Pour the hot chocolate and bundle up for some wintery fun with HIT Favorites: Snow Days, a collection of winter-themed offerings for the preschool set. Join Barney, Thomas & friends, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, Fireman Sam and Pingu as they romp in the snow and celebrate the season with good friends in six festive episodes. $14.98
The Gift of Reading in 2008
When my kids were very small, I was always amazed at celebrations with lots of presents that it wasn’t the biggest gift of the day that captured their interest. Yes, they would jump up and down and scream about “the big one.” But, later in the day, it was something curious and unexpected that they curled up with after the excitement had passed. Here are some companion gift ideas to pair with some great new books.
The Encyclopedia of Earth: A Complete Visual Guide, by Michael Allaby, Robert Coenraads, Stephen Hutchinson, Karen McGhee, John O’Bryne & Ken Rubin (University of California Press). A BIG book written by a team of international experts, this book has something for all ages. 1700 stunning photographs illustrate the six sections of birth, fire, land, air, water and finally humans. It is a spectacular reference book about our planet.
Companion gift idea: A geode, volcanic rock, a globe.
Hip Hop Speaks to Children, edited by Nikki Giovanni (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky). Giovanni looks you right in the eye and says “This is Art. This is Important.” I couldn’t agree more. She takes away all the MTV aspects of rap, and the beauty of the poetry cannot be denied. 51 poems, with an accompanying CD lets listeners experience the beat and creates an amazing auditory experience. Providing balance to what we hear on the radio, this book demonstrates the sharpness of the mind and the universal understanding of rhythm and language.
Companion gift idea: An old fashioned record player, a drum.
ABC3D, by Marion Bataille (Roaring Book Press). Think Robert Sabuda. Now think French flair, and precision engineering. This is not your typical pop-up book, nor is it a “flip book” for small hands. You must “experience” it! Prepare to amaze the entire family with this simple yet gorgeous alphabet book that is three dimensional. How the letters morph from one to another… well, you’ll just have to buy the book!
Companion gift idea: Colored paper, glue or tape, and an afternoon to try even the slightest paper movement idea.
Egyptorium, by Laura Buller and Peter Chrisp (DK Books). This is a Board Book of a different color! 10 removable mini-books are stored within these covers that are filled with Egyptian Facts. Topics include Gods, Mummies, Banquets, Curses and Hieroglyphs. There’s even a flip book on pyramid building! DK’s innovative format allows kids to take small steps into this information rich culture.
Companion gift idea: Mummy making gauze, Egyptian Excavation set.
Complete FunPrint Drawing Book, by Ed Emberley (Little Brown). One of my favorite books as a child was Drummer Hoff Fires it Off . The illustrator, Ed Emberley, won a Caldecott Award for it. He now has a whole series of step-by-step instruction books on drawing. This one shows kids how to take their fingerprints and turn them into animals, trains, flowers, you name it! Perfect tricks for decorating cold windows and glass doors in the winter.
Companion gift idea: Of course, paper and multicolored stamp pads!
Wabi Sabi, by Mark Reibstein, illustrated by Ed Young (Little, Brown). This book turns you on your side, literally! A curious cat seeks to find the origin of its name. Wabi sabi, in Japanese, means to find beauty in simplicity. Using haiku, with gorgeous illustrations by Young, this vertical book introduces a difficult concept to curious minds of any age.
Companion gift idea: A Zen rock garden, a Japanese tea set.
One Million Things, edited by Julie Ferris (DK Books) My 11-year old loved this book! Ferris has done an excellent job of organizing a million bits of information with the stunning photography we expect from DK. My favorite part was the reference section in the back — did you know that ants never sleep? Kids won’t either, once they get their hands on this book.
Companion gift idea: A book light, and a free morning the next day
Always looking for the curious and unexpected, Julie Hubble lives in Leawood.
Going to the Polls
Election Day is finally here! As news stories and headlines ramp up this month, you might want to provide some context for your younger readers. Cast your vote on the following titles!
Grace for President By Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Hyperion). “Where are the girls?” asks Grace as the teacher unfurls the poster of all the past presidents. Enthusiastic Grace decides to run for class office, and she throws herself into the campaign. Is she the “best man for the job?” Ages 5-9.
Otto for President By Rosemary Wells (Scholastic). Barkadelphia School is holding elections. And Otto decides to run against the popular cheerleader and the tough football player. As always, Wells creates loveable animals (dogs, this time) that become “human.” You’ll see cheating, winning for the wrong reasons and using money to bribe votes. This could start up an interesting discussion at the dinner table! Ages 4-8.
Vote! By Eileen Christelow (Clarion). I like this book. Using a mayoral election as an example, Christelow explains that voting is a way to CHOOSE. It illustrates the need for voter registration, researching candidates, fundraising and even a request for a recount! The comic book-like squares of illustrations keep it light, as do the two puppies who add levity to the topic. Ages 5-10.
Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out Introduction by David McCullough (Candlewick). This anthology has brought together 108 renowned authors and illustrators with the National Children’s Book Literacy Alliance. The range of voices and topics (from White House pets, the devastating fire, the spectrum of war to personal accounts) provides the energy and activities to excite young people to become civically engaged. Ages 10 & up.
See How They Run By Susan Goodman, illustrated by Elwood Smith (Bloomsbury). This is the team that produced The Truth About Poop. They know how to engage the minds of children and are brave enough to tackle the Electoral College. The history of Presidential Elections (including hanging chads) is examined with the appropriate target of donkeys and elephants. It is even good for parents to see the humorous approach to this complicated topic. Ages 8-12.
Julie Hubble loves to wear her “I Voted” sticker around Leawood.
Spooky Tales
Ahhh, October. Time to snuggle up with spooky stories and flashlights and the favorite teddy bear! You can always find seasonal books at your library and bookstore, especially for a favorite series or character. But don’t stop there! Here are a few that are worth digging for.
Pumpkin Eye, by Denise Fleming (Henry Holt). Fleming, author and illustrator of The Everything Book, brings Halloween rhymes and images to preschoolers. The syncopated phrase “pounding feet” runs throughout as “Halloween has found our street!” She has the perfect mix of excitement and anticipation without being too scary for little ones. Ages 4 & up.
Los Gatos Black on Halloween, by Marisa Montes, illustrated by Yuyi Morales (Henry Holt). In a lively bi-lingual romp, the traditional images of Halloween and The Day of the Dead come to life for youngsters. No doubt about it, it is spooky! But very informative and appropriate as well. Ages 4-8.
Can You See What I See? On a Scary Scary Night, by Walter Wick (Scholastic). From the author of the I SPY series, Wick has created an amazing visual wonder of search-and-find pages filled with spooky stuff. Double page pictures from the typical haunted house, to a huge tombstone, to a simple full moon, Wick hides both the familiar and the strange that will trick your eye. Ages 4-8.
The Name of This Book is Secret, by Pseudonymous Bosch, illustrated by Gilbert Ford (Little Brown). Part Lemony Snicket, part Jerry Spinelli, this new author “survived the publication of his first book” and dares you to read his book. Good for those who like word games and riddles. Ages 8-12.
Boy of a Thousand Faces, by Brian Selznick (Harper Collins). Selznick is high up on my list, so I’ll recommend one of his lesser known books. Alonzo King was born on Halloween with a vivid imagination and an obsession with monsters. A good scary story about The Beast stalking Alonzo’s town, right around Halloween. Ages 8 & up.
Escape!: The Story of the Great Houdini, by Sid Fleischman (Collins). Although there are many books available about “the Great Houdini,” this book from Fleischman has insights from a friendship with the magician’s wife, Bess. No secrets are revealed, but the Newbery author is funny and engaging. Ages 10 & up.
Skeleton Man, by Joseph Bruchac, illustrated by Sally Wern Comport (Harper Collins). This one is *really* scary. Based on Native American legend, this story is about Molly, a 6th grader, whose parents mysteriously disappear. A man who calls himself her “great-uncle” comes to claim her. The mix of the current day heroine, along with ancient legend is spine-tingling. Not for the gullible or faint of heart – – which makes it perfect for October! Ages 10 & up.
Julie Hubble stays away from black cats in her Leawood neighborhood.
Graphic Novels
Here’s a subject which required some research by this Book Review Mom. The term graphic novel is appearing more and more online, in bookstores, classrooms and libraries. What is a graphic novel? It sounds like something I DON’T want my kids reading, right?
Wrong. If your kids have read The Adventures of TinTin , or Geronimo Stilton, you’re already entering this new territory. The term graphic novel has created controversy and misunderstanding, especially as it is increasingly seen in our bookstores. Think comic book with a plot. Comic books are like short stories that involve the same characters, week after week in our newspapers. The COLLECTION of comics, such as Calvin and Hobbes, does NOT make a graphic novel, although C&H is a favorite in my home! Graphic novels are hard-bound books that tell a complete story with a beginning, middle and end.
What does this mean for parents? Expect your kids to start coming home with graphic novels. This new genre is exploding for children, but just like internet safety, it is really important to figure out what is appropriate for your kids, and what is either intended for a more mature audience or is simply just poor quality. A few recommendations:
The Adventures of Polo by Regis Faller. For ages 3 8. Comic book squares provide a wordless story that takes this little dog and puts him in the ocean, on the moon, in a monkey band and even more mischievous places! The story seamlessly moves from one adventure to another, with bright, cheerful images. A sweet book.
Babymouse Series by Jennifer Holm & Matt Holm. This little mouse is a grown up version of Kevin Henkes Lilly, according to Publishers Weekly. I couldnt agree more. Shes a vibrant, saucy, dramatic and self-conscious bundle of energy trying to make her way through the battlefields of growing up. Similar to Captain Underpants, but better, this series is great for elementary school aged girls.
To Dance: A Ballerina’s Graphic Novel by Siena Cherson Siegel. A memoir of a little girls dream to become a professional ballerina. This book also illustrates the history of Balanchine and the American School of Ballet. This years Sibert Honor Award for Informational Books.
American Born Chinese, by Gene Luan Yang. Selected as this years Printz Award for Young Adult Literature. Yang has blended three separate stories together in this absorbing novel. There’s the story of a Chinese boy in an all white school, the legend of the monkey king, and a Caucasian boy who is embarrassed by a stereotypical Chinese cousin. The reader is unaware of how these stories are tightly related until the end of the book. Issues of alienation, identity and race are all explored in a fully engaging way. Combined with beautiful artwork, this novel is for readers 10 and up.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick. With 500+ pages, this book may seem imposing to some middle grade readers. Dont let that stop you. This book is stunning and captivating. The first thing you notice is black pages, straight from silent films. The story unfolds like a movie storyboard, with double spread pictures that quickly engross you the storyline. The artwork is done in charcoal but the black and white pictures have amazing depth and light. The story is about a boy, his father, an automaton, clocks and a toy store owner with a past. Dont miss this one!
Wander over to this section at your favorite local bookstore. Youll be amazed at the size of this section and you might even have to step over a bunch of kids to get there!
Julie Hubble lives in Leawood and has just begun introducing the graphic novel to her two kids at home.
I’m not Your Friend, I’m Your Parent
Shortly after I had my first child I was visiting with my cousin. She already had two children so in my book she was an expert! As we were chatting she said something that has stuck with me during my journey through motherhood. She made the comment, “I’m the mom, not the friend.” Her words had an impact on me and helped shape the kind of mother I try to be. I was intrigued when I saw a book with a similar title, “I’m Not Your Friend, I’m Your Parent” by E.D. Hill. I recognized Hill from Fox News and was surprised to learn that in addition to being a news personality, she is also a mother of eight!
Hill’s book is a great read for any parent-from those with kids in diapers to those who have kids who can drive. The advice she offers is straight forward and full of common sense. It’s the kind of book you can put down for a while and pick up again when you are in need of some answers. Hill doesn’t shy away from telling it like it is. She is upfront and honest throughout the book.
As with any good book you find yourself thinking about what you’ve read long after you’ve finished reading it. From the thought provoking first sentence, “You aren’t a perfect parent and never will be” and throughout the following chapters, Hill provides a lot of useful information that can be applied to your own parenting. The stories and examples in the book come from Hill’s own experiences and provide great examples on how to avoid permissive parenting.
Although you may not agree with everything Hill has to say, I think you’ll find that “I’m Not Your Friend, I’m Your Parent” provides much fuel for thought.