Bee and Bea joined forces again (six years and counting) to support books, reading in the community. However, with SO. MUCH. going on these COVID times, we decided to focus the efforts internally and not add our usual call and crowd funding ask to the mix. In 2020, the Bb’s supported Virginia Mason’s Bailey Boushay House. Coloring has been a big part of their creative outlets, so much so Ms. Bea was Bob Ross for Halloween. The two curated a huge collection of coloring books and implements for clients and families that utilize Bailey Boushay House services. Shameless plug! We used Fakequity’s Bookshop affiliate link (thank you to a friend for founding!) to order adding to the good-deed-ness (support indy bookshops and Fakequity’s own book drive.)
It’s never to late to join us either of course (is it really calmer right now?) – donations via this link go directly to Bailey via the Virginia Mason Foundation (501c3).
Just for Funsies – Here is one of our current kid book lists – let us know some of your favorites.
In 2019, #beeisforbooks morphed into #Bbisforbooks because with two ‘Bs’, there is more than double to celebrate now. They supported the Program for Early Parent Support (PEPs), raising $840 – this org is near and dear to our family.
In 2018 – more bees joined the fun in supporting Bailey Boushay House! More links to past: 2017, 2016 (twice!) and 2015
January and February have been busy, so I know I am missing things, but for sure want to share reviews of some of the books we read this month!
Mela and the Elephant by Dow Phumiruk and illustrated by Ziyue Chen
Mela (‘may-la’) learns about kindness and empathy in this new simple fable set in Thailand. Her wild fishing adventure started right after not all wing her younger brother to join, as he had nothing to give her in return. Encounters with greedy jungle animals (crocodile, leopard and trio of monkeys), leaves her alone, scared and probably wincing from having given something of value in hopes for help getting home. Each animal leaves her behind, item in hand. The elephant is the final animal who comforts and returns Mela home, all the while reassuring that he did not need a reward.
My three year old loves this story. The story line and pictures draw him in, and he responds to the feelings expressed by Mela (excellent teachable moments). My favorite part as the adult reader is the closing quote to cement the lesson:
“kindness needs no reward, for it brings happiness and warmth to the heart.”
I recommend this book. It has a nice additional information section at the back about Thai culture and a simple fable to teach a powerful lesson.
Two new board books by Jennifer Sattler: Dirty Birdies and Jungle Gym
Fun graphics fill the pages of both books. Jungle gym is all about opposites, showing jungle animals on a playground demonstrating concepts like over/under, tall/short, inside/outside etc. Dirty Birdies is an early counting book, starting with one dirty birdy, who is joined by another dirty birdy and so on. Each creating their own mess (art, eating, sandbox) until five of them require a bath, and then count down back to one.
The Seed Man by Aiko Ikegami
Author and illustrator Ikegami has created a fresh story aimed at five to eight year olds. The illustrations are rich are really where all of the story lies as each page has very few words. Hence, this book is more for conversational and/or shared storytelling and might be a bit challenging to read alone for newer readers (or tired parents of younger kids). The elderly man is the main character and demonstrates/experiences several emotions (anger, sadness, joy). The Seed Man was not my favorite character (he sort of lurked?) and I felt that the fairies (who are adorable and my little one was really attracted too) would have been enough to achieve the story, but all that said, Ikegami has still produced a story that created a rich reading experience with my little, and for that I recommend this book.
Our current favorite book right is Be A Good Dragon by Kurt Cyrus. The full review is over here on my LinkedIn account, because it had some fun linkages to antimicrobial stewardship. We are reading this at least twice a night and the three year old has most of it memorized already.
Ireceived a copy of all the books mentioned in this post from Sleeping Bear Press to review but I was not financially compensated, nor required to say something positive, in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my experience and observations while reading this book.
What a delightful book! Stutson and Krampien have created a great rhyming story with emphasis on colors, sounds, fun descriptors all the while featuring different home and families than the usual white nuclear suburbia. There is an urban feel (high rises at night!), but still peaceful, positive and enjoyable to read. There is one picture which almost instantly reminded me of the classic R McCloskey book Make Way for Ducklings. I am not sure of the illustrators intention but I loved the suggestion or at least reminder of the classic book. There are the famous duckling statues in Boston but did you know that there is also a version in Moscow in Novodivichy Park (at a convent). We visited there in 2016 – nice quick trip to memory lane! Stutson has a great way with words and phrasing, and Krampien’s art draws you in making this a regular read in our rotation now.
I received a copy of this book to review from Sleeping Bear Press but I was not financially compensated, nor required to say something positive, in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my experience and observations while reading this book.
What we are reading this week! Seattle-area author and illustrator, Dana Sullivan has created an great story about an imaginative boy, Mateo, who is hoping for a cape for his birthday. Sullivan’s illustrations really capture the little boy’s superhero cape plans as well as the series events leading up to his birthday. This story is also a useful introduction to the concept of rhyming works, as Mateo and his sister heard two different things cape and cake (both of which can be red velvet, of course). Mateo also demonstrates good manners despite disappointment when he thinks his grandma made a cake (despite dreams of a cape). Spoiler alert, he gets the cape.
Rhyming is a new concept for us to tackle (three year old reader) and this book is a fun way to discuss and learn. I also really love that the main characters are from a family of color and appreciate the simple craft suggestion at the back of the book to make your own red cape. We improvised and just used a red scarf.
Dana Sullivan has written and illustrated quite a few other books. Take a look at his website for some sneak peaks.
I received a copy of this book to review from Sleeping Bear Press but I was not financially compensated, nor required to say something positive, in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my experience and observations while reading this book
May I Come In? By Marsha Diane Arnold, illustrated by Jennie PohA simple story with vivid whimsical artwork that touches on correct grammar (may I vs can I—flashbacks anyone?), kindness and that it’s ok to be scared. My favorite part is the description of the rain – swish swish plish! This captures the sound and experience of the dark months here in Seattle for sure. The author gives enough verse to feel the story but leaves space for imagination and inquiry based on the illustrations. The several times we have read already have been different. This makes this story flexible to fit a range of readers from young toddler to early readers. I did find it hard to not break into ‘how much wood could a woodchuck chuck…. ” though when raccoon stopped by his home.
I received a copy of this book to review from Sleeping Bear Press but I was not financially compensated, nor required to say something positive, in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my experience and observations while reading this book.
Hu Wan and the Sleeping Dragon by Judy Young, illustrated by Jordi Solano
Young and Solano have created a cohesive story, highlighting several key lessons and providing opportunity to learn more about a different time and culture, 16th Century Beijing. Solano’s detailed illustrations capture the seasons, spirit and tenor of the story’s setting. Young’s words capture the simplicity yet abundant life of Hu Wan, a nine year-old boy who lives and farms with with Grandfather. The key lesson from/or Hu Wan comes on page eighteen when Hu Wan attempts his first carving, making an errant cut in the gourd. “Mistakes can be turned into masterpieces. Look at it again.” This sage advice from Grandfather really resonates both with Hu Wan but also the reader. I can imagine so many times were pausing to think about how a ‘mistake’ or disappointing situation/outcome can be turned around with a little reflection and change of perspective. It also connects well to the advice that one only truly fails when they stop trying.
[spoiler alert] In the end, Hu Wan is rewarded for his kindness, empathy and humility by the emperor’s young son. He also has found a gift and additional connection with his Grandfather. Books that demonstrate these key elements of being a kind human rank high on my list. I look forward to more tales from Young and Solana.
This makes a great edition to our holiday book collection – celebrating Lunar / Chinese New Year is a big part of our family! Hu Wan’s lessons a great compliment.
I received a copy of this book to review from Sleeping Bear Press but I was not financially compensated, nor required to say something positive, in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my experience and observations while reading this book.
#BeeisforBooks – instilling right (pint)-sized philanthropy in children.
This year Bee wants to continue supporting families at Bailey Boushay.
The What: Bee is for Books is about ensuring that all children have books of their own and removing a barrier to the critical adult child interaction of reading aloud and together.
The Who: Families of the Bailey Boushay House in Seattle, part of Virginia Mason Health System.
The More Why: Philanthropy, community, empathy, awareness, loving kindness and just being a good human being are only a few of the many many attributes we want to cultivate in our young family, now more than ever. See more here about Bee is for Books.
I don’t have all the answers right now (or likely ever) for the hard WHY questions Bee will ask as he grows up (why do some children in the world not get to go to school/does that man sleep in the van on our the street/would someone give up their pet/do some kids get a special meal at school/why ….) BUT I know that sharing and learning and discovering together overtime will ease this.
