The Seven Silly Eaters (with a Recipe for Mrs. Peters’ Birthday Cake!)

The Seven Silly Eaters is a picture book that will take you by surprise.

I came across it almost by chance, it cropped up while I was looking for books that would hopefully help to defuse a "fussy eater" situation in my own home.

Sometimes parents hope that humor is the best medicine.

Well, we do try everything...

My daughter was probably in the Top 5 fussy eaters in the world (well.. it seemed that way, anyway) during her first three years of life, so I constantly kept an eye open for books that could make light of during the endless hours that we spent "eating" every day.

 Although my excuse was to try to find a book that would help her overcome the eating problem, it probably was more of a help to me ... this effort to find a book that would magically solve the fussy eating.

After I turned on the "fussy eater" book filter in my head and started browsing online offerings, one day I came across Mary Ann Hoberman's The Seven Silly Eaters.

Peter Pan - My Picks of the Best Illustrated Children's Editions

My new favorite Peter Pan
illustrated by MinaLima

POST UPDATE: As my old favorite, the Scott Gustafson illustrated version of Peter Pan is no longer available - I am now recommending the MinaLima illustrated version of Peter Pan, due to its inclusion of interactive elements that are certain to fascinate any young reader!

The new MinaLima illustrated Peter Pan may not be everyone's cup of tea - so be sure to preview it, just to make sure it is in line with your expectations. 

It is like a 21st century version of an early 20th century classic. 

I like to think that modern kids have new expectations and that we can offer them a completely new approach to an old story - and this MinaLima illustrated editions does that amazingly. 

It contains many colorful illustrations as well as surprising 3d elements such as a pull-out map of Neverland and a special interactive clock (the croc o'clock) that you fiddle with by turning its hands. 

I know which question is lingering on your lips, as I write this sentence.

Who is MinaLima?

The MinaLima illustrated Peter Pan

MinaLima is a studio, not a person. 

And it is best known for taking part in the Harry Potter movies series by creating the visual stamp for the Harry Potter movies.

You wouldn't be wrong if you say that MinaLima is not a person, but is two persons. 

Namely, the London-based graphic design studio was established by Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima.

After I updated this post with the information about this new MinaLima edition, a great friend of the Read Aloud Dad blog - Rodrigo Morlesin contacted me.

Rodrigo had just returned home from the Guadalajara International Book Fair  -the biggest such fair in Spanish language in the world. - told me he had a copy of the new MinaLima book.

And guess what - he made a short video for you and me about the new MinaLima edition! And here it is:

For my Spanish-speaking friends, Rodrigo has a fabulous blog Chum! where he interviewed many of the greats from the KidLit worlds such as Lemony Snicket, Roberto Innocenti, Eric Carle, Ian Falconer...

Rodrigo gracias, mi amigo!


My original post follows:
=====================

Last week a delightful letter arrived in my mailbox.

Sandra - a charming reader of this blog - had a question.

After reading my review of an enchanting illustrated version of the original Pinocchio, Sandra said she wanted to find more smashing illustrated classics for kids.

Roberto Innocenti's illustrated Pinocchio had impressed her. But she had a new wish. Let me quote part of her e-letter:

"Now, if fate would smile on me once more and point me in the direction of another great classic, Peter Pan.  You saved me with Pinocchio.  Do you by chance have a recommendation for a great Peter Pan edition? 

This is another one with endless editions and illustrators.  If there's one by Roberto Innocenti, I missed it.  Wouldn't that be a dream?  I'm having that deja vu feeling again...another rabbit hole perhaps?  Thank you ever so much!" 

Sandra 

I told Sandra I had good and bad news for her.

The bad news was that she would have to several days for my response in the form of this blog post.

The good news -  several months ago I bought a great illustrated Peter Pan that I love.In fact it was more than half a year ago - I just looked it up!

Sandra - let me thank you for the great question! I had a great time writing this post.

But, let's not lose more time... lets start our quest for Read Aloud Dad's top illustrated version of Peter Pan! Read on!

How To Become A Read-Aloud Ninja

Do you want to become a Read-Aloud Ninja?

I never knew they existed until yesterday.

The word "ninja" in kanji script

Like any martial art, you have to perfect your technique if you aim to master the art.

Art?

Yes, this is the art of breaking down the walls that separate you from your listener without moving a single finger.

To become a Read Aloud Ninja you must believe that reading children's books has the power to move mountains.

It really does. Just look at Tom Matlack who courageously admitted that reading Dr. Seuss turned around his life as a Chief Financial Officer in a major company.

He made the mistake of trying to run a company with 3000 employees without becoming a Read Aloud Ninja first.

But, wait, we are getting off track.

Do you want to know what it takes to get a read-aloud black belt?

Terrific Treasuries: How To Buy Picture Books AND Save Money

As a parent, you need to save money and spend it wisely, in order to get more book for your buck.

"HarperCollins Treasury"

It's far from easy, as every parent knows.

Throughout my read aloud career, I've also been trying to keep picture book expenses under control.

To keep in tune with my readers, I review only what I buy. No free books from publishers for Read Aloud Dad - not that there is anything wrong with getting sample books for an honest review, mind you.

But there is a magnificent way that you can keep your expenses down as a parent, while providing your kids with dozens and dozens of new picture book classics. (And no, I'm not talking used books here)

I've got a treasure tip for you.

Take a look at these two incredible anthologies.

You should be amazed that these two fantastic books are still on sale.  


They are a steal !!