Jimi: Sounds Like a Rainbow by Gary Golio

This is a biography that makes reading a biography fun - exciting, interesting and  visually stimulating.  It is not simply a book about Jimi Hendrix, but rather an experience, much like Hendrix himself.  Golio's rhythmic words imitate the palatte, while Javaka Steptoe's illustrations echo the raw beauty of Hendrix's music.  Read this and delight in the Jimi Hendrix experience.

After all of that, the trailer they have for the book isn't all that visually appealing, but the music is cool (performed by the author).  Maybe it will get you in the mood to go buy the book:

Great Picture Books for Adults

When I was attempting to finish up my last minute Christmas shopping this past weekend, I thought "why not get books?"  I know, being a Children's Librarian, you would expect that most of the gifts I purchase are books, but that's not so.  I encourage the use of the library, especially in these tough economic times :)   however there are those occasions where I actually do buy books and give them as gifts to friends and relatives (we have more full bookcases in our house than I care to count!).  So, if you too need to find a few last minute gifts, check out these picture books, which are not just for kids!

It's a Book by Lane Smith is a hillarious look at technology vs printed material.  This book would make a great gift for a techno savvy teen, college student or adult who may need to be reminded what a book is!

Gaiman fans or fans of fantasy, roll playing games, or simply visually appealing lyrical romps will love Instructions.  Buy it for someone and add a bit of magic into their life. 

Have you had the chance to experience the joy and wonder of Robert Sabuda's pop up books?  Believe me, these are not your average books - you will be in awe.  He has created pop-up versions of classic tales such as The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, plus many titles of his own.  Check them out!  You will be delightfully amazed!

My mother gave me a copy of Love You Forever when I was in college.  It made me cry.  It still makes me cry.  Give a copy to your adult age child - along with a box of tissues.

While I'm talking about a Munsch book, I think I should also mention The Paper Bag Princess.  This would make a wonderful gift for a female friend who needs to be reminded that they are strong.  Perhaps they are facing divorce or a change of career.  Let them know that they are worthy and that anything is possible - even defeating a dragon while wearing a paper bag.

Ok, after that little Munsch love fest, let's talk about a deep, dark topic.  These next two books are hillarious, but definitely not mushy (hmm maybe the zombie guts?).  In All My Friends are Dead, various creatures and items state how, well, all of their friends are dead, i.e. dinosaurs, dodo birds, expired milk, etc.  This is a visually funny book... if you have a sense of humor :)  

Now, in this next book, Andy Rash tackles the next greatest thing since vampires:  Ten Little Zombies.  There are zombie lovers out there and I bet you know one.  Know any fans of The Walking Dead?  Then give them his book for some lighthearted, icky fun.

Happy Bunny has a way of saying things that you WANT to say, but know you shouldn't...  he makes you feel a tiny bit better.  Of course, Jim Benton's little furry friend has taken off into all sorts of markets (calendars, key chains, buttons, etc), but the original books are still a hoot to have around.

Do you know any artists?  Anyone who wants to be an artist?  Perhaps an art teacher?  Then pick this book up for them!  You cannot help but sing and laugh along to Beaumont's fun poem/song and the quirky fun illustrations by David Catrow. 

I recently reviewed this book and have to reiteratre that it is a must have for any new parent!  Have a pregnant friend?  Give her Boss Baby along with a really big hug.

Similar in message to Munsch's Love You Forever, Jaime Lee Curtis' new book My Mommy Hung the Moon would make a wonderful gift from a parent to their adult child - especially if your adult child has a child of their own. 

Alright, I'm down to the last book on my list and don't you know it's about sleep?  Considering I've been having a heck of a time getting a full eight hours per night lately, this is a topic near and dear to me, and so is this book.  A Book Of Sleep is a stunningly beautiful book with a nice simple message.  Know someone who isn't sleeping well, share this book with them.

Hope this list gave you a few ideas.  If you have any other suggestions, then please feel free to add them to the comments section!  If I can think of any more, I'll add them there too.

There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow by Lucille Colandro

Lucille Colandro has developed quite a hit with her "Lady" rhyming books. She has written one for just about every holiday/season imaginable. She has the old lady swallowing bats, bells, shells, and in this latest tale, snow. Along with the snow, the lady also swallows a pipe, coal, a hat, etc and the children will of course have fun guessing what's going to happen to her in the end. (I'll give you a hint, she doesn't die). Couple this with your favorite snowman story for a fun winter storytime and then have some fun creating your own paper snowmen (or real snowy snowmen if you're able!)

Tacky's Christmas by Helen Lester

Just when I was mentally lamenting that we had not received a new "fun" Christmas book in ages, what should appear on my desk?!  Not, eight tiny reindeer, but rather a penguin!  Tacky the penguin!!!

If you  have a young child and you have not yet heard of Tacky, by golly get yourself down to your local library or bookstore and pick up Tacky the Penguin.  That's the first in the series and a great introduction to the definitely unique and loud and curiously rambunctious feathered friend (yes, penguins have feathers). 

In this latest tale, Tacky, plus his pals Goodly, Lovely, Neatly, Angel, and Perfect are all getting ready to celebrate the holiday.  They decorate their home in Nice Icy Land, wrap presents and sing carols.  It is in the middle of "Deck the iceberg wrap a gifty" that they realize they have no tree, and there's a shortage of such things in Nice Icy Land.  What should they do?!  Create a Tackytree of course!  It's red, and looks a bit like Santa Claus, but that actually comes in handy when the hunters from the first book arrive on the scene.

As a special bonus, a CD is included which contains Christmas songs dripping with richly satisfying Tacky appeal.  This book and CD set is a definite MUST SEE/HEAR this holiday season - especially if you have a penguin fan in your family.

Check out my Penguin Storytime for a sample of my "Tacky" coloring sheet I created (and just send an email if you'd like a copy) as well as other storytime ideas.

On the net there are also many helpful sites such as the Reading Lady's reader's theatre of  Tacky the Penguin; this great Mind Meister curriculum mapping guide; and some suggested 1st grade activities from Bright Hub.

Reindeer Crunch and Other Christmas Recipes by Kristi Johnson

Such a fun book for Christmas!  If you are looking for some treats to make with your child, why not try some reindeer crunch?  Or perhaps a marshmallow wreath or some candy cane bark? The yummy delights found in this cookbook are perfect for beginners to try during the holiday season.   Each delicious recipe is coupled with full color photos of the finished project as well as easy to follow instructions.  Also included are sections on what to do before you begin cooking and safety in the kitchen as well as information boxes highlighting a special detail relating to the recipe  (such as the one about the "cookie craze" around the world for the Spritz Sticks recipe). 

If you find you like this cookbook, you might try some of the others by Snap Books:

Grilled Pizza Sandwich and Other Vegetarian Recipes (Snap)
Wormy Apple Croissants and Other Halloween Recipes (Snap)
Monkey Pudding and Other Dessert Recipes (Snap)

Me and You by Anthony Browne

Me and You by Anthony Browne takes a novel approach to the old story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  Instead of just telling one side of the story, the reader gets to see two.  On the left side of each two page spread you see mostly black/white/sepia colored stark images depicting Goldilocks' grim plight.  On the right, you can read basically the original tale coupled with illustrations that are definitely different than those of Goldilocks.  Side by side it is easy to tell you are seeing two sides to the story. 

Now as a reviewer I can go into the subtle nuances of the book; especially the images.  How Goldilocks is shown with only a mother and they live in a dreary apartment building, yet the bears live in a big yellow house and it's a family where both parents are present and do things together with their child.  There is a LOT that can be read into this story....

But you know what?  The most important thing is that it is an interesting book to read - not an east feat considering the story has been told and retold over and over again.  Of course it can be shared with a large group, but if you want to get to the story behind the story, read it cuddled up on the couch with your own little bear.

A Wish to be a Christmas Tree by Colleen Monroe

Michigan couple Colleen and Michael Glenn Monroe paired up to create this touching Christmas tale that will surely be a favorite in your household. The rhyming text tells an endearing story of an old tree that no family has ever picked to be a Christmas tree.  The animals of the forest decorate the magnificant tree and each tell of the wonderful blessings and gifts the tree provides to them all throughout the year.  The book is brought to life by the illustrations from nature artist Michael Glenn Monroe.  The gentle hues and expressive creatures are the perfect compliment to this touching story.

Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner

Have you ever wondered why your snowman looked so droopy in the morning? Well, this book can give you some ideas to what he was up to while you were sleeping! This fun winter story with delightful illustrations is a romping good time and sure to be a favorite. Be sure to look for pickle nose in each picture, as well as the hidden items throughout the book!

Also check out Snowmen at Christmas for a holiday treat!

Brownie & Pearl See the Sights by Cynthia Rylant

After visiting the shoe shop, the hat shop, and the cupcake shop, a weary little girl and her sleepy cat head home for a nap.

I last visited Brownie & Pearl back on March 19th, 2010 when they were preparing to go to a birthday party.  This time the two pals venture out on a snowy day to visit sites around their town.  This very simple story is told with easy sentences and bright, pleasing illustrations.  The pictures even have a bit of a holiday feel, so it's perfect for sharing right now!

Santa Duck and his Merry Helpers by David Milgrim

Nicholas Duck is back, along with his brothers and sister.  Nicky dons his santa coat and hat and heads out singing ducky holiday tunes to collect wish lists to help the big man in red.  It seems however that his younger siblings want a piece of the action and to top it off, think they can all do better than Nicholas.  A sort of contest ensues to see who can give the most at Christmas even though though Skunk only wants one bottle of perfume and frog only wants a box of flies; certainly they'd be happier with 50 bottles of perfume and a castle.  Well, Nicholas has had enough and he stops the group so that he can explain the true meaning of Christmas.  Turns out his siblings had a good idea what the true meaning is anyway, and a happy ending is had by all.  Fun Christmas book to share with your little ones.  Be sure pick up Santa Duck too! 

The Child in the Manger by Liesbet Slegers

Children's author and illustrator Liesbet Slegers gives an updated twist to the birth of Jesus in her modern look at the Nativity.  The story is broken down into easily understood bits that are coupled with bright and bold illustrations. This colorful book will provide a nice introduction to the story of Jesus and make a wonderful addition to your Christmas books.  Check out an interview with the author about the book here.