Susanna Hill who originated Perfect Picture Book Fridays has asked us to celebrate the United Nations resolution adopted this day in 1959 to have a Universal Children’s Day. To honor that resolution, many of today’s PPBF picks will be multicultural or about human rights or children who have helped changed the world. (You can find the links to other books at Susanna’s blog today.)
This week I’m going to recommend two books for the price of one visit! The first is a book about children’s birthdays around the world in honor of the UN resolution. The second is a Christmas book I had already planned on for next week, but we will not be doing PPBF next week because of Christmas . However, I can’t leave this little treasure mewing on the shelf, so, as Susanna would say, grab your coffee and a donut (or chocolate) and enjoy a double dose of PPBF.
Title: The World of Birthdays
Author: Paula S. Wallace
Publisher: Gareth Stevens
Genre: Non-fiction
Audience Age: 4 & up
Themes/Topics: Multicultural
Opening Sentences: “This little book of birthday traditions is a celebration of the many wonderful ways the world says, “Happy birthday.” Everyone has this special day, but not everyone celebrates it the same way. Children in Russia pin their party favors to a clothesline. In Japan, people eat a special meal of sweet rice with red beans. In Mexico, young people share Three Milk Cake and break a pinata full of candy.”
Synopsis: This book discusses how birthdays are celebrated in Australia, Brazil, Egypt, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa and the U.S. It also includes instructions for making a craft, game or recipe from each country.
Why I like it: When I was looking for an appropriate book to honor the UN resolution I spied this one (I’m a December birthday girl so I guess I’ve got birthdays on the brain this week). This wonderfully warm book tours through 10 countries in a bright, lively fashion. The photographs of the children are beautiful, some in traditional costume, others modeling the crafts or eating the foods that are mentioned, or playing a game of Hanetsuki or Peteca. The theme is FUN and the smiles on the faces of the children are a universal expression. Immediately following each country is a craft (with directions and patterns) or a food to try (with the recipe), or a game (with instructions). This is an appealing book even if you’re not celebrating a birthday.
Activities/Resources: The book itself has many activities, but also provided in the back are a few more links about birthday traditions around the world, and birthday traditions in Different Countries
Availability: Amazon, Barnes & Noble
My second choice this week is for the Christmas season. It is a story about everyone’s favorite bibliocat, Dewey Readmore Books….
Title: Dewey’s Christmas At the Library
Author: Vicki Myron and Bret Witter
Illustrator: Steve James
Publisher: Little, Brown & Co.
Genre: Fiction
Audience Age: 2 & Up
Themes/Topics: Christmas, Cats
Opening Sentences: Snow and ice, twinkling lights, Kids bundled up on a cold winter night. Hot chocolate and Santa Claus and decorations just right. In the small town of Spencer, Iowa, Christmas was everyone’s favorite time of the year.
Synopsis: Based on the true story of Dewey the library cat, we find him as he celebrates his first Christmas, discovering the holiday and all the decorations that go with it.
Why I like it: Through the eyes of a young cat, Christmas is magical. You’ll laugh as Dewey gets tangled in a ball of yarn, stuck in a gift bag and finds and explores all the tinsel, glitter and boxes he possibly can. He even adds his own creative touch to the library Christmas tree. The illustrations are wonderful, depicting Dewey in all types of catly maneuvers and antics. This would delight young and older children.
Activities/Resources: Dewey has his own website, and you can find some related activities for kids based on Dewey.
Availability: All major booksellers. Also available as an ebook.
Blessings and enjoy the books!
Laura (Grandmamiller)
Laura Miller (a.k.a. Grandmamiller) 