Book Corner by Sharon Levin
Well, just got back from the California Reading Association's (CRA) annual conference and as always, it was a blast! I highly recommend this conference for teachers, parents, children's lit nuts and author groupies (I would fit into the last three categories).What I love about CRA is getting the inside scoop on books and the creating of books. Sarah Weeks, the author of the delightful Mrs. McNosh picture books and the hilarious 'Guy' books, had us all laughing as she explained her struggles with a copy editor and their argument over whether or not a mackerel could actually fit into a garbage disposal. She also reinforced my support of independent bookstores and my campaign against the big chains (one of which is known in our house as 'the evil B&N') when she told us about the change in illustrations on the cover of My Guy. The original illustration which was a little warped (thereby fitting the tone of the book) had an odd looking clown on it. B&N said, "Clowns are scary." and the cover had to be changed before they were willing to carry it. This is not the first time that a big chain has used its muscle to change a book's title, illustrations or even content. It's RIDICULOUS!! In an independent bookstore a bookseller would take the time to actually READ THE BOOK and say, "That cover is PERFECT with this book!" or "Hmm, not thrilled with the cover, but since I like the book, because I have TAKEN THE TIME TO READ IT I will be able to sell it to my customers." So, in case you're missing my point here, SUPPORT YOUR INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE. Many of them have on-line ordering, making them just as convenient as the big guys.
More author facts, Mark Teague, who has the hilarious new Dear Mrs. LaRue book, originally illustrated under the name Elroy Freem (Elroy was his cat) to, as he put it, protect him while he learned his craft. He certainly has learned well, since he is now a very popular author and illustrator. No more hiding behind Elroy's um, fur.
Speaking of fur, Ben Mikaelsen's Touching Spirit Bear, is a must read for all middle school and high school students and their parents. Inspirational, thought provoking, it's a book that will stay with you long after you've closed the cover.
Lee Bennett Hopkins, poet extraordinaire, spoke about his one wish, "I Wish Children Literature." He told us of a neighbor of his who was looking for a version of Snow White for her daughter and asked his advice, he recommended the Randall Jarrell version. She found the Jarrell version, decided it was too expensive ($15.00) and bought her daughter the $2.95 Disney version instead. I wish I had the two versions here, so that I could quote them both for you. The richness of the language in the Jarrell version will bring tears to your eyes, the Disney version, well, you know what they're like. Children's books are not expensive, giving our children cheap, dumb-downed versions of literature, now THAT'S expensive. Mr. Hopkins went to his local toy store and checked the prices of some popular toys. They averaged around $30. As he says, "Toys are expensive and do not last. Books are cheap and last forever." Toys are also not available at our public libraries, books are always accessible, regardless of one's household budget.
I come out of these conferences truly inspired by the words I hear and the people I see. To be surrounded by people whose passion it is to bring together children and books is my idea of paradise (well, as long as there's chocolate around, it's my idea of paradise).
SO, do you want some more book suggestions for you and your kidlets? In addition to those mentioned above I have been raving about Sandra Boynton's latest book and CD. Philadelphia Chickens (Workman Publishing, 2002) is absolutely HILARIOUS! The opening song, 'Cows', a play on Chorus Line's, 'One', has children and adults giggling within seconds. 'Please, Can I Keep It?' charmingly sung by the talented Laura Linney is a great twist on the old 'cat followed me home' story. 'Snuggle Puppy' sung by the actor, Eric Stoltz has given us a new song to sing to our two 'snuggle puppies'. Caitlin McEwan (Sandra Boynton's daughter) sings a lovely ode to a cookie jar and Kevin Kline singing a Gilbert and Sullivanesque 'BusyBusyBusy' will keep the whole family laughing as you try to keep up. You will NEVER guess who does an amazing turn as a torch singer on this CD (and I'm not going to tell, you'll just have to get the book).
This set is a great gift for children and adults. Enjoy!
The Ballad of Valentine by Alison Jackson, illustrated by Tricia Tusa (Dutton Children's Books, 2002) To the tune of 'My Darling Clementine' we see Valentine's suitor persistently trying to send missives to her. He uses the postal service, homing pigeon, smoke signals, Morse code all to no avail. Get the tune in your head, then sing these lines, "Gave the letters to a mailman to deliver, rain or shine. But he couldn't find your address, so I penned this valentine. Then I trained a homing pigeon and attached my note with twine. But he flew to Madagascar, where he dropped your valentine." I think it would be a real shame to only pull out this book in February for Valentine's Day, it's a great sing along, read aloud for the whole year.
Sharon Levin can be reached at sharonlevin@mindspring.com.
Read previous months' Book Corner features from Sharon Levin:
November
October
September
Reviews
Touching Spirit Bear
Ben Mikaelsen
In order to avoid a prison sentence, fifteen-year-old Cole Matthews opts to spend a year alone on an island in Southwest Alaska. This alternative punishment is part of Circle Justice, a healing form of justice that has been practiced by native cultures for thousands of years. But Cole harbors resentment toward the world that no justice can placate. He torches his shelter, destroys his supplies, and then has a run-in with a giant white Spirit Bear that leaves him maimed and badly injured. But has this near death experience helped Cole accept the patience, gentleness, strength, and honesty that is Circle Justice's goal? Cole's parole officer and a Native American elder, Edwin, risk their reputations so that Cole can give the island another chance. Finally, Cole realizes that it is not through anger but through forgiveness that he will find redemption. The author, who lives with an adopted 700-pound black bear in Montana, does not shy away from describing the violent and sometimes gruesome confrontations with man and beast that Cole pits himself against. 2001, HarperCollins, $15.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Christopher Moning
Cole has been in trouble with the law half of his life. At fifteen years old is it too late for him to be rehabilitated or is jail the only answer? He has lied convincingly to avoid jail but this time his victim is a fellow student, Peter, who may have suffered permanent brain damage. Ben Mikaelsen has written a powerful story in Touching Spirit Bear. Cole's social worker convinces authorities to try the Native American Circle Justice treatment that puts the offender on a remote Alaskan island where survival depends on his own inner strength. Even then, Cole's anger rages. It is the mauling he suffers by Spirit Bear that eventually changes him physically and spiritually. Mikaelsen's probing into the causes and nature of violent anger rings true. What affected me deeply was the healing power of the story. A must read for teens. 2001, HarperCollins, $15.95. Ages 12 up.Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
ISBN: 0380977443
ISBN: 0060291494
Best Books:
Best Books for Young Adults, 2002 ; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Book Sense 76 Picks, Spring/Summer 2001 ; Book Sense 76; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2002 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, February 2001 ; Cahners; United States
State Reading Lists:
Flicker Tale Children's Book Award, 2002 ; North Dakota
Lone Star Reading List, 2002-2003 ; Texas
Nevada Young Readers' Award, 2003 ; NV
Utah Children's Book Awards, 2003 ; Utah
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Added 12/1/02
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If you're interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.