June Books :: Celebrating Dad

We enjoyed celebrating Mom during the month of May and now it is DAD's turn. below is a list of books we will be reading in June.


Enjoy the book and share with us your comment!

Keep turning those pages....
Happy Reading,
Jennifer

June Books

What Dads Can't Do by Douglas Wood $10.87	Mitchell's License by Hallie Durand $10.87	Because Your Daddy Loves You by Andrew Clements $6.99
Has Anyone Seen My Emily Greene? by Norma Fox Mazer $15.99	Froggy's Day With Dad by Jonathan London $5.99

                                        

AUTHOR NOTES :: Babette Cole

I just smile when I see Ms. Cole's website. Her smiling face is addicting. I hope you enjoy the information on this wonderful children's author and illustrator. We read her book this month The Trouble with Mom By Babette Cole. Check out more information below.

Enjoy the book and share with us your comment!

Keep turning those pages....
Happy Reading,
Jennifer

Biography (From Puffin Books)

Fans of Babette Cole's books will not be surprised that their creator has had a somewhat unconventional life and career. Yes, she did train at Canterbury College of Art but "spent every minute trying to get out." By her third year, Babette was "producing my own little books which everyone liked except my tutors, who thought I should have been doing my Letraset, sitting up properly and not wearing my wellingtons into art school." Babette was actually thrown out of the college twice but then invited back!

Babette graduated with a BA Hons (First Class) and began talking to publishers. "Students don't know what publishers want and I think they should find out," she says. Today, she remains closely involved throughout the production process, even if that means flying out to the Far East to check the pages as they come off the printing press. Babette is no stranger to travel. She lived for a year in the Okavango Swamps in Botswana, and now makes regular trips to her second home in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.

Her first job was at BBC TV, working with Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate, creating storyboards for classic children's programmes as Watch With Mother, Ivor the Engine and Bagpuss.

Home is a farm in Lincolnshire, with a menagerie of horses and dogs. Her interests include breeding and showing Show Hunters, riding side-saddle, team chaseing (side-saddle), show-jumping, terrier racing, anthropology, sailing, showing her Deer Hounds and partying on her special island - Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.

Babette draws inspiration from her own animals, from Tenniel - whose Alice drawings "contributed to my love of the grotesque", from Edward Lear "for his scratchy lines" and from Quentin Blake - "the creme de la creme".

Babette loves reading, whenever she can. Her favourite author is Tom Sharpe.

More books from Babette Cole 

From her Website  About Babette Cole!
Hello, My name is Babette Cole and I write and illustrate children's picture books.

I was born on a little island called Jersey in 1950. I went to school in a convent where I spent most of my time drawing pictures and writing stories.

I got fed up with school so I left and went to Art School at Canterbury in England. I left there in 1973 with a first class honours degree.

I made friends with Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate who were making Children’s TV programmes for the BBC. They gave me my first proper job drawing for Jackanory and TV comics.

Then, since I had some work published by the BBC. I could go to other publishers with my own books and finally got one published in 1976.

It did very well so it wasn't difficult to get books published after that because publishers knew I could make money for them.


Since then I have written over 70 books!
The most famous one is called "Mummy Laid An Egg". It sold a million copies!

I have lived in different parts of the world like Africa and the West Indies. I now live in Dorset in England and stay with family if I return to the West Indies.

I have a stud farm in England and I breed Show Hunters which I ride myself. I have been riding show ponies and horses since I was seven years old. I do a lot of side saddle riding - My little horse, Hot Tip, (Scrappit) and I have been the National Champions for the past three years.

Children Book Review :: Cora Cooks Pancit

Do you remember that meal you make because Mom made it? This book brings back that memory and as I shared this story with my son I began to think about the wonderful memories shared in my family's kitchen growing up.

My Mom was the everyday cook and Dad the salad man. They also shared the holiday cooking. I remember Dad always baking the bread on a holiday. My grandma taught me how to make the meatballs. Recently, I had my younger brother over for a Saturday of Meatball lessons. I share with my son all of these recipes. And I hope one day he enjoys making these dishes in his kitchen.

This book Cora Cooks Pancit was a beautiful reminder how it is to be young and watch all the grown-up make something special in the kitchen and FINALLY get the chance to make a special meal. I hope you enjoy this story and share your recipes with your child.

A great recipe is in the back of the book. Try it and let us know.

Enjoy the book and share with us your comment!

Keep turning those pages....
Happy Reading,
Jennifer



Product Description (from Amazon)

Cora loves being in the kitchen, but she always gets stuck doing the kid jobs like licking the spoon. One day, however, when her older sisters and brother head out, Cora finally gets the chance to be Mama's assistant chef. And of all the delicious Filipino dishes that dance through Cora's head, she and Mama decide to make pancit, her favorite noodle dish. With Mama's help, Cora does the grown-up jobs like shredding the chicken and soaking the noodles (perhaps Mama won't notice if she takes a nibble of chicken or sloshes a little water on the floor). Cora even gets to stir the noodles in the pot carefully-- while Mama supervises. When dinner is finally served, her siblings find out that Cora did all their grown-up tasks, and Cora waits anxiously to see what everyone thinks of her cooking. Dorina Lazo Gilmore's text delightfully captures the warmth between mother and daughter as they share a piece of their Filipino heritage. With bright and charming illustrations by Kristi Valiant, Cora's family comes alive as Cora herself becomes the family's newest little chef.

Cora Cooks Pancit By Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore List Price: $17.95 Price: $12.21 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Ships from and sold by Amazon.com 37 new or used available from $10.00 Average customer review:  (9 customer reviews)

Children Book Review :: The Trouble with Mom

What a FUN story!! You know every MOM has a special type of Magic, especially when it comes to making sure our children are safe. This was a nice book teaching us it is OK to be different. Sometimes we are so concerned about our children being confident in their individuality that we need to remember it is OK for us to be different, too!

The Trouble with Mom
By Babette Cole

Just like my sons friends EACH of his friends parents are different from ME. Yup, we all jive in the same support and love for our children but that is about it. Dr.'s, special ed teachers, social workers, lawyers, music teachers, stay at home, jewelers, artists make our wonderful circle. I am sure there might just be a witch in the group (a very good witch!)

Enjoy the book and share with us your comment!

Keep turning those pages....
Happy Reading,
Jennifer

Product Description (from Amazon)

Mom, the lovable witch, does not seem to be able to get along with the other mothers due to her odd ways, such as driving her kids to school on her broom and wearing snakes in her hat, but in the end, she may be accepted when her special gifts come in handy. Reprint. SLJ. PW. "

Children Book Review :: Mama's Saris

This month we celebrate Mother's Day and each book selected reminds us of how special Mom is in so many ways. In this book Mama's Saris
By Pooja Makhijani the young girl reminds us of how much we want to be or dress like Mom. It is a beautiful story of a young girl wanting to grow up and be like her mother.

Do you remember that time you looked at your Mom and said I want to wear that outfit, smell like that perfume, cook like that for my family! I remember my mothers office and her selection of books. Maybe that is where the love of reading started. 


As a child we sometimes want to grow up to fast and be like our parents, and most of us parents aren't ready.  This story is a reminder to us MOM's it is OK the day will come to share the passage with your child and hopefully the child will be walking in your footsteps.

What is your memory of when you felt you were old enough to be like Mom? Share with us!

Keep turning those pages....

Happy Reading,
Jennifer




Product Description (from Amazon)

When a young girl eyes her mother's suitcase full of gorgeous silk, cotton and embroidered saris, she decides that she, too, should wear one, even though she is too young for such clothing. When the mother finally realizes how important it is for her little girl to feel like a big girl on her seventh birthday, she dresses up her daughter in the folds of a blue sari. Feeling grown-up and very pretty, the daughter is thrilled to look just like her mother, even if only for a day. Mama's Saris captures an elegant snapshot of every girl's wish to play dress up.

About a Sari (from Wikipedia)
A sari or saree[note 1] is a strip of unstitched cloth, worn by females, ranging from four to nine yards in length that is draped over the body in various styles.[1][2][3] It is popular in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Burma, Malaysia, and Singapore. The most common style is for the sari to be wrapped around the waist, with one end then draped over the shoulder baring the midriff.[1][2][3]

May Books :: A tribute to Mothers

Mothers make us who we are! This month we are paying tribute to Mothers in our book selection. I hope you enjoy these books and the wonderful stories. Each books is a nice reminder to remember all the amazing lessons Mom can give us during our lifetime. Give ALL the women in your life a great big hug on Mother's Day.

Picture Books :: May Theme: Celebrate Mother's

• Mama's Saris by Pooja Makhijani
• Mama Says: A Book of Love for Mothers and Sons by Rob D.(Author) Walker
• In Our Mothers' House by Patricia Polacco
• Cora Cooks Pancit by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore
• The Trouble with Mom by Babette Cole

Let's celebrate everyday with MOM!!

Keep turning those pages....

Happy Reading,
Jennifer

Product Description Mama's Saris by Pooja Makhijani
When a young girl eyes her mother's suitcase full of gorgeous silk, cotton and embroidered saris, she decides that she, too, should wear one, even though she is too young for such clothing. When the mother finally realizes how important it is for her little girl to feel like a big girl on her seventh birthday, she dresses up her daughter in the folds of a blue sari. Feeling grown-up and very pretty, the daughter is thrilled to look just like her mother, even if only for a day. Mama's Saris captures an elegant snapshot of every girl's wish to play dress up.

Product Description In Our Mothers' House by Patricia Polacco

Marmee, Meema, and the kids are just like any other family on the block. In their beautiful house, they cook dinner together, they laugh together, and they dance together. But some of the other families don't accept them. They say they are different. How can a family have two moms and no dad? But Marmee and Meema's house is full of love. And they teach their children that different doesn't mean wrong. And no matter how many moms or dads they have, they are everything a family is meant to be.

Here is a true Polacco story of a family, living by their own rules, and the strength they gain by the love they feel.


Product Description Cora Cooks Pancit by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore

Cora loves being in the kitchen, but she always gets stuck doing the kid jobs like licking the spoon. One day, however, when her older sisters and brother head out, Cora finally gets the chance to be Mama's assistant chef. And of all the delicious Filipino dishes that dance through Cora's head, she and Mama decide to make pancit, her favorite noodle dish. With Mama's help, Cora does the grown-up jobs like shredding the chicken and soaking the noodles (perhaps Mama won't notice if she takes a nibble of chicken or sloshes a little water on the floor). Cora even gets to stir the noodles in the pot carefully-- while Mama supervises. When dinner is finally served, her siblings find out that Cora did all their grown-up tasks, and Cora waits anxiously to see what everyone thinks of her cooking. Dorina Lazo Gilmore's text delightfully captures the warmth between mother and daughter as they share a piece of their Filipino heritage. With bright and charming illustrations by Kristi Valiant, Cora's family comes alive as Cora herself becomes the family's newest little chef.


Product Description The Trouble with Mom by Babette Cole

Mom, the lovable witch, does not seem to be able to get along with the other mothers due to her odd ways, such as driving her kids to school on her broom and wearing snakes in her hat, but in the end, she may be accepted when her special gifts come in handy. Reprint. SLJ. PW. "

Children Book Review: Have you listened to the whispers of the Totem?

w
e are really enjoying April's theme of Mystical and Magical creatures. The Tomten By Astrid Lindgren is a wonderful story introducing us to the Totem providing a magical reminder that someone is always making us safe during the winter nights.

Although, the little Totem might have been disappointed this winter here in NY. It seems winter took a break this year. We had no big snow falls in the lower NY region of Long Island. We figured the TOTEM's journey this year would have been a quick reminder that we were still in winter hahaha!

We will definitely add this to our bookshelf and read every year. A very nice tradition to have with my son. And a nice reminder that we are always safe during the cold dark nights.

I hope you are able to get a copy from your local library or join our SHARE A BOOK program and receive a FREE copy. Let us know if you see those tiny footprints next winter.

Keep turning those pages....
Happy Reading,
Jennifer

Product Description (from Amazon) 

This outstanding book by the author of Pippi Longstocking--and winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award--has been called a "picture book of rare distinction" by the Chicago Tribune. Full color.

About the Author (from Wikipedia)

Astrid Anna Emilia Lindgren (née Ericsson) (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈastrɪd ˈlɪŋɡreːn] ( listen)), 14 November 1907 – 28 January 2002) was a Swedishauthor and screenwriter. She is the world's 18th[1] most translated author and has sold roughly 145 million[2] copies worldwide. She is best known for the Pippi Longstocking, Karlsson-on-the-Roof and the Six Bullerby Children[3] book series

Children Book Review :: Dragon soccer anyone?

As April continues we are still enchanted by mystical and magical creatures. This week we read Guess What I Found in Dragon Wood By Timothy Knapman. Could you imagine finding a Benjamin? I asked my little guy what would he do if he found a dragon.

"Mama, ROAR" was his sweet response. Then he said he would share his chocolate. Which is cute since he has so much from his Easter Basket.

The illustrations in this book are amazing. The colors vibrant and and the little notes detailing his favorite items is a special treat.

I hope you are able to get a copy from your local library or join our SHARE A BOOK program and receive a FREE copy. Let us know what you would teach your Benjamin?

Keep turning those pages....
Happy Reading,
Jennifer

About the Author

Timothy Knapman has been a freelance writer and playwright for over 10 years, working in theater, musicals and opera. He lives in Surrey, England.

Gwen Millward studied illustration in Edinburgh and now spends all of her time painting and writing stories for children about her favorite subject, beasts.


Product Description (from Amazon)

In this twist on the “boy finds lost pet” tale, a young dragon discovers a Benjamin in Dragonwood. The dragon takes the boy home, to school and the playground. The Benjamin is a fascinating creature. He doesn’t have claws or scales and can’t even fly. When the Benjamin gets homesick, the dragon decides to help him get home. How will the other Benjamins react to finding a dragon in their world?

Children Book Review :: Jethro Byrd, Fairy Child

We enjoyed this books who wouldn't little fairies, tea parties and festivals :)

Mom's or Dad's maybe you can relate to the parents in this story. I did because at some times our daily life does take control of our belief in fairies. And it wasn't until I realized sometimes I am that Dad just checking the emails or messages and saying "yes, yes" without really seeing or listening to what my son was saying.

Annabelle is a beautiful girl and her belief in the fairies and excitement in her new friend was very encouraging. We loved the little family trailer and wanted to taste the wonderful cakes shared at tea time. Too bad we all couldn't go on to the fairy Festival.

Let us know if you do believe in fairies and how much you enjoyed the book. Email us at jmclozano@gmail.com

Keep your faith in fairies alive!

Happy Reading,

Jennifer



Product Description (from Amazon)

From the creator of MAX—a PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Best Book—comes a whimsical reminder that a family of fairies can be found in the unlikeliest of places, if you have the time to look

Annabelle’s dad has little time for fairies, which he assures her she won’t find in the cement and the weeds of their urban backyard. But Annabelle has lots of time, so she keeps looking - even under her baby brother, Sam. And one day she finds what she’s looking for: a thumb-sized fairy child named Jethro Byrd, whose family has made an awkward landing in a tiny ice cream truck among some discarded bottles and cans. What a wonderful chance to invite all the Byrds for tea with Mommy and Daddy! But why, Annabelle wonders - as the fairies fiddle and sing and dance and whistle away among the cake crumbs - are she and Sam the only ones who can see them?

Bob Graham is back, as magical as ever, with a wry tale about the rewards of paying attention - and the marvelous discoveries to be made by seeing the world through the wide-open eyes of a child.

Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #1226346 in Books
Published on: 2002-01-01
Binding: Hardcover
30 pages

Children's Book Review :: That Book Woman

Have you ever been perplexed by the gift of a stranger? Cal, a boy who knows how to work hard with his hands and help his dad with farm work in their home high up on a mountain in Appalachia, is suspicious of the strange woman who rides her horse up the mountain in all kinds of weather to bring books free of charge.

"Now what that lady brings

it's sure no treasure,

not to me, but books!"

Written in a poetic form of the everyday vernacular of the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky, this tale portrays the unusual work of the Pack Horse Librarians which served Eastern Kentucky from 1935 - 1943. Heather Henson has beautifully captured the dedication of the Pack Horse Librarians and the patrons amazement and appreciation of their efforts.

This book got me thinking about kids in my community who would be surprised and delighted by a modern day "book woman". A quick google search led me to two local organizations that deliver books, Pajama Program and The Legal Aid Society. What organizations in your community bring the magic of books to kids who need it?

For the joy of reading,

Nicole

Product Description (Amazon.com)

Cal is not the readin' type. Living way high up in the Appalachian Mountains, he'd rather help Pap plow or go out after wandering sheep than try some book learning. Nope. Cal does not want to sit stoney-still reading some chicken scratch. But that Book Woman keeps coming just the same. She comes in the rain. She comes in the snow. She comes right up the side of the mountain, and Cal knows that's not easy riding. And all just to lend his sister some books. Why, that woman must be plain foolish -- or is she braver than he ever thought?

That Book Woman is a rare and moving tale that honors a special part of American history -- the Pack Horse Librarians, who helped untold numbers of children see the stories amid the chicken scratch, and thus made them into lifetime readers.

Children's Book Review :: Waiting for the Biblioburro

From the first line, this story instantly transports the reader to the world of Ana, a little girl who lives in a rural village in Columbia. Ana prizes the single book she owns and longs to learn more about the world outside of her village. The only teacher moved out of the village and now there is no one to teach the children in the village.

One joyous morning, Ana hears the sounds of two burros approaching the village and to her amazement and delight they are carrying books! One incredible teacher and librarian has dedicated his time to bringing books to the villages in Columbia via burro.

This is a fascinating tale, imaginatively written yet highlighting the amazing true story of a man who delivers literacy, hopes and dreams from the perspective of the children he selflessly serves.

Read more about this real life hero.

Be Inspired,

Nicole

Product Description from Amazon.com:

Ana loves stories. She often makes them up to help her little brother fall asleep. But in her small village there are only a few books and she has read them all. One morning, Ana wakes up to the clip-clop of hooves, and there before her, is the most wonderful sight: a traveling library resting on the backs of two burros‑all the books a little girl could dream of, with enough stories to encourage her to create one of her own.

Inspired by the heroic efforts of real-life librarian Luis Soriano, award-winning picture book creators Monica Brown and John Parra introduce readers to the mobile library that journeys over mountains and through valleys to bring literacy and culture to rural Colombia, and to the children who wait for the BiblioBurro.

A portion of the proceeds from sales of this book support Luis Soriano’s BiblioBurro program.

Children Book Review :: The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians

Just imagine what it would be like to spend your days surrounded by books and those librarians that LOVE them and LOVE to SHARE.

My little guy asked, could he live in the library. Well, Yeah but where would you sleep?
We giggled and he said he would want me to stay, too!

It's all good and this wonderful book by Carla Morris, The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians, shared the wonderful adventures of what can happen with the help of each librarian.

Check out the book and let me know if you had any experience with your local librarian that just makes your SMILE. 


Who is your favorite reference librarian??

At our little town library I adore the librarians and the way they smile and just think he is so adorable when my child loves to touch every single book, turning pages on the floor or little desks, leave a little mess of books and they just don't mind :)

Happy Reading,

Jennifer

Product Description (from Amazon)

This humorous tale of a curious young boy and his single-minded quest for knowledge is a heartfelt and affectionate tribute to librarians everywhere.

Every day after school Melvin goes to the library. Everything has its place in the library and Melvin likes it that way. And his favorite people--Marge, Betty, and Leola--are always in their places, behind the reference desk.

When something interests Melvin, his librarian friends help him find lots and lots of books on the subject. When he collects creepy bugs in a jar, they help him identify, classify, and catalog the insects. When he is cast as the Enormous Eggplant in the school play, Betty reads aloud from Organic Gardening to help him find his motivation. As the years pass, Melvin can always find the answers to his questions--and a lot of fun--in the library. Then one day he goes off to college to learn new things and read new books. Will he leave the library and his friends behind forever?

Readers will enjoy Brad Sneed's delightful illustrations that colorfully capture the fun-loving spirit of Carla Morris's story about the contagious enthusiasm of learning.

Children Book Review :: Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile

Now this is a job I would have LOVED!! Give me some books let me ride around and visit my friends and share some stories. We enjoyed this book. I think I did more because I loved the way she made lemonade out of those lemons she was delivered.

When I hear about stories about overcoming and taking a stand on a belief - It makes me SMILE!!

Would you have started a book mobile? what would you have done? What is your story of making lemonade?

Tell us share your story at The Cubby Corner! We hope you are enjoying these wonderful books about our librarians. Don't forget to stop by and share a smile with your local librarian. 

Happy Reading, 

Jennifer

Product Description (from Amazon) 
Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile By Gloria Houston

When Dorothy was a young girl, she loved books, and she loved people, so she decided that she would become a librarian.

Dorothy's dearest wish is to be a librarian in a fine brick library just like the one she visited when she was small. But her new home in North Carolina has valleys and streams but no libraries, so Miss Dorothy and her neighbors decide to start a bookmobile. Instead of people coming to a fine brick library, Miss Dorothy can now bring the books to them—at school, on the farm, even once in the middle of a river!

Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile is an inspiring story about the love of books, the power of perseverance, and how a librarian can change people's lives.

CHILDREN BOOK REVIEW :: Traditions and Magical lands!!

We are a Irish family (well my side) and the luck of the Irish is fun to celebrate and read about so close to St. Patty's Day!

We enjoyed the beautiful stories in these books and hope you find them exciting and magical.

Check out these two books from publisher Barefoot Books.

Tales from Celtic Lands
Venture to the magical land of the Celtic peoples, where the spirits of the mountains, streams, seas and trees are all alive. The songs, blessing and folk tales in this collection are accompanied by notes on each story and a Celtic pronunciation guide. Book with double CDs include stories read by actress Niamh Cusack.

Ages 6 and up
Retold By: Caitlín Matthews
Illustrated By: Olwyn Whelan
Narrated By: Niamh Cusack

Tales from Old Ireland
Celebrate the wonder of Ireland with the seven enchanting stories in this captivating collection. The rich traditions of Irish storytelling are honored with larger-than-life characters, myths and legends around every bend, and plenty of magic. Book with double CDs include stories read by Grammy-nominated singer Maura O'Connell.

Ages 6 and up
Retold By: Malachy Doyle
Illustrated By: Niamh Sharkey
Narrated By: Maura O'Connell

Hope you all enjoy that corn beef and cabbage!!

Erin Go Bragh! 

Jennifer

ps :: If you like you can purchase copies of these wonderful books here enter TWENTY12 for a 20 % discount!