Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel (c. 1939) by Virginia Lee Burton remains a must read for every child.  And you mothers who have requested titles to give your sons -- wrap this one up for his next birthday!  Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel is a book that little boys hang on to until they become big boys, and the big boys read it to their offspring, feasting on the memories it evokes.  If you don't believe me, ask your husband, dad, brothers, uncles, brother-in-laws, etc.  It's a timeless "keeper" that you'll be returning to again and again.  And so our story begins:

Mike Mulligan had a steam shovel,
    a beautiful red steam shovel.
       Her name was Mary Anne.
          Mike Mulligan was very proud of Mary Anne.
              He always said that she could dig as much in a day
                 as a hundred men could dig in a week,
                   but he had never been quite sure 
                      that this was true.

Introduce your children to Mike Mulligan, Mary Anne, the townspeople of Popperville, that winning, ingenious "little boy" of Popperville, and keep this book for generations to come!

More books by Virginia Lee Burton (click on image to read recommendation):

Kevin Henkes wrap-up:

During the past week, I've shared many Kevin Henkes titles.  Be sure to check out Henkes webpage while you're reading his books: http://www.kevinhenkes.com/  In review, this week's featured titles include (click on image to read recommendation):

Others we check out and re-check out:

Old Bear (c. 2008)

Birds (c. 2009)

Finally . . . the winner of Lillly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes is Jenny Stevning!  Congratulations, Jenny!  If you get a chance, hop on over to Jenny's blog http://jennystevning.blogspot.com/ to check out her art!  And remember, I'll be hosting another give away shortly.

Who has seen the Wind?

by Christina Rossetti

Who has seen the wind?

Neither I nor you:

But when the leaves hang trembling,

The wind is passing through.

Who has seen the wind?

Neither you nor I:

But when the trees bow down their heads,

The wind is passing by.


For a wonderful story about wind, check out Pat Hutchins' The Wind Blew. 

Kitten's First Full Moon

Henkes received the Caldecott Medal in 2005 for Kitten's First Full Moon (c. 2004).  With several repetitive lines sprinkled throughout, here's a story the kids love to read along with me -- filling in those anticipated lines.  Henkes presents a humorous story of kitten who eagerly attempts to lick from a bowl of milk . . . which he perceives the moon to be.  And somehow, unlimited by his black and white drawings, Henkes captures the moon's illuminate reflections.  This precious gem of a book best suits those kindergarten ages and younger.

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

I've been thinking that I should offer a give-away.  So during the whole month of March, I will be hosting book give-aways.  We'll just call it March Madness.

This week, I'm giving away a copy of Kevin Henkes' Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse (c. 1996).  To enter the give-away: post a comment answering: what has been your family's favorite book recommended by Read Me A Story.  Post your comments by Tuesday noon in order to be eligible to win.  I will announce the winner (pulled at random) on Wednesday.  Best wishes!

And now for Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes: even though Henkes communicates Lilly's emotions from her point-of-view, children wince at the fickle unkindness Lilly exhibits when she criticizes her beloved teacher and adored role-model, Mr. Slinger.  Watch how Henkes signature watercolor and ink drawings extend the story beyond the written word (in true Henkes style).

Chrysanthemum

The kids' three all-time-favorite Kevin Henkes' picture books are Chrysanthemum, Wemberly Worried, and Kitten's First Full Moon.

Chrysanthemum relishes her parents' hand-picked name for her . . . that is . . . until the first day of kindergarten.  Let's face it: children relate to stories empathizing with their problems!  So who hasn't been teased before . . . name-called . . . possibly with a variation of one's given name?  Show of hands.  Oh, just about everyone.  Right.  Enter Chrysanthemum where Kevin Henkes massages these childhood vulnerabilities into a bright ending that kids just relish.  What else I like about Chrysanthemum (c. 1996), suggested for ages 4-8:

• Kevin Henkes' signature watercolor and ink drawings
• the close knit family providing comfort and stability
• the moral: be yourself / it's okay to be unique

And as for Wemberly Worried, well you'll just have to wait for that recommendation until August, right before school starts.  Trust me, it will be more timely then.  However, stick around this week for more Kevin Henkes book recommendations and a drawing to receive a free book.

Black History Month

I feel a bit like I'm playing catch up.  I've checked out many, many books from our local library, celebrating Black History Month . . . which was in February . . . and now it's March.  I'd say I'm behind!  Allow me to share with you the three books that continue to draw me back:

Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges herself was perhaps the most moving of all three titles because it gave the most heart-wrenching account of the days of the Civil Rights Movement.  It took me several days before my mind would rest from what I read of Ruby Bridges' (and her teacher, Mrs. Barbara Henry) story.  The suggested ages for this title are 8-12.

David A. Adler is renown for his biographies for children for a reason.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., proves no exception.  I especially liked illustrator Colin Bootman's interpretation of the historic events retold in this book.  From the Holiday House Reader, this level 2 volume is suggested for ages 4-8.

The review on the inside dust jacket of Rosa Parks best describes the book: "David A. Adler's Picture Book Biographies have been hailed as an 'expert mixture of facts and personality' (School Library Journal)."  Rosa Parks is suggested for grades K through 4th.

The Story About Ping

The Story About Ping was first published in 1933 by Majorie Flack and Kurt Wiese and has become a classic to several generations.  Kurt Wiese drew from his six year experience living in China when he illustrated The Story About Ping (read a brief bio here). 

This tells the story of Ping, the "beautiful young duck" who "lived with his mother and his father and two sisters and three brothers and eleven aunts and seven uncles and forty-two cousins."  Ping's adventure unfolds when he chooses to camp onshore overnight in attempt to escape his master's swat for being late.  Take a trip down the Yangtze River with Ping as he seeks to reunite with his family.  As Ping soon discovers, separation proves a harsher fate than a consequent swat for tardiness.

I'd love to know how many of you recall this cleverly spun tale and wonderfully illustrated classic from your own childhood.  Recommended for ages 5-8, it's a staple for every child's book collection.

Happy President's Day!

Here are some brief recommendations before the close of the day.  A fun book for the younger ones, Anne and Lizzy Rockwell team up again to present this introduction to President's Day through the venue of a classroom play.

We really like David A. Adler's Picture Book Biography series!  Adler goes beyond the presidents with his biographies.  However, today I recommend his George Washington, John and Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Dolley and James Madison, and Abraham Lincoln.  These stories are best suited for children ages 4-8.  

A New Coat for Anna

In A New Coat for Anna (c. 1986), Harriet Zierfert crafts a beautiful story revived from the ashes of war-torn Europe.   The story repeats: "Anna needs a new coat."  However, "no one had any money" and "the stores remained empty."  In our fast-paced, need-it-now world, here's a story that celebrates the joy of an endeavor realized after the long contribution of ingenuity and patience.  As you read this to your little one, follow the crafting of Anna's coat through the tasks of the shepherd, the spinner, the dyers, the weaver, and the tailor.  And appreciate the historical hardships depicted in Anita Lobel's illustrations.