Books I'm Looking Forward to Reading Before the End of 2017

Is your to-read list like mine: a mile (or two) long? Do you have books in stacks that ALL beg for your attention at the same time?

If so, the good side of this is that we will never run out of books to read! But how DO we decide which books to read first? I find it always so difficult to choose, and sometimes I can't! So,  I usually have two or three novels going at the same time, or a stack of picture books that I enjoy in one sitting.

However, with the end of winter break and the end of 2017 approaching,  I've had to prioritize! So:

These are the books I am putting on my READ NOW list--hopefully finishing these before NYE.  

Danza! Amalia Hernández and El Ballet Folklorico de México

I always look forward to reading the work of Duncan Tonatiuh because his art is always stunning.

When I was growing up, I was fortunate to see lots of this type of dancing and always admired the beautiful skirts and dancers' abilities (as well as their shoes)! 

The Quilts of Gee's Bend 

My great-grandmother was a quilter (hoping that is the right term!), and I can still remember the large wooden frame in her living room that always held her current project. I know reading this book will bring back special memories of her. 

And, if you are like me at all, you probably have books you want to read that everyone else has already read! You meant to read them, but just got so busy! Right? (As I tell myself sometimes, better late than never!) 

Here are two that fall in the "should-have-already-read-but-unfortunately-I-haven't" category for me: 

• Vincent and Theo Thank you, Macmillan Kids!  I had the chance to meet Deborah Heiligman at NCTE 2017 and enjoyed hearing her talk about this book!

• Clayton Byrd Goes Underground - Thank you, HarperCollins! Of course I love the Gaither Sisters series also by Rita Williams-Garcia!

These titles are at the top of my list. I plan to stay in, escape the cold, drink some hot lemon tea and enjoy the stories they bring. I will finish these books and then I can move on to the rest of my stacks! 

Fittingly for me, this is how I will close out 2017, and this is how I will ring in 2018! With books! Must complete my 2017 Goodreads Reading Challenge! 

Shoes I wore today because they are warm and comfortable:

Black Easy Spirit Suede Wedge booties with a fur trim! (Which I don't think they make any more!) 

Winter is Here! (Sort of!)

Our holiday break is here, and today is the first official day of winter! But in my neck of the woods, it is not snowing or sleeting or "snowflaking" at all. Sadly, I haven't built a snowman out of actual snow this season (although I have made a few out of paper and books).  But I dream about snow (literally) and hope it will come soon! Maybe reading about it will bring it about? Books ARE magical you know! 

Even though I am not experiencing the traditional winter I read about in books this time of year, this will not stop me from sharing my go-to winter titles! And while there is so much I could tell you about each one of these books, I would never actually publish this post on the first day of winter if I started to do so! 

This is a mix of picture books and nonfiction, classics and recently published titles. It would be impossible to share them all, and I'm sure I've left some out, but that is what one must accept when one creates a list of this sort! 

THE BOOKS:

. 

I think I expect a lot from books about snow! I want them to be good books, yes, but I also want them to make me feel as if I AM in the snow -- when I am not. These books certainly do that for me, and it's one reason why I keep coming back to them. 

If you have any winter books you love that are not on this list, please let me know! 

Happy holidays, happy winter, and happy reading! 

One more thing-- In keeping with my blog name, I am going to try to share more of my shoe choices here, posting pics when possible. So------

THE SHOES: 

Even though it is not snowy here, I am still wearing my boots when I go out, though I really should have worn my Converse! 

Books Under the Christmas Tree

This year, I decorated my Christmas tree the day before Thanksgiving. I guess I felt the pressure to do it a little earlier this year, and I am not sure why. Perhaps it was the displays going up in the stores on Halloween. At any rate, I decided to put things up a little earlier so I could enjoy them more.

My tree takes a while to decorate because I only use glass ornaments, and care is required when placing them on the branches! I have dropped a few. These vintage-type ornaments are my favorites.

As a child, I can remember that our trees always had this type of glass ornaments. They seemed ordinary at the time, but now they seem magical. Christmases were never easy for me as a kid, but the tree was always right.  I am sure these ornaments were purchased at the local five-and-ten. How I wished I had saved them to enjoy now!

Once my tree was up and ready (it only took a whole day!), I looked underneath. My velvet tree skirt is certainly lovely, but indeed vary bare. I never quite know what to put under the tree, as gift-giving is done early in my house, most of it online or handed out way before the 25th. The solution came this past weekend, when I went to a friend's house for our book club gathering. Underneath her tree, she had smartly placed her favorite holiday books as a display. I am not sure why I hadn't thought of that.

So that's exactly what I decided to do.

My holiday books were not packed away like my ornaments and stocking hangers --wrapped in tissue, protected in sturdy plastic boxes . Instead, I place them on a their own shelf, knowing I probably won't read them from January to November.  I realized as I pulled them out that just as I take out ornaments from boxes and "ooohh" and "ahhhh" over beautiful ones I've forgotten, so too did I reacquaint myself with titles I hadn't thought about since last December. As I held the books, took in the cover art, and gently leafed through the pages, I remembered the stories again, appreciating once more how these books always make my holidays brighter. 

These are a few of the special holiday books underneath my tree:

And, of course, with new titles coming out every season, I added these 2017 books to my Christmas collection: 

(This is one I am looking to read next! Perhaps Santa will bring it to me!)

I should have known that books would add that unique touch of story and memory to my Christmas. They have become just as precious to me as the glass ornaments adorning my tree.

Waiting and Writing: An NCTE Memory

On the morning of my last day at NCTE 2017, I walked toward the Convention Center in St. Louis, a cold chill pouring through my inadequate fleece jacket. I desperately needed a hot cup of coffee.

This yearly trek I make early in the morning before 7 a.m. on the last day of NCTE is one I make alone (sleepily),  but I am determined to get to the Children's Literature Assembly Breakfast because I know the time will feed my love of books.

I arrive outside the room-- a line having formed. I am about twentieth -I estimate. As much as I think I was alone in this pursuit, I am not. I take a table close to the front, greeting people I know and sitting with a friend. It helps to sit with someone you know here. But if I can't do that, I know that at least the others sitting at my table will be friendly. After all, they are here because they love books, too.

We chat as the coffee pot is passed around and bond over the common need for it. Bits of conversation stream across the noise of over 200 people in a ballroom. I am able to separate a few nuggets: news of upcoming projects, where everyone is from, and what we've enjoyed at the conference.

I reflect on my own previous CLA Breakfast experiences as I take everything in. I try to remember how many of these I have attended. I remember by thinking of the featured speaker featured in previous years because each has had an impact on my work as a librarian. I either reread their books, or come back and share them again.

• Sy Montgomery & Nic Bishop - 2013 
• Jon Klassen - 2014
• Kadir Nelson - 2015
• Christopher Myers - 2016

This year, the author is Kevin Henkes. Of course I am very happy about this, and as he begins to speak, I gain a new appreciation for him, far beyond his books. His words are insightful -- giving us a glimpse of what it is like to create stories read by so many. The theme of his speech to us that morning is "Waiting"-- referring to his latest three books that share this common thread.

He very brilliantly walks us through each of these books, explaining the waiting in each, and sharing the thinking and the process for the art. The room hung on his every word, as did I, and sure enough, I began to think of all of the waiting I have done in my own life.

I have waited for so much and so many.

To recount:

I have waited for milestones, dates on the calendar, arrivals, my husband, classes, books, packages, lunch, friends, appointments, answers, phone calls, and e-mails.

I have waited for grades, orders, coffee, notifications, letters, and dreams to come true -- some of which already have.

And at this point, I realize this:

I am waiting for new dreams.  New goals.

Mr. Henkes talked about the character Rabbit in Waiting, and I have decided I am most like this character in the book (even though Rabbit wasn't waiting for any certain thing). Rabbit is okay in waiting. And so am I.

While I wait, I work. While I wait, I learn. While I wait, I realize what is around me, and what needs my attention. I am not anxious for the next step, only expectant --if that is possible.

When the breakfast concludes, I realize what a valuable experience it has been. It spurred some writing. It brought on reflection. I have realized something important about my work, while also learning more about children's literature from an author I admire so much. (And, thankfully, I finally got my cup of coffee.)

The Children's Literature Breakfast at NCTE remains a lovely memory. I only have to wait for it again next year.

"Fall-ing" for Books About Autumn

Because November is here, and the weather is turning a bit (although not fast enough for me), I pulled  fall-themed books for a seasonal display. When I placed these particular books on the cart, I remembered how much I enjoyed them, and then realized that they were all connected. 

The main character in this picture book (a fox) has noticed that the leaves on his favorite tree are turning brown, and he is very concerned. He turns to his mother, and she tells him  that the seasons are changing. Fletcher is determined to take care of this tree. 

Little Tree likes fall and doesn't want things to change. As you read this book, you see that it is about the fear of growing up and how we don't want things to change. (Little Tree is holding on to life as it is!) Just as Little Tree needs others to motivate him to move on, so do we! 

Like Little Tree, a yellow leaf holds on, afraid to let go. Afraid and unsure, he waits. But then another leaf joins in -- and the yellow leaf has a friend. Friends help us be brave, don't they? Read the book to see how it turns out! (I love the shape and orientation of the book: tall, just like a tree.)

All three of this books have lovely artwork -- and all three will be on display in my library this fall.

But these lovely books are more than just about the seasons. They are about taking a chance and setting out on our own.

Go check out some fall books from your library and see what connections you make!

Interview with Author/Illustrator Julie Kim: WHERE'S HALMONI?

My previous blog post was my review/blog talk of the graphic novel/picture book Where's Halmoni? Click here to read the post. Today, I am sharing my interview with the author/illustrator of this book, Julie Kim. I always enjoy hearing the creators of children's literature share about their process, and I know you will enjoy this interview today. My questions are in bold print, and Julie Kim's follow below. 

1.) The picture book/graphic novel format of WHERE'S HALMONI? is what struck me first about your book. I think it works on so many levels! Can you tell about your decision to do this? 

I love colors and the lushness of fully painted illustrations. I also love the graphic novel format because it lends itself to expressive detailed story telling. So, like ice cream, if I can't choose between two flavors, I end up getting both. And in this case luckily for me, picture books naturally lends itself to the graphic novel format and it worked out in the end.

2.) Your art is filled with energy. I also appreciated your use of color. Please tell us about how you create your art and your style. 

 For me, colors always embody certain types of energy, like musical notes or a melody with all its emotional triggers. When I paint, it always feels like I am composing a musical score with all its crescendos and kazillion notes. My eyes are my ears, emotionally responding the same way as I compose my paintings. Sometimes it all comes together in glorious harmony, and other times it falls flat. For this particular book, my inspiration was the traditional Korean Folk Art with its vibrant joyful colors that defied what I considered a harsh and unforgiving society for common folks of Korean Chosun era. And since this book was about bridging two cultures past and present, it was natural that I combined the styles of both Old Korea and contemporary U.S.

3.) I enjoyed all the Easter eggs in the book. Why did you decide to place these in WHERE'S HALMONI?

Actually, the Easter eggs often act as the Act II of the story, filling out the story in greater detail and richness as you go back and reread. It makes the reader ask questions and wonder beyond the written story, opening more doors to the imagination.

Thank you, Julie Kim, for appearing on my blog today, and many thanks as well to Little Bigfoot Books! 

WHERE'S HALMONI? by Julie Kim

Kim, Julie. Where's Halmoni? Seattle: Sasquatch Books, 2017. Print.

I blog about picture books often because the art fascinates me. Mix this with my readers' insatiable appetite for graphic novels, and you will know why I am blogging about this particular book today.

Where's Halmoni (Sasquatch Books, 2017) is an ingenious blending of these two forms.

Before I begin to tell you about the story, I must comment on the physical awesomeness of the book:

The orientation is tall and rectangular, mirroring the doorway in which the tiger appears. A red spine ties in with the cover. The absence of a dust jacket is appealing and suitable for the art. It is as if the tiger is lurking at your own front door.

The title is raised while the author/illustrator's name is embossed in red. Open up the book and look at the back cover, and you will find the two main characters of this book, facing the tiger.

The front endpapers begin the story (in red print), while the back endpapers add a final note. don't quite think I have ever seen this before in a book, but I will do my best to look back and notice this now (P.S. I also LOVE endpapers.)

The book's title page is integral to the story. As I advise the readers in my library, pay attention to it!

The colors are soft yet vibrant. Some are in panels and some are full spreads, glorious and engaging. I fully appreciate the use of color, and followed the interaction between text and art with interest and wonder.

Kim incorporates characters from Korean folktales, with four taking part in the story: the moon rabbit, the tiger, the dokkebi, and the fox. Back matter provides insight into each.

Once the art brings you in, the story keeps you in it -- the tale of Noona and Joon, searching for Halmoni, their grandmother. They visit her seemingly normal home, until they enter a panel that sends them into a magical land with sapphire mountains and the afore-mentioned creatures. Brother and sister encounter each, armed only with their liveliness and a backpack full of candy! Do they find Halmoni? What secrets is Halmoni keeping? Read this graphic novel/picture book to find out!

Tomorrow, I will feature an interview with Julie Kim, the creator of Where's Halmoni? Make sure to come back to learn more about this book!!

AFTER THE FALL by Dan Santat

Santat, Dan. After the Fall. New York: Roaring Brook, 2017. Print.

I am always interested in fractured fairy tales or retellings of nursery rhymes. But this picture book is not that at all. This is a sequel to the original -- to that story we have all heard -- about the unfortunate Humpty who fell off the wall and broke so badly that he couldn't be repaired.

After the Fall tells us what happens after Humpty takes that famous tumble. It's the second verse, told within the pages of a picture book. And, thankfully, it fleshes out a bit of what the first one left out.

Caldecott Winner Dan Santat gives us a bit of Humpty Dumpty's bio in his latest picture book, and the clues are in the illustrations. (See the wall hanging on the 2nd page spread). And through the story, Santat also shows us just how much Humpty's accident has shaped his life.

At the beginning of the story, we learn that Humpty's unfortunate fall was indeed "great"-- having a profound effect on his current reality. He has never forgotten it, and it has changed how he does things (such as not sleeping on the top bunk, and forgoing anything on the top shelf of a grocery store). He has tried to make do.

But Humpty had a dream, and the force of it is strong. Soon, he pursues it once more. He pursues it with perseverance and courage, narrating his struggles honestly. And in his sincerity, we connect with him, especially after seeing all he has gone through to get here.

After the Fall is poignant, and may be a bit melancholy. And, ingeniously, though it is melancholy, this nursery rhyme sequel is also inspiration, motivation and encouragement -- and will find its readers with those who have a tough goal ahead, or had a bad break, or who never quite overcame that obstacle in their path.

We may not have known how much we wanted to know about Humpty afterward, but we did! And we all root for him here.

Santat's art gives us lush layers of story: the grandness of the wall (told through scale), the things he can no longer enjoy (told through color), the faraway-ness of the dream (told through perspective), and the effort put forth to reclaim his dream (told through panels). All of these done well.

But it is Santat's storytelling and crafting that make this book a must-read.

Read this book to hear the rest of the story, and to once again, enjoy the brilliance of Dan Santat's work.

(P.S. I wrote this post from the advance copy provided by Macmillan Kids. I can't wait to get a final copy! After the Fall celebrates its book birthday today. I have been waiting for this day for awhile!)

FLASHLIGHT NIGHT by Matt Esenwine and Fred Koehler

Esenwine, Matt. Flashlight Night. Illus. by Fred Koehler. Honesdale, PA: Boys Mills Press, 2017. Print.



When you were a child, did you ever sneak in some extra reading time under the covers with a flashlight? I did.

This memory came rushing back to me when I first read the picture book I am featuring on my blog today, Flashlight Night. 

As I am writing this post, I am walking through the book, pointing out what I want to share:

The adventure begins on the title page, as three kids walk toward a playhouse in the dead of night, one gripping a stack of books, one a sleeping bag, and the youngest towing a teddy bear and "blankie".

The endpapers, appropriately, are black -- symbolizing the night's darkness!

With a flashlight poised under his chin, the leader of the trio begins the adventure, telling tales of beckoning woods, rushing waters, ancient ruins, and grand imposing tombs! Along the way, his friends follow along, part of the story, following the narrator's vivid storytelling and becoming characters in the story themselves. The flashlight's beam is our guide, and as it widens, it becomes a metaphor for the way our own worlds expand as we travel via a book, harkening back t Sendak's classic, Where the Wild Things Are.

Suddenly, the backyard is a holding place for all of those settings we have loved in books-- pirate ships, rushing waters, castles, and mountain tops. And here, readers see the true gift of this book as it becomes a reminder of why reading is treasured. Reading indeed helps us go beyond where we are, and makes it possible for for those cannot travel to do so, limited only by pages and time.  Perhaps it also shows us why books remain, even as devices, technology and inventions abound.


And now that I have told you about the book, let me tell you about the creators of Flashlight Night: 

Matt Forrest Esenwine, author of Flashlight Night
Image courtesy of Boyds Mills Press 

I first became familiar with the work of Matt Forrest Esenwine from The Poetry Friday Anthology series (Pomelo Books). And the text in this book is indeed poetic, creating a reader's playground with vivid, imaginative language. 

Fred Koehler, illustrator of Flashlight Night
Image courtesy of Boyds Mills Press 

And I first knew of Fred Koehler from his picture book One Day, the End: Short, Very Short, Shorter-Than-Ever Stories (Boyds Mills Press, 2015). His detailed, pencil illustrations bring out Esenwine's text masterfully, but also, "shine" the light on the power of reading to make our own worlds grander through books. 

Enjoy this picture book again and again, perhaps with a flashlight of your own, in a treehouse, or in your backyard. Wherever you read it, you will be transported, if only for a moment, to a place of imagination and adventure.

Picture Books Express: A Quick List of Titles I Have Read (and enjoyed) Recently

I had the honor of co-hosting #txlchat tonight! The topic? One of my favorite things to talk about EVER: picture books!

I decided I wanted to compile a quick list of picture books I have read recently. I have plans to blog about and review some of these, and some I have already shared on Twitter.

We ask our students to reflect on their reading. It is a great idea for us to do as well! As I look over these titles, I realize how fortunate we are to have these authors and illustrators create these works of art and story for us!

Keep checking my blog in the next few weeks! I will be telling you more about my appreciation of these books.