A Wynk, a Blynk and a Nod to Books

  Women's History Month: Her Story A Wynk, a Blynk, and a Nod to Women's History Month Women’s History Month is celebrated annually each year in March. As many new books have recently been published recounting the accomplishments of women, we’d like to share some of those with you. Some names will be familiar while others may be relatively unknown. Enjoy learning about women’s history!   Alabama Spitfire: The Story of Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird by Bethany Hegedus, Illustrated by Erin McGuire This is the true story of Nellie Harper Lee who grew up to become one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. Though young readers will most likely be unfamiliar with her Pulitzer Prize winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, they should still be able to relate to the young child full of dreams for her future.        Born to Swing: Lil Hardin Armstrong's Life in Jazz by Mara Rockliff, Illustrated by Michele Wood Lil Hardin was born in 1898 in Memphis, Tennessee. She loved music and went on to become a famous bandleader and composer, working with many of the greatest early jazz musicians, including her husband, Louis Armstrong! The acrylic illustrations are vibrant and engaging.           Brave Jane Austen: Reader, Writer, Author, Rebel by Lisa Pliscou, Illustrated by Jen Corace This is a brief biography of one of the best known writers of all time who forged a way for women writers. The stylized illustrations effectively evoke the time period during which Austen lived and worked.         A Lady Has the Floor by Kate Hannigan, Illustrated by Alison Jay Belva Lockwood was a teacher, lawyer, and presidential candidate [...]

First recognized in 1976, African American History Month or Black History Month celebrates the vital role African Americans have played in American history. Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. The theme for 2018, “African Americans in Times of War,” marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I and honors the roles that black Americans have played in warfare, from the American Revolution to the present day. One of the books that we are including in this post ties in nicely with this theme, so, we’ve decided to feature it here:   The United States v. Jackie Robinson by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, illus. by R. Gregory Chrisite Most people know that Jackie Robinson broke barriers in the world of baseball but few may know his story as a soldier during World War II. He experienced prejudice and segregation every day. When ordered to move to the back of a military bus, he refused and was later court-martialed. However, he challenged the segregation laws and won. All of this took place long before anyone had ever heard of Rosa Parks. This biography includes dramatic illustrations by Christie, a Caldecott Honor winning illustrator. A timeline and author’s note are included as well. Our blog post this month also includes many other books that explore historical issues of importance to people of African descent as well as race relations in America.         Be a King: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You by Carole Boston Weatherford, illus. by James E. Ransome This book introduces and reinforces many of the principles taught by MLK. The illustrations alternate between important moments in Dr. King’s life [...]

As we write this blog, it’s below zero outside and the entire Eastern seaboard is being slammed by a major winter storm. But the season is delivering more than just cold temps and snow. There are lots of new books about winter that your children are sure to enjoy. So, if you’re hibernating already, why not settle in with a good book or two. We’ve got the best books of winter! A Wynk, a Blynk, and a Nod to Winter Books New Books Bear and Wolf by Daniel Salmieri The illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Dragons Love Tacos has created a quiet, gentle story of the friendship between an unlikely set of companions. Beautifully illustrated!           Blue Corn Soup by Caroline Stutson, illus. by Teri Weidner As Mouse watches the snow fall in the canyon, she knows just the thing to warm her up! As her soup cooks, her neighboring friends show up, hoping to share. A few Spanish words are embedded in the text giving the book a little Southwestern flare.       Brrr! Brrr! by Sebastien Braun This lift-the-flap board book introduces a number of animals, including a penguin, a fox, and a walrus, in their wintry homes. Children are encouraged to imitate the noise that each animal makes.         Chirri and Chirra: The Snowy Day by Kaya Doi This is the third book in this charming little series. Two rosy-cheeked little girls, Chirri and Chirra, set off on a bicycle adventure through an icy winter setting. They meet various animals, join in their fun, and fall asleep under the stars. The colored-pencil illustrations are soft and delicate and add to the appeal [...]

Tales and Traditions A Wynk, a Blynk, and a Nod to Books about Thanksgiving and Autumn Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. One of our new Thanksgiving books, Rettie and the Ragamuffin Parade, sheds an interesting light on this annual event. In 1870, something known as a Ragamuffin Parade was introduced to New York City by its many immigrant residents. It took place on Thanksgiving Day. Children dressed like beggars and paraded through the streets asking, “Have you anything for Thanksgiving?” People referred to them as ragamuffins and gave them a penny or sometimes a piece of fruit. But as time passed, the parade fell out of fashion. Halloween became more popular, and it offered children a time to dress up and beg for treats. Also, with the passing of time, many of those immigrant children grew up and found themselves employed by Macy’s in Manhattan. These employees remembered with fondness the Ragamuffin Parades, and many historians believe that they asked Mr. Macy if he might consider sponsoring a parade for the children of New York City on Thanksgiving Day. In 1924, the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took place, and as we all now know, a tradition was born. Oh, the things you can learn from a children’s picture book! We hope you enjoy the story of Rettie along with the others we’ve included …   Baby’s First Thanksgiving by Dawn Sirett This board book contains bright pictures and word labels that will help little ones identify all the favorites typically associated with Thanksgiving. They’re sure to gobble this one up!         Celebrate Thanksgiving by Deborah Heiligman This National Geographic publication, with its stunning photographs, celebrates [...]