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Well, I did my annual visit to Barnes and Noble to see what they had on the Thanksgiving shelf. Never a pleasant outing, I hasten to add, but one that I do each year, hoping that there won't be any new books where characters do a Thanksgiving reenactment or play of some kind.
Out this year is Just a Special Thanksgiving by Mercer Mayer. I'll say up front that I do not recommend it. Here's the synopsis:
Little Critter® has charmed readers for over forty years.
Now he is going to have a Thanksgiving he'll never forget! From the school play to a surprise dinner for all of Critterville, celebrate along with Little Critter and his family as they give thanks this holiday. Starring Mercer Mayer's classic, loveable character, this brand-new 8x8 storybook is perfect for story time and includes a sheet of stickers!
If you just look at the cover, you don't see anybody in feathers. You might think they're doing a "just be thankful" kind of story, but nope.
One of the first pages shows Critter and his buddies at school, getting ready for the play.
When it is time for the play, Critter (playing the part of a turkey), freezes and the others look on, worried:
Later, everyone goes to the parade, where Critter ends up on a float:
Pretty awful, start to finish, and I gotta say, too, that I'm disappointed. Though I haven't read a Critter book in a long long time, I do have fond memories of them. I dove into research spaces and see that a colleague, Michelle Abate, has an article about Critter in a 2015 issue of Bookbird. I'm going to see if I can get a copy of it. Course, her article won't have anything about Just a Special Thanksgiving in it, but I'm interested in a researcher's perspective on the series.
Oh, and here's a photo of the display:
I didn't look at each book. Some are familiar from years past, like Pete the Cat in which Pete is shown as Squanto. And there's some messed up images in the Curious George book, too. And Pinkalicious.
If I was buying? I'd get that one on the bottom row: The Great Thanksgiving Escape by Mark Fearing. It is hilarious. That page where the kids run into "the great wall of butts" is priceless! I know my sister's grandson would love that part.
By:
Bianca Schulze,
on 4/28/2015
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Enter to win a copy of The Sky Painter, by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Aliona Bereghici.
Giveaway begins April 28, 2015, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends May 27, 2015, at 11:59 P.M. PST.
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Margarita Engle, author of The Sky Painter, selected these five family favorite children's books.
Grandkids let us revisit the books we hid from their parents because we could NOT BEAR to read those books one more time. My son and I had a deal: If I was an overly grumpy Mom - and we both had to agree that that was the case - I had to read Little Monster's Word Book by Mercer Mayer. And he had me read the CIP info on the back of the title page, the ISBN on the back of the book and any print he could find. I loved the book a lot, just not every night for months on end. Hence the arrangement. ( I would never choose a book I personally disliked for this routine. Animal Crackers - a book of animal jokes - was another Grumpy Mom book. I have a copy in the attic, just waiting for the right moment.)
I never hid this book by Mercer Mayer; Professor Wormbog in Search for the Zipperump-a-zoo.
I enjoyed the story, the fun-filled illustrations and the ending. So did my boy, and now my grandchild loves this book, too.
Enjoy!
Here is a video the author/illustrator made in 2007.
By:
Bianca Schulze,
on 11/14/2014
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Kat Beyer has an M.A. in medieval history and has loved all things Italian for as long as she can remember. Her first novel was The Demon Catchers of Milan.
Yesterday my daughter eagerly called to me to tell me that she had just read a book by herself, not just looking at the pictures but reading the words. And she wanted to read it to me. We were running late for a holiday party, but I was naturally unable to resist saying "OK, read the book to me."
She had a little pile of books from the Little Critter Phonics Fun Set, which I received from HarperCollins, and which she adores. These books are much-simplied versions of existing Little Critter titles, each focusing on a particular series of sounds. They are tiny square paperbacks, ~5" in size, and easy to hold. She shuffled through the stack until she came to the one she wanted, and then she began:
"Going to the Sea Park. By Mercer Mayer."
Then she "read" the book to me. She didn't actually look at the text at all, so I know that she wasn't technically reading. And she wasn't letter-perfect - this wasn't a book that she had memorized, word for word. But she knew it well enough to come up with the gist for each page.
Then, even though we were getting later and later for the party, I let her read me another (A Green, Green Garden). I especially loved that she shared the title and author before opening each book, as I do when I read to her. She's learned that this is the proper way to read a book to someone.
I suggested that she read me more of the books on our way to the party, but she wanted me to be able to see the pictures, so we had to stop. But I was happy that even in the midst of a weekend of holiday craziness, we made time for another little literacy milestone. (And don't tell Baby Bookworm, but she's receiving the Ramona boxed set from her godparents for Christmas. Looking forward to giving those a try as a read-aloud.) Wishing you all quiet moments for books over the holiday season.
© 2013 by Jennifer Robinson of Jen Robinson's Book Page. All rights reserved. You can also follow me @JensBookPage or at my Growing Bookworms page on Facebook. This site is an Amazon affiliate.
By:
Jill Casey,
on 11/18/2011
Blog:
The Art of Children's Picture Books
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In honor of Children's Book Week, here are some vintage posters for you to peruse. Enjoy!
Helen Sewell, Illustrator, 1941
Elizabeth Orton Jones, Illustrator
1953 Poster
Garth Williams, Illustrator, 1955
Roger Duvoisin, Illustrator, 1952
3 Comments on Vintage Children's Book Week Posters, last added: 11/19/2011
Bummer! (Using that word dates me, eh?!)
Susan S. wrote to tell me about this page in Mercer Meyer's Just Me and My Mom. When my daughter was little, we had--and enjoyed--several of the Little Critter books.
In this part of the book, Little Critter and his mom are at a natural history museum. Meyer is not alone in putting American Indians in natural history museums... He does, in fact, reflect a reality. Putting us there is a problem! American Indians are often found in natural history museums with the dinosaurs and the bears...
Remember this page from Danny and the Dinosaur? Placing us in natural history museums is a problem! Placing us alongside dinosaurs suggests that is the proper time frame for us to be presented. It isn't. It suggests we are extinct. We are not. It suggests we are primitive. We are not. And, placing us alongside animals suggests we are animal-like, and we are not.
Course, maybe authors could interrupt that problem by having characters challenge the status quo. It would be way cool to have Little Critter or his mom say "Why are American Indians here with dinosaurs and animals instead of in a museum with other peoples?" instead of having Little Critter dress up that way... Or, to have Little Critter ask a docent "what tribe is this supposed to be?!" Is that too much to ask for? Is it too didactic?
written and illustrated by
Tomie de Paola
Lippencott 1968
Ronald so refuses to go to sleep that he vows to fight the night, until the morning if necessary.
Playing outside until bedtime, Ronald refuses to cooperate. Even as his mother coaxes him into pajamas and into bed with the vague promises that tomorrow is another day and perhaps there might be a surprise for him and that the
Wordless picture books are a good choice for beginning readers. Children can relax and enjoy the story without the stress of encountering unfamiliar words. At the same time, they are learning important reading strategies, such as examining the illustrations for picture clues and following the story line in sequence.
Octopus Soup by Mercer Mayer features a young octopus who leaves home (pulling a red wagon that holds his stuffed walrus) and gets into all sorts of adventures. After climbing up an anchor line, he lands in a fishing boat. From there he's thrown to shore and makes his way to a restaurant. The chef, imaging a tasty soup, tries to put our hero on the menu. The resourceful octopus manages to escape--with the chef pursuing him through the cobblestone streets. Chaos ensues, and soon an army of irate citizens is chasing the little fellow as he heads for his ocean home. Readers will be at the edge of their seats to see if he makes it safely back into the multi-arms of his parents.
Mercer Mayer, author/illustrator of countless picture books and beginning readers, has come full circle. His first book,
A Boy, a Dog, and a Frog, was wordless too. With his latest story, Mayer has gone all out with the action-crammed illustrations. I especially liked the way the individual spreads were broken down into story panels. This allows for a more complex story, one that has a comic-book feel to it. The only words that appear are part of the illustrations--signs, advertisements, and a newspaper.
And after finishing this zany tale, readers might be interested in sampling a mock version of octopus soup. This
fun--and easy--recipe involves little more than slicing a hot dog to resemble an octopus and heating it in chicken broth with chopped chives for seaweed. Bon appetit!
Octopus Soup
by Mercer Mayer
Marshall Cavendish Children, 32 pages
Published: 2011
By:
Bianca Schulze,
on 4/12/2011
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 12, 2011
Learning to Nurture Nature
Gardening, recycling, composting, and being at one with nature (including our vanishing honeybees) and all it has to offer; these are great ways to connect young children with our environment and encourage them to nurture our special one-of-a-kind Earth.
Picture Books
Compost Stew
By Mary McKenna Siddals (Author), Ashley Wolff (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-7
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Tricycle Press; 1 edition (March 23, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth uses a clever and entertaining rhyme that, just as the title suggests, gives a great recipe for making compost. All of the ingredients are familiar household products, such as vegetable trimmings, coffee grounds, and oatmeal. At the back of the book the “Chef’s Note” can be found—it’s another witty rhyme all of its own and teaches readers what shouldn’t go in compost. The illustrations, which are rendered in gouache and collage, compliment the tone of the recipe with the use of more familiar recyclable materials.
Add this book to your collection: Compost Stew
Sofia’s Dream
By Land Wilson (Author), Sue Cornelison (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-7
Hardcover: 19 pages
Publisher: Little Pickle Press LLC; 1st edition (November 24, 2010)
Source: Author
Sofia’s Dream was written for the sole purpose of inspiring children to take care of the earth. Beginning with the cover image of an angelic young girl soaring high in the sky, her eyes full of hope and untarnished optimism, a magical tone is set for the story. Wilson’s appreciation for nature and environmental protection shine through in this powerfully uncomplicated picture book.
Add this book to your collection: Sofia’s Dream
Water, Weed, and Wait
By Edith Hope Fine (Author), Angela Halpin (Author), Colleen M. Madden (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-7
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Tricycle Press (August 10, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Gardening requires a little hard work and patience, but the benefits are plentiful. In Water, Weed, Wait, Miss Marigold&rs
By:
Bianca Schulze,
on 12/9/2010
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 9, 2010
This year, many people are predicting that Apple’s iPad will be the number one gift found under the Christmas tree. Assuming that you’ve embraced the notion of e-books—and you’re happy with the saying: “Any reading is good reading!”—we’re certain that you’ll be looking for a couple of book apps to get your iPad recipient started.
From the more traditional pieces of literature to the fun, book-related games; these apps are a great way to kick-start a new iPad library or add to an existing one. Hopefully this list makes your job of sifting through the hundreds or available apps just a little bit easier.
The Traditional
From Ruckus Media
Tom Thumb and the Knights of the Round Table
Told by John Cleese, illustrated by Tim Gabor, music by Elvis Costello
Price: $3.99 on iPhone / $3.99 on iPad
Publisher’s synopsis: John Cleese tells the tale of tiny Tom Thumb and his larger-than-life adventures in the land of King Arthur. Read along, play along, and record your voice with apps for families from Ruckus Media!
Features:
• READ the classic story!
• SEE the enchanting video!
• HEAR Emmy-Award winner John Cleese tell the story with an original score by recording artist Elvis Costello!
• RECORD your voice reading to your child!
Add this app to your collection: Tom Thumb and the Knights of the Round Table
The Velveteen Rabbit
Told by Meryl Streep, illustrated by Dave Jorgenson, music by George Winston
Price: $3.99 on iPhone / $3.99 on iPad
Publisher’s synopsis: Meryl Streep shares the tale of love so powerful it can turn a toy bunny into a real rabbit. Read along, play along, and record your voice with apps for families from Ruckus Media!
Features:
• READ the classic story!
• SEE the award-winning video!
• HEAR acclaimed actress Meryl Streep tell the story accompanied by pianist George Winston!
• RECORD your voice reading to your child!
Add this app to your collection:
By:
Phoebe,
on 11/22/2010
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By Bianca Schulze and Phoebe Vreeland, The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 22, 2010
Last year, Lauren Thompson’s holiday book, The Christmas Magic, let us in on one of Santa’s little secrets: Santa gets a “tingling in his whiskers” when the Christmas magic is on its way. I believe that the tingling has begun. Perhaps even a little jingling, too!
From nicely illustrated carols to tales for the naughty and nice, our holiday gift to you is this list of wonderful Christmas books.
It’s Christmas, David!
by David Shannon
Reading level: Ages 3-7
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press (September 1, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Publisher’s synopsis: Readers of all ages will vividly remember trying to peek at hidden gift packages; writing scrolls of wish lists to Santa; and struggling to behave at formal Christmas dinner parties. Always in the background, we know Santa Claus is watching, soon to decide if David deserves a shiny new fire truck or a lump of coal under the tree. From playing with delicate ornaments to standing in an endlessly long line for Santa, here are common Christmas activities–but with David’s naughty trimmings. A surefire hit that is destined to be an annual classic.
Note: Fans of No, David! will be thrilled with Shannon’s latest addition. Pairing it with Too Many Toys would make a great gift. It’s Christmas, David is also available in Spanish.
Add this book to your collection: It’s Christmas, David! or llego La Navidad, David! (Spanish Edition)
From nicely illustrated carols to tales for the naughty and nice, our holiday gift to you is this list of wonderful Christmas books.
The Twelve Days of Christmas in Washington, DC
by Candice Ransom (Author), Sarah Hollander (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 5-7
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sterling (October 5, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Publish
by Herb Valen
illustrated by Susan Perl
Little, Brown and Company 1968
A boy discovers he can literally jump into paintings and interact with the people there, but his ability all mysteriously vanishes just as he's about to enter school...
Edward has grown big and strong, and can hop around on a single leg all the time without getting tired. he spends his cold winter days in his
My mother recently got this book for my son. She's given us quite a few Little Critter books, so he's a well known character around here. Little Critter lives in a such a messy, animal-filled, chaotic world. It's refreshing to read older books sometimes, because they are less sanitized and safe. It's OK that Little Critter has a mouse eating cookies under his bed. He's part of a cast that repeats throughout the series: a spider, a grasshopper, cat, dog, etc.
Toddlers and young children relate to all his dilemmas, but his strange world keeps things interesting and a bit less preachy. This book is a lift-the-flap, which always engages even distracted toddlers. I ended up reading it 5 times in a row to my nephew the other morning.
The illustration style is nothing that would catch my eye - I prefer Mayer's "There's an Alligator Under My Bed" if anything. But the series as a whole has a very long shelf-life - something as 'bookmakers', I think we all strive for.
I never had any
Mercer Mayer/Little Critter books as a kid. But I love this book and these little characters nonetheless. To me they feel so classic and nostalgic even without having had a long personal history with the books. That is quite a feat in itself!
Just Grandma and Me is about Little Critter's day at the beach with Grandma. In all honesty I think this book captures the feeling of youth in a bottle. Something about the tone and the perspective (Little Critter tells the story), mixed with the charming, detailed art which doesn't miss a trick. Add these emotive characters that are full of expression and personality and all this adds up to a real feeling of authenticity in this book and story. I just can't think of a more apt word to describe it!
>
See some art from the book hereThey say it is really hard to do a kid's book right. I can tell a lot of work went into this one. A classic!
This book is one in a huge series of Little Critter books, so if this one looks good to you, there's plenty more. This book is a small paperback and is very affordable ($4 new on Amazon, and you could get it even cheaper new or used through Amazon Resellers).
There’s a Nightmare In My Closet
Written and illustrated by Mercer Mayer
Puffin Books, 1968
ISBN: 0-14-054712-6
The one thing better than reading a monster book to your kid, is reading them a monster book you remember fondly from when YOU were a kid. This simple tale by Mercer Mayer (better known for his Little Critter books) will fit the bill for a lot of folks.
A little boy is certain there’s a ‘nightmare’ living in his closet. Tired of being afraid, one night he decides to get rid of his nightmare ‘once and for all’, and waits up with his toy gun in hand to take care of the problem. The nightmare does indeed appear - but it turns out he’s not quite so scary as the little boy had expected.
The illustrations, simple yet very expressive, create a great atmosphere that’s just shadowed and spooky enough, but still non-threatening to little readers. The nightmare, ominous when he first appears, ends up adorable and
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I would love to have each of these framed on my wall!
Cool, cheers Marie
They're wonderful, aren't they?