Classic Picture Book: Brave Irene

Every two weeks my girls and I go to the library and check out an enormous pile of books (though I do encourage the girls to store them in one place it can get awfully difficult to keep track of them all!). I am often surprised by the amount of picture books that they bring home and dismiss relatively quickly -- I keep a close eye on these things and take note of the books that they want to read again and again.

One of the books that they can't get enough of is the picture book classic Brave Irene, by William Steig. Perhaps best known today as the author of the original Shrek!, Steig hits the nail on the head with this sweet picture book -- and in my capacity as a "girl book" reviewer, I see tremendous value in this story. Why do my girls like this picture book so much? I think they can see themselves in the main character, Irene.

Irene is a good daughter, who must deliver a dress that her sick mother has made for the duchess. On the way to the duchess' house, Irene encounters a fierce snowstorm. The storm becomes a character in the story that battles against Irene's equally fierce determination. But just when the storm seems ready to declare victory, Irene's ingenuity shines through and she finds her way past the trouble.

Steig's illustrations bring Irene to life, and I love the writing especially as Irene shouts at her nemesis, the wind. But my favorite part is the end, when we see so clearly the love between Irene and her mother.

This book makes a great gift from one generation to the next -- my own mother sent my oldest daughter a copy several Christmases ago. It's a wonderful story of adventure, hope and determination -- a wonderful message to send to any girl.

Young Adult Pick: Follow the Rules of the Road

If you are a young adult (or know one) in search of an author who is consistently producing great books -- you can't go wrong with Joan Bauer. Her skilled writing, entertaining plots, and funny, human characters will pull you in and leave you wanting more.

This inspiring writer (read her story) has eight young adult novels under her belt. I haven't read them all, but one that I adored was Rules of the Road. This book introduces the nearly 6 foot, 16 year old Jenna Boller and follows her on a road trip with her boss, the indomitable Mrs. Gladstone, from Chicago to Dallas.

I think any teenager can relate to Jenna, who feels most comfortable when she's working in her sales job at a shoe store. According to Jenna,

"I succeeded here. I made money here. I didn't feel big, awkward, and lost. I felt successful. I helped people. They looked to me instead of away."

The introduction of Jenna's family members (including her alcoholic father), and her quirky co-workers make this story sing with realism. The humor is perfect, the emotions are true -- the writing flows on the page in a fast-paced rhythm. You'll find yourself routing for Jenna every step of the way.

As a writer, I am a great admirer of Ms. Bauer's skill -- and as a mother of girls I appreciate that her books present teenagers in a positive light. There's a wonderful message in this book of hope in spite of adversity -- and Jenna emerges as a strong, compassionate human being. When considering the kinds of books I want my girls reading when they hit the teenage years, I will absolutely encourage them to read Joan Bauer.

I think you'll love these books -- give them a try -- and let me know what you think when you're done....

Enjoy!

Classic Books for Girls: Meet Trixie Belden

I first picked up a Trixie Belden book when I was about nine years old. The book had belonged to my mom when she was a girl. Now, after discovering a new edition at the bookstore, I'm passing on this great character to a third generation. My girls love Trixie!

This summer we read the first of the series, The Secret of the Mansion, by Julie Campbell as a read aloud at bedtime. Although my nine year old loved the character and plot, my seven year old enjoyed the story just as much.

In the first book a mystery involving a hidden treasure and a creepy old house is solved by Trixie, and her new best friend, Honey Wheeler. Girls can't help but get pulled into this adventure, as the girls uncover clues and constantly find themselves on the edge of danger.

Parents and girls will take note of the freedom Trixie is allowed (a midnight horseback ride?) that is all but obsolete these days -- remember, the original was written in the late 40s. But girls will love the story and they will relate to Trixie, who is both curious, independent, kind and respectful --personality traits that never go out of style.

If your girl is an independent reader, give her a copy of Trixie Belden -- think of it as a younger version of the Nancy Drew books with a tomboy-ish main character as opposed to the prim and proper Nancy. If you have an early reader who longs for adventure, read this one to her out loud, you'll have her on pins and needles waiting for the ending.

Girls will love reading this series -- and will no doubt pass on these stories to their kids!

On a side note, school starts around here tomorrow. My wish for my girls and all girls going off to school this year -- may your brains be filled with useful knowledge, your hearts be filled with kindness and caring and your imaginations continue to soar! And of course, may you discover many great books!

Picture Book Pick: You're Gonna Love Knuffle Bunny!

I really do try to stick to recommending books that will specifically appeal to girls -- but there will be occasional books in this blog that EVERYONE should love, no matter what!

One of these books is Knuffle Bunny, by a perennial favorite of mine, Mo Willems.

Who can resist the cherubic face of sweet little Trixie as she ventures out with her father to the laundromat toting her best friend in the world -- Knuffle Bunny.

Trixie's hilarious baby talk will have kiddos rolling in the aisles -- as well as her sheer panic when she realize that her beloved Knuffle Bunny is missing!

Parents will giggle at the frustration of Trixie's worn-out Dad as he tries to figure out what is wrong with the kid.

When they head home and Mom points out the obvious ("Where's Knuffle Bunny?") the trio head back to the laundromat and a hilarious search ensues.

The simple, adorable illustrations are wonderful, with real photographs ingeniously incorporated into the scenes. Your kids will love poring over them and then they'll cheer when the search is over and Trixie finally utters her first real words ....

Can you guess what they are?

Kids who still have a favorite snuggly toy will relate to this book, as will adults who know that if that toy ever gets lost -- it's going to be a bad, bad day.

You will enjoy reading this book -- regardless of age or gender -- better yet, let your kiddos act it out for you -- I bet they'll put on quite a show!

Activity Books: I Absolutely Must Recommend This Book Now

I think that Lauren Child is a genius. From her creative website, to her fabulous characters to her hilarious dialogue, this artist and creator of the adorable Lola (also a cartoon on the Disney Channel) can count me as one of her biggest fans.

This week's activity book pick is based on Child's Charlie and Lola series. Even the title, I Absolutely Must Do Coloring Now or Painting or Drawing (Charlie and Lola), leaves you with no doubt as to how much fun you'll have when you open this book.

Coloring books have always bored my children, but the appeal of this particular book is that the pages are only half-illustrated. Prompts are given to finish the illustrations. For example, "Lola has invited a martian over for tea and he's drinking her pink milk through one of his mouths." Lola is already on the page, with a spot open between her and her brother Charlie. That's where your child can draw the multi-mouthed martian drinking pink milk.

This book is perfect for young children, offering more complete illustrations than Doodles (see previous post) by Tamo Gori but still allowing a lot of room for imagination.

I adore Child's simple, funny illustrations, which contain bits of actual photographs and other materials mixed in. And no matter how old you are -- every girl will enjoy Lola, who has a mind of her own and a soaring imagination. Who else can play hopscotch with the solar system and ask you to color in "ever so sparkly, really very spotty, completely stripy planets"?

Your girls will love this activity book ... it's my favorite and my best activity book ever!

Happy coloring or painting or drawing,

Christina

Princess Academy: For Girls Who Dream Big

If you're looking for a book that will transport you to another world, try Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale.

You might think that this sounds like a fairy tale book filled with withering princess-types -- all waiting for their Prince Charming, but it is not. The main character, Miri, is from a mountain town where all the inhabitants work in the local quarry harvesting a precious stone called linder. Miri is small compared to the other teenagers in her village, and, to her great frustration, is forbidden by her father to work in the quarry.

Miri's fight to "be useful" to her family and village is sidetracked one day when an important visitor comes to town. The priests of the country's royal family have decided that the wife of the crown prince will come from Miri's small, unrefined village. A mandate is sent down that all the girls between 12 and 17 must attend a Princess Academy. The future princess will be selected in a year's time from this group of girls.

Miri and her friends are shocked, but they follow the order and each begins to see that the world is much bigger than they could have imagined. Miri's transformation, as she learns to read and wrestles with the notion that she may want to be the princess after all, is wonderfully portrayed

A suspenseful twist at the end will have you at the edge of your seat, and you will be cheering for each of the girls as they discover how to get what they really want from their lives.

Miri is a main character that girls can relate to, she's independent, funny, sensitive, smart, sweet and strong -- you'll be routing for a sequel after you read Princess Academy -- a great book for girls! Recommended ages: 5th grade on up....

Next on my list from this award-winning author (Princess Academy was a 2006 Newbery Honor Book): The Goose Girl -- I'll let you know what I think!

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Sahara Special: A Great Book for Every Girl

This is one of the books that I'd recommend to every girl between the ages of 11 and 14. Every girl should read it, but especially those who love to write and/or read. I also recommend this book to every writer I know, because it really is the story of an artist's journey.

Penned by the gifted author Esme Raji Codell, Sahara Special tells the story of a young girl who gets labeled by her school as a "special education" student.

Codell, however, makes sure that we, the reader, know better. We know that Sahara is misunderstood, sad, confused and lonely, but she does not belong in the hallway being tutored by the special ed teacher.

After her teacher discovers heartbreaking letters to her father (who has run out on the family), Sahara is sent to the school counselor's office where the counselor produces a jam-packed file. In the words of Sahara herself, the file...

"...is "the history of me. No, not the history. A history. A history that didn't include when me and my mom go to the bookstore. I can pick any book I want, even in hardcover. That's the way it's always been. We never have much money, but Mom doesn't blink when the numbers ring up. She hands over the big bills like she was buying milk or eggs, something we just can't do without."

Sahara is smart, but what she needs is for her mother to buck the system (she does) and she needs a teacher who believes in her.

Enter Miss Pointy (short for Poitier). She's a system-bucker herself, and sees the magic and promise that lies in Sahara. Miss Pointy has her own brand of magic -- she's the kind of teacher that every kid should have at least once in their educational life.

As the school year moves along, we get to watch Sahara heal and grow, make friends and convince herself that she is more than the daughter of a father deserted his family. She is a writer!

This is the kind of book that will leave a mark on everyone who reads it. Every character comes alive and the sweet relationships between Sahara and her mom, her teacher and her friends are unforgettable. Suitable for 4th graders on up, this book is a treasure.

I promise, if you pick up Sahara Special, you won't want to put it down until the pages run out.

Enjoy!