Oh, the graduations you'll attend!

   It's that time of year again, the flowers are blooming and everywhere you look someone is dressed in a cap and gown. Whether it's  the final days of preschool or the end of a four year college journey graduations abound and everyone has the same question: "What do I get for for my son/daughter/niece/nephew/neighbor/ 'the I don't know him very well but I'm still invited to this party' grad." As much as I love Oh the Places You'll Go I always caution our customers that for my very own graduation (high school, college AND grad school) I received countless copies. Even now, I think I have about six copies on my bookshelf all with heartfelt notes inside but six nonetheless. If you want to move beyond the Seuss favorite here are some great choices:

The Clever Stick by John Lechner
Our friend John Lechner was at the store this weekend signing copies of this fabulous picture book when we realized that it truly could be the perfect graduation present. All about finding your voice, journeying through life and making the best out of what you have, this picture book makes the perfect gift and an added bonus is that it's signed by the author/illustrator!


Instructions by Neil Gaiman  

Easily one of my favorites, Instructions was first published as a poem in the collection A Wolf at the Door. This small format picture book depicts the journey from home, the obstacles one might face and then back as the narrator asks questions of the reader throughout. Perfect for the high school or college grads it encourages the reader to "Trust dreams. Trust your heart, and trust your story."



There by Marie Louise Fitzpatrick
This poignant and quiet picture book begins with a question we've all asked our selves and one that graduates surely ponder, "When will I get There?" With sparse text and gorgeous illustrations this book is perfect for young children who will enjoy the story of wonder and quest as well as older students who can relate to the thought provoking questions and sense of journey.




The North Star by Peter Reynolds

All about the journey through life, the questions one must ask and the decisions that have to be made, The North Star has certainly become a graduation favorite. College students leaving the world of academia and setting off on their own path will be able to relate to this very special picture book as well as high school students leaving the comfort and safety of home.





Courage by Bernard Waber
Perfect for younger children to conjure questions, Courage  presents the reader with different situations from "courage is tasting vegetable without making a face" to "courage is sometimes having to say goodbye." Each scenario will help readers think about their own fears and being brave whether it's about leaving the safety of first grade or moving across the country as a new college student.

Spring has sprung and so have these great picture books!

The Yellow House by Blake Morrison, illustrated by Helen Craig

I was so drawn to this classic looking picture book and when I realized it was a reprinting of the 1987 edition I was sure it must have been read to me as a child, I felt an instant connection to it. I revel even now in the the detailed illustrations and whimsical story about an abandoned house a young girl passes everyday. One day she notices that there is a small boy playing among the gardens and he shows her all the wonder in and around the house. A very magical and special story that will prompt young listeners and readers to open their imagination.

Hopper and Wilson by Maria Van Lieshout

What do you think it's like at the end of the world? That is the very same question Hopper asks his friend Wilson and one that perhaps young readers will ask themselves. Wilson hopes that there is an endless supply of lemonade and Hopper imagines a staircase to the moon. They set out on a journey to find out but what they really discover is that their friendship and their sense of home is all they they need. The illustrations add to this very sweet and quiet story making it perfect for bedtime or a special gift.

Press Here by Herve Tullet

An interactive picture book that is neither pop up nor noisy, Press Here is a very special and beautiful book. Beginning with the first instruction, "press the yellow dot," the reader turns each page, follows the prompts (shake the book, press the dot, clap and rub the dot) and embarks on an adventure of the imagination. Fun, colorful and lots of read aloud potential Press Here, is really perfect for readers of all ages.

Hooray for Amanda and Her Alligator! By Mo Willems

Mo Willems is always a fan favorite and his latest will not disappoint. 6 1/2 stories make up this tender and humorous  picture book about Amanda and her stuffed Alligator. A perfect portrait of friendship and the format works nicely for bedtime stories and multiple readings.

I'm a Shark by Bob Shea

Shark is not afraid of anything. He is not afraid of dinosaurs or scary movies or even the dark. Shark is "awesome". However, there is one thing that Shark is afraid of but you'll have to discover what it is. Shark is the perfect picture book for a laugh out loud story and will surely be read again and again. Bonus: Bob Shea will be at the ETB on Saturday, May 21st!

Children's Literature Day at The ETB!

Children's Literature Day

Saturday, May 21st at The Elephant's Trunk Bookshop

Beginning at 11 AM!

Join us for a day filled with storytimes, signings and Q&A sessions with some of our favorite authors!

11AM:  

BOB SHEA will join us and read from his latest picture book , I'm a Shark as well as his popular titles Dinosaur vs. Bedtime and Dinosaur vs. The Potty. Shea's events are always a blast so be sure to arrive early so you don't miss a minute!
Check out Bob Shea here!

1PM:

 JOHN LECHNER will read his picture book, The Clever Stick and discuss his popular Sticky Burr series with an exciting illustration presentation. You don't want to miss it!
Find out more about John here!

3PM:

JAMIE HARPER, author and illustrator of the Miss Mingo series will read from her latest picture book, Miles to Go,  answer questions and sign books. Harper's books are perfect for the whole family!

Find out more about Jamie Harper here!

Can't make the event but want to secure a signed copy? Give us a call and let us know (781) 538-6131.

Revolutionary Revelry!

Linger in Lexington at “Revolutionary Revelry,” a dynamic month-long festival celebrating the arts, culture, and recreation throughout Lexington.   Held during May, the Revolutionary Revelry calendar is packed with daily events and activities – there’s something for everyone.  Dance around the Maypole or make a floral basket on May Day; take a guided bike tour of Lexington; sing along with colonial music at the colonial sing; learn about new artists during open studios, listen to stories by Paul Revere and Louisa May Alcott, dance in a spontaneous shim-sham shimmy; attend a choral concert, see a Tony-award winning musical, take a wild edible walk, be spooked on Friday the 13th, attend the LHS student film festival or an antique car show, enjoy beading to music, running scavenger hunt and much more!  Take a special night tour on the Liberty Ride and Battle Green.  End the month at Discovery Day, the community picnic, the decorated bicycle parade and the opening of the Farmer's Market. Many events are free.  Sponsored by the Tourism Committee in partnership with local businesses and town organizations.  Check out the complete list of events at: www.tourlexington.us and click on Revolutionary Revelry!

Don't miss Louisa May Alcott at The Elephant's Trunk on Thursday, May 5th at 2:30 and hear family stories, ask questions and check out her classic novels!

Also, Thursday, May 12th at 2:30 we will be hosting "Silver Stories" with Paul Revere as he reads aloud from his famous "Midnight Ride."

What an exciting May in Lexington!