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In honor of Veterans' Day, courtesy of The Guardian UK

Suicide in the Trenches
by Siegfried Sassoon

I knew a simple soldier boy
Who grinned at life in empty joy,
Slept soundly through the lonesome dark,
And whistled early with the lark.

In winter trenches, cowed and glum,
With crumps and lice and lack of rum,
He put a bullet through his brain.
No one spoke of him again.

You smug-faced crowds with kindling eye
Who cheer when soldier lads march by,
Sneak home and pray you'll never know
The hell where youth and laughter go.

Author: Jean Little
Published: 2007 Scholastic (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0439988373

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Beautifully bound in a soft unevenly edged journal and told with humour, innocence, intimacy and affection, the daily entries of a fictional twelve year old disclose the spellbinding details of life during the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918-19.

Our daughter Lucy (9) also contributes to the discussion of the book, which she tells us is part of her current favourite series.

More war and peace on JOMB:

• The Donkey of Gallipoli (A True Story of Courage in World War I)
• A Poppy is To Remember
• Gleam and Glow
• Janusz Korczak’s Children
• What We Remember
• Lugalbanda: The Boy Who Got Caught Up In A War

More illness on JOMB:

• The Tortilla Cat
• The Value of Believing in Yourself: The Story of Louis Pasteur
• Farm Flu

HOTLINE VOICES: Author Michelle Mulder from Victoria, British Columbia shares her thoughts on The Composition (by Antonio Skarmeta and Alfonso Ruano). Thanks, Michelle!

Author: Alexis O’Neill (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Laura Huliska-Beith (on JOMB)
Published: 2008 Scholastic (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0545010233

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Sunny school-yard action, frisky text and heaps of humorous details propel us through bliss, boastfulness, betrayal and back again in this spirited tale of friendship lost and found.

Other books mentioned:

• The Recess Queen

HOTLINE VOICES: An unidentified JOMB listener/author/illustrator recommends Kiss Good Night (by Amy Hest) and Dig Dig Digging (by Margaret Mayo and Alex Ayliffe).

We’d love to hear your thoughts on a favourite children’s book. Leave us a voice message on our JOMB listener hotline, +1-206-350-6487.

To those of you celebrating Yom Kippur, G’mar Chatimah Tovah.

Author: Laurie Keller (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Laurie Keller
Published: 2007 Henry Holt and Co. (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0805079963

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Cluttered with comedy, melodrama and earthy, Looney-Toonesque artwork, this brilliant guide to social success is as hilarious as it is helpful.

(…er…actually….maybe more hilarious than helpful, as we now hear our girls screaming at each other “DO UNTO OTTERS, REMEMBER, DO UNTO OTTERS!!!!!”)

Other books mentioned:

• Lady Lupin’s Book of Etiquette

HOTLINE VOICES: Michelle Mitchell from Scribbit: Motherhood in Alaska shares her thoughts about The Little Golden Book Anthologies.

Author: Linda Ashman (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Paul Meisel (on JOMB)
Published: 2008 Sterling Publishing (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1402739877

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Unabashed autobiographical poems and hilariously expressive illustrations provide the observations and opinions of a straight-shooting canine in this irresistible pooch-hood memoir.

Other books mentioned:

• Oh, Theodore! (Guinea Pig Poems)

More canine poetry on JOMB:

• Good Dog
• Biscuits in the Cupboard
• The Hound from the Pound
• Poodlena
• Safe and Sound

Pop over to author amok for today’s full menu of poetry offerings. Poetry Fridays are brought to us by Kelly Herold of Big A, Little A.

HOTLINE VOICES: Hugh Fraser of the Storynory podcast shares his thoughts on The Barefoot Book of Knights (by John Matthews and Giovanni Manna). Thanks, Hugh!

We’d love to hear your thoughts on a favourite children’s book. Leave us a voice message on our JOMB listener hotline, +1-206-350-6487.

Author: Kathleen T. Pelley
Illustrator: Michael Chesworth
Published: 2006 Farrar, Strauss and Giroux (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0374336067

Snappy storytelling and lively illustrations convey how disorder and diversions inspire an oasis of creativity while a sterile environment can be like a desert for an inventive mind.

Other books mentioned:

• Free Play: Improvisation in Life and Art
• Willow
• The Clay Ladies
• Cat Magic
• The Trouble with Tilly Trumble

Author: Susan Lendroth
Illustrator: Raúl Allén
Published: 2008 Tricycle Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1582462321

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Haunting illustrations and tranquil, heartfelt rhyme describe a young girl’s yearning, worry and unyielding love for her long-awaited father in this soothing story of family fortitude.

Other books mentioned:

• Red Butterfly
• The Silk Princess
• Dandelions

More seafaring on JOMB:

• Heroes of Isle aux Morts
• The Killick
• The Lamp, the Ice and the Boat Called Fish
• The Edmund Fitzgerald: Song of the Bell
• Up
• Pirate Bob

Pop over to Charlotte’s Library for today’s full menu of poetry offerings. Poetry Fridays are brought to us by Kelly Herold of Big A, Little A.

Author: Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
Published: 2008 Henry Holt (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0805081690

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Funky paint and collage artwork and breezy first person narrative provide an eye-opening peek at a young girl’s experience with amblyopia and strabismus in this upbeat tale of personality, patches, perspective and pride.

You can read more about eye patching treatments here and here.

Other books mentioned:

• Carmine: A Little More Red

Author: Sarah Ackerley (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Sarah Ackerley
Published: 2008 Blooming Tree Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1933831073

Amazon.com

Quiet absurdity and understated text relay the hilarious tale of a unique young penguin who swaps stigma for stupendous in this inspiring invitation to embrace our traits.

Podcasts mentioned:

• LD Podcast
• Stuttering is Cool

Author: Johnathan Allen (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Johnathan Allen
Published: 2005 Hyperion (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0786837209

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Caustic scowls and harried helplessness take turns on the face of an overtired owlet in this hilariously endearing tale of naptime nastiness and unconditional love.

Other books mentioned:

• The Gruffalo
• Cuddly Dudley

Authors: Denise Brennan-Nelson and Rosemarie Brennan
Illustrator: Cyd Moore (on JOMB)
Published: 2008 Sleeping Bear Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1585363421

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Seething stringency and constant condemnation prove no match for good-natured self worth in this uplifting story of creativity, individuality and respect. Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks!

Other books mentioned:

• I Love You Stinky Face
• Cassandra’s Angel
• Free Play

More creativity on JOMB:

• Scribble
• A Bird About to Sing
• Emma’s Rug
• Go to Bed, Monster!
• The Puddle Pail
• Iggy Peck, Architect

More independent thinkers on JOMB:

• Odd Velvet
• Suki’s Kimono
• Ruby’s Wish
• Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick
• more here.

Author: David Almond (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Polly Dunbar (on JOMB)
Published: 2007 Candlewick Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0763636673

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Airy illustrations, playful, British dialogue and sprightly dipping, gliding narrative give flight to a zany father-daughter adventure that dances delicately between tenderness, tomfoolery, hope and despair landing lightly in the comfort of allied abandon.

You can read the first three chapters of this book here.

More dreams of flying on JOMB:

• Fly, Eagle, Fly
• I Can Hear the Sun
• Tudley Didn’t Know
• Chopsticks
• Today I Will Fly!

Author: Judith Christine Mills (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Judith Christine Mills
Published: 2007 Key Porter Books (on JOMB)
ISBN: 155263809X

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Windswept bleakness and ceaseless toil surrender to light hearts and lushness as this beautifully illustrated allegory reminds us to make time for music, beauty and the nourishment of our souls.

Beware of the Barrenness of a Busy Life — Socrates

Other books mentioned:

• Wild Cameron Women
• Some Helpful Tips for a Better World and a Happier Life

Author: Peggy Rathmann
Illustrator: Peggy Rathmann
Published: 1991 Scholastic (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0590474235

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Spare, natural dialogue, carefully chosen details and keenly expressive illustrations keep us alternately giggling and cringing at the delicate shifts of sentiment from uncertainty and admiration through flattery, imitation, loss of self and then frustration in this celebration of selfhood found.

Other books mentioned:

• Suki’s Kimono

Author: Doreen Rappaport
Illustrator: Matt Tavares
Published: 2008 Candlewick Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0763625302

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Stunningly warm, intimate illustrations and eleven candid first person accounts capture the crescendo of Lady Liberty’s creation, from idea to unveiling, and give us an enduring appreciation for the landmark, her creators and the many lives she has touched.

Other books mentioned:

• Taj Mahal
• Pier 21: Gateway of Hope

You can learn more about the process of illustrating this book here.

Author: Kelly Bennett
Illustrator: Noah Z. Jones
Published: 2008 Candlewick Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0763627631

Sunny stylized digital images and giggle-inducing grins, grimaces and gestures make a disgruntled pet-owner’s gradual shift in perspective an entertaining example of rejection, reflection and imagination.

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Author: Anna McQuinn
Illustrator: Anna McQuinn and Ben Frey
Published: 2008 Annick Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1554511224

Beaming boyhood bliss pops from zesty action-packed photography-and-paint collage as a spunky seven year old proudly presents the shared adventures and intriguing details of life with his very best bud, Jamal — who happens to be Somali.

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Meg McAllister, McAllister Rowan Communications Group, has an uplifting antidote to PW's A Day in the Life of a Book Publicist:

Sometimes I forget how much I enjoy what I do, and the joy I take in being a productive part of the publishing process and its ensuing marketing industry. My partner Darcie and I are known for our "straight-from-the-hip" assessments of the publishing industry and the business of marketing books, and thankfully people like Bella create sites like this where we can come together to share ideas, express concerns and...hopefully...enlighten one another from time to time.

Authors are VERY brave people! Just the act of putting words on a paper can be nerve-wracking, but then sending a book out there (like a mother sending her child off for the first day of school) into the big world to be savaged by agents, acquisition editors, publicists and media, should come with a Purple Heart. So why do you do it? Being somewhat jaded (but we hope terribly charming with it) marketers, Darcie and I have come to view authors as brands, and the books they write as tools in a larger plan/agenda.

But this week I was reminded in a big way that sometimes an author writes simply to tell a wonderful story, and in doing so share a part of themselves that impacts millions. If you don’t already know who Randy Pausch is, I urge you to learn, hear, and read more about him. A highly acclaimed professor from Carnegie Mellon, Randy is making news daily, not for his academic accolades, or his vast knowledge in the computer science field, but because he’s dying.

A relatively young (at 46 just a year older than I), vibrant, father of three, Randy has an aggressive and terminal case of pancreatic cancer. In September 2007 he was told that he would have a relatively short time left to live. Faced with a diagnosis that would send most of us into a flood of tears and a tub of Hagen Daaz, Randy instead agreed to take part in an academic tradition known as “The Last Lecture”. The premise of The Last Lecture is what insights and messages would we share with the world, if we knew this would be our last opportunity to do so. Randy addressed a standing room only crowd at Carnegie Mellon and talked not about achieving greatness, but about realizing childhood dreams; not about dealing with mortality, but living each day with renewed wonder and joy; and most importantly, not about achieving personal success, but helping others achieve theirs.

If you haven’t seen the lecture Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams, I implore you to invest the 76-½ minutes to do so, because it could change your life. Also please consider reading THE LAST LECTURE, which expands on Randy’s story, the lecture, and the impact it’s had on people throughout the world .

Randy’s lecture reminded me why I do what I do for a living. I want to promote books (though alas I am not promoting his) that have a meaning and a purpose that transcends Amazon rankings, bestseller lists, and units sold. I want to open the door to ideas and discussion. And I guess in my own way, I want to achieve success by helping others realize their goals.

So the point of my story is this: When you think about why you want to publish, why you want to promote, start by asking yourself why you write, and what it is you’re hoping your reader will really gain from reading your book. And when you have those moments where you’re bogged down with writer's block and insecurities, or when you’re that jaded (did I remember to mention charming?) publicist dealing with stress and media rejection, or when you’re that beloved publishing consultant dealing with everyone else’s hysteria while courageously dealing with her own issues and demons, perhaps Randy’s signature phrase will offer some inspiration: “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”

As a counterpoint to the previous post, here are photos I took in Washington last April at Dumbarton Oaks, in Georgetown. It's been my favorite place in the United States since I first visited at age nine. Above is Lover's Lane Pool (my computer wallpaper); below is Forsythia Hill.

Author: Davide Cali
Translator: Marcel Danesi
Illustrator: Anna Laura Cantone
Published: 2008 Tundra Books (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0887768733 Chapters.ca Amazon.com

The cheeky mother-replacement schemings of a disgruntled son and a crackerjack combination of collage, paint and cleverly carefree scrawling make this hilarious showdown between the delights of imagined control and the irreplaceable affection of a loving mom a pore-over-each-page favourite.

Books and Resources mentioned:

• National Film Board of Canada (NFB)
• The Incredible Book Eating Boy

Author: Stephanie Calmenson (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Justin Sutcliffe
Published: 1994 Clarion Books (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0395654777 Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Crisp, candid photographs and friendly, fact-filled text tell the true tale of an exceptionally lovable dog who, through the generosity, skill and hard work of herself, her master, her trainers and vet, brings joy and companionship to strangers.

More stories about the impact of visiting dogs:

• How Smudge Came
• Dr. White

Author: Michael Bedard (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Les Tait (on JOMB)
Published: 1999 Tundra Books (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0887765734 Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Thoughtful, unhurried narrative and rich, enveloping art capture the clutter and compassion of two celebrated sculptors, a fledgling robin’s rescue and the birth of a life-changing friendship.

You can learn more about sculptors Frances Loring and Florence Wyle here. Read about the recently published adult book, And Beauty Answers: The Life of Frances Loring and Florence Wyle, here.

Aha! I found a photo of their studio church on Glenrose Avenue!

Author: Bill Wise
Illustrator: Bill Farnsworth
Published: 2007 Lee & Low Books (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1584302690 Chapters.ca Amazon.com

This riveting roller coaster of taunts, talent and tenterhooks relays a true story of suffering and success and invites us to examine the troubling shadow of racism and the resiliency of those who rise above it.

Check out the full list of non-fiction picture books nominated for the 2007 Cybils Awards here.

Author: Dorothy Joan Harris
Illustrator: Kim LaFave (on JOMB)
Published: 2004 Scholastic Canada (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0439937183 Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Hazy, gold and red, retro artwork and snappy, all-too-familiar bickering make this simple yet surprisingly stirring tale of rivalry and resilience a memorable reminder of a decided route to happiness.

Other books mentioned:

• Suki’s Kimono

More Dogs on JOMB:

• Good Dog
• “Let’s Get a Pup!” said Kate
• The Pound from the Hound
• Poodlena
• The Trouble with Tilly Trumble
• The Outside Dog
• Dogs’ Night
• I Want A Dog

Author: Deborah Blumenthal
Illustrator: Mary GrandPre
Published: 2007 Pelican Publishing Company (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1589804910 Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Warmth, humour and fond remembrance waft through this beautifully worded and evocatively illustrated exploration of a young girl’s family tree — and the traits, trinkets and togetherness that sustain it.

Other books mentioned:

• Seven Brave Women

More family fondness on JOMB:

• My Great Aunt Arizona
• Grandma’s Feather Bed
• Too Many Tamales
• Mama’s Saris