Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
"I have a dream" in honor of Martin Luther King Day
Every year in honor of Martin Luther King's birthday, biographies and books about the Civil Rights Movement are popular. Here are some more books you might also want to read. You can find the books and the descriptions in the Minuteman Library Catalog
Sit-in : how four friends stood up by sitting down / by Andrea Davis Pinkney ; illustrated by Brian Pinkney.
"This picture book is a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the momentous Woolworth's lunch counter sit-in, when four college students staged a peaceful protest that became a defining moment in the struggle for racial equality and the growing civil rights movement."--Amazon.com.
Today the world is watching you : the Little Rock Nine and the fight for school integration, 1957 / Kekla Magoon.
The Little Rock Nine were a group of African-American students who were enrolled in Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957three years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against segregation in public schools. The ensuing Little Rock Crisis saw the students initially prevented from entering the racially segregated school by Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus. Through the intervention of President Eisenhower and the National Guard, the students were allowed to attend. This is considered to be one of the most important events in the African-American Civil Rights Movement.
Sit-in : how four friends stood up by sitting down / by Andrea Davis Pinkney ; illustrated by Brian Pinkney.
"This picture book is a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the momentous Woolworth's lunch counter sit-in, when four college students staged a peaceful protest that became a defining moment in the struggle for racial equality and the growing civil rights movement."--Amazon.com.
Today the world is watching you : the Little Rock Nine and the fight for school integration, 1957 / Kekla Magoon.
The Little Rock Nine were a group of African-American students who were enrolled in Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957three years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against segregation in public schools. The ensuing Little Rock Crisis saw the students initially prevented from entering the racially segregated school by Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus. Through the intervention of President Eisenhower and the National Guard, the students were allowed to attend. This is considered to be one of the most important events in the African-American Civil Rights Movement.
These hands / written by Margaret H. Mason ; and illustrated by Floyd Cooper.An African American man tells his grandson about a time when, despite all the wonderful things his hands could do, they could not touch bread at the Wonder Bread factory. Based on stories of bakery union workers; includes historical note.
Birmingham 1963 : how a photograph rallied civil rights support / by Shelley Tougas.
"Explores and analyzes the historical context and significance of the iconic Charles Moore photograph"--Provided by publisher.
Belle, the last mule at Gee's Bend / Calvin Alexander Ramsey and Bettye Stroud ; illustrated by John Holyfield.In Gee's Bend, Alabama, Miz Pettway tells young Alex about the historic role her mule played in the struggle for civil rights led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Includes factual information about the community of Gee's Bend and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Viola Desmond won't be budged! / Jody Nyasha Warner ; pictures by Richard Rudnicki.
In 1946, Viola Desmond bought a movie ticket at the Roseland Theatre in Nova Scotia. After settling into a main floor seat, an usher came by and told her to move, because her ticket was only good for the balcony. She offered to pay the difference in price but was refused: “You people have to sit in the upstairs section.” Viola refused to move. She was hauled off to jail, but her actions gave strength and inspiration to Canada’s black community.
In 1946, Viola Desmond bought a movie ticket at the Roseland Theatre in Nova Scotia. After settling into a main floor seat, an usher came by and told her to move, because her ticket was only good for the balcony. She offered to pay the difference in price but was refused: “You people have to sit in the upstairs section.” Viola refused to move. She was hauled off to jail, but her actions gave strength and inspiration to Canada’s black community.
Child of the civil rights movement / by Paula Young Shelton ; illustrated by Raul Colón.
Paula Young Shelton shares her memories of the civil rights movement and her involvement in the historic march from Selma to Montgomery.
Rosa's bus / Jo Kittinger ; illustrated by Steven Walker.
The story of an ordinary bus... until a woman named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat which became a pivotal event in the Civil Rights movement. Follows the bus's history from the streets of Montgomery to the Henry Ford Museum.
Paula Young Shelton shares her memories of the civil rights movement and her involvement in the historic march from Selma to Montgomery.
Rosa's bus / Jo Kittinger ; illustrated by Steven Walker.The story of an ordinary bus... until a woman named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat which became a pivotal event in the Civil Rights movement. Follows the bus's history from the streets of Montgomery to the Henry Ford Museum.
Birmingham Sunday / Larry Dane Brimner.
Learn about the bomb blast that rocked the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church on Sunday morning, September 15, 1963, killing four young girls.
One crazy summer / Rita Williams-Garcia.
In the summer of 1968, after travelling from Brooklyn to Oakland, California, to spend a month with the mother they barely know, eleven-year-old Delphine and her two younger sisters arrive to a cold welcome as they discover that their mother, a dedicated poet and printer, is resentful of the intrusion of their visit and wants them to attend a nearby Black Panther summer camp.
We shall overcome : a song that changed the world / by Stuart Stotts ; foreword by Pete Seeger ; with illustrations by Terrance Cummings.
Traces the history of the inspiring anthem, exploring the influence of traditional African music and Christian hymns in shaping its lyrics and tune and offering insight into the song's role in civil rights, labor, and anti-war movements in America.
Back of the bus / Aaron Reynolds ; illustrated by Floyd Cooper.
From the back of the bus, an African American child watches the arrest of Rosa Parks.
Freedom song : young voices and the struggle for civil rights / Mary C. Turck.
Melding memorable music and inspiring history,Freedom Song presents a fresh perspective on the civil rights movement by showing how songs of hope, faith, and freedom strengthened the movement and served as its voice.
Selma's bloody Sunday / by Lucia Raatma.
The 1870 passage of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, that no man could be denied the right to vote, was a big step forward in the civil rights movement. However, nearly 100 years later, most African Americans in the South still could not vote. In March 1965, a march from Selma, Alabama, to the state Capitol in Montgomery was planned to demand voting rights. But the marches only made it six blocks before they were stopped and brutally attacked by state troopers. March 7 became known as Bloody Sunday. The beatings outraged Americans who rallied to support the civil rights movement.
My mother the cheerleader : a novel / by Robert Sharenow.
Thirteen-year-old Louise uncovers secrets about her family and her neighborhood during the violent protests over school desegregation in 1960 New Orleans.
Learn about the bomb blast that rocked the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church on Sunday morning, September 15, 1963, killing four young girls.
One crazy summer / Rita Williams-Garcia.
In the summer of 1968, after travelling from Brooklyn to Oakland, California, to spend a month with the mother they barely know, eleven-year-old Delphine and her two younger sisters arrive to a cold welcome as they discover that their mother, a dedicated poet and printer, is resentful of the intrusion of their visit and wants them to attend a nearby Black Panther summer camp.
We shall overcome : a song that changed the world / by Stuart Stotts ; foreword by Pete Seeger ; with illustrations by Terrance Cummings.
Traces the history of the inspiring anthem, exploring the influence of traditional African music and Christian hymns in shaping its lyrics and tune and offering insight into the song's role in civil rights, labor, and anti-war movements in America.
Back of the bus / Aaron Reynolds ; illustrated by Floyd Cooper.
From the back of the bus, an African American child watches the arrest of Rosa Parks.
Freedom song : young voices and the struggle for civil rights / Mary C. Turck.
Melding memorable music and inspiring history,Freedom Song presents a fresh perspective on the civil rights movement by showing how songs of hope, faith, and freedom strengthened the movement and served as its voice.
Selma's bloody Sunday / by Lucia Raatma.
The 1870 passage of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, that no man could be denied the right to vote, was a big step forward in the civil rights movement. However, nearly 100 years later, most African Americans in the South still could not vote. In March 1965, a march from Selma, Alabama, to the state Capitol in Montgomery was planned to demand voting rights. But the marches only made it six blocks before they were stopped and brutally attacked by state troopers. March 7 became known as Bloody Sunday. The beatings outraged Americans who rallied to support the civil rights movement.
My mother the cheerleader : a novel / by Robert Sharenow.
Thirteen-year-old Louise uncovers secrets about her family and her neighborhood during the violent protests over school desegregation in 1960 New Orleans.
Marching for freedom : walk together, children, and don't you grow weary / by Elizabeth Partridge.
Award-winning author Elizabeth Partridge leads you straight into the chaotic, passionate, and deadly three months of protests that culminated in the landmark march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. Focusing on the courageous children who faced terrifying violence in order to march alongside King, this is an inspiring look at their fight for the vote. Stunningly emotional black-and-white photos accompany the text.
Award-winning author Elizabeth Partridge leads you straight into the chaotic, passionate, and deadly three months of protests that culminated in the landmark march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. Focusing on the courageous children who faced terrifying violence in order to march alongside King, this is an inspiring look at their fight for the vote. Stunningly emotional black-and-white photos accompany the text.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Little White Rabbit from The Horn Book
Little White Rabbit
January 11, 2012 By 1 Comment
I’ve been a fan of Kevin Henkes’s “thick line” books ever since the first one came out — Kitten’s First Full Moon, the year I was on Caldecott. All of these books work well with very young children and have a timeless feeling, as if Henkes was channeling the spirit of Margaret Wise Brown when he wrote the texts.The art, though, is completely his. I think no one does “cozy” like Henkes, but he keeps the art child-centered and never settles for nostalgia, which would seem to be the easy (and wrong) choice. The minimalist features might look quick and easy to draw, but the precise placement of of eyes, nose, mouth, and ears show the reader exactly what each character is feeling.
I like that this book is following Tweak Tweak in our discussion because while the stories are similar, the art couldn’t be more different. Both books involve a young animal wondering about his or her place in the larger world, both include fantasy spreads in which the animal changes (flies, grows larger, etc.), and both end back at home with satisfaction in their present lives. Henkes’s art is simpler than Ruzzier’s, and it’s also more lush. Repeated readings should keep adults from getting bored, too. For example, when Little White Rabbit hops over a rock and wonders what it would be like not to move, is Henkes giving us an homage to Sylvester and the Magic Pebble? And on the next page when we see the rabbit testing the idea of stillness (a wordless spread with four panels showing the rabbit unmoving through sunny morning, rain, sunset, and night), is it a coincidence that he is shaped just like a chocolate rabbit and colored brown in the last panel?
I love the design choices in this book, too. The use of small squares, large squares, and full spreads provides the perfect pacing. I also have to mention the use of bold green outline. In his other thick line books, the outline color tends to be dictated by an element in the text, often changing with each scene. Here, green is just part of the rabbit’s first query but Henkes keeps the color up throughout. He could have chosen brown or black to be more naturalistic, or he could have started with green and then switched around. But using green all the way through to the end is a great choice, extending the fantasy feeling and giving the entire book an outdoorsy openness. And I adore the way the typeface matches the art and the book’s tone. It’s a sturdy sans serif with cheeky upward curves in the Ds, the Ks, and the ligatures between F and I or L. And of course it’s green to match the outlines.
So what do you all think? As a past winner, Henkes will undoubtedly be on the committee’s radar. Could this little white rabbit have a little gold seal in its future?
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Cloudette
Watch this book trailer video for Cloudette, a picture book for children by bestselling children's book illustrator Tom Lichtenheld.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBxXhqXTmIs
Cloudette was featured at the Wellesley Free Library last spring during a Friday story and craft session and is one of the New York Public Library's favorite picture books for 2011.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBxXhqXTmIs
Meet Cloudette --- the little cloud with big dreams. Sometimes being small can have its advantages; if you're a little cloud like Cloudette, people call you cute nicknames, and you can always find a good spot to watch the fireworks. But what about when you want to do something big, like help a giant garden grow, or make a brook babble?
This charming book gets at the heart of what it means to make a difference no matter your size. Young children will find much to relate to in Cloudette as they follow her on her pursuit for greatness.
Read more about the children's picture book Cloudette at http://us.macmillan.com/cloudette
Find out more about author and illustrator Tom Lichtenheld http://us.macmillan.com/author/tomlichtenheld
This charming book gets at the heart of what it means to make a difference no matter your size. Young children will find much to relate to in Cloudette as they follow her on her pursuit for greatness.
Read more about the children's picture book Cloudette at http://us.macmillan.com/cloudette
Find out more about author and illustrator Tom Lichtenheld http://us.macmillan.com/author/tomlichtenheld
New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Sharing 2011
"As librarians shared this year’s newest books with the children in their local libraries, it became clear that the old adage—the more things change, the more they stay the same—is truer than ever. From Xboxes to iPads, from Wii consoles to the hottest apps, technology ages in a blink of an eye, but the timelessness of a good tale will always engage even the most tech-savvy child. Stories celebrating the natural curiosity of young toddlers, great feats of derring-do, and the joyous homecoming of a parent, alongside tales of bravery in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds—leavened with a dash of humor—were what held sway this year.
As you peruse this list, feel free to immerse yourself in these favorites of 2011 as selected by the staff of The New York Public Library.
Committee: Jenny Berggren, Elizabeth Bird, Clarissa Cooke, Katie Crook, Ryan Donovan, Ricca Gaus, Rebecca Gueorguiev, Tiffany James, Louise Lareau, Sarah McDonald, Robyn Mutnick, Danita Nichols, Theresa Panza, Kristy Raffensberger, Jill Rothstein, Amy Schaub, Stephanie Whelan, and Sue Yee. Dina Brasseur and Jeanne Lamb, chairs."
Click on this link for the PDF version:
http://www.nypl.org/sites/default/files/childrensbooklist_2012-r2.pdf
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Award Winning Folktales
Every January the American Library Association announces the winner of the Caldecott Medal. This is “awarded to the artist of the most distinguished American Picture Book for Children published in the United States during the preceding year.” Since 1938, stories based on folktales, folklore, legends and nursery rhymes have won 24 times.
Here is the list of Caldecott Medal Winners from the American Library Association website.
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottwinners/caldecottmedal
The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
The Three Pigs by David Wiesner
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback
Rapunzel by Paul O. Zelinsky
Golem by David Wisniewski
Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China by Ed Young
Saint George and the Dragon, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman; text: retold by Margaret Hodges
Fables by Arnold Lobel
Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions , illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon; text: Margaret Musgrove
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears , illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon; text: retold by Verna Aardema
Arrow to the Sun by Gerald McDermott
Duffy and the Devil , illustrated by Margot Zemach; retold by Harve Zemach
The Funny Little Woman , illustrated by Blair Lent; text: retold by Arlene Mosel
One Fine Day , retold and illustrated by Nonny Hogrogian
A Story A Story , retold and illustrated by Gail E. Haley
The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship , illustrated by Uri Shulevitz; text: retold by Arthur Ransome
Drummer Hoff , illustrated by Ed Emberley; text: adapted by Barbara Emberley
Always Room for One More , illustrated by Nonny Hogrogian; text: Sorche Nic Leodhas, pseud. [Leclair Alger]
Once a Mouse , retold and illustrated by Marcia Brown
Chanticleer and the Fox , illustrated by Barbara Cooney; text: adapted from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales by Barbara Cooney
Frog Went A-Courtin' , illustrated by Feodor Rojankovsky; text: retold by John Langstaff)
Cinderella, or the Little Glass Slipper , illustrated by Marcia Brown; text: translated from Charles Perrault by Marcia Brown
The Rooster Crows by Maud & Miska Petersham
You can find the complete list of winners and Honor awards at http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecotthonors/caldecottmedal
Here is the list of Caldecott Medal Winners from the American Library Association website.
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottwinners/caldecottmedal
The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
The Three Pigs by David Wiesner
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback
Rapunzel by Paul O. Zelinsky
Golem by David Wisniewski
Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China by Ed Young
Saint George and the Dragon, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman; text: retold by Margaret Hodges
Fables by Arnold Lobel
Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions , illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon; text: Margaret Musgrove
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears , illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon; text: retold by Verna Aardema
Arrow to the Sun by Gerald McDermott
Duffy and the Devil , illustrated by Margot Zemach; retold by Harve Zemach
The Funny Little Woman , illustrated by Blair Lent; text: retold by Arlene Mosel
One Fine Day , retold and illustrated by Nonny Hogrogian
A Story A Story , retold and illustrated by Gail E. Haley
The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship , illustrated by Uri Shulevitz; text: retold by Arthur Ransome
Drummer Hoff , illustrated by Ed Emberley; text: adapted by Barbara Emberley
Always Room for One More , illustrated by Nonny Hogrogian; text: Sorche Nic Leodhas, pseud. [Leclair Alger]
Once a Mouse , retold and illustrated by Marcia Brown
Chanticleer and the Fox , illustrated by Barbara Cooney; text: adapted from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales by Barbara Cooney
Frog Went A-Courtin' , illustrated by Feodor Rojankovsky; text: retold by John Langstaff)
Cinderella, or the Little Glass Slipper , illustrated by Marcia Brown; text: translated from Charles Perrault by Marcia Brown
The Rooster Crows by Maud & Miska Petersham
You can find the complete list of winners and Honor awards at http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecotthonors/caldecottmedal
Philadelphia chickens : a too-illogical zoological musical revue
With music by Sandra Boynton & Michael Ford and lyrics and drawings by Sandra Boynton, this modern musical masterpiece surpasses the typical expectation for children's entertainment. Billed as "The original cast recording of the unforgettable (though completely imaginary) stage spectacular," this 19-song CD features the vocal talents of such luminaries of stage and screen as Meryl Streep, Laura Linney and Patti LuPone. The CD opens with the song Cows with riotous lyrics such as "A turn of the head and a swish of the tail and a tippity-tap of the toes. What a glorious sight in black and white, and a touch of pink at the nose!"
Conjuring images straight out of A Chorus Line, these cows sing in low bovine tones about how remarkable and fabulous they are "Such remarkable cows. We can sing very low. We can dance in a row. We are lovely and slow, oh, oh --- yes, you know we are COWS." No self-esteem issues for this herd!
From Publishers Weekly
Sandra Boynton, long heralded for her menagerie of animal characters (Moo, Baa, La La La; Rhinoceros Tap), puts a fresh cast of singing, dancing critters center stage-from the titular boogying chickens to a tail-wagging "snuggle puppy"-in Philadelphia Chickens, a book-and-CD package billed as an "imaginary musical revue." The first 32 pages contain lyrics and illustrations, the second half of the book includes musical notation and additional lyrics for each song. An all-star cast, including Meryl Streep, Laura Linney, Eric Stoltz and the Bacon Brothers, headlines the musical recording, which features a variety of original show tunes penned by Boynton and composed by Boynton and frequent collaborator Michael Ford.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
French 1, 2, 3 Voila!
Join us for total immersion French language instruction for children and an adult partner! Patricia Richoux will teach a 3 session series of classes on January 9, 23 and 30, introducing the spoken French language. She brings lots of games, songs and fun. This program is designed for children ages 2 and up. Sign up to reserve your space beginning December 29, 2012.
Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Snowmen!
Our annual snowman workshop was well-attended today; the fabulous results are on display on the children's room!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The Wilder Life By Wendy McClure
Are you a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan? Wendy McClure sure is!
Publishers Weekly Review
For more about the book and about Wendy, go to
http://www.wendymcclure.net/books-by-wendy/the-wilder-life-my-adventures-in-the-lost-world-of-little-house-on-the-prairie/
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
A New Year's List
Every December when the new year is approaching, I join the crowd of list makers.
This year I would like to share some of my favorite lists of books with all of you.
Where to start?
I’ll begin at the beginning with some favorite picture books.
Most of them are by authors who have lots of great books. My list is in no particular order except as I thought of them.
I hope you enjoy the list and that it inspires you to think of your own favorite books.
1. Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss
This year I would like to share some of my favorite lists of books with all of you.
Where to start?
I’ll begin at the beginning with some favorite picture books.
Most of them are by authors who have lots of great books. My list is in no particular order except as I thought of them.
I hope you enjoy the list and that it inspires you to think of your own favorite books.
1. Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss
2. One Morning in Maine by McCloskey
3. A Birthday for Frances by Hoban
4. Silly Sally by Wood
5. Harry the Dirty Dog by Zion
6. The Hello Goodbye Window by Juster
7. Old Bear by Hissey
3. A Birthday for Frances by Hoban
4. Silly Sally by Wood
5. Harry the Dirty Dog by Zion
6. The Hello Goodbye Window by Juster
7. Old Bear by Hissey
8. Kitten’s First Full Moon by Henkes
9. You’re the Boss, Baby Duck by Hest
10. Olivia by Falconer
11. Leaf Man by Ehlert
12. Ginger by Voake
Happy New Year!
9. You’re the Boss, Baby Duck by Hest
10. Olivia by Falconer
11. Leaf Man by Ehlert
12. Ginger by Voake
Happy New Year!
A book for the new year...
The Stars Will Still Shine by Cynthia Rylant
From Booklist
PreS-Gr. 1. As a new year begins, this luminous picture book looks forward to the blessings the year will bring and celebrates the continuity of good things in life. Rylant's poem begins and ends with the verse "the sky will still be there / the stars will still shine / birds will fly over us / church bells will chime." In between, the short verses rejoice in everyday miracles, from blooming flowers and sleeping kittens to peaches, ice cream, and cozy homes, a litany of comforting images expressed with simplicity and grace. Rather than following one set of people throughout the book, the illustrations feature a multiracial cast of characters in small groups as they spend time together. Settings vary from rural to urban and from open spaces, such as a community garden, to more intimate settings, such as the family dinner table. Beeke's artwork glows with color and light, creating a series of very different scenes, united by the style of illustration and the spirit of the work. A reassuring picture book for young children. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
A Hanukkah Tribute to Mo Willems
Everyone loves the Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems, but one superfan has taken it to another level by making an Elephant and Piggie menorah!!!! Isn't it wonderful when art inspires a person to create more art?
Monday, December 19, 2011
Dicey et al
A journey, survival, sticking together; these are all words that come to mind when one thinks about Cynthia Voigt's 1981 children's novel, Homecoming. It's impossible not to get drawn in as the Tillerman children realize that they have been abandoned by their mentally ill mother in a mall parking lot in Connecticut and decide what their next move will be. Lead by 13 year old Dicey, the four children travel by foot, sleep outdoors and scramble to get food in their bellies as they journey to Bridgeport to find their Aunt Cilla. Dicey is nothing if not resourceful, and her perserverance and loyalty to her siblings is remarkable. The second book in the Tilerman saga, titled Dicey's Song delivers more of the same, with a carefully crafted plot and skillful character development. If you enjoy the feeling of cheering silently inside for a protagonist as you read a book, you will find these two Cynthia Voigt offerings more than satisfying.
"A glowing book...An enthralling journey to a gratifying end."THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
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