Why This Blog? Why Now? Why This title?

I am no longer blogging under duress. This part remains true: I had a blog once and I lost the password...and then, I gave up. I really am not a giver-upper, but there is a point of diminishing returns to anything that takes energy, passion, and vision and yet, doesn't work out. So, off I go again, wish me luck! AND knock on wood I have had luck. And it is sort of fun.
Noreene

P.S. Why this title? I read this phrase today 6/16, don't remember where. I liked it. I'm using it. I might change it. It may or may not have relationship to the content.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Favorite Picture Books--a VERY Short List

My 10 Favorite Picture Books--Today, 10/10/10

I'll start with a tribute to Maurice Sendak. We lost him this year, and his legacy remains. Of course I love Where the Wild Things Are, and I'll choose:

Outside Over There by Maurice Sendak




It is folktale-ish, poetic, beautiful and satisfying as a story.
Next...and these books are not in any particular order:

ish by Peter H. Reynolds




It is real, inspiring, and the idea lives long after you read the book.
Next:

Goodnight iPad  By Ann Droyd




It is a contemporary take on an old favorite, and just plain funny! Love all the "Goodnight"books.
Next:

Mr. George Baker by Amy Hest, Illustrated by Jon J. Muth




I actually chose this one because Jon J. Muth was involved in the book. The story is wonderful--about creating readers--and the illustrations--spectacular. You cannot go wrong with a book that Jon J. Muth has had a part in. Jon Muth writes and illustrates and we agree on the important things in life.
Next:

Last Laughs Animal Epitaphs by J. Patrick Lewis and Jane Yolen, illustrated by, Jeffery Stewart Timmins

This might be rather morbid--and I guess that it is--but how can you resist poems like this:

For a Bear, Barely There
He crawled inside
to hibernate
to reach his goal
of losing weight
.....




Next:
My picks for great story and stylish illustration:

Along a Long Road by Frank Viva




It is the bright, textured, and "graphic arts" style drawings that attracted me to this book. The story is very simple, easy to read and understand.
Next:
My next pick for great story and stylish illustration:

Stanley Goes For A Drive by Craig Frazier




Big, bold, simple art, and a compelling story about perception and how perception of how-things-are can change are qualities that put this book on my list. I had to buy all the Stanley books.
Next:

Sister Anne's Hands by Marybeth Lorbiecki, Illustrated by K. Wendy Popp




This is a book with a message that celebrates the colors of the skin we're in.
Next:

The Boss Baby by Marla Frazee




"The boss. He's here. (and FYI...he's a total baby.)" This is a must read for parents, expectant parents, and anybody else. This book will always be my present to my pregnant friends.

Last but totally not least...in fact if I had to put them in order, maybe first:

The Table Where The Rich People Sit by Byrd Baylor, illustrated by Peter Parnall



If you haven't read this, you must. If you haven't thought about these things in your own context, you must. If you haven't had a conversation like this with those you love and live with--you will!

I'm sneaking an extra one in.....

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen


We ALL know why this book makes the list....AND...I want my, I Want My Hat Back, from who ever borrowed it!

Well, that's it for me for this year. Please read all of them:)
Noreene