Books · 11-11-2016
Recently, I read an article about what books do for the human soul. The author explained how good literature makes us nicer because it allows us to consider someone else’s point of view. Good literature also allows us to consider our actions on others and provides us with examples of being kind and generous. Good picture books also enhance our lives. With their wide array of topics and vivid artistry, these books play a key role in fostering a child’s imagination, creativity, and interest...
Books · 09-27-2016
A small act of kindness can brighten someone’s day. Simple gestures such as a smile or lending a helping hand can be transformative. There is also evidence that giving or receiving kindness is healthy for us. Treating others with kindness yields positive feelings, which can lift our moods and increase resilience and resourcefulness. These healthy benefits also apply to children. One book that exemplifies these positive feelings is the beautiful picture book, Sidewalk Flowers. In this wordless...
Books · 07-24-2016
As a child, I never needed incentives to read. Reading made me happy and also helped me relax. I reread favorites until they were well worn. Recently, I parted with some childhood books that I had saved. Many were presents from family and friends, so the emotional task took a long time to complete. When they were all packed for the last time, I consoled myself by visiting the library. If you’re looking for ways to encourage children to read, I suggest that you read too. Visit the library,...
Books · 05-25-2016
My friend Jerry reminds me of the book character Amos McGee. Like Amos, he is friendly, patient, and generous with his time. Even though he has a lot to do, he always makes time to visit. Erin Stead won the 2011 Caldecott Medal for A Sick Day for Amos McGee, which was written by her husband Philip Stead. The book, about a zookeeper who always has time for his animal friends, is lovely and charming – much like the illustrator. She won the medal at quite a young age – late twenties. In fact...
Books · 04-21-2016
Campoy, F. Isabel. Howell, Theresa. (Illustrated by Rafael Lopez). Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016. A girl who lives to doodle, draw, color, and paint lives in a gray city. An artist sees one of her artworks, and they begin to spread color and joy throughout the streets. (Rafael Lopez is both the illustrator of the book and the inspiration for the artist.) Ages 4-9.
Books · 02-09-2016
Brun-Cosme, Nadine. Big Wolf & Little Wolf, Such a Beautiful Orange! New York: Enchanted Lion Books, 2011. Big Wolf uses courage and “howls as no wolf has howled before” in his search to find Little Wolf. This is the third and last book in the Big Wolf series. Ages 4-8
Books · 01-24-2016
As a result of their passion for reading, artist Jane Mount and writer Thessaly La Force asked 100+ creative people to assemble their ideal “bookshelves.” This select group represented a variety of disciplines, and many of them cited reading as a gateway to their creative pursuits. My Ideal Bookshelf will inspire you, help you find new books to read, and make you think about your own ideal bookshelf. Included is a template that allows you to create your own bookshelf.
Museums · 01-14-2016
Power and Pathos, the exhibit of bronze sculptures at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., is remarkable. Fifty bronze sculptures, dating from the 4th century BC to the 1st century AD, capture the “dynamic realism, expression, and detail that characterize the new artistic goals of the era.” Innovations from a distant time still seem relevant today and offer inspiration for prolonged viewing and future exploration. Only a small fraction of ancient bronzes survives because most...