A Home Run for Erin E. Stead!

A Sick Day for Amos McGee won the 2011 Caldecott award.  This is particularly exceptional since this is Erin Stead's first children's book.  Hat's off to her magnificent and meaningful masterpiece!

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Obviously, this book has beautiful illustrations - The Caldecott Committee said so!  Most of the time I prefer children's literature with bright sharp colors. However, A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a refreshing and gentle reminder of the warmer softer side of life.  The illustrations are the perfect companion for the well written text that reminds readers to always make time for friends.  This gracious story offers children the opportunity to fall into a compassionate place and consider the spirit of true friendship.  An exceptionally pleasant "Do unto others..." tale set within a delightfully delicate canvas.


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All Hail Mo Willems!

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For those of you who are often in the company of children, you are probably already familiar with the most wonderful and fabulous Mo Willems.  Mo brings us several wonderful characters such as Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny, and my current favorites for children: Gerald (an elephant) and Piggie (well, a pig).  To quote my precious and insightful niece "Piggie is my favorite, but Gerald is a drama king, so he is fun too."  I agree wholeheartedly.  


This week I discovered We Are in a Book.  This charming and interactive story details Piggie and Gerald's discovery that someone is watching them. Gerald, in his usual 'Gerald' way, panics a bit at first.  Once they conclude that it is only a reader, they are much relieved and make great sport of having the reader say, "Banana".  Brace yourself for hysterical laughter!


My five year old nephew was enthralled by the idea that he was entertaining Piggie and Gerald.  He cracked up with the characters and hung on their every word bubble.  Later, when asked which Gerald and Piggie book is his favorite, he was quick to say, "The one that was about me."  Like most five year olds, he adored the idea of characters appreciating him as much as he appreciates them.  I must add that this is the first book my nephew has ever read to me ~ it will live in my memory forever!


My nine year old niece was as amused as my nephew. When we began reading, she was sitting next to us reading on her own.  She stopped her independent reading several times to look at the pictures that went with the words she was hearing. It didn't take long before she put her book down and joined us for a good laugh.  Her favorite Piggie and Gerald book is My Friend is Sad.  She likes that Piggie is able to lift Gerald's spirits.


We all agreed that Mo Willems is one of our favorite authors and that I'm Invited to a Party is one of Gerald and Piggie's most fun adventures.  Check it out.  You'll discover a whole host of things to consider before heading to your next party.


Piggie and Gerald totally rock! They are great company for elementary students of any age.  Today's children will love Piggie and Gerald just as we loved The Cat in The Hat, Ramona, Margaret, Charlotte and Wilber.   Our children's children's children will ensure that these fine outstanding characters are loved for lifetimes to come.  Thank you Mo Willems!


Here is a link to Mo's site.  He is truly amazing!
http://www.mowillems.com/

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Book-Blubia: Blurbs from a Book Lover/Educator

The Open Window by Henri Matisse 1905

Come on in!

Welcome to my little bitty blog that offers the whole great big world a glimpse into the wacky, whimsical, and at times woebegone window of my somewhat sagacious opinions and mental musings regarding literature created for children, teens, and adults. The educator in me will also throw in an instructional idea now and then. May this humble blog serve as a source of pleasure for my fellow book lovers and a resource for my fellow educators. Welcome one and all :)