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Dr. Seuss Invented Crunk November 2, 2008 in Link Du Jour | No comments
Who knew Seuss was a fan of southern hip hop? Okay, rap hadn’t been invented when he was the first to use the word “crunk” (in “Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!”), but I think he would be happy to know the word lives on. The blog mental _floss recently posted the stories behind 10 Dr. Seuss books. Filled with all kinds of interesting tidbits, click the image below to read more. Can I Interest You in a Free Book? November 1, 2008 in News | No comments
I claim many things on this here blog, but here is one thing I do not profess: that this monthly book giving away thing is my creation. I have cribbed from two excellent b-l-o to the g’s: one Breeni Books and one #8 Fuse Production of. Here’s how this operation works: if you like one of the books you see below, send me an email (scopenotes@gmail.com) before the clock strikes midnight on Sunday. Be sure to include the name of the book you are most interested in. I will write all entries on a piece of paper and put them in the Abe Lincoln stovepipe that I wore on Friday as my Halloween costume. The names I draw will get the goods. Which books are up for grabs? Let’s take a look:
“Batman: The Resurrection of Ra’s Al Ghul” By Grant Morrison and Paul Dini.
“Trick or Treat Monster Street” By Danny Schnitzlein. Best of luck! (Top Image: ‘i’d like my steak medium nuked, please‘ October 31, 2008 in Articles | No comments
In the school libraries where I work, “Goosebumps” is absolutely hot. It’s one of those rare series that continues to attract young readers. Author R.L. Stine discusses his work with NPR as his new series, “Goosebumps HorrorLand”, is hitting shelves. Click the play button below to listen.
(Top Image: ‘Trick Or Treat Smell My Feet‘ October 30, 2008 in *Recommended*, Reviews | No comments Bee-Wigged *Recommended* Quick, what’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve truth about enzyte heard lately? How about a bee, wearing a toupee, who is mistaken for a child? That makes my recently ridiculous top five for sheezy (I hereby swear to never use that word again on these pages - signed, Your Humble Reviewer). In “Bee-Wigged” Cece Bell (author/illustrator of the “Sock Monkey” titles) provides a fat dollop of silliness sour cream atop a baked potato of truth - that it can be hard to find your niche when you’re different. Jerry Bee does the opposite of fit in. Not only is he a bee (strike one), but he’s also a giant bee (we’ll skip right to “you’re out!”). We’re talking person-sized insect here. When you’re a giant bee out in public, folks tend to avoid you. Or scream and run. One day Jerry finds a wig on the side of the road and decides to try it on. The results are astounding. The disguise works, and people begin to see Jerry as a normal kid. Well, not just normal - exceptional. Everyone loves Jerry. It turns out that he’s funny and artistic and helpful. Jerry Bee is so beloved that he is asked to grand marshall the annual school parade. When our hero’s wig is blown off by a gust of wind, Jerry quickly realizes that his day in the sun may be over. That is, until his wig starts talking. I mentioned ridiculous, right? The bright, unfussy ink and acrylic illustrations pair nicely with the storyline. The goofiness of the plot is mirrored in the stubby, neckless (or should I say neck-free) rendering of the characters.
“Bee-Wigged” will check off a number of boxes in your collection: √ Solid read aloud choice √ A good pick for “I’m looking for a funny book” kids √ A “be yourself” book with kid appeal A trifecta which makes this one a quality selection. Also reviewed by Original Content. Find this book at your local library with WorldCat. October 28, 2008 in *Recommended*, Reviews | No comments The Doghouse *Recommended* Bein’ scared. Is it a part of childhood? Absolutely. A list of some things that I was afraid of as a youngster: 1) Deep water 2) Goulash 3) Mean dogs Jan Thomas, on a roll with the recent “A Birthday for Cow!” and “What Will Fat Cat Sit On?“, addresses my third fear with success in “The Doghouse”. Funny while maintaining an underlying truth (the unknown can be scary), “Doghouse” will be a great addition to your story time repertoire. As with previous books by this author, the storyline is uncluttered. Beginning on the endpapers, we discover that Cow, playing a game with Mouse, Duck, and Pig, has accidentally kicked a red rubber ball into the doghouse. It’s a scary place and there aren’t any volunteers eager to retrieve it. Mouse, the smart alec, begins nominating others for the job. Tension builds as one by one, they accept the challenge. One by one, they enter the doghouse. One by one, they don’t come back. Dog finally appears, scaring the daylights out of mouse. The reader soon finds out, however, that Dog’s intentions are good - the animals aren’t coming out because he is having them stay for dinner. The digital illustrations of “Doghouse” are tailor made for sharing with a group. Thomas employs bold color and some of the fattest outlines I’ve seen in a picture book to make the characters stand out. In fact, when reading this book individually it can feel at times like you’re in too close. While the plot may strike some readers as familiar, the execution is where hay is made. Entertaining through and through, “The Doghouse” will be eagerly snatched up by young readers. Also reviewed by A Year of Reading. Find this book at your local library with WorldCat. October 24, 2008 in Reviews | No comments Jackson’s Blanket I have a good luck charm that I always carry with me: a small rectangular piece of maple wood. It’s on my key chain. Here it is:
I’ve had it since high school, and if I lost it, I would be kinda bummed. I think I have an idea of how Jackson must feel. Through rhyming verse, “Jackson’s Blanket” tells a familiar tale: a child who won’t give up their baby blanket. Author Nancy Cote puts forth a simple story that will ring true with a segment of young readers. The brown-haired Jackson will not part with his favorite possession: a soft, increasingly threadbare baby-blue blanket. His parents encourage him to hang it up, but he won’t budge. A blanket is good for so many things - cape, tent, toy carrier - why would he willingly part with it? When Jackson follows some tracks through the snow and discovers an abandoned kitten, he reconsiders his strict blanket policy. Cote’s vivid gouache and watercolor pencil illustrations have a gentle quality that matches nicely with the overall tone of the book.
“Jackson’s Blanket” is an uncomplicated story. Boy has blanket, boy won’t give it up, boy has an experience that makes him change his mind. It won’t wow ‘em at story time or fly off the shelves like the latest and greatest, but this one could be good for kids who’ve gone through a similar ordeal. Just don’t tell me if they ever publish “Jackson’s Maple Wood Keepsake”. Find this book at your local library with WorldCat. |