The Right Book at the Right Time

Title: Christmas is Here : Words from the King James Bible

Illustrated by: Lauren Castillo

Publisher: Simon & Schuster 2010

Summary/Review: Christmas is Here is a beautifully illustrated story for younger children depicting a live Nativity Event in a small town.  The two page spreads show a family with their little dog walking through gently falling snow to the town green event.  The little child peeps over the manger to see the sleeping baby portraying the infant Jesus.  The story continues with the “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,” the beautiful story and words from the King James Bible.  The illustrations end with families gathered under the softly falling snow singing carols and concluding on the final page with the family of Mom, Dad, baby and child and little doggie.  This is a peaceful, beautiful family Christmas story.

Who will like this book?: Someone looking for a beautiful, soothing book to read to their children over the Christmas holiday. It makes a perfect bedtime story for those who are too excited to go to sleep.

Recommended by: Cheryl, Children’s Librarian

Title: Poem Runs (Baseball Poems and Paintings)

Author: Douglas Florian

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012

Summary/Review: What is a better way to usher in Baseball
season with a book of baseball poems!

This new book of poetry by the creative poet and artist Douglas Florian
really hits a home run for children.  The pages are full of gorgeous spring colors of greens, blues, yellows and bright oranges. Two- page spreads of ball players warming up, pitching, catching, stealing bases have the players performing on each page.  Everyone is included in the game –the boys and
girls stretch, jump, slide, hit, and catch across the pages.  This is a book full of the pure joy children have playing the sport of baseball.  I can smell the fresh grass and dirt of a baseball field full of children.  “Play Ball!”

Who will like this book: Anyone- kids or adults, boy or girl-who enjoys baseball! Anyone looking for fun short poems and unique artwork.

If you like this, try this: Douglas Florian has written numerous other poetry books including “UnBEElievables”, “Winter Eyes”, and Autumblings”.  If you’re looking for more great baseball picture books, try “H is for Home Run” by Brad Herzog or “The Babe & I” or “Mama Played Baseball” by David Adler.

Recommended by: Cheryl, Branch Children’s Librarian

Does this look like a book you (or your little one!) will enjoy? Check out the Fairfield Public Library catalog to see if it’s available- and to place a hold!