10/19/14
4/23/13
The Table Where Rich People Sit
The Table Where Rich People Sit
Written by Byrd Baylor
Pictures by Peter Parnall
Bird Baylor has become one of my favorite authors. Not only do her books remind me of what is important in life, but they open young readers' eyes to ideas they may have never considered.
The Table Where Rich People Sit is the story of a young lady coming to terms with the fact that her family is poor in the eyes of a material world. However, by the end of the book, even the most materialistic of us will be considering the true worth of our efforts and relationships.
In true Bird Baylor fashion, this stunning story is written in free verse prose and begins by letting the reader into the thoughts of the main character, Mountain Girl. Like most teens, Mountain Girl believes she is the only sensible one in her family. After all, don't her parents see her worn out shoes and the patches on her brother's jeans?
Mountain Girl's parents gently guide her to a deeper understanding of the value their lifestyle. What is the price one can place on being able to see the sky all day at work? How about singing? Sunsets? Brothers? I encourage you to read The Table Where Rich People Sit to learn the answers!
4/5/13
The Way to Start a Day
The Way to Start a Day
Written by Byrd Baylor
Illustrated by Peter Parnall
This glorious book received a Caldecott Honor in 1979. Peter Parnall's illustrations are wonderful depictions of the cultures represented in this beautifully written book of free verse prose.
The focus of this artwork is the morning tradition of greeting the sun across many cultures. Readers are taken to visit many places such as Peru, Mexico, the Congo, China, and Egypt. The importance of welcoming a new day is illustrated and described. It helps readers recognize the commonality of all humans on our glorious Earth.
This masterpiece is particularly meaningful for today's children who are often caught up in the hustle and bustle of busy urban lives. Like most of us, children are slaves to their alarm clocks and tight busy schedules. Byrd Baylor opens their eyes to the prospect of slowing down to appreciate the beauty of the rising sun and taking time to consider all the possibilities the day holds. This flies directly in the face of the American dream of "Keeping up with the Joneses" and opens students' eyes to an alternate way of looking at life.
4/4/13
Green
Green by
Laura Vaccaro Seeger
This Caldecott Honor book should not only be in the hands of every young person, but displayed prominently in museums everywhere. It is truly a work of art. I can't get enough of it! Finding a shelf on which this beauty can be displayed as wall art is a priority for me. I want to share it with everyone I know!
I'm embarrassed to share that this is my first experience with Laura Vaccaro Seeger, but I assure you I will never overlook her name again.
Young and old alike will find this book a pleasure full of mysteries and surprises. Young readers will be interested in the obvious content, whereas more mature readers will be curious about the production process that gave birth to this masterpiece. It will provoke meaningful thoughts in all who have the pleasure of turning its pages.
In my humble opinion, I believe Green should not have been an honor book. It should have been awarded the medal.
7/30/11
Justin Case: School, Drool, and Other Daily Disasters by Rachel Vail
Justin Case: School, Drool, and Other Daily Disasters
Written by Rachel Vail
Illustrated by Matthew Cordell
Well, I must begin as I began this book. How am I going to make it through 246 pages of a whiney third grader's diary? However, after just a few more pages, I was hooked!
Justin Case is witty. His fears are genuine. His problems are realistic. Mostly, the book is funny! Rachel Vail does a great job of including smile makers for kids and adults. A great read.
Below is one of my favorite diary entries from the book. Have I mentioned this book is written in the ever popular diary format? It is.
Those of us who would rather curl up with a good book, or any book for that matter, rather than go to gym class can relate to Justin's thoughts:
May 3, Monday
There is something worse in gym than relay races.
It is called gymnastics.
There is a reason people don't normally climb up ropes or hang upside down by their knees.
It is called we are not monkeys or bats.
Yay, Justin! I adore how you think!
7/10/11
A Whole Nother Story As told by Dr. Cuthbert Soup
Fabulously Illustrated by Jeffrey Stewart Timmins
The characters depicted in this book are real. Any similarity to cartoon characters, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
The pen is mightier than the sword, though both can ruin a good shirt.
A wise man once said, 'Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it,' and that would be a terrible thing because, as a wise man once said, 'Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.'
I couldn't put this book down! It kept me wondering what would happen next as I continuously smiled at the subtle witty genius contained within the pages.
Sadly, I can't seem to get my 9 year old, read a book a day, niece interested. The cover didn't grab her. However, I plan to read an excerpt to her the next time I'm blessed with her magnificent presence.
She is currently borrowing my copy of The Memory Bank by Carolyn Comen which she couldn't put down during her last visit.
Shameless Plug: Watch for an upcoming review of The Memory Bank. My niece's comment that The Memory Bank is "Really, really, really good" has given me high expectations.
Click Here for Lesson Plans
6/17/11
Peaceful Poet
The illustrations are my favorite part of this literary work of art. Kids of all ages will have a great time seeking the hidden images inside the big pictures. No wonder Bryan Collier won the Coretta Scott King award for illustrators. The story is also excellently told by Laban Carrick Hill through the use of poetry. Not only does this book offer biographical information about Dave the potter, but it offers a glimpse into slave life in the mid 1800's. It also serves as somewhat of a "How to" guide for making poetry.
Click Here for Lesson Plans
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