Today’s list celebrates artistic endeavors… the joy of creating in wide-ranging forms, from blacksmithing to bread-baking, bell ringing to tap dancing. Let these gift ideas inspire others that are particularly suited to your child…or yourself! I’ve provided links to cool …
Tag: music
how sweet the sound
How Sweet the Sound: The Story of Amazing Grace, written by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison published in 2018 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers Such a unique subject for a picture book, this vigorous, gorgeous look at …
like a bridge over troubled water
Simon and Garfunkel were a major part of my childhood soundtrack during the 60s and 70s… … and as many Baby Boomers did, I introduced my own kids to their music as well. It just never gets old. I’m not …
a lush new fantasy…with just a dusting of Christmas
The Wonderling, written and illustrated by Mira Bartók published in 2017 by Candlewick Press Arthur is a groundling, a curious part-animal, part-human creature whose dear fox face and lovely chestnut eyes speak volumes of the sensitive, kind heart within. His …
Read More "a lush new fantasy…with just a dusting of Christmas"
nonfiction gems recently read
The Music of Life: Bartolomeo Cristofori & the Invention of the Piano, written by Elizabeth Rusch, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman published in 2017 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers Fascinating! The evolution of today’s piano from its ancestors the clavichord …
the hills really are alive with the sound of music…music’s origins in nature
The African Orchestra, written by Wendy Hartmann, illustrated by Joan Rankin published in 2017 by Crocodile Books, Interlink Publishing Group That buzzing cicada? That crackle-snap of a seed pod breaking? The thunder of hooves as a herd of zebras races …
Read More "the hills really are alive with the sound of music…music’s origins in nature"
ten for the long, lingering hours of sunlight
We’re coming up on the longest days of the year here in the northern hemisphere. Plenty of time for extra bedtime stories. These are all full of joy, starting with: Miles of Smiles, by Karen Kaufman Orloff, illustrations by Luciano …
Women’s History Month…marching to our own heart-beats
So many women are told their dreams “simply can’t be done.” Today, meet a drummer, a mathematician, a primatologist and others, who persisted and realized their dreams. Plus a tribute to mothers: In our heart of hearts, we often feel overwhelmed …
Read More "Women’s History Month…marching to our own heart-beats"
music in beauty and sorrow…an elegant memoir of life in China
Little Leap Forward: A Boy in Beijing, by Guo Yue and Claire Farrow, illustrated by Helen Cann published in 2008 by Barefoot Books; 125 pages The poetry of language, music, cooking, friendship, love, and nature gleam like moonlight on snow …
Read More "music in beauty and sorrow…an elegant memoir of life in China"
Black History Month: The Arts
This week, I’m celebrating the rich contributions to the arts made by courageous, persevering African Americans, starting with dance: My Story, My Dance: Robert Battle’s Journey to Alvin Ailey, by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James E. Ransome published in 2015, …
