Reflect on This

In 1886 Mrs. T. H. James translated into English a Japanese folktale called The Matsuyama Mirror, which she published along with illustrations by Eitaku (1843-1890) [Tokyo : Kobunsha (Nihonbashi-ku)].  We found a free digital copy on Archive.org, but it's more fun to follow along with Scowl-Face as he reads the book aloud in the following video.

The Matsuyama Mirror, told by Mrs. T. H. James

(MPL Readaloud)

Okay, maybe listening to Scowl-Face read aloud isn't more fun, but you (or your young readers in your family) may read the text on the screen as Ol' Scowlly drones on and on.  It will definitely improve young reading skills, as well as enhance one's endurance to boredom.

What interested Scowl-Face in making this video was the music soundtrack composed specifically about this folk story by the library's composer, whom I call the Music Man.  His composition is called "The Mirror of Matsuyama," included in a series of compositions called Solo Koto.  You can listen (and see sheet music) here.

The story itself is a tribute to love and family remembrance.  The mirror reflects more than the person (or feline) looking into it.  That's something to reflect on, in and of itself.

My library has other readaloud videos available to watch.  They're well worth a look.

Your Roving Reporter On The Go,

Cauli Le Chat

An Angel Kitty Flies

My library has recently completed a book trailer featuring a wonderful children's picture book called Angel in Beijing, by Belle Yang (Sommerville, MA :  Candlewick Press, 2018).

Angel in Beijing, by Belle Yang

(MPL Book Trailer #447)

Through most of the book, the white cat is named "Kitty," but by the end, her name is Angel, because, as it turns out, she can actually fly (with the help of a huge kite).  I became quite distressed when the little girl couldn't find Kitty after she disappeared over some trees holding onto the kite's tail (Kitty, not the little girl).  But all ends well.  This book showcases the beauty of Beijing in delightful drawings, and the story shows how love and kindness are best when shared.

Checkout the book from our Evergreen Indiana catalog to read to your young human(s).  If you don't have a library card, you could always buy a copy from your favorite bookseller.  We felines (and slobberdogs) will enjoy the readaloud, too.  But don't read to kittens--they're too scatterbrained to pay proper attention.  If you know Harley Quinn, my "cub" kitty reporter, you'll know what I mean.

The Lady With the Red Hair Tries to Read to Harley Quinn

Your Roving Reporter On The Go,

Cauli Le Chat

What Makes a Cat a Cat

What makes a cat . . . a cat?  That's the theme of a delightful new children's picture book.  Naturally, we have a book trailer.

MPL Book Trailer #419

I Am A Cat, by Galia Bernstein

Simon is a cute cat--what humans typically call a house cat.  (Like we're going to be stuck inside a house if we want to go out?  Still, it's probably less insulting than domesticated cat, which is obviously an oxymoron.)  Simon knows he is a feline, but his bigger cousins disagree.  The large wild felines each describe cats in their own terms, depending upon their specific physical attributes (fur color, fur length, spots, ability to run fast, etc.)  But Simon sees beyond superficial physical characteristics to see the commonality among all felines.  Finally, the big cats get the big picture.

This is a heartwarming book that shows young readers that we may look different, but we're all cats.  I think that works for people, too.

Evergreen Indiana patrons may checkout this book from our online Evergreen Indiana catalog.

Your (Retired) Roving Reporter On The Go,

Cauli Le Chat

Kittens First, But Save Otis, Too

Otis the tractor did the right thing, saving first those kittens trapped in a burning barn.  But then Otis needed saving.  Who will step-up?  Our book trailer wonders.

MPL Book Trailer #361

Otis and the Kittens, by Loren Long

This beautifully illustrated children's picture book has a happy ending, so no need to worry, young readers.  It is a remarkable tale of self-sacrifice in the face of danger, of courage to protect those you love, and of working together in a crisis.  Should we be faced with such calamities, I hope we will respond as Otis and his friends did.  Our Evergreen Indiana cardholders may checkout Otis and the Kittens from my Library.  Place a hold here, or visit the Library and grab it from the shelf (call number EASY LON, shelved in the EASY-PICT section of our youth services collections).

Your (Retired) Roving Reporter On The Go,

Cauli Le Chat

What Would Your Wish Be?

Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, by Grace Lin, is a delightful children's picture book that tells about a family's nighttime celebration.  I'm down with all things nocturnal.  Our book trailer elaborates.

MPL Book Trailer #228

Near the end of the story, the family sends out wishes for the coming year.  What would your wish be?

Your Roving Reporter On The Go,

Cauli Le Chat

Watch the Books Pile Up

Watch the books pile up as your preschoolers (assuming, of course, that you have some--if not, you could always borrow) enjoy reading a thousand books before kindergarten.  That's a whole lotta books, to be sure, but your kiddies can do it in our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.  Crafty Gal can show you how.  Our program trailer elaborates.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program Trailer

Our early literacy crowd enjoys children's picture books, and read-alouds count toward reading totals.  So this is definitely doable.  Check out tons of books at the Library, and you're good to go.  Need some ideas for fun reading?  We've got a playlist for that.

MPL Book Trailer Playlist, Children's Picture Books
(Click Play Button Above to Start Videos)
(Or CLICK HERE to See the Playlist)

Your Roving Reporter On The Go,

Cauli Le Chat

A Slobberdog Inspiration

Dozer is a slobberdog inspiration.  Our book trailer explains.

MPL Book Trailer #204

Dozer's Run: a True Story of a Dog and His Race,

written by Debbie Levy with Rosana Panza

(illustrated by David Opie)

The book is available to check-out from our Evergreen Indiana catalog (if you have an E.I.  library card).

On May 15, 2011, Dozer saw several people running a marathon--well, actually, a half marathon--and he decided to join the adventure. Uncharacteristically, he ran out of his yard and followed the runners.  It was the Maryland Half Marathon (MHM) to raise money for the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center (UMGCC).  Not that Dozer knew that--he's a slobberdog, after all, not a super-intelligent feline--but he knew something exciting was happening, and he was determined to discover the fun on this grand journey.

Dozer ran most of the 13-mile course, inspiring his human counterparts to their best performances.  He crossed the finish line but was then overlooked by all the people milling about after the race.  It took him all night, but he reached his home safely.  Exhausted, he slept for two days.

People donated money to UMGCC in the names of runners.  The donations rolled in under Dozer's name--a whopping $25,000 total, more than twice as much as any other runner. Seven hundred donors from 43 states, as well as Canada and Great Britain, contributed.

Through his efforts, Dozer has shown that (quoting from the book) "anybody can take steps, big and small, to help others."

Your Roving Reporter On The Go,

Cauli Le Chat