Dear Book Lovers,
Welcome! I am delighted that you have found The Through the Looking Glass blog. For over twenty years I reviewed children's literature titles for my online journal, which came out six times a year. Every book review written for that publication can be found on the Through the Looking Glass website (the link is below).
I am now moving in a different direction, though the columns that I write are still book-centric. Instead of writing reviews, I'm offering you columns on topics that have been inspired by wonderful books that I have read. I tell you about the books in question, and describe how they have have impacted me. This may sound peculiar to some of you, but the books that I tend to choose are ones that resonate with me on some level. Therefore, when I read the last page and close the covers, I am not quite the same person that I was when first I started reading the book. The shift in my perspective might be miniscule, but it is still there.
The books I am looking are both about adult and children's titles. Some of the children's titles will appeal to adults, while others will not. Some of the adult titles will appeal to younger readers, particularly those who are eager to expand their horizons.
Earth Day is coming up on this Friday, April 22, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the natural world with Me…Jane! This inspiring portrait of the young girl who grew up to become groundbreaking primatologist and environmentalist Dr. Jane Goodall is beautifully rendered by New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Patrick McDonnell.As Booklist raves in their starred review: “This remarkable picture book is one of the few that speaks, in a meaningful way, to all ages.”
Take a look at the book's website where you can listen to an interview with Patrick about creating Me…Jane, send E-cards, download fun activity sheets, and find out how kids can enter the Go Ahead and Dream! Drawing Contest.
Easter is only a few days away, and for today's picture book I have an Easter tale that is very special. The story will resonate with people who celebrate Easter as a religious holiday, and it will also appeal to those who celebrate the coming of spring with its fresh green grass, its fruit tree blossoms, and its baby animals.
One day Bunny notices that there is something new in the air outside his burrow. The air smells “like sunshine, and warm breezes and clear flowing water.” He asks Beaver what the smell is, and Beaver explains that Bunny is smelling Easter. Bunny has no idea what Easter is, so Beaver tells the little rabbit that Easter is “a basket.”Beaver offers to make Bunny a basket if the rabbit will help him gather branches so that he can make his lodge bigger. Bunny is happy to help Beaver, and once the job is done, Beaver makes Bunny a basket of reeds.
Bunny shows his basket to Woodchuck, explaining that the basket is Easter. Woodchuck then tells Bunny that the basket isn’t Easter as it is. Once the basket is lined with grass, the basket will be Easter. If Bunny will help him dig a tunnel, Woodchuck will cut some grass for the basket. Bunny helps Woodchuck, and soon the basket has fresh new grass inside it. Bunny is sure that he now has Easter, but unfortunately he soon finds out that he doesn’t. Will he ever find out what Easter is?
In this charming picture book, Dori Chaconas shows children that Easter is not a thing that you can hold. Instead, it is an experience; it is spring, and new life. With a gentle tale of discovery and delightful watercolor illustrations throughout, this is a seasonal picture book that readers of all ages will enjoy.
A few weeks ago I reviewed a picture book about a little boy called Alfie, and I have another Alfie book for you today. Just like the stories in all the Alfie books, this story describes an everyday event that becomes an adventure for Alfie and his family. When my daughter was three years old or so, she did what Alfie does in this story, and I have a very anxious half hour or so trying to rescue her.
One day Alfie, his mum, and his little sister Annie Rose walk to the shops. On their way back home, Alfie runs ahead because he wants to be home first. Annie Rose does not care who is first because she is tired, and she is content to sit in her push-chair and suck her thumb.
After Mum opens the door, Alfie runs into the house and he does the most extraordinary thing. Alfie slams the door shut. Alfie, the shopping, and Mum’s key are in the house, and Mum and Annie Rose are outside. Mum tells Alfie to open the door, but Alfie cannot reach the catch, nor can he put the key through the letterbox because he cannot reach the letterbox.
Soon Annie Rose, who is now hungry as well as tired, starts to cry. Mrs. McNally from across the road comes over to try to help, but nothing she says can change the fact that Alfie still cannot reach the catch or the letterbox. Alfie starts to cry and cry and cry. Maureen offers to climb the drain pipe to get in a window, the milkman promises that they will “soon have you out of there.” Even the window-cleaner gets in on the act.
In this wonderfully sweet and funny picture book, Shirley Hughes tells a story about a misadventure that could happen to any little boy or girl. Once Alfie closes the door, Shirley Hughe’s artwork shows what is happening inside the house and what is happening outside, on the front step. Children will immediately be able to identify with scared little Alfie who is all alone in the house. They will be delighted to see how Alfie finally manages to solve the problem that he has created.
Friday is Earth Day here in the U.S, and here in Southern Oregon there will be all kinds of celebrations taking place over the weekend. In front of our local children's museum, people will set up tents, and businesses will demonstrate products that can help families to adopt a greener lifestyle. There will be live music to listen to, and food to try.
Over the years I have reviewed many books about saving the environment that you might like to take a look at. There is also the Earth Day feature where you will find books that explain how Earth Day came out, and how to celebrate it..
When I was a child, a friend of mine was given a stuffed Paddington Bear, which I secretly coveted. I had read all the books and I so wanted to have that wonderful soft bear with its blue duffel coat, red hat, red wellington boots, and the cunning little brown suitcase that came with it. Alas, it was not to be, but when my daughter started to show an interest in the Paddington stories, I was able to get her the toy bear as we were passing through London.
For today's Picture Book Celebration title I have a picture book version of the first Paddington Bear story.
One morning Mr. and Mrs. Brown are waiting for their daughter’s train in Paddington station when they see something very strange. There appears to be a bear standing near the Left Luggage office. The Browns are surprised to see a that there is small furry bear wearing a duffle coat and a red hat in the train station, and they go up to the bear to ask if there is anything they can do to help him.
The bear explains that he is a “stowaway” from Darkest Peru, and the Browns are amazed that such a small bear could manage such a long journey all on his own. Mrs. Brown immediately suggests that the bear should come to stay with them. After all, something might happen to the bear if he is left alone. The Browns decide to call the bear Paddington, which the bear likes very much indeed, and then Paddington and Mr. Brown go to the snack bar.
Paddington is very hungry and thirsty, so he is very pleased to see all the delicious treats that the waitress brings. In fact he is so happy that he climbs onto the table “to get a better look” at everything. Which is when the trouble starts.
Children and their families have been enjoying the Paddington Bear books since the first book featuring the famous bear came out in 1958. His gentle, sweet, and funny personality has made Paddington a household name around the world.
This wonderful picture book version of the first Paddington bear story makes the story accessible to even younger readers, which is a truly wonderful thing.
I must confess that I, like so many people, really don't like Mondays. Yes, this is partly because I would rather not get up at 6: 15 am, and yes I would also prefer to spend the day hiking, reading, gardening, or playing the violin instead of working. There is another reason why I don't Mondays though. I don't like Mondays because my husband and daughter have to leave the house to go to work and school. We are apart, and quite frankly I don't like it. This book was written for children and their families who have to face the Monday morning blues, and it offers a new way of looking at the first day of the work week.
All over the world Monday is the day when grownups go back to work and when children get ready for five days when at least one of their parents or guardians will not be around to spend time with. There is no doubt that being apart is hard for both children and their grownups, but perhaps it can be made easier if we “count the days till we’re both at home with a special thing to do.”
It all begins on Monday when we share a “safe snuggly cuddle” before we part. On Tuesday the day begins with “Two stomps in a puddle.” On Wednesday, “three raspberries on the nose” are just what we need to get us going in the morning, and there are only two more days to go before the work week is over and it is Saturday.
This delightful book will surely offer comfort to both children and their grownups as they get themselves ready for the five work days in the week. The book reminds us to enjoy those special moments together that we share from Monday to Friday, and it is a celebration of all kinds of families.
With an uplifting rhyming text and warm illustrations throughout, this is a picture book that family members will enjoy sharing.
A few years ago I came across the Owly graphic novels for the first time. In these books, Andy Runton tells stories featuring a little owl and his best friend, who is a worm. The artwork is in black and white, and the stories are wordless. In lieu of words, Andy Runton uses symbols. Children enjoy figuring out what the symbols mean, and the characters are quite lovable.
One day Owly and his friend Wormy are sitting under a tree when Wormy wonders where all the pretty butterflies are going. Owly explains that butterflies like flowers, and so the two friends go to the local nursery to buy some flowers that will attract butterflies. Mrs. Raccoon at the nursery recommends that Owly should plant a milkweed plant near his home. That night the friends go to bed, hopeful that their milkweed plant will attract lots of butterflies to their home.
Unfortunately, things don’t quite work out as planned. No butterflies come to visit the milkweed. Instead, two little caterpillars start to eat the plant. Wormy gets very upset because the milkweed plant is for butterflies and not for caterpillars. When the caterpillars explain that they thought the plant was their new home, Wormy and Owly change their mind. After all, it would be unkind to evict the caterpillars. The little creatures have to have somewhere to live.
Soon Owly and Worm and the caterpillars are the best of friends. They share many wonderful times together, and Owly even invites the caterpillars to come and live in his house. The caterpillars explain that they have no time left and that it is time for them to go. Sure enough, while Owly and Wormy are planning a surprise good away party, the two caterpillars disappear. Poor Owly and Wormy are terribly upset. Will they ever see their delightful little friends again?
For several years now Andy Runton has been delighting young readers with his Owly and Wormy graphic novels. Now he gives his readers a story in a picture book format that is full of heartwarming charm. Using symbols instead of words, Andy Runton gives pre-readers a unique way to ‘read’ a book on their own.
When I was a child I loved looking through old photo albums, and I liked it even more if a grownup was willing to tell me the stories that went with the photos. Now I have a daughter of my own who also enjoys looking at photo albums. She particularly likes the photos of my wedding, and the photos that chronicle the first five or so years of her life. She laughs at the photo of my husband and I driving in a car that has "JUST MARRIED" written on the back window, and chuckles to see her toddler self sitting in a basket.
Today's book is about a grandmother who shares her wedding album with her two grandchildren. The illustrations are delightful, and the text lovingly chronicles a meeting, a courtship, and a wedding.
One day Emily and her brother Michael are at Grandma’s house and they find an old wedding dress and wedding suit in the attic. The children try the clothes on and then they go and show Grandma how they look. Grandma offers to tell the children the story of “how she met Poppy.” She takes out her wedding album, and as she shares the pictures with the children, she tells them the story of how she met Poppy, their courtship, and their wedding.
Grandma and Poppy met at a picnic in the park, and after dating for a year, Poppy proposed and Grandma accepted him. Poppy and Grandma invited more than one hundred people to their wedding, and Grandma is able to show the children the invitation that they sent, because one of the invitations is inside the wedding album. Grandma goes on to describe the wedding preparations, the wedding itself, and the celebration that followed.
Children love to look at albums and listen to stories about their parents and grandparents. In this beautifully illustrated picture book, Harriet Ziefert tells the story of one young couple, sharing the special moments in their courtship and their wedding. As they look through the book and read the story, readers will feel as if they too are sitting next to Grandma looking at her wedding album.
At the back of the book, the author provides her readers with information about wedding traditions from many countries around the world including Korea, France, Italy, and Thailand.
When my daughter a little, I used to know all the popular children's TV characters. Clifford, Maisy, and Arthur were almost a part of the family. Now that she is soon going to be in middle school, I am out of the loop. Recently I was contacted by a publisher who told me about some books featuring the Octonauts. She was sure I had heard of these characters because the Octonaut TV series is a huge hit with young children. I had to admit my ignorance, and she sent me an Octonaut book to take a look at. Now I can see why the TV show is so popular. The illustrations are absolutely delightful, and the characters are wonderfully quirky. Here is my review of the book.
All is “quiet and peaceful” on the ocean floor, and the octonauts - with the exception of Tweak Bunny who is still asleep - are getting started with their day. Then the alarm goes off and everyone runs to HQ to find out what is going on. Professor Inkling explains that their home under the sea, the Octopod, is are under attack. Quickly the octonuts head to their stations. Captain Barnacles and Peso leave the Octopod in the Gup-E sub to see what is going on, and Kwazii kitten follows in his submarine so that he can back them up.
When they get outside the Octopod, the three Octonauts see that a huge monster is attacking their home. Without hesitation, Kwazii kitten attacks the monster, crashing his submarine into the creature’s head. To everyone’s amazement, the monster bursts into tears. The friends soon find out that the monster was not attacking the Octopod at all. It thought that the Octopod was one of its own kind. In short, the lonely monster is looking for a friend.
Always eager to have an adventure, the Octonauts decide to help the monster find its way home, wherever that is. Little do they know that their quest is not going to be an easy one.
Readers who like picture book adventures that are full of quirky characters and colorful artwork will greatly enjoy this entertaining picture book. With its hope-filled message about the power of friendship, this is a title that has universal appeal. Readers might like to visit the Octonauts online at www.octonauts.com.
RANDOM HOUSE CHILDREN’S BOOKS RELEASES INTERACTIVE CHILDREN’S APP BASED ON CLASSIC BESTSELLER PAT THE BUNNY
One of the Most Beloved Children’s Books of All Time, Now Available as an App in the iTunes® Store
Random House Children’s Books (www.randomhouse.com/kids), announced today that the Pat the bunny (www.rhkidsapps.com/patthebunny) interactive app is now available in the iTunes® store. Developed in collaboration with leading digital media agency Smashing Ideas, the universal app for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch is based on Dorothy Kunhardt’s touch-and-feel children’s book classic. When Pat the bunny was originally published in 1940, it was groundbreaking in its use of touch-and-feel elements (such as daddy’s scratchy face) and interactive features (“Now YOU play peek-a-boo with Paul.”) The app extends the legacy of Pat the bunny to the digital world, promoting children’s mastery of their world through simple, interactive play.
Designed for the youngest user, children can easily bring bunny to life and interact in new ways. They can pop bubbles with bunny, help bunny catch butterflies, tuck bunny into bed, and more. On devices with front-facing cameras, including the new iPad 2, children will be delighted by a “look in the mirror” feature that allows them to see their reflection. With 14 stunningly animated scenes in all, there are plenty of surprises to see and discover. There are three different ways to read through the app: users can watch illuminated text while hearing the words read aloud, turn off the narration and read at their own pace, or record their own voice to be played back.
The pat the bunny app promotes the development of fine motor skills with a paint mode that magically transforms each page into a colorable activity. This paint feature is made for the youngest users as children can simply swipe a black-and-white scene to make the colors appear. Children will delight in dragging their fingers across an image of bunny’s birthday party and watching the picture come to life in vibrant colors. Sparkles jump across the page as little fingers brush yellow and pink onto the flowers in bunny’s garden.
With a click of the “Buy App” arrow in the iTunes® App Store, the pat the bunny app makes the perfect gift for new parents. Theapp retails for $4.99, but will be available at the special introductory price of $2.99. It can be purchased once and used on iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch.
Pat the bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt has sold more than 9 million copies since its original publication in 1940. It was first created as a gift from Dorothy Kunhardt to her daughter, Edith. Since then, Edith Kunhardt has expanded the pat the bunny series to include many successful titles including Pat the Cat and Pat the Christmas Bunny. With the release of the app, the iconic characters and stories of pat the bunny are sure to entertain children for generations to come.
Random House Children’s Books is the world’s largest English-language children’s trade book publisher. Creating books for toddlers through young adult readers, in all formats from board books to activity books to picture books, novels, ebooks, and apps, the imprints of Random House Children’s Books bring together award-winning authors and illustrators, world-famous franchise characters, and multimillion-copy series. The company’s website, Kids @ Random (www.randomhouse.com/kids) offers an array of activities, games, and resources for children, teens, parents, and educators. Random House Children’s Books is a division of Random House, Inc., whose parent company is Bertelsmann AG, a leading international media company.
Smashing Ideas, founded in 1996, has become one of the leading digital media agencies for the youth market by creating immersive, interactive content that transforms consumer-driven brand experiences in a digital world. Cartoon Network, Disney, GE, Hasbro, Nickelodeon, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Verizon Wireless, and more have called upon the company to develop engaging, online, ITV, and mobile experiences for their audiences. Smashing Ideas is based in Seattle, with offices in Portland and in the U.K.
This inspiring portrait of the young girl who grew up to become groundbreaking primatologist and environmentalist Dr. Jane Goodall is beautifully rendered by New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Patrick McDonnell. As Booklist raves in their starred review: “This remarkable picture book is one of the few that speaks, in a meaningful way, to all ages.”
was originally published in 1940, it was groundbreaking in its use of touch-and-feel elements (such as daddy’s scratchy face) and interactive features (“Now YOU play peek-a-boo with Paul.”) The app extends the legacy of Pat the bunny to the digital world, promoting children’s mastery of their world through simple, interactive play.