A Blast from the Past
Trying to keep current with today’s culture is a never-ending battle. Technology, music, TV and movies are just zipping past us. Yesterday is old news. But Earth Day is April 22. So in keeping with the “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” mantra, let’s take a look at some oldies but goodies that can stand up to today’s spin. These titles may even get your kids away from the TV!
Doodles, by Taro Gomi (Chronicle Books). An invitation to draw, create and imagine has been created by Gomi in this ultimate coloring book. With just a hint to begin the process, each page makes a request of the artist. Draw a happy face, a sad face. Draw the weather. Who lives inside this house? Over 400 pages of creative ideas, perfect for restaurants, car rides and rainy days. Ages 8 and up. For the younger artist (4 and up), try the Scribble Book by Herve Tullet - - it is a board book for a younger set of doodlers.
The Kids Book of Questions, by Gregory Stock (Workman Publishing). Originally printed in 1988, this book is still an amazing tool for kids and adults alike. A big part of growing up is learning to make choices. But, how do kids figure out who they really are? Try this… An entire book of questions that touch upon the silly, the embarrassing, the philosophical and the PERSON. I found the introduction to be very insightful. “Don’t say what you think others want you to – respond the way you actually feel.” Sample questions? “Do you think boys or girls have it easier?” Drop THAT bomb at dinnertime! Ages 10 and up.
Free to Be You and Me, by Marlo Thomas (Perseus Publishing). Admit it. You want this book all to yourself. Whether you are reading this for the first time, or the hundredth time, you will love this version. Some new artwork, but most of the content is the same- - “‘Should’ is a small and bossy word. ‘Could’ is as big and beautiful as the sky.” Do you remember? Re-released in 2008 with a CD of four of the original songs. Ages 9 and up.
Jenny and the Cat Club, by Esther Averill (Random House). First published in the 1940s, this compilation brings together five stories of Jenny Linsky, a black cat prowling around Greenwich Village. This selection introduces the Cat Club and all the entertaining feline characters there. Many more compilations are available by Averill as you fall in love with Jenny all over again. Ages 8 and up.
Richard Scarry’s What Do People Do All Day?, by Richard Scarry (Random House). A child’s delight (and sometimes a mother’s bane), Richard Scarry is the master of details. He has helped children learn to read for decades. There are numerous Busy Town titles, but this one (from 1968) is still available in the large hardback book format. Colorful pictures, gentle stories and countless details bring readers back over and over again. Ages 3 and up.
In Leawood, Kansas, Julie Hubble is reducing, reusing and recycling all her books.