Mmmm, Tasty!

I was watching Iron Chef the other night when Chef Symon made a version of green eggs and ham. This was the second or third time I've seen green eggs and ham on Iron Chef and it got me to thinking about cookbooks for children. I own "The Spatulatta Cookbook," a great book written by sisters, Isabella and Olivia Gerasole. They host Spatulatta.com and are kids cooking for kids. The green eggs and ham, however, had me thinking of Dr. Seuss. So I decided to review the "Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook." Maybe next time I will review the "Star Wars Cookbook" or "Fairies Cookbook."

“Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook”

By Georgeanne Brennan

Illustrated by Dr. Seuss

Photography by Frankie Frankeny

For ages 7 – 14

A great book to help expose chidlren to cooking and food fun. Rated 4 (tasty and fun recipes, kid context, Seuss rhymes)

Have you ever wondered how the crazy foods in Dr. Seuss’ books might taste? How about some Green Eggs and Ham or Gunker Stew? Georgeanne Brennan answered the question with the “Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook.” It is filled with wonderful creations inspired by the good doctor himself. Try a swig of Pink Ink Yink Drink or a bite of a Daisy Head Maisy Burger. More than 40 recipes will keep you and your children busy and excited about cooking.

Each recipe is accompanied by the original "inspirational" verse and often by Seuss' illustrations as well. The book is spiral bound for easy page flipping. Each page is also laminated to help prevent damage from spills and splatters.

Dr. Seuss fans and crazy kids alike will have fun in the kitchen and at the dinner table with this book. Bon appetit.

Write What You Know: An Interivew with Author, Meg Walsh

I recently reviewed a picture book, “Mama, Won’t You Play With Me?” for my monthly magazine column. In the process of getting the book and reviewing it I had a chance to communicate with the author through forums and social media. So what follows is a short interview with Meg Walsh.


MF: What inspired you to write a children's book?

MW: I never expected that I would have written a children's book. I always thought it would be the Great American Novel, but personal experience changed that rather quickly. I had a very severe Lupus flare when my two boys were very young (1 and 3). What I remember most vividly is the look on their faces when I said that I was in too much pain to play with them. Looking at them, you would've thought that I said that I didn't love them. I then realized that even though they were very young, they needed an explanation and support in getting through this as much as my husband and I did. It was my hope that, “Mama, Won't You Play With Me?” would help open the lines of communication between ill or disabled parents and their children, and help the children cope a bit better.


MF: Were you interested in writing before you began "Mama, Won't You Play With Me?

MW: I have enjoyed writing for as long as I can remember. You could always find me writing poems and short stories in high school and college. More recently, I have written articles for a few magazines.


MF: How long did it take you to write, and rewrite, before you completed the final book we see today?

MW: I find that I write in a strange way. I woke up one morning in June, ran to my desk and wrote it from start to finish. I never revised it or corrected it -- it was what it was and it came from the heart. I remember doing the same with an article that I had written years ago.

MF: Did you share the book with anyone else for input as you were writing it?

MW: I actually kept it all to myself until the very last moment. I got nervous right before I submitted it to the publisher that it might actually be horrible, and so I broke down and showed my husband.


MF: What was the greatest obstacle you faced in publishing your book?

MW: My greatest obstacle was finding a talented and reasonably priced illustrator. I had a publisher interested in taking a look at my story but they would not pay for an illustrator, and I couldn't afford the prices here in the US. I was very lucky to find a wonderful illustrator named Aga Korfanty, from Poland, who was interested in working with me and she did an amazing job.


MF: What made you decide to self-publish, using AuthorHouse, as opposed to using traditional publishers?

MW: I had submitted to one publisher who wanted to take a second look after the illustrations were complete but I never resubmitted it. I had heard such horror stories about the length of time it takes to find a publisher and to get the book to print and I was anxious to get my message out. I wanted to get to print quickly so that I could begin promoting the book and raising money for illness and disability. A portion of the proceeds from each book sold through May will be donated to the Lupus Foundation of America. Other illness-related charities will receive these donations in subsequent months.


MF: Are you working on any new books at this time?

MW: At this moment, I have the ideas brewing for three new books. I am just waiting for the next morning that I wake up and put it all in writing.

Now I need to say thank you Meg for taking the time to speak with me. Please take a look at her book, “Mama, Won’t You Play With Me?”

Story Time: An Original From McGeath Freeman

I said a couple weeks ago I might post an excerpt from one of my own stories. I have been reviewing children's books for eight years now and writing professionally, in one fashion or another, for nearly 15 years. I have written several unpublished children's books and created treatments for several others. However, I have put very little effort into getting publihsed. I always seem to be busier with something more important. Now I am inspired to push my manuscript. So all you publishers out there, be on the look out for my manuscripts.

I have included an excerpt from one of my stories below. If you would like to see more or have constructive suggestions please feel free to leave a comment.

"Star Light, Star Bright"
By McGeath Freeman
For ages 3 - 9
It is a story of unlikely friendship, loss, and hope that will help children understand our loved ones always watch over us. Rated 5 (I'm giving the ratings so of course it's a 5)



     The sun goes down, the stars shine bright, and so does Brizbee. Every night she twinkles and shines over the meadow. One such evening Brizbee sees a lonely young newt sitting on a rock.

"What ya lookin' at?" she asked.

"The stars," the newt replied.

"I love the stars," Brizbee said. "What's your name?"

"Niven," he answered.

"I’m Brizbee. I'm going to be a big star someday. See, I can shine too."

"How’d you do that?" he asked. "Do it again."

"When I’m a star I’ll shine all night,” she said flitting around. “You’ll look up and see me shining back at you.” She zoomed into the night sky.

Niven laughed as Brizbee twirled through the daisies and sparkled around the water lilies.

Brizbee and Niven became instant friends.


     "Do you see that shooting star?" Brizbee asked. "That won't be me,

I'm going to shine forever like those stars up there," she said.

"They look like a dragonfly," Niven said. "And those look like

a cricket."

"And those look like a toad," Brizbee added.

She started giggling. Niven started snuffling. Before long they were laughing and snorting. Like two grubs in a rose bud.

This is an excerpt from the story, "Star Light, Star Bright" by McGeath Freeman. It is protected under copyright laws. Any attempt to copy, reproduce, or distribute for gain without the author's express written consent will be prosecuted.

Drawn to Read: Anita Jeram's Labor of Love

Do cover illustrations call to you, "Pick me up. Read me. Don't I look awsome?!?" Of course they do. You are drawn to read. Illustrations help tell the story and express thoughts that words may not acurately say. Illustrations help us see things from a differnt angle or in a differnt light. Sometimes in ways we never would have expected. It's always good to stretch our imaginations and feed it new material to consider. That is why I like to focus some attention on illustrators occassionaly. This edition of "Drawn to Read," features:

Anita Jeram.

Although Anita Jeram has illustrated more than 20 books since 1991, and countless greeting cards, she is probably best know for her work with two authors: Sam McBratney and Amy Hest.

(Sam McBratney books)

"Guess How Much I Love You" and it's many spin-off books -- "When I am Big," "Let's Play in the Snow," "A Surprise for the Nutbrown Hares," etc. -- feature the a family of hares. Jeram said illustrating "Guess How Much I Love You," was a lobor of love for she wanted to cry everytime she read it. For those of you who have not read it, the story follows Big and Little Nutbrwon hare during their bedtime ritual. Little Nutbrown Hare tells his father how much he loves him and Big Nutbrown Hare's response shows that the love is returned in even greater amounts.

This is a case where the illustration and text work perfectly together. Jeram's watercolor illustrations capture a beautifully sleepy and sweet moment without going over the top. They are soft and inviting in fresh, yet muted colors of spring. The facial expressions around the eyes and mouths keep the emotions honest and the storytelling true. It is a wonderful collaboration, which was revisited in 2004 for "You Are All My Favorites," a story perfect for families with multiple children.

"You Are All My Favorites," follows Mama and Papa bear as they put their three cubs to sleep and reassure each of them how much they are loved... and that there is plenty of love to go around. One again, Jeram and McBratney are able to keep the message simple, fun, compelling, and full of love.

 
(Amy Hest books)

In 2001 Jeram teamed with Amy Hest for two books, "Kiss Goodnight," and "Don't You Feel Well, Sam?" These were followed in 2003 with "You Can Do It, Sam." This series follows a young bear cub, Sam, and his mama bear. Written with a very desriptive, lyrical poetry the stories express typical fears and worries faced by young children everyday. Whether Sam is worried about going to sleep or having to deliver goodies to their neighbors all by himself, the stories show children how they are capable of doing things for themselves. Best of all, they also reassure children that growing up doesn't mean parents stop loving you. These are great stories for preschool through kindergarten-aged readers.

 

Jeram shows her versatiltiy with the "Sam" books staying away from the fresh palette of her watercolors and instead using rich acrylics that translate well into fall and winter hues of burnished orange and crimson. Jeram focuses on size relationships, and soft lines as she explores glowing tones and subtle brush storkes to create a warm familiar atmoshphere. They are great books for nap or bedtime rituals.

 

I look forward to many new books illustrated by Anita Jeram. In the meantime I think I will take a look at a series she wrote and illustrated for preschoolers, "Contrary Mary."

 

Et Tu, Ricky Gervais?

Why should I be surprised to find children's books written by Ricky Gervais? It seems every celebrity or quasi-celebrity on the planet is trying their hand at writing children's books. Some are complete flops (Madonna), while some are quite good and successful (Jamie Lee Curtis, John Lithgow). Where does Ricky Gervais fall on the spectrum? I don't know at this point. I guess I will have to find more copies of his "Flanimals" book series to read and review.

For those of you who have been under a rock and are unfamiliar with Ricky Gervias, he is a British actor/comedian; the creator of The Office; star of Ghost Town and The Invention of Lying; and best selling author of "Flanimals." To clarify, that is the UK best sellers list. Most people in the US don't even know he published a children's book - but they will. A new pop-up version is set to be released this month and Illumination Entertainment is working on a 3-D feature film adaptation.

So why am I surprised? Let's just say Gervais isn't known for his children's humor. His offbeat, satirical bent on the human condition is layered with dark, adult humor and social commentary. The Invention of Lying for instance, while occassionally funny was more often a cynically, depressing commentary on religion as a lie created to make people feel a little better about the human condition. This type of humor and commentary may be good for scholarly debates and comparative religion classes, but it does not generally translate well to children's literature. Hence my surprise and slightly jaded ideas of his book, "Flanimals Pop-Up" (suggested for children 5 and up.)

"Flanimals" is a book about grotesque animals. They are ridiculously, pointlessly, ugly - so much so they actually creep back to being considered cute. At least that's the idea here. Gervais created several whimiscally, crazy creatures like the Bletchling, the Grundit or the Splunge - useless creatures who appear to be created just for fun. Now that is something children will be able to connect with and enjoy.

The pop-up illustrations are fun and well-crafted with pull-tabs to encourage interaction and play. Not sure how you feel about your children helping a Hemel Sprot get devoured and swallowed by a Sprot Guzzler, but it seems like fun. And the Flanimal evolution page, which spoofs Michelangelo's Creation of Adam appears to be all in good fun as well. There really isn't as much to offend readers as one might expect from the creator of The Office. However,  I am reserving my rating and/or reccomendation until I have had time to read the "Flanimals" a little more closely. In the meantime let me know what you think.

John Grisham: Children's Book Author?

It came out last week that best selling author John Grisham wants to write a series of children's books. That's right, John Grisham of adult, legal-thrillers, "The Firm," "The Client," "Pelican Brief," The Street Lawyer," and many others (more than 20) is venturing away from his adult-minded novels occassionaly and writing for preteens 8 - 12 years old.

To say that Grisham wants to write for children is slightly inaccurate. He is writing for children, with the first installment, "Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer," of the planned series due to hit stores in the US in May and June in the UK. So as we can see from the title Grisham hasn't ventured far from his comfort zone and that is not a problem. Afterall, the first rule in writing is, Write What You Know.

The lead character, Theodore, is a 13-year-old boy, whose parents are both lawyers in a samll Southern town. He unintentionaly becomes involved in a murder trial. Whoops. It's already beginning to sound a great deal like many of his novels for adults. Maybe this isn't a bad thing. Afterall, Grisham is an excellent writer with great a handle on vocabulary and plot twists. No doubt Grisham's books will be better written than many in the children's book industry. Although it feels like a "Nancy Drew" mystery, those who have seen the book say it is vinatge Grisham, albeit toned down for children I hope, with thrilling adventure, character development, mystery and fun.

Penguin is set to publish the series, which leads me to think paperback series, but the May 25th release is slotted to be hardcover. Maybe we could end up with something more akin to Blue Balliett's, "Chasing Vermeeer," or "The Calder Game." The publisher thinks it will be an "interesting" competitor in the children's genre. I'm not sure if that endoresment sells me on "Theodore Boone," but it could be a nice diversion from all the magical, vampire, fantasy, paranormal, mumbo-jumbo in the marketplace right now.

I, for one, feel Grisham has earned the benefit of the doubt based on his vast library of successful novels for adults. So I will read "Theodore Boone" and let you know what I think at that time. For those of you who are worried about his novels for adults, don't. His next is scheduled for release in 2011.

When I Grow Up

The Olympics are over. That, however does not mean inspiration is gone. Spring is approaching and bookstore shelves will soon be loaded with stories about Easter, new birth, graduation, and spring fun. Colors will pop off the shelves and everybody will walk around with smiles on their faces singing, "Oh What A Beautiful Morning." What? Too much? You get the idea, hope springs eternal and all that. The winter doldrums are wafting away and spring is approaching with joyful exuberance.

"I Can Be Anything!"

By Jerry Spinelli

Illustrated by Jimmy Liao

For Ages 3 - 10

"I Can Be Anything!" is a whimsical story, perfect for anyone who wants to get excited by the possibilities and believe there are no limits. You can be anything. Rated 4.5 (whimsy, energetic, vibrant, hopeful) 

Newberry award winning author Jerry Spinelli leaves the young adult and preteen novels behind to write a rousing picture book about dreams and inspiration. "I Can Be Anything!" takes a look at the common theme of growing up, but adds a little twist.

Our young hero is lazing in a spring meadow with his bunny when he begins to ponder all the things he will be when he grows up. Will he be a fireman, a policeman, an astronaught, or scientist? Not this fellow. He's more likely to be a "puddle stomper," a "silly-joke teller," or a "paper airplane folder." The whimsical career options are brought to life with short, rhyming text and an illustrative zest rivaled only by our narrator's excitement.

Liao uses both watercolor and acrylic to illuminate some of life's most fanciful jobs as the little boy, decked out in blue overalls, exchanges his attire for an elephant costume, a jester's bells, or even butterfly wings when the moment is right.

This is a great book for reading aloud during stoytime. A sticker on the front cover suggests, "I Can Be Anything!" is "perect for graduation." I will take it a step further and say its perfect for anyone who wants to get excited by the possibilities and believe there are no limits.