The Sea Serpent and Me by Dashka Slater; illustrated by Catia Chien

The Sea Serpent and Me Dashka Slater; illustrated by Catia Chien

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin (May 19, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0618723943
ISBN-13: 978-0618723942

Houghton Mifflin's spring catalog has some wonderful books for children of all ages, and I haven't been disappointed yet with the books I've seen from Girlwood and The Willoughbys to Sisters and Brothers. The Sea Serpent and Me is no exception.

One evening, a little girl is having her bath when a tiny sea serpent slips into her bathtub from the faucet. After playing, the girl promises to take him back to the sea the next day. But the next day it's raining and the next day and the next day. As the sea serpent rapidly grows, the girl and the sea serpent become close friends as they play together, sing songs, and tell each other stories. But the day comes when the now giant sea serpent must go back to where he belongs. But is he ready to leave his new friend and return to the sea?

Children will love the idea of a cute little sea serpent suddenly appearing in the bathtub one day, and they'll be entertained as they see the serpent grow and grow. Catia Chan's soft, yet vivid illustrations give the book a dreamlike and watery feel and create an enchanting atmosphere.

This is a fantastic book that celebrates friendship, courage, imagination, and childhood. I highly recommend it for any child's library.

Note: Why the official publication date is not until May 18, it's available on Amazon.com now.

Counting Kisses by Karen Katz

Counting Kisses: A Kiss & Read Book by Karen Katz

Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Board book: 32 pages
Publisher: Little Simon; Board Book Edition (January 1, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 068985658X
ISBN-13: 978-0689856587


For this week's baby-preschool selection, I'm featuring a board book that has become a favorite in our house. Counting Kisses: A Kiss & Read Book by Karen Katz introduces a tired little baby receiving all kinds of kisses from Mommy, Daddy, and even Grandma. From "10 little kisses on teeny tiny toes" to one final kiss on the baby's "sleepy, dreamy head," parents can bond with their little ones by giving the same kisses to their child as the baby in the book receives. It's also a great way to introduce or practice counting, number words, and words for body parts to preschoolers. My one-year old giggles and giggles when I kiss her as I read the book.

Karen Katz's colorful, cherubic illustrations will also grab children's attention.

This book is a great way to have fun with reading and to share affection with a special child in your life. It would also make a great gift for new parents or new grandparents.

March/April Edition of The Edge of the Forest

The March/April edition of The Edge of the Forest, an online children's literature journal is up.

There are a lot of great articles and reviews in this issue. Here's a rundown borrowed from Kelly.

• An interview with Peter Cameron, by Barbara Shoup
• Spring Book Recommendations from the Editorial Board.
• Fairytale in the Forest: A Friendship, by Candice Ransom.
• A YA Review Bonus Section.
• Barrie Summy is this month's Blogging Writer, interviewed by Becky Levine
• Sounds from the Forest is back.
• Reviews in all categories—from Picture book to Young Adult

You can also find my review of Chris Monroe's Monkey with a Tool Belt in this issue.

So what are you waiting for? Go check it out!

How Artists See by Colleen Carroll

How Artists See Series by Colleen Carroll

Publisher: Abbeville Press
Age Range: 9-12

Colleen Carroll's How Artists See series is a series of inquiry- based books that teach children about art. For example, How Artists See America: East West South Midwest, explores the four different regions of the United States through 16 works of art. Some notable pieces include, Thomas Cole's "Niagara Falls", Winslow Homer's "Breezing Up (A Fair Wind)", and Grant Wood's "American Gothic." Each work of art is presented in full color with a brief narrative about the piece and the region it represents. In addition, Ms. Carroll includes thought-provoking questions with each narrative to encourage children to look deeper into the technical aspects of the art.

For instance, in "American Gothic," Ms. Carroll discusses foreground and background and shows how Grant Wood brought the two together through the same pattern of the curtain hanging in the window and the woman's apron. She then asks, "What other repeated shapes and patterns can you find?" Earlier on, she asks readers what they think the woman is looking at and whether or not they think she's comfortable having her picture taken.

In the author's note in the back of the book, Ms. Carroll gives more suggestions for activities including researching and visiting historic sites, writing short skits, creating their own painting, and more. She also includes artist biographies, suggestions for further reading, and a list of places where you can go to see the artists' work.

Classroom and home school teachers can also find additional ideas for activities in the 25-page How Artists See Teacher's Guide.

This series would be an excellent supplement to a language arts, history, or art classroom and would be a great way to introduce children to art.


Other books in the series include:

• How Artists See Animals: Mammal, Fish, Bird, Reptile
• How Artists See Artists: Painter, Actor, Dancer, Musician
• How Artists See Cities: Streets Buildings Shops Transportation
• How Artists See Families: Mother Father Sister Brother
• How Artists See Feelings: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Love
• How Artists See Heroes: Myth, History, War, Everyday
• How Artists See People: Boy, Girl, Man, Woman
• How Artists See Play: Sports Games Toys Imagination
• How Artists See The Elements: Earth Air Fire Water
• How Artists See the Weather: Sun, Wind, Snow, Rain
• How Artists See Work: Farm, Factory, Home, Office

You may also purchase any of these books, including boxed sets directly from Abbeville Press's website.

Check out the rest of the Nonfiction Monday Roundup at Picture Book of the Day.

*Picture of American Gothic from wikipedia.com.

MotherReader's Third Annual 48-Hour Book Challenge

I have so many books in my "to-be-read" pile that I often wish I could dedicate a good chunk of time solely to reading. Now MotherReader has given me a perfect excuse to do so in her Third Annual 48-Hour Book Challenge.

Here are the basic rules straight from MotherReader herself:

1. The weekend is June 6–8, 2008. Read and blog for any 48-hour period within the Friday-to-Monday-morning window. Start no sooner than 7:00 a.m. on Friday the sixth and end no later than 7:00 a.m. Monday. So, go from 7:00 p.m. Friday to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday... or maybe 7:00 a.m. Saturday to 7:00 a.m. Monday works better for you. But the 48 hours do need to be in a row.


2. The books should be about fifth-grade level and up. Adult books are fine, especially if any adult book bloggers want to play. If you are generally a picture book blogger, consider this a good time to get caught up on all those wonderful books you’ve been hearing about. No graphic novels. I’m not trying to discriminate, I’m just trying to make sure that the number of books and page counts mean the same thing to everyone.

Read the rest of the rules and guidelines and sign up here!

Poetry Friday: Crossing the Hellespont

Crossing the Hellespont
by Wes

When sadness comes, as Nixon said,
When sadness is upon me
I apologize for things I shouldn't
And my eyes drop all over the world

In shuddering waves the lids fan out
Into keyholes, into books
Along the depressed river banks, along the shores
And over nations, sporting fields, and goals

Apply themselves to the pyramids of Giza
At the Louvre impress themselves upon the Mona Lisa
Buoy the triremes on the seas and ride
Sharks and the tide

And even the toss of the waves themselves
Until time runs past them, and Napleon eats his words
Again.

When the sadness visits me,
As when Caesar cried over Alexander,
And Alexander felt his fever,
And Ghengis Khan stopped

Riding the horses and women of his enemies
As Nixon said so well:

"Members of the cabinet, members of the staff
we are a spontaneous goodbye
the best house has crumbled on those who serve
I haven't had time to be told how to run the world

"So when TR said of his young wife,
'When my heart's dearest died,
the light went out forever,'
his greatness had begun"

So as Nixon wept with planets
In their elliptical graves
Tears were, as space gasps,
Something that comes to be

But also they have always been with me
(Preserved and glassy-eyed in zero degrees)

Xerxes almost knew this when he lashed the sea
That Alexander crossed on a better day
And Hitler, with a pistol at his temple, prayed
For the first time clearly remembering
With the wetness of his eyes, an infernal pact
A complicity with the frayed and fleeing, terrified
Edges of the universe

As when Mussolini became a pendulum
And Stalin's fears gave birth to a final sin

As when the sadness comes to me
And like Ghengis Khan I want to feel my tears
(Galloping through space and the fantasy of nothingness)
Pass over the cheeks of the mourning and lovers and children

Rain on and up the roots of everything
To cross from blade to ray and quench the sun.


Visit the rest of the Poetry Friday roundup at Becky's Book Reviews.

Remembering Dr. King

40 years ago today, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot and killed outside his Memphis hotel room. He died before I was born, and even though I never got to see him speak live, his powerful words, passion, and eloquence have always resonated with me and inspired me.

That's why of all the children's books written about Dr. King, I love Doreen Rappaport's Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. the best. In this pictoral biography, Ms. Rappaport weaves Dr. King's own words into the story of his life. This is one of the only books I've seen that really reaches out to young children and explains his story in a way that is easily understood and captivating.

Bryan Collier's illustrations are gorgeous. I particularly think the stained glass end papers in the back that represent the coming together of races and colors are stunning.

Each time I read the book, I am moved to tears by the tragedy at his loss but am also inspired at the book's message that inspires children to dream big. This book belongs in every family's library.

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

Cross posted at The Newbery Project

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
2002 Newbery Medal Winner

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Yearling (February 11, 2003)
ISBN-10: 0440418518
ISBN-13: 978-0440418511


Tree-Ear is a young orphan boy who lives under a bridge with his companion, Crane-man, in 12th century Korea. The two friends never know where their next meal is coming from, but what is lacking in food and money is made up for in heart and friendship.

When Tree-Ear is not scrounging for scraps of food, he watches master potter Min make his beautiful Korean Celadon pottery. One day he can't resist picking up a beautiful piece of pottery and ends up damaging the work. Because he can't repay Min in money, he agrees to work for Min to repay him in hopes of learning from this master potter. But Min has other things in store, and Tree-Ear finds himself doing excruciating manual labor.

When the king sends his emissary to find potters for a lifelong commission, Tree-Ear finds himself going on a journey that forever changes his life.

A Single Shard is a beautifully written and emotional novel about friendship, hope, love, and acceptance. Here's a passage near the beginning of the novel that particularly spoke to me:

The gentle curves of the vase, its mysterious green color. The sharp angle of the plum twigs, their blackness stark amid the airy white blossoms. The work of a human, the work of nature; clay from the earth, a branch from the sky. A kind of peace spread through Tree-Ear, body and mind, as if while he looked at the vase and its branch, nothing could ever go wrong in the world. (p. 52)

But things do go wrong in the world as we witness Tree-Ear on both his physical journey and his emotional journey in the book. Through Tree-Ear's story, the reader also learns a lot about pottery making during the 12th century and the hard work involved in creating one single piece of celadon pottery. The Author's Note at the end of the book along with an essay about celadon pottery teach us more about the time period and the art of creating this rare and beautiful pottery.

This book is would make a good clean read aloud for an entire family, and children will enjoy going back into time and learning more about pottery making. Chock full of learning opportunities, this book would also make an excellent addition to any classroom curriculum.

Sally and Dave, A Slug Story by Felice Arena

Sally and Dave, a Slug Story by Felice Arena

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Pub (March 1, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1933605715
ISBN-13: 978-1933605715

Sally the slug is the kind of girl…er slug…you love to hate. “She’s sensational at sports. She’s sleek, slim, and simply stunning.” You name it, she can do it superbly from shooting soccer goals to performing spectacular snowboard stunts. Oh, and she’s a little obnoxious in my humble opinion.

Her neighbor, Dave on the other hand is a “common fat slug.” His favorite activities include “sleeping sideways in his own slime…[and] “sidewalk sunbathing in summer.” He’s perfectly happy with his life, until one day, Sally makes a snide and insulting remark. It takes a scary situation and a heroic act for Dave to regain his confidence and for Sally to change her tune about this “slimy slacker” who turns out to be pretty darn “special.”

In addition to the engaging and fast-paced storyline, the cartoonish illustrations are hilarious. In one scene, Dave is in the bathtub sulking about Sally’s comments, a frown on his face, his shoulders hunched, and his googly eyes looking down—a pretty sad scene except “she’s a superfreak…superfreak…” is playing on the radio. Another great scene is of Dave sidewalk sunbathing. He’s wearing sunglasses and a colorful Hawaiian shirt and lounging in a chair with his hands behind his head (do slugs have limbs?). He’s even got a bottle of “Slug Screen” to protect his sensitive slimy skin from the scorching sun.

This book would make a great read aloud for younger children, and definitely cheer anyone up who’s had a particularly grumpy day. If you’re looking for a book that will make your child chuckle,Sally and Dave, a Slug Story would make a perfect choice.

What other bloggers are saying:

Book Buds Kidlit Reviews: “Sally and Dave: A Slug Story begs to be read aloud. Toddlers to emergent readers will enjoy hearing the hiss of the words as they stream by.”

Jen Robinson’s Book Page: “…This is a highly entertaining title that is sure to please preschoolers. I think that the fact that the main characters are slugs, with the hero a boy slug, will make this book especially pleasing to young boys, though I'm sure girls will like it, too.”

Books Read in March

March was slow in the reading department because my personal and work life were extremely hectic. Here's what I managed to read.

Board Books

• Busy Animals Board Book Series (my review)
• What's Up, Duck? A Book of Opposites by Tad Hills (my review)
  

Fiction Picture Books

• El The Pied Piper: El Flautista de Hamelin by Jaume Cela, illustrations by Cristina Losantos (my review)
• Snow White: Blancanieves by Miquel Desclot, illustrations by Ignasi Blanch (my review)
• Chipper Kids: Counting in the Crazy Garden by Margarette Burnette, illustrated by Brooke Henson (my review)
• The Twelve Gifts of Birth by Charlene Costanzo (my review)
• When Ruby Tried to Grow Candy by Valorie Fisher (review coming soon)
• The Lonesome Puppy by Yoshitomo Nara (review coming soon)
• Grandma Calls Me Beautiful by Barbara Joosse, illustrated by Barbara Lavallee (review coming soon)
• The Sea Serpent and Me by Dashka Slater, illustrated by Catia Chien (review coming soon)
  
• Monkey with a Tool Belt by Chris Monroe (review coming soon)
  

Nonfiction Picture Books

• The Art of Freedom: How Artists See America by Bob Raczka (my review)
• Sisters and Brothers: Sibling Relationships in the Animal World by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page (my review)

Middle Grade and Young Adult Nonfiction

• Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood by Ibtisam Barakat (my review)
• Florida's Famous Animals: True Stories of Sunset Sam the Dolphin, Snooty the Manatee, Big Guy the Panther, and Others by JG Annino (my review)
• Do Not Open: An Encyclopedia of the World's Best Kept Secrets by John Farndon (my review)
• When Bears Attack! by Richard Marshall Gaines (review coming soon)
  

Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction

• The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry (my review)
• The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo (my review)
• A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park (review coming soon)
  

Adult Fiction
Currently reading 2 books but not finished.

Adult Nonfiction
Currently reading 3 books but not finished.


So that's 21 this month for a total of 51 so far this year. I have 149 more to read to meet my goal of 200! Ahhhhh!

What's Up Duck? A Book of Opposites by Tad Hills

What's Up, Duck? A Book of Opposites by Tad Hills
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Board book: 22 pages
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade; Brdbk edition (January 8, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0375847383
ISBN-13: 978-0375847387

Ever since she was a few months old, my daughter has been fascinated by ducks. Her favorite toys are the little rubber duckies that she can easily grasp and stick in her mouth. She has a yellow stuffed animal duck that she just sits and laughs at, and she desperately tries to say "duck" when I repeat it to her.

When I received a copy of Tad Hills' first board book in the Duck & Goose series, What's Up, Duck? A Book of Opposites, I knew instantly that she would love it, and boy was I right.

This board book features amusing and colorful illustrations of Duck, Goose, and friends demonstrating pairs of opposite words. For example, in the clean/dirty pair a clean, white Goose is standing with his eyes closed and hands up warding off an extremely dirty Duck who's approaching him from the opposite page.

My daughter, who is still too young to comprehend opposites, loves to look at the pictures and point at Duck, and the sturdy board book can withstand her strong and awkward grip as she flips the pages.

This book is an entertaining way to introduce new vocabulary and the concept of opposites to preschoolers who will definitely get a laugh at the funny scenarios and facial expressions on the characters.

Reading Tip: To help teach the concept of opposites, as you and your child are reading the book, read the first word in the opposite pair and then say, "The opposite of ______ is _______."


Other Blog Reviews:
Comics in the Classroom: "What’s up Duck? is a book of opposites (with a near-far page that should make fellow Grover fans smile) and while I know there are plenty of those around, this one set itself apart by sheer adorableness."

One Book Two Book: "The illustrations are soft and cheerful - the colors are bright without being garish. The ducks are cute without being overstated...At $6.99, it’s a great price for a board book and destined to become a favorite on my son’s bookshelf."


Other Books in the Duck & Goose Series:

Duck and Goose (hardcover picture book)

From the publisher: “That egg is mine! I saw it first,” says Goose. “I touched it first. It’s mine,” declares Duck....Duck and Goose have to work at getting along. You see, Duck doesn’t much care for Goose at first–and Goose isn’t fond of Duck–but both want the egg that each claims to be his. As the two tend to their egg, and make plans for the future, they come to appreciate one another’s strengths. And when a bluebird points out that it isn’t really an egg–it’s a polka dot ball–the two are not dismayed. After all, it is a lovely ball. . . ."


Duck, Duck, Goose (Hardcover Picture Book)

From the publisher: "Feathered friends forever . . . or are they? That's what we discover in this charming and hilarious follow-up to the bestselling Duck & Goose. You see, there's a challenge to their friendship: a little whippersnapper of a duck named Thistle. Thistle's good at everything (or so she thinks), from math to holding her breath to standing on her head. Duck thinks she's fantastic. But Goose does not! And so Goose is faced with a problem close to the hearts of children everywhere: what happens when your best friend makes a new friend?"

Duck and Goose, 1, 2, 3 (Board book coming in August 2008)
From the publisher: "PRESCHOOLERS WILL CHEER the return of Duck and Goose in their second board book appearance! All the favorite characters, including Bluebird and Thistle, return—this time to introduce basic counting concepts. One goose. Two ducks. Three friends. As the characters illustrate from numbers 1 to 10, children will love to follow along with the simple text and all-new original art."

Do Not Open by John Farndon

Do Not Open: An Encyclopedia of the World's Best Kept Secrets

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: DK CHILDREN (November 7, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0756632056
ISBN-13: 978-0756632052


It's Nonfiction Monday, and today I'm featuring a book I absolutely love!

Parents, if you’re struggling to find books that interest your reluctant readers, I think I’ve found THE PERFECT BOOK for you! I won a copy of Do Not Open: An Encyclopedia fo the World's Best Kept Secrets by John Farndon from Breeni Books over the winter holidays, and I can’t even begin to tell you the numerous times I’ve picked this up and read pieces of it since.

Do Not Open comes in its own silver vault that begs readers to open it, and the book itself is chock full of fascinating facts from ships and aircraft that have disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle to the eerie similarities between Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy.

The book is divided into eight sections:

• Unexplained
• Unthinkable
• Freaky Facts
• Unknowable
• Spine-Chilling
• Spooky
• Strange Coincidences
• Classified

Each section features colorful two-to-four page spreads that examine mysteries, hoaxes, optical illusions, bizarre facts, and more. Many spreads are interactive and feature flaps or pull out pages.

My personal favorites include:

• “Magic Tricks Revealed:” This four-page feature shows how three of the most famous magic tricks are performed: pulling a rabbit out of a hat, sawing a lady in half, and disappearing into thin air
• “The Code That Trapped Mary Queen of Scots:” This two-page spread tells the story of the trap that was set, using coded letters, to catch Mary plotting against Queen Elizabeth
• “Conspiracy Theories:” This four-page feature discusses some of the most well-known conspiracy theories, including the theory that the US staged the 1969 moon landing in the Nevada desert, the rumor that Marilyn Monroe was murdered, and that Mozart was poisoned.

Readers can choose to read the book from front to back or flip through and read what interests them—a great choice for kids who may not like to read long stories. I tend to open it up and read whatever comes to me. In addition, there is such a variety of stories that anyone who picks it up will find something that interests them.

This book would make a perfect gift for kids of all ages!!!

Visit the rest of the Nonfiction Monday roundup at Picture Book of the Day.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

Cross posted at The Newbery Project

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Candlewick (April 11, 2006)
ISBN-10: 0763625299
ISBN-13: 978-0763625290

I’m coming in with a day to spare to complete my March reading for the Young Adult Challenge hosted at Thoughts of Joy. For this challenge, I committed to read the last 12 Newbery Medal winners in effort to read more Newbery books. So far, I’ve read Kira-Kira and The Higher Power of Lucky.

This month, I read the 2004 Winner, The Tale of Despereaux, and I was not disappointed.

The Tale of Despereaux has everything I look for in a good fairy tale: a hero, a damsel in distress, an evil villain, and an exciting plot, full of suspense, where ultimately good triumphs over evil. Kate DiCamillo brilliantly includes all of these elements in an unconventional and quirky way that kids will love.

Our hero, Despereaux is a tiny mouse with “obscenely large ears” who lives in a castle with his large mouse family. The runt and only survivor of his mother’s last litter, he has always been different and a source of embarrassment for his family. In addition to his size, he doesn’t enjoy hunting for crumbs and prefers reading books instead of eating them. He even commits the ultimate offense of talking to humans and even let one, the beautiful Princess Pea, touch him. GASP! It’s this offense that sentences him to be eaten by rats in the dungeon. He manages to escape this sentence but soon has to return as he sets upon his quest to save the Princess.

Our villain is the rat, Chiaroscuro, Roscuro for short. He led a normal and rotten rat life in the dungeon until a match was lit in front of his face, and he began to crave light. It’s this craving for light that brings him up into the castle and ultimately results in the Queen’s death. Something happens during this incident that causes him to hate the Princess Pea, and he develops a plan to destroy her.

Our damsel in distress is the kind and lovely Princess Pea who manages to make Despereaux fall in love with her at first sight. But she’s actually kind of boring—the character I liked the most was Miggery Sow.

Named after her father’s favorite pig, Miggery Sow’s, Mig for short, mother died when she was a young girl. Her father sold her for a red tablecloth, a hen, and cigarettes to a cruel man who “clouted” her on the ear so much that she lost part of her hearing and ended up with ears that resembled cauliflowers. A stroke of luck gets the slow-witted Mig a job at the castle, where she desperately wants to become a Princess. Roscuro uses this to his advantage and tricks Mig into helping him execute his plan to destroy the Princess. Readers will feel sympathy for Mig as they learn about her background, but will also roll with laughter when she misinterprets what people say to her because her poor hearing.

These eccentric characters, along with an engaging, fast, and peculiar plot make The Tale of Despereaux a fantastic book that many children will love. I particularly liked the narrator’s frequent asides to the reader. While some criticize this as distracting, I think it actually draws readers in and makes for an excellent read aloud. For example, in one section, we learn about Mig’s arrival at the castle and her inability to find a job she was successful at completing. To help set the stage for this section, the narrator says,

“Reader, as the teller of this tale, it is my duty from time to time to utter some hard and rather disagreeable truths. In the spirit of honesty, then, I must inform you that Mig was the tiniest big lazy. And, too, she was not the sharpest knife in the drawer. That is, she was a bit slow-witted.” (p. 152)

So what made this book win the Newbery Medal in 2004? I think it’s because Ms. DiCamillo skillfully weaves in some great themes that can lead to many discussions, including accepting differences, living with honor, treating others with respect, the power of hope, and more. She manages to do all this through a charming story that children of a variety of ages will enjoy. It’s fast-paced and a great choice for a read aloud to younger children, and kids who are in the 8-10 range will be able to read it with ease.

Kids above ten may like it but pretend it’s too childish, but I don’t want to give off the impression that it’s meant solely for younger children. Along with its lighthearted and funny parts, there is death and a little violence. But here’s how the narrator explains one part that is particularly dark.

"The story is not a pretty one. There is violence in it. And cruelty. But the stories that are not pretty have a certain value, too. I suppose. Everything, as you well know (having lived in this world long enough to have figured out a thing or two for yourself), cannot always be sweetness and light." (p. 183)

If your kids are Harry Potter fans, these parts are certainly not as dark as scenes in those books—not even close in fact. I wouldn’t have a problem sharing it with younger children, but be prepared to explain these issues if your young kids have questions.

I finished this book about two weeks ago and have sat down numerous times to write my review, but I’ve actually a hard time explaining it and wrapping it up into a succinct little description because it’s different than any other book I’ve read, but in a good way. In fact, I don’t think I’m doing it justice now. The bottom line is that I highly recommend it, and I think you and your children will like it just as much as I did.

What Other Bloggers Are Saying:

Nymeth at Things Mean A Lot: "What I loved the most, I think – it’s hard to pick in a book like this – was the warmth and comfort that this story brought me. The story in itself heartwarming and charming, but the tone in which Kate DiCamillo tells it increases that feeling even more." (Read the rest)


Do you have a review of The Tale of Despereaux? If so, leave a comment with the link, and I'll post it here.

Back on Track

March has definitely been hectic, but things seem to be calming down, and I'll be able to resume more of a regular schedule on The Well-Read Child next week. Regardless of how busy life and work have been, I've still managed to read to my daughter every evening. However, because my reviews require brainpower (none of which has been left at the end of some pretty long days recently), I haven't written many. I do have a huge stack of books waiting to be reviewed, so they're coming!

Tomorrow, look for my review of The Tale of Despereaux, Kate DiCamillo's 2004 Newbery Medal winner. I also have a few nonfiction selections I've read but haven't yet decided which one I'll feature for Nonfiction Monday.

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Poetry Friday: The Villanelle

Here's an interesting exercise: write a 19 line poem with just two rhyming sounds, and in which about a third of the lines are refrains. The first stanza haunts every other -- its first and third lines alternating as conclusions to the stanzas that follow, until they come together to end the poem as a couplet. Do that and you will have created something called a "villanelle."

Below I've included a) a great villanelle by Theodore Roethke and b) my own attempt at the form. If you're inspired to try your own hand at this, please feel free to post the result as a comment to this post. (It's a very fun excercise; learn more about the villanelle and how to write one here; for another famous example, see Dylan Thomas' Do not go gentle into that good night).

The Waking
by Theodore Roethke

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me; so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.

This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.

Villanelle Expirans
by Wes

There is one small thing I would have you do
Don't let me down when I look up and say:
"Know I would only ask it of a few"

Never did I deny your silent moods
The time it took all evening to hear:
"There is one small thing I would have you do"

So leave me lying here when I am due
Don't lift me up when I lay down at last
Know I would only ask it of a few

Leaning is taking, the world gives me its hue
My debt called up sings this familiar tune:
"There is one small thing I would have you do."

I held the world dear even in its ruin
Tell morning this with hands wedged into time
Know I would only ask it of a few

The night's last hour on the budding dew
Leans down and waits to feel my arching soul
There is one small thing I would have you do
Know I would only ask it of a few.



Visit the rest of the Poetry Friday roundup at Cuentecitos today!

Girlwood by Claire Dean

Today, I'm pleased to present the first review from Marlies, our newest contributor. Enjoy!

Girlwood by Claire Dean
Age Range: Young Adult
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin (May 19, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0618883908
ISBN-13: 978-0618883905

Last spring, I had a plastic thumb. When my neighbors were asleep, I’d sneak outside and poke plastic stems into my so-called garden. I couldn’t name more than ten flowers and far fewer trees, and I certainly didn’t know that Fireweed is the first plant to grow back in burned areas. But that was all before I read Girlwood, by Claire Dean.

So is Girlwood a boring book about plants? Absolutely not. It’s a story that speaks to the hearts and minds of girls 12 and up and shows them that life can be filled with wonder and magic if they have the courage to hold onto hope. Polly, the main character, must believe that she can help her runaway sister survive in the Idaho woods—in winter, with wolves, and bulldozers. She gets her strength from her beloved grandmother, Baba, who shares the “secrets” of the woods that have actually been known for thousands of years.

All of the characters in the book are complex and quirky, and the writer’s voice is strong and intuitive. For example, here’s how the book opens:

“The first and last kiss Polly received from her sister was as contrary as Bree herself. Lightweight but intense, a kiss that was supposed to impart some deep meaning but offer zero affection, a kiss that was retracted nearly before it began.”

Girlwood will be released May 19, and in anticipation, I recommend visiting the author’s website. On it, she talks about the book and its themes and shares one piece of wisdom: “Only joy works. Don’t stop until you’ve found yours.”

This book spoke to me. I know I won’t stab plastic convenience into the ground where wondrous nature belongs. And I bet, when faced with trouble, adolescents and young adults who read the book will remember Polly and find new ways to choose hope over self-doubt and fear.

Goosebumps is Back

I've actually never read R.L. Stine's Goosebumps series, but I do know that starting at around age 12, I had a thing for dark books. I absolutely loved V.C. Andrews' twisted books like Flowers in the Attic and My Sweet Audrina and remember checking out one after the other in the library. When I got a little older, Stephen King and Dean Koontz were always in my book pile.

Goosebumps is geared toward a younger audience than these books, so the series is not as dark and doesn't contain many of the more mature themes and language, but it definitely can give kids their horror fix.

Via this NY Times article, R.L. Stine is back with a new Goosebumps series: Goosebumps: HorrorLand. The first in the 12-book series, Goosebumps HorrorLand #1: Revenge of the Living Dummy, will be officially released on April 1, but it's already available on Amazon.

These are the types of books that kids can have fun with and that may turn some reluctant readers onto reading.

Meet Marlies

My ultimate vision for The Well-Read Child is to have a wide variety of book reviews for children and teens and also a variety of voices via a number of select contributors. I've been overwhelmed with the response to The Well-Read Child by authors, publishers, and most importantly, you, the readers, and I've found myself with a giant stack of books begging to be read and reviewed.

Marlies, an avid reader, mother of two, and aspiring young adult author offered to help out after shameless begging and offerings of free books and chocolate cake. She'll be reviewing and recommending books for middle graders and teens, and I'm so excited for you hear what she has to say.

Please join me in welcoming Marlies to The Well-Read Child, and check in tomorrow when I'll post her review of Claire Dean's new novel, Girlwood.

Nonfiction Monday: Animal Books

It's Nonfiction Monday over at Picture Book of the Day. Stop by and check out the nonfiction goodness everyone has to offer.

If you haven't already peeked at the two nonfiction animal books I reviewed in the past week, take a minute to check them out.

First, I reviewed Steve Jenkins and Robin Page's newest book, Sisters & Brothers, a picture book about animal sibling relationships. If your little ones love animals, they will definitely like this book.







Second, I reviewed JG Annino's Florida's Famous Animals, a book for older kids about some Floridian animals who've made the news. In addition to reading their stories, kids can learn all kinds of fun animal facts and get links to more online resources.






Do you have a favorite nonfiction book about animals?