Ever Tales

Like everyone, I'm not quite sure how to write a holiday letter this year. But I can tell you one thing--the book list (a tradition) will be spectacular. Because, while I haven't become obsessed with baking my own sourdough bread, I have discovered an unknown-prior-to-2020 love of audio books. And, for once, I'm actually grateful for the technology that lets me carry someone's voice in my pocket as I putter around doing chores. After a long wait at the library, I finally got to listen to the last hour of Stephen Fry's Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold . Sure, you could read it on your own. But then you'd miss out on all of Stephen Fry's hilarious character voices and the wonder, sarcasm and delight that Fry clearly takes in Greek mythology. He has done his research, and I was completely astounded at the sheer number of gods and goddesses, minor and major he includes (not to mention all the human characters--again, major and minor). And how our language has been...

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...

Tonight my toddler niece told me a bedtime story: "Once time, ittle uck (duck), a end!" While it could have used a tad more plot, I loved it. Another book I loved: Tyrannosaurus Wrecks by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen. Bardhan-Quallen's rhyming story takes place in a dinosaur preschool, where a very energetic (and quite accident-prone) Tyrannosaur destroys, crashes, spills, and wrecks all the other dinotot's creative endeavors. The cute dinosaurs (you'll love Zachariah OHora's illustrations) give us all a little lesson on helping, kindness, and forgiveness. It's also quite a lesson on dinosaurs (I had a good time figuring out the pronunciations--which, of course, the kids always seem to just know ). I also like the fact that it is an early introduction to the preschool world--crafts, activities, sharing. And the rhyme; any author that can carry off a unique, clever rhyming story (with a plot!) has my enormous respect. Happy "wrecking"!

I'm writing this blog because I kindasorta got a little misty-eyed in front of my boss when he made me read this book (I think he understood). The Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan: while technically a picture book, this is one the dreaming adults will love. Each amazing painting can be read as an allegory (or a million allegories): each bizarre object/scene standing as metaphors. Kids will enjoy the quirky images, but adults will see the gasp-worthy layers and deeper meanings. On the surface, a story of friendship, siblinghood, forgiveness. The rest is up to you. If Shaun Tan sold prints of these paintings, I'd be hanging several in my house. I'd probably be kindasorta misty-eyed a lot.

Two stories for those of us losing our minds to this dreadfully long winter! Weasels by Elys Dolan. Weasels: bent on taking over the world, inventing uber-destructive technology, regretting their decision to drink decaf. Adorable (yet dastardly) weasels romp through this book, making quirky asides and bad decisions--I would find this book hilarious even if my brain weren't addled by cabin fever. PLUS this book affords the opportunity to learn big words. My toddler niece will be the kid on the playground using terms like "megalomania". Since my boss told me yesterday, "NOTHING impresses you," (I admit to being an extreme book snob), I feel the need to write enthusiastically about Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald. If you smooshed together a Doctorow book, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (Konigsburg), and an art-history book written by Lauren Hillenbrand (please, Ms. Hillenbrand!), this would be the result. The destitute Tenpenny fami...

I have always loved fairytales: from the classic “Once upon a time”, to the many ways we recreate these stories in theatre, movies, books. Alas, I have never loved the tale of Rumpelstiltskin—never found meaning or motive behind the characters. Reading Rumpled, by Lacey Louwagie, has changed this. Louwagie has a way of making me take a deeper look at things I’ve brushed off (or purposely ignored—like Rumpelstiltskin). Louwagie’s story starts with the classic maiden-in-the-tower and misshapen magic-worker, but then her story has its own wings. This Rumpelstiltskin is a court jester who has promised to deliver a child to his mentor in exchange for learning the ultimate magic trick: altering his appearance. Louwagie’s fairytale for adults fills in what the traditional tale has always neglected: motive, heart, moral ambiguity, unrequited love, betrayal. Extremely skilled with discourse (a talent I’ve always admired), Louwagie gives this flat (and eerie) old tale several twists that, ...

Your late-late-late Valentine's gift shopping list: Smitten by David Gordon. This tale of wool and woe, of danger and dust, of loyalty and knitting had me at the title. When one lost left mitten meets one fallen-from-the-laundry-basket sock, they set out to find their respective partners. The big city tests them but dogs and dustbins, speeding trains and a bad run-in with a hot dryer can't keep them from their mission. Will they find their match? Or will they be . . . smitten? Adorable illustrations, well-written dialog, and a fast pace make this the perfect picture book for your favorite little partner (or big partner--nothing says "love" like clothing with faces). Happy Valentine's Day!

An exhausted-bookseller post to say I just finished Ready for Air by Kate Hopper, and loved it. While it is her memoir of her daughter's premature birth (and I have no children), I found myself identifying with her emotions: stress and fear, being ashamed of the less-than-beautiful emotions, letting go of the "ideal". I loved it, even the parts that made me squirm a little. We all have squirmy parts of our lives, and she addresses them in such a beautiful and honest way, I think anybody (male or female) would find themselves in her journey. As Hopper is a local author, I also enjoyed "knowing" the world in which she travels. And wondering if I've run into her, since we have a literary life in common. Worth reading. Happy 2014.

My mid-December confession: I work retail. This time of year, if I brush my teeth and shower and make it through the day without eating a customer, I consider it a success. One would think that after selling books all day, I'd be tired of those paper-cut-inducing things. No, no, my friend--instead, I pad my nest with books like I'm saving for Armageddon, and do rash things like judge books by their covers and return them to the library if the first paragraph wasn't Caldecott-worthy. I have returned 3 books partially-unread this month. It's been that kind of season. So, 25 pages in, I am blogging about Jessica Grose's Sad Desk Salad . New York. A snarky-ish, 20-something female writer living a life I've always imagined. And Grose's great writing style. Love it. Thank you, Ms. Grose; I was getting desperate. Happy Holidays from those of us who forsake our own shopping to help you finish yours!

I have just finished devouring Jen Lancaster's The Tao of Martha: My Year of LIVING; Or, Why I'm Never Getting All That Glitter Off of the Dog. After a rough couple of years, author Lancaster decides that she needs a new "path" to happiness--and that path might be found by following her idol, Martha Stewart. Just the right combination of snark, 90's-wardrobe-self-deprecation, pop culture and candy, organic fertilizer and a household of glitter-sprinkled gourds made this book both hilarious and sweet. Halfway through her description of the great duvet-n-comforter battle, I was laughing so hard I had to take a break. If you need an easy, delightful read with a great message (spread a life lived with humor and hard work. And glitter), this is it. I don't know about you, but MY November needed this book :-).

Dear Universe, On the advice of a dear friend, I've decided to make more frequent, less verbose book posts; I read so much and share so little of what crosses my reading brain. Perhaps letting you in on the many amazing stories I encounter will encourage you to seek them out and pass them along. Here goes. The View from Penthouse B by Elinor Lipman. I found myself in the main character on every page--even though she is middle-aged (which, I suppose, I may be nearing), widowed, living in NYC. A sweet story of sisters, of friendship, of getting through the tough times, of very bad Match.com profiles (again, my life), of repentance. And cupcakes. And NYC. What more could you want? Happy reading (I hope!).

We've all been there: you do your research, save your money and go shopping, and return home only to find out your recently purchased monster is defective. Sigh. What's a kid to do? Unfortunately, there are no returns at the Monstore. Fortunately, you won't want to return this non-terrifying picture book! The Monstore by Tara Lazar, illustrated by James Burks, is a great Halloween gift--not too scary, enough story and plot to interest kids from 3+, quirky and funny (the broken monsters are goofy, rather than frightening). And, since it is not only a Halloween theme, this book is a great year-round read. So, head to your bookstore for The Monstore !

If ever I were to become attached to a vegetable, it would surely be a squash. Or a sweet potato. Which is why Sophie's Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller became an instant favorite. Sophie's parents find the perfect squash at the farmers' market--perfect for cuddling, doing somersaults, rocking to sleep at night--in Sophie's opinion. Of course, as Sophie's love for her little baby grows, her squash grows a little old, a little . . . mushy . . . At the advice of a farmer, Sophie puts her squash to sleep under a bed of leaves for the winter. You can imagine her surprise in the spring! The illustrations are adorable, the humor is charming (Sophie defends her squash as having "freckles" when classmates comment on its less-than-ideal appearance), and the story is a nice message about the circle of plantlife. I look forward to reading this book to my little pumpkin godbaby.

I just returned from a mini roadtrip (4 hours there, 4 back) and (while I'm not a fan of driving long distances alone) I had great friends along for the trip; Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the Hogwarts crew. Jim Dale's audiobook of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling was phenomenal--hilarious, frightening, completely enthralling. How one man can create so many distinct characters with his voice alone is astonishing. I know audiobooks are expensive, but when you consider Rowling's time and talent, and the immense number of hours and skill it took to record--as well as all the people a book supports (author, editor, publisher, bookseller, dust jacket artist, voice talent)--it is money well-spent. So, fly on over to your local wizarding bank and make a withdrawl from your vault!

Long ago I gave myself permission to ditch/skim through unworthy books, no guilt needed. This helps me blast through the many, many, many books that come across my path (thus allowing me to better perform my job--or at least that's what I tell myself!). This also makes it so much more delightful when I come across a book that I love, devour, relish--and then handsell. This week's delightful find: Sidekicked by John David Anderson--a classic "superhero" story. Drew is a sidekick-in-training--or at least he would be, if his assigned superhero was not slightly washed-up. And if he actually had some superpowers. And if he can survive high school.With just enough high school antics (girl crushes, lunchroom mystery meals) and humor to keep it grounded in reality (well, superhero reality!), this story reinforces bravery, honesty, and the courage to do the right thing. Even when it is difficult. In a literary world of teen angst, post-apocalyptic violence and school bullying...