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You should see my husband’s book shelves. Every spare inch is spoken for, with some books relegated to stacks until a new shelf comes. They are not small books, either, no they are the type that make every visitor question in a quiet hushed tone, “Did he really read all of those?” After a quick laugh, and an explanation that the books do more than occupy space our curious guest turns their attention towards me. “Do you read this much, too?” Then I like a proud mother, show my little book shelf containing a large amount of picture books and a tiny supply of books with chapters. The gleaming faces of wonder and astonishment quickly change to confusion as they smile politely, and think to themselves, “picture books?”
It is a funny sight to see, as Adam and I are on vacation reading, right before bed or at a quiet coffee shop; husband reading “Twice-Told Proverbs and the Composition of the Book of Proverbs” by Daniel C. Snell, wife reading and giggling “Pigeon wants a Puppy” by Mo. Willems.
So, why the picture books? Well, for one I love children’s literature. I am always utterly amazed at the complex thoughts that can be portrayed through word and art. When an author is given only a few words to portray his/her message each word must have extreme meaning. I also love picture books so much because of their audience. Children are honest, like to laugh, don’t want to be preached at and yet are so excited to learn of the world around them. Good children’s authors get that. They address their audience with respect, truth and humor. Picture books also blend art with the written word to create a visual experience that chapter books can not do. I strongly think that picture books are a media for all ages.
And, yet, I feel as through in the spectrum of children’s literature I am missing something by not being involved with chapter books. I did, like most of the entire world, read the Harry Potter books and adored them. Other than that and the occasional favorite from my own childhood, I know very little about the larger books.
In my attempt to go beyond my normal reading, I have now read the”Sisters Grimm” books by Michael Buckley. I have to tell you that I very much enjoyed. The idea of fairy tale people and creatures actually being real is pure genius. The two sister’s Daphne and Sabrina fight crime while dealing with normal childhood dramas. I also have read the “Ivy and Bean” series recently which I found hysterical. When Bean shakes her bottom at Nancy her older sister, I actually had to put the book down to laugh. You read Annie Barrow’s books and you either were one of those precarious little six year olds or you know someone who is. There schemes and mischief is so irresistible and Sophie Blackall’s illustrations so accurately portray the girl’s expressions.
Right now on my reading shelf is “The Mysterious Benedict Society” (my blog title is in homage to the chapter titles of this book) which is a huge 485 page undertaking.However, there was something about this book that called to me. Every time I was in a book store I would look at the cover. Carson Ellis’s cover illustration is so quirky and witty looking it made the book beg for my attention. Then, after I put the book down, I read a review on Just one More Book (a terrific blog!) and was convinced I had to read it. Fabulous. The plot is so outlandishly interesting, the characters so outstanding and brilliant. It was a beautiful book of courage, friendship and adventure. The sequel “The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey“, which is also filled with twists and turns that prove to be equally exciting.
So, my blogging friends, I venture out into the world of big people books. Well, at least bigger people books. It’s a fun summer project. Also on my read-reading-or to be read list:
- “The Penderwicks“, by the local Jeanne Birdsall
- “A Series of Unfortunate Events” by Lemony Snicket (I have been wanting to read them for a long, long time)
Any favorites you think I should read?
Jenn, Imagination Celebrations
David Shannon is one of my favorite children’s authors. I love sharing his books in story groups, one on one, and at birthday parties. His illustrations are playful and have a very distinct attitude. The characters that he brings to life whether David, Fergus, or Alice (there are many others!) feel like a loved child (or dog) in your own life. The wonderful marriage of his illustrations, characters, and tone will keep you giggling as you turn the page.
Alice the Fairy is no exception. Alice is a fairy but just a “temporary fairy”. She can’t fly yet, or hang her clothes up off the floor, and is slightly afraid of the dark. However, she is capable of making cookies that were once her dad’s into her own, which is quite the skill to have. What little one hasn’t become a fairy, princess, or super hero? Alice, like the children we all know, is so committed to her role. Her parents are the duke and duchess. Her bedroom is a tower. Mere sugar becomes fairy dust. And a construction paper crown with buttons, macaroni, and glitter is the grandest crown for the “duke”. This book is such a gem, and allows us all to take a peak into the life of an imaginative little girl, excuse me, I mean fairy.
Fairy Academy, one of our themed birthday parties was inspired by Alice the Fairy (or, just a way to read this book every party!) With the familiar frame of school, we introduce fabulously magical classes. The little girls, like Alice, will still be temporary fairies, but I think they, like Alice, should be temporary fairies forever.
Jenn, Imagination Celebrations
I plan children’s events all week long. I create royal summons, top secret paperwork and VIP passes for 3-13 year olds. I have a spare bedroom that has a treasure chest, 14 mini mirrors, way too many tutus and a blow up crocodile (or alligator, I always get those mixed up). I do computer work, craft work and shopping. Then the weekend comes, and I get to set up a beautiful setting, tell an amazing story and meet the new little faces that get to be the characters.
It’s crazy and hectic, and so much fun. Welcome to my blog and my job. I hope to share with you my ideas, thoughts and opinions on children’s celebrations and the literature that inspires them.
