The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Seventy-Two

When my daughter was little, I must have read this book to her at least a thousand times. It is such a unique and funny story, and the main character is so appealing, that I am not at all surprised that she was so fond of it.

The little mouse, the ripe strawberry, and the big hungry bear

Don and Audrey Wood

Illustrated by Don Wood

Picture Book

For infants to age 4

Child’s Play, 1984, 978-0859531825

   Little Mouse is very busy. He has a ladder and he is going into the garden. What is he up to? “Oh I see,” Mouse is going to pick a big ripe strawberry. What a wonderful treat that is going to be.

   But, this is a problem. Out there, somewhere, there is a big hungry bear who loves freshly picked ripe strawberries. In not time at all, he will “tromp through the forest on his big, hairy feet” and he will find that strawberry.  Mouse can hide the strawberry, lock it up, and disguise it, but the bear will know it is there. What should Mouse do?

   Children will love this deliciously funny story. The authors present their tale in a unique way, with an unseen narrator having a conversation with the mouse (though the mouse does not actually say anything). We think that the narrator is trying to be helpful, until we get to the end of the story, when we are able to see that the narrator has an ulterior motive. Bears are not the only ones who like ripe strawberries!

Bookish Event - The Eco-Libris 41 reasons to plant a tree for your book

Publish Books Without Perished Trees

Eco-Libris Celebrates 41st Annual Earth Day with 41 Reasons to Plant a Tree for Your Book

Eco-Libris, a green company that works to make publishing and reading more sustainable, celebrates the 41st Annual Earth Day (April 22) with its new campaign “41 Reasons to Plant a Tree for Your Book.”

For 41 days, from March 13 culminating with Earth Day on April 22, Eco-Libris will publish the 41 best answers on its blog. Readers who enter the contest will have the opportunity to win prizes courtesy of Eco-Libris’ partners, including a $25 gift card for Strand Bookstore, audiobooks from Simon and Schuster Audio (such as The Half Life by Jennifer Weiner, American Assassin by Vince Flynn and Essence of Happiness by the Dalai Lama) and great green books, including books from the Little Green Books series, Planet Home by Jeffrey Hollender, Spit That Out! by Paige Wolf and The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard.

“We have planted 180,000 trees on behalf of readers, authors, and publishers working with Eco-Libris,” says Raz Godelnik, co-founder and CEO of Eco-Libris. “We want to hear what readers think about it and why they believe planting trees for their books is a good idea.”

Reader Aleta from Australia says planting a tree for each book makes sense to her because it contributes to ensuring intergenerational equity by sustaining the planet’s natural environment. “This will allow future generations to continue reading paper books and there's something special about reading from paper that I would love my children to experience,” she says.

Author Kelly Barth says, “Though I believe it's important to preserve the real, physical book, I don't believe it’s right to fell old growth forests to fill my shelves. Also, as an author, I want people to have the option to read my new book in the form that has served humans well for centuries.”

The campaign will begin on Sunday, March 13, 2011. To learn more about the campaign, please go to
http://www.ecolibris.net/41reasons.asp. Founded in 2007, Eco-Libris is a green company working to green up the book industry in the digital age by promoting the adoption of green practices in the book industry, balancing out books by planting trees, and helping to make e-reading greener. To achieve these goals Eco-Libris works with book readers, publishers, authors, bookstores, and others in the book industry worldwide. So far Eco-Libris has balanced out more than 169,000 books, which results in more than 180,000 new trees. For more information, please
go to http://www.ecolibris.net

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Seventy-One

Being told that it is "time for bed" has to be one of the most trying things young children have to deal with. It is up there with "eat all your food," "brush your teeth," and "pick up your toys." Today's picture book is about four young animals who find a creative way to get around having to go to bed.

The Secret Plan

Julia Sarcone-Roach

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 8

Random House, 2009, 978-0-375-85858-1

   Milo the little elephant and his friends Henry, Hildy, and Harriet are always having their best games and adventures interrupted. Why is it that grownups are forever calling them in for meals or to do chores? Of course, the worst excuse that adults come up with is to tell Milo and his friends that it is bedtime. Bedtime is such a drag.

   Milo and his feline friends decide that the best way to avoid bedtime is to find a place where they can hide. They find all kinds of hiding places and disguises, but they are always found. They try to sneak out but they always get caught. Then Hildy comes up with a new idea. Perhaps they are going about this whole bedtime problem in the wrong way. Perhaps there is another way to extend their playtime, a better way.

   Children who are fed up with being told that it is bedtime will thoroughly enjoy this unique picture book. They will meet a quartet of characters who are instantly appealing and they will appreciate the solution that the young animals come up with.

   With wonderfully unique illustrations and a memorable format, this is a picture book that is perfect for those not-quite-ready-for-bedtime moments.

Poetry Friday - A review of Bugs: Poems about creeping things

When I was a child, I loved to watch insects. I once spent a whole morning watching some ants fix their home. Today's poetry title uses a collection of very creative poems to describe the lives of various kinds of "creeping things."

Bugs: Poems about creeping things

David L. Harrison
Illustrated by Rob Shepperson
Poetry Picture Book
For ages 5 to 8
Front Street, 2007, 978-1590784518
Wherever you go you are likely to run into "creeping things" of some sort or another. A mosquito in your room keeps you awake at night, a cicada sings its song outside your window, a butterfly dances past you on a summer's day. In this delightful little book we get to meet a flea who swallows a giraffe, a grumpy cicada, a dragonfly who is love with a flower, and many more little creatures. The poems are often funny, sometimes lyrical, and they take many forms. Some even call for two people to read them. This format in particular is sure to appeal to children because they can have a friend or a sibling read or recite the poem with them.

This amusing and very unique collection is not only enjoyable to read, but it will also show children that poetry can take many forms. It can rhyme or not, it can tell a story or not, it can be neat on the page or it can dance all over it. Children who fancy trying to write their own poetry will be delighted to discover that poems can be so versatile and creative.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Seventy

When I was still very young, the country I was living in was plunged into civil war. For eighteen months I lived every day not knowing what the next day would bring. After we left the war zone and moved to a peaceful country, I quickly discovered that I wasn't too keen on surprises. I liked to know what was coming and when it was coming, just in case I needed to duck or get out of the way.
   Today's picture book is about a little boy who carefully prepares for situations "just in case." Needless to say I completely understand where he is coming from.
Just in Case

Judith Viorst

Illustrated by Diana Cain Bluthenthal

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Simon and Schuster, 2010, 978-1-4424-1282-8

   Charlie is the kind of boy who likes to be ready “just in case” something goes wrong. Whenever it rains really hard - and just in case the house gets flooded - he puts on his waterproof boots, his goggles, and his rain coat. He inflates his plastic boat and opens up his umbrella.

   Charlie likes to be prepared for all kinds of possible situations. If “all the food stores are closed” for a long time and “there’s nothing left to eat except old dirty socks” Charlie will be ready because he has made a hundred and seventeen Peanut-butter sandwiches. He has even stockpiled canned food for the dog, crispy crackers for his mother, and bagels with cream cheese and lox for his father.

   Children will love the way in which Charlie prepares for some truly amusing situations. Just in case a lion gets loose, or his favorite sitter can’t come, or something sneaks up the stairs, or he is attacked by birds, or he is grabbed by a mermaid, Charlie will be ready.

   With its amusing story and its wonderful multimedia artwork, this picture book is a must for children who like to be in control of every situation. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Sixty-Nine

Many people like to daydream, imagining what it would be like to be famous and glamorous. They imagine that such a life would be delightful, and that it would make them happy. Today's picture book explores the idea that fame might not be as desirable as it seems.

Ordinary Oscar

Laura Adkins

Illustrated by Sam Hearn

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Tiger Tales, 2010, 978-1-58925-085-7

Oscar Slimeglider is a snail who has a very ordinary life. Like all the other snails, he sleeps during the day and eats all night. He is “bored with being greenish-grayish-brownish.” More than anything Oscar wants to be special, he wants to be noticeable and different.

   Oscar’s parents cannot understand Oscar’s attitude. Their other children are perfectly happy with their lives, and they think that Oscar is being foolish. Despite this, Oscar is determined to change his life, so he goes to visit the Wise Old Snail. The Wise Old Snail warns Oscar that being famous isn’t always easy, but if Oscar is certain that this is what he wants he should ask the Fairy Godsnail to help him.

   The Fairy Godsnail is willing to help Oscar, and she gives him three wishes. Immediately, Oscar wishes for his appearance to change; he wants to look like a dazzling famous snail. His wish comes true, and Oscar is delighted, until he discovers that looking sensational is not all that wonderful after all.

   Many of us wish for a glamorous life, thinking that such a life will make us happy. Of course, fame does not guarantee happiness, which is what Oscar learns in this charming story. In his own way, he discovers that true greatness does not depend on one looking fabulous or being famous.

   With its amusing snail-centric illustrations and its meaningful story, this picture book is sure to charm young readers.

   

A letter from Monica Kulling about her book Merci Mr. Dash

A few weeks ago I reviewed a book called Merci Mr. Dash which was written by Monica Kulling. I was curious to find out how Monica got the idea for the book, so I asked her to write to us to describe how the book came to be. Here is her letter.

Dear TTLG readers:

Where did I meet Mister Dash, and how did he find his way onto the printed page, dressed to impress and ready for his adventures with the French lady he lives with, Madame Croissant, and Daphne, her granddaughter whom he tolerates?

I was walking our two big dogs in High Park, a gem of green space in the heart of downtown Toronto where our dogs — Charly, a Golden Retriever, and Roxy, a Black Lab/Shepherd mix — love running wild and free on its leash-free portions. Suddenly, on the trail ahead of me a woman called her dog, “Da-ash! Mister Da-ash!” What kind of dog will answer to that fun name, I thought? And then he materialized, jaunty and bouncing, like an actor making his appearance on stage. Mister Dash seemed so proud to be a black Standard poodle. The rest of my walk was spent conjuring up a picture-book story for this, to my mind, wonderful character that had landed in my lap.

By the time I got home, I had the bare bones of a simple story. Mister Dash, well mannered and cultured (aren’t all poodles well-mannered and cultured?), has an extensive wardrobe and can read the newspaper, but doesn’t speak because he isn’t a cartoon character. Madame Croissant is also well-mannered and cultured. She comes from Paris and owns and operates a gift store specializing in items from France. Their well-ordered life is “turned into a whirlwind” every weekend when Madame Croissant’s granddaughter comes to visit. The clash of the two temperamentally disparate characters, Mister Dash and Daphne, is the heart of the story.

I wrote the first draft quickly and easily; after my two trusted first readers (Nancy and Susan) provided me with their always reasonable, useful comments, I revised the story and sent it off to its first publisher where it was met with an odd reception. The editor turned it down flat with the comment: “I don’t like stories with poodles in them.” Huh? Okay. In response, I decided to flip the character on its head and turn Mister Dash into a mixed breed dog. Suddenly the character opened up to other possibilities. Mister Dash could now rely on five different breeds in his makeup to help save the day.

And just how would Mister Dash save the day? I drew on my life’s experience for the “disaster” Daphne winds up in and from which Mister Dash must rescue her. When I was six, my sister five, and my brother three, we were playing outdoors. (In those days kids were allowed a longer leash.) I was pedalling a fire truck with my brother sitting behind me, and my sister was pedalling her tricycle. We started down a steep hill at the end of our block. I managed to keep the fire truck on track. But a tricycle wasn’t so easy for a five-year-old to manage on a hill. My sister quickly lost control of her pedals and went careening down the hill, to be rescued by my father.

And what about Daphne? Where did I find that character? That was the easiest bit. Daphne, c’est moi!


Thank you so much for writing to us Monica. You can read my review of Merci, Mr. Dash here.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Sixty-Eight

Ike LaRue is the kind of dog who would probably drive most of us completely mad. He does not react well when things don't go his way, and his fertile imagination leads him to get into all kinds of trouble. I have enjoyed all the Ike books since they started coming out in 2002. Here is a new Ike adventure that demonstrates once again that Ike likes to bend the truth when it suits him to do so.

LaRue Across America: Postcards from the Vacation

Mark Teague
Picture Book  
For ages 5 to 7
Scholastic, 2011, 978-0-439-91502-1

  Ike LaRue and his owner, Mrs. LaRue, are supposed to be going on a cruise for their vacation. Unfortunately, just before they leave, their neighbor, Mrs. Higgins, is taken ill. Mrs. Higgins has two cats who will need someone to take care of them. Being a good samaritan, Mrs. LaRue offers to take care of the two cats, and since cats are not allowed on the cruise ship, she changes her vacation plan. She, Ike, and the two cats, will take a driving tour instead.

   Ike is not at all pleased about this arrangement. In fact, he writes to Mrs. Higgins to share his opinion with her, but the trip proceeds as planned. As he and Mrs. LaRue drive across the country, Ike writes to Mrs. Higgins telling her that the cats are very unhappy and that he would be happy to “put them on the next bus to Snort city.” If they hurry, Ike and Mrs LaRue could still get to the cruise ship before it sails.

   Regretfully, Mrs. Higgins does not take Ike up on his offer and the cruise ships sails without Mrs. LaRue and Ike. Poor Ike is feeling much put upon, and he writes to Mrs. Higgins to tell her as much.

   When they reach Michigan, Ike begs Mrs. Higgins to put a stop to their trip. “Only you can end this fiasco,” he says, but the trip continues. At every stop, Ike writes to Mrs. Higgins to tell her how badly her cats are behaving and how much he is suffering. Of course, being Ike, he takes a great deal of poetic license in his accounts.

   Readers will find it hard not to laugh at the blatant lies that Ike tells in his letters to Mrs. Higgins. They will come to realize that the biggest problem on this vacation is not the cats, but Ike himself. Thankfully, there is a happy ending, and poor Mrs. LaRue is rewarded for her courage and forbearance.

   With wonderful illustrations and a hilarious story, this picture book will entertain readers both young and old. Readers who enjoy this book are sure to enjoy the other Ike LaRue titles. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Sixty-Seven

Every so often it feels great to read a picture book that is deliciously silly and fun. The picture book that I reviewed below is just such a book. It is a perfect book to read aloud, and it is sure to put a smile on even the gloomiest of faces.

Farmer Dale’s Red Pickup Truck

Lisa Wheeler

Illustrated by Ivan Bates

Picture Book

Ages 4 to 6

Harcourt, 2004, 0-15-202319-6

   Farmer Dale is driving to town to deliver a load of hay when he comes across “a bossy cow” who asks for a ride. It is a tight fit, but the cow manages to get herself in and they drive on. Farmer Dale soon discovers that there are others who want a ride; there is a singing sheep, a roller skating pig, and an accordion playing goat. Farmer Dale doesn’t seem to realize that there comes a point when a truck just cannot carry any more. Sure enough Farmer Dale’s pickup truck finally gives up. At first, none of the animals inside the truck are willing to get out, but the better side of their nature prevails. One way or another they are going to get the truck moving again.

   This richly illustrated and funny little story is perfect for read-aloud time, and is sure to bring forth much laughter and lots of sound effects.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Sixty-Six

Lately the news has been full of stories about people demonstrating in the streets of cities in Egypt, Libya and other countries in the Middle East. Again and again we have heard about how the people in these countries are saying NO to their governments and leaders. They are no longer  willing to tolerate governments and leaders who refuse to listen to their demands. They refuse to be bullied and pushed around.

Today's picture book is about a little boy who says no. It is powerful and conveys a message that readers of all ages will appreciate

No!

David McPhail

Wordless Picture Book

For ages 5 and up

Roaring Brook, 2009, 978-1-59643-288-8

   A little boy has written a letter to the president and he is now ready to post it. He puts on his coat, hat, and mittens, and he walks down the street to the post box. As he is walking down the street, military aircraft fly overhead and they bomb some houses on a hill nearby. Then a tank drives up the street and it blows up on of the houses. Soldiers march past and as they boy watches, they break into a house, terrifying the people who live inside.

   Further down the street, the little boy sees that a big boy is leaning against the postbox. The big boy knocks off his hat and is about to strike him when the little boy says “No!” He is not going to tolerate another act of aggression. He is putting his foot down.

   We live in a world where there is so much bullying. We see it in schools and we see it on the national and international level. In this picture book, David McPhail uses one word (the only word in the book) to show readers of all ages that we don’t have to tolerate bullying. We can say “NO!” and show that we are not going to put up with violence any longer. With its empowering message of hope and David McPhail’s wonderful illustrations, this is a book that will resonate with readers of all ages.