjoyable read at any age!

Harold and the Purple Crayon

"Harold and the Purple Crayon" is the story of a four year old who gets where he wants by drawing it with his purple crayon.   That's the long and the short of the story but like most classics, there is more to the story than it seems.
When we first meet Harold it is just he and his crayon. But then he decides to go for a walk in the moonlight. There isn't any moon, so Harold draws one. Then he draws something to walk on. Harold draws a long straight path but eventually, when he realizes he isn't getting anywhere, he leaves the path. Harold decides his entire destiny based on his purple crayon, including, a frightening dragon under an apple tree, a forest with one tree,  an ocean and a city. Eventually Harold manages to find his way to his home and his bed.
This is a very short easy to read book, but the kids will enjoy it very much. Any child who reads it will sympathize with Harold's dilemmas and enjoy how he uses his purple crayon to get himself out of trouble.
The story is illustrated in basic colors of blue, white, and of course purple.  As I had said last week, today's children might find it a little monotonous to see only a few select colors in the story, but the effect is soothing. The effect is especially helpful when settling your little ones down at bedtime.
Crockett Johnson, the author of the book, was a Connecticut native, who eventually moved to the Lon Island Sound.  He spent his time there sailing, an mentoring Maurice Sendak, another famous children's author. In addition to this book, Johnson wrote a daily comic strip called Barnaby, "The Carrot Seed" and other Harold stories. All of the children's stories are illustrated in the same soothing way.
Pull your favorite four year old on your lap, along with a purple crayon and a pad. Then read them this book.  You'll be glad you did.

Make Way for the Ducklings

Not many books can brag about being an official state book, but "Make Way for the Ducklings" by Robert McCloskey can!
"Make Way for the Ducklings" is a story of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard, who are flying about in search of a nice place to raise their family. Every spot that Mr. Mallard picks, Mrs. Mallard dislikes for one reason or another. Eventually they land in Boston and spot the lagoon in Boston Gardens. They land there and decide to spend the night. The next morning, they see a swan boat. They think it is a real swan that is carrying people. The people throw nuts to the two and they decide to stay in the area. But suddenly a bicyclist frightens Mrs. Mallard so much they move on to the Charles River, where they find an island that is perfect for a little family.  Mrs. Mallard lays her eggs and over the course of time hatches eight little ducklings.
Once the ducklings are hatched Mr. Mallard decides to go back to the public gardens and Mrs. Mallard agrees to follow when the ducklings are a little bigger. She teaches them all they need to know about being ducks. When the ducklings are big enough to leave, they line up for the march towards the public gardens.  The traffic is scary, with none of the cars letting the little family pass, but Michael, the police officer who has been keeping an eye on the ducks, quickly steps in and halts traffic. Then he calls ahead for back up to handle the rest of the ducks' march to the gardens. Once the little family reunites, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard decide to stay in the public gardens.
This book was written in the 1940s. Since it's inception it has become an integral part of Boston culture. Statues have been erected in the Boston Public Gardens of the ducklings and Mrs. Mallard. In addition, Boston has a yearly festival to honor the ducklings with children and adults dressing the part of the ducks and reenacting the ducks' path.
The illustrations are rather old fashioned, and in this age of  children getting lights and colors in their books, games and cartoons, 24/7 it seems almost restful. The book was a Caldecott winner for the illustrations, but to some children who are used to more active illustrations it might seem dull. But it seems to fit with the old fashioned book.
"Make Way for the Ducklings" is a wonderful book to read on a spring day. And when you finish it, go to the park. Mr. and Mrs. Mallard should be home.

Treasure Island

Long before there was Johnny Depp played the immortal and immoral Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean, we had "Treasure Island"".
Treasure Island" is a book by Robert Louis Stevenson. It is because of this book that we have our pirate lore origins." Treasure Island" gave us the parrot, the peg legged man, a treasure chest, and X marking the spot.
The story is told to us through the eyes of Jim Hawkins, who is the son of the owners of the Admiral Benbow Inn. An old sailor named Billy Bones comes to live at the inn. Billy hires Jim to keep a watch for  anyone suspicious. Despite his precautions, Billy Bones is found by his old comrades  who serve him with the black spot. The black spot means his fellow sailors have decided to put him to death.The night of the attack Jim barely escapes death when the pirates come to the inn in search of revenge. As he is escaping, Jim grabs up a packet of papers that belonged to Billy Bones. The packet contains a map leading to buried treasure. Jim, along with a few other trusted comrades, go in search of the treasure. As the group sets out on their adventure they don't realize the trouble they have attracted. The crew they hired includes a one-legged sailor, named  Long John Silver, who is a pirate. Young Jim, hidden in an apple barrel, overhears the pirates' plans to mutiny. He warns the captain but despite his warnings, the mutiny happens. The battle is bloody. Jim escapes the ship and discovers a marooned sailor on the island, who has already found the treasure. Together Jim and his friends escape with the treasure, sailing back home.
This is a book that was written predominately for boys, but there's no reason why girls can't enjoy it as well.  It is an exciting book full of adventure and excitement. If I were going to give one word of advice about this book, it would be:  Don't read it before bed! And Johnny Depp? Read the book and eat your heart out!

Brooklyn Rose

I remember when my niece Glynnis and daughter Sarah were both little girls.  They loved the American Girl dolls. Sarah actually still has hers and I'm willing to bet that Glynnis does as well. I liked the dolls, but the thing I liked best about them was that each of the dolls came with a history in the form of books. Each of these dolls had at least four or five stories that you could get to read and find out what life was like in the era of the doll you chose.
Well tonight I read a book that kind of reminded me of those books.  The story was called "Brooklyn Rose" and the writer is Ann Rinaldi.
The story is about Rose Frampton who lives in South Carolina during the turn of the century.  <I should say now the turn of the 20th century, since we are in a new era ourselves.> Although Rose is a young girl, only 15, she finds herself married to a man twice her age,  He is a rich man, a silk merchant. And he brings her to Brooklyn to live with him. Rose didn't love the man when she first married him. She married him because she felt she owed it to  her family to do so. But as she gets to know him she discovers herself falling in love with him. It is a confusing time for a fifteen year old girl, as she balances, her life in the big city with getting servants, making friends, meeting  her in laws, and learning to love her husband. But Rose manages all of it and makes it sound fun!
The book is written in diary form. Rose Frampton is actually  based on Ann Rinaldi's grandmother. A family history that she didn't find out about until later in life, since her mother died and her stepmother cut her off from her biological maternal ties.
The story is written easily enough that a ten to twelve year old will enjoy it. Maybe even a younger child if she enjoys reading the American Girl novels.  Ann Rinaldi writes great historical fiction for children and she has many books that boys as well as girls will enjoy.
"Brooklyn Rose" is a wonderful story about a girl growing  up.  Get it for your American Girl fans.  You'll enjoy having her read a story that doesn't come with accessories! 

The Boxcar Children

A long time ago, there were four children, Henry, Jessica, Violet and Benny. The four children were brothers and sisters. Orphaned, they ran away from a grandfather they thought was cruel. In search of food, they found a bakery where the baker and his wife allowed the children to work for a little food. They promised the children that they could live with them, but when they overheard that the baker was planning to send Benny to an orphanage, because he was too young, they ran away. They finally made their home in a boxcar in the woods and from there their adventures begin.
The first book in the series was written in 1924. A few more followed  and then stopped. But in 1942 the book was reissued and has continued on with publication ever since. Gertrude Chandler Warner was the original author.  She was a young woman who loved writing and dreamed from the time she was five of being a children's writer. When she first published the stories, she came under fire for her books.  There were some who believed that her books encouraged children to rebel, and they felt that it was inappropriate to show children getting along without the guidance of adults. To those critics, Gertrude replied it was for that very that the children read her books.
In her books, the eldest, Henry starts out at age 14 and ages until he leaves for college in her last story. Once the series was written by others, the children stay the same age. Gertrude wrote 19 books out of the series. That sounds like a lot until you realize that right now there are more than 140 in the set. For several generations, children from the ages of 7 to 10 have enjoyed reading The Boxcar series. It has a universal appeal to both boys and girls. The Boxcar series is an excellent book for starting young readers on chapter books. Gertrude wrote the books and improved them by reading out loud to the classes that she taught. Since many of the students she taught were learning English as a second language, she modified the writing to make the reading easy, but still managed to make the stories themselves enjoyable.
Although it's hard to think of right now, summer is coming. It would be a perfect time to set up an old refrigerator box in your backyard, start a make believe campfire and join your boys and girls in reading the Boxcar series.   I think you'll be glad you did!

controversial reading!

I am going to try something different this time.  There is a book I've always liked, but to admit I like it would be opening up a can of worms as tall as the Empire State building. This book has always had a reputation for being controversial.  It was used by people to hurt others, although that was never the writer's intention. The original intent of the story was to entertain, nothing more. 
So I am going to blog about this book. But I am going to blog about this book in a completely gender neutral, white washed way.  If you can figure out what book I am talking about, more power to you! But to be honest, I am more interested in seeing how many different responses I get to the clues I give out.
Here are a few clues, and a bit of background on the book.
It is a children's book, written in the 1800s. Since then it has been published, mocked, satirized and remade many times. In 1932 a famous American writer and activist called the book "hurtful" to certain children. In Japan, it has become very controversial not just for the obvious reason, but for piracy as well. It has been rewritten, renamed, re released and re illustrated in both positive and negative ways.

It was written by a military spouse for the entertainment of the military offspring while stationed on a foreign base.  The story itself is about a child who is accosted by a series of endangered mammals indigenous to the area. The child, in an effort to protect itself, bargains for its ability to continue on this particular plain of existence. In each case the child's offers are acceptable to the particular endangered mammal and it's allowed to exist. Eventually the child is denied all of its possessions by the endangered mammals, so continues to its domicile in a state of distress. Each of the endangered mammals, who now possess the child's goods is convinced through intense egocentricity that he has achieved a state of perfection. Eventually, all of the endangered mammals meet up which leads to a confrontation. The child, hearing the confrontation, believes the endangered mammals are after it, The child hides where it is able to see the confrontation. The confrontation is at first only vocal, but eventually each endangered mammal attacks the other. Each latches onto an opponent's appendage, and commence to encircle a woody perennial at a high rate of velocity until they have liquefied into a large puddle of ghee. The child then collects its possessions, and along with the ghee returns to its domicile where it resides with two guardians.  One of the guardians prepares food high in carbohydrates using the ghee for the family unit to consume. Each of the members of the family unite partake of the carbohydrate sustenance which bears a striking resemblance to the coloration of the endangered mammals. One guardian eats many, the other eats more but the child consumes the most.

Pretentious politically correct writing aside, the reason why I liked the book is very simple. The hero of the story faces scary things, but rather than running finds a way to not only survive, but thrive.  The child is very clever. The child not only survives a life threatening confrontation, but manages to come out on top.  To me it teaches the young reader to think through a problem. The original pictures were redone a multiple number of times, but when the book was originally illustrated there were no overtones of any kind. The illustrator just drew what was common to the area. The story itself is a great story about a clever child, no political/racial/sexual overtones are contained within the words. It was just meant to entertain. It is only ignorant people who take a simple child's story and turns it into a hotbed of controversy.
Let me know if  you figure out which book I'm talking about.  As I said from the start I'll be more interested in the wrong answers than I will be in the right.

Caddie Woodlawn

If your daughter likes the "Little House on the Prairie" series she will love "Caddie Woodlawn". Caddie Woodlawn is Laura Ingalls on steroids. Written by Carol Ryrie Brink in 1935, Caddie Woodlawn is a story about Carol Ryrie Brink's grandmother. Caddie Woodlawn grew up in Wisconsin in the 1850s. When she was a little girl, she almost died, Caddie's father decided to raise her the same way he raised his sons, with Caddie spending time outside, rather than shut in the house sewing, and cooking. Although her mother didn't approve, she did agree to go along with the experiment. So while Caddie's sisters learned "the art of being a lady" Caddie happily ran wild with her brothers.  She was a fearless little girl, who could take a bump as well as a boy, but she was a kind soul as well.
Caddie had a soft spot for the Indians who lived nearby. One of them, named John, was her especial friend. He would call her "Missee Red Hair".  Caddie's neighbors however, distrust the Indians and that leads to what might be Caddie's biggest adventure.
Rumors of an Indian massacre have frightened the neighbors so much that they gather at the Woodlawn's house. For two days woman and children take shelter while the man keep watch. Caddie's father is positive their neighbors are trusthworthy but others aren't so sure. After Caddie overhears neighbors planning to attack John's encampment, she sneaks away from  her home and goes off to warn him. Thanks to the bravery of both Caddie and John, peace is restored to the neighborhood.
In 1936, Carol Ryrie Brink won the Newberry Award for Children's Literature with Caddie Woodlawn. She continued to write her entire life, and died in 1981 at the age of 86.
This book is a  great read for children between the ages of 8 to 10. It will give them an excellent idea of what life was like before the US had 50 states. Give it a glance and see if you don't enjoy it as well!

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

I was browsing around the bookstore Monday when I came across a book entitled "A Sick Day for Amos McGee". The illustrations were what first attracted me to the book. I don't usually judge a book by its cover, but in this case I am glad I did.
"A Sick Day for Amos McGee" is about a zoo keeper named Amos McGee. Every day he wakes up, makes his breakfast and rides the bus to work. Once there, he keeps busy all day with his animal friends.  He plays chess with the elephant, runs races with the tortoise, keeps the shy penguin company, and reads bedtime stories to the owl.
But one morning Amos is too sick to go to work.  His animal friends miss him so much that they take the bus to Amos' house to keep him company. With his good friends' help, Amos  makes it back to the zoo in no time.
This book is written by Philip Stead and illustrated by his wife Erin Stead. Because of her beautiful work, the book won the 2011 Caldecott award for best children's illustrated book. It also won an award for the story. Publisher Weekly listed it as best Children's book of 2010.
The story itself, though simply written with easy to follow sentences, has a charm which keeps little ones entertained. The animals unique personalities give the children an imagery that they will love for many years.
This story is for younger children, from ages three to seven. It is easy to read out loud. Definitely a good book to sit down with for a little quiet time.  The illustrations are accurately done.The book is shaded rather than colored, but the shading seems to fit the entire story somehow.
Don't be surprised if once she reads the book,  your little ones want to challenge the tortoises to a race, or an elephant to chess.  After reading "A Sick day for Amos McGee" you may want to yourself!

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry

When I was in high school the book "Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry" was published.  I remember giving it a passing glance, but being a teen turned it down for more romantic novels. 
Today for the first time I read it. Tomorrow, when I go see my sister, I plan to give it to her ten year old triplets.  It was a very good book, and is especially interesting for black history month.
The book is about a family called the Logans, who live in Mississippi in the 1930s. The Logans are unusual in that they own their own land, and  have no need of sharecropping the way most poor families did in those days. But to be black, educated and propertied in those days was a recipe for trouble. Thanks to the fast thinking of their parents, the Logan children learn a valuable lesson about surviving in tough times.
The book is told from the point of view of 9 year old Cassie Logan. She is the only daughter and second oldest child of the four Logan children. Her mother is a teacher at the black children's school. Her father spends a good deal of time away from home, working on the railroads in order to provide for her family.
Cassie doesn't understand why she is treated differently from the white children. Because she is a prideful child, she resents the way she is forced to kowtow to others because they are white. Her older brother Stacey, age 12 knows enough to keep his mouth shut. Her younger brothers, Little Man and Christopher-John are only 7 and 8. They are aware of tension, but don't understand that the tension is racially motivated. Cassie's mother tries to explain it but it is difficult for the high spirited Cassie to understand. In the end, a trouble making neighbor and Cassie's father, set in motion a series of events that bring Cassie to a new level of maturity.
This is a very intensive book to read.  I wouldn't recommend it for a child under 10. Even high school students might have trouble reading it. Not because it is complicated. It isn't. However, the time that this family lives through makes for hard realities.
At one point in the story, Cassie visits with a black man who has been severely burned by white people. There is no justice for him because of the color of his skin. Even when the men who burned him brag about it, the law ignores the elderly man's right for justice.  Cassie also sees white people trying to steal her family's land, because of greed and jealousy.
The language in the book is strong, with white people constantly referring to the Logan's and others as "nigger".  Some parents may not want their children to read the book because of that, but they will deny their children an eye opening view of life in the south during those sad times.
I can't imagine being black and growing up in the south during Jim Crow laws. It must have been horrible, and being the big mouthed person that I am, I am sure I would have gotten myself in trouble many times over. "Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry" is a book which will open your eyes to what people of color faced everyday in the 1930s and beyond.