—Chuck Close*
 |
| Art Nouveau-style bookplate, by Otto Tragy |
*Via CBS News
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Creativity is a Process
"Inspiration is for amateurs -- every great idea I've ever had grew out of work itself. Sign on to a process and see where it takes you."
—Chuck Close*
*Via CBS News
—Chuck Close*
*Via CBS News
Friday, November 25, 2016
MMGM: Squashed
Today's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday pick
Squashed
Written by Joan Bauer
Speak, Imprint of Penguin, 1992
Ages 8-12, 194 pages, Lexile 930
about 48,400 words
Opening:
I was preparing my secret booster solution of one part buttermilk, two parts Orange Crush, and about to inject it into the thick stem of my world-class Big Max—technically a variety of squash, but often the winner in giant pumpkin contests. I called him Max for short. He was the biggest squash I had ever grown— 107 inches wide around his middle—which put him over three hundred pounds, approximately. Awesome was the only word for it, especially since this was only August. We had forty-six days to go until the Rock River Pumpkin Weigh-In and Harvest Fair, where I, at sixteen years of age, am the only teenager ever to enter the adult growing division. I was facing heavy competition for the blue ribbon from Cyril Poole, four-time Weigh-In champ and a deeply despicable person. If I didn't win, I was sure I'd die, which was why I couldn't bother with anything else right now."
Thoughts:
All Ellie can think about is her prize pumpkin, Max. He's her confidant and security blanket in a way. Though Max is just a vegetable, Ellie goes to him for comfort and refuge from her teenage troubles. Sometimes, it's like he's taking care of her. Her dad doesn't understand her. She's awkward and nerdy, in a growers-kind-of-way. She is smitten with Wes, the new boy in school, and she is constantly at war about her desire to weigh less and her desire for comfort food.
Everything in Ellie's life is a dichotomy. She is driven and absolutely sure of herself, and yet she struggles with self-image and others' perception of her. Ellie says she can't bother with anything else, but the book is about just the opposite. She takes pains to build a relationship with her dad, she wants to impress Wes, she diets on and off again, and she spends precious time despising her rival pumpkin grower, Cyril Poole.
Ellie's strong voice, genuine teen-age mutability, and penchant for comparing life to a vegetable patch make this a book I couldn't put down. I just had to review it here because, while it was the first and probably not the best of Joan Bauer's amazing novels, it is largely unsung. Thankfully, Speak has put the story back in print with a new cover and a new chance at popularity. It's hard to get readers excited about a story where the MC grows a prize pumpkin (trust me, I've tried) but I am convinced they will see a part of themselves in her inner struggles, whether they live in the city or the heartland.
Bonus:
1. If you enjoyed Squashed, I recommend anything else by Joan Bauer, particularly Hope Was Here or Rules of the Road, which are even better. But don't take my word for it, read reviews by other MMGMers.
Hope Was Here
Reviewed by The Paige Turner
Close To Famous
Reviewed by Jenni Enzor, Shannon Messenger, That's Another Story, and Mrs. Yingling Reads.
Soar
Reviewed by Always in the Middle
Almost Home
Reviews by The Hopeful Heroine and Mrs. Yingling Reads.
2. Feeling the need for comfort food? Joan Bauer includes a pumpkin bread recipe on her site. Bake some up and cuddle up for a cozy read. Or make a Beef and Pumpkin shepherd's pie for dinner, courtesy Nestle Very Best Baking.
3. The crux of what Joan's books represent is encapsulized in these ten short video clips from AdLit.
Have you reviewed a Marvelous Middle Grade Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!
Check out all the Marvelous Middle Grade Monday recommendations for November 28, 2016.
MMGM started way back in 2010 by Shannon Messenger, author of Keeper of Lost Cities. Each week, participating bloggers review our favorite books for ages 8-12. Why not join us?
 |
| Squashed, by Joan Bauer |
Written by Joan Bauer
Speak, Imprint of Penguin, 1992
Ages 8-12, 194 pages, Lexile 930
about 48,400 words
Opening:
I was preparing my secret booster solution of one part buttermilk, two parts Orange Crush, and about to inject it into the thick stem of my world-class Big Max—technically a variety of squash, but often the winner in giant pumpkin contests. I called him Max for short. He was the biggest squash I had ever grown— 107 inches wide around his middle—which put him over three hundred pounds, approximately. Awesome was the only word for it, especially since this was only August. We had forty-six days to go until the Rock River Pumpkin Weigh-In and Harvest Fair, where I, at sixteen years of age, am the only teenager ever to enter the adult growing division. I was facing heavy competition for the blue ribbon from Cyril Poole, four-time Weigh-In champ and a deeply despicable person. If I didn't win, I was sure I'd die, which was why I couldn't bother with anything else right now."
Thoughts:
All Ellie can think about is her prize pumpkin, Max. He's her confidant and security blanket in a way. Though Max is just a vegetable, Ellie goes to him for comfort and refuge from her teenage troubles. Sometimes, it's like he's taking care of her. Her dad doesn't understand her. She's awkward and nerdy, in a growers-kind-of-way. She is smitten with Wes, the new boy in school, and she is constantly at war about her desire to weigh less and her desire for comfort food.
Everything in Ellie's life is a dichotomy. She is driven and absolutely sure of herself, and yet she struggles with self-image and others' perception of her. Ellie says she can't bother with anything else, but the book is about just the opposite. She takes pains to build a relationship with her dad, she wants to impress Wes, she diets on and off again, and she spends precious time despising her rival pumpkin grower, Cyril Poole.
Ellie's strong voice, genuine teen-age mutability, and penchant for comparing life to a vegetable patch make this a book I couldn't put down. I just had to review it here because, while it was the first and probably not the best of Joan Bauer's amazing novels, it is largely unsung. Thankfully, Speak has put the story back in print with a new cover and a new chance at popularity. It's hard to get readers excited about a story where the MC grows a prize pumpkin (trust me, I've tried) but I am convinced they will see a part of themselves in her inner struggles, whether they live in the city or the heartland.
Bonus:
1. If you enjoyed Squashed, I recommend anything else by Joan Bauer, particularly Hope Was Here or Rules of the Road, which are even better. But don't take my word for it, read reviews by other MMGMers.
 |
| Rules of the Road, by Joan Bauer |
 |
| Hope Was Here, by Joan Bauer |
 |
| Soar, by Joan Bauer |
Reviewed by The Paige Turner
Close To Famous
Reviewed by Jenni Enzor, Shannon Messenger, That's Another Story, and Mrs. Yingling Reads.
Soar
Reviewed by Always in the Middle
Almost Home
Reviews by The Hopeful Heroine and Mrs. Yingling Reads.
3. The crux of what Joan's books represent is encapsulized in these ten short video clips from AdLit.
Have you reviewed a Marvelous Middle Grade Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!
Check out all the Marvelous Middle Grade Monday recommendations for November 28, 2016.
MMGM started way back in 2010 by Shannon Messenger, author of Keeper of Lost Cities. Each week, participating bloggers review our favorite books for ages 8-12. Why not join us?
PPBF: Baseball Biography
There's no official Perfect Picture Book Friday today, but I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce a few of the worthwhile picture books I've read this fall.
The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game
Written by Nancy Churnin
Illustrated by Jez Tuya
Albert Whitman & Company, 2016
Ages 5-8, 620L
Themes:
Biography, Disability, Nonfiction,Sports
Opening:
"William Scooped dust to dry the sweat off his slick rubber ball. He stared at the small X he'd chalked on the barn wall. He closed his eyes. He opened them and threw. Bam! He hit the mark. He stepped back so he could try again."
Thoughts:
William Hoy loved playing ball. He was an outstanding athlete. He made it all the way to the major leagues, but when he got there he discovered there was a communication problem. Hoy invented a system of signals for the base coaches and the umpire.
William also happened to be deaf. His hand signals improved game play for both hearing and deaf players, and made it easier for the spectators to see what was happening.
I'm not sure how much of this is urban legend, but William Hoy was a great baseball player, and hand signals did improve the game for everyone. The story points out some of the challenges Hoy faced as well as his accomplishments. The folk-art style compliments the mood of the story. The text is a bit straightforward, but well-organized. Great for classrooms and at home.
The Kid From Diamond Street
Written by Audrey Vernick
Illustrated by Steven Salerno
Clarion, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016
Ages 4-7, 40 pp, 880L
Themes:
Biography, Nonfiction, Sports
Opening:
"Born into a Philadelphia family in 1912, Edith was the youngest of ten kids. Nearly as soon as she could walk, Edith was playing ball with her big brothers and neighbors."
Thoughts:
Edith Houghton started playing professional baseball when she was 10 years old. She practiced hard, traveled the world, and followed her dreams. Sport-a-phobes and baseball fans alike will cheer for this plucky kid from Philadelphia.
I loved this inspiring and empowering peek at the life of a famous teen. The MC feels like an authentic, yet extraordinary young girl. This book is a great example of using available data to create a flowing story while sticking to the facts. Bouncing text. Fun, animated illustration style.
Queen of the Diamond: The Lizzie Murphy Story
Written and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2015
Ages 5-8, 460L
Themes:
Biography, Sports, History, Nonfiction
Opening:
In 1900, baseball was America's national pastime. No other form of entertainment came close. Every boy owned a ball, a glove, and a dream.
Thoughts:
Lizzie Murphy was a better baseball player than most of the boys she knew. Decades before Edith Houghton played on a girls pro team, Lizzie was playing for two different amateur boys' teams, eventually moving to the pros. She played in All-Star games and batted against Satchel Paige. Lizzie didn't just play, she earned a living. A worthwhile biography with jaunty, expressive text and lively illustrations.
Bonus:
Check out these and other Perfect Picture books at your local library.
Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!
Today's theme is BASEBALL!
 |
| The William Hoy Story, by Nancy Churnin and Jez Tuya Also reviewed by Vivian Kirkfield |
Illustrated by Jez Tuya
Albert Whitman & Company, 2016
Ages 5-8, 620L
Themes:
Biography, Disability, Nonfiction,Sports
Opening:
"William Scooped dust to dry the sweat off his slick rubber ball. He stared at the small X he'd chalked on the barn wall. He closed his eyes. He opened them and threw. Bam! He hit the mark. He stepped back so he could try again."
Thoughts:
William Hoy loved playing ball. He was an outstanding athlete. He made it all the way to the major leagues, but when he got there he discovered there was a communication problem. Hoy invented a system of signals for the base coaches and the umpire.
William also happened to be deaf. His hand signals improved game play for both hearing and deaf players, and made it easier for the spectators to see what was happening.
I'm not sure how much of this is urban legend, but William Hoy was a great baseball player, and hand signals did improve the game for everyone. The story points out some of the challenges Hoy faced as well as his accomplishments. The folk-art style compliments the mood of the story. The text is a bit straightforward, but well-organized. Great for classrooms and at home.
 |
| The Kid From Diamond Street, by Audrey Vernick and Steven Salerno Also reviewed by Beth Anderson |
Illustrated by Steven Salerno
Clarion, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016
Ages 4-7, 40 pp, 880L
Themes:
Biography, Nonfiction, Sports
Opening:
"Born into a Philadelphia family in 1912, Edith was the youngest of ten kids. Nearly as soon as she could walk, Edith was playing ball with her big brothers and neighbors."
Thoughts:
Edith Houghton started playing professional baseball when she was 10 years old. She practiced hard, traveled the world, and followed her dreams. Sport-a-phobes and baseball fans alike will cheer for this plucky kid from Philadelphia.
I loved this inspiring and empowering peek at the life of a famous teen. The MC feels like an authentic, yet extraordinary young girl. This book is a great example of using available data to create a flowing story while sticking to the facts. Bouncing text. Fun, animated illustration style.
 |
| Queen of the Diamond, by Emily Arnold McCully |
Written and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2015
Ages 5-8, 460L
Themes:
Biography, Sports, History, Nonfiction
Opening:
In 1900, baseball was America's national pastime. No other form of entertainment came close. Every boy owned a ball, a glove, and a dream.
Thoughts:
Lizzie Murphy was a better baseball player than most of the boys she knew. Decades before Edith Houghton played on a girls pro team, Lizzie was playing for two different amateur boys' teams, eventually moving to the pros. She played in All-Star games and batted against Satchel Paige. Lizzie didn't just play, she earned a living. A worthwhile biography with jaunty, expressive text and lively illustrations.
Bonus:
Check out these and other Perfect Picture books at your local library.
 |
| Reviewed by Kirsten |
 |
| Reviewed by Maria |
 |
| Reviewed by Erik |
 |
| Reviewed by Kirsten |
Thursday, November 24, 2016
5 Things to Be Thankful For
During the Thanksgiving season, we traditionally gather together and count our blessings: home family, prosperity. Many posts will focus on gratitude. Some will encourage readers to find things about which to be thankful even amid the trying circumstances of their lives. But I would like to submit to you this year, while those are good and noble ideas, there are 5 things we have probably neglected.
Be grateful for hardship.
"Count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations." James 1:2
When was the last time you said thank-you when you were struggling against a rash reaction? A hateful response? An addiction?
Difficult things in our lives give us chances to be an example to others and make us better people. I absolutely look forward to the day when I won't have to think twice about saying and doing the right thing. Until then, I'm counting my difficulties as blessings. (James 1:12)
Be grateful for suffering.
"But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings..." I Peter 4:13
This particular admonishment is speaking of persecution, but I think it can be equally applied to suffering wrongfully, condescension, or physical suffering. (I Peter 2:18,19)
Those who hold an opinion differing from the mainstream are continually blasted for their beliefs. Religious and moral freedoms are challenged on every side. The current political climate engenders strife, and while there is a general appeal for tolerance, those who speak the loudest deepen the divides rather than healing them. Complaining certainly isn't the answer. How would a thankful spirit transform our communication?
Be grateful for everyone in government.
"I exhort therefore, that,...giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority;" I Timothy 2:1,2
No matter your country or political leanings, this is a very clear call to specific, purposeful thankfulness for specific, generally objectionable, people.
I've had cause to meditate on this thought for the last eight years, and see the need to discipline ourselves to it in the next four.
Be grateful for those in opposition to us.
"Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." Luke 6:28
This one's especially hard for me. I get so tired of people who feel entitled. Self-righteousness fosters the opposite of gratefulness.
What would happen if we followed the rest of the commands in Luke 6?
"And unto him that smiteth thee on the cheek offer the other also; and to him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again...But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again;"
Be grateful for everything.
"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
I Thessalonians 5:18
Everything. Fill in the blank.
This is only possible with supernatural intervention.
But if you want to do the impossible, then you need Someone who is capable of that. That's God.
I've lost some readers here. Sorry to hear that. I hope they'll be back.
For those of you still reading, here's where I'm coming from. I'm a born-again follower of Christ.*
I was recently reminded that God never asks us to do the impossible. He does that part. (Romans 8:28, Mark 10:27, Luke 1:37, Philippians 4:13, Isaiah 43:2,7)
*Email me with any questions. I'll do my best to give you the truth. Or you can look at this clear explanation of my beliefs.
 |
| Thankful for family, by Joanne Roberts |
Be grateful for hardship.
"Count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations." James 1:2
When was the last time you said thank-you when you were struggling against a rash reaction? A hateful response? An addiction?
Difficult things in our lives give us chances to be an example to others and make us better people. I absolutely look forward to the day when I won't have to think twice about saying and doing the right thing. Until then, I'm counting my difficulties as blessings. (James 1:12)
Be grateful for suffering.
"But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings..." I Peter 4:13
This particular admonishment is speaking of persecution, but I think it can be equally applied to suffering wrongfully, condescension, or physical suffering. (I Peter 2:18,19)
Those who hold an opinion differing from the mainstream are continually blasted for their beliefs. Religious and moral freedoms are challenged on every side. The current political climate engenders strife, and while there is a general appeal for tolerance, those who speak the loudest deepen the divides rather than healing them. Complaining certainly isn't the answer. How would a thankful spirit transform our communication?
Be grateful for everyone in government.
"I exhort therefore, that,...giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority;" I Timothy 2:1,2
No matter your country or political leanings, this is a very clear call to specific, purposeful thankfulness for specific, generally objectionable, people.
I've had cause to meditate on this thought for the last eight years, and see the need to discipline ourselves to it in the next four.
Be grateful for those in opposition to us.
"Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." Luke 6:28
This one's especially hard for me. I get so tired of people who feel entitled. Self-righteousness fosters the opposite of gratefulness.
What would happen if we followed the rest of the commands in Luke 6?
"And unto him that smiteth thee on the cheek offer the other also; and to him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again...But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again;"
Be grateful for everything.
"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
I Thessalonians 5:18
Everything. Fill in the blank.
This is only possible with supernatural intervention.
But if you want to do the impossible, then you need Someone who is capable of that. That's God.
I've lost some readers here. Sorry to hear that. I hope they'll be back.
For those of you still reading, here's where I'm coming from. I'm a born-again follower of Christ.*
I was recently reminded that God never asks us to do the impossible. He does that part. (Romans 8:28, Mark 10:27, Luke 1:37, Philippians 4:13, Isaiah 43:2,7)
*Email me with any questions. I'll do my best to give you the truth. Or you can look at this clear explanation of my beliefs.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Straightforward Writing
“Anyone who wishes to become a good writer should endeavour, before he allows himself to be tempted by the more showy qualities, to be direct, simple, brief, vigorous, and lucid.”
~ H.W. Fowler*
*Via Rosi Hollinbeck on The Write Stuff
~ H.W. Fowler*
 |
| Raven bookplate available from Florentine Collections |
*Via Rosi Hollinbeck on The Write Stuff
Sunday, November 20, 2016
MMGM: Mighty Jack
Today's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday pick
Mighty Jack
Written by Ben Hatke
Color by Alex Campbell and Hilary Sycamore of Sky Blue Ink
First Second Books, 2016
Grades 4-7, 208 pages
Themes:
Magical Realism, Coming-of-age, Siblings, Special Needs
Thoughts:
Mighty Jack is part one of a fantasy adventure graphic novel. Jack's single mom is trying her best to raise him and his mute little sister, Maddie. When a mysterious stranger at a flea market convinces Jack to buy a box of seed packets for Maddie, the two embark on a strange journey that begins with a patch of dirt in the backyard and ends somewhere beyond the beanstalk.
The seeds grow bizarre, magical plants which have a life of their own. When the garden becomes dangerous, Jack's neighbor Lilly lends her special brand of talent to train Jack, to protect Maddie, and to investigate the creatures growing in the back yard.
I love Ben Hatke's art and was blown away by the breathtaking colors of the artists of Sky Blue Ink. Also, Hatke's grasp on graphic storytelling is refreshing. Lots of illustrators have jumped on the graphic novel bandwagon, but few have yet learned the special skills for composing a page, wordless panels, and storytelling in comic format. In Mighty Jack, the story flows seamlessly from page to page. There are plenty of wordless spreads, but Hatke manages to convey emotion and suspense. His creatures are by turns frightening and adorable, but always cleverly designed. Yes, the story ends on a complete cliffhanger, but comic fans are used to the episodic nature of the medium. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a whole year for the next issue. Luckily, there's plenty to read in the meantime. I predict a strong fanart following for this series. And if you still can't get enough, hop over to Etsy and purchase some of Ben's original art.
Opening:
In lieu of the actual opening pages (which you can see on Amazon) I've included two pages of the inciting event.
Bonus:
1. If you enjoyed Mighty Jack, there's more to come. Look for book 2 around September 2017. In the mean time, enjoy the comic capers on Ben's blog, picture books like Julia's House for Lost Creatures or Nobody Likes a Goblin, or more graphic novel work like those below.
2. Don't take my word for it, read what other MMGM reviewers have to say about Ben's work:
Zita the Space Girl
Faith, at Life's An Art!
Alyson, of Kidlit Frenzy
Legends of Zita the Space Girl
Heidi, the Geo Librarian
The Return of Zita the Spacegirl
Beth, at Beth Fish Reads
Mighty Jack, book 1
Karen on Ms. Yingling Reads
3. If you love comics and graphic novels, check out these Marvelous Middle Grade Monday recommendations.
Check out all the Marvelous Middle Grade Monday recommendations for November 21, 2016.
Have you reviewed a Marvelous Middle Grade Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!
MMGM started way back in 2010 by Shannon Messenger, author of Keeper of Lost Cities. Each week, participating bloggers review our favorite books for ages 8-12. Why not join us?
 |
| Mighty Jack, book 1, a graphic novel by Ben Hatke |
Written by Ben Hatke
Color by Alex Campbell and Hilary Sycamore of Sky Blue Ink
First Second Books, 2016
Grades 4-7, 208 pages
Themes:
Magical Realism, Coming-of-age, Siblings, Special Needs
Thoughts:
Mighty Jack is part one of a fantasy adventure graphic novel. Jack's single mom is trying her best to raise him and his mute little sister, Maddie. When a mysterious stranger at a flea market convinces Jack to buy a box of seed packets for Maddie, the two embark on a strange journey that begins with a patch of dirt in the backyard and ends somewhere beyond the beanstalk.
The seeds grow bizarre, magical plants which have a life of their own. When the garden becomes dangerous, Jack's neighbor Lilly lends her special brand of talent to train Jack, to protect Maddie, and to investigate the creatures growing in the back yard.
I love Ben Hatke's art and was blown away by the breathtaking colors of the artists of Sky Blue Ink. Also, Hatke's grasp on graphic storytelling is refreshing. Lots of illustrators have jumped on the graphic novel bandwagon, but few have yet learned the special skills for composing a page, wordless panels, and storytelling in comic format. In Mighty Jack, the story flows seamlessly from page to page. There are plenty of wordless spreads, but Hatke manages to convey emotion and suspense. His creatures are by turns frightening and adorable, but always cleverly designed. Yes, the story ends on a complete cliffhanger, but comic fans are used to the episodic nature of the medium. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a whole year for the next issue. Luckily, there's plenty to read in the meantime. I predict a strong fanart following for this series. And if you still can't get enough, hop over to Etsy and purchase some of Ben's original art.
Opening:
In lieu of the actual opening pages (which you can see on Amazon) I've included two pages of the inciting event.
Bonus:
1. If you enjoyed Mighty Jack, there's more to come. Look for book 2 around September 2017. In the mean time, enjoy the comic capers on Ben's blog, picture books like Julia's House for Lost Creatures or Nobody Likes a Goblin, or more graphic novel work like those below.
 |
| Ben Hatke's other middle grade series, Zita the Space Girl |
 |
| Little Robot, a graphic novel for grades 2-4 |
Zita the Space Girl
Faith, at Life's An Art!
Alyson, of Kidlit Frenzy
Legends of Zita the Space Girl
Heidi, the Geo Librarian
The Return of Zita the Spacegirl
Beth, at Beth Fish Reads
Mighty Jack, book 1
Karen on Ms. Yingling Reads
 |
| Storm in the Barn, by Matt Phelan, reviewed by My Brain on Books |
 |
| Alamo All-Stars, by Nathan Hale, reviewed on Word Spelunking |
 |
| Anya's Ghost, by Vera Brosgol Reviewed on Tales From the Raven |
 |
| Ghosts, by Reina Telgemeier Reviewed on Bookish Ambition |
Check out all the Marvelous Middle Grade Monday recommendations for November 21, 2016.
Have you reviewed a Marvelous Middle Grade Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!
MMGM started way back in 2010 by Shannon Messenger, author of Keeper of Lost Cities. Each week, participating bloggers review our favorite books for ages 8-12. Why not join us?
Saturday, November 19, 2016
International Games Day 2016
Stop by your library to share in the gaming fun, meet new people, and maybe learn a thing about yourself. Participating branches may have game times organized by age, life-sized gaming, or simply open free time with games available.
Last year I made some suggestions for those of you new to the gaming world. This year, I thought I'd introduce you to some unsung illustrators, those who create the art for board games and cards. Along the way, you might find a new game worth trying.
Don't tell me you haven't played yet! Great for all ages, Dixit is a party game, sort of like Apples to Apples or Balderdash with pictures.
And what pictures!
Each of the cards has a bizarre, surreal illustration, so half the fun is staring at the artwork. Even better, there are a dozen expansion packs with, you guessed it, more cards. For more info, there's a good description on Thirsty Meeples.
My favorite artist may be Xavier Collette, but I love Maria Cardouat's original cards too. Other illustrators include Franck Dion, Pierô, Carine Hinder, and Jérôme Pélissier.
OK. It's not fair for me to show you this game, because it's pretty rare, but we love Dragonmaster for its adaptability and its art.
Basically a standard pitch-type trick-taking game, this fantasy version offers four new suits (Nomads, Warriors, Dragonlords, and Druids), new characters (from the fool through the king), and plastic gems to keep score. (Just like the ones used in Lazer Attack. Remember that one?)
Our kooky family has invented almost a dozen variations of this game at last count. You can find them explained on Whatsits Galore.
I'm convinced this game's appeal comes from the fabulous artwork by Bob Pepper, Mid-Century psychedelic paperback book cover legend.
And a random sampling of other greats
Game cafes are popping up all over the country. You can stop by to play or sample anything in their vast collections, usually for an hourly fee. These are great places to meet and relax, eat and laugh. Experiment to find your favorite games, then buy them at your local games store.
My current favorite is The Games Keep [561 E Gay St, West Chester, PA 19380, Phone:(484) 905-5533]
 |
| Thanks to the American Library Association! |
Last year I made some suggestions for those of you new to the gaming world. This year, I thought I'd introduce you to some unsung illustrators, those who create the art for board games and cards. Along the way, you might find a new game worth trying.
 |
| Dixit, by Asmodee Games |
And what pictures!
Each of the cards has a bizarre, surreal illustration, so half the fun is staring at the artwork. Even better, there are a dozen expansion packs with, you guessed it, more cards. For more info, there's a good description on Thirsty Meeples.
My favorite artist may be Xavier Collette, but I love Maria Cardouat's original cards too. Other illustrators include Franck Dion, Pierô, Carine Hinder, and Jérôme Pélissier.
 |
| A sample of Dixit card art. |
 |
| DragonMaster, by E. S. Lowe |
Basically a standard pitch-type trick-taking game, this fantasy version offers four new suits (Nomads, Warriors, Dragonlords, and Druids), new characters (from the fool through the king), and plastic gems to keep score. (Just like the ones used in Lazer Attack. Remember that one?)
Our kooky family has invented almost a dozen variations of this game at last count. You can find them explained on Whatsits Galore.
I'm convinced this game's appeal comes from the fabulous artwork by Bob Pepper, Mid-Century psychedelic paperback book cover legend.
 |
| A sampling of Dragonmaster cards Courtesy 2 Warps to Neptune |
 |
| Guillotine action cards illustrated by Quinton Hoover |
 |
| Escape From the Aliens in Outer Space,Art by Giulia Ghigini |
 |
| Tokaido, art by Xavier Durin AKA Naiiade |
 |
| Mission Red Planet, 1st ed. art by Christophe Madura |
 |
| Mission Red Planet, 2nd ed. Art by Andrew Bosley |
Game cafes are popping up all over the country. You can stop by to play or sample anything in their vast collections, usually for an hourly fee. These are great places to meet and relax, eat and laugh. Experiment to find your favorite games, then buy them at your local games store.
My current favorite is The Games Keep [561 E Gay St, West Chester, PA 19380, Phone:(484) 905-5533]
Local game stores, like local book stores need your support.
Can't find one? Try the Steve Jackson Games store finder or this one from Fireside Games, or Rio Grande's locator for a retailer near you. Online, I like Funagain Games. What are you waiting for?
Happy International Games Day!
Please leave your family's favorite past time in the comments.
We love to try new games.
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