Ages 5-11
Blog Post
Here Come the ABC's
by amy
A host of animators and puppeteers illustrate the wonderfully wacky Here Come the ABC's, a recent children's DVD (also on CD) from the band They Might Be Giants. Highlights include the psychedelic "Pictures of Pandas Painting", "C is for Conifer," and "The Alphabet Lost and Found." TMBG, purveyors of whimsical experimental pop, celebrated their 20-year anniversary in 2002 with the release of their first children's CD, No!
Blog Post
The Mighty Asparagus
by eli
There's an oft-reinterpreted russian folk tale about a big turnip, and lots of people try to pull it out, etc. etc. The titular Mighty Asparagus of this book is an obvious descendant of the russian turnip, but the brilliantly off-kilter style and tone of Vladimir RadunskyVladimir Radunsky provide a wonderful new spin on the otherwise warmed-over folk tale that is eccentric and quite silly.
Radunsky uses famous renaissance paintings as visual fodder (and includes thanks and an apology to each pillaged artist in his dedication), and the result is a unique combination of rich texture and cross-eyed goofiness that overshadows (in a good way) whatever the parable is supposed to be about (even the smallest effort counts).
My 3-year-old son adores this book, especially the Ballad of the Mighty Asparagus at the end, but if you have a child who is into order, they may be a bit dismayed by the centerfold-style pullout of the fallen asparagus. Should that have had a spoiler warning?
Also, don't miss Radunsky's Manneken Pis, the simple story of a boy who peed on a war.
Blog Post
Remaking Gene Wilder
by amy
Poor Gene Wilder: Two of his films, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) and The Producers (1968), are getting remade this year. First, Johnny Depp stars as Wonka in the upcoming Tim Burton film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (which Burton is careful to claim is not a remake--but we know better), then Matthew Broderick takes on Leo Bloom in the upcoming film version of The Producers.
Fortunately, we'll always have Wilder's inimitable Dr. Frankenstein ("it's pronounced Fronkensteen!") in Young Frankenstein, and as for Wilder's performance as Willy Wonka--particularly his rendition of "Pure Imagination"--well, as Astaire says to Rogers, "They can't take that away from me...."
Blog Post
Lance Armstrong
by amy
The new youth book Lance Armstrong, Cyclist by Michael Benson describes Armstrong's amazing journey from cancer survivor to today's frontrunner in the 2005 Tour de France.
Blog Post
The Guild of Geniuses
by eli
Frederick Lipton is a Movie Star. As is often the case with Movie Stars, his best friend is a monkey: Mr. Pip. They find themselves in need of the services of The Guild of Geniuses, a co-ed group of four wizened, lab-coated scientists who solve any problem and offer prizes to those who are able to stump them, although it is noted that they haven't yet had to give out a single prize.
This is Dan Santat's first book, both as an author and an illustrator, and while the story is sweet, it's also a bit dull. The art, however, is stylish, colorful, and retro-geeky, reminiscent of Mo Willems' excellent animated works such as The Off-Beats and Sheep in the Big City.
It will be back on the shelf as soon as I can pry it out of my son's hands.
Blog Post
The English Roses
by john
Madonna's music may or may not tickle your daughter's fancy, but this short bedtime book is a favorite with my girls. The story is of three young friends who learn to include a fourth girl into their circle.
If your daughter is poking around the stacks for something to read for the Summer Reading Game, this might be a right fit for her. It comes highly recommended from a five and a six-year old!