Someone should write their PhD dissertation on how an obscure group of mercenary spies in feudal Japan became the global standard of stealth and assasSomeone should write their PhD dissertation on how an obscure group of mercenary spies in feudal Japan became the global standard of stealth and assassination. This book does a very good job of introducing this shadowy group to small children. Just a warning: make sure you 'vet' ninja books for small children. In this case reality is much more violent than fiction....more
Very consise introduction to the conflict between King George III and the Founding Fathers. Does a very good job of looking at the perspective of bothVery consise introduction to the conflict between King George III and the Founding Fathers. Does a very good job of looking at the perspective of both sides, laying out the reasons that war eventually happened. All the famous and important battles are outlined nicely. Small children will get a very good introduction to this world altering conflict....more
A little girl helps her grandmother make latkes and is told the story of Hanukkah. The grandmother explains that this is how she learned to make latkeA little girl helps her grandmother make latkes and is told the story of Hanukkah. The grandmother explains that this is how she learned to make latkes, and that this is how the recipe has been passed down from generation to generation. A wonderful introduction to Hanukkah for people who may not be familiar with this important Jewish holiday....more
A wonderful book that helps you understand the complex symbolism of the Haggadah of the Passover Seder. I can't think of a better guide than Elie WiesA wonderful book that helps you understand the complex symbolism of the Haggadah of the Passover Seder. I can't think of a better guide than Elie Wiesel to introduce you to this profoundly moving ritual. I do not feel qualified to comment on the Passover, this being my introduction to it. What I will say is that I was amazed by the intimacy and connection that is stressed; a dialogue with past and future generations that is truly unique....more
"The words of the prophets are/Written on the subway walls/And tenement halls..."
This book brings these lines from The Sound of Silence by Simon & Gar"The words of the prophets are/Written on the subway walls/And tenement halls..."
This book brings these lines from The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel to mind. Bombed out buildings that have been painted over with murals that depict symbols from the past now ready to fight for tomorrow. Heartbreaking scenes of devastation that are used as a way to inspire hope and resistance. Highest recommendation. ...more
Wonderful meditation on predicting the future by Octavia E. Butler (OB). If you have not heard of OB look her up; she was a pioneering voice in the geWonderful meditation on predicting the future by Octavia E. Butler (OB). If you have not heard of OB look her up; she was a pioneering voice in the genre of Afrofuturism. In this short piece she reminds us that the future we are expecting may not happen - that so often we do not look to historical patterns to predict the future, but base our views on misinterpretations that arise out of collective forgetting. Sound familiar? ...more
Paco Roca tells the story of his mother, Antonia, in this heartbreaking story about growing up in Franco's Spain. Centered around a picture taken at tPaco Roca tells the story of his mother, Antonia, in this heartbreaking story about growing up in Franco's Spain. Centered around a picture taken at the beach in 1946 we learn that this family has been broken by war: a war that the country survived and a war within the family. The title of the book refers to the focus on returning to Eden after death - the only way to look for a happiness that will never be taken away....more
Accurate account of what really happened during 'Thanksgiving' and why indigenous people are so frustrated that the real story is known by so few AmerAccurate account of what really happened during 'Thanksgiving' and why indigenous people are so frustrated that the real story is known by so few Americans. I really like Thanksgiving: family, the food, football...but the true story leaves very little for indigenous people to be 'thankful' for. Almost wish I did not know what really happened....more
It is a fact that that Native Americans (I will use the term the book uses) have had to fight for the limited recognition that the US government has gIt is a fact that that Native Americans (I will use the term the book uses) have had to fight for the limited recognition that the US government has given them. This book traces the beginnings of the movement and the issues that are still being fought for. Off topic: a national museum needs to be built in Washington, D.C. dedicated to informing future generations about the history and plight of indigenous people in America - should have been built a long time ago. ...more
Nice introduction to the legend of King Arthur. So many themes from this legend have permeated Western civilization (I worked at Round Table Pizza (RTNice introduction to the legend of King Arthur. So many themes from this legend have permeated Western civilization (I worked at Round Table Pizza (RTP) in my 20's before I went into the army; there is a new commercial on TV right now from RTP - Excalibur’s Epic Pizza!) I think it is very important for children to be able to 'reference back' tales that have become part of our collective consciousness. Now I want some pizza for lunch! ...more
This is a wonderful first biography of Rumi (R). R is one of my favorite poets, I am always happy to find a new translation of his work. The illustratThis is a wonderful first biography of Rumi (R). R is one of my favorite poets, I am always happy to find a new translation of his work. The illustrations in this book are exceptional; I am going to look for other works by Rashin Kheiriyeh. I hope to see her work in many future projects. Introducing a child to this great poet is a gift they will thank you for as they grow older. ...more
Introduction to the important Buddhist holiday of Wesak. The holiday is observed on the full-moon day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar. It isIntroduction to the important Buddhist holiday of Wesak. The holiday is observed on the full-moon day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar. It is a time for doing good deeds and seeking to connect in a deeper way with the teachings of Buddha. Some people stop eating meat for this holiday as a way of expressing compassion. Flowers, candles and incense add to the mood of inner reflection....more
Introduces small children to the work of this important artist. The use of contours is discussed, examples of how the artist used contouring, uniquelyIntroduces small children to the work of this important artist. The use of contours is discussed, examples of how the artist used contouring, uniquely, give the child a better understanding of what made Lautrec different from other artists. This is a really fine series that small children will enjoy very much! ...more
So impressed with this series! Introduces a small child to the artist - and then identifies what the artist did well! Not only does a small child learSo impressed with this series! Introduces a small child to the artist - and then identifies what the artist did well! Not only does a small child learn about the artist, they also learn what technique the artist is known for. Very original, engaging and lots of fun to read. Several activities are listed in the back of the book. ...more
Most people know about Cosa Nostra (Mafia) because of the book The Godfather. There are two other distinct organized crime groups in Italy: the 'NdranMost people know about Cosa Nostra (Mafia) because of the book The Godfather. There are two other distinct organized crime groups in Italy: the 'Ndrangheta from Calabria and the Camorra from Campania. This book is a behind the scenes look at the Camorra. Construction, high end fashion, hazardous waste removal - the tentacles of the Camorra reach every level of politics and governance in Campania and beyond. This book is one of the most graphically violent accounts of criminal activity I have ever read. Not for the faint of heart. ...more
The story of Subhas Chandra Bose is both tragic and uplifting. Wanting freedom for India he allied himself with the Axis powers; but only after tryingThe story of Subhas Chandra Bose is both tragic and uplifting. Wanting freedom for India he allied himself with the Axis powers; but only after trying to work with Gandhi to try to get the British to understand that the situation in India could not continue. Amazing to me that America could not see this struggle as so very similar to our own; we should have seen the reflection of our own struggle with colonialism mirrored in what was happening in India. ...more
Never ceases to amaze me how the indigenous people of America lived in harmony with nature. The foods here reflect how eating habits changed as tribesNever ceases to amaze me how the indigenous people of America lived in harmony with nature. The foods here reflect how eating habits changed as tribes came into contact with Europeans; the introduction of the horse is looked at in conjunction with new hunting methods. A very interesting book for small children....more
It has always fascinated me how jobs come and go when society changes in some way; I can still remember seeing a video that collected 8mm films that wIt has always fascinated me how jobs come and go when society changes in some way; I can still remember seeing a video that collected 8mm films that were shown to high school students in the early 50's - and one of the jobs for consideration was milkman! This book looks at professions that no longer exist (court jester, silhouette artist, candle trimmer, torch boy, video store rental employee...). No doubt there will be other jobs added to this list in the decades to come. ...more
Doña Gracia uses her resources to escape Portugal and helping other Sephardic Jews to do the same, smuggling them out of the country on her spice shipDoña Gracia uses her resources to escape Portugal and helping other Sephardic Jews to do the same, smuggling them out of the country on her spice ships in the night. She could have just saved her own family and continued to run the very lucrative spice business her family had started; but she risked everything to save others. A powerful story that needed to be told. ...more
Really like this concept; a book for children that looks at one country and gives you facts and history about it. We (Americans) know so very little aReally like this concept; a book for children that looks at one country and gives you facts and history about it. We (Americans) know so very little about other countries; I still find it amazing that many US ambassadors do not speak the language of the country they are ambassador too - but I digress. Wonderful first book on this historically important country. ...more
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