Making Friends with Billy Wong

This title caught my eye! I have a family connection. My grandson’s grandfather is Chinese American with the last name Wong. The SOUTHERN words… Azalea, Paris Junction, Arkansas, Grandma Clark, The Guiding Light…that was all I needed to dive right into this story. And true to her words and her writing, Augusta Scattergood does it again! She weaves a tale of charm and delight that warms your heart. Making Friends with Billy Wong

The Word Collector

…. by Sonja Wimmer
Illustrated by Sonja Wimmer
Translated by Jon Brokenbrow
Published by Cuento de Luz
2011

Luna, whose name means “Moon” in Spanish, was a little girl that lived high up in the sky. She was passionate about words and collected them. She collected “funny words that tickle your palate when you say them, words so beautiful that they make you cry, friendly words that embrace your soul.” But when she notices that less words are reaching her up in the sky, that people are forgetting all the beautiful words, Luna knows is time to act. “She put all of the words she had in a big suitcase, and set off with them on a journey.” Luna embarks on a journey that will help her spread the power of positive words all over the world.

The Word Collector is a beautiful picture book, an ode to language and words. Sonja Wimmer plays with fonts and text placement along the story, making us trace the path of the words along the page. The changes in type and orientation of the text are complemented by whimsical illustrations that take us to a dreamlike world. Each page asks to be savored, each detail taken into account. I loved the fact that even after the translation of the text from Spanish to English, there were places where words in Spanish could still be spotted (framed picture that reads “las palabras locas”, or a paper airplane made from a Spanish newspaper). There is an addendum where the text is written in a more conventional manner to make it easier to read -good idea to go here first, if you’re trying to share it as a read aloud.

The Word Collector will capture any reader, young and old, who loves language and words. With lyrical text, beautiful language and illustrations, this is a delightful addition to any home or classroom library.
Posted by Natalia Ortega-Brown

I love this book—It is what I do—collect WORDS!

Lassoing Literacy

Come to the Children’s READ ME A STORY Tent to hear the story of Hound Dawg and see Hound Dawg live and in person!

As part of the North Texas Children’s Authors and Illustrators’ “Lassoing Literacy,” teacher Kathy Ritz will join Media Center Coordinator Patricia Vermillion in presenting the author’s recently released children’s book Hound Dawg. The event will be held at the Dallas Public Library’s Erik Jonsson Central Library:
Saturday November 5 from 1:15 to 1:25 p.m..

1515 Young Street in downtown Dallas (in the second floor children’s area)

Top Ten Books for Principals to Read Aloud at Staff Meetings by Matt Renwick — Nerdy Book Club

Files are saved, paperwork is completed, and instructions are left for the new principal. As I prepare for a new adventure as principal of Mineral Point Elementary School (Wisconsin), there is one thing left to do for my successor: Provide a list of excellent books to read aloud to staff members to start meetings. […]

via Top Ten Books for Principals to Read Aloud at Staff Meetings by Matt Renwick — Nerdy Book Club

Southern Bound Books

Welcome to SOUTHERN BOUND BOOK SHOP
Biloxi’s only independent book shop!
New location in Ocean Springs now open for business!

UPCOMING EVENTS
We are happy to announce that children’s author Patricia Vermillion will join us for story time. She will read her latest picture book, “Hound Dawg”. Ms. Vermillion is an award winning children’s author and is a Mississippi native, now living in Texas.
We will also have a surprise guest join us! Don’t miss it!
Tuesday, July 12th
10:30 – 11:30

At Southern Bound Book Shop, we offer new and used books in numerous genres from Fiction to How-To, and provide a cozy Children’s section for the little ones as well! We will also trade your used books at the Biloxi location for store credit to use towards future purchases.

We value the authors in and around our community and support their literary efforts by showcasing their books. Southern authors are our specialty!

But we’re more than just a bookstore! Stop in and check out our collection of vintage jewelry and art pieces & decor by local and regional artists!
Visit Our Shop at
280 Eisenhower Drive
Biloxi, MS 39531
228.207.6472
and
1218 Government Street
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
228.215.1182

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY
A Garden of Books…
Take a Book, Leave a Book
As part of our efforts to promote reading, we have partnered with a local coffeehouse, The Greenhouse on Porter, to provide a free book exchange for the Ocean Springs community. The Little Free Library is located at 404 Porter Avenue in Ocean Springs, MS. (Charter #29784)

Thank you to Mr. Ronald Baker, of Biloxi, for masterfully crafting our Little Free Library!

African American History Month

During the month of February, schools celebrate the achievements of black Americans and their role in history. This month I discovered Mae C. Jemison, the first African-American female astronaut. Mae, as a child, always had an interest in space. She attended medical school and became a doctor. After several years, Mae trained for NASA and became an astronaut. She flew aboard the Endeavor and preformed tests to see how space effects health. She lives in Houston, Texas where she created a space camp for students 12 to 16 years of age. Students learn about science and how to apply it to everyday life.

LBJ Tree Lighting Ceremony

Hound Dawg visiting the LBJ state park Tree Lighting Ceremony. Santa’s helper came on stage to give Hound Dawg a HIGH FIVE. If you have not visited LBJ’s ranch, now is the time!