Roland Smith and His Great Books

If  you  are a person who loves to read, I  will  recommend some page turning books by the author Roland Smith. I personally adore his books, because they’re adventurous and fun to read.

His books have inspired me to get to know and understand that you can write about whatever you want; then you can take whatever you want and make a story out of it.

Some of his page turning books I have read are:

Peak:

This book is about a group of people who go on a trip to reach the top of Mount Everest.

Some die while others survive.

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Zach’s Lie and Jack’s Run

These two books are in a series. There about a boy named Zach his life is in danger of a man named Alonzo and his team.

Will Zach live?

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Elephant Run: This book is about a man with his own elephant preserve.

Will he save the last of the elephants before it’s to late?

These are some great books by Roland Smith that I have read, but there’s more out there.

I think you should read them because if they surprise me they’ll do the same for you.

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I love discovering a new author!  New to me, that is… and this winter I’ve had two – Laini Taylor and Maggie Sitefvater.  In both cases, I read their latest books, and in both cases I was so blown away I immediately ordered their previous works, and I can’t wait to dig in.  I haven’t had a chance to read all their earlier works yet, but I can (and do) heartily recommend starting where I did- with their most recent novels.  Yes, they are both YA books, but I’d recommend them from about 12-90 year olds.

The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Star crossed lovers, but more in the Romeo and Juliet tradition than the Bella and Edward (for one thing, it’s really well written, and for another, our heroine is no wimp).  Karou is wild, beautiful and mysterious – even to herself.  It seems like everyone who knows about her knows more than she does.  Like the teeth collecting monsters who are the only family she has ever known.  Or the Angel Akiva who wants to kill her, before he realizes he loves her.  That in fact, perhaps, he’s always loved her.  Even though they just met.  It’s a fascinating and well told story that feels all the more original for it’s familiar basic plot.  I can’t wait for book two!

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

If you had to compare this book to something, it’s probably the most like The Hunger Games.  It’s a dystopic (past) world, where kids end up in a fight to the death – but so do adults.  And there are these killer (literally) sea horses.  It was a book that was slow for me to get into, but once I did I was completely absorbed in the story and the heroes, Puck and Sean Kendrick.  My favorite thing about this book is how masterfully the setting and the history unfold.  The book is so slow and deliberate and you are never, never told directly who the horses are or where they come from or what the history is of the Scorpio Races.  You just get to know the characters and how they feel, and how other characters respond and react to them, and suddenly, you realize you know the whole history of the island.  I’m dying to read her Faerie and Wolves of Shiver Falls series next…

Goodnight iPad

What?  Another parody of Goodnight Moon, the classic bedtime story by Margaret Wise Brown?  Yes–and this is one we can recommend without hesitation.  At the same time that the book pokes fun at over-stimulation through the very plugged-in lives most of us lead in the 21st century, it is also a sweet reminder of the pleasures of  actually powering down and listening to each other.  Some pages had us laughing out loud, like the “viral clips of cats doing flips” or the children hanging on to their electronics as if their lives depend on it.   We love the in-jokes and clever illustrations that only readers who grew up saying goodnight to everything in the Bunny family’s room will really understand. Take a look at the way the red balloon has morphed, not the mention the mouse.  Even the roaring fire is now playing electronically on a big screen.

Ann Droyd is the pseudonym for an award-winning children’s book author, so the jacket tells us.  Her writing skills show–the rhymes and beat are spot-on, and the  illustrations carry through the humor.  A fun family book to share, since all ages will enjoy the language and the clever humor.

Wow! Ocean!by Robert Neubecker

Izzy and Jo head to the ocean–and what do they see?  Wow!  Jellyfish!  Anemones!  Sharks! Whales! Clown fish!  I also got a lot of Wow!’s from Molly and Jacob when I shared this picture book.  Here’s what they loved:  looking for Izzy and Jo and their little dog amid the busy colorful illustrations on every page; reading Wow! at the bottom of each page; asking to be read the distinct names for each sea animal on every page; talking about their favorite jellyfish or dolphin or colorful clownfish.  In their drawing later that day, Molly made a careful drawing of a porcupine fish, and Jacob drew an elaborate multi-ribbed jellyfish.  They really took in the enticing information on these double (and sometimes triple!) spread pages.

Robert Neubacker is definitely someone to celebrate as a recent addition to the children’s literature field.  He’s been a writer and illustrator for 30 years, writing as a journalist for The New York Times, Newsweek, and Time magazine.  He’s also–as you’ll see in these book pages–an amazing artist, winning awards for his movie posters.  Luckily for us, a few years ago, he decided to try his hand at writing and illustrating children’s books and the Wow! series was born.  Next on our list:  Wow! School!–and his latest, Shiver Me Timbers, a book of pirate poetry should be out in 2012.

The best part is, it’s not just joke-y books.  These are really interesting, funny and (mostly) well written books that just about everyone can both relate to and find pretty darn funny and enjoyable.

Have fun!

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Family Read-aloud

Fartiste by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer, illustrated by Boris Kulikov

The antics and performances of  Joseph Pujol, the “Fartiste,”  had all three generations in our family doubled over laughing.  Grandpa Jim had tears rolling down his face, and Molly pranced about pretending to be a “fartiste” herself.  This true story of Pujol, a performer from France at the end of the 19th century, documents his rise to fame as he learned to control his intestines to the point where he became a sensation at the famed Moulin Rouge for his “symphonic farting.”  The crowd went crazy when he got on the stage and started farting. He could sneeze, make animal sounds and blast off like dynamite. He could even perform Beethoven and Mozart! People laughed so hard that nurses were stationed in the aisles to assist people who passed out. Boris Kulikov’s illustrations are perfect –they capture the vaudeville style of performance, with exaggerated eye rolls, and of course, little puffs of gas strategically placed.  Another plus for the book–it’s written in well-rhymed couplets that add to the performance of reading aloud.  The perfect introduction to a book flight on farting.

Infant, Toddler, and Pre-School

The Gas We Pass: The Story of Farts by Shinta Cho

Here is a book for the little ones  (available as a board book for the really young!) both informative and entertaining.  The tone is hard to describe–straight forward and non-judgemental, but also written as a kind of quirky ode to the joy of gas.  Almost a celebration of the noble art of farting.  And who knew that people fart out over two cups of gas in one day?!  It’s pretty amazing  that scientists can even calculate farts and their measurements.

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Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray, illustrated by Audrey Colman

Walter is a dog who farts.  Big, stinky farts.  In fact, they are so bad that dad decides Walter has to go – until somehow his farts manage to save the day.  It’s silly.  It’s delightful.  And everyone in the family will giggle as Walter reminds them of someone, because every family has the champion gas-passer.  Can’t get enough Walter?  You’re not alone and you are in luck!  Because everyone liked Walter, his adventures continue: at the beach, the yard sale, on a cruise…  A perfect book for a young reluctant reader, or for someone who is more interested in bedtime playing than bedtime books.  Start reading this book and all toys will be abandoned as they creep closer to hear about Walter.

Early Reader and Tween

Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder by Jo Nesbo, illustrated by Mike Lowery

Lisa and her friend Nilly are unlikely heroes.  Lisa is one lonely little girl, in her Oslo, Norway home, since her best–and only– friend has moved.  Nilly has the potential to become a new companion, but he’s so, well, little.  Author Nesbo says he isn’t just small–he’s tiny:  “The only things big on his face were his freckles.”  NIlly and Lisa do prevail in this terrific book, with the help of their wacky inventor neighbor, Dr. Proctor, who has invented some very cool potions, like powder that makes you fluorescent green and his amazing Farting Powder.  The regular every-day powder just makes you fart ( and it doesn’t even smell!).  But the fartonaut strength actually rockets you up to the sky!    Such a well-written book, by a favorite Norwegian crime writer, Jo Nesbo.  It’s great fun–and the adventures they have with the evil–and no so bright–twins who bully them will have young readers eagerly turning pages.  Not much toilet humor and surprisingly lyrical writing.  There’s even a sequel:  Dr.Proctor’s Fart Powder:  Bubble in the Bathtub.  Cliff-hanging chapter endings make it a great read-aloud, too.

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Sweet Farts by Raymond Bean

Any Wimpy Kid fans in the house?  This is a sure-fire hit.  Truthfully, it’s not the best written book out there.  But it is funny and charming, and you can’t help but root for Keith to come out on top, and you also can’t help but learn a little.  When Keith gets blamed for a stinky fart in the classroom (he didn’t do it) his nickname becomes ‘S.B.D’ (Silent But Deadly).  Couple that with the fact that he can’t think of a science fair project, and you end up with a solution that helps him out with both problems – he’ll invent a cure for the smelliness of gas.  And since Benjamin Franklin playfully suggested looking for that same solution, the project is heartily endorsed by his principal.  Can he do it?  The denouement is a little fast and unbelievable, but neatly sets up the sequel.

YA and Adult

Who Cut the Cheese:  A Cultural History of the Fart  and Blame It on the Dog: A Modern History of the Fart by Jim Dawson

It’s hard to decide which of these two volumes to recommend by noted (ahem) fartologist and historian Jim Dawson.  So we’ve decided to go with both!  In the first book, Who Cut the Cheese, he sets the tone for his writing, which is both side-splitting hilarious–and quite scholarly at the same time.  Though you really should read both books if your tastes run in this direction, I prefer (Ruth here) Blame It On the Dog, with the personal habits of celebrities (who could resist the stories about Johnny Depp and Stephen King, to name just a couple), animal farting habits (like farting fish!), and real-life fartistes like flatomusicologist Flatulina Fontanelle Boutier, cyberspace entertainer the Queen of Farts?   Horrible (read hilarious) puns are on almost every page.  A terrific book to share with friends of all ages!

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Fart Proudly: The Writings of Benjamin Franklin

In Sweetfarts, our hero learns that Benjamin Franklin, founding father and brilliant scientist and inventor, wasn’t above questioning the problem of the “fetid smell” the body can produce when digesting our common food.  It’s true!  Though his “Letter to the Royal Academy” was actually written in jest as a response to the pretentious Royal Academy of Brussels call for scientific papers, it is nonetheless a brilliant piece of satire.  Though “passed” among his friends, it was largely left out of published collections of his work.  However, in this fun volume, much of his satirical and humorous essays are gathered together.  While this letter to the academy is wonderful, my personal favorite (Meghan here) is the essay “On Choosing a Mistress.” While the whole book makes you laugh outloud, it simultaneously whets your appetite for more of Franklin’s other writings.  It also sets the stage for teens who have not yet had the joy or reading other satirists like Swift and Pope.

Reading to kids, as we all know, fosters a love of reading.  Enthusiastic parents read bedtime stories to their little ones, and find reasons to read aloud over the course of the day and cuddled up in the evening.  But these same parents–and teachers, too–often stop reading aloud when children turn into tweens and teens.  Read-alouds are fun for all ages.  There seems to be a misplaced belief that older kids won’t enjoy it, or  worse, they’ll roll their eyes and feel you’re condescending to them.  Nothing could be further from the truth!  Students of all ages who are read to are more motivated to read themselves—increasing the likelihood that they will one day become independent, lifelong readers. So how about a double-dose–both at home at at school?  Want more support for reading aloud to older kids?    For a fine rationale for read-alouds for teens, check out If Teens Want to Listen, Why Do We Shut Up?

Here are some great middle-school tested read-alouds–perfect for sharing with  tweens and early adolescents, and you’ll be hooked on these terrific tales, too!

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The Dark Side of Nowhere by Neal Shusterman

Jason is bored.   Like many 14-year-olds, he finds life in his hometown tedious and unexciting.  Way too “normal.”  That is, until he discovers that his parents are aliens, his school friends are actually in training to use exotic and deadly weapons, and that he, in fact,  is part of a colony of extra-terrestrials who maintain human form through DNA injections. Lots of adventure and suspense move this story along. Great  discussion elements, too, on what it means to be human.   Fans of fantasy and Sci-Fi will be hooked right away–but so will readers new to the genre.

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Dancing in Cadillac Light by Kimberly Willis Holt

Welcome to Moon, Texas, 1968.  Eleven-year-old Jaynelle often sneaks away to the nearby junkyard and sits behind the wheel of old junkers, pretending to drive and having imaginary adventures.  When her Grandmother dies and her Grandpa moves in, her life changes as he takes her with him fishing, snipe hunting, as well as riding in his car on trips to the cemetery.  His behavior is quite odd as he talks to the dead residents of Moon–and on the spur of the moment, uses his cash to buy an old green Cadillac that he lets Jaynelle drive through the grassy cemetery grounds.  Odd enough that there’s talk he’s becoming senile.  Strong characters in a very real small-town setting make this book come alive.  There is a hidden family mystery, not to mention an exploration of the social structure of town life, and the excitement of a country on the verge of the first walk on the moon.  A conversation-worthy book for young adolescents to hear, discuss, then pick up on their own.

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The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride Book 1) by James Patterson

Yes, technically another science fiction, but really more of the thriller genre–and  such a well-written one!  James Patterson, of course, is well-known for his adult mysteries.  Imagine a “flock” of teenagers, Maximum and her  band of genetically enhanced kids who escape from a lab that created them as 98% human and 2% bird.  (Yes, they actually have wings and can fly.)  The band of escapees  find themselves constantly running for their lives while trying unravel secrets hidden from them from the evil “School.”  Fast-paced action and adventure make this a terrific read-aloud.  Best of all, it’s an on-going series, so once you’ve started your listeners on this first book, they’ll want to read them all.

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A Corner of the Universe by Ann Martin

Hattie has been anticipating a relaxing and uneventful summer. (A quote from 12-year-old Hattie:  “I just want things all safe and familiar.” )  She lives in a quiet small town with her mom–helping her run the boarding house–and her artist dad, where they all read piles of books.  Her life changes when an uncle she never heard of comes to live with them.  He’s 21-years old, mentally ill, and wreaks havoc with their orderly life.  Hattie is compassionate–and caring for her uncle, and also worried she might be a “freak” and rejected as he is.  A touching and poignant story–that won a well-deserved Newbery.  Kids we know have been drawn in by the writing and compelling characters.

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What the Moon Saw by Laura Resau

Meet Clara Luna, whose name means “clear moon” in Spanish. She has never met her father’s family, so when she receives a letter from them–in Spanish–she is intrigued and surprised.  They invite her to spend the summer with them in Oaxaca, Mexico–and as readers, we get to journey with her on that magical trip.  In the remote village of Yucuyoo, she learns a great deal about herself, her strengths and her abilities, including her gift for healing, inherited from her grandmother.  A kind of magical realism is heightened by the dreamy quality of the writing–really setting the mood for a read aloud.  Plus, there is a tender budding romance with Pedro. Readers come away with a new appreciation for an area of the world that most of us  know little about.

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The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

When Bod’s (short for Nobody) family are killed by the man Jack, he is taken in by a family of ghosts in a graveyard, which becomes his home. But Jack and his evil organization are still after Bod, and he has to keep himself protected, and maybe even overcome the men Jack.  In a kind of 21st-century ghostly version of The Jungle Book, Bod is raised from babyhood to his teen years by a community of graveyard spirits:  ghouls, witches, and ghosts from different historical periods.  Bod has a series of adventures as he comes of age and solves the mystery of his birth family’s murder and the villains who continue to search for him.  He also learns the skills he will need to take on life beyond the safety of the Graveyard.  At times disturbing–with some scary and dark moments–this is definitely a great middle school read-aloud!

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Bright Shadow by Avi

This classic book has been re-packaged and released with lovely new artwork, guaranteed to entice readers to the world of Avi.  Twelve-year-old Morwenna is an unlikely hero.  When an ancient wizard dies, this young assistant to the King’s chamber maid finds herself in possession of the world’s last five wishes. She soon discovers that this gift is a lonely burden.  Compelling and complex moral issues are at the heart of this well-written tale.  It’s hard to put down this story–but you’ll want to leave time for the rich discussions it sparks.

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Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Historical fiction that kids wouldn’t know about  or pick up on their own is often a great choice for read-alouds, exposing tweens to new genres and authors.  This one is a grabber, with stories of mobs and bosses, a prison with a tough warden, and a pesky warden’s daughter.  Set in 1935, this historically correct novel tells the story of Moose and his sister ( who has autism) and the rest of his family when they move to live on Alcatraz Island so their Dad can become the “live-in” electrician for the prison system.  At heart, it’s a coming of age tale for young Moose, but written in such a unique time and place it creates a world of its own for readers.  Winner of numerous awards, this book will spur readers to want to hear the next book in the series: Al Capone Shines My Shoes.

Christmas is my favorite holiday.  I’m not religious, and we stopped getting presents for anyone in the family but the kids, so it’s neither God nor gifts that makes this holiday special for me.  It’s the family time and the traditions.  And for me, traditions don’t really change too much (we make new ones, but we don’t do too much to altering the existing ones), so the books that I wrote about a couple of years ago as being our favorite Christmas reads are still the same, and I anticipate (perhaps foolishly or at least overly optimistically) reading them as a family for the next few decades.  So this year I thought I’d make a list of the top 5 books that I’m giving as gifts this year for each age group…

Picture Books

1. Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories by Dr Seuss – This is actual Dr. Seuss stories (not posthumo imitations) that were previously only published in magazines.  Fun for adults and kids alike, as the editor traces the history of these stories and expounds a bit on the origins of the style the themes we think of as Seussical.

2. Bumble-ardy by Maurice Sendak – The first book Sendak has both written and illustrated in 30 years.  Enough said.

3. A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin Stead – This year’s Caldecott winner is a perfect gift for anyone who doesn’t yet own this beautiful new classic.

4. The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse by Eric Carle – This charming book encourages artists everywhere to look beyond the ordinary.  And also reminds us to follow our dreams.  (And if you think the artist is Carle – I did – you’re wrong.  It’s Franz Marc, whose work was banned by the NAzi’s in Carle’s youth and inspired his own career. Another books that is as perfect for adults as for children.)

5.  The Amazing Adventures of Bumblebee Boy by Jacky Davis, illustrated by David Soman – Knowing that Bumblebee Boy got to star in his own book was enough to make this a must have in our house.  We LOVE Bumblebee Boy.

Early Readers & Tweens

1. Wonderstruck by Brian Selznik – I loved Hugo Cabret (the book) and can’t wait to see the movie.  So I’m definitely giving and reading his new book…

2. Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George – If you hadn’t noticed, everyone in our family is a big fairy tale fan (like Cinderella).  So anything new by a like-minded author makes our reading and gifting list.

3. Treasury of Greek Mythology by Donna Jo Napoli – If anyone on your holiday list has already devoured the latest Percy Jackson and has a dog-eared copy of the D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, this stunning and informative new collection is a must have.

4. Neville by Norton Juster – This Christmas seems to have a plethora of fabulous new books from favorite authors.  This new and beautiful read aloud from the author of The Phantom Tollbooth makes for a great family gift!

5. Every Thing On It by Shel Silverstein – I mentioned that old favorites have new books right?  Like this new instant classic from Shel Silverstein?

Teens

1.  The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – I was lucky enough to have a friend in the publishing industry sneak me an advance copy of this book last year.  I have been waiting for this book to come out so I could browbeat all my friends into reading it to have someone to talk to about it… and now it’s finally here and I can just buy it for everyone for the holidays!

2.  The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan – PERCY.  JACKSON.  IS. BACK.  I could only be more excited if this were a new Harry Potter or Katniss book.  (Or actually, now, Karou, but more about her later…)  If they don’t have the first book, the two together makes a lovely gift bundle!

3. The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor – This is the series that introduces the world to the wild, beautiful and mysterious Karou.  I don’t want to say any more than read it.  And feel confident that if you give it to someone who loves to read, they will thank you.  Repeatedly.  This might be my new favorite series since The Hunger Games.

4. Wildwood by Colin Meloy – This debut by the lead singer of the Decemberists reminds me the most of The Wizard of Oz, and is a great family read aloud.

5.  Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool – While I find that Pulitzer and National Book Award winners are very hit and miss, I usually love Newbery and Caldecott award winners.   This years winner of the Newbery Award is no exception.

Adults

1. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson – So, the diehard geek in your life probably already has this, but just in case they don’t, they will appreciate it.  And for the rest of us, it’s a well-written examination of a fascinating life.

2. The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes – I have yet to read this, but it’s on my list for me, and I have heard over and over that this is a short book that makes you think, making it perfect for those on your list who don’t have a lot of time to read.

3. A History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor – This book is a great gift for pretty much everyone on your list!  Examining the history of the world through a selection of objects appeals to non-fiction fans, short story buffs, and those who just love a great story.  It’s beautiful to boot!

4. V is for Vengence by Sue Grafton – If you have a mystery lover on your gift list, they will love V, the 22nd book in the series.  If you have someone who just loves great books, but isn’t necessarily a mystery fan, introduce them to Kinsey Milhone with the first book in the series, A is for Alibi.

5. IQ84 by Haruki Murakami – I think I know more people who would list Murakami as their favorite author than any other writer, living or dead.  Isn’t that amazing?  And this new book weighs in at almost 1000 pages, so it should keep the recipient busy for a long time!

Here’s a little more about BookEnds in their own words:

“BookEnds is built upon a powerful belief in our children: A belief that all children should grow up not only with abundant love, food and care but surrounded by the limitless literacy possibilities books provide. We also believe that our children need to be given the opportunity to learn to assist others.

BookEnds BookDrives give student volunteers experience with leadership and community service work and the opportunity to experience the impact of their labor. Student volunteers create marketing campaigns and collect, sort and personally deliver the donated books. Donors and recipients have the opportunity to share their love of books by reading together. The creation of quality libraries results in the encouragement of a passion for reading and a greater understanding of each other.”

This is our 5th Hanukkah as a family, which means it’s really the 5th Hanukkah I’ve ever celebrated!  (My non-religious husband was quite happy to follow along with my family’s traditional holiday celebrations until we had the twins and then he wanted to introduce them to the culture he was raised with…)  For the past few years, the kids and I have been discovering Hanukkah together, and we have a list of our favorite “firsts”.  We’re just about ready to move on to finding some new books this year, books that delve more into the history and origins of the holiday, but while we’re discovering which of those we like best, I thought we’d share some firsts, which are great for introducing kids (and adults like me!) to the concept of celebrating Hanukkah.  Enjoy!

Our Very First Hanukkah Book

Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel Board Book illustrated by Stephen Carpenter

I hesitate to recommend this, as it’s definitely one of the more annoying books we’ve ever owned.  But, and it’s a big one, the kids LOVED it.  They picked it out for their very first Hanukkah, when they were about 10 months old, because when you press the button on the cover it tinnily plays “I Have a Little Dreidel”.  Over and over and over.  But as a very first introduction to the holiday, it’s kind of perfect.  They learn the dreidel song, and see basic elements of celebration (family, menorahs, dreidels, etc.) in the bright illustrations.  If only it came with ear plugs…

Our First “About” Hanukkah Book

Sammy Spider’s First Hanukkah by Silvia Rouss, illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn

Sammy Spider and his mother live on the ceiling of the Shapiro’s house, and Sammy is fascinated by watching them prepare for Hanukkah.  He wants to celebrate too!  Between listening in on the family and talking with his mother, Sammy learns a lot, but he doesn’t get to spin a dreidel, because spiders spin webs, not dreidels.  But on the last night of Hanukkah, Sammy gets a surprise.  The pictures are reminiscent of Eric Carle, which is appealing (in our family) to the kids and parents alike, and the story does give kids an excellent overview of a Hanukkah celebration.

Our First “Heart” of Hanukkah Book

The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes by Linda Glasser, illustrated by Nancy Cote

This is currently my favorite Hanukkah book, because the girl is determined and adorable, and it’s really about the true meaning (for our non-secular family) of not only Hanukkah, but Christmas as well – it’s about sharing, giving, family, neighbors, and celebrating each year by enjoying each other – and eating yummy food!  Perhaps it’s just the right age for it, but this year my 4 year olds are really starting to understand the idea of sharing what we have with others and really acting selflessly.  This book has struck a chord with them, and whenever I read it to them, sappy old me chokes up.

Our First Multicultural Hanukkah Book

Hanukkah Moon by Deborah de Costa

I know this is incredible ignorant of me, but since my exposure to Jewish holidays has come from my husband, I tend to think of these holidays in the cultural terms that he has taught me – the Russian and Hungarian cultures and traditions that his parents and grandparents handed down to him.  Until I read this book, I hadn’t thought about how Hanukkah is celebrated in other cultures, so reading about the Mexican celebration of Januca, complete with the dreidel pinata which captivated my pinata loving kids, fascinated me, and opened my eyes.

Our First Hanukkah Poetry Book

Hanukkah Haiku by Harriet Zeifert

I love, love, love this book.  Not only does it have the most beautiful illustrations, but it showcases something unique to do for each day of Hanukkah, it teaches kids about Haiku, and it is short!  We have been reading it several times each night this year, looking at the pictures, talking about what we will do to celebrate each night, and even discussing poetry, the haiku format and syllables.  Did I mention that it’s short, so you won’t even mind reading it “just one more time?” 

Recently, a friend and I were talking about what books to give a mutual friend (and a big book lover) who is expecting her first baby.  We started reminiscing about what we had each read to our own kids when they were newborns.  “I read Goodnight Moon, of course,”  my friend said, and then in a confessional tone added, “But I think I read aloud more back issues of the New Yorker than anything else.  It was the only way I could catch up on them.  Isn’t that terrible?”  Actually, no.  Far from finding it terrible, I think it’s great.

I was reading a book the other day that began “Literacy begins at birth”.  I nodded to myself, and mentally bookmarked that thought, as I was planning on writing this post.  There is no such thing as reading to a baby too early or too often.  We all believe that, right?  That’s not in question.  But how many new parents want to bash their heads into a wall after the 500th reading of Goodnight Moon?  Is that really all we can read to our newborns?  I don’t think so.  Part of the value of reading aloud comes from the simplest things – from the moment they are born (and earlier!) they learn to recognize our voices, our language (and pick up on the differences in languages being spoken to them) and even specific words.  This isn’t something they can only learn from reading aloud the baby classics – this can be learned from anything you read aloud.

So what I want to say to all new parents is, of course you should read aloud to your newborn.  Often.  As much as you can.  But what you should read is this: anything you like.  Be it cookbooks, The New Yorker, heck, People Magazine or your own favorite book.  Between nursing and rocking our twins to sleep, in their first year of life I wore through the fabric on the arm of our couch, I sat leaning on it so often.  Because I was paranoid about exposing them to television (New parents are so cute, aren’t they?  They have no idea of all the real worries to come and tend to obsess over the little things…), I just dozing, talking or reading them a book.  I tired of the kids books pretty quickly.  So I turned to A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  I think I read it straight through to the kids five times in a row.  It was fun for me, it gave me some beautiful language to concentrate on, and it bizarrely made me feel like I was giving them an early appreciation of Shakespeare.

So I ended up buying a mix of books for my expectant friend.  I got her Pat the Bunny (Molly’s favorite at an early age), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the latest Entertainment Weekly, and a personal board book favorite, Baby, Mix Me a Drink.  I hope she reads them all to her new little one.  And I hope she treasures every one of those reading moments now, before that baby can demand the latest Max and Ruby book for the 93rd time in a row…