Tag Archives: children’s lit

Links of the Week

Posted on by under Books

Just a few must share goodies from the week! ;)

First up…. A Bold Vision for an Urban Forest. Pictured here is a CG image of what is becoming reality in Italy. WOW!

 

Next… love animals? Hey, me too! And guess what? Scientists have recently discovered that we’ve been missing out on elephant communication because they can make noises at a pitch we can’t hear! Ah, nature, always impressing me! Learn more and support the project here: Elephant Listening Project

 

And, finally, fancy children’s lit? Check out one of the latest Caldecott winners: A Ball (And A Caldecott) For ‘Daisy’ The Dog

Enjoy!

The Week in Books

Posted on by under Books, Grad School

Welcome to my lil’ world, filled with alchemy, Roman mythology, and children’s literature. :)

 
The Castle of Crossed DestiniesThe Castle of Crossed Destinies by Italo Calvino
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really fascinating read. Helped me in getting more of a grasp of the alchemical world, though I will admit I’m still floundering a bit. I enjoyed the narrative style and the succession of stories. I was fascinated with the process of everyone telling their story with the same deck of tarot cards and seeing that real interconnection of all our experiences.

MetamorphosesMetamorphoses by Ovid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Books 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 were assigned for my Greek and Roman Traditions class. I guess I “cheated” a bit by downloading the audio book, but it was the only way I could squeeze it in with all my other readings. I was actually really pleased with the narrator and thought he really brought these myths to life. It was a fun read! Such rich myths in here. Also a chance for me to start trying to remember the names of Roman gods versus the Greek gods. Good mythic fun! Well, except for the occasional death and dismemberment.

The Paper Bag Princess (Classic Munsch)The Paper Bag Princess by Robert N. Munsch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Short, fun picture book about an independent, self-reliant, awesome young princess!!

Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's ParadeBalloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful new picture book on the history of the Thanksgiving parade! I learned a lot. Great family fun! And wonderful illustrations.

View all my reviews

Children’s Lit Extravaganza

Posted on by under Books

The Tiny Seed (Aladdin Picture Books)The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My children’s lit class is reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar next week. Today I lectured on Eric Carle. So much fun stuff!! Just an amazing author and illustrator. I have always enjoyed his work. Right now I’m completely enamored!!!
I enjoyed The Tiny Seed. I think the art here is beautiful and stunning. I wasn’t whisked away particularly by the story, but it’s a good book. I love when the flower grows taller than the people and the houses.

View all my reviews

The Very Lonely FireflyThe Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is my least favorite Eric Carle book. I know when I was little, I would have been distraught that the firefly was lonely for the greater part of the book. Also, the people and animals he comes across are rather frightening! It didn’t have the soft, comforting feel of Carle’s other picture books.

View all my reviews

“Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” said the Sloth by Eric Carle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With an introduction from Jane Goodall, beautiful animal illustrations, and a message very akin to mindfulness, I absolutely LOVE this picture book!! Great for adults and children! Very vibrant illustrations. Also includes a key in the back for kids that identifies each animal included.

View all my reviews

Blueberry GirlBlueberry Girl by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I added this book to my Amazon wishlist last year and forgot about it. Last week a friend highly recommended it to me. I picked it up from the library yesterday and was completely swept away! This book is so powerful and beautiful. To begin with, the illustrations are very magical. The story, though, is absolutely fantastic. Publisher’s Weekly describes the book as “a magical blessing, for unconventional girls.” It’s a wish for this young girl to grow up strong, independent, beautiful, creative, kind, and all the other outstanding things you would dream for your daughter. In the images, she’s accompanied by wildlife and nature. It really sings to my heart. When I have a daughter one day, this is exactly my wish for her!

View all my reviews