When I was writing about Monday’s book and thinking of Japan and cultural differences, this book came to mind. I love this book. Monday we talked about a Japan bath house. For this vintage Friday, I bring a love story about ways of eating. Whether you eat with chopsticks or use utensils the American way or the British way, you’ll love this story. Take a look at How My Parents Learned to Eat by Ina R. Friedman, illustrated by Allen Say, 1984.
Continue reading “Vintage Friday: How My Parents Learned To Eat By Friedman & Say”Tag: family
Review: The Big Bath House By Maclear & Zhang
Add this to the list of unique picture books that I’ve never seen anything like before. A story about a young girl traveling to see family in Japan and taking the annual summer visit to the big bath house with her grandma, aunties, and cousins. It is a story of family and ritual, crossing language barriers, embracing culture, and loving all the stages of life and the ways it forms every body. Take a trip to The Big Bath House by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Gracey Zhang, 2021.
Continue reading “Review: The Big Bath House By Maclear & Zhang”A Toast to Picture Book Moms for Mother’s Day
As Mother’s Day approached this year, I found myself, no surprise, thinking about picture books. It’s common for adults, and parents especially, to be non-existent in picture book worlds. The audience is children of course. But, as I perused my shelves I slowly realized that moms aren’t actually missing from a lot of picture books. There are a lot of moms there, most of them doing exactly what they do in real life and going completely unnoticed in the story. For this moment on Mother’s Day, I wanted to give a sort of ode to all the mothers, and mother-figures, out there who are doing their work and keeping life, and stories humming along.
To the moms who grew and carried a baby.

To the moms who didn’t, but carry them now.

To the moms who always wanted to be a mom.

And to the ones who didn’t.

To the moms who always keep an eye on their tasks and their little mischief-makers.

To the moms who make delicious treats and have a ready smile and wave.

To the moms who keep a handle on their families’ diet kindly and firmly.

To the moms who always immediately know what’s wrong.

To the moms who help give words to uncomfortable feelings and situations.

To the moms who are willing to listen to their children and change their decision.

To the moms who are resourceful and considerate of sentimental favorites.

To the mamas who know how to celebrate the joy of rain.

To the moms who readily go on adventures too and never tire of mundane distractions like counting everything on route.

To the moms who take the lead on family adventures.

To the moms who keep their cool and know ice cream is the best distraction.

To the moms who quietly clean up the children and listen to their adventures.

To the moms who throw the best parties even though they end up exhausted.

To the moms who end up cleaning up the messes, even when they are made by tigers.

To the moms who prepared their children for big things when they have to rest.

To the moms who embrace the craziest things, even pets.

To the moms who encourage their kids’ imaginations despite their interesting choice of materials.

To the moms who love their little dancers even with questionable moves.

To the moms who know their kids and teach them to be themselves despite culture.

To the moms who love their kids that are nothing like them.

To the moms who still provide the hot dinner, even after a rough day.

To the moms who gently remind their little ones how days and nights work.

To the moms who share the best stories, from their own lives or the lives of others.

Here’s to all the moms who read three books a night (more or less). May you know how special and not invisible you are in our lives and every story we tell.
Review: Tight Times By Shook Hazen & Schart Hyman
I think we’re all tired of hearing that it’s been a difficult, weird, hard, strange, unprecedented [insert over-used adjective here] year. Even more so, we’re all tired of living it. While I continue to prep posts about new and newish books (I have so many!); I also love the classics, vintage, obscure older books that speak to timeless issues. They can be so comforting, surprising, and reminders of days past – a reminder that we’ll get through this too.
Today I wanted to drop in with a book I’ve thought about often over this year. I collected it years ago as it is one of my favorite children’s book illustrators ever. I am incredibly drawn to her style and choices and lines – but I’m getting ahead of myself. Join me in this lovely, difficult, emotional, and yet so perfectly childlike book about rough economic times in a city family. Check out Tight Times by Barbara Shook Hazen, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman, 1979.
Continue reading “Review: Tight Times By Shook Hazen & Schart Hyman”Review: Me & Mama By Cozbi A. Cabrera
I don’t know about you, but I definitely need a sweet and charming book to brighten up the days. This one beautifully hits the spot. A story about a little girl and her mama on a delightfully normal, but always special rainy day. Snuggle up with Me & Mama by Cozbi A. Cabrera, 2021.
Continue reading “Review: Me & Mama By Cozbi A. Cabrera”Review: Eyes That Kiss in the Corners By Ho & Ho
“Some people have eyes like sapphire lagoons
with lashes like lace trim on ballgowns,
sweeping their cheeks as they twirl.
Big eyes, long lashes.
Not me.”
And with that beautifully poetic opening, one of the most powerful, self-affirming books I’ve ever seen draws you into the world of one little girl as she describes her own eyes and the heritage that she is connected to with them. Be delighted by Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho, 2021.
Continue reading “Review: Eyes That Kiss in the Corners By Ho & Ho”