The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book one hundred and thirty-seven

Making friends when you are afflicted with shyness is never easy. I know lots of children who hide behind their mother's skirts, play by themselves, and buy their heads in book rather then break through the barrier of shyness that surrounds them. This book was written for children who feel shy, and it helps them to see how much they are missing, and how to take that first step.

Poindexter makes a friend

Mike Twohy

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 6

Simon and Schuster, 2011, 978-1-4424-0965-1

   Poindexter is a very shy young pig. He is shy when his relatives come to visit his house, and he is shy when the other children in the neighborhood ask Poindexter to come outside to play with them. In fact, he is so shy that he spends most of his time reading stories to his stuffed animals. The one place where Pointdexter doesn’t feel shy is at the library. Not only does he love to sit there and read, but he also likes to help Mrs. Polen, who is the librarian.

   One day Poindexter is helping Mrs. Polen when a turtle comes into the library asking for books about “how to make friends.” Mrs. Polen asks Poindexter to show the turtle where the book is, which the young pig is glad to do. He never suspects that this act of helpfulness is going to change his life in a big way.

   Many shy children have a hard time making friends. After all, it is not easy to leave your comfort zone when you struggle with being shy. Thankfully, children can now read about Poindexter, and through him, they will come to understand how to make friends, and what it means to be a good friend.

Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Comics Contest

For more information CLICK HERE!

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book One hundred and thirty-Six

When my daughter was younger she was terrified of bees, and I do mean terrified. When a bee came around she ceased to be a sensible and normally quite brave child, and she became a crying wreck. I have since discovered that many children are terrified of buzzing insects, and they think that the only way to deal with bees is to kill them as quickly as possible. 

In today's picture book you will meet a little girl who is terrified of bees, and a bee who is terrified of little girls. For once, children will see things from a different point of view, and they might even consider that perhaps bees aren't all that terrible after all. 

Jam and Honey

Melita Morales

Illustrated by Laura J. Bryant

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 6

Tricycle Press, 2011, 978-1-58246-299-8

   One day a girl goes out all by herself to pick berries so that she and her mother can make “sweet jam,” which she can put on her toast. The girl starts picking, braving the scratchy berry canes, but she cannot help feeling afraid of the bees who are buzzing around the sweet berries. Her mother tells her to hold still and she explains that the bees are there to collect the nectar.

   All goes well until the girl comes nose to nose with a bee. She is scared, but she remembers her mother’s words and holds still.

   On this same day a bee decides to go off on its own to collect nectar so that it can make honey when it gets home. The bee is afraid of the huge humans who are around, but it remembers what its mother told it, that people want berries not bees.

   The bee is happily collecting nectar when it comes face to face with a human. The bee is scared, but it remembers to fly away. There are “plenty of vines for us to share,” it thinks.

   This sweetly simple yet meaningful picture book shows young readers that they can peacefully coexist with insects, and that they can easily share nature’s bounty with them. Presented from the point of view of both the child and the bee, this book will help adults teach their children that it is important to respect all livings things, even little creatures that buzz.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book One hundred and thirty-five

One of the first things I learned about my husband after we got married was that he loves pie for dessert. I have since learned that Midwesterners tend to have a fondness for sweet dessert pies. As I read today's picture book, I was reminded of my husband, who insisted that we had to have pie for our first Christmas celebration. Pie for Christmas? It sounded odd to me, but I am sure that the characters in this book would agree that a celebration is not complete if there isn't any pie to eat. 

All for pie Pie for all

David Martin

Illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 6

Candlewick Press, 2006, 076362393-8

   One day Grandma Cat makes an apple pie, which all the members of her family enjoy eating. Five pieces of the pie are eaten up, and there is one piece left. Full of pie, the Cat family goes outside to have a nap under the trees.

   In the house, Grandma Mouse smells the last piece of pie sitting on the table. The mice eat five pieces of the pie until all that is left are six crumbs. With happy tummies full of pie, the mice go and have a nap on the sofa in their cozy little home.

   While they are sleeping, Grandma Ant smells the six crumbs of pie sitting on the plate in the mice’s home. Quickly Grandma Ant, Big Sister Ant, Momma Ant, Poppa Ant and Little Brother Ant take a crumb each and they start to walk off home, which is when Baby Ant wakes up. She scrambles out of her pram and runs to get the last little crumb of pie for herself. Now that the pie is all gone, this surely must be the end of the story, right? No, not quite.

   What makes this picture book unique is that the author makes us think the story is at an end, but then something else happens to give the tale a little something extra. With a clever and heartwarming ending, and likeable animal characters, this is a picture book that children and their families will enjoy. A piece of pie anyone?

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book One hundred and thirty-four

I am delighted to tell you that Babymouse, the mouse who cannot seem to get anything right, is back! As per usual, Babymouse gets herself into all kinds of ridiculous situations, but for a change things somehow come out all right in the end. Oh, and you will meet a new character who will soon be making a name for himself in the graphic novel world. 

Babymouse Mad Scientist

Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

Graphic Novel

For ages 7 to 10

Random House, 2011, 978-0-375-86574-9

   There is a new science teacher in Babymouse’s school, one who is hopeful that he and his students will follow in the footsteps of “great scientists throughout the ages.” Unfortunately, Babymouse has problem focusing in class, and she ends up sitting outside the principal’s office again. That evening, her father gives her a flyer about a science fair. Apparently he has always wanted to be a scientist, and he hopes that perhaps Babymouse can be the “first scientist in the family.”

   Babymouse is eager to participate in the science fair, but she is not sure what she can do for the event. Can she invent or discover something? Perhaps she could make a great discovery, like Galileo did.

   Babymouse is not very thrilled when her science teacher announces that they are going to be growing mold for their first experiment. Mold? That doesn’t sound very interesting at all. Babymouse does what the teacher tells her, and after several days a little patch of mold finally grows on her slice of bread. And yes, it is not very interesting.

   Then Babymouse’s father gets her a microscope so that she can study amoebas for her science fair project. The amazing thing is that the amoeba that Babymouse brings home from the pond is not at all what she expected.

   Budding young scientists, cupcake fiends, and Babymouse fans are sure to enjoy this delightful Babymouse story. Though Babymouse’s science fair experience does not make her famous, it does turn out to be a rewarding experience, and we have a grand time sharing in her adventure. Readers will be delighted to find out that the new character who is introduced in this book will soon appear on the graphic novel stage with a graphic novel series of his own.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book one hundred and thirty-three

There is something really exciting about adopting a puppy. I have done it twice, and both times it was a wonderful experience. I have also adopted an elderly dog, and I have to say that bringing Rusty home and having him in my life was a gift. Perhaps he wasn't cute and funny they way a puppy is, but he was a fabulous companion who made me feel like a queen.

“Let’s get a pup!” said Kate

Bob Graham

Picture book

For ages 5 to 7

Candlewick Press, 2003, 978-0763621933

   Last winter Kate’s cat Tiger died and she is missing his presence in her life, especially when she lies in bed. There is a noticeable “lonely place” at the end of her bed.

   One summer morning Kate runs into her parent’s room shouting, “Let’s get a pup!” Luckily for her, her parents are more than willing to get a new family pet, and very soon Kate and her parents are driving to the Rescue Center.

   At the Rescue Center, they see dogs of all kinds, many of which are not what they are looking for. Then they see Dave. Dave is small and cute and “brand new,” and he is just what they want. Then they see Rosie. She is old, large, and slow, but she has an air of “Good Intention.” Kate and her family wish Rosie well, hoping that someone would come along who will let her lie on their floor, or couch, or bed. If only…

   In this delightful picture book, we meet a family in need of a dog, and two dogs in need of a family. Children and their grownups will be thrilled that in this story there is a wonderfully happy ending.

   With a touching story and expressive illustrations, this book is a must for anyone who has a fondness for dogs.

Poetry Friday - A review of Punctuation Celebration

When I was a child, I thought that punctuation was a waste of time. I created enormous sentences that went on and on and on. Finally, my father took me in hand and he explained why at least some punctuation was a good idea. Today's poetry book contains humorous poems that will help children to better understand how to use commonly used forms of punctuation.

Punctuation Celebration

Elsa Knight Bruno

Illustrated by Jenny Whitehead

Poetry Picture Book

For ages 6 to 8

Henry Holt, 2009, 978-0-8050-7973-9

   You are invited to a special event that is taking place in just a moment or two. The event is a “sporty exploration / Into words and punctuation.” During the event, you are going to meet all the forms of punctuation that people commonly use. Perhaps you are wondering why you need to make the acquaintance of the period, the comma, the colon, the question mark, and some of their friends. Well, the reason is quite simple. If you get to know them, then you will be able to mix words and punctuation with ease, creating stories, reports, and who knows what else.

   Let’s begin with probably the easiest form of punctuation, the period. It is easy to use it because wherever a sentence ends, the period “comes and plops, / and where is plops, the sentence STOPS.” Periods are also used to abbreviate things when you don’t feel like spelling out street, dozen, or pound.

   Next, there is that form of punctuation that looks so wonderful. The question mark is easy to place. All you have to do is to put it “after words that ask.”

   In this very clever poetry picture book, the author helps young readers and writers to understand when to use twelve different forms of punctuation. Each form of punctuation has a poem that explains how and when it should be used, and on the facing page, another little poem demonstrates how it is used in a piece of writing.

   With lashings of clever humor, the author makes what could be a dry subject very accessible and entertaining. Jenny Whitehead’s multimedia illustrations compliment the poems, adding color, pizzazz, and visual interest to the pages.

J. Patrick Lewis Named Children’s Poet Laureate

Position raises awareness of children’s natural affinity for poetry

May 12th, 2011

CHICAGO — The Poetry Foundation is pleased to announce that poet J. Patrick Lewis will serve as the nation’s third Children’s Poet Laureate: Consultant in Children’s Poetry to the Poetry Foundation for a two-year tenure. The award, which includes a $25,000 cash prize, aims to raise awareness that children have a natural receptivity to poetry and are its most appreciative audience, especially when poems are written specifically for them.

“Pat’s many books bring great joy to young readers—the future of poetry,” said Poetry Foundation president John Barr. “He has profuse gifts as a poet—with wordplay, humor, and technical facility—and truly loves writing for and to children. To say that in children’s poetry Pat has found his calling is no mean thing because he has excelled in so many other walks of life: scholar, economist, and author. What Pat Lewis brings to the office of Children’s Poet Laureate is a life fully lived and, of course, tremendous joy for his craft and audience.”

The author of more than 50 books of poetry for children, Lewis began his career as an academic; he taught in the departments of business, accounting, and economics at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio, until 1998, when he left to devote himself to writing full time. His books for children include Spot the Plot: A Riddle Book of Book Riddles; The Last Resort; The Shoe Tree of Chagrin; and A Hippopotamusn’t: And Other Animal Poems. His children’s poetry has appeared in Highlights for Children, Cricket, and Ranger Rick, among many other places, and his writing has been widely anthologized. His contributions to children’s literature have been recognized with the 2011 Poetry Award from the National Council of Teachers of English and the Ohioana Awards’ 2004 Alice Louise Wood Memorial Prize. His first book of poetry for adults, Gulls Hold Up the Sky: Poems 1983–2010, was published in 2010. A father of three and grandfather of five, he visits more than 30 elementary schools a year, keynotes at literature conferences, and presents teachers’ workshops on introducing poetry in the classroom.

Findings from the Poetry Foundation’s seminal research study, Poetry in America, demonstrate that a lifelong love for poetry is most likely to result if cultivated early in childhood and reinforced thereafter. During his laureateship, Lewis will give two major public readings for children and their families, teachers, and librarians. He will also serve as an advisor to the Poetry Foundation on children’s literature and may engage in a variety of projects and events to help instill a love of poetry among the nation’s youngest readers. The Poetry Foundation made the appointment with input from a panel of experts in the field of children’s literature.

* * *

About the Poetry Foundation

The Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry magazine, is an independent literary organization committed to a vigorous presence for poetry in our culture. It exists to discover and celebrate the best poetry and to place it before the largest possible audience. The Poetry Foundation seeks to be a leader in shaping a receptive climate for poetry by developing new audiences, creating new avenues for delivery, and encouraging new kinds of poetry through innovative literary prizes and programs. For more information, please visit poetryfoundation.org.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: One hundred and thirty-two

The world is a full of dreadfully self centered people. There are the dictators who are willing to kill their people so that they can hold onto their power. There are the CEOs who are willing to fleece their employees and stockholders.There are the politicians who think nothing of deceiving the people who voted for them. It can be very depressing.

Today's book is about a giant who is generous and kind. Who is willing to give up his dream so that he can fulfill the dreams and needs of others. It is the perfect book to read when the woes of the world - big or small - are feeling heavy on ones shoulders.

The Spiffiest Giant in town

Julia Donaldson

Illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 6

Penguin, 2002, 0-14-240275-3

George is a giant who goes around every day wearing an old gown and a pair of old sandals. To say that he is scruffy looking is an understatement, and he is acutely aware of his less than fashionable look. One day George discovers that there is a new shop in town that sells clothes in giant sizes. He buys himself a very spiffy outfit and looks forward to being the “spiffiest giant in town.”

   Then George meets a very unhappy giraffe who has a nasty cold. What the giraffe needs is a long warm scarf that will keep his long cold neck warm. Being a very generous and kind giant, George gives the giraffe his new striped tie.

   As George walks home, he comes to the river and there he meets a goat sitting in a boat. The goat is very upset because a storm blew away his sail. How can he possible get from place to place in his boat without a sail? George quickly comes up with a solution. He gives the goat his new shirt and walks away feeling very happy. He has an undershirt to wear and he really doesn’t miss his shirt much at all, and he is still the “spiffiest giant in town.”

   In this heartwarming picture book, children will meet a giant who has a big and kind heart. Children will love the way George is rewarded for his kindness, and they will appreciate the fact that there are far more important things in this world than looking “spiffy.”

   This book was written and illustrated by the talented pair who gave us The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book one hundred and thirty-one

A few months ago I reviewed my first Clarice Bean book and I enjoyed it enormously. What a delightfully quirky and unique book. Today's book is another Clarice Bean title, complete with Clarice's peculiar family, and her wonderful way of expressing herself. 

Clarice Bean, What Planet are you from?

Lauren Child

Picture Book

For ages 6 to 8

Candlewick Press, 2010, 978-0763647964

   Clarice Bean is learning about planet Earth in school, and her teacher is also encouraging the children to do a project called “The Environment.” The teacher gives the students little books to write in for the project, but Clarice is having trouble coming up with ideas for her assignment.

   Clarice is busy reading comics in the laundry room when her big brother Kurt starts making a commotion in the kitchen. He has read in the newspaper that a an old tree is going to be chopped down on Navarino Street, which is Clarice’s street. Kurt is so upset about the tree, that he and his friend Morten decide that they are going to camp in, or at least next to, the tree. They are going to be ecowarriors.

   When Kurt does not come home by eight o’clock that evening, the family goes out to the tree to see what is going on, and they find that Grandad and his friend Bert are also camped next to the tree. The next day Clarice and her friends make posters that say “Free the Tree,” and when he gets home from work Clarice’s father decides to make dinner for the ecowarriors. Will their voices, posters, and presence around the tree be enough to save it?

   In this wonderfully funny and quirky picture book, Clarice Bean and her nutty…er…unique family (and friends) come together to fight for something that they believe in. Saving the tree brings everyone together, despite their differences. With an engaging and amusing text and wonderful multimedia illustrations, this title is sure to entertain young readers, and it will encourage them to think green, just like Clarice Bean.