Having my teen play queen of the fairies in A Midsummer Night's Dream rekindled an interest I had in the fairer folk. Growing up, I was obsessed with Michael Hague’s illustrations of all sorts of fantastical creatures and recently came across a library book that I missed in my more practical parenting years. The Book of Fairy Poetry features a variety of poems from Shakespeare to Prelutsky paired with Hague’s lush illustrations. While there is plenty of spritely dancing, the darker side is well-represented with poems of goblin tricks and fairy revenge. It's a gorgeous collection for adults and children. With his long career of creating enchanted worlds his artist note states, “In a very real sense I have been working on this volume of fairy poetry all my life.”

For Poetry Friday - hosted today at Check It Out - here is Shakespeare's song for Titania's slumber:

You spotted snakes with double tongue,
Thorny hedge-hogs, be not seen;
Newts and blind-worms, do no wrong;
Come not near our fairy queen.
Philomel, with melody
Sing in our sweet lullaby;
Lulla, lulla, lullaby;
Never harm
Nor spell nor charm.
Come our lovely lady nigh;
So, good night, with lullaby.

Here's three new nonfiction picture books that caught my eye at the library:

My First Day: What Animals do on Day One
by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
Houghton Mifflin Books, 2013
Another great title from this terrific team shows what happens when different animals are first born. The reader learns how some like the turtle are ready to take care of themselves as soon as they hatch, while others need moms to feed them and keep them safe. Some things are particularly sweet – like the zebra mom who memorizes the pattern of her babies stripes so she can find him among thousands of zebras in the herd. While the focus is on what happens on the first day, the end of the book provides more information on each animal. The illustrations are once again top-notch with the cut and torn paper bringing the animals to life against simple backgrounds with natural colors. Lovely addition to any collection – home, school, or library.

Frog Song
by Brenda Z. Guiberson, illustrated by Gennady Spirin
Henry Holt, 2013
Beautifully detailed and realistic paintings make this book about frogs a stand-out in picture book nonfiction. The illustrations take the reader into the setting, as a short paragraph on each type of frog tells about their origin, their song, and a bit about them. “In Ecuador, the song of the Surinam toad rattles across the swamp. CLICK-CLACK.” I'm not sure that the description of the tunes as CHIRP-CHWEET and SWEE-SWEE are really enough for me to "hear" the songs, but it's a nice angle for a new book about frogs. The book’s end gives range, length, and a quick fact about each featured frog, along with a note to the reader about the plight of our frogs. A bibliography and online resources are included at the end and the website has additional learning activities (Which maybe should include the sounds. Think about it?) Overall an informative and genuinely gorgeous book.

Eye on the Wild: Gorilla
by Suzi Eszterhas
Francis Lincoln, 2012
I’ve been keeping an eye out for books about animals that feature great photography. Well, add "Eye on the Wild" to your Smithsonian and National Geographic titles. The series has several titles available already, including ones on a cheetah, lion, and brown bear. The photos take center stage with a couple of short sentences on each page. There is a personal touch to the writing, which seems intended for younger readers, “The gorilla mom loves her baby very much. She holds her all the time and gives her lots of hugs and kisses.” As the book really follows one baby gorilla growing up, there is some additional information about gorillas in general at the last page of the book. The only issue for the book is a lack of bibliography, but otherwise a great addition to animal nonfiction with appealing photography.

A Poem of Her Own:
Voices of American Women Yesterday and Today
edited by Catherine Clinton, illustrated by Stephen Alcorn
Harry Abrams Publishing, 2003
Following chronological order, this collection features poems of twenty-five women over the last three hundred years. There is a definite focus on modern poets with half of the poems from the last fifty years, but a good sampling overall. The poetry and illustration is pretty sophisticated, and would find the best audience in the middle to high school reader. Biographies of the poets are listed at the back of the book which "reveal not only individuals, but, together, comprise a particularly intriguing story of America, a story of courage in the face of hardship, a story which traces varieties of creative expression unfolding over three centuries.” (I liked that phrasing from the introduction too much to paraphrase it.)

Here's a poem for today:

I, being born a woman and distressed
By all the needs and notions of my kind,
Am urged by your propinquity to find
Your person fair, and feel a certain zest
To bear your body’s weight upon my breast:
So subtly is the fume of life designed,
To clarify the pulse and cloud the mind,
And leave my one again undone, possessed.
Think not for this, however, the poor treason
Of my stout blood against my staggering brain,
I shall remember you with love, or season
My scorn with pity, - let me make it plain:
I find this frenzy insufficient reason
For conversation when we meet again.

Edna St. Vincent Millay (1923)

My library chose a nonfiction location for Can You Survive the Titanic?: An Interactive Survival Adventure by Allison Lassieur. The book shares lots facts about the ship, the process of the sinking, the types of passengers, and chances of survival. It includes a bibliography, index, glossary, and photographs. It's also one of a You Choose Books featuring multiple story paths and possible endings, which stretches the nonfiction label for me.

After a short introduction, the reader has the choice to navigate the book as part of the crew as a surgeon's assistant, as a governess of a wealthy family, or a 12 year old boy traveling with his father as a third class passenger. At different points, the book offers choices, for instance whether to help third class or go to the upper deck, until the end of your story. As fiction, it was engaging, interesting, and detailed, with a well-researched historical and emotional accuracy of the experience. The truth certainly wasn't sugar-coated, as many of the storyline endings did not leave the characters alive.

These dire conclusions are where the book gets tricky for me. I know death happens in the genre of "choose your own adventure," but this was more real... because the Titanic itself was real. I'm not sure how I feel about that. The other survival books in the You Choose Books are more vague - Antarctica, storm chasing, the jungle. The basis on an actual event made me uncomfortable in sort of a voyeuristic way, much less wondering if it was appropriate for younger readers for whom the series is intended. Or in our twenty-four hour news cycle of the latest tragedy, is this the new normal? Thoughts?

For more titles, visit our Nonfiction Monday host, Supratentorial.

Here's another entry in the series of songs as poetry, "Daylight" by Matt & Kim. I took some liberties here cutting out the repeating lines, but I think it works. For the real stuff, visit our Poetry Friday host, Sheri Doyle.

We cut the legs off of our pants
Threw our shoes into the ocean
Sit back and wave through the daylight
Slip and slide on subway grates
These shoes are poor mans ice skates
Fall through like change in the daylight
I miss yellow lines in my roads
Some color on monochrome
Maybe I'll paint them in myself
These sidewalks liquid then stone
Building walls and an old pay phone
It rings like all through the daylight

Up Cat
by Hazel Hutchins, art by Fanny
Annick Press 2012
Here's a cute book for cat fans framing "up" in cat terms like, "Leap up." and "Up to no good." Featuring charming illustrations of one busy kitty, all your favorite feline traits are here: climbing in too-small boxes, licking front paws, and puffing up all fluffy. With colorful pages and a storyline of a day in the life of a kitty, it's one sweet board book.

Hamsters Holding Hands
by Kass Reich
Ocra Books 2012
The title alone has an awwww factor. In this counting book, hamsters frolic through a somewhat random collection of number concepts that seem to have little relation to each other than the rhymes. "Three hamsters with a pear. Four hamsters in the air." But it works, as the randomness gives it an appealing silliness. The cartoon hamsters are darling in all their activities.

My Bunny
illustrated by Jessie Ford
Abrams Appleseed 2012
With a clever concept, this is not just a board book, but also an introduction to puzzles. Each page features a statement about a bunny and the illustration has a puzzle piece that can be removed and placed back on the page. Taking out the four pieces and putting them together reveals the cover image. A fun idea for little readers, as long as those puzzle pieces get safely back in the book.

The 2012 Cybils Awards are announced today and I'll happily share the winner from my category of picture books right here, right now. Head to the Cybils page for the rest of the worthy winners!

A Home for Bird
By Philip C. Stead
Roaring Brook Press

A Home for Bird is a character-driven story about a frog named Vernon who sets off on a perilous journey to help his silent friend find home and happiness. Vernon is a loyal protagonist with whom preschoolers will easily relate. The book offers an engaging read-aloud experience, with ample opportunity for audience participation, and a narrative with both subtle humor and charm. Stead's vibrant and fluid illustrations are a perfect match to the story, and will have young listeners clamoring for parents, teachers, and/or librarians to "read it again!"

Better late than never with the prizes for the Comment Challenge. I used the random number generator to pick winners from the select group who had made one hundred comment or over and a participant prize from everyone who signed out to complete the challenge. From the first group, our winner is Beth from Library Chicken. Winning our participant prize is Madigan from Madigan Reads. Our surprise batch of books will be heading their way, as soon as Lee Wind and I coordinate such minor details like addresses. (Ladies, feel free to contact me at MotherReader AT gmail DOT com with your address.)

Thanks to all who participated. I hope that it helped you feel more comfortable with commenting and that you found some new blogging friends along the way. I know I did!

Today features another installment of music lyrics as poetry from TeenReader's hipster song collection. Enjoy this little break from Mumford and Sons and then head over to our Poetry Friday host, A Teaching Life for the round-up.

Weep for yourself, my man,
You'll never be what is in your heart
Weep Little Lion Man,
You're not as brave as you were at the start
Rate yourself and rake yourself,
Take all the courage you have left
Wasted on fixing all the problems
That you made in your own head

With twenty-one days of commenting awareness under our belts, we have reached the end of the Comment Challenge. With the morning off work, I have only five comments to go to reach the one hundred mark, so I'm feeling good. In other years the daily routine was most helpful, but this time I found myself reading and commenting in blocks of time. It may have a lot to do with when I was keeping Teen company as she worked through her endless amounts of homework. Either way it got me more connected to blogging and responding, and that's what I love most about doing this Comment Challenge.

My takeaway is the idea that there are two types of comments. In one we offer a connection to the topic, adding opinions and contributing to the dialogue. In the other we offer a connection to the writer, adding support and contributing to a community feeling. I think our hesitation comes often from our fear of not doing the first adequately, when in truth any comment is adequate in the second because it lets the writer feel heard. Okay maybe not any comment, if it say advertises products of dubious nature. But still, I'd like to worry less about what I'm saying when much of the value in commenting is saying anything.

Thanks to all of you who have commented here this week. I didn't respond individually, but I was especially grateful for your comments on my daughter's video of Crazy Dreams. The song itself has been so meaningful to me as a crossover from my theatre kid world to the community of writers: "Hello, you wild magnolias just waiting to bloom, there's a little bit of all that inside of me and you." Of course, I love her performance and I know how well she sells those words, so I appreciate knowing it was heard in the world.

Okay, so back to the bigger picture of Comment Challenge 2013. By the end of the day, please comment with your totals, experience, etc so that Lee Wind and I can give out some prizes. Don't worry if you didn't meet the one hundred goal, or even your own goal. We would like to know who was along for the ride and how you found the journey. Thanks for playing!

I know that no one is breathlessly awaiting my post on the winners when the news is all over the Kidlitosphere, but for my own sake of fulfillment I'll cover the Newbery and Caldecott Awards - the "biggies" of the ALA Youth Media Awards.

The John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature went to The One and Only Ivan, written by Katherine Applegate. I loved the book and thought it had a good chance at a medal. Unfortunately, I haven't read any of the three honor books Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz, Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage, or Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin. Of them, the last is first on my list to read as it was also named in other nonfiction awards. I was surprised that Wonder was not on the list, but am thinking that it may have peaked too early in the Newbery season.

The winner of the Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished picture book was This Is Not My Hat, illustrated and written by Jon Klassen. I thought it was too similar to the first book to win, but what do I know. Two of the Caldecott Honor books were also Cybils finalists, Creepy Carrots! illustrated by Peter Brown, written by Aaron Reynolds and Extra Yarn, illustrated by Jon Klassen, written by Mac Barnett. Among my personal favorites of last year was One Cool Friend, illustrated by David Small and written by Toni Buzzeo. I have never understood the buzz about Green, illustrated and written by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, but figured it would be honored. I actually don't know Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue, but since I love the illustrator Pamela Zagarenski, I'm looking forward to the book. I was disappointed that Chloe and the Lion didn't appear on the list, especially with so many selections named this year. When it was announced that there would be five honor books, there was an obvious murmur from the ALA audience, and I'm glad to see a bigger list than last year.

What are your thoughts on the Newbery and Caldecott awards this year? Did they get it right?

Another installment of song as poetry, this time with a side of story.

Last weekend my daughter and I went to New York so that she could attend workshop through the Broadway Artists Alliance program she does there. She was very excited to participate because it was set up around the theme of Smash and one of the ensemble members of the cast, Wesley Taylor, would teach a class. What we didn't realize until later was that the other part of the day would be run by Ceasar Rocha, the casting director of Smash and many Broadway shows. So my girl sang this song for him and he told her she had a great voice. Just, wow. And look how perfect the song is. And watch how perfectly she sings it:

Crazy Dreams
Hello, you longshots, you dark horse runners
Hairbrush singers, dashboard drummers
Hello, you wild magnolias just waitin’ to bloom
There's a little bit of all that inside of me and you
Thank God, even crazy dreams come true
I stood at the bottom of some walls I thought I couldn't climb
I felt like Cinderella at the ball just runnin’ out of time
So I know how it feels to be afraid
And think that it's all gonna slip away
Hold on, hold on

Here's to you free souls, you firefly chasers
Tree climbers, porch swingers, air guitar players
Here's to you fearless dancers, shakin’ walls in your bedrooms
There's a lot of wonder left inside of me and you
Thank God, even crazy dreams come true
Never let a bad day be enough
To go and talk you into givin’ up
Sometimes everybody feels like you
Oh, feels like you, just like you
Thank God, even crazy dreams come true

Why aren't people commenting on my blog? It's a common complaint, a question for the blogging ages. There are big picture answers that highlight content, engagement and connection. But today I want to focus on some concrete things I noticed as I am making my way through the Comment Challenge participants.

1. The commenting process is difficult. At this point, most bloggers are using some sort of filter that keeps spambots out. But I've noticed that some commenting systems are harder than others. For instance, I have no problem with the ones that want a Google ID, but I shy away if a Facebook login is requested. And I'm not even sure what Disqus is. A lot of this isn't in your control, but might be worth knowing.

2. The content isn't updated. I'm one to talk with my pathetic January posting schedule, but fresh content does matter. As I've been visiting blogs during the Comment Challenge, I comment on the post that drew my attention most - and if I didn't have much to choose from then sometimes I didn't comment.

3. The content isn't varied. Maybe you are focused on branding your reviewer/illustrator/writer blog, but give yourself a little room to play in the bigger world of KidLit/YA literature. Throw in something personal, book recommendations, movie tie-ins, Kidlitosphere news - just something different from your norm to engage more people.

4. The post doesn't invite comments. Personally, I've struggled with asking questions at the end of a post, and generally avoided it myself for fear of leaving it dangling out there, unanswered. But what I'm thinking of is posts that give little to latch onto. Okay, an example is posting illustrations alone. Other than "Lovely," what have you given me to say?" But add to that posting where the idea came from, what you struggled to capture... whatever went into it that gives me a way to relate.

5. The blog is continuous self-promotion. Obviously, your blog will have some self-promotion for your achievements, but if that's all your posts are about then you are not inviting engagement. You're not even inviting return visits.

What have you noticed on your commenting travels? How are doing on your commenting goals?

Another in the ongoing installment of songs as poetry is this one from Florence & The Machine. As usual, I've included just part of the lyrics and cut the song-like conventions, which in this case includes the title bit. So watch the video and enjoy!

Shake It Out
Regrets collect like old friends
Here to relive your darkest moments
I can see no way, I can see no way
And all of the ghouls come out to play
And every demon wants his pound of flesh
But I like to keep some things to myself
I like to keep my issues drawn
It's always darkest before the dawn

And I've been a fool and I've been blind
I can never leave the past behind
I can see no way, I can see no way
I'm always dragging that horse around
And our love is pastured such a mournful sound
Tonight I'm gonna bury that horse in the ground
So I like to keep my issues drawn
But it's always darkest before the dawn

So how's the Comment Challenge going? Struggling for something to say? Well, maybe recognizing some common commenting barriers will help:

You’re setting the bar too high.
If you need a reality check, read the comments on any YouTube video or Yahoo article. These people don’t spend time concerned with whether their comment is “witty” or “insightful” or “makes sense.” Seriously, you are in the top ten percent of commenters merely by paying minimal attention to basic spelling and verb/noun agreement.

You’re over-thinking it.
We hear about social media and networking in terms of helping our writing/blogs/careers and start worrying about how comments figure in the process. Look, no one is getting a book deal from a comment. It's about connecting, engaging and getting out there. Relax.

You’re reading blog posts like articles.
This is understandable, because they are articles, but they are also conversations. A comment isn’t crafting a letter to the editor. It’s closer to your response after listening to someone excitedly tell you about this great novel they just read. You wouldn't walk away from that, right? What would you say? Okay, now say that but in a comment.

Now the comment section is yours for progress reports, lessons learned, and commenting insights so far. Don't forget that you can lend support to your fellow participants who you'll find listed at the Comment Challenge sign-up. Go to it!

Quickie review today of a middle grade and/or middle school book that should be required reading for every young teenage girl who wonders what boys could possibly be thinking with courtship techniques that sometimes involve spitballs.

Crush
by Gary Paulsen
Wendy Lamb Books 2012, review from library copy
“I’m the most romantic guy you’ll ever meet. Potentially, that is.” Kevin Spencer, 14 yrs old, would love to be Tina’s boyfriend, but first he has to be able to talk to her without making a fool of himself. He decides to make a study of love and dating to improve his chances, as his ego needs no work. Though he makes some wrong turns – hilarious ones, mostly – he also brings some people together and resolves his own crush. Paulsen has created a character with a lot of charm and humor. The book is full of funny lines, for instance Kevin's view of his parents' relationship: “In summation: Don’t annoy her, listen – and hear – her, and feed her. Except for the listening/hearing part, it’s kind of like having another cat. And I’m an excellent pet owner.” Does he stop experimenting and get the girl? Sure, but the fun is along the way. The shorter length of the books in the series – which includes Liar, Liar and Flat Broke – are great for reluctant readers in middle school. Boys will enjoy this relatable character and girls may find usable insight into the mind of a teenage boy in love.

In my continuing series of songs as poetry, I checked with TeenReader for some of her favorite hipster songs because she finds the best music. "Little Talks" by Of Monsters and Men is one we've been enjoying a lot recently. The video is super trippy too.

Little Talks

I don't like walking around this old and empty house.
So hold my hand, I'll walk with you, my dear.
The stairs creak as you sleep, it's keeping me awake.
It's the house telling you to close your eyes.
Some days I can't even trust myself.
It's killing me to see you this way.
'Cause though the truth may vary
This ship will carry our bodies safe to shore

There's an old voice in my head that's holding me back.
Well, tell her that I miss our little talks.
Soon it will be over and buried with our past.
We used to play outside when we were young
And full of life and full of love.
Some days I don't know if I am wrong or right.
Your mind is playing tricks on you, my dear.
'Cause though the truth may vary
This ship will carry our bodies safe to shore.

December 13th seems like the perfect day to expand my usual Thursday Three to Thirteen. Plus I have a lot of great books to cover. At the library, I bring the best picture books back to my desk to read and share. When I don't want to give it back is when I know I have a special title. These are some of the books I could barely part with over the past year.


Another Brother
by Matthew Cordell
The opening sets it up perfectly “For four glorious years, Davy had Mom and Dad all to himself.” Page turn. “But things change…” The first brother is annoying and disgusting – crying, spitting up, and needing to go potty. (All of that nicely illustrated, by the way.) But one new baby isn't enough for this story. No! He gets twelve brothers who follow him and copy him all the time... until they don’t. Davy’s not sure he likes being alone – but he isn’t for long. The pen, ink and watercolor illustrations complement the light, fun tone of book and this fresh take on the common sibling theme is done with humor and heart.

Chloe and the Lion
by Mac Barnett and Adam Rex
Bringing us into the book is the author, Mac, who introduces the illustrator, Adam, and our main character, Chloe. As the story moves on, she gets lost in a forest and instead of meeting up with a lion, the illustrator chooses a dragon. Author and Illustrator break into the story to argue and Adam plays tricks with his illustrator's power, leading to the hiring of a new illustrator who can't draw the way Mac wants - though he does get the lion to swallow Adam - forcing Mac to fire him and take over the artwork too, but he can't draw. The character, Chloe, stages an intervention getting the author and illustrator to make up and get things going so that the lion coughs up Adam and the story can finish up. Such a hard book to describe - complex, funny, clever, multi-layered, meta. I absolutely loved it. Great book trailer too!.

Each Kindness
by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis
A new girl comes into the classroom, and she is quiet and obviously poor. Our main character doesn't let Maya play with them and even turns from her shy smiles. The kids laugh about her behind her back, even as Maya keeps trying to connect with sharing her small toys. A lesson from the teacher on kindness may be too late for this child, but makes it more poignant for protagonist and the reader. Lovely, heartbreaking story is perfectly matched with the luscious artwork which adds its own emotional component. A book you won't soon forget.

Extra Yarn
by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
A girl finds a box filled with yarn, so she knits a sweater. Finding that she has extra yarn, she knits one for her dog too. But as there continues to be yarn she knits for all her classmates, townsfolk, animals – nice Klassen nod to the bear and rabbit from I Want My Hat Back – and even houses. Her knitting creates a colorful world that attracts the attention of an archduke who wants the box for himself. It all seems to go wrong for the little girl, but good wins out. So much to love in the book - the story that goes somewhere, the sharing of gifts freely, the play in the illustrations between grays and soft colors. A wonderful book that is getting a fair amount of Caldecott buzz.

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs
by Mo Willems
Self-referential tale of Goldilocks noting the oddly convenient bowls of food and the poorly supervised little girl among other aspects of this unexpected story. Older readers will gleefully understand that the dinosaurs are waiting for Goldilocks to come so that they can eat up a chocolate-pudding stuffed little girl. But that would make a pretty dark ending, so she gets away before things go bad. Great lines make for a perfect read aloud for early elementary kids who will get the irony. Funny and clever, this is Mo Willems having fun and inviting us along. Yes, there is a hidden pigeon or two, along with some little visual jokes for the observant reader. Excellent.

Good News Bad News
by Jeff Mack
Who knew four words could say so much? As two friends prepare to have a picnic, events and their dispositions move forward a simple story of staying positive - even when being struck by lightning. Well, at least it chased off the bear! Negative mouse has the last word then which is bad Bad BAD news, finally breaking rabbit’s optimism. But friendship turns this grumpy mouse around to find good news in their friendship. Cartoon illustrations with broad strokes keep expressions front and center. Love that the mouse has a chip on his ear. Nice touch.

Happy
by Miles Van Hout
Leave it to Lemniscaat to give us another beautiful book of art that also functions as a picture book. Each whimsical, colorful fish jumps out against the black background as the opposite page describes the aquatic’s emotional state – be it curious, brave, or loving. The words are artistically rendered as well, with the background selected to accent the fish’s color while conveying a tone – red for furious, for instance. Simple in concept, the artistic execution brings this book from simplicity. Look for openings of discussion as to what makes this fish or that look proud, angry or content. Color me – like the last fish – delighted.

Huff and Puff
by Claudia Rueda
With a subtitle of “Can You Blow Down the Houses of the the Three Little Pigs?” This book brings the reader into the action. The hole on the cover is echoed through the book as a peek to the page beneath as well as an invitation to the reader to be the world. Simple text, minimal illustrations in pen and ink and watercolor and an ending surprise make this a fun book for younger readers. Love the facial expressions and simplicity of statements such as, “First pig was not happy.” Your basic three little pigs have undergone a makeover, and it looks good.

Just Ducks
by Nicola Davis, illustrated by Salvatore Rubbino
With an irregular pen-sketch style, even the font is artistic. (Cold Mountain Six, which could also be a band name.) The slight story of a girl visiting the ducks on the river is enhanced with facts about ducks, each a concise sentence. The illustrations are lovely with gentle watercolors. The colors evok the natural world with greens, browns, and grays, that pop against the white background. There are lovely details to the pictures, like the armful of toys the mom holds in the child’s bedroom or the tiny ants crawling along the grass. Simply beautiful informational book that reads like a story.

One Cool Friend
by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by David Small
A very proper boy with tuxedo and good manners, goes to the aquarium with his father and loves the penquins who look formal like him. He politely asks his father for a penguin, and dad – looking at the plush display – agrees. Given permission, Elliot takes the smallest penguin in his backpack and takes good care of it at home with his father never noticing. When he does – and you know he will – his reaction is a nice surprise. No lesson of taking something or misunderstanding, just a clever silly story. Nice cameo of the pink-haired librarian who doesn’t even blink when presented with a live penguin on their research trip. The artwork is black and white with accenting colors – the boys red backpack, dad’s green jacket, the aquarium's checked blue walls - that really works with humor style. Lots of fun.

Sophie’s Fish
by A.E. Cannon, illustrated by Lee White
When Sophie asks Jake to babysit her fish for a weekend, he agrees. But then he begins to worry, coming up with all sorts of unlikely problems, humorously illustrated. He is sure he will back out until he sees Sophie’s smile and think “How hard can it be to babysit a fish?” But there is a nice twist at the end where the fish does turn out to be more than expected. Interesting and amusing illustrations with mixed media flair add to the older kid appeal. And I love a book that takes on childhood anxiety and does it well.

You Are a Lion! And Other Fun Yoga Poses
by Taeeun Yoo
Simple descriptions of yoga stances pair with drawings of a child in that stance, with the page turn revealing the name of the pose along an illustration of the creature with poetic phrases like: "Lion: King of the Jungle/Roaring so loud/Make the woods rumble.” The imaginative element puts the child in the scene of a jungle or field of flowers while the use of cool colors and soft tones reflects the sense of calm and peace. A diverse representation of kids add to the accessibility. Pretty, lyrical, and even a bit practical.

Z is for Moose
by Kelly Bingham
An ABC book with a excited and persistent Moose trying to get into the show and a Zebra trying to keep things in order. Moose tries for a feature with the Ice cream, Jar and Kangaroo – each time asking “Now?” The disappointment when M is reached- they decided to go with the mouse – is a great storytime moment. It leads to an angry moose, a controlling zebra, and finally a time of forgiveness. (Parallel to parenting, perhaps.) Cleverly done and very funny, especially as a read aloud where the kids will yell out where the moose has appeared or what he is doing now. A big standout in the world of ABC books.

Bonus video!

At this time of year, a local organization here sets up a Christmas shop for their needy clients to find presents for their children. For the past couple of years I've brought them books from the ones I received as a reviewer and Cybils panelist.

I am very picky in my selection, knowing that this might be the only book that the child receives this holiday. Maybe even this year. Assuming that the parent won't be looking through for the exact right title for their child, I look for broad appeal and happy topics.

I am sharing the books in two parts, with today's selection being mainly 2011 titles. It always makes me feel bad that I can't review so many of the books that I have received, but I am grateful to the publishers who have sent me books over the years and allowed me to pass them on to others. Thank you, and know that your books went to a child in need.

The Big Snuggle-up
by Brian Patten, illustrated by Nicola Bayley; Kane Miller
Everyone comes in to get warm, together.

Bug and Bear: A Story of True Friendship
by Ann Bonwill, illustrated by Layn Marlow; Amazon Children’s Publishing
Bear needs alone time, but Bug is persistent. Sometimes friendship is compromise.

Buglette the Messy Sleeper
by Bethanie Murguia; Tricycle Press
Buglette's messy sleeping saves the day!

Charlie the Ranch Dog
by Rec Drummond, illustrated by Diane deGroat; Harper Collins
Charlie does all the work around that ranch. Wink.

Chicken, Chicken, Duck
by Nadia Krilanovich; Tricycle Press
Lots of farm animals, beautifully illustrated.

A Dog is a Dog
by Stephen Shaskan; Chronicle Books
Bouncing rhymes take a dog through a series of surprises for the reader.

Edwin Speaks Up
by April Stevens, illustrated by Sophie Blackall; Schwartz & Wade
Busy family can't quite hear their littlest member, but he keeps it together.

Every Little Thing
by Bob Marley and Cedelia Marley, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton; Chronicle Books
Bob Marley lyrics in a joyful, beautiful book.

Falcon
by Tim Jessell; Random House
A falcon's journey, a boy's imagination.

Farmyard Beat
by Lindsey Craig and Marc Brown; Knopf Books
Dancing rhythms down on the farm

I Like You the Best
by Carol Thompson; Holiday House
Friends can fight, make up, and still be best friends.

Is Everyone Ready for Fun?
by Jan Thomas; Beach Lane Books
Jumping on the couch has never looked so good.

Jam and Honey
by Melita Morales, illustrated by Laura J. Bryant; Tricycle Press
Girl afraid of bee, bee afraid of girl, but both get what they need.

Job Site
by Nathan Clement; Boyds Mills Press
Construction and trucks on the job.

The Lighthouse Santa
by Sara Hoagland Hunter, illustrated by Julia Miner; Flying Dog
True story of a Santa who visited remote locations.

Light Up the Night
by Jean Reidy, illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine; Hyperion Books
The universe in the colorful, imaginary travels of a young boy.

Moo, Moo, Brown Cow
by Phillis Gershator, illustrated by Giselle Potter; Random House
All the farm animals contribute, not just the black sheep.

Mrs Noah’s Vegetable Ark
by Elena Pasquali, illustrated by Steve Larvis; Lion UK
Noah brought the animals, but his wife remembered the food.

Olive and Snowflake
by Tammie Lyon; Amazon Children’s Publishing
A puppy needs obedience training, along with his owner.

Ollie the Purple Elephant
by Jarrett Krosoczka; Knopf Books
A purple elephant joins a family and then the circus.

Pussycat, Pussycat
by Dan Bar-el, illustrated by Rae Mate; Simply Read Books
The pussycat visited the queen and a whole lot more.

Shoes for Me
by Sue Fliess, illustrated by Mike Laughead; Amazon Children’s Publishing
Picking just the right shoes can be a challenge, but a fun one.

The Snow Blew Inn
by Dian Curtis Regan, illustrated by Doug Cushman; Holiday House
When a snow storm strike, this little inn is ready for company.

Tom’s Tweet
by Jill Esbaum, illustrated by Dan Santat; Knopf Books
Simple breakfast plans get complicated.

The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot
by Margaret McNamare, illustrated by Mark Fearing; Schwartz & Wade
A space-age fairy tale.

Following Part I of the story, I had always intended to bring books to the Christmas shop, but after the horrible events of Friday it felt even more important to do something in the cause of joy.

When I came back from my delivery, it was perfect to find that someone had expressed this concept so perfectly as Jarrett Krosoczka calling for us to Make Magic, Preserve Wonder. What better way to describe the importance of picture books in the hands of needy children.

Berkeley’s Barn Owl Dance
by Tera Johnson, illustrated by Tania Howells; Kids Can Press
Dancing right out of the nest and into our hearts.

Chavela and the Magic Bubble
by Monica Brown, illustrated by Magaly Morales; Clarion Books
Magical bubble gum takes a girl to the Yucatan. Better than Jet Blue.

Chicken Big
by Keith Graves; Chronicle Books
Silly hens, it’s just a big chicken. Look at the title.

Daniel Boone’s Great Escape
by Michael Spradlin, illustrated by Ard Hoyt; Walker Books
Historical fiction takes an adventurous turn.

Dogs on the Bed
by Elizabeth Bluemle, illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf; Candlewick
Too many dogs in a rhyming romp.

The Eensy Weensy Spider Freaks Out
by Troy Cummings; Random House
Who cares what happens next with a great title like that.

Good Night, Chickie
by Emile Jadoul; Eerdmans Books
Chickie worries at bedtime, but Mommy has it covered.

How Do You Wokka Wokka?
by Elizabeth Bluemle, illustrated by Randy Cecil; Candlewick
A dance takes over a city neighborhood.

Imogene’s Antlers
by David Small; Dragonfly Books
Growing antlers overnight doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

I Must Have Bobo!
by Eileen Rosenthal, illustrated by Marc Rosenthal; Atheneum Books
A favorite lovey is essential to both boy and... cat?

Hurry Down to Derry Fair
by Dora Chaconas, illustrated by Gillian Tyler; Candlewick
Old-fashioned fair in an old-fashioned time.

Legend of Ninja Cowboy Bear
by David Bruins, illustrated by Hilary Leung; Kids Can Press
A ninja, cowboy, and bear are friends with a conflict.

Lots of Dots
by Craig Frazier; Chronicle Books
A showcase of dogs in the world all around.

Metal Man
by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Paul Hoppe; Charlesbridge Publishing
Creating art out of junk and being a quiet inspiration.

Mine!
by Shutta Crum, illustrated by Patrice Barton; Knopf Books
Siblings squabble with one word – Mine!

Olu’s Dream
by Shane W. Evans; Katherine Tegan Books
Adventures begin at night.

Princess Baby, Night Night
by Karen Katz; Schwartz & Wade
Even little princesses must go to sleep.

Ron’s Big Mission
by Rose Blue and Corinne Naden, illustrated by Don Tate; Dutton Juvenile
Getting a library card. Becoming an astronaut. True story.

Six Crows
by Leo Lionni; Knopf Books
A scarecrow can’t chase these birds away, but fighting back isn’t the answer either.

Soup Day
by Melissa Iwai; Henry Holt & Co
Making soup with mom. Mmmm. Soup good.

Spoon
by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Scott Magoon; Hyperion Books
It’s hard out there for a spoon.

Sunday is for God
by Michael McGowan, illustrated by Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson; Schwartz & Wade
Simple beauty in a day given to worship.

Ten Big Toes and a Prince’s Nose
by Nancy Gow, illustrated by Stephen Costanza; Sterling
Flawed princess and prince find each other, and happiness.

Ten for Me
by Barbara Mariconda, illustrated by Sherry Rogers; Sylvian Dell Publishing
Butterflies and math. Together again.

Ten on the Sled
by Kim Norman, illustrated by Liza Woodruff; Sterling
Winter fun on a sled, not a bed.

For Poetry Friday, another installment of music as poetry. This song by Elvis Costello is stunningly haunting - now especially.

As i walk through
This wicked world
Searchin' for light in the darkness of insanity.
I ask myself
Is all hope lost?
Is there only pain and hatred, and misery?
And each time i feel like this inside,
There's one thing i wanna know:
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding?
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding?

And as i walked on
Through troubled times
My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes
So where are the strong
And who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony?
Sweet harmony.
'cause each time i feel it slippin' away, just makes me wanna cry.
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding?
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding?

So where are the strong?
And who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony?
Sweet harmony.
'cause each time i feel it slippin' away, just makes me wanna cry.
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding?

Killing time on New Year's Eve, an email reminder about Donors Choose sent me looking around the site. As I always do there, I searched for book projects in either Virginia or D.C., not committed to giving a specific amount as much as seeing what might connect. I was caught by this request looking for specific beginning reader titles:

These books, by Jan Thomas and Mo Willems, are ones that young readers will read again and again and again. The stories are hilarious, the illustrations are simple, but brilliant. The vocabulary and wording are accessible. These are the first books my students search for when we visit the library each week.

My students are willing to struggle and work hard to become readers. They love books, both independently and when shared. These books will ensure that every student can find a copy of a book they want to read.

I am so excited to return to school tomorrow and tell my students that we will soon be receiving a huge box full of Jan Thomas and Mo Willems' books. I know these titles will all be in their book boxes as soon as they arrive in our classroom. These two authors are favorites of everyone in our class (including me) so these books will be highly anticipated and much loved. Thank you so much for your generosity towards my students and myself. These emerging readers will grow quickly and with great excitement in their reading thanks to you.

The new year brings the new crop of Cybils Finalists! There are some great books on those shortlists, but I have a special interest in promoting that of my picture book committee:


Black Dog
by Levi Pinfold
Templar

One day a black dog of inderminate (but undoubtedly large) size scares the Hope family terribly, leaving the youngest member, called Small, to face the animal. In her bright yellow jacket, she leads the dog on a merry chase with the refrain, "You can''t follow where I go, unless you shrink, or don't you know?" The dog does follow, and as he shrinks the reader's heart swells, for Small Hope is a picture of brazen confidence and the face of the dog shows the reader that the only thing he's hungry for is a friend. Both the text and illustrations offer much to ponder, with younger readers able to enjoy the delicious wordplay and adventure while older readers can explore the allegory of the black dog on a deeper level. -- Julie Jurgens, Hi Miss Julie!

Chloe and the Lion
by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Adam Rex
Hyperion

Author and illustrator appear in their own book as sculpted doll versions of themselves working together to tell the story of Chloe, a young girl who saves her money to ride the merry-go-round in the park. When author Mac decides to fire illustrator Adam over artistic differences, the variety of styles used to tell Chloe’s story creates the perfect illusion that multiple illustrators are taking his place. The differentiation between the “on-stage” happenings of Chloe’s story and witty behind-the-scenes banter of Mac and Adam is expertly defined through the use of different media and fonts for each. Readers are sure to remember the difference between an author and an illustrator after enjoying this clever story-within-a-story. -- Laura Given, LibLaura

Creepy Carrots!
by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter Brown
Simon & Schuster

Jasper Rabbit has a big problem: he can't stop chomping down all the carrots in Crackenhopper Field, and they've had enough! As Jasper's love of carrots turns to fear, he attempts to conquer the Creepy Carrots once and for all. Through vivid noir-style illustrations, readers young and old will be captivated by the pop of bright orange against a Twilight Zone feel of background colors and characters. A perfectly creepy and hilarious story of a gluttonous bunny that may even help little readers conquer their fears of what goes bump in the night. -- Danielle Smith, There's a Book

Extra Yarn
by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Balzer + Bray

In a dreary town, young Annabelle finds a box filled with yarn of every color. Incredibly, the supply never seems to run out. Annabelle decides to share, slowly changing her world for the better. "Timeless" can sometimes be code for "old-fashioned"--that's not the case here. In Extra Yarn, Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen craft a story with staying power that feels fresh and modern. Barnett touches on themes of giving while Klassen works wonders with the visuals, covering the once-drab town in technicolor yarn. It's funny, it's quirky, yet at the core Extra Yarn is an engaging story that kids won't soon forget. -- Travis Jonker, 100 Scope Notes

A Home for Bird
by Philip C. Stead
Roaring Brook

A carved bird is launched off the back of a truck and discovered by a cheerful frog who adopts the silent creature as his new friend. As Bird says nothing, Frog decides he can only make Bird happy by finding his home, and he bravely takes on that important quest. The reader always understands what Frog does not--that this bird belongs in a clock--and that knowledge makes the completed journey rewarding as the right home is found and Bird finally speaks with a loud CUCKOO! Sweeps of bright colors and playfully sketched illustrations convey the light tone, while underneath lies a heart-warming tale of friendship, dedication, and the beauty of caring for another. Powerful, engaging, and beautifully crafted, this is the perfect book for parent-child reading time. -- Jodell Sadler, Picture Book Lunchables

Infinity and Me
by Kate Hosford, illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska
Carolrhoda Books

As she stares at the night sky, young Uma wonders about the confusing concept of infinity and she decides to ask her friends what it means to them. Infinity and Me introduces a challenging mathematical concept though the creative explanations of her friends and Uma’s own wonderings, as well as through the mostly muted illustrations that have just enough personality (the bright red of Uma’s precious new shoes, for example) to give them life. The almost abstract illustrations perfectly suit the mathematical theme of the book, and the child-like, yet accurate, understandings of infinity work together to provide a discussion of a mind-boggling topic, well disguised as a compelling story about one girl and her friends. Inspired by the author’s discussions with children about infinity, Infinity and Me includes a two-page author’s note in which she mentions a bit of the history of the concept of infinity and also shares what some other children think about it. -- Rebecca Reid, Rebecca Reads

One Special Day
by Lola M. Schaefer, illustrated by Jessica Meserve
Hyperion

Spencer is just as strong and fast and loud as any of the wild animals that inhabit his world. Yet when a new sibling comes along, Spencer has no trouble adding "gentle" to his list of personal qualities. Simple text provides a fun introduction to similes, cleverly allowing children to fill in missing blanks. Gorgeous art swirls with motion and emotion until the climax which, by contrast, becomes dear and intimate. One Special Day is an engaging book that thankfully depicts the experience of getting a new sibling in a positive light. -- Aaron Zenz, Bookie Woogie

I have been so busy this holiday season that I almost forgotten about this annual tradition! Yes, it’s Festivus, the holiday for the rest-of-us, and now is the time for the airing of the grievances. You have free space in the comments — my gift to you this holiday season. I’ll start:

• My daughter's teachers who seem to believe they offer the only challenging course in the school and are therefore entitled to assign homework over Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks.
• My local Safeway that after years still can't figure out that the time right before 3:30 p.m. is always busy and needs to be staffed appropriately.
• Okay yeah, my mom for staying here last week and throwing off my whole holiday schedule. (I swear she doesn't read this blog.
• Anyone who utters anything about the only way to stop a bad person with a gun is a good person with a gun, especially if they do so while I'm on the information desk at work.
• Can I be annoyed with a whole year? Because honestly, 2012 didn't do it for me.