Feed Me Books Friday: It’s Birthday Time Again
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Party Prep
My regular readers know birthdays are a BIG deal in my family; not in the ponies in the front yard, contracted entertainers, and fireworks kind of way, but it’s really important that the birthday –boy or –girl feel celebrated. That means making choices for the meal, as many family members as we can round up, and enjoying (or enduring) a birthday song over 2 minutes long! I’ve been prepping this week for a pirate party – namely a Jake and the Never Land Pirates party. B is completely enamored with the new show on Disney Junior, and since it’s so new (and I’ve never been one to spend a bunch of money on licensed character paraphernalia anyway) I’m creating a lot from scratch. We’re still on the hunt for a pirate book to enjoy as a Jake alternative – suggestions?Our Tradition Gift
Each year, along with toys and games and clothes, I select a book for each of my boys that expresses how loved and special they are. This year, my choice for B is Wherever You Are, My Love will Find You
, by Nancy Tillman. Tillman was nominated for a Children’s Choice Book Award for her illustrations in this book, which is how we were first introduced to it. The illustrations are indeed captivating, but the text is also worthy of recognition. It catalogs the places and situations that love finds its recipient without feeling list-like. The rhythm and rhyme is almost reminiscent of Dr. Seuss a la Oh, The Places You’ll Go
:“You can dance ‘till you’re dizzy, Paint ‘till you’re blue. There’s no place, not one, that my love can’t find you.”
If a little mush leaves a bad taste in your mouth, this one probably isn’t for you, but if you’re a sentimental like me, you’ll enjoy just the right amount of creative language, thoughtfully evoked memories, and beautiful illustrations, without feeling sappy. I’m quite tempted to use the text as a jumping off point for a scrapbook for each of the boys. I see childhood pictures spanning many years illustrating phrases like:
“Make a big splash. Go out on a limb. My love will find you. My love can swim!”
Appropriate for: everyone!
6 comments:
Ooh good luck with the party! How exciting! I have linked up our pirates books.. we love the Julia Donaldson one... it is funny - but I am not sure how easy it is to get it in the US. The other one I think is ok! We also have a couple of German ones (which I can't find anywhere), but they won't be much good to you!
Maggy
Wow, just found you wonderful blog! I love your birthday tradition! I also have a little man who loves Jake & the Neverland Pirates. It has just been released here in Australia and he is addicted already. Our favourite pirate books are: Tough Boris by Mem Fox, How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long and Pirates don't change diapers also by Melinda Long. Good luck with the party! I am linking up with our book fun too!
good luck w/the party! My girls love that show too!
I must say I LOVE Wherever You Are... I found it a few months back while browsing at the bookstore & fell in love! It spoke to my sentimental heart as well. What a perfect gift for your son!
Bernadette
Sounds like there will be a wonderful birthday party at your home soon! How fun. :)
I sometimes like mush, and sometimes don't, but the great rhyming in this story makes it totally bearable! Can't wait to find this book at our library - thank you!
This book sounds lovely.I would love it if you link up to Book Sharing Monday on my blog.
I seem to recall a book in my teaching stash about Grandma and the pirates. I'm not sure about this one...I'll have to get back to you! Have fun planning your party!
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