Book of the Month
2009-2010
March
George Crum and the Saratoga Chip
Written by Gaylia Taylor
Illustrated by Frank Morrison
This lively story of the inventor of the potato chip begins with Crum's 1830s childhood in the Adirondacks, where his "feisty streak" gave him resilience in the face of prejudice against his Native American/African-American heritage. He combined a passion for cooking with a perfectionist bent and was hired as a chef at Moon's Lake House in Saratoga Springs, where he created popular wild game and fish dishes. His encounters with fussy and demanding patrons led to the innovative idea of thinly sliced, deep-fried potatoes as the ultimate French fry, and his fame spread rapidly. He eventually opened his own restaurant, Crum's Place, where everyone was treated equally, regardless of race or wealth.
Learn about Gaylia Taylor by clicking on the picture below:
Visit Frank Morrison’s Website by clicking on the picture below:
February
John, Paul, George & Ben
Written and Illustrated by Lane Smith
When we think about the Founding Fathers we do not think of little boys who get into trouble with their teachers or parents, but as this tale shows us, some of them did. John, Paul, George and Ben brings history alive with humorous vignettes about the childhoods of five of our favorite statesmen. We learn that Paul Revere's loud voice was cultivated in his church's bell ringing club. Not all members of the community appreciated this special talent when in his father's shop he loudly announced the size of their underwear. Humor is the order of the day throughout this book as young Ben Franklin drives his friends crazy with one too many of his clever sayings and John Hancock frustrates his teacher with his large "John Hancock" on the chalkboard. These characteristics of John, Paul, George, Ben and Independent Tom reappear as they lead our new county during the Revolution.
Visit Lane Smith at his Website:
http://www.lanesmithbooks.com
January
Faith
By Maya Ajmera, Magda Nakassis, and Cynthia Pon
Celebrate religious traditions around the world by reading this beautiful book formatted to emphasize inclusiveness, with each double-page spread focusing on some aspect common to many religions. For example, "We read our holy books" is illustrated with photographs of a Kenyan boy studying the Qur'an, a young Buddhist in Mongolia reading the sutras, a British Christian girl reading the bible and holding a rosary and three Orthodox Jewish boys in Israel looking over their prayer books. This book builds to a powerful message: "We respect others, making friends and building peace." This book transcends boundaries of age and culture to become a meditation on spirit, sharing and respect.
Visit this website to learn more about how these authors are tying to make the world a better place:
Global Fund For Children
Cynthia Pon Maya Ajmera
December
Howard B. Wigglebottom
Learns About Bullies
Written by Howard Binkow
Illustrated by Susan F. Cornelison
Howard B. Wigglebottom is back, and this time the bunny is being bullied at school by the Snorton twins. Even though his intuition tells him to tell the teacher about it, he chooses different strategies. Howard tries ignoring, avoiding, making jokes and getting back at the bullies. Nothing works and things get worse. He finally tells his teacher. She takes action and makes him feel okay and safe.
Visit the We Do Listen Foundation by clicking on the link below:
http://www.wedolisten.com/
November
Building Manhattan
Written and Illustrated by Laura Vila
Right in time for Thanksgiving comes a picture book for city lovers everywhere. Vibrant illustrations and text come together in this striking picture book to tell the story of the building of Manhattan. There was a time when the city was a little more than an undeveloped island. But as the small patch of land shifted from Native American to Dutch to English to American hands, it was built, layer on top of layer, into the bustling metropolis it is today. A time line provides further background, including dates, for each illustration. This is an effective visual presentation that introduces the history of Manhattan and also explores how places change over time.
Get to know Laura Vila by visiting the website listed below:
Laura Vila
October
The Contest Between the Sun and the Wind
An Aesop’s Fable
Retold by Heather Forest
Illustrated by Susan Gaber
As he watches a man in an overcoat walk down a road, the Sun challenges the bragging Wind to a contest of strength. Which one of them can take the coat off the man? The Wind blows as mightily as he can; the man just clutches his coat more tightly. But when the Sun shines ever more brightly, and the man finally takes his coat off. The Sun tells the amazed Wind that he did not force the man, but “through gentleness … won his way.” In this retelling of a classic fable from Aesop, we learn that being the most forceful does not make you the strongest. Sometimes the greatest strength comes from a place of gentleness.
Get to know Heather Forest by clicking on the link below:
Take a look at Susan Gaber’s portfolio by clicking on the link below:
Susan Gaber
September
First Food Fight This Fall 
And Other School Poems
Written by Marilyn Singer
Illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa
When school days roll around again, this is the perfect collection to get children back in the mood. Written by acclaimed poet Marilyn Singer, First Food Fight This Fall serves up a heaping helping of wit and humor. Each short, appealing verse is told in the voice of one or more of the pupils. Together, they paint a funny and touching picture of everyday life in the classroom: the friendly feuds, sandwich trades, field trips, science fair; the subjects kids like, the ones they don’t, their troubles and triumphs.
Artist Sachiko Yoshikawa’s lively and engaging illustrations—which feature collage and mixed-media techniques—add to the delight, from her first picture of a school bus decked with a “Yay! First Day!” banner to the sunshine-filled final day of the year
Meet Marilyn Singer:
Meet Sachiko Yoshikawa:
