see you next year

Both the narrative and images in See You Next Year evoke a lovely nostalgia that draw you into one girl's annual summer trip to the shore, as well as invite you to reflect on your own early memories of vacations taken during this sweltering mid-year season.

We enjoyed the girl's quiet observations of the sights and sounds at the beach, reveled in her new experiences and partook in her joy in making a new friend.  Not surprisingly, after reading See You Next Summer, you'll long for a few more of your own bonfires on the beach before the summer is up.

A perfect read for these ebbing summer days.  By Andrew Larsen and Todd Stewart, and published by Owl Kids.

the uncorker of ocean bottles

“The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles lived alone on a high spot with only one tree for shade.  He always kept his eyes on the waves, watchful for a glint of glass.”

A wispy and ethereal story of wonder and unexpected friendship.  The sea-worn foggy texture of Erin Stead's illustrations befit Michelle Cuevas' affecting, hauntingly beautiful text.  The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles is seriously a contender for best picture book published this year.

time of wonder

We’re soaking up the last days of summer and getting lost in Robert McCloskey’s poetic Time of Wonder today.  Hope everyone has had their share of wondrous moments this summer.

“Out on the islands that poke their rocky shores above the waters of Penobscot Bay, you can watch the time of the world go by, from minute to minute, hour to hour, from day to day, season to season.”

“You snap off the light and row toward the dock as the stars are gazing down, their reflections gazing up.  In the quiet of the night one hundred pairs of eyes are watching you, while one pair of eyes is watching over all.”

vincent's starry night and other stories

Vincent’s Starry Night and Other Stories is a unique take on art history for children.  Significant works of art and movements in art history are enveloped in narrative, which bring to life the context, environment, feel, sights, smells, thought life and dialogue between the artist and his world.  Children's senses and imaginations are engaged as the stories help them relate to the artists and their work.  It's well known that stories bring us closer to what we're learning, and that's part of what makes this such an exceptional book.  Spanning 40,000 years of art history, Vincent’s Starry Night and Other Stories features 68 stories, reproductions of notable artwork, a timeline of historical events and features about the cities and places where artists worked.

“I wanted to capture something of the moment of making, the mix of personalities, ideas, materials, ambitions and even crazy accidents that results in art.  The stories are all based on historical facts – which of course can be thin on the ground as we go back in time – but I’d like to think they also work as stories in their own right.”  — From an interview with author Michael Bird.

The book is recommended for ages 9 and up, but probably best presented as a read-aloud or read together with an adult who will be able to provide explanation and insight into the terminology, rare words and abstract concepts presented in the book.  Vincent’s Starry Night and Other Stories would serve as an engaging introduction and foundation for further studies in art history.  It was authored by art historian Michael Bird and illustrated by Kate Evans.  Release date is August 23 from Laurence King Publishing.

Laurence King Publishing is giving away a copy of Vincent’s Starry Night and Other Stories.  Head over to @averyandaugustine on Instagram to enter.  The giveaway ends on Thursday, August 25, 11:00 PM PDT. 

Images used with permission of Laurence King Publishing.

come in, we're closed

There's a scene in one of my favorite films, Mostly Martha—the staff meal—a relaxed, convivial and familial time in contrast to the mad rush and clamor of dinner service.  Come In, We’re Closed is an insight into the chefs of some of the most iconic restaurants in the world and the meaning and philosophy behind the meals they serve to the heart and soul of their establishment—their staff.

“Staff meals seem to offer a different view of the professional kitchen.  A way to go behind the scenes only to discover that the old adage is true: ’To cook well, one must eat well.’  So when I visit restaurants, I am always wondering what dishes are being made for the kitchen and dining room staff?  What menus are planned?  For after all, how can people who serve food to others not eat fantastically?”  From the foreword by Ferran Adrià.

The Arzak and Mugaritz chapters resonated with me the most because I lived in Spain for a year and have traveled through the Basque country a bit (and of course hope to be back).

“‘Basques are powerful people.  We need powerful food,’ says the silver-haired Juan Mari, a chef in his late sixties who radiates such sincere kindness, you can’t help feeling like you are the most valued diner in his care.  The third generation in his family to run the restaurant, Juan Mari explains that the 4 p.m. family meal always features traditional Basque dishes: ‘To remind us where we came from.’”  From Juan Mari of Arzak.

Written by Christine Carroll and Jody Eddy.  Published by Running Press.