A Throwback Thursday Classics Salute.... A Birthday for Frances

A Birthday for Frances
     This bright and endearing tale about Frances, the lovable little badger, was a favorite read during my childhood, as well as for my own son when he was little.  Sweet little Frances is struggling with the fact that her little sister Gloria is having a birthday.  Frances does not say it out loud, by rather through her actions and her little rhymes, we quickly discover that she is unhappy about it.  In Frances' eyes, her sister seems to have all the birthdays and she doesn't have nearly as many (or so she thinks!).  Hoban manages to simply yet brilliantly convey a gentle message about sibling rivalry, maintaining a level-headed balance while at the same time, not being too heavy-handed.

A Birthday for Frances
Written by Russell Hoban and Pictures by Lillian Hoban
Publisher: HarperCollins (1968)
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
ISBN: 9780060837952
For ages 4 to 8
Retails for $16.99 (Hardcover)
Accelerated Reader Book Level: 3.6
Accelerated Reader Points: 0.5

Sweet Tales to Fill Your Little Ones Easter Basket

Easter holds special meaning for so many across the world. A time that is filled with religious significance, as Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter also has always marked the advent of Spring, as perennial flowers planted in our garden years ago, once again, start to poke through the ground.  They are cheered on by the sounds of birds chirping loudly as they build their nests in our oak tree.
     So, as your busy filling your little ones Easter baskets with sweet treats, like delicious chocolate eggs and bunnies,  take a moment to think about including one of these delightful Easter books in their basket, that are guaranteed to become a traditional family favorite.
      Happy Easter from A Modest Momma to you and yours!

Little White Rabbit 

     One of the first things that struck me as I read through Little White Rabbit, the latest picture book by Caldecott Medal winning author/illustrator Kevin Henkes (who wrote the touching 1991 children's story, Chrysanthemum, about a little girl who loves her long name, only to face being made fun of by some of the kids in her school), was how reminiscent it was to Margaret Wise Brown's 1942 classic tale, Runaway Bunny.  However, Henkes truly sets himself apart here as one of the most multi talented masters of the picture book genre, with his latest work, a simply lovely celebration of the power of imagination and the comfort and security that a mother's love for her children brings. Join Little White Rabbit on a journey as he wonders what it would be like to become different than what he is--- what it would feel like to be green (on one page, the sweet rabbit is hopping along the meadow, and with a quick turn of the page, he's blended in with all of the other green critters found in and round a peaceful pond) to imagining what it would feel like to be able to glide high like a butterfly.  But, in the end, the unconditional love of his mother is the one thing that the Little White Rabbit doesn't ever need to wonder about.

Little White Rabbit
Written & Illustrated by Kevin Henkes
Publisher:  Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2014)
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
Retails for $7.99 (Hardcover)
For ages
ISBN: 978-0-06-231409-3

Happy Easter, Curious George 

     Beloved authors H.A. and Margaret Rey's lovably mischievous, but well-meaning little monkey is back in this delightful short story, that touches on all of the well-known Easter traditions   As our tale begins, George and his best friend, the man with the yellow hat, are on their way to the park.  While there, George spots a petting zoo (where he gets to pet some cute baby bunnies) and he watches the children working hard at dyeing Easter eggs for their upcoming hunt.  George decides to join and help the kids.  But although George tries to be a good little monkey, we all know that little monkey's can be awfully curious, and in typical Curious George fashion, chaos quickly ensues!

Happy Easter, Curious George
Written & Illustrated by H.A. and Margaret Rey
Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (2010)
Website:  www.hmhco.com
Retails for $7.99 (Hardcover)
For ages:  Preschool to 8
Accelerated Reader Book Level: 2.7
Accelerated Reader Points:  0.5    

The Sparkle Egg
     Author Jill Jardie weaves a touching story (which is enhanced by some of the most realistically beautiful illustrations that I have ever seen, by artist Christine Kornacki) of guilt, the power of honesty and forgiveness in a simple way that all little ones will be able to understand.  As our tale begins, a little boy named Sam is ashamed over a poor grade that he received on a Spelling test, and doesn't know how to tell his parents.  When he arrives home, he sees that his mom has set the table with eggs and colorful containers of dye---it's Easter time, and dyeing eggs is one of his favorite things to do.  But, just as he's determined to create a masterpiece, his mom asks him about his test, and Sam, ashamed of his grade, makes up a lie, telling her that he received a gold star on it.  But, at a school open house the following evening, Sam's parents don't see his gold star test displayed with the other ones on the board.  Sam's teacher explains that he did not receive a good grade, and his parents realize that he has told them a lie.  Even though Sam apologizes, and his parents forgive him, he still has feelings of residual guilt.  Knowing that her son still feels troubled, his mom sets out a special Easter project that she calls, "The Sparkle Egg".  Adoring it with sparkly jewels and decorations, Sam's mom says that he has to add something inside the egg.  A piece of paper that he can write down anything he feels sorry or ashamed about, and must open the egg only on Easter morning for a surprise.  When Easter morning arrives, Sam excitedly opens up the egg and finds nothing.  His mother explains how the power of forgiveness plays a strong role during Easter, and whatever Sam feels guilt about is forgiven.  Jill Jardie's lovely book shares the story of Easter in a simple, thoughtful way that you and your little ones will truly enjoy sharing together. (An added bonus---the author includes a note on how you too, can create your own special Sparkle Egg just like Sam).

The Sparkle Egg
Written by Jill Jardie
Illustrated by Christine Kornacki
Publisher:  Ideals Children's Books, an imprint of Ideals Publications (2014)
Website:  www.IdealsBooks.com
ISBN: 978-0-8249-5664-6
Retails for $16.99 (Hardcover)
For ages: 5 and up.


     

Pinkalicious Eggstraordinary Easter
     The whimsical little girl who loves everything pink is back in this adorable story.  As our tale begins, Pinkalicious is awaiting a letter from her friend, Edgar Easter Bunny.  Her little brother Peter, is a bit confused, as Pinkalicious tells him that Edgar is due back to visit from his native Egguador.  Pinkalicious and Peter go off in search of his letter, which they find in a small white basket hidden in their garden.  Edgar tells Pinkalicious that in order to find a special surprise that he left her, she must follow the clues in a family scavenger hunt.  As the family sets off in search of the clues, one that asks an easy question turns out to be the hardest to figure out.  Can Pinkalicious use her special "Pink" powers to overcome and solve the hunt?  This new Pinkalicious storybook will make a fitting addition to any little girls bookshelf, most especially for those little ones who adore the young, spunky heroine!  The book also contains a special sticker insert filled with over 20 stickers for your little girl to create her very own Easter Pinkalicious adventure!

Pinkalicious Eggstraordinary Easter
Written & Illustrated by Victoria Kann
Publisher:  Harper Festival, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2014)
Website: www.harpercollinschildrens.com
Retails for $4.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-218772-7
For ages 4 to 8

Help Put a Just Right Book in the Hands of Children With a Single Vote!

  Please take a look at the link below (and SHARE with everyone you know!) Working in the media center at my school, I see first hand the power that reading can give to a child. When a child finds that, as we call them, "just right" book, and when you can see the joy that children get once they finish and can't wait to find another similar one, is truly remarkable. The Barbara Bush Foundation is working together with Scholastic to ask a simple question, "What is Your Favorite Book?" By simply voting for your favorite book from those selected (or, as the questionnaire asks, fill in your personal favorite), and for EVERY vote, Scholastic will donate a book to help the Foundation in their long-standing mission to promote literacy! Please vote and PLEASE SHARE!! Thank you, everyone! :) http://www.helpthemread.org/

Shining a Spotlight on National Poetry Month

     A celebration founded by a diverse group of poets affiliated with the Academy of American Poets, the first National Poetry Month was held in April of 1996.  Schools, libraries, bookstores and literary clubs across the nation unite during this month-long celebration of the magic of poetry and the special place that it holds in our literary culture.
     I hope that you will find an insightful spotlight not only on some of the most beloved children's poets,  but an overview of some special collections that celebrate the wonders, the whimsy and the pure joy that poetry can  bring to your little ones.

A Family of Poems

     This absolutely exquisite collective anthology of over 100 thoughtfully chosen poems by former First Daughter, and now Ambassador of Japan, Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, range from classics penned by Poet Laureate Robert Frost (who recited his poem, A Gift Outright, at Ms. Kennedy-Schlossberg's father's presidential inauguration on January 20, 1961), ee cummings and Emily Dickinson, to such contemporary works from Jack Prelutsky and Nikki Giovanni.  There is truly something for everyone to enjoy.  Categorized into seven distinct sections, with selections featured under such titles as, "About Me", "That's So Silly" "Animals" and "The Seashore", which features a hidden jewel of a poem penned by her mother (whose reflective words about the power of books leads and inspires my blog everyday) the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in her youth, this beautiful collection is accentuated by the stunning watercolor illustrations of artist John J. Muth, (whose own 2008 picture book, Zen Ties, is a must-read.  Look for a spotlight on this book shortly!) will hold a very special place at your home library or classroom reading corner.

A Family of Poems
Written by Caroline Kennedy & Illustrated by John J. Muth
Publisher:  Disney-Hyperion (2005)
For ages:  Preschool and up
ISBN: 078685112


Don't Bump The Glump! and Other Fantasies

     Don't Bump The Glump! and Other Fantasies marked beloved children's author/illustrator Shel Silverstein's first foray into the world of poetry publication.  Originally published in 1964, the same year that Silverstein debut his classic picture book, The Giving Tree, unlike most of Silverstein's future work, this was the first collection that he illustrated in full color instead of his trademark black and white artwork.  Additionally, and interestingly, much of the work featured in this book was featured in Playboy Magazine, where Silverstein worked as one of its leading cartoonists.
     While the creatures that are prominently featured throughout this collection are not quite so welcoming (especially the, "Glub Toothed Sline", who whenever he arrives at a house to dine, your certain to, "find me in Hamburg.  Or up in St. Paul.  In Kyoto, Kenosha or Nome.  But, one thing is sure, if you find me at all, you Never shall find me at home.") their names and stories are just so completely absurd and downright silly, your little ones (and you!) will truly be fascinated by the imaginative and appealing prose.

Don't Bump the Glump! and Other Fantasies
Written & Illustrated by Shel Silverstein
Publisher:  Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (1964--Special 50th Anniversary Re-Issue in 2014)
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
Retails for $17.99
For ages: Kindergarten and up

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish 

   

A silly, entertaining flight of fancy, Dr. Seuss is at it again, with this celebration all of the imaginary things that are, "from here to there, funny things are everywhere."  Filled with Seuss' trademark simple yet playful rhymes and featuring a colorful cast of characters, including the boxing Gox and my favorite, the winking Yink who, "likes to drink ink."  Although this tale was published over 50 years ago, this great combination of humor, delightful word play, belies it's age, and will continue to leave little ones giggling for years to come.   They (and, well, let's admit it, who truly outgrows Dr. Seuss?) and you, will want to read it again and again!

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
Written by Dr. Seuss
Publisher:  Random House Children's Books (1964)
Website:  www.seussville.com
For ages:  Preschool and up
ISBN: 978-0-394-80013-4
Accelerated Reader Book Level: 1.7
Accelerated Reader Points: 0.5

Life Lessons from Two Lovable Lions

     Often, during the course of our childhood, there is one (or hopefully, more than one) story that always stands out among all of the others.  A book that will always put an instant smile on your face simply by just hearing it's title.  For me, Dandelion, written and illustrated by the late Don Freeman, (the winner of the Caldecott Medal, Freeman also wrote the 1968 classic, Corduroy) occupies that special place in my heart.  It is, at least in my humble opinion, an overlooked classic that touches on the strength and uniqueness that one will always discover when you realize that you should always remain true to yourself.

     As our tale begins, Dandelion wakes one morning, and goes outside to his mailbox to collect his mail, when he spots an envelope with his name addressed on the front with very fancy lettering.  Inside the envelope, he discovers an invitation that states:
     "Dear Dandelion,
          You are invited to my tea-and-taffy party on Saturday afternoon at half-past three.  Come as you are.
       Sincerely,
        Jennifer Giraffe " (needless to say, at the tender age of six, I was thrilled to see my name in a book, even if my name belonged to a giraffe!)

     An excited Dandelion quickly realizes that today is Saturday, and the party is only hours away!  So, in order to look presentable for the party, he quickly rushes into town and decides that his mane needs a trim, only to end up receiving the latest "in" style of lions....complete with a perm!  And, he turns in his simple white sweater for a fancy top hat and coat complete with a cane purchased from none other than "Happy Crane" himself!  A gussied-up Dandelion arrives at Jennifer Giraffe's doorstep, but is only left out in the cold when Miss. Giraffe doesn't recognize her old friend, and fails to let him in.  Shut off from the party, a sad, lonely Dandelion gets caught up in a loud afternoon thunderstorm.  His fancy perm gets wilted; his coat gets soaked, and his snappy hat gets carried off in the wind.  But, Dandelion decides to pull himself together, and when he arrives at Miss. Giraffe's doorstep once again, only this time looking just like Dandelion (except a little more soaked), he is warmly welcomed by all.

Dandelion
Written and Illustrated by Don Freeman
Publisher: Penguin Books
ISBN: 9780140502183
For ages 4 thru 7
Retails for $6.99 (Softcover)
Accelerated Reader Book Level: 3.7
Accelerated Reader Points: 0.5


Lafcadio, The Lion Who Shot Back

     I have always found Shel Silverstein's books, poems and illustrations to not only be a constant source of unending humor, but uniquely insightful.  No matter how old you are, there is something to learn from each of his stories.  Valuable lessons that, quite simply, I continue to learn from this very day, having spent years reading them on my own; then to my son when he was little, and now to my students in my reading intervention class.
     Originally published back in 1963, Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back, takes a look at big, nasty game hunters, and a lion who manages to stand up for himself.  As our tale begins, Lafcadio lives happily in the jungle along with his lion friends, enjoying all those typical things that lions like to do, "..jumping and playing in the grass and swimming in the river and eating rabbits..."  and having a great time!  One day, while taking an afternoon snooze with his fellow felines, all this bliss comes to a quick end with the sound of gunshots.  The noise jolts all of the lions from their slumber and they take off running---all except Lafcadio who likes the sound of the name of those whose arrival the gunshots announced.  Hunters.  Lafcadio comes across one of the hunters, and immediately surrenders, informing the hunter in the red woolen cap that he will be happy to, " ...be your rug and I will lie in front of your fireplace and I won't move a muscle and you can sit on me and toast all of the marshmallows you want.  I love marshmallows."  (Although, we soon learn that Lafcadio is once again in love with the name, but has yet to taste one!).  But, being a hunter, he ignores Lafcadio's pleas, and attempts to shoot him, but Lafcadio, his hunger overtaking him, swallows the hunter up, woolen cap and all.  But, the hunter's gun remains behind, and Lafcadio takes it home and learns to become a sharpshooter, and soon, becomes an overnight sensation.  Fame brings many fancy new things to Lafcadio's life, like suits and shirts with collars to wear in order to look presentable while shooting, and all the marshmallows a lion can devour. But soon, Lafcadio starts to realize that he doesn't fit in with this new world, and yet, at the same time, doesn't feel like he can go back to the life that he once had in the jungle.  In the end, Silverstein makes us contemplate the importance for one (quite similar to the moral of our previous tale, Dandelion) to learn to be comfortable in the skin they're in; to be true to oneself, instead of giving in to the pressure of feeling like you need to change in order to be what you think others expect and/or want you to be.
     Lafcadio, The Lion Who Shot Back, is a chapter book, which is quite different when compared with Silverstein's typical short stories and poetry books.  However, this tale is a good start for children who are just beginning to venture into reading short chapter books, like my students.  With Silverstein's simple, yet trademark black and white illustrations on every page, and the silly plot line, it's just the perfect read-aloud for a class, which I look forward to doing later on this week with my second graders.

Lafcadio, The Lion Who Shot Back
Written & Illustrated by Shel Silverstein
Publisher:  HarperCollins Publishers
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
For ages 4 to 8
Retails for $16.99 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 9780060256753
Accelerated Reader Book Level: 4.9
Accelerated Reader Points:  1.0