" If one of James's most remarkable attributes was his genius for friendship, then George and Martha are the quintessential expression of that genius. Those dear, ditzy, down-to-earth hippos bring serious pleasure to everybody, not only to children. They are time-capsule hippos who will always remind us of a paradise in publishing and -- both seriously and comically -- of the true, durable meaning of friendship under the best and worst conditions." Maurice Sendak
WE LOVE GEORGE AND MARTHA
Who doesn't?
Mirette found the complete George and Martha stories on my niece's book shelf. "Ella," I said, "you have George and Martha on your book shelf" "I LOVE George and Martha," Ella replied.
"What should we get Mirette for Hanukah?" my sister asked later. "How about the complete George and Martha stories," I replied. My two sisters simultaneously said, "Oh, we LOVE George and Martha."
Why does everyone love the story of two big ol' hippos?
For me, I think it's because George and Martha operate on two levels: kids love the books. The hippos are sweet, friendly and loving. But it is also such a parable for how we interact as adults. For instance, one of the stories is about split pea soup. Martha keeps making George split pea soup. He hates it, but keeps eating it--just to be polite. Martha catches him putting the soup in his shoe and reveals that she also hates split pea soup and won't make it anymore. In another similar vignette (for they do seem to be written in that form) George buys Martha a clock. The sound annoys her and she puts it in the bottom of her laundry basket. George find it and wonders how it got there. Martha feels horrible and asks him if he wants to keep it for her for a while. Martha is happy because she doesn't have the annoying alarm clock. George is happy because he does. How many of us have had similar experiences? I know I have.
My mom once got me a subscription to a magazine I didn't read or like. I didn't say anything to be polite. The next year, I got a card saying that my subscription had been renewed. The next year, I finally got my courage up to tell my ma that she was wasting her money.
Another vignette I love is when Martha gets mad at George for spraying her with a hose. Martha decides not to talk to George, but then keeps thinking of funny things she wants to tell him. Um, I have been there with my husband. Occasionally, I've been so mad at him, I've sworn that we are no longer going to speak ever again. A few hours later, I think of something that I want to talk to him about. Oh wait, we're in a fight. I can't. A few more hours, I start dreaming of that romantic dinner we want to have. Wait. I hate him. I feel my resolve for hatred withering and by evening all I want is for this ridiculous fight to be over.
James Marshall (1942-1992) illustrated a gazillion books and has several other popular series like The Cut-ups (though I happen to think George and Martha is the best of his work). George and Martha are named after the characters from Edward Albee's play Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf. While reading these fine books look for his signature style--pictures of fat cats and piles of things about to fall over. Marshall died prematurely of a brain tumor at the age of 50.
For a lovely memorial to James Marshall by his friend Maurice Sendak, go to this site (or see quote at the top of this posting):
http://www.nytimes.com/books/97/11/16/bookend/bookend.html
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Book of the Day: The Story of Colors
The Story of Colors
La Historia de los Colores
Author: Subcomandante Marcos
Illustrator: Domitila Dominguez
Cinco Puntos Press 1996
While perusing my sisters book shelves, I stumbled upon several copies of this book. The first thing that caught my eye was the stunning pictures--bright splashes of paint, almost looking like ancient wall art, very textured and rich. I got excited to share this with Mirette. The illustrator Domitila Dominguez is an indigenous artist from Mexico with no formal training.
http://www.cincopuntos.com/artists_detail.sstg?id=44
Example of artwork:
http://www.tallerlatino.org/GalleryArchive/ExhibitsPrevious.php (scroll down until you see her name)
The second thing I noticed is that the book was written by Subcomandante Marcos. What. Hmmm? How interesting. "Isn't he a revolutionary guy, not a children's book author?" Look at these photos of him:
https://www.google.com/search?q=subcomandante+Marcos&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7TSNA_enUS392US392&prmd=imvnsob&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=UTnVTqnAF8qTiQKuxtzFDg&ved=0CD8QsAQ&biw=1366&bih=552
Does this look like the kind-of guy who sits around and writes kids books? Well, yes, in addition to being a mask-wearing, pipe-puffing revolutionary, it seems he used to be a philosophy professor and wants to bring the folklore and struggles of the indigenous peoples of Chiapas to light.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/1214676.stm
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/10/19-7
I asked my sister why she had several copies of this book hanging out and she told me that a theater troupe she works with was going to use the book. http://www.stridinglion.org/About.html
At last, I sat down to read this book to Mirette, very excited to see what Subcomante Marcos wanted to tell the people. First line (both in English and Spanish), "I light my pipe and after three ceremonial puffs, I begin to tell you. . .and then later, "He catches his breath while he rolls another cigarette."
Okay, come on, what modern American story talks of cigarette smoking? Isn't that a taboo subject these days? I'm already getting into the revolutionary vibe. But better yet, a few pages later: "And the men and women they were making love which is a nice way to become tired and then go to sleep."
In all the books I've read to Mirette there's never been a sentence devoted to the wonderful act of making love. And I started to wonder why not? Perhaps that is why children giggle about sex. Why can't we just talk about it as the beautiful, amazing, sleep-inducing thing that it is. He's right, drifting off into sleep after making love is one of the most delicious of human experiences.
But admittedly, there was another prudish part of me that wanted to put the book down, fearing that I'd be exposing my child to evil things--cigarette smoke, love-making--things she should not know about right now. She's only 2 and a half.
This made me reflect upon children's literature. What do we want our children to know or not know? How do our books reflect the mores of our culture? I decided to share this book because I've been thinking about it ever since--the hidden culture of our storybooks. In the end, I decided that reading to my kid a book where cigarette' and love-making make an appearance is not going to turn her into a rebellious teenager in a few years. I want to expose her to all kinds of things and as long as there is a feeling of safety, I think it's okay to experience many different cultural ways, styles of writing, and forms that are unfamiliar to us here in the USA.
And if you can get past all that, it's a lovely book with a charm all its own.
La Historia de los Colores
Author: Subcomandante Marcos
Illustrator: Domitila Dominguez
Cinco Puntos Press 1996
While perusing my sisters book shelves, I stumbled upon several copies of this book. The first thing that caught my eye was the stunning pictures--bright splashes of paint, almost looking like ancient wall art, very textured and rich. I got excited to share this with Mirette. The illustrator Domitila Dominguez is an indigenous artist from Mexico with no formal training.
http://www.cincopuntos.com/artists_detail.sstg?id=44
Example of artwork:
http://www.tallerlatino.org/GalleryArchive/ExhibitsPrevious.php (scroll down until you see her name)
The second thing I noticed is that the book was written by Subcomandante Marcos. What. Hmmm? How interesting. "Isn't he a revolutionary guy, not a children's book author?" Look at these photos of him:
https://www.google.com/search?q=subcomandante+Marcos&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7TSNA_enUS392US392&prmd=imvnsob&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=UTnVTqnAF8qTiQKuxtzFDg&ved=0CD8QsAQ&biw=1366&bih=552
Does this look like the kind-of guy who sits around and writes kids books? Well, yes, in addition to being a mask-wearing, pipe-puffing revolutionary, it seems he used to be a philosophy professor and wants to bring the folklore and struggles of the indigenous peoples of Chiapas to light.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/1214676.stm
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/10/19-7
I asked my sister why she had several copies of this book hanging out and she told me that a theater troupe she works with was going to use the book. http://www.stridinglion.org/About.html
At last, I sat down to read this book to Mirette, very excited to see what Subcomante Marcos wanted to tell the people. First line (both in English and Spanish), "I light my pipe and after three ceremonial puffs, I begin to tell you. . .and then later, "He catches his breath while he rolls another cigarette."
Okay, come on, what modern American story talks of cigarette smoking? Isn't that a taboo subject these days? I'm already getting into the revolutionary vibe. But better yet, a few pages later: "And the men and women they were making love which is a nice way to become tired and then go to sleep."
In all the books I've read to Mirette there's never been a sentence devoted to the wonderful act of making love. And I started to wonder why not? Perhaps that is why children giggle about sex. Why can't we just talk about it as the beautiful, amazing, sleep-inducing thing that it is. He's right, drifting off into sleep after making love is one of the most delicious of human experiences.
But admittedly, there was another prudish part of me that wanted to put the book down, fearing that I'd be exposing my child to evil things--cigarette smoke, love-making--things she should not know about right now. She's only 2 and a half.
This made me reflect upon children's literature. What do we want our children to know or not know? How do our books reflect the mores of our culture? I decided to share this book because I've been thinking about it ever since--the hidden culture of our storybooks. In the end, I decided that reading to my kid a book where cigarette' and love-making make an appearance is not going to turn her into a rebellious teenager in a few years. I want to expose her to all kinds of things and as long as there is a feeling of safety, I think it's okay to experience many different cultural ways, styles of writing, and forms that are unfamiliar to us here in the USA.
And if you can get past all that, it's a lovely book with a charm all its own.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Chicago Dispatch
Greetings from Chicago.
Besides an ear infection and trips to the pediatrician, we've had a great time in Chicago. We went with Mirette's Aunts to see Goodnight Moon.
We all wondered how the short little book Goodnight Moon could turn into a full length play. We were pleasantly surprised. The best part was after the first sweet musical number with the boy bunny singing about stars, the curtain opened to reveal the GREAT GREEN ROOM. How cool. I admit that I had a little moment of childish joy to see this book I've read so many time transformed.
The set was amazing with little characters dancing in the house, bears that fell through the bed, a gorgeous moon, and pictures that moved. The acting was over the top and slightly annoying.
As for Mirette, we couldn't tell if she liked it because she was staring the whole time with a blankish look on her face. In the end, we chalked it up to concentration. It was her first play and I'm not sure she knew what to think.
The best part for her was that the bunny boy hopped right through a row in the audience which happened to be our row. Mirette thought that was pretty amazing, but also she has no conception of what is normal in the theater.
More later about reading in Chicago. . .
Friday, November 18, 2011
Book of the Day: The Snowy Day
The Snowy Day
Ezra Jack Keats
Viking, 1962
I know there is not snow in our backyard, but it is so dang cold outside. It is even possible we'll get snow in the Pacific Northwest this week, a twice-yearly event (in a typical winter). This beloved book was a gift to Mirette from my sister. Although I've read other books by Ezra Jack Keats, this is hands-down my favorite. How could you not fall in love with this book? It is so sweet and simple. It depicts the love many of us feel for that snowy day, school cancelled, the thrill of looking out the window, the sense of mystery and curiosity that I still feel when the land is blanketed by fresh snow. It is made all the sweeter with a daughter to share it with.
Rest assured, I'll be reading some biographies and sharing more on all the cool stuff Mr. Keats brought to the world of books, but for now, here's some links specific to The Snowy Day.
The Snowy Day discussion guide:
The Snowy Day video game:
A first grade's The Snowy Day project:
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Just Right Books: Part Two
ADDENDUM to Just Right Books Part One: Perhaps I am too harsh a critic. Just Right books do have a place in education. Let's say a kid is a bit behind in reading. All his or her friends are reading a series and he/she tries to read it too, but can't. That kid may become very frustrated with reading. Finding Just Right books can help a child discover that reading is FUN rather than FRUSTRATING. My problem is when an education philosophy or idea becomes the only way. The truth, in my opinion, is always in the middle.
READING UP:
Here's an example of how Mirette and I read up. Perhaps she'll be just like me when she grows up and read travel guides for fun. She also reads birding books and cookbooks. Anything with lots of pictures is fair game for us!
READING DOWN:
Any Sandra Boynton book is sheer pleasure for both Mirette and Mommy. These books are near and dear to my heart because Blue Hat, Green Hat was the first book that caused Mirette to laugh aloud, the first humorous thing she got on her own. Needless to say, we read this book again and again and again to the same effect — hysterical giggles.
Interesting things about Sandra Boynton: She's 58 years old, went to Yale, is married to an Olympic canoeist, lived in France, is into drama and singing, has four kids, grew up Quaker, and has written a whole ton of successful books.
Here's a link to a Boynton song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3_7UikPpcg&feature=related
A very cool video she produced with BB King:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8rLuk2PoMA
Her official website:
http://www.sandraboynton.com/sboynton/index.html
Want your kid in a Sandra Boynton book (this is a pretty cool idea):
http://www.pintsizeproductions.com/pintsize_personalized_Boynton_boardbooks.html
Lastly, a link to Sandra Boynton's cd GRUNT — which looks pretty darn fun for harried parents (it's a Pig Latin version of Gregorian Chanting):
http://www.amazon.com/Grunt-Pigorian-Chant-Snouto-Domoinko/dp/0761105948/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321464170&sr=1-1
READING UP:
Here's an example of how Mirette and I read up. Perhaps she'll be just like me when she grows up and read travel guides for fun. She also reads birding books and cookbooks. Anything with lots of pictures is fair game for us!
READING DOWN:
Any Sandra Boynton book is sheer pleasure for both Mirette and Mommy. These books are near and dear to my heart because Blue Hat, Green Hat was the first book that caused Mirette to laugh aloud, the first humorous thing she got on her own. Needless to say, we read this book again and again and again to the same effect — hysterical giggles.
Interesting things about Sandra Boynton: She's 58 years old, went to Yale, is married to an Olympic canoeist, lived in France, is into drama and singing, has four kids, grew up Quaker, and has written a whole ton of successful books.
Here's a link to a Boynton song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3_7UikPpcg&feature=related
A very cool video she produced with BB King:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8rLuk2PoMA
Her official website:
http://www.sandraboynton.com/sboynton/index.html
Want your kid in a Sandra Boynton book (this is a pretty cool idea):
http://www.pintsizeproductions.com/pintsize_personalized_Boynton_boardbooks.html
Lastly, a link to Sandra Boynton's cd GRUNT — which looks pretty darn fun for harried parents (it's a Pig Latin version of Gregorian Chanting):
http://www.amazon.com/Grunt-Pigorian-Chant-Snouto-Domoinko/dp/0761105948/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321464170&sr=1-1
Monday, November 14, 2011
Just Right Books: Part One
I have seen education waves come and go. There's lingo that suddenly is all the rage and then it fades out and something new takes its place. Keep in mind this isn't based on history, just what I remember from my 15 years as a School Counselor. (I didn't usually attend reading workshops and in-services, so this is just from an outsider's view.)
First there was Accelerated Reader. Suddenly some books had an AR label—such as 4.5 (4th grade, 5th month). A student would read books and take a quiz afterwards. Kids would know their reading level—like "I'm a 4," or "I'm a 3.2." Students would want to read AR books because then they could take a quiz and get prizes.
Then suddenly, Accelerated Reading took off like wildfire. I remember that one school I was at took the summer to completely level the library. Leveling books means that every book in the library had a label on it as to its reading level. Accelerated Books and Leveling are no longer trending because now they are just part of most schools.
The new trend, though, is helping kids find "Just Right" books. A JUST RIGHT book is perfect because it is challenging enough to help the student learn new vocabulary and yet not so challenging that it will frustrate the student.
It makes a lot of sense, but another part of me just wants to puke when I hear over and over again, "choose a Just Right book." I know it works and is research-based and all that—but it seems to me that it has the potential to take something away from the love of reading. After all, think of all those first graders reading the entire Harry Potter series—way beyond their "just right" level.
As for us, I see many reading lists for young kids and they are divided into the following categories: Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers. It's semi-ridiculous because we regularly read books from all three categories. In fact, many of the books I have reviewed in this blog would never be on a list for toddlers.
Tune into the next blog posting to see how Mirette reads both up past her "Just Right" level and down below her "Just Right" level and how we have FUN with excursions into both extremes.
First there was Accelerated Reader. Suddenly some books had an AR label—such as 4.5 (4th grade, 5th month). A student would read books and take a quiz afterwards. Kids would know their reading level—like "I'm a 4," or "I'm a 3.2." Students would want to read AR books because then they could take a quiz and get prizes.
Then suddenly, Accelerated Reading took off like wildfire. I remember that one school I was at took the summer to completely level the library. Leveling books means that every book in the library had a label on it as to its reading level. Accelerated Books and Leveling are no longer trending because now they are just part of most schools.
The new trend, though, is helping kids find "Just Right" books. A JUST RIGHT book is perfect because it is challenging enough to help the student learn new vocabulary and yet not so challenging that it will frustrate the student.
It makes a lot of sense, but another part of me just wants to puke when I hear over and over again, "choose a Just Right book." I know it works and is research-based and all that—but it seems to me that it has the potential to take something away from the love of reading. After all, think of all those first graders reading the entire Harry Potter series—way beyond their "just right" level.
As for us, I see many reading lists for young kids and they are divided into the following categories: Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers. It's semi-ridiculous because we regularly read books from all three categories. In fact, many of the books I have reviewed in this blog would never be on a list for toddlers.
Tune into the next blog posting to see how Mirette reads both up past her "Just Right" level and down below her "Just Right" level and how we have FUN with excursions into both extremes.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Today at Alice's House: Books of the Day!
One Winter's Day
Author: M. Christina Butler
Illustrator: Tina Macnaughton
Good Books, 2006
The Snow Bear
Author: Liliana Stafford
Illustrator: Lambert Davis
Scholastic Press. 2000
Often, while visiting friends, my eyes go straight to their book shelves—each friend's house is a mini-library with new discoveries waiting to be found. Today, Alice was busy with her baby, her son Weston was playing happily in the sandbox, Mirette was building with bristle blocks, and I challenged myself to find my two favorite books from Weston's shelf. (By the way, I realized, while perusing, that Mirette has hardly any books about trucks and Weston has tons. It may be a whole other topic, but I started to wonder if Mirette has few books about trucks because she hasn't expressed interest or because we aren't that interested in the topic— Is it because she's a girl? hmmmm? Food for thought.)
I more than succeeded! There were so many potentials, but these are the two gems I bring to the blog.
The first one is called One Winter's Day. What drew me to this book is the adorable picture of a hedgehog on the cover with a bright red scarf, mittens, and hat (that you can touch and feel). The pictures are so cozy and warm—you feel like you are in the wind on a cold day, snuggling beneath your hat and scarf. The book is about sharing, friendship, and kindness. Warning: If you are even slightly hormonal, the end of this book may cause a tear or two.
The author has several other books that seem to form a series such as One Snowy Night and The Dark, Dark Night, but she does not have a website of her own.
Tina Macnaughton has a website and prints you can order for a child's room! I think her drawings would make a fabulous gift for a special kid and I'll definitely be bookmarking her site.
http://www.tina-macnaughton.com/shop/index.html
The other book that won my contest is The Snow Bear. Alice got this one from Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada. What I liked best about this book is the pictures, which are all bright aqua blue. The story is another beautiful, tear-inducing tale about the friendship between a boy and a bear.
Liliana Stafford's website is http://www.lilianastafford.com/books.html. She also has a lovely story on the back page of the book, explaining why she wrote the story.
Lambert Davis has a cool website. He speaks at schools and demonstrates the art of painting a picture while he's there. He then takes it home, frames it, and gifts it to the school. Too bad he lives in Australia. http://lambertdavis.com/index.htm
Author: M. Christina Butler
Illustrator: Tina Macnaughton
Good Books, 2006
The Snow Bear
Author: Liliana Stafford
Illustrator: Lambert Davis
Scholastic Press. 2000
Often, while visiting friends, my eyes go straight to their book shelves—each friend's house is a mini-library with new discoveries waiting to be found. Today, Alice was busy with her baby, her son Weston was playing happily in the sandbox, Mirette was building with bristle blocks, and I challenged myself to find my two favorite books from Weston's shelf. (By the way, I realized, while perusing, that Mirette has hardly any books about trucks and Weston has tons. It may be a whole other topic, but I started to wonder if Mirette has few books about trucks because she hasn't expressed interest or because we aren't that interested in the topic— Is it because she's a girl? hmmmm? Food for thought.)
I more than succeeded! There were so many potentials, but these are the two gems I bring to the blog.
The first one is called One Winter's Day. What drew me to this book is the adorable picture of a hedgehog on the cover with a bright red scarf, mittens, and hat (that you can touch and feel). The pictures are so cozy and warm—you feel like you are in the wind on a cold day, snuggling beneath your hat and scarf. The book is about sharing, friendship, and kindness. Warning: If you are even slightly hormonal, the end of this book may cause a tear or two.
The author has several other books that seem to form a series such as One Snowy Night and The Dark, Dark Night, but she does not have a website of her own.
Tina Macnaughton has a website and prints you can order for a child's room! I think her drawings would make a fabulous gift for a special kid and I'll definitely be bookmarking her site.
http://www.tina-macnaughton.com/shop/index.html
The other book that won my contest is The Snow Bear. Alice got this one from Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada. What I liked best about this book is the pictures, which are all bright aqua blue. The story is another beautiful, tear-inducing tale about the friendship between a boy and a bear.
Liliana Stafford's website is http://www.lilianastafford.com/books.html. She also has a lovely story on the back page of the book, explaining why she wrote the story.
Lambert Davis has a cool website. He speaks at schools and demonstrates the art of painting a picture while he's there. He then takes it home, frames it, and gifts it to the school. Too bad he lives in Australia. http://lambertdavis.com/index.htm
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