Napping Day

On Napping Day, what book could be better to read than Sleeping Beauty? Perhaps, Sleeping Ugly?  For the traditional version of Sleeping Beauty, consider reading the book by Newbury-winning author Cynthia Rylant, who retells the story in a book vividly illustrated by Erin McGuire. Her lyrical language is perfect for emergent readers who are sure to enjoy the beloved story. For the more sophisticated reader, Jane Yolen penned a twist on the well-known fairytale. Sleeping Ugly is the story of Princess Miserella, who is beautiful on the outside and ugly on the inside, and Plain Jane, who is loving and kind although quite plain in her looks. With illustrations by Diane Stanley, Sleeping Ugly is sure to intrigue readers in the 8-12 year range.

Genealogy Day

Genealogy Day makes me think of Search for the Shadowman by Joan Nixon Lowery, one of my favorite children’s authors. This book for middle-grade readers is an entertaining look at how a school assignment on genealogy leads Andy to a hundred-year-old mystery. As he searches for ways to solve the mystery with the help of his best friend J.J., he soon learns that someone doesn’t want him looking into past secrets. The book is made more compelling by the dilemma imposed by the answer to the mystery.