Gregory Cool

Gregory Cool by Caroline Binch (1994, Dial Books for Young Readers).

I really enjoyed this book about a boy who goes to stay with his grandparents in Tobago for four weeks.  At first Gregory isn't too happy about having to stay in a little house with no TV, hot climate, and food too unusual and spicy for his taste.  But eventually he starts to have fun with his family.  He gets the nickname Gregory Cool because his reply to everything is "cool". I like how Binch captures the feel of the Caribbean, as well as Gregory's struggles to adapt from America.  In the beginning of the book, there is an illustration of his parents saying goodbye to him at the airport and the mother looks to be white or Latina, so it's also nice to see that this could be a story about a mixed child.

Caroline Binch is probably most well-known for illustrating the Amazing Grace books.  She also illustrated the Caribbean book of rhymes Down by the River which I reviewed here. 

Book Con 2015

Yesterday I attended Book Con in New York.  This was actually my third year attending. Despite the sometimes craziness with crowds and poor organization, I had a really good time and was able to see some great panels on YA and children's books. 

The first panel I attended was called BFFs Forever with YA superstars Sarah Dessen, Jenny Han, and Gayle Forman, moderated by Sarah Petrie, founder of Forever Young Adult. I have been reading Dessen's books since I was a young teen in the 00's so it was great to see her.  I also love Jenny Han.  They all spoke about teen girls' friendships, with funny personal stories. They also pointed out how friend break-ups can be so hurtful and have a long-lasting impact yet there is no real language for it like there is for relationship break-ups.  It's a topic that hasn't been explored a lot in literature.  The three are all friends and supportive of each other as well.  You can read a more detailed recap of the panel at Publisher's Weekly here. 

Before going to the next panel, I took a walk around the show floor where tons of publishing companies set up booths.  I happened to come across Norton Juster, author of The Phantom Tollbooth.  I'll admit, no matter how often my mom tried to get me to read that book as a kid, I always thought it was boring.  But it definitely a classic of children's lit.











Next I went to see Taye Diggs and Shane Evans talk about their new picture book, Mixed Me.  As you may know, Taye Diggs is a famous actor and actually was just announced as the new star of Hedwig and the Angry Inch on Broadway.  He is divorced from Broadway and Frozen star Idina Menzel and they have a son together.  Their son was the inspiration for this book.  They talked about race and diversity in children's books.  I didn't get a good photo of them, so I'll share this great illustration from the book.

To end the day, I went to Rainbow Rowell's panel.  She writes both YA and adult books, her most well-known being Eleanor & Park.  My favorite book of hers is actually Fangirl, followed by Landline.  She has a sharp, witty sense of humor which was showcased at the panel.  We got some insight into her books and writing process, as well as her fangirl obsessions. 

All in all, I had a great day!  I didn't get any autographs... due to the way the convention is set up, you really have to choose whether you want to get autographs or go to panels, it's very hard to do both.  I prefer listening to the panels so that was my choice, and I was happy with it. I bought a cool Book Con t-shirt and got a free tote bag and promotional postcards from two of my favorite up and coming illustrators, Phoebe Wahl and Emma Block.  I'm looking forward to next year!

The Scraps Book

The Scraps Book: Notes from a Colorful Life by Lois Ehlert (2014, Beach Lane Books).

This is a great book from the wonderful and prolific picture book creator about her inspiration and process.  For those who don't know, Lois Ehlert has written and/or illustrated such classics as Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Feathers for Lunch, Red Leaf Yellow Leaf, Boo to You, and many more. She is famous for her collages.

You can find many great activities for kids on her website here.

Rata-Pata-Scata-Fata

Rata-Pata-Scata-Fata: A Caribbean Story by Phyllis Gershator, illustrated by Holly Meade (2005, Starbright Books).

Set in St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, this is a cute story about a little boy named Junjun who hates helping his mom with chores and discovers that when he chants "rata-pata-scata-fata," his wishes come true and something always happens to help make his chores magically get done for him. 

I especially like the torn collage illustrations for this book, done by the late Holly Meade. 

Happy Easter!

The Egg Tree by Katherine Milhous (1950, Macmillan). 

This Caldecott Medal-winning book tells the story of a Pennsylvania Dutch Easter.  Katy and Carl going on an Easter egg hunt through their grandmother's house and end up finding some very special eggs in the attic.  They are blown eggs that their Grandmom painted when she was a girl.  She hangs them on the branches of a little tree, but the tree is so small... the kids decide they want to paint their own eggs and make an even bigger tree.  The Pennsylvania Dutch style illustrations are lovely, as is the story. 

 

My mom also used to create egg trees when I was little.  Here is a photo I found of one, along with my Easter basket with fresh grass, and her lamb cake that her mother had made for her, too.  We have always enjoyed holiday traditions.

  

If you'd like to try your hand at a lamb cake, here are some tips.

Happy Holi!

by Lynn Peppas

For those who don't know, Holi is a Hindu spring celebration often called the Festival of Colors.  There are bonfires, colored powders, water fights, and singing and dancing. Although primarily celebrated in India and Nepal, countries around the world now take part in the fun. 

You can find a few books about Holi in my Pinterest board for children's books about Indian here.

Although I personally haven't celebrated Holi, I've always wanted to.  It seems like it would especially be some great messy fun for kids... so if you can find a festival nearby, why not bring your kids? 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day by Anne Rockwell, illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell

You can find my Pinterest board of Valentine's Day books here