Thanks, Just one More Book!

One of my favorite podcasts, Just one more Book! features my viewer submitted review of the Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall. I love JOMB and so many of the books I choose to read come from there- so you should check it out!

Also, if you can’t understand my reading, or would prefer to see my review in written form here it is:

My favorite books as a child were the Little House in the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I also desperately wanted to get into as much trouble as my friend Anne of Green Gables.

However, lately my adventures in chapter books have been a bit abstract to say the least. They usually star children with unique powers or mystery, the villains so outlandish they make you laugh at times, and setting and scenery that I can in no way identify with but wholly enjoy all the same.

The Penderwicks is no such book. I was immediately curious by this little book, when I ran across it at my favorite book store donning a “local author” sticker, I learned that Ms. Birdsall was in fact a Western Mass girl like me, and was excited to read her “national book award” winner.

Ah, what a book from my past. The main characters are the Penderwick sisters who are each unique and interesting. There is Batty, the youngest Penderwick who is four, goes no where with out her butterfly wings. She is infatuated with two bunnies that live with the gardener, Cagney. Her most faithful friend is their large dog who is always getting out of his pen, Hound. Jane is the next youngest, and a child I can identify with for sure. She is a passionate, dare I say dramatic ten year old “author” who is constantly working on her “Sabrina Starr” series of books. Skye, who is eleven is excellent at math, tends to get herself in trouble with her words often, and looks the most like their mother who passed away. Rosalind is the eldest sister at twelve who is shockingly practical for her age. You see her caring and baking for her sisters and father in a very maternal way. She also becomes infatuated with someone over the summer- and its not the bunnies. Her ideas of love resonate with the inner pre-teen in me, and I cringe and squirm as she encounters her first heart break.

The story takes place at a little vacation home rented by the ever kind and understanding Mr. Penderwick as a fun filled summer escape for the family. However, the cottage is owned by a particularly difficult woman who happens to have a little boy who becomes quite good friends of the sisters.

I would recommend this timeless book. So much happens from heroic escapes from bulls, to true friendships being built. But, there is something about the characters and the settings that evoke such happy memories in the reader. You can smell the sun screen in the air, your feet haven’t worn shoes since spring, school feels years away, and there is nothing but the hot sun, friends and your family.

Jenn, Imagination Celebrations

The Mysterious Reason Chapter Books Collect Dust, or I Prefer Pictures

You should see my husband’s book shelves. Every spare inch is spoken for, with some books relegated to stacks until a new shelf comes. They are not small books, either, no they are the type that make every visitor question in a quiet hushed tone, “Did he really read all of those?” After a quick laugh, and an explanation that the books do more than occupy space our curious guest turns their attention towards me. “Do you read this much, too?” Then I like a proud mother, show my little book shelf containing a large amount of picture books and a tiny supply of books with chapters. The gleaming faces of wonder and astonishment quickly change to confusion as they smile politely, and think to themselves, “picture books?”

It is a funny sight to see, as Adam and I are on vacation reading, right before bed or at a quiet coffee shop; husband reading “Twice-Told Proverbs and the Composition of the Book of Proverbs” by Daniel C. Snell, wife reading and giggling “Pigeon wants a Puppy” by Mo. Willems.

So, why the picture books? Well, for one I love children’s literature. I am always utterly amazed at the complex thoughts that can be portrayed through word and art. When an author is given only a few words to portray his/her message each word must have extreme meaning. I also love picture books so much because of their audience. Children are honest, like to laugh, don’t want to be preached at and yet are so excited to learn of the world around them. Good children’s authors get that. They address their audience with respect, truth and humor. Picture books also blend art with the written word to create a visual experience that chapter books can not do. I strongly think that picture books are a media for all ages.

And, yet, I feel as through in the spectrum of children’s literature I am missing something by not being involved with chapter books. I did, like most of the entire world, read the Harry Potter books and adored them. Other than that and the occasional favorite from my own childhood, I know very little about the larger books.

In my attempt to go beyond my normal reading, I have now read the”Sisters Grimm” books by Michael Buckley. I have to tell you that I very much enjoyed. The idea of fairy tale people and creatures actually being real is pure genius. The two sister’s Daphne and Sabrina fight crime while dealing with normal childhood dramas. I also have read the “Ivy and Bean” series recently which I found hysterical. When Bean shakes her bottom at Nancy her older sister, I actually had to put the book down to laugh. You read Annie Barrow’s books and you either were one of those precarious little six year olds or you know someone who is. There schemes and mischief is so irresistible and Sophie Blackall’s illustrations so accurately portray the girl’s expressions.

Right now on my reading shelf is “The Mysterious Benedict Society” (my blog title is in homage to the chapter titles of this book) which is a huge 485 page undertaking.However, there was something about this book that called to me. Every time I was in a book store I would look at the cover. Carson Ellis’s cover illustration is so quirky and witty looking it made the book beg for my attention. Then, after I put the book down, I read a review on Just one More Book (a terrific blog!) and was convinced I had to read it. Fabulous. The plot is so outlandishly interesting, the characters so outstanding and brilliant. It was a beautiful book of courage, friendship and adventure. The sequel “The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey“, which is also filled with twists and turns that prove to be equally exciting.

So, my blogging friends, I venture out into the world of big people books. Well, at least bigger people books. It’s a fun summer project. Also on my read-reading-or to be read list:

1. “The Penderwicks“, by the local Jeanne Birdsall
2. “A Series of Unfortunate Events” by Lemony Snicket (I have been wanting to read them for a long, long time)

Any favorites you think I should read?

Jenn, Imagination Celebrations

The Croc Gets Another Gig!

The amazing Laura scored yet another TV appearance for both me and my crocodile friend. Click here and you can see the interview from News Channel 8, WTNH by Sonia Baghdady. 

I am so thankful to both Laura, and everyone at Channel 8 for allowing me (yes, and the crocodile) another opportunity to share about the company that I love so much.

-Jenn, Imagination Celebrations

The Croc Steals the Show

At a party this past winter, I had the great opportunity to meet Laura Ward (of WardComm Public Relations). Besides for just being a great person, she is also amazing at her job. In just a few short weeks, she landed IC an opportunity to go live on NBC 30. My first thought when she called me was, “That’s terrifying” which was quickly followed by “What should I wear?” After Adam so graciously took me shopping at Ann Taylor and Laura talked me through all the “do’s and don’ts” I was ready for my T.V. debut.

I brought with me the treasure chest, grog, the crocodile and other pirate paraphernalia. At 11:41, I was interviewed by Yvonne. She was so warm and even before the tapes were rolling seemed excited to be doing the interview, which really put me at ease. The basics that were covered were how our birthday parties unfold like stories out of a picture book, that we are affordable and that we bring everything for a party and than bring it all back when we leave.

All in all, (and I did trip up my words a few times) I found it easier than I expected to be in front of the cameras. I think this is because I love what I do! I love to make a parent’s life easy! The greatest compliment Adam and I ever received was that a mom at a party had a cup of tea. She told me afterwards how bizarre that was, for her to actually feel comfortable enough, calm enough, and have time to relax, sip tea and enjoy her daughter’s birthday party. And I love, love to see children’s imaginations come alive at our parties. It gives me great joy to see little ones become pirates, or divas, or princesses. The joy and happiness I see in their faces is priceless. I love my job.

So, how did said croc steal the show? I just got one segment, but Buster (as the NBC 30 crew called him) actually got a shot in the weather as well! I think Buster may be getting too big for Imagination Celebrations.

Jenn, Imagination Celebrations

Ithaca Inspiration

This past weekend, Adam and I were able to escape to Ithaca for his birthday. What’s in Ithaca? I am glad you asked.

1. The Friends of the Library sale where we both purchased many, many books. Too much in fact for our poor book shelves to support. However, with the most expensive book being fifty cents, we will make due. I cleaned out a good section of the children’s department with William Steig, James Marshall, Cynthia Rylant and other terrific finds.
2. Fabulous coffee
3. Beautiful, beautiful scenery! We saw fawns playing, climbed to the top of a water fall and just spent time outside reading.
4. The best empanada I have ever had. Fresh cilantro, fried goodness, hot smoked chipotle sauce. I would drive the 5 hours just to have one, than leave and come home.

Lastly, the best part of Ithaca (in my opinion) is the Dane Emerson House, which is actually in Newfield, NY but is minutes from Ithaca. It was our first time ever at a B&B and I am sure we are spoiled. Craig (the innkeeper) has an amazing eye for decorating that made me content to spend my entire stay in his warm and inviting home. One of my favorite little details was the napkin holders at breakfast. Each morning they were different. I would hold one up and say, “Ooo, this would be perfect for a mermaid tea”, or “I would use this one for a royal ball.” His presentation for breakfast, the snack bar, the tea stand, and displays through out the house really inspired me to incorporate other items into our service.

All and all, it was great to be away from the computer, be in nature, staying at a gorgeous inn, spending time with Adam and….well, the empanadas, of course.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Adam! I love you!

Boys with Imagination

“Do you offer boy parities, too?” I get asked this question so often. My answer is always: “Yes!” We offer a lot of themes that were created with boys in mind. Other themes were created with no gender in mind, and work great for either sex. However, for some reason or another we book far more little girl parties than boys. Sure we do a great deal of pirate parties for the under six fellas. But, after six we rarely see them again. For girls we book spy parties, wizard parties and of course spa parties up until nine, ten sometimes even older! In Story Time Explosion (my interactive story time program), there is so much more attention and interest from parents of daughters than those with sons. I have heard that the boys desire being active, or experiences that are more literal as “playing pretend” is corny or useless to them. This is so hard for me to believe. At these illusive boy parties, I see boys equally “jumping” into the story with their own ideas and thoughts. They are thrilled to drive the pirate ship (which I might add IS quite physical) and are completely engrossed by the stories twists and turns. Where then do these ideas come from?

When looking around children’s literature, it is surprising to see how spoiled our little female readers are with the most fabulous girl characters. There is of course wonderful, well written books starring boys, however, it seems that the chain bookstores prefer to carry the sassy girl books. I am of course talking about Olivia, Fancy Nancy, Eloise, Lilly (and her purple plastic purse) and many other picture book divas. Then you scan the isles of small chapter books and you see Ivy and Bean, Clementine, Judy Moody and a plethora of girl heroines (not to mention the entire section of American Girl books!) What is going on? I know that you are screaming at your computer the most obvious boy hero: Harry Potter, but he is surrounded by bookshelves of “girl’s only” reads.

My worry is that reading and in turn imaginative play as turned into a girl’s sport or at least that is the perception among adults. In working with children, I have asked many times, “What is your favorite book?” I am always amazed at the number of boys who respond by mentioning a Star Wars book, Sponge Bob book, Scooby Doo Book, etc. You know the ones that are for the most part poorly written about a TV show or movie, and are used as mass marketing? But, the characters with in these stories have much more appeal to the guy reader than a girl who wears a feather boa everywhere. Like previously stated, there are amazing books out there that are geared with boys in mind, but they may be harder to find. They aren’t going to be on every card board cut out in Barnes and Noble, or at the checkout line in the grocery store.

In my rant, I must also mention that there is a great deal of good being done for our dear boy readers. There are a few great series that have become commercial enough for the big books stores to take notice like the Spiderwick Chronicles, A Series of Unfortunate Events and of course the literature super star Harry Potter. Also exciting, Jon Scieszka our new ambassador of children’s literature (I love that there is such a thing!) has just introduced a new series of books called Truck Town. The series focuses around a group of vehicles that also happen to be in pre-school. It’s adorable, and the cast of illustrators is unbelievable. More impressive still, is Jon’s website that houses a collection of guy reads. My favorite is the search engine where children or parents can put in specific interest and press a button, and viola! The perfect book is found. I played around with the site for awhile listing every possible interest I could think of. I was super impressed to see terrific reads mentioned by wonderful authors like Richard Scarry, Mo Willems, Dr. Seuss and Jon himself.

The truth is boys love to read. They love to play pretend and they have superb imaginations. For some reason or another, this in my opinion, is not represented at our book stores. Why?

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Jenn, Imagination Celebrations

Reading in the Park

Ah Spring. There is nothing better than a picnic in the spring. Well, perhaps, it would be better if you brought along a great read. I love the idea of having mini parties as often as possible. So here are a few of my thoughts on having a themed picnic with your favorite little ones.
Pebbles and Picnics
The book: Sylvester and the Magic Pebble By: William Steig

The Menu: Has to be the same as Sylvester’s parents of course (with a few re-interpretations)

1. Alfalfa Sandwiches (A BLT or any lunch meat heavy on the lettuce, I mean alfalfa)
2. Pickled Oats (yogurt with toasted oats)
3. Timothy Compote (strawberries and sugar)
4. Red Pebble Punch(any red drink)

After dining on donkey food and enjoying the great book search for pebbles. You will be amazed that the day you go to the park there will be so many magic ones! You may even want to pick up a non-fiction book about rocks so that you can identify your treasures. Oh, be sure to bring a few tissues along as many adults seem to tear up during this book.

A Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Picnic
(This picnic is dedicated to my husband as it was his favorite book as a child)

The Book: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

The Menu:

1. Going to Australia Ale (sprite with fruit punch)
2. Nothing but the Crust Sandwiches (slice bread very thing to appear like crusts, toast them and serve with thin slices of deli meats and cheese)
3. Grewl (apple sauce with dried fruit)
4. Forgotten Desert Mud (chocolate pudding, whipped cream, crushed oreos and lots of gummy worms)

Read the miserable book, eat the wretched food and be sure to have an awful time. Your attire should be drab, your talk should be boring and be sure to not be caught smiling.

Monster Munch

The Book: Leonardo, the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems (yeah pigeon wants a puppy!)

The Menu:

1. Hector’s just plain weird drink (ginger ale, sparkling grape juice and weird ice cubes-anything creepy and gummy placed in an ice cube tray, pour in water and freeze)
2. Eleanor’s BIG toes (this is so gross so kid’s will love it)
3. Tony’s toothy smile (It’s the classic English muffin pizza. Pre-spread the tomato sauce than bring the fixings with you to create monster faces. Make sure to slice cheese sticks to make great teeth)
4. Best Buds Baking (the day of the picnic or a day or two before bake up some cup cakes and let your child make Leonardo, Sam or their own friends)

Devour the book and the munchies like little monsters! This would be a great picnic to bring a best friend along. Have the kid’s pretend to be monsters. Ask your kid’s to describe what they would look like if they were monsters. If you dare, even ask them what their teachers would look like if they were monsters! Just try not to get nightmares.

Any other ideas?

First Day of Spring Tea Party

Thanks to Risa, today I participated in a First Day of Spring Tea Party. Even though today was in the thirties, windy, and overcast, inside Samantha (my favorite 6-year old…and one of my most favorite people in the world) and I celebrated all things Spring. Before the tea, we colored eggs which added to our decorations. Samantha helped me fill a couple of old glass canisters with plastic eggs and fake grass. She also created a wonderful “Happy Easter” sign. The menu was homemade mac’n cheese (Samantha’s favorite) broccoli, brightly colored hard boiled eggs, chamomile tea, ginger ale (in champagne glasses, but of course), and sliced strawberries with chocolate ice cream. Yum!  As we sat down to dine and sip our tea, Samantha said, “We really went overboard, didn’t we?” And we did, and it was completely worth it.

To all of you other tea party goers, please enjoy our pictures. I wish you all a wonderful Spring season. Here’s to going overboard and having a blast doing it!

Jenn (and Samantha), Imagination Celebrations

Celebration Calm

As promised, here are some brand new pictures of the “party” room! I have to tell you, that some of my “before” pictures were too horrifying for my husband to allow the public to see!

BEFORE…

My Crazy metro shelf. Love the Easter eggs?

Notice the classy curtain on a bungie cord.

AFTER….

Look the floor! Its such a difficult room, its small and has a piano in it. However, I took the two metro shelves and made an L shape with them and it seemed “flow” better.

On the metro shelves, I organized items by need. This is one of my “dining” shelves. I found that placing things in a pretty way seems to make the room more appealing.

This my favorite part of the room. On one side of the metro shelf, I hung a cork board. Then I purchased a variety of tool organization items to hang my craft stuff. I have a feeling, the board will soon be covered.

Lastly, I put a large table in the room to use as a workspace. The table is up against the window. Its amazing how with just a little work a room that was once a closet at best is now a creative space.

Thanks for the encouragement, Jenn Imagination Celebrations