I’m Grateful For…MUSIC

It’s November already, and I cannot believe how swiftly this year is moving.  The changing seasons and Thanksgiving always give me pause to reflect on the year and everything that I’m thankful to God for.  So, this month, I’m combining great books and gratitude.  I hope you’ll enjoy these posts as they’re my reminder of at least thirty great books and thirty things I am thankful for.

Today, I’m thankful for MUSIC.  My little one loves to dance.  He hears the music and starts to move his fingers like he’s snapping, waves his hands and rocks from side-to-side.  It’s so fun to watch, and I appreciate his confidence and willingness to experience this simple joy in life anywhere he hears a song–at home, in the car, at music class, in the coffee shop–it doesn’t matter.  If he hears it, he feels it and responds with genuine happiness.

I’ve found some really great books all about music and musicians, and today I want to share The Bat Boy and His Violin with you.

The Bat Boy and His Violin

By: Gavin Curtis

Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

This amazing book won the Coretta Scott King Award which honors African American authors and illustrators.

Reginald doesn’t want to be a bat boy.  He wants to play his violin, but much to Reginald’s dismay, his Dad needs a bat boy not a musician.

However, his Dad has a change of heart when Reginald’s music does something unexpected…You’ll have to read this great book to find out the rest.

If you’re an avid children’s book reader, then you know illustrator E.B. Lewis’ work from countless books that reflect images of African-American children.  The watercolor like images in this book will capture your young reader’s interest from the first page.

We’ll share a few more great books filled with music and musicians designed to bring out your child’s inner artist.  Hope you enjoy this one.

Happy Reading!

 

Chicago Read-In: A Fun Family Event

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Jil Ross.  She’s the author of The Shenanigans Series, a great set of books with African American protagonists.  Her books cater to a very under-served area of the multicultural children’s book market–the pre-teen group.

So, we’re excited to tell you about an event sponsored by Ms. Ross, Literacy Live, and WVON 1690.  It’s called Chicago Read-In. Here are a few details–

A totally free celebration of words and reading in its many forms

for all age groups

October 9, 201, 12-3 p.m.

DuSable Museum of African American History

If you’re not in the Chicago area don’t worry.  We hope to offer Ms. Ross’ books in our book shop really soon.

If you do attend this event, be sure to send us a comment and let us know whether you had a great experience.

Happy Reading!

Numbers & Counting: A Great Multicultural Children’s Book

Sometimes it’s hard to find fun books dealing with counting, but we’re always looking.  Today, I want to share this wonderful  book that makes numbers fun.

Our definition of multicultural is pretty loose.  We include any and all books that celebrate children from a variety of races, and this book fits the bill.

Apple Countdown

By: Joan Holub, Illustrated by: Jan Smith

The kids are headed to an apple farm for a field trip, and there so many things to count along the way–the number of kids getting on the bus, miles til they arrive, and the things they might see at the orchard.

The simple, rhyming text and the school filled with children from a variety of races makes this book especially delightful.

Although this book is probably more appropriate for school age children to read independently, I find that it’s great for reading aloud to younger kids and helping them start learning to identify colors, numbers, and farm animal noises.

So, if you’re looking for a book that will help your little one with numbers and counting, this is a great addition to your child’s library.   The added bonus?  They’re learning, but it doesn’t really feel like learning.

Happy Reading!

Wonderful Children’s Book…Goes Great with Oatmeal.

I love, love, love when I come across a new book by an author that I have never heard of before.  I am sure she’s not a new author,  but her name is Selma Mandine.  She is an author and illustrator born and raised in Hong Kong, and she currently resides in France where she works full-time as a children’s book illustrator.  I don’t know her personally.  The bio info is taken from her website petiteselma.com.

Anyway, I thought this would be the perfect book to start our Breakfast Book Time series.

Breakfast Book Time…What’s that?  Thanks for asking.

Let me explain.  I have a pretty crazy & unpredictable work schedule but thankfully little or no commute.  As a result, I usually find myself working early mornings before the toddler gets up, during naps and then later in the evening when he’s asleep.

I actually love the flexibility and the opportunities it provides for me to be available during the day for play, reading, and the like.

Well, I started a new tradition with him that I like to call Breakfast Book Time.

I don’t know about your little one, but for some reason once he’s unrestrained (i.e. not in his crib or high chair), I have the hardest time getting him to sit still to do anything, let alone listen to an entire book.

But, at breakfast I have his undivided attention.  He’s so mellow as he sits there and enjoys his first meal of the day.  So, I sneak in a little learning over oatmeal.  It’s kind of like when adults used to read the paper while eating breakfast.   It’s going great so far.

Today’s book was Kiss Kiss by Selma Mandine.

It’s a fairly short book but perfect for reading aloud to preschoolers and for slightly older kids to read to themselves.

The little teddy bear in the book asks the baby to tell him about kisses.  The baby in the book begins to describe all the kisses he receives from various family members, pets, and the like.  Some are wet.  Some are sweet.  No matter the type, he loves them all.

The language is simple.  The illustrations are beautiful—a whimsical quality–and the book moves along at a pace that is sure to keep a little one engaged at least for as long as it takes to eat a handful of apple slices.

We hope you enjoy!  You can purchase this book in our store for 15% off through the end of September.

Happy Reading!

Books at the Beach

A Beach Tail

By: Karen Lynn Williams

Illustrated By: Floyd Cooper

We’ve been traveling the world by book for a few weeks now, so I’m sure we could all use a rest.  I figured we could read an enjoyable book about a boy and his time at the beach.   It’s all about the joys of childhood, imagination, and family.  Since it’s set at the beach, what better book for a summer reading club?

This book was illustrated by Floyd Cooper.  He’s a noted author and illustrator of books with African American children as the main characters.  I especially like this book, because the main character is an African American boy, and he’s spending time with his daddy outdoors.

I hope you enjoy this book.  We’re always looking for great authors and illustrators of color, especially new authors and illustrators.  Know of any good ones?  Let us know.

Happy Reading!