Last night's read

Last evening Max and I read a book we hadn't taken off the shelf in a while. We read Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin and John Archambault and illustrated by Lois Ehlert. We love this book because it has the most wonderful rhythm, and beautiful cadence. The pictures, especially 'stub-toed 'e', are a crack up.











We also read a book by Jim Lamarche called Up. This is a beautiful book (the illustrations are breathtaking) about a young boy growing up in a fishing village, with a very special talent. I love this book and am surprised that it did not earn a Caldecott or Newberry mention.






Finally, we read the incredible Flotsam. This did win a Caldecott and was very deserving. This is a true picture book, without words, and is the most beguiling story I've 'read' in a long time. If you love children's literature, check this out.

Daniel Pinkwater's Chicken Emergency

Max and I are currently reading The Hoboken Chicken Emergency. This is one of those Daniel Pinkwater books that has a great premise and funny title that just doesn't translate into a funny book. It's a shame because DP (Daniel Pinkwater) is usually so funny and creative, but sometimes he just falls flat. I remember discovering DP with Max in City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco, about 2 years ago. We read Bad Bears in the Big City and when we got to the part where Irving and Muktuk are discovered lying on frozen peas we were in hysterics. I think the people at City Lights didn't know what to do with us because it's more of a hipster bookstore and not the place where a mom and kid are rolling on the floor and shouting: "Frozen Peas!!!! Waa Haaa!" But ever since I have noticed that DP is inconsistent in his writing. Sometimes he has a good bit, but not enough to hang a story from. Occasionally Max will get bored with his stories. But we all love it when DP reads on the radio with Scott Simon. He's got the best story voice in the world!

Cat In the Hat Turns 50!

Max and I heard a story on NPR about the Cat in the Hat turning 50... I love it when NPR does a story that really engages him and we listen together it feels very special. And this story ended with music from Seussical and he was thrilled. What fun. Here's the link to the npr story.