Remembering my father's war

When I was still quite young, I learned two things about my father that astonished me. One was that he was born in 1919. I had no idea that my father was "so old!". He certainly did not look it. The other was that he had served in the Indian Airforce, and had done his part to fight the Japanese during World War II. I even got to look at his war medals.

My father told me a few stories about his war experiences, and one that I will not forget was his account of the surrender that he witnessed on August 15th ,1945. For him, and so many other men fighting in the war, it seemed as if the Japanese would never give up. The relief he felt on this important day was enormous. At last he could go back home and resume his life. At last he could leave death and conflict behind.

While I was growing up, on August 15th, my family would get together with our closest friends to celebrate Indian Independence Day and V-J Day (Victory Over Japan Day). Many people also call this day Victory in the Pacific Day or V-P Day. For some years I did not celebrate the day, because I was in college and then trying to find jobs. Then, after I got married, I started celebrating August 15th with my own family. This year my mother is visiting us (my father is no longer with us) and we will be hanging out the Indian flag and remembering my father's stories about his war.

I, of course, have a personal reason for having an interest in War War II, but I do think everyone benefits when they learn about events that took place in the past. Learning about history and about the people who affected history helps us to better understand our world. It helps us to appreciate what we have, and the sacrifices of our forebears. My dear father gave up his scholarly life as a professor to serve his country, and I am enormously proud of him for doing so.

Over the years I have put together a large collection of book reviews about World War II books. I hope this feature will help you to find books for your children that will make it easier for them to better understand this war.

Sylvan Dell's new eBooks

I recently looked at some wonderful eBooks that Sylvan Dell has put on their website. The publishing house has upgraded their ebooks to make them better than ever. Here is a little information about the books. Do take a look, and make use of the free trial.

Sylvan Dell’s innovative eBook format promises to improve reading speeds,

comprehension, and language learning skills

MT PLEASANT, SC - Sylvan Dell Publishing went LIVE in July with its next generation eBook, proving the company represents “so much more than a picture book;” it represents a full-fledged campaign for literacy in America.

From Sylvan Dell publisher and co-founder Lee German: “These are the most technologically advanced eBooks in the world today, featuring Auto-Flip, Auto-Read, and Selectable Language. There is nothing even close to this on the market. Amazon/Kindle and Barnes & Noble eBooks are not even in the same category. I encourage parents and teachers to take a test-drive and see for themselves. Let the children play with these for a few weeks, and you’ll be amazed at their excitement and improved reading performance. For children wanting to learn a foreign language or ESOL families learning English, these are phenomenal tools.”

Below is a link to a 90-day trial of all 45 Sylvan Dell eBooks:

Code

Code expiration date: 10/31/2009

Guided directions

“Whether in Auto-Flip or Manual Mode, switch back and forth between English and Spanish text and audio (more language choices on the way) and remain on the same page,” said German. “With the addition of Auto-Flip and Auto-Read features, our Sylvan Dell eBooks are powerful literacy and language learning tools to complement our mission of teaching ‘Science and Math Through Literature.’”

Sylvan Dell is no newcomer to literacy education and no stranger to technological advances. Since the company’s

founding in 2004, co-founders Lee and Donna German have been ahead of the picture book publishing curve. Last year, Sylvan Dell awarded free eBook site licenses to over 2600 elementary and Title I/III schools nationwide through their School Resource Grant Program.

What’s next? According to German, “We want moms, dads, and grandparents to be able to record a reading of our books and add that audio to the language selection list. This is especially important for military families with a parent overseas. We are also developing an iPhone, iPod, and iPod touch application so that our eBooks will be available on handhelds and an online data capture system to allow teachers to track student reading and quiz performance.”

Sylvan Dell eBooks are available on the company website, as are an array of free educational resources, which include Teaching Activities and Interactive Math and Reading Comprehension Quizzes. For more information about the eBooks, visit this page. For more about the eBook Resource Grants visit this page

A Day to ponder and remember

On this day in 1945 an atomic bomb was dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. No matter what you think about the use of the bomb, there can be no doubt that this event changed the lives of millions of people. Not only did thousands of Japanese men, women, and children die, but the rest of us have had to live with the fear of nuclear war ever since. The story of what took place in Hiroshima, and later in Nagasaki, is a grim and painful one. Many of us would prefer that our children not know about what happened on that day. But, as my daughter told me a few years ago, "I want to know, so I can remember those people." Now my daughter and I light a candle on August 6th every year, to remember. I have also shared several children's books with her that describe what took place on that terrible day and why. You can find my reviews of these books on the Atomic Bomb feature page. Though all the books in the feature are excellent, I found Laurence Yep's book, Hiroshima, to be particularly meaningful and moving.
This year Elise and I are on the Hawaiian island of Maui on this 6th of August. We are going to light a candle as we always do, and we will remember.

At the beach with Scaredy Squirrel

This week I am on a Hawaiin island, lazing on a beach with my family. Ahhh there is nothing quite like a day at the beach. Sun, waves, sand between your toes, snorkling, the smell of sunscreen, the taste of a nice cold fruity drink. There are some people, however, who hate the beach. Scaredy squirrel is one of these poor unfortunates. As far as Scaredy Squirrel is concerned, beaches are dangerous places. When I read this book I literally laughed out loud. If you have met Scaredy before you will love this new adventure. If you haven't, then you are in for a treat. Here is my review of Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach by Melanie Watt.

Scaredy Squirrel at the beach

Melanie Watt
Picture Book (Series)
Ages 4 to 8
Kids Can Press, 2008, 978-1-55453-225-4

Scaredy Squirrel refuses to go to the beach. Beaches are, after all, dangerous places for a flying squirrel. There are seagulls that might mob you, tribes of jellyfish that might sting you, herds of sea monsters that might eat you, packs of pirates that might kidnap you, tons of falling coconuts that might knock you out cold, and mobs of lobsters that might pinch you.

Wanting the beach experience without having to go to the beach, Scaredy begins to create a beach right there under his tree. After much preparation the beach is finally ready. Or at least it is almost ready. All that is missing is the sound of the surf. For this Scaredy is going to need a sea shell. And so Scaredy gets ready for a big expedition.

As per usual the squirrel who is afraid of almost everything makes careful preparations before he leaves his home. With his passport in hand and taking every tool that he will ever need to combat lobsters, jellyfish, pirates, coconuts, sea monsters, and seagulls, Scaredy sets off for the beach, ready to face the unknown.

In this deliciously funny book Scaredy the Squirrel once again takes a dramatic step. This time he goes to a place that scares him silly, and he makes a surprising discovery about beaches.

With wonderful tough in cheek humor that will appeal to readers of all ages, this third book in the Scaredy Squirrel series is a book that will bring forth chuckles, giggles, and guffaws from its readers. Using humor and her wonderful illustrations, the author shows her readers that going beyond ones safe zone can be fun and enormously rewarding. Readers will love the ending that offers up one last delightful surprise.

Readers might like to enhance their Scaredy Squirrel experience by visiting the Scaredy Squirrel’s website.

You can read my reviews of the other Scaredy Squirrel books here.

The shots that set off a war

On July 28th, 1914 several young Serbian patriots put an operation into motion that would have terrible consequences in the years to come. By the end of that day, Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary and his wife were dead. The assassination provided the Austro-Hungarian leadership with the excuse they needed to declare war on Serbia. By early August Russia, Germany, France, and Great Britain were also involved in the conflict. At that time everyone thought that the war would end in just a few months. Instead it lasted for four long years, and by the end of it, more that sixteen million soldiers and civilians were dead.

These days very few people think about or remember what took place during those four terrible years. We forget too that the seeds for World War II were germinated during World War I. Germany was humiliated and bankrupted by the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, and Adolf Hitler took advantage of German anger and frustration to take power.

Though we tend to remember those who died during World War I on November 11th, I think we should also try to understand why the war began in the first place. You will find some wonderful books for young people about World War I on the TTLG website on the World War I feature page. I hope you find something here that interests you.

Beatrix Potter - Giving thanks on her birthday

When I was a little girl growing up on the island of Cyprus, I had a record that I listened to over and over again. It was a recording of Vivien Leigh reading some of Beatrix Potter's most well known stories. Soon Mrs. Tiggywinkle, Hunca Munca, Peter Rabbit, and Mrs. Tittlemouse were old friends of mine.

Many years later my soon-to-be husband bought me the Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter, and I read the stories to my students in a Washington D.C. public school. Though some of my children had very difficult lives and were quite tough and hardened, they could not resist hearing about the duck who almost got eaten by a fox, and about the bad rabbit who almost got turned into rabbit pie. They would pretend that they were not listening as I read out loud, but I knew they were.

Some years later I began to read Beatrix Potter's stories to my own daughter, and when we got a pet duck, she was called Jemima. I am sorry to say that our Jemima did not have much more sense than the original did. However she did give us many delicious eggs.

Today, on Beatrix Potter's birthday, I give thanks for Beatrix's beautiful illustrations and her memorable characters. I give thanks that Beatrix found the courage to defy her parents, and that she went ahead and wrote her timeless stories.

You can find a profile about Beatrix on the TTLG website and there is also a collection of her books, and books about her, on the Beatrix Potter feature.

Amelia Earhart - Lady of the skies

Before I moved to the U.S some eighteen years ago, (was it really that long ago?) I did not know much about Amelia Earhart. Then I worked in a school for a while, and began exploring the world of children's literature. I discovered that many children (especially girls) are fascinated by Amelia's story. As I started reading non-fiction titles about Amelia, I came to realize that flying was only one of the many things that she did with her time.She gave speeches about the role of women in the modern world, she taught, and she spent time with children and young women. She was, in short, a very remarkable woman.

For Amelia's birthday anniversary (July 24th) I reviewed an excellent book called Amelia Earhart: The Legend of the Lost Aviator by Shelley Tanaka and illustrated by David Craig. Shelley Tanaka has written many splendid non-fiction titles and this is one of her best. Here is my review of the book.

Amelia Earhart: The legend of the lost aviator

Shelley Tanaka

Illustrated by David Craig

Non Fiction Picture Book

Ages 9 to 12

Abrams, 2008, 978-0-8109-7095-3

Amelia Earhart was not the kind of person to be put off when people told her that what she wanted to do was impossible, or inappropriate, or unladylike. More than almost anything Amelia believed that people should pursue their dreams. If need be, they should fight to do what they believe is important. Amelia certainly did; she ended up doing what she cared about the most: flying, teaching, and helping others.

Once Amelia found her place in the sky, she was unstoppable. She broke records and proved to the world that women can be great pilots, just like men. Flying rickety planes that were notoriously prone to breakages and problems, Amelia traveled long distances not only to break records, but to show women that the sky is indeed the limit.

When Amelia’s plane disappeared in July 1937, the whole world watched, waited, and then grieved. To this day, we do not know what happened to Amelia Earhart. We may never know, but her legacy lives on, and generations of girls and women still look to her for inspiration.

In this marvelous picture book Shelley Tanaka brings Amelia Earhart’s world to life. With numerous quotes from Amelia’s writings and speeches, the book beautifully captures Amelia Earhart’s indomitable spirit and her sense of adventure. Packed with information, illustrations, and photographs, this title is a must for all young Amelia Earhart fans.

If you are interested in purchasing this title please consider doing so through The TTLG website to help support this blog. Many thanks.

Men on the Moon - Forty years ago

Forty years ago today, human beings walked on the moon for the first time. As millions of people watched, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon and took those first incredible steps. In honor of this anniversary, many publishers have put out new books for children about this extraordinary event. I have been lucky enough to review some of these books over the last few weeks, and now you can see my reviews on the Through the Looking Glass Book Review website in the Man goes to the Moon feature. There are some wonderful titles in this collection, and I hope you find a title or two that you would like add to your library.

Here is a video of that famous landing. Enjoy!

An Interview with Eileen Spinelli

Earlier this week I reviewed Heatwave, a picture book by Eileen Spinelli. As I enjoyed the book so much, I decided to interview the author.

Where did the idea for this book come from?

My sister Tina and I were talking one day about "when we were young"--and how we grew up without air conditioning. That led to other memories--like our Aunt Rosewho used to keep her perfume in the refirgerator. I decided it might be fun for kids to hear about those times when one had to be rather creative about keeping cool.

The story takes place over a number of days, with the temperature rising all the time. Why did you decide to pace the story in this way?

Every story needs an arc. This story didn't have a big plot as such...so the rising temperature seemed a good way to build "suspense".

In this story, the text is packed with images that are wonderfully vivid. Are these images ones that you have seen, heard, and felt?

Directly from my childhood. They were real.

Recently I experienced a short heat wave here in Oregon and it was interesting to see how people donned hats, paddled in the river, sought out shade, and walked slowly to deal with the heat. It just goes to show that we can still be affected by the weather. Do you think some of us are too cut off from the seasonal changes that unfold outside our homes?

I do. (Though I would be lying if I said I didn't appreciate air conditioning). I guess it's a matter of experiencing both. Spending time outside...splashing under a sprinkler...reading in the shade of a back yard tree...gardening...picnics in the park...heading for the beach...these and other activities like it are important ....lest we isolate/insulate ourselves too much. We need the sun, the light summer breezes, the camaraderie of being out and about with friends...the scent of garden mint...the sound of the waves...the sparkle of the river....the cool of grass under our bare feet...

How do you and your family enjoy the summer months?

We spend much of the summer at Chatuauqua Institution in New York State ...where there is a lake...and where most of the events and activities take place in the outdoor amphitheater and other open air venues. We eat meals on our balcony. We walk everywhere--no cars allowed! Children play ball and violins in the square. Adults eat ice cream cones. It's got an old fashioned feel to it in the best sense.

Have you considered writing a book about a winter storm?

I have a book coming out giving equal time to winter!

Thank you very much Eileen. You can find out more about Eileen and her books on her website.

Hot, Hot, Hot

We have had some very hot days here in Ashland this summer. The Fourth of July was blistering, and during the day I frequently found myself seeking out shade, spraying myself with water, sticking my feet in the river, and drinking cold water. These singularly low tech cooling off methods reminded me of a book that I read and reviewed recently. The book, Heatwave, describes what takes place in a town during a very hot summer week. The story is set in a time when people did not have air conditioning units in the homes and offices. They have to find other ways to get survive the hot days and night.

Here is my review:

Heat Wave
Eileen Spinelli

Illustrated by Betsy Lewin
Picture Book
Ages 3 to 7
Harcourt, 2007, 978-0-15-216779-0
Lumberville is in the grip of a heat wave. There are no air conditioners, so everyone in town swelters in the heat. On Monday, the move theatre closes and Abigail and Ralphie Blue set up a lemonade stand. Tuesday is even hotter, and some of the residents in the town resort to taking long cool baths and showers. By the time Thursday rolls around it is so hot that Mr.Blue shaves off his beard, and the Pettibone sisters put their perfume and makeup in their icebox. How much hotter can it get?
In this delightful picture book, Eileen Spinelli perfectly captures what it was like to live in a time when there were no air conditioners, when people had to find all kinds of creative ways to stay cool. She shows her readers how the heat unifies the people in Lumberville; it brings them together as they all try to find some relief from the heat.
Throughout the book, Betsy Lewin’s illustrations beautifully compliment the narrative. In particular, she brings the humorous touches in the story to life.

If you have creative ways to keep cool please tell us about them.