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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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! 

A Whole Nother Story As told by Dr. Cuthbert Soup

Fabulously Illustrated by Jeffrey Stewart Timmins

Since I don't possess vocabulary sufficient to share my adoration of this book and it's witty witticisms, I'll simply quote the genius Dr. Soup, purveyor of unsolicited advice. Enjoy...


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.

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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.


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Peas Please

by Keith Baker

Youngun's will love the bright and cheerful illustrations as much as grownups do! Need a little pick me up during the day? Take a peek at any page of LMNO Peas!

Let me start with a positive reference. My 5 year old nephew chose this bright and beautiful book out of a stack of similar picture books. This is the one he wanted to hear.  He asked may questions about the pictures and vocabulary.  His vocabulary now includes the words acrobats, electricians, inventors, miners, unique, voters, yogis, and his new favorite: outlaws!  

Keith Baker uses precious drawings of peas to illustrate this alphabet book that introduces a wide variety of titles for professions, hobbies, and other activities people do. The peas are drawn in all sorts of outfits and poses. As I said earlier, my nephew's favorites were the outlaws. They wear masks and caps and are robbing lots of money from vaults. My nephew is very interested in Star Wars and superheroes right now so these bad guys caught his attention. 

All young children will find peas to admire and appreciate in this delightful book. A must have for every early learning classroom and library. 

Through the Eyes of Mona Lisa

by Ruthie Knapp

Illustrated by Jill McElmurry

This 2010 Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books winner will hold the attention of any listener. A great way to introduce biographies or point of view to any age level. 


Ruthie Knapp gives readers a Mona Lisa eye's view of her life as a famous painting.  Readers experience her creation, the admiration by many kings of France, Napoleon, and her placement in the Louvre.  However, she is stolen in the middle of the night by an thief who sadly stores her under his oven for two years. Eventually, she is recovered and returned to her home in the Louvre.


The reader will get a true feeling of what it must have been like to be a famous painting in the Louvre.  Mona Lisa comments "Tall people poke their noses up close. I can smell their breath: garlic, coffee, cigars." 


The author includes a brief description of Leonardo Da Vinci as well which could lead to guided inquiries regarding that famous Italian.  


I highly recommend this book for teachers and libraries of all ages. Yes, it is a gorgeous picture book, however, it serves as a wonderful introduction to point of view and biographies for students of any age.