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   10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston & illustrated by Rich Deas “Looky!” says a silly turkey swinging from a vine. Gobble gobble wibble wobble. Whoops! Now there are nine.” Girls and boys will gobble up this hilarious counting story about ten goofy turkeys roller-skating on a fence, doing a noodle dance, and more! Give …

#31 in an ongoing series of posts celebrating the alphabet.

"Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others." ~ Jonathan Swift




Oh. My. God.

This has got to be the most astonishing alphabet collection ever -- the coolest of the cool, the most unique and inspiring gift from nature anyone has ever received!

Some time ago, author/illustrator Leslie McGuirk began taking a closer look at the sedimentary rocks on a stretch of Florida beach near her home. These fascinating natural sculptures, smoothed and shaped by thousands of years of wave action, consisted of grains of sand and fossilized shell fragments "glued together" by a chemical in the seawater. Yes, they were all amazing and beautiful, each in its own way, but it was Leslie who noticed that some resembled letters of the alphabet.   

        
    
She soon became obsessed (my kind of woman), and began collecting these special letter rocks, as well as rocks resembling objects beginning with each letter. She did this for over ten years. Patient, persistent, eyes open, heart waiting. One by one, they revealed themselves to her. And now, she's sharing her collection with the world in her brand new book, If Rocks Could Sing: A Discovered Alphabet (Tricycle Press, 2011), which will be officially released on Tuesday, May 24th!

In her Author's Note, "Rock Talk," Leslie says: "Finding these letters, and rocks that looked like objects to match them, was a process of believing that anything is possible. These are beautiful sculptures, little works of art. I feel honored to share these rocks with the world. These compositions are intended to allow these rocks to speak for themselves . . . and for us to imagine what we would hear if rocks could sing." 

Leslie is here today to tell us more. You will no doubt be inspired to take a closer look at the world around you and marvel anew at the wonders of nature.

Jama: How and why did you start collecting alphabet shaped rocks?

Leslie: When I first moved to Florida, I started looking for shells, but they were all broken and not very interesting. So my brain switched gears and started to notice the rocks, which were truly odd little shapes. They became a total fascination for me. Suddenly I noticed letters, like L and C, which are easy to find, and then I started to think about writing out a word in stone. The obsession began!

Jama: What was the first alphabet rock you found?

Leslie: Probably a C or an L or an I. Those are pretty common.



Jama: Do you have a favorite?

Leslie: For sure the letter K, as I still have only one, after 10 years of looki

Note: This is a polite post about a very polite book. Please wipe your paws before reading and wag your tail whenever one of our guests says something especially witty or charming.


Leslie and Alex at Books of Wonder, NYC, September 2009.

Welcome, friends!

Thank you for grooming yourselves and arriving precisely on time. Your table is ready!

Today's menu features a mini-review and chat with the creators of this year's most fetching picture book, Wiggens Learns His Manners at the Four Seasons Restaurant (Candlewick, 2009). The story of how author/illustrator Leslie McGuirk and restaurateur Alex von Bidder let the Four Seasons go to the dogs has set tongues wagging on Bark Avenue and beyond.

These two kindred spirits, one who spends her days in a Florida beachside studio writing, painting and managing her own design company; the other, a busy, illustrious Top Dog running NYC's famous power lunch landmark eatery (what Town and Country deemed, "Favorite Restaurant in the World"), overwhelmingly agree on one crucial thing: good manners matter. Lucky for us, because America is currently suffering from a rude epidemic. Wiggens is precisely what the doctor ordered (after truffles and escargot), so make yourself comfy, put on your favorite bib, and enjoy today's feast!

 APPETIZER (a little about the book):


Picture Book for ages 3+, published by Candlewick Press (2009), 32 pp.

You don't have to be a dog lover to take a liking to rascally, rowdy Wiggens, a chocolate labrador puppy who's got a lot to learn when it comes to good behavior. On the advice of the Chi-waa-waa (oldest and wisest dog in Manhattan), Wiggens's distraught parents send him to the Four Seasons Restaurant, where dogs from all over the world go to practice their manners. There, he and three other labs flourish under the tutelage of a handsome St. Bernard, whose barrel contains the spirit of helping others.

Ten lessons are served up on Four Seasons signature plates, emphasizing courtesy, respect, kindness, patience, restraint, and the importance of expressing gratitude. The charming narrative is accompanied by Leslie's winsome gouache illos, which are chock full of giggle-inducing speech bubbles to amp up the fun. There are so many hilarious asides and little touches that speak volumes: hoity toity poodles, grumbly bulldogs, pups doing yoga poses and chanting, guardian angel dogs whispering encouragement, celebrity dog sightings (Britney Spaniel), a display of weird foods and the brilliant Tail-O-Meter. 


St. Bernard and lab pups in the Pool Room (click to enlarge).


The real Four Seasons Pool Room (photo by BrooksofSheffield).

Because of the multi-layered nature of the book, which can be "read" via the main text, the subtext of the illustrations, the ten lesson summaries, and the varying levels of quirky humor, this story/guide will appeal to readers of all ages. I especially like how each lesson is gently conveyed within the context of the story -- displaying the bad behavior, its implications, and then suggestions for improvement. Those familiar with Leslie's Tucker books will appreciate Wiggens as an expanded showcase for her child-centric animal drawings, which capture a wide range of emotions and personalities via amusing facial expressions and posturing. With each little tail wag and pink tongue, her love of dogs shines through.

Make no bones about it, you'll likely gobble up this tasty tail (wink) in one fell swoop, sit up, and beg for more -- and if you faithfully practice these lessons, you'll never be in the dog house again.

 MAIN COURSE (Q&A with Leslie and Alex):

Thanks so much for visiting today, Leslie and Alex! Please tell us how the book came about. What was it like collaborating for the first time?

Leslie: I met Alex in Mexico, where I was teaching a workshop on creativity and I found his spirit to be very similar to mine -- playful yet wise. He had such elegant manners, too, so when a friend suggested I do a book on manners, I said, "I know the perfect person to work with!" Fortunately, he loved the idea, and it was a total joy to work with him.

Alex: Leslie and I talk the same language and I think I was telling her about my teaching a dining manners class for adults at NYU; she added that one of her passions is to encourage grandparents and grandchildren to do things together, e.g., read books. Voilà, the idea was born. The challenge for me was that publishing takes sooo long compared to preparing a fine meal.

(To Leslie): Did you get to spend a fair amount of time in the restaurant soaking up the ambience and tasting some of the "weird foods" included in the story?

Leslie: Yes, I was so lucky to have Alex allow me into not only the kitchen, but also to meet the characters that go into making the place what it is. And then, of course, to sketch and observe the surroundings and diners. I have to admit it was rather daunting to think that I could pull this off! And I am so happy with the way it turned out.


Four Seasons entrance, 99 E. 52nd Street, NYC (photo source).

Alex: Leslie captured the spirit of the Four Seasons and its characters beautifully. Just yesterday, a customer told me about seeing the magic of this special place on every page of "Wiggens."

Who wrote all the text for the speech bubbles?

Leslie: Alex and I worked on every little detail of the text together. He was fantastic at writing a children's book, even though it was his first. He just "got it" from a very natural place within himself. I can't wait to do another book with him. I think we make a great team!

Alex: Two minds who think like 8-year-olds come up with a lot of funny stuff; we had a lot of laughs, a wonderful complement to working "seriously."

Do you have a favorite spread from the book? (Leslie) could you briefly explain how you created it?

Leslie: I have two favorites. The scene in the downstairs lobby, with the stairs . . . and then the bar scene, which took me 3 weeks to paint. I just did a ton of sketches from being there and from photos. It took me awhile to find the right style. I have tons of paper to show the actual process. It was not simple. There is a lot that goes into a children's book of this nature. There are many layers to this book.

Alex: Yes, the lobby art is cool! And the one with the doorman welcoming Wiggens and his parents, but nothing beats the "tail-o-meter." :-)

(Some of Leslie's sketches):







Who thought of making Wiggens a chocolate lab? Is his character based on a real dog, the St. Bernard on a real person? Who decided which breeds would be portrayed?

Leslie: Wiggens is a chocolate lab because it is the only dog which comes with a food in its name!!! I have a dog named Wiggens. I picked that name because it is rather unusual, to say the least. I wanted this dog to be memorable. And the St. Bernard is Alex! Alex is from Switzerland, so, of course this soul saving dog was the perfect fit. I mostly decided which breeds to draw, but Alex was keen on making sure I put in the Park Avenue Poodles.

Alex: Yes, to all of Leslie's answers. My favorites are the grumbling bulldogs.

What's the worst case of bad manners you've ever witnessed in a restaurant?

Leslie: I think just rudeness to the waiters -- barking orders, so to speak!

Alex: Snapping fingers, which of course dogs would never do :-). Sometimes bad manners can be funny, too, like when customers yell at us for not finding their reservation and then they discover they made it in a different name, after having been very unkind to us :-).


Four Seasons apple tart (photo by Adam Kuban).

Please tell us about your dogs and how they inspired your work on this book.

Leslie: I have three dogs -- Wiggens, a 14-year-old Norfolk Terrier; Guy, a terrier Shih Tzu mix from the humane society; and Pumpkin, another rescue from Hurricane Katrina who is a Mississippi mutt. They completely amuse me, so their little personalities are in this book for sure.

Do you have a favorite restaurant? What do you usually order there?

Leslie: Of course, the Four Seasons! It's magical and I order whatever Alex tells me is good!

Alex: My favorite restaurants are the ones run by friends of mine. The closest is just up the street, "La Grenouille," which translates into "The Frog." Its owner is Charles Masson and just like Leslie's order, mine is whatever delicious dish Charles wants to serve me.

This question is for Leslie: Did you learn anything especially interesting or surprising about a restaurateur's life as a result of working with Alex?

         

Leslie: I learned that he works very very hard to keep many people happy. He is a master. I can't say enough nice things about him. You will have to meet him to see for yourself. An extraordinary human on this earth.

Alex: I totally agree, of course :-).

What are you working on now?

Leslie: I collect rocks that come in the shapes of letters and numbers and objects. I have the entire alphabet after 10 years of hunting. The book I am putting together is called When Rocks Sing, or something like that. I want it to be an adult gift book and also for kids. Also working on the next TUCKER book: Tucker in Love, for Valentine's Day. It comes out in 2010 with Candlewick. And I hope to do another Wiggens book with Alex. We can teach other things, too!

*Jama swoons over alphabet rocks*

DESSERT (Sweet Extras):

 Visit the special website devoted to Wiggens Learns His Manners at the Four Seasons Restaurant, with blurbs from famous fans, reviews, and more!

 The official publisher book trailer is here.

 Learn more about Leslie and her children's books (including the popular Tucker series) at her official website. Did you know she is a famous designer in Japan, and that her art graces at least 800 products?!

 You must visit the Four Seasons website! Don't miss the fascinating video,"The Ultimate Power Lunch." It includes a brief history of the restaurant, interviews with Alex and co-owner, Julian Niccolini and other staff members, a peek at the Pool and Grill Rooms, the kitchen, and juicy stories about some of the patrons. Known for its beautiful architecture, interior design, award winning new American cuisine and celebrity clientele -- wall street titans, entrepeneurs, politicians, entertainers, et.al., the Four Seasons is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

  Alex is also co-author, with John F. Mariani, of The Four Seasons: A History of America's Premier Restaurant (Smithmark Publishers, 1999). 

 Bone Appetit!

More 2009 Fall for Restaurants posts here.

                                  

"'Build something new. Take care of something old. Think of either while petting your dog.' I like taking care of old buildings, old boats, and old friends." ~ Alex von Bidder's comment on memorable lines from a book he'd read.

*Photos and sketches copyright © 2009 Leslie McGuirk. All rights reserved.

WIGGENS LEARNS HIS MANNERS AT THE FOUR SEASONS RESTAURANT. Text copyright © 2009 by Leslie McGuirk and Alex von Bidder. Illustrations
copyright © 2009 by Leslie McGuirk. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, Massachusetts. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2009 Jama Rattigan of jama rattigan's alphabet soup. All rights reserved.

 

Some new books you you all this weekend...enjoy!

Yuki and the One Thousand Carriers, written by Gloria Whelan and illustrated by Yan Nascimbene, gives us readers a bit of cultural history blended with a nice story of a young girl named Yuki.

In the 17th and 18th century, provincial governors in Japan had to travel between two cities, a distance of 300 miles, which required a caravan of between one thousand and three thousand attendants (carriers), making the journey truly a huge event. Yuki's father is one of those governors and though reluctant, Yuki must accompany him and her mother on the long journey, said to be leaving her teacher and her home, writing haikus along the way.

Written on a subject not often found in picture books, this title would be a nice selection to accompany a unit on Japanese history. Probably best suited for slightly older readers, though younger children can certainly enjoy the story and beautifully done illustrations without having to understand the backstory.

Yuki and the One Thousand Carriers
Gloria Whelan
32 pages
Picture Book
Sleeping Bear Press
9781585363520
April 2008

Wiggins Learns His manners at the Four Seasons Restaurant is written by Leslie McGuirk and Alex von Bidder and is very reminiscent of the "Tucker" books, also by the pair (and they were adorable, so that's a good thing).

Wiggins is a Lab puppy that simply does not have proper manners. His owners aren't quite sure what to do until they are told to take Wiggins to a puppy class, guaranteed to rid him of his manner issues. Where is this puppy class? Well, at the Four Seasons Hotel of course!

Mcguirk writes quirky little stories with adorable dogs and the illustrations are quaint and sweet. Wiggins may also teach your little ones some manners too...always a plus!

Wiggins Learns His Manners at the Four Seasons Restaurant
Leslie McGuirk and Alex von Bidder
32 pages
Picture Book
Candlewick
9780763640149
August 2009

I LOVE Diane deGroat and she and Shelley Rotner have come up with this hilarious quirky book that is definitely giggle-inducing (and not just out of your kids!).

Dogs Don't Brush Their Teeth! is a compilation of hilarious photographs featuring fifteen different dogs, showing just what they can do and what they can't. We have photos of a dog that can fetch a stick, but can't play baseball. One that can can howl at the moon, but can howl in a rockband. This is some funny stuff!

Paired with interactive foldout pages, this one is going to be a great choice for some silly time!

Dogs Don't Brush Their Teeth
Diane deGroat and Shelley Rotner
32 pages
Picture Book
Orchard Books
9780545080644
August 2009

Is there any joy when teaching apostrophes? Certainly! The only thing is that the joy doesn’t come from disseminating worksheets to kids… it comes from using books to demonstrate the concept. A couple of weeks ago I received a review copy of Wiggens Learns His Manners at the Four Seasons [...]

Just a random assortment from my TBR shelf this week folks. Enjoy!

With St. Patrick's Day coming up soon, I thought Lucky Tucker would be a good choice to have on the list this week. Tucker the dog has shown up in two other books, one about Christmas and one about Halloween, but this time he's trying his hardest to become the luckiest dog ever. Leslie McGuirk has created a fun-loving, adorable dog, that is appealing to everyone.

Waking up on the wrong paw is never fun for anyone, but Tucker is determined to change his luck. By rolling in a pile of four leaf clovers and then being told he is now the luckiest dog around by a real leprechaun, Tucker knows his luck has turned around and it boy has it! He gets a scoop of ice cream, gets to play with all of his friends, and gets a boxful of toys delivered just for him.

The Tucker books are simple enough for your younger kids and they'll enjoy the pure happiness that Tucker the dog exhibits. This would be nice book to have on your home shelves. Good for practicing reading too.

Lucky Tucker
Leslie McGuirk
24 pages
Picture book
Candlewick
9780763633899
February 2009

Sparrow Girl, written by one of my favorite middle grade authors, Sara Pennypacker, is a great example of an author branching out to different genres.

The tale of a young girl that loves the birds in her Chinese village, but finds out the farmers, including her father, want to kill all of the sparrows, as the tiny birds are eating up their grain. Devastated, Ming-Li attempts to stop the farmers, but is constantly told that she is just a young girl and that no one disobeys their leader.

When the sparrows have been run out of town, the farmers are surprised to learn that their grain is now being eaten by worms, grasshoppers, and locusts; all the insects that the sparrows used to eat and finally realize how wrong they were. Luckily, Ming-Li has a little secret to let the farmers in on.

A really beautiful story, with excellent illustrations by Yoko Tanaka. This selection would be great for older children (there is quite a bit of bird killing, but it's done subtly and gently) and would definitely do well in a library. I very much enjoyed this one.

Sparrow Girl
Sara Pennypacker
40 pages
Picture book
Hyperion
9781423111870
February 2009


My final selection this week is a title that I think every library could use a copy of. My Sister, Alicia May is an "issue" book, yes, but it's one of the best picture books written for siblings of Down's Syndrome children that I've seen yet. Enjoyable, simple, and educational.

My Sister, Alicia May is written by Nancy Tupper Ling and illustrated be Shennen Bersani and is based on the real story of two sisters just like Alicia May and Rachel. The reader is able to easily learn that Alicia May is very much like any other 6 year old girl, loving dogs and horses, and is annoying to her older sister. At times, Alicia May gets made fun of, needs breathing treatments, and doesn't like straying from her routines, but other than that, is just like any other little sister. She isn't different, she just has some amazing qualities that others lack.

Alicia May appears to be a joyful child, happy, and loving her older sister. The illustrations are nicely done and very life-like. This is a great title for libraries and home shelves and would make a great read aloud for a classroom or story time to educate children on Down Syndrome.

This one isn't being published until May, but it's available for pre-order from Amazon now.

My Sister, Alicia May
Nancy Tupper Ling
32 pages
Picture book
Pleasant St. Press
9780979203596
May 2009

To learn more about any of the titles, or to purchase, click on the book cover above to link to Amazon.

Since Halloween is a week from tonight...and I'm a bit too old to go trick or treating myself (plus I'll be in Chicago, I figured celebrating this fun kid-oriented with a Halloween book or two each day would be fun! I know many of you don't celebrate Halloween, so I will be including some fun, fall-oriented books throughout the week as well and I'll have a span of board books, picture books, middle grade, and young adult. Some scary, some easy. Hopefully you'll find something you and your family will enjoy!

The first title I want to talk about is an adorable board book by Leslie McGuirk....one that I will most definitely be bringing with me to see my 7 month old nephew next weekend. He'll love it!

Tucker's Spooky Halloween is a bigger board book in size, but has the same simple concepts for babies and toddlers that any other board book would have. We meet Tucker, a cute little dog searching for a "scary" Halloween costume. He keeps trying and trying to find a really spooky costume, but isn't having any luck at all...all the costumes are too cute! Finally, he uses his imagination and is able to come up with the perfect costume. Very spooky!

Really, a very cute book and perfect for older infants and toddlers as they prepare for Halloween!

If you're interested in learning more or to purchase, click on the book cover above to link to Amazon.