What Happens in No, David?

Author David Shannon wrote a story when he was a little boy called ‘No David’ about all the things he’d get told off for. When he discovered it years later, he decided to re write it. Lo and behold, we now have a story that is loved by kids and… some adults.

Meet David, a young boy who is the definition of naughty. He can wreak havoc in any and all ways imaginable. He sneaks cookies, he tracks mud everywhere, he floods the bathtub, he plays baseball in the house…essentially he is a parent’s worst nightmare. Despite his mother constantly telling him “No!” he continues to make a mess of things. Still, his mother’s love transcends all his mischief and at the very end of the book she makes this well known.

Using lively pen strokes and illustrations telling much of the story, David Shannon brings to life the spirited nature of young children that often lands them directly in line with the word ‘no.’

Yes…Or No?

I am going to put this bluntly; David scares the crap out of me. He has a mouth full of pointy teeth, a horrible snub nose, dark malicious eyes, and a mouth full of pointy teeth (the teeth really unnerve me.)

Adults aren’t necessarily going to be a fan of this book as it depicts a child as the main character in such a ‘negative’ light. What’s positive about reading your child a book about a boy their age that only gets into trouble and is bombarded with the word ‘No’ by his mother?

While this isn’t a book to teach manners, there is a good side to it. We may not view it as a good thing, but children see it differently. Here they get a character that for once misbehaves-the entire book. They love that ‘realness’ about him. David just taps into a side that all children have. The coloring-on-the-walls-run –naked-down-the- street- spread-yogurt- on-the floors side.

I say yogurt because once upon a time my sister and I spread yogurt all over the kitchen floor, “skated” on it with sponges, then covered the dining room floor with peanuts and ran over them with one of those little kiddie bikes. Then we hid behind a curtain.

The point is all little kids have a David, whether we’d like to admit it or not, and as much as we might gripe about the mother only chastising him, at some point all exhausted parents simply spit out the word “no.” I say ‘yes’ to this book if you’re willing to have a sense of humor about it (and you don’t mind the teeth) and ‘no’ if you won’t be able to keep your cool in the context of David’s antics. Chances are either way, your child will find it humorous.

We’ve lost sight of the magic in the world around us. With all the new whizzing gizmos and gadgets that come out what feels like every month or so, children in particular have been numbed. That’s why when I discovered Balloons Over Broadway, I was thrilled beyond belief. It is the story of the incredible puppeteer Anthony Sarg who invented the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons, adding more than a touch of wonder to the streets of New York City and bringing joy to the thousands of people who gathered to watch his masterpieces take to the air.

The Story

Anthony Sarg was born in 1880. A creative young boy, he loved to figure out how to make things move. One of his first inventions was a contraption that consisted of a rope strung out to the chicken coop, so early in the morning when he was due to feed them all he had to do was the give the rope a tug, which in turn would open the door to the chicken coop and he wouldn’t have to get out of bed.

As he grew up he began to tinker around and invent marionettes. They were so lifelike in the way they moved that when he moved to New York City he was asked to put on a show in one of the biggest department stores-Macy’s. When it was a hit, Macy’s had another big job for Tony. Most of their workers were immigrants, who missed the street parades and celebrations from their countries. Being an immigrant himself Tony was more than happy to help them put on a parade that everyone could celebrate. Thus began his undertaking of creating the giant balloons that would bob about high above the heads of the people gathered below them every Thanksgiving for decades.

Illustrations

Author/ illustrator of Balloons Over Broadway Melissa Sweet used collage cut outs, water color, fabrics and various objects all altered and painted to look like they belonged back in the time that Anthony Sarg was alive. They are brilliant, an eclectic mix of everything that drop you right into the story. Her artwork is beautiful, a portrayal that does as close to full justice as possible to Tony Sarg and his life/work.

Overall

Balloons. Marionettes. Two classic things that inspired awe, laughter, and the utmost happiness in people before they knew the meaning of entertainment in the form of movies, television and video games.  When I read this book, the first few pages I was just mildly curious about what was going to happen. Then more I read it, the more I fell in love with it. It will resonate with strongly with children as it taps into their imagination and plays to their creative side. They will be drawn in by the unique illustrations, and the story of Tony Sarg who according to his daughter ‘quite simply, never grew up.’

“I have never done a stroke of work in my life”- A.S.

The Journey

A generic ‘you’ gets ready to set off on an adventure to pursue your life. You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes, so you can really go wherever you choose. But this story isn’t just about the fact that you can ‘move mountains’-it acknowledges the fact that life isn’t always going to go smoothly. There will be times when you face loneliness, and times where you can get trapped into a game of waiting for something to come along and happen to you. There’s doldrums and dreary streets that you must wander, but throughout your journey you’ll learn that despite the downs, there are always ups as well.

The Illustrations

Just saying it’s written by Dr. Seuss probably gives one a good idea of the style of illustrations. Being able to guess at that aside, the pictures are quite intriguing. To be honest when I was a youngster and I read this book, I was a bit taken aback by the imagery, it was so strange and I felt almost eerie. The landscape that ‘you’ travel through isn’t exactly a normal landscape, it’s something born completely out of pure imagination. With a lot of pastel colors, and some deep dark ones, everything is a strange abstract shape and place. You’re going to encounter plenty of bizarre and foreign things in life though, and there’s no guessing what might come along, so I think that the illustrations in this book fit the story and the theme perfectly.

Who Should Read ‘Oh The Places you’ll Go’?

Anyone of any age can relate to or take away from Oh The Places You’ll Go! This book essentially captures what life is all about- the journey and struggle to find your way through it. Every single one of us has had to go through the confusion, the sadness, and of course, the joys that life can bring. It’s not an easy thing, to live and exist in our world, and I love that Dr. Seuss doesn’t make it out to be. That being said, there’s always good times to be had, and he never loses sight of that either. This book is not cushioned or disillusioned, it’s completely honest.

Overall?

If you haven’t read it, read it, and if you have read it, read it again. It’s a touching gift for someone embarking upon a new journey of their own, be it graduating preschool or graduating college, and a great read to enjoy on your own. There’s never a wrong time to be reminded that “you have brains in your head, feet in your shoes” and no matter what obstacles pop up “you can steer yourself, any direction you choose.”

What’s The Going to Bed Book About?

The story is about a random group of animals that are, for whatever reason, on a ship. There’s a hippo, a bear, a bunny rabbit, and pig…the boat is rather like an arc really.

They’re cruising along and the sun is setting-it’s time for them to start up their bedtime routine. They go through all the usual rituals, taking a bath, brushing their teeth, and changing into their pajamas. But when it gets dark and the moon comes out they all rush up onto the deck to…exercise?

Kids love this random mix up in the story line, and the fact that the first thing the critters are doing when night falls involves activity, rather than falling right to sleep. Working it’s way slowly towards falling asleep, the ending will encourage youngsters to fall asleep, rather than resist.

Illustrations/Writing

Sandra Boynton’s illustrations are comforting and familiar, friendly and engaging. Her animal characters all have large round eyes, thick bodies, and shaded with their respective colors. You may not know her by name, but once you see Boynton’s illustrations, chances are you’ll recognize them. They wiggle their way into your heart and before you know it, her pictures are showing up in your regular routine of putting your child to sleep.

Her writing is very rhythmic and catchy. It’s this rhythm, like the waves moving the ship in the story, that will soothe kids. It’s all rhyming and randomness that makes it an easy book to get really into when you’re reading it.

Overall

If you have a youngster, give this book a shot. It’s not terribly unique, per say, but it’s sweet and it’s become as popular as it has for a reason. Boynton’s books are the kind you can read over and over again. Before long you’ll be able to recite the book by heart (your kids will too!) but it’s hard to get sick of her stories, no matter how simple they may be.

A good author is bound to be cherished, for they are the ones with the power to open up doors in our imaginations and bring us places we never knew existed. A great author, on the other hand, is bound to be equally cherished and shunned, for they are the ones with the power to bring us places we knew existed, but chose to ignore.

Maurice Sendak, best known for his children’s book “Where The Wild Things Are” was a great author. He was loved and hated for pulling childhood literature out of its wee safe nursery and dropping it into the dark, complex, and wonderful recesses of the human mind-and nothing made him happier than that. He believed that there was no such things as a carefree childhood-indeed he understood it is one of the trickiest times in life to navigate. For this, he has been one of the most influential children’s book authors of all time.

A (very) Brief Summary Of Sendak’s Life

Maurice Sendak was born in 1928 in Brooklyn, New York. As a little boy he developed health problems, and as a result was confined to bed. It was then that his love of books began to develop. He decided to become an illustrator at the age of 12 after seeing Walt Disney’s Fantasia.

He went on to write and illustrate dozens upon dozens of books, and his most well-known ones, such as ‘Where The Wild Things Are’ and ‘In The Night Kitchen’ frequently made numerous lists of children’s books that were most often censored and banned. In his case, I consider that to be a compliment, because his books made us think, even made us a little uncomfortable at times, but regardless he was honest.

He was given many honors and awards throughout his career including, but not limited to, a Caldecott Medal for ‘Where The Wild Things Are’, a Hans Christen Anderson Award for children’s books illustrations, a National Medal of Arts, and a Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal.

He was honored in Northern California where an elementary school was named after him.

Many Thanks

Sendak has had such an enormous role in the lives of so many people, not only children, but adults as well. The world lost a great mind when he passed away, but surely he is off causing a wild rumpus elsewhere. We’d like to thank him for memories he’s created for everyone who grew up reading his books, for his rare insight into the human mind, and most of all, for bringing out the wild thing in all of us.

Below is a quote that, out of the hundreds he has, we felt really captured who he was.

“Once a little boy sent me a charming card with a little drawing on it. I loved it. I answer all my children’s letters — sometimes very hastily — but this one I lingered over. I sent him a card and I drew a picture of a Wild Thing on it. I wrote, “Dear Jim: I loved your card.” Then I got a letter back from his mother and she said, “Jim loved your card so much he ate it.” That to me was one of the highest compliments I’ve ever received. He didn’t care that it was an original Maurice Sendak drawing or anything. He saw it, he loved it, he ate it.”

-Maurice Sendak

Please share with us your favorite memory while reading a Maurice Sendak book…

Wait Wait…That’s Not Right

There’s humor in error, and author Sandra Boynton knows it. In Moo, Baa, La La La she sets up the whole thing as a platform for animated reading that’s chock full of laughs. We start with a cow, which says moo. We go to a sheep, which says baa. So far this is turning out to be just like any other farm animal book for youngsters. We go to three pigs, dancing with canes and top hats and singing la la la and…that can’t be right can it? Then we have rhinos and dogs and cats and all kinds of critters making noise and suddenly this book isn’t so average anymore…

Illustrations

A picture is worth a thousand words right? I don’t think that pertains to just photographs, I think it includes drawings as well. All Boynton gives us is pictures of animals that we see in just about every other children’s book, so why are her illustrations so special?

For those of you familiar with her other books (or greetings cards, she’s done over four thousand) you’ll understand. Her characters are chunky, friendly, doofy looking critters that are the easiest things for young ones to fall in love with. Whereas a lot of pictures books are appreciated for their artistic value by adults but maybe not as much by kids, Boyntons illustrations are not just appreciated, they’re adored, by folks of all ages.

Our Overall Opinion Of Moo, Baa, La La La!

I cannot guarantee that you or your child will love this book. Some find it boring, or just ‘okay,’ and more than a few don’t understand the big deal with the illustrations. It is, truthfully, a very simple children’s book.

What I can honestly say is that I’ve read this book time and again to children ranging from infancy to age two and three, and the majority of them get fixated. Ok well the little babies just stare, but we all know they’re sponges and they’re soaking it up! The simple words and rhyme help with developing speech, the board book pages are easy to grasp and turn (not to mention hardy enough to withstand a curious teething toddler) and the illustrations are humorous and sweet. I like it. I’d say if it looks anything like something your kid would be into, give it a shot. You might just find yourself amongst the hundreds of parents and children out there that love this book to pieces.

What’s ‘How to Babysit a Grandpa’ About?

Written in a how-to manner, this children’s book covers all the basics and more when it comes to babysitting a Grandpa.

The first thing you’re going to do is hide when he comes over, wait until he says “I give up” and then jump up and shout “HERE I AM!” Then there is the oh so important page with a list of snacks for a Grandpa, which includes goodies such as:

• ‘Olives served on fingertips’
• ‘Cookies topped with ice cream’
• ‘Ice cream topped with cookies’

The following pages include everything else you could possibly need to know. Make sure there’s plenty of sunscreen on the top of his head when you go out if it’s sunny, and bundle up if it’s cold. On a walk, make sure you step over sidewalk cracks and keep an eye out for lizards and dandelion puffs. Then comes play time, nap time, and finally, clean up time.

The Pictures

The pictures in this book are sweet and funny. I like Lee Wildish as an illustrator, and while I prefer the animal/creature characters that he draws more than people, I still enjoyed this book with its adorable bespeckled Grandfather and mop haired little boy. Everything is drawn in sort of that sketchy scribbly childish way, and Wildish tucks away little critters on each page, like the family cat or a small green bug hiding behind a flower pot. His pictures bring great warmth, energy, and humor to the story.

Golden Child

To look after my Grandpa when I was young, I thought a pet would be the perfect sort of ‘therapy’ for him. So I got him a tarantula. We named him Henry, my Grandma freaked out, and shortly after getting him it was discovered that my Grandpa’s hands weren’t strong enough to cut open the bags of crickets needed to feed his pet. That spider now lives in an eclectic local children’s bookstore nearby my house.

Obviously, I did not know how to babysit my Grandpa.

With this book, you won’t have to worry about stuff like that happening. It has everything your child could possibly need to form a perfect play time with their Grandpa, even including a fun way to clean up the mess they make, and excluding the purchase of any giant spiders.

What Happens in Are You My Mother?

A mother bird feels her egg begin to stir. Eager to gather food so it won’t go hungry when it hatches, she flaps off in search of a worm. With not the best timing in the world, baby bird hatches. Immediately he knows he must have a mother, but he does not know where. Determined, he sets off to find her. “Are you my mother?” He asks a kitten. No response. “Are you my mother?” He asks a hen, who replies that she is not. On and on he goes, roaming from a dog to a boat and even an old car. None are his mother. Finally he stumbles upon a piece of construction equipment, digging up earth. It makes a loud ‘snort’ sound and the baby bird realizes this is not his mother; this is a ‘Snort.’ He’s about to leave when all of a sudden he finds himself being lifted up higher and higher. He had perched on the edge of the Snort’s shovel, and now it is raising him into the air. Panicking the baby bird calls out for his mother. When the Snort finally stops, baby bird has no idea where he is, but the Snort does!

Illustrations

A protégé of Dr. Seuss, P.D. Eastman has his own distinct style of illustration that, in this book particular, grabs the reader’s attention despite the fact that there is very little color, save the color red and yellow in some parts. Most of the illustrations are done looking like they were drawn with pencil, charcoal, and watercolor. They are mostly filled with tones of earthy brown, which sounds dull, and yet is anything but.

Lost

Some people feel this book has a negative connotation. After all, getting separated from ones parents is a traumatic experience. I, however, really must protest this being a bad story. I love this book, and I refuse to over analyze it nor do I believe that it will seriously frighten a child. Kids are little sponges that soak up interesting scenarios; they are not made of glass. Reading them a story such as this about a baby bird that has lost its mother is not going to traumatize them for life. They may not like it (although many do) but I promise they’ll be fine.

I apologize for my rant. People often over-analyze books far too much, and sometimes it’s justified, but in my mind, Are You My Mother does not qualify as such a story. I would recommend this book.

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Does ‘Are You My Mother?’ bring back memories of reading it as a child?

The book “Zen Shorts” by Jon J. Muth is just that- a collection of shorts tied together with one main story that encourage the readers to ponder things that are sometimes hard to grasp, or too easy to miss.

A Look At The Whole

Profound and beautiful, this book is about three siblings named Michael, Addy, and Karl, who befriend a Panda named Stillwater. Each one goes to visit him on separate occasions, and to each of them he tells a story.

To gentle, generous Addy Stillwater tells a story that comes from Zen Buddhist Literature centuries old about a very poor man who gives gifts to a robber.

To straightforward Michael he tells a story that has roots that stretch back thousands of years about a farmer who knows that luck is not to be judged, or predicted.

To a frustrated Karl, the youngest, he tells a story about a monk who is carrying a burden long past.

Stunning watercolor fills the pages with peaceful pictures, wise words flow. It sounds like a book adults might love but would leave children in its philosophical dust. Not so. Jon J. Muth reaches out in a quiet way that children will be able to grasp onto the ideas in the story, ingest them, and think them over. It’s a book that at the end a child may not be jumping up and down saying ‘read it again! Read it again!’ but rather sitting quietly, maybe frowning a little, questions that you cannot answer on the tips of their tongues. When they’ve thought enough, they will probably come back to the book.

Setting all ideas of deep and meaningful theme aside, the characters in this book are lovely and entertaining, particularly Stillwater, who you can’t help but wish you had as a neighbor yourself.

A Small Part

I suppose I am biased towards Zen Shorts. I was raised with a father who practices Zen Buddhism. I grew up watching him meditate on a daily basis, listening to his peaceful stories and the sound of the singing bowls that filled our house, learning to view the world through quiet eyes that saw the wonders in all that goes on around us.

I also got impatient and squirmy when he encouraged me to meditate as well (like before doing math homework Dad, really?) and sometimes his ability to remain unruffled and calm even in the face of my most nasty temper tantrums infuriated me.

But I am grateful to this day for all of those experiences, and even more grateful after reading this lovely book that allows us to appreciate the more ‘zen’ aspect of life (there aren’t many Caldecott winning zen shorts out there you know.)

For basic reasons, such as being a lovely story with wonderful characters and beautiful illustrations, I recommend Zen Shorts. For less straightforward reasons, such as the sense of peace and questions it raises, I insist that you read it.

“What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow: Our life is the creation of our mind.”

-Buddha

What Happens in Boy + Bot?

A young boy is out collecting pine cones when he meets a robot. Naturally the thing to do is to see if the robot wants to play. After a quick “affirmative!” boy and bot head off to have a jolly time. They balance on logs, they skip stones, and they roll down hills…oops. Robots aren’t meant to roll down hills. A rock bumps the bot’s power switch off. Concerned, the boy brings him home, and does everything he can to help his friend with some very ‘human’ techniques, such as feeding him applesauce and reading stories.

The Artwork/Writing

The illustrations in this book are lovely. They aren’t too busy, they don’t clutter the book, and they depict the boy and the robot flawlessly. They do, in fact, mimic the simple straightforward text in the story, which doesn’t over embellish anything, but is far from lacking in richness and entertainment. The author says what she needs to say and that’s that, and that’s perfect.

Theme

An important thing to consider in any book we pick out for our children is the theme. What message is going to come across? What do we want them to take away from the book?

A common theme in many children’s books is friendship, less common though are children’s books with the theme of friendship that really stand out. Boy + Bot is one of those less common ones. The friendship in this book is simple, but touching in how much the boy and bot about each other considering they haven’t exactly been friends for more than a day or so. Even so, when something happens to the robot the boy is exceptionally concerned about his friend and vice versa. I love how random it is in that sense.

Is Boy + Bot A Good Book? Affirmative!

I adore it! No actually I do. I was hesitant to read it (it was given to me by my boyfriend who happens to be obsessed with robots) but to his credit, it turned out to be a truly wonderful book. The story is incredibly sweet, and seriously funny. It reminded me a little bit of The Iron Giant, an animated movie that came out a number of years ago about a boy who finds and fixes a giant robot who later goes on to become his friend.

To me Boy + Bot also sings a beautiful tune about what it’s like to be a kid. It’s like ‘ah childhood, the only time in our lives when we can stumble upon a robot whilst collecting pine cones and the only question on our lips is “want to play?”’