Make Way for Ducklings
Robert McCloskey
The Viking Press (1969)
From what I can gather, need two is similar to need one, but added to that is books that help children learn about love, about family relationships, and about what it means to be a family.
I am still glowing from our family Christamas celebration. In fact, as I write this my step-daughters, Lily and Susannah, and Lily's boyfriend are sleeping in our living room. We are tired from late night games and chatting, and Mirette is still bouncing around excited to have everyone here. Our tree is twinkling and I am glad for Christmas and Hanukah (we celebrate both), for having such a great family, and for the people that love up Mirette.
Make Way for Ducklings is a special book for us because it was a gift from Mirette's sisters when she was first born. It is about family and love, mom and dad looking for a safe and comfortable place to live, having fun together, getting help from others, and protecting your young from danger. It's about sisters, brothers, and community. And c'mon, who doesn't like to say Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack.
Robert McCloskey (1914-2003) wrote other well-known books such as Lentil and Blueberries for Sal (books we have yet to dig into).
In Boston you can find a climable sculpture of Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings and a Make Way for Ducklings annual parade where kids can dress as their favorite character http://www.schon.com/public/ducklings-boston.php.
McCloskey was into exact renderings of his animals. Much to the chagrin of his office mate, he brought ducks to his art studio and drew them in every pose imaginable! Here's the link to a biography written by his daughter Jane: http://www.amazon.com/Robert-McCloskey-Private-Words-Pictures/dp/0978689968/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1325535538&sr=8-12
Monday, December 26, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Need for Security: Owl Babies
Owl Babies
Author: Martin Waddell
Illustrator: Patrick Benson
Candlewick Press (1992)
I've been eagerly plowing through the ninth edition of Children and Books by Zena Sutherland feeling like I'm in some self-imposed college course.
Chapter one talks about what NEEDS are fulfilled by a child reading a book. There are seven needs and I decided to find seven books from our shelves that meet the criteria for each need. (of course, as part of this exercise they all had to be books I would recommend with gusto, a much harder task). Here goes part one:
Need One: The Need for Security. It does seem like so many of the books we read to Mirette have security as part of their theme. The majority of books for kids her age ends with a child or animal being tucked in safely to bed. Owl Babies is seemingly on every book list for young children and with good reason: it is the quintessential book on security. Sarah and Percy and Bill are worrying about their mom's return. "Where's Mommy?" asked Sarah; "Oh my goodness!" said Percy; "I want my mommy!" said Bill. And at last, SHE CAME.
In addition to the fact that the words are lots of fun (Mirette has this book memorized, especially the repeated line, "I want my mommy"), the illustrations are gorgeous, dark, and striking.
Martin Waddell is an Irish guy, who turned from a career in football to writing (one of his stories was turned into a movie). As most of our authors, he has a fascinating life--including being in a building when it was bombed and surviving cancer. Here's a his bio: http://www.walker.co.uk/contributors/Martin-Waddell-1811.aspx and a sweet video of him reading a book: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfrtcVSfoUI.
Patrick Benson lives in England and has illustrated many books, including the Hob Stories (which is a beloved book from my husband's childhood). Here's an interview to find out more: http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/features/magicpencil/learning_benson_interview_1.html
Author: Martin Waddell
Illustrator: Patrick Benson
Candlewick Press (1992)
I've been eagerly plowing through the ninth edition of Children and Books by Zena Sutherland feeling like I'm in some self-imposed college course.
Chapter one talks about what NEEDS are fulfilled by a child reading a book. There are seven needs and I decided to find seven books from our shelves that meet the criteria for each need. (of course, as part of this exercise they all had to be books I would recommend with gusto, a much harder task). Here goes part one:
Need One: The Need for Security. It does seem like so many of the books we read to Mirette have security as part of their theme. The majority of books for kids her age ends with a child or animal being tucked in safely to bed. Owl Babies is seemingly on every book list for young children and with good reason: it is the quintessential book on security. Sarah and Percy and Bill are worrying about their mom's return. "Where's Mommy?" asked Sarah; "Oh my goodness!" said Percy; "I want my mommy!" said Bill. And at last, SHE CAME.
In addition to the fact that the words are lots of fun (Mirette has this book memorized, especially the repeated line, "I want my mommy"), the illustrations are gorgeous, dark, and striking.
Martin Waddell is an Irish guy, who turned from a career in football to writing (one of his stories was turned into a movie). As most of our authors, he has a fascinating life--including being in a building when it was bombed and surviving cancer. Here's a his bio: http://www.walker.co.uk/contributors/Martin-Waddell-1811.aspx and a sweet video of him reading a book: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfrtcVSfoUI.
Patrick Benson lives in England and has illustrated many books, including the Hob Stories (which is a beloved book from my husband's childhood). Here's an interview to find out more: http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/features/magicpencil/learning_benson_interview_1.html
Book of the Day: Trouble with Trolls
Trouble With Trolls
Jan Brett
Puffin Books (1992)
Seriously? Jan Brett is from Massachusettes? I had assumed she was from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, or Antarctic. I was sure she was a man with a name pronounced Yan, distant relative of Thor.
Her books have such a lovely sense of place. Even as an adult, I feel transported to a different time and setting. One biography depicted her pictures as lavish. I think that's definitely true. There's the story and then there's a needlepoint border with all kinds of things happening on the edges. One could stare at this book for hours and never see it all. I remember loving books like this when I was a kid.
As for Mirette, it's a little much for her to take in, so we mostly stick to the main story. She'll tug on my arm and say, "mommy, turn the page" which I ever so reluctantly do.
Jan Brett does book tours on a giant bus with her husband and pet hedgehog. She's a serious chicken-raiser, has a husband who plays for the Boston Symphony, and takes an entire year to write one book. She travels to the places that her books are set in, looking for fine details that will help the reader connect. Also, she thinks of smells and sounds while she is writing. She has a great blog:http://janbrettsblog.com/ and an even better website: http://www.janbrett.com/index.html
The website has tons and tons of activities such as making hedgehog cookies and place mats for Christmas as well as lots of how to draw videos.
To learn more about Jan Brett and see her mind in action (and let me tell you, it's fascinating), check out this video about The Night Before Christmas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZSQ6exsfIM
Jan Brett
Puffin Books (1992)
Seriously? Jan Brett is from Massachusettes? I had assumed she was from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, or Antarctic. I was sure she was a man with a name pronounced Yan, distant relative of Thor.
Her books have such a lovely sense of place. Even as an adult, I feel transported to a different time and setting. One biography depicted her pictures as lavish. I think that's definitely true. There's the story and then there's a needlepoint border with all kinds of things happening on the edges. One could stare at this book for hours and never see it all. I remember loving books like this when I was a kid.
As for Mirette, it's a little much for her to take in, so we mostly stick to the main story. She'll tug on my arm and say, "mommy, turn the page" which I ever so reluctantly do.
Jan Brett does book tours on a giant bus with her husband and pet hedgehog. She's a serious chicken-raiser, has a husband who plays for the Boston Symphony, and takes an entire year to write one book. She travels to the places that her books are set in, looking for fine details that will help the reader connect. Also, she thinks of smells and sounds while she is writing. She has a great blog:http://janbrettsblog.com/ and an even better website: http://www.janbrett.com/index.html
The website has tons and tons of activities such as making hedgehog cookies and place mats for Christmas as well as lots of how to draw videos.
To learn more about Jan Brett and see her mind in action (and let me tell you, it's fascinating), check out this video about The Night Before Christmas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZSQ6exsfIM
Book of the Day: Suki's Kimono
Suki's Kimono
Author: Chieri Uegaki
Illustrator: Stephane Jorisch
Kids Can Press (2003)
Books can make a difference in dispelling prejudice and building community: not with role models and literal recipes, not with noble messages about the human family, but with enthralling stories that make us imagine the lives of others. A good story lets you know people as individuals in all their particularity and conflict; and once you see someone as a person---flawed, complex, striving--then you've reached beyond stereotype. Stories, writing them, telling them, sharing them, transforming them, enrich us and connect us and help us know each other.
Hazel Rochman, Against Borders: Promoting Books for a Multicultrual World (Chicago: Booklist Publications/American Library Association Books 1993) pp. 9,19
Quoted in Children and Books: Ninth Edition by Zena Sutherland
We have a storytime hour at our local book shop. The storyteller is a wonderful young man who always picks amazing books about diversity.
It is my hope to introduce Mirette to many different cultures and ways of life. I want to travel as a family and pass on my love of adventure. For me, that includes meeting people from all walks of life.
Suki's Kimono is a great story about a girl who insists upon wearing her kimono to the first day of school. Her sister and classmates make fun of her, but she sticks to her convictions and wins the class over!
The author, ChieriUegaki, is a second generations Japanese-Canadian. The book is about her relationship with her grandmother. This is her first children's book. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to read more!
The most interesting tid-bits about Stephane Jorisch is that he is a man (I thought he was a woman) and also that he designed sets for Cirque de Soleil.
Author: Chieri Uegaki
Illustrator: Stephane Jorisch
Kids Can Press (2003)
Books can make a difference in dispelling prejudice and building community: not with role models and literal recipes, not with noble messages about the human family, but with enthralling stories that make us imagine the lives of others. A good story lets you know people as individuals in all their particularity and conflict; and once you see someone as a person---flawed, complex, striving--then you've reached beyond stereotype. Stories, writing them, telling them, sharing them, transforming them, enrich us and connect us and help us know each other.
Hazel Rochman, Against Borders: Promoting Books for a Multicultrual World (Chicago: Booklist Publications/American Library Association Books 1993) pp. 9,19
Quoted in Children and Books: Ninth Edition by Zena Sutherland
We have a storytime hour at our local book shop. The storyteller is a wonderful young man who always picks amazing books about diversity.
It is my hope to introduce Mirette to many different cultures and ways of life. I want to travel as a family and pass on my love of adventure. For me, that includes meeting people from all walks of life.
Suki's Kimono is a great story about a girl who insists upon wearing her kimono to the first day of school. Her sister and classmates make fun of her, but she sticks to her convictions and wins the class over!
The author, ChieriUegaki, is a second generations Japanese-Canadian. The book is about her relationship with her grandmother. This is her first children's book. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to read more!
The most interesting tid-bits about Stephane Jorisch is that he is a man (I thought he was a woman) and also that he designed sets for Cirque de Soleil.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Book of the Day: A Very Special House
A Very Special House
Author: Ruth Krauss
Illustrator: Maurice Sendak
Haper Collins (1953)
We have been reading a lot of books lately and so many of them are delightful. I've only covered the tiniest fraction of great children's literature and I feel overwhelmed by all the wonderous books I am leaving out. I have to remember that this is OUR journey with books, the ones we seek out and the ones we stumble across and there is no way to include every amazing author and illustrator.
Like most people, I've read The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss many times, but I haven't been too familiar with the rest of her body of work. I took A Very Special House out from the library for Mirette and we've read it every night since. It is such a fun read.
I really like books that play with language and this definitely fits the bill. Here's my favorite playful passage: I know a house---
I'ts not a squirrel house
it's not a donkey house
--just like I said--
and it's not up on a mountain
and it's not down in a valley
and it's not down in a hole
and it's not down in our ally
and it's not up in a tree
or underneath the bed--
oh it's right in the middle--
oh it's ret in the meedle--
ohe it's root in the moodle of my head head head
The pages are all yellow with ink drawings and a blue and white boy prancing all over the pages, distinctly Maurice Sendak!
Ruth Krauss (1901-1993) wrote around 40 books for kids. Just like Margaret Wise Brown, she was part of the Writer's Laboratory at the Bank Street School. Some of her books were illustrated by her husband Crockett Johnson and eight were illustrated by Maurice Sendak. She also wrote poetry for adults.
There is not much about Ruth Krauss on the internet. Here's a photo of her and a short bio: http://www.lib.usm.edu/~degrum/html/research/findaids/DG0569f.html, but I am left wondering--who is she really?
As for Maurice Sendak, let's save him for another day!
Author: Ruth Krauss
Illustrator: Maurice Sendak
Haper Collins (1953)
We have been reading a lot of books lately and so many of them are delightful. I've only covered the tiniest fraction of great children's literature and I feel overwhelmed by all the wonderous books I am leaving out. I have to remember that this is OUR journey with books, the ones we seek out and the ones we stumble across and there is no way to include every amazing author and illustrator.
Like most people, I've read The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss many times, but I haven't been too familiar with the rest of her body of work. I took A Very Special House out from the library for Mirette and we've read it every night since. It is such a fun read.
I really like books that play with language and this definitely fits the bill. Here's my favorite playful passage: I know a house---
I'ts not a squirrel house
it's not a donkey house
--just like I said--
and it's not up on a mountain
and it's not down in a valley
and it's not down in a hole
and it's not down in our ally
and it's not up in a tree
or underneath the bed--
oh it's right in the middle--
oh it's ret in the meedle--
ohe it's root in the moodle of my head head head
The pages are all yellow with ink drawings and a blue and white boy prancing all over the pages, distinctly Maurice Sendak!
Ruth Krauss (1901-1993) wrote around 40 books for kids. Just like Margaret Wise Brown, she was part of the Writer's Laboratory at the Bank Street School. Some of her books were illustrated by her husband Crockett Johnson and eight were illustrated by Maurice Sendak. She also wrote poetry for adults.
There is not much about Ruth Krauss on the internet. Here's a photo of her and a short bio: http://www.lib.usm.edu/~degrum/html/research/findaids/DG0569f.html, but I am left wondering--who is she really?
As for Maurice Sendak, let's save him for another day!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Harried Holidays
I have this notion that I will write nine posts a month. But this month, I can barely get a thing done. The holiday season is so stressful. There are playdates, ornament-making parties, Chanukah on the horizon, thater producations, the flu, gift-buying, charity-giving, preschool parties, and lots of energy going outward. On top of this, I had a weird ailment and, although not serious, I had to run around and get a variety of tests, coordinated with a lot of babysitting hours.
Sometimes just getting through the day is all I can accomplish, let alone write a blog post.
Still there is something rather comforting in my commitment to this blog. Besides exercise, it is my only other personal commitment that is for me. Writing makes me feel good. It soothes me. But more importantly, it is the actual act of sitting down and using my brain in this way--of researching and ambling around the internet with a focus---that makes me feel, well, useful! Funny thing is that I haven't done a darn thing to find readers, so I often joke that it is just me doing this for me--with the occasional person that reads a post or two.
I guess what I am trying to say, in this long-winded way of mine, is that I wonder WHY I am writing this blog that no one reads? Is it this hunch I have that someone, somewhere will find this useful? Or that I will be discovered and mom's everywhere will be running to buy this in book form? Or perhaps it is just the ZEN act of writing it because it is fun and interesting?
Anyway, one thing that I have been noticing is the link between holiday activties and books. For instance, my step-daughter and I took Mirette to the Teddy Bear Suite, a room in a fancy hotel filled with velvet and teddy bears, and there on the table were books about teddy bears. Another day we visited Santa's cabin and there was a basket filled with Santa books. Mostly, we don't have time to read these books, but I do think it's pretty cool that books can compliment almost any experience.
Another great thing about books is that they help our children handle the overstimulation of the holiday season. There have been many times in the past weeks, that we've chilled out by our tree with a pile of books. It forms a safe haven from the whirlwind of our busy lives.
Sometimes just getting through the day is all I can accomplish, let alone write a blog post.
Still there is something rather comforting in my commitment to this blog. Besides exercise, it is my only other personal commitment that is for me. Writing makes me feel good. It soothes me. But more importantly, it is the actual act of sitting down and using my brain in this way--of researching and ambling around the internet with a focus---that makes me feel, well, useful! Funny thing is that I haven't done a darn thing to find readers, so I often joke that it is just me doing this for me--with the occasional person that reads a post or two.
I guess what I am trying to say, in this long-winded way of mine, is that I wonder WHY I am writing this blog that no one reads? Is it this hunch I have that someone, somewhere will find this useful? Or that I will be discovered and mom's everywhere will be running to buy this in book form? Or perhaps it is just the ZEN act of writing it because it is fun and interesting?
Anyway, one thing that I have been noticing is the link between holiday activties and books. For instance, my step-daughter and I took Mirette to the Teddy Bear Suite, a room in a fancy hotel filled with velvet and teddy bears, and there on the table were books about teddy bears. Another day we visited Santa's cabin and there was a basket filled with Santa books. Mostly, we don't have time to read these books, but I do think it's pretty cool that books can compliment almost any experience.
Another great thing about books is that they help our children handle the overstimulation of the holiday season. There have been many times in the past weeks, that we've chilled out by our tree with a pile of books. It forms a safe haven from the whirlwind of our busy lives.
Book of the Day: Puppies, Pussycats, and Other Friends
Puppies, Pussycats, and Other Friends
Gyo Fujikawa
Grosset and Dunlop (1975)
Everyone should have an Aunt Marni. Our Aunt Marni is not a blood relative, but a dear friend that took on her role as Mirette's Auntie with gusto. We don't have much family near by and the ones that are close don't have the time or energy to have a relationship with a toddler (major exception is Steve's two daughters who are Mirette's other BFF's). The rest of em' love her, but from afar. What was once a source of sadness, has created the opportunity for other wonderful people to fill in these roles.
When Aunt Marni comes to call, Mirette pulls her away and they play for hours. I think she has no idea that Aunt Marni is actually an adult. When she comes, she often brings something along. Her little gifts are well thought out and often become our favorite toys round here. For example, once she brought a bag of tiny teddy bears in four different colors. They have been played with so much. Another time she brought a paper house that has little doors and windows that open.
Aunt Mari loves the illustrations of Gyo Fujikawa and brought Mirette the book Puppies, Pussycats and Other Friends. Gyo's children have big round heads and are very friendly-looking. She makes excellent use of alliteration such as :Wouldn't you like to have a furry, fuzzy, feathery or slithery-smooth friend?" . She also keeps it very simple and clear---"some animal friends are very small like fishes and frogs." Our favorite page is one where seven beatuful kids are standing in the grass, each with an small animal atop their heads.
What Gyo Fujikawa, who died in 1988, is most known for is featuring children of many ethnicities (rare at the time). She also created several postage stamps. Here's an article in celebration:
http://ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/diversity/versed/versedbackissues/september2005a/fujikawa.cfm
Gyo Fujikawa
Grosset and Dunlop (1975)
Everyone should have an Aunt Marni. Our Aunt Marni is not a blood relative, but a dear friend that took on her role as Mirette's Auntie with gusto. We don't have much family near by and the ones that are close don't have the time or energy to have a relationship with a toddler (major exception is Steve's two daughters who are Mirette's other BFF's). The rest of em' love her, but from afar. What was once a source of sadness, has created the opportunity for other wonderful people to fill in these roles.
When Aunt Marni comes to call, Mirette pulls her away and they play for hours. I think she has no idea that Aunt Marni is actually an adult. When she comes, she often brings something along. Her little gifts are well thought out and often become our favorite toys round here. For example, once she brought a bag of tiny teddy bears in four different colors. They have been played with so much. Another time she brought a paper house that has little doors and windows that open.
Aunt Mari loves the illustrations of Gyo Fujikawa and brought Mirette the book Puppies, Pussycats and Other Friends. Gyo's children have big round heads and are very friendly-looking. She makes excellent use of alliteration such as :Wouldn't you like to have a furry, fuzzy, feathery or slithery-smooth friend?" . She also keeps it very simple and clear---"some animal friends are very small like fishes and frogs." Our favorite page is one where seven beatuful kids are standing in the grass, each with an small animal atop their heads.
What Gyo Fujikawa, who died in 1988, is most known for is featuring children of many ethnicities (rare at the time). She also created several postage stamps. Here's an article in celebration:
http://ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/diversity/versed/versedbackissues/september2005a/fujikawa.cfm
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
I feel, When, Because. . .
Poor Mirette--her mom (that's me) is a School Counselor. With that profession comes a library of books about feelings. I can just see the future me pestering Mirette about her feelings or asking her to use an I statement. I can also see her rolling her eyes in response, wishing she had a mom that had some other less annoying career.
Alas, here are some of our favorite books about feelings.
How Are You Peeling? Foods with Moods
by Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers
Scholastic Press (1999)
No, peeling is not a typo. Saxton and Joost found funny-looking fruits and veggies at markets around New York and carved faces into them. It's a fun and funny way to explore feelings. Here's a great interview with Saxton Freymann:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/egg/302/playfood/interview_content_1.html
C is for Curious
by Woodleigh Hubbard
Chronicle Books (1990)
This wasn't a particularly favorite book of mine, but Mirette frequently requested it. The more we read it, the more I started to appreciate the art. It's really a gorgeous and unique book with large, friendly pictures. Apparently, her art has been said to be Picasso and Miro-like.
My favorite letter is X for xenophobic--just try explaining that one to a two year old.
Woodleigh Hubbard's website is pretty cool: http://www.woodleighhubbard.com/. In addition to lovely stories about how she became an illustrator and all the people who told her she sucked along the way, she sells jewlery (though I'm not exactly sure how one buys it), and has a website Women of Vision, Creativity and Courage. She loves connecting with children and her artwork is in a variety of places including the Guggenheim and the Smithsonian.
My Many Colored Days:
Author: Dr. Seuss Illustrator: Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
Alfred A. Knopf (1996)
This was created post-humorously after Dr. Seuss died. I have read this, with much success, to many kindergarten classrooms.
Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher are an illustrating team. Lou Fancher is a woman, but as far as I can tell they are not a couple. It's very unusual to illustrate together, I wonder how they do it? Here's a little information on them (truthfully though, I only skimmed this because I am utterly tired this evening):
http://www.ourwhitehouse.org/contribbios/fancher-johnson.html
Sometimes I Feel Like a Mouse
Author: Jeanne Modesitt Illustrator: Robin Spowart
Scholastic (1992)
This book has soft pastel illustrations with a dreamy feel to them. The words are fun to act out.
It seems that neither the author or the illustrator has a website or any interesting links, but I did find out that they are a husband/wife team.
When Emily Woke Up Angry
by Riana Duncan
Barron's Educational Series (1989)
This book is another favorite of mine. I dropped it in a puddle many years ago, so it is stained throughout, but still has managed to delight many children. When I read it to classes, we act out all the pages and it's lots of fun. I did this in a modified way with Mirette and it was a real hit.
There is nothing on Riana Duncan, so you'll have to trust me on this one! Thankfully I kept my frayed, puddle-splashed book--it may be a collector's item.
Alas, here are some of our favorite books about feelings.
How Are You Peeling? Foods with Moods
by Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers
Scholastic Press (1999)
No, peeling is not a typo. Saxton and Joost found funny-looking fruits and veggies at markets around New York and carved faces into them. It's a fun and funny way to explore feelings. Here's a great interview with Saxton Freymann:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/egg/302/playfood/interview_content_1.html
C is for Curious
by Woodleigh Hubbard
Chronicle Books (1990)
This wasn't a particularly favorite book of mine, but Mirette frequently requested it. The more we read it, the more I started to appreciate the art. It's really a gorgeous and unique book with large, friendly pictures. Apparently, her art has been said to be Picasso and Miro-like.
My favorite letter is X for xenophobic--just try explaining that one to a two year old.
Woodleigh Hubbard's website is pretty cool: http://www.woodleighhubbard.com/. In addition to lovely stories about how she became an illustrator and all the people who told her she sucked along the way, she sells jewlery (though I'm not exactly sure how one buys it), and has a website Women of Vision, Creativity and Courage. She loves connecting with children and her artwork is in a variety of places including the Guggenheim and the Smithsonian.
My Many Colored Days:
Author: Dr. Seuss Illustrator: Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
Alfred A. Knopf (1996)
This was created post-humorously after Dr. Seuss died. I have read this, with much success, to many kindergarten classrooms.
Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher are an illustrating team. Lou Fancher is a woman, but as far as I can tell they are not a couple. It's very unusual to illustrate together, I wonder how they do it? Here's a little information on them (truthfully though, I only skimmed this because I am utterly tired this evening):
http://www.ourwhitehouse.org/contribbios/fancher-johnson.html
Sometimes I Feel Like a Mouse
Author: Jeanne Modesitt Illustrator: Robin Spowart
Scholastic (1992)
This book has soft pastel illustrations with a dreamy feel to them. The words are fun to act out.
It seems that neither the author or the illustrator has a website or any interesting links, but I did find out that they are a husband/wife team.
When Emily Woke Up Angry
by Riana Duncan
Barron's Educational Series (1989)
This book is another favorite of mine. I dropped it in a puddle many years ago, so it is stained throughout, but still has managed to delight many children. When I read it to classes, we act out all the pages and it's lots of fun. I did this in a modified way with Mirette and it was a real hit.
There is nothing on Riana Duncan, so you'll have to trust me on this one! Thankfully I kept my frayed, puddle-splashed book--it may be a collector's item.
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