Aargh, me maties!

Wow! I just finished "Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson. What a great adventure story! Pirates, treasure, Skull Island, Long John Silver -- all the famous pirate stuff is here! What would you do if you were on board a ship and overhead some of the sailors planning to mutiny? And what if you were risking your life to tell the captain? This story is told from the perspective of a young boy. If you liked "Pirate's of the Carribbean," then this is the book for you -- it's where all the famous pirate stories came from.

Parents: Here is a wonderful read-aloud for a family with older children. Compared to current fiction for children, the depictions of violence (sword fights and the like) are not very graphic, but the language is more archaic and it just takes longer to get through the story -- wouldn't be easy for those younger than 8 to sit still for. It's worth it! After you've read the book, the 1950 Walt Disney movie (starring Robert Driscoll as Long John Silver) is a great version of the story. It's available at your public library.

@rlington READS!

Autumn is a great time to read together, and Arlington Public Library (APL) is making it easy and fun! This fall, APL has a new program, "@rlington READS!" Three books have been chosen and we are all encouraged to read, or read-aloud, these great works! One is appropriate for upper elementary students (grades 3-5 and older): "A Single Shard" by Linda Sue Park. There is also a book for teens and one for adults.

"A Single Shard" is about Tree-Ear, an orphan boy living in ancient Korea. He admires the gifted potters in his village (which is reknowned for its pottery) and dreams of becoming a potter. He has many barriers to overcome, one of the most difficult being that in his culture one must be born into this profession. The book follows Tree-Ear's life as he works to realize his dream. This book has drama, adventure and a wonderfully fulfilling (if not surprising) ending.

Ms. Park will be visiting Arlington on October 4, 2006 to talk about this book with Arlington families. Many libraries and bookstores in Arlington are also sponsoring book discussions about the book. Arlington pubic libraries have many extra copies of the book available for check out. If your child participated in "Read All About It" this summer, and completed the program, s/he should have received a copy of the book. If not, check with your local public library for a copy.

You can find more informatiion about "A Single Shard," Ms. Park and the program (including a list of book discussions) at http://www.arlingtonva.us/Portals/Topics/TopicsArlingtonReadsMain.aspx.

An artistic family

Are you interested in how kids in other countries live? Would you like to live in a family of artists where it's perfectly alright to spend a few months making a mural on the kitchen wall? Then you might like "Saffy's Angel," "Caddy Ever After," "Indigo's Star," and "Permanent Rose." Each book is written about the child in the title, although of course the whole family gets into the books, too. In "Indigo's Star," the Casson family has a few challenges: Indigo is being bullied by some of the other boys in his class and is afraid of heights (that's "acrophobia"); and Rose, who is painting the kitchen mural, is trying to find her place in her family -- and trying to understand why their father lives in London, not with them. Although the book is cheerful and the characters work out solutions to their very complicated challenges, everything is not wrapped up neatly at the end. Nevertheless, the Casson family is delightful, loving and funny. This would make a lovely read-aloud for a family with older children (3rd grade and above).

East of the Sun, West of the Moon

I haven't been so engrossed in a book in years. "East," by Edith Pattou, is a retelling of the traditional Norwegian folktale "East of the Sun, West of the Moon" in which a girl is taken by a polar bear who offers -- in exchange -- the health and prosperity of her family. Of course no story is ever this simple. Rose, named after the compass rose found on maps, is the youngest daughter of a farming family. After the farm fails and her sister becomes gravely ill, she is taken by the "ice bear" and finds herself in a beautiful castle with the silent and sorrowful bear. Slowly they come to understand and care for one another, as she senses the humanity in the bear. When he is taken away by the frightening Ice Queen, Rose embarks on a long and dangerous voyage to free the bear from his captor. This is a complicated story that contemplates the meaning of friendship, love and family. This would be a wonderful read-aloud for older children (10 and up). It is innocent and full of adventure and magic.

Pick a Peck of Picture Books ...

I've been reveling in great picture books lately, and want to share some with you ...
"How to be a Good Dog," (Gail Page, 2005) features Bobo, who has great enthusiasm, but not much finesse. Finally banished to the doghouse by Mrs. Birdhead (his owner), his fellow pet, Cat, enrolls him in a course of etiquette. After learning "sit," "roll over," and "stay," (and believe me, you've never seen these tricks performed this way), he makes his debut with Mrs. Birdhead. All's well that ends well in this very silly book.
"Soap! Soap! Don't Forget the Soap!" (retold by Tom Birdseye ; illustrated by Andrew Glass, 1993) is an Appalachian folktale about Plug Honeycut, a kid who can't remember anything he's told. Sent to the general store by his mother to get soap for his bath, he has a series of misfortunes that result in his cutting up a fallen tree, causing an old woman to fall in the creek, and insulting the mayor's wife. Glass' illustrations are frayed and chaotic and complement the story nicely. A great book if you are looking for humor in what can be an exasperating childhood condition.
"Scranimals" (Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Peter Sis, 2002). Another older book, and a gem. Jack Prelutsky, one of America's most popular poets for children, takes readers on a fantasy journey to Scranimal Island, where we encounter Broccolions, Pandaffodils and Potatoads. Each "scranimal" is featured in an elegant and lofty poem, and Sis' illustrations are strange enough to do justice to such odd creatures. I have a friend who's 4-year-old daughter loves this book, even though the language is very sophisticated. A great readaloud and excellent jumping-off point for a rainy day activity.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

by Kate DiCamillo ("Because of Winn-Dixie" among others), 2006. Here is DiCamillo's latest book for older children, another fantasy and a cold and dreary depiction of hope, generosity and the meaning of friendship. The central character, Edward Tulane, is a proud and snobbish, albeit beautiful china rabbit. He is owned by Abilene, a loving little girl -- affection he cannot return. During a tragic sea voyage Edward is lost to the bottom of the sea, then rescued by an old fisherman and his wife. Over time he is lost and found again and again, always traveling with someone who comes to love him. Slowly, he learns to love as well. But even a happy ending cannot overcome his personality. Unlike the Grinch, I don't think "his heart grew three sizes..." In it's favor, the book is absolutely beautiful to look at, with stunning illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline ("The Animal Hedge," "Secrets of the Sphinx," and "Crossing," among many others). The tone of the book design and illustrations beautifully accentuate Edward's elegance. For die-hard fans of DiCamillo, this will be welcome. For newcomers to this author, best to start with "Because of Winn-Dixie" or, for a delightful fantasy, "The Tale of Desperaux."

The Junkyard Dog

by Erika Tamal, 1995. Katie lives in the projects with her mother. She's a pretty happy 6th grade girl, at least until Damika joins their class. And until she finds that the cruel Mr. Farrow has put a guard dog in his junkyard. The dog is thin and afraid of everyone. If things weren't bad enough, her mom marries Jim Brady, a carpenter who seems to take up all the space in their already tiny apartment. And her best friend, Crystal, is flirting and doing makeovers instead of playing basketball on the weekends. Read this moving book to find out how Katie helps "her" dog, how she discovers the true meaning of friendship, and how to trust again. This is a gem of a book.

Princess Academy

Next on the Newbery list was "Princess Academy," by Shannon Hale, who also authored "The Goose Girl." Hale has once again created a character who is strong, passionate and inventive. Miri is a 14-year-old member of a village of quarriers, at the top of Mount Eskel. She longs to join the rest of her family in the quarry, but her father mysteriously refuses, relegating her to shepherding and household tasks. The announcement that the Prince's councillors have determined that the next princess of the kingdom will come from Mount Eskel changes her life. Herded with all other eligible girls into the Princess Academy, Miri struggles against the absolute authority of the school; against the cliques that form; and in favor of defending the honor of her tiny village. Neither bandits nor the temptation of a life of luxury for her and her family ultimately take her away from Mount Eskel, but what she brings back to the village makes it a place she can happily live and to which she can contribute. This will be a huge hit with young girls.

Whittington, a cat tail ...

Just finished "Whittington," by Alan Armstrong, S.D. Schindler (illustrator), 2005 Newbery Honor book. It is a powerful and tender story-within-a-story. Whittington, a stray who wanders into Bernie's farmyard, exchanges room and board for his fierce rat-chasing abilities. In exchange for the friendship of his new companions, he tells his family history (a spirited retelling of folktale "Dick Whittington and His Cat"). Bernie's grandchildren, Ben and his little sister, are members of the farmyard family. Ben struggles with reading. As we learn of Dick Whittington's struggles, we also journey with Ben as he conquers reading and (cat) Whittington as he finally finds a home. This book reminds me of Dick King-Smith with it's gentle, forthright approach and happy resolution. What a treat!

And the winners are ...

The 2005 Caldecott and Newbery awards were presented on January 23. Even the old pros among us were surprised by some of the winners.

Winning the Caldecott Award, Chris Raschka illustrations in “The Hello, Goodbye Window” are warm, vibrant and cheerful. The book, written by Norton Juster (also the author of “The Phantom Tollbooth”), celebrates a child’s very special relationship with her grandmother and grandfather and is a wonderful read-aloud for grades PreK-3.

Caldecott honors include “Rosa,” illustrated by Bryan Collier, written by Nikki Giovanni, a moving tribute to Rosa Parks; “Zen Shorts,” written and illustrated by Jon J. Muth, a fanciful exploration of Japanese folktales and philosophy; “Hot Air: The (Mostly) True Story of the First Hot-Air Balloon Ride,” written and illustrated by Marjorie Priceman, fun and lighthearted; “Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems,” illustrated by Beckie Prange, written by Joyce Sidman, beautiful, serene poetry.

The 2005 Newbery award winner is “Criss Cross,” by Lynne Rae Perkins. Newbery honors were awarded to “Whittington” by Alan Armstrong, illustrated by S.D. Schindler; “Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler’s Shadow” by Susan Campbell; “Princess Academy” by Shannon Hale, published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books; and “Show Way” by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Hudson Talbott. Because of the themes of several of the books, only “Princess Academy” and “Show Way” will be placed in the Jamestown library collection.

For more information about the winning books, go to www.ala.org/releases/caldecott.html.

Snowflakes everywhere!

Such a beautiful scene greets students, staff, parents and visitors to the library!
Before the holiday break, students crafted snowflakes (no two are alike!) and wrote on them their name and a favorite book, series or author. We have everything from "Star Wars" to Sharon Creech's "Bloomability."
"Snowflake Bentley," a biography by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, tells readers about Wilson Bentley, the first photographer of snowflakes. The book (call number B Ben) not only tells the interesting story of this pioneer, but also features stunning Caldecott Medal woodblock prints of snowflakes by illustrator Mary Azarian.
If you love snowflakes, try making your own "virtual" one at http://snowflakes.lookandfeel.com/.

The School Story

At the beach, Andrew Clements' The School Story (illustrated by Brian Selznick) was next in the pile. Set in the Upper Eastside of Manhattan, the story features the determination of Natalie Nelson, 12-year-old novelist, and her best friend Zoe Riesman, Natalie's literary agent. With the somewhat reluctant help of their advisory, Ms. Clayton, the girls create a nom de plume for Natalie, set up an office for Zoe and sell the story to Natalie's mom's publishing house. While the author asks the reader to take some large leaps of faith, kids will undoubtedly cheer along with Natalie and Zoe as they achieve their very grown-up goal.

Everything on a Waffle

A week at the beach gave me lots of time in the sunshine to read, read, read.
On the way there, we listened to Polly Horwath's "Everything on a Waffle," read by Kathleen Mcinerney. Cute story, but both my daughters objected to the constant repetition of the theme (believing in something because it feels right, but may not be rational). Set in the western Canadian coastal town of Coal Harbor, Primrose Squarp's parents were lost in a terrible storm and she's the only one who believes that they are still alive. As she is passed from babysitter to bachelor uncle, she finds comfort at The Girl on the Red Swing restaurant with owner Kate Bowzer, where everything (including lasagne) is served on a waffle. The book is a Newbery award-winner and a good example of a book that is loved by parents and librarians but not necessarily by it's intended audience.

Lucas

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 14 AND ABOVE. Kevin Brooks has done it again. He weaves a story and characters that I can't stop thinking about for days after I've read the book. Lucas is the story of a mysterious boy who appears on Caitlin's small island home. Caitlin is struggling at home with her alcoholic father still mourning the death of his wife, Caitlin's mother; and her beloved brother, just returned from college and not a bit like he was when he left. Caitlin's best friend and brother are hanging out with the roughest, meanest kids on the island. Jamie, the ringleader, catches Caitlin alone and Lucas stops him from raping her. The story gets darker from here and though it has a redemptive ending, I am still haunted by Brooks' ability to leave me feeling as though I have lost a friend. Highly recommended, for 13 and older.

Sisterhood!!

I read the books, (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Second Summer of the Sisterhood, Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood) then watched the movie -- twice. Once each with my daughters (13 and 10). We all loved the movie and the soundtrack. Brasheres said in a craft talk I went to recently that she didn't have anything to do with writing the screenplay. Kudos to the producers and screenwriters for being true to the spirit of the book and the characters. Kudos to the actors for their fine work.

As for the books, Brasheres sustains her formula (pants sent from girl to girl, story follows) very well in all three books. Her characters continue to be complex, interesting people. Great chick-lit for summer reading -- for 10 and up, and I mean grown-ups too!

Runny Babbit!

Shel Silverstein (may he rest in peace) had one more good book in him, which has recently been published posthumously. Runny Babbit was twenty years in the making, and the effort shows. Packed with his trademark black and white pen and ink drawings, the fun of the work is his tranposing the first letters of nouns in the brief poems, so "sloppy pig" becomes "poppy slig" and "messy room" becomes "ressy moom." It is especially great to read aloud.

Beowulf

I'm reading Beowulf with my 10-year-old daughter, the Seamus Heaney edition. What a great adventure story. This edition has the Old English on one side of the double-page spread and Heaney's translation/interpretation on the opposite page. We've been reading aloud the Old English and trying to recognize words from the Heaney text. Try it -- it's more fun than it sounds. Beowulf would be a good read if you are new to "classic" literature or have to read something "good for you" and aren't very excited. Plus it's short!

First posting!

I'm new to blogging. I want to try this new way of communicating, and use this as a journal about the books I'm reading, what I'm thinking about kids and reading. All (school) year I've watched students in our library posting to xanga.com and other blog sites, and watched them reading each other's postings. I'm interested in the benefits and disadvantages of communicating without talking -- besides the obvious ability to circumvent the "no talking in the library" rule :-)
As for books, I've just finished reading Kevin Brooks' Kissing the Rain. He's known for hard-edged, dreary settings and characters and I was curious about this style which is so popular with teens. The book is very powerful. It's about Moo, who is fat and constantly gets taunted, teased by fellow high schoolers -- he calls it "rain." Moo witnesses a murder and then gets caught between a detective who wants to do the wrong thing for the right reason and a very bad crook who wants to do the right thing for the wrong reason. Moo holds the lives of several people in his hands. Don't read this book if you want a happy ending, but do read it for a story that challenges the reader to think about "right" and "wrong" in a whole new way. I couldn't put it down, and went right out to buy more of Brooks' books: Lucas and Martyn Pig.