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Hanukkah is in full swing, and Christmas is right around the corner. Thinking about getting a book for that teen or kid in your life? Or for the adult YA reader in your life (you are welcome in this no-judgement zone; we love YA too!). Don’t forget to include Tu Books in those plans! Here are a few examples of people you’re looking to find a gift for.
For the reader looking for comedy (sometimes light, sometimes a little morbid):
For the teen looking for something with an edge:
For the middle-grade reader or young teen looking for a “clean” read:
For fans of folklore and fairy tales:
For fans of science fiction, especially technology and space-related:
For fans of Twilight:
For fans of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Chicago:
Got any other kinds of readers in your life that need a Tu Book recommendation? Ask away in the comments!
Do you have any special holiday books that you read every year? Here are some of my favorites from this year. Some honor the spirit of giving, while others tell traditional religious stories from a child’s perspective. All celebrate the warmth, love and togetherness we feel during this time of year.
Award-winning artist Bryan combines colorful, vibrant illustrations in strong, bold strokes with a touching poem about the Nativity story from a child’s point of view. The rhyming text follows a young shepherd who builds a stable for his animals and then invites Mary and Joseph to stay on this fateful night.
Many families will relate to the way Sadie’s family blends different holiday traditions. They scatter Hanukkah gelt underneath the Christmas tree and hang candy canes from the menorah on the mantelpiece, focusing on the joy of spending time together.
San Francisco author Underwood teams again with Liwska to celebrate quiet, small moments, focusing on the many emotions that come with the holidays. “Reading by the fire quiet” and “listening for sleigh bells quiet” will bring readers back to those special moments we remember year-round. Here is a lovely preview of The Christmas Quiet Book from Google Books.
In case you’re looking for some new books to spice up your “Books that Celebrate Hanukkah” collection, here are two titles that we think you’ll love reading (and cooking with) as you celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Chow your way through Chanukah with this kid-friendly cookbook that provides recipes for eight kinds of latkes (and much more), crafts and games for eight themed parties, and tidbits of factual information about the holiday itself. Illustrated dreidels highlight the degree of difficulty for each recipe: One dreidel means no cooking or baking is required. Two dreidels means the recipe may require chopping or slicing. Three dreidels means a hot stove is used to boil or fry. Safety tips are party etiquette are offered up, too. Here comes Chanukkah! Use this cookbook and you’ll have so much funukah! And … don’t forget your yamaka!
This bestselling writer and illustrator duo hit the spot (AGAIN!) with their zippy rhymes and entertaining illustrations. Gigantic dinosaurs with their juvenile and mischievous antics take the edge off any holiday tension and manage to encourage good behavior. A lesson in manners and a laugh, what more could you ask for? This book is a guaranteed must-read all eight nights of Chanukah.
Looking for more Hanukkah books? Try our lists from previous years:
The Association of Jewish Libraries has created “Hanukkah Read Up!,” a list of Hanukkah books for children recommended by the Sydney Taylor Book Award committee. The colorful 2-page flyer is available on the AJL website at http://tinyurl.com/AJLhanukkah. All the titles on the list have been recognized by the award committee as gold or silver medalists or as “Notable Books.” A special section is devoted to the Hanukkah works of prolific author Eric A. Kimmel, a past Sydney Taylor Body-of-Work Award winner. The list should prove interesting and useful for families seeking Hanukkah titles for their children, to read together or buy as gifts, as well as for librarians who wish to purchase titles for their holiday shelves. AJL members and friends are welcome to distribute the list, digitally or printed out, to their own library patrons. Happy Hanukkah and Happy Reading! Heidi Estrin AJL President Host, The Book of Life
0 Comments on Hanukkah Read Up! as of 11/30/2012 7:07:00 PM
Every year, I am excited to see the books selected for the Sydney Taylor Book Award by the Association of Jewish Libraries. This award "honors new books for children and teens that exemplify the highest literary standards while authentically portraying the Jewish experience." This award is in honor of Sydney Taylor, author of The All-of-a-Kind Family, a classic series about an immigrant Jewish family in New York City in the early 1900s.
I'd like to highlight a few books from their list this year that particularly struck me as having wonderful appeal to children and families:
Michael Rosen and Robert Sabuda are honored with the 2012 gold medal in the Sydney Taylor Book Award’s Younger Readers Category for Chanukah Lights, an intricate cut paper pop-up book that celebrates Jewish history and the Chanukah holiday. Barbara Bietz, Chair of the Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee, said: “From the shtetl to skyscrapers, the white pop-up scenes against a background of deep rainbow colors illuminate Jewish life for the eight nights of Chanukah. Together, children and adults will marvel at the stunning scenes that magically unfold with each turn of the page.”
The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes by Linda Glaser As a family prepares for Hanukkah, more guests are due to arrive than expected. The daughter, Rachel, borrows potatoes and eggs from their elderly neighbor to make the latkes, each time hoping that by borrowing food she will convince the woman to join the family for Hanukkah. She can’t make her come over, but in the end comes up with another plan to bring Hanukkah to the woman. Light and bright illustrations complement the tone perfectly. A fun story that doesn't feel the need to explain either the history or the specific celebration of the holiday. There a sequel too, Mrs Greenberg's Messy Hanukkah.
Hanukkah at Valley Forge by Stephen Krensky In the middle of the Revolutionary War, a soldier takes a quiet moment to celebrate Hanukkah. Spotted by General Washington, he explains religious history of Hanukkah as we see the connection between the fight of the Maccabees and America’s fight with the British. The book has a historical basis, as the author's note describes. Lovely book too, in its detailed watercolor illustrations.
Chanukah Lights by Michael Rosen There's no need to review this new and spectacular book. I got the promotion piece at Book Expo America and was already sold on this title. Just watch.
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0 Comments on Thursday Three: Hanukkah as of 1/1/1900
When I first saw The Golem's Latkes I was skeptical. First, because I find the concept of the Golem a little creepy and second, because I confess I have failed to find many picture books about the Jewish holidays that inspire me. The ones I find in the library all seem to either feel the need to recount every historical detail of the event in full or are about spiders (Sammy, anyone?).
I don't read books about spiders. No matter how good other people say they are. Period.
But I digress.
In Eric Kimmel's latest Hanukkah offering,The Golem's Latkes, Rabbi Judah Loew of Prague crafts the legendary Golem from clay, writes a magical word on his forehead and then sets him to work with household chores. When his housemaid, Basha, requests the Golem to help her get ready for Hanukkah, the Rabbi reluctantly agrees but warns her not to leave the Golem alone or he will never stop working. Basha, impressed by the Golem's cooking skills, instructs him to continue making latkes while she pops out to gossip with her friend. Just for a minute, you understand. The Golem, true to his clay-for-brains form, makes latkes enough to fill the streets of Prague. When Rabbi Judah finally commands him to stop there are enough latkes to have what is essentially a city-wide latke block party -- for eight days. The story ends on the anticipatory high note while Basha contemplates if the Golem may also be skilled in the art of making hamantaschen for Purim.
I'm not an expert on either the Golem or on Jewish narratives so I will not make any authoritative statements about whether or not Rudolf II would actually attend a Hanukkah party given by Rabbi Loew (although I believe he was rather cosmopolitan), or whether or not the Golem would be set to work making latkes in lieu of defending the Jewish ghettos. Not to mention: hello? where did all the potatoes come from? I'm sure there are many narratives and many incarnations of the Golem and his story, so why not have a little fun with it.
The Golem's Latkes is an exceptionally fun read aloud for the holiday. It's playful, quirky and fortunately Aaron Jasiski's Golem is more cute than he is creepy. The setting of medieval Prague can't be beat and I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't like to attend a party with limitless latkes and wagons full of sour cream.
Latkes: they bring people together.
Want More? The Whole Megillah has a lightening fast pros and cons of the book. The New York Times likens the book to Disney's Sorcerer's Apprentice. Eric Kimmel has written loads of other books: find out about them on his website.
Big Kid says: Are you making latkes this year? Little Kid says: This is the book about cookies.
2 Comments on Pancake City: The Golem's Latkes, last added: 12/13/2011
We like this one too. And I can't stand Sammy Spider. Nothing against spiders, here - it's his condescending mother I can't stand. "Silly little Sammy. Spiders don't [play dreidel/have a seder/Jewish activity]; speiders spin webs."
My kids aren't little anymore and our taste in holiday picture books has changed. These are my favorite books for the season even when it seems like everyone is too old for picture books. Never, my friends, never.
Just hysterical. A latke runs screaming from the frying pan, and encounters various Christmas icons along its path. As the latke explains what it is and its significance in the celebration of Hanukkah, it keeps getting compared to Christmas. And so it keeps screaming. Lemony Snicket actually gets in a fair bit about the meaning of Hanukkah, while keeping a wry tone throughout. For instance as the latke explains in a long paragraph about being fried in oil as a reference to the oil that was used to rededicate the temple and the miracle that made the oil last for eight nights, the answer it receives is par for the course:
“So you’re basically hash browns,” said the flashing colored lights. “Maybe you can be served alongside a Christmas ham.”
“I’m not hash browns!” cried the latke. “I’m something completely different!”
And then it runs screaming, “AAAHHHHHHHHH!” for two pages. As my kids have grown past the traditional - and too often schmaltzy - Hannukkah stories, this one is our new family classic.
On the same note, we've turned to this title to replace the cute Christmas stories that absorbed us in the past. It contains perhaps one of the most perfect opening sentences of all times:
The holiday season is a time for storytelling, and whether you are hearing the story of a candelabra staying lit for more than a week, or a baby born in a barn without proper medical supervision, these stories often feature miracles.
A humble lump of coal longs to be something more and visits an art gallery and Korean barbecue in hopes of fulfilling his search for meaning. Instead a drugstore Santa decides he'll be the perfect thing for his stepson's stocking as punishment. But this ill intent goes right as the coal finds his purpose in an artist's hand. Wry, funy and odd, this book ends on just the right note for the holidays, and in echoing the first sentence, with miracles.
What fun sounding books! I personally love holiday books. I must admit, since we celebrate Christmas, I haven't ever read Raisin a Hanukkah book I don't think. That sounds like a really fun one to read to him, and I love the thought that it talks about the meaning of Hanukkah while being funny...
During the holiday season it’s a great joy to share family traditions and spend time together. Every year, I look forward to reading these beloved books below to my daughter.
Rumer Godden begins The Story of Holly & Ivy with the sweetest line, “This is a story about wishing.” When an orphan named Ivy and a dreamy doll named Holly see each other through a toy shop window, magic happens. In this classic Christmas tale, Holly and Ivy both find a sense of belonging in their new home and to each other. Wishes come true in part thanks to Barbara Cooney’s tender illustrations of the festive village and toys. Godden captures the precious beauty of a brave girl unwilling to give up on her dream. (Ages 5-10)
My daughter and I love returning to Christmas Tree Memories by Aliki each December just like the family’s tradition in the book of sitting by their tree with cookies and a roaring fire to recount each story behind their homemade ornaments. Aliki imbues such gentleness to each character, whether it’s Papouli or the children, the love this family feels for each other comes across with her every detail. (Ages 4-8)
Jingle Bells (as told and illustrated by Iza Trapani) is a rollicking fun songbook filled with holiday customs and traditions from around the world. Children will enjoy learning about bearded little gnomes in Sweden, lantern parades in the Philippines, breaking the piñata in Mexico, and presents found in their shoes in Italy. (Ages 4-8)
Turkey, sugar cookies, hot chocolate, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes. Our mouths are watering and stomachs grumbling just with the thought of these delicious dishes! As the holidays quickly approach, we’re getting ready to break out our favorite festive recipes and cookbooks. At Thurber House, we love celebrations that include delicious food. To prepare for the upcoming holidays, we’ve compiled a list of 20 cookbooks, sure to impress your hungry friends and family – whether you’re cooking a five-course Thanksgiving feast, or participating in a cookie swap at work.
I know, it seems crazy to talk about the holiday season already. But this is also the point where we start putting in book orders for the latest titles and replacing old books as well. So let’s jump in and talk about some of the newest books for the holiday season:
THE HAPPY ELF by Harry Connick Jr., illustrated by Dan Andreasen (On-sale now). Based on the song by Harry Connick Jr., this comes with a CD. You can also watch the video.
A CHRISTMAS GOODNIGHT by Nola Buck, illustrated by Sarah Jane Wright (On-sale now). In its starred review, Publishers Weekly said that this book “serves special status, to be kept off-season with other holiday decorations and then brought out each year at Christmas.”
THE LITTLEST EVERGREEN by Henry Cole (On-sale now). School Library Journal calls this “a fine Christmas choice with an environmental message.”
My Two Holidays. Danielle Novack. Illustrated by Phyllis Harris. 2010. Scholastic. 32 pages.
One cold December morning, Sam woke up and looked out his window. Everything was covered with white snow. Winter was Sam's favorite time of year. He loved sledding, ice-skating, building snowmen, and, of course, celebrating the holidays. He was so excited that he jumped out of bed, got dressed, and ran downstairs.
Sam celebrates two holidays. His mom is Jewish and celebrates Hanukkah. His father is Christian and celebrates Christmas. Sam has always loved celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas. But one day at school he gets embarrassed by the teacher's question. She is asking each child to share about the holiday they celebrate that time of year. Sam feels uncomfortable because he is the only child to have two holidays to celebrate. Everyone else only has one. Sam wants to know why he is different. A cozy conversation with his mom changes his embarrassment to pride, the next day Sam is all too happy to share the wonderful news with his class that he has two holidays that he celebrates.
This is a paper doll based on the star of my book Mimi, which I first posted last year in a longer piece about the holiday (complete with book recommendations and latke recipe) here. I've colored the sheet with colored pencils (though unfortunately it hasn't photographed great and scanned even worse...) Anyway, as a gift for the first day of Hanukkah, I'm going to offer some tips on coloring for young artists.
Below is the uncolored page, which you can dowload and print as a pdf here.
By the way, I apologize if you tried to download this or any of my other free printables recently and got asked to pay a monthly subscription fee to Scribd first. Apparently they were trying an "experiment" by asking people to subscribe in order to use "archived" documents (which they defined as anything that had been on there more than a couple months). They didn't notify users, so I didn't realize. But I've now changed my settings and you should once again be able to download all my printables for free. Sorry!
Tip Number One: Use the Best Quality Supplies You Can One thing many people don't realize is that the kind of colored pencils marketed for kids are, well, lousy. If you are lucky, you'll get even a small set of artist-quality colored pencils, like these ones made by Prismacolor for Hanukkah or Christmas or whatever holiday you celebrate.
As you can see, good supplies are much more expensive than the kid-quality ones - the smallest set of 12 pencils is $10 US at 50% off at the above retailer - but they are totally worth it for several reasons. First, they work better which enables kids to produce a better final product which encourages them in turn to work harder and longer at their artwork. Second, kids are more likely to take care of and keep track of something that is special and valuable; this te
0 Comments on Happy Hanukkah! With Coloring Tutorial! as of 1/1/1900
This evening is the first night of Hanukkah/Hanukah/Chanukah — and what better way is there to celebrate than with a holiday story? Here is “The Cave of Mattathias,” a tale that originated in Eastern Europe and was passed down in the oral tradition. It is one of many stories included in Howard Schwartz’s Leaves from the Garden of Eden: One Hundred Classic Jewish Tales. Happy Hanukah!
In a village near the city of Riminov there was a Hasid whose custom it was to bring newly made oil to Reb Menachem Mendel of Riminov, and the rabbi would light the first candle of Hanukah in his presence.
One year the winter was hard, the land covered with snow, and everyone was locked in his home. But when the eve of Hanukah arrived, the Hasid was still planning to deliver the oil. His family pleaded with him not to go, but he was determined, and in the end he set out across the deep snow.
That morning he entered the forest that separated his village from Riminov, and the moment he did, it began to snow. The snow fell so fast that it covered every landmark, and when at last it stopped, the Hasid found that he was lost. The whole world was covered with snow.
Now the Hasid began to regret not listening to his family. Surely the rabbi would have forgiven his absence. Meanwhile, it had become so cold that he began to fear he might freeze. He realized that if he were to die there in the forest, he might not even be taken to a Jewish grave. That is when he remembered the oil he was carrying. In order to save his life, he would have to use it. There was no other choice.
As quickly as his numb fingers could move, he tore some of the lining out of his coat and fashioned it into a wick, and he put that wick into the snow. Then he poured oil on it and prayed with great intensity. Finally, he lit the first candle of Hanukah, and the flame seemed to light up the whole forest. And all the wolves moving through the forest saw that light and ran back to their hiding places.
After this the exhausted Hasid lay down on the snow and fell asleep. He dreamed he was walking in a warm land, and before him he saw a great mountain, and next to that mountain stood a palm tree. At the foot of the mountain was the opening of a cave. In the dream, the Hasid entered the cave and found a candle burning there. He picked up that candle, and it lit the way for him until he came to a large cavern, where an old man with a very long beard was seated. There was a sword on his thigh, and his hands were busy making wicks. All of that cavern was piled high with bales of wicks. The old man looked up when the Hasid entered and said: “Blessed be you in the Name of God.”
The Hasid returned the old man’s blessing and asked him who he was. He answered: “I am Mattathias, father of the Maccabees. During my lifetime I lit a big torch. I hoped that all of Israel would join me, but only a few obeyed my call. Now heaven has sent me to watch for the little candles in the houses of Israel to come together to form a very big flame. And that flame will announce the Redemption and the End of Days.
“Meanwhile, I prepare the wicks for the day when everyone will contribute his candle to this great flame. And now, there is something that you must do for me. When you reach the Rabbi of Riminov, tell him that the wicks are ready, and he should do whatever he can to light the flame that we have awaited so long.”
Amazed at all he had heard, the Hasid promised to give the message to the rabbi. As he turned to leave the cave, he awoke and found himself standing in front of the rabbi’s house. Just then the rabbi himself opened the door, and his face was glowing. He said: “The power of lighting the Hanukah candles is very great. Whoever dedicates his soul to this deed brings the time
0 Comments on The Cave of Mattathias as of 1/1/1900
Another winner from Duck & Goose, this board book takes a quietly funny approach to the holidays. Duck is in a hurry to get somewhere, but Goose wants to linger a bit. Goose wants to catch snowflakes, slide down hills, build a snow fort, and much more. It isn’t until the very end of the book that readers learn where Duck was headed in such a hurry. The illustrations are clever and very inviting, especially to fans of other Duck and Goose books. The gentle humor and great friendship is exactly what we have come to expect from Hills. With its short text and board pages, this book will appeal most to children aged 1-3.
Around Christmas time, everyone always said, “No David!” whenever he tried to do anything! No peeking at presents, no stealing cookies, no playing with ornaments, no opening presents early. And then he also had to be patient in lines, be polite at the dinner table, and go to sleep on time. Of course, David does get into some funny trouble in the book with a reprise of one of the most popular scenes from an earlier David book that is sure to delight young readers. A grand and very funny look at the holidays that children are sure to relate to. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
This was a favorite picture book of mine a few years ago, and it is a real joy to see it released as a board book. The thick board pages work beautifully with the cut outs of the candles. Turning each page leads to another candle being added to the menorah. Each page features text in English, Yiddish and Hebrew. Children can count the candles and also another object related to the holiday. Young listeners will enjoy the bright colors and simplicity of the book. Appropriate for ages 1-3.
All books are reviewed from books received from the publishers.
Mom says: Chanukah is just around the corner! In Chanukah Lights Everywhere, the focus is on the secular. Noticeably absent is a retelling of the Chanukah story. Instead, as the lights of the menorah get lit night after night, the child narrator notices other lights around him: the moon, the stars, Christmas lights, etc. The family goes for a walk around their urban neighborhood and enjoy the candlelight from their neighbors' windows.
There is a (very) short synopsis of the Chanukah story in a note at the end of the book, as well as an explanation of the Chanukah candles. This book won't win any awards, but it is a nice change of pace from all the Chanukah picture books which focus on the religious aspect of the holidays.
Big Kid says: When are we going to light our menorah? Little Kid says: Lights!
2 Comments on Bright City: Chanukah Lights Everywhere, last added: 11/29/2010
I visited New York City last week to hang out with my son Matt. We braved the wind and rain on Wednesday to visit some museums. Guess where we found a pair of evergreen dinosaurs?
Winter holidays are soon here, and this season I would like to share with you several holiday stories that stand out above the rest, stories that are worth searching for at bookstores or the library. Two of my favorites to share with children in grades 2 through 5 are The Trees of the Dancing Goats, by Patricia Polacco, and One Candle, by Eve Bunting. Both are warm, loving stories that celebrate family and community, while sharing some of the deeper moments of holidays.
When young Tricia's neighbors come down with Scarlet Fever, her family is worried. It's the middle of winter, and Tricia's family celebrates Hanukkah, following her Russian grandparents' traditions. It's an exciting time, as her grandmother hand dips candles for Hanukkah, and her grandfather carves little wooden animals as a present for the children. But when they realize that their neighbors won't be able to celebrate Christmas properly because they are so sick, Tricia's family reaches out to help. They bring their neighbors meals, Christmas trees, and even decorations. It's a lovely tale of friendship, sharing and community, based on Patricia Polacco's own childhood memories.
One Candle by Eve Bunting illustrated by K. Wendy Popp NY: Joanna Cotler Books, 2002. ages 8 - 10
One Candle, by Eve Bunting, is a soft, powerful tale that is very evocative for me. A family gathers together to celebrate Hanukkah, and Grandma brings a potato as she does every year. When she was younger, the narrator thought this potato was to make latkes. But now she realizes that it's so that Grandma and Great-Aunt Rose can tell the story of
0 Comments on Celebrating holidays - with family and neighbors (ages 5 - 10) as of 1/1/1900
Could we *be* any prouder of Simone here at Books, Boys, Buzz with her awesome new release, PERFECT CHEMISTRY? We probabaly could be, but then we'd be busting all of the buttons off our clothes from the pride! Huge congrats to Simone on her release!!! Can't wait for Amazon.com to deliver my copy.
And you, too, can have your very own SIGNED copy of the book. My Christmas/Hanukkah present to one of our awesome readers! All you have to do is leave holiday greetings in the comments trail...as many times as you'd like. No limit to the entries this time! What they hay...it's the holidays! Cheers and glad tidings all around.
Here's wishing you and yours an awesome holiday season and all good things for 2009! Thanks for supporting the Buzz Girls and we're looking forward to an awesome New Year!
Big hugs, Marley = )
GHOST HUNTRESS: THE AWAKENING (Coming May 2009, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) GHOST HUNTRESS: THE GUIDANCE (Coming October 2009, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) GHOST HUNTRESS: THE REASON (Coming May 2010, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) SORORITY 101: Zeta or Omega? (Available from Puffin Books) SORORITY 101: The New Sisters (Available from Puffin Books)
169 Comments on Christmas/Hanukkah Giveaway!, last added: 1/1/2009
Happy Christmas! (I love that from the beginning of John Lennon's song!)
Anonymous said, on 12/24/2008 12:50:00 PM
Happy Holidays! Hanukkah, Christmas, Box Day, Kwanza Everything! I really want a signed copy of her book! Is it signed by Simone Elkeles? Oh an guess what my name is in the acknowledgements page at the end of the book! I got mentioned in the book! It says something about me my name is susan. I am a fan of her books! She said she would mention me in the book and she did I am in the second to last page of the acknowledgements or the last page its in the part where she talks about her fans. If you get the book please read it when you get the chance thanks! Feliz Navidad amigos!
I think peanut butter cookies with little chocolate kisses on the top are very Christmas-y...I wish I had some of those :) (kind of like how I want to win the book)
If I did (do) win you wouldn't have to worry about bad weather holding up the book's arrival-like the weather is doing to the present I sent my friend-because we don't really have any this time of year ;)
Amal Zidan said, on 12/24/2008 6:04:00 PM
Happy Hunakkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Years!!!!!!!
Amal Zidan said, on 12/24/2008 6:06:00 PM
Kul Sana Wa intu Salmin!! (Happy Holidays in Arabic)
Merry Christmas, or Maligayang Pasko, or Sretan Božić, or Kala Christouyenna, or Feliz Navidad, or Joyeux Noël, or Hyvää Joulua, or Buon Natale, or Fröhliche Weihnachten, or Glædelig Jul, or S'Rozhdestvom Kristovym, or Wesołych Świątor, or Nollaig Shona Duit, or Milad Majeed, or Gëzuar Krishtëlindjen, or Chag HaMoled Sameach to you all!
This is the 86th comment :D Have a whale of a time at the end of 2008 everyone. Looks like we all are desperate to win Perfect Chemistry hey? I'm so excited bout this contest
WOW...look at the comment trail! You people really want Simone's book, eh? That's EXCELLENT! I'll pick the winner and announce on Wednesday - New Year's Eve!
I wonder why Santa didn't give each of us a copy of Perfect Chemistry so we could all be happy, but err, then there'd be no comment trail game ; | No fun.
I'm reading everyone's comments now and what Susan said was woah. I can't believe you actually mentioned your fan Simone, that was super duper sweet : D
I loved reading all of your comments! How fun! I seriously wish I could give everyone a free copy. Yes, I appreciate my fans so much I mentioned some in the acknowledgments page. Susan even created scrapblogs of my books, which was cool. All of us Buzz Girls love our fans, they're so awesome!
I'm glad you enjoy reading our comments Simone, I was afraid you would be scared by my massive replies haha. A scrapblog of your books? Susan is awesome! I wish I could do something like that. And don't worry, I'm sure we all have a way to get your book as we're so into it. As for me, I'll flood this message board :D
I love the multitude of languages in this comment thread! Christmas is over, but Hanukah is still going and as long as I'm not in school it's the holiday season, so...
This is Thao spamming again. I don't know whether the one with most comments will win, but because I want to have Perfect Chemistry so much, I have to give this a try ^^
I am probably much prouder of this gift idea than the idea deserves, but just look at how the silver wrapping paper sets off the gray in the scarf. Masterful!
For the Hanukkah gathering at my aunt’s house, I get gifts for six girls — including my own — and I like them to be coordinated somehow. This year I had the books ready, but not the theme. Not until I ran across the scarves in six colors at Old Navy. Honestly, I am holding myself back from buying twenty more and using this idea for everyone I know.
Here’s the gift list, in case it will help your last minute shopping.
For the college freshman: Everything You Want, by Barbara Shoup While starting off at college, Emma’s family wins the lottery. Suddenly, with everything a possibility, the choices become too much for Emma — especially with a unresolved friendship and a new crush on the horizon. With family and identity crisis taking the forefront, money is part of the problem. Or a chance to grow up. Or both. Interesting book about finding your own way.
For the tenth grader: Angel, by Cliff McNish Angel is darker than I usually go in my own reading, but it really gripped me and held on fast. It’s the story of a girl who is so obsessed with angels as a girl that she goes crazy. As a teen, she’s making her way back into the world, only to be confronted with a dark angel, a strange new girl, and her own ultimate destiny. A haunting book that stays with you. Take a look at the Editorial Reviews. Stunning.
For the eighth grader: Beige, by Cecil Castellucci Nice, orderly Katy is forced to stay with her former-punk-rocker father while her mother goes on a trip. Katy, nicknamed Beige for her bland personality by a new friend, finds herself able to shed some of her self-imposed rules and insecurities as she crashes into the music scene. Fun, fresh, and well-done. Can’t go wrong with Castellucci.
For the seventh grader: Twilight, by Stephanie Meyer Okay, this was for my daughter, who has been bugging me to get it from the library — but it’s never there. All her friends have read it. Peer pressure rules.
For the sixth grader: The True Meaning of Smekday, by Adam Rex For an essay contest, Gratuity Tucci recounts the story of Earth’s takeover and occupation by the Boov from a personal point of view, which includes her own unlikely friendship, wild cross-country trip, and the eventual saving of mankind. Simply one of the best, funniest books ever written.
For the fourth grader: Jenny and the Cat Club, by Esther Averill I love this classic book so very much. I gave it to my daughter with a red scarf like Jenny’s and a stuffed black cat. The gentle story follows Jenny, a shy house cat, and her adventures with the neighbor cat club. Absolutely adorable.
And in case you need an adult book, I highly recommend The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World, by Eric Weiner Part travel diary, part self-help book on happiness, and all humor, Eric Weiner takes the reader all over the world to apply the tenets of happiness. Wonderfully done, and would be a perfect gift for any adult. Strangely, it’s only available at Amazon for the paperback pre-order, so I’m linking to Barnes & Noble.
Oh, come back tomorrow for the Annual Airing of the Grievances at Festivus. The things you can’t bitch about on your site because the people involved might read it? You can bitch about it here. Tomorrow.
3 Comments on More Gift Ideas, All Wrapped Up, last added: 1/1/2009
>Sylvia Rouss tells us about her Sammy Spider series of picture books, which began with Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah. We also hear about the upcoming Sammy Spider's First Simchat Torah, Sammy Spider's First Day at School, and an entry in Sylvia's "Littlest" series, The Littlest Maccabee.
> FYI: You can now download mp3 audiobooks of The Chanukah Guest, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, and The Magic Dreidels, read by author Eric Kimmel himself. Find them at Anansi's Store at www.ericakimmel.com.
> Musician Josh Nelson (of The Josh Nelson Project) tells us about the part he played in Craig Taubman's Lights Hanukkah concert, and about his own debut CD, Lift. Scroll down to watch a YouTube video of Josh performing L'Dor Vador during the Lights concert. And click to learn how you can get the CD of Lights, and find listings for the TV special. Note that a DVD of the concert will be available during December from many PBS stations as a pledge drive thank-you gift.
>Rabbi Ilene Schneider discusses her mystery novel, Chanukah Guilt. Protagonist Rabbi Aviva Cohen's life takes an interesting - and sinister - turn when she agrees to officiate at the funeral of an unpopular land developer. She doesn't expect to be told by two different people that he had been murdered. Nor does she expect that the first funeral will result in a suicide!
AUDIO:
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What's new in Jewish picture books? Follow me around the 2008 Book Expo America conference to listen in on publishers and authors talking about their new and forthcoming titles! I gathered so much audio that I'll be posting it over four episodes. Part 2 will be books for children and teens, Part 3 will be adult books, and Part 4 will be books (for all ages) relating to the Holocaust.
Part 1, Jewish Picture Books:
Tricycle Press The Yankee at the Seder by Elka Weber Marshall Cavendish Cakes and Miracles by Barbara Diamond Goldin The Hanukkah Mice by Steven Kroll The Rabbi and the 29 Witches by Marilyn Hirsh
Kar-Ben Publishing Jodie's Hanukkah Dig by Anna Levine Harvest of Light by Allison Ofanansky Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride by Deborah Bodin Cohen Sammy Spider's First Day at School by Sylvia Rouss Sarah Laughs, Benjamin and the Silver Goblet, Miriam in the Desert by Jacqueline Jules Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Built By Angels by Mark Podwal
Holiday House The Mysterious Guests by Eric Kimmel Yale Strom, author: The Wedding That Saved a Town by Yale Strom (Kar-Ben)
AUDIO: Click the play button on this flash player to listen to the podcast now:
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CREDITS:
Thanks to Yale Strom for permission to record and podcast his violin performance at Book Expo. Our regular background music is provided by The Freilachmakers Klezmer String Band.
Books mentioned on the show may be borrowed from the Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel. (Or if they're too new to be in the library now, they will be once they are published!) Browse our online catalog to reserve books, post a review, or just to look around!
Your feedback is appreciated! Please write to [email protected]! Or even better, if you know of any new Jewish picture books I missed seeing at Book Expo, please post a comment!
7 Comments on Brand Spanking New (Part 1): Jewish Picture Books, last added: 6/11/2008
Oh i am so jealous i have been to the bea for the past 10 yrs but had to miss this year for family reasons i want to rush home to my ipod to listen... i can't wait i will link your site to my site. my readers will love it thanks
larry MyJewishBooks.com SeferSafari.com Tzedaka.org Jewishfilm.com
Alba Toscano said, on 6/11/2008 11:15:00 AM
Heidi
I love your podcast. Do you take requests? I read Aaron Lansky's book Outwitting History and I loved it so much that I've passing it around to all the english-speaking members of La Javura. Would you be able to interview Aaron for one of your podcasts?
Thanks so much for interviewing me about Hanukkah Haiku. Although you caught me off guard, I was glad for the opportunity to talk about our beautiful book. One thing I'd like to mention, at the end of the podcast you note that there are links to the websites of the various publishing companies, however, many of the books featured at BEA are not being published until the fall, so in our case, the title would not appear on our web site until the book is available to the public. I found this to be true on other publisher's sites as well. I just thought I'd mention this in case someone gets frustrated trying to find a particular book online before it's pub date.
Thanks, Elliot, this is a really good point. In fact, it's the reason I linked to the publishers instead of to the individual titles - in many cases there's nothing to link to yet. But I figured the publishers should get credit, and maybe people will want to sign up for their newsletters or something so they'll hear about it when these books come out.
I loved this podcast! Thanks so much for sharing the wealth. I hope you had a chance to interview Margie Wolfe from Second Story Press at Book Expo. I just finished reading one of SSP's new books, The Diary of Laura's Twin by Kathy Kacer. I liked it so much that I've recommended it for our OBBA list. I hope we can stay in touch, and I'll certainly keep listening to your wonderful podcasts.
Hey Anne, I did get to talk to Margie Wolfe about The Diary of Laura's Twin and some other stuff. That interview will appear in Part 4 of this series of podcasts, which will be all Holocaust-themed books. Glad to hear you liked it so much, because of course I haven't yet had a chance to read it!
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Mom says:
, the focus is on the secular. Noticeably absent is a retelling of the Chanukah story. Instead, as the lights of the menorah get lit night after night, the child narrator notices other lights around him: the moon, the stars, Christmas lights, etc. The family goes for a walk around their urban neighborhood and enjoy the candlelight from their neighbors' windows.
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