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! 

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.

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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.  

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