Big Universe: Celebrate Christmas with children's books!
The Mazza Museum: International Art from Picture Books in Findlay, Ohio, received an early Christmas present. They just got 150 signed copies of “The Magical Christmas Horse,” a brand-new, beautifully illustrated picture book for children.
The holiday book is a collaboration between best-selling suspense author Mary Higgins Clark and noted artist Wendell Minor. The museum’s copies will be passed on as holiday gifts to patrons of “the world’s largest museum devoted to literacy and the art of children’s picture books.” The Mazza Museum – “where art from children’s picture books is taken seriously” – has more than 2,300 original illustrations. (The museum’s earliest piece dates from 1884.)
I love giving books as gifts too. They always have been my go-to present for birthdays, baby showers, teachers and holidays. The fact that “The Magical Christmas Horse” is wonderfully illustrated and celebrates the beauty of rural America, family time, traditions and redemption makes it a sure thing.
See the video clip below of a two-minute interview with Ms. Higgins Clark and Mr. Minor.
BigUniverse.com also is a champion of beautiful children’s picture books. This online treasure houses a growing library of digital fiction and non-fiction books in many languages, making it a valuable resource for classroom teachers, parents and homeschoolers. To date, Big Universe Learning has more than 3460 premium publisher books that have been read more than 2 million times. The number of member-created books grows daily.
The books showcase great narrative and stunning artwork, making them perfect for white board use or at computer stations in the classroom. There also are 1800-plus books that can be read on iPad, using the Safari web browser.
Here are 10 books from Big Universe with some of my favorite illustrations. The first two are Christmas books, so happy holidays!
NOTE:To learn more about “The Magical Christmas Horse,” its author and illustrator, or about Mazza Museum, read Douglas P. Clement’s very thorough article in Connecticut’s Litchfield County Times on Nov. 29. “The Magical Christmas Horse” is published by Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books and is available at your local book store or online. Click the following link to go to a page where you can listen to an excerpt read from the book.
There’s a guy who lives a few hours away from me – someone I’ve never met, but he’s been my hero for eight days now. I read an article about his new children’s book, “My Purple Toes,” and have been smiling ever since.
Blair Hahn is a lawyer in Charleston, S.C., with a sense of humor, a heart and hutzpah. Like a tiny pebble dropped into a pond, Hahn’s light-hearted actions on one particular day resulted in a ripple effect he or his family hardly could have imagined.
“The idea for ‘My Purple Toes’ all started with a trip to a nail salon with my daughter who I astonished when I boldly offered to get my toenails painted purple,” said Hahn in a Newswire press release.
The excursion was meant to be a bonding experience for teenage daughter and dad. A pedicure had been planned by his daughter, but the colorful outcome had not. His daughter walked out with pink toes, and he waltzed out with purple.
The laughs and reactions from strangers, his wife and friends culminated in life lessons that were perfect for a children’s picture book: the importance of enjoying life, being oneself and accepting others. So, Hahn teamed up with Charleston artist Tate Nation, and they ended up with a cheery board-style book aimed at kids 1 to 5 years old.
I like Hahn’s style – and I’m not talking about the nail polish. I like that he wanted to spend time with his daughter in her environment. I like that he was confident enough to have a little fun and then stand by his decision. I like that he was inspired enough to turn it into a book to teach children, and I love that he is sharing the proceeds with the needy.
A portion of the sales will benefit Soles4Souls, a Nashville-based non-profit charity that collects new and gently used shoes and distributes them to people around the world.
“The launch of ‘My Purple Toes’ has created a unique opportunity to give back to children in need,” said the author, “and we look forward to donating to Soles4Souls in support of its worthy cause.”
Almost 11 million pairs of shoes have been given in the last five years. The footwear has gone to Hurricane Katrina victims, as well as millions of others in 125 countries.
While “My Purple Toes” is not offered through BigUniverse.com, there are many selections on the children’s picture books website that touch on issues of confidence, kindness, sharing and personal growth. Here are just a few to get you started:
“Is a Worry Worrying You?”by authors Ferida Wolff and Harriet Savitz and illustrator Marie Le Tourneau. Tanglewood Press. Topic: Fear.
“Mrs. Murphy’s Marvelous Mansion”by author Emma Perry Roberts and illustrator Robert Rogalski and published by Illumination Arts. Topics: Acceptance and inner beauty.
“Cowboy Slim”by author Julie Danneberg and illustrator Margot Apple and published by Charlesbridge. Topics: Determination and being unique.
Note: Library, school and hospital representatives may contact the author directly at 1-(800) 247-6553 or blair@mypurpletoes.com to request copies of the book at a discounted rate.
Author: Kari-Lynn Winters
Illustrator: Ben Hodson
Published: 2007 Orca Book Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-55143-974-7
Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? I find myself afflicted with this often. In the book, Jeffrey and the Sloth, Jeffrey accidentally stumbles upon a way to combat his writer’s block through doodling. With just a glance at the title page, students will immediately relate to Jeffrey. You see him standing in the doorway of his room staring at a blank sheet of paper on his desk. The defeated look on his face says it all. Instead of writing, Jeffrey begins to doodle and his doodle comes to life!
Use this book to inspire creative writing in elementary students. Give each student a blank sheet of paper and ask them to create their own doodle (making sure that they create at least 1 character in the doodle). Once the doodle is created, have students exchange papers and write a first person narrative as the doodle. Use the following questions as a guide:
What is your name?
Do you have a nickname? How did you get it? Be specific.
Where are you from?
Where do you live? Describe it. Is it messy, neat, what kinds of things are there?
What is your favorite thing to do. Why?
If you could ask the artist to change one thing about you, what would you change and why?
If you want to know more about this book or how the author conquered her own writer’s block, visit Kari-Lynn Winters’ website.
Keisa Williams (aka Ms. K) is a K-5 School Librarian at Monarch Academy, a public charter school in Oakland, CA. She is certified in secondary and elementary education (MLIS and MEd) and loves collaborating with teachers and integrating technology into her library lessons. She considers herself a “Technology Diva” and “Gadget Junkie”.
Author: Troy Wilson
Illustrator: Dean Griffiths
Published: 2004 Orca Book Publishing
ISBN: 1551434350
Jump into the world of an ordinary boy, “Michael Maxwell McAllum was the smallest boy in his class. He lived in a small house in a small town on a small street.” He idolizes Perfect Man, a crime fighting super hero. The story begins when Perfect Man announces his retirement. Michael isn’t sad to hear this news because he believes that Perfect Man will reappear when needed. The school year begins and Michael has a new teacher. Mr. Clark is the perfect teacher. He seems to be everywhere at once and explains information about planets as if he had actually been there. Through his thinning hair and rounded stomach, Michael believes he recognizes his idol, Perfect Man. Mr. Clark helps Michael to discover his own super power.
This book would make a great read for parents, teachers, and children who love super hero stories. The fun, vibrant illustrations will capture the attention of all audiences. Choose this book as a beginning of the year read aloud or use it to encourage children to read and write. Perfect Man reminds us to look within for our special talents.
Discussion Starters
What is a hero?
Who is a hero in your life?
What makes that person a hero?
Think of a time when you were someone’s hero. Explain.
Keisa Williams (aka Ms. K) is a K-5 School Librarian at Monarch Academy, a public charter school in Oakland, CA. She is certified in secondary and elementary education (MLIS and MEd) and loves collaborating with teachers and integrating technology into her library lessons. She considers herself a “Technology Diva” and “Gadget Junkie”.
The Lamaze instructor said, “Bring Kleenex to the next class.” She smiled knowingly. The 10 women in her prenatal class looked at each other and at their spouses. “What did that mean?”
Sure enough, when the next session rolled around, everyone’s mascara was running down their cheeks by the end of class. Me included. My husband sat beside me, shifting uncomfortably at this turn of events. It wasn’t mass hysteria, but rather something akin to The Perfect Storm. Pregnancy hormones, a good book and impending motherhood!
“I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living my baby you’ll be,” intoned the instructor as she read from the short story “Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch. She had her delivery down to an art form.
Lest I be considered a spoiler, I’ll refrain from giving away the simple plot. But no matter what your stage in life, this book is likely to pluck a tune on some heart strings.
Here are a few other picture books for kids and moms to celebrate the holiday on Sunday.
“A Mother’s Promise”by Lisa Humphrey is another perfect book for Mother’s Day. It’s gorgeous and reflects the hopes and dreams and emotions that wash over a new mom. The book’s narrator wants to give her child so much – the world, in fact! The illustrations by David Danioth are absolutely beautiful. The picture spreading across Pages 22-23 is particularly poignant. “A Mother’s Promise “ is one of many books by Illumination Arts that appears on the Big Universe children’s picture books website.
“I Love You the Purplest”by Barbara M. Joosse weaves a story about a mom who trims the thorns of sibling rivalry. (Chronicle Books)
“Animal Mothers and Babies” is a nature book by Dona Herweck Rice for beginning readers, Level 1.4. (Teacher Created Materials Publishing)
“A Mother’s Journey”by Sandra Markle and illustrator Alan Marks is a fact-filled story about a mother Emperor penguin. It is suited for Grade 3. (Charlesbridge)
“Are You My Mother” by P.D. Eastman has been a favorite for 50 years. This Dr. Seuss-like book is just right for readers aged 3-7. (Random House)
“When Wishes Come True”by Per-Henrik Gürth is a warm tale of love, hope and reassurance in the Arctic. Good for preschoolers. (Lobster Press)
“My Mother Is So Smart!”by Tomie dePaola salutes mothers in all walks of life. “My mother is so smart that she can stand on her head.” It’s ideal for ages 3-6. (Putnam)
“A Pocket Full of Kisses” by Audrey Penn and illustrated by Barbara Leonard Gibson demonstrates the power of a mother’s love and wisdom. Interest age, 3-5. (Tanglewood Press)
Do you have any stories that you think should be added to this list? Let me know.
It’s human nature for people to love a good story about an underdog. Small guy beats big guy. It’s a classic theme – one that kids just eat up!
Tonight, Butler University, a small school in Indianapolis, will battle it out in the Final 4 of the NCAA’s March Madness basketball tournament against huge schools with much bigger sports programs. Back in the Depression, a small thoroughbred horse named Seabiscuit went from long shot to miracle worker when he soundly upset War Admiral – the 1938 Triple Crown Winner – in the “Match of the Century.” And of course, Americans love to retell how their ragtag army of patriots upset the British Empire more than two centuries ago.
The children’s picture book “Pippo the Fool” fits snugly in this genre. It’s a tale of an underdog, who initially gets little respect, but triumphs in the end. Children going through such a social dilemma will relate, especially kids who are a little quirky or are talented but fly under the radar.
What makes this book published by Charlesbridge an even better story is that the tale is true! Author Tracey E. Fern brings history to life as she retells the unusual circumstances surrounding the finishing of the dome on Florence’s Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Italy more than 600 years ago. It features a contest, a braggart, an underdog and justice – all tied up in pretty packaging, thanks to the charming illustrations by Pau Estrada.
“Pippo the Fool” also teaches moral lessons. It encourages readers to reach for the stars. It teaches the value of perseverance and the pursuit of happiness, whether faced with ridicule from the town bully, health challenges or unfair circumstances. Perhaps best of all is the belief that justice is worth hoping for!
“The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey” is by far my favorite holiday story. It’s something my family has read out loud together for years. While the story is poignant, the watercolor illustrations by P.J. Lynch are magnificent – perhaps the best I have ever seen in a picture book.
After a little research, I find that I am not alone in my assessment. Susan Wojciechowski’s sweet tale is an International Reading Association Teachers’ Choices Award winner, an American Library Association Notable Children’s Book, a Christopher Award Winner and a Parents’ Choice Honor Award winner.
“The tale is unfolded with such mastery, humor and emotional force that we are entirely in its power,” writes a reviewer from The New York Times Book Review.
A Miracle Before My Eyes
For years, I read this book to my third graders during Sunday school class as Christmas approached. I found that the real-time miracle of “Jonathan Toomey” is that it had the power to calm the squirming bodies of 25 little ones who were hyped up on Christmas cookies and ready to get out of their street shoes and itchy collared shirts!
As I would begin to read, it was quite amazing to watch the calm sweep over the group and to watch their facial expressions change from distracted to enraptured. The oversized pictures were perfect, because even the children in the back of our reading circle could see the beautiful details. Now, with the availability of whiteboards, the book can be viewed even more easily in large groups.
Other holiday favorites for this flock of Sunday schoolers included “The Legend of the Candy Cane” by Lori Walburg with outstanding illustrations by James Bernardin, “The Christmas Day Kitten” by James Herriot, “The Gift of the Magi,” published by Candlewick Press (and also illustrated by P.J. Lynch) and, of course, the Luke 2 passage.
Let’s Not Forget Thanksgiving!
Lest you think I’m one of those holiday-rushers, there’s still time to snag a copy of Cheryl Harness’ “Three Young Pilgrims,” which is recommended for ages 5-10. My girls also loved “Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving” by Eric Metaxas, which tells the historical story of how an English-speaking Indian happened to live in the exact place where Pilgrims landed to start a new life in the New World. This book is also recommended for ages 5-10.
I can still remember that day in first grade, when Mrs. Anderson brought a bathtub into our classroom, filled with soft, red pillows and loads of easy readers. It was an old fashioned, white tub with claw feet – nothing like I had ever seen in our home. Still, I wonder where she found it and how she managed to bring it to school. What a fabulous treat it was to take a turn reading in the bathtub. Two at a time. We could read with a classmate or friend, while being photographed by all the area newspapers, wanting to take a peek at the Tub Time Readers!
Often, for students, academic reading is not a source of comfort or pleasure. Assigned reading by teachers is homework, which purports a negative association. However, children should experience personal reading time in a place that creates lasting, positive memories, encouraging a lifetime of literary enjoyment. Winter is perfect for setting up the sleeping bags next to a cozy fireplace, so that the entire family can enjoy a Family Reading Night by the campfire. Or, pop a tent in the living room and use flashlights for reading an enticing mystery. Camping Out: A Shadow Story by Lisa Allen and Julie Sharp is an incredibly engaging story that incorporates shadow play into a plot line about camping. Children use flashlights to help tell the story about an outdoor camping experience where mysterious shapes are misunderstood for simple shadows at play. Or, taking children to the beach, a lake, pond, botanical garden, or stream with a favorite book will create a sense of relaxation and inner peace. An internal place that should not be overlooked or underdeveloped. Take a bike ride down your favorite path, pack a lunch, bring a book, and share an ice cream sundae.
Roxaboxen, a hill in Yuma, Arizona, littered with rocks and wooden boxes, serves as the setting of this children’s book, which tells a true tale of one child’s active imagination. “With the aid of her mother’s childhood manuscript, the memories of relatives, and letters and maps from former inhabitants of Roxaboxen, author Alice McLerran recreated the magical world…,” in this storybook, “…as if she played there herself.” McLerran.
I’ll always remember the day my son returned home from third grade, after his teacher read Roxaboxen, by Alice McLerran, to her classroom of children. He couldn’t stop talking about the imaginary town, created simply from rocks, broken pottery, colored glass, and old wooden boxes. There were: buried treasures, a Main Street, houses, and dishes, a town hall, a Mayor, plenty of shops, money, a bakery, ice cream parlors, cars, a jail, police, horses, and a cemetery. Not only does Roxaboxen allow children to feel like they can participate in making a grown-up place all their own, students might just venture to create a town, which they can run – in the classroom, at a park, in the basement, or in the backyard.
Roxaboxen serves as a favorite childhood book in our home, as our son is now 12, and he continues to create imaginary towns, tree houses, recyclable villages, European cities, all of which found their roots in the works of Alice McLerran. Roxaboxen is “A celebration of the ability children have to create, even with the most uncompromising materials, a world of fantasy so real and multidimensional that it earns a lasting place in memory.” McLerran.
y family has read out loud together for years. While the story is poignant, the watercolor illustrations by P.J. Lynch are magnificent – perhaps the best I have ever seen in a picture book.
