Sadness: Sid Fleischman

Author Sid Fleischman died March 17 in his home in Santa Monica, Calif., at the age of 90.

I write what I am.
When I sit down to a blank sheet of paper,
I may become a yellow-haired boy,
a snarling pirate,
a prankish wizard's ghost,
or even a dog with arrogant worlf's eyes.
But beneath all the makeup, the wigs and putty noses
- that's me
off on a fresh adventure and having a much fun as I can.

From Sid Fleishchman.com

You're Lovable to Me

This time of year I am always drawn to bunny books the way I am to the lovely little fuzzy-wuzzy, sweet little toy bunnies that appear all over the world of commerce for Easter baskets.



You're Lovable to Me by Kat Yeh, illustrated by Sue Anderson, Random House, 2010.

This book is more about Mama Bunny than her children. The story reassures children of their mother's unconditional love despite the fact that "it had been a big day, it had been a hard night." Mama vows "no matter what your feelings are, what ever they may be...I'm you mama. You're my bunnies and you're lovable to me."

Apparently none of these bunnies are teenagers yet.

Mama is a single parent. After the bunnies are in bed, she washes the dishes, works at her desk and falls asleep on the sofa. When Grandpa Bunny arrives for evening tea he tucks a blanket around his sleeping daughter and repeats the stanzas and states, "I'm your papa. You're still my bunny. And you're lovable to me."

Sue Anderson's soft color palette gives the story a quiet tone which fits a bedtime story.



This is a nice little tribute to parenting. It may be that the book will strike a chord of empathy in the kiddos' hearts for their parents, but, like the book, Five Minutes' Peace by Jill Murphy, this story might be more appreciated by parents than kids.

An Animal Fair

The Jungle Grapevine by Alex Beard, Abrams Books, 2009
Alex Beard draws from his travels in Africa to recount a story that is inspired by the game of "telephone."
When the animals overhear a comment or' conversation, they do not quite get it right when they repeat it. A crisis builds with each mis-telling until the whole animal kingdom is in an uproar. "I heard it through the grapevine" is the theme of this story.

Beard has a naive painting style that flows and is not contained by the frame of the double page spreads. The animals eavesdrop and spread the gossip from the margins of the page.

The dangers of gossip and not listening are gently depicted.




A Paddling of Ducks: animals in groups from A to Z by Marjorie Blain Parker, illustrated by Joseph Kelly, Kids Can Press, 2010.

This ABC book is a riotous celebration of animal collective nouns. Certainly, the best known book of collective nouns is James Lipton's comprehensive An Exaltation of Larks: The Ultimate Edition. Marjorie Blain Parker has limited herself and selected one noun for each of the twenty-six letters in the alphabet.

In super-lit and vivid color, Joseph Kelly' pseudo realistic style echoes the groups' names with unexpected humor. A band of monkeys plays on wind instruments in band uniforms but the "bloat of hippos" labors away on exercise bikes.

Parker has selected animals that are familiar and others that are exotic. Fish in the "run of salmon" all sport a number as they would in a marathon race. The "labor of moles" wear hard hats and operate earth-moving equipment while being overseen by a "watch of nightingales." The pages offer more details which are fun to discover. An otter shares the "O" page with the"bed of oysters" and an anteater appears on the "A" page with the "army of ants." It is hard to choose just one but, I think my favorite page is the "skulk of foxes" -- no, the "crash of rhinos."

This is a very entertaining and visually stunning book. It clearly conveys the concept and meaning of collective nouns. This is a must-have for a school or public library.

Sadness: Fess Parker

Farewell Fess Parker.

Author Visits via Skype

Author, Darcy Pattison has posted a list of 24 Tips & Settings for Skype Author Visits at her blog, Fiction Notes. Most districts have this capability now.

Her tips are WELL WORTH your time. She is so smart to consider lighting, appearance, props and the setting in general. Especially important... is her tip to LOOK AT THE CAMERA not the computer screen.

These tips are excellent for anyone making use of this technology in any capacity. Go read it now.

Richard Armitage Reads Bedtime Stories

Oh my.

Richard Armitage reading bedtime stories on Cbeebies.

John Thornton, Guy of Gisborne, Lucas North
My heavens.

Lovely.

Author: Frank Beddor

Frank Beddor on Good Morning Texas

David Tennant reads on Cbeebies

The Doctor, my only Doctor

Nonfiction Monday: Girl in the Know

Dewey: 613









Girl in the Know: Your Inside-and-Out guide to Growing Up, written by Ann Katz, R.N., PhD., illustrated by Monka Melnychuk, KidsCan Press, 2010


Growing up is personal. I cannot imagine a better source to have at hand than this informative, interesting and completely helpful little book.

Katz gets to the "The Body" facts right away. She reviews a girl's anatomy and describes the changes that will occur along with puberty. Melnychuk's drawings illustrate clearly without threatening a parent's tender sensibilities.

There is so much more to growing up though and Katz addresses the changes in family relationships, friends, nutrition, hygiene, exercise, sleep patterns and academic challenges that can occur. She succinctly reviews the issue of physical and sexual abuse and harassment as well as sexual attraction. Readers are urged to discuss their feelings on these issues with a parent or trusted adult.

The text is very engaging and the overall design of the book is excellent. Melnychuk draws young women from diverse ethnic backgrounds, underscoring that puberty affects all girls. The book is nicely sized at just under 21 cm., just right to fit on a nightstand, in a purse or a backpack.

This is a terrific resource. I hope it also makes its way into pediatricians' offices so doctors can recommend it to the families they serve.

Movie: Guardians of Ga'hoole

BookMoot first heard murmurings of the movie-fication of Kathryn Lasky's Guardians of Ga'hoole series in 2005.
This series has SUCH a strong following. I hope the fans are pleased
This looks stunning!
Thanks to 100 Scope Notes for finding it!