Children's Book A Day... Keeps Scary Monster Away!

Black History Month Children's Book Lists

2012-02-13T11:55:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Black History Month

Here are some resources that are available for Black History Month children's books.

Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/for-black-history-month-childrens-books-can-be-enlightening/2012/01/24/gIQA47bxfQ_story.html

Reading Rockets
http://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/blackhistory/

New York Times Black Hisory bookshelf
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/books/review/bookshelf-black-history.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

St Cloud Times
http://www.sctimes.com/article/20120212/LIFE/102120032/Black-History-Month-Books-young-children-notable-African-Americans-?odyssey=mod_sectionstories

The Children's Book Review
http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/weblog/2012/02/african-american-history-month.html

Take a look at some of the resources and share with us what you have read!

Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until the next time.................

A children's book a day, keeps teh scary monster away!

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

2012-01-16T14:09:00.000-08:00

Welcome and Happy Martin Luther King Day!

I have included links below to some resources on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. There are a plethora of resources available online and I have included a few below!

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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial... Visitors sharing their favorite quotations!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NacZCVkZPbU

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change

http://www.thekingcenter.org/

Los Angeles Times - Dr. Martin Luther King Day - Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
http://framework.latimes.com/2012/01/16/martin-luther-king-jr/#/0

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Biography, timeline, quotes, and more
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/mlkjrday1.html

Link to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Bio

http://www.biography.com/people/martin-luther-king-jr-9365086

Wikipedia Link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King,_Jr.

Nobel Prize Biography

http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.html

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Quotes

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martin_luther_king_jr.html

Lesson Plans from Education World

http://www.educationworld.com/search/google?cx=partner-pub-6489775476269284%3Ag11bqk-31md&cof=FORID%3A11&query=martin+luther+king+jr&op=Search&form_build_id=form-2eb4739c5b4c62f933edbb1994eeaeff&form_id=google_cse_searchbox_form

Martin Luther King, Jr.: Pre- and Post-Reading Activity

http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/dailylp/dailylp/dailylp044.shtml

Martin Luther King, Jr. Books for Kids on Amazon.com (Let us know if you have read any of these books and give us your feedback!)

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_7_11?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=martin+luther+king+jr+books+for+kids&sprefix=martin+luth%2Caps%2C194

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Until the next time....

Happy Reading...............

A CHILDREN'S BOOK A DAY, KEEPS THE SCARY MONSTER AWAY!

Happy New Year by Emery Bernhard and Illustrated by Durga Bernhard

2012-01-15T10:46:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year

by Emery Bernhard and Illustrated by Durga Bernhard

"People around the world celebrate the new year in many different ways. How these traditions began and what they mean is the focus of this lively and engaging book. Why is noise-making such an important part of greeting the new year? Why do Nigerian children stay inside their homes until the old year is gone? Why do people in Burma pour buckets of water over one another? Here's a chance to travel to places as diverse as Ecuador, India, Italy, and China to find out how the new year is welcomed."

This delightfully written celebration of New Years tells the story of New Year's celebrations all over the world.

"People from all over the world welcome the new year. For everyone, it is a time of hope for the future. Different cultures measure time in different ways. The dates for New Year's celebrations vary from place to place and have changed through the ages."

This colorful fun book tells us that "Those of us who celebrate New Year's Dayon January 1 are using the calendar introduced by the Roman emperor Julius Caesar about two thousand years ago... January--the first month--was named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and endings, of planting and harvesting.

Cowboys in the Wild West of nineteenth century United States rode into town to celebrate on December 31st. They began a tradition of going into the streets at midnight to fire their pistols in the air.

Ibo children in Nigeria must remain in doors until the year is gone, for if they are caught outside, the old year might carry them off when it leaves.

In Ecuador, families burn a straw man along with a list of everyone's faults at midnight on December 31st.

Rosh Hashana is the New Year holiday celebrated by Jews around the world. It takes place in early autumn.

On the Islamic New Year, Muslime worship quietly. They read their holy book, the Koran, which tells how the Prophet Muhammad fled from Mecca to Medina to escape death.

Chinese everywhere celebrate their New Year between mid-January and mid-February, which is the beginning of spring in China... The dragon that leads the Chinese New Year procession is a symbol of strength and good luck.

The Japanese also have a way of sealing their homes to keep out evil spirits on New Years Eve.

You will have to read this book to learn more about New Year's celebrations all over the world.

This book contains a glossary at the end that will be helpful to young children who might not understand some of the words that are included in this wonderful book.

This book is well written. The pictures are bright,cheerful, and very colorful. This book is a great read for young children to learn how people all over the world celebrate New Years Day.

Happy reading....

Until the next time!

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-15T07:53:00.000-08:00

Hello and Happy New Year!

I trust that this will be a great year for everyone... especially the children!

To start off the new year, I will be reviewing the book:

HAPPY NEW YEAR BY EMERY BERNHARD IN THE NEXT POST....::)))

You can plan to read this book by year's end in celebration for 2013!

OK... Let's begin!

Happy Reading...

Until the next time...

A CHILREN'S BOOK A DAY, KEEPS THE SCARY MONSTER AWAY!

The World’s Greatest Football Players by Matt Doeden

2011-11-12T09:35:00.000-08:00

The World’s Greatest Football Players (Sports Illustrated Kids)by Matt Doeden

It’s football season and so I felt compelled to review this book The World’s Greatest Football Players by Matt Doeden.
Whether it’s smashing a home run, heaving a touchdown pass, or scoring the game-winning goal, fans love watching their favorite stars. With incredible photos and lists of stats, fans will love seeing the world’s best athletes and their amazing achievements up close.
The book begins with a page on “Go Deep” where “Whoosh! Tom Brady chucks a deep bomb down the field. Smack! DeMarcus Ware slams into a quarterback for a sack. Each week, excited football fans pack stadiums to watch high-flying offense and smashmouth defenses…” You will have to read the book for the rest.
The World’s Greatest Football Players contains Personal Information, Regular Season Receiving Stats, Achievements, and Facts for some of the best athletes in the world including LaDainian Tomlinson; Dwight Freeney; Tom Brady; Larry Fitzgerald; Drew Brees; James Harrison; Peyton Manning; Randy Moss; DeMarcus Ware; Adrian Peterson; Troy Polamalu; and Ed Reed.
The photos are expertly taken and action-oriented. Players are shown doing “what they do best” on the field whether it is trying to intercept a catch, throwing a pass, running the ball down the field, you will see it all in this book.
A Glossary, Read More, Internet sites, and Index are contained at the end of this book.
This book is great for children who like football. It is a well-organized, quick read with lots of eye-catching photos. This book will be a great read for reluctant readers as the text is easy to read, the photos are attention-grabbing, and the book is only 32 pages!

I recommend this book for public, school, and home libraries (for the football fan). Adult football lovers will enjoy the book also!

Capstone Publisher has done a great job again. I love how they include a Glossary, Read More, and Internet Sites section. Great job, Capstone!

Putting my librarian hat aside, I enjoyed reading this book as I am a Steelers’ fan and live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Both Pittsburgh and the Steelers were well represented in this book… Larry Fitzgerald, James Harrison, and Troy Polamalu!
Here is the link on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Greatest-Football-Players-Illustrated/dp/1429648716/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321118734&sr=1-1

Until the next time…

Happy reading…

A children’s book a day keeps the scary monster away!

Good Night Little Monster by Helen Ketteman and Illustrated by Bonnie Leick

2011-10-25T13:04:00.000-07:00

Good Night Little Monster

by Helen Ketteman and Illustrated by Bonnie Leick

It's dark Little Monster!

Bedtime is soon.

Come out on the porch

to howwlll at the moon.

Little Monster needs to get ready for bed. That means howling at the moon, scrubbing his scales, getting into his creepy PJs, and enjoying a nice snack before bed; worm juice and baked beetle bread.

And, of course, Little Monster's mother is nearbly to tuck Little Monster into bed and turn on his night-light-because even little monsters can be afraid of the dark.

Sweet dreams, Little Monster!

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This delightfully gorgeous book is well written, colorful, and a joy to read. I loved the pictures and the rhyming text! They little monster and his mother are so adorable together! What a cleverly written book that is a great read for story time and right before bed.

As Halloween is just in a week, I would recommend purchasing this book for either your home, school, or public library.

Support your local library by checking this book out from their collection and if they don't have this in the collection, donate it! You won't regret it!

Until the next time...

Happy reading...

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

New York Times Children's Picture Books - Best Sellers Week of 10/16/2011

2011-10-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

New York Times Best Selling Children's Picture Books Week of October 16, 2011

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Hello, Everyone:

I have been offline with this blog but am back and will be updating this blog on a regular basis.

Let 's begin by seeing what gems are currently on the New York Times Best Sellers list:

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Here is the list of New York Times Children's Picture Books for week of October 16, 2011!

1 IF YOU GIVE A DOG A DONUT, by Laura Numeroff. Illustrated by Felicia Bond. (Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins, $16.99.) “He’ll ask for some apple juice to go with it,” to start things off. (Ages 3 to 7) 1

2 THE BIPPOLO SEED AND OTHER LOST STORIES, by Dr. Seuss. (Random House, $15.) Seven madcap tales, published between 1950 and 1951. (Ages 4 to 8) 2

3 LLAMA, LLAMA RED PAJAMA, by Anna Dewdney. (Viking, $17.99.) Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama drama. (Ages 4 to 8) 1

4 HAPPY PIG DAY!, by Mo Willems. (Hyperion, $8.99.) Piggie celebrates her favorite day. But will Gerald the Elephant be included? (Ages 4 to 8) 1

5 THE ARTIST WHO PAINTED A BLUE HORSE, by Eric Carle. (Philomel, $17.99.) A child joyfully creates animals in unexpected colors. (Ages 4 to 8) 1

6 LLAMA LLAMA HOME WITH MAMA, by Anna Dewdney. (Viking, $17.99.) Mama has just the thing for Llama Llama, who is feeling ill. (Ages 3 to 5) 7

7 SWEET LAND OF LIBERTY, by Callista Gingrich. Illustrated by Susan Arciero. (Regnery, $14.95.) Ellis the Elephant is eager to learn how America became the land of the free. (Ages 4 to 8) 2

8 PRESS HERE, by Hervé Tullet. (Handprint/Chronicle, $14.99.) A whimsical dance of color and motion, at the touch of a finger. (Ages 4 to 8) 25

9 MOO, by Matthew Van Fleet. Photographs by Brian Stanton. (Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster, $16.99.) Farm animals to pet. (Ages 2 to 5) 6

10 BUMBLE-ARDY, by Maurice Sendak. (Michael Di Capua/HarperCollins, $17.95.) A mischievous pig throws a birthday party for himself. (Ages 4 to 8) 4

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Here is the link to the list:

http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2011-10-23/picture-books/list.html

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Have you read any of these books? Write us and let us know what you think!

Until the next time........

Happy reading......... A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

New York Times Children's Series Children's Books for the Week of August 14, 2011

2011-08-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

New York Times Children's Series Books

The New York Times Children's Series books are included below.How many have you read, plan to read, want others to read? Write back and tell us your thoughts!

Here is the link to the entire list of Series books:
http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2011-08-21/series-books/list.html

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1 THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins. (Scholastic, hardcover and paper.) In a dystopian society a girl fights for survival on live TV. (Ages 12 and up) 50

2 HARRY POTTER, by J. K. Rowling. (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, hardcover and paper.) A wizard hones his skills while fighting evil. (Ages 10 and up) 264

3 PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, by Sara Shepard. (HarperTeen, hardcover and paper.) Four girls less perfect than they seem. (Ages 14 and up) 51

4 DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney. (Abrams, hardcover only.) The travails of adolescence, in cartoons. (Ages 9 to 12) 134

5 PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, hardcover and paper.) Children of the gods battle monsters. (Ages 9 to 12) 213

6 THE SHIVER TRILOGY, by Maggie Stiefvater. (Scholastic, hardcover and paper.) Love and adventure among the werewolves of Mercy Falls. (Ages 13 and up) 4

7 DORK DIARIES, by Rachel Renée Russell. (Aladdin, hardcover only.) Nikki Maxwell navigates the halls of middle school. (Ages 9 to 13) 9

8 BIG NATE, Lincoln Peirce. (HarperCollins, hardcover; Andrews McMeel, paper.) Where Nate goes, trouble is sure to follow. (Ages 8 to 12) 28

9 HOUSE OF NIGHT, by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. (St. Martin’s, hardcover and paper.) Vampires in school. (Ages 14 and up) 130

10 FALLEN, by Lauren Kate. (Delacorte, hardcover and paper.) Fallen angels and forbidden love through the centuries. (Ages 12 and up)

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Happy reading.......
Until the next time......

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

New York Times Children's Paperback Children's Books for the Week of August 14, 2011

2011-08-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

New York Times Children's Paperback Books Weeks on List

This weeks children's book paperback best sellers are included below. Some of the titles should be familiar to you. Let us know which ones you have read, which you are planning to read, and which ones you recommend for others to read!

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1 THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak. (Knopf, $11.99.) A girl saves books from Nazi burning. (Ages 14 and up)

2 THIRTEEN REASONS WHY, by Jay Asher. (Razorbill, $10.99.) Before she commits suicide, a girl sends recordings to 13 people. (Ages 12 and up) 8

3 THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN, by Sherman Alexie. Illustrated by Ellen Forney. (Little, Brown, $8.99.) A boy leaves his reservation to attend an all-white school. (Ages 12 and up) 106

4 THEODORE BOONE: KID LAWYER, by John Grisham. (Puffin, $7.99.) He’s only 13, but he knows how to handle a murder case. (Ages 8 to 12) 14

5 SOUL SURFER, by Bethany Hamilton with Sheryl Berk and Rick Bundschuh. (MTV/Gallery, $14.) Surfing again after a shark attack. (Ages 12 and up) 14

6 THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING, by Liz Braswell. (Simon Pulse, $10.99.) A girl with special catlike powers is hunted by assassins. (Ages 14 and up) 8

7 ALONG FOR THE RIDE, by Sarah Dessen. (Speak, $8.99.) Teenage night owls bond during a summer at a charming beach town. (Ages 12 and up) 18

8 THE MAZE RUNNER, by James Dashner. (Delacorte, $9.99.) A stone wall imprisons teenagers who live by their wits. (Ages 12 and up) 20
9 MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS, by Richard Atwater and Florence Atwater. (Little, Brown, $6.99.) A house painter and his penguins. (Ages 8 to 12) 8

10 WHEN YOU REACH ME, by Rebecca Stead. (Yearling, $6.99.) A sixth-grade girl in New York City receives mysterious notes. (Ages 9 and up) 19

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Until the next time......

Happy reading!
A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

New York Times Children's Chapter Books for Week of August 14, 2011

2011-08-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

New York Times Children's Chapter Books

Week of August 14, 2011

Below is the list of New York Times Children's Chapter Books

How many have you read on this list? What would you recommend for others to read? What are your thoughts?

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1 THE THRONE OF FIRE, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, $18.99.) The Kanes seek the sun god, Ra; Book 2 of the Kane Chronicles. (Ages 10 and up) 14
2 NEVER HAVE I EVER, by Sara Shepard. (HarperTeen, $16.99.) Emma’s investigation of her twin sister’s murder continues. (Ages 14 and up) 1

3 MIDDLE SCHOOL, THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE, by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts. Illustrated by Laura Park. (Little, Brown, $15.99.) Rafe breaks every rule in the book. (Ages 8 to 12) 6

4 MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN, by Ransom Riggs. (Quirk Books, $17.99.) An island, an abandoned orphanage and a collection of curious photographs. (Ages 12 and up) 9

5 SUPER DIAPER BABY 2, written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey. (Blue Sky/Scholastic, $9.99.) The Invasion of the Potty Snatchers. (Ages 7 to 10) 6

6 THEODORE BOONE: THE ABDUCTION, by John Grisham. (Dutton, $16.99.) The “kid lawyer” uses his legal skills to find a missing friend. (Ages 8 to 12) 9

7 THE LYING GAME, by Sara Shepard. (HarperTeen, $16.99.) A long-lost twin impersonates her dead sister to try to solve her murder. (Ages 14 and up) 7

8 THE LOST HERO, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, $18.99.) A return to Camp Half-Blood and semi-divine characters. (Ages 10 and up) 43
9 WHAT HAPPENED TO GOODBYE, by Sarah Dessen. (Viking, $19.99.) A girl rediscovers herself after her parents’ bitter divorce. (Ages 12 and up) 13

10 WOLFSBANE, by Andrea Cremer. (Philomel, $17.99.) Calla is offered a chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack. (Ages 14 and up)

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Happy reading

Until the next time...

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Sunday New York Times Children's Picture Books for 8/14/2011

2011-08-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

Children's Picture Books

Below are the New York Times Picture books for children for the week of August 14, 2011. How many have you read on this list? Write back and let us know! One of my writers/illustrators is included in this list. Mo Willems... What other books has he written and illustrated? Scroll down to see the title that is included in this list!

Here is the link to the list:

http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2011-08-21/picture-books/list.html

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Here is the entire list:

Weeks on List

1 SKIPPYJON JONES, CLASS ACTION, by Judy Schachner. (Dutton, $17.99.) The clever Siamese kitten longs to go to school. (Ages 3 and up) 4

2 PETE THE CAT: ROCKING IN MY SCHOOL SHOES, by Eric Litwin. Illustrated by James Dean. (Harper/HarperCollins, $16.99.) Pete discovers the library, the lunchroom and other cool places. (Ages 3 to 7) 2

3 PRESS HERE, by Hervé Tullet. (Handprint/Chronicle, $14.99.) A whimsical dance of color and motion, at the touch of a finger. (Ages 4 to 8) 16

4 LEGO HARRY POTTER, by the DK staff. (DK, $21.99.) Building the magical world. (Ages 6 to 14) 12

5 PETE THE CAT: I LOVE MY WHITE SHOES, by Eric Litwin. Illustrated by James Dean. (Harper/HarperCollins, $16.99.) Well-shod Pete has rainbows on his feet. (Ages 3 to 7) 5

6 PINKALICIOUS, by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann. Illustrated by Victoria Kann. (HarperCollins, $17.99.) Pinkalicious loves cupcakes. (Ages 5 to 8) 8

7 A SICK DAY FOR AMOS McGEE, by Philip C. Stead. Illustrated by Erin E. Stead. (Roaring Brook, $16.99.) Animals care for a zookeeper. (Ages 2 to 6) 30

8 SHOULD I SHARE MY ICE CREAM? (AN ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE BOOK), written and illustrated by Mo Willems. (Hyperion, $8.99.) Gerald has a big decision to make. (Ages 4 to 8) 7

9 SILVERLICIOUS, written and illustrated by Victoria Kann. (Harper/HarperCollins, $17.99.) Pinkalicious has a loose tooth — her sweet tooth. (Ages 4 to 8) 26

10 CHARLIE THE RANCH DOG, by Ree Drummond. Illustrated by Diane DeGroat. (HarperCollins, $16.99.) A basset hound’s bucolic day. (Ages 4 to 8) 13

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Happy reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until the next time!

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Carnival of the Animals by Saint Saens

2011-08-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

Carnival of the Animals by Saint Saens.

Commentary by Barrie Carson Turner and Illustrations by Sue Williams

"The animals are having a carnival, and guess who is coming? There's the majestic lion, braying mules, the dancing elephant, and the bouncy kangaraoos. The animals are having a carnival and you are invited."

What a fun book to read and it includes an accompanying music CD also. The full length CD contains the entire score of Saint-Saen's most famous composition.

This book is a great introduction to classical music for young children. The pictures are colorful. The book begins with a brief description of Saint Saen's Carnival of the Animals masterpiece and each animal that children will meet in the music... He even throws in a few "unusual animals" for children to locate.

We move to the orchestra for the carnival with all of the instruments and ofcourse, the conductor "maestro" wielding his baton conducting the orchestra. We first meet the string instruments, with a description of each including the violin, viola, cello, and double bass. A simple description is given along with the type of tune that is played. For example, "the viola looks like a big violin and has a deeper sound. It plays the tune of the fish in the aquarium."

The woodwind instruments are next with the clarinet, flute, and piccolo. The flute is one of the highest of the woodwind instruments. It plays the fast fluttering tune of the birds."

Saint Saens was a pianist and included the xylophone, glockenspiel, and piano. "The glockenspiel is like a small xylophone but it is made of metal. Its tinkly sound is the sunlight on the water in the aquarium."

We then move into the 14 tracks on the CD. The first track is the Royal March of the Lion.

Track 2 is the Hens and Roosters; Track 3 are the Mules; Track 4 the Tortoises; Track 5 the Elephant; Track 6 the Kangaroos; Track 7 the Aquarium,Track 8 Animals with long Ears; Track 9 Cuckoo in the Woods; Track 10 Birds; Track 11 Pianists; Track 12 Fossils; Track 13 the Swan; and Track 14 Finale.

Now the orchestra calls all the animals to the start of teh carnival parade. The pianists play great swooshing soundsm, then the orchestra plays a special parade tune. Suddenly, with a great clatter of hooves, the mules rush by. Can you hear the music?Then we hear the spiky music of the hens and roosters. Now the kangaroos pass by, jumping and hopping to their tune.

Last of all we heard the loud hee-haws of the ... you'll have to read the book for the rest of the "finale!"

I recommend this book for children of all ages. This is a must-have for home, school, and public libraries. What a great introduction to classical music for children. This will be great for story time but make sure that you have an accompanying CD player to play the music and have the children describe the animal in the tune. The book is colorful, bright and just plain fun.

HAPPY READING...

UNTIL THE NEXT TIME............

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Tubby the Tuba

2011-08-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

Tubby the Tuba

by Paul Tripp and edited by Henry Cole

Music is my first love.. Maybe second only to children's books. Well, if I have the opportunity to have a musical children's book, I have to share it with you. My father played the tuba as a hobby when he was alive. I have his huge sousaphone tuba........

This review is a tribute to my dad. The late.. great... Joe Joiner!

"All day long, Tubby oompah, oompah with his orchestra, but what he really wants is to "dance with the pretty little tune." a resourceful frog shows Tubby that everyone has the right to play his own melody."

Does Tubby get to play is own tune? You will have to read this tale and find out!

I enjoyed reading this wonderfully written and enjoyed listening to the companying cd.

Children of all ages have enjoyed this gem for sixty years! Let's enjoy this story of a young

tuba who wants to "dance with the pretty little tune" for another sixty years!

Check this out at your local library or school library and see why this story is as popular as it was sixty years ago!

I add this to your home library for your countless generations to enjoy!

Until the next time...

Happy reading!

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Pet at the Met by Lydia Freeman

2011-07-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

Pet at the Met

by Lydia Freeman

Maestro Petrini, the tiny page-turner for the Prompter at the Metropolitan Opera House, has always evaded Mefisto the cat until the day Petrini gets carried away by Mozart's Magic Flute and joins the performers onstage.

I loved this delightful children's book. I didn't want it to end... Just how does it end.... Does Maestro Petrini and Mefisto become friends at the end or are they sworn enemies... You will have to read this lovely colorful book for the answer!

This gorgeous book would be a wonderful addition to any home, school, and public library.... If you are an opera fan.. This is a must read!

Happy reading......

Until the next time!

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

If you that you are enjoying this wonderful holiday. I can't let this day end without including some delightful 4th of July children's books!

Fourth of July Bear by Kathryn Lasky and Illustrated by Helen Cogancherry

Fourth of July: Sky by Joan Holub and Illustrated by Amanda Haley

The 4th of July by Dorothy Goeller

Happy Birthday America by Mary Pope Osborne and Illustrated by Peter Catalanotto

Celebrate Independence Day with Parades, Picnics, and Fireworks by Deborah Heiligman

Hats off for the Fourth of July by Harriet Ziefert and Illustrated by Gustaf Miller

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!!!!!!!

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Reading!!!!!!!

Until the next time!!!

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T21:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day, Everyone!

I hope that you had a nice Father's Day! My father passed away at a young age at 48 years of age but I took my adopted father out to dinner. We had a great time! This was a delightful day for me. I couldn't let this day pass without including a Father's Day post!

Here are two Father's Day books that you might want to consider for next year:

A Perfect Father's Day by Eve Bunting and Illustrated by Susan Meddaugh

"I'm taking you out for Father's Day," Susie tells Dad. "First we'll go for lunch."

"Good," Dad says. "May I drive?"

"Certainly," Susie says.

"She chooses the restaurant, and pretty soon Dad can see that she's filled this special day with treats - treats for both of them!"

This book is quite nice. It is a warm, cuddly quick read. Check it out from you local library for next year!

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A Father's Day Thank you

by Janet Nolan

and Illustrated by Kathi Ember

This delightfully written and illustrated children's book describes how Harvey can't figure out what to give his father for Father's Day! This book makes for a great discussion on what Father's Day is all about. This will be a great addition to any family, school, and public library. This is a great read! You won't be disappointed!

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"Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters" for Father's Day!

Written by President Obama and illustrated by Loren Long

I had to include President Barack Obama's "Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters" for Father's Day! Written by President Obama and illustrated by Loren Long

I loved this book! The pictures are gorgeous! We learn about various characters such as Georgia O'Keefe, Albert Einstein, Jackie Robinson, Sitting Bull, Billy Holiday, Helen Keller, Maya Lin, Jane Addams, Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr., Neil Armstrong, Cesar Chavez, Abraham Lincoln, and George Washington

"Have I told you lately how wonderful you are?

How the sound of your feet

running from afar

brings dancing rhythms to my day?

How you laugh

and sunshine spills into the room?"

Have I told you are creative? We learn about the great artist Georgia O'Keefe!

Have I told you that you are smart? We learn about the genius Albert Einstein!

Have I told you that you are brave? We learn about the pioneer who broke the color line in baseball, Jackie Robinson!

Have I told you that you are a healer? We visit Sitting Bull, the great Sioux Medicine Man

Have I told you that you have your own song? The great songstress Billy Holiday, sings the blues for us!

Have I told you that you are strong? Helen Keller is our example!

Have I told you how important it is to honor others' sacrifices? We visit with Maya Lin who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Have I told you that you are king? We see Jane Addams who fed the poor!

Have I told you that you don't give up? Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King the great Civil Rights Leader who taught us to never give up

Have I told you that you are an explorer? We visit Neil Armstrong who was the first to walk on the moon!

Have I told you that you are inspiring? The great leader Cesar Chavez who led the farm workers!

Have I told you that you are part of a family? President Lincoln who freed the slaves and brought the nation together!

Have I told you to be proud to be American? Our first president was George Washington. He believed and liberty and ... you fill in the rest!

I will let you see and read how this wonderful book ends!

This well written creatively designed book is a must read for all children... Adults will enjoy this also!

When you tell children that they can... and give them hope..... They will start to believe and internalize that they can! Remember!!!!!!!!!!!!! Success breeds success!

If more children were given this book and reminded of these great people, they would have better achievement in schools!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Parents, your children need this book!

I recommend this book for all home, school, and public libraries!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until the next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

I Know a Shy Fellow Who Swallowed a Cello by Barbara S. Garriel

2011-06-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

I Know a Shy Fellow Who Swallowed a Cello

by Barbara S. Garriel

Illustrated by John O'Brien

"He's SHY, a wallflower. He's the man at the side of the room listening to a duet for cello and viola. Even now you wouldn't notice him. But our shy fellow suddenly has an urge to swallow a cello, which is precisely what he does. And he doesn't stop there. He follows it with a harp, a sax, and a fiddle. On and on he goes, trying to satisfy his voracious appetite for musical instruments."

What an absolutely funny book! This book begins with...

"I KNOW A SHY FELLOW ...

... WHO SWALLOWED A CELLO.

I don't know why he swallowed a cello

Perhaps he'll bellow."

The pictures and text are fun and engaging! What a brilliantly clever book! I just couldn't put this book down. As our hero swallows instruments, left and right... his body takes on the shape of the instrument. Imagine having the body of a harp.........or a sax... or a fidddle.. or a cymbal...or a flute... or a kazoo... a bell... and a petite cascabel...

I wouldn't recommend trying this at home boys and girls...... Just read along and enjoy the musical ride!

What do you think happened to our hero after he swallowed all of those instruments?

He belched and he burped, he turned shades of yellow.

It seemed he was doomed, that very shy fellow.

He weaved and he wallowed, he stomped and he yelled.

AND THE NEXT THING HE KNEW,

OUT JINGLED THE ....

You will have to read the book for the rest of the story!

This book uses poetry and rhyme and happy, fun colors and pictures! It is easy to read and follow. The text reinforces each instrument that our hero has swallowed so this will help with cognitive development through recall and memorization.

This musically fun book is perfect for story time. If you can have some of the instruments on display all the better. However, this book is a fun read all by itself... You won't be able to put this book down! It will have you all roaring with laughter for many days to follow! Children of all ages and adults will enjoy this must read!

I recommend this book for all home, school, and public libraries. You can have a contest to "guess the instruments!"I recommend that you visit your local library and check out this musical treasure! You won't be disappointed!

Until the next time............

Happy reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Meet the Orchestra by Anna Hayes and Karmen Thompson

2011-06-07T15:51:00.000-07:00

Meet the Orchestra

Written by: Ann Hayes and Illustrated by Karmen Thompson

Have you ever met an orchestra? Well, here's your chance.
Meet the rabbit with her flute ... the koala cellist... the tuba playing warthog .. the alligator on the drums ...

This unusual introducton to the orchestra describes the instruments--strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion -- and offers interesting information about them.

This colorful and engaging book is a delight for young and older readers alike as an introduction to musical instruments in an orchestra. The book begins with "The Orchestra plays tonight. The audience has arrived. The musicians come on stage with their instruments. What a lot of different kinds they play -- strings, woodwinds, brass, adn percussion."

There is a lovely picture with the animals preparing to play their instruments. There is an alligator, rabbit, tiger... and .... you tell us the rest in the picture!

The first instrument described is the Violin. A raccon dressed in a tuxedo coat sits on a chair playing the violin. Notice his violin case.... There are stickers from the places where he has performed? Paris... Boulder, Colorado... New York... How fun!

We next move to the babboon wearing a summer dress or tutu playing the Viola. We learn the difference between the Violin and the Viola..... "The viola looks and sounds like a big brother to the violin. It has a deeper tone, reminding you of evening shadows, cloudy skies, and the color blue....

Who has ever seen a koala bear playing a cello? We have one here...... "You can't tuck a cello under your chin the way you do a violin or a viola?"

Why not?????????

"It is so big you must rest it on the floor."

A walrus playing the String Bass greets us next......
What is the string bass?

"The string bass is the grandpa of the string family... When bowed, its low notes moan and groan."

Rabbit plays the flute?

Beaver plays the Piccolo

Panda Bear plays the Oboe

Polar Bear plays the Bassoon

Two lovely Foxes play the Clarinet... A girl fox plays the B-Flat Clarinet and a boy fox plays the Bass Clarinet

Tiger plays the French Horn

Monkey plays the Trumpet

Wart Hog plays the Tuba

Alligator plays the Timpani or Kettledrums

Elephant plays the Cymbals

Another Monkey plays the Piano

Lion is the Conductor

and finally.......

The musicians have taken their places. The strings, who are by far the largest group of players, sit in front, almost filling the stage. The woodwinds sit close together at the center. The brass and percussions are in the back.

The conductor strides on stage in front of the orchestra, raises his baton ...

Let the music start!

I absolultely love this book and have recommended it to all of my musician friends, teachers, librarians, friends, family, co-workers!I love the pictures of each animal playing his /her instrument. Each description was short, fun, and played on our senses. For example, To play the flute, you hold it sideways, tighten your lips, and blow across the air hold. With practice, you can trill like a bird or play slow, quivering notes as cool as a mountain stream.

This certainly engages all of our senses!It is quite descriptive and makes you feel like running out and playing our favorite instrument!

My father played the tuba and my brother the trumpet so I am partial to the Bass instruments.......

The Tuba has a huge bell and a very long tube. The tuba seldom carries a tune. It is more of a rhythm instrument. Its "umpahs" help the brass to keep the beat, just as the thump of the bass does for the strings."

This book is an excellent addition to every home, school, and public library. This book is a great introduction to instruments, orchestra, classical music, etc.

Happy reading!

Until the next time...

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

The Ocean Story - Written by John Seven and Illustrated by Jana Christy

2011-04-18T19:44:00.000-07:00

The Ocean Story - Written by John Seven and Illustrated by Jana Christy

The ocean is old and big. It is full of strange and wonderful creatures. Is story is part of the earth's story. The ocean is as important to the earth as the sun is.

But what happens when something goes wrong? What happens when the ocean story turns scary? The ocean is in trouble. We have to help save it.

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This lovely engaging story tells the "ocean story" of fish and other animals that inhabit our planet and how oil spills and other disasters are killing the animals and destroying the planet.

The pictures are beautiful. The colors are rich and realistic and can tell the story even without words being included. However, having the words makes the reading experience even richer and rewarding!

I love the pictures and the colors. This book is warm, friendly, and engaging. It is a story that parents, families, teachers, librarians,and others should read to children and to themselves.

The illustrator uses lots of rich child-friendly pastel colors. There are lots of greens, blues, purples, oranges, browns, pinks, lilac, etc. As we move to the part of the book where we learn about the oil in the ocean, we see oil at the bottom of the ocean... fish skeletons... oil all over the fish... etc. The colors change from bright and friendly to dark and dismal........

Some of the fish seem to have their own personality.... The Blob fish resembles a sad older man.. Where as in contrast, the Axolotl looks like a young happy child playing in the ocean!

We see fishermen reeling in their large catch for the day...... The fish are brown and look as if they are toxic because they were in polluted waters........ The next page reads:

"Sometimes the water is covered in sludge and goo and trash and other messy things. Things that should not be in the ocean."

The photos are realistic. We see milk bottles, water bottles, and other life size trash. They show the oil rigs in the pictures also.

"Oil runs our cars and warms our homes. We try to pull it out with care." "But sometimes, things go wrong. Oil goes where it should not be."

"The strange, mysterious, and wonderful ocean creatures watch the ocean turn very dark all around them."

The ocean has turned from a lovely blue to a dreadful... murky... dismal..... brown!

The next picture showed polluted water.. fish and other animals covered in oil... some beached on land.......Oil rigs in the background... smoking... on fire.......

"Nothing can live in oil."

"Sometimes, the ocean story is a scary one."

I won't share with you how the story ends........

You will have to read this story to learn the ending!

I recommend this book to everyone. It should be in every home, school library, and public library!

This is a great book for story time! There should be a discussion afterwards where students and adults can discuss this book and what happens to our oceans and the environment when there are man made disasters such as oil spills and other disasters!

Pick up a copy of this must-read book when you can! You won't be disappointed!

Until the next time..........

Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

The Bremen Town Musicians by Hans Wilhelm

2011-03-06T19:31:00.000-08:00

The Bremen Town Musicians

by Hans Wilhelm

Wilhelm reveals the story of four animal friends who set out on the road to Bremen to become town musicnas. Each has been doomed to a sorry fate, but by banding together they reverse their fortunes and find happiness in an unexpected and funny way.

First the donkey, then the dog, the cat. They then found a rooster. All four were doomed to a terrible fate. The four banded together to go to the Bremen to become musicans.... Talk about team work!!!!!!!!!!

They all set off in the direction of the light. It grew larger and larger until it led them to a robber's house, all lighted up.

The four friend put their heads together to decide how they might scare off the robbers. Finally they knew what to do...

At a given signal, they all began to perform their music.
The donkey brayed, the dog barked, the cat meowed, and the rooster crowed!

You will have to read the book to see if they went to Bremen and peformed at all.............

Wha a lovely colorful book! I loved this story... I thought of my dog Figaro as I read this book....... This would be a great read for story time. The children will absolutely love it.............

As an animal and singer, I absolutely loved this book.

I recommend this book for all home, school, and public libraries!

Until the next time.................

Happy reading...............

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

2011-03-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

New York Times Picture Books

Week of February 28, 2011

This week's best selling New York Times Picture Books are included below. Mo Willems has two New York Times best selling picture books: I Broke My Trunk and We are in a Book. Let us know your thoughts on these books.

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Click here for the link to the list:

http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2011-03-06/picture-books/list.html

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Children's Picture Books Weeks on List
1 SILVERLICIOUS, written and illustrated by Victoria Kann. (Harper/HarperCollins, $17.99.) Pinkalicious has a loose tooth — her sweet tooth. (Ages 4 to 8) 3

2 OF THEE I SING, by Barack Obama. Illustrated by Loren Long. (Knopf, $17.99.) The president speaks of heroes in a letter to his daughters. (Ages 5 to 8) 14

3 A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE, by Philip C. Stead. Illustrated by Erin E. Stead. (Roaring Brook, $16.99.) Animals care for a zookeeper. (Ages 2 to 6) 6

4 LEGO STAR WARS, by Simon Beecroft. (DK, $21.99.) An annotated visual dictionary. (Ages 7 and up) 61

5 WHEN I GROW UP, by Al Yankovic. Illustrated by Wes Hargis. (Harper/HarperCollins, $17.99.) Billy’s compendium of dream jobs, including pickle inspector and snail trainer. (Ages 4 to 8) 3

6 INTERRUPTING CHICKEN, written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein. (Candlewick, $16.99.) A rooster struggles to tell a bed-time story. (Ages 4 to 8) 5

7 WHEREVER YOU ARE, MY LOVE WILL FIND YOU, written and illustrated by Nancy Tillman. (Feiwel & Friends, $16.99.) All about tenderness. (Ages 4 to 8) 15

8 MADELINE AT THE WHITE HOUSE, written and illustrated by John Bemelmans Marciano. (Viking, $17.99.) Madeline and the other girls meet Candle, the lonely daughter of the president. (Ages 4 to 8) 3

9 I BROKE MY TRUNK!, by Mo Willems. (Disney-Hyperion, $8.99.) Gerald tells Piggie the long, crazy story about breaking his trunk. (Ages 4 to 8) 2

10 WE ARE IN A BOOK!, by Mo Willems. (Hyperion, $8.99.) Gerald and Piggie return to the page, and ponder their existence there. (Ages 4 to 8)

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Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!

Until the next time!!!!!!!

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Bantam of the Opera - Written and Illustrated by Mary Jane Auch

2011-01-29T10:54:00.000-08:00

Bantam of the Opera

Written and Illustrated by Mary Jane Auch

Luigi may have been born a bantam rooster, but he has the soul of a musician. When his musical variations on the boring "Cock-a-doodle-do"get him in trouble with the head rooster, Luigi takes to wandering away from the hen house where his talents are not appreciated. Then one day, roosting on the farmer's front porch, Luigi hears something on the radio that will change his life forever--- opera!

As an opera lover and librarian, I giggled when I saw the this book in the library. I laughed even harder when I started reading this delightfully witty children's book! The colors are vibrant and inviting! There are lots of bright oranges, purples, greens, blues! This book is what you would expect for an opera-related children's book! This will be a great book for story time!

I highly recommend that anyone who loves a funny story and who likes opera should read this book!

Happy reading!!!!!!!!!!

Until the next time.....

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Pittsburgh Opera's Opera for Educators Workshop

2011-01-22T19:17:00.000-08:00

Today I attended the Pittsburgh Opera's "Opera for Educators" workshop. I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop. We learned about the upcoming opera Rinaldo by George Frederick Handel, opera in general, how sets are designed, some of the arias in the opera, and watched a rehearsal with the orchestra. The food was absolutely delicious.

We all received packets and two CDs with lesson plans, music, and a plethora of opera resources both online and in print.

We were all given the opportunity to select a book to take with us. I was even given the list of books that the Pittsburgh Opera has in its library. I was so excited when I saw the book "The Dog Who Sang at the Opera" that was written by Jim West and Marshall Izen and illustrated by Erika Oller.

I will review this children's book in my next entry.

Happy Reading...........

Until the next time...

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Martin Luther King Day Books

2011-01-13T09:34:00.000-08:00

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

will arrive on Monday January 15, 2010

I am including a list of books below that you might want to read at your local public and/or school library. Let us know what you think!

Books on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

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A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Picture Book Biography) by David A. Adler and Illustrated by and Robert Casilla.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by Trudi Strain Trueit

Martin Luther King Day by Janet McDonnell (Circle the Year with Holidays)

About Martin Luther King Day by Mary Virginia Fox

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Count and Celebrate!) by Fredrick L. McKissack, Jr. and Lisa Beringer McKissack

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holidays and Festivals by Rebecca Rissman

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Here is a link to additional Martin Luther King, Jr Day books:

http://www.google.com/search?q=martin+luther+king+day+books&hl=en&prmd=ivnsubo&source=univ&tbs=bks:1&tbo=u&ei=SzUvTZaAOsSp8AbL8JS7CQ&sa=X&oi=book_group&ct=title&cad=bottom-3results&resnum=14&ved=0CFQQsAMwDQ

Until the next time.............

Happy reading............

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

When Horses Ride By:Children in the Times of War

2011-01-13T09:22:00.000-08:00

When Horses Ride By

Children in the Times of War.

Poems by Eloise Greenfield and

Illustrations by Jan Spivey Gilchrest

When the horses ride by, with men on their backs we pretend they're going anyplace, but war....

This wonderfully written book describes through poetry what war means to children all of ages and races all over the world!

I would recommend this book for any home, school, and public library. However, parents or an adult should read the book with the child and have a discussion during and after.

Until the next time.............

Happy Reading..............................

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Kwanzaaa Books

2010-12-31T09:18:00.000-08:00

Kwanzaa Reading Fun!

The following books will be good reading for your Kwanzaa Day celebrations and to learn more about this wonderful holiday!

Habari Gani? What's the News? A Kwanzaa Story by Sundaira Morninghouse and Paintings by Jody Kim.

December 26 to January 1 will never be the same for seven year old Kia and her family. This year the Edwards are celebrating Kwanzaa, the only indigenous, non-heroic African American holiday in the U.s.. "Habari Gani" replaces "hi," and as each day unfolds, Kia experiencs the severn principles of Kwanzaa woven into the fabric of her family and community life. With Kida, we learn that Kwanzaa is a cultural and political celebration of the African-American experience.This book is well organized. The pictures are warm, friendly, and inviting. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous! I like how the book is simple and easy to read. It is a great introduction to the Kwanzaa celebration!

This is great simple, Kwanzaa book that is a nice addition to any home, school, and public library collection!***************************************

The Sound of Kwanzaa by Dimitrea Tokunbo and Illustrated by Lisa Cohen

"Come close, gather 'round. Listen to the sound of Kwanzaa. Loving words and greeting family, we stand together for UMOJA. UMOJA means "unity." One black candle gently shines to welcome our first Kwanzaa night."

The words "Come close gather round..." is echoed throughout for each of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

This brightly colored Kwanzaa story is a must have for anyone who wants to learn more about Kwanzaa. The colors are rich and vibrant. The peope are happy. There is a wonderful Author's Note at the end tells how the author met the founder of Kwanzaa , Dr. Maulana Karenga. He lists the 7 principles of Kwanzaa that include:

UMOJA - Unity
KUJICHAGULIA - Self Determination
UJIMA - Collective Work and Responsibility
UJAMAA - Cooperative Economics
NIA - Purpose
KUUMBA - Creativity
IMANI - Faith

There is a No-Cook Kwanzaa Brownie Bites Recipe and a Bibliography at the end

This book should be available in home, school, and public libraries.

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The Children's Book of KWANZAA: A Guide to Celebrating the Holiday
by Delores Johnson

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This wonderfully written book explains what Kwanzaa is, how it came to be, and details its principles and symbols. She includes an extensive craft and recipe section with instructions and diagrams for making everything from the seven symbols, to gifts for family and friends, to a scrumptious meal for the Kwanzaa Karamu.

The chapters are organized as follows:

Chapter 1: A History of Africans and Africans in America and Its importance in the Celebration of Kwanzaa

Chapter 2: What are the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa and How are they Practiced

Chapter 3: What are the Symbols of Kwanzaa and How are they Used in the Celebration

Chapter 4: Crafts to Make Before Kwanzaa

Chapter 5: Gifts to Make for Kwanzaa

Chapter 6: Recipes for a Well-Fed Kwanzaa

Chapter 7: Special Programs for Kwanzaa

Chapter 8: How Do I Prepare for Kwanzaa

Chapter 9: Where to Buy

This book also includes a Glossary, Bibliography, and Calendar.

This book is a great addition to anyone's Kwanzaa library... home, public, school, etc.

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Until the next time....

Happy Reading...

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!The Seven Principles are listed in the back as well as a Glossary.

First Day of Kwanzaa Umoja - Unity

2010-12-26T20:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first day of Kwanzaa...

What is Kwanzaa and how long does it last? Check back tomorrow when I will review two Kwanzaa children's books and tell you more about the celebration.

I will tell you that it is celebrated from December 26 through January 1 and each day represents a different word.

Today's word is..............

Umoja...

What does Umoja mean?

Unity!

Here is a link to the Official Kwanzaa web site:

http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml

Here is the link to the Wikipedia information on Kwanzaa:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa

See you tomorrow for more information and a review of Kwanzaa books.

Happy reading!!!!!!!!!!

Until the next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

A Celebration of Children's Christmas Books

2010-12-18T10:56:00.000-08:00

A Celebration of Children's Christmas Books

Christmas will be here sooner than you can say Old Saint Nick..............

I am going to take the time to include some children's books that you might want to check out for your children, student, grand children, niece, nephew..... Any little angels in your life.....

Some are fun. Some are historical.... Some are poetry........ Some are activities....

AND AWAY WE GO.......................

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Christmas in the Big House, Christmas in the Quarters by Patricia C. McKissack and Frederick L. McKissack

This historical Christmas book shows us in wonderfully written and illustrated drawings the difference between Christmas in the plantations in 1859 and the slave quarters.

The Big House is awash with light and color--elegance and beauty at every turn. There's delicious food and warm hospitality. But along with Carol's and the gifts, there's talk of John Brown's raid, slave uprisings, secession-- and war.

In the slave Quarters nearby, there is no such grandeur for the families who live in cramped one-room cabins with dirt floors. Yet despite the harshness of their lives, today a joyous celebration is going on --- eating, singing, and dancing. Some slaves who were sold away are reunited with those they love, if only for a day.
Here is the link on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Big-House-Quarters/dp/0590430289/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292688166&sr=1-1

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How Santa Lost His Job
by Stephen Krenskyk and Illustrated by S. D. Schindler

Downsizing hits the North Pole and even Santa loses his job.......to be replaced by... You will have to read the story to find out.......

Well.. does Santa get his job back at the end and save Christmas Day..

Check out this book for the entire story.

What a creatively peachy little story....... The pictures are pretty awesome too.

Grab your favorite little angel(s) and let the story begin.... You won't be disappointed. You might even chuckle with glee.. at the end of the stoooorrrrieeee!

Here is the direct link on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/How-Santa-Lost-His-Job/dp/0689871473/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1292696955&sr=1-1
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A City Christmas Tree by Rebecca Bond

When the Christmas tree man set up his shop on Liberty Street at the end of the block, it started the city all dreaming great dreams of a city Christmas tree.

What an amazing story. The pictures are absolutely gorgeous and will put you in the Christmas holiday spirit. What a feast for the eyes! It is such a happy bubbly book. This book will make your heart leap for joy!!!!! The acrylics are so rich and colorful that this book would lend itself for a calendar and posters!

"For Teddy Laroche it was the color, the deeply, densely green-blue hue. He felt he was home in the heart of the woods, all brightly and lushly alive."

"To Ellie Laroche it was the angel, with her marvelous wings and her butterfly grace. She would keep careful watch on the world just below from her spot at the top of the tree."

Add this to your Christmas holiday collection... You won't be disappointed!!!!!!!!

Here is the direct link on Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/City-Christmas-Tree-Rebecca-Bond/dp/B000HEYVKO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292696284&sr=1-1

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Christmas Presents: Holiday Poetry - Selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins and Pictures by Melanie Hall (An I Can Read Book)

Vibrant colors... Lovely poetry..... Grab your hot cocoa with marshmallows and your favorite little angel(s) and let the poetry begin.

This book of poetry for beginning readers is a great find!

From the excitement of looking for hidden Christmas presents to the solemnity of Midnight Mass, the differing moods and meanings of Christmas are brought to life in these joyful poems.

Some of the poems are:

Waiting; Colors: Secrets; Making Presents; Our Tree; Christmas Eve; Midnight Mass; Wonder; Away in the Manager; Christmas Night; and Snow Globe.

Here is the direct link on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Presents-Holiday-Poetry-Read/dp/0060080566/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292697009&sr=1-1
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The Merry Christmas Activity Book by Jane Bull

With this step-by-step guide, you can turn your home into a winter wonderland! Count down to Christmas morning by doing something new every day. Creative festive holiday food. Design your own colorful Christmas cards. Make cool gifts for your family and wrap them up in style.

This is a good book for children and adults to learn and have fun creating nice Christmas gifts and fun for everyone!!!!!!

I am planning to create some of the fun in this book!!!!!!!

Some of the activities include How to make snowy bunting, Paper snow, Paper plate flakes, Snowy greetings, Baubles, stars and 3D trees, Paper baubles both little or large, Super stars, Shining star jars, Glowing angels, etc.

Here is the direct link on Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Merry-Christmas-Activity-Book-Sticker/dp/0756613698/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292697048&sr=1-1

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Hallelujah! A Christmas Celebration - Text by W. Nikola-Lisa and Paintings by Synthia Saint James

A sprinkle of stars, A plume of smoke, A plum-purple sky,
And a Black baby Jesus---
Hallelujah!

A royal crown, A jewel-studded vest,
A red canopy, And a black baby Jesus---
Hallelujah!

This beautifully written vibrantly colored books takes the reader on a journey of the Nativity and the birth of the black baby Jesus.

I would love to have the pictures in this book as posters for me to hang on my wall. What incredible beauty!!!

Here is the direct link on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Hallelujah-CHRISTMAS-CELEBRATION-W-Nikola-lisa/dp/1442402245/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1292691474&sr=8-2

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The Amazing Christmas Extravaganza by David Shannon
It all started with one little string of tiny white Christmas lights ...

Hitch a ride on this "Amazing Christmas Extravaganza!"

You will be able to tell from the pictures that the artist an an award winning painter!

Check out the rich colorful paintings. You will want them in your collections. Talk about attention to every minute detail. What a celebration and feast for the eyes.. The story is great too!

Even the cover of this book will remind you of rich Christmas wrapping paper. He really incorporates all of the Christmas colors into the fabulously written and designed Christmas book!

Here is the direct link on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Christmas-Extravaganza-bkshelf-Bookshelf/dp/0439683475/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1292688819&sr=1-1

What's Cooking Jamela?
When Mrs. Zibi arrives to prepare the Christmas meal, Jamela decides to rescue Christmas, her chicken, from the pot. She sets off with the chicken in her arms ... and a trail of chaos follows. Suddenly, it's Jamela, not the chicken, who's in hot water. But, as Jamela proclaims on Christmas's
behalf, "You can't eat friends!"

What a delightful story. We certainly don't want to eat our friends....

Here is the direct link on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Cooking-Jamela-Niki-Daly/dp/071121705X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1292688727&sr=1-1

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Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Holidays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until the next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!!!!!!!!!!!

New York Times Best Selling Children's Books - Week of 12/12/2010

2010-12-17T13:40:00.000-08:00

New York Times Best Selling
Children's Book

Week of December 12, 2010

********************************************************************

President Barack Obama's book OF THEE I SING is still number one.

LLAMA LLAMA HOLIDAY DRAMA is still number two.

Mo Willems' KNUFFLE BUNNY FREE book is still on the list at number five!

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Write and let us know your thoughts and book recommendations.............

I will include a few Christmas titles in the days ahead.... Check us out!

Until the next time.....

Happy reading.........

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!'

******************************************

Here is the link to the list of Picture Books
http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2010-12-19/picture-books/list.html

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Here is the Picture Book List

Children's Picture Books Weeks on List

1 OF THEE I SING, by Barack Obama. Illustrated by Loren Long. (Knopf, $17.99.) In a letter to his daughters, the president has a message about heroes. (Ages 5 to 8) 3
2 LLAMA LLAMA HOLIDAY DRAMA, written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney. (Viking, $16.99.) When the suspense is too much, Llama Llama turns to you-know-who for comfort. (Ages 2 and up) 7
3 LEGO STAR WARS, by Simon Beecroft. (DK, $21.99.) An annotated visual dictionary. (Ages 7 and up) 50
4 SPLENDIFEROUS CHRISTMAS, by Jane O’Connor. Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. (Harper/HarperCollins, $17.99.) When Fancy Nancy celebrates the holidays, there’s no such thing as too much tinsel. (Ages 4 to 8) 10

Buy Buy Amazon Barnes and Noble Local Booksellers

5 KNUFFLE BUNNY FREE, written and illustrated by Mo Willems. (Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins, $17.99.) A little girl and her well-loved companion take a trip that leads to unexpected discoveries. (Ages 3 to 7) 10

6 THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, by Clement C. Moore. Various illustrators. (Various publishers) Not a creature was stirring; various editions. (All ages) 28

7 FABULOUS FASHION BOUTIQUE, by Jane O’Connor. Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. (HarperCollins, $17.99.) Fancy Nancy takes an entrepreneurial approach to haute couture. (Ages 4 to 7) 8

8 IT'S CHRISTMAS, DAVID!, written and illustrated by David Shannon. (Blue Sky/Scholastic, $16.99.) A boy who won’t take no for an answer. (Ages 3 to 7) 4

9 WHEREVER YOU ARE, MY LOVE WILL FIND YOU, written and illustrated by Nancy Tillman. (Feiwel & Friends, $16.99.) All about tenderness. (Ages 4 to 8) 9

10 ART AND MAX, written and illustrated by David Wiesner. (Clarion, $17.99.) Two artists mix methods and media. (Ages 5 to 8)

*************************
Here is the Paperback list

Here is the link to the New York Times Paperback list:

http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2010-12-19/paperback-books/list.html

Here is the entire list:

	Weeks on List
1	THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak. (Knopf, $11.99.) A girl saves books from Nazi burning. (Ages 14 and up)	169

2	FALLEN, by Lauren Kate. (Delacorte, $9.99.) Love is thwarted at a boarding school with an unusual student body. (Ages 12 and up)	10

3	WITCH AND WIZARD, by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet. (Little, Brown, $9.99.) One of each, a sister and brother, flex their new powers. (Ages 10 and up)	5

4	PINKALICIOUS AND THE PINK DRINK, written and illustrated by Victoria Kann. (Harper Festival/HarperCollins, $3.99.) Lemonade goes pink. (Ages 3 to 7)	13

5	THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, by Neil Gaiman. Illustrated by Dave McKean. (HarperCollins, $7.99.) To avoid a killer, a boy lives in a cemetery. (Ages 10 and up)	10

6	HUSH, HUSH, by Becca Fitzpatrick. (Simon & Schuster, $17.99.) A love story of immortals and ancient battles. (Ages 14 and up)	10

7	THREE CUPS OF TEA: YOUNG READERS EDITION, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. (Puffin/Penguin, $8.99.) A former climber builds schools in Pakistani and Afghan villages. (Ages 9 to 12)	96

8	THE MAZE RUNNER, by James Dashner. (Delacorte, $9.99.) A stone wall imprisons teenagers who live by their wits and have no memories. (Ages 12 and up)	8

9	SAVVY, by Ingrid Law. (Puffin/Penguin, $7.99.) Mibs is about to receive the supernatural abilities that run in her family. (Ages 9 to 12)	27

10	SHIVER, by Maggie Stiefvater. (Scholastic, $8.99.) Love among the lupine. (Ages 13 and up)	22

************************

Here is the link to the Series list:

http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2010-12-19/series-books/list.html

Children's Series
1	DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney. (Abrams, hardcover only) The travails of adolescence, in cartoons. (Ages 9 to 12)	99

2	THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins. (Scholastic, hardcover and paper) In a dystopian society a girl fights for survival on live TV. (Ages 12 and up)	15

3	HARRY POTTER, by J. K. Rowling. (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, hardcover and paper) A young wizard hones his skills while fighting evil. (Ages 10 and up)	236

4	PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, hardcover and paper) Battling mythological monsters. (Ages 9 to 12)	178

5	THE TWILIGHT SAGA, by Stephenie Meyer. (Megan Tingley/Little, Brown, hardcover and paper) Vampires and werewolves in school. (Ages 12 and up)	174

6	BIG NATE, Lincoln Peirce. (HarperCollins, hardcover; Andrews McMeel, paper) Where Nate goes, trouble is sure to follow. (Ages 8 to 12)	7

7	THE 39 CLUES, by various authors. (Scholastic, hardcover only) A brother and sister travel the world in search of the key to their family’s power. (Ages 9 to 12)	74

8	THE IMMORTALS, by Alyson Noël. (St. Martin’s Griffin, hardcover and paper) Love and angst of the supernatural variety. (Ages 14 and up)	22

9	MAGIC TREE HOUSE, by Mary Pope Osborne. Illustrated by Sal Murdocca. (Stepping Stone/Random House, hardcover and paper) Neither space nor time is an obstacle to these siblings. (Ages 6 to 9). (Ages 6 to 9)	231

10	WARRIORS, by Erin Hunter. (HarperCollins, hardcover and paper) Four clans of cat warriors aspire to meet up with the StarClan. (Ages 10 to 14)	95

Ashley Bryan's "All things Bright and Beautiful"

2010-12-11T08:28:00.000-08:00

All Things Bright and Beautiful

Ashley Bryan

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Ashley Bryan has done it again. This time with a wonderful color children's book set to the song "All Things Bright and Beautiful" by Cecil Alexander. This book celebrates the Creation Story for young children.

All things bright and beautiful,

All creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful;

The Lord god made them all.

I absolutley love this bright, cheerful children's book. Ashley Bryan has taken this beautiful beloved hymn to a new level. I have sung this hymn for several years and so seeing it put to rich multicultural pictures was a delight to behold and music to my ears.

The colors are rich and fun! It will brighten up everyone's day. I have to tell you that the colors and animals portrayed in this book are so rich that I would love to see this book made into posters and a calendar that parents that can put in their children's rooms and teachers and librarians can place in their classrooms and libraries.

I love how this book begins with children of all races in their traditional clothing and with their favorite pet(s). They are all centered around a bright golden sun! Then we move to "All Creatures GREAT and small. I would love to have these animals as a poster or calendar. The blues, oranges, red, pinks, purples are absolutely gorgeous! The whale and other animals span two pages. We then move to "All things wise and wonderful." I thought of Noah's Ark but without the ark. These animals are on land and the birds are in the sky. The book then celebrates children and diversity!

This book is perfect for story time whether at home, in a school or public library, or day care. This is a must have book. You will be so happy that you picked up a copy.

This will make a great addition to every home, school library, public library collection.

This book will put a smile on every child and adults face! What a great treat!

Happy reading!

Until the next time!

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Capstone Publisher Presents: Pingpong Perry: Experiences How a Book is Made

2010-12-06T13:49:00.000-08:00

Pingpong Perry: Experiences How a Book is Made

by Sandy Donovan and

Illustrated by James Christoph

Perry likes pizza and pingpong. But one day he wonders what kind of pizza professional pingpong players would pick. When he can't find the answers at the library, Perry decides to write his own book. Follow Perry's idea from beginning to end, and find out how his big idea becomes a book.

This well written and designed book from Picture Window Books: a capstone imprint was funny and a bit quirky! I thought the idea was very creative! The book is colorful and engaging. The larger print makes it easy to read. Students both learn about Perry's Ping Pong adventures and the book publishing cycle.

I liked this book because I am hoping that students will read this book and decide to write, edit, design, illustrate and finally publish their own books!

There is a combination of pictures, drawing, and illustrations in this book. It is very well organized and will hold the attention of both children and adults.....

The plethora of pictures and short well thought out text make for a very quick, fun, and thought-provoking read!!!!!!!!!

I would recommend this book for home, school, and public libraries!

Pick up your copy when you have a chance....

You won't be disappointed.

Happy reading.......

Until the next time.....

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

New York Times - Children's Book - Week of December 5, 2010

2010-12-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

New York Times Children's Books

Week of December 5, 2010'

**********************************************************************

Welcome to this week's list of New York Times best selling children's books.

Let's see if there are any new comers..... It appears that President Obama's new book is still number one on the Children's Picture Books list for this week!

Have any of you read President Obama's new book "OF THEE I SING?" What do you think? Tell us your thoughts!!!!!!!!

Have you read LLAMA LLAMA HOLIDAY DRAMA? Mo Willems is still on the list with his book Knuffle Bunny Free. Is it his best... worst....... OK, what did you think about it?????

***********************************
Here is the link to the list:
Children's Picture Books Weeks on List
http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2010-12-12/picture-books/list.html

Children's Chapter Books Weeks on List
http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2010-12-12/chapter-books/list.html

Children's Series Books Weeks on List
http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2010-12-12/series-books/list.html

*************************************
The Lists in their Entirety!

*************************************

Children's Picture Books List

1 OF THEE I SING, by Barack Obama. Illustrated by Loren Long. (Knopf, $17.99.) In a letter to his daughters, the president has a message about heroes. (Ages 5 to 8) 2

2 LLAMA LLAMA HOLIDAY DRAMA, written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney. (Viking, $16.99.) When the suspense is too much, Llama Llama turns to you-know-who for comfort. (Ages 2 and up) 6

3 LEGO STAR WARS, by Simon Beecroft. (DK, $21.99.) An annotated visual dictionary. (Ages 7 and up) 49

4 WHEREVER YOU ARE, MY LOVE WILL FIND YOU, written and illustrated by Nancy Tillman. (Feiwel & Friends, $16.99.) All about tenderness. (Ages 4 to 8) 8

5 FABULOUS FASHION BOUTIQUE, by Jane O’Connor. Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. (HarperCollins, $17.99.) Fancy Nancy takes an entrepreneurial approach to haute couture. (Ages 4 to 7) 7

6 KNUFFLE BUNNY FREE, written and illustrated by Mo Willems. (Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins, $17.99.) A little girl and her well-loved companion take a trip that leads to unexpected discoveries. (Ages 3 to 7) 9

7 ART AND MAX, written and illustrated by David Wiesner. (Clarion, $17.99.) Two artists mix methods and media. (Ages 5 to 8) 7

8 IT'S CHRISTMAS, DAVID!, written and illustrated by David Shannon. (Blue Sky/Scholastic, $16.99.) A boy who won’t take no for an answer. (Ages 3 to 7) 3

9 IT'S A BOOK, written and illustrated by Lane Smith. (Roaring Brook, $12.99.) It doesn’t tweet or need recharging. (Ages 6 and up) 15

10 CAN'T WAIT TILL CHRISTMAS, by Mike Huckabee. Illustrated by Jed Henry. (Putnam, $17.99.) Keeping holiday gifts under wraps is hard for impatient young Mike. (Ages 4 to 8)

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Children's Chapter Books List

1 THE LOST HERO, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, $18.99.) A return to Camp Half-Blood and semi-divine characters old and new. (Ages 10 and up) 7

2 JUSTIN BIEBER, FIRST STEP 2 FOREVER, by Justin Bieber. (HarperCollins, $21.99.) A musician reaches out to fans with short takes and photos. (Ages 6 to 12) 7

3 THE RED PYRAMID, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, $17.99.) Ancient gods (this time from Egypt) and a mortal family meet. (Ages 10 and up) 30

4 HARRY POTTER FILM WIZARDRY, by Brian Sibley. (Collins Design/HarperCollins, $39.99.) Deep background, subtext and behind-the-screen details from the moviemakers. (Ages 18 and up) 6

5 CRESCENDO, by Becca Fitzpatrick. (Simon & Schuster, $18.99.) A world where the truth is sought and feared; a sequel to “Hush, Hush.” (Ages 14 and up) 7

6 TORMENT, by Lauren Kate. (Delacorte, $17.99.) A novel about the nephilim, the children of humans and fallen angels. (Ages 12 and up) 9

7 TALES FROM A NOT-SO-POPULAR PARTY GIRL, by Rachel Renée Russell. (Aladdin, $12.99.) The further reflections of Nikki Maxwell on the agonies of middle school; a "Dork Diaries" book. (Ages 9 to 13) 20

8 THE UNOFFICIAL HARRY POTTER COOKBOOK, by Dinah Bucholz. (Adams Media, $19.95.) Recipes in which a dash of eye of newt would not go amiss. (Ages 9 to 12) 1

9 PATHFINDER, by Orson Scott Card. (Simon Pulse, $18.99.) A boy can not only see the past but also revise it. (Ages 12 and up) 1

10 LUKA AND THE FIRE OF LIFE, by Salman Rushdie. (Random House, $25.) The Nobodaddy haunts the younger brother of Rushdie’s Haroun. (Ages 10 and up) 2

*******************
Children's Series Books List

1 DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney. (Abrams, hardcover only) The travails of adolescence, in cartoons. (Ages 9 to 12) 98

2 THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins. (Scholastic, hardcover and paper) In a dystopian society a girl fights for survival on live TV. (Ages 12 and up) 14

3 HARRY POTTER, by J. K. Rowling. (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, hardcover and paper) A young wizard hones his skills while fighting evil. (Ages 10 and up) 235

4 PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, hardcover and paper) Children of the gods battle monsters of myth. (Ages 9 to 12) 177

5 WARRIORS, by Erin Hunter. (HarperCollins, hardcover and paper) Four clans of cat warriors aspire to meet up with the StarClan. (Ages 10 to 14) 94

6 THE IMMORTALS, by Alyson Noël. (St. Martin’s Griffin, hardcover and paper) Love and angst of the supernatural variety. (Ages 14 and up) 21

7 THE TWILIGHT SAGA, by Stephenie Meyer. (Megan Tingley/Little, Brown, hardcover and paper) Vampires and werewolves in school. (Ages 12 and up) 173

8 BIG NATE, Lincoln Peirce. (HarperCollins, hardcover; Andrews McMeel, paper) Where Nate goes, trouble is sure to follow. (Ages 8 to 12) 6

9 THE 39 CLUES, by various authors. (Scholastic, hardcover only) A brother and sister travel the world in search of the key to their family’s power. (Ages 9 to 12) 73

10 MAGIC TREE HOUSE, by Mary Pope Osborne. Illustrated by Sal Murdocca. (Stepping Stone/Random House, hardcover and paper) Neither space nor time is an obstacle to these siblings. (Ages 6 to 9) 230

***************

Happy reading.........

Until the next time........

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Sunday New York Times - Children's Books - November 28, 2010

2010-11-28T16:33:00.000-08:00

Sunday New York Times - Children's Books - November 28, 2010

*************************************************************************

President Barack Obama's new children's book Of Thee I Sing debuted in the number one spot on this week's Picture book list. Let us know your thoughts on this new book!

Scroll down and see what other books are number one this week!

*************************************************************************

Here are the links to each Sunday New York Times Children's book list:

Picture Books:

http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2010-12-05/picture-books/list.html

Paperbacks:

http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2010-12-05/paperback-books/list.html

Series:

http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2010-12-05/series-books/list.html

*************************************************************************

Here is the entire list:

This Week	Children's Picture Books	Weeks on List
1	OF THEE I SING, by Barack Obama. Illustrated by Loren Long. (Knopf, $17.99.) In a letter to his daughters, the president has a message about heroes. (Ages 5 to 8)	1

2	LLAMA LLAMA HOLIDAY DRAMA, written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney. (Viking, $16.99.) When the suspense is too much, Llama Llama turns to you-know-who for comfort. (Ages 2 and up)	5

3	LEGO STAR WARS, by Simon Beecroft. (DK, $21.99.) An annotated visual dictionary. (Ages 7 and up)	48

4	FABULOUS FASHION BOUTIQUE, by Jane O’Connor. Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. (HarperCollins, $17.99.) Fancy Nancy takes an entrepreneurial approach to haute couture. (Ages 4 to 7)	6

5	IT'S CHRISTMAS, DAVID!, written and illustrated by David Shannon. (Blue Sky/Scholastic, $16.99.) A boy who won’t take no for an answer. (Ages 3 to 7)	2

6	KNUFFLE BUNNY FREE, written and illustrated by Mo Willems. (Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins, $17.99.) A little girl and her well-loved companion take a trip that leads to unexpected discoveries. (Ages 3 to 7)	8

7	WHEREVER YOU ARE, MY LOVE WILL FIND YOU, written and illustrated by Nancy Tillman. (Feiwel & Friends, $16.99.) All about tenderness. (Ages 4 to 8)	7

8	ART AND MAX, written and illustrated by David Wiesner. (Clarion, $17.99.) Two artists mix methods and media. (Ages 5 to 8)	6

9	IT'S A BOOK, written and illustrated by Lane Smith. (Roaring Brook, $12.99.) It doesn’t tweet or need recharging. (Ages 6 and up)	14
	Sunday Book Review
10	OLIVIA GOES TO VENICE, written and illustrated by Ian Falconer. (Atheneum, $17.99.) A piglet prone to big ideas wants to live on the Grand Canal. (Ages 3 to 7)	7

*********************************

This Week	Children's Paperback Books	Weeks on List
1	THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak. (Knopf, $11.99.) A girl saves books from Nazi burning. (Ages 14 and up)	167

2	WITCH AND WIZARD, by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet. (Little, Brown, $9.99.) One of each, a sister and brother, flex their new powers. (Ages 10 and up)	3

3	FALLEN, by Lauren Kate. (Delacorte, $9.99.) Love is thwarted at boarding school. (Ages 12 and up)	8

4	THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, by Neil Gaiman. Illustrated by Dave McKean. (HarperCollins, $7.99.) To avoid a killer, a boy lives in a cemetery. (Ages 10 and up)	8
	Sunday Book Review \| Excerpt
5	STEFAN’S DIARIES: VOL. 1, ORIGINS, by L. J. Smith and Kevin Williamson & Julie Plec. (HarperCollins, $9.99.) The story behind a vampire love triangle. (Ages 14 and up)	3

6	HUSH, HUSH, by Becca Fitzpatrick. (Simon & Schuster, $17.99.) A love story of immortals and ancient battles. (Ages 14 and up)	8

7	THREE CUPS OF TEA: YOUNG READERS EDITION, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. (Puffin/Penguin, $8.99.) A former climber builds schools in Pakistani and Afghan villages. (Ages 9 to 12)	95

8	SAVVY, by Ingrid Law. (Puffin/Penguin, $7.99.) Mibs is about to receive the supernatural abilities that run in her family. (Ages 9 to 12)	25

9	THE FLEDGLING HANDBOOK 101, by P.C. Cast with Kim Doner. (St. Martin’s Griffin, $12.99.) A compendium on vampirism for neophytes. (Ages 12 and up)	4

10	THE MAZE RUNNER, by James Dashner. (Delacorte, $9.99.) A stone wall imprisons teenagers who live by their wits and have no memories. (Ages 12 and up)	6

*****************************************************

1	DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney. (Abrams, hardcover only) The travails of adolescence, in cartoons. (Ages 9 to 12)	97

2	THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins. (Scholastic, hardcover and paper) In a dystopian society a girl fights for survival on live TV. (Ages 12 and up)	13

3	THE IMMORTALS, by Alyson Noël. (St. Martin’s Griffin, hardcover and paper) Love and angst of the supernatural variety. (Ages 14 and up)	20

4	PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, hardcover and paper) Children of the gods battle monsters of myth. (Ages 9 to 12)	176

5	HARRY POTTER, by J. K. Rowling. (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, hardcover and paper) A young wizard hones his skills while fighting evil. (Ages 10 and up)	234

6	BIG NATE, Lincoln Peirce. (HarperCollins, hardcover; Andrews McMeel, paper) Where Nate goes, trouble is sure to follow. (Ages 8 to 12)	5

7	THE TWILIGHT SAGA, by Stephenie Meyer. (Megan Tingley/Little, Brown, hardcover and paper) Vampires and werewolves in school. (Ages 12 and up)	172

8	THE 39 CLUES, by various authors. (Scholastic, hardcover only) A brother and sister travel the world in search of the key to their family’s power. (Ages 9 to 12)	72

9	MAGIC TREE HOUSE, by Mary Pope Osborne. Illustrated by Sal Murdocca. (Stepping Stone/Random House, hardcover and paper) Neither space nor time is an obstacle to these siblings. (Ages 6 to 9)	229

10	BLUE BLOODS, by Melissa de la Cruz. (Hyperion, hardcover and paper) Young and privileged vampires are having a blood feud. (Ages 14 and up)	17

*****************************************

Happy reading...........

Until the next time..........

a children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Thanksgiving Day - November 25, 2010

2010-11-25T20:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving Day

Welcome to our Thanksgiving Day

Children's Book blog...........

*************************

I had a great Thanksgiving.. How was yours?

Did you check out any Thanksgiving Day books? Well, here's two that I checked out........

Thanksgiving Day. Story by Anne Rockwell and Pictures by Lizzy Rockwell!

For the Thanksgiving play, Charlie is the ship called the Mayflower. Sarah is a Pilgrim. Eveline is a chief Massasoit. In Mrs. Madoff's class everyone is thankful for the special things that made the first feast and living in a new home possible.

This cute Thanksgiving Day book is a great representation of cultural diversity! The children are of all races. They portray different characters. The pictures are colorful, warm, and friendly.

A young student Charlie and his classmates learn about Thanksgiving from their teacher Mrs. Madoff. The children are thankful!!!!!!! The students put on a Thanksgiving Day play. Where the students have great parts! This is a nice heart warming story!

Check it out for next year's Thanksgiving! It is a great read. I would recommend it for home, school, and public libraries.

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A Thanksgiving Turkey by Julian Scheer and Illustrated by Ronald Himler.

A boy and his mother move to rural Virginia to be with his aging grandfather. Grand dad teaches his grandson about turkeys and how to hunt them. After a while, they encounter a huge, bright tom turkey that is possibly as old as grand dad! It is the same tom turkey that grandpa had been hunting for years. Grandpa tells his grandson to "cock his gun" and get ready to shoot the turkey. The turkey flies above them... away from them... they missed their opportunity.......Instead.......

"We had a store-bought turkey that Thanksgiving. . Granddad sat at the head of the table, and we held hands as he said a prayer. We had a glorious time. I can remember to this day the smell of that turkey in the oven, the taste of the pecan pie and the serene look on Granddad's face."

What a nice story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The water color paintings are rich and colorful and portray rural Virginia in a very positive, fun, and inviting way!

I think this will be a great addition to any home, school, and public library collection. It is a nice Thanksgiving Day read.

Check it out, when you have a chance! You won't be disappointed!

*****************************************************************

Other Thanksgiving Day Children's book recommendations:

I decided to see what others were recommending for Thanksgiving and came across the following children's books on the Apple 4 The Teacher web site. Here is the link:

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/thanksgiving/kids-books/

Gobble gobble.......................

Happy reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until the next time......

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Children's Books from New York Times for Week of November 14, 2010

2010-11-16T19:19:00.000-08:00

New York Times Children's Books

Week of November 14, 2010

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The New York Times best selling children's books for the week of November 14, 2010 are included below.

LLAMA LLAMA HOLIDAY DRAMA written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney is still number one after three weeks! Have you read this one?What do you think? Let us know!

KNUFFLE BUNNY FREE, written and illustrated by Mo Willems is still on the list as well.

Which book has been on this list the longest? Scroll down and find out!

**********************************

Stay tuned for books that I will review for Thanksgiving...........

Any suggestions? I will include them!

**********************************

Happy reading............

Until the next time......................

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

**********************************

Here is the link to the list:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/21/books/bestseller/bestchildren.html?_r=1&ref=review

*********************************

Here is the entire list:

This Week		Weeks on List
PICTURE BOOKS
1	LLAMA LLAMA HOLIDAY DRAMA, written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney. (Viking, $16.99.) When the suspense is too much, Llama Llama turns to you-know-who for comfort. (Ages 2 and up)	3
2	FABULOUS FASHION BOUTIQUE, by Jane O’Connor. Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. (HarperCollins, $17.99.) Fancy Nancy takes an entrepreneurial approach to haute couture. (Ages 4 to 7)	4
3	KNUFFLE BUNNY FREE, written and illustrated by Mo Willems. (Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins, $17.99.) A little girl and her well-loved companion take a trip that leads to unexpected discoveries. (Ages 3 to 7)	6
4	HEADS, written and illustrated by Matthew Van Fleet. (Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster, $17.99.) Animal noggins with tabs to make them move. (Ages 2 and up)	9
5	LEGO STAR WARS, by Simon Beecroft. (DK, $21.99.) An annotated visual dictionary. (Ages 7 and up)	46
6	OLIVIA GOES TO VENICE, written and illustrated by Ian Falconer. (Atheneum, $17.99.) A piglet prone to big ideas wants to live on the Grand Canal. (Ages 3 to 7)	5
7	IT'S A BOOK, written and illustrated by Lane Smith. (Roaring Brook, $12.99.) It doesn’t tweet or need recharging. (Ages 6 and up)	12
8	ART AND MAX, written and illustrated by David Wiesner. (Clarion, $17.99.) Two artists mix methods and media. (Ages 5 to 8)	4
9	DC SUPER HEROES, THE ULTIMATE POP-UP BOOK, by the DC Comics staff and Matthew Reinhart. (Little, Brown, $29.99.) Comics, in 3-D. (Ages 3 and up)	3
10	WHEREVER YOU ARE, MY LOVE WILL FIND YOU, written and illustrated by Nancy Tillman. (Feiwel & Friends, $16.99.) All about the tenderness a parent feels for a child. (Ages 4 to 8)	5

This Week		Weeks on List
CHAPTER BOOKS
1	THE LOST HERO, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, $18.99.) A return to Camp Half-Blood and semi-divine characters old and new. (Ages 10 and up)	4
2	JUSTIN BIEBER, FIRST STEP 2 FOREVER, by Justin Bieber. (HarperCollins, $21.99.) A young musician reaches out to fans with short takes, Web posts and photos. (Ages 6 to 12)	4
3	THE RED PYRAMID, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, $17.99.) Ancient gods (this time from Egypt) and a mortal family meet. (Ages 10 and up)	27
4	CRESCENDO, by Becca Fitzpatrick. (Simon & Schuster, $18.99.) A world where the truth is sought and feared; a sequel to “Hush, Hush.” (Ages 14 and up)	4
5	TORMENT, by Lauren Kate. (Delacorte, $17.99.) A novel about the nephilim, the children of humans and fallen angels. (Ages 12 and up)	6
6	VIRALS, by Kathy Reichs. (Razorbill, $17.99.) A spinoff featuring the niece of the fictional Temperance Brennan, forensic anthropologist. (Ages 12 and up)	1
7	HARRY POTTER FILM WIZARDRY, by Brian Sibley. (Collins Design/HarperCollins, $39.99.) Deep background, subtext and behind-the screen details from the moviemakers. (Ages 18 and up)	3
8	CLOCKWORK ANGEL, by Cassandra Clare. (McElderry/Simon & Schuster, $19.99.) Victorian England proves a treacherous place. (Ages 14 and up)	10
9	BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS, by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. (Little, Brown, $17.99.) A return to the secrets and curses of a Southern town. (Ages 12 and up)	4
10	THE SCORCH TRIALS, by James Dashner. (Delacorte, $17.99.) The former denizens of the Maze cope with postapocalyptic plagues. (Ages 12 and up)	4

This Week		Weeks on List
PAPERBACK BOOKS
1	STEFAN’S DIARIES: VOL. 1, ORIGINS, by L. J. Smith and Kevin Williamson & Julie Plec. (HarperCollins, $9.99.) The story behind the vampire love triangle. (Ages 14 and up)	1
2	WITCH AND WIZARD, by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet. (Little, Brown, $9.99.) A sister and brother flex their new powers. (Ages 10 and up)	1
3	FALLEN, by Lauren Kate. (Delacorte, $9.99.) Love is thwarted at boarding school. (Ages 12 and up)	6
4	THE FLEDGLING HANDBOOK 101, by P.C. Cast with Kim Doner. (St. Martin’s Griffin, $12.99.) From history to bodily changes, a compendium on vampirism for neophytes. (Ages 12 and up)	2
5	THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak. (Knopf, $11.99.) A girl saves books from Nazi burning. Excerpt (Ages 14 and up)	165
6	THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, by Neil Gaiman. Illustrated by Dave McKean. (HarperCollins, $7.99.) To avoid a killer, a boy lives in a cemetery. Excerpt (Ages 10 and up)	6
7	HUSH, HUSH, by Becca Fitzpatrick. (Simon & Schuster, $17.99.) A love story of immortals and ancient battles. (Ages 14 and up)	7
8	NERDS (BOOK ONE: NATIONAL ESPIONAGE, RESCUE, AND DEFENSE SOCIETY), by Michael Buckley. (Amulet/Abrams, $6.95.) Stealth is challenging when you wear orthodontic headgear. (Ages 8 to 12)	3
9	SAVVY, by Ingrid Law. (Puffin/Penguin, $7.99.) Mibs is about to receive her supernatural abilities. (Ages 9 to 12)	24
10	THREE CUPS OF TEA: YOUNG READERS EDITION, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. (Puffin/Penguin, $8.99.) A former climber builds schools in Pakistani and Afghan villages. (Ages 9 to 12)	93

This Week		Weeks on List
SERIES BOOKS
1	DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney. (Abrams, hardcover only) The travails of adolescence, in cartoons. (Ages 9 to 12)	95
2	THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins. (Scholastic, hardcover and paper) In a dystopian society a girl fights for survival on live TV. (Ages 12 and up)	11
3	PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, hardcover and paper) Children of the gods battle mythological monsters. (Ages 9 to 12)	174
4	THE 39 CLUES, by various authors. (Scholastic, hardcover only) A brother and sister travel the world in search of the key to their family’s power. (Ages 9 to 12)	70
5	BIG NATE, Lincoln Peirce. (HarperCollins, hardcover; Andrews McMeel, paper) Where Nate goes, trouble is sure to follow. (Ages 8 to 12)	3
6	BLUE BLOODS, by Melissa de la Cruz. (Hyperion, hardcover and paper) Young and privileged vampires are having a blood feud. (Ages 14 and up)	15
7	THE TWILIGHT SAGA, by Stephenie Meyer. (Megan Tingley/Little, Brown, hardcover and paper) Vampires and werewolves in school. (Ages 12 and up)	170
8	RANGER’S APPRENTICE, by John Flanagan. (Philomel, hardcover and paper) A boy warrior battles the forces of evil. (Ages 9 to 12)	58
9	HARRY POTTER, by J. K. Rowling. (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, hardcover and paper) A young wizard hones his skills while waging war evil. (Ages 10 and up)	232
10	MORGANVILLE VAMPIRES, by Rachel Caine. (NAL, hardcover; NAL Jam, paper) Vampires in town. (Ages 14 and up)	9

*********************************************

New York Times -Children's Book - Week of November 7, 2010

2010-11-10T13:51:00.000-08:00

New York Times Children's Books

Week of November 7, 2010

****************************

Here is the link to the New York Times best selling children's books for the week of November 7, 2010:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/books/bestseller/bestchildren.html?_r=2&ref=bestseller

******************

LLAMA LLAMA HOLIDAY DRAMA written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney debuts in the number one Picture Book spot this week. I love this series. My students loved these books as well. I am looking forward to reading and writing about this new addition to the Llama Llama series....... Stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HARRY POTTER FILM WIZARDRY by Brian Sibley debuts this week also! How many of you will be buying/reading this one????????? Let us know your thoughts.......

******************

Here is the entire list of best selling children's books:

Until the next time!

Happy Reading..........

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!!!!!!!!

******************
PICTURE BOOKS

This Week Weeks on List

1 LLAMA LLAMA HOLIDAY DRAMA, written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney. (Viking, $16.99.) The suspense is too much, so Llama Llama turns to you-know-who for comfort. (Ages 2 and up) 1

2 SCAREDY-CAT, SPLAT!, written and illustrated by Rob Scotton. (Harper/HarperCollins, $16.99.) Splat aims to scare his cat school pals on Halloween. (Ages 3 to 7) 6

3 FABULOUS FASHION BOUTIQUE, by Jane O’Connor. Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. (HarperCollins, $17.99.) Fancy Nancy takes an entrepreneurial approach to haute couture. (Ages 4 to 7) 2

4 ZEN GHOSTS, written and illustrated by Jon J Muth. (Scholastic Press, $17.99.) Stillwater the panda with a Halloween-themed tale of Eastern wisdom. (Ages 5 to 8) 5

5 KNUFFLE BUNNY FREE, written and illustrated by Mo Willems. (Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins, $17.99.) A little girl and her well-loved companion take a trip that leads to unexpected discoveries. (Ages 3 to 7) 4

6 IT'S A BOOK, written and illustrated by Lane Smith. (Roaring Brook, $12.99.) It doesn’t tweet or need recharging. (Ages 6 and up) 10

7 OLIVIA GOES TO VENICE, written and illustrated by Ian Falconer. (Atheneum, $17.99.) A piglet prone to big ideas wants to live on the Grand Canal. (Ages 3 to 7) 4

8 LEGO STAR WARS, by Simon Beecroft. (DK, $21.99.) An annotated visual dictionary. (Ages 7 and up) 44

9 ART AND MAX, written and illustrated by David Wiesner. (Clarion, $17.99.) Two artists mix methods and media. (Ages 5 to 8) 2

10 THE THREE LITTLE DASSIES, written and illustrated by Jan Brett. (Putnam, $17.99.) A retelling of "The Three Little Pigs," with Namibian flavor. (Ages 3 to 5) 4

CHAPTER BOOKS

This Week Weeks on List

1 THE LOST HERO, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, $18.99.) A return to Camp Half-Blood and semi-divine characters old and new. (Ages 10 and up) 2

2 CRESCENDO, by Becca Fitzpatrick. (Simon & Schuster, $18.99.) A world where the truth is sought and feared; a sequel to “Hush, Hush.” (Ages 14 and up) 2

3 JUSTIN BIEBER, FIRST STEP 2 FOREVER, by Justin Bieber. (HarperCollins, $21.99.) A young musician reaches out to fans with short takes, Web posts and photos. (Ages 6 to 12) 2

4 THE RED PYRAMID, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, $17.99.) Ancient gods (this time from Egypt) and a mortal family meet. (Ages 10 and up) 25

5 TORMENT, by Lauren Kate. (Delacorte, $17.99.) A novel about the nephilim, the children of humans and fallen angels. (Ages 12 and up) 4

6 LAUREN CONRAD STYLE, by Lauren Conrad with Elise Loehnen. (HarperCollins, $19.99.) A guide to chic. (Ages 12 and up) 3

7 HARRY POTTER FILM WIZARDRY, by Brian Sibley. (Collins Design/HarperCollins, $39.99.) Deep background, subtext and behind-the screen details from the moviemakers. (Ages 18 and up) 1

8 THE SCORCH TRIALS, by James Dashner. (Delacorte, $17.99.) The former denizens of the Maze cope with postapocalyptic plagues. (Ages 12 and up) 2

9 BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS, by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. (Little, Brown, $17.99.) A return to a small Southern town riddled with underground passageways, secrets and curses. (Ages 12 and up) 2

10 CLOCKWORK ANGEL, by Cassandra Clare. (McElderry/Simon & Schuster, $19.99.) Victorian England proves a treacherous place. (Ages 14 and up) 8

PAPERBACK BOOKS

This Week Weeks on List

1 THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak. (Knopf, $11.99.) A girl saves books from Nazi burning. Excerpt (Ages 14 and up) 163

2 FALLEN, by Lauren Kate. (Delacorte, $9.99.) Love is thwarted at a boarding school where the students are not your average mortals. (Ages 12 and up) 4

3 THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, by Neil Gaiman. Illustrated by Dave McKean. (HarperCollins, $7.99.) To avoid a killer, a boy lives in a cemetery. Excerpt (Ages 10 and up) 4

4 THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN, by Sherman Alexie. Illustrated by Ellen Forney. (Little, Brown, $8.99.) A young boy leaves his reservation for an all-white school. (Ages 12 and up) 79

5 THE MAZE RUNNER, by James Dashner. (Delacorte, $9.99.) A stone wall imprisons teenagers who live by their wits and remember nothing of their past. (Ages 12 and up) 4

6 THREE CUPS OF TEA: YOUNG READERS EDITION, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. (Puffin/Penguin, $8.99.) A former climber builds schools in Pakistani and Afghan villages. (Ages 9 to 12) 91

7 HUSH, HUSH, by Becca Fitzpatrick. (Simon & Schuster, $17.99.) A love story of immortals and ancient battles. (Ages 14 and up) 5

8 BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. (Little, Brown, $17.99.) A secret wrapped in a Southern Gothic novel. (Ages 12 and up) 5

9 SAVVY, by Ingrid Law. (Puffin/Penguin, $7.99.) Mibs is about to receive the supernatural abilities that run in her family. (Ages 9 to 12) 23

10 SHIVER, by Maggie Stiefvater. (Scholastic, $8.99.) Love among the lupine. (Ages 13 and up) 20

SERIES BOOKS

This Week Weeks on List

1 THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins. (Scholastic, hardcover and paper) In a dystopian society a girl fights for survival on live TV. (Ages 12 and up) 9

2 DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney. (Abrams, hardcover only) The travails of adolescence, in cartoons. (Ages 9 to 12) 93

3 PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, hardcover and paper) Children of the gods battle mythological monsters. (Ages 9 to 12) 172

4 BIG NATE, Lincoln Peirce. (HarperCollins, hardcover; Andrews McMeel, paper) Where Nate goes, trouble is sure to follow. (Ages 8 to 12) 1

5 THE TWILIGHT SAGA, by Stephenie Meyer. (Megan Tingley/Little, Brown, hardcover and paper) Vampires and werewolves in school. (Ages 12 and up) 168

6 RANGER’S APPRENTICE, by John Flanagan. (Philomel, hardcover and paper) A boy warrior fights against evil. (Ages 9 to 12) 56

7 L.A. CANDY, by Lauren Conrad. (HarperCollins) Excitement in TV land, by someone who has been there. (Ages 14 and up) 3

8 THE 39 CLUES, by various authors. (Scholastic, hardcover only) A brother and sister travel the world in search of the key to their family’s power. (Ages 9 to 12) 68

9 MAGIC TREE HOUSE, by Mary Pope Osborne. Illustrated by Sal Murdocca. (Stepping Stone/Random House, hardcover and paper) Winged children try to save the world. (Ages 6 to 9) 227

10 THE CRANK TRILOGY, Ellen Hopkins. (Simon & Schuster) Chronicles of addiction. (Ages 14 and up) 6

New York Times Graphic Novels - Week of October 31, 2010

2010-11-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

New York Times Graphic Novels

Week of October 31, 2010

Here is the list of best selling New York Times Graphic novels for the week of October 31, 2010.
Are there any new comers to the list? Have you read any of these graphic novels? Which ones are your favorites? Either click on the list or scroll down to read the entire list.

Looks like we have a new hardcover graphic novel that debuted on the list at number one:
X'ED OUT, by Charles Burns.

How many of you are planning to buy this book or read it from your local library? Are there any additional ones? If so, scroll down and see for yourself and let us know your thoughts.

*************************

Here is the link to the list:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/books/bestseller/bestgraphicbooks.html?ref=bestseller

**************************

Here is the entire list:

HARDCOVER GRAPHIC BOOKS

This Week Weeks on List

1 X'ED OUT, by Charles Burns. (Pantheon, $19.95.) Doug walks the fine line between dreams and reality, with no way to tell them apart. Head injuries tend to do that to a person. 1

2 THE EXILE: AN OUTLANDER GRAPHIC NOVEL, by Diana Gabaldon and Hoang Nguyen. (Random House, $25.) The story of Jamie Fraser, a kilt-wearing 18th-century Scotsman, and Claire Randall, a World War II-era nurse who has been transported back in time, is retold in the graphic novel format. 5

3 BATMAN, LIFE AFTER DEATH, by Tony Daniel. (DC Comics, $19.99.) Batman must discover the true identity of the Black Mask while monitoring the completion of the new Arkham Asylum. 1

4 THE OUTFIT, by Darwyn Cooke. (IDW, $24.99.) A second adventure of Parker, the antihero created by Richard Stark, is turned into a graphic novel. In his installment, Parker gets a new face... and revenge. 3

5 THE ADVENTURES OF OOK AND GLUK, by George Beard and Harold Hutchins. (Scholastic, $9.99.) Ook and Gluk, two cave boys, must learn kung-fu to save their prehistoric home from a menace from the future. 11

6 WITCH & WIZARD: BATTLE FOR SHADOWLAND, by Dara Naraghi and Victor Santos. (IDW, $17.99.) Whit and Wisty Allgood, two siblings with magical powers, leap from James Patterson’s children novel and into the world of graphic novels for new adventures. 2

7 BLACKEST NIGHT, by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. (DC Comics, $29.99.) This collected edition of the event mini-series features some surprising deaths and even more surprising rebirths. Green Lantern and the recently resurrected Flash are at the forefront. 15

8 X-MEN: SECOND COMING, by various. (Marvel Entertainment, $39.99.) Will the mutant named Hope be the rescue or damnation of mutant kind? There may not be time to learn the answer as the X-Men try to save her from eradication. 3

9 AMERICAN VAMPIRE, VOL. 1, by Scott Snyder, Stephen King and Rafael Albuquereque. (DC Comics, $24.99.) What do the roaring 20’s and the wild west have in common? Vampires. 3

10 KICK-ASS, by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.. (Marvel Entertainment, $14.99.) A "realistic" look at what would happen if a teenage boy put on a costume to fight crime. Not for the weak of heart. 33

PAPERBACK GRAPHIC BOOKS

This Week Weeks on List

1 BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: SEASON 8, VOL. 7, by Brad Meltzer, Joss Whedon and others. (Dark Horse Comics, $16.99.) Whedonites rejoice! This volume of season eight features the long—awaited return of Angel and reveals the identity of the Big Bad: Twilight. 1

2 SCOTT PILGRIM: PRECIOUS LITTLE LIFE, by Bryan Lee O’Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Meet Scott Pilgrim, twentysomething slacker, member of the band Sex Bob-Omb and would-be suitor of Ramona Flowers. 33

3 SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Scott Pilgrim faces off against the second of Ramona’s evil ex-boyfriends. What will Knives Chau think? Aren’t THEY dating? 29

4 SCOTT PILGRIM AND THE INFINITE SADNESS, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Scott must face not only Ramona’s third evil ex, but also his own! Oh, and the two exes just happen to be dating each other and in a band. Which can mean only one thing: Bass Battle! 21

5 SCOTT PILGRIM'S FINEST HOUR, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.99.) Will Scott survive his final challenge? Can he defeat Gideon Graves, the last of Ramona’s evil exes? 14

6 SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE UNIVERSE, by Bryan Lee O’Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Can Ramona’s twin ex-boyfriends be defeated? Sounds like a job for… Scott Pilgrim. 27

7 SCOTT PILGRIM: GETS IT TOGETHER, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) In this fourth volume of the series, Scott gets a job (Best. Dishwasher. Ever) and battles Roxie the ninja, another of Ramona’s evil exes. 25

8 PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF, by Robert Venditti and Attila Futaki. (Hyperion, $9.99.) First it was a prose novel by Rick Riordan. Then it was a film. Now the story of Percy Jackson, who discovers he is the son of a Greek god, becomes a graphic novel. 2

9 THE WALKING DEAD, VOL. 1, by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore. (Image Comics, $14.99.) The gripping story of the human survivors in a world overrun by zombies begins. 49

10 ODD IS ON OUR SIDE, by Fred Van Lente, Dean Koontz and Queenie Chan. (Del Rey, $10.99.) Odd Thomas can communicate with the dead. In this Halloween adventure, he has his work cut out for him. 3

MANGA

This Week Weeks on List

1 NARUTO, VOL. 49, by Masashi Kishimoto. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Poor Naruto: he must cope with a ninja summit and a target on the back of his good friend, Sasuke. 3

2 BLACK BIRD, VOL. 6, by Kanoko Sakurakoji. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Misao Harada can see into a magical realm where she is the bride demon of prophecy. How will she survive the pursuit of demons who want the power in her blood? 3

3 HETALIA AXIS POWERS, VOL. 1, by Hidekaz Himaruya. (TOKYOPOP, $10.99.) From the publisher: "Get ready to brush up on world history with these handsome and hysterical personifications of the Axis Powers as they meet, become friends and form one of the most powerful alliances the world has ever seen." 5

4 YU-GI-OH! GX, VOL. 5, by Kazuki Takahashi and Naoyuki Kageyama. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) The next generation of Yu-Gi-Oh battle it out at the Duel Academy. In this volume, the two best students, Jaden and Chazz, compete. 3

5 MAXIMUM RIDE, VOL. 3, by James Patterson and NaRae Lee. (Yen Press, $12.99.) Isn’t being a kid hard enough? For this group, who are also part bird, nothing comes easy. An F.B.I. agent steps in to help, but the evil "erasers" lurk around the corner. 10

6 CHI’S SWEET HOME, VOL. 3, by Kanata Konami. (Vertical, $13.95.) The continuing adventures of Chi the kitten. In this volume, Chi befriends Kuro, another cat in the neighborhood known for his mischievous ways. 1

7 CASE CLOSED, VOL. 36, by Gosho Aoyama. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) When a terrorist bomber threatens Tokyo and eludes the police, Conan and the Junior Detective League must find the bomber before he strikes again. 1

8 BLEACH, VOL. 32, by Tite Kubo. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Ichigo Kurosaki sees dead people and must help usher them safely into the afterlife. 7

9 ALICE IN THE COUNTRY OF HEARTS, VOL. 4, by Quinrose and Hoshino Soumei. (TOKYOPOP, $10.99.) Alice wanders into a very different part of Wonderland in this interpretation of the classic tale. In this new area of the fantasy land, every man is in love with Alice... and firearms. 6

10 MARCH STORY, VOL. 1, by Kyung-il Yang and Hyung-min Kim. (VIZ Media, $12.99.) In 18th century Europe, March travels from village to village hunting the Ill, demons who lie hidden in works of art and attract gullible victims with their beauty.

*************************

Happy reading.........

Until the next time....................

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

New York Times -Children's Book - Week of October 31, 2010

2010-11-01T05:55:00.000-07:00

New York Times Best Selling

Children's Books

Week of October 31, 2010

Here is the link to the best selling children's books for the week of October 31, 2010:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/books/bestseller/bestchildren.html?_r=1&ref=bestseller

**********************************

It appears we have a new number one best selling picture book.... 1 LLAMA LLAMA HOLIDAY DRAMA, written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney.

I love these books. My students loved these books also. Let us know if you read this book and your thoughts.........

Are there any additional books that debuted on this list? Are there any new number one best sellers?

Scroll down and read for yourselves............

Let us know.......

**************************************

Here is the list of best selling children's books for the week of October 31, 2010
PICTURE BOOKS

This Week Weeks on List

1 LLAMA LLAMA HOLIDAY DRAMA, written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney. (Viking, $16.99.) The suspense is too much, so Llama Llama turns to you-know-who for comfort. (Ages 2 and up) 1

2 SCAREDY-CAT, SPLAT!, written and illustrated by Rob Scotton. (Harper/HarperCollins, $16.99.) Splat aims to scare his cat school pals on Halloween. (Ages 3 to 7) 6

3 FABULOUS FASHION BOUTIQUE, by Jane O’Connor. Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. (HarperCollins, $17.99.) Fancy Nancy takes an entrepreneurial approach to haute couture. (Ages 4 to 7) 2

4 ZEN GHOSTS, written and illustrated by Jon J Muth. (Scholastic Press, $17.99.) Stillwater the panda with a Halloween-themed tale of Eastern wisdom. (Ages 5 to 8) 5

5 KNUFFLE BUNNY FREE, written and illustrated by Mo Willems. (Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins, $17.99.) A little girl and her well-loved companion take a trip that leads to unexpected discoveries. (Ages 3 to 7) 4

6 IT'S A BOOK, written and illustrated by Lane Smith. (Roaring Brook, $12.99.) It doesn’t tweet or need recharging. (Ages 6 and up) 10

7 OLIVIA GOES TO VENICE, written and illustrated by Ian Falconer. (Atheneum, $17.99.) A piglet prone to big ideas wants to live on the Grand Canal. (Ages 3 to 7) 4

8 LEGO STAR WARS, by Simon Beecroft. (DK, $21.99.) An annotated visual dictionary. (Ages 7 and up) 44

9 ART AND MAX, written and illustrated by David Wiesner. (Clarion, $17.99.) Two artists mix methods and media. (Ages 5 to 8) 2

10 THE THREE LITTLE DASSIES, written and illustrated by Jan Brett. (Putnam, $17.99.) A retelling of "The Three Little Pigs," with Namibian flavor. (Ages 3 to 5) 4

CHAPTER BOOKS

This Week Weeks on List

1 THE LOST HERO, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, $18.99.) A return to Camp Half-Blood and semi-divine characters old and new. (Ages 10 and up) 2

2 CRESCENDO, by Becca Fitzpatrick. (Simon & Schuster, $18.99.) A world where the truth is sought and feared; a sequel to “Hush, Hush.” (Ages 14 and up) 2

3 JUSTIN BIEBER, FIRST STEP 2 FOREVER, by Justin Bieber. (HarperCollins, $21.99.) A young musician reaches out to fans with short takes, Web posts and photos. (Ages 6 to 12) 2

4 THE RED PYRAMID, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, $17.99.) Ancient gods (this time from Egypt) and a mortal family meet. (Ages 10 and up) 25

5 TORMENT, by Lauren Kate. (Delacorte, $17.99.) A novel about the nephilim, the children of humans and fallen angels. (Ages 12 and up) 4

6 LAUREN CONRAD STYLE, by Lauren Conrad with Elise Loehnen. (HarperCollins, $19.99.) A guide to chic. (Ages 12 and up) 3

7 HARRY POTTER FILM WIZARDRY, by Brian Sibley. (Collins Design/HarperCollins, $39.99.) Deep background, subtext and behind-the screen details from the moviemakers. (Ages 18 and up) 1

8 THE SCORCH TRIALS, by James Dashner. (Delacorte, $17.99.) The former denizens of the Maze cope with postapocalyptic plagues. (Ages 12 and up) 2

9 BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS, by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. (Little, Brown, $17.99.) A return to a small Southern town riddled with underground passageways, secrets and curses. (Ages 12 and up) 2

10 CLOCKWORK ANGEL, by Cassandra Clare. (McElderry/Simon & Schuster, $19.99.) Victorian England proves a treacherous place. (Ages 14 and up) 8

PAPERBACK BOOKS

This Week Weeks on List

1 THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak. (Knopf, $11.99.) A girl saves books from Nazi burning. Excerpt (Ages 14 and up) 163

2 FALLEN, by Lauren Kate. (Delacorte, $9.99.) Love is thwarted at a boarding school where the students are not your average mortals. (Ages 12 and up) 4

3 THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, by Neil Gaiman. Illustrated by Dave McKean. (HarperCollins, $7.99.) To avoid a killer, a boy lives in a cemetery. Excerpt (Ages 10 and up) 4

4 THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN, by Sherman Alexie. Illustrated by Ellen Forney. (Little, Brown, $8.99.) A young boy leaves his reservation for an all-white school. (Ages 12 and up) 79

5 THE MAZE RUNNER, by James Dashner. (Delacorte, $9.99.) A stone wall imprisons teenagers who live by their wits and remember nothing of their past. (Ages 12 and up) 4

6 THREE CUPS OF TEA: YOUNG READERS EDITION, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. (Puffin/Penguin, $8.99.) A former climber builds schools in Pakistani and Afghan villages. (Ages 9 to 12) 91

7 HUSH, HUSH, by Becca Fitzpatrick. (Simon & Schuster, $17.99.) A love story of immortals and ancient battles. (Ages 14 and up) 5

8 BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. (Little, Brown, $17.99.) A secret wrapped in a Southern Gothic novel. (Ages 12 and up) 5

9 SAVVY, by Ingrid Law. (Puffin/Penguin, $7.99.) Mibs is about to receive the supernatural abilities that run in her family. (Ages 9 to 12) 23

10 SHIVER, by Maggie Stiefvater. (Scholastic, $8.99.) Love among the lupine. (Ages 13 and up) 20

SERIES BOOKS

This Week Weeks on List

1 THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins. (Scholastic, hardcover and paper) In a dystopian society a girl fights for survival on live TV. (Ages 12 and up) 9

2 DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney. (Abrams, hardcover only) The travails of adolescence, in cartoons. (Ages 9 to 12) 93

3 PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, hardcover and paper) Children of the gods battle mythological monsters. (Ages 9 to 12) 172

4 BIG NATE, Lincoln Peirce. (HarperCollins, hardcover; Andrews McMeel, paper) Where Nate goes, trouble is sure to follow. (Ages 8 to 12) 1

5 THE TWILIGHT SAGA, by Stephenie Meyer. (Megan Tingley/Little, Brown, hardcover and paper) Vampires and werewolves in school. (Ages 12 and up) 168

6 RANGER’S APPRENTICE, by John Flanagan. (Philomel, hardcover and paper) A boy warrior fights against evil. (Ages 9 to 12) 56

7 L.A. CANDY, by Lauren Conrad. (HarperCollins) Excitement in TV land, by someone who has been there. (Ages 14 and up) 3

8 THE 39 CLUES, by various authors. (Scholastic, hardcover only) A brother and sister travel the world in search of the key to their family’s power. (Ages 9 to 12) 68

9 MAGIC TREE HOUSE, by Mary Pope Osborne. Illustrated by Sal Murdocca. (Stepping Stone/Random House, hardcover and paper) Winged children try to save the world. (Ages 6 to 9) 227

10 THE CRANK TRILOGY, Ellen Hopkins. (Simon & Schuster) Chronicles of addiction. (Ages 14 and up) 6

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Until the next time...........

Happy Reading............

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Happy Halloween - October 31, 2010

2010-10-31T19:20:00.000-07:00

Halloween October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween!!!!!

Today is Halloween. There are a few Halloween children's books that I have enjoyed over the years. I am including a couple of them in this listing.

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Let us know if you have read any of them.....

Froggy's Halloween by

Jonathan London and Illustrated by Frank Memkiewicz.

"For Froggy, Halloween meant candy. But it also meant dressing up. And he wondered, "What should I be for Halloween?"

"Should he be Super Frog, faster than a dragonfly, stronger than a bullfrog? Or maybe something scarier-- a ghost or a vampire. But Halloween is scary enough, with creaking and scratching sounds all through the house. FInally, Froggy knows just what he wants to be--with a zwoosh and a zup! zat! zunk! Froggy is dressed and ready for the Halloween fun to begin... until Princess Frogilina spots him. That's when Froggy discovers that his new costume might just be the scariest of all!"

What a great story..........

I chuckled as I read this story...."No. Something spooky. "I know!" cried Froggy. "Ghost Frog!" He poked two holes in his mother's best white sheet and draped it over his head ---"

"No. Something scarier. "I know! cried Froggy. "Vampire Frog!" He put on his black cape--zwoosh! Pulled on his mom's black tights--zup!

"Put on his slick black wig--zat!"

You'll have to read the story to learn of the rest...............

This book is creatively written and designed....... Children of all ages will enjoy reading this book and parents will chuckle while reading it to them......

This book is a great addition to any home library...... school library....... and of course, your local public library!

Boo Bunny by Kathryn O. Galbraith and Illustrated by Jeff Mack

Boo Bunny is one of my favorite Halloween children's books. I remember reading this to my students last year and they absolutely loved this book. "Booo Eeeek! "Halloween night can be full of spookiness... until you find a friend. Having a a paw to hold makes all the difference for one shy bunny in this irresistible Halloween book -- a perfect treat for everybunny."

The colors and story are absolutely delightful! The animals in this story are warm and fuzzy. The colors are quite child-friendly.

"One silver moon. Two paws held tight. Two brave bunnies. One halloween night."

Your children, students, and any young children who you encounter will love this story....... I recommend this book for any school, public, and home library. You won't be disappointed!

Here is the link to Boo Bunny on Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Boo-Bunny-Kathryn-Galbraith/dp/0547480318/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1288576542&sr=1-1

Until the next time........

Happy Reading.........

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

New York Times Graphic Novels for Week of October 24, 2010

2010-10-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

New York Times Best Selling Graphic Novels

Week of October 24, 2010

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Here is the link to the New York Times best sellling graphic novels

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/31/books/bestseller/bestgraphicbooks.html?ref=review

Here are two new additions to this week's list:

4 WITCH & WIZARD: BATTLE FOR SHADOWLAND, by Dara Naraghi and Victor Santos. (IDW, $17.99.) Whit and Wisty Allgood, two siblings with magical powers, leap from James Patterson’s children novel and into the world of graphic novels for new adventures. 1

5 STARMAN OMNIBUS, VOL. 5, by James Robinson and David S. Goyer. (DC Comics, $49.99.) Jack Knight, the son of the 1940’s Starman, goes into space to find the super-hero brother of his girlfriend. Along the way he encounters a Starman from the future and, in the past, Superman’s father. 1

Here is another newcomer:

INUYASHA, VOL. 53, by Rumiko Takahashi. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Kagome, a modern-day high school girl, is pulled into Japan’s ancient past, where she is linked to a dog-eared half demon named Inuyasha. In this volume: evil lurks in the form of Magatsuhi.

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There's another that is quite popular and is now number one on the paperback list. Who wants to tell us the title and if you liked reading this book...

Until the next time.......

Happy reading............

A graphic book and children's book a day, keeps the scary monsters........ away!

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Here is the entire list of New York Times best selling graphic novels:

HARDCOVER GRAPHIC BOOKS

This Week Weeks on List

1 THE ADVENTURES OF OOK AND GLUK, by George Beard and Harold Hutchins. (Scholastic, $9.99.) Ook and Gluk, two cave boys, must learn kung-fu to save their prehistoric home from a menace from the future. 10

2 THE OUTFIT, by Darwyn Cooke. (IDW, $24.99.) A second adventure of Parker, the antihero created by Richard Stark, is turned into a graphic novel. In his installment, Parker gets a new face... and revenge. 2

3 THE EXILE: AN OUTLANDER GRAPHIC NOVEL, by Diana Gabaldon and Hoang Nguyen. (Random House, $25.) The story of Jamie Fraser, a kilt-wearing 18th-century Scotsman, and Claire Randall, a World War II-era nurse who has been transported back in time, is retold in the graphic novel format. 4

4 WITCH & WIZARD: BATTLE FOR SHADOWLAND, by Dara Naraghi and Victor Santos. (IDW, $17.99.) Whit and Wisty Allgood, two siblings with magical powers, leap from James Patterson’s children novel and into the world of graphic novels for new adventures. 1

5 STARMAN OMNIBUS, VOL. 5, by James Robinson and David S. Goyer. (DC Comics, $49.99.) Jack Knight, the son of the 1940’s Starman, goes into space to find the super-hero brother of his girlfriend. Along the way he encounters a Starman from the future and, in the past, Superman’s father. 1

6 BLACKEST NIGHT, by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. (DC Comics, $29.99.) This collected edition of the event mini-series features some surprising deaths and even more surprising rebirths. Green Lantern and the recently resurrected Flash are at the forefront. 14

7 AMERICAN VAMPIRE, VOL. 1, by Scott Snyder, Stephen King and Rafael Albuquereque. (DC Comics, $24.99.) What do the roaring 20’s and the wild west have in common? Vampires. 2

8 KICK-ASS, by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.. (Marvel Entertainment, $14.99.) A "realistic" look at what would happen if a teenage boy put on a costume to fight crime. Not for the weak of heart. 32

9 THE MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ, by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young. (Marvel Entertainment, $29.99.) Dorothy is back in Kansas but the adventures in Oz continue with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and newcomers Tip and Jack Pumpkinhead. 3

10 THE WALKING DEAD, BOOK 1, by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard. (Image Comics, $29.99.) This hardcover collection features the first 12 issues of the gripping series about the last human survivors in a world overrun by zombies. 5

PAPERBACK GRAPHIC BOOKS

This Week Weeks on List

1 SCOTT PILGRIM: PRECIOUS LITTLE LIFE, by Bryan Lee O’Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Meet Scott Pilgrim, twentysomething slacker, member of the band Sex Bob-Omb and would-be suitor of Ramona Flowers. 32

2 SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Scott Pilgrim faces off against the second of Ramona’s evil ex-boyfriends. What will Knives Chau think? Aren’t THEY dating? 28

3 SCOTT PILGRIM: GETS IT TOGETHER, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) In this fourth volume of the series, Scott gets a job (Best. Dishwasher. Ever) and battles Roxie the ninja, another of Ramona’s evil exes. 24

4 SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE UNIVERSE, by Bryan Lee O’Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Can Ramona’s twin ex-boyfriends be defeated? Sounds like a job for… Scott Pilgrim. 26

5 SCOTT PILGRIM AND THE INFINITE SADNESS, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Scott must face not only Ramona’s third evil ex, but also his own! Oh, and the two exes just happen to be dating each other and in a band. Which can mean only one thing: Bass Battle! 20

6 SCOTT PILGRIM'S FINEST HOUR, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.99.) Will Scott survive his final challenge? Can he defeat Gideon Graves, the last of Ramona’s evil exes? 13

7 ODD IS ON OUR SIDE, by Fred Van Lente, Dean Koontz and Queenie Chan. (Del Rey, $10.99.) Odd Thomas can communicate with the dead. In this Halloween adventure, he has his work cut out for him. 2

8 PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF, by Robert Venditti and Attila Futaki. (Hyperion, $9.99.) First it was a prose novel by Rick Riordan. Then it was a film. Now the story of Percy Jackson, who discovers he is the son of a Greek god, becomes a graphic novel. 1

9 THE WALKING DEAD, VOL. 1, by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore. (Image Comics, $14.99.) The gripping story of the human survivors in a world overrun by zombies begins. 48

10 THE WALKING DEAD COMPENDIUM, by Robert Kirkman and others. (Image Comics, $59.99.) This massive collected edition - over 1,000 pages - reprints the first 48 issues of "The Walking Dead." The TV version of the comic book series starts on AMC this month. 3

MANGA

This Week Weeks on List

1 NARUTO, VOL. 49, by Masashi Kishimoto. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Poor Naruto: he must cope with a ninja summit and a target on the back of his good friend, Sasuke. 2

2 BLACK BIRD, VOL. 6, by Kanoko Sakurakoji. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Misao Harada can see into a magical realm where she is the bride demon of prophecy. How will she survive the pursuit of demons who want the power in her blood? 2

3 HETALIA AXIS POWERS, VOL. 1, by Hidekaz Himaruya. (TOKYOPOP, $10.99.) From the publisher: "Get ready to brush up on world history with these handsome and hysterical personifications of the Axis Powers as they meet, become friends and form one of the most powerful alliances the world has ever seen." 4

4 YU-GI-OH! GX, VOL. 5, by Kazuki Takahashi and Naoyuki Kageyama. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) The next generation of Yu-Gi-Oh battle it out at the Duel Academy. In this volume, the two best students, Jaden and Chazz, compete. 2

5 MAXIMUM RIDE, VOL. 3, by James Patterson and NaRae Lee. (Yen Press, $12.99.) Isn’t being a kid hard enough? For this group, who are also part bird, nothing comes easy. An F.B.I. agent steps in to help, but the evil "erasers" lurk around the corner. 9

6 INUYASHA, VOL. 53, by Rumiko Takahashi. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Kagome, a modern-day high school girl, is pulled into Japan’s ancient past, where she is linked to a dog-eared half demon named Inuyasha. In this volume: evil lurks in the form of Magatsuhi. 1

7 ONE PIECE, VOL. 55, by Eiichiro Oda. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Monkey D. Luffy and his motley crew of would-be pirates search for a legendary treasure called "One Piece." In this volume, Luffy gets help from some former foes in an attempt to rescue his brother. 2

8 BLEACH, VOL. 32, by Tite Kubo. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Ichigo Kurosaki sees dead people and must help usher them safely into the afterlife. 6

9 DENGEKI DAISY, VOL. 2, by Kyousuke Motomi. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Is there a love triangle in bloom? Thanks to a burglary, Teru is staying at Kurosaki’s apartment. Then a woman from his past, Riko, shows up. Uh oh. 2

10 ALICE IN THE COUNTRY OF HEARTS, VOL. 4, by Quinrose and Hoshino Soumei. (TOKYOPOP, $10.99.) Alice wanders into a very different part of Wonderland in this interpretation of the classic tale. In this new area of the fantasy land, every man is in love with Alice... and firearms. 5

New York Times -Children's Book - Week of October 24, 2010

2010-10-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

New York Times -Best Selling Children's Books

Week of October 24, 2010

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Here is the link to this week's list of best selling New York Times Children's Books:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/31/books/bestseller/bestchildren.html?ref=bestseller

Scroll down to see there are any new comers and ones that debuted at number one this week.

Is Knuffle Bunny Free still in the number one spot or has it been replaced by a new comer?
Scroll down this page to see the entire list........

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PICTURE BOOKS

This Week Weeks on List

1 KNUFFLE BUNNY FREE, written and illustrated by Mo Willems. (Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins, $17.99.) A little girl and her well-loved companion take a trip that leads to unexpected discoveries. (Ages 3 to 7) 3

2 FABULOUS FASHION BOUTIQUE, by Jane O’Connor. Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. (HarperCollins, $17.99.) Fancy Nancy takes an entrepreneurial approach to haute couture. (Ages 4 to 7) 1

3 SCAREDY-CAT, SPLAT!, written and illustrated by Rob Scotton. (Harper/HarperCollins, $16.99.) Splat aims to scare his cat school pals on Halloween. (Ages 3 to 7) 5

4 ZEN GHOSTS, written and illustrated by Jon J Muth. (Scholastic Press, $17.99.) Stillwater the panda with a Halloween-themed tale of Eastern wisdom. (Ages 5 to 8) 4

5 ART AND MAX, written and illustrated by David Wiesner. (Clarion, $17.99.) Two artists mix methods and media. (Ages 5 to 8) 1

6 OLIVIA GOES TO VENICE, written and illustrated by Ian Falconer. (Atheneum, $17.99.) A piglet prone to big ideas wants to live on the Grand Canal. (Ages 3 to 7) 3

7 LEGO STAR WARS, by Simon Beecroft. (DK, $21.99.) An annotated visual dictionary. (Ages 7 and up) 43

8 THE LION AND THE MOUSE, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. (Little, Brown, $16.99.) A fable of reciprocal kindness, redrawn. (Ages 3 to 6) 42

9 MY MOMMY HUNG THE MOON, by Jamie Lee Curtis. Illustrated by Laura Cornell. (Joanna Cotler/HarperCollins, $16.99.) A child waxes poetic about Mom’s amazing achievements. (Ages 4 to 8) 6

10 THE THREE LITTLE DASSIES, written and illustrated by Jan Brett. (Putnam, $17.99.) A retelling of "The Three Little Pigs," with Namibian flavor. (Ages 3 to 5) 3

CHAPTER BOOKS

This Week Weeks on List

1 THE LOST HERO, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, $18.99.) A return to Camp Half-Blood and semi-divine characters old and new. (Ages 10 and up) 1

2 JUSTIN BIEBER, FIRST STEP 2 FOREVER, by Justin Bieber. (HarperCollins, $21.99.) A young musician reaches out to fans with short takes, Web posts and photos. (Ages 6 to 12) 1

3 BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS, by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. (Little, Brown, $17.99.) A return to a small Southern town riddled with underground passageways, secrets and curses. (Ages 12 and up) 1

4 TORMENT, by Lauren Kate. (Delacorte, $17.99.) A novel about the nephilim, the children of humans and fallen angels. (Ages 12 and up) 3

5 THE SCORCH TRIALS, by James Dashner. (Delacorte, $17.99.) The former denizens of the Maze cope with postapocalyptic plagues. (Ages 12 and up) 1

6 THE RED PYRAMID, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, $17.99.) Ancient gods (this time from Egypt) and a mortal family meet. (Ages 10 and up) 24

7 CRESCENDO, by Becca Fitzpatrick. (Simon & Schuster, $18.99.) A world where the truth is sought and feared; a sequel to “Hush, Hush.” (Ages 14 and up) 1

8 CLOCKWORK ANGEL, by Cassandra Clare. (McElderry/Simon & Schuster, $19.99.) Victorian England proves a treacherous place. (Ages 14 and up) 7

9 LAUREN CONRAD STYLE, by Lauren Conrad with Elise Loehnen. (HarperCollins, $19.99.) A guide to chic. (Ages 12 and up) 2

10 ELIXIR, by Hilary Duff with Elise Allen. (Simon & Schuster, $17.99.) Ghosts of images appear on photographs, and then in reality. (Ages 14 and up) 1

PAPERBACK BOOKS

This Week Weeks on List

1 FALLEN, by Lauren Kate. (Delacorte, $9.99.) Love is thwarted at a boarding school where the students are not your average mortals. (Ages 12 and up) 3

2 THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak. (Knopf, $11.99.) A girl saves books from Nazi burning. Excerpt (Ages 14 and up) 162

3 THREE CUPS OF TEA: YOUNG READERS EDITION, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. (Puffin/Penguin, $8.99.) A former climber builds schools in Pakistani and Afghan villages. (Ages 9 to 12) 90

4 THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, by Neil Gaiman. Illustrated by Dave McKean. (HarperCollins, $7.99.) To avoid a killer, a boy lives in a cemetery. Excerpt (Ages 10 and up) 3

5 OLIVIA AND THE HAUNTED HOTEL, Adapted by Jodie Shepherd. Illustrated by Patrick Spaziante. (Simon Spotlight, $4.99.) A game of "hotel" takes on a ghostly dimension for piglet friends. A TV tie-in. (Ages 3 to 7) 2

6 SAVVY, by Ingrid Law. (Puffin/Penguin, $7.99.) Mibs is about to receive her supernatural abilities. (Ages 9 to 12) 22

7 HUSH, HUSH, by Becca Fitzpatrick. (Simon & Schuster, $17.99.) A love story of immortals and ancient battles. (Ages 14 and up) 4

8 BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. (Little, Brown, $17.99.) A secret wrapped in a Southern Gothic novel. (Ages 12 and up) 4

9 THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN, by Sherman Alexie. Illustrated by Ellen Forney. (Little, Brown, $8.99.) A young boy leaves his reservation for an all-white school. (Ages 12 and up) 78

10 SHIVER, by Maggie Stiefvater. (Scholastic, $8.99.) Love among the lupine. (Ages 13 and up) 19

SERIES BOOKS

This Week Weeks on List

1 THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins. (Scholastic, hardcover and paper) In a dystopian society a girl fights for survival on live TV. (Ages 12 and up) 8

2 DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney. (Abrams, hardcover only) The travails of adolescence, in cartoons. (Ages 9 to 12) 92

3 PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, by Rick Riordan. (Disney-Hyperion, hardcover and paper) Children of the gods battle mythological monsters. (Ages 9 to 12) 171

4 RANGER’S APPRENTICE, by John Flanagan. (Philomel, hardcover and paper) A boy warrior battles evil. (Ages 9 to 12) 55

5 THE TWILIGHT SAGA, by Stephenie Meyer. (Megan Tingley/Little, Brown, hardcover and paper) Vampires and werewolves in school. (Ages 12 and up) 167

6 L.A. CANDY, by Lauren Conrad. (HarperCollins) Excitement in TV land, by someone who has been there. (Ages 14 and up) 2

7 CHRONICLES OF VLADIMIR TOD, by Heather Brewer. (Dutton, hardcover and Speak, paper) School is no picnic for a student who thirsts for blood. (Ages 12 and up) 8

8 THE 39 CLUES, by various authors. (Scholastic, hardcover only) A brother and sister travel the world in search of the key to their family’s power. (Ages 9 to 12) 67

9 THE CRANK TRILOGY, Ellen Hopkins. (Simon & Schuster) Chronicles of addiction. (Ages 14 and up) 5

10 PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, by Sara Shepard. (HarperTeen, hardcover and paper) Four girls less perfect than they seem. (Ages 14 and up) 30

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Happy Reading.........

Until the next time.........

A Children's Book a Day, Keeps the Scary Monster Away!
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