February: Around the Block With Sesame Street, Upside Downton Abbey

So fun! Hope you enjoyed our stop on Sesame Street this month. :~)

February Big Kid Pick: The Odyssey

There are times when you find a book in your hands, and you just know that it represents the best work of an author and illustrator. I think of it as a lifework. The Odyssey by Gillian Cross, illustrated by Neil Packer, is one of those books.

Gillian takes Homer's epic and makes it accessible to young and old. The story flows with beautiful pacing and language. Causing those words to resonate are Packer's masterful illustrations. With a nod to Greek vase painting and his own expressionistic style, the story blossoms. You can sit and stare at the detailed paintings, and then find, you have to share the amazing images with someone else.

Candlewick's production honors the creation. The paper quality is rich, thick, and smooth, while the larger book size lets the reader relish Odysseus's journey.

This work is a treasure, a must-have for your family. Find it.

The Odyssey
by Homer
retold by Gillian Cross
illustrated by Neil Packer
Candlewick Press, 2012

February: Around the Block with Sesame Street

Perfect for Valentine's Day! I want hold your hand! Sing it, Hootie!

February: For the Older Sibling, Where is Strawberry Mermaid Moshi?

How can you not love Strawberry Mermaid Moshi? I was smitten the instant I saw her! But then I'm a fan of all things kawaii, or "cute" in Japanese. Think Hello Kitty. Now think of the game book Where's Waldo. Look:



This double-page spread shows the busy kitchen. Everyone is working to prepare for the wedding banquet. The charge is to find the main character and the others listed along the bottom of the page, along with a few trinkets. The older siblings of your totz will spend hours pouring over the pages to find Strawberry Mermaid Moshi as she gets married.

The digitally illustrated book was originally published in Japan as Usacollie Friends, Ichigo-Ningyo Wo Sagase! The characters were first manufactured as gift shop good luck charms. Now they appear in their own oversize paperback picture books. Also available are Where is Strawberry Moshi? and Where is Strawberry Princess Moshi? Why am I all of the sudden hungry for some mochi...

MoshiMoshiKawaii
Where is Strawberry Mermaid Moshi?
Candlewick Press, 2011

February: Around the Block with Sesame Street

I thought this was adorable, don't you? Enjoy!

February: Community Service

Why not force a flower bulb with your totz and display the early sign of spring in your window for all to see?