The Snow Child

Adorable.  That's what I thought when I saw the cover.  That's what I thought after I read the story.  If you like the story of Tom Thumb, you'll probably like The Snow Child.  Originally a Russian tale, retold by Freya Littledale in 1978 and published by Scholastic.   A couple yearns to have a child of their own and gets their wish.  However, it wouldn't be much of a story without a crisis.  You'll have to read it to find out! 

The Country Cat

Yes, I read this book last night to my adult daughter. Adult daughter, when did that happen?  The Country Cat was published in 1969 by Scholastic Services.  I got this little paperback  at my favorite used book store.  It's puuurfect!
The Country Cat reminds me of Town Mouse Country Mouse a little bit, (which is one of my favorite stories ever.)  I think the illustrations really make the story great.  A couple moves from the country to the city with their cat.  You can imagine what kind of crisis is coming their way.  This is one of those books you will read again and again.  At least I will.

A Little Old Man

Nineteen fifty-nine was the year A Little Old Man came to life.  Author Natalie Norton didn't know that almost sixty years later this children's book lover and author would pick up her book for fifty-cents. This weekend, I stopped at a new used book store in town. It didn't take me long to find this treasure.  A Little Old Man is a clever tale about an old man who does the same thing the same way and is very content.  However, something big and new is on its way.  The reader will not guess what's in store for A Little Old Man. A storm is brewing, and with it, change.  How many times have we been reluctant to change, only finding that when it comes, were actually better off.  You can find this book used online.  You probably won't get it for the same bargain though.

Four Reasons to Read a Picture Book

If you're a book lover you may have a picture book loving side like me.  If not, here's some reasons you may want to indulge in the world of children's picture books.

Art appreciation. I'll admit I can't name any modern artists, but I know what I like. The closest bookstore is about 45 minutes from my house.  I head straight to the back, to the picture book wall in the children's department and admire the creations and whimsy of cover art.

Simplicity.  In the age of technology and speed, I think it's important to relax the mind with face to face art.  In other words, get off the computer, after you order your picture book of course, and relax with pictures and stories.

Storytelling.  Picture books are a great example of the " art of storytelling," as my daughter Summer Lane author would say.  Although she writes young adult novels, she would tell you the importance of summing up your story.  Picture books are great examples!

Youthfulness.  Picture books have always had a place on my bookshelf, and a place in my heart. That's why I finally published my first one.  Reading a picture book reminds me of my childhood, which was pretty awesome.  Today, picture books are a great way to relax and enjoy life's moments.

It Could Be Worse

Could Be Worse  by James Stevenson published in 1977 

This is one of the top ten picture books at my house.  It's just a silly little story, very short, but captured my children's attention and stirred conversation.  A couple of grand-kids complain that things are always the same at grandpa's house. Then one day, grandpa did something different!  The title of the book has been a reference point for years.  Somehow, the images of grandpa along with the saying, "Could be worse!" has become part of my family's vocabulary.

 When things don't go as planned or go our way, it's always healthy to focus on what is right in our life, instead of what is wrong.   I think it's important to count our blessings each day.  So when things go wrong, and they will, stop and be thankful for something good, remember, "It could be worse."

OTTO The Book Bear

I love Otto.  Imagine your favorite character of a storybook coming to life. Otto The Book Bear is an adorable little creature whose curiosity makes for a cute tale.  I think if you are a children's book lover or reader to young children, Otto will be a hit.  Even if you only browse the pages of Otto The Book Bear, you'll wish you could either jump into the pages with Otto, or pick him up and keep him with you.  This picture book  sits on my shelf, but gets picked up over and over again, because, I love Otto!

CAUTION Butterfly Zone

CAUTION!! BUTTERFLY ZONE

Where do butterflies come from? Where do they live? What's the difference between a butterfly and a moth? Butterfly Town U.S.A  a.k.a Pacific Grove, California answered these burning questions and more for my family and I.  Not only does Pacific Grove have a Butterfly Museum,, but a Butterfly Sanctuary.  Yes, I know, only in California.  But that's okay, because it was pretty fun to walk through the Butterfly Zone located near the entrance to the Butterfly Grove Inn.  Needless to say, it was very quiet and peaceful there.  However, it was a little hard to see our fluttery friends without binoculars.  Really, butterflies are one of my favorite insects.  They're hard not to like. 

Long live the Butterfly!