2013, END OF SUMMER - BACK TO SCHOOL PICK, YOU'RE WEARING THAT TO SCHOOL?! by LYNN PLOURDE

    

   I say "Oh, yes, Yes!" along with Penelope in LYNN PLOURDE'S latest book, YOU'RE WEARING THAT TO SCHOOL?! 
     Penelope, the hippo knows exactly how she wants to approach her first day of school until her older, wiser friend, Tiny tells her the importance of blending in.  YOU'RE WEARING THAT TO SCHOOL?! boldly addresses embracing uniqueness and what might happen if you stand out from the crowd.  Will Penelope ignore or follow the advice given to her by her seasoned friend? Illustrator, SUE CORNELISON brings to life LYNN'S characters with playfulness and dynamic expression.  The juxtaposition of size, age, and personality make this book a stand-out just like Penelope!
   

 I give this book 5 apples, top of the barrel. LYNN's exuberance for word play and writing children's books along with her public school work as a speech and language pathologist makes this a must read for the start of the year, every year.


     YOU'RE WEARING THAT TO SCHOOL?! is a 32 page picture book perfect for the starting school for the first time or changing schools.  Ages 5 through 8 will enjoy this story, especially girls.  The themes are friendship, uniqueness, fitting-in, peer pressure, starting school or a new school, and being yourself. It will make a great book for your classroom or the library.


    

 If you want to find out more about author LYNN PLOURDE check out her website at:Lynn's Website.  YOU'RE NOT WEARING THAT TO SCHOOL?! is published by Disney/Hyperion and is available at Barnes and Noble, online and through your local independent bookseller as a hardback book.

    

2013, END OF THE SUMMER - START OF THE SCHOOL YEAR PICK, NUGGET & FANG by TAMMI SAUER

    

      A sink your teeth into the perfect picture book for back to school, NUGGET & FANG by award winning author, TAMMI SAUER.  NUGGET & FANG is a delightful story about best friends and their differences.  TAMMI tells the story of childhood innocence and the busting of innocence through the clever characters of a shark and a minnow, natural enemies.   The sweet humor woven into the story makes Fang a lovable, endearing hunk of a shark who tries time and time again to get his point across to Nugget and his school of fishy friends.  The illustrations by Michael Slack are colorful, whimsical, impactful and bring the under the sea adventure to life. The sense of place, characters, and emotions will please kids.  
    

 I give this book 5 apples, outstanding.TAMMI has the ability to create lovable, memorable  characters. A former teacher and librarian, TAMMI knows kids and they will relate.


     This 40 page picture book is for children pre-school through early elementary ages.  It has high appeal for boys and girls.  The themes in the book are friends, school, peer pressure, loss, stereotyping, prejudice. A wonderful addition to personal or professional libraries at home or school!


    

 

 If you want to find out more about author TAMMI SAUER check out her website at:Tammi's Website.  NUGGET & FANG is published by  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers and is available at Barnes and Noble, online and through your local independent bookseller as a hardback book & e-reader.

    

May 30th, DESTINY, REWRITTEN BY Kathryn Fitzmaurice

     One of the ways I reach my middle grade students and some beyond those years is to talk story.  I tell them you are writing the story of your life.   I find it gives them distance from pain and confusion and empowers them to make decisions on their character’s behalf.  Kathryn Fitzmaurice brings this concept to life in her latest middle grade novel.

 DESTINEY, REWRITTEN by Kathryn Fitzmaurice is the perfect middle grade novel that captures coming of age through the eyes of a young want-to-be romance writer whose given destiny is to become a poet.   Emily Elizabeth Davis is destined to be a poet, or so she is told.  When little cousin Mortie turns the page of her life to an unexpected chapter, Emily begins to allow herself to rewrite her story to be her own.   

Destiny can be a difficult topic to write about but Fitzmaurice does a remarkable job making it look simple while creating such believable and loveable characters.  Crossing two developmental stages, DESTINY, REWRITTEN moves Emily from the stage that spans late elementary school solidly into early adolescence in which the themes, plot, and characters seamlessly match.  Fitzmaurice thoughtfully brings to life identity through several themes including the Emily’s search for the father she does not know.  DESTINY, REWRITTEN invites, holds, and satisfies the reader, chapter by chapter.

This is a five apple book, cream of the crop. Excellent characterization coupled with a unique plot which clarifies writing one’s own destiny to kids who are developing independence and identity makes this 335 page, middle grade novel a wonderful read for kids ages 8-12. I also recommend this book as a classroom or family read aloud.  It offers up great points to ponder and discuss and includes several mysteries to solve. It is a high interest book for girls and will also appeal to some boys.

     The themes in this book are destiny, independence, mystery, identity, family, change, and friendship.

     DESTINY, REWRITTEN is published by the Katherine Tegen imprint of HarperCollins Publishers and was edited by Molly O’Neill.  It is available on Kindle and in hardcover and can be found at bookstores and online.  You can find out more information about this book and Kathryn at Kathryn’s Website.  
   DESTINY, REWRITTEN is being given away this month to a lucky winner who posts a comment on this blog or signs up as a follower or likes the Book Wisdom by Diane Facebook page.  If you sign up as a follower please let me know you did, I do not have access to your name or use your information as I value your privacy. Drawing happens June 7th.

Book of the Month, Book Wisdom, January 7, 2013 - ALA 2012 Notable Picture Book, E.B. White Read-Aloud Picture Book Honor Award

OH,NO! by C. Fleming & E. Rohmann

     When it comes to picture books, award winning author, Candace Fleming and Caldecott medalist, Eric Rohmann are no strangers.  A few years back, I was incredibly lucky to attend The Highlights Foundation, Chautauqua Workshop in New York where Candace mentored me, and I attended multiple workshops with both her and Eric.  The workshop that comes to mind was a picture book workshop where this duo of spouses  presented together, bringing the author and illustrator points of view.
     Looking back over my notes, what jumps out are the words "page turns".  Successful picture books are about page turns created by raising the emotional level of the scene, using a funny moment, changing the scene, adding to what the character wants or needs.  The most important and last page turn ends with an  "Ah Ha" moment, or a twist, something satisfying, or a surprise.  I thought it would be the opportune time to look at the page turns in their recent book, OH, NO! by Random House Publishing.

    OH, NO! is a 32 page picture book for ages 3 - 7. A fast paced story that builds suspense and uses words that are fun to say that children and the reader will enjoy, this picture book has the feel of an upgraded, traditional folk tale or a Rudyard Kippling, Just So Story.  Set in the jungle, OH, NO! takes the reader on a page turning, wild ride that ends with a twist and satisfying moment.  In this book, Candace and Eric bring to life what they teach to other writers and illustrators.

      
The combination of Candace's popping text with Eric's dynamic illustration bring together the strengths of author and illustrator in a finely balanced act. Age appropriate, OH,NO! shares the message of "working together in community" at a time we most need. It is a very subtle, as it should be. The role of the tiger emerges slowly and moves the book along with glimpses of his presence. The ending is very satisfying.  Picture books are an art form.  OH,NO!, a very strong contender for numerous awards will sure to be in the front of the pack.

I give this book 5 apples.  It is an outstanding example of children's writing and illustration that both the child and the reader will enjoy, time and time again. It will appeal to both boys and girls and make a great addition to a child's book shelf, library or classroom.

The themes in this book are community, helping others, friendship, perseverance, and walking away from trouble. 

If you would like more information about Candace Fleming and the books she writes, you can visit her author website at: Candace's website.  You can also learn about Eric Rohmann and his art at: Eric's website.

You can find or order OH,NO! at your independent book store, Grand Valley Books is our local store in Grand Junction.  It is also available at Barnes and Noble and online at Amazon.

Thank you for tuning in this morning or visiting this blog.  Leave a comment on this blog and/or like the Book Wisdom By Diane page on Facebook and you will be entered to win a copy of this book. If you sign up for the once or twice monthly post, you will automatically be entered monthly!  Just let me know by email as your privacy is always respected.  I do not know who subscribes. 

Book of the Month, Book Wisdom, December 3, 2012

Are you looking for some great holiday or winter reads in the category of picture books?  This month I have two new books from outstanding authors including a local West Slope author.  Holiday and seasonal books can be extra difficult to successfully write and get published.  Both of these award winning authors have many books published.   They continually strive to write high quality children's literature and have the skill to look at things from children's perspectives from both having previous careers in education. It  served them well knowing children at a developmental level as well as knowing what children love to read.

  

TURKEY CLAUS by Wendi Silvano

     Award winning, Grand Junction author, Wendi Silvano continues the saga of turkey and his troubles in a very clever and entertaining way in her newly released picture book, TURKEY CLAUS. Although this book is considered a sequel to TURKEY TROUBLE, Wendi has created a unique story that stands completely on its' own. Relieved after escaping being the main course at Thanksgiving, Turkey learns that he is soon to be the back on the menu for Christmas dinner. With little time left, Turkey steps off on a trip to the North Pole to enlist the help of Santa. What is endearing about Turkey is his positive attitude and his thinking "outside the box". He never gives up. Lee Harper's bold and colorful illustration bring the story to life adding to the fun. Wendi's surprise ending is just that, a surprise that is satisfying down to the very last bite of TURKEY CLAUS.

     
     I rate this book as a  solid four apple book,  a great read.  Loveable, fun character in Turkey and a clever story are well matched with bold illustration will make this a holiday favorite for years to come.

     TURKEY CLAUS is a good match for children of both genders ages four through early elementary as well as enjoyable for adults, and a good classroom or library read aloud, especially for children who are at the developmental stage where they still believe in Santa.

     The themes in the story are humor and positive problem solving creating a win-win situation for all.

     You can learn more about Wendi,  her books and where to buy them at : Wendi's Website

     TURKEY CLAUS is published by Amazon Children's Publishing.  You can find it through Barnes and Noble or Amazon.  Your local book store can also order this book for you. 

SNOW DAY FOR MOUSE by Judy Cox

   
Award winning author, Judy Cox continues her wonderful adventure of a tiny mouse with a big heart with the new arrival of SNOW DAY FOR MOUSE, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler.  Mouse wakes to the wonder of his first snow day.  With his housemate Cat not far behind Mouse is swept out into a snowy adventure where he makes some fine feathered friends.  Ebbeler's style and perspective with his illustration continues to engage the reader/viewer expanding the mouse/child sized perspective of the world.  This is a perfect match of Judy's words and the illustration, great crafting a picture book.


 

 I rate this book as a solid four apple book, a great read. Seeing and experiencing the world from a mouse perspective through a child's heart hooks while the illustrators skill in creating perspective lifts the adventure up and off the page.

     SNOW DAY FOR MOUSE is a high interest story for both genders and appropriate for school age children making friends and experiencing their world around them.  It is sure to become another favorite book about Mouse whether read in the classroom or home.

     The themes in the story are friendship and adventure.

All the Mouse books by Judy are published by Holiday House.  You can learn more about Judy and her books at her website: Judy's Website.  SNOW DAY FOR MOUSE is available through all major book stores.  Your local book store can also order this book for you.  

 Thanks for tuning in this morning or visiting this blog.  Leave a comment on this blog and/or like the Book Wisdom page on Facebook and this month I will be donating books to the local Toys for Tots for the holidays.  I will donate one book per each comment and like.    If you sign up for the once or twice monthly post, you will automatically be entered monthly!  Just me know by email as your privacy is always respected.  I do not know who subscribes. 

September 12th, Book Talk

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

A.A. Miline,  Christopher Robin speaking to his friend Pooh.

I was interviewed last month on KKCO as a former school counselor. One of the questions asked was  what do kids talk to school counselors about.  Over my fifteen years as a school counselor, friendship was one of the top topics for kids.  The sense of belonging or connectedness is part of who we are as human beings.  

My September's selection of books is a wide variety of books,  and friendship is the common denominator.  It takes two individuals to make a friendship.  To name a few, friends can be neighbors, classmates, sisters, brothers, siblings of the opposite gender, or cousins.  These individuals may be similar or different.  They may be helpful, self-centered, quiet and sensible, adventurous, or even mischievous.

Award winning author, Dori Chaconas delights her readers with the endearing friendship of CORK & FUZZ.  Dori has been telling stories her whole life and the ability to entertain others through her creation of memorable characters left me snickering and laughing as I read her book, CORK & FUZZ, THE BABYSITTERS.  Fully developed characters and fun, strong dialogue drives the reader page after page. Dori's words are matched perfectly with the lovable, and lively illustration of Lisa McCue. This book won The Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award 2011 for The Best Children's Book of the Year by the Wisconsin Library Association. 

I rate this book a five apple book, cream of the crop, crisp and delicious. I smiled and giggled and laughed and longed for more.

CORK & FUZZ, THE BABYSITTERS is a chapter book for children of both genders, gages 6-9 who can read alone.

    The themes in this book are friendship, babysitting, and helping others.

    You can learn more about Dori,this children's book and her many other books at: Dori's Website.

     You can find CORK & FUZZ through the publisher, Viking Children's Books or your local book store can order this book for you.  On the West Slope of Colorado, our local independent seller is Grand Valley Books. In addition it can be found online. 

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Award winning author, Shirley Raye Redmond's book FAIRIES! A TRUE STORY is a non-fiction reader that brings to life the loyalty of friendship through the story of English cousins, Frances Griffiths and Elsie Wright.  These friends stood by their fairy prank for sixty-four years when they finally shared the truth.  Shirley has taken the high appeal subject of fairies and transformed it into a early reader non-fiction book.  In 1981, Frances said, "It was just Elsie and I having a bit of fun."  Isn't that what all friends say?  

I rate this book a four apple book, a good non-fiction book.  Shirley takes high appeal subject matter and keeps it engaging as non-fiction. 

    FAIRIES! A TRUE STORY is for children of both genders, grades first through third who can read on their own and who no longer believe in fairies.

    The themes in this book are history of fairies, friendship and pranks.

    You can learn more about Shirley,this children's book and her other award winning materials at:Shirley's Website.

     You can find FAIRIES! A TRUE STORY through the publisher, Step Into Reading, Random House or your local book store can order this book for you.  On the West Slope of Colorado, our local independent seller is Grand Valley Books. In addition it can be found online. 

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    Colorado author, Marty Mokler Banks engages her readers with sisterly friendship in THE ADVENTURES OF TEMPEST AND SERENA.  The two sisters battle bullies, disasters, and loneliness when when one chooses to avoid returning to school by having one last summer adventure.  Marty accomplishes showing how different personalities whether in the realm of sibling or friend can be true to one's self and the other.  

I rate this book a three plus apple book, an enjoyable read. Marty has created a win-win with Tempest & Serena.

THE ADVENTURES OF TEMPEST AND SERENA is a chapter book for ages 7 and up of high girl appeal. It would make a good classroom read aloud combined with discussion.

The themes in this book are siblings, friends, adventures, and differences.

You can learn more about Marty and her book at: Marty's Website.

     You can find THE ADVENTURES OF TEMPEST AND SERENA  through the author or your local book store can order this book for you.  It is available in paperback and ebook. On the West Slope of Colorado, our local independent seller is Grand Valley Books. In addition it can be found online. 

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Award winning author, Nicole Weaver's love of language, culture, and sisterhood inspired her book MY SISTER IS MY BEST FRIEND,  a trilingual story in English, French, and Spanish.  Keeping the story structure simple and clear, Nichole creates a story that translates well into multiple languages.  Illustrator, Clara Batton Smith uses mirror images in her illustration to add a fourth level of understanding for the reader.

 I rate this book a three plus apple book, an enjoyable read,un agradabe leido,un agreable lu.  

            MY SISTER IS MY BEST FRIEND is a story book for ages 4-8 with high girl appeal. The multilingual writing in the book will require fluent readers of the three languages.

The themes in this book are sisters and best friends.

You can learn more about Nicole and her book at: Nicole's Website.

You can find MY SISTER IS MY BEST FRIEND through the author, Guardian Angel Publishing.  It is available in paperback, PDF Ebook, Flip book on CD. 

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TO ENTER MY BOOK GIVE AWAY, PLEASE CHECK THE BOX ON THE RIGHT SIDE FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO ENTER.  OCTOBER 16TH IS THE DATE FOR THE NEXT DRAWING.  GOOD LUCK!