Posts Tagged ‘books’

Reading to your little one is the perfect way to spend a June afternoon — mix that with a little live music, and you’ve got a fun (and free!) day.

Start the season right: Tomorrow, all-girl band Care Bears on Fire performs at the Brooklyn Public Library to kick off BPL’s Summer Reading Program. After hearing these 14 and 15-year-old rockers do their thing (think The Ramones meets The Donnas) on the steps at Grand Army Plaza at 3:30pm, head inside to check out this year’s summer reading list for kids and pick up a few titles for a rainy (or sunny) day.

Rock on.

Visit summerreading.org.

She works hard for the money…and feels guilty leaving the kids behind to put in a long day at the office. But what if that schedule involved maximum security prisons?

NYC criminal defense attorney Claudia Trupp chronicles the challenges of a being a working mom with a hardcore career (and a criminal-filled one at that) in Hard Time & Nursery Rhymes: A Mother’s Tale of Law and Disorder. This wise and witty memoir puts a new spin on the work/life balance. Filled with anecdotes of life with her three young daughters (whether it’s marshmallows for breakfast or shopping at American Girl) that parallel stories of her most memorable cases, this relatable book opens up discussion about bigger issues like faith and perspective.

So you better treat her right.

Available at amazon.com.

After months of diaper duty and late-night feedings, you’re finally ready to throw a grown-up party again — no sippy cups allowed.

Plan your cocktail menu with restaurateur Danny Meyer’s new book, Mix Shake Stir, which offers drink recipes and tips from his NYC eateries including Union Square Cafe, Eleven Madison Park and Blue Smoke. Learn how to serve signature drinks like The Modern’s Modern Martini or the Pomegranate Gimlet at Tabla. Your first post-baby bash should also include Meyer’s must-haves for any host, from making cocktail-perfect ice cubes to choosing the right glass. Flip through the pages until a photo of sangria or a margarita catches your eye, or use the inspiration to create your own cocktail du jour.

And give your guests an even happier hour.

Available at bn.com.

Working mother, wife and fashionista — is it possible to do it all? A certain woman in Washington, D.C. does.

Fans of the First Lady’s many red carpet-worthy moments will enjoy Michelle Style: Celebrating the First Lady of Fashion. This new book catalogs the already-iconic looks of Mrs. Obama. Author Mandi Norwood, an award-winning women’s magazine editor in NYC, explores the power of image through photos, illustrations and descriptions of the First Lady’s frocks from designers like Isabel Toledo and Maria Pinto. Basic fashion tips all moms can apply, from utilizing pearls and V-necks to mixing Jason Wu with J. Crew, are shown through the lens of Mrs. O.

Use it for your next inaugural moment.

Available at amazon.com.

New Yorkers love their pizza, but who knew that a good pie could come from the West Coast?

Based on the true story of eight-time world pizza-tossing champion and Northern California chef Tony Gemignani, Tony and the Pizza Champions gives kids an inside look into the acrobatic art of pizza tossing. After a cross-country trip to assemble the best team (including a stop in NYC to pick up Famous Joe), Tony and friends show off their dough-tossing skills in Italy — and of course, win with their high-flying skills.

If that’s enough to set off your pizza alarm, check out the recipes and tossing instructions in the back of the book (even a New Yorker would approve). Mangia.

Available at chroniclebooks.com.

Spring is the perfect time to explore a new part of NYC, whether you’ve got a little visitor coming to town or your kids are finally old enough for day of sightseeing.

Prepare for the adventure with Salvatore Rubbino’s A Walk in New York, which follows a young boy and his dad through their day in the big city. From Grand Central Station to Greenwich Village, the little boy is amazed by the sights and sounds of Manhattan. Even the most jaded city dweller will be excited by the lively illustrations and energizing text, mixed with fun facts about NYC (for instance, the site where the NYPL stands used to be a reservoir).

Enjoy the view.

Available at amazon.com.

Welcome to story time season. Lately several city venues have added free book readings for kids to the calendar, including Housing Works Bookstore, FAO Schwarz and Battery Park’s Action Center.

The Strand Book Store, a New York landmark, now joins the bunch with a weekly family hour where staff members read from their favorite children’s books. In addition to the Thursday get-togethers, stay tuned for special events with local writers (next month welcomes Harry Bliss, author of Luke on the Loose).

Those miles and miles of books are sounding better and better.

When: Thursdays, 3:30pm; All ages; Free.
Where: Strand Book Store, 828 Broadway at 12th St. (second floor children’s department), 212-473-1452, strandbooks.com.

Despite its romantic billing, these days Valentine’s Day is really for kids who get a thrill from passing out paper hearts and hugs to their friends.

Do something kind for your favorite little valentine: NYC’s Books of Wonder will deliver a Nice-O-Gram — a signed and gift-wrapped copy of The Nice Book by David Ezra Stein — within the tri-state area by February 14th, if you order by noon today. Through short text and charcoal pencil illustrations of animals amiably tickling and singing, the story shows that affection is a gift that comes back to us when we give it to others — ideal for toddlers and preschoolers learning the ins and outs of social interaction.

It’s a nice treat.

Available at booksofwonder.com.

This weekend, check out CMOM’s new exhibit, “Golden Legacy: Original Art from 65 Years of Golden Books,” which chronicles the popular Little Golden Books collection. Original artwork from much-loved titles like The Poky Little Puppy, Scuffy the Tugboat and Home for a Bunny are on display. On Saturday, stop by for a reading with author Dan Yaccarino and an appearance by the Poky Little Puppy himself (3pm).

Launched during the first year of WWII, the Bronxville-based Little Golden Books forever changed children’s literature — and the first books cost just 25 cents. See this charming history for yourself.

When: On view through August 28.
Where: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd St., 212-721-1223, cmom.org.

Your kid loves Paul Frank (he’s got the hoodie), your DH thinks it’s cool (he’s got the boxers), and even you can get on board with that cute little monkey (which you refuse to wear, but still).

Paul Frank’s first children’s book, Only in Dreams — A Bedtime Story follows mascot Julius the Monkey through a journey into his imagination. And imagine this: Rock musician Andrew W.K. will read the picture book to little dreamers this weekend. Stick around for an autograph from Julius himself.

When: Sun. 5/25, 12:30-4pm; All ages; Free.
Where: McNally Robinson, 50 Prince St., mcnallyrobinsonnyc.com.