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happy children’s book week!

~ jama



Don’t you love this adorable poster created by Jon J. Muth, last year’s Children’s Choice Illustrator of the Year? I love his picture books featuring Stillwater, the giant panda, little Koo, and siblings Addy, Michael, and Karl (Zen Shorts, Zen Ties). Can’t wait for Zen Ghosts to be released in September! Click here for details on how to receive a poster free of charge!

Tonight, the winners of the third annual Children’s Choice Book Awards will be announced at the Gala in NYC. I’m especially excited that one of my favorite picture books from 2009, Mouse Was Mad by Linda Urban, is a finalist! Go to A Story Before Bed to hear Linda and two other authors reading from their books.

This year marks the 91st observance of Children’s Book Week. For ideas on how to participate and/or celebrate at home, in the classroom or at your library, visit bookweekonline.com. You’ll also find a schedule of Official and Local Events, a digital toolkit, and more. To keep tabs on all the happenings via Twitter, follow hashtag #kidsbookwk.

Have fun snuggling up and reading with your kids all week long!

Here are some panda cookies to help you celebrate!
 
 photo by LaLa512.

Copyright © 2010 Jama Rattigan of jama rattigan’s alphabet soup. All rights reserved.  

friday feast: divine dipping

~ jama


        photo by bensonofbroadway.

If one has to take the plunge, it may as well be into a dish of warm, creamy chocolate.

Strawberries, marshmallows, cubes of pound cake and banana slices all agree — death by chocolate is the only way to go!


 photo by alfonsozt.


 photo by whartan.

Remember when that rascal, Greg Pincus, scared us with his paprikash last month? He is back today to make amends with another foodie poem. This time, there is not one hint of fear, no hesitation, not one bit of mystery or trepidation — fondue au chocolat hides nothing, and Greg has finally bared his soul: “I have eaten here in L.A. at a restaurant where every course was fondue, and have always loved any dessert involving skewers!” Friends, you heard it here first!
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thankful thursday

~ jama

Today, I am grateful for our men and women in uniform overseas: thank you for your service.

I am grateful for their families back home: thank you for all the sacrifices you make every day.

I am grateful for homecomings and reunions. May God keep you safe.

Hug your loved ones today. Thanks to James for the link.

just a reminder

~ jama

                

Don’t forget about the Poetry Book Giveaway organized by Kelli Agodon at Book of Kells. There are 50 bloggers participating in this wonderful multi-blog giveaway, which is open to poetry lovers around the world. Leave a comment at as many of the listed blogs as you please for a chance to win the featured poetry collections. I’m excited to discover lots of new-to-me poets!

Deadline for all giveaways is Friday, April 30th. If you’ve commented at alphabet soup any time this month, you are automatically entered to win a copy of The Poet’s Cookbook or The Alchemist’s Kitchen. For more about these books, see this post.

a little wine, a little cheese, a little jobim

~ jama

             
               photo by jessedharris.

The previously announced string quartet polished off all of Pat’s buns, Sara’s biscuits, Jeannine’s Hermit Cookies, and Elaine’s Almond Gateau. They also inhaled five of Julie’s tortas and a raft of Susan’s Chanterelle and Goat Cheese puffs. Is it any wonder they’re now horizontal and in no condition to perform for you?

Luckily, the jazz musicians are here! Not just any jazzies, mind you, but my all-time favorite Brazilian composer, Antonio Carlos Jobim (a.k.a. Tom Jobim). I never tire of listening to "Wave." This video was taken at the 1986 Montreal Jazz Festival. Sip a little wine, have some cheese, relax and enjoy!