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!

 

The African Presence in Mexico: Museum Exhibit

If you’re looking for an educational experience for you and your family, then a visit to the DuSable Museum of African-American History may be in order.

I was particularly excited by their new exhibit–the African Presence in Mexico.  The meshing of cultures and experiences through this exhibit promises to be inspiring and educational, but you only have a few more weeks to visit.  The exhibit closes November 14, 2010.

 

While you’re there, in honor of Veteran’s Day, you should also check out Red, White, Blue and Black–a History of Blacks in the Armed Services.

Be sure to let us know if you enjoyed your visit!

 

A South American Folktale

I love folktales–the vibrant story and lesson all  wrapped up on one.  Well, this folktale is sure to engage young readers and share a little piece of a South American tradition.

Can we climb to the moon?  Lazo a la Luna/Moon Rope is a Peruvian folktale that answers that question.  This bilingual text follows Fox and Mole as they try to climb a grass rope to the moon.  Do they make it?  Sorry, no spoiler here.  You’ll have to read to find out and discover the moral of the story.  Don’t worry.  You won’t be disappointed.  The cut-out illustrations in deep, rich colors are vibrant and sure to capture your child’s attention.

Happy Reading!

Hispanic Heritage Month-Cesar Chavez

It’s the tail end of Hispanic Heritage Month, but there’s no reason our celebration of the contributions of amazing Hispanic Americans has to be limited to one month.

We’re taking a moment to share a really great picture book about Cesar Chavez, the founder of the United Farm Workers.  He tirelessly devoted himself to justice for farm workers and led a non-violent movement for farm worker’s rights and safety.

This wonderful book celebrates the life of Cesar Chavez and carries his legacy to younger generations.  From birth to death, this book traces the life and legacy of Chavez combining simple text and beautiful, watercolor-like illustrations.

As we do our part to celebrate the contributions of many amazing people during Hispanic Heritage Month, we hope this book inspires you and your little ones.

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!

Summer Reading Finale: Australia

Summer is almost over, and some kids are already back to school.  We’re enjoying our last book on our summer reading tour of the world.  Let’s recap.  We visited South Africa during the World Cup.  We toured Korea and also learned about the challenges first generation Korean American children face in the U.S.   We stopped in our own backyard and read a really great book all about a boy, his imagination, and a day at the beach.  Now we find ourselves on the last leg of our tour, and we’re headed to Australia.

Our book for this stop is “Possum and Wattle: My Big Book of Australian Words” by Bronwyn Bancroft.

This book is perfect for younger kids to read with their parents or for slightly older kids (5-6) to read independently.  The illustrations are so beautiful and vibrant that it’s hard not to enjoy turning the pages of this oversized book.

If you’re looking for a book with in depth history of Australia, then this is definitely not the book for you.  But if you’re merely looking for a book with wonderfully colorful pictures that will make learning the alphabet fun for your little one, then this book gets high marks.

If you like the book, let us know what you think.  Thanks for sharing in our summer reading.  We hope you’ve enjoyed each and every book as much as we have.  Don’t worry, we’ll still be reading many great books throughout the fall and winter.   If you have some great multicultural book suggestions, don’t hesitate to let us know.

Happy Reading!

Images of American Indians in Children’s Literature

I came across this really great blog by an American Indian assistant professor at University of Illinois.  You might find her post about images of American Indians in children’s literature enlightening.

I definitely remember the arts and crafts projects around Thanksgiving as well as the images in books that showed American Indians wearing full headdress.

Check out the images, and then check the books your kids are reading.  We’ll post some great alternative books in the coming days.

Images of American Indians in Children’s Books

Happy Reading!

Princesses Galore

As a kid, I loved Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and just about any story with a princess.

There was always a small problem, though.  None of the princesses in the books had brown skin.  I know Jasmine came along eventually, but I was somewhat older by then.  Princess Tiana made her long overdue debut last year and became the first African American Disney princess.  While I’m definitely happy about new princesses, I found a few classic books retold with princesses of color that might make you smile and make your little princess feel valued, too.

The Princess and the Pea

By: Rachel Isadora

Illustrated by: Rachel Isadora

I love this classic folktale/fairytale, and I love it even more since it’s set in Africa.

This beautiful story is a retelling of an age old Hans Christian Andersen fairytale where a girl proves she is a real princess by feeling a pea through twenty mattresses.

Rapunzel

By: Rachel Isadora

Illustrated by: Rachel Isadora

You know the story.  Rapunzel is trapped and has to let down her hair so her prince can come to her rescue.  Well, this one is slightly different.  Rapunzel’s skin has been kissed by the sun, and her hair is not golden but wonderfully thick and braided.  I know your little princess will enjoy reading this story.

The Twelve Dancing Princesses

By Rachel Isadora

Illustrated by: Rachel Isadora

The story hasn’t changed, but its location has.  This classic folktale/fairytale is set in Africa.  The princesses secretly meet up every night to dance until one day their secret is discovered.  You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens next.
I also found a great modern princess story, but it’s due out in early 2011; so we’ll revisit that one then.

Know of any great princess stories?  Feel free to share.

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!