All The Things I Love About You by LeUyen Pham

Amazon Product Description:

There are oh so many things a mom loves about her young child. But most of all, she just loves him, no matter what.

Bestselling author and illustrator LeUyen Pham combines her experience as a mother and her proven storytelling skills in a humorous and heartfelt love letter of a book. In All the Things I Love About You, Mama lists the reasons she loves her little boy: the way his hair sticks up in the morning, the way he says "Mama" (even in the middle of the night), and the way he laughs. Simply written and beautifully illustrated, All the Things I Love About You honestly speaks to the unconditional love between a mother and her child. Children and parents alike will treasure this heartwarming book and, in reading it together, appreciate the small actions that make love grow stronger every day.

This is another feel good story with delightful illustrations. Even though the story is about the love a mother has for her little boy, it could just as easily be about a little girl.  It’s simple, yet beautiful description of unconditional love.  It would make an excellent present for a new mom or an experienced mom.

Recommended for Pre-school through Second Grade.

Mrs. Archer’s Rating: 5 of 5.

Of Thee I Sing by Barack Obama

Goodreads description:

In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O'Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America’s children.

Breathtaking, evocative illustrations by award-winning artist Loren Long at once capture the personalities and achievements of these great Americans and the innocence and promise of childhood.

This beautiful book celebrates the characteristics that unite all Americans, from our nation’s founders to generations to come. It is about the potential within each of us to pursue our dreams and forge our own paths. It is a treasure to cherish with your family forever.

There was a great deal of hoopla over this book on the library listservs I follow.  Of course that made it almost impossible to read this book objectively.  What was frustrating about the discussions on the listservs  was that they focused not on the quality of the book, but on 1.) as president what was he doing writing a book when he should have been running the country and 2.) did he really write the book – of course he had to have had a ghostwriter.

President Obama may be the first sitting president to release a book, but I could not find anywhere that said the book was written after he took office. Personally, I don’t really care when he wrote it. That’s a political issue and this is a children’s book.  Books for children should not be political.

As for whether or not he wrote the book or just added his name – I honestly don’t know. I couldn’t find any authoritative sources one way or the other.  It’s not uncommon for well-known people to lend their name to a work in order to increase sales or what not. Many politicians have certainly done so.

All of the political grumblings aside, the question remains, is this a good book?

I think so. It’s a feel good story for young children. It provides a very positive message, something we all want for our children.  The illustrations are beautiful.

My favorite line is

“Have I told you lately how wonderful you are?

How the sound of your feet

running from afar

brings dancing rhythms to my day?

How you laugh

and sunshine spills into the room?”

My political views do not follow President Obama’s, but I didn’t find this book to be a political statement.  Rather, it is a positive book to share with children (not a bad one for adults either), but be sure when you pick up this book you put down your political opinions and read the book for what it is – a feel good book for children.

Recommended for Kindergarten to 3^rd grade.

Mrs. Archer’s rating: 5 of 5.

2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee - Snoring Beauty by Bruce Hale

Bruce Hale's Snoring Beauty has been nominated for the 2011 Colorado Children's Book Award. It's a cute book with a different take on a favorite fairy tale.  

Goodreads description:

Everyone knows the story of Sleeping Beauty: A handsome prince rescues a beautiful princess from a wicked fairy's terrible sleeping spell.
           

This story is just like the original. Except for the sarcastic frog narrator, the garlic-scented fairy, and—oh yeah—the princess in this book not only sleeps and snores . . . she's also been turned into a hot-pink and purple dragon! 

Recommended for Kindergarten to 3rd Grade.

Mrs. Archer's rating: 4 of 5

Saturday Snapshot - December 25th

Saturday Snapshot is a weekly meme hosted by Alyce, At Home With Books.  All we have to do is post a favorite we’ve snapped, or one captured by family or friends.

I collect Santas and Snowmen. This is baker Santa is my new addition for this year.

Battle of the Books Friday - When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

When You Reach Me has been suggested for the 2011-2012 Pikes Peak Battle of the Books list.  It is the 2010 Newbery winner and one of my favorite reads from 2010.

Over the years I’ve found myself disappointed numerous times over the winners picked by the Newbery committee. That’s not to say that I don’t have some favorite books that happen to be a Newbery (Holes, Number The Stars, The Messenger, and The Graveyard Book, to name just a few). Lately, however, I feel as though the committee tends to forget that a book written for children has to appeal to children or they are never going to read it. If a book doesn’t meet that criteria, then it shouldn’t even be considered for the award. Those of you, who know me, have heard all of this before. So I’ll try not to get on my soapbox. Last year I was pleasantly surprised by The Graveyard Book. Strange tale, but one that does appeal to students (at least my students). I wasn’t sure this year’s committee would stick to the trend. But I was wrong. When You Reach Me is not only well written, but it will have an appeal to children.There’s a mystery. There’s a sci-fi angle to it. And there are the everyday conflicts that kids face. What’s not to like? Don’t forget there’s the connection to another Newbery winner – Madeline L’Engle’s A Wrinkle In Time. (Perhaps my favorite Newbery of all time.)

I often say that a sign of a good book is if when you read it you feel as though the author has reached out a hand, grabbed you by your collar and pulled you into the story. This happens from the beginning of When You Reach Me. Miranda is a six grader in 1978 New York City. She lives with her single mom who spends her spare time practicing for The $20,000 Pyramid. Miranda’s favorite book is Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time. She carries it with her everywhere. When she begins to receive a series of notes from an unknown person claiming to want to save the life of her friend, Miranda must decide if she will tell her story as the notes ask. Readers who have read L’Engle’s book recognize the ties between the two plots and adult readers may also recognize a hint of The Time Traveler’s Wife.

This is a well written story with a strong plot. Students will find themselves easily engaged by story. This is one Newbery that librarians will not hesitate to recommend to their students.

This would be an excellent addition to the Pikes Peak Battle of the Books list.

Recommended for 3rd Grade and up.

Mrs. Archer's Rating: 5 of 5.

Amazon has posted an interview with the author on their listing of the book.  You can check it out here.

The Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco

I love Patricia Polacco’s books. The illustrations are always beautiful and the stories inspiring and touching.  This book is no exception.

The Junkyard Wonders is a wonderful and inspiring book based on a real-life event in author Patricia Polacco’s childhood.

Young Trisha moved from her old town so she could attend a new school and not be in the special class anymore. She is disappointed to find out that her new class is a special class, known as “The Junkyard.”  Things begin to look up when Trisha meets her teacher, the wonderful Mrs. Peterson and her classmates who are a in fact, a brilliant group of students with their own unique talents.  Trisha learns the true meaning of genius.  Some might consider Trisha’s class to be a group of misfits, but truly they are a group of wonders.  This is a wonderful tribute to teachers.  It’s an inspiring read that just might put readers onto their own path to finding their inner genius.

Recommended for 3^rd grade and up.

Mrs. Archer’s Rating: 5 of 5!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney

Description from Goodreads: Greg Heffley has always been in a hurry to grow up. But is getting older really all it’s cracked up to be? Greg suddenly finds himself dealing with the pressures of boy-girl parties, increased responsibilities, and even the awkward changes that come with getting older—all without his best friend, Rowley, at his side. Can Greg make it through on his own? Or will he have to face the “ugly truth"

I have enjoyed this series since the beginning.  However, this latest book does not live up to the others. My feeling is not based on the writing. Kinney does an excellent job of portraying a middle school pre-teen.  It’s just that after four other books, I was rather hoping Greg would have matured a little. Ok, I admit it, as a parent, Greg gets on my nerves. He’s not a wimpy kid, he’s annoying.  However, Kinney knows what kids like and produces humor that kids will not only enjoy, but with which they can identify.  Even though Greg is in middle school, he has a large following of fans at the third to fifth grade level. Taking that into account, I suspect that this is not the last Greg Hefley adventure.

Recommended for Grades 3 through 8.

Mrs. Archers Rating: 3 of 5