Diane's Books of Greenwich
My dream is for families to put “screens” away for a moment, an afternoon, even longer, and fall into books together! Yes, books! Together! Here are some inspirations:
READ AN OLD FAVORITE OUT LOUD! RASCAL by Sterling North The blissful and splendid adventure Sterling North experienced when he was a small boy with a small pet raccoon named Rascal celebrates its 50th anniversary! Our pick for your family read-out-loud for the entire family is hard to resist, and as Sterling North himself noted: “All my friends in this book, both animal and human, were real and appear under their rightful names. A few less loveable characters have been rechristened.”
FREE TO BE YOU AND ME by Marlo Thomas and Friends A read-out-loud for the entire family, Free To Be You And Me is 35 years old and I am certain a childhood favorite for many of you. Gloria Steinem writes: “The book you hold in your hands has become a classic. No matter how much changes, childhood will always be a place where we learn to love and respect — for each other and for ourselves.” A perfect read-together for ages 6 to forever!
EXPLORE HISTORY! LINCOLN’S LAST DAYS and KENNEDY’S LAST DAYS by Bill O’Reilly Adapted for young people, Lincoln and Kennedy will get young readers (and grown-ups, too!) hooked on history! Filled will illustrations, photographs, maps and art, these are irresistible family books. David McCullough has written that Americans are, sadly, history illiterate, so curl up and read history together, and then talk history together!
SHAKESPEARE! HOW TO TEACH YOUR CHILDREN SHAKESPEARE by Ken Ludwig Do not be fooled by this title! Do not buy this book to teach your children, rather take them along as you commit these beautiful speeches to memory. Internationally acclaimed playwright Ken Ludwig’s enthusiasm for Shakespeare and his lucid, accessible and inspiring book is a rare treat. Simply enchanting! Why not create a magical home theatre this summer?
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S STAR WARS by Ian Doescher Inspired by one of the greatest creative minds in the English language, here is an officially licensed retelling of George Lucas’s epic film Star Wars in the style of the immortal Bard of Avon. Re-imagined in glorious iambic pentameter, this simply begs to be read out loud! “May the verse be with you!”
INSPIRATION! MOUNTAINS BEYOND MOUNTAINS by Tracy Kidder Adapted for young people by Michael French Dr. Paul Farmer is one of those characters the world could use a few more of, which is why it is great to have this book to put in as many young hands as possible. He saw something his conscience simply could not abide — the medical neglect of poor people — and went and did something about it. A great message for children and families!
BE CURIOUS! MISTAKES THAT WORKED: 40 Familiar Inventions and How They Came to Be by Charlotte Foltz Jones Illustrated by John O’Brien Who knew that dozens of products and everyday household items had surprisingly haphazard beginnings? Scotchgard came about when a scientist spilled part of an experiment on her shoe. Coca-Cola, Silly Putty, X-rays and many other familiar products also have fascinating stories behind them. Hilarious cartoons and amazing facts make up this fun-filled book!
THE POWER OF ART! THE MUSEUM Story by Susan Verde Art by Peter H. Reynolds A glorious picture book is our final inspiration! This is a picture book to inspire all of us, young and old, to look and look and look! As a little girl tours and twirls through the halls of the art museum, she finds herself on an exciting adventure. Each piece of art evokes something new inside of her — silliness, curiosity and ultimately inspiration. Please put The Museum on your family bookshelf!