Currently my daughter's school is having a Scholastic Book Fair, and I don't want to be a complete downer when it comes to Scholastic (it's totally important to encourage kids to read), but most of the books they are selling aren't very good. They just seem like a really gross and obvious way advertise whatever movie or cartoon the book is about. The writing is rarely passable in those "movie" books and I just can't bring myself to let them in the house, let alone read them to my 4 and 6 year old. I guess you could call me a "children's book snob," which is totally and completely true. But because of my snobbishness I have found some truly fantastic books for kids; the distinguishing factors usually being great artwork and witty writing, both of which Calef Brown has by the bucket load. Plus I'm always a sucker for nonsense rhymes.
"The Polkabats are on the loose,
a flapping flock of flying fury.
All the spotted bats are out
(except the ones of jury duty).
Loudly screeching nasty words
like "Stroganoff"
to scare the birds
while dropping smelly polka-turds
on people down below."
My two favorite books by Calef Brown are Polkabats and Octopus Slacks and Ductch Sneakers and Flea Keepers. My kids' favorite poem is Polkabats, and I'm sure you can figure out why...
Welcome to blogging. You are in for the ride of your life. In a very good way. A fellow Unraveller here.
I had to comment because I see we have a few things in common and I love your Unravelling photos. So beautiful and revealing. I've been having a difficult time posting my own because I'm a little intimidated by all the professional and hobby photographers in the group.
But back to your blog ... I'm not a big fan of the Scholastic books either. Those catalogs are horrendous. I find much better pickings at my local thrift store! Yes, I share your love for vintage and wish I could afford more Etsy. Making and seeing those treasuries is strangely cathartic. I could write much more, but lest you think I"m a weirdo writing you some strange fan letter, I'll stop and just say that I'm enjoying your blog. Have a great weekend.
Posted by: Minnie | 22 October 2010 at 01:11 AM
Hi Minnie! You're my very first comment which makes you my favorite person in the blogging world, not a weirdo! Though I tend to be a weirdo myself, so it's always welcome :) Always feel free to write more.
I feel the same intimidation with the Unraveling since I'm not a professional and I don't take enough photos, apart from those of my kids, to really call it a hobby either. But I really want to give the course my all. The blogging coincides with Unraveling since it's something I've wanted to do but have been afraid to risk. I'm learning to just "stay with me" and pay attention to what I love without over-thinking it all.
Back to the post~ I always love hearing about new books, both for myself as well as the kids. So if you have any recommendations let me know.
Thanks again for the comment, my new blogging friend.
Posted by: Jessica McElravy | 22 October 2010 at 08:25 AM