(Above) A page from Tomi Ungerer's 1962 children's classic, The Three Robbers
A few days after Alsatian artist and author Tomi Ungerer passed away last month at 87, I read one of his final works at Wednesday storytime, Fog Island; a story itself cloaked in mystery, with a matching palette of blue, gray, and dark brown. Redolent of Hansel and Gretel, siblings Cara and Finn lose and find themselves on a misbegotten journey by curragh to an island they've been warned about. And yet, in characteristic Ungerer-fashion, their eerie adventure can't live without a requisite dose of absurdity, which the Hans Christian Andersen Prize winner valorized in every one of his 140 plus books for children and grownups. As one young reader in attendance observed, the Fog Man's feet were stepping on his own long, white beard, quietly turning a frightening figure into a friend, with an unparaded gesture of delight. "Have you ever noticed how children's attention is drawn by details?" writes Ellen Handler Spitz in The Brightening Glance. "So much meaning comes through the fine points." Ungerer's career, beginning in grade school under German occupation, was devoted to making such meaning available to readers of all ages, in part by recognizing fear as a necessary entryway, perhaps a fog, to courage.
As 57th Street Books quietly celebrates our nomination for the Women's National Book Association's 2019 WNBA Pannell Awards, which "honor bookstores that enhance their communities by using exceptional creativity to foster a love of reading among their young patrons," we want to LOUDLY thank you, our community, for inspiring, challenging, and reading with us. Which is to say, enhancing what we're here to do. Being a bookstore takes courage, and thanks to you we're getting there. —Colin, et al. at 57th Street Books Tomi Ungerer: A Treasury of 8 Books(Phaidon Press)
Tomi Ungerer
As her baby goes on a mad dash through the jungle, it’s up to mama to make sure the curious little orangutan doesn’t get into too much trouble. With a simple, playful rhyme, this adorable and humorous story illustrates the oftentimes chaotic but always loving bond between parent and child.
(Dial Books)
Wendy Meddour, illus. by Daniel Egnéus
Lubna's best friend is a pebble. Pebble always listens to her stories. But when a lost little boy arrives in the World of Tents, Lubna realizes that he needs Pebble even more than she does. This emotionally stirring and stunningly illustrated picture book explores one girl's powerful act of friendship in the midst of an unknown situation.
With a voice both wise and witty, Gwendolyn Brooks crafted poems that captured the urban Black experience and the role of women in society. She grew up on the South Side of Chicago, and ultimately published 20 books of poetry, two autobiographies, and one novel. Alice Faye Duncan has created her own song to celebrate Gwendolyn’s life and work, illuminating the tireless struggle of revision and the sweet reward of success.
Even the smallest wish can be dangerous. That’s why the Collectors are always keeping watch.
The Collectors sweeps readers into a hidden world where wishes are stolen and dreams have a price. Fast-paced, witty, and riveting, this contemporary fantasy adventure has magic woven through every page.
“Readers will feel for the brave, unconventional Elodee, who both affirms her individuality but also feels the loneliness of it... A hope-tinged tale about the long aftermath of tragedy.”—ALA Booklist
The world tilted for Elodee this year, and now it’s impossible for her to be the same as she was before. So when Elodee’s mom gets a new job in Eventown, moving seems like it might just fix everything. Everything may be “even” in Eventown, but is there a price to pay for perfection—and pretending?
Flora and her brother, Julian, don’t believe they were born. They’ve lived in so many foster homes, they can’t remember where they came from. So along with their new mother, Flora and Julian begin a journey to go back and discover their past—for only then can they really begin to build their future.
"The plentiful references to comics and conventions will delight fans new and old." —Booklist
In her endearing debut novel, cartoonist Faith Erin Hicks pens a sensitive and funny Romeo and Juliet tale about modern romance, geek royalty, and what it takes to heal the long-festering scars of the past (Spoiler Alert: love).
Bestselling author Laurie Halse Anderson is known for the unflinching way she writes about, and advocates for, survivors of sexual assault. Now, inspired by her fans and enraged by how little in our culture has changed since her groundbreaking novel Speak was first published twenty years ago, she has written a poetry memoir that is as vulnerable as it is rallying.
Save the date: Julie Berry presents Lovely War Tue. 4/30 at 57th Street Books!
A classical pianist from London, a British would-be architect-turned-soldier, a Harlem-born ragtime genius in the U.S. Army, and a Belgian orphan with a gorgeous voice and a devastating past. Their story, as told by goddess Aphrodite, who must spin the tale or face judgment on Mount Olympus, is filled with hope and heartbreak, prejudice and passion, and reveals that, though War is a formidable force, it’s no match for the transcendent power of Love.
The highly anticipated second novel by Angie Thomas, the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning The Hate U Give. It is the story of fighting for your dreams, even as the odds are stacked against you; and about how, especially for young black people, freedom of speech isn’t always free.
Boys can be anything they want to be! This timely book joins and expands the gender-role conversation and gives middle-grade boys a welcome alternative message: that masculinity can mean many things.
A gorgeous picture book biography of botanist and photographer Anna Atkins--the first person to ever publish a book of photography. Weaving together histories of women, science, and art, The Bluest of Blues will inspire young readers to embark on their own journeys of discovery and creativity.
From the difference between a star and a supernova to what matter and dark matter really are, Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry will turn young people into budding experts on the fundamental rules and unknowns of our universe. Along the way, Tyson’s characteristic wit ensures a journey packed with fun.
In 1956, one year before federal troops escorted the Little Rock 9 into Central High School, fourteen year old Jo Ann Allen was one of twelve African-American students who broke the color barrier and integrated Clinton High School in Tennessee. This is the heartbreaking and relatable story of her four months thrust into the national spotlight and as a trailblazer in history.
“The stories move gracefully between reality and fantasy, a bit like Miyazaki movies, but sweeter.”—The New York Times Book Review
Yu’er and her grandpa live in a small neighborhood in Beijing—and it’s full of big personalities. There’s a story around every corner, and each day has a hint of magic.
Lettering artist and author Jessica Hische signs copies of her debut picture book, Tomorrow I'll Be Brave. Don't wait to boldly go where no reader has gone before with Chicago's YA Superstar Samira Ahmed, a trip to the moon, and more out of this world events for young readers below!
Samira Ahmed presents InternmentSunday, March 31st 3pm at 57th Street BooksA New York Times bestselling and ABA "Indies Introduce" selection, Samira Ahmed joins us to discuss her new story of a terrifying, futuristic United States where Muslim citizens are forced into internment camps. With the help of newly-made friends also trapped within the camp, her boyfriend on the outside, and an unexpected alliance, seventeen-year-old Layla Amin begins a journey to fight for freedom, leading a revolution against the internment camp's Director and his guards. Heart-racing and emotional, Internmentquestions the imaginary boundaries that separate us and challenges readers to fight the complicit silence that exists in our society today.
Suzanne Slade presentsDaring DozenThursday, March 14 6pm at 57th Street BooksJoin us for a reading with Suzanne Slade, engineer by degree and award-winning author of more than 100 books for children, who will present Daring Dozen: The Twelve Who Walked on the Moon, illustrated by Alan Marks. Young space enthusiasts and future astronauts welcome! Slade will be sharing free "Space Selfies" and a "To the Moon" quiz. Come and participate for a chance to win a bookmark with an actual moon rock.
Storytime with Caldecott Medalist Vera BrosgolSaturday, April 6 10:30am at 57th Street BooksJoin us for a very special storytime with Caldecott Medalist Vera Brosgol, reading from her new book The Little Guys. The Little Guys might be small, but they aim to be mighty. As they head off to find breakfast, they can conquer anything through teamwork—cross deep waters, dig through obstacles, and climb the tallest trees. Nothing can stop them! But as they begin to amass more than they need, the creatures in the forest ponder—what happens when no one can stop the Little Guys? This slyly funny and rambunctious read-aloud explores how strength in numbers only works when the whole community unites together.
Storytime with Lara Musard - The Syrup BookSat. 3/2 10:30am at 57th Street Books
Logan Center Family Saturdays - Children's BookathonSat. 3/2 2pm at Logan Center for the Arts
Storytime with Jay Fleck - Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible HugSat. 3/9 10:30am at 57th Street Books
Storytime with Alice McGinty - Pancakes to Parathas: Breakfast Around the WorldSat. 3/16 10:30am at 57th Street Books
Katy Loutzenhiser presentsIf You're Out ThereThu. 3/21 6pm at 57th Street Books
South Side Story Time - Arts + Public LifeSun. 3/31 10am at the Greenline Performing Arts Center
An Evening with Thomas LennonMonday 3/11, 7:30pm at Classic Cinemas Lake Theatre | 1022 Lake StreetOak Park native Thomas Lennon brought Reno 911!'s Lt. Dangle and The Odd Couple's Felix Unger to life. Now, the noted screenwriter of the Night at the Museum franchise presents the first book in a new saga, Ronan Boyle and the Bridge of Riddles. Fourteen-year-old Ronan Boyle is the youngest and lowliest recruit to the secret Garda, an Irish police force that handles the misdeeds of numerous magical creatures. Ronan’s parents are in jail, but Ronan is convinced that they were framed by the wee people. So, despite his small size, poor eyesight, and social awkwardness, he’s determined to learn all he can in the Garda in order to prove his parents’ innocence. Fast paced, action packed, and completely hilarious, this is the start to an exciting new middle-grade series. Purchase tickets here!
