Festivals Books

CHICKEN SUNDAY is another one of my favorite Polacco books. This is a fabulous and emotionally touching story of an interracial friendship and the children's journey of love and service. Young Patricia (who has written another great episode about her rich and colorful life) and her two best friends Stewart and Winston (who happen to be black) want to buy the boy's gramma (Eula Mae) a hat that she has wanted but could not afford to buy. Since the death of her beloved babushka, Eula Mae also serves as Patricia's surrogate grandmother. The children witness an act of racism on the hat shop owned by the Holocaust survivor Mr. Kodinski. They were going to ask Kodinski for a job to raise the money to buy Eula Mae her favorite hat. Mr. Kodinski sees the children and assumes that they are responsible for the act of violence. Ultimately, the children redeem themselves by making Pysanky eggs for Mr. Kodinski to sell in his store. He tells them the story of his life and then gives the trio the hat. Naturally Eula Mae is thrilled.

CHICKEN SUNDAY is named after the chicken dinner that Eula Mae feed the children every Sunday after Church. This is another multi-cultural book teaching children that it is okay to have friendships with people who are different. Incidentally, Patricia remains close to these boys to this very day. It also exposes children to different types of racism. This book has a wonderful lesson for children and adults.

Although they are innocent, some young children make ammends for the harm done to a Holocaust survivor (the old man has the unmistakable tatoo on his forearm). You must purchase the Scholastic book on cassette for an even more motivating storytime (complete with music).

Poignancy, humour, and detail are hallmarks of Polacco's books...and Chicken Sunday shines in all of these. Our girls (5 & 7)loved it so much that they asked for it to be read again as soon as we got to the end. All the telling things of a child's world, including being unfairly accused, secret hidey holes, and longing to show an adult how much they love them, are there. In addition there is a wonderful richness to the language, with images such as "a voice like deep thunder and slow rain".

This book speaks volumes . . . especially how a life can be changed forever through a simple act of love and kindness. It seemed that Miss Eula was a beautiful person who just loved and cared for everyone around her by continually demonstrating the true principles of faith, hope, and love.

This book truly emphasizes those things that matter most: a faith in God, a loving family, and good friends.

Chicken Sunday was not only heart-warming and touching, but to me it clearly stated the importance of allowing that little "light" within our hearts to shine no matter what!

This book is an excellent educational tool, and can be easily used in various thematic units such as: family and friends.

I have always enjoyed Patricia Polacco books and will continue to read them to my loved ones and classes for many, many years to come!

Chicken Sunday is a touching story of friendship and family. Patrica Polacco writes of a childhood recollection. Patricia and two of her childhood friends set out to raise money to buy the beloved Miss Eula an Easter bonnet as a "thank you" for her wonderful Sunday chicken dinners. The three children need to deal with trying to prove their innocence to Mr. Kodinsky and Miss Eula after being wrongly accused of throwing eggs at Mr. Kodinsky's store. The children decide to make Pysanky eggs and hope Mr. Kodinsky will let the children sell the eggs at the hat store. The reader can definitely feel the love between Patricia, the boys and Miss Eula. The realistic drawings and colors are a great addition to this already enjoyable story. Readers of all ages will truly enjoy this book.

My mother had this book when I was a little girl and I always wanted her to read it to us every Christmas time. I just love the illustrations! And even at a very young age, I would want her to read the authors note at the end that talks about all the symbolism in the pictures. When I got older I would read it to myself on Christmas Eve before going to bed. It is such a beautiful book! I was very excited to be able to buy it this year, so that next year when my baby girl is here for Christmas, I can read it to her and it can be a family keepsake.

Me and my son love all the books Ms Berger writes, This is a re-telling of the first christmass, but with a very soft tone to it, my son asked me to read this book several times the day it arrive, read it, it's a must.


also read other books by Ms Berger,

1. Grandfather twilight 2.When the sun Rose 3. Gwinna 4.Angels on a pin 5.All the way to Lasa & 6. A lot of Otters.

This is one of our very favorite Christmas books. The pictures are beautiful and dream-like. It's just a wonderful book.

My Godmother got me this book for christmas of 1985, and I still love to curl up on the couch on christmas and read it. It tell's a beautiful story with beautiful pictures to help tell the story. This is a great gift for the younger children.

What a beautiful story. It is very moving. I highly recommend it.

Halcyon Daze is an engaging account of a young woman's adventure from her fairly naive and sheltered life in Kansas to her more exotic, exciting, and erotic life in San Francisco. Her new friends include a whacky set of characters that join her in exploring sex and sexuality and, along the way, discover new aspects of themselves. She emerges from her experiences still not completely clear on life's exact purpose and her role in it-who ever is?-but undoubtedly more open to and aware of all that it has to offer. It is an interesting book that may make you blush at times and will definitely make you laugh at loud with its wit and sarcasm. It will captivate you with its characters and their exploits and keep you turning the pages out of curiosity and enjoyment.

I found this book to be funny and fun and very interesting. Loved the poems before each chapter. Colorful characters and some very interesting places. Very creative mind. All in all the book is great.

Halcyon Daze by Palmer Owyoung is a debut novel that "marches to a different drummer", -- just as its twenty-something protagonists do as they seek to find themselves. Halcyon Daze tells of Kalani Smith's adventures as she and those she encounters strive to find meaning in their lives. Halcyon Daze is commended as a superbly written, surreal vision quest, offering paths for future travel and mind-expanding perspectives on life itself along the way.

"At first I thought it was another Sex in the City type book, I was very wrong.It was a great book and I was looking for more even after I finished the last
page...encore!"

Kalani Smith struggles to find release from her cocoon-like
existence. Born in Hawaii, of Chinese, Native American and
English descent, she lived briefly in California, and for the
last 23 years has hibernated in Hiawatha, Kansas. Kalani has
always felt displaced in Hiawatha, and has never felt a
connection with the people or the city.

On a day in June, a perfect setting for a wedding, Kalani is
realizing that on her next birthday she will be 30 years old,
that she is bored with her life, and that she has yet to
experience her first orgasm. As she listens to the minister,
she has a surreal moment, a turning point, and she knows it's
time to spread her wings.

Juxtaposed against her tumultuous past, Kalani is bold and
timid as she leaves her groom at the altar and embarks on a
journey she hopes will exploit her dream of becoming a writer.
Searching for stability and a place that feels like home, she
leaves Kansas with no destination in mind. In Arizona she
encounters a Native American woman who shares a Navajo ritual
with her that promises to clear her mind, light her path, and
show her how to find her own truths in the world. Kalani
arrives in San Francisco and joins an eclectic group of
characters; All searching for themselves and trying to make
sense of the world that surrounds them. The author leads them
on a surrealistic adventure in the Nevada desert, hoping
they will find a new perspective on life.

HALCYON DAZE, the freshman novel by Palmer Owyoung is an
offbeat, witty story, told with vivid imagery as he artfully
lets readers wander through the visions in his character's
minds. This book has the freedom and flair reminiscent of the
flower children in the sixties. It is an interesting read.

Reviewed by aNN Brown
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I really enjoyed reading Molly's Pilgrim. It was just the right reading level for me. It was not too hard and not too long, but it was interesting. It is about a girl who comes to a new school and is different from everyone else. It is hard for her to adjust. One of the parts that made an impression is when the teacher likes Molly's pilgrim doll best and appreciated it. I would recommend this book to girls who might get discouraged with books that are long, because even though it is not a hard book, it's really interesting. By HG.

The book "Molly's Pilgrim" by Barbara Cohen is about a girl named Molly. It is her first Thanksgiving and she founds out that she really doesn't have anything to be thankful for. Her classmates really make fun of her because of her unfamiliarity with American ways.
Then when it comes to doing a project Molly gets embarassed because her mom helps with the project. She helps by making a little doll that looked more like a Russian girl than a pilgrim. But she explains thatthe doll her mom did was because she tried to explain that her mom is a pilgrim because she came for freedom to worshiip god as her own way.

Barbara Cohen understands ESL students like no other author ever has! In "Molly's Pilgrim" she describes the pain of a Russian Jewish immigrant in her American school in Winter Hill. Molly is mocked and ridiculed by the most popular girl in Miss Stickley's class, and Molly's "limitations" are made even more evident because Molly and her mother don't understand Thanksgiving from the viewpoint of American culture. The assignment is to design a clothespin doll to look like a pilgrim woman, but Molly's mother designs the doll to look like a Russian immigrant girl. In the process, the class learns that pilgrims did not stop coming to America for religious freedom in the 1600s. Molly's family are pilgrims too!

Equally important to my ESL classes is Barbara Cohen's sequel: "Make a Wish, Molly", when Molly's Jewish culture conflicts with that of her classmates. Molly's parents are excited because in America they are finally free to celebrate Passover for the first time. Then Molly is invited to her first American birthday party during Passover week. That luscious pink birthday cake contains leaven! Should Molly keep the Passover, or should she enjoy her first American birthday party? The painful conflict between first and second cultures is one which every ESL student can understand. I recommend both books highly to ESL classes everywhere!

Molly's Pilgrim is the best book! Molly is a little Jewish girl from Russia. She doesn't like to go to school because the girls are teasing her. There are no other Jewish girls at Winter Hill and they think she looks and talks different. She wishes she could go back to Russia or even New York City. Molly had an assignment to make a clothespin Pilgrim doll. Her mom made it to look like herself-because mama sees herself as a Pilgrim from Russia. Molly thinks the doll is beautiful but is also ashamed of the doll because she doesn't think it is a real Pilgrim. She brings it to school and hides it in her desk. When Elizabeth and her friends see it, they make fun of it. Molly explains to Miss Stickly that her mother made the doll to look like her because she came from Russia for freedom just like the Pilgrims. Miss Stickly praises it and puts it in a special place on her desk. This makes Molly proud. We loved this book!!
By Mrs. Lee's 1st and 2nd Grade Red Group at Nike Elementary!

Molly is a young, Jewish immigrant from Russia, who moves to Winter Hill where she is a black sheep among the rest of her classmates. They tease her, and call her names, making fun of her voice, and her eyes, and anything else that they could possibly think of to make fun of her. When Miss Stickley, Molly's third-grade teacher, begins teaching the class about Thanksgiving, Molly is lost. That is, until she finds that Thanksgiving is an American holiday where everyone is grateful for what they have. The problem? Molly doesn't feel thankful. In fact, the only thing that would make her thankful is if her family could move back to New York City, and that won't be happening anytime soon. When Miss Stickley informs the class that they must make pilgrim dolls, Molly is excited to do the project. But when she finds that her mother has made the doll look more like a Russian immigrant, rather than a pilgrim, Molly knows that her troubles at school are about to get worse. But maybe...just maybe, the little Pilgrim is exactly what Molly needs...

It is rare that a book as short as Barbara Cohen's MOLLY'S PILGRIM could bring out such strong emotions in the reader, but that is exactly what it did. The character of Molly is sweet, and kind, and the way she is treated at school could bring tears to anyone's eyes, even if you aren't a crier by nature. The awful songs that Molly's classmates sing about her will choke everyone up, but, at the same time, let the reader feel exactly how people who are "different" are treated. This is a wonderful story that will warm everyone's heart, and teach the whole family about the first Thanksgiving.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

By: Cindy Phommasy


Samantha, Rebecca's best friend, just suggested they play a game called "Seven Minutes in Heaven", a truth or dare game were the girls ask the boy a question where they can either tell the truth or go in the closet and be in heaven. The problem is, Rebecca's not really sure she wants to play because its going to be her first kiss. The real problem is yet to come when the school principal tells them that they are going to learn how to dance the tango and all that stuff. Everybody in class doesn't want Rebecca as their partner because of the last dance, where Rebecca accidentally broke Scott's toe and was called "Killer Dancer". So is Rebecca brave enough to dance and be have romance at the same time?
I would rate this story 4 stars because it's just a story I enjoy to read with romance, and friendship. I can also relate this to my life and I'm sure it will relate to your life also.

This book I just read was so exciting! It's about a girl who is growing up and getting older and she decides to have a party. Well, at the party she wants to play some games. One of the girls at her party says, " Let's play spin the bottle". Another girl suggests that they play seven minutes in heaven. Well, the main character, Andrea, said she hadn't heard of any of those games. This was really a great read for me.

I thought the book was really fun to read. I found some things that I didn't already know. For example, I never knew what seven minutes in heaven was until I read this book. I thought some of the things in the book were too descriptive. When I was reading the book, I kept on thinking, "Why are these girls going to have a party?" "Do their parents know they are having a party?" Of course, my questions never really got answered. What I liked least about the main character is that she acted like she knew nothing. I really loved this book, and I think you will too!

Aw. I love love stories, especially when they're innocent. Some of the sentences feel a little too simple. At the same time, the author cleverly does not underestimate her readers' intelligent by not putting the obvious in sentences, if you know what I mean.

The only issue I have here is the use of word "jackass." But I've learned that it apparently is an acceptable word for middle school kids--having found it in three juvenile books in a week.

An awsome book about 7th graders. The whole breaking his toe thing is really funny!! it took me less than a day to read becuase I coundn't stop. I even was reading it in history class :) I have already given the book to my friend and she lovesd it too. I think that this would be a great book for book lovers (like me) to read.

Maybe its not as well known as Harry Potter, or War and Peace, or Romeo and Juliet. But its definitly as good! Seventh Grade Tango is about a girl, she has a best friend who is a boy and their class is forced to do ballroom dancing. She gets paired with...oops. I shouldnt say...just trust me though. READ IT!

This is a great story of the magic that Christmas brings each year.

A dear teacher friend recommended this book and said she couldn't read it to her class without crying! I thought I would be able to read it to my grandson without tearing up, but alas...he had to finish the last few pages! (Much to his delight!) It is such a gentle, tender story. Even when you KNOW what the outcome will be, you can't help but FEEL the emotions the writer conveys so well! Outstanding illustrations put this book in a rare class!

This was a beautiful story written and illustrated. It allows one to discover how people can reach into the hearts of so many with a simple act of kindness. It also reassures children that one does not have to have a lot to change the lives of another. And that dreams do come true.

Karen

I like Chris Soentpiet's book called Silver Packages. The pictures he drew were OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! The book was outstanding! I like the part when the boy is holding his first one in front of the Christmas tree.

If you want to read a great book then read Silver Packages because it will just touch your heart. It all started when no one had anything so every Christmas a man came and threw silver packages out the back of the train. Chris Soentpiet's illustrations are colorful and interesting.

My son borrowed this book from the library and I quickly fell in love with the beautiful pictures and wonderful story. I went right to my computer to order it for my preschool class. The book arrived quickly and was in great condition.

My kids and I love to read "Snowmen at Night" and we were equally happy with "Snowmen at Christmas". It is perfect for reading aloud to kids of all ages. The pictures are beautiful and the story is magical.

I love the concept of her snowmen books--that they do things and live a life when we're asleep or not looking. I also own Snowmen at Night, and enjoy both with my children. They love looking at the detailed illustrations and find it funny that snowmen eat and drink and dance, etc. Great book for our Christmas collection.

This illustrations in this one were quite simple and yet very eye catching. The children, without exception, enjoyed looking at, reading and having this one read to them. A little boy builds a snowman, and that night, has a dream. The snowmen and their families have quite a life of their own in the dream. The text, which is set in rhyme, is quite catching and the cildren enjoy it..which is a very good indorsement for any children's book. The text goes quite well with the well executed illustrations which makes this an easy book to read to a group of the little ones. Recommend this one highly.

I bought the book because of the beautiful illustrations. I loved all the "lights" (kind of reminded me of a Thomas Kincaid painting). But then found out later about the hidden pictures. All 3 kids, ages 3, 5, and 7 love to look for them. Some are real easy to find for the 3 year old and some are tougher for the 7 year old.

We love all of Barbara Robinson's books. My family read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever when I was young and I read it to my daughter as soon as she was old enough to listen. This book like her other "Best" books make you laugh out loud at the characters and make you see true human nature. It is not just a children's book by any means. I could pick one up and sit down and read it for a good laugh anytime. Halloween is a favorite holiday in our house which made this one appealing. I would highly recommend any of Barbara Robinson's book and especially "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" and "The Best School Year Ever" as well. We read all of them out loud to the family or on a long ride and it makes that time go by quickly and with a lot of laughter.

This book is crazy! The Herdmans go into their school for halloween and steal all the candy. When the other kids are looking for the candy, they turn off the power! You really should read this cause it will make you fall over laughing!

Those of you who have read the original Herdman saga, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" will enjoy hearing from the Herdmans again. Yes, there are some unrealistic parts of the story, but that was true of the first story, too. This one is funny and enjoyable, without being too long. A nice addition to your Herdman library.

While the Herdmans wrecked lots of the town, they manage to disguise themselves to make the most boring school Halloween party the BEST Halloween party when they give all the children a room full of candy. Funny and surprising this book was a ton of fun for a Saturday read. Makes me want to read other stories about the Herdmans.

It's a known fact that whenever there's trouble, the six Herdman kids are behind it. Lose a pair of pants? It's the Herdmans. Find your window broken? The Herdmans are behind it. Find yourself painted green? Blame the Herdmans. It never gets old. Or, at least it never got old before. But this year is different. This year, as everyone is preparing for Halloween, and loading up on candy, the Mayor does something drastic to protect the town from the Herdmans...he cancels Halloween. Sure, without Halloween, the Herdmans are sure to keep their distance from everyone, and cease from stealing the candy that every child has collected. But without the Herman's to contend with, it would also mean that candy is banned for the season. And Halloween just isn't Halloween with a heaping bag full of goodies that will rot your teeth and make you sick. Now, Halloween has turned into a horrible, boring event that will take place at school, with a bunch of parents dressed up as witches and ghouls, ghosts and monsters. Instead of candy, there'll be donuts. Instead of trick-or-treating, there'll be supervised bobbing for apples. This is sure to be the worst Halloween ever, Herdmans or not. But when the lights go off, suddenly everything changes, and everyone begins to wonder whether the Herdmans have what it takes to pull off a spooktacular Halloween that will leave the town cheering.

I don't know how Barbara Robinson does it, but she manages to turn every holiday from a bad experience into the best day ever, and all with the help of the Herdman clan. The Herdmans are enjoyable characters, who, regardless of their bad behavior, knack for pulling pranks everywhere they go, and ability to steal just about anything, obviously have a soft spot, and it is showcased in Robinson's Halloween effort THE BEST HALLOWEEN EVER. Robinson shows a different side of the Herdmans in this particular installment into their trying life, allowing readers to see the kindness that they can emanate, when they feel the need. If you're looking for a spooktacular tale this Halloween featuring some tricks, and quite a few treats, look no further than THE BEST HALLOWEEN EVER.

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

I purchased this book along with several others along the same vane for my Grand Daughters. age 2 and 4 to eventually enjoy as I know they will. I am their Gran Pa and are really looking forward to reading it to them when they are old enough. Great illustrations which go great with a twist of the tale....

I found this book to be unexpectedly emotionally moving. The art is wonderful and the story is lovely. I highly recommend it. Not just for kids. Adults will like it, too. Darkly touching.

Borrowing just a tiny bit from Universal Studios classic monsters, Boris and Bella is a delightfully wicked children's book. Bella Legrossi is the messiest, grimiest monster in all of Booville. Her neighbor, Boris Kleanitoff, is the tidiest, pickiest monster in Booville. Both live all alone as the other monsters cannot abide either of their extreme habits. The neighbors are constantly bickering at each other, and make sure they go out of their way to ignore the other during holidays.

One Halloween, they both decide to throw a bash, inviting all of the other monsters in Booville. But they are both angered and saddened when the other monsters tell them they will not be attending...they are going to Hairy Beastie's party instead! Now Boris and Bella find themselves all alone, yet together wanting to find out just what is so great about Hairy's party. For the first time, these feuding neighbors agree on something!

Boris & Bella is a wonderful children's tale and never fear, despite the appearance of werewolves, mummies, witches, and other assorted monsters, it's never really scary. The fantastic illustrations of Chris Grimly (and how appropriate that name is!) keeps things light and amusing, even when the monsters are feasting on maggot muffins! Lessons about tolerance and acceptance are at the heart of Carolyn Crimi's story. A story too good to read just at Halloween time!

Reviewed by Tim Janson

when this story was read to them. Adults will get the puns. One of the author's best

I got this as a gift from my aunt. It is really fun. Great story and Gris Grimly always does the best illustrations. Good for all ages. Especially lovers of Nightmare Before Christmas or other goulish delights.

I wish someone would turn this book into a movie. I think it would be right up there with "A Christmas Story" as an instant classic and I would watch it every Christmas with my family.

I am not a fan of Christmas books but this one was excellent. I actually showed the extremes that people go through to help a love one during this season, which is what Christmas is about! More people should be like the main character Tommy, selfless and believing. Willing to take a risk putting his wants to the wind just to try and save a love one. This book is a definite inspiration!

While reading this book to my son I was truly amazed at all of the amazing facial expressions I was able to capture. From sadness and excitement to dissapointment and unbound joy. The book has a special part for everyone including me! I hope that one day I can see this on film so that I can see all those wonderful looks one more time.

THE BEST CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS BOOK TO COME OUT SINCE I WAS A GIRL!!! MY DAUGHTER LOVES IT!
A REFRESHING NEW LOOK AT THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.

I thoroughly enjoyed it! Reading this fascinating and clearly written Christmas story about a family's Christmas traditions in the South Side of Chicago was incredibly compelling. As a parent having to answer the question, "Does Santa Claus really exist?" This book will be your lifesaver and mine! Living on the South Side of Chicago, made this book that much more personal. I recommend this reading to everyone. It is worth reading for self-enjoyment at teatime, and for the little ones of all ages during story hour.