Aunt B's Book Review

'Tis the Season

2011-09-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

It's been quite some time since I found a children's book that hit a nerve and tickled me as much as this one. Totally apropos for Flu season and all those OCD folks out there. I'm quite familiar with them, having married one. (The whole world is covered...)

In this simply illustrated book, Scaredy Squirrel has reached a point of catalyst or perhaps even catapult as he discovers the value of exploring and leaving the safety of his home. A nod to my friend Anna, who I believe, would appreciate this squirrel. (Really Lazy Days)

Shall we dance?

2011-04-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

My family's two favorite characters getting down your way! Elephant and Piggie bust a move. It'll leave you in stitches. Hooray for Willems again!

Inspirational Artwork

2011-03-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peak of my artist's work that he did from memory:

Do you remember the post Mini Masterpieces? What would you think about using great artwork from great artists for this purpose? I think perpetuating the power of art can inspire a growing generation. I'm a huge fan of artwork and it's power to heal, lift, inspire, and regenerate. I think if anyone is willing to participate, I'd love to have kids sell a book with their artwork to help another artist. I'm off to the elementary school this morning. Perhaps I can inspire a few teachers to share their students work... Here's hoping I can get somewhere with this project!

Mini Masterpieces

2011-01-07T09:28:00.000-08:00

I'm a huge fan of children in general. Super keen on art. In love with a good book. So the culmination of my life? Combine them all! I would love to make a collection of children's artwork. Their perspective on their favorite books. Their imagination. Their humor. Their love.

So here's my invitation to you. Please share with me your children's, student's artwork, or even your artwork as a child. We could see about getting it published and the proceeds of the sales could benefit a library, a children's hospital, or a particular child in need. Please comment on who or what you would like it to most benefit and we'll have a vote on it. What do you say? Will you help me? Let's get as many as we can by February 14th!

Fans of children's books

2011-01-07T08:59:00.000-08:00

Want to know from people who really care about books what's worth the time and money? Cybil Awards Grateful to be finding these great links.

Ridiculous Rapunzel

2010-12-13T06:25:00.000-08:00

Disney recently rewrote this classic with Tangled; one of which I am looking forward to seeing. In anticipation of the comedic adaption I picked up Falling for Rapunzel. While hubby was passed out on the couch and I was on my last leg of the evening, the children snuggled nearby for an evening story. Much to my surprise we were thoroughly re-energized by laughing through each turn of the page. A book that gave us such entertainment, I just had to share with my son's first grade class with much delight. I look forward to discovering more fun fairy tales from one of my new-found fast favorite children's authors Leah Wilcox.

Happiness is...

2010-12-02T21:17:00.000-08:00

...sitting with children on your lap long enough to have your legs begin to go numb. ...seeing them cry because reading time is over and it's now time for bed. ...having your child take you by the finger rather than the hand. Our copy of Love is... is so well worn that it has been taped and dental floss run through to bind it back together. This is one of a series including Happiness is a Warm Puppy..., Happiness is a sad song... and Security is a Thumb and a Blanket...

Blessings Sufficient

2010-11-25T07:53:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the wishes we have seem reasonable and within the realm of humble desires. A second restroom in home. A visit to family members. A washing machine that works. But do we ever thank our God in Heaven and revel in the joy and great blessing of having sufficient? My prayer continues to be that I have sufficient for my needs and enough to share with others.

After having expressed this desire again this morning, I read a book to my children that I borrowed from our public library that seemed to be the sum of my feelings, Just Enough and Not Too Much. May each of your days be filled with love, the capacity to share, and sufficient for your greatest happiness.

Piggie and Elephant

2010-11-18T14:04:00.000-08:00

When it comes to the cliche a picture says a thousand words, nothing could come closer than the artistry of Mo Willems. Our first exposure to his work was I Love My New Toy! The facial expressions drew us in and we read it over and over, laughed through the whole thing! The other favorite of mine is when Piggie is determined to fly. The characters are polar opposite best friends Gerald, I think his worrisome ways are a take off of my husband. And I, the spontaneous and rather reckless Piggie, find adventure and mischief around every corner. It's a great first reader book with few words or distraction. Find your favorite and let me know what it is... so I can read it.

Perfumed with Memories

2010-11-18T09:56:00.001-08:00

I often reminisce in the days of childhood books. I loved the magic of The Purcellville Library, the freedom of her basement. I revel in the mystic Thomas Balch Library, the echo of her vaulted ceilings and the musty smell of her historic walls. Listening to read along books on the living room 8-track Hi-fi. But none of my days immersed in childhood literature was as poignant as were the days where Aunt B entered The Hamilton Elementary School. The wreak of cheap perfume, the granny shoe, the white beehive. We were mystified as to who she was and why on earth she would come visit us. She was warm and welcoming; and came equipped with a book and a great love for children. We anxiously sat at her feet on the occasional day in which we would be privileged for her to walk through our classroom door. Tales of fantasy and joy were ours; each story a treasure. Moments of knowing our value and feeling important were ours to claim.

This year, a friend of mine made arrangement with me so we could swap days to volunteer at our children's schools. My first priority? to read to the children; to unlock the joy and magic of a book. Graciously, my son's first grade teacher consented. What imagination lies untouched, unemployed in their beautiful minds? Animals past and present, children from the world over, and mythical creations of greatest diversity. I hope to unlock your own memories and the memories yet to come for your own fairies and giants of the growing generation.

In any of the following blogs please feel free to share your favorite stories of the Aunt B in your life and the favorite tales found between the covers of your most treasured pages.