Search Results for: amy krouse rosenthal

Celebrating Amy Krouse Rosenthal

March 13, 2017 by Dawn

Author, artist, and “maker of things” Amy Krouse Rosenthal wrote an essay for The New York Times titled “You May Want to Marry My Husband.” It’s heartbreakingly devastating, and it’s an incredible testament to the love shared between Rosenthal and her husband. The work that Amy Krouse Rosenthal has shared with the world has brought joy and happiness, and above all, connection.

Head over to 5 Minutes for Mom to share in the celebration of the incomparable Amy Krouse Rosenthal.

Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal

September 3, 2016 by Dawn

Amy Krouse Rosenthal is a creator. There’s no simpler way to describe her, I believe, based on her work as an author, storyteller, organizer of creative experiences, and “tiny filmmaker” (her words– you decide on the meaning, since she is both petite and also makes short films). Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal is one of her latest creative endeavors, a collection that is memoir-ish, and includes her musings on life, love, and other universal, everyday experiences.

First off, I feel completely inadequate in offering a standard review of this book, because there’s nothing standard about it. It’s clever beyond anything I’ve read before, but clever in a gentle way, not for the sake of impressing the reader with its cleverness, but with the intent of sharing and inviting readers to do the same. See, the word ‘textbook’ in the title is multilayered, and anyone familiar with AKR’s work knows she loves a good word play. The book itself follows a somewhat traditional textbook format; there are sections that mirror school subjects- Geography, Art, History, Math, and so on. Graphs and charts are sprinkled about among the text. As a follow-up of sorts to her previous Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life, a textbook format only seemed logical.

But, think of another meaning of the word ‘textbook,’ and you’ll see that it can also be applied in this title to mean something that is exactly what you’d expect from someone. Perfect.

Additionally, the book encourages reader participation by incorporating an actual texting component to the reading experience. Certain passages end with an opportunity to text a particular number for an additional related piece, be it a short story to read, a video to watch, an audio link for your listening pleasure, or an invitation to share your own photo or thought. Other projects will branch off from this book and the contributions of its readers, including the gathering of readers’ good luck messages to be placed into a bottle on January 1st and sent out to sea. Reader submissions of self-portraits, photos of rainbows, and moments of serendipity, among others, are available at the book’s website, where the content continues to change and grow.

Seriously, this isn’t a book that you just read. You experience this book, reading AKR’s thoughts encouraging you to explore your own, and being given the opportunity to connect with other readers all over the world. The book came out earlier this month, and to celebrate its launch, AKR invited people to meet her at her favorite place in Chicago, “The Bean” statue. Just looking at the photos made me smile, even as I was a bit heartbroken that I couldn’t be there in person.

I encourage you to read this book and to share this book, partake in as many of the interactive components as you like, and be inevitably changed, even just a little, for the experience.

Friday’s Five: Favorite Authors’ Newest #Cybils Nominated Books

October 25, 2013 by Dawn

We live in a fairly small house, especially considering that there are five of us in the family. During the times that I’ve served on a judging panel for the Cybils Awards, I’ve had to make some changes to our regular setup to provide space for all the picture books that come in day after day from the library. Right now, the alphabetized pile of books sits under a side table in our dining room, 100+books deep!

This week, I’m opting to share five nominated picture books written and illustrated by some of my personal favorites. You’ll surely recognize the names here, and if you didn’t realize that these talented authors and illustrators had new books published in the last year, then hopefully you’ll be heading to your own library soon, too.

1. Again! by Emily Gravett — I’ve long loved Gravett‘s cleverness with picture books, for there’s always a unique feel to her work. In this one, the request for a beloved bedtime story to be repeated again and again leaves Cedric the dragon’s mother feeling exhausted, and with each telling, she shortens or adapts the story in a way that I’m sure will make many parents smile with understanding. Cedric, however, is not so much a fan of the quicker versions, and he begins to heat up. Literally. Kids absolutely LOVE the surprise ending that leaves the back cover a bit different than most books!

2. Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld — When I see either of these names on a picture book, I’m delighted, but when they work together, it’s picture book perfection. Most everyone knows Duck! Rabbit!, but I think my favorite of theirs might be the lesser known The OK Book, both funny and innovative picture books. Her words and his illustrations are a match made in heaven. With their newest collaboration, they actually make punctuation fun, and especially young elementary school aged children will giggle along at all the puns and plays on words. Somehow Lichtenheld has brought whimsy to simple illustrations– swipes of black on a background of children’s lined writing paper actually convey emotions and are entirely engaging. Totally fun all around!

3. Crankee Doodle by Tom Angleberger and illustrated by Cece Bell — If you’ve got a reader in the 8-12 age range, then you’ve likely heard of Angleberger’s Origami Yoda series, and I can’t tell you how happy I am that he has brought his wacky sense of humor to picture book audiences. Some children today might need a little introduction to the traditional song “Yankee Doodle” in order to fully understand the jokes in the book, but once you’re familiar with that silly song (“call it macaroni”??), then this take on an irritated version of Mr. Doodle will surely hit the right note. Oh the fun that can be had with this one on a read aloud.

4. Cheetah Can’t Lose by Bob Shea — There’s no way to pick a favorite Shea book, for his collection is huge and much loved by young children. In this book that was released last February, two little kittens are preparing for a race with Cheetah, even though Cheetah has an established record of never losing a race. But, the kitties have a plan and they sneakily give Cheetah lots of “prizes” for the mild competitions that precede the big race that actually end up slowing him down. Will the kitties have a change of heart when it comes to breaking the news to Cheetah that he can indeed lose?

5. Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great by Bob Shea — Don’t worry, you didn’t read that wrong, it is indeed another book by Bob Shea! Two books in one year, and two really quite funny ones at that. Here, Goat laments how the arrival of Unicorn in his neighborhood has made him feel not so cool, for when he compares himself to the awesomeness of the unicorn, he feels that he falls short. While he’s busy being resentful, Unicorn actually approaches him, drawn by the delicious smell of his goat-cheese pizza, and quickly Goat discovers that it’s not that easy being Unicorn either. This one is definitely a different take on the “grass is greener” concept, and presents a whimsical tale of an unlikely friendship.

If you’re looking to read through the nominations like me, check out the entire list of nominated picture books. You, too, can have your home overtaken with library books! (Or you could be a reasonable person and just check out twenty or so at a time. It’s up to you.)

All opinions offered here are mine alone, and do not represent the Cybils Awards.

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5 Star Reads

If we post a review of a book here at 5 Minutes for Books, it means that we think that someone out there would like it. It may not have been our favorite book, but it was worth our time to read and review, and we hope someone likes it. We wanted to distinguish our “must reads,” and so we’ve given them the special 5 Star Reads designation.

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker
After You by Julie Buxbaum
Everyone is Beautiful by Katherine Center
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas
So Brave, Young and Handsome by Leif Enger
Hannah’s Dream by Diane Hammond
The Rook by Steven James
Stealing with Style by Emyl Jenkins
Small Wars by Sadie Jones
The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz
Rooftops of Tehran by Mahbod Seraji
The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Godmother by Carolyn Turgeon
The Weight of Heaven by Thrity Umrigar
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

Memoir and Biography:

The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan
My Prison, My Home by Haleh Esfandiari
Boy Alone by Karl Taro Greenfeld
Clara’s War by Clara Kramer
Coop by Michael Perry
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Scratch Beginnings by Adam Shepherd
How to Be Like Walt by Pat Williams
Dough by Mort Zachter

Nonfiction:

Nurture Shock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merriman
On the Go Devotional: Contentment by Lydia Brownback
The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment by Tim Challies
Finding An Unseen God by Alicia Britt Chole
5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Daughter by Vicki Courtney
Stubborn Twig, by Lauren Kessler
The Uncommon Woman: Making an Ordinary Life Extraordinary by Susie Larson
Free-Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy
The Grand Weaver, by Ravi Zacharias

Children’s Books — ages 0 – 3, 3 – 6, 6 – 9:

My Name Is Not Isabella by Jennifer Fosberry
The Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller
Tiana’s Cookbook: Recipes for Kids edited by Cindy Littlefield
Eye Like and Incredible Books by Play Bac Publishing
Little Hoot and Little Pea, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems
All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon

Children’s Books — ages 9 – 12:

Savvy by Ingrid Law
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, by Trenton Lee Stewart

Books for Tweens and Teens:

The Hunger Games & Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Much Ado About Anne by Heather Vogel Frederick
Meet the Austins by Madeleine L’Engle
Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell
The Strictest School in the World series by Howard Whitehouse
The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

Little Oink

April 4, 2009 by Carrie

Please remember and note my previous excitement over the books Little Hoot and Little Owl which I reviewed a short while ago. Imagine my excitement and glee then when I was informed that another installment in the series by Amy Krouse Rosenthal was due to be released! Here it is, folks! Little Oink! I love it just as much as the other two!

In this book, Little Oink wonders why it is that he has to keep his room so dirty. All of his other friends “get” to clean his room and he wants to be able to do the same. But Papa Pig says, “If you want to grow up to be a respectable pig, you must learn how to make a proper mess.” So despite his wishes, Little Oink must engage in mess up time. It’s a cruel world for a little pig, really.

This book is just as endearing as the other two books. My two year old really hasn’t engaged with them just yet, but his mother sure has! I’m sure that, in time, he’ll learn to appreciate these books more completely. I’ll do my best to make sure that he does! These are seriously some of my favorite kid picture books ever! Can I use any more exclamation marks!? (!!!) I love the creativity involved in it. So, you rushed out and found copies of Little Hoot and Little Pea, right? Add Little Oink to your list!

Enjoy!

P.S. For a different style of book by Rosenthal, check out her other new release, Duck! Rabbit!. Is it a duck or is it a rabbit? You be the judge!

Carrie comes by her book and holiday obsession honestly, having descended from a long line of bibliophiles. She blogs about books regularly at Reading to Know.

Little Hoot & Little Pea

January 18, 2009 by Carrie

I learned about these books over at Bookie Woogie and HAD to look into them.

Little Pea and Little Hoot are two of the cutest children’s books I’ve come across in some time. Published by Chronicle Books, these two stories buck the norm and provide children adequate reason to laugh at life and at themselves. I love them.

Little Pea is the story of Little Pea, Mama Pea and Papa Pea. Little Pea lives a frustrated life because every night for dinner he has to eat candy. That, you see, is what little peas eat in order to grow up strong and healthy. Candy, candy, every night! Little Pea grumbles because he doesn’t like eating candy. However, his parents say that he must eat up all his candy in order to have dessert. And what is dessert? Spinach, of course! Little Pea’s favorite.

In the story of Little Hoot, our little owl friend is upset because he has to stay up late every night because that is what owls do. He would much prefer to be allowed to go to bed when he is feeling tired. However, Papa Owl would hear none of it. Owls stay up late! That’s all there is to that. Little Hoot must be cajoled into playing an extra hour before going to bed, which he grudging does, declaring that when he grows up and has kids of his own, they will be allowed to go to bed early if they so desire.

These books are contrary books which are humorously told by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and adorably illustrated by Jen Corace. I picked up these books on a recommendation, not sure if I would like them but found I absolutely loved them! They are a true delight and I look forward to sharing Little Pea and Little Hoot with my kids as they grow up. Thanks, Z-Kids for the tip! I’m just here to pass it on!

Carrie comes by her book obsession honestly, having descended from a long line of bibliophiles. She blogs about books regularly at Reading to Know.

Search Results for: amy krouse rosenthal

Celebrating Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Friday’s Five: Favorite Authors’ Newest #Cybils Nominated Books

5 Star Reads

Reviewed in 2015:

Fiction:

Non-Fiction and Memoir:

Reviewed in 2014:

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Non-Fiction and Memoir:

Children and Young Adult

Reviewed in 2013:

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Children and Young Adult

Reviewed in 2012:

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Non-Fiction and Memoir:

Children and Young Adult

Reviewed in 2011:

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Non-Fiction and Memoir:

Children and Young Adult:

Reviewed in 2010:

Fiction:

Non-Fiction and Memoir:

Children and Young Adult

5 Star Reads, reviewed prior to 2010: