Watch. Connect. Read.

Anita Silvey Discusses the Life and Work of Dr. Seuss

2012-03-02T00:01:00.003-06:00

Today is Dr. Seuss's 108th birthday! Celebrate his special day by watching this informative author profile. Thank you, Anita Silvey!

The Lorax hits theaters today. Do you plan on seeing it?

Seussville.com is the place to go for all things Seuss.

Stop resisting the urge to buy The Lorax Pop-Up! Treat yourself! It's Dr. Seuss's birthday!

I'm posting this video without any commentary. Enjoy! ;-)

Sarah Ducharme posted these quotations to live by on her award-winning blog.

Borrow Dr. Seuss's books from your school or public library. Whenever possible, please support independent bookshops.

Newbery Challenge: Smoky the Cowhorse by Will James

2012-03-01T00:01:00.004-06:00

Colby Sharp and I talk about Smoky the Cowhorse and the Newbery Challenge on the Nerdy Book Club blog. Head over there to see Colby's video.

How did Vincent van Gogh end up in my photograph?

OK, folks, this book trailer makes Smoky the Cowhorse look like the world's best book. Nice job, BubblyGumm!

Smoky (apparently Smoky the Cowhorse was too long) premiered on June 18, 1946. The next time I have insomnia, I'll see if it is playing on TCM.

Mr. Travis Jonker (aka Scope Notes) designed the cover on the right. His plan is to give each Newbery Medal winner a new cover

Borrow Smoky the Cowhorse from your school or public library. Whenever possible, please support independent bookshops.

Video of the Day: Kate DiCamillo Celebrates Charlotte's Web

2012-02-29T00:01:00.015-06:00

"Where's Papa going with that ax?" said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast.

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Charlotte's Web turns 60 on October 5, 2012. My students will most likely convince me to throw a birthday party for Charlotte, Wilbur, and Fern. It won't take much convincing. Just imagine the possibilities! Will Charlotte create the invitation? What will I serve? What will we play? Good times!

Newbery Medalist Katie DiCamillo wrote the foreword to the 60th anniversary edition. I'm going to share the following video with my students.

(Thanks to Travis for the link.)

Take a peek inside the 60th anniversary edition.

Happy early birthday to Charlotte's Web!

Borrow Charlotte's Web from your school or public library. Whenever possible, please support independent bookshops.

2012 Children's Choice Book Awards Finalists - Part 2 of 2

2012-02-28T03:47:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I shared trailers and resources for half of the 2012 Children's Choice Book Awards finalists. Thank you for returning for part two.

The Children's Choice Book Awards is the only national book awards program where the winning titles are selected by children and teens of all ages.

Launched in 2008 by the Children's Book Council andEvery Child A Reader (The CBC Foundation), The Children’s Choice Book Awards program was created to provide young readers with an opportunity to voice their opinions about the books being written for them and to help develop a reading list that will motivate children to read more and cultivate a love of reading.
Voting will open March 14, 2012. The winners will be announced live at the Children's Choice Book Awards gala in New York City.

Bad Island . Written and illustrated by Doug TenNapel. Scholastic, 2011.

About the book:

Something on this island is up to no good?
When Reese is forced to go on a boating trip with his family, the last thing he expects is to be shipwrecked on an island-especially one teeming with weird plants and animals. But what starts out as simply a bad vacation turns into a terrible one, as the castaways must find a way to escape while dodging the island's dangerous inhabitants. With few resources and a mysterious entity on the hunt, each secret unlocked could save them...or spell their doom. One thing Reese knows for sure: This is one Bad Island.
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How to Survive Anything. By Rachel Buchholz. National Geographic, 2011.

Let's face it. With school pressures, social pressures, parental pressures, the teenage years are tough. Your best friend is with you one day, dating your crush the next. But it could be worse! You could be face-to-face with an angry grizzly, or chest-deep in quicksand. Never fear, National Geographic has the solution! In this hilariously informative take on surviving the trials of middle school and the jungles of South America, we combine our expertise on nature and adventure with the fun-and-learning approach of our Nat Geo style—and voila,the perfect advice to conquer any obstacle, whether it threatens life or social status or both. Edgy, young, authoritative, and amusingly illustrated, this title will grab the attention of young teens.

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Lost & Found. Written and illustrated by Shaun Tan. Arthur A. Levine, 2011.

About the book:

A collection of three jaw-dropping stories: THE RED TREE, THE LOST THING, and THE RABBITS, by New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Shaun Tan

A girl finds a bright spot in a dark world. A boy leads a strange, lost creature home. And a group of peaceful creatures loses their home to cruel invaders. Three stories, written and illustrated by Shaun Tan, about how we lose and find what matters most to us.

Shaun Tan chats about The Lost Thing.

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Okay for Now. By Gary D. Schmidt. Clarion Books, 2011.

About the book:

Travis Jonker and I named Okay for Now a best book of 2011.

No other 2011 release has been more dissected and discussed, disputed and adored than Gary D. Schmidt's return to the world of Doug Swieteck. This companion to TheWednesday Wars places a skinny-thug Doug in a new town with no friends to speak of. Throw the turmoil of his abusive home life into the mix and you get a book where things could explode at any moment. Doug's refuge comes if the form of two new loves: drawing to match the wildlife paintings of John James Audubon, and for a girl who sees the best in him. The highs are more moving, the lows are more jarring than anything else you'll read in 2011. -Travis Jonker

Download the Okay for Now discussion guide.

Vicky Smith chats with Gary Schmidt about Okay for Now.

Gary Schmidt finds the process of kids turning toward adulthood fascinating and intriguing.

Gary Schmidt presented at the 2011 National Book Festival.

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Racing in the Rain: My Life as a Dog. By Garth Stein. HarperCollins, 2011.

About the Book:

Have you ever wondered what your dog is thinking?

Meet one funny dog—-Enzo, the lovable mutt who tells this story. Enzo knows he is different from other dogs. Every dog loves to chase cars, but Enzo longs to race them. He learns by watching TV and by listening to his best friend, Denny, an up-and-coming race-car driver, and his daughter, Zoe, his constant companion. Enzo finds that life just like being on the racetrack. For he sees that life, like racing, isn’t simply about going fast. And, by learning the tricks of racing against all odds, he takes on his family’s challenges and emerges a hero. Enzo holds in his heart the dream that Denny will go on to be a racing champion with his daughter right by his side. For theirs is an extraordinary friendship—one that reminds us all to celebrate the triumph of the human (and canine) spirit.

Download the "Family Reading Guide."

Garth Stein discussed Racing in the Rain on Good Morning America.

Clockwork Prince: The Infernal Devices, Book Two by Cassandra Clare. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2011.

About the book:

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.
With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.
Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born

to do?

Cassandra Clare provides background information about Clockwork Prince.

How cool! Holly Black interviews Cassandra Clare.

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Daughter of Smoke and Bone. By Laini Taylor. Little, Brown, 2011.

About the book:

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

Laini Taylor talks about the inspiration for Daughter of Smoke and Bone.

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Divergent. By Veronica Roth. Katherine Tegen Books, 2011.

About the book:

One choice can transform you . . . or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

"My favorite character is Tris, the protagonist." -Veronica Roth.

Passion: A Fallen Novel. By Lauren Kate. Random House, 2011.

About the book:

Luce would die for Daniel.

And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .

Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.

Perfect. By Ellen Hopkins. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2011.

About the book:

Everyone has something, someone, somewhere else that they’d rather be. For four high-school seniors, their goals of perfection are just as different as the paths they take to get there.

Cara’s parents’ unrealistic expectations have already sent her twin brother Conner spiraling toward suicide. For her, perfect means rejecting their ideals to take a chance on a new kind of love. Kendra covets the perfect face and body—no matter what surgeries and drugs she needs to get there. To score his perfect home run—on the field and off—Sean will sacrifice more than he can ever win back. And Andre realizes that to follow his heart and achieve his perfect performance, he’ll be living a life his ancestors would never have understood.

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I hope your students will vote for their favorite books and authors. I'm working on a Children's Choice Book Awards display and will promote the titles geared toward my audience. Happy reading and voting!

2012 Finalists for the Children's Choice Book Awards - Part 1 of 2

2012-02-27T00:01:00.002-06:00

The nominees for the 2012 Children's Choice Book Awards were released last week. Past winners include Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute, The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!, and Catching Fire.

The Children's Choice Book Awards is the only national book awards program where the winning titles are selected by children and teens of all ages.

Launched in 2008 by the Children's Book Council and Every Child A Reader (The CBC Foundation), The Children’s Choice Book Awards program was created to provide young readers with an opportunity to voice their opinions about the books being written for them and to help develop a reading list that will motivate children to read more and cultivate a love of reading.
Voting will open March 14, 2012. The winners will be announced live at the Children's Choice Book Awards gala in New York City.

Bailey. Written and illustrated by Harry Bliss. Scholastic, 2011.

About the book:

Meet Bailey, a dog who surprises and charms his fellow human classmates with his irrepressible antics.

Follow Bailey the dog as he gets ready and goes to school. Should he wear the red or blue collar? Both are so fashionable! Will he be late? That squirrel is a distraction! And what about Bailey's homework? Would you believe he ate it? That is what dogs do, after all.

Harry Bliss visited my school library three years ago. His illustrations make kids laugh time and time again. I could spend hours looking at his illustrations for A Fine, Fine School.

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Dot. Written and illustrated by Patricia Intriago. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2011.

About the book:

Dots here, dots there, you can see dots everywhere! Some are loud, and some are quiet. Some are happy, and some are sad. Some dots even taste yummy, while others taste bad. Graphic designer Patricia Intriago sets bold, circular shapes against a stark white background to emphasize opposite dot relationships.

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Pirates Don't Take Baths. Written and illustrated by John Segal. Philomel, 2011.

About the book:

For any young child (or pig), there are few things more excruciating, more traumatic, more torturous than bathtime. And this little pig is putting his hoof down. No. More. BATHS. But how can he possibly accomplish this? Well, by being someone else, of course. After all, everyone knows that pirates, astronauts, and knights in shining armor - just to name a few - never, EVER take baths. Now if only he can convince his mother . . .

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Three Hens and a Peacock. By Lester L. Laminack, illustrated by Henry Cole. Peachtree, 2011.

About the book:

Nothing unusual ever happened on the Tuckers farm. Until the day that peacock showed up...

When a glamorous visitor lands unexpectedly in their midst and begins attracting customers, three hardworking hens protest:

How come we do all the hard work and he gets all the attention?

To keep the peace, the wise old hound dog suggests a swap. The hens and the peacock soon find out that others jobs aren t always as easy as they seem.

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Zombie in Love. By Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Scott Campbell. Simon and Schuster, 2011.

About the book:

Mortimer is looking for love. And he’s looking everywhere! He’s worked out at the gym (if only his arm wouldn’t keep falling off). He’s tried ballroom dancing lessons (but the ladies found him to be a bit stiff). He’s even been on stalemate.com. How’s a guy supposed to find a ghoul? When it seems all hope has died, could the girl of Mortimer’s dreams be just one horrifying shriek away?

I know this video does not focus on the nominated title, but it is worth watching. Kelly DiPucchio co-wrote The Sandwich Swap with Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan. It is a beautiful story of friendship and acceptance.

Bad Kitty Meets the Baby. Written and illustrated by Nick Bruel. Roaring Brook, 2011.

About the book:

Bad Kitty survived her time with Unkie M - barely. Now she's back, and there's a big surprise waiting for her...
What is it? Kitty thinks it could be a dog - the neighbor cats think its a cat. But we all know that it's really a BABY!

You don't often see a character interview her creator. Awesome!

Download Bad Kitty activity sheets.

Head over to Bad Kitty's website to play "The Stack Up Game."

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A Funeral in the Bathroom: And Other School Bathroom Poems. By Kalli Dakos, illustrated by Mark Beech. Albert Whitman, 2011.

About the book:

My teacher's pretty slick, Has a hundred teaching tricks. Even in the bathroom stalls, She hangs poetry on the walls, And while I'm there all alone I can't help but read a poem. From "Gross" and "Flushophobic" to "There's a Sock in the Toilet," these poems will have kids laughing all the way to "The Bathroom Dance!"

The Monstrous Book of Monsters. By Libby Hamilton, illustrated by Jonny Duddle and Aleksei Bitskoff. Candlewick, 2011.

About the book:

Do you dare to delve into the freakishly funny Monstrous Book of Monsters, where nothing is as it seems?

Written by Dr. Thomas Jelly and packed with nauseating novelties and foul facts, this book will teach you how to avoid monsters, show you how to spot them in the news or on the street, and give you a peek inside their dangerous (and smelly) world. At the end, we learn that Dr. Jelly has fallen foul of the infamous book monster, and the readers themselves will be lucky to escape the same fate!

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Sidekicks. Written and illustrated by Dan Santat. Arthur A. Levine, 2011.

Travis Jonker and I named Sidekicks a best book of 2011.

Stand in front of a group of third graders and hold up Dan Santat's graphic novel Sidekicks. Just stand there. This is what you will hear:

"Oh, that cover is amazing."

"May I be the first one to check it out? Please?"(Such a polite child)

"love graphic novels. I've read every graphic novel this library owns. I want that book."

I don't think Travis has ever done a Cover Curiosity post on "Books You Hold Up and Kids Take Them Without Any Commentary." But if he ever does, I will argue Sidekicks deserves a spot on the list. It has total shelf appeal. The interior art and storyline are mighty fine, too.

How many sidekicks can you name? Batman has Robin. Snoopy has Woodstock. Sherlock Holmes has Dr. Watson. Frankie Pickle has Argyle. Captain Amazing has ???.

Captain Amazing, the aging superhero of Metro City, decides after getting injured that he needs a new sidekick. He holds open auditions. Â Captain Amazingâ€™s dog, cat, hamster, and chameleon all vie for the position. Will it be too much for the animals to take? Will sibling rivalry destroy their relationships? Will Dr. Havoc take them down? The answers are found inside this action-packed graphic novel that will leave readers hoping for more volumes. Are you listening, Dan Santat?

Wow! Dan Santat posted a free 276 page PDF that documents the seven years he worked on Sidekicks. Thanks, Dan!

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Squish #1: Super Amoeba. By Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm. Random House, 2011.

Yes, there's a Babymouse and Squish store. So many goodies!

Jennifer and Matthew Holm discuss Babymouse and Squish.

I think there is a spot in your library or classroom that needs this poster.

Happy Friendiversary!

2012-02-26T00:00:00.005-06:00

Shannon Miller and I had a wonderful time celebrating Elephant and Piggie's Friendiversary.

Friendiversary is an annual celebration of friendship and reading from First Book and Mo Willems.

From BookMark, The First Book Blog:

"First Book is celebrating Friendiversary this week by providing 7,000 new Elephant & Piggie books to second-graders at Title I schools in Louisiana and Massachusetts. The Elephant & Piggie series is written and illustrated by our friend Mo Willems, whose support makes it possible for First Book able to provide these books. Every book includes a special Friendiversary note from Mo, and his publisher, Disney Publishing Worldwide, is also providing activity kits, stickers and posters free of charge to each classroom."

Shannon and I will celebrate friendship and reading all year long. We hope you will, too. :)

(This is cross-posted on Two Libraries, One Voice.)

Children's Book Week Poster

2012-02-25T00:01:00.004-06:00

Children's Book Week (May 7-13, 2012) is a celebration of books and reading. Three-time Caldecott Medal winner David Weisner designed the 2012 poster. The Children's Book Council will send you a free poster and an activity guide.

To receive a free poster(s) with activity guide, please send a 9 x 12 self-addressed envelope (for 1 or 10 posters) or a 10 x 13 self-addressed envelope (for 25 posters) with appropriate postage affixed. Note that Postal regulations have changed. Please use the USPS Postage Price Calculator to determine postage cost, or ask for help at your local post office.

Weight of posters and an envelope
1 poster and envelope: 1.2oz.
10 posters and envelope: 14oz.
25 posters and envelope: 2lb 6oz.

Mail envelopes with postage affixed to:
Children's Book Council
ATTN: 2012 Poster Order
54 West 39th Street, 14th floor
New York, NY 10018

Please note: There is a 25 poster maximum per person.

See if your public library owns 75 Years of Children's Book Week Posters. It is interesting to see how the posters have changed throughout the years.

Lane Smith designed the 2012 Children's Book Week bookmark. Download it here.

On Monday I will post about the 2012 Children's Choice Book Awards.

Read Every Day. Lead a Better Life.

2012-02-24T00:01:00.004-06:00

I love Scholastic's global literacy campaign, Read Every Day. Lead a Better Life. I read and celebrate children's literature every day. Children's books enrich my life and make me a better, more thoughtful person. I feel tense and scattered when my schedule does not allow for an uninterrupted chunk of time to read and explore books. I highly recommend staying away from me if I ever go two consecutive days without reading. You see, books rejuvenate me. I bet you can relate.

Scholastic recruited celebrities to discuss the importance of reading every day.

Kathy Bates

Sarah Jessica Parker

Whoopi Goldberg

Henry Winkler

Tony Hawk

Download these cool buttons and widgets.

Twelve illustrators were invited to interpret Read Every Day. Lead a Better Life. You can purchase the poster set for $29.99.

The Reading Bill of Rights - A Child's Right to Read

Natalie Babbit Reads from The Moon Over High Street

2012-02-23T00:01:00.009-06:00

Natalie Babbit is the award-winning author of Kneeknock Rise (1971 Newbery Honor), Elsie Times Eight, and Tuck Everlasting (It always surprises me it did not receive a Newbery Medal/Honor). Her new novel, The House Over Moon Street, hits shelves on March 1, 2012.

Master teacher Donalyn Miller and I attended the Scholastic Author Round-Up together. The video you are about to watch premiered during the event. I will forever associate The House Over Moon Street and this video with Donalyn. Happy watching and reading!

Borrow The Moon Over High Street from your school or public library in March. Whenever possible, please support independent bookshop.

Head over to PublishersWeekly.com to read an interesting interview with Natalie Babbit. It took her ten years to write The Moon Over High Street.

Take a look at The Moon Over High Street booktalk.

Natalie Babbitt appears in the feature-length documentary Library of the Early Mind.

I'm "Burping" About a Wonderful Picture Book

2012-02-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

Brain Burps About Books is author/illustrator Katie Davis's fabulous podcast. She discusses pretty much anything related to children's literature. Katie’s the perfect companion when you’re folding laundry, running on the treadmill (not that I ever do), and driving to work.

Katie invited me to join her entertaining and informative show. Please visit KatieDavis.com to listen to my first audio review. You'll go "wild" over this picture book.

Newbery Challenge: Shen of the Sea

2012-02-21T00:01:00.006-06:00

Anderson’s Bookshop’s 10^th Annual Children’s Literature Breakfast took place on Saturday. Michigander Colby Sharp drove down for the event. We ate scrambled eggs, listened to five amazing keynote speakers, and talked about Shen of the Sea.

Jen Vincent (aka Mentor Texts) was behind the camera. Thanks, Jen!

My eye accurately reflects my mood. I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll look less irate in next week’s photograph. Do you think 1927 will be better than 1926?

Travis Jonker (aka Scope Notes) designed the cover on the right. His plan is to give each Newbery Medal winner a new cover.

Listen to an excerpt from the Shen of the Sea audio book.

Borrow Shen of the Sea from your school or public library.

Becky Anderson Sits Down with Antonio Sacre

2012-02-20T10:12:00.010-06:00

Award-winning storyteller Antonio Sacre came to Naperville, Illinois, a few weeks ago to participate in Naperville Reads, a citywide reading program. He visited multiple elementary schools and performed during an evening event. Naperville Reads is sponsored by Jumping Off the Page , Naperville Community Unit School District 203, Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204, the public library, and Anderson's Bookshop. Becky Anderson, co-owner of Anderson's Bookshop, interviewed Antonio.

Antonio tells his story A Mango in the Hand.

Antonio discusses how to include personal events when telling a story.

Antonio performs The Barking Mouse.

Borrow Antonio's books from your school or public library. Whenever possible, please support independent bookshops.

Book Trailer of the Day: Dr. Seuss's The Lorax Pop-up! by David Carter

2012-02-19T00:01:00.006-06:00

Librarians are often surprised when they learn my school library circulates pop-up books. My young readers love pop-up books. I'm asked at least once per day, "Do you have any 3D or pop-up books, Mr. Schu?

After watching the book trailer for Dr. Seuss's The Lorax Pop-up!, I called Anderson's Bookshop to reserve a copy. This decision will make many kids smile and rejoice for a new, eye-catching pop-up book. Thanks, David Carter!

Look for The Lorax Pop-up! at your local independent bookshop.

Visit David Carter's website to learn how to make pop-up books.

David Carter talks about the Spot the Dot app.

Celebrate Read Across America Day with Dr. Seuss and NEA.

The Lorax hits theatres on March 2--Dr. Seuss's birthday.

Download wallpapers, skins, and activity sheets.

The Official Lorax iPhone app is free. As you speak into the app, the Lorax's mouth and mustache move along with your voice.

R.J. Palacio Reads a Chapter from WONDER

2012-02-18T00:00:00.001-06:00

I posted about Wonder on January 30.

Borrow Wonder from your school or public library. Whenever possible, please support independent bookshops.

Aoki and Yumi by Annelore Parot

2012-02-17T00:01:00.008-06:00

Aww, isn't that an adorable video? Professor Teri Lesene (aka The Goddess of YA Literature) asked me what my students thought of Aoki and Yumi. I asked three second graders and four fifth graders to provide feedback on both books. Teri, thank you for asking what my students thought of Annelore Parot's well-designed books.

"I like the cover and how it is squishy!"

"I like the textures."

"Each page is different and unique."

" I ~~like~~ love her family."

"I like the cut-throughs."

"Her dress is very exotic."

"I liked the illusion on pp. 3-4."

"I like the hidden flips and flaps."

"I love the costume party."

"The bright colors are BEAUTIFUL and heartwarming.

"It makes me want to own one of the dolls."

"The costumes are so cool."

"Not only is it fun it is full of educational facts."

"This book is so interesting."

"They make it look so realistic."

"We love the last page and how you had to open it."

"I love the costumes, especially when they dress up the dogs."

"This book is VERY cute and interesting."

"Popo, Yoko, and Aoki are cute characters."

"Annebre Parot has a fabulous imagination."

"This book is really creative."

"This book is carefully done."

"This book has awesome illustrations. It is so cute!"

"I learned a lot about Japan--fashion, people, and toys. I bet a baby will like this book."

"The research in this book is amazing."

"I learned more about Japanese toys and fashion."

"It smells delightful and fresh."

"The illustrations are bright and bold."

"Great for all ages!"

"It feels like it is 3-D."

"I love the outfits."

"Annelore Parot did a wonderful job."

"I think the flap-overs are so cool."

Borrow Aoki and Yumi from your school or public library. Whenever possible, please support independent bookshops.

Surf on over to Kokeshi's website to learn about these adorable characters.

Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin

2012-02-16T00:01:00.008-06:00

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Borrow Breaking Stalin's Nose from your school or public library. Whenever possible, please support independent bookshops.

Breaking Stalin's Nose has an interactive website.