PPBF: Ask Me

And now on to today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick

Ask Me, by Bernard Waber and Suzy Lee

Ask Me

Written by Bernard Waber
Illustrated by Suzy Lee

Henry Holt BFYR, Macmillan, 2015
Ages 4-7, 40 pp, 250L


Themes:
Relationships, Family, Fathers


Opening:
Ask me what I like?

What do you like?

I like dogs.
I like cats.
I like turtles.


Synopsis:
Daddy and daughter take a walk together, giving Daddy time to discover inner secrets of his little girl through the lost art of listening. A celebration of both fatherhood and childhood.


What I Love:
Ask Me is a delightfully sweet book that echoes the yearning in every child's heart, to be heard, to be someone other people want to get to know. Dad and daughter exchange a series of questions with delightfully child-like answers which just may reveal more about her inner self than he could have imagined. Perfect for Valentine's Day, Father's Day, or any day.


Bonus: 

How to Listen So Other People Will Talk,
Recommended by Parenting Like Hannah

1. Enjoy daddy-daughter date suggestions from toddlers to teens on Ask Men, The Simple Dad, and Happily Ever Mom.

2. Have Daddy fill out a questionaire, from NotJustCute.

3. Questions aren't just for dads. Get to know your kids with conversation starters from Our Three Peas and Parents.

4. I'm still convinced that reading aloud with my kids (now teenagers) is consistently one of our strongest bonding times. Read more and find suggestions on ReadAloudRevivial podcasts and website.

5. My husband is a baking wiz. For our daughter's birthday he made these cherry limeade cupcakes from Bird on A Cake. Why not give it a whirl with your young lady? Or prepare dinner with five easy recipes from All Pro Dad.

6. Check out these and more Perfect Picture Books at your local library.
Special thanks to three great PPBF reviewers: Julie, Wendy, and Perfect Picture Book Friday creator, Susanna Leonard Hill.

Review of Meet the Parents

Review of  The House on East 88th Street

Review of Dad and Pop

Review of Open This Little Book

Review of Daddy Depot

Review of Mother Bruce

Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for Friday, February 9, 2018 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.

PPBF: A Year in the City

And now on to today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick

A Year in the City, by Kathy Henderson and Paul Howard

A Year in the City

Written Kathy Henderson
Illustrated by Paul Howard

Candlewick Press, 1996
Ages 3 & up, 32 pp


Themes:
City, Seasons


Opening:
The year's turning,
the year's turning
through the streets and houses
where people pass and the traffic churns,
all the time the year keeps turning.

Synopsis:
Pages packed with bustling illustrations, A Year in the City hustles readers through the frenetic pace of city life, month by month. The prose is poetic. The illustrations are detailed. Just like the city there is much in this book to see and explore. The creators offer a buffet of the delights and distractions inherent in an urban setting, highlighting cultural festivals, seasons, holidays, sounds, and textures.


What I Love:
With well over 1,000 words, this book may be a surprising addition to the PPBF list. I love the author's skill painting a scene engaging all of the senses. The illustrator's full-page and vignetted scenes carry a sense of energy and inspire kids to examine and appreciate a culture like, or unlike, their own.


Bonus: 

Petit and Small modeled 5 diverse cities from recycled materials

1. I love the creative breadstick appetizers for New Year's Eve found on Heavy.

2. MiniTime is a great website for planning a city trip with the kids. Links include NYC, San Francisco, and Boston. Or  uncover travel secrets from the New York Times article on Chicago.

3. Parenting Patch has created a handprint craft for preschoolers, while FunnyCrafts makes a 4 seasons bottle craft available to download.

4. You'll find printable worksheets for weather tracking, four seasons puzzles, seasonal writing prompts and more on Education.com

5. Check out these and more Perfect Picture Books at your local library.

Reviewed by Joanne

Reviewed by Julie

Reviewed by Joanne

Reviewed by Maria

Reviewed by Clara

Reviewed by Wendy

Reviewed by Wendy

Reviewed by Julie

Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for Friday, January 19, 2018 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.

PPBF: Rettie and the Ragamuffin Parade

Here's today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick

Rettie and the Ragamuffin Parade, a historical fiction picture book

Rettie and the Ragamuffin Parade
A Thanksgiving Story
Tales of Young Americans series

Written Trinka Hakes Noble
Illustrated by David C. Gardner

Sleeping Bear Press, 2017
Ages 6-9, 32 pp, 800L


Themes:
Historical, Poverty, Holiday


Opening:
All the tenement children on New York's Lower East Side couldn't wait for the Ragamuffin Parade o Thanksgiving morning. But no one was more excited than a young girl named Loretta Stanowski, whom everyone called Rettie.

Synopsis:
The story focuses on one little girl who depends on the Ragamuffin Parade and the penny scramble to put food on the table for her poor family. Rettie has always been too young to participate in the penny scramble, but she is determined to elbow her way to her share of coins this year in order to help her struggling family. Rettie shows she is a hard worker and persevering through the many chores she undertakes while her mother is sick. The spread of influenza threatens to cancel the parade, which further complicates Rettie's plans. Back matter includes information on President Wilson, World War I, influenza, the origins of the Macy''s Thanksgiving parade, and the penny scramble.


What I Love:
The rich text and engaging illustrations make this book a must for homes and classrooms. The author includes sensory images to put readers in the middle of the action. She skillfully combines historical facts into the fictionalized story in order to ratchet the tension and increase the stakes. The art beautifully compliments the words not only through exquisite detail, but with animated character poses and expressions. A personal note and informative backmatter completes the picture.

I was surprised at the high word count, but drawn in by the rich storytelling. I love the way the text explains the details without bogging down. For example, the main character plans to collect change at the penny scramble, which might seem trivial to modern children. So the author includes a trip to the market where readers learn the cost of produce at that time. Rettie cannot afford to spend a few extra cents on an apple, reinforcing the value of money and increasing the family's plight in the eyes of the reader.


Bonus: 

Take kids to the market like the mom on An Everyday Story
to teach them the value of money.

1. Sleeping Bear Press has designated a dozen worthwhile picture books in to the Tales of Young Americans series.
I've reviewed Lily's Victory Garden
Diane Tulloch has reviewed The Tsunami Quilt
My friend Doris illustrated Black-Eyed Susan

2. You'll find amazing photos from the early Ragamuffin Parades on Gothamist and at the NY Public Library site. Learn more on Hey Ridge.

3. Witness a modern penny scramble if you're in the neighborhood of Yorkshire or at the Florence County Fair, for example or host your own.

4. In the author notes, you'll see President Woodrow Wilson's role in the celebration of Thanksgiving. Learn more about America in the first decades of the 20th century from the Woodrow Wilson House. Read past president's proclamations for giving thanks on What So Proudly We Hailed or on the American Presidency Project.

5. Check out these and more Perfect Picture Books at your local library.

Reviewed by Susanna

Reviewed by Penny

Also reviewed by Susanna

Reviewed by Jarm

Reviewed by Joanne

Reviewed by Julie

Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for Friday, November 17, 2017 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.

PPBF: Animals Christopher Columbus Saw

And now on to today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick

Christopher Columbus, Part of the Explorers Series

Animals Christopher Columbus Saw
An Adventure in the New World

Written Sandra Markle
Illustrated by Jamel Akib

Chronicle Books, 2008
Ages 7-10, 48 pp, 970L


Themes:
Exploration, History, Animals


Opening:
Would you believe that, once, worms inspired people to explore the world? In fifteenth-century Europe, silk made from the thread of silkworms was more valuable than gold. Silk and silkworms could only be found in the areas now known as China and Japan, and finding the fastest sea route between these areas and Europe could make an explorer very rich. Christopher Columbus was determined to find that route. In 1492, he set off with three ships, and while he did find land, it wasn't what he expected. Neither were the animals he found along the way.

Synopsis:
The author weaves both history and zoology into the story of Christoper Columbus's voyage. She uses journals and primary sources to uncover the probable route of the three ships and straighten out the facts in our minds. She details the various species of animals on land, sea, and air which Columbus's crew encountered. Her book is full of historical place names and vocabulary and doesn't shy away from the introduction of slavery and disease. However, the focus is not on the value of the journey, but rather on the wildlife. Each spread has narrative paragraph which tells about the sailors and a paragraph which highlights an animal the crew encountered. The text is a bit complicated for younger readers to read themselves, but would be a great introduction to the subject for both lower and middle grades. The focus on the animals is a kid-friendly way to teach history. The book includes a glossary and age-appropriate resources plus an author's note.


What I Love:
I love this series of animal books by Sandra Markle. I appreciate the way she tries to be historically accurate and put the details into perspective. I am sure there are many people who think she does not hit the issues like slavery harshly enough and that this book glorifies Columbus in a Eurocentric way without regard to the chaos of colonialism. Personally, I like how the author found an important theme running through Columbus's voyage and also that she has an opportunity to show what the voyage meant to his people at the time. It opens conversation about pre-conceived notions about what makes a civilized society and still leaves room to explore the history without the modern politics.
The illustrations are beautiful, though I was disappointed by the book's design. I would have liked the narrative sections and the animal sections to be set apart differently. Though a period map was included in the illustrations, I think a more detailed map would be more useful.


Bonus: 

1. There are other books in the Explorers series including one about Marco Polo and one about Robert Shaw.

2. Kids can create their own journal of animal species with the tips from Reading Rockets and biome-specific helps from Earth'sKids.

3. Geocaching is another way to get kids out and exploring. Go to their official website, or check the overview on LifeWire.

4. To dig deeper into the truth about Columbus's journey, try Biography and IndianCountryToday. While KidsPlayAndCreate offers a list of historical facts and dates.

5. Both Calliope and Dig magazines featured issues on Queen Isabella, and Cobblestone's issue on explorers would pair well with this book.

6. National Geographic's website encourages kids to follow in modern explorers' footsteps. Even city kids can do some adventuring on CityKidExplorers.

7. Check out these and more Perfect Picture Books at your local library.

Didn't one of the PPBF participants review Monsoon, illustrated by Jamel Akib? I couldn't find it, but I'm sure I read it. If so, please leave the link in the comments or drop me an email. Thanks!

Reviewed by Sue

Reviewed by Sue

Reviewed by Joanna

Reviewed by Joanne

Reviewed by Diane

Reviewed by Beth

Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for Friday, October 6, 2017 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.

2017 Hobbit Feast

Sorry I can't give you the recipe because
I can't remember where I copied it down from. 

For our Hobbit Day feast I planned eggs and hash for breakfast.

Second breakfast was bacon and potatoes.

We had freshly baked blueberry scones and lady fingers for Elevensies.

Luncheon was honey ham on bakery rolls with carrots, celery, tomatoes, and hummus.

I bought Fancy Yancy cheeses for our afternoon snack along with a selection of crackers.

Sam was an expert at cooking rabbit stew and PoTayToes! So I opted for Welsh Rabbit, smashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables (from Farmer Maggot's, of course.)

I laid out lady fingers and cream, apple cider, and fig newtons for a light dessert.

Mike Hendry’s ultimate Welsh Rarebit recipe
Courtesy Llansantffraed Court Hotel
Delicious!

Man was never built to eat like a hobbit. Today I plan to spend the day hiking to Mordor to work off the excess calories.

Eating was interspersed with sketching and reading, games, and our youngest son's first viewing of The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001.

Themed Monopoly by Hasbro and 
Ravensburger's LOTR version
of King's Gate

Prancing Pony dartboard made by
 the Noble Collection

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”

PPBF: I Like Old Clothes

Happy Hobbit Day!

Tune in tomorrow for the gastronomical triumphs from our Middle Earthly feast.

And now on to today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick


newly illustrated I Like Old Clothes,
by Mary Ann Hoberman and Patrice Barton

I Like Old Clothes

Written Mary Ann Hoberman
Illustrated by Patrice Barton

Alfred A. Knopf
originally published 1976, New illustrations 2012
Ages 5-8, 32 pp


Themes:
Childhood, Differences, Individuality


Opening:
I like old clothes,
Hand-me-down clothes,
Worn-outgrown clothes,
Not-my-own clothes.

This book was originally published with illustrations by Jacqueline Chwast

Synopsis:
The main character tells how she loves receiving used clothes even though other people might not like old clothes. This is more of a concept book. The MC likes to imagine where the clothes have come from and in the beautifully circular ending, where they are going to next. She likes hand-me-downs because she can play without messing them up, or dress up, or remake them into something new.


What I Love:
This sweet circular "story" by Mary Ann Hoberman has been reissued with new illustrations. I love how Patrice Barton introduces a gentle, vintage vibe into her illustrations without being sentimental.
I love the creative ways the MC uses her clothes. I appreciate the book's ability to deflect embarassment over consignments shopping and an upcycled life-style. The book is perfectly suited to today's environmentally-conscious parents who take advantage of the used clothing that comes their way. The illustrator uses a nice variety of collage-style back grounds and vignettes with plenty of character appeal.

I generally flinch when a past illustrator's work is cast aside, but this new edition is worthy of the timeless text. It's so cute!


Bonus: 

Ingenious cookie packages from Cake Central

1. Reading Rockets never fails to disappoint with their author interviews in text or video format.

2. View a delightful sketch interview with illustrator Patrice Barton on the Texas: Austin SCBWI blog, or the traditional kind with Kathy Temean's indepth Q&A with lots of pictures!

3. Take kids on a shopping spree to the local consignment shop for school clothes, play clothes, dress up costumes, and clothes for crafting. Use the time to review making change and budgeting.

4. Blogger Marilyn Rodrigues posts about the ups and downs of the hand-me-down lifestyle while Recycle Now has suggestions for less-than-quality donations.

5. Teach kids about charity by donating to actual charities like Salvation Army and World Wear Project. Note that Goodwill is a for-profit business and Boxes like Planet Aid can be highly suspect. Do your research.

6. Check out these and more Perfect Picture Books at your local library.

Reviewed by Jennifer

Reviewed by Erik

Reviewed by Joanne

Reviewed by Rhythm

Reviewed by Maria

Reviewed by Julie

Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for Friday, September 22, 2017 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.

Hobbit Day 2017

Wouldn't it be fun to do this 3D Middle Earth Map puzzle together?

Celebrate Bilbo's 174th birthday (and Frodo's 96th). Give gifts. Have a party. Eat a lot. Enjoy life because September 22 is officially Hobbit Day.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt compiled a Merry list of ideas for the occasion including a Dwarvish rune alphabet and an event hashtag.

Hobbits traditionally give gifts to others on their birthdays. Stock up on the One Ring from ThinkGeek, that is, if you have the willpower to give them away freely.

Kick back and reread your favorite Tolkien passages. Set the mood with soy candles from Frostbeard Studio in The Shire or Oxford Library scents. After all, Tolkien spent a lot of time in both places.

Check back Saturday for photos of our Tolkien marathon for which I've planned hobbit-themed food and games.

Tenna' san'

Aa' menealle nauva calen ar' malta*

*Thanks to the Grey Company

Independence Day 2017

Happy Fourth of July!

Want God to bless America?

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7

"Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." James 4:6

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14

"Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord." Psalm 144:15

Whom do you remember?

Here we are celebrating Memorial Day with prayer, reflection, family time, and music by the Voices of Liberty.

We send our thanks to all the families who sacrifice at home everyday and the servicemen and women who sacrifice their wants for our needs.

We are most thankful to God for those who have gone before, those who have sacrificed their lives in the service of freedom.


 It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.


Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863

For those families of servicemen, I'd like to recommend the following books, While My Soldier Serves and Fighting Fear. I recently met Edie Melson, the author of these powerful books. She knows what she's talking about and I highly recommend buying one of these books to strengthen and support the wives, children, and families of the members of our armed forces.



While My Soldier Serves,
Prayers for military families

Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home
Secrets to living a peace-filled life