Thunder Cake

Posted on September 28, 2018September 14, 2019 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco (1997)

This book was published way past my own picture book days, but I came across it somewhere along the way in my adult life. It must have made an impression, because when the summer storms started rolling in when our girl was a baby, I immediately thought of it. Thunder Cake is every bit as darling as I remember it.

The story tells of a young girl afraid of the approaching thunder. Her grandma coaxes her out from under the bed by promising they will make “thunder cake.” As the two gather ingredients for the cake, the girl proves her bravery by facing some of her other fears. The book ends, of course, with some delicious cake and hot tea amidst the rumbling storm.

We’ve baked our own “thunder cake” on many occasions. Sometimes I hide the ingredients in corners of the house or porch for us to go find, just like the girl in the book. (There is a recipe included in the book, but I usually use this one that doesn’t have any shortening.)

The Philharmonic Gets Dressed

Posted on August 24, 2018February 20, 2019 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

The Philharmonic Gets Dressed
words by Karla Kuskin, illustrations by Marc Simont (1982)

This is a sweet little book about the members of the Philharmonic getting ready for their evening performance. I love that it helps show the real, daily life side of these musicians. I think it’s an idea that kids can carry over into other professions and situations as well, recognizing that everyone, whether it’s musicians or ball players or teachers or actors or even just other friends, has their own routines for getting dressed and ready for work or an outing or a special event. Cute illustrations, nice attention to details, and, of course, a good introduction to music and orchestras.

The Invisible String

Posted on August 24, 2018September 13, 2019 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

The Invisible String words by Patrice Karst, illustrations by Geoff Stevenson (2000)

One stormy night, two kids are frightened, but their mom reassures them by teaching them about the invisible string that connects all of those who love each other.

We first found this book after the passing of a loved one to try to explain to our young daughter how people can always live on in our hearts. Although one page does deal with this specific topic, most of it talks about how the invisible string connects people when we are in different locations or doing different activities. There is also an explanation about how the string will always be there, despite any hurt or angry feelings.

This is a sweet book that would be good to read anytime, but it is probably especially helpful during a transition, like starting school or moving away from friends or missing a long-distance relative after a visit. I’m looking forward to reading more by Ms. Karst.

Marilyn’s Monster

Posted on May 9, 2018July 8, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Marilyn’s Monster (2015)
written by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Matt Phelan

Everyone in Marilyn’s class is getting their own pet monsters. But the way it works is this—a monster must be the one to choose the child. One by one, every kid is chosen. Everyone, that is, except Marilyn. She tries to be patient and stay positive, but she’s beginning to feel lonely, discouraged, and left out.

Finally, Marilyn bucks convention, forgets about the way it’s “supposed to work” and sets out to find her monster herself.

As a children’s picture book, this is a complete delight and one of our daughter’s favorites. A darling story with charming illustrations. (The monsters share similar physical traits with their human companions.) But this also feels like one of those picture books we can read and gain comfort from into adulthood. Who hasn’t felt like the one left out or left behind in life’s milestones, whether it’s making friends at school, finding love, having children, finding their passion or so on. Marilyn’s Monster is definitely on our must-own list.

Birds

Posted on May 9, 2018July 8, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Birds(2009)
written by Kevin Henkes, illustrated by Laura Dronzek

Birds is a short and simple book talking about birds– wondering about them, observing them. There’s nothing life-changing or emotional here, but the questions and observations are so pure and child-like and wonderful. The illustrations by Droznek match the text perfectly. A very enjoyable picture book!

(Kevin Henkes‘s website (of Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse fame) is awesome!)