tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-367935400239975912023-11-15T22:50:29.197-08:00Blue Bunny TracksRecent News and Book Reviews from The Blue Bunny BookstoreJanet Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593139994324457187noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-26696402903891787962011-05-10T10:49:00.000-07:002011-05-10T12:12:06.629-07:00On Being Part of a Community<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8wGg_kdEv8x_Q3IOtTF65sV3RORVPaNQ9YMwyOi61lOvlT1nuMP2erNNWjIUKCSlqYmawLs7S8gAI2rnEAlvVOzBtA8zXG8TdL-LNQn4BAyyeIJGrZ6naxXJAJsSM75VCsIpjVXjmA/s1600/drawon.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 147px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8wGg_kdEv8x_Q3IOtTF65sV3RORVPaNQ9YMwyOi61lOvlT1nuMP2erNNWjIUKCSlqYmawLs7S8gAI2rnEAlvVOzBtA8zXG8TdL-LNQn4BAyyeIJGrZ6naxXJAJsSM75VCsIpjVXjmA/s200/drawon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605165890815052274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4e9QOMQPWOgiTdzxmCclIRQTMYKKXPSUT78Pfpdjmi8-nz0U3LJNywiYCgi_LyJDwidtZP_-BjHBpOkVtVWVgqdaW3mAQhfKpJCiV7xKpkUSz0v8beCGbQGnfWa4YcCEhsf7tN3RvxA/s1600/stinkday.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4e9QOMQPWOgiTdzxmCclIRQTMYKKXPSUT78Pfpdjmi8-nz0U3LJNywiYCgi_LyJDwidtZP_-BjHBpOkVtVWVgqdaW3mAQhfKpJCiV7xKpkUSz0v8beCGbQGnfWa4YcCEhsf7tN3RvxA/s200/stinkday.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605165234395991922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTowd7ZgkkDT1EirCPeIgSSCCNNfyKhbOPJk8rr-4hyphenhyphenBA3D3LUsxQNCeG7pHNzC80uRuzA5JcqYwCK03NlHS3bA5EbuycMP2Z7re2JoUuHPTZpvFC2GvWvHmnp_pfDnj0lYtsmfuEO6g/s1600/ramblekids4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTowd7ZgkkDT1EirCPeIgSSCCNNfyKhbOPJk8rr-4hyphenhyphenBA3D3LUsxQNCeG7pHNzC80uRuzA5JcqYwCK03NlHS3bA5EbuycMP2Z7re2JoUuHPTZpvFC2GvWvHmnp_pfDnj0lYtsmfuEO6g/s200/ramblekids4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605159071322967922" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So often when I go to work at The Blue Bunny Bookstore here in Dedham Square, I am reminded of the old "Cheers" theme song, "Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name..." and I smile. The familiar faces of our regular customers, delivery men, mail carrier, and fellow merchants all brighten my day.<br /><br />Trying to keep a small independent business going these days is difficult, and I sometimes feel like the phrase "day late and a dollar short" was coined especially for me. There are daily frustrations of jobs left unfinished, of clogged sinks and leaking ceilings, of sales calls, service calls, piles of junk mail, book orders, mail orders, office supplies, and paying the rent.<br /><br />But we keep unlocking the door every morning, and turning on the lights and the music, putting our mascot "sheep" outside, and trying to do our best. Because we are committed to our little store, and we are committed to our community: our neighbors in Dedham Square, our customers, our town, our fellow friends in independent bookselling.<br /><br />One of the best parts of running our business is taking part in community events. Earlier this month, we collaborated with the Dedham Youth Commission, for the 12th time, on our annual "North Star Children's Ramble"--races for kids ages 4-12 held in conjunction with the 10K James Joyce Ramble that happens every spring. We spend months making and distributing flyers and posters, figuring out logistics, and soliciting book donations from our publisher friends. Even lugging tables, tents, and megaphones out much too early on a Sunday morning are all worth it to have more than 300 happy kids and their families celebrate "community" with us, running with joy, and all getting a prize package including a brand-new book.<br /><br />The list of Blue Bunny events goes on and on... from weekly free storytimes (our favorite!) to author booksignings, workshops and open studios with Peter H. Reynolds, animal visits, easter egg hunts, valentine making workshops, charity hair-cutting days, publication of our own literary magazine for kids... we do it all, as long as we feel like it keeps us celebrating kids, creativity, and helping others along the journey.<br /><br />This weekend we'll be participating in Dedham's first Open Studios event, on May 15th, from 11-4 p.m. We're excited about transforming The Blue Bunny into a Peter H. Reynolds gallery and workshop for the afternoon, hoping many of our fans and customers will stop by to say hello and watch Peter work and show his art. And we're excited for the other nearly 100 local artists who will be sharing their creative spirits with the rest of us!<br /><br />I am so proud to be part of our community, and proud of our community organization Dedham Square Circle, for helping to bring so many good people together in one place. Hoping that the Dedham Open Studios event will be a terrific day in the memory of our town--and an inspiration for other ways to keep us all together as we go along. It's nice to be in a place "where everybody knows your name"....Janet Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593139994324457187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-42698331933431699042011-01-15T18:05:00.000-08:002011-01-15T18:38:58.767-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOw1VGXfZRwI-RX3hx1Q1XSr_grijlFHTgxcDxX-m5cFmKSKxNvTyr73Y2vOww8uaZPBTWNabeGkn9IrJnL8RxXxUhEaKSKVKcD2osSxHswQVCV9eyiQW60lz09JV31zI85dZiXwTzg/s1600/A+Sick+Day+for+Amos+McGee.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOw1VGXfZRwI-RX3hx1Q1XSr_grijlFHTgxcDxX-m5cFmKSKxNvTyr73Y2vOww8uaZPBTWNabeGkn9IrJnL8RxXxUhEaKSKVKcD2osSxHswQVCV9eyiQW60lz09JV31zI85dZiXwTzg/s200/A+Sick+Day+for+Amos+McGee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562605490530460722" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IJZiakJWrzPkRtlNseDtPPVVJ4iVI0kDSxdYf4-eLZApMKXTVqDI-0koDNrec1uJNt7DPd2-nqfx9Ui9cvEvW08tn7MF7gYbpgjAa8sOOPY_xv6L3okJiYB3dbdQrTj43lWGGxzI1Q/s1600/Moon-Over-Manifest-cover.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 105px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IJZiakJWrzPkRtlNseDtPPVVJ4iVI0kDSxdYf4-eLZApMKXTVqDI-0koDNrec1uJNt7DPd2-nqfx9Ui9cvEvW08tn7MF7gYbpgjAa8sOOPY_xv6L3okJiYB3dbdQrTj43lWGGxzI1Q/s200/Moon-Over-Manifest-cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562605336452945698" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >What's all the hullabaloo about the Newbery and Caldecott slight on<br />the Today Show?</span><br /><br /><br /><br />This past Monday, the American Library Association announced the 2011 winners of the Newbery and Caldecott Awards, the highest honors in children's literature for illustration and writing every year. This year's winners, Clare Vanderpool, for her book <span style="font-weight: bold;">Moon over Manifest</span>, and Erin Stead, for her illustration of <span style="font-weight: bold;">A Sick Day for Amos McGee</span>, were bounced from the customary post-announcement interview on The Today Show, in favor of an interview with television personality "Snooki" instead.<br /><br />While children's book lovers have cried foul all week, others have pointed to the sadly growing irrelevance of good literature for kids, in the age of mass marketed mega-bestsellers and pop culture. I wonder what it really means, and what we children's lit lovers can do.<br /><br />I think we do what we always do, but do it louder and prouder! Read as much as we can, sing the praises of the stories and art we love, and pass it on to as many willing (and unwilling) kids as we can! Good stories will always matter until we stop believing. I challenge all book lovers to read one of this year's award-winning or honor books and tell a friend or a kid or a friend's kid about it! Keep fighting the good fight. Go team go!Janet Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593139994324457187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-4212925220471683272010-11-02T10:14:00.000-07:002010-11-02T11:02:17.692-07:00Kids Love Books, Art and Writing!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgFBOo2_Q1TXu4f8n9PRHm5zTMlorGbxG_wYohTcBuBQdrEqOz0rumJYXVeCyL8JYPN2t_PFWlt2zCkNhPA8mblYD1I1d7FA4mbBma3TPVnALbtqTxhcumtDj2JjqFhRjpYhNINCLow/s1600/cropcreative.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgFBOo2_Q1TXu4f8n9PRHm5zTMlorGbxG_wYohTcBuBQdrEqOz0rumJYXVeCyL8JYPN2t_PFWlt2zCkNhPA8mblYD1I1d7FA4mbBma3TPVnALbtqTxhcumtDj2JjqFhRjpYhNINCLow/s320/cropcreative.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535014217021923282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsqwIL6B2zqDwWZ5myknV1bnFGvU7m55nN21NhTgBLpanf9Rv8878q-FCja4WTIBkadrkwakzHsOr8dhWHbzlAkKsuBLAJE8d6tgRq38y6qOrIzRwFc_-unLI8mFSQyunV3nwG-y_WQ/s1600/hutchcrop.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsqwIL6B2zqDwWZ5myknV1bnFGvU7m55nN21NhTgBLpanf9Rv8878q-FCja4WTIBkadrkwakzHsOr8dhWHbzlAkKsuBLAJE8d6tgRq38y6qOrIzRwFc_-unLI8mFSQyunV3nwG-y_WQ/s200/hutchcrop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535013657237210610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dCcnJaJMk22j_FRgxx5XCYeW6wg6JMBQrarT2wDd7hsVF8ITCG0aryn7nCXBBj1L1GTpL0qqXS7AALc2tKmfO3s0jf9RYT-MV2WrYe50Ch1rowUK1jjohEpSNkKTfVEQdUZyOsHyxA/s1600/waysideschoolgroupcrop,jpg.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 123px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dCcnJaJMk22j_FRgxx5XCYeW6wg6JMBQrarT2wDd7hsVF8ITCG0aryn7nCXBBj1L1GTpL0qqXS7AALc2tKmfO3s0jf9RYT-MV2WrYe50Ch1rowUK1jjohEpSNkKTfVEQdUZyOsHyxA/s200/waysideschoolgroupcrop,jpg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535013273225201538" border="0" /></a><br />At the Blue Bunny, we've always tried hard to find ways for kids of all ages to express their love of books, art, and writing. We've co-sponsored plenty of kids art contests with the Dedham Square Circle, Dedham Public Schools, and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. We've had our annual poetry contests and sharing nights in April to celebrate National Poetry Month. We've sponsored writing contests in conjunction with Peter's books "Tess's Tree" and just recently, "Guyku." And more recently, we've added more for kids to celebrate all things creative!<br /><br />This year The Blue Bunny began gathering 7-10 year olds for a monthly book group, which has been well received and so much fun. Focusing on positive, fun choices for these early readers, and then meeting on a Friday afternoon for sharing and a book-themed project, has been a hit. Selections so far have included Judy Moody by Megan Macdonald and Peter Reynolds (complete with "me collage" projects) , Wayside School is Falling Down by Louis Sachar (crazy schools out of marshmallows and toothpicks!), Dessert First by Hallie Durand (cupcake decorating!) and Geronimo Stilton (with a guest lesson in cartooning by local cartooning icon Brendan Joyce). This month's pick is "The Get Rich Quick Club" by Dan Gutman, and the group will be meeting on Friday November 12th at 4 p.m. Let us know if you have a child who would like to attend.<br /><br />Another first-time success was our end-of-summer creativity party in August. Children and adults were invited to come decorate their own journals, and then asked to share something creative they did over the summer. We had fabulous artwork, poetry, stories, and even an original created language! We hope to continue to grow this program every year.<br /><br />And finally, a proud shout-out to The Blue Bunny's very own kids' creativity magazine, HUTCH. Published twice a year, our volunteer staff is now working on issue number 6! What an accomplishment. This great, professionally printed magazine includes art, poetry, stories, comics, book reviews and interviews by kids of all ages, supplemented with artwork and creative advice from our own author-illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, and guest author-illustrators each issue. We've been stuffing so much good stuff in each issue, featuring the work of approximately 30-40 children in each one. And to top it off, every issue launches with a celebration party at The Blue Bunny for contributors and their families. The magazine, although work-intensive, has been one of our store's crowning jewels in our continuing support for creative expression.Janet Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593139994324457187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-56258921504964116632010-08-06T07:51:00.000-07:002010-08-06T08:42:47.312-07:00Picture the Dead: Score One More for the Case for Traditional Books<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfYvicV__gSznZxq8dUQcApnoUCSWeKb38YS_xYnWzZCwoBDp_AeDG06nfgDwU21cmQD8TNX997LgJmcGUkdjObtCuDMP05s9K4NOVGuNvRwv2YI3ILxf0G9k1s7hyMWAzokxxrk8Ng/s1600/Picture-the-Dead.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfYvicV__gSznZxq8dUQcApnoUCSWeKb38YS_xYnWzZCwoBDp_AeDG06nfgDwU21cmQD8TNX997LgJmcGUkdjObtCuDMP05s9K4NOVGuNvRwv2YI3ILxf0G9k1s7hyMWAzokxxrk8Ng/s200/Picture-the-Dead.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502322512273727506" border="0" /></a><br />As the debate rages about the future of traditional printed books, and the availability of e-books soars, I add one more tally mark on the side of the "real deal." I recently read <span style="font-weight: bold;">Picture the Dead</span>, the new civil-war themed young adult novel by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown</span>, and my initial and continuing reaction as I read was "this book is lovely to hold." The combination of color, illustration, and texture complemented the story so wonderfully! I can't imagine enjoying it any other way. Kudos to publisher Sourcebooks Fire for the finished product, and to the authors for the perfect blend of story and picture.<br /><br />The book is set locally in Brookline, Massachusetts, and uses the historic thrill of the then-popular practice of "spirit photography" as a backdrop to the story of Jennie Lovell and the tragic loss of both her twin brother and her fiance to the civil war. Mixing historical drama, love, mystery and the supernatural, the story is told through engaging text, with letters, portraits and scrapbook entries beautifully rendered by illustrator Lisa Brown.<br /><br />I loved this story, and I loved this book! For another visual treat, check out the authors' website for the book, www.picturethedead.com and get a sneak peek of the treasures the book holds.Janet Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593139994324457187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-27913751157968208352010-07-27T10:06:00.000-07:002010-07-27T10:16:27.756-07:00Everyone Loves a Birthday Party!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEIX0BkUz08jYc_OMUd_e1StF0nPqG0GVKICoBeQD5eQcYaJyLUC5M-WEaR-YvwFO3iK0n4znuZVs17cmwFGskgl_nIP0cK8KyH_-ozraKVkcuicvhtlfwRlUP7Zsh8xpG0inQr7ynQ/s1600/Catching-Joy-30.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEIX0BkUz08jYc_OMUd_e1StF0nPqG0GVKICoBeQD5eQcYaJyLUC5M-WEaR-YvwFO3iK0n4znuZVs17cmwFGskgl_nIP0cK8KyH_-ozraKVkcuicvhtlfwRlUP7Zsh8xpG0inQr7ynQ/s200/Catching-Joy-30.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498635744171698690" border="0" /></a><br />One of our best collaborations at <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Blue Bunny</span> has been with Joy Surprenant, founder of the non-profit <span style="font-weight: bold;">Catching Joy</span>. Her organization teaches young children the joy of volunteering and giving to others.<br /><br />We have three new events planned with Joy, the first of which happens this Thurs. evening July 29th! It's a Special "Birthday Party" Storytime <span class="text_exposed_show">to help the local organization <span style="font-weight: bold;">“Birthday Wishes” </span>provide birthday parties for kids in area shelter homes. We’ll be reading birthday stories, decorating and filling goodie bags to donate, and capping off the night with <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">yummy birthday cake</span>.<br /><br />All ages are welcome... we're just asking you to bring party favors to donate (no candy please, or under-3 choking hazards) or other party supplies in original packaging. See www.birthdaywishes.org for more info. FREE!</span><br /><br />Other Catching Joy events include a "Save the Seals" Bedtime Storytime in August, and a haircutting event in September for the Pantene Beautiful Lengths hair donation for cancer patients program. Check our website for more info.Janet Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593139994324457187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-12863004352604473112010-07-13T18:05:00.000-07:002010-07-13T18:26:22.092-07:00Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWeYhyE2Ypqbqk_mhPYpCvIptx5QB7WEjFI4zoHO7wLQojge6tPglSmB_tFQwTbL99j5GGUpsybm630wv58Rjmsa5a40DJ-seLVyPLQohAfxg4BeLaqUcd14JZylDxVUMY1Ld6OFRkA/s1600/Bamboo+People+cover+72.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 141px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWeYhyE2Ypqbqk_mhPYpCvIptx5QB7WEjFI4zoHO7wLQojge6tPglSmB_tFQwTbL99j5GGUpsybm630wv58Rjmsa5a40DJ-seLVyPLQohAfxg4BeLaqUcd14JZylDxVUMY1Ld6OFRkA/s200/Bamboo+People+cover+72.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493567128904398722" border="0" /></a><br />Award-winning author <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mitali Perkins</span> is coming to visit The Blue Bunny on <span style="font-weight: bold;">August 26th</span> for a booksigning and free writing workshop for parents and their tweens or teens to attend together. Her generous offer to visit prompted me to pick up my copy of her recently published novel, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Bamboo People</span>, and hope I really liked it! And...I did!<br /><br />A great read for middle-schoolers, the novel follows the story of two boy soldiers in the contemporary civil strife in Burma, one on each side of the war. Perkins examines the unfortunate circumstances which lead both into the conflict, and subsequently bring the two together.<br /><br />Without being too rough or violent, readers will surely get a picture of the situation in Burma, and be led to ponder the nature of friendship, loyalty to family and country, and the moral obligations of one human to another.<br /><br />I am so looking forward to meeting Mitali and attending her workshop on Thurs. August 26th.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> 6 p.m. Booksigning with Mitali Perkins: award-winning young adult author, signing copies of her newest book, Bamboo People. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> 6:30 – 8 p.m . Parent/Child Writing Workshop! Cap off your summer with this Writing Workshop for kids and parents with award-winning children’s Author Mitali Perkins, “Magic Carpet: Creating a Sense of Place in Fiction” is a parent/child team event. Get creative with your child! FREE with pre-registration. Kids grades 5 and up with a parent or adult partner! </span>Janet Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593139994324457187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-58662856142069597062010-05-15T18:42:00.000-07:002010-05-17T12:39:50.800-07:00Monthly Staff Picks at The Blue Bunny<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvv5gGUrCcHa8anH1W9LM3ca02HYZcYdwu9Q5YZkCWZ0iHXS1tXo925FJQnDHVNdXpC8PIb44VFJ5oIYuKW0gs73C66uWcrKwg5JsuIJqvz1XC2HyFphJZUlRQ_iR0fNtQ0BTs8J4Jw/s1600/QuiltmakersGift.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvv5gGUrCcHa8anH1W9LM3ca02HYZcYdwu9Q5YZkCWZ0iHXS1tXo925FJQnDHVNdXpC8PIb44VFJ5oIYuKW0gs73C66uWcrKwg5JsuIJqvz1XC2HyFphJZUlRQ_iR0fNtQ0BTs8J4Jw/s200/QuiltmakersGift.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472325685312166466" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A new monthly feature in our store, and on our website, are our monthly staff book picks.</span> I know other stores have great fun and success with this exercise, and The Blue Bunny staff has been happy to join in. The monthly picks will stay posted on our website for those who w<span style="font-family:georgia;">ant to follow what we've been reading. Best of all, there are no rules for staff picks! We have all been told to pick a favorite book--old or new, any genre, any age group.
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<br />This month's choices:</span>
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >Peter Reynolds:</span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >The Chocolate War</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" > by Robert Cormier</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> (young adult, ages 12-up)</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;">Originally published in 1974, it's been called one of the best young-adult novels ever written, and one of the first young-adult psychological thrillers. The plot centers on a boy who refuses to sell chocolates for a high school fundraiser and the consequences this decision brings from from his peers.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Janet Reynolds:</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Nancy Drew, The Secret of the Old Clock</span> by Carolyn Keene</span> (ages 8-12).
<br />Classic mystery for kids, this is the first in the Nancy Drew series, celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. A staple on every girl's bookshelf for decades. Back to River Heights--bring on the dark-colored sedans and late-model convertibles!
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cheryl Doucette:</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Ravenmaster's Secret</span> by Elvira Woodruff</span> (ages 9-12)
<br />Historical fction based in 1735 London. This well-reviewed middle-grade novel tells the story of a young boy who gets caught up in aiding an escape from the Tower of London prison.</span><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link style="font-family: georgia;" rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5COwner%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: georgia;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName" downloadurl="http://www.5iantlavalamp.com/"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: georgia;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType" downloadurl="http://www.5iantlavalamp.com/"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: georgia;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City" downloadurl="http://www.5iamas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: georgia;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place" downloadurl="http://www.5iantlavalamp.com/"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style>
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Margie Leonard:</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Someday</span> by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds</span> (all ages)
<br />This bestselling picturebook recounts the poignancy of motherhood. A mother tells her daughter of all the milestones she will remember in her life as a mother, and confirms her enduring love. Great gift for Mother's Day, graduations, new babies, and other special events~!
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sue Hoffman:</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pete and Pickles</span> by Berkeley Breathed </span>(picture book for ages 4-8)
<br />Written and illustrated by the well-known creator of the Bloom County comic strips. School Library Journal calls it "a heartwarming tale packed with adventure, imagination, and the all-important message of accepting differences." Sue has been a champion of this book since it was published two years ago.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Emma Hodges:</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Quiltmaker's Gift</span> by Jeff Brumbeau</span> (picture book for ages 4-8).
<br />The book tells the tale of a greedy king who finds his happiness increase as he gives away his material possessions. The story's message is beautifully illustrated by Gail De Marcken.
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<br /></b>Janet Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593139994324457187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-2881959279323180332010-03-21T13:54:00.000-07:002010-03-21T14:18:55.165-07:00Storytime at The Blue Bunny<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWPgq3SwWG5J3-EyIXbvtF8j0ryn3SPyH8TZp-vHZfUqVz7Brw7j1Q6ocJdxl6mMOnFJCu41_9XrbDFFrOQuf-9QbXetH3O8QdmCwF28YxcU7UhOaAX3cLKABlrU69GH1OIMdAmXcrQ/s1600-h/pajamaprogrampic2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWPgq3SwWG5J3-EyIXbvtF8j0ryn3SPyH8TZp-vHZfUqVz7Brw7j1Q6ocJdxl6mMOnFJCu41_9XrbDFFrOQuf-9QbXetH3O8QdmCwF28YxcU7UhOaAX3cLKABlrU69GH1OIMdAmXcrQ/s200/pajamaprogrampic2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451197458283853954" border="0" /></a><br />I'm sitting on a Sunday afternoon, preparing for our 4th storytime event in eight days! What a wonderful and integral part of The Blue Bunny these gatherings have become. So many Blue Bunny friendships, with caregivers and kids, have been made through our regular storytime program. We've been doing our <span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday morning 10:30 a.m. storytimes</span> for years now, and have watched dozens of kids grow through toddlerhood and head out for preschool, only to welcome in dozens more, including the baby siblings of some of our graduates.<br /><br />This winter we have been successful with our once-a-month Friday evening Storytimes. And this past Friday, we were so happy to share the stage with Joy Surprenant, whose non-profit group <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Catching Joy"</span> teaches young children the joy of giving by providing opportunities for them to share their gifts with others. Friday's storytime was a benefit for the Pajama Program (www.pajamaprogram.org), which collects new pajamas for kids living in shelters. Our crowd of kids and their parents donated 20 new pairs of pajamas, and after our "pajama stories" (Llama Llama Red Pajama was a fave!) they happily and busily decorated paper teddy bear cards to be given along with the pjs to kids who may need a little extra love.<br /><br />We'll be doing more bedtime storytimes in the upcoming weeks. Look for news on our website about one on April 16th, and another special one on April 23rd, when we welcome Meena Kothandaraman as she shares her message of intercultural acceptance and respect among children with her book <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Can you say my name?</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span> We'll have a cool intercultural project to go along with that one!<br /><br />Check out www.catchingjoy.org to learn more about Joy and her upcoming events. And join us any Monday morning.Janet Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593139994324457187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-91546808873849870182010-03-04T13:14:00.001-08:002010-03-05T13:24:25.284-08:00Alaskan Author Debbie Miller Visits<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoc3vWJF4Exyk_PuZig6DLxZCC6HiEnHiyic2K7FJjs3TrCmh1jL35kLv1LZNQl66RybgCvFDsveU3cStxf1v5t5xFAB1oplgFO67hftPTjcjp6YAak4UG9Y4u5nZlEFyj_3-aUm_evg/s1600-h/debbiemillervisit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoc3vWJF4Exyk_PuZig6DLxZCC6HiEnHiyic2K7FJjs3TrCmh1jL35kLv1LZNQl66RybgCvFDsveU3cStxf1v5t5xFAB1oplgFO67hftPTjcjp6YAak4UG9Y4u5nZlEFyj_3-aUm_evg/s200/debbiemillervisit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445263717076528738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtVbOlMXCcTOur2pIvnrjm8DOkzGiBHFo3fC2jLamAA09N97Eu0NoRtEBDlbBOBnd96W7d7GPpVnK9r9HMu-VocDBil9uXIZINyoJv2pfeaEfxQLmGBR6D9-NRDBHwJjUiR5jk6rAgA/s1600-h/debbiemiller1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtVbOlMXCcTOur2pIvnrjm8DOkzGiBHFo3fC2jLamAA09N97Eu0NoRtEBDlbBOBnd96W7d7GPpVnK9r9HMu-VocDBil9uXIZINyoJv2pfeaEfxQLmGBR6D9-NRDBHwJjUiR5jk6rAgA/s200/debbiemiller1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445263499972099618" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What a treat it was to have Alaskan children's wildlife author Debbie Miller visit The Blue Bunny last weekend. Celebrating the publication of her latest book, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Survival at 40 Below</span>, Debbie was so gracious to us and the children we had visiting. She gave a great lesson to some very young listeners about the animals in Alaska and how they survive the intense cold during the winter. She also entertained us with her very authentic-sounding ptarmigan "calls" and wood frog "quacking."<br /><br />Debbie's teaching skills were obvious in her attentiveness and patience in explaining the fascinating wildlife in her home state. Two thumbs up!Janet Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593139994324457187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-66222194473216096222010-02-01T09:05:00.000-08:002010-02-01T09:09:16.705-08:00Witch & Wizard Review Isabelle Gilman<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z9yPzzPY6e8siZwWlymtmYfehWhQfSSN-7IlGoRtbgYXM6jiiHfXS9b6Z8Y49bTb_ifmZdaEhv9fXym_rygR3Tm8z9Rx8kX8yk5E7GSTW4y7FNsiSCNNmjUyrDQ_zjh9N0BQHdwEOV4/s1600-h/WJacket.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 212px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433323213676789426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z9yPzzPY6e8siZwWlymtmYfehWhQfSSN-7IlGoRtbgYXM6jiiHfXS9b6Z8Y49bTb_ifmZdaEhv9fXym_rygR3Tm8z9Rx8kX8yk5E7GSTW4y7FNsiSCNNmjUyrDQ_zjh9N0BQHdwEOV4/s320/WJacket.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Which Witch & Wizard?<br />by Isabelle Gilman<br /><br />Witch & Wizard by James Patterson<br />Brother and sister Wisty (Wisteria) & Whit (Whitford) Allgood never thought that there would be anything different about them. Living in the Overworld, life seems normal. The New Order (N.O.) is getting more powerful, and people start disappearing. Wisty and Whit don’t have time to think about the N.O., nor do they care about it. Life is complicated enough in high school, until one night. The night the workers for the N.O. burst into the Allgood house and claim Wisty and Whit are a Witch and a Wizard. About to be taken away, Wisty bursts into flames, not knowing how to control it. Once the fire dies down, they were taken away forever, or at least until they are executed, unless there is a way to escape. With the New Order against them will they be able to live, or will they never see their parents again?<br />James Patterson writes a suspenseful story, where you never know what is coming next. I like how each chapter changes perspective between Whit and Wisty. This story keeps you biting your nails, each time you turn the page. Although written in a current time, it is interesting learning about a completely different place, people, and government. This book would be great for anyone who likes mystery, fantasy, suspense, and excitement! This story is a good read and it is hard to put the book down!</div>C.Annie Doucettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04954392924846696890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-41979102240920194012010-01-06T07:48:00.000-08:002010-01-06T07:58:44.543-08:00Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZFmn9GozyV-_czDEMSgAwR6qHUl7WgOJpv101xK03GgW_Ljj7pcHLbZyT9vrklz5Cpelgzb1zUUq3waihz7E2unZydTMQi1HtKFGV7okNbjnzBnrDSnn8ZkCLVpdD-Q9p8HSot3JFw/s1600-h/colvin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 183px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZFmn9GozyV-_czDEMSgAwR6qHUl7WgOJpv101xK03GgW_Ljj7pcHLbZyT9vrklz5Cpelgzb1zUUq3waihz7E2unZydTMQi1HtKFGV7okNbjnzBnrDSnn8ZkCLVpdD-Q9p8HSot3JFw/s200/colvin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423656642590275890" border="0" /></a><br />The National Book Award for Young People was recently awarded to Phillip Hoose for his book <span style="font-weight: bold;">Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice</span>. Colvin was a 15-year-old African-American girl in Montgomery, Alabama, who wouldn't give up her seat on the bus on March 2, 1955--a year before Rosa Parks' historic refusal. Watch Hoose's acceptance speech and get an emotional excerpt from the book. There is also a great short piece on YouTube that features Colvin.<br /><br />A great local connection to this book: The book's editor, Melanie Kroupa King, is an active resident of Dedham, supporter of The Blue Bunny, and board member of the Dedham Square Circle. Congratulations Melanie!<br /><br />http://www.nationalbook.org/nba2009_ypl_hoose.html<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZOpqtdd8nw&feature=player_embeddedJanet Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593139994324457187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-53604945695609560142009-12-09T12:32:00.000-08:002009-12-09T12:49:45.371-08:00Goddess Girls Review by one of our Bunny helpers, Isabella, Age 10<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xgzAdVtCALE3wwBz1rW7lQ8bZRCuJZy75i5dCofSVgI8tYKdVYDQrF2sSBK-IPHgbbtTwbYG8RqYv-0KI-jkqqiOC45DD0A4x16GenIR1fO6Kicll6gIIxuUStTtrRk7ZBwp4oE3nLM/s1600-h/Goddess+Girls+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413341407037120994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 185px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xgzAdVtCALE3wwBz1rW7lQ8bZRCuJZy75i5dCofSVgI8tYKdVYDQrF2sSBK-IPHgbbtTwbYG8RqYv-0KI-jkqqiOC45DD0A4x16GenIR1fO6Kicll6gIIxuUStTtrRk7ZBwp4oE3nLM/s320/Goddess+Girls+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Have you herd the names Athena and Persephone before? If you have you would know that they are two Greek Goddesses. If you have not heard of them then now you know who they are. <strong>Goddess Girls</strong> is two books in one. The story about Athena is called <strong>Athena the Brain.</strong> Athena finds out that when tough times come, friends can lead the way. The book about Persephone is called <strong>Persephone the Phony</strong>. This one is about how Persephone learns that friends won't get mad if you say your real opinion. You also learn about Athena and Persephone's family. The book are bout problems and how to fix them. Mount Olympus Academy is a lot like regular school. Although it does not have the same classes as we do it is a regular school is different ways. There is a bully, friends, and the people you take classes with.<br /><br />That is all I can tell you about this book. You will find out more when you read it. I really liked Goddess Girls and highly recommend it.<br /><br />by<br />Isabella<br />Age 10<br /><br />These books are available Spring of 2010 for ages 8-12years. </div><br /><div><br /></div><a class="underline" href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9781416982715" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" cmimpressionsent="1"></a><a class="underline" href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/imageviewer.asp?ean=9781416982715" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" cmimpressionsent="1"></a>C.Annie Doucettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04954392924846696890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-14903886462110668262009-11-08T18:03:00.000-08:002009-11-08T18:11:56.145-08:00Happy Birthday Blue Bunny<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UhCUUYFim6k_0daBuPg1PWSIbd_Zes33dY6jnrR9b4xnNH2SPjYawhw0765wyMf5hhXfnhatKptvpWYjor3KRr_InNNol4bOWjMuhu9AymrAeIx8dd_WUTOhjk3jj6LzzJ0cTWrfFA/s1600-h/bunny+birthday.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UhCUUYFim6k_0daBuPg1PWSIbd_Zes33dY6jnrR9b4xnNH2SPjYawhw0765wyMf5hhXfnhatKptvpWYjor3KRr_InNNol4bOWjMuhu9AymrAeIx8dd_WUTOhjk3jj6LzzJ0cTWrfFA/s400/bunny+birthday.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401919467191000194" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">The Blue Bunny just celebrated its 6th birthday! A warm thank you to all of our super fantastic wonderful friends for your support over these years. <br /></div>Janet Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593139994324457187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-37155596638645469462009-10-28T13:22:00.000-07:002009-10-28T13:40:25.403-07:00Recommending Grace Lin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYtOmzEGwCBWdqI5GsDTD9eW_1V9kWq6LmcnxS6lkBk4Es5oIPlRXW9k6El8YKX2XkMrk-5iqDMTdQ4sIyco4qRzvI9TwxBH14EfdCxhnZVSykvlIepBqahwSTT91j-pi0Alk_w3hag/s1600-h/yearofdog.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 138px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYtOmzEGwCBWdqI5GsDTD9eW_1V9kWq6LmcnxS6lkBk4Es5oIPlRXW9k6El8YKX2XkMrk-5iqDMTdQ4sIyco4qRzvI9TwxBH14EfdCxhnZVSykvlIepBqahwSTT91j-pi0Alk_w3hag/s200/yearofdog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397753364965232274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEn9bBZzc5OxxLlT4ojVG-ms_j6GJ0qgSz4HWKFtxy3Qww_IcPFFdg1N0Wuiti0hZf_5WlWmOOwlRktP5Uz-kdZtuwQTfmf1LgiAnw3hdzyzoOdELhyphenhyphen60UbErcsa_V1fDFESUM3vmPQ/s1600-h/gracelinbb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEn9bBZzc5OxxLlT4ojVG-ms_j6GJ0qgSz4HWKFtxy3Qww_IcPFFdg1N0Wuiti0hZf_5WlWmOOwlRktP5Uz-kdZtuwQTfmf1LgiAnw3hdzyzoOdELhyphenhyphen60UbErcsa_V1fDFESUM3vmPQ/s320/gracelinbb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397753171988718610" border="0" /></a><br />While I am a long time fan of Grace Lin's beautiful picture books, her recent visit to The Blue Bunny (Oct. 17, 2009) prompted me to sit down this week and read her children's novel <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Year of the Dog. </span>What a treat for young readers! Written from the point of view of a young Chinese-American girl growing up in New York State, the book perfectly captures the day to day musings of an American childhood with an Asian twist. Partnered by small illustrations throughout the text, the book should appeal to young fans of Judy Moody, Ivy and Bean, and Beverly Cleary's Ramona.<br />Lin is a treasure, and her latest book, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Where the Mountain Meets the Moon</span>, has just been chosen as Al Roker's Kids' Book Club pick for December. <img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/JANETR%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg" alt="" />Janet Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593139994324457187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-70613885671408661182009-09-30T09:38:00.000-07:002009-09-30T10:01:19.563-07:00Literary Lights for Children<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrT7U7oCAyZ03z5nemSdp3r4Ytz7CQxCKmkHI_MUIU7zr8-UKTwpBvsCUV-Kmfrpck1EdGDJQjbYecZ0M63nNdwWoRZI1eaxCDBDUdPWLDKzIeZpKfuf8J_3JorB3qB22bAEs0ux6JhQ/s1600-h/phrlogoliterarylights.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrT7U7oCAyZ03z5nemSdp3r4Ytz7CQxCKmkHI_MUIU7zr8-UKTwpBvsCUV-Kmfrpck1EdGDJQjbYecZ0M63nNdwWoRZI1eaxCDBDUdPWLDKzIeZpKfuf8J_3JorB3qB22bAEs0ux6JhQ/s200/phrlogoliterarylights.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387306182175275794" border="0" /></a><br />This past weekend, Cheryl, Margie and I had the pleasure of attending the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Literary Lights for Children</span> event at the Boston Public Library. This annual event honors five children's book authors and illustrators with an afternoon reception in the Bates Reading Hall at the BPL, with each honoree speaking to an audience of children and adults, after an introduction by a middle-school aged student of the Boston Public Schools. The receptions are beautifully decorated, with dainty cookies and lemonade and iced tea. And the authors, this year, as in other years, were terrifically inspiring.<br /><br />Getting to hear words of wisdom from <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sook Nyul Choi, Katherine Paterson, Brian Selznick</span>, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sarah Stewart</span> (with accompanying illustration by her husband, <span style="font-weight: bold;">David Small</span>), was a treat.<br /><br />I was especially transfixed hearing the inspiring life story of Sook Nyul Choi, growing up in occupied, and then communist, Korea. Her memories of books being forbidden when she was a child, and of her mother covering the windows, lighting a single candle, and reciting traditional poetry and stories to her at night until they all fell asleep, were amazing.<br /><br />All of the honorees spoke so warmly about their love of books--actual physical books!--and their power to teach and inspire and comfort and befriend equally across the boundaries of all of life's circumstances.<br /><br />A booksigning after the event left me laden with a pile of new books to add to my bedside table. My favorite takeaway from the event: a postcard from Sarah Stewart with a photo of her elaborate garden on the front, and her tips for aspiring writers on the back. <span style="font-style: italic;">Tip #1: Study Latin. Tip #5: Put your ambition into writing, never into making money.</span><br /><br />Loved this event.Janet Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593139994324457187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-35650938588494281482009-09-09T12:27:00.000-07:002009-09-09T12:47:51.062-07:00New Book Releases this Fall!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-2YxvGqxlLfr89_DLaafbq_LhMkFAC7by7piyxlriv1o-yj9rmPb_gmP_5Lfz1KYiApmjKUXEdHeunR_0X6R6pn9eAtyH-sio_wgkdbm2-mLDn86gRBkjwpodQ2BGqgsIZUOkZf8HQ/s1600-h/WIMPY4_DOGDAYS.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 137px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-2YxvGqxlLfr89_DLaafbq_LhMkFAC7by7piyxlriv1o-yj9rmPb_gmP_5Lfz1KYiApmjKUXEdHeunR_0X6R6pn9eAtyH-sio_wgkdbm2-mLDn86gRBkjwpodQ2BGqgsIZUOkZf8HQ/s200/WIMPY4_DOGDAYS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379556742316927474" border="0" /></a><br />Hey all you children's booklovers! Here is a reminder of some of the highly anticipated book releases this fall:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Catching Fire</span> by Suzanne Collins, sequel to The Hunger Games: NOW AVAILABLE<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Magician's Elephant</span> by Kate DiCamillo, author of Tale of Despereaux, Because of Winn-Dixie, and Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane: NOW AVAILABLE<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Big Frog Can't Fit In</span>, new pop-up picture book by Mo Willems, coming October 6th.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days</span> by Jeff Kinney, coming OCTOBER 12th! Preorder now from The Blue Bunny.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Janet Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593139994324457187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-75200114462067271272009-08-30T16:01:00.000-07:002009-08-30T16:10:42.742-07:00US History Buff??My son Ian just finished reading a book titled <strong>The First Shot</strong> written by Stanley Harris. This is a great book for anyone in 5th-7th that is going to be studying or is interested in American History, (which we are this year).. He LOVED it..<br /><br />Eleven-year old Charles Miller goes back in time to the Battle of Lexington in 1775. His adventure begins when he is visited by Ben Sampson, also eleven, who lives in 1775. Charles meets Ben's fahter, Paul Revere, John Hancock, Sam Adams and Captain John Parker during a time of tension, danger and excitement as the Minuteman await the approaching Redcoats. Charles is a witness to the Battle as he solves one of the greatest mysteries of American history-who fired the shot that began the Battle of Lexington....The First Shot.<br /><br />This book is available to order from The Blue Bunny, just give us a call.C.Annie Doucettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04954392924846696890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-66513829389766148972009-08-27T18:01:00.000-07:002009-08-27T18:49:48.476-07:00When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXUNy9mM-CHvAhtnfPe3yiQiOAuqudATVjk0QU6QKB_zcoiVL-dz3n34VcgdFijUqqdOUeuvpiRb_OCeHEf13K__a1xKtMCmJV7-nVb_BAYjs7vqekErz6X8-aXtQhsqF_mDPSaN7xQ/s1600-h/whenyoureachmecover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXUNy9mM-CHvAhtnfPe3yiQiOAuqudATVjk0QU6QKB_zcoiVL-dz3n34VcgdFijUqqdOUeuvpiRb_OCeHEf13K__a1xKtMCmJV7-nVb_BAYjs7vqekErz6X8-aXtQhsqF_mDPSaN7xQ/s200/whenyoureachmecover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374817953691395282" border="0" /></a><br />I've been reading lots of books all summer: adult, young adult, and middle grade, both fiction and non-fiction. I finally grabbed <span style="font-weight: bold;">"When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead</span> from the shelf at The Blue Bunny, and put it at the top of my pile of bedside books. I had read so many reviews singing the praises of this intermediate level children's novel, I figured I'd better see what the fuss was about. And.... I <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> liked it! In fact, the more I think about it, the more I like it.<br /><br />What I liked about it (without giving it away): it's interesting, thought-provoking, mind-boggling, sweet, funny, very entertaining, and<span style="font-style: italic;"> just right in so many ways for middle-grade readers</span> (I love this about it). It takes place in the seventies, and reminds me in some hard-to-grasp way of so many books I loved as a kid. The nuances of character Stead creates are just perfect, and the plot development is a wonder.<br /><br />This book feels very real, yet surreal, and smart, and funny, and is full of many universal truths hidden in the fictional lives of these city kids in 1979. Check it out, and hang on for the ride!Janet Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593139994324457187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-80910855047336112282009-08-22T17:24:00.000-07:002009-08-22T17:38:39.327-07:00Blue Bunny on the Road this Summer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5oQkoQ9igEBjHQFU5ZlW4Jkx2MM3DXYx9vhXaeFj4jvyb_2LEOQyM9PzfTIk2drWEHYn2k1UtoSsuDrBTDTFnF5mUjDRNe6Q8h4vBvt4Wn54J9JlQOspTsi6BrcTU7gUDy6aeswp1g/s1600-h/catie-bunnymobile.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5oQkoQ9igEBjHQFU5ZlW4Jkx2MM3DXYx9vhXaeFj4jvyb_2LEOQyM9PzfTIk2drWEHYn2k1UtoSsuDrBTDTFnF5mUjDRNe6Q8h4vBvt4Wn54J9JlQOspTsi6BrcTU7gUDy6aeswp1g/s320/catie-bunnymobile.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372950979916990818" border="0" /></a><br />Summer is winding down, and I'm taking stock of all the wonderful events we have had. One success story: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Blue Bunny on the Road</span>. We did two events at the Dedham Public Library (John Lechner booksigning of "The Clever Stick," and Hallie Durand booksigning of "Dessert First"), and two events at the Milton Public Library (Julie Hahnke booksigning of "The Grey Ghost," and Deb Kovacs and Catie Copley booksigning of "Catie Copley's Great Escape"). (See photo of Catie and Copley Plaza concierge Jim Carey).<br /><br />We also took our popular Blue Bunny Storytime program on the road with 4 visits to the Dedham Community House Day Camp, 2 visits to Dedham's Early Childhood Education Center Summer Program, and a visit to the KinderCare DayCare and Preschool in Westwood. All were great fun and warmly received.Janet Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593139994324457187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36793540023997591.post-50694503523008453862009-08-09T14:23:00.000-07:002009-08-09T14:27:30.656-07:00Welcome to Blue Bunny TracksHello to all our Blue Bunny friends. Welcome to our new blog. Our staff will be posting recent news from the store, including information about upcoming events, and reviews of all the wonderful books we have been reading. We're glad you found us. And when you can, hop on down to our wonderful little store in Dedham Square, MA.Janet Reynoldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593139994324457187noreply@blogger.com0