Food, Glorious Food

Thanksgiving is less than a week away! While I don't have any favorite Thanksgiving stories to share with you, I will tell you about my favorite food-related children's books. Close enough for government work, right? Here we go.



Chicks and Salsa

Are you in need of a hilarious read aloud for kindergarten or early elementary students? Chicks and Salsa is just what you need. These chicks are just plain tired of their boring old feed, so they decide to kick it up a notch, southwestern style. The chicks return in the equally funny Buffalo Wings. The chickens are ready for the Super Bowl and come across a recipe for buffalo wings. Rooster doesn't read the entire recipe through and searches for the elusive winged buffalo. His face when he discovers the main ingredient in buffalo wings is hysterical.





Mean Soup

Horace has had a bad day. A capital "B", capital "D" Bad Day. Mom decides that making Mean Soup will turn that frown upside down. Now, there are a lot of "message" picture books out there about dealing with your emotions. Not all of them make for such a great read aloud as Mean Soup. I've used this book in story time for several years, and I've had several parents tell me that they've made Mean Soup on a Very Bad Day.



The Princess and the Pizza

Mary Jane and Herm Auch have several fairy tale retellings, but my favorite is The Princess and the Pizza. Ideal for an elementary read aloud (I've read it aloud to third graders), The Princess and the Pizza is a retelling of The Princess and the Pea. Instead of passing the pea under the sea of blankets and linen test, this princess has to pass several equally odd tests, including a cooking test. If you really love to ham it up while reading a story, this would be a terrific choice. Oh, and even though it is a "princess story," I've had young boys enjoy this just as much as young girls do (she's a cool princess, and there's lots of snarky humor).

That's all I have for today! I won't be blogging until after Thanksgiving, so have a great Thanksgiving!

Familiar Favorites

This is the time of year that I like to revisit some familiar favorites. Occasionally, with the reading I have to do for Capitol Choices, Jefferson Cup, and the books I review for School Library Journal, reading sometimes feels more like work than pleasure (however, the benefits of doing this committee/review work far outweigh the occasional grumpiness I feel!). That's when I know it's time to reread one of these old favorites:



Anne of Green Gables

I think I first read Anne of Green Gables when I was in middle school. I love the first three books in the series; after that, Anne gets less interesting to me (actually, Lucy Maud Montgomery did not want to continue the series; she was pressured to do so by fans and her publisher, and I think her lack of interest shows). The first book is such a beautiful treasure; I adore it.



Babe the Gallant Pig

"That'll do, pig. That'll do." Gets me every time. The movie is delightful, but the book is such a lovely gem. Hysterical and tender. I love Dick King-Smith's other books (and recommend them whenever I can), but this is my favorite.



Because of Winn Dixie

Love, love, love this book. Kate DiCamillo is an outstanding writer, but she has yet to top this book in my heart. A sweet, positive, and big-hearted story.



Charlotte's Web

Is this the ultimate pig story or the ultimate spider story? Or the ultimate "one that got away" (vis-a-vis the Newbery Medal)? E.B. White's other books just don't move me in the same way as does Charlotte's Web (The Trumpet of the Swan is a distant second). Looking at it with a critical eye, I have some issues with the story, but looking at it as a childhood favorite....it's perfection!



Heidi

I won a Junior Illustrated Library edition of this sucker when I was in second grade; I read the most books in my grade in the library's summer reading program. Why someone thought it would be a grand idea to give 1st-3rd graders Junior Illustrated Library books, I don't know. Consequently, I didn't read this until I was in fifth or sixth grade or something like that. It is a saccharine story and the Swiss names and towns do trip you up at times, but let me tell you something....eating bread and a hunk of cheese never sounded so good. And yes, it is another old-fashioned story of a child melting the heart of an eccentric old person who is hiding a hurt within his/her heart (see: The Secret Garden, Anne of Green Gables, Pollyanna, etc), but I love those stories anyway. I still have my copy that I won in second grade; I have to be careful with it, because the binding is fraying. I can't get rid of it! I once read some Heidi monstrosity sequel in which she and Peter marry, and I once saw a lovely Disney Channel adaptation (way, way back in Disney Channel history); I never want to see the sequel again, but I think the Disney movie is in my Netflix queue.



A Little Princess

I prefer A Little Princess to The Secret Garden (I like The Secret Garden just fine, though). The ultimate poor little rich girl story, perhaps. And for those who say the last movie adaption was bad because it was different from the book...nyah nyah nyah, I can't hear you! At least it's better than that Shirley Temple one! I love that movie.




Little Town on the Prairie

Anyone who thinks that the Little House series is girlish must not have read them recently. It rained grasshoppers, people! And wolves and the family almost starved one winter (well, they almost starved several times in their lifetime) and...you get the point. However, Little Town on the Prairie is probably the one with the least drama; since it's when name cards are all the craze and Laura meets Almanzo, it is the most domestic and "girly" of the books (and Nellie Olsen comes back, but with faded glory). I love rereading all the Little House books (except when Ma goes on about the local Native Americans and Pa performs in blackface), but this one is probably the sweetest.

Little Women



"Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents!" I don't really care for Alcott's other works, but I do love Little Women, and can't wait for TMC to show the various Little Women movies (they usually show them a lot during the holidays). Of course, that means I have to watch Margaret O'Brien, clearly aging out of her child star act by this point, but at least she plays Beth and doesn't do much, except die.




Ramona Quimby, Age 8

My second favorite Ramona book. Third grader Ramona cracks an egg against her head, noisily squeaks her shoes on the first day of school, and barfs in front of the entire class. That's my girl.




Ramona and Her Father

My favorite Ramona book. This has more gravitas than her other books (save for Ramona Forever, perhaps, but I think this has more), for Ramona's father has lost his job. I recently reread this book, and believe me, it is not dated. There are lots of Ramonas this year, whose families have to cut back on the small luxuries that they once enjoyed (there are also lots of Mr. Quimbys who accept jobs for which they are overqualified, but are glad to get, as we see in Ramona and Her Mother). It ends with a beautiful Nativity pageant scene, alternating both humor and everyday wisdom.



A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Yes, definitely not a children's book (I read it in middle school, but it wasn't until I picked it up again in college that I realized what Sissy was making in her factory), but one that I've reread several times. It's an old-fashioned epic coming of age story, but an incredible read. Francie Nolan is a character that you'll long remember.

I really need to reread one of these books! Hmmm....I wonder which one I will choose (I'm leaning toward Heidi, since I wouldn't have to check it out...I have too much checked out already).

Sunny Days...Sweeping the Clouds Away

Sesame Street hits the big 4-0 today. I posted about it earlier, but I wanted to share some fabulous clips with you. Some of the best moments in Sesame Street's history have come from unscripted moments between children and the Muppets. Here are a few of my favorites.

Joey appeared several times on the Street. She adored Kermit, but as this clip shows, he's not her only favorite:



This time, Joey and Kermit count to 20. Hilarity, as usual, ensues.



Frogs are ticklish on their tummy:



What kind of people can you love? Any kind, says Christopher.



And finally, we have John John. John John is a Sesame Street legend. See why:

John John wants to count backwards, but needs a little help:



You love me? Count this penny!



John John wants to count, but runs into a little trouble:



Oh, Bert! Why did you lose your paper clips?



So cute. These kids are now 40+.

Looking for books about the show? Check out this post.

Veterans Day

Veterans Day is tomorrow, so in honor of the day, I wanted to share with you some remarkable books about wartime history.



Remember D-Day is a harrowing account of the Allied invasion of France. For a lengthier review, check out this post.



Angela Johnson's Wind Flyers is a great introduction to the Tuskegee Airmen.



Yankee Doodle Gals is an inspiring look at women air pilots of World War II. For a lengthier review, check out this post.



For older children, Pat McKissack's Red-Tail Angels is packed with amazing details about the airmen.



Finally, Their Names to Live is a fine introduction to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

History Channel's website has a great website on Veterans Day.

Here is a multimedia history of World War I.

Learn about the World War II memorial in DC.

PBS's American Experience: Vietnam War is a good site about the Vietnam War.

The Korean War Memorial is also in DC.

Today's Post Is Brought To You By the Number 40

If you used Google at any point during this week, you noticed that each day featured a different Muppets graphic. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street (Nov. 10 is the actual anniversary), so there's been tons of books, articles, and television retrospectives on this very influential series.



I have to confess that although I know I watched Sesame Street, there's not a whole lot about the show that I remember; I don't remember significant episodes, such as Mr. Hooper's death (which is really beautifully done). My sister was the PBS kid; she watched Sesame Street, The Electric Company, and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. I, on the other hand, was a total Nickelodeon fan. I was a Muppet Show freak, though, and vividly remember the television show and movies (although The Muppet Show was in primetime and not intended for children, and I'm sure I saw most of the episodes in syndication). The histories of PBS, children's media, the Children's Television Network, and obviously, Jim Henson, fascinate me. When Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street was published, I read it as soon as I could get my hands on it. At 379 pages, it's obviously for those who have a serious interest in the show's inception, history, and influence (there's a new book out that's geared toward a more general audience, with lots of beautiful pictures).



Roscoe Orman has played "Gordon" on Sesame Street for over 32 years. His recent memoir, Sesame Street Dad, is not only a great book for Sesame Street fans, it's also an intriguing look at the black theatre scene in the 1970s.




It's hard to believe that it's been nearly 20 years since Jim Henson's untimely death; as a Muppets fanatic, I remember it quite clearly. His influence on modern puppetry is immeasurable. There are several fine books on Henson (who started his television career at a DC station) and the Muppets; one of those is Jim Henson: The Art, The Magic, the Imagination.



Of course, you really can't talk about Sesame Street without talking about that furry red monster, Elmo (savior or scourge of Sesame Street, depending on your point of view). One of the (many) things that surprised me when reading Street Gang was the longevity of Elmo; the puppet has appeared on the show since the late 70s. The first time I heard about/saw Elmo was on Rosie O'Donnell's daytime show (1990s). Of course, that was also around the time of Elmo-Mania, which O'Donnell undoubtedly helped (I think she talked about or gave away Tickle-Me-Elmos on her show).

Although Elmo's been on the Street for a long time, it wasn't until Kevin Clash became Elmo's fourth puppeteer that the show's writers began to feature Elmo more prominently. Clash's My Life as a Furry Red Monster is a charming and inspirational read.

If you're looking for more Sesame Street/Muppets info, here are my two favorite sites: Muppet Wiki and Muppets Central. There's also the official site for the Jim Henson Company. Here's the official site for Sesame Street.

Sesame Street is also on Youtube! Check here for recent and classic clips, including a sneak peek at the 40th season. Warning-this is addictive!

Native American History Month

In honor of Native American History Month, I'd like to tell you about several terrific children's and teen books centered around Native Americans.




Although I didn't warm to it immediately, Diamond Willow eventually became one of my most memorable reads in 2008. Willow is quite a remarkable young girl and on the verge of teendom, with all the confusion and changes that come with the teenage years. Her father's sled dogs are a big part of her life; while mushing to her grandparents' home, an accident reveals a heartbreaking family secret. It's a short yet hauntingly beautiful story.




The Year of Miss Agnes, also set in Alaska, is told through the voice of ten year old Frederika (otherwise known as Fred). A new teacher is no big deal to Fred; she's seen teachers leave, one right after the other, when they couldn't take the harsh life of 1940s Alaska anymore. Not that any teacher expected much of the Athabascan children, until Miss Agnes came, with her opera recordings and her talk of the children becoming doctors and scientists. This is a great story about community and the effect of a great teacher.



Joseph Bruchac is probably one of the best-known Native American authors (Abenaki) currently writing for children. I recommend all of his books, but particularly The Winter People (about the French-Indian War), his young adult novel, Geronimo, and Hidden Roots. My favorite Bruchac novel is Code Talker, a young adult novel about the Navajo code talkers of World War II. Too often, Native American history in children's books seems to begin with Columbus and end with the pioneers and Trail of Tears; it's rare to see children's or teen fiction dealing with any Native history other than those topics. Code Talker is an amazing read and a part of history that everyone should know.




It's important that children read books and learn about modern Native American life; Eagle Drum, about a young male powwow dancer, and Kinaalda, about a young girl's coming of age ceremony, are rich in beautiful pictures and detail.




For more information on Native American History Month, check out the official website and the Smithsonian Education site.

Aviation History Month

Whenever I'm brainstorming ideas for new displays, I check out Brownielocks. There are many similar sites like this one, but the webmaster uses trusted print sources (and not simply other websites) to create her calendars. When I noticed that November is "Aviation History Month," I immediately gathered books for our display near the checkout desk. Perfect tie-in to the resurgence of interest in Amelia Earhart! I've happily replenished the display several times since Monday, so the books are indeed checking out.

We have several good biographies of Amelia Earhart, but I cannot wait to get my hands on Candace Fleming's upcoming biography of Amelia Earhart. I also cannot find a publication date, so I'm assuming she's still working on it. If you have read Fleming's previous works, you'll understand what I mean!

(She's also working on several picture books, which is also awesome news.)

Amelia Earhart is probably the most famous female pilot (I know the trend has been away from distinct words for male and female occupations, but I really like the word aviatrix!), but let's take a look at books honoring other women in aviation history.



Wilbur and Orville Wright's story is known to all, but few know the importance that their sister, Katharine, played in their lives. Katharine Wright's story is told in two excellent biographies: My Brother's Flying Machine, written in poetry form by the fabulous Jane Yolen, and The Wright Sister: Katharine Wright and Her Famous Brothers, for older children.



Talkin' About Bessie is a excellent biography (in poetry form) about Elizabeth Coleman, the first African American female pilot. Nikki Giovanni describes her hardships and determination with humor and sensitivity; told through the perspectives of Coleman's family and acquaintances, Talkin' About Bessie is a remarkable read.




Brave Harriet tells the story of Harriet Quimby, the first American woman to receive her pilot's license. Also told in poetic form, Brave Harriet tells the dramatic tale of Quimby's solo flight across the English Channel.



And in the interest of coming full circle, Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream is the inspiring and heartbreaking story of an amazing group of 13 pioneers within NASA's space program. Although I have a few quibbles with the book, I read it in one evening and consider it one of my favorites of 2009.

Children's Magazines Month: The End is Near

National Geographic Kids

Although National Geographic Kids has, along with Boys Life, significant advertising content and an abundance of flashy colors and graphics, it's still a magazine that I like very much. "Amazing Animal Friends" is this month's theme, with fun stories (and, of course, great photographs) of unusual interspecies friendships, such as a dog and a goat, a chimp and a dog, a rabbit and a deer, and an orangutan and a cat. Articles about a rescued rhino and 6 strange roadside attractions round out another cool issue. Puzzles, reader contributions, and the like are regular departments.



Ranger Rick

Ranger Rick, published by the National Wildlife Federation in Vienna, is one of the granddaddies of the children's magazine world. Published since 1967, Ranger Rick has educated and entertained readers about nature and wildlife. Honestly, I prefer Ranger Rick a bit more than National Geographic Kids; the one ad in Ranger Rick is for NWF educational products, and the design is much less cluttered, loud, and frantic. Luckily, young nature fans seem to enjoy both. November's issue features an article on pronghorns, with articles on insect hunters, animal houses made from holes, jokes, puzzles, and Q&A round out this issue of a fine magazine.



Spider

Spider (a Cricket publication) is a literary magazine for children too old for Ladybug. Filled with stories, poetry, jokes, and more, readers enjoy a magazine packed with great stories and lovely illustrations. Naturally, October's issue has a Halloween theme.

Sports Illustrated for Kids

Yes, it has significant advertising content, but you really can't beat SI for Kids for its appeal to boys, reluctant readers, and sports fans of all kinds. SI for Kids takes its readers seriously: it's not dumbed down and it's not on visual overload. In this current issue, readers meet Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, an 18 year old motocross champion who happens to be deaf, and get a sneak peak at the upcoming NHL season.



Stone Soup

Stone Soup is another longstanding children's magazine, having been published since 1973. Stone Soup stands out among the other magazines in that everything in the magazine, from stories, illustrations, and book reviews, is contributed by children ages 8-13. Stone Soup has remained the sole publication of the Children's Art Foundation since its first publication. An outstanding magazine!

Your Big Backyard

Your Big Backyard, published by the National Wildlife Federation, is aimed toward children ages 3-7. If you have a young animal fan who's not quite ready for Ranger Rick, try Your Big Backyard. Terrific photography and simple yet engaging text makes this a great magazine for young children. Snow monkeys are the cover girls/guys for the current issue; articles explaining the difference between antlers and horns, a Thanksgiving rebus story, an article about snow monkeys, reader submission features, and games round out the fun.

As you can see, we have a fantastic children's magazines collection. When you visit one of our branches, take a few issues home (current issues cannot be checked out, but back issues are available).