Month: November 2014

Picture books

“Nobody” by Liz Rosenberg

It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday! Come on now, raise your hand if you had an imaginary friend! I did. And we did everything together. And for that reason this book resonates. I actually remember the exact day my parents and siblings watched us while in full play mode. YIKES! And so my pick for today is “Nobody”.  

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For more book reviews, go to author Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book page. Happy Friday!

Written by: Liz Rosenberg

Illustrated by: Illustrated by Julie Downing

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press; (May 2010)

Suitable for ages: 4-8

Themes/Topics: imaginary friend, about being an only child, independence

Brief Synopsis: George is a little boy who wakes before his parents and he and his imaginary friend, whips up “breakfast” together. He and Nobody are quite a team but thankfully George remembers he’s not supposed to turn on the stove with “Nobody around”. His parents wake to see the mess George made decide to make pancakes together.

Opening pages:  “Nobody makes pancakes like I do.”

Why I like this book: Aside from my own personal connection,  the wordplay is fantastic. A funny and endearing book that shines a light on common childhood behaviors of seeking companionship and independence.

Diverse Books, Picture books

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns Book Review

It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday! For more reviews, go to author Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book page. Today’s pick is:

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Title: Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors [spacer height=”10px”] Domes

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Written by: Hena Khan

Illustrated by: Mehrdokht Amini

Publisher: Chronicle Books (June 6, 2012)

Suitable for grades: PreK-2

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Themes/Topics: celebrating holidays, community, cultural awareness

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Brief Synopsis: Beautifully written and illustrated, this book highlights the colorful world of Islam. A little girl takes the reader with her as she navigates her world showing different parts of her culture that kids can easily relate to like clothing, food and different celebrations.

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Opening pages: “Red is the rug Dad kneels on to pray, facing toward Mecca, five times a day.”

“Blue is the hijab Mom like to wear. It’s a scarf she uses to cover her hair.”

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Why I like this book: I enjoy books that address culture. Others can peek inside the lives of those who may seem very different only to realize the things we enjoy and hold dear are often the same but celebrated differently.

Resources:

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History, Louisiana

All Saints’ Day vs. All Souls Day

Today, November 2, is All Souls Day. It is a day of prayer for the dead, particularly but not exclusively, our relatives. Whereas, yesterday, All Saints’ Day, the Catholic church asks followers to live as saints did, on All Souls’ Day we honor and ask for mercy for our ancestors and the souls departed from this world as we know it.

Yesterday, on All Saint’s Day, the family back home cleaned our family tombs in cemeteries around the city, some so old they were built when la Louisiane was still a colony. Today, on All Souls’ Day we honor our dead because we believe their souls and spirits live on even when the body dies. To us death is not creepy or scary, it’s a part of life. In a way, we keep our dead alive, the lines a little blurry. Our ancestors live on in those left behind in their families and communities. Those are our customs and traditions and in our culture, that’s the way we roll.

I lost two elders recently, a 5th cousin and my mother. Today they are in my thoughts and heart as are all the family departed I was fortunate to know in their lifetimes. As our family historian, I also honor our ancestors whose stories I have uncovered, buried in documents and dusty archives. Prayers up mama, love and miss you dearly. Tell everyone I said hello.

ECCLESIASTICUS 44TH CHAPTER, VERSES 1-10 AND VERSES 13-14.

Let us now sing the praises of famous men, our ancestors in their generations. The Lord apportioned to them great glory, his majesty from the beginning. There were those who ruled in their kingdoms, and made a name for themselves by their valor; those who gave counsel because they were intelligent; those who spoke in prophetic oracles; those who led the people by their counsels and by their knowledge of the people’s lore; they were wise in their words of instruction; those who composed musical tunes, or put verses in writing; rich men endowed with resources, living peacefully in their homes-all these were honored in their generations, and were the pride of their times. Some of them have left behind a name, so that others declare their praise. But of others there is no memory; they have perished as though they had never existed; they have become as though they had never been born, they and their children after them. But these also were godly men, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten. Their offspring will continue forever, and their glory will never be blotted out. Their bodies are buried in peace, but their name lives on generation after generation.