Playing Catch Up...

December has come & gone. Yet I can't quite let it pass without mentioning a fantastic author visit that occurred last month.

The lovely Mitali Perkins visited Flushing Library for a homecoming of sorts.


As a child she frequented this library each Saturday to borrow seven books (the limit at the time). She fondly remembers the library as a welcome, safe place as she adjusted to life in America, describing the librarians she met there as "her heroes." Currently living in Boston (and around the world in the interim), she is certainly an honorary author of Queens!

Ms. Perkins stayed all day to participate in two events. In the morning she joined a professional development workshop for children's and young adult librarians which included a book discussion of her titles along with a presentation on critically examining culture and diversity in literature for youth.

In the afternoon she led a writing workshop for young adults where the lucky participants received a signed copy of her latest book, Bamboo People. Held in the recently renovated teen space, I love the chalkboard paint on the wall used to promote events.



I also enjoyed the informal, adaptable and cozy set up of their room: old school booths and a couch facing a large flat screen tv that easily hosts gaming programs, movie days, as well as Powerpoint presentations such as the one Mitali led. The light fixture hanging over each booth doubles as a speaker for music!



The stacks are further beyond the seating.


All in all, an inspirational day in a beautiful space!

Class Visit Favorite

I must admit my love for Ian Schoenherr. Cat & Mouse was my favorite picture book of 2008 due to the combination of beloved nursery rhymes, the striking layout incorporating the movement of text amidst ample white space, and of course the expressive illustrations (obvious cat owner). Plus he lives just a few subway stops away from my library!

So I was quite excited to read his next book, Read It, Don't Eat It, which has quickly become one of my preferred titles to share during early elementary class visits.

I start with reading the inside book flap: "You are holding a book. What should you do with it? Open it and you will find out." The title page features a bear intently reading a book. On the following page he proceeds to smelling it... turn one more page, and as he is shown nibbling at the corner of a spine, the book begins with, "Read it, don't eat it."

Each spread offers a short statement of advice on the left side, paired with a humorous drawing on the right. Suggestions range from, "No dog-ears, please" to "Please return it when you're done." The illustrations provide a natural extension for discussion, particularly in the case of "Don't censor, delete or deface." The book closes with, "Share it with a friend, a sister, a brother. Now go out and get another." Sigh... yes indeed.

Being presumptuous, I imagine he wrote this book with children's librarians in mind. Not only is it a brilliant introduction to proper book care utilizing such vocabulary as borrow, overdue and renew but it's also a highly entertaining way to transition to my speech about how to use the library.

Mr. Schoenherr recently released a new book in February, titled, Don't Spill the Beans! I've heard it involves keeping secrets and birthday surprises! Our copy is on order and I'm eagerly anticipating its arrival.