Barefoot Books- LadyD: Ages 6-10

Showing posts with label Ages 6-10. Show all posts

Book Review: Fireside Stories by Caitlin Matthews

Fireside Stories

Tales for a Winter's Eve

Gather round the hearth to share these wintry tales. Drawn from countries and cultures all around the world, these eight stories express the magnificent and unique aspects of the winter season, and each story is preceded by an introduction with background information on its origins.

Ages 5 and up
Retold By: Caitlín Matthews
Illustrated By: Helen Cann
About The Book:
Well-written, Educational, Multicultural, Stories, Great illustrations

When the wind starts howling and the days are noticeably shorter, it is time to stay inside and snuggle up with your children and read a good book! Starting around Halloween, Fireside Stories is the perfect book to read. The stories are well written and tell both young and old of holiday traditions from around the world. Children will love learning about other cultures and the stories act as a springboard for you to discuss your family's own holiday traditions and beliefs.

A collection of stories woven into this beautiful hardcover book express the magnificent and unique aspects of the winter season. Caitlin Matthews lifelong interest in folklore and storytelling shows brilliantly through Fireside Stories along with Helen Cann's beautiful winter wonderland pictures. I especially love the colorful border designs that go with each special story!

By The Fireside begins with:
"When the nights grow long and the days grow short, when summer is a distant memory and the cold and darkness of winter an ever-present reality, it is good to sit by the fireside and tell stories."

The Stories:
A Story for Halloween
The Lonely Boatman
Scotland
A Story for the First Snowfall
The Winter Cabin
Russia
From "The Animal's Winter Home" in Alexander Afanasiev's collection The Three Kingdoms: Russian Folk Tales, Raduga Publishers.
A Story for Christmas Eve
Schnitzle, Schnotzle & Schnootzle
Austria
From Sawyer, Ruth, The Long Christmas, Viking Press.
A Story for the New Year
The Cantor Of The Trees
Russia
From Eisenberg, Azriel & Leah Ain Globe, The Secret Weapon and other stories of Faith and Valor, Soncino Press.
A Story for Midwinter
The Twelve Brothers
Czech Republic
From Williams, Harcourt, Tales from Ebony, Nattali & Maurice Ltd, London, 1947
A Story for Twelfth Night
Babushka
Russia
From Robbins, Ruth, Baboushka and the Three Kings

A Story for the Return of the Sun
The Bag of Warmth
Canada
From "Legends of the Slavery Indians of the MacKenzie River" in The Journal of American Folklore
A Story for the Coming of Spring
The Cailleach Of The Snows
Scotland
Mackenzie, Donald, Wonder Tales From Scottish Myth amd Legend, Blackie & Son Ltd, London
Matthews, Caitlin, King Arthur and the Goddess of the Land, Rochester IL., Inner Traditions.
Book can be purchased at my market place for $19.99
http://ladyd.barefootbooks.com
So tell me, do you have a favorite? Although our nights here in California may not be as chilly as where you are, still it is an enchanting evening for me to gather around a warm fire and read to my Grandson. So very difficult to choose a favorite because each story is unique and special in its own way... I suppose just like snowflakes!
Happy Reading,
LadyD

Book Review: One City, Two Brothers

One City, Two Brothers

Listen to Solomon as he tells the story of two brothers who learn the true meaning of peace and selflessness in this traditional tale that has been shared for hundreds of years in mosques, synagogues, and churches across the Near East and beyond.

This timely folktale of how Jerusalem came to be is about mutual understanding and kind acts toward one another.

Product Details:

Ages 5 to 11 years

Written By: Chris Smith

Illustrated By: Aurélia Fronty

Publisher: Barefoot Books

Binding Hardcover

Reading Level Ages 4-8

# of Pages 32

ISBN-10 1846860423

ISBN-13 978-1846860423

* About The Author:

Chris Smith is a storyteller who has also worked with UNICEF and Oxfam on the West Bank and in Gaza. The power of traditional stories is a source of inspiration for Chris, and he wrote this book to combine his love of story with the wish for the people of Israel and Palestine to find peace.

http://www.quakerbooks.org/one_city_two_brothers.php

* About The Book

In this traditional folk tale with stunning illustrations, two brothers share a field but live on opposite sides of the valley. When one season provides a particularly good harvest, the brothers each recognize their blessings and decide what to do with their extra grain. The heartwarming result addresses all of the values of love, compassion, and brotherhood.

* A truly uplifting and hopeful tale of both family and compassion. This tale serves as a reminder that peace can exist in any situation.

* Religious subject matter appeals to many faiths; nicely articulated with an informative end note.
* The bright yet simple illustrations fill the pages, perfectly accompanying this magnificent story.

* My Review:

This story is filled with warmth and love. It teaches the valuable lesson of caring for each other and the importance of family. Children and parents of all ages will appreciate One City, Two Brothers. You might want to purchase a copy for your children's preschool teacher so she can include it with one of the character traits she teaches.

Chris Smith explains in his author's note that he draws the linked stories of "One City, Two Brothers" not from scripture but from an oral folktale told for generations by both Jews and Arabs living in the Holy Land.

'One City, Two Brothers' by Chris Smith is a striking looking book-Aurelia Fronty, the illustrator has used brilliant blues, greens, orange and reds that instantly attract the eye. The inside cover shows white doves flying by red-heart shaped flowers. Each page is beautifully illustrated and any child or adult will be pleasantly surprised with this book.

The story is one of two parables- two sets of brothers; one who love each other and do everything in their power to share their goods and love each other. The other set are always quarreling and seek Solomon to solve their dilemma. Solomon tells them the story of the two brothers who shared their lives and their goods and the place where they met became a place of peace called Jerusalem. Children will come to understand the moral that loving and assisting each other instead of squabbling with each other is the higher ground and the best road to take. The story of Jerusalem is an additional teaching lesson- both Arabs and Jews want Jerusalem as their own. The history of that area is rich in stories and lore.

'One City, Two Brothers' has been nominated as finalist for the Cybil Awards. "Because The Cybil's is a blogger-run, blogger-inspired awards process, we operate with the expectation of openness and transparency. Any reader can nominate a book through the Cybil blog" Cybil Award Blog.

This book receives high marks from me. A beautiful story told in parable form and a beautifully illustrated book with rich strong colors.

Highly Recommended.
http://www.amazon.com/review/R27RLUYSUNHXDM

"Discover a story kept alive by the power of its message!"

Happy Reading!
~ LadyD

Do You Know Carol Ann Duffy?

Barefoot author, Carol Ann Duffy, was appointed Poet Laureate in the UK this month. Not only is this an amazing honor for any poet - it is especially relevant because Carol Ann Duffy is the first female to ever achieve the post! She has been a poet for her entire life and also the author of The Tear Thief, and Barefoot Book's upcoming release The Gift. Congratulations Carol Ann Duffy!
You'll discover some great tidbits in this article I found.

First female Poet Laureate named
Carol Ann Duffy has been named as the new Poet Laureate, the first woman to be appointed in the 341-year history of the post.
Duffy, 53, who takes over immediately from Andrew Motion and will serve 10 years in the position, says she will give the £5,750 annual payment away.
The author, who is best known for her collection The World's Wife, is also the first Scot to be named Laureate.
Duffy said she felt "very honoured and humbled" by her appointment.
'Truly brilliant'
The poet told BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour she had thought "long and hard" about taking the appointment.
"I look on it as a recognition of the great woman poets we have writing now," she said.
"I've decided to accept it for that reason."
She added: "Poetry is all around us, all of the time, whether in song or in speech or on the page, and we turn to it when events, personal or public, matter most.
"In accepting this Laureateship, I hope to contribute to people's understanding of what poetry can do and where it can be found."
Read more of the article at

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8027767.stm

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "She is a truly brilliant modern poet who has stretched our imaginations by putting the whole range of human experiences into lines that capture the emotions perfectly."
Culture Secretary Andy Burnham said Duffy "has achieved something that only the true greats of literature manage".
"That is to be regarded as both popular and profound," he said.

The Tear Thief - Hardcover
Nominated for the 2008 Red House Children's Book Award!
Each night, in the hours between supper and bedtime, the Tear Thief carries her waterproof, silvery sack as she steals the tears of every child who cries. But what does she do with all those tears? This warm, poignant, and beautifully illustrated story offers a thought-provoking message and a starting point to share children's emotional experiences.

"Only if you happened to look into a puddle as she was passing could you see what the Tear Thief looked like because a puddle was the one thing that showed her reflection."

Book Review
"When the Tear Thief comes upon a little girl crying because she has lost her dog, she befriends the girl and dries her tears. As the story progresses, young listeners may begin to wonder why the Tear Thief collects tears and what she does with them, and in a soothing resolution, they find out"—Booklist
"Duffy’s beautiful story brings the world of magic to life. My children smiled and seemed to gaze into the tear thief’s world after I finished and closed the book… Nicoletta Ceccoli’s soft, dreamy illustrations compliment Duffy’s story giving it an enchanting appeal."- Picket News

Product Details
Written by: Carol Ann Duffy
Illustrated by: Nicoletta Ceccoli
Read Alone: Ages 6-10
Read Together: Ages 4-8
Hardcover; Jacketed; full-color illustrations; 32pp;
8.5 x 10.75 inches
Item No. 9781846860454
$16.99

Illustrator Nicoletta Ceccoli
Nicoletta Ceccoli was born and still lives in San Marino, Italy, with her family and two pet hens. Since studying at the State Institute of Art in Urbino, she has illustrated a number of children's titles for prominent Italian publishers. Selected three times for exhibition at the Bologna Children's Book Fair, Nicoletta was awarded the prestigious Andersen Prize in 2000, honoring her as the best children's book illustrator in Italy.
The Tear Thief- Nominated for the 2008 Red House Children's Book Award!
You can order the book at

http://www.mybarefootbooks.com/LadyD

A Forest of Stories- Magical Tree Stories from Around the World

One of my favorite reads is Forest of Stories! I have lived in a Eucalyptus grove and an Avocado grove. I love the sights and smells of a forest full of trees, don't you? Have a look at this splendid book!
Forest of Stories
Magical Tree Tales from Around the World
Retold by: Rina Singh
Illustrated by: Helen Cann
"Trees as a unifying theme work wonderfully in this volume filled with seven simply told tales."—Kirkus Reviews

Special Offer Price $9.99

This unique collection of folktales, compiled by Rina Singh, encourages us to rethink our relationship with trees through the telling of fantastic tales filled with dancing palms, healing fig trees and magical cherry blossoms. Illustrated in radiant hues by artist Helen Cann and containing notes about the individual characteristics of each species, this vibrant collection will encourage all of us, young and old alike, to appreciate the essential place of trees in our lives, and help us to translate our appreciation into the desire to protect our many endangered forests.

He looked up and trembled. It was indeed the kapok tree for which he was searching. He felt as if he was in the presence of a great spirit.

Recent praise:
"Magnificently illustrated in radiant hues with stunning border devices, a vibrant collection of tree tales will encourage children to appreciate the many magical gifts that trees can offer." - Books for Growing Minds
"Smoothly flowing, magical tales that will easily translate to lively classroom or bedtime reading." - Booklist
"Trees as a unifying theme work wonderfully in this volume filled with seven simply told tales." - Kirkus Reviews
"A book of stories about special trees? Yawn? No. Barefoot Books, as it continues to search out traditional stories worldwide, manages to choose stories that are interesting." - Chicago Tribune

Retold by: Rina Singh
She teaches creative writing, art, and drama to children. For more information on Rina visit her website

http://www.rinasingh.com

"Have you ever considered a tree to be a lifelong friend? Or wondered if trees could think, remember or even speak, if you listened hard enough?"
—from "A Forest of Stories"

Illustrated by: Helen Cann

Helen Cann trained in fine art and illustration at the University of Wales, graduating in 1992. Since then, she has exhibited in both England and throughout Europe. Helen divides her time between Germany and the UK.
* Product Details
Read Alone: Ages 6-10
Read Together: Ages 4-8
Paperback; French folds; Full-color illustrations; 80pp;
8.63 x 10.63 inches
Item No. 9781841488820
$12.99
Special Offer Price $9.99
Plus Free Shipping through May 10,2009
Order Book:

http://www.mybarefootbooks.com/LadyD

* Crafting a Green World

I enjoy visiting this site for craft ideas. You can find a tutorial on Cork Coasters on this great site. Why not give mom a set of coasters for Mother's Day?!

http://craftingagreenworld.com

Happy Mother's Day Weekend!
~ LadyD

Classic Poems

I am thrilled with the arrival of my new hardcover book Classic Poems!
My all time favorite is The Owl and The Pussycat.
Introduced by Carol Ann Duffy, these 74 poems create an exquisite collection that traces our journey through life from birth to old age. Along the way, the works of some of the finest poets in the English language celebrate all kinds of human experience: the wide-eyed wonder and adventure of childhood, the magnificence of the natural world and the animal kingdom, the mystery of love and the tragedy of war.
Each page is superbly illustrated by Jackie Morris, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the ears.
According to the journalist Katharine Viner,
"Her poems are accessible and entertaining, yet her form is classical, her technique razor-sharp. She is read by people who don't really read poetry, yet she maintains the respect of her peers. Reviewers praise her touching, sensitive, witty evocations of love, loss, dislocation, nostalgia; fans talk of greeting her at readings 'with claps and cheers that would not sound out of place at a pop concert'".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Ann_Duffy
I read the book out loud to my husband. He loved it! Especially, The Owl and the Pussycat!
"And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,
They danced by the light of the moon,
The moon,
The moon,
They danced by the light of the moon." Edward Lear

Read Alone: Ages 8-Adult
Read Together: Ages 6-10
Click Here, Classic Poems
Carol Ann Duffy
Carol Ann Duffy is an acclaimed poet and playwright who has also written many picture books. She has also written the introduction to The Barefoot Book of Classic Poems.

http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/authors.php?aid=278

Within the fire consumes my heart
And in my heart there beats a bird
And in the bird there wakes an eye
— Classic Poems
Compiled and Illustrated by: Jackie Morris
Jackie has written and illustrated many books and has won international acclaim for the quality of her work. Among her best-loved picture books are The Greatest Gift, written by Susan Summers (Barefoot Books, 1997) and Can You See a Little Bear?, written by James Mayhew (2006).

http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/artists.php?aid=123
For more about Jackie Morris, please visit her lovely site

http://www.jackiemorris.co.uk
Be sure and stop by her blog, lovely countryside and beautiful cats!

http://www.wethreecats.blogspot.com
Children's Literature Awards:
Recent praise:
National Parenting Press Gold Award Winner
2006 ForeWord Magazine Silver Medal Winner
"Children will meet some of the best-known poetry in English in Jackie Morris's 'The Barefoot Book of Classic Poems.' The bright watercolors and intriguing hints of story that Morris splashes across the pages make this an attractive venue for first encounters with the soon-to-be-familiar ... the more than 70 poems have enough range and allure to entice the young and the adults who read to them. Luminaries like Yeats and Poe keep amiable company with Ogden Nash ('The Tale of Custard the Dragon') and Alfred Noyes ('The Highwayman')"—The New York Times Sunday Book Review
"An appealing assortment of 74 classic poems that touch on childhood, animals and the natural world, love, war, and the stages of life. Overall, this is a sumptuously packaged collection, with many large, double-paged illustrations. Morris's watercolors on hot-pressed paper are romantic and spirited... its attractive design brings a fresh perspective to these poems and makes them accessible to a wide range of readers."—School Library Journal
" Stately figures and scenes in luminous colors provide rich backdrops for 74 English poems selected as much for their sonorous language as for their familiarity. Morris arranges her choices in, by and large, organic order... animals put in appearances too, from Blake's Tyger to Milne's 'Furry Bear.' Extending even to the endpapers, the flood of words and images in this sumptuous volume creates an uplifting experience for the eye and ear both. An ideal collection to give or share."—Kirkus Reviews
"This handsome volume would be a strong complement to other books of poetry available for children now, like Jack Prelutsky's humorous anthologies. These are the poems someone may have read to parents, from writers such as Eleanor Farjeon, W.B. Yeats, W.H. Auden, Lewis Carroll and Dylan Thomas, for example, elegantly arranged and illustrated. Imagine seeing 'Fern Hill' against a landscape of the "fields of praise" and the 'lamb white days.'"—The Chicago Tribune
"This wonderful book will be a treasured find for anyone who wants to bring beautiful, classic poetry into the schoolroom…I was glad to have found a compilation whose rich artwork so complements the richness of the poetry within. "-The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
Click Here, Classic Poems
View Carol Ann Duffy's Biography

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Ann_Duffy

Jen Wojtowicz- The Boy Who Grew Flowers

If you’re looking for a great children’s book this Valentine's Day, you’ll definitely want to check out and cuddle up with The Boy Who Grew Flowers. I highly recommend it for 6-10 year olds. To top it off, the book is on sale for $14.99 This touching story promotes acceptance of the things that make us all different. You children will enjoy the illustrations that help depict how special we all are in our own ways. But don’t take my word for it. Purchase The Boy Who Grew Flowers
Click Here, The Boy Who Grew Flowers
Read Alone: Ages 6-10
Read Together: Ages 4-8
The Boy Who Grew Flowers - Hardcover
Book of the Year Award Finalist 2005, ForeWord Magazine
Rink's grandmother was raised by wolves, his Uncle Dud tames rattlesnakes, and Rink grows beautiful flowers all over his body when the moon is full. Townspeople just don't understand the Bowagons. But one day a new girl named Angelica arrives at Rink's school, and he soon discovers she has some unique qualities too.
Using humor and metaphor to promote acceptance, this touching story shows us that what makes us different makes us beautiful.
The Book has some great reviews:
Awards and Honors:
Book of the Year Award Finalist 2005, ForeWord Magazine
Recent praise:
"This is a wonderful story that teaches about accepting differences - and even celebrating them."
- Library Media Connection
"Children who struggle to fit in at school will find a hero in the star of this debut children's book. Adams's incandescent illustrations, painted on textured boards in deep blues and green integrate flowers and full moons scattered across the pages, and the characters' faces look almost beatific...it will remind [young readers] of the power of kindness."
- Publishers Weekly
"Artful compositions, intriguingly varied perspectives, and a gorgeous palette make these whimsical, expressive paintings suitable for framing. An odd, lovely offering."
- Booklist
"[The] story is one that celebrates individuality and self-acceptance. The illustrations are done in acrylics on board and the way the texture of the wood shows through gives the lovely paintings a folksy quality. The luminous scenes and soulful relationship between Rink and Angelina make this story a joy to read." - School LIbrary Journal
"Acrylic paintings are the perfect accompaniments to the author's debut story of courage and friendship. A shy boy named Rink, who grows flowers from his body during the full moon, befriends the new girl, Angelina, who has one leg shorter than the other. He makes her special shoes that change her life. With his use of soft colors and subtle details, Adam's ethereal paintings pull the reader into the page." - ForeWord Magazine
About The Author
I enjoyed reading about Jen Wojtowicz. She was inspired to write this story because of her brother, who has autism.

http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/authors.php?aid=256
About The Illustrator
Steve Adams
Steve is an award-winning illustrator based in Montreal. After finishing his studies of graphic design in 1994, he traveled to Europe for an advanced training course in design. Upon his return, Steve began collaborating with various publications including
The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune and American Lawyer. Further reading:

http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/artists.php?aid= 206
$16.99
Special Offer Price $14.99
Click Here, The Boy Who Grew Flowers

Mama Panya's Pancakes

Mama Panya's Pancakes - Hardcover
A Village Tale from Kenya

Come with Mama Panya and Adika for a market day in Kenya - and a pancake party in the evening!

On market day, Mama Panya's son Adika invites everyone he sees to a pancake dinner. How will Mama Panya ever feed them all? This clever and heartwarming story about Kenyan village life teaches the importance of sharing, even when you have little to give.

* Reviews:

Awards and Honors:

Winner of Notable Books for a Global Society 2005

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award 2006

2007 Storytelling World Honors

March 2007 Book of the Month from the Project on Economics and Children at Rutgers University

State of Maryland's Black-Eyed Susan Picture Book honor book for 2006-2007

"With their bold colors, vivid patterns, and lush scenery, the illustrations will transport readers into this country to walk alongside Mama Panya and Adika on their way to market. Details from animals to foliage are depicted clearly and provide more than just a backdrop to the story; they're a great introduction to the landscape and people of East Africa. A strong selection for a read-aloud or as a supplement to units on Africa, community, or generosity."
— School Library Journal

"There is a timeless quality to this contemporary story about a Kenyan boy and his mother stretching their food to feed all their friends ... The old tradition of sharing all one's food with others works again. With the repetition of the phrase 'a little bit and a little bit more,' the folkloric feeling intensifies…With a recipe for spicy pancakes, information about local animals and village life in Kenya, some general facts and a map, this story will be a welcome addition to a school unit as well as traditional storytime."—Kirkus Review

Product Details:

Written by: Mary and Rich Chamberlin
Illustrated by: Julia Cairns
Read Alone: Ages 6-10
Read Together: Ages 4-8
Hardcover; Jacketed; Full-color illustrations; 40pp;
10.25 x 10 inches

Was $16.99 Now $11.99

* To Order
Click Here, Mama Panya's Pancakes