The Keeping Quilt

The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco is a beautiful story about an heirloom quilt that was passed down through the generations.  The mostly black and white pictures only serve to enhance the beauty of the quilt.  By the end, this story begs to ask the question: What are you passing down to your children?

I believe that every one needs a keeping quilt - something to pass down to your children to help them remember where and who they came from.  I have two items, both made by grandparents, a quilt and a dollhouse. 

Favorite line: "We will make a quilt to help us always remember home," Anna's mother said.

Stephanie's Ponytail

Stephanie's Ponytail by Robert Munsch and art by Michael Martchenko is a cool story about the dangers of following the crowd.   Stephanie turns out to be a trend setter and this upsets her especially because she is teased about her hair before everyone decides to follow suit. 

This is a great book to read to kids of all ages.  I especially love the way Stephanie doesn't let the teasing get to her and she creatively teaches everyone not to be a copycat.

Favorite line:  Stephanie said, "It's my ponytail and I like it."

Not a Box

Do you have that kid that no matter how great the gift is, spends hours playing with the box?  If so, this is the book for you.  Not a Box by Antoinette Portis is a simple book about the simple joys of playing with a box.  From a race car to a plane to a boat this a great book that actually looks and feels like a box.

Favorite line:  It's NOT NOT NOT NOT a box!

Llama Llama and the Bully Goat

Llama Llama and the Bully Goat by Anna Dewdney is a very cute story about friendship and bullies.  I really enjoyed the fact that the author teaches children not just what bullies do, but how to stop bullying.  Then she takes it one step further by teaching children how to extend the hand of friendship even to those who have been mean. 

The artwork is just as wonderful as the story with bright colors and realistic animals.  The situation presented is real and the tips provided work.  I love this book and think every child should read it.

Favorite line:  Being bullied is no fun!

Fanny

Fanny by Holly Hobbie is an awesome book about a little girl who wants a "Connie" doll.  Since her mom won't get her one, Fanny decides to make her own and names her Annabelle.  Fanny is a great role-model for all little girls, demonstrating that glamor isn't everything.

I loved this book for many reasons.  First off it was written by Holly Hobbie.  (I have a Holly Hobby blanket from when I was a little girl so anything written by my favorite doll has got to be good.)  Second, my mom's name is Connie and of course my mom should be the most glamorous doll out there!  Lastly, I loved the way Fanny solved her problem - she sewed.  (Being a child of the '80's I wanted a Cabbage Patch doll and couldn't get one, so my grandma and I sewed one.  Today the Cabbage Patch dolls I eventually got are packed away, but the homemade one still sits out in my room in her homemade kimono.) 

Favorite line: All afternoon, Dr. Annabelle performed operations on every stuffed animal Tiffany owned - emergency after emergency - while the glamorous nurses assisted. 

I'm in Love with a Big Blue Frog

I'm in Love with a Big Blue Frog performed by Peter, Paul and Mary, words by Leslie Braunstein, and illustrated by Joshua S. Brunet is a cool book complete with a three song CD.  The illustrations are bright and colorful and the songs are cool.  However, the jury is still out on the story for me partly because it is a song.

Turning a song into a children's book can make for a great book ... or not.  Some songs are easily turned from beautiful sounds to beautiful pictures.  This particular song was one of the harder ones since it is not a traditional children's song.  (This is part of why I'm not sure I like this book.)  I do recommend this book to those who like Peter, Paul and Mary or just like silly songs and stories with an underlying message.

Favorite line: They'll be great lookin' 'cause they'll have my face, great swimmers 'cause they'll have his feet!