Posts Tagged Candlewick

Different is okay!

October 26, 2012 at 7:41 am · Filed under Ages 3 - 6 ·Tagged , , ,

As a bookseller, I shouldn’t admit that I picked up Oliver based on its cover art, but I was immediately drawn to the darling play scene in muted tones. (Side note: Don’t be discouraged by my use of muted tones; the art is eye-catching and there are many little details to notice!) Oliver is a sweet story about a boy who is perfectly content with quieter, more imaginative activities. He and his toy friends take on adventure via books and conquering household furniture as it were a desert or shark-infested waters (reminiscent of  the “hot lava” that flowed through my living room once upon a time). This is the perfect book for an introverted child. It will let him or her know that it is okay to feel different and prefer solitary play, and that when she or he is ready for a human playmate, there will be another child ready and willing.

-Leah

P.S. Keep your eyes open for Oliver and Olivia’s missed encounters.

Oliver, by Birgitta Sif; Candlewick Press, $16.99

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Sky Color by Peter H. Reynolds

September 26, 2012 at 6:42 am · Filed under Ages 3 - 6 ·Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Marisol is in charge of painting the sky for the class mural, but she can’t find the color blue! She isn’t sure how to create the perfect sky without the perfect blue color and is worried she won’t be able to make a beautiful mural.
 
When she sees has the opportunity to watch the sky change from day to night — while riding home on the bus and then sitting on her front porch — Marisol realizes that the sky doesn’t HAVE to be blue. It can be whatever she wants it to be, while still becoming something absolutely beautiful.
Peter Reynolds is one of my absolute favorite authors. Sky Color is going to inspire kids AND adults, making for an awesome picture book. Just because we’ve been taught that the sky is blue doesn’t mean it has to be blue all the time. Sometimes it’s purple, pink, orange, grey…lots of colors. Marisol will help everyone realize that you don’t need the color blue to make a sky…be creative!
I also love the other books in Reynolds’ Creatrilogy series: The Dot and Ish. They also will help to spark a great sense of creativity in any child. Love them!
Sky Color by Peter H. Reynolds; $14.00; Candlewick; Ages 3+
Enjoy!
Amanda

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Where’s Waldo? In Old Town, Alexandria, of course!

June 29, 2012 at 4:03 am · Filed under Events ·Tagged , , , ,

Waldo is turning 25 this year, and to celebrate, the famous fellow in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting 20 different local shops throughout the month of July. Those who spot him can win prizes, including buttons, books, and more. From Hooray for Books! at 1555 King Street to Monday’s Child at 218 North Lee Street, from Whistle Stop Hobbies at 130 South Royal Street to The Sugar Cube at 1218 King Street, Waldo figures are showing up in public areas of local establishments.

Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a “Find Waldo in Alexandria!” search list with the names of all the businesses, and collect an “I Found Waldo at ___________” card for each Waldo they spot. Collecting cards in 16 or more businesses and turning them in at Hooray for Books! will win a Waldo button and an entry for other, larger prizes to be drawn at a Waldo party on July 31. The Grand Prize is a complete six-volume set of Waldo books! People who prefer a shorter version of the hunt can collect the cards from eight businesses and pick up a Waldo button at Hooray for Books!.

There is no charge to participate, and the game lasts for the entire month of July. For more information about hunting for Waldo in Alexandria, call Hooray for Books! call us at 703-548-4092 or email us!

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April is National Poetry Month!

April 13, 2012 at 6:15 am · Filed under Poetry ·Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sometimes poetry gets a bad rap. In school, poetry always ended up being the “boring” subject that no one wanted to participate in and I think if kids just had the right poems in their hands, they would see how fun and interesting poetry can really be!

April is National Poetry Month and we have a great poetry section in the store that will certainly spark an interest in your kids. Funny poems, shorts poems, long poems, dog poems, etc. We have something for every reader! If you or your children haven’t yet read any poetry together, April is definitely the month to do so. You can learn more about National Poetry month here.

One of the fun events that happens during Poetry Month is Poem in Your Pocket Day, which we encourage everyone to participate in! It’s easy: just selection a poem that you love, carry it in your pocket on April 26th, and share it with your friends, family, coworkers, etc. Spread the poetry love!

If you come into Hooray for Books! and share your poem with us, you’ll receive a gift from our grab bag!

Poetry can be cool, fun, and exciting! Just because it’s not a book with chapters or a picture book with lots of illustrations doesn’t mean it’s not worth your time. Encourage your kids to read poetry and to have fun with it! We would love to show you some of our favorites in the store.

Every Thing On It by Shel Silverstein;$19.99; HarperCollins; Ages 4+

Here’s A Little Poem: A Very First Book of Poetry by Jane Yolen and illustrator Polly Dunbar; $21.99; Candlewick Press; Ages 4+

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