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Some of our favorite children’s book authors have been very busy in 2016. We are thrilled to share that their latest works are now available on the First Book Marketplace!
From admiring the way teachers foster creativity in the classroom to how they ensure all children’s needs are met, author & illustrator Todd Parr offers an ode to everything teachers contribute to the world. Bursting with positivity about school and the people who make it special, this book is sure to become a classroom and at-home favorite.
Thunderboy Jr.– written by Sherman Alexie, illustrated by Yuyi Morales
What’s in a name? Author Sherman Alexie explores naming rituals and Native American culture in his new picture book, beautifully illustrated by Yuyi Morales. This book is a great read-aloud, celebrating expressions of individuality and the unique relationship between a child and parent.
Being a teenager is tough – especially for Apollo (maybe because he’s actually four thousand years old). In the latest book from author Rick Riordan, Apollo, the Greek god of the sun, is cast down from Olympus to earth after insulting his father Zeus. Without his powers, he must learn to survive in modern-day New York City until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus’s favor.
Kate DiCamillo’s middle-grade coming-of-age novel follows young Raymie Clarke in her quest to win the 1975 Little Miss Central Florida Tire contest. But as the competition approaches, loneliness, loss, and unanswerable questions draw her into an unlikely friendship with two other contestants — and challenges each of them to come to the rescue in unexpected ways.
Often, loss is very difficult for children to process. Todd Parr’s The Goodbye Book walks young readers through feelings they may have while struggling with goodbyes; being upset, wanting to hide, or being confused. However, Parr reminds children things will get better. The author slyly gives them ideas about things they can do when the pain of loss subsides. Goodbyes can be done with love, without complete sadness, and while remembering many of the joys that person, pet, or thing brought to a child’s life.
KidLit TV’s Read Out Loud series is perfect for parents, teachers, and librarians. Use these readings for nap time, story time, bedtime … anytime!
LIKE IT? PIN IT!
Did you like this episode of Read Out Loud? Have you used it at home, school, or the library? Let us know by dropping us a line in the comment section.
ABOUT ‘THE GOODBYE BOOK’
The Goodbye Book Written and illustrated by Todd Parr
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Todd Parr, author of It’s Okay to Be Different, has carved out a niche for himself as “the feelings man” of picture books, and it’s not hard to see why. In glossy, color-saturated pages, we’re introduced to a small fish who’s lost its companion. As the fish goes through many reactions to the loss, the text is directed straight at the reader, giving permission for all sorts of feelings: “You might be very sad. / You might be very mad.” The art is simple and naïve, as though Parr loaded up Paint on his computer and started clicking away. With its accessible style and kindhearted text, The Goodbye Book will serve kids as a sympathetic friend during trying times.
ABOUT TODD PARR
Todd Parr is the author and illustrator of more than 30 children’s books. Todd moved to San Francisco to pursue a career as an artist, then took a detour as a flight attendant, before becoming a full-time author and illustrator. Todd draws in a style that’s highly relatable to children.
Todd acknowledges his supportive family — including a grandma who introduced him to Dr. Seuss books — as being a strong influence in his work. He is able to write stories about kindness and love because of his upbringing. Todd’s books have been translated into more than 14 languages. In 2005 Todd received a Daytime Emmy nomination for his preschool television series ToddWorld.
Todd’s favorite color is blue, and he loves macaroni and cheese.
Todd loves hearing from fans of his books. Go ahead and contact him, here. You can send him a note and pictures too!
Bonus: Actress Sandra Bullock is a big fan of Todd’s Family Book. She reads it aloud to her children Louis and Laila before bedtime.
We’ve collected the books debuting on Indiebound’s Indie Bestseller List for the week ending June 14, 2015–a sneak peek at the books everybody will be talking about next month.
(Debuted at #2 in Children’s Illustrated) Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA written by Jimmy Fallon and illustrated by Miguel Ordonez: “Your baby’s first word will be…’Dada!’ Right?” (June 2015)
(Debuted at #11 in Children’s Illustrated) The Daddy Book by Todd Parr: “Some daddies work at home Some daddies work far away Some daddies teach you to walk Some daddies teach you to ride a skateboard All daddies love you!” (April 2002)
(Debuted at #12 in Hardcover Fiction) The Truth According to Us by Annie Barrows: “In the summer of 1938, Layla Beck’s father, a United States senator, cuts off her allowance and demands that she find employment on the Federal Writers’ Project, a New Deal jobs program. Within days, Layla finds herself far from her accustomed social whirl, assigned to cover the history of the remote mill town of Macedonia, West Virginia, and destined, in her opinion, to go completely mad with boredom.” (June 2015)
As we begin a season of reflection and celebration, we are pleased to share some of our favorite books on thankfulness and being grateful that will help young readers on their journey to understanding gratitude.
Your sister/mother/father/cousin is the artist. Your drawing is terrible. You’re hopeless at art. These are the things that you may have heard. Especially when you were a child. Voices that you’ve carried along allowing an important part of you to be silenced.
In some ways, as children’s book creative, our jobs are about accessing that child-like place of curiosity, wonder, and joy. That part that can spend solid time squatting in dirt watching a worm wiggle around in the earth and then reach out and touch it.
Making art is a bit like that. Mucking around in sometimes yucky materials, seeing what will happen if you add a touch of ochre to that blue with some titan buff instead of titanium white. Suddenly your sea is more sea like. Suddenly the endorphins are flowing and you’re in that place of child-like wonder wandering around in the right side of your brain where emotion and intuition hang out. After a while you consciously or unconsciously remember these experiments and how when you do this that happens and the colors, patterns, shapes, compositions you like, become ingrained as habit and begin to develop into your personal visual vocabulary or style. In many ways, it’s like driving a car. Alien at first then effortless after a while. If you do this, that happens. But unlike driving a car, artists are always evolving, trying new moves, new materials, new styles and new combinations. Playing in the dirt.
Playful illustrators whose style epitomizes that child-like delight with a more child-like style include the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books by Jeff Kinney, Naked and I’m Bored by Debbie Ohi, Mo Willem’s Pigeon books, Lauren Child’s books, and Todd Parr and Lucy Cousins wildly successful work that kids often look at and go “I could do that!”
These days, like never before, publishers want author/illustrators. These days publishers are also embracing artwork that may not be technically perfect but whose spirit and originality is totally, playfully, perfect!
Revitalizing:
While realism will always be greatly valued in the exquisite works of artists like John Muth, David Weisner, Julie Downing, E.B. Lewis and many others, there is a new embrace and desire for wild, spontaneous, fresh looking art that mixes it up. Try combining different materials with collage, try standing up and using your whole body to draw with freedom, or try creating loose ink or charcoal drawings like Chris Raschka does. Try playing with new materials that you’ve never used before so that you are more willing to be a child learning new things without judgment, experimenting in the dirt. Watch that worm wriggle. Then gently reach out and touch it.
Years ago Pablo Picasso said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” In the 1960’s Buckminster Fuller wrote, “Everyone is born a genius, but the process of living de-genius’s them.” Who’s ready to reclaim or revitalize their inner artist, childlike joy and visual genius? Take a walk on the wild side.
Mira Reisberg is the Director and founding instructor of the Children’s Book Academy. She has been involved in the children’s book industry since early 1988 as an illustrator, writer, editor, and art director as well as working as a kid lit university professor. Over the years she has taught many now successful children’s book writers and illustrators.
Starting November 3rd, Mira will be co-teaching the Craft and Business of Illustrating Children’s Books with Chronicle Books’ Design Director and Art Director extraordinaire for fearful beginning artists, multi-published illustrators, and adventurous writers. Find out more here.
10 Comments on PiBoIdMo Day 2: Mira Reisberg Reclaims and Revitalizes Her Inner Artist, last added: 11/2/2014
Love this post. I may not be an amazing artist – but having fun with drawings, colors, even clip art as I write has definitely helped me connect to my playful side. It’s nice to have “permission” to keep it up!
Linda Thompson said, on 11/2/2014 6:31:00 AM
Your words bring me back to my childhood and love for drawing. Thank you for helping me remember that I did that once and can do it again!
Mary McClellan said, on 11/2/2014 6:34:00 AM
Mira, I’ve been touching (written) worms since finishing up your PB course. I know MANY are going to be touching worms in your illustration course that starts tomorrow!!
angelapadron said, on 11/2/2014 6:43:00 AM
We love Mira! Mira is a fabulous teacher, an incredible mentor, a talented artist, and a woman of great wisdom. I have taken several classes with her and am currently enrolled in the illustration course that will start tomorrow – already the pre-class conversations on facebook have been helpful. I highly recommend any of her classes at Children’s Book Academy – you will not be disappointed!
Jodi Moore said, on 11/2/2014 6:44:00 AM
Thanks, Mira! *reaches out to touch that worm* :)
seschipper said, on 11/2/2014 6:44:00 AM
K and 1st graders love whatever you draw! They have always been my cheerleaders!
Michael Karg said, on 11/2/2014 6:44:00 AM
Dirt is the original artistic medium. It’s 43 degrees. It’s cloudy. It’s Winnie-the-Pooh-blustery. Time to stick my hands in the earth and dream.
Debbie Austin said, on 11/2/2014 6:47:00 AM
Thanks, Mira! I want to experience that freedom you mention — the freedom of childhood.
deborahholtwilliams said, on 11/2/2014 6:47:00 AM
I loved the Picasso quote, Mira! I may put it on the wall at the childcare where I work, where I seem to be the only one who likes to do art with the toddlers. Messy, but important!
Christy Mihaly said, on 11/2/2014 6:48:00 AM
What about a frog? Do I get extra credit if I touch a frog? Thanks for the reminders, Mira. I’m heading out to play now. And maybe one of these days I’ll screw up enough courage to do an illustrating course with you . . . .
Author, illustrator, and macaroni and cheese aficionado Todd Parr, uses humor and bright illustrations to celebrate the differences that make us all unique. Most of Todd’s books are now available on the First Book Marketplace.
First Book recently interviewed Todd about his inspiration for writing so many books that make a difference in children’s lives.
Todd Parr (Photo Credit: Jeff Fielding)
Todd Parr: Yes, in second grade I was placed in a slow reader class because I could not keep up with the rest of the class. I also couldn’t read in front of the class. It made me feel very different because I was made fun of. This was a big part in my writing It’s Okay To Be Different.
The Family Book was somewhat inspired by losing my mom at a young age and feeling like my family was different.
Q: Have there been any children you’ve met along the way that have inspired you to tackle such issues?
Todd Parr: All the time. I never dreamed these two books would lead my awareness of the need to help kids and families feel good about themselves no matter what they were dealing with.
Q: Why is it important for children to be reading about diversity issues at such a young age?
Todd Parr: Because I believe it is important for kids to see that everyone is different. And that is what makes everyone special and unique.
Q: In your experience, how have children reacted to reading these books? Do they understand the nature of what they are reading?
Todd Parr: Yes, I think it’s my art style that helps with the delivery of the message (kids think they can draw just like me – and they can). Also, humor and unpredictability helps a lot.
Q: What is your goal when writing children’s books that address these topics?
Todd Parr: To present things that may be very complicated to understand in a simple fun way.
Q: What inspired you to become a children’s author?
Todd Parr: It all came about through my art. Megan Tingley (Little, Brown) approached me at the licensing show in NYC and asked if I had ever thought about writing children’s books because I was basically already telling stories through my artwork.
Q: It’s pretty clear that you love macaroni and cheese. What’s your favorite kind?
Todd Parr: Can I say I am so easy to please that I will eat any kind of macaroni and cheese, even if it has worms on it. No, that’s not right…
Todd Parr’s books are available on the First Book Marketplace, a website exclusively for educators and program leaders that works with kids in need.
I posted a picture of some of these on Facebook and Instagram this week and it was fun to see the varied responses. From publishers and families alike. So I thought I'd start sharing pictures of our library loot.
This is actually a very small pile for us. We're getting back to our routine of one to two visits a week - our small town library (North Hampton, NH) and the larger city library (Portsmouth, NH) nearby. It's one of the best resources for so many communities: stay-at-home-moms (hello!), students, and overall picture book junkies like all of us.
Page Update: The 2012 KU Children's Literature Conference book list is available on my Lists page. I hope you enjoy it. The books are for readers in grade 5 through 8 (and above).
0 Comments on KBWT- Celebrate Spring with Todd Parr as of 1/1/1900
It was kind of a kooky idea, I admit it. I’ve seen plenty of sites where artists will reinterpret someone like Maurice Sendak in their own styles. What I wanted was something a little different. I wanted to see what would happen if great children’s book illustrators illustrated one another. If a Lobel illustrated a Bemelmans. If a Carle illustrated a Silverstein. Trouble is, famous folk have a way of not bothering to illustrate one another (to say nothing of the fact that a bunch of them are dead as doornails). The solution? To offer a silly fun challenge. And so the Re-Seussification Project was offered: To re-illustrate any Dr. Seuss book in the style of another illustrator.
Now there was some question at first about revealing the identities of the people making the mash-ups. Some folks thought this fun contest was unfortunate because I wasn’t celebrating the great talents of up-and-coming artists. So as a compromise, I’ll present the art first and then the names of the artists at the bottom of the page. Makes it a little more streamlined anyway.
And now . . . the moment you’ve all been waiting for . . . in the order of the faux artists, here’s the lot!
So, we’re all friends here, right? Right off the bat I’m going to make a confession. In offering this contest all I really wanted was for someone somewhere to do an Eric Carle. It was a lot to ask since we’re talking about an artist dealing in the medium of cut paper. It looked like it wasn’t going to happen. Then, last night, the final submission was sent in and it was . . .
1. GREEN EGGS AND HAM IN AN ERIC CARLE STYLE
A brilliant way to start us off!
Next up, I’ve fond memories of this book. As a child of Kalamazoo I was slightly obsessed with any and every mention of my hometown, no matter where it might be. Dr. Seuss was one of the few authors to understand the true glory of my hometown’s name and for that I shall forever be grateful. It lifts my heart a little then to see him memorialized in the form of . . .
2. HORTON HATCHES THE EGG IN A LAURENT DE BRUNHOFFSTYLE
I particularly like how worried Babar appears. One thing’s for certain. That elephant bird is gonna be one snappy dresser.
This next image didn’t go the easy route, no sir. Some illustrators have styles that are easier to imitate than others. For this next one I was incredibly impressed by the sheer details at work. From the border to the font to the colors to the fact that this looks like an honest-to-gosh watercolor. Hold onto your hats folks, for you are now in the presence of . . .
3. GREEN EGGS AND HAM IN A TOMIE DEPAOLA STYLE
The best part is that his name is signed with dePaola’s customary little heart. THAT is the attention to detail I crave.
10 Comments on Re-Seussification Project: The Results, last added: 3/1/2012
Holy cow – that is some serious talent! I am so impressed! And entertained! I bet all of the imitated artists would be delighted to see “their” new creations
Anne Marie said, on 3/1/2012 5:04:00 AM
Those are fabulous! I’m so glad you issued the challenge!
laurasalas said, on 3/1/2012 5:11:00 AM
These. Are. Genius.
Fantastic project–makes my day:>)
Zoe said, on 3/1/2012 5:45:00 AM
Genius! I want them all on my wall!
Linda Boyden said, on 3/1/2012 5:46:00 AM
If you give an illustrator an idea…! Great stuff.
Leslie Muir said, on 3/1/2012 5:50:00 AM
FANTASTIC, all.
Maria Simon said, on 3/1/2012 5:58:00 AM
Love. Love. Love.
Thank you everyone!
rockinlibrarian said, on 3/1/2012 6:12:00 AM
My going-on-three-year-old looked at the Klassen-style cat and said indignantly “THAT’S not the Cat in the Hat!” But I thought these all were AWESOME. My favorite is 12.
Bernadette Mount said, on 3/1/2012 6:14:00 AM
Wow! I’m honored to be featured with all these true artists. I love the whole idea of this project and wish there were more to see. I will share all these with my 6th grade classes and tell them they “made the blog.”
PS #12 is actually One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. I know this because it was the featured Suess book for the 3rd graders today (and then they drew their own Suess-style fish – I’m using this art project how ever I can!)
Elizabeth Bird said, on 3/1/2012 6:21:00 AM
Good catch, Bernadette. I have corrected accordingly.
It’s time to start prepping for the holiday season. First stop: Halloween. No tricks here—only treats!
When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween.
~Author Unknown
Our 2011 Halloween book list spotlights everything from growing pumpkins; overcoming fears (a great topic for youngsters that tend to get a little surprised when they no longer recognize their family and friends due to colorful costumes and scary masks); witches; skeletons; cats and bats; and plain-old, creepy stories that beg to be read on a dark night with a flashlight. From babies to beginning readers to middle graders to young adults, TCBR has you covered.
Publisher’s synopsis: What’s Halloween without a haunted house? Come inside SPOOKY BOO! A HALLOWEEN ADVENTURE – it’s filled with tons of Halloween fun! With spooky lift-the-flaps, icky touch-and-feels, and outrageous mirrors throughout, this is one haunted house that trick-or-treaters will want to visit again and again!
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (July 26, 2011)
Source: Publisher
Publisher’s synopsis: Black is the new black in this darkly tantalizing touch-and-feel extravaganza for the senses! Now babies can enjoy this daring color in a novelty board book chock-full of gorgeous, full-color photographs. There are textures to touch, a flap surprise, and the scratch ‘n’ sniff scent of sweet licorice that you can almost taste!
Figures that the minute I go on maternity leave that my workplace (the Children’s Center at 42nd Street in the main branch of NYPL) goes and gets itself something neat. Check it out.
The exhibit is called Children’s Book Illustrators and Authors Come Alive. That’s a title I admittedly find rather amusing since it implies that these folks have risen from their grave to display their work in the Children’s Center. Zombie art! At any rate this is the first time the room has displayed art of any kind, so we’re rather thrilled. The current exhibit features eleven different author/illustrators, all of whom published books in the 2010/11 season. Some other shots:
And that’s not all! For about two years now the room has been sitting on a painting created specifically for the Children’s Center by none other than Todd Parr himself. Now the art is up for one and all to see and it melds with the space so beautifully that the last three times I was there I failed to even notice it. Voila!
The exhibit of art is up from now until the end of the year. The Todd Parr painting may well be permanent. If you would like to view any of these, please be so good as to stop by. I’ll be around after September 15th and would be happy to give you a little tour.
0 Comments on Meanwhile, Back in the Children’s Center . . . as of 1/1/1900
Todd Parr lives near San Francisco but grew up in Wyoming. He likes to paint, but failed art class. Now he creates books for kids and has a TV show called ToddWorld. His books talk about love, kindness and are sometimes silly. He loves the fog, the sea lions, dolphins and macaroni and cheese. He also loves his dog Bully.
About the book:
Giving a great, big hug feels good. Sharing your treats feels good. Taking a bubble bath with some ducks feels good. What else makes you feel good? Open this book and find out!
My take on the book:
It’s no secret I’m a huge Todd Parr fan and groupie, but I just had to share this book with all of you. In this book, Todd explores all the different kinds of things which make people feel good. Like his other books, it’s also full of vibrant and colorful illustrations and is relatable to all children.
Maybe it’s the fact my daughter is getting a little older and is developing more language skills, but this book was such a perfect fit for us. Almost everything mentioned in the book was something Tessa could recognize and relate too. As a result, reading the book was almost like having a conversation with Tessa because we talked after almost every page about how these things feel good and make us happy.
Here’s just a quick sample of some of the things mentioned:
* “Giving a great, big hug feels good” – Tessa got a huge grin because she’s really on a hug kick right now. She’s starting to ask for hugs and asking if we want hugs. Very cute.
* “Making a new friend feels good” – We just recently moved but there’s lots of kids in our apartment complex close to Tessa’s age. She’s had a lot of fun meeting some of the kids and playing with them on the playground.
This book gives dads an excellent opportunity to ad-lib a bit and have some fun while reading. It’s also a great time to share what makes us feel good too: like reading books with your kids!
1 Comments on Review: The Feel Good Book, last added: 7/13/2011
Awwlll, what a cute cover. And I really enjoy your spirit. You may enjoy reading Crawling: A Father’s First Year by Elisha Cooper. It’s one of my favorite Dad books… along with the Kitchen Sink Papers by Mike McGrady.
It’s been a busy month on Book Dads as we have spent the entire month celebrating Father’s Day. I’ve been extra busy myself as I’m getting ready to move TOMORROW from Michigan to Oregon.
It seems that I’m not only one extra busy as this month’s carnival is a bit lighter than usual. Nonetheless, it’s still packed with great posts! Please visit all the links and leave a comment as to what your favorite was.
Delightful Children’s Books is my to-go blog for ideas for children’s books and this month she again brings us another terrific resource — this time 10 fantastic books about gardening. With our move, we didn’t start a garden this year, but fortunately, our new residence in Oregon has garden plots. I’ll be taking this list of 10 gardening books to the library soon after our arrival.
* Trudy Zufelt presents
6 Comments on The June 2011 Carnival of Children’s Literature, last added: 6/30/2011
I wonder if there was a problem with the carnival software – I submitted a post (and rec’d a receipt) and I know of at least one other who did the same, and neither of us are included in your round up of links – so perhaps they didn’t get to you?
Pat Zietlow Miller said, on 6/29/2011 10:31:00 AM
I also submitted something that was not included, so I think there was a glitch in the system somewhere. Thanks for hosting, though.
June 2011 Carnival Of Children’s Literature BONU said, on 6/29/2011 10:49:00 AM
[...] posted some of the June carnival yesterday and is moving from Michigan to Oregon today. While I was away the carnival software was [...]
The June 2011 Carnival is up! « Carnival of Child said, on 6/29/2011 11:06:00 AM
[...] the June 2011 Carnival Of Children’s Literature is online in two places. Part one is at BookDads and part two is at Chapter Book of the [...]
Anastasia Suen said, on 6/29/2011 11:12:00 AM
Thanks so much for hosting, Chris! There seems to have been a software glitch, so I have rounded up all of the posts that were NOT sent to you at Chapter Book of the Day. I wish you all the best with your move!
Marjorie said, on 6/29/2011 3:32:00 PM
Yes, Good Luck with the move – and when you get a chance to look at Anastasia’s post, I think you’ll realise the Carnival is as crwded a party as ever!
lives near San Francisco but grew up in Wyoming. He likes to paint, but failed art class. Now he creates books for kids and has a TV show called ToddWorld. His books talk about love, kindness and are sometimes silly. He loves the fog, the sea lions, dolphins and macaroni and cheese. He also loves his dog Bully.
About the book:
The Mommy Book celebrates all different kinds of moms and highlights the many reasons they are so special. Whether your mom goes fishing or goes shopping, whether she works at home or in a big building, whether she has short hair or big hair, Todd Parr assures readers that no matter what kind of mommy you have, every mother is special in her own unique way.
My take on the book:
On a day set aside for celebrating mothers, can there be a better book to review than Todd Parr’s The Mommy Book?
With its trademark, brightly-colored illustrations and silliness, The Mommy Book is perfect for young readers. Of course “No two mommies are alike” and this story sparks all the different ways each child loves their mommy. As with other Todd Parr books, I love how this one also celebrates multiculturalism, as well as promoting strong family relationships.
Todd Parr’s books are always a huge hit in our home and this fun take on “Mommy” is a great way for kids to celebrate Mother’s Day with their moms.
0 Comments on Book Review: The Mommy Book as of 1/1/1900
Todd Parr lives near San Francisco but grew up in Wyoming. He likes to paint, but failed art class. Now he creates books for kids and has a TV show called ToddWorld. His books talk about love, kindness and are sometimes silly. He loves the fog, the sea lions, dolphins and macaroni and cheese. He also loves his dog Bully.
About the book:
Do you feel silly? Do you feel lonely? Do you feel like dancing? Open this book and find out about all the different feelings you can have.
My take on the book:
I’m a huge Todd Parr fan and I’ve already introduced many of his books to my 22 1/2 month old daughter. She also loves Todd’s books and our latest addition to our home library, The Feelings Book, is no exception.
The Feelings Book is an excellent introductory book about feelings for toddlers and preschoolers. I like that it’s not the typical book about feelings where there’s simply an introduction to four or five feelings. Instead, The Feelings Book is full of all different sorts of feelings while at the same time letting kids know it’s okay to feel any of these things. I also love the message telling kids it’s okay to talk with others about their feelings.
As my daughter is starting to acquire more and more language, I’m glad there’s a book like this which introduces feelings in a fun and light-hearted way. I highly recommend this for parents of toddlers and preschoolers.
1 Comments on Book Review: The Feelings Book, last added: 2/18/2011
Love this book too. It was our first Todd Parr book and is so thrashed from teething, reading and toting that we’re gonna have to get a new copy in paperback soon. . . Glad your daughter likes it too. . .
Todd Parr lives near San Francisco but grew up in Wyoming. He likes to paint, but failed art class. Now he creates books for kids and has a TV show called ToddWorld. His books talk about love, kindness and are sometimes silly. He loves the fog, the sea lions, dolphins and macaroni and cheese. He also loves his dog Bully.
About the book:
There are so many different types of families, and THE FAMILY BOOK celebrates them all in a funny, silly, and reassuring way. Parr includes adopted families, step-families, one-parent families, and families with two parents of the same sex, as well as the traditional nuclear family. His quirky humor and bright, childlike illustrations will make children feel good about their families. Parents and teachers can use this book to encourage children to talk about their families and the different kinds of families that exist.
My take on the book:
As we gather for the Thanksgiving Holiday, there is usually only one reason that we look forward to the holiday – Family. Whether they are the family that were we born or adopted into ever since we can remember or the family we have created for ourselves, it is ‘family” that makes the holiday.
What better book to read for the holiday than Todd Parr’s “The Family Book”. His simple book celebrates every possible combination of family with colorful joy and playful depictions.
This book is a favorite for our family. There are only a handful of books that happily show families like ours. Two dads (one white and one black) with a son of both races – and this book offers it for us. It shows single dads, large families, fishy families and families full of hugs.
Not only does Parr show many different families but what makes them so special whether they are near or far from you. Parr points out that some families look like their pets, while others are quiet and respectively noisy (my family would be in the noisy category).
Parr has a history of all-inclusive diversity in his artfully drawn books. I like to describe his illustration as a cross between Keith Haring and an exceptional 7-year old artist. His poignant depictions also showcase families dealing with a loss, blended families, adopted children and even families that share their home with other families.
“The Family Book” is an homage to families everywhere. Parr’s closing page sums it up best….“There are lots of different ways to be a family. Your family is special no matter what kind it is.” There is no better book to celebrate Thanksgiving. Our family is thankful for Todd Parr.
2 Comments on Thanksgiving Book Review: The Family Book, last added: 11/27/2010
Here’s the scoop on May's most popular destinations on The Children’s Book Review site, the most coveted new releases, the bestsellers, and kids’ book events.
Taking the month of April off, in terms of Picture Book Saturday, was much needed, but I'm back with some great titles lined up for the next few weeks. Unfortunately, I missed the week of Earth Day (and for an eco-geek that's a big day), so for today I'm going to share some recent "earthy" reads that you and your kiddos will hopefully enjoy and find useful.
The Earth Book by Todd Parr
Starting us off simply, this one is aimed for your younger children. Bright, incredibly bold colors accompany tips about helping to save the planet. The sentences are short and catchy and you can't help but look at the pages. So eye catching!
The ideas such as riding bikes and walking rather than riding in a car, recycling, turning the water off, etc. are all simple things children can do to help save the planet. A great way to introduce kids to conservation.
Overall rating: 4 out of 5 Printed with soy ink on recycled materials. Awesome touch! The Earth Book Todd Parr 40 pages Picture Book Little, Brown 9780316042659 March 2010 Review copy received from publisher
My Garden by Kevin Henkes
Such a sweet, imaginative book. Not only does our little narrator have a passion for gardening and planting things like her mom, she also has a fantastic imagination, creating her own dream garden in her mind. Henkes beautiful, soft drawings go very nicely with the story.
This would be a nice read aloud for a Spring storytime...and we all know that Kevin Henkes is always a crowd pleaser. I can see this one popping up during award season as well.
Overall rating: 4 out of 5
My Garden Kevin Henkes 40 pages Picture Book Greenwillow 9780061715174 February 2010 Review copy received from publisher
Who Will Plant a Tree? by Jerry Pallotta and illustrator Tom Leonard
1 Comments on Picture Book Saturday, last added: 5/1/2010
Teachers Rock – written and illustrated by Todd Parr
Thunderboy Jr. – written by Sherman Alexie, illustrated by Yuyi Morales
Trials of Apollo – written by Rick Riordan
Raymie Nightingale – written by Kate DiCamillo
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is chock full of character-building, emotional stories that are certain to leave a deep imprint on the souls of its young listeners.”
Love this post. I may not be an amazing artist – but having fun with drawings, colors, even clip art as I write has definitely helped me connect to my playful side. It’s nice to have “permission” to keep it up!
Your words bring me back to my childhood and love for drawing. Thank you for helping me remember that I did that once and can do it again!
Mira, I’ve been touching (written) worms since finishing up your PB course. I know MANY are going to be touching worms in your illustration course that starts tomorrow!!
We love Mira! Mira is a fabulous teacher, an incredible mentor, a talented artist, and a woman of great wisdom. I have taken several classes with her and am currently enrolled in the illustration course that will start tomorrow – already the pre-class conversations on facebook have been helpful. I highly recommend any of her classes at Children’s Book Academy – you will not be disappointed!
Thanks, Mira! *reaches out to touch that worm* :)
K and 1st graders love whatever you draw! They have always been my cheerleaders!
Dirt is the original artistic medium. It’s 43 degrees. It’s cloudy. It’s Winnie-the-Pooh-blustery. Time to stick my hands in the earth and dream.
Thanks, Mira! I want to experience that freedom you mention — the freedom of childhood.
I loved the Picasso quote, Mira! I may put it on the wall at the childcare where I work, where I seem to be the only one who likes to do art with the toddlers. Messy, but important!
What about a frog? Do I get extra credit if I touch a frog? Thanks for the reminders, Mira. I’m heading out to play now. And maybe one of these days I’ll screw up enough courage to do an illustrating course with you . . . .