Roast the Kaiser
Marketing children’s book allows one to play in every conceivable era. In Searching for Silverheels by Jeannie Mobley (Margaret K. McElderry Books), the political climate of 1917 Como, Colorado, churns with the declaration of war against Germany, exhibitions of patriotism and accusations of un-American behavior, and a lone cry for the women’s right to vote. The novel opens with 13-year-old Pearl saying that it is “strange how sometimes, even though the whole world is changing around you, everything can feel so much the same.” But, like every girl coming of age, the world starts to...
Read MoreRead the Vote
Is the coursework for “Civics” going the way of “Home Ec”? Regardless of whether your kids are taught about the election in school, think about how you teach it. Voting is the role of each citizen and talking about the vote is the role of each parent. There are tips on having this important conversation in the article Go Vote, and Take Your Kids With You” from Washington Post (11/3/14). Learning by living is exactly what election day is about. We talk a lot in our family about making the world a better place, and tomorrow morning is one example of that. —Amy...
Read MoreStill Lugubrious: Exhibit Celebrates ALICIA HAS A BAD DAY
In celebration of a beloved Maine children’s book’s 20th anniversary, The Portland Public Library will be celebrating with an art exhibit entitled “Still Lugubrious: 20 Years of the Book, Alicia Has a Bad Day.” Opening on First Friday November 7, 2014 from 4:00-6:00 PM, the picture book’s artwork by Portland, Maine author/illustrator Lisa Jahn-Clough will be on exhibit through November in the Children’s Room. Lisa Jahn-Clough will appear at the event and sign books and art prints for sale by Longfellow Books. The picture book Alicia Has a Bad Day has remained popular with children for 20...
Read MoreBooks of Power, Power to Offend
With Halloween approaching, we could consider the connection between fear and KitLit. No, not spooky books, but people who have been spooked by books and have sought to challenge or ban them. “I suggest that parents read these challenging (and challenged) books and use them for opportunities to talk about difficult subjects with their child. We need to remind ourselves that any book that has power also has the power to offend.” —Children’s Book Author, Katherine Paterson You can listen to our conversation about Banned Books with Chris Lenois on Green Mountain Mornings...
Read MoreTrolls, Grumpy Gators and Unassigned Reading
A chill is in the air and the summer days of lounging with a chapter book in hand appear to be over for the year…WAIT not so fast! You can incorporate elective reading in your day-to-day DESPITE homework, soccer, and this and that. Create a habit of 20 minutes a day when the WHOLE family is reading something they WANT to read. No judgement, no reading levels, just ADVENTURE… Here are some recommendations from Curious City’s radio appearance on Green Mountain Mornings available as a podcast here … ________________________________________________________________...
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