Oh Scott. In the past year, I have really gotten to know the kids’ section at Lemuria inside and out. One of my favorite parts has been looking at all of the picture books in Oz, old and new, popular and forgotten. Lately in the classic kids’ books, I have fallen in love with a book and its illustrations only to find out that it was illustrated by Scott Gustafson. My favorite Mother Goose and Classic Fairy Tales books are illustrated by Scott. Gustafson has a beautiful way of blending bright colors and traditional designs, and his art appeals to kids and parents alike. Often, his work is beautiful enough for me to want to hang it on my wall.

The two books above are just the some that I have fallen in love with this year. When I was a child, I had a beautiful edition of Peter Pan. It was one of those books where the illustrations brought the story to life. The illustrations were too vivid and too perfect — any moving picture adaptation from that point on just fell short. One of my goals as Oz’s manager has been to bring in those favorites that I cherished as a child. Recently, I found that beautiful Peter Pan book and discovered that the illustrator was none other than Scott Gustafson. From that light-bulb moment, I have been irrevocably in love with any and all of Scott’s works, much like I am with David Wiesner, Jon J. Muth, or Emily Gravett.

Come on in to see Scott’s amazing illustrations and to see some of my other favorite illustrators. I promise they will change the way you look at art in children’s literature.

The Night Fairy by 2008 Newbery Medal Winner Laura Amy Schlitz is about Flory, a young night fairy loses her wings and must learn to cope in an unfairy like world. She is a determined young fairy willing to do whatever it takes to survive. Come along and enjoy the adventure as Flory adapts to a new life, friends, and compromise. This is a delightful book. (ages 8 and up)

See Emily’s post on The Night Fairy here.

In the young adult book world, M. T. Anderson is a jack of all trades. He has written everything from his National Book Award winner The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing set in 18th century Boston during the Revolutionary War to the dystopian novel Feed about a world where electronic communication as melded with the human mind.

However, his most recent venture resembles a scrambling of Nancy Drew stories, Sherlock Holmes tales, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Pretty crazy, right? It would never work, you say? Well, I am here to say that in the Pals in Peril series not only works, but it is also hilariously good. Set in the dangerous land of Delaware, (bet you didn’t know it was so deadly!) Lily, Jasper, and Katie must venture into this perilous land to stop dastardly villains and save the world. This is a great series for those who like Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events or Michael Buckley’s Sister’s Grimm series.

I think that Anderson describes it best himself, so below is a great video of M. T. Anderson on his Pals in Peril series. M. T. Anderson will be here in the bookstore on Monday, October 18th at 5:00. Come on by and talk to him about his books. We have all of them in stock!

MT Anderson Talks

Waggit Forever by Peter Howe

Ages 8-12

Waggit’s home has been Central Park ever since he was abandoned as a puppy. Now several years later the park has become overcrowded with people, food is scarce, and it is difficult to find a safe shelter. Once again Waggit shows us his ability to take charge, assess the situation and lead the pack to a new home.

If you read Waggit’s Tale, and Waggit Again, Waggit Forever will take you back to the park and the adventure of this loyal, courageous and truly remarkable dog, Waggit.

Peter Howe’s character Waggit is based on his own real life dog, Roo, whom he found in Central Park. Visit Peter and the Waggit pack at www.waggitstale.com.

This week, I’ve been reading Jewell Parker Rhodes‘ newest work, Ninth Ward.  What a moving read!  Told from the perspective of 12 year old, New Orleans resident, Lanesha, Rhodes provides a respectful and thoughtful portrayal of this young girl’s experience through Hurricane Katrina.  Rhodes reminds us of youthful times and understandings, full of questioning and curiosity.

We follow Lanesha as she travels through the set of days that have now become legendary.  The same storm that altered so many thousands of lives and routines-and the one that washes away Lanesha’s material home–also ends up being the waves that beat in constant remembrance. Remembrance of the mother she never met but still sees as a ghost, and remembrance of her grandmother and number one caretaker, Mama Ya-Ya.  Mama Ya-Ya teaches her of the love of a family while imparting her own acquired knowledge of symbols and numbers.  “Put 4 and 8 together and it equals 12.  That’s spiritual strength. Real Strength, Lanesha.” Being this age, it’s no wonder why this knowledge becomes an encouragement throughout her journey.

We experience the growth of Lanesha’s understanding of these tragedies with much pre-storm foreshadowing. “I think I’d like traveling by water.  Unlike dirt, water seems alive, moving and shifting, always making lapping sounds against the boat and shore.”   These alive waters that also bring destruction ultimately help define her:  “I’m Lanesha. Born with a caul.  Interpreter of symbols and signs. Future engineer. Shining Love.  I’m Lanesha. I’m Mama Ya-Ya’s girl.”

-Peyton