Amos McGee, an elderly zookeeper, enjoys a clockwork life (one teaspoonful of sugar for oatmeal, two for tea and the number five bus to work) until the sniffles force him to stay in bed and miss his daily visits with animal friends. Fragile, gangly Amos, in striped pajamas and ill-fitting zoo uniform, appears as crushingly vulnerable as a child. Children will immediately like and understand him, as they too take comfort in reassuring routines-and would certainly love playing chess with an elephant or running races with a tortoise! Muted greens, browns and blues dominate pages, while brighter yellows and reds leaven the palette's mild melancholy. Erin E. Stead's beautifully wrought woodblock prints and pencil work create almost painfully expressive characters. Wrinkles and crinkles describe the elephant's sagging mass and the rhino's girth, as well as their keen sensitivity. Owl's furrowed brow communicates deep concern even as the group heads to Amos's home to check on him. This gentle, ultimately warm story acknowledges the care and reciprocity behind all good friendships: Much like Amos's watch, they must be wound regularly to remain true. (Picture book. 2-6)
No child’s room is complete without a budding bookshelf, and we’re here to help you build your little one’s library with some of the best picture books ever written. From classic to contemporary reads, we’ve brought together 50 of the most unforgettable picture books of all time. Knowing that most children (or babies, even!) receive […]
This year Barnes & Noble is honoring four booksellers with the 2015 Above & Beyond Award, Barnes & Noble’s way to recognize booksellers for excellence in delivering extraordinary customer service, team spirit, going the extra mile, increasing business knowledge and personal growth. This week we’ll be getting to know the winners, and today we’re talking to Whitney Schuner. […]
This year Barnes & Noble is honoring four booksellers with the 2015 Above & Beyond Award, Barnes & Noble’s way to recognize booksellers for excellence in delivering extraordinary customer service, team spirit, going the extra mile, increasing business knowledge and personal growth. Let’s get to know the winners! Mike Fleming Store: Yonkers, NY Exemplifies: Going the Extra Mile Café […]
Beginning in 1937, The Caldecott Medal has been awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children to the illustrator of the “most distinguished American picture book for children”. Since 1971, several runners-up each year have been designated Caldecott Honor Books. The Caldecott Medal is one of the two most prestigious awards for American […]
Piglet “How do you spell love?” Pooh: “You don’t spell it, you feel it.” —Winnie The Pooh Young children never cease to astound me, the way they grasp the meaning of existential issues, such as: What does love feel like? How can one person make a difference? What does a true friend do? Sometimes, it’s […]