Ever Tales

I don't read many graphic novels; it's a medium that doesn't always grab me. However, I fell in love with Patti Kim's book Here I Am . A wordless picture book with a graphic novel feel, Kim's story and Sonia Sanchez's illustrations were so compelling and beautiful, I found myself pulled into every page. Here I Am is the story of a boy who immigrates with his family to New York City. Not an image is wasted, not a moment of this experience is lost. From the trepidation of a first step onto a shiny airport floor to garbled-letter signs and the overwhelmingness of NYC, every image is full of meaning. While some pictures are hastily dashed and quickly colored (creating movement and memoir), others are intensely detailed. Lush green memories of home glimmer in the boy's mind and give us a sense of longing, which may--just may--turn into be longing.

As a light (extremely light) sleeper, I've heard my share of "Princess-and-the-Pea" jokes. If you are tired of the standard princess-and-prince stories, take a look at these clever, quirky and fun books. The Princess and the Packet of Frozen Peas by Tony Wilson and Sue deGennaro (this is one prince who'd rather not marry a super-delicate flower) The Very Smart Pea and the Princess-To-Be by Mini Grey (sometimes the Pea knows what's best) The Princess and the Pea by Lauren Child and Polly Borland (not only a hilarious story, but the artwork is brilliant and fascinating--if you add one princess book to your collection this year, make it this one) Happy fairy-tale-ing!

If you read my blog (as infrequently updated though it be), this post is preaching to the choir . . . but sometimes even the choir appreciates affirmation. I am reading Donalyn Miller's The Book Whisperer . Every librarian, every English teacher, every parent should have this book tucked into their brain. Miller's message is basically this: kids need to read. She has ideas for teachers about how to create readers (even with kiddos who may dislike/struggle with reading) as well as a book list (yay!). Confession: I went through and counted how many of her picks I've read. The number was not insignificant--nearly every book she listed is one I've handed to customers or recommended to students, blogged about, or would put on a to-read list. Finally, if you are looking for a book on friendship, determination, humanity and equality--plus a solid history lesson (not to mention stunning artwork), add this book to your shopping list or library queue: Step Right Up: How Doc a...

New Year's/mid-February resolution: even a short post is better than nothing. What matters is putting pen to paper . . . fingers to keys . . . stylus pen to swipe-screen? Ah, technology. Randy Cecil's Lucy doesn't rely on technology; instead, this story (in black and white) takes readers back to a time of vaudeville stage-hooks, snow globes, street musicians and soup can stacks. Add a stray--and usually hungry--dog, an observant girl, and you've got a charming story about friendship and determination that will stand out on the bookshelf. Quirky and unique, Lucy is told in chapters and acts. While significantly longer than most picture books, it is more lavish and illustrated than your typical chapter book. Readers who enjoy memorable, thoughtful tales such as those by Kate DiCamillo and illustrators like Tony DiTerlizzi and Bagram Ibatoulline should add Randy Cecil to their bookshelf. Happy reading!

So, yes, I read a lot. A LOT, a lot. Determined to end 2014 on a good literary note (and to make my 100-books-per-year goal), I've been bringing library books home by the dozen. Happily, Once Upon an Alphabet by Oliver Jeffers was among the most recent stack. I've blogged before about my admiration and adoration for Oliver Jeffers; the ability to write and illustrate is rare, and he does it exceptionally well. This new book is an ABC book of sorts, with a short story for each letter--some that connect, and some that stand alone. While most ABC books are for the littles, these stories are more of the dark, dry, sarcastic humor-vignettes that older kids (and adults) will find quirky and entertaining. Think Shel Silverstein (but less rhyme) and Edward Gorey (with less gore and more cute). I'm also immersed in Kathryn Lasky's Ashes (for teens). I'm fascinated by this book for a few reasons. There are many stories about WWII, the atrocities of the Holocaust, and most...

I'd put money on it that (in a random poll), Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird would sweep the Book Most Often Named 'My Favorite' Book category. Not for nothing is it a book (and author) surrounded by speculation and myth, mocked (pardon the pun) and parodied, required and studied . . . and probably even avoided--by students who'd rather just watch the movie. It's most recent tribute comes from Paul Acampora's book I Kill the Mockingbird . Three students who adore Lee's novel decide to go renegade and start a reading revolution--by "disappearing" copies of the book in libraries and bookstores across their state. While they don't actually steal the books, things get out of hand as their revolution goes viral--books do get stolen, and the real reason behind their revolution gets muddied and confused. Acampora is great with dialogue, the book moves quickly and feels very honest and realistic. It's in the teen section, but I didn't s...