Togo- September Book of the Month

Togo, by Robert J. Blake, tells the account of the 1925 Serum Run from Anchorage to Nome.

A young boy contracts diphtheria putting the entire village of Nome, Alaska at risk of annihilation. Leonhard Seppala, a dog sled musher, is recruited to help transport beneficial serum that will stop the spread of the infectious disease. Seppala chooses Togo to lead his dog sled team. Seppala, Togo and the team contend with harsh blizzard conditions to receive the serum. But will they deliver the serum in time?

The book includes a map of the Serum Run route and epilogue. Togo is considered a hero, and his team was a vital part of the relay.

Togo was published in 2002 by Philomel Books. Togo received the 2005 Texas Bluebonnet Award. 

Cook-A-Doodle-Doo! - August Book of the Month

Cook-A-Doodle-Doo!

Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel

Harcourt Brace & Co.

1999

Big Brown Rooster, the great-grandson of Little Red Hen, is sick and tired of eating chicken feed. After finding his great-grandmother's cookbook, he decides to make strawberry shortcake. Although some friends are unwilling to assist, Turtle, Iguana, and Potbellied Pig are eager to help. Turtle reads the directions, Iguana helps, but gets mixed up. Iguana picks a flower instead of getting flour, and tries to beat an egg with a baseball bat. After Rooster completes each step, Pig is anxious to jump in and taste the cake mixture.  Will Rooster and his friends successfully complete the strawberry shortcake?

The page margins contain definitions of cooking terms and helpful hints. The strawberry shortcake recipe is included at the end of the story. My granddaughter baked the cake and sent me this photo. It looks delicious! 

Cood-A-Doodle-Doo! won the 2001 Texas Bluebonnet Award. It was one of my favorite books to read to my library students. I highly recommend sharing this book with a special young one in your life. Happy Reading!

Big Brown Rooster discovered his great-grandmother's cookbook. What's your favorite family recipe passed down to you? Mine is "Vanilla Wafer Cake" give to me by my first mother-in-law, Martha.

Pirates Don't Change Diapers

I visited the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature located at 102 Cedar in downtown Abilene (aka "The Storybook Capital of Texas"). This summer, the museum featured original artwork by illustrator, David Shannon. He wrote and illustrated A Bad Case of the Stripes, Duck on a Bike, and No David!, a 1999 Caldecott Honor Book, and several more. Shannon uses acrylics, and his illustrations are colorful, bold, and entertaining. They made me smile.

Browsing through the Center's bookstore, I picked up a copy of Pirates Don't Change Diapers written by Melinda Long and illustrated by David Shannon. The book was autographed by Shannon, as well.

 

 After reading the story, I knew it was the perfect title for July's "Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month." Pirates and a baby...an appealing and amusing combination for my grandkids.

Jeremy Jacob's mom instructs him not to wake up his napping Dad and baby sister, Bonney Anne. After Mom leaves to buy milk, Jeremy's pirate friends show up. Their ship was wrecked and they need the treasure buried in the backyard to replace it. When Bonney Anne wakes up, Jeremy insists the pirates help babysit and keep her happy. Each time the pirates attempt to dig for the treasure, Bonney Anne needs attention. And then, the pirates lose the treasure map. Will they ever be able to dig up the treasure and repair the ship?

I hope you'll put Pirates Don't Change Diapers on your "Read Aloud Bucket List." It's a delight.

The Real Pooh-Bear

Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh by Sally M. Walker is my June selection for "Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month." Children love animal stories; and,  my grandchildren are familiar with Winnie-the-Pooh, so I know they'll love this book!

On his way to military training, Harry Colebourn, a veterinarian, purchases an orphaned black bear cub and names  her Winnipeg- "Winnie" for short. Harry feeds Winnie milk and biscuits. Winnie follows Harry as he tends to the horses, and she sleeps under his cot every night. Other soldiers help Harry play with and care for Winnie. And, who wouldn't want to cuddle and play with a black bear cub?


During World War I, Harry and the veterinarian corps travel to England to care for horses used in battle.  Harry takes Winnie along, and she watches the men train. Soon, Harry's company must go to France to help wounded horses. Because the battlefield is too dangerous for Winnie, Harry makes arrangements for her to live at the London Zoo.

Winnie loves her new home, and receives a special visitor, the son of a famous author.


Jonathan D. Voss illustrated the story using watercolors, and pen & ink. The end sheets contain black and white photos of Winnie, Harry, and others.

Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh is published by Henry Holt and Company, and appropriate for ages 4- 8. Check it out. It's worth reading!

Abbie Against the Storm

Abbie Against the Storm - The True Story of a Young Heroine and a Lighthouse, by Marcia Vaughan, is my next selection for Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month.

Abbie Burgess helps her father tend the Matinicus Rock Lighthouse. When her father sails to Rockland to buy supplies, he leaves Abbie in charge. During his absence, a dangerous storm threatens not only the lights, but lives as well. Straining against the raging storm, Abbie risks her life to keep the lights burning and her family members safe.  But will she succeed? And will her father ever return?

I love this story because Abbie is responsible, strong, and courageous.  She's a girl determined to do whatever it takes to get the job done, in spite of a mammoth obstacle. After reading the story, remind your child that God is our help in times of trouble (Psalm 46). Then pray together, thanking God that He is always with you, and asking Him to help your child be brave and trust the Lord at all times.

This children's picture book, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth, is appropriate for elementary-age children. Abbie Against the Storm was published by Aladdin/Beyond Words in 1999. The story is based on actual events of 1856. 

Read more about Abbie Burgess here.

The Day the Crayons Quit: April "Book of the Month"

Our youngest granddaughter, Sparkles, loves to draw and color. That's why The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt, is the perfect choice for April's "Book of the Month."

 Duncan discovers letters of complaint written by his crayons. All, but Green, have issues. Red is overworked, while Pink feels neglected. Gray is tired; and coloring outside the lines distresses Purple.  Orange and Yellow are in a snit because each claims to be the sun's true color. How will Duncan ever make them all happy and work together again?

This humorous story encourages creativity. I believe it can also provide opportunity for parents and children to discuss how to express feelings honestly and respectfully.

The crayon pictures, by Oliver Jeffers, are appealing. I know if I were a little kid, this book would send me running for my crayons and sketch pad.

The Day the Crayons Quit, published by Philomel Books, is the winner of the 2015 Texas Bluebonnet Award.


What is your favorite crayon? Mine's Blue. And, I like Purple, too!

"Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month": An Easter Adventure

The Littlest Bunny in Texas - An Easter Adventure by Lily Jacobs is the March choice for "Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month." After moving to Texas, May and Joe visit a pet shop. They choose the littlest bunny for their pet and name him Flop. The children do not realize Flop is actually the Easter Bunny. Flop travels around Texas delivering Easter eggs. My grandchildren have visited several destinations mentioned in the story, and they will be excited to hear these familiar names. I believe they'll also enjoy imagining what it would be like to have the Easter Bunny as a pet!

The book's illustrations by Robert Dunn are bright and colorful. Eggs hidden in the pictures add a fun element.  Children love searching for hidden objects within a picture.

Although The Littlest Bunny in Texas - An Easter Adventure does not convey the Biblical meaning of Easter, it does emphasize the beloved traditions of the Easter Bunny and egg hunts.
 
My grandchildren know Easter's true meaning is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Son of God. I've given them many Bible story picture books to read and enjoy. We make resurrection rolls  together to celebrate our risen Lord. They also enjoy decorating and searching for Easter eggs.

May God bless you and yours this Easter season.

February's Choice: Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month

After World War II, Joseph Stalin blocked the Allies access to West Berlin, Germany. The Allies responded by air lifting food and supplies to the people. Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot, by Margot Theis Raven, is the true story of American pilot, Gail Halvorsen, who flew over Berlin dropping gum and chocolate candy to children affected by the blockade. Mercedes watched the sky, waiting.. hoping... for chocolate.

I chose this uplifting story because it's about demonstrating courage and kindness to help desperate people. It's about doing the right thing, even when it's hard. It's also the story that inspired "Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month."

Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot was a 2003-04 nominee for the Texas Bluebonnet Award, a 2004- 05 Children's Crown Honor Book, and a 2006 Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award nominee. 

What story inspires you?

Mimi & Grandpa's "Book of the Month"

I love a great story. As a children's librarian, I had the privilege of reading aloud to students. These memories inspired me to give our grandchildren a year-long Christmas gift: Mimi & Grandpa's "Book of the Month."

Our December selection was The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson.

It's the story of the Herdmans, the worst behaved kids to ever walk the earth, and their eagerness to participate in the church Christmas pageant. An impish and rowdy bunch, the Herdmans were also clueless about Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus.  The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a funny and delightful tale.

Robert the Rose Horse  by Joan Heilbroner is January's title. It's one of Grandpa's childhood favorites. Because roses made him sneeze, Robert leaves the farm, moves to the city, and finds a job. Sneezing remains a problem, so Robert changes jobs...until he find the perfect one. The book is illustrated by P. D. Eastman.

 I excited to mail our next selection to the grands! Come back in February for my reveal.  And yes, you can borrow this idea.

What beloved book would you give a child? I'd love to know!