The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) is a Swiss non-profit organization committed to bringing books and children together. Founded in 1953, it is still going strong with more than 70 international sections. Under the Spell of the Moon: Art for Children from the World's Great Illustrators, edited by Patricia Aldana with translations by Stan Dragland is a wonderful collection of the work of artists world wide who have donated their work so that all profits will go to IBBY.

By their very nature picture books implies there are artists/illustrators. Who are they, how do they work, how are they inspired, who are their favorite artists and illustrators? Leonard S. Marcus had these questions (and more) in mind when he compiled and edited Show Me a Story!: Why Picture Books Matter: Conversations with 21 of the World's Most Celebrated Illustrators. Part of the fun of this book was to see what the artists looked like!

The Survivor Tree, by Cheryl Somers Aubin, with illustrations by Sheila Harrington, is based on a true story. (That's actually the subtitle, too). On 9/11 a Callery Pear Tree that was on the plaza was buried in rubble and dust. About a month later someone noticed green leaves poking up from the debris. The workers carefully uncovered the tree, and while severely damaged (including burns), there were green leaves, which gave everyone hope. The tree, referred to as 'she', was moved to a nursery where she was lovingly cared for by Richie. Interspersed with memories of the World Trade Center Plaza, this is the story of the of one special tree. Moving story, beautiful illustrations.

Reading Hermit With Dog