Cubes & Crayons Coworking - Silicon Valley

C&C Reads: So Few of Me

  A gentle reminder to us all that it's okay to do less and spend more time just enjoying the world around us.

Title: So Few of Me
Author/Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds

What we love: Quite possibly this book appeals to me so much these days, because of it's ability to capture how over scheduled we all are.  Nevertheless it is a delightful tale examining what would happen if we could just one or two or more of ourselves to help with our long to do lists.  Peter H, Reynolds, illustrator/author of another of our favorites, The Dot, has done it again.  He delights us with a simple tale of one little boy overwhelmed by his long list of tasks dreams of having one more of him and then more and more so that he can get everything done.  With lovely illustrations and subtle counting practice, the story resonates with both parents and children.  While the littlest will enjoy the pictures, it is recommended for 3 years and up.  

C&C Reads: The Wretched Stone

The perfect story to remind us of the value of interaction over television and computers.

Title: The Wretched Stone
Author/Illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg

What we love: If you haven't yet picked up a Chris Van Allsburg book, you are missing out.  He is one of the most vivid childen's illustrators and profound authors around.  This book in particular caught my eye back when I was studying children's literature while getting my Master's degree.  We watch a happy crew of sailors who make music, tell stories and dance degenerate into monkeys when they pull aboard a glowing rock.  While to adults it may be a clear signal of the sign of the times, children engage in the high detail illustrations and a fanciful story.  A great story to remind all of us of the value of being with each other and maybe going a bit more unplugged in this "connected" world.  Can be read with children at all levels but highly recommended for 4 - 10 years.

C&C Reads: 5 Little Pumpkins

  Simple, well-known rhyme about pumpkins, perfect for the season

Title: Five Little Pumpkins
Illustrator: Dan Yaccarino

What we love: The first time I read this book with one of my daughters, I didn't know this was even a song and she called the pumpkins apple.  Despite our auspicious start, it became a favorite much beyond the Fall season.  The rhythmic text is engaging, and the bright illustrations are fun.  It becomes a great way to play games like "where's the ghost" on each page and identify picture such as the moon and the cat.  A delight for children from 6 months to 2 years.

C&C Reads: Leonardo's Dream

A joyful story about pursuing your dreams even against adversity.

Title: Leonardo's Dream
Author: Hans De Beer

Illustrator: Marisa Miller

What we love: When a penguin wants to fly he is undaunted by those who tease him and discovers an unique way to reach his goals.  The passion of the penguin is demonstrates strength of character and the story is simply told with an affectionate tone.  A lovely story for three year olds on up to eight.

Five Great Books for 1 - 2 Year old Children

Just a highlight of some our favorite books as you build your library

1. Close Your Eyes: Kate Banks delights with a fanciful bedtime story of a little tiger who worries about going to sleep.  Ms. Banks, author of one of our other favorites, Max's Words, delights us again.
2. The Red lemon: A clever story with fun graphics, solid rhymes, and a small lesson, too.
3. 10 Minutes Til Bedtime: a favorite for little children because of the great illustrations and the simple text and enjoyed by older ones as you see more and more in each picture.  
4. Yum!: A simple shape book that looks at different foods that are the same shape.
5. Lemons are Not Red: A visually stunning piece, we want to share this simple and clever book that plays on the colors of common objects.

Check back for our favorite books as we continue to add to our and your library.

C&C Reads: Orange Pear Apple Bear

Beautifully colored pages to delight a young child's senses.

Title: Orange Pear Apple Bear
Author/Illustrator: Emily Gravett

What we love: The uncluttered water color illustrations play delightfully with the four simple words used in different combinations to make gentle play on words.  So many books in this space are FILLED with too many illustrations and words to captivated a child.  Instead, Gravett understands the value of white space and brings us a few words and rich color on each page.  A beautiful addition to your library starting with your 18 month old.  

C&C Reads: Pumpkin Soup

Funny and ingenious in a story where one duck looks to change the status quo.

Title: Pumpkin Soup
Author/Illustrator: Helen Cooper

What we love: When one friend tries to rock the boat hilarity ensues as the duck, the cat, and the squirrel learn the value of friendship.  The illustrations are rich with color and "splash" across the page with the action.  The language drives the story.  A most delightful tale to be shared with children beginning at 2 - 3 years and on up through 8 year olds.  Also to be found with our same three characters is Helen Cooper's A Pipkin of Pepper.

C&C Reads: The Curious Garden

An urban child discovers the joys in making not just a plant but a whole neighborhood grow into more.

Title: The Curious Garden
Author/Illustrator: Peter Brown

What we love: The beautifully drawn illustrations captivate children and adults as we watch protagonist Liam discover a mere weed in a sea of concrete and nurture it to life.  The environmental theme based on a story of a New York neighborhood where greenery overtook an abandoned railroad and brought fresh life to the area gently nudges children to curiousity about the world around them.  Perfect for 4 to 8 year olds but accessible to younger children, use this story as a jumping off point to find your own curious garden.  You never know where they may crop up.

C&C Reads: The Dot

Among one of the most poignant author/illustrators in children's literature, Peter H. Reynolds enchants children and adults with this simple story about believing in yourself.

Title: The Dot
Author/Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds

What we love: Clean black and white line illustrations share the classic theme of gaining self-esteem as the protagonist learns to trust when overwhelmed in art class.  The writing uses gentle wit to show how a teacher can do something as simple as framing a picture to empower a child as an artist and challenge that child to do more.  And the best part might just be that this lesson is shared by the child with others also searching for that small piece of positive self-esteem that lays a foundation for growth.  The illustrations can be enjoyed by very young children and toddlers and the story is enjoyed by children 4 and up. 

C&C Reads: Freckleface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully

Even better than the first in the series, Freckleface Strawberry, Julianne Moore delights us with a very real fear from childhood of the unknown.  

Title: Freckleface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully
Author: Julianne Moore

Illustrator: LeUyen Pham

What we love: Freckleface Strawberry, a very real seeming child, returns to share her love of playing monster and early bird play when her parents go to work.  But on rainy days there is dodgeball which scares her, only she hasn't been hit.  She takes on her fear using her best tool, being a monster, and discovers that her fear is unwarranted.  The simple lesson of overcoming our fears to discover new friends and delights is a powerful message that resonates with children.  A hit with 4 - 8 year olds, Freckleface Strawberry is a character children will identify with over and over again.  Don't miss this one.