Fairy Tale Friday

     Fairy tales never seem to get old, probably because they're so much fun. In honor of our favorite fairy tales, every Friday for the next month, the Book House blog will be featuring Fairy Tale Friday. 

   This week we'd like to share with our readers The American Fairy Trilogy by: Sarah Zettel.

    These are the adventures of Callie LeRoux, who has been hiding in plain sight in a small town in Kansas. When the Dust Bowl Descends, and her mother disappears, Callie is forced to go in search of the secrets of her past. A thrilling fantasy adventure set in the 1930's!
                                  Book One: Dust Girl

Book Two: Golden Girl 

Book Three: Has yet to be released! 

      (But we're anxiously waiting for it.)

Jabba the Puppett Is On His Way!

       Before there was Darth Vader & Son, or Vader's Little Princess, there was Tom Angleberger's Star Wars inspired children's books Origami Yoda. The series has been a huge hit with children and parents alike and continues to grow. On August 6th, 2013,  the fourth book in the series, The Surprise Attack of Jabba the Puppett. will be released.While we all eagerly await the books arrival, we can get a kick out of admiring the Little Book House's new Jabba the Puppett display!
  
      If you'd like to pre-order a copy of The Surprise Attack of Jabba the Puppet you can call the Book House at (518) 489-4761.

The series in order:

1. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

2. Darth Paper Strikes Back 

3. The Secret of the Fortune Wookiee 

    May the force be with you!

Ramadan Reads

      Monday evening the sacred month long Muslim holiday, Ramadan began.In honor of the holiday, The Little Book House has set up a Ramadan display that includes some beautiful children's Ramadan reads, a few of which are featured below.

1.Traveling Man: The Journey of Ibn Battuta 1325-1354 by: James Rumford

     This world traveler, James Rumford, has retold Ibn Battuta's journey through many Islamic lands using written and illustrative storytelling. He weaves intricate and elaborate ancient Arab maps within the story to take you through the life and travels of Ibn Battuta.

2.  My Name is Bilal by: Asma Mobin-Uddin
         Ayesha is a young Muslim girl who is struggling to assimilate into an American school. She becomes a victim of bullying because of two boys ignorance.
         Bilal is a witness to Aseya's bullying and wants to stand up for her. But standing up to the bullies also means exposing the fact that Bilal is also Muslim.While Bilal wants to protect his friend, he doesn't want to become the bullies new target.
         A heart-warming story about two young people who struggle to find their place and identity. This is a book every child should read and enjoy.

 

3. Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by:Hera Khan

This book uses beautiful and colorful illustrations to explain (and celebrate) some Islamic traditions. Fun and informative!

Caldecott Medal 75th Anniversary

      In honor of the 75th anniversary of the Caldecott Medal, The Little
Book House employees have put together a window display full of Caldecott winners and honorees that will be on display for the rest of the summer.
       While admiring my co-worker's...well...work, I began to think about my favorite Caldecott books. Which lead me to ask some of my co-workers what their favorites are.
  Here are our Caldecott picks!

Rachel:  As manager of the Little Book House, Rachel has read tons of great children's book. She is the Little Book House guru. When I asked what her favorite Caldecott winner/honoree book is, I instantly knew I was being unfair. If you ask a bookseller what their favorite book is you'll never get just one title. But Rachel told me her heart is torn between The Snowy Day by: Ezra Jack Keats and  Umbrella by: Taro Yashima, which she read as a child. Both beautiful, classic tales.

Khahilia: I love Khai's taste in books. She reads the most interesting things! It only seemed fitting that she would choose Anansi the Spider: A Tale from Ashanti by: Gerald McDermott. Anansi is rich in traditional West African designs and full of bold color. It's gorgeous both in the story and the illustrations.

Alexis: Anyone who knows Alexis knows that she has a spunky, outgoing personality. Her passion for books is evident. I wasn't the least bit surprised when she chose Where the Wild Things Are by: Maurice Sendak as one of her favorite Caldecott winners. While the movie may have given Where the Wild Things Are a popularity boost, it doesn't compare to sitting down and reading about Max's adventures.

Rick: Rick and I often talk about our love for New England and nature. So his choice, Make Way for Ducklings by: Robert McCloskey, wasn't surprising either. In fact, after talking to my co-workers, I realize that we all picked books that seem to reflect some part of our personalities.

          As for me, I will always love Click, Clack, Moo, Cows That Type by: Doreen Cronin which tells the story about a group of literate cows that type up a list of demands that the farmer needs to fulfill if he wants the cows to produce anymore milk.

I'm sure my co-workers weren't surprised.

In addition to Caldecott winners/honorees, the Little Book House has stocked up on a great selection of summer reading books. If you don't have time to browse, you can call us at (518) 489-4761 and ask us to put aside a copy of the book you're looking for. If we don't have the book you're looking for in stock, we'd be more than happy to order it for you! It usually only takes a few business days for books to arrive.

       

Rogue by: Lyn-Miller Lachmann

     

        Lyn-Miller Lachmann was signing her novel Rogue here at The Book House yesterday. Rogue follows the life of Kiara as she tries to cope with the struggles of having Asperger's syndrome. Making friends is tough and Kiara's world doesn't always make sense. She turns to Mr. Internet for answers but Mr. Internet doesn't know all. Kiara gets kicked out of school after an incident between her and a classmate. Feeling lonely she finds comfort in her hero, Rogue, who is a misunderstood X-Men mutant who had to learn how to control her special powers to keep from hurting those she touched.
          Things start to look up when Kiara becomes friends with her new neighbor Chad, she knows that she's finally found a true friendship. Chad has a big secret that Kiara promises to keep but when things get complicated Kiara has to to do what she knows is right. Through the process Kiara discovers her own super powers. 
          Rogue is one of those special books that tackle tough issues but also offers comfort for those who are trying to find their place. A great read for mature middle readers, teens, and adults alike.

         Lyn-Miller Lachmann took the time to talk thoroughly to her readers about the process of writing Rogue and how events from her own childhood inspired scenes in the novel. We really enjoyed having her at the store!

Lyn set up this awesome Leggo display for readers to look at during her talk.

New Titles for August

Fall is a big season for books! Many favorite authors will be releasing new titles over the upcoming months. We'll give you the breakdown at the start of each month.

Here's what's new for August for adults:
August 4th: That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo and Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon
August 11th: South of Broad by Pat Conroy
August 18th: The Law of Nines by Terry Goodkind

And for kids and young adults:
August 4th: the long-awaited paperback of Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer
August 11th: The 39 Clues Book 5: The Black Circle by Patrick Carman and What Was I Scared Of? by Dr. Seuss

Give us a call at 489-4761 to reserve your copy today!

Signing 12/13: When I Grow Up by Jessica Loy

On Saturday, December 13th, 2008 from 1-2:30pm, local author Jessica Loy will be at the Little Book House signing When I Grow Up: A Young Person's Guide to Interesting and Unusual Occupations. Geared toward the 8 & up age group, this fun book teaches children about fourteen occupations that are a bit off the beaten path.

Ever thought about being a kite designer? How about a pet photographer? Maybe a Chocolatier, or a Lobsterman, or an Alpaca Farmer? When I Grow Up gives you details, facts, and photographs about these and many more interesting occupations. The people profiled have made their interests and dreams into realities, and the book encourages children to do the same.

The book also includes a list of resources and summer camps at the back so that parents can help their children pursue various interests.

The book, which is published in hardcover from Henry Holt & Company, is $16.95 and is currently available at the Little Book House.

We hope you'll join us in welcoming Jessica Loy to the Little Book House on December 13th!

Signing 12/3: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Bestselling author Jeff Kinney will be at the Little Book House on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 from 10:45am to noon to sign Diary of a Wimpy Kid! Kinney has also written a sequel to the book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules, as well as the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book, which kids can create themselves.

All three Diary of a Wimpy Kid titles are currently available at the Little Book House. The fourth book in the series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw will be out in January 2009 and is available for preorder.

The novels, told from main character Greg's point of view, are told through cartoons. They chronicle the everyday adventures of an average kid growing up. With school, his older brother Roderick, and his parents, Greg certainly has his hands full! A signed copy would make a great holiday gift.

We hope you'll join us in welcoming Jeff Kinney to the Little Book House. We're excited to have him, and we hope you are, too! We'll see you on December 3rd!

Signing 11/22: Confusion on the Farm by L.D. Campbell

On Saturday, November 22nd, 2008, from 1-2pm, local children's author L.D. Campbell will be at the Little Book House to sign her book Confusion on the Farm. The book is now available in paperback for $12.95.

The book is the first in L.D. Campbell's First Readers Collection. When Farmer Bill wakes up sick and can't feed the animals on his farm, a hungry fox decides to step in and "feed" them. Chaos ensues, as a confused dog tries to help the animals escape. Farmer Bill gets out of bed at the last minute to save the day. The story contains enough repetition for children to help read the story, yet enough action to keep them interested. Alexander Florence's illustrations provide a fun and colorful accompaniment to Campbell's text.

The About the Author section of Confusion on the Farm explains that Campbell is a science teacher who recognizes the importance of reading. She began writing books as a gift for her daughters.

We hope you will join us in welcoming L.D. Campbell to the Little Book House on November 22nd!

Signing: Mordicai Gerstein

On Friday, October 24, 2008 at 3:15 pm, children's author & illustrator Mordicai Gerstein will be at the Little Book House to sign copies of his many books! He will be in town for the Children's Literature Connection's Fall Symposium (The Art of the Book), as well as several school events, and is graciously spending some time at the Little Book House as well.

Gerstein's best known children's book is probably The Man Who Walked Between the Towers, which he both wrote and illustrated, and for which he received the Caldecott Award in 2004. The book tells the story of Philippe Petit, a French funambulist who, on August 7, 1974, walked a tightrope wire stretched between the two towers of the World Trade Center. The story is accompanied, of course, by beautifully rendered illustrations.


Another older but still popular book by Gerstein is The Mountains of Tibet. It tells the story of a Tibetan woodcutter who, at the time of his death, is given the choice between remaining in heaven or returning to a new life. The words I found most used in reference to the story were "gentle" and "tender." You can read what two people had to say about it by clicking on the title link above.




My personal favorite of the books Gerstein has illustrated is one that came out just last December. It's How to Paint the Portrait of a Bird, written by Jacques Prevert and exquisitely illustrated by Gerstein. The story is one in which reality mingles with a child's imagination, and Gerstein's whimsical illustrations capture the magic perfectly. Just glance through the pages and you'll fall in love--I did!



Gerstein has also written and/or illustrated a slew of other books. You can check out the full list on his website, here. Other well known titles include Leaving the Nest and Three Samurai Cats.

We invite you to join us in welcoming Mordicai Gerstein to the Little Book House on October 24th!

Shocking Culinary Theft! Frankenstein Takes the Cake!

In a shocking turn of events, Frankenstein has been found to have taken the cake! (Yes, all you Mary Shelley fans out there, I know it should really be Frankenstein's Monster-Frankenstein was the name of the doctor, not the creature. But Frankenstein's Monster just doesn't scan as well. What can you do?) In any case, Frankenstein has been caught in flagrante delicto with icing all over his hands on the cover of Frankenstein Takes the Cake by Adam Rex . Frankenstein first become known to the public eye in Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich also by Adam Rex. Alas, it would seem that Frankenstein was not content to merely create sandwiches. It is necessary for all well informed citizens to read this account in order to understand this scandalous episode and the motivations behind it. Would be readers are warned that they might be at risk of injuries resulting from falling out of their chairs laughing. Indeed, an excess of hilarity has been witnessed whenever someone has read the account. There has been much favorable comment on the variety of styles of the hilarious illustrations. The natural audience for this epic would be 5-10 year olds with wacky, Pythonesque senses of humor, although fans of any age of monster movies run a close second!

Bats Abandon Belfry-Seek Library Instead!

Bats are forsaking their natural habitat of belfrys and caves for the wondrous world of the library! In Brian Lies' new book , Bats at the Library , a window is left open at the local library and the bats swoop in after dark to enjoy the books. At least, the older and more mature bats do. The younger ones go a bit wild mucking about with the copier and the fountain-they've never learned proper library etiquette, you see. (That never happens in the human world.) But, thankfully, at storytime, the little ones get drawn into the lovely, incredible land of books and imagination. My absolute favourite parts of the book are the wonderfully clever illustrations of children's classics reinterpreted with bat characters and titles. Bats at the Library is obviously an excellent choice for library storytimes, but the different levels of humor will appeal to a wider audience of both kids and adults as well. Enjoy!

LBH Review: The Princess and the Hound

We're trying out video reviews by some of our staff members to see how they work. Here's Sarah giving an impromptu review of The Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison: