Monday, April 27, 2015
The Role of A Writer
"The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say." ~Anaïs Nin*
Monday, April 20, 2015
Word Alchemy
"The true alchemists do not change lead into gold; they change the world into words.”
― William H. Gass*
*from A Temple of Texts
― William H. Gass*
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| Courtesy Bergen Public Library |
*from A Temple of Texts
Friday, April 17, 2015
PPBF: The ABC Mystery
Today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick
The ABC Mystery
Written and illustrated by Doug Cushman
Harper Collins, 1993
Preschool - 2
Themes:
Alphabet, Mystery
Opening:
A is the Art that was stolen at night.
B is the Butler who sneaks out of sight.
Synopsis:
An oldie but goodie, The ABC Mystery is an alphabet book which tells a story. Doug Cushman manages to rhyme the simple text for each letter AND build a story . . . not just any story, but a who-dunnit. A painting is stolen, and it is up to Detective Inspector McGroom and Dame Agatha to recover the missing art. A very simple, yet fun way to entertain young readers, while injecting a bit of challenging vocabulary.
What I Love:
Doug Cushman has a talent for writing what readers want. He is able to use all the letters of the alphabet to build toward a conclusion, not just filler. This book was a staple in our home and paved the way for other classics like Encyclopedia Brown. My son especially loved this story. I highly recommend it for the reluctant readers in your life.
From a writer's standpoint, I am intrigued by the way this book makes such a difficult task look simple. The author set tight constraints: alphabetical order, rhyme scheme, historical setting, and mystery components. But the finished product is a clever picture book. I'd love to see more mysteries for this early reading level, wouldn't you?
Bonus:
1. Begin reading a short story or picture book, then have students draw how they think the story will end. Try Red, A Crayon's Story, Violet and Victor Write the Best-Ever Worm Book, Milo's Hat Trick, Clever Jack Takes The Cake, Gingerbread for Liberty!, Oh, No!, or This Is Not My Hat. Readers can guess on almost every page of Journey. This works well with some poetry books too, stopping just before the rhyme and asking listeners to supply the right word.
2. Plan a treasure hunt. Hide clues around the house, one leading to the next until the young sleuths find the missing item. For example, "The first clue is hidden where you find something to help you eat ice cream." In our house that would be either the drawer with the spoons or the crock with the scoops and utensils. My kids love when they have to search several places before finding the right one.
3. Need to spy on a suspect? Instructions for a periscope from How Stuff Works.
4. Identify fingerprints like a detective and learn the science behind them.
5. How observant are you? Highlights for Children has interactive hidden picture puzzles available on their website!
6. Learn to make your own stuff disappear with this card trick from Mystery Net.
7. Doug Cushman, author and illustrator extraordinaire celebrate's his birthday MAY 4th, why not send him an email greeting.
8. And don't miss another of Doug's amazing solve-it-yourself books, The Mystery of King Karfu, which includes a secret code!
Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for April 17, 2015, available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog. Head to the library today, to support National Libraries Week. Uncover the Unlimited Possibilities @ Your Library!
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| The ABC Mystery, by Doug Cushman |
Written and illustrated by Doug Cushman
Harper Collins, 1993
Preschool - 2
Themes:
Alphabet, Mystery
Opening:
A is the Art that was stolen at night.
B is the Butler who sneaks out of sight.
Synopsis:
An oldie but goodie, The ABC Mystery is an alphabet book which tells a story. Doug Cushman manages to rhyme the simple text for each letter AND build a story . . . not just any story, but a who-dunnit. A painting is stolen, and it is up to Detective Inspector McGroom and Dame Agatha to recover the missing art. A very simple, yet fun way to entertain young readers, while injecting a bit of challenging vocabulary.
What I Love:
Doug Cushman has a talent for writing what readers want. He is able to use all the letters of the alphabet to build toward a conclusion, not just filler. This book was a staple in our home and paved the way for other classics like Encyclopedia Brown. My son especially loved this story. I highly recommend it for the reluctant readers in your life.
From a writer's standpoint, I am intrigued by the way this book makes such a difficult task look simple. The author set tight constraints: alphabetical order, rhyme scheme, historical setting, and mystery components. But the finished product is a clever picture book. I'd love to see more mysteries for this early reading level, wouldn't you?
 |
| Courtesy Brittany's Blog |
2. Plan a treasure hunt. Hide clues around the house, one leading to the next until the young sleuths find the missing item. For example, "The first clue is hidden where you find something to help you eat ice cream." In our house that would be either the drawer with the spoons or the crock with the scoops and utensils. My kids love when they have to search several places before finding the right one.
3. Need to spy on a suspect? Instructions for a periscope from How Stuff Works.
4. Identify fingerprints like a detective and learn the science behind them.
5. How observant are you? Highlights for Children has interactive hidden picture puzzles available on their website!
6. Learn to make your own stuff disappear with this card trick from Mystery Net.
7. Doug Cushman, author and illustrator extraordinaire celebrate's his birthday MAY 4th, why not send him an email greeting.
8. And don't miss another of Doug's amazing solve-it-yourself books, The Mystery of King Karfu, which includes a secret code!
Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for April 17, 2015, available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog. Head to the library today, to support National Libraries Week. Uncover the Unlimited Possibilities @ Your Library!
Thursday, April 16, 2015
National Teen Lit Day 2015
Celebrate Teen Literatue Day by participating in
Operation Teen Book Drop is an annual event held on Teen Literature Day, a part of National Library Week. Participants leave great books in public places for teens to find and take home! Who can argue with free books?
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| Follow @BookishAmbition to see the books we've left around town |
Here's how to participate:
- Print out a bookmark on Readergirlz.com
- Slip it betwen the covers of a good book.
- Leave the book in a high traffic area or out-of-the-way place for an unsuspecting reader.
- Snap a photo and tweet @readergirlz
- Follow along #RocktheDrop
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
National Bookmobile Day 2015
A part of National Library Week
The closest I can get to a bookmobile is photos on Pinterest.Hmm. Two roads diverged in a yellow wood . . .
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| First Bookmobile, Cincinnati, 1927, Via Old TIme Cincy |
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| Liquid books, free bookmobile, Via A Pretty Book |
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| Bookmobile tricycle, Via Neatorama |
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| Hospital bookmobile, circa 1928 Via Bookshelf |
Have a magical bookmobile story or a photo of a quirky bookish vehicle? Please take the time to share it below!
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
National Library Workers Day 2015
Tuesday is a day to celebrate our dedicated librarians.
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| Celebrate at the ALA site |
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| Courtesy Kate Kintzel Photography |
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| Courtesy ZazzleFlair |
Shop Phil Bradley's inspired librarian gifts on Zazzle.
Bake a batch of treats. Pamper the staff, or offer goodies for sale to benefit the library.
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| Courtesy FotoBaeckerei |
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| Courtesy Lucy on Catholic Icing |
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| Courtesy Southern Weddings Photography by Jonathan Canlas |
Have a great idea to show your appreciation during National Library Week? Why not share it below?
Monday, April 13, 2015
Borrowed Beauty
"The library lets you borrow the beauty and keep the knowledge."
~Author Unknown*
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| Art nouveau bookplate, Courtesy Davidson Galleries |
*Via The Quote Garden
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